Chapter 132: 132. Nervousness

If you enjoy the chapter, don't forget to drop some Power Stones! Your support keeps me inspired to create and share more. Thank you!???????????? --- In the evening, Kai packed a variety of food and invited Ash, Brock, and Misty to his small home for a casual meal. The scent of freshly made curry and the warm, welcoming glow of the house created a cosy ambience. Gardevoir stood nearby, setting the table with gentle, deliberate movements using Psychic. However, despite the effort, an underlying tension lingered in the air. With the competition fast approaching, Ash seemed unusually quiet, his mind preoccupied. Brock and Misty, still getting to know Kai, appeared a little reserved. Though Kai tried to lighten the mood with small talk, the conversation stalled. A sense of awkwardness hung over the group. Kai noticed Ash pushing his food around on his plate rather than eating. His brow furrowed with worry. "Relax, Ash," Kai said softly, offering a reassuring smile. "There's no use stressing over something that hasn't happened yet. Trust in the work you've put in." Ash glanced up briefly, attempting a smile but failing to mask his unease. He admired Kai's calm and collected demeanour and couldn't help but wish he could emulate it. 'Why can't I just be like him... so composed?' Ash thought, his appetite dwindling further. Brock and Misty exchanged glances. Brock leaned forward, offering Ash a glass of water. "You're overthinking it, Ash. Just focus on what you do best battling alongside your Pokémon. They trust you." Misty nodded, her voice gentle but firm. "That's right. You've come this far, and you've already proven yourself. Just take it one match at a time." Ash nodded absentmindedly, their words doing little to quell his nerves. Later that night, after returning to his dormitory, Ash found himself unable to sleep. He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling as thoughts of his upcoming matches consumed him. Every possible scenario played out in his mind, each one more daunting than the last. Through the window, he noticed the clear night sky dotted with stars. The sight offered little comfort. Deciding he couldn't stay cooped up any longer, Ash quietly got dressed. Not wanting to disturb Pikachu, who was curled up on a pillow, he tiptoed out of the room and into the cool night air. The athlete village, usually bustling with activity, was now eerily quiet. The dim glow of streetlights illuminated the empty pathways, and the faint sound of laughter occasionally drifted from the dormitories. Ash wandered aimlessly, his thoughts still racing. "It's so late. Aren't you resting yet?" The sudden voice startled Ash, and he looked around until his gaze landed on Kai. The older trainer was perched on a nearby rooftop, Gardevoir by his side. They seemed to be enjoying the tranquillity of the moonlit night. The soft, silvery light bathed them in an almost otherworldly glow, making them appear serene and untouchable. "Kai?" Ash called, his voice tinged with surprise. Kai looked down, a small smile forming on his lips. "Couldn't sleep, huh?" Ash nodded. "Yeah. What about you?" Kai held up his phone briefly before turning it off. "Same here. It's my first time in an event this big. It's a lot to take in. I guess I'm just better at hiding it than you are." Ash tilted his head, surprised by Kai's honesty. "You? Nervous? You don't look it at all!" Kai chuckled softly as he floated down from the roof, supported by Gardevoir's Psychic. "I'm human too, Ash. No matter how confident someone seems, everyone feels the pressure when it counts. The trick is not letting it control you." Ash sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I don't know if I can do that. I keep thinking about every possible outcome, and it's driving me crazy. I wish I could just skip to the battles already." Kai's smile grew. "You're not nervous, Ash. You're excited. You've got so much energy bottled up that you don't know what to do with it." Ash blinked, considering the words. "Maybe... but it's still hard to calm down." Kai gestured toward the horizon. "Want to go for a walk? Maybe we can check out the stadium. Seeing it up close might help you focus." Ash hesitated, his curiosity piqued. "Now? Can we even go in?" Kai shrugged nonchalantly. "Who knows? But it's worth a shot. What else are you going to do stare at the ceiling all night?" Ash chuckled despite himself. "Alright, you've got a point. Let's go." The two trainers walked side by side through the quiet streets, the Indigo Stadium looming in the distance. The journey took just over ten minutes, the cool night breeze helping to clear Ash's head. When they reached the stadium, they found the gates unlocked. As they entered, Ash's eyes widened at the sheer size of the arena. Though not as technologically advanced as some venues in other regions, the Indigo Stadium had an undeniable charm. Its massive seating capacity and central screen hinted at the excitement that awaited. Ash stood in awe, gazing down at the battlefield from the stands. "So this is where we'll battle..." Kai nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's right. Are you ready for it? Tomorrow, this place will be packed with spectators, and your skills will be on full display." Ash clenched his fists, his nerves replaced by determination. "I'll give it my all. No matter what happens, I'll keep fighting until the end!" Kai chuckled. "That's the spirit. Remember, the world remembers the winners, Ash. If you want to be respected, you have to prove your strength." As Kai scanned the empty stadium, his gaze fell on a familiar figure. President Charles Goodshow stood on a high platform, observing them silently. Though short in stature, his presence was commanding. When Goodshow realized he'd been spotted, he made his way over, his kind smile reassuring. "It's rare to see competitors here so late," Goodshow remarked with a light laugh. "Most are resting in preparation for tomorrow." Kai greeted him politely. "Hello, President Goodshow. We were just too restless to sleep, so we decided to visit the venue." Goodshow nodded approvingly. "A good mindset. Sometimes, familiarizing yourself with the battlefield can make all the difference. Just remember preparation and focus are key to success." --- The next morning, the Indigo Stadium came alive with energy. At precisely 9:00 AM, a massive Poké Ball-shaped firework exploded in the sky, releasing a flock of Pidgey that soared above the stadium. Spectators from across the region filled the stands, their cheers and applause creating a deafening roar. The atmosphere was electric, with hundreds of cameras broadcasting the event worldwide. As the opening ceremony began, an announcer's voice echoed through the stadium. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Indigo Plateau Conference! Over the next few days, the strongest trainers and their Pokémon will compete for glory and the title of Pokémon Master!" A procession of sign-bearers entered the field, their elegance matched only by the energy of the trainers who followed. Among them were Kai and Ash, walking confidently as the crowd erupted into cheers. "These trainers have all earned at least eight badges," the announcer continued. "Each one is a force to be reckoned with. Who will rise above the rest and claim victory?" When the final torchbearer lit the ceremonial flame, the stadium erupted in applause. The sight of the blazing fire filled the trainers with determination. President Goodshow took the stage to deliver his speech. Though brief, his words were impactful, reminding everyone of the importance of perseverance and sportsmanship. With the Indigo Plateau Conference officially underway, Ash glanced at Pikachu, who perched on his shoulder and grinned. "Let's give it everything we've got." Kai, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "It's time to show the world what we're made of." --- For early access to advanced chapters and exclusive illustrations made by me, visit my P@treon: P@treon/iamxeno Thank you so much for your support and for reading!