Bang, bang! Bang, bang!
On the day of the finals, an endless succession of fireworks burst high above Indigo Stadium.
The entire stadium was shrouded in lingering gunpowder smoke, intensely stimulating the spectators' senses and driving them to cheer with even greater abandon as they immersed themselves in the final battle of this grand tournament!
Dozens of costumed mascots filed out from both sides, circling the field and waving to the crowd.
Attentive spectators immediately recognized that these costumes depicted the Pokémon the two finalists had used in their previous matches!
Experiencing such an atmosphere for the first time, Professor Cerise and his wife sat in the stands and looked around, unable to hold back an exclamation.
"So this is what it's like at the Indigo Conference? What a lively atmosphere!"
Their surroundings were so noisy that, despite sitting right beside him, Chloe had to cup her hands around her mouth and shout just as loudly. "This is only the beginning! Once they start battling, you'll see just how enthusiastic these spectators are!"
Just then, thousands upon thousands of balloons were released. As they rose higher and higher, they blotted out the sky and sun, only to vanish into the horizon in the blink of an eye!
Exclamations of wonder rose from the crowd, but unlike those around her, Sabrina sat primly with her arms folded, like a proper lady, seemingly out of place here.
After all, someone who enjoyed quiet as much as she did was bound to feel uncomfortable in such a frenzied atmosphere.
Then again, if Chloe had not gradually adjusted to this clamor during the preliminary rounds, she probably would have ended up just like Sabrina.
On the field, President Charles Goodshow first conducted a brief opening ceremony. Then the host's impassioned voice echoed over the