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Broadcasting from the bright city lights of Jubilife City and reaching all across the world’s regions and beyond, we are delighted to welcome you all back to Sinnoh Worldwide, the number one program for all your battling news and coverage.
It’s been some time since we last heard from the Friendly Pokemon Draft League, an organization mired in scandal and controversy. Following the apparent suicide of one of the coaches, a full scale investigation was called against the League, revealing several counts of corruption. As a result, many of the coaches and players facing criminal charges would end up withdrawing from the FPDL entirely.
After more or less a total reset of the roster (and revising to comply with International DEX Guidelines), we have several new coaches and teams to welcome to the event. As such, as we gear up towards the next season of the FPDL, we’ll be doing some Trainer Spotlight interviews to get to know the coaches and their teams.
First up, hailing from the industrial heartland of inland Unova, we have the Detroit Revavrooms! Now, we take you to the scene of our interview;
Those who expect to find an official looking gym, or even vaguely put together training grounds for the Detroit Revavrooms will be sorely disappointed.
If anything, it is more akin to a battleground. The earth is cracked and full of craters, noxious gunk lays all around and even the air has a vague haze of rot. The fumes are quite piercing; those who don't expect them end up with teary eyes and coughing throats.
That is if they had time to feel those past the constant rumbling of the earth beneath them as something passes underneath and roars explode all around.
There's a small building to the side, more-so a bunker than anything else, from which speakers spark to life. "We have entered intermission mode, please behave yourselves, we have guests."
With that, a comparatively eerie quiet sets upon the area, as all the members retreat to their respective lairs.With a hiss, the door to the bunker opens, and a man steps out to greet the reporter officially. "Welcome. Welcome to the crucible where our players forge themselves, to be stronger, better... the best."
“Oh! Uh, thank you for the welcome. Now, Mr… ?”
"Ah, names, a common formality. Very well, Hexxus shall do."
“Okay! Hexxus, please tell us a bit about yourself and your team.”
He turns to face the battlefield.
"As you can see, after taking over as the Detroit Revavroom's coach for this season, I have enacted some major changes. Changes I believe will provide the best odds for this team. After all, that's the whole point isn't it?
At the very least, putting up a good fight is what the masses desire, no?"
Back to facing the reporter.
"Oh before we continue, I would like to state that we at the Detroit Revavrooms deny any responsibility for apparent "environmental damage" that may or may not have been caused in the local area."
The man flashes the fakest smile you've ever seen.
"As for me, that matters little, and as for the team as a whole. They still have a way to go, but I fullheartedly believe that by the time the season proper begins, the Detroit Revavrooms will have the best season in recent history."
Ominous! And probably not a great start for the FPDL’s attempt at cleaning out the league’s corruption. If anything, it’s become less metaphorical and a lot more literal. Regardless, Coach Hexxus and the Detroit Revavrooms are likely to be a dangerous set of contenders. Competitors watch out!
Thanks for joining us this evening. That ends today’s Trainer Spotlight interview. Stay tuned for more profiles on the rest of the teams in the lead up to the tournament. Don’t touch that dial!
Later tonight, we sit down with the star of the classic trainer edutainment television show Teachy TV for an interview on life, love, and legacy…
Welcome back and thank you for tuning in to Sinnoh Worldwide, brought to you by Jubilife TV. As we continue to gear up for the Friendly Pokemon Draft League’s next big tourney, we take you to our next Trainer Spotlight interview segment. A familiar face from the league’s final fight, it’s the lady of the hour herself, Coach Audriana!
“Good evening! Wonderful to have been invited on the show.”
“Now, Audriana, you’re currently the reigning Champion of the FPDL, correct? Tell me about that.”
“Well, it was a challenging climactic battle. The Sunyshore Rotoms and I had fought fiercely up to that point and our opponent was no slouch. In the end, it was thanks to some unusual tactics on the part of our Arcanine, Raijin, and our Electrode, Whiskey, that we were able to secure victory.”
“And how have things been in the interim?”
“Well, after the league folded to pressure from national authorities, I’m afraid I haven’t had much in the way of league responsibilities. Turns out being the Champion doesn’t actually mean anything, unlike the national leagues of Galar or Paldea. A relief to be sure - I’d hate having to navigate that bureaucratic firestorm.”
“I see, I see. And what of the Sunyshore Rotoms? Word is you’re not going forward as their coach?”
“The Rotoms and I had our time. Unfortunately, when three of your star players are banned from the sport on the demands of the league’s oversight committee due to being ‘too powerful’ and ‘symptomatic of an unhealthy and unbalanced metagame’, you’re more or less forced to start over. We still keep in touch, but I must move on.”
“Enlightening. And what about your new team? I hear you moved cities, opposite side of Mt Coronet now, right?”
“Yes, actually. I’ve never really liked the heat, ironic given my prior team’s city, so I’ve really come to enjoy the cool shade of Eterna Forest. The Swarm was an up-and-coming team local to the area, so when I got the job offer, I couldn’t not seize the opportunity.”
“Now, can I ask… did something happen? You seem a lot less intense than last season. Like a lot less. You were declaring people would ‘rue the day’ and calling your opponents ‘pathetic’. What’s with the change in demeanor?”
“Ah, yes, well. To be entirely honest, a lot of that was a performance. I know you’re not supposed to break kayfabe for these things, but it kinda grew grating? Especially as the more genial teams were eliminated. By the final four, we had three heels! All of the last few fights were heel versus heel showdowns and honestly, trying to out-villain whatever military industrial complex was going on with the Jåhkåmåhkke Magnemites was exhausting. So, I’m trying something new. I’m now the queen of the hive and my Swarm will defeat any challenger who opposes us, but I’m, like, a benevolent ruler. Yeah. Let’s go with that.”
“So what kind of strategies can we expect from the Eterna City Swarm? Any surprises planned for your big return to the battling scene?”
“A lady can’t reveal all her secrets. I’d be put at a tactical disadvantage. Still, I suppose I can grant you this much. We do actually have a returning player from last season. Not from the Rotoms, mind you. We picked them up during the draft as a leftover from an old rival’s disbanded team. They’re sure to bring an explosive element to our strategy.”
Well then! Looks like the Champion’s ready and raring to go. Will she be able to defend her title? Or will the queen of the hive lose her crown? Find out next month as the next season of the FPDL returns!
And now, a word from our sponsor; For over two decades, the Pokétch Company has united trainers and granted them easy digital communication tools at the touch of their fingers. Unlike Rotom Phones, known for introducing rogue poltergeists into unprepared city electric grids, the Pokétch is a cool retro…
Good evening folks! Thanks for tuning in to Sinnoh Worldwide, broadcasting from Jubilife City. As we ramp up to the next season of the Friendly Pokemon Draft League, we’d like to take a moment to interview another of our coaches joining us this season. We have a new face to welcome this week, hailing from the heart of Unova. Take us to the scene of the Trainer Spotlight!
The bright lights of Nimbasa sparkle and shine in the dark. A technicolor oasis awaits those who depart the hustle and bustle of Castelia in search of something… a little more fun. The city has been Unova’s entertainment hub for decades, hosting stadiums, concerts, fashion shows, and amusement park rides. It even features a Pokémon battling challenge on its subway system! But among the city’s nightlife, there’s one special spot in store for the baddest of the bad. The Rendezvous Lounge.
Flashing neon, loud music, and flowing alcohol. Operated by the city’s former gym leader, The Rendezvous Loungeis the hottest nightclub in Nimbasa and its patrons reflect that. It’s also where the reporter finds the next coach. A gorgeous drag queen steps off stage, having finished serenading her audience, and joins our interview team in one of the club’s booths.
“Enjoy the show? I do hope you were watching.” She takes a sip of her drink, still staring into the camera with her one good eye; the other hidden beneath an eyepatch fashioned to match the rest of her drag.
“Of course! Admittedly I haven’t been to one of these before, don’t really have many in Jubilife, but you were stunning.”
“Thank you, babe. Now, you have questions for me, right?”
“Oh, yes! Please, if you could introduce yourself for the viewers at home? They’re dying to meet you.”
“Ha, you’re funny. Well, here at the Lounge, people know me as BBB, or the Big Beautiful Bitch.”
“Wonderful! And what brought you into the realm of Pokémon battling?”
“I’ve been here for a few months, taking in the nightlife and making new friends. After a while, I found myself with a whole gang of bad bitches, so I thought, hey, why not make us a team and join a league? Now we’re the Nimbasa Baddies”
“I see! Now, I must ask; why the FPDL? Surely you’ve seen the news, heard the controversies? Fraud, cheating, death, etc.?”
The drag queen stops smiling and sets down her drink. It appears the interviewer has upset her. When she speaks again, it is slowly, and measured. Her voice cuts like a scalpel.
“I’m joining this league because I absolutely cannot stand the people in it. Cheating and back room dealing and fucking tryhards ruin the whole point of the game. Coaches like the Champion, coasting on overpowered draft picks, or that obnoxious man from Motostoke disgust me. I want in this league for the opportunity to roast them in battle. Topple their victories. Revenge.”
“Revenge?” The queen’s charismatic affect returns as the interviewer makes her inquiry.
“Sorry, did I say revenge? I think you must have misheard that.”
“Ah, sure, of course, BBB. Now, can I ask one last question before we part?”
“Whatever you’d like, darling.”
“How did you lose your eye?”
A pause. “It’s not a pleasant topic, but if you must know… gun violence. It ruined me. I was in recovery for so damn long. Lowest point of my life, stuck there in the hospital bed. Which is why I want to start over fresh. Get back to battling alongside my girls and exact my vengeance.”
“Vengeance?”“Again, where are you hearing this shit? I didn’t say anything like that. You know what? I think we’re done. Get yourself a drink, on me, and then get on out. We can chat again when I win the tournament. Byeeeee.”
Before our interviewer can get another word in, a tall and powerful Tsareena steps her way to the booth and prepares to stomp. The cameras cut almost immediately.
And that appears to be the end of our correspondence. Certainly a colorful new contender! Though she does look a little familiar… I suppose we’ll have to wait and see for the Big Beautiful Bitch and the Nimbasa Baddies to do battle in the next season of the Friendly Pokemon Draft League!! That’s all for tonight, folks.
But don’t touch that dial! For this next story, we’re sticking in Nimbasa for an update on a missing person case. A man named Ingo, the former administrator of the city’s Battle Subway, recently returned after having gone missing for several months. When asked of his whereabouts, he simply stated, “God needed my help.” and refused to elaborate, instead explaining how glad he was to be back to ensuring the trains run smoothly.
Good morning, everyone! So happy that you could join us for our morning broadcast of Sinnoh Worldwide, brought to you by Jubilife TV. Continuing our interview series leading up to the next tournament series by the Friendly Pokemon Draft League, we have a special interview planned today. Another new coach has joined the competition and we have the Trainer Spotlight to showcase! Without further ado, take us to Motostoke!
The walk to the interview was cold and long. The Jubilife TV reporter is on her own, this time. No crew, just herself. The warehouse in Motostoke, simply labeled O15, was plain, industrial, and for a moment... the reporter thinks she's got the wrong address. But the door opens before them. The warehouse is echoey and dark, save for a spotlight on a clean, white table in the middle of the room. One chair is pulled out, for her. Opposite the chair is a single laptop, open. Behind that is an Inteleon, watching. The interviewer sits. The spotlight is hot on her skin. The screen lights up. On it is the silhouette of a man, thick, hunched, balding..? Through a synthesized voice modifier, his words crackle through the screen."
“Welcome.”
"Oh! Uh, hello there! Apologies, I wasn't sure if this was the spot. It's a... lovely place you have here." The reporter pauses to see if the man on screen replies, but the silhouette is unmoving. Not much for small talk, she takes it.
"Well, since we're here, might as well get on with the interview. Now, would you mind introducing yourself for the viewers at home?"
“I am the leader of Oceans 151, the premier private espionage agency in Galar, and the wider world. You may refer to me as Agent O. We are entering the league on behalf of Motostoke United, due to our obligations.”
"Oh! I see. Espionage? Like OSS 117 and all that? Sounds thrilling! But what would bring you away from your usual duties and into the Pokemon battling arena?"
The figure pauses. “We are a strong organisation and don’t tend to stoop to battles, but… we’ve received an offer that is too enticing to pass up. No real loss if we lose, and a lot to gain."
"Fascinating. Anything you'd like to share about that particular deal? Or perhaps you'd care to illuminate our audience regarding your rumored connection to the former coach of Motostoke United?"
A distortion can be heard through the voice modifier, as though someone in the background were speaking. “… no comment.”
"Oh. Well, this could be the opportunity to set the record straight perhaps? But if you're not interested then we won't push any further. Is there anything else you'd like to share at this time? Perhaps something you'd like to say to the viewers at home or to your fellow coaches?
“Yes. I intend to win for glory, for renown. We’ve been in the shadows, but my team is getting old… it’s time to let them flex what they’ve been honing for years now… except for Agent Blackbelt, that one still has much to learn. Regardless, we plan to fight fair. It's a competition. I won't follow in the lead of the previous coach. Gentlemanly honor. And to my other coaches, I hope for the same.”
The screen shuts off, and the Inteleon shuts the laptop. She looks at the reporter expectantly.
"Ah, thank you for your time! I, uh, must be going then. So long!"
Aaaaaaaand that appears to be that! Sounds like the intrigue associated with this league never seems to end. Who could this mysterious Agent O of Oceans 151 possibly be? What connection could he have to Motostoke United? Is the FPDL about to get embroiled in yet another corruption scandal? Stay tuned to find out once the battles begin, here on Sinnoh Worldwide! Thanks for tuning in.
But don't touch that dial! Stay tuned for our ongoing docuseries investigating the corruption of the Galar League following the arrest of its former chairman and total restructuring. Just what did the former energy tycoon know that would cause him to take such drastic measures? And what does the league know that hasn't yet come to light? Find out next, coming to you from Jublife TV!
Good evening folks! Thank you for tuning in to our program today. As always, Sinnoh Worldwide is brought to you by Jubilife TV, the network for the best shows in entertainment. As we continue our coverage of the upcoming second season of Friendly Pokemon Draft League, we’d like to bring you to our next interview.
The reporter finds herself in a much warmer climate than she’s used to. Flying out to the tropics of Alola is quite the change of scenery; the bright sunshine and abundantly colorful flora are nothing like Sinnoh’s usual chill.
Still, she’s here on business, and that business happens to be pulling up to the dock of Poni Island’s Seafolk Village. The vessel has an intimidating presence, not because of the black sails or rows of cannons, but from the intricate carvings adorning the ship’s hull and edifice. Strange symbols and countless eyes decorate it. At all times, it feels as though you’re being watched. Certainly not a ship you’d want to come to meet alone on the ocean.
As the gangplank is lowered, the ship’s captain makes his way over to greet the reporter. He sports a long weathered coat and a tricorn hat. A shiny Chatot comes to land on his shoulder.
“Avast ye scallywag! Welcome aboard the Hidden Power, the toughest pirate ship the sea has ever seen!”
“Ah, thank you, sir. Your ship is beautiful, if I might add. Could you please introduce yourself for the viewers?”
“Aye, of course! Ye can just call me Captain, it’s the only name I’ve ever had. I’ll be coaching these here Unknown Pirates for the next tourney!”
“Fascinating! Now, Captain, if I recall, you were previously the coach of the Unknowing Unowns. You had quite the reputation for starting fights outside of standard regulations and always had an air of mystery about you. Now you’re living on the high seas! What brought about this change in lifestyle from last season?
“When the league sank, I got out fast. Me old antics wouldn’t be taken kindly under legal scrutiny, so I fled to international waters to evade the law for good. During me travels, I met my new crew! These Pokémon have served me well on the high seas, keeping us all from watery graves.”
“I see! Your crew certainly does seem to be an impressive bunch! But what inspired you to return to the stadiums? Surely the same legal barriers must apply?”
“Aye, you’d think so! But during one of my trips ashore for supplies, I overheard from the news that the league'd dropped the charges against me. Apparently, not havin’ any sort of identity or legal personhood makes it a lot more troublesome to actually take me to court. So now I’m back! And with me crew by my side.”
“Amazing. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the audience at home? Maybe a message to your fellow coaches?”
“Aye, ma’am. I have a few choice words for my opponents. To all of ye scurvydogs listening here who dare meet me on the battlefield; the Captain of the high seas will sweep ya feets off with a tidal wave!
“Wonderful. Thank you for your time!”
What a story! I can’t imagine how the regulatory committee are going to go about handling this one. The former Unowns coach known for his ambush tactics has returned from the unknown leading a team of Pirates! This is going to be quite the competition! Keep your eyes glued to the screen, folks!
But don’t touch that dial! Stay tuned for a r̴e̵p̸o̶r̸t̸ ̵f̵r̵o̴m̶ ̴a̴ ̶r̴e̴s̵e̶a̸r̷c̴h̸e̵r̸ ̸i̸n̶ J̵͍̑̽̇o̵̟̎h̴̼̋̎͠t̷̡̬̮͐ŏ̵̧̞̞ r̶̢̊egardiṋg̸̬͝ ̴̳̃ă̸̬ ̷̛̠n̴̞͑e̵w d̸͖͆i̷͔͌sco̷̖̾v̷̓ery̶ ȧ̸t̬ ̵͕̓̌t̶͉̫͒͌ḧ̸́e ̵̆̀̒͘R̵̢̹̓uí̄̈́ns̸͛̐ of ̸̍A̮͆̂̇l̵̎͝ph̼͗…̷̀
Hello everyone! Thank you offering your attention this afternoon to Sinnoh Worldwide. For those just now tuning in, we are now halfway through the pre-tourney interviews for the next season of the Friendly Pokemon Draft League!
Following national investigations into the league, much of it was restructured, and only a few old players remained on staff, with most of the new teams being led by new coaches. Our contestants so far have been two returning faces and three new ones. Champion Audriana is now the head coach of the Eterna City Swarm and after hiding out and evading the law, [REDACTED] has returned as the Captain of the Unknown Pirates.
Newly joining us is the Big Beautiful Bitch, a drag queen from Unova, leading the Nimbasa Baddies. Also from Unova is the mysterious Hexxus, training the Detroit Revavrooms in the toxic wastelands. Rounding out the bunch, we have Agent O of Ocean’s 151 competing on behalf of Motostoke United. It’s truly shaping up to be a wild tournament folks!
But today we have a new challenger to introduce. Following the end of last season and the defeat of the Jåhkåmåhkke Magnemites, the team would be dissolved after being hit with charges of terrorism, assault, and money laundering. The former coach would step down almost immediately, evading federal sentencing, leaving Lapland with a damaged stadium and without a team. As such, we are proud to present the new team owners in today’s Trainer Spotlight!
A construction site doesn’t make for the best environment for an interview. The clanging of a jackhammer tearing through concrete, heavy duty equipment rolling through to deliver supplies, potential safety hazards at every step. Sure, you can wear a hard hat, safety glasses, earplugs, hi-vis clothes, the works, but the sound quality is going to be atrocious.
Which is why, when the foreman’s Oranguru waives the reporter over to his trailer office, she gladly steps inside. Sitting across from her at a very old desk is an even older man. Hair thinning and grey, skin like leather and tough calloused hands. He blows a puff of smoke from his cigar and rests it down next to a nameplate that reads Göran Sädesqvist - Site Foreman.
“Hello Mr Sädesqvist! It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m the reporter you spoke with over the phone earlier, Jubilife TV? My name is—“
“Sure, sure. Nice to meet you, miss. Please have a seat.”
“Ah, thank you, sir. Now, Mr Sädesqvist, could you please tell us a bit about yourself?”
“Course, miss. I’ve been in the construction business for forty-three years now. Got my start as a kid laying bricks and crawling into spaces the bigger guys couldn’t reach. Kept at it for years, never taking a day off, and after all the hard work? Well it’s certainly paid off I’ll say. Now I’m running my own operation, got the boys out there, what can I say? Business has been good.”
“I see! And what brings you into the Pokemon battling profession? It’s quite a change of career path.”
“Eh, not really a career change, just a side job. See, we were working on a big construction job over in Kalos, some big revitalization project for the entire capital. Meant to be a huge payday for me and the boys. Bad luck though, ‘cause after the whole incident with the Lumiose Tower, Quasartico kicked all of us contractors to the curb. Whole deal was a bust.”
“Oh, that’s awful! I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Eh, no need for pity. Sure, we ended up without any proper employment for a bit, but then we heard of a stadium renovation needed in Lapland. Some lunatic had apparently planted explosives under the battlefield or some crazy nonsense. Didn’t go off when folks were watching, thankfully, but the schmuck they brought in for bomb disposal fucked it all up. Place needed to be rebuilt big time. Luckily, my boys and I were the right ones for the job.”
The foreman takes another long puff of his cigar.
“Now, we’re repairing this whole place. ‘Course, we hear from the rumor mill the old coach was the one who’d done it. Whole operation was apparently some venture capital scam. Turns out weapons manufacturing is costly, and as soon as the money dried up, he leapt to Raytheon, left the bombs behind, and now the team’s brand is crap. Now me, I can smell an opportunity when it comes along. I strike a deal and buy up the Jåhkåmåhkke Magnemites IP for dirt cheap. Figured as long as we’re still rebuilding this place, we might as make a little money on the side showing off the strength all that hard work brings.”
“Amazing! That’s certainly quite the story. Now, is there anything else you’d like to add, perhaps a message for the audience at home or your fellow coaches?”
“Yea, you know? I do got somethin’ to say. If any of you out there needs a team of good workers for a new project, we got extensive experience in construction. You won’t regret taking a chance on my boys.”
Looks like we have at least one team returning this season, if only in name. The newly rebranded Jåhkåmåhkke Magnemites sound like they’re here to work hard and play hard. If Coach Göran’s team is as tough as he makes them out to be, it’ll be real trouble for our other players! Stay tuned for when the competition starts later this month!
Next up, a look at Lumiose, a city in disaster. Wild Pokemon running amok, entire residential areas foreclosed for “wild area preservation”, gangs ambushing people in the streets, buildings destroyed by a rogue superweapon, and the man responsible at the heart of it all. Stay tuned for our hour-long special investigation into the alleged former monarch known only as AZ…
Good morning folks! Thanks for tuning in to Sinnoh Worldwide, brought to you by Jubilife TV. Today we are delighted to introduce our next competitor participating in the Friendly Pokémon Draft League, and this time it’s a returning face! Let’s take us straight away to the Trainer Spotlight near the great Unovan city of Chicago!
About thirty minutes outside the metropolis of the Windy City, away from all the lights and glamour and noise, is a small ranch. The reporter pulls up outside a cute suburban home with a two-car garage, under a purple-orange evening sky. She knocks on the front door, is greeted by the woman who lives there, and then is led out back to the ranch to speak with the woman’s husband.
On top of a small grassy hill stands an old oak tree. A man lays beneath its branches, staring up into the sky and watching a flock of Swanna make their migration. He hears the reporter approach and sits up to greet her.
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Hello!! Things are going well. I have to say, this is a beautiful place you have here. How are things going for you?”
“Thanks, it’s been nice. Been trying to take things slower. Been getting away from the city when I’m not working and spending more time on just living, you know?”
“Ah, of course. Apologies if this interview presents an intrusion on any of that.”
“Not at all. Say, let’s just get into it, then.”
“In that case, could you please introduce yourself to the viewers at home?”
“My name’s Matt. I used to coach the Windy City Snorlax but now I’m leading the Chicago Great Flock. Or maybe following it is a better descriptor?”
“Oh, uh. Following?”
“Yeah.”
“…I see. So, Matt, last time our audience heard from you, you had forfeited your match against the Jåhkåmåhkke Magnemites at the top of Losers Bracket. For all intents and purposes, you came in 3rd place in the tournament and chose to walk away at a pivotal moment. What drove such a decision?”
“Well, after my last match against Sunyshore, I had a bit of a moment. As I laid on my back in defeat, I saw a group of Swellow fly overheard. They’re really such beautiful Pokemon, flying free, unrestrained. I realized I wanted to follow the great birds of the world and observe them. Much better way to spend the time than cooped up in a nasty stadium. So I walked out.”
“Oh! I see, then. You just… left because of birds?”
“Yeah.”
“And you’ve rebranded your team as the Great Flock. For similar reasons?”
“Yeah. Because of birds.”
“Wonderful. Well, thank you for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to add, either to the audience or to your competitors?”
“Yes. If you do not impede the Great Flock’s migration, there will be no chance of injury to your Pokémon.”
“Certainly a warning to take to heart then! I wish you a good evening, Matt.”
Looks like the Windy City has a new team representing itself in this tournament! Coach Matt will be returning with the Chicago Great Flock this season. Don’t let that easygoing attitude fool you; he’s going to be just as tough of an opponent as ever. Stay tuned for more coverage!
Now don’t touch that dial! Coming up next is a new segment we call Trainer Tips! Did you know that if you enter a chat room on Pokémon Showdown and use the “/avatar” command, you can access hundreds of hidden trainer sprites that are available for public use but just can’t be found using the usual pick window? Now you know! For a full list of available avatars, you'll need to navigate to the following webpage...
Good evening folks! Hope you’re all doing well out there. You’re watching Jubilife TV’s premiere Pokémon battling show, Sinnoh Worldwide! We’ve been covering the various teams as we get ready for the approaching next season of the Friendly Pokémon Draft League, a league which has both eliminated its draft process and has a history of coaches with less than friendly personalities. Still, we gotta call it something!
The team we’re covering today will take us back to Unova once more. After the Big Appletuns were eliminated in the tourney, their team disbanded and the coach entered retirement. She’s still living in Castelia, but her stepping down left room open for a new up and comer. Take us to the scene!
If the bright neon of Nimbasa and the loud noise of Chicago were intense, well, the atmosphere of Black City was downright oppressive. Perpetually dark skies, impossibly tall skyscrapers of black glass, and unusually empty city streets. The few people you do run into on the streets are focused, driven by ambition, and shun any strangers who bother them or get in their way. It’s almost surreal.
It’s in an alleyway, past a couple of dumpsters, where the reporter finds the door into the training studio the coach has been using to prepare her team for battle. The girl who welcomes her in looks like she can’t be much older than a college student. Her head is half-shaven, hair dyed burgundy and neon-blue, contrasting her black fashionably torn clothing adorned with just enough spikes to show she means business.
“Hey, you’re that reporter chick. Come in, let’s talk.”
“Ah, thank you, miss…?” The interior of the studio is… messy? There’s a large enough open space for battle practice, though it’s far too small for any regulation battle. There’s old mismatched furniture all around and the ceiling fan sways just ever so slightly.
“Just Stacie. Welcome to the place. It’s not great, but it works, and rent’s cheaper than Castelia. Can I grab you anything? Drink, maybe?” She steps away to a mini fridge next to an old couch.
“Oh, uh, no thank you. Not on the job at least.”
“Lol, no, nothing like that.” She pulls out a Rocktricity energy drink, cracks the tab, and takes a seat on the arm of the couch.
“Ah my bad. But I should be fine. Anyway, I’d like to ask some questions about the upcoming tournament. Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your team?”
“Like I said, name’s Stacie. My team is the Black City Gothitelles.”
“Excellent. And, can I ask about your players? What drew you to the specific Pokémon you’ve recruited?”
“I believe there’s something beautiful in the alternative and dark. Just because something is poisonous or has sharp edges doesn’t make it any less captivating. That’s the ‘philosophy’ or whatever that my team is built on.”
“I see! Now, I hear there’s actually a family connection to the league. Your mother was the coach of the Big Appletuns last season, right?”
“Yeah? What about her?”
“Are you joining this league as, like, part of a family legacy? Picking up where she left off?”
“The fuck? What’re you talking about? I’m entering to win. If she lost, I don’t see what that has to do with shit. I’m fighting for me and my girls. And we’re gonna win this.”
“Oh, of course. My apologies. In that case, is there anything else you’d like to say for the interview? A message for the other coaches or for the audience at home?”
“I’m not concerned with the other coaches. My girls know their worth. And the fans, they’re just a bunch of lovely bonuses on our way to the top.”
“Amazing. Thank you for your time.”
And that’s that! The next generation of the FPDL is ready for battle! Coach Stacie and the Black City Gothitelles are sure to be menaces on the battlefield. Have a good evening, everyone! Signing off.
Now don’t touch that dial! Coming up, an exclusive look into the mysterious Black Tower battle facility! Known for its ever shifting labyrinthine floor plan and powerful trainers, we’ll be following Unova League Hall of Fame winner Hugh as our guide to the top!
Broadcasting from Jubilife City, it’s the number one destination for all things Pokémon battles, it’s Sinnoh Worldwide!! We’ve got a fantastic show for you tonight folks: battle coverage from Hoenn’s Frontier, a new challenger to the Alolan League, and an exclusive broadcast of the Pokemon World Tournament! But first, we have another Trainer Spotlight covering one of the new teams joining the Friendly Pokémon Draft League this season. Without further ado, let’s get on with the show!
It’s a late evening in Lilycove. Most nights, the tropical climate stays warm long past dusk. The contest hall winds down for the night, department store closing, and folks return home for the busy day ahead. But not tonight.
Tonight, an uncharacteristic chill rolls through the air. The trees have started going orange, like an unnaturally creeping autumn. People are excited, the energy is electric, and it’s all to do with the mysterious traveling circus that made its way into town.
A purple and black striped big top tent stands just outside of town, the sound of calliope filling the air. Guests enter with amazement, excited for a performance unlike anything they’d seen before. Balancing acrobats on horse Pokémon, lions jumping through rings of fire, monkeys swinging through a death-defying trapeze act, a serenading songstress, a flying Donphan! All of it, telling stories that range from delightful and whimsical to sorrowful and strange. It’s truly unlike anything the reporter has seen!
After the show, the reporter is welcomed backstage to speak with the ringmaster and his trainer. The Meowscarada dressed in a top hat and tailcoat shakes her hand and gives a little bow. The woman dressed in a pastel clown costume adjusting her makeup stands and gives her a huge smile.
“Hi!!! Did you like the show?”
“Yes! Wow! You were all incredible out there! That show felt down right magical!”
“Yesss!! That’s what we want to hear! (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)” The reporter briefly questions how the clown said that with her mouth but quickly moves on.
“Oh, before we get off-track, could you please introduce yourself and your team to the viewers at home?”
“Oh! Hi audience! Welcome to Meowscarada’s Menagerie of Mysteries! Meowscarada is the master of ceremonies! The ringleader who brings us all together! And isn’t he adorable?” She gives the Pokémon a big hug, which he leans into, before withdrawing to a large cat bed in the corner.
“ꉂ(˵˃ ᗜ ˂˵) But you can call me Lulu the Clown! I grew up in Paldea and spent my first journey there. I met Meowscarada and Annihilape and Ambipom and Mr Mime on my adventure. They’re the best partners ever.”
“I see! And how did you end up running the circus?”
“I travel a lot with my partners and we meet so many people. There were a couple really good friends I made when in Kalos! There’s a really pretty town there, LaVerre, and we had the idea of starting up a circus. We all really loved performing and Pokémon so it just worked! We’ve been on tour ever since, still meeting making new friends. I think LaVerre’s magic follows us wherever we go.”
“Fascinating! So, what made you decide to join the league?”
“I’m a fan! I watched last season and was super enthralled by the stories every battle told. You should have seen me on the finale day. Crying, tears of joy. It was beautiful. I knew I needed to try too! So I got my partners and a few other Pokemon from the circus to help me out. (˶˃u˂˶)”
“That’s wonderful, Lulu! Now, is there anything else you’d like to add, perhaps as a message to the audience or to the other coaches!”
The clown jumps up and looks directly into the camera. “Yes! I can’t wait to show the league that there’s room for the odd and whimsical in this competition. Oh! And to my new friends! OMG I can’t wait to face off against you all!! This will be so much fun!! ThAnk YOu for letting me join the league!! Let’s battle to our hearts content!!”
Amazing! You heard it here, folks! The wildly famous traveling circus Meowscarada’s Menagerie of Mysteries is coming to the tournament to compete! Coach Lulu and her team are sure to make each fight as entertaining as the next one.
Next on our program; Battle Frontier! It’s been a number of years since the Battle Resort island was fully developed into the Battle Frontier and the end result is a truly unique battle experience, between the classic Tower, the Factory, Pyramid, Dome, Palace, Pike, Arena, and even the original Maison, we are certainly spoiled for choice! Now, for our fight of the evening, we’re headed to the very top…
Coming to you live from Jubilife TV, we are proud to present Sinnoh Worldwide. Thank you for joining us, everyone. It’s been a long journey leading up the second season of the FPDL but we are so excited to begin. Over the last few weeks we’d sat down with old coaches and new teams, old teams with new coaches, and brand new competitors from across the globe.
Recently, we’ve heard from a variety of characters. Göran Sädesqvist, coach and foreman of the Jåhkåmåhkke Magnemites, a construction team turned professional battlers after buying out the old IP. Matt, the easygoing coach who, after a sort of avian spiritual awakening, has turned to coaching the Chicago Great Flock. Also in Unova, we met the daughter of one of last season’s coaches, a young woman named Stacie leading the Black City Gothitelles. And currently touring Hoenn but making time to fight will be Meowscarada’s Menagerie of Mysteries, coached by Lulu the Clown!
With those teams all assembled, we’re delighted to begin the competition in earnest! It is now time for the—
What? What do you need? …Wait what? Right now? And…? Really? Well. Okay then. How fast can we get her on scene? …Already there? Wow, get her a raise.
Folks! We interrupt this opening ceremony to announce that a tenth challenger has entered the tournament at the last minute. Details are still rolling in, but we take you to the scene of a truly incredible sight.
It’s breathtaking. In the middle of Castelia City’s Central Plaza, a swirling vortex of color and light has appeared in the air. Researchers in Alola call them Ultra Wormholes. In Hoenn, they’re referred to as Mirage spots. Historians in Sinnoh recount timespace distortions. Most recently, rumors in Kalos talk of Hyperspace Holes appearing around Lumiose. The meaning is universal; a gateway to another dimension far different to our own.
A crowd has gathered around the Gate, held back by the city’s police. A detective in a long tan trenchcoat approaches the swirling vortex, expectantly, waiting for something to emerge.
A silhouette appears. A man, adorned in fantastical armor and a blade at his hip. He raises his arms and speaks to address the crowd.
“Salutations. We mean you no harm. We are simply travelers from another world. I am Guildmaster Najroy, and these are my party.”
Ten other figures make their way through the portal. Powerful imposing Pokémon clad in armor and robes, wielding weapons and staves. Each of them capable and versatile combatants. They look like they’ve been lifted from the pages of a fantasy story.
“These are Kommo-o’s Dragon Nerd Defenders. We come seeking a grand new adventure for our traveling party. We heard of an upcoming tournament full of all kinds of fierce opponents.”
Finally, pushing through the crowd, dodging the cops and flashing her reporter badge, the interviewer breaks through the barrier and past the detective.
“Hi! Sorry! Let me just! Catch my breath!” She pauses as the stranger’s attention is drawn to her. “I’m with Jubilife TV. It’s my understanding, then, that you came from another world to participate in the FPDL? Is that right?”
“Yes! The Draft League. We thought we’d like to make ourselves known far and wide for conquering such a thing!”
“I see. In that case, you’ll want to come with me so we can get you registered.”
“Oh, okay. Thanks!” The guildmaster and his party of Pokemon follow the reporter past the astonished detective. The police make to block the way, but after a look between him and reporter, the detective relents and lets them pass. The massive Gate spell begins to dissipate behind them.
“Right, one last question before we get you to the league for sign ups. Is there anything you’d like to say about your upcoming tourney?”
“Oh, uh… I hope we don’t lose on the first encounter? I’d hate to be out right away after we came all this way.”
“Of course. Best of luck to you.”
Well there you have it folks! A stranger from another world seeking adventure and challenge has come to take part in the tournament! What a spectacular turn of events!
With Guildmaster Najroy and Kommo-o’s Dragon Nerd Defenders added to the tourney, that makes ten! We should be all set for the tournament to begin next week.
Best of luck, competitors! Make it a fight to remember!