The Champion Stage {Path of the Aura Ranger: Book III}

IV Max's P.O.V

As I sat in the waiting area before the final match, I could feel the excitement and tension buzzing through the air. This was it—the final showdown, the culmination of all my hard work and dedication. I glanced over at my family, who had gathered around to offer their support. May, Mom, and Dad all looked just as excited and nervous as I felt.

May, ever the supportive sister, was the first to break the silence. "Max, you've got this," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "Remember, you've trained hard for this moment. Just stay focused and give it your all."

I smiled at her, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Thanks, May. It means a lot that you're here, especially with the Orange Islands Grand Festival so close. I know how important it is to you."

May waved my worries away with a dismissive hand. "There's no other place I'd rather be, Max. This is your moment, and I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Hearing that from May warmed my heart. We used to get on each other's nerves all the time, but now she was my biggest cheerleader. Knowing she was here, supporting me, gave me the extra boost of confidence I needed. I took a deep breath and looked at my parents, who were beaming with pride.

"Dad, Mom, thank you for everything," I said earnestly. "You've always believed in me, and I couldn't have come this far without your support."

Mom stepped forward, her eyes misting with tears of pride. "Max, we're so proud of you. No matter what happens in that arena, just know that you've already made us incredibly proud."

Dad nodded in agreement, his voice steady and reassuring. "Just remember to stay calm, think strategically, and trust in your Pokémon."

I felt a swell of emotions as I looked at my family. They had always been there for me, through every challenge and triumph. I knew I could face anything with them by my side.

"By the way," May added with a playful grin, "Ash wanted to be here too, but you know how it is. Since he's the Champion of this region, he couldn't come without being accused of favoritism."

I chuckled, understanding the situation. "Yeah, I figured as much. But it's okay. Just knowing that he believes in me is enough."

There was a moment of comfortable silence before I shared something I'd been thinking about for a while. "You know, if I win this conference, I'm planning to finish my studies at Naranja Academy and then join the rangers in Hoenn."

My family's eyes widened with surprise and pride. "That's an amazing goal, Max," Dad said, his voice filled with admiration. "The rangers would be lucky to have someone as dedicated and passionate as you."

Mom nodded, her face glowing with pride. "Absolutely. You've always had a strong sense of justice and a love for helping others. It's a perfect fit for you."

May grinned, giving me a thumbs-up. "I know you'll do great, Max. Just go out there and show them what you're made of."

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. The final match was about to begin, and I knew it was going to be a tough battle against Penny. But with my family's unwavering support and belief in me, I felt ready to face anything.

"Thanks, everyone," I said, my voice steady with determination. "I'm going to give it my all. Let's go win this."

With that, I headed towards the battlefield, the cheers of my family echoing in my ears. I felt a surge of energy and confidence, knowing that no matter what happened, I had the best support system in the world. It was time to give it my all and make them proud.

As I took my position on the battlefield, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. The stadium was buzzing with excitement, the crowd's energy electrifying. This was the moment I had been working towards for so long—the finals of the Pummelo Conference. Facing me was Penny, my upperclassman and a formidable opponent. This wasn't just any battle; whoever won would become the very first Champion in the history of the Pummelo Conference. The weight of that realization made my hands shake slightly as I tapped my Poké Ball, trying to steady my nerves.