WILLOW LEAGUE
Professor Andrew Willow stood at Port Shaula's docks, the sea breeze rushing through his long, golden hair. The air smelled of seaweed; the smell of a journey. This wasn't his journey, though. No, this was the journey of today's youth. Today was the first day of the future of tomorrow. Many young people would come for their first pokemon, some will never be remembered, others were destined for greatness, but every single one of them would remember this day for the rest of their lives. He smiled a great smile, eager to see the delight on everyone's faces as they met their new companions and fellow partners-in-crime. And there wouldn't just be bonding between trainer and Pokemon... No, friendships, rivalries, perhaps even love would be forged between the trainers. Truly, there couldn't be a better example of community than a bunch of people who don't even know each other getting together for an event and all around having a good time, could there?
Sometimes, the simplest joys in life are truly the greatest. he thought to himself. Looking off to the horizon, his grin turned into a chuckle of excitement as he saw the S.S. Bolt's silhouette on the horizon.
"Doctor Herschel!" He said, with a snap of his fingers.
A scientist in a lab coat with glasses and jet black hair walked up from behind. "Yes Professor?"
"The ship is approaching from the north. I leave you to gather all the new trainers and bring them to the lab. I have preparations I must finish posthaste."
"Y-yes Professor!" The man replied. "I'll see to it that they get a good welcoming."
"I should hope so. I don't want any of them to feel unwelcome in a strange new land. That's no way to start an adventure." And with that, Professor Willow turned and took a brisk pace back to the lab.
Herschel sighed as he watched the professor leave. The professor truly had nothing else on his mind for the past two months. He really couldn't have been more excited about this.
Herschel jumped in surprise as a deep horn penetrated his thoughts. He spun around and saw that the S.S. Bolt was already in the port, preparing to dock. He sighed and clutched at his heart, recovering from the scare. He truly couldn't have felt more unprepared to greet a bunch of restless young trainers. He took a series of deep breaths and hurriedly rushed potential greetings through his head, almost moaning in panic as he began to pace back and forth.
This was not what he signed up for...