Snippet #2675776

"There was once a time when you might have, challenger," came the voice Winter had been expecting. "However, some time ago I decided to retire. With the League unable to organize a tournament to determine my successor, I simply named Lance the interim champion until such time as someone had cleared the League Challenge. Stay your hand, dragon master."

From the Hall of Fame room in the back emerged a vision of cold beauty. Fire-red hair contrasted by a sleek, black and silver gown with metal accents on the wrists, knee-high boots,and a poofy red skirt reminiscent of a native of the faraway Unova region, a Pokemon called Bisharp. "Young Trainer, please follow me to the back before the media hounds show up. Lance, you and Karen field questions while I fill a vacancy in our great nation's hierarchy."

Titania's gloved hand beckoned to Winter. "If you wish to earn it fair and square, I suppose you could battle Lance anyway, but given the shape your Squirtle seems to be in I must advise against it. There is much to discuss, new Champion...I must explain the duties of your new role." God, how she wanted to just drop the act already. Just a little longer...a little longer...