Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hope you all enjoy this story that's been stuck in my head for the past 2 years. I'm not the greatest writer, but hopefully I can improve using this as decent practice. Don't be afraid to give out any advice. It's all appreciated as I push out this chapter to pressure myself to finish the whole thing.

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Soft steps grow louder in the silent, dark auditorium. The waiting crowd in their seats are trembling with excitement. Today is a special day for the budding adventurers about to begin their journey. After one final step, the lights turn on and a man stands center stage for all to see. Blue Oak, the Viridian City Gym Leader. 

"Greetings!" Blue shouts as he does a finger salute to crowd. Cheers erupt for the man from Pallet. He's become a popular figure to the citizens of Viridian. Aside from reviving the vacant gym, he mentors aspiring trainers and acts as a guide in the nearby forest. Of course, there are older residents that remember Blue from his early days and short ascension as the region's champion. The ovation finally quiets down as the Kanto elite begins to speak.

"Welcome to the world of Pokemon. Most of you here know me, but I'm Blue Oak. This world is inhabited by creatures that we call Pokemon." Blue takes out a pokeball to reveal an Exeggutor. The young children in the front row are in awe of the coconut Pokemon. Blue continues with his introduction. 

"People and Pokemon live and support each other. Some people play with Pokemon, some people study them." Blue raises his hand to show Gary Oak, his younger cousin now a pokemon researcher. 

"Others even battle their Pokemon and strive to be champions." Blue states as he points to himself before signaling to the person in charge of the projector. The lights around the stage dim as an image of a black-haired boy with a red jacket and cap. appears on the back wall."

"This is Red. Hailing from my very own Pallet Town. He successfully became the region's Pokemon champ, and worked his way to the top. Challenging many tough and troublesome foes along the way..." Blue pauses for a moment thinking that it might be time to rematch his rival. He collects himself and motions for the slide to change to the next image.

Soon after he walks up to the edge of the stage and points down towards the youths in the front row.

"...but you!  You, too, are destined for greatness!" Blue beckons to the group of three in front of him to come forward. The crowd roars in applause as they make their way up, he takes a step back to showcase Viridian City new trainers. 

"Why not tell me a little about yourself?" The three trainers to be step forward and take their turns with their introductions

"I'm Soraya and I want to become the world champion!"

"I'm Bernie and I want to capture over a hundred Pokemon!"

"I'm Terry and I'm going to become the leader of the gym one day!"

Blue signals to Gary as he comes in with a cart. On top of the cart are three pokeballs containing Slowpoke, Murkrow and Tyrogue. The three choose a pokemon in the order they were introduced. 

"Terry, Bernie, Soraya are you ready?" The children raise their new pokeballs in the air in agreement. Blue accepts their response with a hand of his own raised up high before continuing. "Your very own Pokemon story is about to unfold. You'll face fun times and tough challenges. A world of dreams and adventures with Pokemon awaits!! I'm sure I'll smell ya later!"

The entire crowd gives one last barrage of applause to the latest batch of Viridian trainers. The city has done this type of ceremony for most of the years under Blue's service as Gym Leader, but they all knew that this was a special one. This might be a brand new golden age for Viridian City.

Soraya and Bernie eat up the cheers to pump themselves up before their journey. To them, this might be the best day of their lives. Terry just tries to soak it in, desensitize himself to a momentary feeling of joy. That way he'll be laser focused when it matters most. When mere feelings won't take his eyes away from the goal.

The fledging Viridian trio walk back offstage with their new partners. Blue has some last few words for the people in the audience before ending today's events.

"It's been a pleasure being a part of these events for the past few years. They're almost as exciting as the day I became a trainer!" Blue rubs his nose after his last comment as the crowd goes for a laugh. He wanted to give them one last laugh before his next statement,

"Some of you may know from the gossiping I heard this morning, but I'll confirm it right here and now. I will be retiring from the Viridian Gym at the end of this season. " Blue closes his eyes for a moment as the crowd whispers among themselves. Not everyone knew, but the ones that make no movement or sound did in some way.

"Did Terry already beat you?" A few members in the audience start giggling at the sudden outburst. Terry's challenge was a public event that occurred a few weeks before this ceremony. The former champion even let a small chuckle escape at this reminder.

"It's time. No matter what happens, I think it might be time." Blue looks all around the crowd while slowly nodding his head.  They all quiet down to receive the rest of his parting message. 

"I've started to slip in my training and I need a new challenge to keep my senses honed. Alola or Unova might be my next step. Hopefully, I can return with a fresh mindset and test my new skills against whoever the Viridian City Gym Leader might be."

"Hopefully, it will be Terry." Blue gives everyone his classic send off salute before walking backstage. He's not one for elongated goodbyes. Everything that had to be said was already received to those that matter the most.

"I'll see you guys at the potluck. I can already smell that chicken pot pie!" Blue gives them one last round of laughs as the curtains close. Without a doubt, he's the greatest Viridians' ever seen in their lifetime. The people of the city walk way with those final thoughts. 

~~~~~
Terry walks around backstage as he comes across the Oak cousins mid conversation. The elder Oak notices the boy approaching them and gestures him to come forward.

"So kid, looks like it finally time for you to show the fruits of your training. You think you can handle the Kanto challenge?" Gary is the first to speak up after turning around. 

The traditional Kanto challenge requires trainers to receive badges from the main eight gyms. While lesser gyms count towards admission in the Indigo conference, only those who have conquered the greater gyms can face the Elite 4 gauntlet. 

"I'm going all the way."Terry exclaims as Blue chuckles.

"Victory against me won't be as certain as you're making it seem." Blue stands up from his leaning position against the nearby desk, looking straight into Terry's eyes. "I'll be waiting for you." Blue retorts. 

In the middle of their conversation, the local league official walks into the room at a breakneck pace. The three gather around the man as he tries to catch his breath. Blue stabilizes the man upright as Gary rushes to grab him a bottled water.

"Mr. Vincent are you alright?" Gary questions the older man. The official lifts his head to take a quick drink. Vincent passes the bottle back to Gary and takes a moment to collect himself. Blue notices the look of dread on his face.

"A tragedy has occurred!" Vincent spurts out "Mt. Silver has erupted." Gary opens his mouth in disbelief while Blue is in shock.

"How is that possible? The Kanto geological survey revealed no indication of that happening within the next decade." Gary hounds the official with his questions. "Are you sure about this? Has the league said anything about this?" Blue has no words as all he can think of is a certain trainer located in the heart of the now burning mountain.

"The entire plateau is at risk. They estimate about 30 minutes before it's completely overrun. I came to find you two as soon as I could." Vincent states.

"How long has it been Vincent!" Gary shouts.

"15 minutes."

Blue raises his head as he breaks out of his stupor. He gives Gary a look before sprinting towards the nearest exit. The younger Oak is right behind him as they make their attempt on the rescue efforts. Vincent is left in the room with the young Terry who has his head down. Terrible news to be confronted with on the first day of his pokemon journey.

"What's going to happen to the circuit Mr. Vincent?" Terry whimpers as this is all he can muster. Vincent stiffens his lips as he informs the young boy on the fallout of this disatrous event.

"I'm sorry Terry, but the conference and most likely the gym circuit will be shut down for a long time. The damage will be too much for us to remedy. The league will make a statement soon, but for now it might be best if you stay in the city."

~~~~~~~~

The Kanto Conference was out of commission for 2 years. The fallout from Mt. Silver completely destroyed the Indigo Plateau and surrounding areas. Blackthorn Town, Route 46, and Viridian City were spared from the rushing lava that seemed to flow endlessly for days. 

Johto committed all their resources into preserving their routes while Kanto focused on rescue. Unfortunately, there are huge casualties from humans but especially Pokemon. 100 league members perished in the disaster with 30 rescuers. Notably, Champion Lance was missing after the initial efforts for a few months.

In the meantime, Johto took this tragedy as an opportunity to secede from the Indigo Alliance, restarting their own Johto Conference. Their first choice was Gold from New Bark Trainer as Champion, but he refused citing an opportunity from another league.

Red was never found and Lance spoke nothing of him after his return. All he said was that a new champion from a faraway region named Arthur Garrett had assisted him in quelling another Mt. Silver eruption. This boy ended up becoming the Johto champion after a short conquest before moving on to Rankor.

Rankor, the final frontier for battlers. This is the resting ground of old champions, Elite 4 and conference rankers. The youngest trainers end up being part of the Rankor Island Challenge, the ultimate challenge. 

It's leader was Soul, an undefeated champion from an unknown region... until Arthur Garrett arrived. This became Garrett's ascension as the number one trainer in the world and marked his legacy as one of the greatest. With his Rain-style, it was wondered if he was better than Wallace, former Hoenn champion.

This led everyone in Kanto to believe if they had more Rain-style trainers, maybe the first eruption could have been stopped. Garrett succeeded where Lance, Red and the entire Indigo League failed. A surge of aspiring trainers focused their efforts in the Rain-style which led to others considering all forms of weather to stay relevant in these so-called "Weather Wars".

The era of Weather Wars has begun and one man drew a hard line in the sand against them all. A mysterious trainer named Shin takes over the Viridian Gym the following year. He changed the battle philosophy of the gym from the steady and resolute Ground type to the shifty Sandstorm-style.

The people of Viridian weren't very receptive to the existence of Shin. Rumors had begun to spread of his identity and the history he tried to leave behind. It didn't help at first that he was absent to the welcome party prepared just for him. He refused to meet the mayor, police chief, the local real estate moguls. Even the trainer school couldn't get Shin to attend a class as an instructor. 

~~~~~~~~

A trainer is seen running out of the Viridian Gym, slamming the door wide open with both hands before increasing his pace. He could be overheard muttering something about an unfair challenge. The baker who saw and heard him shakes his head in quiet defeat.

"Another failed challenge, eh." The old baker speaks to himself as he brushes down his storefront.  Opened his shop right before the emergence of Red and Blue from Pallet. Simon doesn't think highly of Shin in comparison.

Simon creates and sells a variety of monster shaped breads with different flavorings and seasonings. A simple business, but it's enough for the simple people of Kanto. Very different from the cutthroat and artificial environment of Unova.

"It's been the same old story for years now." Another man comes out from inside the shop to deliver a plate of toast and eggs with a tea on the side. "I don't get how he's still in the game or why the league hasn't swapped him out by now."

Simon's brother, Patrick, shares a similar, but harsher sentiment towards the green leader. Neither of them, including the rest of the city, had decided not to attend any of his matches. Not that Shin would allow anyone in as he had an indefinite ban on spectators which lowered the appeal of the gym. As far as they knew, he was cheating challengers out of badges and earnings. 

Patrick remembers a run-in he had with Giovanni when they first moved to Viridian. He never told his older brother, but he had to pay the "gym leader" a fee for special permits to conduct business in a peaceful manner. First time he refused, he ended up recovering from a wild pokemon attack that wasn't investigated.

"Maybe that kid that ran by is just mad that he was beat." Jane spoke up from her seat at one of the bakery's outside tables. She's the youngest of the bakers and the only one that can do more than prepare dough. She was just a little girl when the Pallet boys came by, but happened to watch from an opened window the gym match between Giovanni and Red.

Patrick motions at his sister with a flick of his wrist away as he retreats to the kitchen. Simon entertains the discussion for a moment.

"You think this Shin Morrison is winning fair and square?" Simon queries Jane as he takes a nearby seat from the table across. "With the way he looks? Wearing that lame bandana and that strange hair color?" 

Jane rolls her eyes with that parting shot. She happened to also wear bandanas and had a strange hair color of her own, not wanting to keep the same one as her brothers. "You've never seen him battle!"

"He wouldn't last in the UGC. Would be grinded to dust in the Unification Festival." Simon bellows

"Doubles isn't my strong suit."

Jane jolts up in her seat as the man in question suddenly joins their conversation. Simon just stares at him with a cheeky smile. 

"At least you have a little humility for a guy that doesn't like to lose." Simon pointedly says while taking a bite of his breakfast.

"I'm not here to give out free badges.", Shin replies to the older man while requesting his usual order to Jane. Two croissants and a turkey croquette to start the day. Jane leaves straight away to receive his basket and avoid the confrontation between the two men as Shin continues. "They asked me to be here and told me to do what I do best."

Simon keeps his smile as he takes a sip of his tea. "You mean the league, right young man? Are you sure 'they' love hearing that no one has gained an Earth Badge in the past 2 years." Simon retorts to the man with the white bandana. Jane returns quickly with the requested items and hands the bag to Simon. 

"I know what I don't love, it's not being able to spectate any of these matches. Those people in Pewter and Saffron make it a spectacle, I hear." He decides to gently shake the content of bag while requesting payment from the Viridian Leader. "Normally, this would run you 650$, but today the special price is 400$. This is the part of business called service young man."

Shin gathers the payment and hands it first to Simon followed by a quick snatch of his food order. "What I do in my gym is my business, understood? You stick to worrying about yours." Shin snaps at the middle-aged man. "I don't work for Pewter or Saffron, so if you want a spectacle you know where to go for that type of catering." 

Simon turns his head to the side and laughs a bit as Shin storms off without another word. The two men butt heads every now and then at expense of Shin and at the enjoyment of Simon. The Viridian Leader might keep a neutral expression and tone, but his actions and the content of his words paint a different picture. 

"You're going to make him not want to come here anymore." Jane lets out a sigh as she takes her seat opposite of her elder brother.

Simon takes another sip of his tea while maintaining his smile, wiping his face afterwards. "This is the only bakery in town and a man like him wouldn't waste his time at small-time cafe." Simon opens his hand to count the payment and reveals it to his younger sister.

"See! He paid the full price again. He would crumble without heading to our spot."

~~~~~~~~

Simon takes in the night sky as he closes up the shop. He had an elderly couple come in for a long dessert and chat. This is one of the rare perks he enjoyed the most since moving to a simpler region like Kanto. Unovans were always on the go or on the Pokegear while seated down. He always loved talking to people, even with someone as strange as the current Viridian City Gym Leader.

"I guess these day they use those Rotom Phones, huh.", Simon talks to himself as he lights up one of his post work cigarettes after locking the front door. His siblings have always encouraged him to quit over the years so he settled for one every night after work to himself. At least then, no one would give him a hard time and he'd get to earn it.

The old baker begins to make his trek home before a shadowy figure comes out of a nearby corner to block his path. He can barely make out who it could be, but his trained senses from a lifetime living in Unova tells him it isn't a friendly confrontation. Simon backtracks as the figure steps forward, slowly and surely towards him. The baker fiddles with his gear and activates the dysfunction flashlight feature that hasn't been used in years.

"Hey get that bright light out of my face!", the mysterious presence shouts at Simon. The old man recognizes it to be someone he spoke to just this morning.

"Morrison? Shin Morrison?", Simon has this incredulous look as he begins to relax from his short-lived alertness. "Why are you quietly sneaking up to someone in the dark of night?"

"I'll tell ya if you turn that damn light off.", Shin reply while shielding his eyes from the fluttering bright light. Simon fiddles with his old gear again and manages to shut the flashlight off quickly. The two are shrouded in darkness again, but the older man knows it's safe with the leader nearby.

"I was headed to the shop for a late night snack. My roommate came home from closing the gym and told me you were still open. Thought I could get here in time.", Shin finally states to the man. Simon just blankly stares at the young leader before responding.

"You really came right at closing for a late night snack? Young man, I clean my kitchen half an hour before I close up." Shin can't clearly make out Simon's face, but can gather that he isn't amused by the thought of a late night run for some croquettes. He's surprised when the baker shoves a large bag directly into his chest.

"Here. This is everything leftover that didn't sell today. Usually, my sister would shove all this down her belly but I guess you get a nice snack on the house." Simon gives a small smile as he starts to walk home. Shin tries to call out to pay, but the older of the two shakes his head as he stops where he is. 

"Considered it paid in advance from all those times you ignored my discounts. Service is the most important part of business kid, consider that next time you want to stomp a challenger in the ground.", Simon finishes as he continues to walk away. He leaves one last parting shot. "Don't you want to hear someone say, 'I defeated the great Viridian gym and this Earth Badge is my proof of that!' I know I do."

Shin just stands there with a large bag in his hands as Simon disappears in the dark. He stands in the same spot the baker did with the lingering smell of the cigarette still in the air. Shin stares into the beautiful and quiet night sky with the words of Simon bouncing around in his head. He wants someone to share their experience of dominance at the Viridian Gym, but only if they earn it. 

"I'd like that Simon, but this isn't the moment for it. Especially when there's some scumbag trying to scout my gym using proxy trainers.", Shin states the truth to no one but himself. "I'll gladly lose to a promising trainer, but now is not that time. I've got to defend the integrity of the gym and of my trainers."

Chapter Text

A television is blinking rapidly in the middle of a small sitting area. Channels flash between one another as someone holding the remote is looking for anything interesting to occur. The man with medium-length crimson hair snatches the remote and directly enters the numbers for the RRB, Rijon Ranker Broadcast. The young lady with a verdant-green ponytail angrily punches him in the side, but the stoic man has no reaction as he focuses on the following report.

"According to local sources in Southerly City, Prism Blackthorn has recently fought gym leader Ernest Cosgrove in an all-out 6v6 battle in his gym. Ernest matching up his blazing Fire-types against the Rijon Champion's Sandstorm style sounds exciting! You might think the Southerly Leader would be at a disadvantage, bu-"

The screen goes blank as both watchers turn to see Shin holding the remote in his hand. He gives them both an empty stare as he begins to speak.

"Your break is over. We have a guest waiting.", Shin firmly states as he begins to walk out of the room. The two that were sitting down follow him into an open area. The area reveals itself to be a massive stadium with different rock formations surrounding the edge. The outlined field of battle is a simple flat-ground with no major obstacles, but the ground underneath is quite deep. In the challenger's trainer box, there's a elder gentleman polishing a pokeball in his hand. He's dressed in a charcoal-grey suit with a white dress shirt and brown shoes. He looks up and notices the trio of trainers heading his way and takes a readied stance.

"Our appointment data states that this guy is Orion of Celadon City challenging for his 1st badge. Normally, it would be denied but he paid the 5 badges and under fee." The voice that comes from behind them that reveals itself to be a tall, young man with short-black hair.

The Viridian leader turns and speaks to the towering trainer,"That much is obvious from his appearance, Terry. His pokeballs are too pristine for an experienced traveler. You should sit in the stands with Michael here and watch." He nods towards the shorter, crimson-haired man.

As both Terry and Michael walk towards their seats, the boss stands in the referee position and begins to officiate the match. "Orion of Celadon has challenged the Viridian City Gym. He will face a gauntlet of three trainers and given one chance to heal his team. If he succeeds, he will have the opportunity to face the leader, Shin, for his Earth Badge."

'But you won't be facing me at all', thought Shin as he looks towards the young lady that settles into the gym representative's trainer box. He gives Chelle a sign and her annoyed looks shifts into a warlike demeanor. She's the type of trainer that enjoys crushing weaker enemies.

Shin slowly backs up and continues his officiating, "This will be a three on three battle with unlimited switches allowed. Held items are allowed, but there will be no use of battle items. The match between Gym Trainer Chelle of Evergreen and Orion of Celadon may now begin."

Orion sends his pokemon out with a simple throw. After a small flash of light, a Vileplume appears on the challenger's side. Chelle adds a bit of spin on her release and reveals a Skarmory. The man from Celadon takes a step back as the intimidating presence of the armor bird is too much for him to handle. The gym trainer opposite to him takes advantage of this small hesitation.

"Skarmory use Sandstorm!"

The quiet field shifts into a wild flurry of rocks and dirt that gradually builds up as every passing second goes by. Orion tries to brace himself as grains of sand try to force their way into his face. Chelle begins to press even further into her offensive on the opposing trainer.

"Follow it up with Sand Tomb!"

The armor bird's eyes glow as it begins to focus the intense whirlwind of grit and gravel to bind the challenger's Vileplume in into a trap. It yells in pain as it suffers damage from the weather and prison. After two consecutive attacks, the gentleman gets his bearings and makes his first command.

"Vileplume use Substitute!"

The pokemon gathers some energy and creates a mirror image of itself that takes it's place in the prison of sand. The gym trainer has a look of mild amusement as they did not expect this particular trainer to break out. However, this Vileplume is still hit by residual damage from the raging duster. Both sides simultaneously make their next move.

"Layer the floor with Spikes, Skarmory!" "Vileplume use Sunny Day!"

Rays of light pierce through the sandstorm as it steadily breaks down and clears the battlefield for all to see. Orion takes a look around and notices that everyone but him is wearing a pair of safety goggles. As he takes off his goggles, Shin shakes his head at the challenger's appearance.

'This guy shouldn't be surprised we're all wearing eye protection. This gym follows the Sandstorm-style of battling, after all.'

"Skarmory polish your feathers!" "Vileplume use Drain Punch!"

Another concurrent command is made by the trainers, but Orion's pokemon speeds through the battlefield as it lands a strike on the iron avian. Skarmory is sent back a bit and it almost seems to have it's armor shattered. Chelle is unfazed as her order manages to follow through with the sharpening of her pokemon's feathers.

"End it with Dual Wingbeat."

"Vileplume intercept with Stun Spore quickly!"

Stun Spore never occured as Skarmory blitzes down the field, nearly creating a gust of sand in it's trail. One wing strike to break the decoy Vileplume and slams the second directly into the side of the true body. The flower pokemon crumbles from that immensely powerful strike and doesn't get up.

"Vileplume is unable to battle. Chelle of Evergreen leads 1-0." Shin turns to the trainer on his left."It won't get any easier for you old man."

Orion looks down and away from the leader's glare as he reluctantly reveals his next pokemon. It doesn't matter as the merciless gym trainer across from him knocks out this pokemon and the next with simple brute force.

~~~~~~~~~

"The winner of the match is Chelle of Evergreen with a 3-0 finish. This will conclude your gauntlet and you will not be able to rematch for a week."

The elder gentleman meets the young lady in the center of the stadium and gives her the winnings. As he begins to turn and walk away he is stopped by Shin.

"Tell whoever you work for he can come here and fight their own battle instead of sending a low-level trainer to scout our gym."

Orion gives him a look of shock as he responds immediately. "Was it that obvious?" The leader gives him a slight grin as he removes a hand from the gentleman's shoulder.

"You arrived here cleaning brand-new pokeballs, let a pokemon appearance distract you, had some perfectly rehearsed counterattacks and you didn't even notice Skarmory's Weak Armor activating." Orion's shock grows into amazement.

"Weak Armor?" Shin chuckles to himself and continues.

"Most of the trainers we face are beyond the level of skill you displayed. The outrageous fee for low badge challengers dissuades weaklings from wasting our time, but you easily procured it and arrived early. Too well prepared for a novice." Shin takes a small breath as he gestures towards the door. Orion leaves without another word.

"That's the third fake challenger this week." Michael groans as he and Terry reach the center of the battlefield where Shin and Chelle are. "They've seen my Camerupt, Terry's Seismitoad and now Chelle's Skarmory." Terry looks directly at the plum-haired leader.

"They won't be satisfied until all our lineups and movesets are revealed. We need to preserve the prestige of the Viridian gym and stop the 5 and under challenge." Chelle glares at Terry before looking back at Shin.

"I'll let them pick my pokemon if they want. None of what's going on will stop me from taking a win, leader. These Kanto scrubs can't compare to anyone in Johto. No offense Terry." The Viridian City native takes some offense as he is the lone Kanto representative in the gym. Shin speaks up in response.

"A reminder that this circuit isn't exclusive to residents. I took part of it during my second year as a trainer. Johto might produce significantly stronger trainers overall, but Kanto's elite are not pushovers. Our neighbors below us in Pallet produced three champions that made their mark on history."

The mythical trainer Red who hasn't been seen in a decade that cemented himself as the youngest champion in Pokemon League history. There are those who don't believe that he existed or was even as strong as he had to have been in a short time. Last known whereabouts was Mt. Silver before it erupted in a fiery blaze.

Kanto legend Blue Oak, eldest grandson of Professor Samuel Oak who is a legend himself, was champion for a short time and the interim leader of the Viridian Gym. Has caught every single pokemon native to Kanto and can utilize any style of team with success. Coached multiple prospect battlers into ace trainers, like Terry of Viridian City. Currently CEO of Sylph Company after returning from a long trip in Unova.

Former World Champion Ash Ketchum who was a successful conference battler that pioneered the hyper offense style according to Rijon University. Not usually considered the strongest trainer as he lost his World Champion title quickly after gaining it. However, people all over the world have met Ash and have been affected by his mentality and spirit which has given him a lasting legacy. Currently Frontier Brain of the Battle Dimension in Pallet Town.

"It goes without saying, but Sabrina of Saffron and Janine of Fuschia for a long time were the main draws of the Kanto circuit. Beating the two of them is a major step for anyone aspiring to become champion.", Shin continued. Chelle has a sullen look as she recalls her tragic defeat against the Poison-type expert.

Michael gives his leader a big grin before putting an arm on Shin's shoulder. "That's not the case anymore these days. After all, there's no bigger draw than the Viridian Gym and it's sandstorm-style of warfare."

The Sandstorm style was a heavily underutilized method in the past compared to Sun style and Rain style. These two effects would double the power effectiveness of a certain type, Fire and Water respectively, and neutralize the opposing one. Comparatively, the ways of the dust devil was only a mere defensive boost to certain types such as Rock and Ground. Residual damage would also be dealt to those not of the former types and Steel. For a time, Shin was mocked as a fledgling leader with his choice to deviate into this Sandstorm style.

"It's all thanks to Prism, for proving us right." Shin replies as he returns Michael's grin with a slight smile of his own.

Prism Blackthorn, champion of Rijon and Naljo. The son of famed dragon tamer Lance and the descendant of Naljo's protector. Youngest champion since the fabled Red of Pallet Town, but his strength was televised around the world. The match against leader Bruce of Spruge Town involving four other leaders as gym trainers was a showcase of dominance. His sandstorm team was used in conjunction with a core Rijon University recognized as two dragon, two steel or Double Dragon. One dragon punches holes into the enemy's lineup while the other cleans up the rest. The two steels are used as pivots for answers against the dragons.

Chelle snaps out her thoughts upon hearing the name Prism. "Wait, the RRB broadcast!", she blurts out before sprinting back to the staff lounge. Michael follows at a leisurely pace, knowing it's been long past the broadcast's end.

"Just because Prism uses Sandstorm, doesn't mean it's the greatest." Shin turns his head towards Terry. "Our gym is successful because of the trainers and their skill."

A stare off begins between the trainer and leader. Neither bending or breaking in the gaze of the other. Shin decides to speak before getting carried away.

"Thank you, Terry.", he starts as he raises his hand to place on the boy's shoulder. "You're right. My gym is successful. That's the only thing that matters." The leader walks away toward his office with a smirk. He stops halfway upon hearing a distinct sound. The sound of a pokeball enlarging.

"It's not your gym." Terry states bluntly. "This is a landmark of the Viridian and their history. It will never be yours."

Shin can't help but let a small laugh escape. He once again turns his head at Terry before continuing to walk away. "Is Team Rocket part of that history or only the founder?. I think Saffron has a landmark just like this one."

Terry is left to soak in the extinguishing words that put a stop to his short rage. Another reminder. Another slight that he and his city has to endure. All because of one man filled with hateful ambition.

The young man from Viridian leaves his self-proclaimed landmark and heads back into the city.

~~~~~~~~~

"Skarmory is unable to battle. Chelle no longer has any usable Pokemon. The winner of the match is Alan Gales from Pewter City."

Silence fills the historical landmark as the second no badge trainer of the day makes it through the first stage of the gauntlet. Terry is the listed as the trainer stepping up for the second leg. There's some doubt in the air after Chelle's shocking defeat.

Terry lazily sends a swing at the shorter man on the his left. "You know you're saying all of that out loud right?"

"I'm just narrating on this historic moment occurring in our gym. It's still the rest of ours right?", Michael says with a wide smile on his face. Shin shakes his head while hiding one himself.

"Thank you for the opportunity." The three begin to focus on the battlers. Chelle extended a hand towards the challenger and the two shoke.

Alan humbly shakes his head. "I should be thanking you. It's rare to face someone of your caliber this close to home." He stares at Chelle's hairband and just nods his head knowing.

"I couldn't make you go all out in the end..." Alan returns to the challenger's box, silently preparing for his next match. Terry walks past Chelle on his way to the opposing box. They exchange a few words that go unheard and Terry stands in his box, proud. Shin looks at both battlers for a moment before moving on to the next round.

"The gauntlet will commence with it's second leg. Representing the Viridian Gym is Viridian's very own Terry Brinker. The match between Terry Brinker and Alan Gales from Pewter City will be a 3 on 3 battle. You may now begin."

"Go, Golem!" Alan releases the decisive winner of the previous match. The challenger isn't one for showmanship, he gets to the point.

"Cacturne, standby."

Alan is amazed by the sheer size of Terry's Cacturne. It's twice as large as the average one, could even be three times as large. The scarecrow rests it's limb on it's chest, as if it were adjusting a tie. Terry mimics the same gesture.

"I've seen this one before. The same one that beat Marshall at the Unification Festival." In response to Alan, Terry puts his goggles on.

"Sandstorm." A stream of sand bursts from behind Cacturne. Terry becomes engulfed in the erupting duster as Alan struggles to hold ground. He reaches for his own pair of goggles but the sand is becoming too intense. In the intensity, Alan staggers back a few steps, his arm flounders in his bag until it feels the loose band attached to the bulky lens. After finally putting them on, the challenger makes his first command.

"Sunny Rise!" Once again, rays of light pierce through the battlefield as the roaring torrent of sand whimpers into a gentle breeze. At the same time, the Golem floats on top of that gentle wind and begins take a path directly at Cacturne. It's iron-like hand becomes a flaming fist, enhanced by the change in weather. A triple layer attack of Sunny Day, Magnet Rise and Fire Punch. Right as the megaton pokemon makes contact, it recoils in pain as Cacturne is unharmed.

"Spiky Shield." Another simple command by Terry, but it's all that was needed to stop the surprise assault. Alan tilts his head away in thought as he tries to remove some lingering sand on his face. He had thought Spiky Shield was unique to Chesnaught which is a gap in knowledge that needs to be remedied, but the Cacturne is the true anomaly.

"I guess I should have known better. This is a Sandstorm-style gym."

Terry only shakes his head. "People only panic when they hear of a nearby storm. Nothing is more terrifying than the desert itself. By the time you realize it, the still sea of sand swallows you whole." Alan pauses for a moment. That was all Terry needed.

Massive roots sprout from the ground and latch themselves onto Golem. It tries to float away as fast as it can, but it's own speed isn't impressive. The first root crumbles from the lingering heat of the Fire Punch, but three more take it's place until Golem is under complete submission. Cacturne then slams the Alolan variant right into the ground near Alan. Small rocks and a stream of dust regathers around the challenger. This stopped him from noticing the true effects of Ingrain partially healing his Golem.

"Sucker Punch." The follow-up move fails due to Golem being trapped in Cacturne's offensively-minded Ingrain. Alan realizes at the worst possible moment the endgame from Terry's choice in moves. Just as Terry predicted.

"Stomping Tantrum." Golem is knocked out in a massive blow. Alan's previous composure from his win over Chelle vanishes as Terry turns the tables on him. The same triple layer attack that defeated Chelle's Meganium failed on the humongous Cacturne in front of him. Alan shakes off the loss and raises his right hand upward.

"Golem, return." Alan places the returned Golem to his pack and reaches for a Great Ball. He scans the field and takes a good look at everyone around him. "This is the Viridian City Gym, huh. Go, Breloom!"

Alan's Breloom follows his appearance with an instantaneous Substitute which is then followed by a return from Terry.

"Terry's Cacturne is no longer usable for battle after that immediate switch."

"Smart call. Cacturne was a goner there." Michael slightly lifts his goggles once the short drought ends. "Terry can't go Seismitoad here either. I wonder... how much he cares about this one." Chelle looks at Terry with a bored expression.

"If he doesn't win this one, I won't make the same deal again.", she retorts.

"Hitmontop, standby." Terry lets his left hand linger in the air after Hitmontop's release. The handstand Pokemon keeps a steady pace as it spins around it's partner. Alan can feel the air in the room change after this particular release. He notices Michael lower his goggles down in anticipation. That was the only cue Alan needed to reach for his safety glasses again. Hitmontop begins to ramp up in it's cadence and leaves after-images in its wake. The broken pieces of rock, scattered dust and particles begin to accumulate. The sandstorm rages on and on.

~~~~~~~~~

Alan Gales stands there in the challenger's box with a stupefied look on his face following his 2-3 loss to Terry. He came into the match with so much momentum after defeating the leading woman of the gym, but Terry completely crushed any hope he had. Even the counts in his favor came from Terry forfeiting his pokemon. The towering gym trainer had made his way across the battlefield to exchange in the post-battle rituals.

"How was your taste of reality?", Terry coolly states after quite an awkward handshake from Mr. Gales. Neither the challenger or the gym trainer wanted much contact on the exchange, but it didn't stop Michael from feeling the strange vibe from it.

"It must be great, being who you are.", Alan shortly replies. He looks completely done with his experience at the Viridian Gym and wants to move on as quickly as he can. "This gym must be the only place you feel at home. Can't imagine anyone would be able to stand you elsewhere." Terry being the little shit that he is can't help but give a small chuckle to Alan's insult.

"Thanks for the opportunity everyone. I doubt I'll come here again." Alan Gales of the Pewter Gym walks out with another look after paying his debt to Terry for the match. The crew watches with a bit of cheerful glee as they got to stick it to their neighbors up north.

"That was nice.", Michael says to the group as he lifts his goggles up. "Isn't it nice that we made our neighbors upset."

"I think the Pewter Gym is the one testing us.", Chelle reveals to the Viridian crew. "The same Sunny Day strategy to break the weather up? It's a little convenient."

"Any trainer worth their salt can win a weather war." Terry brushes off all the excess sand off his clothes and out of his hair.

"The Pewter Gym's Alan was no slouch. Terry just tried a little too hard." Shin lets out a sigh as he massages his forehead. "I might get chewed out for this, but that's the least of your concern." Terry just gives Shin a smirk as the two settle things with a handshake. For now, they're even.

"Well good luck guys, I'm checking out today." Chelle jumps down from the bleachers and starts walking towards the door. "Going to Rankor over the weekend. Gotta stay in shape."

"We don't have any of our scouts available to substitute, so we might end up doing some straight challenges until Monday." Shin relays to the remaining two members. "Stay on your toes and get those backups prepared. That's all for now." Terry heads towards the staff lounge to following the end of the conversation. Shin turns to Michael who took his sweet time getting down from his usual seat.

"You mind closing up Michael, need to stop by The Collector's Workshop before my night business." Michael nods as Shin goes to his office one last time before leaving. Terry heads out before the two with his lunch bag and two water bottles. Shin doesn't take long and is out the door right after the young gym trainer.

"A gym all to myself huh, might as well kick back for a bit.", says Michael as he decides to rest back on the bleachers for a bit before leaving. He takes out his PDA and begins going through old emails. Most of them are years old, but the ones in the past few months all come from the same person. An acquaintance named Justy with untitled messages. The content of these particular messages gives Michael a sense of unfinished business. As he remains lost in thought, the sound of the gym's front doors being forced open sharply echoes in the large venue.

"I've come to challenge the Viridian Gym!" A random challenger shouts out loud directed towards the bleachers where Michael sits. He confidently jogs towards the challenger's box before continuing his decree. "I'm Marcus from Pallet Town! I challenge you Shin to a 6 on 6 battle, winner take all!"

Michael jumps out of his seat and stands straight up. He looks at Marcus for a while before bursting into a huge smile.

"Sure, but if you lose you pay double." Marcus shrinks at the prospect of paying double. That doesn't stop Michael from pushing the issue. "We'll also make it a double battle if you don't mind. I don't get to do them often." Michael throws two pokeball up in the air to reveal a Jolteon and Vaporeon.

"Hey... isn't this a sandstorm style gym?" Marcus begins to step back a couple of paces as Michael's actions begin to intimidate him. He continues his queries. "Are you actually Shin?"

"Marcus." The challenger gives his full attention to the man he mistook as the Viridian City Gym Leader. "Have you ever heard the Thunder in the Desert?"

"No?"

Marcus rubs the top of his head as he felt something make contact. Part of the texture of his hair felt a bit wet and he assumed it was sweat. Until another drop of water lands on the top of his nose. One by one, the pitter patter of the raindrops begin to form as Vaporeon has activated Rain Dance. Michael gets into his position on the gym's side of the field as he lets the drizzle overcome him.

"It's a good one." Michael shoves his goggles back on as his Jolteon charges up a Thunder. "It's a story about having hope."

Chapter Text

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Magma surges throughout the terrain below. Above is a floating disc-shaped platform with a huge 98 in red lettering. The man makes an attempt to stand from his kneeling position but the large gash in his leg prevents it. His vision is starting to blur as the image of five figures, two small and three large, are in a stalemate. One large figure in particular is just as immobile as he is with a similar gash on it's left side. Two figures are busy defending the large pokemon while the other is constantly on the attack. 

Ughh...

The man tries to issue a command but nothing comes out. All of his energy is struggling to keep himself alive while talking is just a unnecessary action that's rejected. The battle presses on as his vision starts to make a slow, incremental improvement. He makes out a boy of similar age against a grown man in what seems to be grey spandex and a motorcycle helmet. The masked man in spandex makes a move against the boy as their pokemon take each other out. The boy is startled and falls on the platform as the man stops him from releasing a new pokemon

...

The crippled man takes a step... then another... and another as the two on the platform floor are in a struggle for control. He can tell that the masked man wants to throw the defending boy in his hands off into the mountain between them. None of the pokemon are in any condition to make another move as they have completely collapsed. The tortoise-like pokemon with the gash shows no signs of life as the wound ended up being fatal. The man looks away as he moves towards the edge of the platform where the two are. As he moves, his wound drips with blood and opens even more with each step. He motions towards his pokeball belt in a last ditch effort to sway the battle in their favor.

Clank!

The belt ends up on the floor as he only manages to unbuckle it. The two are at the end of their struggle as the masked man has the boy in his grasp, not completely but enough to shove him off. There's a final exchange of words between the two that the wounded man can't make out. Either because of the roaring volcano above them or he doesn't fully have his bearings. One final effort. That's all the young man can muster in the current circumstances. A decision that'll last until the end of his days, at the very least this day.

Thud.

The wind blows against his wound as he loses all stability and control. He can't make out anything besides a white fog and... screaming. His hearing somewhat returns as he hears what might be the masked man crying out from their lungs. Falling. That's the only other sensation he can feel. He managed to grab the boy out of harms way and pushed his body into the masked man. They diverged from each other after the impact and are falling their separate ways. 

"NO!"

A faded out scream could be hear from the top platform they fell from. It's a long way down, the young man thought. As he embraces his impending doom, knowing he'll never achieve his lifelong dream and that he got his precious pokemon killed in battle. His only friend that's been with him from the start and accepted him even when he took a questionable path in life. This was the end result of his actions. Fatalistic karma. 

Heh.

He knew in a way, that he deserved this and maybe even more. It never discouraged him as he was alright with being a bastard to achieve his goal with any means necessary. Not this way though. It shouldn't have ended this way for his pokemon he thought as he continues his descent. The young man loved that pokemon even if his actions never showed it. Spent his last moments merely reminiscing of his adventures with it right before...

"Ack!"

The man jumps up from his bed as a sweat builds up on his face. He scours around the dark room with the sunlight trying to penetrate through the blinds. Rubs his right hand onto the top of his head as he tries to collect himself. A nightmare. An unwelcome, familiar vision that wasn't too far from reality at one point. 

He gets up from the bed and walks towards his nearby mirror. The man, much older than his figure in the hellish dream, quickly looks back at the clock and he notices the time. 6:42am. Usually he's up by five and out the door by six. It would be unbecoming for the gym leader to be tardy for work, especially in the middle of the Kanto circuit. 

Shin stares at himself long and hand in the reflection. There was a time long ago where he just wanted to be champion. To prove his skills at the highest level and defeat one person he set his sights on since the start of his journey. Now, he's just a gym leader of his father's hometown. It's levels below where he once imagined himself standing.

"As much as I don't like it at times, I'm stuck with this job." Shin surrenders to himself and his occupation as he slaps his cheeks together in an effort to wake up his heart. "Let's focus on the day ahead and not a dark fantasy that never was. Wake up Shin." the man repeats that last part to himself in the mirror as he gives a softer, reaffirming slap to his face.

Shin moves onto his morning routine and eventually leaves his apartment. His roommate, Michael, has already left to prepare the gym in his stead as they have a match today. A match against Orion, a gentleman from Celadon.

~~~~~~~

Michael takes his preferred seat on the couch as he begins his channel surfing. He finds a familiar news channel on the current climate of a faraway region. Nothing that stands out aside from reports of intense sandstorms on traveling roads. A warning to citizens of the region to stay within the vicinity of their local district marker. At the end of the news report is an update on the famous gauntlet hosted on top of a mountain. In the corner of the room, Shin stares at the screen as it shows a floating disc-shaped platform with the number 10 in red lettering.

"Looks like Mt. Battle is finally done with those repairs.  You think anyone will reach the top this year?" Shin inquires as he prepares some tea.

Michael slowly turns his gaze towards the gym leader following his question. Neither man enjoys talking about that desert wasteland of a region. Not after what occurred the last time the two of them were there. His fist starts to tense up as he dwells on those memories. A few seconds pass and Michael relaxes his grip while returning to the screen. 

"They have a better shot these days than they would seven years ago." Michael spits out as he decides to change the channel. He stops on the Rijon Ranker channel, this one a rerun of yesterday's broadcast that he had missed.
"...his duties as a firefighter more than his ability as a trainer. He was recruited by both Kanto and Johto for the Mt. Silver eruption 10 years ago. Ernest was apparently reported to host the Rijon Champion as a challenger to his gym using their strongest pokemon." The broadcast continued into a segment about Prism Blackthorn and his domination of Olcan Isle in Rankor. Rankor is known to host the strongest trainers in the world and the region's champion is considered by most to one closest to the title of Pokemon Master. 

"If the Blackthorn boy went to Rankor then Tunod, you think he's looking for Garrett?" Shin wonders. 

"I hear Garrett isn't an easy person to find. He's always traveling between the two regions and occasionally Johto. A champion that doesn't sit on his laurels." Michael lazily responds as he keeps his focus on the report.

"Hmm. That'd be an interesting battle to watch. Two undefeated trainers fighting for the title of the strongest champion. On top of that, Rain-style versus Sandstorm-style." Shin says as he takes a seat on the chair right of the sofa and drinks his tea.
The news report finishes with a brief overview of Prism Blackthorn's Hall of Fame team. His starter Tyranitar, an Altaria, a Scizor, a Metagross, a Vaporeon and his ace Flygon. His Flygon, named Judah, is famous from his overwhelming victory over Lance, formerly Champion of the Indigo League and now Rijon.

Shin finishes his drink and heads to the counter to clean up. Michael stares at the image of Prism's Vaporeon, Issac. He has one of his own and wonders how the sandstorm master utilized it in his strategies. 

A commercial appears showcasing the brand new line of pokeballs from Silph Company, the consumer-grade Jet Ball that can alter the pathing of the ball to deceive opposing pokemon. "I'm surprised you haven't changed the channel yet, usually you don't have the patience.", Shin starts with the younger man. Michael partially ignores the jab and leans in further to get a better look at the television.

"Never liked these ad breaks as a kid, I would jump out of my seat whenever they introduced new balls." Michael responses keeping his eyes on the screen. "My uncle told me stories about him and my dad waking up early to buy the Repeat Ball line when they dropped in the pokemart back in Phenac."

Blue Oak appears in the following segment as the face of the revitalized Master Ball project. Silph Company wants to begin mass producing the rare, guaranteed catch pokeball. Usually, prototype variants of the Master Ball would be given to rising trainers on the path to champion. Now it might give everyone a chance to be a pokemon trainer, even those with limited experience. 

"Looks like our predecessor is making his true mark on the history of Pokemon.", Shin sneers at the idea of a ball that eliminates the buildup before a ball is thrown. He's not one to avoid a challenge of any kind, and that includes something as simple as capture. "We should just turn battles into a digital experience so no one's pokemon gets hurt too bad."

"Isn't that what Unova is currently doing with the Virtual Masters circuit?", Michael asks finally leaning back into his seat.

Shin places both hands on the couch, squeezing it before continuing the conversation. "It's a joke. That nonsense needs to stay there along with the UGC." Michael turns his heads towards Shin, keeping an eye on the screen while switching between channels.
The Unova Grand Championships is a regional circuit native to Unova that centers around doubles. Battlers come in with a team of six, but only four of the six can be utilized in a match. It also has features such as team preview where the opposing sides can see the full six of the teams. This allows trainers to make calculated choices on which four to bring in to combat certain threats. Most participants prefer this over the blind pick nature of singles which requires too much adaptability which has lead to it usurping the gym challenge of the region.

"Now we're trashing on the UGC? You know that doubles adds an extra element to the experience Shin.", Michael disagrees, lowering the volume of the tv to delve deeper into the discussion at hand. "Singles is the classic experience, but doubles is the next step forward."

The Viridian leader just shakes his head at his roommate's notion. "What are we even talking about here? Singles is the foundation of Pokemon battles. Almost every gym battle I've done has been one on one." Shin rarely gets emotional, but the singles vs doubles argument is Michael's go-to method of riling up his best friend. "The only doubles battle I've had in a gym involved Tate and we both know he's no match for me in a practical battle format."
"Why not battle me? ", Michael offers to the premier singles expert of the gym. "If you can beat me in a doubles match, I'll submit to your opinion." Shin just lets out a chuckle and waves his hand in disagreement. He knows that it's pointless to face Michael in a doubles battle unless you want to be handed down a beating.

"Not interested. Don't want to end up like that kid Marcus you faced the other day.", says Shin as he finally lets go of the couch. "I've got to head out to the Pokemon League branch office. If anyone walks in for a match, start with Terry.", Shin informs Michael as he walks out the room. He doesn't need a confirmation from the distracted trainer. He knows Michael puts the same effort that he does. After all, the gym is only important thing they have left.

~~~~~~~

"Mr. Morrison, I expected you here weeks ago.", the league official commented with a stern gaze. 

Shin tries to keep his blank stare as he gets lectured by the man sitting in front of him on the proper etiquette between leaders and officials. Constant mentions of Blue Oak and how the connection between the league and the gym was better during his tenure compared to now. These talks were never very enjoyable for Shin Morrison, but he needed some league assistance from time to time. 

"Mr. Vincent. I apologize, again, but I have an issue concerning the gym.", Shin interrupts the now grey-haired, middle-aged Gerard Vincent. After Mt. Silver, the league was in complete chaos due to the disaster and the secession of the Johto league. With the Indigo Plateau in ruin and several Johto league members killed from the eruption. Johto saw it best to run their own league in a separate location. Mr. Vincent had to assume multiple roles during that time which changed his work environment from fulfilling to stressful.

"What is it Mr. Morrison? You want more funds to hire another expensive trainer? Experimental training equipment?", Mr. Vincent said with his eyebrows slightly raised. He's had to deal with several outrageous request from the Viridian leader, most of which were approved by the league Champion. Unfortunately, finding the money for these demands is one of many jobs Gerard Vincent is responsible for.

Shin gives a rare surprised look as he claps his hands together. "If you're offering, I'll take both. I've got a scout I'd like to hire full-time. He's from the Galar region and he's asking me for a lot to relocate here." Shin quickly gives out the contact information to Mr. Vincent who merely places it down on the desk. "As for equipment, I just saw an ad for the brand new Jet Balls this afternoon. Maybe you could have a crate delivered to the gym?"

Mr. Vincent has just been nodding his head up and down throughout this conversation, but immediately changes his demeanor to something more serious. "Are you joking?", Vincent queries as he gives the vibe that he's had enough of the leader's games. "You really think I want to buy you Jet Balls or shell out funds for this scout Bede of yours? Mr. Morrison, this talk about your gym's financial situation has been long due for a few years. Ever since you hired that dreadfully expensive Chelle, the Viridian Gym has been in the red."

"She's a champion candidate. I had to convince her to stay here and not continue on her victory road somehow.", Shin explains to the league official. "Look, I didn't come here to talk about my staff or equipment."

"So what did you come here for? Have you gotten bored of the responsibility of running a gym?", Vincent snipes at the young Leader.

"Someone's trying to game out my gauntlet challenge.", Shin said to the official whose demeanor changed after hearing that. Vincent recalled a similar incident in the league with a notable ace trainer that harassed multiple gym leaders during the Kanto circuit. The trainer would send fake challengers to gyms in an attempt to learn team composition, strategies, weaknesses, etc. The league at the time would not act on it until the trainer's behavior was revealed to be part of a larger conspiracy involving organized crime. The current Kanto Champion has made it clear that information fishing from trainers will not be tolerated.

"How many challengers have you suspected of being dummies?", Vincent said as he leans forward with his hands together.

"Three just this week. Five total since the start of the season.", Shin said while taking a seat in one of the three chairs in front of the desk. "None of them had more than two badges, but easily paid our fee. Unfamiliar to the heat of battle, but would respond to certain attack sequences like they were following a script."

"What about hometowns?", Vincent asked.

"Not the same. One from Vermillion, two from different sides of Johto, another from Lavender, and the last from Celadon.", Shin replied immediately.

"The man from Celadon.", Vincent sits up after hearing that part. "What kind of pokemon did he have? Was there a Vileplume?"

Shin slowly nods in confirmation. He understands that this is likely not the first time Orion was involved.

"There were concerns after an elite challenge within the Cerulean Gym.", Mr. Vincent stated. "According to Leader Misty, a gentleman called Orion had challenged her with that same pokemon. He fell short of obtaining the badge, but the very next day a young man arrived with a similar team composition and soundly defeated her.", he added.

Shin stands up from his seat and places both hands on Mr. Vincent's desk. He looks at the older man with a determined stare.

"What's the kid's name?", Shin asked.

"Jeremiah Castleton from the Sinnoh region. His grandfather runs the casino in..."

"...Veilstone City. Thanks Mr. Vincent, I'll see you around."Shin finishes his sentence as he heads out the room, satisfied with the answer.

Gerard tries to call out to the man leaving, but is met with the sound of steps growing fainter by the second.  He wonders how the Viridian Leader knew that last bit on the potential suspect. Cerulean and Pewter are the most recent attempts of the aggressive scouting. If Viridian falls to the same scheme, it wouldn't be a good look for the league as well as the champion.

"He was such in a rush, I couldn't even tell him about the champion's request... WAIT!", Gerard said to himself before realizing what really happened.

Shin left the meeting before they could continue their assessment of the Viridian Gyms financials like they were supposed to weeks ago. Mr. Vincent slams his desk as he plans to give Shin Morrison a piece of his mind next time they met.