.
.
.
Part I: The Impact
.
.
Chapter I: In Which Trip Catches The Shot
.
.
May 6th, 2009. Early Morning. Slateport City.
Drew stood motionless among the moving crowd, his head tilted toward the skylight that lit the opulent lobby. Despite his many years of loyalty to the class—rather, the art—Drew had never set foot inside the Association of Pokémon Coordinators headquarters until then. He knew of other coordinators who had taken a tour through the building or vied for an internship, and while Drew had great interest in the back end of the contest world, he had stuck with performance to maintain relations with his competitors.
When he came to himself again, he lowered his gaze and blinked the dark spots out of his eyes before heading toward the elevator. He pressed the 'up' button and waited. When the metallic doors opened, another young woman stepped in with him.
"What floor?" she asked.
"Seven, please," Drew said politely, and she nodded. She then fell back against the bar, standing a respectable distance away from him.
When the doors opened at the fifth floor, the woman moved forward.
"Good luck with your meeting, Mr. Hayden," she said before disappearing. Drew was stunned, but the doors had closed again before he could call out to her. They had not said a word to each other beyond their brief dialogue in the elevator. They had not even exchanged names. How had she known? He figured she must have been an high-rank employee and that she must have connected his face to his name.
He didn't have much time to ponder on it, however, as the elevator finally reached the seventh floor. He stepped out and looked down the hallway, finding the receptionist. She glanced up as he approached.
"Hello, how may I help you?" she inquired politely.
"I have a meeting with Mr. Contesta," Drew said.
"Ah, right." Her eyes lit up with realization. "Andrew Hayden, correct?"
"Just Drew, please."
"Of course," she said kindly. She leaned over the desk and gestured to a line of chairs against the wall. "Please, make yourself comfortable. Mr. Contesta will be with you in a few minutes. He's very excited to meet with you."
Drew nodded, relieved to hear her say it. He sat down and folded his arms, waiting in a silence that was punctured by the clock hanging on the wall. After perhaps half a minute, he looked for something to occupy his attention, and he saw a stack of that day's issue of the Hoenn Daily newspaper. He picked a copy up, though his gaze narrowed when he saw one of the front-page stories:
La Rousse Battle Tower Hosts Charity
Night For Cancer Research
LA ROUSSE, HOENN — The Battle Tower
held a charity night Tuesday to raise fu-
-nds for cancer research.
The owner and founder of the Battle To-
wer, Christopher Rogers, was diagnosed
with skin cancer in late 2005 but has
been in remission since 2006 after mult-
-iple treatments of chemotherapy. Rogers
said he wanted to hold the charity event
to support cancer research, because he
understands the struggles associated
with treatment and recovery.
"It was a difficult time in my life," Rogers
said. "It would be wrong of me not to
help the cause for the cure."
See BATTLE TOWER, Page A4
Drew was unable to turn the page and read on, because a nearby door swung open and out came Raoul Contesta.
"Andrew Hayden, what a pleasure to finally meet you outside the contest hall," he said heartily, going to shake Drew's hand. Drew hastily stood up and fumbled with the newspaper, unsure of what to do with it. He finally stuck it under his arm.
"T-The pleasure is all mine, sir," Drew said, grasping Mr. Contesta's hand. He was too flustered to correct him on his name.
Raoul smiled warmly and gestured toward his office, saying, "Come, let's talk."
He gently prodded Drew forward into the small room, shutting the door behind them. Raoul then moved around Drew, returning to his desk. He sat down and invited Drew to do the same.
"So, I see you have a copy of the Hoenn Daily," Raoul unexpectedly began.
"Ah..." Drew retrieved the paper and laid it on his lap. "Yes." He mentally chastised himself, knowing how nervous he was acting. It wasn't every day a coordinator was invited to meet with Mr. Contesta, though. He had been in Drew's audience for years, but they had never spoken alone.
"I was reading it myself earlier," Raoul continued. "It must have been a slow news day. The cover story is a little dull. I will admit that Chris Rogers is an interesting person, though."
"Is that so?" Drew's voice didn't break. Raoul nodded.
"He was set to sponsor one of the Grand Festivals several years ago, but the deal fell through," Raoul continued. "Several months later, Lance Grayson came to me and asked about the sponsorship. After I gave him Chris's name, he was arrested. The charges were eventually dropped, of course."
"Really?" Drew feigned surprise. "I had no idea."
Raoul's lips twitched into a strangely doleful smile.
"I do regret it, in a way," he said. "I don't like burning bridges, and I doubt Rogers will ever work with us again because of what happened."
"If you ask me, sir, he sounds flaky," Drew said lightly. Raoul began laughing, which helped put Drew at greater ease—enough to interject a question.
"I'm sorry if I sound too forward," he began tentatively, "but what is the reason you wanted to see me today?"
Raoul muted his laughter and took a moment to gather himself.
"Forgive me," he said. "Of course you must be wondering why I bring this up. You see, I told this story to demonstrate something very important to me and to the APC—and that's our relationship with the Napajian Pokémon League."
Drew inclined his head, confused but intrigued.
"Although I am saddened by the soured relations between us and Rogers, I would not have chosen to act any differently when Lance approached me," he continued. "The association and league have been partners for a very, very long time, practically since coordinating's conception as a class of trainers. They have helped us expand contests beyond Hoenn's borders, to Kanto, to Johto, and to Sinnoh. We hope they will continue to assist us as we further expand into other regions and, potentially, other nations."
"Other regions?" Drew inquired.
"The other region," Raoul corrected himself. He paused before adding, "Alder Ray is a good man. I've met him multiple times over the years, and he's proved to be a very likable person. Yet, he steers a rather—hm, how should I word this?—disorganized ship. I've tried for years to get contests in Unova off the ground, and it's never happened. That Iris Ajagara, though... She shows a lot of potential." He paused again, studying Drew's expression. "Now you're smiling. Why's that?"
"Ah... nothing," Drew coughed. "I agree. Iris is... great. She's great. She and her husband are good friends of mine. My girlfriend has been in Unova since Monday, and I'm flying out there later this morning, too, so we can see her inauguration." He lifted his gaze toward Raoul. "I see now. You're looking to start the movement for contests in Unova back up, and you wanted to speak with me because you know Iris and I are friends. Well, I can't speak for Iris, but I think she'd be open to the idea if you approached her on it."
"Good," Raoul chortled. "You're a little off the mark, though. I won't be starting the movement for contests in Unova."
"No?"
"No," Raoul repeated. "The reason I invited you... I want you to facilitate its implementation."
Drew stared. He opened his mouth once, then closed it. He wasn't sure if he had heard that right.
"Excuse me?" Drew finally found words.
"I would like for you spearhead a renewed movement for contests in Unova," Raoul clarified.
Drew's expression didn't change.
"Sir... I don't mean to sound rude, but what makes you think I have the qualifications to run something like that?" he asked. The proposition was unreal. It was so fanciful that it couldn't sink into his head and produce the reaction Mr. Contesta probably expected.
"Don't you have a degree in political science from the digital institute?" Raoul asked.
"From DIL?" Drew asked, meaning the Pokémon Trainer Digital Institute of Learning. "The... The semester only just ended. I haven't even received my certificate in the mail. In fact, I hadn't intended to do much, if anything, with the degree, except maybe use it on my résumé to get an internship here, eventually."
"Consider this your internship then," Raoul humored.
"I have no experience."
"I've never met someone who tried to talk me out of giving them a job."
Drew still appeared unconvinced; yet, Raoul remained undeterred.
"Andrew," he continued. "It's not just experience. It's connections, and you have them—not just with Iris, but with the other Champions, and with dozens of other coordinators. I could put someone with 20 years experience at the head, and they wouldn't get nearly as far as you."
"I still don't understand. This seems like a big risk on your end," Drew pointed out. "You might know I'm well-connected, but you don't know the kind of person I am or the kind of worker I am."
"You were recommended to me," Raoul stated simply.
"By who?"
"Never mind that," Raoul politely dismissed the inquiry. "Even so, this conversation has already told me a lot about who you are a person. And years of watching you perform has shown me that you work very hard. I can in full faith and confidence know you would succeed in establishing contests in Unova—with help, of course."
Drew lowered his head, gazing at Raoul warily. Raoul knew, however, this was still his hesitation manifested.
Finally, Drew cut through his own doubt to ask, "So... what does this entail?"
Raoul smiled, glad Drew had finally opened himself up enough to entertain the idea.
"Well, as a newly studied political scientist, I'm sure you're aware that things work differently here in Napaj than they do in other places in the world," he said. "Democratic elections only exist on a local level. There are currently no formal systems in place for changes to be made at a regional or even a national level. This makes your job difficult—more difficult than it was when contests were established in the other regions, because it was different back then."
Drew had heard similar speeches before, about how things were once different. He didn't know it personally, because the 'difference' existed long before he was born. It wasn't until he got mixed up in the G-Men's business several years ago that his perspective was challenged, and now, being close with multiple Champions meant he was surprisingly familiar with some of its shortcomings.
"Right," he said, clicking his tongue. He was starting to understand why Raoul considered him a candidate to undertake this venture. He was treading new territory, and for that reason, it didn't matter whether he had experience or not. No one did.
"The APC can offer you some financial assistance to pay you and other employees and to get started, but the movement will need to generate money on its own to sustain itself and be successful," Raoul continued. "That's the tricky part. If it's true that you're confident in Iris as a supporter, then she might budget to help the movement financially, too, but even that likely won't be enough to cover the costs needed to build contest halls and staff them."
"And Iris isn't going to push a tax, because she's new and it would set a bad tone for her time as Champion," Drew picked up the conversation, both surprising and pleasing Raoul. "The way the G-Men and league are tied together, Champions don't want to do anything too extreme because then it causes organizations like Team Rocket to try to overthrow them. That's why it's different—and that's why it's harder now for new ideas or organizations to take root."
"Ah, so you do understand," Raoul said.
Drew nodded before adding, "So, what's necessary is to propagate enough interest in contests not only so Unovans will actually participate in them but be willing to donate to the cause."
"Precisely."
"So how much is needed, exactly?" Drew asked.
"I thought you might ask that," Raoul began as he lifted a folder off his desk and handed it to Drew. "For twelve contest halls and one Grand Festival arena... well, see for yourself."
Drew craned an eyebrow as he accepted the folder and opened it. He skimmed the financial receipt before letting out a long breath.
"For only twelve?" he asked.
"That's what our financial department estimates," Raoul answered. "Twelve is very small compared to our other regional branches, but it's sufficient, and it leaves room for growth."
"There's no way crowdfunding would even get close to reaching this amount," Drew protested.
"I did say it was no easy task," Raoul reminded. "You'll have to get creative. Remember, the APC will help, as will the league."
"Even if the APC and the league covered 50 percent of the costs..." Drew shook his head. "Maybe we cut the number of contest halls in half and try to see if we can work out a deal with the Don George Battle Club, where they let contests take place in their facilities and receive a portion of the profit..."
"Now that's thinking creatively!" Raoul glowed. "It seems you do know exactly what to do. You just needed a bit more confidence in yourself."
Drew blinked, realizing he had been speaking as though he'd accepted the position when he still wasn't entirely sold on the idea. ... Or was he? He closed the folder again and set it on his lap. He drummed his fingers against the surface, as Raoul watched him expectantly.
"I'll do this on one condition," Drew blurted suddenly, before he could think it through.
"That is?"
"I want to hire my own staff," Drew said. "I'll take a look at any and all recommendations you have, but I want to choose who I work with."
Drew expected him to reject the condition or try to compromise. In fact, maybe he had hoped Raoul would, because that would have made backing out easier. Yet, Raoul simply replied, "Done," and Drew was locked in.
"I'll compile a contact list of employees and former interns for you," Raoul continued, "and I'll have it emailed to you by the time you're in Unova tonight. Is the one the APC has on file current?"
"Ah... yes, it should be." Drew then quickly asked, "Sorry, you want me to begin right away?"
"Of course," Raoul said, nodding. "There is no better time to get this started than now, when Unova is already in transition. Iris will be fresh. Even if she is your friend, if you wait too long, she'll fall into a safe routine and will be less willing to break it."
"Then... I guess I have some extra packing to do before I head to Unova."
"Indeed." Raoul beamed as he rose to his feet. Drew followed suit. "I'll keep close contact."
Raoul led Drew back to the door and opened it for him. Drew turned back toward Raoul.
"Thank you, sir, for this opportunity," he said. His voice wavered with apprehension, but he was sincere.
"No, thank you for accepting," Raoul corrected, shaking Drew's hand once again. He paused, his eyes scanning Drew. "You know, now that I've had a good look at you up close, I realize you actually look strikingly similar to Chris Rogers. You're from La Rousse, too, aren't you? Any relation?"
Drew smiled.
"No. None." He then mentally added, 'Not anymore.'
May 6th, 2009. Early Morning. Pallet Town.
"Greninja, quick, use Water Shuriken!"
"Sudowoodo, dodge it!"
Greninja's speed far outmatched Sudowoodo's stiff movements, however, and Sudowoodo was knocked down by the precise aim of Greninja's attacks. One of the three disks of water hit Sudowoodo square in the chest, pushing him back, and the remaining two struck low and caused the Rock-type to fall on its back. Brock's eyebrows shot up, alarmed.
"Sudowoodo!" he called out in concern. Sudowoodo attempted to rise, but his limbs gave out, and he fell down once more, defeated.
"Sudowoodo is unable to battle," Ritchie declared after a brief delay, "so the battle goes to Ash and his Greninja!"
Ash and his Pikachu let out a cheer, and Greninja croaked happily as well. Brock heaved a sigh but smiled. He approached his Sudowoodo, pulling out his Pokéball.
"Thank you. You were great," Brock said, helping Sudowoodo to sit up before returning him. He then looked toward Ash, who had followed Brock's suit and returned his Pokémon. Ash extended his arm to Pikachu, letting him climb up it and settle on his shoulder.
"That was fantastic Ash," Brock commended, rising to his feet to meet his old friend. "You swept my team. I have no doubt you're ready to face the Elite Four."
"Thanks Brock," Ash replied, grinning, but he soon faltered. "But, to tell the truth, I think I still have some things to work on..."
Brock furrowed his eyebrows, and Ritchie asked, "Have you decided the order you want challenge them, yet?", as he approached.
"I think I've got it, but I'm not sure," Ash admitted. "Leaf gave me until Friday, but I think I'm gonna stick to my gut and tell her tonight when we see her at Iris's thing. It'll be a relief when this whole thing's over."
"Why? Nervous?" Brock asked.
"A little bit, but it's more that it's kind of weird between me and Misty and Leaf right now," Ash explained. "I hope it goes back to normal, win or lose. Probably should've stuck to competing outside Kanto and Johto..."
"Things are just tense right now up there in the Kanto Elite, that's all." The trio turned their heads when they heard Gary approaching. He had been watching the battle from the sidelines. "I can personally testify to that. It's delicate situation for all parties involved. Leaf's scrambling to make sure she doesn't waste her opportunity."
"'Waste her opportunity?'" Brock parroted inquisitively, to which Gary shrugged.
"League politics," he said vaguely. He then changed the subject. "Anyway, we've really got to get going if we want to make our flight. It'd be a shame if Brock came all the way from Pewter City to take us to the airport, only for us to miss our flight."
"Ah! Right," Ash agreed. "Okay, my suitcase is inside, so I'll just grab it."
Ash hurried off with Pikachu, and Brock soon followed them, mumbling something about needing to get his car keys off the table. Ash had bought a small bungalow in Pallet Town a couple years earlier, using the money he'd accumulated over the years from news stations and other talk shows paying him—and the other members of the famed fourteen—for agreeing to sit down for interviews. He only lived in it several months out of the year, however. Delia rented it out while Ash was traveling and sent the payments to him, so he could sustain himself on the road.
"Hey, looks like you're getting good at this refereeing business," Gary struck up a conversation with Ritchie in Ash and Brock's absence. Ritchie smiled at him weakly.
"There's a lot less pressure when it's a casual battle versus an official one," he said. "I think I'd get a lot more nervous if there were higher stakes involved."
"I'm sure that'll go away as you do it more," Gary said dismissively. "Just trust in your abilities, and you can't go wrong."
Ritchie craned an eyebrow.
"Sure be nice if I had as much confidence as you do," he chuckled. "You mean to say you're not the least bit nervous about defending your thesis on Friday?"
"More stressed than anything," Gary corrected. "The main reason I didn't head out to Unova earlier with Leaf and Misty was to spend more time touching up the presentation. Realistically, I'm just not going to work on it out there, so I wanted it done and ready to go before I left, so I'm not panicking Friday morning when I fly back."
"Makes sense."
Ash soon bounded out of his home with Brock in tow. Brock called for Gary and Ritchie to join them as he unlocked his car, getting ready for the drive.
May 6th, 2009. Afternoon. Opelucid City.
Drew glanced up when he heard the flight attendant's voice chime in on the PA, informing the passengers that they had safely arrived in Opelucid City, "Time's Dividing Line." He dismissed it, however, as he returned to the notebook on his lap, many of the pages of which he had filled with notes and ideas only understandable to him during the six-hour flight.
He waited several minutes for the other passengers to clear out before standing up, stretching, and retrieving his carry-on. He zipped it open and carefully laid his notebook and the folder Contesta had given him. He then fished his PokéCell out of his back pocket and turned it back on. His lips curled into a smile. Solidad had left him a voicemail.
He didn't bother to listen to it. He pressed send, calling her back. She picked up almost immediately.
"Drew, please explain," she said without greeting.
"So I'm guessing you didn't put Contesta up to it?"
"No, I didn't put Contesta up to anything. In fact, I'd like to know what's going on. All you did was send me a text message asking if I had recommended you to Contesta for starting contests in Unova, and then you boarded a plane, so I couldn't hear more about it. Contesta wants to establish a branch for coordinating in Unova?"
"Well, more specifically, he wants me to do it."
"Drew, that's... that's incredible."
"I know. It's a little surreal, to be honest." Drew lined up behind the final few people leaving the plane. "That's why I asked if you had anything to do with it."
"Why would I?"
"You have a history of doing things and talking to people behind my back. All for my benefit, but still."
Solidad let out an uncharacteristically nervous chuckle before saying, "Well, no. I don't have those kind of connections, and I certainly don't have that kind of influence over Contesta. Did he say you were recommended to him?"
"Yes. But he didn't tell me who," Drew answered. "I guess it's not that important anymore. As long as I don't let him down, that is."
"You agreed to do it? Have you told May?"
"Not yet," Drew admitted. "I'm getting off the plane now, and she's picking me up. I'm saving the news for later tonight, though, when I meet up with Zoey and the others. Contesta's letting me hire my own staff."
"This is like a dream come true for you, isn't it?"
"I told you it was surreal."
"You'll do great."
"I hope so."
"You will," she insisted.
"Well, I am feeling better about it now that I've had some time to get my raw ideas out on paper," Drew conceded. "I'm starting right away, so I'm probably not going to be back in Hoenn for a while."
"If there's any help you need, please don't hesitate to call me."
"Oh, trust me, I'm sure we'll be in contact again soon." Drew stepped out the tunnel and into the terminal. "I already have things in mind for you."
"I look forward to it." Drew could hear the smile in her voice. "Love you. Have a wonderful time in Unova."
"Love you, too." The words came naturally, and there was no pause to ponder their significance. "I'll talk to you later."
He hung up and, adjusting his bag, continued onward through the terminal. The last time he was in Opelucid was seven years earlier, and his plane had landed under unconventional conditions. Still, he managed to navigate the airport fairly well, and he soon found the escalators leading downstairs. He was surprised—and delighted—to see that May was already waiting for him at the bottom, her face glowing. He had expected to meet her outside.
Drew quickened his pace to meet her once he was on the ground, and he pulled her into an unexpected kiss, dipping her ever so slightly as he did. A couple of women passing by giggled to one another, presuming the couple had been apart far longer than what was actually the case. May appeared dazed when Drew stepped back.
"It's only been two days," she said after coming to herself again. A move as passionate as that one was uncommon for Drew in a public space.
"I know," he said. "I'm just in a good mood."
Her face lit up with remembrance.
"Oh! That's right!" she exclaimed. "How did your meeting with Mr. Contesta go?"
"Good."
"Just good?"
"Really good."
"Drew," she whined, and he smirked.
"I'll tell you later," he said, brushing her plea off. "For now, we need to go to baggage claims."
He started walking without her, and May looked at him with surprise before hurrying to catch up.
"Hold up," she interjected. "Baggage claims? You checked bags?"
"Multiple, actually," Drew answered shortly.
"You told me fit all my things into a carry-on," May protested. "How come you get to check bags?"
"Don't get mad. Some of it's for you."
Confusion overtook May's expression, and she asked, "W-What? For me?"
"Yes, for you."
"Why?"
He stopped and turned to look at her once more, an oddly mischievous glint in his eye. "I think we're going to be here a little longer than either of us originally anticipated," he answered before moving on, leaving May not only more confused but also alarmed.
"Longer than either of us... ? Hey, wait up! What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded, running after him.
"Ugh! I have no patience for lateness," Barry grumbled, tapping his foot. "If family wasn't involved, I would be giving out a fine."
Barry sat between Kenny and Ritchie, who both exchanged exasperated smiles upon their friend's comment. Ash let out a short laugh, and Zoey rolled her eyes. The six, which included Misty, were waiting by a fountain a short distance away from the Opelucid City Gym. In fact, if Misty's memory served her right, it was the same square where they had battled the legendary Moltres seven years earlier. The fountain had been fixed since then. Nobody else seemed to remember the location's significance, and if they did, they weren't saying anything about it.
"You know, has anyone ever actually paid any of your fines?" Zoey asked.
"Paul once gave me $5 and told me to shut up."
"So why haven't you?" Zoey teased.
"Hey!" Barry leapt up. "Now I'm gonna have to fine you for that one!"
Before Zoey could respond, a call of "Yoo-hoo~" rang out, grabbing the group's attention. They turned their heads to see that Bianca was running toward them. Ash scrambled to stand, quickly moving away from the fountain and toward Misty, as though she were a type of shield. She gave him an odd look but shrugged it off. Pikachu also jumped off the fountain's edge and joined his trainer at his feet.
"Bianca!" Barry was thrilled as his cousin attacked him with a hug. There was a moment where he might have fallen back into the fountain, but he held his ground. "It's so good to see you again!"
Stephan and Luke followed closely behind. Burgundy hung back, sulking. They stayed behind Bianca, behind the dividing line between the two groups. Neither side knew each other very well, save a few exceptions. Their acquaintance existed via unusual means.
"Right? It's been forever! You hardly ever come out to Unova," Bianca pouted.
"Well, I'm here now!" Barry proudly declared.
"Yeah..." Bianca broke away from Barry and turned to smile at the others. "So! I suppose if you're all ready, we should get moving, right?"
"Actually," Ritchie politely interjected, "we're still waiting on-"
"-Us?" Drew finished wryly as he sauntered up to the group with May trailing behind him.
"Oh ho, look who it is!" Kenny chortled. "May said the reason you were flying out so late was because you had a meeting with Mr. Contesta. So, what did the big man have to say?"
"He won't tell me," May piped up. "It's apparently a secret."
"It's not a secret, May," Drew corrected, shaking his head. "I just don't want to explain it more times than I have to, so I'm waiting until we're with everyone. You'll all know what happened by the end of the night, I promise."
"Practical to a fault, as always," Zoey commented dryly.
"Like you can't say the same about yourself?" Drew threw back.
"Touché."
It was around this time May realized Misty was standing among them, and she brightened considerably with this revelation.
"Oh! Misty, it's a surprise to see you here," she said cheerfully. "I thought you would've been in the gym with Iris and the others."
Misty appeared briefly surprised her presence had been acknowledged, but she explained, "It was either/or. I could have stayed with Leaf and been on stage for the inauguration, but I would have felt out of place. I would have been the only Elite Four member from outside Unova present. Besides, Leaf has Gary and Lance to keep her company, not to mention Paul and Dawn and whole lot of other people who actually should be there."
"I see..." May trailed off.
Figuring he was now safe from being drenched in any fountain accidents, Ash carefully emerged from behind Misty, and Stephan grinned.
"Well, no sense in talkin' 'bout secrets, so how about we talk about the fact that we may very well have the next Indigo Champion standing right here in front of us?" he said heartily. "Iris Ajagara today, Ash Ketchum tomorrow."
"Heh, so you watched that match?" Ash asked sheepishly.
"Of course we did!" Luke jumped into the conversation. "It was an amazing battle! I can't wait to see you take on the Elite Four." He paused before setting his sight on Misty. "So, I guess that means he might be battling you at some point, huh?"
Misty smiled weakly, answering, "Yeah..."
Ash cast her a concerned look. This was exactly what he had meant earlier that morning when he said things between him and Misty were weird. She had seemed excited at the prospect of battling him prior to the league match, but afterward, she, along with Leaf, had grown a little more distant. Gary was insistent it would pass, and Ash wanted to believe him. Being Leaf's boyfriend, Gary knew a lot more about the inner dynamic of the Indigo Elite than most.
Ash decided to refocus the subject: "So, Luke," he began, "how's work at PokéStar Studios? And Stephan, what about you and the Don George Battle Club?"
Drew perked up at the mention of the club. May noticed, and she ducked her head, watching him shyly. Her anticipation for whatever he had to say that evening was growing.
"Oh, it's good," Luke answered. "I'm writing the script for another film now, this one about a Beeheyem who changes the memories of a trainer's friends, so they don't remember him anymore. It's supposed to speak to the impact one person can have on many."
"As for me," Stephan added, "I've been havin' a blast. Don George—er, at least the one I work with—is a really good guy, and I've learned a lot from him."
"That's awesome," Ash commended, glad his old Unovan friends were getting along well. He then tilted his head to look behind Stephan and Luke, at Burgundy. "Hey, Burgundy," he called out to her. "What've you been up to lately?"
She mumbled a few words in response, and the only thing Ash could make out was something about teaching and the PCA, or the Pokémon Connoisseur Association.
"Don't mind her," Stephan dismissed. "She's just moody 'cause Georgia isn't here."
"Oh, uh... Okay..." Ash nodded, trying to understand.
Burgundy suddenly cleared her throat and spoke again, this time more clearly: "Well, now that your posse has arrived, I suggest we move rapidement if we want a decent view."
"Right!" Ash turned on his heel. "Okay, so I'm pretty sure the Opelucid City Gym is this way..."
"How about you let me lead the way since you have a history of being directionally challenged?" Misty stepped up, wearing a smirk. Ash was so pleasantly surprised by her tease that he didn't have it in him to protest. Instead, he grinned and moved his arm out in mock courtesy.
"After you, then," he said. Pikachu snickered before jumping onto Ash's shoulder.
Not long after the group set off, Drew caught up to Ash and asked in a low voice, "Hey, what's the name of the guy who works at the Don George Battle Club?"
"Hm?" Ash blinked. "Oh, that's... Stephen? Stephan? Stephan Dunstan. We're old friends and rivals. Maybe you don't remember, but he's one of the people who helped us out way back when. Why are you asking?"
Drew fell back.
"No reason," he said.
"We are now just an hour away from the inauguration of Iris Ajagara, and the excitement is building out here in front of the Opelucid City Gym. Alder Ray has been a beloved leader of Unova for years, and many are curious to see a new face in the Unova Elite, and that's why they've been gathering here since early this morning, waiting in this beautiful weather. There couldn't have possibly been a better day for an event like this, and Iris can only hope the good weather portends a good tenure."
Dozens of gazes focused on the bright-eyed reporter on the screen. Most of the Unova Elite—from the gym leaders to the Elite Four members themselves—were gathered in the lobby of the Opelucid City Gym, watching the inauguration's pre-coverage on the Unovan Broadcast News station. The Champions, current and former, were also present, with the exception of Iris, Alder, and Paul. They were elsewhere in the building.
"Thank you for the update, Julia." The cameraview changed so the screen was split between the female reporter outside the gym and a well-dressed man with slick hair and a pearly smile back in the studio. It then shifted entirely to the man when he spoke again: "Is Unova ready for a new Champion? After more than four decades with Alder Ray in the Unova Championship seat, some critics believe Iris has a tough road ahead winning over the Unovan people. Others remain optimistic she will bring the fresh ideas the Unova region needs. For thoughts, we turn to our commentators, Eileen Anderson and Peter Powell. Eileen, you can go first."
"Thank you, Edmund," Eileen said. "Well I, for one, am one of the optimistic people. I think Iris Ajagara is exactly what Unova needs now. She's young, she's beautiful, she's independent—she kept her maiden name when she married former Striaton City Gym Leader Cilan Griffith—and she will be the first woman of color in the Championship seat in Napaj. On paper, she's different from Alder in every possible way, and we will probably see that reflected in her leadership positively, and once the Unovan people see that, they will accept her with open arms."
"Eileen," Peter cut in with a touch of condescension, "you can't deny, though, that Iris has her work cut out for her. You mentioned a lot of unique qualities about Iris that might make her good for Unova, but you failed to bring up the unique—rather, the questionable—circumstances surrounding her nomination. The traditional standard for crowning new Champions is winning the league and then defeating the Elite Four and Champion, but we've seen in the past ten years or so that it's become more common for Champions to be handpicked from the existing Elite Four or crowned after a less-official battle, most recently with Leaf Greene and Paul Rebolledo. However, we've never seen a new Champion be plucked out of the region's gym leaders, and this is causing people to question not only Alder's choice but Iris's qualifications."
"Alder has doomed her to fail," Lance said under his breath, only loud enough for those sitting near him to hear. Steven's eyes flicked over toward Lance, while Cynthia drew in a silent, sharp breath. Emily looked curiously at her mother, sensing she was agitated. Gary cast Leaf a quick glance, but she remained stone-faced. Wallace and Winona exchanged uneasy glances.
"You don't know that," Cynthia said calmly, though firmly.
"She has the deck stacked against her," Lance reminded.
"I suppose I, too, am on of the optimistic ones, then." Cynthia rose to her feet, deciding to remove herself from the situation before she grew too upset. Emily appeared alarmed when her mother began to leave.
"Mom?" she inquired before scrambling to follow her. Steven watched them carefully but didn't move. It would have done little good for the Stone family to make a scene. Although he and Lance were on far better terms, some contention still lingered between his wife and the former Indigo Champion, even after they had left their seats.
Cynthia found an appropriate diversion as Paul re-entered the room with Dawn at his side. She approached the couple.
"How goes it with security?" she asked.
"Fine," Paul answered shortly. He then added, "I hope it's enough. Iris was resistant to the idea of bringing a Sinnoan G-Men unit here, but Leaf talked her into it."
"I'm sure that's just a product of her finding her footing," Cynthia replied. "Alder has refused to establish a G-Men branch in Unova for so long, even after the incident with Team Rocket, that Iris doesn't want to disrespect his legacy." Cynthia paused and looked down at her daughter, who was clinging to her leg and half-hiding behind her. "Emily, don't be shy. You've met Paul and Dawn before."
Dawn smiled warmly and bent down to meet the child at her level.
"Hello, Emily," she greeted.
Emily's lips still quivered into a smile as she waved. She then looked up at Paul, who towered over her. His expression was blank, unsure of how he should react. Emily promptly hid her face into her mother's dress. Cynthia shook her head, placing her hand on her daughter's back.
"I'm sure we'll catch up later," she said amicably before leading her child away with her. Dawn placed her hand on the ground and pushed herself up, standing once again.
"I guess she still hasn't warmed up to you, huh..." she said.
Paul shrugged in response.
"You're better with children than I am," he said, moving forward.
"Cedar likes you," Dawn reminded, following him.
"Cedar is an exception."
Dawn smiled tiredly and reached for his hand. Yet, when she gained a tenuous grasp on his fingers, he hesitated before balling his hand and pulling away.
"Not here," he said simply.
Dawn pressed her lips into a hard line, but nodded.
"Right..."
"You look beautiful, Ms. Ajagara," Elesa said as she stepped back, holding a pen of liquid eyeliner delicately between her thumb and index finger.
Iris shyly stole a glance into the mirror to see Elesa's completed work. Iris rarely went through extensive effort with her own make-up, and her hair was styled half up, which was typical for her, though it looked quite different when done by a model and not by her own hands. It caused a disconnection between the way she looked and the way she felt—meaning, she looked a lot better than she felt.
"Thank you, Elesa," Iris said, standing up. "Really."
Elesa nodded and smiled before saying, "Good luck," and leaving to join the other elite trainers in the next room. Iris smoothed over a wrinkle in her dress, which extended just past her calves, and readjusted the rounded neckline, trying to make herself comfortable.
"Well, Iris, look at you!" Iris's head snapped up when she heard the familiar jubilance that was Alder. He and Drayden were approaching. "You look fantastic—better than I've looked any day in my life, that's for sure."
She couldn't help but smile and thank him, too. She then cast a wary look toward Drayden.
"How much time is left?" she asked.
"Your presence is expected soon," Drayden answered shortly. "How are you doing?"
"Me? Oh, I'm—I'm doing great!" Iris forced a grin. "I've never felt better. I feel like I could take on the world. Eat a whole Wailord. Er... I mean..." She stumbled, realizing that was not the right idiom.
Alder exchanged an amused glance with Drayden. Even the normally stoic Drayden appeared somewhat humored by her behavior.
"You're confident?" Drayden offered.
"Confident? Oh yes!" Iris nodded quickly. "My name and picture are next to confidence in the dictionary."
Alder laughed aloud and said, "Well, good to know!" He deadpanned before adding, "Iris... I know I'm leaving Unova in good hands. I hope you know that, too. But you should also know that I will always be here as your adviser and mentor, as will Drayden. At least, until they put me six feet under."
Iris let out a strained chuckle at the morbid humor.
"I do know that," she said. She stopped and tilted her head slightly, looking at something—or someone—beyond Drayden and Alder. The two men glanced behind them to see that Cilan was standing nearby, leaning against the wall. Alder cocked a suggestive eyebrow and grinned goofily at Drayden, who sighed and shook his head in response.
"We'll wait for you," Drayden told Iris, regaining her attention. "Please do not be long. The ceremony begins soon."
Iris nodded as the two men turned to leave. Cilan waited until he and Iris were alone before he spoke.
"A dictionary, hm?" he teased lightly, approaching her in playful stride.
Iris smiled crookedly before admitting, "I threw up this morning."
Cilan emitted a noise somewhere between a laugh and a distressed sigh.
"It's okay to be nervous," he assured her. "Maybe not to the point that you make yourself sick, but no one expects you to be a fiery ball of confidence all the time. You would be too much like Ash if that were the case, and then I would worry about you a lot more than I already do."
Iris craned an eyebrow and shifted her weight to her left hip.
"You don't have any reason to be worried," she challenged.
Cilan turned his head slightly when he noticed the door crack open. One of Paul's G-Men agents slid inside, a signal that they needed to get moving. Cilan then slowly moved his gaze back toward Iris.
"Not today, I don't." He grasped her hand and lifted it to kiss her fingers. His lips touched the cool surface of her wedding ring, the symbol that bound them together.
"Turn that trash off." Drayden's voice boomed when he entered the room with the other gym leaders, Elite Four members, and Champions. "Iris is going to be here in a few minutes, and we don't need that poison seeping into her head right before her inauguration."
Skyla scrambled to retrieve the remote and turn off the television. Georgia watched as the former Opelucid City Gym Leader and soon-to-be former Unova Champion passed by. She unfolded her arms and let out an irritated sigh before moving further into the crowd of elite trainers.
Drayden and Alder soon met with the other Champions, former included.
"How is she?" Leaf asked.
"She claims to be confident, but she's terrified," Drayden answered.
"I suppose nothing less should be expected," Wallace humored.
"Where is she?" Lance asked.
"We left her to have a private moment with Cilan," Alder replied. "A Champion's significant other is their greatest confidant and influence. Unity between them is vital."
"As it should be," Wallace said, smiling. Winona rolled her eyes but smiled, too, when she felt his eyes fall upon her. Gary waggled his eyebrows at Leaf, and she mouthed the words "Don't let that go to your head" in response. Dawn cast a curious glance toward Paul, but his head didn't turn.
Cynthia watched Alder carefully, however, feeling her heart sink. Perhaps the others hadn't noticed, but there was a tick of longing in his voice. Alder's wife had died in her early 50s more than a decade earlier. He was speaking from experience.
Paul's eyes connected with one of his G-Men agents as he entered the room. The agent nodded to him, and Paul straightened.
"Here she comes," he said. As soon as the words left his mouth, the doors opened, and Iris entered with Cilan at her side. Her arrival called for all those present to rise to her feet, and they did so before breaking into an applause. Iris was clearly taken aback by this welcome, especially since it came from so many people whom she personally admired—from Lenora, to Clay, to Shauntal, to Cynthia, to her own brothers-in-law, Cress and Chili... She quickly became overwhelmed.
"Thank you," she said breathlessly. The words were lost in the noise, so she repeated them again, and then again as the applause started to die down.
"Thank you," Iris began anew once she had silence. "Really, thank you so much for your support and for being here today. I can't say in words how much it means to me. I'm not really a person good with words—that would be my husband, the S-Class Connoisseur." Her comment elicited some laughter among the crowd; even Cilan chuckled. Feeling more comfortable, Iris continued, "But I hope that I can show my appreciation to you through serving you and serving Unova in the years to come. Thank you again."
The applause started again, and Cilan affectionately touched her lower arm, giving a nod of approval. Iris smiled, relieved. He had told her last night something like this might happen, and she had just now parroted, albeit much less eloquently, some of the suggestions he gave for what she could say in response. Yet, she was genuine, and that was all that mattered.
Leaf let out a long breath, which Gary noticed.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"No," she answered. "I'm relieved, actually. This just... This just proves that Lance is wrong. That abashed charm and wit will have people at her feet in no time."
She sounded as though she were trying to reassure herself. While she and Lance disagreed on some matters, she knew his perspective, though often pessimistic, was not to be dismissed. Gary frowned and looked back toward Iris.
"Yeah," he agreed, even if he wasn't entirely sure himself.
When the accolades ended and side conversations resumed, Chili and Cress made their way through the crowd toward their brother and sister-in-law.
"Good show, Iris!" Chili swept her into a hug, catching her by surprise. "Can't wait to hear the real speech. You're gonna knock 'em dead."
Iris laughed nervously as Chili let her back down to the ground. She always became strangely self-aware of her own height every time she was surrounded by the three Griffith brothers. She was fine when it was just Cilan, but coupled with Cress and Chili, she felt as though she were wandering in a forest.
"The speech is what I'm most scared about, actually," she admitted.
"I'm sure you'll do fine," Cress reassured her.
"Yeah, didn't Cilan and Wallace write it? Blame them if it doesn't go the way you hope," Chili offered. "I mean, Wallace is probably gonna be on his way out in the next couple of years or so anyway, and who cares about Cilan's reputation? He might as well be Mr. Ajagara."
"Love you too, Chili," Cilan said dryly.
Leaf and Paul also made their way over, with Dawn and Gary not far behind.
"They're starting to line people up to be seated. Gym leaders are over there," Paul said, flicking his head to give direction.
"Right." Cress nodded. "Thank you, sir."
As they left, Paul returned his attention to Iris.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess," Iris answered. "I'm glad you guys are here. I definitely wouldn't have agreed to do this if I didn't know you two were in it, too."
"I think that's mutual," Paul grunted, and Leaf nodded, agreeing.
"As cliché as it sounds, this is the literal dream team for the Championship," Gary spoke up. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually have hope for Napaj's future with you three at the helm."
"You better, because your relationship status depends on it," Leaf said flippantly.
"Then do a good job, because I actually like you a little bit," Gary threw back.
As Leaf and Gary began a banter match, Dawn noticed that Cilan was wearing a distant, troubled expression. She frowned, sympathetic.
"Don't worry," she said. "Everything will be fine, I promise. I was scared, too."
Cilan held his tongue, refusing to point out that the situations between Paul's and Iris's inauguration were vastly different. Cynthia had ensured an air of legitimacy was cast over Paul's ascension; Iris lacked the same benefit, and while she had the support of the Unova Elite, he wasn't sure he could say the same of Unova's citizenry. It certainly didn't help that Iris was a break in a forty-year reign. Cynthia's tenure was a quarter of that time.
Cilan swallowed his apprehension and smiled.
"Knock on wood," he said.
Every time a member of the Unova Elite stepped onto the stage outside the Opelucid City Gym, wild cheers would break out among the crowd. Some ignored the noise while other gave a friendly wave of acknowledgement as they were seated. Trip found it interesting to note which gym leaders or Elite Four members were the most popular based on the applause they received. Elesa, Burgh, and Roxie were definitely some of the crowd's favorites.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as former Champions—Lance, Cynthia, and Steven—appeared. Their arrival meant the current Champions, and Iris, were not far behind. Trip lifted his camera toward the Stone family. Cynthia and Steven both protectively stood with Emily, who, since her birth, had accumulated some fame by virtue of her parentage. The two were known for carefully managing their daughter's public appearances and interactions with the media, so it was a surprise they had brought her to Unova.
He then turned the lens to Lance. His expression was stoic as he followed Cynthia and Steven to their assigned seating.
When Wallace and Winona appeared next in line, Trip knew he needed to prepare to move backstage for the one photo he really wanted to capture. While it was an honor being the sole photographer for the Unova League, it meant he was creatively strained to get the stock he needed versus what he wanted. He waited for Paul, Dawn, Leaf, Gary, and Cilan's arrival to grab a few shots before quickly turning off his camera and switching lenses. For archiving purposes, he would have to pull photos of Alder's entrance from a news wire service, which, while a sacrifice, would be worth the exchange.
Trip quickly left his station and made a beeline for one of the underground entrances into the gym. He frowned when he realized it was unguarded. He knew security was stretched, but he had hoped it would be better than this.
He descended the stairs into a carpeted hallway and was surprised to see there was a man inside. Initially, he thought he might be one of Paul's G-Men agents, but he knew that wasn't possible. He was out of uniform.
"Excuse me?" Trip called out to the man. The man froze, and Trip continued, "Who are you?"
The man quickly turned to face him.
"I-I am, I am..." The man looked behind him nervously, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"This area is for authorized personnel, only," Trip said firmly. "Gym leaders, Elite Four members, Champions, G-Men agents, and other employees of the league—and you are none of the above."
"Right, sorry... I was just..." The man didn't finish. He hurried past Trip, back outside. Trip whipped his head to watch him go, his expression a mix of annoyance and alarm. He returned to the door and locked it, lest the man try to re-enter. He mentally noted he would need to find a G-Men agent and relay the incident to them—as soon as he got what he came to get.
He readjusted the camera strap around his neck and continued onward, up more stairs and into the main building. He arrived just in time.
Iris was alone, wringing her hands together nervously as she looked out the window at the massive crowd of people waiting to see her. The sunlight fell through the translucent curtains and highlighted the traces of apprehension in her expression, the neutral curve of her lip.
Her reverie broke with the click of camera. She snapped her head toward Trip with wide eyes, but she relaxed again when she realized it was him.
"I didn't see you there," she said.
"I have a special talent for going unnoticed."
"Don't say that." She glowered at him. When he didn't respond, Iris looked out the window again, waiting for the signal that it was her time to go outside. Alder was still moving down the way, so she had a little time left.
Trip, meanwhile, switched the setting on his camera to view the photos he had taken. The one with Iris was the first to appear, and he was satisfied with the result. His job was to produce iconic images, images that would both humanize Iris and build her reputation as a leader. A solemn, anxious expression prior to her inauguration certainly had the human element.
He suddenly remembered something and, looking up, asked, "There's been no one suspicious here, has there?"
Iris moved her gaze back toward his.
"No, why?"
"No reason," Trip answered. "Just looking out for you. That's all."
"You don't need to. I'm fine." She turned her head toward the window a third time and sighed. "What do you think they're saying? All those people?"
"The ones who are here are the ones who support you. The ones who stayed home... probably what you would expect." Trip shrugged. He didn't sugarcoat it. Still, he added, "They don't matter, though. They're just now figuring out what we've known for a while, thanks to Silver."
Iris was surprised by the mention of Silver. He, along with the issue of the G-Men, was a topic largely treated with silence among the group. It had been seven years since they had last seen him, and he had left mixed opinions. Yet, his verbal tirades against the G-Men had since turned into a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy, and they were all aware of it at varying degrees.
She, along with Leaf and Paul, was there to reverse it.
"I have to go," Trip changed the subject. "Good luck, though."
"Thanks..." Iris watched as he brushed past her.
Trip left in a hurry, wondering where he would be able to find an available G-Men agent. There were so few compared to the larger population, and it would be a pain to locate one without having to make a scene. There were certainly a few on stage, but it would incite public suspicion if he pulled one of them aside. He didn't want to do that, especially if his doubts were unfounded.
Once he was back outside, Trip looked to the stage and noticed that Alder was finally seated. Iris would be on stage in perhaps a minute or so. Then, as luck would have it, Trip spotted a female agent standing near one of the areas roped off to the general crowd. He quickly approached her.
"Hey," he started, and she turned her head. "My name's Trip McGonnigal, and I'm the league photographer here." He flashed the event ID hanging from the lanyard around his neck as proof. "I wanted to let you know that while I was taking the underground entrance into the gym, I ran into someone who was unauthorized in the hallway. They were probably just a fan or petty thief, but I thought you ought to know."
"Do you have a physical description?" she asked.
"Mm... Male, early- to mid-20s, red hair," Trip answered. "They were wearing black pants and a gray jacket. They also had some kind of hat... black with a large, white cross-stitch at the front."
"A jacket in this weather?" She craned an eyebrow.
"Yeah..." Trip supposed it was a little strange, now that he thought about it.
"Are they still there?" she asked.
"No." Trip shook his head. "I think I scared him off, and I locked the door behind me, so he couldn't get back in unless he wanted to make a scene and break in."
"All right. Thank you for letting me know." She promptly turned on her heel and disappeared into the crowd.
Iris initially squinted when the full light of the sun greeted her as she stepped outside, and her head went fuzzy with the storm of screams and cheers that came with her appearance. She blinked the spots out of her eyes to see that the elite company on stage had risen again to hail her arrival. She lifted her gaze further to take in the full mass of the audience that had come to see her.
For a moment, she swore she saw the classic grin of Ash Ketchum in the sea of people. Iris smiled crookedly and waved before beginning to move down the aisle.
Alder and Cilan met her at the bottom, in front of the podium. Alder gave her a hearty pat on the back while Cilan carefully, though firmly, took her hand. Her husband's touch and encouraging smile helped Iris recenter herself, and she breathed out the tension in her chest. Cilan guided her to their seats, which was in the front row, across the aisle from Alder. She was to the right of the podium, while Alder was to the left. Yet, Alder didn't return to his seat. He instead stepped up to the multiple microphones, being the first to speak.
"What a grand day it is!" he began with his usual jocund attitude and smile, to the cheers of the crowd. "It has been an honor and privilege to be your leader for so many years—and while some may be sad to see me go—remember that the future is bright for Unova and for Napaj." He paused, allowing the next round of audience plaudits to run its course. He then turned an eye toward Iris in her seat.
"Iris has proved herself to be a woman of heart, of character, and of strength. I know she will—in the company of our other great modern leaders, Leaf Greene; Paul Rebolledo; and Wallace Reyes—raise the standard of our nation with progressivism while restoring and maintaining the traditions that made us great."
Cilan's grip on his wife's hand tightened. Iris was tempted to glance back at Leaf and Paul to see their reactions, but she stopped herself.
"When I look at Iris Ajagara, I don't see the shortcomings that so many seem stuck on—I see opportunity. I see change, for the better," Alder continued. "She carries a light in her that many do not have. She understands the souls of people and Pokemon better than perhaps anyone I've met in my 65 years on this earth. I'm excited to see what future she will shape for Unova, and I hope you are, too. So, while I am grateful for the years I've spent in the service of Unova, it is with hope and gladness that I pass the honor and duties of the Championship seat on to Iris. Thank you."
Alder stepped away from the podium, and that was Iris's cue to rise. Cilan stood with her.
"That was short," Iris said shakily under her breath to Cilan. She was barely audible through the cheers of the crowd.
"It didn't need to be long," he replied. "You are the star of today, after all."
She and Cilan met Drayden and Alder in front of the podium, and they were joined by the three other current Champions in a line behind them.
"Are you ready to take the Oath of Champions, Ms. Ajagara?" Drayden asked.
Iris exhaled slowly.
"I am," she said, nodding. She didn't let her voice waver.
"Then please raise your right hand."
Iris followed his instructions. The audience had practically fallen silent by then.
"I, Iris Ajagara, do solemnly affirm," Drayden started.
"I, Iris Ajagara, do solemnly affirm," Iris repeated.
Nearby, Trip lifted his lens to capture the age-old ceremony. The Oath of Champions was used in all of the Napajian regions, though certain words were adapted to fit each specific division. This would be the third time it had been spoken in the past two years; first by Leaf, then by Paul, and now Iris.
"-that I will carry out the responsibilities of the Unova Champion faithfully-"
"-that I will carry out the responsibilities of the Unova Champion faithfully-"
Iris grew more confident with every word. Cilan tilted his head and smiled at her, feeling himself swell with pride.
"-and will strive to preserve, protect, and promote-"
"-and will strive to preserve, protect, and promote-"
Paul's gaze suddenly flicked elsewhere, and he grew tense. Leaf noticed the change, and she tried to discreetly find what had his attention.
"-the welfare of the people and Pokémon of Unova-"
"-the welfare of the people and Pokémon of Unova-"
Leaf soon saw it. His source of alarm was one of his own G-Men agents, who was moving quickly through the crowd near the front of the stage—to whom or what, they didn't know.
"-and the Napajian nation."
"-and the Napajian nation," Iris finished.
"Congratulations, Madam Champion." Drayden extended his arm to shake her hand, the title successfully bestowed upon her. Iris beamed as she accepted the gesture before turning to Cilan and letting him kiss her cheek.
Yet, the celebratory roars of the crowd were abruptly punctured by the sound of a gunshot in the air. Iris barely had time to whip her head around to see that a G-Men agent had tackled a man to the ground before Paul grabbed her upper arm and pulled her with him. Leaf also laid a protective hand on the small of Iris's back, pushing her along, back toward inside the gym.
"Come on, Iris," Paul growled as chaos on the stage and in the crowd ensued. "Let's go."
"What happened?" Lance was the first to angrily break the question as the elite ushered themselves back inside in a panic. The agent to whom he directed the question recoiled back. Lance was still a respected figure among the G-Men, even if he was no longer officially involved as its leader.
"There was a gunshot, sir," the agent replied. The group of elite trainers began to circle around him, Lance, and the other leaders as they spoke. Iris was still with Leaf and Paul, though Cilan had caught up with them. Iris appeared quite shaken, while Leaf looked nearly as angry as her predecessor. Paul and Cilan were equally upset.
"Obviously there was a gunshot." Paul moved into the conversation, and Cilan replaced his company. "Who was that person Angela tackled? Why?"
"Sir—" The agent in question, Angela Gray, appeared. "—I received a tip from the league photographer that a person of his description was found in the underground entrance to gym. When I saw him, he was pulling a firearm out of his pocket and approaching the stage, and it fired accidentally in the air when I stopped him. He is now in custody."
"You mean to say Trip is the one who sounded the alarm, and not one of you?" Paul asked, irate.
"Gary, Dawn—" Leaf began in a low voice, turning toward them. "Go find Trip, please." The two nodded and promptly left. Decidedly taking control of the situation, Leaf then asked, "Wallace, how soon can we release a statement to the media?"
"It depends on what you're looking to say," he replied.
"Just the basics—that Iris is fine, no one is hurt, and that more information will be released when we have it."
"Fifteen minutes," Wallace decided.
"Good. When you're finished, please join Cilan to help him revise Iris's speech," Leaf said.
"M-My speech?" Iris finally spoke up.
"You still want her to deliver it? After that?" Cilan asked disapprovingly.
"Yes," Leaf answered firmly, "but not in the way you think. I'd like for it to be recorded within the next couple of hours, when Iris has recollected herself and we know more about the incident, and then released to all the major media stations and posted online."
Cilan still looked unsure, but he didn't have the chance to further his protest as Dawn and Gary soon returned with Trip.
"Is this about what I think it is?" Trip asked. "I didn't realize he had a gun on him. I would've acted a lot differently had I known that."
"Never mind that right now," Leaf dismissed. "Do you think you could set up a makeshift studio and film Iris delivering her speech?"
Trip appeared estranged.
"No. I'm a photographer, not a videographer," he said. "I suppose I could record her speaking, but it probably wouldn't be of the quality you're expecting."
"I know someone who could film Iris." Georgia cut into the conversation and through the crowd of gym leaders that had gathered. Her hand was on her hip as she entered the circle.
"Who are you?" Leaf asked. Her voice was sharp, testy.
"Georgia Hamilton," she answered shortly. "I'm the Icirrus City Gym Leader. I know for a fact that Luke Thompson, a director and videographer for PokéStar Studios, is in the audience, and there is a 95 percent chance he has some nice video equipment on him. If not, he can get it quickly."
"Do you have his number?"
"I have my best friend's number, and she was going with him and some other people today," Georgia said.
"That'll do. Please follow me." Before Leaf turned to leave with Georgia, she took one last look at Iris. "Go find somewhere to breathe for now. I need you ready and back in the game in two hours, at most."
"The suspect safely arrived at the Opelucid City Police Station," Agent Gray informed Paul once they were alone, as they walked through the empty hallway in which Trip originally found the gunman. "Agent Murray has already tried interviewing him, but he remains silent."
"We'll see how silent he is once Lance and I get through him," Paul grunted. "Tell Cole not to worry about it for now."
Agent Gray's lips tightened.
"The local Officer Jenny found something during a strip search," she began. "On the inside of his jacket... apparently, there was the crest of Team Plasma embroidered."
"The crest of what?"
"Team Plasma," Agent Gray repeated. "It's a crime ring in Unova."
"Do you know anything more about them?" Paul asked.
"No, sir."
"Right..." Paul sighed and rubbed his temple. "Please go find Cilan and bring him here."
"Champion Leaf asked that he work on Iris's speech," Agent Gray reminded.
"I know what Leaf said," Paul said shortly. "Cilan is Iris's husband, and he is not going to be in the state of mind to do speechwriting. Wallace will take care of that once he's finished the statement. Go get him."
"Yes, sir."
As she left, Paul turned and continued up the hallway until he reached the door leading outside. He noticed it was locked and figured it was Trip's doing. It was eerie to think about, but if Trip had not decided to go backstage, the gunman would have caught Iris defenseless. Paul sighed and leaned his head against the door, his hand still on the handle.
"I'm probably going to ask to have that sealed." Cilan's voice came several minutes later. Paul hadn't moved, and he glanced behind him.
"I wouldn't blame you," he said. "We can have it done today, if you would like. I'll also have the G-Men agents here on guard tonight, so you and Iris can sleep easy."
"Thank you." Cilan added, "I don't know if either Iris or I will sleep, though."
"You should ask Drew if he still has his Butterfree Sleeping Powder prescription." Paul dropped his hand and turned to face Cilan head-on. "How are you doing right now?"
"I am—" Cilan stopped short and redirected the course of his reply. "—I don't know what you want me to say. Someone tried to assassinate my wife."
Paul let out a long breath.
"Leaf and I were worried something like this would happen," he grumbled. "Lance apparently was, too, and Cynthia became upset with him for it. I don't know about Steven or Wallace, but..."
"Have you spoken with Alder, yet?" Cilan asked.
"No, have you?"
"Presently, I don't think I would be able to maintain my composure if we spoke," Cilan confessed with an unusually bitter edge in his voice. "It was nice that he addressed the concerns surrounding Iris's competence in his opening speech today, but that clearly wasn't enough. And now she's Champion... I don't know what we'll do. This will follow her for life. She will always be the gym leader who 'unfairly' jumped to Champion."
"We'll figure it out," Paul said. "Iris will have to build her reputation and live up to the image Alder painted of her today, which was what she was going to have to do anyway. Maybe we can't erase Alder's botched nomination, but we can let what she'll accomplish cover it up."
"I suppose." Cilan paused. "Was there a reason you wanted to see me?"
"To check in, mainly," Paul said. "But to also ask you a question: Do you know anything about Team Plasma?"
Cilan blinked.
"I know some," he answered. "Why do you ask?"
"The gunman belonged to Team Plasma, and I'm looking at possible motivations, other than her nomination," Paul said. "I don't mean to sound crass, but Iris is a young, dark-skinned woman. In the eyes of some people, those are three strikes against her."
"I realize that." Cilan nodded tacitly. "I'm not sure if that's why, but Team Plasma being behind it does make some sense."
"How so?"
"It's strongly anti-league," Cilan explained. "It vehemently opposes the institution of Pokémon training and encourages the liberation of Pokémon from trainers. Since Iris is now the figurehead for the Unova League, it would make sense if Team Plasma wanted her dead." The final words were unpalatable on Cilan's tongue, and hearing them from his own mouth sent a chill through his spine.
"Do you know if there's any written matter on them?" Paul asked.
"On Team Plasma? Maybe." Cilan then shook his head. "... You know there's no large, centralized government unit in Unova. It's Iris, and that's it. If you're looking for a database of information on Team Plasma, well, it doesn't exist."
"Then I suppose you know what the next step is."
Cilan frowned.
"Iris isn't going to be easily swayed into establishing a branch of the G-Men here. She can be very... stubborn," he said. "I love her, but she is not always realistic."
"Which is why it's good she married you," Paul said. "You're going to have to convince her. I know she admires Alder and doesn't want to upset him, but when she took that oath, she became the Champion. Remind her of that: She's the Champion now. Not Alder."
Cilan let out a resigned sigh before agreeing.
"I'll do my best."
"Thank you..." Paul trailed off. "Well, I won't keep you any longer. I'm sure you want to see Iris. If Leaf finds you and gets mad you're not working on the speech, direct her to me."
"I will." Cilan stepped back. "Thank you to you, too. I appreciate it."
"I would appreciate it if you tried not to be found by Leaf," Paul said gruffly. "It'll save me some trouble."
Cilan let out a half-hearted laugh.
"I'll keep that in mind."
After fifteen minutes, Iris finally managed to get her hands to stop shaking, if only because Dawn had held them the entire time and murmured encouraging words that the newly inaugurated Unova Champion could no longer remember. She wasn't so scared as she was shocked. The notion that someone had possibly wanted to kill her had not fully sunk in, yet.
"I'm sorry," Iris began, pulling her hands back from Dawn's. She sat across from the coordinator, and she was also in the company of Gary, Winona, Cynthia, and young Emily. Steven was with Lance, Drayden, and Alder, presumably preparing to head down to the police station with Paul. "I feel so stupid. I should be doing something. I shouldn't just be sitting here and..."
"No, no, sweetheart," Winona corrected, gently touching her shoulder. "It's all right. Don't talk down to yourself."
"This is not the what someone who's supposed to be a leader should be doing," Iris retorted.
"It's okay to let the others handle things right now," Cynthia said tenderly. "Leaf wanted you to have some time to come to yourself. No one is judging you."
Iris nodded but buried her face in her hands. Despite everything, she had yet to cry, and she still lacked the desire.
"I just didn't think this would happen."
"You were given an unfair shake," Gary muttered. Cynthia cast her eyes toward him with an indiscernible expression, but her gaze was knife-like.
"Yeah, it's not your fault," Dawn said reassuringly. "Don't worry. Paul, Leaf—they're going to make sure everything turns out okay. You guys and Wallace are a team."
"And there is a learning curve," Cynthia added. "Paul, Leaf, and Wallace have more than thirteen years of experience combined. You may not feel like a leader now, but you have those natural qualities, and you will settle into them. It's not fair to measure yourself so soon, and especially after something like this."
"Iris?" She perked up upon hearing her name, and she quickly turned her head.
"Cilan," she breathed, and he embraced her when she stood. Her hands tightly grasped the fabric on the back of his vest, and she leaned her head against his chest.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"Okay."
"Are you lying?" He pulled his head back to look down at her.
"Yes."
Cilan smiled sadly at her before kissing the top of her hair and letting her bury herself in him again. Dawn rose to her feet, and her and Cilan's gazes connected.
"Okay, well I think the first order of business is to move the teleprompter from outside to inside so those changes to Iris's speech can be inputted," Luke said as he followed Leaf in quick stride. He was a little (a lot) surprised when his services were called upon by a Champion, but he had risen to the occasion. "I'm guessing you guys don't have studio lights, but we'll manage."
"Whatever you need, we'll try to get you, within reason," Leaf said. "I want this filmed and edited as soon as possible."
"Right, don't worry," Luke assured her.
The two moved so quickly that they ended up leaving the rest of the group behind in bewilderment.
"Wait, I don't get it!" Barry called after them. "What's going on? Why is Iris's speech being filmed? What even happened at the ceremony? I swear, someone's going to get a fi-"
"-Assassination attempt." The short answer came from Georgia as she strolled toward them, and initially, they weren't sure if they had heard her correctly.
"What?" Burgundy's voice pitched a note higher. "You can't be sérieuse."
"Someone wanted to kill Iris?" Misty pressed further.
"Apparently so," Georgia replied. "Some guy had a gun, and it fired by accident when a G-Men agent tackled him. I'm sure the local friendly league photographer can explain it better than I can, since he's like the hero of the day." She pointed to Trip, who was approaching the group, with her thumb, and he appeared briefly surprised he had been called out.
"Ah... When I was going through one of the entrances, I noticed someone suspicious in the hallways and told one of Paul's G-Men agents about it," Trip elaborated once he realized what was being asked of him. "She was the one who found him and noticed he had the gun."
Most of the group's members appeared struck. Drew exhaled all his air in one, quick breath and pinched the bridge of his nose before leaning back against the wall.
"That's terrible," Ritchie said, aghast. "Is Iris okay?"
"We haven't really seen her," Trip answered. "No one was hurt when the gun fired, if that's what you're asking."
May noticed her boyfriend's troubled stance and she looked at him with concern before asking, "What's the matter?"
"Nothing." Drew dropped his hand. "It's not a big deal."
"No, really," she persisted.
"May, believe me, my problems are last on the priority list," Drew said, still trying to ward her off.
"Just spit it out, Drew," Zoey huffed.
When Drew realized he had a dozen eyes on him, he knew he was trapped. He let out an irate sigh and pushed his fingers through his bangs.
"Mr. Contesta asked me this morning to get started on a movement to establish a branch of coordinating in Unova," he began, and several surprised breaths swept across the group. Leaf returned, and she stopped to listen. Drew continued, "But, with this, that's obviously not going to happen now, and that's okay."
"Arceus, Drew, that's awesome," Kenny appalled. "I mean, yeah, all things considered, it's not gonna happen right now, but still-"
"-Oh no, it's going to happen," Leaf suddenly jumped into the conversation, having heard enough.
"What?" Drew asked.
"Don't back down on this because of today," Leaf insisted. "Call Contesta if you must and tell him I want you still working on this."
"Why?"
"I don't want Napajian people, or worse, Team Plasma itself, thinking that one grunt can shake up the entire league and G-Men. Also, Iris needs something good to add to her résumé right away, and what better than contests in Unova?" Leaf then cast Ash a pointed look. "And on the note of not letting Team Plasma disrupt league activities—Ash, have your list to me by Friday."
"Oh, about that, I've already got it figured-" He stopped short when he realized Leaf had left again, and he frowned.
"It looks fine to me," Cilan said, pulling off his reading glasses as he finished skimming the speech Wallace had revised for Iris. "I have no changes to add."
Wallace thanked him before suggesting, "It would be good for Iris to read it over, too, before Mr. Thompson turns on the camera."
"I agree." Cilan nodded.
Luke was in the process of setting up his camera on its stand in front of an armchair pulled from the living quarters of the gym. Elesa had touched up Iris's make-up and hair, now attempting to make her camera ready. Iris waited on the chair, nervously twiddling her thumbs while Luke framed the camera shot. Cilan approached with the speech in hand and knelt at the chair's side.
"Wallace finished the speech," he said, handing it to her. "If you have any input, please let us know."
"I'm sure it's fine," Iris responded. "What changes are there?"
"A different beginning and a tweaked ending," he answered. "To account for what happened."
"Right." Iris scanned the first page, then flipped to the back. "Okay, yeah. I'm fine with this. I trust you and Wallace. I already said today I wasn't a person good with words."
"No, but you are good with many, many other things."
Iris's lips twitched into a smile, which only widened when her eyes met her husband's. Her leaned over the armrest and kissed her, and she gladly reciprocated.
"I'll have these changes made for the teleprompter, too. All right?" Cilan said after pulling away and retrieving the speech.
"All right," Iris agreed. As soon as he got up to leave, Iris heard her name called again. She looked around for the source and eventually rose to her feet, causing Luke to complain about her needing to stay sitting so he could finish framing the shot. She paid little mind to him, however, when she realized her others friends—those who had been in the audience—had come.
She breathed out and smiled again before picking up her dress and hurrying toward them. May and Ash simultaneously embraced her when they met.
"Are you okay?" Ash asked. "No, wait, don't answer that. That's a dumb question."
"We were really worried, and we're so relieved you're all right," May added, a hint of a tearful waver in her voice.
For the first time in the past two hours, Iris felt like she wanted to cry, but she held it back. She didn't want to mess up Elesa's hard work again, especially right before Luke was supposed to film her.
"I feel better now that you guys are here," she said, a little shaky.
"You seem to be doing pretty well," Zoey commented. "A lot better than I would have thought."
"I'm kind of brave facing it right now," Iris admitted.
"Well, you're doing a great job," Stephan said.
"Yeah, if I were you, I would be nowhere near as composed!" Bianca said.
"Iris!" The Unova Champion turned to Leaf when she approached. "Luke and the teleprompter are ready when you are."
Iris nodded, understanding.
"I'm ready," she said.
Leaf escorted her back to the armchair and Luke, once again, adjusted the frame when she sat down. She brushed some hair out of her face and crossed one leg over the other, trying to get comfortable. Perhaps the one silver lining, she realized, was that she got to deliver the speech in front of one camera instead of two dozen and a countless crowd of people.
"Quiet on the floor!" Luke called.
Leaf moved away and stood with the larger group. Others, including Dawn and Gary, were soon to join them. Cilan remained near to Iris, next to the teleprompter. Iris closed her eyes and inhaled, trying to expel all other thoughts. She understood how important this was. This was the start to publicly recovering from the gunshot heard two hours earlier.
"Okay, Iris," Luke began in a half-whisper. "I'm gonna count down from three, and that's when you're gonna begin speaking. Just like old times, right?"
"Right."
"Good... All right, three—" He held up three fingers for emphasis. "—two—" It dropped to two fingers. "—one." He only mouthed the last number before pointing to her.
The words on the teleprompter began to roll.
"To the people of Unova and Napaj," Iris began with a poise and clarity she never believed possible in herself.
.
.
