Chapter 77: The Interview
"And that was just a taste of the new products available at the Hoenn Electronics Expo in Slateport City this weekend. Tickets are still available for the public, with discounts for Trainers with more than four badges. Our next story on Hoenn Today is an exciting interview with our own number one reporter, Gabby. Tell us all about your guest for today, Gabby,"
"Well Delia, I'm thrilled today to bring you an exclusive with Lucas, the fantastic teen Trainer from Johto who has been conquering Gyms and hearts all across Sinnoh and is poised to take on Hoenn as well. He is also the Trainer instrumental in last month's spectacular take down of Team Cosmic, the nefarious Pokemon Organization who has been causing chaos and fear in our Region for months. So Lucas, how are you feeling today?"
"A lot better Gabby, especially now that Team Cosmic is gone from Hoenn,"
"Isn't it true that you were rather severely injured by the group during one of your encounters with them, and even as hurt as you were, you still went after the evil organization?"
"Yeah, they cornered me on the docks and really kicked my ass. Let's just say my doctor's weren't all that thrilled when I came back in even worse shape than when I left,"
"Ha ha, I can imagine!"
" But I had to do something, Gabby. Team Cosmic had stolen my Pokemon and were using them, and other Trainer's Pokemon in experiments. It was one of the most terrible things I've ever seen in my life,"
"You weren't the only one hurt during the operation. Tell me, how is your Pokemon Kazza doing now? Is he okay?"
"Thankfully yes. When I found him, he was strapped to an operating table with wires coming out of everywhere. Apparently one of the experiments Team Cosmic was doing was about forced evolution. The procedure forced him to evolve into an Alakazam, which normally can't happen unless you trade a Kadabra. When I saw what they were doing to him, I wasn't sure he was going to survive, but thankfully, whatever horrible thing they did to him didn't do permanent damage beyond forcing him to his next evolutionary step,"
"Our viewers can learn more about the Assault on Cosmic during this week's five part series about the operation. In the meantime though, our viewers want to know more about you. You came out of nowhere last year and have been taking the Pokemon world by storm ever since, but you've also been keeping a low profile. This is your first interview with the press,"
"Yeah, it is,"
"Tell me, Lucas, what made you become a Pokemon Trainer? Especially at your age. Most Trainers get their start at age ten,"
"Truthfully, I've always wanted to become a Pokemon Trainer, just, life didn't work out that way for me,"
"Isn't it true that your older brother John is the Trainer who became the three League champion: Kanto, Johto and Sinnoh? Not Hoenn though,"
"Not Hoenn though, no. Guess he has a problem with you guys,"
"Must be. We have some pretty tough Trainers, after all,"
"That's for sure. But in all seriousness, John is actually a big reason why I didn't become a Trainer for so long. When we were kids he was the kind of older brother that was great at everything, and I was the kind of kid who wasn't. When he became I Trainer, I figured, 'that's it, I'm done, there's no way I can compete here too'. So I didn't,"
"So what changed last year?"
"Two things: Gizmo, and Professor Oak,"
"For our viewers Gizmo is Lucas' Eevee, a Pokemon he has used extremely successfully against many Gyms here and in Sinnoh. Isn't it true that you found that Pokemon abandoned?
"Actually, yeah. His original Trainer was a Hoenn Trainer named Randall Worthington the Third. I understand he's the son of some big deal dude out of Slateport, but when he was traveling in Sinnoh he left his Eevee to die when he abandoned it in the Eterna Forest. He was incredibly sick and injured when I found him. That Worthington guy is an ass and that son of a bitch should have his Trainer's License taken away,"
"What about Professor Oak? How does he factor in?"
"I met him at the Pokemon Center where I had taken Gizmo. He reminded me why I wanted to be a Trainer in the first place: because I loved Pokemon. And even if I ended up sucking, I'd at least be doing something I'm truly passionate about. And at that time in my life I really needed it,"
"You certainly didn't 'end up sucking,' Lucas. In fact, you're currently the Champion of Sinnoh, and you're poised to become the next Champion of Hoenn—or at least that's what you're aiming for. Our Elite Four is pretty tough,"
"I bet. Yeah, I became Champion, but I did suck, at least at first. But I learned, I got better and I kept at it,"
"So how have things been different since you became Champion? Do you think the fame has changed you at all? After all, you're also the spokesman for the new Pokevice,"
"Oh god, I'm never going to live that [censored] commercial down, am I? Oh, sorry, can I say that on TV?"
"Not on network, but don't worry, we can edit that stuff out,"
"Anyway, I did that commercial as a favor. I don't intend to do it ever again, or ever do any other sponsorship stuff. I'm a Trainer, not an actor. And I don't care about the fame either. I mean, it's cool that people are nicer to me now, and that people admire me for something I'm good at, but I didn't become a Trainer to get rich or become a celebrity. I did it because I love Pokemon. That hasn't changed and it never will,"
"So you don't think you've changed at all since becoming a Trainer?"
"I didn't say that. I said the fame didn't change me, becoming a Trainer did though. Ever since Gizmo and my other Pokemon entered my life I've become a better person. I'm smarter, stronger, and I care more. I still have a [censored] temper, but I'm better for the experiences and people I've encountered,"
"Is it true you used to be in a gang?"
"Yeah, it is. Back home in Cherrygrove City I was really a hell raiser, but that was part of what made me so stupid. I did a lot of stupid [censored] and paid for most of it. I wasted a lot of time and hurt people who really didn't deserve it. I regret almost everything I did,"
"Isn't it true you were almost arrested in Hearthome City, and again outside of Mauville?"
"Like I said, I have a [censored] temper. And I'm still learning and growing. I'm not perfect, I'm never going to be, and I certainly don't pretend to be. It's why I don't care about the fame, I'm not aiming to be a role model. Just a person not everyone thinks is garbage,"
"Speaking of people, my female viewers will want to know, is there anyone special in your life?"
"You're really going to ask me that, Gabby?"
"You said I could ask you anything,"
"Okay, fine. Yes, I do. Someone I love very much. Skyler, can you come here please?"
"You really want me on camera, Lucas?"
"Yes, I do. I can never be ashamed of you, no matter what anyone thinks. This is Skyler, we met on the road and have been traveling together for many months now. And he is the love of my life,"
"He's quite the looker,"
"Damn straight, he is,"
"I appreciate your time with me today, Lucas. Do you have anything else you'd like to say,"
"Two things. First, to all those kids out there who were like me, the ones everyone think are trash. You're not. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks or says. Even if you have to fight each and every day to prove it, you have worth. You're not always going to succeed, and you're not always going to do the right thing, but if you keep pushing yourself to be the best at what you know is your passion, eventually, other people are going to see it,"
"And what was the second thing?"
"Watch out John! The Hoenn Championship is going to be mine, and I'm still coming for you!"
"Thank you, Lucas. This has been Gabby and my guest in an exclusive interview only on Hoenn Today. Signing off and wishing all my viewers a wonderful day,"