15
[7:30 PM. Hall of the Champions. Indigo Plateau. The same day.]
Ian stood silent behind Werner.
The hall seemed empty compared to the last time it had convened. Four seats were empty. No one sat in the Champion's throne, half of the slab having been lost in fight between Hector and Santiago. Santiago was especially quiet in the seat next to the empty throne. His robes were stained red and a large bandage covered his mid section. Gaap did not look lazy, instead she sat straight in her chair. Porter and Claudia regarded each other coolly across the circle. The seat between Claudia and Werner was empty. No one spoke of Sabrina. Rena and Elm were absent. Blue looked out over his folded hands.
"There have been no demands, I take it?" Blue broke the silence.
"None so far," Gaap said. "The one Internal Affairs has in custody is, unsurprisingly, not talking." Claudia stifled a chuckle from across the circle.
"What would Octavius do in this situation?" Porter asked.
"Octavius's situation is perilous, but he has made it apparent that he wishes to remain in Cianwood, until his condition improves."
Porter darkened. "Then I believe we must decide on a new champion for the time being." Santiago sat up straighter in his chair and smoothed out his robes. "I nominate Professor Blue Oak."
Santiago froze. From behind Blue, Mia gave a silent cheer.
"A wise a man as I have ever known. I know that Octavius and Professor Oak are good friends and he would often ask the professor his opinions. Often, when I would ask Octavius for guidance, he would refer me to Professor Oak. I trust his counsel."
"What of his responsibilities as Gym Leader and Professor?" Santiago brought up. "Is he not needed elsewhere?"
Porter caught the man's eye. "I know that you are a strong an powerful trainer, Santiago, and that your performance against Hector was admirable, but the professor's actions against Naomi were equally impressive. He is also older, wiser than I believe you to be. That is why I nominate him, not out of spite for you, but for the good of this land."
"I respectfully disagree, Master. I am the reserve Champion—"
"And as such, you are not one of the Elite Four and have no say on this matter., Santiago."
He fell silent.
"I support this nomination," Werner said. "I can attest to the professor's wisdom. I believe that Professor Oak can be a Champion that Kanto can trust."
"And what of Johto?" Claudia asked. "Will they not take offense to the ascension of one so grounded in Kanto life?"
"I believe as a Pokemon Professor, Oak can safely speak on behalf of all of Tohjo," Werner replied.
"We also do not know to what extent the people of Johto have fallen susceptible to the pervasiveness of these terrorists. What do you think, Gaap?"
Gaap thought for a moment. "Yeah, Oak helped me catch my first Pokemon on a trip to Viridian with my folks. He's an alright guy, and from what I heard about how he dealt with that Naomi woman in Celadon, yeah, I'd like to have him in a fight."
Porter nodded. "And Claudia?"
"While I recognize Santiago's potential and claim, until we can be sure of Octavius's ultimate fate, it would be best if we elected someone who can be a temporary Champion. Oak is ideal in that regard."
Santiago shook his head. "It is decided, then," Porter boomed. "Professor Oak? What do you have to say about your nomination?"
Blue looked up and around at the trainers seated before him. "It has always been a dream of mine to become champion, but those days are long gone. However, I cannot refuse such an honor, and I will do my best to serve the League and this land until Octavius returns."
Porter motioned for Blue to stand and directed him to the Champion's throne. Blue seated himself and looked out once more from his new vantage point. He felt powerful by proxy, no doubt a resurging of his old competitive streak.
"I would like to nominate Santiago to fulfill the empty seat left by Mistress Sabrina."
Santiago looked stunned. Porter chuckled to himself. "He has served this league with dignity and I believe he should be rewarded in kind. Perhaps this will give him some perspective into your lives and actions. When Octavius returns, he may resume his apprenticeship or he may remain as a member of the Elite Four. He has earned that much."
Santiago left his seat next to Blue and bowed low. "Thank you for this, Professor." He seated himself between Claudia and Werner.
"Now what remains is what is to be done about this," Porter said. "National integrity must be maintained, however, I suspect the people of Kanto will be unwilling to take this attack lying down."
"Until we can prove to what extent Johto was involved in the bombings, it would be best to treat this for what it is: an act of terrorism. If proof surfaces that implicates a third party, only then would it be prudent to act against Johto," Blue said.
"But they themselves called themselves of Johto!" Werner said.
"They may call themselves pokemon for all the good it would do us," Blue replied. "If Johto does not claim them, they are ideological orphans."
"And what of the people of Kanto? Will they accept such mincing of words?"
"They must, for the stability of this country."
"More information is required. I will go to Johto and begin my search," Claudia said.
"What about the other regions?" Gaap asked. "Surely the news has reached them by now."
"Perhaps a delegation will be sent to the other regions. A pledge of support in the event of a conflict would put the Kantonese mind at ease." Claudia suggested.
"In time," Blue agreed. "For now we must turn our eyes homeward."
Claudia gave assent and slowly disappeared.
"I agree." Santiago said. "It's what Octavius would want."
"Then it is settled; Claudia will go to Johto and attempt to uncover what has transpired. Until then, we cannot retaliate in haste. We will focus our energy in rebuilding Celadon and helping those displaced by the attack. "Ian, I understand you have a friend in Master Kai, the Gym Leader of Vermillion. I would ask that you go and help facilitate the transition."
"I'll go with him," Gaap said.
Blue nodded. "The rest of the League will remain here and wait for Claudia's return."