[2:10 PM. Vermillion City Warehouse District. Vermillion City. The same day.]

Nothing could have prepared Kai for this.

Aid was slow in coming. With the turmoil in Tohjo, the League's gaze was directed squarely at Blackthorn, the new capitol of the independent Johto. Every day since the bombings in Celadon, Kai had petitioned Indigo Plateau for more help. Reconstruction efforts were slowly coming together as volunteers and government workers came together to rebuild Celadon. Every morning, a fleet of buses came in from Celadon and carted volunteers from the Diaspora and Vermillion, and every night they drove them back.

There was still the issue of where these poor people would live.

And it was that conundrum that brought Kai into a meeting with an older man. The man was in his mid-fifties, graying hair that was covered most times by a brown hat. He wore a slim and fashionable coat. He also carried with him a brand new leather briefcase. The man was short a limb since the last time Kai had seen him. He tried not to stare.

"Mr. Grayson." Kai extended a hand to shake, conscious of the implied bodily tension and irony.

"Master Kai, don't mind the arm. I never much used it anyway."

Kai forced a polite laugh. "Hardly noticed."

Grayson took a sip of water from a cool glass that rested on Kai's desk. Something about the man set Kai on edge. Ian would always vouch for him, though, and he trusted Ian.

"Go on; ask me how I lost it."

Kai took the bait. "Alright, how did you lose it?"

Grayson broke into a wicked smile beneath his well trimmed moustache. The creases in his face disappeared into the totality of his smile.

"Big game hunting."

"You picked an odd time to take up such a hobby," Kai mused. Grayson gave a grandfatherly turn of face, his eyes and chin pointed downward as he let out a chuckle. "It's always been a guilty pleasure of mine. Sometimes you snare the Garchomp…"

"And sometimes the Garchomp snares you," Kai finished.

Grayson shrugged, the armless sleeve of his coat shuffled from the ghost limb. "That's the thrill of the game."

"I'm surprised at your quick recovery time, to be honest."

Grayson finished the water and gave a satisfied noise. "I've lived through worse. Though I doubt you expected an explanation of my hobbies when I contacted you for this meeting."

Kai watched the man's demeanor change from playful to serious mid thought. Grayson's eyes were sharp and focused on Kai. Few people made him feel so small, but Kai felt miniscule under his glare. "No, I did not. Though, I always can find time for a representative of Silph Co.—especially one who comes with such high recommendation; your company has been very kind to Vermillion in the past."

"My employer would like to continue and build on that relationship, Master Kai. Silph Co. is offering you respite from your extra personage."

"Go on."

Grayson crossed his legs at the ankle and draped his good arm over his lap. "Silph Co. will build a colony of sorts for the displaced outside Vermillion and Celadon. There, those who are working on restoration will be able to easily commute to and from their various construction sites. Silph Co. will provide all the man power and funds required for the project."

"So they will be building a city while they rebuild the city?"

"A city is an apt description, Master Kai. We would, in essence, be building a city. The only stipulation is that it will be governed by Silph Co."

Kai furrowed his brow. "That doesn't seem legal."

"Neither was the bombing of Celadon. We have tried since the bombings to contract our services to Indigo Plateau. So far we have received no word on our offer. Pride is a nasty sin. However, my employer has a massive personal fortune. This project would come directly from his own pocket. Should the League ever take us up on our offer, we would put the full might of Silph Co. behind the restoration. Until then, my employer would like to help out in any way he can."

Kai thought for a moment. On the one hand, the offer seemed too good to be true, on the other, there was no other viable option to his dilemma. The people of Vermillion—his people—were already beginning to complain about the excess strain, and the displaced were growing restless; honest work might take their mind off them.

"You don't have to give me an answer today—though, I would most certainly appreciate it—I plan on staying in the area a bit longer to do some sightseeing for my employer."

He stood from his chair and shook hands with Kai once more. "These are how I like my meetings, Master Kai: short and sweet."

"I hope your stay in Vermillion is productive. I can provide more hospitable lodging for you, if you would prefer."

"I'd like that. Someplace near the hospital. Sometimes the stump likes to pitch a fit." He gave a smile that Kai nervously reciprocated.

"I'll notify the hospital that they will be receiving an honored guest."

Grayson collected his things. "And a gracious host you are. Ian had good taste in friends, I see."

Had.

"Mr. Grayson—"

"Just Grayson will do, Master Kai."

"Grayson," Kai continued, "I know Ian went up to the League for the Tohjo Summit. With what I'm told about what happened at the Indigo Plateau—I'm worried. You know him probably better than I do; do you know what became of Ian Silph?"

Grayson turned from the door. "Killed, I was told."

Kai sunk into his chair as he watched the man with the briefcase leave the office with an air of formality.