"Red, late as always."
Red smiled apologetically at his friend, Green, who was standing next to the bus stop, tapping his foot impatiently. Blue was a bit farther away, talking to Bill and Misty.
"I was with Yellow, and missed the other bus. Sorry."
"Ah, Red, welcome!" Bill yelled, jogging over to them. "Brock and Erika are waiting at my cottage, so let's go."
"My sister is there as well," Green said, in a cold voice. Bill gave Red a nervous grin as Green turned away, and Red could not help but smile at how scared Bill was of the other dexholder.
"It's good to see you again," Misty said, not quite meeting his eyes. Their conversations had been awkward since Red and Yellow had started dating, but they had decided to still be friends.
"You too," Red replied.
"I sense draaama!" Blue shouted, her voice teasing. Red and Misty blushed slightly, while Green simply rolled his eyes, muttering "noisy woman".
They arrived at Bill's cottage after about twenty minutes of walking. After they had said hello to Brock, Erika and Daisy, the latter went to the kitchen to make them all some coffee.
"Okay, here's the deal," Bill said. "I think the Pokémon Association might've been corrupted, or infiltrated, by Team Rocket."
"Which one?" Blue asked quickly.
"The original Team Rocket. The one Silver's in. Maybe even both."
"Based on what?" Green asked, sounding bored. "Got any evidence?"
"Several of the Association members have been working against our attempts to stop Team Rocket from growin'," Bill told him. "Some have even demanded law changes that would benefit Team Rocket directly."
"Benefit them how?" Red asked.
"Well, among other things they want to limit our ability to control cargo moved between Kanto and Johto, claiming it hinders commerce between the two regions. Also, they've been suggesting laws that would make it harder for the police to do their job."
"Have you talked to grandfather about this?" Green asked. Bill shook his head.
"I started feelin' suspicious a few days ago. Professor Oak has been away for a few weeks, with Crystal. I didn't wanna talk about this over the phone."
"Right," Green sighed. "We'll deal with the Association problems when he's back then. Our main priority should be to eliminate both Rocket groups."
"Eliminate?" Blue asked, looking angry. "What do you mean eliminate?"
"Shut down, arrest, scatter."
"What about Silver?" Red asked, earning a thankful glance from Blue.
"He's made his choice," Green said, his voice cool. "He knows the consequences."
"We're his friends!" Blue shouted. "I can't believe you!"
"Can't believe what?" came a voice from the door, making them all flinch in surprise. Gold entered the room, giving them a little wave. "Uh, Daisy let me in. Sorry I'm late."
"I can't remember you being invited in the first place," Green replied, frowning.
"I invited him," Red said. Green turned and looked at him, raising an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Because I knew he would be in Kanto, and I thought his input would be useful."
"So... You're just inviting anyone who might be useful?" Green said, sarcastically. "I'm sure Yellow just loves being excluded then."
"Yellow's different, you know that," Red retorted. "She dislikes fighting. I don't want to involve her any more than needed."
"Gold," Blue said, interrupting the argument. "Do you have any ideas about how we should deal with Team Rocket and Silver?"
Gold stood there for a few seconds, looking thoughtful, before walking around the table, sliding into a seat between Blue and Misty, helping himself to an apple from the small fruit bowl on the table...
"I think we should talk to Silver first," he said. "If that doesn't work... I'm not sure what else to do."
"I've tried," Blue sighed. "He just won't listen."
"Maybe he won't listen to you, since you sound like a concerned big sister?" Red said. "I can go talk to him. Maybe he'll listen more to me."
"Thank you!" Blue replied, giving him a broad smile.
"And if that doesn't work?" Green asked. This time Erika broke the silence, being the first of the gym leaders to speak.
"If that doesn't work, we must attack Team Rocket anyway. We can try to bring Silver back during the fighting as well." There were noises of agreement from most of the people around the table. Red turned to look at his two oldest friends, Blue and Green.
"Well? Sounds like a good compromise?"
"Sure," Blue said, her facial expression less than happy.
"I guess," Green agreed.
"That's it then," Red said, looking at his gathered friends. "The day after tomorrow, I'll go see Silver and talk to him. Hopefully, I'll be able to get him to leave Team Rocket."
"I'll find out where he is, and tell you," Blue said. "I'll give you the location as soon as I know."
"If there's nothing else," Green said, getting to his feet, "I'll be returning to Viridian Gym. There is much to do."
"See ya, Green," Bill said, looking relieved. "If anyone else wanna stay, I think I've got a couple of those inflatable mattresses."
"I've got to get back home," Blue said. Brock and Erika nodded, explaining that they too should return to their respective gyms.
"I'll stay," Gold said, leaning back in the chair. "I just got here anyway."
Red and Misty exchanged a short glance, and Red knew what she wanted. For him to stay in one of her guest rooms, so they could talk. He shook his head slightly, mouthing "not now" to her. He would stay at Bill's cottage as well. He wanted to speak to Gold a bit, then leave early the next morning. Staying with Misty would complicate things, and if Yellow heard about something like that...
"That makes two of us, then," he said. "Thanks for the hospitality, Bill."
"Oh, it's nothing," Bill assured him. "Though if you really are grateful, perhaps you could talk to Green for me? I really can't stand his angry stares..."