The New Normal – 8-2 – Interlude – Lorelei
Despite the absence of two members of the Elite Four, the atmosphere in the Indigo Committee wasn't much different. There was still the usual bickering and arguments made by people who thought themselves to be overly important, while their Champion tried his best not to shut them up with his Dragonite.
She could relate. No wonder her uncle became like that if THIS was what he had to deal with every day.
At least the current roster of Committee members were a little less sycophantic than what they were during her uncle's times; it made their arguments and discussions a little easier to listen to.
It was still very painful though.
Eventually, after Arceus knows how long, the Committee meeting was finally over, with nothing of importance being decided, as usual. As was almost routine at this point, she subtly elbowed Agatha in the side to wake her up.
"Hmrrghh…!" Agatha yawned loudly as she stretched, her bones creaking and cracking as she did so. She got a few hostiles looks at her blatant display of boredom, but Lorelei knew that Agatha never cared about that. She wished she could be so thick-skinned sometimes.
As soon as Agatha had finished stretching, Lorelei extended a hand so she could pull Agatha out of her seat, and she smiled at the nod that Agatha gave her as she took her hand. Agatha might try to put on a strong face, but her declining health was an open secret.
Anyone with any sense of awareness could see it. Already, there were some that were whispering about how Agatha was getting weaker and that she might not stay in the Elite Four for much longer. When Lorelei heard that, she let out a snort. Aging old lady or not, even LANCE stepped carefully around Agatha.
If someone challenged Agatha on the assumption that she was weak, then they would be going to be very disappointed. And screwed.
Regardless, she pulled Agatha to her feet, and casually lent her a shoulder to lean on. Subtly supporting Agatha, they moved to Lance's office, where she hoped he would be receptive to her plans. Unfortunately, John had gone over to Sinnoh, but she trusted that he would honour his words and support her when the time came.
They arrived at Lance's office where they entered without knocking on the door. It was a small thing, but it showed that Lance trusted and was willing to spend time to listen to them.
"So…what's up with you two?" Lance asked, looking a bit tired himself. Probably from the all the meetings and paperwork.
"Lance, I have a proposal I would like to share with you." She spoke up, getting a nod from Agatha.
"Oh, about time we heard something from you." Lance commented, leaning back on his chair, "Go on, I'm all ears."
"I've brought this up to John, and he's in agreement on this. Same with Agatha." She began, with Agatha grinning widely behind her in support, "But I would like to create an organisation that is specifically created to target financial crime in Indigo."
Honestly, she had wanted to propose this earlier, but she delayed it because of all the developments in Sinnoh and because she wanted to shore up more support. With Agatha now onboard as well, she knew she would find it much easier to pass.
She had wanted to ask Will about it too, but she knew Will would have a high asking price. So she figured that she probably had good enough odds already without having to overcommit to getting Will's support as well.
"A division to target financial crimes…?" Lance muttered to himself, "That is…an interesting idea. And rather in-line with the idea of the International Police. Tell me, what would this new organisation do, in your mind?"
She was ready for this question, "I'd consider it a branch to the current Indigo Police, but mostly dealing with high profile and financial crimes. They'd have a team of experts that are incredibly specialized in this kind of thing, so they can work with great efficiency to uncover any attempts to earn illegitimate funds."
"Or at least, they'll certainly try!" Agatha crowed from behind her, "Corruption will always exist, as a Blackthorn should know, but it's better than nothing!"
Lance smiled through the insult, "It certainly wouldn't be a very popular idea, but I can see that your heart is very set on this." He tapped his finger on the table for a few seconds as he pondered her proposal.
He spoke up after a moment, "Truthfully speaking, I'm a little wary about expanding the remit of the Indigo Police any further." She frowned, but he continued, "But I can see the merits of your proposal. I think having such an organisation would be great for the future of Indigo and would help keep the larger businesses of Indigo on their toes. Arceus knows how much damage businesses could do if they remain unchecked."
He tapped his finger for a little longer, "I won't decide right now, but give me some time to think things through. I'll speak to the Indigo Police to see how amenable they are to such an idea, and I'll get back to you. Fortunately, since this is something that I could see is genuinely for the betterment of Indigo rather than your own interests, I won't even consider this me doing you a favour."
Lorelei nodded while expressing her thanks to Lance, which he simply waved off and said that she was doing a public good. He asked if there was anything else, and since Lorelei didn't want to bother him any longer, the two of them left Lance behind in his office.
"He'll agree." Agatha suddenly spoke up as they walked out of the building, "It's a good idea, and it'll be like putting the final nail in your uncle's coffin. Lance of all people is always going to be interested in spiting your uncle."
She nodded, though she wasn't super comfortable about villainizing her uncle. There was a still part of her that cared for him, despite everything that eventually happened.
"Thanks, Agatha." She replied, "But I have to go back to training, I–" She was cut off as a League official suddenly rushed up to her, panting and breathless.
"Elite Lorelei!" He wheezed, "Did you…see the news?"
Confused, she shook her head, "No, what's wrong?"
"You've been challenged!" The official gasped out as dread started filling her heart, "Gym Leader Surge just made the announcement on TV!"
She grimaced; she knew that things had been too peaceful lately. But she didn't let the rising fear control her. She knew that she was going to be challenged, she had been told as much by practically everyone when she got here. And now was finally the time for it.
Next to her, Agatha was shooting her a massive grin, "Remember what I said? Crush all in your way. Let none doubt your strength. Beat Surge so thoroughly so none would think of challenging you ever again."
She nodded firmly to Agatha. She was about to thank her before her phone started ringing. Annoyed at the sudden attention, she went to see who was disturbing her at such a time, only for her eyes to widen as she saw who was calling.
It was Pryce.
A.N. We haven't had a Lorelei chapter in a while, but I felt that this was a good time to start putting our focus back on her a little. As you all likely expected, she's finally being challenged! And from Surge too! Hope you enjoy how this goes!
This chapter has been BETAed by Allute! Thanks! And to anyone who wants to support me, please check out my p atreon at CartecTNN where you can read 8 advanced chapters! Thanks to those who have supported me already!