"... and we welcome you back to this morning's edition of SportsCentral, where I'm joined by First Break host, Steven B. Smith. Steven B, good to have you this morning."
"And a good morning to you as well, Max, thanks for having me on."
"Steven B, after an entertaining and drama-filled Opening Ceremony yesterday, are there any main takeaways you have about this year's batch of trainers?"
"Well Max, I think it was one of the most exciting and intriguing ceremonies this league has seen in a long, long time. You could feel the excitement in Motostoke, and I do believe that feeling was echoed throughout the region. I think we've got some special—not just good, special—trainers this year, and I think we're in for an absolute treat on the pitch."
"Well, speaking of those special trainers, I hear you've got an early ranking for them this morning?"
"I absolutely do, Max, follow me over to the Big Board. I've got a top five ranking of the most intriguing and talented trainers that I think will not only make a legitimate run to the Champion Cup, but the Finals too."
"At number five, I've got Bede Rose. I won't comment on his untoward and quite frankly blasphemous comments yesterday, but I cannot deny that his backing is legit. Anybody who catches the former champion and current chairman's eye is assuredly an absolute star in the making, and through his limited exhibitions outside of the official pre-circuit, I think he's got the stuff, Max. It wouldn't surprise me if he manages to become one of the biggest villains in the sport of battling."
"For Four, I've got Marnie Rosemary. We've got two legacy trainers in this year's circuit, Max, and I think Rosemary's experience will help guide her well. I don't see her Dark-type specialization being of much help in the first four gyms, especially against Bea in Stow-on-Side, but as we've all seen over the years, she's managed to do more with less."
"Steven B, you're on record saying that you think the biggest thing lacking in Marnie's game is motivation and drive. Do you think that'll change at all this year?"
"I do, Max, because Bede lit a fire under her, from what I saw. She'll be determined to prove herself in the circuit this year, and I'm willing to say this, Max—not only is she a lock to make it to the Champion Cup, but I believe she'll make it there first."
"Bold take, Steven B. Who do you have at three?"
"At three, I've got Gloria Victoria. Her progress has been well-documented at minicamps across Galar, and as the most proactive of this year's bunch, I think she's got the smarts and aggression to make a deep run. She scares me, Max, she really does."
"Me too, Steven B. Who's at two?"
"The champion's brother at two, Hop Dande. The kid will be a winner, Max. Not because I think winning simply runs in the family, but because this kid has exhibited an intellect and adaptability that is rare among trainers, especially at his age. He can attack at all three levels, maintain his calm under pressure, and flat-out win. I love his work ethic, Max, and I think he will be an absolute superstar in this league.
"Very well put. I think we all know who you'll be putting at one, Steven B. Very interested to hear your reasoning for this selection."
"And I'll be happy to do so. At one, I've got the surprise candidate from Unova, Cassius Hargreaves. Max, I've never seen this much hype around a trainer without any kind of battle film ready on hand, but I like to think I'm a solid judge of talent, in my humble opinion. Seeing the way that kid carried himself in front of the media, and how he explained the passion for battling we all possess, either watching or participating... it's a little embarrassing, Max, but I got shivers down my spine."
"Wow, Steven B. You were that impressed?"
"I was, Max. Hargreaves is a kid that I think understands the game and the passion on a fundamental level. All the greats in this sport have that same kind of understanding. That's why I think that he's not only the best trainer among this year's circuit, but he will be, without a doubt, a bonafide superstar for years to come."
"I imagine you're not the only one who feels that way, Steven B. Any predictions for the Champion Cup?"
"Well, if you insist. Based on what I've seen so far, I've got Hargreaves over Rosemary in the Champion Cup Final."
"It will be interesting to see how this year's circuit shapes out, in what could very well be the most exciting Galar League circuit we've ever seen. Thanks for the time, Steven B."
"It was my pleasure, Max."
It was a very big building. To be fair, most of the buildings in Motostoke were big, but this one in particular was really big.
It was also a very clean building. The lobby they'd walked into was pristine and spotless. They were the only ones not wearing suits and slacks. All the men were tall and broad-chested, the women gorgeous and ladylike. One of them smiled at their small group, and Cassius almost went blind.
A quick chat at the front desk. Hop, as always, took the initiative. "Hi, we've an appointment with Caroline McCullers?"
"Ah, the champion's trainers. Welcome! Miss McCullers is expecting you. Take the elevator up to the twentieth floor, she'll be in the office directly across from you."
"Thank you!" A quick walk later, and they were slowly ascending the building through the elevator. The see-through glass provided them a high-rise view, the sun shining down on a waking city.
"Any idea of what she's like?" Gloria asked. Hop shrugged. "Dunno. Lee didn't provide many particulars. She's gotta be good, though, if she managed to win my brother over."
Yesterday had been a lot. After the media session ended, Cassius was ready to sleep off his nerves for the next week. His disappointment was just barely concealed when he ran into their keeper before they'd managed to even escape the stadium's confines.
"Marvelous day, innit?" Leon Dande beamed with all the enthusiasm of a man who knew nothing. "Remember this feeling forever, you three. Nothin' like it." Yes, Cassius would be sure to remember the mixture of anxiety and fatigue rushing about him currently for the rest of his life.
"What's up, bro?" Hop asked after a quick hug. Leon kept his smile as he explained. "Well, I've an important person for you three to meet. Quick question—what's one thing any good trainer's gotta have?"
"Compassion!"
"Skill."
"... Pokémon?"
"A little on the nose, but you're all right! Not quite what I was lookin' for, however. What any good trainer needs, is an even better agent!"
An agent? "You mean, like a sports agent?"
"Exactly! You three are new to the whole professional gig, so it's not on you for not knowin', but there's more to a trainer than competing and training. You've gotta manage contracts, juggle appearances, and secure a slice of the public eye to make sure you don't fade into obscurity. It's a lot for one person." Leon folded his arms knowingly. "That's where an agent comes in! A savvy agent does all the off-pitch work for you, so that you can focus solely on the on-pitch product."
Cassius hadn't thought of that, but he supposed that made sense. Any trainer worth their salt probably didn't love spending an abundant amount of time on the business side of the sport. He was clueless at both the business and practical side, so any lightening of the burden was very welcome.
"Suppose this important fellow you want us to meet is an agent, then?" Gloria surmised. Leon nodded. "Yep. Caroline McCullers, premier agent of Next Level Talent Management. She's my own agent, and the very best in the business—which is why I'm recommending her to you three."
Hop already seemed sold. "Awesome! Thanks, Lee!"
"It's nothing, really." The look on Leon's face conveyed that it very much wasn't nothing. "It's just a recommendation. You're free to select your own agents, should you so choose. I have you all scheduled for a pitch tomorrow at her office, bright and early. I just want to put you three in the best position possible to succeed off of the pitch, and I think there isn't anyone better than Caroline."
That had brought them to the very shiny Next Level tower, smack dab in the middle of Motostoke. Cassius, hardly a morning person, had forced himself awake for yet another big step in his infant battling career.
The elevator came to a stop, the door sliding open with a soft ding. They'd arrived, and the only way was forward—literally, as the only other door that wasn't the elevator's was a door marked with the words, Office of Caroline McCullers.
Pretty difficult to miss that one. "Shall we?" Hop offered. With two affirmative nods, Hop walked up and politely knocked upon the entrance. A voice rang from inside. "Come in!"
Taking the cue, the three walked into a most accommodating office space. The room could have easily fit twenty people. There was plenty of free estate, the only pieces of furniture being a work desk, a few stray file cabinets, and three chairs that Cassius assumed were for them.
"Welcome, welcome," a voice greeted. A woman stepped forward, smiling cordially. "Hop, Gloria, Cassius. A true pleasure."
She was tall. Even without heels, she was over six feet. Her deep purple jacket and slacks were a bold contrast from the sea of white down in the lobby. Her undershirt and her smile were the only white things on her.
Her nails were a striking crimson, Cassius noticed as she shook his hand with a grip that would have made his father proud. "Please, have a seat. Can I get you anything? Coffee, snacks?"
"I think we're good," Hop spoke, Cassius and Gloria concurring with a nod as they sat. The premier agent nodded, choosing to lean against the frontside of her desk. Her confidence was palpable, which naturally made Cassius nervous.
"Well, I'm glad you all were able to make it on such short notice. I'm Caroline McCullers, proud agent here at Next Level Talent Management. On behalf of everyone here at Next Level, I sincerely thank you for taking the time to hear me out."
She leaned forward slightly. "Alright. Figure I won't bother wasting any of your valuable time. Tell me, kiddos, what is it that you enjoy?"
The meeting had just started and he was already getting interrogated. Awesome. "Battling," he answered automatically. Hop and Gloria replied with some similar variation. Caroline nodded. "Cool. And?"
Gloria was confused. "And what?"
"Is there anything else? Besides battling, I mean." There was a brief moment of silence, but that didn't deter her any. "Come on, surely there's something else you three like outside of Pokémon battling."
Cassius couldn't take the awkward silence, and folded first. "Well... I guess I'm a bit into basketball."
Caroline grinned. "There we go. You're Unovan, so I take it you're acquainted with the Unovan Basketball League. Favorite team?"
"Opelucid Dragons. Been a fan since I was a kid."
"Not bad. They've the third shortest odds for the U.B.L. Finals, if memory serves. Damn good team." Cassius was a bit shocked. How'd she know that off of the top of her head?
"Okay, Cassius likes basketball. Anyone else?"
Gloria took the bait. "Fashion, I suppose." Caroline smirked. "A kindred spirit. I trust you noticed the heels?"
"I did. Those're Lumiose Co., yeah? Must've cost a quid 'nd a half."
"And if I told you I got them for free?" Gloria's jaw fell. "You did not."
"I did. I have a girlfriend who models for them every so often. She sends me her stuff when it's out of season. I can connect you two later."
Cassius was very much aware that Caroline was working them for an appeal so that she could manage an in with them. Common ground was a great way to make people open up—or so he'd heard. He'd admit that she was doing one heck of a job.
"And what about you, Hop? Any hobbies?" The teen in question smiled stiffly. "I tend to spread myself a little thin outside of battling. Not one thing I'm really married to."
"And that's okay," Caroline reassured. "I think you all get the point, anyhow. For as talented as you all are on the pitch, you're more than mindless drones that command animals to fight each other for sport."
She turned to Cassius. "Real quick, Cassius. Read off the name of the company. It's on the placard on my desk, beneath my name."
"Uh... Next Level Talent Management."
"Anything stand out?"
"The... talent part?"
"Bingo. We're a talent management group—not a battling management group. Sure, we manage trainers, but we have influence in all realms of entertainment. Music, TV and film, even other major professional sports. We're everywhere, and we aren't shy about trying new things."
She stood from her position against her desk, posture impeccable. "Sure, battle-focused agencies are considered tradition among trainers. I've got some close friends who work for 'em, and I can admit that they do a damn good job. But they'll only ever be battling agencies. You're directly tethered to your performance on the pitch. Do good for them, and all's well. Stumble along the way, and well... let's hope you've got a few major wins left in you."
Cassius felt his mouth go dry a bit. Caroline continued. "Here at Next Level, we mean exactly that. You're more than a trainer, and we wanna convey that to the public. Cassius, you're into basketball? Let's explore opportunities. How's about an appearance in the celebrity game during All-Star Weekend? A sit-down with Opelucid's star point guard? A run at a pro-am?"
"Gloria's the fashionista? We've got connections—let's get you on the runway for Fashion Week in Nimbasa. Custom accessories, and a sponsorship to boot. Maybe even down the road, we can talk about your very own fashion line." Her attempt at hiding it was valiant, but there was no mistaking the twinkle in Gloria's eye. She was intrigued.
"And for you, Hop? The possibilities could be wide, wide open. Leon's a household name, but you know better than anyone that it isn't just for his battling. Can't go through any corner shop in the region without seeing at least one piece of Leon Dande merchandise. We didn't have an established playbook for Leon's kind of success—now, we do. And Hop, I believe we can take you even further."
She finally paused, if only to take a quick breath. "You three wanna explore your options, I get it. But, an agent's foremost job is to keep her clients in the positive limelight, and to keep her clients rich. I've done it for Leon, and for plenty of others, and I believe I can do it for you, too."
Caroline made a pretty compelling case. She didn't seem to have lucked into being Leon's agent. And considering his popularity, she seemed to have played a pretty substantial role.
"Question," Gloria interjected. "Why us? There're plenty of other talented trainers. What made you wanna take us as your clients?"
Cassius thought it was odd that Gloria would actually acknowledge other trainers—she hadn't done that before up until now—until he realized it was a chance for insight into Caroline's thinking. She'd directed the terms of the conversation so far, but now it was their turn.
There was an obvious answer to Gloria's question—they were the champion's trainers. From an objective view (and with no knowledge of Cassius' actual skill), they'd be the surest bets to "make it." Caroline, however, did not answer along that line of thinking. "Good question. Honestly, I wasn't going to at first."
"Huh?"
"Let me back up. Leon had been floating the idea of endorsing trainers for months. I was the first one he told when he decided to go through with it, and he was the one who decided that he'd go with three. For someone of his pedigree, and for someone who hadn't endorsed anybody before, that's a big number."
She sat down behind her desk. "I knew you were getting one, Hop. I saw a few of your pre-circuit battles, thought you were good, but I figured I'd wait. See a few of your official battles during the challenge before I came up with anything conclusive. Leon told me I'd be given priority for a pitch, anyway."
Caroline turned to Cassius and Gloria. "You two were a different story. One, a talented trainer with an unbending will to match, and another with exactly zero battle film available. Not a lot of safety in those picks, no offense."
Some taken, but Gloria wouldn't dwell on it. "So what changed?"
"Your media session."
Cassius didn't buy it. "That was it?"
"You might think it's minor, but I like to think I have a good sense for the little things. For what it's worth, I definitely know marketability when I see it." She flashed a knowing grin. "You three did the one thing you're supposed to do as young, up-and-coming trainers in a press session—make yourselves stand out. You in particular, Cassius, were especially great. Way to score points with the crowd."
It was completely unintended, a part of him admitted, but he would have to learn to accept compliments along the way. "Oh. Thanks."
"So, once I learned that you all weren't boring pieces of plywood, I figured I'd take you all on. Simple as that."
Cassius still thought it was silly to change directions on that kind of a whim. Oh well, he was beyond questioning it now.
"Question," Hop raised his hand politely. "What's a typical agent do during a Gym Challenge? Obviously, we don't have much of a reference, so I'm just a little curious as to how it all works."
"Very glad you asked," Caroline leaned forward in her seat. "Every agent has a different way of going about it, somewhat tailored to their client's specific skillset. You three have a lot of preexisting popularity, so we could incorporate that into how we go about a marketing strategy."
"How so?"
"Media sessions—a lot of them. Press conferences, one-on-ones, written features, the whole thing. Considering how big you three are, I would consider it paramount to endear yourself to key media members, so that they are more inclined to paint you in a positive light."
She lifted her two pointer fingers, aligning them parallel to each other. "It's a symbiotic relationship. You give them the scoop they want, and you get to put whatever you want out there through them. That's what it boils down to—controlling your own narrative. Don't give them a reason to write or say anything bad, and the media becomes little more than your own personal mouthpiece."
Caroline put her fingers down. "Beyond that, endorsements would be next. Choosing which advertisers to align yourself with reveals a little bit about yourself to the public, along with being a solid way to earn some quick and serious cash."
"I've seen Lee do that," Hop remembered. "I recall a few of his Macro Cosmos commercials. Some breakfast cereal spots, too."
"You're looking at the woman who swung those deals," Caroline smirked. "I'll tell you this now, Macro Cosmos pays a fortune in ads. Unless you're allergic to 'em, you sign the fine print on those contracts in blood."
Gone was any pretense of grace from Caroline McCullers—when it came to money, she didn't dance around the details. That somewhat feral look of hers revealed all. Cassius was starting to see why she was so good at her job.
Gloria, meanwhile, was hooked. Fashion and money? She was pushing all the right buttons. "When's the earliest we could get those goin'?"
This time, Caroline rolled her eyes, snorting as she leaned back in her seat. "Unfortunately, Galar League N.I.L. laws state that trainers can't officially take a sponsor or make any money from 'em until after defeating the third gym leader in the circuit."
"N.I.L.?"
"Name, Image, Likeness. Buncha antiquated nonsense is what it really is. If companies wanna give trainers money after one gym battle, who're they to tell 'em no?"
Clearly the fact upset her, but she continued nevertheless. "But whatever, it's just a minor holdup. I don't doubt you'll make it that far. Think of it as an incentive—there's some serious cash to be made if you make it past the third gym. Play your cards right, and we could be talking generational wealth."
The thought of telling his parents that he wasn't only set for life, but that they could retire early... the idea definitely grabbed ahold of Cassius.
"With a good agent, of course," Caroline added. "That'd be me. Outside of that, we'd get some good promotional stuff, depending on your schedules. Friendly exhibitions, charity work, the like. It's a lot to start, I'll admit, but it pays off in the long run. A good rep goes a long way."
She returned upright. "So, I've said my piece. What do you all think? I can understand any hesitance, and there's no pressure to accept any terms now, but I hope that you know that I am more than capable of helping your best interests—"
"I'm sold. Let's do it."
Caroline was surprised she'd been cut off. Gloria and Hop were surprised that it came from the person least likely among their group to readily accept. "Cassius?"
"What's the holdup?" Cassius gave them a look. "She clearly knows what she's doing. She works for the champion, and I don't see his public image in the mud. Seems pretty cut and dry to me."
Added to his reasoning was that he really didn't want to waste time doing anything that wasn't training or increasing his knowledge. He didn't have the luxury of focusing on other things. The sooner he got an agent, the sooner he could have her handle all of his financial stuff while he got himself presentable for the challenge.
There might have been some hesitance with some back-alley fraud, sure. But Caroline seemed more than qualified, had connections, and had already thought of a plan for them. What else was there to think about?
Gloria seemed to be of a similar mind. "He's right. Don't wanna get bogged down by all this when I could be trainin'. I'm in."
"Well, I can't argue with that... Leon trusts her too," Hop considered, before shrugging. "Ah, whatever. I'm overthinking this. Suppose all three of us are on board."
Caroline didn't seem to have any complaints. "I'm glad you all think so. I'm happy we're in agreement. Welcome to the rest of your lives, kids."
She revealed three small stacks of paper. "Sorry to foist some particulars on you, but I'll need you all to sign this. Shouldn't take long, just need a few signatures and the like." As she handed them the stacks with a pen for each, she tapped a button on her desk. "Hey, Melinda? Can we get a camera up here please? Thanks."
"Camera?" Gloria briefly took her eyes away from the paper mid-signature. "For what?"
"To commemorate the moment!" Caroline grinned as if it were obvious. "I'll have you know, I'm picky with my clients. Any time I get to add exciting talent to the Next Level family, it's cause for celebration!"
She sure knew how to sell her brand. Cassius ignored the cheering and eyed parts of the contract he was signing. A lot of technical jargon, but there didn't seem to be any kind of covert trap. Twenty percent of any endorsement, and four percent of any exclusivity contract signed with an existing Pokémon league. Seemed fair, though he'd ask about it later just to be sure.
It wasn't like he was doing it solely for the money, anyway. It was nice, but it paled in comparison to what he really wanted to accomplish during his circuit.
Hop finished his stack first. Didn't even seem like he glanced at it very long. "So, what'll we be doing first?"
"I'll worry about that. You three just get to Turffield in time for your first gym battle. When do you all plan on heading out?"
"Tomorrow, if possible. Though we don't plan on getting to Turffield particularly soon." His smile was sheepish. "We, ah, like to take in the sights. First time away from home and all."
"I get it. I was young once, too. Stay behind a bit when you're all done, we can hash out specifics."
The door behind them opened, and a woman with a camera stepped in. "Heard we got some new talent in the fold?"
"You're lookin' at 'em," Caroline circled around her desk. "There's a champion or three in here, I can feel it."
"So can I," the photographer smiled, taking careful shots of the three filling out their sheets. "Don't mind me, just taking some shots for the socials. We can tag you three, if you'd like."
"That'd be splendid," Hop agreed, smiling for one flash of the camera. Once they were all done, Caroline lined them up for a group photo. She stood behind them like a proud parent, dwarfing them all. Cassius took the left, Hop took the right, and Gloria was left with the middle.
The photographer lined up the shot. Cassius felt the urge to sneeze, but he managed to hold it in. "Everyone say cheese!" And so came the flash.