Story:Pokemon Guava and Mango/Johto

Seo (Violet City)
Description=

Gym Trainers=

Niu
 * Pokemon:
 * Bounsweet
 * Vanilite
 * Swirlix

Evie
 * Pokemon:
 * Munna
 * Galerian Ponyta
 * Espurr
 * Pichu

Huang
 * Wailmer
 * Pikipek
 * Ledian

Seo= Pokemon: Houndour, Yamper, Rockruff, Mightyena

Dialogue= Upon meeting Niu
 * Niu: WELCOME!
 * Sau: Oh, thanks. This is my first gym.
 * Niu: This is everyone's first gym.
 * Sau: True. It's still cool, though.
 * Niu: Mm! I'm surprised it's your first gym. You're almost as old as the gym leader himself!
 * Sau: That would make him pretty young, wouldn't it?
 * Niu: You're kind of the same like that. But otherwise the two of you have completely different flavors!
 * Sau: Eh??
 * Niu: He's like liver and onions with too much paprika, and you're... oh! I like you.
 * Sau: Thanks?
 * Niu: You're supposed to ask why! It's ok, I'll tell you after you help me feed the birds.

If Sau does not get a high score helping Niu:


 * Niu: Hm, not good enough! You can pass, but no flavor profile for you.

If Sau got a high score:


 * Niu: Thanks!! I think you are most like... a mango delight with guava. No, a guava delight with mango? Maybe both?? Oh, but like, a hidden taste... Well, it was a delight anyway, bye!

Upon meeting Evie

Upon meeting Huang


 * Huang: Oh? Someone's made it this far. We can get started, then.
 * Sau: I was wondering if there were any adults here.
 * Huang: Having full-time staff manage all of the Park's responsibilities isn't sustainable. Here, put these headphones on.
 * Sau: Okay. What are we doing?
 * Huang: Very trusting, aren't you? I expected some sort of teenage resistance.
 * Sau: I've been told I'm generally an agreeable person.
 * Huang: I see. Perhaps I've been conditioned otherwise when it comes to children your age. May I have your name?
 * Sau: I'm Sau.
 * Huang: Sau? Like "saw"? Spell it for me.
 * Sau: Ess-ay-yuu.

The way the edge of Huang's jaw flexes makes it seem as though, for a moment, she considered something amusing.


 * Huang: Hmm. When you spell it like that, it reminds me of that manic Trainer in a trench coat that breezed through here screaming indistinctly about hate. Yet when you say your name, it reminds me of our Gym Leader and how he was raised - or rather, how he wasn't raised.
 * Sau: Huh? You can get all that from just a name?
 * Huang: I'm just idly thinking about things. Now, about this audio test...

If Sau did not get a high score upon helping Huang:


 * Huang: Passable. That will have to do.

If Sau got a high score:


 * Huang: You seem to understand the touch of sound. Our Gym Leader is waiting - perhaps you can teach him a thing or two.

Upon meeting Seo:

''Seo is playing with his Yamper and doesn't initially appear to recognize he has a challenger. When he does, he bolts upright and pieces together what he believes is an intimidating glare.''


 * Seo: Hmph. Huang's supposed to tell me when someone's made it through. Don't think that you've caught me off guard.
 * Sau: Nope. I was wondering how you say your name.
 * Seo: What a weird question. It's "Say-oh."
 * Sau: Oh, I think I see now...
 * Seo: What the hell? You're the most spaced out challenger I've had. Either they're trash-talking adults with a bunch of overleveled Pokemon or 10-year old kids that don't say anything with... a bunch of overleveled Pokemon.
 * Sau: Are you on a losing streak?
 * Seo: What's that supposed to mean!?
 * Sau: I'm just filling in the words you're suggesting. Sorry. So, um... was it difficult for you become the Gym Leader?
 * Seo: Yeah, I train hard. The previous guy wouldn't shut up about birds, but I thought this Gym should be more than that. I got big plans for this place - and for me. Gotta be the best, no matter what it takes. *slight pause* No matter who I gotta cut down.

For a moment, Sau can feel the blood pumping in his ears.


 * Sau: That sounds kind of extreme. Do you have a conscience?
 * Seo: Uh, yeah? I have dogs.
 * Sau: That's not the same thing.
 * Seo: Who cares? How do you think the Elite got to be where they are now?
 * Sau: By taking care of pets?
 * Seo: Yeah! And that's just what I'm - hey, you...!

Battle - Defeat Seo!

Upon defeating Seo:


 * Seo: Shit! I can't beat kids half my age OR almost my age!
 * Sau: That's fine, right? Otherwise no one would be able to see the other Gyms.
 * Seo: It's just irritating losing all the time like some kind of stepping stone.
 * Sau: It must be hard being the first Gym Leader. At least the challengers are able to help your park out?
 * Seo: *grumbles* I suppose.
 * Sau: I like your Gym's mission. I hope the other ones are kind of like this.
 * Seo: O-oh, you think so?
 * Sau: It's cool that someone not that much older than me can be in charge of a Gym.
 * Seo: Yeah, and I'm doing it with the team I lo- I'm, uh, doing it my way.
 * Sau: That's how I want to approach the Gym challenge too. I feel a bit better about it now, seeing that Gym Trainers and Leaders are normal people too.
 * Seo: Uh, well, about that...


 * }

Artemis (Goldenrod City)
Description=

Gym Trainers= Jonathan, the Violist
 * Bio: The self-proclaimed brains behind the Opera House. Jonathan is a talented violist and music theorist whose abilities are outweighed only by his outrageous opinion of himself. Has a poorly hidden crush on Tiffany that Artemis is too kind to point out. Possesses not a single whit of irony. Not a single whit.
 * Lugubrious: Attack, Special Attack and Speed are all reduced, but the Pokemon's Defence and Special Defence are sharply raised.
 * Pokemon:
 * Jigglypuff
 * Maractus
 * Ludicolo

Tiffany, the Double Bassist
 * Bio: The actual brains behind the Opera House. Tiffany's somewhat ditzy manner and affect that switches alarmingly between sleepy and manic hides a mind that adores organisation in every form. She has the best head for production and the technical aspects of putting together a musical performance.
 * Energetic: The player's Pokemon have sharply increased Speed, but all moves suffer a 20% Accuracy drop.
 * Pokemon:
 * Chatot
 * Loudred
 * Wigglytuff

Elizabeth, the Cellist
 * Bio: Once Johto's most famous classical musician, Elizabeth disappeared at the height of her fame after a disastrous performance. For several years she remained conspicuously absent, only reappearing when Artemis opened the new Gym. Elizabeth is a quiet, almost fey woman, and rather unexpectedly a long-time friend of the quartet since their university days. Rumours that Artemis was involved in her fall are presumed to be only that, for why would she help him out afterwards...?
 * Ambitious: All Pokemon have sharply increased Attack, Special Attack and critical hit rate, but suffer reduced Defence and Special Defence.
 * Pokemon:
 * Whismur
 * Kriketot
 * Audino
 * Exploud

Artemis=
 * Bio: The leader of the Concert Hall is a slightly awkward and consistently high-strung young man. It is somewhat baffling given his demeanour that Artemis has managed to run a Gym, keep up a career as a violinist and composer, perform enthusiastically with Goldenrod's Classical Radio channel and have dinner regularly enough to satisfy his mother, grandmother and four grandaunts. Artemis finds sublimity in music itself - performance is his way to appreciate this and communicate it to others. Unsurprisingly, he does not have the world's greatest win:loss ratio against ten year olds.
 * Imp of the Perverse: Artemis will cycle through a different emotional ability for each Pokemon he sends out.
 * Pokemon:
 * Chingling - deceptively sweet chimes lull the opposing Pokemon, reducing Speed and Attack.
 * Kriketune - an agitating pizzicato rhythm which raises all Pokemon's Attack and Special Attack whilst lowering Evasiveness.
 * Flygon - a haunting tune which transfixes the opposing Pokemon, giving them a 20% chance of not listening to the player's instructions.
 * Primarina - a vivacious melody heightens the opposing Pokemon's Special Attack whilst Special Defence is sharply reduced.
 * Altaria - a beautiful, comforting song that enfolds all Pokemon in its warm embrace, increasing Defence and Special Defence and restoring 20 HP each turn.

Dialogue= Upon entering the gym
 * Angie: Hey there! Kid!


 * Sau: Everyone tells me I'm too old to be a kid Trainer.


 * Angie: You look like a kid to me.


 * Sau: ...you don't look like a musician.


 * Angie: Nope. I'm just here to support Art and clean up the bodies afterwards.

''Angie gives a grin. It is decidedly not reassuring.''


 * Sau: So do I get some advice or something? Most of the people at the front of the gym seem to do that.


 * Angie: Um... Mobilise a lot so you don't get DVTs?


 * Sau: ...


 * Angie: ...


 * Angie: Aaaaaanyway. I was going to tell you to put on a good show. Art is only here for the performance side of it, so put your heart into it!


 * Sau: That's...almost as unhelpful as your previous piece of advice.
 * Well, thanks. I'll go now.


 * Angie: Hmm. I wonder if I should have told him that I meant it literally?

Upon meeting Jonathan


 * Jonathan: Were you startled by my performance? I am experimenting with pentaharmonic syncopated dysynchronies that I assure you will be unlike anything the world has ever experienced before. Let me give you a prelude!

Battle - Defeat Jonathan!


 * Jonathan: What an utterly lugubrious manner you have. I find it quite devastating.

Upon defeating Jonathan
 * Jonathan: Winning is quite passé now. The true artist lives for the ineffable heights found in performance. What, you missed them? I'm not surprised.
 * Jonathan: Artie will disagree with me, but pay him no mind. He's an idiot. I confess a great deal of affection for him for reasons none of us can be explain, but it's true.

Upon meeting Tiffany


 * Tiffany: Aiya, I swear Art always composes the most boring double bass lines...I'm about to fall asleep.
 * You look like you might distract me! Hello!
 * You look like you might distract me! Hello!

Battle - Defeat Tiffany!


 * Tiffany: I was feeling super tired, but now you've got me all fired up! Are you ready?

Upon defeating Tiffany


 * Tiffany: ...maybe I'll go back to sleep.
 * Tiffany: Do you think I can convince Art to let us order some bubble tea? I need a sugar fix. Yeah, I'll bet he'll let us. He's so soft he's basically a marshmallow.

Upon meeting Elizabeth


 * Elizabeth: ...
 * Let us begin.

Battle - Defeat Elizabeth!


 * Elizabeth: The only way to succeed is to risk it all!

Upon defeating Elizabeth


 * Elizabeth: For every rise, a fall.
 * Elizabeth: An impressive performance, but not enough. To be a virtuoso requires a certain...je n'ais ce quoi. Perhaps you will identify it in a way that Artemis and I have not.

Upon meeting Artemis

''Artemis does not immediately notice the player's presence, but continues to play a haunting solo on his violin. Only when he finishes does he close his eyes, turn, and then opens them again with a smile for the player.''


 * Artemis: Wow! Your battling is so impressive!
 * ...Oh wait, I was supposed to tell you that after you win against me. Sorry.


 * Sau: Maybe Jonathan was right about this one...


 * Artemis: Ahahahaha...
 * Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed the performances so far. It means a lot to me when people enjoy the music - even more if it makes them look at the world in a new way.
 * Pokemon and Trainers, Trainers and Pokemon. When we perform together, we're causing not only the audience, but ourselves to reflect on our relationships between each other.
 * So, should we get started? Then my praise will actually be at the right time.
 * I warn you: I'm going to ask for you to put your heart into it! The extremes of emotion will bring out the best and worst in you and your Pokemon!
 * It's showtime!

Battle - Defeat Gym Leader Artemis!

Upon sending out Chingling


 * Artemis: Sweet and soft, like waking from your bed to a long summer morning. Why do you need to get up?

Upon sending out Kriketune


 * Artemis: Do you feel a little agitated? A touch erratic? All over the place?

Upon sending out Flygon


 * Artemis: Music as haunting as your sorrow.

Upon sending our Primarina


 * Artemis: Or as uplifting as life itself.

Upon sending out Altaria


 * Artemis: Your mother is waiting for you back home, you know. Whatever the path you take, she is waiting, and this is what she feels.

Upon defeating Artemis

Artemis applauds enthusiastically.


 * Artemis: I'm actually at loss for words. Bravo!

Artemis pins a badge in the shape of a treble clef on Sau's chest


 * Artemis: Thank you. It doesn't happen every time, but with this battle, I felt I learned something. It made me feel glad to be alive so that I could experience it.


 * Sau: That's, uh, kind of dark.


 * Artemis: Is it? I think it looks pretty bright, today.

If one speaks to Artemis after defeating him


 * Artemis: What I said in the battle? Of course I meant it. You get to choose what you do with that bit of information.
 * ...but I can tell you Mums love it when you call home unexpectedly.

Millennia (Cianwood Town)
Description=

Zadimortis (Mahogany Town)
Description=

Gym Trainers= Father Griffith
 * Bio: A wise yet optimistic man and longtime friend of Zadimortis. Enjoys seeing the looks on trainers' faces as they work their way through the Wheel. On his off days, he takes cooking lessons from Iae at the Centre of the Land and Hand, and has been trying to convince Zadimortis (unsuccessfully, thus far) to join him.
 * Pokemon:
 * Honchkrow
 * Bisharp
 * Mandibuzz
 * Pangoro

Mother Olivia
 * Bio: A sharp, judgmental woman who trained under Zadimortis and was the first full-time Gym trainer before Griffith and the Hierophant. Originally fostered dreams of being in the Elite Four, but since working as a trainer, has decided it's too much work and is content where she's at.
 * Pokemon:
 * Umbreon
 * Sylveon
 * Liepard
 * Florges

The Hierophant
 * Bio: Just appeared in the gym one day. Griffith and Olivia raised concerns, but Zadimortis waved them down. His history, as well as his relationship to Zadimortis, is entirely unknown, but he seems nice enough when the team trains together.
 * Special Effect - Harbinger: Whenever a Pokemon enters the field, it falls under the effect of Perish Song.
 * Pokemon:
 * Spiritomb
 * Clefable
 * Lunatone
 * Sigilyph

Zadimortis=
 * Bio: A dark-skin, muscled giant in hooded white robes that have seen better days. Lugubrious and erudite, imposing at first but a strong leader and great mentor. Will neither confirm nor deny that he is, in fact, a millenia-old demigod that built the Temple thousands of years ago by his own hands.
 * Special Effect - Judgment: If Flash was used to navigate the temple, all of Zadimortis's Pokemon will begin with all stats increased by one step. If Flash was not used, all of Sau's Pokemon will begin with all stats increased by one step.
 * Pokemon:
 * Absol
 * Weavile
 * Zoroark
 * Tyranitar

Dialogue= Upon reaching Father Griffith Battle: Defeat Griffith! Upon reaching Mother Olivia Battle: Defeat Olivia! Upon reaching The Hierophant Battle: Defeat The Hierophant! Upon reaching the central dais Battle: Defeat Gym Leader Zadimortis! If Flash was used: If Flash was not used:
 * Griffith: Welcome, child.
 * Sau: I was wondering when the gyms were going to get rough... guess this is it.
 * Griffith: You have navigated the outer wheel quite well. I have been watching you.
 * Sau: "Outer" wheel? So there's more? Wonderful.
 * Griffith: Much and more. This is only the beginning of your journey.
 * Sau: You could at least leave the lights on.
 * Griffith: But what good would that do when you are lost in the night? The world is not always alight. It is folly to live your life in the daylight and see the night as a detriment. To fully live, you must embrace both light and darkness.
 * Sau: That's a fair point, I guess.
 * Griffith: There is more to be learned, but that is for later. Now, we duel.
 * Griffith: May you go farther in darkness.
 * Olivia: Hm hm hm... well done, child.
 * Sau: I wish people would stop calling me that.
 * Olivia: Perhaps when you prove you are more than a child.
 * Sau: I mean, I have six gym badges, and have traveled the world pretty much on my own.
 * Olivia: Well then, what title would you give yourself? Slayer of gyms? Roamer of the wilds?
 * Sau: N-nothing so fancy.
 * Olivia: How about "walker", then? You have walked many arduous paths to get here. And now, you walk the stone wheels of life.
 * Sau: Is that a metaphor, or is that what this wheel we're in is called?
 * Olivia: Both.
 * Sau: Should've known. "Walker" it is, then, I guess.
 * Olivia: Very well, walker of many paths, walker of life's wheel.
 * Olivia: Hm hm hm... well done, walker.
 * Hierophant: Hello, walker Sau.
 * Sau: You know my name?
 * Hierophant: I know many things.
 * Sau: Oh god...
 * Hierophant: You have walked the stone wheels of life and death. You have walked the light and darkness in-
 * Sau: Hang on. I thought all the wheels were called the 'wheel of life'? That's what Olivia said?
 * Hierophant: ...well, the wheels as a whole are called the Wheels of Life and Death, but her wheel in particular is the wheel of life-
 * Sau: So what's the third wheel called? If there's life and death, there should be another one?
 * Hierophant: If you are referring to the Wheel of Light, then yes, that is the name of the third-
 * Sau: But why not call them the Wheels of Life, Death, and Light?
 * Hierophant: It doesn't quite flow the same. And it's not what the Temple represents.
 * Sau: I thought that's exactly what the temple represented.
 * Hierophant: Perhaps our time would be better spent dueling instead of debating semantics.
 * Sau: Probably.
 * Hierophant: Good. I am glad you have won. Nothing disturbs me more than argumentative milksop who can't back up their opinions.
 * Sau: I don't see how my skill with Pokemon relates to my ability to argue, but okay...
 * Zadimortis: ...
 * Sau: You run one hell of a gym.
 * Zadimortis: I have been told this.
 * Sau: So are you also going to give me some weird cryptic shpeal about life and death, or...?
 * Zadimortis: No. You have made it through the Wheel. You have proven mastery over all my temple has to share. This is the final test of that understanding.
 * Sau: All right, let's do this.
 * Zadimortis: The Wheel has found you... wanting.
 * Zadimortis: The Wheel has found you... worthy.
 * Zadimortis: Excellent. With this badge, you join an elite rank of trainers who understand the world for what it truly is, and can overcome it with power and grace.
 * Sau: Thanks. This one was a doozy. Is the next gym just as bad?
 * Zadimortis: ...In a manner of speaking.
 * Sau: Not sure what that means, but I'll be ready.
 * Zadimortis: Yes, I believe you will.

Clair (Blackthorn City)
Description=

Gym Trainers= Scarlet, the Mystic Reaper
 * Bio:
 * Pokemon:

Tsubaki and Sakura, the Twins
 * Bio:
 * Pokemon:

Zane, the Raging Dragon
 * Pokemon:

Clair=
 * Bio:
 * Mana Slinger: When a Pokemon faints, all of its stat changes and status effects are transferred to the next Pokemon on their team to be sent out.
 * Pokemon:
 * Kingdra - spams Dragon Dance, raising Attack and Speed.
 * Flygon - Uses an assortment of powerful physical attacks to take advantage of Kingdra's stat boosts.
 * Alolan Ninetales - spams Nasty Plot, severely increasing Special Attack.
 * Ampharos - Uses an assortment of powerful special attacks to take advantage of Alolan Ninetales's stat boosts.
 * Salazzle - Attempts to inflict Burn or Poison on the opponent.
 * Hydreigon - By this point, Clair's stat boosts have made this already OP AF Pokemon even more so.

Dialogue= Upon entering the gym
 * Blade: Whoa whoa whoa, who the hell do you think you are, barging in like that?
 * Sau: I have seven Gym badges. And I helped out with all the stuff in Mahogany Town.
 * Blade: Huh? What happened in Mahogany Town?
 * Sau: Uh... I know this is kind of an isolated place, but...
 * Blade: Nevermind that! Welcome to Blackthorn City Gym! *appraises Sau approvingly* I can tell you're a man with an appreciation for a good tan. Even though you're kind of a scrawny nerd.
 * Sau: Oh. Thanks. I think you should probably be aware of what the Consortium's been-
 * Blade: Oh, what? The consortium? Man, no one wants to go through the Ice Path to deal with those people. It's not worth getting into a rivalry with them!
 * Sau: I think I know why they were able to get away with so many things if you're their 'rivals'...
 * Blade: What was that?
 * Sau: Nothing. Are you going to tell me about this gym? It's very pink. And black.
 * Blade: Oh yeah, Gym Leader's Clair, Master of Dragons. I'd fight you as part of the screening, but I can't stand being stuck inside this dank pit. Speaking of which, I'm gonna go topside and catch some rays, so good luck, little buddy. *leaves*
 * Sau: "Little buddy?"

Upon meeting Scarlet

Battle - Defeat Scarlet!

Upon defeating Scarlet

Upon meeting Tsubaki and Sakura

Battle - Defeat Tsubaki and Sakura!

Upon defeating Tsubaki and Sakura

Upon meeting Zane


 * Zane: You did pretty well to make it this far, but you won't be going any further. This is the top-rated Gym... and I'm the top-tier Warrior of Madness.
 * Sau: What does that even mean?
 * Zane: *holding hand over face* It means I'm the Raging Dragon of Blackthorn City!
 * Sau: That makes even less sense.

Battle - Defeat Zane!


 * Zane: *narrows eyes * Entertain me!

Upon defeating Zane


 * Zane: Pah. Got too cocky again. Don't think too much of yourself - my sis taught me humility, and she'll teach it to you too.
 * Sau: Looks like she didn't do a very good job...

Upon meeting Clair:


 * Clair: Oh wow, another overbaked turkey! Did you and Blade become best friends?
 * Sau: No. He was too loud.
 * Clair: *laughs* Rude! You remind me of another overbaked turkey I've met...
 * Sau: You don't remind me of the Clair I thought ran this gym. I think she was more serious.
 * Clair: Yeah, I took over for that old woman. She was getting upset because she kept losing to Fairies. I've learned from her mistakes and even have a cute Fairy on my team. Matches my aesthetic perfectly ~
 * Sau: Sure. *taps Pokeball languidly*
 * Clair: Jeez, you're no fun. Maybe you'll brighten up a little after I kick your ass. You'll find out why I'm the top-rated and cutest Gym Leader! Fufufufu!

Battle - Defeat Gym Leader Clair!

Upon sending out Hydreigon:


 * Clair: Fufufu... now I'm ready to go in guns blazing.

Upon defeating Clair:


 * Clair: How did you defeat my team!? *sob* Shut up! I'm not crying! Only old Gym Leaders do that!!

Elite Four
The paths the Elite Four took to seize the titles of the most powerful Trainers in Johto involve unique and masterful combinations of skill and guile. Over the years, they have also grown less content to remain in their ivory towers and await challenges. Instead, they exert their influence on the world - some seen, some unseen, yet another common thread binds them: the hand of the Consortium.

April Augustus
Pokemon:

Julian Adbelasch
Pokemon: Noctowl, Medicham, Espeon, Reuniclus, Inteleon, Gallade

Vainia Sestrum
Pokemon:

Jian Yu
Pokemon:

8
Pokemon:

MooMoo Farm
Starting location.


 * Pokemon:
 * Mareep
 * Far'fetchd
 * Magnemite
 * Sunkern
 * Hoothoot
 * Pineco
 * Ducklett
 * Yamper
 * Zigzagoon
 * Exeggcute
 * Rockruff
 * Tauros
 * Miltank

Wild Area
The vast expanse of mostly unsettled land in the northern region of Johto. Four great cities are positioned at cardinal points along its periphery: Olivine in the west, Ecruteak in the north, Violet in the east, and Goldenrod in the south. The terrain varies drastically from the somewhat domesticated Nation Park outside of Goldenrod to the treacherous marshland to the west of Ecruteak.

Thirteen Orphans
Marshland to the west of Ecruteak City. A safe path through this area is hard to find, but made easier by a baker's dozen of waymarks constructed across patches of high ground.

Pokemon

 * Gastly
 * Wooper
 * Hondour
 * Stantler
 * Girafarig
 * Sableye
 * Mawile
 * Drifloon
 * Dewpider
 * Dreepy

Episodes
Opening=

Preceding scene: After an encounter with an ambush of Ghosts while transporting farm goods across the Wild Area to Ecruteak City, Sau is able to escape back to MooMoo Farm with the help of random passerby Morty, the former leader of Ecruteak City. Morty gives Sau a Litwick to help with future trips. Somethingsomething NOW IT'S TIME TO GO OUT ON YOUR POKEMON ADVENTURE. Following scene happens at the farmhouse when his parents are making the decision to allow Sau to move on from the farm.


 * Mom: Yesyes, let him go! Powerful Trainers get to demand crazy sums of money from other Trainers they defeat. Maybe Sau can buy us a house back in Alola! Yes, with a swimming pool...
 * Dad: Dear, I've never understood the point of having a pool in a place surrounded by water.
 * Mom: The point is that it's your water and you can swim in it whenever you want.
 * Dad: Okay, but what about the farm? We can't just leave the Miltank here. Well, maybe in the winter, we could hire someone to look after...
 * Mom: Great! We'll be snowbirds. When the very first flake of snow falls - bam! - we're outta here. And we won't come back until April. *beams*
 * Dad: I don't know if we should be thinking this far ahead...

''His wife, who was humming to herself throughout the conversation, moves towards the porch. She stops at the doorway and pauses for a moment.''


 * Mom: Something odd is happening in this country. The storms in Olivine and Cianwood aren't normal. I think you know it, too. Wouldn't it be better to move somewhere safer?
 * Dad: I've - we've - spent a lot of time and effort building the farm up where it is. I know Sau wants to do something else with his life, but it's hard thinking of the two of you not here.
 * Mom: Mm, I can understand that. It feels like we've finally accomplished what we set out to do when we left Alola.

''Dad walks over to the porch window. The sun is beginning to set on MooMoo Farm, casting an amber hue over the cheery scarlet walls of its barns and sheds. Eight years ago, there was nothing there besides marshland and swamp. His eyes catch the fading rays of the sun.''


 * Mom: It's good to have beautiful dreams. Especially when other people help you achieve them.

''She looks out at the rolling fields of wheat, at the bulbous white-pink masses grazing lazily in the beige ocean. ''


 * Mom: It's also good to help others with their dreams, wouldn't you think?
 * Dad: ...Yes, I suppose you're right.

Professor=

Sau encounters a tattooed man in a unbuttoned lab coat in Ecruteak City.


 * David: You can have any Pokemon you want! As long as it's a bird. Also, as long as it's one of the three birds I currently have to offer.
 * Sau: That's not much of a choice.
 * David: Yep, just like how Pokemon Professors aren't given much of a choice in which starters they get to give out. Grass, Fire, Water - that's it! Speaking of which...

''David calls out three Pokemon. A Rowlet rolls out and flaps its wings endearingly, followed by an easily-distracted Torchic and a Piplup that begins to preen itself for a nonexistent camera.


 * Sau: They really are all birds.
 * David: *winks* You're so quick on the uptake! I can see you have the skills necessary to go all the way to the Pokemon League.
 * Sau: Uh-huh. I choose the Rowlet.
 * David: Eh? So quickly? Most people ruminate a bit first. It's not like I need you to save me from a wild Poochyena or anything.
 * Sau: A Grass type would be helpful for helping with seasoning. And it's the only one that can actually fly.

''Sau picks up the Rowlet and holds it at face level. A manic glint flashes in his eye for a fraction of a second.''


 * Sau: And it's... cute.
 * David: Then it's decided! How am I supposed to run a study on the psychological factors that affect starter selection if all you kids give me are purely functional reasons or "It's cute?"
 * Sau: I dunno. I'm not a Professor. And by the way, I don't know about going all the way to the Pokemon League.
 * David: Oh, really? Just setting off on your own for the fun of it? There must be more of a reason...?
 * Sau: I'd like to see more of Johto, for sure. I'm sure there's a lot I don't know about Curry and Poffin making. A lot I don't know about a lot of stuff, probably. I'll figure it out as I go. What matters is that I'm going.

David flashes a huge grin.


 * David: Interesting, interesting. You're not the regular kine 10 year old kid who sets out with a big dream to be the Champion.
 * Sau: That's because I'm 15.
 * David: Auwe! That's practically geriatric in Champion terms. Maybe it's better you're keeping your reason for doing the Gym Challenge open, then.
 * Sau: I guess. A journey isn't as, um, enjoyable if you already know the exact route you're going.

Sau smiles in a contentedly gloomy way.


 * David: Haha! Whatever you say. I'm not in Johto to call the shots anyway.
 * Sau: Doesn't the Alola need their Professor back anytime soon...?
 * David: Oh, I'm not the "official" Alolan professor anyway! I just came to visit Johto and really liked it here, so I stayed. Life in Alola was getting too quiet for my tastes.
 * Sau: Uh-huh...
 * David: Well, you seem all set! Feel free to send me a text if you need anything and I'll let my remote assistant handle it. She's a pretty feisty old woman, so make sure your message is respectful. Seeya!

''David waves and saunters off towards the Burned Tower. He stutter-steps and turns back to Sau.''


 * David: Oh yeah, I'm supposed to stay on brand. Alola!

Pokedex=

''Sau pokes around a mall in the commercial district of Ecruteak. His Magnemite and Litwick are perched on each shoulder, buzzing/bubbling quietly.''


 * Sau: Ah. I forgot. Aren't Pokemon professors supposed to give out Pokedexes? To help catalogue and stuff. I get the feeling that wasn't one of Professor David's priorities...?

His Pokemon only stare at him - one with all the unfathomable calculus of a silent sentient machine, and the other all the power of a grudge stuffed into a small candle.


 * ???: Hey. Psst. You. Over here!

''A shadowy figure beckons from a dimly lit storefront. Sau retreats from it slowly, until it slinks into the light and reveals herself as a thin, blue-haired girl nearly a foot shorter than himself.''


 * Hanji: Did I hear you say.... you needed a Pokedex? *eyes Sau's Magnemite with poorly concealed hunger*
 * Sau: Um, yes. Do you give them out? You don't look like a professor. But then again, neither did David except for the lab coat.
 * Hanji: *bitter laugh* Nope! Unfortunately I'm not recognized for my research, as promising as it is. "Rotom dexes are proven concepts!" they said. "We don't need any further innovation!" Pah! You look like a person in desperate need of technological aid to assist him on his Pokemon quest, amirite?"
 * Sau: That sounds about right. Um, but I can probably pick up a Pokedex in Goldenrod...
 * Hanji: Nonsense. I've got a solution for you right here - Hanji-approved!

''Hanji snatches Sau's Magnemite with alacrity and disappears into her shop. Sau calls after her and follows hurriedly into her shop. Thirty minutes later.''


 * Hanji: Ok bye! Make sure you ADVERTISE WHAT A WONDERFUL SERVICE I'VE PROVIDED YOU! Tell your friends! Tell your enemies! And if you have any issues, come back and I'll patch him - it? her? - right up!

''She waves a hand ringed by pixelated cerulean light. Sau leaves quickly, and as they turn the corner the Magnemite's eye flashes blue and projects a hologram before it.


 * Magnemite: This unit wishes User: Sau to know that it is not affected by creation bias. It will operate under standard Pokedex protocol as directed by the Pokemon League and conveniently ignore these superfluous programs Hanji has installed for various data collecting purposes. This unit will serve as Pokedex, unwanted tutorial provider, and translator. In the spirit of making oneself useful: the Litwick wishes for you to know that it's been eight hours since you fed him. Translation return: "get us some fucking Berries, you weak-ass mango." Translation end. Advise: Comply with request to avoid title of "weak-ass mango."

Mangosteen=
 * Sau: Hm. Neat.

Sau has been gently farming entire crops of Grass-type Pokemon with his Lampent, who seems to be relishing the training.


 * Sau: Hmm. Hopefully Bounsweet evolves soon. There won't be any non-burned Glooms left.

The aforementioned Bounsweet is rocking back and forth blissfully on the grass, a circlet of flowers and golden wire perched on its head.


 * Magnemite: This unit wishes to inform you that all Pokemon in the party automatically gain a portion of the experience harvested by the lead Pokemon. "EXP Share" is an outdated device. Especially faux ones.


 * Sau: This is a "Special Crown" my mom made. She says it helps Pokemon feel better about themselves and gain more experience. It can't hurt, right? Plus it looks cute.

''The magenta Pokemon coos adorably. As another Gloom flees the field partially ablaze, Bounsweet suddenly straightens up and is consumed by a flashing white light.''


 * Sau: Oh! Great. I wonder what it will look like. Maybe like Exeggcute? Mm.... six mangosteens... hmhm... hm...


 * Magnemite: Observation: disturbing. Unfortunately, Bounsweet evolves into Stee-


 * Sau: Hold up, let me see for myself. I like surprises.


 * Magnemite: You like surprises? Very well. This unit assumes no responsibility for your inevitable disappointment.

''A humanoid shape emerges from the formerly rotund ball of light. The newly evolved Steenee flicks an immaculate coif of leaf-hair from its face, tossing the flower crown off. With a flounce, it snatches Magnemite, opens its camera function, and begins making Farfetch'd faces.''


 * Sau: What the hell is this?


 * Magnemite: Opinion: Same. Steenee is *PLEASE WAIT 0.75 SECONDS BEFORE TAKING NEXT PICTURE* rapidly abusing this unit's image capture function *WARNING: MEMORY LOW* and has somehow managed *WOULD YOU LIKE TO PAY [[File:PokémonDollar.png]]250 FOR POKECHAT FILTER: 2ND SACRED HOLY EYE?* to acquire 7,293 social media followers in the span of 10 seconds *TRANSACTION COMPLETE. RECEIPT Y/N?*


 * Sau: Hey - stop that! Tell it to not waste my money! And don't treat my mom's Special Crown like that. *quickly moves to pick up the crown-lei*


 * Magnemite: Steenee response: "Ugh. That thing totally cramped my style. What's up with this outdated phone anyway? I can't influence in these conditions. Does this pale blue Lampent light make my face look naturally moist?"


 * Sau: ...Box it.

Magnemite shoots a beam of blue light from its eye, converting the Steenee into data and consuming it.


 * Sau: You should have told me it would be like that.


 * Magnemite: Contradiction identified. You stated enjoyment of surprises. Liability denied.

The Man in White= ''Sau rests under a tree. The day has been hot and muggy, and the road rough. From seemingly nowhere, a man dressed in a sharp white trench coat appears.''
 * Sau: Okay, but if it's going to be that bad, warn me in advance. I'm going to need a replacement fruit Pokemon now.


 * Man in white: Why do people still work?
 * Sau: Huh?
 * Man in white: Pokemon sit at the perfect midpoint of sentience. They are wise enough to be trained, to communicate their needs, yet the vast majority of them enjoy performing labor, more so if it’s in servitude to a human “master”. A concept that humans find revolting and pokemon find exonerating. It’s a little too perfect, don’t you think?
 * Sau: …
 * Man in white: So why haven’t we simply turned over all our labors to our loyal subjects and lived out our dreams unbound to the needs of society?

Sau blinks.


 * Man in white: Never mind. Good day.
 * Sau: Well-
 * Man in white: Hm? Speak up.
 * Sau: ...I mean, pokemon can’t do everything people can. Designing complex structures, coding computers-
 * Man in white: Nonsense. I trained a Reuniclus that coded a security system for an entire company. To this day, it hasn’t been breached.
 * Sau: What…?
 * Man in white: Train them to capacity, automate the rest. Your argument does not hold. Still, it was a good attempt.
 * Sau: ...What about human ingenuity?

''Sau pauses, waiting for a response, but the man in white just stares attentively. Sau continues.''


 * Sau: Even if pokemon really can do everything people can, you still need people to tell them what to do, right? Society won’t move forward without new ideas. Things won’t get better.

The man in white nods approvingly.


 * Man in white: Well done. Wouldn’t have expected that out of a traveling teenager.
 * Sau: Who are you, anyway?
 * Man in white: I’d like to show you something.

The man in white taps his wristwatch, and in a familiar flash of red light, as if emerging from a pokeball, the watch manifests into a Magnemite.


 * Magnemite: The time is fifteen forty-five. You have two appointments this evening, sir. Would you like this unit to call for a company Braviary to pick you up? I recommend leaving early, as a thunderstorm is headed this way from the north in nine minutes.
 * Man in white: You don’t get that from evolution or natural selection. That’s not possible without human ingenuity. You’re absolutely right. And yes, I’ll take that Braviary.
 * Magnemite: En route.
 * Sau: Hey, that’s just like-

Sau clicks open a pokeball off his waistbelt.


 * Sau’s Magnemite: Greetings. This units would like to know why-

Sau’s magnemite suddenly becomes aware of the man in white’s magnemite, and begins buzzing around it curiously.


 * Sau’s Magnemite: New unit detected. Outdated model. Preparing upgrade.
 * Man in white: Well. I see you’re also familiar with Hanji’s work. Color me impressed.

''The two magnemites link magnets, and a current flows between them. The man in white sighs wistfully.''


 * Man in white: She truly was a visionary, I hated having to let her go. I’m glad to see she’s still doing well. Not that she would ever stop. I don’t think she could if she wanted to.
 * Sau: Just who the hell are you?

The magnemites separate.


 * Sau’s Magnemite: Upgrade complete.

''Sau’s magnemite returns to its pokeball. In the distance, a flapping of wings is heard.''


 * Man in white: Levi.

''The gigantic Braviary lands next to Levi, and lowers down. He deftly swing atop its back.''


 * Levi: I’d offer you a job, but you’re a bit young. We will be in touch, though. And thank you for the upgrade. I owe you one.

''Levi flies into the distance, leaving Sau staring at the cloudy sky. Off in the distance, thunder rumbles faintly.''


 * }