Story:Pokemon Guava and Mango/Johto

Characters

Gym Leaders

Seo (Violet City)

• Description
• Gym Trainers
• Seo
• Dialogue

Falkner's old roost has been recently replaced with a less myopic Gym. The youthful Seo is in charge of the Pet Park, a mostly open-air complex of parks, training areas, and veterinary clinics that treat /most/ species of domesticated Pokemon. (Seo's managers have recently convinced him to begrudingly ban the Zubat line from the park, as they were treating other Pokemon as beverages.) The Gym also works with schools to help kids learn about Pokemon (and enlists them as free labor "volunteers" for various tasks). Progressing through the gym involves assisting volunteers and staff with these tasks. Small mini-game associated with each component of the gym: Parks: Help Niu collect toys and fill food bowls. A high score will result in Niu eating all of her Pokemon's berries before the fight starts. Training Area: Participate in Evie's "Who's that Pokemon!?!??!" class. Evie will show baby Pokemon and silhouettes of their evolved forms which must be identified. Evie's Pokemon will have increased evasion unless a high score is achieved. Vet Clinic: Help Huang identify recordings of wild Pokemon by their cries. The hit rate of Huang's Pokemon's sound-based moves will always be 100% unless a high score is achieved.

Niu

• Pokemon:

• Bounsweet
• Vanilite
• Swirlix

Evie

• Pokemon:

• Munna
• Galerian Ponyta
• Espurr
• Pichu

Huang

• Wailmer

  Pikipek

  Ledian

Pokemon: Houndour, Yamper, Rockruff, Mightyena

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
• Artemis
• Dialogue

Situated in dazzling Goldenrod City lies the Opera House, a gym themed around music. Gone is Whitney's maze of flowers and platforms - Artemis has converted the Gym into a beautiful concert hall. Descending from the top of the hall, a red carpet guides the challenger through the golden-panelled room. Small platforms are located at each level: Dress Circle, Boxes and Stalls, each with one of Artemis's quartet members who must be battled to progress further. At the end of the carpet lies the stage, where Artemis waits. There are two special features for this Gym: At the start of each battle, the Gym Trainer will identify a particular emotion that the player is exhibiting. They will play to it, strengthening certain attributes of the challenging Pokemon and weakening others. Artemis has a similar ability, but will cycle through different emotions with each Pokemon he sends out. At the beginning of the Gym, the music features the voices of a full string quartet. As each member is defeated, their instrument is silenced, until only Artemis's violin is left. Once Artemis is defeated, a full orchestra appears to play the victory theme.

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

• 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.

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!

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.

Nell (Ecruteak City)

• Description
• Chime
• Nell
• Dialogue

The newly (re)formed Ecruteak Gym lies within the center of Serene Forest, with its groves neatly cut into walls forming a maze with pathways locked by switches. On the entrance of the forest, Chime attempts to convince Sau to turn back. If Sau declines the offer, Chime will begin to chase and attack him throughout the maze, playing a practical cat-and-mouse game where he hunts down the trainer. If Chime catches Sau, a battle will forcefully initiate where Chime always gets first strike priority and crits Sau's current Pokemon, then retreat. Sau would then find himself sent back at the entrance with all the switches reset. The process would continue if Chime catches Sau again until he reaches the gym's main gate, where Chime awaits as an actual battle. Once the Gym is cleared, Chime will no longer hunt down Sau whenever he enters the grove, but wild Pokemons will fill in instead.

• Bio:
• Accentuated Assault: Chime has an attack counter where every 4th attack he repeats in a row has 100% critical rate and bypasses defense. The counter resets once the 4th attack is executed (hit or miss) or Chime changes action mid chain, but any attacks that triggers crit beforehand will not reset the counter. As such, Chime's Pokemon attempt to inflict debilitating status effects or otherwise stall long enough to set up for a Pokemon to repeat the same move.
• Pokemon:
  • Vivillion (Meadow Coloration) - Delays with Powder against Fire-types/Sleep Powder/Double Team, attacks with Bug Buzz.
  • Chimecho - Delays with Cosmic Power and Heal Bell, can pass Stats with Baton Pass, attacks with Extrasensory.
  • Frosmoth - Delays with Rest and Sleep Talk, attacks with Ice Beam and Air Slash.
  • Starmie - Delays with Confuse Ray and Recover, attacks with Scald and Psychic.

• Bio:
• Vermillion Vein: Nell's Pokemon will always attack twice on their turn: first with a status move and second with a damaging move. Problem?
• Pokemon:
  • Scyther: escalates with Swords Dance or Agility, slices with X-Scizzor or Aerial Ace.
  • Slowbro: drowses with Amnesia or Yawn, ponders with Water Pulse or Psybeam.
  • Marowak: threatens with Focus Energy or Leer, punishes with Bonemerang or Rock Slide
  • Typhlosion: Haha, just kidding. Typlosion gets two damaging attacks (Eruption, Lava Plume, Facade, Wild Charge) per round.

Upon entering Forest:

Sau

Hmm...is there really a Gym in this forest?

Chime

Hello.

Sau

Agh! Don't jump on me like that!

Chime

A Trainer? I wonder how you've wandered into such a place as this?

Sau

I'm here for the Gym.

Chime

...Hm. Would you consider turning back?

Sau

What kind of a Gym declines challengers!?

Chime

This one. So, will you?

>Sau replies 'yes'

Chime

Yes, no reason for uneccessary conflict. Since you came all the way, here's something for your effort.

>Sau receives Energy Root x1

>Sau replies 'no'

Chime

If that is your answer. Take one step beyond this point, and...

Sau

And? Huh-? He's gone.

Upon entering Forest: >You feel someone looking at you...

Chime

Here's the rules. To get past here, you need to turn on all the switches first. I'm going to count to 3. That's as much as a handicap you'll get.
One.
Two....
...Three!

Sau

Wait-!

If caught by Chime:

Chime

Well, I suppose that's as far as you go.

---

Upon meeting Chime

Chime

I've been waiting. You have guts traversing the forest.

Sau

No more tricks, right?

Chime

Nope.

>if Sau replies 'no' priorhand

Chime

As a recognition of your strength, let's fight fair-and-square.

>All of Sau's Pokemon are healed!

Chime

I won't let you lay one finger on her.

Upon defeating Chime:

Chime

You're stronger than I thought. I am certain you'll survive her onslaught.

Sau

That doesn't sound encouraging.

Chime

The Gym leader's...not someone who's good at restraint. Good luck.

---

Upon meeting Nell

Nell

Nice work making it this far. Uh...I think a congratulations is in order?

Sau

No, that happens after I defeat you.

Nell

Oh. I haven't met any challengers here in while... somehow they kept getting lost.

Sau

I think that has more to do with Chime... Anyway, shall we begin?

Nell

As you wish. My Pokemon are a bit old-school. They get to attack twice, though. Fair warning.

Seo

What? How is that fair?

Nell

It isn't. Welcome to the real world.

Seo

But I've been in the real world all my life...?

Nell

Ah, ok. Welcome to the Johto Pokemon League, then. That's worse.

Upon sending out Typhlosion:

Nell

You were expecting a Charizard? How trite.

Upon defeating Nell:

Nell

Congratulations. You did well repelling my attack.

Sau

Phew-

Nell

Here's your badge. I hope this motivates your sights to stay true.

Sau

That's not very convincing coming from someone that blatantly cheats....

Nell

Well...don't be like me?

Sau

Yeah, that sounds more appropriate!

Seungchul (Olivine City)

• Description
• Gym Trainers
• Seungchul
• Dialogue

As a bustling port-of-call and the main trade hub connecting Johto with several other regions (primarily Alola), Olivine City has no shortage of visitors seeking affordable, quick, and memorable eats. They need look no further than the Waning Moon Waffle House. Leader Seungchul Song took Jasmine's old nondescript building that was essentially filled with dirt and transformed it into a popular tourist attraction (with some brotherly and sisterly help from his five siblings, who help staff). The new building design is sleek and almost ship-like, topped off with a crescent-shaped sign that looks like a bite taken out of a waffle. The nighttime beam from the city's nearby lighthouse casts a rich golden glow on the sign and restaurant proper. It's open for the entire day, so Gym Challenges need to be conducted expediently with customer service in mind. To accomplish this, the Songs have a rather expedient method of whittling down challengers while giving half the staff a short break. As the Waffle House also offers an array of cards and board games for customer use, they will initially have each challenger participate in a quick four-person card game, followed by a Double Battle.

Euchre/Double Battle: Each participant selects two Pokemon.

Partner Joohyun:

• Pokemon:
  • Vespiquen
  • Appletun

Opponent Taeyang:

• Bio:
• Pokemon:
  • Machoke
  • Heracross

Opponent Iseul:

• Bio:
• Pokemon:
  • Kadabra
  • Xatu

Bio:

Escape Pod: Seungchul's Pokemon automatically swap out when dropping below 50% health, cleansing all status effects in the process.

Pokemon:

• Stunfisk (Galerian Form)
• Electrode
• Girafarig
• Morkpedo
• Dracozolt

Upon entering Gym:

Sau approaches the counter after waiting in line for about 15 minutes.

Seungchul

Hey. What can I get you?

Sau

One Gym Challenge, please.

Seungchul

oh my god why are there so many of them this week Just that? You don't want a waffle or something while you wait? Special of the day is papaya core with mangosteen syrup...

Sau

Just the Gym Challenge is fine.

Seungchul

You sure? Aight, well, I gotta get the staff to take you on first, and we're kind of in the middle of a rush, so I'd highly advise getting something to eat while you wait.

Sau

This seems kind of like extortion.

Seungchul

Sure, but it's delicious extortion. Tell you what, if you beat me, I'll refund the full price.

Sau

Okay, I'll take seven specials then. Six in a to go box.

Seungchul

Hah. That confident?

Sau

Not really, most of these are for my Pokemon later on. If I win, then I'll have taken full advantage of your offer.

Seungchul

Okay boss, payment up front. Take your time and enjoy the food - it's crazy good. My sister Joohyun will bring it out, and we'll get the Gym Challenge started after you eat.

Sau takes a seat away from an array of televisions, choosing instead a spot overlooking the sea. A few ships sail into port, watched over by the sleeping lighthouse - it's late in the afternoon, but its beacon hasn't begun to shine yet. A woman who looks to be slightly older than him soon arrives, artfully balancing several plastic containers, a plate that smells like syrupy carbohydrate heaven, and several condiment bottles. After doling out the majority of her charge across Sau's table, she brandishes one of the bottles with cheerful aggression at him.

Joohyun

Do you want honey with your waffle? Take some honey for your waffle. It’s good for you. Natural sugar. You will like it.

Sau

T-thanks, but I think there's enough sugar on my plate? Not that I'm complaining, but...

Joohyun

Great! I love customers who don't complain.

She douses Sau's waffle with honey and departs to help another table before he can protest. After one bite, he understands her wisdom. Lunch being finished faster than he expected, he waits at the table idly looking over the ocean until Seungchul rushes past his table.

Seungchul

Hey - you ready? I got people to play cards with you for the Gym Challenge.

Sau

Cards? Like children’s card games?

Seungchul

Uh, no. This is four handed Euchre. And it looks like... *shouts towards the back* Joohyun! Taeyang! Iseul! You’re up!

There is a mix of excited chatter from the selected siblings, who finish up at their stations and make their way forward.

Seungchul

Hyun, put that honey away, you’ll eff up the cards.

Joohyun

*gives a knowing look that perfectly communicates ‘language’’.*

Taeyang

What the hell, Chul? Watch your mouth around challengers!

Seungchul

Aish. Iseul, you can teach Sau here how to play, right? The rest of us need to get back to work. Let me know if he wins.

Iseul nods incrementally and wordlessly beckons the other three to a card table.

Sau

Wait, I don’t have to win a Pokemon battle? Just a card game?

Taeyang

Card game, then Pokemon battle. If you’re lucky. Which you won’t be, cause euchre is a doubles game, and I’m not on your team!

Iseul gives Taeyang a mildly withering side glance.

Iseul

Sau, you’re paired with Joohyun, and Taeyang is unfortunately with me.

Joohyun

Don’t worry! I will try my very best to win for us. We are a competitive family. Do not think I will throw just because you are the challenger!

Iseul

It’s best out of 3 hands. Here are the rules...

If Sau and Joohyun win:

Taeyang

Iseul!! Why did you throw like that!?

Iseul massages the bridge of his nose.

Iseul

Maybe if you didn't throw away your Jack of Diamonds twice in a row...

Joohyun

Very good, very good! Now, let’s do the same in a Pokemon battle!

After winning Double Battle:

Joohyun

Congrats, Sau! It's because you had one of our waffles beforehand. They put everyone in a good mood.

Taeyang

I'm going to need a bunch of them. Hmph.

Iseul

Grats.

Taeyang

We should get back to work.

Joohyun

Chul will be on the roof! I'll tell Ryeowook to make sure the cameras are working so customers can watch on the screens.

They return to the kitchen - except Iseul, who lingers behind. He is the shortest of the three, yet he looks straight into Sau's eyes as he makes a request.

Iseul

It's been very busy for us lately - especially my brother. I'm sure he would appreciate it if you gave him a good battle. And compliment the restaurant while you're at it, if that isn't too much to ask.

He nods meaningfully as if to answer his own rhetorical question, leads Sau to the roof stairwell, then disappears. Sau heads to the roof to find Seungchul looking up past the waffle sign to the lighthouse. Though twilight approaches, its beacon remains unlit.

Seungchul

Hey, just let me make sure the cameras are working. The Gym Battles pull a good amount of spectators, but I'd rather them stay downstairs and order food while they watch. How was the food? Worth it, right?

Sau

Definitely. I was wondering if this Gym would have some sort of cooking element as part of the challenge, but I don't know if non-professionals could make something like this.

Seungchul

Yeah, we used to have the challengers help in the kitchen, but they were pretty bad at it. Couldn't tell a spatula from a socket wrench.

Sau

Oops. Not really good for business. Why would a socket wrench be in a kitchen...?

Seungchul

Yup. It’s like, do we really have time to ask everyone: ‘Do you cook like garbage a little bit, but wish you didn’t? Cool! Come to the Waffle House.’

Sau

They could get lessons from Iae or Ragya-Vara instead...

Seungchul

Yeah, those two are masters. Probably would blow this place out of the water if they set up a competitor shop.

There is a slight buzzing sound as a set of lights stationed dramatically along the rooftop blink on automatically with the advent of night. A few red dots pulse almost imperceptibly to Sau's sides; cameras beginning to record.

Seungchul

When you said 'definitely'... my siblings didn't pressure you to say that, did they?

Sau

Um... kind of... but I meant it, too.

Seungchul

Thanks. It's good to hear that. Let's get started, eh?

Upon sending out first Pokemon, Stunfisk:

Seungchul

Stunfisk pairs make for shit waffle irons. I thought this imported Galerian variant would be more effective than the Alolan. Nope.

Upon sending out last Pokemon, Dracozolt:

Seungchul

Aigoo, you’ve made short work of my team so far. Careful though, this last one is pretty WELL PUT TOGETHER.

Upon defeating Seungchul:

Millennia (Cianwood Town)

• Description
• Gym Trainers
• Millennia
• Dialogue

There is an ancient legend in the Cianwood region of the Sea Witch, a maiden of the mist that haunts fishing boats and seduces sailors to watery graves. According to the tales, the Sea Witch ran rampant for hundreds of years, bringing untold seamen to oblivion unchecked, until she fell in love with a martial artist returning home (to Cianwood) on a sailing boat after a war. So desperate for love was the Sea Witch that she followed him onto the mainland - only to dissipate in the full light of the sun when she discovers he already had a lover. After the defeat and subsequent bankruptcy of musclehead Fighting Gym Leader Chuck to the legendary [Ethan/Krys/Lyra], a relatively unknown local trainer named Millennia returned from her victory at the Johto League and challenged Chuck herself, wagering all her exorbitant funds against Chuck's ownership of the Gym. The many onlookers impressed by the show of skill from [Ethan/Krys/Lyra] found themselves floored by Millennia. And so she reigned; within the relatively small span of years since, Leader Millennia brought her gym to the world's stage, herself directly responsible for a good part of it thanks to her uniquely compelling persona of the Sea Witch of legend. Claiming to be a "long-lost descendant of the children of the Goddess", Millennia - or the Witch, as she's called by townspeople that but fear and respect her - runs her Water-type Witch's Cavern gym with an iron grip, but entices friends and foes alike with her stunning good looks and lascivious nature. Said Witch's Cavern is deceptive by sight. Where Chuck's Dojo once stood is now a hot spring-esque resort and inn where the Sea Witch has a business and receives her guests. All challengers and Pokemon trainers find the Gym to be a floor below, where a treacherous underground tunnel leads to an open-air grotto at the heart of a small cavern. Challengers like Sau find they must traverse a convoluted labyrinth, dealing with mirror-tricks and the Witch's Trainers, should they want to arrive at the grotto's heart and battle the Witch herself.

Berah Years

• Bio: Close friend and business partner of Millennia's. While she doesn't take her friend seriously when it comes to the whole "literal reincarnation of an ancient fisherman tale and futuristic scifi goddess all at once" spiel, Berah is quite supportive and doesn't take well to skeptics trying to blitz their way through the gym. Her Water type Pokemon end up an unexpected threat to players that don't take precaution against status ailments.
• [ Always Seen by the Emperor-Eyes ] : Berah's Pokemon have increased chances of successfully landing status ailments (buffs AND debuffs).
• Pokemon:

• Slowking - batters the player with Scald and Future Sight after starting the battle with Rain Dance.
• Azumarill - hits hard with Aqua Jet and Knock Off in between setting up Rain Dance or healing with Aqua Ring.
• Kingdra - will be switched in immediately if Rain Dance is active and a debuff exists on the player. After boosting with Dragon Dance, deals massive damage with boosted Hydro Pump and Ice Beam.

Braxton Ring

• Bio: The sole trainer still practicing Chuck's style of meditation/martial arts. Though he is an ardent practitioner of the style and a stalwart, principled man, Braxton is head over heels in love with the Sea Witch, and gleefully acts as muscle for her bidding. He is horrified about having to include a Water-type on his beloved Fighting-themed team. If players aren't ready, he'll do heavy damage against teams built to counteract Water!
• [ Self-Illusion ] : Once per battle, by convincing himself (and his Pokemon) that Leader Millennia needs him to succeed, Braxton's leading Pokemon can survive a finishing blow and regains all PP in the process.
• Pokemon:

• Crabominable - straight up damage.
• Poliwrath - counters Electric Pokemon with Dig.
• Heracross - trained to counter against Grass Pokemon with Megahorn.
• Alomomola - tanks and heals with Wish and Protect while debuffing with Toxic and Scald.

Ragya-Vara

• Bio: Millennia's bodyguard slash dramatic lover (?). An exceptionally odd fellow that claims he'd "literally kill" anyone if the Witch desired. From his oddball personality to his unusual good looks, the "Rosary Assassin" gathers a fair number of fans to the Gym himself. He never shows them any mercy in battle. Uses the most Ice-type of the whole gym.
• [ Forever Curse Fang ] : Once per battle, Ragya will either raise one of his critical Pokemon's HP to max or can lower all the PP of a random one of the player's Pokemon.
• Pokemon:

• Qwilfish - Sets up Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Rain Dance before Taunting enemies into submission.
• Vaporeon - Heals with Aqua Ring, sets up Rain Dance if it's fallen, then attacks with either Surf or Ice Beam.
• Toxapex - Heals with Recover and sets Toxic Spikes (if down) before sweeping with Surf or Blizzard (if not in Rain Dance).
• Frosslass - Slows foes with Icy Wind, links with Destiny Bond (if the player has less Pokemon than Ragya), then sweeps with Frost Breath and Water Pulse.

• Bio: Self-proclaimed "incarnation of the Eternal Sea Witch of the Stars", and leader of the Cianwood Gym.
• Tyrant Eyes: Can foresee the movements of the player; on turns when a player Pokemon is switched in, Millennia's Pokemon always go first, regardless of Speed stat.
• Pokemon:

• Tentacruel - Sets Toxic Spikes, burns with Scald, and attacks with Surf / Sludge Bomb.
• Gyarados - Has a 50% chance of going Mega.
• Slowbro - Has a 50% chance of going Mega.
• Primarina - Wrecks with Moonblast, Sparkling Aria, and Psychic; heals with Rest.
• Volcanion (!) - Ruins with Steam Eruption, Fire Blast, and Earth Power; also hits with Sludge Bomb.
• Cloyster - Often will switch in, set Spikes, and switch out. When last Pokemon: uses Shell Smash and proceeds to sweep with Ice Shard. Not afraid to use Explosion in a pinch to force a draw.

Upon entering the gym

|}

Zadimortis (Mahogany Town)

• Description
• Gym Trainers
• Zadimortis
• Dialogue

Nestled away in the northernmost corner of Mahogany Town sits The Great Wheel, a temple themed around life and death, light and darkness. It is rumored that the gym leader, Zadimortis, is an immortal from ancient times who built the monolithic stone temple with his own hands... but these rumors are probably grossly exaggerated. The gym is comprised of three concentric rings around the center dais, where Zadimortis awaits. Each ring is home to a Trainer that must be beaten in order to progress into the next ring. However, these rings are riddled with traps, and the gym begins in total darkness - the HM Flash can be used to grant a small circle of illumination around Sau. Moreover, whenever Sau leaves the gym, the rings rotate to a new configuration, making repeated navigation difficult and maps useless. Defeating Zadimortis grants the Shadow Walk TM, which greatly reduces the rate of random encounters while on the field.

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

• 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

Upon reaching Father Griffith

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.

Battle: Defeat Griffith!

Griffith

May you go farther in darkness.

Upon reaching Mother Olivia

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.

Battle: Defeat Olivia!

Olivia

Hm hm hm... well done, walker.

Upon reaching The Hierophant

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.

Battle: Defeat The Hierophant!

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...

Upon reaching the central dais

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.

Battle: Defeat Gym Leader Zadimortis!

If Flash was used:

Zadimortis

The Wheel has found you... wanting.

If Flash was not used:

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
• Clair
• Dialogue

Situated in the farthest depths of Blackthorn's ancient Dragon's Den lies the Aether Abyss, a chamber pulsating with visible veins of magical energy alternating between bright pink and smoke black. The main challenge of the gym is getting through the tough wild Pokemon of the maze-like and waterlogged Dragon's Den before it. Once through to the Aether Abyss, the cave opens up and a series of rope ladders reach up towards a break in the rocky ceiling to the open sky above. Challengers must avoid the streams of aether in narrow tunnels, where Clair's friends wait. Being hit by a pink aether stream decreases all of the party Pokemon's Attack and Special Attack by one stage, while being hit by a dark aether stream decreases all of the party Pokemon's Defense and Special Defense by one stage. These effects can be stacked, but the effects of one color aether will cancel out a stack of the other color.

Scarlet, the Mystic Reaper

• Bio:
• Pokemon:

Tsubaki and Sakura, the Twins

• Bio:
• Pokemon:

Zane, the Raging Dragon

• Pokemon:

• 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.

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:

Locations

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
• Professor
• Pokedex
• Mangosteen

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.

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!

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."

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 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.

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.