"Go ahead and tear it up, Damalanchi," Agatha said coolly. "These are all computer-printed. No matter how many you tear, I can print a hundred more. Face reality: you are no longer the head of the League."
"Actually, I should thank you. If you hadn't reported me to the Global Federation for 'misconduct,' I might never have summoned the resolve to hand over the dossier of your crimes to them. You brought this on yourself."
"The Global Federation has already uncovered the truth behind the Kanto League's massive budget deficit. Those are all problems left over from your tenure; they have nothing to do with me. Soon, I will officially be the Champion of the Kanto League. Truly, thank you, Damalanchi."
"Oh, and look who's here. Your former 'right-hand men,' Black and White. They've already defected to me. As soon as a position opens up, I'll be promoting them to League Elites."
Agatha clapped her hands, and Black and White stepped out from behind the heavy oak doors. They walked past Damalanchi without a single glance, as if the man were made of thin air.
"Pfft—!"
Damalanchi felt a sharp, agonizing pain in his chest and spat out a mouthful of blood. In an instant, he seemed to age ten years. His hair fell disheveled around his face as he slumped onto the floor.
Agatha looked down at him with indifference, her eyes devoid of mercy.
"Someone! Drag the former Chairman out! Don't let him stain my office floor," Agatha declared, emphasizing the word "former" with biting clarity.
Hearing those words, Damalanchi coughed up another mouthful of blood and collapsed, losing consciousness.
"Former Chairman, indeed. Can't even handle a little stimulus," Agatha sneered as League security dragged Damalanchi's limp body from the room.
"Black, White. The Global Federation has issued a task. Kanto is to organize a cross-region exchange tournament. I've already sent out the summons to all Kanto Gym Leaders to gather here immediately. This tournament is vital for our prestige. Set up the venue perfectly; I won't tolerate any chaos."
The Carver's Ambition
At the Mahogany Gym, Pryce (the Masked Man) was carefully using an ice chisel to carve a statue of Ho-Oh.
"The time is almost here. The Ho-Oh carrying the Rainbow Wing will descend upon the Tin Tower," he whispered. "This time, I will not miss my chance. I will secure both the Rainbow Wing and the Silver Wing."
"Lapras... I will bring you back."
He looked at the large ice sculpture of a Lapras nearby. Day after day, year after year, Pryce's longing for his lost Pokémon only grew. For their sake, he was willing to betray his friends, his region, and the League itself.
Static...
"Report, sir. The 'Rocket' units are fully trained and masked. They will be your primary tools in securing the wings during the chaos." A fawning voice crackled from a transmitter hidden in his cane.
"Very good. We wait for the exchange tournament. When it arrives, my wish will be fulfilled, and I will see to it that you all become Champion-level trainers." Pryce offered the empty promise to his subordinate.
"May your wish come true, Master."
Pryce cut the connection and looked back at the icy Lapras, his eyes burning with fervor. "We will be together again soon. Wait for me."
Reunion at Indigo Plateau
Shortly after, Feng Che and his three companions arrived at Indigo Plateau. The area was festive, draped in banners and buzzing with the energy of a massive crowd.
"Hey! Feng Che!"
From a distance, Feng Che heard Red's voice. He looked up to see Red, Blue (Gary), and Green (the girl) waving at him.
"Feng Che, I need to talk to you about something. Is now a good time?" Red asked, his expression uncharacteristically grave.
"Of course." Feng Che apologized to Sabrina and the others before following Red's group to a quieter area.
"Feng Che, I've finally tracked down the giant bird that kidnapped me when I was a child," Green said urgently. "It's the sea god, Lugia. But it's being controlled by a masked man. I have intelligence suggesting this person is hiding among the Johto Gym Leaders. I need your help to find him."
"Finding him won't be a problem; I'll help you," Feng Che replied. "But I have inside information that this tournament is going to be targeted by a massive uprising. I need you three to help me prevent civilian casualties when things go south."
"Deal," Green answered for the group.
Just then, Feng Che's communicator rang. It was a League staff member calling for a mandatory rehearsal. After a quick conversation, he hung up. "Sorry, I have to report to the assembly point for rehearsal. See you later."
Beep, beep, beep.
As he walked away, his phone rang again. This time it was Lance.
"Feng Che, I've received word that the Pure Heaven Sect is planning a direct strike against you. Watch your back."
"Funny you should mention that; I have some top-secret intel for you, too," Feng Che said with a smirk. "You know the 'Masked Man' leading the underground in Johto? He's planning to strike during the tournament. He's gathered a force disguised as Team Rocket to attack the Kanto League. Karen and Will are likely his inside help. Tell Koga and Bruno to keep an eye on them."
"That intel is a lifesaver!" Lance exclaimed. "Agatha is just about to be confirmed as the Kanto Champion. The Federation is watching this event closely. If a catastrophe happens under her watch, she'll be ousted before she even starts."
"Agatha owes you a massive favor for this. I'll make sure she looks out for you. I have to go brief her now so we can prepare a counter-ambush." Lance cut the call in a hurry.
"Everyone is so rushed," Feng Che muttered.
He had planned to tell Lance about the potential attack on the Tin Tower as well, but he figured High Priest Shamiao could likely handle that front.
When Agatha heard the news from Lance about the impending attack by the Masked Man, she broke into a cold sweat. If chaos erupted, Damalanchi might use the opportunity to stage a political comeback.
"Damalanchi... I worked too hard to pull you down," Agatha whispered to herself. "I'm not giving you a single chance to climb back up."