Kanto Region.
Elite Four Agatha looked over the summons sent from the Pokémon World League. Beside her, Lorelei was calmly sipping hot tea.
"Lorelei, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you this time. Every region is required to send two Elite Four members and four Gym Leaders," Agatha noted, her sharp eyes fixing on Lorelei.
"It's been a while since I visited the World League," Lorelei said, her elegant brow arching in confusion. "What on earth happened to trigger an 'Emergency Call' like this?"
"Word is they're holding a secret training camp. A high-level Secret Realm is about to open," Agatha explained. "That realm is said to hold resources that can help Elite-level Pokémon break through to the Champion rank."
"There's also a rumor," Agatha lowered her voice. "The current head of the World League, the Master-class Trainer Sky, is planning to wipe out the Poachers' Guild. They've issued warrants but haven't deployed the army yet. My guess? This 'training camp' is a cover to gather a strike force of Elites and Gym Leaders to dismantle Poacher's Island."
"The six remaining Generals of the Poachers are all Elite-level trainers," Lorelei noted, her expression turning serious. "Gathering Gym Leaders is a smart move, but if we pull half the regional strength, what happens if a Pokémon Disaster occurs while we're gone?"
"Don't worry," Agatha replied. "We have plenty of substitute Gym Leaders to hold the forts. If anything major happens, I'll personally head to the scene."
Home Sweet Home
Feng Che made use of his secret channels to slip back into the Kanto region. He headed straight for Saffron City.
In the courtyard of the Viridian Gym (or rather, his private residence), a black-haired girl sat quietly on a swing, looking up at the stars. Sabrina wore a long white dress, its hem sparkling with gemstones under the moonlight, rippling like waves in the breeze. The soft glow made her pale skin look almost translucent.
"What are you thinking about so intently?"
Feng Che's gentle voice reached Sabrina's ears. She turned, and a bright smile lit up her face from the corners of her eyes to her brows.
"Feng Che! You're finally back."
"I am. This trip was a bit long—Hoenn and Sinnoh kept me busy," Feng Che said, a warm smile playing on his lips. "Did you miss me while I was gone?"
"I didn't," Sabrina replied, her lips betraying her words. "I figured you were out there meeting plenty of beauties and forgot all about home."
"Oh? So you didn't just miss me, you were jealous too?" Feng Che laughed softly. He took her hand and placed it over his heart. "Hoenn and Sinnoh have their beauties, it's true. But this place is already full. There's no room for anyone else."
Sabrina looked up into his deep, star-bright eyes. In that moment, a sweet, shared smile passed between them.
"Once this next mission is over, I'll spend some real time with you," Feng Che whispered, leaning in to kiss her forehead.
Suddenly, a blue light flared above the gym. An elderly Alakazam appeared, five bent spoons floating around its head.
"It seems I've interrupted something," the Alakazam projected telepathically, wearing a mischievous 'auntie' grin.
Sabrina glared at the Pokémon. "Old Alakazam, is there something you need?"
"Since Sabrina is participating in the training camp, I came to bolster the combat strength," the Alakazam chuckled. "But I see my timing is poor. Carry on!" The Pokémon dissolved into red light and returned to its Poké Ball.
The Selection Begins
"Feng Che, what do you think of this training camp?" Sabrina asked, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. "I have a lingering sense of unease."
"The camp is a front," Feng Che explained. "The real goal is Poacher's Island. I defeated the Iron General, Julian, in Sinnoh and got the island's coordinates. This is the World League's play to clean house."
Feng Che didn't want to build his personal empire under Giovanni's nose, where it could be easily detected. Becoming a "World League Hero" would provide him the political cover he needed to eventually operate in other regions as an Elite Four member.
By the time the two reached the League HQ, the other Kanto Gym Leaders had already arrived. Agatha walked forward, leaning on her cane.
"Since everyone is here, I'll keep it brief," Agatha barked. "The World League wants two Elites and four Gym Leaders for secret training. Our Elites are already chosen: Lorelei and Bruno. As for the Gym Leaders, there are eight of you, and only four slots. We'll settle this with a tournament."
Agatha's cane struck the floor—Thud!
A Cofagrigus emerged from her shadow, holding eight bent spoons in its spectral hands.
"The spoons will point to your opponents."
Cofagrigus used Shadow Sneak. In a blur, a spoon appeared in Feng Che's hand, pointing directly at Janine, Koga's daughter.
"The matchups are set," Agatha announced.
Feng Che vs. Janine
Sabrina vs. Erika
Lt. Surge vs. Misty
Blaine vs. Brock
"If you don't wish to participate, you may forfeit now," Agatha added. No one moved. "Good. Then let the competition be fair. It will be a 3v3 format. Follow me to the arena."