Checking into the hotel took about thirty minutes. Feng Che's room was 718—a spacious suite with two bedrooms, a living area, and even a dedicated tea room. The bathroom featured a massive soaking tub, fitting for the world's elite trainers.
As Feng Che stepped out of his room, he bumped into an unexpected acquaintance in the hallway.
"Mr. Steven! Long time no see," Feng Che greeted, spotting the silver-haired Hoenn Champion. "What brings you to lead the Hoenn delegation this time?"
"Haha, it's a long story," Steven Stone laughed. "Old Moore (Flannery's grandfather) just retired, and Drake is buried under a mountain of work. I happened to be free, so Drake begged me to step in."
Steven gestured to a red-haired youth with a punk-rock aesthetic standing beside him. "This is Sidney, Hoenn's Dark-type Elite Four member. Sidney, meet my friend Feng Che—a brilliant Pokémon Breeder and a formidable trainer."
Just then, an urgent Beep-Beep-Beep echoed through the corridor.
"Gym Leader Feng Che! Emergency gathering!" Dora came running toward them, breathless. Since they hadn't had time to exchange communicator IDs yet, she was literally running door-to-door to notify everyone. "Master Sky is already waiting at the Main Arena!"
"Steven, let's catch up later," Feng Che said, following Dora to the stadium.
The Selection of Squads
At the Main Arena, Master Sky and his secretary, Julie, stood atop the high podium. Before them, the Elites and Gym Leaders from seven different regions were lined up in seven neat columns.
Master Sky cleared his throat, beginning the opening ceremony.
"Elite Four members and Gym Leaders of the seven regions, good afternoon. I am Sky, the Head of the World League and a Master-class Trainer. During this camp, I will share my insights on Pokémon training. There will be rigorous assessments. The top three performers will receive significant rewards."
"The first-place winner will earn a slot to enter the Pokémon Secret Realm—a place containing the rare resources necessary for Elite-level Pokémon to break through the Champion-level bottleneck."
"However," Sky continued, his gaze sweeping the crowd, "you will not be competing as regional teams. We are breaking you up into seven mixed squads. From this point on, you work as a unit. Look at the screen for your assignments."
Feng Che looked up. He was assigned to Squad 6. His teammates were:
Chuck (Cianwood Gym Leader - Johto)
Norman (Petalburg Gym Leader - Hoenn)
Clemont (Lumiose Gym Leader - Kalos)
Grimsley (Elite Four - Unova)
Lucian (Elite Four - Sinnoh)
"Each squad must elect its own captain," Master Sky announced. "You may use Pokémon battles to decide who leads. I expect every team to have a captain by tomorrow morning's gathering. Dismissed."
Internal Friction
The arena was massive, roughly the size of a dozen basketball courts. Feng Che's teammates began to congregate.
"Feng Che! Good to see you again!" Chuck greeted him with a hearty laugh.
"It has been a while, Chuck. Our last match was left undecided," Feng Che replied with a grin. "I also remember promising to help you with a check-up for your team. I apologize for the delay."
"Let's introduce ourselves properly. Since we're a team, fate has brought us together," Lucian, the Sinnoh Elite, said calmly. He looked at Feng Che's smiling face with a hint of hidden wariness.
So this is the guy who took down Julian, Lucian thought. Julian was a top-tier Steel master. I wonder what his true connection to the Garden family is.
"I'll start. I am Lucian, Sinnoh's Psychic Elite Four. I specialize in Future Sight and tactical foresight."
"I'm Feng Che, Gym Leader of Viridian in Kanto. I specialize in Flying types, though I am also a Master Breeder. If your Pokémon have any issues, feel free to consult me."
"My name is Norman, Leader of the Petalburg Gym in Hoenn. Please, let's work well together." Norman looked humble, but Feng Che knew better. This man was strong enough to challenge Champions despite being a 'Normal' specialist.
"Uh... my name is Clemont. I'm an inventor!" Clemont's robotic Aipom arm reached into his backpack and pulled out a large device. "This is my latest Energy Root Cube Synthesizer! Just put Berries in here, and—"
Vrrr-vrrr-BOOM!
Thick black smoke billowed from the machine, turning Clemont's hair into an afro. He coughed up a puff of smoke. "Failed again... I don't understand."
"It's a brilliant idea, Clemont," Feng Che said, patting his shoulder. "With a bit of refinement, you'll be a scientist on par with the legends."
"And finally," the Unova Elite, Grimsley, spoke up. His voice was high and cold as he adjusted his scarf, looking at the group with disdain. "My name is Grimsley, Unova's Dark-type Elite Four. I hope none of you will drag me down."
He glanced at the Gym Leaders in the group. "Since the rest of you are mostly a 'motley crew,' I'll graciously accept the position of Captain. If anyone objects, you're welcome to fight me anytime."
The temperature in the group dropped instantly. Feng Che, Norman, and the others simultaneously reached for their Poké Balls. Grimsley's arrogance had effectively lit a fuse.