The truth behind the power

The sunlight filtered through the windows of the small house adjacent to the gym, illuminating the space with a warm glow. James sat at the table, observing the lunch spread that Giovanni and Ariana had prepared. The aroma of homemade dishes filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that contrasted with the tension from the recent battle.

"I hope you like it," Ariana said with a smile, serving a portion of steaming stew onto James's plate.

"It looks delicious, thank you," he replied, feeling a bit uncomfortable but grateful for their hospitality.

As they began to eat, Giovanni shared anecdotes about his days as a gym leader, and James listened attentively.

"I remember when I faced a trainer who thought he could defeat me with just a Pikachu," Giovanni started, his tone light and almost playful. "The poor kid had no idea what was coming."

James smiled, imagining the scene. The conversation flowed with laughter and stories of past battles. However, amidst the familial chatter, a sharp sound interrupted the atmosphere: the landline phone rang in the next room.

Ariana stood up to answer the call, but Giovanni stopped her with a gentle gesture.

"Let me go," he said, rising from his chair with a calmness that contrasted with the urgency of the ringing phone.

James watched as Giovanni walked toward the phone. The conversation continued in low murmurs.

...

The scene abruptly shifted to a dark and gloomy room. Archer sat in a chair facing a bound man: Proton. The dim light barely illuminated his serious and determined face.

"I've tried to contact the Boss," Archer said, his deep voice echoing in the empty space. "But I haven't received any response."

Proton looked at him with disdain, his green eyes shining defiantly.

"I don't think that person cares much about you; how about you let me go and I'll let you work for me?" Proton replied arrogantly.

Archer smiled coldly at the remark. Without wasting time, he dialed Giovanni's house number and waited patiently. Finally, he heard a familiar voice on the other end.

"Giovanni here," he responded.

"I have Proton under control," Archer informed bluntly. "Where do you want me to take him?"

Giovanni maintained his calm tone as he asked, "Where are you?"

Archer provided an exact location, and Giovanni told him, "Keep him there; I'll come later."

After hanging up, Archer approached Proton and kicked him in the side.

"Behave," Archer warned him. "If you do anything I dislike, I won't hesitate to eliminate you, even if the Boss doesn't want that."

Proton slowly nodded, feeling the weight of Archer's threatening words as their gazes locked.

...

The scene returned to the table where Giovanni was returning after taking the call.

"It was just a work call," he announced casually as he took his seat again.

James noticed a slight change in his expression but decided not to ask further. The meal continued in a light atmosphere until Ariana served dessert: a fresh fruit cake that delighted Silver.

With each bite, James felt himself becoming more integrated into this unexpected family. However, something inside him told him that this momentary peace wouldn't last long.

Three days later...

Three days had passed since that family lunch. James found himself training intensely at the gym; he was hitting a punching bag while his Pokémon surrounded him: Arcanine shot flames into the air as it ran and jumped, Hitmonlee practiced precise kicks, and Pidgeot flew low to maintain its agility. Exeggutor meditated peacefully in the sun, Golduck manipulated heavy objects with its psychic powers, Gengar appeared and disappeared among shadows, and Wynaut bounced happily around them all. Sandile was also present, recovering after battling Snorlax.

Matori suddenly appeared at the entrance of the gym.

"James," she said seriously. "Giovanni needs you in his office."

He nodded without hesitation and left the bag to head toward Giovanni's office. Upon entering, he was greeted by an unexpected figure: a robust elderly man with pale skin and well-groomed gray hair. His eyes were closed as if he were meditating or waiting for something important.

"James," Giovanni introduced him. "This is Es Cade, a candidate for president of the Orre Alliance."

James felt a mix of curiosity and unease as he looked at the elderly man whose calm appearance concealed possible dangerous cunning behind his friendly smile.

James settled into the chair across from Es Cade, whose presence seemed to fill the room with warmth and mystery. With a genuine smile, he introduced himself:

"I'm James Morgan; it's a pleasure to meet you."

Es Cade responded in a soft and kind tone:

"The pleasure is mine, James. It's always gratifying to meet young people with aspirations."

As James exchanged glances with Giovanni, Es Cade turned to him and added with an overflowing confident smile:

"I hope to count on your support for my campaign for president of the Orre Alliance."

With those words, Es Cade bid farewell and began to leave the room. However, in a fleeting instant, his expression changed; a cunning smile and malicious look crossed his face before James could grasp what that flash meant. The door closed behind him, leaving an air of unease in the room.

James turned to Giovanni, his curiosity palpable.

"What did Es Cade want?" he asked, frowning.

Giovanni leaned back in his chair, his expression serious.

"Es Cade wants me to help convince the Indigo councilors to support his political campaign. He believes my influence could be crucial."

James nodded slowly, weighing the implications.

"And what do you think of him?" Giovanni asked, watching James's reaction closely.

"On the surface, he seems like a kind old man," James replied. "But I can't describe him well with so little interaction."

Giovanni narrowed his eyes as if evaluating every word.

"People like Es Cade are those you must handle carefully. Eight out of ten times, someone who seems kind hides dark intentions. I have a bad feeling about him."

A chill ran down James's spine at Giovanni's warning.

"Are you going to help him?" he finally asked.

Giovanni paused before responding:

"He offered me things I can't refuse."

James opened his mouth to ask more but stopped upon seeing Giovanni's seriousness.

"I haven't accepted anything bad," Giovanni continued. "Just help to establish my businesses in Orre. Besides, I believe even without my support, Es Cade will win the election."

A heavy silence filled the space between them as James reflected on Giovanni's words. Finally breaking it:

"Why did you call me? I don't think you just wanted to talk about Es Cade."

After moments of contemplation, Giovanni finally spoke:

"The Alliance has asked me to investigate an organization of Pokémon hunters. I'll be gone for a few days and need you to officially lead the gym during my absence; you won't face first- and second-badge challengers anymore; you'll have to face trainers who are already close to qualifying for Conference; this will also give you an advantage for Indigo Conference by knowing some participants and understanding what level awaits you there."

The revelation left James stunned. The responsibility of running the gym rested on his shoulders; it was both an opportunity and a challenge at once.

"Me?" he asked incredulously mixed with excitement in his voice—"Are you sure?"

Giovanni nodded solemnly.

"I trust you to handle all battles while I'm not here. It's your time to shine."

James felt a mix of pride and nervousness at this monumental task ahead of him. Life at the gym had never been as intense as it was about to become now.

As Giovanni explained logistical details about running the gym and what level of trainers would come to challenge him, James looked out of the window toward the horizon. Life was full of surprises and dangers; every decision could open new doors or close others forever.

...

The atmosphere in the room where Archer kept Proton bound was dense—almost palpable—as if even air feared what was about to happen. Giovanni arrived at their location with firm steps; his imposing presence filled space. Archer leaned slightly—a gesture of respect that didn't come naturally—and greeted Giovanni with a calculated smile.

"Boss," Archer said politely but with an undertone of mockery—"I've been waiting for your arrival."

Giovanni nodded; his gaze slid toward Proton who sat on the floor bound with a blindfold over his eyes. Archer approached and removed it revealing Proton's eyes blinking against dim light in that place. When Proton recognized Giovanni's presence transformed into surprise mixed with terror.

"You!" Proton exclaimed writhing in his chair where he was tied up looking at Archer—"Was this some show to hand me over to Alliance?"

Giovanni looked at him calmly—almost amused by this accusation—"I'm not going to hand you over," he replied firmly—"But I have some questions for you."

Proton still recovering from initial shock frowned slightly.

"What do you think about situations between low-income families and those from Alliance?" Giovanni asked; his tone inquisitive but carrying an undertone of challenge.

Proton let out sardonic laughter realizing they wanted him recruited—"I don't care about status differences; it's their problem if they live or die; it's not my business," he retorted disdainfully—"You're not going to convince me with silly speeches."

Giovanni chuckled softly—almost mockingly—as Archer watched him coldly calculating every move made here.

"As long as you follow me you'll continue doing those sadistic things you enjoy so much," said Giovanni quietly but loaded with dark insinuations.

Archer suddenly interrupted: "All this provided that you stay in line—not attack innocent people who have nothing to do with Team Rocket's enemies."

Giovanni shot Archer an icy glare for interrupting but nodded slowly—"You're right," he admitted before turning back toward Proton—"But remember this: power comes at a price."

Proton hesitated momentarily before asking them: "What do you want me to do right now?"

Giovanni's smile widened like that of a predator before its prey—"How about attacking an organization of Pokémon hunters?" he suggested enthusiastically—"You'll have complete freedom over what you wish to do with its members."

Proton's eyes sparkled sadistically upon hearing this proposal; laughter echoed throughout room like disturbing echo—"Oh that sounds delicious!" Proton replied; words laced with contained madness—"Can I do some fun tricks? I've always wanted to try some new things..."

Giovanni nodded approvingly while Archer observed Proton with disdainful coldness—"As long as you follow instructions don't stray off course," Archer said trying maintain control over situation—"We don't need more problems."

Proton grinned widely; eyes shining playfully mad—"Don't worry! I'll make sure it's an unforgettable show!" He responded while imagining possibilities ahead.

With that statement made Giovanni stepped back satisfied having channeled Proton towards clear goal; tension within room dissipated slightly—a new direction hung in air between them all while Archer exchanged knowing glances with Giovanni while Proton already began plotting plans within twisted mind.

...

Hello readers, I hope you like the chapter, if you like, please comment and leave power stones if you want. I have removed the mentions of the Pokemon nicknames in almost all the previous chapters.

!Thanks for reading!