EPISODE 22: Missing!*

Black clouds sprawl across the night sky, billowing from the south. Their brassy color glare drains colors from houses and cars, leaving neighborhoods tinted in bronze with the street lights faltering. On the other hand, the air grows heavy and the humidity presses down. The scent of petrichor is dark and heady.

Coming with the despair of this downpour is a bad and grave news, forcing the Pokemon Police Department to commence another conference. However, tonight is not only for the police but for the whole of Kanto as well. Even the Elite Four and gym leaders attended the conference alongside with a few other people.

Sadly, Jenny won't be attending the conference for some agendas back in the orphanage. As for the detective, detective Looker, he will be in charge of deciding the final response towards this sudden incident.

"We have scoured the whole Kanto Region, yet he is nowhere to be found." In a soft voice, Lance speaks.

"The only thing he left us with, is a note," Lorelei adds.

"A note? What does it say? And who is he pertaining to?" Detective Looker questions as he takes a sip from his midnight brew.

"He will be gone for a very long period in order to train and spend time with his Pokemons. I fear, this is the downfall of the Indigo Plateau. With the champion missing, victors of the Elite Challenge will have no one to compete with in order to claim the champion title." Bruno sighs.

"Red was an excellent trainer, I find the time for training with his Pokemons useless." Misty of the Cerulean gym interrupts, somewhat complaining about the champion's disappearance.

"I've always idolized his bond with his Pokemons." Koga of the Fuschia gym appraises, sighing afterward.

"There's nothing we could do but to change the champion momentarily." Brock of the Pewter gym suggests.

"Change the champion momentarily without the current champion knowing?!" Erika of the Celadon Gym counters, disagreeing with Brock.

"Brock is correct, we must have a temporary champion while we find Red's location. We cannot merely demolish the famous tradition of the Kanto Region whereas trainers who've succeeded with the gym challenge must proceed to the Indigo League.

Without the Indigo League, then Kanto would be lackluster. As detective, I agree with the rock specialist." Detective Looker sides with Brock, countering Erika. His decisions has shocked everyone inside the room, even the guests.

"Then who? Who will be the temporary champion?" Agatha queries.

"Who else? The strongest trainer of the Elites, Lance, the dragon master." Detective Looker answers, looking at Lance.

"M... Me?! Champion?!" Lance beams with shock.

"But if he was to claim the title of champion, the whole hierarchy of the Elite Four would be ruined, as so as the gym leaders." Lorelei raises an issue.

"Then we must adjust. There are those who must make the sacrifice in order for the Kanto's league system to be flowing properly once more. Who amongst all of you are willing to make that sacrifice?" Detective Looker solves the issue, advising a plan. A plan wherein a few must make a sacrifice.

"I hereby sacrifice my title as Elite of the Kanto Conference. I figured it would be best to stay at my place, enjoying the normal life once more. After all, I've been serving Kanto for more than five years, and I believe a new one deserves a chance." With courage, nearly shedding a tear, Lorelei proclaims, giving her title to someone else.

"I am already too old. My legs could even barely carry myself. I am also willing to sacrifice my title." Agatha adds.

"It is settled, is there anyone willing to nominate themselves as the new elites?" Detective then questions the whole crowd inside the room.

Everyone remains silent for a moment, thinking if they have the capability to wield such responsibility. A man from the back then raises his hand. He has the appearance of a peculiar person. He wears formal apparel with a black mask covering his eyes.

"I am Will, master of Psychic Manipulation. I am eager to take Lorelei's place." The peculiar man declares.

"And I, Karen, is willing to take Lance's place. I specialize in dark types." A woman with both a silvery-blue hair and pupils declare as well. Her apparel is gold, with pants colored with white. She wears kneels, also painted in gold.

"What about, Agatha's place? Is there anyone willing to take it?" The detective questions, rotating his eyes to everyone in the room.

The room remains silent, not even the slightest sound could be heard. Everyone thinks for a moment if they are willing to take such a heavy responsibility. They are in need of one more elite, someone who is eager to take the ghost specialist's place.

"Me! I will be the one to do it instead." Koga, the gym leader I've fought back in Fuchsia city has volunteered to take Agatha's place.

"You? But who will take your place as gym leader of Fuschia city?" Erika queries.

"I have a daughter, her name is Janine. Perhaps she'll be the one in charge of my gym. She has the skill of a gym leader, therefore she can take my place." Koga responds.

"It's all set then. The Elite Four of the Indigo League will consist of Will, the Psychic Elite, Bruno, the Fighting Elite, Koga, the Poison Elite, and lastly, Karen, the Dark Elite. Those who triumph over the Elite Four will challenge Lance, the temporary champion. If a trainer defeats the champion, he will earn the title and Red will just be a trainer.

As for the Gym Leaders, we still have eight. Brock, Misty, Lt.Surge, Sabrina, Erika, Blaine, Garry, and Koga's daughter, Janine. I will be announcing our final decision to the public tomorrow." Looker declares the final decision.

Just like what the detective has uttered, he told the news to the public the day after the conference. The citizens of Kanto and Johto were left in shock, wherein some of them mourned for Red's sudden disappearance. Only time will tell where and when will Kanto's greatest champion return.

Even Team Rocket heard the news. I was indeed completely shocked and happy at the same time. The champion has fallen, therefore Team Rocket has the opportunity to rise once more, that's if, there are no other trainers like Red. The goal to capture the legends of Johto continues!