Chapter 25: Revelations and Second Preliminary Match

James ended the call with his parents, feeling a mix of joy and surprise at the news of his future little brother or sister. The warmth of the conversation still enveloped him as he decided it was time to contact the Viridian Gym. With determination, he dialed the familiar number.

"Viridian Gym, how can I help?" a female voice responded.

"Hello, I'm James. Can I speak with Giovanni?" he asked, feeling a slight anxiety in his stomach.

"One moment, please," said the voice before a click was heard.

Soon after, Giovanni's deep and controlled voice resonated on the line.

"James, it's good to hear from you. How has the Conference been treating you so far?"

"It's been exciting, Giovanni. I just won my first match. My Tauros performed really well," James replied, pride palpable in his voice.

"That's excellent," Giovanni said in a tone that reflected a mix of approval and seriousness. "How do you feel after your first encounter?"

James took a moment to reflect.

"I feel good, although there's a lot of competition. I've seen some really talented trainers."

Giovanni paused before continuing.

"And how has the gym been in the meantime?" James asked, curious to learn more about Viridian Gym.

"Everything is going according to plan. Matori has been overseeing things in my absence. However, you need to be vigilant; this year there could be something big during the Indigo Conference," Giovanni warned, his tone becoming more serious.

James frowned.

"What do you mean? What kind of things?"

Giovanni subtly avoided the question.

"I don't want you to worry about that right now. Focus on your battles and improving your skills. What happens will happen when the time is right."

James felt there was more behind Giovanni's words but chose not to press further.

"I understand... thank you for the warning," he finally replied.

"Take care and stay alert, James. We'll see each other soon," Giovanni said before hanging up.

James hung up the phone feeling thoughtful. The gym leader's words echoed in his mind as he walked towards the counter where Nurse Joy awaited him.

"James! Your Tauros is ready!" Joy announced with a smile as she handed him the Poké Ball.

...

In the Viridian Gym office, Giovanni was reviewing some documents when Archer entered unannounced. With an inquisitive look, Archer approached his leader.

"Giovanni, why are you being so evasive with that kid? If you know what's going to happen at the Indigo Conference, wouldn't it be better to tell him so he can be prepared?" Archer asked bluntly.

Giovanni looked up, his dark eyes reflecting a mix of authority and subtle empathy.

"Archer, there are things that everyone must learn and understand on their own. We can't just hand over all the information; that could do more harm than good."

Archer frowned.

"But if he gets involved in this…"

Giovanni interrupted firmly.

"Experience is a valuable teacher. Sometimes challenges are necessary to forge character and determination. James must face his own fears and limitations to grow as a trainer."

Archer nodded slowly, though he still seemed skeptical.

"I understand your point, but aren't you worried he might not be ready for what's coming? That kid is almost your protégé."

Giovanni kept his gaze fixed on Archer.

"Preparation doesn't always come from prior knowledge; often it comes from direct confrontation with difficulties. Trust that James will find his way."

The gym leader returned to his documents with a serious expression; he knew there was much more at stake than he could reveal at that moment.

FLASHBACK: Two Weeks Ago (Continuation of a Scene from Chapter 23)

In the dark and gloomy room, the atmosphere grew even tenser as the hooded man removed his hood, revealing an imposing face marked with red lines. Proton, still reeling from his injuries, frowned and asked with contained rage:

"Who the hell are you?" His voice echoed in the room, laden with distrust.

Archer, watching from a corner with a disdainful expression, joined in on the confrontation.

"Yes, I'd like to know that too. What brings you here?"

The man looked at them with unsettling calmness and without answering, walked directly towards Giovanni. Proton felt frustration bubbling inside him as he pulled out a knife he had hidden in his torn suit. Despite his state, he was ready to leap at the stranger.

"Don't come any closer!" Proton shouted, though he knew the man was nearly three heads taller than him.

Giovanni raised a hand authoritatively and said:

"Stop it, Proton. This man is an ally."

Proton halted abruptly, surprise replacing his anger. The man smiled slightly at Giovanni's introduction.

"Dakim," the newcomer introduced himself in a deep resonant voice.

"Dakim," Giovanni repeated. "How have you been in Orre?"

Dakim nodded respectfully.

"Well, boss. I managed to infiltrate the biggest criminal organization there as you asked."

The tension in the room eased slightly as Giovanni listened intently. Dakim continued:

"They call themselves Team Cipher. I haven't met their leader yet, but I've heard he goes by Evice. There are only two people I know who know his identity: Nascour, who is in charge of everything at Team Cipher, and a scientist named Ein, who is also another administrator along with me. There's a girl named Venus and a man who goes by Mirror B."

Giovanni nodded slowly as he absorbed this information.

"Interesting... what else can you tell me?"

Dakim took a breath before continuing.

"The Team Cipher is conducting experiments on Pokémon. Ein is responsible for this," he said while pulling out a Poké Ball from his collar. "I want to show you something."

With a fluid motion, he released a small Drillbur that appeared trembling before them. The creature seemed consumed by rage and lacked visible emotions; its eyes were wide open and shone with an almost animalistic fury. Its body, normally round and cute, appeared rigid and tense as if every fiber of its being was ready to explode into an attack.

"Ein gave me this Drillbur because he knows I specialize in Ground-type Pokémon," Dakim explained with concern in his voice. "He described the process as 'closing its heart's door.' They call them Dark Pokémon, and no matter how hard I try to connect with it, I can't."

Giovanni watched Drillbur closely; his eyes reflected a mix of compassion and determination.

"Is there any way to help it?" Dakim asked hopefully.

Archer's heart sank at seeing the small Pokémon in such a state. Proton, despite his usual madness, felt a pang of pity for Drillbur.

"Do you want me to attack that organization?" Proton asked directly to Giovanni.

However, Giovanni ignored him and reached out toward Drillbur's head. It seemed poised to attack instinctively but an aura of green began to glow from Giovanni's hand: the legendary Viridian Power. The light enveloped Drillbur gradually calming it down while it regained its composure.

When it was finally completely calm, Giovanni smiled and gently stroked its head. Drillbur looked around before fixing its gaze on Dakim; it recognized only one who had treated it well during its time under Dark Pokémon status. In one swift motion, it ran towards Dakim and hugged him tightly—an amusing contrast between its giant threatening appearance and its tenderness towards Drillbur.

Dakim smiled upon seeing Drillbur healthy again.

"Nascour recently handed over a large number of Dark Pokémon to the Pokémon Hunters Organization," Dakim said seriously. "I heard rumors about an attack planned against Indigo Plateau during the competition."

The gravity of his words filled the room as everyone pondered over what had just been revealed.

END OF FLASHBACK

...

The atmosphere in Arena 3B was electrified by competition excitement. James stood before his next opponent, Daisy Waterflower—Misty's sister. Her fair skin and green eyes sparkled with confidence as her wavy blonde hair fell over her uniform: a black shirt with an orange bow tie, pink sweater, and beige skirt. A flower adorned her hair while her light blue sneakers completed her outfit. However, despite her charming appearance, James couldn't shake off how the series had portrayed Daisy as weak. That doubt settled in his mind as the referee prepared to introduce the competitors.

"Welcome to the second battle of preliminaries in Arena 3B!" announced the referee firmly. "In this corner representing Cerulean Gym: Daisy Waterflower! And in the other corner representing Viridian Gym: James Morgan!"

James felt a tingle of nervousness as the crowd erupted into cheers. Despite his initial doubts, he knew he had to focus and not underestimate his opponent.

Daisy smiled flirtatiously at him; her green eyes glimmered mischievously.

"I hope you're ready to lose, James," she said playfully.

James barely responded; keeping his focus on the battle was paramount for him.

"We'll see what you've got," he replied determinedly not allowing himself to be distracted.

The referee raised his hand.

"Begin! Competitors release your first Pokémon!"

Daisy threw her Poké Ball into the air.

"Poliwhirl! I choose you!"

The Pokémon appeared spinning through the air before landing gracefully. James felt a pang of respect; Poliwhirl might be stronger than he remembered.

"Let's go Pidgeot!" James shouted as he released his flying Pokémon.

Pidgeot emerged with powerful wing beats ready for battle. Tension rose as both trainers prepared themselves.

"Poliwhirl! Use Hypnosis!" Daisy ordered confidently.

Poliwhirl began spinning rapidly while sending hypnotic waves toward Pidgeot. James knew he had to act quickly to prevent his Pokémon from falling asleep.

"Pidgeot! Use Agility!" James shouted.

Pidgeot moved swiftly dodging hypnotic waves gracefully; its speed was impressive—it seemed to float through air preparing for an attack.

"Now! Aerial Ace!" exclaimed James.

Pidgeot shot toward Poliwhirl like an arrow. Daisy smiled confidently.

"Body Slam!"

Poliwhirl lunged forward forcefully but Pidgeot was faster; Aerial Ace's impact was decisive—Poliwhirl was pushed back.

Daisy remained undeterred.

"Poliwhirl! Use Rain Dance!"

Clouds began forming over arena as Poliwhirl summoned rain; strategy was clear: increase power of water attacks. James felt he needed to change tactics quickly.

"Pidgeot! Use Hurricane!" shouted James.

Wind began swirling violently around Pidgeot as it unleashed powerful hurricane towards Poliwhirl; raindrops mixed with wind creating stunning spectacle—Poliwhirl became caught in whirlwind tossed into air.

Daisy pursed her lips but remained calm.

"Poliwhirl! Use Hydro Pump!"

Taking advantage after hurricane's aftermath Poliwhirl shot concentrated water jet toward Pidgeot; James felt pressure mounting—he needed Pidgeot to withstand it.

"Use Heat Wave!" he ordered quickly.

Pidgeot flapped its wings vigorously creating heat wave that dissipated part of water attack redirecting jet aside; combination of skills was impressive—both Pokémon were showcasing their full potential.

Both trainers were clearly focused on their strategies; Daisy smiled flirtatiously again.

"Not bad... but I think I can make you sweat a bit more," she said while adjusting her bow tie.

James ignored comment keeping eyes locked on battle.

"Come on Pidgeot! Aerial Ace again!"

Pidgeot charged toward Poliwhirl once more; Daisy tried anticipating move.

"Ice Punch!"

Poliwhirl raised icy fist intercepting Pidgeot—the clash was explosive; however Pidgeot managed dodging just in time connecting directly with Poliwhirl.

With a final effort and renewed determination, Pidgeot flapped its wings to keep from falling to the ground after the impact.

"That's it! Finish it off with Hurricane!" shouted James fervently.

Wind swirled around Pidgeot once more unleashing another devastating hurricane toward Poliwhirl—this one couldn't withstand force of attack falling defeated onto ground.

The referee raised his hand.

"Poliwhirl cannot continue! James Morgan wins this round!"

The crowd erupted into cheers while Daisy smiled graciously.

"Well done... but I've still got more surprises up my sleeve," she said playfully before approaching referee.

James felt relief mixed with excitement having won this round.

"Competitor Daisy! Release your second Pokémon."

...

Hello dear readers!

Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. If you can and want, please leave some power stones and comments.

Some of you may have already noticed that I'm incorporating characters from Pokémon Colosseum into the story (for those who don't know, Es Cade, who appeared in previous chapters, and Dakim are characters from that game), along with some ideas inspired by the Pokémon Special manga, in this case the Viridian Power.

I have several concepts that I plan to develop further, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapters.

Thanks for reading!