TEAM

  Lochness - Swampert

  Leviathan - Gyarados

  Juggernaut - Palafin

  Vortex - Starmie

  Riptide - Froakie

  Britney - Toxapex

  Kirby - Blissey

  CHARACTER AGES(ROUGH AGES)

  William 19

  Shelly 20

  Wallace 31

  Juan 39

  Steven 17

  Maxie 34

  TIMELINE

  C8(Interview) takes place one week before the launch of Neptune

  C8(William checks the social media thread) takes place two weeks after the launch of Neptune

  C9(current) takes place five months after the launch of Neptune.

  Also this is quite a big chapter, bigger than usual at least.

  In the past few months, the Grand University has gone through some drastic but necessary changes. Whereas once before the university flourished for aspiring people of all professions, the previous champion's reign led to many budget cuts and issues that put a dent in the pristine reputation of Hoenn's most popular university located in Mauville City.

  However, since Wallace became champion, the university has undergone many positive changes: increased budgets, the reimplementation of scholarships, an overhaul of the staff, and more jobs within the university. The previous champion had drained the university's funds dry in an effort to try and save other areas of the economy.

  Wallace, on the other hand, put the funds back into the university and invested in it even more. Even if this came with some short-term losses, in Wallace's eyes, it was the future of the region—and it deserved to be invested in just as much as the gym challenges and the Conference League.

  William strode through the campus—no masks or disguises—just his charming face and dark blue hair. A few of the girls stole glances at him, but he paid them no mind.

  He was only here for one girl today.

  The campus was pleasant and refreshing, with an overall positive atmosphere. Humans and Pokemon alike sat on benches and in the grass, enjoying the sunny day.

  He walked through the main entrance, passing by a group of students talking about the Conference League from last year.

  "The finals could've gone either way. It was a good match."

  "Yeah, it was like the only good match of the tournament. Most of the trainers there sucked."

  "There was that one girl—the Water-type specialist. I quite liked her."

  "Then go and speak to her, she's right here on the—"

  Passing through the hallways, he spotted a dozen different classes going on. There was a class being taught about the economics of the region, another class on Pokemon therapy, and another one on how to properly care for baby Pokemon.

  All of them were quite interesting, but that wasn't what he was here for.

  William entered the lecture hall—it was modestly sized and half-packed—where a lesson on Water-type Pokemon was taking place.

  Because water dominated most of the Hoenn region, it was the perfect choice for anyone wanting to become a type specialist. There was an abundance of water and Water-type Pokemon, as well as a wealth of knowledge surrounding them. The University was the main place to access that knowledge—offering a course entirely dedicated to Water-types.

  Pokemon of the same type often had similar needs and diets and training regiments, and were usually much easier to train collectively as a group. Generalists—those who didn't specialize in any type—were few and far between due to all the logistics of trying to train them all together.

  There were also many other reasons one would become a type specialist other than it being much less hassle overall. Maybe it was an experience during their childhood which caused them to choose a certain type. Maybe it was tradition in a family, or maybe it was chosen by their overbearing parents who thought they knew better. Maybe a type relates to a hobby—such as hiking or swimming— they had, and they want to enjoy that hobby with their Pokemon.

  In William's case he had always felt a natural connection with water, so that is why he decided to become a water type specialist. He imagined other people must have an affinity towards different types as well.

  "All right, before we pack up, I have some quick-fire questions for you guys. Then I'll go over the assignment, which is worth 50% of your grade. Are you ready?" Shelly asked. She stood at the front of the hall—dressed casually—walking across the open area as she interacted with the class.

  "We'll start off pretty simple—name a Pokemon that sets rain when it enters battle."

  "Pelipper!" a student answered.

  "Good, not the answer I would have chose, but it works." Shelly nodded. "Now, we've already gone over how useful this seemingly innocent bird can be, especially in double battles."

  "Next question: name a Water-type move that has increased priority over typical moves."

  Another student raised their hand, "Aqua Jet!"

  Shelly nodded again. "If your Pokemon is slow, or simply needs to get close to the opponent, Aqua Jet is a good move to use to gain a quick advantage."

  "Now for the last question. This is quite a tricky one. What is the most important feature for a Water-type Pokemon to have?"

  There were a dozen different answers, but none of them were right.

  Bulk, fluidity, grace, it's wide range of species—Shelly shook her head at each one. The students grew more and more frustrated, throwing out answers which were obviously incorrect.

  One student said: "It's not a bug type." which got a few laughs. Statistic's wise they were the weakest type, but they definitely had their strengths.

  "I'll let you guys think about it. Actually, the first person to get the correct answer will automatically get 100% on the second assignment." the classroom descended into a series of excited mutters. "Speaking of…" She turned to the projector.

  ASSIGNMENT 2 (50%)

  You have been tasked with preparing for a 3v3 battle against an opponent. The battle follows standard league rules and takes place on even ground terrain out in the open. The weather and temperature is neutral.

  [ASSIGNMENT IMAGE]

  The image above contains the details of both your and your opponent's team including the moves and abilities of each Pokemon.

  [ITEMS IMAGE]

  The following items, including TM, evolution stones, general items, and an ability change token can be used to prepare for the fight and during the fight.

  Note: an ability change token and allows you to change a Pokemon's ability to an alternate ability it has. E.g changing Milotic's Marvel scale to competitive. You may only use it once. It is not required to use it. It also should be stated that this is not a real item and just merely tests your knowledge on abilities and its interactions with different Pokemon and types.

  Using all of this information, both prepare for and actively write a battle simulation of the 3v3. Address move interactions, type matchups, status conditions, Pokemon interactions, exploitations and anything else relevant for this assignment.

  "You have one month to complete it. I'll see you guys next week, where we will analyse a fight between a Water specialist and a Grass specialist. It's quite an interesting battle."

  The students trickled out of the room while William remained seated.

  "It's connection, right?" William asked once the room was empty.

  Shelly, who had been packing away, turned to William with a startled look.

  "I'm sorry?"

  "It's connection, right? Regardless of a Pokemon's type, the most important thing a trainer can have with their Pokemon is connection. Without connection, it's no different than a wild Pokemon, and any Pokemon with a trainer will most likely beat a wild Pokemon. The bond between human and Pokemon is why this world can function the way it does."

  "That's correct," Shelly said. "But that still doesn't answer my question. I've never seen you before in any of my classes—"

  Shelly paused, eyes widening in realisation.

  "It's you! From the zoo!" she exclaimed.

  William smiled and nodded.

  "Oh my Arceus! This is so unexpected. I've been meaning to thank you. What you said that day really opened my eyes." Shelly said.

  "So I'm responsible for the charity you made?" William asked. Aquatic Animal Assistance—or AAA for short—a charity using its resources to assist water type Pokemon and help them in any way possible.

  "You know about it?"

  "Of course," William said. "I always keep track of promising trainers and what they do, especially water types specialists. You were the most promising trainer in last year's Conference League. If only you hadn't gone against a grass type specialist you would have won the whole thing." he explained.

  "I run Neptune Shipping. My goal is to not just protect passengers and cargo at sea, but also the Pokemon in it. It's been quite successful. I'm sure you've heard of it?"

  Shelly nodded.

  "It's not often you meet someone who also cares for the water and its Pokemon as much as I do. It's why I've paid special attention to you and your charity."

  William pulled out a sealed card from his pocket and handed it to Shelly.

  "Special invitation…Wallace's party…" Shelly read.

  "As I said, my shipping business has been quite popular—popular enough to be invited to a party to mingle with the Hoenn elites. Businessman, politicians, CEOs, and even the champion."

  Shelly gave him a look, signaling him to continue. Her eyes were narrowed in slight suspicion. The excitement from before was gone—replaced with apprehension.

  "I can bring a guest along with me." William clarified.

  Shelly scoffed, "And you thought of me? Someone you met once half a year ago?"

  "It was a memorable meeting for both of us. We have similar goals—to protect the seas and the Pokemon in them. I'd like to extend an…Olive Branch and invite you to the event—to represent not just yourself as a person and trainer, but also to represent your charity. What better audience to pitch your charity than some of the richest people in the region?" William asked with a smirk.

  "It almost sounds too good to be true. What's your play here? Surely you're not offering something like this for free, what do you want?" Shelly said.

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  William raised his hands up in surrender, "All I want is for you to show up at the event. The more influential your charity becomes means you can accomplish more to make the seas safer and cleaner. And that helps me and my company and my conscience. It's a win-win situation. All you need to do is flash a fake smile and convince some of the rich old men to give you a fraction of their money."

  William's bluntness caused Shelly to scoff again. She eyed the invitation and then William, biting her lip in contemplation, weighing the odds.

  "Very well, I accept. But you're paying for my dress."

  The Crestwell Manor was grand and gigantic. From where William stood, it was all he could see, stretching across his vision. After passing through the suburban houses and the numerous security checks, his eyes finally witnessed the beauty of Crestwell manor.

  It had a Victorian style to it—it looked like something royalty would have. However, the Crestwell family weren't royalty, but they were the closest thing Hoenn had to it.

  Spanning back generations upon generations, they were believed to be one of the core founders of the region as it is today—or so they claimed. It hosted a rich history of influential members—politicians, army commanders, police chiefs, region leaders.

  It was harder to find a family member—even in this day and age—who wasn't famously decorated in one way or another, rather than someone who was. It was perfection placed in a bloodline—a star burning the brightest, only it never faded.

  At their peak, they held the most influence in the region—practically controlling it. Although times have changed, they still hold considerable influence, especially considering the Champion himself is a member of the Crestwell family—the party was being hosted at his own estate.

  William was dressed in a black and white tuxedo—exuding an aura of quiet confidence. He adjusted his tie, glancing toward his left. Shelly was in a simple yet elegant light blue dress. It had an intricate pattern of waves, looking as though it was crafted from the sea itself. Of course, she just had to go out of her way to buy one of the most expensive dresses.

  She pulled against the soft fabric, mumbling something about the tightness.

  "Stay sharp," was all William said, and they made their way toward the manor. Behind them, carriages carrying some of the most influential people in the region stopped at the pavement. Men with rich suits and full bellies walked side by side with young women powdered with makeup.

  They climbed the steps to the manor. At the apex of the stairs were two security guards with Pokebelts at their sides. Above the doorway was a beautifully designed stone carving of two Milotics, dancing across the outline of the doorframe and coiling around another—inviting them into power and influence.

  Crestwell Manor's interior was a breathtaking expanse, a loveletter to the family's enduring dominance. The walls were blazed with rich crimson and gold, their vibrant colours catching the flicker of firelight from countless lanterns that lined the room.

  Each lantern burned with a fierce—almost living—flame, casting a warm, sunset glow that danced across the room as if the manor itself was alive. Ancient tapestries adorned the walls at precise intervals, faded yet vivid and in good condition—chronicling Hoenn's past. Above, a colossal chandelier dominated the ceiling, looking as though it was stretching into the walls—the wealth blurred the lines between fiction and reality. The fire from the lanterns flickered against the glass from the chandelier—shining bright in Williams' eyes.

  The scent of fire and perfume assaulted his nose as he focused on the tapestries. One of them depicted a battlefield where two sides fought alongside their Pokemon, while another showed the signing of a declaration of sorts. Another was of the deep blue seas which seem to resonate with him somehow.

  The final two tapestries were the most interesting however. One of them showed a great red creature standing atop the mountains as plumes of lava spouted around it. It's mouth was wide open—screaming into oblivion. The other on the right showcased a great storm and flood as if it were the end of the world, and at the center of it was an enormous sea creature—swallowing the painting whole.

  Both the tapestries were opposite each other— right next to the doorway—almost as if they were challenging one another. Williams' attention remained on the tapestry to the right. It called to him, the sea called to him…

  Unbeknownst to him, a man behind him had his eyes glued to the left one.

  "Wow…" Shelly breathed.

  They were led to a massive room which hosted all the guests. A couple dozen chairs with tables surrounded the edges of the room for the extravagant dinner later. There was no bar in the room—instead, waiters and servants regularly rushed out carrying alcohol and appetizers, which were slowly pruned from their trays as they scurried across the room.

  "This," William said, sticking his arm out and looking to Shelly, "this is Hoenn's economy."

  Shelly gulped, fidgeting with one of the rings on her finger.

  "William, are you sure I should be here? I feel so out of place. I mean, I could always just leave. I don't think anyone has seen me ye—"

  "Relax," William said. He reached out nearby and snatched two cocktails from a tray, handing one to her. "Just talk, sip your drink, and smile. If they make what seems to be a joke—no matter how unfunny it is—just laugh. Compliment the other person. When they ask what you do, say you like to help students by teaching at the university in your free time, but your main priority is your charity. Don't oversell it, but say enough to make people interested. Relax. Take a deep breath, and you'll be fine."

  Shelly took a deep breath, her shoulders unwinding down, and nodded.

  "I'll be seeing you," William said, leaving her alone in the den of lions. Although he had invited her, he wasn't here to babysit—he had his own stuff to do.

  He sipped his drink—it tasted bitter and awful. How could people like this stuff? He stayed careful and put on the most friendly and disarming smile he could manage.

  In places like this, the extravagant room was the battlefield, and words and deception were your weapons. No stadiums or Pokemon battles or flashy moves—this was much more important than that.

  One right conversation could set you up for life, but one wrong word could destroy it.

  He spotted his first target up ahead.

  The man was conversing with two other people. William walked over. He waited until there was a short pause in the conversation they were in and decided to introduce himself.

  "Good evening, gentlemen."

  "Good evening, Mr…?"

  "Call me William, it's what my friends call me. You may not have heard of me, but you might have heard of my company—Neptune Shipping."

  His target, Mr. Hayes, eyes widened in recognition. "Neptune Shipping! Of course, I have heard of you!"

  It would've been a surprise if he didn't. Mr. Hayes ran the largest news network across Hoenn. It was the very same news network William had paid handsomely—and continued to pay—for advertisements.

  "Neptune Shipping…the name rings a bell." the second one said.

  "I'm guessing you ship things?" the other one asked with a sarcastic smirk.

  "Cargo and people, mainly. Alive people, I should clarify," William joked. "We are the safest travel across the seas."

  William handed each of them a small card with his details on it. "If any of you want a free, private demonstration of our shipping capabilities, then call this number. It goes directly to me. We have private ships where your safety is guaranteed. We travel all across the region."

  He turned his attention back to Mr. Hayes. "Especially for the man who has been kind enough to let us advertise all over his news network."

  Mr. Hayes laughed. "It's only thanks to the generous sum of money you are paying. And look where it's got you. In only five months, you've become the largest shipping company in Hoenn. I suppose it's to be expected—the other companies were weak and scoundrels, only caring for profits and themselves." he grumbled.

  Also the fact that I targeted my competitors' ships until they couldn't compete with me anymore. William thought. They had also planned a couple dozen fake attacks on Neptune shipping to remove any warranted suspicion. William had sent some of the weaker members on a mission to attack Neptune Shipping—but it had spectacularly failed.

  Powerful Pokemon and Employees like Jeremy were defending the ships. They also wore masks for protection so no one from Team Aqua would recognize them.

  "I'll catch you later, Mr. Hayes. Maybe we could speak in private? I'd like to discuss the partnership between Neptune and your news network going forward. We've both made lots of money, and I don't see why it has to end."

  Mr. Hayes agreed.

  William left, smiling—but before he could regain his bearings, he bumped into someone. No—not just someone. The second most powerful man in Hoenn, just behind the champion.

  Joseph Stone. CEO of Devon Corp.

  "Ah, forgive me, young man," the man said—polite, but with a respectable air of authority.

  "It was my mistake. You're forgiven, Mr. Stone," William said. "My name's William. It's nice to meet you, sir."

  He held out his hand. Joseph shook it.

  "William...Yes, I've heard of you. You own Neptune Shipping, yes?"

  "I do."

  "Well, William, since fate decided to have us bump into each other so suddenly…" Joseph said, "I suppose I should be blunt. How much would you be willing to sell Neptune shipping for?"

  William stopped himself from rolling his eyes.

  "Could you put a price on selling your child?"

  "Hmm?" Joseph shook his head. "Never. My son is my pride and joy. He just recently completed his gym challenge. I'm very proud of him. Soon, he will be coming to these events."

  "I guess we think alike then. I'm afraid I can't put a price on Neptune Shipping—that company is my pride and joy, my child." William said.

  Joseph laughed heartily, giving William a few rough pats on the shoulder. "Well said, well said. I never really thought of it that way—but I suppose I think the same of my Devon Corp."

  "Although, I wouldn't be opposed to a partnership." William added.

  "Partnership?"

  "I understand you're constantly transporting cargo and items across the region. And while I'm sure you have your own methods—I can guarantee they're not as safe as my ships."

  And he knew that because he had already attacked some of Devon Corp's cargo. Not enough to draw attention and retaliation—but certainly enough to create that feeling: doubt. William had already planned on meeting Joseph today—just not so suddenly as he had.

  "You can guarantee your ships won't be attacked?"

  "No," William shook his head. "I can guarantee your ships won't be attacked successfully. Our ships are designed for protection, and our Pokemon are trained for battle. The trainers we hire are competent and professional. That's the reason why we've become so popular."

  Also, when you deliberately attack your competitors and run them out of business.

  Joseph adopted a thoughtful look. "I'll have to think about it, bring it up with the other key members—but it sounds like a good idea."

  He glanced to the side, suddenly noticing something—or someone.

  "Ah! Perfect timing!" he quickly scurried away and grabbed someone, turning him to face William. William froze.

  "William, I'd like you to meet the COO of Devon Corp. Maxie."

  William shook Maxie's hand. It was freezing—as if Maxie were a cold-blooded reptile.

  "It's nice to meet you."

  "If not for this guy," Joseph said, "Devon Corp wouldn't be half of what it is."

  Maxie didn't react to the compliment, continuing to stare straight through William with his two cold eyes behind the rims of his glasses.

  "We were just discussing how reliable Neptune Shipping is. Maybe in the future, they could ship some of our products," Joseph added, sensing the tension and trying to lighten the mood.

  "I much prefer land transport," Maxie said. "The seas are cold and mysterious—unreliable. There's too much space to account for every factor."

  "Not our ships," William replied. "We haven't been successfully attacked once."

  "Well, maybe you just haven't been tested enough." Maxie challenged.

  "I'm looking forward to the day that comes—if it comes."

  "It might come sooner than you think. Your company is getting awfully popular these days. There are many jealous people who want to take what's yours. Be careful."

  William laughed. "Those people are stupid. There's more than enough resources and space to go around for everyone. There is so much land as well as water."

  Maxie's left eye twitched.

  He turned back to Joseph. "I'll be seeing you both."

  William continued the same dance for an hour: listen, introduce, smile, promote, compliment, laugh. He spoke to all the important people he needed to speak to.

  A few potential investors, some potential cargo deals, and other rich folk who looked like they would enjoy a cruise.

  After a couple of hours had passed, he was already exhausted—it was a much different ballgame than battling with Pokemon.

  He decided to take a short breather before the dinner took place. He slipped into a nearby hallway—it was empty—and regained his bearings.

  His feet ached from standing still for so long, while his neck was tense from constantly looking up and down while making eye contact with people. Speaking of his eyes, it felt like he hadn't blinked in two hours. The combination of speaking and the dry alcohol made his throat feel like the sahara desert.

  William took in his surroundings. It was almost laughable how even a small, unassuming corridor still held the same extravagance and wealth as the entrance. There was more wealth here combined than Team Aqua's base.

  Still the same red and gold colouring, the same burning lamps—hissing quietly. There were no tapestries here. Instead, portraits of past members of the Crestwell family hung up, protected behind polished glass.

  Each of the portraits—even the newer ones—were made from paint. Extremely detailed and intricate—bringing out the best features for each of the portraits.

  Each of the portraits had their distinctive blue hair—just like Wallace. Some of them had rough and rugged faces with scars from wars—although they were still handsome—, while others had attractive faces unblemished by any sort of war. It painted a vivid picture when the region went through tough times. But although some of these faces were unblemished, it didn't take anything away, as their achievements were certainly the opposite.

  Those with scars and rough features typically had the military achievements noted below their name, while the others held various positions of importance:

  Elite Four, Businessman, Pioneer, University Dean, Lead Professor, Champion. A family so perfect and a family so decorated it almost didn't seem real.

  Just as he turned to face the last portrait, a figure walked in.

  "Despite how good the portraits are, they should've just used a photo. They never managed to catch the sharpness in my father's eyes," a voice said. "No, I suppose it would look weird—a dozen portraits, and then one photo. Tradition is more important, especially in my family."

  It was Wallace. Wallace Crestwell.

  "Champion Wallace." William said, surprised. He made to bow, but Wallace stopped him.

  "No need for all that bowing crap when we're alone," Wallace laughed. "It's nice to finally meet you, William. Your company has been doing me a great favour."

  "You know me?"

  "Of course, Who do you think invited you? Thanks to you, Team Aqua and those other pirate groups have managed to be contained. Poseidon is still a problem though…" he muttered that last part to himself.

  He glanced next to where William stood, at the portrait of his father.

  Robert Crestwell

  Gym Leader, Elite Four, Champion

  Born XXXX

  "Must've been a great man, your father. All those accomplishments—especially Champion. I heard he has done a lot for this region. You must be happy you're following in his footsteps."

  Wallace laughed hollowly. "You would think. My father was a man obsessed with legacy. When he stepped down as Champion, he saw it fit to mold me into his perfect successor. He trained me until my throat bled from giving commands, and my Pokemon were exhausted. He wanted me to be another version of him…"

  "When I was old enough, I finally mustered up the courage to go against his perfect plan. I defied him. I started participating in beauty contests. I became Gym Leader—but that was all I was going to be. I never planned to become Champion." Wallace said, eyes twinkling sadly.

  "What changed that, then?" William asked.

  "Well, I suppose I set aside all my grievances with my father…and decided to do what was best for the region."

  William nodded, "That's very admirable. If you don't mind me asking, is your father still here?"

  "Oh," Wallace waved a hand, "He is. I wasn't the best son, so you can imagine I gave him lots of stress. He made the decision to move away to the countryside to help with his health several years ago. You know, get away from the loud city, have a change in scenery."

  "He did travel over when I became Champion, however. Didn't even congratulate me or smile—just gave me a sharp nod, as if I was doing it for him, as if I was fulfilling my destiny or something." Wallace shook his head, laughing. "I didn't do it for him. I did it for the region."

  "You'll have to forgive me," Wallace said. "Seems I've overshared. These parties exhaust my mind. It feels like people are grabbing onto me and clinging on for dear life, and I feel it both physically and mentally."

  "Why do you think I'm here?" William smirked. "As for your grievances with your family, I understand. Family can be like that sometimes."

  "Hmmm. What about you? What about your family?" Wallace asked.

  "My family…it's not that interesting as yours. One of them is dead—died ages ago when I was a kid. The other, I haven't spoken to in years. But, they are alive..." William said. "That I know for sure."

  "Well, I don't drink anymore, but if I had one, I would raise a toast. To fucked up family!" Wallace said, his voice echoing through the walls as he raised his hands in a toast-like gesture.

  "To fucked up family," William said with a smile. "More alike than you know." he muttered.