After wrapping up his conversation with the "Ordinary Whimsicott,"
Caleb glanced at his phone again.
"Sinnoh Gym Leader Chat Group"
[Lyn Jenny: The new year's just around the corner—thank you all for your hard work this past year. (Clap.jpg)]
[Eterna City – Gardenia: It's what we should be doing. (Shroomish salute.jpg)]
[Oreburgh City – Roark: Nah, it wasn't hard at all.]
[Canalave City – Byron: Aww, come on now, boss, you're the one juggling a million tasks every day and looking after us. Compared to that, our "hard work" is nothing.]
Now that's some model thinking.
Forty-something and still going strong!
[Solaceon Town – Caleb: Boss, we're all here to serve the Trainers.]
[Sunyshore City – Volkner: ?]
[Lyn Jenny: Well said, Leader Caleb. @Sunyshore City – Volkner, quit dropping question marks and try learning from Caleb a little.
Two months ago, Caleb's gym performance was even worse than yours. But after some serious hustle, he's now among the top in challenge numbers. Even their mayor emailed me personally to praise him.]
In Sunyshore City—
Volkner stared at Lyn Jenny's message in disbelief.
Seriously? Just going by challenge numbers?
How about checking Solaceon Town's reputation while you're at it!?
Calling him a disgrace to Sinnoh wouldn't be an exaggeration!
With all those Cursed Dolls lurking around, anyone scrolling the comment section would think they never needed to eat again from the shock alone!
[Lyn Jenny: Alright, let's skip the small talk. This year, compared to the last, everyone's met their performance goals with flying colors. So I've applied for a team-building trip to Unova.]
[Eterna City – Gardenia: Team building? Nice! I haven't taken a break all year.]
[Lyn Jenny: Anyone interested, sign up in the group.]
[Eterna City – Gardenia: Me me me! I wanna go! (Shroomish volunteering.jpg)]
[Snowpoint City – Candice: School's on break, count me in. (Abomasnow raising hand.jpg)]
[Canalave City – Byron: Got stuff to do, I'll pass. (Buizel sorry.jpg)]
[Hearthome City – Fantina: Oh~ So sorry, I'm hosting a Contest Spectacular and can't make it. (Drifloon deflate.jpg)]
[Pastoria City – Crasher Wake: Hahaha, I'm going digging with a few friends. Sorry, next time for sure. (Bastiodon is also a dragon.jpg)]
[Eterna City – Gardenia: Aww, what's with everyone? We finally get a team trip and barely anyone's going! Anyone else?]
[Sunyshore City – Volkner: There's a science fair in Lumiose City—I'm meeting a friend there. (Electivire waving.jpg)]
[Eterna City – Gardenia: Maylene, you have to come! Then you, me, and Candice can go shopping together!]
[Veilstone City – Maylene: Sorry, I have to start preparing for the Fighting-type Expert Tournament right after the New Year. No time at all. (Lucario bowing.jpg)]
Expert Tournament? What's that?
Caleb pulled up the Porygon Search Engine.
Turns out, it's like the zodiac cycle—but instead of 12 years, it's 18.
Each year, one type gets featured, and after New Year's, that type hosts an Expert Tournament.
Ranking well in it basically cements your standing in that type.
And next year's type? Fighting.
No wonder Maylene's stressed—Veilstone Gym is already ranked near the bottom.
In the anime, she even got swept 3-0 by Paul.
Granted, Paul's a total tryhard who built his team specifically to counter her.
If Maylene doesn't place well this time, the League might audit her gym.
[Eterna City – Gardenia: True, the Expert Tournament's serious business. Can't afford distractions.]
[CosmicUnbeatableYourMonkeyBro: Why not ask Caleb for help? He's full of sneaky ideas—maybe he can whip up a winning strat. (Infernape unbeatable.jpg)]
Caleb... helping a Fighting-type Gym Leader...
How do those words even belong in the same sentence?
[Veilstone City – Maylene: Would that be okay, Leader Caleb? Please. (Lucario bowing.jpg)]
Don't do it, Maylene! Where's your Fighting-type pride!?
All the way in Eterna City, Gardenia let out an audible gasp.
She could already picture Caleb trying to teach Maylene how to use Toxic...
[Solaceon Town – Caleb: Sure, why not? I've been wanting to visit Unova anyway. I could teach you there.]
[Veilstone City – Maylene: Great, thank you!]
Yes! Gardenia was thrilled—Maylene was in!
Now she, Candice, and Maylene could go shopping together—girl gang assembled!
[Eterna City – Gardenia: Anyone else want to come?]
[CosmicUnbeatableYourMonkeyBro: Me me me! Been ages since I went to Unova. @Solaceon Town – Caleb, let's have a battle while we're there! (Infernape hands on hips.jpg)]
[Oreburgh City – Roark: Not sure yet, I'll confirm later. (Tyrantrum is not a dragon.jpg)]
[Lyn Jenny: Alright, so the confirmed members are Gardenia, Candice, Caleb, Maylene, and Flint. Roark's still pending.]
[Lyn Jenny: Now, let's choose a team leader for this trip.]
Pokémon Inspection Bureau Headquarters.
Sitting at her desk, Lyn Jenny was stumped.
None of the five really inspired confidence.
Gardenia, Maylene, and Candice were all talented—but still teenagers.
Flint might be an Elite Four member, but... well, as a person...
As for Caleb...
[Lyn Jenny: Let's have Caleb serve as acting group leader and handle organizing this trip.]
After careful thought, Lyn Jenny made her choice.
Caleb was an adult, and more reliable than Flint—those two points were enough.
[Solaceon Town – Caleb: Understood! I won't let you down. (Blissey salute.jpg)]
[Lyn Jenny: (Thumbs up.jpg)]
Weird?
Shouldn't my cousin be jumping in around now?
Saying I'm unworthy, that I'll lead everyone straight into a disaster or something?
Come to think of it, she hasn't popped up in a while.
Her avatar's been offline for ages too.
Is she hiding in some remote mountain?
Or maybe she's training in secret... planning her revenge?