Chapter 9 - "The Green Foundation" (Patreon)

The Berry Archipelago was made up of dozens of islands.

Some were famous tourist spots. Others were covered by forests. A few were completely abandoned.

One island belonged to a single person.

A small but luxurious cabin stood near the center of the island. There was no dock. No road. No boats.

The only way to reach the island was with a Pokémon.

The owner liked it that way.

It helped keep visitors away.

The morning sun shined over the ocean. Gentle waves rolled against the rocks below the cabin.

On the terrace, two women sat at a table drinking tea.

One of them was Hsu Lin.

Elite Four member.

Master perfumer.

Poison-type specialist.

The other was Gasú.

Treasure hunter.

Antique shop owner.

Mother of Vivi.

Gasú took another sip from her cup and smiled.

—This tea is amazing.—Of course it is.—It might be the best tea I've ever had.—It is.—You know, if you sold this stuff, you'd make a fortune.—I'm already rich.—Fair point.

Lin closed her eyes.

Somehow, after less than ten minutes, Gasú was already irritating her.

A Salazzle slithered through the garden nearby.

Gasú watched it.

—Cute pokémon.—She has enough venom to kill several people.—Still cute.

Lin slowly put down her cup.

—How are you alive?—Good luck, mostly.

Lin believed that answer.

Unfortunately.

Gasú leaned back in her chair.

The sea breeze moved her messy red hair.

—Thanks for inviting me, by the way. It's nice here.—I did not invite you for leisure.—I figured.—Good.

Lin took a deep breath.

Then she decided to stop wasting time.

—The Green Future Foundation is moving.

Gasú's smile faded.

—That serious?—Very.—What do they want?—The Pillars.

Gasú stayed quiet.

Lin continued.

—They are searching for ways to obtain the power of Cresva's Pillars. I don't know their final objective yet.—But you know it isn't good.—I know it isn't good.

For a moment, only the sound of the ocean could be heard.

Then Lin folded her hands.

—There are two reasons I asked you to come.—I'm listening.—First, I need your help.

Gasú blinked.

—Mine?—And JJ's.

Gasú nodded slowly.

That sounded more reasonable.

—And the second reason?—Take Vivi and leave Cresva.

Gasú stared at her.

Lin's expression didn't change.

—Soon, this region may become a battlefield. I will not allow innocent children to become casualties.—You're asking me to bring her home.—Correct.

Gasú scratched her cheek.

—Are you planning to do the same thing with Ren?

Lin laughed.

Actually laughed.

—No.—No?—Absolutely not.—Why?—Because Ren is part of the solution.

Gasú raised an eyebrow.

Lin stood up and walked toward the garden.

—I have trained him since he was a child. I've trained his Pokémon, too. He knows his mission.

She tossed food toward a waiting Gulpin.

—He is prepared.

Gasú rested her chin on one hand.

—Vivi trained hard too.

Lin didn't answer.

—She's spent years training at Cianwood Gym.

Still no answer.

—I wouldn't have allowed her to come here if I didn't trust her.

Lin finally looked back.

Then she smiled.

A very polite smile.

The kind that somehow felt insulting.

—I fulfilled my obligation by warning you.

Gasú sighed.

—There it is.—There is what?—The scary rich lady smile.—I don't know what you're talking about.—You absolutely do.

Lin ignored her.

Gasú decided to move on.

—Do the Gym Leaders know about this?—Yes.—All of them?—All of them.—Including the Champion?—Including the Champion.

Gasú nodded.

That was reassuring.

A little.

—And they'll help?—They already agreed to.

Lin crossed her arms.

—Powerful trainers are valuable. Any assistance is welcome.

Gasú looked thoughtful.

—What about the rest of the Elite Four?

For the first time, Lin became completely serious.

She turned away and looked toward the sea.

The smile vanished.

—The Elite Four are working with Green Future.

Gasú blinked.

—...What?—They should be considered enemies.

The wind blew across the terrace.

Gasú slowly sat up.

—Including you?—Including me.

A few seconds passed.

Then Lin added:

—Because I am a double agent.—Ah.—Yes.—That makes more sense.—I would hope so.

Gasú relaxed again.

Much to Lin's annoyance.

—You know, that's actually kind of impressive.—Infiltrating a dangerous organization?—No.—Then what?—Keeping track of all the lies.

Lin stared at her.

—I manage.—I'd forget everything by lunch.—That explains many things about you.—People say that a lot.

Lin pinched the bridge of her nose.

—How did you and JJ save the world?—We tried our best, remember.—That is not an answer.—It worked, though.

Lin regretted inviting her.

Deeply.

Gasú stood up and stretched.

—Don't worry.—About what?—We'll help.

Lin watched her carefully.

Gasú's relaxed smile hadn't changed.

—JJ will help.

Lin nodded.

That was expected.

Then Gasú smiled again.

—And I know someone else who's been bored for a very long time.

Gasú pulled out her phone.

Lin raised an eyebrow.

—Who?

The call connected.

Gasú put the phone to her ear.

—Elizabeth? Hello, my friend.

A grin appeared on her face.

—Are you still bored with your life as Champion?