Pokemon Fan Fiction / Pokemon Fan Fiction ❯ Friendly Fire ❯ The Campaign ( Chapter 2 )

The next day I noticed that someone used a spray can to paint the words “Campaign Headquarters” on the outside wall of the Pokemon league HQ. I carried on along the hot stone tiles beneath my feet towards the glass revolving doors of the HQ, on a morning so hot that it felt uncomfortable to touch anything except your self. The building looked more like a modern art museum or a shopping center than what it genuinely was. It was mostly made of glass, and steel and shaped like a dome with jagged platforms coming out of it’s sides. It stood out for miles. One of the two heavily built guards at the door stopped me and consulted his clipboard.
“Tourist or trainer?” he asked
“Neither” I replied, though I admit my shorts, t-shirt and shades made me look like my business was unofficial.
“You got an appointment?”
“Yes. Adam Wyle. I’m suppose to see Gavin Wright in ten minutes.”
“You with the campaign?”
“You actually call it that?”
“I do, though that’s a very informal term.”
“I’m thinking about joining.”
“Ok. Go to the lobby. I think Mr. Blair is there waiting for you to take you to a meeting in the conference room.”
“Christian is part of the campaign?”
“He told me his reasons, at great length, but I admit I wasn’t really listening. I’m sure he’ll be very happy to explain them to you.”
“Thanks.”

Christian Blair gestured at the lobby surrounding him.
“Look at this. Potted plants, paintings, sofas, receptionists. No offence ma’am” he added in haste when he saw the look the woman behind the reception desk gave him.
“It’s not a hotel, it’s the Pokemon league. I agree with most of Gavin’s policies, don’t get me wrong, but he’s a little too interested in presentation,” Christian said, finishing his thought.
“I didn’t’t know that. So, is it a long way to the conference room?”
“Sorry. I guess hearing me complain isn’t what you signed up for. Have you ever been here before?”
“No. Lance is more informal than Gavin. We always went to each other’s houses to discuss things. Or he came to my gym.”
“At least that’s one thing he’s got going for him.”
“I may agree with some of Gavin’s ideas but I’m not Lance’s enemy yet. He has a lot going for him as a person. Understand?”
“Sorry. Let’s not talk about that. So would you like a tour? Just the important bits because we‘re in a hurry, but I still feel amazed that I’m working in a place like this. So I know you‘ll be stunned by it.”

One of the early rooms we came too was the famous Hall of Fame. Over a hundred photos on the walls of trainers and their Pokemon who had beaten the elites. Of course they can choose whether to become an elite themselves and work their way up like Gavin had, or too do something else with the title. Become a gym leader or a researcher or continue in their previous vain as a normal trainer. Of course it wasn’t a strictly necessary to become champion in order to get a Pokemon related vocation, like a gym leadership but the prestige helps. The league champions are, in my opinion, the celebrities of today, like actors, fashion models and athletes were in the twentieth centaury. That’s why Lance was so certain he could start a new career now he was leaving the HQ. He could have stayed as second in command but he detested the idea of working under Gavin too much. Looking at the pictures of all those who arrived in triumph at the hall of fame made me sad that I abandoned the hope of joining them. I requested that we move on.

We went through the famous stadium, as well as more domestic areas like the cafeteria but every room had the same design features as the exterior. They were unique and interesting to look at but filled with jagged, headache-inducing shapes and painted in dull, antiseptic colors. It could be called unforgettable but it could never be called beautiful. The conference room, as the name would imply to one whose life frequently takes place in an office building, was a big space with a large table in the center. There was a whiteboard, like you’d encounter in a classroom, in front of it. The only other feature of the area I was taken to by Christian was a set of videophones; small screens that would, when activated, show a live picture of the face of whoever you were talking to. When I came in they were blank. Bill the Pokemaniac, Philippa and Gavin were already sitting down and talking to each other.
“Sadly, Bruno was predictably stubborn. The chances of persuading him…” Gavin began, then stopped when he saw me.
“Good. Sit down. Now you’re here we can get to business.”
I did as ordered, noticing that there was a folder on the table in front of everyone present.
“I‘m sorry if I‘m late for something but ignorance of the law is my excuse. I haven’t really been briefed on what’s happening. I was expecting just to officially volunteer in front of Gavin alone, then to be on my way.”
“Is there any specific place you need to visit later on Adam? I‘m sure I can make alternative arrangements that everyone can live with. My position grants me a lot of respect,” Gavin said.
“No but that’s not the point anyway. I’m not certain what I’m doing here.”
“You’ll pick it up as we go along. You seemed keen on assisting me at the party so I assumed your co-operation.”
“Because it was convenient for you? Did you consider what’s convenient for me?”
“Were you intending to say ‘Yes’?”
“Yes but I wish you’d waited till I actually did.”
“Sorry. Since you did can we begin our discussion?”
“I guess so.”
“Good.”
He got up and wrote a list of twelve names on the board. They included the old elite four; the three Gavin would be working with and Lance instead of Gavin himself. The remaining eight names were those of the current gym leaders of Kanto, including Philippa. Also Morty, who transferred from Johoto because his wife got an enticing career offer on Kanto.
“We already have Philippa on our side…” Gavin began, ticking her off on the board. “…Christian is already with us…” Another tick. “Gary Oak likes our style of training so he won’t pose a problem. Blaine Leece isn‘t very popular; Sabrina Crow certainly isn‘t in favor at the moment so she‘s easy. Adam, of course, can use his relationship with Erika, if necessary, or replace one of the other gym leaders. We‘ll deal with that problem if it become apparent.”
Something Gavin had done in the last few minutes was much prominent in my mind than what he was saying.
“That means we need extreme measures to persuade Janine Arroway, Brock Slate, Misty Waterflower, John Surge and Agatha Williams to join our circle. Lance Santini will only fall if the others do and that’s if we’re lucky. It’s a joke to say he’ll go with us prior to that. So I suggest you tackle one person each and I use my extra power as champion to net the remaining two.”
“What about Ash Ketchum?” Bill asked. I put up my hand tentatively.
“Can I just interrupt to ask a question?” I enquired.
“You already have.“
“A second question?”
“May I respond to Bill first?”
“I suppose so.”
“No doubt if Mr. Ketchum was informed of what’s taking place he would strongly reject it. However he’s training in Mount Silver, cut off from civilization. What was your concern Adam?”
“As I said earlier I wasn’t really aware of what I was getting into. I didn’t’t volunteer to join your endeavor, I certainly didn’t volunteer to manage a gym again and you better believe I didn’t volunteer to get back with my old girlfriend temporarily so I can convince her to become part of this crusade. Even if I didn’t’t know my self I would know that, because no one would be stupid enough to agree to it.”
“As Philippa said, either your confident that the ends justify the means or your not. Of course we wouldn’t force you to do anything that you really couldn’t deal with but it’s time to make a definite, once-and-for-all choice. Are you willing to do what it takes or are you with Lance or are you not interested? There’s nothing else to talk about.”
“I don’t even know why this is required. Your champion, Lance isn’t. What can he do?”
“You could at least have explained that much to him” Philippa said in exasperation.
“I though he read between the lines at the celebration. Clearly I was wrong” Gavin said. Philippa started to explain the situation.
“Ok. I’ll start at the beginning. Gavin needs to be confirmed. All of the gym leaders and elite members will vote soon to decide whether he gets the position or not. Admittedly the social function last night was a bit premature. We were promised just enough support to confirm Gavin but the promise hasn’t been delivered yet of course and the last person to cast his vote is the outgoing champion. His veto, since it clearly will be that, counts as two. A majority is needed. In other words before we had six against five, soon we’ll have five against five, with his double vote, and then he just needs one more to tip the balance in his favor. Meanwhile, whilst there’s a stalemate due to the equality of both sides, he can take as long as he wants to bring the others round to his way of thinking. He can take decades if he can keep both sides in the minority. So we must be assured of all the help we can get. Including yours. This isn‘t about loyalty. This is about what‘s best for the future of this institution. You can back out now or put your full faith in our crusade.”
Even though I had already rejected Lance, from his perspective, he would still welcome me with up arms if I backed down. Or so I though, though that would soon prove not to be the case. I assumed he’d consider it another one of his victories. If I refused Gavin instead of Lance I would still not be a gym leader so he could do nothing to me. On the other hand I liked Gavin’s vision, if not his way of doing things, and the next choice after him for head elite could be worse. What’s more, Lance would have to accept the candidate who might come instead of Gavin if he was not successful in the scheme he wanted me to be part of. Lance would be the one to remove Gavin in that case, creating the necessity for a replacement so no one would listen to him if he rallied against that substitute too. I wish I had longer to make the decision but I could tell this one chance to craft the future of Pokemon would be gone forever if I didn’t act quickly.
“Ok. I’m in” I said, considering the possibility that I had just lost Lance’s comradeship forever.
“Good. Now I can give you your assignments. Their details are contained in the folders in front of you. Their life histories will be helpful for finding their weaknesses. Adam, you go after Bruno. If whoever has to deal with Erika is unsuccessful then you’ll be our backup. Bill, your assignment is Brock. You met him once, which isn’t a good indicator that you’ll have more luck than anyone else but there’s a limited number of people we can use.”
“His defining trait is practicality. Logic should work and, if not, my passion for you will” Bill said.
“Outstanding. Christian, you go for Agatha, you’re her colleague after all.”
“She’s tough and old fashioned” Christian responded.
“You’re her employer. You can have her stripped of her command.”
“I can, if I think of a valid reason. Even then I can’t guarantee anything.”
“Then, if Adam makes his magic with Bruno, he can replace her.”
“Wow. I’m willing to become a gym leader but to go that high up the ladder…” I began.
“Let’s deal with that later.”
“Fair enough Gavin.”
“Good. Christian, it’ll be fine and, if it isn’t, we’ll cross the bridge when we come to it.”
“Got it.”
“What am I doing?” Philippa asked.
“To suggest that Surge is strong willed is an exaggeration. I might say the same about you. If anyone can get to him, you can” Gavin replied.
“Thanks, I think.”
“I’ll take the last two. Good luck everyone. You are given permission to use whatever methods you deem necessary. I‘ll have that discussion with you now Adam. Meeting adjourned. I‘ll escort our other guest out if needed.” Then everyone else left.
“Do you know why I’m not a trainer anymore?” I asked.
“You killed a Pokemon by mistake didn’t you?”
“Mistake or neglect?”
“Adam, you ran that building for two years.”
“That makes it worse.”
“You know what else it makes it? Less likely that it could have been prevented. Can we at least agree that it wasn’t intentional. Can we speak about it without hysterics?”
“Yes, I’m just about over it now.”
“Good. Now, surely you realize that just because it happened once certainly doesn’t mean it will reoccur.”
“What if it does? Two instances of me doing the same thing. Apart from guilt, which I’ll have to learn to cope with again, I’ll never be allowed another chance. I might want to get back into the business for real. If I’m an elite that’s even more unfortunate.”
“No one’s inferring that you need to remain in such a high position for long. Once the election is over with, you can go back to whatever duties you have now. Teaching isn’t it?”
“Pokemon theory.”
“I was taught everything I know about them in school. Some people claim it’s better to get the practical experience at ten instead of starting your journey as a teenager. Personally I’ve always admired trainers with a real education in the subject. Anyway, you can promote someone else to take your place once our task is completed.”
“Is there time for me to get on board before this roll call of yours starts?”
“If there’s a gym leader trade, they have to wait till you’re in place. That’s another advantage. I’ll have more time.”
“Ok. I’ll become a leader or elite if necessary.”
“Thank you. You go to work now ok?”

If there was any doubt about my co-conspirators left in my mind the next morning, it was instantly obliterated when the morning newspaper was delivered. There was a big story about me. If it had just contained Lance’s complaints about my loyalty it wouldn’t have made it into the news at all. My fame was long over by this point. However he also informed the media about the death of the Pokemon under my care. A rare enough occurrence anyway, but for a man in such a responsible position to do it was absolutely unheard of. I knew it was only a matter of time before reporters started camping outside my door and keeping my phone line busy. There would be a constant stream of insulting questions shouted to me for days. I was already getting paranoid about it. In fact and I unconsciously pulled all the curtains closed against the inevitable attack to come. Witnesses at the time of the animal’s death made it clear to the police that it happened by mistake and I was just about able to keep it quiet. I had a lot more power in those days. I told Lance, because he was my best friend and he swore he’d keep it under wraps. I believe it was truly his intention, until I got him angry. In fact it was more than wrath. He saw my support of his rival as a betrayal of his trust. He was temperamental and his own code of honor rated dedication very highly. Clearly I didn’t understand the extent to which he was willing to go if someone broke that code. He was hot tempered but he kept to his own rules. He would never have disowned me thought he knew I did it first despite being aware of how highly he rated it. Of course he would regret it later but he always did things without giving them due consideration first. He rewarded loyalty in the same way he punished betrayal. Don’t get me wrong. If he though you’d do anything for him then that’s what he’d do for you. However, after I read the information he gave the press, I was in too bad a mood to think rationally. I was about to do something in haste just like he did. If he’s playing with fire, I thought, then we’ll see who burns fastest. I grabbed the telephone and, after an infuriating talk with the receptionist, and an annoyingly long time on hold, I got through to Gavin.
“Yes?”
“It’s Adam.”
“Good to hear from you but make it quick. I’m busy planning our primary assault.”
“Have you read the Kanto Gazette this morning?”
“I have it on my desk but have been to busy to even glance at it. Why?”
“Look now.”
There was silence for a while, except for the sound of paper shuffling.
“I dread to consider what this will do to my plans” Gavin said after finding the relevant information.
“Yes, there is the small matter of what effect it will have on me but we can deal with that later” I said sarcastically.
“Sorry. I was thinking out loud. Fine. He’s removed his patronage so I intend to put mine in its place. I’ll defend you. Get over here now so we can begin to strategies. I’ll call the others.”
“Listen: I don’t want him to recover from this. I want a lasting blow. I want him to pay for what he’s done.”
“Don’t worry on that count. Not only will he not know what hit him; he’ll wonder why he never knew anything could hit him that strongly.”
Don’t misinterpret me. I have flaws but one of them isn‘t a tendency to loose my cool. Even considering how important the moment was I wasn‘t blindly reacting to it with the first emotion that came to the surface. This was something other than revenge. I knew my move away from Lance’s side was just a political maneuver. I assumed he would realize that but he took in personally instead. A line had been crossed. Now I was going to take it personally too.