The League headquarters was a mix of organized chaos and quiet efficiency. Screens lined the walls, displaying real-time Pokémon activity across multiple regions. Energy fluctuations, environmental anomalies, and Pokémon behavioral changes blinked in shades of red, yellow, and green. I stepped into the main briefing room, Infernape at my side, flames low but alert, and felt the familiar weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders.
Lance stood at the center, arms crossed, aura calm but commanding. Looker and several League administrators waited, tablets in hand, ready to absorb the data I'd brought from Kanto. Hydreigon hovered near the ceiling, wings subtly adjusting airflow to prevent overheating in the tech-filled room. Ceruledge floated beside me, blade humming faintly, and Garchomp scratched lightly at the floor, restless but composed. Talonflame perched quietly on a rail, flames flickering as if mirroring my tension. Heatran's massive form, surprisingly at ease, rested near the corner, radiating a controlled heat that stabilized the room's energy sensors.
"Alex," Lance said, voice calm but carrying authority, "we've reviewed preliminary reports from Kanto. You stabilized the magma ridge, correct?"
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. "Yes. Residual energy pulses are harmonized, minor tremors contained. Heatran is semi-aligned with the stabilization process. However, further analysis shows an anomaly extending into Johto and possibly Hoenn. Energy patterns suggest intentional manipulation rather than natural occurrence."
Looker stepped forward, tablet in hand. "We've cross-referenced your data with local reports. Pokémon behavior in affected regions aligns with your observations. Increased aggression, habitat disruption, and migratory irregularities. These aren't isolated incidents. Someone—or something—is orchestrating these anomalies."
I crouched slightly, scanning the data feeds. "The anomalies are faint, but they're consistent. Thermal, electrical, and environmental readings indicate cross-region interference. We'll need coordinated monitoring and direct intervention. Pokémon habitats could be destabilized if left unchecked."
Lance's eyes narrowed slightly, considering the implications. "You're proposing a multi-region operation. That's… unprecedented, Alex. Are you confident you can command Pokémon at this scale?"
I met his gaze steadily. "I am. Core team is trained for high-intensity, multi-environment operations. Heatran, Infernape, Garchomp, Hydreigon, Talonflame, Ceruledge, Electivire, Typhlosion H, Roserade, and Gyarados—fully capable of synchronized deployment. Additional trainers from the League can provide secondary support for containment and monitoring."
Looker nodded. "I'll coordinate intelligence and regional support. We have recurring trainers in Johto who can assist with data collection and minor intervention. Their Pokémon teams are competent, but they'll follow your lead for critical operations."
I projected the energy maps onto the central hologram. Red lines indicated major anomalies, yellow for secondary disturbances. "The initial wave originates near volcanic regions in Johto," I explained. "Minor electrical disturbances overlap forested areas. If unchecked, these pulses may propagate into Hoenn. Coordinated intervention is required immediately. I suggest splitting efforts: direct deployment to high-risk zones, remote monitoring of secondary nodes, and synchronization with local guardians where possible."
Lance raised an eyebrow. "And you believe you can maintain control over your team and these regional guardians simultaneously?"
I exhaled slowly, running through my mental plan. "I've handled semi-legendary coordination before—Heatran's integration at Kanto is proof. Multi-Pokémon deployment is feasible with clear commands and predictive adjustments. Peripheral support will ensure small anomalies don't escalate. Timing and precision are critical. That's why core team members will lead critical zones while secondary trainers and guardians handle localized containment."
Looker interjected, calm but serious. "Alex, your leadership will be tested. These anomalies aren't isolated—they're dynamic. Pokémon behavior could escalate unpredictably. Your Elite Four-level coordination will be essential."
I adjusted Infernape's flames lightly. "Understood. I've already mapped predicted anomaly propagation for the next 48 hours. This gives us a tactical window to establish control nodes in Johto and prepare for Hoenn escalation. Any misstep could destabilize entire habitats. Coordination with regional trainers and guardians is non-negotiable."
Hydreigon shifted its wings, scanning the room's energy for subtle fluctuations. Talonflame flicked its wings slightly, flames low but responsive. Ceruledge's blade hummed faintly in synchronization with residual energy. Garchomp flexed claws. Even Heatran radiated a controlled pulse, seemingly acknowledging my plan.
Lance nodded slowly. "Very well, Alex. The League will provide all necessary resources. Looker will manage intelligence and coordinate regional trainers. You lead the operation. Your team will have priority in high-intensity zones. Secondary trainers will support you, but final decisions rest with you."
I absorbed the weight of the responsibility. "Acknowledged. Deployment begins immediately. I'll maintain communication with League and regional trainers, monitor anomalies in real-time, and adjust strategies as required."
Looker tapped his tablet, bringing up a roster of available regional trainers. "You'll have access to six trainers in Johto for initial containment. Their Pokémon teams include Electric-types for energy control, Grass-types for forest stabilization, and Ground-types for minor seismic reinforcement. They'll follow your tactical lead."
I nodded, scanning the hologram. "Perfect. Prepare briefing packets. I'll review predicted anomaly nodes and deploy accordingly. Core team will focus on high-risk areas; regional trainers handle secondary nodes. Synchronized effort is essential."
Lance's expression softened slightly. "Alex… the League trusts you completely. You've handled extreme environments and semi-legendary coordination before. This is your opportunity to demonstrate operational command across multiple regions. Don't disappoint them—or yourself."
I allowed a faint smile, though my mind remained focused. "Understood. Precision, observation, coordination. We'll stabilize the anomalies before they escalate. Pokémon and humans alike depend on it."
Infernape nudged my shoulder, flames flickering warmly. Hydreigon circled overhead, Talonflame hovered nearby, Garchomp flexed claws, Ceruledge hummed faintly, and Heatran radiated steady energy. Each Pokémon was ready, an extension of my strategic mind.
Looker's calm voice concluded, "We leave preparations in your hands, Alex. Johto is the first priority. Maintain communication. Adjust tactics as necessary. And remember—this operation is unprecedented, but your expertise is unmatched."
I exhaled slowly, eyes scanning the hologram one final time. "Understood. Operation begins at first light. Core team, stay sharp. We're expanding beyond Kanto, and the anomalies won't wait for anyone. Let's move."
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the coming operation settling over all of us. Then Infernape flicked his flames, Hydreigon shifted wings, Talonflame hovered confidently, Garchomp flexed, Ceruledge hummed, and Heatran radiated calm but immense power.
This was no longer just a Kanto problem. This was multi-region. And we were leading the charge.