Janine took a deep yet silent breath. Crouched unseen in the rafters, she observed her targets intently. This was one of the most crucial aspects of being a Gym Leader, and she would not be found wanting.
Below her, the targets mingled, some clinging to each other in a clump for comfort, one anxiously retreating into the shaded corner next to the Gym lobby plants, and one loudly proclaiming their dreams to become Master of the World.
So basically, a typical group of starter Trainers.
To set the next generation on the path forward, to watch over them and support them strictly but fairly. To forge the future anew, one where humanity and Pokemon grow side by side and wield great power with equally great responsibility. That is the heart of our mission.
Her father's words echoed through her mind, like they did every year. Janine smiled to herself, the truth of them etching itself deeper into her soul. There would be a ceremony at the Plateau later to formally announce the start of the Indigo League season, but this was the true beginning.
And this year was extra special, because-
The entrance door slid open again.
"Sorry we're late!" "Chan!" "Audi!" four voices raised up in apology.
Janine smiled as Nurse Joy, Chansey and her little sisters rushed in, the former two gripping trays of miniaturized Pokeballs firmly despite their speed.
The kids gathered around them in excitement, even the wallflower coming forward, lured by the promise and potential of their starter Pokemon.
Janine nodded firmly once she'd confirmed they were all distracted, and dropped her No. 8 Smoke Bomb (non-toxic and kid-friendly, available for purchase from the Fuchsia Gym store!).
A burst of purple-pink smoke billowed outwards, accompanied by a crackle of fireworks. The Trainers who were not from Fuchsia City proper gasped in shock, while the ones who were more familiar with the Gym yelled in excitement.
Janine took a second to inhale while the smoke still lingered, ready to project her voice outwards (she ignored the thought that she learned this breathing technique from her kid sister and a bunch of vapid idols with the ease of long practice).
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"Trainers, your journey now begins," she announced, just as the last traces of smoke faded. Her audience stared at her with awe- most of them, anyway. Nurse Joy and Chansey maintained their customary polite smiles, while Ino giggled and Sakura rolled her eyes. But Janine ignored those distractions with the trademark willpower of a Fuchsia City Gym Leader. She focused on the rest of the audience, projecting power and assurance. "Are you ready?" she demanded.
Some Trainers gulped nervously, while others stared at her with defiance and determination. Good.
"Today, you will meet your starter, and reforge the bonds between humans and Pokemon, overcoming all challenges in your path. I, Janine, Gym Leader of Fuchsia City, know that each and every one of you has what it takes."
But first…
She stared at Sakura intently, then flicked her gaze to Ino and back. Her sister blinked and frowned, but Janine continued staring until the girl slumped her shoulders and took out her Pokeball. She whispered apologetically to the Audino beside her, who thankfully just giggled again and patted her Trainer on the head before pressing the button and returning herself to her ball.
Sure, Sakura was already registered as a Trainer, one of the benefits to a Gym's closest affiliates. But tradition was tradition, and the Bestowal was something all youth should experience properly.
Sakura looked back at her and made an impatient gesture to continue. Janine just smiled with the satisfaction of an older sibling asserting the natural order of the world, and turned around. With a single hand sign, the doors of the Gym arena flew open silently to more gasps from her audience. It was perfectly synchronized, and she made a mental note to give an extra treat to the Gym's Kadabra.
"Follow me, towards your destiny."
She ignored Sakura's embarrassed sigh behind her.