The group of five trainers stood before the mansion, unsure of what exactly to do next. They stared at the Machoke butlers with the sense that the muscle-bound Pokemon could have easily snapped any of them in half. It was fortunate that they had no desire to do so.

Drake was the first one to move towards the pair of butler's before stopping and patting down his hair to making himself more presentable. “Alright, let's do this.” He made his approach again. The pair of Machoke didn’t react to him and the gate remained closed. “Hey what gives?”

“Maybe they need to see this before they let us pass?” Sylvia had walked passed Drake and flashed her invitation at the pair. Upon seeing the golden seal at the bottom of the invitation, they both nodded with approval before looking at the rest of the group expectantly.

This prompted the others to dig out their invitations to present them. Satisfied, the Machoke turned and each grabbed a handle on the gate and began pulling the gate to the side. The pair effortlessly opened the gate, although the sound of metal grinding would imply that there was a great deal of weight behind the gates. Once the gate was open, the pair beckoned the group to enter.

“Well that’s one way to keep unwanted guests out, I suppose,” Autumn commented as she marveled at the sight of the muscle-bound butlers opening the gate.

“Indeed.” Sylvia absentmindedly responded before making her way towards the entrance. “Come along Amelia!” The small vulpix proudly trotted behind her mistress, leading the way for the rest of the group to follow.

One of the Machoke made its way to the front of the group and opened the door to the proper mansion. Inside was a massive foyer with twin staircases and spotless marble flooring. Moments after entering, the group is greeted with the sight of a skulk of Eevees running wild from one of the side rooms. The Eevees were playfully roughhousing with each other in a carefree manner. It was evident that they were close to each other.

“Such adorable Pokemon,” Sylvia commented, her voice betraying cool and collected demeanor.

“Are they all wearing diamond collars?” Damien’s shocked voice seemed to disturb the peaceful mood within the foyer.

This brought everyone’s attention to the collars that hung from the Eevee necks. They did appear to have been made with diamonds. The group stood in awe at the display of wealth Mrs. Friedrich had flaunted.

“The Eevee are indeed wearing diamond collars.” An elderly gentleman, carrying a large covered silver platter, entered the room. By the way he was dressed, it was easy to assume that he was a part of the staff. “The collars also serve as a tracking device. In the event that an Eevee goes missing or, heavens forbid, are stolen the rangers are able to track them down within minutes.”

“Do they all belong to Mrs. Friedrich?” Sylvia asked.

“The Madam is the world’s largest Eevee breeder, as they are her favorite Pokemon. These, however, are not her’s. They were bred specifically for friends of hers.” The gentleman answered the young ninja’s question before he continued on. “The Madam has a rather particular Eevee and the young mistress has an even more special one.

In the days of old, The Madam’s family would give Eevees as gifts to worthy passing trainers. This was of course before competitive battling went into a decline. Which was a shame. Without battling, few Eevees ever had the chance to evolve since there was no longer a reason. They were kept as pets since their smaller unevolved forms were cuter.”

“Well, I hope that these Eevees go to good trainers. I would like a jolteon if I ever had the chance.” Drake said while flashing a cocky smile.

“I prefer leafeons, personally.” Autumn chimed in.

“I could see how they would make good pets,” Sylvia commented before picking up Amelia and cradling the small fire fox. “But it would be a great disservice to deny such potential.”

“I am glad, and I’m sure the Madam will be as well, that you see that the strength of a Pokemon is not always abhorred as it once was.” The gentleman gave the group a nod of approval. “A Pokemon's cuteness isn’t everything.”

Sylvia smiled at the at the last comment. While she agreed that a Pokemon's physical cuteness isn’t everything. She also knew of the deception that the perceived cuteness could afford.

“Anyway, we shouldn’t keep The Madam waiting much longer. If you would please follow me, I shall escort you to the sitting room.” He gave the group a slight bow while gesturing to the staircase with his free hand.

“Lead the way, mister!” Drake quickly crossed the room before the gentleman proceeded up the stairs. The rest of the group quickly followed suit, quietly trailing behind the man as he leads them up the stairs.

Before she began her climb up the stairs, Autumn took another glance at the Eevees. She was still captivated by their playful roughhousing. Only in that moment that she noticed each of the Eevees had a small name tag hanging from their diamond collars. Straining her eyes she could only make out the name on one of the tags that read,“ Mr. Daggeri.” She wondered for a moment if that was the name of the Eevee or if it was the name of the owner, though she didn’t have time to think on the subject lest she fell behind the group.

When she caught up with the group, they were being led down a long hallway that would split off into diverging paths. The layout of the mansion was becoming more maze-like with each turn they took. The walls were tastefully decorated with the occasional portrait you would expect to find in a wealthy mansion. There were also vases filled with fresh flowers that stood on small tables along the walls.

The vases had a priceless look to them, but none in the group save for Sylvia could guess at their value. The hallways were decorated to maintain an imagery of refined elegance, all the while careful not to appear gaudy.

As the group rounded another corner, they are greeted with an unusual sight. At least it was unusual for the young trainers to see a small Snorlax in a maid uniform dusting.

“Beatrice, be sure to vacuum in the east wing when you are done here.” The man paused only for a moment to address the maid-lax before continuing on.

The maid-lax grunted something could be akin to an acknowledgment before it resumed its dusting duties. The group, on the other hand, had to take a moment to recompose themselves before following the man again.

Shortly after, they are brought to a grand door that silently glides open with ease. Just through it was an inviting room with a low table sitting in the center. The wallpaper was a calming shade of light blue that complemented the white drapes lightly blowing in the wind that passed through the half-opened windows. Standing by one of the windows was an elegant figure. She appeared to have been staring off into the distance, lost in her thoughts.

“Your guests have arrived Madam.” The man announced his presence to the woman.

His voice had brought her back from where her mind was wandering. “Very Good, Sebastian.” She turned her attention away from the window to face her invited guests. She carefully examined each member of the group before stepping away from the window. “Please, have a seat.” She motioned to a long couch that flanked one end of the low table while she made her way to her own seat.

The children all hastily sat on the couch, which was comforting to the touch. Drake practically allowed his body to sink into the cushions. The others would have likely done the same, if not for their self-restraint. Sylvia, in particular, kept a straight posture with her vulpix sitting in her lap. Damien, on the other hand, seemed to be rather uncomfortable as he actively fought himself on whether to sit straight or to give into the comfort.

Mrs. Friedrich’s seat flanked the opposite side of the table. The chair looked even more comfortable than the couch, as the back and armrests appeared to be extra fluffy, with a fur-like texture. The older lady sat in a very refined manner. She was the very picture of grace and elegance. Her light golden blonde hair had some gray streaks but they did little to harm her image. No doubt her wealth played a large role in how she had aged so gracefully.

Even now, Sylvia struggled to reconcile the image of the woman sitting before her and one of the woman who had bested her father in a drinking contest. She began to doubt the story of the drinking contest and thought it might have been a rumor that her clansmen started. She felt rather foolish for believing such rumors at face value.

“Will this be all Ma’am?” Sebastian placed the covered platter on the table.

“Some tea for the ladies, if you would.” Mrs. Friedrich looked over to Autumn and Sylvia for their approval. Which the two girls give by silently nodding. “And perhaps a lemonade and colas for the young gentlemen?” Again, she was met with no protest, though it left the group wondering how she had known of their preference of drink.

“Very good Ma’am.” Sebastian offered a slight bow. “I shall return shortly, with your beverages.” He made a sharp turn and proceeded to exit the room. However, before taking more than three steps he is stopped by Mrs. Friedrich.

“Also, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, would you mind checking on Emma?” There was a noticeable shift in her facial expression. Her serene grace was momentarily disrupted with a look of worry.

“Of course Ma’am.” Sebastian bowed again. “No trouble at all.” He continued out of the room and closed the door behind himself.

“I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to accept the invitation.” Mrs. Friedrich turned her attention back to the group, the serenity returned to her face. “I understand that coming here might have been an inconvenience for some of you. Please know that you have my deepest gratitude.”

Sylvia gave a deep bow from her seated position, allowing her long hair to cascade down from her back to and lightly touch the floor. The others in the group gave Sylvia a slightly puzzled look at her behavior. “It was no trouble at all, Lady Friedrich. On behalf of the Rosesong clan, I offer you their greetings.” She Brought herself up from her bow and fixed her hair with a fluid practiced motion of her hands. However, the young ninja was meet with the sound of chortles coming from Mrs. Friedrich, who had brought a hand up to her mouth to cover her laugh.

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“Sylvia, dear, there is no need to stand on ceremony here.” She lowered her hand and shot Sylvia a warm smile. The ninja felt her cheeks flush red from embarrassment but since she had no means to hide it she simply sat and endured. “Though, I’m surprised.” The lady continues, snapping Sylvia out of her embarrassment. “I figured that your father would attempt to company you.”

Sylvia was only able to let out what could barely pass as an awkward chuckle before regaining the ability to speak. “Actually...my father did make an attempt to trail me...before mother caught him…”

“Ah. Overprotective as ever I see. Hardly a surprise considering how much of a doting father he was when I last saw him.”

Sylvia raised a brow towards the older lady. “You’ve seen my father behave like that?” The young ninja made efforts to conceal her embarrassment.

“That’s right, I doubt you would remember since you were only a baby when I last visited your clan.”

“Wait!” Drake interjected as he inspected Sylvia’s appearance, taking note of her Ransei features. “Clan? Are you like a Samurai or something?”

“Ninja actually,” Sylvia replied with an in a matter of fact tone.

Everyone in the room, save for Mrs. Friedrich, gave the girl a quizzical stare. “A ninja?” Drake spoke up again. “But you don’t look like a ninja.”

“Oh?” Sylvia raised a brow. “And how should ninja look?” Her expression was neutral as her eyes bored into Drake’s, awaiting his reply.

The young man shifted uncomfortably in his sitting position. “Well...you know…” He stumbled over his words for a moment under Sylvia’s stare, feeling everyone’s eyes upon him as well, even though no one else had been staring directly at him. After a few moments, he managed string words together more confidently. “They’re supposed to be wearing masks?”

At this point, Sylvia’s expression shifted to a more pleased one as Drake continued to talk. “And dressed in all black pajama suits…” Her smile began to transition to her mouthing the words Drake were saying as if she was able to predict every word.

“Well I wouldn’t be an effective Ninja if I go around in broad daylight in ninja garb, now would I?” She brought her hand up to cup her chin with her middle finger and thumb, leaving her index finger touching her cheek. She did her best to keep a practiced expression to hide the fact that she had been insulted by the exchanged.

In truth, the reason Sylvia had been insulted was that, for the early part of her training, she had been forced to wear the ninja garb. Even for training missions where the outfit would have been a liability. It was a lesson that had been ingrained in her mind by embarrassment. Now she is free to wear whatever she felt like. Though she understood that there is a time and place for the ninja garb, part of her had grown to detest the iconic outfit.

There was a long silence in the room. Drake was at a lost for words as he was unsure as to how to respond while still under Sylvia’s gaze.

Mrs. Friedrich’s chortle broke the silence. “Well, it’s good to see that you’ve taken after your mother, Sylvia. I admit I was concerned that your father’s brashness would rub off on you.”

Sylvia’s practiced expression faltered as she returned her focus to her host. “Well...yes, mother was very involved in my upbringing.”

“Tell me,” A smile began to form on the Lady’s lips. “Does your father still insist that I cheated him in that contest of ours?”

The young ninja’s eyes widen in surprise with the realization that the drinking contest had, in fact, occurred. “I..i um…” It was now Sylvia’s turn to stumble with her words.

“Just between us ladies, having a stomach full of bread can greatly assist in slowing the effect of alcohol.” She added a wink as she finished. “Don’t tell your father.”

Sylvia simply nodded, still unsure of the image of the refine woman sitting before her.

Mrs. Friedrich turned her attention to another guest.”Damien, how is your family?”

“We’re doing great, Ma’am,” Damien spoke in a polite and meek tone. “They send their gratitude for your contribution in reviving the Pokemon tower.”

“There is no need to thank me, child.” She raised her hand as if to silence him. “I was merely acting to restore and preserve a vital part of Kanto’s culture.”

Damien’s eyes lit up with pride upon hearing the lady’s words. “In any case, I would still like to repay the kindness if I am able.”

The Lady seemed pleased with the response. “Good to hear. You may yet have your opportunity.” Her eyes shifted slightly as if noticing something to the right of Damien’s head.

The young boy caught the shift in the lady’s focus. He sight shifted to his peripheral to spy at the candle ghost Pokemon that floated by his head. Damien was startled, having previously believed that Aden had cloaked himself from everyone save for his master. Even Aden seemed to have caught off guard, having sensed Damien’s distress.

However the moment passed and Mrs. Friedrich quickly turned away to the remaining guests, leaving the boy and his ghost left to wonder if she could truly see the latter of the pair. “I trust the flight from Sinnoh was comfortable?”

Both Autumn and Liam nodded their heads. “It was an awesome flight!” The Sinnoh girl spoke up. “I had never flown first class before!” She had never actually been on a plane before either.

“Agreed. It was a very enjoyable flight.” Liam chimed in.

Mrs. Friedrich smiled. “Very good to know that money was well spent to provide a comfortable trip for you two.” She then looked to the remaining boy on the couch. “Mr. Daggeri.” Her face shifted to a somber expression. “I am sorry to hear about your parents.”

Drake was silent for a moment as thoughts of his parents rushed through his mind. “I…”

“I apologize.” Mrs. Friedrich picked up on the boy’s feelings. “I did not mean to reopen any wounds.”

“No.” He managed to resume control of his voice. “It’s alright. Did you know them?”

The lady only gave a single nod. “I knew them well. It pained me when news of their accident reached me.” Drake was silent again. “But shall we continue onwards?” Her tone became more uplifting as her focused was returned to the group as a whole. “I am sure you are all wondering why I have invited all of you here today.”

Each of the youths straightened their postures as their curiosities peaked. Mrs. Friedrich took a pause, which must have been practiced to build dramatic tension because it was certainly working. With graceful movements, she reached for the covered platter on the table before them and moved the lid aside. Underneath were a set of five devices, jet black with a gold engraved rose on the front cover.

“These are Pokedexes.” The lady leaned comfortably back into her seat. “Their design is exclusively unique. Only three others currently exist.” She reached into her pocket and produced a device identical to the ones on the platter. “I have one and the other two are in the possession of my daughter and granddaughter respectively. Please accept these. They will be required on your journey as trainers.”

The youths sat staring at the Pokedexes, some confused.

“Allow me to explain. I invited you all here with the intention of sponsoring all of you in the Pokemon league.” Mrs. Friedrich slid her Pokedex back into her pocket. “I’ve made all the necessary preparations. You need only accept.”

Damien was the first to break out of his surprised silence. “But, why would you sponsor us?”

“Why indeed?” Mrs. Friedrich was confident in her mature tone as she spoke. “The newly restored league is still young. It needs good trainers to partake if this restoration is to succeed. I wish to do my part in helping other than just throwing my wealth around and I am willing to take the risk of sponsoring you kids.”

Sylvia was the next one to speak up. “I am honored but forgive me for asking. How would you benefit from sponsoring us? I don’t wish to sound ungrateful but this generosity must come with a price. ”

Mrs. Friedrich’s lips curled into a smile. “Observant, Sylvia. True there is another reason I invited you all here. There is a rare egg that I need to be transported to Pewter City. It absolutely must get there before it hatches. Fortunately, the egg is about three weeks away from hatching, so you all have plenty of time go sightseeing and catch Pokemon along the way.”

“You want us to deliver an egg and in return, you’ll sponsor us?” Liam gave the lady a quizzical look. “Why not hire someone more professional to deliver the egg? Why us?”

“Well…” Mrs. Friedrich began with a sigh. “Truth be told, my granddaughter has taken quite the shine to the egg. She would never forgive me for being so...impersonal with handling the matter. And as for why I choose you over one of my employees to see this matter through? I wish to give you a chance. I believe each of you have what it takes to become excellent trainers, though you might need a bit of a push in the right direction. Consider this my push.” She added a giggle as she finished.

The group of youth didn’t waste much time thinking about the choice as each quickly reached out and took up their Pokedexes.

“I will be honored to accept this task.” Sylvia bowed low towards her sponsor.

“We’ll certainly try to meet your expectations,” Liam added while the other followed up with similar sentiments.

“Good. Very good.” Mrs. Friedrich nodded approvingly before a gentle knock came from the door. “Enter!” The door opened with the Sebastian holding a tray with the beverages that had been previously ordered.

Sebastian moves effortlessly across the room placing the drinks before their intended recipients. Once the drinks have been distributed, the gentleman takes a position behind the lady and her seat. “Is there anything else you require ma'am?”

“No, not at the moment. I was just finishing up business here. Which reminds me, your Pokedexes will double as your IDs and Passports for travel. As part of the sponsorship, your passports will permit free travel passage on any SS Cruise line and Skyla Airlines. You may travel as you please, once this task is settled.” As she finished speaking, the back of her seat started to move. At First, it was subtle but then the whole back piece moved altogether as giant paws stretched out onto the ground and the fur shook and settled into a form that took all the youths by complete shook.

Not believing her eyes, Autumn popped open her new Pokedex and pointed it at the large brown creature that had previously been mistaken for furniture. The Pokedex dinged before a digital voice began to read out the Pokemon's name description, but still, none of the youths could believe what they were seeing.

The Eevee was massive in size, closer to the size of a full grown Arcanine at roughly five feet in height than that of a typical tiny Eevee.

“Oh right.” Mrs. Friedrich’s voice broke the enchantment the giant Eevee held over the youths. “How could I have forgotten? As with tradition in sponsorships, the sponsor usually gifts a Pokemon to the new trainer before they start their journey. Normally these Pokemon are considered ‘starters’ but seeing how each of you already have your own Pokemon that wouldn’t be the case for you all. Still, those Eevees downstairs are eager to accompany each of you on your travels. You’ll find that each of them has already been preselected for you.” She placed her hand on the giant Eevee’s head, sinking it into a layer of fluff before stroking the massive mane.

“I knew it!” Autumn blurted out loudly, startling Amelia enough to nearly fall off of Sylvia’s lap. Everyone in the room gave the girl a quizzical look, causing her cheeks to flush red when she realized how loud her outburst was. “Um…” She coughed nervously as she corrected her volume. “What I mean noticed that one of the Eevee’s name tags had the name ‘Mr. Daggeri’” She then pointed over to Drake. “And when she called you by that name earlier, I started putting two and two together.”

“Huh…what do you know…” Drake seemed pleasantly surprised. “And by the way, the name’s Drake. Don’t go around callin me ‘Mr. Daggeri.’”

“Wow. A sponsorship and a free Eevee for each of us?” Damien sounded overwhelmed. “Your generosity might be a little too much for us.”

“Come now. Don’t you think you’re all overacting a bit.” A cold voice entered the room from the doorway. Everyone turned their heads to spot the source of the voice and was first greeted by the sight of an Eevee stepping into the room. This Eevee was different from all the ones that had been seen before. While it was about the average size of its species, its fur had an odd coloration. The brown of its fur was a silver that seemed to glisten as the light moved across its body. Moments following the Eevee’s entrance, a girl appeared in the doorway. She moved with a practiced grace that must have become second nature to her after years. She held a large cylinder close to her chest with both arms.“You don’t have to act amazed every time a rich person give you a gift.”

With a flick of her wrist, the girl pushes her golden blond bangs away from her blue eye as she scans the room. She examines each of the new trainers as if looking for something specific. “So, are these the trainers you were telling me about, Grandmother? They Don’t look like much…”