Chapter Text
In a large office room sits the gym leaders of the Haltoir region. All 18 of them were waiting for their champion and chairwoman to arrive. Instead of having an elite four, this region has 18 gym leaders. Having more badges is almost like having different layers of fame, you get more exclusive benefits the more gyms you defeat. But that is the problem, Oakley, the corrupt champion of this region has developed a system to prevent trainers each season from getting to a certain point. To the public they are beloved, kind, and a hero to all, but behind closed doors, they are cold, manipulative, and feared by their employees. Oakley has moved with their mom and two siblings many, many times. They moved to Paldea from Galar at the age of 15, and after becoming champion and replacing Chairwoman Geeta, they found a replacement for a few gym leaders, and a new chairwoman, and fixed several systems. At 22, they came to the Haltoir region, where they built the current system over the next decade.
Finally the large oak doors open, “Phones.” Oakley states coldly, not even looking at the group. Behind them walks in their bodyguards, their two best friends from Paldea, and their romantic partners, Arven and Nemona. The two, step to either side of the large doors and close them, while the gym leaders who hadn't yet put their phones in a basket outside did so. Even though the chairwoman respected and trusted the group with their life, they couldn't risk a bugged phone letting out their secrets. Turning to the group, their LED mask showed an angry expression covering their real face. “Good Morning friends, I'm sorry for the sudden meeting.” Ignis, the fire-type gym leader, speaks up, “Get on with it Oak” Most wouldn't dare speak to the powerful figure but due to their long history Ignis and Oakley are more sisters than anything. They let out a long sigh. “The wrong numbers are up. We’ve had a record amount of trainers make it to the 8th badge.” Umbra mumbles from the corner “Well maybe if some of us could do our jobs instead of being in this pointless meeting we would have more time to better our gym team.”
The group looks to Umbra with a look of concern. Oakley grunts as crystals form under their suit jacket, a symptom of the infection they gained in the crystal caves of Paldea. For a moment Arven's blank expression turns to concern. Oakley looks to Umbra, where the dark-type gym leader turns from a look of annoyance to fear. “Umbra…you better shut the fuck up. We wouldn't want your documents to be sent out would we?” Umbra goes to speak but stops, before slumping into her chair once more. “Now. I need all of you to do some extra training-” Before Oakley can finish their statement Titanus, the rock-type leader, speaks up. “Chairwoman I have some news I need to share.” Oakley looks at him with curiosity. “A trainer collected my badge earlier this week…Evelyn.” The room goes flat, and everyone slowly looks at their boss, even the two bodyguards are shocked at the words. “Call the kid…” With that statement Oakley storms out of the room, their bodyguards following close behind. Arven trying to keep up asks his partner “Oakley, Oakley! What the fuck was that about?” Oakley turns to their boyfriend and girlfriend,
“Go home. I have some errands to run.” With that they disappear into their office, leaving the pair alone in the hallway.