"Officer Jenny, do you know this young man?"
Norman held May in one arm, patting her back with a strong, steady hand to comfort her.
Jenny glanced at Silas, recognition flickering in her eyes. "He came to the station before, wanting to apply for the cleanup mission. A shy, good kid. We've met once."
Norman nodded, his wary expression softening.
Silas nearly laughed when he overheard. A shy, good boy?
Once, his hands had been stained with the blood of both humans and Pokémon. He had even been a pirate. But all of that had long been buried at sea by Madam Mira. Now, in the Alliance's eyes, he was a direct-line trainer upright, honest… and shy.
Yes, he told himself. 'That's exactly who I am.'
He repeated the thought until it felt real. After all, if he could deceive himself, he could deceive others.
"Officer Jenny, nice to see you again," Silas said openly. His eyes drifted to the squad of officers behind her, full of curiosity. "Are you carrying out the Wurmple-clearing mission?"
Jenny nodded. "Yes. We were clearing out infestations on the outskirts of Petalburg Woods, but Mr. Norman's daughter went missing. So we all came here."
The corner of Silas' mouth curled upward. This was exactly what he wanted. By playing the role of a shy, earnest boy, he lowered their guard and won their trust. His disguise was working perfectly at least on Officer Jenny.
"To be honest," Silas said, stepping forward with practiced sincerity, "I'd also like to join this cleanup mission. I don't need payment—just a chance to temper my Pokémon."
Jenny hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But this isn't child's play. Stay on the sidelines and assist."
Norman stood beside her, not yet officially a Gym Leader, but his presence carried weight. Between the two of them, Jenny had the final say.
"Thank you, Officer Jenny, for giving me the chance to serve the Alliance!" Silas exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with rehearsed surprise.
The officers around him smiled warmly. To them, Silas was the very image of a good boy: loyal, upright, shy. Who wouldn't like him?
"Corphish, Carvanha battle positions!"
He released his Pokémon, who took their places alongside the officers' teams. Most of the Wurmple swarm were weak—losers from territorial fights deeper in the forest.
"Arcanine, Flamethrower!"
With a fierce bark, Officer Jenny's Arcanine leapt forward, its fiery breath sweeping across the swarm. Dustox and Beautifly, the strongest among the bugs, were incinerated in one blast.
Silas couldn't help staring. His heart filled with envy. Arcanine its stats surpassed even the starter Pokémon. Long ago, it had been considered a legendary.
But almost all Growlithe in the world were owned by the Jenny family. Wild ones were nearly impossible to find. Their rarity rivaled pseudo-legendaries.
If a civilian somehow caught one by chance… the Jenny family would smell it, find them, and offer marriage into their clan.
And if refused? They would smile and say it was fine but before long, that trainer would be "drafted" by the Alliance and meet a tragic end battling underground syndicates.
History had proven it time and again.
"Vigoroth, use Break Break!"
"Viiiii-gorooothhh!!"
Norman's Vigoroth lunged forward, its claws glowing white as it slashed down in a fierce arc. The strike cleaved through the Bug-types' defenses, sending a Dustox crashing into the dirt and scattering a Beautifly's scales into the air.
"Arcanine, Flamethrower!"
"Arca-nineee!!"
Beside it, Officer Jenny's Arcanine roared, unleashing a stream of blazing flames. Fwoooosh! The fire swept across the swarm, scattering the Spinarak and Wurmple that hadn't already fled.
Silas stood back, watching the Gym Leader and Officer Jenny coordinate. Even his Corphish and Carvanha, usually restless, were quiet for a moment, eyes wide.
"Cor-phish?"
"Car-vanhaaa…"
Silas smiled faintly, crouching beside them. "Yeah… they're strong, aren't they? That's the difference between a leader and a rookie like me."
Norman's voice carried over the field, calm but commanding. "Good work! Maintain formation! Don't let any stragglers slip past!"
His Vigoroth howled in response, pounding its chest with raw energy.
"Viii-goroohhhh!!"
Within minutes, the last of the Bug-type swarm was subdued. The Alliance trainers cheered, while Officer Jenny and Norman regrouped.
Jenny walked to the Alliance trainers, her long legs striding confidently, and distributed the mission certificates. The others left happily, eager to claim their rewards at the Pokémon Center.
"Trainer Silas," she said suddenly, turning to him. "You worked hard. This is a little extra reward from me."
She handed him a certificate.
Silas didn't act coy. He accepted it with a smile. "Thank you, Officer Jenny. I'm glad I could help."
Jenny smiled back, pleased with his attitude. She disliked pretentious types who played at being noble.
The task ended smoothly. Everyone was satisfied.
Norman approached, May still clinging to his arm. "Officer Jenny, this young man saved my daughter. Let him attend the opening ceremony of the Gym."
Though worded politely, his tone left no room for refusal.
Silas thought to himself: 'As expected of the man closest to the Elite Four. The final pride of Normal-types.'
Jenny inclined her head. "Mr. Norman came all the way from Johto to take up the mantle of Gym Leader here. Of course, he can make such a decision."
Norman looked at Silas. "Well then, little brother would you join us?"
Before Silas could answer, May tilted her head up, her big eyes sparkling like a porcelain doll's.
"Big brother-join! Join! Join!" she chanted, her tiny hands waving.
Silas chuckled, bowing politely. "Then forgive me for imposing, Mr. Norman. I'll gladly accept."
May squealed in joy, wriggling in her father's arms, little fingers flashing playful gestures.
Everyone smiled at the sight. Cute children always softened hearts.
On the way back to the city, Silas seized the chance to ask about the Gym.
"Mr. Norman was invited by the Vice Chairman of the Hoenn League to become the new Gym Leader of Petalburg City," Officer Jenny explained warmly, her voice clear and pleasant.
Silas lowered his gaze, hiding the glint in his eyes. His next path was opening wider with every step.
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(End of chapter)