Pokémon The Divine Truth: The Fight for What Matters

Chapter 6

"What is Mycorrhizal really like? Kori and I have only heard things about it from watching TV," Hiro asked.

"Well, you see, Mycorrhizal is the headquarters of a potentially dangerous group known as Pink Venom. The number of impoverished people in that city is also fairly high." Seraphina responded.

"If that's the case, why doesn't the gym leader do anything about it? Isn't it their job to help the people who are weaker than them and to better the region?" Kori questioned.

Seraphina paused as if considering what Kori had said. She crossed her legs and turned to one of the Pokémon Center staff.

"Miss Joy, May I please have a glass of red wine?"

"Of course, Lady Seraphina," Joy said with a bow.

Without a second of delay, Joy hurried to the bar to grab a bottle and a glass, then walked back to where Seraphina was sitting. Joy began pouring a glass of red wine, placing it in Seraphina's hand, and setting the expensive-looking bottle down at the small table between their seats. Seraphina began swirling the scarlet liquid within its glass, looking at it intently.

"Will that be all, Lady Seraphina?" the staff member asked.

"Yes, Miss Joy. Thank you for remembering my favorite once again."

Joy bowed and walked away in the direction of the bar. Seraphina took a sip of the wine and then set the glass on the table beside her.

"I guess Adhira never spoke of the private matters we gym leaders deal with. If she did, then you would know what our true purpose is."

"My mom talked about the crazy adventures she'd go on sometimes. She mostly talked about the different places she saw, but she never said anything about what she did as a gym leader."

"If you're saying it is not the gym leader's responsibility to help the people within the region and take on challengers, are you saying the gym leader of Mycorrhizal isn't doing anything about the current state of their city?" Hiro interjected.

"It's actually quite the opposite. Amanita does everything in her power to better Mycorrhizal. It is in the best shape I have ever seen it in. The streets are far less impoverished, and it is safer to walk around than ever before. There is still a long way to go before it becomes the ideal place to be."

"Oh wow! She sounds amazing! Amanita must be really caring if she's doing all that," Kori said excitedly.

"Come to think of it, I've never heard too much about Amanita before. Have you, Kori?" Hiro asked.

Kori shook his head in agreement with Hiro. Kori looked over toward Haru, who seemed completely out of the conversation. Haru grabbed the wine bottle that was on the table and began smelling the inside of it excitedly.

"Smells good, does it not?" Seraphina said with a grin, taking another sip of her drink.

"This smells...amazing. Am I able to drink this?" Haru asked.

"As hilarious as that'd be, I think you should stick to just smelling for now, Haru," Hiro interjected.

Seraphina chuckled. "Watching you three is always so delightful. Now about Amanita, she is a very kind and selfless person, but because of that, she was unable to do her true duty as a gym leader."

"I'm guessing you're not going to tell us what this true purpose is, are you?" Hiro asked.

"It is not information that should be spread so easily, so unfortunately, I cannot say."

"If you think Mycorrhizal is too dangerous for us to go to, what do you suggest we do?" Kori asked.

"I doubt what I have said will stop you from wanting to go to Mycorrhizal, and in that case, I suggest you begin your travels tomorrow," Seraphina said, taking another sip of her drink.