The morning fog hung low over Hammerlocke, cloaking the tall spires and imposing castles that loomed over the city. Koa stood on the balcony of her rented room, gazing out at the cityscape. The distant mountains of the Wild Area were barely visible through the mist, shrouded in clouds. She had come to appreciate the gloomy beauty of this unfamiliar region, but as the days turned into weeks, she still didn't know if she made the right decision.
Since her arrival in Galar, she had kept to herself, focused on training her Pokémon. Sylveon and Arcanine had quickly grown accustomed to the new environment, yet Koa still felt like an outsider. Galar wasn't her region; it was a place where she could try to blend in.
Today was different, however. Today she had received an invitation from Chairman Rose himself—of course he had found her. It was an opportunity to meet him at a private gathering in the Hammerlocke Vault. It felt like a trap, but Koa couldn't deny the curiosity that tugged at her.
The Vault was lavish, the kind of place that gleamed with polished marble floors and crystal chandeliers. Koa felt out of place amongst the high-profile trainers, leaders, and corporate executives, all dressed in suits and elegant dresses. She stood off to the side, a drink in hand, observing the spectacle.
"Welcome, welcome! I'm glad you could join us!"
Koa turned at the sound of the voice, finding herself face to face with the Chairman. He stood tall, radiating confidence and charm, his bright eyes scanning the room like a Corviknight. He extended a hand towards her. "You must be Koa, the Kalos Queen. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Koa forced a smile, though every instinct told her to be on guard. "Thank you, Chairman. I appreciate the invitation."
"Please, call me Rose," he replied, his grin widening. "You have made quite the name for yourself, even after stepping away from the spotlight. I admire that kind of tenacity."
Koa almost felt nauseous. "I'm just trying to find my place here," she said carefully. "It's been... an adjustment."
"An adjustment, yes, but you're in a unique position," he continued, his gaze intense. "With your experience and fame, you could play a pivotal role in the future of the region. With your connections in Kalos, we will be able to revolutionize Pokémon battles and bring this world together."
Koa lifted her eyebrows. "And what exactly is that?"
He gestured broadly, as if revealing a grand secret. "Dynamaxing, of course! We have the new technology to create artificial power spots and change everything we know about battling. But it's not just about the battles. There's also the power, prestige, and opportunity to elevate Galar to the forefront of the Pokémon world."
"Power and prestige," Koa echoed. "But at what cost? There's more to Pokémon than just spectacle."
"You, as a performer, should know." Rose's smile faltered momentarily, but he quickly regained his composure. "But think of the possibilities! Imagine a world where trainers from every region gather to showcase their skills. A world where Galar is the epicenter of Pokémon culture."
Koa felt a chill at the thought. She had seen the dark side of fame before, the pressure to perform and the damage it did to her. "I'm not sure I'm the right kind of person to be involved with that," she replied cautiously. "I'm trying to build a life away from that stature."
"Ah, but that's where you're mistaken," he said, his voice as smooth as silk. "Your influence can reshape perceptions, perhaps bring attention to important issues. You could be a voice for Galar and Kalos, guiding them towards a bright future!"
Koa took a step back, reeling from his intensity. "I don't want to be a voice for anything, Rose. I'm here for my own reasons. I'm not here to be a pawn for your game."

YOU ARE READING
YELL! (piers x oc)
FanfictionKoa used to be Kalos Queen. She left that life behind when she ran away to be in Galar. Now, she has to deal with the exploitation of the vulnerable by Chairman Rose. She must battle the system where the powerful prey upon the powerless, all while e...