DPA: Rivals

Chapter 40: The Ruins Of Silph

"So, here's what I'm thinking," Ero said as the group walked down the busy streets of Saffron City. "We can stop by the Silph Company office on our way to the Saffron Pokémon Center. I'll meet with the President, and from there we should receive access to his Luxury Suite. We're talking top-of-the-line treatment, fine dining, massages for both people and Pokémon; nothing but the best for the soon-to-be Kanto Champion."

"How are the beds?" Cameron asked.

"Made from the finest material," Ero replied.

"You should pick which side of the room is yours," Daryon offered.

"Actually, I think I'll get my own room," Cameron shrugged it off. "I could use the time to myself."

"Oh..." Daryon replied. "Yeah, no, of course you should get your own room."

"Oh, oh!" Max began to jump up and down. "Skye, since Daryon and Cameron are going to be in different rooms, can I sleep over in Daryon's room tonight?"

"If it's okay with Daryon," Skye replied.

"Yeah, that's fine-" Daryon began.

"What is this?" Ero interrupted, stopping in his tracks.

Directly ahead of the group stood the Silph Co. HQ, windows shattered, door hanging on its side, hinges broken, police tape surrounding the entrance. The President of Silph Co. was standing out front, surveying the damage, when he noticed Ero approaching. Ero ran up to him.

"What happened?" Ero asked, running his hands through his hair.

"You heard the news," the President replied in a gruff voice. "We were robbed."

"This wasn't a robbery," Ero replied. "This was an attack. I can't even begin to calculate the damage!"

"It doesn't matter what the damage to the Headquarters are," said the President. "They stole the Master Ball, the result of many years of hard work, our crowning achievement. I built this company from nothing, spent my whole life turning it into something beautiful. Now it is all gone. Thousands of employees will lose their jobs. And all that I've worked towards is over."

"I'm sorry," Ero sighed, placing a hand on the President's shoulder. "I can't imagine what this is like for you. As for your employees, a friend of mine is planning on creating a magnet train from Kanto to Johto. That will require builders, managers, electricians, and many more jobs. I own 70% of the stock, so I can send the word, and give your employees priority during hiring."

"Thank you," smiled the President. "You have a good heart, like your father. It's why I've enjoyed working with you." He looked behind Ero, seeing the rest of the group. "And who are these youngsters?"

"These are some young trainers competing in the Pokémon League," Ero answered. "I'm currently conducting research on the effects of organized Pokémon battles on the native Kantonian species. We were hoping to reside at the Luxury Suites during our stay in Saffron, but I can clearly see that this isn't the time."

"Unfortunately, you're right. After the attack, I can't afford the Luxury Suite anymore," the President said. "However,  if you are looking for lodging, I will make a call to Mr. Psychic. He owns a small hotel that wouldn't be in business without my financial assistance. He'll let you live there for the time being, but be prepared. He believes himself to be a psychic, and insists on giving readings of everyone he rents a room to."

Ero chuckled. "I'll play his little game. It's nonsense, but I'll play it."