Rosa was in high spirits. The influx of trainers registering with the League brought a sense of accomplishment—every Gym across Kanto was finally seeing fresh faces. She subtly nudged newcomers toward the less popular options to keep things balanced. It wasn't easy, especially with Gyms like Ghost. Lavender Town wasn't exactly prime real estate, and ghost-types had never been the most sought-after companions.
The next man in line, however, immediately stood out.
Tall, poised, and dressed in a sleek navy coat and matching hat, he radiated calm authority. His Lucario stood faithfully by his side, silent and alert. There was something timeless about him—like a gentleman displaced from an era long past. Quiet, composed, and intensely focused, he carried the aura of someone who had seen more than he let on.
"My name is Riley," he said with a courteous nod. "From Sinnoh."
"Oh?" Rosa's curiosity was piqued. "What brings you to Kanto?"
"Strange reports coming out of this region have reached Johto, Hoenn—even Sinnoh," Riley replied. "I wasn't sure where to begin my journey… but I heard that in Kanto, even outsiders have the right to receive a powerful starter."
"That's true," Rosa confirmed with a smile. "But doing so binds you to the Kanto Pokémon League."
Her eyes flicked toward his Lucario. "Though you already seem to have a powerful partner at your side."
Riley nodded. "I'm very particular. I prefer Pokémon with high physical attack."
"You do?" Rosa smirked. "Then I have the perfect Gym—and mentor—for you. Bruno. Former Elite Four, now heading our Fighting-type Gym."
Riley allowed himself a rare smile. "Fighting-types are renowned for their strength. What starters are available?"
Rosa tapped on her console and presented him the options.
1. Mankey – "Once overlooked in Kanto, but this isn't your average Mankey. Thanks to recent research by Blue himself, it now boasts a new evolution—one that adds Ghost-typing. It's fast, furious, and its Attack stat is nothing to scoff at… though still outclassed by the next one."
2. Machop – "The iconic Kanto Fighting-type. Its final evolution, Machamp, boasts a jaw-dropping Attack stat—even higher than your Lucario's. A true powerhouse."
3. Riolu – "Probably not of interest to you, but a solid choice for others entering the Gym."
"I've already decided," Riley grinned. "Even I know how monstrous Machamp's Attack stat is. I had him on my list before I even came here."
"Then I'm pleased to welcome you to the Kanto Pokémon League," Rosa said, offering her hand.
"Thank you," Riley replied. "The next person in line is my friend. She's also from Sinnoh. She prefers Pokémon with massive HP."
Rosa looked past him—and sure enough, there she was.
Cheryl.
Dressed in forest greens, she looked like a woodland spirit more than a Pokémon trainer. Calm eyes, quiet smile, and a Chansey never more than a step behind her. Soothing, graceful, and seemingly fragile—but Rosa had learned not to trust appearances. That kind of calm? It only came from surviving chaos.
"Hello," Cheryl greeted softly. "I'd like to join the Dark Gym."
"WHAT?!" Rosa gawked, nearly dropping her tablet. She jabbed a finger toward Chansey. "YOU HAVE A DAMN HEALER!"
"Yes, yes…" Cheryl replied sweetly. "Originally, I planned to build a team focused on high HP. But then I met this elegant woman—what was her name again? Karen?"
"The Dark Gym Leader," Rosa said flatly.
"Is she?" Cheryl blinked, completely unbothered. "Well, she really changed my outlook. Why build a team to withstand huge amounts of damage… when you can build one to inflict it?"
Rosa stared at her. Yep. Another one headed straight for the madness up at Twilight Plateau.
"It was a total shift in perspective," Cheryl continued cheerfully. "But don't worry—Chansey is still my angel. So, may I join the Dark Gym?"
"Sure," Rosa muttered, pushing her tablet toward Cheryl. "Be my guest. Here are your options."
1. Pawniard – "Dark/Steel-type. Has two evolutions. Bonus points for Steel-type synergy."
2. Zigzagoon – "Dark/Normal-type. Two evolutions as well. I… honestly have no idea what these Dark-types are even supposed to do."
3. Zorua – "Pure Dark-type. It evolves once. Beyond that? No clue. Everything about the Dark Gym is meant to be mysterious, thanks to Blue and Karen."
Rosa sighed, rubbing her temples. "They thought it'd be fun to make the whole thing cryptic. Apparently, you only start 'understanding' once you arrive at that lunatic paradise they call Twilight Plateau."
"Oh, yes," Cheryl nodded thoughtfully. "Karen told me to go through Rock Tunnel. No shortcuts. She said it would 'temper the mind.'"
"Of course she did…" Rosa muttered.
"I'll take Pawniard," Cheryl said.
"Why?"
"It's part Steel-type," she answered simply, as though it explained everything.
Rosa just nodded and handed over the contract. Cheryl signed without hesitation, then vanished in the same serene, unsettling way as the others—toward Victory Road.
Rosa exhaled, watching her go.
Another one for the cult.
The next girl in line?
A ninja. Of all things.
"One of Koga's, I assume?" Rosa asked, mildly amused.
"Yes," the girl responded curtly. "I'm Janine, Koga's daughter."
"Oh," Rosa smiled knowingly. "You would've been next in line for the Poison Gym—if it hadn't been for Blue."
"Right," Janine nodded. "Even though he changed the rules, I'll still become the Poison Gym Leader." A confident grin crept across her face. "With the things he told my father, I might even take the title sooner than expected."
Rosa chuckled. "Don't underestimate your dad, girl. I don't need to ask which Gym you're joining. But I do have a question—how's construction going on your new settlement?"
Janine's eyes sparkled with pride. "Honestly? We were furious when we got kicked out of Fuchsia City. And then being sent to the farthest edge of Route 13 for our new home? That's the least populated area in all of Kanto—practically the middle of nowhere. But then…"
She inhaled deeply, as if preparing for a dramatic reveal.
"They came."
"They?" Rosa raised a brow, intrigued.
"Machamps Works!" Janine exclaimed, stars in her eyes. "An entire army of Pokémon! I've never seen so many Pokémon working in perfect sync toward a single goal!"
She paused, letting the image settle.
"Long story short: the Hidden Village is nearly fully outlined, and the foundation is already in place. We're extremely proud of the progress."
"The... Hidden Village?" Rosa blinked. Oh no, she thought. It's probably some unhinged nonsense like Twilight Plateau all over again.
"We're not authorized to share further details about our settlement," Janine added smugly.
Yep. Absolutely Twilight Plateau-level lunacy.
"I assume you're here for your starter?"
Janine gave a sharp nod.
"Here are your options:"
1. Nidoran – "Evolves into a Poison/Ground type. The final evolution requires a stone, which the Kanto Pokémon League provides. You can choose between the male or female line."
2. Bellsprout – "Grass/Poison type. Yes, an unconventional choice for the Poison Gym. While usually seen as more Grass-aligned, we've bred this line to fully harness Poison-type utility. It won't melt your opponent's team with brute force, but as a battlefield manipulator? It's a nightmare."
3. Salandit – "Poison/Fire type. Fire-types are rare in every region, which makes it a unique perk for the Poison Gym to offer one—even if Fire is only its secondary typing."
"I'll take Salandit," Janine said without hesitation.
She signed the contract with practiced precision and officially joined the Poison Gym under Koga's banner. Without another word, she turned and, like the others, began her trek toward Victory Road.
Rosa watched her go, eyebrows knitting together.
"Why are all these lunatics heading to Victory Road?" she muttered. "Sure, getting their starter from me makes sense—but Victory Road?"
Were they all stupid?
They'd figure it out soon enough.
You never—ever—walk into a trap set by Blue Oak.
Not unless you had a death wish.
The next person to step in front of Rosa was a woman who appeared to be in her early forties. That did nothing, however, to diminish the striking beauty and graceful poise she carried.
Draped in an elegant navy blue dress, her long, straight black hair cascading down her back, she was the very image of refined maturity.
"Hello," the woman greeted warmly. "I'm Red's mom."
"RED'S MOM?"
Rosa nearly choked on air. Standing right before her was the living legend—the subject of countless rumors that whispered of how she'd once seduced Champion Blue and taken his virginity.
As Rosa's eyes roamed over the woman, she couldn't help but understand exactly why Blue had fallen head over heels for her.
"Okay..." Rosa exhaled, trying to steady herself. "Do you have a name, ma'am?"
"Yes," the woman replied with a serene nod. "Red's mom."
Rosa blinked. She could antagonize this woman, but Red's mom held a place of reverence—almost mythic. It wasn't worth stirring the pot.
"So... what brings you here, Red's mom?"
"Well," she said, sighing gently, "I've always dreamed of traveling, catching Pokémon, seeing the world... but life never allowed it. Then I became Red's mom, and my focus turned to raising my son. Now that he's gone off on his own journey, I'm stuck in Pallet Town with nothing to do. Blue suggested I build a team of my own, and here I am. I figure if I train hard enough, I can help him—and maybe Kanto itself."
Rosa nodded in understanding. "Which Gym are you interested in joining?"
"The Ice Gym," Red's mom said with a smile. "Lorelei and I were childhood friends. It only makes sense I help her establish a new one."
"You know it's on the Seafoam Islands, right? One of the most remote places in Kanto," Rosa warned. "It's freezing, completely isolated before Blue became Champion. Most people don't apply because of the location. Only true Ice-type enthusiasts go out there."
"I'm aware," Red's mom replied calmly. "But there's a teleportation line to the Sevii Islands. So we can always escape to the beach when we need a break. And for Ice-types, the Seafoam Islands are perfect."
"Fair enough," Rosa shrugged. "Here are your starter options:"
1. Swinub – "Ice/Ground type with two evolutions. Its final form is enormous, so be ready for that."
2. Cetoddle – "A rare pure Ice-type. It evolves once, and the evolved form is even bigger than Swinub's. Seriously, it's massive."
3. Vulpix (Alolan Form) – "An Ice-type that becomes Ice/Fairy after evolving. Absolutely gorgeous and a dragon's worst nightmare. Girls all over Kanto surf to Seafoam just to catch one."
"I've already made my choice," Red's mom said. "I'll take Swinub."
"Oh?" Rosa raised an eyebrow. "Why Swinub?"
"Blue never stops talking about how ridiculous Earthquake is as a move," she said with a knowing smile.
Rosa smirked. "By the way—your son, Red—he was here not long ago. He's on his way to Victory Road."
"HE WAS?"
The atmosphere shifted instantly. The gentle, graceful aura around Red's mom evaporated. In its place stood a storm. A mom storm—arguably the most terrifying natural disaster known to mankind.
"He left months ago," she whispered, her voice cold, jaw clenched. "He hasn't visited. Not once. Not even a call. Not. A. Single. Word."
Rosa instinctively stepped back.
"I'm going to Victory Road," Red's mom declared. "I need to talk to my boy."
And just like that, the tempest vanished.