A BLACKOUT SWEEPS OVER SOOTOPOLIS CITY

A man, dressed in a clean white suit, appears on the screen. Behind him, a blue monitor detailing the station's symbol, a yellow bolded HBS, occupies the background. His desk remains clean, uncluttered, and brimming with professionalism. Hands folded, a look of urgency in his eyes, the man begins:

"Good Afternoon, Hoenn. I'm Jumin Han, and this is HBS news. Reports have come in that Sootpolis city has gone completely blacked out-- the center of this event taking place at the Tree of Life."

He pauses, taking in a breath through his deepened frown. At that same moment, another image takes up a corner of the screen. There, in a blanket of darkness, a single woman stood, scarlet hair pinned up into a braid and expression tight with professionalism.

"We have PENELOPE LIVY on the scene."

The small box now consumes the screen, swallowing the image of the original man completely.

"Thanks, Jumin. As you can see, things are getting pretty intense over here. Rangers have already begun to surround the area, and local trainers coming in from all over the region. From here, we haven't seen much, but there's been nonstop sound coming from the area for the past 10 minutes. Wait-- is that GABRIEL BLACK ??"

With a rush of speed, the woman took off towards the large man in black, ready to jab a microphone in his face as any good reporter would.

"Sir, sir-- what do you have to say about the current state of Sootopolis City?"

The councilman turns, slow and steady, towards the woman and her bright camera. Patience rests on his features as he replies.

"Let there be no doubt today that Team Rocket's hubris has placed not only this great city, but the very region itself in danger.

Rest assured, however, as the League is already moving to take action against this oppressive shadow, and will do all that is within our power to put a stop to it.

No matter the personal cost."

Nodding, Penelope pulls the mic from the councilman, ready to reply in her typical journalistic fashion. However, before she could even open her lips, another man came out from the woodwork. Tall, blonde, and professional, the man's natural appearance attracts the camera towards him.

"Team Rocket's hubris? I wouldn't be too quick to judge, councilman, especially not when the League has failed time and time again. Or are we not remembering Mossdeep? Littleroot?

While we appreciate the help, the League's presence is only proving to be detrimental. Step aside and let us do what you have failed to.

We'll protect Sootopolis, its people, and Hoenn. That, I assure you. "

Eyes widening, Penelope looks over at him.

"And who are you?"

"THEO BECKETT "

Before she could reply, again, a man interrupts her. This time, however, it came from GABRIEL BLACK .

"You make an excellent point, Mr. Beckett. But allow me to propose the question that I believe is on the heart, and minds, of everyone watching:

When light once again illuminates this darkness, what will we find at its center? Or perhaps who?

I'll leave that thought to you."

Before much more could continue, the reporter took a step forward, aiming her magnemite's camera towards her and her alone.

"Well, as you can see, there's a lotta mixed emotions coming out right now. Hopefully, we'll get a clearer idea of what's causing this blackout soon. Til then, I'm throwing it back to you, Jumin."

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

If you'd like to contribute an article, please DM @captain with your concept and/or writing! Feel free to also reach out for any HBS related plots, including joining the staff (cameraman, reporter, journalist, photographer, columnist, etc) or IC business propositions!