"You don't seem like yourself, Lars."

The cool-headed leader of the rangers was known for being a voice of certainty in the room. But right now, he seemed to be confused about the position he was in. He hadn't said anything to Derek, who entered the arena on the opposite side. Perhaps the sudden change in the parameters of the challenge had made his certainty falter?

No matter. Derek was sure they could manage. Their reputation was too great to consider failure. But it wouldn't be a good look if he managed to beat them. Even if he had to throw the match a little, the political mindset had already taken root.

If anything, this was an opportunity to show Lars that he was serious about their meeting concerning Registeel. That Derek was training his pokemon to be able to tackle the challenge without the help of Lars and his rangers. He understood the head ranger's sentiment in that meeting all too well.

He was liable for their lives. He could not send them into the grinder in good conscience. Derek was just one of the few ready to throw himself into the fray. And that was dangerous. Irresponsible. He knew that.

But now he had the chance to prove the merits of his ambition.

"I apologize for the sudden change. I've been thinking about my gym a lot lately." It didn't fit the check that Hoenn's perils was trying to cash in. Something had to change. And Derek only felt it right that it started with him. His gym. "But I am glad to have the chance to battle someone with so many badges. Someone who shot me down when I was overzealous in my pursuit of revenge." The sudden release of his two pokemon would prompt Lars to get ready for battle.

"It's not personal, but I have a bit of a bone to pick with you. Call it a personal hurdle. Help me see whether I've grown since my time as a ranger under your wing, kay?"

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tl;dr
Derek gives Lars the first move!

Laurence Anderson

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