As soon as she landed, Green found herself standing in the middle of a vast plain.
She widened her eyes, scanning her surroundings.
"Huh? I didn't take the wrong turn, did I? Wasn't this just a Gym a second ago? How did it suddenly turn into a golf course?"
Stretching out before her was endless grassland and mountain peaks in the distance. This place had to cover at least a thousand acres.
The last time she'd seen something on this scale was in Professor Oak's backyard.
But that was for research. What did a Gym Leader like Caleb need such a massive backyard for?
Was he just… too rich?
Green couldn't think of any other explanation.
As she wandered around the Gym's backyard, she realized the Pokémon here were quite scarce.
Besides the occasional Oddish that preferred the night and a few Kakuna clinging to trees, the most common ones around were Gligar.
It looked like these were the only Pokémon living in this entire area.
She honestly couldn't imagine how this Gym managed to stay afloat with just these Pokémon.
Not that she was looking down on them or anything, but even Cerulean Gym at least had a half-decent Starmie!
Oh—wait, there's a Gliscor here too. Okay, maybe it's fine then.
Green stopped walking and crouched low, trying her best not to be noticed.
"Phew... that was close. Looks like it didn't spot me. Now I just have to be quiet, real quiet..."She repeated the words in her mind, not even daring to breathe too loud.
"Need a hand?"
A sudden voice rang out behind her.
"No, I'm good."
Green replied reflexively, even waving her hand to brush the person off.
"...Wait a second."
Something suddenly felt off.
Who just spoke?
She slowly turned her head toward the source of the voice. But just as she was about to see who it was, a blinding light flashed into her eyes.
The moment she opened them again, she found herself face-to-face with a ghostly white face, lit up by a flashlight.
"Aaaaah!!"
Green screamed in terror, nearly collapsing on the spot.
Hearing her scream, Caleb quickly turned off the flashlight, and darkness returned.
"Kids these days, so rude," Caleb sighed helplessly.
Green finally snapped out of it. When she realized it was Caleb, she let out a breath of relief and pulled her hand back from her Poké Ball.
Then immediately started complaining, "Seriously, sneaking up on someone like that is super scary, okay?!"
"Pretty sure this is my house, Miss Burglar."
"Think Officer Jenny would give me a medal if I turn you in?"
As he spoke, Caleb picked up his phone and pretended to make a call.
Honestly, if not for the heat-sensor system installed in the backyard, he wouldn't have noticed Green sneaking in.
Good thing his cousin had reminded him to beef up security around the Gym.
"Wait, wait, wait—!"
Green rushed to stop him.
"I, uh... I'm actually here to apply for a job. Yeah, that's it. A job."
Caleb: ...
It's the middle of the night. You broke into my house. And now you're telling me you're here to apply for a job?
Do I look that easy to fool?
If you think I'm an idiot, don't blame me for—
"Signed."
Just when Green thought she was done for, Caleb suddenly changed his tone.
"I'll go get the contract."
Green froze. She stood there, completely lost.
...Huh? That worked?
Even Gold wouldn't have believed that awful excuse...
In reality, Caleb had already been planning to hire someone.
The Gym was huge, and even with Chansey's help, things were getting overwhelming. On top of that, relying on Snow to keep filling in as referee wasn't sustainable.
Technically, a proper Gym should at least have a front desk receptionist, a referee, and someone for logistical support.
Green's arrival just happened to fill all those roles. Oh, and with her strength, she could double as security.
"If everything looks good, go ahead and sign."Caleb handed her the contract he had prepared in advance.
Honestly, things were developing way beyond what Green had expected.
She never planned on actually staying here!
Wait a second.
One, two, three, four, five... so many zeros.
She wouldn't even dare dream of making this much money.
And it's a four-days-on, three-days-off job?!
Okay, now she was kinda tempted.
Caleb noticed she was hesitating and started to get a bit nervous.
"Is something wrong?"
"N-no, nothing."After a long pause, Green finally picked up the pen and signed her name.
At the same time, two voices began arguing in her head.
One of them shouted angrily: "Green! How could you sell yourself out for money like this? I'm ashamed of you!"
The other scoffed: "Tch. It's just for the money. What's there to be ashamed of? I'll quit after a month."
The two voices clashed back and forth.
But in the end, Green couldn't turn down that kind of cash. She'd work for a month, take the money, and bail. Yup, just one month.
Wait—what was my original goal again? She furrowed her brow, trying to remember... Oh, right! She was here to spy!
She just needed to figure out Caleb's dirty little tricks, and then sell that intel. It'd make a killing for sure.
And now she was working at his Gym—perfect for observing his every move up close. She could steal his strategies and get paid.
It was a win-win!
Green was so happy she nearly jumped for joy, the smile on her face impossible to hide.
On the other side, Caleb was also feeling pretty pleased. Looking at the signed contract in his hand, he let out a soft chuckle.
"Then it's official. You start tomorrow. Get some rest tonight."
Caleb looked up, smiling as he gave her the instructions.
The Gym officially opened tomorrow. Given how well-known he was now, he was sure challengers would be lining up nonstop, maybe even flooding in.
Heh. Gotta stay humble. Gotta stay humble. Don't let it go to your head.