The New Normal - 17-7

The New Normal – 17-7 – Sworn In

Expectedly, my arrival was met by a ton of fanfare from the Sinnoh League. From the moment I got off the ship, the League wasted absolutely no time as I was immediately escorted to the Temple of the Titan, where an official swearing in ceremony would be held for me as I took on my new position as Sinnoh’s first ever Protector-Guardian.

Fortunately, my girlfriend was there to accompany me on every step of the way. Not only that, but as soon as I stepped off the ship, she had wrapped her arm around mine as if to purposefully show off our relationship. She was making it extremely clear that my new position was not just some fancy title – I was deeply connected to her role as Champion.

In other words, it implied that my political influence was tied, and was equal, to the Champion.

I had already seen several articles cropping up on the Pokénet discussing whether and how Cynthia and I would be wielding our newfound political influence. Some had suspected that we would completely dominate Sinnoh politics with our joint power, and had feared that our next steps would be to replace the current Elite Four roster with members that would merely serve as puppets for us – which would make us dictators in all but name.

Fortunately, we had no plans on doing that. We had already discussed this together thoroughly, and we agreed that one of the first things we would do would be to reassure the Sinnoh Elite Four that we not trample over their authority. They needed to understand that we were looking for cooperation, not domination.

Thoughts on that aside, I had a question to ask Cynthia.

“Have they got the new ceremonial outfit ready?” I asked, “And does it look good?”

“Don’t worry, I checked it through myself.” She assured me, “They got the size right too.”

“Should I be happy or concerned about the fact that you’re able to have an accurate measure of my size from memory alone?” I asked jokingly, “It feels like this implies that you look at me far too often.”

“Oh shush you.” She whacked me lightly on the arm, “Don’t forget about all the cameras pointed at us. If their microphones get wind of your teasing, then the next thing you know every single headline in Sinnoh is going to be about your comments and nothing else.”

I raised up my hands in surrender, “Fine, fine. I’ll be a good boy and leave the teasing for later. It’s not like we’re on a time limit anymore. I’m here to stay now. You can’t get rid of me that easily.” I smirked.

For symbolic purposes, a position as grand and as prestigious as being Sinnoh’s Protector obviously needed a suitable outfit to match. Not just for myself, but also for the Keepers of the Titan, the new guard unit that would nominally serve under my command in their defense of the Legendary Titan.

Therefore, before my arrival, Cynthia had asked for my opinion on the design for this outfit. At first, she had suggested a ceremonial robe, since that was also what the other Committee members wanted, as they felt it was the most suitable thing to wear for the swearing in ceremony.

The robe would be designed so that it would mirror Regigigas in appearance. After a few run-throughs of the design, we settled on one that was mostly white with black stripes, and the area around my collar and my wrists would be lined with yellow – much like Regigigas itself. Meanwhile, the back of my robe would have the same three rows of ‘eyes’ like Regigigas did that were coloured red, blue, and grey respectively.

After seeing the final design, I actually quite liked it, but I made it a condition that I would only be wearing it for the ceremony, or for other official events. This was mainly because I found wearing a robe to be extremely inconvenient for day-to-day life, and if I had to wear a robe in public for the rest of my life, I would absolutely hate it.

It also reminded me too heavily of Ghetsis, and I really didn’t like the comparison.

Fortunately, a majority of the members from the newly formed Keepers of the Titan agreed with me. Therefore, for both myself and the Keepers, we decided that a more convenient outfit would to have the same design but on a jacket.

This would allow us to remain distinguishable from the ordinary Jennys and International Police members, while also not having us be boughed down by having to wear a robe all the time. The robe would be saved for ceremonial occasions only – like the one that I was about to participate in.

The moment we arrived at the Temple of the Titan, I saw that a makeshift stage had been set up just outside of the Temple where the ceremony was going to be held. Not only that, but I spotted that practically every important trainer in Sinnoh were in attendance. From Gym Leaders to Elite Four, they were all there.

As we had arrived just in time for the planned start time, I was only allowed to briefly greet everyone, including the Keepers of the Titans, who I would be working closely with in the future, before I was immediately ushered out to the side so that I could get changed into my new ceremonial robes. As expected, it was probably the highest quality clothes that I had ever worn in my life, and it probably cost more to make than my entire wardrobe that I had brought over combined.

Once I had put everything on, I stared at myself in the mirror and I couldn’t help but think that I looked like an absolute ponce. Robes like these did not suit me. Perhaps I was just unused to it, but the ceremonial robes were just a little too unwieldy to wear. And I definitely didn’t have the sort of ‘natural grace’ that you needed to move around in them without looking too stiff.

Fortunately, it was different with the jacket. Since the jacket was meant to be worn for day-to-day purposes, it was made of less expensive but more durable material. It was also less gaudy and eye-catching, which I felt was a good thing. It also contained plenty of pockets, which was a very nice addition to have.

Overall, with how comfortable it was to wear, I suspected that just like with my girlfriend’s signature black coat, this jacket was going to be part of my usual attire from now on.

“You look good in that.” My girlfriend had apparently shown up while I was getting dressed, “The designers did a good job on this.”

“I agree with you on the jacket, but I don’t like the robe.” I replied, “It’s just too bulky to wear, and I look like I’m trying too hard to show off.”

“It is meant to make you look eye-catching.” Cynthia pointed out, “Anyways, trust me when I say that what you’re holding now is already a tamer version of what was originally designed. I think this is the… sixth iteration of the robe. You would have hated the first few revisions – they might as well have been made completely out of gold.”

I winced. Yeah, that wouldn’t have been good. I wasn’t rich enough to pull off that look.

Before our banter could continue any longer, one of the League officials tapped me on the shoulder and politely asked for me to make my way onto the stage.

It was showtime.

However, as I was walking onto the stage, one of the League officials hurriedly whispered to me, “Protector, would it be acceptable if you awakened Regigigas just so that he could pose behind you during your speech­—”

“Absolutely not.” I immediately cut off that train off thought, “What the fuck do you think a Legendary is for? It’s not some statue that you can just pose with. Did you really think me trying to awaken it for such a ridiculous purpose would actually be a good idea? Seriously?”

“…Well, it would definitely be symbolic and would help out your image…” He tried, only for me to cut him off again.

“No. The answer’s no. I’m definitely not doing that.” I stated firmly, and inwardly I was starting to get annoyed at the sheer audacity of the request. “A Legendary should never be woken up for such frivolous purposes. I may share a connection with the Legendary Titan, but that does not mean I’ll exploit that connection for something as ridiculous as this. Regigigas should only be awakened when its presence is truly needed. I’ll pay my respects to it as part of the ceremony, but I am not asking it to pose with me. That is just ridiculous.”

I didn’t initially intend to say so much, but I had just managed to spot a microphone being held by a reporter that had somehow found their way backstage. Therefore, knowing my words were going to be published, I made sure to emphasise the fact that I understood the responsibilities of my new position and wouldn’t be exploiting it for my own gain.

And then, with that distraction out of the way, I finally stepped onto the stage, flanked by the Keepers of the Titan that marched forwards behind me – and was immediately blinded by the flashing wall of cameras facing my way.

Despite my eyes hurting from all of the flashing lights, I did my best to maintain a polite smile on my face as I waved to the crowd, allowing them a few moments to take my picture. Only once that was done did I gesture for silence and began my prepared speech.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I cannot understate how much of an honour and privilege it is for me to be appointed into this new position as the first ever Protector-Guardian of Sinnoh. I understand that a major reason as to why I was appointed over any other candidate was due to my connection to the Legendary Titan, having been the one to awaken and fight alongside it during the Day of Calamity. However, for those of you that wanted to appoint me because you believed in my character, reputation, or integrity – then not only do I thank you, but I shall also endeavour to prove your belief in me was correct.”

“I fully understand that my new position as Protector-Guardian of Sinnoh is a heavy responsibility. While I sincerely hope that there will never be another crisis serious enough to warrant awakening Regigigas once again – I am completely willing and ready to do so if the need arises. And for those worried that I will exploit the power of the Legendary Titan for myself, I promise you now that I shall never wield a Legendary’s power for ill. Not that I could do so in the first place. The Legendary Titan may not be very communicative, but from my own experiences, it has a very powerful sense of right and wrong. I am certain that no one would be able to sway it from its duty to uphold the natural laws of this world and protect the lives of both Pokémon and humans alike.”

…That was unless someone made use of an item like the Red Chain to forcefully dominate and control Regigigas. But there was no need to point that out – no need to give them any ideas.

“Furthermore, I would like to emphasise – not only to the public, but also to anyone looking to potentially succeed me in this position – that we Protectors are merely serving as allies of the Legendary Titan. We are most certainly not its trainers. Therefore, we are merely able to give requests, not orders, to Regigigas. It is ultimately on the Titan itself to determine whether it accepts our requests or not. In other words, I am no more than a humble attendant of the Legendary Titan.”

The last part was something I really wanted to remind the public about. I didn’t want my supporters or my detractors to suddenly believe that I had the power of the Legendary Titan on my side just because I was now serving as the Protector of Sinnoh. In reality, the actual power that I wielded was no different than before, so I really wanted to emphasise that I didn’t have the ability to just command Regigigas as I willed.

“And lastly, I would also like to thank all those that have volunteered and have been selected to become the Keepers of the Titan.” I gestured to the trainers beside me, “It may not be a flashy role, but ensuring the continued safety of the Legendary Titan is a very important duty that cannot be underestimated. So I thank you for your service, and I look forward to working with you in the future.”

There was a big round of applause as my speech concluded, and now that my speech was over, it was time to move on to the questions.

A reporter sitting near the left raised up his hand, “Protector John,” I was really going to have to get used to my new title, “How long do you foresee yourself holding this position? Do you think you will ever move back to Indigo?”

“I don’t have any plans to move away from this position anytime soon. Now that I’ve been sworn in as the Protector of Sinnoh, I do not foresee myself leaving.” I said, “I have already said my goodbyes to Indigo, and while I will undoubtedly miss my home region, and I owe a lot to it, but for the foreseeable future I will consider myself to be a resident of Sinnoh. Hence why I intend to hold onto this position for as long as I can.”

“In what situations do you think it is warranted for you to call the Legendary Titan to action?” Another reporter asked.

“That would depend entirely on the Champion and Regigigas itself.” I answered, “As stated, I am not able to awaken Regigigas without the express consent of the Champion. Similarly, if Regigigas were to awaken itself for whatever reason, then I will naturally follow in its footsteps.”

“How powerful is the Legendary Titan in the first place?” The next reporter asked, “We never got to see footage of the battle that took place at Spear Pillar. So, with no offense intended, would the Legendary Titan be able to protect us from all other Legendaries, if the worst case scenario happens?”

“I can assure you that the strength of the Legendary Titan is no less than even the most powerful of Legendaries.” I stated firmly, “Even against Palkia, the Legendary of Space, it managed to not only hold its ground, but also match its power. Furthermore, don’t forget that if Regigigas does awaken, so do the other three Regis. The Legendary Titan never fights alone, and its strength is more than sufficient at protecting us against whatever extraordinary threats we may face.”

“And what about you personally?” Someone else asked, “Do you feel confident in participating in such battles alongside the Legendary Titan?”

“It is not about whether I feel confident or not. It is merely my duty to do so.” I replied, “Because if people like me don’t fight, then who would? Our duty is to safeguard the people, and no matter the size of the threat, we will fight to the end. No matter what.”

I received a few more questions revolving around this topic, before the questions moved on to more political ones about what my plans were for the future. I kept my answers more vague with that one, as I didn’t want to give away any of my future plans just yet.

Eventually, enough time had passed for Cynthia to call an end to the questions so that we could move on to the swearing in ceremony, where I would be sworn in in-front of the Legendary Titan.

Therefore, we all stepped inside the Temple of the Titan. We were far from alone, as the Gym Leaders and the Elite Four were also allowed to follow behind us to witness this historic event for themselves, while a few hand-picked reporters also followed after us.

This would be the second time a foreign leader was appointed, and the first time that any human would be appointed as a defender of a Legendary.

After a short descent down the stairs, we arrived at Regigigas’ chamber – its slumbering form in the centre of the room towering over all of us. As soon as they laid their eyes on the Legendary, everyone in the room fell silent as a sense of awe and wonder filled their eyes. I couldn’t even hear the clicking of any cameras, as even the reporters were momentarily too stunned to move.

I could understand. For most people here, this was the first time they had actually seen the Legendary Titan in person. It was only natural, and expected, that they would be awestruck by its presence.

There were only two people in the room that moved – myself and Cynthia. I took a knee, bowing in the direction of Regigigas while Cynthia stood by my right.

It was time to be sworn in.

“Do you, John Smith, solemnly swear that you will uphold the duties and responsibilities as the Protector-General of Sinnoh?”

“I do.” I promised.

“Do you solemnly swear that you will serve and attend the Legendary Titan honourably and faithfully, doing all that you can to maintain a positive and collaborative connection with the Legendary Titan?”

“I do.” I pledged.

“Do you solemnly swear that you will only wield the power and authority of the Legendary Titan for the betterment and good of Sinnoh and the wider world?”

“I do.” I vowed.

“Do you solemnly swear that you will fight side-by-side with the Legendary Titan against any and all threats that it may one day come across?”

“I do.” I swore.

“Then you may now rise. Congratulations on becoming the first Protector-General of Sinnoh. May our region prosper and flourish under your guidance.”

“Thank you, Champion.” We both reached out and made a show of shaking our hands together.

However, just as the cameras began to take our pictures, the unexpected happened. Regigigas, who everyone expected would remain inactive, suddenly pulsed to life.

“Zzzt… ZZZT… ZZZT!”

The whole crowd had gone completely silent with shock as the six coloured gems on its chest began to flicker with light. The rest of its body wasn’t moving, but its presence in the room suddenly intensified.

It was like a weight had pressed down on all of our chests, as if an invisible Pressure was pushing down on us, causing the weaker among us to fall to the ground. The Gym Leaders, Elite Four, and even Cynthia were no exception, as they too were held in place by Regigigas’ presence – all except for me.

Thanks to my connection, I could tell that it wanted me to stay upright and face towards it.

So I stared at Regigigas, meeting its gaze with a firm one of my own. But I was not alone, as I suddenly felt my Pokémon be ripped out of their Pokéballs as they were also summoned by Regigigas.

So there we all were, facing down Regigigas as we became the sole focus of its attention. And through our connection, I felt it ask us a single question – asking us if we were truly and absolutely certain that we wanted to take on this position for the foreseeable future. To fight alongside it no matter what odds may come our way. Even against potential Legendary threats.

Our reply was immediate and in complete sync with each other.

“Yes, we will.” I said firmly, putting as much conviction into my voice as possible. “If such a threat occurs, then I would be on the frontlines regardless. I would never try to cower away. So if I can continue to fight by your side, then I would be most honoured to do so.”

“Sla…king.” My starter agreed with me, vowing to do the same.

“REGI.”

It was a single statement, yet I could perceive the underlying intentions behind it. Through our bond, I sensed its approval, and the fact that it ‘pleased’ by our statement. Then, before anyone could say anything else, Regigigas powered down again – returning to its inactive state. The moment it powered down, the enormous Pressure that had been pressing down on everyone else also disappeared, allowing everyone to move once again.

“…What just happened?” Flint was the first one to break the ensuing silence.

“I think we may have just been graced with the presence of a Legendary.” Lucian remarked, though he too was unable to hide the shock in his voice, “I suppose we should consider it a blessing.”

The reporters were too shocked to even ask me a question. They were all just standing there with their mouths agape as they struggled to process what just happened.

“John, what did it say to you?” Cynthia was the only one that stepped forwards to ask me, “Did it approve?”

“It did.” A small smile formed on my face, “It was pleased with our promise.” I turned to my Pokémon, “Thank you. I’m know I did ask you guys before, but I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

“King…” Tyrant beat his chest once, once again reaffirming his promise to fight alongside me. My other Pokémon returned similar gestures of their support.

Cynthia smiled at the both of us, “Well, if even Regigigas approves of you, then who are we to disagree? So John, congratulations on being the first Protector-Guardian of Sinnoh, and I look forward to working with you in the future. For everything.”

“And I’m happy to be here.” I replied back, “May our cooperation be fruitful and prosperous for Sinnoh.”

But even as I was sworn in, I knew that there was still one more thing I had to do.

Soon.

A.N. And after much preparation, John’s finally sworn into his new position as the Protector-Guardian of Sinnoh. I wanted there to be some small worldbuilding, and I felt that it was only right to describe John’s new outfit and appearance since this is going to be his new ‘look’ moving forwards.

Furthermore, with such a ceremony, I couldn’t exclude Regigigas from it too. The Legendary Titan naturally had to make an appearance. Hope you enjoyed!