Orion sits at his desk, the tablet glowing in front of him. The festival framework is rough but solid. Now comes the hard part.
He pulls up two contact files. Wayne Enterprises. Stark Industries.
Latias stands in the doorway, arms crossed. "You're going to call them both?"
"I'm going to try." Orion adjusts his cane against the desk. "Wayne Enterprises has already partnered with us for the Berry project. That's my foot in the door. Stark Industries has the reach and the tech infrastructure we'd need for something this ambitious."
"And if they both say no?"
"Then I find another way." He taps the Wayne Enterprises file first. "But I don't think they will. Not both of them."
He places the call.
The line clicks twice before a polished voice answers. "Wayne Enterprises, Executive Liaison Office. How may I direct your call?"
"Orion Oak calling for Mr. Lucius Fox. We've worked together on the Aurawood Berry project."
A pause. "One moment, Mr. Oak."
The hold music is classical. Orion waits, his fingers drumming lightly on the desk. Pikachu, curled on the corner of the desk, opens one eye, then closes it again.
"Orion." Lucius Fox's voice is warm but measured. "I was wondering when you'd call. I've been following the Zapdos situation. Glad to hear everyone made it out safely."
"Thank you, Lucius. I know you're busy, so I'll be direct." Orion leans forward. "I want to organize a multi-city Pokémon festival. Educational, interactive, designed to lower the barrier for new trainers. I need Wayne Enterprises' help with venue coordination, municipal permits, and partial sponsorship."
Silence on the other end. Not the uncomfortable kind. The calculating kind.
"That's a significant ask," Lucius says. "What's the scale?"
"A minimum of five locations across the Eastern Seaboard. Each event running three days. We're talking stages, interactive habitats, vendor coordination, medical stations, and security for both attendees and Pokémon."
"Security." Lucius's tone shifts. "After what happened with Hydra and Mole Man, the board is going to ask hard questions about liability."
"I understand. That's why I'm calling you first. Wayne Enterprises has the relationships with city governments and the infrastructure to make this happen. Without that, the festival doesn't exist."
Another pause. Orion can hear papers shuffling on the other end.
"I'll bring it to the board," Lucius says. "But I need something from you first. A detailed proposal. Budget projections, risk assessments, staffing plans. The board won't approve anything without seeing the numbers."
"You'll have it by end of week."
"Good. I'll flag it for the next board meeting. That's Thursday."
Orion ends the call and immediately opens a new document. Pikachu lifts his head, watching.
"PIKA?" That sounded like it went well.
"It went like a first conversation always goes," Orion says. "He didn't say no. He didn't say yes. He said prove it."
He works for an hour, building the framework Lucius asked for. Budget projections based on the Sanctuary's operating costs. Risk assessments drawn from the tournament and the Aurawood incidents. Staffing plans that account for trainer volunteers and hired ground support.
Then he makes the second call.
Stark Industries' automated system routes him through three layers of receptionists before he reaches someone with authority.
"Tony Stark's office, this is F.R.I.D.A.Y.. Who's calling?"
"Orion Oak. I'm the founder of Pokémon Home. I have a proposal for Mr. Stark regarding a large-scale public event."
"Mr. Stark's schedule is managed through his AI. I can submit a request for review, but I can't guarantee a callback."
"I understand. Please mention it involves a multi-city festival with significant media exposure and partnership potential with Wayne Enterprises."
That gets her attention. "Wayne Enterprises is involved?"
"They're reviewing the proposal as we speak."
"I'll flag it as priority. Expect a response within forty-eight hours."
Orion ends the call and leans back. Two shots on goal. Now he waits.
The response from Stark Industries comes in thirty-six hours. Not from Tony. From Pepper Potts.
"Mr. Oak, this is Pepper Potts, CEO of Stark Industries. Tony reviewed your proposal and has some… concerns."
Orion sits up straighter. "I'm listening."
"He likes the concept. He thinks a Pokémon festival is exactly the kind of thing the public needs right now. But he has conditions."
"Name them."
"First," Pepper says, her tone crisp and businesslike, "Stark Industries gets exclusive tech integration rights. We provide the holographic displays, the AR Pokédex stations, and the drone coverage for every venue. In return, Stark branding appears on all promotional materials and event signage."
Orion nods slowly. "That's reasonable. What else?"
"Second, Tony wants a Pokémon."
Orion blinks. "I'm sorry?"
"He says, and I quote, 'If I'm funding a Pokémon festival, I want one of those fire bug things.' His words, not mine."
Orion exhales a quiet laugh. "Larvesta. He saw the tournament footage."
"Apparently. He's already named it. 'Sparkplug.' I told him he can't name it until he actually catches it."
"I'll add that to the agreement. Larvesta for Tony Stark, pending successful completion of the partnership."
"Third condition." Pepper's voice softens slightly. "Tony wants assurance that this festival prioritizes safety. After the Zapdos incident, the public is nervous. He wants Stark Industries' security protocols integrated into every venue. Full threat assessment, emergency evacuation plans, and on-site medical support."
"That aligns with my own priorities. I was planning to request something similar."
"Good. Then we have a framework." Papers rustle on her end. "I'll have legal draft a memorandum of understanding. But Orion, I need to ask. You mentioned Wayne Enterprises is also reviewing this proposal. Are you playing both sides?"
Orion meets the question directly. "I'm not playing anyone, Ms. Potts. This festival is too large for a single sponsor. Wayne Enterprises has the government relationships and the land access. Stark Industries has the technology and the media reach. I need both to make this work."
Pepper is quiet for a moment. Then she speaks. "Fair enough. But if this becomes a bidding war, Stark Industries will walk. We partner as equals or not at all."
"Understood. I'll have the revised proposal to both you and Mr. Fox by tomorrow morning."
"Looking forward to it."
Orion sets the phone down. Pikachu hops onto his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek.
"PIKA PIKA." Two sponsors. That's a lot of people to keep happy.
"It is," Orion agrees. "But that's how you build something that lasts. You bring everyone to the table."
He opens the proposal document and begins revising.
***
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