Johto. The region between Hoenn and Kanto. Famously known for its advancements in the industry of entertainment. At least until the war started.
Before the war with Kanto, Johto's economy was booming. It was all thanks to Harper Industries. They mysteriously took the world of entertainment by storm. IT started with the Goldenrod Radio tower selling out to a private investor after the elderly CEO passed away. The family didn't want the to keep the business going. Said it brought back memories they didn't want to keep. Memories of Team Rocket, specifically. The investors, Mary and Oliver Harper, were young. However, they had a combined 16 years of experience between them, and together they took charge of the media, and grew outwards and upwards. They called this media and entertainment titan, "Harper Industries," and it slowly became the foundation on which Johto's economy stood.
Soon, they began developing computers, gaming systems, televisions, wireless services, cellular services, and so much more. They were the leaders of the entertainment and media empire. However, there was a dark secret that this media titan kept from the rest of Maridia. In the early stages, an investor came to them, believing that they would become great, and wanted in on their success. That investor was Giovanni. The family didn't know what they were getting into initially, but when they came to learn Giovanni's plans, it was too late for them to do anything about it. They soon faced the media with new gadgets and gizmos, while to their backs, Giovanni developed biological weapons, and conducted scientific experiments on Pokémon.
Everyone high up in the company knew about Giovanni's works, no one said anything because he ended up owning half of the company. If they said anything, they'd all be out of a job, and the company would be shut down. The only person who didn't know what Mary and Oliver's young son, Lance. This small radio tower in Goldenrod City ended up becoming a region-wide industry, providing several methods of joy and entertainment to all of Johto's citizens. It was all funded by a mad man who sought to dominate and control the world.
Then everything got even more crazy. Some revolution happened in Hoenn over a shiny rock that could fuse a human with their Pokémon and give them their powers, and a ship blew up in a harbor in Kanto. Kanto went to war with Johto, and someone started rumors of some "Ancient Burst Heart" being located in Johto, so we had every other country in Maridia invading our lands and trying to gain power. The person behind those rumors was Giovanni. Only Mary and Oliver knew this, but they were both killed by an unknown assailant. Likely a member of Team Rocket, or Giovanni himself. Leaving a young and ignorant Lance Harper to lead his family's company. However, it wasn't long until Giovanni took his pet projects and left the company. Without his investment, the company took a massive hit, and crumbled away beneath Lance's feet. Johto was in ruin, war plagued every city and every town, and hope was but a glimmer on the horizon. The people of Johto were at a loss, overpowered and helpless against the forces that overtook their region every single day. Yet, no Ancient Burst Heart had revealed itself.
As for the war, Kanto initiated it by blaming the tanker explosion on Johto. Johto denied these accusations, and Kanto retaliated with violence. This caused potential investors for Harper Industries to flee from Johto before any deals could be made. This war continues to wage both politically and physically. The toll that all of this is taking on the Pokémon is enough to make anyone sick. But, men need to have their wars. Need to have their bigger stick than the other guy. So the Pokémon get to suffer for it.
As for Harper Industries, it appeared as if though it was done for, every media anchor left to avoid being harmed or killed, many of those who lost their jobs sought revenge on Lance for the faults of his parents' trust in Giovanni. Considering Harper Industries over time became the very foundation in which Johto stood economically, once it all came crashing down, so did Johto. There was little to nothing left. This is where our story begins.
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