Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon. Game Freak and Nintendo do. Simple as that. Further, there are a couple of references to Star Wars herein and one to Mark Twain. Neither of which I own.
I do own the following: the concept of the Master, the Elemental Shift, the Ryuken, Willtai, & Kensae fighting styles, Leena Adi, Myotis Thenguard, Neerak Istason, and any other character you do not recognize from the games.
Warning: Some violence and language. The violence is a bit stronger in this part. You have been warned.
Notes: Feedback is good. E-mail me with comments at Randelm@hotmail.com.
(Aug 2002)
Agent
The price of the job
Leena had come to like the rain. It always helped to calm her.
Other's, however, seemed not to be similarly minded and that was why the streets of Viridian City were deserted as the young pokémon trainer walked towards the gym. Leena wore a set of black jeans and a black long sleeved shirt. Had the girl not been wearing her black leather jacket as well, the scarlet R stitched on the left breast would have been quite visible. Hidden under the jacket was her pistol in its holster at the base of her back and her tonfa were in their customary positions at either hip. Leena's pokémon were each contained in their pokéballs, which were hooked to her belt as well. On either forearm were bracer like, fingerless gloves made of a thin and light armor and stretchy fabric that covered her arm to the elbow. They too were black.
Normally, Leena would have preferred to have her monsters outside their balls unless they wished otherwise, but she was a part of Team Rocket now, and there was an image to keep up. Especially for Leena. She didn't want to remain a member of the Rockets, but there was little choice at present and so she had to make it look like she was happy where she was.
The rain was light, but steady making the late afternoon grey. Leena ran a hand absently over her slicked back brown hair that was held in place with a black hair tie.
"For your first mission, and final test before admission into Team Rocket, you must obtain an Earth Badge." Neerak had told her. "It doesn't matter how you do it. You have until tomorrow morning. And you must go in uniform."
As the girl walked down the streets she couldn't help but sigh. Only three days ago she had come to Viridian City hoping to earn the Earth Badge, but her hopes had been denied as the gym was undergoing maintenance. Her previous attempts at badges had likewise been defeated, in barely loosing to Flint Redlan of Pewter City, and to the fact that Tide Stillwater had been called away to a meeting when Leena had been in Cerulean City. Perhaps she wasn't meant to take up the Gym Challenge.
Finally, Leena stopped before the gym's front doors. They were firmly closed and the notice of maintenance still hung from them.
How to get in?
Stepping under an awning, Leena released Kenda, her eevee, from her pokéball.
::Kenda, think you can open those doors?:: Leena asked.
Kenda looked to the doors, ::Yeah, no problem,:: the small brown creature sighed. ::You sure we gotta do this, Leena?::
Leena sighed in response. The girl realized that she'd been doing a lot of sighing recently. ::Until I know we've got some backup, we've gotta do what we can to remain as independent in Team Rocket as possible. And that includes completing missions.::
Kenda nodded and together the two sprinted towards the gym doors. Leena held her arms out and Kenda leapt into them. As the trainer held her friend to the locks, the small creature began deftly manipulating something that Leena could not see. Soon the doors swung open slightly and without a sound. Easily, Leena slipped inside and closed the doors behind her. The front room of the gym was decorated with a thoroughly swept hard earth floor and a smooth sun hardened clay counter where a junior trainer would be sitting severing in secretarial duties during normal hours.
Kenda reached for her pokéballs and immediately released her remaining monsters. Nax, Hanzou, and Sakura. Moving behind the counter, Leena opened the door labeled 'Gym Trainers Only' and led the way up the stairs behind.
The five found themselves on a balcony overlooking the gym floor. The balcony stretched all around the inside of the gym. Leena looked over the construction process though could make out little more than a giant mess of stone, wood and other materials strewn over the large surface.
On the side of the balcony not overlooking the gym floor were several doors leading to offices and storage rooms.
Leena began walking along the balcony looking at the doors and finally came to a stop at a door marked 'Gary Oak'.
::Kenda::
Leena held her arms out so that Kenda could go to work opening the door. Moments later, the small group slipped inside the room. Leena felt around a bit before finding the light switch and flicking it on. It took little time for Leena to find a locked drawer easily unlocked by Kenda that contained five small earthen boxes. Opening one she found a smooth metal badge, the Earth Badge.
Tucking the badge into the inside pocket of her jacket Leena turned to go.
::This is not honorable,:: muttered Sakura.
::I don't intend to wear it,:: responded Leena.
Sakura nodded but still didn't look happy.
A sudden voice from the door startled Leena and she spun to face the speaker. "Construction is on schedule. I suggest you put that back and return later to earn it properly."
Leena dropped a hand to her tonfa and could feel her pokémon tense. "What are you doing here?" she demanded. A stupid question to be sure, but anything to stall.
Gary raised an eyebrow, "I was going to ask you the same thing, this is my gym and my office. I'll give you another chance, put the badge back."
While Gary was talking, Leena was examining the office trying to find the best way to position herself and her friends should a fight become immanent. There were no windows and Gary was standing in the only exit from the room.
::What are we going to do?:: Hanzou asked, ::Fight or flight?::
::Neither yet. I'm going to talk to him,:: Leena responded.
"Well," said Leena finally relaxing her stance somewhat, "As much as I would like to take you up on your offer, I'm afraid I can't." She moved the left side off her jacket enough to display the scarlet R on her shirt.
Gary raised an eyebrow. "Team Rocket? What does Team Rocket want with an Earth Badge?"
"It's my final test before I'm inducted into the team," Leena replied.
Gary shook his head. "I don't want to have you arrested. You're making a big mistake here."
Leena gave a half chuckle, "I haven't much choice. The Rockets want me, and if I refuse they'll just come after me again. I'm not powerful enough to fight them off."
Gary's eyebrow's furrowed, "What's your name?"
Leena felt a faint flutter of hope, but held it in check, "Leena, Leena Adi."
Gary laughed and noticeably relaxed. "Well Leena, my grandfather has had all of us keeping an eye out for you."
"All of you?" Leena asked.
Gary was still smiling, "Even Master Lance listens when Professor Oak speaks," Gary responded. Gary walked into the room and sat in one of the chairs inviting Leena to do the same. "My grandfather got your message a few days ago and immediately contacted the rest of the League Council. You're something of a mysterious character, Leena. Flint said he battled you over a week ago in his gym and that you've got some interesting pokémon."
Leena nodded but did not extrapolate. Carefully she sat down in the offered chair, still watching Gary warily. Kenda leapt to her lap doing a great deal to help Leena calm her mind. When she didn't respond verbally, Gary continued.
"Grandfather seems to have a lot of confidence in your abilities, Leena. We… that is, the League Council, need to ask something of you."
Leena tried to hide her shock. The League Council needed something from her?
"It's dangerous, and we'll not be able to give you any direct support." The Gym Leader ran a hand through his spiky red hair.
Leena nodded, wishing that the Gym Leader would hurry up with the request.
"We know that something big is going on with the Rockets. Something that puts the entire island in danger, but we don't know what it is. We don't have anybody in the Rockets with much influence."
Leena nodded, understanding. "So you want me to be your spy?"
Gary sighed and gave a half smile. "Most of us don't like the idea. Asking another to put themselves into danger is not how the League generally operates. You should also know that aside from my grandfather and Flint, no one on the Council knows you and they don't know whether they should trust you or not."
Leena thought for a moment then said, "And you? Do you trust me?"
Gary looked thoughtful and said, "I've found that the best measure of a trainer is their pokémon. Your monsters certainly seem to be protective of you. That's a good sign."
Leena took a moment to notice Hanzou watching the door while Sakura and Nax flanked the chair she sat in, each watching Gary carefully. Kenda was still curled in her lap and though the eevee appeared to be asleep, Leena knew she was acutely aware of what was going on.
"But then there's the matter of the Earth Badge." Gary pointed to where Leena had put the small badge in her inside pocket.
"If I do not act as a member of Team Rocket, I will not be able to gain the information you wish. And if I do poorly I lose my pokémon."
Gary nodded, "So, you have decided to agree with our request? If you want, you could be apprenticed to a Gym Leader instead. Team Rocket wouldn't be able to touch you while under the supervision of a Gym."
Leena shook her head, mind made up. "I'll be your agent. You need me more there than as another junior trainer."
"Alright then. Here's how things are going to work…"
~*~
George Maab walked down the hallway as confidently as he could manage. At his feet trotted Sten, an oddish and one of George's best friends. Yesterday George had received a letter from Leena Adi, telling him of her joining Team Rocket. He'd wanted to immediately speak with Professor Oak, but the Professor had been absent, attending some sort of emergency meeting. It was early evening, most of the other students were in the refectory eating dinner, but when George had heard that Oak was back and would like to see him, he decided dinner could wait.
The front of the main administration office was empty and growing dark with the coming night, but George could see a light coming from one of the personal offices in the back. Keeping his nervousness to a minimum, George made his way to Professor Oak's office and knocked lightly.
"Come in, George."
The boy entered to find the grey haired man sitting behind his desk. The Pokémon Prof had an open and friendly face that did a great deal to help calm George.
Oak gestured for George to sit in one of the chairs opposite the desk. "I understand you wanted to see me."
George nodded as he sat down and Sten leapt into his lap. "Yes sir." He was about to explain how he'd received letters from Leena Adi and how she had joined the Rockets and needed help, but looking into the calm pale eyes of the most famous Pokémon researcher in the world stopped his tongue.
Professor Oak smiled reassuringly, "This is about Leena, isn't it?"
"You know?" George's eyes widened.
Oak nodded. "Yes. I received a telephone call from her a few days ago. I called together the League Council and we put forth several ideas. Unfortunately, I cannot attempt to contact her via telephone. We know from experience that Team Rocket is quite good at intercepting such communications."
"So…" George looked at the professor, unconsciously petting Sten's leafs, "You're going to help her, right?"
"Of course," Oak assured, "But no one has seen her since. Leena challenged Flint of Pewter City about a week ago and other than that she has stayed out of sight." Professor Oak sighed. "I'm just as worried about her as you are George. I promise to let you know as soon as I've received word. Alright?"
George nodded. "Thank you professor." The boy stood, his oddish dropping lightly to the floor.
"Of course." The professor extended his hand to George who took it nervously. "And George, congratulations on your exam scores. Highest in you class."
George blushed. "Thank you sir."
Professor Oak sat down as George left the office. He opened a folder containing the minutes from the last School Board meeting when his computer beeped. Looking up, Oak saw that he was being hailed by his grandson, Gary Oak. Tapping a few buttons on his keyboard, Oak brought up a visual of Gary.
"I've just had a meeting with your prodigy, grandfather," Gary started without preamble. "She has chosen to be our agent inside Team Rocket."
Professor Oak sighed. "I was afraid she might."
"I think she will do well, grandfather. Her pokémon trust her implicitly and she can already speak with them mind to mind."
The professor nodded, "She is certainly talented. But… I fear for her safety. We will be unable to watch over her."
"I know." There was silence between the two for a moment, then, "Do you want to inform Lance, or shall I?"
"I'll do it," answered Professor Oak. "Did she have any information for you?"
"A bit. Team Rocket has at least two Masters in their ranks. Myotis Thenguard and Neerak Istason."
"Hmm… Neerak was William's top apprentice, yes?"
"Correct," affirmed Gary, "But I've never heard of Myotis Thenguard before. He's a Dark Master by the way."
The professor was shaking his head, "I've not heard of him either."
"Here's the most interesting part though," continued Gary. "Leena said that the pokédex you gave her recorded them."
Oak was shocked, not sure he had heard his grandson correctly. "Say that again?"
Gary was smiling, "You heard right old man. You newest design recorded a human. I thought you told me that wasn't supposed to be possible."
The professor raised an eyebrow. "Improbable Gary. I don't believe that anything is impossible. She showed you the record I presume?"
Gary nodded. "I wouldn't believe her until I saw if for myself. The two Masters were recorded just like a unique pokémon."
"Well." Professor Oak sat back in his chair. "You've given me much to think on tonight. I presume you have a full report?"
"Of course. It's not quite finished yet. I'll send it out to the Council when I'm done." Gary ran a hand through his hair. "Things are going to get hectic in a few weeks. Are we ready?"
"We have to be. Good night Gary."
"Good night grandfather. Sleep well."
~*~
Intelligence Report
- Confidential -
Submitted by Gary Oak; September 3 2000 2:14am
We have an agent inside Team Rocket, rank: Commander. We have never had an agent of so high a rank in the Rockets' before. Our agent reports the following information.
Team Rocket has at least two Masters in their ranks, Myotis Thenguard a Dark Master and Neerak Istason a Lightning Master. Neerak Istason is a former apprentice of William Surge. The agent is uncertain as to Neerak's pokémon lineup, but has seen her use a lightning sword. I have no knowledge on Myotis Thenguard. Further, our agent has reported that Team Rocket has and trains with firearms.
Also, our agent is in possession of Professor Oak's latest pokégear design. Something of a prototype, and currently there are only two like. Professor Oak has the other. There relevance of this fact to the situation is that the pokégear recorded Myotis Thenguard and Neerak Istason. I saw their information on the 'gear.
This information brings up many questions. I request that an emergency League Council meeting be called.
~*~
Leena stood in the center of the room, dressed in a black gi. Beneath her bare feet was the lightly padded, dust white floor. The walls were of the same color and made of paneled wood. She faced a mirror and studied herself closely as she moved though the kata. Nax had been teaching her for the past several weeks, ever since they had become partners, and now she was practicing in the Ryuken style. Leena was picking up Ryuken and Willtai fairly quickly and ready to start on Kensae soon. Behind her, Leena knew her pokémon were watching. Nax, as her teacher, was taking a particular interest. If she hadn't been so focused, Leena would have laughed at the irony of it.
The kata came to a close and Leena bowed to her reflection. As she straightened a man she had never seen before entered the room. He was tall with a grey bear and mustache. His hair, which was also grey was cut short and immaculately combed. The man was dressed in tight black clothing, the Rockets' red R adorning the left breast. He looked like a stern grandfather. Slung over his shoulder was a long heavy duty duffel bag.
Crossing his arms, the man fixed Leena with an imposing gaze. "Good afternoon, young lady. Name and rank, if you please." It was not at all a request. It was an order.
Leena struggled with her sudden nervousness. "Commander Leena Adi."
"Ah… A pleasure. You have a fighting affinity?" The man's expression was still stern, but no longer as imposing.
Leena cocked her head, "Fighting affinity? Well, I hadn't really thought about it. I… I left the pokémon academy before I could be tested for an affinity."
"I see. You studied at Oak's school then. Very interesting. I've heard a bit about you, Miss Adi." The man set his bad down and unzipped it taking out items Leena couldn't identify until he produced two long thin swords. "Come here, Miss Adi." He didn't order her this time, but it still wasn't a request.
"Tell me who you are first. I don't follow orders blindly."
The man frowned, then his lips curved into a wry smile. "I am Kristoph Lee, Dragon Master of Team Rocket. I wish to test my theory. Now, come here. Please."
Leena approached Kristoph warily, watching him for sign of attack. ::Be ready. I don't trust this guy.:: Thus far, the man had not taken any overt notice of her pokémon, though Leena was fairly certain he had seen them. As she sent the message, Kristoph looked startled and then his features were again smooth and stern.
"You, machop, assist you master." The Dragon Master pointed behind him at Nax without looking. With the other hand he tossed Leena a body suit much like the one he was wearing. It was padded in the torso and legs.
::Awfully certain of himself,:: Nax sent.
::Yeah, but I'm curious to know if I've got the fighting affinity. Help me into this suit?::
Kristoph turned his back as Leena slipped out of her gi and into the suit with Nax's assistance.
::I don't trust this man, Leena,:: said Sakura, the Scizor.
::Me neither. But I want to know all the same. You will be ready incase this goes bad, yes?::
::Of course we will,:: responded Hanzou, the Scyther.
::Be carefull, Leena,:: added Kenda, the Eevee.
Kristoph turned around and faced Leena. "It is rare to see one so young with a telepathic bond to her pokémon. Impressive."
Leena's eyes widened, afraid the Dragon Master had heard her conversation about him.
"My own telepathic abilities are rather weak, I can detect psychic disturbances, but I can only commune with my own monsters. I gather yours are the same?" Leena nodded. "Right. My telekinetic abilities, however," at this Kristoph raised a hand and one of the rapiers leapt into it, "They are quite strong."
He tossed the weapon to Leena who inspected it finding that it had a blunt tip. Next the man tossed the girl a protective mask and demonstrated how to put it on. Then he raised his own sword and took a stance.
"This is en guard."
~*~
The next several days were spent in training for Leena. Each day she would wake before the sun and enter a training room she reserved for herself. She would train with her monsters finding their strengths and weaknesses, how much power she could siphon to them. And in return, Nax would instruct her in Ryuken and Willtai. Hanzou and Sakura would instruct Leena and Nax in Kensae. It had taken a simple request for Leena to acquire a katana with which to practice that style. Finally, Leena began to practice elemental projection. Close range bursts of the elemental forms Kenda could take as an eevee.
During meals, she didn't sit with the other officers. Instead she sat in a back corner of the room at a table normally occupied by general issue grunts. She always had a table to herself as she exuded an aura of 'don't bother me'. Nobody wished to bother the girl who trained all day and kept her monsters outside of pokéballs.
Her room was as it had been, with a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe. She kept it tidy and locked at all times. Three sleeping mats were leaned in one corner that Nax, Hanzou, and Sakura slept on. Leena slept in the bed with Kenda. She always carried all her possessions, which really wasn't much, in duffle bag much like Kristoph had.
And then there were the occasional fencing lessons with Master Kristoph Lee. The Dragon Master was always formal and strict. Despite that, Leena found that he was patient and full of wise advice.
"To keep your monster outside a pokéball shows great trust, an important quality between monster and master. However, remember that doing so also eliminates the advantage of surprise that keeping your lineup concealed would grant."
At the end of their third practice, over a week since Leena's induction into Team Rocket, Leena, under the pretence of putting away her gear, pointed her pokédex at Kristoph.
Name: Kristoph Lee, Dragon Pokémon Master
Number: ???
Type: Dragon/Psychic
Species: Human
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 174 lbs
Level: 8
Dragon Masters enhance the abilities of the dragons they train. Kristoph Lee has a Dragon affinity and trains dragons and their pre-evolutions exclusively. He has been training dragons for over fifty years and is quite a powerful force with them. Kristoph is also a strong telekinetic affording him the psychic type designation. Finally, Master Lee has been studying fencing just as long as he has dragons.
"What did you do Leena?"
Quietly, Leena dropped the pokédex into her duffle bag, turned and stood. "Do?"
"You probed my mind for information. Are you a stronger psychic then you've been letting on?" Leena felt her monsters tense as Kristoph made himself look as imposing as possible, laying a hand on the hilt of his rapier. "Did you find anything interesting?"
Leena tried to find some kind of an excuse, then smiled in what she hoped was a cocky manner and decided to go the other way. "Of course I found something interesting. It's your mind after all."
"Hmm… I shall thank you to never, never, do that again." The master's expression was almost feral.
Leena wiped the smile off her face, "Yes sir," And she bowed slightly.
Kristoph calmed a bit and smiled in a grandfatherly fashion. "Your presence will be required this evening during dinner." He handed her a sealed envelope. "You'll find all you need to know in here."
Leena returned to her room, her pokémon taking up positions around her. Locking the door behind her, she opened the envelope and retrieved the paper contained within.
Leena Adi,
You have been selected for a mission. You shall join us for dinner. Bring no weapons and no pokémon. Dress in your best.
-Myotis Thenguard.
::Don't go, Leena!:: Kenda practically shouted at her. ::We can to go Gary and tell him you've decided not to be the League's agent. This has gone on too far.::
Leena had to admit that the idea sounded appealing. She had no wish to be face to face with Myotis again, especially without her monsters. Further, she had been selected for a mission for Team Rocket.
::I'm going. The League is counting on me.::
::But we won't be there to protect you,:: Kenda protested.
::We will come to her aid if she needs us, Little One,:: Nax reasoned. ::Between the four of us, they cannot take her anywhere we cannot find her.::
::The mission they've selected you for will be dishonorable,:: mused Sakura.
::But there is much honor in being the secret agent of the Pokémon League Council,:: countered Hanzou.
::Indeed,:: agreed Sakura.
There was mental silence for a while, then Kenda sighed and hopped onto the bed. ::Just be careful Leena.::
::I will.::
A map of how to get to the private room had been included in the letter, and when it was time, Leena followed it to a unassuming door and knocked. A crimson clad rocket with a black R on his chest answered the door. Leena had read about the crimson guard in the pamphlet given her on her first day. They always and only accompanied the leader of Team Rocket.
The room well lit and contained a small round table set for dinner. The room itself was rather plain, surprisingly enough, painted in a soothing tope color with paintings of generic landscapes decorating the walls. Two crimson guards stood at silent attention on either side of the door and two at another door opposites of the one Leena had entered.
Leena had arrived first and found her name on a card on one of the plates. Five other places had been set. She stood behind the chair waiting for the others.
She didn't have to wait long as a knock sounded and one of the guards opened the door. Myotis Thenguard stood in the doorway and glared at Leena. Without a word the black-cloaked master strode towards the table and found his place to Leena's right. Myotis sat down stiffly. Next to arrive was the yellow clad Neerak Istason. She smiled at Leena and Myotis as she entered.
"Well good evening you two. Getting reacquainted I see." Her smile grew at that and Myotis' scowl deepened. Neerak sat down and chatted away cheerily, getting curt responses from Myotis and formal ones from Leena.
Next to arrive was, not unexpectedly, Kristoph Lee. The man was wearing a grayish blue cloak, the first time Leena had ever seen him wear it. Kristoph talked amiably with Neerak for the next several minutes. Leena remained standing and when a knock came at the door, the others all stood as well.
A guard opened the door to admit a man dressed in a earth brown suit and green tie and shiny black shoes. His black hair had a streak of white where a scar reached from the hairline above his left ear to his jaw. It was a face Leena had seen in history texts, a man presumed dead several years ago. The leader of Team Rocket, Giovanni Corleone.
"Sit, please," said Giovanni as he approached the table and sat down.
All five sat down. Servants began appearing through the other door and placing food in front of the diners. Every plate set before Giovanni was tested first by one of his guards.
"Myotis," Giovanni addressed the Dark Master, "Tell me about Leena Adi."
Myotis continued to scowl. "I first heard of the girl when she bloodied one of my men. I reasoned that a young trainer able to defeat a trained soldier so easily would a good addition to our organization. I extended the offer and she refused so I captured her by force. Ultimately, she and her pokémon fought me and escaped. She works well with her monsters and has a great deal of potential."
Leena was shocked to hear herself described so. Her stomach felt uneasy because of the situation and her food remained untouched.
Giovanni nodded at Myotis and locked eyes with Leena briefly. Leena's mouth went dry and she sipped at some of her water.
"Neerak?" the leader of Team Rocket gestured for the Electricity Master to speak.
"After Myotis lost the girl, he asked me to pursue her." Myotis made a disgusted sound that earned him a glare from Neerak. "In any case, Leena had her insectoid monsters by then and was sparing with them in a most brutal manner. It was child's play capture her. She seemed most adamant about not wanting to join. But she's changed her mind now, haven't you dear?" Neerak smiled at Leena. The expression frightened the girl. "I agree with Myotis, Leena has much potential and she is progressing fast."
Finally, Giovanni looked to Kristoph Lee.
"I agree with Neerak and Myotis. Leena the most powerful person I've ever seen for her age. She will grow into a Fighting Master one day." Kristoph kept his speech short.
Giovanni nodded again and for a few minutes, all but Leena ate in silence. "It seems to me," Giovanni said, "That Miss Adi's abilities are not in question. But what about her loyalty?" The man looked at Leena and Leena did her best to look back without showing her fear. "Are you loyal, Leena Adi?"
Leena nodded curtly. "Yes sir. I am loyal."
"Prove it." Giovanni stood up. "Stand up, Miss Adi."
Leena did as she'd been told. Giovanni reached into the pocket of his slacks and produced a pistol. Identical to the one Leena owned. He tossed it to her and she caught it easily. She'd read a great deal about guns and gun fighting but she'd never fired one before. Leena was becoming very worried about what she'd have to do to prove her loyalty.
A moment later, a young man was drug into the room by a crimson guard and shoved roughly to the floor. His clothes were tattered and his face bruised and dirty. As he looked up at Giovanni there was hard-eyed defiance, which suddenly turned to surprise.
"But… but you're dead," the young man whispered.
"Rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated," mocked the crime lord. "Leena, to prove your loyalty you must kill this boy."
The prisoner looked to Leena, still surprised and that's when she recognized him. It was Jonathon Elliot, the boy she had challenged in the woods outside of Viridian City.
"Leena? I remember you. You're a Rocket?" Jon looked hurt and defeated, and then his defiance returned.
"You know this boy?" Giovanni looked at Leena who nodded. "All the better. Shoot him, Miss Adi and show your loyalty to Team Rocket."
Leena's entire body was numb. She could not murder Jon. She simply could not.
::Leena, get out of there!:: It was Nax
::Don't do it,:: seconded Kenda, ::Run, we'll escape.::
But Leena knew there would be no escape. If she tried to run she'd have to get through three Pokémon Masters, Giovanni Corleone, and four crimson guards. She didn't know what to do. Leena's awareness narrowed to the gun. In her mind, her monsters urged her to escape. Giovanni demanded that she kill the boy and Jon struggled against he guard who held him. Then, Jonathon Elliot did the worst thing he could have done. He escaped the guard's grasp.
The boy charged Giovanni who looked surprised and faintly disgruntled. Everyone in the room moved to stop Jon, but none was faster than Leena. In one smooth motion she raised the gun and pulled the trigger.
One shot, one bullet. That's all it took to prove her loyalty.