- Congratulations, miss! You beat the bridge's five trainers. Have this as a prize.
The man suddenly giving her a gold nugget left her confused, but she stayed calm despite being tired for all the battle.
- Uhh, thank you I guess.
- I want to make you an offer - the man said.
- What kind? - she asked nervous
- Would you like to join Team Rocket?
The answer shocked her. She had already defeated a bunch of grunts back in Mount Moon. "They were pretty weak" she had thought back then.
- We're a group of professional criminals specializing in Pokemon. Come on! - the guy interrupted her thoughts.
- And why me? - she inquired.
- You defeated all those guys in one hit! With your ability, you'd become a top leader in Team Rocket. Also, we pay good even to the newest grunts.
She thought about the offer. Joining those thieves, that would be horrible. However, she didn't have that many options. Her dad had left the house when she was just a kid, and mom's shop made just enough to make ends meet. For her, her Pokémon journey was her main source of income, and with her being a novice she didn't earn that much from her battles either. Team Rocket offered her a stable source of income, as well as experience with Pokémon. It might not be the most moral option, but she felt it was better than the current situation.
- Alright, I'll join.
- Then get ready to fight! - the grunt said as he grabbed his pokeball - Wait! Do you really accept the offer?
- Yes. Do I have to sign somewhere or...?
- Don't worry for now, just follow me to the Pokémon Centre. By the way, you haven't told me your name.
- Oh, how silly of me! - she said - I'm Leaf