Chapter 8: New Identity

I quickly pulled off the face mask and shrugged out of the lab coat, scanning the park for any witnesses. The area was dark and empty, but distant sirens wailed, growing steadily closer to Silph Co. I stuffed the incriminating items deep into a nearby trash bin, burying them under existing garbage. My hands shook slightly as I smoothed down my clothes, trying to look as ordinary as possible.

The stolen data felt heavy in my pocket, far heavier than its physical weight should allow. The cool night air carried the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, a surreal contrast to the chaos we'd just escaped. Lights from the city painted the clouds above in shades of orange and purple, while moths danced around the park's lamp posts.

Looking down at the sleeping Abra in my arms, I considered my next move. Its golden-brown fur glowed softly in the lamplight, and its chest rose and fell with deep, peaceful breaths. Without warning, the Pokémon shifted, somehow managing to climb onto my shoulders while remaining completely asleep. Its weight of that of a small child – I estimated around forty pounds – settled around my neck like a warm, living scarf.

The park's paths stretched out before me, winding through carefully maintained gardens. In daylight, this place had been full of families and playing children. Now it felt like another world entirely, shadows shifting between the trees as a light breeze rustled through their leaves.

"Arlow," I whispered, pulling out his Poké Ball. My partner turned to face me, leaves swaying gently. "I'm sorry, but we need to split up for now. Just until we're safe." The memory of the lab's security cameras flashed through my mind – they would have caught clear footage of an intruder with an Oddish. We couldn't risk being seen together.

My partner looked up at me, red eyes reflecting understanding. A small sound escaped him, something between a chirp and a sigh, before he disappeared in a flash of red light. The ball felt warm in my hand as I clipped it back to my belt.

The walk back to the hotel took me through Saffron's business district. At this hour, most buildings were dark, their windows reflecting the streetlights like stars. The few people still out paid me little attention – just another trainer with his Pokémon, nothing unusual in a city this size.

Every passing car made me tense, my steps faltering when headlights swept across my path. Distant sirens continued to pierce the night, each one sending a jolt of adrenaline through my system. The Abra's rhythmic breathing against my neck was strangely calming, though the added weight made my already tired muscles protest.

A group of late-night office workers passed by, their tired faces illuminated by their phone screens. One glanced up at me, then did a double-take at the sleeping Abra. I kept walking, maintaining a casual pace despite the urge to run.

The hotel lobby was quiet when I entered, just a bored-looking receptionist behind the desk. The space smelled of artificial flowers and cleaning products, and soft jazz played from hidden speakers. The receptionist, a young woman with rectangular glasses and dark hair pulled back in a neat bun, looked up from her computer. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of the Abra draped across my shoulders.

"That's quite a trusting Pokémon you have there," she commented as I passed. Her fingers had stilled on her keyboard, and I could feel her curious gaze following me.

"Found him in the park," I replied, trying to keep my voice casual while my heart hammered against my ribs. "Seemed to take a liking to me."

She smiled, adjusting her glasses. "Well, Abra are known for their good judgment of character. Though I've never seen one quite so... comfortable with a stranger."

I nodded, already heading for the stairs. The last thing I needed was to get trapped in an elevator if the police showed up. The stairwell was empty, my footsteps echoing off concrete walls as I climbed. The Abra's weight seemed to increase with each step, but the thought of stopping, of being caught in this vulnerable position, kept me moving.

The fourth-floor hallway stretched out before me, identical doors lining both sides. The carpet muffled my steps as I made my way to room 412. My hands trembled slightly as I retrieved my key card, the plastic feeling slick against my sweaty palms.

Inside my room, I paused to let my eyes adjust to the darkness. The city lights filtered through thin curtains, casting strange shadows on the walls. The air conditioning hummed softly, its cool air raising goosebumps on my skin.

I released Arlow from his ball. He materialized on the bed, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight. His leaves drooped – I recognized the signs of exhaustion in the way they hung, in the slightly dulled color of his skin. The events at Silph Co. had taken their toll on both of us.

Walking to the window, I peered through a gap in the curtains. Police lights flashed in the distance, concentrated around the Silph Co. building. More sirens joined the chorus as I watched, their wailing carrying clearly through the night air. My muscles ached from the climb up the stairs, from the running, from the tension of the entire evening. But there was no time to rest yet.

I sat heavily in the room's single chair, a worn piece of furniture upholstered in faded blue fabric. The USB drive pressed against my thigh through my pocket, a constant reminder of what we'd accomplished – and what we'd risked to get it.

My mind raced as I reviewed the events of the past few hours. The tour group's faces flashed through my memory – would any of them remember me? Had the security cameras caught anything before I put on the mask? The scientists we'd encountered, now sleeping off Arlow's Sleep Powder – what had they seen?

The weight of consequences pressed down on me, heavier than the Abra on my shoulders. The simple infiltration mission had become something else entirely, something more complicated. Success had come at the cost of subtlety, and now we'd have to deal with the fallout.

I glanced at Arlow, who watched me intently from his position on the bed. His red eyes seemed to glow in the dim light, reflecting both concern and determination. We'd been through so much together in such a short time – from that first meeting in the Team Rocket base to this moment, fugitives in a foreign city.

The Abra shifted slightly in its sleep, one paw clutching at my shirt. It had appeared in exactly the right place at exactly the right time – twice now. That couldn't be coincidence. The odds were astronomical. Was it following me? Had it somehow known we'd need its help?

"What do you think?" I asked Arlow, more to break the silence than expecting an answer.

He tilted his head, leaves rustling softly. Something about his expression, about the way he looked between me and the Abra, seemed encouraging.

Before I could second-guess myself, I found my hand reaching for an empty Poké Ball. The metal felt cool against my palm, the surface smooth and unmarked. "What the hell," I muttered, and touched it gently to the sleeping Abra.

Red light enveloped the Pokémon, and for a moment, my shoulders felt strangely light without its weight. The ball didn't even shake before the capture was complete, the locking mechanism clicking with a sound of finality.

I stared at the now-still Poké Ball in my hand for a long moment. The surface was warm to the touch, humming faintly with contained energy. That had been... surprisingly easy. Almost as if the Abra had wanted to be caught, had been waiting for this moment.

Pushing that thought aside for now, I pulled out the satellite phone I'd been given for emergencies. The device was sleek and black, designed to look like an ordinary phone while containing sophisticated encryption technology. My fingers moved through the familiar series of codes, muscle memory taking over as I input the security sequences.

The connection went through several secure relays, each one adding a layer of protection to the call. Static crackled through the speaker, then cleared as the final connection was made.

"Report," came Archer's clipped voice, as sharp and precise as ever.

"Mission accomplished," I said, keeping my voice low despite the room's privacy. "I have the data. But there were... complications."

"Explain."

I detailed the infiltration and subsequent chase, describing the security measures we'd encountered and how we'd overcome them. I left out certain details about the Abra's involvement, keeping that card close to my chest for now. Something told me that information might be valuable later.

"I see," Archer said when I finished. The silence that followed felt heavy with calculation. "Not quite the stealth operation we'd planned, but the results are satisfactory. We're already implementing our media strategy – rumors about corporate espionage from Devon Corp should muddy the waters nicely."

Through the window, I watched as another police car sped past, its lights painting the room in alternating red and blue. The sirens had faded to background noise now, just another part of the city's nighttime symphony.

"Nevertheless, you'll need to lay low," Archer continued. Papers shuffled in the background. "We will prepare a new identity for you. You'll receive it when you hand over the data."

"Understood."

"Tomorrow morning, 0600 hours. Return to your drop point." His voice took on a more formal tone. "The operative will use the phrase 'The weather in Kanto is lovely this time of year.' Your response will be 'I prefer Johto's autumn.' Clear?"

"Clear."

"Good. Maintain radio silence unless absolutely necessary. Archer out."

The line went dead, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my Pokémon. The phone felt heavy in my hand as I powered it down, removing the battery as per protocol.

I released the Abra from its new ball, watching as it materialized on the bed next to Arlow. True to form, it remained sound asleep, curling up against my first partner as if they'd known each other for years. Arlow seemed unbothered by this arrangement, his leaves gently brushing against the Abra's fur.

Looking at them, I felt something shift inside me. These weren't just tools for completing missions anymore. When had that changed? When had I started seeing them as... companions?

A knock at my door jerked me from my thoughts. My heart leaped into my throat as I moved silently to the peephole. Through the distorted lens, I saw the receptionist from earlier, holding what appeared to be a stack of towels.

"Housekeeping!" she called out cheerfully. "Fresh towels for your Pokémon!"

I hesitated, then opened the door just enough to see her properly. She smiled, holding out the towels.

"I thought your Abra might like something soft to sleep on," she explained. "They usually prefer elevated surfaces, you know. Less chance of being disturbed."

"Thanks," I said, accepting the towels. They were still warm from the dryer.

Her eyes darted past me, trying to catch a glimpse of the room's interior. "Oh! You have an Oddish too? What a lovely combination."

I shifted to block her view. "Yes, thank you for the towels."

She seemed to sense my desire for privacy and stepped back. "Of course. Have a good night!"

I closed the door, listening to her footsteps fade down the hallway. Had that been innocent helpfulness, or something more? Was I being paranoid, or not paranoid enough?

Setting the towels aside, I began methodically checking the room. Weeks of Team Rocket training had ingrained certain habits – never assume a space is secure until you've verified it yourself. I searched for listening devices, hidden cameras, anything out of place.

Finding nothing suspicious, I finally allowed myself to relax slightly. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, we were safe. I arranged the towels into a makeshift bed for the Abra, though it showed no signs of wanting to move from its spot next to Arlow.

The night stretched ahead of us, hours to fill before our early morning rendezvous. Sleep would be wise, but my mind was too active, replaying the events of the day, analyzing our close calls, planning for what might come next.

I pulled out my laptop – a secure model provided by Team Rocket – and began composing a detailed report of the mission. Every detail needed to be documented while it was still fresh in my memory. As I typed, I could feel exhaustion creeping in, my fingers growing heavier on the keys.

The last thing I remember before drifting off was the soft sound of my Pokémon breathing, a rhythmic reminder that I wasn't alone anymore.

A sharp chirp from Arlow woke me just before dawn. I found myself slumped in the chair, laptop still open on my knees. My neck protested as I straightened, muscles stiff from the awkward sleeping position.

Pale light filtered through the curtains, painting the room in shades of gray. On the bed, the Abra hadn't moved, still curled up against Arlow. Both Pokémon watched me as I stretched and checked my watch: 5:15 AM.

The streets of Saffron would be quiet at this hour, perfect for making our way to the drop point unnoticed. I moved to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to clear the fog of too little sleep. The mirror showed dark circles under my eyes, but that wouldn't matter soon – I'd be getting a new identity anyway.

My movements were methodical as I packed, leaving no trace of our presence in the room. The USB drive felt like it was burning a hole in my pocket, a constant reminder of what was at stake. I checked and rechecked my equipment, making sure nothing would be left behind.

At 5:45, I recalled both Pokémon to their balls. "Sorry, Arlow," I whispered. "Just until we're clear of the city." The Abra, of course, didn't stir as it was returned.

The hotel corridor was empty, the only sound the distant hum of cleaning equipment. I took the stairs again, my footsteps echoing in the enclosed space. A different receptionist sat at the desk now, a middle-aged man who barely looked up from his crossword puzzle as I checked out.

Outside, the city was holding its breath, caught in that liminal space between night and day. The air was cool and damp with morning dew, and fog clung to the ground in patches. Early morning workers hurried past, collars turned up against the chill, eyes fixed on the pavement.

I kept to the shadows as much as possible, taking a circuitous route to avoid main streets. Police presence was still heavy around Silph Co., but their attention seemed focused on the building rather than the surrounding areas. Still, I couldn't afford to be careless.

The route took me past convenience stores just opening their doors, past coffee shops where lights were flickering on and the smell of brewing coffee wafted out. A newspaper delivery truck rumbled past, and I caught a glimpse of today's headline: "BREAK-IN AT SILPH CO. - CORPORATE ESPIONAGE SUSPECTED."

The morning mist grew thicker as I approached the outskirts of the city, the same area where the helicopter had dropped me off what felt like a lifetime ago. The clearing looked different in the pre-dawn light, shadows stretching between the trees like reaching fingers.

As I waited in the clearing, every sound seemed magnified. Pidgeys began their morning songs, bug Pokémon rustled through the trees and the grass floor, and somewhere in the distance, a car horn honked. My watch showed 5:57 AM.

Movement caught my eye – a figure emerging from the treeline. They wore civilian clothes, but something about their bearing screamed 'operative.' As they approached, I tensed, waiting for the coded exchange.

"The weather in Kanto is lovely this time of year," the figure said, voice carefully neutral. A woman, I realized, though her features were deliberately forgettable.

"I prefer Johto's autumn," I replied.

She nodded, then gestured to a nearby fallen log. "Let's conduct our business."

We sat, maintaining a casual appearance in case any early morning joggers passed by. The operative pulled out what looked like a normal briefcase, but I recognized the subtle reinforcement around its edges – designed to withstand everything from water damage to explosions.

"The data?" she asked.

I retrieved the USB drive, handling it carefully. The small device contained billions in potential profit for Team Rocket, assuming we could replicate Silph's manufacturing process. The operative took it with gloved hands, securing it in a specialized compartment within the briefcase.

"Your new identity," she said, passing me a manila envelope. "Miles Hines. Same first name to avoid confusion, but everything else changes. Memorize the details and destroy the documentation."

I opened the envelope, examining its contents. A new trainer ID card caught the morning light, my photo but with subtle differences – the angle, the expression, the background. The birth date was shifted by two years, the hometown listed as Cherrygrove City instead of Goldenrod.

"The appearance changes need to happen immediately," she continued, pulling out another package. "Hair dye, colored contacts, and glasses. Nothing dramatic, but enough to create reasonable doubt. Your new background story is included in the documentation."

She paused, glancing around the clearing before continuing. "You'll also find coordinates for a cache of supplies – clothes, money, basic necessities. Everything you need to maintain your cover as a traveling trainer."

The operative's efficiency was impressive as she continued laying out my new life. Bank accounts had been established, a digital trail created. Social media profiles with carefully crafted histories would go live at predetermined intervals. Every detail had been considered.

"Your instructions are to maintain this identity while traveling through Kanto. Train your Pokémon, challenge gyms if you wish – anything a normal trainer would do. Just stay away from major cities for the next few weeks, especially Saffron."

"How long?" I asked.

"Until you receive new orders. Could be weeks, could be months. The important thing is to build a convincing history as Miles Hines. No one should connect you with last night's events."

She handed me a new phone, sleeker than the satellite model I'd used earlier. "Secure line, but looks civilian. Check it daily for coded messages. You know the protocols."

I nodded, pocketing the phone. The weight of my new identity pressed down on me, heavier than the Abra had been on my shoulders.

"One last thing," she said, her voice dropping even lower. "There's chatter about heightened security at all major transport hubs. I suggest using less conventional routes out of the city."

With that, she stood, brushing dirt from her clothes with practiced casualness. "Good luck, Mr. Hines. Enjoy your Pokémon journey."

I watched her disappear back into the trees, leaving me alone with my new identity and the growing light of dawn. The clearing felt different now, like a boundary between my old life and whatever came next.

The first step in becoming Miles Hines was changing my appearance. I made my way back to the public restroom where I'd first changed into my civilian clothes upon arriving in Saffron. The fluorescent lights hummed overhead as I examined myself in the scratched mirror.

Several days' worth of stubble had grown in, darker than my brown hair. Combined with the shadows under my eyes from lack of sleep, I looked rougher than usual. My curly hair had grown out slightly, no longer the precise cut from my initiation into Team Rocket.

The operative's package contained everything I needed. The hair dye was a lighter shade of brown, almost sandy in color. My green eyes would be masked by light brown contacts, and the glasses – simple wire frames – would help change the shape of my face.

I started with the hair dye, following the instructions carefully. The chemical smell filled the small space as I worked the color through my curls. My muscular build couldn't be hidden easily, but the new clothes would help – looser fits, more casual styles, the kind of outfit a traveling trainer might wear rather than the sharp lines of my previous wardrobe.

While waiting for the dye to set, I read through my new background. Miles Hines had grown up in Cherrygrove City, the son of a local shopkeeper. Average grades in school, no remarkable achievements to draw attention. Started his Pokémon journey later than most, having helped with the family business after graduation. A perfectly ordinary story.

After rinsing the dye and drying my hair, I was surprised by how effective the color change was. The lighter shade softened my features, making me look younger, less intense. The contacts were uncomfortable at first, but they completely transformed my appearance. Without the striking green eyes, I looked more forgettable.

The glasses completed the transformation. Looking in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. Miles Harley, the Team Rocket operative, had disappeared. In his place stood Miles Hines, an unremarkable trainer starting his journey late.

I changed into the new clothes provided in the cache – worn jeans, a comfortable gray t-shirt, and a blue jacket that looked like it had seen some travel. The outfit was carefully chosen, the kind of clothing that wouldn't draw a second glance.

As I packed my old clothes away to be disposed of later, I felt the weight of the Poké Balls at my belt. Arlow and the Abra – they were part of this new identity now too. Would anyone connect a sleeping Abra and a slightly battle-worn Oddish with last night's break-in?

Outside the restroom, the city was fully awake now. Street vendors were setting up their carts, the smell of cooking food filling the air. A group of schoolchildren passed by, their chatter mixing with the general noise of urban life.

I bought breakfast from a vendor who barely glanced at me – just another trainer starting his day. The normalcy felt strange after the intensity of the past twenty-four hours. As I ate, I studied a map of Kanto on my new phone, plotting a route to Celadon City.

The most direct path would be too risky with security on high alert. Instead, I'd need to take back roads, perhaps even cut through some of the wilder areas between cities. It would take longer, but that suited my cover story – a new trainer taking his time, learning as he went.

Finding a quiet spot in a small park, I released my Pokémon. Arlow materialized first, immediately scanning our surroundings before relaxing at my changed appearance. The Abra appeared next, still sleeping, naturally finding a comfortable position against my leg.

"We're going to be laying low for a while," I explained to Arlow. "Traveling like normal trainers. Think you can help me look the part?"

Arlow nodded, his leaves rustling in what I took for agreement. He'd need to act more like a newly acquired partner in public, less like the battle-hardened Pokémon he was becoming.

The Abra shifted in its sleep, reminding me that I still hadn't given it a name. That would have to wait – right now, we needed to focus on getting out of Saffron without drawing attention.

I studied my new trainer ID one last time before tucking it away. Miles Hines. The name felt foreign in my mind, but I'd have to get used to it. According to the documentation, I'd only recently started my journey, which explained my limited number of Pokémon.

The morning crowds were growing as people headed to work. News about the Silph Co. break-in was spreading – I could see people gathered around newspaper stands, discussing the headlines. Police presence had increased, with officers checking IDs at major intersections.

Returning my Pokémon to their balls, I shouldered my new trainer's backpack and began walking toward the city's western exit. The route would take me through residential areas, less monitored than the main thoroughfares.

The morning sun warmed my back as I walked, and a cool breeze carried the scent of flowering trees. Under different circumstances, it might have been a pleasant morning for traveling. Instead, every passing police car made my heart rate spike, and each person who glanced my way felt like a potential threat.

My new outfit and appearance seemed to be working, though. People's eyes slid right past me, just another trainer setting out on the road. The glasses kept slipping down my nose – I'd have to get used to pushing them back up, make it look natural.

As I approached the city limits, I caught snippets of conversation about increased security measures. Teams of police officers with Growlithe were conducting random checks. I altered my course, detouring through a small shopping district to avoid them.

"Hey, you! Let's battle!"

The voice made me freeze, my heart leaping into my throat. A young trainer jogged up to me, his face bright with enthusiasm. He couldn't have been more than fifteen, wearing a blue baseball cap turned backward and a shirt with a Squirtle printed on it.

"My name's Joey," he said, already pulling out a Poké Ball. "You look like you're heading out of the city. One quick battle before you go?"

People passed by us on the sidewalk, paying no attention to what was a common scene in any Pokémon city. To refuse would draw more attention than accepting. I found myself nodding, slipping into the role of Miles Hines, novice trainer.

"There's a training ground just around the corner," Joey said, practically bouncing with excitement.

The training ground turned out to be a small park with designated battle areas, each marked out with chalk lines on packed dirt. A few other trainers were already there, engaged in their own battles or watching from benches.

"Go, Hydro!" Joey called out, tossing his Poké Ball. I did my best to hold back an eyeroll at the unimaginative nickname.

A Wartortle materialized, its blue skin gleaming in the morning sun. The evolved form of Squirtle stood confidently, its curled tail swishing back and forth. I could tell from its stance and the way it carried itself that this was no rookie Pokémon.

Taking a deep breath, I released Arlow. My partner appeared in a flash of red light, leaves rustling as he took in the situation. A small crowd had begun to gather – morning battles were apparently popular entertainment.

"Hydro, Water Gun!" Joey commanded without hesitation.

"Dodge and use Sweet Scent!" I called back.

Arlow rolled to the side as a powerful stream of water shot past. As he regained his footing, he released a cloud of pink spores that drifted toward the Wartortle.

"Don't let it affect you! Use Bite!"

The Wartortle charged through the sweet-smelling cloud, apparently well-trained enough to resist its disorienting effects. Its powerful jaws clamped down on one of Arlow's leaves, drawing a cry of pain from my partner.

"Now, Acid!" I ordered. The close range meant Arlow couldn't miss, and the corrosive liquid splashed across the Wartortle's face, forcing it to release its grip.

"Shake it off, Hydro! Take Down!"

The Wartortle slammed its full body weight into Arlow, sending him tumbling across the dirt. The impact kicked up dust as Arlow skidded to a stop near the edge of the battle area.

"Follow up with Water Gun while it's down!"

"Sleep Powder!" I countered quickly.

Arlow released a cloud of sparkling spores just as the water attack hit. The resulting spray created a mist that scattered the sleep-inducing powder across the field. Hydro's eyes drooped momentarily before Joey called out:

"Stay awake! Use Rapid Spin to clear the air!"

The Wartortle withdrew into its shell, spinning rapidly to disperse the powder cloud. When it emerged, its eyes were alert again.

"Now, Bite again!"

"Dodge and counter with Poison Powder!"

Arlow barely avoided the snapping jaws, releasing a toxic cloud as he moved. This time, some of the powder found its mark. Hydro's movements became slightly sluggish as the poison took effect.

"Push through it!" Joey encouraged. "Water Gun!"

The blast caught Arlow square in the face, sending him rolling backward. He struggled to his feet, leaves drooping, clearly hurt but not ready to give up.

"Your Oddish is tough," Joey commented, "but Hydro and I have been training together for months. Time to end this - Take Down!"

As the Wartortle charged forward, I called out desperately, "Absorb!"

What happened next was unexpected. As the blast of water rushed toward Arlow, his whole body began to glow with a brilliant white light that split the water attack around him. The light grew more intense, Arlow's form changing and growing within it.

When the light faded, a Gloom stood where my Oddish had been. Arlow's new form was bigger, with a flower bud on top that gave off a distinct aroma. His eyes seemed sharper, more focused, and I could feel new power radiating from him.

The crowd murmured in excitement as Arlow faced down the Wartortle, who had paused its charge at the sudden evolution.

"Don't let it throw you off, Hydro! Water Gun!"

"Absorb!" I commanded, expecting the familiar green energy drain.

What happened instead was far more powerful. Thick tendrils of energy erupted from Arlow's flower, wrapping around the Wartortle like vines. The energy transfer was clearly visible - vitality flowing from Hydro to Arlow, healing his injuries while simultaneously draining his opponent. This was no simple Absorb - this was something much stronger.

"That's... that's Giga Drain!" someone in the crowd called out.

"What? No!" Joey shouted. "Hydro, break free with Bite!"

But the Wartortle was too weakened to respond effectively. Between the poison and the massive energy drain, its movements became increasingly sluggish. Finally, it slumped to the ground, unable to continue.

"Wartortle is unable to battle," called out one of the spectators who had apparently appointed himself referee. "Victory goes to the Gloom!"

Joey recalled his Wartortle, his initial disappointment quickly replaced by genuine enthusiasm. "That was amazing! I've never seen an evolution mid-battle before!"

He rushed over to shake my hand, then reached into his pocket for some prize money – a trainer's tradition I had almost forgotten about in my time with Team Rocket.

As we concluded our business and the crowd dispersed, I looked at Arlow with new appreciation. His evolution hadn't just changed his form – it had changed our dynamic. We would need to relearn each other's capabilities, adjust our strategies.

But those thoughts would have to wait. We needed to get out of Saffron, and now we had drawn more attention than I'd planned. At least the evolution would make Arlow look different from the Oddish described in any security reports.

After the battle, I found a quiet corner of the training grounds to properly examine Arlow's new form. The evolution had changed him significantly - he was now standing about two feet tall, with rudimentary hands and feet replacing his previous simpler structure. His blue body had darkened slightly, taking on a more mature tone.

Most striking was the flower that had replaced his cluster of leaves. Large, reddish-brown petals drooped around his head, each decorated with multiple small white spots - a pattern I remembered the plant shop worker mentioning as characteristic of male Glooms. The petals swayed gently as he moved, and I caught a whiff of the distinct aroma Gloom were known for.

"How do you feel?" I asked softly, crouching down to his level.

Arlow swayed slightly, testing his new balance. His red eyes seemed more focused now, set in a face that somehow managed to look both more mature and more expressive. He reached out with one of his new hands, touching my knee in what felt like reassurance.

Pulling out my new phone, I looked up information about Gloom's capabilities. The evolution had brought more than just physical changes - Gloom possessed stronger chlorophyll production, enhanced poison gland development, and more sophisticated control over their signature scent.

The entry about Giga Drain caught my attention. Unlike the simpler Absorb move, Giga Drain created a more powerful energy transfer, allowing the user to heal themselves while draining their opponent with excellent efficiency. The process required more sophisticated control, explaining why Arlow couldn't use it in his Oddish form.

As I read, I noticed Arlow experimenting with his new abilities releasing more spores and testing his more potent sweet scent. He practiced taking steps with his new feet, getting used to the different weight distribution. Occasionally, he would adjust the angle of his flower, seemingly testing how it affected his balance.

"We'll need to practice," I told him. "Figure out how these changes affect our battle strategy."

A sharp whistle cut through my thoughts. "Trainer! ID check!"

My heart jumped into my throat as I turned to see a police officer approaching, a Growlithe at his heel. The dog Pokémon's nose twitched, sampling the air. I forced myself to remain outwardly calm while my mind raced.

"Of course, officer," I said, reaching for my new ID. The plastic felt slick in my suddenly sweaty palm.

The officer took the card, scanning it with a handheld device. His eyes flicked between the ID and my face several times. "Cherrygrove City? You're quite far from home."

I let an eager smile spread across my face. "I know! I've always wanted to explore Kanto. Ever since I was a kid, watching the Indigo League on TV..." I paused, trying to look slightly embarrassed by my own enthusiasm. "As soon as I saved enough money working at my dad's shop, I took the Magnet Train from Goldenrod. Just arrived yesterday, actually."

The officer's expression remained neutral as he studied me. His Growlithe circled us slowly, nose working. When it approached Arlow, my heart nearly stopped.

"Interesting timing," the officer said. "You must have heard about what happened at Silph Co. last night?"

I widened my eyes, letting concern show on my face. "The break-in? Yeah, it was all over the news this morning. Pretty scary stuff. Hope they catch whoever did it."

The officer's gaze shifted to Arlow. "Reports mentioned the perpetrator had an Oddish. Your Gloom here..."

"Oh!" I jumped in, perhaps a bit too quickly. I forced myself to slow down, to sound natural. "Arlow evolved last week, actually. Still getting used to the changes, aren't we, buddy?"

Arlow swayed in agreement, releasing a subtle sweet scent - a natural response that helped sell the lie. The officer's Growlithe sneezed at the aroma.

"He's been my partner since I started my journey," I continued, letting nostalgia creep into my voice. "Dad gave him to me as an Oddish. Said every trainer needs a reliable partner." The partial truth felt better than a complete lie, as my father would have definitely shared that sentiment.

The officer studied us for another long moment. My pulse thundered in my ears, but I maintained my eager trainer facade. Finally, he handed back my ID.

"Well, Mr. Hines, everything seems to be in order. Just be careful traveling right now. We're on high alert after last night's incident."

"Thanks, officer," I said, pocketing the ID. "I really hope you catch that thief. Can't believe someone would do something like that."

The officer nodded and moved on, his Growlithe padding alongside him. I waited until they were well out of sight before letting out a shaky breath.

I sat heavily on a nearby bench, adrenaline still coursing through my system. Arlow pressed against my leg, his new form solid and reassuring. The morning sun had grown stronger, burning away the last traces of fog and warming the air around us.

"We need to get out of the city," I murmured, keeping my voice low. "That was too close."

Standing up, I oriented myself toward the western exit of Saffron. The route to Celadon would take us through some wilderness areas, but that would be safer than staying in the city. As we walked, I kept Arlow out of his ball - the serendipitous timing of his evolution providing us some much needed cover.

Before leaving the last vestiges of the city, I ducked into a quiet alley to study a map of Kanto on my phone. Route 7 would be the obvious choice - and therefore the most watched. But there was a stretch of wilderness that ran parallel to it, cutting southwest between the main route and the coastline. It would be rougher going, but far less likely to have police checkpoints.

The city gradually thinned out as I followed the map's topographical features, looking for the least conspicuous way to slip away from maintained paths. The manicured gardens of the suburbs gave way to overgrown lots and patches of wild grass. The urban sounds faded, replaced by the calls of wild Pidgey and the rustle of leaves.

I could see Route 7's entrance ahead, where other trainers were setting out on their journeys. Instead of joining them, I veered southwest, finding a gap in an old fence that led to what appeared to be abandoned industrial land. Nature had begun reclaiming it - perfect cover for someone wanting to avoid attention.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the untamed territory. The ground was uneven beneath my feet, nothing like the maintained paths most trainers followed. A cool breeze carried the distant scent of salt water, and Arlow seemed to perk up in this wild setting, his flower swaying gently as he picked his way through the undergrowth beside me.

Looking back at Saffron's skyline, dominated by the Silph Co. building, I felt a complex mix of emotions. In less than twenty-four hours, I'd committed corporate espionage, evolved my partner, gained a new Pokémon, and assumed a new identity. Somewhere in that city, security forces were looking for a hopefully unidentified masked criminal, while Miles Hines disappeared into the wilderness.

The weight of the sleeping Abra's Poké Ball at my belt reminded me that our team had grown. Once we were safely away from civilization, we'd need to properly integrate our new member. But for now, each step taking us further from Saffron's surveillance felt like a small victory.