These Silver Eyes

by JustAProblem

Shoved into a world where I could be killed in the blink of an eye, shoved into a body that wasn't mine... and shoved in a situation I really would have liked a heads up on before being shoved into it. Nothing to do but tough it out and go with the flow while I navigate a world that shouldn't exist... Now if only I could find out just which version of this world I was in. Man...

12. Chapter 12: Freaks

These Silver Eyes

Chapter 12: Freaks

Teams!

Silvers Team:

Zoroark - Loki

Meganium - Gaia

Feebas - Freyja

Metang - Metang

Shelgon - Ares

Teddiursa - Oberon

Charcadet - Charcadet

---

Green's Team:

Espeon - Vee

Venusaur - Saury

Larvesta - Larvee

Lapras - Lapee

Togepi - Togee

Drakloak - Dree

---

Gold's Team:

Ambipom - Ataro

Quilava - Explotaro

Pupitar - Larvitaro

Seadra - Kintaro

Scyther - Scytaro

Rufflet - Wartaro

---

Crystal's Team:

Mismagius - Misteree

Feraligatr - Totoree

Growlithe - Archeree

Kangaskhan - Khanaree

Dragonair - Airee

Eevee - Eeree

---

"What do you think?"

I blinked and looked up, having been properly distracted by my pokegear for the moment, to gauge the nervous Crystal's appearance.

She fidgeted in place at my assessing gaze, face turning a progressive shade of red as I said nothing.

Crystal was dressed in a white lab coat, over a baby blue, form fitting shirt. She had the same shorts on that she usually did, except now they were white much like her coat. The black of her black and white sneakers was replaced by a similar shade of baby blue and I eventually nodded in approval.

"Much better. You can actually qualify as cute," I complimented genuinely.

Her cheeks darkened at that and she turned to look at herself in the mirror the store had placed on the wall.

"W-Well... it does look really nice. I can't believe you managed to pick this out for me," she mumbled, shyly looking at herself up and down.

I chuckled, feeling a deja vu I couldn't explain. "You guys are all extremely useless at day to day activities because you only have training on your mind. You're the most competent of the 4 idiots... but you sacrificed dressing skills to achieve it."

Thankfully for Crystal, I actually did know how to dress so when she dragged me to a clothing store, only to stare helplessly at all the different clothing, I decided to offer the hopeless girl some help.

I saw her pick up red pants, an orange shirt and some fucking suspenders before intervening for her own good. I realized if left to her own devices, Crystal would cause a natural disaster with her dressing.

Cue, me picking out multiple different outfits and handing them off to her. You help out a little and suddenly, you're picking out every outfit for them to wear.

Blue and white were good colors for her. In general, she'd probably fit better with a lighter array of clothing...

"H-How about me?" a voice asked timidly, poking their head out of the dresser before slowly stepping out.

...In comparison, Janine was definitely someone who naturally looked better in darker clothing.

Black skinny jeans, with a short sleeved, form fitting purple shirt and a silky black jacket, purple highlights adorning it.

I clapped, impressed that she could turn it around like this. "The pants could be replaced for easier travels... but other than that, I wouldn't think you're a gym leader's drone of a daughter, with that outfit. Who would think you'd actually look decent in a normal outfit. Shocker."

Much like Crystal, Janine's cheeks darkened in embarrassment.

"Stop looking at me now," she mumbled.

"Can't you just compliment us for once without making it backhanded?" Crystal sighed, tugging the blue shirt slightly.

"Nah, this is how I entertain myself after being dragged clothes shopping without consent."

Janine huffed. "Next time, don't open your mouth so freely."

I rolled my eyes. "Are we done here? I've given you both pointers and a couple of outfits. You're both good looking now so you no longer need to feel insecure."

Crystal and Janine nodded in unison, both glancing at each other.

"You really do look good!" Crystal complimented, a smile forming on her face.

"You as well! I doubted Silver's abilities but... he unfortunately does know what he's doing," Janine muttered.

I chuckled in amusement at the distaste in her voice, raking a hand through my hair.

"Yeah yeah now go pay... we have to go meet up with Green and Gold for food. My dinners on you, Janine," I said bluntly.

Janine blinked, horror flashing on her face. "Why me?"

"Crystal's broke. You're a gym leader's daughter."

"I-I'm not broke! Don't just go saying that so loudly!" Crystal stammered, trying to shove both her hands over my mouth and failing miserably.

"Stop taking advantage of my status! These are my savings! I meticulously spend my money and save the rest!" Janine protested.

"What do you spend it on? Kunai, shurikens and smoke bombs?" I asked boredly, grabbing both of Crystal's hands with one of mine and hoisting her off the floor.

"W-Why are you so strong?!" Crystal gaped, struggling intensely to no avail.

"You are so offensive! Why do you think these things are okay to say to someone?! Don't you walk away from me! Oh that's it, I've had enough of you!" Janine shouted.

---

Walking with a Nidoqueen and a Kangaskhan, was a great way to make room.

They both held Crystal and Janine's bags respectively, Janine holding her head as she pocketed her old as hell (seriously, it was ancient) Pokegear with a despondent sigh.

"I didn't say you had to pay for Crystal's bags too," I pointed out, gazing at a hand held mirror to make sure I didn't have a black eye.

"...Shut up. I actually like Crystal," Janine muttered, snatching the mirror out of my hand to make sure her eye wasn't black either.

"Ouch," I said flatly, amusement on my features as she gave me back my mirror. Nidoqueen was glaring darkly at me, due to having to break up me and Janine's fight and I rolled my eyes at her.

"I appreciate that, Janine. I'll repay you back, don't worry," Crystal promised with an apologetic smile.

Janine waved her hands. "Oh don't worry! I'd only make Gold and Silver pay me back!"

My brows went up at that. "Do you like girls?" I asked curiously.

Janine twitched and turned an incredulous stare towards me. "What are you asking me?! You and Gold are just both incredibly insufferable! You two must be brothers in another universe."

I stopped so abruptly, my companions immediately followed suit and turned towards me.

"Silver... are you okay?" Crystal asked in concern.

"Did I punch you too hard?" Janine asked carefully.

I coughed harshly. "Don't ever say that about Gold and I again. Alright, I'm good to go... also you hit like a pussy so it was never going to be that."

"What is wrong with him?" Janine whispered in disbelief.

"You'll go on for days trying to find that out," Crystal whispered back.

"He didn't even have to mention how I hit. He threw that in for the hell of it."

I snorted. "C'mon. We need to get back to training soon so let's store those bags."

We did just that and after watching Janine and Crystal store their bags away, with the help of Nidoqueen and Khanaree (the Kangaskhan), our group began making its way back to our training grounds.

Considering that it was Gold and Green we left behind (Green really refused to change her outfit. I respected her commitment), I wasn't surprised at all to see a battle taking place.

But what I was surprised about, was who was being battled.

I watched with a vaguely interested gaze, as Ataro, Gold's Ambipom, lunged forward, hitting a somersault and delivering two vicious slaps of its tails onto the Umbreon that was its opponent.

The Umbreon squealed and skidded back, collapsing onto the floor with a final thud.

"Nice job Ataro!" Gold grinned, high fiving one of his Ambipom's tail.

The Ambipom cackled at his victory and I watched as the two actually did a handshake that ended in a fist bump.

"Tch," Blue sucked his teeth, returning his Umbreon to the ball with a heinous scowl.

Green clapped at the end of the match. She was leaning on the slumbering Saury and was probably serving as the referee for the concluding battle.

"Nice job you two!" she praised.

"Nothing to it! That was pretty good!" Gold replied easily, crossing his arms behind his head.

"Nice job? Pretty good?" Blue spat, crossing his arms as his boiling azure eyes glared at them both. "Save your fucking pity party! There was nothing nice about that!"

Green withered at that, expression turning hurt as she rubbed her arm awkwardly.

Gold raised a brow and immediately scowled at the way Green whittled backwards. "Calm down, jackass. Aren't you and Green friends? Why are you being such a dick to her when she didn't do anything?" he asked.

"Yeah, watch who you're talking to like that before I render that big mouth of yours useless," I said coldly, fury shining in my metallic eyes as I marched up to the Oak.

If possible, Green's expression turned even more distressed. "W-Wait hold on you guys! I'm okay, really!"

Gold and I ignored her.

Blue froze and stared at me, true anger in his eyes that hadn't been there our last encounter in Lavender.

I scoffed. Part of me thought he had actually been capable of improving but clearly that wasn't the case.

You could practically see the sparks flying, as we glared at each other and Crystal already looked geared to break up the altercation that hadn't taken place yet.

"I don't know what you're doing here. But you can fucking leave now, Oak," I sneered.

Blue scowled violently. "I thought I told you not to call me that," he said lowly.

"I thought I told you I don't give a fuck. I'll call you worthless if that's what you really want. You aren't anything without that name," I hissed.

Veins littered his head at that and almost exactly like our last encounter, it looked like it was about to come to blows.

I sneered derisively. "There's two ways to shut me up. Beat me in a battle or beat me in a fist fight. You can't do either so if I were you, I'd remember my role in this world and shut the fuck up."

"Damn. Not bad," Gold whistled.

"Oh jeez this is going to get bad," Crystal sighed.

"I see now that he really could have been way ruder to me," Janine muttered.

"S-Silver!" Green shouted with a frown.

Blue's glare deepened and he balled his fist, likely remembering how our last encounter turned out.

I was proven right as he decided to forgo violence in favor of saying, "Whatever. I'm outta here."

"Bit of a sore loser, huh?" Gold raised a brow.

I scoffed. "That's because he is a loser with a losers mentality to boot. Can't handle someone with more bite than him so he goes for his worried childhood friend."

"Bummer. Guess he can't punch above his weight, huh?" Gold crossed his arms.

"You guys, seriously! You don't have to do this..." Green trailed off, gazing nervously at her friend.

Green wasn't willing to match Blue's ignorance. She was much too nice for that and this was the boy she grew up with.

But Gold and I? We were both very ignorant and neither of us cared all that much for him.

Blue's eyes narrowed heatedly and he snarled, turning towards the two of us with a look that made me think he was probably ignorant too.

But not as much as us of course. He was a pampered little rich boy. He'd never be.

I stared back unfazed. "Wanna fight? It can be a proper 1 on 1."

Gold raised a brow. "Have your pick. We won't jump."

"Gold and Silver!" Crystal interrupted, stepping between us with a frown. "You're making Green uncomfortable!"

The three of us stared at each other and I scoffed.

"You're lucky Gold already beat you, Oak. I wouldn't have minded putting you in your place again," I said partingly, making my way over to Green.

"Some childhood friend you are. After speaking to Ash... I can definitely say you're the problem of the three and you should take a look in the mirror," Gold advised.

Blue hissed and took a step forward, deciding to throw caution to the wind... before Crystal stepped in front of him with a sigh.

I didn't even spare him a glance.

"Instead of being so angry that people are more skilled than you, how about you self reflect and actually get good? Surely you had to have inherited something from your gramps... or did it skip a generation?" I asked in mock concern.

Crystal sighed and pinched her nose. "Those two are ridiculous... Blue was it? I think you should go. They're going to keep going until you lose your reasoning and attack them."

"He started it," Gold shrugged unapologetically.

Crystal ignored her best friend effortlessly. "I've seen some footage of you! You have the talent but you don't tackle being a trainer with enough passion I think. Just talent isn't enough and you have to be willing to learn from everything, especially the defeats! I think if you work on yourself a little more, you can even join our Color Gang!"

Gold and I snorted in unison.

Blue stared at her with an astonished stare.

Then he scoffed and turned away.

"...Like I'd wanna hang out with you losers!" he snarled, marching off.

"Ironic!" the two of us shouted right before he disappeared.

"Jeez... you two don't make situations better," Crystal sighed.

"He was being a dick the entire time even before you showed up," Gold grunted.

I walked up to my companion with a tilted head. "You alright?" I asked.

Green stared up at me with a frown. "You... you don't have to defend me like that, Silvy. I didn't need you to do that. I can handle myself!"

To punctuate her point, she crossed her arms and turned her head.

"Hoh? Is little Miss Green trying to act rebellious because I bothered her little baby of a friend?" I asked in some amusement.

"No I'm not! I'm serious! You always do this and you know you make situations worse! I can handle Blue just fine!" she retorted loudly.

I stared at her with a raised brow and reached out, grabbing her cheek and pinching it harshly.

"O-Ow!" she yelped. She thrashed in place and attempted to push my unrelenting fingers away.

"Watch it, idiot," I warned idly, not truly upset but still deciding to put her in her place. "You don't get to try and act tough around me, you clingy little pest. You lost that privilege when you drooled on me three nights in a row."

"I-I DON'T DROOL!" she yelped loudly.

"Another argument for another day. We're not talking about that right now," I said coolly.

Green whined. "S-Saury! Help me! Don't just sleep!"

Saury opened a single eye and gauged what was happening, before seeing it was just me.

"Don't worry Saury. It's about Blue," I said calmly.

That made the Venusaur immediately groan in annoyance and understanding. He shut his eyes again with a huff, allowing himself to fall back to sleep.

"Traitor! I won't forget this!" she gasped.

I huffed in amusement and squeezed harder. Eventually, she whined in defeat and began pleading for me to release her.

As I released my grip, she rubbed her cheek with a grumble and glared at me.

"No one is allowed to take advantage of your kindness. I'm the only one because I'm too above taking advantage of you so I'll never do it," I said firmly. "If you expect me to stand there and just watch him mouth off on you for the hell of it, you're insanely stupid. You should already know how I react when someone bothers you."

Green nodded shakily at the reminder. She was clearly remembering that one teen who was pissed that he lost to a girl.

He stopped singing that tune real quick when I kicked his ass soundly. As if age difference was going to stop him from catching these hands.

I pat her head. "You shouldn't be making the effort to try and keep your friendship with him stable. He's the one that needs to put in the work because I know you didn't do anything wrong but get put between some childhood rivalry."

Gold nodded in agreement. "If even Silver can be friends with you, it's his problem."

Green stared at the two of us and sniffed, tears forming in her big eyes. "You two are sweet!" she exclaimed, dragging us into a tight hug.

I rolled my eyes and Gold rubbed a finger against his nose.

"Blue certainly has the talent but he's got a lot of his own issues that need to be dealt with. I still think one day, he'll join our group!" Crystal smiled.

I grunted. "Weren't you the one saying that the chances of us meeting more color named people, is extremely unlikely? What's the sudden enthusiasm in recruiting them?" I asked her with a suspicious gaze.

She flushed at that. "I-I think the idea of having a little group of ours with people named after colors, is pretty cool. That doesn't mean I think we'll just find more. But on the off chance we do, we should invite them!"

I snorted at that. Something told me, that was going to be my job.

Gold mulled her words over. "He's pretty good. A cut below us but he probably doesn't have a companion he can train with a lot. If he was really focused and had a proper rival, he'd be up there with us for sure."

"What's his team?" Crystal asked curiously.

"An Umbreon, Wartortle, Kadabra, Rhydon, Pidgeotto and Ninetales," Gold listed, putting up a finger for each one.

I raised a brow. "That's actually a solid team," I mused.

Not bad at all.

Janine shook her head. "I cannot believe you guys are truly trying to make a color gang. I'm even further confused by the sheer convenience of you all having colors in your name."

Gold shrugged. "It's an awesome idea. Imagine a whole group of trainers named after colors. We'd be famous in an instant! Blue's his middle name, right?"

Green nodded. "Technically he has two first names... Gary Blue Oak. I heard his parents couldn't agree so they just picked both, but Gary is his official first name. I call him Blue because I'm Green. He... probably qualifies for the color gang."

I rolled my eyes. "I'd put Janine in our group before accepting him as he is. She can be Purple."

Janine blinked and pinched her nose. "I think I'll pass. Being apart of the color gang, sounds far too chaotic."

We all sighed in unison.

"Sounds about right."

"We need to change that name. Color gang sounds too dorky," I sighed.

"N-Nuh uh," Green grumbled.

"I think it's good!" Crystal agreed.

"It's not terrible," Gold nodded.

The three paused.

"W-Why are you looking at us so soulessly?" they asked in unison, taking a step back at my dead stare.

"Hopeless morons," I muttered, stomping off to train my team. "Stupid name. Keep it. I don't care."

Dumbasses. All of them.

---

"Green? S-Silver?"

I paused at the somewhat familiar, but mostly unfamiliar voice, and turned towards it with a curious eye.

"Mason!" Green cheered, approaching the jittery boy with a big smile. "How's it going?! What's up?"

Mason smiled bashfully. "I'm here for my 5th badge... I just came back to Saffron, after fighting Erika, and Sabrina crushed me!"

Green laughed at that. "I noticed your spirits aren't down!"

The average boy scratched the back of his head. "Well, I expected it a little. Sabrina is really strong but I can't be afraid of the challenge!"

"That's not a bad mindset," I complimented idly, continuing my gait towards our practically reserved training ground.

We were in it so much, our group was starting to actually pick up some traction. Trainers could show up and have their pick at the litter against a talented group of trainers.

Even at times where we weren't there, someone would actually wait for us to show up.

Anyone who looked too much for the dubbed "Color Gang", I shamelessly used Janine against them. She was very good at taking out the experienced ones and despite me calling her my personal guard dog, the annoyed girl still did it.

It was a good money making strategy too. We got battled quite a lot. Crystal got upset when I mentioned her broke pockets were practically bursting for once.

"I heard that you guys have basically been setting up a battlefield somewhere," Mason mentioned with a curious eye, voicing my thoughts aloud.

Green tilted her head at that. "Hm? Well, it was a training ground at first but we started battling people and it kind of spiraled out of control from there. Now we get battled so often!"

"It's annoying," I drawled with a sigh.

"That's because you're such an asshole, you get battled the most! Everyone wants to put the rotten prince in his place!" Green cackled at my misfortune.

I grunted and shoved her. I watched in satisfaction, as my companion nearly plummeted to the floor with a startled shriek.

My hand grasped her dress and pulled her back up before she could eat dirt and Green rounded on me with a snarl.

"Stop tripping me!" she hissed violently. She pat down her dress and I shrugged helplessly.

"You're mad at me for saving your clumsy ass? Learn some accountability."

A strangled noise left her mouth and I smoothly continued my walk towards the training grounds, ignoring the weight on my back trying to choke me out.

"H-Hold on! Silver, I wanted to battle you!" Mason shouted, rushing to follow us.

My eye twitched. "Why?"

"So you can give me advice! Don't worry, I can take it!" Mason assured, smiling nervously.

I blinked and huffed. "Alright. But you should battle Crystal if it's advice you want. She's a good teacher... though she might be battling someone."

"You gave me the best advice! You're the reason I have 4 badges right now so I want your help!" Mason pushed with an eager smile.

I turned to face him and grunted. "Yeah yeah, alright. C'mon."

"Green get the fuck off my back."

"Nah I'm good. You're strong enough! Go go go!"

I sighed.

---

"Gaia," I said easily, petting Charcadet on his head.

He sighed in bliss and leaned against me. My youngest member was practically buzzing in excitement at the prospect of battle. His eyes were literally burning with fire and he sat happily on my shoulder.

Mason stood on the other side, gazing nervously at my Meganium.

"I've... seen footage of your Bayleef," he mentioned quietly. "She's very terrifying. I didn't know she evolved."

I raised a brow and at the same time, Gaia puffed up at, what she perceived to be, the compliment. "You watching footage of me? How flattering."

Mason nodded eagerly. "You're inspiring to watch! You and Green! I watch and try to learn what I can!"

I rolled my eyes at that. "It's not a bad idea... especially when you struggle as a trainer."

There was a small crowd watching us. I swear they grew bigger when I was the one battling. Clearly I was the heel in these battles and damn was I a good one.

"Are you two ready?!" Crystal shouted, Mismagius floating next to her.

Oh yeah. She had evolved her Misdreavus a few days back. The evolution had been rather smooth, if not strange because Crystal's first pokemon was a real hard hitter now.

She also wasn't terrified of me anymore. In fact, her evolution made Misteree warm up to me quite a lot. She began hanging around me far more often, almost seeming to... enjoy my company.

Hm... her evolution seemed to have given her quite a lot of power too...

"Fearow! Let's do this!" Mason shouted eagerly, sending out his bird.

I hummed as the bird came shrieking out. It spread its wings and instantly honed in on Gaia.

"Alright, begin!" Crystal shouted.

"Fearow, Aerial Ace!" Mason shouted immediately.

I raised a brow at his initiativeness. He was a lot more confident now, none of that jittery behavior exhibited.

"Reflect."

Gaia didn't even flinch, eyes glinting as she almost instantly conjured a Reflect. I whistled at the speed, still impressed by how much stronger evolution had made her.

Fearow crashed into the Reflect with a startled shriek, flinching back slightly but immediately taking flight into the air at Mason's frantic orders.

"Get up! Agility to get away!"

I grunted in amusement, as the brown bird got outta dodge just in time to avoid lunging vines. The vines moved with incredible speed but Fearow's Agility made it faster.

Gaia sighed in disappointment and waved her vines threateningly at the Fearow, almost as if saying "I'll get you!".

"Magical Leaf," I ordered easily.

"Fury Attack! Destroy the leaves!" Mason rebounded.

My eyes glinted. Mason sure was preparing to battle my team.

Unfortunately, my power had boosted quite a bit.

Gaia let out a bellow, that actually did sound fairly intimidating in her new form, and fired dozens of massive leaves that all careened towards the bird.

Fearow squawked in disbelief at the sheer amount of leaves and tried to peck as many as he could, but they both greatly underestimated the sheer gap in power between Gaia as a Bayleef and Gaia as a Meganium.

The bird let out a shriek of pain as the rest of the sharp leaves slashed into it, before the vines seized the opportunity and lunged.

Before Gaia could pull off her customary slam dunk, a pokeball returned the Fearow.

"Woah..." Mason muttered, gazing at Gaia in awe. "She's even more impressive in person."

"Damn right she is," I smirked.

"Ganium," Gaia preened happily.

My opponent gazed at Gaia with an assessing gaze, before he nodded and tossed out another pokeball.

"Let's do this Charmeleon!"

The Charmeleon roared and its tail flame ignited brilliantly. It only increased in intensity as they realized who their opponent was.

Charmeleon gazed at me and snarled in recognition, eyes darting around before they landed on Ares.

My Shelgon perked up at the feeling of someone's glare on her body and she turned around, regarding the Charmeleon with slightly confused eyes. She was currently with Freyja and the two were training as usual to master Dragon Pulse.

I hid a smile at the severe lack of recognition in her eyes and judging by how upset the Charmeleon was getting, it probably realized the same.

Let it be known that Ares and I were the same level of assholes... so we tended to garner the most negative reactions from trainers. A vast majority of the trainers who truly disliked me, had Ares as their opponent. We tended to have no respect for them after all so it made sense.

Much like how I struggled to remember why Mason seemed to like me, Ares had no recollection of the Charmeleon she had crushed back at Pewter.

Charmeleon snarled violently, making Gaia raise a brow. My Meganium seemed to shrug and trotted back over to my side.

"I was gonna keep you in you know," I drawled, leaning against her easily.

"Ganium," she drawled in return, plopping herself down and shutting her eyes.

I chuckled in amusement. "You wanna fight Ares? You sure about that?" I asked curiously.

"Yeah! Charmeleon's been itching to get revenge! She's ready for this!" Mason said confidently.

I blinked. "Your Charmeleon's a girl?" I mused.

Huh go figure. Must have missed that in our last encounter.

"Ares," I called, beckoning my head. "You're in."

Ares groaned loudly, clearly not enthused in the slightest to be getting dragged away from something important.

She trudged onto the battlefield with a grumble, as enthused to do this battle as I was.

"Alright! Start!" Crystal shouted.

"Dragon Breath."

"Dragon Breath!"

At the twin commands, both of the reptiles opened their mouths and fired.

Turquoise beams of energy crashed into one another, colliding in the middle before Ares quickly overtook Charmeleon's beam, careening towards the fire type.

Charmeleon seemed to anticipate that she was going to get overpowered and leapt to the side at once.

"Dragon Dance. Charge it right after."

"Flamethrower!" Mason retorted.

Ares lunged forward, eyes gleaming maliciously as the Flamethrower attempted to bathe her. She ignored it completely and bulldozed through the flames, closing the distance between her and the Charmeleon immediately.

Almost exactly like their last encounter, she slammed her skull directly into Charmeleon's midsection, getting the fire type to gag...

"Smokescreen!"

...For a moment. I watched with an impressed gaze, as the Charmeleon snarled through the pain and belched the smoke from her mouth, bathing Ares in the black fog.

"Shel!" Ares shouted in surprise, stepping back in surprise at being completely obscured.

"Alright nice! Now use Dragon Breath!" Mason urged.

Charmeleon scrambled about at the opportunity, blood in her eyes, and lunged backwards. She opened her mouth and roared, firing a Dragon Breath that crashed directly onto Ares shell.

Ares roared, more in surprise, and turned a hellish glare towards the Charmeleon.

The ground dented with her short charge this time and I winced as she completely bowled over the Charmeleon. She snarled and turned towards the floored fire type and bathed it in a Dragon Breath immediately afterwards...

Or attempted to. The Charmeleon was returned to the ball and Ares directed a glare towards the excited Mason.

"Alright! I give up! It's your win!" Mason said, not sounding very upset about that.

I raised a brow and shrugged. "Ares get back over here. You can get back to training," I instructed with a small shake of my head.

She grumbled and marched off... to Loki's position. They exchanged words before my first pokemon huffed in amusement and the two walked towards an isolated area.

"Wow, she doesn't uh... seem very happy," Mason pointed out, not missing the deep glare Ares shot him.

I grunted. "She didn't expect the Charmeleon to land a single meaningful hit on her. Ares takes great offense when weaker enemies put up a fight," I mused.

"She really is your little dragon!" Green cackled. "That was good Mason! I didn't expect you to improve so much!"

Mason blushed bashfully and rubbed the back of his head.

"I just prepared a lot for Silver and he still made it look easy! I promised Charmeleon we'd at least surprise that Shelgon so I'm glad we did!" he exclaimed.

I stared at him and snorted. "Good for you. But you're still weak. You need to improve your firepower. What's your team?"

Mason jumped at that. "Um... Charmeleon, Fearow, Gloom, Sandslash, Shuppet and Shuckle!" he exclaimed, standing straight at my question.

I hummed, raising a brow at the final two. "Shuppet and Shuckle huh? Those are probably more recent but they'll serve you well in the battle."

Mason nodded eagerly. "Do you have any tips for me?" he asked hopefully.

I raised a brow. "Sure. Those two can be fairly tricky pokemon. You said you want to fight Sabrina right? I'll introduce you to a fun playstyle," I smiled benevolently.

For some reason, the jittery boy shuddered and Green let out a loud groan.

I shrugged.

Apparently, after my advice to her, Jasmine had entered a new realm of terrifying to face. The Gym Leaders actually sparred sparingly but on my command, I had ordered she go battle the other ones.

Turns out she was terrorizing her Gym Leaders with the stuff she taught Skarmy and Fortry. Soon, I was going to teach her some fun strats!

I guess I could share some of that horrible knowledge with this kid here.

For him? Oh of course not! I didn't really give a damn about really helping him succeed.

But I'd do anything to piss Sabrina off. I hoped she could feel the sheer vitriol in my body through her battle with Mason here.

"Alright, let me tell you about a move called Sticky Web..."

---

"Silver!"

I glanced up, only to tense at seeing Janine's serious demeanor.

"You were right. Silph Co... no, all of Saffron is under attack," she said urgently.

Our group jumped at that.

"So they really did come?!" Gold scowled, surging up as his team followed suit.

"Why didn't you call?" Crystal asked in concern.

Janine shook her head. "I couldn't. Team Rocket did something. Some type of interference. I attempted to call anyone on the way here, even Father. Nothing came through. Crobat has already flown out of the city to relay the information but since our training grounds are so far out, I had to come here myself."

I grunted. "Alright. Good work."

It had been 2 weeks since our battle with Sabrina and we had decided to just camp out in the city.

I knew Team Rocket weren't going to just attack at the whims of my arrival, but I just knew that they attacked around the time frame of getting your 5th or 6th badge.

Turns out my hunch was correct. It wasn't often, but my outside knowledge did come in handy every once in a while. I was beginning to doubt if they were actually going to show up. I had actually been about to give it one more week before leaving the place.

"Remember what we discussed. We need to make sure Sabrina knows their target. I bet they've got distractions for her to get away with robbing Silph Co for free," I grunted, beginning the process of swapping my already dark outfit, to something darker.

I ignored Crystal's gaping at the fact that I was changing right in front of them. She grew up with Gold, I'm sure they saw things as childhood friends.

"I can go warn her," Janine said, gazing at us in concern and ignoring my changing of attire. "Just… be careful. I'll be as fast as possible. Act as if an Executive can stop you at anytime."

"You do the same. They won't attack Sabrina with a bunch of grunts. There's gonna be an Executive there," I warned.

Janine nodded, determination on her features. "All the better if it's that bastard," she said darkly, dashing off.

"Keep your head screwed on! Don't let your emotions cloud you!" I shouted.

"You as well, our partnership is still intact after all," Janine warned, vanishing.

I watched her go with serious eye.

Executives... here's to hoping my mom wasn't here. No particular reason, I just felt like she was the last Executive you wanted to run into.

I nodded my head and turned towards my group. "We'll sneak in and eventually split up into groups of two. Gold come with me. Crystal, with Green. Just follow our lead," I instructed.

The reason for the pairings was obvious. Green and I were very well versed in stealth now and since I was the more skilled of the two, I'd take the rowdier of the duo.

"Right." Crystal agreed with a frown.

"Gotcha." Gold nodded with a scowl.

Green and I exchanged a glance.

"We'll stay nearby, but traveling in groups of four, is too noticeable," I muttered to her.

She nodded in agreement. "Stay away from the top floor until we're ready, right?"

"Yeah exactly. Stay vigilant. Don't trust anyone that's dressed as a scientist. Rocket probably has moles," I grunted.

With that single warning, the four of us stealthily departed to Saffron.

I flicked out my pokegear and furrowed my brows at not having any signal go through.

Was that how they planned on getting in and out of Saffron without attracting the entire region? Some type of EMP that disrupted connections?

Damn it. I was growing less and less sure of Team Rocket invading, that I decided against warning Lorelei. Maybe I should have trusted my instincts...

No matter. We just needed to stall for Sabrina and make sure they didn't accomplish their mission. I'd learn from this and trust my instincts from now on.

Saffron was in chaos. Rockets were all over, causing mayhem. Considering we were hiding ourselves, it was hard to make out what was happening but from what I could see, the rockets were neck and neck in combat with the police force of Saffron.

Conveniently, the sounds of combat got quieter the closer we got to our destination...

We (my companions) contemplated jumping in to help some, but the cops were handling it well and we had more things to worry about, especially considering we were probably the only ones who knew their true targets.

Silph Co... the biggest building of Saffron loomed over us, far quieter in comparison to other parts of the city.

There was a man guarding the entrance, eyes vigilant as he stood wide awake…

But even despite that, he never saw me approaching at all.

"!" The man almost wailed in agony before being forcefully silenced.

I landed a solid kick directly onto the rockets crotch with full power, before forcefully covering his face with a rag seeped in Sleep Powder. I didn't even flinch at the sound of something cracking, far too used to my above average strength.

The rocket was stuck between reaching for his sweet spot and struggling against the hand forcing the rag to cover his face so as a result, he was trapped in a hellish purgatory of indecision.

I stared ruthlessly at him, unmoving from my spot as tears of exertion formed in the rockets eyes from his fruitless struggles. I just held the rag over his face with a steady calmness.

It didn't take long at all, for him to eventually lose consciousness and I dragged his body away, hiding him in the alleyway the rest of my companions were camped out in.

"You… are genuinely terrifying," Crystal muttered, shaking as she stared at the unconscious body of the man I just violated.

Gold scratched his head. "Guess you really were just looking for the pokemon. After what I just saw, I think if you wanted the Prof gone… he'd be gone."

"He did nothing to me. No reason to attack. I panicked and used too much force on him. My goal was just a pokemon and a pokedex, along with some supplies to survive better," I grunted.

Crystal looked thoughtful at that. "I've seen your skills first hand. How did you even get caught? The professor isn't the most aware person."

I raked a hand through my hair. "I was having a very off day. An almost out of body experience if you would."

Both her and Gold hummed in unison at that.

"Alright, Let's go. The coast seems clear for now. Communications seem to be sabotaged so that probably means they can't communicate with each other either through conventional means..."

I ruffled in my bag for a second and pulled out two walkie-talkies.

I tinkered with it a bit, before speaking lowly into the device. I grunted at the shrieking static of two being so close to each other but it died down eventually and I handed it over to Green.

At least this worked... sorta. The voices sounded very muffled and more than once it cut off, but it would get the job done.

"You're so resourceful," Crystal mentioned, awe on her face.

"Seriously, how many things do you have in that bag?" Gold asked curiously.

"Any answers to that question, may lead to further incrimination of me. You'll just have to wait and see in the future," I muttered.

Gold stared at me and shrugged. "Well, you let us use all those TMs so I guess I can't be too curious."

"I'll pretend like I didn't hear that," Crystal sighed.

They sure did take the liberty to use all the TMs they could.

"I got these after realizing Green and I could get separated at any time. Keep that one with you. We won't go too far from each other. Use it sparingly, I don't think it'll be perfect with whatever is messing with comms," I grunted.

We all nodded in unison, perfectly accepting that plan.

The four of us snuck into the building, only to immediately recoil at the sight of the prone bodies of what had to be security guards.

I don't know what animal got to them, but I'm pretty sure it was a fire type and a strong one too.

Crystal let out a gasp of horror at that, clutching Gold tightly as tears welled into her eyes. She shut her eyes and her breathing picked up.

Gold stared, mouth set into a grim line as he pushed her ahead of the bodies.

I did the same with the emotional Green, sighing as she clutched me tightly.

"It's so horrible... how can they treat human lives so callously?" Crystal asked, a hitch in her voice.

"That's all they do... all they do is hurt people," Green mumbled, shutting her eyes tightly.

"It's okay. Just let me guide you through until it's time to split up," I soothed to the best of my ability, eyes darting to and fro for signs of any rockets.

Green nodded shakily, allowing me to push her forward.

Silph Co wasn't riddled to the brim with Warp Tiles like its counterpart so I was thankful for that, but the building was still a complete maze to navigate. Turns and rooms everywhere... without a guide, Silph was really fucking annoying.

To access the higher floors as well, we needed the Card Key…

"Look for a Card Key. You can't navigate upper levels without them. Once either of us find it, we'll meet up again," I grunted.

"Were you planning on robbing Silph Co? You know way too much about it," Gold asked randomly, gazing at me with wide eyes.

"That's not a bad idea…" I murmured.

Naturally, I'd probably pick some things up while exploring but that wasn't my main objective. Taking out Team Rocket was the priority for me so spelunking was my secondary.

A cool feeling washed over me and I took a deep breath, gaze turning cruel and clinical.

I had an organization to fuck over.

---

"Wait hold on! We're supposed to be having a pokemon battle—"

The speaker squealed in pain as I stomped on his knee, huffing to myself as the distraction caused the man's Mightyena to glance back, giving Gold's Scyther, Scytaro, enough time to slash into its midsection.

"Save your battles for someone who gives a fuck."

I ignored the wolf's pitiful whine and turned towards the final person there, the scientist who was shivering next to an unconscious Magnemite.

Oberon wiped his claws idly, snarling as he forced the meager scientist to the ground with his deceptively high strength.

"H-Hold on! I was being forced to work with him! You gotta believe me!" the man shouted in terror, shaking as I silently approached him. He was very clearly disturbed by the fact that I shattered that man's leg.

"Oh yeah?" I asked curiously, stepping on the floor harder than necessary and making him flinch back from the stomps.

He nodded rapidly, eyes wide in hope.

"Okay then... where's your Card Key?" I asked with a small smile.

"...I-I don't have one! I'm not high enough rank for one!" he exclaimed hastily.

I mulled that over. "Who would have one?"

"Definitely people on the higher floor! If you find a scientist up there, there's a chance they'll have one!" he shouted eagerly.

I nodded my head, before crashing a foot against the man's face.

He never saw it coming and I watched him slump over, blood spurting out of his nose.

"Damn. You've got legs made out of steel," Gold whistled.

"Who was going to believe that dumbass?" I sneered, making sure to place the card he was hiding on his chest for the world to see that he was allied to Team Rocket.

Silph Co, even without the warp tiles, was a nightmare to navigate. The entire building was a labyrinth that was made to confuse and halt anyone from doing what Team Rocket were currently attempting to do.

Gold and I were navigating the floors easily despite that, taking out Rockets and traitorous scientists alike. There was a bunch of foot soldiers on the earlier floors so it had been easy... but there was still a fair bit of them.

That's when I got creative. No point letting my pokemon waste their energy on the early floors... so I mostly assaulted them from the shadows.

Very effective. The few we did battle, were with scientists and that was because we needed their card keys.

Gold and I, surprisingly, had almost perfect synergy with each other and that detail wasn't lost to either of us... but we didn't comment too much on it, just accepting the small mercy.

It was better than us having no synergy. That would be a disaster.

I grunted, ruffling through the traitorous scientists pocket and finding nothing of note besides a wallet with his identity in it.

"Nothing?" Gold asked, crossing his arms and leaning against a wall as I mugged him.

"Nah," I muttered, pulling out a wad of cash from his wallet and handing him half of it.

Gold blinked at the action.

"It's your cut. Wouldn't want any dissension because you're upset about not getting money," I informed him.

"You have a messed up way of thinking… but I respect and agree with that at least. Should we really be stealing this guys money though?" he asked with a raised brow, not really put out with what I said at all.

"He's a traitor. Do we care?" I returned, raising my own brow.

Gold pursed his lips at that and opened his mouth, before shutting it and nodding in agreement. "Fair point. Don't mind if I do then," he conceded, taking the money out my hand and stuffing it in a red and gold colored wallet.

That was another good thing about Gold. His morals were a lot more in line with mine without much tampering on my end. Green would accept the money after a lot of pestering by me and Crystal probably wouldn't take it no matter what I said, only to end up with it in her wallet anyways.

My counterpart though, had no problems with my cheating and crafty nature. In fact, he was much the same himself and that was why we had such good synergy.

Neither of us had qualms getting down and dirty if it called for it.

When I decided to save energy by just assaulting the Rockets myself, Gold nodded and pulled out a billiard cue.

Before he could begin utilizing it as a weapon, I just gave him one of my modified stick weapons, this one a staff.

He seemed to appreciate that quite alot. He could keep it if he wanted. I had a ton of these weapons at the ready.

I would be more surprised... but Gold was a 12 year old gambler. I guess I shouldn't have been too shocked that his mind was a tad skewed.

Regardless, it made planning with my current partner very easy.

With our pact in set, Gold and I began looting any traitor or Rocket of their valuables, making sure their teams were fully incapacitated as well while filling our pockets.

"Do you hear that?" a Rocket whispered with a puzzled expression. She turned around quizzically, only to grunt in confusion at not seeing anything.

"Hear what?" the other replied.

While the female rocket was standing around, the male was ruffling through the cubicle he was in, looking for anything of value. He grabbed a Super Potion and nodded, storing it away...

Only to freeze at the strangled shriek that left his companion. He jolted, attempting to stand up only for a staff to smash against the back of his head.

The girl shivered in terror, as the illusion dropped and she was forced to see the razor sharp claws of Loki holding her neck hostage.

I effortlessly kicked her pokeballs away from her, crouching down and ruffling through the man's outfit, even as Gold stared at his staff with a gleam.

"Don't just stand there and gawk at the weapon molded to perfection. Go search the girl," I grunted, tossing him the Super Potion.

Gold caught the potion easily, spraying down Ataro with it before my words registered with him.

"Search the girl?!" he asked incredulously, eyes wide.

I paused in my ruffling and turned towards him. "...You take your hands like this," I began, raising my hands slowly.

"Then you start digging in pockets like thi—"

"I know what searching is, dickhead!" Gold interrupted. "I'm just... not gonna search a girl."

At his low mumble, I completely stopped and peered at him.

"Seriously?" I sighed, pinching my nose and marching towards the slightly confused rocket member. "I didn't think someone with your personality would get nervous around the opposite gender. Learn something new every single day."

"Shut up," Gold muttered, only to splutter as I began searching her with no hesitation in my bones.

She yelped loudly at my prodding hands, only to go still at Loki's threatening snarl. It didn't take a genius to understand his message and she just shivered in compliance.

"You're a criminal but get uncomfortable when someone touches you? Fucking ridiculous." I raised a brow, scoffing in a completely unimpressed manner, as I ruffled through her pocket.

I continued searching the girl, pulling out jewelry, money... before finally pulling her shirt up slightly to pull out a pokeball.

"Save your reservations when it comes to criminals. Going easy on one of them because of gender, will get you killed," I said calmly, watching her go pale as I revealed the hidden pokeball. "You should only get nervous if it's Crystal."

"S-SHUT UP DUDE!" Gold hissed loudly, trying his hardest not to shout.

I tossed the pokeball into the pile of the others and stared at her. "Anything else you're hiding? I'm not adverse to searching more. I'm not nearly as merciful as my partner here," I warned, tugging a piece of her clothing to get my point across.

She shook her head hastily.

My eyes narrowed.

"I-I have a bit of money on me!" she squeaked in defeat. "Just... please let me grab it instead..."

I tilted my head, before a look of realization made its way to our face as she pulled it out of her... shirt.

I snatched her wallet out of her hand and opened it, shamelessly ruffling through it and sighing to myself at not seeing what I was looking for.

"I feel like the criminal," Gold muttered, turning his head away.

I ignored it.

"Where's the card key?" I asked.

"I-I don't have one."

I narrowed my eyes at that. "Who's the one running this mission?"

The girl shook. "I-It's a joint mission by two of the Executives. I don't know which ones... no one but the highest ranking grunts do. We were just told to look for something!"

Two executives? One was no doubt distracting Sabrina... so that meant the other was here.

Hm.

"Gaia knock her out," I grunted, not even watching the vines wrap around the Rockets face to asphyxiate her.

"Jeez man, you sure don't hold back," Gold whispered, watching her body hit the floor.

"I don't hold back against people who wouldn't hold back themselves. Besides, Gaia's a girl so it's fine isn't it?" I replied, leaving the discarded bodies there.

I'm fairly sure I was trained by or with some blonde and that was why I didn't discriminate between genders.

Flashes of that color appeared whenever I thought about my above average physical training. It was probably a blonde girl by the looks of it but I didn't dwell on it too much.

The neat thing about the rockets, is that their pokemon basically never left their balls of their own accord. Whether that be fear or drugs? Probably both to be honest.

Oh well. I was also beginning to realize, not many pokemon released themselves from their balls. Perhaps it just depended on the bond between them. My team released themselves from the ball often enough.

"You have any idea where a Card Key could be?" Gold frowned, as we continued our pace.

I mulled it over.

Honestly, using my knowledge of the games was pretty good... so where did you find the card key there?

Once again, my impeccable memory came into play and I huffed as the details came to me clear as day.

That was still mighty suspicious, but I'd just chalk it up to the privileges of being forced into a new world and this body being clearly genetically superior to an unnatural, but probably not all that by this worlds standards, level.

"Let's go to the fifth floor," I said suddenly, beelining it to the elevator.

"Alright," Gold grunted, keeping pace with me as we head there.

A lounging rocket, who was guarding our means of transportation, suddenly lunged up at seeing us approaching.

"Stop right there! You're not getting through me! I am one of the Four Rocket Brothers—"

"Gaia. He seems annoying."

As the rocket scrambled to reach for his pokeballs, Gaia lashed out with her vines and slammed the criminal into the wall. Just me mentioning that he was annoying me, was enough to put her in go mode.

The man crumpled instantly, wheezing weakly as his hand went limp. "A-At least let me battle..." he rasped, falling unconscious.

"It's hard for me to identify who the real criminal is," Gold said idly, kicking the man's two pokeballs away.

"We're both criminals," I said gruffly, walking up to the elevator and stamping the man's head into the pavement, in the same movement.

With a single press, I watched as the elevator came down.

I frowned in contemplation and dragged the unconscious body of the Rocket in the elevator.

"Just in case," I murmured, beckoning the confused Gold in.

I pulled out the walkie-talkie and put it to my mouth. "We're going to floor five to check something. Stay nearby."

I twitched at the ridiculous static but ignored it as Green's broken voice came to life.

"Roger. We're conserving energy on our end by avoiding battles," Green replied.

"Good. Keep it up," I grunted, turning it off.

"This is crazy," Gold muttered, fiddling with his quiff.

"The city is under attack too… They're distracting all the enforcers by spreading out through Saffron too."

I nodded. "Gives them free reins to attack Silph Co. By the time they get done out there…"

"The rockets will be done in here," Gold finished my sentence grimly.

I nodded, picking up the discarded body of the rocket and planting it directly on the door.

As the elevator stopped, the doors opened and allowed the unconscious body to fall through.

"Huh?" A voice muttered in confusion, watching the body hit the floor. "Wait… HUH?! Big bro?! WHO DID THIS TO YOU?!"

Guess we found one of the other Rocket Brothers.

It finally seemed to register to the voice that something was wrong with the fact that a body of his ally just dropped out of the elevator because he immediately peeked into it.

"What? What's going on?"

His brows furrowed in confusion at not seeing anything in there and he boldly, and stupidly, took a step inside.

How unfortunate for him. He truly had no self preservation skills.

Ataro immediately lashed out with one of its tails, batting it against the man's side before he realized there was even anyone in the elevator, and flattening him against the wall.

He wheezed weakly at that and fell unconscious right next to his brother, the brute strength of a pokemon proving to be too much for him.

"Not bad," I muttered to Gold, grabbing the man's pokeball to hide.

"You've got crazy sense for these things. I wouldn't have thought there'd be someone waiting for me outside," Gold muttered, staring at the slumped bodies in awe.

"It's just all too predictable," I replied back.

We watched Ataro effortlessly carry both the bodies into an isolated area.

"You think the Card Key is on this floor?" Gold asked curiously.

"Not positive… but I have a strange hunch," I muttered, taking off in a random direction.

The two of us continued to jog through the floors, dodging the eyesight of the lingering Rockets, and it only took me a few minutes to spot a scientist lingering about.

Blood entered my eyes, at how rapidly he seemed to be patting down his body.

"Where is that damned…" he muttered to himself, before freezing as I allowed him to feel my presence.

As I stepped into view, I watched him go pale in horror. He began stepping back, still patting down his body... If anything, he got more urgent doing so. There was a sheen of sweat on his body and it would be odd that a 12 year old was getting this reaction... if not for the sheer amount of bloodlust I was radiating.

"Looking for something?" I asked peacefully, watching as he took another step back. Despite that, I didn't move from my spot. I continued to peer at him and he shuddered for reasons unknown.

Perhaps he thought if he made a single wrong step, I'd jump on him. It was like being in a situation with a predator, maybe he was assessing when the perfect time to run was.

"U-Um..." he stammered hesitantly, before turning on a dime and bolting.

How unfortunate for him. Didn't you know that you were never supposed to turn your back to a predator? You were especially not supposed to run from them either.

He should have just cooperated. Now, I was going to actually have to treat him like he were prey.

My eyes narrowed and I exploded forward, closing the distance between me and the woefully unathletic scientist, in a matter of seconds.

I lunged and tackled the man to the floor with the momentum, ignoring his scream of horror and forcing my hand over his mouth.

"One more noise out of you and I'm breaking a finger. Don't test me, I don't give second chances," I warned quietly.

The scientist's struggles intensified as I flipped him over and I narrowed my eyes.

He tried to reach for a pokeball that had rolled away but I effortlessly kicked it further, before growing tired of his antics and stamping my foot against his hand.

"I warned you. Why do they never listen to the first warning?" I asked calmly.

Gold winced at the man's attempt to scream, but vines wrapped effortlessly around the scientists mouth and nose, muffling him completely.

"I was a little confused on why he took Gaia... but now I totally get it. Those two belong with each other," he muttered, scratching his head.

"You're with Team Rocket right?" I asked lowly, fishing in his outfit and pulling out the card that allowed all the Rockets to identify the traitors.

The man gasped, face turning blue before I had Gaia release him. He gasped heavily and began inhaling as much air as possible.

"P-Please let me go!" He begged, shaking in terror as my Meganium loomed over the both of us.

I pondered his request and nodded easily. "Sure. But where's your Card Key? You look a step above those other traitorous scientists so you must have one. Keep it down by the way, if I think you're getting loud on purpose, bad things will happen to you," I requested, staring down at him coolly.

He shook his head. "I-I don't know what you're talking about! I don't have a Card Key!"

I tilted my head. "Oh. That's a shame. Gaia."

She lashed out again and the man only had a moment to squeal before the vines wrapped around his face again. This time, Gaia put the slightest amount of pressure and for a Meganium, that was still a dreadful amount for a human to deal with.

"Gaia here can lace her vines in poison very easily. You think you'll find help in time?"

He began urgently speaking.

"I can't hear what you're saying," I said calmly, crossing my arms as his panic increased tenfold.

"What a way to go. You thought you were going to cash out big with Team Rocket but instead, you're going to choke on your own saliva in a dark little corner where no one will check up on you. The poison will paralyze you first, then you'll find it hard to breathe... and then you'll lose feeling in your body. Scary stuff," I drawled.

That broke the coward and I distantly heard "I'll tell you! I'll tell you!" coming from his mouth.

I stared at Gaia and nodded, watching as she released the vines around his head with a scoff.

"Ready to be honest with me? One more slipup and it's the end for you," I informed him.

He was staring at me like I were the devil itself, panting harshly and clutching his chest.

"I-I do have a Card Key but I don't know where it is, honest! I must have dropped it somewhere!" he panicked.

I hummed. "Did you lose it on this floor?" I asked.

He nodded hastily. "Yeah it's definitely here! I-I'll help you look for it! I'm sure if we work together, we can find and get out of here. Team Rocket forced me to join them so—"

Whatever he was about to say, never came out because I curb stomped him onto the pavement, knocking him into dreamland.

"Why would I collude with a traitor? So you could betray me?" I mused, standing up and leaving the "For the Glory of Team Rocket!" card on his chest.

I adjusted my gloves out of habit and turned to Gold. "Card Key should be somewhere on this floor. Look on the floors."

Gold nodded, gazing at the body on the floor before shrugging.

"You know. Part of me thought of the starters, Totoree actually fit you the most."

I raised a brow. "Yeah?" I asked, eyes trained on the floor.

"Yup. You two have the exact same aggression and temper... but now that I see you and Gaia, I change my mind. You two are perfect for each other," he snorted.

I huffed in some amusement, running a hand against the pleased Gaia. "Of course. Gaia is Gaia and I'm me. We were bound to succeed with each other."

"Meganium!" Gaia cheered, batting her head against both Gold and I.

Gold grinned fondly at her. "I'm glad we managed to clear up the air, Silver. Thank Mew for Crystal because you and I probably would have brawled it out throughout the region."

I snorted. "I should be thanking Gaia for calming me down. I almost did something I was going to regret if it wasn't for her."

"You two really are good for each other. It's cool that you picked her. She probably used those vines to pull that stick out your ass," Gold mused.

I twitched at that. "Wait till this is over... and didn't I tell you to look at the floor?"

I bent down and snatched up a discarded card off the floor, inspecting it and smirking crookedly at finding my target.

"Seriously, the things you say seem so random but they always payoff... I should take you to gambling one of these days," Gold pondered, inspecting the Key Card with a grin.

I snorted. "Our ideas of getting money from a Game Corner are very different."

"Steal from them after they cheat us out of our money. I'll already milk them dry once I enter," Gold said dismissively.

I actually laughed at that. Some hero Gold was.

The Walkie-Talking surged to life as I spoke into it to alert the other group. "You guys, take the elevator to Floor 5… Gold and I will meet you there."

"Yes sir. Found the Key Card?"

"Yeah. We can group up and make it to the top floor now."

"Alright. This way, Crys!"

As the comms cut, Gold and I rushed over to the elevator and waited outside, ensuring that no other Rocket approached in the meantime.

Team Rocket didn't have an infinite amount of soldiers and a ton of them were outside distracting the police. I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't that many left. It's no wonder they added the mole scientists to their mix.

"Don't let your guard down, Hero. You never know what could happen."

Gold nodded, expression turning serious. "We'll tackle it. Don't worry so much, we got this!"

I grunted and nodded, before turning as the elevator opened up.

Gold, rather blankly, and I watched as a body dropped out of the elevator, before identifying it as an unconscious Team Rocket member.

I smiled proudly, as Green poked her head out soon after, due to the lack of reactions, before a smile broke out on her face at seeing me and Gold staring.

Gold looked at the body of the Rocket, then he looked at Green, then he looked at me.

Then he gave up trying to understand and took his spot next to the exasperated Crystal.

"Are you two alright?" Green asked in concern, ignoring Gaia using her vines to shove the body away.

"I feel like I'm becoming more and more twisted the longer I stay in you two's presence," Crystal admitted.

"W-What?" Green spluttered. She had a confused look on her face. "Are you still thinking about all those Rockets we knocked unconscious? Or was it the looting? I know the interrogation looked bad but I knew what I was doing! I told you it's best if we put the Rockets body in the elevator to catch anyone off guard!"

I mussed up her hair. "Well done. You did everything right."

"She did the exact same things you did," Gold pointed out with a look of disbelief.

"Exactly."

Crystal rubbed her nose slightly. "You found the Card Key?"

"Yeah," I grunted, flashing it to them all.

"We need to strike them fast. We're wasting time battling all these rockets," Gold mused.

"Come on, let's make our way to the top floor then. If we can stall the Executive, Sabrina and Janine will show up in time," I decided.

Well all nodded in agreement. "Alright. Let's go!"

---

The door opened with a mechanical whirr, as I applied the Card Key to it.

On the other side, what appeared to be the innocent Silph Co workers, stared fearfully at us.

There was a lone rocket there. On his right, was a Rhydon of all things and I raised a brow as they both turned towards us.

The Rocket did a double take at seeing the four of us and faltered at the Meganium by my side.

"W-What the?! What the hell are these kids doing here!" he shouted in confusion, recovering swiftly.

A look of confidence appeared on his face and he pointed a finger at us.

"Not another step out of you! If you so much as twitch, the hostages are gonna be in a world of—"

"Giga Drain."

The guy was still in the middle of his sentence, so he understandably reacted late to my command and by the time he registered that I gave Gaia an attack, her vines lashed around the shocked Rhydon.

I resisted the urge to whistle, at how effortlessly she lifted the Rhydon off the floor. The ground type struggled in her grasp and it roared, as her vines began glowing.

It didn't take more than 30 seconds for her to fully sap the ground type and Gaia slammed it onto the floor with a brutal thud.

"Bwuh... w-what," the rocket stammered. "That's not... you're not supposed to attack me! That's not fair! You didn't even let me finish speaking!"

"Cry about it. Loki," I grunted.

The Rocket went pale as, a low snarl sounded out from behind him and he, along with all the hostages, jumped high at the sight of my Zoroark materializing from thin air.

He couldn't even take a step before he was effortlessly brought to the ground, the sharp claws of my first pokemon serving as a good pacifier. With them angled at his neck like that, I imagine he wouldn't make any noises.

I turned towards the innocents and jammed a thumb behind me.

"Get out of here while you can. Go down, not up. The rockets have been dealt with," I grunted.

I heard cries of relief at that, most of the fear at my actions vanishing at seeing that I was on their side.

"Thank you so much!" they shouted tearfully, rushing out of the room.

"T-There are some supplies through that door back there. Seeing as you have the Card Key... please help yourself to it!" a man bowed thankfully.

"I will," I said bluntly. "But how did you guys get trapped in here if none of you have Card Keys?"

"They were all destroyed by that mad Rocket," he explained fearfully.

I raised a brow and stared at the rocket.

"It doesn't matter if I lock myself in here! My allies will save me! For the glory of Team Rocket!" he raved.

I blinked slowly. "Right. I don't really care," I said blandly.

The Rocket spluttered at that, before a vine gently slammed his head onto the pavement, knocking him swiftly unconscious.

"Run along now, civilians," I grunted, marching towards the door with my group.

"Please take the elevator to floor 1. It's been completely cleared out," Crystal guided gently, smiling at them.

"Right! Thank you so much again! We won't forget this!"

I ignored them and swiped the Card Key, watching as the door opened with the same whirring noise.

I smiled in satisfaction at the sight of a plethora of Full Restores and Max Potions. They were lying about, likely produced and ready to be shipped

"Perfect. Knew one of these rooms were gonna be good for something," I muttered, snatching all of them right up and splitting them between our group.

Full Restores were expensive. Stocking up on them cost a pretty penny but they were incredibly useful as well.

"That was good instinct Silver, calling him out on his bluff like that," Crystal praised with a proud smile.

I blinked at her and tilted my head. "Oh. Yeah... Bluff. Right."

Gold guided the confused Crystal away. "Don't continue this conversation for your own good, Crys."

"Huh?" she replied, clearly confused by that.

Green sidled up next to me and I turned to her.

"Good?" I asked quietly.

She nodded, helping me split up the supplies evenly. "It was nice. Crys is a little rough around the edges but we didn't mess up!"

I snorted. "Just a bit more. Be careful."

"You too," she murmured, securing her bag.

"There now we should be fully prepared for this... let's go," I grunted, pocketing my half after making sure no one on my team needed to be healed.

"I feel guilty taking all this stuff," Crystal sighed, spraying down her Feraligatr despite her words.

"Consider it our reward for helping. The guy told us to help ourselves after all," I replied easily, jogging towards the top floor.

The four of us were, quite frankly, too overwhelming for any other rockets to deal with. Even in the even that they managed to send out a pokemon, we just steamrolled them all.

I took extra joy in crushing the two other Rocket Brothers and making sure they didn't send out their members either.

"We're getting close," Crystal called out, eyes narrowed in determination.

In order to utilize our speed, we had returned most of our members. The only one currently out, was Crystal's Mismagius for obvious reasons and Loki.

As our group rushed through to the end, I used the Card Key to access the president's floor and stepped through.

What I saw, made my blood go cold.

There standing in the room of the uppermost floor of Silph Co, glancing down through windows like he owned it all, was a blue haired man in a crisp white outfit.

Part of me was glad it was him and not Ariana... but that didn't make things better for me.

At his side, a Houndoom was already gazing at us. There was a lethal glint in its eyes and I'm pretty sure I realized who was the one who killed those guards at the front.

Eventually however, the Houndoom's gaze locked onto me and stayed there.

At the confused growl, Archer turned around and his confident smile, vanished in favor of genuine surprise.

The man stared me down, cruel and cold stare warming only slightly as he regarded me.

"Silver, what is the meaning of this?" Archer asked with a raised brow.

I smirked sardonically. "Shouldn't I be asking you that? I don't think you're the president of Silph Co."

Archer didn't look very amused by my patronizing tone. "This is not the time for games. What are you doing here? I don't think I have to remind you of what will happen."

Then, he noticed my companions.

"And you've brought friends too?" he mused. "I hope the conclusions I'm coming to are all mere speculation... but I wondered why not a single Rocket came back to me..."

Archer sighed, pinching his nose. "I do hope you're not so petty, that you would allow the attack of Fuchsia to guide you into making such a foolish decision."

I sneered. "You nearly killed me twice. I'm tired of dealing with you assholes."

The executive exhaled. "You certainly are your mother's child," he muttered under his breath.

Gold leaned in. "Dude, he's talking to you really familiar. Like really familiar. What's the deal with that?" he whispered.

Crystal's eyes were glancing at me and Archer, a knowing look in her eye.

"Now's not the time, Gold," she murmured, glaring harshly at the executive as her hand reached for the pokeball of her Feraligatr.

"I see… a group effort to stop me I suppose?" Archer asked, Houndoom snarling with him. A toxin smoke poured warningly out of the helldogs mouth as it moved to guard Archer.

"Looking for something?" I asked mockingly. "Considering you're still here, I guess you haven't found it yet."

Archer twitched. "The electromagnetic disruptor, is a double edged sword. While proving net useful for us overall... that is with the knowledge that we are facing no serious opposition. The lack of communications is rather detrimental for me with the current information granted to me… so I have to thank you for appearing before me yourself."

The executive released his entire team at once and we tensed up.

"I won't question you any further. I will simply do my duties. For the glory of Team Rocket."

I glared darkly at his team of dark types.

A Houndoom, Bisharp, Malamar, Pangoro, Mandibuzz and Crawdaunt…

What a tough fucking team. This wasn't going to be easy to deal with at all.

Archer rubbed his chin contemplatively. "You all have quite the members as well. Even I might struggle against such opposition. I suppose it's a good thing I brought some backup... no matter how useless they may be."

We went stiff as two figures suddenly appeared and my eyes narrowed at the confident, yet somewhat nervous, looks in their eyes.

It was a blonde girl and a green haired man. While nothing about them screamed dangerous, they still looked a cut above the other Rockets we encountered.

I sucked my teeth at that. It didn't matter who the hell Archer brought out. Anything that helped even the numbers, was a disaster for us. He only needed meat shields.

Archer smiled thinly. "You have no one but yourself to blame for whatever happens, Silver. We'll discuss this at a later time."

I glared harshly. "Your buddy underestimated me too. At the end of this, you'll be thinking the same thing as he was."

"Hoh? And what's that?" Archer raised a brow.

"I'm dealing with a maniac," I sneered.

"I see... Agent Butch and Cassidy, deal with the two girls please. You need only distract them while I deal with these two," Archer called calmly.

"Yes Sir!" they saluted nervously.

"I wasn't expecting other agents… can you two deal with them?" I whispered quietly.

They nodded in unison.

"Take the battle elsewhere. The floors are powerful but I doubt it can handle so many pokemon," Archer advised with a knowing smile.

I glared at him. "Take those two away from here. We'll handle it," I muttered to Green.

Green clutched me tightly. "Please be careful. I'll be as fast as I can," she begged me.

"You be careful to. Never look ahead of your current opponent. They'll catch you off guard if you do. Watch each others back."

Crystal and Gold exchanged a quick hug, before both their expressions hardened.

A temporary truce was quietly announced, as Green and Crystal marched out of the room with Butch and Cassidy in tow. It was probably the friendliest we'd ever be with Team Rocket and that wouldn't even last long.

As they walked off, Gold and I spared each other a glance.

"Ready, hero?" I asked him, turning towards Archer with a cold glare.

"You bet. Let's win this," Gold said cockily.

---

"Using so many pokemon at once is rather barbaric, don't you think?" Archer asked rhetorically. "Come. A Double Battle shall suffice. We are not attempting to destroy Silph Co after all."

The Executive waved his hand and at once, the Crawdaunt and Malamar stepped forward.

I snarled but I'd play his game for now.

Gold and I exchanged a glance and we nodded.

"Scytaro let's do this!"

"Loki."

Archer raised a brow at seeing our choices but looked mostly unbothered.

I would make him regret that.

"Agility," Gold and I said at the same time.

At once, both our pokemon sped up with the Agility, blazing through the fields with the enhanced speed.

"Water Pulse. Target the Scyther. Wrap. Target the Zoroark," Archer ordered calmly.

"Not so fast! Double Team!" Gold countered immediately.

Scytaro split into five copies of herself, as Crawdaunt summoned a water pulse in both his claws.

The crayfish fired off the Water Pulse, watching as it slammed through two copies of the Double Team, before conjuring two more to launch at the final two.

As he fired the final two, a confused noise escaped its mouth due to the final two copies of the Scyther vanishing as well, no damage being taken by any of them. It gazed at the final one and conjured a final Water Pulse, clacking its pincers menacingly.

At the same time, Malamar gurgled and it's tentacles launched forward, attempting to catch the Loki closing the distance between them.

Loki utilized his higher speed to avoid the lunging tentacles, eyes gleaming as he fired a Shadow Ball towards the Malamar.

In retaliation, the squid summoned a Light Screen to protect itself from the attack... only to let out a confused noise as it harmlessly connected with the screen.

Archer's eyes narrowed in confusion but I didn't give him time to think.

Gold was of the same mind clearly.

"X-Scissor! Don't stop even once!" he shouted.

"Night Slash. Keep going."

Loki, who had utilized Scytaro's Double Team to set up an illusion, burst from the shadows with the Scyther in question, both eyes of the predators honing in on the Malamar.

The Malamar gurgled in surprise at the pincer maneuver and hastily attempted to conjure what was probably a Reflect...

Only to fail. The complete failure of the move left the dual psychic and dark type completely vulnerable to the onslaught.

Malamars were a strange pokemon. It didn't take a genius to realize that mixing dark and psychic energies wasn't really smart but Malamar was a pokemon that somehow managed to balance both the polarizing energies inside of its body.

Why? No clue but I did know that Malamars also possessed ridiculously powerful hypnotic abilities. Enough for me to deem it a powerful threat.

Archer may have been stronger than us, but a focused attack would still be very effective... especially when you were caught off guard and had little intel.

He was a fool to send it out first because this Malamar would have been the biggest threat on utility alone.

At once, the Malamar was stabbed from the front and back by both the Night Slash and X-Scissor.

The squid gurgled, as it was slashed repeatedly, the bug type attack practically rearranging its insides. Getting hit by a bug type attack, was a Malamars worst nightmare but not only that, getting hit by a large dosage of an external dark type move, overloaded the pokemon.

I watched with a cruel gaze as Malamar let out a final pained noise, quickly overwhelmed by the attacks. It's body practically began attacking itself as well and it didn't take long for the pokemon to be taken out of action.

Archer returned Malamar to the ball with a frown, looking decidedly put off by the fact that he did indeed, pay for underestimating me.

"I see. Your rate of growth is exceptional. I will no longer play around with you."

He had the Crawdaunt step back onto his side and waved a hand forward, beckoning his Bisharp and Pangoro ahead instead.

"Brute strength approach now," I muttered, nodding to myself.

Right before Loki could let loose a Taunt, Bisharp scraped its metallic blades together eliciting a horribly loud screeching noise.

Loki howled at that, sensitive ears being assaulted by the Metal Sound. He barely had any time to react to the Pangoro rushing him, blood in the bears eyes.

"Bullet Punch," Archer commanded.

Loki hissed and ducked under the huge fist, lunging out of the way with his enhanced speed. Pangoro attempted to pursue, only to grunt in annoyance as Scytaro crashed against him with a Wing Attack.

The super effective attacked didn't even look like it did much damage, only serving to draw the Pangoro's attention to it. It turned towards the bug type with a furious snarl on its angry face.

Before the bear could even think to reach out, the Scyther zipped out of range and a wave of fire crashed against its back, courtesy of Loki using Flamethrower.

The stream of fire continued its assault, getting Pangoro to let out a roar of fury, once more turning his attention onto Loki.

"Air Slash, Scytaro! Don't let up!" Gold shouted.

"Sucker Punch."

Both Gold and I froze, as Bisharp finally moved. The steel type lunged forward, sharp hands glowing with dark energy. Without any hesitation, the Unovan pokemon slashed it into Scytaro's abdomen, cutting effortlessly through the bug type.

Gold's eyes flew in horror at that and he hastily returned her, gazing warily at the stone cold Bisharp.

"That things a problem," he muttered, clutching one of his pokeballs.

I grunted, eyes locked onto the sight of Loki dancing around Pangoro's wild swings.

"Loki! Be careful! He's goading you into the Bisharp!" I shouted, watching as Bisharp attempted to launch itself forward again.

"Explotaro! Use Flamethrower on that Bisharp!" Gold intervened right before the Bisharp could capitalize on Loki's weakspot.

The Quilava burst from the ball and snarled, flames igniting on its body as he opened his mouth and let loose a torrent of flames, colliding with the surprised Bisharp immediately.

The chess piece pokemon hissed as the flames bathed it, body heating up uncomfortably at the high temperatures. It's neutral expression made way for a glare and it activated Sucker Punch once more, launching itself towards the Quilava with no hesitation.

As it connected, Explotaro's form vanished and the real Quilava appeared a ways away, opening his mouth once more to fire another stream of fire.

Loki huffed mockingly and vanished as Pangoro attempted to grab him into a bear hug. The real one appeared behind him, claws glowing white, before he began slashing at the Pangoro's legs.

The panda roared as Loki pierced skin and it collapsed onto a knee. There was blood in my Zoroark's eyes as he utilized his superior speed and illusions to dance around his fellow dark type.

Loki snarled violently and lunged forward, poised to piece the panda's head. He was forced to abort that plan and simply settled for raking its face as the Pangoro began swiping wildly.

The bear let out a truly furious shout and I watched with wide eyes as it raised both of its fist and slammed it onto the floor.

"Are you fucking crazy?!" I shouted, stumbling about as the Earthquake shook the building to its core. It was only the knowledge that everything in this world was way sturdier, to counter pokemon's destructive abilities, that stopped me from fearing that the whole place was about to collapse in on itself.

Archer sucked his teeth but otherwise didn't react to the fact his Pangoro was throwing a tantrum.

As I caught my footing, I watched the Pangoro lunge forward on its good leg. His fist barely connected with Loki, before I returned him to the ball.

I hissed and fell flat, due to forgoing balance in favor of getting Loki to safety. He was my most useful member against these people who outclassed me in power.

Without missing a beat, I rushed to stand up and launched my next ball, Gaia bursting out with a determined glare—

"EXPLOTARO!" Gold shouted and a chill crawled down my spine. It was slow and insidious, telling me that nothing good was coming from that scream.

Gaia let out a shout of anguish, watching as blood seeped under Explotaro. Bisharp stood over it, expression blank as blood leaked from the blades on its arm right.

I froze at that, a cold feeling welling in my body as the pool of blood grew larger.

"I warned you didn't I?" Archer said coldly, annoyance on his features even as the Bisharp took its spot back on his side of the battlefield.

I said nothing at that, watching as tears formed in Gold's eyes. A wave of adrenaline filled me so suddenly, it nearly floored me. My eyes widened and I hissed violently.

Shit. Shit shit shit. Not like this.

I grit my teeth, glaring furiously at Archer, and lobbed a pokeball directly at him.

"Hm? And what is this going to achieve?" Archer raised a brow, before his eyes widened as Bisharp suddenly lunged over to his position.

The pokeball exploded with concussive force and I took the opening to rush Explotaro, already grabbing at my bag.

My indecision had potentially gotten Janine's Venomoth killed. I wasn't going to be the reason Explotaro died. Not on my watch.

I pulled out a Full Restore and gently hoisted the Quilava, spraying it down with the potion and watching as it's wounds began shutting…

But despite that, Explotaro was still unconscious, breath getting weaker by the second.

I swore to myself, eyes wild as it refused to get better. If a Full Restore wasn't helping what would? Did we even have enough time to make it to a Nurse Joy?

Well we'd have to.

"You'll be alright little man," I snarled, grabbing him and standing up.

I knew I shouldn't have brought them. I should have been more careful. Goddamnit! Why did I fucking bring them?!

I huffed, mind rushing with what I could do.

I'd have to speak to Green through the walkie-talkie. Tell her we stalled long enough so now it was time to go. Hopefully the Full Restore slowed down the bleeding enough for a Nurse Joy to be able to fix Explotaro up—

I felt a slight tug, that ripped a surprised gasp out of me... and watched as Explotaro let out a gasp himself at the sudden revival.

My brows furrowed in confusion before they widened in disbelief, as a white glow enveloped his body.

I hastily placed the Quilava on the floor and stepped back in confusion, watching as Gold gasped in shock, due to his body changing before our very eyes…

The Quilava grew significantly, height exploding into something long and agile. The flames on his bottom disappeared, as the ones around his neck grew in intensity, heating up the room with the temperature...

"What the fuck?" I said for both Gold and I, watching as the light vanished and the metamorphosis.

Explotaro stood on his hind legs, basking in the evolution...

But he looked different. This was not what the hell a Typhlosion looked like.

"E-Explotaro? What the hell?" Gold whispered in confusion.

"Typhlosion?" the Typhlosion muttered, looking decidedly different from the standard Typhlosion.

It still had the long, agile body and the standard cream colored body of Typhlosion, but the fur on its back was purplish-blue and extended around its neck that looked like a pattern. His ears dropped bsides his head too...

To finish off, those intense flames, that typically rested on the back of its neck only, extended to the collar as well, magenta red (they were supposed to be orange like normal fire!) flames lit up its collar.

...What on earth did I do to Explotaro?

"What?" I muttered in confusion, watching the fire type stand on its hind legs. There was a certain grace to it that contrasted everything I'd apply to a normal Typhlosion.

This wasn't a Typhlosion that I was familiar with at all. What happened to him?

Explotaro shuddered, gaze turning towards me… before taking a… reverent(?) look that only served to confuse me.

Why was he looking at me like that?

"You're alive buddy," Gold sobbed in relief, pulling the fire type into a tight hug.

Gaia let out a relieved sob, bounding over to her friend and wrapping him tightly in the hug.

The Typhlosion looked decidedly confused and I wouldn't be surprised if he truly had no idea what was going on.

I sighed in relief at seeing him alive, before my features hardened and I released the entirety of my team at once, barring Charcadet. I took a Full Restore out and sprayed down Loki, who huffed in thanks.

Full Restores, while easily the best potion to exist, were not something you could just spam over and over again. Repeated use in a short time frame, wouldn't result in anything positive so this would be the last potion I used on Loki until this whole battle was over.

"Look alive Gold. The battle isn't over yet," I hissed.

Gold stiffened at that.

"That evolution was much needed but the tides haven't swung at all. Let's just go for all out assault. Be as careful as possible."

Gold wiped his eyes and nodded, a scowl of fury forming on his face.

"You read my mind. Let's get that asshole," he snarled, releasing the entirety of his team, excluding Scytaro.

As the dust settled, we were greeted by the sight of a furious looking Archer.

His suit had burn marks all over it, his hair was singed and the confident smile on his face was gone in favor of a small scowl.

A Mandibuzz was in front of him. It threw itself in the way of the attack and there was nothing to show for it. Of course there wasn't, Pokemon were way too sturdy.

"I'm growing tired of your games… and I still haven't received news yet…"

His expression turned heinous, before the Executive took a deep breath and sighed to compose himself.

Then, he noticed the Typhlosion and his mouth dropped open in shock.

"What in the world is that?" he asked in confusion, gazing at Explotaro up and down. "A variant of Typhlosion? But how? Is such a thing possible?"

He shook his head. "We will capture that one," Archer ordered, eyes narrowed.

"But other than that, wrap this up," he ordered coldly.

That's when all hell broke loose.

Gaia and Explotaro led the charge. At once the two fired a flurry of flames and leaves that careened towards the 5 of Archer's pokemon.

"Whirlwind."

Mandibuzz lazily flew forward and conjured a powerful wind, knocking the moves off balance. The bird let out a mocking laugh and attempted to activate another move, winds forming around their teammates before it spluttered out.

The bird squawked in confusion as the attempted Tailwind failed and it glared darkly at Loki, who snarled in contempt at it.

Mandibuzz spread its wings and took to the skies, eyes trained on my Zoroark the entire time, but before it could attempt anything in retaliation, a figure flew directly into it.

Wartaro the Rufflet chirped aggressively, scratching and pecking at its evolved rival from the Unova region.

"Wartaro, use Tailwind! Help the team out!" Gold shouted.

"Freyja, stay by me. Use Icy Wind on the bird up there," I muttered.

Wartaro flew back and conjured a gale of wind on our side of the battlefield, getting Mandibuzz to let out a furious shriek at having its move succeed on something else. It soared forward but it's eyes bulged in fury as a gust of cold wind crashed into it.

The Rufflet let out a cackle at that, swooping back in and raking its talons against the Mandibuzz with Slash.

Pangoro snarled, rushing forward again and I gazed warily at it. Even with the claws marks on its face and having its leg cut into, the beast of a bear was still raring to go. To no one's surprise, he rushed Loki, eyes bloodthirsty for revenge.

As he lunged forward, the bear let out a confused shout as it was wrapped in a sheen of psychic energy of all things.

Metang's eyes glowed, Miracle Eye in full effect as it lifted up the Pangoro and brutally slammed it to the floor.

Oberon snarled violently and lunged at its bear, wrapping his tiny paws around the good leg of the Pangoro.

I watched with wide eyes as my Teddiursa let out a might yell and lifted the 300 pound bear clean off the ground by its leg. He used the momentum to completely flip the Pangoro over his tiny little body, delivering a modified suplex with the Seismic Toss.

I ignored the ideas running through my head and beckoned Ares forward, who was already pumped up with Dragon Dance.

At the same time, Gold sent Larvitaro the Pupitar forward and the two launched themselves directly atop the floored Pangoro, forcing the berserker bear back down and knocking the wind out of it.

At once, the two opened their mouths and fired a Dragon and Dark Pulse respectively, smashing it directly onto the howling Pangoro.

To my utter disbelief, that still wasn't enough to take it out and I watched the bear shove 350 pounds of Pupitar and 400 pounds of Shelgon off of it. It pulled itself up once more, roaring as it was surrounded by an orange energy.

"Is that Revenge?!" I thought in disbelief.

Pangoro rushed forward, intent on wreaking complete havoc no matter how much damage it accumulated. It charged with a single thing on its mind...

Which made it all the more susceptible to the Protect.

Ares snarled as the Pangoro crashed into it and the bear but even after nearly concussing itself with the force of the collision, it began battering fist after fist on the green barrier, forming cracks onto it.

Right before it could fully break the Protect, Oberon let out a battle roar and flew through the air, body glowing pink.

Pangoro turned around just in time for the smaller bear to crash into it with Play Rough, eliciting a true howl of pain from the bear.

In a final display of defiance, the panda slammed a fist against Oberon, making the Teddiursa shriek. The force of the blow sent Oberon flying straight towards me and I hastily caught him, skidding backwards from the momentum.

I nursed my unconscious bear and raked a hand through his hair proudly, watching as that demon of a Pangoro finally collapsed.

Archer scowled, brows furrowed as he returned it to the pokeball. At the same time, I returned Oberon, gazing at the battlefield.

I looked up just in time to see Mandibuzz smash a dark wing against Wartaro. The Knock Off sent the Rufflet plummeting towards the ground and before it could collide, Gold returned it.

Loki attempted to mow down the vulture with a Flamethrower but he cut it early as the Houndoom standing by Archer finally moved. It blurred across the field, absorbing the flames and letting out a satisfied hum.

It opened its mouth and fired a massive Flamethrower, dwarfing any I'd seen today. Loki's fur bristled and he dashed away on all fours, blazing across the field.

Houndoom howled eerily, causing a shiver to shoot down my spine, and rocketed after Loki.

"Larvitaro! Go help out Loki!" Gold urged.

The Pupitar grunted in agreement, shooting forward by expelling the gas from its body.

Explotaro and Gaia were locked in combat with the Bisharp, spitting flames and leaves respectively. Crawdaunt attempted to help, but was intercepted by the combo of Ares and Ataro.

My Shelgon served as the main hitter, while Ataro supported her with the impressive dexterity of an Ambipom.

Ataro dashed forward and stopped right in front of the Crawdaunt, making it flinch back slightly and giving Ares the opening to Headbutt it directly in its midsection.

The Ambipom landed atop Ares shell and delivered two swift strikes with its tailed hands, the Double Hit landing directly on the Crawdaunt's face. The water type hissed in annoyance, pincers clacking dangerously as it lunged and tried to snip the Ambipom.

The pincers nearly broke as Ares took the attack instead, hard shell effortlessly repelling the attempt. It got another Headbutt for its efforts and the crayfish clicked in annoyance, roaring in pain as Ataro's tails lit up with electricity before the monkey fired the Thunderbolt.

The Crawdaunt snarled hatefully, rage in its eyes as it recovered from the onslaught.

Ares had no time to react, as an icy blue beam shot out of Crawdaunts pincer. The Ice Beam hit her head on and she roared, instinctively firing a Dragon Breath.

Crawdaunt hissed, weathering the Dragon Breath and opening both of its pincers this time. Two more Ice Beams fired and Ataro hastily pulled Ares, managing to avoid one and blocking the other with a metallic tail.

There was bloody murder in Ares eyes, body icing over from the super effective attack. Her functions were already slowing down, a natural consequence of a dragon being hit by ice type attacks but she refused to let that deter her, simply opening her mouth and letting loose a torrent of flames.

The heat from the flames did a good job at heating her back up but they simply brushed against the Crawdaunt's shell. Ataro dashed forward, fueled by Agility, to follow up on Ares attack—

Only to get snatched out of midair. Houndoom had its maw around the Ambipom's neck and began violently shaking its head, eyes glowing maliciously even as Ataro was hastily returned to the ball.

The Houndoom hissed, spitting out fire, and turned towards Ares.

Ares met its violent gaze with one of her own, rushing the Houndoom with violent intent.

"Ares! Wait!" I shouted urgently, feeling something amiss with the play of events.

Houndoom let out a low growl of amusement and right before the massive Shelgon crashed into it, a dark aura surrounded the hell dog.

To my shock, Archer's strongest pokemon blocked the attack to the best of its ability with its horn, before delivering a violent tackle... that did far too much damage to Ares, who was practically impervious to physical attacks...

"Foul Play," I thought grimly. Houndoom had used Ares awesome power against her to take her out of the battle.

Combined with taking two Ice Beams... I returned her to the ball and the Houndoom howled once more, deftly dodging the rocks thrown at it and dashing off towards Metang this time.

The Houndoom opened its mouth and fired a Flamethrower at Metang's spot, growling in annoyance as the illusion petered out.

It lunged away, avoiding the sweeping claws of Loki, before a psychic sheen covered its body long enough for a rock and two seperate jets of water to crash into it.

The somewhat unserious demeanor of the Houndoom immediately vanished at that and it gazed towards Kintaro the Seadra.

In an instant, it had closed the distance, tearing through the psychic sheen on its body and firing a Dark Pulse into the Seadra's body.

It deftly leapt over the Rock Tombs, landing on one of them and pivoting on its heel to regard Larvitaro. The dog opened its mouth and fired a stream of flames that the Pupitar hissed at, launching rock after rock.

While distracted however, a two Water Pulses crashed into the Pupitar, courtesy of the freed up Crawdaunt. It clicked menacingly as Larvitaro roared, the super effective attack immediately taking it out.

Houndoom snarled and launched itself at Metang, flames licking its maw.

Metang activated Agility, launching itself away. My steel type weaved to the right, avoiding the Flamethrower just barely.

Archer's fire type was quickly closing the distance, gaining on Metang with a predatory gleam...

Only to skid to an abrupt stop, avoiding Loki's claws attempting to gouge out its eyes.

Almost as soon as the Zoroark revealed himself, a figure darted through the sky, glowing a brilliant shade of white and I clenched my jaw as Mandibuzz let out a victorious shriek, slamming into Loki with the Sky Attack.

My first pokemon's eyes widened and he howled as he was launched back from the dreadful attack. I returned him mid flight because I knew he was not taking a Sky Attack with how much energy he had been expending.

Hell, even fully fresh, I think he'd be hard pressed to tank that. Sky Attack was dreadfully strong.

Without the Illusion to shield its position, Metang was relentlessly pursued by Houndoom, who bathed it in a Flamethrower.

I grit my teeth and returned Metang to the ball, stunned by how swiftly the tides had turned. From a numbers advantage... to having three to his four. The Houndoom had completely changed the tides of battle and even with how mediocre his teamplay was compared to Gold and I, Archer made up for it with brute strength.

He was even stronger than Petrel and Green and I stood no chance against the ghost man before. Even with how much our power jumped from back then, this still wasn't close.

Gold and I were very much out of our depth against an Executive.

And it showed in the battle here.

We were being made a mockery of. Most of my team had already fainted. I only had Freyja and Gaia... who was still teaming up with Explotaro to deal with the Bisharp.

Despite the numerous burns and tents on its body, Bisharp was handling the both of them still, keeping them locked in combat while the rest of Archer's members picked off our team.

Explotaro huffed, noticing the numbers disadvantage. The strange Typhlosion snarled, flames burning even brighter.

With a furious roar, the magenta flames around its neck exploded, forming into numerous wispy balls of fire.

Everyone paused at the strange technique, before Explotaro fired the attack.

None of Archer's pokemon were spared from the attacks and I watched as Crawdaunt, Mandibuzz and Bisharp's bodies ignited with burns. They all let out respective noises of pain but other than that, they seemed mostly fine from the onslaught.

Not even the adrenaline rush of evolution, would help type disadvantage and if I wasn't sure before, I was now positive that Explotaro gained some ghost type properties.

"Damn," Gold grit his teeth, returning his exhausted Typhlosion before his evolution could get jeopardized.

"..." I frowned, returning Gaia to her ball as a flamethrower floored her.

It didn't faint her just yet but it was damn close and there was no way she was going to fight 4 of Archer's pokemon.

Archer rubbed his nose in annoyance, letting loose a sigh of aggravation.

"Capture Silver. He has a lot of explaining to do," Archer ordered calmly.

Houndoom growled in affirmation.

"Gold, make a run for it. I won't die," I assured calmly, hiding the way my body screamed. "Get outta here before they kill you."

"What?! Hell no, Silver!" Gold snarled in fury.

Before he could even contemplate taking a step though, the battered Bisharp stood in front of him.

"Rest assured, I won't be killing him. He will make a fine addition to Team Rocket," Archer muttered. "As for you... well let's see what your father has to say about this rebellious streak. I'm sure he'll be glad to hear how you've completely derailed this mission."

I glared at him and clenched my fist, eyes darting in every single direction.

What could I do? Was there a way out? Not likely. I doubted I could outrun a Houndoom, Gold was being blocked off by Bisharp and Mandibuzz was idling about in the air still.

I twitched, body thrumming as my anxiety began steadily rising.

I couldn't go back there. I wouldn't go back to Team Rocket. Not on my life. Not on my life... Not on my life!

Right as my anxiety seemed to reach its peak, I noticed Archer's eyes narrow in concern and froze.

...But it wasn't just my life on the line here. They didn't have to kill me to make me submit. They just had to attack my allies.

...

"...Fuck," I deflated, returning Freyja to her ball.

It was over. I lost. I just needed to accept that or else Archer would start making an example out of my allies.

"I'll get you out of this, hero. Don't worry about me," I muttered to him, even as the footsteps of Houndoom got progressively closer.

As Archer's ace approached me, a sudden spray of water crashed into it.

I felt a well of terror at that spray of water, body completely icing over.

Freyja glared at the Houndoom, protective fury in her eyes as she summoned a small amount of rain over her and stood directly in front of me.

"Freyja. What are you doing? Get back in the ball!" I hissed, eyes wild as she threw herself into the lion's den for no reason at all.

Why would she do that? Why did she release herself from the pokeball?!

Freyja shook her head in determination and I shuddered at that.

"Now's not the time to be a hero! We lost! Get back here, now! You aren't strong enough for this!" I said harshly, putting a steel in my voice that I wanted to apologize for.

Freyja turned to me, some hurt in her eyes... before they hardened as she took a good look at my face.

"Fee! Feebas!" she announced.

I froze at that.

She was doing this... because I was afraid?

I tried to move my hand to forcefully return her, but my arms felt like lead. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't move it.

Was... I really that afraid?

Houndoom snarled in some annoyance but at seeing who had done it, amusement swiftly took place.

"A Feebas?" Archer asked incredulously. "You of all people are capturing a Feebas?"

"Shut the fuck up," I snarled furiously.

Houndoom began chuckling. The gritty barking noise, filled the air for a long while, only for it to be replaced by a gag of surprise, as a sharp beam of water slammed into its mouth.

It began hacking at that, murder filling its gaze.

The fire type snarled furiously and lunged, capturing Freyja in its flaming jaws and biting down.

At the first cry of pain, I immediately returned her to the ball. Not wasting anytime, I released her next to me and hissed, digging into my bag and pulling out the first potion I could find.

Archer scoffed. "Ridiculous. What goal do you have capturing such a worthless pokemon? Is this a test to your abilities on whether you can turn trash into gold?"

My eyes took a notably murderous glint. "I'll kill you. You're dead and nothing's going to save your life. Enjoy the rest of your miserable days because when I get my hands on you, you'll regret all your decisions," I swore, snarling at him even as I cradled Freyja to me.

Archer looked decidedly unintimidated by what he assumed were my empty threats. "You are offended because you chose to rely on a Feebas? I fail to see why. You signed up for disappointment."

"Followers should shut their fucking mouth about my decisions! You've got his dick so far down your throat I'm surprised you can even speak!" I scowled furiously.

Archer twitched, a visible vein of annoyance forming on his face.

"You're saying the same things he's saying. Someone who doesn't have a single independent thought in their head, should never judge another's decisions. The fact that a human like you could exist, makes me sick to my stomach," I hissed.

"Silver," Archer warned, face turning red in his anger.

I ignored him, glaring hatefully at the man. "I don't care what any of you have to say about Freyja because this Feebas you all scorn, is better than any of you lifeless idiots with no purpose but to stroke someone with the first different thought. I made the decision to capture her of my own free will, something you know nothing about. Freyja is my pokemon. Your worthless opinions don't mean shit to either of us. She already knows I accept and love her."

"That's enough!" Archer shouted, fed up with what I was saying.

He took a deep breath to compose himself. "First Fuchsia and now Saffron. You will be answering for this—"

"Shut the fuck up," I sneered, watching as he nearly lost his cool again.

"I'm growing tired of this. We've run out of time. Quickly now, let's be done with this—"

Both Archer and I paused as Freyja gasped loudly. I gazed down at her, harsh expression melting immediately at seeing the burns she was suffering from.

Did I not grab a Full Restore? Son of a bitch. My head was all over the place.

Freyja was panting, burns marring her body and I grunted in concern.

"You don't gotta fight anymore girl. Hold on, let me get you a Full Restore," I muttered.

Freyja took a deep breath and gazed at me, tears in her eyes.

"Fee," she said quietly.

Much to my immense surprise, she wiggled out of my grip and landed on the floor, wincing at the pain she was in.

I sighed at her determination and shook my head. "You've done enough girl. You tried your best and I'm thankful for that... but understanding your limits is important. You've reached your limit."

I ran a hand against her burned scales, ignoring the scalding sensation. "Don't worry Freyja. We'll get out of this. We got out of the situation with Fraxure remember? Just trust me."

Freyja said nothing for a long while, staring at the ground in what I assumed was defeat…

And then she looked up at me, nothing but love in her gaze. There was no defeat, no doubt... just pure, unadulterated, love.

"Feebas! Fee Feebas!" she told me.

I blinked, still floored by the look in her eyes. "No… just trust you this time? You... want to thank me for always believing in you when no one else would?" I translated.

That was when I noticed her the steadily growing intensity of everyone of her scales glowing, shining like a rainbow.

Before I could even register what it was that I was looking at, a brilliant white light engulfed Freyja and I stepped back in shock.

"What?!" Archer shouted in shock, taking a step back as Houndoom and Bisharp did the same in surprise. "But that's impossible?! A Feebas is evolving?! This can't be!"

"Holy shit," Gold gasped, eyes bugging at the incredibly rare evolution taking place right before his eyes.

A thrum of raw excitement, coursed through my body and I felt a new surge of adrenaline, at the sight of Freyja's body lengthening dramatically.

I watched with wide eyes as she began to positively eclipse her previous form.

But that wasn't all. Her body went from a light brown to a primarily cream color, lower half covered in blue and pink diamond-shaped scales, that split off into a tail that was four large blues fins with pink ovals.

Red eyes stared at me with pure adoration, none of it vanishing from when she was just a small Feebas. There were long, pink antennae above them and she had ridiculously long eyebrows that extended far past her head.

"Milo?" Freyja mused, blinking in shock at the deep and soothing noise that just emitted from her. It was a far cry from the raspy (it was cute!) voice she had before. My body relaxed just from a single note and I felt pride swelling at just how impressive she looked.

She looked down in confusion, before those red eyes went wide.

"M-Milotic?!" she gasped, deep voice laced in disbelief.

"Holy shit," I whispered in awe, gazing at Freyja with wide eyes and catching her attention.

I ran a hand against her body, gingerly avoiding the black dots on her neck.

"Look at you girl… you're huge," I mused, watching how she practically eclipsed me in size. "Would you look at that… you finally see that deep down, you're amazing all on your own."

"Mi…" Freyja murmured in realization, tears pricking her eyes as she digested my words. If possible, the love in her eyes deepened before she rubbed her face against mine.

I smiled, before my expression turned serious. "I'll admire you at a later time but listen to me. We've still gotta get outta here, yeah?"

Her expression shifted and turned into one of disgust.

"Freyja," I murmured, shooting Gold a subtle glance.

"I need you to flood this room."

Freyja gazed at me with wide eyes, listening to my blunt command with complete disbelief.

"Listen to me girl. You've trained yourself to the limit as a Feebas. Your control is the best on the team and you know what you're capable of doing... as a Feebas. You aren't that adorable little Feebas anymore… you've got the power now to match the control you've been honing. Show them the fruits of your labor," I muttered, grabbing her cheeks and squeezing them.

I was satisfied to see the determination come back... no, not just that. The raw confidence in her eyes, made me smile proudly.

Freyja concentrated deeply, ignoring the burns on her body. A rain cloud was summoned over her body... but it continued to grow and grow.

I watched with wild eyes as it began pouring. The Rain Dance was dropping so much water, that I was instantly soaked to the bone.

Archer watched on in confusion, attempting to shout and having his voice get drowned out by the heavy rainfall. His eyes widened at that.

He didn't realize Rain Dance was one of Freyja's most trained moves.

I was going to make him regret everything.

Unfortunately for Archer, he just didn't realize how much of a psycho I was. I tried to warn him at the start of this... but you couldn't convince the villains who loved the sound of their voice.

"NOW!" I barked as loud as possible.

I grabbed a Dusk Ball and launched it towards Archer, drawing the attention of every single one of his pokemon for a moment.

At the exact same time, Gold took advantage of Bisharp's distraction to lunge directly at me.

Archer saw the ball flying towards him and had his Mandibuzz fly in front of him to protect him…

Only for them to start hacking as smoke erupted from it instead of an explosion.

I grabbed Gold and said, "Brace yourself," moments before Freyja erupted.

Houndoom howled, charging a truly fierce amount of flames, and fired a gargantuan Flamethrower... only for it to let out a confused noise as it bounced harmlessly against Freyja's scales.

It suddenly began swaying, eyes glowing with the same hue as Freyja's but before the Hypnosis could fully put it to sleep... Freyja struck.

My Milotic glared at the Houndoom raw unadulterated fury, opened her mouth and fired.

A giant wave, boosted by Freyja's evolution, adrenaline and the rain, suddenly spilled out of my water type and she continued to shoot, seeming to have an endless reserve.

The attack looked more like a surf (I could teach her Surf!) and I watched with a maniacal gleam, as the closed off room, instantly began flooding with the help of the rain and Freyja's attack.

Houndoom howled, as it was blasted backwards from the heavy water, struggling to stay afloat as it was submerged underwater. It raised its head once more, before it lost the height to do so, water filling the room past his head.

I took a deep breath, right before I was submerged and clutched Gold tightly.

My fear of drowning didn't flare up this time because I had absolute faith it wouldn't be for long and I was right. Freyja swam towards us at incredible speeds, practically gliding through the water with gorgeous grace.

I grasped her and she rushed us straight to the door, bursting through without hesitation and revelling in her newfound power.

I inhaled the air greedily as the water exploded out of the room, bowling us over, before the giant size of Silph Co leveled it to a breathable amount.

Gold and I shakily pulled ourselves up, coughing out water.

"Sick idea dude," Gold complimented, trudging through the water and taking off his soaked hat.

"I'm surprised you caught on so quick," I returned, wiping my mouth and smiling at the concerned Freyja. It was surreal to see her be so much bigger than me but here she was, a Milotic idling about in the pool of water.

Gold and I stopped, as a strangled snarl met our ears, followed by erratic coughing.

We saw Archer, soaked and decidedly unrefined, grasping his Crawdaunt. It was the only one not returned and he was glaring at us like we had personally offended his existence.

His burned suit was now soaked and stuck to his body, his perfectly neat hair was matted to his head and his face was red as he coughed out globs of water.

"I don't know how you managed to evolve a Feebas… but this changes nothing. You will not win. I will make sure you are captured," he hissed, grasping one of his pokeballs.

"What do we do now?" Gold asked.

"What do we do? That's easy," I said confidently.

"We run like hell of course."

Gold whistled. "Janine might have been onto something when she mentioned we're bros in another universe. I was thinking the same thing."

At once, we both turned on our heels and rocketed off, jumping directly onto Freyja.

"Swim girl!" I shouted urgently.

Freyja didn't even doubt my call. Utilizing the latent Swift Swim from her previous form, my Milotic was off.

"AFTER. THEM!" Archer barked violently.

Gold and I blinked, as we swam right past an Alakazam floating over the water only seconds into our plan to get out of dodge.

"Hold on, Freyja," I commanded, watching as she skid to a stop.

Archer and his Crawdaunt were hot on our heels, but given our headstart it took him a while to catch up. Almost as soon as he did though, intense psychic wave of energy crashed into his Crawdaunt, sending it flying back into the wall.

"A mission utilizing both ghosts and dark types… you must greatly underestimate just what I'm capable of. To think I haven't had my members learn Miracle Eye, is almost offensive," Sabrina intoned, appearing next to her Alakazam with glowing eyes.

She glanced down at the pool of water that reached her knees, before glancing at me.

"Trainer Silver. Trainer Gold," she greeted.

"Took you fucking long enough," I snarled.

"Hmph," Sabrina scoffed.

Archer stiffened and grit his teeth, gazing at the gym leader with blatant annoyance.

"You should consider yourself lucky of the circumstances," the psychic gym leader scoffed, even as the Male Meowstic next to her, caged Archer into a barrier.

The Executive sneered and released his team of dark types, breaking through the psychic sheen with no effort. Houndoom was soaking and furious, spitting out smoke as it glared hatedly at us.

Sabrina didn't even bat an eye at the arrival of the types that countered her the hardest. "Embarrassing. Gallade, Close Combat. Hatterene, Dazzling Gleam."

Gallade teleported from its spot, appearing directly in front of the Bisharp and cut through the steel type in a single slash, not even bothering to strike more than it had to, which Close Combat normally entailed.

That troublesome Bisharp let out a single rasp, collapsing onto the floor and being returned to the pokeball by the shocked Archer.

Houndoom howled and fired a torrent of flames that Gallade easily weaved. At the same time, Mandibuzz squawked in fury and launched itself towards the male evolution of Ralts, intent on crashing into it with a deadly Sky Attack...

Only for Gallade to Teleport away, appearing next to Sabrina once more. The neutral fighting type spared Archer's team nothing, returning itself to the Pokeball.

In its place, Hatterene, whatever the hell that was, began glowing before firing off a massive Dazzling Gleam that crashed into the rest of Archer's teams without crushing force.

Just like that... the Houndoom, Mandibuzz and Crawdaunt all let out piercing cries, before collapsing onto the floor.

Archer watched, stunned silent as the rest of his team was dealt with in a quick fashion.

"A futile attempt," Sabrina intoned.

A psychic sheen wrapped around Archer, forcefully returning the pokemon for him and I tensed up.

That wasn't Sabrina who was doing that. I seemed to be the only one who realized that Archer was not voluntarily returning his team. The panicked confusion in his eyes, gave that away.

"Attempting to escape?" Sabrina asked. She realized almost instantly that a psychic was at work.

"Wait, Sabrina!" I barked suddenly, eyes wide in horror at seeing the icy blue aura. "Don't try to override that!"

Sabrina jolted at my command, and the fact I said her name, and immediately held out a hand, stopping her Alakazam before it could permanently ruin itself.

We watched with bated breaths as Archer vanished, unable to do anything to stop it.

"Good. I'm glad you got away," I thought darkly.

"I suppose you have a good reason for stopping me?" Sabrina asked, turning towards me with a frown.

"Your Alakazam would have become a vegetable," I replied calmly.

The Alakazam next to her nodded, eyes flashing as it quickly communicated something to Sabrina.

"I see. You have my thanks. Alakazam is my first pokemon you see. I would be... devastated if such a thing were to happen," she murmured.

I grunted. "Don't think about it too much."

I let out a strained gasp, as I was tackled to the floor and engulfed tightly.

"Leaf?" I murmured, hugging the girl back.

"Gold!" Crystal shouted in concern, rushing her soaked best friend with wide eyes.

Gold smiled shakily at her and began messing with his drenched quiff. Crystal must have sensed something was wrong with him because she immediately began fussing over him.

"Hey Crys, man do I have a story to tell you guys," he said lamely.

"Our opponents got away," Green frowned. "They weren't strong but they just kept stalling us and then as soon as Janine showed up to support us… they teleported away."

"Same as us then, except our opponent was strong. Really strong," I replied softly.

Green must have sensed something in my tired voice but before she could press me for details, she froze at feeling a heavy stare on her person.

My companion hesitantly looked up, meeting the gaze of Freyja herself and feeling her jaw drop.

"H-Holy shit…" Green trailed off, gaping in awe. "Freyja, is that you?! Is that really you?!"

Freyja continued to stare at Green with an inscrutable expression, before her eyes finally curled up and a smile formed on her face.

She nuzzled my companion happily and Green squealed excitedly.

"Oh my goodness! You evolved! Look at you!" she gushed happily.

"Milo," Freyja crooned, eyes turning back towards me with pure adoration.

"Woah!" Crystal gasped in disbelief. "You managed to evolve girl?"

My Milotic let out an excited noise, red dusting her cheeks as Crystal and Green began fawning and gushing over her body.

"We have to admire her later. She still has burns and I want to take her to the Center. We all need a trip there I imagine," I sighed tiredly.

"Y-Yeah," Gold sighed in agreement.

Our companions gazed at the two of us in blatant concern. We just got out of an encounter with Archer and the two of us had held him off for quite a bit so naturally shit had to have gone down...

But for now, they'd have to hold their curiosity. I wanted to get out of these clothes.

I smiled and returned Freyja to the ball even as she nuzzled me.

"Trainer Silver, while I appreciate your warning, that doesn't explain how you could possibly know something would be that detrimental to one of my pokemon," Sabrina informed me, eyes narrowed slightly as she immediately closed the distance between us.

I looked up at the tall lady, dissatisfaction on my face at how close we were to one another.

"You're not the only one repulsed by someone's presence. I can't much stands yours either so back the fuck up," I lied through my teeth.

I raked a hand through my thoroughly soaked hair, trying to unmat it from my head and failing miserably.

Infuriatingly enough, my cowlick was still standing proudly.

"I just happened to realize that the presence around that Executive, was even more repulsive than yours. It was so jarring, that I knew nothing good would come from it. I'm more surprised you couldn't tell."

Sabrina stiffened at that. "A powerful psychic? One that can cause such damage to even Alakazam?" she muttered to herself.

"If I were at normal capacity, I would be able to tell. However, your presence muddles with my ability to sense what is happening around me," Sabrina said stiffly.

I rolled my eyes. "Is that your excuse for taking so long to show up. First Koga, now you? You gym leaders have horrible timing. You should be glad nothing truly terrible happened because I'd be trying to take your head off otherwise."

"The reason I took so long, is because of you," Sabrina stated bluntly, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Oh wow. You're so afraid of a 12 year old, you can't even show up to the most important location. Some protector of the city you are," I huffed, watching thankfully as Larvee squeezed up against me with her hot body. Just to double up on it, I released Charcadet and let the little guy latch onto me in concern.

Sabrina fully turned to face me, eyes glowing dimly before they finally spluttered out.

"Do not speak so confidently with the knowledge that what you're saying is ignorant, Trainer Silver. You and I are both aware of the effect you have on me," she scowled, flush of exertion already forming on her cheeks. She idly leaned against a Slowking who was basking in the water.

My brow shot up. "Woah slow your road old lady. I get people consider you one of the hottest people in the region but I'm not into you and I never will be," I sneered.

Gold nodded in agreement at the hottest in the region statement, only to let out a faux gasp of pain at the sight of Crystal glaring at him.

Sabrina tilted her head, expression . "I do not see how what you just stated, pertains to what I said. I do know however, that you called me an old lady. I've grown quite sick of you in the timeframe you have been in my city."

I blinked. "Right, I forgot you have the social skills of Janine," I sighed.

Janine, who had just shown up, blinked at the immediate stray thrown towards her and settled for a simple glare towards me.

"I've checked the perimeters, Gym Leader Sabrina," she saluted, stifling her annoyance at me. "The injured are accounted for, the rockets are detained and the citizens are safe. My Crobat has returned to inform me that reinforcements are detaining the rest of the rockets that remained in the city."

"Excellently done, Gym Trainer Janine. I would like to also thank you for your assistance with the other Executive. I was not prepared for a battle against such a formidable foe so you saved me valuable time," Sabrina thanked, smiling at the girl.

Janine looked embarrassed at that. "It's Silver you should be thanking. He's the one who spearheaded the plan."

Sabrina twitched at that, smile vanishing as quick as it came. "Is that... so?" she asked slowly.

I rolled my eyes.

"We'll debrief you later. I'm tired," I told Sabrina, turning away and walking off with Green right on my heels.

"Understood. I will handle the rest. You four exceeded my expectations," Sabrina praised awkwardly.

I grunted. "Maybe give me the TM I rightfully deserve after I kicked your ass. Holding it against me because of personal bias isn't a good look, old lady."

"Why do you need it from me? You've already utilized Green's no doubt," Sabrina intoned.

"Because getting a gift from you fills me with joy," I sneered in contempt.

"…Disturbing child." Sabrina scoffed and turned away. She began walking to the room where Gold and I battled Archer, Alakazam dutifully trailing her.

It turned towards me and curled its eyes up in thanks, getting a nod of respect out of me.

Guess we knew why the woman child was so competent.

I watched Sabrina go with thinly veiled disgust, before stomping out of the place.

"You and Sabrina truly do hate each other, huh? It's even worse than how I feel for you." Janine pointed out.

"She's a freak," I said blandly.

"Normally, that comes off as very offensive… but I don't even think you're talking about the fact she was born a psychic," Crystal chimed in, amusement set on her tired features.

"I don't care about what she was born as. I'm more of a freak if that's what we wanna talk about… I just think her mentality, makes her a sick person," I retorted easily, lifting Larvee out of the grabby Gold's reach.

"Dude, share some heat! I don't wanna release Explotaro right now and you have Charcadet too!" Gold complained, looking outraged by my actions.

"No," I grunted, watching as the bug happily snuggled her warm body into me.

"Asshole," he sighed, closing the distance regardless.

"What happened with you guys up there?" Crystal asked worriedly. "Fighting an Admin couldn't have been easy."

Gold and I sobered up at that.

"It's a long story," we both sighed at the same time.

---

Crystal and Green tried pestering us as we trailed off to the Center, but Gold and I refused to budge.

To be honest, I don't think explaining was on either of our minds right now. The events that just happened, were too much to digest and we were probably sorting through them all.

Not to mention we were tired and soaked to the bone. We would have gotten strange looks from the citizens of Saffron but the streets were filled with League officials instead and they just spared us a glance, before going about their business.

"Trust me, you'll want to see it first," Gold told them both placatingly because I had ignored them from the moment we stepped foot out.

"Tell me now!" Green barked annoyance peaking. She was scowling at us now but I was used to her tantrums.

"Have you never learned what patience is?" I retorted in annoyance.

"I've learned patience from having to deal with you everyday for the past few months!" she snarled.

I twitched. "You had to deal with me?! Are we rewriting fucking history now?!"

Janine sighed. "You're both insufferable to each other. No one is at more fault than the other. Green, they both look exhausted so let's give them a bit of leeway just this once."

Green straightened up at that. A guilty look made its way to her face and she bowed.

"Sorry guys. I was so excited to learn that I ignored that you guys went through a tough battle," she said glumly.

I sighed and pat her messy head. "It's too much to say while walking. I wanna get comfortable and get my team checked up on."

"Same here. My team took a beating and... something weird happened to Explotaro. I think it's best if we get it sorted first," Gold muttered, shooting me a strange look.

The two calmed down at that and we walked in silence, carefully inspecting the city.

Despite the invasion, there didn't seem to be too much property damage. A beaten up house here, some burn marks there… buildings were made of tough stuff so they were quite resistant to basic pokemon.

"How did it go on your end, Janine?" Crystal asked softly.

Janine's features darkened immediately. "It was a squad of Dark and Ghost type rocket members, led by Executive Petrel. They attacked the Gym while Sabrina was battling someone and she didn't have her entire team... else she wouldn't have needed my assistance."

I grunted. "That's why it took so long for you guys to show up?"

"She keeps them in another room of the gym. With my help, we managed to ward them off and I even managed to throw a shuriken at Petrel... but he owns a Dusknoir and a Gourgeist now," she muttered.

I grunted. A Dusknoir to replace his Gengar as an ace and a Gourgeist for his last slot...

Dusknoirs were terrifyingly more competent and dangerous in this world compared to their game counterparts. In fact, they were probably the rarest ghost you could encounter, next to like a Spiritomb, that wasn't an outright legendary.

I wasn't surprised it was causing Sabrina some issues without her full team. I guess I could cut her some slack for showing up so goddamn late.

We entered the center and immediately made our way over to the bustling Nurse Joy. The pink haired woman was giving out commands in a surprisingly strong voice, as the center thrived with the aftermath of the Rocket's attack.

She gazed at our group of 5 and noted Gold and I's state of attire. Her features contorted in concern and the nurse beckoned us closer.

"Did you five assist with Team Rocket?" she asked softly, expression worried. It was probably due to how young we all were as a collective.

Janine was the oldest and she was only 14 after all.

"We did," Janine stepped forward with a serious look on her face. "We assisted against the two Executives who led the charge for this attack and our members are not in the best condition. We'd appreciate if they were checked on."

"And something strange happened to my… Typhlosion," Gold said slowly.

I didn't miss how Crystal and Green's eyes widened in confusion. We didn't even mention Explotaro evolved after all.

The Nurse's eyes widened. "Oh dear! Please, right this way! Is anyone hurt? Executives are dangerous. Chansey, with me! I'll personally deal with this group," she exclaimed, ushering us all to the back.

I sighed.

This was going to take a while.

---

"W-W-What is this…?"

Nurse Joy stammered in confusion.

The reason why?

Because of Explotaro of course.

She stared at the recovering Typhlosion in disbelief. Her eyes were wide in confusion as she assessed the variation of him, stepping back as she opened and closed her mouth.

"What the hell happened to Explotaro?!" Green shouted, eyes wide.

"That's… not what a Typhlosion is supposed to look like," Crystal said slowly, blinking owlishly as she gazed at Gold's starter. Her eyes were getting progressively wider as she digested his full appearance and she let out a confused noise.

"Gold what did you do?!" she hissed.

Gold looked deeply offended by her accusation, towel slung over his shoulder that he used to dry himself. "I didn't do anything! I'm just as surprised as you!"

"He doesn't look as fierce as a normal Typhlosion! He actually looks really peaceful!" Green added with wide eyes, running a hand against the fur.

"I'm not sure what happened," Gold shrugged helplessly. "He evolved after taking a bad blow from that Executive… but he ended up like this instead."

Nurse Joy looked hopelessly lost and clearly out of her depth. "I've never seen a Typhlosion with this appearance. I apologize but this is far out of my expertise… I've run a checkup, ran diagnosis and he seems completely fine but other than that…"

"You can't explain this," Gold said understandingly. "Hey no biggie! I'm sponsored by Professor Elm so I'm sure he'll be interested in finding out what's going on."

Joy nodded, relief on her features at that. "Please let your Scyther and Ambipom rest for a little longer, Gold. Light training, no battles for at least 3 days."

"Awesome! Alright, thanks Nurse Joy!" Gold grinned.

She smiled softly at him, before turning towards me.

I caught her gaze, rubbing the towel against my hair idly and leaning slightly forward.

"Now let's discuss with you Silver… your Milotic —Congratulations on achieving such a momentous evolution — has gone... through strange changes as well."

I raised a brow in some concern. "What do you mean strange?" I asked warily.

She waved her hands hastily. "Rest assured, it's nothing negative... in fact, it's quite positive... I think? She truly did undergo quite a set of strange changes," Nurse Joy explained.

I frowned and nodded. "Can you explain?"

She nodded, pulling out a clipboard. "Well to begin. Your Feebas evolved with quite some extensive burns on her body."

"Yeah, from a Houndoom."

"From a Houndoom... well, if you didn't know, your Milotic has an ability called Marvel Scale."

"It strengthens her scales when she suffers from a status ailment," I explained easily.

Nurse Joy looked impressed, smiling at me. "Yes, exactly! Well... during evolution, the burns of your Feebas, seemed to have interacted quite strongly with the addition of Marvel Scale. To be blunt, her body evolved rapidly to combat the burns."

"So her Marvel Scale is stronger than normal?" I asked.

Nurse joy put up a hand, a an exhausted expression on her face. "I haven't finished just yet... but yes you're on the right track."

I remained silent and nodded, beckoning for her to continue. Everyone else was completely invested in our conversation, wanting to hear about Freyja's changes.

"While I don't have much expertise with Milotic, no one does really since they're so incredibly rare... I do believe that wasn't the end of her changes."

I hummed in acknowledgement.

Nurse Joy sighed. "Your Milotic has an abnormal amount of Dragon type energy. I have no idea what happened so you'll have to speak to an expert I fear... but your Milotic's scales are incredibly dense... almost as if she were a pseudo-dragon. Think Gyarados or Charizard as an example."

I froze at that. "What?"

"I'm just as confused as you. She likely had a Kingdra as a parent and I imagine you've trained her in dragon energy quite a lot... but the burns resulted a mixing of freak accidents and now you have a Milotic with incredibly tough scales," she explained.

Fascinating. Freyja was filled with that much dragon energy? That probably explained why her and Ares argued so much.

"How about the burns? Have they been dealt with?" I asked in concern.

Nurse Joy nodded with a small smile, much to my relief.

"So her scales are that tough without Marvel Scale?" I whistled.

Tank was one way to put what she had just become.

"The rest of your members are mostly fine. The fractured injuries have been dealt with but let your Zoroark rest for you a little."

I nodded at her words and Nurse Joy smiled at us all, a thankful look on her face.

"I can't thank you all enough for the contributions you made in protecting Saffron. I know you must be exhausted so please follow me and I can give you your keys to the rooms. Stay in as long as you'd like," she bowed deeply.

"We will," I grunted tiredly, eyes threatening to shut.

At least I wasn't injured this time around. I was getting tired of being injured.

"I need to take a shower."

"Same," Gold sighed, returning the relaxed Explotaro to his ball.

"I'm going to contact my father and finally inform him of what I've been doing," Janine said, frown on her face. "It's unfortunate that Petrel managed to escape once more… Let's meet up again tonight? Silver's room?"

"No," I said flatly.

"Yeah!" Green, Crystal and Gold agreed.

I sighed as Green immediately began dragging me away to our room.

"I'm showering first," I said firmly.

"Kay! You did amazing so I won't complain," Green laughed.

I rolled my eyes, hiding my smile with a scowl.

"We didn't win. We probably weren't going to win either if not for Sabrina showing up… and that leaves a bad taste in my mouth."

Green's positive demeanor didn't damper at all.

"We're punching above our weight class for now! Once we get stronger, they'll tremble at hearing we're in the vicinity!" she encouraged.

I snorted in amusement. "Good job, Leaf."

She grinned brightly and yanked me into a hug. "Great job, Silvy!"

---

"So Explotaro… took an almost fatal attack?" Crystal asked in concern, sitting on Green's bed.

Gold nodded with a frown and ran a hand against the relaxed Typhlosion. "I was terrified. I didn't know what to do and I froze up. If it wasn't for Silver… I don't know what would have happened…"

I sighed as all eyes turned to me. "I didn't want him to pay the price of a war I'm waging. You guys are helping me… so I have to extend the same courtesy," I said stiffly.

Gold gazed at me. His molten gaze were wide and he ducked his head.

"Silver… thanks," he said truthfully. "You saved Explotaro's life… and I don't know what you did or why he looks like this… but he's good now and that's all that matters."

I shuffled uncomfortably. "I don't know why he looks like that either but I know it has something to do with me."

Explotaro gazed at me with a faraway look in his eyes, he was tinkering slightly with his small and uniquely colored flames, making sure not to burn anything around him.

"Explotaro," I said slowly, watching as he lit up and turned towards me. "Are you a ghost type?"

The Typhlosion mulled my question over, before nodding his head leisurely.

"Ty," he replied in confirmation, holding up a hand and summoning a flame too.

"So you're a Fire and a Ghost type," I observed carefully, watching as Misteree inspected her fellow ghost.

I sighed at that and absentmindedly rubbed a hand against his head, watching as the supposedly aggressive pokemon leaned into my touch.

Explotaro didn't hate me like Totoree did but he certainly didn't like me all that much. He was far less ignorant too, willing to give me a chance.

But now it was almost like he adored me…

Which went against literally everything I thought I knew. Ghosts didn't like me at all. Becoming one, should have made the Typhlosion actually hate me.

Not only that, now Dree and Misteree could actually tolerate my presence.

Ugh. Whatever. I'm positive now that I had a solid lead... but getting to that lead was for later.

"Why did Team Rocket even attack, Saffron?" Janine mused. "This was far more coordinated than the attack on Fuchsia. They were here for something."

"Whatever it was, I don't think they got it," Gold added, frowning as he crossed his arm.

"But what could it have been?" Crystal pondered.

"Something important enough to risk the wrath of Sabrina over. She's the last gym leader someone would want to attack," Green muttered.

I blinked slowly. "Oh right. They wanted this," I informed them, pulling out a purple ball with an M adorned atop it.

My group blinked slowly.

"It's called a Master Ball. Catches anything without fail allegedly. I think this was the only one in production, since I imagine the resources needed to make a ball that never fails is steep," I explained slowly, noting their confusion.

They blinked again.

"A Master Ball?" Janine croaked in disbelief.

"T-That's what they wanted?!" Crystal shouted.

"Was it to catch a Legendary?" Green wondered.

I nodded my head, confidence in my musings from long ago swelling.

I was right. Team Rocket didn't have Mewtwo fully under control. Their relationship was strenuous, one bad thing needing to happen to shatter it.

That's why they wanted the Master Ball. So they could elicit total obedience. The resources needed to manufacture a ball that allowed you to control something...

"When the hell did you snag that?!" Gold asked in disbelief, jaw dropping as he gazed at the ball.

I snorted. "A master doesn't give out his secrets for free. Actually, that reminds me..."

Gold watched with wide eyes as I pulled out a Metal Coat from my bag and tossed it to him.

"There, that should help Scytaro feel better. Use it whenever she's ready."

My counterpart gazed at the Metal Coat in disbelief. "Holy shit... you're even more skilled at taking things than I thought! After our first encounter, I thought there's no way you were that good but damn did you prove me wrong!" he gaped.

I grunted. "It was an off week for me is all. That's long past me... but that's not all."

I ruffled in my bag some more.

"Silph Co was working on something very interesting and while I don't really need it... I figured you guys could use some," I grunted.

Crystal, Gold and Green all hastily caught the object I threw at them with wide eyes.

The marble sized object gleamed unnaturally, matching the one I already took ages ago back in Johto.

"I think this is a good reward for stopping Team Rocket. Enjoy. It's called a Key Stone," I explained, leaning back.

"A Key Stone?" Crystal asked in fascination, gazing at the stone with wide eyes.

I nodded. "You won't find much use for it now... but in the future, you'll eventually access something called Mega Evolution. It allows certain pokemon to temporarily evolve further."

My group perked up at that, eyes going wide in unison at the knowledge I was feeding them.

"You mentioned certain. Not every pokemon can Mega Evolve?" Crystal asked certainly, digesting the information greedily. She was a real nerd alright.

I nodded. "This is a secret by the way. Don't reveal that you know this information."

They seemed to all be used to me having secrets so my group just nodded.

"You have to find a Mega Stone for that pokemon. I won't go through a list of every pokemon that has one... but for you guys specifically..."

I pointed at Crystal. "Khanaree can Mega Evolve."

Crystal's eyes widened. "Wow!"

I pointed at Gold. "Larvitaro and Scytaro can Mega Evolve."

Gold grinned. "What? Two of them?!"

I pointed at Green. "Saury can Mega Evolve."

Green's grin widened widely. "Seriously?! That's so awesome! So we just have to find the Mega Stones?"

"That's easier said than done," I snorted, reaching into my bag and tossing another Key Stone to Janine.

She caught it with surprise, eyes wide.

"You don't have anyone that can Mega Evolve. The only poison types I'm aware of Mega Evolving are Venusaur, Beedrill and Gengar," I grunted.

"Then... why are you giving me one?" she asked in confusion.

"No reason," I said easily.

She stared at me for a long while before nodding. "Right... no reason. Okay," she said.

"Alright, we've discussed enough. I'm tired," I sighed, laying back and shutting my eyes…

I didn't even grunt as a figure threw themselves on the bed next to me.

"Sleepover! Woohoo!" Green cheered, leaping on my bed and jumping up and down repeatedly in her excitement.

That made me shoot my eyes open and I glared at the excited girl.

"No," I hissed violently. "Out. Now. Go to your rooms and let me sleep in peace."

"We're all tired as hell Silvy. Let's just sleep," Green demanded, shifting her body in midair and landing flat next to me with a beaming grin.

Crystal looked as if she were about to deny out of the niceness of her heart but Gold nodded in agreement with Green and landed on the opposite bed.

"Sounds good to me," he yawned, shutting his eyes and instantly falling asleep.

"Wait Gold we should leave them... and you're already asleep," she sighed, pinching her nose.

I bared my teeth and lunged at Green without any hesitation, trying to choke her with all my might.

"Agh!" Green let out a strangled yelp and we began rolling around the bed.

"I'm going to my room," Janine said flatly. "All they've done since I've met them is fight and fight. How do they not get tired of it? The Color Gang is too much for me."

"I'm not sure how they fight so much… but I do know I'm tired and my room is quite far so I'll sleep here too I guess," Crystal sighed.

Green and I didn't hear them because we both fell asleep seconds into our brawl, snoring in a tangled mess.

At the realization that we were asleep, Janine smiled fondly and pushed the blanket over us.

"Hopeless," she exhaled.

---

I grunted unexpectedly as I was abruptly pulled into a ridiculously tight hug. At the realization of who it was, I gave up resisting and just let it be.

"Must you worry me all the time?" Lorelei murmured, squeezing me in relief.

She pulled back, grabbing both my cheeks and inspecting my features with concern in her eyes. "I just want to go a day without being concerned about you."

I sighed as she pulled me back into her embrace.

Whatever, just let her do what she wants.

"No one told you to worry about me every single day of the week. That sounds stressful even for me," I pointed out.

Lorelei sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Three executives in such a short span… most trainers would be dead. That's why I'm so worried. I know your skilled... but luck certainly plays a part in being able to survive an encounter against them," she murmured quietly into my ear.

I grunted at her cool breath.

"I tried to call you," I said truthfully, patting her on the head.

Lorelei was torn between being offended that I ruined her perfect hair or cooing at the action of me patting said perfect hair.

"There was some type of disruptor that cut off communications. I event sent Janine to get that freak of a Gym Leader so that we could have backup. I'm taking steps to be more careful."

Lorelei squeezed me, relief on her features.

"Thank you… but you know I'll feel most satisfied if you just let me…"

"No," I denied firmly. "I can't expect an Elite 4 member to play bodyguard for me all the time. I understand your concerns but we'll be fine," I assured, patting her on the head once more.

Lorelei sighed in defeat and just accepted the headpats. "Perhaps I should just pay you random visits. Chaos seems to follow wherever you go…"

"I know aunt. If that's what makes you feel better, feel free," I replied back, sighing as she dragged me into another hug.

How much was she going to hug me? She was as bad as Green!

"...Can someone please explain what's going on?" Crystal asked, dumbfounded at the sight of me being used as a stuffed animal by my aunt.

It wasn't everyday someone saw Elite 4 Lorelei doing something as affectionate as doting on someone. Most people probably assumed she didn't even know what that word was.

Yet here she was, doing something that completely contrasted the personality she was typically portrayed with.

Lorelei truly didn't have a shame in the world when it came to me. No matter who was watching, it would not change the way she treated me.

She was way too proud to show me off all the time. My aunt was lucky I didn't get embarrassed that easily.

Case in point, she practically began glowing when I told my group that she was my aunt.

"Elite 4 Lorelei is my aunt," I explained to them, rolling my eyes as she smiled brightly at me.

Gold, Crystal and Janine all blinked, disbelief taking root slowly but surely.

"What did you just say?" Gold asked slowly.

"A-A-Aunt?!" Janine whispered in terror.

"Bwah?" Crystal let out a helpless noise of confusion.

If I had to guess, Lorelei was probably her favorite celebrity in both Kanto and Johto.

My aunt sobered slightly at the looks being shot her way. She adjusted her glasses and her expression shifted.

"You three helped assist Green and Silver, correct?" Lorelei asked, rigid as she went into ice queen mode… all while still holding me. "You have my sincerest gratitude. Thank you for helping my reckless nephew."

Gold recovered first.

"U-Uh it was no biggie. He's our grumpy buddy!" he laughed awkwardly.

"We're happy to help him! We'd doit again!" Crystal squeaked, eyes wide as she gazed at Lorelei.

"Did you know Silver's auntie was Elite 4 Lorelei?!" Crystal hissed into her best friend's ears.

I huffed in amusement as Gold shook his head rapidly.

"How the hell am I supposed to know that, Crys?! He has literally never mentioned anything even involving family!"

"B-But how can someone like Silver be related to someone like Lorelei?!"

"I'm asking the same questions here!"

Janine looked pale as a ghost, sweat forming on her features as she saw just how much Lorelei doted on me.

It was very clear, she was recalling the previous way she treated me but did she seriously think I was going to use that against her?

There was only one person, who wasn't an outright enemy, that I'd shamelessly sick my overprotective aunt onto.

"Elite 4 Lorelei."

...Speak of the fucking devil.

Lorelei glanced to the side at that, taking note of the groan of disgust I let out.

"Gym Leader Sabrina," she greeted kindly. She chided me with a gentle pinch and ignored my warning snarl.

"What are you doing here?" I asked flatly, gazing at the psychic with an unfriendly stare.

To my slight surprise, Sabrina lightly sucked her teeth.

"I find myself filled with regret just showing up," she said flatly. "Unfortunately, I have my duties to fulfill."

Considering how close I was, I could feel my Aunt's confusion clear as day. She definitely expected me to be antagonistic because that's just who I was.

But Sabrina reciprocating my energy, was probably the last thing she expected.

"Elite 4 Lorelei, how is it that you can possibly tolerate Trainer Silver? Is your patience truly limitless?" Sabrina asked genuinely, looking at the two of us with an almost curious expression.

"The stick up her ass doesn't go in nearly as far as the one in yours, freak," I replied easily, before hissing as icy cold fingers began gripping my cheek.

"Language, Silver… and I would appreciate if you didn't say something so vulgar about me," Lorelei chastised firmly, a slight dust of embarrassment at my words.

I turned to glare at her, baring my fangs warningly. "It was a compliment," I snarled.

"If that is your idea of a compliment, that is yet another thing we have to add to your lessons," she sighed, flinching as I returned the favor and pinched her cheek.

"You still think I'm teachable?" I asked incredulously.

"It's just not adding up, Gold!" Crystal sounded far more distressed this time.

Had she been trying to find some sort of correlation between Lorelei and I? The sheer distraught on her face was very reminiscent to when I destroyed Sabrina's image to Green.

Green in question, was patting Crystal reassuringly. Her and Lorelei had exchanged a quick hug before my aunt decided to hog me for the entirety of this meeting.

Lorelei turned towards Sabrina, ignoring me for the moment. "To answer your question, Sabrina… Silver is my nephew. I tolerate him for the sake of anyone who he may meet in the future," she said tiredly.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't sound so tired, Ms. Aunt. You're the one who asked for this by refusing to leave me alone," I snarked.

"You do not fill me with energy. You're draining," Lorelei bit back.

"Thanks."

"That... wasn't a compliment. And could you at least call me Lorelei or Aunt Lorelei? Ms. Aunt sounds very patronizing coming out of your mouth."

"I could call you stalker if you want."

"...Ms. Aunt sounds fine."

Sabrina gazed at the two of us bickering with an unreadable expression.

"I see… Lorelei, I truly do pity you," Sabrina said genuinely. Her face even turned apologetic and all.

"Another word and I'm posting the picture on the web," I said calmly.

Sabrina, very wisely I should add, did not say anything else. She just settled for a deep glare that I returned with an innocent smile.

"Silver… whatever pictures you have… you cannot post them online. It almost sounds like you are blackmailing one of our gym leaders," Lorelei stressed.

I blinked. "Then I'll send them to journalists and they can post it online. Besides, it's not like the picture is illegal. I have taste you know... but it sure is embarrassing."

"Does he always have a solution?" Crystal whispered to Green.

"He's evil," Green replied flatly.

Lorelei gazed at me in confusion. "What is this picture you speak of exactly?" she asked warily.

Before Sabrina could even think to stop me, I fished my phone out and flipped over to the photo.

Remember when I said I'd only sick Lorelei on one person? Yeah, if you didn't realize... that person was Sabrina.

Lorelei's eyes widened and her mouth dropped slightly at the sight of Sabrina.

"Oh… Silver, why do you have such an image?" she asked slowly.

"It was directed towards me," I said as ignorantly as possible, with full knowledge that she was going to misinterpret it.

"T-Truly? For what reason would Sabrina be looking at you in such a way?" Lorelei spluttered, turning accusing eyes towards Sabrina.

Unfortunately, my aunt was just too smart for her own good.

Once the shock of the situation died down, Lorelei took a deep breath and turned towards me with a disapproving glare.

"Silver, I don't appreciate you instigating the situation so proudly. I'm sure you omitted some very key details."

"Worth it. Any dip in opinion for that old lady is something I'll gladly take," I smirked.

Lorelei exhaled, pinching her nose slightly. "My apologies, Sabrina. I'm very sure this picture was taken out of context."

"I still to this day, don't know how or when he took it," Green said flatly.

Sabrina's expression fully cracked and a tired expression finally took over.

The Psychic let out a sigh of exhaustion and rubbed two fingers against her forehead. "Let us get this over with. I do not think I can go another day with you in my city."

"You're welcome for the help, pervert," I retorted smugly.

Lorelei sighed and immediately slipped into professional mode. "You five played a major part in assisting Gym Leader Sabrina during the invasion of Saffron City orchestrated by Team Rocket. While Gym Trainer Janine went to inform her of what their target was, you four trainers happened to already know and delivered a follow up attack on Silph Co. How is that possible?"

If there was one thing about Lorelei. She sure did ask good questions.

Unfortunately, I was a great bullshitter.

"While running around the city, we saw a Rocket guarding the entrance to Silph Co. The city was in chaos, but this part was pretty barren with not nearly as much citizens around... almost like they were chased away from it," I explained easily, taking the reins of the conversation.

"We got suspicious at that. Janine told us that there was also a rocket guarding Saffron Gym when she approached and that's for obvious reasons. Once I saw the guard in front of a building as important as Silph Co, we dispatched of him pretty quickly. It made the most sense to me that Silph Co was the true target because the only other target would be Sabrina… but on the off chance that I was wrong, I sent Janine to go assist her since she has more battle experience than us," I explained.

Lorelei pursed her lips at that and nodded. "But you were right that Silph Co was the target."

"That's why we went as four," I countered. "Strength in numbers means we'd be less likely to have a truly unfavorable matchup. Janine helping Sabrina also gives them a faster chance to come help us. The best chance at success, was making sure Sabrina knew what their target was."

Sabrina mulled over my response with a surprising amount of focus, nodding along with my words.

Lorelei was not so easily convinced.

"That plan or yours barely worked," Lorelei chastised. "From what I'm understanding, Trainer Gold very nearly lost a pokemon in action… and now it has evolved into a form of Typhlosion I have never seen before. It is not just me either. I can assure you, no one has seen a Typhlosion with this appearance before."

The Elite 4 member gazed down at me. "What you did was incredibly risky and dangerous. If not for timely interventions, you could have suffered significantly more," she chastised.

I stared at her, nonplussed by her firmness, only to sigh at the concern behind her stern demeanor.

"I understand… but Team Rocket absolutely could not succeed here," I informed her stonily.

Lorelei flinched back in surprise, taken aback by my grave expression.

"Kanto is on the brink of complete collapse. The S.S Anne is one of the greatest travesties in recent times… but it was still just a boat. Saffron City is the heart of the region. If Team Rocket successfully got what they came here for, morale would plummet to levels you can't salvage. The region would be done for and Johto would follow soon after."

"..." Lorelei said nothing.

I frowned to myself. "This was a clear and cut targeted attack to keep Sabrina distracted so they could have free reigns to Silph Co. There was no one else in there to stand up to them. If we didn't do anything, Sabrina probably wouldn't have even encountered them and they still got away when she showed up."

Sabrina frowned at that. "I find myself agreeing with his assessment. Janine's assistance helped me speed matters up but we were completely unable to capture the Executive who targeted us."

"And we're the ones who offered to go with Silver!" Gold interjected boldly. "If it were up to him, he'd probably leave us all behind!"

Lorelei crossed her arms and frowned. "Do not misunderstand, I am not upset with any of you in any capacity. The only one I am upset with, is Silver because I know Silver had an inkling that something was going to happen to Saffron."

That silenced everyone else.

I said nothing as her gaze turned back towards me.

"What you are doing is beyond reckless and nearing suicidal, Silver. You do understand that a simple Executive is of no importance at all to my team am I correct? Why would you refuse to call me for assistance?" she asked, gazing down at me in disappointment.

I stared back with a frown.

"I tried to call you," I repeated slowly, even showing her the repeated failed calls. "The Rockets ensured that it would fail. They didn't want anyone to call backup."

Lorelei stared at me. "So why is it, that Sabrina has been completely unable to use her latent psychic abilities for so long? You've been in Saffron for far too long for it to be a coincidence. You were aware that something could have potentially happened."

I sighed. "It was a hunch. A hunch based off information I gathered from my previous encounters with them. Green and I are in no rush to continue our journey. We still have months before we need to get all our badges so we took the time to train. On the other hand, it makes no sense to get the entire league worked up off a hunch."

"But…" Lorelei trailed off.

I put a hand up to stop Lorelei from saying anything. "You're about to say something that fully shows your bias towards me and I'm trying to avoid that same thing. No, you can't take action off of a hunch made by me. I would have contacted you if my hunches were proven correct. If they weren't, then you'd be on alert for no reason. Anyone else would have been apprehended for making a false call like that. In the first place, I thought I was actually wrong and was about to leave the city."

Lorelei shut her mouth at the truth of my words.

"Since my hunches were right, I tried to call you. What I didn't expect and what I didn't know, is that Team Rocket has a way to interfere with communications. Now that I know that, I'll have to get some countermeasures ready," I muttered.

Lorelei stared at me, gaze inscrutable. I couldn't tell what she was thinking in this moment but my aunt eventually exhaled and pulled me in a tight hug.

"...Why must you be so mature?" she asked, conceding with a despondent sigh. "Please be a little more childish so I may spoil you."

"Shameless," I told her in amusement. "Alright, I'll let you spoil me more."

She smiled at that, pleased.

"Right then… I wish to travel with you back to Fuchsia. You plan on returning there correct?" she asked.

I nodded in acceptance. "That's fine with us. We need to drop Janine back off anyways then get ready for Cinnabar."

"Excellent. I'll make a call and we'll set out tomorrow," Lorelei smiled, dragging me close without hesitation.

I sighed, hiding my smile at the completely shameless dork who was my aunt.

"Whatever you say Ms. Aunt."

"Must he truly remain here for another day?" Sabrina asked in blatant disappointment, massaging her temple in annoyance.

"Bare with it a little while longer, Sabrina. Support will be arriving to Saffron later today," Lorelei assured.

"Too bad. Another day in the same city as you? I wanted to leave today," I said flatly.

"Your existence may be the single worst thing to have ever happened to me," Sabrina intoned.

"Aww how touching. Little Ms. Sabrina is a tsundere," I mocked.

Sabrina's brows furrowed. "What on earth is a tsundere?" she asked. Of course she did. Psychics really were too curious for their own good.

"I'll tell you when you're older," I replied with a smug smile.

Her eyes glowed brightly at my response, a tiny scowl forming on her face.

Lorelei pinched the bridge of her nose and exhaled. "Perhaps it truly is best if we leave tonight?"

I mulled that over and pat her head. "Nah. You look tired. Relax some today and we'll head out tomorrow."

My aunt, and everyone else, blinked at my gesture of kindness before she happily squeezed me.

"You're too nice to me, Silver," she murmured kindly.

"But of course. How could I not be nice to my doting aunt?" I asked, smiling.

Out of her line of sight, I flashed Sabrina a smug smirk and gave her a double middle finger.

"Go fuck yourself, freak," I mouthed shamelessly.

To my immense satisfaction, I watched as her glowing eyes twitched violently.

Before she could do something she regret, Sabrina's Gallade placed a gentle hand on her and teleported the woman away.

"There is no feasible way he has a normal colored heart. He's a demon," Janine muttered low enough for the oblivious Lorelei to miss.

"You get used to it," Green said numbly, no emotion in her voice at all.

I didn't miss how everyone shot Green a sympathetic stare.

"Oh? Where did Sabrina go?" Lorelei asked curiously.

"Not sure. Maybe she's tired," I lied through my teeth. "Speaking of which. You're tired too. Go relax; I still have a room booked so we can go there."

Lorelei put a hand over her heart. "Your attempts at easing my worried heart are working too well. You're still in trouble."

"Sure sure," I agreed.

"She's so oblivious! How doesn't she see the smoke and mirrors?!" Gold whispered to Crystal.

"I thought his name was Silver because of his eyes. No it's because of his tongue!" Crystal replied back.

I snorted at that and resisted the urge to laugh.

Idiots. All of them.

---

"Oh hey you guys!"

We looked up at that and Green beamed, waving happily.

"Woah! Hey Mason!" she waved.

Our group of 5 were currently preparing to go treat ourselves (Janine's treat) to dinner.

Lorelei had gone off, claiming she still wanted to assist the city and demanding we go relax.

"You're still here?" I raised a brow, watching him exchange greetings with everyone there.

He nodded happily. "I heard you guys helped battle Team Rocket! I helped too!"

Janine nodded. "He was actually at the gym. He and another trainer did a good job battling the grunts while we dealt with Petrel."

Green awed, clapping happily for him. "Great job, Mason!"

He blushed bashfully and rubbed the back of his head.

"I wouldn't have been able to do it without you guys helping me!" he exclaimed. "I even got my badge! I did that strategy with Shuckle... but I don't think Sabrina likes me very much anymore. I told her that Silver helped me and I could have sworn she was about to attack me!"

I snorted at that. "I will do whatever it takes to piss her off. Even if it means helping painfully average trainers," I huffed.

The boy laughed, not affected by my words nearly as much as earlier.

"I'm gonna go battle Koga now! First I'll stop at the Celadon Department Store so I can buy a Leaf Stone for Gloom and then on the way there, maybe Charmeleon will evolve!" he explained eagerly.

Gold laughed and slapped his back, making the small guy stumble about. "Keep it up dude! You've got a lot of heart so I expect to see you at the League!"

He colored and nodded happily. "I'll be there! That's my goal! I hope I get eliminated by one of you guys!"

Crystal giggled. "No plans to win?"

"I'll do my best to win but I won't be mad if I lose. This year of trainers are really tough!"

I rolled my eyes at that. "Keeping your expectations realistic is smart. I guess I can see why that Charmeleon hasn't killed you yet."

If possible, Mason's face turned the reddest it had yet. "You were right you know? Charmeleon really was losing a lot of respect for me... but we talked and now we're best friends! We set achievable goals with each other and practice hard!" he explained.

I nodded. "Good. For all your lack of skill, you don't deserve to die," was all I said.

Janine sighed. "One day you'll just say something nice."

"Maybe. It's definitely not today though."

"Alright! I'll see you guys later!" Mason waved, adjusting his pack. He removed a pokeball from his waist and released his Fearow, before attaching a saddle to it.

We watched him go with varied expressions, Fearow batting its massive wings and taking off.

"It's pretty funny that none of us have a pokemon that can carry us like that," Green mentioned idly.

"Crobat can carry me... but only me," Janine added helpfully.

"The rest of us have a long way to go," Gold said dryly.

"I think Silver and I have the longest wait... though actually, Airee can carry us now!" Crystal realized.

I nodded. Dragonair's could fly pretty easily and they were huge to boot. Airee could probably carry them fine.

Green and I on the other hand were not so fortunate. Togee, while on the cusp of evolution, was quite far from becoming a Togekiss and I had no clue when Ares was going to become a Salamence.

It was far out so we were still traveling the old fashioned way.

"Alright, enough idling around. Janine is treating us to dinner," I said.

Janine's eyes twitched. "You don't get to decide that, Silver!"

Then, she sighed and held her head.

"But... I would be willing to pay. I'm glad you all made it out alive. If anything happened to you guys..."

We all stared at the ninja. Her eyes were shut and she let out deep breath.

It was no secret that Janine had grown close to our group over the time she had spent here.

These days, I just let her say she disliked me for the hell of it. Both of us knew the truth but neither of us would ever say it out loud.

It was good that she had friends now. They helped her come to terms with Venomoth far easier because the other members of the Color Gang had the energy required for that.

They were good people. I wasn't surprised that they could help her.

"You'll even pay for me?" I crooned, stepping up to her with a coy smile.

Janine turned immediately wary at the way I was looking at her.

"Maybe you don't like just girls. Good for you, ninja girl. I still won't approve of you and Green though."

Green's face lit up. "W-What?! Janine?! What's he talking about?!"

Janine's jaw dropped and she lunged at me with no hesitation.

"I'm going to give you another black eye, you stupid chaos machine!" she snarled.

I hissed up at her and weaved my head to the left, avoiding the fist and watching as it crashed on the floor.

"Another black eye huh? Let's fucking do it then!"

My allies just watched the two of us fight, eventually dragging us apart so that we could go get lunch...

I took great joy in the horror on Janine's face when we eventually got back home and Lorelei honed in on my injuries.

Watching her shaking and jumping at the slightest of prodding by Lorelei was great. Using my aunt as a weapon was definitely something I had to do more.

"How did you even get these?" Lorelei asked in concern, dabbing a wet rag on my cheek.

Thankfully I didn't have a black eye this time.

"Janine and I like to spar. She was teaching me how to fight during our journey here," I replied.

Janine, who had been about to faint at the idea of inciting Lorelei's wrath, blinked incredulously at my words.

"U-Um yes! I've taken these two as my students of sorts!" she explained, standing rigidly.

Lorelei nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you Janine. I'd also like to thank you for traveling with them from Fuchsia to Saffron. I truly do appreciate your efforts."

Janine smiled shakily and shot me a smile too. "Of course, Elite 4 Lorelei!"

I chuckled in amusement. "I'm going to sleep now. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

The ninja nodded gratefully. "Right. Goodnight you all."

Lorelei hummed in agreement. "Goodnight, Janine. Silver, I'll be sleeping on your bed."

"Not even gonna ask? I wish I were as shameless as you."

"You are."

"Touche... alright. Try not to crush me to death this time."

"So you are saying I'm allowed to hug you so long as I exercise restraint?"

"You're a genuinely sick person, Ms. Aunt."

"I don't think you're allowed to say that, Silver."

---

"So you two are headed to Pallet?" I asked curiously.

Gold nodded, having pulled me to the side to talk one on one, and rubbed the back of his head. "Professor Oak is coming over with his Alakazam to get us because of Explotaro! Crys and I figure we'll just train together there for a while then head down to Cinnabar after we're ready. We need to get a little stronger before I'm confident we can take on a 7 badge gym."

I nodded in agreement. "A little more training never hurt anyone. There's a bit of a strength disparity between the first three and last three members of your teams."

"Yeah definitely… we'll get stronger for sure... I never want a repeat of what happened again."

There was a faraway look in Gold's eyes as he said that. The events of Silph Co were still fresh on his mind. I couldn't tell what was going through his head and honestly, I wasn't trying very hard to figure out.

It was a tough situation. Let him have his thoughts to himself. I didn't need to pry.

"Silver."

I perked up and turned towards him.

More than once, I had the thought of just how completely opposite Gold and I were. We were truly counterparts to the core and it showed itself the most in the complete contrast of our eyes.

Gold's loud eyes looked like they were filled with energy from the sun itself. The gold hues shone with a rare inquisitiveness, cheerful cockiness nowhere to be seen.

They normally completely contrasted my quiet, but equally intense (all of our eyes were pretty intense), eyes. If Gold's represented the sun, mine was more akin to the moon.

It was strange. I may have been the strangest in our color gang but Gold and Crystal were up there by virtue of their namesakes giving them such strange eye colors.

Even Green and Blue, with more common colors, had fascinating eyes. Perhaps our parents named us that because of the sheer intensity all our eyes had. Giovanni's gray eyes had nothing on my silver after all.

"What's up?" I asked.

Gold awkwardly fiddled with his quiff, before rubbing a hand against his hat.

"I just wanted to properly thank you," he said seriously.

I raised a brow. "For Explotaro? It's no big deal... I didn't even save his life the way I intended to. I still don't know what happened to him."

Gold shook. "I'm not too sure what happened with Explotaro either but I know for a fact you're the one who saved his life no matter what you say."

I paused curiously at that and stared at him with a neutral expression.

My counterpart sighed. "I froze up back there. By the time I was ready to move... Explotaro might have been gone for good. If it weren't for you, I don't even wanna think about it."

To my complete surprise, Gold pulled me in an abrupt and tight hug.

"Thanks for saving my friend, Silver. You didn't have to but... you did everything you could to save him so I appreciate it."

Gold's voice was sincere. There was no cockiness, just the relief of a kid who was terrified to lose his friends.

We were all just scared kids weren't we?

I sighed tiredly and pat his back. "I'm glad he's not dead either. You and Gaia would be real depressed. She loves her old friends a lot."

Gold scratched the back of his head and broke the hug. "Your team loves you a lot too. I knew there was more to you than meets the eye… so I gotta know something that's been bugging me."

I raised a brow. "What is it?"

The Johto native pursed his lips. "Is your dad an executive of Team Rocket?" he asked bluntly.

I paused at that, not at all surprised that he was asking me this question. Stupid overconfident Archer, shared far more information than needed. He thought his victory was guaranteed and began monologuing like the classic villains.

"My ties with Team Rocket run deeper than just experimentation but no, my dad isn't an executive," I said eventually, closing my eyes and letting out a deep breath.

Gold grunted, a set frown on his face as he mulled over my response. "I get it. The less who know the truth, the less they can link to you. You'll tell us when you're ready. You guard your secrets until you think revealing them can't hurt you anymore."

My brow shot up at that.

"Alright! I get it! I trust your judgment bud," Gold grinned, slinging an arm over my shoulder. "Trust us a bit. Crys and I know you well enough. You're definitely good in our books and no matter what happens, we've got your back."

I rolled my eyes and shoved his arm off me. "How much more do you want me to trust you? You guys know plenty of my secrets already."

"A little more never hurt anyone. We've got your back," he assured.

I let out a huff of amusement and began shoving him towards our group.

"Whatever you say, hero."

Gold chuckled, before turning serious once more. "Hey Silver?"

"Hm?"

"...Never tell anyone about that hug."

"Hug? The fuck are you talking about? I only let Green and Lorelei hug me so freely."

"You're a real bro. Has anyone ever told you that?"

"I don't need anyone to tell me that. It's a stupid compliment."

"Dick."

---

For once, I was alone in a clearing. It was the early morning of the next day and I took a deep breath.

Saffron's air, while surprisingly clean for a metropolitan city, didn't even come close to places like Celadon or Foretree.

But once you went far enough, not even Saffron dared to mess with nature.

It was nice. It felt like the cities were all a separate bubble of unique environments connected by a line that signified the paved roads that led there. Other than that, outside the bubbles was the untempered wilds.

The air was lighter, the grass was slightly greener and the trees were slightly fuller.

I gingerly removed myself from atop of Gaia, having had her bring me over to this spot and rubbed a hand against her.

Charcadet, who had been standing proudly on top of her head also cheered and copied my movement, patting her head happily.

Gaia beamed and nuzzled the both of us, idly gazing at a limping flower. I watched with a fascinated gaze as she blew a gentle breath on it, causing the flower to sprout right up. It looked as if it had never been dead in the first place!

I wonder if Gaia could help speed up the growth of my berries... With her evolution, her aromas could almost be weaponized, making any of her opponents lethargic or agitated depending on which one she used.

It was fun. Gaia didn't need to be able to learn every move to be unstoppable. In fact, that little tangent of mine just gave me a whole new idea of something I could teach my Meganium.

Gaia turned towards me, sensing my thoughts somehow, and let out a cheerful bellow.

"Don't mind me girl. Just running with ideas for how I'm going to improve you... but you still need to master Safeguard." I said that last part quietly, since it was still our little secret.

She nodded eagerly.

"Alright enough of that. We're not here to discuss training just yet... no matter how much I want to," I muttered.

Without any hesitation, I released my team.

Loki, Metang, Ares and Oberon were released from their Luxury Balls. They all let out their own disgruntled noises, before focusing on me.

"Hey guys," I greeted easily, watching Gaia happily bound up to the rest of them. She made sure Charcadet didn't fall and eventually, I was facing almost the entirety of my team.

"Silph Co was hectic," I said bluntly.

My team all grunted in unison, expressions souring.

"It's easy to focus on the negatives so I won't do that. We all know what we were up against and all that we can do is prepare and build our strength to make sure a repeat doesn't happen."

My team shouted in unison and I smiled at their determination.

"All of you did great. Thank you for following my foolish desires. I'll make sure none of you regret it... which is why we're here alone," I said.

My team raised a brow in some confusion and I smiled.

"I made a promise to myself that I'd make none of you regret joining me in this journey. All of you have your own personal goals and it's my job to cultivate and make sure those dreams come true," I explained, pulling out a final Luxury Ball.

Without any hesitation, I tossed the ball and revealed my final member.

My team watched with wide eyes, as the pokemon revealed itself... and just kept growing larger and larger. Her serpentine body coalesced fully and Freyja crooned, eyes lit up in joy at seeing me.

Without any hesitation, her tail lashed and wrapped around me, dragging me into a tight hug against her scales. Considering the size difference between us, I was properly engulfed and didn't even bother resisting.

"Milo!" she gushed, rubbing her face against mine.

"I'm happy to see you too, girl," I laughed, running a hand against her.

The rest of my teammates stared dumbfounded at the pokemon.

"Shel... Shelgon?" Ares asked in confusion.

"She asked who the hell is that," Loki supplied helpfully.

"I got the gist of it," I replied dryly, patting Freyja once more.

"I know she looks a little different but you guys really don't recognize Freyja?" I asked with a small smile.

Freyja carefully disentangled from me, very reluctantly mind you, and regarded her significantly smaller team members with a brilliant smile. Her eyes curled into a u and she let out a melodious noise, making me relax instantly.

Having a Milotic and a Meganium was going to make me lose my edge at this rate.

There was a brief silence at the reveal that the Milotic was their tiny and frail Freyja. Her scales gleamed under the morning sky, enhanced by her metamorphosis with evolution and I idly raked a hand against them.

Finally, it was broken up by the most expected person... in my eyes.

"SHELGON?!" Ares shouted in disbelief, eyes widening in complete disbelief. "SHEL?! SHELGON?!"

"The bottom feeder? You mean to tell me this is the weakling?" Loki translated, eyes gleaming in amusement despite the shock in his stance.

"Seriously, Loki. I can definitely understand what she's saying," I sighed, rubbing my head. "Yes this is Freyja, our lovely little Feebas. She evolved to protect me against that Rocket."

Freyja's eyes shone with nothing but adoration and she nuzzled me once more.

"Mi Milo," she murmured.

"The Fraxure situation... the S.S Anne... you were tired of being a bystander weren't you?" I asked knowingly. "Thank you girl. You saved all our asses."

The sincerity in my voice, made tears spring in her eyes and she nodded eagerly, nearly bowling me over with the strength of her nuzzles—

Nevermind. I collapsed onto the floor and Freyja let out a noise of surprise, falling on top of me with wide eyes.

"You really don't seem to know your strength anymore," I wheezed, smiling despite her antics.

"M-Milo!" she stammered, eyes wide in horror at what she had done.

I just laughed easily. "Alright you guys. Go ahead and mingle with each other. Just take the time to talk. I have to go make a call and then we'll spend the rest of the day traveling with Aunt Lorelei."

I didn't wait for their responses and just flicked open my phone to go give Jasmine a call. I didn't wanna upset her by having her find out about the information on her own.

...On that note, I should probably give Joy a call too.

I sighed. So many people to talk to. I remember the days when I only spoke to one person.

---

Freyja's cheeks were a rosy red as she was yanked into a viney hug, courtesy of the ecstatic Gaia.

"Holy shit, Freyja! Look at you! You're huge!" Gaia awed.

It was true! Freyja completely eclipsed them all in size now and wasn't that a sight! From the smallest to the biggest...

Freyja ducked her head at that. "I didn't even know if I could evolve! I'm just as surprised as you guys... but I just knew I was tired of not being able to protect Silver."

"What happened?" Loki asked, inspecting her new form with a proud gaze.

"Well it was just me left and... and the bad guys were going to take Silver," Freyja explained with a small scowl.

Everyone else's mood soured at the mention of the Rockets.

"He was... scared. Silver was terrified so I tried to fight for him," Freyja said with a look of distraught.

"But he didn't want me to. He got mad at me and tried to yell at me but I realized he was only doing it to discourage and make sure I didn't hurt myself."

The Milotic glanced at their trainer. He was currently on the phone, expression exasperated at whatever the person on the other side was saying.

"Silver was scared of what could happen to him... but he was even more scared about what was going to happen to me!" Freyja exclaimed, face glowing in her happiness.

"I couldn't let them take him. I wouldn't let it happen but I really was too weak and I lost..."

Gaia pat the distraught Milotic soothingly.

"I didn't get to do anything before I lost and then... I heard the other guy saying really mean things to me. Do you know what Silver did?"

"What did he do?" Oberon asked quietly, enraptured by the tale.

"Despite the entire situation... Silver was so close to being captured and he still found it in himself to defend me to the end."

Freyja ducked her head fondly and let out a happy noise, prompting Silver's eyes to flit over to them momentarily.

"Silver's always supported me no matter what. He defends me no matter what and I thought... if he can defend me even when it's almost over, I have to believe in myself to defend him too!"

The Milotic's eyes gleamed with a newfound confidence. "I wanted to live up to the expectations Silver had for me. I realized at that moment that he really would love me no matter and I love him too!"

"That's amazing, Freyja!" Gaia cheered.

"Now look at you," Loki praised.

Freyja beamed. "Do you want to know the best part?"

Everyone tilted their head curiously.

"Silver knew!" the Milotic exclaimed.

Metang whirred at that. "Knew?" it questioned.

Freyja nodded happily. "He know what he needed to do to evolve me. Silver could have evolved me whenever he wanted to but... he didn't because he cares enough about me to help me figure it out on my own!"

"He's awesome like that isn't he!" Gaia laughed excitedly.

"He's the best trainer I could have asked for!" Freyja beamed.

Loki laughed disbelievingly. "That might be the biggest showing of trust Silver has ever shown. He believed in you until the end, never pushing for anything."

"He never even mentioned evolution to me! He fully believed that I could do it all on my own."

Metang snorted. "I suppose our foolish trainer may know what he's doing on occasion. Congratulations are in order. Well done."

"Yeah! Good job Freyja!" Oberon cheered.

'You look seriously awesome!" Charcadet gushed.

Freyja's cheeks darkened in embarrassment. "Thanks guys... I couldn't have done it without you. You're all awesome!"

A scoff caught her attention and Freyja turned eyes towards the unimpressed Ares.

"Appearance is cheap. You must prove to me that you are no longer a bottom feeder with your power. I do not care how you look," the Shelgon said firmly.

The Milotic stared at her nemesis since they had begun traveling together.

"You know... what you just said is true! Whether I'm a Feebas or a Milotic, I'm still Freyja. How I look doesn't matter to Silver so it doesn't matter to me..."

Freyja's expression darkened ever so slightly, a challenging gleam in her eyes.

"...So how about I prove myself with a battle, brute?" she asked.

Ares eyes gleamed dangerously. "A battle where I am no longer required to hold myself back against you. And here I thought that day would never come. Do try and make me sweat."

Freyja scoffed, a superior sneer forming on her face. "Sweat? You're going to do more than sweat when I'm done with you."

---

"Yes Jasmine, I'm completely fine. Seriously."

"R-Really? Because I will drop everything to come visit you. Just say the word!"

I smiled in exasperation. "Didn't we already arrange to meet sometime after getting our seventh or eighth badge? Let's stick to that schedule yeah?"

Jasmine sighed. "I can't wait! I've missed you guys!"

"I know," I said soothingly. "We missed you too. Don't worry, we'll meet up and hang out and terrorize everyone in a 400 mile radius."

"4-400?! That's too much!"

I laughed, only for it to abruptly die down as it began abruptly raining.

"Hm?" I mused glancing up in some confusion as the heavy and pounding rain battered my skin.

What the...

"Silver? What's going on?" Jasmine asked curiously.

I grunted in some confusion. "Best if I just show you I think. Hold on, swapping cameras."

"Oh! Okay!"

I swapped cameras and heard Jasmine let out an audible gasp.

"No way, Silver! You managed to get Freyja to evolve?! That's incredible! Do you have any idea how rare Milotics are?!" Jasmine squealed loudly at the sight of the Milotic.

"She's earned it all on her own. Saved my life and all," I chuckled.

"She must be enjoying the newfound power! I mean sparring with Ares has to be a huge boost of confidence!"

I chuckled. "Yeah. Sparring. Right."

True to Jasmine's words. Ares and Freyja were locked in combat with one another and that was the reason I was getting bombarded with heavy rain.

Freyja didn't even seem to realize how strong of a Rain Dance she had been about to occur but she ran with it.

I watched with wide eyes as she reared back and launched a gigantic Water Pulse at Ares, who was distracted slightly by how much rain there was.

My Shelgon let out a startled shout at the torrent of water being shot at her and hastily summoned a Protect, snarling as she was slightly pushed back. Without any hesitation, Ares opened her mouth and fired a devastating Dragon Breath...

Only for Freyja to open her mouth to return fire with one of her own, even bigger, Dragon Breath. The two beams of draconic energy crashed into each other, causing a brief explosion.

Freyja's eyes glowed menacingly and she surged forward, utilizing the latent Swift Swim from her previous form to close the distance between her and Ares.

Clearly she had the Shelgon scouted because Ares burst through the smoke as well, already amped with Dragon Dance. The two crashed into each other and Ares blinked at having effectively done no damage to her.

Freyja hissed, before she fired an Icy Wind that collided with the already soaked Ares.

What would normally have been an annoyance, turned into something almost excruciating, as Freyja unleashed a completely massive gust of ice.

Freyja knew all her moves very intricately. She was a product of all the hard work we had put into making her a menace as a Feebas.

I knew evolution was going to turn her into a monster but this even took me by surprise.

Ares was blown back, screeching in that oh so familiar rage of hers when things weren't going her way in a battle. Patches of ice were forming on her sturdy shell and she was shivering from the attack.

Freyja on the other hand, looked completely at ease. There was an assessing look in her eyes, drilled into her with all the other fundamentals we learned together.

She knew how her moves worked, she knew how to control them... and evolution may have thrown some of that control away for now, but it didn't get rid of it.

It just gave her a lot more to work with.

Freyja smiled and opened her mouth, crooning as she began gathering energy.

Ares snarled in fury as she noticed the turquoise energy forming in the Milotic's mouth. Not one to be outdone, she once again began gathering the energy needed.

There was a superior look in her eyes at getting the truly gargantuan Dragon Breath ready and the Shelgon wasted no time firing it... only to go still as Freyja unleashed her own attack...

Which wasn't a Dragon Breath.

No, it was a Dragon Pulse.

I winced slightly as Freyja shot out the green energy ball, watching as it bulldozed through the Dragon Breath and crashed into the stunned Ares.

"Wow," Jasmine gasped at watching Ares get launched back.

Wow indeed.

I grunted and pushed myself up so that I could approach them.

Ares didn't have Dragon Pulse completely understood yet. She could form and fire it, but there was a high chance it'd blow up preemptively.

Freyja on the other hand... probably had the control needed to form a Dragon Pulse, but not enough power to give it the oomph it needed.

Guess evolution solved that issue.

"Truly, even I am caught by surprise by how much strength she has gained from evolution," Metang chimed in.

"You and me both," I replied in some surprise.

Freyja stiffened as I approached, turning slightly guilty eyes towards me. Her fierce expression almost immediately vanished as she looked at me and I tilted my head at her.

"Well done, Freyja. Though, you need to get used to how much power you have. This Rain Dance is fierce," I mentioned idly.

She blinked in surprise at that, melting slightly as I ran a hand against her scales.

"Mi," she agreed, nuzzling me and banishing the rain.

I smiled and approached Ares with a more serious expression.

My Shelgon was floored, completely defeated by Freyja's onslaught.

"Humiliating, huh?" I asked easily, taking a seat next to her. I idly pulled out a potion and sprayed her down but despite that, she still didn't move from her spot.

I sighed. "You can't be upset that Freyja got so strong, Ares. You're the reason she pushed herself so hard."

"Shel..." Ares said flatly.

"Yeah I bet it does suck but you were asking for it," I said ruthlessly, watching as she turned towards me with an accusing glare.

"Nope. Don't do that with me. I already warned you not to be arrogant and you didn't listen."

Ares flinched back at that.

"You disregarded the effort that Freyja was putting in because she was a small little Feebas. You made up your mind about her from your first meeting and never changed it. I'm not about to let you enter some depressive streak just because she shattered your reality."

Ares truly was a sheltered princess alright. That's why it was so surprising to her that a civilian from the slums could catch up and surpass her.

"You should have known that as my pokemon, Freyja was going to become formidable. That's why you chose me isn't it?" I asked knowingly.

She nodded slowly and I smiled.

"She beat your ass because you were asking for it. Now maybe you can acknowledge her as a rival... and right now you're rival just used a dragon technique better than you. I bet you never thought the day would come would you?"

Ares shot up at that, eyes blazing in indignant fury. "SHEL!" she roared.

I snorted and nodded, running a hand against her tough and cold shell. "Freyja is humble enough to learn from everything she can. Try doing something similar. I'll be here to help you of course, but you need to be willing to ask me for help too, alright girl?"

My giant Shelgon turned towards me, raw determination in her gaze and she nodded.

I smiled. "Come on, let's get ready to go you guys!" I announced.

"I'll call you later today, Jas," I informed her.

Jasmine was smiling up at me. "Of course, Silver. That was a really nice speech by the way."

I snorted. "Yeah thanks. Just gotta make sure resentments aren't built and whatnot."

Just like that, I secured myself a truly monstrous Salamence in the future. A determined Ares? One who had been humbled and wanted to rectify such a travesty?

Of course I'd jump at the opportunity to strengthen my members. I loved my team after all! This wasn't manipulation, this was me seizing and turning the likely scenario into something completely favorable for me!

"Continue to tell yourself that, blight."

"Aww you're back to calling me blight, Metang? Maybe I'll give you a cute nickname too. How's Metally? Metalman? Mr. Tang?"

"Truly, I continue to question if you are actually human."

---

"Scald."

Freyja crooned in acknowledgement, mouth swelling before she began to expel steaming hot water.

"Oh no! You have to dodge Rapidash! Get outta there!"

The Rapidash whinnied and attempted to dash away, only to cry out as Freyja simply adjusted her trajectory, landing a pinpoint strike on the horse's midsection.

Freyja hummed in delight as it collapsed onto the wet floor. Her Rain Dance was only covering the entirety of the battlefield. That meant I was completely dry this time around.

My opponent returned the Rapidash with wide eyes.

"Alright... if its raining then... Golduck let's do this!"

I didn't even blink. "Be greedy girl."

Freyja nodded easily, adjusting the Rain Dance above her. Like when she were just a Feebas, the clouds hung over only her body, drizzling lightly.

"W-What?! I didn't even know Rain Dance could do that!"

"Dragon Breath," I retorted boredly.

"O-Oh no! Aqua Jet!"

The Golduck quacked in horror and hastily applied an Aqua Jet to itself, attempting to dash away and getting nicked for its efforts.

Freyja looked completely at ease, commanding the dragon techniques with a startling amount of familiarity. Without missing a beat, she cancelled the Dragon Breath and instead launched a Dragon Pulse. She laughed gently as it crashed against Golduck's sternum and cooed as it shakily pulled itself up.

"C'mon Golduck! Get close and use Zen Headbutt."

Golduck groaned and cloaked itself in an Aqua Jet. The water duck rushed the stationary Freyja, head glowing with psychic energy...

"Wrap."

...Only to harmlessly bounce off Freyja's scales. The Golduck's eyes went wide in confusion at the density of her scales, only to let out a roar as Freyja's tail lashed out and wrapped around it.

She used those tough scales of hers to dig into the Golduck, getting it to shout in pain and discomfort.

"Dragon Pulse. Wrap it up," I ordered listlessly, gazing at my Pokegear momentarily.

Freyja nodded and summoned a tiny Dragon Pulse, gently tapping it against the Golduck and releasing it at the same time.

She watched with wide eyes as the duck went flying backwards from the attack and I snorted.

"That's game. Good job girl. How does your first sweep feel?" I asked gently.

Freyja tore her gaze off her unconscious opponent and let out a happy cry, excitement in her gaze.

I chuckled and let her bask in her new found glory.

"Wow that was awesome!"

I paused at the voice and gazed at my opponent who was looking at Freyja with stars in her eyes.

"Your Milotic is so cool! How did you even get one?!" she asked, pushing her hair behind her shoulders.

I raised a brow and scoffed. "Wouldn't you like to know?" I asked, clearly unimpressed.

"Oh c'mon don't be like that!" she exclaimed. "You're Silver right? I saw your battle against Sabrina!"

I stared at the girl and tilted my head.

"Hey can I pet your Milotic? Pretty please?!" she pleaded.

"Be my guest," I snorted knowingly.

Before the girl could even reach her hand out, Freyja snarled at her. Her eyes were narrowed in contempt and she turned up her chin, turning and slithering away from my opponent with no hesitation.

"Wow. Freyja doesn't like you very much. Don't take it to heart though... she's just not a fan of shallow people," I said kindly, smiling and waving.

"That's like the fourth person today who's been completely taken by Freyja," Green muttered, disgust on her face. "But they never even paid attention to her when she was a Feebas! Even when she was kicking their asses, they were more upset that they lost to a Feebas of all pokemon and ignoring how impressive she was."

Freyja scoffed in agreement and I laughed.

"They didn't appreciate you as a Feebas so they don't deserve to appreciate you as a Milotic. If you wanna be an ice queen, I support it wholeheartedly. You deserve to be an asshole," I praised.

Her cheeks darkened and she whined, batting a head against my chest to show her displeasure at my words.

"I still cannot believe you managed to evolve her," Lorelei mused, adjusting her big hat slightly. "Whatever it was, I'm proud of you."

Green nodded happily. "I watched Silver almost attack Jasmine and Lance for throwing some doubt on Freyja! He doesn't play around when it comes to her!" she gushed.

I scoffed. "Of course. It was my decision to catch her and it was my decision to help her get stronger."

Freyja stood taller at that and she turned towards me with a curious eye.

"Mi, Milotic?"

I blinked. "Did I know how to evolve you? Yeah. I did. But that wasn't going to help you at all."

Freyja cooed at that, adoration in her gaze. Satisfied by my simple and straightforward answer, she returned herself and I laughed.

Lorelei was looking strangely at me. "You know how to evolve Feebas?" she asked slowly.

"Yeah, I do."

Janine tilted her head. "That's one of the most guarded secrets in the world and you just know?"

I blinked slowly and shrugged. "Not as well kept of a secret as you all thought."

Lorelei opened her mouth and then shut it. "I feel like I should be questioning this more."

Green shook her head. "Don't bother unless you want to get upset. Silver's brain works differently then everyone else's. He knows things and predicts other things too well. He's like a seer or something."

I shrugged. "Maybe you guys don't use common sense enough. Ever since she began traveling with me, Green has become extremely competent."

Green sighed despondently. "It's useful but I feel like the joy being sucked out of me as the days pass."

"That's because you hang out with me."

"That too."

Lorelei huffed in amusement. "Not even I know how to evolve a Feebas, Silver. With a Milotic by your side, I'm sure you could make a lot of money selling the secrets of her evolution. Enough to be satisfied for the rest of your life."

"I don't care about that. If you don't wanna grind with a Feebas, you don't deserve a Milotic," was all I said.

Lorelei smiled fondly and ran a hand through my hair. "Well said. I'm proud of you."

I rolled my eyes. "It's so easy to satisfy you, Aunt. I hardly have to do a thing."

She flushed slightly. "Perhaps I'm just happy that we are bonding. It is a nice feeling."

I chuckled. "Dork."

"Please don't call me that."

"Nerd."

"Silver."

"Geek."

"Silver!"

I easily sidestepped the grabbing fingers, pushing Green between Lorelei and I in one smooth motion.

"Let's keep going. We can just rush to Fuchsia this time," I decided.

"Right," Janine agreed.

"This isn't over. We will be talking tonight," Lorelei huffed.

"I can't hear you over the sound of me not listening."

I tensed my legs and rushed forward to avoid the grabbing hands, laughing mockingly as I broke out into a jog to avoid Lorelei.

Her eyes were twitching and I watched as she took a deep breath, before diligently removing her heels.

I paused slightly, curiosity overriding my body as she replaced her heels (why was she even wearing those?) with some flats. She adjusted it slightly before nodding in satisfaction.

Then, my aunt booked it straight towards me. I was almost stunlocked by how good her form was.

"Why the fuck are you so fast?!" I shouted in disbelief, turning on a dime and dashing off.

"I am an elite level trainer and I've been training for years! That includes my physical condition! Now stop running away from me, young man!" Lorelei demanded.

"She really is fast as hell. At this rate they're gonna leave us behind. Silvy has stamina for days," Green said idly.

"You should see Elite 4 Bruno and Champion Lance. I struggle to consider them humans. Even Elite 4 Agatha had some physical conditioning at one point. All the highest level of trainers, train themselves as well," Janine replied idly.

"See that's what I'm talking about. How does Silvy just happen to always be right?! He trains his body too!" Green complained.

"I don't know. He's a freak," Janine sighed.

Eventually, Lorelei pulled a sandal out of her bag and launched it with expert accuracy, hitting me directly on the head with it.

That stopped me in my tracks and I whirled around, blood in my eyes as I caught my aunt off guard and tackled her to the floor.

"Silver is fighting Elite 4 Lorelei," Janine said flatly.

"Silver is fighting Elite 4 Lorelei, again," Green corrected.

---

"We're finally back in Fuchsia," I mused, watching Janine let out a rattled breath.

"Father is probably going to kill me," she murmured.

"Remember what I told you to do?" I raised a brow.

She nodded. "I will let you know if it works. If I'm able to send you a message… then it did."

I shot her a reassuring smirk. "I can tell at a glance, you're probably really spoiled but you never took advantage of it… now's the time. Bust out the waterworks if you have to."

My purple haired companion nodded with a brave expression, before pulling Green into a tight hug.

"Take care of yourself, Green," she murmured gently.

"You too Janine! Don't be a stranger okay? If you ever wanna talk just give me a call!" Green beamed.

Janine nodded happily, squeezing my companion once more before pulling back.

Then she turned towards me. Her expression was conflicted and I raised a brow.

"I… I still don't like you," she said eventually.

I raised a brow. "Not hate?"

"You're smug, annoying... you always have something smart to say, you find pleasure in demeaning and belittling people," Janine listed.

"Ohhh just hitting me where it hurts," I replied in amusement.

She shook her head. "That's what I mean. You hardly take anyone serious. You are practically my complete antithesis..."

The teen sighed and pulled me into a tight hug.

"...But you're more than meets the eye. Please take care of yourself, Silver. I've already lost one friend, please don't make me lose another."

I froze at that. "You were supposed to guilt trip your dad... not me," I replied lamely.

Janine squeezed tighter and eventually pulled back. "You were my teacher too you know? You've taught me many things and I am not afraid to use them against you," she replied softly.

I stared at her and sighed. "Alright alright. I should have known someone with no independent thought, would be a good student," I sighed despondently.

"Shut up. I'm going now," she mumbled, vanishing in embarrassment.

We watched her go and snorted.

"I'm grateful for you two. Helping Janine in her time of need is incredibly thoughtful," Lorelei said softly, running a hand through both our hairs.

"She forced herself onto us," I said lamely. "But it's good that she was able to find her resolve with us. I think she's going to grow stronger from this."

Green nodded happily. "She'll be super strong! I look forward to seeing how Fuchsia Gym looks when she takes over!"

Lorelei smiled fondly at us. "I suppose you aren't staying for long here?" she asked carefully.

I blinked. "You still want to travel with us?" I asked curiously.

Lorelei nodded.

Hm... that messed with things a bit but I could work with it.

Besides, I trusted my aunt just a bit.

"Alright. Hey Green, we've got a trip to make before landing in Cinnabar."

Green gazed at me curiously. "Sure? Where to? Is it inconvenient?"

"Nah. It's on the way there."

Lorelei's eyes widened and a glimmer of excitement entered her eyes.

"Are you talking about...?"

"Yeah. Yeah I am."

Green looked even more confused. "Wait, where are we going?"

I sighed miserably. This was going to suck but at least I had clothes for this.

"We're headed to Seafoam Islands."

---

"Janine."

Janine, who had been as quiet as possible entering the gym, froze at that stern voice.

"O-Oh, hello Father," she greeted.

Koga appeared in front of her without a sound, staring down at his daughter with a small frown.

"Care to explain why I was given reports that you were traveling with Trainer Silver and Trainer Green?" he asked calmly.

Janine flinched at the question. "W-Well..."

"I do very much hope you weren't traveling with them with the sole purpose of antagonizing Trainer Silver. If you were, I'd be greatly... greatly disappointed in you," Koga stressed.

She rubbed her arms awkwardly. That was exactly what she had been intending on doing at first. Mess with Silver until he cracked and showed something else that wasn't that aloof and mocking redhead.

Oh dear. Father was possibly going to grill her for a very long time.

Remember what I told you to do?

Janine sighed, before bursting into tears. "I-I'm sorry Father! I understand that it was immature and unbefitting of me to leave without saying anything but... but I recalled how Silver said I didn't have any independent thought a-and so I decided to actually hang out with kids around my age!"

Koga's eyes widened and he took an awkward step back. "Now... hold on Janine—"

"I understand that my intentions weren't the most pure but traveling with them did help me come to terms far faster! They've even helped me learn how to speak to other people my age! I've developed so much in these past two months!" Janine sniffed.

"I thought if I told you, there was a chance I'd be leaning into exactly what Silver said. I don't wanna be a drone, Father! I want to have independent thoughts too!"

"I understand Janine," Koga interjected hastily, holding a hand up. "My apologies. I truly had no idea how much this was affecting you. I was initially going to punish you for leaving without saying a word... but hearing what you've had to say, it would be a disservice to punish you for taking initiative."

Janine sniffed again. "Really?"

He nodded without hesitation. "Yes. Really. Now... how about we forgo our duties and just spend time. We can do whatever you want."

Janine wiped her eyes and nodded. "Okay... can we go shopping? I-I don't want to only have ninja outfits!"

Koga nodded thoughtfully. "Some more variety would be valuable. Yes, we may go shopping."

Wow. Silver was right. She was incredibly spoiled and she never knew.

The girl thought back to Silver... and the gift he had given her, before nodding to herself.

"And father... if possible I'd like you to procure a few pokemon for me," she requested.

Koga jolted at that, surprise on his face. "Of course. You've mentioned multiple so I'll trust you to be able to handle more than 6 members."

She nodded, determination on her face. "I'd like to raise a Mareanie and a Skorupi if possible... and I'd also like to request that I gain ownership of... Executive Petrel's Gengar."

There was a tense silence at that, Koga turning a searching gaze towards her.

"The first two can be arranged. Why is it that you wish for the Gengar?"

"It would be a waste for such a valuable pokemon to be detained," she replied easily, voice going completely political. "It would be a valuable final slot and what better way to get justice for Venomoth, then to use his ace better than he ever could?"

Koga's eyes widened at the final sentence and he gazed at his daughter.

"Very well. Agatha has already dealt with the Gengar. I will make arrangements to see if she is willing to hand it over to you."

Janine nodded, bowing. "Thank you father. I will not let you down."

He shook his head and palmed her head gently. "You could never let me down, Janine. I'm glad you are doing better. I fear I could not have helped you nearly as much as Trainer Silver and Green managed to do."

Janine smiled. "They are good friends. I even have their numbers... Father, I need an upgraded Pokegear. Mine is far too old. It was very embarrassing to realize I had such an old model."

Koga awkwardly nodded. "My apologies. I will buy you the most recent model. Let us set out now."

The two vanished at once and Janine smiled, just thinking one thing.

"I can't believe Silver made me this twisted. How was he able to corrupt me faster than Green?"

---

Archer gasped loudly, head aching as the sheen around his body vanished and caused him to collapse.

Distantly, he realized Petrel was right next to him. His fellow executive looked far worse for wear, gash marks over his body and a black eye adorning his face. His outfit was completely shredded, looking as if many sharp things had cut into him.

"What... what happened?" Archer rasped in confusion. The pounding of his head grew to be too much and he grasped it.

"That's what I would like to know."

Archer stilled and despite the pain, he hastily pushed himself up. He ignored the stabbing pain in his head and bowed.

"Giovanni sir!" he greeted.

Giovanni was leaning back into his seat... and next to him was the armored legendary, Mewtwo. It floated next to him, not even breathing lightly at the taxing and impossible display of psychic abilities it had no doubt just portrayed.

Ariana was sitting to his right, gazing in some confusion at their assortment of injuries. Besides that however, her face was carefully blank.

"What happened?" Giovanni asked simply. "Why was I required to employ Mewtwo's assistance for a menial and completely capable task? Are you unable to do anything without my partner's assistance?"

Archer shook at the question, expression nervous. "No sir! It's just..."

"Spit it out. I have no patience right now. This mission could not afford failure and yet here I am, wondering why it is that we failed," Giovanni said coldly. His gray eyes bore into Archer with a well hidden lack of patience.

The Executive sighed. Well, if Mewtwo had intervened, it was very likely that he was already aware of what had mostly happened. If Archer didn't say, the legendary likely would.

"It was Silver."

...

Ariana's eyes flew open in horror at that.

Mewtwo sighed internally.

Giovanni's expression betrayed nothing.

"It was Silver? What do you mean it was Silver?" Giovanni questioned slowly.

"Silver was the reason the mission failed so catastrophically."

Silver's father leaned back into his seat, mulling that over.

"Explain."

Archer wasted no time doing so. "He organized a group of trainers around his level of skill. I don't know how, but he seemed to be aware that Silph Co was the target. He took advantage of the disruptor and caused mayhem on our ranks."

"I encountered him on the final floor and sought to subdue him, along with another trainer with a never before seen version of Typhlosion. Right as I was about to do such a thing, Silver's... Feebas evolved into a Milotic and brought enough time for Gym Leader Sabrina to arrive."

"She wouldn't have been there if Koga's damn brat hadn't shown up," Petrel spat. "Her and some other annoying brat. They derailed my plans at the Saffron Gym."

"I have reason to believe Silver likely sent her to that location as well. This was a coordinated and well thought out attack by him."

Giovanni said nothing for a moment.

"A Milotic? Silver has a Milotic?" he asked, genuine surprise on his face.

"It appears he truly did know what he was doing... Even better that he managed to subvert my expectations." he murmured.

"Sir," Archer said hesitantly. "When I was moments from capturing Silver, something happened."

Giovanni stared curiously at the man, brows furrowed before he nodded to himself.

"We will discuss your failure at a later time. Clean yourselves up and meet me again tomorrow," he instructed.

Petrel and Archer both breathed sighs of relief and saluted, departing from the room.

Giovanni watched them go with no expression on his face.

"What did he mean by something happened? Why was he so vague?" Ariana asked as soon as the door shut.

"Something I deemed a failure. It would appear I was incorrect," Giovanni muttered, before pulling a device out.

"Domino."

It only took a few minutes for his call to be answered and Ariana watched as the blonde appeared in the room and immediately bowed.

"Boss. Executive Ariana," she greeted politely.

Ariana didn't bother acknowledging her, gaze focused on Giovanni before she grunted.

"Agent Domino. I have a mission for you."

Domino nodded, expression serious. "What is it, Boss Giovanni?"

"You are to keep an eye on Silver. Find where he is and track his movements. You are to tell me everything he is doing."

The agent nodded, expression weary. "Silver, sir? May I ask why?"

Giovanni stared at her. "You two are close. As the youngest members of Team Rocket in its early days, naturally you gravitate towards each other. You have the skills necessary to avoid his wrath. Use them as you see fit. I'm sure you've missed him so if you're truly that confident, you may speak to him at your own discretion."

Domino nodded and saluted. "Sir yes sir! I'll begin preparations to head out immediately!"

"Dismissed," he waved her off.

Ariana watched her go and scoffed. "What are you planning on doing to Silver?"

"Nothing at the moment," Giovanni replied honestly. "Why? Do you think I'd kill my own son? Surely you do not have such a tainted image of me, Ariana."

"You hardly acknowledge your other son besides sending those two fools after him," Ariana bit out.

Giovanni didn't even bat an eye. "Silver is my prize. My firstborn. I have no intention of permanently harming him... however, I will not allow him to do as he pleases."

"Prize?" Ariana thought in disbelief. "So you're going to capture him?"

"If he proves too rebellious. It is almost time for him to approach my gym so I will begin questioning him there. For now, I will have Domino keep track of him. His interference at Silph Co is unacceptable."

Ariana sighed and leaned back into her seat, messaging her temple.

"If the success of this mission was so imperative, why did you not initially include me?"

Both Ariana and Giovanni froze at that deep and clinical voice.

"To build an overreliance on your abilities, would not be fair to you, Mewtwo," Giovanni said coolly. "Comfort breeds laziness. Laziness breeds weakness. If you were to solve all our issues, we would develop a deep dependency on you."

"I see."

Ariana wondered what Mewtwo was thinking. Ever since the realization hit her that the legendary was interested in her son, she had been even more on guard with the psychic.

Mewtwo wasn't a slave to Giovanni's will. Mewtwo had its own thoughts and that terrified her because if it grew tired of anyone, who could stop it?

Wait...

"Mewtwo?" she called tentatively.

The psychic continued to float, not even seeming to register her words.

"What, human?"

"Have you been keeping track of Silver recently?"

"No. I cannot sense your spawn. His body is protected by unknown forces that even I cannot bother."

Ariana froze at that, resisting the urge to betray that her and Mewtwo were currently having a secret conversation.

"Do... you fear Silver?"

"I would implore you to never ask me such a foolish question again. I fear nothing."

What a horrifying realization. Silver... whatever forces made Silver terrifying were even formidable to this monster known as Mewtwo.

How was that possible?

At this point, Ariana wasn't even sure Giovanni was aware of what was fully going on with Silver. Surely he would be more wary of the fact that Mewtwo of all people would notice that it couldn't pierce his mind.

Did Silver even know what was going on with Silver?

---

Mewtwo pondered the entire scope of the conversation.

The more they learned, the more they questioned. The more they questioned, the more their desire for answers grew.

It appeared it was time for them to begin finding the answers to those questions themself.

Mewtwo would continue to watch the story of Silver unfold from his current position. Once it began nearing its climax, he would begin to move.

For now, he would continue to follow the whims of Giovanni, all while seeking the answers he was looking for and when the end nearly arrived, he would see how it played out.

This was a test. No longer was he being tested, Mewtwo was testing everyone else.

It appeared preparations were in order. Once he dealt with all these different matters...

Then Mewtwo would strike.

---

Hey there! I hope you enjoyed the climax of Saffron! Next chapter a lot of things will happen. Silver wants to go to Seafoam... I wonder why!

Haha, as always I'd like to thank everyone for the support. It's not required but it sure is welcomed and I appreciate it. If you have anything you want to ask me, I'd suggest joining the discord server! You'll get an answer very quickly from me there! The code is discord. gg/ BFFtXAXFU7 so join at your own discretion!

That's all from me! I'll see you guys next time!