Pokemon: Gym Leader

"Are you really here for my Darkrai?"

Tobias frowned. He had already sent a signal to his grandfather through a special communication device, and someone was definitely on their way.

But first, he had to hold on until then.

"After all, Mr. Tobias, your Darkrai is quite tempting," Proton licked his lips.

"Having Darkrai in your hands, Mr. Tobias, is a bit of a waste. It could have a better Trainer, don't you think?"

Although Proton still used a respectful tone, the sarcasm in his words was evident.

What does that mean? Are you looking down on me?

"Impossible! Just the two of you think you can take my Darkrai?"

Even Tobias, who was usually calm, was now enraged. Trying to take his Darkrai and mocking him as an unworthy Trainer?

Who do you think you are!

"No need to waste words with him; just knock him down and complete the mission."

A deep voice sounded—another Rocket executive, this one tall and burly.

But it was clear that he was in disguise, wearing a large hat and sunglasses that covered most of his face, making it difficult to see his features clearly.

"If Mr. Tobias is unwilling, it's truly regrettable, so please excuse us."

Proton's face was filled with malicious intent.

Having a legendary Darkrai but only being at the executive level? Who wouldn't take it from him? It's his fault for being too weak.

Yes, Proton was very good at justifying his actions.

...

In the hall.

"But do you know where Archer is?" Misty asked.

The suggestion made sense. To defeat Team Rocket, they had to confront Archer.

"If there's no surprise, Archer should be in the Captain's cabin. He was there when he talked to us before."

"And we can also capture some Rocket grunts to interrogate them; they probably know."

Dylan spoke up. Archer's previous "speech" had definitely been from the Captain's cabin, but Dylan couldn't be sure if Archer was still there now.

But that wasn't a big problem. At worst, he could have Arbok scare those Rocket members—someone was bound to know.

"I know! I know where Archer is. I can take you there."

Suddenly, a lively female voice came from behind them.

Dylan and the others turned to see a girl in a black dress.

With a pure and delicate white face, her figure accentuated by the black dress, and long brown hair flowing down, she was a very pretty girl.

Dylan raised an eyebrow.

"I just came from the hallway and happened to see Archer. I can take you to him."

The girl in the black dress smiled brightly, her voice full of energy, seemingly unaffected by the surrounding environment.

"Who are you?"

Ash was straightforward.

"Leah, Cerulean Leah, but you can call me Blue."

Leah glanced casually at Ash, then focused on Red and Dylan.

"Don't you trust me?"

You suddenly pop up and say you can take us to Archer—who would trust you so easily?

Dylan couldn't help but internally retort, though he knew Leah could be trusted.

"Even though I know you shouldn't trust someone of unknown origin, I really hate Team Rocket. Look at this."

Leah pulled out a key and waved it with a smile.

"This is the key to the ship's hold. I sneaked in and took it, along with the special potion to awaken the Voltorb. Archer is no longer there. If you go, you'll only find an empty room."

Hearing this, Brock and the others' eyes lit up. The key to the hold? That was great!

The hold was filled with Voltorb and Electrode, ticking time bombs. Now they could be much more at ease.

"Then we'll leave it to you." Dylan nodded.

Red glanced at Dylan, then nodded as well. There was no other choice now but to trust this girl named Leah.

"Ash, you stay here. Ilene is not a Trainer, so please protect her," Dylan requested of Ash and the group.

"Don't worry, Dylan! We won't let anything happen to Ilene!"

"Leave it to us, and you be careful too."

Ash and Misty responded immediately.

Even though they said that, Dylan still handed two Poké Balls to Ilene. He believed Ash would keep his word.

But honestly, Dylan had to admit that Ash's strength was still lacking, and Brock and Misty weren't much stronger either.

Red was momentarily surprised but then understood, handing Ash the Poké Balls for Venusaur and Blastoise as well. This would completely ensure Ash's safety.

Leah, meanwhile, watched with a smile, though a hint of envy and complex emotions briefly flickered in her eyes before she quickly concealed them.

"Always prioritize your safety, Ash. Don't get carried away. Misty, Brock, keep an eye on him."

Dylan couldn't help but add a final warning.

"Huh? What does that mean?" Ash was a bit annoyed. Was he really that untrustworthy?

"Don't worry, leave it to us!"

Misty patted her chest confidently, and Brock solemnly agreed.

"You be careful too."

After all, they were up against a high-ranking Team Rocket executive, so naturally, they were a bit worried.

With goodbyes exchanged, Dylan and Red followed Leah, running out of the hall.

There was little resistance along the way; most of the Rocket grunts had been sent to the hall, leaving the outside almost unguarded.

The few they encountered were easily defeated by Dylan's Arbok.

"What an impressive Arbok. By the way, are you really a Trainer from Rota Gym? The reputation of Rota Gym isn't like this."

Leah clicked her tongue in amazement at the strength of Dylan's Arbok and couldn't help but ask, intrigued by how strong it was.

Arbok wasn't typically a particularly strong Pokémon, certainly not on par with pseudo-legendaries, and not many Trainers focused on raising one.

As far as Leah knew, only Agatha, one of Kanto's Elite Four, used Arbok as a main Pokémon.

It was said that Agatha's Arbok was extraordinarily powerful.

"If you've seen the current reviews of the Gym, you'll find that there are some positive ones. My goal is to make Rota Gym famous in Kanto."

Dylan smiled.

"That may be, but those reviews seem a bit off."

Leah blinked, hinting at something.

Those so-called positive reviews didn't seem genuine to her.

Red listened, somewhat confused, but he wasn't good with words or social interactions, so he remained silent and aloof.

Dylan paused, giving Leah a thoughtful look. With communications on the ship being jammed, they couldn't browse the internet on their phones.

How did Leah know what those reviews were like?

Did she check before boarding? But what did Rota Gym have to do with her?

"We're here. This is the place."

The three of them finally arrived at a room. Leah signaled for silence and pointed to the door.

They didn't enter right away because Archer seemed to be talking to someone inside.

"Dr. Fuji, why resist?"

Archer's calm, composed voice could be heard.

"The organization has never mistreated you, yet you betrayed us. The boss has already said that if you return to Team Rocket, past grievances can be forgiven. What do you say?"

Fuji?

Dylan immediately recognized the name.

"Forget it. My greatest regret is listening to Team Rocket's lies and creating Mewtwo."

A calm yet weary voice replied.

"That's truly unfortunate, but I believe you'll change your mind, Dr. Fuji. Did you really think we didn't know where you went after betraying the organization?"

"You!"

"Dr. Fuji, you understand, don't you? Just hand over the research data on Mewtwo, and I can guarantee that those adorable children won't be harmed."

Archer's voice remained elegant and composed.

"You despicable scum!" Dr. Fuji was furious.

"Thank you for the compliment. But remember, Dr. Fuji, this situation is your doing, isn't it?" Archer chuckled softly.

"Well, Dr. Fuji, we've discussed everything. Please come with me now; I have other matters to attend to."

Archer was satisfied, seeing that Dr. Fuji seemed to have given up.

However...

Bang!

The door behind them was suddenly kicked open, and a clear, lively female voice rang out.

"Let go of that old man!"

(End of Chapter)