In the training ground, at some point, only Caitlin remained standing there, her slender figure alone and solitary.
Only Metagross stood beside her, its gaze on its Trainer both puzzled and worried.
Caitlin's head dipped slightly, golden hair draped down, shadows veiling her face so her expression couldn't be seen.
"Do you crave power?"
It was as if the boy's whisper rang in her ear again.
Caitlin pressed her lips tight, her fair, delicate right hand clenched, as if holding something in her palm.
"Come see the dark side of the world, Miss Caitlin. You can grow at the fastest pace and bid farewell to that powerless, fragile self."
"If you've made up your mind, contact me. I'll be waiting."
The boy placed a beautiful silver badge in the girl's hand; his crimson pupils reflected her exquisite face.
"We can make the world recognize our perfection—make them all tremble before us!"
"Team Rocket…"
Caitlin drew a deep breath. Her palm trembled as she opened it, staring at the ornate silver "R" badge in her hand.
The emblem of the Kanto Region's Team Rocket. That boy was actually a member of Team Rocket!
Caitlin never imagined that someone like her would one day receive an invitation from Team Rocket.
But Team Rocket… is an evil team!
Beep-beep-beep.
Her phone suddenly rang, snapping Caitlin out of it.
She pulled it out. Seeing the caller ID, she gently bit her lower lip.
The call connected.
"Caitlin."
"Cynthia."
"Caitlin, I've spoken with the League. In half a month, as long as you can keep your emotions in check, your ban can be lifted."
"I see…"
Caitlin lowered her head again, the shadow of her hair covering half her face.
Having the ban lifted meant she could head out and journey like a normal Trainer again, honing herself.
She should be happy—this was what she'd always wanted.
But…
"This was my right to begin with."
She murmured softly. The freedom to battle… was supposed to be her right.
And she still had to wait half a month. So in that half month, were they still observing her? Like watching to see if a monster posed no threat?
"Caitlin, what did you say? I couldn't hear you."
Cynthia sounded puzzled. She thought she'd heard something, but she couldn't be sure. It didn't sound like something the Caitlin of the past would say.
"It's nothing. Thank you, Cynthia." Caitlin showed her usual elegant smile.
"This is what I should do. Caitlin, when are you coming back to the Sinnoh Region?" Cynthia asked with concern. She cared about her sister-in-arms.
"Not going back for now. I want to temper myself out here. Cynthia, I'll get stronger."
Caitlin lifted her head slightly, gazing at the distant sky.
She was no longer a bird held in a vice. She'd left the Sinnoh Region behind.
"Mm. You definitely can." Cynthia supported her friend, and she didn't doubt Caitlin's talent.
Still, that wasn't how Caitlin used to talk.
"Caitlin, you sound different today."
After a beat, Cynthia spoke again, puzzled. Very different.
"I just made a decision. He's right—I'm not a monster. I did nothing wrong! They just don't understand. I'm someone the world favors—more perfect than they are!"
Caitlin smiled slightly—a flawless, small smile. Elegant, refined.
"Caitlin?" Cynthia froze, a bad feeling creeping in. And who was "he"?
"What are you saying?"
"Cynthia, you told me once: 'Chasing everything is the beginning of misfortune. There are things you can't do and things you can. Knowing that matters.'"
Caitlin spoke slowly, stepping elegantly toward her villa. Metagross rose to float behind its Trainer.
The dusk stretched their shadows long.
On the other end, Cynthia's brows knit tight. She didn't understand how a single day away from Sinnoh to clear her head could change Caitlin so much.
"Then what is it I can do?" Caitlin's unhurried, elegant voice continued over the phone.
"I've always envied you, Cynthia. I envied how perfect you are."
"Caitlin… come back to Sinnoh first, okay? Whatever it is, I'll help you." Cynthia seemed to sense something.
"How pitifully weak I was—unable to control my power, banned from battle, no matter how hard I tried I couldn't catch up to you, and I doubted myself."
Caitlin didn't answer Cynthia. She kept speaking.
"But it shouldn't be that way. I've made up my mind."
Caitlin reached her villa. Her figure slowly fell under shadow until it swallowed her whole.
"The weak me of the past—starting today, she's already dead."
"Cynthia, watch me. I'm going to get stronger!"
...
"Family, the League, power, prejudice, friends, pride… with so many factors, a little nudge is enough to change a person."
Damian lounged on the sofa, replaying the scene in his head, and couldn't help but smile. Lucky break.
Caitlin, don't let me down.
"Young master, did something good happen?"
Domino, in a tailored women's suit, kneaded Damian's shoulders and asked, curious.
"Too soon to say. How's the intel lately?"
As Domino yelped, Damian pulled her into his arms, smiling as he asked.
Caitlin's situation wasn't set in stone. He figured it'd be fine—but better to wait.
"Team Skull's base has been fully scouted," Domino said, pressing down on Damian's wandering hand and shooting him a glare.
"That's enough. What about Proton?"
Damian wasn't surprised. As a top special agent of Team Rocket, Domino's intel chops were impeccable.
"Mm… according to Lord Proton, not very smooth," Domino said, cheeks a touch flushed—Damian's hand had started moving again.
"The real estate folks here aren't keen on selling to us. Even with Proton upping the price."
"Xenophobic, huh? That's a bit of a hassle."
Damian mused. At the end of the day, they were outsiders. Buying some property was doable.
But trying to buy a lot? Local resistance was normal.
"Then table it for now. Tomorrow, have Proton bring some people. We'll go pay Team Skull a visit."
Damian wasn't in a rush. There'd be a way. As for right now…
He looked down at Domino in his arms, lips curving.
"Come on, let me take a look."