Pokemon: Psychic Master

"Graduation! We've finally graduated! From now on, we're proud members of Team Rocket—the Evil Trio!"

A woman with long red hair, dressed in the signature white Team Rocket uniform, sat in a corner, clenching her fists as her eyes blazed with fiery determination.

"At last, a stable job…"

The blue-haired man sitting beside her let out a deep sigh of relief.

"I heard we've already been assigned a mission, meow!"

This time, the speaker was a Pokémon—a Meowth!

Apart from ending its sentences with "meow," it seemed almost entirely human.

These three were none other than the infamous Team Rocket Trio of the future: Jessie, James, and Meowth!

"Just graduated, and they're already entrusting us with a crucial mission. Team Rocket really knows how to value talent. Looks like we made the right choice!"

Jessie was already daydreaming about capturing countless rare Pokémon to offer to Giovanni, leading to promotions and a fat raise.

Her words earned fervent nods of agreement from James and Meowth.

The three huddled together, their imaginations merging into a shared vision of a glittering future.

"Speaking of which…" Jessie broke the silence, popping the imaginary bubble of their shared fantasy.

"Now that we're this awesome, shouldn't we come up with an opening speech befitting our Evil Trio status?"

"That's a great idea!" James's eyes lit up, punching his palm in realization.

"It has to be something catchy, meow," Meowth added.

Click-clack-click.

The sound of heels echoed down the hallway.

When the trio turned to look, their eyes widened in recognition.

"It's that bowl-cut glasses girl!"

Matori's forehead twitched, a vein bulging as she barely resisted the urge to throttle them.

"How dare you address a Team Rocket executive like that!" she snapped.

"What?! She's an executive?!" Jessie's eyes went wide with disbelief.

James hurriedly grabbed Jessie's arm and whispered urgently, "Don't lose your cool."

Meowth chimed in, "Not just an executive, meow, but also Giovanni's secretary!"

Despite their attempt at discretion, it was painfully obvious that the trio was whispering about her.

Matori's eye twitched as she glared at them.

"I can hear everything you're saying!"

The vein on her forehead pulsed more visibly.

"I see you three are eager for a pay cut and demotion."

"NOOO!!"

The three immediately threw themselves at her, clutching her arms and legs as they cried:

"We're sorry, bowl-cut—I mean, Executive Matori! We know we were wrong!"

Crack! Crack!

Matori's fists clenched audibly as she struggled to rein in her temper.

But considering how much Giovanni valued this trio, she took a deep breath and, with forced calm, said:

"You three will join me on this mission. Follow my orders!"

The trio quickly snapped to attention and saluted.

"Yes, ma'am!"

"So… uh, Executive Matori, what's our mission target?" Jessie asked, trying to sound professional.

Matori shot her a warning glare.

"I told you, my name is Matori!"

Jessie sulked but stayed quiet, while James offered a nervous smile and asked, "What's the mission, ma'am? Knowing the target will help us assist you better!"

Matori took another deep breath and, with a hint of reverence in her voice, replied:

"This time, we're going to visit another top-ranking executive, code name: The Advisor."

The Advisor.

The trio exchanged glances.

Just hearing the title screamed high status.

If they could latch onto this executive...

In unison, they silently chanted in their hearts:

Promotions! Pay raises! Becoming executives! What a wonderful feeling!

Back in Blackthorn City, behind the gym.

Having cleared the gym challenge and earned the Dragon Elder's approval, Lance and Clair led Johan and his Pokémon to a platform behind the gym.

The area was surrounded by a lake, and in the distance, vague silhouettes of something ancient and majestic could be seen.

Lance released his Gyarados from its Poké Ball and climbed onto its back with a flourish of his cape.

"Let's go."

He extended a hand to Clair.

"I don't need your help!" Clair huffed, her cheeks flushing red.

"I just don't want you to lose your footing," Lance teased, gently taking her hesitant hand and helping her onto Gyarados's back.

"I'm the gym leader here. I can handle this just fine!" Clair insisted, though her face remained red.

Lance smirked, steadying her as she sat in front of him.

"I still remember the first time you visited the Dragon's Den as a kid. You got scared of the dark and slid right off Dragonair's back—"

"STOP TALKING!" Clair's face turned even redder as she gritted her teeth.

She shot a quick glance at Johan, who was standing on the platform with Vulpix in his arms.

Lance chuckled softly.

"Oh, Johan, why aren't you coming?"

Hugging Vulpix, Johan took a deep breath.

"Call out your Dragonair."

"Huh?"

"I prefer to ride alone."

Shrugging, Lance called out his Dragonair.

But before he could warn Johan about how slippery Dragonair's body was, Clair pinched his leg.

"You say one more word…"

Pretending not to notice the couple's antics, Johan mounted Dragonair.

Tinkatonk perched behind him, while Haunter floated alongside, humming a tune.

The group set off, crossing the lake toward a massive black opening resembling a dragon's maw—the entrance to the Dragon's Den.

Inside, the narrow corridor was pitch black.

Dragonair's pearls glowed faintly, illuminating the path ahead.

"Ka-kah~~"

Haunter, who had been preparing to scare everyone, let out a disappointed sigh as the light spoiled its plan. It dove into the water instead, swimming with exaggerated breaststroke motions.

"Chu?"

Tinkatonk leaned over, peering curiously into the water. Spotting its own reflection, it tilted its head.

Suddenly, it plunged its hammer into the lake.

When it pulled the hammer back up, a chunk of unknown metal was stuck to it.

"Chu!!"

Eyes wide with joy, Tinkatonk admired its find.

Johan's expression grew strange.

Somehow, this behavior felt oddly familiar.

"Gyarados!" Johan began to ask about the Red Gyarados, but before he could finish, the once-calm water erupted violently.

A massive crimson figure burst from the depths, sending waves crashing in all directions.

Its menacing face, glowing red eyes, and the chaotic whirlpool it created were a sight to behold.

"Roar!!"

The Red Gyarados let out a furious bellow, startling everyone present. Even the wild Pokémon inhabiting the Dragon's Den, though accustomed to its tantrums, scattered in fear.

"Blub~~"

Suddenly, a jet of water shot out from the lake, smacking the Red Gyarados squarely in the face.

Hydro Pump!

"Roar!!"

The unexpected attack enraged Gyarados further.

But before it could retaliate, another Hydro Pump hit it directly from a different angle.

"Roar!!"

The third Hydro Pump wasn't any kinder—it went straight into Gyarados's open mouth.

Choking and sputtering, the enraged dragon swiveled its head, searching for its attacker.

A small, panicked blue head poked out of the water. A Dragonair, looking utterly disoriented, sent out yet another Hydro Pump in desperation.

"Smack!!"

A yellow blur streaked through the air, delivering a swift smack to the Gyarados's head.

The Red Gyarados's attempt to charge a Hyper Beam was immediately interrupted.

Johan's jaw dropped as he watched the scene unfold.

"Seriously?! Triple Hydro Pump hits in a row?!"

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Powerstones?

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