The first rays of dawn streamed through the curtains, gently coaxing Serena into wakefulness. With a languid stretch, she embraced the morning's serenity. Her Rotom Alarm clock displayed the time, signaling the start of another bustling day. Serena rose from her bed with a mix of motherhood care and personal purpose, her movements casual but still showing that elegance acquired after years in the spotlight.
As she made her way to the kitchen, the enticing aroma of breakfast began to permeate the air. Soren sat at the table with an eager smile, his eyes lighting up at the prospect of a delightful morning meal, one of the very few things that distracted him from his constant quest for demonstrating his artistic side. Serena's culinary skills were put to work as she prepared a wholesome breakfast, a symphony of sizzling sounds and aromatic ingredients filling the kitchen.
Her Rotom Phone, hovering right beside her, came to life with a cheerful buzz, indicating an incoming call. Serena's face lit up with a smile as she answered, greeted by the familiar voice of the Performers Academy principal.
"Good morning, Serena! I hope I'm not catching you at a busy time," Miette chimed in, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
"Not at all, Miette. What's on your mind?" Serena replied, taking a sip of her tea.
"We have that meeting later today to discuss the upcoming showcase season. I thought we could go over the agenda beforehand. Are you available?" Miette inquired, her tone carrying a hint of excitement.
"Absolutely, Miette. Send me the details, and I'll make sure we're fully prepared for the meeting. Looking forward to it!" Serena assured her with a welcoming tone, balancing the conversation seamlessly with the joyful responsibility of ensuring her son relished the morning feast.
“Is it yummy, baby?” Serena gleefully asked. Soren's gleeful nod of approval served as the ultimate endorsement of his mother's culinary prowess.
“Excuse me?”
Seren giggled at the funny misunderstanding. “Sorry. I was talking to Soren,” she clarified.
“Oh! That reminds me. The sleepover plan is still going on, right? Mia doesn’t stop asking me over and over again!”
Serena chuckled once more. “Don’t worry about it. Though having both your daughter and Soren at the same time… Get ready for such a task!”
Miette's laughter danced through the audio connection. She appreciated Serena's playful caution about handling the duo of Soren and Mia, renowned for their mischievous and energetic escapades when paired despite their calm nature.
"Don't you worry, Serena. I've got this under control. Two little troublemakers won't be a match for my charm and expertise. Goodbye for now!" With that, Miette bid her farewell, leaving Serena with a sense of confidence in her trusted friend's capabilities.
While the fashion catalogues unfolded on her tablet, Sylveon offered a helping lace, pointing out those attires she considered appropriate. Serena navigated through the intricate designs, orchestrating both her domestic routine and professional obligations with a grace that reflected the harmonious balance she had achieved in her multifaceted life.
Serena's Rotom Phone buzzed again, this time displaying Lisia's name on the screen.
"Serena! Lisia here. I wanted to touch base about our partnership with Tulip's cosmetics. They're thrilled about the collaboration, and I just wanted to confirm a few details with you," Lisia's energetic voice resonated through the device.
"Fantastic, Lisia! I'm excited too. Send me all the specifics, and we'll make sure this collaboration becomes a highlight," Serena responded, her creative spirit already envisioning the possibilities.
With the call to Lisia concluded, Serena's Rotom Phone signaled another incoming call. Her mom Grace's contact appeared on the screen, and Serena's expression softened with warmth familiarity.
"Hi, Mom! How's everything going?" Serena greeted her with genuine curiosity about what place the adventurous woman had now envisioned.
"Hello, dear! Just a quick greeting while we're on our way up Mt. Coronet. Delia says hi too!"
Grace's call came through, the distant sounds of a blizzard on Mt. Coronet created a muffled backdrop to their conversation. The frigid gusts of wind couldn't deter the adventurous spirit that Grace and Delia had embraced, especially after both women had crossed the threshold of 50. Serena, though harboring a bit of concern, had grown accustomed to the audacious travels of her mother and mother-in-law. The resilience of their spirits in the face of challenging conditions was a testament to their shared and awoken passion for exploration and adventure.
"Enjoy your climb! Stay safe, and give my love to Delia," Serena said and hung up. As she continued her routine, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the wonderful people who filled her days with meaningful connections and shared aspirations.
Then, the call Serena had been anticipating finally arrived. Ever since her husband unexpectedly decided to go to Galar against her advice, she had prepared numerous playful teases aimed at Ash. As his face appeared on her Rotom Phone screen, she couldn't resist opening with,
"How's the most overprotective father in the world?" Serena playfully teased.
Ash, perhaps caught off guard by the directness, responded with unusual seriousness. "Ha. Ha. Very funny, Serena. But after I tell you about what I found out, you'll appreciate that we decided to come. Right, Pikachu?" he said, glancing at his steadfast Pokémon companion, who nodded in agreement.
Serena, however, wasn't one to pass up an opportunity for playful banter. "Mmm. I'm surprised you didn't just come back to tell me this in person. Do you see now how easy it is to just call instead?" she teased, her voice laced with a mischievous undertone.
"Come on, you know I had to come here anyway to prepare for the upcoming exhibition matches," he explained, hoping to justify what might have seemed like an overreaction. "And I just wanted to check up on our daughter after she lost. She performed extraordinarily, by the way," he added, wanting to assure Serena that his concern for Elysia was well-founded and not solely based on an overprotective instinct.
"Yes, Ash. We watched the match and she was incredible. I'm also pretty sure Elysia appreciates your support and presence there, but what I meant to say is that you were a bit intrusive," Serena explained, her voice holding a mix of understanding and mild criticism. "If you wanted to provide some advice, I still think a simple phone call would have been enough for her to make her learn to overcome these difficulties by herself anyway. Our girl is much stronger than what you think."
Ash, however, wasn't ready to let the matter rest. "Our girl was not entirely honest with us," he declared, a note of frustration and concern evident in his voice.
Serena chuckled at his statement, displaying a seasoned understanding of their daughter's evolving nature. "She's entering that age, Ash. You won't expect her to be your honest little princess forever, will you?"
"The thieves she told us about were Team Rocket former members," he finally revealed, unveiling the true cause of his unease.
“...Oh”.
Serena's demeanor shifted to one of genuine concern and empathy as the weight of Ash's revelation settled in. Her banter and playful smile vanished, replaced by a more serious and attentive expression. She sat on her sofa with a composed posture, prepared to listen empathetically to a painful story. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Serena now knew that her husband's unease went beyond typical fatherly concern.
"Okay. Sorry for my attitude, I didn't know," she began, choosing her words carefully to create a comfortable atmosphere for Ash to share his feelings.
"It's okay. I... ever since she told us about her encounter with those thieves, I felt something else was going on. But knowing that she met those people and what could have happened is just..." Ash's voice trailed off, his unease palpable. Pikachu, mirroring his partner's concern, nuzzled on his cheek providing his sympathy.
"Ash, my love," Serena addressed him tenderly, attempting to provide comfort. "There are very few who can really understand what you went through and the impact of having lost such dear and close people during that event. It's completely understandable that you are concerned about our daughter's well-being, but she's okay and safe."
"She is for now, and I expect her to continue like this," Ash assured her with a stern tone. Serena, unsure of what he meant, pondered the question.
"Ash, where is Elysia now? You are not going to force her to stop her journey, are you?"
"What? Of course not!" Ash clarified. "She's going to travel along with Owen and Adrian from now on, and she promised to me that she was going to tell me whenever they encounter something suspicious."
Serena, reassured by Ash's correct handling of the situation, continued the conversation on a positive note. "I'm glad. They are good kids who seem pretty capable. After all, they took good care of that situation. If you ask me, it seems these thieves were as dangerous as the trio we had to blast off over and over again during our travels." She delivered these words with a lighthearted and comforting tone, attempting to uplift her husband's spirits and inject a sense of nostalgia into the conversation.
Serena's words and comforting tone managed to elicit a soft laugh from Ash, breaking the tension in the conversation.
"Also, remember what Gladion told us before. There are still former Team Rocket members who appear once in a while. Remnants of their strength that are now too weak and vulnerable to attempt anything serious," she continued, seeking to reassure Ash.
"Yeah, that's a high possibility but my mind won't rest easily until I figure out what's going on here," Ash declared, his determination evident in his tone. Despite Serena's attempts to comfort him, he couldn't shake the worry of Team Rocket grunts walking freely at the same time and place of his daughter’s journey. "I'm sorry, my angel. I wish I was on my way back, but I already contacted Gladion, and he will gladly help me get to the bottom of the matter."
Serena nodded understandingly, acknowledging the urgency of the situation. While she longed for Ash to return home and share with him the joy of Elysia's accomplishments, she recognized the importance he put into addressing the current challenges.
"I understand. With one of the world's greatest detectives helping you, I'm sure I'll have you back by my side sooner than expected."
Ash, appreciating Serena's sympathy and warmth, couldn't help but smile. Blushing slightly, he bid her farewell, "I'll hurry up as much as I can. Love you. Give an extra kiss to Soren for me".
"I’ll do it. Love you too, overprotective father. And good journey," Serena replied with a last banter and her affectionate farewell echoing through the Rotom Phone.
As the phone call concluded, a sense of relief washed over Ash. The weight of his concerns and the burden of his traumatic experiences seemed to lift, replaced by the unwavering support and love he received from Serena. Taking a moment to reflect on the comforting conversation, Ash glanced at Pikachu, who mirrored his renewed spirit.
"Well, buddy. Let's hurry up. Gladion will be waiting for us," Ash declared, a renewed determination evident in his voice. Pikachu responded with an energetic chirp, ready to embark on the next leg of their journey to unravel the mysteries that lay ahead.
----------------------------------------
Dr. Cadmus, flanked by Matori and Dorian, entered what once served as Giovanni's office. The air in the dimly lit space seemed to carry the echoes of the past, and the furniture, though slightly worn, retained its original arrangement, as if untouched by the passage of years. Dr. Cadmus, with an air of nostalgia and subtle disdain, remarked on the surprising preservation of the office, noting that everything seemed to be just as he remembered it. The only noticeable change, he quipped, was the addition of some "creative clutter" courtesy of Dorian.
Dorian, seemingly unfazed by the remark, smirked and gestured towards the scattered papers and discarded items that now occupied the space. The once-imposing office had transformed into a reflection of Dorian's chaotic leadership style.
"Ah, the memories in this room. So many dark deeds and discussions echoed throughout these walls," Dr. Cadmus mused, his gaze sweeping across the familiar surroundings. "It's as if time stood still, blending the past and the present. Giovanni's legacy and your... unique touch."
As the trio settled into the room, Dr. Cadmus took a moment to observe Dorian, his sharp gaze analyzing the young leader's demeanor. There was a palpable tension in the air, a subtle acknowledgment that the conversation about to unfold held significant weight.
With his gaze fixed on Dorian, Dr. Cadmus wasted no time in making a daring statement that cut through the room's tension.
"You really are Giovanni's grandson".
Dorian, in response, chuckled with a touch of disdain. "Only in blood," he retorted.
Matori, standing on the sidelines with a skeptical expression, chimed in. "For someone who takes credit for supervising the construction of this place, it's quite strange that you're barely mentioned in our archives." Her words carried an unspoken challenge, questioning the authenticity of Dr. Cadmus's claims and the extent of his influence within Team Rocket’s history.
Dr. Cadmus chuckled, a low and mysterious sound that filled the room. With an air of confidence, he assured them that all questions would be addressed in due time. He gestured for Dorian and Matori to take a seat, displaying an authoritative demeanor that belied his seemingly nonexistent position in Ren.
Dorian and Matori complied, sinking into the plush chairs, and after a brief moment, Dr. Cadmus posed another question.
"So, young man," he began. "To what do I owe the honor of being called among so many younger and, perhaps, less unkempt individuals out there?"
Dorian, his arms crossed, met Dr. Cadmus's gaze with a cool resolve. "Nothing in particular, considering none of your work and inventions have found mention there. I see two possibilities: either your contributions were unremarkable and mundane, or they were so unsettling that even Giovanni found them disturbing."
Dr. Cadmus, still wearing a faint smile, took a moment before responding to Dorian's pointed remarks. "Ah, assumptions, the foundation of misunderstandings. I assure you, young Dorian, my contributions were far from unremarkable or boring. As for Giovanni, well, let's just say we had creative differences. He, with his fixation on power and control, couldn't appreciate the true depths of knowledge and the pursuit of the unknown."
Dorian's skepticism lingered, but he was intrigued and increasingly amused by the subtle challenge in Dr. Cadmus's words. The older man's mysterious aura and unsettling confidence only added to the enigma surrounding him. Pausing before they continued, he found himself contemplating the same question he always posed to others.
"So, Dr. Cadmus, what is it that you desire the most?"
The elderly man responded with a chuckle that gradually morphed into a hearty laugh, an unsettling sound that managed to disturb Matori, despite her familiarity with Dorian's similar manner.
"Young man, I believe you may be mistaken," Dr. Cadmus countered, his words laced with cunning as he dissected Dorian's intentions. "That question, the one you use to entice those clueless individuals down there so effectively that they don't mind pummeling each other, may serve you well in garnering their support. However, as one ages and accumulates experience, the cravings evolve, seeking something with more profound significance than a hedonistic goal."
Dorian, typically the one in control of every situation, suddenly felt a discomforting vulnerability, as though his usual array of skills and resources held no sway over Dr. Cadmus's unwavering resolve.
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"The crux of the matter is: What is it that you truly desire? And spare me the banality of 'do as thou wilt.' It's far too simplistic for someone of your caliber, a mere excuse of what you really crave."
Matori observed Dorian's subtle shifts in body language, mirroring his incredulity. Finally, Dorian found himself confronted by someone who surpassed his usual prowess, and Matori experienced a guilty pleasure at witnessing him cornered by his own rhetorical question.
"Do you have a lighter?" Dr. Cadmus inquired, simultaneously extracting one of his cigarettes and rummaging through his pockets to find a means to light it.
"I've banned them," Dorian replied with a hint of disdain.
"Why?" Dr. Cadmus probed further.
The question stirred an intimate, personal memory within Dorian – a small, dimly lit room where a young boy used to rest amidst bags of trash, and a disinterested woman sat on a worn sofa, consumed by yet another cigar.
"I despise the smell," Dorian stated.
Observing the change in Dorian's demeanor, Dr. Cadmus seized another opportunity for his cunning inspection. "What if one of your people wishes to smoke? Doesn't that contradict Ren's liberating creed?"
"They are more than welcome to challenge that rule," Dorian responded with a confident grin, attempting to reclaim some ground, "but as you witnessed in the Purging Pits, they prefer not to."
Dr. Cadmus took a brief moment to scrutinize the response, analyzing Dorian through subtle cues like body language, the frequency of winks, the dilation of his pupils, and even the rhythm of his respiration—each serving as delicate indicators to dissect him once more.
"Here's the deal," Dr. Cadmus proposed. "Provide me with a lighter, allowing me this final source of relief, and I'll pledge my mind and work entirely to Ren's cause. No strings attached. I assure you, my mind holds considerable resources."
Under ordinary circumstances, where Dorian held complete control, he appreciated the unorthodox and unique mindset that valued something beyond mere power and wealth. However, Dr. Cadmus was such a cunning individual that Dorian found himself intrigued by what secrets might be concealed within his mind.
Dorian extracted a lighter from his jacket and ignited the cigarette. Dr. Cadmus took a satisfying puff, exhaling a plume of smoke.
"Your entire life's work and freedom for something so simple. And Matori thought there was something wrong with me," Dorian remarked.
"Am I?" Dr. Cadmus challenged. "I was going to give my knowledge to you and Ren anyway. Instead, I found a chance to gain what I desired at the moment without sacrificing anything of real value to me, shattering your sacred rule in the process. Who is the real winner here?"
It was another blow to Dorian's pride, unleashing an unfamiliar sensation of losing ground in his own game. Dr. Cadmus played him like a fiddler, and Dorian's unflinching facade was on the brink of collapse.
The elder man took another puff before proclaiming, "Your deepest desire isn't challenging the established order, nor guiding others to a life of complete hedonism, or being in the spotlight like a diva. They are merely products of your real goal, and the reason why now you feel so unsettled after being defeated in your own game by me."
He paused for emphasis, exhaling a trail of smoke, and then continued with certainty.
"You, Dorian, crave victories."
Dr. Cadmus chuckled maliciously after his final statement. Dorian, his mind racing, found himself caught in a web of unsettling thoughts. Fearful of having his own words turned against him, he chose silence, allowing the weight of the old man’s revelation to sink in.
"Victory above all and relishing the process. Seems that it is a constant amidst our family, don't you think?" Dr. Cadmus remarked casually, his words sending a chill down Dorian's spine.
"What?" Dorian responded, his façade finally shattering after Cadmus's hint.
"Giovanni was my cousin, so I'm like your grand-uncle if we want to be technical about it," Dr. Cadmus said with daring familiarity.
"Impossible," Matori interrupted, her patience wearing thin. "Besides Dorian and his mother, Giovanni had no living relatives. I would have been aware of that."
Dorian's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. The revelation unsettled him, stirring dormant memories and questions about his own family history.
"I'll gladly volunteer for a DNA test if you wish, but I doubt Dorian here cares about bloodlines, don't you, nephew?" Dr. Cadmus remarked casually.
"Never call me that!" Dorian commanded, rising up from his spot in an intimidating way. "Just like the bastard of your cousin, you cannot address me in that familiar and casual tone."
"I get it, I get it. I guess it's what I deserve for not checking after Elda," Dr. Cadmus admitted, delivering another blow to Dorian's private life.
"Who's Elda?" Matori inquired.
"Did you know my grandmother?" a mix of surprise and concern etched across Dorian’s face.
"Know her? The drama she and Giovanni were involved in was one of the catalysts that led to my excommunication from Team Rocket," Dr. Cadmus began. "When Elda got pregnant from your mother, I was the one who convinced Giovanni to send her away and—"
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Dorian exploded, seizing Dr. Cadmus by his jacket, ready to unleash his dormant rage if not for Matori's swift intervention.
"Giovanni wanted to get rid of the product instead!" Dr. Cadmus yelled his response, diminishing some of Dorian's rage. "I convinced him to cut ties, give Elda enough for her to live and provide a better life for her and your mother, away from this world of crimes and elicit ways. But alas, that woman was just like you: couldn't keep herself from walking through a dark path."
The now completely vulnerable young man locked eyes with Dr. Cadmus, searching for that special glimpse every liar possessed—something Dorian was accustomed to. Instead, he found an indecipherable void, an alluring enigma too tempting to ignore.
Dorian halted his assault and went straight to the point. "You said that was one of the reasons you were expelled. Tell me about the rest."
With the tension diminished, Cadmus adjusted his clothes and resumed his composure. "Have you ever heard of Pokémon magic?"
"Like pulling Bunnelby out of a hat or something?" Dorian quipped, his tone mocking.
Dr. Cadmus withheld any immediate reaction to the derisive statement. "That's a coarse perspective that diminishes the true potential of this 'art,'" he responded, maintaining his composure. "Let me enlighten you on the true essence of Pokémon magic," Dr. Cadmus began, his tone laced with a mysterious air. "It's an almost forgotten discipline, clung to in its simplest form by a family content with using it for mere parlor tricks – turning people into Pikachu or the like."
Dorian raised an eyebrow, intrigued but skeptical. "Cheap tricks? Is that all there is to it?"
Dr. Cadmus smirked knowingly. "Oh, no. That's merely the surface. I've glimpsed its genuine potential – a power with boundless possibilities. One with the ability to defy the very laws of nature in order to create something entirely new. A tool for ultimate victory against any resemblance of order."
Matori, however, remained skeptical and directed her inquiry. "If this Pokémon magic is so powerful, why haven't you used it before?"
Dr. Cadmus leaned back, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "I’ve tried, but to unleash it in its purest form requires an unimaginable amount of psychic power and a vessel to contain it. Even with the mythical and ancient machinations others have employed for their own ends, such as the weapon Team Flare sought, or the power of the Creator itself, it's a force that remains largely untapped."
Matori, persistent, inquired, "Is the Creator you mentioned the Pokémon called Arceus?"
Dr. Cadmus sidestepped her question, "Fortunately, a power to unleash magic already exists in the form of a creature. One whose creation was possible thanks to Team Rocket’s resources in a project I personally played a vital role in supervising its early stages until Dr. Fuji replaced me and finished the experiment. One whose existence has been forever erased from the world's memory, except by me. As far as I’m concerned."
Dorian, his curiosity piqued, leaned forward and asked, "What creature are we talking about?"
The intriguing scientist nonchalantly revealed, "Mewtwo."
"Team Rocket created one!? Nonsense!” Matori interjected, “If that were true, I would have noticed at least the mention of such powerful Pokémon in our archives!"
Dr. Cadmus chuckled dismissively, "Twice so far today, Matori, you've discovered just how little you knew about Giovanni and Team Rocket's deepest secrets. Search this name in your archives: ‘Primal seed’"
Dorian, his excitement palpable, wasted no time and eagerly searched for the name Dr. Cadmus had revealed, using the interface of his sunglasses. He quickly located the file, but his anticipation turned to disappointment as a message appeared: ACCESS DENIED.
"It's locked," Dorian stated, frustration evident in his voice.
Matori, still incredulous about the discovery and the impossibility of opening the file, took Dorian's sunglasses. She asserted that he, as Giovanni’s heir and Ren’s leader, was supposed to have complete access to every file in their archives, and the existence of such validation in that particular file was news to her.
Dr. Cadmus laughed once again, relishing in the unfolding drama. "Now, Matori, that makes three times you've found out you were wrong. This file is the most crucial and secret in Team Rocket's history, and only Giovanni and the late Dr. Fuji had access to it. I'm quite certain not even he was aware of its existence after somehow his memory was erased along with the world's regarding the events with Mewtwo."
Dorian, still grappling with the revelation, asked, "Why do you seem to be the only person in the world who remembers all of this?"
Dr. Cadmus smirked and pointed to his own temple, revealing the fading sequel of a surgical scar. "Let's just say I made some personal modifications before the memory wipe. A little surgical procedure, exploring the natural capabilities of Dark-type Pokémon that render them immune to Psychic powers. A complete success. While the world forgot about Mewtwo's near destructive path due to this Pokémon’s influence, I remember the day we were on the brink of collapse. A fortunate and coincidental outcome for an experiment I did just out of curiosity."
Matori, still processing the information, remarked, "That surgical procedure sounds insane, if you ask me."
Dorian, on the other hand, couldn't help but chuckle. "Darkly hilarious and strangely useful, I must admit," he then cut to the chase, "So, you suggest creating another Mewtwo or what?"
Dr. Cadmus giggled at the question. "That might be somewhat easier than just capturing it, but the complexity of the procedure makes success highly unlikely. No, we don't need to create one. What we need is Mewtwo’s energetic firm, which is stored in that locked file. It will allow us to pinpoint its location, then send your complete force to submit and recover it. After all, that beast was created by Team Rocket, so it is now Ren’s… your property."
Dorian mulled over the idea for a moment. "If what you're saying is true, it could be fun to recover a Pokémon with that kind of power, unleash this magic and watch chaos unfold in the world. But, you know, ultimate power gets boring after a while. No real challenges, and ruling a world? Pain in the arse and totally not my idea of Ren."
The old man observed his nephew's contemplation and nodded, recognizing a certain truth in his perspective. "You're not wrong, Dorian. Ultimate power does have its drawbacks. But, I'm not offering you a position of power. I'm offering you the chance to go beyond the borders of the known natural world, to glimpse at something akin to the very power of creation itself."
"How's that?" Matori inquired.
Dr. Cadmus responded, delving into the history behind the 'Primal Seed' project. "Before the idea of creating Mewtwo, the primary goal was to find and capture Mew. My plan was to turn Mew into a key to reach and unlock the very magic I've been talking about. However, this project became the center of disputes between Giovanni and me. He only saw it as a means to have the most powerful Pokémon in the world and rule with an iron fist. When I criticized his lack of vision and the personal events involving Elda, both of us cut ties, and I was expelled from Team Rocket, while he went and looked for Dr. Fuji to conclude the project."
Matori, ever the skeptic, inquired further, "Are you telling me Giovanni expelled you just because of a dispute over the project and a family matter? I find that hard to believe, considering the kind of people he dealt with. Tell us the real reason."
Dr. Cadmus, with a smirk, commended Matori for her sharp insight. "You're lucky to have her among your people, Dorian. Don’t lose her." Turning to the question at hand, he explained, "Giovanni's significant investment in the 'Primal Seed' project made him cautious. When he discovered I wanted to use it for different purposes, he deemed it a waste and couldn't tolerate what he considered a betrayal."
"Cheeky doctor, I knew you desired something," Dorian declared with his now restored confident smirk. "You're obviously alluring me into going along with your plan so you can achieve your own goals."
Dr. Cadmus chuckled, acknowledging his perceptiveness. "Congratulations, Dorian. You've finally caught on."
Dorian, surprisingly calm, continued, "Despite my initial resolve, I'm not angry. In fact, I congratulate you for your cunning and strategic mind. Even though I'm completely disinterested in what I could achieve with that power—defeating any adversary, playing Arceus or whatever—you've shown me that obtaining Pokémon magic is another victory for Ren, a demonstration of what we can accomplish."
Matori tried to interject, but Dr. Cadmus quickly praised Dorian's vision, noting the stark difference from his grandfather.
Dorian, however, wasn't easily swayed. "Flattery is not my liking, Doctor, especially when it is not too subtle. Let's get back to the matter at hand—the problem of opening the file."
Dr. Cadmus assured him, "It's just a minor setback. I knew Giovanni very well. Despite his memory being wiped out, he always had an ace up his sleeve. He must have left a way to access these files, probably in a key or device he passed on to you after he died."
Suddenly, the dark celebratory atmosphere morphed into one of profound repentance. Dorian, momentarily frozen with his triumphant smirk, now wore an expression of realization as Cadmus's words sank in.
The cunning doctor, attuned to Dorian's body language, sensed immediately that something was amiss. He locked his gaze with him, silently demanding an explanation. However, it was Matori who intervened, cutting through the thick tension.
"Mr. Leader here tossed the envelope and key Giovanni left him into the fire without even taking a look at them," she revealed.
Dr. Cadmus's gaze shifted from surprise to complete incredulity, as if he needed to hear the revelation once again just to confirm whether he had heard correctly.
"Why would you do such a thing?" Cadmus questioned, his voice filled with disbelief.
Dorian stammered for a bit, revealing a completely new facet of dumb justification that Matori had never witnessed before. The confident leader now appeared more vulnerable and uncertain than ever.
Cadmus, sensing the potential escalation of emotions, attempted to diffuse the situation. "Don't want to hear it. There's still another way." Breaking the tense silence, he added, "Fortunately for us, Giovanni was a meticulous man. He prepared for almost any eventuality. As long as his Persian is safe, we can still open the file."
Matori, curious and somewhat frustrated, asked, "Why does Giovanni's old companion matter?"
"That Persian is special—a genetically modified Pokémon that ages much slower and is stronger than the rest. Additionally, its genetic makeup was made so it can be similar to Giovanni's, and that file and many others have a genetic recognition access. Why do you think he always had it by his side? Certainly not because he liked pets."
The revelation landed like another punch to Dorian's pride and image. A bead of sweat finally descended down his forehead as his eyebrows furrowed. He turned to Matori, asking if she knew about that fact and, most importantly, if she had recovered Persian during the fire, as if he somehow attempted to shift the responsibility onto her.
That was the straw that broke the Camerupt's back, and Dr. Cadmus's ugliest and furious side was finally unveiled.
"A word of advice, Dorian. When you're given gold willingly, without any condition nor other compromise, you don't go and throw it into the fire in a childish, rebellious tantrum! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?! WHAT DID YOU WANT TO PROVE?!" Cadmus erupted in anger and frustration, the culmination of Dorian's reckless actions finally getting to him.
The old doctor left his spot in a haste, using his cane to navigate swiftly toward the room's exit.
"Where are you going?"
Cadmus, without turning to face him, responded with a brisk tone, "To my old research laboratory in this facility. I need to do what I do best: come up with new, useful inventions and ideas. It might clear my mind from the utter stupidity I just witnessed."
Before turning the knob to leave, he pivoted slightly and delivered a final statement to Dorian, his eyes briefly meeting the leader's.
"You have the qualities of not only a leader but the ultimate victor. You have the youth, the strength, the skill, willpower, and more than enough resources. What you lack is wisdom, patience... and a lot of maturity."
With that, Cadmus exited the room, the door closing behind him, leaving Dorian standing there, deep in thought and contemplation.
As the heavy silence settled in the room, a myriad of thoughts swirled within its confines. For Matori, the experience of witnessing Dorian being butchered by the only person capable of handling him left her torn between admiration and caution for the Machiavellian doctor. She felt an unexpected unease, coming face to face with the depth of her own ignorance about many aspects of Team Rocket despite her long years of service.
Her gaze shifted between Dorian and the closed door through which Dr. Cadmus had exited. The air felt charged with the weight of revelations and unspoken truths, leaving her in a state of introspection.
“I’ll deploy the Matori Matrix immediately to search for Persian’s whereabouts. Let’s hope that the trail hasn't gone cold.”
Dorian, accustomed to a series of uninterrupted victories since meeting Matori, found himself facing the consequences of his recklessness. For the very first time, he experienced the weight of what it truly meant to be a leader—the bitter taste of both achievements and failures. Though his pride and egocentric nature resisted the admission, an unsettling feeling took residence within him. Deep down, he grappled with the acknowledgment of the responsibilities inherent in leadership, a reality he couldn't easily dismiss if what he envisioned for Ren would ever come into realization.
Weeks ago, in the aftermath of the charred ruins that once housed Giovanni's final residence, an old Persian moved with a certain regality toward the remaining fragments of what was once the grand library. The air still lingered with the acrid scent of burnt wood and scorched paper, creating an atmosphere heavy with the residue of destruction.
Persian's steps were deliberate, its gaze fixated on the ashes as it cautiously maneuvered around the remnants of a once-majestic structure. The ground beneath its paws was a mosaic of blackened wood and ash, crunching softly with each step. The Pokemon's movements carried a sense of purpose, guided by the instructions embedded in its genes.
As Persian reached the spot where the library's remains laid, it delicately excavated the ashes, its sensitive nose distinguishing between the lingering scents. The air was thick with the faint aroma of books and knowledge, now reduced to remnants of a lost age.
Amidst the solemn scene, a few curious Pokemon emerged from the shadows, drawn by the unusual activity. Silently, they observed the aged Persian in its task, their eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and reverence for the solemn ritual unfolding before them.
After a moment of careful excavation, Persian found what it sought—the key of Team Rocket’s greatest mystery miraculously salvaged from the ashes. With a gentle and deliberate motion, it placed the item in its mouth. Without a backward glance, Persian left the desolate scene, moving with quiet grace and dispersing into the shadows towards the only people that would take advantage of its invaluable contents.