Elliot sat in the Pokémon Center's private room, the low hum of the healing machines filling the air. Charmeleon stood in front of him, its tail flame burning gently, the soft glow reflecting off the polished tile floor.
The recent battle scars were gone, thanks to the Center's treatment, but the emotional wounds? Those took more than a potion to heal.
Elliot knew that.
That's why he wasn't offering commands.
He was offering companionship.
Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a Luxury Ball—one of the rewards given to him by the Jenny family.
"This one's different from the Pokéball William had you in," Elliot said. "It's meant for Pokémon that deserve to be treated right."
Charmeleon stared at the ball, its clawed fingers twitching.
"I won't force you," Elliot continued. "But if you want a real trainer, someone who gives a damn about you—not just a brat who uses you as a stepping stone—"
A single tear welled up in Charmeleon's eye.
And then—it poked the button.
The Luxury Ball clicked shut without resistance.
For the first time, Charmeleon wasn't captured.
It was choosing to stay.
Elliot stepped out of the Pokémon Center, his new partner by his side, feeling lighter than he had in days.
But there was work to do.
First stop? The PokéMart.
He headed straight for the counter and ordered:
Normal Pokéblocks – For nutrition and recovery.Flying, Fire, and Dragon Pokéblocks – For Charmeleon. Dark Pokéblocks – For Deino.
The clerk bagged everything up, and Elliot slid his newly-earned 20,000 Pokédollars across the counter.
Balance remaining: 15,500 Pokedollars.
A decent amount, but Elliot knew he had to start making smarter investments if he wanted to stay ahead.
And that meant going to the Casino.
The Celadon Game Corner was bustling with trainers and gamblers, slot machines ringing, coins clinking against trays, and the scent of cheap cologne mixing with the ever-present tobacco haze.
But Elliot wasn't here to play.
Walking up to a staff member behind the counter, he pulled something from his pocket.
A black Rocket Card.
The man's expression didn't change, but Elliot saw the subtle tension in his posture.
"This way," the staff member said, leading Elliot through a hidden door near the back of the Casino.
As Elliot followed, his mind flashed back to the day before…
Flashback: Giovanni's Offer
It was just after leaving the station when Elliot got the call.
A simple letter in his pocket, with a time and place.
He almost ignored it—until he saw who it was from.
Giovanni.
The Boss of Team Rocket.
Elliot arrived at the discreet location—a high-end restaurant with a private booth. Giovanni sat across from him, sipping a glass of expensive wine.
"You could have refused this meeting," Giovanni said, his voice smooth, calculated.
Elliot leaned back in his chair. "Yeah. But then you'd still have eyes on me. This way, we can talk."
Giovanni smirked. "Smart."
He leaned forward, fingers steepled. "You're not an idiot, Elliot. You know how this world works. Strength is everything. And strength isn't just power—it's control."
Elliot didn't respond.
"I'm not here to force you into Rocket business," Giovanni continued. "I know better than that."
A gloved hand slid a single card across the table.
A Rocket Card.
"This is a free pass," Giovanni said. "It lets you choose your own assignments. No orders. No forced jobs. You take what you want. Ignore what you don't."
Elliot narrowed his eyes. "And if I walk away?"
Giovanni chuckled. "You won't."
Elliot scoffed. "You that confident?"
"No," Giovanni said, smiling. "I just know people like you. You're not a blind idealist like the Jennys. You see the cracks in the system. You know that justice isn't always black and white."
Elliot frowned.
"Take the card, Elliot. When you're ready, use it."
Back to the Present
And now, Elliot was here, standing in the back room of the Casino, staring at the mission board.
Requests were pinned across it—some crossed out, some still active.
The staff member gestured at the board. "Pick your mission."
Elliot scanned the options.
One caught his eye.
MISSION: BEEDRILL STINGER COLLECTION Objective: Retrieve and deliver Beedrill Stingers to the Celadon Underground.Reward: 7,500 Pokedollars + 3 Ability Tickets.
Elliot smirked.
He'd already had a few encounters with Beedrill.
Might as well cash in on it.
"Fine," Elliot said, pulling the request off the board. "I'll take this one."
The staff member nodded.
"No free rides in Team Rocket," he said.
Elliot stuffed the paper into his pocket, a determined gleam in his eye.
He wasn't joining Team Rocket.
But he wasn't playing hero either.
He was playing his own game.