Trip to Violet City
Giovanni and Aoki were seated in a spacious mansion at the center of the island.
Giovanni's perception of reality shattered further as he witnessed the Pokémon under Aoki's command.
The sight of the massive, hundred-meter-long five-headed Hydreigon and other legendaries left him in awe, his jaw dropping in astonishment.
The story of Giratina and Darkrai dwarfed matters like Team Dusk, rendering them child's play.
What would remain of Team Rocket if humanity itself vanished due to its defeat in the war?
Giovanni had built Team Rocket from the ground up and bore the responsibility for its numerous members; he couldn't allow them to suffer.
While Team Rocket's methods might sometimes be inhumane, they granted people the power to dream and become strong.
Giovani will contribute as much as he can.
"I alone cannot accomplish this; I need trainers with exceptional commanding abilities.
You, Giovanni, are undoubtedly an exceptional trainer.
However, remember that aligning with me entails a responsibility that will determine humanity's future," Aoki said.
Before the empire of Pokémon that Aoki had created, any traces of arrogance melted away.
Moreover, a Garchomp stood in the room with a bloodthirsty grin and seemed poised to consume Giovanni alive if he made any mistake.
"I will join you, Aoki Gunhildr, and stand by your side in the battle for humanity.
Team Rocket's legacy is now yours...
In return, grant me strength," Giovanni decided.
A snap of Aoki's fingers summoned Mr. Psyc, Aoki's assistant, into the room with a contract.
"Sign here...
If you betray me, Darkrai will ensure your most agonizing demise, and Team Rocket will be utterly erased from existence. Keep that in mind," Aoki warned Giovanni.
"I will remember that," Giovanni said, signing the contract.
"I will let you borrow some of my companions to help you fight against Team Dusk.
We shall commence the training of your Pokémon from today.....
Over the past six months, Sabrina has trained with me almost every day and now possesses a full team of Champion-level Pokémon.
Misty, a student of Agatha, also trains here during her free time, and she too boasts a Champion-level Pokémon.
As a trainer specializing in ground types, you will spend most of your time in the ground and rock domain with Tyranitar and Flygon.
That aside...
I believe someone wishes to meet you," Aoki said as Mewtwo ceased its transformation, revealing its true form.
"Do you remember me?" Mewtwo asked, holding Giovanni in the air using telekinesis.
"I remember the pain your people caused me...
I recall how you treated me as a mere tool in your possession...
A few months ago, I might have killed you, but not anymore.
I forgive you, as you were responsible for my creation."
Mewtwo released Giovanni and teleported away.
********
"How did it go?" Misty inquired, observing her Champion-level Togekiss and Dragonite engaged in battle.
"It went well; Giovanni is now on our side," Aoki responded, enfolding Misty in his arms.
"At times, it feels surreal to contemplate everything..." Misty mused.
"Indeed... When I began, I never anticipated that the leader of Team Rocket would be collaborating with me," Aoki chuckled.
The egg Misty found in Grandpa Canyon hatched into a Fairy-type Togepi.
Leveraging Aoki's research on Fairy types and the environment of the fairy island, Togepi's growth rate became explosive.
In tandem with expanding his forces, Aoki captured numerous Dratini, giving one to Misty to raise.
Her Togepi and Dratini spent most of their time in a distinct dimension.
Whenever Agatha was occupied or inattentive, Misty would sneak into the dimension to train with them.
Her other Pokémon also neared Champion rank, astonishing Agatha with their rapid growth.
Aoki also bestowed Misty with a Mega Stone for Gyarados, enhancing her combat prowess further.
At present, Misty was prepared to challenge any member of the Elite Four.
Sabrina's situation differed from Misty's. Already formidable, she had evolved into a powerhouse in the last six months.
All her Pokémon achieved Champion rank and continued growing alongside Aoki's Pokémon.
Sabrina was practically a resident of the Psychic Island, dedicating herself to training with her Pokémon and honing her powers.
The constant utilization of her abilities, combined with the influence of the Dark Aura, elevated her Stage Zero psychic powers beyond all expectations.
She could read minds, teleport to places she had visited, strengthen her Pokémon, and more.
There was no doubt that Sabrina was the strongest human ally that Aoki had.
Due to her constant staying in the dimension, she had Aoki got even close making her someone very important to Aoki.
**************
The next morning, bidding farewell to Professor Elm and all the new trainers, Aoki and Misty continued their journey toward Violet City.
Since Agatha was not here, Misty was free to travel with Togekiss and Dragonite.
While traveling Darkrai and Celebi were always with Aoki while he kept switching the other Pokemon that followed him.
Currently, the ones with him were Garchomp, and Volcanion with both of them in beyond champion rank.
Celebi in general loved to travel and meet different wild Pokemon.
Volcanion and Garchomp had similar personality traits….that was love of destruction.
They loved to see big explosions and destruction from their attacks.
Garchomp is a totem Pokemon and along with the effect of Dark aura, he is huge in comparison to his species.
On a short trip to Sinnoh, Aoki came across a totem Gible who was exiled from his tribe due to his his violent tendencies.
The concept of fear didn't for him, every Pokemon Garchomp can see is a potential rival to him.
This nature made him pick fights with every single Pokemon of his tribe even the champion-level tribe leader.
After coming under Aoki and obtaining power, Garchomp brawled with every single Pokemon in the Euphrates to prove his superiority.
Even though he lost hundreds of battles, his thirst to defeat them only increased.
The only ones whom Garchomp listens to are Aoki, Clefable, and Darkrai.
Volcanion in comparison was a mostly cool-headed Pokemon with a love for food and explosions.
Volcanion is extremely territorial and likes to collect treasures in the form of stones or food items.
That mostly calm Pokemon would snap at anyone who entered his territory without permission.
Even now while traveling, Aoki lets Volcanion follow them outside his Pokeball to collect his treasures for his territory.
Back to the main topic, there was a reason why Sabrina was in Violet City and Aoki was going there.
It was because of the Ruins of Alph.
These ruins near Violet City are thousands of years old and connected to many legends.
Some of the ruins have abandoned temples of Arceus, Dialga, and Palkia.
There are rumors that the sound of Ho-oh weeping could be heard at night or that the writings on the walls come to life.
Aoki had to explore those ruins.
**********
Aoki and Misty reached Violet City the next morning after a night of camping in the wild after a long time.
Aoki stopped camping in the wild after his mansion was built, so camping after so long awakened so many memories of the time of his journey to become the champion.
The Violet City had two main attractions; first was the official flying-type gym and the sprout tower which was home to monks.
Some believe that the hundred-foot tower was built by only Bellsporouts but no proof has been found of the claim.
Aoki and Misty visited every famous place in the City till the afternoon and finally entered a famous restaurant where Sabrina was waiting for them.
They entered and were surprised to see someone alongside Sabrina who they hadn't seen since the Youth Cup.
Cynthia Shirona