EPISODE 61: Return* (Events before Chapter 60)

On the helicopter, I stare down at Vermillion City. Everything seems chaotic as the smoke starts to disperse to the city proper.

I see men with their vacuum machine, trying to suck in the smoke before it reaches the city. On the corner, Lt. Surge can be found, pondering on the laboratory. Together with some volunteers, they assist those who have been trapped inside the laboratory during the raid.

On the far side of the laboratory, I see countless police automobiles trying to incarcerate Rocket Grunts and PGC troops.

I feel sorry for our squadron for almost half have been imprisoned. From the window, I look in front, staring at the abyss. My mind recalls everything I've experienced back in the laboratory.

On the other hand, Xavier falls asleep due to his worn-out body. In the meantime, Charlotte stares at the hard drive containing the data of the facility's supercomputer.

"I'm tired," Charlotte complains with a hoarse throat as she leans her head to my shoulder.

"Me too. I wonder when Giovanni will be able to obtain Mewtwo in order for this madness to end." I utter with a solemn voice followed by a yawn.

Charlotte then takes her rotom-phone and plugs the hard drive on it. Her mind wonders what secrets may lie inside the supercomputer. Of course, I am curious too so I've decided to take a look as well.

"What's this?" Charlotte wonders. She taps one folder only to be met with countless more. Out of all the folders, what strikes us the most is the folder entitled to Mewtwo's name.

Charlotte taps the folder and saw multiple documents about the Pokemon. The documents seem to contain codes instead of alphabets, giving me and Charlotte a hard time to comprehend.

"Hmm, what could this mean?" I wonder in my mind. I try to think of ways of deciphering the code but it seems difficult just like deciphering a morse code.

"The PGC must've done this in order to avoid malicious malware and in case it gets stolen. I am certain however that Team Rocket has the technology to decipher the code." Xavier yawns from the back seat and interrupts me and Charlotte's conversation.

"Giovanni did say that this USB contains the coordinates to Mewtwo but if this is true then why does the opposing party seem to struggle to find Mewtwo?" Charlotte queries with suspicion.

"Perhaps the code doesn't belong to the PGC too. I've heard reports about Team Rocket's failure in Lavender Town.

I think that data belongs to Mr.Fuji wherein he can be the only one to access the file. The PGC must've took the data without knowing about Mr.Fuji." Xavier hypothesizes. He leans back again, and bellows a loud yawn. His eyes then continue to stare at the magnificent clouds.

"Um, right. Xavier, I want to thank you for saving me earlier." I utter with a rather unusual tone. For some reason, my cheeks gleam with a slightly red hue.

"No need to thank me. Charlotte was the one who noticed that you were missing. Next time, stick to the plan."

"Wait, how did you notice that I was gone?" I question towards Charlotte.

She giggles then replies, "Simple, I know how you act, therefore I feel something strange I know something isn't right."

For two more hours, we drift across the sky. My stomach couldn't way to see what's in store for dinner. Of course, I also want to interact with my Pokemons when we head back to headquarters since they've been inside their Pokeball for almost the whole day.

Before the sun sets, the helicopter finally descends back at the roof top of Giovanni's tower. The three of us are extremely relieved to smell the fragrance of the tower's hall.

On our way to the auditorium, we are then greeted by no other than Giovanni walking around with his feline companion.

"Ah, it looks like the three of you are one of the ten grunts who were able to be rescued," Giovanni smirks.

"Boss Giovanni, here is the USB we've obtained from the laboratory." Charlotte yawns then utters as she gives the device to Giovanni's hands.

Giovanni became more pleased with our actions. He thought that the mission was a total blunder but he stood corrected after hearing the news from Charlotte.

"Ah! Very good. The three of you always managed to complete the mission. For that, you have my praise.

Apparently, all of you look drowsy and exhausted from the previous raid. I'd say, why don't the three of you take a rest for the whole week.

As another reward for completing your third mission, I allow the three of you to do whatever you please within the week. You will be dismissed, for now, meaning you won't participate in any missions unless the pillars assigns you.

Anyways, I have to go now. I and the board have a lot of things to discuss." Giovanni's phrases brought contentment and delight to our hearts. We could literally cry with joy because of his affidavits.