Pokemon: Rising From The Dark

The dim glow of the streetlights cast long shadows across the pavement as the cool night air carried the faint scent of salt from the nearby harbor. Three minutes later, the tension that had filled the room dissipated completely. It was all over.

Rose stirred from her forced slumber, blinking rapidly as she regained consciousness. Her mind felt foggy, as if emerging from an incredibly long and vivid dream. When her vision cleared and she saw Aoki standing before her, an inexplicable sense of admiration welled up in her chest - a feeling she couldn't quite explain but couldn't deny either.

"Sir," Rose called out respectfully, her voice carrying a new tone of deference. Without conscious decision, she found herself accepting her new role as subordinate. The mental conditioning had taken root deeper than she realized.

Aoki gave a slight nod, his piercing eyes studying her reaction carefully. With a deliberate motion, he pointed at the Poké Ball resting on the polished mahogany table between them. "This Pokémon is yours now," he stated matter-of-factly. "While it may prove challenging to control initially since it wasn't originally your partner, with proper training and bonding time, it should surpass the capabilities of most average pseudo-Champion level Pokémon."

This particular Pokémon had once belonged to Rocks. Originally, Aoki had intended to sell them all on the black market, but had decided to keep this Houndoom instead. Both Pokémon were level 61 - the weakest members of Rocks' team, which made them perfect for Rose's current skill level.

As a quasi-Champion level Trainer, giving her a more powerful Pokémon would have been counterproductive; she might not have been able to establish proper control. The Houndoom represented a calculated choice - strong enough to elevate her capabilities, but not so powerful as to be unmanageable.

"Yes, sir," Rose replied eagerly, her fingers trembling slightly as she reached for the Poké Ball. The cool metal surface felt strangely comforting against her palm. If others knew that pledging loyalty to Aoki could earn them a Champion-level Pokémon, there would be riots in the streets. Countless Trainers spent their entire lives stuck at the quasi-Champion level, never able to break through that final barrier. The opportunity Aoki offered was priceless.

Originally, Aoki had considered selling all of Rocks' captured Pokémon to fund his operations. But as he watched Rose cradle the Poké Ball with reverent awe, he reconsidered. These Pokémon wouldn't depreciate in value if he kept them - in fact, they could serve as powerful incentives for future recruits. In the competitive world of Pokémon training, individual strength had limits. Even someone as formidable as Giovanni needed the vast resources of Team Rocket to reach his full potential.

"Release it," Aoki commanded. "I'll help you with the initial bonding process." Seeing Rose's immediate look of gratitude, he added, "Consider it part of your welcome package."

The Houndoom materialized in a flash of red light, immediately letting out a ferocious roar that echoed through the room. But the moment its dark eyes locked onto Aoki, the intimidating sound transformed into a pitiful whimper. The Fire/Dark-type Pokémon tucked its tail between its legs, lowering its head submissively as it crawled toward Aoki, its entire body language screaming surrender.

Gengar chose that moment to phase up through the floorboards, its sinister grin widening as it took in the cowering Houndoom. One look from the Ghost-type was enough to make Houndoom freeze in place, standing rigidly at attention like a soldier awaiting orders.

Rose watched the entire interaction with wide eyes. This was supposed to be a Champion-level Pokémon? The fearsome creature was behaving like a scared puppy. She'd been mentally preparing for weeks of difficult training sessions to establish dominance and many battles.

"Houndoom," Aoki addressed the Houndoom calmly, "This woman will be your new Trainer from now on. You understand the consequences of disobedience." As he spoke, both Gengar and Mismagius fixed their glowing eyes on the Dark-type, reinforcing the unspoken threat.

Houndoom immediately trotted over to Rose and began nuzzling her leg affectionately, its entire demeanor transformed. Rose reached down tentatively, running her fingers through the Pokémon's coarse fur. The speed of the transition was astounding - she'd expected a protracted power struggle, not instant submission.

Before she could voice her thoughts, the door burst open abruptly. A woman strode in wearing the distinctive uniform of the Hunter's Guild leadership, the sun-shaped medal on her chest gleaming under the artificial lights. She stopped short upon seeing the scene before her, confusion etching lines across her forehead.

Aoki's brow furrowed in displeasure at the interruption.

"Excuse me, sir," the woman began, her voice carrying the practiced politeness of someone used to dealing with important figures, "I believe you're the Team Rocket executive. I'm—" Her words cut off abruptly as her mouth continued moving without sound.

Mismagius's eyes glowed with psychic energy, the faint shimmer of a Confuse Ray hanging in the air between them. The woman's expression shifted from confusion to panic as she realized she'd lost control of her own voice.

Aoki remained seated on the plush sofa, his cold gaze assessing the newcomer. Without looking at Rose, he asked, "Is this one of those who exploited you so ruthlessly?"

Rose hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Yes."

The guild leader's eyes darted between them, realization dawning even as she struggled against the psychic hold.

Aoki stood smoothly, brushing imaginary dust from his jacket. "She's yours to deal with. Consider it your final test of loyalty. I'll be waiting at the black market entrance in ten minutes." With that, he strode from the room, Gengar and Mismagius following in his wake like shadows given form.

This was Rose's ultimate trial. Eliminating a ranking member of the Hunter's Guild would sever her last ties to the organization, leaving her no choice but to commit fully to Aoki's service. At least with Aoki, she would receive proper rewards for her efforts - something the Guild had never offered.

Rose understood the assignment perfectly.

Aoki's Ghost-types moved unseen and unheard - for all she knew, they might still be observing from the shadows. As someone who had clawed her way up from the Guild's basement operations, Rose was under no illusions about mercy or kindness in this world. If she wanted to prove her break with the Guild was absolute, there was only one way to do it.

Pulling up his hood, Aoki exited the Guild headquarters without a backward glance. Whatever happened next was no longer his concern. The Team Rocket Executive Badge he'd flashed upon entry belonged to someone else entirely - there would be no trail leading back to him.

Exactly ten minutes later, Aoki - leaning casually against the rusted metal archway marking the black market entrance - spotted Rose approaching. The lingering scent of smoke clung to her clothes, and her expression carried the hard edge of someone who had crossed a line they couldn't uncross.

"Sir," she greeted him respectfully, her voice steady despite the adrenaline that must still be coursing through her veins. From her pocket, she produced the sun medal, now marred by dark stains.

Aoki accepted it wordlessly, turning the damaged emblem over in his fingers before pocketing it. Without comment, he led her away from the city's underworld hub. Rose was truly committed now - there could be no going back after what she'd done.

As they walked, Aoki made one final observation. "That makeup is too heavy. I prefer a more natural look from my subordinates."

Rose smiled faintly and nodded. The dramatic makeup had served multiple purposes - enhancing her beauty to manipulate certain clients while simultaneously masking her true appearance from others. A simple cosmetic change would be easier than surgical alteration and just as effective for her new identity.

While waiting for Rose at the black market, Aoki had already put in a request with Team Rocket's administrative division to create a new League identity for her. It wouldn't be as thoroughly vetted as his own credentials, but it would serve perfectly well for operations in Hoenn - provided she didn't draw too much official attention.

Their next stop was Goldenrod City, where they boarded a flight bound for the Hoenn region. During the journey, Aoki had Rose recount every detail she knew about the Sun Dogs activities in Hoenn, cross-referencing the information with his own intelligence.

The plane touched down in Slateport City's bustling airport under the glare of the midday sun. Aoki immediately tried contacting Steven, but the call failed to connect - he was likely away training in some remote location.

Rose departed separately, heading for Goldenrod City per Aoki's instructions. With no strong leadership currently overseeing the Sky Hunters' operations there, their growth had stagnated. Rose's arrival would provide the necessary drive to expand their influence while simultaneously lighting a fire under Kaitou and Alex. If they wanted to remain relevant in Aoki's organization, they would need to step up their game considerably.