EPISODE 98: Return*

The strongest of them all, has fallen under the grasps of Team Rocket. With Mewtwo, Giovanni's ambitions will be a success that will forever run down in history books.

However, I wonder how the whole organization will react after the death of two high-ranking officials of the organization.

On the gates of the tower, as usual, I was greeted by Charlotte with a hug. Seeing my body all filthy gives her the conclusion on how hard I've worked in order to claim Mewtwo.

"Have you done it?" Charlotte whispers to my ear with her hands wrapped around my body. I show her the Ultra Ball, containing Mewtwo and she is pleased to see.

"I knew Team Rocket could count on you. Anyways, you still have to give the Ultra Ball to Giovanni." We separate from our hug. She then smiles with exuberance, however by hearing the organization's name, I remember the secretary who risked her life to save mine.

From a face filled with joy to a frown who avoids to shed a tear. I continue my saunter to the indoors of the tower in a subtle pace.

"Is there anything wrong?" Charlotte halts me as she taps my shoulder from behind.

"Um, no... nothing," I mutter then dash inside with a single droplet of tear falling off. From the inside, I proceed directly to Giovanni's room in order to tell him about the news I bear.

Seeing my dash with a frown has also made Charlotte seem curious about what happened. She then decides to stalk me, in order to find the truth about what happened.

"Come in," Giovanni utters, after hearing my knocks.

"I have captured the strongest Pokemon in the world." From the door, I explain my purpose in his abode. While staring at the city horizons he instructs me to enter and sit, parallel to where his chair is facing.

As I sit, I place down the ultra ball on the marble table. He then compliments me with nice words, "Well done, I knew I could trust you from the very beginning."

"Boss Giovanni, I also bring bad news."

"And... what is that?"

"The traitor of Team Rocket is no other than Pillar Leader Arlo. He tried to kill me multiple times, especially during my latest mission. He pulled the trigger, and the bullet was about to hit me.

If it wasn't for your secretary, I would've been dead right now." I explain, looking down at the table rather than at his eyes. Inside my pupils are tears, which wish to spill.

"Matori saved your life, how fascinating."

"She's dead Giovanni. She sacrificed herself to save my life-" I pause. "And as for Arlo, I froze him and drowned his body to the depths of the cavern." I continue with a savage voice after remembering Arlo's filthy deeds.

"..." Hearing my words, Giovanni was left speechless and quiet. If he is to cry in front of me, then that would make him a coward, but if he is to smile in front of me, then that would make him an absurd man who does not have any feelings for anyone even the deceased ones. He decides to keep his expression, expressionless.

"All this time, I've thought of her as a traitor, and evil is because of how she acts. Looks like I stand corrected, and now I feel guilty." I continue to speak with a rather soft tone this time.

"Sometimes... we misjudged what is possible and what is not. Everyone makes a wrong turn once in a while." Giovanni mumbles, trying his best not to let the melancholy succumb to his whole body.

"Matori was a compassionate woman who may seem stringent at times. I never you knew she would spend her last days, saving your life."

"L... Last days? Are you telling me, Matori was about to die in the first place?!"

"Perhaps... this is the perfect moment for me to tell you the truth behind Matori's past. Although I've promised her not to tell anyone about this, I truly believe that you deserve to know th truth.

However, once I do tell you the truth, you shall promise me not to tell anyone about this." Giovanni exhales deeply as he wipes off the single tear clouding his right eye.

I am left with shock, a cunning man like him has the capability to shed a tear for someone. Perhaps the secretary's actions have truly left a stain in his heart. As for me? I wished she was still alive so I could apologize to her personally.

Finally, the question I've been searching for a long time will be answered. Who is Matori, and how did she become a member of Team Rocket in the first place? The moment of truth is about to be revealed, and I am eager to hear it.