Chapter 11: Red Tape and Repercussions

Holly sat stiffly in the Ranger headquarters, the dim overhead lights casting sharp shadows against the metal desk in front of her. The air in the room was thick with scrutiny, the weight of too many eyes watching her, questioning her, judging her.

To her right, Axel Wallen, the grizzled war veteran, sat with his arms crossed, the sharp lines of his face hardened by experience. His piercing gaze didn't waver as he studied her.

To her left, Agent Looker of Interpol, dressed in his usual trench coat and exuding an air of controlled paranoia, leaned forward, fingers steepled under his chin. His intense stare made it feel like he was picking apart her every word before she even spoke.

Across from her, Officer Jenny stood by the door, arms crossed, skepticism plain on her face.

Holly let out a slow breath.

She understood their doubt. She really did.

She was a 12-year-old rookie trainer who had just taken down an entire Team Rocket camp, gathered classified evidence, and provided detailed reconnaissance on criminal activity that even seasoned trainers had trouble with.

Of course, they were suspicious.

Didn't mean she wasn't tired of repeating herself.

Axel was the first to break the silence. His voice was rough, each word deliberate.

"Alright, kid. We need to go over this one more time. From the beginning."

Holly pinched the bridge of her nose, the throbbing in her skull growing stronger.

"I told you everything already," she muttered. "Twice."

Looker leaned forward. "And you'll tell us again. We need to be thorough, Miss Ketchum."

God, give me patience.

She took a deep breath and started from the top.

"I was out tracking Pokémon, practicing tracking skills with Sakumo, when I found Ranger Talbot unconscious. He was injured, out cold, and had no immediate way to contact headquarters. I managed to wake him for a moment, got his name, and had him send out his Pidgeotto. I wrote down our exact location and used the Rocket flares I found to give you a heading. Pidgeotto delivered the message, and I waited."

Axel nodded. "And then?"

She clenched her jaw. "And then I scouted the Rocket camp. I got photographic evidence of their operation, confirmed Pokémon in captivity, and overheard grunts talking about upcoming transfers."

Looker's eyes narrowed slightly. "How did you remain undetected?"

Holly fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Because I know how to be quiet?"

Axel snorted, but Looker wasn't amused.

"You're 12," he said flatly. "Not exactly field operative material."

"Yeah, well, I managed just fine," she shot back, crossing her arms. "I set a fire as a distraction, used my empty Silph Co. bag to get as many Pokémon as I could, then climbed the cliff wall and used the energy guns I stole off their own men to snipe them from above. Sakumo ran interference, using hit-and-run tactics with Agility and Flare Blitz to keep them busy. The rest ran, and I got out clean."

Axel let out a low whistle, shaking his head.

"That's one hell of a mission report."

"It wasn't a mission," she said, rubbing her temples. "It was survival."

Looker was watching her with sharp eyes.

"You've done this before."

It wasn't a question.

Holly froze.

Her heartbeat slammed against her ribs.

She kept her expression blank. "I've done what before?"

"Operations like this," Looker said, voice eerily calm. "The way you planned, the way you executed, the way you handled high-stress decision-making—it's not normal. Not for a child."

Axel exhaled through his nose, considering her.

"You remind me of some of the young recruits from my war days," he muttered. "Too sharp, too aware. Like you've been doing this longer than your age says you have."

Holly stayed quiet.

Looker leaned back, but he didn't stop watching her. "You're dangerous, Miss Ketchum."

She laughed humorlessly. "Yeah? Tell that to Team Rocket."

Jenny, who had been silent for most of the exchange, finally spoke up. "Look, she's just a kid. A kid who did something incredibly stupid but managed to pull it off. The more important question is, what do we do now?"

Axel nodded. "You're free to go, but you should understand something, Holly." His expression darkened. "You put yourself on Rocket's radar. If they realize you were responsible for that camp's destruction, you won't get a second chance to disappear."

Holly's stomach twisted. She had already known that.

Looker sighed, rubbing his temples. "We'll be keeping an eye on you. If you come across any more evidence of Rocket activity, do not engage. Contact us first."

Holly nodded absently, already halfway out the door in her mind. She just needed to get to Pewter City and finally get a damn break.

The Pokémon Center's phone lines were blessedly empty when Holly walked in, her bag heavier than ever, Sakumo keeping close to her side.

She dialed a familiar number and waited.

The screen blinked, then connected to a very familiar elderly man who blinked in surprise.

"Ah! Holly!" Professor Oak's concerned face filled the screen. "You finally called! I was beginning to worry, my dear."

Holly exhaled. "Yeah, well… it's been a long week."

Oak's sharp eyes took one glance at her tired face and his expression softened. "I take it you ran into some trouble?"

Holly gave him the full story—Talbot, Team Rocket, the evidence she gathered, the authorities' reaction, everything.

Oak's expression shifted from mild concern to full-fledged worry.

"Holly, my dear… you do realize what this means?"

She nodded. "I painted a target on my back."

Oak sighed heavily. "You were always a clever one. But even clever trainers aren't immune to the consequences of their actions. I'll see what I can do on my end to keep you off Interpol's radar."

"Appreciate it, Professor."

"And your brother?" Oak asked.

Holly blinked. "Ash? He should be ahead of me somewhere."

Oak smiled. "He just left Pewter City yesterday after winning his first badge."

Holly groaned, slumping back. So close.

"I'll try to catch up," she muttered. "For now, I just need sleep."

Oak chuckled. "Yes, I believe that's a wise decision. Rest, Holly. You'll need it."

She ended the call, then immediately dialed another number.

The screen flickered, and then—

"HOLLY KETCHUM!"

Holly winced. "Hey, Mom."

Delia Ketchum's face was a mix of relief and anger.

"You didn't check in!" Delia scolded. "Do you know how worried I've been? I've been calling every Pokémon Center from here to Viridian City!"

Holly sighed. "Mom, I'm fine—"

"You are not fine, young lady! I heard from Professor Oak what you got yourself into! Team Rocket?! Do you know how dangerous they are?"

Holly smiled tiredly. "Yeah, Mom. I know."

Delia's expression softened. "Just… be careful, sweetheart. Please."

"I will."

And for the first time in days, Holly felt like she could finally breathe.