"Platinum..."
Mr. Berlitz looked at Platinum with a complicated expression. He never imagined that his own daughter would need to rescue him one day.
"Do not worry. Platinum will win. Her talent is the best I have ever seen in my life." Professor Rowan, on the other hand, felt relieved and sighed.
A battle? A battle was beneficial!
Professor Rowan looked at the ages of Damian and his two companions. He still had a lot of confidence in Platinum.
To be honest, he believed Platinum's talent as a trainer was the most formidable he had ever seen. She was much more intimidating than Cynthia was at the start of her career.
Professor Rowan was always certain that the future of the Sinnoh region belonged to Platinum.
This was because when Platinum fully matured, she would definitely surpass Cynthia!
What about Damian's group of three? Professor Rowan assumed they were also powerful trainers.
But could they truly be stronger than Platinum?
A genius like Platinum might not appear for several decades!
In fact, Professor Rowan had heard other regional professors mention similar things. For example, Professor Oak would mention with a smile that several "Super Rookies" from Pallet Town had started their journey this year.
Professor Birch from the Hoenn region also stated that a formidable rookie had appeared in Hoenn.
Even Professor Elm from Johto said that the rookies who visited his laboratory to get their first Pokémon this year were all incredibly strong!
But Professor Rowan only dismissed their words. He truly wanted to laugh at them!
When those professors finally met Platinum, they would realize how ridiculous their boasting was!
Platinum had become an Elite Four-level trainer in less than six months. By the end of the year, she would certainly reach the Champion level!
A Champion in just one year! She was an individual that made Professor Rowan want to shout the word "Monster."
Professor Rowan had reasons to believe that Platinum might already be able to defeat the Sinnoh Elite Four right now.
Could these Team Rocket members, who looked to be only seventeen or eighteen years old, really be a match for Platinum?
Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
"Have you made up your mind? Which one of us do you select as your opponent?"
Damian completely ignored the words of Professor Rowan. Win? How could Platinum possibly defeat the three of them right now?
Damian had seen many "monsters" before.
Platinum was very hesitant at this moment. She looked back and forth between Damian's group. She understood that this choice was vital.
First, she definitely could not choose the leader, Damian. Everyone knew that the person acting as the leader was usually the most powerful in the organization.
Even if he was not the strongest, his power had to be remarkable. Otherwise, why would others follow him?
So, to be safe, she had to avoid Damian. That left only two options.
Platinum thought for a moment and finally looked at Caitlin.
"I choose... this lady!"
Platinum looked at Caitlin and spoke once she was certain.
Zinnia's energy was more fearless and wild; she clearly was not someone to challenge. Meanwhile, Caitlin had a noble and calm aura. She appeared to be a young lady of high status as well.
Platinum felt that Caitlin should be the weakest of the three.
Zinnia laughed. "Caitlin, it looks like you've been picked as the easy target."
Caitlin kept her slight smile and walked forward.
"Then, according to our agreement, Platinum—if you defeat me, we will leave. We will not break our promise."
"And what if I lose?"
Platinum did not think she would lose, but she still needed to know the rules of the agreement.
"If you lose, we still will not harm your father or the innocent members of the Berlitz family. However, you must join Team Rocket and work for us," Damian said with a grin.
He wanted her as a new recruit!
"What?"
Platinum's face turned pale. Mr. Berlitz and Professor Rowan also reacted with shock.
"You cannot! Platinum, do not agree to his terms!"
Mr. Berlitz rejected the demand immediately. Platinum was the future pride of their family.
Furthermore, they believed that Platinum might become the Sinnoh Champion and reach the very peak of the region.
Now he wanted Platinum to join Team Rocket? This would ruin Platinum's life.
"Could you please be silent? Mr. Berlitz, I am speaking to Platinum. You are being very discourteous."
Damian turned his head. He was still smiling, but his tone sounded dangerous and displeased.
Shiny Gengar's eyes glowed with blue light. Mr. Berlitz's mouth was immediately closed by psychic power. He struggled, but it was useless.
"Father!"
Platinum was confused and nervous when she saw this.
"Do not worry, I am only making Mr. Berlitz be quiet for a while. Platinum, please make your decision quickly."
"Otherwise, I cannot guarantee what I will do next."
Damian's smile remained bright. He continued to pressure Platinum.
Damian believed Platinum would agree without Mr. Berlitz's interference.
Zinnia clicked her tongue. Right now, Damian looked exactly like a villain from a television drama who threatened a family to force a girl into a bad life.
He was the type of character who would not survive many episodes.
What should I do?
Platinum was extremely hesitant. Should she really accept this deal? What if she lost?
She did not want to join Team Rocket. Her dream was to become the Sinnoh Champion.
But...
Mr. Berlitz made muffled sounds. He was trying hard to get Platinum to refuse.
Platinum looked at her father. At this moment, he was controlled by Shiny Gengar's psychic power and could not speak. He looked very distressed.
Father...
"I understand! I accept!"
Platinum took a breath, and her expression became determined again.
She had to save her father, even if it meant ruining her own future.
Mr. Berlitz's eyes turned red.
"What a truly emotional display of family love. Well then, I'll leave it to you. Please welcome our new partner, Caitlin."
Damian clapped his hands. He acted moved, but his smile made it seem fake.
Did he think she would definitely lose?
This man was wicked!
Platinum looked at Damian with resentment. This person was simply too evil!
"I won't lose! I absolutely won't!"
A powerful thirst for victory rose in Platinum.
She had to win! She wanted to put this man in his place by winning!
Caitlin remained elegant. She lifted her skirt slightly and gave a standard noble salute. "Good day. My name is Caitlin. Please guide me."
"Platinum Berlitz. Please guide me as well."
Platinum returned the salute. She had calmed down.
Cynthia had taught her to keep herself calm during a battle. Only by staying calm could a trainer focus and judge the situation correctly.
"Then, my first Pokémon..."
Caitlin kept her gentle smile. She used psychic power to throw a Poké Ball.
"Tapu Lele."
Tapu Lele cried out.
The pink Pokémon floated down in front of Caitlin.
"Tapu Lele?"
Platinum recognized it. This was Tapu Lele, one of Alola's guardian deities.
How could this girl have it?
This meant that the strength of the girl was likely very high!
The pressure on Platinum increased once more. Tapu Lele was a Psychic and Fairy type.
"Froslass!"
Platinum resolutely sent out her Froslass. As a Ghost type, it had an advantage over Tapu Lele. Platinum did not want to make any mistakes.
Tapu Lele cried softly, and a pink light spread out.
The Ability: Psychic Surge!
It created the Psychic Terrain, which boosted the power of Psychic-type moves and prevented priority moves.
"Tapu Lele and Psychic Terrain." Professor Rowan's white eyebrows moved. He realized Caitlin was a Psychic-type specialist.
The battle began, but the result was certain.
Caitlin crushed Platinum. Tapu Lele was too strong and had the boost from the Psychic Terrain. Platinum made some good counterattacks, but they were useless.
When her final Empoleon was defeated, Platinum felt dizzy. She sat on the ground with empty eyes.
She had lost completely. She was defeated six-to-zero.
Was she truly this weak?
"How can this be..."
Professor Rowan looked at Caitlin in shock. How could she be so powerful?
"You lost, Platinum. So, according to our agreement, from today on, you are a member of Team Rocket."
Damian walked to the front of Platinum and held out the badge.
Platinum looked up and stared at the R-shaped badge.
Mr. Berlitz made muffled sounds and tried to stop her.
But Shiny Gengar's control was very steady.
"What is wrong? Do you want to break your promise?" Damian asked.
"Will you really let my father and Professor Rowan go?" The young lady's voice sounded broken.
Her confidence was shattered by Caitlin.
"Of course. Keeping promises is one of my few virtues. However, you must also keep your word."
Damian nodded.
Platinum bit her lip. She looked at Mr. Berlitz, and her hand trembled as she took the Team Rocket badge.
"Welcome, our new partner. Do not worry, you definitely won't regret this decision."
Damian showed a satisfied smile.
An hour later, Cynthia's Garchomp arrived at Professor Rowan's laboratory.
"Professor Rowan? Mr. Berlitz?"
Cynthia looked at them. They looked miserable. A bad feeling rose in her heart.
"Where is Platinum?"
"Champion Cynthia! I beg you, please help me rescue Platinum!"
Mr. Berlitz rushed to Cynthia and pleaded.
"What happened to Platinum?" Cynthia's heart skipped a beat.
"Platinum... she agreed to Damian's demands to save us," Mr. Berlitz said while sobbing.
"She joined Team Rocket."
Cynthia was stunned.
---------------
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