After the intense battle, Ash was summoned by Giovanni. He signaled his gang to wait outside — even Pikachu, his closest companion, nodded in understanding and leapt onto Sabrina's shoulder.
Ash was then led to Giovanni's private chamber. The Rocket leader sat in a majestic leather chair, his presence as commanding as ever. With a subtle gesture, he invited Ash to sit across from him. Ash nodded silently and took his seat, tension thick in the air.
"Now, Ash Ketchum," Giovanni began, his voice calm yet commanding, "I would like to formally invite you to join my organization — the one you know as Team Rocket. I seek young, talented, and energetic trainers like yourself. So, what do you say? Will you accept my offer?"
Ash, without a moment's hesitation, looked Giovanni straight in the eyes and replied—
"I refuse," Ash said firmly, his eyes unwavering.
Giovanni's expression darkened, clearly annoyed by the response.
"Just because you gave me a good battle doesn't mean you can speak so freely," he said coldly. "This was an opportunity — a rare one. The next time I speak, it won't be an offer... it will be an order. And you'd do well to remember that."
Ash leaned back slightly, a smirk playing on his lips.
"I know," he said coolly. "But just like you, I've got connections. I'm not some rookie you can order around. I don't bend that easily — especially not to someone like you."
Giovanni chuckled darkly.
"Heh… you have no idea what you're playing with, Ash Ketchum. But fine. I'll let you walk away — for now."His eyes narrowed, the air around him shimmering as a green aura, born of his Viridian power, began to pulse around his body."Let's see how far you get in your journey… with Team Rocket as your enemy."
Ash smirked, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"I like challenges… especially from strong opponents like you," he said, rising to his feet."Let's see who comes out on top — me, or you."
As the words left his mouth, a brilliant blue aura flared to life around him, crackling with raw energy. It clashed subtly with Giovanni's green Viridian force, filling the room with a tense, electrifying pressure.
He held it out."You've earned it. For now."
Ash took the badge. Just as his fingers closed around it, a sudden ding echoed inside his mind.
[Mission Completed: Challenge Giovanni, the Viridian City Gym Leader, and obtain the Earth Badge.]Reward: Mewtwo Favorability +10, Charizard Mega Evolution Stone (X)
Ash blinked. The system again...
He clenched the badge in his hand, realizing that Giovanni hadn't used his real team in that battle. The gym match was just a smokescreen — a test. Giovanni had only been scouting him, probing his strength… and perhaps, his ambition.
But before Ash could analyze further, another notification appeared in his mental interface — and this one made him freeze.
[Special Mission Completion: Becoming Hero or Villain]Description: Giovanni, leader of Team Rocket, sees great potential in you. He believes you could become his right-hand man. The world watches to see which path you choose.
Choose Your Path:🟦 Hero Route — Battle the Guardian of the Sky, Shiny Rayquaza, summoned by the system.🟥 Villain Route — Battle the Dragon of Antimatter, Giratina, from the Distortion World.
Chosen Hero Route ✅
Reward (after choosing and defeating Giovanni):
2 Mystery Pokémon Eggs
Access to a Legendary Battle (Hero or Villain Path)
⚠️ Note: These Pokémon hail from parallel worlds destroyed by Dark Arceus.You may initiate the battle at any time after choosing your route.However, once the mystery eggs are removed from inventory, they cannot be returned.
Ash stared into the swirling green aura still faintly glowing around Giovanni. Then he looked down at the Earth Badge in his hand.
A smirk tugged at the edge of his lips.
So... it's really come to this. Hero or villain. Chosen or corrupted.
He glanced toward the door where Pikachu and the others waited.
"Let's see where this path leads."
As Ash exited the chamber, the heavy doors closing behind him with a low thud, Giovanni remained seated, his eyes fixed on the fading glow of the blue aura Ash had left behind.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth — part amusement, part calculation.
He pressed a button on his desk. Within seconds, two Rocket grunts entered the room and stood at attention.
"Assign surveillance," Giovanni ordered, his tone crisp. "Jessie, James, and Meowth — they're familiar with him. I want them monitoring Ash Ketchum's movements closely."
He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing.
"Make sure they report to me directly. Regularly. No screw-ups this time."
The grunts nodded, bowed slightly, and turned to leave.
"Dismissed," Giovanni added coolly, returning to the quiet hum of his Viridian Chamber.
Giovanni remained seated for a moment longer, the lingering sensation of Ash's aura still fresh in the room.
"Aura, huh..." he muttered, eyes glinting with curiosity and something darker. "Ash Ketchum… you are one mysterious trainer, that's for sure. But this world is vast. It breaks the weak and toys with the strong. The real question is..."
He stood, straightened his jacket, and began walking down a dimly lit corridor deep within the facility — each step echoing with purpose.
"...can you survive my game... or will you crumble?"
The corridor led to a heavily secured chamber, guarded by steel doors and biometric locks. As they hissed open, Giovanni stepped inside — the cold blue glow of the room bathing his face.
In the center floated Mewtwo, suspended in a containment tank, cybernetic restraints wrapped around his arms and legs, wires pulsing with energy. His eyes remained closed, but his presence was undeniable — terrifying, even in slumber.
Giovanni approached, placing one hand gently on the tank's glass.
A twisted smile crept across his face.
"Let's see how long the boy lasts... before the world makes him kneel."
As Ash stepped down from the steps of the Viridian Gym, a quiet smile crossed his face. Waiting for him at the bottom were Misty and Sabrina — the two women who had stood beside him not just as allies, but as partners in life — and his friend, Brock.
Before he could say a word, a small bolt of yellow lightning soared through the air.
"Pikaaa!"
Pikachu leapt gracefully from Sabrina's shoulder, landing right on Ash's with practiced ease.
Ash laughed softly, scratching behind Pikachu's ear."Missed you too, buddy."
Misty crossed her arms and smirked. "So, Earth Badge acquired?"Ash held it up, and the badge gleamed in the light.
"About time," Brock said, grinning.
Sabrina stepped forward, placing a hand on Ash's. "I sensed a disturbance when you were inside. Something darker than a simple gym challenge."
Ash reasured her that it was nothing the group exchanged glances but said nothing more.
For now, they had other priorities.
Later that day, they arrived at the Viridian City Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy welcomed them as usual, and Ash took a quiet corner to use the public video call station.
The screen blinked before showing the familiar, kind face of Delia Ketchum.
"Ash!" she gasped, beaming. "It's so good to see you safe. Are you coming home soon?"
"Yeah, Mom," Ash replied warmly. "We'll stop by Misty's place and Brock's first. Then… I'll head back to Pallet Town. Got something important to talk about with Professor Oak too."
Delia's eyes softened. "I'll make your favorite stew. And Pikachu's berries and need to spend time with my daughter-in-laws"she said cheekly.
"Pika!" Pikachu chirped happily.
Misty leaned in behind Ash and waved at the screen. "Hi, Mrs. Ketchum!"
Sabrina followed, offering a polite nod.
Brock simply gave a peace sign with a laugh. "We'll take good care of him, don't worry!"
Delia chuckled. "I know you will. I'm proud of you, Ash. Always have been."
As the video call with his mother continued, Delia smiled warmly before looking off-screen.
"Hold on, Ash. Someone's eager to see you."
Before Ash could respond, a small figure rushed into the frame. A young girl, around five or six years old, with auburn hair and bright brown eyes, appeared. She smiled widely, her excitement clear.
"Big Brother Ash!" Amber exclaimed, her voice full of joy.
Ash chuckled, his heart warming as he saw his little sister. "Hey, Amber! How've you been?"
"I've been good!" Amber grinned, looking at Misty, Sabrina, and Brock, who were all smiling at her. "Hi, Big Brother's sisters!" she said cheerfully, waving at Misty and Sabrina. "And hello, Brock!"
Ash smiled proudly. Amber had known Misty, Sabrina, and Brock for a while, and they all had a strong bond. She had always considered them her "sisters" and friends, which made Ash feel even more at home.
Misty waved with a warm smile. "Hey, Amber! It's good to see you!"
"Yeah, you've grown so much!" Sabrina added with a gentle smile, her psychic powers briefly flickering as she gave Amber a playful wink.
Amber grinned and looked over at Pikachu, who was still perched on Ash's shoulder. "Hi, Pikachu!" she greeted happily. "You're still as cute as ever."
Pikachu responded by giving her a cheerful "Pika!" and a small wave of its paw.
Amber's gaze shifted to Eevee, then to Togepi, who was being held by Misty. "And there's Togepi! I love how she always looks so happy!"
Misty chuckled. "Yeah, Togepi brings happiness wherever she goes."
Amber's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at all the Pokémon Ash had with him. "I'm glad you're doing well with them, Big Brother. I can't wait to hear more about your adventures with Pikachu, Eevee, and everyone else when you come back!"
Ash smiled warmly. "Of course, Amber. I've got a lot of stories to share with you."
Delia, watching the heartwarming exchange, smiled lovingly. "You're such a great big brother, Ash. Amber looks up to you a lot."
Ash's heart swelled with pride. "I just want to make sure she's always happy and safe. I'll be back soon, and we'll spend lots of time together."
The screen went dark. Ash stood silently for a moment, then turned to his team.
"Let's go home."
To Be continued.......
Apologies for the late update! I've been working on a new story idea — Reincarnating as Ben 10 AU in the World of Chaquetrix. It's been a fun challenge to explore new worlds and characters, and I hope you'll enjoy it once it's ready! Thanks for your patience, and I'll be back soon with more updates for this story as well!