"I hate this so much! But it feels so good... What did they do to me?"
The young Ariados narrowed its eyes. There were clearly two humans right in front of it, yet it could not even feel anger or hatred.
Sato looked at the Ariados before him, and ripples stirred once more in a heart that had long remained still.
He had seen that look far too many times in his previous life. This life had been too peaceful, to the point that he had selectively forgotten some things.
"Ariados, stay here too."
A red light flashed as Sato released his own Ariados, then turned and headed for the door.
"...Gym Leader."
Sosuke silently followed behind him and called out softly.
"Let's go. It's time to meet up with Si'nan."
Sato's voice was calm and his steps light, yet in Sosuke's eyes, at that moment, he seemed impossibly tall, radiating light as though a mere wave of his hand could crush all defiance!...
Shadows danced as the orange evening sun slanted through the forest west of Ecruteak City.
Si'nan hid beneath the shade of a tree, quietly watching the two Team Rocket members not far away.
A faint vibration came from the ring on his index finger. Si'nan instinctively took out his communicator and saw that Sato and Sosuke were rapidly approaching.
"They're coming!"
Si'nan's heart tightened. After staring hard at the targets for a moment, he turned and went back to meet Sato.
Half an hour later, Sato and the other two appeared where the two Team Rocket members had been.
"Gym Leader, the Team Rocket base is here. Are we going in now?"
"Mm."
Sato nodded lightly. Without waiting for Si'nan to search for the main entrance, he threw out Tyranitar's Poké Ball.
"Ban!"
A roaring sound