The stars shone brightly overhead, casting a silver glow over the two figures sitting on the large stone at the forest's edge. The cool breeze carried the scent of pine and grass, but Ezra barely noticed it. His mind was moving too fast, thoughts colliding and twisting into an intricate web of possibilities and risks. Karen's gaze was steady, her question still hanging in the air - Don't you trust me?

  His heart thudded in his chest as he considered the implications. This was very clever of her, another reason to find her so irresistible… It was a test. Karen had backed him into a corner with terrifying precision.

  If he denied her, it wasn't just about the secret. It would be her answer. She would know that she wasn't important enough to him, not worth taking the risk. And then she'd choose Agatha. He could see it as clearly as if it had already happened.

  But if he told her, he'd be putting his fate in her hands. Risk everything. Before it was obvious that she'd chosen him.

  She doesn't have to choose first, he realized with a sinking sensation. She's making me decide if she's worth trusting, and if I say no, she's gone.

  Ezra swallowed hard. He didn't trust anyone one hundred percent - he couldn't afford to with all the knowledge he held. Not Karen, not Brock, not Misty, not Cecile. But Karen wasn't asking for everything. She was asking for enough. Could he give her that? Could he hand over the one thing that had kept him ahead of everyone else, knowing full well that it could backfire if he was wrong about her?

  He didn't think he was wrong. But there was always the chance, wasn't there?

  Karen sat beside him, her expression soft but determined. She wasn't pushing or demanding - she was waiting, giving him the space to decide. Smart, patient, dangerous, he thought, feeling both admiration and frustration. No wonder I like you so much.

  He leaned in without thinking, his hand sliding into her hair as he kissed her. The softness of her lips against his was like a spark to dry tinder, igniting something that burned away the noise in his mind, if only for a moment. Karen melted into him, her fingers brushing against his jacket as she kissed him back with equal fervor.

  It was also a wonderful way to give himself more time to think. Karen was unable to ask him to give her an answer with her lips occupied.

  But even as he lost himself in the moment, his mind continued racing. Karen was too sharp to not know what she was doing. Yet this wasn't just manipulation, and it definitely was manipulative, no doubts about it - but it was also a desperation move from a girl begging for one clear out.

  She was as trapped as he was, and she needed a reason to jump off the ledge with him. If he gave her that reason, she'd choose him over Agatha, or so he guessed. But if he hesitated too much longer, or refused, she'd be gone.

  If she wasn't trusted at least this much, there could never be a relationship after all… Hadn't he said so himself to her?

  Leap of faith, Kassian, he told himself. You wanted this, didn't you? You wanted her to choose you.

  He ended the kiss, leaning back slightly, his fingers gently caressing her cheek. Her skin was warm beneath his touch, and her lips were still parted, glistening in the moonlight. Karen blinked dazedly, her blush deep and rosy, as though she were still caught in the aftershocks of what just happened.

  "Yes," He said, his voice quiet but resolute.

  He'd throw the die. Gamble on her.

  Worst case, Cecile could start the social media empire without him if Agatha locked him up to be studied if he was wrong. The public outrage he could create would free him.

  Eventually.

  Karen's brows furrowed slightly, her breath hitching. "Yes what?" She whispered, still half-lost in the haze.

  "Yes, I trust you." His words hung heavy in the air, like the final click of a lock turning into place.

  For a moment, she just stared at him, as if trying to process what he'd said. Then, slowly, her expression shifted, her eyes brightening as a wide, radiant smile spread across her face. Without warning, she threw herself at him, toppling them both onto the cool grass as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  "Thank you, thank you!" She cried, her voice brimming with emotion as she peppered his face with soft, frantic kisses. Her lips brushed his cheeks, his nose, his forehead - wherever she could reach, as though she couldn't contain her happiness.

  Ezra was happy as well, because this reaction wasn't one of - I just got what I needed to tell Agatha.

  It was joy that the person she was betting on, bet on her.

  Ezra chuckled softly, holding her close as she clung to him. "Want to see how I do it?" He asked, his voice a gentle murmur against her ear. "How I can control Pokemon so easily?"

  He could never, and would never, share his otherworldly origin or the basis of his knowledge. But his powers… This much he could do. For her. For them.

  This one person. He could trust 98 percent.

  Karen pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling with excitement. She nodded rapidly, though a hint of embarrassment flickered across her face as she realized how exuberant she'd been. She bit her lip, trying to compose herself, but her smile refused to fade.

  Ezra stood, helping her to her feet. "Come on," he said, leading her toward the forest.

  If he was doing this, he wanted more privacy, where no one could spy on them.

  The trees closed in around them as they walked, their footsteps muffled by the soft carpet of fallen leaves and moss. The air was cooler here, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine needles. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the canopy, lighting their way.

  After a few minutes, Ezra found a small clearing surrounded by thick trees. The area was secluded, hidden from view. Karen stood in the center of the clearing, her breath hitching slightly as she watched Ezra.

  He exhaled slowly, closing his eyes as he extended a hand toward the shadows pooling around the base of his feet. "It's not just based on good training," He said softly. "It's something deeper. I have… A connection to darkness. To shadow, an Aura if you will."

  Karen's eyes widened as she watched the shadows pulse and writhe, like living tendrils responding to his will. They slithered across the ground, coiling around her feet before rising and twisting into the air like serpents. The sight was both mesmerizing and eerie, and Karen found herself holding her breath.

  Ezra opened his eyes, the red glow of his irises intensified as he focused. "I can feed this energy to my Pokemon. It strengthens them, makes them more attuned to me. It's like an aura that binds us together, giving them power and, in return, their loyalty."

  He extended his hand toward her, the shadowy tendrils shifting direction and swirling around her ankles like a gentle breeze. Karen shivered, her heart racing as she felt the cool, tingling sensation of the darkness brushing against her skin.

  "It's not something I control with commands or words," Ezra continued. "It's instinctual. Like breathing. They listen to me because they can feel this power, and they trust it. It feels like home to them, like part of their own nature."

  Karen stepped closer, her gaze locked on the swirling shadows. "How… How did you discover this?"

  Ezra shrugged slightly, the shadows retracting as he lowered his hand. "You know I woke up as an amnesiac one day. I can't remember not having this ability, my assumption is I got close to death and somehow gained this aura. The more I practiced, the stronger the connection became."

  Karen's mind buzzed with questions, but she forced herself to focus. "And you've kept this hidden from everyone?"

  From the look on her face. She didn't blame him.

  "Of course," Ezra said with a smirk. "Imagine what the League would do if they found out. I'm not exactly eager to become their lab rat."

  Agatha would go balls to the wall if she thought there was a power that could literally allow someone to wield an army of Ghost and Dark Pokemon.

  Karen nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of what he'd shared with her. "Does anyone else know, other than me?"

  "No," Ezra admitted. "You'll always be the only one." He said seriously.

  Karen exhaled, her shoulders relaxing as she processed everything. "Thank you for trusting me," She said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I won't tell anyone. Not even Lady Agatha."

  Ezra's gaze softened, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "I know."

  Karen smiled, her heart swelling with a mixture of relief and affection. She had made her choice. Without hesitation she stepped forward and locked her lips with his again, relishing the feeling, how free she felt.

  Some time later. Teenagers, you know.

  The clearing was still dimly lit, the moon casting a soft silver hue over the grass and trees. Karen stood in the center, her chest rising and falling as she tried to calm the flurry of emotions still rushing through her. Her lips tingled faintly from their activities, her heart beating too fast, but she didn't mind. This was real. It was happening. He trusted her. And for once, she felt the weight in her chest ease.

  "Alright," Ezra said, stretching his arms above his head, the smirk on his lips as self-assured as ever. "Now that we're done with the confessions and making out - at least for the moment - let's see what we can do with your team."

  Karen flushed, her eyes darting away as she tried to hide the blush creeping up her neck. Especially with the sight of the many hickeys she'd left in her enthusiasm, right there, drawing her attention far too easily. "Right, yeah. Sure."

  Ezra chuckled, clearly enjoying her flustered state. "Call them out, babe."

  Her heart fluttered at the casual use of babe, but she quickly reached for her Pokeballs, shaking off the distraction. One by one, she released who she was currently carrying into the clearing - Weavile, Shiftry, Honchkrow, Zorua, the Dark Vulpix, and Houndoom. Each Pokemon emerged with their distinct presence, stretching and shaking off the brief confinement of their Pokeballs. The Dark Vulpix yipped happily, circling Karen's legs before settling next to her.

  Ezra took a step back, folding his arms as he surveyed the group. "You've got solid power here. But Dark Pokemon as you already know… Well, they're notorious for being a little stubborn. I bet they give you attitude sometimes."

  Karen raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching. "Sometimes, it's mostly handled."

  He chuckled. "Good. Means they've got spirit. But tonight, we're going to channel that spirit and make them crave working with you. We'll link them to my aura for a bit, let them get a taste of what it's like to have that extra power. Then they'll associate you with it - and trust me, they'll be eager to listen."

  If anything, his own Pokemon had shown how absolutely they wanted his presence, his aura drawing them in.

  Karen watched as he extended his hand toward the group, the familiar shadowy tendrils curling out from him and weaving through the air like smoke. He didn't really need to make it visual, but it would show Karen better than if he just juiced them up.

  Her Pokemon stiffened slightly, sensing the energy, but the feel of Ezra's calm aura kept them from reacting aggressively. Instead, they stood still, their eyes flicking between him and Karen as they luxuriated in the feeling.

  She felt Ezra move behind her, his hands gently resting on her shoulders as he leaned in close. "I'm going to guide you through this," He murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "Think of it like teaching them how to savor a good meal. My aura is the taste, the tease to get them to the table, but you're the chef."

  Karen shivered slightly, the combination of his voice and his touch making it hard to concentrate. "R-Right."

  He smirked, knowing exactly the effect he had on her. "Let's start with your Weavile. It's naturally fast and hits hard, but we're going to push it further. Tell it to use Night Slash, watch the difference."

  Karen nodded, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "Weavile, Night Slash on that tree!" She ordered, pointing at a nearby tree.

  The sleek Pokemon let out a sharp cry, its claws glowing with a dark purple energy before it lunged forward, launching the technique. Ezra's aura pulsed in response, feeding into the attack and amplifying the power. The Night Slash was faster, sharper, and more destructive than usual, carving through a nearby tree branch with ease.

  Karen's eyes widened. "Whoa." She realized now that this was the difference, the extra oomph she could never match.

  "See?" Ezra whispered, his hands gently caressing up her arms as he stood behind her. "Now… Make sure it knows that burst of power came from you, that only because of you did it get that taste."

  "Weavile, that was amazing!" Karen said, her tone warm and encouraging. The Pokemon puffed out its chest proudly, its sharp eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Keep working hard by my side and you'll get more of that!" She continued.

  Maybe she felt a little scummy, like she was a drug dealer, giving someone their first hit. But it was drowned out by the exhilaration over how strong they'd all become. How strong she would become.

  Maybe her path to the Elite Four wasn't entirely dead…

  Ezra smiled against her hair. "Perfect. Now, let's do the same with your Houndoom. It's got strong offensive potential, but we're going to enhance its flames with dark energy. Tell it to use Flamethrower."

  Karen felt the warmth of Ezra's aura surrounding her like a blanket, and it made her feel bolder. "Houndoom, Flamethrower! Tap into your dark energy, feel it and match it as it's given to you."

  The large, black and white furred Pokemon growled low in its throat before unleashing a stream of fiery orange flames that had a dark tinge to it. Ezra's aura boosted its connection to dark type energy, condensing the heat and intensifying the attack. The flames scorched the ground, leaving behind a trail of flames.

  Karen laughed softly, her excitement bubbling over. "This is incredible." Even as she had her Weavile use ice techniques to put out the flames.

  Ezra pressed a little closer, his hands sliding down her arms to rest lightly on her waist. "It's all going to be you, Karen. I'm just the shortcut."

  She turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting his. "You're more than just a shortcut," She said softly.

  For a moment, the training session faded into the background as they stared at each other. Ezra leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a brief but tender kiss before pulling back with a smirk. "You're my girlfriend now, aren't you? Gotta make sure you make it to the top."

  Karen's face lit up like a Torchic, her blush spreading to her ears. "Y-Yeah," She mumbled, her gaze darting to the ground. "I guess I am."

  He chuckled, brushing a thumb against her cheek. "Don't guess. Be sure. Because I sure as hell am."

  Her heart practically melted, and she smiled shyly. "Okay. I'm your girlfriend."

  "Good," He said, kissing her forehead before stepping back. "Now, let's move on with your Honchkrow. It's Dark energy should feel heavier, more focused with how much I've pumped into it. Tell it to use Dark Pulse."

  Like with his own Pokemon, now that Karen's had felt how much dark type energy was needed to change their attacks, boost them, or make them denser. They'd have an easier time recreating it.

  Karen cleared her throat, trying to shake off the lingering warmth from their exchange. "Honchkrow, Dark Pulse!"

  The large, dark-feathered bird flapped its wings, releasing a wave of crackling black energy that rippled across the clearing creating a shockwave that caused the surrounding trees to tremble, the attack at least thrice as strong as before.

  "Whoa," Karen breathed, watching as her Honchkrow settled back down, its feathers ruffled but its eyes gleaming with pride.

  Pokemon as well had their pride in their skills, they'd hunger for more, having seen the possibilities.

  Ezra gave her waist a gentle squeeze. "See? You've got this, you'll grow stronger than ever with me."

  Karen bit her lip, her mind still spinning from everything that had happened. "Are you okay with people knowing about us?" She asked suddenly, her eyes darting to the hickeys.

  He tilted his head, curious. "Why are you asking?"

  She squirmed slightly, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "So I know if I can kiss you in public without worrying about it."

  Ezra's grin widened. Without warning, he spun her around, one hand cupping her cheek as he kissed her deeply. Karen's breath hitched, her hands instinctively grabbing his jacket as she melted into the kiss. The world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of his lips and the steady beat of his heart against hers.

  When he finally pulled back, her lips were swollen again, her face flushed, and her breath ragged. "Does that answer your question?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

  Karen let out a shaky breath, her fingers still clutching his jacket. "Y-Yeah. That answers it."

  She rested her forehead against his chest, letting herself bask in the comfort of his embrace. After a moment, she exhaled softly. "I'll tell Lady Agatha I've made my choice."

  Ezra's fingers played gently with her hair. "No, you won't."

  Karen pulled back, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean?"

  "You have a time limit, don't you?" He asked, his gaze steady. Making it out like he had guessed as much.

  Karen nodded hesitantly. "Yeah…"

  "Then keep things as they are," Ezra said smoothly. "Tell her you're working on it, seducing me, teasing out my secrets. Play the part. The longer she waits for news, the better for us."

  Karen blinked, processing his suggestion. "You want me to lie to her?"

  "Think of it as a tactical delay," He said with a wink. "She doesn't need to know you've already chosen. Let her stew."

  Karen hesitated, her loyalty to Agatha making her chest ache. But after a moment, she nodded. "I won't fight her - I owe her too much. But I don't have to tell her everything. I can fool her for a month."

  Ezra's lips curved into a soft smile. "That's my girl." He kissed her again, the warmth of his lips sending a shiver down her spine.

  Karen pulled away, her face flushed and her breath shaky as she planted her hands on Ezra's chest. "Stop distracting me," She whined, her voice betraying more affection than actual frustration. Her gaze flicked to the side, embarrassed, but Ezra's smirk told her he wasn't about to make this easy.

  "No," He said, his tone dripping with mischief as he leaned back in, his fingers slipping around her waist. "Distracting you is too much fun." Without giving her a chance to protest, he kissed her again, deeper this time, his lips moving against hers with an intensity that made her knees weak, especially as his tongue slipped inside her mouth.

  Karen let out a soft whimper, her resolve crumbling like a tower of sand under a crashing wave. She tried - really tried - to keep her mind focused on anything but the heat pooling in her chest and the way his hands gripped her like she was something precious. But it was useless. Every nerve in her body seemed to light up, making her forget why she had resisted in the first place.

  Her fingers tightened against his shirt as she kissed him back, her heartbeat thundering in her ears. Just when she thought she might fully melt into him, she broke the kiss with a gasp, leaning her forehead against his. "Ezra," She whispered breathlessly, "I mean it. I have to focus."

  "Focus on me," He murmured, his lips grazing her jawline, igniting shivers that danced down her spine.

  Karen shuddered, her fingers clenching tighter in his shirt. "You're dangerous," She said with a breathy laugh, but her words had no bite to them.

  "That's why you like me," Ezra teased, pressing another soft kiss to the corner of her lips before finally pulling back, his hands still resting lightly on her waist. His red eyes gleamed in the moonlight, a mix of playfulness and something deeper - something that made her heart twist in the best way.

  Karen let out a shaky sigh, her lips still tingling. "You're going to be a handful aren't you?" She muttered, trying to gather her scattered thoughts.

  "And you're stuck with me now," Ezra replied, giving her one last wink before finally stepping back to give her some breathing room. "I'm all yours, girlfriend of mine."

  Karen's face lit up again, the warmth spreading all the way to her ears. She tried to hide her smile, but it was useless. "Yeah, yeah," She mumbled, brushing a hand through her hair as she glanced at her team.

  Her Pokemon had barely paid attention to their moments of distraction. Weavile and Shiftry were sparring playfully, while Houndoom stretched lazily, letting out a small yawn before firing off a casual Flamethrower at them. Honchkrow perched on a low branch, preening its feathers like it had better things to do, and her Dark Vulpix and Zorua trotted happily between them, watching their movements like they was taking mental notes.

  Karen chuckled softly, the sight of them grounding her. "Looks like they didn't need me after all."

  Ezra smirked. "They're smart enough to know when to give their trainer some privacy."

  Karen shook her head, but warmth bloomed in her chest. She looked up at Ezra, her gaze softening. "Thanks for this. All of it."

  He brushed a lock of hair away from her face, his thumb lingering on her cheek. "Anytime. We're a team now." His voice dropped slightly, turning sincere. "Whatever you need, I've got your back."

  Karen smiled, the weight on her chest feeling a little lighter. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she could breathe without the crushing pressure of expectation. She had someone she could trust - and someone she was willing to fight for.

  "Alright," she said, rolling her shoulders and turning back toward her team.

  "Let's get down to business!"

  She had no idea why Ezra suddenly started humming a tune, but she could only shake her head with fond exasperation at his randomness.

  Next day, Ezra's farm.

  In the early morning glow that filtered through the windows of Ezra's kitchen, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm toast filled the air. He was just settling into his chair, a plate of bacon and toast in front of him, when a whirlwind of orange hair burst into the room rushing down for breakfast.

  Misty's sharp blue eyes locked onto Karen, who had just entered looking half-asleep, her hair tousled and lips slightly swollen from the previous night's activities, her own hickeys visible. Misty's eyes narrowed before she grinned in excitement, and before Karen could even sit down, Misty rushed over and grabbed her hand.

  "What - Misty!" Karen squawked as she was unceremoniously dragged toward the door.

  "Girl talk," Misty declared with an air of finality, ignoring Karen's protests. "Gotta go."

  Ezra, halfway through assembling his bacon on bacon on toast sandwich, with extra bacon, paused, as he watched Misty drag a bewildered Karen out of the house. Karen threw him a helpless look over her shoulder, but Ezra just smirked and waved lazily with his hand.

  With the girls gone, the house fell into an unusual silence, a rare moment where the kitchen wasn't filled with chatter or playful bickering. Ezra shook his head, amusement flickering across his features as he finally took a bite of his breakfast.

  "Peace and quiet," He muttered, though a part of him was already curious about what Misty had dragged Karen off to discuss. He had a good guess of course. But girls were tricky. For all he knew Misty was going to bury her rival.

  Reaching for the remote, he clicked on the small TV mounted on the wall, its screen flickering to life. The familiar jingle of Kanto's morning news played as he lazily ate, savoring the calm moment. Across the room, Loki, his mischievous Banette, had gotten ahold of the syrup bottle. The ghostly doll cackled quietly as it tipped the bottle over, watching the golden liquid ooze out in slow, sticky streams onto Rider's head. The Alolan Marowak, curled up in a peaceful nap near the table, didn't stir - yet.

  Ezra shot Loki a warning glance, but the Banette only grinned wider, his zipper mouth pulling open just enough to reveal a set of wickedly sharp teeth. Ezra rolled his eyes. Fine. Let Rider deal with it. He should have known better then to nap out in the open this early.

  On-screen, the news transitioned to a special segment, and Ezra's attention sharpened as the familiar face of Professor Oak appeared. The professor's white lab coat was pristine, and his grandfatherly smile seemed warm and inviting as he spoke to the reporter.

  Ezra's hands froze mid-air, holding his sandwich, when his own name came up.

  The reporter, a young woman with blue hair, leaned forward with curiosity. "Professor Oak, Ezra Kassian has been making waves recently with his success in both Kanto and Johto. He's won the Orange League in record time, defeated several star challenges in multiple gyms, and even discovered new Pokemon evolutions. What do you think of this rising star in the Pokemon world?"

  Stolen story; please report.

  Professor Oak's smile thinned, just enough for someone like Ezra to notice. "Ah, yes, Ezra Kassian," The professor said, his tone carefully measured. "He's certainly… Ambitious. But ambition, if not guided properly, can lead to troubling behavior."

  Ezra's jaw tightened, his fingers curling around his sandwich. Oh, this is going to be good, he thought sarcastically, already bracing himself.

  "I've been in this field for decades," Professor Oak continued, "And my mission has always been to spread knowledge and help trainers grow. I believe that knowledge should be shared freely, for the betterment of all trainers and their Pokemon. Unfortunately, not everyone shares that vision."

  The reporter blinked, surprised. "Are you saying Ezra Kassian doesn't share in your vision of spreading knowledge?"

  Professor Oak nodded, letting out a long sigh, as if he were discussing a wayward student who had failed to meet his expectations. "I've tried reaching out to him for collaboration, you know. He's made significant discoveries - new evolutions and species that could benefit trainers across the region. But when I proposed working together, the conditions he set were beyond unreasonable. Truly beyond the pale."

  Ezra snorted under his breath. Beyond unreasonable? It was one favor. He took a large harsh bite out of his sandwich. Eating it angrily.

  The reporter tilted her head. "Could you elaborate on those conditions?"

  Professor Oak waved a hand dismissively. "I won't get into specifics, but suffice it to say, his demands made it clear that he's more interested in personal gain than the good of the community. It's disappointing."

  Ezra's teeth clenched. If he'd ever be as daft as to share anything with that old fogey he'd likely only get the 'privilege' of sharing his discoveries in exchange for a pat on the head and a footnote in Oak's next research paper. He'd asked for one favor. To throw his weight around when Ezra was shooting for creating his gym.

  Apparently, that was too much to ask.

  "But that's not all," Professor Oak continued, his expression turning grave. "I've also received reports that Mr. Kassian's behavior during battles is… Less than polite, showing a pattern of behavior that is concerning. He's been known to be rude to other trainers, and there was even an incident where he chased a poor young trainer down the road after bullying them so badly that the Pokemon Rangers had to step in and issue a fine."

  Ezra's sandwich fell down onto his plate as his eyes narrowed. That kid deserved it. Using nothing but metapods and harden… I don't regret it for even a second.

  Oak was obviously fine with using his reputation and clout to get reports he shouldn't have access to… Fucking hypocrite.

  The reporter looked shocked, leaning back slightly. "That's… Concerning. Have you spoken to him directly about this?"

  The fuck he has! And ask him how the fuck he has a report from the Pokemon Rangers!

  "I've tried," Professor Oak said, shaking his head with a paternal sigh, lying. "But the young man seems set in his ways. I understand that youth can be stubborn, but I do hope he changes his mind soon. I'm always available to work with new trainers and researchers, and I believe Ezra simply needs the guidance of someone older and wiser to get back on the right track."

  The interview wrapped up with Professor Oak offering his signature grandfatherly smile and a polite "Thank you." To the reporter before the screen cut back to the news anchors.

  Ezra sat frozen for a moment, his breakfast forgotten as he processed everything he'd just heard. Slowly, he leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the table.

  "That slimy old bastard," He muttered under his breath.

  He knew exactly what this was - a public attempt to strong-arm him into submission since most brats cared about that sort of thing. Professor Oak had just painted him as an entitled brat, a danger to the Pokemon community, and an egotistical gatekeeper of knowledge.

  And the worst part was, Ezra couldn't even defend himself publicly. No matter what he said, people would believe Professor Oak. The man was a living legend, revered across the region. Any rebuttal from Ezra would only make him look worse.

  Loki cackled from the corner, apparently finding the whole thing amusing. Rider, finally awake, growled as he shook off the syrup coating his head, sending droplets flying in every direction.

  Ezra didn't even react. His mind was already working, his thoughts racing as he plotted his next move. It might take years, He thought, but I'm going to humiliate that old fogey.

  He tapped his fingers rhythmically, the gears in his mind clicking into place. Oak thought he could use his reputation to pressure Ezra into playing nice. But Oak had underestimated him in that case.

  "That loser was the champion once?" Ezra said aloud, scoffing. "Must've been before they had TV, because that was the most heavy-handed crap I've ever seen."

  Rider huffed, still trying to wipe syrup off his face, while Loki floated lazily above him, clearly pleased with his prank. Ezra grabbed his glass of water and took a long sip, his gaze hardening as he set it back down.

  "Let's see how smug you are when I own half of Kanto's economy, old man," He murmured. "You picked the wrong fight."

  Later that afternoon, Goldenrod City, Johto.

  Ezra and Karen appeared in a shimmer of psychic light, Starmie's teleportation leaving a faint hum in the air. Karen blinked a few times, steadying herself as the bustling city came into focus. The crowded streets were alive with the chatter of passersby, the scent of street food wafting through the air.

  Karen adjusted her jacket, her gaze darting around the busy street. "I still can't believe you convinced me to come here." She grumbled.

  Not exactly having the fondest memories of Whitney… Especially now.

  Ezra grinned, slipping his hand into hers as they started walking. "What's not to believe? You deserve to be spoiled. Today's all about you."

  Karen rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. "You do realize I don't need all the stuff you're planning to buy, right?"

  "Want or need, it doesn't matter," Ezra replied smoothly. "I've got the cash, and I want to spend it on my girlfriend. You arguing about it only makes me want to buy more."

  He'd never had the chance for this kind of thing. So what if he wanted to get a little crazy. He had the money.

  Karen's cheeks flushed a light pink, and she swatted his arm playfully. "You're going to make me look like a gold digger."

  "That can't be true, what could the shine of gold do against your beauty?" Ezra teased, his voice dropping just enough to make her blush deepen.

  She looked away, muttering, "Dumbass, don't say that stuff in public…" Her rosy cheeks had practically exploded, making her look like a tomato as she avoided his amused gaze.

  Ezra's laughter echoed through the crowded street as they made their way toward a small cafe tucked between two shops. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries greeted them as they entered, the cozy atmosphere a welcome respite from the bustling city outside. The decor was simple but charming, with wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and small potted plants lining the windowsills.

  They settled into a table near the window, the sunlight casting a soft glow on Karen's hair. A waitress approached with a warm smile and handed them menus.

  "Get whatever you want," Ezra said, scanning his own menu. "No limits."

  Karen raised an eyebrow. "You're really leaning into this whole spoiling thing, huh?"

  "Absolutely," Ezra replied, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You've put up with me long enough. Consider this your reward."

  She laughed softly, shaking her head as she glanced down at the menu. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you when the bill comes." Not that anything here was that expensive.

  "Please," Ezra said, leaning back in his chair. "I could buy this whole place for you if I wanted to."

  Karen chuckled, but there was a hint of fondness in her gaze as she looked at him. "You're an insufferable braggart."

  "And you like it," Ezra shot back without missing a beat.

  After ordering - Karen opting for a light sandwich and a mocha latte, while Ezra went for a cream cheese bagel - they settled into easy conversation. They talked about everything and nothing, just enjoying time without needing to rush for anything. When their food arrived, they ate leisurely, savoring the moment of peace amidst the chaos of the city outside.

  Karen took a sip of her latte, her fingers tracing the edge of the cup. "I haven't had a day like this in a long time, just… Free to not worry about anything." She admitted.

  "Then we'll make sure you have more of them," Ezra said, his tone sincere. "You've earned it."

  She must have been under a lot of pressure from Agatha, he thought, I'll make her smile more often..

  She smiled softly, the warmth in his voice making her chest flutter. "Thanks, Ezra. For caring, I guess."

  "Always," he replied, reaching across the table to give her hand a gentle squeeze.

  …

  Their next stop was the Goldenrod Department Store, a towering building filled with rows upon rows of merchandise, from clothes and accessories to Pokemon supplies and technical machines. The floor where the TMs were sold, was their main destination, though Ezra insisted on taking the scenic route through the lower levels.

  Karen tried not to groan as Ezra dragged her through the various departments, occasionally pausing to examine something random like a ridiculous hat or a novelty apron. "Are you seriously considering buying that?" she asked, eyeing the apron covered in cartoonish Magikarp.

  No doubt a gift for Misty. She didn't mind, he kept trying to buy things for her, and she seriously didn't need any of this stuff. She didn't know what he thought girls were like, but she had no need for an entire wardrobe full of stuff she'd never use.

  He tried to buy her shoes, and she already had three pairs, why would she need more?

  "No, but I'm thinking about making you wear only that if you ever cook," Ezra said with a wink.

  Karen smacked his arm lightly, laughing despite herself. "You're lucky I like you enough to think about it." Her face very red.

  "Ah, I've been such a bad influence on you." He replied, grinning as he led her to the escalator.

  When they finally reached the floor with the TMs, Karen's eyes widened at the sheer variety on display. Shelves lined with discs, each labeled with the corresponding move and type, stretched as far as the eye could see.

  Ezra rubbed his hands together, his gaze scanning the options. "Alright, time to stock up. Let's see what we can get for your team."

  Karen hesitated, glancing at the price tags. "Ezra, some of these are expensive -"

  He cut her off with a playful smirk. "You know what I said about arguing, right? Keep it up, and I'll buy the whole shelf, the next shelf, and that life sized Snorlax doll in the lobby…"

  She sighed, giving him a look of exasperated fondness. "Fine. But only the ones we really need."

  As they browsed the shelves, Ezra handed her TMs for Blast Burn, Spore, Sludge Bomb, Earthquake, and several others that would complement her team's strengths. Karen couldn't help but be amazed at how thoughtful he was, selecting moves that would give her an edge in battle while also considering her Pokemon's personalities.

  "You really do know your stuff," She said as he added another TM to the basket.

  "I'm a genius, remember?" He teased, nudging her shoulder.

  Karen laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Not as much of one as I thought, now that I know your trick." She teased quietly.

  After paying for the stack of TMs - Ezra waving off Karen's protests once again - they left the department store and headed toward a nearby park. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, as they walked hand in hand along the tree-lined path.

  The park was lively, with families picnicking on the grass, joggers making their rounds, and trainers sparring with their Pokemon in designated battle zones. Karen leaned into Ezra's side as they strolled, the warmth of his hand in hers grounding her in the moment.

  "This feels nice," She admitted, her voice soft.

  "Yeah," Ezra agreed, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "It does."

  They found a bench near a small pond and sat down, watching as a group of children played near the water's edge. Karen rested her head on Ezra's shoulder, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

  "I could get used to this," She murmured.

  Ezra smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Good. Because I plan on having more little dates like this."

  Karen tilted her head up to look at him, her eyes shining with affection. "You're really sweet when you want to be, you know that?"

  "Don't let it get out," Ezra joked, his lips curling into a smirk. "I have a reputation to maintain."

  She giggled, nuzzling closer to him. For a moment, the world felt perfect, the weight of their responsibilities and secrets temporarily lifted.

  But that moment shattered when a group of rough-looking teens sauntered past them, their clothes ripped and stained, faces set in sneers. One of them, a wiry boy with spiked hair, pointed directly at Karen and sneered, "That's the bitch."

  Karen tensed immediately, her body going rigid against Ezra's. His eyes darkened, his grip on her hand tightening protectively.

  "Well," Ezra murmured under his breath, his tone eerily calm, "Guess someone's about to have a very bad day."

  Moments later,

  The tension in the air thickened as Ezra and Karen stood shoulder to shoulder, their eyes locked on the group of four delinquents who surrounded them. Civilians scattered like leaves in the wind, their distant yells growing fainter as they ran to call for help. Ezra smirked to himself, dark satisfaction curling in his chest.

  Witnesses. Perfect. We can beat these idiots black and blue and walk away clean because they started it.

  The leader of the group - a tall, wiry guy with a crooked grin and greasy hair slicked back against his scalp - pointed at Karen, his eyes gleaming with recognition. "That's the bitch with the bounty," He said, his voice dripping with malice. His gaze raked over her, lingering in ways that made Ezra's blood boil. "One million to deliver her whole," He sneered, "And mostly unspoiled."

  Karen stiffened, her jaw clenching as her hand instinctively brushed against the Pokeballs at her waist. But it was Ezra who stepped forward first, his red eyes burning with barely restrained fury.

  "A bounty," He growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Let's talk about that. Shall we?"

  Without waiting for an answer, he released Akuma, Cheshire, and Nyx. Akuma, his Annihilape, landed with a heavy thud, the ground beneath him cracking slightly as he flexed his powerful arms and let out a guttural snarl. Cheshire, the Gengar, floated lazily beside him, his wide grin betraying the gleeful violence brewing within him. Nyx, the Spiritomb, swirled into form, her eerie purple aura flickering ominously.

  They could feel his anger and were amped up accordingly.

  Karen followed suit, her eyes hard as she released her Shiftry, Weavile, and Honchkrow. The Weavile hissed, claws flexing as it eyed the delinquents with predatory intent. Shiftry's limbs creaked as it stepped forward, leaves rustling like whispers of death. Honchkrow flapped his wings, casting a shadow over the group as he let out a low, menacing caw.

  Ezra's eyes darted to the delinquents' hands as they released their own Pokemon from their pokeballs - a bevy of Johto species with a few of Kanto's included, including a Granbull, a Croconaw, a Murkrow, and a Machoke. Decent enough picks for thugs, but they weren't ready for what was coming.

  Karen's voice was icy. "I'd like to know about this bounty too."

  Ezra's mind worked rapidly even as they squared up, connecting the dots. An Elite Four apprentice like Karen having a bounty meant only one thing. Giovanni figured out how much I care about her. Taking her hostage would be easier than taking me down...

  it was the only thing that made sense. If Giovanni had observed them the entire time they were in Celadon…

  While he and Karen hadn't been together yet, it would have been obvious to a guy of his caliber.

  Shitty ass League not moving even when you get told who the leader of Team Rocket is, he thought with annoyance.

  One of the delinquents confirmed his suspicion seconds later. "Team Rocket's offering all that money," The spiky-haired punk sneered, flashing a crooked grin. His eyes flicked to Ezra's leather jacket. "Hey, kid, you're a punk too, ain'tcha? All that leather… Dump your girl for some of the dosh, eh?" He suggested.

  Massively misreading the situation…

  Ezra's eyes darkened, his voice cold as death. "Akuma, break his pelvis."

  Akuma roared, muscles coiling as he launched himself at the punk before he or his Pokemon could even react. The Annihilape's massive fist connected with a sickening crunch, and the punk crumpled to the ground, howling in pain as he clutched his shattered pelvis, his Pokemon frantically firing attacks at Akuma.

  The chaos began.

  Karen's Shiftry darted forward with Leaf Blades fired off ahead of it. It slashed through the Murkrow mid-air, knocking it back with a strangled caw before following up with a Razor Leaf that tore into the Croconaw. The water-type snarled, its attempt to retaliate with Water Gun barely grazing Shiftry as the grass/dark type weaved effortlessly through its attacks.

  These punks Pokemon were beginners at best, if one was charitable.

  If Ezra was more of a criminal, he'd take that damn Croconaw and give it to Misty, this punk didn't deserve it.

  Weavile danced around the Granbull, her speed blinding as she delivered a flurry of Ice Punches to its jaw. The Granbull swung wildly, but Weavile was too fast, slipping under its defenses and landing a final blow that sent it crashing to the ground in a daze.

  Cheshire floated above the fray, his wide grin never faltering as he launched Shadow Balls with pinpoint accuracy keeping the punks' Pokemon guessing. One slammed into the Croconaw, sending it skidding backward, while another blasted the Machoke in the chest, knocking the wind out of it. The Gengar cackled, enjoying the chaos as his opponents flailed helplessly.

  Nyx hovered nearby, her ethereal form shifting and swirling as she unleashed a wave of Taunts on every Pokemon she saw. The technique rippled across the battlefield, as she hit Pokemon after Pokemon, disorienting the delinquents' Pokemon and making them attack with no regards to defense.

  The Croconaw whimpered, its instincts telling it to flee even as taunt made it fire a water gun at Nyx, but Karen's Honchkrow swooped down before it could do anymore, delivering a devastating Drill Peck to its back, finishing it.

  Karen's focus was laser-sharp, her commands precise. "Shiftry, finish the Murkrow with Leaf Storm! Weavile, Ice Shard on the Granbull - keep it down!"

  Both Pokemon obeyed without hesitation. Shiftry summoned a swirling vortex of leaves, the sharp edges cutting through the Murkrow's wings and sending it plummeting to the ground. Weavile's Ice Shard struck the Granbull squarely in the face, freezing it in place before it collapsed in defeat.

  Meanwhile, Akuma was wreaking havoc, his fists a blur as he pounded the Machoke into submission. The fighting-type tried to counter with Karate Chop, but Akuma caught its arm mid-swing and twisted it with bone-snapping force. The Machoke let out a guttural cry before Akuma finished it off with a brutal Close Combat, leaving it unconscious in the dirt.

  One of the delinquents, wide-eyed and panicking, fumbled with his Pokeball, trying to recall his Croconaw. But before he could, Karen's Honchkrow swooped down, claws outstretched. The thug yelped and stumbled backward, dropping the Pokeball as Honchkrow pecked viciously at his hand.

  The other few Pokemon weren't even worth mentioning as Cheshire cleaned them up by himself, their attacks weak enough they were obviously fresh and untested.

  Ezra's gaze flicked to the leader, who was backing away slowly, his confidence crumbling as he realized how outmatched they were.

  "Akuma," Ezra said calmly, "Grab him."

  Akuma moved like a bullet, closing the distance in a heartbeat. His massive hand shot out, grabbing the leader by the waist and lifting him off the ground effortlessly. The thug squirmed, but Akuma's grip was unrelenting.

  Karen stepped forward, her eyes blazing with fury. "Who told you about the bounty?" She demanded, her voice cold and commanding. "Who's behind this?"

  The leader sputtered, his face pale. "I - I told you! Team Rocket! We just wanted the money!"

  Ezra sighed, stepping closer until he was inches from the thug's face. "Bad choice," He said softly. "Team Rocket can't save you now."

  Cheshire floated beside them, his grin widening as he phased through the thug's body, his head poking out of the thugs shoulder to grin at him wickedly, sending a cold shiver down his spine.

  "Tell me," Ezra continued, "Where's the rendezvous point? You catch her, where were you supposed to take her, and to who?"

  The thug stammered, sweat pouring down his face. "The docks! W-we were supposed to hand her off at the docks! No special place, just a guy who told us the deets, we were to call him up!" He then gave an extremely thorough description of the guy.

  Ezra's eyes narrowed, and he glanced at Karen. "Good to know."

  Karen nodded, her fists clenching. "I think we've had enough fun here."

  Ezra smirked. "Akuma, drop him."

  Akuma let go, and the thug collapsed to the ground with a pained grunt. Ezra glanced around at the defeated Pokemon and their trainers, all groaning and whimpering in pain.

  "You're lucky we didn't go all out," He said, his tone casual but deadly. "If you ever come near Karen again, you won't be so lucky."

  The sound of motorcycles echoed in the distance, sirens growing louder by the second. Ezra adjusted his jacket, shooting Karen a knowing look. "Time to face the music."

  Karen returned her Pokemon to their balls, her eyes still burning with residual anger. "Yeah. I wish we could have shown these idiots a bit more of my feelings on the matter of kidnappings though…"

  The crowd that had gathered in the distance, watched quietly, whispering among themselves as Ezra and Karen stepped to the side, waiting for the police.

  Ezra's hand found Karen's, squeezing it gently. "You okay?"

  Karen exhaled, the tension slowly leaving her body. "I will be. Thanks for having my back."

  "Always," Ezra replied, his voice soft but firm.

  The distant wail of sirens grew louder, echoing off the concrete walls of the nearby buildings as Officer Jenny and her team arrived on the scene. Jenny, her cap slightly askew from the rush, stepped off of the police motorcycle, her gaze sharp as she surveyed the aftermath of the chaos.

  Ezra stood with his hands in his jacket pockets, leaning casually against a lamppost as if he'd just finished a leisurely stroll. Beside him, Karen crossed her arms, her expression guarded but defiant. The officers fanned out, some moving to secure the delinquents while others returned the fainted Pokemon to their balls and collected them as evidence.

  Jenny approached the pair, her boots clicking sharply against the pavement. "Ezra Kassian, I already know who you are," She said, her voice crisp and authoritative. "Figures I'd find you in the middle of this."

  Fucking watched that interview did you, bitch? He thought with annoyance. Ezra tilted his head, feigning surprise. "Officer Jenny. What a pleasure. Here to congratulate me for cleaning up the streets?"

  Her eyes narrowed, clearly unimpressed by his flippant attitude. "We received multiple reports of a street brawl with severe injuries. Care to explain why you and your Pokemon nearly dismantled these guys?"

  Karen stepped forward before Ezra could respond, her voice firm. "They attacked us. They're the ones who started this."

  Jenny gave Karen a brief glance, then focused back on Ezra. "Self-defense doesn't usually leave people with broken bones and a need for immediate medical attention."

  Ezra shrugged, the picture of indifference. "If they wanted to walk home tonight, maybe they shouldn't have tried kidnapping my girlfriend due to some bounty."

  Jenny's lips pressed into a thin line. "I see. And you couldn't have handled this without turning it into a show?"

  "Sure," Ezra said, his tone cool and sarcastic. "We could've politely asked them to reconsider the whole bounty-hunter thing. Maybe shared a cup of tea."

  Karen hid a smirk behind her hand as Jenny's eyes flared with irritation. "You're not helping yourself, Kassian." She grumbled.

  "I don't need to," He replied, his gaze unwavering. "I made the right choice." He knew there was fuck all she could do.

  All the witnesses would confirm the punks started things threatening his girlfriend and taking their pokeballs out.

  Jenny exhaled sharply, clearly trying to keep her temper in check. "And this bounty you mentioned - who placed it?"

  Karen and Ezra exchanged a brief glance, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Neither of them had any intention of revealing that detail to the police. They wanted answers directly from the source, and they wouldn't get those if the contact went into hiding because of law enforcement interference.

  "We don't know who exactly," Karen lied smoothly. "They just said it was Team Rocket. That's all we've got."

  Jenny studied her for a long moment, her gaze flicking between Karen's serious expression and Ezra's infuriatingly calm demeanor. "Team Rocket. Of course." She let out a tired sigh. "Look, I'm not going to pretend this isn't messy. These guys are in serious trouble, and there'll be an investigation. But next time, Kassian, maybe call us before you go all vigilante."

  "Sure thing," Ezra said with a dismissive wave, "Next time I'll wait patiently while they haul Karen off."

  Jenny's jaw clenched, but Karen stepped in again, her voice softening just enough to ease the tension. "Officer Jenny, we really do appreciate you coming. But you have to understand - we couldn't take any chances."

  Ezra gave her a look, don't waste your time with the cop, Karen.

  Jenny's gaze softened slightly as she looked at Karen, though her wariness toward Ezra remained. "Fine. We'll take your statements officially at the station, but for now, we're confiscating the Pokeballs involved. Standard procedure."

  Ezra didn't flinch, even as an officer approached and held out a bag for him to deposit his Pokeballs. He placed them inside without complaint, though his eyes never left Jenny's.

  He didn't need his Pokemon to unleash hell on her. And besides, with how public this was, it was best to just go with it. Like hell it was procedure in a clear cut self defense case…

  Karen followed suit, giving a small nod to the officer before turning back to Ezra. "We'll get them back after the paperwork, right?" She asked Jenny.

  Jenny nodded. "If everything checks out with the witnesses and there's no evidence of excessive force beyond self-defense, you'll have them back in a few hours."

  Ezra smirked faintly. "Good luck proving anything else. The crowd saw who attacked who."

  Jenny exhaled sharply through her nose, clearly debating whether to respond or not. She eventually chose the latter, turning to her team instead. "Secure the suspects and get the injured ones to the hospital. Once they're stable, I want them in holding cells."

  Ezra watched as the delinquents were loaded away, their groans and curses fading into the background noise. When Jenny turned back to him and Karen, her tone was slightly less confrontational. "Alright, come with me to the station and we'll sort this out."

  Karen nodded, but Ezra simply tilted his head slightly, his smirk still in place. Jenny's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before she turned and walked away, her team following behind her.

  Ezra would bet a lot that those nosy reporters would soon find a story here… Officer Jenny would no doubt throw him under the bus while not giving any real information. Something like - Ezra Kassian was involved in an altercation, his opponents suffered multiple broken bones. Without saying anything else.

  He could see it already.

  Oh well.

  Once they were alone, Karen let out a breath, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "That could've gone worse."

  Ezra chuckled. "She's pissed because she knows I'm not sorry and would have done it again, plus she's already biased."

  Karen smiled faintly. "I know. And for the record, I'm not sorry either." Her hand found his, squeezing it gently. "Thanks for having my back."

  They started to make their way to the police station, to do the ridiculous paperwork that would release their Pokemon again.

  He wasn't worried, he had the Pokemon in his shadows, but really? Officer Jenny heard there was a bounty and left them defenseless taking their mon'. Real genius there. Fuck, cops were dumb.

  But even as they left the scene, his mind was already plotting. Whoever placed the bounty thought they could take Karen from him. They were about to learn how wrong they were.

  That night, Goldenrod City, Johto.

  The sun had dipped low over Goldenrod's sprawling docks, casting the city in a hazy twilight glow. The air was thick with the scent of brine and rust, the sound of distant waves crashing against the pier mixing with the hum of city life.

  Ezra led the way, his pace deliberate but cautious, Karen following close behind as they weaved through the maze of backstreets and warehouses. This part of Goldenrod more obviously worn down then the glitz and glam of downtown.

  "Any sign yet?" Karen whispered, her breath fogging slightly in the cool evening air.

  "Not yet," Ezra muttered, eyes scanning the darkened alley ahead of them. His fingers flexed briefly before he extended his aura, the shadows around them deepening and wrapping protectively around their figures as two men in work uniforms passed by on the street. They barely glanced in their direction, the encroaching shadows making the pair all but invisible.

  Karen adjusted her jacket, her gaze darting around nervously. "This feels like a needle-in-a-haystack situation."

  Ezra smirked faintly. "It would be, but we have an advantage." All his ghosts, from those bound, to those in his shadows, were flying around the city with this guys description, they'd find him.

  They only had to search places where scum gathered after all, since he needed to be available if anyone got Karen.

  Just then, a familiar ripple in the shadows caught his attention. Cheshire phased up through Ezra's shadow, his grin stretched wider than usual, eyes gleaming with excitement.

  "You found him," Ezra said, his voice barely above a whisper.

  Cheshire nodded, bobbing enthusiastically in midair. The Gengar didn't bother with words, instead motioning for them to follow. Ezra grabbed Karen's hand and led her quickly through a side alley, ducking behind stacks of shipping crates and rusted machinery as they moved deeper into the docks.

  The path twisted and turned, each new corner revealing narrow alleys and dimly lit backstreets until finally, they reached a decrepit building tucked between two warehouses meant to store fish, the smell overpowering through the street.

  The structure's wooden siding was warped and cracked, patches of peeling paint revealing years of neglect. The smell of saltwater mixed with stale alcohol lingered in the air, and the faint sound of muffled moans filtered through a cracked window.

  Ezra narrowed his eyes. "This is it?"

  Cheshire nodded, floating ahead and gesturing toward the entrance.

  Karen wrinkled her nose. "This place looks like it should've been condemned a decade ago."

  Ezra snorted. "Wouldn't be surprised if it was."

  The building had the look of somewhere long forgotten by officials and law enforcement. No signage indicated its purpose, and the only hint that it wasn't completely abandoned was the dim light flickering behind the broken glass of the front windows.

  Ezra turned to Karen, his voice low. "Follow my lead. Don't speak unless you have to."

  Karen gave him a skeptical look but nodded. "Fine, but this better not end with me in a police cell."

  Ezra smirked. "No promises, the police here already like us so much."

  Cheshire slipped back into Ezra's shadow, vanishing from sight as the pair stepped inside. The heavy door creaked loudly as it swung open, and they were immediately greeted by the dim glow of flickering overhead lights. The narrow hallway was lined with peeling wallpaper, the musty scent of mildew hanging thick in the air.

  A small booth sat off to the side, manned by a bored-looking woman with brightly dyed hair and a wad of gum inflating in her mouth. She barely glanced up as they approached, popping the bubble with a loud snap.

  "250 Pokedollars entry fee," She drawled, lazily holding out her hand.

  Ezra slid the money across the counter without hesitation. The woman pocketed it and leaned back in her chair, popping another bubble. "If you like any of the merchandise, flag down Jeff. Can't miss him - he looks like a Granbull, he'll make sure your wick gets wet."

  Karen's expression shifted from confusion to outright disgust, her gaze snapping to Ezra in silent accusation. Her eyes practically screamed - what the hell have you gotten me into?

  Ezra didn't acknowledge her reaction, instead giving her a small nod to follow him further down the hallway. She reluctantly obeyed, though her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

  The hallway opened into a large, dimly lit room filled with low tables, cushions, and the overwhelming scent of cheap cologne. The room was alive with murmured conversations, moans and quiet laughter, but what drew Karen's attention - and horror - was the "merchandise" lounging around.

  And in some cases being quite busy. Working under tables, or just out in the open.

  Pokemon.

  Mostly humanoid ones, like Gardevoir, Lopunny, and Medicham, but there were others too, sprawled across the cushions and tables. Their expressions ranged from vacant to weary, and Karen felt bile rise in her throat.

  "This place is disgusting," She hissed under her breath, her eyes darting away from a Jynx slowly sucking a elderly man off on a couch.

  He understood her rage. Considering she just received a Vulpix, and there on a table one was crying out as it was taken from behind.

  Karen's rage was an almost physical thing, her hands clenching hard at her sides.

  Ezra's expression was stony. "I know."

  Considering the clientele rutting down here, and the rooms upstairs, the cheap ones paid to do whatever down here, no privacy. While the more expensive option was a room. He didn't even want to know what was done privately if this was the 'open' actions.

  The cries of the Pokemon could not by any metric be called cries of pleasure.

  He spotted Jeff almost immediately - a large, burly man with a shaved head and a crooked grin on a squashed face that made him look exactly like the Granbull the woman had described. Jeff stood near the back of the room, arms crossed over his broad chest as he watched the proceedings with a predatory gleam in his eyes.

  Ezra's hand tightened around Karen's briefly before he let go. "Stay close."

  They approached Jeff, who eyed them both with open interest, his gaze lingering on Karen far too long for Ezra's liking. "New faces," Jeff said, his voice a low rumble. "You lookin' to spend some time upstairs? I got a great deal on a pair of fresh Meowth's."

  Ezra's lip curled faintly, but he forced himself to remain composed. "Yeah. What's the rate? Not the meowths, one mon' will do."

  Jeff smirked, his gaze flicking back to Karen. "Depends on what you're after, but you don't look like the type to mind spending a little extra."

  Ezra's fingers itched to throw a punch, but he held back. "Money's not an issue. Just take us upstairs."

  Jeff rubbed his hands together, clearly pleased. He gestured toward a nearby Gardevoir, who had been standing off to the side with her head bowed. "She'll take you up. She's the best we have, you have to love Pokemon physiology, hundreds of customers and she's still as tight and wet as when she was born." He winked at them.

  Ezra contemplated murder as he paid an outrageous sum. Even as he really hoped that had not been a literal fact. Some people don't deserve to exist…

  The Gardevoir stepped forward, her movements mechanical as she led them toward the staircase. As they ascended, the muffled sounds of the room below faded into the background, replaced by the creaking of the old wooden steps.

  When they reached the room, Ezra waited until the Gardevoir closed the door behind them before giving the signal. "Cheshire."

  The Gengar emerged from Ezra's shadow, his eyes glowing with a faint purple hue as he cast Hypnosis on the Gardevoir. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she collapsed gently onto the nearby couch, fast asleep.

  Karen let out a shaky breath, her hands trembling slightly. "I can't believe this place exists."

  "I can," Ezra said grimly. "But it won't for long. Once we're done here, I'll send word to Whitney. Goldenrod's law enforcement will handle the rest." The gym. Not the cops. He didn't trust this Officer Jenny.

  Even if he would prefer to handle it himself… Outright murder might be a bit much for a first date.

  Karen nodded, her disgust still evident. "They'll probably bolt as soon as they realize we aren't doing that, though."

  Ezra grimaced. "Yeah, places like this don't stay in one spot for long. They'll have cameras in every room for blackmail too, and with how he was looking at you, that pig Jeff will check them soon enough. Once he sees us, he'll pack up and run."

  He turned to Cheshire. "Show us to our guy's room."

  Meanwhile he mentally ordered some of the Ghosts in his shadow to detach and go follow Jeff.

  If he got away… Well, he wouldn't.

  Cheshire grinned and floated silently toward the far end of the hallway, beckoning them to follow. Ezra and Karen exchanged a look before slipping out of the room, their footsteps muffled against the worn carpet as they crept toward their target.

  Minutes later, the door to the room their target was staying in creaked open, revealing a scene that made Karen's stomach twist and Ezra's eyes harden. The man they were looking for - a grungy, overweight criminal with a greasy mop of hair plastered to his forehead - was sprawled out on the stained mattress, half-dressed and reeking of cheap cologne and sweat. Beside him lay a Lopunny, her eyes glassy and distant, her body covered in… Signs of activity.

  Cheshire materialized from Ezra's shadow, his mischievous grin taking on a more sinister edge as he floated toward the man. His red eyes pulsed briefly before the glow of Hypnosis consumed them both. The criminal let out a groggy grunt before slumping, unconscious. The Lopunny didn't scream or panic. She simply let out a breath of relief and sank deeper into the mattress, her muscles finally relaxing.

  Karen's jaw clenched. "I hate this place," She whispered, disgust radiating from her every word.

  Ezra nodded, but his focus was elsewhere. He pulled out his Pokedex and tapped through his contacts until Whitney's face appeared on the screen, her signature bright pink hair falling over her shoulders. She grinned when she saw him, her cheerful demeanor lighting up the display, answering right away even though it was nighttime. "Ezra! What's up? Are you in town? You usually don't call this ~late."

  "Whitney." His voice was cold and precise, slicing through her excitement. "I'm at an illegal brothel, on the second floor. There's Pokemon being exploited here. It's… Bad."

  Whitney's smile vanished instantly, replaced by a hard, furious expression. "What?" She hissed, leaning closer to the screen. "In my city!? Where exactly?"

  Ezra rattled off the address, his tone unwavering. "Get here fast. They'll bolt the second they realize someone's coming."

  "I'm on it," Whitney said sharply. "I'll bring backup." Her gaze softened slightly as she added, "Be careful, Ezra."

  He ended the call without a word, sliding the Pokedex back into his pocket. "Loki," He murmured, his Banette slipping from the shadows like a phantom. "Find the cameras. Destroy the footage."

  Loki nodded, his zipper mouth spreading into a wicked grin before he vanished again.

  With authorities coming, Ezra didn't want them to see what they were here for. Or for anyone to have footage of him paying to be here.

  Karen exhaled shakily, her gaze lingering on the unconscious criminal. "Thanks for calling Whitney," She said quietly, her fingers curling into fists. "But I wish I could have a few words with that Jeff guy before he runs or gets caught."

  Ezra's lips twitched into a grim line. "I get the feeling Whitney's going to be very thorough," He muttered, but he understood Karen's frustration. His own hands itched with the desire to do more. But there was a bigger fish in the room for them personally.

  Moments later, Loki returned, nodding once to confirm the task was done. "Good. Akuma." Ezra released his Annihilape, the powerful ghost-fighting Pokemon snarling softly as it materialized. "Carry him."

  Akuma growled and grabbed the unconscious man, flinging him over his shoulder like a sack of garbage - which was apt. He released Starmie, its core glowing faintly as it prepared to teleport them. Ezra quietly giving instructions.

  They reappeared in Lavender Town, specifically within Ezra's sprawling breeding and research facility. The main building had been designed with expansion in mind, leaving many of the underground rooms unused. It was one such room they soon occupied - bare walls, dim lighting, and thick concrete that muffled sound effectively.

  Luckily they had not run into anyone getting down there after Starmie dropped them off upstairs.

  Akuma dropped the man onto the cold floor with a grunt. Ezra knelt down, patting him down for weapons and Pokeballs. He found two knives and a small switchblade, along with three Pokeballs that he pocketed for safekeeping. Once satisfied the man was disarmed, Ezra stepped back, locking the heavy steel door behind him.

  Karen leaned against the wall, her breathing uneven. "You're going to interrogate him, aren't you?" She asked softly, though it wasn't really a question.

  Ezra hesitated, his gaze meeting hers. "You should go home. You don't want to see this."

  Karen crossed the room in two steps, cupping his face between her hands and tilting his head down so their eyes locked. She kissed him softly, her lips lingering just long enough to make his heart skip a beat. When she pulled back, her gaze was steady and filled with quiet determination.

  "I know what they'd do if they captured me," She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I remember that girl from the Rocket base."

  Ezra's jaw tightened. He remembered her too - barely more than a child, trapped and broken by Team Rocket's cruelty.

  "You don't have to hide your darkness from me," Karen continued. "I'm not afraid of it." She met his eyes, "I trust you, and all your darkness."

  Ezra stared at her, his throat tightening. Her words weren't just reassuring - they were grounding, giving him permission to be exactly who he needed to be. "Okay," He murmured, pressing a brief kiss to her forehead. "But if it gets too much -"

  "I'll be fine," She interrupted gently.

  He exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Let's do this."

  The next day, the underworld stirred with whispers.

  A video had spread like wildfire, sent from an underworld broker's phone, to his superiors, where the video cloned itself and sent itself to all contacts they had. Until the entire underworld had the video.

  The footage was grainy but clear enough to capture the terror in the man's eyes as he sat tied to a chair, sweat dripping down his face. His voice cracked as he babbled, answering question after question under the weight of unseen pressure. Shadows danced across the screen, suggesting something sinister lurking just beyond the frame.

  Then came the torture. It was long, cruel and absolutely devastating to the man's body and mind. The words you're next flashed on the screen after the man finally dropped dead.

  The bounty on Karen was quietly dropped within hours.

  No fixer, criminal, or bounty hunter wanted to risk crossing the line. Team Rocket might still be in the game, but they were alone.