Teleportation.
Instructor Viper confirmed, then his expression shifted to one of disbelief. "To distinguish friend from foe instantly and take Articuno away—what level of power is that?"
"At least Level 2 Legendary, and quite formidable," Giovanni stated with certainty.
Instructor Viper questioned, "Could it be a Level 3 Psychic Legendary?"
"Impossible." Giovanni had Rotom replay the footage from a second earlier, pointing out, "See, Articuno was preparing to attack, which means it had no idea it was about to be teleported."
The group exchanged worried glances at this revelation.
"Understand now?" Giovanni's tone was grave. "A Level 3 Legendary might be able to teleport this many people, but only with compliance. This time, Articuno was taken without any warning."
Frodo wiped the cold sweat from his brow. "Did we just have a brush with death?"
The thought of a Level 2 Legendary's potential attack left everyone uneasy.
"This failure isn't your fault," Giovanni swiftly regained his composure, his gaze sharp once more. "At least it proves we can handle Level 3 Legendaries, whether it's Mewtwo or Articuno."
He looked around the group, his voice firm. "With a refined plan, success is within reach next time. Once we capture a Level 3 Legendary, we can challenge the Level 2. And with a Level 2, our ultimate goal is the Level 1."
"One day, this world will be ours to control," Giovanni declared from the deck, staring determinedly into the distance. "Our strategy is the right one. Those fools dreaming of capturing Level 1 Legendaries are many."
If the leaders of other criminal organizations heard this, they'd likely be infuriated, ready to challenge Giovanni to a duel. Aqua Team eyed Kyogre, Magma Team coveted Groudon, and Galactic and Plasma Teams were all targeting Legendary Pokémon—weren't his words just calling them idiots?
Unfortunately, no one would know of Giovanni's taunt.
"Send the order, retreat via the waterways," Giovanni commanded.
"Understood!" Frodo responded immediately.
Giovanni added, "Make sure everyone closely follows the XY game. Study every Pokémon game seriously. We need to track down the Legendary Pokémon."
"Next time, we will succeed!"
As Team Rocket's fleet vanished into the depths of the ocean under the night sky, Damaris let out a long breath. "This time, they're truly retreating."
Though the immediate crisis was averted, the ramifications were just beginning. Once the news spread, it was sure to unsettle alliances worldwide.
"We'll be busy," Damaris muttered, rubbing his temples.
Professor Oak snapped back to reality. "By the way, where's Carl?"
"Don't ask too many questions, and keep this under wraps," Damaris lowered his voice, briefly explaining the situation. Only the league's top brass remained, all aware of Carl's role in the event.
"What? Carl left with Mewtwo? And played hide-and-seek with Mew?" Professor Oak's eyes lit up, particularly noticeable in the darkness. Despite his psychological scars from Mew, his research enthusiasm for the artificial Legendary was palpable.
Noticing Professor Oak's eager expression, Damaris quickly doused his excitement. "Don't think of heading to Johto to find Carl. Kanto is about to become the storm's center. You need to stay here."
He surveyed the group, his tone serious. "Regarding Carl's contributions, until we have his consent, we must keep quiet. Remember this kindness, but don't spread it."
Everyone nodded knowingly. They understood that if word got out, Carl would be overwhelmed by those seeking information on Mewtwo. Such ingratitude was unthinkable.
Kona suddenly had a thought. "Will Team Rocket keep quiet?"
"Giovanni?" Damaris sneered. "He'd rather take this secret to the grave. The XY game's secret isn't something he wants more people to know."
Just then, Damaris's emergency communicator buzzed. He frowned as he answered, "What's the matter?... Lusamine is looking for me?" After a moment's hesitation, he gestured for the operator to connect the call.
"Chairman Damaris, sorry to disturb you," Lusamine's voice came through.
"Director Lusamine, what's so urgent?"
She got straight to the point, "I want to confirm, is there a major incident near Cerulean?"
The Kanto League executives exchanged surprised glances. How did the news travel so quickly to Alola, so far away?
"Indeed, there were some issues," Damaris admitted openly. "We just had a confrontation with Team Rocket."
Meanwhile, Carl was supporting a weakened Mewtwo, along with Sabrina and Caitlin, as they returned to the villa's backyard.
"I'll take them to the hot springs to recover," Carl said, indicating the three exhausted creatures to his companions.
Without a word, Sabrina and Caitlin followed to help. Mewtwo suddenly used telepathy to ask, "Did you make that bet with Mew for my sake?"
"Him? Oh, you mean Mew!" Carl realized, thinking to himself, "I wonder if she's found me yet."
"How could she not find me?" Up high, Mew hovered near the moon, looking puzzled.
It continuously teleported, scanning the entire Kanto region and nearby seas with its psychic powers, unable to sense Carl's spiritual presence.
"Mew's little face scrunched up in frustration. By logic, Cosmog, having just used its ultimate power, shouldn't be able to teleport far. Where could he be hiding?"
Soon, Mew's expression turned playful. "Interesting. No wonder he dared to play hide-and-seek with me. But no matter how good he is at hiding, he can't beat my ground search."
With a soft meow, Mew vanished once more.
Back at Carl's villa, the hot spring was steaming. The two Cosmog floated like balloons, and Mewtwo soaked in the center, visibly recovering.
"Finally, it's all right," Carl sighed with relief, chuckling. "Mew is probably still wandering Kanto cluelessly. She'd never guess I have two Cosmog to teleport back."
With the World Tree's protection, Carl was confident. "Let's see how you find me this time."
Just then, Mewtwo floated out of the spring, glaring at the metal ring on its foot, its gaze sharp. It formed an energy ball, ready to strike the ring.
"Stop!" Carl shouted urgently.
He hurried to intervene, "Don't force it! Doing so could damage your foundation, and you might never reach full potential again."
Mewtwo had the potential to become a top-tier Legendary. Destroying that would be like shattering a precious gem—heartbreaking for anyone to see.
"Mind your own business."
Mewtwo turned away, its icy voice echoing in their minds.
Carl chuckled suddenly.
Despite its tough words, Mewtwo had stopped, clearly giving him an out.
That stubborn pride hadn't changed a bit.
"If you guessed I made the bet with Mew for you, why are you in such a rush?"
"It's embarrassing."
"You've worn it this long, what's another day?"
"I don't need her help."
Mewtwo turned its head away again.
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