"Just asking," Armin said cautiously, "but… when he has an episode, does he grab a knife and start swinging?"
Ariana's eyes shifted ever so slightly.
She cleared her throat and looked away.
Armin: …
Got it.
No need to elaborate.
"Seriously?" he stared at her. "This is how you treat new recruits? Send them home with a lunatic who might suddenly hack them to death?"
Ariana answered with disarming honesty.
"I didn't expect you to defect so decisively. Originally, if you'd refused, I planned to send you over anyway. Whether he stabbed you or not, it would've benefited us."
If he killed Armin? Excellent—one League spy eliminated.
If he didn't? Even better—the doctor's emotions would stabilize.
A win-win.
Armin was speechless.
Team Rocket executives truly weren't simple characters.
"…Can I still refuse?" he tried one last time.
Ariana smiled sweetly.
"Too late. He's already fixated on you. If you don't show up, his secondary personality will likely surface again."
Armin: …
He had nothing more to say.
So he did what any rational person would do—
He went out to grind levels.
…
With the annual Dragon-type Pokémon Festival approaching, Trainers from across the region were steadily arriving in Celadon City.
Among traveling Trainers, spontaneous battles were a daily occurrence. Eye contact alone could lead to a duel in the nearest park.
Because of this, most Trainers kept their strongest Pokémon at the ready.
Armin walked down the street and every few steps witnessed two strangers clasp hands dramatically and vanish into a patch of park grass to battle.
He observed for a while.
Then began copying their method.
His objective was clear.
He was still a rookie. No way was he taking on experienced veterans.
So he set his sights on—
Ten-year-olds.
"Hey there, you look like a really talented Trainer!" Armin said brightly to a boy in blue shorts. "How about an exciting Pokémon battle?"
The boy turned red instantly from the praise.
He eagerly released his newly obtained Squirtle.
Six minutes later—
The boy was sprinting toward the Pokémon Center in tears, clutching his fainted Squirtle.
The Rocket grunt assigned to monitor Armin watched in horrified silence.
What kind of monster was this?
Even Team Rocket didn't bully children this shamelessly.
Armin didn't care.
He was analyzing battle mistakes while letting Mimikyu rest.
Then he resumed hunting.
By sunset, a new rumor spread across Celadon City.
A mysterious Trainer known only as—
"The Child Slayer."
Every ten-year-old novice trembled at the name.
They whispered of a demon who used honeyed words to lure innocent Trainers into battle—only to crush them mercilessly.
It was said Nurse Joy treated over fifty crying rookies in a single morning and nearly wore out her arms.
When Armin overheard this rumor at the Pokémon Center, he nearly choked.
That was exaggerated.
Completely exaggerated.
If they lost, it was because they were weak.
As he turned to leave, he came face-to-face with the very same boy he'd defeated earlier—this time holding a fainted Pidgey.
Their eyes met.
Tears welled up again.
It's him.
The demon.
Armin: …
He retreated immediately.
…
At the agreed hour, Armin returned to Ariana's office.
She wore a teasing smile.
"Child Slayer. Impressive work."
"Baseless slander," Armin replied solemnly. "My lawyers have been notified."
Ariana laughed for a solid half-minute before composing herself.
"Dr. Fuji is about to get off work. Let me brief you."
Armin sat upright, finally serious.
"First, keep your Pokémon out at all times. Do not return it to its Poké Ball."
"Second, ask no unnecessary questions."
"Third, if Dr. Fuji says his daughter is there, you play along. Do not tell him she's dead. Do not contradict his delusions."
She paused.
"His estate houses many dangerous Pokémon. Your Mimikyu likely wouldn't survive against them."
"I understand."
If Team Rocket was his starter village instance —
Dr. Fuji's estate was a nightmare instance.
He had no choice but to enter.
Ariana noticed his tension and softened slightly.
"Don't worry. When his primary personality is in control, he's gentle and kind. You won't be in danger."
Armin: …
That somehow sounded worse.
What if they were having a pleasant dinner—
And suddenly the alternate personality emerged with a steak knife?
The thought made him swallow hard.
Still—
Mimikyu was now Level 18.
That provided some comfort.
Footsteps approached.
Dr. Fuji walked toward them.
Gone was the white lab coat. Now he wore a brown overcoat and gold-rimmed glasses, looking every bit the refined scholar.
No one would guess the storm within.
"Shall we?" Ariana murmured quietly. "I hope I see you again."
Armin: …
Dr. Fuji extended a warm hand.
"Hello."
Armin shook it.
The doctor smiled proudly, like a father bragging about a gifted child.
"My daughter is very adorable. I'm sure you'll like her."
"I believe so," Armin replied evenly.
They left the base and drove away from the Celadon Game Corner.
Through the rearview mirror, Dr. Fuji glanced at Mimikyu in Armin's arms.
"Mimikyu… that's from Alola, isn't it? Are you from there?"
"Yes," Armin lied smoothly.
"I've heard Alola has beautiful beaches," Dr. Fuji said wistfully. "When I have time, I'll take my daughter to see the sea."
Armin kept his tone casual.
"She likes the ocean? What's her name? I'm sure we'll have a lot to talk about."
Dr. Fuji nodded fondly.
"Yes. Her name is Amber."
"I once took her to Vermilion City to see the sea… but it's changed too much. Cargo ships and docks everywhere. It wasn't beautiful anymore."
The car continued into the night.
And ahead—
A house waited.
With a daughter who didn't exist.