(HOLY COW AM I THE 1ST TO DO THIS???) (Anyway.. this is an AU; Team Rocket is the good guys. Go ham ig)

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You were bored that day. What else were you supposed to do? Boredom had taken over, and you were sick and tired of Professor Oak faking that he was a kind person.

You were one of the only people who knew his plans. His quiet plotting of bringing others down to raise Red up.

So, you joined Team Rocket. You heard about it from a sketchy-looking flyer, but what could be worse? Boredom and standing to the side, you supposed.

The day was mostly silent at the HQ, besides training and the storm threatening the horizon. Lightning flashed outside, making another future Colleague jump in surprise. They stood slightly behind you, clearly terrified and uncertain.

There you were, Archer talking about this schmele to bring Oak down and return Pokémon to their rightful places. But everyone would need a Pokémon to help with that, so you had gone along with it. Archer walked between the rows of you and others, his Houndoom growling lowly before stopping before you. It suddenly looked.. innocent. Gentle, curious eyes watching your every move.

Yet, you didn't dare move. From watching another person to try and pet it, you knew Archer was just trying to test your patience. You remained still, and Archer nodded approvingly.

"Now, all of you need a Pokémon to help with your mission!" He exclaimed, his voice ringing in your ears. "You lot have two options. Back out now, and be a coward; or remain right where you are, and you'll help us stop Oak from getting Red too high!"

You saw two others glance to each other before discreetly nodding, and two guards must've noticed. The two were quickly gone, and you were left standing there with only five or six more people.

"Good to know you're all on board." Archer said, patting his Houndoom's head. "Now, any questions before you lot pick your starters?"