Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!

Malva's intentions weren't hard for Luo Yuan to guess—she likely wanted to negotiate.

Coincidentally, Luo Yuan had also planned to use this opportunity to recruit Malva.

Following Matori, Luo Yuan entered a private room where Malva was being held.

Malva didn't look much different from when she was captured. Apart from her face being slightly pale from the lack of sunlight, she seemed the same as ever.

"You wanted to see me?" Luo Yuan asked.

"Let me go," Malva said, staring directly at him.

But before she could say more, she noticed Luo Yuan studying her with a strange expression. As she wondered if something was on her face, Luo Yuan suddenly stepped forward and pressed the back of his hand against her forehead.

"You're not running a fever... so why are you spouting nonsense?" Luo Yuan muttered to himself.

"I'm not—" Malva began, only for Luo Yuan to cut her off.

"If this is all you've got to say, then I see no reason for us to continue this conversation," he said, clapping his hands as if to signal he was about to leave.

Though Malva's disappearance might cause some trouble for Team Rocket, it would be nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

As Luo Yuan turned to leave, Malva couldn't hold back anymore. The days spent locked up had been unbearable.

"Wait!" she called out.

Luo Yuan paused, glancing back at her with an air of indifference. "If you've got something to say, I suggest you get to the point." He sat back down, his demeanor leisurely as he watched her.

Malva exhaled in relief, realizing he hadn't left. However, she also noted, somewhat bitterly, that the balance of power had shifted entirely into his hands.

"I want you to release me," Malva said, this time without pretense. "I'm willing to pay a fair price."

"A price?" Luo Yuan asked, raising an eyebrow.

Understanding she needed to offer something tangible, Malva gritted her teeth. Though revealing her cards first put her at a disadvantage, she had no other choice.

"I'm willing to offer a complete set of Mega Evolution Stones," she said at last.

This was a calculated offer. Mega Evolution Stones were a rare resource, and Malva believed it demonstrated her sincerity.

However, Luo Yuan's reaction was lukewarm. "Mega Evolution Stones? You do realize I already acquired a set from the Hoenn League, don't you?"

Malva clenched her fists. "Even so, your current stones are likely obtained through... less-than-legal means. I can present these to you as a gift, giving you the ability to use Mega Evolution openly."

"Hmm..."

If Luo Yuan hadn't known that Team Rocket had made groundbreaking advancements in their Mega Evolution research, he might have been tempted.

But now...

"Not enough."

Once Team Rocket perfected mass production of Mega Evolution Stones, these items would be no more than purchasable commodities. In Luo Yuan's eyes, Malva's offer was superficial at best.

The look Luo Yuan gave her made his message clear: Add more.

Malva seethed inwardly at his greed, but she had to consider her options. What else could she offer to secure her freedom? Or, more importantly, what would Team Flare and Lysandre be willing to sacrifice for her release?

After some thought, Malva came to a disheartening realization.

Though Team Flare possessed some key technologies that could pique Team Rocket's interest, those technologies were vital to their plans. They wouldn't be traded—no matter what.

If it were up to Lysandre, Malva knew what he'd choose. He wouldn't negotiate. He'd attempt a rescue by force.

Resorting to violence... Before her encounter with Luo Yuan, Malva might have been confident in Team Flare's strength. While they weren't as powerful as Team Rocket, they weren't too far behind—or so she had thought.

But after witnessing Deoxys firsthand, she understood that without a Legendary Pokémon, defeating Luo Yuan was impossible.

It felt like she was trapped in a no-win situation.

Noticing Malva's growing despair, Luo Yuan smiled, as though he could see right through her.

"If you can't think of anything else to offer," he said, "how about I propose something instead?"

"What is it?" Malva asked warily, unsettled by his expression.

Could she really have something Team Rocket—or rather, Luo Yuan—wanted?

"Join Team Rocket," Luo Yuan suggested. "Become one of our executives. If you do, I'll release you."

In exchange for her freedom, Malva would have to become a part of Team Rocket.

Realization dawned on her. Luo Yuan wasn't interested in any item or resource she could offer. He wanted her.

As a Kalos Elite Four member, Malva herself was the prize Luo Yuan coveted.

But instead of despairing, Malva found a sliver of leverage in this revelation.

"If I agree to join Team Rocket, would you trust me? Aren't you afraid I'd just betray you the moment I got the chance?" she asked, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

If Luo Yuan claimed he trusted her, she'd agree immediately.

Once back in Kalos, she could simply report everything to Lysandre, ridding herself of Team Rocket's influence.

She doubted Team Rocket could pursue her across regions. Kalos was her territory, after all. Even if they did try to retaliate, she was confident she could handle them.

But Luo Yuan didn't fall for her trap.

"I wouldn't trust you," he admitted, shaking his head. "But I trust myself."

With that, he tapped the Pokéball on his belt.

Swish!

Deoxys materialized at Luo Yuan's side, its red and blue form glowing faintly. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Malva stiffened as she watched the Legendary Pokémon extend a tendril toward her. Before she could react, it plucked a single strand of her hair.

Luo Yuan smirked at her confusion and repeated the same explanation he'd given Hunter J over a month ago.

Hearing that Deoxys could locate her anywhere in the world with just her scent, Malva's first instinct was disbelief.

But deep down, she doubted Luo Yuan would lie about something like this.

The situation became painfully clear.

If she joined Team Rocket and later betrayed them, Deoxys would become the sword of Damocles hanging over her head, ready to strike at any moment.