After two hours strolling with Caitlin, Damian buys some clothes himself.
Yes, Caitlin helped pick them, and a few outfits match Caitlin's dress very well.
Specifically.
"Huh? Mr. Damian! Miss Caitlin!"
Suddenly, a girl's sharp surprise voice sounds from behind.
"Miss Lacey, what a coincidence."
Damian turns to see the adorable senior Lacey.
Currently Lacey and Kieran, Carmine stand together, seemingly shopping as well.
"Carmine, Miss, Kieran."
"Mr. Damian, Miss Caitlin."
Kieran looks excited, his eyes shining.
Since the Nimbasa City incident last time, Kieran has already regarded Damian as his idol.
Seeing Lacey and Kieran like that, Carmine is puzzled; she recognizes Damian and Caitlin too.
After all, they met at Blueberry Academy; their appearance and aura are outstanding, very recognizable.
But why do Lacey and Kieran appear so familiar with Damian? Did something happen?
Thinking of recent school news, Carmine ponders.
"I can't believe I ran into you guys here, so lucky!"
Lacey runs over, happy, with pink hair fluttering, aura of a girl, very adorable.
Caitlin still wears a calm smile, but privately she isn't happy.
After all, this is Damian and her private world being interrupted.
"What a fate, you all came shopping too?" Damian laughs, very amiable.
"Yes, today's vacation, so I brought Kieran and Carmine to visit my hometown."
"Oh? Miss Lacey isn't from Driftveil City, right?"
"Not exactly; my Dad's in Driftveil City, but I grew up in Nimbasa City."
"I see." Damian checks the time: "We're a bit tired from shopping, want to grab some juice and chat?"
Damian invites the three.
"Sounds good! I've got plenty to tell Mr. Damian." Lacey nods eagerly.
Carmine watches Lacey, surprised by Lacey's girlish manner; in academy Lacey is cool and mature—this contrast is stark.
They find a juice and smoothie shop nearby.
Damian gestures for everyone to order casually, then adds some little cakes.
Jirachi, Victini, and Tapu Fini are released by Damian.
"Tapu Fini, so adorable!"
Fairy-type loving Lacey sees Tapu Fini and instantly can't take her eyes off.
Tapu Fini glances at Lacey, stays cool, and calmly enjoys her strawberry shortcake, eyes half-closed in happiness.
"Today's actually quite a coincidence; tomorrow I and Caitlin will leave Unova Region." Damian takes a sip and starts a topic.
"Huh? Mr. Damian, you're leaving?" Lacey gasps.
"Yes, the company here is already on track, and Team Plasma has basically been wiped out, only scattered remnants remain, so we don't need to hold down the fort anymore." Damian nods.
"What a pity, I hoped to go on one more mission with Mr. Damian." Lacey feels disappointed.
She admires Damian for being strong and guiding juniors; she wants another mission with him to witness her growth.
"There will be future opportunities." Damian smiles back.
"Mr. Damian, will you come back later?" Kieran asks, clearly worshipful of Damian.
Because to Kieran, Damian is the first to encourage and recognize his strength.
Since the last Nimbasa City raid on Team Plasma, back at Blueberry Academy he has trained hard.
That resolve has boosted his strength rapidly, to the point of shocking Drayton, Carmine, and Lacey.
He wants to get stronger! For himself and to be recognized by Damian.
"If there's time, yes, Kieran; your look has changed, and this style suits you, very handsome."
Damian looks at Kieran; he can sense Kieran's changes.
When they first met at the academy, Kieran was shy and weak, often hiding behind Carmine.
But now his aura has changed, hair tied back neatly, looking clean and energized.
"Thank you…" Kieran blushes, lowering his head shyly.
Damian chuckles; still the shy kid.
"Kieran has changed a lot lately; his strength's growth is amazing; the school rankings are about to break into the top ten."
Lacey chimes in, recalling that since returning from Nimbasa City, Kieran seems like a different person.
He spends nearly all his time on special training; when the Pokémon need rest, he seeks Drayton or asks for private training.
Lacey has witnessed Kieran's growth; that's why she and Kieran are close—she truly hopes their alumni grow stronger.
Kieran awkwardly rubs his nose.
"It won't be long before Kieran breaks into the BB League Elite Four, I think." Lacey says confidently.
Kieran has talent; he just needs resolve and opportunity, Damian agrees.
To be frank, Kieran's talent is among the top prodigies—like a one-year champion.
Kieran is moved, eyes on Damian, more determined to become stronger; he won't disappoint Mr. Damian!
Carmine's mood is complex: happiness for her little brother's growth, envy at his popularity, and a twinge of worry.
After all, Kieran has always been protected by her.
"I hate the existence of other evil organizations," Damian says lightly, setting down his juice.
"So until we clear out all other organizations and hunter groups across the regions, I won't slow down."
Lacey and the others are visibly shaken by this calm declaration.
Evidently, is Damian planning to purge all evil organizations?
"Mr. Damian!!"
Lacey gazes at Damian excitedly, eyes welling up.
"I will become stronger! I'll help you!" Kieran makes a promise.
"Thank you, I'm looking forward to it." Damian answers with a smile.
"By the way, there aren't many tasks left in Unova these days, right?"
"Yeah, it's a bit of a pain. I've only taken part in three missions so far, I haven't even swapped a Ralts yet." Lacey sighs.
Tasks?
Carmine frowns, puzzled. This is the second time she's heard that word—what are these "tasks"?
Could it really be like school rumors, that Lacey and the others joined a company as temporary staff?
Carmine had thought it was just rumors; after all, Trainers joining a company as temporary staff sounds like a fairy tale.
But now it seems plausible; did Kieran join as well? Why didn't she know?
She'll have to ask Kieran and Lacey later.
"Drayton and Kieran are really sly; they've taken on a lot of missions." Lacey can't help but feel some resentment.
Drayton is the strongest in Blueberry Academy, and his main roster Dragonite is hardy, fast in flight.
And Kieran is Drayton's close friend; they often take on jobs together.
Kieran smiles awkwardly, not replying.
"If you have time, you guys could take on missions in other regions too. I'll be back in Johto for a while, then head to the next region."
"When there are big missions, I'll contact you." Damian says with a smile.
"Awesome!!" Lacey cheers.
"We'll go for sure!" Kieran is happy, wanting Damian to witness his growth.
"Mm." Damian nods.
After a while they chat, Damian and Caitlin bid farewell.
Worth noting, when settling the bill, Lacey grabs the bill and insists the owner pay—how can the owner be allowed to pay?
After bidding farewell to Lacey and the three, Damian and Caitlin walk out of the mall.
"Such energetic kids." Damian thinks of Kieran and Lacey.
"You're not that old yourself, Damian." Caitlin taps her lips with a smile.
"But is it really okay to keep this from them? It seems that girl and that Kieran both admire you."
Caitlin asks softly.
"Caitlin, you know? A philosopher once said this: Admiration is the farthest from understanding."
Damian gently rubs Jirachi's small belly; the little one is nodding off after cake and milk, belly full.
"Hm, belly round."
Caitlin tilts her head.
"Admiration is the furthest distance from understanding." Damian says with a wry smile.
Caitlin furrows her brows, deep in thought.
"The way they see me is not the real me; it's very different."
Damian is used to presenting with a polite smile, but that doesn't mean he's truly as genteel as he looks.
"But I hope they can accept the real me someday; that day will come, and I'm curious what their ideology will look like then."
Damian's mouth curves into a nasty smile; that should be interesting.
"Then it depends on how much they value you." Caitlin thinks.
"Right, but maybe by the time they know, everything will be settled."
Damian gazes at the setting sun; time's getting late.
Day after day.
Damian takes a plane out of Unova, landing in Goldenrod City.
"Lord Damian."
At the airport, disguised Carr meets them with a few people.
Damian stretches, enjoying the noonday sun, lazily saying.
"It's been a while, Carr."
"Two months and six days, Lord Damian."
"Tsk, you remember well."
Damian walks toward Carr's prepared car.
"What about the Radio Tower thing?"
"It's taken care of. The station master and a few managers are in hand; you can go anytime."
Carr grins; thinking about what Damian will do next, he's excited.
Carr is a bit crazy; he loves seeing others lose their minds.
Taking over Radio Tower isn't hard for him; he's not a saint.
He sends people to investigate the Radio Tower's upper echelons, then uses their families to force compliance; a little time, and they'll yield.
"Okay, let's go."
Damian climbs into the luxury car, Caitlin and the others following.
Carr brings several cars to meet them.
They head to Radio Tower; a famous facility in Goldenrod City, well renovated.
Carr pre-notifies the broadcasting room staff; when Damian and team arrive, someone greets them.
Damian walks boldly into the famous Radio Tower, following a staffer to the broadcasting room.
"Damian, what are you planning here?"
Zinnia, curious, leans on Caitlin and asks; she's asked Damian before, but he hasn't told her.
Zinnia wonders if they'll broadcast the weather from Radio Tower?
It can't be singing, right?
"You'll find out soon enough." Caitlin's lips curl slightly, eyes bright as she watches her beloved.
"…" Zinnia purses her lips.
A couple of people like riddles, huh?
"Turn the broadcast to the hottest channels."
Damian sits at the broadcast position, addressing a staffer.
"Okay." The staffer doesn't know who Damian is, but obeys the boss.
"Sir, the top channels are ready."
"Great, let's begin." Damian nods, satisfied.
Then Damian gnaws on some water, throat cleared.
Meanwhile, across Kanto, taxi radios, TV stations, and street loudspeakers all carry a clear male voice:
"Hello everyone, I'm Damian, Team Rocket's Damian."
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