"GAME OVER". Leaf Leaf Leaf Leaf Leaf Leaf Leaf Leaf Leaf Leaf Leaf-
"I'm not living in your shadow anymore, Red."
There's a slightly crazed tone to Leaf's voice, as though she longs to scream, but is forcing herself to keep her voice steady. Her twin is staring at her, mouth agape in horror, before his eyes drift to Ash, tied to a chair and unconscious. There's a pistol in Leaf's hand.
"It's funny. All my life, I hated Dad. I hated him for leaving Mom." She continues, voice quavering. "You fought Team Rocket and he didn't even recognize you." The grip on the pistol tightens. "You didn't know Giovanni was our dad, did you? Well, I remembered. Turns out, he's not so bad."
"Leaf." Red's voice is terrified, and she grins, relishing in his fear. So nice to see the unflinching champion knocked down a few pegs. "Don't do this. Please. Dear Arceus, put the gun down."
"I don't think I will." She giggles. "It was a gift. I just got promoted to Head Researcher of Team Rocket, you know. Dad sees my potential. He thinks it could be useful to have a Professor in the ranks." She aims the gun at Ash, all while Red watches in silent horror.
"It feels so good to have someone proud of me." She smiles faintly, closing her eyes. "Joining Team Rocket was the best thing I could have done." Cocking the pistol, she meets Red's eyes again. He flinches at the eye contact, which she holds. She's challenging him and he knows it.
"Now, be a good boy and set your belt and backpack at my feet, and Ash doesn't get hurt. You'll make for quite the handsome ransom token for the League - that sum you brought for Ash's freedom is nice, but more will be necessary." She states, chuckling darkly. "Or maybe we'll have you as our figurehead. A link to the championship...hmm, that could be nice."
"How could you do this?" Red asks quietly. "We're your brothers."
"And I was your sister. And mom's daughter. And nothing more. Unlike you, dear brother, I was never my own person, was I?" Leaf's gaze is hard.
"Now do as I say, and no one gets hurt."
