CHAPTER 9
One week later…
In Mega Evolution Studies with Mike and Katie.
Professor Sycamore: There have been many rumors of how Mega Evolution was discovered. Some say it was first discovered in Kalos. Others say it was discovered in Hoenn. Some are even going back and forth of which was the first Pokémon to ever Mega Evolve! Based off of what you know right now, can anyone take a guess what was the first Pokémon to ever undergo this mysterious phenomenon?
Mike: *raises his hand*
Professor Sycamore: Yes Mike?
Mike: I've heard that it was the Legendary Pokémon Rayquaza. According to Hoenn legend, the lives of citizens in Sootopolis City were in grave danger due to Primal Groudon and Kyogre having a fierce battle, right in the middle of the city. So the people were preying and begging for help, hoping that the two would stop fighting. Rayquaza answered their much-needed request, and the level of response was so astounding, it allowed Rayquaza to transform, which was Mega Evolution.
Professor Sycamore: Excellent Mike! Something that is unique about Mega Rayquaza, is that unlike every other Pokémon, which needs a Mega Stone to Mega Evolve, Rayquaza doesn't need a stone to Mega Evolve at all. Can anyone tell me what Rayquaza needs to Mega Evolve?
Katie: *raises her hand*
Professor Sycamore: Yes Katie?
Katie: Doesn't Rayquaza need to know its signature move, Dragon Ascent, in order to Mega Evolve?
Professor Sycamore: Right! Because of it, Rayquaza is widely considered to be the strongest Mega-Evolved Pokémon in existence right now!
Katie: *raises her hand* I just have one question.
Sycamore: What's that Katie?
Katie: Have there been any other Mega Evolutions that have been discovered?
Sycamore: As of right now, no other Mega Evolutions have been discovered. Currently, there have been 40 recorded Mega Evolutions in existence. Also, Pokémon that have been Mega Evolved are not able to use Z-Moves.
Katie: Professor? What are Z-Moves?
Sycamore: Ah. Z-Moves are all-out attacks that are formed between Pokémon and their Trainer. The Trainer wears something called the Z-Ring, and it contains the item that is needed to perform Z-Moves, called Z-Crystals. The Trainer also makes a specific pose that is needed to use the Z-Move. Z-Moves can only be used once in battle, so Trainers have to use it wisely. Incidentally, the Z-Ring can also serve as a Mega Ring as long as you have the proper keystone.
Soon, the bell rings and everyone was off to their next class.
Sycamore: Have a great day!
Katie: Z-Moves huh? Never heard of those.
Mike: It's a custom that was originally found in the Alola region.
Katie: Alola?
Mike: Yeah.
Katie: I wanna study that! That sounds interesting!
Ash overheard their conversation.
Ash: You want to study Z-Moves Katie?
Katie: *gasps* Jeez Ash! Don't scare me like that!
Ash: Sorry. But I overheard your conversation, so I had to ask.
Katie: Yeah. I'm kind of interested!
Ash: Just so you know, I am capable of using Z-Moves.
Katie: You can?!
Ash: Yeah. How about I show you two after school today?
Mike: Sounds great!
Ash: I'll ask Mallow, Lana, Kiawe and Sophocles if they can come, too. They are Trial Captains in Alola after all!
Katie: That would be great! Thanks Ash!
Ash: It's nothing! Happy to help!
A few hours later after school, with Mike, Katie, Ash, Lillie, Lana, Mallow, Kiawe and Sophocles on the field out back.
Katie: Huh? Lillie?
Lillie: What's up Katie?
Katie: Why are you here?
Lillie: I decided to come watch as well! I could learn a thing or two about Z-Moves!
Katie: Oh I get it now!
Ash: You guys watching?
Kiawe: Pay attention. The movement of the pose is very important.
Ash: Ready Pikachu?
Pikachu: Pika!
Ash: Alright! *crosses his arms in front of his face, the the Z-Crystal in his Z-Ring started to glow* *crosses his arms again, then swoops his left arm to the left, then to the right and raises one arm while lowering the other before landing the arms one over another, then he and Pikachu intensely glow* GO! PIKACHU!
Pikachu: Pika! *starts charging energy, then a large electric bar appears in front of Pikachu* Pika, Pika…
Ash: Here we go! Full. Power. Now! Gigavolt Havoc!
Pikachu: *intensely* PIKA! *fires the bar to a designated target like a punch*
After firing the shot, the attack makes a huge explosion after hitting the target.
Katie: Woah.
Mike: Awesome. Such incredible power.
Ash: So what'd you think?
Katie: Awesome! I can only imagine how hard it was to get it down!
Kiawe: It is a very long process.
Lana: And it requires lots of training.
Mallow: But once you get the hang of it, then it'll be like riding a bike!
Mike: I'm certain it's not that easy once you've learned it.
Kiawe: He's right.
Sophocles: There's more to Z-Moves than just learning how to make a specific pose. You need to be in sync with your Pokémon so that they are capable of building such a tremendous amount of energy before going all out. And you need to use them wisely as they can only be used once in battle.
Katie: The power is that strong?
Lana: Right. Once you use a Z-Move in battle, you can't use another one, even if it's a different Type.
Professor Kukui comes onto the field.
Kukui: Ash! Was that your Z-Move I just saw?
Ash: Professor Kukui! That was my Z-Move alright!
Kukui: You've come a long way Ash since you first used a Z-Move.
Ash: Yeah. Back when I first battled Tapu Koko.
Katie: Tapu Koko?! The guardian of Melemele Island in Alola?!
Ash: Right! Tapu Koko has a sense of trust in me, even when I first arrived in Alola. It was the one that gave me my Z-Ring, along with Electrium Z!
Mike: Electrium Z? What's that?
Kukui: It's the Z-Crystal that is needed to perform the Electric-Type Z-Move, known as Gigavolt Havoc.
Mike: I see. So are there any Pokémon that have their own specific Z-Move?
Kukui: Yes there is actually! Both of your Pikachu are capable!
Ash: I didn't know about this!
Katie: I'm certain there are some circumstances for a Pokémon-specific Z-Move, right Professor?
Kukui: Right. For Pikachu, it needs to know the move Volt Tackle in order to use its Z-Move, known as Catastropika.
Ash: Aw man!
Lillie: What Ash?
Ash: See, my Pikachu used to know Volt Tackle, but it got replaced by Electro Ball.
Mike: Electro Ball?
Kukui: A special Electric-Type move that determines damage depending how much faster the user is than its opponent. Pikachu is reasonably fast, so Electro Ball is reliable for most situations.
Ash: Is there a way for my Pikachu to know Volt Tackle again Professor?
Kukui: Yes, there is. You'll need a Heart Scale and go see the Move Reminder for Pikachu to learn Volt Tackle again.
Mike: And where can we find a Heart Scale?
Kukui: You're best luck is to look on a beach.
Mike: And how far are we away from the beach?
Kukui: It's about a 30 minute drive to the shore from here.
Mike: That kinda feels pointless if we're just looking for one thing.
Ash: There is a hidden beach near the Portland Picnic Grounds.
Lillie: Oh I know where that is!
Katie: So how about we check there first? If we don't find anything, then we'll head to the shore over the weekend, and maybe spend a day down there if the weather's warm enough.
Kukui: Not a bad idea Katie! Say Mike.
Mike: Yeah?
Kukui: You're going for your second gym battle soon, right?
Mike: Yeah. Do you know where it is?
Kukui: Actually, I have this for you. *hands Mike a book*
Mike: What's this professor?
Kukui: It's a guide to all the gyms in the state, even including a map.
Mike: *notices an extra gym on the map* I thought there were 8 gyms. Why are there 9?
Kukui: One of the gyms is closing its doors, while another one is opening later this year.
Mike: Did authorities say when the new gym is expected to open?
Kukui: That I don't know. I'm not an expert on Pokémon Gyms since the Alola region doesn't have any gyms.
Kiawe: Judging from what we saw with Mike's gym battle, it seems those battles behave just like the Grand Trials in Alola.
Kukui: My thoughts exactly.
The group carried on with their conversation for a few more minutes before Kukui had to head out, then the group eventually left as well, except for Mike and Katie.
Katie: Hey Mike, why don't I help you with a little training for your next gym battle.
Mike: Not a bad idea.
Katie: Where is the next gym anyway? And what type is it?
Mike: Let's see… *opens the book* Looks like the next gym is going to be at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury. And it's a Water Type gym.
Katie: A gym at an amusement park? That's odd.
Mike: Hey, we were planning to go there eventually, right?
Katie: True. How far is it from here?
Mike: It's about a 45 minute drive.
Katie: That's quite the hike. When do you think you wanna go?
Mike: I was thinking some time in October. They do have a Halloween event going on at that time.
Katie: That sounds like fun! We can take the whole group when we go!
Mike: Great idea!
Katie: So with that out of the way, how about we have a battle?
Mike: Sure! We've been meaning to have our own battle for a while!
Katie: We'll make it 2-on-2. That OK with you?
Mike: Fine by me!
Mike and Katie get into position, ready for their first personal battle.
Katie: Alright, Mimikyu. Come on out! *throws her Poké Ball*
Mimikyu: *comes out of its Poké Ball*
Mike: Let's see. I know! Sparky, let's go!
Sparky: *jumps off his shoulder* Pika!
Katie: Kay Mike, you have the first move!
Mike: Right! Sparky, start things off with Thunderbolt!
Sparky: *fires Thunderbolt and lands*
Katie: Mimikyu! You alright?!
Mimikyu: Yeah, I'm fine!
Katie: Great! Now let's use Shadow Ball!
Mimikyu: *fires Shadow Ball*
Sparky: Quick, dodge it!
Katie: Kay, now use Scratch!
Mimikyu: *runs toward Sparky and hits it*
Mike: You alright buddy?
Sparky: *turns back and nod*
Mike: Alright, Iron Tail!
Sparky: *uses Iron Tail and hits*
Katie: Nice one! Now use Psychic!
Mimikyu: *its eyes glow, lifting Sparky in the air*
Mike: Oh no!
Katie: Let it rip!
Mimikyu: *sends Sparky flying*
Mike: Sparky! Stick that landing with Iron Tail!
Sparky: *makes Iron Tail and sticks into the ground, coming to a complete stop*
Katie: Good one Mike!
Mike: Hey, you're not so bad yourself! Now, Volt Tackle!
Sparky: *charges at Mimikyu full force and hits, knocking it out*
Katie: Aw! Snap! Good going Mimikyu! *puts it back in its Poké Ball* Nice going Sparky! You'll really shine at the Quassy Gym!
Sparky: Pika pika!
Katie: But we're not done yet! Popplio, it's your turn! *throws its Poké Ball*
Popplio: *comes out of its Poké Ball*
Katie: Popplio, I know we're at a disadvantage, but just try your best and you'll be fine!
Popplio: *turns back and nods in understanding*
Katie: Okay! Use Water Gun!
Popplio: *shoots Water Gun*
Mike: Dodge it!
Sparky: *jumps*
Mike: Great! Now use Quick Attack!
Sparky: *rushes toward Popplio and hits*
Katie: You okay Popplio?
Popplio: *nods*
Katie: *in her mind* I've never seen Popplio this determined before, even though it's a friendly battle. Is something gonna happen soon? Besides, I have something that I wanna show Mike afterward. Alright, let's use Disarming Voice!
Popplio: *shoots Disarming Voice and hits*
Mike: You alright?
Sparky: *nods*
Mike: Not bad Popplio! Now use Thunderbolt!
Sparky: *fires Thunderbolt and lands, knocking Popplio out*
Katie: Popplio no! *runs to Popplio and picks it up* You okay?
Popplio: *claps its arms and smiles*
Katie: Whew. Thank goodness. You did great out there! Now take a good rest! *stands up and looks at Mike* Great battle Mike!
Mike: Thanks! But there's more to the battle than just having the type advantage.
Katie: Right. Oh! There's something that I've been meaning to show you!
Mike: What's that?
Katie: I'll show you! Popplio, make a balloon!
Popplio: *makes a large balloon*
Katie: Watch this! *jumps inside the balloon*
Mike: What?! How?!
Katie: But wait. There's more! Make another balloon Popplio!
Popplio: *makes another large balloon*
Katie: *jumps from one balloon to the other*
Mike: Oh wow! Sounds like you're trying out a few performances here!
Katie: It's a start. But I still don't know what I wanna set for my goal as a Trainer. However, there's one last thing! *swims to combine the balloons* Tada!
Mike: Nice! Is it stable enough to hold two people?
Katie: We've been practicing, and I think we've got it down! Try and come in!
Mike: Okay! *jumps in the balloon* Okay, this feels weird! And how am I able to breathe?
Katie: Even though it's a water balloon, there's enough air in here to allow anyone inside to breathe! But we can still swim, and the best part is, nothing even gets wet!
Mike: I don't understand. How can we be in a water balloon and not get wet?
Katie: It's kinda hard to explain, and if I tried to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand a word I'm trying to say.
Mike: I get it. It's easier for you to explain visually than explain verbally.
Katie: Yeah. You get it.
As they were talking, another girl with dark brown straight hair comes onto the field.
?: Um, excuse me?
Mike and Katie: Hmm? *they look at the girl*
?: You two must be Mike Anderson and Katie Clark, right?
Katie: Yeah.
Mike: That's us. And you are?
?: I'm Alex. Great to meet you both!
Katie: Hi Alex!
Mike: You must be a student around here right?
Alex: Right. I'm also a Senior, just like you guys.
Mike: Nice!
Katie: So why did you want to come see us?
Alex: I just have a few questions to ask. That's all.
Mike: *whispers in Katie's ear* You think we can trust her?
Katie: *whispers* We should. I'll bet she'll have a few questions around the incident surrounding Team Frost.
Mike: So what do you got?
Alex: Well, have you guys ever heard of Team Frost prior to the attack?
Katie: No.
Mike: Never heard anything, not even rumors.
Alex: Okay. Do you two have any set goals in mind as Pokémon Trainers?
Mike: I'm hoping to become League Champion next summer!
Alex: Ooh! That's something to live up to! Katie? What about you?
Katie: I haven't had any luck discovering mine yet… However, I'm trying out different things and see which ones work best and which ones I like.
Alex: That's a smart strategy! You two seem very capable, not only as students but also Pokémon Trainers. My last question is, have you guys had suspicious dreams involving Pokémon people don't normally see everyday?
Katie: Yeah.
Mike: We both did!
Alex: Interesting.
Katie: Why'd you ask, if I may?
Alex: I was on a trip to Kalos last month and visited Olympia in Anistar City. She said that there were gonna be two high school students involved in a great fate that could change the world.
Katie: Is she referring to us?
Alex: She didn't say.
Katie: Before we continue, how long have you been here Alex?
Alex: I've been here all of my life! Portland is a great little town!
Katie: *whispers* Why doesn't she tell that to the audience? They're obviously reading this.
Mike: Beats me. She obviously knows this town more than we do.
Alex: Anyway, the students that were in Olympia's vision looked very similar to you two.
Mike: Similar to us?
Alex: Right.
Katie: That's kinda scary…
Alex: Judging that you two had the dreams I asked earlier, then it's pretty confirmed that the dreams are connected to Olympia's vision.
Mike: How?
Alex: She wouldn't say either. She'll explain "when the time is right".
Katie: Great… Just what we needed…
Mike: Don't let it get to you. The more you think about it, the more it's gonna drag you down.
Alex: He's right.
Katie: If you insist… Is there anything else you need from us?
Alex: Oh right! *reaches into her bag* Professor Kukui wanted me to give these to you. *hands them rings*
Katie: What are these things?
Alex: They're Z-Rings.
Mike: But why us? We're not even in Kukui's class.
Alex: He told me that you two are qualified enough to use Z-Moves. And Mega Evolution!
Mike: But neither one of us are at the point where we can use Mega Evolution yet.
Alex: He wanted you to have them when you're ready.
Katie: Okay. But we weren't here last year.
Alex: I think he sees potential in you.
Mike: If you say so. *puts on the Z-Ring and it glows, along with one of his Poké Balls*
Katie: *puts on her Z-Ring, and the same thing happened*
Alex: Huh? Both of you just had one of your Poké Balls glow.
Mike: Really?
Katie: I didn't see it any glow.
Alex: Well I did. Can I ask one last favor from one of you?
Mike: Sure! What do you need?
Alex: I forgot the pose for the Fire Type Z-Move, and I'm being tested on that tomorrow…
Mike: I can help with that!
Katie: But Mike, you've never seen anyone do the pose before.
Mike: *winks* I've done a little research on Z-Moves over the summer.
Katie: So you're somewhat familiar with Z-Moves?
Mike: Yep.
Alex: Thanks Mike!
Mike: No prob! Come out Ponyta! *throws his Poké Ball*
Ponyta: *comes out of its Poké Ball, but looks a little different*
Mike: Huh? Ponyta, since when did you have blue flames from the front legs to the head and purple flames from the hind legs to the tail?
Ponyta: *looks at Mike, notices Alex and runs to her*
Alex: *gasps* Ponyta! *hugs it* Boy did you really grow since the last time I saw you!
Katie: Huh?
Mike: You two know each other?
Alex: Yeah, back when it was just a newborn.
Mike: So you two must've gotten separated at some point.
Alex: I'll explain. A few years ago, my family was given a special Pokémon Egg.
Katie: Which was Ponyta's egg.
Alex: Right. A few days later, after giving it a ton TLC, the egg hatched in the house. The next task was to make sure that Ponyta was able to walk on its four legs, and it did it in a tremendous amount of time, which means it took a lot quicker than a normal newborn Ponyta.
Mike: How long did it take?
Alex: Only about three days before it started to know how to run. It was able to jump no problem, even carry small Pokémon on its back.
Katie: That's awesome! So did it have these different-colored flames when it hatched?
Alex: Yeah, it did.
Katie: Interesting. 'Cause when we met it, it looked like a normal Ponyta.
Alex: I'm about to get to that part. So Ponyta and I were on a walk one morning, when two guys suddenly snatched Ponyta and ran off! Before I knew it, they were already long gone… Then I saw a large ship take off into the air, and I didn't see Ponyta again.
Katie: Wasn't it Team Frost that snatched Ponyta?
Alex: Yeah, it was. At the time when Ponyta got snatched, there were reports and rumors that Team Frost were modifying Pokémon, making them Ice Types against their will.
Katie: Which would explain the color change.
Mimikyu: *comes out of its Poké Ball* In order for Team Frost to start their modification, they would need the original color scheme, whether the Pokémon wasn't shiny or not.
Katie: How do you know this Mimikyu? And you've got an unusual color, too!
Mimikyu: Right. And I know this because Sparky and I were there.
Mike: You and Sparky?! But, *looks at Sparky* Sparky is just a normal Shiny Pikachu.
Mimikyu: Sparky was on the waiting list of being modified. They were working on Ponyta and I at the same time. Team Frost had just finished modifying the colors, and they were just starting with me before I attacked them and broke free, also helping Ponyta and Sparky escape as well. I went invisible so that they wouldn't notice me. However, one of them had a lucky shot as we were jumping off the ship.
Katie: Which caused you to be stuck invisible and asked me for help!
Mimikyu: Right!
Alex: I'm just happy that everyone escaped safe and sound that day, and even found great Trainers to take care of you! Mimikyu, you took one for the team! You're the reason why we were able to meet!
Mimikyu: *blushed and tries not to cry* Oh stop it… *sniff*
Alex: I mean it!
Katie: She's right Mimikyu!
Mike: Sorry if I'm being a party pooper, but did we forget something?
Alex: Oh right! The Z-Move pose!
A few minutes later…
Mike: Watch closely Alex!
Alex: Right! Just one second. Come out, Charmeleon! *throws her Poké Ball*
Charmeleon: *comes out of its Poké Ball* Char!
Katie: Woah! So cool!
Alex: Thanks! Charmeleon and I have known each other since over the summer.
Mike: You two look like a great team!
Alex: Thanks Mike! *looks at Charmeleon* Charmeleon, our new friend Mike here is gonna help us for our studying. Watch him closely, alright?
Charmeleon: *nods*
Mike: Alright! Ready Ponyta?
Ponyta: *nods*
Mike: Then here we go! *crosses his arms in front of his face to activate the Z-Ring, then crosses his arms horizontally, puts his arms up before quickly pulling them down slightly and raising them again, then raises his left arm higher, puts his right hand on his left arm, opens his left hand, and strikes it forward before he and Ponyta started glowing* GO! PONYTA!
Ponyta: *neighs very intensely and creates a large fireball*
Mike: This is our full power right here, right now! Inferno Overdrive!
Ponyta: *shoots the large fireball and hits the target Mike had set up, creating an explosion on impact*
After the smoke cleared…
Alex: Incredible! *runs to Mike and hugs him* Thanks Mike! That was awesome!
Mike: Uhh… No problem!
Katie: *in her mind* I think Alex forgot that I'm his girlfriend?
Alex: *realizes she's hugging him and immediately backs off* Oops! Sorry Mike! I-I didn't mean to do that!
Mike: Alex, don't worry about it! We all make mistakes.
Alex: Whew. Again, sorry about that. It's a bad habit I have, and I'm in the process of trying to stop.
Katie: We understand.
Mike: Now do you understand better by having someone demonstrating it to you?
Alex: Yeah! I do now! Thanks for everything guys! *she leaves*
Mike: See you tomorrow Alex!
Alex: *off in the distance* Likewise!
Katie: She seems like a nice person! I like her!
Mike: Agreed! We should be heading home now, should we?
Katie: Yeah, we should.
Mike and Katie: *they head home*
A crazy backstory behind Ponyta, Mimikyu and Sparky had been revealed! Just what is Team Frost going to do once they have modified enough Pokémon? And what role do Mike and Katie have in Olympia's vision? The answers are to revealed in the near future!
