Chapter 61 - Welcome Back, Team Rocket


Celadon City

Sirens sounded throughout all of Celadon City while red lights illuminated the night. Logan, Yurie, Seshiru, Michika, Omori, Reina, and Yuta all raced for the middle of the city. The commotion had brought the usually busy city to a standstill, and most of the police officers had blocked out the streets.

"This is a special news report," the man on Omori's radio said. "A terrorist attack in Celadon. The famed Celadon City Game Corner has been the target of a bombing. Dozens of staff and guests were injured, fifteen in critical condition and four reported as dead. We don't have any leads on who may have done this terrible deed, but we will keep you updated as information comes to light."

"That's terrible," Yurie said. "Who would do this?"

Seshiru clenched her fist. "He said the Game Corner?"

The man's voice suddenly fizzled out, and white noise took over the broadcast. A voice that was changed with some sort of modulator came from Omori's radio.

"Do we have your attention?" the voice said. "Are you listening now?"

The group all stopped running. They were frozen with fear, as a few of them recognized the cadence of the voice.

"I would like to formally inform the world that we're back. Everyone thought that Team Rocket was destroyed many years ago, but we've been waiting underground for the right time to strike. Neo Rocket, Daidai Rocket… Team Rocket will now take over the Kanto region."

"Mizuki," Logan muttered.

"But first, this is a call for a special someone," the voice said. "We have an open invitation for the kingpin himself to come back and take his throne at the top."

"Kingpin?" Michika wondered.

"Sakaki Giovanni, we're waiting for you. Just like you did six years ago, we've taken over central Kanto. Come to Saffron City and rebuild Team Rocket. Reclaim your position as the most powerful trainer in the world."

"Giovanni," Seshiru said. Her knees shook wildly, and her eyes began to water. "Oh no."

"We're waiting," he said before taking a breath, "with Mewtwo in our control." It cut out, returning the broadcast back to the male newscaster.

"Mewtwo?" Logan whispered.

"Giovanni was the most dangerous man in the whole East," Omori said. "His presence was felt even in Johto."

"Sinnoh too," Michika added.

"What should we do?" Yurie asked.

Logan stood up straight. "We fight. I say we go to Saffron, and we stop Team Rocket from returning. If it's the seven of us, then we can do it."

Reina had been brought to tears by the situation. She crossed her arms and buried her face in her hands. Yuta wrapped one of his arms around her shoulders. "We're gonna stay here and help out in any way that we can," he said. "Reina is from Celadon, so it's best that she helps the people here. There's also a chance that the broadcast is a diversion. There could be more members here in the city. I'll personally take care of them."

Logan nodded. "Six years ago, four people took down Team Rocket. We have five. History will repeat itself, and we'll win. We'll fight."

Logan, Yurie, Seshiru, Michika, and Omori looked around at one another. They knew that they had to be brave, but they weren't sure what they were getting into.


Saffron City

The bus station was mostly empty, and it was oddly quiet in Saffron City. Cyan and Skylar stepped off of the bus and then looked around. They were in central Saffron, which was where Cyan had heard most of the business was done, but it appeared as though what he heard was wrong. He expected hundreds of people commuting to and from work and others to be shopping at the local businesses or going to the arcades.

"So much for the big city," Skylar said. "I thought that Saffron would be as lively as Nimbasa, but it looks like everyone is already asleep. It's not even 9 o'clock yet, people!"

Cyan shrugged. "Maybe something is up. Something feels very wrong. This is nothing like what I imagined Saffron to be like."

They walked into Saffron Station and towards a large map that was posted on a brick wall. It was the largest place that Cyan had ever been to, and even with his firm grasp on the language of Kanto, he still didn't know how to get around perfectly. While he read the map, Skylar examined the empty station, finding a television. There was a news report, but it wasn't in English. However, she could tell that something was wrong simply by the pictures and videos of a large building that had been set on fire.

"Cyan," she said while pulling on his pink sweatshirt.

He turned and looked at the television, his eyes widening upon reading the report at the bottom.

"It's Team Rocket. A domestic terrorist attack in Celadon City."

"What do you say we do?"

"There's an order for residents of Celadon and Saffron to stay inside. Apparently, they're running amuck in both places."

"I guess we should head to a Pokémon Center then?"

Cyan grinned. "We're not residents of Celadon or Saffron, are we? I think we should head off towards Silph Co. If history is to repeat itself, then that's exactly where they'll be, right?"

Skylar put her hands on her hips and then looked back at the television. She shook her head upon seeing the destruction once more. "We're gonna die, aren't we?"


On the west side of Saffron City, the five were arriving at the train station. The buses had stopped, and the train would only go as far as West Saffron Station. The train to Saffron had been mostly empty except for the five and a man in a black trench coat and bowler's hat. He kept gazing at the five, but they tried their hardest to ignore him and make a game plan. They weren't sure what to expect in Saffron, but they wanted to prepare for any situation. The five disembarked and wasted no time leaving the station and heading straight towards the middle of the city.

"I know the way," Seshiru said. This was now her third time being in Saffron.

"Then let's get going," Omori exclaimed.

"Guys," Logan said while stopping. He looked back towards the man in the black trench coat. "I think we're being followed."

"What do you want?" Omori yelled. "We're not signing autographs today!" He paused. "Unless you're willing to pay a lot of money."

"Way to make this about yourself," Yurie muttered.

Logan got in front of the group and glared. He sized up the man. Logan was tall for his age, but if the man had decided to fight head on, the teenager wouldn't be able to do much.

The man looked up and examined each of the trainers. Seshiru gasped once their eyes met.

"You-you're-"

The man nodded. "From what I understand, you're heading off for Silph Co. to take on Team Rocket. I'd like to accompany you. I believe we have similar interests."

Logan's posture loosened. "Oh, well then. A friend."

"I don't think so!" Seshiru yelled. "I recognize those eyes! That's Giovanni!"

The other four trainers paused. Now that they knew they were in the presence of the evilest man in the East, they weren't sure how to react.

The man took off his hat, revealing his greying black hair. It had been slicked back neatly. "Yes. I am Giovanni, the former leader of Team Rocket. I've come here to stop them, just like you five. I mean no harm to any of you."

"We can't trust you!" Omori exclaimed. "You're an evil man! Have you seen what your goons did in Celadon?"

"I saw the news, and I was appalled. I'm here to put a stop to them. I promise you. This is my mess, and I'm here to deal with it. I'm going regardless if you want to join me or not."

The five looked at one another before Logan waved them into a huddle.

"I don't trust him," Logan said. "What do you say we do?"

"We could take him on if we needed to," Seshiru said. "We can squash him right now."

Yurie shook her head. "I think he's genuine. He may be evil, but I do think he's here to stop Neo Rocket."

"As uncomfortable as it makes me to think about teaming up with Giovannni, I think Yurie is right," Michika added.

Omori appeared stunned by what his two rivals were saying. "Are you nuts? Are you really suggesting teaming up with that lunatic?"

"Okay," Logan said with a sigh. "I'm gonna trust Yurie. But, we keep a close eye on him. Seshiru and I will attack as soon as he gives us any reason to. Even if it turns out to be a trap, as long as we're ready for it, then we can fight back."

"So, we're just gonna be his personal bodyguards until we get to Silph Co.?" Omori snapped.

Seshiru shook her head. "If he has evil intentions then he's going to do it regardless of whether or not we go together. The worst case scenario is that he's lying and we'll have to battle him. Five on one? We can take him. Logan, Yurie, and I are all really strong. And Michika is a Grand Festival winner."

"What about me?" Omori asked.

Seshiru ignored him and kept talking. "Best case scenario is that he's being genuine and we get a little bit of help."

They all looked back at Giovanni.

"You can come along with us," Logan said. "But we're watching you closely."

"Any sign of funny business and we're gonna leave you broken on the street!" Omori yelled.

"There will be no funny business," Giovanni said, maintaining his stern expression. "Time is of importance. Let's go."


"Daidai Rocket, I'm here for bubblegum!" Cyan exclaimed confidently as he burst through the Silph Co. entrance. He grinned, but it slowly faded away as his soon-to-be opponents looked at him.

Skylar held her Poké Ball firmly, but her knees shook. She was ready to battle, but she wasn't expecting it to happen so soon. "Cyan, if you're going to say dumb things, make sure that you say them correctly."

There were three Rocket members in the Silph Co. lobby. Two of them appeared to be lowly grunts, but Cyan and Skylar recognized the third member as someone from Daidai Rocket. He wore a black outfit complete with an orange R on his chest. He was large, muscular, and had short black hair that was neatly kept.

"Hajime!" Cyan exclaimed.

"You remember my name?" the Daidai Rocket member asked.

"It's because of your stupid motto!" Skylar retorted.

"It's not a stupid motto!" Hajime yelled back. "Heracross, go!"

The two lowly members of Neo Rocket threw their Poké Balls alongside Hajime. Heracross, Machoke, and Drowzee all appeared, prepared to fight.

"Vulpix, you're up!" Cyan said. His Pokémon nodded before taking a step forward.

Skylar threw her ball into the air, and Sawsbuck emerged. He groaned and then stamped his front hooves against the ground.

The Pokémon all eyed one another. The Neo Rocket grunts felt as though they were at an advantage, being three on two, but Hajime knew better than to question Cyan and Skylar's power.

"Machoke, use Vital Throw!"

"Drowzee, Zen Headbutt!"

"Sawsbuck, Megahorn! Go!"

"Vulpix, keep them back with Dark Pulse!"

Usually, when throwing Sawsbuck into battle, Skylar would have used Sunny Day to give him a speed boost, but she learned through their travels that the hot sun made Vulpix weak. Unfortunately for Cyan and Skylar, their Pokémon didn't mix well. But fortunately for Cyan and Skylar, their Pokémon were incredibly strong even without boosts.

Machoke and Drowzee both charged forward and prepared to strike Sawsbuck and Vulpix directly. Sawsbuck met with Drowzee in the middle of the lobby, and the two struggled momentarily before the Grass-type won out. Drowzee was flung backward, but he quickly rolled to his feet and waited for his trainer's command.

And on the other side, Vulpix tossed a ball of black energy at the ground. It exploded into a wave and washed over Machoke, but it seemingly did nothing. Machoke continued to run forward before grabbing ahold of Vulpix and then tossing her into the ground.

"Vulpix!" Cyan shouted.

"Sawsbuck, give her some help! Use Megahorn!"

"Use your own Megahorn, Heracross!" Hajime shouted.

Heracross dashed forward, getting between Sawsbuck and Vulpix. He collided with the Grass-type, and they held out for a while, but unlike last time, Sawsbuck lost. Heracross then continued to slam his large horn against Sawsbuck, making him groan.

"Dual Chop, Machoke!" the Rocket grunt commanded.

"Vulpix, use Extrasensory!" Cyan shouted.

Vulpix's eyes started to glow, and she shifted the area around her with psychic energy. Before Machoke could start his strike, he was frozen and then zapped with telekinetic powers. He stopped moving and then grabbed at his head.

"And Ice Beam!" Cyan followed.

Vulpix quickly unleashed a jagged beam of ice from her mouth, blasting Machoke directly in the chest. He was dragged along the floor before his body went limp and he fainted.

"Okay, now let's help Saws-" Cyan started, but before he could finish his command, the other grunt yelled.

"Psybeam!"

Drowzee wagged his fingers around, shooting a direct beam at Vulpix. She flew through the air before crashing down hard in front of Cyan's feet. It wasn't something that either of them were expecting, and although she had been rocked, Vulpix managed to stand back up.

"Use Horn Leech! Go!" Skylar ordered.

"Brick Break!" Hajime commanded.

Sawsbuck lowered his head and then charged forward, small orbs extending from his antlers. But Heracross wasn't afraid. He chop, destroying the orbs with ease. Then, he struck Sawsbuck directly in the throat, knocking him backward.

The remaining grunt laughed to himself. In his mind, he had already won the fight. He pointed at Drowzee and then yelled, "Use Zen Headbutt!"

"Dark Pulse!"

Vulpix wasn't going to let Drowzee get in another strike. As he barreled forward, she formed the black ball in her mouth again and launched it. This time, it exploded against Drowzee's body, making him faint immediately. His plump body slumped to the ground, and he was done with the battle.

"One more Megahorn!" Hajime shouted.

With a heave, Heracross lifted Sawsbuck from the ground and into the air. He tossed the larger Pokémon back, and Sawsbuck's body went limp upon landing in front of Skylar.

"Oh no," Skylar muttered.

"Ice Beam!" Cyan shouted.

"Brick Break!"

Vulpix unleashed the beam from her mouth, but Heracross drove his chakra filled fist into it. He continuously cut through the beam until he towered over Vulpix. With one swift strike, he knocked Vulpix to the side, and to Cyan's surprise, his Pokémon fainted.

Skylar looked at her friend and noticed how much he shook. He wasn't calm like usual, and his tension was running too high. He was sure to start making mistakes if he got too emotional. Skylar took the battle into her own hands and threw her Poké Ball forward. Her Gothita with the red eyes materialized over Heracross.

"Psychic! Go!" Skylar yelled.

Gothita landed on Heracross' horn before sending out a burst of psychic energy. Normally, it was an attack done from long-range, but Gothita didn't want to take the chance. Heracross screeched and flailed, but it was useless. When Gothita finally finished, Heracross' legs fell out from under him, and he collapsed. Gothita retreated and then ran to Skylar, jumping onto her shoulder.

Cyan withdrew Vulpix and then eyed Hajime. He was unsure if he or the grunts still had Pokémon or if they'd even let them pass. But then, Hajime moved to the side as if to let them continue.

"You're here on a mission, and I can see how dangerous the look in your eyes is," Hajime exclaimed. "We're out of Pokémon down here. If I tried to fight you myself, your Pokémon would just beat me down. I'm not stupid. Go, but I warn you, the boss won't spare your life."

"Boss?" Cyan wondered. "Giovanni?"

Hajime grinned. "I won't say."

Skylar made sure to return Sawsbuck, and then the two started their ascent up Silph Co. She had suggested that they use the elevator but it wasn't working. They had to take the stairs, running through each and every level. It was an empty office building though, which was unsettling for the both of them.

"We're nearing the top," Cyan said as he read the sign next to what felt like the thousandth staircase. "One more floor." He was out of breath, and now that he was only twenty or so steps from where the leaders were, his heart raced. He took a step, but then Skylar stopped him.

"You sure you're ready?" she asked.

Cyan's wrist shook with nerves. "I have to be. If things get dangerous, then I want you to run, but I'm going to stay until this is finished. I have to defeat Giovanni and the rest of his goons. I have to end it permanently."

"You're not alone," Skylar whispered. "Don't pretend like you are."

Cyan didn't answer her. He continued up the staircase, and she followed close behind. Within only a few seconds, they entered the highest level of Silph Co. The energy in the air was much different from anywhere else. Psychic waves wafted throughout, making Cyan's head hurt momentarily until he got used to it. He closed his eyes tightly and then opened them, finding three of Team Rocket's current leaders standing next to a massive machine. Inside of the machine was a Pokémon. He didn't know exactly what the creature was, but he felt as though he had a vague idea, even if he didn't know from where.

The three leaders slowly turned around and faced Cyan and Skylar. Two of them were the boy and girl that he saw on the wanted poster in Cerulean. The third was someone that Cyan knew well, a teenager named Okane who they had battled with on the Orange Islands. But more importantly, she was Giovanni's daughter and Cyan's old friend. She had red hair and wore a loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt. Her pants were black and matched the bagginess of her top.

"Are these the two you told me about?" Mizuki, the boy with the slicked-back black hair, asked. "They don't look like anything special."

Okane nodded. "The girl has spunk and the boy is capable of amazing attacks. But clearly, they're fools."

Cyan balled his fist. "Whatever it is you're planning to do, we're here to stop you!"

Mizuki laughed. "We've already started. We've captured Mewtwo and our boss is on his way here as we speak. You can't stop us."

"Mewtwo?" Cyan and Skylar asked together.

"In moments, Giovanni will return to us, and then we will finish what Team Rocket started. We'll take over the world and rule it with an iron fist!" Mizuki exclaimed. "People will fear and respect us! We'll be treated like gods!"

Cyan looked at Skylar. "This kid is nuts."

Aira, who had dyed her hair a forest green and wore lipstick to match, laughed and then cocked her head. "People make fun of things they don't understand."

"We'll stop you!" Skylar said. "Gothita!"

"Quilava and Butterfree, c'mon out!" Cyan shouted while tossing two Poké Balls into the air. He had mastered battling with two Pokémon at once when he took on the Island Challenge in Alola. If there was ever a time to implement those skills, now would be it.

Mizuki and Aira were quick to respond, throwing their Poké Balls forward. Okane remained still, opting to not throw her Pokémon into battle. Arbok and Victreebell emerged, hissing once they saw their opponents.

"Why aren't you fighting with us?" Mizuki snapped.

Okane shrugged. "It looks like the two of you can handle it, right? Or do you need my help?"

Mizuki looked away from her and glared. "No. I'm strong enough. We don't need you."

The group made their way through Saffron City, now all weary of Giovanni. Logan and Seshiru were in the back, keeping an eye on him while Yurie led the way. Giovanni instructed her on where to go, and it didn't take long until Silph Co. came into view.

"I know this is sort of odd to be asking now," Logan started. "But what's Team Rocket's deal? I mean, before any of this."

"On the surface, they were nothing more than a yakuza syndicate. If we're making comparisons to Unova, think of all the mobs from decades ago," Seshiru said. "They had their hands in everything from crime to funding politicians and even simple stuff like charities and such. It was said that you couldn't walk six feet without coming into contact with something that had some kind of relation to Team Rocket. Some trainer schools were even funded by them, including mine. From what I understand though, their ultimate goal is to rule the world. How exactly they planned to do this, I'm not sure. But, I guess that seven years ago, they got pretty close."

Logan looked at Giovanni. "We can't trust him. I get a feeling that we're setting ourselves up for something really dangerous."

"Victreebell, use Leaf Blade!"

"Gothita, fight back with Dark Pulse!"

They had been fighting for only a few minutes, but Cyan and Skylar's Pokémon were being worn down with ease. Mizuki and Aira's Pokémon were top-level, and they were in perfect sync with one another.

Gothita formed an orb of black energy in her small hands before launching it forward. Victreebell responded by slicing it in two. She then snapped forward and slashed outward, getting a direct hit on the Psychic-type.

"Gothita, no!"

"Arbok, Gunk Shot!" Mizuki commanded.

"Butterfree, take him into the air!" Cyan directed.

Butterfree swooped down and picked up Quilava by his hip bones before dragging him upward. They narrowly avoided the shot of purple goop, but Mizuki didn't look bothered.

"Swing him! Use Flame Wheel!"

Butterfree let Quilava go, tossing him at the ground. He set himself aflame before he started to spin. When he hit the ground, he targeted Arbok and intensely rolled forward.

"Crunch!" Mizuki snapped.

Arbok unhinged his jaws, forming black energy around his body. He snapped, closing the energy down onto Quilava and putting him into an inescapable hold.

"And throw him!"

Arbok did just that, waving his neck around. He threw Quilava from his mouth, directly into Butterfree. The two fell to the ground and struggled for a while, and before Cyan could give a command, Mizuki did.

"Iron Tail!"

Arbok slithered across the floor, turning his tail hard as iron. He flipped around and slammed his tail into the two, damaging the floor with how strong the strike was. When he pulled away, both of Cyan's Pokémon were left finished.

"No," Cyan muttered before lifting both of his Poké Balls and withdrawing them.

Skylar looked at her belt and considered her options. She had a Steelix that was very powerful, but the room that they were in wasn't big enough to accommodate his size, and if Steelix were to take a strong blast, she'd be putting herself and Cyan in serious danger. She also had a Wailord that she meant to switch out beforehand, but with how frantic everything had been moving, she forgot. She instead grabbed a different Poké Ball and threw it onto the field with an underhand toss.

"Emo!" Emolga yelled when she appeared.

Aira laughed and then gazed at Okane. "These two with their weak Pokémon beat you?"

"Our Pokémon aren't weak!" Skylar yelled. She believed what she said, but with how easily Aira managed to beat her Gothita, she knew she'd have a hard time convincing anyone. "C'mon, Cyan!"

"Kabutops, you're up!" Cyan exclaimed. His ancient Pokémon emerged onto the tiled floor and looked at his opponents with slight confusion. He hadn't actually battled since he evolved, and he was keen to test out his new powers.

"Sludge Bomb!"

"Gunk Shot!" the Team Rocket leaders shouted.

"Go high!" Skylar ordered.

"Fight back with Mud Shot!" Cyan added.

As Arbok and Victreebell released their poisonous bombs, Emolga leaped into the air, avoiding them with ease. Kabutops charged power within himself before unleashing it forward, hoping to extinguish the poisonous strikes. For a moment, it seemingly worked, and the poison stalled. But after a short struggle, Kabutops' attack began to waver.

"Shock Wave! Go!" Skylar directed.

Emolga swooped down low while releasing a wave of electricity from her body. It targeted Team Rocket's Pokémon and washed over them with ease.

"Leaf Tornado!" Aira shouted before Emolga's attack even finished.

Victreebel whipped up a storm of leaves around her body before shooting them forward. They overtook Emolga and dragged her to the ground, and then, they targeted Kabutops.

"Endure!" Cyan ordered.

Kabutops started to glow with a light red aura, and he took the attack directly. It weakened him to his last legs, but he still remained standing, even if barely.

"Aqua Jet!" Cyan shouted.

"Emolga, use Electro Ball!"

Kabutops blasted forward, his body covered in aquatic energy. He slammed directly into Victreebel and knocked her over. Then, from the pile of leaves that she had created, a ball of electric energy exploded. It collided with her, sending her into the air. She crashed right in front of Aira, who looked on in shock.

"Iron Tail!" Mizuki commanded, not giving anyone any more opportunities for a follow-up strike.

Arbok swung his body around, dragging his tail against the ground while it changed composition. He slammed it into both of the Pokémon. Kabutops would have fainted no matter the attack, and Emolga was badly damaged from earlier. They fell into one another, and then fainted.

Cyan and Skylar withdrew their Pokémon and then exchanged looks. They both still had their strongest Pokémon remaining, but if things continued like they were, Team Rocket were going to win.

"I can't stall anymore," Cyan said. "Go, Venusaur!"

"Blaziken, you can do this!"

The fully-evolved starter Pokémon materialized onto the battlefield and looked up. They recognized Okane, and they knew that if she was friendly with the other two humans, then they surely weren't good news.

Okane looked to Mizuki. "Should I step in? As much as I hate to admit it, it was the Venusaur that gave me trouble."

Mizuki paused and then shook his head. "No. I have a different plan." He turned to the Mewtwo that was floating in the massive machine behind him. "We'll use Mewtwo and test its power. I want to see it kill."

"No killing," Okane said.

"You don't get to tell me what to do just because you're the boss's daughter!"

"And you're not in charge either," Okane snapped back. She eyed Cyan. "Giovanni has a connection with the boy. If anyone gets to kill him, it'll be my dad. He should decide what to do with them. Go ahead and test out Mewtwo's power, but no killing."

"Fine," Mizuki muttered. "Mewtwo!"

The light purple creature started to glow, and it exited from the device. The psychic energy in the room started to increase in power as it focused. It got closer and closer until it floated over both Blaziken and Venusaur.

It was as though time stopped. Everyone watched on in awe and in terror. If Mewtwo decided to go rogue and attack Team Rocket, it very well could. But they somehow managed to find and capture it. There was no saying that they wouldn't just do it again.

"Mewtwo, use Psystrike!" Mizuki yelled.

Mewtwo glanced back at the trainer and then down to the Pokémon, as though it were debating on what the right thing to do was.

"I said attack!" Mizuki screamed.

Mewtwo raised one of its arms and then quickly hammered it down. Psychic energy appeared around both Blaziken and Venusaur, and in an instant, began to shock them. They both let out terribly pained howls, and when Mewtwo finally ceased his attack, the two collapsed, having already fainted.

"What? No!" Skylar yelled.

Cyan was speechless. He had never seen his Pokémon in that state before. Venusaur hardly, if ever, fainted. Let alone, he had never fainted that quickly.

"And now, put them down!" Mizuki shouted while pointing at Cyan and Skylar. "Of course, don't kill them."

Cyan's body went numb, and his arms fell to his sides. He felt the headache from before increasing until it became unbearable. There was a loud thud to his side. He looked over, finding that Skylar had collapsed. Then, he felt faint. He looked up as Mewtwo got closer. They locked eyes, and without another second passing, Cyan whited out.


AUTHOR'S NOTES:

A lot of different threads going on in this, but I'm hoping to bring it all together in the next few chapters. A lot of questions are still up in the air and they will be until the end. This Team Rocket arc is going to be a few chapters. It's also going to be THE big event for a lot of my stories. It'll be extra rewarding for those of you who have read everything I've written (excluding Ascending Alola) up to this point. It's not necessary to read everything I've written (I wouldn't do that to my readers… kind of), but I think that you'll be able to get a lot more out of this if you have. It's kind of like the Avengers movies, but not as cool.

There will be a lot of battles in this, but to keep it chewable, I'm keeping the battles kind of short. As of writing this A/N, I've only written out this chapter and the dialogue for Chapter 62. I still haven't even gotten to writing the battles for the next chapter, and I'm already at 11,000 words. This will end up being a four part arc.

One more small note: I've been writing this arc off and on for months now, so if there are any inconsistencies, then please let me know and point them out. For example, originally Cyan was going to come alone, so a lot of his original dialogue didn't have Skylar there.

REVIEWS:

CrescentApple - "My first thought was why didnt Yurie use Mega Aggron. But I think you wanted to make it different, otherwise it would have been the same duo as last year's. When it was just Torchic left. I thought he was going to transform to match Arcanine and Piplup, until Arcanine fainted haha. It was sooooo close, wished Yurie would have won, but you've shown Michika struggled and fought just as hard as anyone else. So... I'm okay with it." - Yurie is my favorite character, but her time to win wasn't now. I think she still has a lot more of a journey ahead of her.

SceptileBlade - "Ooh, spicy end to the chapter. Take all the break you want, it's not like I can do anything about it lol. I wanted Yurie to win but somewhere I knew she was going to lose after you narrated their previous encounters. Now they're even, 2-2, so it makes sense. Hopefully Logan doesn't meet a similar fate in the league, he deserves better, at least imo." - I still haven't decided on Logan's fate for the league. We'll see!

pokemonking0924 - "A great battle between two rivals for a final battle, plus those flash backs really added to the hype. Too bad for Yurie but I'm happy for Michika too." - I'm glad you enjoyed the battle! And I think the flashbacks were good to build tension.

wisdom-jewel - "Oh. Team Rocket is on the move. Now Logan and Cyan's groups would meet up. I can't wait for the next chapter." - Still haven't met yet, but they're in the same city!