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Blackthorn City Gym, Johto Region

She heard the professor sigh through the mic on her computer.

"As much as I would welcome the help, we would only appreciate it if you were only here for a brief period. We've been having reports from Pyrite City that Cipher is stepping up their recruitment campaign. Nothing concrete so far, but some of the rumors have it that they're using our affiliation with foreign agents to increase their recruitment rates," Krane said.

"No wonder. Can't imagine that Sabrina being there is helping any matters," she said with concern. That agent from the International Police was bad enough, but having a gym leader from another region? Even if it were necessary and they need the extra muscle, it's not entirely a good thing to have too many foreign forces involved in what should be an internal affair.

Granted, the corruption of several legendaries hasn't exactly made it an entirely domestic incident

"Well, I can't exactly ignore that Dragonite of yours. Especially if he's in the hands of a kid." This definitely had her concern. She knew full well what an enraged dragon can do if it couldn't be handled properly. "Look. How about I stop in for the day, have a battle to see if he can handle the Dragonite, and I'll skedaddle? That way the elders are happy, and Orre is happy since I'm not there."

"That could work. Michael should be back within a few days so you can challenge him then," the professor said.

"Alright, sounds good," the gym leader said. The two said their goodbyes as they made the final plans before the call ended. She sighed as she proceeded to leave the room to let the elders know.

At the very least her Dragonair would certainly get a challenge if what she heard about the Dragonite was true.

Zapdos remembered the rise of man.

He remembered them discovering the first flame, born from one of his lightning bolts when it struck a tree in the long distant past. That thunderbolt gave man the ingenuity and the drive to crawl themselves from the dirt and create a thriving civilization. The thunderbird was proud of that in a way. Then again, it did take a miracle of nature for them to realize their true potential and become what they were meant to be. Even then, it was random chance rather than something planned.

Humanity's success can be boiled down to a spark of ingenuity given to them by happenstance. That was the brilliance of their ascension.

But their arrogance was staggering. They thought themselves masters of all and believed that every mountain could be conquered. Every storm weathered and every challenge overcome. Zapdos knew that while they could be brilliant, they haven't truly grasped their place in the way of things. Man had a lesson in humility coming.

That was...until that day on Shamouti Island.

The day when Zapdos's eyes were opened, and his own heart hardened from the truth.

Mankind was the new order. They were the future, using what the legendaries had given them and carving a new world for themselves. In the end, they were but the old guard and custodians for the outdated ways. What they were was the past, and they must push forward.

But in recent days, that notion had been challenged. Michael was born in the steel and computers of the future...but his soul came from the past. Rather than turn them away, he sought wisdom and guidance from those who came before. Venturing to the old places and respecting the ways of the elders. A reminder that humans were capable of learning from their forefathers.

Something that Lugia reminded him. The same voice that guided him whenever he surveyed the wonders man had created.

And so...Zapdos awaited in the heart of Lightning Island.

For if Michael was so like his master, he would know for a fact that man did not always just blindly stumble into the pitfalls of the future.

The Titan of Lightning wanted to be proven wrong.

"I'd figured we'd go after Zapdos next. He is the second on the National Pokedex."

"Makes sense to me," Melody commented as she leaned against the railing. There really was no set order for the Chosen One to follow, just what they chose. They were already on their way to Lightning Island as they speak. Micheal was finishing up healing Gardevoir and Houndoom, but he assured them they would only be used for back up should the situation call for it. He had another strategy in mind for dealing with the titan of lightning.

Melody suddenly frowned as she looked to her feet. Something that wasn't completely unnoticed by Michael. "Everything alright?" he asked.

"It's just...I've never seen a Pokemon fight like that. Granted Articuno and the other titans were never the most gentle of beings, but those shadows around the ice…"

"It's not really his fault." His ears perked up as Jovi commented. "My mom said that's what Shadow Pokemon do, fight as if their lives depended on it. It's not something they can control. Cipher did something to them that forces them to fight like that."

"She's right," Michael confirmed. "Practically, I only managed to get the titans to get to this point by spending a lot of time looking after them and putting them in the simulators. Building their trust back up. It's what I had to do for all of them."

Gardevoir and Houndoom nodded their heads solemnly, old memories flooding back. Melody picked up on this. "They...they were Shadow Pokemon too?!" she realized.

"Almost everybody on my team, sans Espeon, was a Shadow Pokemon. I had to rescue them from Cipher's clutches. Luckily I was able to purify most of them. We've almost actually purified ALL of them as a matter of fact.

"Well...almost all of them."

He looked down at the Master Ball. Michael could feel the legendary inside stay silent, almost as though they didn't know what to say. Not good, but a better sign than blaming themselves for their faults as they did before. So it was certainly progress.

"That's not even getting into Reverse Mode…" This elicited a wave of shivers from Gardevoir and Hohndoom.

Melody's ears perked up as she heard the term and saw the former Shadow Pokemons' reaction. "What's Reverse Mode?"

"I can answer that," Lily said as she strode forward. "Reverse Mode is used to refer to a state where the Shadow Pokemon's emotions reach a fever pitch and they begin to fight harder than ever. Problem is, they lose themselves in the violence and will often hurt themselves in the fighting. They'll also refuse items to heal them."

"We haven't had any since the battle of Citadark Isle," Michael commented. "Although I think Salamence was getting close to having one back in Gateon Port." The dragon's Ultra Ball shook with agreement, indicating that was the case.

Melody turned towards the sea as she crossed her arms. "I really do hope this manages to get Lugia better. I can't imagine going through the things he had to."

"That's why we're here," Jovi reiterated. "Michael's here to save Lugia. And I've got no doubt he will."

The boy couldn't help but smile at his little sister's confidence in him. It wasn't too often she admitted that she had that much faith in him.

"Heads up! We're nearly at Lightning Island!" Maren announced.

Looking forward, Michael could see the mountains rising from the home of Zapdos. None of them reached the gigantic heights of Ice Island's sole peak, but the jagged edges did resemble the thunderbird's great wings. Appropriate for the Titan of Lightning.

But what was most striking was the large pieces of metal and machinery sticking out of the island.

Melody noticed him eyeing the ruins. "Those are what's left of that airship that nutcase built to capture the birds after Zapdos and Moltres trashed it. It fell apart pretty quickly over the years. Guess he cared a bit more about style rather than durability."

Michael heard about this "collector". Apparently, he was the one that attempted to capture the titans in a bid to lure out Lugia and catch him as well. Lawrence the Third or something along those lines. Nobody knew what happened to him after, and aside from an official investigation, nobody really cared.

It did surprise him that Zapdos even allowed the remains of such a contraption to remain on their island, but he supposed the novelty of having the ruins that you made would probably serve the same purpose as a trophy.

They pulled into the bay where a similar flight of stairs to the ones on Ice Island awaited them. Luckily, Melody assured him that this flight wasn't as bad as the last one. They heard Lily sigh, probably from relief she didn't have to carry Jovi all the way up again.

As they made their way up the stairs, Michael could now get a better look at the rusting ruins of the airship that the so-called "collector" had built. The metal had turned red from rust, years of neglect having taken their toll. Greenery and plant life had begun to grow in the cracks and alcoves of the ruins, nature reclaiming the metal for themselves. Nests of Pokemon could also be seen wherever stable footing permitted.

But what hadn't faded were huge scorch marks around certain parts of the metal. Darkened spots where great heat lashed out at the machinery could be seen on a number of the larger pieces of debris. Echoes from a past battle, and a grim reminder of the rage the forces of nature can inflict if pushed too far.

Michael could feel Lugia's Master Ball shake as he looked upon the ruins. Indeed, something about such a massive contraption and advanced machinery did put them on edge. For what reason though, that was another question.

It did not take them too long to reach the summit of the trail. The stairs cut through the most rugged of the mountainous terrain and right to a plateau in and amongst the peaks. Here, they could see the full scale of the ruins, reaching out towards the sea. Michael wasn't sure what to make of it. Air and seawater had broken down most of the wreckage, but it looked as though they formed some kind of…dome-like structure surrounded by two massive wheels. Those must've been where the rotors for the ship kept the behemoth afloat.

One of the rotors had touched down right at where the shrine was located. Compared to the one on Ice Island, this one seemed relatively new. The pile of stones and rubble where the machinery slammed into the earth must've been where the old shrine was.

"It's kind of incredible how something so broken down and worn can look so beautiful," Lily commented. Michael couldn't help but agree. The ruins were dotted all over the island, a testament to the machine's greatness in life.

And an even greater testament to the might of the ones who took it down.

He grabbed two pokeballs from his belt and clicked them open. Espeon and Fearow proceeded to form from the bursts of energy from the capsules.

Melody rose an eyebrow at his choice. "You do know that Zapdos is an Electric-Type. And you're sending in…"

"Yeah I know, but I got it figured out," Michael explained. "Fearow's gonna force Zapdos to use up his energy while Espeon covers him with Lightscreen. Once he's all good and winded, I'll send in some muscle to finish him off."

"That's assuming Fearow doesn't get hit."

"She won't," Michael said with a smile. Fearow cawed, announcing she was ready for anything.

With the strategy in mind, Michael looked ahead to the statue across the field. Like before, it was a stylistic depiction of Zapdos. And like before, an orb was held within its beak. Unlike before, this was a yellow orb. The Treasure of Lightning.

Of course, he knew he wouldn't be able to waltz in and take it.

He walked a few steps onto the field before a bolt of lightning smashed into the earth right in front of him, startling everyone and causing Jovi to yelp. The air itself began to feel charged, with Michael's hair standing up on his hand. Bursts of electricity began to appear around the field as the lightning lashed against the earth and the debris.

The scraping of talons against metal could be heard from above.

Looking up, Michael could see the Titan of Lightning himself glaring down at him, with electricity dancing upon his wings.

Zapdos cried, issuing the challenge.

Michael steeled himself, returning the glare. Espeon's forehead gem gleamed with power as Fearow flapped her own wings and returned the battle cry.

The Titan of Lightning flapped his wings, causing sparks to fly and crackle.

For the challenge was accepted.

The Trial of Lightning had begun.

Zapdos gave out a shilling war cry as a massive bolt of lightning thundered from the skies. The flash was so brilliant, Michael was forced to cover his eyes. He could hear his Pokemon grunt from the light as well.

Putting his hand down, he could see that Zapdos had left his perch and landed on the field across from them. The legendary flapped their wings, dark lightning dancing along their feathers as they leapt forward into a Shadow Bolt. Espeon quickly intercepted the attack with his forehead gem conjuring a Lightscreen, causing the electricity to smash against the barrier.

Fearow took the air as the thunder crackled against the mental shield. Seeing the Flying-Type make herself visible, Zapdos narrowed his eyes and generated more electricity as he prepared to take aim. Espeon could feel the air become charged as the titan prepared another attack. The cat quickly brought up dark energies to his forehead and unleashed a Shadow Ball on the distracted thunderbird.

The orb of darkness smashed into Zapdos, breaking his concentration and canceling the attack. With the Electric Pokemon off kilter, Fearow gracefully swooped down with her claws stretched out. She descended on her opponent, scratching and pecking at the exposed eyes with Fury Attack. Zapdos shrieked as he let forth a Shadow Bolt forth in rage, but the raptor managed to dodge the wild attack with Agility, her feathers loosening to increase her speed.

A shrill hiss pierced the air as the thunderbird sent a weak discharge of electricity at the retreating irritant. Espeon's muscles kicked into overdrive as he launched himself at Fearow, managing to place himself between her and the Thunderwave. He hissed as the energy flowed through his body, seizing up his muscles from the paralysis.

Zapdos flapped his wings as he took to the skies…only for his own wings to seize up as a similar wave of electricity paralyzed his own muscles. His eyes widened as Espeon's forehead gem glowed as Synchronize took effect.

Huh. Didn't think that would've worked, Michael thought. Might be a side effect of being a Shadow Pokemon.

He was brought out of his thoughts as Fearow called while she flew past. Nodding, he fished out a Paralyze Heal as she wheeled around for another go. The raptor nimbly dodged a burst of lightning as she closed in with talons outstretched. She raked the chest of the titan, slamming her talons in with Pursuit, before nimbly dodging away before Zapdos could retaliate. Which was unneeded as the electric charge the legendary built up was dissipated harmlessly, probably due to the paralysis.

Kneeling beside him, Michael quickly sprayed Espeon with the Paralyze Heal. The cat felt the electricity in his muscles dissipate, causing him to flash a grin at his partner before charging towards the enraged Electric Type. Zapdos fired another Shadow Bolt at the oncoming cat, but the Psychic evolution of Eevee nimbly dodged. His forehead gem gleamed brilliantly to life as he unleashed a mighty Psychic upon his foe. So great was the force that Zapdos staggered back from the assault.

Zapdos screamed with fury, the bolts upon his wings thundering to life.

Fearow pulled up to Michael's side as the lightning bolts around them began to rage.

"Well, he's certainly mad," the trainer commented. Both Michael and Fearow looked at the ruins of the airship, their next move already laid out.

"Let's see if we can't get him a little madder. Fearow, see what you can do about wasting his energy. Espeon, wait for her to come back with the party and let him have it."

His Pokemon nodded in agreement as Fearow spread her wings. Her sudden burst of speed took Zapdos by surprise, allowing her to dodge in and land another quick Fury Attack. Backing away again while dodging another Shadow Bolt, this one coming a little too close to her tail feathers to her liking. The thunderbird raged as Fearow flapped her wings, speeding herself up with another Agility before she flew towards the heart of the ruins.

With Zapdos in pursuit, Fearow began to bob and weave amongst the ruined pillars and beams of the downed airship. The confines were tight, but here the smaller bird had the advantage, more easily able to maneuver and dance amongst the ruins than the larger titan. Zapdos screeched as he lagged behind, the paralysis seizing up his wings and causing him to discharge his attacks uncontrollably.

Between the space, the paralysis, and her speed, Fearow was practically untouchable.

For now at least.

Their pursuit took them into a large room with wide windows. This must've been where the collector kept his prizes. Indeed, the faded walls hinted at a sort of artistic elegance you would expect from a museum or a mansion. Although the cherubs and cupids on the ceiling were a bit much.

Fearow abruptly slowed her flight, allowing Zapdos to careen past her in a wild Shadow Rush. The legendary's flanked exposed, the raptor raked her talons along his back with another Pursuit. His enraged cries filled the room as lightning danced upon his wings. However, the paralysis wrecked havoc again, delaying his attack and giving time for Fearow to pull ahead.

The raptor flew through one of the broken windows, hearing the discharge from behind. Higher she climbed into the sky before turning around and viewing the dome she flew out of

Her eyes widened as a magnificent explosion destroyed a great deal of the dome as Zapdos flew forward, with huge amounts of lightning dancing upon his wings.

Folding her wings, Fearow dived towards her opponent, the target locked. Zapdos screeched as he let forth a Shadow Bolt. The Beak Pokemon try to maneuver herself out of danger, but the attack clipped one of her wings.

She grimaced as she dove further. It was now or never.

Fearow corkscrewed, forming a funnel as she slammed her sharp beak into Zapdos's torso. The legendary was forced from the air from the Drill Peck, crashing into one of the pillars of the ruins.

Her enemy off balance, Fearow flew back towards the field. She tried to ignore the pain in her wing, although she began to notice she was losing both altitude and speed.

She could hear Zapdos from behind gaining up on her as she reached the field. The crackling of lightning as he prepared another Shadow Bolt…

Suddenly, Espeon ran forward with his psychic powers flaring. He unleashed another Psychic, slamming into the Shadow Bolt and catching Zapdos in mid air. The distraction allowed Fearow to rather ungracefully land on the ground, barely managing to get her two feet under her body.

"Nice work girl," Michael said as he fished out Fearow's pokeball. "We'll take things from here." Fearow crooned as she was recalled, satisfied at having lasted this long against a legendary.

Michael proceeded to grab his next ball.

"Time to end this…"

He threw his next pokeball while shouting "GO! GARDEVOIR!"

The empath emerged from her pokeball, doing a quick twirl as she came onto the scene. Espeon darted to her side as they stared down their opponent. Zapdos wasn't banged up to badly, but he was breathing rather heavily as the lightning upon his wings weren't dancing as much.

If there were a time to wrap things up, it would be now.

Zapdis cried as he let forth a Shadow Bolt upon the duo. In response, Gardevoir and Espeon set up a Lightscreen forming an impenetrable barrier against the crash of lightning. Together, their combined mental abilities were able to easily safeguard them from the attack.

Cue their shocked expressions when the Lightscreen was abruptly dissolved as the lightning dissipated. Dark sparks of electricity ate away at the barrier as both of the Psychic-Types found themselves assaulted by the electricity. The shock itself was weak, but they felt their constitution and mental defenses break down from the foul energy of Shadow Shed.

His opponents on the defensive, Zapdos launched himself forward into a Shadow Rush, snatching both Gardevoir and Espeon in his talons and slamming them violently into the ground. Sneering at captured prizes, the thunderbird charged up his energy-

-only for it to set off harmlessly into the air. The titan snarled, realizing that the paralysis from earlier was still wrecking havoc on his feathers, interfering with building up and holding an electric charge.

In synch, Gardevoir and Espeon exerted their mental might into a fearsome Psychic attack, throwing the titan off of them. Zapdos took to the air in order to gain some distance and recuperate.

The two staggered to their feet, barely pulling themselves together from the assault. "You guys okay?" Michael asked. A nod from both of them indicated there was still some steam left in the tank. "Okay. Time to finish this up. We've only got a small window to operate so timing here is going to be everything."

Gardevoir took a deep breath as she collected herself, closing her eyes to shut off all excess noise. Calm Mind took effect as the maiden reached her inner zen.

Zapdos screeched as he dove from the sky, blackened lightning heralding the oncoming Shadow Bolt. Shadow Shed would prevent them from any meaningful defense, so they needed to time this just right.

Espeon flinched as the thunderbird screeched and dove in for the attack.

Closer…

...closer…

The empath's eyes opened as her psychic powers flared just as Zapdos unleashed the Shadow Bolt.

NOW!

Espeon's forehead gem glowed as he poured in his psychic energy into Gardevoir through Helping Hand. Between the boost from the cat and her Calm Mind focusing her power, the empath unleashed a mighty Psychic attack, causing the earth to shatter from the force. The wave of energy slammed into the Shadow Bolt.

The collision of a Shadow legendary's mighty attack and an ultra powerful show of psychic energy almost split the air in two. For a moment, neither attack could gain an advantage over the other.

Then, the Psychic began to push the Shadow Bolt back.

Between the fatigue and the paralysis, Zapdos was unable to keep his assault up for long. His lightning gave out as he was struck by the massive wave of psychic energy.

As the mystical energy flowed through the air as it made impact, the Master Ball shook. And once more, Michael's world went white.

Beneath them, a massive horde of Pokemon had spread out across the frozen wastes.

Young and old. Natives to the region and those who journeyed from across the world. It did not matter. They had all come in such numbers they expanded to the horizon. Not since for many millennia has there been such a mass gathering.

The child on his back was in awe at the sight, asking what on earth they could be here for.

Because they feel they must be here in case they are needed, he explained.

"But what can they do to help?"

That admittedly was a good question. Realistically, there very was little they could do but sit back and watch. For in a war between the very forces of nature, their presence was almost miniscule in the grand scheme of things.

Luckily though, Lugia lived long enough to know the answer.

They are not sure. And that is why they are here.

"What do ya mean?"

That if just one Pokemon could help the world would be worth the journey for thousands of them any day.

But this day, the one who can make all the difference is you.

He meant it earnestly too. Even if they could do little to help, their very presence there was enough to remind him of the scale of the event. Of how the fate of the entire world hangs in the balance.

But more importantly, it was a reminder of their faith in the Chosen One. They believed that Ash could save them all. That his friends can help save them all. And in the grand scheme of things, even the smallest bit of empathy, the tiniest amount of support can make all the difference.

The unwavering faith that Pokemon had for this one boy was all the proof Lugia needed that the role of the Chosen One fit him well.

And how just the effort of just one can bring the whole world together.

Michael gasped as he came to. Another vision. Another memory. It was all coming back to him.

They believed in him...I believed in him.

He nodded in agreement. If all those Pokemon put their faith in this Ash, then he must've been one heck of a trainer.

Like I believe in you.

His heart hammered as he heard that. Sure it was one thing to feel it, but to hear it in his head, that was something else.

Even more important...Shadow Lugia was beginning to talk?!

Michael heard words in the back of his head before but he just assumed his mind was interpreting Lugia's thoughts as words. Now the words were clear as day. Granted a bit faint and hesitant with some distortion in the words, but he definitely heard a calming voice.

This ritual really was working.

Speaking of which.

Zapdos landed on the ground, a little banged up and clearly exhausted. Looking at his Pokemon, he could see they weren't in any better shape. Gardevoir was still fresh but Espeon was clearly looking worn out from the battle. If this went on any further he would have to switch the cat out for someone else.

The Titan of Lightning took a step forward…

...only to bow in respect towards the trainer and his Pokemon.

Michael couldn't believe it. Even a second time it was unbelievable. After all that ferocious fighting he hadn't expected the legendary to give in. Especially given that Shadow Pokemon weren't exactly known for giving up in the face of defeat.

Just how close to purification were they?, he thought.

Questions for later though. Gardevoir and Espeon turned towards him with big grins on their faces. A flash of energy from his belt and a triumphant caw indicated that Fearow had joined in on the impromptu celebration.

The trainer couldn't help but smile and embrace all three of his Pokemon in a hug as Jovi and Melody were cheering from the sidelines.

"You guys were amazing out there. Good work!" he said earnestly as he let go.

Turning towards the bowing Shadow Pokemon, Michael strode forward and caressed the bird's yellow plumage, feeling the static beneath his fingers.

"You fought well, Zapdos. Thank you for your blessing," he said. The titan's feathers rustled as Zapdos extended a wing towards the shrine with the waiting treasure.

Michael walked up to the shrine and gripped the orb within the statue's beak. Again it was tight, but nothing he couldn't handle.

The treasure popped out. In his palm, he could feel the static energy deep within.

Pocketing the treasure, he turned towards the entrance and the waiting party.

"Only one more."

Zapdos watched from the skies as the boat left the island.

Truly, he was impressed by the boy's ingenuity. The combos he managed to pull off. The strategies used to meet and match his power was astonishing. To think that humans were capable of such feats.

Yet at the same time, the boy was conscious of his partner's limitations. Not pushing them too hard or too aggressively, knowing when to pull them out when the going gets rough. They were not mere tools, they were partners and teammates.

This wasn't what Greevil had taught them. He was told to always push himself, to continuously pursue the goal of becoming the ideal weapon. And if they failed that ideal, they were nothing but a relic.

But if Michael viewed his Pokemon as friends and partners, then that flew in the face of everything Zapdos thought humans were.

Maybe… the old ways and their respect for those who came before wasn't dead after all.

He felt a presence fly beside him. A green orb of strange energy, almost as if it were plucked out of time. Bearing witness to the whole event.

Zapdos nodded as he turned towards Shamouti Island.

For instinct told him that his destiny, and the destinies of his brothers would be met there.

A/N: And thus, the second trial comes to a close.

First off, we get some foreshadowing for the next arc and the guest character I mentioned before. If I hadn't made it obvious before, it should be obvious now on who it is.

Also we find out that O.R.F.'s reliance on foreign powers is beginning to give Greevil and Cipher a lot of ground for recruitment. Benevolent or not, Orre doesn't have the rosiest view on outsiders. Especially those who destroyed their region in the past and haven't made much in the way of reparations. Or just the idea of the organization dedicated to getting Orre back on its feet, possibly being influenced by those from other regions. That's grounds for some conflict.

More development again, this time concerning Reverse Mode. Reverse Mode (called Hyper Mode in Colosseum) is a state that Shadow Pokemon enter in the games where they attack more ferociously and have a greater chance of hitting criticals. Problem is, they'll sometimes disobey orders if they don't use Shadow moves, won't take items, and will damage themselves at the end of every turn. The more they are purified, the more they'll enter this particular state.

This hasn't really played a role into the fic up until now (although Salamence did get pretty close to going into Reverse Mode back in Gateon Port), but this is gonna play a role in the next chapter.

The airship in 2000 crash landed on Lightning Island and destroyed the shrine. Figured I'd add some continuity there. That and give Zapdos a bit of a trophy to lord over.

Finally, we get a flashback sequence to 2000 as Shadow Lugia continues to regain his memories. And Michael's noticed he's beginning to speak again.

Up next, the finale of the Shamouti Arc and the ritual as a whole. That means a final battle with Moltres and a longer chapter on top of that. Strap yourselves in, we're nearly there.

Thanks for reading and make sure to leave a review and a favorite if you enjoyed. As always, take care and thank you for the support!