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Pyrite City, Orre Region
Cail looked at the Ultra Ball in his hand in shock.
Duking was right. Wild Pokemon were coming back.
He hadn't believed it at first. Almost thought that O.R.F. was paying him off or something. Or that he got heat stroke from spending so much time looking for wild ones. But apparently the muscle bound self imposed leader of Pyrite Town was right. Although whether the wild Pokemon were simply that hard to find or that O.R.F.'s efforts to restore the environment in the region really was paying off.
Either way, he took a gamble and he hit paydirt.
Cail couldn't help but pet his Houndoom for a job well done as he wandered back into Pyrite Town. The rogue nodded to the trainers lingering at the town's entrance, telling them the perimeter was all clear during his sweep. He was scheduled to perform a sweep of the local area for any signs of Cipher, but so far nothing could be found. So he took some time to head out to the Poke Spot where he left some bait and low and behold he got lucky.
Also made sure to do another sweep as he came back. Couldn't be too cautious. Especially if what he heard about those agents were true…
All the more reason to get some more Pokemon, he thought. Rumors had been circulating around the townsfolk that Greevil had started to recruit again. And apparently there was talk about recruiters here in Pyrite itself. Nothing certain mind you, but enough to keep everybody on their toes. Almost anyone seemed like an undercover Cipher agent these days.
Especially since that day in Phenac City…
"CAIL! YOU NEED TO SEE SOMETHING!"
Cail turned to see the chaser rush up to him. "What's up Finol?" he asked, the concern in her voice was obvious.
"Follow me! It's urgent!" she hurriedly said before turning on her heels and running in the direction of where she came from. Sighing, Cail and Houndoom ran after her, knowing that something was about to go down.
They ducked into an alleyway. "Dobbit said he found this while he was working on cleaning this section of wall. Left it in order for you to see," Finol reported.
Coming to a halt at the side of a rusty building, Cail could see graffiti on the reddened sheets of metal. Black spray paint wrote the acronym for the Orre Restoration Foundation with a big crossed out symbol right through it.
Alongside were the words, DOWN WITH THE PUPPETS. CIPHER WILL CUT THE STRINGS.
Cail felt himself go pale as he saw the wording.
"We need to get to Duking. Now!"
Moltres remembered the rise of man.
He remembered them finding the first flame, nurtured by him. The warming campfire led man out of the Ice Age and gave him the chance they needed to prosper. Never before had the will of fire spread to encompass the entire globe. For the struggle of survival had effectively been won. And with it, everything that man strives to accomplish can be linked to the inner flame of their passion.
Humanity's soul was an unquenchable fire that drives them to chase after their dreams. It was almost admirable.
But their lack of self control was staggering. They chase after their passions like a rabid Mightyheena, going after anything they come across. No thought or and self awareness on their part. Moltres knew that the same fire that gave them strength can also be their undoing. They were children playing with toys they had little understanding of.
That was...until that day on Shamouti Island.
The day that Moltres's eyes were opened, and his own heart hardened from the truth.
Mankind's will was the only one that mattered. The world was theirs to mold and form as they saw fit. And if the old one had to burn down in order to achieve their dreams, then so be it. Everything else was a tool to fulfill their ambitions.
But in recent days, that notion had been challenged. Michael carried the same destructive passion as all humans...but it was tempered with kindness and understanding. Rather than stepping on others, he worked with them so they could all benefit from his achievements. Forming bonds based on companionship rather than convenience. Almost as if the act of becoming a good friend was a goal in itself.
Something that Lugia reminded him. The same voice that guided him when the phoenix spread his brilliance to the world in his annual migrations.
And so...Moltres waited at the heart of Fire Island.
For if Michael was so like his master, he would know for a fact that man did not always inflict pain upon others to achieve his selfish desires.
The Titan of Fire wanted to be proven wrong.
"Well, you only have one titan left. Shouldn't be too difficult at this point," Melody casually stated as she joined Michael at the handrails of the boat.
"I'm surprised," the trainer said as he looked out at the streaking water. "They seemed to do pretty well without me having to command them. From what I know, Shadow Pokemon don't seem to operate well without a trainer to order them around. Either they shut down or go into a berserk frenzy. The fact they've been able to handle themselves autonomously by themselves is a good sign of their hearts beginning to open back up."
"What happens when their hearts are ready to open?" Melody asked.
"Either they get purified at the shrine in Agate Village, or they get purified in the Purification Chamber back at the lab," Michael explained. He also made a mental note to check on the titans' progress when they were done. He might need to make a trip to the shrine when they get back to Orre…
His face fell as he realized a cold fact.
"It's also the most dangerous time for them. Right as they're about to be purified."
Melody raised an eyebrow at this. "What do you mean?"
Michael sighed. "Whenever a Shadow Pokemon is getting close to being purified, they have a higher tendency to go into Reverse Mode. Something about how love and compassion is interfering with their conditioning to be a living weapon. With so many conflicting thoughts they...just go berserk.
"We got lucky with Articuno and Zapdos. Can't say the same with Moltres though…"
"Well...even if he does go berserk, you can still handle him, right? He is your Pokemon after all."
"Yeah. It's just...it's never pleasant is all I'm saying," the trainer admitted. Espeon rubbed his body against the boy's leg. Both of them knew how bad a Reverse Mode situation was.
"Look at it like this," Melody said with a bright smile. "After Moltres, you'll have the last treasure and the ritual's over. Lugia's probably already remembering quite a bit and he'll be one step closer to being purified. Besides, if you thought the festivities yesterday were nice, wait till you get a load of the celebration once you're done!"
"Yeah...I bet." His eyes were downcast as he looked into the dark sea.
"Is...is everything okay?" the girl asked. Although she didn't need an answer to know the truth.
"Greevil's still out there. Cipher's still out there. Orre's still in danger and I'm on the other side of the world. Every minute I'm away is another minute I'm leaving my friends in danger," Michael admitted. "He's out there planning who knows what, but I'm powerless to do anything about it."
Melody couldn't help but frown as she looked away for a moment. His words hung over them like an anvil ready to drop as old memories were dredged up.
She then looked up with a confident smirk on her face. "Trust me, Greevil's not gonna last much longer. If this guy's anything like the Collector, he probably is quite the egomaniac. And if that's the case, then he's probably gonna mess up big time since he's so full of himself. Tell me, are you sure Greevil's still as confident as you first met him?"
Michael couldn't help but smile at the look on the old man's face when his plans fell apart. "He certainly looked pretty rattled when he lost Shadow Lugia."
But the smile faded as it came. "On the other hand, he didn't seem too bothered during our second meeting."
Melody huffed as she thought for a moment. "Maybe he's still really rattled and he's just good at hiding it."
The trainer chuckled as the realization dawned on him. "I guess. We just need to get some more wins here and there and soon this nightmare is over."
"I say you've got some wins already," the girl said as she put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You've gotten this far after all. You just need to have faith in yourself and Lugia. Ash had a lot of the same thoughts when he saved the world and fulfilled the prophecy."
He smiled as he nodded his head. Melody was right. As bad things were now, he needed to hang in a little while longer.
The light was at the end of the tunnel. They just needed to reach it.
Lily could see what was going on from the bridge. Something from the way Michael was moving caught her attention. Didn't take a wild guess for her to figure out what the two were talking about.
"Everything alright?" the captain asked. They had been in the middle of a conversation when Lily became distracted by what was going on.
The mother sighed. "Yes. It's just...I'm worried about Michael. He hasn't really been the same since his father passed away. And I think this whole thing with Cipher is making things worse."
"Looks like he's opening up to Melody at least. Just glad he's not bottling it all in."
"I know...I just…it pains me to see him go through the things he's going through," Lily said as she turned towards Maren. "I just hoped that we'd be able to finally be a family is all."
"You already are."
Lily looked up as she heard those words.
"Trust me. Ash's mom traveled across the whole region to see her kid through a storm. You've been standing by Michael's side ever since this whole mess started," Maren stated. "Something tells me if you weren't there, he wouldn't have made it this far."
Lily couldn't help but smile. The boat captain was right about that. Truth be told there were many moments throughout this episode that she would've given up as well. Between the terrorists, kidnappings, and Shadow Pokemon, she would've cracked like an egg without…
She heard somebody laugh with joy. Looking outside, she saw Michael hold Jovi up to the railing, the little girl with a huge smile on her face.
Right then and there, she thought she almost saw a ghost…
No, he was here with us all along.
"We're coming up on Fire Island."
She was taken out of her thoughts from the announcement.
This was it.
The ship arrived in the shadow of the volcano that dominated Fire Island. Here the greenery was especially vibrant as the plants had grown on the ash rich soil in the volcano's wake. According to Melody, the shrine lay at the heart of the volcano. Naturally this got everyone a little nervous, but Maren and Melody reassured them that the volcano was dormant and only became active under Moltres's will.
The will of a Shadow Pokemon, Michael thought nervously to himself. Granted he still trusted Moltres with his life, but the thought of battling him in a volcano with the potential to erupt unnerved him. Honestly he began to wonder if entrusting the ritual to a trio of Shadow Legendaries was a good idea to begin with. Was it too risky, especially with his mother and little sister involved?
Can't be as risky as storming Citadark Isle, taking the fight to Cipher, or housing Shadow Lugia in the facility to begin with. Those two could hardly be considered to be out of danger's way when Cipher's around.
He couldn't help but acknowledge the logic he thought up. They were sailing between a whirlpool and craggy rocks. At least the craggy rocks had a narrow chance of navigating through while the whirlpool gives you no chance whatsoever. If completing this final challenge meant giving Lugia a better chance at purification, it was a risk he was willing to take.
But as they climbed up the stairs and towards the heart of the volcano, he knew he needed to be careful regardless. There was no telling what will happen when sparks start to fly.
As they climbed up the stairs with stone pillars dotting the side of the mountain, Michael stopped and turned around. "I just want you to know that if things get really bad in there, I want you guys to run. No ifs or buts. I don't want to risk your lives."
Melody got that look in her face again. "I saw through the end of the world once. Once you see that, not a whole lot of other things seem as scary anymore."
Lily shared the same determined look. "We're with you to the end, dear. If there's anyone who can handle the worst, it's you."
Jovi walked up and held her big brother's hand. "You're the best trainer I know, Michael. You handled Greevil, you can handle Moltres."
Espeon gently pawed his jeans with a bright look in his eyes. His old friend was ready for anything.
Michael couldn't help but smile from the encouragement from his family. Without them, he wasn't sure if he'd make it this far. And Melody's belief in him was staggering. They'd only just met and already she had faith in his ability.
That was more than enough to convince him that things will work out at the end of this. No matter what happens.
Taking a deep breath, he ascended higher up the stairs. He saw two mighty stone pillars sitting atop of the volcano's crest.
They were nearly there.
As they passed between the stone pillars, the group could now see the heart of the home of the great phoenix. The stairs descended down into the maw of the dormant volcano, blackened rocks of obsidian lining the walls. At the end of the stairs, the ground petered out onto a cliff overlooking a black abyss.
Awaiting at the end of the cliff was the shrine with the treasure awaiting.
Michael took one last look his entourage. Lily was holding Jovi in her arms to keep her from getting too excited while Melody and Espeon stood side by side giving him looks of encouragement.
Taking a deep breath, the trainer slowly walked down the stairs, his eyes and ears on high alert.
He didn't have to wait long.
The first embers became visible as soon as he stepped onto the ground. Michael could feel the rock come alive with heat as a dim glow began to light up the abyss. A reminder that the volcano wasn't exactly as dead at first glance.
And suddenly, a pillar of flame erupted from the black depths. Michael covered his eyes as the heat hit him like a great wave. A screech came forth from the flame, as a pair of fiery wings burst through the plume.
Moltres, the Titan of Fire, and last to be challenged had arrived.
The phoenix let out a challenging cry as it landed in front of the shrine.
Nodding, Michael got out his first pokeball.
It had been a little while since he had seen some action. He felt himself hope that the dragon hadn't gotten rusty in the process.
"GO! SALAMENCE!"
The Ultra Ball opened up as the blue dragon spread his red wings and roared back at the phoenix in response to the challenge. Time had changed Salamence. For starters, small faint scars could be seen all around his body. Particularly around his throat. Michael couldn't help but feel a little guilty. The doctors said that he managed to escape serious injury and would make a full recovery, with any scarring being minimal. Even still, it was enough to remind him of the risks they were taking when dealing with Shadow Pokemon. Especially particularly violent ones.
But the biggest change couldn't be seen, but rather heard. Salamence's roar was deeper and sounded more confident than before. It didn't exactly sound like a panic stricken Pokemon or one blind with rage. It was filled with purpose and strength.
Salamence was no Shadow Pokemon anymore. His heart beat with pride and adrenaline. Ready to take whatever the legendary had to throw at him.
With his first choice more than ready for a fight, Michael reached down to his second.
Before they came to Shamouti, he had only heard whispers in the back of his mind. Faint echoes of events way in the past. But that voice had only gotten louder, as the past itself was being replayed in his mind. The more they fought, the closer they had become.
Now it was time to see this ritual through to the end the right way.
Michael lobbed the Master Ball.
"GO! LUGIA!"
The pokeball opened as a wave of shadow poured forth. Red eyes blazed from the darkness as Shadow Lugia roared to the skies, announcing his arrival to the battlefield.
Let us finish this together, the voice in Michael's head said. The trainer acknowledged the words as he prepared for battle.
Salamence couldn't help but cringe from the roar. It wasn't by choice mind you. But considering that it was the same voice that turned him into a Shadow Pokemon to begin with...one can't help but not fault him.
Michael noticed it too. "Relax. I know how you feel, but if you can't trust in him, put your trust in me." The dragon nodded silently, his eyes bright and claws flexing. It was a good sign at least.
"Okay, good. Lugia you take Moltres head on. You're a little bit tougher and can take his Shadow attacks, so you attack from the front. Salamence, you go around in the flank and get in as many attacks as you can. Let's do this quick and get this finished before things get too bad." Lugia and Salamence nodded in unison as they turned towards the legendary.
His opponents ready, Moltres let out a shrill warcry.
The Trial of Fire had begun.
The phoenix opened up with a Shadow Fire right out the gate, dark flames spewing from the titan's beak. In response, Lugia put up a Shadow Lightscreen, the dark shadows forming a barrier between himself and the inferno. As the flames washed over his shield, the black guardian gathered energy into his wings and launched himself at Moltres in a furious Shadow Rush, blowing the flames away.
Michael could feel the air heat up as the flames on Moltres's plumage blazed to a pitch, surrounding the titan in an aura of dark fire. The titan flapped his wings as he charged at the incoming Shadow Lugia with his own Shadow Rush. Both Shadow Pokemon collided in a brilliant release of dark energy.
Shadow Lugia and Moltres proceeded to get into a frenzy of vicious attacks, biting, pecking, and clawing at one another. Seeing that the bird was distracted, Salamence spread his wings and wheeled around to the phoenix's backside before raking the legendary with a ferocious Dragon Claw.
Wincing, the phoenix raked Lugia's eyes with his talons before wheeling around and backhanding Salamence with a Wing Attack. The dragon found himself being launched into the air, barely giving him enough time to dodge a Shadow Fire.
He snarled as the dark flames licked at his hide. In particular his right flank took a rather nasty burn. Salamence snarled as he dodged another Shadow Fire, before firing back with his own DragonBreath. Moltres's flames erupted as he easily maneuvered away from the attack with a quick agility, embers trailing from his wings-
-right into a Shadow Storm coming from Lugia.
The wave of shadow sent Moltres plummeting from the sky and into the dark abyss. Shadow Lugia roared as he trailed after the fallen titan. The heat taken off of him for the moment, Salamence descended to the ground with his burning hide.
Michael moved forward, already with a Burn Heal in his hand. Only to stop in his tracks when Salamence proceeded to slam his heavy tail right in front of the boy's path. "Don't argue with me on this. You need-" he got interrupted when the dragon proceeded to violently roll around on the ground.
As he got up, Michael could see that a coat of ash had covered his scales. In particular the side where he got burnt.
Smirking with satisfaction at the impromptu bandage, Salamence dug his claws into the ground and slammed his tail down. A mighty roar left his maw as the Dragon Dance met its end.
Even still, Michael did know for a fact that even a Dragon Dance wasn't enough to block out the pain of a burn. And Refresh was the only move that he could think of that could negate burns. But as far as he knew, Salamences couldn't learn that move.
Of course, he then remembered this wasn't your ordinary Salamence.
Michael and Salamence ran to the edge of the cliff and peered down into the depths. They managed to see the flames of Moltres, showing the phoenix had clambered on Lugia's back, stabbing at the beast's neck. The enraged legendary whipped his body around and fired a wild Shadow Blast at his assailant. Moltres nimbly dodged the attack before curling his wings and ramming his talons into the other with a Shadow Rush.
The force of the attack along with him being off kilter caused Shadow Lugia to stumble from the attack. Sensing weakness, the Flame Pokemon tackled Lugia onto the obsidian ground as the phoenix straddled his body. Moltres followed up by stabbing and clawing at the ultimate Shadow Pokémon's tiny head. However, the assault was blunted by the larger legendary's biting back while kicking and grasping at the phoenix, preventing serious harm from being sustained.
Lugia looked up at the cliff and locked eyes with Salamence.
With wings spread, Salamence kept off the cliff and dived into the volcano's depths, firing a DragonBreath right at Moltres's face. Blinded, the Titan of Fire fired a wild Shadow Fire at the incoming dragon. The drake easily dodged the attack before ramming his claws into the bird. The force of the Dragon Claw was enough to knock the phoenix off Lugia, giving him room to breathe.
Lugia suddenly felt the ground began to light up with heat. The usually black rock was beginning to glow with a reddish tinge.
The lava beneath them was beginning to act up.
His thoughts were drawn elsewhere as Moltres shrieked in fury. Salamence had clung to the phoenix's head, clawing and biting at the bird's eyes, forcing them shut. The opportunity presented itself. Not willing to look a gift Rapidash in the mouth, Lugia got up onto his feet and gathered dark energies into himself. The legendary charged and smashed his great body into the distracted titan with Shadow Rush, Salamence pulling up at the last second. The two Shadow Pokemon smashed into the wall of the volcano, causing the very earth to shudder from the impact.
Shadow Lugia proceeded to pull himself back into the air, his wings kicking up a Shadow Storm to cover his retreat. Moltres managed to recover surprisingly quickly and fired a Shadow Fire, dissipating the attack.
Up above, Michael couldn't help but wipe his brow free of sweat. Is it me or is it starting to get really hot?, he asked himself.
Shadow Lugia couldn't help but nod with Michael's assessment. That last attack seemed a little hotter than usual…
He only had his suspicions confirmed when took a Shadow Fire right to the chest. The force of the fire blast was so great, it sent Shadow Lugia careening up into the air and right up the cliff face. Michael had to dive to the ground in order to avoid being crushed by the falling great beast.
Salamence cried out in alarm. That was the only warning given before Moltres burst up from the depths, the flames on his wings reaching a fever pitch. The phoenix gave off a bone chilling cry as the flames became shrouded in a dark aura.
To Michael's horror, a plume of lava erupted from below as the dark abyss lit up with an eerie reddish glow.
Moltres had gone into Reverse Mode.
He whipped around to his terrified companions. "You guys head to the boat! We'll do what we can to calm him down! If things are about to get real bad you head to Shamouti without me! You understand?!"
Melody gave a calm nod. Lily met his eyes as she held a scared Jovi in her arms. He could see the tears welling up inside. But ultimately, his mother's jaw clenched and nodded in understanding.
Michael turned towards Salamence. "Do what you can to cover them. Intercept attacks, clear paths, just make sure they get to the boat. Lugia and I will handle Moltres." The dragon snarled with understanding as he made his way over to the escortees who were already edging at the stone pillars.
Shadow Lugia got up and walked over as he awaited his instructions.
Instead, his red eyes widened as Michael clambered up onto his back.
Michael! What are you-
"I need to be there when Moltres wears himself out," the teen said as he gripped onto one of the grey dorsal plates. "I'm gonna need you to wear him down. Don't hurt him or anything, just get him to exhaust himself."
The legendary numbly nodded as Michael sat himself at the nape of Lugia's neck. He gripped the beast's neck as he steadied himself.
Michael looked back at Salamence, Melody and his family, who were staring gobsmacked at him.
Espeon stared at him for a minute before running forward and leaping onto Lugia's back, placing himself beside his trainer. If Michael was going to do something stupid, then it would probably be best if somebody looked out for him.
Smiling at his partner, Michael looked ahead at the raging Moltres. Plumes of lava flew out of the abyss while tremors reverberated on the ground. The phoenix itself was firing fire blasts left and right in a fury.
Somebody needs to calm him down, and fast, he thought.
I just hope you know what you're doing, the voice replied.
Admittedly...Michael wasn't exactly expecting to be getting an impromptu flying lesson.
Lugia spread his wings and took to the skies. Michael and Espeon had to grip his feathers at the sudden burst of speed. The sudden force of wind hit them like a sledgehammer. Suddenly the reality of being airborne on the back of a legendary began to set in. It took all of their willpower not to look down.
I'll try to go easy but with Moltres I'm not guaranteeing anything. Just hold on tight until I can wear him down.
Michael and Espeon nodded at the Shadow Pokemon's reassurance as they latched on.
They were going for quite the ride.
Shadow Lugia nimbly dodged an incoming Shadow Rush from Moltres, feeling the dark flames pass right underneath. The titan wheeled around for another go, only to be pummeled by Lugia's Shadow Reflect, the physical wall of shadow forming an impromptu weapon. Michael ducked as the Fire Type launched a Shadow Fire right over his head, his skin breaking out in sweat from the corrupted flames. Espeon leaned out and fired a Psychic in retaliation.
Moltres proceeded to power through the psychic wave and charged at the trio, flames glowing red hot and the air burning with cinders. Lugia surrounded himself with another Shadow Reflect on instinct. Much to the legendary's horror, the embers in the air began to eat away at the shield. The weakened barrier proved to be little help against Moltres's Shadow Rush, as he smashed through the shield and right into the shocked beast.
Michael and Espeon had to hold on for dear life as the great bird collided with Shadow Lugia. Moltres thrashed wildly as flames began to spew from his beak. Lugia proceeded to slam one of his great wings into the phoenix's face, causing him to fire Shadow Fire towards the ground.
Down below, Salamence raced to intercept the flame with a DragonBreath. The collision between the dark fire and the mystic inferno caused a great explosion to be made in mid-air. The dragon found himself pushed back as cinders fell to the earth. Lily, Melody, and a screaming Jovi took shelter against one of the stone pillars, huddling against the massive structure.
The flames from the sky hit the rock and all around them, but they were unharmed. All they could do was cling together for protection.
Lily's eyes shot open as she felt a tremor reverberate in the earth.
The dormant volcano was beginning to wake up.
Up above, Michael could feel Shadow Lugia beginning to slow down. "Everything alright buddy?" he asked.
His attacks are getting stronger. I don't know how much I can keep this up before-
Their thoughts were interrupted by a plume of lava from down below. Michael mentally agreed. There's no telling when that blazing inferno will spiral out of control and consume the whole island.
And everyone on it.
A screech indicated that Moltres was preparing another attack. Although from what Michael could see, the flames on his wings were dimmer. It was clear the titan was beginning to exhaust himself. If there was a time to wrap things up, it would be now.
Shadow Lugia gathered energy into his maw. Like it or not, Moltres wasn't giving them any other options. With the dark embers of Shadow Shed, there wasn't any way to shield themselves from an attack. They needed to defend themselves.
Moltres gave a war cry as he unleashed Shadow Fire.
Lugia reciprocated with a mighty roar as he fired Shadow Blast.
The two dark attacks collided in air, creating a fiery explosion. Both legendaries were buffeted from the force of the attack, with Michael and Espeon clinging to Lugia's neck for support. The great wings of the ultimate Shadow Pokemon were beginning to flap slower as the sounds of his heavy breathing filled the air.
As the smoke cleared, they could see that Moltres wasn't in much better shape. The flames on his wings dimmed further while he was visibly having difficulty maintaining his flight.
Now or never, Lugia told Michael. Nodding, the boy raised himself up as the Diving Pokemon lowered his head so Moltres could see him.
"MOLTRES! IT'S ME, MICHAEL! REMEMBER?!" he shouted.
The phoenix glared daggers at Michael. At least he's listening, he thought.
"I understand why you're upset!," he continued. "Humans can be thoughtless! They can hurt others! And yeah, you've got every reason to be upset at us!
"But that doesn't mean we're all bad!"
Moltres looked up. Michael could see that his wingbeats were becoming less erratic, the anger of the flames subsiding.
"There's people out there that want to help, to do good. Yes, we do stumble, and when we try to help we often make things worse. But that doesn't mean we can't pick ourselves back up again and own up to our failings. I trusted you to guard the treasure of fire because I believe you can handle yourself. That you can be more than just another weapon. So I'm asking you to trust in me. Even if you can't trust humans, put your faith in me. And if I'm wrong and there really isn't any good in us, I'll take the brunt of your anger!"
He spread his arms out as he began to stand on Lugia's back.
"I want to be your friend Moltres! It's my responsibility as your trainer! So if you want to rage at the whole world, direct all that anger at me!"
The eyes of the phoenix widened. The whole world seemed to sit still for a moment.
Down below...the volcano stopped spewing fire.
The lava cooled as the infernal glow was swallowed once more by the abyss.
Up above, the darkish tinge of Moltres's flames returned to normal as the titan's glare softened.
Michael plopped back onto Lugia's back from exhaustion.
The trials were over.
And up above, he could see a hovering orb of green light observing the whole thing.
With the sight of the glow, his world went white once more.
He...had failed.
It had gone all wrong so fast. The Chosen One had retrieved the last of the treasures. One of the titans had exhausted himself. The end was in sight. He could almost taste it in the wind. And not a moment sooner. With Articuno's defeat, the snows of the world have gone out of control. Who knew how much longer the other two could go on before they too fell.
And then...catastrophe struck.
That human that...collector had sent his machinations after him. The constructs surrounded Lugia, threatening both the Chosen One and his companion with man-made lightning. His body was wracked with electricity, interfering with his motor controls. He could not stop himself as he plummeted from the sky, and smashed beneath the ice.
With his plummet, so too seemed to go the last hope the world had. The Chosen One and his ally were trapped beneath the surface, and if nothing were done…
All his life, Lugia had steeled himself for the worst. From the moment of his birth, he feared the power dwelling within. For if he lost control for a moment, he could wreck as much destruction upon the world as the warring titans themselves.
But hearing the panicked struggles of the ones he vowed to protect...there was only one choice.
He surrounded himself with a Safeguard, forcing the constructs back enough so he can smash his way through the ice with the barrier. On Lightning Island, he could see the vile machine of the Collector.
The power inside welled up like a roaring tide as his panic turned to anger.
This human wanted the Water's Great Guardian so bad he would threaten the world?
Then so be it.
Lugia, roaring in defiance, gathered energy within his maw, before unleashing upon the world the full might of Aeroblast. The wave of energy split in several beams before coalescing into a single blast, carving a path through the ice. His great power smashed into Lightning Island, wrecking what remained of the flying machine.
But he was not done yet.
Ascending to the sky, Lugia gathered the last of his energy as the constructs continued to sap his strength. He roared once more, emptying his lungs in a sound of unrestrained rage before unleashing Aeroblast once more. The leviathan shot wildly into the air, skirting its way towards the oncoming Zapdos and Moltres. It went wide, but the force of the attack was enough to send them plummeting to the earth.
Yet that was the last of his strength. He felt his body go slack as the constructs fell, the ice of the frozen sea coming closer. His body into a portion of open water, sending a great plume of water into the sky.
As the bubbles dispersed, Lugia craned his eyes upwards, seeing what became of his charge.
He saw the Chosen One and his companion float to the surface, limp and unmoving.
His heart froze.
Lugia did this.
He was the one who brought this child into a clash between gods. It didn't matter if he was the Chosen One or not. He was a child. And now because of his failure...because of his defeat.
Zapdos and Moltres's defeat would only hasten the cataclysm, without him to stabilize the great current that snaked around the world…
Lugia let himself sink to the abyss. He was no Guardian. He was a monster that hurt those he swore to protect.
And the eternal darkness was where he belonged.
He felt himself be brought back to the present as he felt someone lick his face.
Blinking groggily, his vision managed to focus on a feline face and a pair of great red eyes. Michael couldn't help but smile as he woozily picked himself up and petted Espeon's head. "Thanks for the wake up call buddy," he said half-jokingly.
Espeon just stared flatly at him.
"W-well it wasn't any more dangerous than half the stuff we got up to while fighting Cipher!" he stammered.
Espeon just continued to glare at him.
Wanting to focus on anything but his partner's look, Michael looked up towards a concerned Shadow Lugia. "You did good out there buddy. Don't know what I would've done without you."
Lugia simply stared at empty air as he became lost in his thoughts.
It was always there…
Michael and Espeon blinked as they heard the Psychic-type's thoughts. "What do you mean always there?" the trainer inquired.
The potential for destruction...my unrestrained power...it was there all along. Greevil just brought it up to the surface. Michael nodded as he understood the Shadow Pokemon's thoughts. Slowking did say that Lugia's condition was the result of exploited insecurities. A fear buried so deep, the waking self might not even know it was there.
And when the subconscious and inner demons are dragged into reality, the results can be...unpredictable.
"Well...we're still, aren't we?"
Shadow Lugia blinked as he heard the boy's words.
"You managed to control yourself from destroying the world back on Citadark Isle. And if you really were at Greevil made you think you were, you wouldn't have shown restraint against Moltres."
Again, the teen was right. Lugia couldn't help but nod with the assessment.
"If you really were the force of destruction Greevil made you believe, what you thought you were, how come you always hold back when you need to?"
The voice in Michael's head remained silent as the beast looked at the ground, his mind in contemplation. Those words seemed to play over and over again in the legendary head.
He...he needed time to think about it.
To change the subject, Lugia brought up something else he noticed. That green light. Was that-?
"Yeah. I know," Michael finished for him. They already knew who that presence was. "And I have a feeling she was watching the other battles as well. Something tells me we're gonna see her again pretty soon."
A slight cough from across the field drew the trio's attention. Moltres was patiently waiting near the altar with an extended wing towards the treasure. After staring for a good few seconds, Micheal gathered his wits and made his way to the shrine, striding across the scorched earth. He paused before the Titan of Fire, before gently stroking the fiery plumage. "You did good out there buddy," he complimented. The eyes of the phoenix lit up as the boy walked up the steps to the orb.
He clutched the orb within his hands, pulling to remove the reluctant treasure from its place in the stylized statue of Moltres's beak. As before though, the treasure came out. Michael could feel the inner flame inside, laying dormant at the heart.
It was the last treasure he needed.
All he needed to do now was return.
"YOU DID IT MICHAEL!"
He followed the high pitched voice to the volcano's crest. There, he could see Jovi and Lily running down the steps towards him with outstretched arms. Melody and Salamence held back by the entrance, not wanting to get in the way of the moment. Michael smiled as he rushed towards them, embracing his family in a big group hug. Espeon squeezed his way in, purring in contentment.
Tears streaked their faces as the sounds of laughter echoed off the volcano walls. The ritual was forgotten for the joy of simply having survived.
Lily looked up at her son. "You...you really are your father's son."
Michael didn't say anything. He just hugged them tighter.
With the weight of the snag machine on his arm, it felt like they weren't alone.
Their hug was interrupted by Moltres abruptly taking to the sky. The Titan of Fire called out and flew off into the distance.
"Where's he going?" Jovi asked.
A voice in the back of Michael's mind spoke out, and he knew the answer. "He's heading to the altar to wait with the others."
"Huh? That's not like the titans to gather at the shrine," Melody commented. "Especially together."
"Well, they're not exactly the same titans as they were before," Michael stated.
The voice spoke out again. This time, Michael couldn't help but look in shock at Shadow Lugia as he began to spread his wings. "What did he say?" Melody asked.
"He said he'll meet us at the shrine. If this is to be the end of the ritual, he wanted to do this right," the trainer relayed. Wasn't sure exactly what he meant by that, but he did trust in Lugia's judgement. After all, it wasn't too far of a journey back to the island.
Lugia ascended into the air, his great black wings kicking up the dust and ash of the earth. With a cry, he flew off to follow Moltres, his destination clear to everyone.
"Well, let's not keep them waiting," Lily declared as they began to make their way out of the volcano.
At last, the end was in sight.
The trip back to Shamouti was silent as all eyes were fixed on the island. Everyone was anxious to get the ritual done, for everything had led up to this.
When the boat reached the dock, the travelers could see that the villagers had already gathered at the docks. Old Tobias told them that Carol, Slowking, and a good portion of the natives and tourists were waiting for them at the shrine, no doubt wanting to bear witness to the end.
Up the stairs they climbed, Michael not helping but feeling his heart hammer in his chest. This would be the first time the villagers had seen Shadow Lugia in the flesh. There was no telling how they were going to act when they saw their beloved guardian in such a state. Melody and Slowking's reactions might not be shared amongst everyone.
As they neared the shrine, the excited sounds of people and Pokemon could be heard. It sounded like a good sized crowd from what Michael could hear. Which didn't exactly help alleviate things.
Indeed, stepping out of the jungle and into the sunlit cliff that was the shrine, he could see a good amount of people and their Pokemon hanging around the entrance. Someone turned around and noticed them, catching everyone's attention. The appearance of the year's Chosen One was enough to elicit a round of applause and cheers from everyone.
Carol and Slowking strolled up to them. "Good work Michael! I see you managed to retrieve the three treasures," the Pokemon stated.
"Yeah...how did you guys know that I got them? Word doesn't travel that fast," Michael asked curiously. He knew there would be a crowd, but Tobias said they already gathered before they arrived. Didn't say why exactly.
"Well...we did have some unexpected visitors," Carol admitted as she gestured towards the other end of the cliff.
Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno were lingering at the edge of the shrine, pruning themselves. Well that explains that, Michael realized. The sight of three legendaries present at the same time and place was enough to get everyone's attention.
"I'm surprised. I've never seen those three so comfortable with humans. Normally they'd fly off or try to scare them or something," the village leader commented.
"Guess that time with Michael really did do some good for them then," Slowking concluded. "Like I said. Sometimes it takes some human experience to put things into perspective."
"-bii!-"
Michael could almost taste the audible gasps from the crowd at one sound alone.
Didn't take much of a genius who appeared in their midst.
Turning around, he could see the sprite that had been following him throughout this whole ritual sitting at the altar. If she had been watching his battle with Moltres, chances are she had watched the others as well. It actually did make sense in a roundabout. Ultimately it was her that sent them here. Would make sense for her to be here at the end.
Celebi, the Time Traveler, had arrived.
Michael almost had to cover his ears as Jovi squealed with delight. A more subdued reaction could be seen from the crowd. To have a Mythical Pokemon appear before so many had not been heard of for many generations from...anywhere. It was quite clear something was truly special about this occasion.
Espeon, who had been at Michael's side since leaving the boat, bowed in reverence at She Who Travels the Rivers of Time. Michael bowed as well, his partner's movements bringing himself back into focus. Celebi returned the bow, never wavering her eyes of blue the whole time. Once again, he couldn't help but feel those eyes stare straight into his soul. Although most people never see a Mythical Pokemon, let alone twice.
"Thank you for bringing us here Celebi. We would've been lost without you," Michael with reverence. And he meant it too. He wasn't too sure if Shamouti Island would be a possibility before now.
"Ahhh, so Celebi was the one who brought you here. Granted you probably were going to end up here either way, but it is nice to know who pointed the way," Slowking realized.
Nodding, Celebi proceeded to turn towards the titans.
Michael already guessed what was about to happen.
The fairy hovered over to the trio, the birds bowing their heads in respect to the mythical. Small as she may be, they knew an equal when they sensed one. Celebi returned the bow, and turned around, beckoning Michael and Espeon over.
They made their way to the Pokemon. With them present, Celebi's eyes began to glow…
Michael braced himself as his world went white once more.
Once again, Michael opened his eyes to the black void of emptiness. He would've been taken off guard if he hadn't gotten used to this sort of thing by now.
Looking around, he could see the Titans of Shamouti, their powers casting auras of blue, yellow, and red into the void. All of them were surrounded by an aura of darkness.
They looked around in confusion, unsure of where they were.
Suddenly, a burst of light shone forth, illuminating the darkness. Shielding his eyes, Michael could see Celebi at the center of this brilliance.
Yet somehow, the power was even more brilliant this time around. Celebi's surge of light didn't just crash against the darkness, it made it flee. Shadows gave way to light as the auras of the trio came under assault. Under the brilliance of her glory, the corrosive darkness seemed tiny in comparison.
As Michael's vision went white, he learned this important fact.
This was Celebi's true power. This was purifying light at its finest.
The harsh light faded as the world came back into view. Michael blinked as he regained his vision, focusing in on the titans for reference.
Speaking of which, the titans seemed...different. They looked at one another with a surprised look in their eyes. As they spread their wings to stretch themselves, Michael could almost see that they held themselves a little lighter than before. Like a great weight was removed from their shoulders.
And their eyes. They seemed...brighter than normal. Like life had come back.
He couldn't help but smile at the sight.
His PD*A chimed in with the followed message:
Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres have been purified!
"I...I don't know how to repay you," he said to the sprite. Celebi merely just bashfully smiled and the compliment. The titans blinked before bowing once again, this time in gratitude.
The moment was broken as Michael felt a wave of darkness wash over him. Looking at the fairy, he could tell Celebi sensed as well. Both of their gazes were drawn to the dark waters of the sea, down below the edge of the cliff. The titans could also sense something as their auras powers flared.
Everyone held their breath for a moment.
And then, a huge plume of water rocketed to the bright sky. The Whirlpool raged to life as a dark shadow slithered up the funnel. When the shadow reached the apex, it turned and broke away the waters with its mighty wings.
The whole crowd gasped.
Shadow Lugia had arrived.
He landed on the edge of the cliff, cautiously making his way over to Michael. Lugia didn't want to spook the spellbound crowd any more. The legendary could already feel their shocked gazes all over the dark feathers of his body. For this wasn't the guardian they had remembered.
In fact, after everything that he had remembered, he wasn't sure if he was truly the guardian in those memories. The Lugia of the past was the complete opposite of him. Graceful. Beautiful. Pure. Not this shell of a Pokemon. That was another time entirely. And looking back, he wondered if he'd ever be the same again.
Celebi gazed right into his soul (or at least whatever's left of it) with those blue eyes. All things considered, she did ultimately send them here, and she was the one who believed he could be saved. Not sure how, but he did regain his memories from this journey. And he couldn't thank her enough.
He bowed in gratitude to the Time Traveler. She bowed in return. It was then that Shadow Lugia sensed something. Something stirring within her soul. He couldn't help it but he almost felt that...this wasn't the first time she had done this. Not only that, something in that sad smile spoke volumes of why she cared so much.
Almost as if long ago...she and he weren't so different.
But...how can that be the case? How can something so good and pure be like him long ago?
You'll find out, sooner than you think.
His eyes widened as he heard her words. Unsure, Lugia simply watched as her power pulsated as the streams of time began to leak into this world.
Celebi gave one last smile, before vanishing into thin air.
Lugia felt himself shiver. Again, more riddles. What could she mean? What-?
His thoughts calmed as Michael stroked his side. Shadow Lugia slowed his racing heart as the rest of his partner's Pokemon emerged from their pokeballs. Fearow took her usual spot on one of his dorsal plates. Houndoom and Espeon sat down at Michael's side as Gardevoir's soothing presence was enough to put everyone at ease. Even Salamence seemed more relaxed than usual. Either that or he was just tired from the fighting.
Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos strolled over as they sat down near their master. After a whole day of fighting, it did feel good just to relax for a moment.
"I'm proud of you all guys," Michael said with pride. "We've all come so far…"
"And now it's time to bring this to an end," Slowking said as he gestured to the altar. Nodding, Michael fished out the treasures from his pocket. Lugia felt the crowd hold their breath. Curiously, the fear from earlier had dissipated. He felt the ones who gazed at him weren't afraid at all. Instead he felt...concern, awe, even...compassion. No hatred or malice at all. That...that was new. Shadow Lugia couldn't help but be moved by the onlookers' kindness and empathy. Even if it was misplaced.
Michael placed the orbs within the pedestals of each of the corresponding islands. Fire, ice, lightning. The three came together at long last. The powers and trust of the titans came together at last once again. Their faith in mankind repaid.
The boy sighed as he looked towards Melody. Nodding with a smile, the girl got the ocarina from last night out of her pocket…
...and began to play that song once again.
Lugia's heart stirred. That melodious tone...it was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard. Even more beautiful after such struggle. His soul was put at ease and he couldn't help but relish in the music. Everyone at the shrine, man and Pokemon alike, couldn't help but be stirred by the song.
This was peace.
This was harmony.
This was...balance.
The song came to its conclusion, played to its finest. Opening his eyes, Shadow Lugia looked towards the meadow at the islands…
...and saw a ghost.
It was...him. But from before. When his feathers were white and his soul pure. He was gliding across the sea with joy of the prophecy coming to fruition. He landed in the meadow before another mirage, the boy from before and his partner. Dorsal plates lowered, the sea dragon motioned with his intent clear.
He wasn't sure what moved him. Whatever the case, Shadow Lugia lowered his own plates and gestured towards Michael and Espeon. The boy seemed stunned, pointing to himself. Smiling, Lugia nodded. Cautiously, he motioned towards Melody and Jovi. Again, Lugia nodded. He felt he could take on a few more.
Jovi cried out in joy as Michael gently lifted her onto Shadow Lugia's back before getting on himself. He offered a hand to Melody, which she took gladly. Espeon hopped onto his back as well. They made themselves comfortable as Lugia spread his wings…
...and took to the air.
Following his movements, the titans also took to the air, their wings kicking up a gust of wind. Fearow and Salamence also joined them as they began to fly off over the sea.
Shadow Lugia followed the ghost of the past. He could see himself carrying the Chosen One on a ride, the wind flowing through his feathers. The legendary heard Jovi squeal with delight, and Melody letting out a few laughs as her hair flowed through the air. But Michael...he remained stalwart. Lugia wasn't sure why but...he seemed distant.
Lugia vowed to change that.
Curling his wings, he dived towards the sea, skimming across the ocean's surface. His claws kissed the sea, sending water up into the air. It felt good, like an old memory long forgotten. To stretch his wings in the open air, to taste the salt of the sea, it was like living a dream.
Suddenly, Lugia pulled up, his mighty wings displacing gallons of water upon his ascent. Cries of joy from Melody and Jovi could be heard from behind. Even Espeon yelled with delight. At his side, the great birds did the same with Fearow and Salamence gliding in their wake.
At the apex of his climb, Lugia curled his wings once more, diving towards the sea. He picked up speed as he fell from the sky. His eyes narrowed as he timed it just right…
NOW!
His wings snapped out wide as he caught the air, the gust of wind causing great waves to form. The titans followed in his stead, their claws and elements playing upon the water. Again, his passengers laughed with joy at the exhilaration.
And Michael…
Michael looked to his left and right. He saw the titans gliding beside him, as well as Fearow and Salamence spreading their wings.
A great smile broke on his face…
...and he gave the most wonderful laugh Shadow Lugia ever heard.
It was a laugh of joy and happiness. A carefree sound that echoed across the water. The sound of a child having the time of his life.
He could feel everyone on the cliff watch them. He could feel the mother's soul be lifted as she heard the laughter of her children.
Looking beside him, Shadow Lugia could see the ghosts of himself, the Chosen One, and the titans glide beside a massive current of water. The Great Sea Beast of legend. Michael looked in the same direction with brightness in his eyes. He saw them too.
Seeing the past and present together...Shadow Lugia made a vow then and there.
Even if he may never become the Guardian of years yonder, he'll make sure to keep those memories alive. To keep fighting. To keep believing he could be better. To be the one that Michael believed XD-001 could be.
No…
Not XD-001.
XD-001 was not a name. It was the code given to a weapon.
He was not XD-001.
He was a legendary Pokemon. A Shadow Pokemon. A hurt soul, but never a weapon.
Above all, he was a friend.
He was Lugia. And from that day forward, that is what he will be.
And for the first time in a long while, he cried out with joy.
Shadow Lugia...was free.
Olivine City, Johto Region
He double checked the cargo hold, making sure he got everything. It would be the first time he'd be able to ferry goods to Orre after the embargo was lifted. Orre didn't have much in the way of exports, but a lot of the cargo was badly needed food and supplies for the bereft region. O.R.F. had commissioned a good number of emergency shipments to be made following the whole deal with Cipher.
Ever since Citadark Isle, the seas had calmed, meaning that shipping was now possible. The captain wanted to be one of the first to get those supplies to port. Not only so he could get good rep with the locals, but also because those guys need supplies and fast.
As he double checked everything, two teenagers walked up to them. Something about them set him on edge. For one they wore pretty concealing clothing, although he could at least tell one was a boy and one was a girl.
"Is this ship inbound for the Orre region?" the boy asked.
"Uh...yeah," the captain confirmed.
To his surprise, the boy offered a stack of pokedollars. "We'd like to buy passage. We're willing to work and offer aid in any way we can."
"...yeah. Sure," the captain said while gesturing onboard. Money was money and he was a bit understaffed at the moment. Fears about Cipher still being active kept most potential sailors away.
"But before I let you on board, what's with the getup? I don't want to be stopped for harboring fugitives y'know," he asked while getting between the duo and the boat.
"I can assure you we won't be any trouble. It's just...we don't want to draw any undrawn attention," the girl said.
The boy roller up his left sleeve as she said this.
"Oh! Okay then, hop on board!"
As they got on board, the captain just had to ask one more thing. "What are you two interested in Orre for anyways? Not much there besides criminals and Cipher."
The boy turned towards him with a look in his eye.
"We're gonna finish what we started."
A/N: I did say this one would be a long one. Although I did have a work schedule change so that messed with things a bit. I will try to get back on track in the future.
With this, we come to the end of the Shamouti Arc. Along with some callbacks to 2000, we get some pretty major character development for Michael and Lugia. They've come a long way ever since Citadark Isle.
We also get the return of Celebi. I did say she'd make a comeback. Figured it would be appropriate she would play a role in this arc since she did lead them here. And for her to purify the titans. You guys deserved to see it in action.
Cipher's on the move again as you can see from the intro. That will be addressed in the next arc and be the focal point.
And as hinted at, a pair of characters are gonna make their appearance in the next arc. And I assure you, these guys aren't just gonna be guests.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Feel free to leave a review and a favorite if you liked. As always, stay tuned for more chapters to come and I'll see you all back in Orre. You also might want to take a break now if you're binge reading this fic.
Thanks again, and I can't wait to see you all next time!