Michael:

Jolteon (Nick)

Gardevoir (Alicia)

Houndoom (Erebus)

Sealeo (Boreas)

Breloom (Ceres)

Trapinch (Sarah)

Liz:

Sylveon (Titania)

Teddiursa (Artemis)

Flaaffy (Voltaire)

Vulpix (Vixen)

Roselia (Lilith)

Togepi (Not named yet)

Frenemies

"Sarah, Alicia, come out!" Michael said. The ant lion Pokémon was around level 33 at the moment, while Alicia was at level 35.

"Louise, Alaina, come out!" Willie said. Two Zigzagoons came out of the Pokéballs he threw out. Alaina was distinguished by the crown-shaped rock on her head. Michael saw that Louise and Alaina were both level 32.

"Sarah, start with Crunch on Louise. Alicia, Psychic on Alaina!" Michael said.

Willie chuckled. "Both of you, Headbutt!" Michael was a bit shocked to see such simplistic methods of battle.

Is he serious? This is going to be too easy, Michael said to Alicia.

Alicia almost effortlessly dodged the incoming Headbutt, throwing the Zigzagoon away with Psychic. The small Pokémon crashed into a wagon wheel in the parking lot. Sarah just waited patiently as Louise barreled toward her. The Trapinch casually bit the raccoon Pokémon hard, throwing it back to the ground by Willie's feet. Willie nodded appreciatively as he recalled his Pokémon.

"Seems you've got good instincts. But that won't stop my next two. Amon, Colt, let's go!" Willie sent out his last two Pokémon, which turned out to be a pair of Linoone. "Now, both of you, use Slash!" Both Linoone raced forward, moving significantly faster than their beaten teammates. Their claws began to glow slightly in the sunlight.

Well, that's better… Michael said. "Alicia, use Psychic again. And Sarah, Dig." Alicia did the exact same thing as before, but slammed the Pokémon into the ground instead of into the wagon wheels nearby. Sarah, however, just dug into the ground quickly. The Linoone tried to hit his target, but wound up slashing air only. Michael watched as the Trapinch slammed into the Linoone's body from below, the ground shooting up as well, knocking out the Pokémon with relative ease.

That…was hardly a fun battle… Alicia said to Michael and Liz.

We're about to go to Snagem's Hideout. We need to be warmed up, right? Michael said.

Willie sighed. "Damn, we're rusty. We used to go toe-to-toe with Wes. I guess we need to start training more, don't we?" he said as he recalled his Pokémon.

"No worries. It's tough to find people to train against in Orre, right?" Liz asked.

Willie nodded. "I know. But, with those newly discovered wild Pokémon will certainly help with getting more trainers here."

Liz touched Michael on the shoulder. "Ready to go?" she asked.

"Yeah, we should get going. Team Snagem can't wait anymore," Michael said.

The drive took less time than Michael was expecting, but the fact that the roads had no speed limit was a huge help. When they arrived, however, they were greeted by a group of Snagem Members waiting for them. They stepped forward once Michael shut off the engine.

"So, you came like the boss predicted," the one out front said. "He asked us to bring you to him. He has a proposition for you both."

Michael looked at Alicia and Liz. "Should we go?"

"If they let us in this easily, then no reason to say no," Liz said, disembarking.

Alicia nodded her agreement, following the brunette. Michael dropped the kickstands and followed the girls toward Team Snagem.

"Take us to him," he said. "If Alicia senses any tricks, you'll regret it."

Without a word, the Snagem group led them inside. The halls were in complete disarray, looking like a decade of dust had built up. "How the hell do you guys live in this place?"

"What do you mean?" one of them asked. "This hideout is perfectly clean. Just watch out for the rusty nails." Alicia silently began to levitate. After five minutes of walking, they were all brought to the base of a grand staircase…or at least it was the closest thing the hideout had to a grand staircase. "Hey, boss, your guests are here."

"Send them up, then scram!" a deep, gruff voice said harshly. The others motioned and got out of the way to allow passage. Michael led the way as they entered the room, seeing a huge man, easily seven feet tall, standing by a desk in the center of the room. "Orison, Hanz, and Maple," he said with a tone somewhere between respect and intimidation. "You three have caused quite the stir with Cipher. All I can say to that is…nice."

Confusion filled the expressions of the trio, along with awe at the glorious eyebrows and moustache the giant had adorning his face. They only barely the Snagem member that led the theft of the Snag Machines standing beside the leader of the group.

"You must be Gonzap," Michael said. "Let's cut straight to business. Give us back our Snag Machines and we won't destroy what's left of this place."

Gonzap sneered. "Oh? You think you can back that up?" he asked. "Wakin here told me he beat you both handily and took the Snag Machine without any resistance. What makes you think you could even scratch my team?"

Liz looked at Wakin with an eyebrow raised. "Well, the second half of that claim is true. But you never battled us. You just threw your Gloom at us and put us to sleep."

Gonzap glared a bit. "Missy, are you calling my lieutenant a liar?"

Liz looked directly back at Gonzap. "Yeah, and I'll keep calling him a liar," she said with power to her voice.

"I don't have to sit here and listen to this!" Wakin shouted, standing up. "I'll kick your ass again and prove I'm stronger!"

Liz smirked. "I was hoping you'd say that," she said looking at the torn couches with rusty springs sticking out of them. "But…do you guys have a proper battlefield? I'm not giving my Pokémon tetanus by battling here."

Gonzap looked around. "We can go outside for these battles," he said. "But, before we go out there, I may as well tell you both my proposition."

Michael looked intrigued. "Go on," he said.

He smirked. "I want to help in taking the fight to Cipher," he said, brandishing the Snag Machines. "If you win, I'll return these. But, should I win, you two will join Snagem and help restore us to our former glory."

And what will your "former glory" entail? Alicia asked. Aren't you all a band of thieves?

Gonzap cackled. "Well you got me there. We'll make you two into proper snaggers, better than Wes ever was, and bring us to a peak of power and prosperity Snagem hasn't seen before."

Michael looked at Gonzap, then back at Liz and Alicia. Without a word, both of girls nodded. "Let's see if you can beat us when you don't use cheap shots."

"Liz, want to take this one?" Michael asked.

"Hell yeah, I want to battle with our newest teammate," she said.

"Then I want a shot at Gonzap after you win," Michael said.

Gonzap smirked. "I like the way you talk, punk. It's the type of spirit Wes once showed when I recruited him." He gestured for them to follow. "We'll battle with the entirety of Team Snagem watching the matches. However, there is one thing I want to do first." Gonzap lifted both Snag Machines and tossed them to Michael and Liz. "But, I'll take back the terms relating to the Snag Machines. I want us to at least be on better terms. No grudges, no anger. Just deciding who will lead the fight against Cipher."

Without questioning it, Michael and Liz both put on their Snag Machines, the devices glowing properly again. "Why are you just giving them back?"

Gonzap shrugged. "They don't fit my arms, and based on the rumors I've heard, you two are the best snaggers in the region these days. Regardless of outcome, you two will be wearing those Snag Machines anyway." His face looked like he was expecting something.

You expect a thank you? Your men stole it from us in the first place, Alicia said.

Gonzap chuckled. "I suppose that's fair," he said. "Come on, let's go have these battles."

It took only a short time before Michael and Liz were outside the Snagem hideout, with Liz standing across from Wakin. "Alright, let's see what you can actually do in a battle," Liz said.

"I'll start this off. Go, Violet and Rosa!" Wakin said. Liz smirked as she saw a duo of Gloom on the field.

"Then I choose Vixen and Togepi!" Liz said. "Hope you'll forgive me for using a Shadow Pokémon. I'm trying to purify her."

Wakin shrugged. "I don't mind. But you just put a fairy type in front of two poison types. I think you failed there," he said.

Liz just smirked, looking at her Battle Monitor, seeing Togepi had a move she didn't recognize. "Shadow Rave?" she asked. Togepi seemed to hear her, as she gathered shadow aura and shot it into the ground. Liz watched with awe as the energy glowed through the ground, branching into two attacks once it reached the center of the battlefield. The two shots stopped under each Gloom, getting significantly brighter as the aura shot out of the ground in the form of energy spikes. The attacks were incredibly powerful despite coming from a baby Pokémon. Both Violet and Rosa dropped to the ground, still conscious, but looking like they'd just pissed off a swarm of Scizor and Scyther. Michael looked at Liz with concern, seeing her face full of shock and fear. "No…I didn't mean to give a command like that," she said, not wanting to be involved in harming Pokémon to such an extent. "I…I was just…"

Wakin glared. "Both of you, use Leech Seed!" Almost limping, both fired a cluster of seeds at Vixen and Togepi, hoping to recover some health.

"Vixen, burn those with Ember!" Liz called out on instinct. Vixen moved quickly, spitting out multiple orbs of fire at the seeds to intercept the dangerous seeds. The flames burned the incoming clusters to ash. Wakin just grimaced in response.

"It won't matter," he said, noticing Gonzap's look of disapproval. It was quickly becoming obvious that Wakin had lied regarding his method of retrieving the Snag Machines. "Sludge Bomb!"

"Vixen, Flame Burst," Liz said. Before the Vulpix could respond, another burst of Shadow energy shot through the ground, skewering both Gloom. Liz looked over at the Togepi, seeing a look of pure hatred. The little creature seemed to be angry at everything, yet nothing.

Wakin immediately recalled his Gloom, looking about ready to stop the battle there.

"Togepi, come back!" Liz called, her Pokéball immediately energizing and recalling the little creature. "I-I'm so sorry!"

Wakin just glared at her. "Control your Pokémon before using it in battle. Now, I choose Ralph and Fred!" The Pokémon that came out were a Mantine, and a Forretress. "Ralph, use Aqua Jet to stay in the air." The Mantine followed orders easily, an orb of water surrounding its body completely, letting it move around effectively in the air.

"Seems you have an interest in contests," Liz said. "Then I'll send out Voltaire!" The Flaaffy appeared on the field, eager to battle. Wakin looked both embarrassed and nervous now, with both his Pokémon having significant weaknesses to Liz's side.

"You know what, they're good sources of tactical ideas," Wakin said. "Now, Ralph, fly up. Fred, use Explosion!"

Liz looked terrified as Ralph began using Aqua Jet to fly through the air, getting safely out of range as Fred began to glow with energy. Neither of her Pokémon knew Protect. "Both of you, try to dodge!"

It was too late, as a blast of energy flew outward from the bagworm Pokémon. The blast shook the ground hard, even causing a chunk of rubble to fall off the crumbling hideout. Liz had to shield her face from the heat as both Vixen and Voltaire struggled to stay standing after the heat faded. Ralph just flew back to the ground level as the dust settled. Despite both of them being on the brink of passing out, Voltaire's horns began to spark as she gathered electricity. She quickly unleashed a Thunder Bolt, the lightning flying quickly and shocking Ralph's Aqua Jet harshly. The water dispersed and Ralph collapsed beside the already knocked out Fred.

"A double knockout," Wakin said, recalling his team. "So, want to finish in a one-on-one?"

"Sounds great to me," Liz said as she recalled Vixen and Voltaire. "I'll go with Titania!" The Sylveon came out of her Pokéball without Liz having to touch it. She rubbed sweetly against Liz's leg, some of her periwinkle fur sticking to the side of her capris.

"The shiny Sylveon?" Wakin said with an impressed tone. "I'd like to see how strong she really is. Go, Tyson." The Pokémon that came out was a bipedal purple and black pig with two black pearls on his head. He had a muscular spiraling purple tail that got wider as it extended from his body.

"Your Grumpig looks healthy," Liz said. "This should actually be a fun match. I'll start this match with Fairy Wind!" Titania immediately unraveled her ribbons, making them glow before whipping them around and gathering a whirlwind. The wind began to glitter as she angled it toward Tyson.

"Bounce!" Wakin said with confidence. The Grumpig jumped back, landed on his tail, then launched himself into the air with his spring tail, deftly dodging the Fairy Wind, and angling for a landing on Titania.

The Sylveon smirked and looked up, shrieking with a Disarming Voice directly towards the Grumpig. The shot sent him flying back. He still vaulted himself and landed on his spring tail and bounced back to his feet. His pearls began to glow and he waved his hands, psychic energy formed around his hands as he fired a waving beam at Titania.

Titania ran on an angle to dodge the incoming attack, then created another Fairy Wind, blasting Tyson with the glittering cyclone, launching him back into a rock. Tyson managed to recover by using his tail to spring forward through the whirlwind. He led with his shoulder and he was about to crash into Titania when she wrapped her ribbons around him, and redirected his body into the ground beside her. With a prancing walk, Titania walked back to Liz, knowing Tyson was unable to continue the battle.

Surely enough, the psychic pig was passed out, causing Wakin to groan. "Damn…I couldn't win," he said as he recalled his Pokémon. "Guess I've been exposed as a liar."

Gonzap just seemed to scowl a bit before turning to Michael. "Time for the main event," he said, sounding a bit annoyed as he took a step onto the battlefield.

Michael and Alicia walked over to Liz, giving the girl congratulatory hugs. "I know you'll win," Liz said softly.

Michael smiled and winked at her. "Then I'll prove you right," he said.

Gonzap pushed Wakin away, already having his first two Pokéballs selected, and was waiting for Michael to begin their battle. With a confident smirk, Michael obliged the challenge.

"I'm ready," he said, holding his own Pokéballs. "Ceres and Boreas, come out!" With a flash, the Breloom and the Sealeo both appeared on the field.

"Node and Lyra, come out," Gonzap said, an Electrode and a Shiftry appearing on his field. Michael's Battle Monitor activated, showing that they were both at level 36. "I'll start things off. Node, Thunder Bolt on that Sealeo. Lyra, use Fake Out on the Breloom!"

"Ceres, use Mach Punch on Lyra," Michael said. "Boreas, use Protect, then Ice Beam!"

With blinding speed, both Lyra and Ceres flew at each other, crossing the desert with their hands glowing with energy. They both swung, only for Lyra to have the longer reach, knocking Ceres backwards. The shot didn't do too much damage, but Ceres lost her focus with her attack as she stumbled backwards. At the same time, Node unleashed a torrent of electricity at Boreas, only for it to hit the shield of energy in front of him.

With a deep breath, Boreas fired a blast of icy energy, aiming for Lyra. The beam was swift and precise, with the Sealeo knowing it would deal more damage to the grass-type. The beam of ice blindsided Lyra, freezing her in a block of ice. Michael watched as the ice began to crack slowly until it shattered off the nutcracker Pokémon, who promptly passed out.

"Damn it," Gonzap said, recalling Lyra. "Come out, Lesia." He sent out a black plant that looked like a fully grown Gloom.

"A Vileplume?" Michael said with intrigue. "Then let's not give them a moment's rest. Ceres, use another Mach Punch, then Bullet Seed. Take out Node! Then, Boreas, use Ice Beam on Lesia."

"I think not," Gonzap said as the sunlight seemed to get more intense. "Lesia, Solar Beam on Boreas! Node, fire another Thunder Bolt!"

Without a second's hesitation, both of Gonzap's Pokémon began charging energy, firing it blindingly fast. Ceres rushed forward to try and save Boreas, her fist glowing with energy. Boreas tried to counter the incoming Thunder Bolt, but the Solar Beam still hit its mark. Boreas was thrown back, followed quickly by the electricity. Michael winced as the Sealeo cried out, quickly recalling the Ice-type Pokémon. This battle would not be easy, and Gonzap was making that perfectly clear.

"Thank you for fighting so hard, Boreas. I promise to win this for you. Now, go Erebus!" Michael said with determination. With a flash, the Houndoom appeared on the field, puffing out a cloud of smoke and fire. "Now, Erebus, show them your Flamethrower! Ceres, use Bullet Seed on Node!"

Ceres moved faster than her dark-type friend, her speed increasing with the sun's intensity, shooting a stream of seeds at the electric Pokémon. Node quickly reacted by putting up a Reflect barrier, weakening the incoming physical attacks. At the same time, Erebus howled a bit, gathering flames in his mouth as he unleashed a stream of bright fire. This attack was met with an equally effective counter, as Lesia fired a Sludge Bomb directly at the flames. When the attacks collided, the toxins ignited and exploded. A noxious cloud of smoke filled the battlefield. Alicia moved quickly to shield Michael and Liz from the toxins that might be lingering. Node moved faster, firing a quick Sonic Boom to make the fog clear up and to attack Ceres from a distance.

Michael watched his Battle Monitor, seeing Ceres was now at the halfway point of her health, while Gonzap's Pokémon were both still above the halfway mark. Erebus was the only one with full health. With a Reflect surrounding both Node and Lesia, there was only one option: something he remembered from his times in the battle simulations. "Ceres, show Node your Brick Break!" Michael said with a smirk. The mushroom Pokémon ran forward with golden energy around her hand, quickly punching the barrier shattering a hole in it before her punch struck the electric Pokémon, knocking it further back. "Erebus, another Flamethrower. Take out Lesia!"

Gonzap growled a bit, with a gleam in his eyes. "You're good, but you're no Wes. Lesia, use another Sludge Bomb; take out that Breloom. Node, use Light Screen!" As Erebus unleashed another jet of flames, Node moved quickly to generate another barrier around himself and his ally, this barrier glowing blue. Lesia started by bracing herself as the fire hit the shield, less than half of the flames getting through the barrier. That reprieve bought her time to gather the toxins in the diaphragm of her flower. She quickly fired the ball of sludge. Ceres tried to dodge, but she was hit with a sudden Thunder Wave by Node, who just smirked as he watched his opponent take the hit, getting knocked out less than a second after getting hit.

Michael quickly recalled Ceres, surprised at how easily Gonzap had just turned the tables. "How…how did they react so quickly?"

A combination of trust, and training, Alicia said. That's what non-verbal commands can achieve.

Michael seemed to go silent for a moment before grabbing Nick's Pokéball. "Then I need to start using it, or we'll lose at this rate. Come out, Nick!"

The Jolteon appeared on the field, looking eager to help. Alicia quickly communicated what Michael wanted to try, getting nods from Nick and Erebus. Without hesitation, Nick generated a field of electricity, while Erebus gathered flames in his mouth. Without moving, they respectively fired a Thunder Bolt and another Flamethrower.

"Boy, are you trying to get on my nerves?" Gonzap asked. "Or are you just that predictable? Lesia, use Protect. Node, Explosion!" Lesia immediately surrounded herself in a green energy shield, while Node began to glow with power. Nick realized what was about to happen, immediately vanishing with a Quick Attack, reappearing as he slammed into the Ball Pokémon, sending it into the same path as Erebus's Flamethrower. Before Node could unleash the explosion, he was engulfed in flames and promptly knocked out. The energy he had been generating dispersed as the Electrode passed out.

Gonzap raised one of his magnificent eyebrows with interest. "Unexpected. But, not unbeatable. Go, Rorin," he said as a massive blue Pokémon appeared on the field. It looked like a toad, and it was covered in bulbous lumps that might've been warts if they weren't clearly filled with fluid. It was bipedal, and it had a strong build.

Alicia do you recognize that Pokémon? Michael asked.

I know it's a Seismitoad…but I don't remember anything clearly about the species. I think it's a water type…but I don't know beyond that, the Gardevoir said, cursing that she still had some memory troubles since being turned into a Shadow Pokémon. She knew that she'd seen a Seismitoad before during one of Brendan's battles in the Hoenn League, but she couldn't remember anything beyond that.

Well, I'm guessing it's a water-type, Michael said, nodding to Nick and Erebus. Both Pokémon acted fast, with Nick firing another Thunder Bolt at the Seismitoad, while Erebus ran forward and gathered in his mouth, about to attack Lesia with a Fire Fang. Gonzap just started laughing as Nick fired his electric attack at Rorin. He seemed to completely ignore Lesia as the grass-type took Erebus's attack, the Houndoom clamping onto Lesia's petals.

"Nice try. Rorin, use Sludge Wave!" Gonzap said. The Seismitoad's sacs glowed violet as toxins gathered below his feet. With a swing of his right hand, Rorin sent the poison out in a ten-foot wave in every direction, seeming to intercept Nick's Thunder Bolt just before it struck. The wave surged forward and splashed over every other Pokémon on the field.

"No…" Michael said as he watched the attack. It wound up taking out Lesia in the process, but both Nick and Erebus had lost nearly half their health, and they had been poisoned by the attack.

With another smirk, Gonzap recalled Lesia, and sent out his final Pokémon. "Go, Orion!" The Pokémon that appeared this time was the armored bird, Skarmory. "Do you honestly think you can defeat me now?"

Michael looked at the level of the Skarmory, seeing it was at level 37. "It's not the one Wes snagged from you," he noted.

Gonzap sneered at the comment. "The punk kept that Skarmory. And you'll pay for that comment." Michael noticed both Nick and Erebus were about to collapse from the poison taking its toll on them.

"Both of you, come back!" Michael said, not wanting to see his Pokémon falling to poison. Both Nick and Erebus, however, refused to let their Pokéballs recall them. They both gave Michael looks of determination, then both seemed to focus intensely.

Mother told me about that kind of bond between trainers and Pokémon, Alicia said as Michael watched the poison dissipate from the bodies of both Erebus and Nick.

Did they just fight through the poisoning? Michael asked.

Yeah, I've only seen it during elite battles before… Alicia said before turning her thoughts private. Mom said she was about this level when she bonded with Brendan to that extent…so, why do I not feel that kind of connection with him yet?

"Well, you sent out a steel and flying type against fire and electric types," Michael said. "Plus, now we know that it's poison as well. We have nothing but advantage here!"

Gonzap smirked. "Poison type, eh?" He started laughing confidently. "You think him knowing Sludge Wave means he's a Poison type?"

Michael's heart started to sink for a moment. "Nick, Erebus, take out that Seismitoad!" The two seemed to sense their trainer's worry, and they moved quickly, with Nick sprinting with a Quick Attack. As he passed, he bit the Seismitoad hard with dark-type energy. Erebus then ran forward with his teeth glowing a dark violet with energy. He bit down on the Seismitoad, ready to drag the frog down to the ground.

"Throw them to the ground, then use Earth Power!" Gonzap said. Rorin moved quickly, swinging his arms toward the ground, slamming both Nick and Erebus against the ground before a wave radiated out from his feet through the ground and sand. The attack sent Nick and Erebus tumbling over the ground until they came to a stop at Michael's feet. It was clear that they were out of the battle even without the monitor.

"He's a ground type…" Michael said. "Alicia, can I count on you?"

Yeah, but don't forget that you have Sarah as well, Alicia said.

"Of course not," Michael said. "I'm worried that she's vulnerable to a water-type. But I have no choice. Either way, Sarah, I know you can win!" The orange antlion Pokémon popped out of her Pokéball, looking like she knew her trainer was worried. Without another word, Alicia stepped onto the field, and Sarah leapt up, diving into the ground, drilling a tunnel almost immediately. Alicia, Thunder Bolt. Take out that Skarmory before it can get a steel attack on you.

Well, duh, Alicia said as she gathered electricity into her palms. Steel sucks in every way.

Don't let the Sinnoh Champion hear you say that, Michael said with a smirk.

Oh please, I've said it to his face once, Alicia said playfully.

Right…it keeps slipping my mind that you're Gwen's daughter, Michael said with a slightly abashed look.

Alicia just chuckled a bit before firing a spiraling arc of electricity at the steel bird. Without a word from Gonzap, Orion flew up, dodging the electricity before his wings began to glow with a metallic sheen.

Alicia managed to put up a Protect in time, blocking the Steel Wing. The recoil of the impact still sent her staggering, but she avoided taking any damage. At the same time, Sarah shot out of the ground, crashing into Rorin's gut like a bullet. The Seismitoad groaned as Sarah struck with the attack, trying to fire a Water Pulse. With a quick step and pivot on the water-type's stomach, Sarah dove back into the ground, her body starting to glow with energy before she went under the sand again. The hole had a bright glow again before sand filled it again. Michael looked at the Battle Monitor, seeing that Sarah's image was changing. A moment later, a tan dragonfly Pokémon burst from the ground with four green wings on her back, and two on the back of her tail. With a quick motion, the newly evolved Vibrava slammed into Rorin again, then unleashing a stream of a violet fire at the toad. The attack hit perfectly as it engulfed the water type. There was even some static coursing through Rorin's body as paralysis took effect over the Seismitoad.

Alicia would've watched the evolution and battle after, but she had her own issues, with Orion dodging her Thunder Bolts almost too easily. She finally got fed up. She got look of annoyance as she used Psychic to grab and hold the Skarmory in place. He may resist, but it's enough time for me to hit the mark. Alicia fired a highly concentrated shot of electricity. Orion shook free of Alicia's grip, then tried to barrel roll. The electricity still hit its mark, paralyzing the steel bird as well. With that, Alicia grabbed the Skarmory again, and threw him into the ground, aiming for Rorin.

Gonzap and the Seismitoad both saw the incoming attempt to end the battle. "Surf!" Gonzap said almost calmly. Rorin tried to create a massive wave of water, but Sarah flew forward and slammed into Rorin, her newfound speed allowing her to push the huge toad a foot backward, getting her opponent directly under Orion just in time for the two to collide.

Michael's Battle Monitor buzzed twice as both Orion and Rorin were knocked out. Gonzap looked almost stunned. "You…beat me," he said. "After all my shit-talking, you won."

Michael, however, was out on the field celebrating with Alicia and Sarah. He was mostly congratulating Sarah on her evolution, and her incredible battling, causing her to look quite proud of herself. Alicia and Liz both joined Michael in congratulating the Vibrava.

Gonzap sighed, recalled his team, and approached the group. "Well, since you won, I will uphold my end of the bargain. If you need help with Cipher, then Team Snagem will be yours to command."

Michael looked up at Gonzap. "Well, I don't want to be your team's commander," he said. "But, Liz and I are about to raid Cipher's Shadow Pokémon factory. If you could help us get inside, that would be great."

Gonzap smirked. "Go get your teams healed with the machine inside. We'll get a force ready to help." His tone told Michael this was going to be fun for the entirety of Snagem.

However, Michael couldn't shake the feeling that having a big force would cause him to and Liz to miss a lot of Shadow Pokémon. "Sorry, but we will only need help getting inside and handling any stragglers that try to escape. We're the only ones with Snag Machines, and we can't be sure which Cipher members have Shadow Pokémon on them."

Gonzap looked a bit miffed. "So, you plan on denying me the chance at revenge?"

Michael looked Gonzap directly in the eye. "I am. Let me make this clear to you," he said with a commanding tone. "I have no interest in your grudges. Liz and I are in this to save the Shadow Pokémon and topple Cipher. We just happen to share one of those goals. However, if it comes down to it, I care more about saving the Pokémon than I do about destroying Cipher."

Gonzap's expression changed to that of respect. "Hmmm…so your goal is to save Pokémon. So, you want to go in alone and ensure that none of them slip through the cracks," he said. "Very well. We will do what we can to ensure nobody from Cipher can get away.

Liz smiled and kissed Michael on the cheek. "Then let's go and prepare ourselves."

Wow, that took longer than it should have. Sorry for the longer than usual wait.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review to let me know what you think. I always enjoy reading your feedback.

Next Chapter is going to be the Key Lair (might have to be only the first half, since it's a longer part of the game.

Until next time ~ jmoul18