The Storm
Lightning crackled in the sky, lighting the night sky as several figures stood atop a hill with one figure wearing a lab coat holding up a scanner in his hand.
"Hm... just as I thought, the legendary Pokemon Zapdos is coming while on it's way to recharge."
"You sure Zager? A sudden freak thunder storm could be one of many Legendary beasts including one that your group ran into while in the Unova region years ago!" Another figure spoke up, looking to be in charge of things despite the significant age difference as the man looked to be in his early twenties! His outfit consisted of the usual black and red color scheme but it was a different design than most Rocket uniform, the upper half of his outfit consisted of a black hooded jacket with the usual red R on the front of it with white gloves covering up his hands. In place of the usual boots most Rocket members wore his footwear strangely appeared to be a pair of sneakers. A pair of glasses were positioned in front of his red eyes, his black hair practically blending into the night had it not been for the red highlights present.
"Of course I'm sure, Arlo. You think that I the great Zager would be foolish enough to not register the energy levels the Kami Trio give off?!" Zager's face shot red as he grew impatient. "I am fairly certain that it is Zapdos so send out your men and go get it! The three legendary birds are crucial to capturing one of our primary targets so we can't botch this as it will take quite a great amount of time to relocate it or a different Zapdos, timing is everything!"
Arlo rolled his eyes before placing his hands into his pockets as a sly smirk crossed his face. "Oh don't you worry, I'll be handling this one by myself! There won't be any failure here and watch your tongue Zager, you may be twice my age but I am still your superior!"
Zager growled at him but held his tongue as Arlo hopped onto the back of a Metagross before promptly flying off on it.
"Zapdos!" The legendary bird Pokemon cried out as he flew above the city, the thunder growing louder and shaking the ground. The rumbling happening to knock Ash right out of bed with him soon shooting wide awake as his head bonked against the floor.
"Ow!" Ash groaned out, rubbing the back of his head as he stood up before taking a look out the nearby window and happening to spot the Electric Legendary Pokemon flying across the Vermilion City skyline as the lightning lit the sky once more. Ash's eyes lit up with excitement upon spotting the legendary, quickly rushing over to Pikachu who still laid fast asleep upon his pillow. "Pikachu, hey Pikachu!" He hissed out, surprisingly him falling out of bed hadn't disturbed neither Zach or Marnie. Professor Cerise had been kind enough to invite them to stay the night at his place but only had the one guest room, thankfully there were enough beds. Zach slept on a singular bed while Ash and Marnie slept on a bunk bed with Marnie thankfully being the one on the top, otherwise Ash would have been in a lot of pain!
"Pika...?" Pikachu slowly opened his eyes before letting out a faint yawn, his eyes glanced towards the window before giving his best friend an odd look as it looked like it was still midnight out there.
"I'm sorry buddy but Zapdos is out there, if we're quick enough we could challenge it to a Pokemon battle!" Ash hissed out, his fists pumped as his body visibly shook from excitement. Pikachu stretched out before standing on his four paws, flicking his tail in response before leaping onto Ash's shoulder. Ash didn't bother to waste time getting dressed, rushing on out in the t-shirt and shorts that he'd been wearing for the night as he took only Pikachu with him, he didn't want to take the chance that Zapdos would get away and one was all he really needed as he wanted to make it a fair fight. Just him against Zapdos!
"Zapdos!" Zapdos cried out once more as a stray bolt of lightning came crashing down upon Team Rocket's secret lab and creating a power surge, Eevee's constraints broke off and the Normal type slowly stood up before taking a quick glance around and making a mad dash for the stairs, rushing on out of the basement before jumping out of the window left open in the kitchen that a lowly grunt must have left open. Eevee landed on the muddy ground outside, a look of disgust forming across her face as her paws became coated in mud but she wasted no time and quickly resumed running!
"Zap!"
"Come on Pikachu, we're gaining on it!" Ash and Pikachu raced up a hill at the edge of Vermilion City, Zapdos was right on top of them as he started flying over the hill. "Hey Zapdos, hold up! Pikachu and I would like to challenge you to a battle!"
"Zap?!" Zapdos turned it's head back as it flew, wondering who was challenging him and perhaps trying to see if it was just some trick to capture him. Zapdos' eyes landed on Ash and open noticing him the bird slowed down, remaining in place in the air as he looked Ash over once more before landing on the ground, stretching out his wings as he leaned back his head and let out a fierce battle cry!
"Wait a minute... you recognize me, don't you?" Ash narrowed his eyes as he read Zapdos' expression, the Zapdos seemed to show signs of recognition and perhaps respect? But which Zapdos it was is the question though as he'd met quite a few! That didn't matter too much though as Ash soon pointed at Zapdos with a large smirk upon his face. "So you accept our challenge? Pikachu and I aim to be the best of the best and the only way we can prove that is by seeking out the strongest Pokemon and trainers across the world and that includes you!"
Zapdos smirked upon hearing Ash's speech, stretching out his wings as he released another cry with lightning and thunder following after it. The legendary took a stance, towering over Ash and Pikachu while waiting for them to begin.
"Pikachu let's start off with a Quick Attack!"
"Pi pi!" Pikachu quickly zigzagged across the clearing, ramming his body up against Zapdos' leg and pushing as much weight as possible into the attack! Zapdos was pushed back a few inches before his beak began spinning like a drill as he gave Pikachu a harsh pecking!
Ash clenched his fists in anticipation as Pikachu took the attack, the Electric type shook out his fur before letting out a light cry as his cheeks sparked upon laying eyes on the legendary and refusing to back down!
"Volt Tackle!" Ash shouted while enthusiastically punching the air in front of him!
"Pika pika pika PIKA!" Pikachu's body became encased in an electric glow as he raced across the field, electricity sparking off his body as he slammed his body against Zapdos! The legendary bird Pokemon let out a grunt, shaking itself as it's wings started fluttering. Zapdos took to the skies as his body began glowing white with a silver energy ball forming in front of him before being unleashed upon his opponent!
"Ancient Power, Quick Attack out of there!"
"Pi!" Pikachu zigzagged away, making it hard for Zapdos to aim but not completely impossible! The blast hit the ground just close enough to Pikachu that he was hit by the blast! The electric mouse was sent flying through the air before collapsing onto his side, Ash clenched his fists once more as he thought it was over for a second only for Pikachu to quickly hop back onto his feet despite his body looking bruised. It was still raining on account of Zapdos' presence so an idea quickly formed within Ash's head, soon thrusting out his arms once before but not before removing his Z-Power Ring and putting it on.
Ash threw his hat to Pikachu who caught it by leaping up, the hat landing perfectly on his head as the two began moving in synch.
"Alright Pikachu, 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt!"
"Pika!" Pikachu's cheeks sparked as he leaped up into the air and began absorbing the electricity from the thunder clouds around Zapdos, the bird Pokemon tilting his head out of curiosity before widening his eyes as Pikachu unleashed several different waves of electricity, each one a different color of the rainbow and proceeded to fire them at the opponent! The electricity flowed through Zapdos with the legendary bird Pokemon letting out a pained groan as his body started leaning forward, wings going limp as he came crashing down to the ground with a loud thud! Swirls present within the bird's eyes as the thunderstorm started letting up briefly.
"Alright Pikachu, we did it!" Pikachu raced towards his trainer and leaped up into his arms, the two embracing in celebration of their victory which didn't last long as Ash noticed a rather sinister black and purple colored Pokeball flying at Zapdos before striking the defeated legendary and absorbing it in a beam of sinister purple coloring! The ball landed upon the ground and Ash's heart stopped briefly as the ball started shaking.
"Pikachu use Thunderbolt, NOW!" He ordered, having a really bad feeling about this. Pikachu's cheeks sparked as he leaped away from Ash and unleashed a blast of electricity only for an Aggron to quickly leap in his way, taking the hit as Ash heard the familiar chime signifying a capture while a strange figure came into view and snatched the ball right up!
"Ash Ketchum, I had a feeling that our paths would cross eventually but not like this." Arlo's eyes looked Ash up and down as a light smirk formed on his face. "Packing light today? And where are your friends? Tsk tsk, I've heard you've given some good friends of mine a very hard time. Including my boss, I'm quite curious to see what all the fuss is about so I'd be quite delighted if you'd indulge me in a Pokemon battle!"
"You're Team Rocket, aren't you?" Ash growled out as Aggron stomped his feet and uttered out a terrifying roar. "Release Zapdos right now!"
"Much as I'd love to that would severely mess up important plans, I didn't become the youngest Executive since the Boss for nothing!" Arlo laughed, tossing the Rocket Ball up and down while pulling up the sleeve of his jacket to reveal a Rocket Band. Ash stepped back with a light growl, knowing that this would be quite tough given that Pikachu had already taken a beating from Zapdos along with not getting a proper good night's sleep! Heck he was pretty worn out himself but he wasn't going to let this punk get away with Zapdos, who knew what sick scheme Team Rocket had in store for it!
"Aggron, let's show Ketchum here the true might of Team Rocket, Mega Evolve!" Arlo touched the crystal on his Rocket Band causing Aggron to become encased in a bright pink light which soon faded to reveal the form of Mega Aggron!
"Alright Pikachu, Volt T-"
"Tsk tsk, Earthquake!" Aggron stomped it's foot hard against the ground, causing it to shake violently and much to Ash's surprise the ground beneath him and Pikachu began sliding as the muddy ground beneath them started sliding on down the hill and taking them with it as they lost their balance. Arlo adjusted his glasses as he walked towards the edge of the hill. "If you'd been paying attention you'd have noticed you were mere inches away from the hill's slope, the muddy ground made it quite easy to dispose of you! I could end you right here and now, it'd be easy with me having a full deck of cards and you only having a worn out rat but that wouldn't be much fun!" Ash and Pikachu were at the bottom of the long hill, looking up from the mud pit they'd fallen into and quickly trying to rush up only to fall right back down from how slippery it was! "Tata for now!" Arlo waved before turning around, returning Aggron as he tossed the Rocket Ball up and down.
"You did good today Arlo," Giovanni spoke as he held the Rocket Ball within his grasp. "Such power contained within this ball..."
"Project XD001 is slowly making progress, we just need to find Dr. Yung and capture the other two legendary birds!" Zager shouted with a sinister smirk. "We already know where a Lugia is rumored to be located, Fula City in the Johto region. We'll get men working on a proper confirmation but once we've got the other two, we'll have quite the unstoppable monster are our hands!" Zager laughed out. "Lugia won't stand a chance against it and then we'll capture it and corrupt it!"
"And then with both monstrosities I'll capture what is rightfully mine again..." Giovanni looked at his hand, clutching a torn up picture of Mewtwo with rage flaring in his eyes.
"Nothing will stand in our way after that!" Arlo grinned. Several other people sat at the table with them; Archer, and next to him a stunningly beautiful brunette woman with bright purple eyes, a black robed ninja stood silently next to her with a mask masking any facial features save for his emotionless stare, what appeared to be an former Team Aqua member of some sort as his shirtless chest had the tattoo covered up with a red R one, standing next to him was a young girl wearing a black hooded jacket with purple hair showing beneath of it. Butch and Cassidy stood beside them wearing executive uniforms, an older woman possibly in her late fifties stood next to them while dressed up like a cowgirl and wearing the same ridiculously huge hat Leroy and Cletus had, and at the far end stood Xerosic not looking too much different but he did have a sidekick as their was a feminine figure wearing a body suit standing right next to him with a helmet concealing her identity. All of the important members of Team Rocket save for two were gathered in one place, ecstatic looks across their faces as they cried out in celebration!
There was one who looked unsure though, Domino stood next to Giovanni with a concerned look as her eyes saw what he had planned for the legendary birds.
"Domino and Sasuke, you handle Articuno." The ninja silently bowed while Domino nodded her head in silent agreement, not daring to speak up else she end up like Matori.
"Sierra, Moltres is yours!"
"On it!" The stunning brunette nodded her head.
"And I've got a master of disguise taking up a position within Fula city as we speak, if Lugia's there then we'll find it! You've got a mission people, don't let me down!" Giovanni ordered. "The rest of you are to continue operating in your regions as you see fit. Just work at capturing me legendary and mythical Pokemon so our army can become even bigger!"
"Nonono!" Petrel was rushing desperately around his headquarters as the meeting took place elsewhere. "You've gotta be here somewhere, you've got to be!"
"Cletus did you leave the window open again? It's freezing in here!"
"Wasn' me, bro. It was you."
Petrel's eye twitched as he rushed into the kitchen and saw the two idiot cowboys staring at the open window.
"You idiots!" He raged, shaking his fist in a threatening manner. "If something's happened to that Eevee I'll have your hides!" He only took them in in the first place as he thought they were too stupid to betray him but turns out their stupidity had costed him his secret weapon and the boss apparently had a legendary now! How was he going to destroy him now?!
"We're sorry boss!"
"Yeah, it was all Cletus' fault! I'll go find that there Eevee for you!"
"Nuh uh cause I'll find him first!" Cletus shouted, the two locking eyes before Petrel pulled them away.
"Silence you blubbering buffoons, you have until the end of the day to get that Eevee or I'll make sure you never work in Kanto again!"
"Yessir!" The two saluted, quickly rushing for the door before crashing right into it.
"The door didn't push!"
"Ya gotta pull ya dummy!" Leroy bonked his brother on the head before pulling the door open, the two rushing off as Petrel stroked his forehead before staring out the window. "I desperately need a backup plan..."
"I can't believe it, we failed..." Ash finally arrived home hours later, he'd searched everywhere in a desperate fit to find Zapdos and Arlo. He even rushed back to summon Charizard and search from the skies but to no avail, the Team Rocket admin had gotten away and Ash couldn't help but blame himself for weakening Zapdos and making it easy bait. Not to mention his leaving behind the rest of his team in his eagerness to fight Zapdos. Ash took a quick stop in the shower before returning to and collapsing in bed, falling asleep almost instantly as his body finally caught up to him.
Team Rocket now has Zapdos! Ash actually already owns a legendary(Kubfu) so I think it's safe to say you'll see him catch another at some point, I'm not going to go give Ash something like a freaking Rayquaza, Zygarde or Dialgia though. Nobody should own those, at least not permanently. It'd be something like the birds, beasts, Regi, Lati, Meloetta, etc. Just giving an example not promising those will happen. Some may but who knows!
'Is it Risa?' In regards to the trainer that Ash influences, yes. Yes it is!
Next time Chloe and Eevee meet!
