Zach Meets the Parents
Zach, May and Dawn all sat in stunned silence as Zinnia's revelation flowed through their thoughts. For roughly half an hour all that could be heard was the bubbling noises provided by the hot springs until the silence came to an end as Dawn spoke up.
"Alright May I want to ask you something and I want you to be completely honest about this, are you still in love with Zach?" Dawn asked while lightly crossing her arms. "I promise I won't get mad."
May shot a glance towards Zach who was silently gazing down at the rippling water. "Of course, I never stopped!"
Dawn smiled and offered May a brief nod before placing her hand atop of Zach's to get his attention. "And what of you, Zach? Do you love Irida-May?"
Zach closed his eyes for a moment before opening them as he looked towards May, his eyes locked with hers as he slowly nodded. "I do."
Dawn took a deep breath before planting a kiss on his cheek. "I appreciate your honesty, Zach." Her hand remained on top of his as she looked towards May. "May, if you're okay with us both having him as our future husband then I'm more than willing to share him with you."
"Really?!" May jumped up with an excitable expression. "I-I mean sure, of course! I'd love that!"
"Huh?" Zach looked towards Dawn before looking towards his Arc Phone which sat by the hot spring's side as he'd wanted to see if there was any truth to what Zinnia told them, to his shock Zinnia was honest about it leading him to suspect that she was truthful about everything else she'd mentioned. "Arceus, this isn't your doing is it?"
The Arc Phone remained silent as Arceus' magic had seemingly vanished from the device after his return to the present. It acted like your typical Rotom Phone though rather a Rotom actually dwelled within the Arc Phone was still up in the air, it mysteriously never needed charging which was honestly a good thing as it lacked a charging port. It had also survived getting crushed and waterlogged. He never really bothered questioning the matter as he was simply thankful that he wouldn't have to keep buying replacement phones.
"No Zach, this is my decision." Dawn playfully rolled her eyes before giving his cheek a quick peck. "I said that I wouldn't judge your choice if you chose this as your reward and I meant that but I couldn't help but notice the temptation in your eyes when Arceus offered it."
"And I made the honorable choice cause never letting Ingo and his brother reunite was harsh, neither of them deserved that fate. I may not know much about them but I could tell they were simply good people who were separated from their twin, Ingo couldn't stand being away from his brother and I'm sure that the same applied to his twin." Zach sighed out. "Besides I wanted it to be your choice. I love you Dawn, I'd never want to force anything on you."
"And I admired that, you were selfless and chose to use your wish on somebody else. Though I've been thinking the matter over, you clearly loved Irida and although you thought that Akari-I was gone you never stopped loving me, choosing to come back with me instead of staying there." Dawn gazed into his eyes while giving off a warm affectionate smile. "I know that you'll treat us equally and not favor one over the other."
"Dawn's right, you only really left Irida as you weren't dating her yet. Dawn was your girlfriend and you chose to remain loyal after your memories were restored!" May pointed out with a smile of her own.
"I suspect it'd have been complicated if I knew Irida was pregnant though." Zach sweated, he wasn't sure what he'd have done had he known about that.
"I'm sure that you'd have made the right choice." Dawn rested her head against his before pulling away as she looked into his eyes. "So what do you say, Zach? You promise to treat us equally and not favor one of us over the other?" She knew the answer, she just wanted to hear him say it.
"So long as both of you are okay with this?" Zach questioned while shooting a cautious look towards both girls, making sure that they were okay with it. Both girls smiled and eagerly nodded in response.
"Of course!" May spoke up.
Dawn giggled out. "You really didn't notice me call Irida 'cute' back on Coronet? I always thought May was cute, I just never had feelings for her."
"Really?" May tilted her head before giggling out. "Well I think that you're cute as well but Zach's the one I love."
"Well then it sounds like things are settled?" Zach briefly questioned before clasping his hands together as a bright smile formed across his face. "I promise to treat you both equally, I love both of you and promise to never show favoritism. You'll both get an equal amount of treatment and love from me!"
May uttered out a squeal of delight and threw her arms around him before planting a warm passionate kiss directly upon his lips which he was quick to return. Dawn leaned back and smiled, letting May have the moment she'd been waiting for. May's arms wrapped tightly around Zach as she let out months worth of pent up love and passion on him, his arms gently wrapped around her waist as they kissed. After a few minutes May pulled away, gasping for air.
Dawn couldn't help but utter out a playful remark. "Rookie numbers."
May let out a light laugh while offering a smile, showing that they'd likely tease each other but there wouldn't be any hard feelings. She then turned towards Zach and lightly blushed as she spoke up. "I-I'd like you to meet my parents."
"Already?" Zach raised an eyebrow before shrugging. "Well if that's what you want then I guess we'll go pay them a visit!"
Dawn raised an eyebrow at May's words. Dawn did show off Zach to her own mother but it was pretty casual, Dawn introduced them while on the video phone with her mother and Johanna was thrilled that her daughter had finally gotten a boyfriend. Zach was a bit awkward and shy as he was nervous at first but Johanna did her best to keep herself calm as she introduced herself, accepting him as she could tell the pair genuinely loved each other. "Already? But what about Mt. Chimney? Shouldn't we check it out?"
"We could do a quick fly over and see if Lucario can pick anything up." Zach offered up. "If the orb is down there then he'd detect it with his aura, if not then it hasn't appeared yet."
"Right." May grinned before sweating as she continued. "Besides I sort of told them that Zach and I were dating..."
"Huh?" Dawn tilted her head while giving May a questionable look. "Why would you do that?"
"That was before you two hooked up, honest! I-I had no idea that you were traveling with Zach and warming up with him, I-I thought that I'd end up with him before he got his fourth badge!" May sweated while looking away with a guilt ridden expression. "They've actually been asking to meet for the past few weeks but it's purely a coincidence, I promise you! My feelings for Zach are sincere!"
"Don't worry, I know." Zach placed his hand on May's shoulder and offered her a sincere smile. "If it helps settle matters then I'd love to meet your parents, to be honest it'd be reassuring to know that my future in-laws like me."
"I'm sure that they will and if they don't, well who cares! I love you and I won't leave you simply because my father or mother don't approve of you, we're all adults and capable of making our own decision!"
Dawn flashed the pair a smirk before placing her arms around them. "Then I guess it's settled, we'll go get changed and check out Mt. Chimney before heading to Petalburg to meet May's parents!"
A flyover of Mt. Chimney revealed that the Red Orb wasn't present. Lucario wasn't picking up on any powerful energy and Zach even let out Raichu simply to check if they were the only humans around the area. Raichu's mind waves picked up a few trainers but they were all harmless hikers or trainers making their way to or from Lavaridge Town. After confirmation that there wasn't any risk of the Red Orb being taken, the group made their way to Petalburg City.
"Garrr!" The alpha Garchomp roared out as he landed within the city grounds, getting quite the attention as Zach, May and Dawn climbed off it's back.
"May Maple, you're back!"
"Win any contests lately?"
"So this is the young man whose stolen May's heart!"
"Is he really the king of Galar?!"
"Of course he is, he's the one that caught the Eternal Darkness!" Another fan eagerly exclaimed.
May sweated at the regular behavior and turned to Zach to apologize as some of the attention was turned to him before noticing that he'd tensed up and frozen in place due to being surrounded by all those people.
"Carrr!" Lucario began pushing people aside with a growl while Dawn wrapped an around Zach's.
"Mind stepping away please? My boyfriend doesn't mix well with crowds!" May grabbed onto his hand and held it tightly as she said that, reassuring him that everything was okay. The locals quickly backed away from them upon her asking causing May to smile and thank them before continuing the walk towards Petalburg Gym.
"So what are we going to tell them?" Dawn questioned as they approached the Gym doors.
"The truth," Zach spoke while offering May a light smile. "They don't have to know that May's been lying but I'd like to be honest and upfront about the fact that we're in a Polyamorous relationship with each other."
May continued holding onto Zach's hand and gave him an affectionate glance before motioning towards the local gym. "And that's perfectly alright with me, I want them to accept you for who you are. Shall we?"
Zach gave her hand a tight squeeze as he nodded in response. The three soon walked on into the gym hand in hand and Zach took a leap back from surprise as a Vigoroth leaped down, the sloth let out a cry before hugging May who laughed before giving the Normal type a light shove to get him off.
"It's good to see you too, Vigoroth! Are mom and dad around?"
"May sweetie is that you?" Caroline called out from around the corner, soon coming into view and forming a large smile upon spotting her daughter. "May!"
"Mom!" May let go of Zach's hand as she rushed over to hug her mother. May pulled away after a bit before looking back towards Zach who gave a nervous wave as Caroline turned her attention towards him. "Mom I'd like you to meet-"
"So this is the Zach you never shut up about the past few months!" Caroline deduced. May's face shot bright red as she cried out in protest, Zach's face was also burning brightly as he couldn't help but wonder when it was that May started talking about him. "He's definitely quite the looker for your age, I can see why you fell for him." Caroline then gave him a light wave. "Hey there, it's an honor to meet you. I trust you've been treating my daughter alright?"
"O-Of course, I'd never do anything to hurt her! She means more to me than anything!" Caroline couldn't help but smirk as she picked up the honesty in his words, knowing that he meant every word he said. She then raised an eyebrow upon spotting Dawn's hand wrapped around his. "Are you... dating both of these girls?"
"Y-Yeah, I am!" Zach's cheeks burned a dark shade of red as sweat nervously poured down his forehead.
"We all agreed to this." May spoke while placing her hand around Zach's other hand. "He loves both of us and would never take advantage of us."
"She speaks the truth, we both love him and he loves both of us. He promised to treat us both equally!" Dawn exclaimed.
Caroline was silent for a brief moment before a smile eventually formed. "Well of course, you did say that he's rich. He is a king after all! I don't mind so long as all three of you are happy about this but be warned if either of you break my daughter's heart then it'll be the last thing you do!" A light giggle then escaped from her throat as she heard his stomach growling out followed by Cinderace's as the rabbit held her belly with a sheepish look. "You all must be hungry, lucky for you I've just made lunch! Why don't you and your Pokemon join us?"
"Ace!" Cinderace quickly accepted her offer with an eager nod, Lucario remained quiet and focused his gaze on his trainer.
"I-I'd be honored!" May smiled and held onto his hand as the three followed Caroline to the dining room where plenty of food was set up including Pokemon chow.
"We kind of knew you were coming, sorry but Norman's fans are loudmouths." Caroline laughed out.
"Oh no, I understand!" May giggled.
"So this is the one, huh?" Norman entered the room, his arms crossed as he gave off an unreadable expression while looking Zach over. Zach started to sweat nervously as Norman kept that going for what felt like an hour to him before eventually sitting down. "Take a seat and grab some food, your Pokemon are free to take however much of the Pokemon chow as they want-"
"Ace!" Cinderace rushed forward and began scarfing Pokemon chow down her mouth as Zach lightly sweat dropped while Lucario shook his head silently.
"S-Sorry, she gets crazy when it comes to food sometimes!" He reached for the other Pokeballs and sent out Dragonite, Garchomp, Umbreon, and Obstagoon with the badger Pokemon immediately pulling his trainer in for a tight hug upon release!
"Obstagoon!" Obstagoon cried out while his trainer gasped for air and struggled to escape his grasp.
"O-Obstagoon I just saw you an hour ago!"
"Obsta!"
"Dragooo!" Dragonite joined in, wrapping her arms around her trainer and Obstagoon.
"Well his Pokemon sure have an attachment to him," Norman noted before his eyes turned towards Umbreon who eat his food silently and didn't seem as excited as the others. "What's the story with him?"
"Oh, Umbreon? He was abandoned by a trainer and Zach took him in, he's got a frequent space on the team alongside those two until he gets settled in." May motioned towards Lucario and Cinderace. "He knows that Umbreon probably wouldn't get any better sitting in a lab and feeling like he's being abandoned again."
"Sounds like he cares for Pokemon a great deal, I trust he feels the same way about you?" Norman turned his gaze back to his daughter.
"Definitely at a simple request he promised to stop training so seriously and take a break to just enjoy the sights with me! He hasn't gone back on his word and had no issue agreeing to it!" Dawn spoke while giving her boyfriend an affectionate smile before turning into laughter as Garchomp pounced on into the group hug and pinned the others to the floor with a loud affectionate growl!
"I see..." Norman focused his gaze on Zach with his expression continuing to be unreadable.
"Thanks for the food miss, it was great! Cinderace definitely agrees with me," Cinderace nodded her head with a large smile, her stomach bloated out from her feasting!
"Please call me Caroline," May's mom smiled. "And thank you, that means a lot!"
Norman had his arms crossed as he continued giving Zach a blank stare before finally standing up and speaking up.
"I'd like to battle you, I want to see you and your Pokemon in action. Prove to me that you're good enough for my daughter." Norman spoke.
"I-I'd like to but I can't, I promised Dawn!" May glared at her father's words finding it quite unusual for him before forming an affectionate smile as she planted a kiss on her boyfriend's cheek.
"I'll allow it just this once," Dawn held his hand to show him that it was okay as the two gazed into each other's eyes. "But you owe me and May a beach date!"
Zach flashed her a smirk and gave a light nod before turning his attention towards Norman. "In that case I accept, my Pokemon and I will prove my love for her!"
"Ace!"
"Carrr!" His partner Pokemon backed him up.
"I'll hold you to that," Norman led him towards the battlefield before getting into position. "We'll each use three Pokemon, whoever runs out first will lose and be forced to admit the winner was right!"
Zach gritted his teeth at that before May reassuringly placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'll stay by your side whatever happens, don't let him get to you!" She planted a kiss on his cheek which quickly worked at calming him. "Good luck!"
Zach cast May a loving glance before pointing forward. "Cinderace, let's show him what we're made of!"
"Ace!" Cinderace eagerly leaped forward.
"Castform!" Norman called out as the small cute Normal Pokemon flew out from a nearby tree and took position in front of him. Zach gazed at the Pokemon for a moment before pulling out his Arc Phone.
"They don't have those in Galar..."
"Castform the Weather Pokemon. Castform borrows the power of nature to transform itself into the guises of the sun, rain, and snow clouds. This Pokemon's feelings change with the weather!"
"Pyro Ball!" Cinderace kicked up a small rock from the before launching it up with a fiery kick, sending the flaming rock flying before striking Castform in the face! Castform twirled about in the air before regaining balance, the Pokemon uttered out a cry as Norman flashed a light smirk before throwing out his arm!
"Hydro Pump!"
"What?! Cinderace dodge with Flame Charge!" Unfortunately due to the element of surprise Castform quickly killed the flames of Cinderace's attacks and putting an end to the attack! Cinderace let out a growl as her fur was soaked, giving Castform a glare in return.
"Electro Ball!"
"Ace!" Cinderace formed a sphere of electricity between her paws before dropping it and sending it flying at Castform with a powerful kick!
"Cast!" Castform was sent flying across the gym upon impact, the Normal type crashed directly into a wall before starting to gradually slide downwards as swirls formed within the Pokemon's eyes.
"Alright, we did it!"
"Ace!" Zach and Cinderace high fived each other as Norman returned Castform to his Pokeball.
"Don't get too cocky, that was merely a test to see how strong you were. Kangaskhan!" The Kantonian Normal type burst from a nearby bush and let out a loud cry.
"Now that's more like it, I like a challenge!" Zach smirked at the sight, the smirk soon vanished as soon as it came as Norman pulled up his sleeve to reveal a Mega Ring! "Oh come on, am I the only one without one?!" Zach hung his head with a groan as the pink light enveloped Kangaskhan, she herself didn't change but her baby had grown larger and stood alongside her ready to fight as one!
"Earthquake!" The two began leaping up and down, causing the ground beneath them to shake and rumble. Cinderace's legs wobbled before shockwaves knocked her off her feet and onto her back!
"Cinderace!" Zach called out with a worried tone before his Fire starter shot upwards and shot him a smirk before turning her gaze back towards her opponent. "Let's do this then, Pyro Ball!" Cinderace kicked up another pebble before delivering a fiery kick, sending the pebble flying before it came crashing into Kangaskhan! The Normal type was knocked back but it didn't look too affected by the blow causing Zach and Cinderace to sweat nervously as she was one of the strongest Pokemon he had!
"Double Hit!" Both Kangaskhan rushed forward and struck Cinderace across her face with their tails in a repetitive fashion, Cinderace was knocked back and forth between the two before quickly collapsing in defeat as swirls formed within her eyes.
"Cinderace!" Zach rushed out and grabbed hold of her arm to help his defeated Pokemon up and off the battlefield, holding out a Sitrus berry with his other hand. Cinderace opened her eyes and smiled at her trainer before eating the berry with a soft apologetic cry. "You did great Cinderace, don't worry about it! Lucario will handle it from here!"
Lucario nodded and took his position on the field with a growl while Zach helped Cinderace off the field and helped her get seated. "Now take a rest, Lucario use Aura Sphere!" He didn't waste time on attacking as Lucario charged up a sphere of aura energy before blasting it across the field, the baby Kangaskhan was sent flying before landing in a defeated slump but unfortunately that only enraged Kangaskhan as her parental instincts kicked in.
"Fire Punch!"
"Dodge with Extreme Speed, then use Bone Rush!"
Kangaskhan charged across the field at a much faster surprising speed, her fist ignited in fire as she took a swing at Lucario with the jackal letting out a grunt as the attack grazed his backside. Lucario struck hard from behind before following up by striking Kangaskhan with his aura infused bone club! Kangaskhan was knocked off her feet before quickly shooting back up with a fiery glare.
"Fire Punch!" Kangaskhan rushed at Lucario as she pulled back a fiery fist before striking Lucario directly in the stomach! The jackal's eyes went wide from the critical hit as he was sent flying through the air and proceed to crash against a nearby tree! He collapsed to the ground as his eyes reduced to swirls, tongue lolling outwards as he groaned out.
"Lucario!" Norman watched as much like Cinderace before Zach rushed on over to help Lucario up and offer him a Sitrus berry, the jackal let out a grunt before smiling at his trainer as he began limping towards Cinderace. Zach walked back into position with a conflicted look. He wasn't sure who to use next, Obstagoon was the only one close enough to Lucario and Cinderace in power and skill but with Fighting attacks and a third Pokemon in wait that put him at a disadvantage. Dragonite stepped forward and uttered out a cry as she nuzzled against her trainer.
"Are you sure about this?" Dragonite nodded her head with a coo causing Zach to form a light smirk before nodding back. "Well alright then, Dragon Dance!"
Dragonite let out a coo, proceeding to spin around as orange energy covered up her body.
"Dragon Rush!" Dragonite body became enveloped in a light blue aura as she flew forward and slammed her body up against Kangaskhan! The Mega Evolution shook off the attack with a growl.
"Ice Punch!"
"Kanga!" Kangaskhan's fist turned to ice as she lashed out and struck Dragonite who clutched at her chest while uttering out a pained grunt.
"Dragooo!" Dragonite's expression turned to anger as she narrowed her eyes at Kangaskhan.
"Thunder Punch!" Dragonite's fist crackled with electricity as she took a hard swing at Kangaskhan and bashed her fist against the Pokemon's skull with surprising strength! Kangaskhan immediately toppled onto her side as the pink light surrounded her to reveal her defeat, Dragonite let out a heavy pant as she stared down at the defeated Pokemon.
Norman smirked as he recalled Kangaskhan to her Pokeball. "Alright Slaking, your turn!"
"Slaking!" Slaking raced out of the Gym's jungle and leaped onto the battlefield before forming a combat stance as his eyes locked onto Dragonite.
"Play Rough!" Norman shouted.
"Bide!" Dragonite slammed her feet against the ground, her eyes narrowed as she stood prepared to take the incoming attack. A dust cloud formed around them as Slaking lunged at his opponent, various punches and kicks could be heard within as Slaking unleashed his fury upon Dragonite. Dragonite panted out, her eyes narrowed into slits as a bright red aura flared around her.
"DRAGOOOO!" She howled out as a powerful red beam of light shot from her mouth. The attack flew across the field and exploded upon impact causing Slaking to drop to a knee.
"King... Slaking..." Slaking panted out.
"Now finish with Dragon Rush!" Dragonite roared out as she shot across the field.
"Play Rough!" Norman shouted.
"Sla...king..." Slaking grunted out as he rose to his feet but Dragonite was faster, her body crashed into his while he punched at her chest. "Slaking..." Slaking grunted out as he collapsed against the battlefield, swirls formed inside his eyes as he laid in defeated. Dragonite smirked before uttering out a light grunt as her eyes rolled upwards shortly before she collapsed against the ground.
Zach formed a light smile as he returned Dragonite to her ball. "You were awesome Dragonite, I couldn't ask any better of you!"
A smile crossed Norman's face as he slowly began clapping his hands together. "Well done, you passed the test!"
"Huh?" Zach looked confused before Norman clued him in.
"I wanted to see your Pokemon in action to see just how strong the connection between you and your Pokemon is outside of battle, I can tell May's happy and I wouldn't dream of tearing you away from her! I just wanted to see how far your love goes, it's clear that you care a lot for those close to you and they share that feeling towards you! I have no doubt that you two will have a happy life together!" Norman gave Zach a thumbs up as he gave him his approval, Zach sweated nervously before bowing in appreciation.
"Thank you sir."
"No need for that, call me Norman!" Norman smirked before reaching out to shake his hand. "And good luck on your quest to become the Galar champ, with a bit more training I think you might just about manage it!"
"Here are are, the Regigigas ruin!" Shade smirked as he gazed around the surrounding area. Courtney narrowed her eyes as she could swear he looked as if he was reminiscing. The two began their descent into the ruin followed by some Rocket grunts, Courtney immediately had a freaked out expression upon spotting what seemed to be statues at first but upon closer examination she could see fear and shock in the eyes of the various men and women, their positions seemed quite frightened and the detail looked almost too good to be merely art given the age they'd have to be.
Her gaze turned towards some art on the wall, most of it was faded but she noticed a red demonic looking wing remained on one wall, the rest was too faded to get a good read on what was meant to be picturized. However once they came to the end she noticed one picture that remained in picture form! In it huts were lit aflame or utterly destroyed, trees thrown about and Pokemon fleeing in terror as the titan known as Regigigas tore through the land! What really stuck out to her though was two people seemed to be in command of the creature, she hadn't met anyone that resembled the first but the second guy was right next to her! Courtney's heartbeat started increasing as she flashed a frightened glance at Shade.
"T-That's you..."
Shade turned to her with a devious smirk as he eyed the picture. "So many fond memories, oh I miss my master... but I aim to bring him back and that fool Giovanni is unwittingly helping me do just that! Oh Giratina, the world will soon see your glory." He spoke as he pulled up the sleeve of his robe.
"Giratina? Who the hell is Giratina?!" Courtney asked with a growl. She turned to her men and shouted out to them. "Stop him, he can't open that door! We were foolish to even try it!"
The Rocket grunts looked at one another before rushing Shade only for him to turn around and reveal the sentient black blob that resided beneath his robe. The blob leaped forth and bounced from Rocket grunt to Rocket grunt, slowly turning each of them to stone at a simple touch! Courtney let out a terrified cry, casting Shade a glance before making an attempt to save her own life but the blob took a long leap and hit her right before she could reach the ruin's exit and the safety of the sun light!
"You knew my secret, can't let anyone know." He smirked, throwing forth Regirock, Registeel and Regice from their containment as the wall containing the art proceeded to shatter before several red eyes lit up the room in a bright light followed by an incomprehensible cry!
"Regigigas my old friend, it's time to spread a little chaos!"
Zach, May and Dawn sat at the dining room table the following morning, the three having spent the night in May's bedroom rather than fly back to Lavaridge Town in the dark with May sitting much closer to Zach than she normally would, a goofy expression present upon her face while Zach nervously avoided eye contact with her parents. The five were quietly eating breakfast when they were interrupted by a car flying directly through the wall!
"Ah!" They quickly leaped from their seats and looked towards the window only to find that there wasn't a driver.
"W-Where did that come from..?" Caroline questioned while edging closer to Norman as a nervous expression formed across her face.
"I'm not sure, I-" Norman went silent as loud screams could be heard through the large hole.
"Something's going on out there," Zach rushed towards the door and paused a short distance out the doorway.
Panic had stricken the streets as Regigigas slowly maneuvered through the city though his destruction was far less from minimal. He left giant footprints in the roads with each step and he fired off several Hyper Beams that crashed into buildings and either set them ablaze, alright destroyed some, or in some lucky cases only caused minimal damage! The Pokemon also lifted up cars, trees, and various other heavy objects that it could find and hurled them after fleeing civilians! Regice, Regirock, and Registeel were also there, looking to be under the Pokemon's spell as they too fired off various attacks at the civilians!
"What on earth is that?!" May gasped.
"Regigigas, I've met some before. It put up quite a fight but I managed to beat it!"
"Where's Team Rocket? I thought they were aiming to unleash the beast?" May glanced around but only the giant titan and his golem followers were present, quite odd behavior as cutting and running wasn't Team Rocket's usual tactic, usually there was at least one egomaniac standing around to preach about how great they or their boss was.
"I'm not sure but it doesn't matter, right now we've got to focus on putting an end to the rampage. Let's go, Lucario!"
"Carrr!"
"Hold up, you're not fighting them alone!" May grabbed at Zach's jacket.
"Yeah, I'm not losing you again!" Dawn added.
"Maybe we can be of assistance?" Norman spoke up as he appeared alongside May and Zach. "I'm not going to stand around while my town is destroyed and if you all attack the other Regi then I can focus on Regigigas!"
"Alright then I'll take Regice, it's practically my Pokemon and I promised to rescue it!" Zach spoke up.
"Hold up, your strongest Pokemon is a Fighting type that also has a Ground attack! You should take Regirock," Dawn suggested while turning towards May. "You and Blaziken can take Regice while I'll handle Registeel!" Zach didn't seem fond of the idea but the nodded alongside May.
"That leaves us with Regigias," Norman turned towards Kangaskhan. "Alright everyone, you have your targets now stick to them and we can get out of this mess!" The others nodded their heads and took off to break the smaller Regi away from Regigigas, Lucario rushed in and smashed Regirock's body with a Bone Rush causing it to go flying off before he and his trainer gave chase. May's Mega Lopunny unleashed a series of fiery kicks upon Registreel while May's Mega Blaziken delivered a fiery kick that sent Regice flying, creating an opening for Norman as the other Regi were separated from Regigigas allowing them to focus on it without worrying about it's allies.
"Bone Rush!"
"Carrr!" A very tired looking Lucario smashed Regirock with his bone club for yet another time, his breath grew heavy before the two Pokemon collapsed simultaneously!
Zach quickly threw an Ultra Ball as he and Cinderace went to check on their partner while Regirock disappeared in a beam of red light as he was absorbed into the Ultra Ball which promptly began shaking back and forth before signaling the familiar chime.
"Regirock the Rock Peak Pokemon, Regirock's body is composed entirely of rocks. Recently, a study made the startling discovery that the rocks were all unearthed from different locations." The Arc Phone read out while Regirock's ball transported itself to Sonia's lab.
"G-Good... c-come on Cinderace, let's see if May or Dawn needs help!"
"Ace!"
They turned only to see both Registeel and Regice collapse simultaneously while Mega Blaziken and Lopunny stood victoriously while not appearing as worn out as Lucario.
"I-I've really got to get a Mega..." Zach sighed out. May and Dawn saw Zach glance at his Arc Phone and quickly copied his idea by grabbing an Ultra Ball of their own. The two titans disappeared in a beam of light as the Pokeballs hit the ground and began shaking before eventually chiming to announce the capture!
A shadowy aura flared around Regigigas' as his body began changing to a dark purple color, all six of his eyes flashed a violent shade of red while the bushes that surrounded his feet caught ablaze. "Regigigas!"
"What the-?!" Norman gasped out at the sight of the Shadow Pokemon, never having seen one before. The Shadow Regigigas lunged forward, slamming it's fist down against Mega Kangaskhan causing the Mega to cry out as it reverted back to it's standard form.
"Dad!" May screamed out as Regigigas began charging up a Hyper Beam, it appeared that it's Shadow form not only made it stronger than normal but faster as well!
"Garchomp, save Norman!" Zach shouted while hurling Garchomp's ball forward.
"GARRRR!" Garchomp shot forward and shielded Norman's body from the blast while Zach and Cinderace rushed forward. "Flame Charge!"
"Ace ace!" Flames engulfed Cinderace's body as she shot across the field before tossing her fiery body at her target.
Regigigas uttered out a grunt along with a bunch of computerized sounds before slamming a glowing fist against Cinderace.
"Ace!" Cinderace grunted out as a large bump formed atop her head.
"Electro Ball!" Zach shouted out.
"Ace!" Cinderace kicked an electrified energy ball towards Regigigas who cried out as the electricity flowed through his body.
The titan uttered out more incomprehensible noises before firing off a Hyper Beam which knocked Cinderace right off her feet.
"Ace..." Cinderace grunted.
"Car!" Lucario rushed towards Cinderace, helping her back to her feet while shooting a glance back towards Zach. "Carr..."
"You sure you can do this? Regirock exhausted you."
"Car!" Lucario swiftly nodded while taking a combat stance.
"Alright then. Lucario, Cinderace use Pyro Sphere!"
"Carrr!"
"Ace!" Lucario fired off an Aura Sphere while Cinderace followed up with a Pyro Ball which she sent flying directly into the Aura Sphere. The two attacks combined into a fiery sphere of aura which flew towards Shadow Regigigas before engulfing him in a fiery explosion. Computerized grunts could be heard as a golden glow surrounded the Pokemon.
"It's not transforming again is it?" Norman asked with a hint of frustration.
"No that's just what a Shadow Pokemon does when it's beaten, they purify and revert back to their standard form." Zach explained while enlarging an Ultra Ball. "I have no idea where Team Rocket got to but we've got to make sure they don't get their hands on him again." He didn't intend on keeping Regirock and Regigigas, he'd let them go as soon as he found a safe place for them to reside but until that moment arrived they'd stay at Sonia's lab. The Ultra Ball opened up and absorbed Regigigas before landing on the ground, the ball gently shook back and forth before chiming out to mark the capture a success.
"Alright!" Zach, May and Dawn cheered while sharing a hug.
"Regigigas the Colossal Pokemon, all over the world there are legends that tell of Regigigas creating other Pokemon in its own image."
"All over the world, eh? I wonder if there's other Regi out there." Zach couldn't help but wonder.
Shade sat atop Metagross who was levitating high above Petalburg City.
"I can't believe it, those blasted Regi failed!" Shade slammed his fist against Metagross while using his psychic connection to see through Metagross' eyes. "I can't believe that they lost so easily, I-Hold up..." Shade went silent as his eyes narrowed to slits. "Fly us lower..."
"Gross..." Metagross lowered their position but they were still above Petalburg's skyscrapers, outside of view and Lucario's detection range.
"I know that kid... I know him..." Shade muttered while stroking his chin for a moment before pure hatred filled his eyes as he recalled who it was. "It's him! That's the kid who messed with master's plans and destroyed your ability to transform into Shadow Metagross! I have no idea how that pure hearted do gooder is still alive but he won't be for long, I'm going to-"
The shadowy blob bounced within his robe causing Shade to go silent. "You're right, I can't let my emotions get the best of me. His time will come..." Shade gave Metagross' head a light tap. "Come my friend, we must accelerate our plan and awaken the ancient beasts!"
Considering that he already beat a Regigigas in the Hisui arc, I didn't think it was necessary to drag on the fight. Norman already weakened it and Cinderace and Lucario are stronger than the Hisui team were when Zach beat one. I didn't want to make the battle feel like a rerun, especially when there's a trained Regigigas that Ash'll be fighting against in a future match.
Next up, Phoebe's debut! :)