It was a long harsh battle moving through the Island. But Michael was almost at his destination. He was at the top of the mountain where a large sphere-shaped structure stood at the other end of a bridge.
"They've gotta be in there. Hong on Wes. I'll save her.
Just as he rushed forward an elevator to his left opened. He looked to see a familiar man approach.
"Snattle?!"
"Mufwofwo! So, we meet again."
"Still working for Cipher after I trashed your little plan and Phenac?"
"My plan was perfect. The only problems were the utterly useless Lovrina and Gorigan, and…you. You spoiled the brilliant plan I had devised for Phenac city. And thanks to that terrible hard-nosed woman, I suffered the humiliation of having my worst moment broadcasted all over Orre."
"Yeah, me too. She could have at least let me fix up my hair first." Michale joked.
"Hmph. Former Master Wes, didn't seem too angry, but Master Greevil seems to have less tolerance for failure. To gain his forgiveness, and for me to assume my rightful position as the Governor of Orre, I must defeat you."
Michael brought out two Pokeballs. "Well, bring it on! I've made it this far! There's no way I'm gonna be stopped by you of all people!"
"This time, I won't be shy about revealing to you the full extend of my power."
Eldes stood by his master's sides. Ardos returned with two Cipher Peons with him. "Grandmaster. He is close. I will confront him myself."
"Very well. And you brought her just to be sure?"
In between the two Peon's was Rui. Her hands were tied behind her back. The tape over her mouth was still gone, but she didn't speak. Her face was stained with tears.
"Of course. Though it won't be necessary. No boy can best me."
"Gotcha!"
The Netball holding Starmie bounced into Michael's hand.
Snattle fell to his knees. "My plan! It was supposed to be perfect!"
"Hardly. Honestly, if you were that good at planning, how'd you wind up in Cipher to begi-
"Urggggh! My plan! My perfect plan! Master Greevil, forgive me!"
With that he ran of in the direction Michael came from.
"Weird guy."
"He is rather foolish, isn't he? Why Wes hired him is beyond me."
Michael saw Ardos standing on the other end of the bridge. "It's been a while, boy. Do you remember me?"
"You saved me and my sister at Gateon Port."
The man laughed as he walked across the bridge. "There's no need for thanks. I was merely punishing a fool that used a Shadow Pokemon in public. At that time, we didn't want the world to know what we, Cipher, were planning."
"The way you took that Shadow Pokemon down in one hit…" Michael said as he approached. "I was amazed."
"Back then, I thought you were just an ordinary child…" Both stopped halfway across the bridge. The wind howled into the air. "Little did I suspect that you would become Cipher's biggest and most damaging threat. I though once we gained control of Wes, we'd be clear of anyone that could stop us."
"Why did you blackmail Wes? He and Rui were just minding their own business!"
"Hmph. I would laugh at the question and say I just explained that. To make sure he was out of our way. But truth be told, that is not the only reason. Didn't the Grandmaster himself tell you? Heroes represent hope. And hope is a contagious disease. Once people see hope they all think they can do the impossible. Such as stopping us. So, we turned Wes from an disease to an asset."
"And then you just blew him away when you were done?! Do you have any idea how cruel that is?!"
"Cruel, perhaps. But necessary. Cipher only needs one true leader. And now, Orre is without it's hope."
"You're wrong. Like you said…Heroes represent hope. So as long as I'm standing, there's hope! I'll defeat you and the rest of Cipher! I promised Wes that I would finish what he started!"
Ardos scoffed. "That's enough talk. You have the skills and wherewithal to reach Citadark Island. Let me see your abilities in full glory!"
"You got it. To be honest I was looking forward to this ever since I saw you in action."
Both trainers threw their Pokeballs.
"Jolteon! Ursaring!"
"Alakazam! Swellow!"
As the Pokemon came out Michael's Aura Reeder booted up. The Swellow had a dark aura.
"Heh. Busting out the Shadow Pokemon right off the bat, huh?"
"I know better then to underestimate you boy. I plan to strike you down with everything I've got!"
"Bring it on! Ursaring, Feint attack on Alakazam!"
The bear thrusted its right arm at Alakazam. But as the opponent braced itself, Ursaring switched to its left arm smacking it in the face.
"Jolteon, Thunder!"
The electric type shot a bolt of lightning at the Swellow weakening it.
"Swellow, Shadow Break! Alakazam, Psychic!"
The bird Pokemon rammed its head into Ursaring. Alakazam's spoons bended as a pink swirl engulfed Jolteon.
Michael loaded a Ultraball into his Snag Machine and threw it.
"Go, Snag ball!"
The Pokeboll opened up abd a hand snatched Swellow. It vibrated one. Then twice.
The it broke free.
"Shoot!"
"You'll have to do better than that, boy."
"In that case…I will! Ursaring, Slash on Swellow!"
The bear swiped its claws into the Swellow.
"Alakazam, Fire Punch!"
The Psychic type's fist was engulfed with flame as it punched Ursaring.
"Swellow, Shadow Sky!"
The Shadow Pokemon shot a purple light into the sky. It turned into a dark cloud showering the nearby area with purple rain. Joteon, Ursaring, and Alakazam, started to show sighs of weakening.
"Are you nuts?! That affect's your Alakazam too!"
"That may be. But I have a Pokemon that isn't affected. Both of yours are."
"You people are monsters."
Ardos laughed. "Are we? Did you not just try to steal my Shadow Pokemon? Haven't you already stolen plenty from us?"
"I stole those Pokemon, because if they were suffering and being used to hurt others. It's not just about the trainer. Pokemon are living beings too. I'm doing what's best for them."
"What foolishness."
Michael loaded another Ultraball. "Let's see how "foolish" it looks once I've set your Swellow free! Jolteon, Bite!"
Jolteon ran up and bit Alakazam in the arm.
"Go! Snag Ball!"
Michael threw another Ultraball at the flying-normal type. After it was snatched it vibrated once. Then twice. Then a third time.
Click
"Gotcha!"
"Curses." Ardos growled as he returned his defeated Alakazam. He then took two new Pokeballs. "Hercaross! Electrabuzz!"
Michael's Aura Reader activated. Electrabuzz had a black aura.
"Another one, huh? Ursaring, Jolteon, return!"
Michael returned his Pokemon to their Pokeballs. "Now go, Ninetales! Gardevior!"
The psychic and fire type Pokemon were sent out.
"Hercaross, Megahorn!"
The bug fighting type rammed its horn into Gardevior's torso. It hunched over in pain.
"Ninetales, Flamethrower!"
The fox Pokemon shot a burst of fire at Hercaross. It jumped back as the blaze hit it.
"Gardevior, Psychic!"
The weakened Pokemon looked up with it's eyes glowing pink. A bright swirl ingulfed it. Hercaross fainted.
Ardos returned it to it's Pokeball. "Kingdra!"
His water Dragon type was next.
"Electrabuzz, Shadow Half!"
The electric type shot purple lights into the sky. They then rained down on all of them, cutting their health in half.
"You don't care how much your Pokemon suffer, do you?" Michael asked.
"Why should I? They are my soldiers. As long as I obtain victory nothing else matters. Kingdra! Hydro Pump!"
The dragon shot a powerful stream of water at Ninetales. The fire type fainted.
"Ninetales!"
"You think you can defeat Cipher all by yourself? How naïve."
Michael returned his Pokemon. "Not by myself. With my partners! Go, Jolteon!"
Michael sent out his starter.
"Thunderbolt!"
It sent out a flash of electricity. The Kingdra was knocked down from the hit.
Michael then inserted a Timerball.
"Go, Snagball!"
The white Pokeball opened. A clock image popped out as it snatched up the Shadow Electrabuzz. It vibrated once. Twice. Three times.
Click.
"Gotcha!"
"Grrr! Don't get cocky yet boy!" Ardos growled. "Snorlax!"
He sent out his last Pokemon. Michael's Aura Reeder responded. "A third Shadow Pokemon, huh? The Purify Chamber's gonna be full after this one!"
"Don't get your hopes up. Shadow End!"
The Snorlax got up and rammed it's arm into, Gardivior. The psychic type was sent flipping into the air. It hit the ground with a laud smash and lost consciousness.
"Gardivior!"
"You are a strong one boy. But you will never get past me."
"Don't be so sure! Ledian!"
Nett and the others were still waiting at the peer. Hoping their friend will return.
"I hope he's alright." Megg whimpered. "I don't think I can take losing another friend."
Nett hugged her sister. "He'll be okay."
Silva clenched his fist. "I feel so helpless…"
"After everything Wes did to save us…" Secc growled. "It's not fair…"
Dunking looked down and sighed.
A bird's cry filled everyone's ears. Everyone looked up to see a majestic, red flying Pokemon sore overhead.
"Whoa! What is that?!" Perr asked.
Everyone watched it fly into the distance.
"Dunking…is that what I think it is?!" Silva asked.
"I think it is…Ho-oh! A legendary Pokemon!"
"Wait…Ho-oh?" Bitt asked. "The one from five years ago?"
"Think it's the very same one?" Dunking asked.
"I think it is." Sherles said in awe. "It looks like it's heading for Citadark!"
"Does it know Cipher is there?" Secc asked. "Maybe it wants to help!"
"Heh. Better late than never." Perr faintly chuckled.
Both of Michael's Pokemon were painting.
Ardos smirked to himself. "And so, it ends, boy. My weapons were simply superior to yours."
Michael clutched his fists. "Weapons…?"
"That's right. All in this world are meant to belong to us. To be controlled by us…just like the "hero" Wes."
Michael gritted his teeth. "You think everyone is just some tool for you, don't you?"
"Hmm?"
Michael looked back up at him with fierce rage in his eyes. "If you weren't so selfish…Wes would still be here…and now because of you he's gone! Eagun…Nett…Bitt…Secc…Megg…Marcia…Perr…Dunking…Silva…Rui…Jolteon! …They'll never see him again because of your ego!"
Michael's Jolteon growled in anger. Ardos showed a hint of surprise at Michael's sudden rage.
"Ardos! For what you and Greevil did to their friend-my friend…I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!"
The sudden burst of wrath, nearly startled him.
"Ledian! Attack Snorlax!" The ladybug Pokeon flew overhead. "BRICK BREAK!"
It swooped down and gave Snorlax a hand chop.
"Go, Jolteon! Wipe out his Kingdra! Thunder!"
A blast of electricity from Jolteon knocked out Ardos's Kingdra.
Michael loaded a Ultraball. "You took our friend from us…Now I'm taking something of yours! Go! Snagball!"
He threw the Pokeball, and it opened up and snatched the Snorlax. Three vibrates and it clicked.
Ardos fell to his knees. "This is trouble…If something's not done…"
"That was for Wes!" Michael yelled. "Now where's Greevil?!"
Ardos growled to himself. How could some child he had to protect from a fool like Zook, get the best of him? "I realize now that I should have crushed you much earlier." He said rising back up. "But boy, don't think this is over. I won't abandon my dreams! Loth as I am to admit it, I have no other choice…"
He snapped his fingers. The doors to he dome behind him opened up. The two Peons with Rui came up. The girl looked down as she was lead forward.
They stopped when they were just behind Ardos. Michael's angry expression shifted to shock. "Rui?"
"Yes, that's her. The poor thing hadn't said much since your "friend's" demise."
The girl weakly looked up at him.
"Now call off your Pokemon." Ardos ordered. "And hand over the Snag Machine, or my men throw her off this bridge."
Michael growled. "You coward!"
"Don't do it!" Rui yelled. "He'll never-MPH!"
One of the peon's put their hand over her mouth, silencing her.
"What will it be boy?" Ardos asked.
"You promised Wes you'd let her go when he blew up the factory. How do I know you're not lying again?"
"I suppose you don't." the man smirked.
There was a moment of silence at first.
Michael finally sighed and returned his Pokemon to their Pokeballs. He then took the Snag Machine off his arm.
"A wise choice." Ardos said with a nod.
Rui started screaming into the hand gagging her.
"Sorry, Rui." Michael said. "I made Wes a promise that I'd save you. And I'll keep it no matter what."
The girl went silent.
"Now, slide it over." Ardos ordered. "Then leave here and never return. Otherwise I'll-
"AH!"
He turned around as Rui bit the hand over her mouth. Then she kicked the other guard in the shin. She slowly backed against the edge of the railing.
"What are you idiots doing?! Get her!"
Rui watched the Peons carefully as they surrounded her. Michael started running towards her.
"Michael…" He stopped in front of Ardos as he heard Rui speak. "Your name is Michael, right?"
"Yeah."
"Wes...Is he…is he really…"
Michael held his head down in shame. "I'm sorry…I couldn't save him…"
Rui went silent again before she continued. "Did…did he say anything before he…"
Michael went silent before answering. "He said that if it weren't for all of his friends…he would never have been the man he was…"
A few more tears came down Rui's eyes. "I see…" She leaned up against the railing. "Michael…please stop Greevil…Save Orre. Save the Shadow Pokemon. You're the only one who can."
Michael's eyes widened. "What are you-
"I've waited so long…every day I prayed for the day he would come to my rescue…just like when we first met…But he's not coming…so maybe…I need to go to him…Goodbye Michael. Tell everyone that I'll never forget them."
The boy shoved past Ardos and ran towards Rui. "DON'T DO IT!"
"Grab her!" Ardos ordered.
The peons rushed to stop Rui. But just before they could reach her, she put all her weight against the railing and fell over it.
Michael's arm was reaching out in vain. "NOOOOO!"
Rui looked up as the bridge became smaller. It was if everything was in slow motion. "Wes…you must be so lonely…Don't worry, I'm…coming to you." She smiled and closed her eyes. Tears came out again. "We'll be together…forever…"
She waited. Waited for the impact. Waited for it to end.
Then she felt something. It wasn't as hard as she expected. It didn't even hurt. She wasn't falling anymore. Was she…flying? She weakly opened her eyes. She saw her legs. There was an arm wrapped under them. Another arm was wrapped around her back.
"*sigh* The things I do for you…"
Her eyes widened as she heard a familiar voice. She looked up at the man who caught her.
Back on the bridge, Michael fell to his knees and slumped against the rail "No…I failed…again…Wes…Everyone…I'm so sorry…"
Ardos growled as he approached. "This changes nothing boy. Hand over the Snag Machine, now."
The two Peons slowly approached him.
"I won't let that happen."
Michael spun around as a large bird rose from the other side of the bridge. It let out a roar as it shot flames from it's mouth. The two Peons, immodestly ran off.
Ardos was in shock. "Impossible…is that…a Ho-oh!?"
Michael looked up at the man standing on it. He held Rui in his arms.
"No way…"
The man smiled. "Sorry for making you do most of the work, Michael."
Rui still looked at her savior with teary eyes.
"Wes?"
Come on, you guys didn't think I'd really kill off Wes of all people did you? Yeah, I'll admit this came off edgier then what I had in mind, but still.
