Wes gently set Rui into a kneeling position, not turning his eyes from Shadow Lugia. The Pokemon roared as it looked down at him.

"Lugia is a legendary Pokemon." Greevil smirked. "And as the ultimate Shadow Pokemon, it has become even more powerful."

"That may be…but you're not the only one with legendary Pokemon." Wes stood up and held up a Pokeball. "Ho-oh!" The Pokeball opened and the rainbow Pokemon roared. It and Lugia stared at each other.

"Ah." Greevil grinned. "The counterpart to my legendary. But like I said, mine is modified to be superior. You stand no chance."

"We'll see. Attack!"

Ho-oh roared as it charged at Lugia with it's talons. It rammed them into' it's chest before Lugia batted Ho-oh aside with it's right wing.

"Shadow Mist!"

On Greevil's orders Shadow Lugia emitted a purple smoke filling the room, disappearing in the fog.

"Wh-what's going on?!" Rui asked. "I can't see it!"

Wes knelled down to Rui. She was shaking. Tears dropped from her eyes. He'd never seen her like this before. He gently embraced her while looking around. "Don't worry. I'll protect you."

Greevil's laughter filled the room. "Well isn't that precious. Then who will protect you boy?!"

At the sound Of Lugia's cry, Wes looked behind him to see the shadow Pokemon lifting its foot, ready to crush them. Rui screamed as Wes held her closer, hoping to somehow shield her.

Ho-oh, roared as it rammed into Shadow Lugia from the right, smashing it into a wall.

"Ho-oh!"

As it backed away, the Shadow Mist faded, leaving the collapsed Pokemon against the ruble, Wes stood up and loaded a Ultraball into the Snag Machine.

"Go, Snagball!" Wes, threw the Pokeball. It flew towards Lugia.

Greevil smirked. "Fool."

Lugia roared. The soundwaves ripped the Ultraball into pieces before it could even open.

"What?!"

"Did you really think the ultimate Shadow Pokemon could be caught so easily?"

"Tch. No other choice but to defeat it, then. Ho-oh! Fire Blast!"

The legendary shot a star shaped flame at Lugia. But the Pokemon blocked it with it's wings. It got up and charged at Ho-oh, who backed away to Wes's side.

"Shadow Blast!"

"Sacred Fire!"

A purple light formed in Lugia's mouth. A shining flame in Ho-oh's.

Both unleashed their mightiest attacks at each other.


"Go! Snagball!"

Michael threw a Timerball at Salamance. Three vibrations and it clicked.

"Gotcha!"

Eldes sighed to himself. "We lost. Totally…"

Michael picked up the Timerball. "I'm going after Greevil. After that…it'll all be over."

"You are powerful. Much more than I had imagined." Eldes admitted. "If you aim to stop our plan, then you should keep going. However, the Grand Master's power is probably far greater than you can imagine. I doubt you will beat the man…"

He walked past Michael and out of the room.

"He's so different from Ardos…yet they're both so loyal to Greevil…what's the deal?"

Suddenly the whole dome started shaking.

"Whoaaa!" Michael fell over. "Wh-what's happening?! Is it coming from the upper floor? Oh, no…Wes! Rui!"


As the Shadow Blast and Sacred Fire collided, the whole room shook. Purple flames sprayed everywhere from the collision. Greevil, smirked, not seeming to care that some of the flares landed dangerously close to him. As one fell towards Rui, Wes tackled her out of the way.

Soon both attacks exploded in a bright blast.

When Lugia, looked up, Ho-oh, rammed its talons into it, pushing the Shadow Pokemon to the ground. It then shot more flames from it's mouth, at Shadow Lugia's face. The Pokemon roared in pain before, batting Ho-oh from behind with it's tail. The fire flying legendary was flung out the hole Lugia entered in.

"Shadow Storm!"

Lugia got up and turned around as Ho-oh recovered. It threw it's wings forward forming a purple tornado. The attack, flung Ho-oh backwards, further.

"Finish it! Shadow Blast!"

As Ho-oh saw Lugia charging another attack it roared and flew straight towards it. Another Sacred Fire charging in it's mouth.

"WAIT!"

Despite Wes's warning, Ho-oh kept flying. Soon it a Lugia were inches from each other.

BOOOOM

In a bright blast, their attacks were fired. Wes and Rui were flung back. Greevil grunted as the shock wave passed. Dust had filled the dome. Wes grunted as he got up. Rui was still in his arms. "Rui…Are you okay?"

"I think so…"

Ho-oh was flung overhead and slammed into the wall, before dropping to the ground.

"Ho-oh!"

Wes ran up to it, as it tried to get up. But it collapsed onto the floor. As the dust cleared, Lugia, got up. It was clearly weakened from the attack, but it turned to Wes's direction.

"Hohohoho! Impressive! You managed to wear down XD001!" Greevil laughed. "I expected as much from Orre's hero and a legendary Pokemon. But alas, nothing can defeat the ultimate Shadow Pokemon!"

Wes growled before he turned back to Ho-oh and returned it to it's Pokeball.

"So, what now, Wes? What other Pokemon do you have to fall pry to Shadow Lugia?"

Wes put the Pokeball away. "None. I have no other Pokemon that stand a chance against that thing. I won't hurt them in a loosing battle."

Rui looked at Wes in shock. Was he truly giving up? "Wes?!"

Greevil laughed. "How blunt. But also, true. You had no hope to begin with. Lugia!"

The shadow Pokemon inched towards Wes. He held Rui close as they slowly backed away. Soon they were against the wall as Lugia got closer.

"Now to finish what we attempted to do with you." Greevil grinned. "Cipher needs only one true master: ME!"

"Wes, we have to do something!" Rui said with pleading eyes. "Are you truly…giving up? After all we've done?"

Wes threw a Pokeball into the shoulder pad of the Snag Machine. "Give up? Why? We've already won." The Pokeball appeared in his hand. "Go! Snagball!"

He threw it at Shadow Lugia. But the Pokemon batted it away with it's wing. It hit the ground hard in pieces.

Greevil laughed at the attempt. "Was that your best attempt at a snag?"

"No." Wes grinned. "That was a distraction."

"What?"

"Go! Snagball!"

Everyone turned to the elevator where Michael stood. He threw the Masterball he received from Krane. As Lugia turned it's head it opened up and a hand snatched up Lugia, pulling it into the ball. It closed and hit the ground.

"What?! No! Lugia, break free!" Greevil ordered.

The Masterball vibrated.

"It can't!" Michael grinned. "That's a Masterball! It has a 100% catch rate! Curtesy of one Professor Krane!"

It vibrated again.

"I heard him coming up the elevator." Wes smirked. "I just needed to get your attention long enough to let him get his Snag Machine ready."

Three vibrations.

Click

"Gotcha!"

Greevil slammed his fist against the arm of his chair. "Lugia!"

Michael picked up the Masterball and ran over to Wes and Rui. "Are you guys alright?"

"Yeah." Wes smirked. "But next time try not to keep us hanging."

"Heh, heh…sorry."

"B…better late than never." Rui smiled, faintly, still recovering from shock. "But was this really your plan from the beginning Wes? You could have told me…"

"More like my contingency plan. When I was initiating Protocol Citadark, I was already prepared to leave everything in Michael's hands. I know how capable he is."

"Thanks…" Michael smiled. "Really I'm honored with all the faith you have in me…"

"That's what friends are for, right?"

"RAAAAAAAAAH!"

Everyone turned to Greevin who jumped out of his chair and threw his cane aside. "How dare you, child! How dare you snag my Shadow Lugia! My one loyal subject! There's nothing left! But I will personally see to the total destruction of your Pokemon!" He took out three Pokeballs. "Fall!"

He threw them and a Ryhdon, a Tauros and a Exeggutor appeared.

Michael booted up his Aura Reader. He and Rui gasped.

"Which ones are Shadow Pokemon?" Wes asked.

"Uh, Wes?" Michael stuttered.

"Yeah?"

"All of them…" Rui said. "They're all Shadow Pokemon…"

"Surprised?" Greevil asked. "Did you really think I would not have secretly made Shadow Pokemon without you noticing, in case you turned on me, Wes?"

"Kid, got any more of those Masterballs?" Wes asked.

"That was my only one…" Michael replied. "And besides Jolteon, all my Pokemon are whipped out…I guess we do this the hard way…"

"Or not." Wes said tossing an Ultra ball over to Michael. He then passed another to Rui.

Both of them looked inside the Pokeballs.

"Wes…is this what I think it is?!"

"Ho-oh's not the only legendary I met. You two ready?"

"Wes, I'm not a trainer…" Rui said.

"Anyone can be a Trainer." Wes said. "Besides, you have abilities of you own, and I'm not just talking about how you can see Shadow Pokemon. You can connect to Pokemon faster than anyone I've ever met. Umbreon and Espeon, normally ignore anyone other than me…but you…they trusted you right away."

"Wes…"

"Same goes to you, Michael." Wes added. "That Pokemon will trust you. Just like I do."

"Wes…"

"Oh, how touching." Greevil scoffed. "Now are you going to fight? Or stand there and wait for the end?"

Wes threw an Ultra Ball. Then, Rui. Then Michael.

"Entei!"

"Suicune!"

"Raikou!"

The three legendary beasts emerged and roared.

"What's this?" Greevil asked. "More legendary Pokemon? I look forward to claiming them for myself."

"We'll just see about that." Wes said. "Entei, Flamethrower!"

On Wes's command the fire type shot a blast of flame at the Exeggutor.

"Tauros! Shadow Rush!"

The bull Pokemon charged into Suicune, making it stumble.

"Raikou, Thunderbolt on Tauros!"

The electric type roared as loud crackling filled the air.

"Michael, wait!"

Before Raikou could hear Wes, it shot a bolt of lightning at Tauros. But suddenly it bended and was now heading towards, Rhydon. It was absorbed into the horn on it's head.

"What the-

"My Rhydon, has the Lightning rod ability." Greevil smirked. "All electric attacks are redirected at him."

"Dang it! We need it get it off the field, now!"

"I'm on it!" Rui said. "Here goes. Suicune, Surf!"

The water type cried out as a massive wave rose from behind it. All of Greevil's Pokemon were hit by the torrent. Rhdyon took the most damage.

"Tch! Exeggutor! Shadow Storm!"

Greevil's grass-psychic type stood up and screeched into the sky. A purple tornado appeared in the center of the stadium and blew through the legendries. Wes, Rui and Michael braced themselves as the harsh winds blew near them.

"Rhydon, Shadow End!"

The rock-ground type charged at Entei with it's horn. Still recovering from the Shadow Storm, it was knocked over.

Wes put a Ultraball into his Snag Machine.

"Go, Snagball!"

The Pokeball hit Rhydon while it was open and snatched it up inside.

Three vibrations and it clicked.

"One down."

"Nice." Michael grinned. "Without that Lightning Rod, Tauros is open. Raikou, tame that bull! Thunderbolt!"

The Electric type shot another bolt. This time it hit Tauros, sending it hurling across the room.

"Exeggutorr, Shadow Hold!"

Purple chains rose from where Exeggutor stood. They swooped at Raikou and tied its legs down.

"Tauros! Shadow Rush!"

The normal type got back up and roared as it charged towards Raikou. It smashed its head into it, ramming it backwards.

"Suicune, Ice Beam!"

The Pokemon under Rui's command shot a blast of Ice at Tauros's legs, freezing it in place.

Wes inserted another Ultra Ball. "Go! Snagball!"

The Ultra Ball snatched up Tauros. One vibration. Two. Three.

At the last second it burst open, freeing Tauros.

"Gah!"

"You'll have to do better than that." Greevil smirked.

"Go, Snagball!"

"What?!"

Michael threw another Ultraball, snatching Tauros. One vibration. Two. Three.

Click

"Gotcha!"

Wes looked at Michael who gave him a thumbs up. Wes gave a smirk in turn.

"Cursed brats!" Greevil growled. "Shadow Storm!"

Exegutor roared as another tornado came at the legendary Pokemon.

Greevil laughed as it came at them. "Destroy them! Them and their pathetic Pokemon!"

Suddenly a Ultraball flew out of the storm and Snatched Exegutor.

"What?!"

It vibrated three times and clicked. As the storm cleared, it bounced back into Michael's hand. "Strike three!"

"It's over, Greevil." Wes said.

"Not yet…I SAY WHEN IT'S OVER!"

He then threw three more Pokeballs. This time Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno came out.

"Are those…Legendry Pokemon?!" Michael asked as his Aura Reeder activated. "And they're all Shadow Pokemon!"

"Ha, ha, ha! I guess you weren't expecting that were you? This is where it ends!"

The three legendary birds roared.

"Shadow Bolt! Shadow Fire! Shadow Chill!"

Purple lights formed in their beaks.

"Entei, Fire Blast!"

"Suicune, Hydro Pump!"

"Raikou, Thunder!"

All six legendary Pokemon unleashed their most powerful attacks. As they collided, sparks, flames and snowflakes flew around the room.

But Suicune's Hydro Pump started to freeze. Moltres's Shadow Fire pierced through the Fire blast. Raikou's Thunder was pushed back. In a bright blast the Legendary beasts were hit, and they collapsed to the floor.

"Entei!"

"Suicune!"

"Raikou!"

Greevil laughed triumphantly. "As I said, even if you posses legendary Pokemon of your own, none can compare to a Shadow Pokemon."

Wes, Rui and Michael returned their Pokemon.

"Not yet…" Michael said reaching for his last Pokemon. "It's not over yet."

Wes took another Pokeball and extended it to Rui. The girl slowly took it and looked.

"Wes! This is…!"

"In Suicune trusted you, then he will to."

"But he means so much to you!"

"And that's why I wouldn't trust him with anyone else."

"Wes…alright."

Michael threw a Pokeball. Then Wes. Then Rui.

"Jolteon!"

"Umbreon!"

"Espeon!"

Three forms of Eevee appeared.

"Ha! This is the best you can offer?!" Greevil laughed. "Your legendary Pokemon couldn't defeat me! What makes you think inferior Pokemon can?!"

"They're not inferior!" Michael said. "Jolteon and I have been in this together from the very start. We fought, laughed, cried, and learned together…And together we took down any opponent that stood in our way! We forged a bond stronger than any modification you could have made to any Pokemon!"

"Well said." Wes nodded. "You shut off a Pokemon's heart. But the heart is their greatest strength. It's what connects it to it's trainer. Without that bond your Shadow Pokemon are just that. Shadows of the great beings they once were."

"Don't make laugh! My Shadow Pokemon plan is perfect! And I'll prove it by whipping your pets from existence!"

"We will stop you." Rui said. "We won't give up after coming this far!"

"Articuno! Shadow Sky!"

The ice-flying type shot a purple light into the sky. It exploded, making it rain purple droplets, weakening Jolteon, Umbreon and Espeon.

"Espeon, Psychic!"

The psychic type stared at Articuno. A purple swirl ingulfed it.

"Zapdos, Shadow Bolt!"

The electric type shot a bolt of lightning at Espeon.

"Jolteon! Use your Volt Absorb!"

Michael's Pokemon leapt in between Espeon and took the hit. It yelped in pain as it was sent hurling across the floor and smacked into Espeon, bringing them to the ground.

"Jolteon!"

"Foolish child! Did you really think that simple ability could absorb one of the strongest shadow type moves in existence?!"

"Umbreon, Bite!"

Wes's Pokemon leapt into the air and bite down on Zapdos's wing. It cried out in pain before it shook Umbreon of with a flap of it's wings. The dark type bounced against the floor.

"Moltress, Shadow Rush!"

The fire type charged at Umbreon, cloaked in a dark aura.

"Jolteon, Thunder!"

A few seconds away from impact, Jolteon shot a lightning bolt into' Moltres from the left, sending it, flying into a wall.

"What?!"

All three Eevee evolutions got to their feet.

"It's time to end this." Wes said.

Michael nodded as he stood in between Wes and Rui. "This is the power of the ties between us and out Pokemon!"

The three of them called out at the same time.

"RETURN!"

Jolteon charged towards Zapdos. Umbreon at Moltres. Espeon at Articuno. They collided into the enemy Pokemon knocking them to the floor.

"NO!" Greevil yelled.

Wes turned to his friends. "Michael! Rui!"

They both nodded as Michael put a Ultraball into the Snag Machine. Rui took out the metal glove Wes gave her and slipped it onto her left hand. Wes put a Ultraball into his Snag Machine before giving another to Rui. As she gripped it with the glove it started to glow red.

"Get up you useless servants!" Greevil demanded. "That's an order!"

"GO! SNAGBALL!"

All at once, Michael Wes and Rui threw their Ultraballs at the Legendary Pokemon. As the opened they snatched up all three and dropped to the floor.

One vibration.

"NO!" Greevil yelled.

Two.

"Is it over?" Rui asked.

Three.

"Yes." Wes replied.

Click

"Gotcha." Michael smirked.

Greevil dropped to his knees. "Gwaaaaaaaah!"

"We did it…" Rui said with a smile growing on her face. "We did it!" They then noticed a lot of buzzing coming from her Snag Machine. Rui yelped as it made a small pop, and crumbled apart.

"Are you okay?" Michael asked.

"Yeah." The girl replied. "Guess it really was only good for one snag. Oh well. We won!"

The three ran over to their Pokemon. Rui lifted Espeon up in a tight hug. Wes smiled as he petted Umbreon on the head. Jolteon jumped into Michael's arms knocking him over. The three laughed as it licked his face.

"Finally." The boy said. "It's finally over."

"Yeah." Wes said as he looked over to Greevil.

The man was still on his kness. "How…everything was going as planned until…A mere child…A mere child crushed my cherished plan?"

Suddenly the elevator rose up. Michael stood up as he saw who came on it. "Ardos!"

The man in blue immediately averted his gaze to the defeated Grandmaster. "W-what? This can't be!" He then glared at Michael and his friends. "Grrr…It's your fault! I won't forgive…There is no forgiving you!"

"What are you going to do about it? We took down your boss and your entire army!"

Ardos ignored Michael as he walked over to Greevil. "Grand Master! We're done here! We should blow up Citadark Island with these three still on it!"

Michael's eyes widened. "Blow it up?!"

"But…If I did that, our Shadow Pokemon data and our subordinates would be lost as well…" Greevil weakly replied.

"Grand Master, such things can be replaced! We must ensure our own survival! I've readied a helicopter for our escape. We've got to leave now."

"Y-You're right…"

"You're willing to sacrifice all those who followed you just to run away from admitting defeat?!" Wes asked. "Have you lost your mind?!"

"Hmph. That proves how inferior you are to the Grandmaster as Cipher's leader. The rest of the pawns are as expendable as you. And like you were, they shall be replaced!"

"You people are awful!" Rui yelled. "How can you have such little regard for the lives of others?!"

"Enough!" Ardos yelled. "Grand Master, we must-

"Wait!"

Everyone turned to see Eldes approach "Please wait. You're willing to sacrifice everyone so you can escape? You should be ashamed!"

"Ashamed?" Ardos asked. "Clinging to foolish hope will guarantee Cipher's demise! Cipher must survive. That is our first duty. The Grand Master feels the same way."

"Y-yes… For Cipher's sake, sacrifices must be endured…" Greevil groaned.

"What are you saying?" Eldes asked. "The Shadow Pokémon factory has been destroyed! XD001 was defeated! And our figurehead-the only reason we were able to resurrect Cipher after it's humiliating defeat in the first place-no longer stands by our side! Nothing remains of Cipher!"

"Silence!" Ardos yelled. "Cipher will live forever!" He growled as he turned to Michael. "If only this child hadn't…" He then turned back to Greevil. "Grand Master! Please give the order to blow up Citadark Island!"

"…Yes. It can't be helped. Don't begrudge us, child."

"No!" Michael ran towards Greevil.

"Stop!" Eldes yelled. "Let's put a stop to this. …Father."

Michael stopped dead in his tracks. He, Rui and Wes stared at Eldes in disbelief. "Father!?"

"Don't call him Father! Call him the Grand Master!" Ardos glared.

Ignoring everyone's reaction, Eldes walked over to Greevil. "Father, you've lost sight of what is important. You got carried away by this whole Grand Master nonsense. It isn't possible to take over the world by producing powerful Pokemon." He looked back to Michael. "Just think of this child…This child's pure heart won out over not just XD001 but Wes as well. We were in the wrong."

"Eldes…"

"Silence, silence, silence!" Ardos yelled. "Why aren't you showing some spine! We've come so far!"

"Cipher is finished." Eldes said blankly. "Father, you yourself should know that more than anyone."

"Ohhh…"

Ardos growled as he walked towards the elevator.

"Hey, where are you going?" Rui asked as he passed them.

Wes put a hand on her shoulder before she could follow. "Let him go. We've all seen enough violence here today."

"…You're right." She sighed.

Eldes picked up Greevil's cane before extending a hand to him. "Now, please. Stand up. This is how it should be. The laws of the land will render judgment on what we have done."

Greevil looked up to Eldes. Pain and grief filled his eyes. "Oh… Everything I did… All of it was a mistake…"

He slowly took Eldes's hand and got up. His son handed him his cane, which he used to help stand.

Eldes then turned to Michal, who Wes and Rui were now standing beside again.

"Is it over for real now?" the boy asked.

Eldes nodded. "Yes. Thanks to your courage, we were finally able to wake up from our nightmare. Thank you. You'll have nothing to fear from us ever. And Wes…Rui…I know it's far too late to say this but…I'm truly sorry…"

Michael turned to Wes, who displayed nothing on his face. The man sighed before he spoke. "I don't think I can forgive you for what you did to Rui so easily…but what matters is that everyone is safe now. Besides…Hardships are what make us stronger. Michael reminded me the value of that."

Eldes looked down at Michael. "He is indeed a special one. He had no personal stake in this or a reason like you…but he never backed down."

"I had a reason." Michael smiled. "I had friends and family who believed in me."

"You should return home to your family."

Wes put a hand on Michael's shoulder. "He's right. It's time to go home."

"Yeah…"

Michael, Wes and Rui turned towards the elevator. The boy stopped halfway and looked back over to Eldes. Greevil was standing nearby quietly. "Hey…we should battle again someday."

Eldes smiled. "Agreed. The next time we battle, it won't be as mortal enemies. I will look forward to it."

Michael smiled back as he walked to the elevator where Wes and Rui stood.


Together the three made it down to the entrance where the docks were. "Phew! Long trip." Michael said.

"Hey, look!" Rui said pointing up. The three looked at the sky. The dark clouds that loomed over Citadark started to part, and the sun's rays came in. "It's beautiful…" Rui smiled as she closed her eyes. "And it feels so warm…"

Wes patted her shoulder. "You'll have lots of time to enjoy it now."

"Come on." Michael said as they walked towards the peer.

As they reached the Robo Kyogre something accrued to Michael. "Oh, wait…There's only room for one in the Robo Kyogre…Hmmm…"

"Don't worry." Wes said taking out a Pokeball. "We've got our own ride."

Soon Michael in the Robo Kyogre along with Wes and Rui onboard Ho-oh left the now sunny island.


It started with one man passing by who happened to notice Secc and the others staring into the distance. As soon as he asked what they were doing, and Chief Sherles told him what was going on, he was watching with them. Another pass byer overheard them and called his friends. Soon everyone in Gateon Port was with them. Staring into the sea, waiting for Michael's return.

Finally, something caught Megg's eye. She squinted to get a better look. "Hey, look!"

In the distance everyone saw something in the water and something else flying above it. Both were heading towards them. "It's Ho-oh!" Silva gleamed. "And here comes Michael!"

Everyone at the port cheered as they got closer and closer. "Wait…" Dunking said squinting. "What's that on Ho-oh? Is someone ridding it?"

Everyone looked closely. "It's not Michael." Bitt said. "Wait…there are two of them."

Slowly the figures got closer into range. "Wait…is that…no, it couldn't…" Bitt said.

Everyone's eyes grew wider. "No way…" Perr said in disbelief. "Wes! And he's got Rui with him!"

Everyone was socked into silence as Michael parked the Robo Kyogre. Ho-oh landed of the peer and Wes along with Rui climbed down. The man returned it to it's Pokeball.

Megg ran up and hugged both of them "It's really you!"

Rui looked down at the girl slightly confused. "Er, sorry, have we met?"

"What? You don't remember me?"

Wes ruffled the girl's hair. "No. You've just grown up too much for her to recognize you…Megg."

Rui's eyes widened as she looked at the girl again. Then she noticed the Shroomish at her side. "Megg?! Oh my gosh!" She gleamed as she hugged her back. "Look at you! You've grown up!"

"Heh, heh!"

Rui looked up to see the rest of her friends. "Secc! Marcia! Bitt! Perr! Nett! You're all so grown up now too!" The Grid Kids chuckled nervously. "And Dunking, Silva and Chief Sherles! Oh, I missed all of you so much!"

"Aye. And we did you, lass!" the bulk man chuckled.

"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute!" a nearby Sailor said. "Can someone please tell me what the heck is going on here? I though Wes was leading Cipher! Why is he back here? Did he surrender?"

Michael stepped in front of Wes. "Wes isn't with Cipher anymore! Cipher's real boss blackmailed him into helping them by kidnapping Rui, here!"

"Real Boss?" a bodybuilder asked. "Who's that?"

"Greevil. Or as everyone here calls him Mr. Verich."

Everyone broke into mutters and gasps. "Yeah, right kid." A navigator laughed. "Mr. Verich? Cipher's boss? You're pulling my leg."

"I am not!"

"He doesn't seem like the type to do something like this." An old man said.

"Hold that thought." Two men stepped out of the crowd. One had pink spikey hair and a ridder suit. The other had green hair and goggles.

Michael recognized them. "Hey…I battled you at Pyrite Town! And you were at the Outskirt Stand!"

"Yup. I'm Cail. And this here is Willie."

"How'd you know to come here?"

"Everyone's been spreading the word around on what you've been up to kid." The gatekeeper smirked. "The two of us were tipped off, by one of Wes's old buds."

"Who?"

"*huff* *puff* *pant*" The crowd stepped aside as a jogger came in with a Castform close behind.

"Is that you Dash?" Wes asked.

"Oh heya…" the man smiled. "You're all safe…good." With a loud gasp he flopped over to the ground.

Sherles ran up to him. "Are you alright?!"

"What happened to you?!" Rui asked. "You look like you ran across Orre!"

"Funny you should say that." Willie said.

"Huh?"

"How'd you think Pyrite town and the stand heard about this?" Cail smirked. "Poor guy jogged over to get the news around."

"He did WHAT?!"

"Oy, someone get this man some water before he passes out!" Dunking hollered.

A sailor threw a Pokeball. His Marill came out. "Water Gun!" The Pokemon shot a blast of water at Dash soaking him.

"Wha-No for him to drink mate! That was not what I meant!"

"Oh, sure it was. Admit it." Cail grinned.

"N-nah, it's good." The jogger replied sitting up breathing heavily. "I needed that. But...more impotently...I believe both Wes and Michael. They stuck their necks out for all of Orre. They wouldn't lie about that."

"So what you're saying is, that you're willing to believe that a nice old man like Mr. Verich of all people was leading Cipher?" a chaser asked.

"Is that any harder to believe than Wes leading them?" Willie retorted.

Soon the whole port broke into arguments. Some were supporting Wes. But most of them refused to believe that Mr. Verich was evil. Sherles turned to Michael. "Do you have any evidence we can prove this with?"

"Er…"

"HEY KID!" Michael turned around at the sound of a familiar voice. Everyone saw a ship in the distance. Gonzap was waving to them. Walkin stood next to him and the rest of Snagum was also onboard.

"Is that Team Snagum?" Sherles asked. "What are they up to?"

Michael looked straight at Gonzap. The bulk man patted his left arm, as if trying to give some sort of signal.

"What's he doing?" Wes walked over to Michael and took a small black chip attached to the boy's arm. "What the-what is that?" the boy asked.

"A bug. Gonzap planted it on you before you chased after me. That's how he knew what was going on."

Back on the ship Gonzap turned to Walkin. "Do it."

"Yes sir!" the man smirked pressing a button on his P*DA.

Suddenly voices came from the listening device in Wes's hand. "Bravo. A most splendid battle indeed."

Everyone was taken aback. "Hey, that's Verich's voice!" a navigator gasped.

Cain put a finger on his lip. "Shh!"

"Huh? You're-

"Hohoho. We meet again. You do remember me, don't you?"

"Mr. Verich?!"

"No. Greevil."

"What?"

"Yes, Indeed! I am Mr. Verich. Or perhaps I should say Greevil, the Grand Master of Cipher."

Everyone gasped at the statement.

"Grand Master…? No way! I though Wes was the leader!"

"No. I'm just a figurehead."

"Figurehead? What do you mean?"

"Wes here was simply acting as Cipher's leader. You see, Edvice, the leader Wes defeated five years ago was only Cipher's leader in Orre. However, nobody was afraid of Cipher after his fall. So, in order to make our comeback, we needed a terrifyingly strong trainer to "convince" members to join us. And who better than the "Hero of Orre" himself."

"But why? Why did you follow him?"

"Why don't you ask him? She had better no be hurt."

"Hohohoh! Of course not. She is our guest after all."

"Wait…isn't that girl Eagun's granddaughter?!"

"Rui..."

"Indeed, Michael. She proved quite useful. With her not only could the hero here not stop us, but we could get him to do whatever we pleased."

"THAT'S why Wes resurrected Cipher?! You were using her as a hostage against him!" The recording stopped there.

"So, it's true…" the chaser said.

"No way!" the sailor gapped.

"This confirms it them." Sherles said. "Where is Greevil now?"

"Back on Citadark." Wes replied. "He has no intentions of fighting anymore. He's willing to take responsibility for his crimes."

"I see."

"The waters around Citadark have calmed down now. You can send someone to pick him up."

"I'll take care of it."

"And we'll make sure everyone knows the truth!" Secc said taking the bug from Wes's hand.

"Thanks, Secc." Wes smiled. "I really wanted to say this sooner…I'm proud of all of you. Rui was right. You've really grown up."

"Heh, heh…thanks Wes." Bitt smiled.

"And…about before…I-

"Hey, you go apologizing for something we all know wasn't your fault and maybe I'll throw you into a desk next!" Secc smirked.

"You?" Nett asked. "Last week it took you nearly five minutes to carry a box of books up a flight of stairs."

"Hey, be quiet! Those were really heavy books!"

Everyone in the port broke into laughter. Even Wes, much to the delight of Rui. It was rare to see him like that. Little did she know that her own laughter lifted Wes's spirits higher than Nett's comment.

"I guess that settles that." Michael smiled. "Greevil's done and Wes is in the clear."

"Not quite." Everyone turned to Sherles. "Although he was blackmailed Wes did commit a number of crimes. As the chief of police, it is my duty to make sure he answers for them."

"What?!"

Everyone broke into shouts of rage. Dunking and Silva had to hold back, Cain, Willie, and Dash to keep them from attacking Sherles. "Are you deaf, old man?!" a sailor yelled. "He was forced into it!"

"Are you saying he should have left his friend to suffer?!" the chaser shouted. "Shame on you!"

"Wes was doing the right thing!" Cain yelled as Dunking held him back with one arm and Willie with the other. "What would you have done in his place!?"

"Yeah Sherles!" Secc scolded. "Having us broadcast that Wes was leading Cipher was one thing! But THIS is where I draw the line!"

Rui stood between Wes and Sherles. "If your going to punish someone make it me! I'm the reason why Wes did all those things!"

"That's enough!" Everyone gasped as Wes put a hand on Rui's shoulder. "He's right. I willingly took those Pokemon and tortured them. I'm as guilty as Greevil."

Rui turned to him with teary eyes. "Wes…"

"Rui please. At the very least let me do this for my guilty conscience." The girl said nothing as Wes stepped past her. "I was already prepared for this Chief Sherles. I won't run from the responsibility of my actions. I don't even want a trail. Just throw whatever punishment you see fit at me."

"Is that your final answer, Wes?"

Wes's face was blank, but there was guilt and sincerity in his eyes. "It is."

Sherles closed his eyes briefly. "Very well. You are herby guilty for theft, abuse to Pokemon, and aiding Cipher in their world conquest plans." Wes said nothing as Sherles continued. "As punishment you will give everything you know about Cipher to the police. After that you will help Purify all of the Shadow Pokemon you created and help destroy anything that can possibly resurrect the production of them."

"And then?"

Sherles flashed a surprising smile. "What do you mean "and then?"

Wes's eyes widened. "What?! That's all you'll have me do?! Just help purify the Pokemon and stop the Shadow Pokemon production from surfacing again?! And you're just going to let me walk free after that?!"

"Of course. All the damage will be undone. There is nothing else for you to feel guilty for."

"But I-

"No buts Wes. You said you'd take whatever punishment I chose for you and this is it. No more, no less."

Rui smiled as he stepped in front of Wes. "Then charge me with the same punishment."

Wes looked over to her. "Rui?"

"I'm as responsible for what happened as you Wes." Rui replied. "I want to help."

"Very well." Sherles nodded. "I'm counting on you two to resolve the rest of the damage."

"All's well that ends well." Nett smiled. "Thanks to Orre's two heroes!"

Wes shook his head. "No. I'm no hero. I was someone who was playing hero when Orre needed one." He then smiled as he put a hand on Michael's shoulder. "A prototype of a real hero. Michael, you are the hero Orre always needed. The one it deserves. On behalf of everyone…Thank you."

Everyone started cheering. Michael smiled as he looked around. "Thanks guys…I wouldn't have done this without all of you…"

"You should get going." Wes said. "Like Eldes said, you have a family waiting for you."

Michael nodded.

"Oh, that reminds me!" Rui gasped. "I need to let grandma and grandpa know I'm okay! Wes, can you take me to Agate?"

"So long as Sherles doesn't mind me prolonging my sentence."

"Our sentence."

"I'm okay with that." The chief smiled. "I'm sure they'll be happy to see you."

"Thanks."

"Hey! WHOA!"

Wes and Rui turned around to see Cain and Willie lift Michael onto their shoulders. Everyone cheered his name as they carried him out of the port.

Rui nearly gasped when she felt Wes take her hand in his. She looked at his comforting smile.

"Let's go."

Rui blushed as she smiled back. "Right."

Back on the ship Team Snagum was on Gonzap smirked. "Take care you guys. And good luck."


Eagun and Beluh sat quietly on their couch. "I always dreamed that our dear Rui would find someone someday…" the woman said sadly. "When I first saw her with Wes I thought maybe it would finally happen…"

"I hear you. I remember how exited we were when she admitted that she had feelings for him…I know Wes cherished Rui too…if only he had more time with her…"

Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." Beluh said.

The door opened, and footsteps slowly entered. "Grandma? Grandpa?"

Eagun rose from his seat. "Rui?!"

The girl stepped into the room. As soon as she saw her grandparents she ran over to them and gave them both a hug. "I missed you two!"

"Oh, Rui thank goodness you're safe!" Beluh sniffled.

"I wouldn't be…if it weren't for my brave, gallant prince."

"What?"

Beluh and Eagun then noticed Wes standing just outside of the room. "Wes…? Is…that you?" Eagun asked.

The man gave a small smile. "Hey."

"You're alive!"

"Oh, Wes! When you sent Eagun that message I thought, we'd never see you again!" Beluh smiled.

"Yeah…looks like I got to keep my promise after all."

"Then…is Cipher finished?" Eagun asked.

"Yes. Thanks to a very brave young man. Eagun…I know I asked that Eevee got a life free of violence…but you made the right choice leaving it with Michael."

"I would like to think so. Its funny. Michael is different from you and similar to you in so many ways. He is a bit more optimistic than you. But he shares your sense of justice."

"Perhaps." Wes was quiet for a moment before he spoke next. "I should go."

He turned around to leave. But Rui ran up to him and grabbed his arm. He slowly looked at the pleading look in her eyes. "Stay."

"Rui, you know I-

"Please. I've been apart from you for over a year…Sherles wouldn't mind if we waited just for a bit."

Wes couldn't look away from those eyes. "I…"

"Please Wes?" Rui asked. "For me?"

The man smiled faintly. "Okay. For a bit." Eagun and Beluh smiled as Rui led Wes back into the living room. "Perhaps some things...never change." Wes thought.


Back at the HQ Lab Lily watched as Jovi shook her brother's hand in both of hers laughing. A smile rose on the woman's face. "I hope you know dear…out little boy has grown into a strong trainer…"

Michael laughed as he patted Jovi on her head. Soon the rest of the HQ Lab staff arrived to met him. The boy let his Jolteon out of his Pokeball. "We did it partner."

"JOLT!"

"So, it's finally over?" Krane smiled.

Michael shook his head. "No. We still have work to do. Those Shadow Pokemon need to be purified." He looked at the bright sun. "The adventure isn't over yet."


That's right, this story ain't over yet. There are a few more things to resolve. Until then, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and are looking forward to next time.