Chapter 58
We rush to the left door and do some teleportations. We see the grunts forming a human wall, hands intertwined, barring our path forward. "They are persistent," I remark, feeling the tension rise.
Alice looks at me with concern. "What should we do?" she asks, a hint of worry in her voice.
Zossie steps in with a solution. "We can Teleport," she suggests. Without hesitation, we lock eyes and focus our concentration on teleporting us away from the blockade.
Suddenly, the world swirls around us in a disorienting rush of energy. In an instant, we find ourselves materializing in front of the door, bypassing the grunts' human barricade. The sudden shift leaves us momentarily unbalanced, but we quickly steady ourselves, ready to face whatever challenges await beyond the threshold.
As we step through the door, our surprise knows no bounds as we're met by a familiar face - Archie, the leader of Team Aqua. Alice mutters in disbelief, "No way..."
"Hm, what's this? You defeated the Team RR goons, did you now? Well, that's a shame. They weren't my real crew, but they were still mine for the moment," Archie remarks, an air of nonchalance in his tone. "…The name's Archie. I'm the leader of Team Aqua. Just when I completed my great plan, I got swallowed up by a giant wave… And when I came 'round, I was in this world."
Lillie turns to Alice, seeking clarification. "Alice, you know him?"
"Yeah, Team Aqua's goal is to expand the waters using the power of Kyogre," I explain, recalling the history of Team Aqua's ambitions. "But this is probably not the same Archie, because he's now working with the Devon Corp to observe the sea nature..."
Archie reveals, "The boss of Team RR was kind enough to let me use this room as my own. I've been tryin' to figure out a way to get back to my own home. And I do want to go back eventually, but I find myself thinkin'… maybe I should make this world more like my ideal while I'm here anyway! I've got the Sea Basin Pokémon, Kyogre…"
The revelation that Archie possesses Kyogre shocks us. The prospect of facing a legendary Pokémon like Kyogre significantly lowers our chances of victory. He continues, "With its power to control the rains, I'll call down a great deluge to wash away this world's land! All life is born from the sea! If we help the ocean to expand, we're creating the cradle for future life to grow and thrive! The best possible future for people and Pokémon, don't you think?!"
"As if we're agreeing with something like this," I retort, unable to fathom supporting Archie's drastic plan.
Archie's expression twists into one of defiance. "Oh, so you want to get in my way just like that buffoon from Team Magma. Well then, you little scamp... It's the rope's end for you and your Pokémon!" he declares fiercely, his voice filled with determination.
With unwavering resolve, Archie swiftly unleashes his formidable team of five Pokémon: Mightyena, Crobat, Muk, Sharpedo, and the awe-inspiring Kyogre. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Serena, Alice, Lillie, and I join forces, summoning our trusted Pokémon companions: Heracross, Ampharos, Steelix, Meganium, and Zeraora, ready for the impending battle.
The skirmish begins with a whirlwind of intense attacks and strategic maneuvers. Heracross charges in with its powerful horns, while Ampharos harnesses its electrifying moves to counter Crobat's swift aerial assaults. Steelix, with its colossal size, stands as an unyielding fortress, deflecting blows from Muk with its sturdy body. Meganium's soothing nature and grass-based moves provide a strategic advantage against Mightyena's fierce onslaught. Zeraora's lightning speed and agile strikes work relentlessly to outmaneuver Sharpedo's swift aquatic attacks.
Despite our valiant efforts, the battle rages on, each side showcasing skill and determination. Working as a unified team, we manage to overcome Archie's Pokémon, one after the other, with calculated precision and strategic prowess. However, even after a fierce clash, the formidable Kyogre stands tall, its immense power and resilience proving to be a challenging obstacle. Notably, Archie refrains from employing the Blue Orb or the Sharpedonite, I think he doesn't even have those things in his own world.
With an unwavering determination, I lock eyes with my Zeraora, a shared resolve burning between us. I initiate the Electric Dance, a synchronized movement that resonates with the essence of electricity. Zeraora, sensing my command, channels its inner power, charging up for the decisive strike. As the dance reaches its apex, energy crackles and surges around Zeraora, coalescing into a concentrated torrent of electric power. With a resounding roar, Zeraora unleashes the full force of Gigavolt Havoc, a devastating surge of electrifying energy, directed towards Kyogre.
The air crackles and vibrates with immense power as the devastating attack surges forward, a brilliant surge of lightning and raw power aimed at the imposing Kyogre. The overwhelming force of Gigavolt Havoc crashes into Kyogre, enveloping it in a dazzling display of electric energy. In a climactic crescendo, the intense surge of power overwhelms Kyogre, finally bringing the legendary Sea Basin Pokémon to its knees. The chamber reverberates with the aftershocks of the powerful attack as Kyogre weakens and eventually succumbs, defeated at last.
"Like I figured…" Archie's voice trails off. "Well, would you look at that! I control the ocean and all its power, and yet here I am, beaten by little tykes! All right, all right… You've made your point. I can see you are not one to be trifled with. If you want to get farther into Team Rocket's Castle, though, you'd better have checked out the pictures hanging on the walls. The red one, and the blue one, too."
In front of us hangs a conspicuous blue painting, catching our attention. Archie's reflective tone continues, "It makes me wonder… If there was a Trainer like you back in my old world, would I have ever been able to pull off my great dream?"
So this Archie comes from a world where we don't exist, that explains why he doesn't know us and why he is able to get Kyogre. Zossie voices the uncertainty lingering in the air, asking, "So what should we do with him?"
"Leave him alone for now. Saving Lusamine is our priority," my mom asserts firmly, guiding us to stay focused on our primary objective.
With Archie's cryptic hint in mind, we swiftly press the button concealed behind the blue painting, its mechanism clicking as it activates. Our eyes shift to the room's exit, eager to find and investigate the red painting.
As we advance to the eastern section of the castle, we encounter a challenging memorization puzzle. The mechanism requires us to press a central button that illuminates a sequence of colored panels. Memorizing this sequence is crucial to activate the corresponding Teleportation panels that lead us deeper into the castle.
Navigating through the interconnected rooms, the challenge intensifies. Team Rainbow Rocket grunts lurk around each corner, eager to impede our progress by engaging us in battles aimed at disrupting our memory of the color sequence. Despite their attempts, our numerical advantage and strategic coordination enable us to overcome each skirmish, keeping the crucial code intact as we advance through the complex puzzle.
With every room conquered and each battle won, we maintain our focus, meticulously retaining the sequence of colors that unlock the Teleportation panels. Our determination fuels our resilience against the grunts' attempts to thwart our progress, ultimately allowing us to reach the final door with the code firmly memorized and intact.
In the room before us stands Maxie, the leader of Team Magma. His initial confusion quickly gives way to a sense of intrigue as he addresses us, "Here I thought it was that obnoxious Faba, coming to pester me again, but... All this ruckus was caused by some people? I am Team Magma's Maxie. I had finally realized my grand design, only to be swallowed by a great fissure that appeared beneath me... When I awoke, I was in this world."
Listening to Maxie's tale, I come to the realization that this Maxie, like Archie before him, hails from a different reality. His words unfold, revealing his intentions, "I'm enjoying this experience so far, though. The knowledge in this world is... fascinating. I do intend to return to my own world eventually, but first... I have decided to bring my grand design to this world, as well! I will use the magma-controlling power of the Continent Pokémon Groudon to shrink the oceans and create a more glorious landmass! With more dry land to live on, the creatures of the land will no longer have to fight for territory! This is the ideal world for people and Pokémon! A world without conflict! Don't you agree?"
So he has Groudon, which is not good for us as well. "In the face of what you plan to do, interference is our only option," I assert firmly.
Maxie's resolve hardens at my words. "Do you mean to interfere with my plans? You're just like that fool from Team Aqua. I can't allow an ignorant child like you to get in our way. I, Maxie, will show you the consequences of meddling!"
The room becomes a battleground as Maxie commands his team of Pokémon—Mightyena, Crobat, Weezing, Camerupt, and the awe-inspiring Groudon—into action. In response, we call upon our trusted allies, summoning Medicham, Gardevoir, Glalie, Milotic, and Marshadow to confront Team Magma's forces.
The skirmish unfolds with intense fervor, each side employing strategic moves and calculated tactics. Our Pokémon engage in a relentless flurry of attacks, countering Maxie's team with skill and determination. Medicham's agile strikes, Gardevoir's mystical abilities, Glalie's chilling maneuvers, Milotic's graceful prowess, and Marshadow's enigmatic moveset contribute to the fierce clash.
Despite our valiant efforts, Maxie's team showcases exceptional strength and resilience. The battle rages on, our Pokémon exchanging powerful blows, each side refusing to yield. With calculated strategy and steadfast teamwork, we manage to overcome Maxie's Pokémon, one after another, leaving only the formidable Groudon standing against our resilient team.
As the battle reaches its critical phase, the imposing figure of Groudon looms, emanating overwhelming power and determination. With a determined spirit, I swiftly reach for the Marshadium-Z, an aura of determination and focus radiating around me. Channeling the intense bond between myself and Marshadow, I initiate the intricate Ghost Z Move Dance, a ritual that harnesses the immense power of the Z-Crystal.
"Soul Stealing 7 Star Strike!" I shout, imbuing Marshadow with the extraordinary energy needed for this formidable move. Marshadow responds to my call by unleashing its full power. The air crackles with anticipation as Marshadow initiates the attack, rapidly punching the air in a spectacular display, conjuring seven luminous orbs of light blue energy. With unparalleled speed and precision, the orbs streak forward, hurtling toward Groudon in a mesmerizing display of power. In a spectacular display of agility, Marshadow lunges forward, delivering a powerful kick directly at Groudon, the force of the strike propelling the colossal Pokémon backward.
The collision between Marshadow's relentless assault and Groudon's colossal form creates a brilliant burst of energy, illuminating the room in a dazzling display. Groudon staggers backward, unable to withstand the overwhelming force of Marshadow's Soul Stealing 7 Star Strike, eventually succumbing and fainting, marking the end of the intense battle.
"I fell behind, but only by an inch..." Maxie sighs, his expression a mix of frustration and contemplation. "So you defeated the master of the land—the great Maxie! Still, I wonder... What makes you so adept at handling Pokémon? There has to be some reason I was defeated... That's what you're trying to say, aren't you?"
"So what if we are?" My Dad challenges.
"Hmph... You think I didn't know that? This isn't my own world, after all," Maxie responds, a tinge of resignation in his voice. "If you truly wish to continue farther into Team Rocket's Castle, there are two paintings that you need to examine. One red, and the other blue. I have my noble cause! To expand the landmass, for the advancement of humankind and Pokémon! This is where we part!"
With that, we press the Red button and return to the entrance. Surprisingly, two doors leading upstairs have been opened, and Guzma stands guard, restraining two grunts who are evidently trying to resist.
"Hey! You found the prez yet?" Guzma asks as we approach, but we shake our heads. Lillie, concerned, asks, "Are you okay here?"
"Ugh! C'mon, you Grunts! Tell me where the prez is, or else!" Guzma demands, still holding the two grunts who are struggling.
"We're not going to... tell you anything!" one of the grunts retorts. The other adds, "Even if we did, you wouldn't be able to reach her, anyway! I can't breathe if you cover my face like that!"
"He's right! If you want to get past the mirror, you'll need to get to the second floor, find the card key, and activate the switch! You'll never be able to do it!" one of the grunts boasts defiantly.
Guzma sighs in exasperation, muttering, "...I might not be one to talk, but these dudes are stupid!"
To our horror, Maxie emerges from a nearby room and casually remarks, "Oh, you're still wandering around here?"
"You better hurry, little tyke, or what you're lookin' for will be gone forever!" Archie adds, appearing alongside Maxie.
"Who are you two weirdos? And what do you mean, gone forever?!" Guzma demands, bewildered by their cryptic statements.
However, as Archie and Maxie notice each other, their exchange quickly escalates into a heated argument. Maxie sneers, "Well, if it isn't the big buffoon himself, Archie!"
"Hey, careful who you call names, Maxie! I seem to recall you cowering in defeat in front of me!" Archie retorts sharply.
"Hmph, such nonsense. No matter what world we're in, I would never lose to the likes of you," Maxie replies with confidence.
"Ooh, you want me to prove it to you then? C'mon, let's settle this right here, right now!" Archie challenges.
"As you wish! Let the victor take Alola, and do with it as he pleases!" Maxie accepts.
"H-hey! What're y'all talkin' about? This isn't your turf!" Guzma interjects, trying to prevent the impending confrontation. But before anyone could intervene, a strange glow envelops both Archie and Maxie, causing them to vanish into thin air.
"They... just gone?" My mom expresses shock and concern at the sudden disappearance of the two leaders, leaving behind a sense of confusion and uncertainty among us.
"Huh?! What's goin' on here... Yo, I got these goons! You head upstairs!" Guzma says, and we decide to head upstairs, ignoring what just happened.
Here is a new chapter, and you can see that we're done with the first two bosses. I hope you like it and the next chapter will be two more bosses.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Sandslash (Alolan), Ninetales (Alolan), Dugtrio (Alolan), Persian (Alolan), Golem (Alolan), Muk (Alolan), Exeggutor (Alolan), Marowak (Alolan), Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Zygarde x2, Decidueye, Incineroar, Primarina, Toucannon, Gumshoos, Vikavolt, Crabominable, Oricorio, Ribombee, Lycanroc x3 (Midday/Midnight/Dusk), Wishiwashi, Toxapex, Mudsdale, Araquanid, Lurantis, Shiinotic, Salazzle (Shiny), Bewear, Tsareena, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Golisopod, Palossand, Pyukumuku, Type: Null, Minior, Komala, Turtonator, Togedemaru, Mimikyu (Shiny), Bruxish, Drampa, Dhelmise, Kommo-o, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Poipole, Zeraora, Kleavor