Pokémon Soul Generations – Kanto Saga

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Chapter 9: First Encounter With Lance! Michael Reveals His Powers!

Michael - "Here we are guys. Welcome to Vermillion City."

Rarity - "Such a beautiful port city."

Twilight - "Ok if we go around the city Michael?"

Michael - "Sure. We can meet back up at the Pokémon Center later."

The party split apart to enjoy the sights and sounds of Vermillion City. While looking around, Qrow and Winter came across someone they never thought they 'd see out here.

Qrow - "Isn't that Lt. Surge?"

Winter - "Why I believe it is."

They pair then walked over to him.

Winter - "Lt. Surge?"

Lt. Surge - "Ah you two must be Qrow Branwen and Winter Schnee."

Qrow - "You know us?"

Lt. Surge - "Rainbow told me a bit about you two, as well as her friends during her short time here."

Winter - "Oh ok then. May we ask what this city-wide party is for?"

Lt. Surge - "A summer celebration party. We hold these once a month for an entire week. And it's a really big event when the S.S. Anne is docked in port."

Qrow noticed the stage placed in what he believed to be the town's square.

Qrow - "What's the stage for?"

Lt. Surge - "Music performances. And since you two are here, I'm also gonna have the gym battle with Michael on it as well whenever the kid's ready for it."

Winter - "How long has the party been going on for?"

Lt. Surge - "It actually just started today."

Qrow - "Then the two of us and the kids can take the entire week to enjoy it."

Meanwhile, in another part of the Vermillion square, the girls were checking out the numerous stalls and displays. Suddenly they heard a familiar voice.

? - "About time you all showed up."

Girls - "Rainbow!"

Rainbow was quickly caught in a group hug.

Ruby - "Sorry we took so long to get here Rainbow."

Rainbow - "Don't worry about it. You're all here now."

She then turned to Rarity, Ruby, and Weiss.

Rainbow - "So how the journey been so far?"

Ruby - "A lot of fun. Have you heard about Michael discovering a brand-new Pokémon?"

Rainbow - "I have actually. Riagon, right?"

Twilight - "That's right. And Michael's helped us make our teams better as well."

The girls brought out their Pokémon to show to Rainbow.

Rainbow - "Wow. You all each have quite the team being created."

Weiss - "Yeah. Ruby's the closest besides Michael to having a full team of six already with four members."

Pinkie - "Who's on your team Rainbow?"

Rainbow - "Pidgeotto, Jolteon, and Tynamo."

Weiss - "I forget that we can have eeveevolutions on our teams."

Rarity - "Pretty sure we're gonna use them according to which type we use."

Rainbow - "Speaking of Michael, where is he?"

Sabrina - "He's around here somewhere."

They then suddenly heard what sounded like a guitar playing.

Back with Qrow, Winter, and Lt. Surge, the three were talking when two familiar faces walked up to them.

Lt. Surge - "Brock. Misty. Nice that you both could make it."

Brock - "Thanks Surge. Don't forget that we're also here to support you during Michael's gym challenge."

? - "Hey!"

Qrow, Winter, and all three gym leaders looked to the sky to see who was calling out to them.

Misty - "It's Clair."

Lt. Surge - "And she's got her grandfather Titus with her as well."

Clair guided her Aerodactyl to land in front of the group of five. She then hopped off his back and walked over to Lt. Surge.

Clair - "Have you seen Lance at all Lt. Surge?"

Lt. Surge - "Don't tell me he, Cynthia, and Leon are at it again?"

Titus - "They are."

Misty - "Can't those three ever learn to give it a rest already."

Winter and Qrow shared a glance with each other.

Qrow - "Can someone explain to us what you all are talking about?"

Brock - "Well. You see..."

What Qrow and Winter were left them sick to their stomachs and completely angry at the obvious lie.

Winter - "Is all that so then? Well, here's the real truth for you all to know."

Now it was Titus and the Gym Leaders turn. During the entire time Qrow and Winter told them the truth about Michael's accident, the group of five slowly gained more and more respect for Michael.

Clair - "Thank you for telling us this. We'll all try to make sure the truth of the matter is revealed."

Winter - 'Thank you as well then."

What none of them realized, however, was that Lance was around the corner and had heard everything. He was now seething and completely angry at being used and played like a complete fool.

Lance - "My 'benefactor' will pay dearly for boldly lying to me the way he did!"

Suddenly music could be heard coming from the stage.

-Five minutes earlier-

Michael had checked the entire party into a hotel that had a Pokémon Center inside it. He booked a master suite for himself, Ruby, Twilight, Weiss, and Sabrina, as well as hotel rooms with king sized beds for everyone else. He also made sure all of their rooms were looking out over the ocean as well. He then went upstairs to check out his master suite.

Michael - "Such a beautiful room. And the view outside is perfect. The girls are just gonna love it here!"

After making sure everyone's bags were taken to their proper rooms, he returned to his suite and pulled a special outfit that he and Azura had worked on before she and Artoria had gone missing a month after his ninth birthday.

Michael - "Think I'll give the good people of Vermillion a show."

(Note: The outfit is the same one worm Kagamine Len and Kaito, fit to my size and with purple in place of yellow and/or blue.)

Soon Michael appeared on the stage in his outfit, carrying a guitar, and began playing it.

(Insert Music: To The Sky – Owl City)

-Instrumental-

Michael - "-Da, da. Da, da. Da, da, da, da, da, da, daaa. Da, da. Da, da. Da, da, da, da, da, da, daaa. Ship wreck in a sea of faces, there's a dreamy world up there. Dear friends in higher places, carry me away from here. Travel light let the sun eclipse you, cause your flight is about to leave. There's more to this brave adventure, then you ever believed. Bird's eye view, awake the stars cause there all around you. Wide eyes will always brighten the blue. Chase your dreams and remember me sweet bravery cause. After all those wings will take you up so high. So bid the forest floor good-bye as you race the wind and, take to the sky. You take to the sky. Da, da. Da, da. Da, da, da, da, da, da, daaa. On the heels of war and wonder, there's a stormy world up there. You can't whisper above the thunder, but you can fly anywhere. Purple burst of paper birds, this picture paints a thousand words. So take a breath of myth and mystery, and don't look back. Bird's eye view, awake the stars cause there all around you. Wide eyes will always brighten the blue. Chase your dreams and remember me sweet bravery cause. After all those wings will take you up so high. So bid the forest floor good-bye as you race the wind and, take to the sky. (You take to the sky.)-"

-Instrumental-

Sabrina - "Did the rest of you know Michael could sing like that?"

Twilight - "We had an idea. But we never thought that he was THIS good."

Weiss - "Well Azura did teach him personally before she and Artoria disappeared."

Rarity - "That makes sense."

Michael - "-There's a realm above the trees. (When lost are finally found.) So touch your feathers to the breeze. (And leave the ground.) Bird's eye view, awake the stars cause there all around you. Wide eyes will always brighten the blue. Chase your dreams and remember me sweet bravery cause. After all those wings will take you up so high. So bid the forest floor good-bye as you race the wind and, take to the sky. You take to the sky. (You take to the sky.) Da, da. Da, da. Da, da, da, da, da, da, daaa. Da, da. Da, da. Da, da, da, da, da, da, daaa. You take to the sky.-"

(Music Ends)

Michael finished singing, and the crowd absolutely roared for him.

Citizen #1 - "That was amazing kiddo!"

Citizen #4 - "Yeah give us an encore!"

Michael - "Alright then."

Michael retook center stage and began playing the guitar again.

(Insert Music: When Can I See You Again – Owl City)

-Instrumental-

Michael - "-(When can we do this again? When can I see you again? When can we do this again? When can I see you again? When can we do this again? When can I see you again, again, again, again?) Switch on the sky and the stars glow for you. Go see the world cause it's all so brand new. Don't close your eyes cause your future's ready to shine. It's just a matter of time, before we learn how to fly. Welcome to the rhythm of the night. There's something in the air you can't deny. Denyyyyyy~! It's been fun but now I've got to go. Life is way too short to take it slow. But before I go and hit the road. I gotta know, 'til then, when can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh. When can I see you again? Oh oh oh oh. When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh. I gotta know, when can I see you again? (When can I see you again?) Joined at the hip, yeah, your sidekick needs you. Life is a trip down the road that leads you. Look all around at all the mountains you haven't climbed. It's just a matter of time, before we learn how to fly. Welcome to the rhythm of the night. There's something in the air you can't deny. Denyyyyyy~! It's been fun but now I've got to go. Life is way too short to take it slow. But before I go and hit the road. I gotta know, 'til then, when can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh. When can I see you again? Oh oh oh oh. When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh. I gotta know, when can I see you again? Don't close your eyes cause your future's ready to shine. It's just a matter of time, before we learn how to fly. Welcome to the rhythm of the night. There's something in the air you can't deny. So let me know before I wave goodbye. When can I see you again? Oh oh oh oh. When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh. When can I see you again? Oh oh oh oh. When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh. Yeah, it's been fun but now I've got to go. Life is way too short to take it slow. But before I go and hit the road. Tell me when. When can I see you again? When can I see you again? (Tell me when.) When can I see you again?-"

(Music Ends)

Michael was going to leave the stage, but the crowd wouldn't stop asking for a third, and final, performance.

Michael - "You guys want one more performance?"

The crowd roared with a resounding yes.

Michael - "Well ok then. Now for this last performance, I'm gonna need a bit of help for it."

The girls took that as their que.

Weiss - "Sabrina. Go join Qrow and my sister."

Sabrina - "Right."

Sabrina rushed off, quickly finding Qrow and Winter, along with Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge, Clair, and Titus.

Winter - "Sabrina?"

Sabrina - "Weiss told me to go to you guys."

Qrow - "So they're doing that performance then."

Clair - "What do you mean Qrow?"

Winter - "Just listen to Michael and you'll understand."

Lt. Surge placed Sabrina on his shoulder so she could see the performance. Meanwhile the rest of party joined Michael on stage.

Michael - "Now for those that don't know, I have seven sisters. And of those seven sisters, it was my second oldest sister Azura that not only helped me design and create the outfit that I'm currently wearing, but also the song that my friends and I are about to play for you all here. Sadly, a month after my ninth birthday, Azura and my eldest sister Artoria went missing. So, Artoria, Azura, this one's for you both."

(Insert Music: Pokémon Gotcha by Bump Of Chicken (English Version by Megami33))

-Instrumental-

Michael - "-C'mon, let's head towards the light! Shining crystal clear and bright! Waiting for us... Is a brand-new beginning! Such passion is how everything starts! Forget the reasons why and follow what's in your heart! Even in the pouring rain, we can shout out loud and play... All together! Such a challenge is worth winning! We can always keep singing without the sun! Through your voice, or my own, the whole world can sing as one! The day we both felt lost, we somehow found the way back! Because you and I found one another on a similar path! And through your eyes, as they slowly began to meet mine... We laugh just to show how we both feel inside! We're still far off from where we want to go! Yet there's no regrets for the life that I've always known! I'm here for you!-"

Girls - "-(You're here for me!)-"

Michael - "-We can do anything! As our souls cry out, knowing where we truly belong! Through all of the tears and the laughter we share... Through the good and bad, I know that we can get there! I want you here!-"

Girls - "-(Right next to me!)-"

Michael - "-We'll breathe in harmony! Let's watch this exciting tale unfold, no matter where we are! Oh yeah!-"

Girls - "-(Yeah!)-"

Michael - "-Yeah!-"

Girls - "-(Yeah!)-"

Michael - "-Let's go! As we both take our own leaps, I see what we can achieve... As we travel! No need for us to hurry! Your steps may be bigger than mine alone, yet my strength... As I step, takes on more than what is shown! deep into the dark unknown, telling stories as we go! Laughing away... Every fear and all those worries! We can always keep going without the sun! As long as there is hope, the world shines for everyone! Holding back all those thoughts that I could never tell you... Piecing together all the scars... I had to find some kind of clue! But through your eyes, as they slowly began to meet mine... I smile on as tears fill up my eyes! All those Helping Hands after every fall... All those gentle words... It doesn't matter at all! I'll stay with you!-"

Girls - "-(Just stay with me!)-"

Michael - "-Together we'll believe... We can go anywhere! The possibilities are endless! When we reach the end and accomplish our dreams... Taking in the sights and seeing all our victories! I want to be!-"

Girls - "-(Right next to you!)-"

Michael - "-As everything comes true! This sensation I've felt all this time... Is reflected in your eyes!-"

-Instrumental-

Michael - "-That light from so long ago... Like a story that's been long told! I never would have seem it if it wasn't for you! Oh yeah!-"

Girls - "-(Yeah!)-"

Michael - "-Yeah!-"

Girls - "-(Yeah!)-"

Michael - "-Let's go! What awaits us all, we may never know! I'll take hold of your hand and never let it go! I'm here for you!-"

Girls - "-(You're here for me!)-"

Michael - "-We can do anything! As our souls cry out, knowing where we truly belong! We'll follow the light we saw on that day! Soon, we'll understand all those reasons that we changed! I want you here!-"

Girls - "-(Right next to me!)-"

Michael - "-Together we can see... Just how this exciting tale unfolds, no matter where we are! Just know you're always here with me... No matter where we are! This passion is how everything starts! This passion is how everything starts! Oh yeah!-"

Girls - "-(Yeah!)-"

Michael - "-Yeah!-"

Girls - "-(Yeah!)-"

Michael - "-Let's go!-"

(Music Ends)

Michael and the girls joined together at the front of the stage and bowed to the crowd in thanks. Then everyone was completely shocked when Lance appeared. Michael jumped down from the stage to confront him. Lance then bowed in front of Michael.

Lance - "I'm sorry Michael! I take back everything rude I said about you!"

Michael could only smile as he slowly walked over to Lance. He then crouched and held out his hand.

Michael - "Don't worry Lance. I was always gonna forgive you. You just needed to see the truth first."

Lance - "Thank you Michael."

Lance stood back up and shook hands with Michael, showing that all was forgiven. Clair and the others then walked over.

Clair - "Nice to see that you found the error of your ways cousin."

Lance - "Took me a good while to do just that."

Suddenly a net appeared out of nowhere and snagged Lance and Clair, who had pushed Michael and Titus out of the way.

Titus - "What the-?!"

Michael - "Lance! Clair!"

Ruby then noticed who had fired the net.

Ruby - "Michael look! It's the exact same Rocket grunt Riagon beat down back in Cerulean City!"

Grunt - "Damn I couldn't get the brat that embarrassed me back in Cerulean City. But I got the next best thing in double league champion Lance and his gym leader cousin Clair."

The grunt then brought out his Machamp, who grabbed the net and threw it, along with Lance and Clair, into the back of a van. The grunt and his Machamp then quickly got in the van and sped off.

Michael - "Wait, damnit! Dartrix, Pidgeotto, Crobat I need your help!"

Michael's three flyers appeared in front of him.

Crobat - "What do you need Michael?"

Michael - "Lance and Clair just got kidnapped by a Rocket grunt. They're in that van that's speeding away from here. I need you three to keep a close eye on it."

Dartrix - "Of course. Come on girls!"

Pidgeotto/Crobat - "Right!"

Michael watched his two birds and bat fly off in pursuit of the van. He then snapped his fingers, making his communicator return him to his regular outfit.

Michael - "Let's move ladies!"

Girls - "Right!"

The girls returned to their normal outfits and quickly followed Michael. They were soon joined by Qrow, Winter, Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge, and Titus. They then came to the first fork in the road, where Dartrix landed in front of them.

Dartrix - "They went right."

Michael quickly returned Dartrix as he and the party went down the indicated path. Then they came to a second fork in the road and were met by Pidgeotto.

Pidgeotto - "Left path everyone!"

Michael then returned Pidgeotto as he and the party continued down the path. Soon they came to a third fork in the road and came across Crobat, who just pointed them down the right path. Michael returned Crobat to her Poké Ball and they continued down the path. Soon the party came to a clearing.

Pinkie - "There they are!"

Pinkie was pointing to a cage which was by a cabin on the other end of the clearing. The party saw that Lance and Clair were in the cage.

Ruby - "Hey it seems like that Shiny Vulpix we saw back on Route 5 got caught as well."

The others that knew about Vulpix saw that Ruby was right. However, unlike Lance and Clair, Vulpix wasn't worried at all.

Grunt - "Well, well. Nice to see that you all made."

Michael walked forward a bit.

Michael - "Let them go. They aren't a part of this."

Grunt - "Sorry. But they're my prisoners. Unless you give yourself up to me."

Michael weighed the options in front of him. Suddenly he had an idea.

Michael - "How about this then? A 1-on-1 Battle. I win, you let them go."

Grunt - "Fine. But if I win, then you become my prisoner in their place."

Michael - "Deal."

Michael then watched as cameras flew in.

Michael - "Guess I'll be giving the world a show then."

Michael left his backpack and hat by the others, then walked towards the grunt, ready to battle whoever the Grunt was fighting with.

Grunt - "Go Machamp!"

Michael stared up at the fully evolved Fighting-Type.

Grunt - "Now then boy. Which weak Pokémon will you choose?"

Michael - "Oh that's simple really."

Michael took up a fighting pose.

Michael - "I choose myself!"

Everyone watching was completely dumbfounded at what they saw.

Everyone - "Is he serious?!"

However, the Grunt's Machamp knew Michael was serious.

Grunt - "Whatever then. Machamp. Crush the brat."

Machamp - "Right!"

Machamp began charging energy into his upper right fist, getting ready to use Focus Punch.

Michael - "Dynamic Entry!"

When suddenly out of nowhere he was drop-kicked square in the face. Machamp then stood up and glared at Michael, wanting instant revenge for the sudden sneak attack. Michael gestured for him to try.

(Insert Music: Pokémon Journeys OP – 1, 2, 3 By After The Rain)

Michael attacked Machamp with a flurry of kicks and punches while also making sure to keep his distance due to the severe disadvantage he knew he had.

Michael - "In terms of Pokémon Types, I'm nothing but a pure Normal-Type right now. So, this is a very big uphill battle for me. But that doesn't matter right now. If I go down, I'll do it swinging!"

Michael then quickly realized that Machamp was catching on to his hit and run strategy, so he quickly changed tactics and started throwing blast attacks in the mix with his kicks and punches.

Michael - "Soul Burst!"

Grunt - "Double-Edge Machamp!"

Michael's Soul Bust missed, giving Machamp an opening to land his attack. Michael felt the full force of Machamp's Double-Edge, which sent him crashing into the side of the cabin.

Grunt - "Bulk Up Machamp! Then use Giga Impact!"

Machamp tensed every muscle in his body, making himself physically stronger, then rushed at Michael and hit him with a Giga Impact.

Everyone - "Michael!"

Grunt - "Such a disappoint."

? - "I wouldn't be so quick to say that if I were you."

Twilight - "Riagon?"

Lance - "So that's the Pokémon Michael discovered."

Riagon - "Don't worry guys. It'll take a lot more than a Bulk Up boosted Giga Impact to take down Michael."

Michael slowly pulled himself out of the rubble. He was injured, but not yet defeated. Riagon then noticed that something about Michael felt 'different'.

Riagon - "His aura's increasing!"

Michael's aura then suddenly exploded outward, enveloping him in a bright light. When the light died down, Michael was still standing near the cabin, only this time he somehow had dragon wings and a tail.

Riagon - "About time his powers awakened."

Qrow - "You mean the beam that put him in a coma did this?"

Riagon - "Mhmm!"

Meanwhile, Michael gestured for Machamp to continue attacking him. Machamp did just that, throwing as many punches at Michael as he could, but Michael dodged every one of them. Michael then quickly counterattacked with a right punch to the jaw, a swift dropkick to the gut, and a Soul Burst to the chest. Michael then purposely let Machamp charge up a Focus Punch as he rushed at the Fighting-Type. The Focus Punch was fully charged and Machamp threw it as Michael got closer. However, Michael easily dodged it and grabbed Machamp by the neck, flinging him high and far into the sky. During the flight at near earth orbit, Machamp quickly realized he could use this to his advantage.

Machamp - "That brat won't know what hit him."

Machamp repositioned himself to take down Michael, he didn't realize how much of a mistake this would be. As Machamp reentered the battlefield, the Rocket Grunt realized the bad situation his Machamp was in.

Grunt - "You fool! The brat was expecting you to do that!"

By the time Machamp completely understood what his Trainer was talking about, it was too late. Meanwhile, just as Machamp was right on top of him, Michael quickly spun in place and decked Machamp square in the face, sending the quad-armed Fighting-Type crashing along the ground and into his Trainer, who was stupidly standing in front of the ruined cabin. Soon they both slowly stood up, breathing heavily. However, the fight was already over as Michael rushed at them one last time.

Michael - "You're done! Aurasengan!"

(Music Ends)

Michael drove his Aurasengan into Machamp's gut, causing him and the Grunt to go crashing through the cabin, destroying it completely. Michael then walked over and destroyed the lock on the cage, freeing Clair, Lance, and Vulpix. Vulpix then jumped into Michael's arms, licking his wounds.

Clair - "Aww. That's so cute!~"

? - "Nice to see that my chosen protector has finally awakened his powers."

Everyone turned toward the voice, seeing a beautiful white-haired woman that had blond and green highlights. Her eyes were also red. Everyone was then prepared to fight the unknown woman.

Michael - "Stand down everyone."

Michael walked forward a few feet towards the woman.

Michael - "It's nice to finally meet you in person, Lady Arceus."

Stunned silence for a few minutes. Then suddenly...

Everyone - "WHAT?! THAT'S LADY ARCEUS?!"

Michael chuckled at everyone's reaction.

Michael - "May I ask why you're here milady?"

Arceus - "A test of sorts. I've watched how well you've fought alongside your Pokémon so far. Now I want to see how well you all do... against a Legendary."

Arceus snapped her fingers. Suddenly the cry of a legendary Pokémon was heard as it descended from the sky. The legendary was...

Michael - "Lord Zapdos."

The Bird Of Lightning flapped his wings a bit before landing on the ground. Arceus then walked over to him.

Arceus - "Zapdos."

Zapdos - "Ah Lady Arceus. I am ready to test your chosen protector."

Arceus - "Good. You both may begin when ready."

Everyone quickly retreated to the edge of the clearing. Clair handed Michael a sack.

Michael - "What's this Clair?"

Clair - "100 Ultra Balls. You're gonna need them."

Michael - "Thanks Clair."

Clair then quickly joined the others.

Michael - "Now then..."

Michael quickly turned back to face Zapdos.

Michael - "Come Lord Zapdos! Prove to me and my Pokémon why you earned the title of 'Legendary' in the first place!"

Zapdos could only smirk in response.

Zapdos - "With pleasure!"

(Insert Music: Pokemon Sword/Shield OST – Mustard Final Battle Theme)

Legendary Battle: Michael (6) Vs. Bird of Lightning Zapdos

Michael took off his hat and tossed it towards the others, where Ruby was the one who caught it. This revealed Michael in a martial artists outfit of his own creation. He then did a front flip before landing and taking up a fighting pose, then slowly spun in a circle and threw out a Poké Ball while doing it.

Michael - "Let's go Marshtomp!"

Marshtomp - "Right!"

Michael - "Battle Disk activate!"

As Michael's Battle Disk activated, a bright aura surrounded Zapdos.

Zapdos: Attack +1, Defense +1, Special Attack +1, Special Defense +1, Speed +1

Michael - "Well, well. Seems like Akira was right after all."

Weiss - "What do you mean Michael?"

Michael - "I wasn't sure about something involving the battle disk system, so I contacted Akira."

-A Few Hours Ago-

Akira - "Hey big bro. Did you need something?"

Michael - "Yeah. I was just curious. What happens if I were to use the Battle Disk against a Wild Pokémon, or a Trainer that DOESN'T have one?"

Akira - "An aura will appear around the Wild Pokémon, boosting their stats and making them a tougher challenge. But this way the battle will remain fair on both sides. Same thing for EVERY Pokémon the Trainer WITHOUT a Battle Disk has on them as well."

Michael - "Oh ok then. Thanks for helping me clear that up sis."

Akira - "Not at all big bro. I was gonna tell you all this during the next time you showed me and the Professors your PokéDex anyway."

Michael - "Ok Akira. See you later. Love you."

Akira - "Love you too big bro."

-Flashback Ends-

Twilight - "Wow. To think that the Battle Disk has that kind of system to keep things balanced."

Michael - "I activate Defense Cutter and Water Booster! Now not only are your Defense and Special Defense sharply lowered, but all of Marshtomp's Water-Type attacks have their power boosted by 20% for the next 3 turns! Attack with Water Pulse Marshtomp!"

Marshtomp - "Right!"

Zapdos - "Then take a Thunder Shock in return!"

While Marshtomp's boosted Water Pulse did a good amount of damage to Zapdos, his returning Thunder Shock did absolutely nothing to Marshtomp.

Water Pulse's Power: 60 + 12 = 72 + 36 = 108

Zapdos: Attack +1, Defense –1, Special Attack +1, Special Defense –1, Speed +1

Zapdos - "What?!"

Michael - "Your fellow legendries in Hoenn should've informed you Lord Zapdos. Unlike Mudkip, both of his evolved forms in Marshtomp and Swampert are dual Water/Ground Types, meaning that your electric moves are completely useless here."

Zapdos - "Taste my Drill Peck then!"

Michael - "Dodge and strike back with Rock Slide!"

Marshtomp fired and hit Zapdos with Rock Slide, dealing a good amount of damage to his legendary opponent. However, he wasn't quick to dodge and got clipped by Drill Peck.

Michael - "You ok Marshtomp?"

Marshtomp - "Just fine Michael!"

Michael - "Alright then. Water Pulse once again!"

Zapdos - "Drill Peck!"

Marshtomp's Water Pulse hit full force, making Zapdos confused as well. However, Drill Peck connected despite the confusion.

Michael - "I got you!"

Michael quickly caught Marshtomp, keeping him from taking further damage. Then just before Marshtomp could rush back into the battle.

Michael - "Wait Marshtomp."

Marshtomp - "What is it Michael?"

Michael crouched so that he was nearly eye level with his mid-staged Water Starter.

Michael - "Lord Zapdos seems to be on his last legs. I think it's time to use the combo move."

Marshtomp - "You sure?"

Michael looked at Zapdos, then back at Marshtomp.

Michael - "Yes."

Marshtomp nodded.

Marshtomp - "Ok then. You make the call to use it then."

Michael - "Right."

Marshtomp quickly returned to the battlefield. Michael quickly looked at his hand.

Michael - "Good. Everything's in place for our victory. I activate Ice Booster and Ground Booster! Much like the Water Booster I used earlier, all Ice-Type and Ground-Type moves have their power boosted by 20% for the next 3 turns!"

Zapdos - "Aren't you forgetting? Just like how my Electric-Type moves don't affect Marshtomp at all, the same can be said for his Ground-Type moves not hitting me at all."

Michael smirked.

Michael - "Don't you think I'm already aware of that?"

Zapdos - "Huh?"

Michael - "I activate the ability card Immune Negate! If my opponent is immune to a move used against it, this battle card instead makes them take double the normal damage dealt."

Zapdos - "Say what now?!"

Michael - "Marshtomp! Take down Zapdos and end this battle now! Ice Shot!"

Ice Shot's Power: 90 + 55 = 145

Michael - "And now all of my battle cards have their effects activate!"

Ice Beam's Power: 90 + 18 = 108

Mud Shot's Power: 55 + 11 = 66 + 33 = 99

Ice Shot's Power: 108 + 99 = 207 x 2 = 414 x 2 = 828

Marshtomp fired the combo move at Zapdos, which hit him full force. Surprisingly, along with being confused, Zapdos was now also frozen.

Marshtomp - "Now Michael!"

Michael pulled out an Ultra Ball that Clair gave him and expanded it.

Michael - "Go Ultra Ball!"

Michael threw the Ultra Ball, hitting Zapdos square in the head, transporting him inside it and falling to the ground.

One shake.

Two shakes.

Three shakes.

-Click-

(Music Ends)

Everyone went silent as the noticeable click was heard.

Twilight - "Did Michael just..."

Ruby - "I think he just did."

Meanwhile, Arceus was off to the side smirking.

Girls - "He did it!"

Soon everyone else across the world was cheering as well. Michael walked over and picked up the Ultra Ball Zapdos was in, a look of complete joy on his face.

Michael - "We did it Marshtomp! We caught Lord Zapdos!"

Marshtomp - "Yeah!"

Michael brought out Zapdos, then bowed to him alongside Marshtomp.

Michael - "Thank you for the very fun battle, Lord Zapdos."

Zapdos - "Not at all Michael. You and Marshtomp gave me quite the run for my money."

Arceus - "Very well-done Michael. You have now proven yourself to be my chosen protector. And also let me go ahead and take Zapdos's Poké Ball. I'll hand him off to your parents and sisters for you."

Zapdos - "Before you do that milady. Can I say something to Michael?"

Arceus - "Of course Zapdos."

Arceus stepped back a bit.

Zapdos - "I'm sure you already have an idea Michael, but compared to me right now, both of my sisters, as well as every other legendary across the world, watched my battle with you today. They now know and see just how much of an amazing Trainer you are and are going to be. So, we only ask you this? Be sure to give every one of us a battle that we can always remember when we're caught by you."

Michael bowed his head a bit, then brought it back to face Zapdos with a giant smirk.

Michael - "Yes sir!"

Zapdos - "Good. Ok lady Arceus. That's all I had to say here."

Michael - "Return."

Zapdos was returned to the Ultra Ball, which Michael then handed to Arceus.

Arceus - "Now I shall take my leave. Be ready though Michael. I may have another test for you somewhere down the line."

Michael - "Yes Lady Arceus."

With that Arceus disappeared. Then Michael nearly collapsed, but he was quickly caught by Feraligatr.

Michael - "Thanks Feraligatr."

Feraligatr - "Not at all Michael."

The others quickly made their way over to Michael.

Ruby - "You ok Michael?"

Michael - "I'm fine Ruby. Just majorly exhausted."

Weiss - "Let's return to the hotel then so you can get a good night's rest."

Twilight - "Good idea."

The party and everyone else returned to the hotel, with Feraligatr carrying Michael the whole way due to how weak he was feeling after the two battles he was a part of today. Soon the girls helped him into the bed in the master suite, and he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.