Chapter Text
“Uuurgh…” I groaned as I blinked open my eyes. Only to immediately need to shield them with my right hand, from the bright fluorescent lights overhead. I heard the sound of movement, but my mind barely registered it. Two soft, familiar hands settled onto my forehead. And golden light began to soothe the throbbing pain.
As I slowly moved my hand away, Melanie smiled down at me. “Morning, sleepyhead.” She spoke softly, her voice so quiet that, had the room not been silent, I wouldn’t have heard her. “Azelf’s explosion knocked you both out…entirely. She woke up a few hours ago.” Melanie explained what happened after I blacked out. Her hands moved to my ringing ears, and the ringing faded away. “Are you feeling OK?” She asked.
I nodded, before starting to sit up with a little help from her. A gentle push against my back with her left hand. I stretched, yawning quietly before smiling. “Are the others doing OK?” I asked quietly.
“They’re fine, yes.” Melanie wrapped me in a hug, which I returned with my right arm. “In fact, breakfast is underway. Lizzie’s Audino offered to handle it, since Lexie’s on medical leave now.”
I shared a quick, soft kiss with her, before she pulled away. She walked around to the other side of the bed, where she picked up a tablet and began to go through something on it. Some stuff I couldn’t see.
“I guess I’m up too early for breakfast in bed.” I said quietly, earning a soft giggle.
“Nah.” Melanie smiled at me. “You stay right here. I’ll bring you something. Lizzie said to check you over again, make sure you were all clear. That blast didn’t do enough to kill you, you wouldn’t be in that hospital bed if it did. Since you would’ve regenerated in the Distortion World. Still, it did really mess you up. We just wanna make sure your regeneration did not miss anything.”
I watched Melanie turn to leave, and watched her walk out of the room with quiet steps. Carrying the tablet in hand and looking over the information that was on it. I closed my eyes and focused on myself, using the Status command for the first time in a while. A check that revealed…there wasn’t any damage to worry about. Despite that, I still felt rather sore. Which helps to confirm what Melanie just told me, a moment ago. It wouldn’t be long until she returned, and with her, was Mewtwo. He was carrying a tray with breakfast on it. While Melanie carried a cup of coffee in one of her hands. Melanie set the coffee on a nearby table, and Mewtwo gently placed the tray in my lap. Then he sat down at the end of the bed with a soft smile.
The two began to focus on a mental conversation while I enjoyed breakfast. The difference that was there without Lexie working on it was almost unnoticeable. I guess Liz’s Audino must be pretty good as a chef. I heard soft clicks on the floor, then I saw Mewtwo move over just before Solais appeared. She seemed to be concerned about something, so it must be important.
“Morning, Zeryph.” She greeted me quietly. “Hey, I felt like you should know, something is setting my disaster senses off. It’s only a tiny feeling in the back of my mind right now.”
I reached out and gently rubbed the top of her head, earning a soft purr, before I thanked her. “Thanks for letting me know.” I said quietly, with a smile. If my guess is right, Power of One should be very soon. And if it doesn’t start today, then it’ll be in the next few days. Hopefully I’ll be able to get at least a little rest in. “Still feel sore from the damage I took.”
“Do you? Well, when you finish breakfast, I’ll help you with that.” Melanie offered.
“Thanks, Mel.” I thanked her. I switched my focus back towards breakfast, and it wouldn’t be long before I finished, either. Mewtwo and Solais got up from the bed, the former taking the tray from my lap, while also using telekinesis to lift the empty mug that used to have coffee in it. He started for the kitchen without a word, and Solais decided to follow him.
“Here, lay down. Let me take care of that soreness problem.” Melanie gently pushed me back, using telekinesis to lower the bed until it was completely flat. As I rolled over, I felt her hands settle onto my back. Then I felt the comforting warmth of Restoration mixing with her soft touch. I let out a soft purr, closing my eyes and letting myself relax. The soreness faded away in response to Melanie’s actions.
I heard footsteps enter the room before someone spoke. “Zeryph? You have a call waiting, when you’re able.” It was Liz, this time.
“Thanks Lizzie. I’ll make sure he heads that way when we finish up here.” Melanie informed her. “Shouldn’t be long. Who’s the call from?”
“From Professor Oak, it seems like it might be important.” Well, that’s good to know. As soon as she finished up, Melanie helped me stand, and I took a moment to stretch. Honestly, it seems like Mt. Silver’s Pokémon Center might become an outpost of sorts. I like it, personally, being away from city life again.
“Mel, would you let the others know I’m up, please?” I asked her.
“Oh, they already know. Mewtwo told them.” Melanie smiled. “Go on, take care of that call. I’ve gotta handle this.” She held up her tablet. Then she began to fill out what was on it as I started to leave. I saw snow falling outside the front window- probably something that drifted down from further up the mountain.
“Good morning, Zeryph.” Samuel greeted me as I stepped up to the video terminal.
“Good morning, Professor.” I responded in kind. “What do you need this morning?”
Samuel decided to get straight to the point. “Have you noticed anything unusual with the weather?” He asked.
“Hmm…no?” I doubt the snow outside really counts as unusual, this close to Mt. Silver. “Solais said that something was bugging her senses, earlier.”
“Hmm.” Samuel let out a hum. “Interesting. Though I don’t have the equipment for it, I wonder…what might be going on? I’ve started to see some unusual happenings around here. Unusual for late autumn and early winter, I mean.”
“Really?” Huh… “You don’t think something big might be about to-” I was interrupted by a beep. Reaching over, I pressed a button. The screen split and shifted, then Ash’s face appeared. “Good morning, kiddo.”
“Hey Zeryph. Wanted to know if you’d like to join us over here for a bit. I get the feeling something big is going to happen.”
“Well, perfect timing. Samuel and I were just discussing some unusual occurrences.” I heard the clicks of claws on the floor, then Solais reared up enough to put her front paws on the desk.
“Hey Solais.” Ash greeted her.
“Hey, Kid.” She greeted him, in return. “Zeryph- I suggest you go. That feeling from earlier? It’s getting stronger. I dunno what’s going on, but I feel like we should be there for it.”
That doesn’t bode well. While Ash took a little time to talk to Samuel, I decided to think it over. Unusual weather once in a while is fine for things being interesting. What I wonder is, what sort of unusual weather? Maybe it’s more than just that, like Pokémon doing strange things.
I heard claws clicking on Ash’s end, and a familiar face appeared in the call. He gave Solais and I a smile as best he could, with a beak.
“Zeryph, sorry to intrude on the call, but it’s important.” Evan began to speak. “The weather here- I can feel it just from the wind. Something big is about to happen.”
“Oh, well, that confirms it. Thanks, Evan.” I thanked him. “Solais, get everyone rounded up for me, leave Lexie here. We leave in five minutes.” I watched Solais get down, and then she hurried out of the room to gather everyone. “Kiddo- we’ll be there shortly.”
I dropped out of the call by pressing the button to hang up, then a voice echoed in my head. One that I’ve never heard before. All he said was one word- [Chosen…] Now…who is that? There are very few who would have a psychic connection to me, outside the team. The siblings and Arceus, mainly. But I’m willing to guess that Rayquaza also does…in the future. But this isn’t his doing. Besides, I’d recognize his voice. No, this one is…soft, somewhat smooth. But it carries a sense of worry and urgency to it.
[Did you hear it, too?] Mewtwo asked.
[I did. No idea who it is.] I confirmed. [A strong Psychic, to reach us from so far. Any ideas?]
[There are only five powerful Psychics I could think of with the necessary power to reach us so far. The first is Libra, obviously, and the other three are the Sisters. This voice could’ve been Lugia, though, that’s just a guess. As, I don’t know what his voice would even sound like…not well enough anyway.] Mewtwo made a mental sound, similar to clearing his throat. [I apologize for rambling.]
[Don’t worry about it. You know how I am.] I got a quiet laugh in response. It wouldn’t take long for everyone to gather around. Lexie came to see us off. And we devised a cover story. Training injury, she’s been asked to rest a few days. This should cover for her carrying an egg. Speaking of which…I think I might have a name in mind for the kid when the egg hatches. If it’s male, then I’m gonna name him Oliver.
And if the kid is female, well, I think it’s only fair that Lexie gets to name her. But we won’t know until it hatches. Lexie and I shared a short embrace and a soft kiss, then she stepped away as Mewtwo prepared to teleport us. With Solais stepping into the cabin briefly.
“Good luck, Z. See you all in a bit.” Liz said her own farewell. I smiled and waved, then a bright flash briefly blinded me. The foyer was replaced with a street just outside a Pokémon Center. Where Libra was waiting on us.
“Ah, good, you’re here. Ash is just inside, still talking with the Professor. And Miss Delia, now, as well.” It would seem Libra has picked up English, herself.
“Thanks. Hope you’ve been keeping an eye on him.” I said to her as I walked past.
“I have. I know that you still don’t like me, but I hope that changes one day.” Libra gave a brief, faint smile. “Perhaps today’s events might change that. We’ll be setting out on a boat soon, so you shouldn’t need to wait long.” Libra braced herself, and smiled as Pikachu hopped onto her shoulder. She reached up and rubbed the top of his head.
I let out a quiet chuckle. It seems Pikachu has definitely accepted her as part of the team, already. Which is a good enough sign in my book.
“Let Ash know that I’m gonna gear the team up with flight harnesses, and those of us who can will fly along behind all of you. Suicune will likely choose to run on the water.” I told Libra. While sending a mental message to Suicune to go and fetch her brothers. We might need their help later. “The rest of you, let’s get ready.”
As we began to gear up, Evan stepped outside, smiling at us and even taking the time to talk with everyone. He warned us about the change in the weather, before heading off to return to his mate and the flock they had taken up guarding. A storm wouldn’t be as bad on a boat, but in the air it’s even more dangerous. Melanie dismissed herself to the cabin, saying that being in a storm at sea once was enough for her. After the incident on the St. Anne, I don’t blame her at all.
The Eon Twins can fly high above it, anyway. In fact, Latios has already set off into the air as high as he can go. Using his Psychic link with Latias to give us an overhead map of the islands and the weather around them. It seems clear, for the moment, but that could change.
I helped Latias into one of the harnesses, the one I got for her. While Mewtwo helped Kaorah into hers. Then Cerise and I got a new one to help Alex into. Adjusting it until he was comfortable with it. Then doing the same with Latios. Mewtwo was going to go with Kaorah, and Cerise would be going with Alex. That left me to go with Latias, and Zeraora decided he’d go with Latios.
Everyone else chose to return to the cabin for now, rather than take their chances on the boat. The only exceptions were Solais, whose senses were pretty important right now, and Kalina. Zeraora seemed to really hit it off with Pikachu, the pair becoming pretty fast friends. Even communicating through electrical signals.
When Ash introduced us to Tracey, he was awed by my team. It was quickly explained to him that it wasn’t everyone, since those who weren’t going to fly or be on the boat, had gone to the cabin. Then I decided to drop the bombshell that I wasn’t just a human. Changing into my Lucario form briefly.
Tracey gasped. “Wha-what? How is that even…possible?” He recovered from his shock remarkably fast, quickly pulling out a journal and writing down a series of notes.
“Through special circumstances.” I said as I returned to normal. “If he’ll allow it, I can set you up for a talk with Dialga if you’d like. And even get you a meeting with Professor Oak. He knows a lot more about my team than most do.”
“Really? Oh, yes, please! You’ve caught my interest, Zeryph.” Tracey’s eyes wandered over my team. “I count…four Legends, and even a Mythical? Wow…I’m impressed.”
“Make that five Legends.” A voice rumbled, and Giratina’s shadowy form slowly raised from my shadow. Laughing quietly as Tracey froze in shock.
“Th-the Renegade?! How?!” Tracey’s shock quickly turned into awe. “Truly, your team is the most impressive I’ve ever seen.”
“He’s the one I lost the league finals to.” Ash admitted. “But if I’m going to be the runner up, then I couldn’t think of anyone better to lose to.” Hearing my cousin’s praise, I grinned.
“I think the whole world saw that battle, actually.” Tracey smiled. “Even I saw it. That was something else.”
“We didn’t get Zeraora until very recently. And Xerneas is considering joining us as well.” I shrugged. “I might’ve also befriended Rayquaza, as well.” Technically true, though, it’s not the case at this point. I’ll be going to visit him as soon as we finish up here. I wonder if I’ll also be invited to the Bell Tower early, as well. Though, the Lugia we’re about to deal with is not the Johto one. I’d imagine that word will still reach Ho-oh, eventually.
“We should get going while the weather is clear.” A new voice caught our attention. “Oh, I’m Maren, by the way. This is my boat. I’ll be taking you…well, most of you, across to the next island.”
“Gotcha. Solais and Kalina will join y’all on the ship. The rest of us are gonna get up in the air.” I told her. “Mount up!”
At my call, we paired off as planned. Each of us locked ourselves into the harnesses as we prepared to fly. I took this time to brief everyone on the plan I had. “We’re gonna keep it low so we can follow the boat. If a storm blows up on us, we get out ahead. Everyone ready?”
As the boat casted off, my fliers waited for their cue. Kaorah took off first, as she needed a runup to get off the ground without any wings to flap. The rest of us took off behind her, taking up a formation behind the boat. At an altitude that would put us just above it.
[In the water, behind us. Submarine. I think it’s the former-Rocket trio.] Mewtwo alerted us to a certain trio’s presence. Haven’t seen them in a while, so I was wondering how they were doing. [Jessie, James, Meowth, can you hear us?] Mewtwo reached out to them.
[Huh? Mewtwo? Whadda ya want?] Meowth responded.
[We’re joining the group for the time being. Something big is about to happen.] I said, before briefing the trio on what was going on. [Seems like a chance for the three of you to help out with something big.]
[We’ll help out.] Jessie responded. [It wouldn’t make much sense to just sit by and watch. Besides, even if we refused you, I’m thinking Lord Dialga would want us to help out, anyway.]
[Indeed.] James agreed. [We’ll see what happens, and go from there.]
[Dunno how the three of you would be comfortable under water after the incident on the St. Anne.] Kaorah cut in. I could sense the mental shrug from the trio. We fell into silence after a couple minutes. Our trip stretched on into an hour before anything else happened.
Solais turned her head to the sky. “Storm brewing, get ready.” She warned us. I didn’t get to ask how soon it would be, as the sky began to darken. The wind felt stronger up here than it would on the boat, and the sea began to get rough. The fliers ducked down, ready to land at a moment’s notice. Then the storm really spun up on us. Though not a supercell, thank Arceus, or a hurricane for that matter, it still felt rather strong.
Mewtwo closed his eyes and began to focus on using his power to shield us, the boat, and even the submarine hidden under the water. Guiding us safely towards an island we were approaching under the strength of the wind and current. The vessels both ran aground, but thanks to Mewtwo, wouldn’t suffer anything more than some scratched paint. The fliers all set down immediately, and we quickly began to pull the harnesses off.
The former-Rockets emerged from their sub. Dazed but unharmed, thanks to Mewtwo’s actions. For a moment it seemed like they were worried that he was going to send them across the planet again, but they relaxed when he didn’t.
As I looked around, I noticed that there seemed to be a festival going on. Melanie opened a portal from the cabin and rejoined us. Which was at the same time as a young lady hurried up to meet us. Looking each of us over before her eyes settled on me, specifically.
“You’re a trainer, right?” She guessed. “Perfect. I think you’d be the perfect choice for the chosen one.” I caught her hands afterwards as she reached out to grab my shirt, likely to pull me down.
“Sorry, girlie, I’m already spoken for.” I used a little bit of power to cast a psychic image of Liz, which caused the young lady to deflate slightly. “But the Chosen One thing? Heh…you hit the nail on the head with that one. All right then, show me what you need me to do.”
“He’s already chosen? By who?” I heard someone ask. The young lady sighed and began to lead the way to the shrine.
“I’m Melody, by the way.” She finally introduced herself. “Wait…yeah, who were you the Chosen One for, anyway?”
“I’m Zeryph, Zeryph Ketchum. This year’s Indigo Champion, and Chosen of Arceus.” I introduced myself properly. “A pleasure.”
“Indigo Champion?!” Melody reacted with surprise. “No way! I never would’ve guessed the Chosen One would…wait. Arceus?”
“Yes, it’s true.” A familiar voice spoke. Dialga brushed his moustache with one of his gloved hands. “I’ve been assigned to keep an eye on him, after all.”
“How do you manage to always sneak up on us like this?” I asked him.
“I have my secrets, Mr. Ketchum.” Dialga answered. Smiling behind his gloved hand. “You and your team are in for a long day. I’d wish you luck, but I don’t believe it is necessary. I know you’ll all pull through fine, of course.” He then disappeared as suddenly as he had shown up, leaving Melody confused.
“Who…who was that, anyway?” She asked.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” That seems to be my response to any time someone asks about the man in blue. I get the feeling that Dialga’s starting to have fun messing with us. Better than being bored out of his mind, after all. There’s only so much fun an entity of Time can have without any interaction.
[Break]
We reached the shrine after several minutes of walking. During that time, Melody got introduced to everyone, properly. Following that was a festival ceremony. Starting with Melody playing a song that was supposed to mimic the cry of Lugia. Lugia’s song is…perhaps the most beautiful music in the entirety of the Pokémon series, unless something somehow beats it.
“Chosen One, your role is to travel to each of the islands of the birds. At each one, you’ll find an elemental orb. Fire, Ice, and Lightning. You must bring them back here, placing them in the shrine. I’ll play the same song you just heard, which will signal the festival’s ending.” Melody explained what we would be doing.
[New Quest: The Power of One]
[Your role of Chosen One has been called to action yet again. This time, as part of a yearly festival. Assemble the treasures and calm the Legendary Birds.]
[Objectives]
[1: Claim the Fire Treasure]
[2: Claim the Ice Treasure]
[3: Claim the Lightning Treasure]
[4: Return the treasures to the shrine, bringing an end to the festival]
[Optional objectives will be revealed as they come up, with bonus rewards for each one you complete. Objectives 1-3 can be done in any order. You won’t be able to fly between islands for this task.]
[Rewards- 20,000 EXP, 50,000 cash, 5x Empowerment Seeds, 5x Gacha Tokens, and hidden rewards. Hidden rewards will be revealed when their matching optionals are completed]
[Failure Conditions; N/A]
Seems like there’s a quest attached, too…nice. That makes the reward even more worth it, I suppose. I filled my team in on it, using telepathy. Then Mewtwo took some time to brief Solais, using the Pokémon language so the humans around us wouldn’t overhear.
Wouldn’t be as easy without Lexie here, given how her Mega Form has Flash Fire, and that would’ve been super useful for Moltres. But we do still have Kalina, and as we’ve seen before, her own Mega Form is more than a match for the Legendary Birds.
“Let’s get going. Mewtwo, Kalina, you’re both with me. Everyone else, I want you to keep an eye on things here. Latias, you and your brother, get up in the air if you can and give us overwatch. If things start to go downhill, let us know immediately.” I watched the twins take off into the air at full speed. “Ash, I want you, Brock, and Misty, to stay here with everyone else. Jessie, the same goes for your squad.”
“Zeryph, I’ll lend you my boat for this. It has only had its paint scratched, but it’s back in the water now.” Maren offered.
“I appreciate it. Mewtwo, Kalina, let’s move.” The four of us set out right away. Hurrying to the docks and boarding Maren’s boat, before setting out.
[Zerrie, I can see some sort of large airship in the area. I’m not sure what they’re up to, but I thought you should know.] Latias informed.
[Thanks for the heads up. If you figure out what’s going on, don’t try to engage without any help.] I told her. “Latias said there’s an airship in the airspace around the islands, likely someone messing around.” I spoke out loud, informing Maren of what was going on.
“Then we’d better hurry. Full speed ahead.” Maren pushed the throttle, and I felt the boat vibrate from the engine spinning up. I could feel the wind, and I could see the darkening sky as well. It seems like something might’ve happened already.
In the minutes that the trip took, the sea began to get worse. A muffled thunk met our ears as we neared the fire island. That…didn’t sound good. Mewtwo revealed the reason- the rudder had been broken off. It wouldn’t be long after that we ran aground once more. But as we did, the three of us; myself, Mewtwo and Kalina, hopped off the boat and headed straight for where the Fire Orb would be.
“Something’s wrong. I can’t sense the local Moltres here, at all.” Mewtwo warned us. “Be ready…I think I sense someone else approaching. It might be the local Zapdos.”
“Then we’d better make this quick. Kalina, prepare yourself for a battle.” I changed forms as I spoke, already unleashing my first seal and preparing myself. But I didn't drop my weights just yet. This wouldn’t be like fighting Deoxys, where I was facing someone I couldn’t stack up against. Someone who already knew how I’d fight. This Zapdos wasn't aware of how my team worked together, so he wouldn't be ready for us.
We reached the Flame treasure in a short time. As I stored the orb safely in my inventory, a loud sound met our ears. A cry that echoed like the boom of thunder as the local Zapdos revealed himself. He didn’t waste any time with talk, launching off Thunder as soon as he saw us. Only for Kalina to intercept it after changing into a Ground Type.
Just as our battle against Zapdos began, it ended with outside interference. A massive airship drifting into range, it must be the one Latias warned us about. A group of drones flew out from the ship, and would go on to trap Zapdos. Who let out a rather indignant sound at being captured in such a manner. I glanced at Mewtwo, who nodded. He then flared his power, just enough that the ship’s capture sensors would pick us up.
We allowed ourselves to be captured, of course. The drones took us to an empty cell on board the ship. Where a voice began to sound from a speaker.
“What’s this? Extra Pokémon? Wait…” The man paused for a moment. “You’re no normal Lucario, those colors don’t match up with normal or even a shiny, at all.”
“No, I’m not.” I changed into my human form. “Zeryph Ketchum, a pleasure.”
“Mister Ketchum, I am Lawrence, the third. I apologize for accidentally capturing you and your teammates. It was not my intention, I assure you.” Lawrence III introduced himself.
“Zeryph?! As in…” Zapdos bowed his head, apologetically. “Had I realized, I would not have attacked you so suddenly, I apologize.”
“You? Apologizing to someone? How unusual.” The local Moltres spoke up, before she laughed quietly. “This is quite a shock. Zapdos apologizing to someone. You’re more of a hothead than most Fire Types. And coming from a Fire Type, that really says a lot.”
“Quiet, you!” Zapdos snapped at her. “Chosen, it is a true honor. Now then…about this…humiliating predicament.”
“We’ll have you out as soon as we can. Kalina, you get Moltres, I’ll handle Zapdos.” Mewtwo didn’t speak in English, so as to not give away that he or Kalina knew it. Not for right now anyway. The pair quickly busted open the cages.
“Aah…sweet freedom!” Moltres stretched her wings. “Thank you, Chosen. You have-” She was interrupted by Zapdos firing off an attack at her. She let out a growl, and responded with one of her own. Mewtwo put up a shield around himself, then expanded it so that Kalina and I were covered. The birds’ fighting quickly got out of control. Which, of course, began to damage the ship.
[Zerrie, what’s going on? We’re seeing smoke coming out of that thing.] Latias spoke to us.
[Moltres and Zapdos. The ship’s owner, Lawrence, is after the birds.] I explained. Alarms began to blare, and the ship shuddered violently as a stray attack hit something important. [We’re going down.]
[It’s going to crash in the water. Mewtwo, get them out of there.] Latios spoke, next. Mewtwo grabbed Kalina and I, then we teleported. Landing on Lightning Island. We saw the ship crash down into the ocean, before Moltres and Zapdos blasted their way out. The two being too focused on their fight to deal with us.
“The treasure, quickly!” Kalina yelled over the howling wind. We hurried for where we would find the Lightning Orb, then Mewtwo decided to teleport us to the shrine right away. The guardian, a Slowking, beckoned us over.
“Chosen One, place the orbs you have, quickly!” Slowking ordered us. Mewtwo placed the Thunder Orb, while I placed the Fire Orb. “Only Ice remains. Please, do be swift, we don’t have much time.”
“Incoming, fast.” Mewtwo warned us. In the next moment, the shrine came under attack from all three of the birds at once.
[Optional- Help Lugia]
[BGM Suggestion- Zame- Whirling Caves]
“Mewtwo, take Kalina and go for the Ice Orb. I’m staying here.” I told Mewtwo. He nodded, leaning over to softly kiss my cheek, before he and Kalina set off as quickly as they could. My senses picked up something rising from below. Big, fast, and extremely powerful. Stronger than Deoxys, even. Exploding from the water with a loud cry, Lugia revealed himself at last.
Taking this as my cue, I focused on my power, and unleashed my second, third, and fourth phase seals. Changing into my Lucario form once more before going through Mega Evolution. Lugia’s eyes met my own, and he managed a brief, grateful smile.
“Chosen, we must calm the birds, or the unbalanced climate will destroy us all.” Lugia spoke. “We face them together, when you’re ready.”
“We will not be alone.” I said, before I held a hand to my mouth and let out a loud, shrill whistle. Suicune arrived soon after, leaping over the shrine and landing at my side. And just behind her, Entei and Raikou. Beasts vs. Birds, it would seem.
“Suicune, help with Moltres. Entei, with Articuno!” The pair nodded. “Raikou, what can you do against Zapdos?” I asked him.
“I can act as a shield as best I can, for his Lightning. Though, may I suggest that Zeraora take over in that regard? I shall help my brother with Articuno.” Raikou suggested.
“Right.” I nodded. [Latias, Latios, we need Zeraora here as soon as you can.]
[Gotcha, Zerrie. It won’t be long.] I felt the pair shifting forms, even from this far away.
[Chosen, truly, thank you for your help. I would not have been able to face them alone at the moment. Not without my song.] Lugia spoke telepathically. [After this battle, let us sit down and talk. I’ve been meaning to speak with you ever since I first heard the news.]
[We will, I promise.] I told him. The twins returned in short time, flying low enough to let Zeraora off, before rolling out of the way of a Thunderbolt from Zapdos. Which Zeraora took head-on. Laughing as his body soaked the lightning up like a sponge does with water.
“Wish we had Lexie right about now.” He commented, before shrugging. “Eh, we’ll be fine.”
“You and I will handle Zapdos.” I told him. “Suicune, Lugia, you handle Moltres. Entei, you and Raikou will handle Articuno as planned. Latias, Latios, help out where you can, and keep an eye on that airship. If it starts to take off again, let us know. Ready?” I dropped my weights. “Begin!” I called out, then we split up. I formed a staff with Bone Rush , spinning it in my hands and taking a stance.
“What good is Bone Rush if he can fly?” Zeraora asked.
“Who said I had to keep it in my hand?” I asked in return, before reshaping the spear into a javelin and throwing it. Aiming to skim the base of Zapdos’ wings in just the right way that it would force him to land. Zeraora grinned, even though Zapdos narrowly avoided the throw. When he retaliated with Thunderbolt, Zeraora caught it in his hand.
“Too slow!” He taunted the bird. Which, although it would make Zapdos angrier, it also meant his focus would be entirely on us. Which is exactly what we want. I formed another javelin before letting it fly.
“I have an idea. Entei- light me up!” I called out to Entei.
“Are you sure that’s wise? You’re a Steel Type.” He was right to question my decision. I nodded, preparing myself. “Oh, very well.” Entei then lit me on fire. I growled through the pain, but I didn’t let it affect me, or my focus. Instead, using my Aura to guide the flames. Shifting them onto a series of aura blades that I held between my fingers.
[Latias, gimme a boost!] I called out to her. I felt her Psychic grip form, before I was lifted into the air at high speed. I spun, and threw the improvised Blade Barrage. Aiming for Zapdos’ wings. He avoided some of them, but not enough. Letting out a pained sound as he began to crash to the ground.
Which put him in range for me to grab him with Giratina’s shadows and hold him in place. The twins then swooped down, each of them placing a hand on his forehead and sending him off to dreamland with the strongest Hypnosis they could manage.
I took a moment to look at the singed spots on my fur. If not for my experience in the Magma Cave, I wouldn’t have been able to do that. Probably for the best that we not try that trick again.
“Zeraora, split up. Help the boys with Articuno. I’ll help Suicune and Lugia.” I gave Zeraora a pat on the shoulder. He responded with a grin and a nod. “Twins, split between us.”
A flash drew our attention briefly, from Mewtwo and Kalina returning. They quickly placed the Ice Orb in its proper place, then dropped their own weights. Mewtwo then flared his power and changed into his Mega Form, being careful to not damage the shrine. Immediately, the two remaining birds focused their attention on him as he followed his transformation by using Taunt .
“Hold out until Melody gets to the Shrine!” Mewtwo called out. “She shouldn’t be far, now.”
“Latios! Break off, go get her. Fly fast, my friend!” I called. Latios nodded, before turning to fly away. A sonic boom echoing through the air as he took off. I dodged a fireball that Moltres launched my way, then used Bone Rush to smack a second back. Timing my swing so it would be launched right at Articuno.
She let out a pained squawk, thrown off by the unexpected impact enough that she wasn’t prepared for Latias to ram into her from behind, sending her crashing to the ground in a heap of icy feathers. She let out a pained sound as she tried to get up, only to flop over with swirls in her eyes. Moltres became our focus, next. But she didn’t continue to fight. Instead, a wave of light washed over her. She let out a sigh before landing, then she bowed her head in surrender.
Melanie revealed herself to be the cause, she must’ve used a calming spell. She walked over to Articuno, then to Zapdos, making sure their injuries weren’t serious, before gently waking them both up. At the same time, Latios arrived with Melody on his back. Setting down by the shrine and letting her off.
[Zerrie, that airship is taking off again.] Latias warned us. It wasn’t long before the airship, though badly damaged, began to approach the island at low altitude. Despite the approaching threat, Melody began to play, exactly as she was supposed to.
[BGM Suggestion; Lugia’s Song]
“I’m surprised that thing can still fly.” I mumbled. “Lugia! He’s after the birds. And I think he’s after you, as well!” I called out.
“I see…so, the human in that ship is to blame for this awful mess.” Lugia frowned. “Then I shall handle this immediately. Prepare yourself, Chosen.” At Lugia’s warning, I felt it, the charging in his power as the air began to swirl in a way that I’ve never felt before. A bright, pale green light began to shine from Lugia’s mouth as he breathed in deeply. And then, he let it fly.
The shockwave turned the ground beneath him into a crater, blasting away the water and throwing the rest of us from our feet. But the blast that went forwards was even stronger. A full powered Aeroblast. And I thought Rayquaza’s Hyperbeam was strong. But…this? A Signature? It slammed full force into Lawrence III’s airship, exploding with tremendous force. Force strong enough to clear every cloud in the sky. Mewtwo quickly raised a shield to protect us from the shockwave. A shockwave strong enough that his shield actually cracked under the sheer force of the blast.
It took several seconds for the howling wind to die down, then he dropped the shield. Changing back into his normal form with a tired sigh as he placed his hands on his head. Anything not behind the shield had been blown away. Lugia landed nearby, before bowing his head in respect. I dismissed the quest completion notification as it appeared.
“Chosen, you have my thanks.” Lugia thanked me. “The same for the rest of you. If not for your help, I would have initially struggled to calm the birds, myself”
“Happy to help.” I returned to normal with a thought. Resealing my Aura and changing back into my human form. Mewtwo handed me my weights, and I slipped them back on. “I’m glad Ash let us know ahead of time.”
I watched Suicune and her brothers exchange their farewells, before the boys set off to return to Johto, now that they were no longer needed. I was glad to have their help for this. But now that the Power of One is out of the way, we can finally get that down time we were looking forward to.
The birds, even Zapdos, thanked us for our help and apologized for the trouble they caused us. Then they took off for their islands, wanting to return home and rest properly. It wouldn’t be much longer before Lugia did the same. The rest of us went to return to Shamouti Island itself, with Melody. We all wanted to take a little bit of time to celebrate another victory before we head home.