Pokemon: Rising From The Dark

Bang——

Suddenly, another Pokémon emerged from Rocks' shadow, intercepting Gengar's advance.

A Banette!

Rocks had prepared a backup plan. As a Trainer, it was only natural to keep a contingency for self-protection. With this move, Rocks couldn't be taken down directly.

For now, Aoki would have to settle for eliminating Rocks' remaining two Pokémon first.

Gengar ignored the Banette and lunged toward the other two weakened Pokémon. Under Aoki's command, Mismagius joined the fray, using Confuse Ray to disorient the opponents.

Two Shadow Balls and Mismagius's Psybeam later, the two Pokémon collapsed, unable to continue battling.

With their final assault on Moltres thwarted and two of their Pokémon down, Rocks and Brownis exchanged grim expressions.

Aoki stepped forward slowly, his black cloak billowing.

Recognizing the figure, Rocks' eyes widened. "You!" he exclaimed.

This was exactly what Aoki had intended—for Rocks to recognize him.

"What a coincidence, Lord Rocks. We meet again," Aoki said with a faint smile, emerging from the shadows with Mismagius hovering beside him.

After dispatching the two foes, Gengar floated back to Drapion's side.

Meanwhile, Altaria glided over to Moltres, who was panting heavily, and administered healing potions Aoki had prepared. Moltres hesitated but accepted, its gaze burning with fury as it glared at Charizard.

Brownis scowled. It had taken immense effort to weaken Moltres. If it recovered now, they would be in serious trouble.

"Who are you?" Rocks demanded. "Our mission was to secure Moltres' genetic sample. By interfering, are you betraying Team Rocket?"

Aoki didn't respond immediately. Instead, he approached Moltres, stopping just short of the legendary bird.

Gengar materialized beside Moltres, producing a test tube. With Moltres' wary eyes following, Gengar collected blood from its wounds—golden blood.

Gengar handed the sample to Aoki, who examined it with a smirk. "Now that we have the genes, Lord Rocks need not worry."

Brownis' lips curled into a knowing grin. "So your real mission was to stop us."

Aoki glanced at him, mildly impressed. The patriarch was sharper than expected.

"Father was wise to prepare for contingencies," Brownis mused, retrieving a Poké Ball. "Otherwise, we might have been caught off guard."

Aoki raised an eyebrow.

Still underestimating the Jinchuan family?

The Poké Ball burst open, revealing an Ampharos.

This was no ordinary Ampharos—its sheer presence sent a ripple of unease through the battlefield.

A quick scan with Aoki's system confirmed its power: Level 74. Worse, it had likely been at this level for years, meaning its mastery of Electric-type energy was formidable.

"Interesting," Aoki remarked dryly.

Brownis and Rocks watched him, anticipating fear.

But Aoki only smirked. "Like father, like son. No wonder Regis relied on borrowed Pokémon as his trump card. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Brownis' grin faltered.

"Regis?"

A sinking feeling settled in his gut.

Aoki dispelled the illusion masking his face and pulled back his hood, revealing his sharp features—jet-black hair and piercing dark eyes.

No more disguises.

No more games.

Time to end this.

"It's you!" Brownis gasped.

He recognized Aoki—and that realization sent a chill down his spine.

If he could, he'd pretend otherwise.

"Aren't you the one from Trial Island? The Trainer who humiliated Regis on Neverland? Aoki, was it?" Brownis' voice wavered. "You've reached Champion level?"

No wonder Regis had been outmatched.

But then—

"Where is Regis?"

Aoki's silence was answer enough.

Brownis' pulse quickened.

"You've revealed yourself," Brownis said, forcing composure. "That means you intend to fight to the finish. What makes you so confident? This Moltres?"

Aoki ignored him, turning to Moltres instead.

How's your recovery? Can you handle that Ampharos? he projected telepathically.

Moltres met Ampharos' gaze, flames flickering in its eyes, and nodded.

As a Legendary Pokémon, weakness was not an option.

Aoki grinned.

"Then there's no issue. Just a battle, right? Let's make it a spectacle."

Two more Poké Balls materialized in his hand.

Slowking and Florges joined the fray.

With his identity exposed, Aoki saw no reason to hold back.

He had to ensure neither Rocks nor Brownis escaped—or he'd be the one in danger.

Truthfully, he hadn't expected Moltres to endure this long. Had it faltered sooner, he'd have intervened earlier.

But the timing was perfect now.

Aoki was confident.

He had an ace up his sleeve.

Today, these two would fall.

And he?

He'd make sure it was unforgettable.

"Show them what we're made of!" Aoki commanded.

Eight Pokémon stood ready, unflinching.

Against a Level 70 Charizard, multiple Level 60+ Pokémon, and several above 65, the odds were daunting.

But Aoki had a plan.

And his team?

They feared nothing.

No hesitation.

No retreat.

"Mega Evolution! Gengar!"

Aoki raised his Key Stone, its glow synchronizing with Gengar's Mega Stone.

Dark energy swirled around Gengar as its form twisted, expanding into its Mega Evolution.

The battlefield trembled.

Gengar's mischievous grin sharpened into something far more sinister.

A Level 62 Gengar surged to Level 66.

This was Aoki's counter to Charizard.

With Charizard weakened by Belly Drum and the rest of their team injured, Rocks only had Banette left.

The fight was far from over.

And Aoki?

He was just getting started.