Legalities: This is a non-profit fanfic. All Pokémon characters are copyrighted to the prospective peoples. Since this is a rough draft, no asking to borrow content at this time.

Note: I use a dice roller for events like poisoning and freezing. If I roll high enough the status effect will land in the story.

Ver 1.0

Title: The Lost Pokémon Episodes.
By: Hakuzo NightFox

Episode 17: Fighting Fire With Magma Part 2

Narrator: In the last episode Mole, Anna and Rax gave up their ties to Team Rocket. Andrew and Hakuzo faced off against Articuno healing the infected Pokémon from what ever was affecting it. The two trainers continue their journey to Cinnabar Island; the seas much calmer now. <<<

Koga dodges a blast of Dark Fire as it speeds down the narrow cave passage. Moltres shrieks out in anger unable to squeeze into the narrow tunnel. The sound reverberates shaking the walls of the tunnel as dust dislodges falling to the ground.

Blaine and Flint lean against the tunnel wall panting trying to catch their breath. Koga looks down the tunnel and shakes his head. He motions for the rest of the group to follow him back at the entrance of the caves.

“We have to fall back. We need to report this to Professor Oak and figure out a new plan.” Koga explains as he leads the gym leaders out of the cave.

“What could have caused such a majestic Pokémon to turn into such a monster?” Blaine asks rhetorically as he tries to think of any possible reason why this has happened to Moltres.

The three gym leaders exit the cave as fast as they could; waiting besides the entrance while making sure Moltres doesn’t attack from the sky. “We have to keep watch. If Moltres get mad we don’t want it causing havoc on anyone in the area.” Koga announces as he surveys the skies in search of Moltres.

“I’ll stay here and keep an eye out for Moltres. If the legendary escapes then I’ll do my best to confront it.” Flint raises his fist into the air as he declares his intentions.

“Very well then. We will return to Professor Oak immediately.” Koga replies with a nod as Blaine follows him back to Pallet town.

---

Andrew and Hakuzo arrive at the shore of Cinnabar Island. Lapris and Dragonair climb up on the beach while the two trainers hop down to the beach. Both trainers recall their water Pokémon. “You need a long rest after that trip Lapris. Rest for now.” Hakuzo tells his Pokémon.

Cinnabar Island is a town around the base of an active volcano. The Gym is built right into the side of the Volcano and is said to have flowing magma falls and that it supplies its own power via geothermal generators.

Andrew and Hakuzo arrive at the Gym to find the doors locked. “What’s going on here? No one is here.” Hakuzo states looking around the Gym. Both trainers sit down on the ground for a moment deciding to go to the Pokécenter to find out more information.

Both trainers give their Pokémon over to Nurse Joy to check over. Nurse Joy returns the Pokémon to their respective owners. “Here’s your Pokémon back. Everything is fine with them and they are in top shape.”

Hakuzo nods, “Do you know why the Gym is closed? We just arrived from Seafoam Island and we were expecting to battle the Gym leader.”

“Blaine was asked by Professor Oak to investigate Mount Silver and figure out what happened to the Pokémon named Moltres.” Nurse Joy explains to the trainers.

Hakuzo takes back his Pokémon and decides he should contact Professor Oak right away. Once the connection with Professor Oak is made, Hakuzo takes no time to cut to the chase. “What’s going on with Moltres? We came here to Cinnabar Island and can’t take on the next Gym Leader because of Moltres.”

“About that, I’ve asked Blaine, Koga and Flint to investigate the nest of Moltres. I haven’t heard back from them yet.” Professor Oak explains.

“Any idea what caused this to happen to the legendaries? We just had a run in with Articuno as well. After fighting it just like Zapdos we were able to restore the Pokémon.” Hakuzo recounts the events that happened at Seafoam Island.

“That’s amazing that you have faced off against two Legendary Pokémon and won.” Professor Oak was about to continue on but Koga burst into the door.

“We are here to report on Moltres. The Legendary Pokémon is far too powerful for normal attacks to work against it.” Koga details the situation to Oak before he notices that the Professor is talking on the phone. “Oh… Sorry for interrupting you Oak-san.”

“Oh that’s quite all right. I’m talking to Hakuzo here. He already has faced Articuno and Zapdos, returning both of them to their original state. I feel his help would be beneficial to you.” Oak turns back to Hakuzo. “I know it’s a lot to ask but can you make it back to Pallet town as soon as you can? I’ll make arrangements for a boat to pick you two up immediately.”

“Looks like we don’t have much choice since Moltres needs to be cured as well.” Hakuzo replies as Andrew nods a reply as well.

“As for battling me, that will have to wait until Moltres is dealt with. We will be waiting here for your arrival.” Blaine explains while he tips his hat back a bit. “I also want to see your battling prowess first hand. I can’t wait to see how well you have trained your Ninetales.”

“How do you know I have a Ninetales?” Hakuzo asks the Fire Gym Leader.

Blaine chuckles, “I am the fire type master that Oak confers to in times of need. How else do you think he gave you all of that advice about raising Ninetales? I was the one that gave him all the information.”

“That’s not entirely true Blaine, yes you have helped but I’ve been doing research for many years on my own.” Oak retorts back.

“You are still a young pup compared to me, lad. But we must’n keep the two trainers any longer they have arrangements to make.” Oak reluctantly nods and hangs up the phone. After about an hour the arrangements have been made for the two trainer’s departure.

---

Narrator: Hakuzo and Andrew meet up at the port of Cinnabar Island with the captain of a small fishery boat. The old fishmonger takes them aboard for the long trip to Pallet Town. After a few hours of travel the two trainers arrive back to the city of where their adventures began.<<<

“I never thought we would have made it back to Pallet town this soon. Only two gyms stand in our way before we take on the Elite Four.” Hakuzo reminisces as they walk to Professor Oak’s lab.

“I know, we have been around all of Kanto in such this short time. Even now it feels like I just barely left this town.” Andrew says with a sigh, feeling as if the adventure he has lived was about to reach an end.

The two trainers arrive at the research lab shortly after leaving the boat. Blaine was outside waiting for them. He extends out his hand and shakes with the two trainers. “Greetings, I am Blaine as you already know. It is a pleasure to meet you two in person after all of this time. I’ve heard many things about you two.” Blaine explains standing stiff straight like that of a gentleman.

Hakuzo and Andrew return the shake, “Have you been able to figure out what caused these three Legendary Pokémon to become corrupted?” Hakuzo asks.

Blaine shakes his head. “Sadly no… In all my years I have not seen anything like this. We personally went to Moltres’ den and found no evidence of anything. Moltres attacked us straight away and none of our attacks were able to phase it. We have no idea how to solve this.”

“We were attacked by Zapdos and Articuno. Somehow we battled with them and were able to defeat them. Once they were knocked out they returned to normal. What ever is affecting them loses hold after they are defeated.” Hakuzo explains to Blaine as they go inside to speak with Professor oak. After Hakuzo and Andrew relates all the events related to Zapdos and Articuno.

“I see. It seems that fighting Moltres is the only way to stop it from causing further damage. Blaine and Koga, I want you two to return back to Mount Silver with Hakuzo and Andrew. They will accompany you and at all costs you must restore Moltres back to its original state.” Oak instructs everyone as he paces back and forth.

“We understand. You could say I have a bit of a score to settle with Moltres anyways.” Hakuzo states leaving Oak a bit dumb-founded. Once Oak recovers he sends everyone on their way to Mount Silver.

---

Flint’s Onyx, Sandshrew and Larion take the lead ahead of their respective trainers through the narrow mountain tunnel. Blaine, Koga and Flint follow along as well each one discussing possible plans to deal with Moltres.

“None of that will work. Normal attacks do not have the same effect on these Legendary Pokémon in its current condition. Miles is our best bet with his Flash Fire ability. He will draw the attention of Moltres while every other Pokémon focuses their attacks onto Moltres.” Hakuzo explains to the group as they approach the larger cavern of where Moltres nests.

“You are not the only one with a Ninetales that has Flash Fire!” Blaine exclaims as he releases his own Ninetales. Several scars line its body including one across the muzzle.

“Wow, that Ninetales has a lot of scars.” Andrew comments about Blaine’s Pokémon.

“He’s had a rough life before I rescued him from the wild. He was abused and abandoned by his previous trainer. I found him tied up to a tree, left out to die. I was never able to find the owner of this Ninetales or I would have given him what-for!” Blaine explains as everyone continues to walk along the caverns.

“That’s a shame…I met Miles in the same way. He was being ganged up on by Rattata. I had to rush in and save him. Since then he’s been by my side.” Hakuzo reminisces about his past encounter.

Blaine walks along in silence for a short while before he speaks up again. “I see. We both have had special encounters with Ninetales. Each encounter is a tale of sorrow turning into joy. You very well may have the power to stop Moltres.”

A rumbling shakes the tunnels suddenly. Flint stops everyone suddenly as the tunnel starts to collapse around them. Everyone ducks low as the ceiling starts to collapse. Larion and Sandslash spring into action along with Flint’s Onyx.

Larion roars out and starts to glow suddenly and rapidly grows in size. It evolves into an Aggron. The large steel Pokémon holds up the collapsed tunnel creating a large enough pocket of space. Hakuzo orders Sandshrew to start digging through the rock.

The small Pokémon isn’t strong enough to dig though the rocks. Flint’s Onyx roars out because it’s pinned under large rocks. Sandshrew furiously digs at the stones but only manages to make small rents instead.

The Ground type Pokémon keeps digging at the rocks but growls out in frustration. “Sandshrew, you’re not strong enough to dig through that rock. Save your strength until we can figure out something.” Hakuzo tells his Pokémon but she refuses to give up. Sandshrew growls out slashing with renewed vigor.

Sandshrew’s rough skin starts to glow as it grows in size. Her back starts growing rocky spikes and become even tougher. Sandshrew emerges as a Sandslash. Without delay and the aid of a strength boost the Sandslash starts cutting through the rock as if it was mere sand.

After a few short moments Onyx is freed from the rubble. Along with the help of Sandslash, Onyx digs through the collapsed tunnel bringing trainers and Gym Leaders to a stable part of the cavern.

“Prepare yourselves. We are nearing where Moltres nests.” Koga warns the group.
Hakuzo releases Pidgetto and Andrew sends out Electabuzz preparing for upcoming fight. Hakuzo orders Pidgetto to fly ahead and scout out Moltres but to keep his distance. The bird Pokémon nods and flies on ahead.

A few seconds later the cavern starts to shake again, followed by a loud shriek. “That’s Moltres! It’s closer than we thought.” Blain exclaims out while summoning out his Ninetales. “To war!”

Everyone rushes forward and Moltres is locked into battle with Pidgetto. The smaller bird Pokémon flies around trying to avoid the blasts of Dark Fire from Moltres. Pidgetto swoops around trying to Air Slash at Moltres but only strikes the sides of the cave. The two Pokémon continue their fighting course straight into the open ravine of the mountain.

A blast of Dark Fire strike into Pidgetto knocking it to the ground and causing it to faint. Miles was the first one to catch up to the scene and locks eyes with Moltres. Miles narrows his eyes at the Legendary Pokémon. The area seems to darken around Moltres and Miles. Both Pokémon shimmer for a moment and disappear.

Hakuzo rushes forward but not a single trace of the two Pokémon remains. “What just happened?” Hakuzo exclaims out but suddenly stopping when he remembered his dream.

---

“You are the one from the dreamscape.” Miles says while he continues stare down the Legendary Pokemon. Moltres doesn’t reply at all to the Fox Pokémon. Moltres continues to hold its glair in the staring contest while sizing up the Ninetales. Both Pokémon are inside a seamless space of radiant color with no visible exits.

“If that’s how you want to play it then I will accommodate you.” Miles projects out as he launches a Flamethrower attack at the fiery Pokémon. Moltres takes the full blast of the attack unflinching.

Moltres starts to draw energy around it and then flairs out its feathers. It unleashes a Dark Fire Blast at Miles; the recoil pushes the Fox Pokémon back a good distance. The fire energy didn’t hurt Miles at all but the concussive blast did cause minor damage.

---

Ice strikes one of the walls of the cavern, spreading outwards. A few seconds later Lightening strikes the other wall of the cavern. Moments after that Zapdos and Articuno appear, flapping their wings and hovering in the air infront of Hakuzo and the rest of the group.

“Our brother is angry and we must sooth it.” Articuno speaks out into everyone’s mind.

“But first we must provide you with strength so you may beat our brother.” Zapdos explains next.

The wind picks up around Articuno then swirls around Hakuzo’s Pidgetto. The Pokémon is lifted gently into the air and the Pokémon starts to glow. Pidgetto is revived from being knocked out and evolves into a Pidgeot.

“I grant to your Pidgeot the power of the Hurricane!” Articuno projects as the air around its self and Pidgeot. The air currents get even stronger resembling the winds near Seafoam Island. Hakuzo realizes now that it was Articuno that caused the storm.

Pidgeot rides on the currents and then suddenly flaps his wings sharply causing the air currents to increase. The wind shear increases and strikes the wall of the cavern. Pidgeot successfully learns how to use Hurricane.

“I will now bestow Electabuzz with a new form to give it the power to stand up against our brother.” Zapdos projects out next. The sky darkens and Lightening suddenly strikes Andrew’s Electabuzz. It starts to glow and evolve, when the thunder subsides Electivire remains standing. “Normally a large amount of condensed electricity is needed for evolution. I have granted you that power, use it wisely.” Zapdos telepathically projects to the group.

---

Dark fire strikes the sides of the odd reality that Miles is trapped in. Moltres lets out a loud shriek and flies straight at Miles, using its beak as a battering ram. Miles narrowly dodges the first strike but Moltres’ second attack was so fast Miles couldn’t dodge it at all.

Moltres’ wings slam hard into Miles sending him flying back into the walls of the reality they are in. Miles staggers to stand up. Miles closes his eyes focusing a moment.

“Hakuzo, I need your help to escape here.” Miles tries to project outwards.

---

Hakuzo closes his eyes a moment. He hears Miles speak into his mind but the message is faint. “Miles needs our help somehow. He’s trapped with Moltres!” Hakuzo exclaims out.

Articuno and Zapdos nod to each other. “We will bring back our brother and your Ninetales. The effort will weaken us and we won’t be able to aid you in battle.”

The two Legendary Pokémon glow as reality starts to ripple inside of the cave. With a loud crack Moltres and Miles appear back inside the cavern. Both Pokémon are taken by surprise and stop their combat.

“NO! You traitorous birds! How could you turn on me?” A Dark shadow suddenly materializes to reveal Thranos. “No matter, I still have control of Moltres!”

“This is your doing?” Hakuzo asks the villainous shadow.

“Yes, it is only the tip of the iceberg. I will soon control every legendary Pokémon and you are powerless to stop me!” Thranos yells out as Moltres suddenly becomes motionless.

Moltres closes its eye and opens them again. Its normal pupils were replaced with a bright red glow. The rest of its feathers turn from dark red to pitch black. Not an ounce of color remains.

“Now you will experience true power!” Thranos announces out as the area darkens and the sky over-head fills with dark storm clouds. Lightening builds up and Zapdos jumps to its feet. It immediately flies up into the sky and is struck with a bolt of lightening.

Zapdos is energized from the zap and charges into battle. Lightening streaks through the sky and strikes Moltres with a Thunder attack. The attack did nothing to slow down the dark Pokémon as it fiercely attacked Zapdos in response.

The two legendary Pokémon face off in the skies. Each one shrieking at the other as they bash into each other at a rapid speed. The trainers and Gym Leaders look on as the two Birds fight in the skies.

Articuno having sufficiently recovered as well joins the fray. Zapdos and Articuno both take on their sibling Legendary in combat trying to heal the damage done. Their attacks are useless against Moltres as it slaps them away with just the power of its dark wings.

A Dark Pulse of energy strikes both Articuno and Zapdos, knocking both of them to the ground. The two legendary Pokémon stagger to stand up but slump back to the ground.

“HAH! You shall now witness the destructive power of Moltres!” Thranos exclaims out triumphantly.

“How can we hope to stop Moltres even when Zapdos and Articuno can’t touch him?” Andrew asks lost at what to do.

“A direct attack won’t work against Moltres we need a different strategy.” Koga replies while trying to come up with some sort of plan.

Flint orders Onyx to use Rock Throw at Moltres ignoring what Koga was saying and going for a full brute force attack. The rocks strike Moltres and bounce off harmlessly. The Legendary Pokémon turns its attention onto Onyx and sends a Dark Pulse at it.

Hakuzo looks towards Koga and nods. Miles bolts straight to Thranos as Koga releases Beedrill to follow as well. Miles jumps into the air and releases a Flamethrower at Thranos. A dark shield forms around Thranos deflecting away the attack. Moltres falters slightly for a moment and Koga orders Beedrill to relentlessly attack Thranos.

Andrew summons out his Tauros to add into the fray. The bull like Pokémon charges into Thranos pinning him to the wall. Moltres falters in the air once again and Hakuzo takes this time to strike. He commands Pidgeot to fly up and use Hurricane against Moltres.

The Bird Pokémon takes flight and summons gale force winds making it impossible for Moltres to stay in the air. The Legendary Pokémon takes a forced landing where Electivire is waiting for it.

Electivire releases a Shockwave and follows it closely with an Ice Punch. The attacks do very minimal damage to Moltres. Blaine’s Ninetales and Flint’s Onyx turn their full attention to the battle and attack Moltres with all their strength.

“This isn’t enough to stop Moltres. I have to finish this!” Miles projects to Hakuzo as he runs at Moltres. “Everyone focus on Thranos, I will stop Moltres!” Miles projects the second message to the Pokémon attacking Moltres back off.

Miles walks up to Moltres and jumps onto the Bird Pokémon. “I know it is you from that dreamscape and I will restore you to your former self.” At this time a Graveler emerges from the cave opening and stomps up to Moltres as well. The Graveler shimmers for a moment and Zoroark is revealed.

Zoroark forms a ball of FoxFire between his paws as Miles does the same. Both of the FoxFires strike Moltres exploding out in a shower of sparks. Thranos watches on helplessly as he struggles to reflect off the attacks of the numerous Pokémon attacking him.

“I won’t let you take away Moltres from me!” Thranos yells out trying to cast off the attacks against him.

“It’s too late Thranos; your hold is weakening already.” Zoroark tells Thranos in a normal voice. Zoroark approaches Thranos as the human backs away recoiling.

“No, it can’t be you…. I destroyed you!” Thranos stammers out pressing against the wall.

“You only thought you did. You only saw an Illusion.” Zoroark replies as he approaches. Moltres falters even more and thrashes about for a moment. Miles jumps back out of the way. The darkness starts to slowly drain away from Moltres as color starts to return.

Black smoke appears around Thranos and he disappears. Koga rushes up but the smoke dissipates and no trace of Thranos is left. “Dang, he’s using ninja tactics against us!” Koga sighs out at his opponent escaping.

Miles turns his full attention back to Moltres. The color starts rapidly returning to the Legendary Pokémon. Moltres slowly stands up as its feathers start to shine once again, returning back to their normal state.

“Thank you Miles. You have restored me to my former self as promised I will teach you a more powerful fire attack.” Moltres projects to Miles as it starts to glow. A visible red energy swirls around Miles and envelops him. Miles eyes start to glow in response as the energy is absorbed by him. “You now have the ability to use Fireblast as an attack now. Use it only to defend yourself.”

Miles nods. “How did Thranos do this to you?” Miles asks Moltres.

“He has powers unlike any human. He has the power to control Pokémon with just his mind. I am unable to provide anything more than that.” Moltres states as it stands back up to its full height.

Zapdos and Articuno stand back up after regaining their lost energy. All three Legendary Pokémon takes to the skies and flies away from Mount Silver. The group of trainers and gym leaders are left trying to sort out the events that have transpired.

Hakuzo addresses Zoroark. “Aren’t you Bayne’s Zoroark?”

“I am” Zoroark replies.

“When did you evolve? We haven’t seen Bayne in ages…” Hakuzo asks wondering what happened.

“I had to slip away and train on my own. Bayne isn’t dependable for my… Mission.” Zoroark replies while walking away. “We will meet again.”

“Mission? What kind of mission?” Hakuzo asks but Zoroark ignores him and keeps on walking away.

“Ignore him for now. He will be back you can be sure of that.” Miles projects into Hakuzo’s mind as he walks over and sits down besides him.

Blaine and Koga nod at each other. Blaine approaches Hakuzo and Andrew. “I’m sorry that both of you had to come all this way instead of battling in the gym.” Blaine pauses for a few moments before continuing on. “I have seen both of your skills first hand and I present to both of you the Volcano badge.”

“But we didn’t battle you for this.” Andrew replies.

“There’s no need to. You two just took down a Legendary Pokémon. After seeing a battle like that I have no possible hope of defeating either one of you.” Blaine responds as he gives the trainers the volcano badge. “Besides, your Ninetales far surpasses my own in all abilities. You raised it well.”

Narrator: After a long battle Hakuzo and Andrew obtained the Volcano badge without challenging the Gym Leader. With the seventh badge in hand and so close to the final gym, these two trainers journey is coming that much closer to a conclusion.

Though will the two trainers be able to locate the last Gym Leader? Also will they be able to solve the mystery of Thranos? <<<