Near the sea, the situation had taken a dangerous turn. Team Darkness had already gone deep underwater in search of the legendary Pokémon Kyogre, while on the surface, leaders of Team Aqua and Team Magma had joined forces with a group of grunts to protect the surrounding area. Their objective was to prevent anyone from interfering.
On the other side, the local officers and Gym Leader Stila arrived at the sea shore, determined to help. Akira and Ame were with them, their eyes sharp with resolve.
As they approached, a group of Team Darkness grunts blocked the path. The officers quickly engaged them in battle while Stila told Akira and Ame to go ahead.
"Go! I'll handle the sub-leader!" she said, stepping forward as a menacing figure emerged from the shadows.
Akira and Ame dashed toward the sea side. The wind was growing strong, the sky swirling with unnatural clouds. At the edge stood the leaders of Team Aqua and Team Magma, ready and waiting with their Pokémon, Camerupt and Crawdaunt.
"You shall not go further," one of the leaders warned.
"I'll fight them," Ame said, but Akira stepped forward.
"No. I have to settle this myself."
The leaders laughed. "Then get ready to be crushed!"
Akira sent out his Gyarados and Charmeleon, while the leaders countered with Crawdaunt and Camerupt.
"Hydro Pump!" "Flamethrower!" the leaders shouted.
"Counter with Hydro Pump and Flamethrower!" Akira commanded. The attacks clashed in the air, exploding with a thunderous roar. Charmeleon lunged forward with Dragon Claw against Crawdaunt, but was countered with Crabhammer, sending it tumbling back. Gyarados retaliated with Aqua Tail on Camerupt, who attempted an Earthquake, but was knocked aside.
Crawdaunt hit Charmeleon with a Bubble Beam, and Camerupt was assaulted with Dragon Breath and Crunch by Gyarados.
"They're stronger than before," one leader muttered.
Ame watched anxiously. "I need to help… but how?"
Suddenly, a third Pokémon, Magnezone, was thrown into battle.
"Thunderbolt on Gyarados!" the leader shouted.
Akira clenched his fists. "That's cheating!"
"We'll do anything to complete our mission!" they smirked.
Akira's red eyes returned, his inner power flaring into a brilliant aura. "Now, go all out!"
Gyarados and Charmeleon surged with energy. Ame threw in her Mawile.
"If you're using three Pokémon, we will too!" she declared.
The battlefield became chaotic. Mawile faced down Flamethrowers, Thunderbolts crashed through the air, Aqua Tails and Dragon Claws flew in every direction. Despite dominating, Crawdaunt managed to knock out Charmeleon with another Crabhammer, Magnezone shocked Gyarados, and Camerupt singed Mawile with Flamethrower.
"It's the end for you!" the leaders laughed.
Akira's anger exploded. His aura flared intensely, and suddenly—Charmeleon began to glow.
"Charmeleon… it's evolving!" Ame gasped.
A stunning burst of light filled the field. Akira's Charmeleon evolved into Charizard, its wings spreading wide, eyes blazing with newfound power. Its Blaze ability was fully active.
"Use Flamethrower!" Akira ordered.
Charizard unleashed a massive flame that one-shot Magnezone. It followed with Dragon Claw on Camerupt and then used Seismic Toss to defeat Crawdaunt.
The battlefield was silent.
"You… you defeated all three?!" the leaders were stunned.
Ame stared at Charizard in awe. "That's the strongest Charizard I've ever seen."
Suddenly, the sea began to rumble. From beneath the waves, a massive ship rose, water cascading off its sides. Grunts from Team Darkness flooded the deck, their leaders retreating into the ship.
"Stop them!" Akira shouted, running forward.
But it was too late. The ship vanished into the stormy sea.
Inside the ship's glass hull, Akira caught a glimpse of Kyogre, bound and unconscious.
The officers and Gym Leader Stila arrived moments later.
"What happened?" Stila demanded.
Akira and Ame quickly explained everything.
"They completed their first step," an officer muttered grimly. "We have to stop them."
Stila turned to Akira. "You're strong, Akira. But Team Darkness is unpredictable. Be careful."
"I'll handle them," Akira said with resolve.
"I'll defeat them too," Ame added. "For my father."
The group parted ways, heading back to the city.
---
Later that night, in a dark hideout, Team Darkness's leader Noctis stood before three massive containment tanks. Inside: Kyogre, Groudon, and Kyurem.
He grinned wickedly. "Now… next Rayquaza and Mewtwo. Then… the world shall change."
---
Far away, Ray stood at the edge of a cliff, his third badge gleaming on his jacket.
"I don't know why… but something bad is coming."
To be continued...