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"RRRRRROOOOOOO!!!"
With a thunderous roar, Raikou leapt down from the cliff and landed with electrifying force in the center of the clearing.
Its golden mane crackled with lightning as it surveyed the fallen Electric-types around it. Another roar burst from its throat, deafening, primal, and commanding. The cry jolted the downed Pokémon awake, snapping them out of unconsciousness.
Disoriented but aware, the Pokémon scrambled to their feet and bolted into the woods, desperate to escape.
It was clear: Raikou had come to save them.
But what it didn't know… was that it had walked right into a trap.
As the Pokémon fled, Raikou charged straight at the shark-shaped mecha, shattering one of its claw arms with a single bite to free the captured Mareep.
Still, the two Rocket agents didn't panic.
They stood confidently, continuing to monitor Raikou's movements, like scientists examining a specimen.
"How's the data reading, Attila?" the silver-haired one asked.
Attila, the bulky, bronze-skinned Rocket in dark shades, glanced at his tablet calmly. "Voltage output's off the charts. Jaw strength is high. But relax, it's still within containment specs."
"Perfect," his partner replied coolly. "We'll complete the analysis after we catch it."
Their voices carried through the clearing with no fear or hesitation, like they'd already won.
Raikou's body tensed.
As Attila operated the machine and deployed six mechanical claws, Raikou leapt skyward and fired off a crackling Thunder attack.
KRRA-KA-BOOM!
The lightning surged downward, raw and wild but just like before, the bolt was yanked from its trajectory, sucked into the crystal device behind the mech.
"Save your strength," the silver-haired agent said smoothly. "That crystal absorbs all Electric-type energy. You can't touch us."
Raikou growled. It wasn't buying that.
Switching targets, it fired directly at the crystal itself.
But again, the strike was absorbed.
This time, though, the crystal pulsed with violet energy, expanding into a glowing sphere that trapped Raikou inside.
Attila laughed triumphantly. "Yes! It's on the net!"
The barrier shimmered a dangerous shade of purple, buzzing with electrical arcs.
Raikou charged the edge of the barrier and unleashed another Thunderbolt—only for the energy to bounce back with twice the force, slamming into its own body.
Even for a Legendary Pokémon, the feedback was punishing. Raikou flinched, sparks scattering off its coat.
Again, it turned to strike the crystal—again, the energy rebounded.
This wasn't just any trap. The barrier was designed specifically to neutralize Electric-types.
Still, Raikou held its ground.
Shaking from strain. Eyes burning with fury. But silent.
The silver-haired Rocket scoffed.
"How pitiful. The harder you resist, the more it hurts. That's basic physics. I thought you were supposed to be one of the legendary beasts… You're just another Pokémon."
Raikou snarled not loudly, but defiantly.
You may cage me. But I will never submit.
Attila and his partner grinned. As far as they were concerned, the battle was over. All they had to do was wait for Raikou to collapse.
Once we bring this in, Attila thought, our rank in Team Rocket will shoot past the Executives.
But fate had other plans.
"STOP RIGHT THERE!!"
A voice rang out.
From the trees, Jimmy burst into the clearing, placing himself between the Rockets and Raikou.
"Let it go!" he shouted. "Right now!"
The two agents blinked. Where had this kid come from?
But when they got a better look, they relaxed. Just a teenager. Nothing to worry about.
"Where'd this punk come from?"
Before they could react, Kai, Erika, and Marina emerged from the woods behind Jimmy.
The silver-haired Rocket sneered. "Great. A nest of rats."
Jimmy ignored the insult. "You heard me. Free Raikou!"
Attila laughed. "Are you serious? Do you know how long it took us to bait it here? No way we're letting it go now!"
Jimmy clenched his fists, eyes fierce. "Then you leave me no choice! Typhlosion, let's go!"
Flames exploded around Typhlosion's collar as it roared, taking a battle stance.
Attila and his partner exchanged a glance. "Guess we'll entertain them."
Two Poké Balls flew into the air.
With a burst of light, Steelix and Skarmory landed on the battlefield, imposing, armored, and ready to fight.
Kai's brow furrowed.
They knew Jimmy had a Fire-type. And they still sent out Steel-types?
Something was off.
Why send Pokémon that were weak to fire, unless they were sure it wouldn't matter?
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