Pokemon : Rewind

Chapter 381: Chapter 63: Caught



A surge of violent thunder and lightning erupted from Zapdos, cascading toward the massive spacecraft. Yet, the advanced technology at its core absorbed the energy effortlessly, as if it were designed to handle an infinite supply of electricity.

Zapdos's expression darkened, frustration mounting as its most powerful attacks seemed utterly futile.

"Although I've read about this in the original work, seeing it with my own eyes is even more shocking..." Ash thought, awe-struck by the sheer scale of the spacecraft and its ability to neutralize Zapdos's power.

The implications were unsettling. This was supposed to be a god, yet human technology had rendered its might ineffective. 

Ash's faith wavered as he scrutinized the legendary bird, questioning whether it truly deserved its divine reputation. Was this really the God of Thunder?

The enormous spacecraft continued its slow descent, its size dwarfing even the mighty volcano.

As it landed, powerful gusts of wind tore through the area, while the ship maintained its relentless absorption of Zapdos's energy.

Zapdos, consumed by rage, disregarded its physical limits and poured every remaining ounce of power into its thunderous assault. But every move had already been anticipated by Lawrence, the mastermind behind the operation.

"Absorbing electricity from Zapdos... 14%, 15%..." Lawrence murmured, his voice calm yet tinged with satisfaction as he monitored the data streaming in.

The spacecraft's artificial intelligence relayed updates with clinical precision. This device had been designed specifically to counteract the legendary bird's power. 

Its storage capacity far surpassed that of the spacecraft itself, converting Zapdos's electricity into usable energy to bolster its operations.

Minutes later, Zapdos's furious attacks began to wane, its wings drooping as its strength gave out. Exhausted, the legendary bird hovered unsteadily in the air, its once-mighty cries reduced to labored breaths.

"Thirty-four percent," the AI reported. "Zapdos has ceased outputting electricity. Final absorption: 34%."

"Is that all?" Lawrence mused, though a glimmer of awe flickered in his eyes.

Even in a weakened state, the sheer amount of energy Zapdos had generated was astounding. He couldn't help but wonder how quickly his storage systems would have maxed out had the bird been at full power—thirty seconds? Ten seconds? Or perhaps just one?

"Begin the capture," he commanded, shaking off his thoughts. The potential could be explored later; for now, the objective was clear.

"Yes, Master," the AI replied, initiating the next phase.

From the base of the spacecraft, four diamond-shaped capture devices emerged, each engineered specifically for trapping Zapdos.

"Zappp—!" Zapdos roared, summoning a final surge of thunder and lightning that radiated outward in a desperate attempt to destroy the approaching devices.

The initial blast temporarily disrupted the devices' formation, but the AI quickly recalibrated their magnetic fields, sending them hurtling back toward Zapdos. This time, the devices easily neutralized the bird's waning power.

Zapdos darted through the air, attempting to outmaneuver the relentless traps. But its stamina was nearly depleted, and the legendary Pokémon knew it wouldn't be able to keep this up for much longer.

"Pikachu, unleash your strongest Thunder!" Ash shouted, finally stepping in to assist.

"Pika—CHUUU!" Pikachu cried, electricity surging across its body before it launched a massive bolt of lightning toward one of the diamond-shaped devices.

The impact caused the device to falter momentarily, giving Zapdos a narrow window to escape the tightening net. The legendary bird soared higher, casting a fleeting glance back at Ash and Pikachu. Gratitude shimmered in its eyes before it turned its focus back to evading capture.

But the reprieve was short-lived. The devices swiftly regained their formation and resumed the pursuit, more aggressive than before.

"Humans and Pokémon?" Lawrence muttered, startled by the interference.

"Yes, Master," the AI confirmed. "A human and a Pikachu have been detected on the mountainside." A holographic image of Ash and Pikachu appeared on Lawrence's display, catching his attention.

"Who are they?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Subject identified: Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town," the AI stated. "He began his journey as a Pokémon Trainer one year ago and has since risen to prominence as the strongest Trainer in recent history. Recently defeated Lorelei of the Elite Four."

"The strongest Trainer in recent history?" Lawrence repeated, impressed despite himself. "And he defeated Lorelei? Fascinating..."

As he watched Ash direct Pikachu to assist Zapdos, an amused smile played across his lips.

"In that case," Lawrence said coolly, "let's capture them first. We can't afford any interference." 

"Yes, Master," the AI acknowledged.

The diamond-shaped devices that had been targeting Zapdos suddenly shifted course, their focus now set on Ash and Pikachu.

"What?!" Ash exclaimed as he realized the shift in the devices' behavior.

"Pikachu, Thunder!" he commanded urgently, hoping to fend off the incoming traps.

Pikachu responded instantly, releasing another powerful Thunder attack. But these devices were equipped with advanced algorithms, allowing them to evade Pikachu's strikes with calculated precision.

They surrounded Ash and Pikachu, forming a triangular formation. The magnetic field surged, enveloping them in an electric grip that began draining their energy rapidly.

Pikachu thrashed against the field, attempting to launch Thunder Shock after Thunder Shock. But the devices absorbed the electricity effortlessly, rendering its attacks useless.

"Pika!" Pikachu cried, its voice laced with desperation as it continued to struggle. Ash clenched his fists, his mind racing for a solution. The situation was dire—they needed a plan, and fast.

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