Pokemon: Spiritual Master

In the Pokémon anime, Thorton is known to have an Articuno. More accurately, it's a wild Articuno he befriended—similar to Johan's relationships with Mew and Jirachi.

However, Johan couldn't be entirely sure whether Thorton had already established a bond with Articuno at this point. Judging by the current situation, it seemed like Thorton and Articuno had indeed built some form of connection.

That said, their bond was nowhere near as strong as the one Thorton had years later, during Ash's travels.

Moreover, this particular Articuno wasn't as powerful as some others Johan had encountered, such as the legendary Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres from their various regions.

This conclusion was supported by Articuno's move set and the proficiency displayed in its execution—details visible via the Pokédex.

Articuno and Thorton's connection was rooted in an event where the bird was injured while flying between two snowy peaks. Thorton, piloting a plane at the time, rescued it, leading to their friendship.

A legendary Pokémon that could be hurt just flying between mountains wasn't exactly the most formidable specimen.

Thus, Johan had his reasons for referring to it as a "baby Articuno."

"Screeeeeeech—!"

The high-pitched cry grew louder as Articuno swiftly approached the battlefield.

Chat Commentary:

"Wait... Is that...?"

"ARTICUNO?! How is an Articuno here?"

"No doubt about it—it's here to help Johan. He's the Legendary Whisperer, after all!"

"Thorton already lost two Pokémon, and now he's summoning an Articuno? That's cheating!"

"Alright, fine, admit it—Johan really is the Legendary Whisperer."

However, as Articuno descended beside Thorton, radiating an icy, crystalline glow, the chat collectively froze.

Soon, the screen was flooded with question marks.

"Hold up... That Articuno belongs to Thorton?!"

"Wait, so Johan isn't cheating?"

"This is... awkward."

Thorton laughed as he introduced his relationship with Articuno, recounting the tale of how he rescued the Pokémon.

"Haha! This little guy wants to join the fight. You don't mind, do you, Johan?"

Johan's Inner Thoughts:

I do mind.

But he kept his composure. If I say no, would you actually back down? Probably not.

The chat, oblivious to Johan's predicament, continued its relentless ribbing.

"Of course," Johan replied, expressionless.

At his words, Alolan Ninetales rose, emitting a proud howl: "Oowoo!"

If Johan said it was fine, then it was fine. Ninetales didn't care who the opponent was—even if it was a Legendary Pokémon.

The Matchup: Alolan Ninetales vs. Articuno.

This was a battle of Ice-types.

Articuno cried out, flapping its crystalline wings to stir a biting chill. The frigid winds rolled forward, exuding a sense of immense pressure.

"Dazzling Gleam!" Johan commanded.

Ninetales let out a melodic cry as its body shimmered with rainbow-colored light. The radiance intensified and struck Articuno directly.

Boom!

Caught off guard, Articuno wavered in midair, unprepared for such swift and powerful aggression.

Chat Commentary:

"Ninetales came out swinging!"

"Is this even fair? Look at that power—she's insane!"

With Tailwind and Nasty Plot still active, coupled with Snow Warning and Misty Terrain, Ninetales was as powerful as ever.

But Articuno also benefited from the Snow Warning, gaining an added boost to its strength.

"Articuno, Haze!" Thorton commanded.

Articuno flapped its wings, unleashing a swirling black mist that covered the battlefield.

[Haze: Resets all stat changes on the field.]

Thorton had quickly identified the danger posed by Ninetales' boosted Special Attack.

But Johan smirked. "White Mist."

[White Mist: Protects the user's team from having its stats lowered.]

Ninetales flicked its tails gracefully, releasing a frosty mist that clung to its form. The ethereal glow made the elegant fox Pokémon seem almost otherworldly.

The result? Ninetales' stat boosts remained intact.

However, Thorton's plan wasn't entirely foiled—his Haze had also ended Tailwind, removing Johan's team's speed advantage.

"Articuno, set up Tailwind!"

Articuno flapped its wings once more, creating a gusty breeze. The battlefield's tempo shifted, with Articuno now claiming the speed advantage.

In response, Ninetales quietly conjured an Aurora Veil, bolstering its defense.

"Blizzard!" Thorton called.

"Ooowo!"

Snowstorm met snowstorm as Articuno unleashed a freezing gale.

It was the first time Ninetales had ever been on the receiving end of Blizzard.

Johan's eyes narrowed as he met Ninetales' gaze. He didn't need words to understand its thoughts.

This was a matter of pride.

"You've come this far," Johan said softly. "Let's prove it together."

"Blizzard!"

Ninetales roared, releasing a gale of its own.

The two blizzards collided violently, sending waves of frost and snow spiraling throughout the arena. Icy patterns etched themselves into walls, windows, and floors.

Chat Commentary:

"This is nuts! Two Blizzards clashing head-on?"

"Alolan Ninetales is going toe-to-toe with Articuno... and winning?!"

Articuno flapped its wings harder, pouring more power into its Blizzard. But Ninetales stood firm, its determination unwavering.

The collision culminated in a massive explosion of ice and wind.

When the frost cleared, Articuno stumbled midair, its wings struggling to keep it aloft.

Articuno lost the exchange.

"Finish it, Ninetales—Iron Tail!" Johan commanded.

Ninetales dashed forward, its nine tails gleaming with metallic brilliance. With graceful yet powerful movements, it struck Articuno repeatedly.

Thud!

Articuno crashed to the ground, fainted.

Chat Exploded:

"She won! Ninetales actually beat Articuno!"

"Legendary Whisperer Johan strikes again!"

"Ninetales supremacy!"

Thorton, holding Articuno's Pokéball, chuckled. "You and your Ninetales make an incredible team. You've earned this."

He handed Johan the Knowledge Symbol, the emblem of the Battle Factory.

"Thanks," Johan said, smiling as he exchanged a victorious glance with Ninetales.

But Thorton offered a final warning. "If you're planning to conquer the Battle Frontier, you'll need to face Brandon. His Regi team is on a whole different level."

Johan's smile faltered slightly. Trust me, I know.

As they exited the factory, Johan spotted Gengar, Tinkaton, Kubfu, and Jirachi sitting on a flowerbed outside, each happily eating an ice cream cone.

"Where... did you get those?" Johan asked suspiciously.

Gengar scratched its head sheepishly and explained it had been a gift from a bald old man with a white beard and a cane.

"What... did you do?" Johan pressed.

Gengar shrugged nonchalantly, tossing an ice cream wrapper over its shoulder.

Meanwhile, Steven received a phone call. His expression instantly stiffened.

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Powerstones?

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