Hey guys and girls, ready for some more Pokémon. Good let's get to it.
Chapter 21: The King
Nimbasa city, the main source of entertainment and excitement was within reach of the group now as they were on final approach to the grand city. Ash and the group were flying towards it at great speed. Latias, Pikachu and Snivy and Charizard were with Ash while Garchomp and the newly recruited Riolu were in their poke balls.
Ash knew from Alder that Nimbasa city was a likely target to the now identified and notorious Team Plasma. It was becoming clearer that the team were trying to separate Pokemon and people but Ash learned that they are apparently searching for a legendary Pokemon in myth that has not been encountered yet. Ash knew of a Legendary that fits the description if it didn't say white which would have been Zekrom.
But Ash knew that something else was clearly on Team Plasma's mind, he learned the existence to two others from the village of Dragons when he visited on his way to Vertress City to compete in the Unova league: Reshiram and Kyurem. But they were nowhere to be found while Zekrom was awake already and someone around the Unova region following the thunderstorms which were impossible to follow or find unless you're lucky.
Ash learnt that they searched by a member Ash assumed was the leader named Ghetsis who has currently been spearheading most of the group's activities so far. But Ghetsis said he and the other sage Rood were only servants which pointed that they said they followed the King of Team Plasma. Ash was worried by this as if it isn't Ghetsis who leads the organisation then who is it. The individual who could be worse than Ghetsis who looked like it was him who led the group.
Ash in his Latios form was nearing the entrance to Nimbasa city and flew down followed by Latias and Charizard as they flew down into the tree line. As they flew on they neared the tree line exit to the entrance to the city and Ash stopped. He then hovered down close to the ground and allowed Pikachu and Snivy to jump off as he then engulfed himself in energy and reverted to his human form and stood up while Latias hovered next to him and Ash smiled to her "We are here now".
Latias nodded and took position as Charizard landed next to him and Ash said "Enjoy the flight Charizard". Charizard happily nodded to him and he took out his Poke ball and aimed it at Charizard "Charizard return". Charizard was absorbed by the energy and returned into the poke ball. Ash then looked to the entrance and said "Alright let's go everyone".
They all walked their way out of the tree line and made their way over to the path that lead into the grand city. Once they arrived they walked into the city entrance with Pikachu saying "I remember the last time we were here". Snivy nodded and said "Yeah Team Rocket trying capturing us and taking us away". Ash then said to them "At least they didn't succeed or I would have lost you forever".
Latias didn't understand what they were talking about but she remembered the Team Rocket they talked about when they tried to capture her in Altomare two months ago. They entered the city and were already greeted by the familiar sounds and noises of excited people of Nimbasa city. Ash happily ran up the stairs and got a good view of the city and smiled while everyone stood with him "It feels good to see this city once again".
Snivy agreed "Yeah the gym was tough though" Pikachu snickered "Not for me". Snivy teasingly said "Just because you beat Emolga and Tynamo". Pikachu nodded "Yeah I did". Snivy sighed as Ash said "Alright first we need to see if Team Plasma has moved in here yet". Suddenly an explosion took place to their right and it caught everyone's attention. They were worried at first until Ash pointed it out "That is a Pokemon battle explosion, let's check it out".
They all went in the direction down the stairs towards the explosion which was in a massive plaza. Latias flew up to see what caused it and said to Ash via mind link "There are 3 people and some Pokemon down there". Ash nodded "Alright we are nearly there". They ran down the stairs in view of another explosion but not as intense at the first one.
Once they all made it down they saw Lucario and Cameron who were in battle against two Plasma members. Once the smoke of the explosion cleared a liepard and a Scrafty were revealed to be down with one Plasma grunt saying "Too strong". Cameron smiled "That's the way to do it Lucario". The two plasma members returned the Pokémon to their Poke balls and the lead one said "Let's get out of here".
The two turned and legged it into the amusement park area while Ash ran up to Cameron "Hey Cameron". The trainer looked to him and smiled "Oh hey Ash what took you so long". Ash was surprised Cameron beat him to Nimbasa city "How did you get here so fast". Cameron smiled to him "Duh, I got a ride with Hydreigon". Ash sighed to him "Of course, anyway I see you are already hard at work dealing with Team Plasma".
Cameron agreed as Lucario happily held up his fist and he said "Yeah well there is nothing that can beat my Lucario". Ash sighed and said "Remember the Unova league". Cameron glared a little "Okay so maybe Pikachu just had a little more strength left then Lucario due to getting a rest but if they started at the same time, Lucario would have won".
Ash made a laugh and it reminded him "Oh Cameron, I have a new Pokemon I think you are going to like". Cameron got curious to him "Oh is it a strong one". Ash nodded "You bet I caught him yesterday after I left Nimbasa town". Ash took out the Poke ball and smiled to it before he threw it in the air "Come on out".
The ball opened and expelled out energy and it formed Riolu who stood next to Ash and smiled and Cameron got excited "Oh wow, a Riolu, you got one now, soon you will have your own Lucario". Cameron observed as Lucario was keen to say hi and Riolu was mesmerised by the Lucario "Hello young one". Riolu acknowledged him "Good to meet you Lucario sir". Lucario laughed and said "No need".
Ash then said "Riolu can use a special move". Lucario and Cameron were curious as Cameron said "What kind of move". Ash smiled and said "Aura sphere". Cameron and Lucario were both in disbelief over this and Cameron said "No way". Ash nodded "Yeah he does, Riolu wanna show them". Riolu nodded and threw his paws together and begun building up energy.
Lucario could easily see he was capable and the Aura sphere spawned and Riolu took it in one paw and threw it in the air. Once it reached a length it exploded and Cameron was shocked jaw dropped as he turned to Riolu who stood next to Ash smiling "Wait how does he know Aura sphere".
Ash then said "Certain Riolu are able to learn it due to being born with greater strength or something like that. Only rare Riolu can obtain it early due to them being stronger than the rest of the Riolu". Cameron and Lucario smiled and Cameron said "Lucario can be his teacher that would be awesome". Ash sighed again as he said "I would like that but we have something to do".
Cameron stopped smiling and said to him "What is it Ash". Ash stopped smiling as well as he said "We need to make sure Team Plasma don't do anything to Nimbasa city so we should go after and see if they are in the amusement park still. Cameron nodded "Way ahead of you Ash Lets move Lucario". In a split second they went sprinting off towards the Amusement park.
Riolu was surprised by this and twitched his head to his side "Erm… what just happened". Ash grinned as Pikachu said to him "Cameron and Riolu do not stop for anything, the two are fast enough to start a hurricane but Cameron's a bit of a scatter brain as well". Riolu was still confused but Ash intervened "Trust me Riolu you get used to them in no time, we better get going as well, we need to find Team Plasma".
The group agreed and they began moving the team had briefed Riolu on Team Plasma and while he was still trying to understand it he was still looking forward to being part of Ash's team and becoming a full-fledged member. They arrived in the amusement park and Ash looked around to see Cameron and Lucario were nowhere to be seen and Ash sighed "They do not slow down for anything do they". A few people were around the entrance but Ash recognised one who he has met a couple of times now.
Ash saw it was N looking at the roller coaster building where the Nimbasa Gym was. Ash smiled "Hey it's N". N noticed Ash and turned to him and walked forward to him "You're looking for Team Plasma, correct". Ash nodded "yeah I saw them come this way so I came here".
N looked behind him and pointed "They went that towards the Ferris wheel, follow me". N begun walking off and Ash decided to follow him with all the Pokemon following him as well. Riolu then asked Snivy "Who is he". Snivy answered his question "he is N, A trainer who cares a lot for his Pokemon".
Once they arrived at the Ferris wheel, they all looked around and N turned to Ash "Looks like they aren't here, we can take the Ferris wheel to spot them from up there". Ash nodded to him "Good idea". They all made their way in and boarded a cart in the Ferris wheel and begun their slow descent up. Riolu, Pikachu and Snivy all looked out the windows while Ash and Latias were together in the middle with N saying to them "I see you have a beautiful Legendary Pokemon on your Team Ash".
Ash nodded as Latias smiled as she replied via telepathy "Yes, I decided to join Ash, because he is my friend and I trust him greatly". Ash agreed "Yeah, she is my friend too, and I am happy for her to join us". N was surprised to hear things coming from a legendary Pokemon and said "I never would have thought a legendary Pokemon would be a trainer Pokemon, you must be special".
Ash then asked him "Why do you ask N". N looked down and said "With the world of how it is, I never would have believed it". They stopped the conversation and N then said "I wonder how many Pokemon exist in this world. A lot for People to capture". Ash was once again feeling awkward from the conversation as the Ferris wheel was nearing the bottom and their turn was almost over "Ash I am the king of Team Plasma".
N said that as the cart stopped at the bottom; Ash was shocked to hear that as everyone did as N exited the cart. Ash was in disbelief and quickly ran out after him "What do you mean". Once everyone was outside N turned to him in a new sort of glance "I am the king of team Plasma". As was struggling to hear this and he said "You… are the king of Team Plasma".
N nodded "Why, they are criminals, stealing Pokemon and hurting people". N shook his heads "The methods of my fellow patriots may be extreme but necessary in order to save Pokemon from a life of captivity and slavery from cruel and foolish trainers". N looked away for a moment and looked back "Ghetsis asked for my help to save the Pokemon and I couldn't refuse".
Ash was shocked and said "Why". N then said "Pokemon are being mistreated and I must save them from this fate. My truth is certain". Suddenly two Plasma grunts arrived behind N and one said "My King N, you are safe now. The trainers are after us". N nodded "Indeed, we are being pursued". N stepped forward "Now Ash, do you follow my Logic".
Ash glared with all of his Pokemon but he reluctantly nodded with surprised them all and N "I do understand what you mean, sure some People do behave badly to Pokemon and treat them wrong but not everyone is like that, there is a lot of good people who genuinely care for Pokemon".
N made a small flicker of a smile and then said "Maybe that is true for certain individuals like yourself but this is something that must be done for Pokemon. Humanity will not force them around anymore".
Suddenly N took out a Poke ball and threw it to reveal a Scrafty of his own "Maybe I cannot defeat you now Ash, but our battle will allow the rest of Team Plasma to escape". N looked to his members "Go now and allow our battle to cover your retreat out of Nimbasa city. I will re-join you soon". The two Plasma members bowed to him and one said "Ash you wish lord N". The two then turned and begun running off and Ash grunted as he was being blocked.
Ash looked to Riolu and said "Riolu do you want to go". Riolu held his fist up and smiled "Yeah let's do it". Riolu jumped forward and stood in front of Ash and was ready "Now my friend please use High jump kick". Scrafty jumped up and his right foot glowed up "Dodge it Riolu". Riolu jumped quickly and Ash said "Now use Force palm". Riolu came down and tapped Scrafty with his paw and it glowed and then Scrafty exploded and was pushed back a little and N said "Your Pokemon look happy "Now use dark Pulse my friend". Scrafty threw his paws together and charged Dark pulse and fired it.
"Quick attack go". Riolu at fast speed went around and shot into Scrafty and pushed him back further "Now use Karate chop my friend". Riolu was too close to dodge as Scrafty powered up his hands and swiped them across Riolu and hit him back. "Riolu are you okay". Riolu shook his head and smiled to Ash "Yeah". Ash smiled "Alright use Aura sphere". Riolu threw his paws together and built up the required energy needed.
N was shocked to how Riolu knew that move and said "Scrafty prepare to dodge the attack". Scrafty readied himself as Riolu fully charged the sphere and shot it and it came at a fast pace and Scrafty panicked as it came too fast for him to avoid and it exploded. N was shocked to see Scrafty was down and closed his eyes "Get a good rest my friend, you deserve it". N then returned Scrafty to his Poke ball and said "I can feel my friends pain"
Riolu smiled and held his fists up and N could understand what he said to him "I enjoyed that battle". N was surprised to hear that but didn't accept it as he threw another Poke ball to reveal a sigilyph next which worried Ash as it looked powerful and would be too much for Riolu despite his extra strength. N then said "My friend show them your power, Air cutter". Sigilyph wings glowed and he smacked them forward send cutter waves straight at Riolu.
Riolu panicked and Ash said "Dodge it". Riolu jumped to dodge the first and hopped over the second but the third one impacted him straight in the chest knocking him back. "Riolu". Riolu fell on his side and groaned a little as the Air cutter affected him badly despite the fact he was a steel type which would reduce the effect of a flying type move it still hurt badly. "Psychic my friend".
Sigilyph glowed in energy and then Riolu did as well and found himself being grabbed and held up by psychic and was completely immobilised by the move. "Please forgive me Riolu now throw him into the ground". Sigilyph held him higher up and then smashed him down into the ground". Riolu rolled back towards Ash but stopped in front of him and struggled to get up.
"Riolu do you want to rest". Riolu grunted and shook his head and glared to Sigilyph "I can fight". Ash nodded "Alright, use quick attack". Riolu began charging around and fast speed and N said "Psychic". Sigilyph powered up again but with Riolu moving so quick couldn't get a lock on him and Riolu made another jump before smashing into him. Ash smiled "Now grab on and use force Palm". Riolu used one paw to grab on to the top of Sigilyph and tapped a paw on him and it exploded doing damage "Shake him off my friend". Sigilyph made quick turns to shake off Riolu but he managed to hang on.
"Force palm over and over". Riolu smiled and repeatedly used Force palm on the Sigilyph was now at Riolu's mercy due to being unable to shake him off. "Use gust to shake him off my friend". After Riolu used another force palm Sigilyph built up a strong wing and unleashed it by sending it into the air and redirecting to come at them. The strong wind blew into them and Riolu begun to struggle at holding on.
Sigilyph spinned once more and it now managed to throw Riolu off and Riolu while he was sent flying managed to land on his feet but stuttered a little due to his injuries "Use Psybeam". A sphere formed at the top of Sigilyph and it fired and Riolu went wide eyed as the beam came and impacted Riolu wounding him badly and making him fall on his back. "Riolu hang in there and use Aura sphere".
Riolu struggled to get up and Ash worried until he saw him smile and throw his paws together as he begun building up energy and an Aura sphere was beginning to form. "Another Psybeam my friend". Sigilyph built up energy himself and unleashed it towards Riolu. Riolu fired the Aura sphere and the pair collided in the centre and exploded which unleashed a powerful shockwave which smashed into both Sigilyph and Riolu damaging them both as the explosion covered them both.
N and Ash along with Latias in human form, Pikachu and Snivy were all shocked by this. Once the smoke cleared Riolu was on his knees struggling badly while Sigilyph was down and N gasped at the sight while Ash smiled "Way to go Riolu your great". Riolu smiled having defeated an enemy with type advantage against Riolu. N returned Sigilyph to his Poke ball and looked down "I am sorry my friend, I'm sorry you got hurt by this and I will make sure the pain you went through was for nothing".
N formed a small glare and said "Hurt, Sigilyph is hurt, what do you say to that?" Ash stuttered not knowing what to say "The silence is your answer". N took out one more Poke ball and said "My friend in this Poke ball has been with me since I was growing up and he has resolved to help me to free all his fellow Pokémon. Go my friend, show them your resolve". N threw the Poke ball and energy came pouring out and it formed a big red and dark coloured creature which roared with a towering menace.
Everyone was shocked as Ash said "That's… a Zoroark". Zoroark towered over Riolu and while he had type advantage was scared by the Pokémon's presence. N then said "Zoroark is my trusted partner and he is devoted as I am to helping Pokemon "Use shadow Claw". Zoroark charged forward and slashed Riolu into the air and grabbed him and used his free claw and smashed him back into the ground.
Ash gasped at how fast Zoroark reacted "Riolu". Riolu was getting up slowly clearly hurt and N said as he closed his eyes "Fire blast my friend". Everyone was shocked and Ash thought "How did Zoroark learn that move" Ash quickly said "Riolu get out of there". Zoroark breathed the fire blast as it formed and went straight for Riolu. Riolu stood up and saw the fire blast come straight at him quickly "No Riolu". The fire blast enveloped Riolu and exploded. Ash was shocked badly "Riolu".
Suddenly Riolu was on his back burnt and badly hurt. N however was paying Riolu much regard and focused on Ash over his bitter feelings "What do we stand to gain through battling. Another Fire blast". Zoroark built up another Fire blast slowly and fire it towards the slowly getting up Riolu who cowered in fear over the Pokemon. The fire blast was about to envelope Riolu until suddenly a beam of dragon breath intercepted it and made it explode.
Ash looked to see Latias fly forward and float in front of Riolu who was badly injured. N was surprised "The legendary Latias…" Ash then said "Latias". Latias quickly said back to him "now get Riolu he is badly hurt". Ash agreed and ran forward as Riolu had enough and fell back "Riolu". Ash caught Riolu who was badly hurt he had trouble breathing as well as he held his arms around Ash with a tear in his eye as well.
Ash felt hurt seeing his friend badly hurt like this and thought "I pushed him too hard, and this was his first battle". N now finally realising the severity of his actions with the battle gasped to see how hurt Riolu was hurt which was too much for a Pokémon like him and how Ash held him and felt upset.
Riolu then went unconscious as his head fell back and everyone gasped at the sight and Ash said "RIOLU". Pikachu and Snivy stood with Ash over their wounded team member. N then thought "This is what battling achieves". Latias floated next to Ash and said to him "Are you okay". Ash shook his head and glared to N "You are no better than those grunts of yours".
N was stood in no thought as he had caused the complexity of Riolu's injuries "You talk of liberating Pokemon from us trainers that we hurt them but you are the real ones who hurt Pokemon". Pikachu and Latias took position and glared at N and Zoroark. N looked down and thought to himself before saying "maybe we might be causing pain, but nowhere near as people do, we won't rest until all Pokemon are liberated". N turned around "Then suffering like this won't ever happen".
N then walked away quickly with Zoroark making a look at Latias before he walked along with him. Ash begun to shed a tear for Riolu as well but decided the best course of Action was to take Riolu to the Pokemon centre and get him some help. Latias looked worried as Ash was breaking up over the serious pain that had befallen Riolu.
Well usually pain this bad wouldn't happen but I decided to change it up just this once. Anyway yeah N went a bit far with his beliefs but will that reinforce his belief further or change his ideas. And how will Ash cope with Riolu being hurt badly. Find out next chapter.
Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think in a review. See you next chapter.