Guest Review Replies:
Emerald Moon: I'm glad you enjoyed it. ^^
The Mewtwo with the Latis is the first movie Mewtwo. In this story there are three canon Mewtwos– a male one Ash met, the female one in Unova that both Ash and N have met (N's story with her is never shown in this fic though, it's just a headcanon of mine), and then the male Shadow Mewtwo in this story.
Shawn and Delilah reunited only to be torn apart right away... And Charizard has a Charizardite Y. As much as I love X, I feel that Y suits Ash's Charizard more.
I've been waiting for the opportunity to use it as a chapter/arc name. :)
Yep, it's time for me to finally wrap up this story! Thank you for the review!
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Guest: I won't say who for spoiler reasons, but you are right, characters are going to die. This story is one of struggles, and there will be more before it ends. Thank you for the review.
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PokeIdeal541: I am actually very glad you asked! This was something I meant to cover in the story, but it was left out because I had more important events to cover, but I will explain it now! The reason why Walker/Bryan was able to remember who he was is because he was the first one that got his memories wiped. This was when Mew was more resistant to Rocket, and when she wasn't as experienced with sealing so many memories. These two factors, combined with the fact that Bryan was suspicious of the agency, allowed him to break through some of the psychic blocks on his mind and remember his name and Mew.
Looker also was beginning to break through as well (portrayed with him recognizing some people and white flashes of light across his vision), but then Sabrina removed the mental barrier on him. Other agents are starting to break through as well, and the data Looker gave them is helping.
Walker/Bryan was a victim of Team Rocket, a nobody that went unnoticed when kidnapped for experimentation. Speaker (who's name is Amanda) was a bit like Looker, but not a traitor nor as high ranking. She was someone that got dragged into the gang during her young and rebellious years, but as she grew older and the assignments grew harsher (like being given orders to kill people) she sank into a depression and reached a state where she just stopped caring. Not wanting to continue in her assignments, but knowing she couldn't walk away, she volunteered to be experimented on.
Some longer replies for the guests today. :) If you guys are interested in knowing how Walker/Bryan remembered his name, or how he and Speaker fell into the hands of Team Rocket, then look at my reply to PokeIdeal541 above. It was just some info that didn't fit into the story, so I explained it there. :)
Anyways, enjoy chapter 52.
Chapter Fifty-Two – Truth
"...Nothing. There's nothing coming from him," N said softly.
Zoroark crossed her claws, growling. 'I think we got that– can we please go now?'
The shiny Zoroark grabbed N's arms, trying to pull the human away from the window, but N resisted her. The Zoroark dug at her mane in frustration, looking like she was about to blast the human with a Night Daze. He was simply staring out at the league as the dark-colored Mewtwo attacked, unmoving.
"I can't sense any emotions from him..." N whispered. "Not even a rage to explain his attacking..."
'And it's attacking buildings!' Zoroark screamed. 'Which we're in! We need to get out of here now, Natural!'
N turned his gaze from the window, looking into the golden eyes of the Zoroark. His blue eyes were soft and sad, not looking as panicked as one should for the situation presented before them– simply sorrowful.
"I can sense them dying," N whispered. "The Pokemon that were in the buildings, I sensed them fading away."
Zoroark closed her eyes. 'I understand Natural, it's horrible– but we can't do anything if we sit here! Grab what we need and let's get out of here!'
N sighed, and glanced around the small hotel room. Despite him and Ash having been sharing it, there was not much between them. Ash had his bag with him like normal, and had left nothing out. N briefly glanced over the many files and information he had collected over the years– before settling for grabbing his bag with the laptop. While papers seemed to be more reliable at times than electronics, which could be hacked and corrupted, the laptop would be lighter than all of his files. They held the same information, and speed would be the key.
"Get the stone," N said, pointing to the bag that Zoroark normally carried. "That's everything of importance."
Zoroark carefully picked up the duffle bag that held the large white stone inside, peering in at the marble-like globe before zipping it up and swinging it over her shoulder. She shivered at the cries coming from outside– she didn't like humans except for N– but it was hard to hear anything suffering.
'Coming monkey?' Zoroark snapped at Cilan's Pansage. The grass Pokemon was huddled up on the bed, and glared at Zoroark. He had his teammates' Pokeballs on a belt wrapped around his chest like a sash. The Pansage looked frightened, and raced over to N.
The three of them quietly stepped out of the hotel room, looking down the empty halls. N then made his way towards the stairs, stroking the Pansage on his shoulder, and Zoroark frowned.
"It'll be okay..." N quietly told Pansage, heading up the stairs.
'Natural Harmonia Gropius!' Zoroark barked. 'What in Kyurem's name are you doing?'
N gave her a small smile. "I'm heading to the roof– we'll have a better view from there."
'Wh-what?' Pansage cried, jumping. N didn't stop however, bolting up the stairs. The shiny Zoroark stared for a moment, before racing up after him.
'Don't you dare Natural, we need to head down!' Zoroark cried. 'Natural!'
But the human didn't listen to her, and so with a heavy bag on her shoulder, she raced up the flight of stairs towards the roof of the hotel building. N smiled at the shiny as he saw her following him, though she had an angry scowl on her face.
N ignored this– knowing he had to at least try to reach out to the strange, shadowy Mewtwo before they just ran. It was a Pokemon, one that had been wronged by humans. He couldn't just turn his back on it when there was a chance he could break through whatever was inflicting its mind and heart.
Pansage was clinging to his shoulder, and N did feel bad for dragging the poor Pokemon into this, but it needed to be done.
They at least reached the door that lead to the roof– which was locked.
"Please?" N asked Zoroark, who rolled her eyes, but allowed her claws to glow orange with Rock Smash.
The fighting move was slammed against the door, cracks appearing, the Zoroark blasting through it with ease. N stepped through the splintered door, discovering a small staircase that lead to the roof. He cautiously made his way up onto the roof, the sun glaring down at them. Zoroark narrowed her eyes, the wind blowing her mane about, while Pansage decided to take shelter in N's long hair.
"Do you see the Mewtwo?" N asked Zoroark, who was glaring out over the league.
'...Two collapsed buildings,' She grunting, pointing at two different sights. Nothing remained of the buildings, just foundations with scattered rubble at the base. 'And you want to try to talk to this thing?'
"There he is," N muttered, eyes focusing on a huge blast of pink psychic energy several blocks over. "It seems he's no longer attacking buildings."
'That means he's attacking people– and therefore the Pokemon with them,' Zoroark growled, setting down the heavy duffle bag on the roof.
N frowned. "That's true. Well, if you're so worried then why don't you do us all a favor– try to get it over here."
'What?!' Pansage and Zoroark cried at the same time.
"I want to talk to it, and we both want it away from innocent Pokemon and humans," N waved his hand at Zoroark. "I think a nice destructive illusion would draw it over here, so go ahead. And please don't look at me that way– the longer we wait the more people get hurt."
Zoroark stared at him for a moment, then finally let out a long sigh. She stumbled towards the edge of the roof, closing her eyes as she prepared her illusionary powers. N could tell that it was going to be a larger one, meaning that he was most likely going to be a part of it. That unfortunately meant that he wouldn't be able to see what it was, but he trusted that Zoroark would be able to come up with something big enough.
A wave of energy flared out from Zoroark, the illusion engulfing the whole rooftop. N felt Pansage burying himself deeper into his hair, clearly wishing to stay hidden. He kept his gaze locked onto where he had seen the psychic energy however, hoping that the Mewtwo would be drawn over here. Zoroark grunted, attempting to keep such a large illusion going.
The pink glow faded, and N took in a sharp breath as he he saw the black Mewtwo rising into the air, peering in their direction. N hesitated, but then reached out towards it.
But like before he sensed nothing– this was an emotionless being.
"Here he comes..." N muttered to Zoroark as he watched the Mewtwo drift forward. N frowned slightly, watching the glow forming around the Mewtwo's fingers– it wasn't pink anymore. Instead a dark orange glow surrounded his three-fingered hand as he summoned his psychic powers, drifting closer to them and the illusion. His eyes were an empty magenta, hollow and lifeless.
"Sage..." Pansage was shaking.
"Cut the illusion when he gets close..." N muttered to Zoroark, not wanting to be hiding when he attempted to talk to it. This was a Pokemon– one of clear intelligence by the look in its eyes. There was something wrong, something to make this Pokemon so closed off, and N was determined to do something.
Zoroark grunted in response, smaller illusions she could maintain for hours, but large ones drained her quickly. The Shadow Mewtwo came to a stop several hundred feet away, blinking uncertainly. Zoroark hesitated for one moment– then let the illusion die down.
The Mewtwo drifted back in surprise, blinking rapidly as they flickered into existence.
N hesitantly stepped forward, scanning the being in front of him. It was so eerie to see a Pokemon in front of him, but to sense no emotions coming from it. It's dark fur seemed to absorb all light that hit it. And with the sun shining down, it just didn't feel right. N frowned at the glowing stone that jutted out of it's body, as if it had been stabbed into the Pokemon.
"Mewtwo!" N called out, trying to keep his voice calm and even. "I have met one of your kind before, and I understand what you must have been put through. Please, stop attacking and let me speak with you– I wish to help."
The Mewtwo gave no sign that it had understood his words. His eyes narrowed, looking just as harsh as the female Mewtwo N had met years before– but yet– no emotions. Eyes were empty, not even anger filling them. N didn't want to accept it– but this Mewtwo was an empty being.
Shadowy tendrils began to spread out from the Mewtwo, and it held out both of it's hands. N took a step back, watching as it began to form a shadowy whirlwind in front of it. The Pokemon attack was one he had never seen before– looking like a Twister made out of the energy of a Shadow Ball. The attack began to gain speed, swirling faster and faster–
'No you don't!' Zoroark snarled, arms glowing red. She brought her claws down onto the roof– releasing a wave of bright crimson aura. The Night Daze attack rushed out, striking Mewtwo as he formed his own attack. Even with the dark typing hitting the psychic super effectively, the move seemed to have barely any effect on the Mewtwo.
It merely raised its arm to block out the red flash of the attack, looking unharmed. Fortunately the Night Daze had been enough to halt Mewtwo's attack, and N carefully inched his way back. If reasoning with it would not work, then he'd need to focus on getting the vulnerable Pokemon here at the league to safety.
The Mewtwo seemed to have no interest in ceasing his attacks however, a crescent blade of psychic energy forming between his fingers. He threw his arm forward, launching the Psycho Cut right at N.
Zoroark sprang forward, slamming into N and knocking him out of the way. The Psycho Cut slashed against the cement roof, cutting through the pavement like it was butter. N grunted as he was knocked to the ground, Zoroark on top of him.
And the duffle bag Zoroark had left behind burst into flames.
For a moment N panicked, eyes wide as he watched the fire consuming his precious cargo– though after a moment he realized that the source of the flames would indeed be her. The material of the bag was charred to ashes in seconds, leaving nothing but a gleaming white stone behind.
A magma-like glow flowed across the grooves of the marble, the stone starting to rise into the air. N, Zoroark, and Mewtwo all stared at the Light Stone, watching as the fiery light flared up, engulfing the entire stone. The glow intensified, a figure starting to take form as the Light Stone collapsed in on itself. N had to shield his eyes, though he could still make out the glowing figure within the forming flames, rapidly growing by the second.
The large, draconic figure flared open a pair of white feathered wings as she took shape, the whole building shaking beneath her as large, clawed feet hit the rooftop. The dragon was still growing, flames dancing around her as a turbine tail started to heat up, feathery limbs blowing in the wind.
The white being let out a cry that rivaled that of a hundred Braviaries. N stared up at the legendary, startled by her sudden appearance. A pair of fiery blue eyes regarded her hero for a moment, before letting out a screech at the Mewtwo.
The Reshiram opened her mouth, a sphere of swirling fire forming in front of her, As the Fusion Flare gained power she launched it at the Mewtwo, the ball of searing flames hitting the clone right in the chest.
Mewtwo was sent flying back, a scream of pain escaping him as the powerful attack made contact.
Reshiram then lowered her head towards N, looking at him with concerned eyes.
"Reshiram!" N cried, hastily pulling himself to his feet. "B-but– you weren't suppose to appear while we were around humans–!"
'I think keeping Reshiram hidden doesn't matter anymore,' Zoroark snapped, picking up Pansage, who had fallen off of N in the chaos. Zoroark respectfully bowed towards Reshiram. 'Thank you for saving N– I told him that coming up here would be a bad idea.'
Reshiram didn't reply, lifting her gaze out as she saw Mewtwo rising back into the air, a Focus Blast forming between his hands. The legendary's attack had done damage– but the Mewtwo was far from down. Reshiram lowered herself to the ground, lowering one wing, looking at N.
He hesitated. "...Is fighting the only way to solve this?"
Reshiram's gaze was gentle, but serious. N looked away, clenching his hands for a moment, before racing to Reshiram's side. He dug his fingers into her feathery wings, pulling himself up onto her familiar back.
'Joining the fight?' Zoroark asked, surprised.
"More Pokemon will suffer if we don't stop the Mewtwo," N said, pulling himself so he was resting at the base of Reshiram's neck. "We cannot approach him while whatever is inflicting him is so powerful– but perhaps we can help him once he falls," N looked at Zoroark. "I'll need to go with Reshiram– her powers increase with me near. You and Pansage should go find Ash and help him. I'm sure you'll want to make sure your son gets out of this."
Reshiram opened her wings, letting out another screech as Mewtwo launched the Focus Blast. Another Fusion Flare was able to intercept the orb of raw power, the clashing of the two powerful attacks sending a wave of energy across the league.
Zoroark hesitated for a moment, before sighing. 'Make sure he doesn't get hurt Reshiram– or else I'll have a Night Slash with your name on it,' She turned, stuffing Pansage into her mane, before lowering herself on all fours. 'Hold on Monkey, because I ain't stopping if you fall off.'
She took off running towards the exit of the roof, the light bending around her as she hid herself in an illusion. N pattered Reshiram's side, and she pressed herself low to the rooftop, preparing to take to the air.
Another Focus Blast was launched at them, and Reshiram's large wings pushed them up into the air. The whole roof caved in on itself as the Focus Blast struck, tremors rushing down the whole building. Reshiram flew with grace, almost like another cloud in the sky as she banked above the league, glaring at Mewtwo with narrowed eyes. She let out another screech, the sound echoing between the many buildings.
Mewtwo snarled, as if realizing that he was facing a potential threat.
N hesitated– drawing it away from the league seemed like their best hope– but a forest surrounded the Indigo Plateau. While he didn't like the idea of humans being caught up in the clash of legendary power, he would not lead this creature into the homes of wild Pokemon either. Human structures could be rebuilt in years, while forests took centuries to rise after falling.
And lives could be lost either way.
"See if you can get him higher into the sky," N muttered to Reshiram. "But make sure you keep his focus on you– I believe he has orders to attack the league. It might not take much for him to attack something else if he stops seeing you as a threat."
The dragon dipped her head in acknowledgment, and launched yet another Fusion Flare at the Mewtwo. He let out a screech of pain as he was sent flying back once more, and Reshiram turned her attention skywards. N dug his heels into her side and hands into her feathers as she climbed– praying that Mewtwo would follow them for an aerial fight.
Mewtwo regarded them for a moment, glancing at the league, then at Reshiram.
Then he pressed his hands together, closing his eyes as a glow surrounded him.
The shadowy energy wrapped around him, a faint rainbow hue shining out as he began to change. It was a process that lasted for only a few moments, but the glow was one that every Pokemon trainer knew– the light of evolution.
As the glow of the mega evolution faded, a new creature stood in place of the Mewtwo. The once charcoal fur was now jet black– gleaming like obsidian in the light of the sun. The Mewtwo's eyes were a midnight blue, cold and heartless as he opened his arms. His once slim body was now muscular– ridges and horns jutting out across his form.
The magma-like stone was still there– digging into his shoulder like it had before. The lava glow was no longer just coming from the stone and his tail– but now his chest, arms and horns gleaming with the same light. Tendrils of shadowy energy pooled from him– and with a powerful blast of orange psychic light, he was rushing up into the air to meet them.
"Dive Reshiram!" N screamed at the dragon, who was still climbing.
She heeded his words right away, leveling out in time to see the mega evolved Mewtwo racing to meet them. His arms were spread out, once more gathering the shadowy energy into a twisting tornado as he had before. Reshiram paused as she prepared to dive, wings flapping wildly as she watched the foreign attack form.
The Shadow Storm crackled with energy, and Reshiram opened her mouth, blue flames forming.
The ranging twister was released up at them, and Reshiram fired a Blue Flare in retaliation. The two attacks clashed, searing blue flames being caught up in the Shadow Storm. The swirling attacks released a plume of black smoke, which Reshiram dove into with no hesitation. N held his breath as they plunged into the smoke, Reshiram attempting to use the cloud to hide themselves.
N could hear Mewtwo flying in after them, probably sensing them with his psychic energy. Reshiram seemed unfazed– her blue eyes starting to glow. Crackling blue and green energy surrounded her, and she turned.
She rushed forward, whole body glowing with a powerful Outrage attack. She slammed right into Mewtwo, his much smaller body crumpling under the sheer force of Reshiram's attack. He was knocked out of the cloud of smoke, falling down towards the league.
Still consumed in the power of the Outrage, Reshiram rushed after him, tucking in her large wings to dive. N's hat was torn away from his head, his long green hair streaming out behind him as the wind of the dive tugged at him. He felt his fingers slipping as he clung to Reshiram, and he tightened his grip on the dragon, eyes pressed shut as the dive continued.
The second Outrage made contact, the force sending Mewtwo crashing into the hotel below. The already damaged roof crumbled in further, the shadowy energy trailing from him causing it to crumble as he staggered back into the air, heavily breathing. Reshiram pulled out of her dive, wings flapping as she tried to catch her breath.
N could see the fagite in her eyes from pulling off such a powerful attack. He knew it would be risky to pull off another move right away– Reshiram would most likely be lightheaded and dizzy, and could risk harming herself if she jumped right back into the fight. N stroked her neck, heart racing as he stared down at Mewtwo, who was hovering several feet above his hotel.
Two Outrages. This creature was still in the air after taking two Outrages from a Reshiram.
The mega Shadow Mewtwo closed his eyes, a green glow surrounding him. N cursed in his mind as he watched the Recover slowly start to heal the damage they had just inflicted. N looked at Reshiram, whose eyes were looking a bit more focused. It seems the dizzy spell from the Outrage had already worn off, meaning that she was fully ready to fight again.
"Fusion Flare as soon as he's away from the building," N muttered, not wanting to risk those who'd remain inside.
Unfortunately, Mewtwo had other plans.
N saw the orange glow of his psychic powers, but he didn't realize that Mewtwo intended on collapsing this building as well he until released the blast of raw energy. His heart tightened, watching as it rushed down the sides of the building, and like with the other ones, the tower began to crumble under the psychic pressure with ease.
N closed his eyes, but he couldn't block out the sound of the building falling, debris crushing those within and on the streets below. He couldn't block out the feelings within him either– feeling the emotions of the panicked Pokemon within vanishing within moments as their lifeforce was smothered from his view.
Reshiram let out a scream of rage, the feathers on her wings turning to metal. She rushed towards the hovering Mewtwo, slashing him with a Steel Wing across the chest. She veered around as she struck him, once more trying to lure him farther into the sky as she rose. Tears blurred N's eyes– Pokemon were dying. Pokemon and people were dying and there was nothing he could do about it.
Mewtwo watched them with smoldering eyes, before flying up after them, a Focus Blast forming between his hands.
Charizard's wings beat furiously, winding his way above the streets of the league. Ash's hands were wrapped around his shoulders, eyes scanning the streets below, his whole body tense.
Of course it couldn't only be the Mewtwo.
Even this far up, it wasn't hard to make out the gray uniforms below them– Team Rocket members having joined the fray below. Pokemon were screeching and roaring, attacks being fired at the people attempting to flee. Ash's stomach was churning, but Charizard didn't seem to care about the fighting below, simply flying on. The Team Rocket members seemed to be mostly condensed on the edges of the league– meaning that they were keeping people from fleeing. Keeping trapped right in the range of the Shadow Mewtwo's powers.
Fortunately, trainers were fighting back.
Ash could see a Rhydon charging towards a Team Rocket's Hypno, claws glowing. A Skarmory was battling several Golbats overhead, the calls of trainers shouting comands echoing between the many buildings. Ash could see a Marowak launching a Boomerang at a Pinsir, a mega Steelix firing a Stone Edge at a Luxray–
Ash stiffened up as he saw the Steelix.
Charizard's eyes narrowed as well, swooping in a bit lower just to see if their guess was correct. Ash's hands tightened, able to make out the shapes of a Typhlosion, Glaceon, and Gardevoir firing off attacks as well, their familiar trainers shouting comands as several Fearows dove down towards them. Ash hesitated for a moment, glancing at Charizard.
"Rhh..." He growled, eyes lit unhappily.
"...Land..." Ash muttered, causing Charizard to tense. The lizard didn't make any effort to follow through for several moments, as if weighing his options, before finally tucking in his wings and diving.
With one hand still gripping Charizard to stay on his back, Ash's other hand went to his belt, pulling off a Pokeball as they rushed down towards the fighting. As Charizard opened his wings to land, leveling out, Ash threw the Pokeball up.
"Pidge!" Pidgeot cried upon being released.
"Take care of the Fearows!" Ash called to her as Charizard landed, claws digging into the cement.
"Geot!" Pidgeot dove into a Brave Bird, rushing straight at one of the attacking Fearows. The flying type attempted to dodge the powerful attack, but Pidgeot still rammed straight into it, the recoil of the Brave Bird rushing over her. The Fearow fell to the ground– out cold from a single hit.
Shivers raced through Ash has he felt their eyes turning to face him, most of them lit with surprise. Ash instinctively took a step back towards Charizard, who was snarling at the familiar faces, wings flared open aggressively. Pidgeot was speeding at the second Fearow– who had turned to flee after watching its companion fall.
"Ash!" Max cried upon seeing him, voice strained, but his relief seemed genuine. His Gardevoir was firing a Shadow Ball at an Jynx, barely glancing at Ash.
Ash briefly looked over them– Max and his Gardevoir; May with her Glaceon and Blastoise; Dawn with Piplup and Typhlosion; Gary with his Umbreon, Electivire, and Arcanine.
And lastly, halfway down the street, was Brock.
The former gym leader had yet to noticed his appearance, currently engaged in a battle with a powerful Luxray. Despite Steelix's type advantage, and the fact that it was currently mega evolved, it was clearly fighting a losing battle. The Luxray was moving skillfully across the road, maw lined with flames as he sank a Fire Fang into Steelix's tail.
"Steel!" Steelix let out a scream of pain, quickly throwing itself into a Gyro Ball to free itself from the Luxray. As the Steelix came to a stop it was panting, and Ash could see blood and melted metal dripping from his tail.
The Luxray was a combat trained Pokemon.
Ash took several steps forward, barely aware of the tense look in his former friends' eyes. Brock ordered his Steelix into a Crunch– only for a Night Slash to be raked across its face as it drew near to the Luxray. The Luxray darted away, landing on the remains of a Stone Edge, flicking his tail.
Steelix drove his head into the streets, the Luxray's claws having ripped through his metal armor. Blood ran down the steel types face, it's writhes of pain shaking the whole street.
"Dragon Claw," Ash growled at Charizard– who raced forward on all fours as soon as the command was given.
It was quite clear that the Charizard had no interests in defending anyone– the fire type slashing at Steelix's tail as he rushed forward to engage the Luxray. Brock took a startled step back as the lizard stepped into his view, while Charizard's eyes gleamed with excitement, springing at his target like a Liepard on the hunt.
The powerful Dragon Claw torn at the Luxray's side, claws slashing through it's skin as it sent the Luxray flying towards the other end of the street. Charizard rose up onto his hind legs, letting out an aggressive roar as the Luxray rose back to its feet, blood dripping down it's black and blue fur.
Embers danced down Charizard's scales, pupils narrowing as he prepared to fight. The Luxray released a powerful Discharge, the electric surge engulfing the whole area around the Luxray. Charizard dodged with ease, racing up into the air, a Flamethrower forming in his mouth. He fired the Flamethrower, scorch marks covering the ground as the Luxray raced away to dodge the intense flames.
Brock seemed too frightened to move for a moment, before a cry of pain from his Steelix snapped him out of his trance, quickly pulling out a Pokeball and recalling his wounded Pokemon. He stumbled back towards Dawn and Gary, eyes locked on Charizard.
"With the ground type struggling, you bring in a flying type as back up?" A female voice chuckled, sounding amused.
For the first time Ash let his eyes be pulled away from the fight, his gaze settling on the Luxray's trainer. She was a tall woman, with scarlet red hair, and cruel crimson eyes. She had a hand on her hip, regarding them with little worry. Ash had never seen her before in his life– but the 'R' on her shirt, combined with the fact she had a combat Pokemon was enough for him to know she was a powerful Rocket.
"Afraid of losing to a flying type?" Ash asked, his voice a growl. Brock's head snapped towards Ash has he spoke, his eyes wide with disbelief and anger.
The woman smirked. "Luxray– Night Slash."
"Intercept with Dragon Claw!" Ash cried as the Luxray leapt up at Charizard as he swooped down.
Luxray caught Charizard on the neck, claws digging in near his shoulder. His scales blocked the direct damage, but the weight of the Luxray dragged Charizard down to the ground. Charizard let out a roar as he slammed into the cement, Luxray's gleaming fangs snapping for his throat.
Charizard brought his claws up, the green energy of a Dragon Claw surrounding them. He struck the Luxray's already wounded side, the blow knocking him off of Charizard. The lizard dragged himself to his feet, several droplets of blood running down his shoulder. The back of his throat started to glow, an eruption of flames rushing from his mouth. Fueled by his frustration, the powerful Flamethrower drenched the Luxray, a roar rising up between the crackling of the flames.
The woman blinked. "I see, another combat Pokemon– pretty impressive."
"Who are you?" Ash snarled.
The woman smiled, eyes focused on where Charizard's flames had just blasted her Luxray. A charred shape was shifting on the scorched road, the Luxray pushing itself to his feet. It was a ghostly sight– the Luxray pure black due to its fur being charred from the flames. Several glowing embers clung to the remains of its fur, smoke drifting up from it. A pair of golden eyes glowed with rage, the burnt Luxray hissing at Charizard.
"I'm Ariana," The woman said, and she snapped her fingers. "Wild Charge that overgrown Charmander."
Electricity sparked around the Luxray, a veil of sparks surrounding him as he rushed at Charizard. But Charizard's attacks had taken their toll, the Luxray stumbling as it ran forward. Charizard spun around, knocking it off course with a swipe of his tail, not even bothering to use an attack. Charizard snorted as he watched the Luxray collapse– any challenge clearly gone. His wings flared open, and with several flaps he was at Ash's side, snarling at Ariana.
The scorched Luxray managed to stand once more, shaking with pain. It didn't seem eager to attack, limping towards his trainer. He stood in front of her, baring his fangs out towards them, but there was no gleam in his eyes, blood running down his side from the Dragon Claws.
"I'm not looking to fight you," Ash said quietly. "Stop attacking and leave now, and I'll let you walk away."
"Zar!" Charizard added, his long neck craning above Ash.
Ariana smiled, pulling a Pokeball off of her belt. She expanded it without much worry, chuckling. "Not very perceptive, are you kid? Attacking is the only intention we have– no matter who gets in our way," She sent out an Arbok, the snake Pokemon uncurling next to the weakened Luxray. "Fire Fang and Crunch!"
She pointed out at them– and her Pokemon ran forward. The Arbok's fangs gleamed with dark energy, while the Luxray's teeth lit up with flames. Charizard was off in an instant, a metallic glow coming from his wings. He flared out the twin Steel Wings, striking both Pokemon as he charged.
Each were knocked in separate directions, and Charizard turned to engaged the Arbok. A Poison Jab was stabbed into his gut, the tip of the Arbok's tail glowing. The Luxray, on the other hand, turned to face Ash. It was hard to believe that such a wounded Pokemon was still steadily standing– blood pooling down his side– but the scorched Pokemon leapt at him with a Night Slash.
Pidgeot dove out of the sky with a Quick Attack the moment Luxray formed the Night Slash, his claws being deflected by her talons before he could even reach Ash. The teen took a step back, watching as his Pidgeot threw the Luxray to the ground. She rose back up into the air, banking about to attack again– but Charizard reached the Luxray first.
His eyes were lit with a fury, embers and spit flying from his mouth as he sprang at the one who had dared to attempt to attack Ash, slamming the Luxray to the ground. Claws dug into the pinned Pokemon, jaws unhinging as his fangs tore down towards the wounded electric type. Ash's mouth when dry, recognizing the raw rage in his Pokemon's face.
Ash turned away as he heard the sound of bones crunching– screams of pain mixing with Charizard's roar of rage, claws lashing. Pidgeot landed next to Ash, turning away as well as Charizard slashed at the Luxray's body, tearing apart the Pokemon. Ariana's face was pale, stumbling away as Charizard turned towards her, blood dripping from his claws and maw.
"ZAH!" He screeched, flames pouring from his mouth. He stalked forward, clearly intending on ending Ariana as well. Her Arbok, which had several slashes on it from Charizard's earlier attacks, slithered in front of Ariana, hissing.
"Ch-charizard wait!" Ash called, eyes locked on the ground. He seemed to be unable to bring himself to look at the remains of the Luxray, or at the blood coating Charizard.
The lizard paused, pupils still narrowed and unfocused.
Ash's heart was hammering– he was well aware of those behind him, watching him, watching Charizard. It was their presences that were feeding the fear into him– not Charizard. He didn't care what they thought of him, but at the same time... he couldn't stand the thought of anyone looking at Charizard and seeing a monster.
"She's clearly no grunt," Ash said, allowing his gaze to go up to Ariana, who was stumbling away. "She could be useful."
"Like I'd help you!" She snarled, hand going to her pocket.
Ash hesitated. "All I want is information– and you can walk away."
Ariana spat at him.
Charizard tensed at this action, a Dragon Claw flickering to life around his claws.
Shaking, Ash took a step forward. "I know there's someone among you R-rockets..." He whispered. "Someone with a combat trained Hy-Hydreigon," Ash's gaze hardened. "Are they here? Who are they?" Rage gleamed in Ash's eyes. "Is G-giovanni here?"
"A Hydreigon?" Clearly these were not the questions Ariana was expecting. "You mean Dean?"
Dean. A name to put to the faceless person who was responsible for Pikachu's death.
"Are they here?" Ash asked, bitterness and rage taking hold of his voice.
Ariana smirked. "And why would I tell you? Dean has done so much for the glory of Rocket, and seeing that look in your eyes... out for revenge, little boy? Do you think you're special or something? I'm sure whatever happened was nothing more than a mere nuisance in Rocket's grand plans–"
"He murdered my best friend!" Ash screamed, and Charizard let out a snarl.
Ariana let out a mocking coo, then pulled her hand out of her pocket. Ash stiffened as she cocked the handgun, before aiming it straight at Ash.
"Then it seems you'll be joining him," She sneered.
Ash said nothing, eyes locked on the gun. It wasn't fear running through him– he honestly wasn't sure what it was. His leg ached as he stared at the gun, memories a bullet shattering his leg bones, Officer Jenny attacking... Charizard stood near Ash, still as well, perhaps caught up in the same memories as Ash.
Ariana's finger slid onto the trigger, a smirk spreading across her face. "Goodnight, little– lil– Aghglaagah–!"
Ariana suddenly stumbled forward, a horrible gurgling coming up from her throat. Her hands trembled, the gun clattering to the ground. Her hands went to her chest– where a the tip of a gleaming Night Slash could be seen protruding from it, blood running down her front. It was a sickly sight, watching her face twist with pain, breathing turning ragged.
Ariana collapsed to the ground, clawing at the Night Slash. Standing right behind her was Greninja, a look of rage on the water type's face as he watched the Rocket member writhe on the ground. The human didn't even get a chance to peer at her attacker, attempting to cough out a command to her Arbok, who had froze up.
Her struggles didn't last long, the Night Slash having stabbed into her back with deadly accuracy.
Silence filled the street, and Greninja shot a glare at the Arbok. The poison type was stiff with fear, watching as its trainer went still.
Then with rattling scales it took off– darting into the nearest alleyway.
"Gren," Greninja said, glancing at Pidgeot and Charizard, before nodding at Ash.
Ash stood there for a moment, a chill having taken hold of his body. His heart was racing– so many emotions running through him. The dead bodies brought a tremble to his limbs, memories washing through him. His hands went up to cover his head, trying to keep his breathing stable.
His Pokemon had just saved him. Both the Luxray and Ariana had attempted to kill him– he'd be dead right now if they hadn't interfered.
"Zar?"
A puff of hot air covered his face, and Ash's eyes opened to find Charizard staring at him. His maw was still lined with blood from the Luxray, but there was a look of pure concern in his gaze.
"Thank you," Ash managed to rasp out as he noticed Greninja approaching him– it'd be unfair to say anything else to him. To force the guilt of taking a life on him when he had simply been saving his. Charizard had acted out of rage, but Greninja had been defending him. "I– I–"
He closed his eyes again, trying to force himself to focus– now wasn't the time to lose control!
"A-ash?"
Max was the first to find his voice among the group lingering behind Ash– all of them staring at what had just happened with fear and horror. Dawn looked pale, swaying as if she were about to throw up. Gary was leaning up against his Electivire to keep his balance, while May was clutching her Glaceon to her chest. Ash's gut twisted– both times he had been near them they had witnessed his Pokemon taking a life.
"...We need to leave," Ash grunted, his voice sounding stronger than what his body felt. "It's not safe here."
No where at the league could be considered safe at the moment– but he just needed to get away from here.
Fshhoowsh!
Everyone froze, looking skyward in time to see a wave of fiery energy rushing across the sky, the wave temporarily flaring up before it fizzled out. No one said a word– listening as they heard a sound of something collapsing– though not nearly as loud as a whole building falling.
The sound was soon followed by a deafening screech, as if a hundred Pidgeots had cried out at once. As flinched as the noise echoed through the streets, a sense of familiarity to the sound.
"Wha-what was that?" Max asked, the only one daring to speak.
Ash glanced at Charizard, whose gaze was still fixed skyward, but he could tell that the lizard recognized the cry as well. The sound of attacks being launched could be heard coming from the air– meaning that the league itself was no longer being harmed– for the time being. Ash let out a sigh of relief, realizing just what that meant.
"That was a friend of N's," Ash muttered, more to himself than to Max. "She must be fighting that Mewtwo..." He looked out at the group he had once called friends, the girls pressing close to their Pokemon. Gary had nervously backed up, regarding the sky with a look of fear. Had they seen Mewtwo? Did they fully understand what was happening?
It didn't matter– all Ash knew was he couldn't let them get hurt.
"Come on," Ash muttered to them. "We're on borrowed time– we need to get to safety."
"N-no one is going anywhere with y-you!" A voice spat, a tremble between their rage. It was a miracle that Ash didn't freeze up as he heard it– perhaps a part of him expecting such a confrontation to happen.
Ash's eyes flickered towards Brock, before forcing himself to look away. It hurt, it ached to look at him.
"Rhh..." Charizard whipped his head around, glowering at Brock. Everyone tensed up at this action, Charizard's tail curling around Ash. His wings flared open, the lizard lowering himself onto all fours as he bared his fangs– taking on the same aggressive stance he had for Team Rocket. Ash watched as familiar muscles tensed– Charizard getting ready to leap forward.
"No!" Ash snarled at Charizard, who paused. Sharp blue eyes regarded him, bitterness and hatred gleaming. "You are not to harm any of them– is that clear?"
Charizard's eyes narrowed– not happy with this declaration. He turned his focus away from Brock though, facing Ash, as if decided if these orders would be worth following. The rage in his eyes was clear– he wanted to tear Brock apart just as much as he wanted to fight Team Rocket.
"Zar..."
Memories of Charizard lashing out at him filled his mind, and it took everything Ash had not to flinch.
Ash closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. "Anyone in Team Rocket is fair game– I swear I won't try to stop you. But you must leave everyone else alone."
Claws tightened, digging into the cement. Ash could see the fight between his anger and loyalty struggling, two sides pulling on him just as sharply. Charizard's wings snapped to his side, tail lashing out.
But Ash didn't have time to wait– he didn't have the mental stamina to remain on this street where he had witnessed living beings falling. He stumbled forward– right towards Max and the others. Max was the only one that didn't pull back at his approach, even offering a hand to stable him. Ash ignored this, pressing through the group.
"...Zarhhh..." Charizard at last rumbled, bolting after Ash. He shot a glare at Max– but made no effort to engage further.
Ash let out a shaky sigh of relief, an arm pressing up against Charizard as the lizard was once more by his side. His legs were shaking, and he was surprised that they hadn't given out on him yet. Max grabbed his sister's arm, forcing her to follow after Ash as he made his way down the street. Dawn hesitated, before going after them as well, Gary quickly bolting to her side once he saw her moving.
Their Pokemon hesitantly came after, them all regarding Greninja fearfully– who was calmly walking among them. Pidgeot had taken to the air, uncertainly glancing skyward for any potential threat.
Brock stood in the streets alone, glancing towards Ariana's body for a moment before following.
"Where are you taking us?" Brock snarled at Ash, who flinched, but didn't respond.
Ash's hand fished for a Pokeball, glancing at Charizard for a moment, before sending out Lucario. The canine stumbled upon being released, paws held out to brace himself. A cloth was wrapped around his eyes, protecting his healing wounds. Ash held out his arm, allowing the blind canine to stable himself.
"I don't have time to explain," Ash told Lucario hastily. "But the league is under attack– and I need to get to the edge as quickly as possible. Team Rocket has forces around most exits, and I need you to use your aura to find the safest route out of here."
Lucario took these words in with silence. Rocket? Are you not going to fight them, Master?
Ash gritted his teeth. "Of course I am– once I make sure all of them make it out of here alive."
Max stiffened as Ash pointed at them.
"No!" Max cried. "We're going to help fight too!"
Ash opened his mouth to respond– only for a shadow to cover the street. Everyone glanced up in time to see a great white dragon swoop overhead, releasing a powerful blast of fire at an unseen opponent.
Ash didn't hesitated, turning away from the street and darting towards the nearest building. Lucario stumbled at his side, aura sensors spread out to get some sense of his surroundings. Ash glanced at Charizard– who lowered his head and charged at the door. Wood gave way to muscle, the door crumbling to the ground to give them entrance.
They poured into the dark building, Charizard's tail being the only light within. It seemed that this building was either one that was normally empty, or it's inhabitants already had fled. Ash's heart was hammering, his mind telling himself to pull up his hood merely at seeing those who were with him.
Dawn and Gary were pressed close together, lingering near the Pokemon. May was remaining near her brother, who insisted on being as close to Ash as possible without receiving a warning glare from Charizard. Brock strayed at the doorway, clearly not wanting to come close to Ash, nor leave his friends alone. There was a tremble to the man's body, as if trying to keep his anger back.
"No," Ash snapped at Max, picking up their conversation as if nothing had happened. "You are not fighting– this is a force beyond any of you. I'm going to get you to the edge of the league, and you're all going to run."
"What's going on here?" Gary asked, flinching slightly as Ash glanced at him. "That white Pokemon– that was a Reshiram, wasn't it? From the Unovan myths? I know those legends– and earlier... there was this black thing–"
"That was a Mewtwo," Ash grunted. "And the most dangerous thing here– it seems that N and Reshiram are attempting to hold it off, but I don't know how long it will be until it turns its attention back to the league..." Ash shuddered. "It's aura is unnatural– there will be no reasoning with it."
"Wh-why are you helping us?" Dawn asked, and Ash glared at her.
"Do you want me to leave?" He asked, tone turning toxic, and Dawn stared at her feet.
"No, I just–" She stuttered slightly. "We... we've done nothing for you– we've hurt you– s-so why are you helping us?"
Ash gritted his teeth. "Because I don't want to see you die– now do we have any other questions, or can we focus on getting you out of here alive?"
"I want to help fight!" Max said adamantly, stepping towards Ash, causing Charizard to tense.
Ash turned his glare towards Max. "If I recall correctly I asked you to get everyone away from the league– none of you should be here. You will not be fighting– you will be leaving this league even if I have to make Charizard drag out all out of here," Ash clenched his fists. "Don't you understand what's happening out there– people are dying Max! It's not safe!"
"Then it's not safe for you either!" Max replied, crossing his arms. "Either we all leave, or we all fight."
"I am not apart of your group– do not include me in it," Ash growled. "You'll all leave– and I will fight without worrying about any of you getting hurt just because you're with me–"
Ash paused mid sentence, a thought coming to his mind.
His hand reached back towards his bag, heart thumping. He couldn't put anyone at risk, but... He shook, quickly pulling off his backpack and digging through it. His hand wrapped around a black tablet, and he quickly pulled out his portable PC, staring down at it.
His Pokemon, his untrained Pokemon. As long as they were on him, they were at risk. And as long as they were in the PC, they were trapped, in danger... His hands tightened around the machine, mind racing.
"Rotom?" Ash asked, and his Poketch lit up in response. "I... I need you to get everyone out of the PC. Now."
The screen flashed with surprise, blank for a moment, before words started to dance across the screen.
[All at once?!] Rotom typed. [That would most likely break the PC, Ash!]
"Would everyone get out of it safely though?" Ash asked.
[Well– yes– but the PC! You worked so hard to make it and–]
"And it breaking this way is better than it breaking with them still inside– they'd become trapped in cyberspace," Ash took in a deep breath, setting the PC on the ground alongside his Poketch. He backed away, bumping right into Lucario. "Let them out Rotom."
Several more words flashed on the screen, but Ash was too far away to read them. Confused glances were shared between his former companions, and with a bright flare of light Rotom emerged out of the Poketch. He hovered there for a moment, before slipping into the PC. The tablet flickered on, Rotom settling into the electronic device, flickering through the many boxes of the PC.
The PC started to vibrate, bright flashes of light starting to fill the room as Pokeballs were pulled from cyberspace– being released into the room. It started out as it always did when Ash made the rare choice to pull out one of his old Pokemon– but the flashes grew as more Pokeballs were pulled from the PC– each bursting open as they took form. Ash was forced to turn away when the flares of white light began too much, familiar calls of Pokemon echoing through the building.
As the light show started to die down Ash found himself peering back towards the PC– which was no longer in sight. Ash's heart started thumping at the sight laid out before him– his older Pokemon filling up the building they had just been released in. Despite the sheer numbers, the Pokemon were next to silent as they glanced about, confusion on their faces. The other humans were pressed between many of the Pokemon, staring out at them with uncertainty.
A Floatzel gave Dawn and her Pokemon a friendly wave, while a Snorlax let out a heavy yawn. A Staraptor, Talonflame, Noctowl, Swellow, and Unfezant glided into the air, landing on the stair banister, looking down at the group below. A Noivern let out a happy screech, a Hawlucha resting on his head, while several smaller Pokemon climbed onto a mighty Torterra's back.
Ash stared out at his Pokemon, a surreal feeling coming over him. It felt more like a memory, watching the Pokemon's careful interactions among each other. Dewott was fistbumping an energtic Totodile, while a Crawdaunt was scuttling up to Max happily. Torkoal was pressed up against Torterra's legs, who had Scraggy, Quilava, and Glalie on his large back.
In the corner a lone Tauros pawed at the ground, eyes scanning the area nervously. Sceptile was attempting to make his way towards Ash, but a Lycanroc weaving it's way through the Pokemon force him to pause. Ash's eyes continued to look about, there was Gengar hovering above Decidueye, Leavanny standing on Bayleef's back, Kingler curiously poking Gliscor–
Ash closed his eyes, trying to get his rushing emotions under control.
Rotom was hovering above the chaos, Ash's Poketch in his grasp. He floated over towards the trembling trainer, dropping the device into his hands, before returning into the machine. Ash fingered the Poketch as he slipped it back onto his wrist. Then he let out a sigh, pulling three Pokeballs from his belt, releasing them in front of him.
Serperior, Garchomp, and Elgyem were released with a flash of white light– drawing all attention back towards Ash.
The Pokemon stared at him, at the one they had once known as their trainer. He currently had his hood down, so there was no hiding from them. They lifted their heads up, taking in Ash's pale skin and shaking limbs. Their expressions seemed unreadable as they stared at him. Ash's main team pressed close to him, yet none of the others made a move. The building was silent– full of Pokemon and humans– but only breathing filled the air.
It had been so long since they had been out of a Pokeball– but merely looking at Ash and his aces was more than enough to show how much time had passed. There were a few friendly gestures: Dewott winking at Serperior, Totodile jumping up and down while waving at Garchomp, and Hawlucha nodding at Greninja. The rest of the Pokemon were unnaturally still though, craning their necks to get a better view of Ash.
Some gave the other humans hostile glares, while others pressed closer to the ones they were familiar with. None of them approached Ash– but perhaps that was simply because of the blood-covered Charizard looming behind him. Ears flicked forward, tails shifting, fur and feathers ruffling– all waiting for something to happen.
Ash opened his mouth to speak– but it was dry. The words stuck in his throat, a pain piercing his heart. His muscles had frozen up, emotions pouring through him. This was too much... it was too much!
Ash stumbled back into Charizard, his mind buzzing, tell him to run. Too much was happening here, his head spinning as it tried to process the emotional pressures being dumped onto him. Team Rocket... people dying... old faces, old Pokemon... Sweat clung to his skin, heart thumping heavily.
It took the sound of a third building collapsing for Ash to regain control of himself, before the breakdown could fully take hold.
Even with the sounds somewhat muffled by the building they were currently in, the crashing of the building hitting the ground caused everyone to jump, a fresh wave of fear taking hold of them. Ash's Pokemon looked about in confusion, while Max pressed close to May, and Ash closed his eyes.
"You're no longer bond to me," Ash said, his voice breaking the silence that followed the echos of the falling building. His Pokemon looked up at him, startled. "I have kept you from freedom for so long– even though that was the very thing I was seeking. I do not know what will happen to me from here on out– so leave while you can. It is not safe out there, but they seem to see humans as their main targets. Run until the league is out of sight, get yourselves to safety, because you won't find it here."
His voice was cold, hard– nothing like what he was feeling on the inside. He felt... fragile. Like a breeze would shatter the hold he had over himself, that his breakdowns would overcome him if one wrong step was made.
He felt Lucario laying a paw on his shoulder, and Ash wasn't sure if it was to reassure him, or to stable himself with the surge of auras that had just filled the room. Ash stared at Lucario, a tense look on the canine's face, one paw brushing against the cloth covering his blinded eyes. Ash barely heard the calls of confusion, just watching the Lucario. Ash had always knew that he wasn't the only one suffering, but for once he seemed to realize just how close those 'others' could be.
Ash looked out at his Pokemon once more, confusion and protest in their cries. Several were glancing towards the shattered door, trying to make sense of what they had just been put into. Others glared at Ash– as if insulted on being told to flee.
"This is not your fight," Ash insisted, the desire to see them safe much stronger than his fear of seeing them once more. Ash glared at Max to show that the humans were included in this. "Team Rocket is beyond you– the last thing I am asking of you is to get to safety!"
Ash was startled by the looks his Pokemon were giving them, several of them even getting a gleam in their eyes as if looking forward to a battle. He had always expected hatred upon seeing them again– bitterness from being kept from the world. Fear from what he had become, from what he had dragged them into.
Ash saw nothing but a fiery loyalty in their eyes.
His Pokemon bellowed out cries and calls, that fiery gleam still in their eyes. Ash blinked slowly, mind not sure what to make of what was happening. Lucario's paw tightened on his shoulder.
Ash. Lucario's voiced echoed in his mind. They have no intentions of leaving.
Ash's fists clenched. "No..." Ash growled, eyes flashing. "Don't you guys understand– I'm not who you remember! Just get out of here!"
His voice faltered though, as he looked out at them. He just couldn't understand– why did they want to stay? They had no idea what was awaiting them outside– released into a dark building after years of confinement– but yet they wanted to fight with him.
They hadn't changed, unlike everyone else and everything around him. His Pokemon, the ones he had been mentally pushing away from him for so long were one of the few beings that remained as the same. Ash's gaze flickered over them– he knew he had neither time or the resources to make them leave against their will. Every moment out in here was another moment of Team Rocket attacking innocents. Another moment for Mewtwo to return his focus to the league.
Ash closed his eyes. "...If you have any loyalty to me left," He whispered. "And if you refuse to leave– then get others out of here. Protect those who can't fight from Team Rocket. If you want to fight, then you will fight to defend."
He opened his eyes, insides writhing at his own words. He was suppose to get them to safety– not place them into danger!
But he couldn't take back his words– and even if he had tried anything he said would be drowned out in the calls of agreement coming from his Pokemon. Roars, screeches, chittered– his teams all crying out together.
Ash hesitated, looking at Charizard. His tail was flicking, his whole body tense as he stood protectively behind Ash, but there was no look of distaste as he looked out over the Pokemon. His eyes just kept sweeping the room– from Ash, across the crowd, to the door, and finally to Brock– before once more returning to Ash.
As the calls died down, Ash spoke one last time. "And– a-and if any of you see my mother, she will become your first and only priority– understood?"
He looked out into their eyes one last time, familiar and sharp gazes. His heart tightened, but he turned his eyes back out towards the door– back towards the enemies awaiting outside.
Charizard slunk forward, all eyes shifting towards him. He rose up onto his hind legs, head held high. A low rumble started in Charizard's throat, before gaining intensity. The mighty roar burst from his throat, the battle cry shaking the walls and leaving a ringing in their ears. Ash's combat Pokemon soon joined him in the cry, quickly followed by the rest– and Ash was sure the roars carried out of the building and into the streets.
Of his Pokemon, only three remained silent. Rotom in the Poketch on his wrist, Elgyem hovering by his shoulder, and Lucario by his side.
...What are they saying? Ash asked Lucario quietly.
Lucario's telepathy was soft. They will fight for you, and in memory of Pikachu.
Blasts of psychic energy filled the dark corridor, striking both human and Pokemon. Seven powerful forces pressing through the labs, mastered attacks rendering those who attempted to stand in their way fainted at the force. Most was through intense pressures of psychic energy bearing down on their mind, causing them to crumple to the ground. Sometimes a gentle Hypnosis was sent their way instead, luring them into a deep sleep.
"This is getting annoying," Sabrina muttered as she advanced through the Rocket base. "Either have less of these unconfident guards, or actually give us something that can pose a challenge."
We should be grateful for an easier fight. Sabrina's Delphox said, sending a Hypnosis at a Golem.
A Psyshock was send out by an Espeon, intercepting a Water Pulse that had been sent at Delphox. He's right, a more difficult fight would mean more danger for us.
A blast of raw psychic energy was fired from Alakazam, who appeared in the midst of them with a Teleport– sending several Raticate flying back. He held out one of his spoons, preparing another Psychic.
No. Sabrina's concern is well placed. He said to his team mates, looking out at them. A Sigilyph flying above, a Metang barreling ahead, Delphox and Espeon standing at Sabrina's side, while Gallade brought up the rear. If they have no serious guards that means they don't see Mew as a threat– meaning she must be in a weakened state.
"Weaker guards also means their real forces are above," Sabrina muttered, looking at the ceiling of the underground base. "Attacking innocents instead of us."
Sigilyph fired a Psybeam at a group of incoming grunts. Sabrina sighed, and they all rushed back into the fight. They were unintimidated by the dark types sent at them– Gallade rushing forward as he fired a Vacuum Wave.
Sabrina released a wave of psychic energy at the humans, causing them to let out screams of pain and fall to the ground. Normally this would take a great deal of energy, but she was borrowing Alakazam's power to do this– feeling that she shouldn't use her own just yet. If she and Mew were bonded, and Mew's energy had nearly be all taken, she didn't know how using her own powers would affect the legendary.
Are you sure this is the right way? Espeon asked.
"...Yes..." Sabrina said. "Mew's energy is down this way, they're no longer blocking it off..." Sabrina closed her eyes. "But it's so weak, it's nothing like it should be."
She gritted her teeth. A string– Mew was hanging on by a mere thread. Team Rocket could have easily taken every last strand of her power and killed her off. Sabrina didn't want to know why they had kept her alive– but the fact that they had made finding her all the more important.
"Hypnosis," Sabrina said with a wave of her arm as they turned a corner, finding another guard. Sigilyph complied– knocking the human out before he could even release a Pokemon, and her and her team pressed on.
"W-wait..." A voice croaked as they passed the fainted guard. Sabrina froze up, thinking he was somehow still awake. "You're not a Rocket... help."
She turned, discovering that the guard that they had knocked out had been in fact guarding a cell. It was a small cell– barely the size of a closet. Sabrina could make out a small form sitting inside, hunched over since he couldn't even lay down. Long, filthy blonde hair fell over his shoulders, and his golden eyes gleamed with anger despite his weakened state.
"Who are you?" Sabrina snapped, tensing up at the stranger. Clearly he was no friend of Rocket– but that didn't make them allies.
"...M-my name is Wes, I'm a prisoner here..." He scanned Sabrina and her Pokemon snarling at him. "...They released it, didn't they?"
"What do you know?" Sabrina asked, eyes glowing slightly as she scanned the edges of his mind. His most recent memories of this dingy cell– harshly locked up for what seemed to at least several months worth of memories– perhaps more. She didn't dare dig further though, knowing that'd take more energy.
He gave her a grin, teeth yellowing from a lack of care. "The Shadow M-mew clone– they released it."
Shadow... Mew had used that term within the dreamscape.
"What's wrong with the Pokemon?" Sabrina asked. "It was not natural– what do you know?!"
Wes closed his eyes. "It w-would take me days to fully explain Shadows... I once helped create them, and I helped restore them to a pure state," He sat up, holding his chest as if it pained him. "Team Rocket took that information from me, they wanted to learn how to control them."
"So you're saying this is your fault?" Sabrina's voice had taken on a dangerous edge, eyes gleaming brighter. Wes held up his hands defensively.
"If it was either your Pokemon, for the in-information you held, what would you choose?" The man asked, coughing. Sabrina's fists tightened, but the glow in her eyes died down.
"What do you want then?" Sabrina asked, voice a growl.
"I want out of here," He coughed. "Wh-what else do you think? I want to find my Pokemon."
"And why should I help you?" Her Pokemon let out growls of agreement.
Wes was breathing slowly. "I know my w-way around these labs... they've dragged me through here many times... tell me what you're looking for and I'll tell you."
"Or I could just take that information straight from you," Sabrina said, eyes glowing again.
Lady Sabrina. Espeon said, her telepathy sharp.
Sabrina closed her eyes– well aware of the time going down the drain. She could sense Mew's energy... but a direct path would be nice, a way through these winding halls. Besides, Ash would probably hate her even more if she forced her way into someone else's mind.
"I want to find Mew," Sabrina said to the jailed man.
He raised his hand. "Three lefts, two rights, takes you to a big room," He rattled off right away. Sabrina tugged at his current thoughts, and saw no signs of him lying. "You'll want the southeast d-door. Two lefts from there, and you'll be connected to the first of three rooms. Mew will be in the second one."
He then gestured to the lock on his cell.
Sabrina waved her hand, and Espeon's eyes started to glow. The lock rattled as Espeon turned its innerworkings with her powers, and soon it clanged open. She pulled the door open, the fox racing forward towards the man. He groaned, but slowly managed to rise. Sabrina watched as he stumbled out of his cell, clearly pained, but he made no noise. He was resilient for sure.
But he would slow her down.
Sabrina's eyes flickered to Espeon. "Espeon– you are to help him out of here and to find his Pokemon. Metang, you'll go with him and keep him stable. Carry him if necessary," She glared at the man. "If any harm comes to my Pokemon I'll make sure you'll pay– and just a fair warning, outside will be more dangerous in than here."
He gave her a pained smile. "I can handle danger."
Sabrina turned to her other Pokemon. "Alakazam, you'll stay my side, and Gallade I want you to keep covering for me, but keep some distance. Delphox and Sigilyph, I want you scounting any side corridors and rooms we find– see if there's anyone else trapped here."
A rush of telepathy washed over her, all of her Pokemon sending her words of confirmation and agreement. She gave Wes one more glance– Metang currently supporting him with its metallic arms under his shoulder. Espeon was by Wes' side, giving Sabrina an uncertain glance. She swiftly turned away– this was the time to press on, not hesitate.
Alakazam mentally offered her the directions that Wes had given them, and she took off down the corridor without another word. Her thoughts and Alakazam's flowed together naturally, the connection providing her with some security. Once again she and her Pokemon prepared their attacks and psychic energy, knowing that they'd probably encounter only more guards from here on out.
But they were only met with empty hallways as they progressed.
Sabrina's eyes were narrowed, her Pokemon consistently reporting nothing as she touched minds with them. She had only imagined that security would get tighter the closer they got to Mew, but as she followed the man's instructions they met no one. Her psychic energy sensed nothing as well, strange voids meeting her senses instead. Sabrina knew that this couldn't be right, but at the same time she knew she shouldn't waste this opportunity to get closer to Mew.
Suddenly Sabrina stopped in her tracks, the same thought hitting her and Alakazam at the same time.
"Dark types," She muttered– the only thing completely hidden from her psychic senses– and the one thing that'd make sense to guard Mew.
No humans with them though? Alakazam thought uncertainly.
Sabrina closed her eyes, linking her mind with Alakazam's even more, asking him to scout the area. They were rapidly approaching the area Wes had claimed Mew was in, but there was nothing but an empty space in their senses. Yet at the same time she could sense Mew's energy getting closer through their bond.
"...It must be something powerful, radiating a strong enough aura to mask the senses of those nearby as well," Sabrina said. "I know Mew is there– but bond tells me that– but yet we don't sense her with our psychic energy," Sabrina's hand went to her neck, wrapping around a gleaming stone that hung from a chain. "...Are you ready to fight?"
Always, m'lady. Alakazam responded. Sabrina reached out to her other Pokemon– Espeon and Metang were no longer in range, while she could still sense Gallade nearby. There were her other Pokemon as well, lingering just on the edge of where she could sense them.
Once again the two of them pressed forward, entering the large room Wes had told them about. Lab equipment was scattered throughout the room, ripped apart and knocked over as if something had rampaged through here. Marks were smeared across the walls, dust clinging to every surface. Alakazam's eyes quickly scanned over this however, locking on the two figures waiting on the far side of the room.
"Guests!" A male voice cried. "How wonderful, here I thought I'd be stuck down here the whole time with no entertainment."
Sabrina's gaze flickered towards the far side of the room, where a man was leaning up against the wall, grinning. Like with the grunts, it wasn't hard to identify him as a Rocket with the large "R" on his shirt. But unlike the grunts he wasn't wearing gray, rather gleaming black attire. He had small black eyes that locked on Sabrina, running a hand through his purple hair.
Sabrina's eyes were not on him for long however, flickering up to the massive Pokemon behind him.
The Tyranitar towered above the humans, rocky green scales rippling as it shifted. The powerful dark type took a step forward, its steps echoing through the room. It's empty eyes were fixated straight on them, no emotion showing on it's face as it let out a snarl. Sabrina couldn't read auras or dark types– but it wasn't hard to notice that something was wrong with this Pokemon.
"I remember you..." The man said, chuckling. "Your files gave us quite a few problems– a psychic with control over a gym right in Kanto," He held his hand up, and Tyranitar went still. "A rebellious one as well... we tried to take you out of power, but the gym was handed right back to you... I thought we should take care of you while you were young, but the others thought you were too well known to do anything."
"Who are you?" Sabrina snarled.
He held out his hands. "Where are my manners. I am Petrel– and I have a specialty of dealing with nosy psychics like you."
Sabrina gritted her teeth. "More like a speciality of oppressing my kind," Her eyes flickered up to the Tyranitar. "...This is one of the shadow Pokemon, isn't it?"
Petrel patted the Tyranitar, who didn't move. "Real beaut, ain't he? Seems you know what he is though... and taking that and the fact that you've made it this far, I don't think I can let you leave here alive. Stone Edge."
Glowing white orbs formed around Tyranitar, materializing into jagged stones. The Tyranitar shoved his arm forward, launching the knife-like stones right at her and Alakazam. Her Pokemon didn't hesitate, engulfing them in a Teleport. Then appeared on the other side of the room, the Stone Edge shattering as it collided right where they had been moments ago.
"Thunderbolt," Sabrina snapped, and Alakazam held how his hands. Electricity crackled around his spoons, releasing an electric pulse straight at the rock type. The Tyranitar cringed as he was hit, showing that the damage had been taken, but his expression remained the same. All drive had been taken out of the Pokemon except for the will to obey– trapped somewhere between robot and monster.
"Again," Petrel said, sounding bored. Another Stone Edge was formed, but Sabrina's eyes started to glow, along with Alakazam's.
As the rocks were launched at them they caught them with a Psychic– sending them right back at the Tyranitar. Petrel yelped, ducking behind his Tyranitar to avoid the jagged rocks flying at them.
"I know you're guarding Mew," Sabrina said in a low tone. "And I don't have time to mess around. Don't you think for a moment type advantage will save you," She reached for the necklace hanging from neck, wrapping her hands around the rainbow stone hanging from the end. "I am a gym leader of Saffron City– and it is my duty to protect the people. Alakazam, let's show them the true limits of our power."
And with that, a glow surrounded Sabrina.
The rainbow energy engulfed her stone, winding about the psychic in tendrils of glowing light. They branched, reaching out towards the Alakazam that stood in front of her. He closed his eyes as the light hit him, the glow then engulfing him. The light of evolution shown around him as the mega evolution took hold, his form changing.
Petrel held up a hand as the light flared up a final time, Alakazam hovering in the air, fully mega evolved. Petrel gritted his teeth, while Sabrina linked her mind with Alakazam, a huge surge of psychic energy rushing from him in his new form. She smirked, not even needing to give a verbal command for Alakazam to respond.
An Energy Ball was formed in front of him, the orb of energy rushing forward. The grass type move struck the Tyranitar straight in the chest, causing the titan to stumble back.
Sabrina held out her hands. "You said you were bored? Well then, 'Petrel', here's a battle."
"Gah... You think I'd remember h-how much a broken leg would hurt..." Professor Oak groaned as he laid there on the ground, sweat running down his face. His teeth were gritted in pain, leg bent unnaturally below him.
"Saur..." Ivysaur whimpered, feeling helpless as he stood by his trainer. He had one vine wrapped around Professor Oak's hand as he tried to comfort him, but there wasn't much else he could do.
They were alone under the pavilion, so far unnoticed by those who had rushed by. Ivysaur wasn't sure how long that would last– since the Zoroark had soon left them as soon as Delia was out of sight. Ivysaur hadn't questioned him– the Zoroark had orders given by his trainer, and he was going to obey.
Ash. Zoroark had orders from Ash.
Clashing and screams could be heard, echoing across the league, attacks being fired off. Ivysaur had tried to ignore them– but when a giant plume of fire and smoke had appeared overhead he couldn't help but peel away from the professor's side, trying to get a peek at just what was happening.
A black monster flying overhead– engaging with a dragon the size of a small house.
It was an amazing sight– the feathery being releasing blasts of fire that could obliterate a forest upon contact. She soared across the sky, fighting the shadowy creature above the league. Ivysaur found himself staring, awed at the raw power being released from the two beings. The dragon bore down on the clone with the Outrage, knocking him right towards a building–
Ivysaur snapped himself out of his trance, and raced back towards the pavilion.
"What's g-going on out there?" Professor Oak coughed, and Ivysaur pressed up to his side. Protect Professor Oak, that's what he needed to do. Protect the professor. He couldn't ease him from the pain, but he could fight. He could stay by his side.
Professor Oak pulled out Ivysaur's Pokeball, gripping in his hand so he had something to clench through the pain. Ivysaur offered him a vine for his other hand, laying his head on the professor's chest. He wished humans had Pokeballs, something to put them in when they were hurt.
They both flinched as a roar reached their ears– the dragon's cry a deafening screech.
"Just as long as Gary is out of this mess..." Professor Oak muttered, and Ivysaur glanced at him. He could see tears of pain in the old man's eyes, the professor struggling against his tears. "And D-delia as well..."
"Ivy," Ivysaur rumbled, rubbing his head against him. They would be fine, just fine...
But as Ivysaur heard the sound of another building collapsing near them, he knew there was nothing he could do.
He wheeled around, watching as a shadow from the dragon swooped overhead, dark energy rushing down the sides of a nearby hotel. Metal gave way as if it were paper, the cracks ringing across the league as it began to crumble. Ivysaur raced out in front of Professor Oak– but he had no attacks to even attempt to deflect the debris that was starting to fall. Razor Leaf and Venoshock would do nothing, his spores would just be lost in the wave of rubble, he didn't have time to charge up a Solar Beam...
It was scary, watching the building fall in on itself, so much closer than the other ones. It was like watching something from a movie– but it was right in front of him. The crumbling walls were a roar, drowning out all other sounds as a wave of debris fell to the ground. The earth shook below them, the rubble starting to spread out towards them, a wall of dust following.
Ivysaur stood there though, as if hoping his small form would to something to shield the professor from the incoming wave. Wave was the only word to discribe it– but instead of water it was solid mass of cement and metal, bearing down on them.
The plume of dust hit him first, and Ivysaur felt himself choking. He closed his eyes, bracing himself for the inevitable blast of rubble–
"R-r-return!" A strangled voice cried out, lost between the roar of the building.
A flash of red light engulfed Ivysaur and his vision, his whole body being drawn away just as debris came rushing at him.
Just to note, what happened in the first section of this chapter is what's reflected throughout the rest of the chapter. So the building N witnessed collapsing is the same building Ash and co heard falling, and the same building Ivysaur watched fall.
