Chapter 40 – Battle in the Marine Tube
The train sped out of Camphier Town, past the berry fields and across the river Parfum heading in the direction of Cyllage city. They reached a mountain that separated Cyllage city from the rest of Kalos. Here the train entered a large descending tunnel.
Ash Pikachu and the others had been taken prisoner two carriages down into one of the ordinary cars where they had been handcuffed to a seat. Pikachu was sitting in the seat next to Ash. Beside him were Snivy, Zorua and Emolga. In the row behind were Iris, Fraxure, and Oshawott. Behind them Axew, Trip and Cameron. The carriage was also giving off a signal that prevented pokeballs from working. Each of the pokemon had been paralysed by the sun spore of an Amoongus to ensure they could not move during the journey to Nimbasa City.
Ash sat stroking Pikachu's head with his free hand. In spite of everything he was greatful he was able to do that. If Zinzolin had been telling the truth this could well be there last night together.
"Pikapi."
Pikachu sat there in paralysis. He wanted to look at Ash. He was sitting next to him but he couldn't turn his head. He felt like he wanted to cry.
"It's okay buddy."
Ash noticed the sad tone in Pikachu's voice. He hoped Pikachu would not give up hope.
"How is it okay," said Pikachu his voice shaky. "This could be the last time we'll be together. Team Plasma are going to separate us…forever."
Pikachu tried to hold back his tears but he could not. Neither could he wipe them away with his paw.
"I don't want to be separated from you. I want to stay with you forever. Oh it's not fair…Why can't they.." He took a deep breath in an attempt to stop his tears.
Ash looked desperately at him "Pikachu..I won't let that happen. I'll never let them separate us." He pulled at the armrest. "We'll find a way out of this…I swear."
He continued to scratch his boyfriends head. In truth he really didn't know what he was going to do.
Suddenly the darkness of the tunnel was replaced by an eerie light. Ash looked out the window and was amazed to see what appeared to be different water pokemon floating outside the train window.
"Wow," said Ash. "Are they Magikarp. How is that possible."
"Because we're underwater," said Trip. "This must be the marine." tube
Ash was confused. "How can be we be underwater," said Ash.
There were infact inside a tunnel called the Marine Tube. The Marine Tube was two transparent tubes made of 9.8 inch glass built to withstand high water pressures and contact with huge Pokémon through which high speed trains could run through. Lamps like street lamps linned each side of the tunnel so passengers could see outside. It had been built to commerate the friendship between the two region and decrease travel time between the regions. The tunnel had been made above ground and lowered into the water. It crossed an ocean trench at the bottom of the Stormy Sea that separated the two regions.
"Because we're in the marine tube," said Trip. "You must have heard of the marine tube. Or don't they have newspapers in Kanto."
"Hey," said Ash. He couldn't believe Trip would demean him at a time like this. In fact it was the very reason it was a time like this that made Trip demean him. Trip was scarred and stressed. Worried about Serperior and whether he would ever see him again. He was angry and frustrated and taking it out on Ash.
"The marine tube," said Cameron. "I didn't think this was open yet."
"What's the marine tube," said Ash.
"It's an underwater tunnel linking Unova and Kalos," said Cameron. "This must be how Team Plasma are planning to get to Nimbasa City."
"How long do you think it will take to get there," said Ash.
"About six hours…" replied Cameron. "I don't know."
Pikachu was not the only pokemon who found the prospect of separation from his trainer horrible. Trip's Serperior was having a similar struggle a few carriages down.
"Please…You can't separate us," the large snake like pokemon said to the grunt. "He..He needs me. Please..let me go back to my trainer."
He was being attended to by a nurse Joy who had been recruited by the team to look after "liberated" pokemon. While she agreed with the aims of the team, this was one of the parts of the job she hated.
"I'm sorry," she said looking pitifully at the snake lying on the bed. He had injuries along his body and was unable to move very far. "I can't let you go back. But I promise you it's all going to be alright."
"You don't understand," said Serperior. "Trip loves me..and..he'll die without me."
She gave him a weak smile. "I'm sure he'll manage just fine…He can't be a very good trainer if he let you get those injuries."
Serperior scowled at her. "He didn't let this happen. I was injured defending him from pokemon thieves... And I'd do it again."
Trip and Serperior had chosen to rest in Lumiose city before heading back to Courmarine city and had spent the night at the newly opened pokemon centre. They had been attacked by a group of thugs from the Lumiose gang and Serperior had been badly injuried fighting the leaders drudigon. But when they had gone to the pokemon centre Team Plasma, working with nurse Joy, had taken him.
[Pokemon]
It would have been a fascinating journey had it not been made under other circumstances. Adjacent to the tubes were lamps that illuminated the ocean floor making it possible to see a variety of different underwater pokemon including, Aloma, Wailmur and Wailord, Huntail and skrelp. The seabed was home to several clampearl. Ash continued to rub Pikachu's back dreading what would happen when they finally reached their destination.
"Pikachu," he said. "There not going to separate us. I promise. I'll protect you. You and all the pokemon. and even if they do take you away and send you to the Fiore region. I'll come find you."
He wipped a tear away from Pikachu's eye. "I love you."
"I love you too Ash," said Pikachu.
Trip tried not to listen to what Ash and Pikachu were saying. At least Ash got to say goodbye to Pikachu. Trip wondered if he would ever see Serperior again. The though of it made him want to cry so he tried to put it from his mind. He did not want to cry infront of Ash. Axew was in a similar state of despair. He did not want to leave Ash's side. But more importantly he did not want to be separated from Zorua.
A grunt entered the carriage. A woman. She looked slightly different from the others. The other grunts had orange hair. She had pink.
"Let us go," screamed Iris the moment they entered. "What do you think your doing holding us up here."
"Well well. You're the little runt I met back in Santalune City. How did you end up in Custody of Team Plasma. It's Ash isn't it."
"Who are you," said Ash. "And how do you know me."
"Yeah who are you," said Pikachu. "Pika Pika."
She took off the helmet like part of the uniform.
"Malva," said Ash incredulously.
"Pika."
"Ash do you know her," said Iris.
"She's a member of the elite four. I met her a little while back," Ash replied remembering their last meeting. He then looked at her angrily. "So you're a member of Team Plasma."
"No," she said. "I'm a member of." She paused for a moment. "The pokemon G-men."
"What"
"Pika."
Of everything that had happened Ash had not expected to hear this. He knew the pokemon G-men were an organization whose agents job was to investigate and prosecute anyone mistreating pokemon. The only other person he had met from the pokemon G-men was Lance.
"Your in the pokemon G-men."
"That what I said," said Malva.
"Who are the pokemon G-men," asked Cameron.
"They stop people mistreating pokemon," said Ash. "I met another member in the Johto region a while ago."
"Can you get us out of here," said Iris.
"As a matter of fact I can," said Malva.
She took out what appeared to be a spay bottle.
"Paralyse heal. It'll cure your pokemon of the paralysis."
She quickly sprayed Pikachu, Axew, Snivy, Oshawott, Zorua, Fraxure and Emolga.
"Thanks," said Ash. "Okay. Pikachu. Snivy. Oshawott. Do you think you can break the handcuffs.
"Pika."
"Sni"
"Osha,"
Oshawott used razor shell, Snivy leafblade and Pikachu Iron tail breaking the handcuffs although creating quite a loud crash. Enough to have alerted other grunts on the train.
"What the fuck," said Malva. "you've probably alerted the whole train. You'd better be ready to battle."
Sure enough a two group of grunts entered the carriage.
"What in the distortion world is going on here," said the first, a man with a deep voice. "Thought you could escape." He then looked at Malva. "Your not a Team Plasma member. Who are the fuck are you."
Malva's lip curled into a smile. "I'm Malva of te..of the Pokemon G-men. I'm here to prevent you stealing these pokemon."
"We're not stealing them. We're freeing them," said the other grunt, a young woman. "Now I suggest you hand them over. Or else." She took out a pokeball. "Go Serviper."
"Go Zangoose," said her partner.
"Get ready Pikachu," said Ash.
"Pika," replied his boyfriend crouching down, pawing the floor, his cheeks sparking ready for battle.
He wasn't alone. Snivy and Oshawott both took their positions alongside him and Fraxure and Emolga joined them.
And that's when the train came to a sudden halt. The force of the sudden stop caused everyone to loose their balance. The lights went out.
"What the fuck was that," said the male grunt getting to his feet.
"Should we take a look," said the woman.
"What would we do about the prisoners."
"Axew use dragon rage and Pikachu thunderbolt."
Axew and Pikachu launched their attacks but not at the team plasma grunts. Instead they fired them at the wall of the carriage. There was an almighty explosion as a massive hole was blown in the side of the carriage.
"Ash what on earth are you doing," said Iris coughing in the dust.
"Are you trying to kill us," said Trip.
"Quick nows our chance," Ash said pointing at the hole. He had got the idea from seeing Madame X's pokemon blow a hole in the Train's roof on the way over from Lumiose City. They wouldn't be able to move through the train as it was full of Team Plasma but they could escape out the side.
The four trainers and their pokemon climbed through the hole followed by the two grunts. The tube was wide containing two sets of track side by side. The view of the ocean floor from here was even more impressive. The tube ran through an ocean trench at the bottom of Stormy sea that ran most of the distance between Kalos and Unova.
"Get back here."
"RUN."
Ash Pikachu and the others ran for it running up along the train.
"Why did you do that," said Trip. "Any of us could have been hurt ordering Axew and Pikachu to do that. The pokemon especially. Don't you ever think.."
"Hey I got us out didn't I," said Ash. Was Trip really to do this to him now. When they were running for their lives in a tunnel at the bottom of the ocean.
"So what's you plan," said Cameron.
"We need to find where there holding Lucario and Serperior," said Ash. "Pikachu can you find it."
"I'll try."
Pikachu took a sniff at the air trying to detect the Lucario's scent.
"I think there towards the end of the train," said Pikachu. "Come on follow me."
"Wow Pikachu has an awesome nose," said Axew.
The group ran following Pikachu's lead. However the trains doors were opening and more and more grunts were stepping out.
"Pikachu thunderbolt."
"Pikachuuuuu."
Pikachu used thunderbolt on a group of grunts who were attempting to block their way allowing them to push past and continued to run.
Then Pikachu stopped dead.
"Pika."
"Pikachu what is it," said Ash realizing what Pikachu was looking. Attached to the ends of Team Plasma's Train was another train. This one was bright red.
"I've seen that before," said Pikachu. "Ash…It's them again."
Ash swallowed. He too had seen that red locomotive and carriage set before. It was similar to the one at Kalos power plant. The one in front of which Pikachu had been raped.
"Ash why have stopped," said Iris. "We need to run."
"Got you."
A crockodile and a Watchog appeared infront of them blocking their path as three Plasma grunts approached from behind.
"Thought you could get away..Well let me tell you something. Were at the bottom of the ocean several miles away from land. There is no where for you to run..Now hand over your pokemon."
"There is no way we're handing you our pokemon," said Ash.
"Yeah there our friends," said Iris.
"We're not going to let you separate us," said Cameron. "Now give me back Lucario."
The sound of laughter echoed through the tube as two Woman, one with Green hair one with purple, both dressed in red uniforms with the firey F on the belt stepped off the train. Their eyes were completely covered by computerized visors. Byrony and Celosia. And they were not alone. They were accompanied by six Team Flare grunts, a bald man in a white suit, a Team Flare admin, and Misty holding her Azuril.
"Well well..Team Plasma," said Byrony. "I thought I told Ghetsis what we would do if I found you lot in Kalos again."
"Team Flare," said Ash in shock. "And misty."
"Pika," said Pikachu angrily.
" who are they," said Axew nervously.
"There Team Flare," said Pikachu. "Bad buys who hurt pokemon to make money."
"That doesn't sound good," said Zorua.
"Huh," said Byrony and Celosia in unison looking Ash, Trip, Cameron and Iris over.
"I've seen these kids before," said Byrony.
"So who are they," said Celosia.
"Well you certainly know who we are at any rate."
"Well there certainly not Team Plasma," said Byrony. "Non of those unfashionable uniforms."
"Yeah seriously," said Celosia. "Dressing like a knight. What's with that. But anyway who are those kids."
"It's Ash," said Misty. "Their the trainers from Santalune City remember. And the power plant."
"Oh that's right," said Celosia. "I recognize the Pikachu now I come to think of it."
"What do you think your doing," said a Plasma grunt.
"We're here for the pokemon," said Byrony. "We could have gone to the effort of catching them ourselves."
"But we didn't need to bother. Most of them have already been raised for us," added Celosia. "And you lot were kind enough to steal them from us."
"That is not going to happen," said a grunt. "Someone get Zinzolin."
"There's no need."
Zinzolin and the three members of the shadow Triad emerged from the train. He took one look at Team Flare and said "Oh, for crying out loud… This is troublesome indeed. Team Flare. Your own boss personally gave Ghetsis funding to help start Team Plasma and yet you constantly undermine us."
"Oh you know the boss," said Celosia.
"Surprising," said Byrony. "I wonder how." He eyes flicked to the shadow Triad although no one could see that through her visor. "I suppose you have your ways."
"How did you find us," said Zinzolin.
"With this." Misty took a small remote out of her pocket and held it up.
"This allows us to hack and control the ATO," said Bryony. "It allowed to track your train. Then it was just a matter of waiting until you were in the tunnel and catch up to you in our train. Very clever using the marine tube I might ad."
"Although it has sort of played into our hands," said Celosia. "No where to run don here. All we had to do was couple the trains together and apply the breaks."
"Can we steal the pokemon already," said Misty. "I don't care what these freaks have to say about anything."
"S Steal the pokemon," said Zinzolin. "You..You can't."
"Whoa. he sounds upset," said Cameron.
"He doesn't like the fact that someone else is stealing the pokemon he stole," said Ash. "These villains are all the same."
Zinzolin ignored these comments and spoke directly to Team Flare.
"You can't. This is a medical train."
"Medical Train," said Trip, Iris and Snivy in unison.
"That's right," said Axew. "Inside one of the carriages is a pokemon centre."
"The pokemon onboard this train are mostly hurt and injured," Zinzolin explained. "We saved them abusive masters who had let them get hurt. Many of them are in need of serious medical support. If you try to move them it could make things worse." He clenched his fists. "I WILL NOT ALLOW THE POKEMON WE HAVE LIBERATED IN THE NAME OF OUR KING TO FALL BACK INTO CAPTURE."
"Well it's not like you'll be able to stop us," said Misty. "Go Starmie I choose you."
Misty raised her arms in the Team Flare pose and then threw a pokeball into the air. Out came the starfish with the gem in it's chest.
Bryony and Celosia sent out their pokemon. A Bisharp and an Aegislash.
"What is that," said Iris the moment the Royal Sword pokemon appeared.
Ash quickly scanned it with the pokedex.
Aegislash. The Royal Sword Pokemon. Generations of kings were attended by these Pokémon, which used their spectral power to manipulate and control people and Pokémon.
From behind them the other members of Team Flare begun sending there pokemon out. Scafty, Swallot, Toxicroack and houndoom.
The Team Plasma grunts pokemon moved into position but it was clear they were outnumbered. What was more the Team Plasma's pokemon were both stronger and had a greater type diversity.
"Do you really think you fight us," said Misty. "Those pokemon look kinda pathetic. More pathetic than Ash."
Ash would like to have said something but held his tongue given the gravity of the situation.
"Zinzolin Sir," said a grunt. "We are outnumbered. There is no way we can win this fight."
Zinzolin thought for a moment then said. "You four. Trainers. Will you help us take on Team Flare."
"There's no way we're going to help you," said Ash.
"Yeah," said Snivy. "You must be deranged if you think we'd help thieves like you."
"If you don't help us then Team Flare will steal and abuse all the pokemon on this Train," said one of the grunts.
"Ash," said Pikachu. "Whatever they may be…There actually is a pokemon centre on this train. You saw it. There are injured pokemon in there including Lucario and Serperior."
Ash thought about it. Maybe Pikachu was right. What Team Plasma had done was wrong. But Team Flare sounded even worse.
"I don't see why we should trust them," said Iris.
"Ash..Iris," came a voice. It was one of the Shadow Triad. Ash looked at him. Most of his face was covered by the mask he wore. But he could see his eyes. his deep green eyes. they seemed…almost familiar.
"There are pokemon in there who are hurt and abused…It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth to think about. If you don't help us…Team Flare will take them and experiment on them. I know you love Pokemon Ash. Please help."
There was something about his voice that made Ash…Trust him.
"Okay," said Ash. "We'll help you."
Pikachu nodded.
"Thank-you so much," said the triad member. "Maybe if Cameron Trip and you three go to the pokemon to protect them…Iris, Ash, Zinzolin and the three of us will stay and fight."
"Starmie use Water gun," shouted Misty.
"Pikachu electroball. Snivy Leafstorm," said Ash.
Pikachu and Snivy both attacked. Pikachu threw electroball into the air as Snivy unleashed leafstorm. The leaves flew threw the yellow orb and became electrically charged.
"What the…" said Misty as the fused attack powered through water gun to land a direct hit on Starmie.
"Pi." "Sni." Pikachu and Snivy nodded at each other to thank each other.
"Oh yeah," said Misty. "Starmie use water gun again."
"Pikachu volt tackle," said Ash. "And Snivy you use Leafstorm again."
Pikachu took a run at Starmie his body becoming surrounded by electricity just as Snivy let loose another powerful leafstorm.
"Aegislash use Slash," said Celosia.
Aegislash moved to the side and took a swipe as Pikachu came running past. Pikachu couldn't do anything. He felt a stinging sensation as the pokemon's sword like body sliced through his fur leaving a gash that ran from his shoulder to his hind leg.
"Oshawott help Pikachu. Use scald."
"Oshawott. Osha." Oshawott spat a jet of boiling water at the Royal Sword pokemon knocking him away from Pikachu.
the gash didn't stop Pikachu though. Volt tackle hit strait on target knocking Starmie to the ground.
"Starmie get up," said Misty.
"Quickly Pikachu Thunderbolt," said Ash.
"Bisharp use X-scissor," said Bryony.
Pikachu let off his powerful shock of electricity hit Starmie once again. However before it was able to do any real damage the Bisharp Slashed at him with his sharp claws. Pikachu fell backwards. A second gash had appeared across his chest. He felt the warm thick blood gush forth.
"No Pikachu," called Ash.
"I'm okay," said Pikachu. "Don't worry about me. Keep you head in the game."
"He'll be okay the wound doesn't look that deep," said the triad member. "Pikachu is strong."
Snivy Jumped infront of Pikachu and struck Bisharp with leaf blade. It pushed him away but being a steel type had little effect.
Axew and Zorua were batteling a particularly violent Scrafty.
"You little pipsqeaks. I'm gonna mop the floor with ya. See how big ma crest is. You need to respect me yo."
He walked menacingly toward them ready to attack.
"Axew," said Zorua. "You distract him I'll attack."
"But Zorua…"
"Just do it..I believe in you."
Axew gathered his strength and his courage and begun concentrating his energy.
"Axxewww. YEW"
He Opened his mouth and used Dragon rage at the Scrafty. Scrafty evaded the attack as easily as if it Axew had merely thrown a ball at him.
"That the best you can do bro."
TWHACK
Zorua came flying into his belly causing him to fall onto his back.
"Ohhhh.." said Scrafty holding his paws to his stomach. "What the fuck man."
Zorua landed on his four paws infront of him.
"Zorua that was arieal ace," said Axew amazed.
"I know," said Zorua. "I did it. I can't believe that worked."
His happiness was short lived. Scarfty got back onto his feet and lashed out at Zorua with high jump kick. The supereffective fighting type move cause Zorua to fly several feet into the air and slam into the side of the tube sliding down it in a comical fasion.
Upon seeing his best friend treated this way, a rage began to brew in Axew. It drove the fear from him.
"YEW YEW YEW."
Axew threw himself at scrafty, forgetting about his moves and just trying to hurt the hoodlem pokemon as much as he could. He jumped on him and bit down hard on his crest and dug his sharp claws into his head.
"Arrrrrr."
Scrafty begun punching Axew trying to get him to let go. Axew felt the powerful blows hit his body. One of his tusks broke off. but still he held continuing to scratch and bite the pokemon.
"AXEW YEW YEW. AXXXXYEEEEWWWW"
There was a burst of blue light as Axew unleased Draco meteor. And not just any draco meteor but the most powerful he had ever performed. If it had hit the side of the tube it would have broken bringing in the sea. However the attack was used at close range and the attack did not even split before hitting scrafty. Scrafty was blow several feet in the air hitting the front of the train and bouncing onto and then slipping off the roof.
"YEW."
Zorua looked up in amazement at his friend. He had never seen Axew do anything like that before. Let alone do it for him.
"Are you okay," said Axew helping Zorua to his feet.
"I'm fine," Zorua replied. "Axew that was incredible."
Nearby Oshawott was looked in combat with Aegislash. Oshawott was using razor shell to combat the aggressive slash's from the Royal sword pokemon. It was almost like a sword fight between two pokemon.
"I will ring your head from you body you foul Otter. You can't last forever."
"Go fuck yourself," Oshawott replied blocking a fast side swipe with his scalchop. "Osha."
Oshawott stabbed out with his schalchop only for Aegislash to block it with his shield.
"Disgraceful. You dare use that foul language you heathen Otter. I shall smite you down in the name of Arceus and send you to the fires of the distortion world."
"Osha Osha."
The battle was taking it's toll on poor Osahwott. He was breathing heavily and his arms were feeling the burn of a build up of lactic acid. He knew he dropped his guard this insane Aegislash would kill. He was scared…He looked around. Snivy was deep in battle with Bisharp. He took at deep breath. He didn't know why but thinking of Snivy always calmed him down and gave him strength.
"Die." Aegislash took another swipe at him, which he blocked with razor shell.
As the battle continued outside and the members of Team Plasma gathered in the hospital car to defend the pokemon everyone seemed to have forgotten about Malva. But that suited her fine.
"fools," she muttered to herself as she entered the carriage containing Zinzolin's office. She sat down at the desk and started searching through files on the computer.
"Let's see," said Malva. "Oh here we go."
She open a particularly large file on the screen.
"Oh," she said to herself. "So that's what this has all been about…I wonder if they have it with them."
Snivy continued to attack Bisharp with her usual grace and skill.
"Vee Vee Snivy."
She landed a powerful leafblade on its chest causing it to stumble backwards.
"Bi."
Bryony watched. She couldn't believe what was happening. Snivy was defeating her Bisharp despite the type disadvantage. "Your ability flies in the face of all probability! Just what is the source of your power?"
"Snivy."
Snivy wrapped her vines around Bisharps foot and pulled throwing him into the front of the train. Being a steel type Bisharp was heavy causing a great deal of pain through her vines. She too was feeling the intensity of the battle. Her body was covered in little cuts.
"Yeah that's the way to do it," said Ash. "Great work Snivy."
Snivy gave her trainer a little smile at the praise.
"It seems the battle is going in their favour," said Celosia.
"So it would seem," said Bryony. "Prehaps it is time to unleash the device. That would increase the chances of us succeeding in our mission exponentially."
Bryony raised her hand. At once all of the Team Flare grunts returned their pokemon to their pokeballs except for Misty. Bryony and Celosia too returned Aegislash and Bisharp.
Oshawott and Snivy both collapsed from exhaustion as their two foes were sucked back into their pokeballs. Pikachu too dropped to the ground, holding himself up with one paw. One eye closed. It hurt to breath and he was starting to feel weak from the gashes on his chest and back.
"What's going on," said Ash a feeling of foreboding going through him. Surely Team Flare would not give up that easily.
"Yeah why aren't you fighting anymore," said Iris.
"What is going on," said Zinzolin his voice high and nervous.
"Your worst nightmare is coming," said Misty. She took out a small hand held device, like a phone, from the pocket in her blazer and gave it to Celosia.
"Thank-you Misty," said Celosia. She pushed a button on the device.
At once the red locomotive detached itself from Plasma's train and reverse back down the tunnel. Then the front begun to open and a long arm extended opening into a device that resembled a satellite dish.
Misty giggled. "Ash…I believe your familiar with the pokemon control machine."
"Pokemon control machine," said Iris. "You can't be serious."
"Oh but we are," said Bryony. "You see the first carriage contains a generator that produced EM waves, which the cannon at the front of the train allows us to fire. Allow us to demonstrate."
Celosia pushed a button on the device. At once a beam of white light shot from the dish at the front of the train at Snivy.
"Nooo Snivy," called Ash horrified.
"Snivy," said Pikachu. "Are you okay."
"Snivy."
The Grass snake pokemon slowly got to her feet as if she could no longer feel the pain of her injuries. Her eyes had gone blood red.
"Snivy." Her voice sounded cold and menacing.
"Snivy..Your task is to destroy Pikachu," said Misty. "Now attack."
"Snivvvyyy."
Snivy unleased a powerful vine whip in Pikachu's direction. Pikachu was so shocked he didn't have time to get out of the way. The attack sent him flying.
"Pikachu," said Ash rushing over to his buddy.
"Viii."
Sniny shot out leafblade at Ash's feet causing him to trip before he could reach Pikachu.
"Snivy please stop," said Ash. "I'm your friend."
Oshawott, Pikachu, Axew and Zorua ran to Ash's side.
"Pikapi,"
"I'm alright Pikachu," said Ash getting to his feet.
"Snivy attack again," called Misty.
"Snivy."
Snivy Prepared to use leafblade. And not just any leafblade. It was the most powerful leafblade Ash had ever seen her use.
"Oshawott."
Oshawott acted without thinking. He boldly jumped infront of Ash raising his schalchop in defence.
"Snivy you have to fight…" was all he was able to say before Leafblade made impact. Snivy's leaf forced through the schalchop cutting it cleanly in to and plunging into Oshawott's chest.
"Oshawott noooo," said Ash and Pikachu in unison as the otter fell to the ground in a growing pool of his own blood.
"Amazing," said Celosia looking at her device. "The Snivy has even more power than I ever could have predicted. These readings are unbelievable. We need to try the other pokemon."
"Guys look out," said Ash. "Get everyone back in their pokeballs."
"I can't," said Iris pressing the button on Emolga's pokeball. "It's not working."
"The beam from the train," said Zinzolin. "It stops pokeballs from working."
"But how did their pokeballs work," said Iris.
"Our train gives off a single counteracting it," said Bryony. "Alright Celosia let them have it." Her eyes turned to Zorua. "Ten points if you get the little black fox."
"Twenty if you get fagchu," said Misty.
"Your not getting any of them," said Ash standing protectively infront of his pokemon.
"Snivy."
Snivy threw out her vines once more and wrapped them around Zorua pulling him away from Ash and infront of the machine.
"ZORUAAA."
Axew ran out from behind Ash just as the EM waves fired and pushed Zorua out the way getting hit with them instead.
"Axew are you okay," said Zorua sounding scarred as his friend was hit by the white beam. "Axew…"
Axew stood up to face them. His eyes had gone the same blood red as Snivy's.
"Oh no it got Axew too," said Pikachu.
"This is bad," said Iris. "Very very bad."
"Axew," said Misty. "Kill Pikachu."
"AXXXYEWWW."
Axew fired a dragon rage of such power he never would have been capable of it under his own power at Pikachu.
"Pika."
"Pikachuuu."
At the last moment Ash threw himself infront of Pikachu.
"PIKAPI NOOOO."
Pikachu watched in horror as his mate was thrown into the air by the powerful attack landing with thud a few feet away. Pikachu was in shock. He couldn't move for a moment as he look at the one person he loved above all else lying motionless on the ground. And that was all it took…
A beam from the locomotive of light hit Pikachu in the back of the head.
"Piii."
He felt a massive pain in his head. He fought hard to remain in control but was struggling.
'I can't let them do this to me again,' he thought desperately. 'I won't give…'
It was too much for Pikachu to handle.
"PIKACHU."
His eyes went the same color red as Snivy and Axew's had.
"Excellent," said Celosia. "Pikachu is now under our control."
"Pika Pika Pika Pika."
Pikachu fired a powerful electroball straight at Ash.
"Fraxure use dragon rage," called Iris.
Fraxure's dragon rage intercepted just in time. Ash felt the heat from the explosion just above him. He slowly got to his feet.
"Pikachu. It's me. You have to fight it."
"Save your breath," said Bryony. "There's no way that rat can resist this time."
"Pikachuuuu."
Pikachu fired thuderbolt hitting both Ash and Fraxure. Both collapsed to the ground screaming in pain.
"Pikachu please stop," said Ash.
"Frax..ure." Iris's Fraxure had fainted, the electricity being too much for him to handle.
"Impressive," said Celosia. "I cannot believe the readings I am getting. Let's see if we can widen the field." She hit another button on her device. The machine EM waves through out the tunnel rather than focusing on one pokemon in particular.
All the pokemon in the tunnel, including Emolga, Zorua and Oshawott feel under it's influence. Their eyes bright red. They all spun around ready to attack their trainers.
"It's over Zinzolin," said Celosia. "Hand over every pokemon on that train or we will take them by force."
"Never," said Zinzolin. "There is no way I'll hand them over to you."
"Well. Don't say we didn't warn you," said Bryony. "ATTACK."
The controlled pokemon begun to advance on Ash, Iris, Zinzolin and the members of the shadow triad.
"Pikkachuuuu."
Pikachu directed another thunderbolt at Ash causing him to scream out again in pain.
"Pikachu..Please stop."
Ash's boyfriend looked almost demonic. His eyes were red. He was bearing his teeth. And he was covered in his own blood. Never the less Ash knew his mate was still in there. He had to get through to him.
"Your faggot relationship won't save you this time Ash Ketchum," said Misty. "The machine is too strong."
Pikachu continued to advance on Ash his cheeks sparking ready for another attack.
"Pikachu…you can fight it…I believe in you."
Pikachu hesitated. The spark died down.
"Pik."
"It's me Pikachu. Me. I love you Pikachu."
"Pika."
"PIKACHU ATTACK," shouted Misty.
Pikachu stood there motionless.
"This is bad," said Celosia. "I'm getting unusual readings from the machine."
"Let me see that," said Bryony snatching it off her. "All we have to do is increase the output."
She turned a knob on the device. Snivy, Oshawott, Zorua and Axew started to growl in rage their eyes growing a darker red now. Their faces seemed to take on a dark quality.
"Guys it's me," said Ash. "Stop."
Pikachu continued to stand there motionless.
"Why isn't it working," said Celosia. "Why won't that rat kill the kid already."
"Pikachu," said Ash.
"Pika."
Pikachu shook his head. His eyes begun to turn slowly back to their usual black.
"Pikachu," said Ash. "I knew you could do it buddy."
"Oh Shit," said Celosia. "It's managed to resist."
"What do we do," said Bryony.
"We eliminate the Pikachu."
"Pokemon your target is Pikachu. Destroy him," said Misty.
"Pika."
Pikachu could still feel his head throbbing from the EM waves but he could control his body. He was weak. In pain. His fur was drenched in his own blood. His friends were advancing on him. "
"SNNNIIVVYY
Snivy attacked first lashing out with a powerful leaf blade. Pikachu dodged it but narrowly. He felt the edge of her tail brush his fur.
"YEW."
Axew fired dragon rage. Pikachu dodged once again but felt the attack pass over his tail. He winced in pain.
"Pikachu. Axew," said Ash.
"Pikachu you need to fight back," said Zinzolin.
But Pikachu couldn't fight back. These pokemon were his friends.
Next Zorua came at him, not using any particular attack but trying to bite at his throat. Pikachu ran as fast as his paws would carry him. Then out of nowhere came Emolga's hidden power.
"It's over Ash," said Misty. "Pikachu can't keep avoiding them forever."
Ash bit his lip. She was right. He looked from Pikachu to Misty to Celosia. And then an idea struck him.
"Pikachu," shouted Ash. "Get behind the train."
Pikachu nodded. Avoiding Oshawott's scald he jumped onto the Satelite dish on the end of the Locomotive.
"What is he doing," said Celosia.
"NO," said Byrony. But too late…
Snivy used leaf storm and Emolga used Hidden power. They both hit their target. Pikachu was blasted against the wall. But in doing so the attacks had destroyed the dish. It too went flying off the front of the locomotive. All the pokemon's eyes went from red back to their original colors.
"Dam it," said Bryony.
"Lame," said Celosia. "Impact damaged the output. We can't use the control machine."
"We can still take the pokemon by force," suggested Misty.
"The odd's aren't in our favor," said Bryony. "Our pokemon are still weak from before. Oh my oh my. It seems we have no choice but to retreat."
"Where are you going," said as the members of team flare pile back into their train. Ash tried to run after them until he felt something on his shoulder. It was Snivy's vine.
He looked down at her. She had really taken a beating. Her body looked battered and covered with blood.
"Why don't you let it go," said Snivy. "Besides Pikachu needs you."
Misty was last to board the train. Before she did so she came over to Ash.
"Well Ash I suppose this is goodbye..But don't ever mess with Team Flare again faggot."
She suddenly reached her hand into her blazer pocket and pulled out a knife. Without warning she bent down and stabbed into Snivy's tail.
Snivy screamed. Ash stood there shocked as Misty ran into the red carriage the door closing behind her.
"MISTY. HOW COULD YOU."
The red train began to retreat up the tunnel gathering speed. Ash knelt down next to Snivy. She was bleeding rather heavily. Iris knelt down beside her too.
"Snivy," said Ash.
"Ash," said Snivy. Then she closed her eyes and fell forward.
