"Seems like they've managed to contain everything in the center of Lumiose still!" Blaziken Mask shouted over the drum of the helicopter blades as he piloted us over Lumiose.
Below us we could see Lumiose Tower with tiny trainers scattered around its perimeter. The streets looked damaged as Pokemon still rampaged, the trainers running around with their own Pokemon, trying to contain them.
"Where's Diantha!?" Alex shouted, hand on her headpiece as she surveyed the city.
"Last we heard she was on North Boulevard!" the male Masked Hero responded, pointing at a part of the city. "She had all citizens evacuated, though they're are still some left, but they're being protected by trainers. She managed to trap the Cultists in North Boulevard so no one else can fight them but her."
I looked at my friends and they both nodded. I leaned forwards. "Set us down near there then! We'll help Diantha!"
"No can do!" Blaziken Mask shouted. "She had strict orders not to let anyone help her! She doesn't want to risk anyone's lives! We'll be sitting down on the Pokemon Lab's roof over in South Boulevard! Your job is to help protect it!"
"Fine!" Clara shouted. "Just get us off this damn thing already so we can help!"
I flinched. She had been so quiet this whole trip I had almost forgotten she was here. Apparently Blaziken Mask had the same reaction as the helicopter swerved slightly. A loud cry outside the window made me realize that wasn't the case at all. A shadow fell over the windows and something huge flew by the aircraft. A giant bird with flames rolling off of it.
"No way!" my eyes went wide. "That's Moltres!"
"Articuno is over here!" Alex shouted by the other window.
"Zapdos in the front!" Robert pointed out the main windows.
All three legendary birds of Kanto were here, flying in the skies over Lumiose City. Suddenly Moltres belched a jet of flames down at the city, scattering Trainers and Pokemon alike.
"Looks like they're not on our side!" Blaziken Mask swerved the helicopter around to avoid colliding with Zapdos, who turned towards us, eyes a sickly purple color.
"Chaos," I muttered, then louder. "The Cult of Chaos has them under their control!"
Blaziken Mask didn't respond, only maneuvered the helicopter towards Sycamore's Pokemon Lab. He set us down on it and once we were able to, Alex, Robert, Clara, and I jumped out, shaky from the ride. I looked up into the sky to see Articuno dive-bombing Lumiose Tower, only to get repelled by blasts of different elements from the trainers below.
Suddenly the building we stood upon shook slightly as a loud crash came from the street below. We ran to look to see a Diggersby, Crawdaunt, and two Pyroars attacking the front of the lab.
"Handle the landing!" Clara shouted, throwing out Scizor as she leaped off the roof. Scizor caught her and they landed on the street.
"No easy way for us," I ran towards the door on the roof. "C'mon!"
We burst into the Lab, running down some stairs and past scientists scurrying around, trying to move boxes or care for injured Pokemon. Some Pokemon already under the control of Chaos were being kept in special cages. When we got to the main lobby, Sycamore was there along with his Garchomp. He and Clara had almost fully driven back the invading Pokemon.
"Lucario!" I shouted, tossing him out. "Power-Up Punch!"
He leaped past Garchomp, slamming his fist into Diggersby's stomach, sending him flying backwards. He shook himself and got right back up.
"It seems like they're not taking the damage they should be taking," Sycamore said as we got closer. "Whatever the Cult's done to them it made them stronger. Garchomp, when he was controlled before was snapped out of it fairly easily by Ash. Seems like they enhanced whatever they injected them with."
"But we can still beat them senseless!" Clara shouted as Scizor pummeled one of the Pyroars into fainting. "Parabolic Charge!"
Her Heliolisk blasted away the Crawdaunt, but he wasn't done in yet.
"Vespiquen!" Alex shouted, bringing out her Bug type. "Attack Order!"
Vespiquen's eyes glowed red as hundreds of tiny green pellets struck the Water and Dark type, causing him to faint.
"High Horsepower!"
Robert's Snorlax kicked Pyroar out of the lab and bounced across the street. Meanwhile, Lucario finished off Diggersby by slamming him to the ground. The purple color in his eyes faded away.
"So we only have to make them faint to free them," I said as Lucario returned to me. "Easier said than done. How many are loose in the city?"
"Too many," Sycamore sighed as he cared for his Garchomp who looked worn out. "We've been fighting for an two hours at least. The Cult only just showed up not long ago."
"How many?" I asked, looking at the broken streets and the battling trainers and Pokemon.
"A lot," the Professor said. "Maybe too many for Diantha to actually handle."
"We should help then," Alex said, determined.
"The heroes already left," Clara pointed at the helicopter flying away in the sky. "On their way to Diantha probably."
"They don't want us involved," I shook my head. "But I can't just let them fight the Cult alone."
"Me neither," Alex nodded at my resolve.
Sycamore laughed. "You young trainers. I know all too well trying to stop you is futile."
His expression turned grim. "Go. You'll be much for useful out there. Garchomp and I can handle things here. Plus, just because we're all scientists here, doesn't mean we aren't veteran trainers."
"All the same," Robert looked at us. "I'll be staying here to help. Snorlax seems to be more awake than usual. He'll be a great help here."
"Stay safe, Robert," I nodded at him. "Try and spare them of your jokes."
"Who else will keep their spirits up?" he grinned and gave a thumbs-up. "Now get going. Stop that Cult."
Alex and I nodded and we ran onto the street. The road ahead of us, Vernal Avenue, was blocked by battles.
"We'll have to take the long way," I said.
"You two have fun," Clara said, in the arms of her Scizor. "We'll be taking the lead."
Scizor ran and leapt into the air, his feet digging into the side of a building as he climbed his way up on only his two feet.
"Clara!" I shouted. "Don't be reckless! We should stick together!"
No reply as Scizor landed on the building roof and ran out of sight.
"No use," Alex tugged on my arm and we began to run East. "She'll just have to take care of herself, that fool."
I didn't argue, mostly because there was point. Once the next road came up, we ran down it and headed towards Vert Plaza. The stone monument that stood in the center of the plaza was broken as a Gogoat was thrown backwards by a Pangoro.
"More trainers!" a guy yelled, he and several other trainers fighting off several Pangoros with their Gogoat, Doublade, Shelgon, and Pelipper.
"Lucario," I said and he ran ahead of me. "Power-Up Punch!"
He slammed his fist into the Pangoro who tossed the Gogoat, sending him crashing against another Pangoro. He then flipped into the air, bringing both fists down on the third Pokemon's head. He jumped back as the last two Pangoro lumbered forwards, swinging their massive fists.
"Water Pulse!
"Dragon Breath!"
"Sacred Sword!"
All three attacks collided with a Pangoro, bringing him to one knee.
"Air Slash!" Alex cried.
Vespiquen's attack sliced through the air, fainting the Pangoro. However, two of the fallen Pangoro got back up, making the total we still had to beat three.
"Iron Tail!"
Something small and yellow came twirling out of nowhere, slamming his Iron Tail into a Pangoro's head. The Fighting and Dark type collapsed to the ground as the Pikachu jumped away to avoid getting hurt.
Ash and Serena and her Braixen ran into the plaza.
"Braixen!" Serena shouted. "Flamethrower!"
Braixen swung her branch, a jet of flames engulfing the last two Pangoro.
"Bone Rush!"
Lucario jumped and formed a long bone, holding it with both paws. He spun and brought one end against the closest Pangoro's head. He leaped again, slamming the bone into the other Pangoro.
"Finish them with Thunderbolt!" Ash commanded.
"Pikachuuuuuuuu!"
The two Pangoros collapsed from the Electric attack, both defeated.
"Good save there, Ash and Serena," Alex shouted, waving at them.
"Hey!" they shouted, running up as the other trainers present yelled their thanks and hurried off towards Lumiose Tower.
"Sorry we had to bail on the Power Plant mission," Serena apologized, bowing her head. "But we were told to come help here."
"No worries," I said. "We took care of that just fine. Where's Clemont and Bonnie."
"At the tower," Ash looked back where the battles were more heated. "We saw trouble over here and ran to help. Your help would actually be appreciated."
Alex and I looked at each other. "We'd love to, but we have-!"
A loud cry filled the city as the three legendary birds fired all three attacks near the tower, blasting Pokemon away.
"Not again!" Ash shouted, running back towards the tower. "Pikachu, try and hit one with Thunderbolt!"
"Please help!" Serena asked desperately as she ran after Ash.
"Zeno?" Alex questioned.
"Yeah, I know," I said, running after them. "Let's finish this quick!"
"That's more like it!" Alex grinned as she caught up to me. "Vespiquen, go help out the other trainers! You'll be at a disadvantage against those legendaries!"
Vespiquen buzzed and flew off to our left where trainers were fighting a horde of Grass types.
"Lucario," I skidded to a halt. "Get Articuno's attention next time it flies by!"
Lucario growled and vaulted his bone into the sky. It collided into the Ice and Flying type, but did no damage since it was a Ground type move. The Legendary Bird squawked in rage and dived towards us.
Alex and I both let out our signature Pokemon in unison. "Flamethrower!"
Arcanine and Ninetales both reared back their heads and blasted twin jets of flames, engulfing the Ice type. It screeched in pain as it crashed to the ground. It stood on shaky legs, not as hurt as I would have liked.
"Articuno is a legend," I grimaced. "That's hard enough to beat. But with the added effects of Chaos? We're in for trouble, aren't we?"
"Oh come on," Alex grinned. "We've faced down Ultra Beasts and even the Mother Beast herself. This will be a piece of cake."
She swung her backpack around and fished out her Z-ring, clasping it onto her wrist. "Leave Articuno to me, Zeno. You go after the other birds."
"Alright," I nodded. "I trust you."
"You'd better," Alex smiled. A fiery aura engulfed her as she attached her Firium Z. "Ninetales and I won't lose."
Awed by her beauty and determination, I had to wrench myself away and Arcanine and Lucario followed me. I felt an icy chill spread through the area as I heard Articuno flap its wings, getting back up into the air. A sudden warmth vanished the cold and a red-orangeish glow surrounded the area.
"Let's go!" I heard Alex roar. "INFERNO OVERDRIVE!"
A loud explosion erupted behind me and I smiled. I had a feeling Articuno still wouldn't be defeated that easily, but I knew Alex well enough that she would for sure take it down.
I saw Zapdos flying in our direction, heading towards where Alex was battling.
"Oh no you don't!" I shouted. "You let her be! Arcanine, Dragon Pulse!"
He fired draconic energy at the Electric and Flying type, knocking him off course. He zeroed in on us and his body began crackling.
"Bring it!" I yelled. "Arcanine, blast Zapdos with a Flamethrower!"
Zapdos flew to the side, avoiding the attack, firing a bolt of electricity towards us.
"Flamethrower!" I shouted.
Arcanine's fire met the Electric attack, an explosion occurring in the air, the shock wave rippling against us.
"Smack Down!"
Ash's Frogadier leaped off the side of Lumiose Tower, tossing a big rock into the air above Zapdos. It fell onto Zapdos, bringing him to the ground.
"Now's your chance!" Ash shouted from where he and Serena were battling Moltres.
"Thanks!" I shouted. "Arcanine, keep Zapdos from flying away with Extreme Speed! Lucario, Bone Rush! You know what to do!"
Arcanine rocketed forwards, slamming into Zapdos, causing him to lose his balance on his chicken feet. Lucario leaped into the air, throwing two bones. Both collided with the Legendary, dealing damage thanks to Ash nullifying the Flying advantage.
"Alright," I raised my left wrist, pressing two fingers against the Keystone. Light connected Lucario and I as I spoke, "Let our trust never wane as we fight these chaotic battles and let our fighting spirit never diminish! Let's show them the power of our bond!"
Aura winds enveloped us both, lifting my hair slightly. "Lucario, Mega Evolve!"
Lucario howled as he leaped into the air once more, his body transforming. He drew back his fist, an iron coating glossing over it as aura gathered around him. He dove, slamming his shining fist into Zapdos' back. The Legendary cried out in pain, but was silenced as Arcanine blasted him with a wave of heat. Lucario had jumped back before Arcanine's attack, skidding along the road. His head appendages floated wildly as I felt his aura increase. He ran forwards, keeping low to the ground as a bone formed in each hand. They dragged along the road, creating grooves, before Lucario ripped them up hard, flinging pieces of the road into the air. He leaped and blasted his aura forwards, sending the bits of road forwards as projectiles. They slammed into Zapdos, injuring his wings.
"Now!" I shouted. "Finish with Bone Rush!"
Lucario howled and twisted mid-air, slamming both bones into Zapdos' back, causing the Legendary Bird to faint, his violet gaze flickering away.
"Hrgh!" I clutched my heart. I looked up to see Lucario's eyes had grown smaller, drool dripping from his maw. His wild gaze turned sharply towards the battle between Moltres, Ash, Serena, and the other trainers.
"Lucario!" I shouted, reaching out with my hand. "Arcanine, stop him!"
Lucario, whenever he went out of control, I had no idea if he could identify friend from foe. Still gripping my shirt, I stood as Arcanine ran to catch up with my out-of-control Pokemon.
"Ash!" I shouted over the sounds of battle. "Watch out!"
The ground shook and I turned to see a Haxorus heading my way, eyes glowing purple.
"Night Slash!"
Absol leaped past the Dragon type, a fierce dark wind causing it to roar in pain.
"Need a hand?" Alex asked as she ran over.
"Gladly," I nodded and let out Mawile. "Play Rough!"
She lunged forwards, tackling the Dragon type to the ground. He shook her off and smacked her away with his tail, but Absol was there, claws surrounded by dark energy as she forced Haxorus backwards.
Another sharp pain and I looked back to see Lucario engaged with Moltres.
"Handle this!" I shouted to Alex as I began running.
A blast of fire and Lucario went flying, skidding along the road.
"Return!" I shouted, holding out my pokeball, the red light capturing him. "Now, come out Frogadier! Water Pulse!"
Frogadier bounced into the air, throwing a sphere of water at Moltres, angering him. The last Legendary bird still fighting was weakening, so all we had to do was wrap things up.
"Arcanine," I looked at him. "Distract him with Dragon Pulse!"
Arcanine began running, blasting the energy beam at Moltres, dragging his attention away from us.
"Now!" Ash shouted as I caught up with him and all the other fighting trainers. "Concentrate your attacks! Bubble Beam and Thunder!"
"Water Pulse!" I shouted.
Attacks were shouted all around us, beams of energy and elemental attacks firing upwards. They all collided with Moltres, an explsosion rocketing the sky. Smoke obscured the Fire bird, but he soon fell into view and crashed to the road, fainted.
"Finally," Ash wiped the sweat from his brow. "That should make things go a lot smoother."
As I looked around, the battles that were going on were finishing up, Alex, Absol, and Mawile already on their way over. Returning both Frogadier and Mawile, I called Arcanine over.
"We have to go," I said apologetically to Ash. "Take care of things here."
He nodded. "Can do. Stay strong you two."
I climbed onto Arcanine's back and helped Alex up after she returned Absol.
"Let's go," I told Arcanine as Alex folded her arms around my waist. "North!"
Arcanine ran fast through the streets and finding where the Cult was wasn't hard once we began hearing the sounds of battle.
"Turn left!" I shouted necessarily as Arcanine turned the corner.
There on North Boulevard I saw Diantha, Blaziken Mask, the two Masked Heroes, and Clara trying to fend off the cultists, who were aided by dozens of Chandelures and several Dusknoirs. Our allies and their Pokemon were reaching their limits, even Diantha and Blaziken Mask, despite both having Megas. The cultists were many, but they were protecting five other cultists holding purple orbs. All of them were glowing, as if they were absorbing energy.
"No way," my thoughts flashed back to the battle at the Tower of Mastery. "They're drawing on the chaotic energy here!"
"Heat Wave!" I shouted aloud, Alex and I leaping off of Arcanine. He slammed both paws forwards, a wave of heat crashing into cultists and enemy Pokemon alike.
"Finally decided to show up, huh!" Clara shouted at us angrily.
Diantha looked tired, but she managed a stern face. "I didn't want any of you to take part in this."
"We have to," I said, standing alongside Alex. "Besides, you guys need the help."
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Alex and I turned to look at the cultist leading the others, his hood back to reveal a wide-grinning man. Dreadlocks hung down his dark face, his eyes mad with chaos.
"You've come to help!" he roared with laughter. "The might of the All-Powerful One cannot be beaten! The chaos shall engulf you all! All will fall under her might!"
"And you!" he pointed a gnarled finger at me. "Hero Born of Darkness! You may believe you can stop us, but you cannot! You're no longer important to our plans after all! We have found an even better sacrificial pawn! So you can fall right here! Die so you may no longer be a pest! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
He cackled with laughter as his Mega Banette held out her hands, shadows spilling forth towards me.
I glared at him and his Banette. "Another sacrificial pawn!? You think I'm going to let myself fall here when I hear that!? Think again!"
Lightning struck the ground near me, blasting a crater in the road. Zeraora rose, eyes and fists sparking with blue electricity. I swore I heard Eve's voice in the wind for just a second.
"Let us help you as a repayment for what happened at the Power Plant."
Zeraora nodded at me and crouched, ready to fight alongside us.
"Fine," I growled. "But don't think that this means I'll leave you and Team Radiance alone, Eve. Arcanine, Heat Wave!"
As Arcanine blasted the shadows away, causing Banette to leap into the air, Zeraora disappeared. He reappeared above the Mega Pokemon, slamming her back to the ground with an electrified fist. He then leaped towards the incoming Chandelures, a dome of electricity blasting them back.
Banette, still standing, leaped at Arcanine, claws gleaming.
"Moonblast!"
The Fairy move blasted the Ghost type backwards, Diantha's weakened Gardevoir having fired the move.
"Thanks!" I shouted to the pair of them.
Diantha nodded, looking relieved. "Finish this."
Nodding, I removed my Mega Ring. I attached my Z-ring on my wrist instead, clasping what I dubbed the Arcanium-Z onto it. A fiery connection was forged between me and Arcanine as a fiery bow appeared in my left hand. Raising it, I drew back an arrow.
"TAKE THEM ALL OUT!" I roared. "INCINERAZING ARROW!"
I let go and the arrow collided with Arcanine, a blazing fire erupting around him. He howled and the flames shaped themselves into an arrow. The cultists began scrambling backwards as the heat rippled through the air, blowing my hair back as I stood my ground. Zeraora kicked the Banette away and leaped into the sky as Arcanine blasted forwards, zigzagging into opponents, leaving a fiery blaze in his wake. In a matter of seconds, nearly every enemy Pokemon was wiped out.
Several Chandelures still hovered, but Zeraora, still in the air, yowled. Thunder boomed as dark clouds gathered. Several bolts of lightning struck each remaining Pokemon, fainting them.
As Arcanine's fire began to dissipate, I saw the cultists still standing running, the ones with the five orbs in the lead. Zeraora blinked and shot into the sky, becoming a blue bolt of lightning as he and the dark clouds disappeared.
"I've just sent word," Diantha said, coming over. "The police will be after the Cult. They won't get away."
"Hopefully," I said, my legs a little shaky. Arcanine rushed over so I could lean on him. Alex squeezed my hand and I smiled at her thankfully.
"I didn't want you three here," Diantha looked at Clara and us. "But, thank you. This was a victory because you all decided to show up."
She turned and stumbled, falling to her knees.
"Diantha," I said, worried.
"I'm fine," she tried to assure us, but her face was pale. "I'll be-"
As she tried to stand, her knees buckled as she fell forwards. Her Gardevoir was there, catching her trainer.
"Diantha!" Alex and I shouted.
The Champion of Kalos did not stir as several dark shadows slinked across her body.
Another long chapter full of chaos. Hope you all enjoyed this. We're also nearly at the halfway point in this story. I have a couple, ahem, interesting chapters to do before that though, which I think you all will enjoy. Now that the Cult has had an apparent victory and the Champion brought down, what will our heroes do next you ask? Have a gym battle of course. Till next time. Toodles
