Chapter 31: All Our Power

Clemont was terrified. The Tyranitar had been extremely dangerous, but he and Korrina had shown up to fight it later in the battle with it. Serena and the others had already done a great deal of damage. Altaria, although likely still tired from the battle with Absol and Braixen, had been given a chance to rest for much of this fight. And somehow...its eyes seemed wilder than Tyranitar's had been. Why was that?

"How did its Mega Stone get altered?" Clemont called out to Gabby, luckily seeing Bonnie nearby and pulling her back as the enraged Altaria unleashed attack after attack upon the ground, its eyes wild.

"It...it wasn't altered. I saw...I thought I saw..." Gabby was completely and utterly horrified. Clemont didn't know her well, but the sight broke his heart. So quickly, this turn of events was breaking her.

That was bad for everyone there. Even the hunters were looking scared, a couple of them blown off of their feet as a Moonblast, a blackened and very wrong looking Moonblast, exploded into the ground in front of them. Only the newly arrived hunters with their own falsely Mega Evolved Pokemon seemed to be enjoying this. If Gabby couldn't snap Altaria out of this, they'd be impossible to beat. Perhaps they wouldn't even have to act.

"Can you get it back in its pokeball?" Dawn asked, ducking as one of the other hunters had his dark Mega Blastoise use Hydro Cannon on Trevor's Charizard, who countered with Fire Spin.

Gabby seemed to think that was a good idea and quickly pulled out her pokeball. Unfortunately, one of the newly arrived hunters was ready with their Mega Gengar. "Mean Look!"

As Gabby's pokeball fired out a line of red energy, Gengar's eyes glowed red, before a shadowy afterimage moved out towards Altaria. Just as the pokeball's light was hitting Altaria, the afterimage struck. Clemont's eyes widened, seeing the light appear to shatter as the Mean Look blocked the recall.

A moment later, a sixth hunter with no Pokemon out with her, emerged from the group with their Mega Pokemon. She smirked, looking up as Altaria unleashed another Moonblast, flying up and sending it towards a group of students nearby. "I have to admit," the hunter said, laughing lightly, "I was a little disappointed Raphael wanted to take my Mega Stone for this, but...it's certainly effective."

"You'll get it back anyway, Alice," the hunter with the Gengar said, chuckling. "This will scare off all of these kids and we can clear up whatever's left with our Pokemon."

Clemont frowned, glancing at the newly gathered Pokemon, each with a dark rage in their eyes. Aside from Gengar and Blastoise, there was a Lopunny, Salamence and Beedrill. The darkness around them made the night sky seem bright. It was a sickeningly evil sight.

Gabby, after a moment looking up at her Altaria flying off and unleashing its attacks at random, turned her eyes to the woman, Alice, and stepped forward. Her Espeon had been recalled now, but her Ninetales was at her side. "This was you?" she asked, voice shaking with anger. "You and your people wanted to hurt my Altaria again?"

Clemont glanced at her, feeling uneasy. He didn't know much of Gabby's story, but it seemed her companionship with Altaria had begun way back when Anton had lost his Vivillon. Altaria, like Absol, had suffered at the hands of the hunters. This cruel move must've been a painful reminder for Gabby. Clemont felt angrier himself as he thought of that pain, and suddenly, he found himself in a line with Gabby, Dawn, Bonnie, Marie and Korrina, who had just rushed over. Trevor, Tierno and Shauna were already engaged with one of the newly arrived hunters, the one with a Mega Blastoise, while also trying to minimize what Altaria was doing. Trevor's Mega Charizard was crucial to the fight, but already looking taxed.

"Don't be so sensitive, girl," Alice said, narrowing her eyes and nodding to the four hunters remaining with her to spread out. "That Altaria is a slap to the face of our boss. We don't allow that."

"Well I won't allow your cruelty to harm my Pokemon anymore!" Gabby then yelled. "Flamethrower!"

Alice ducked as the attack blasted over her head. She looked stunned, and Clemont couldn't really blame her. He was a little surprised himself at the rage in Gabby's eyes. He understood it, though, and as Luxray, Grotle and Elekid moved out in front of him, he decided it was time to attack as well.

"Luxray, Swift! Grotle, Mega Drain! Elekid, Thunderbolt!" he yelled, nodding to Bonnie to signal she would stay commanding Bunnelby and Chespin, who she quickly ordered a Mud Shot and Pin Missile from, along with a Thunder Shock from Dedenne. Dawn, Marie and Korrina were quickly calling out orders as well, while Gabby shouted for another Flamethower.

Alice apparently felt it necessary to join in with her own Pokemon, pulling out a pokeball as attacks began firing out from both sides at a fierce rate. As an Altaria emerged, deflecting a Thunderbolt from Elekid directed at the Mega Gengar, it spread its wings menacingly and screeched loudly. It wasn't nearly as majestic as Gabby's, at least before the attack on it, and looked like a particularly intimidating foe.

"Unfortunately I can no longer Mega Evolve my Altaria, but yours is doing enough damage to make up for that," Alice taunted, smirking at Gabby. "And I doubt it needs the power boost with the state this city is in by now anyway. Dragon Pulse!"

"Extrasensory!"

Other than Gabby and Alice, all the trainers involved in the clash ducked out of the way as Ninetales and Altaria unleashed their attacks. The explosion was massive and even the Mega Evolved Pokemon had a hard time handling it. Clemont could see that Korrina had finally Mega Evolved Lucario and he'd barely kept his footing, too.

Fortunately, Gabby's Ninetales appeared to have the stronger attack, her Extrasensory pushing through further and hitting Altaria right in the chest. Gabby quickly followed it up with a Flame Charge and Alice seemed to find herself on the defensive pretty quickly. Clemont was thoroughly impressed with Gabby's ability to take charge so quickly. It made him realize just how impressive Serena's victory over her really was. Gabby easily had the skill to be part of the Battle Team, and had managed to combine that strength with beauty and elegance for stunning performances. The negatives of that were unfortunately on display with her Altaria out of control, however, barely kept at bay by the group of trainers led by Trevor, Tierno and Shauna.

Another rapid exchange of attacks came, and as Luxray positioned himself in front of Clemont to block an attack, he could see people fleeing from the surrounding area of this battle. The attacks were rebounding and sending dust and smoke in all directions. With Altaria firing on anyone going near her, there were few safe places on the street.

"We might need to retreat if this goes on much longer!" Marie called out, her Happiny attempting to help an injured Pokemon lying a few feet away, while her Chikorita and Fletchling furiously defended it from the vicious looking Mega Lopunny. Dawn had moved to help, her Buneary taking a nasty Dizzy Punch but managing an Ice Beam in response.

Clemont couldn't help but agree with Marie's point. They'd barely had things under control before, the arrival of the bug type trainers only just managing to turn the tide. With Altaria on a barely contained rampage, and these Mega Pokemon, things were more precarious than ever. Clemont could barely focus as he ordered Grotle to use Razor Leaf to distract the Mega Gengar, giving Luxray a chance to land a Thunder Fang.

The most frustrating part was...they were holding their own for now. It wasn't much, but they were keeping these Mega Pokemon from unleashing too much damage, and Altaria was at least distracted enough that some trainers were regrouping and managing to hold the front of the Pokemon Centre. But they needed backup. Their Pokemon would tire out soon enough, and even if they could take down these Mega Pokemon, the rest of the fight would be out of them and the other hunters could roll through easily.

As Lucario hit the Mega Lopunny away from Dawn's Buneary, who looked like it was already down and out, Clemont winced, hearing the sounds of something running in the distance. Well, not something. It sounded like a lot of things. A group of Pokemon, perhaps. The hunters had clearly managed to surround the area, and were sending in a force of Pokemon to run right into the defending trainers. Well, he wasn't going to go down without taking a Mega Pokemon down with him. Maybe two.

"Grotle, Leech Seed on Gengar! Luxray, Wild Charge to follow it up! Elekid, Thunder Punch right after!" His words seemed to inspire Bonnie, who had Bunnelby draw attention away with Mud Shot, while Chespin engaged Mega Salamence with a barrage from Pin Missile, allowing Dedenne to scurry forward unnoticed.

"Chikorita, Vine Whip!" Marie then yelled, voice more forceful as she noticed the hunters' Pokemon drawing back from Clemont and Bonnie's assault. "Fletchling, Ember!"

"Vivillon, Gust! Quilava, Flame Wheel! Piplup, Whirlpool!"

"Lucario, Aura Sphere!"

"Ninetales, Flame Charge!"

As the attacks ripped into their opponents, Clemont's eyes were blinded by bright lights erupting all around him. He felt something, a lot of things, rushing past him. It was like a burst of wind all around him, but a few times, he felt fur or skin brushing against him. And finally, as the lights dimmed, he saw Pokemon all around him, rushing at the hunters and their darkly Mega Evolved Pokemon, joining in with his Pokemon and those of his friends.

"Florges!" a Pokemon emerging to his left cried out, sending a Moonblast out and knocking out Alice's Altaria alongside an Extrasensory from Gabby's Ninetales. After that, a trio of Skiddo joined Marie's and Dawn's Pokemon in pulling down Mega Lopunny, while a Rhyhorn charged into Beedrill, slowed down by an Aura Sphere from Lucario. Salamence was downed as well, a Quagsire hitting it with Mud Shot, the dragon type paralyzed from Dedenne's Nuzzle. Finally, a Yanma and Seviper joined Elekid in finishing off Mega Gengar, while a trio of Wooper sent a barrage of Water Gun attacks at the hunters, sending them scurrying back.

These Pokemon weren't the only ones to have joined the fray, a variety of them having engaged the hunters trying to take the Pokemon Centre while Clemont's group had been engaged with the newly arrived hunters and the out of control Altaria. They managed to help out Trevor, Tierno and Shauna as well, driving off the Mega Blastoise and slowing Altaria's attacks by having the flying types circle her in midair and confuse her.

"Where did all these Pokemon come from?" Dawn called out, looking stunned as she watched them.

"The Wetlands..." Clemont said, smiling as he glanced at Florges, who had heard him and nodded in response. Clemont remembered Ash telling him about it. "Of course...they helped discover the base. They knew we'd be in trouble and came to help."

His friends laughed in joy, seeing the battle completely turning in their favour. These Wetlands Pokemon were ferocious, and despite not having trainers, they appeared very well organized. Clemont was particularly impressed with the Wooper, seeing them firing off well aimed Water Gun attacks in formation and driving off a group of hunters. Clearly Ash's Goodra had been helpful. Clemont was pretty sure the dragon type had gone off to find Ash, since it wasn't here.

"I still need to help my Altaria," Gabby's voice broke in, bringing Clemont's attention to the dragon type. It looked quite agitated with the Pokemon flying around it, unable to pick its target. Gabby seemed a little calmer herself, though, looking pleased as she glanced at Alice knocked out behind her. "Cubone," she whispered, holding up a pokeball. "We can make her remember. I know you're tired, but you're our best shot."

Clemont watched on in curiosity as Gabby called out her small ground type. As it emerged, she glanced in the direction of a group of hunters, where Casey was joining a push against the Wetlands Pokemon and some bug type trainers. Dawn was eyeing her as well. They couldn't consider this battle won yet, that was for sure.

"Altaria!" Gabby called, bringing Clemont's attention back to her as Cubone and Ninetales stood at her sides. "Altaria, I know you can hear me. Don't forget who you are. Don't forget who we are. You can fight this. You can beat that pain. That pain of hatred. I know that's what that evil stone is doing to you. I can see it in your eyes. You know it's not real. You've beaten that hatred before. You've helped me to do it. You've helped Cubone to do it. Don't you remember that day?"

Clemont's eyes widened, and he heard one of his friends call out in surprise as Altaria screeched and turned her attention on Gabby. As her eyes locked on to her trainer, she moved forward, darkness swirling around her. She looked ready to unleash an attack. It's not working, Clemont realized, heart racing. He prepared to order his Pokemon to fire a counterattack, seeing Altaria preparing one of those dark Moonblasts. Then, as the black orb that should have been a bright pink formed above her, she looked at Cubone, and paused.

"Just like you, Cubone was lost, hurt and alone. It wasn't fair and he was angry. He lashed out, and wanted to hurt us, even though we just wanted to help it. You made sure he was okay." Gabby smiled, taking a step forward with Cubone. "We showed him one of our Performance routines. I didn't realize it at the time, but it was just like Serena says. It was a way of making the world a brighter place. It was a way to make someone smile. You were the one that wanted to do it, Altaria. And it was your beauty that Cubone saw. Not just in your routine, but in your heart."

"The Moonblast..." Clemont heard Korrina whisper. He hadn't realized she'd come to stand next to him. He focused, looking for what she was referring to, and his breath caught, seeing what she meant.

The black orb was brightening, a small pink outline appearing around it. It grew quickly, however, and Clemont let out a breath as he saw the darkness swirling around Altaria begin to die down. Slowly, it was replaced by a white light, shining from the altered Mega Stone. A few moments later, the orb above her turned a bright, shining pink, before firing high into the sky, and bathing the whole area in a pink glow. Then, Altaria drifted down to the ground, hovered in front of Gabby a moment, and then let her feet rest on the ground.

As Gabby, Cubone and Ninetales rushed forward to hug their dear friend, Clemont smiled. This battle had been ruthless and exhausting, even in their small victories. It was nice, even in just this small moment, to see a true sign that the love of a trainer and their Pokemon could conquer that hate and anger that these hunters were trying to bring to the world.

"I think the Pokemon Centre should be secured now," Marie's voice spoke up, the novice trainer walking up to Clemont and Korrina. Not a novice anymore, Clemont thought to himself, remembering her ferocity in fighting those Mega Pokemon minutes ago. "Some of us should head out to find Serena and Ash."

Korrina nodded at that, looking over to the Skiddo that had come with the Wetlands Pokemon. "Maybe they could give us a ride."

"There's only four of them," Bonnie noted, looking around the area to see if she could spot others.

"There's a few Rhyhorn," Korrina said. "Didn't Serena say she used to ride those?"

"Only an experienced rider should do that," Gabby said, looking over from where she was now recalling her exhausted Altaria into its pokeball, along with Cubone and Ninetales. "We should probably just use Skiddo. Besides, they can ride faster if they sense our desire to get there faster."

"Who's going, then?" Clemont asked, raising an eyebrow as Bonnie rushed over to a Skiddo. It seemed quite pleased to allow her to hop on its back.

"I'll stay here," Dawn said, looking over to the group of hunters Casey had been with. It seemed to be where the remaining members were rallying. "The fight's not quite done here." Marie nodded, apparently deciding she'd stay as well. Clemont could see Trevor, Tierno and Shauna joining a group of trainers heading over to engage the hunters and assumed they'd be staying as well.

"Guess it's us four, then," Korrina said, looking to Gabby, Bonnie and Clemont, as Bonnie's Skiddo called out to the others of its kind. "Let's go find Ash and Serena!"

"Yeah, and we'll kick Raphael's butt!" Bonnie called out excitedly.

"Speaking of that," Gabby said, looking to Dawn and then over towards where Casey was. "Do me a favour, Dawn...as a fellow Performance Team Captain that doesn't want her team's reputation damaged by a traitor."

"No need to worry," Dawn said, stepping forward with Piplup, Quilava and Vivillion at her sides. "Time to finish this."


Dawn hadn't really thought too much about it, but perhaps in the back of her mind, a small part of her had been frustrated at the inability to beat Casey in their IPL matches. The second one in particular stung, with it having been a chance at rebounding after the first loss. She wished it didn't have to come in this way, but she'd been ready for a rematch for awhile now. It was time to win.

Of all of their battles thus far, though, this would be the hardest to win. Each of them had three of their Pokemon out, and while Casey's had been protected among the swarm of hunters for so much of the battle, Dawn's were already tired from so much fighting. This would need to be quick, or she would have no chance.

"You haven't been able to beat me yet, Dawn," Casey said, narrowing her eyes as she looked across at Dawn as the Coordinator approached her, almost like she knew what Dawn was thinking of. She'd seen Dawn's friends heading out and had manoeuvred through the battling hunters to be in position to meet her. "And that was with me going easy on you."

"I'm fighting for something more than a tournament, now," Dawn snapped back, Piplup squeaking out his agreement in front of her. "You'd be surprised how hard my friends and I can work to stand up for each other. And as far as I'm concerned, we're standing up for every Pokemon you and your hunter friends have ever touched."

"I haven't touched anything," Casey said quickly, a hint of guilt flashing across her face.

"Look at what you did to Altaria!" Dawn shouted. "Look at what happened to Absol! Look at this whole place! I don't know what your reasons are, Casey, but you've caused enough damage, and it's time to end it! You've already lost. And once my friends reach Raphael, it's all over."

Casey gritted her teeth. She looked furious at the mention of Raphael, but Dawn caught something else in her face as well. Fear? No, it was something worse. "You're terrified of him," Dawn noted, her voice losing its anger for a moment. "Casey...what did he do to you? Why are you fighting for him?"

"That's my business," Casey snapped, her Blitzle and Ponyta moving forward, flanking her Meditite. "You don't need to know. Meditite, Shadow Ball!"

As the shadowy, black orb was sent spinning out towards Piplup, Dawn reacted immediately. Clearly this would be no Contest battle. This would be about raw strength and skill in battle. Nothing more. "Bubble Beam!"

"Luuup!" Piplup cried out, sending the barrage of bubbles outward, the two attacks crashing against each other halfway between the two Pokemon, smoke shooting into the air. Casey took the opportunity to send in her other two Pokemon.

"Flame Charge and Wild Charge!" she shouted, Ponyta and Blitzle responding immediately, while Meditite hopped back, narrowing his eyes in frustration at his attack being blocked. Dawn thought something was odd about it, but ignored it, knowing she needed to focus on the battle.

"Slow them down with Gust, Vivillon, and strike at their feet with Swift, Quilava!" she commanded, grinning at the quick response from both of her Pokemon.

It worked well, the blast of wind from Vivillon battering against Ponyta and Blitzle as they charged, slowing them just enough for Quilava to send out the golden stars of Swift which sent them both tumbling to the ground before they could reach Piplup. Dawn quickly ordered a Whirlpool from her partner Pokemon to follow up, and before Casey could react, both of her equine Pokemon being plucked off the ground by the swirling pool of water.

"Piplup!" Piplup cried out a moment later, sending the Whirlpool flying forward, Ponyta and Blitzle struggling within it as it was sent towards Meditite.

"Force Palm!" Casey shouted, fury on her face as she ordered the attack.

Dawn's eyes widened as Meditite rushed forward, thrusting out a palm towards the Whirlpool with his allies within it. As the two attacks collided, the Whirlpool exploded against Meditite, but Dawn could see it didn't have any effect. All the water went flying backwards, away from Meditite, and Ponyta and Blitzle convulsed as they hit the ground, both affected by the shock wave generated from Force Palm.

"You hurt your own Pokemon!" Dawn cried out in shock, watching as Ponyta and Blitzle struggled to their feet. "How...why...what's wrong with you?"

Casey's eyes flashed angrily, and Dawn was sure she saw the same expression on Meditite's face. "Meditite's more useful to me than they are."

Dawn's eyes widened, unable to believe what had happened to Casey. Even in the Pokemon Centre she hadn't seemed like this. It was as though she was getting angrier and angrier as time went on. She looked at Meditite again, watching its eyes, before glancing back to Casey. The look wasn't natural. But...it was familiar. At least after tonight.

It was like the altered Mega Evolutions.

"Casey..." she said, voice shaking as she realized what had been done. "Casey...Raphael did something horrible to you. What...what happened?"

"He wanted Anton...or maybe Gabby," Casey said, eyes narrowing as she glared at Dawn. "They were clearly useless, though." She laughed harshly. "His altered Mega Stones come from an idea he developed with his own Mega Evolution. It's real, you know. His Medicham is devoted to him, and he trusts it completely. But they have a power that comes from hatred of their enemies. It twists the Mega Evolution. It brings out more power. His Medicham can bring it out in others."

Dawn exchanged an uneasy glance with Piplup, before returning her gaze to Casey. "So what...he uses Medicham to change the Mega Stones and Key Stones."

"Exactly," Casey said, clenching her fists as her eyes grew darker. "It doesn't work perfectly, and he can only change some stones, but he had enough success to try with something else." She smiled. It was not a pleasant smile. "He wanted to change a Pokemon directly. A Pokemon that was close to its trainer. He asked me to join him in a training session. I was frustrated with Gabby. She'd been lagging in her training and it was affecting our team. He promised to help me get us back on track."

"What...did you do?" Dawn asked, voice shaking.

"I don't remember clearly," Casey said, pausing. "I just know that since then, Meditite has been far more alert. I've been far more alert. I lose that sense when I'm not battling, though. I need Meditite out to feel that strength. I have to support Raphael or I'll lose this connection. Meditite and I have never been closer." For a moment, she hesitated, shaking her head, and Meditite did as well. "Raphael...helped us."

Dawn was pretty freaked out by whatever this was, but she could see there wasn't much she could do about it other than snap Casey out of it. Unfortunately, that meant fighting her, and doing it while she was in what appeared to be a dangerous state of mind. "Quilava, use Flame Wheel!"

"Counter with Flame Charge!"

Dawn clenched her fists. She knew she could pull Casey into a trap, but even if she did, this strange, evil power could very easily overpower her. "Vivillon, get in there with Powder! Quilava, be ready to retreat!"

Casey didn't seem to see what Dawn was planning, but both Quilava and Vivillon understood and trusted their trainer. As Quilava and Ponyta rushed at one another, Vivillon positioned herself above them. Then, as their flaming bodies crashed into each other, heat, flames and smoke shooting all around them, Vivillon sprinkled a pink dust over them. Quilava rolled away, leaving wisps of flames in his wake as Ponyta stumbled forward. Then, Vivillon's dust hit.

Ponyta neighed in pain as a red hot fire burst around her. The explosion of heat even pushed Quilava back, and all three of Dawn's Pokemon backed away, while Casey's Meditite and Blitzle scurried back as well. Then, as the flames died down, Ponyta staggered to the side for a moment, before falling over.

Casey narrowed her eyes, quickly recalling her fire type. "Clever trick, Dawn, but you've got all your Pokemon gathered together now. "Blitzle, Thunderbolt!"

Dawn's eyes widened, seeing Blitzle's body sparking as though it had been preparing the attack for awhile. She remembered her first match with Casey, and seeing Blitzle use the move Charge to great effect to power up its electric attacks. There was no counter to this, unfortunately, and the blast of electricity rocketed towards her Pokemon.

"Piiip!"

"Lavaaa!"

"Viii!"

All three of her Pokemon convulsed in front of her, and Dawn cried out in worry for them. Already exhausted by their previous fights, she wasn't sure if they could take even light attacks. This attack was anything but that. It was a brutal one, meant to strike when their guards were lowered. Dawn looked on in horror as all three of her Pokemon dropped to the ground.

"Meditite, finish them. Shadow Ball."

"Casey! They're already down! Stop it!"

The Shadow Ball formed.

"Casey, they're hurt. They can't take another attack!"

Meditite grinned, the darkness in his eyes matching Casey's.

Dawn began to move forward, heart racing as the Shadow Ball was sent forward. She knew she wouldn't reach her Pokemon in time, though. "No!"

"LUUUPPP!"

Both Dawn and Casey gasped, the former stopping as her Penguin Pokemon rose up in front of her, his body smoking from the Thunderbolt. Somehow, he still had it in him to prepare one last attack, though. Shaking, and looking like he was barely able to stand, Piplup formed the swirling water above him, watching without fear as the Shadow Ball rushed towards him. Then, just as it was about to reach him, he thrust his flippers forward, sending the water attack out towards his opponent.

The Whirlpool picked up the Shadow Ball in mid flight, carrying the ghostly orb with it as it rushed towards Meditite, the Meditate Pokemon looking frozen in surprise at the attack. His trainer looked too stunned to react as well, eyes widening in fear. Then, Blitzle began to move.

Before Casey or Meditate could even realize what was happening, Blitzle leaped into the oncoming attack. Dawn shielded her eyes as water and ghostly energy exploded outward from the blast, Blitzle's cry faintly heard within it. As the dust settled, the Electrified Pokemon was down, lying still in front of Meditite.

Dawn hesitated, seeing a strange look in Casey's eyes. She looked angry still, but there was something else. She's concerned for Blitzle. She knows it blocked the attack to protect her because of that connection with Meditite.

"Bl...blit...blitzle..." the electric type murmured softly, barely heard among the sounds of the remaining skirmishes around them between hunters and Pokemon Centre defenders. Dawn could see it trying to look to Casey. It knew what she was doing was wrong, but it clearly wanted to protect her.

"Casey," Dawn said softly. She wasn't even sure if the other girl would be able to hear her. She found she couldn't speak any louder, though. The exhaustion was starting to hit her. "Let this end. You can fight whatever it is Raphael and his Medicham did to you. Can't you see that Blitzle is fighting it?"

Dawn's gaze went to Vivillon and Quilava, both of them tiredly lifting their heads, looking toward the panting Piplup. It made Dawn realize how similar Piplup's and Blitzle's actions had been. Both had been doing whatever they could to protect their friends. That kind of love couldn't be ignored. Casey had to see that.

And, as Dawn looked to Meditite, and then Casey, she could see that they could, in fact, see the truth. The strange darkness was leaving their eyes, and they both slowly dropped to their knees, looking to Blitzle. The Electrified Pokemon sighed in contentment, seeing that it had its trainer back from whatever had taken hold of her.

"I don't...I don't know..." Casey looked to Dawn, her eyes cloudy and confused. "I'm not sure what happened." She looked around, taking in the fighting. It was almost over. The last hunters seemed to be fleeing. A couple called out to her, and she responded with a blank stare. "What's happening?"

Dawn realized that she was being honest. She hadn't been in control. Perhaps Casey would remember later, but for now, snapping herself out of that...trance...it had made her severely disoriented. It was scary to see, but at least Dawn knew that this Casey was much closer to the real one. The good one. Blitzle had seen it too.

"It's over, Casey. We beat the hunters." She looked in the direction her friends had gone.

At least...we won here. It's up to the rest of you, now.


Korrina could barely believe the speed their Skiddo were running at. She'd heard stories of Skiddo being able to sense emotions in trainers and running faster depending on what they sensed, but this seemed beyond anything she would've ever expected. It was completely exhilarating, and she couldn't help but yell out in excitement as the Skiddo bounded into the forest, hers in the lead.

Bonnie and Gabby seemed equally excited, grinning as they looked back, seeing the city quickly disappear behind them as they rushed towards their destination. Clemont, naturally, looked a little less thrilled about their mad dash towards their opponents. He still seemed determined, though. He even seemed to perk up a bit as Korrina glanced back at him. Of course, she realized she was sitting straighter atop her Skiddo at the sight of him as well.

What's happening to me? she thought, looking ahead, a small blush coming to her face. I should be focusing on the battle.

"Nothing wrong with a little inspiration, Korrina."

Korrina glanced to her left, seeing Gabby riding up alongside her, leaving Bonnie and Clemont just far enough behind that they couldn't hear. No doubt Bonnie would be trying to, though. "What do you mean?"

Gabby smirked. "Come on. Even before tonight, you and Clemont have been joined at the hip since everyone arrived in Lumiose City. You guys might be more obvious than Ash and Serena."

Korrina couldn't help but think of some of the things she and Clemont had said to each other and the way they'd acted around each other. They'd been incredibly corny at times. She supposed at this point it wasn't like she could deny her own feelings. But Clemont...was he just being nice? He was a really nice guy. Maybe calling her, visiting her, going on walks with her and talking sweetly with her was just him being his charming old self. There was the hand holding, too, she remembered. And he said I was his favourite Gym Leader. And... Her eyes widened, and she looked at Gabby again, realizing she'd been lost in her thoughts.

"Geez...well, I guess I can't blame you." She glanced back, giving Clemont an appraising look. "He's pretty cool, I guess. Those robots were incredible. Probably made all the difference really."

"Clemont's a hero," Korrina agreed, smiling a little as she checked the clearing they were passing. She could see signs of skirmishes. There were even a couple knocked out hunters. "Lumiose City is lucky to have him as their Gym Leader."

Gabby raised an eyebrow. "And you? Are you lucky to have him?"

"As a friend, definitely." Korrina would figure out the rest later. For now, she had noticed something strange up ahead. "What's that?"

Gabby followed where Korrina was pointing, and quickly, the two of them slowed their Skiddo down, Clemont and Bonnie following suit a moment later. They'd stopped in a fairly narrow part of the path, with bushes covering them pretty well, and enough sounds coming from the city still that their approach might not have been noticed. Especially with the talking in the clearing up ahead further covering any sounds.

"Hunters?" Clemont whispered, sounding surprised. "It looked like they'd been dealt with on the path here so far."

"Those bug trainers couldn't have dealt with all of them," Korrina noted, lowering herself on her position atop Skiddo. "There will still be some roaming out here, even if they've been mostly dealt with. Hopefully Ash, Anton and Serena managed to get by whoever's out here somehow."

"Should we try to sneak around these ones?" Gabby asked, leaning over her Skiddo to try to get a better look. The bushes were too thick, though.

"Sounds like there's...maybe four of them," Clemont said, listening carefully and fingering a pokeball as he did so. "It might be better to take them on then risk getting off the path and getting surrounded somewhere else."

"Can I paralyze them with Dedenne and then have Chespin throw them against a tree like I did at the Pokemon Centre?" Bonnie asked sweetly. Korrina loved her dearly. She actually felt it was a great idea, and was about to say so, but Clemont apparently didn't want to encourage his sister's newfound dangerous abilities.

"Elekid can scout ahead, Bonnie. He's been around the hunters before, and knows how to avoid them and stay quiet." Korrina couldn't deny Clemont's wisdom in that argument. But still, she thought it would've been fun to let Bonnie do her thing. She gave the younger girl a quick wink to let her know she was on her side.

As Clemont called out Elekid to move ahead and scout, though, Korrina couldn't help but feel a little worried. If it came to a battle, they could probably win. Lucario was definitely tired, however, and Korrina doubted he had the energy to Mega Evolve again. His armband had even been damaged, so she was holding on to his Mega Stone now. If he did have to try Mega Evolving, they'd both need to be alert enough for her to get him the stone. If he couldn't do it, though, she still had faith in her other Pokemon. It just wasn't the same without Lucario by her side.

Fortunately, when Elekid emerged from the bushes, not too long after making his way out, he didn't seem too concerned. He gestured for the group to follow him and then headed back towards the clearing. Korrina exchanged a curious glance with Clemont, but he shrugged, heading forward to follow his Pokemon. He trusted Elekid's instincts. Korrina supposed she did as well. That feisty little electric type was incredibly intelligent. A perfect match for Clemont.

As they emerged into the clearing, Korrina scanned the area quickly, her eyes quickly locking on to the source of the voices. The individuals responsible for what they'd been hearing were apparently no issue. "Team Rocket?" Clemont asked, looking surprised as he stared at the duo in front of them. One of the bug trainers was with them, and the three had subdued a hunter.

"Jessie, isn't that the Gym Leader twerp?"

"I believe he is, James. Have you seen Meowth, twerp?"

"My name is Clemont," Clemont murmured in response. "And no...I haven't. The hunters still have him?"

"He escaped, actually," Jessie said, glaring at the hunter they had tied up. "We came here with him, along with the Wetlands Pokemon. He was helping your twerpette friend fight off one of the hunters while we sent some Wetlands Pokemon into the city and then headed out to look for where they were holding the Pokemon. That's when we met up with the...the Hive as they call themselves."

"My dad's friends," Gabby murmured. "I thought that's what you guys were," she said, looking to the bug trainer. "Where is Henry?"

"He's at the camp," the trainer said. "We met up with his son...er...I guess that would be your brother? He and that kid Ash were there, freeing the locked up Pokemon."

Korrina's eyes widened, and she looked at Clemont excitedly. He leaned forward with interest. "So you," he said to the bug trainer, "saw Ash and Anton? And you," he said to Jessie and James, "saw Serena?" They all nodded. "They're closing in on Raphael," he said, eyes shining as he looked to Korrina. "And they've freed the stolen Pokemon."

"Well that process is still going on," the bug trainer said. "But yes, those two headed after Raphael while part of the Hive and a few Wetlands Pokemon led by a Goodra stayed at the camp. Henry asked me to come help these two."

"We helped with freeing the Pokemon by the way," Jessie muttered. "Anyway, we've been looking for Meowth. Last we saw of him he was in this general area." She eyed the Skiddo their group were riding, but didn't say anything.

"No need ta be so worried about me, Jess. We've just been clearin' out da hunters around here!"

Korrina's head snapped up at the new voice, seeing three figures make their way out of the bushes at the other end of the clearing. Meowth, Wobbuffet and a Skiddo. A moment later, a few other Skiddo and a few Rhyhorn shuffled in as well, but clearly those three were the leaders of their incoming group. Jessie and James were certainly happy to see them.

"Meowth!" they both cried out, rushing up to him and hugging him, and then Wobbuffet and Skiddo.

Meowth laughed as they finished and backed up a step. "So you guys freed the others, huh?"

James nodded. "Inkay and the others are safe and sound," he said, showing a pokeball. "What about that Mega Aggron."

"Kicked its metal behind!" Meowth said, looking quite satisfied. "The twerpette took one of the Rhyhorn and went ahead, but we decided ta head back to the city. Got stuck fightin' a few straggling hunters on da way, but we managed."

"Is Serena far?" Clemont asked, stepping forward, bringing Meowth's attention to him.

"She left just a little ways up da pathway der," Meowth said, pointing in the direction he'd come from. "We cleared da way of hunters for ya, so it shouldn't be too hard ta get through. She had a Rhyhorn so she'll be moving fast. Unless..."

Clemont frowned. "Unless what?"

Korrina took a deep breath. "Unless she ran into more hunters. If she's close to Raphael, she might've run into some more."

"They seem to be pretty scattered now," the bug trainer said. "Many were drawn to Ash and Anton and our group as we neared the camp with the stolen Pokemon. I imagine they drew some more approaching Raphael."

Korrina narrowed her eyes, looking ahead. "Serena might've drawn a few to her as well. They stole her Absol. They know she'll be coming for him."

"We'd better go now then," Gabby said, moving forward with her Skiddo. "Thanks for the info, Team Rocket. We'll be sure to let Officer Jenny know you've been good tonight."

"You'd better stay on your best behaviour, though," Bonnie warned them as she guided her Skiddo past Jessie.

"And why is that, twerpette?" Jessie growled back.

"She'll paralyze you," Korrina said, giving her a bright smile.

"And throw you against a tree," Gabby added, grinning as well.

Bonnie just giggled as they followed Clemont out of the clearing, Dedenne's cheeks sparking threateningly from his spot atop her shoulder.


Serena had started her entire Pokemon journey to avoid Rhyhorn racing. Now, she was more grateful to her mother than ever before for having given her that training. She moved through the trees with expert precision, and even in the hunter encounters she'd had as she manoeuvred her way through the forest, she'd been able to keep her distance and fight atop Rhyhorn's back. Popplio seemed to love it, using the Spikes Pokemon to launch herself forward into battle. She'd been extremely effective so far, although in the last encounter she had appeared pretty winded after an exchange with a Loudred.

"We have to be close," Serena murmured, as Rhyhorn slowed to a stop as they approached a split in the path. It looked like there had been some fighting previously in this spot. Maybe Ash came through here.

As she studied the two directions she could go in, Serena tried to think of where she'd ended up going since teaming up with Meowth. Unfortunately, even though she'd tried to go in a straight line, it had been difficult. In various encounters with hunters, or near encounters with them, she'd been slightly diverted. She only knew that the way behind her would lead roughly back towards the city. From what she could see of the signs of the skirmish in this area, though, was that the defenders had been guarding the path to the right more than the left. She decided to head that way.

It wasn't long before Serena heard some noises up ahead, and she slowed down once more, listening closely. It sounded like a battle, and she felt a thrill, wondering if it was Ash. If it was, maybe he'd found Raphael and she could save Absol. She took a deep breath and encouraged Rhyhorn forward, whispering to Popplio to be ready.

Unfortunately, the sight she came across wasn't Ash, but Serena was definitely glad she had come this way. Ahead, were three of the bug trainers from the group that seemed to be allying with the Lumiose students and Wetlands Pokemon that had come. Serena had heard one group that she'd passed earlier saying something about "the Hive" and she wondered if Henry had come to help his kids. Either way, these trainers appeared to need help, as they were fighting a hunter with a nasty looking Gyrados in front of him, their trio of Butterfree not looking to be much of a match for it.

"Popplio, use Bubble Beam!" Serena shouted, seeing Gyrados aiming an attack towards the trainers, who appeared to have been attempting a joined Sleep Powder attack to no avail.

"Pop!" Popplio cried out, kicking off from Rhyhorn and unleashing a powerful stream of bubbles. They barrelled into Gyrados' chest, not appearing to hurt it much, but causing it to stagger a bit in surprise, its attack missing and exploding against a tree. The bug trainers tried to use this to their advantage, ordering their Butterfree to use Gust to strike Gyrados with a heavy wind. It knocked it back a bit further, but the water type was further enraged, roaring loudly and causing the Butterfree to shrink back in fear.

"We'll see how tough he is soon enough," Serena whispered, narrowing her eyes as the hunter looked over to her. "Popplio, Aqua Jet!"

"Aqua Tail, Gyrados!" the hunter countered.

Popplio was quick to launch herself forward once more, her body engulfed in water as she rushed towards Gyrados. Meanwhile, the opposing water type's tail was engulfed in water as well, raising up to strike back against Popplio. The two attacks clashed in midair, water spraying everywhere, and forcing the Butterfree back once more as they attempted to approach. Unfortunately for Popplio, Gyrados' force was too much, and with an extra push, she was sent flying back, hitting the ground hard and skidding back a few feet.

"Hydro Pump!" the hunter then ordered, smirking as he noticed he had the clear edge in power. Serena felt her heartbeat quicken. She couldn't let Popplio get hurt. Pancham and Sylveon were too tired out, and Braixen...her eyes widened, seeing a flash of yellow and white fur to her left. She shook her head quickly, though. She was seeing things. She was tired and panicked. The Hydro Pump formed in the Gyrados' jaws. It fired.

"BRAIII!"

A massive jet of blistering hot fire burst out from the trees, exploding against the giant stream of water rushing towards Popplio and Serena. Despite the type mismatch, the flames completely overpowered the water, burning it away to steam as it advanced forward. It seemed to be getting pushed, but Serena had no idea how.

"VIII!"

Serena looked to her right, seeing a Vivillon flapping its wings with all the force it could muster. It was no ordinary Gust attack that it was using. It was using Hurricane. Anton's Vivillon, Serena realized, smiling widely. Braixen must've come for me when she realized what had happened, and Vivillon came to help her because I was heading towards where Anton would've been going.

Vivillon was tiring out a bit, though, and Braixen's flames were starting to falter a bit. Fortunately, the Butterfree were quick to support their fellow butterfly, rushing to its sides and flapping their wings alongside it. Once again, Braixen's Flamethrower burst forward, and this time it finished the job, eliminating the jet of water and slamming into Gyrados.

The Sea Serpent Pokemon screeched in pain, the flames burning into it and sending it crashing to the ground. The Butterfree didn't hesitate, and neither did their trainers, in making sure the mighty water type and its trainer were subdued. A cloud of blue dust rained over the pair as the Butterfree hit them with Sleep Powder. The bug trainers were even more thorough with it, tying up the hunter and grabbing his pokeball and recalling the Gyrados into it. From what Serena had seen at other places, this seemed to be one of "the Hive's" methods of containing the hunters.

"Have you seen anybody coming this way?" Serena asked the trainers, seeing Braixen scanning the area for other hunters. "A trainer and his Pikachu, maybe?"

One of them turned in surprise. "Ash? Uh...yes, miss. He was with Henry's son. They left the camp where we've been freeing the stolen Pokemon the hunters have. They went to find Raphael. A helicopter was spotted in this area so a few of us came out to try to secure the area as much as possible to help their search."

Serena's eyes widened. She was close. Very close. "Where's the most likely place they would've headed by now?"

"Probably that way!" the trainer answered, pointing behind where the hunter was now tied up. The path there led up a hill that would lead towards some cliffs overlooking the city. "We've managed to clear out hunters trying to get there. Perhaps they're trying to support their leader."

Serena nodded. It made sense based on where she'd seen hunters heading too. As though they were blocking the path and rushing towards something. Ash and Anton might've slipped through, though, since most of the hunters seemed to have been beaten back by now. She looked to Braixen, seeing her partner Pokemon helping Popplio up, before she approached. They smiled at one another.

"I knew you'd come, Braixen," Serena said, smiling. She realized a part of her had known since she'd run off after the helicopter. She had the Mega Evolution bond with Absol, but something else with Braixen. The bond of a trainer and her first Pokemon and best friend. "Are you ready to fight by my side and save Absol?"

"Braixen brai!"

"Then let's go and show Raphael what a future Kalos Queen and her partner can do!"


As soon as Ash saw Absol, cramped and tied up in a small cage, he nearly lost control. If Anton hadn't quickly pulled him back, he would've rushed towards the leader of the hunters, not even bothering to worry about the powerful Medicham guarding him. As he managed to restrain himself a moment later, Anton letting go of him once it was clear he wouldn't charge in, Ash took note of the Medicham, seeing the Mega Stone it held. Raphael didn't seem to be the least bit concerned at being so outnumbered by Ash and Anton's Pokemon, and Ash was pretty sure this Medicham was why. The way Absol cowered in fear just by looking at it said enough.

"It's over, Raphael," Anton said, fists clenched at his sides as his Skarmory and Scizor, now Mega Evolved, moved forward. "Your hunters are running scared. The Pokemon you've stolen and beaten are free. You yourself are cornered. Give it up."

Raphael stayed quiet, keeping his gaze on the city in the distance as he stood at the edge of the cliff. After a few moments, though, he chuckled. "It seems you're right about my subordinates. They turned out to be rather useless, didn't they?" He paused, turning slightly to glance briefly at Anton, before turning away again. "Pity about the product. Hmm. No matter. I'll have the value to replace it."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ash asked, glaring at the man. "That's all Pokemon are to you? 'Products'? What about your Medicham?"

"My Medicham and I understand one another quite well, boy," Raphael murmured. He lifted his Key Stone in the air, still not looking back. It was normal, just like Medicham's Mega Stone. But Ash knew Raphael had altered other stones. He didn't trust it.

"You've come this far by lying," Ash snapped. "Who says your Mega Evolution can't be a lie, too?"

Raphael nodded, as if to himself, but Ash noticed Medicham doing so as well. A moment later, a bright light shone from both of their stones, extending out to one another. Ash had seen the same process only minutes before from Anton and his Scizor. As Medicham's new form was revealed a moment later, Ash narrowed his eyes. It appeared to be a true Mega Evolution. Something in him told him not to trust it, though. There was still something...wrong about it.

"There's only one way to see how real it is," Anton whispered, glancing at Ash. "Ready?"

Ash nodded, eyes shifting to Decidueye, who didn't seem to need s signal to be prepared. Anton's Skarmory looked set to attack as well. Scizor and Hawlucha tensed as well, but Ash and Anton were reluctant to send all of them at once. Even Anton didn't know what Raphael was truly capable of in battle, despite training sessions the two had had in the past.

"Decidueye, Leaf Blade!"

"Skarmory, Aerial Ace!"

Both Pokemon darted to opposite sides, Medicham staying still as it studied them, eyes going first to Decidueye, and then Skarmory. Decidueye stayed on the ground as he ran forward, while Skarmory flapled its metallic wings and shot into the air. Then, with as much speed and strength as they could muster, they unleashed their attacks.

"Saiii!" Decidueye cried out, unsheathing a pair of green blades and spinning as he leaped forward, trying to strike back to back.

"Skarrr!" Meanwhile, in a dive from above, Skarmory came barrelling down on Medicham, aiming like an arrow at lightning speed.

Raphael didn't appear to give an order, but he gave another of his little chuckles as he continued staring out over the cliff. Medicham knew what he wanted, and acted precisely. Ash could barely see it as the Meditate Pokemon thrust out a fist, Decidueye deflected off of it like a tennis ball hitting a racket, chest smoking. In the next instant, Skarmory was struck, but instead of being sent flying, the Armor Bird Pokemon simply dropped on impact as Medicham brought his fist up into the air, barely glancing at it. Ash only realized it as it faded that Medicham had unleashed a ferocious Fire Punch back to back.

"Decidueye!" Ash called out in concern, rushing forward to the grass and ghost type, seeing him straining to stand. Hawlucha and Pikachu were equally concerned, each going to Decidueye's other side.

Skarmory was in worse shape. Ash glanced up as Anton, face pale with fear and surprise, raised his pokeball and recalled his steel and flying type. Ash couldn't blame him for his shock. Skarmory and Decidueye were two of their best. Medicham had knocked one out and severely damaged the other with almost no effort.

"I expect better than that from my Battle Team Captain and his chief rival," Raphael murmured, taking a brief moment to glance back at the two trainers, before returning to his study of the city in the distance.

"Decidueye, can you continue?" Ash whispered, exchanging an uneasy glance with Anton before looking at the Arrow Quill Pokemon's eyes. He was tired and hurt...but determined. He nodded.

"We can't rush in like that again," Anton muttered angrily, glaring at Medicham and Raphael. "It's dangerous up close."

Ash could sense Anton's frustration and felt it as well. It was a big part of both of their styles. "We'll be fine," Ash assured him. "Let's see what Decidueye can do at a distance."

Anton frowned. "We should attack together."

"Not yet," Ash said, shaking his head. "Try to watch what they do. We need to figure out a better plan of attack." Anton hesitated, but nodded along with his Scizor. Ash grinned, looking ahead. "Decidueye, we'll test them from a distance. Spirit Shackle!"

"De...Decidueye!" Decidueye grunted out, straightening up. He drew his ghostly bow and arrow, pulling it back. Medicham watched carefully. "Saiii!"

"Cham!"

Ash's eyes narrowed, watching the ghostly arrow rocket towards Medicham. The Meditate Pokemon lashed out, just as quickly as before, a pink glow briefly flashing as he did so. The arrow was slashed in half, evaporating immediately.

"This isn't working," Anton growled. "We need to strike with everything we have."

"You were the one holding me back before, weren't you?" Ash pointed out, Anton sniffing dismissively at the response. "Was he not like this in your training sessions?"

"He mostly had me do the work."

Raphael laughed. With the way he was barely paying attention to them, Ash found it hard to remember he was there, even though he knew they were battling him. It was a very strange feeling. "I'd never reveal myself that easily."

"You've revealed things already," Ash said, smirking. "Decidueye, Ominous Wind! Hawlucha, Flying Press!"

It seemed the two of them had finally realized what he was doing. Hawlucha seemed pleased with his role in particular, grinning as he posed in preparation for his attack, while Decidueye spread his cape-like wings and unleashed a ferocious gust of ghostly energy towards Medicham.

It was the most powerful strike yet, bringing a grunt of surprise from Medicham has he lashed out with a wave of energy from Psychic. As the attacks strained against one another, though, Hawlucha leaped high and barrelled down on the Meditate Pokemon. Raphael, apparently sensing Medicham's struggle, turned.

Unfortunately, Hawlucha was no match for the High Jump Kick that crashed into his chest. The Wrestling Pokemon was sent flying back towards Decidueye, hitting him and knocking him to the ground. A moment later, the two of them were thrown hard across the clearing from Psychic. Ash winced as they struck the ground hard behind him. Hawlucha groaned, struggling to his feet. Decidueye stayed where he was.

Ash recalled Decidueye to his pokeball, Hawlucha looking on in concern and anger. "Thank you, Decidueye," Ash whispered to the pokeball. "You did a great job. What you did will help us win this battle."

As Ash glanced to Anton, he saw his rival nodding, apparently having realized what Ash had done. "He's not as careful as he thinks. I never saw anything but Psychic when I had sparring matches with him."

"Now we know what we're up against," Ash said softly, looking to Hawlucha, who seemed determined to avenge Decidueye. They hadn't been as close as Hawlucha and Riolu or Noivern, but Hawlucha had been one of the first to welcome Decidueye as a Rowlet to the group. This was personal for him. Ash wanted to give him another reason to fight hard, though. "Riolu, I choose you!" he shouted, throwing the pokeball forward, the Emanation Pokemon emerging alongside Hawlucha, ready to fight. "Pikachu," Ash whispered, looking down to his partner Pokemon and then glancing to Absol. "Can you help Absol out of his bindings?"

Pikachu nodded. He knew he wasn't quite in the shape to do the intense fighting still necessary, but he was able to help in this way. "Pika!" He scurried off as Hawlucha, Riolu and Scizor moved forward to engage Medicham.

"Riolu, Quick Attack! Hawlucha, High Jump Kick!"

"Scizor, Bullet Punch!"

"Cham!"

As all three of their Pokemon rushed forward to attack, Raphael chuckled again, just as Medicham's body was surrounded by a blue aura. A moment later, a wave of blue energy struck the three Pokemon heading towards it. It seemed as though they had slammed into a wall of glue, sticking to the psychic energy and unable to move. Ash clenched his fists. Did it even matter if they knew Medicham's moves if they couldn't reach it again?

"Braixen, Fire Blast!"

"Cham?"

Boom!

Ash's eyes widened as a five-pronged blast of fire burst out from behind him and Anton, soaring over the heads of their Pokemon and rushing towards the stunned Medicham. It had too much focus invested in its psychic hold on Scizor, Hawlucha and Riolu, that it had no way to block the surprise attack. It could only look on in alarm as the fire attack crashed into it and sent it crashing across the ground towards Raphael, who now turned, his own eyes wide with alarm.

With the psychic hold now released on them, the three original attacks were unleashed, bringing a further assault on Medicham. As it began to rise, body smoking and rage in its eyes, Riolu barrelled into him, sending him staggering back as the Emanation Pokemon bounced back, giving Hawlucha the chance to bring his leg up and slam it hard into Medicham's chin. The Meditate Pokemon grunted in pain, stumbling as his head jerked upwards, but he was slammed back to the ground as Scizor's Mega Evolution enhanced pincer slammed him to the ground with Bullet Punch.

As all three Pokemon hurried back, Medicham quickly managing to rise to his feet despite the assault, Ash turned his head to the new arrival, his heart racing with not fear, but something else. "Serena," he whispered, seeing her atop a Rhyhorn, with Popplio perched in front of her and Braixen at her side. There was something else with her, too, though.

"Viii!"

Anton gasped next to Ash, and a moment later, the bug type was flying into his chest, crying out in joy. After a moment, Anton hugged it, a small smile coming to his face. "You never gave up on me, did you?"

Vivillon backed up a moment later, hovering in front of Anton as Serena approached, hopping off of her Rhyhorn and hugging Ash. "Vivillon has been pretty busy tonight," she said. She was breathing heavily. Clearly Vivillon wasn't the only one who had been busy. "It apparently helped Bonnie free Dawn, Marie and Shauna at the Pokemon Centre and take the area back from the hunters. Then it helped Braixen find me after I came after the helicopter that took..." She trailed off, seeing Absol, who Pikachu had now freed, cage collapsed around them, although he was still lying there, drifting in and out of consciousness. Anger flashed in her eyes, and she looked to Raphael, who was studying the group with interest.

"So...the girl who brought out the great strength I knew resided in this creature." He smirked, eyes briefly shifting to Ash. "Yes...many losses this night. An admittedly poor sequence of events for me lately. But...it will all be worth it with the acquisitions I make soon enough."

"You've lost all of your so called acquisitions," Anton yelled back. He gave Vivillon a small smile. "Fletchinder is free. After this, we'll all be together again." Vivillon looked pleased, eyes locking with Scizor's who nodded back, before both turned their gazes to Raphael.

"As I said, boy," Raphael murmured, folding his arms, "many losses. But..." He looked to Ash and Serena. "An Absol that goes from cripple to champion in a matter of months and a Greninja that can perform feats not seen in centuries, or perhaps more. These are special prizes. Special products. A Fletchinder or a Vivillon...enough of them could help an army of subordinates cause some trouble. Unfortunately they will not grant me the wealth I need to expand my operations or..." He looked to Medicham, and then his Key Stone. "Or discover new...abilities."

"You won't be taking any of our Pokemon!" Serena snapped back, stepping forward. "Popplio, Bubble Beam! Braixen, Fire Blast!"

Raphael smirked, and so did Medicham. The Meditate Pokemon pulled back a fist and it was quickly engulfed with flames. He slammed it forward as Popplio's bubbles hit, the water attack turning to steam on impact. The steam seemed to weaken Braixen's Flamethrower, which was also no match for the Fire Punch. As effective as the surprise Fire Blast had been, Ash almost felt like Raphael was glad for the extra opponent. The more opponents, the more they grew uneasy when their attacks failed.

"We need to attack in waves," Anton said. "Don't let up. That Medicham can block easily if we attack at once, but it had nothing for that Fire Blast when it was holding the other attacks."

Ash and Serena nodded. It was the best plan they had right now. Unfortunately, Raphael didn't seem worried in the slightest. He just watched them with calm, amused eyes. Eyes that were eerily similar to his Medicham's. Ash tried to shrug off his uneasiness as he prepared for the attack, though, knowing they needed to try and overwhelm them. Raphael had been taken by surprise already. Perhaps it would work again.

"Scizor, use Agility to get in close, and then use Bullet Punch back to back! Vivillon, attack from above with Signal Beam!" He hesitated a moment, looking to Vivillon uncertainly, but his old bug type was already in motion to obey his command.

Scizor burst forward, darting from side to side, picking up speed rapidly as he approached the watching Medicham. It appeared Psychic wouldn't be used in defence right away. Ash figured it took too much concentration if not all of the Pokemon were attacking at once. That was why Braixen's attack had been so effective.

Instead, Medicham brace himself, and, as Scizor darted low to strike with his glowing pincer, the Meditate Pokemon kicked upwards with High Jump Kick, swinging in the air and connecting with the pincer. However, as the two strained against one another, Vivillon's Signal Beam was launched from above, the green beam of energy aiming right for Medicham's head.

The psychic and fighting type was too clever for that, eyes glowing blue as he took hold of the Signal Beam with Psychic. It faltered a moment, the psychic attack being weak against the bug attack, allowing Scizor to push forward a bit, but ultimately, he took control of the Signal Beam, directing it into Scizor and sending his fellow Mega Evolution to the ground. He then looked up, preparing another Psychic.

"Brai!"

"Pop!"

A jet of flame and a stream of bubbles came from both sides, Serena having ordered her two Pokemon to move as Scizor was engaged. As Medicham hesitated, Vivillon took advantage, with Anton commanding a Hurricane, while he called for Scizor to use another Bullet Punch to follow up.

"Cham!" Medicham yelled, spinning as he glowed with a blue aura. He struck the incoming Bubble Beam with a Fire Punch, a hiss of steam shooting up in front of him, before he slammed the flames from Braixen into the ground. Then, amidst the steam and smoke, he leaped into the air, using Psychic to combine the two into a swirling tornado that blocked Vivillon's Hurricane. He finished off with a powerful kick to Scizor's head, easily dodging past the incoming Bullet Punch.

The assault wasn't over, though, with Hawlucha and Riolu already on the move. Riolu darted in past the stumbling Scizor, while Hawlucha descended from the sky, gliding down past a staggering Vivillon as he spun in preparation for his Flying Press. Braixen and Popplio were also performing their follow up attacks, Braixen moving in close to support Riolu with Scratch, while Popplio fired off another stream off Bubbles.

Raphael smirked as Medicham glowed in a blue aura once more, Popplio's Bubble Beams easily stopped as he spun in midair, the water attack crashing into Braixen while she tried to swipe at him. Then, a nasty Psycho Cut was quickly sent out at Hawlucha as he neared the Meditate Pokemon, the Wrestling Pokemon's eyes bulging as he was struck in the stomach. Riolu had managed to close in, though, swiping at Medicham's side with a Metal Claw, and causing him to drop quickly to the ground, grunting in pain.

Medicham looked enraged to be hit by the Emanation Pokemon, the blue aura around him seeming to pulse as he raised his arms up. Psychic energy blasted outwards, picking up all the Pokemon that had attacked and sending them flying out in a circle. Ash heard Serena cry out in concern as Popplio hit the ground near them, looking unable to rise. Hawlucha didn't look much better, clutching to his stomach where the Psycho Cut had hit. Everyone else looked pretty winded, but managed to rise steadily enough.

"Popplio," Serena whispered, recalling the Sea Lion Pokemon to its pokeball, "you did well. Thank you."

"He's so strong," Ash muttered, seeing Raphael and Medicham standing so confidently. His eyes darted over to where Pikachu was comforting Absol, trying to urge him awake, or at least to stay awake. No wonder he had been so traumatized. Medicham was a force. A terrible force filled with so much hate. Hate that his trainer had fostered in him for a long time.

"Riolu managed to hit him hard," Anton pointed out, eyeing their opponent carefully. "We can keep pushing. They can't hold on forever."

"Hmm...I don't think I'm interested in your childish games anymore, Anton," Raphael then said, stepping away from the cliff. "This is taking far too long, I think. Now that my desired products are within reach, it's time to...speed things along." He nodded, and Medicham's eyes glowed blue. Ash thought he saw a brief swirl of darkness around it as well, connecting him and Raphael.

Suddenly, Vivillon was grabbed by the Psychic attack, startling Scizor who stood beneath his old friend. Anton shouted in frustration and concern, but there was nothing he or Scizor could do. In an instant, Vivillon was slammed down to the ground, crying out as its body hit. Scizor was at its side in an instant, scooping it up, before darting over to Anton, while Raphael laughed.

"Vivillon..." Anton whispered, taking the bug type from Scizor and holding it close. It looked up at him weakly, shivering from the pain of the sudden, vicious attack. Anton narrowed his eyes as his old Pokemon drifted into unconsciousness. "Scizor...Agility! Then Fury Cutter!" He held up his hand as Ash and Serena prepared to order their attacks. "This is my battle now!" They hesitated, but after a quick glance at one another, Ash and Serena nodded. There was no point getting in Anton's way now. Besides, he knew Raphael best. Perhaps they could figure something out by watching.

Medicham was ready as Scizor darted forward, pincer glowing brightly with the prepared Fury Cutter. As the Pincer Pokemon lashed out with his powerful pincer, Medicham struck as well, his flaming fist connecting with the Fury Cutter head on. The entire clearing shook from the impact, and Ash felt Serena holding onto him from the ground shaking beneath their feet. Unfortunately, despite the increased speed and force generated from Agility, Scizor appeared unable to push through, only straining against Medicham a few moments before the Meditate Pokemon forced his attack through, hitting Scizor hard in the chest and sending him skidding back.

Anton wasn't letting up, though, immediately ordering another Fury Cutter, clearly doing his best to keep the pressure on and avoid Medicham having a chance to lock Scizor in a grip with Psychic as he'd done to Vivillon. Scizor was equally determined, kicking off and slashing outward again, meeting another Fire Punch from Medicham. This time, with Fury Cutter being used back to back, its power was increased, and Scizor was able to push a little harder, surprise showing in Medicham's face.

"Cham!" Medicham grunted, pulling back his other fist and driving it, a pink glow around it, into Scizor's side.

"Zor!" the Pincer Pokemon cried out, stumbling to the side just as he'd been about to push his attack through. Instead, the Fire Punch followed through again, hitting Scizor in the chest and sending him crashing to the ground.

"No!" Anton growled, eyes flashing, Vivillon still held in his arms. "Vacuum Wave!"

"Sci...zor..." Scizor panted, shakily rising and aiming his pincers at Medicham, who looked shocked to see him standing."ZOOORRR!"

The rush of blue, windy energy blasted outwards as Scizor's pincers shook rapidly with the incredible increase of power. Medicham was blown off of his feet, taken hold of by the attack and sent crashing into the ground, before flying across it, further carried by the attack. Raphael seemed to hesitate, raising an arm as though to intervene in some way. He kept his cool otherwise, though, watching with increased interest. Ash was sure he was somehow commanding Medicham...perhaps telepathically with its psychic powers.

"Keep it up!" Anton ordered. "Fury Cutter with everything you have!"

"Zor!"

Scizor flew forward, both pincers glowing as he readied his attack. Medicham grunted as it got to its feet, and with the force of the previous attack, it wasn't ready in time to block Scizor's first strike from Fury Cutter, the pincer hitting his jaw and making him stumble back further. Raphael murmured something in that moment, though, and the Meditate Pokemon's eyes flashed in anger as the next pincer came at him. He managed to slide to the side before kicking outwards with a High Jump Kick, the attack landing hard against the side of Scizor's head.

"Zor!" Scizor grunted, falling hard onto his side as Medicham loomed over him.

"Finish it," Raphael said, eyes flashing.

Scizor's body was engulfed in a blue aura, and Ash, Serena and Anton watched in horror as he was lifted into the air. He was sent to the ground with a mighty crash, a glow immediately coming from his body as he reverted to his regular form. He lay still as Anton shakily retrieved his pokeball to recall it.

"I...I failed," he whispered, looking stunned as he glanced at Ash and Serena, raising his pokeball in a shaky hand. "I'm...I'm sorry."

There was a noise behind them, the bushes rustling with something coming through, but suddenly, Ash's attention was caught by Medicham's eyes, directed at Scizor's unconscious form. Raphael chuckled as his Pokemon's eyes glowed blue, lifting Scizor into the air once more. Anton shouted in rage for them to stop, but it was no use. "Anton..." Raphael murmured. "You are dismissed."

Scizor's body was whipped at his trainer. Anton, eyes widening with surprise, managed to turn his body to protect Vivillon, before he was hit, grunting at the initial collision, before he and his Pokemon were sent flying backwards. Vivillon and Scizor were already unconscious, but Ash could see that Anton was as well now, lying still with his arms around Vivillon, and Scizor lying against him.

"Anton!" a voice then cried out in concern, and Ash turned to where he'd heard the noise a moment before, seeing four figures emerging atop Skiddo. Clemont, Bonnie, Korrina and Gabby. The voice was Gabby's, and she hopped off her Skiddo and ran to her brother, while the other three took the scene in, looking stunned.

"Ash, what..." Clemont looked exhausted, and the helpless scene in front of him probably didn't make things any better. He glanced at Anton, shaking, before his eyes went to Raphael, who looked sickeningly pleased by the arrival of more trainers.

"His Medicham..." Serena said, glaring at Raphael. "It's..."

"It's a real Mega Evolution," Korrina noted, looking suspiciously at Medicham. Her eyes kept darting to Riolu for some reason as well. "Something still seems off about it, though."

"Can I paralyze him, Clemont?" Bonnie asked, she and her Dedenne looking most determined of any of them as she glanced at Gabby making sure her brother was okay. He was still unconscious, but she was making sure he was more comfortable, putting Vivillon carefully back in his arms after checking on it.

"Let's...let's make sure we can do a little more first," Clemont said, getting off of his Skiddo along with Bonnie and Korrina.

"Welcome, kids," Raphael said as the new arrivals came up behind Ash and Serena, Clemont and Korrina calling out Luxray, Elekid and Lucario as they did so. It looked like they were out for show more than anything. Lucario especially looked exhausted. Elekid quickly noticed Anton, and rushed over there, appearing most concerned about Vivillon. Clemont seemed to have expected that, though, merely glancing briefly at them, before looking ahead to Raphael.

"I saw your message, Raphael," Clemont said, a surprising amount of forcefulness in his voice. "I made sure it was forgotten pretty quickly, though. Lumiose City fought off your thugs. We rallied and we won. Dawn and the others are clearing out the rest of your friends as we speak."

Raphael shrugged. "No matter. I've come to terms with losing those useless subordinates. My targets are all here." He narrowed his eyes at Clemont, and then Korrina. "Your inventions may prove useful to me, boy. And the Shalour Gym Leader? Yes, your interference has been noted as well. I can make good use of your valuable little Lucario, though."

"You won't use anything!" Korrina shouted. "Aura Sphere!"

Clemont was ready to back her up. "Wild Charge!"

Ash gritted his teeth, not having a chance to warn them to be careful. Lucario was quick and precise, though, darting to the side to keep Medicham's eyes on him, before pulling his arms back, preparing his Aura Sphere as Luxray closed the distance, body engulfed in electricity. Medicham unfortunately didn't look concerned, though. As Luxray approached, the Gleam Eyes Pokemon was plucked from the ground with Psychic, left to run in midair in a humiliating position.

"Ru!" Lucario's Aura Sphere appeared to be unexpectedly fast and powerful, though, rushing towards Medicham and forcing it to slash outwards with Psycho Cut as it tried to hold Luxray in place. The powerful blue sphere managed to knock Medicham slightly off balance, though, breaking his concentration and allowing Luxray to slip free, finishing his charge.

"Cham!" Medicham was struck by the electric attack, but he held his ground, grinning as Luxray staggered a moment later from the recoil damage, before kicking upwards with High Jump Kick, sending the electric type flying back while Lucario rushed forward. Unfortunately for Clemont and Korrina, it was just what Medicham and Raphael wanted.

"Lux?" Luxray's crash to the ground was halted as once again he was pulled into the air by Psychic. He didn't stay in the air long, though, quickly slammed to the ground in front of a running Lucario, both hitting the ground hard from the collision. Neither got to their feet.

"Lucario!"

"Luxray!"

"Cham!" Both Pokemon were sent flying back again, each rushing towards their trainers just as Scizor's unconscious form had rushed towards Anton. This time, though, Ash was ready.

"Hawlucha! Riolu!" he yelled, his two fighters hopping into action immediately.

"Lucha!"

"Ruru!"

Neither of them was big enough to stop the impact completely, but they each darted in front of Clemont and Korrina, catching the incoming Pokemon and grunting as they were hit. They each stumbled backward, backing into Clemont and Korrina, but the worst of the collision was avoided. Hawlucha managed to keep Clemont on his feet, but Riolu and Lucario both fell backwards into Korrina. They all seemed to be relatively okay, though, even though Luxray and Lucario needed to be recalled to their pokeballs.

"Thanks Ash. Thanks Riolu," Korrina murmured, looking sadly at her pokeball as she got to her feet, picking something else off the ground that she'd dropped in the fall. She looked a little confused as she started at it.

"Foolish boy," Raphael snapped. "Interfering to save your friends and weakening your Pokemon in the process. No wonder this has been so easy."

Ash glanced back at Anton, who Gabby was still fussing over. "I won't let you hurt my friends any more, Raphael. This has gone too far."

"Hmph. We'll see, boy." He nodded to his Medicham, and suddenly, it was rushing forward. But not in their direction.

"Absol!" Serena shouted in concern, realizing what was happening.

Braixen was quickest to react. "Brai!" she cried out, leaping with all the grace and skill of one of the most talented performers in the world. She flipped effortlessly through the air, easily putting herself in between Medicham and the tired out Pikachu, who unsteadily stood in front of Absol. She didn't stand a chance.

"Cham!" Medicham's fist lashed out, glowing pink as it sank into Braixen's stomach. The fire type's eyes bulged as she was struck, and she stumbled back a few steps, before dropping to the ground like a stone.

The scene enraged Ash. It enraged Serena further. This time, she ran forward. She was halfway to Medicham by the time he turned towards her. Raphael and his powerful partner seemed to have no issue directly striking Serena. The psychic and fighting type pulled back his fist once more.

"Ru!"

Serena came to a stop, eyes wide as Medicham's Psycho Cut rushed towards her. It didn't make it, and the clearing was bathed in a bright light as Riolu began to evolve, his fist locked in a battle of wills with Medicham's.

"RUUU!" He cried out, his love for Serena powering his evolution. His dedication to Ash powering his evolution. His desire to defend the both of them and their friends powering his evolution. He was Riolu no more.

"CHAAAM!"

Medicham was blasted into the air, Lucario's fist pounding into his face and driving him upwards, a green glow passing between the two Pokemon. The Aura Pokemon wasn't done, however, glancing briefly back at Ash with a smile as he pulled his arms back, an orb forming between them.

"Focus Blast?" Ash whispered, remembering all the struggles they'd had perfecting the move. They had yet to do it. He knew they never would, though. He smiled. They hadn't been training for Focus Blast this whole time. They'd been preparing for something else. Something far stronger. ":Let it rip, Lucario! Aura Sphere!"

"RUUU!"

The blue sphere rocketed up towards the stunned Medicham, exploding against the Meditate Pokemon and sending him flying further back towards Raphael. It crashed hard to the ground, groaning and remaining there, its body smoking from the assault. Raphael's eyes were wide with surprise. As Medicham managed to shakily rise to his feet a moment later, it was clear that for the first time in this battle, both he and his trainer were afraid.

"Ru!" Lucario then said, turning to a stunned Serena, gesturing to Braixen, and then Absol. She nodded, checking on Braixen and recalling her to her pokeball, before rushing over to Absol, joining Pikachu in guarding him. Then, Lucario turned his attention back to Medicham, grinning. He was ready to finish this.

"Ash!"

He turned in surprise, seeing Korrina, still looking a little dazed from her fall, and perhaps tired from the previous events. She was pulling something off of the band on her arm. "What is it?" he asked, surprised at her urgency.

She threw two things towards him. He caught them. A Key Stone and a Mega Stone. "Lucario's strong enough. You can win this right here and now if he Mega Evolves."

Ash stared wide-eyed at the stones, eyes going to Lucario, who looked back. They locked eyes and nodded. Ash threw the Mega Stone to Lucario, who caught it. Then, both raised their stones high. "Lucario, Mega Evolve!" Ash shouted, focusing with everything he had on his bond with Lucario, and how much both of them wanted to protect their friends. A light extended between them. Ash could see the bright white light shooting forth from the Key Stone, reaching out to a dark, swirling energy from Lucario's Mega Stone.

Wait. Dark energy?

"No! Oh no! It's the wrong stone!"

Raphael laughed as Lucario screamed in rage and pain, the light dimming around him. He turned away from Medicham, and locked his eyes on Ash. Eyes filled with pain and hate. Eyes like the warped Mega Evolved Pokemon Raphael had his hunters using. Eyes similar to his Medicham.

"I made sure. I checked it...that's impossible..." Korrina sounded terrified. Clemont was trying to comfort her, but it did no good. "I checked! That couldn't have been the stone!"

"Medicham sensed the stone on you the moment you arrived, girl," Raphael laughed out. "He manipulated you into giving it to this fool with a touch of his Psychic attack. You kids are putty in my hands."

Ash swallowed nervously, looking to Lucario. The hate in his eyes. It was so unnatural. It couldn't have been him. But...the stone pulled that hate from somewhere, didn't it? Did Lucario feel this way deep down?

"Lucha!"

Lucario's attention snapped to Ash's right, where Hawlucha was darting forward to stand between his trainer and his young admirer. Despite the situation, Hawlucha looked proud. Ash could tell the Wrestling Pokemon was impressed with the charge Riolu had made to defend Serena and the power he'd shown upon evolution. It was the pride of someone who knew who they were dealing with. He could see the real Lucario within.

As if to confirm Ash's thoughts, Gabby called out from behind, still with her brother. "You can beat it, Ash. Lucario is in there. Raphael tried this game with my Altaria. You just need to remind Lucario what he's fighting for. Remind him of his love for you and your friends."

Ash nodded, and locked eyes with Hawlucha. "Lucario," he said, looking to the Pokemon he and Serena had raised from an egg they'd received so many months ago, "please...fight this. I know you can remember me. I know you can remember Serena. I know you can remember Hawlucha."

Serena added her own voice. "Do you remember when you hatched, Lucario?" she called out. She was holding Absol's head in her lap. His eyes were open. He was watching. "I think...I think you sensed you would be needed here. I had a dream that night. Ash did, too. You were meant to help me save Absol. You knew back then that you cared for us, just based on how we cared for your egg."

"She's right, Lucario," Ash said, smiling at the Aura Pokemon. He stood there, eyes darting between the two of them, with a few glances at Hawlucha as well. He looked afraid rather than angry. Ash decided that was a good sign. Raphael looked uneasy as well, although he watched as though looking at a science experiment, rather than attacking. His Medicham still shook from Lucario's attack, though. Perhaps they were taking advantage of the chance to rest.

"Lucha! Haw hawlucha!" Hawlucha called out, giving one of his characteristic poses. A flash of confusion darted across Lucario's face, before fear and then anger replaced it.

"Lucario," Ash said quickly. "Don't do this. You know you're stronger than this. You know you're part of our family."

"Pika pikachu pika!" Pikachu cried out as well, standing at Serena's side.

"Ruru!" Lucario grunted out in anger, shaking his head, before snapping his gaze to Hawlucha. "Ru!' He charged forward, swinging out with a glowing fist and striking Hawlucha with a Metal Claw.

"Lucha!" Hawlucha grunted, sliding back on the ground, slowly rising to his feet. He looked up at Lucario, chuckling for some reason. "Lucha lucha." Ash got the sense he was complimenting Lucario for some reason. He let it go, though, seeing confusion flash across Lucario's face once more.

"Ru!" Lucario then cried out again, running forward and slamming into Hawlucha with a Quick Attack. Again, Hawlucha slid back, slowly rising to his feet. He looked very shaky. He'd already been tired before this.

"Lucha!" he called out happily, posing for his young friend and chuckling. "Lucha lucha!"

The darkness shook around Lucario, and as he ran forward this time, Ash felt hope, despite the Aura Pokemon's fist slamming into Hawlucha's chest, dropping the Wrestling Pokemon where he stood. Somehow, Ash knew it was what Lucario needed to see. Not because Hawlucha was hurt. Hawlucha wasn't hurt. Hawlucha was happy.

"Lucha lucha lucha cha cha lucha!" the Wrestling Pokemon laughed, wheezing as he did so, staring up at Lucario while on his back. He passed out, smiling proudly at the young Pokemon he had inspired so much. The darkness disappeared.

"Ru?" Lucario's Mega Evolution seemed to falter, but he somehow kept it intact as he dropped to his knees, looking at Hawlucha in concern. "Ruru! Ruru?"

Ash knelt down next to his two fighters. "He's okay, Lucario," he promised, putting a hand on the Aura Pokemon's shoulder, looking into his eyes. "He just wanted his friend...his brother to be okay."

Lucario looked back at Ash, hesitating as he looked at his fist. The fist that had knocked Hawlucha out. He turned his gaze to Raphael and Medicham a moment later, though, nodding in determination. He stood, readying himself to fight. Ash recalled Hawlucha, and brought out one last pokeball to finish this battle off.

"Let's wrap this up, Raphael!" he yelled out. "I'm finished with games, too. It's time to end this!" He threw out his final pokeball, already feeling the change within him as he connected with the one inside. "Greninja, I choose you!"

The final battle began as a torrent of water exploded out of the pokeball, and Ash-Greninja joined Mega Luxario in a rush towards Raphael and Medicham.


Serena didn't think she'd ever seen Ash fight like this. The confidence had often been there. The determination as well. Obviously the dedication to his Pokemon was always a part of his style. This...this was something beyond it all, though. He was truly one with his Pokemon. More than he ever had been.

"Pikapi!"

Serena gasped as Pikachu ran forward to join in, the electric mouse's bruised body looking unable to take anymore. She couldn't stop him, though. He wouldn't miss something this special. None of them would forget this moment. They were connected in a way that few trainers and Pokemon had ever known.

"Aura Sphere! Night Slash!" Ash shouted, Lucario sliding past a Fire Punch from a desperate looking Medicham and firing off the blue sphere, while Greninja darted in from above, swinging out with a purple blade. Ash then saw Pikachu coming in, not bothering to stop him, ordering his next attack as well. "Iron Tail!"

Medicham was still a force to be reckoned with, fighting with speed and skill that would have most trainers, including most of those in the clearing right now, on their heels. Ash and his Pokemon were reacting perfectly, though. They understood who they were and what they were fighting for and it gave each attack purpose. Every strike on Medicham was more powerful than the last.

"Ru!"

"Pika!"

"Gren!"

Aura Sphere was slammed to the ground with Psychic. Iron Tail was deflected with Fire Punch. Water Shuriken was blocked by High Jump Kick. It didn't matter. Each attack built off the last. Medicham was just reacting to what he could react to. Little by little he was wearing down. Little by little fear took over. Little by little he realized his hate couldn't power him past love. Raphael's weakness was showing.

"Lucario, Drain Punch!" Ash ordered, punching the air as Lucario charged forward, mimicking his trainer's movement as he slammed his fist into Medicham's chest, draining the Meditate Pokemon's energy as he easily slid past an attempted block from Psycho Cut.

"Ru!" the Aura Pokemon grunted out, shoving forward and sending Medicham backwards. It gasped for air, clutching at its chest.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" came the next command, Lucario sliding back to give Pikachu a boost into the air. From above, the electric mouse unleashed a jet of electricity down on their opponent, Medicham screaming in pain as he was struck, dropping to his knees.

"Pika!" Pikachu cried out, landing on all fours, cheeks sparking in anticipation of further movement. Medicham didn't appear to be doing so, though.

"Greninja, Aerial Ace!" Ash then yelled, mimicking Greninja's every movement as the Ninja Pokemon darted around to Medicham's side, leg glowing white as he built up power within it. "Yeah!"

"Gren!" he cried out, slamming his leg hard into Medicham's side and sending him crashing to the ground. Medicham didn't rise.

"It's over, Raphael!" Ash yelled. The sun was slowly beginning to rise in the distance, and it illuminated the furious determination in Ash's eyes. "Stop this now!" He approached, standing next to his Greninja as it loomed over Medicham.

Raphael had one last play, though. He laughed, locking eyes with his Medicham. "Oh yes, boy. It is over."

"Cham!"

"NOOO!"

Serena was running forward before she knew what she was doing, her screams joined by those of her friends. She felt terror. Pure terror. Medicham's legs kicked out striking both Ash's and Greninja's legs out from underneath them. It gave the Meditate Pokemon all the leverage he needed to shove them over the side of the cliff.

"ASH!" Serena screamed, a dark shadow shooting over her as she ran at Raphael, the Key Stone burning from its place in the ribbon at her chest.

Somehow, without realizing it, Serena had reached Raphael, pulling her fist back and bringing it forward with all her might. This man had caused so much damage. So much pain. She could not let it continue.

He laughed, catching her fist and shoving her backward. His Medicham began to rush towards him, but Lucario and Pikachu were on it in an instant, striking at it with a ferocity Serena had never seen in them before. As she swung out again at Raphael, her fist sinking into his chest this time, she noticed, vaguely in the back of her mind, Bunnelby, Chespin, Dedenne and Elekid joining in on the fight with Medicham.

"Little brat!" Raphael hissed, stepping back as he held his chest, wincing from Serena's punch. "I'll-"

She ignored him, rushing at him again, punching at his shoulder, his chest, his stomach. He blocked one, missed the next, dodged the last. He was surprised at her attack. She would've been as well. But she had to do it. She had to fight. For Ash. For everyone.

"AHHH!" Serena kicked out, her foot landing hard on Raphael's shin, bringing a curse from the man, before she punched at his shoulder again.

"I don't think so, girl!" he snapped, lunging forward and grabbing her by the wrist, twisting it and stopping her charge. He laughed, looking into her shocked eyes as he spun her around, aiming her towards the cliff. The cliff where Ash and Greninja...no she wouldn't think about that. Not now.

"Serena!" her friends called out in concern. They were close, but they dared not move, too scared about what their actions might lead Raphael to do.

They didn't realize that it didn't matter. He was evil. The only satisfaction Serena had as he shoved her forward was that Medicham was thoroughly beaten now, his form reverted to normal. He was totally out of the fight. No matter what Raphael did to her now, he was undefended.

"I can still flee with one of my desired products," Raphael whispered, eyeing the Key Stone at Serena's chest, secured in the ribbon and glowing brightly. Why was it glowing? Raphael reached his hand towards it, holding Serena's wrist tightly and keeping her in place. "I'll take this...you won't be needing-"

Raphael screamed as he touched the Key Stone, stumbling back quickly and clutching his hand as the glow from it brightened even more. He stared in shock at Serena, looking completely stunned. She wasn't so sure what had happened herself.

"What..." He stared, wide-eyed at her, before his eyes drifted up. Serena noticed a shadow passing over her again, and she slowly turned, following Raphael's gaze. She smiled widely, seeing what it was.

Ash was okay, as was Greninja. The two of them stood atop a majestic looking winged Absol, the sun illuminating the Mega Evolved Disaster Pokemon as it glared at the man who had attacked its trainer. Disaster Pokemon he was indeed. For he had brought disaster to Raphael. He hated the man for everything he'd been put through, but Serena could see that the attack on her was the worst offence in Absol's mind. The burning from the Key Stone made much more sense to her now.

"Raphael," Ash said quietly, his voice somehow carrying down, "the hate ends here. We've proven time and time again that our bonds and our friendships can't be beaten by your hate. You failed at every turn, and this is what it's led to.

"You hurt Vivillon, but it stood tall and defended Anton with everything it had. You stole Team Rocket's Pokemon, and it lost you your base. You attacked the city, but we stood up to fight it. You tried to attack our school, but Tierno and Trevor were there. You tried to scare the city, but Clemont and Korrina were there. You tried to seize a Pokemon Centre, but Bonnie, Shauna, Marie and Dawn were there. You tried to hurt and hold Absol...twice...but Serena was there. You tried to hurt us all but we are all here. All of us. All of our power!"

He raised his hand, and Greninja raised his. A swirling disk of orange light spun rapidly above them. It was the move that had given them so much trouble. Now it had purpose. Now it had meaning. Raphael could see it, and he knew what was coming.

It turned out he had other Pokemon with him. He called them out now. A Golurk, a Garbodor, a Tentacruel, a Rhyperior and a Nidoking were no match for the Z-Bond Shuriken. It crashed into them, sending them and their trainer flying across the clearing. They landed a few feet in front of the rest of their friends.

Serena looked back to Absol, seeing him lowering himself to the ground, his form reverting as he touched down. Greninja and Lucario did the same. Ash hopped off of Absol's back and rushed to Serena, catching her as she stumbled. She hadn't realized how unsteady she was until then.

"Are you okay?" they both whispered, each smiling as they heard the other.

"As long as you are," Ash said, looking surprised by his words. He hesitated, then spoke further, seeing that Raphael was no longer an issue. "Um...about earlier. When we separated..."

Serena laughed. This was not the time to be talking about that. But still...she wasn't going to miss her chance. "I've been wanting to tell you something for a long time, Ash," she said.

He nodded, grinning. "I feel the same. I don't totally get what it all means, but I know I do."

"I love you," they both said, each of them blushing at the awkwardness of the moment.

"Well it's about time," Bonnie's voice carried over. The comment wasn't directed at them, though. She was standing with her hands on her hips. Serena frowned, looking at what was in front of Clemont's sister, twitching on the ground.

It appeared she had paralyzed Raphael. And thrown him against a tree.