Pokémon Journey: XYZ
Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 122 and Chapter 39 of XYZ. Part 2 of the Team Flare Arc here, and this one will take the dramatic tension to the next level. Expect this chapter to be viewed from multiple standpoints. Also this will definitely be longer than the last chapter. Enjoy.
"The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion." -Albert Camus
Chapter 122: Rebellion
"Sir we are picking up residents near Diamondback Stadium on the edge of the city." The pilot said. "I'm hoping they're not part of Lysandre's group of zealots. We need to hurry." Steven Stone, Champion of Hoenn, spoke. "We're be approaching soon." The pilot said. "It's best to do a fly by, I'll be jumping out." Steven said.
Meanwhile on the ground, things weren't goin well with Drake and Diantha. "How many times must I apologize!?" Diantha demands. "Apologize all you want. It doesn't change the situation we're in." Drake said. "Sigh, look I won't be guilt ridden about my inner circle of trust." Diantha said. "For what that's worth. You're just like Ash, arguably naive in putting trust in the unfaithful." Drake said. "At least I got faith in people Drake! You need a reason to let people in rather than willingly having faith in them." Diantha said.
"Because at least it's logical. I maybe a gambling man Dinah, but I'm not stupid." Drake said. "So you're saying I'm stupid for not needing a reason to put faith in people?" Diantha asked. "I'm good at reading people Dinah, at what I do. I have a reason why I don't simply just open up to people right off the bat. If only you knew how ugly the world can be." Drake said.
"You think I don't know that? Why I would spend my days trying to make the world a better place." Diantha said. "Yeah, you're a real angel." Drake said. "And aren't you the devil Drake. Running around the world, beating the bullies with your fists. Is this really the life you want to live?" Diantha asked. "...don't make this about me. It's life situations like this that makes someone like me necessary. A humanitarian doesn't have a place here." Drake said. "You're wrong." Diantha argues.
"Sigh, what are we doing here Dinah? Why are we fighting?" Drake asked. "You starte-...I guess, we're at an impasse. We're just...so different." Diantha said. "It's more than that. We're incompatible Dinah." Drake said. "True, but it's those differences the very reason we're attracted to each other." Diantha said. "We can be pretty volatile. We can't seem to agree much." Drake points out. "As with any other people. We'll have our disagreements." Diantha said. "Always hopeful aren't you." Drake said. "One of us has to be and you can use some of that right now." Diantha said.
"All kidding aside, let's continue with the honesty because...I really don't know how the next few hours are gonna play out." Drake sighed. "Okay, then let's get everything off our chest." Diantha said. "Well...why me?" Drake asked. "What do you mean?" Diantha said. "You're literally the most beautiful woman on the planet who has a lavish lifestyle to which in contrast reflects to my...what people would tell me...cavalier lifestyle. You can literally be with anyone you want. So why me?" Drake asked.
"Normally the timing would be inappropriate but I suppose we can talk about this now. As for your question, it's the same reason as why you have feelings for me." Diantha said. "Two incompatible people who are drawn to each other." Drake concluded. "I suppose for my lavish lifestyle...it can be dull from time to time." Diantha admitted. "I doubt that. You're an actress Dinah." Drake chuckles. "We don't always have fun and when we do it gets old." Diantha said. "So are you saying you see me as an outlet where an adventure happens everyday?" Drake said.
"Honestly yes, but you're one of my oldest and truest friend. Plus you're very handsome." Diantha said. "Well I wasn't expecting that...but in contrast I see you as sense of stability. You're right when you say that I can't do this forever. Quite frankly I don't want to really, but you give me a sense of peace and quiet." Drake admits. "I suppose I can provide something like that for someone so caviler." Diantha said.
"If you can, you can probably give me something more than that." Drake playfully said as he suddenly pulled Diantha around his arms, surprising her. "Hey, not so rough." She complains. "I thought you like it rough." Drake flirts. "Okay cowboy, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Keep those filthy thoughts out of your head." Diantha said. "Hey, I'm as clean as a whistle. No sex thoughts here." Drake said. "Who said anything about sex?! Something tell me that you were already thinking about that!" Diantha said. "Wait what!? No I..I mean...uhhh...I wasn't trying to." Drake stutters about while Diantha began to laugh.
"Man you are so easy!" She laughs out. "That's not funny, you made me believe I was sexually harassing you." Drake said. "You really need to practice romance." Diantha said. "Well you're an actress so you must be a master already." Drake said. "Alright, first we take each other close like this." Diantha took Drake in her embrace, wrapping her arms around Drake's neck. "Is this one of your movie montages?" Drake asked.
"Shut up, just go along with me." Diantha said. "Then you stare into the other person's eyes. You'll be able to see into the person's soul." Diantha said. "With my aura I can do that." Drake said. "Well the rest of us are old fashion now focus." Both looked deep into the other's eyes. Both of them feeling the romantic tingle, almost as if they're waiting one of them to cave in.
In time, Drake caved first and suddenly pressed his lips to Diantha's. Oddly Diantha didn't pull back and savored Drake's lips as if she felt that this is where they rightfully belong. Drake felt foreign at this, not since his time with Sara. But somehow he felt warmth settle in his heart. "Well...you certainly calm my nerves about this." Drake said. "I'm thrilled because I'm gonna need your head in the game chief." Diantha said.
"Well this is surprising."
The newly minted couple turn to see a man their age in a charcoal suit with ice blue hair, and pinned to his blazer was a Key Stone. "Steven Stone?" Drake asked. "Drake, it's been some years. You seem to have grown some hairs on your chest." Steven said causing Diantha to giggled. "Well puberty hit me like Head Smash." Drake smirked.
"Congratulations on your Champion position. I take it Wallace is fully devoted to Performances ever since." Drake said. "He has revolutionize the sport further now. Your old friend May Maple continues to make headlines as well." Steven explains. "Aside from the nostalgia, are you're still a geologist?" Drake asked. "Everyone needs a hobby." Steven answered.
"As much as I'm enjoying this, let's get back to reality. What brings you to Kalos?" Diantha asked. "Oh right, I had to come to warn you about Lysandre." Steven said. "You maybe a little late for that. Lydandre's final plan has already started." Diantha said. "How'd you get involve with him?" Drake asked.
"Kalos isn't the only region where Mega Evolution is discovered. I lead an expedition where we found several sets of Mega Stones for some of Hoenn's native Pokemon. He came to me for help and vice versa since he was one of the most prominent researchers in the world." Steven said. "You must be pretty peeved that he only used you to accelerate his plans of armageddon." Drake said. "I assure you he wasn't like this. He was a pioneer, a humanitarian." Steven vouched. "I guess everyone's a fool then." Drake said.
"That's not fair Drake." Diantha said. "No, he's correct. Those closest to us are capable of leaving the deepest sting of betrayal." Steven said. "I...suppose I can agree, a promising trainer and even my one of my own Elites double crossed us as well." Diantha said. "I'm sorry to hear that, but all that matters is to stop them before it's too late." Steven said. "We'll have to explain it to Looker when we get back." Drake said.
Once explaining to Looker about Steven's arrival, everyone felt reassured about his assistance. Now it was time to discuss planning their assault. "So how do we approach this?" Steven asked. "We can't simply wage a direct assault from one point of origin." Looker said. "Before we plan anything, we need eyes around Prism Tower." Diantha said. "Well Looker...being International Police's top dog, I don't suppose you have access to satellite imaging?" Drake asked. "It just so happens I do in fact." Looker smirked.
Meanwhile on route to Prism Tower, it was still very awkward ride as Ash stirred awake. "Where am I? Pikachu?" He asked but only felt his limbs restricted. "In case you hit your head, we're on our way to Prism Tower. Lysandre is expecting you. As for your electric rat, he's right here." Malva said as she held up a energy cage hold Pikachu. "Gee...I can't contain my excitement." Ash responded sarcastically.
"But seriously, this is outrageous. Killing billions to rebuild a society." Ash said. "Is it? The laws of nature transcend the laws of man. If we don't act to save our society then eventually there will be nothing left to save." Malva said. "Oh please, that's Lysandre talking. I can clearly see you're not in this to save your country." Ash said. "Yea, you're right." Malva laughed.
"Alain think about this. You don't understand what's at stake." Ash said. "Actually I do, unlike Malva who's only doing this out of hate and survival. I'm doing this to get stronger and Lysandre has offered me a path. I owe him everything." Alain said. "At everyone's expense!? Think about Professor Sycamore, think about Mairin. They'll die if you act this through!" Ash yells.
"Shut up! You don't know what you're talking about." Alain yells back. "Esshh both you girlies shut up." Malva rubs her temples in annoyance. "Doing this won't make you stronger, It'll just make you murderer." Ash argues leaving Alain speechless on how to counter that. "I'll just answer for you baby balls, yes he'll be seen as a murderer but the truth is he'll be hailed as a hero as part of our new world order." Malva said but this doesn't reassure Alain's concerns. To live with the label of murderer would be one of the most sickening things in his mind and worst of all, Mairin and Professor Sycamore won't live to see the dawn.
"Here what we got around Prism Tower." Looker directs key leaders through several satellite images around the tower. "They set up a five block parameter on three keys streets to the tower." Looker adds. "Remote barriers, Stinger units, mechs, along with a main security force to prevent anyone from approaching." Diantha said. "I image they also got troops inside the buildings surrounding the tower." Steven adds.
"There's also this." Looker displays what was a giant red Pokemon of what appears to be Zygarde. "Squishy's twin." Bonnie said. "They definitely have it under their control." Viola said. "What about Lysandre?" Drake asked. "We put him right at the top of the tower near the mooring mast. Which brings me to the giant airship they have anchored there." Looker said. "Could they have a use for the Prism Tower other than a stronghold?" Grant asked.
"They have to be linking the Prism Tower's antenna for something?" Clemont said. "They already have the power to fire the weapon from their airship, what could they be waiting for?" Valerie asked. "Geographical targeting perhaps? I imagine using this weapon is a very delicate process. Any misstep will cause it to malfunction or eradicate Kalos's ecosystem in the process, making it inhospitable to live in for centuries." Green adds. "This buys time for us, but not long." Wulfric said. "I agree, we need a plan now." Blue said.
"Ketchum you were always the strategist." Olympia said. "A direct assault from one point is out of the question. Even if we pound them, this is gonna become a war of attrition. We gotta keep their forces split. I suggest three platoons of trainers advancing on those key streets, North Boulevard, Autumnal Avenue, and Hibernal Avenue. Both Autumnal and Hibernal seem to be secondary strong points while North Boulevard being a main street will be the most fortified." Drake said.
"We'll have our work cut out for us then." Diantha said. "I'm not finished, even holding off Team Flare won't save us unless we can get somebody inside Prism Tower." Drake said. "So a small group slips in during the fighting." Rene said. "It has to be sooner than that, which points us to you Clemont." Drake turns to the lemon haired trainer. "What do you have in mind?" Clemont asked. "I don't suppose you mind using the water system underground to sneak pass their defenses and get inside the gym like before right?" Drake asked.
"I was worried you were gonna say that." Clemont groaned. "It'll be heavily guarded though, so if you don't mind, I'll be accompanying you." Looker said. "Rene, Serena, and Bonnie will join you as well." Drake said. "All that's left is to split the teams to three." Diantha said. "Myself, Steven and Diantha will be leading each team down a specific street. For the both of you be taking Autumnal and Hibernal, it's best if take the buildings facing Prism Tower first. Use the rooftops to gain the high ground and using any aerial Pokemon you have to commence a bombing run." Drake explained.
"So you're saying you'll be leading the team down North Boulevard where it's the most fortified street in the city?" Diantha asked. "We don't have a choice. The entrance to the water system underneath that's closest to the gym is just behind their their first checkpoint." Rene said. "If we want to get people inside the gym, we'll need that entrance secure." Drake adds. "It's your plan." Diantha said.
"We'll also need to reunite with Officer Jenny and the Lumiose PD." Steven said. "Their headquarters is on Autumnal Avenue. I'll be able to boost their morale." Diantha said. "Then I guess, I'll lead to group on Hibernal Avenue." Steven adds. "So if all goes well, we'll rejoin together at the foot of Prism Tower and box them out front." Looker said. "So with all that everyone. Let's go to war." Drake said.
Meanwhile the helicopter hovers next to the upper platform where Lysandre stood as Alain and Malva disembark with the latter manhandling Ash off as well. A sense of nostalgia hit Ash like a ton of bricks. This is now the third time he is on top of Prism Tower from Garchomp's rampage to caring for Drake after he killed Hunter J. Now a madman looks towards a city in ruins with a giant airship armed with a superweapon to destroy an entire nation, Ash couldn't be more disgusted.
"Ah welcome young Ash. I've been expecting you." Lysandre said. "I think the pleasure went over the my head." Ash said. "Here you are about to witness history as Team Flare renews a civilization from the ground up." Lysandre said. "Hardly renewing it? You destroying Kalos by firing a weapon to eradicate all life here. Then you plan on repairing the ecosystem which is why you need Zygarde." Ash said. "You are more inform than I thought. Malva if you do the honors." Lysandre said as the pink haired woman forces Ash against the wall and straps restraints on his limbs, immobilizing him. The same was done to Pikachu as well. "Oh relax, you not the only one who gets a front row seat." Malva sees Ash struggle as she reaches to Ash's trainer belt to release the rest of his Pokemon.
"You better not!" Ash said. "Ha, you're in no position to make threats kid." Malva said as she release everyone from their Poke balls then quickly restraining them. "No!" Ash cries out. "They'll be fine as long as they cooperate." Malva said. "Lysandre! You won't get away with this!" Ash said. "I disagree, not as long as I have you under my control." Lysandre said. "I will never join you. ever!" Ash growled.
"You don't have a choice. If you won't be my knight, you will be my pawn." Lysandre said. "I see you're a man of your word." Ash said. "I as you know am many things. But for now I shall take the role of arbiter of a nation." Lysandre said. "If you think everyone will just stand still while you subjugate them, you're dead wrong." Ash said. "Perhaps but soon everyone will just be dead eventually." Lysandre said.
The operation has begun and everyone was split into the three teams to divert as many of Team Flare's resources to weaken their defenses. While Diantha seeks to aid the Lumiose PD and Steven marches down Hibernal Avenue, Drake, the rest of the group, along with Olympia, Wulfric, Blue, Green and Looker rest around a corner of a building where the latter peaked around to see their first target. The first checkpoint where a small group of grunts resided with stingers and their Pokemon.
"This seems problematic." Rene said. "Just the two of us, we can take them down but I'm worried one of them will trigger an alarm." Drake said. "Will this be an issue?" Olympia asked. "Not if you want to lose the element of surprise." Drake said. "I don't see a way of approaching the checkpoint without getting caught." Looker said. "If maintaining the element of surprise is what we need, I shall provide assistance." Olympia said. "Wait what are you doing?" Drake asked.
"Trust me, for now both you and Rodriguez prepare for combat." Olympia said as she raises her hand and her eyes glow blue. "Wait tell us what are you plann-." Rene was interrupted as she and Drake vanished into thin air. "What did you do?" Looker asked. "Simply watch." Olympia said.
While the grunts were on the lookout, right on top of their heads poofs out Rene and Drake falling behind them anime style. Both groups stood silent as they were surprised to what happened until one breaks it. "Sound the alar-." The grunt was interrupted when a billy club struck his cheek and knocking him out. Rene jumped at the chance with her tonfa and knocked two grunts out while Drake took out the last three. With that Drake signaled Looker and the others to bring up the rest of their forces.
"A little warning would've been nice!" Rene shouted at Olympia. "I believe I told the both of you to prepare." Olympia said. "But teleporting us behind them and not on the ground. What if we didn't react fast enough!?" Drake argues. "I already knew the outcome as the stars had predicted." Olympia said. "Do that again and I'll make you see stars the old fashion way." Rene threatens. "A Psychic like myself will only use their powers for knowledge or defense. Never for attack." Olympia said. "I promise you by the end of tonight, you'll get your hands dirty Olympia." said Drake.
"If you guys are done, we need to stick to the mission." Looker interrupts. "Clemont, I believe we found the manhole." Serena points to the ground. Drake removes the cover and everyone peaks into the darkness. "Okay...guess this is where we part ways." Rene said. "We be sure to regain control of the gym when you arrive." Looker said. "It's actually best if you wait until the fighting starts outside. It'll draw away as many troops from inside the gym out." Drake said. "It'll make our job easier." Clemont adds. "Well, we'll see you guys on the other side." Rene said as she, Clemont, Serena, Bonnie and Looker hop into the hole, leaving Drake alone to lead.
"Don't worry, you won't be leading alone." Olympia said. "I wish you don't do that." Drake said when Olympia reads his mind. "You have me as well." Wulfric adds. "My thanks, but now the real work begins." Drake said.
"I don't suppose calling the police will work." Viola asked Diantha. "Unlikely, Team Flare probably cut off communications." Diantha responded. "You think sending a scout will help with what's ahead of us. Team Flare's probably boxed in the police headquarters." Viola argues. "It might, all I hope is for Valerie's return from scouting." Diantha said just as the Fairy Maiden returned with her Spritzee. "What'd you find out Valerie?" Diantha asked. "I wasn't able to get too close so I'd left most of the scouting to Spritzee. She mentions a suitible force guarding the front entrance to prevent anyone from leaving the building. Those vandals also have those mech suits that can cause us quite a problem." Valerie continues. "So we're stuck. How are we going to stop those mechs?" Viola asked. "Hmm, what would Drake do?...I got a few ideas, for now round up a group of trainers who use Water and Electric type Pokemon." Diantha said. "I see what you have in mind." Valerie smiled.
Sneaking around behind cars and around alleyways, Diantha and Viola peek out to see the large police headquarters being guarded by a platoon of Grunts with Stingers and mech suits. "You understand the plan?" Diantha asked. "Yes, Gardevoir will hold them down while my Surskit will web them in place with Sticky Web." Viola said. "Very well, ready old girl." Diantha spoke as Gardevoir nods.
While the Grunts were on the lookout, they weren't expecting the Embrace Pokemon jumping in front of them and using Psychic to hold everyone down. "She won't them for long." "Go Surskit, use Sticky Web." The Pond Skater Pokemon skates around the grunts and mechs while webbing them in thin string to the pavement. Diantha then gives the signal for Valerie to bring up the trainers with Water and Electric Pokemon.
"Soak them." The trainers gave the order as their Water Pokemon soak the grunts and their mech suits. "Put a shock to their system." The second set of trainers then had their Electric Pokemon shock the now wet goons, effectively knocking them out. The trainers cheer for their efforts being successful. "Good job everyone." Valerie praised while Diantha marches to the front doors.
The doors opened and Officer Jenny and her officers saw the Kalos Champion walk in. "Is everyone alright?" She asked. "Miss Carnet, we're relived to see you." Officer Jenny said. "We managed to restrain the guards outside." Diantha said. "Perfect, they manage to swarm the building and threaten to bring it down if anyone left. So thanks for the rescue." Officer Jenny said.
"Don't thank us yet Officer Jenny, We still have our work cut out for us. Team Flare still has operations set up at Prism Tower. So we're gonna march there and ruin their day." Diantha said. "Well you can count me and my officers in. No one causes trouble in our city and gets away with it." Officer Jenny said. "We were hoping you say that." Viola smirked.
"I don't like this. It's too quiet." Korrina said. "You and me both." Grant adds. "Suddenly I feel that we're walking into a trap." Ramos spoke. Suddenly a Stinger shot rang past the group. "That because you're right. Ramos, retreat back to protect the trainers." Steven shouts as everyone finds cover behind cars. "I can't see where they're shooting from." Grant said. "Damnit, they're must have a barricade set up ahead of us." Steven said. "There's nothing we can do from here." Korrina said. "We gotta advance by leap frogging from cover to cover." Steven said.
"We gotta cover the trainers behind us!" Grant yells. "Very well, Grant stay behind with them. Korrina and I will deal with them." Steven orders as Grant rushes back to the other trainers holding behind them. "How are we suppose to do this?" Korrina asked. "We'll find out when we find where those Grunts are hiding." said Steven.
Things weren't going too well for Drake's platoon either. Deflecting Stingers was one thing but a whole barrage was suicide as he took cover behind a car next to Olympia. "There's too many of them." He said. "I thought you would've cleared them out already." Olympia said. "I'm not stupid to try defeat Arceus knows how many Grunts by that checkpoint. I thought you'd used your clairvoyance to show us how to get out of this mess." Drake said.
"If you desire, I can just teleport you to them." Olympia smirked. "Do that and I'll wring your neck." "We don't have time your petty squabbles you two." Wulfric comes up next to them. "We must press forward." He continues. "I wish there were more cars then. Without cover, we'll get picked off." Drake said. "Then perhaps we can create some. Wulfric, have some trainers with Grass type Pokemon go with you to spread some vines across the street." Olympia said.
"I'll get Ms. Oak and a few others on the task." Wulfric rushes back to the others. "It's not a bad plan but we still don't know what their attack strength is." Drake said. "That's your job Ketchum, you did mention you're the spearhead of this." Olympia said as she dashes away from him, leaving Drake cursing at himself for coming up with such a plan.
Ash was still restrained to the wall as well all of his partners. He can hear the blasting and the firing coming from the streets. "How pointless." Lysandre calls. "It's not pointless nor is it weakness. This proves that people are willing to fight back." Ash said. "Only the ignorantly and the desperate fight what is inevitable." Lysandre said. "You honestly believe that? Only a desperate man like you would try to destroy what you can't control. That's the reason isn't it?" Ash said. "You assume I'll fail, but you're wrong. No matter what the outcome brings, victory is assure to me. I promise you that. All of them...will die." Lysandre said, leaving Ash fuming as Greninja felt the same way.
"Before coming here, I didn't achieve much in strength because I always held back. Because I thought I could achieve this just anyone else like a normal person. But coming here, meeting the people, and the Pokemon here showed me how people not just feel comfortable but embrace who they. I had to do the same, I had to grow up and I what I receive was much more than I can ever ask for. I even found love with a beautiful girl and I felt comfortable with what lies beneath my skin and I turn it into a weapon." Ash said as Greninja saw the fire in his partner's eyes. Soon both began to synchronize once more and broke everyone from their restrains.
"This is my sword, and I'll use it to cut you down." Ash stare at Lysandre freely as did all his Pokemon and Ash-Greninja as well. "If you want to get to him, you'll have to get through us first." Alain spoke from behind with his Charizard. "Yes Alain, from your defeat at the Finals, you gain strength. Now take your revenge." Lysandre said as both trainers stare down at each other.
"You honestly think he care about you. You're an even bigger idiot for siding with him." Ash said. "I don't care about that, but I owe him everything for what he's done for me." Alain said. "So that's what it is? Loyalty? Blind loyalty is not loyalty yet you're willing to fight for him. You don't want to do this." Ash warns. "I choose this battle freely. If you're not with us then you're against us." Alain dares as he touch his Key Stone, transforming Charizard to his Mega Form X. "Only evil deals with such binary outcomes. I'll do what I must to stop this." Ash said as Ash-Greninja took his side.
"You will try." Alain said as both Pokemon rush against each other and clash.
Meanwhile Drake and his Uncle Blue got closer to the checkpoint as they continue to take fire. Luckily those vines Ramos and the others set in place help greatly. "You got any ideas?" Drake asked. "A surprise from above. Come out Tyranitar and use Rock Slide." Blue summons the Armor Pokemon and drops a barrage of rocks on the poor grunts. "Now, your turn." Blue tells Drake. "Come out Raichu and use Thunder." Drake calls the Mouse Pokemon and call forth the lightning to strike the checkpoint, destroying it.
"They'll live though I thought you'd finish them with a Water Pokemon." Blue said. "I...am not currently holding one in my belt." Drake said. "You should. It'll save your life." Blue said as he place a hand on his godson's shoulder. "We got the job done anyway. All paths would've lead to the same place and that's Prism Tower." Drake said.
Ash-Greninja and Mega Charizard clash move after move. Unlike their duel at the Finals, this one was much more severe. The fire in Ash's eyes burned brightly while Alain's desire for strength was ever more greater. This wasn't just a battle for some title, this was for something much more. "Use Water Shuriken." Ash-Greninja slid under Mega Charizard's legs and hops around and throws the large water star at Charizard's back.
"Now use Night Slash." Ash-Greninja then slashes away with ferocity on the Flame Pokemon. "Grr...attack with Dragon Claw." Charizard then counters with green claws against Greninja's sword. "Counter with Aerial Ace." Standoff against the Flame Pokemon's claws, with his flexibility he high kicks Charizard's chin. Alain notes how different Ash is battling now. This isn't the Ash he fought at Diamondback Stadium, this one fought more disciplined, more coordinated, more ferocious even.
"Where did this Ash come from?" He asked. "I told you Alain, I'm not holding back this time." Ash said as Greninja attacks with another Night Slash. "Flamethrower." Mega Charizard flies up and fire a stream of flames at the ninja frog. "Double Team." Ash-Greninja creates a copy to take the hit as Charizard precedes to take out the rest. With the last one destroyed, Charizard never found the real one.
"Hydro Pump." Ash-Greninja pops out and blast Charizard on the head with a stream of water, leaving Alain livid at his pointless efforts. "I guess I underestimated you." Alain said. "That's problem A, but the difference of my resolve doesn't lie on strength but my conviction. Before today, you were my friend Alain that I enjoyed a friendly battle with. Now to help a madman end a nation by fire and you don't care. So now you're just another criminal I need to take down. That's why I fight better so that people like your boss will never win.
Alain was shock out of his stupor at what Ash called him. A criminal, someone who does bad things and everything he has done for Lysandre came back to haunt him. "Call me whatever you like. It doesn't affect me." Alain spat but Ash saw the hesitation in Alain's eyes.
Attacks happening in front of Lysandre's eyes didn't faze him. Even if the three large groups were approaching the tower, it meant nothing. The battle going on next to him was considered a waste of time. Soon all of Kalos will be his.
Alain notes how tired and bruised Charizard as was Ash-Greninja. But Ash was always one to exceed past his limits time and time again. This time he'll beat them for sure. "I can't use Blast Burn without destroying this whole platform. I guess the hard way is only option. Use Thunder Punch." Mega Charizard rushes in with an electric punch at the frog. "Shuriken Shield." With its Water Shuriken, Greninja blocks the attack but feels the electricity coursing through the water and into his body, causing both him and Ash strain.
"Let's finish them now. Thunder Punch." Mega Charizard then prepares another power punch but Ash and Greninja smirked with a plan in mind. "Now Greninja, go Ragnarok." Greninja dodges first by sliding under him. Next he grabs his tail and spinning him to gain momentum and hurling him up in the air. Then he slashes the dizzy lizard with Night Slash under blinding speed that Charizard couldn't keep up. Finally he ended the move with a powerful Water Shuriken that threw him back on to the plaform.
Alain saw that Charizard wasn't getting up but still calling to him. "Get up. Come on Charizard, you're not giving up are you?!...GET UP!" Alain said as he felt a punch connect to his face. He looks to see Ash standing over him as he punches him again and again with anger.
Ash was livid that Alain would demand even his own Pokemon to keep battling when he clearly can't. Words don't seem to work on Alain so perhaps fists would as he kept punching him, leaving him bruised. After venting his frustration, Ash hoist Alain up and held him in a choke hold and held him in front of the city.
"Look out there! All those people are fighting for their very lives while we're here fighting each other. You're seriously going to turn your back from them by siding with Lysandre?!" Ash said as Alain struggled to breath. "On top of that, you demand your Charizard to keep going like some slave master." Ash said as he threw Alain back on the ground. "You call yourself strong Alain but you're weakest person I know." Ash pointed as Alain was on the verge of tears.
"I made a promise. A promise to get stronger, for Mairin, for Augustine and for everyone! And Lysandre helped me." Alain said. "There's more than one variation of strength Alain. It's setting an example and you have between what is easy and what is right. And Lysandre is simply using you for your talents. Besides the fact that if you want everyone to see how strong you are then how are they going to see if they're all dead!?" Ash yells scaring Alain.
"You want to know what's true strength is? It's always doing the right thing. The best muscle you have in your body isn't the muscles in your arms but your heart. If you lack heart then you can't fight with nobility." Ash said. "For me, I keep fighting to protect those that I love and with heart. You want to that kind of strength then think of Mairin or Professor Sycamore and be the person they think you are. I know for a fact that they're down there too and fighting Team Flare." Ash lectured as Alain looked out to the city and imagine them down there fight alongside everyone against Team Flare.
"Just something to think about okay? I got bigger fish to fry." Ash said as he left Alain to this thoughts. Ash turns to Lysandre. "It's your turn now." He told the man. "So it would seem Alain couldn't cut it." Lysandre said. "Amazing how quickly your faith in him diminishes when he fails." Ash said. "How quickly indeed, Alain has always wrestled with his morality even when I always pointed him to a choice." Lysandre said.
"You should be more concern with your own situation." Ash said. "I say you should worry about you kid." Ash turn to see none other than Malva. "Aren't you a good, loyal, servant Malva. Do I have to fight you too?" Ash said. "Alain did his job and managed to knock you down a peg and you're all alone. So can you imagine if both of us beat you into submission?" Malva asked.
Ash remained silent for he knew Malva was right. The battle with Alain left him tired and Greninja needed a rest, so fighting both Malva and Lysandre was an unwinnable battle even for him.
"He's not alone."
Malva looked too late when she was pushed to the wall when Alain ran passed her to Ash. "He's got me to back him up." Alain said, surprising Ash. "Don't you know it's rude to push a lady?!" Malva said. "As if anyone can call you a lady Malva." Alain mocks. "So you betray me Alain." Lysandre said. "I do. Because I betrayed the wrong people, joined the wrong people and made even worse decisions. Besides, I heard you when you said you lost faith in me. You never had faith in me, you only used me and I won't let you control me anymore." Alain said.
"You're going regret this kid." Malva said. "At least my conciseness will be clear and I'll fight for my country and people." Alain said as Malva and Lysandre took out a Houndoom and Pyroar to action, causing Ash and Alain to stick on one another's back.
Meanwhile Drake and his team blast through a barricade that leads into Centrico Plaza and into the face of hundreds of grunts and mechs pointing Stingers and Pokemon at him. He looks at the other streets to see their barricades explode and smiled knowing Steven and Diantha made it through and onto the plaza as well. He saw the Flare Admins leading the squads of grunts to the defenses. "We're all here. Now to end this." Drake said.
Everyone prepared for one last stand between an extremist group and an entire city. The true battle for the fate of Kalos has now begun.
Man does it feel weird to be back on this but I finally got this out after hurdle after hurdle that was in my way. I do apologize for taking so long but life happens and it sometimes takes a turn for the worse. All I can talk about is next chapter will be the final chapter of the Team Flare arc and this will follow an Aftermath arc and that will be the final arc of this entire story. The finish line is in sight guys. Just bear with me a bit longer.
On another subject is if you haven't and are interested, you can also read my Persona stories that I put up including the newest long term project of mine, Persona 5 Royal-Our Light. If you're a fan of the series, then I invite you to read them should you desire.
That's all for now, Like and Comment on this. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.
