Chapter 81 Ambush at Fiore Mansion

Ash and the others are now at Fiore Mansion, and they have Titania joining them to stop Team Meteor.

Julia: Okay, let's talk defense! I say we lure them in here, blow the whole place upon their faces, and sneak out the back unharmed!

Titania: We're going to have to keep the property damage to a minimum. Amaria was injured. We can't move her.

Julia: Waitwhowaswhat- Is she going to be okay!?

Titania: Is she ever okay? She's unconscious in the back. But I'm not about to give up on her after everything. And there's no way in hell I'm letting Team Meteor get her again.

Julia: Then there's only one thing to do! Fight, fight, fight; we'll win the day! We'll send those Meteor-jerks away!

Florinia: Understood. Analyzing structure.

Titania: There's nothing to analyze. Take up defensive positions at the house exits. We won't even let them in.

Florinia: Incorrect. This speaker hypothesizes that Team Meteor will create additional entrance routes.

Serena: Is she always talking like that?

Titania: (Sighs) It's been how many years, and you're still overreacting?

Julia: Now's not the time for that!

Florinia: Establish a perimeter on the upper level here. (Goes to the upper level to discuss) Myself and Ash will form the primary line of defense. Julia and Serena will fortify our backline in case of entry from the northeast backroom or eastern wall.

Julia: Oooh because they'll just smash through the windows ninja style!

Serena: I'm not sure about that...but I'll do what I must.

Florinia: Titania and Lillie will remain with Amaria in expectation of confounding circumstances.

Titania: Fine. Time's up though. Hold fast.

Then as everyone goes to their positions, Ash and Florinia see Solaris walking from the entrance.

Solaris: I see we are not unexpected. Then I will make this simple: You will give us the Sapphire Bracelets and you will be left in peace, or we will take the Sapphire Bracelets and you will be left in ruin.

Ash: Forget it! There's no way we're giving in to your sinister schemes! Get out of here before things get nasty.

Solaris: Understood. Team Meteor, attack.

Ash and Florinia start to battle the two grunts who have been rushing towards them, and they're not hard to beat as they are just small fries compared to Ash and Florinia.

Sirius: Enough. I believe we can end this farce now. (Drags Fern in)

Ash is surprised to see Fern with them, but then again, isn't he sided with Team Meteor? Why is he being dragged?

Fern: Hey, let the fuck go of me! What do you think you're doing? Sis, help!

Sirius: The Bracelets for his life.

Ash hears the noise from the back and he knows that Julia and Serena are dealing with them.

Ash: They really are in the back...

Florinia: Just as calculated.

Sirius: What is your answer, Florinia?

Fern: (Begs) Please! You can't just turn your back on me like this!

Florinia: Incorrect.

Fern: (Surprised) Wha- what are you saying?!

Ash: We're not going to give the Bracelets, even if you captured one of our family members.

Florinia: The objective remains unchanged.

Fern: (Sirius lets go of him) Tch... That's cold, sis. I mean, I know you're a wannabe robot, but I thought you at least had SOME feeling left.

At the same time, Blake rushes out of the backroom and he seems to be terrified.

Blake: God damn, lady, can we calm down?! Seal it, Walrein! (Has Walrein sealed the exit)

Ash: And here is Blake...just great...

Blake: (Notices Ash) Oh, great. You again.

Solaris: Blake. Fern. You will remove this obstacle.

Blake: Whatever, man.

Fern: You got it, boss.

Florinia: (Raises an eyebrow) "Boss"? Does this speaker correctly conclude that you are following instructions of this group?

Fern: Yeah, what about it? The whole hostage thing was an act to get a rise out of you. But even aside from that, turns out I'm the most valuable ally they could have. I even gave them the whole layout of this place on the way over. I always hated having to come here with you, but I guess it paid off, huh?

Florinia: ...Understood. This error shall be remedied at once.

Fern: Bring it on, Flobot. I ain't afraid of you.

Ash and Florinia then engage in battle with Blake and Fern. Ash is usually battling Blake while Florinia is battling Fern. Ash has Pikachu attack the Walrein with Thunderbolt, and Florinia goes with Hippowdon to battle the Haxorus, and it goes for Sandstorm to make everyone take damage. Walrein goes for Blizzard, but Pikachu dodges the attack, however, it lands on Hippowdon. Pikachu also goes for Iron Tail, but Walrein dodges the attack and causes the attack to hit Haxorus instead. In the end, Hippowdon goes for a Rock Slide to knock both Pokemon out.

Roserade is Fern's next Pokemon while Blake goes for Mamoswine, and Roserade manages to knock out Hippowdon with Giga Drain, so Florinia sends out Ferrothorn. Pikachu also takes a lot of damage from Earthquake, and Ash recalls it to go with Greninja. Greninja goes for Ice Beam to knock out the Roserade, and Mamoswine is defeated by Ferrothorn's Gyro Ball.

Decidueye and Starmie are the next ones, and Ash goes for Charizard while Florinia goes for Tangrowth, and both Pokemon are defeated with Charizard going for Heat Wave and Tangrowth using Giga Drain on the Starmie. So their fourth Pokemon are Krookodile and Gyarados. Ash also switches to Sceptile to battle the two Pokemon, and Florinia's Tangrowth is defeated by Krookodile's Crunch, so she goes for Breloom. Breloom goes for Giga Drain to knock out Krookodile, while Sceptile goes for Leaf Blade to knock out the Gyarados.

The fifth Pokemon are Rhyperior and Weavile. Ash goes for Lycanroc and goes for Counter when Rhyperior goes for the Rock Slide, and it manages to defeat Rhyperior with ease, as for Florinia, Weavile is defeated by Breloom's Drain Punch, also recovering some health from it. And the final Pokemon are Scizor and Sandslash, Ash goes for Infernape and Florinia goes for Torterra, after dodging some attacks, Infernape uses Flare Blitz to knock both Pokemon out of battle.

Ash: Good thing I got my strongest team with me...

Florinia: Regret is unnecessary. Contrariwise, your defeat is a marked success. Do consider what procedural mistakes you have committed and remedy them immediately. Specifically, your allegiance to this organization.

Solaris: I see. Ash remains as troublesome as before. I should have eliminated this obstacle when I had the chance.

Fern: Please, you're giving Ash too much credit. Blame my sister. Look, Sis. I don't know what you think you're accomplishing there, but we're changing the world. We're gonna make people happy. And in our New World, guess who's gonna be at the top? Not you, Flobot! You should've turned when you had a chance! We could've done this together! But YOU threw that away! What if my life really had been in danger, huh? Some sister you are. You really are dead inside. You really are just a stupid robot now, aren't you?

Florinia: Incorrect.

Fern: Isn't that what you wanted to be?!

Florinia: ...Incorrect.

Fern: You turned your back on me, yourself, and everyone else so now you have to hideaway!

Florinia: ...Incorrect...

Fern: And you'd rather hurt me than show any emotion yourself. You're gonna make everyone else do all the work just because you're scared. You're just selfish. And a coward. You never had it in you to show even an ounce of care for me in the first place. Even after everything.

Florinia just looks away, her expression is motionless, and Ash can only watch the sibling quarrel since he doesn't know how to step in.

Fern: (Turns away) Hmph. I'm done here. I'll meet up with you guys later. In the meantime, do whatever you want for her. Clearly I don't have a sister anymore. Just a broken robot destined for the scrapyard. (Leaves)

Solaris: ...You heard the boy, Sirius. Remove her.

Sirius: (Sends out Seviper) Seviper, Poison Fang!

Ash widens his eyes as Seviper bites on Florinia and tosses her to the wall.

Ash: Rini! (Rushes towards her)

Solaris: I will deal with Ash myself.

Ash is now sweating, his Pokemon aren't fully healed, and Solaris is going to fight him. It doesn't go well last time.

Julia: Ka-powww!

Julia and Serena manage to get out of the frozen spot.

Serena: (Turns to Blake) Hey you! That wasn't very nice!

Blake: Yo, women, chill out! What are you on?

Julia: Coffee! (Pushes Blake to the second floor, causing him to land on the ground hard)

Blake: (Groaning in pain) Hey, what the fuck!

Julia: Rini! (Glares at Sirius) You did this, didn't you!? Electrode, get 'em!

Electrode goes for the Discharge, causing Seviper to be slammed back to Sirius as he is slammed to the ground. At the same time, Ash recognizes Orderly John from Dr. Sigmund Connal's orphanage and he is with Team Meteor.

John: Commander, allow me to assist you! I did my best, sir.

Serena: Julia, leave the battle to both Ash and me.

Ash: Are you sure, Serena?

Serena nods, and the orderly and Solaris send out Scizor and Whiscash at the same time. Ash goes for Sceptile while Serena goes for Delphox. Delphox goes for Majestic Fire, dealing a lot of damage to Scizor, as for Sceptile, it goes for Bullet Seed and it keeps hitting the Whiscash. And in the end, both Pokemon are defeated with Delphox goes for Fire Blast on Scizor and Sceptile using Leaf Blade on the Whiscash.

Their second Pokemon are Mandibuzz and Magnezone, and Mandibuzz defeats Delphox with a Snarl while Magnezone defeats Sceptile with the Gyro Ball after Sceptile deals a Dual Chop.

Ash: I really hate the fact that my Pokemon aren't healed...

Ash and Serena send out Sylveon and Infernape next, and Infernape still has low health, which causes the Blaze ability to activate, and it goes for Flamethrower to knock out Magnezone, as for Sylveon, it goes for Moonblast, knocking out the Mandibuzz.

The third Pokemon for Solaris is Gyarados and Eelektross, Gyarados defeats Infernape with the Waterfall, and Eelektross goes for Poison Jab, knocking out Sylveon in the end. Ash goes for Pikachu next while Serena goes for Claydol. Claydol goes for Sandstorm to make the field covered with sand, and Pikachu goes for Thunderbolt to defeat Gyarados before it can attack Claydol. Claydol also lands a Smack Down on Eelektross and finishes with Earth Power.

The fourth Pokemon are Excadrill and Toucannon, and Excadrill lands an Earthquake to knock out Pikachu, and Claydol is also defeated by Bullet Seed. Ash goes for Charizard next and Serena goes for Jynx. Jynx lands the Lovely Kiss to make Toucannon fall asleep, but Excadrill manages to deal some damage using Iron Head. Charizard goes for Heat Wave, finishing off Excadrill, and Jynx goes for Blizzard to defeat Toucannon.

The fifth Pokemon are Tyranitar and Slowbro, and Tyranitar uses Rock Slide to defeat both Pokemon with ease. Ash goes for Lycanroc and Serena goes for Pangoro. Pangoro goes for Circle Throw, defeating the Tyranitar, and Lycanroc goes for Crunch and Rock Slide to knock out Slowbro in the end.

And since Orderly John has only five Pokemon, the last Pokemon is Solaris' Garchomp. Ash flinches as he remembers how he failed to stop the Pokemon, and Garchomp goes for Iron Head to defeat Lycanroc, so Ash's final Pokemon is Greninja. Pangoro is also defeated by Garchomp's Flamethrower, so Serena's final Pokemon is Gardevoir. Both of them work together with Ash using the Ash-Greninja form, much to Team Meteor's surprise, and Serena's Gardevoir assisting it by using Moonblast, Greninja defeats the Garchomp with Ice Beam.

John: (Bows) Apologies, commander.

Grunt: (Rushes inside) Sir! The helicopter has been destroyed!

Solaris: It what?

Julia: Onto victory, we will zoom, cuz I made that thing go boom, boom, boom!

Titania also comes to the place and she is surprised to see Florinia on the ground.

Solaris: (Stares at Ash) Sirius.

Sirius: Yes, sir.

Solaris: This group has established a formidable defense.

Sirius: They have.

Solaris: I do not believe we will be able to break past it. Therefore, let us inspire them to break it for us.

Sirius: Understood, sir.

Titania: Like that's gonna happen.

Sirius: Indeed, it is your choice. You can leave and scatter yourselves...Or you can burn to death here. (Sends out Chandelure) History has a funny way of repeating itself. This will be the second house I've had burned down for the sake of these Bracelets.

Ash: I knew it...you were the one that burned Charlotte's house, not Charlotte...

Titania: And I bet that last house didn't happen to have a built-in Water Gym since they are usually Fire users. (Sends out Excadrill) Excadrill! Fissure!

Just then, Excadrill shakes the ground, causing the water to fill the whole area, much to everyone's surprise.

Solaris and the others manage to retreat to the entrance, but the water is blocking them form getting to Ash and the others.

John: Sir, are you okay?

Solaris: Enough. Yes, I am unharmed, if drenched. But I am pained. I am pained at the disgraceful performance our team has displayed today. And I am beside myself at our renewed failure to protect this land. Hmm... (Sighs) I hesitate to involve Lin. For all her effectiveness, she lacks principles and loyalty. But as our threats have risen so high, I see no other option. Very well. Team Meteor, we will retreat, for today.

Blake: Aaaand we're hoofin' it. Great.

Sirius: We're not accepting complaints from you right now.

Ash and the others are delighted to see Team Meteor retreating, but they have more concerning matters as to Florinia.

Julia: Is she gonna be okay?

Titania: ...Hm. Normally, I would say "Yes." But Florinia has a history of being more greatly affected by things than she needs to.

Julia: (Angry) Would you stop it already?!

Titania: I will when she does.

Julia: In case you didn't notice, it's NORMAL for people to be hurt when their friend blows up on them! She trusted you, and you betrayed her!

Ash and Serena look at each other, and they are wondering what kind of betrayal that Florinia is having.

Titania: This seems to be a recurring theme lately.

Lillie: (Rushes to them) Guys, Amaria...She...

Ash: She what? Lillie?

Amaria: Hey, what's with all the yelling...? (Walks in)

Julia: Amy! You're awake!

Amaria: (Looks around) Huh? What happened here...?

Titania: We're, uh... redecorating.

Amaria: Oh...? (Looks at the giant pool) Wow, I like it! Oh, and who are our guests?

Ash: Oh, they are Serena and Lillie.

Amaria: And you?

Ash flinches when Amaria says it.

Titania: ...You mean Ash?

Amaria: Oh, well, it's very nice to meet you, Lillie, Serena, Ash! Welcome to our home!

Julia: Huh, you two hadn't met already?

Amaria: (Confused) I don't think so, no...Why?

Ash's heart is a little broken after hearing what Amaria has said.

Julia: I guess I just assumed...

Titania: Amaria.

Amaria: Yes?

Titania: Do you know who I am?

Amaria: What are you saying...? Of course I know who you are; You're the love of my life!

Titania: Amy, what's the last thing you remember before waking up?

Amaria: Why all the weird questions?

Titania: Just answer.

Amaria: Umm... Hmm... (Thinks, but then realizes) Oh! Yeah, I was going to go down to Obsidia today and help Rini with the plant stuff down there!

This causes Ash and Titania to widen their eyes with a frown, and Titania just says nothing while leaving the room.

Amaria: Is something... wrong?

Julia: Umm, Amy, the Obsidia incident was resolved a long time ago... And you met Ash during it...

Amaria: Wait, what?

Florinia: (Mutters weakly) Post-traumatic retrograde amnesia.

Julia: (Rushes to her) Rini! You're okay!

Florinia: This speaker is functional, yes. Please disregard the sub-standard prior performance.

Amaria: Wait, you think I have amnesia? I don't understand... I thought I just went to sleep like normal...

Florinia: Titania reported that your personage had suffered injury.

Amaria: I don't remember anything like that, but...I do have a splitting headache, if that means anything?

Florinia: Traumatic brain injury may result in diffuse axonal injury and/or retrograde amnesia. It is a logical conclusion.

Amaria: So I just... forgot a bunch of things and people? (Notices Ash's frown) Like Ash? I- I'm... tired...Hey, guys... I think I need to sleep for a little bit... Is that okay? I'm sorry- especially to you, Ash. I'm just really...Tired and confused, so... I'll be up in a little bit... (Leaves)

Florinia: This speaker must depart as well.

Julia: Huh? Why? Don't tell me you have retrogravy amnesty too!

Florinia: Attendance is warranted in Calcenon City. Team Meteor has established operations in Labradorra. It is the location where Fern is most statistically likely to appear. He requires correction.

Julia: I think I should stay behind and make sure Amy's okay, so... Good luck!

Florinia: Luck is merely an illusory essentialization of statistics, and is neither inherently good nor bad, regardless of wishes. Nevertheless, farewell. (Leaves)

Julia: I worry about all of them...But, I've gotta keep spirits high! OTS, we'll win this fight! Everything will be all right! Anyway, I'm gonna wait here until Amy feels better, so do you wanna check on Tania?

Ash nods as he walks out of the mansion, with Serena and Lillie following him.


And here is a new chapter, as you can see, I changed Julia into Serena when battling Solaris and John, because I want Ash to know how strong Serena has become. And I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the 13th gym battle.