Chapter 61: Fighting For Freedom

To say that the battle against Lusamine was not going well would be an understatement. Despite it being five-on-one, the Ultra Beast controlling her had absolutely no problem batting away their attacks, making it a very long and tedious battle.

"Pikachu, use Electro Ball!"

"Eevee, use Shadow Ball!"

The two balls of energy struck the mother beast, causing her to growl in pain before lashing out again with her tentacles, sending Pikachu and Eevee into the cavern wall.

"Mudsdale, High Horse Power!"

"Dragon Claw, Jangmo-o!"

"X-Scissor, Null!"

The three attacks hit her dead on, causing more damage to the beast and causing it to howl in pain.

"Not to hard, guys! She's still our mother!"

"If you can hear us mother, fight it! We know you're still in there!"

Despite their encouragement, the Ultra Beast remained in control and threw its foes back with one mighty sweep of its tentacles.

"Fools! Lusamine is gone! And soon, so shall you!"

In a fit of rage, the beast swung its massive tentacle at Lillie, ready to strike her down...

Only for it to be cut off by flying shuriken, flopping to the floor as the beast cried out in pain. Ash turned in the direction of the attack to find...

"Greninja!"

His loyal Pokemon bowed in respect, before taking a fighting stance.

"Alright, lets do this!"

Meanwhile, Guzma leaned against a wall, stewing in his own self loathing.

"Stupid idiots. Don't they realize what their mother has become? If they were smart, they would've high tailed it out of there."

Like you did?

Guzma snarled. It wasn't like he came here looking for trouble. Kids must of had a death wish or something.

Still, he did feel sorry for them somewhat. At least they had a parent to fight for. His couldn't care less what happened to him...

That's not true and you know it.

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"

Guzma snapped out of his self loathing momentarily to realize how crazy he sounded. But then he remembered he was alone and went back to wallowing. In the distance, he could hear the battle raging, and it didn't sound good.

"Puh. Family. Who needs it?"

But try as he might, Guzma's conscience wouldn't stop nagging him. Combined with the sounds of battle getting louder, Guzma found it very hard to ignore, until...

"ALRIGHT, I'LL GO HELP! WILL YOU LEAVE ME ALONE ALREADY?!"

With a huff, Guzma stomped off, unable to ignore the situation any longer.

"Friggin conscience."

Although Greninja gave them much needed support, it still wasn't looking very good. While they managed to get hits in, their opponent would continue to pummel their Pokemon, with only Greninja being able to dodge in time.

"Give up! I'm in control!"

A water shuriken to its face was the only answer. Snarling, the mother beast moved to strike again...

Only to be struck smack dab in the face by Golissopod's first impression, sending her flying. Everyone turned to see Guzma standing there, his trademarked snarl plastered over his face.

"Guzma!"

"Yeah yeah, keep you shorts on. I'm just here because ya'll were getting on my nerves."

The Ultra Beast managed to compose itself before launching its next attack, which was a Venoshock aimed right at Golissopod, drenching it in venom. Scared, the giant bug ran right back to Guzma and tapped its Pokeball, returning it much to Guzma's anger.

"Come on, Golissopod! Don't you want to go home?"

Sighing in annoyance, Guzma released his Pinsir.

"Hit her with a Guillotine, Pinsir!"

The mighty bug roared and charged, reading to deal a crushing blow...

Only for a tentacle to wrap around it and throw it against a wall, much to everyone's annoyance. Then Ash got an idea.

"Wait a minute! Maybe if we hit it with our Z Moves, it'll stay downn!"

"Worth a try."

"Wait! I don't have a Z-Ring!"

Guzma tossed her his Z-Ring, which was old and worn.

"Here, have my old one. I never use it. If you need me, I'll be waiting for a ride home. Come on, Pinsir!"

With that Guzma took his leave, slouching as usual. Ignoring their reluctant allie's cowardice, the five turned their attention back to their foe.

"Alright Greninja, use Gigavolt Hydro Vortex!"

"Tectonic Rage, Mudsdale!"

"Eevee, use Extreme Evoboost!"

"Type: Null, use Breakneck Blitz!"

"Devestating Drake, Jangmo-o!"

The five attacks combined in the middle, causing a brilliant explosion that forced everyone to shield their eyes. When the dust settled, however, they found their opponent weak but still standing.

"What? But we gave it everything we've got!"

"Did you really think it'd be that easy? I. AM. IMMORTAL!"

Realizing he had no other choice, Ash turned to Greninja.

"You ready old pal?"

Greninja nodded, and the two initiated their battle bond. Ash's friends looked on in confusion, then shock as Greninja transformed into Ash Greninja.

"Woah, that is so cool!"

"What is that, some kind of evolution?"

"Try whatever you want! In the end, you'll all fall!"

The beast moved in to strike again, but Greninja leapt over it and struck it with a water shuriken, severing another tentacle. The other tentacles moved in to attack, only to meet a similar fate as Ash and Greninja moved in sync.

"NO! THIS ISN'T POSSIBLE!"

"Finish her off, Greninja! Use another Hydro Vortex!"

"Ash, no!"

Ash knew the risk, but kept going, him and Greninja pushing themselves to the limits as their opponent began to weaken. By the time the dust had settled, Lusamine stood there, looking very confused.

"Mother!"

"Gladion? Lillie? What's- AUGH!"

"No! I won't be beaten!"

Lusamine's body began to violently contort again, as the beast struggled to remain in control.

"Let...me...GO!"

"Never!"

Just then, a loud screech was heard as Nebby swooped in, his body glowing purple as he flew up to Lusamine, releasing psychic energy into her.

"What are you doing? No, stop! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

A bright light filled the room, blinding them all. Then, everything went dark.