Trees rushed by the windows as Kendrick stared idly out them, rolling around his palm the Great Ball Flygon rested in. The Vertress Conference was due to start in just under a week, but he, like so many others, was heading there early. Time to train, psych yourself up, and prepare to either win or lose.
The black haired teen loosened his scarf as he surveyed the compartment. The first five compartments were reserved solely for trainers, and he'd picked the last. He didn't want to stand out, unlike those sitting comfortably in first class.
SLAM
The sudden noise jolted Kendrick in his seat as his gaze whirled towards the opposite end of the train compartment, where three goons waltzed in, a Krokorok snarling at their side. "Alright you lot!" One of the goons barked. "Stay in your seats and be quiet! This train is now under control of Clarity!"
Gasps echoed around the compartment as Kendrick tightened his grip on Flygon's Great Ball. He'd been tempted to go after Clarity when they popped up in Castelia, but he hadn't an idea how he'd get inside the city, so he decided going to Vertress was the best plan. Looks like he was right. Clarity had come to him.
"So what?" He said, rising from his seat, tossing out Flygon, who hovered in the middle of the rows of seats. "I've taken you idiots down before. One or two Pokemon isn't enough to stop me."
"No?" The goon gave a crooked grin. "What if we told you that as soon as this train arrives to Vertress City, you're all gonna be blown sky-high?"
More gasps, but Kendrick merely scowled. "What? You planning on sticking around to die as well?"
"We only need to stay long enough to ensure that it this train doesn't get stopped," another goon spoke. "And that idiot trainers like yourself don't interfere. So get back into your seat, or else." A Magmar and Druddigon were sent out, fire puffing out from the Fire type's mouth. "You can't do a thing, unless you're willing to risk everyone else in this compartment with our battle?"
Kendrick tightened both fists. Most of the trainers looked scared stiff. Only a few looked like they were willing to fight, but hesitation marked their faces. They, like Kendrick, knew that a fight in such close quarters on a train not built for Pokemon battles wasn't a good idea.
But if they aren't stopped, then we're all going to die anyway, Kendrick braced himself, Flygon doing the same. I don't have a choice here.
"CRAP!" Robert dived behind the receptionist's desk as a huge chunk of marble went soaring past with a crash. He peeked over to see Swampert slam into Machamp with a cry of fury, following up with a wave of water that cascaded into the Fighting type.
A huge fist slammed down on the desk and Robert whipped his gaze up to see Strong Arm leering down at him. With a yelp, Robert scrambled backwards as the huge man effortlessly hauled himself over the desk, his boots making a heavy thud as he landed.
"You really have guts, you and your friends," Strong Arm sounded approving as he stalked towards Robert. "Taking us on, a veritable army. You've had your victories, sure, but we've had many more. Do you know how long we've been operating in Unova?"
"Don't particularly care," Robert had gotten to his feet, sending out Carracosta. "Rollout!"
"HRAAAH!" Strong Arm bellowed as he rushed Carracosta, thrusting out both hands as the Water/Rock type slammed into him. Still roaring, Strong Arm heaved upwards, sending Carracosta straight into the ceiling with a crash. Robert gaped.
"Hah hah!" Strong Arm bashed both fists together. "I hope you recall me mentioning before we've done human experimentations before, yes? Well, I was one of them. One of the first. They say I dropped a few IQ points, but I'd say it's well worth it for this extreme power." His muscles bulged and his veins and eyes turned red. From his bald head three skin colored ridges formed, giving him the appearance of a human/Machoke hybrid.
"Now then," his voice had deepened and become more gravelly. "Do try and make this at least interesting. I've been itching for a proper fight."
"Looks like hybrids are on the menu now," Robert muttered, already reaching for the next pokeball. "What's next, murderous clowns?"
"BRING IT!" Strong Arm bellowed as he dashed towards the blond, who threw up the pokeball, shouting, "Sand Tomb!"
Krokorok appeared snarling, whipping up a harsh hurricane of sand that enveloped Strong Arm. A harsh glowing fist appeared from the sand, connecting with Krokorok's snout and snapping his head downwards before another fist came flying in an uppercut, sending Robert's Pokemon flying backwards.
"Oh dear," Robert squeaked as Strong Arm charged from the swirling sand. "I'm dead."
"Bring him back or I swear I'll-!"
"Oh shut it girlie," Akane groaned. "You're so annoying." She stalked out from behind the desk, Liepard leaping down to pad up to her trainer's side. "What can you even do? You're outmatched 3-1."
"You know, that's your problem," Alex snapped, a white hot anger burning within. "You really honestly believe that. Tell me, does your Pokemon mean nothing to you!?"
"Hm, Liepard?" Akane glanced down at her Pokemon, then gave Alex a genuine look of confusion. "She's my Pokemon, what of it?"
Alex gaped at her before breathing in slowly through her nose, trying to calm down. It worked only barely. She reached behind her, unlatching a pokeball from her belt. "People like you make me sick. I'm going to show what the bond of a trainer and her Pokemon can accomplish when it seems they're outmatched." Her eyes narrowed. "I'll be sure to show you some clarity!"
Akane yelled something, but Alex tuned it out as Liepard lunged for her. She leaped back, tossing out Incineroar, who batted Liepard aside with a roar and blasted fire from his belt, engulfing the Dark type in flames.
"Get her!" The bigger of Akane's henchmen bellowed and his Gurdurr swung his sharpened steel beam around and launched it at her. Lurantis appeared, knocking it aside with the flat of her glowing sickle before running at the Fighting type and slashing him across the chest.
Alex ducked, Scrafty flying by overhead as he crashed into the wall, crying out in pain, but he whirled around, fury burning in his eyes, only to be headbutted across the room by Absol.
"Your Pokemon are occupied now, girlie," the lanky blond cracked his knuckles. "Now it's really three on one."
"Arceus you really are stupid," Alex rolled her eyes as her Salazzle appeared from behind her, tail whipping back and forth as she hissed in the enemy's direction. Nine fluffy tails poofed up from her other side as Ninetales padded out from her trainer's right side. "No self-respecting trainer leaves home without a full party."
"Heh," Alex's fierce expression turned into a devilish smirk, making even Akane edge back a bit in fear as flames erupted around both Salazzle and Ninetales, bathing their trainer in an eerie glow, the red in her hair shimmering like fire. "I think I'm actually going to enjoy this."
With a yell, Greninja and I charged, water surging around the Water type before collapsing in on him to form his cloak. Electivire slammed his fists on the ground, waves of electricity surging towards us. Arcaneis leaped from his pokeball, howling as he took the electric attack head on, drawing in the energy as his eyes sparked with rage.
I came to a sudden stop, launching Lucario out. He twirled in the air, throwing two bones that shattered against Electivire, each one making him back up a step. Greninja shot ahead of me, going in for a low attack as he slammed a glowing leg against Electivire's. Capitalizing on his opponent's unbalanced state, Lucario jetted forwards, pummeling the Electric type all over the chest before kicking off him, firing off an Aura Sphere. With a massive yell, Electivire caught the blue ball of energy and crushed it with a small explosion of electricity.
By that point, I had already gotten past him and ran straight for Averick. The lanky man smirked and Natu's eyes glowed where he perched atop the man's shoulder. The world spun around me and I nearly threw up as I fell to the side. Grunting, I struggled to stand, my balance completely off.
"How do you think you'll be able to best me if you can't even get close?" Averick mocked, his voice sounding muddled. My vision swimming before me, I attempted to reach him, but a large hand gripped the back of my shirt and threw me. The added weightlessness nearly made me hurl as I squeezed my eyes shut. I felt myself fall and wind rushed past me.
Glass shattered around me as something wrapped around my middle, stopping my fall. I blinked, my vision returning to normal as I found myself over the side of the roof, Greninja's tongue wrapped around my middle. He held a water blade in the inside of a broken window as he began hauling me up.
A massive explosion came from above and Arcaneis flew over the edge above us. With a pained grunt, I whipped out his pokeball and returned him. "Let's go," I spoke through gritted teeth as Greninja nodded, leaping up as he swung his head, tossing me up and back over the roof. I curled into a ball and rolled to soften the landing, stopping in a crouched position.
Lucario returned to my side, electric burns covering his body, but he gave me a nod, letting me know he was still good to go. Nodding back, I stood beside him as Greninja leaped back over to me. I reopened Arcaneis pokeball and the hulking Legendary Pokemon shifted into a crouch.
"Still raring to go I see," Averick gave a slow clap. "You certainly live up to your reputation." He tossed out another pokeball, a red Drapion appearing beside Electivire. "Regardless, fighting is pointless. You cannot win. That bomb will go off, killing the trainers and Pokemon inside and anyone else unfortunate enough to be in close proximity. What hope do you have here?"
I clenched my teeth. He was right. Nothing I did here would help those on the train. Still-! "I'm not just going to let things go the way you want," I snarled. "You won't win! I won't allow it!"
"Hah!" Averick laughed. "Amusing. You really are just an idealist. You should really just give it up."
"You stand to oppose N, the King of Team Plasma who holds the truth above all else, with your ideals."
"Once you have gained his trust, and claimed the title of Hero of Ideals, only then will we settle things between us to see which is greater; My truth or your ideals."
"Two new heroes were foretold to rise long into the future, one who sought to bring his truth to the world while the other fought to preserve his ideals."
My ideals, I thought. I gripped a fist. "Maybe I am just an idealist. But is there anything wrong with that?" I leveled my gaze. "It's carried me this far and it's helped me save lots of people. My ideals is one thing I won't give up, especially not because some idiot trying to play mob boss thinks he's going to win." With a yell, I charged, my Pokemon alongside me. Arcaneis shot straight for Electivire and the two collided in an explosion of energy as Greninja, Lucario and I ran for Drapion, who held out his arms, dozens of green missiles shooting for us.
Lucario leaped ahead, a flurry of fists shattering each missile as Greninja and I ran beneath him, several shurikens forming in his grasp. He threw them and they crashed into Drapion, who staggered back as I leaped up, planting my foot on one of Drapion's arms and bouncing off it and further into the air. Below, Drapion's body twisted as one of his arms extended to snatch me, but Lucario slammed down a bone on it with a howl as Greninja jumped into the air, tongue wrapping around me as he swung me towards Averick.
I saw the man's panicked expression moments before impact, the wave of dizziness Natu forced on me unable to stop my momentum. I crashed into the man, knocking him down and forcing Natu to fly up. Groping around blindly to avoid the worse of the dizziness, I found Averick and pinned him to the ground. "Give it up-! AH!"
I was thrown backwards by a psychic force. I rolled along the ground before stopping myself, rising to my feet once more. I staggered forwards, only to see Averick's fist coming towards me. Unable to dodge, I took the impact head on. I spun around and fell to the ground.
Averick cursed and nursed his hand. "I hate getting my hands dirty." He looked up to see Electivire and Arcaneis still locked in a tussle while Drapion had Lucario pinned and Greninja worked to free him. They would likely take down his Pokemon before long.
I grit my teeth, trying to fight the dizziness. There was a buzzing sound in my ears. Wait, no. That was... my X-transceiver!
As soon as Kendrick took a step towards the Clarity goons, a voice spoke from behind. "Can't do a thing you say?" A man wearing a black overcoat with a matching trilby spoke from the compartment entryway behind Kendrick. He, along with two others, moved past the teen, a wink from beneath his hat convincing Kendrick to step aside. "Isn't that such a silly thing to say."
"It is isn't it," his companion, a woman in the same outfit, said as she strode on past him. "Well, I say we show them just how wrong they are."
"Let's get crackin' then," the shortest of the three spoke. "We don't got a second to waste."
"Who are you!?" A goon snarled as his Druddigon took a menacing step towards the trio. "If you try to interfere, you'll die like-!"
A spotlight focused on the woman as she interrupted the man. "What a question, so twerpish indeed!"
"We'll answer these questions when we feel the need!" Announced the man as another spotlight focused on him.
"Bringing the blinding white light of good into the future!" The woman tore off her clothes to reveal a black uniform with a large orange R emblazoned upon it, her long magenta hair gleaming.
The man gave a charming smile as he tore off his own clothes to reveal the same uniform and dazzling blue hair. "Thrusting the hammer of justice down onto the black darkness of the universe!"
The third companion leaped between them, slashing down with his claws in the darkness before a spotlight trained itself on him, his clothes torn to shreds to reveal a Meowth. "And carving our names into the rock of eternity!"
Fire seemed to spring up around the woman as she thrust out her hand. "The fiery destroyer, Jessie!"
"And with thunderous emotion," the man flicked a rose into the air. "I am James!"
"Wisest of the wise!" Meowth stood proudly tall. "Meowth!"
"And now gather," the three of them announced together. "Under the name of Team Radiance!"
"Team Radiance?" One of the goons looked baffled. "Who the heck are-OOF!"
James had rushed forwards, a vicious punch spinning the guy around and knocking him onto his butt. Meowth leaped over him, tossing a net that fell around Krookodile and clung to his body as the strands turned froze over. The Ground/Dark type cried out as it slumped to the ground, trapped in the icy net. As Meowth came down for a landing, he slashed down the front of one of the other goons as Jessie ran, leaped over several seats, and landed a kick on the third goon's head. In just a few seconds, all three Clarity grunts and their Pokemon had been taken out.
"Don't let these guys out of your sight!" Jessie barked at the passengers as she and James hogtied them. "We have reinforcements entering the back of the train, but just incase, barricade the back door."
"This is James," James pressed his earpiece. "The 5th Compartment has been secured. Making our way up front. James, out."
"Contact the kid," Meowth told him. "He's going to need to know what's up."
James nodded and quickly pulled out a phone as he, Jessie, and Meowth prepared to storm the next compartment.
Buzz Buzz Buzz
Spitting out blood, I brought my X-transceiver into view too late as it stopped buzzing. Automatically the voicemail began playing.
"I have a feeling you're in the thick of it right now," James' voice spoke, the sounds of him running clearly audible. "So I'll be brief. There's a train heading for Vertress City that's due to explode. We have it covered. I repeat, we have it covered-"
"Heh," I grunted, forcing myself to my hands and knees. "That's right. I still have them."
"Who are they!?" Averick demanded. "Whoever they are, their efforts are pointless!"
"Pointless?" I glared at him, fighting through whatever Natu was doing to my senses. "Far from it." I picked myself up, somehow finding the strength to do so. Unnerved, Averick took a step away from me. "I still have my friends and family behind me, that's why you're going to lose. We're going for a total victory. Save Castelia, stop the bombs, and destroy Clarity!" In an instant, Greninja was at my side. Forcing myself to push through the muddled state my mind was in, I found our connection and latched onto it, letting it wash over me. My senses not only returned to me, but they seemed to merge with Greninja's. Cracking my neck, I got into a fighting stance. "Greninja, let's kick his ass."
BOUNCE!
Strong Arm flew backwards after he'd bounced off Snorlax's stomach. "Nice save!" Robert slammed a palm on his Pokemon's back. "Now let's take him down! Hammer Arm!" Snorlax yawned before charging, an orange glow enveloping his fist. With a guttural roar, Strong Arm met the punch with his own glowing fist. The punches connected and neither gave until Strong Arm yelled out in pain as he was thrown back once again. He crashed into two of his Clarity goons before crashing into the wall.
The front doors of the building were blown apart by a wave of water that carried the rest of the goons outside onto the street. Robert could see that the Plasma grunts were still kicking, but all of them looked exhausted. Robert joined them as they rushed outside onto the street, only to stop as they saw that down both sides of the avenue were approaching Clarity forces.
"We were just the advance squad." Strong Arm wore a crooked grin as he stood in the doorway of the building. His muscles began to bulge again. "This is the true might of Clarity!" He rushed forward, only to have Swampert meet him before he could reach Robert. They clashed, Swampert punching him aside before bashing the ground, erupting the earth around her in a series of shockwaves that shattered the pavement. Swampert then flipped up upon a wave of water before crashing down on him, spun, and punched him across the street with a mighty Hammer Arm.
"I won't go down that easily," Strong Arm bellowed with laughter as he stood, dozens and dozens of Clarity goons spreading out from behind him. Robert and the Plasma grunts were stuck in a soon to be pincer attack. "Today is the day that Clarity rises! Castelia is just the beginning! Soon we'll have all of Unova under our control!"
"Okay, time to shut up now," Robert enlarged a pokeball. "I couldn't do this while inside, so I am oh so glad you decided to come outside." He threw the pokeball. "Give 'em all you got, Wailord!" With a resounding boom, the gargantuan Water type crashed down on the street, just barely fitting in-between the buildings on both sides. Robert unfortunately couldn't see Strong Arm's reaction, but he hoped it was as shocked as he imagined it was. "HYDRO PUMP!"
A torrent of water blasted from Wailord's mouth, slamming into Strong Arm and his goons with incomparable force. They were carried the length of the street straight into Central Plaza where they came to a stop, scattered around the park.
"Now for the other side," Robert whirled around just in time to see the Clarity forces coming from the direction of the docks break apart as a new group joined the fray. Robert glimpsed Officer Jenny leading the charge of Castelia's police force as squads of International Police accompanied them.
"Now this is a party!" Robert grinned as he ran to help.
Alex ducked beneath the big guy's swing before jolting up, jabbing her hand into his throat, making him choke and stumble back. Salazzle leaped over her, wrapping a tail around the guy's head and slamming him to the ground while Ninetales crashed into the lanky blond and pinned him to the ground with her jaws around his throat. Meanwhile, Alex went for Akane.
"Damn you!" Akane spat as she dodged Alex's kick. She slashed at Alex with her long blood red nails, but Alex snatched her wrist and pulled her in close before kneeing her in the stomach. Coughing up spit, Akane fell back, writhing on the ground in pain. But just as Alex moved to step back, Akane's hand shot out, pulling Alex's leg out from beneath her. She fell, the breath being knocked from her as Akane leaped atop her, nails pressed against her throat.
"ALL OF YOU STOP!" Akane screeched, a wild look in her eyes. Alex went very still. She couldn't move, not with the threat of her throat being ripped out. The crazed woman screeched again. "I SAID STOP!"
The fighting ceased as Alex's Pokemon realized the situation. One false move and their trainer was dead. They backed off, Ninetales snarling at Akane. The woman bared her teeth in a mad grin. "That's right, back it up now you disgusting creatures! Or else the girl gets it." Akane turned her gaze down to Alex as her two goons returned to her side. "Oh how great this. Imagine your boyfriend coming down here only to see his precious Alex dead on the floor, blood seeping from-AH!" She fell back as Cubchoo, having sprung from his pokeball, headbutted her. Alex scrambled back as her hand flew to her throat. Only pinpricks of blood stuck to her palm.
"YOU INSUFFERABLE POKEMON!" Akane yelled in fury. "AGAIN WITH GETTING IN MY WAY! JUST DIE ALREADY!" She aimed a kick, but Cubchoo caught it, making Akane stare in surprise. The room was suddenly bathed in a harsh glow as Cubchoo's form began to grow, his tiny fist soon engulfing Akane's foot as he clutched his paw around her ankle. Beartic towered over her and roared, before gripping down on her leg and swinging his arm around and crashing it into the big goon, sending him crashing through the desk. He then gripped the lanky blond by the head and smashed him into the ground.
Snarling, he lifted Akane up by the ankle and held her at face level before roaring full in her face, ice cold spittle spraying her. Akane went from fearful to looking like the fear of Arceus had been put in her. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she went limp. With a snort of disgust, Beartic tossed her aside before returning to Alex.
"You evolved," Alex whispered as she got to her feet. She wrapped her arms around the Ice type's big stomach. "Thank you." Beartic growled happily as he returned the hug.
"Well this is just grand!" Meowth yelled as the three of them ducked behind a seat as fire raced down the middle of the seats. They'd managed to get all the people out of this compartment before Clarity reinforcements had arrived and blocked their exit. Now they were under heavy bombardment.
"If we can't go through, we go up," James tossed out a pokeball. "Wobbuffet, aim for the side!"
"WOOOOOOBBUFFEEEEEET!" The Pokemon cried as it took a flamethrower head on before redirecting a more powerful energy blast at the side, blowing out the wall along with the seats. Wasting no time after returning Wobbuffet, Jessie, James, and Meowth dashed for it, leaping out and turning midair, firing their grappling hooks. They pulled themselves up atop the train, raising their arms at the gale.
"GO GO!" Jessie shouted and they ran. Further ahead, a latch opened atop the first train compartment and several goons began hauling themselves onto the roof of the train.
"Well this didn't work out," Meowth complained as the enemies let out a Serperior, Weezing, Magnezone, Excadrill, Mienshao, and Archeops.
"How long until more of our guys show up?" James whined.
"Quit your moaning," Jessie reprimanded the two. "They're busy with the forces in the back. We're all they have at the moment to take care of the bomb, so shape up!"
"Yes ma'am!" Both boys shouted as they all ran. Serperior and Magnezone struck first, the serpent Pokemon slithering towards James while the Magnezone shot for Jessie.
"Carnivine!" James whirled out his pokeball, the Grass type shooting out and chomping down on James' head. "GAH! NOT ME, GET THE SERPERIOR!"
"Yanmega, Night Slash!" Jessie shouted and the Bug type zoomed out, battering Magnezone with dark winds while Carnivine switched targets and wrapped his tentacles around Serperior before biting down on its head.
"Good job!" James cried out, then his eyes widened. "Jessie, look out!"
"Huh?!" Jessie reacted too slowly as the Mienshao leaped at her, foot stretched out to knock her off the train. Then a green blur shot past her and slammed into Mienshao, sending the Fighting type skidding along the train.
"What was-!?" James stared at the Flygon, then he turned around to see a young black spiky haired man standing atop the train, other people climbing up through the hatch behind him. They spread out, their Pokemon rushing past Jessie to confront the enemy.
"What!?" James still couldn't believe what he was seeing. "What are you-!?"
"Go!" one of the trainers said, gripping a fist. "We'll hold them off for you!"
"Yeah," another one pitched in. "If that bomb goes off, we can kiss the Unova League goodbye."
"Like we're letting that happen," Kendrick took a step forwards, his glare directed at the goons. "We'll show you that our dreams won't be shattered that easily! Flygon, Dragon Pulse!" His Pokemon drew back its head before blasting a powerful draconic beam that blasted Archeops out of the air.
"Thank you," Jessie nodded to the trainers before exchanging a glance with James.
"Get ready Meowth!" James warned him as he and Jessie returned Carnivine and Yanmega.
"Wait, wha-AAAAAAH!"
James grabbed Meowth before leaping off the side of the train at the same time as Jessie and slammed a magnetized disc against the side of the train. Pressing a button, the disc began to whir as it zoomed along the side, carrying James and Meowth with it. The Weezing from above tried to gas them as they passed, only for Flygon to slam into it, slashing it with draconic claws.
As soon as they reached the first train compartment, James smashed through a window at the same time as Jessie and all three sprang up only to see that most of the goons had been taken down by the trainers in the compartment.
"Idiots," A dark blue haired young man wearing a red and white jacket kicked the side of one of the fallen goons. "What were they thinking, threatening a bunch of trainers." He glanced up at the trio who just arrived. "Who are you three?" His Samurott stepped over some broken seats as he reached for his blades.
"Friends! We're friends!" James shouted quickly. "Where's the bomb!? We need to disarm it!"
"Oh right," the teen glanced towards the front of the train. "It's with the drivers." He scowled. "Be careful. Those Clarity bastards did something real nasty with it apparently."
The trio raced past him, stepping over fallen Clarity grunts as they entered the front cabin. Both drivers were sweating nervously, a good sized black square box marked EXPLOSIVES sitting between them.
"It's connected to the speed of the train," the younger of the two drivers managed to say, tears streaming down his cheeks. "If we deaccelerate, it'll go off. But if we don't stop before we arrive in Vertress City..."
"Then the train will crash and the bomb will still go off," James cursed beneath his breath as he squatted to get a good look at it. No visible wires and taking off the casing was a huge risk in of itself.
"Get everyone off the train," the other driver, the more experienced looking of the two, said. "Just get off and go! Before we get to Vertress!"
"We're not going to let anyone die!" Jessie stated fiercely. "So don't say that!"
"We don't have a choice!" The driver insisted.
"We do have a choice," a voice said from behind and they all turned to see the young man from atop the train having arrived. "You said it's connected to speed, right?"
"Yeah, keep up pal," Meowth rolled his eyes.
"Then I need you all to get out of the cabin, except for the drivers," Kendrick said as his Pokemon appeared at his side. "No one is faster than my Flygon." He sighed when nobody moved. "This is our best shot. You can't disarm it. So let us handle it."
"Do you know what you're doing, kid?" James asked, eyeing him seriously.
"We're dead either way," Kendrick stated. "There's no time to get everyone off. We're almost to Vertress anyway. It's now or never. Trust me."
"Let's do it," Jessie said and James glanced at her, but didn't argue. Meowth turned to Flygon. "What about you? You confident in your abilities?"
Flygon buzzed his wings, hrring confidently. Looking satisfied, Meowth left the cabin, followed closely by Jessie and James. Kendrick gripped Flygon's shoulder before moving to the side as Flygon sucked in a breath.
"Cover your faces!" Kendrick shouted to the drivers and they obeyed as Flygon shot a beam of energy at the driver cab windows, blasting them and the metal apart, letting in a rush of air. Flygon flew to the back of the compartment, his wings buzzing, the sounds of singing soothing to the ears. Then he shot forwards, engulfed in a brilliant light as he zoomed straight through the driver's cabin, snatching the bomb at high speeds and out of the train. Everyone crowded the windows and stared as Flygon flew ahead of the train before gradually curving upwards. He soared high up into the skies until he was just a speck before suddenly changing direction. They saw the massive explosion happen before the sound reached their ears. And there was Flygon, outracing the explosion.
"C'mon!" Kendrick shouted.
Flygon braced himself, heat singing his wings as he finally broke free of the explosion. He shot back towards the train, doing his best to ignore the pain from the burns on his back. Kendrick slammed the door of the train open, supported by Jessie, James, and Meowth so he wouldn't fall out as he held out Flygon's Great Ball. Finally unable to fly any longer, Flygon dropped as the glow around him faded, but as soon as the train zoomed by, Kendrick opened the Great Ball, catching Flygon midair and returning him to safety.
"Gotcha," Kendrick clutched the device to his chest as he was pulled back inside and the door shut.
"Great job kid whatever your name is," Meowth slapped him on the back. "Job well done."
Jessie's gaze was distant, so James put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He'll be alright. They've done this before. Believe in them."
Jessie smiled. "I do. And he'll give them hell."
Arcaneis came crashing in front of us as Electivire followed, fists sparking with energy as he punched the ground where Greninja and I had just been standing. Skidding back, I propelled myself forwards alongside Greninja, our movements syncing up perfectly. Leaping up and off my shoulder, Greninja slashed at Electivire's head as I slid beneath his legs, springing up in time to grab the blade of water Greninja tossed to me as I spun around and slashed it across the Electric type's back. Lucario broke off from Drapion and slammed a blazing foot into his back.
Arcaneis stood back up, taking off for Drapion as he bowled him over, chomping down with extreme force, fire blasting out from his maw. Greninja and I both ran for Averick and his Natu. Averick shouted something and Natu's eyes glowed. But just as the waves of psychic energy were about to hit me, I felt a darkness originating from Greninja repel it from within me.
"GET AWAY!" Averick shouted as he threw two pokeballs, a Skarmory and Toxicroak rushing out towards us. Skarmory collided with Greninja and carried him into the sky as Toxicroak rushed me. With a yell, I weaved around him, the water blade in my hands sharpening as I swung in a quick arc. Toxicroak cried out as I slashed across his side and turned rapidly, his claws dripping with poison as he jabbed them towards me. I ducked, breaking apart the blade into two and the water quickly morphed into two knives. I danced around the Toxicroak, slashing with my blades while dodging each attack, something that normally would've been impossible for me, but was created possible thanks to the incredible bond I shared with Greninja.
Up above, Greninja jabbed two shurikens into Skarmory's wings and leaped backwards as they exploded before wrapping his tongue around the Steel/Flying type. He swung him up towards him and connected a fist of ice into his armored face. Greninja then formed two blades of water and jabbed them into Skarmory's already damaged wings as he jerked them to the side, steering Skarmory down towards the roof. He pulled up at the last second, scraping Skarmory's underside along the roof before leaping off just as Skarmory crashed into a metal vent sticking out of the roof.
I was breathing heavily, but as I dodged yet another near fatal attack, I surged forwards as I brought both blades back together, slashing at Toxicroak's stomach with the formed blade. The Poison/Fighting type fell back with a grunt as I stood, blade at my side.
"Impossible," Averick breathed as he stared in open fear and wonder. "Just who are you?"
"We are the Kage-Shinobi," I said as Greninja returned to my side, his cloak flapping in the wind. I raised my blade, gripping it with both hands as I took a single step forward. "And you shouldn't have picked a fight with us." I shot forwards and Natu, in a last ditch effort, flew at me, but Greninja leaped overhead, batting aside the small Pokemon as I neared Averick. The man tried to dodge, but my blade was faster as it went straight through his chest. With a strangled cry, he slumped to the ground as the water blade dissipated.
"Don't worry," I told the barely conscious man. "Greninja's water blades won't kill you. I don't do that anymore." I crouched. "Now tell me, where is your actual boss?"
"I won't tell!" Averick gasped out. "Not a chance in hell would I rat him out!"
"I figured," I scowled. "Keep your secrets then. If I'm unlucky, I'll probably find out eventually. In the meantime, I hope you have fun in prison." I bashed him on the head, knocking him out. I stood, turning around to see that Arcaneis and Lucario had finally finished off Electivire and Drapion.
"Good work, everyone," I praised them as I stared out over Castelia. "I have a feeling victory is going to be a common theme today." I spun on my heel and strode for the roof door. "Now, let's go find our friends."
Far away from Unova a private jet soars over the vast ocean. Inside, sits a man in a suit watching the live news from Unova on a tablet about the brave heroes who fought valiantly aboard the train heading to Vertress City in order to stop the bomb. The news of Castelia itself didn't mention anyone besides the city's police force and the International Police, but he knew who had really brought an end to Clarity.
"Sir," a man wearing a black uniform sat across from him, blue hair sticking out from beneath his cap. "Was it really wise to let Zeno destroy our operations in Unova? All those test subjects and research. Whatever remains after our purge will be obtained by the International Police." He looked nervous, but pressed on. "Why spend so much time and resources in Unova if you're just going to walk away and let it go to waste?"
A low chuckle made the teal haired man shiver. "It was merely a test. A test to see how far he's come. I wanted to see what he's truly capable of. And now I know." He glanced out the window at the expansive sea below. "Now I know..."
"Sir," his personal flight attendant bowed to him as she approached. "We'll be arriving in Kanto shortly."
"Good," the man turned his gaze away from the sea and rested his hands in his lap. "Now, tell me of the Executioners. What became of them?"
"They, uh," his underling coughed. "They've disappeared without a trace. But it seems they've failed to kill the traitor. I expect they'll be too busy hunting her to bother coming to us for the rest of their payment."
"Send it to them anyway," his boss ordered. "They've done their job and I may require their assistance in the future."
"What of Spirit? Should we send any men after her?"
"Don't bother. She won't be found unless she wants to be. She was trained well. However, if she has yet to fully kill her emotions, she may very well end up contacting Zeno again. Maybe even become an ally of his. But that is no matter." His grin returned. "I look forward to seeing what she's capable of now that she is free from her shackles. As for Zeno," his gaze returned to the window. Kanto was in sight. "He has grown considerably. Even so..."
"I wonder just how much it'll take to break his spirits."
