A/N: Things are turning dark, quickly. Just to advise to those who don't like that kind of scenes to skip this chapter.


I received an urgent summons from Utau, Ash's trusted second in command, informing me that Ash had ventured into the heart of Team Flare's main headquarters to rescue Alain, completely disregarding protocol. Concern and dread gripped my heart as I hastily made my way to the scene, fearing the worst.

As I arrived, a scene of utter devastation unfolded before my eyes. The once imposing stronghold of Team Flare now lay in ruins, its grandeur reduced to a grotesque tableau reminiscent of a nightmarish horror movie. The air hung heavy with the acrid scent of smoke, mingled with the metallic tang of blood. Shattered glass, twisted metal, and charred debris littered the landscape, a haunting testament to the chaos that had unfolded.

My eyes darted across the grim scene, taking in the harrowing sight of bodies scattered amidst the wreckage. Their lifeless forms painted a chilling picture of the violence that had consumed this place. The walls, once adorned with the sinister symbols of Team Flare, were now marred with splatters of crimson, creating a macabre tapestry that stained my mind. Bodies, both Team Flare members and their pokemon, lay scattered amidst the wreckage. The air hung heavy with the scent of smoke and the unmistakable metallic tang of blood. It was a chilling tableau of carnage, a testament to the power wielded by Ash's pokemon in their unwavering dedication to protect their trainer.

My emotions swirled within me, a maelstrom of shock, awe, and concern. The magnitude of what had transpired became clear—Ash's pokemon had taken matters into their own hands, fighting with a ferocity that shook the foundations of Team Flare's stronghold. They had unleashed their powers, unleashing a relentless storm of destruction, all in the name of safeguarding their beloved trainer.

I searched the chaos for any sign of Ash and Alain, and relief washed over me as I spotted them, unconscious but seemingly unharmed amidst the chaos. It was a bittersweet sight, knowing that they were safe yet realizing the immense power Ash's pokemon had wielded in their defense. As I took in the scene, my mind raced to comprehend the implications of this cataclysmic event. t was a stark reminder that Ash, through his unwavering dedication and friendship, had forged a bond with his pokemon that surpassed all expectations.

However, a sense of trepidation gripped me as I noticed Lysandre standing nearby, his expression a mix of fury and astonishment. His plans had been thwarted, his stronghold reduced to rubble. It was clear that he had underestimated Ash and his pokemon, who are an unstoppable force. As Lysandre moved away from the lifeless body of the unknown man, a sinister determination etched upon his face, a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins. I braced myself, ready to intercept his reckless charge, to protect Ash from any harm that may befall him.

But in the blink of an eye, before I could even react, a swift blur of movement erupted from the corner of my vision. My gaze fixated on Pikachu, Ash's steadfast partner, as it unleashed its Iron Tail with a precision and speed that defied comprehension. The crackling energy of Pikachu's attack cleaved through the air, meeting its mark with unerring accuracy.

Time seemed to stand still as I watched in stunned silence. Lysandre's body, now severed from his head, tumbled to the ground in a grotesque, lifeless heap. The weight of the moment settled upon me, a mixture of shock, disbelief, and awe at Pikachu's unwavering loyalty to his trainer.

Emotions surged within me, an amalgamation of astonishment and a sense of grim satisfaction. Pikachu's swift and decisive action had severed the source of darkness that had threatened to engulf Ash and all those he held dear. It was a testament to the bond between Ash and his pokemon, a bond so strong that even in the face of an imminent threat, they acted as a united front, protecting one another at all costs.

As I collected myself from the astonishment, my gaze shifted to Ash. Still asleep, and by the look of Espeon's shinning jewel, it was an artificial induced sleep. I did not want to dwell into what it meant. That Ash's pokemon acted on their own to do... this. All that it mattered was that Ash, Alain, and their pokemon were safe.

It was then that the aftermath of Lysandre's demise sank in, a realization that the chapter of darkness he had orchestrated had finally come to an end. But the echoes of his malevolence would linger, there was no time for complacency or celebration. We had to regroup, to face the lingering shadows that would undoubtedly emerge from the remnants of Team Flare.

I turned towards the sound of Utau's voice, my eyes falling upon her as she knelt before the lifeless body of Lysandre's companion. A mix of disbelief and rage coursed through me as I recognized the fallen figure. It was Savage, the criminal who had been brought justice by Ash's own father. He had been the one who had brought the demise of Ash's father and his pokemon.

My footsteps were heavy, laden with a burden of sorrow and fury, as I approached Utau. The weight of the loss bore down upon us, intertwining our fates in this grim moment. Behind me, my loyal Dragonite, Scales, growled lowly, mirroring the anger that surged within me.

"Cursed be his name," I muttered through gritted teeth, my voice laced with venomous contempt. The pain of Savage's havoc he had wreaked upon our lives resurfaced, reopening old wounds that had never fully healed. It was a bittersweet victory, knowing that his reign of terror had come to an end, but the cost had been immeasurable. My heart constricted with a wave of sorrow. The realization hit me like a crashing wave, threatening to engulf me in its overwhelming force. Ash's father, a brave warrior whose memory lived on through his son, and the pokemon who had stood by his side had made the ultimate sacrifice. "I had not even realized he had escaped prison."

Utau looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with tears that refused to fall. There was a profound sadness etched upon her face, a reflection of the pain we both shared. She had been there from the beginning, fighting alongside Ash and me, united in our pursuit of justice. And now, the confrontation had come to a devastating conclusion.

"Lance," Utau's voice trembled, laden with a mixture of grief and determination. "Savage... he's finally gone. But at what cost? Ash's pokemon... they sacrificed their innocence to bring him down."

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought to maintain composure, swallowing the anguish that threatened to consume me. This was not the time for weakness; it was a time to honor the fallen, to carry their memory forward, and to protect those who remained.

"They fought valiantly, Utau," I said, my voice steady but laced with a deep sadness. "Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. We must honor their memory by continuing the fight, by ensuring that justice prevails. As for Ash's pokemon... I think that they will not mind losing their innocence, as you so called it. I believe that they mostly kept it because of Ash... because Ash wanted to make even his enemies into friends. That's who Ash is after all."

Utau nodded, her face a mixture of grief and determination. She rose from her kneeling position, her resolve shining through her tears. But it was then that the weight of the somber moment pressing down upon us. The aftermath of battle, the destruction, and the lives lost—it was a heavy burden to bear. As we gazed upon Ash's unconscious form, a sense of trepidation gripped me. How would he react when he awoke and learned of the death and destruction his pokemon had caused in his name? Utau turned to me, her eyes filled with concern, mirroring the thoughts that swirled within my own mind. She spoke, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and apprehension. "Lance, when Ash wakes up and sees what has happened... how will he cope with the knowledge of the sacrifices made? The lives lost in his name?"

I sighed heavily, grappling with the weight of that question. The toll of battle and the consequences of their actions would undoubtedly leave a profound impact on Ash's spirit. The realization that his pokemon, driven by their unwavering loyalty and love, had become instruments of destruction in their mission to protect him would be a heavy burden to bear.

"Utau, there is no easy answer to that," I replied, my voice laden with a sense of resignation. "Ash has always carried the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. But this... the loss and devastation caused by his pokemon's actions, it will be a bitter pill for him to swallow. He will feel guilt, and he will question whether the sacrifices were worth it."

Utau's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "We must be there for him," she said, her voice firm. "We must remind him that the choices made were not his alone, that his pokemon acted out of their deep love and devotion for him."

I couldn't agree more. Ash needed support, understanding, and unwavering friendship in these trying times. We had to remind him that he was not alone, that the bonds forged with his pokemon were powerful, but also fragile. They had acted not out of malice, but out of a burning desire to protect him at any cost.

Taking a deep breath, I turned my gaze back to Ash's still form, a sense of determination coursing through me. "Utau, we will be there for him," I affirmed, my voice resolute. "When Ash awakens, we will support him, help him heal, and guide him through the darkness that lies ahead. We will remind him that even in the face of tragedy, his strength lies in his bonds, and together, we will find a way to forge a brighter future."

Utau's eyes softened, gratitude shining through her tears. "Thank you, Lance," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "Together, we will ensure that Ash finds the strength to carry on."

In that moment, a sense of camaraderie and determination washed over me. We would stand united, providing the solace and support Ash needed. As we waited for him to awaken, the weight of the losses we had suffered weighed heavily upon us, but our resolve remained unshaken. We would be the pillars of strength for Ash, helping him find his way through the darkness and guiding him towards a future where the light of hope would once again shine bright.

With a heavy heart and a renewed sense of purpose, I turned my gaze towards Ash's still form. We would remain by his side, shielding him from the storm that raged on, ready to face whatever trials awaited us on this path of uncertainty. Together, we would rally, united in our purpose to protect Ash. As we stood there, Ash remained unconscious, a silent witness to the sacrifices made in his name. It was our duty to protect him, to ensure that the darkness that had plagued his journey would not extinguish the light within him.