Pokemon X & Y Reimagined

Chapter 9: Mysteries of Mega Evolution Pt 2

Ash forgot about Alex's presence and laughed with Serena as Pikachu entertained Bonnie and many of the lab's pokemon with his trademark impressions.

"Pika pika." Pikachu grabbed his cheeks and rearranged them until he resembled a Psyduck. After immense laughter, Pikachu turned himself into a Froakie and even earned a grin from his teammate, who nodded and gave him a thumbs up. The only one not laughing was Riolu, who pouted at all the attention Pikachu got.

"I never knew Pikachus could do that!" Serena giggled.

"Most can't, but my partner is special." Ash lowered his hand and let Pikachu run up his shoulder. "I've seen lots of Pikachu, but mine is one of a kind."

"He really is." Serena blushed a little, and Pikachu's face turned red, too, as he rubbed the back of his head.

"You never evolved him." Alex interrupted, his harsh eyes upon Ash while Rhyperior did the same to Pikachu. Serena tightened her fists, ready to scold her father, but she blinked upon seeing Ash's reaction. He did not quiver or turn pale before the titan of a man before him. Instead, Ash hardened his face into steel and stood tall before Alex.

"No, Pikachu doesn't want to evolve. I'll never make him do it, especially when he doesn't need to. Pikachu has beaten Raichu and other evolved pokemon before. Pikachu has earned his strength through hard work."

"Pika!" Pikachu sparked his cheeks, and Serena trembled. Her face turned so scarlet that steam shot out of both ears, and her heart pounded like a drum. Ash's team shook in awe of him and Pikachu, and soon even Riolu joined them as they stood behind him. Bonnie flashed a bright grin, and Sycamore watched in disbelief as Alex remained still. The Colonel raised his eyebrow and moved his head the slightest bit to indicate a nod.

"Oui, you have quite a bond with your team."

"That's right, and we-"Ash, Pikachu, Froakie, and the rest of his team sensed it before everyone else. Without warning, he grabbed Serena and threw her to the ground while Pikachu did the same to Bonnie and Charizard, the others.

"What the!?" Alex and Rhyperior snarled.

"Get down!" Ash screamed with Clemont, who came sprinting inside with Chespin. Yet he and the little pokemon flew onto their backs after an explosion ripped through a wall and sent debris everywhere. Had Ash and his team not acted, many would have suffered from the shrapnel, but on the ground, they remained unharmed. However, a blinding white light and high pitched ringing noise overwhelmed their senses. Ash had to feel around before he came to and saw Alex likewise shaking himself conscious.

"Whose there!?" The Colonel roared before he got his answer. A trio of Team Flare grunts charged at them, each wielding an electric baton and Litleo. Ash readied himself but soon found it unnecessary.

"Hammer arm!"

"Rhy!" Rhyperior slammed the Litleos one after the other while Alex mirrored him. Ash's mouth dropped, and he almost felt the grunts' bones snap when the Colonel's punches made contact and sent them flying like ragdolls. Seeing this a few minutes prior would have left Ash pale, but now he almost cheered for the terrifying Colonel.

"Supersonic!"

"Gol!" Ash covered his ears to keep the piercing screams of three Golbats who soared over them away. However, the other pokemon across the enclosure staggered about with swirled eyes.

"Ahh! My ears are gonna fall off!" Bonnie wailed and buried her head in Serena's stomach while Fennekin did the same in her legs. Fletchling, Riolu, and Froakie all stumbled over each other in their confusion.