Ash x Serena Rise of the forgotten hero

Shadows Over Lumiose: A Fight for Survival

"Wait, Ash!" Serena called, her voice laced with urgency. "Didn't we manage to get rid of the darkness in the Prison Bottle that held the power for Hoopa to transform into its Unbound Form?"

Ash nodded grimly, his gaze locked on the distant smoke. "We did, but if Yveltal is here, it means Calem might've managed to corrupt it again. We need to tread carefully as we move into the city."

Serena opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a golden ring materialized in front of them. A loud whoosh followed as a battered Pokémon emerged, its form weak and trembling.

"Hoopa!" Ash shouted, running toward the injured Pokémon.

"...Ashkun..." Hoopa whispered faintly, its voice filled with exhaustion.

"What happened, Hoopa?" Ash knelt down, his voice steady but concerned as he took in Hoopa's battered state.

Hoopa's eyes fluttered open as it explained, its voice trembling. "Ashkun... people in orange suits with an F and R on their uniforms... they came for me... and the bottle. They wanted to use its power for evil. We tried to stop them... but their Pokémon were too strong. They... they used a strange beam on the bottle, and the darkness came back!"

Ash's expression hardened. "So Xerosic is involved in this," he muttered under his breath.

He looked toward the ominous plumes of smoke rising in the distance, then back to the group. Before he could speak, Sawyer and Alain arrived, their faces set with determination.

"Here's the plan," Ash began, his voice sharp and commanding. "The stadium is far from the chaos, so it's our safest point. We'll evacuate everyone here. Diantha, Professor Sycamore, May, Dawn, Serena—I need you to round up people caught in the chaos and guide them to safety, but don't engage unless absolutely necessary."

Diantha gave a resolute nod, and the others followed suit, determination lighting their faces.

"Gary," Ash continued, "take Hoopa to the Pokémon Centre and get it treated immediately."

"Got it," Gary said without hesitation. He gently lifted Hoopa, cradling the weakened Pokémon in his arms, and dashed off toward the Pokémon Centre.

"Clemont," Ash turned to the young inventor, "do you have something that can help guide people to safety?"

Clemont adjusted his glasses, his mind already working. "Leave it to me!" he said. He quickly pulled out his Rotom Phone, launching a fleet of drones he'd developed. The drones buzzed into the air, flying toward the city centre with glowing indicators to lead people out of danger zones.

"You and Bonnie stay here and help manage the crowds," Ash instructed.

"Understood!" Clemont said, determination burning in his eyes.

Ash then turned to Alain, Sawyer, and Paul. "You three are with me. We're going straight in to stop them."

The trio exchanged glances, their faces steeled with resolve. "Let's do this," Alain said, his voice firm.

Before Ash could move, Serena stepped forward and grabbed his hand tightly. "Ash..." she said softly, her voice trembling. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Are you sure you're going to be okay? I... I don't want to lose you... not like I almost did that time..." A single tear slipped down her cheek.

Ash's expression softened as he gently wiped the tear away. Without a word, he pulled her into a hug, holding her close. "I'll be okay," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet reassurance. "I promise."

Serena nodded, her grip on him lingering before she stepped back.

Ash turned to face the others, his resolve clear in his eyes. "Is everyone ready?"