Pokémon XYZ: Life, Death, Order, and Chaos (book 2 of the HBoD series)

Chapter 72: Signalling the End

"You know, this same situation happened to me once before," I grumbled as Greninja blasted the door apart and me and my Pokemon were treated to a sight of several Grunts heading my way. "And the first time was bad enough, being underwater and all. But having this happen to me again really ticks me off." I took a step forwards. "Arcanine, Extreme Speed!" The Fire type sped into the grunts and their Pokemon, knocking them off their feet. Lucario and Mawile leaped into the hallway, taking down any Pokemon that tried to get back up.

I stepped past the groaning grunts and fainted Pokemon, the hallways bathed in a red glow as a siren wailed. "We're going to have a lot of company guys. So get ready."

We rushed down the next hallway, several grunts turning a corner twenty feet ahead. "Corviknight, Brave Bird!" The Steel type soared forwards, knocking them down like pins. A Drapion was released as they went down and I skidded to a halt as Greninja surged forwards, slamming a Water Shuriken down on his head before swinging a glowing fist upwards, striking him in the chin. He flew into the ceiling before falling back down.

"Lucario," I turned to the Fighting type. "I need to find the Control Room. Spread out your aura. We'll buy you the necessary time." Lucario nodded and spread his palms on the metal floor, his appendages floating in the air. Pounding footsteps alerted me to the impending arrival of more grunts.

"Arcanine, I want a Heat Wave as soon as they enter the hallway," I ordered. "Bisharp, I want you to use Guillotine on any Pokemon that don't go down. Mawile, Corviknight, and Greninja, I have a feeling more people will be arriving from the rear, so keep your guard up."

They nodded and the second wave of grunts hit us from up ahead. Houndooms raced along their sides, but most were blown back by Arcanine's Heat Wave. Those who weren't didn't have enough time to attack as Bisharp ran past, swinging long blades that sliced through the walls. I heard a blast behind me and glanced back to see my other three Pokemon engaging several more grunts and their Houndooms and Weavile.

Once they were all taken care of, Lucario rose, nodding to me. "Great," I nodded, hurrying after him. "All of you, let's go!" We followed Lucario down several hallways, past various doors into what I assumed were laboratories by the name plates that rushed by me. We encountered various grunts along the way, where my Pokemon engaged them quickly enough.

I lunged forwards, grappling a grunt and slamming him into the wall. I twisted my body, swinging my leg up as I caught another in the side. Greninja flew over me, slamming a glowing foot down on a Houndoom, then leaping back as he shot him with several Water Shurikens. I ducked below a fist, grabbing the wrist and yanking it to one side. The grunt yelled in pain as I kicked her feet out from under her and she collapsed onto the ground.

As I stood, I could see Lucario up ahead, backing up from a door as a man stepped out. The same bald admin from the Power Plant cracked his knuckled, his female Charizard lumbering next to him. "Boy, you are a real thorn in Team Flare's side. I'll enjoy killing you myself." He brushed the Flare symbol on his belt, bright light enveloping Charizard. "Mega Evolve!"

"Lucario, Greninja," I held up my knife, pressing my thumb down on the hilt. "Together! Lucario, Mega Evolve!"

Light burst from Lucario as he and Greninja dashed forwards. Heat blasted down the hallway as Charizard flapped her wings. She reared back her head and shot a jet of fire down towards them. Lucario hung back, letting Greninja take the lead as he whipped off his cloak, using it to shield themselves from the attack. Lucario leaped over him, foot ablaze as he twirled and slammed it into Charizard's head. She stumbled back and Greninja used that opportunity to swing himself forwards, wrapping his legs around her neck. He yanked his giant shuriken free and slammed it down on her head and leaped back with half a second to spare as it exploded on her head.