Pokémon BW: Rise of Clarity (book 3 of the HBoD series)

Chapter 55: A Story by the Fireplace

A blast of metallic energy ripped up the earth as Magnezone flew around the battlefield, electricity charging along his body towards his magnets. Fire streaked along Ninetales as she swung her tails. A ring of fire slammed into the Electric/Steel type, encaging him in a fiery tornado. It raged for a few seconds before Magnezone fell to the ground defeated.

"Your weakness is just a bit too obvious!" Alex called out to Colress, who stood guard in front of the cave Ghetsis and N had disappeared into. "Give it up! Team Plasma isn't winning today! Or ever!"

"It does look that way doesn't it," Colress groaned as he palmed his face. "Man, Kamake is going to make fun of me for years to come."

"Kamake?" Alex was caught off guard. "What does she-?"

"Even so!" Colress lowered his hand as he produced another Ultra Ball. "I will fight for my convictions! To see Pokemon reach their ultimate potential! Even if it's just for a moment, I want to witness the Original Dragon being birthed into this world anew! So I shall hold my ground against you until Ghetsis achieves his goals!" A Metagross landed in front of him, his iron gaze set on Ninetales.

"Well, it was worth a shot," Alex sighed before her gaze hardened. She returned Ninetales and sent out Darmanitan. "Don't say I didn't warn you. Now, let's burn them to ashes!"

Darmanitan pounded his chest and let out a bellow before leaping towards Metagtoss, fists alight with flames. He slammed them into the ground, Metagross having dodged just in time. Skidding across the ground, Metagross quickly rose up, his legs rotating up and inwards before he spun forwards, crashing into the Fire type. Grappling onto the Steel/Psychic type the best he could, Darmanitan let out blaring uproar that rattled Metagross so much that he fell out of the sky. Both Pokemon tumbled across the ground, Darmanitan's flaming eyebrows flaring in intensity as he spun himself around, bringing up both fists and slamming them down on Metagross with a mighty explosion.

Metagross flew out of the smoke, firing a powerful metallic beam. It crashed into Darmanitan, forcing him back, but his body lit up with fire and he pushed through the attack. He gained speed, fists and feet pounding against the ground as he ran through the pain and leapt upwards. He rocketed into Metagross and bounced backwards, crashing to the ground. As Metagross stood and slammed his feet into the ground, causing the earth to shake and rumble, Zen Mode Darmanitan flew towards him, aloft on his own psychic energy. Mystical orbs of fire sprung up around him before firing, merging into one big bluish-red fireball before exploding against Metagross.

The Iron Leg Pokemon emerged from the flames, one of his legs glowing as he slammed it into Darmanitan, sending him into the ground where Metagross fell on him, crushing him further into the ground. Psychic energy enveloped Metagross, forcing his leg back up, giving Darmanitan just enough room to slip free. His eyes burned and lashes of fire swung out from him, wrapping around Metagross' body. They burned across his metallic skin, leaving scorch marks once they dissipated. Metagross stumbled unsteadily on his four legs before collapsing.

Colress cursed softly. "Guess that's the end for me then. Well, I did my best and gave Ghetsis all the time I could give. Now, I shall gladly move out of your way and-OOF!" He fell to the side as Alex socked him in the face.

"That felt real good," Alex said as she shook her hand out. She made it a few feet into the cave before slumping against the side of the wall. "Okay, geez, I'm beat." She slid down the wall. "Yep, I reached my limits. Ugh." She closed her eyes for a brief moment before she felt energy rush through the cave. "Okay, not good. C'mon Alex, on your feet girl. You can do this." With a exhale, she forced herself to stand on wobbly legs before a hand settled on her shoulders.

"It's alright. I'll take it from here."

...

"Is that really all you could manage?" Ghetsis looked down with disdain at the freak.