Pokémon USUM: Hero Born of Darkness (book 1 of the HBoD series)

Chapter 50: Ark City

Kabutops surged forwards on a wave of water and smashed into several grunts. Decidueye expertly weaved between the rest of them, slicing at their legs. I returned both of them and turned to see the hallway clear, Arcanine waiting for me at the next door.

We went through and found ourselves in a large dome. It was completely bare except for the blue-haired scientist at the other end.

"Welcome Zeno," she said, smiling. "To Ark City. You've managed to make it so far, but I'm afraid I'll have to stop you right here."

I held up a hand to stop Arcanine from charging. "Can't you see Kamake, whatever Cassandra and the Shadow are planning, it's insane. It's illogical."

Kamake gave a small smile. "Maybe, but she is my boss. I follow her orders till the end."

"Then you're not as smart as you make yourself out to be," I said, pointing a finger at her. "You're just another one of her mindless grunts following a vague idea."

Her blue eyes regarded me coldly. "Then let me prove to you just how smart I am."

She enlarged a pokeball. "Alas, I can't kill you, but I am allowed to bruise."

I withdrew a pokeball from my trench coat. "I've gotten stronger since we last battled Kamake. Once I've finished with the Shadow, I'm bringing you straight to Nanu."

Kamake smirked. "Even your father knew better than to let me live Zeno."

Startled, I took a step back, which gave time for Kamake to let out her Weavile. "Ice Punch!"

I threw my pokeball. "Accelerock!"

Lycanroc flew out of the pokeball and collided with Weavile.

"Crunch!" I shouted.

Lycanroc clamped his jaws on Weavile and smashed her to the ground.

"Night Slash!" Kamake commanded.

Weavile slashed her claws, a dark wind knocking Lycanroc off of her.

"Rock Slide," I yelled. "Then get behind her!"

"Take the attack!" Kamake ordered.

Weavile took the attack, barely flinching.

As Lycanroc neared her, Kamake shouted. "Revenge!"

An aura of red surrounded Weavile as she turned around and slashed her claws. Lycanroc was sent tumbling backwards and fainted. I returned him and Arcanine nudged my arm.

"No," I said to him. "You're one of my strongest partners. I have to save you for when we take on Cassandra."

I turned back to face Kamake, enlarging my Master Ball. "But maybe it's time to show you my secret weapon Kamake!"

I tossed it into the air, releasing Mahina. Weavile took a step back, knowing all too well what Mahina was.

Kamake looked alarmed for a second but recomposed herself immediately. "A Type: Null. Huh, I think I recognize her."

Mahina crouched low, growling.

"Her name is Mahina," I snarled, knowing Kamake was the one who experimented on her. "Now Let's make them regret hurting you! Iron Head!"

Mahina sprang forwards, her helmet glowing.

"Icy Wind!" Kamake yelled.

Weavile blew a wind of frozen air and I yelled, "Air Slash!"

Mahina skidded to a halt and whirled her body 360 degrees, a sharp wind slicing through the ice.

"Night Slash!"