The Champion Stage {Path of the Aura Ranger: Book III}

III Pikachu's P.O.V

As we surged forward on Nebby's back, I could feel the tension in the air thickening with every passing moment. Lusamine's desperation was palpable, her actions growing more erratic as she summoned boulders to shield herself from our pursuit. But Nebby was relentless, smashing through the barriers with raw power and determination.

Lusamine's voice rang out, sharp and commanding, demanding that we halt our advance. But we couldn't afford to back down now, not when we were so close to putting an end to her dangerous obsession. Suddenly, Lusamine released a pulse of energy into the air, causing the surroundings to tremble ominously. It was a desperate attempt to hinder our progress, but we pressed on, undeterred by her efforts to stop us.

As we finally caught up to her, Lusamine unleashed her final gambit—a lake of poisonous liquid that spread out before us, blocking our path. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, Nebby refused to falter. He simply flew over it, at a steady pace.

"I can't believe Lusamine's pulling these stunts!" Ash growled, getting angstier by the second. "First, she releases Faba, then she gets herself kidnapped, and now she's splitting us up!"

Lucario, who sat behind our trainer, nodded solemnly. "It's frustrating, indeed. Her actions seem increasingly reckless."

"Leaving Mega Pidgeot and Mega Charizard X to fend for themselves... It doesn't sit right with me." I could only agree with both of them, Lusamine was truly trying my patience.

"I know, Pikachu. But we have to stay focused. Our priority is stopping Lusamine and rescuing her from the Ultra Beasts." Ash frowned. "Though, I am half a mind to leave her to fend on her own. After all, she is finally with her precious Ultra Beasts."

Lucario and I chuckled at that, silently agreeing with his assessment, but knowing that our hands were tied. It was our duty as Ash's both Champion and Ranger Captain to save others, and us as his Pokémon were tasked with the same duty.

"Leave me alone!" Lusamine's warnings echo in the air, a surge of unease washes over us. Her desperation is palpable, her actions becoming more erratic by the minute. I exchange worried glances with Ash and Lucario, sensing the gravity of the situation.

With a wave of her hand, Lusamine conjures another wave of poisonous liquid, a lethal barrier between us and our target. Before we can react, Nebby acts swiftly once more. I feel a mix of relief and gratitude as Nebby charges across the poisonous lake, dodging Lusamine's attacks with graceful agility, I can't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. The air crackles with tension as we approach Lusamine, our hearts pounding in anticipation of the confrontation that awaits us.

Once we are close enough, Ash finally snaps. "Lusamine, what the heck do you think you're doing?!"

Lusamine stares back defiantly. "Stay back! You don't understand!"

"Oh, I understand perfectly! You're acting like a child, putting your own desires above the safety of your family!" Ash's voice raised with anger.

"How dare you! You have no idea what I've been through!" Lusamine lashed out defensively.

Ash ignored her protests, his tone growing more heated. "That's no excuse! You're a mother, Lusamine, supposed to protect your kids, not abandon them for some obsession!"

I winced at Ash's harsh words, surprised by his intensity. I've never seen him go off like this with anyone before, not even when Palkia and Dialga almost destroyed Alamos Town. "Damn, things just got real."

"You're a terrible mother, Lusamine!" Ash continued, with a growl. "How could you abandon your own family like this?!"

"Father, calm down!" Poor Lucario tried to help Ash, but once he gets like this there's no aiding.