The three of us, Gallade, Lucario, and I, were hiding in the Cipher base's nooks and crannies, keeping out of sight. We had to find Absol, before he was killed. However, we had no idea of where to start. We kept to the walls, stayed in abandoned rooms and moved through the ventilation system. Currently, Gallade and Lucario were both topside, gathering materials to create a diversion while I crawled around in the vents of the compund, trying to find Absol. It was cramped and hot, but I was, at the moment, undetected. One thing, however, stood out in my mind. How had Cipher known where and when to set up a trap for us?

I was crawling through the vent that led to the surface when I noticed another vent that split off from the main tube in the opposite direction of the Cipher base. Collectively, the three of us had searched the entire compound, but none of us had seen this branch of the vent system. Knowing it may be where Absol was kept, I quickly climbed up to the surface, because the radios we had would not work underground. After climbing out of the vent's top on the surface, I pulled out my radio.

"I found another branch of the vents that may lead to another facility entirely, possibly where Absol is being kept. I'll explore further and report back." Confirmation came from both Lucario and Gallade that the message was heard. I jumped back into the main vent and climbed down to the unknown branch.

It was roughly the size of the other vents in the compound, so I could fit easily. I crawled down the steeply slanted metal floor until I reached the first grate. Looking through, I saw several men in white coats walking around, writing on clipboards, discussing something and looking through a window that I couldn't see through. I kept crawling through the vent to the next grate. Still, I could see nothing of what was behind the glass. I kept crawling through the vent, but at each grate there was nothing but a glimpse of the window at best. I saw no vent going towards the windowed room, so I, though it was risky, used Teleport to get into the room for a fraction of a fraction of a second and see what was inside. what I saw sickened me. It was Absol, or rather, what was left of him. He was barely alive, only kept breathing by a machine, electric shockers the only thing that kept his heart beating. One thing was noticeably missing from the side of his head: his horn. Not only was a horn an Absol's pride and dignity, but it was also a major organ with a large blood flow. It was a miracle he was still alive, though it was clear he wouldn't be for long.

I, no longer caring about stealth, shielded myself with Psychic and used Lava Plume to clear a path to the surface, and, switching fully into my Pokémon form, flew into the air as high as an average airliner and used Psychic to contact both Lucario and Gallade.

"I found him. We're going in."

Both Lucario and Gallade were shocked. Lucario was the first to reply. "What about the pla-"

"Screw the plan! They're using Absol for some sick experiment, and I'm not going to let him die in there, god dammit! I can charge them on my own, you just keep everyone out of my way. Got it?
"I didn't wait for a response from either, I just Teleported to each of them, bringing both to the hole I had made.

"Down there?" Gallade asked. The grass around the hole I had made was blackened and burned. I only nodded and jumped in, followed quickly by Lucario and Gallade. When we got there, the place was already in a panic. The scientists were all over the place, while I had one target: Absol's room. I crashed through the glass, sending shards into my shoulder, but I didn't care. I ran over and grabbed Absol from the operation table he was laid on. He could barely open his eyes. His pelt was still spattered with blood, the bandage on his head was crusted with dry blood. I used the most powerful Heal Pulse I could muster, but I knew it wouldn't be enough. Still, he opened his eyes. He saw me and a faint smile grace his face.

"You came." It was clear speaking was a huge struggle for him. It shattered my heart to see him this way. "Thank you."

"For what?" I asked him. "I came far too late. You've been ripped from your horn and left to die because I couldn't come fast enough. Even now, Only a legend could-" I stopped. That was it. I looked up and cried out to the heavens. "Arceus! Cresselia! Jirachi! Anyone! Please!" My cries were left unanswered. I let out a last, quiet, "Anyone..." before falling silent. Absol reached a forepaw to my shoulder. He was straining, and I feared this was his final hour. I grasped the paw, and he smiled.

"The reason I thank you is that you didn't let me die in that hellhole. There were days and nights when I thought, 'Hell, if Arceus is real and is a so-called benevolent god, and he lets this stuff happen, I don't wanna live here anyway. But you came. And now I can die in peace." He leaned back and let out a long sigh.

"No, the Pokémon Center can do something, you don't have to die like this, they could-" I was interrupted by Absol again reaching toward me with a bloodied paw.

"Don't kid yourself. I've had a good life, but it's my time. I wish I could've done more, yeah but-" He winced from an unseen injury. "But I'm fine with this. Don't give up with this. They need to be stopped. You're the only guy I know who can do this. Don't just give up because of me."

He was breathing his last, and he knew it. Yet he still talked about what I could do? "I won't, Absol. Not on my life."

A final smile graced his face, and he said his final words. "I'll see you on the other side, yeah? But not too soon, or I'll reanimate you to kill you again for being an idiot. Got it?"

I only nodded. His chest rose and fell, one last time, and Absol no Kage was no more.