Better Summary: It's been 500 years since humanity's greed wiped out all Pokemon. Thirty years ago, a young scientist discovered a way to bring Pokemon to 'life': as holograms, using coded DNA, and a new form of battling was created. Since then, it has evolved from a child's game to a hobby to a lifestyle. Schools formed, to train duelists who would survive the world of the Pro League. One of the most prestigious of these schools is Jaden Ketchum Academy, which is located near the region of Alola. Join our heros as they fight to become the very best in their school, facing challenges from all sorts of places, and people, along the way.

Contains characters and elements from different Yu-Gi-Oh stories (Yu-Gi-Oh, GX, 5 D's, etc) and Pokemon.

Warning: Contains mild swearing.

The room was pitch black, illuminated only by the occasional sparks. All of the electronics were destroyed, tables and chairs were overturned, and deep gorges covered the wall. A red-eyed redhead picked himself off of the cement floor. His closed lab coat was covered in dirt and blood, no longer a pristine white. His blonde wife was across the room in a sitting position, bleeding from her slit abdomen. "Celestia!" The woman's silver eyes opened as the man stumbled over to her. She winced.

"Garoth… Where's Rhyne?" The redhead flinched when he heard his daughter's name.

"I don't know… She followed Aman and Luna… Sage was with Augustus… I can't remember anything else." Garoth paused, listening to Celestia's shallow breathing and a loud rustling like a hundred wings beating together. "I think we just broke the Fourth Wall…" He placed his right hand behind his head as it throbbed and felt something thick and warm. "I should have never told Augustus to continue… We're going to die now because of it."

"Garoth," Celestia murmured, "what have I told you? You shouldn't blame yourself. Never dwell on the negative. I'm not the type to die so easily. Remember? I'm 'too Arceus-damned stubborn,' as Aeron likes to put it." She chuckled before coughing up some blood. "Damn… That was years ago…"

"That was yesterday," Garoth corrected. Celestia snorted.

"Arceus-damned smartass… Hasn't changed since we were kids." Both scientists were silent, thinking.

"Aman and Sage...those two kids got caught up in whatever happened." The two girls had been visiting. Sage came to ask for an internship, and Aman was there to see Rhyne.

"If Rhyne is with Aman...she'll be okay." Garoth nodded solemnly, then ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

"What went wrong? Why are we separated from-"

"...normally crack a joke about something like this..." Garoth jolted, and Celestia flinched as a ghostly whisper filled the air. There was something drawing nearer. Something...something that made shivers go up and down their spines.

"...a guy. Any complaints?" Another voice joined in. The rustling sound was growing stronger.

"...in anime, is hair logic ever an issue?"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" A scream pierced the air, sending both into a panic.

"RHYNE!" Celestia screamed, then clutched her head as a wave of pain slammed into her. "GAROTH! GO!" But the redhead was already in motion, moving across the swaying room as fast as he could. The door was only a few feet away, then a few steps.

"RHYNE!" He pulled the door open, then the world fell into darkness.

In the infirmary, Aeron, Lily, and Rinyan were with Hermes, Freyja, and Gregory. Sabell was guarding the door, doing his normal job with his Zorua by him. Marlon and Inné were on two of the beds, still passed out.

"I wish there was more we could do," Rinyan murmured as she disinfected a long gash on Inné's cheek. The Kalosian physicist stirred slightly.

"No offense, Miss Rinyan," Aeron began, "but I don't think we could do much either way." By the door, Sabell let out a small puff of air, violet eyes meeting his Zorua's momentarily. Lily was staring at her folded hands.

"I shouldn't have pushed Cecil so hard. We should have run more preliminary tests, and we should have listened to you, Rinyan. This would have never happened otherwise." The strawberry blonde put her supplies on nearby table and laid a comforting hand on the younger woman's shoulder.

"No...it is mine. If I only had evidence to back up my suspicions, Augustus would have listened." There was a soft tapping noise, and they all looked over to see Hermes holding his small whiteboard up.

{It's all of our faults.} His words read. He wiped the sleeve of his coat along the surface, then added more. {We each had a part in whatever happened.}

"Yes, Hermes is indeed correct." Said Gregory, pushing himself off the wall. "If we each played a part in their disappearance, then it is our job-" He paused dramatically, then continued, "no, it is our DUTY to bring them back!"

"Bravo, Mister Knight-in-Shining Armor. An excellent motivational speech." Aeron clapped his hands slowly and with great deliberance. The brown haired man scowled at him.

"Watch it, Pussyfoot." Before the pair of them could start arguing, a roll of bandages hit each in the face.

"Enough." Rinyan said with an air of finality. "We have greater things to worry about than you two getting into a spat."

"Spat?!"

"Listen here, woman-" But she had pulled out a pair of hypo-needles and had somehow managed to catch them both at once. It wasn't long before both men were on the ground.

"He is correct, though." The soft voice of Freyja caught everyone's attention. "We are the only ones here. Garoth, Celestia, Aman, Luna, Rhyne, Sage, Cecil...what has happened to them? We must do something about it. Who is in?"

"Marlon and Inné will, as am I." Rinyan said, determination coming into her eyes.

"As will I, and I can speak for the two idiots on the floor." Lily pointed down at Aeron and Gregory. Hermes nodded his confirmation, and Sabell smirked.

"NYE-HEH...I'M IN AS WELL." He looked down at his Zorua. "RAIDEN TOO." The Tricky Fox Pokémon gave a yip of confirmation. Rinyan looked around at their small group.

"The moment we are all well, we go into the lab. We will get to the bottom of this. This I swear."

In a completely different place, Cecil blinked, rubbing his eyes. Where...am I? Where, his panic was rising, is Luna? Garoth?! Celestia?! Aeron?! None of his fellow scientists were around, and he was alone. All he could remember was standing alongside Lily and Garoth, as the final sequences were initiated for their project, then a scream, a blast of light, and then...he was here.

"He...Hello…?" Silence. He glanced around at his surroundings. He was surrounded by white light, with wisps of multicolored energy floating everywhere. His hand reached out, but when he tried to touch one, his arm pulled back of it's own accord. The scientific part of him wanted to analyze it and discover what it was, but a more primitive part of him whispered that he shouldn't even be in this place.

"Gall… Gallade!" He spun around, black eyes connecting with red ones.

"Jain!" The Gallade stepped towards his trainer, head swiveling in every direction.

"Gal galad lade gallade?"

"Jain, do you know where we are?" The Gallade shook his head negative. The scientist's head turned back and forth, but there was still nothing that could identify their location.

Then his eyes widened. "Do you think this is what was behind the Fourth Wall?!" Jain thought a moment before shaking his head again. "I see." The two stood in silence for a moment. "Wait, how did you get out of your Pokéball?" Surprise washed over Jain's face, before a look of confusion and deep thought replaced it.

"Gallade...Gallade de llade." He shrugged. Cecil did a quick inventory of the items in his possession. He had his lab coat, three ballpoint pens, a folded piece of paper containing a note from Luna, a voice recorder, and his cellphone; Jain's Pokéball was nowhere to be found. Cecil checked his cellphone first. It didn't respond or light up, leading him to conclude the battery was drained. The same was true of his recorder.

"...HO..." A voice echoed through the space they were in. Both Pokémon and human jumped. Jain's elbow blades shot out, and he assumed a defensive position. Cecil's head whipped back and forth.

"Who's there?!" There was no response. No voice, no figure appearing. Just the same, swirling, multicolored energy and white void. There was nothing. Slowly, very slow, Cecil's shoulders slumped, and he breathed out, and Jain rose ever so slightly from his position.

"...fourth wall...really...?" Both tensed up again, but it was only a voice, whispering so low neither could really hear it. There were other voices that could be heard, but only some came clear enough for them to make out.

"...shadows...?" A different voice, from elsewhere, followed by laughter.

"...a common occurrence in the team."

"...which one f*cked up and said listen..."

"What do you think these are…?" Cecil whispered, listening to the strange voices.

"Gal...Gallade al ade?"

"...for some odd reason...sorta connected his personality with..."

"... SH*T'S GONNA GO DOWN!"

"...hair logic...thrown out the window...!"

"Do you think...these are part...of the Fourth Wall…?" Jain was silent, thinking, but relaxed, ever so slightly. "They seem...familiar?"

"...as I started, I mentally heard a loud 'NYEHEHEH'..."

"...where is this...domain...?"

"...what are those voices...?" With that, they all faded away, leaving the human and Pokémon standing alone. Both stood in silence for several minutes.

"Well...that was stra-" A shiver coursed up and down his spine, and he spun around to see a strange, multicolored orb floating several yards away. He stumbled back in shock and broke out in a cold sweat.

"Gal..." Cecil expected Jain to rush forward and attack the orb, but to his shock, the Psychic-Fighting type retracted his elbow blades, bowed his head, and went on one knee. "Gal gallade lagade ade..."

"Jain...?" Cecil whispered, then he coughed. Then again, and again, until it was all he could do to draw breath. His stomach began to heave, and that morning's breakfast made it's way back up. After his stomach emptied itself, his knees began to buckle, against his will, and he fell to the ground. Beats of sweat began to roll down his face, and beside him, Jain was shaking like a leaf during a hurricane. Cecil felt like a pair of eyes were on him, judging him for everything he had done in his life, good and bad.

"CECIL AUGUSTUS..." A voice came, not from the orb, but from all around him, echoing off of unseen walls and magnifying with each moment. "GREED...PRIDE...ARROGANCE...THE CAUSE OF THE DOWNFALL. PAIN...DEATH...DESTRUCTION...THE RESULT OF THE FALL. FOOL." Cecil squeezed his eyes shut, tears forming. "YOU WILL NOW FACE MY JUDGEMENT."

None of them saw what got them.

Cresselia had known from the start what was going on. The moment Cecil and his fellow humans had unleashed Missingno, the entire universe had shifted. To most humans and Pokémon, it wasn't obvious. But Cresselia had sensed Missingno creeping into the dreams of innocent Pokémon, altering their genetic structure, starting what she knew would become an abomination. And she couldn't stop it. Nothing she could have done would have stopped it.

Worse of all, she had been ordered by Arceus himself to watch over the humans who had caused the epidemic as they suffered their punishment. At first, the Monarch of Light Dreams had scoffed in anger. Why? They are the cause of all this! But as she watched them, their regret, anger, and guilt, she realized they were not as sinful as she thought they were. Yes, they were greedy, and driven by a false sense of knowledge, but after listening to their telepathic conversations, she knew they regretted their actions, and if they could, they would go back in a heartbeat and stop them. So she, Mew, and Mikaeru watched them, as they shared the pained with the Pokémon they had stood beside. And because the three Pokémon had stayed behind, they had been targeted by Missingno.

And they had not been the only ones. While most of the Legendary Pokémon had fled into the dimension beyond, where they were safe, some had stayed behind, to offer comfort and to try to halt Missingno's rampage. Of the legendaries she knew well, Celebi, Mewtwo, Latias, Latios, Manaphy, Diancie, and Meloetta had stayed. This didn't surprise Cresselia. They were Pokémon who allowed their love for humans and lower Pokémon to show (even Mewtwo, to a lesser degree). Darkrai had also stayed, which surprised Cresselia.

But the eliminations had happened so quickly. Mew had been taken down within weeks of Cresselia's last encounter with Darkrai, with Manaphy and Meloetta following soon after. She hadn't heard from the Eon Duo or Celebi in several months, and Mikaeru, their pseudo-legendary companion, had been caught while trying to help a group of Garchomp. Missingno was making it's way through their ranks, determined to finish them, since it couldn't affect any other legendary Pokémon.

But back to Darkrai.

It was Darkrai's staying had caused Cresselia to be confused and suspicious. She had never truly understood the Monarch of Dark Dreams. He always seemed to have some ulterior motive, and she had fallen for them more than once (she was not proud of that). But what did he have to gain from staying? He had to know that by staying he was sentencing himself to a painful death at the paws-hands-tentacles, whatever Missingno had.

That was why it was a surprise when he sought to talk to her one day.

She had been resting on Fullmoon Island, preparing for another long night of trying to bring peaceful dreams to Pokémon and humans alike, when the shadows of the trees had grown darker. The Pitch Black Pokémon couldn't usually enter her domain unless something was wrong with her, but she could always tell when he was nearby. Rising from the middle of the crescent-shaped lake, Cresselia made her way to the island that was conveniently located in-between Fullmoon and Newmoon Islands. Neutral territory, she liked to think.

Darkrai stood at the edge of the island, watching as she landed on the beach with less grace than she possessed. But she could blame Missingno for that. For a moment, the Monarchs of Dreams stared at one another.

"You called?" Cresselia asked dryly. Her counterpart chuckled. It was that annoying chuckle that made her want to blast him into the ocean with a super-powered Moon Blast.

"I did, actually. And I'm so glad that you took time out of your busy schedule to see me." The urge to blast the Pitch Black Pokémon into the ocean grew even stronger. Cresselia was not a violent Pokémon by nature, but he sure knew how to push her limits.

"What do you need, DARKRAI?" It came out stronger than she intended. He gave another chuckle.

"To offer my assistance." Her pink eyes narrowed.

"In what?"

"What else?" He spread his arms. "The common Pokémon are dying, and we do nothing."

"I still don't know what you're talking about."

"You're not using what Arceus gave you." Darkrai tapped his head. "The last remaining Pokémon are barely surviving. They are being captured by the humans in an even greater number, because of humanity's greed. I've sensed the human's darkest dreams, and even I don't wish upon any Pokémon what they're dreaming of."

"What do you mean?" Cresselia was almost hesitant to ask.

"Mewtwo." Was his answer, and Cresselia's blood ran cold.

The cloned version of Mew had always been strong, but it wasn't until Missingno appeared that his true strength was revealed. Instead of being weakened by Missingno, he was strengthened by it. It seemed that nothing would slow him down, or drain his strength. Perhaps… Cresselia had wondered, ...it was because...his genes were already...

"Modified." The Genetic Pokémon had never been thrilled to share his experiences with cloning and his time in captivity, but Cresselia knew it was horrible. "They'll be lab toys, caged, tortured, experimented on...I can't let that happen. " Not to any Pokémon, cloned or not.

"You've managed to use your brain. Congratulations. Would you like a gold star?"

"What does that mean?"

"It's just a human expression." He waved an arm dismissively. "Speaking of, our islands are both safe havens from them. They do not dare trespass on our islands, lest they suffer the consequences. The Pokémon will be safe there." Blue eyes narrowed and he sneered. Cresselia remembered the last time a human had foolishly entered their domain without being summoned; Darkrai had made sure he suffered for years. And she couldn't blame him; said human had tried to capture her and would have succeeded if Darkrai hadn't picked up on her fear and come to save her (something he never let go (although Cresselia couldn't blame him; it had been one of her weaker moments)).

Distracted. Again.

"...And why should I trust you?"

"Do you have any other choice?" Was his response. Cresselia considered his words. For better or worse, she always had a connection with him, being the Monarchs of the Moon and Dreams. If he was being dishonest, he was hiding it extremely well. But he had managed to hide things from her before.

Still...what did he have to gain from acting with her? He WAS staying on this world, putting himself at risk to Missingno, and all his life, the Monarch of Dark Dreams tried to stay away from other Pokémon, to avoid inflicting them with his ability as they slept. The only one who was immune was Cresselia, and even then, they had their disagreements.

"...Very well. I will consider your proposal." Cresselia shifted, and turned towards the mainland. "We will discuss this at a later time." With that, she rose, unsteadily, into the air, and flew off, leaving gold, pink, and blue sparkles in her wake. There was very little to think over, but she had to get away from him to make certain she was rationing clearly. He had this way of influencing her...and she had learned from her many mistakes in the past that the best thing to do was to make her decision away from him.

Darkrai watched her go, a slight smirk hidden under his white, flowing fur. He was being completely honest when he offered his assistance, but he wouldn't be a Darkrai if he had just said it straight up. Especially to the swan.

Different timelines...different versions of him came and went...he had the biggest Dissociative Identity Disorder in the universes. Sometimes he was calmer, more refined, while other times he loved to cause chaos. Of course, switching places with the alternate versions. But there was one thing that stayed constant.

It was sadistic of him, but he had always loved doing things that drove Cresselia crazy. He loved the way her pink eyes gleamed in anger when she found out what he had done. He loved the way she said his name like a curse word. Sometimes it was good-natured messing around with her head, other times not.

He was so messed up. But what the hell? He was supposed to be the bad guy.

Kisara opened her eyes wearily, moaning softly as she shifted her scales. Every movement took it's toll on her. Her whole body hurt...so much...

Outside the entrance to her cave, the sun was shining, white clouds were floating in the blue sky, and the trees rustled in the wind. It could've been easily mistaken for a perfectly normal day.

But it wasn't. Kisara knew, deep in her soul, the end was near. Her body would fail her any day now, and there was no escape. No way to avoid death.

It should have been a blessing. All her family had slowly died off to Ketsuban, the unstoppable virus, and she was alone. And ever since evolving, there had always been humans after her. Because of her once beautiful white scales, and now, because she was one of the last dragons. There was no rest, no peace. And she would rather die than submit her soul or body to them.

But she didn't want it to end like this. Not hiding in her cave like a scared little Bagon. She wanted to go out in a burst of destruction, one final time before Ketsuban reached her heart and killed her. Yet she had no energy. Even shifting her body was unbearable. Every cell wanted to become something they weren't supposed to be...

There was a cracking of energized wings, a foreign sound, and then a heavy thud sounded from outside of her cave. Kisara drew a deep, ragged breath, recognizing the scent in a beat. It was only reinforced by the appearance of a black dragon, whose red eyes held her sapphire ones.

"Red Eyes...Black Dragon..." Kisara growled softly.

"Blue Eyes White Dragon." Her rival growled in the same, weary tone. It was clear, even to Kisara's tired eyes, that he was suffering from Ketsuban as well. His gleaming black scales, that he was so proud of, had lost their luster and fading into a smoky grey. How appropriate...the rivals will both be dead soon. She gave a humorless chuckle.

"...what do...you want?" The Haxorus gazed at her, no malice in his red eyes, only sadness.

"I feel you should be aware...we...are the last two dragons in the world." Kisara stilled, then lowered her head.

"So it has...come to this?" She didn't doubt or deny it. He would have no reason to lie to her. And she had known...sensed it for a while now. His words were only confirmation. The Axe Jaw Pokémon huffed, settling to the ground without invitation. Only a year ago, the female Salamance would have torn him to bits for such a thing, but now...but now...

"I have flown across the regions, searching for any dragon trail. Haxorus, Dragonite, Garchomp, Goodra, it doesn't matter. They are all fading, or gone completely." Kisara sighed again. "And you don't appear to be in a good condition. I guess I'll survive you. Ha! I guess I finally won."

"Good for you..." Kisara shut her eyes and laid her head on the rocks. She didn't even care if he struck her right then and there. It would less painful than the final moments Ketsuban promised.

"So the 'great' Blue Eyes is giving up? I would have never thought you'd sink so low." Red Eyes growled. "And you call yourself my rival?"

"When you sense death...in-between your scales...you will understand." The female Salamance said quietly. "I am ready to go...better place...where I can see my family...There is nothing...to live for."

"So you don't want to kill me anymore? I'm touched, Blue Eyes." Red Eyes' voice held a smirk. Kisara opened her eyes, which held an angry fire.

"...would love nothing more bu-" She convulsed, blood spilling from her mouth. "...can't..."

"Hmph. Pathetic, as usual." She groaned, then was surprised when he rose, and then resettled next to her.

"What...?"

"Since you're the second-to-last dragon in the world, it's my duty to be with you until the end." He snorted.

"You have...sense of duty?" Kisara rumbled. The Haxorus ignored the jab and kept going.

"I'm only doing this because you're the last female dragon alive."

"When has...female had anything to do...?"

"Absolutely nothing." Was his curt reply. She groaned.

"...hate you."

"I assure you, the feeling is mutual." There was a moment of silence before Kisara asked,

"...your name? Want...know name...rival..."

"Jonouchi. Yours?"

"Kisara..."

"A pathetic name for a pathetic dragon." She gave a weak growl.

"Mirror Force...you. If meet again...we'll...not stop fighting..." Red Eyes-Jonouchi chuckled.

"Damn right."

"KAH-KAH!"

Eve was at Justin's side the moment she heard his waking cough. It was a raspy cough, occasionally accompanied by bloody phlegm or salty tears. His body shook as his lungs expanded and contracted, trying to get the oxygen he needed.

"Shh...it's okay...I am here." She placed a paw on his head, gently stroking his fur. The Eevee's red eyes opened, searching for her. She leaned in, yellow eyes reflecting the dim light.

"E-E...vah..." She smiled a sad smile.

"Yes?"

"Wa...der..."

"Alright. Let me get it." The Zoroark stood, then raced down the tunnels.

She had first found the Eevee shortly before the Ketsuban epidemic had started. Eve had been a Zorua, and passing through the outskirts of Driftveil City, hidden under an Illusion. She had been looking for food when she stumbled across a battle between two trainers and the Pokémon they controlled. The red-traited Evolution Pokémon was strong, she could tell, but the Scolipede he had been forced to fight was a monster. There was no other way to describe it. The Megapede Pokémon had beaten him to near death, but instead of taking the battered Eevee to a Audino for healing, the human had left him in the woods. Abandoned him. Something in Eve wouldn't allow him to die, so she stayed, gathering berries and doing her best to help him survive.

And he did. Justin recovered, and stayed with her, even when things started going downhill, even when her family kicked her out, and even when the Pokémon they knew started dying. And so she would stay with him, until the end. Ketsuban was the one thing they couldn't overcome. Both knew that. Both had accepted it.

Eve knelt next to the pool of water, retrieving a small bowl from her hair-like fur. Filling the bowl to the brim, she took the opportunity to look around.

The walls were covered in ice, a testimony to the season, as was most of the mountain. Which was best for both her and Justin. Cold slowed down the effects of Ketsuban, and eased the pain it caused.

Riley, a Lucario she knew, had told them about this place when Justin started to show signs of having contracted Ketsuban. Eve could still recall his words.

"There's a place near Twist Mountain that isn't known by anyone. There's special berries that grow on the walls, and a spring that's always full. You can go there, and be safe. You'll be able to find some kind of rest."

Poor Riley. Eve lamented. He had told her that right after his partner and mate, Anna, had died. She had been the first Eve knew to perish from Ketsuban. And it had broken Riley's heart. Since speaking with her and Justin, the Lucario had vanished into thin air. Eve sadly wondered if his broken heart, once mended by the Ninetales, couldn't take anymore and he had followed her to Giratina's domain.

Returning to Justin, Eve knelt beside the Eevee, and lifted his head, allowing him to lap the water up. When he was done, Eve set the bowl to the side, and lay on the ground next to him.

"How are you feeling?" She softly asked. He blinked, focusing on her.

"I've... had worse."

"Yes...that's true." He closed his eyes, worn out. If he had evolved...what would he have been? An Umbreon? A Jolteon? Or something else? "Are you up for walking around today?" He shook his head.

"Just want to talk."

"About what?"

"Why...did you save me? All those years ago?" This was a strange topic, but if he wanted to talk about it, why not? Eve thought a moment.

"Even now, I am not certain. It was like something inside me was crying out. When you were fighting that Scolipede...it was like I could feel every injury, every cut, every bruise. Something told me that you were special."

"And why did you let me stay with you-!" he coughed, then continued, "when things got worse?"

"Even if I had told you to go, you would have stayed." They both chuckled.

"Yeah, I would've." He looked at her gleaming eyes. "You never really told me why your family kicked you out." Eve went deathly silent as the light died from her eyes. After silence persisted for several minutes, Justin managed to rise to his paws, despite the pain, and resettle next to the Zoroark. "Eve?"

"It was because my father was a bastard." She whispered. "He literally drove my mother crazy, although I never found out why. She was the tribe leader, and once a great Zoroark. And every time they would see me, they would be reminded of better times." She gave a humorless laugh. "Before I was born, the tribe was infamous. We are descendants of the Great Zoroark who served the King. But after my mother went crazy...they...we...fell apart. Picked off by humans. Picked off by other Pokémon. Fell into disarray. And when I brought you...an outsider, that...that...was...the...final...straw..."

"Oh...Eve..." The Eevee was at loss for words. "I'm so sorry."

"That's okay. I never really cared about them anyway." She shook her head, then forced a smile onto her face. "And I would have never had all the adventures I did with you." Justin was silent, and she embraced the quiet. Then abruptly he said,

"Will you be my mate?"

"...eh?"

"I said, will you be my mate?" He repeated, with more conviction. Eve sat up.

"What?"

"I should have asked ages ago." He rolled onto his back, looking up at the cave ceiling. "But I was always too much of a coward. I guess now that I've got nothing to lose…" He glanced over at her. Eve's jaw was on the ground, and she was staring at him like he had grown an extra head.

"You...were scared?" Justin? The smart-mouthing, courageous Eevee who had stuck with her through hell and back? Eve couldn't believe it.

"I know, it's a shitty reason." He groaned. "But hey, can you blame me?"

"...Yes, I can." His gaze snapped to the yellow-traited Illusion Fox Pokémon, who had a scary aura around her. Justin gulped, wondering what he had done. Her eyes were hidden by her fur-hair, but her ears were laid back flat against her head. "You have waited...over six years…? And made me wonder...what you were doing?" She grabbed him, and lifted him up. Justin flinched, and squeezed his eyes shut. "Babo…" The tone of her voice made him look up. There were tears in her eyes. "You made me wonder...if something was wrong with me for loving you?"

"Huh?" He blankly said. She leaned in, nuzzling his cheek.

"Arceus, Justin! I'm saying yes!" She screamed happily, spinning in circles. The stunned Eevee couldn't respond, even when she stopped spinning and his vision cleared from the wave of nausea.

"Wait, what?" He asked, rather stunned.

"Do I have to drill it into your head?" Eve leaned her forehead against his, eyes gleaming. Her evolved form was at least four times his height, but that never bother him. Now he was slightly intimidated.

"...ahh...maybe?" Eve giggled.

"Silly Eevee…" She nuzzled his cheek, and he responded, nuzzling her back. "It took you so long to ask."

"Silly Zoroark." He chuckled. "It took you so long to figure it out."

"Hey...that's not amusing."

As they lay together that night, next to each other, Justin shut his eyes, breathing in the cold air and the smell of Eve. It was a soft smell, like tamato leaves and chesto berries, mixed with a smell that reminded him of what had once been home. He could still feel Ketsuban in the back of his mind, but he didn't notice it as much. And even though being with him meant she would die sooner, Eve had stayed with him. Even if I die now...I'm satisfied… He gave a small chuckle. Eve's right. I'm baka. Why did I wait so long to ask?

He stood at the outside of the Great Tree, looking out across the forest. It was fairly quiet, save for the wind blowing in the trees, and the leaves rustling in the nearby bushes. His blue eyes scanned the sky and saw nothing. The Sceptile shook his head, shut his eyes, and extended his senses outward.

Besides the plants, the forest was in absolute silence. There were no Bird Pokémon perched in the branches, their songs filling the air. There were no Earthan Pokémon burrowing in the ground, digging their tunnels. The entire forest, from top to bottom, was devoid of Pokémon. The Great Tree was the last safe haven. He looked out on a different level, and scowled when he sensed something unpleasant nearby.

Missingno. Tiempo growled, preparing an attack. The strange un-Pokémon-like organism was slipping closer to the Great Tree, no doubt wanting to infect another one of his tribe. Hell no. It was closing in, and he snarled, releasing an extremely overpowered Leaf Storm in the direction he sensed Missingno. Get out of here. There was an unpleasant chill that shot up his spine, and he knew he had grabbed Missingno's attention. It was like a pair of eyes were fixed on him, hatred and loathing pouring out of them. Missingno slipped closer, closing in on him, but he smirked, reaching up to grasp one of the stones that hung from his neck.

Rayquaza above, who soars amongst the stars, heed my plea. He shut his eyes as a blast of light enveloped him, driving Missingno back. He could feel his strength doubling, and his body transforming into its stronger form.

Infecting a Mega-Evolved Pokémon was ten times harder than infecting a normal Pokémon. And he had faced off against Missingno before.

"Leave." The threat was empty, but issued anyway. "You'll get past me the day I die, and not before."

And I will be there to cause it. A raspy voice snarled, before he felt the presence of Missingno fade away. He sighed. It would be back, that was a given. However, he would keep deterring the virus-like organism until his body finally gave out.

Turning, he slipped in-between two roots and entered the Great Tree, allowing his Mega Evolution to end. The Sceptilite clinked against the Sableye stone as it settled on his chest.

The first floor was empty, no surprise. The remainder of his tribe were hiding in the upper layers, where they were less likely to be disturbed.

Still, Tiempo could remember a time, less than a decade ago, when the Tree had been a hub of activity for the Konoha Tribe and the surrounding regions. Travelers, tribesmen, and important Pokémon had gathered for information, shelter, and good times. There was always chatter, always new Pokémon coming, always a certain...aura in the air that made everyone content.

Then Missingno had hit.

It had started off slow, with much confusion as to why Pokémon were slowing down, and dying one by one with excruciating pain. Then one Pokémon figured it out, and thanks to the Psychic Network, panic had spread. Almost overnight, allies vanished into hiding, and rogue tribes began to prowl the land, searching for easy targets even though they were becoming targets themselves to Missingno. He and his fellow Guardians had become more active, more cautious, as rogues and enemies entered their territory, ready to kill or drive them away so they could have the land for themselves. It was strangely similar to the ancient days, Crystal had told him.

He could still recall one experience that had severely tested his vow not to kill.

It had been a Serperior and his tribe, and they had not only threatened his family, but insulted the female Guardians. Alejandra and Zela had been ready to kill, until Warren had landed a well-aimed Magical Leaf arrow in front of the offending Pokémon to shut him up. A Beedrill, the Serperior's right-paw Pokémon, had then blatantly questioned his leadership, and Zela had beaten him in the the duel that followed, even with the Beedrill Mega Evolving. Then, when Serperior had tried to attack him when his back was turned, and he had nearly snapped. The group had fled before night fell, aware that he would kill them if they didn't leave.

The next day, Hayet had died. He was only a kid, and the first one to die from Ketsuban. The others had followed one by one...

Before heading up the tree's core, he paused at the base of the spine, where a giant stone slab sat. He looked at the stone, running a claw over the names of his fellow guardians. They were dead now, victims of Ketsuban. Their names were a memorial to the lives they had lived, and their service to the Konoha Tribe, listed in the order they had gone, resting alongside the Guardians of the past.

Hayet-Aipom-11

Warren-Roselia-31

Alejandra-Simisage-26

Susana-Lilligant-22

Alvin-Beautifly-23

Silvia-Breloom-19

He shut his eyes, not wanting to look any longer. Without looking, he crouched and sprung, leaping into the lower boughs of the Great Tree, to the Infirmary. Once, it was where the sick and injured Pokémon rested. Now, it was those who Ketsuban had cursed spent their last days.

It was where Darin, his second-in-command now lay. The Shiftry's eyes were closed, leaves a muddy brown, all the color drained from him, breath coming in ragged gasps.

"How is he?" He asked Bellosom, who had taken over for Susana when she had died.

"Not good. He's slipping in and out of conscious, and crying even in his sleep. The healing herbs I'm using aren't having much effect." She paused, then tentatively said, "If I had some aspear berries, I could do more."

"I'll go looking for some." He nodded, and she relaxed. Aspear berries were good for treating burns, and something about their cooling properties also helped with the pain Ketsuban caused. But since they were highly effective, they were in high demand...and very hard to find as a result. It wasn't a surprise that Bellosom had been hesitant in bringing them up. Looking around once more, confirming that nothing else was unusual, he left, leaping higher into the tree, where his own resting place was: the room of the chief and head Guardian. Walking over to his desk, he took a deep breath, leaning against it for support.

Zela was out in the field today with a few of the braver Pokémon, gathering food. They would be okay against other Pokémon if they tried to attack; the Leavanny could hold her own. But if Missingno found them… No. I refuse to think about that.

There was the faint sound of bells, and Tiempo knew who it was. It was a welcome distraction.

"Crystal." He whispered when he felt her hug him from behind.

"My dear Tiempo..." She sighed. "How are you doing?"

"...fine." Lie. But she didn't call him out on it.

"The others...?" He placed his clawed paws over her smaller ones.

"...not well." Partial lie. But he couldn't tell her how many had gone to Arceus's domain. Or how many were on their way there. Or out of the nine forest guardians, only three remained: him, Darin, and Zela, although Darin...would soon be leaving them... Or how that of the hundreds of Pokémon that had originally taken shelter in the Great Tree, only a few dozen remained. Or that he had thought that after everything he had gone through in his life, he wouldn't feel the pain, but with the loss of every member of the tribe...it felt like his heart was breaking a thousand times over. Or how he was their leader, but he couldn't do anything.

But she knew, and she understood. She had been traveling all over the world, trying to help their kind. But like he, she couldn't do anything. She had seen her fair share of deaths, tragedies, and now, the beginning of the end.

"My dear Tiempo..." The Celebi fluttered around so she was in front of him. Her eyes held the same weariness that his did. "It's okay to cry." He shook his head. He had to hold onto the illusion of strength, and not show weakness before his tribe.

"I can't." Smiling sadly, she waved a paw, and an opaque bubble surrounded them, cutting them off from the outside world.

"Now no one can see. And I won't judge you, my dear." She reached out, and he broke.

He cried for his friends, who had faded one by one.

He cried for his tribe, who had been driven to the bottom.

He cried for his fellow guardians, who were gone.

He cried for the future he could have had with Crystal.

He cried for the Pokémon he couldn't save.

He cried. And he could feel Crystal's tears joining his as they mourned together.

A voice boomed out, crossing time and space. Wherever they were, moments before their bodies gave out to Ketsuban, every Pokémon heard the voice, calling to them. Heads rose and eyes wearily opened. It was a call for help. A call for any who would carry on the fight.

Many responded to the call. Many chose to continue fighting.

They would wait many years before they had their chance.