A/N: I made a slight edit to the previous chapter to explain why Sacred Sword was so effective against Nimue, despite being a Fighting-type move.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that doesn't belong to me.
…
Perplexed, Serena took out her Pokédex and pointed it at the mysterious Pokémon. The trusted device beeped and displayed a picture of the Pokémon and its stats.
"Silvally: the Synthetic Pokémon. A solid bond of trust between this Pokémon and its Trainer awakened the strength hidden within Silvally. It can change its type at will."
Serena frowned at this. "They can change their type at will?"
Jeanne gasped. What? Preposterous! There is only one Pokémon that can change Their type at will-
What about Mega Evolution? Diana interrupted.
That doesn't count! Jeanne snapped. She hesitated. I think.
"Lillie… This Pokémon is artificial?" Serena asked her adversary. "I know that there are many man-made Pokémon, but… I don't think I've ever heard of this one."
Lillie sighed. "Unsurprising. It's… Not something I'm particularly proud of."
Brushing some hair out of her face, she began to explain. "Shortly after my father disappeared into an Ultra Wormhole, when Mother began her obsession with the Ultra Beasts, she commissioned then-Branch Chief Faba to create an "Anti-UB Fighting Life-form" code-named "Beast Killer" using cells taken from Pokémon of every type, allowing them to shift between all of them using special devices called "Memories" using the "RKS System."
Diana gasped, and Jeanne's fur bristled in rage. Serena blanched. "RKS? That… Sounds an awful lot like-"
"Yes, I know," Lillie sighed in resignation. "Playing Original One is yet another reason Faba is no longer Branch Chief."
"I'm surprised he wasn't fired," Serena remarked in disgust.
Lillie shook her head. "He knows too much. And besides, you know what happened when we fired Cara Liss. And given that Macro Cosmos was somehow able to get their hands on the information to create a Type: Null of their own…"
Serena blinked. "Type: Null? I thought they were called Silvally."
"Silvally is the name of their evolved form," Lillie explained. "Three specimens were created – save for the aforementioned fourth that Macro Cosmos made somehow – but we were unable to control them at the time so they were sealed away deep beneath Aether Paradise. Mother deemed the project a failure, and as her obsession turned from destroying the Ultra Beasts to obtaining the power of one, they were forgotten.
"When my brother went rogue and fled the Paradise, he broke one of the Type: Nulls out of containment, tamed them, made them his partner, and helped them evolve. After my mother was defeated, Selene was given the second Type: Null and did the same, and it only made sense that I should receive the third after I was made the new president."
For the kindness my siblings and I have been shown, we have sworn to serve our masters with our lives, the Silvally declared.
Ah! A Pokémon after my own heart! Durendal cried, looking the Silvally up and down in respect. I can see that you are indeed a worthy Guardian for Miss Lillie!
For a living blasphemy, Jeanne muttered.
"Jeanne!" Serena cried, appalled.
"Actually, we spoke with Metatron Berlitz, she says Arceus is cool with them," Selene interjected.
Jeanne blinked, nonplussed by this information. Oh. Really?
I may be an artificial Pokémon, and I may have been created in an attempt to Primape the Original One, the Silvally rumbled, their head fin flaring. But Arceus Themselves have deemed me and my brethren as Pokémon in our own right, rather than a crude imitation of Them, just as Mewtwo is more than merely a crude imitation of the Holy Mother.
If it's good enough for Arceus, it's good enough for me, Durendal decided amiably.
I…suppose so… Jeanne murmured, looking uncertain.
"Splendid! Do you have a name?" Serena asked of the Silvally.
I have chosen the name "Gamma." It was my designation when I was created, and it is as good a name as any, the Silvally, Gamma, informed her. Just as Alpha and Beta are suitable names for my siblings. They may have originally been given to us to indicate that we were not truly living beings, but things made solely for the purpose of fighting Ultra Beasts, but we have reclaimed those names, made them our own. We have evolved, and now exist for more than the purpose we were made for.
An admirable sentiment! Durendal announced, pleased by this. It shall be my pleasure to clash blades with an honorable Guardian such as yourself!
Gamma smiled. I look forward to our clash as well.
"I think the entire stadium does, along with pretty much everyone else in the world watching," Selene remarked. "So let's get our next stage set up, shall we?"
Tapu Bulu started dancing above his totem, making a series of arm motions that were mimicked by quite a few people in the crowd. "BULUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!" He bellowed, raising one arm skyward, causing leaves to swirl around him.
Vines grew down his totem and into the ground, causing the battlefield to glow green. With a rumble, a verdant field of grass and flowers sprouted up to cover the stage. Hatches in the ground open, and trees and bushes sprouted up, quickly transforming the battlefield into a lush, green forest.
Serena closed her eyes as a breeze wafted through the forest, causing the leaves to rustle and fill her nose with the scent of sweet flowers. "Magnificent…" She murmured. While she had thought the last two battle stages impressive, there was something to be said for a more natural setting.
Well, for a given definition of "natural."
Without opening her eyes, she calmly declared, "Durendal, return."
As you command, mila- Durendal, poised to launch himself at Gamma, did a double-take and glanced back at Serena in confusion. I'm sorry?
"Return," she repeated.
But… but, my Queen! I can still fight! Durendal protested in alarm. I want to fight-
Serena's eyes shot open and she glared at the Aegislash. "Durendal, I gave you a direct order. Are you defying a command from your Queen?"
I…n-no, of course not, Durendal spluttered. It's just… I thought-
"I understand your sentiments," Serena informed the living sword. "I, too, wouldn't mind seeing you cross blades with Gamma. However, you have been scuffed and dented during your battle with Nimue. Your edge has been worn. Don't you think it would be disrespectful to face a worthy opponent when you aren't at your best?"
A warrior should be able to fight no matter what shape they are in, Durendal argued, though there was little heat in it.
"True," Serena conceded. "However, I have a different strategy in mind, one which would be to your detriment. Please return. There are more Pokémon still to fight, and I do not wish to sacrifice you so early in the game."
Durendal considered her words, then bowed in acquiescence. …Very well. I am, as always, at your beck and call.
He gave Gamma an apologetic bow. I'm sorry, Gamma. It seems we must postpone our duel for another day.
It's nothing to worry about, Gamma assured him amiably. We shall have a chance to fight some other time. I am sure that your comrades will be sufficient opponents until then. I cannot imagine a fine warrior such as yourself having anything less than the greatest of companions.
Indeed! Durendal declared, spirits lifting at that. I have fought alongside many brothers and sisters in arms throughout the years, but my friends in Queen Serena's service are some of the finest warriors I have ever been honored to serve beside!
He extended a hand to Gamma. Promise me that you will fight them just as hard as if I were your adversary! They deserve nothing less!
To do anything less than my best would be dishonorable, promised the Aegislash, extending a claw.
The two shook limbs, and quite a few Rotom phones flashed as the guests took a snapshot of this act of friendship and immediately plastered it all over their social media accounts.
"Isn't it wonderful to see that, despite being on separate sides and denied a chance to battle, both Pokémon are such good sports about the whole thing?" Selene gushed. "This sort of conduct should be the norm among battlers. It's certainly a lot friendlier than the last fight…er no offense, babe."
"None taken," Lillie said, though the pained expression on her face made it clear that might not entirely be true.
"So, Serena, who will you send out in Durendal's place?" Selene asked as Durendal returned to Serena's side.
The future Queen offered the living sword a whetstone, and he bowed in gratitude before using it to start sharpening his blade. She glanced at Jeanne, and said, "Jeanne, you're up."
The Delphox nodded and, with some effort, extricated herself from Diana's grasp. Must you really go? The Gardevoir asked in disappointment.
When I am called, I must answer, always, Jeanne responded gravely as the wind ruffled her fur and caused her flame to crackle dramatically, causing Diana to swoon.
Selene nodded in approval as Jeanne sauntered onto the field. "Sending out your starter and partner, huh? Let's see how she measures up against Gamma!"
Lillie considered for a moment. "Delphox is a Fire/Psychic type, so…"
She produced a blue disk, a fourth of which looked to be made of a much rougher material. "Gamma! Receive this Water Memory!"
She threw the disc onto the field. The disk drive on the side of Gamma's head popped open, and the Silvally jumped into the air, the disc neatly slotting into place. As the drive closed back up and Gamma landed, their eyes, spikes, drives, and fin membrane all turned blue.
"I'm guessing you just turned Gamma into a Water-type?" Serena guessed.
Lily nodded. "That's right! And I have plenty of other Drives too, one for each Type! I can make Gamma effective against any Pokémon you field against them!"
Jeanne narrowed her eyes. They really are like Arceus…
"Don't worry, Jeanne, they aren't going to get a chance to use any Water moves against you," Serena assured her partner, puzzling everyone, including the Delphox.
Jeanne blinked. What do you-
Serena telepathically told her her plan.
The Delphox's eyes widened. Oh. Oh, I see. Yes, that… That just might work.
What will? Gamma asked cautiously.
Jeanne smiled, raised her wand, and cast Magical Fire…
On the surrounding trees.
Within seconds, the foliage burst into magical blue fire, the flames rapidly spreading to engulf the entire forest.
My forest! Tapu Bulu cried in horror.
Oh suck it up, you didn't hear us complaining when our Electric and Psychic Terrains were wrecked, did you? Tapu Koko snorted scornfully.
Lillie narrowed her eyes in appraisal as she surveyed the burning forest. "I see… you had Jeanne set the woods on fire to give her a field advantage, predicting that even though Gamma is a Water-type now, they lack strong enough area-of-effect Water moves to put out the flames and downplaying whatever type advantage they might have had. And if I were to switch to Fire-type, Gamma would be more resistance the flames but less effective against Jeanne, while if I switched to a different typing that Jeanne were vulnerable to, that would make Gamma more vulnerable to the flames. Well-played, Serena."
"Yes, that would be a good strategy," Serena agreed. "Except it's completely wrong. Jeanne, return!"
Lillie blinked in surprise. "Wait, what?"
Back already? Diane asked in surprise as Jeanne left the battlefield.
Are you seriously complaining? Jeanne asked in amusement.
No, I suppose not, Diana conceded, happily cuddling with the shorter Pokémon.
"What are you playing at?" An intrigued Selene asked.
Serena smirked and produced a Pokéball. "Durendal is indeed my faithful guardian, my sword and shield… But he is not my only one. Before I pulled him from the stone, there was another."
Selena frowned. "Another…" she blinked in astonishment. "Wait… But I thought… Didn't you say that Lysandre…"
"Oh, he did," Serena confirmed. "But you should know better than anyone, Selene… There are some promises so strong not even death can keep them from being fulfilled. Go, Calista!"
She threw out her Pokéball, releasing a Lucario.
Or at least, it looked like a Lucario.
It certainly had the shape of one. A bipedal, canine appearance, tall ears, a long snout, spikes growing from its chest and knuckles, organs resembling dreadlocks hanging down from the back of its head…
But "shape" might have been the best term, considering the creature now on the field resembled a Lucario skeleton, its metal bones sheathed in a veil of blue, ghostly Aura mimicking what it must have looked like in life. Bandages covered in hieroglyphics were wrapped around its arms and legs, and it wore a necklace and shackles on its wrists and ankles that looked Pokégyptian in origin. Its Aura-sensing organs were either completely wrapped in or were made up of bandages, and glowing red eyes burned fiercely in its eye sockets, its face seemed permanently frozen in a ghoulish rictus grin.
And yet, despite its horrendous appearance, and the chill of death that seemed to surround it… There was an unmistakable nobility in its bearing. It carried itself much the same way a living Lucario would, as an incorruptible paragon of honor and decency.
Lillie gasped, horrified. "What… what on Earth…"
"Holy crap!" Selene exclaimed in disbelief. "You have an Auralich!"
That's certainly unexpected, remarked an amazed Hymnia.
Tapu Bulu coughed and raised a hoof. Now, naturally, I know exactly what an Auralich is… But I'm sure my siblings don't, so I don't suppose you could enlighten them on my behalf?
The other deities gave him irritated looks. I'd be angrier at him throwing us under the Tauros if it weren't for the fact that we don't exactly know what an Auralich is either, Tapu Fini grumbled.
Selene nodded in understanding. "Right, they aren't exactly a well-known phenomenon. Well, for the sake of our viewers, allow me to explain. As everyone knows, when it comes to honorable, dependable, trustworthy, and loyal Pokémon, Lucarios are often the first example that springs to mind. They take their duties and oaths very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that sometimes they don't even let death keep them from carrying them out. If the Lucario's will and Aura is strong enough, they come back as a Ghost Pokémon to finish their unfinished business. But, if the circumstances are just right, in rare occasions, they can come back as something else. Something more." She gestured at Calista. "And when that happens, we get something we call an Auralich." She paused. "Well, according to scientists, the proper name should be Lucario: Necro Form, but Auralich sounds way cooler."
The general consensus from most of the stadium was that she was right, it did sound cooler.
Selene continued. "They aren't like most Ghost Pokémon, a free-floating spirit, ectoplasmic manifestation, or object come to life; but a kind of revenant, determined to fulfill their vows from beyond the grave no matter what. There's all sorts of stories of ancient tombs and ruins around the world being guarded by Auraliches still following the orders of masters that have been dead for millennia, and there's plenty in the Lucario kingdom, who took their vows to protect their homeland so seriously they got right up and kept on doing it after they died. Heck, I've even got a few in my family on my dad's side!"
"However did you manage to get an Auralich, Serena?" Lillie marveled.
"Well, after my dear guardian was bit in two by that man's Mega Gyarados, we thought that was the end for her," Serena explained, smiling fondly at the undead Lucario, who bowed at her. "Jeanne and I tried every healing item and spell we had, but nothing worked. When we went to confront that man and he unleashed the power of the Ultimate Weapon, the immortality-inducing radiation from the Weapon and Xerneas, mingled with Calista's lingering spirit and vows of service, created a perfect storm that allowed her to be reborn and returned to my service in her current form."
Also, I pumped her remains with so much necromantic energy it would've made Yveltal envious, Jeanne added.
"That too," Serena agreed.
Gamma frowned. Necromancy? Isn't that forbidden magic?
No, I have a license, Jeanne replied. It's surprisingly easy to get one. You just need to fill out a multiple-choice test, write a brief essay on how you would use your powers responsibly, prove you can raise a zombie, and make a verbal promise that you will only use your powers for good. It's a wonder more practitioners don't have one.
The Silvally blinked. Huh.
Tapu Bulu nodded. Yes, yes, I see. Naturally, I knew that already, but would you mind explaining to everyone else how this "Auralich" differs from a regular Lucario, other than apparently having a Ghost-type now and looking rather unsettling?
His siblings rolled their eyes.
"Auraliches are Ghost/Steel, rather than Fighting/Steel, though it doesn't really affect their fighting prowess in the slightest," Selene explained. "Their physical attack, special attack, and speed stats are all way higher than a baseline Lucario, but their health, defense, and special defense stats are significantly lower, making them glass cannons."
Calista grinned eerily. Of course, a glass cannon can only be broken if you manage to land a hit on it.
Lillie frowned. "Okay… But why would you send her out? I doubt changing her to a Ghost-type makes her any less vulnerable to flames, and the battlefield is currently a burning forest!"
Ha! That's right, you shot yourself in the foot by setting the forest on fire! Tapu Bulu Murkrowed.
Somehow, I rather doubt that's the case, brother, Tapu Koko groaned.
"That's because it's not," Serena agreed. "You see, Necro form Lucario have another little something special: a unique Ability called 'Unlife Surge.' Much like Blaze or Torrent, the lower Calista's health is, the stronger she gets. So, by sending her into a battlefield filled with an element she's weak against…"
Lillie's eyes widened in astonishment. "The heat will constantly be chipping away at her health, giving her a steady power boost the longer the fight goes on!"
Serena chuckled. "Precisely! Of course, that means Calista can only withstand the heat for so long before she passes out, meaning it's a race against time to see which of our Pokémon falls first." She grinned. "Fortunately, I have something up my sleeve to improve my chances. Or rather… On my wrist!"
She raised her left wrist, revealing the Mega Ring gleaming on it.
Calista proudly thrust out her chest, revealing an orb of Lucarionite in her rib cage, where her heart should have been.
Lillie gasped. "No! You mean… She can Mega Evolve in that form, too?!"
Serena laughed. "But of course! Allow me to demonstrate."
She tapped the Key Stone on her Mega Ring, causing it to light up. "A bond so strong it surpasses death, proof of our undying friendship! My brave, eternal guardian! MEGA EVOLVE!"
She raised her arm, her Mega Ring releasing streamers of energy into the air. Calista stood proudly, her own Mega Stone reacting and releasing its own streamers, the two sets of light ribbons converging and intersecting with each other, flashing and surging with power as they synced up and caused the undead Lucario to begin glowing, her Aura blazing outwards as she underwent Mega Evolution.
Her bones enlarged, thickened, and grew more spikes. The shackles on her wrists turned into clawed gauntlets. Her mouth dropped open, revealing a ghostly light burning in her throat. A metal horn erupted from her forehead, and a crest resembling a Pokégyptian headdress formed around her skull. Her Aura-sensing organs unraveled, revealing that they were, in fact, bandages, becoming tattered streamers billowing behind her in an ethereal breeze. The sheath of Aura wrapped around her body altered to resemble the form of a regular Mega Lucario, while several ghostly flames ignited and floated in the air around her. She threw back her head and howled as the energy linking her to the Mega Ring dissipated, a shimmering image resembling a segment of DNA flashing before her for a moment.
Gamma narrowed their eyes. Mistress, her power was already considerable, but now… It's through the roof!
"Do you want to return?" Lillie asked them seriously. "One of the others might-"
Gamma shook their head. No. I think I can take her, or the very least, make it easier for whomever comes after me. My RKS System should give me an edge.
Calista chuckled. Be careful not to overrely on power from an external source. You will always find yourself at a disadvantage should that source be cut off from you.
So you mean to tell me that you can Mega Evolve on your own, without aid from your trainer? Gamma shot back.
A fair point, Calista conceded. The lights in her eyes flickered, as if in amusement. Let us see which of our external power sources is greater, then.
"Okay, unless someone has another surprise in store… Nobody does, do they?" Selene asked, just to be sure.
Serena and Lillie shook their heads.
"Great. In that case… BEGIN!"
Lillie produced a new disc, this one orange in color. "Gamma, let's take advantage of the field conditions and switch to the Fire Memory!"
She threw the disc onto the field.
Right! The drive on the side of Gamma's head popped open and ejected the Water Memory, causing their color to revert to normal. They leapt into the air to catch the new Memory…
"Calista, use Shadow Bone!"
Calista, who had been standing calmly, suddenly blurred into motion, leaving a trail of blazing Aura as she dashed forwards and leapt into the air, a bone made of purple flames manifesting in her paws. Gamma's eyes widened in alarm as the undead Lucario drew back the bone…
And blinked in surprise as she shot past them, swinging the Bone instead at the Fire Memory, striking it so hard it was knocked clear out of the forest. It shot right past a startled Tapu Fini and hit the far wall hard enough to get embedded in it.
Lillie and Gamma gawked. Tapu Fini blinked. A small piece of one of her hair-like fins fell off, and blood began to drip from a graze on her cheek. You are very fortunate, she said after a moment. That I am not nearly as vain as Nimue. Or my sister.
Yeah, if that thing had hit me, I'd totally kill you, Tapu Lele agreed nonchalantly.
Calista grinned, though that seemed to be her default expression now. You would try.
That sort of tactic is not the sort of thing I would've expected from an honorable warrior such as a Lucario, Gamma remarked in dismay.
Calista shrugged, twirling her Shadow Bone casually. Oh, I'm still plenty honorable, she assured them. But I guess dying has made my moral code a little more… Flexible.
Lillie produced another disc, this one the color of rust. "Then we'll need to find a way to distract her before switching Memories… Gamma, use Air Slash!"
Gamma's head fin started glowing a light blue, and they flicked it through the air, flinging several light-blue energy blades at Calista. Lillie immediately threw the Dark Memory towards Gamma, the Silvally's disc drive popping open to receive it.
"Deflect the Air Slashes with your bone!" Serena ordered.
Calista twirled and spun her Shadow Bone through the air, the Air Slash blades ricocheting off of it and flying about the forest, slicing trees apart and causing huge pieces of burning wood to collapse to the ground in a shower of embers.
One of the blades struck the Dark Memory, knocking it away from Gamma just before it could land in their memory drive. No! The Silvally cried in alarm, reflexively turning to go after it-
"Use Aura Sphere!" Serena called.
Never take your eye off your opponent! Calista cried, forming an energy ball in her paws. The undead Lucario's version of her species' signature attack bore more of a resemblance to a Shadow Ball, glowing a sinister purple and black rather than its usual clear blue, cackling as she threw it at Gamma.
"Quick, counter with Air Slash!" Lillie shouted.
Gamma's head snapped back and flicked their fin down, flinging energy blades at the Aura Sphere. However, the energy ball had crossed the space between the two Pokémon faster than expected, and it wound up exploding right in their face with a sound reminiscent of the screams of the damned, causing Gamma to flinch and stumble back.
"Now, get in close, and hit them with Power-Up Punch!" Serena commanded.
Calista dashed towards Gamma, zigzagging to make it harder for the Silvally to track her. The Synthetic Pokémon shook their head to regain their senses and tensed, ready to strike or evade…
"Gamma, hold your position," Lillie suddenly told them. "Wait for my signal!"
Confused, but trusting their trainer, Gamma nodded and held still.
Calista circled Gamma several times, moving almost faster than the eye could see, her eerie Aura combined with the firelight around them gleaming off her metal bones and jewelry and making her seem even more spectral and horrifying. Finally, seeming to grow bored of the Silvally's lack of reaction, she suddenly appeared at Gamma's flank, moments away from slamming a fist into their body…
"Now! Punishment!"
The instant before Calista could strike, Gamma's tail glowed purple and slammed into the Lucario's side. There was a tremendous explosion of Dark energy, and the undead Pokémon was hurled away, smashing through several of the burning trees, which collapsed on top of her, burying her in an enormous mass of flaming wood.
"Calista!" Serena cried in horror. "How did-"
"Punishment is a Dark-type move which inflicts more damage the higher its target has boosted their stats," Lillie explained, a smug grin on her face. "And since Calista's strength was increased not just by Mega Evolution but by her Unlife Surge special Ability…"
"It did more damage!" Serena realized.
"Even more, given that as a Ghost-type she's vulnerable to Dark-type moves," Lillie added. "Factor in that she is currently buried under a mass of burning trees, something else she's weak against, and given you said her defense is lower than it was when she used to be alive… There's a good chance that knocked her out."
Lillie narrowed her eyes as the pile of burning lumber started shifting. "But of course," she murmured. "Only a fool leaves things solely to chance. Gamma, before she gets out, there's something you need to do."
The Silvally's eyes widened, and they nodded in understanding.
The flames engulfing the heap of burnt wood turned purple. With an unearthly howl echoing with the wails of the damned, the fallen trees shattered in a spectacular explosion of Aura. Calista slowly rose up, her skeleton hanging limply beneath her skull, teeth chattering as her Aura swirled and raged around her. Ahhhhh, she cackled, eyes flashing in amusement. Thank you for that-
"MULTI-ATTACK!"
"Dodge, quickly!"
Calista's reflexes were good, unimaginably so. She was Lucario, after all, and dying hadn't slowed her down any. She didn't hesitate, didn't question her trainer's command, but immediately tried to dodge the instant she saw Gamma lunging at her, claws glowing pitch-black.
She wasn't fast enough.
While she managed to avoid taking the full brunt of the attack, Gamma's left claw clipped her in the side hard enough to cause her entire skeleton to rattle. She cried out in agony as she was flung away, digging her feet into the ground and skidding a few feet, Aura flaring as she managed to stop herself before she could slam into another burning tree.
She looked down at her rib cage in surprise, deep gougdeep gouges had been carved into her metal bones, and glanced back up at Gamma, realizing their coloration had changed to the deepest black. You changed your type… You retrieved the Dark Memory while I was incapacitated?
Gamma nodded, grinning. What was that you said about the dangers of overrelying on an external power source?
Calista chuckled. Well played. Don't think I will allow you another chance to do it again.
She formed an Aura Sphere. You realize you've made yourself more vulnerable to my signature move, haven't you?
And I have made my signature move super-effective against you, Gamma retorted. I suppose now we shall see which of us is truly stronger, with both of us fighting at a disadvantage.
Calista cackled, her Aura burning brighter. I always did like a good fight. Good to see you're going to give me one.
"Calista, don't let that Aura Sphere go to waste! Hit them!" Serena commanded.
"Gamma! Dodge and use Air Slash!" Lillie countered the instant Calista loosed her attack.
Gamma jumped to the side just before the Aura Sphere could hit them, the orb exploding against the ground with the sound of unholy screaming, the blast flinging Gamma away. They flipped around just before they could slam into a tree, kicking off of it and rising back up into the air, flicking their head and hurling multiple light-blue energy blades from their fin towards the undead Lucario.
"Evade, and ready another Aura Sphere!" Serena cried.
Calista's form blurred, easily dodging the blades, cackling as she formed another Aura Sphere…
And hesitated just before she could fire, noticing that both Gamma and Lillie were grinning.
And that's when she heard a cracking sound, and felt the temperature spike, realizing that the Air Slashes had struck the trees behind her, and now they were falling towards her. Quickly, she hurled the Aura Sphere at the collapsing lumber to blast them away, immediately whirling around just in time to see Gamma about to drive their Multi-Attack into her chest.
"Quick, guard with Shadow Bone!"
Calista quickly formed her spectral bone, raising it just in time to catch Gamma's claws on it. She grimaced as the Silvally pressed on her, waves of Dark energy blasting off of them and buffeting her form, causing her Aura to warp and be blown back. Clenching her teeth, she poured more of her strength into the bone, noticing it was beginning to flicker beneath the assault…
But it was not enough, and the bone shattered, the claws digging into her rib cage. Were it not for the fact that she'd managed to weaken the attack by blocking it with her Shadow Bone for so long, the Multi-Attack might have knocked her out then and there. Even so, it caused her a tremendous amount of agony…
Which, of course, both she and Serena had been counting on.
Her Aura blazed even brighter as her Unlife Surge transformed her pain into power, causing Gamma to flinch back as their own Dark aura wavered before its strength.
"Power-Up Punch!" Serena ordered.
And then, before Gamma could dodge or Lillie could give a command, Calista drove her fist into the Silvally's face, the claws from her gauntlet leaving deep scratches on their metallic snout. Gamma cried out in pain and reeled back, and Calista grinned…
Only for the smile to be wiped from her face (metaphorically, she couldn't actually change her expression) when Lillie cried, "PUNISHMENT!"
Before the startled Calista or Serena could react, Gamma slammed a purple-glowing talon into Calista's chest.
The resulting explosion shook the forest, the nearest trees, barely more than burnt-out husks at this point, teetering and collapsing on themselves in a shower of ashes. Both combatants were flung back, each of them slamming into a flaming tree and causing it to topple over, crying out as embers rained down on them.
Lillie smirked as Calista staggered her feet. Her Aura had grown tremendously, to the point it no longer bore any resemblance to a Lucario and was simply a formless, seething mass of energy… But the Lucario herself looked exhausted – well, as exhausted as a skeleton could look, anyway – her bones and adornments rattling against each other, her eyes and the light in her throat flickering, and she would probably be panting if she still needed breath. "It looks like Calista is on her last legs."
"And so is Gamma," Serena pointed out as the Silvally got back up, only to cringe and nearly collapse as they put too much weight on the limb they'd struck Calista with. Their fur was badly singed, their fin hanging loosely, their chest heaving with breath. "I think this fight is just about at an end."
"That is," Lillie agreed. "Gamma, ready to finish this?"
Always! The Silvally barked.
I am ready to end this as well, Mistress, Calista informed her trainer.
Serena nodded. "Very well! Calista…"
"Gamma…"
"AURA SPHERE/MULTI-ATTACK!"
Gamma's hind legs coiled, then pushed off, launching them forward with enough force to shatter the surrounding trees and send a cloud of ash and ember into the air, loping across the charred ground at incredible speeds, weaving chaotically to make it difficult for their opponent to get a bead on them, claws glowing black as they prepared their final attack.
Calista, in the meantime, cupped her paws together and then pulled them apart, an Aura Sphere forming between them. Moaning like the mummy she partially resembled, she continued spreading out her arms as she poured more power into the energy ball, causing it to grow and grow and grow until it was half again as big as she was. With a fearsome cry, she punched the orb, sending it shooting across the ground towards Gamma, obliterating the trees around it and carving a deep furrow in the ground in its wake.
Seeing no way around the colossal energy ball, Gamma narrowed their eyes, steeled themselves, and drove their claws into it with all their might, striking it so hard that the Aura Sphere actually stopped in its tracks, deforming somewhat from the force of the blow.
Calista and Serena's eyes widened in astonishment.
Gamma and Lillie grinned.
And then the entire battlefield exploded.
Selene immediately raised a psychic force field around the field to keep the flying chunks of burning shrapnel from impaling any of the audience. The turbines overhead activated once more, drawing out the smoke and funneling it out of the stadium.
When the last of the smoke was cleared and Selene judged it was safe to lower the barrier, everyone could see that the forest had been completely destroyed. Not even a stump was left, nothing more than a charred, scorched wasteland so badly burned that if it were a real forest, it would be unlikely anything would be able to grow there again.
Tapu Bulu promptly burst into tears. His siblings rolled their eyes in exasperation.
Both Calista and Gamma were still standing, their backs to each other.
After a moment, Calista closed her eyes and chuckled. I was wrong. Your RKS System isn't just some gimmick. It is as much a part of you as my Aura. It builds on the bond between you and your trainer, just like my Mega Evolution. Both of us are only as strong as our mistresses… So we are all very strong indeed.
The Silvally bowed their head in acknowledgment. You fought very well.
Likewise, Calista agreed, grinning. We should do this again sometime.
You'd have to get in line after Durendal, Gamma reminded her. But I'd be okay with that.
As would I, Calista said warmly.
There's a flash of light, and she reverted to her original form. Her Aura dissipated, the lights and her eyes went out, and her skeleton suddenly collapsed to the scorched wastes, falling apart into a pile of bones.
Lillie gasped in horror. "Oh no! Is she dead?!"
Serena gave her a confused look. "Yes? Of course she was, weren't you paying attention?"
Lillie flushed an embarrassment. "I mean… Is she… Deader?"
Selene shook her head. "No, that's just what happens to Auraliches when they're beaten. Nothing a Revive or a trip to the Pokémon Center can't fix."
Lillie sighed in relief. "Oh, thank goodness."
"Congratulations, Lillie," Serena complimented her opponent as she returned Calista's bones to her Pokéball. "That's the first of my team you managed to successfully knock out!"
Lillie smiled in reply. "And hopefully, not the only one."
Selene raised her hands the crowd started cheering. "And with that, I declare this round at an end! Calista is unable to battle, so Gamma is the winner oh no wait they just collapsed."
Indeed, Gamma had suddenly fallen to the ground, unconscious.
"Gamma!" Lillie cried in alarm.
Curses! Durendal wailed in dismay. I was hoping that I could fight him next!
Lillie was crestfallen as she recalled Gamma. "Oh no… I thought I was actually starting to make some headway. But it looks as though neither of us have truly won this round…"
"Calista fell first," Serena reminded her. "And there's no shame in Gamma having to give their all to defeat her. She's a very powerful Pokémon, just like everyone else on my team. The fact that you actually beat her speaks volumes to Gamma's strength, as well as your skill as a trainer."
"I suppose that's true," Lillie conceded. "And it's not as if the rest of my team aren't particularly strong in and of themselves." She grinned, her confidence returning. "I never really thought I could truly defeat you, Serena," she confessed. "After all, you're a reigning Champion, while I left Kanto shortly after claiming my title. However…"
She flashed Serena a determined look. "Even if I can't beat you… I'm still going to give it my all! You're going to need to work for your win!"
Serena burst into laughter. "What do you think I've been doing all this time? I certainly haven't been taking it easy on you!"
Lillie chuckled. "I suppose that's true. So, ready for the next round?"
Serena took out a Pokéball. "So long as you are!"
In unison, both young ladies sent out their fourth Pokémon, crying, "Go, Cassandra/Jubilee!"