The End of the Darkest Day
"I see that the two of you managed to get past all the staff I had on standby, a shame really but must insist that the two of you stop right here and surrender if you ever want to see those that you love again." A sinister smirk formed on Oleana's face as she held up her Rotom Phone to show off the captured girls. Her eyebrow raised as she failed to get a reaction from the two causing her to quickly flip the phone over and gasp out as she saw Sordward and Shielbert tied up and locked up in the very cage that once held the girls! "What the-?! How did you two-?! Arghhh!" She pulled at her hair as a crazed expression formed across her face.
"You didn't expect us to track down our girlfriends? I'd never leave Dawn behind!" Zach exclaimed while his eyes narrowed as he realized that Oleana had been the one to order the kidnapping.
"Whatever, I'm giving you two brats one last chance to go home or I'll be forced to put an end to your meddling." Oleana spoke while looking at the pair, as a sinister glint flickered through her eyes. "I will not allow anyone to disturb the great Chairman Rose!"
"I'll never surrender!" Ash exclaimed with clenched fists.
"Pika pi!" Pikachu shouted as he copied his trainer's action.
"Nor will I!" Zach shouted out as Lucario and Cinderace got into a combat stance. "Ash go on ahead without me, I'll catch up!"
"What?! I'm not going to leave you here, both of us are needed to-"
"Yes but no doubt Chairman Rose will be waiting ahead and seeing how the guy is a former Champion, I'm afraid that I won't be much use against him. It's up to you to defeat him so we can get to Eternatus, don't worry about me I've got Oleana covered." Zach informed while giving Ash a reassuring smile.
Ash stared at him for a moment before giving him a swift nod as he realized that Zach was right, Chairman Rose would certainly be a difficult obstacle to overcome so he couldn't afford to exhaust his team fighting Oleana. Especially as he didn't exactly have his heavy hitters with him, Latias was exhausted and Pikachu wouldn't be able to take Chairman Rose on all by himself if the match against Copperajah was any indication.
"Right, I'll get going then. Good luck!"
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu flicked his tail as Ash raced past Oleana, the woman let out an annoyed growl and tried throwing a Pokeball at him to prevent his progress but a small sphere of aura went whizzing past her head, serving as a warning shot! Oleana turned her head and scowled at Zach and his Pokemon.
"How dare you-Destroy him, my beauties!" Oleana shrieked out as she tossed a set of Pokeballs forward.
"Froslass!"
"Tsareena!"
The two Pokemon cried out as they burst from their Pokeballs.
"Let's show Oleana why she shouldn't mess with us, Pyro Sphere!" Zach shouted out.
"Carrr!" Lucario clamped his paws together as he quickly fired up a sphere of aura.
"Ace ace ace!" Cinderace excitedly cried out as she kicked up a large fireball. The two Pokemon shared a smirk as they fired off their attacks, the Aura Sphere and Pyro Ball attack converged into a massive fireball that was surrounded with aura energy as it soared across the field towards their opponents!
Oleana gritted her teeth and swore beneath her breath. "I should have expected as such from a Gym Challenger that's made it this far... Froslass use Destiny Bond!"
Zach's eyes widened along with those of his Pokemon as the attack exploded against Froslass and Tsareena, sending the two flying and crashing into the nearby wall! The two Pokemon groaned out as they slowly slid downwards with swirls present within their eyes as their bodies hit against the ground! Lucario and Cinderace's eyes rolled upwards as Destiny Bond took effect on the pair, the two slumped forward in a defeated position as swirls formed within their eyes.
"No!" Zach clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. Corviknight had already fallen and now both of his strongest Pokemon had just been taken out!
"That was quite the clever technique but you failed to remember that Froslass was a Ghost type!" Oleana cackled while flashing him a mocking smirk. Destiny Bond usually affected whoever dealt the final blow and in this case both of his Pokemon were guilty of doing so!
Zach closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he realized he hadn't been thinking, he was still angry over the discovery that Oleana had been the one that ordered the kidnapping of Dawn, May and Marnie and he was letting it get to him! He opened his eyes a moment later and returned Lucario and Cinderace to their Pokeballs as Oleana did the same to Froslass and Tsareena. Lucario and Cinderace weren't happy when they were trapped inside their Pokeballs but they could deal with doing so in an emergency or if they were required to do so and with Oleana out for blood, Zach wasn't letting the weakened Pokemon stay where they could get hurt!
"It's time to fight, my lovely!" Oleana called out as she tossed another ball into the air.
"Salaz!" Salazzle hissed out as she burst onto the battlefield.
"Obstagoon let's fight!"
"GOON!" Obstagoon roared out as he burst from his Pokeball.
"Poison Gas!"
A thick cloud of purple gas was released from Salazzle's mouth and spread across the field causing Obstagoon to cough out as a purple taint formed across his cheeks. Zach was sure to keep his cool though as Obstagoon's ability was Guts! Obstagoon let out an enraged roar as his eyes began glowing red while a crimson aura surrounded his body.
"You lot really didn't bother doing much research on me, did you?" Zach asked with a light smirk. "Use Night Slash!"
"Goon!" Obstagoon's claws glowed a bright purple-black color as he raced across the field before slashing Salazzle across the face! Salazzle let out a pained hiss as Obstagoon left a scar across her left cheek. The Pokemon hissed out and gave Obstagoon a venomous look. Obstagoon gave Salazzle a smirk in response before uttering out a light grunt as poison drained away a portion of his energy.
"Incinerate him!"
"Sala!" Salazzle fired off a beam of orange, yellow, red and black fire towards Obstagoon!
"Block it with Stomping Tantrum!"
"Obsta!" Obstagoon slammed his foot against the ground causing part of it to splinter up but rather than fire it at Salazzle, Obstagoon grabbed hold of it and utilized it as a shield much like he'd done during the Motostoke Gym Challenge! The fire burned against the large rock and melted part of it away but Obstagoon was left unharmed, the badger grunted out as the poison sapped away more of his health before locking his eyes onto Salazzle as he hoisted up the rock and threw it towards her!
"Salaz!" Salazzle gasped out as the rock struck against her stomach causing her to be dragged along with it as it flew across the room before she found herself pinned against the wall as the rock crashed into it! Salazzle's tongue lolled out as swirls formed within her eyes, the rock soon fell against the ground followed by her unconscious form as she laid atop of it.
"Goon..." Obstagoon gritted his teeth as the poison continued having an effect on him.
"Return!" Oleana scowled as she returned Salazzle to her Pokeball before quickly gripping at another one. "Destroy him, my beauty!"
"Milo!" Milotic sang out a melodic tune as she burst onto the field.
"Attract!"
"Milooo!" Milotic let out a melodic tune as she gave Obstagoon a suggestive wink. Hearts immediately filled Obstagoon's eyes as drool poured from his mouth.
"Obstagoon..."
Zach let out a frustrated growl as his fists tightly clenched. In a normal situation he'd simply recall Obstagoon but he was the strongest Pokemon he had remaining as Empoleon and Raichu were currently at Sonia's lab and no doubt assisting in keeping Wedgehurst safe!
"Fight it Obstagoon and use Giga Impact!"
Obstagoon quickly shook his head and briefly snapped out of it as a spiraling field of purple and yellow aura formed around his body. Obstagoon stretched out his arms and roared out as he raced across the field before throwing himself at his opponent! Milotic let out a pained grunt while Obstagoon released one of his own as poison continued to effect him!
"Hydro Pump!"
"Milooo!" Milotic sang out before firing a powerful stream of water towards Obstagoon.
"Dodge it!"
"Obsta..." Obstagoon stood still as drool poured from his mouth once more, having returned to his infatuated state. The water erupted against him and soaked his fur, his breathing grew heavy as he remained standing for a brief moment before the remainder of his energy was drained away by the poison. The badger let out a pained groan as he collapsed against the ground while swirls formed within his eyes.
"Obstagoon return, Dratini let's go!" Both his remaining Pokemon were safe from Milotic's Attract but he felt Dratini the best choice given his move set.
"Drati!" Dratini cooed out as she emerged from her ball.
"Thunder Wave!" Zach knew Milotic's tend to know Recover so he wanted to try and prevent Milotic from being able to utilize the attack!
Dratini cooed out as she fired several yellow rings of electricity towards her opponent, Milotic soon flinched as the attack made contact with static flowing through her veins shortly afterwards as she was afflicted with Paralysis!
"Good job Dratini!"
"Drati!" Dratini cooed out.
"Recover!" Oleana shouted out. Milotic flinched while attempting to move as the paralysis took hold of her body!
"Now use Dragon Tail!"
"Dratiii!" Dratini's tail became coated in a green scale patterned aura as she took a swing at Milotic, striking the water serpent across the face!
Milotic let out a pained hiss before locking eyes with her opponent as Oleana called out to her.
"Aqua Tail!"
"Counter with Aqua Tail!" Both Pokemon's tails were engulfed by a watery veil as they swung at their opponent, their tails crashed against each other and began clashing as they attempted to overcome the other. An attempt Dratini was failing due to her small size!
"D-Drati..." Dratini grunted out before letting out an energetic shout as she pushed back with a surprising amount of strength while a light blue glow surrounded her body!
Oleana gritted her teeth while stars filled Zach's eyes at the sight of the evolution! Dratini's body grew longer and more serpentine as her light blue scales shed away and were replaced with a set of darker blue scales while two feathery wings formed at the side of her head. The newly evolved Dragon Pokemon let out an aggressive coo as she pushed back against Milotic, overcoming her attack before proceeding to slap her tail across Milotic's face!
Milotic went cross eyed and a pained groan escaped her lips as she slumped towards the ground, swirls soon filled her eyes as she laid motionless upon the field.
"Dragonair the Dragon Pokemon, Dragonair stores an enormous amount of energy inside its body. It is said to alter weather conditions in its vicinity by discharging energy from its crystals on its neck and tail. When they get close to evolution, most Dragonair tend to disappear at sea and return to their trainers as Dragonite! Nobody knows where they go."
"Alright Dragonair, you were awesome!" Zach exclaimed while not paying much mind to what the Rotom Phone stated.
"Dragoooo!" Dragonair let out an ecstatic coo while Oleana's eyes violently twitched as she was down to her final Pokemon.
"I grow tired of this, Garbodor destroy him!" Her final Pokemon was quite the shock as it was the complete opposite of her other Pokemon, while the others were beautiful or cute this one was just plain ugly! At least to most Pokemon and Zach wasn't one of them.
"That Pokemon does suit her, she may be beautiful on the inside but utter garbage where it counts." Zach narrowed his eyes while Dragonair nodded in agreement with her trainer's statement.
"Dragoo!"
"Dragonair return for now, Porygon I need you!" Zach returned Dragonair to her ball before throwing forward the ball containing Porygon Z!
"Pory!" Porygon Z cheerfully cried out as he burst from the Pokeball!
"Sludge Bomb!"
"Garbodor!" Garbodor took aim before firing multiple globs of purple sludge at Porygon Z!
Zach remained calm and gave a silent nod towards Porygon Z as the globs flew towards him before pelting against his body!
"Conversion 2!"
"Pory!" A bright pink and red glow surrounded Porygon's body as his typing changed from Normal to Steel!
"Huh?" Oleana blinked with a brief look of confusion. Most people didn't know what Porygon was capable of due to the species disappearing for years shortly after it's creation. She then shrugged as she figured that Zach simply wasted an attack.
"Sludge Bomb!" She shouted out once more. Garbodor took aim and fired another barrage of sludge at his opponent only for it to harmlessly slide off his body upon contact!
"What?! Y-You did something to him!" Oleana shouted.
"Porygon use Psybeam!" Zach ordered out with a sly smirk before informing Oleana of how Conversion worked. "Conversion is a move exclusive to Porygon's species and will change his typing to either resist or make itself immune to the typing of the previous attack. An acquaintance of mine owns a Garbodor so I know that most of Garbodor's attack moves are most likely Poison typed meaning that you can't touch him anymore!"
"Porygon!" Porygon cheerfully cried out as he fired off a bright beam of multicolored energy towards his opponent, the attack exploded upon impact and pushed Garbodor back while miniature Torchic began to run around his head!
Oleana's eye continued to twitch as she couldn't believe she got outsmarted by a brat!
"Explosion, destroy that brat!" Garbodor shook himself off as a bright orange glow surrounded his body. The Pokemon then raced towards Porygon Z and Zach as he prepared to explode!
"Blast him back with Hyper Beam!" Zach quickly called out.
"Pory!" Porygon cheerfully cried out, seeming oblivious to the danger as he fired off the familiar beam of orange-yellow energy. The beam flew across the field and struck Garbodor, sending the Pokemon flying back towards it's trainer as it began to explode!
"Oops!" Zach clenched his fists and closed his eyes as a loud explosion could be heard followed by a grunt before silence filled the area around him. He slowly opened his eye and noticed Oleana laying on the floor beside Garbodor. An anxious look filled his eyes as he rushed over and quickly dropped to a knee in order to check her pulse as his finger pressed against her neck. A sigh of relief escaped him as he could hear her breathing, indicating that she was knocked unconscious and likely would remain that way for a good while. "Thank Arceus she's alive!" She may have wanted the opposite for him but that didn't mean the feeling was mutual!
"Porygon return for now, I might need you later!" Zach returned Porygon to his ball before he made his way towards the stairs, hoping that Ash had similar luck regarding his battle with Chairman Rose!
"It's beautiful isn't it?" Chairman Rose asked Ash, his back turned to the boy as his eyes were fixated upon the outside view as Dynamax hotspots formed all across the region lighting up the Galar skyline in a bright purple-red light!
"Beautiful?! It's utter chaos out there!"
"Pi Pikachu!" The two snapped while giving the Chairman a harsh look. Chairman Rose soon turned to face them, the bags under his eyes looked more severe than last they saw him and his eyes had changed to a dark purple color while a creepy smirk spread across his face.
"And it's beautiful isn't it?! Oh master would be so pleased if he could see it!" Chairman Rose clasped his hands together while Ash and Pikachu gave each other a look before looking back at Rose.
"You're not Rose anymore, are you? Either way it doesn't matter, we've come to stop you!"
"Pika!" Pikachu aggressively flicked his tail as loud explosions could be heard below indicating that Zach was battling Oleana.
"Finally somebody understands!" Rose smirked. "Rose isn't stupid, he knew that the risk outbalanced the reward and didn't want to go through with it upon discovering the ruins that contained the information regarding Eternatus and the Darkest Day so I was forced to put matters into my own hands! My master had me stationed there for over a thousand years, perhaps more than that. I stopped counting, no doubt he's passed by now but I serve my master and his master for as long as I'm able! So I possessed the Chairman and took control of his actions for the past while, I pushed away that meddlesome brat that Rose adored so much and that crazed assistant who claims she 'loves' Rose didn't even realize the change in personality! She's just a shallow b-"
"Enough exposition, we don't have time for this!" Ash shouted.
"Pika!"
"I agree, I can't have you ruining a thousand years of scheming!" Rose spoke while giving him a threatening look. It appeared that he wasn't playing around like most villains as he threw two sets of Ultra Balls forward, one of which contained the Chairman's strongest Pokemon and ace!
Copperajah blared out of his trunk as he emerged on the battlefield.
"Ferro!" Ferrothorn aggressively lashed out towards Ash and Pikachu as he emerged causing the two to leap back!
"Alright Pikachu I choose you, Embo-"
"Fu!" Kubfu burst from his ball and motioned his paw towards the two Steel types as he took a combat stance!
"Pika?!"
"Kubfu?!" Ash exclaimed in a surprised fashion as he hadn't expected the Fighting type to just emerge like that. The Pokemon had done so in the past but never during a serious situation such as this! "Kubfu get back in, Emboar can handle this!"
"Fu." Kubfu defiantly shook his head as he pointed towards Ash's back.
Ash and Pikachu tilted their heads as they didn't seem to understand what Kubfu wanted. The bear cub rolled his eyes before swiftly leaping onto Ash's shoulder, he leaned forward and pulled out the scroll that Mustard had stashed in there and leaped back to the ground as his eyes quickly skimmed him over. "Fu Kubfu!"
"Eh?" Rose cocked his head before quickly shaking it with a light scowl.
"Heavy Slam! Ferrothorn use Power Whip!"
"Knock them away with Surf!"
"Pika!" Pikachu raised up his arms causing a massive wave of water formed beneath him, the electric mouse flashed his opponents a smirk as he began successfully riding the wave before bringing it crashing down on top of them! The two Pokemon coughed up water as the water slowly evaporated away while a smirk crossed Kubfu's lips as he tossed the scroll aside.
"FU!" Kubfu's body was encased by a bright blue glow as he began shooting upwards, soon towering over Ash and the others as his grey fur primarily turned black while his chest area and upper body turned to a white color. His appearance began greatly resembling that of Mustard's Urshifu as the light faded away from his body.
"Urshifu!" The newly evolved Pokemon cried out before forming a combat stance as Ash and Pikachu cried out.
"Alright Urshifu, way to go!"
"Pika pi!" They weren't sure what happened but they were happy for him nonetheless!
"Urshifu, Single Strike Style. The Wushu Pokemon, This form of Urshifu is a strong believer in the one-hit KO. Its strategy is to leap in close to foes and land a devastating blow with a hardened fist!"
Ash pulled out his Rotom Phone and gave it a brief glimpse before pocketing it. He wasn't sure what Urshifu's new move looked like in combat but now was as good of a time as any! Though he quickly whipped out his Z-Power Ring and slapped it upon his wrist. "Alright Pikachu let's hit them with 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt! Urshifu follow up with Wicked Blow!"
Urshifu gave his trainer a swift silent nod as Ash threw his cap towards Pikachu. Pikachu leaped up and caught Ash's head before the two moved in synch as thunder clouds formed above the battlefield. Pikachu's cheeks began to spark as he absorbed the electricity from the clouds. "Pika... chuuuu!" He cried out as multiple colorful beams of electricity that came in every color of the rainbow fired from his cheek and towards his opponents, giving them quite a powerful shock that was intensified by the Surf attack Pikachu used earlier as both were still soaking wet! Ferrothorn's eyes began rolling upwards as he collapsed to the ground, his body scorched black as swirls filled his eyes.
Urshifu flexed his arms as a dark purple aura surrounded his body, the bear uttered out a loud roar as he rushed towards Copperajah and punched him upside the head with great force! Copperajah went cross eyed and groaned out as his body slumped towards the floor before landing on his side as swirls filled his eyes.
Rose's eyes widened as the Chairman slowly began backing away before quickly turning to run off, Urshifu seemed to be embracing his new typing as the bear lashed out and delivered a quick uppercut to the man's face as he raced past him, knocking the Chairman unconscious!
"Urshifu!" Ash groaned out. He quickly raced forward to check on the man, he pressed his finger against Rose's neck and let out a sigh of relief as he felt a pulse. A dark grey hand harmlessly phased through Rose's chest and latched onto Ash's arm as a Dusknoir emerged from the Chairman.
"Noir!" Dusknoir took a hold of Ash and smirked as he intended on possessing him! "Noir Dusknoir!"
"Chuuu!"
"Gah!" Dusknoir cried out as Pikachu gave him a quick zap of electricity, knowing that Ash could take it! Ash gritted his teeth and quickly backed away from Dusknoir.
"Wicked Blow!" Ash shouted with a quick throw of his arm.
The dark purple aura formed around Urshifu once more as he raced forward before delivering a powerful punch that sent Dusknoir flying straight out of the powerplant, blasting him far away from there!
"Noir!" Dusknoir cried out as he disappeared over the horizon.
"G-Great, you're still here..." Zach breathed out as he caught up to Ash before stopping as his gaze landed upon the unconscious Chairman. "I-Is he okay?"
"He's okay just unconscious, I'll explain on the way. We've got to hurry!"
"Right!"
"Wait so Rose was possessed this whole time?!" Zach exclaimed as they reached the top of the power plant's staircase.
"Apparently so," Ash said before pausing as they saw two motionless figures laying at the top of the stairwell. "Oh no..."
"Sensei!" Zach anxiously cried out as he hurried up the stairs to check on Mustard. Lucario and Cinderace had regained enough strength to break out of their Pokeballs, a tearful expression formed across both their faces as they rushed forward alongside their trainer. There was a bit of blood on the ground but Zach didn't lose hope, quickly pressing his head up against Mustard's chest before desperately pressing his hands against it while Lucario and Cinderace copied their trainer's action with Urshifu. "Nononono, this can't be! You can't be-"
"Ace ace!" Cinderace desperately cried out as she'd known Mustard pretty much her entire life! Urshifu kept his cool but tears fell from his eyes as it was a similar case for him.
"Fu..."
"Carrrrr carrr!"
"Pika..." Pikachu flattened his ears with a saddened expression. Ash walked over with a saddened expression which worsened upon seeing that the color had left their eyes. Zach's head soon collapsed against Mustard's chest as tears began falling from his eyes, Lucario and Cinderace copied their trainer's actions as they buried their faces in Urshifu's chest.
"He's gone!"
Ash lowered his head and said nothing, they did need to beat Eternatus but Mustard was the closest thing that Zach had for a father. He knew that he wouldn't have it easy if something similar happened to Professor Oak or Kukui. He allowed him a few minutes to grieve before placing his hand upon his shoulder while Pikachu walked over and did the same to Cinderace and Lucario.
"The only thing we can do for him now is to finish this, we can't let his death be in vain!"
"Pi Pikachu!"
Zach sniffled and quickly wiped his eyes as he delivered a quick nod of agreement before slowly standing back to his feet. "L-Let's go!" The two raced into view and were quick to see that Eternatus had already gone Eternamax meaning that there was only one thing to do as nothing else would work!
"Zacian!"
"Zamazenta!" The two shouted the Pokemon's names while simultaneously lifting the sword and shield up above their heads.
"Aroooo!" The spirits of Zacian and Zamazenta appeared before their trainers, the two turned their gaze turned their respective partners and gave the humans a quick nod as they began phasing back into existence!
Eternatus let out an enraged cry as the wolves reappearance quickly caught his attention. A news helicopter got daringly close to the roof of the powerplant and began broadcasting.
"I don't care how dangerous it is, you people can't get me pictures of Ariados-Man so you'll gonna get me the next big thing! I wanna know what's up there and I want to do right now, we'll get lots of views for this and unmask the menace behind all this! I'd bet good money that Ariados-Man is behind all this!"
"Uh boss, it ain't Ariados-Man that's for dang sure!" The camera man gasped out as he caught sight of the alien-like Pokemon.
"What the heck is that thing?! And what are those darn kids doing down there?"
"Sure boss, sure." The camera man rolled his eyes.
The sword and shield evaporated away as armor plating formed around Zacian and Zamazenta's body though Zamazenta gained the most armor as a metallic shield served as his mane while Zacian received an armored helmet along with a long metallic sword that she held within her mouth!
The two Pokemon turned to their trainer's and gave them a swift look.
"Behemoth Blade!" Ash heard whispered into his ear.
Behemoth Bash!" Zach glanced around as he heard somebody whisper that.
"I thought you two couldn't talk anymore?" The two wolves gave him a blank silent stare in response.
"I know it's strange but I think they just told us what their attacks are!" Ash exclaimed while quickly turning to Zacian.
"Behemoth Blade!"
"Behemoth Bash?" Zach turned to Zacian. The wolf smirked in response and nodded to show that he got it!
Zacian's sword glowed bright blue and enhanced in size as she sliced at Eternatus causing the Eternamaxed Pokemon to cry out in pain! Zach gave Eternatus a look while Zamazenta rushed forward as his shield glowed red and expanded, the wolf bashed his head against Eternatus causing the Pokemon to cry out once more before it turned it's attention towards the wolves and fired off a Dynamax Cannon!
Ash and Zach closed their eyes as they expected the wolves to collapse upon being struck but as they opened them back up they saw the two wolves standing with only minor injuries!
"Alright let's do this together," The two gave each other a smirk while simultaneously speaking out their respective attack moves.
"Behemoth Blade!"
"Behemoth Bash!"
"Arooo!" The wolves howled as they charged up their attacks and rushed forward, Zacian slashed her sword across Eternatus' neck while Zamazenta bashed his shield against Eternatus' head! Eternatus let out a pained cry as explosions set off across his body, the red and purple clouds spiraled across his body once more as he reverted back to normal. The Darkest Day was still in full effect though as Dynamax hotspots continued being set off with one setting off dangerously close to them as a familiar cry could be heard.
"MORPEK!"
"Marnie?!" Ash quickly raced towards the edge to make sure that she hadn't been squashed while Zach reached deep into his bag before retrieving a purple and white Pokeball, as his gaze fully fixated upon it.
It was Zach's seventeenth birthday though he didn't have much a reason to celebrate it as he didn't have a family, Sonia and Nessa usually hung out and spent the day with him as part of their yearly tradition but this year was different as he was at Mustard's dojo and couldn't just run off and go back to the mainland. He didn't want Mustard to think that he abandoned his training!
Riolu sat alongside, his eyes closed as he concentrated on the aura around him before suddenly opening an eye as the door to the dorm opened up. "May I come in?" Mustard politely asked, one hand was behind his back while the other waved at his student as he offered him a warm smile.
"Yeah sure, what is it sensei? Do you need me for something?" Zach tilted his head as he stood to his feet.
Mustard let out a light chuckle as he shook his head. "No my boy, no! I know that it is a certain someone's special day, you've been here for quite a long while and I must admit I've grown quite fond of you... in a fatherly way." Mustard quickly explained with a light laugh as he hadn't intended on it sounding creepy.
Zach formed a light smirk before laughing out. "Heh..."
"I know that you probably don't expect this sort of thing but here," Mustard smiled once more as he pulled a present out from behind his back.
Zach gave the present a look before looking back at Mustard. "There's not a party out there is there? I don't want a big deal of this..."
"No no, no party!" Mustard laughed. "I did inform your friends that you'll be arriving at the mainland soon though, I'm exempting the two of you from training for the next few days so don't worry about it. I mean you don't have a training partner right now anyways."
"Wait really? Thanks master, I appreciate it!" After losing his friendship with Bede seeing Sonia and Nessa again would be good for him!
"Don't mention it, now open that gift!" Mustard motioned towards the present with an eager look in his eye.
Zach tilted his head as he began opening up the box, Riolu leaned closer to him for a closer look before gasping out as Zach retrieved a purple and white Pokeball from the box. "W-What is this?" He questioned. "I mean it's obvious that it is a Pokeball but what does it do?"
"It allows you to successfully capture any Pokemon without fail! Not many of those exist in the world so take good care of it!"
"But that sounds wrong... if a Pokemon breaks out then they probably don't want to be captured." Zach frowned. "Don't get me wrong, I-I like the gift! I just don't like the concept..."
"Then keep it as a decoration or something, who knows maybe you'll change your mind someday! My traveling days are over and my son just wants to invent things so he'll never have use for it." Mustard waved it off with a light smirk.
Zach stared at the Master Ball for a moment before offering Mustard a smile as he performed a quick bow of respect. "Thank you sensei, I'll treasure it always!" And true to his word the ball remained hidden away within a dresser, a certain drawer that Klara wouldn't look in if she snuck in to swipe or break something and it remained there until the day that he left with Ash on their world trekking adventure where it sat safely at the bottom of his bag and never left. Not even Dawn knew that he had it!
Zach stared at the Master Ball and quickly wiped away a forming tear before turning his attention back towards the downed Eternatus. "Master Ball go!" The Master Ball soared through the air and opened up as it approached Eternatus, the alien-like Pokemon became engulfed in a bright red light as he was absorbed into the Pokeball. The ball shook as soon as Eternatus was inside of it before chiming out to announce the capture!
Right as that happened, everything started to calm down as the world around them returned to normal.
Ash let out a sigh of relief as Morpeko shrank back to her normal size before racing towards Marnie who was safe and unharmed!
"It's over boss, those kids did it! They saved the world!"
Ash turned back towards Zach and the wolves with a smile before taking note of the Master Ball within Zach's hand, he tilted his head for a brief moment before quickly realizing that he'd captured Eternatus!
Zacian and Zamazenta had their gazes fixated fully upon their respective partners as they silently stepped forward. Ash and Zach turned their attention to the wolves as they could feel their gaze burning into them.
"What's up?" Ash questioned.
"Pika pi?"
"Car?" Lucario tilted his head and scratched his chin before quickly turning to his trainer.
"Carrr!"
"Huh? Zacian wants to go with Ash while Z-Zamazenta wants to go with me?!"
The two wolves nodded in agreement to his statement as their gazes remained fixated upon their partners.
Ash grinned while holding out an empty Pokeball in offering to Zacian. "Welcome to the team Zacian, we'll grow stronger together I promise!"
"Urshifu!"
"Pi Pikachu!"
Zach silently gazed at Zamazenta for awhile before offering the wolf a light smirk as he held out an Ultra Ball to him. "If you really want to, I suppose you can join my family!" He didn't feel like he deserved a Legendary Pokemon but if Zamazenta wanted it then he wasn't going to deny the Pokemon it's wish. "Just know that I don't intend on using you in my Championship match, I want my win to feel earned."
Zamazenta gave Zach a respectful bow as he thought those terms fair and honorable. The two tapped the wolves with their Pokeballs, engulfing them in a bright red light as they were absorbed into the balls which shook a few times before chiming out to announce the capture!
"Alright we just caught Zacian!" Ash excitedly cried out as he held the Pokeball into the air.
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu leaped up and posed alongside his trainer while Urshifu merely crossed his arms and silently smirked as he posed alongside them.
"Welcome to the family, Zamazenta." Zach smiled at the Ultra ball before the two balls whisked away to their respective destinations!
"Ugh... where am I...?" Meowth groaned out as he laid sprawled out in the middle of the street.
"Meowth!" Jessie and James cried out simultaneously as they rushed to embrace their furry friend.
"Thank goodness you're okay!"
"We were so worried!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"Worried, what-What exactly happened while I was out?" Meowth gave the two a questioning look.
A similar incident happened throughout the word as things calmed down, Gary and Leaf shared a celebratory kiss while Guzma quickly got Team Skull to work on cleaning up Po Town!
Though a certain individual calmly gazed towards his local Pokemon Center's television as the news broadcast aired, he brushed his long grayish blue hair away from his light green eyes as his gaze locked upon Ash while the raven haired boy was locked in combat with Eternatus. He then shared an impressive look as he took note of Ash's Urshifu and that interest only grew further as he saw Ash capture Zacian! "Well well it's been quite awhile since we've met but I see that you've managed to capture some Legendary Pokemon of your own! Perhaps it's time that the two of us meet again..."
"Ladies and gentlemen we're gathered here to honor a fallen hero, a beloved Champion, father and husband." A priest spoke as a picture of Mustard stood proped up against a closed coffin. "He never stopped caring for and protecting the region, even during the brief spells where he didn't have the Champion mantle. He had a heart of gold and gave his life so that we may continue to live ours. Now let's have a moment of silence in honor of our fallen friend."
The Gym Leaders, Chairman Rose, Cynthia, Lance, Diantha, Alder, Honey and Hyde sat in the front row, all of them dressed up while respectfully bowing their heads. Tears flooded down Honey's face while Cynthia silently supported her, placing her hand atop her shoulder. Ash's eyes briefly lit up upon seeing Alder but he didn't dare approach him as this would be an inappropriate time to do so, he and the others were dressed up as well and had their heads lowered as the moment of silence. Tears continued to fall from Zach's eyes while Chloe had her hand resting up against his shoulder in a supportive manner while Dawn held his hand to reassure him that it'd be alright. Even Klara and Avery were present, Klara actually ditched her usual attire for something more appropriate.
It had been a few days since the Darkest Day incident, upon explaining the situation and both Ash and Zach backing him up Chairman Rose got off without any charges while Oleana and Sordward and Shielbert were incarcerated at Poketraz Penitentiary for life. Shortly after the police van drove away the Chairman turned to Zach and gave him a questioning look.
"So are we going to seal away Eternatus again? I can make that happen as soon as possible, just say the word!"
Zach gazed down at the Master Ball before quickly shaking his head. "N-No! I-I think we can fix Eternatus, we can find out what's causing him to act like this and fix it so he can control his power or even limit it if it comes to that. That way the Darkest Day never happens again, if we just seal him away whose to say another delusional madman doesn't unearth him in another thousand years or maybe even a decade from now! Er-No offense."
Chairman Rose offered him a silent smirk as he shook his head. "No offense and I can make that happen, kid. Rest assured we'll have the brightest minds working on him from behind a protective barrier! Someday Eternatus might be able to rejoin society and live among us!"
After the funeral ended, everyone silently went their separate ways. Piers gave Marnie's shoulder a light pat as he walked out, not taking note of Ash as Urshifu blocked his view of him. Bede left with Rose, their relationship appeared to be back to normal as Bede had a genuine smile across his face as Rose said something to him. Klara gave Zach a silent nod of respect before taking her leave while dragging Avery after her in case he tried starting something. Chloe gave Zach's shoulder another pat before she took her leave with May shortly following after her and it wouldn't be long before only Zach, Ash, Marnie, Dawn and Honey remained. Honey soon stood up and retrieved something from her purse as she walked towards Zach.
"H-Here," She sniffed. "I-I'm not sure what this is exactly but Mustard wanted me to give it to you next time I saw you, I-I didn't think at the time that it... that it would be like this!"
Zach stared at the strange crystalized flower with a look of confusion while Ash instantly recognized it. 'Time Flower!'
Zach placed his hand on Honey's shoulder as he offered her a light smile. "Thanks Honey, I appreciate it... and don't worry I miss him too..."
Later that night Zach sat within his tent and waited until he heard everyone fall asleep. He then reached out and touched the tip of the flower with his hand, his hand glowed bright blue as the flower lit up before showcasing Mustard's form as if he was actually there in person!
"Hello Zach, it appears that my time on this plane of existence is finally coming to an end. It was a long ride but a wild and fun one!" Mustard laughed out while smirking in his usual manner. "I know what is coming and have long since made peace with it, I'm sure you'll have many questions like 'How did he know?!' and why I chose to give you that Master Ball! I knew all along what you'd do with it and what would happen because of an old and dear friend of mine and I believe that it's time that you and Ash meet him! Look up Professor Amaranth when you have the time, he'll help you out. Now stay strong I know for a fact that you'll be a powerful champion someday... will it be Galar's? Only time will tell!"
"Professor Amaranth?" Zach tilted his head before quickly motioning towards Lucario. "Write that down please!"
Lucario nodded as he pulled a notepad out of his trainer's bag while Cinderace, Cyndaquil, Obstagoon, Raichu and Dragonair silently watched Mustard speak out.
"If he knew everything then he knows what I never got to tell him before he-"
"And yes, I know that you think of me as your father figure and I couldn't be more proud of you, son." Mustard smirked. Mustard knew they had no relation but he meant that he viewed Zach as such. The hologram of Mustard disappeared as the time flower withered away.
"Don't worry, I'll find this friend that your talking about. I promise!"
"What now, Chairman Rose?" Steven addressed as the Champions were all seated along a table within Rose Tower with Rose sitting at the forefront of the table.
"Galar not having a Champion puts the entire region at risk!" Lance exclaimed as he slammed his fist down upon the table.
"Isn't the League six months away? Surely it can wait until then?" Iris questioned.
"Lance is right I'm afraid, it can't wait that long." Cynthia shook her head. "The world is a troublesome place right now and the darkness may have been stopped today but I sense that different iterations of it will continue appearing across the world in different forms. Galar needs a Champion!"
"Hmp, and I'm perfect for the job!" Paul stated with a sly smirk.
Iris gave the newest Champion a glare. "Kalos and Galar are arch rivals, you may be the closest Champion to Galar but that'd never work! The people of both regions wouldn't accept you being Champion of both!"
"Actually there is a former Galar Champion that we can reinstate!" Cynthia stated causing Rose's eyes to widened as he began hastily waving his hands.
"Nonono! I'm in no state to-"
"The Chairman's own brother, Peony!"
Rose went pale. 'That's worse!' He inwardly thought. His brother and him never got along and after he'd been named Chairman, Peony outright quit in protest resulting in Mustard being forced to take back the mantle for nearly two decades now. He didn't even know where to start looking as it wasn't as if the two were on speaking terms, heck according to his sources nobody had seen the man in months!
"I'm not sure who Peony is but Alder always agreed with you so I trust his judgement!" Iris exclaimed.
Steven nodded. "Here here!"
"Are you three serious?! Peony hates Rose, he'll never accept it!" Lance spat.
"It should be me." Paul crossed his arms with a defiant look. "Lance is Champion of Kanto and Johto, I don't see how this will be any different!"
"Enough!" Cynthia held up her arms. "We've got you two outvoted three to two, Chairman Rose you're to find Peony and get him reinstated!"
Chairman Rose let out a long drawn out sigh before reluctantly nodding in agreement.
"Noir..." Dusknoir flew through the Galar skyline without a destination or goal in mind, all he knew was that he wanted revenge on Ash!
"Dusknoir!" Dusknoir paused as he heard a familiar voice call out to him. "I can't see you old friend but I can sense you!" Dusknoir looked down and spotted the hooded robes belonging to his old friend but that couldn't be, he'd be over a thousand years old at this point!
"Noir...?"
"Yes, it's me." Shade smirked as Dusknoir landed in front of him. "How do you think about teaming up so I can bring back our master?"
"Noir!" Dusknoir eagerly rubbed his hands together while nodding in agreement.
Shade flashed Dusknoir a smirk before climbing back on top of Metagross. "Well then let's get to it, we've got some chaos to cause!"
"So why are we going to Fula City again?" Marnie questioned Ash as Corviknight and Latias soared through the sky, leaving Galar behind them as they made their way towards Mt. Silver.
"No reason."
Marnie narrowed her eyes and gave him a suspicious look but didn't say anything.
"Oh right!" Dawn suddenly exclaimed causing Zach to jump lightly as she shouted right into his ear. "Sorry! I-I just remembered that May, Serena and I are supposed to be guest judges at the Wallace Cup which just so happens to be hosted in Fula City a few days from now!"
Ash's eyes widened as he realized he had a good cover now. "Er-Yeah, I'm going cause I want to fight Wallace!"
Zach and Dawn gave each other a knowing smirk, as soon as they looked up Fula City and found out about the Wind Festival the two agreed to go together before realizing that Ash had to have chosen that place to ask Marnie out!
The large mountains of the Johto region came into view hours later and shortly upon reaching the ground they felt a set of heavy footsteps racing towards them! Lucario quickly got into a combat stance and stood protectively in front of Zach and Dawn while Marnie nervously gripped at Grimmsnarl's Dusk Ball. Ash merely gazed towards the noise with a curious and hopeful look before uttering out a startled gasp as a Tyranitar came speeding towards him with a joyful expression!
"Oh wow, a Tyranitar!" Hearts filled Marnie's eyes at the sight of the mighty Pseudo Legendary only for her expression to quickly change as Tyranitar raced right past her as the rock dinosaur leaped forward, pinning Ash to the ground and giving him a powerful squeeze as he hugged him!
"Tyra, Tyranitar!" Tyranitar cheerfully cried out, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he was crushing Ash and Pikachu in his hands while his head nuzzled against them.
"T-Tyranitar... i-it's good to... I can't breath!"
"P-Pika!" Tyranitar's eyes widened from surprise and he was quick to drop the two of them before rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish smirk.
"Tyra..." He apologized.
"Don't worry about it buddy, you were just happy to see us again weren't you?!" Ash exclaimed with an excitable grin as he got back to his feet.
"Tyra!"
"Wait this is that Larvitar all grown up?" Marnie questioned. She heard Ash talk about him as if it happened so recently, she didn't expect to find a Tyranitar waiting there for them!
"Yep, it is!" Ash chuckled while reaching for an empty Pokeball. "Hey Tyranitar now that you're all grown up, why don't you join us?! I'm working towards becoming the World Champion and I could use a powerful Pokemon such as yourself. What do you think?!"
Tyranitar didn't need a moment to think as he gave Ash's cheek a quick lick in response! "Alright, alright!" Ash grinned while tapping Tyranitar's head, the rock dinosaur was engulfed in a bright beam of light as he was absorbed into the Pokeball. The ball shook twice before chiming out to announce the capture followed.
"Tyranitar the Armor Pokemon, Tyranitar is so overwhelmingly powerful, it can bring down a whole mountain to make its nest. This Pokemon wanders about in mountains seeking new opponents to fight!"
"Welcome to the team Tyranitar," The ball shook in response while a smile formed across Ash's face as he couldn't wait to see what his old friend was capable of!
And so the Darkest Day has come to an end! Eternatus probably won't appear again for the rest of the story so if you think he's 'too OP' don't worry about it, I already addressed that Zach won't use Zamazenta in the Gym Challenge or the Championship so naturally the same applies to Eternatus. Eternamax won't be a thing anymore once Rose's men are done with it anyways
I hope you all enjoyed the arc and the small teases of what's to come I sprinkled throughout all three chapters! Next time the Power of Us! :)