"Ash, can you hear me?" I spoke into the ship radio as we flew just behind the Megalith as it advanced across rough terrain, creating a groove in the earth as it went. The vines seemed to act like its legs, pulling itself along at a constant speed.
Crackling noise met my question, then, "Zeno?"
I nodded back to the others to signal that we were in contact. "Are you on your way?"
"Yeah," Ash said. "What are we dealing with?"
Steven came over, nodding to me, so I stepped back and let him take control. "It seems that the Megalith is heading towards the Sundial in Anistar City."
A different voice suddenly came over the speaker. "Mairin? Is Mairin there!?"
"Alain!" Mairin cried, rushing over.
"Oh thank Arceus," Alain sighed in relief, then his tone became serious. "What happened over there?"
Steven cleared his throat. "Chespin was sucked into the Megalith, who seems to be the Giant Rock's power supply. I did a quick simulation run of what'll happen if it comes into contact with the Sundial." He hesitated for a moment. "It seems like it'll create an energy wave that'll kill all life on the planet."
"What!?" Robert exclaimed while Alain said, "So this is Lysandre's last ditch effort to make sure his plans succeed."
"It seems so," Steven nodded. "I don't think I need to say this, but we need to stop that thing at all costs before it reaches the Sundial."
"We'll be there," Ash promised.
"Good," Steven stepped away and turned to face all of us. Alex came to stand next to me while Sycamore headed towards the door. "We'll need aerial Pokemon to try to slow that thing down before we can land. I hate to ask this of ones so young, but we need all the help we can get."
Alex, Serena, and I nodded. Sycamore pulled open the side door, wind blowing past. Plateaus rushed by below, the cool night air soothing despite the desperate situation we were in.
"Garchomp!" Sycamore shouted as Steven yelled, "Metagross!" They both released their Pokemon and Mega Evolved them right away. Serena called out her Braixen to stand atop Metagross' head while Alex sent out Vespiquen and Frosmoth. I launched my pokeball into the air and Corviknight dived towards the Megalith.
"Hyper Beam! Flash Cannon! Flamethrower! Attack Order and Bug Buzz! Air Slash!"
The combined power of the moves blasted against the front of the Megalith, hardly slowing it down. Several vines shot upwards from beneath it and all Pokemon made to evade it. Corviknight was hit in the wing by one and I was forced to return him before he crashed to the ground. Vespiquen used Defend Order to protect herself and Frosmoth as they were batted away and Metagross flew upwards to avoid two vines, but one made him wobble in the air, Braixen falling off.
"Braixen!" Serena yelled, reaching for her pokeball. Then something swooped through the air, catching the Fire type on his back. A different Pokemon leaped from its back and sliced through a vine with a glowing tail.
I grinned. "Looks like the cavalry has arrived."
A large helicopter flew out from behind the nearby canyon, the side door opened with Ash and Alain standing together by it. Mega Charizard blasted a jet of blue flames along with Braixen's normal Flamethrower. Pikachu landed back on Charizard and blasted a Thunderbolt, all three attacks incinerating a vine that shot up in front of them.
Their helicopter flew ahead of our aircraft and past the Megalith and both Ash and Alain stepped back as Robert made his way through. Giving us a thumbs up, he opened a pokeball and leaped out of the helicopter. I heard several gasp beside me as Robert landed on top of a huge blue Pokemon. An aura blasted around Wailord as he crashed into the Megalith with a resounding boom! That seemed to slow the Megalith somewhat before vines pushed Wailord away and into the sky. Robert was somehow managing to hang onto his Pokemon as they floated through the air, pushed on by the momentum caused by the vines. Wailord turned in the air and blasted a beam of ice at the Megalith, freezing half of its body.
"You know, I'm not surprised Robert got Wailord to fly." Alex shook her head, sighing. "Freakin' unbelievable."
"But he managed to slow it down," I pointed out. "Jessie! Get us further away onto a flat area! We need group up!" A large crack made my head snap back to the Megalith, seeing it break through the ice and continue on its destructive path. "Oh, not good."
Robert had landed on top of Metagross and returned his floating Wailord before being transported to our airship. "Dang't," he rubbed the back of his head, glancing nervously at the Megalith. "I thought I had it there."
I patted his shoulder. "You did fine. Even if it still moves, we must have done some damage to it." I glanced back at Steven. "Right?"
He nodded. "Anything and everything helps at this point."
"Gah!" Robert yelped as he caught sight of the Champion. "You're Steven Stone! Hoenn's Champion! What are you doing here!?"
He chuckled. "No time for stories, Robert."
Suddenly, I caught site of Ash. He and Greninja were staring at the Megalith, both looking as if they were looking right through it. Moments later, a woman's voice came through the speaker. "Ash says he has a plan. He's going to need backup."
"On it," Sycamore responded, then shouted out the door, "Garchomp, assist Greninja!"
"Metagross, you too!" Steven shouted.
"Let's help your brother," I said to Greninja as I released him. "GO!"
As Ash's Greninja leaped from the helicopter, so did mine. Water burst around mine and he transformed. He twirled through the air, slicing through a vine that shot towards him. He ran along another, throwing a shuriken to slice through one that was heading for his brother. Ash's Greninja had spread out his arms and legs, air rushing past. His eyes narrowed, then Ash shouted, "Water Shuriken!" He grabbed his large shuriken and flung it towards the large crystal in the Megalith's chest. It struck home right in the center and my eyes narrowed as I stared at it. I felt my connection with Greninja spike as I began seeing through the Megalith, past glowing crystals and right to the core, where Chespin was held up by several crystals.
"I see," I nodded and turned back to my group. "Chespin's behind that shuriken! That's where we need to aim for."
Sycamore and Steven didn't need to be told twice. "Garchomp, use Hyper Beam! Metagross, Flash Cannon!"
"Charizard!" I heard Alain shout. "Flamethrower!"
"Greninja!" I shouted. "Cut!"
Greninja formed two blades, slicing through every vine he could. But when he destroyed one, two seemed to replace it. He was slammed backwards and the vine wrapped itself around him. Ash's Greninja made to help him, only to be captured himself. The other Pokemon were blasting their own attacks, beams of energy that disintegrated the vines and fire that burned them to a crisp. But the vines never slowed, quickly overtaking everyone.
"We're not going to be able to keep this up for much longer," Robert pointed out, eyes wide.
Suddenly, a huge blast of energy struck the Megalith in the center, releasing all our Pokemon. I turned to find out where the attack originated from and found myself smiling as I saw the familiar figures in the distance.
"Oh heck yeah!" Robert shouted, pumping his fist into the air, his attitude having completely turned around in just a couple seconds.
Standing atop a plateau in the distance were the rest of Kalos' gym leaders along with Diantha herself. However, despite the large attack, the Megalith emerged from the smoke, its movements slower, but still it trudged on towards the sundial in the distance, water glittering around it.
"Jessie!" I shouted to her once again. "To the gym leaders! We'll come up with a final plan there!"
"On it!" She pushed the accelerator and we zoomed towards them.
...
As we touched down, we joined up with Ash and his group along with Diantha and the gym leaders.
"You came," Alex said to Diantha as the groups merged.
"Of course," she and her Gardevoir looked towards the Megalith, advancing towards us in the distance. "With Kalos and the world in peril, how could I not."
"And us gym leaders couldn't just sit back either," Eric waved at us, Grovyle by his side.
"Not at all," Korrina nodded to Ash as Lucario nodded at my Lucario. "If anyone is to respond to a threat like this, it's gotta be us.
"Gotta say though," Grant nodded appreciatively at the Megalith with his Tyrunt at his side. "That would be one heck of a rock to climb."
"Your head is full of rocks," Viola snorted as she stroked her Vivillon's wing, but she smiled. "Talk about having a hard head."
"Its aura is horrifying," Valerie shuddered, Sylveon crying out in agreement. "We must put a stop to this monstrosity."
Caren fingered her earring as she patted Abomasnow's side. "It's a big fellow certainly. I guess that means we need to go out right away."
"His time is nearly upon us," Olympia murmured, both Meowstics floating on either side of her. Then she glanced at my Greninja, then Ash's. "The brothers have come."
I nodded to Alain. "You've made your choice then."
"Yes," he said firmly as Charizard lumbered up beside him. "I have."
"Good," I smiled slightly. "We could use your strength."
"Everyone!" Diantha stood at the head of the group, looking back at us with Gardevoir at her side. "If that thing reaches the Sundial, everything is over! We all must do what we can to stop it! Our objective is to rescue Chespin from behind that Water Shuriken, which will disable the Megalith! Any questions?"
Determination filled silence met her question as all the gym leaders, Blaziken Mask, and all my friends prepared for battle. She nodded grimly and turned to face the Giant Rock. As one, we began to run. I spared a glance back, seeing that Serena and her Pokemon were staying behind with Mairin and Bonnie. If we were to fail, they would be all that stood against the Megalith if it got past us. If that were to happen, the world would be lost. Shaking my head, I banished the thought and continued to run, Arcanine, Mega Lucario, and Greninja at my side.
The vines struck first, zooming towards us, making us separate. Yells and blasts of energy were all around us, vines being destroyed, but more taking their place. I found myself alongside Alex, her Ninetales and Pyroar, Robert, and his Chesnaught.
"Just like Alola!" Robert grinned, obviously feeling the rush of adrenaline that came along with battle.
"Except this time we got more friends," Alex pointed out. "And at this point, I believe we can get out of any situation just fine."
"Don't jinx us," I groaned as Arcanine blasted vine with Flamethrower. "Just stay safe you two. Don't take unnecessary risks."
Alex smirked. "You're the boss."
With a yell, we put on more speed. Ninetales and Pyroar blasted several vines with bursts of flames, protecting Alex behind them. A vine shot past us, separating Alex from Robert and I.
"Go on ahead!" Robert shouted as more vines shot towards us. "We can handle this here!" He let out his Tyranitar. "Chesnaught, Seed Bomb! Tyranitar, Hyper Beam!"
I pulled myself onto Arcanine's back and we sped away, Lucario and Greninja keeping pace on either side as an explosion sounded from behind. Arcanine blasted a beam of draconic energy as Greninja fired a shuriken, the two attack blasting through a vine. Lucario put on an extra burst of speed as he formed two long bones, slicing through multiple vines that lay in our path. A vine burst from beneath Arcanine, flinging both of us in the air. Greninja leaped, catching me and landing on the ground. I looked back to see Arcanine getting back to his feet, vines heading towards him. His eye caught mine and he seemed to give a nod before racing away, the vines in hot pursuit.
I pushed myself to go on, Greninja and Lucario at my side. I caught a glimpse of Ash and Alain further ahead, trying to push their way through to a wall of vines that separated them from the Megalith. The gym leaders were having a heck of a time trying to pave a way for them, so I nodded to both of my Pokemon and we ran after them.
"Lucario," I yelled, throwing out my hand. "Aura!"
Lucario swung both hands, his aura slicing through several vines, allowing us to gain elevation. He then pushed both Greninja and I away with his aura as more vines slammed into him and went out of sight. Grimacing, Greninja and I continued on. Gritting my teeth, I let myself fully connect with him. Eyes sharpening, we moved as one. Greninja lunged forwards slicing through vines with two blades as I leaped over one and ducked as one shot over my head.
"Greninja!" I shouted, holding out my hand. The Water type nodded and flung back one of his blades. I caught it with my right hand and let my instincts take over. I fought by Greninja's side, slashing and blocking attacks. When Greninja jumped, I did so as well and we both landed on a vine that was shooting towards Ash, Alain, and their Pokemon.
"Incoming!" I warned them, then leaped off with Greninja and we both slashed our blades, slicing through the vine. Charizard turned and blasted the remains with Flamethrower, disintegrating them.
Ash and Alain stopped for a brief moment at the top of a rise, allowing me and Greninja to catch up. The Megalith was before us, but a gap separated us from it. The Water Shuriken stuck in the crystal gleamed, but there was no way to it.
Then as several vines shot towards us, they swerved and began weaving around each other and slammed into the Megalith at the base of the crystal, serving as a bridge. I looked to see Steven and Diantha with their Mega Pokemon, nodding at us. We hurried across the bridge, Charizard blasting a Flamethrower, Pikachu swinging an Electro Ball, and both Greninjas firing their large shurikens. The attacks slammed into the crystal, creating a hole into the Megalith. As Ash, Alain, and their Pokemon leaped through, I had to turn to slice through a vine as it swung towards us, Greninja severing another vine.
For what seemed like forever, we had to fend off the vines. Far in the distance, I could see more vines shooting towards where Serena, Bonnie, and Mairin were. Then, they stopped. The glow died from the Megalith and the vines froze. I turned around in time to see Alain and Ash climbing through, Chespin in Alain's arms.
"You did it," I said with a gasp of relief.
"Yes," Alain managed to smile as he looked down at Chespin. "We did."
...
"Chespie!" Mairin cried, hugging Chespin close. She looked up at Alain, tears sliding down her wide smile. "Thank you, Alain."
Alain smiled warmly and hugged Mairin close. At that moment, I realized why Alain was able to free himself from Team Flare.
We all looked back at the Megalith, standing as still as a rock. Diantha raised her hand and everyone took up position next to their Pokemon. "Fire!" All the attacks streamed forwards, combining into one larger attack and blasted against the Megalith. It groaned as it leaned backwards, about to fall as smoke rose from it. Then the crystals on its body glowed brightly as it whipped back its head, the vines writhing beneath it. A figure walked out of the shadows on top of the Megalith and Alain gasped, "Lysandre!?"
"The time is almost at hand!" Lysandre stood at the edge of the Megalith, looking down at all of us. "The second hand on the clock moves towards the point of no return and there is no stopping it now! Even if I must sacrifice myself to do so, I WILL destroy the world!"
"Lysandre!" Ash shouted. "We won't let you!"
"You can't stop the countdown to destruction!" Lysandre roared, thrusting out his left arm. A copper colored gadget fitted onto his wrist snapped open. As soon as it did, the crystals on the Megalith began to glow brighter.
"Greninja!" I shouted. "Hydro Shield!"
"Light Screen!" Valerie cried. A glittering dome encased us as the Megalith started charging an attack. Greninja threw off his cloak, the bubbles expanding to their absolute limit in front of us. Then a beam of dark red energy fired from the center crystal and blasted against the Light Screen. It held for only a couple seconds before tearing through it and slamming into the Hydro Shield. An explosion ripped past us, knocking us all back. I tumbled across the ground, groaning as the dust settled around me.
I picked myself up, Greninja doing the same several feet in front of me. The ground was cracked and broken, jutting up in some places. As I glanced around, everyone seemed to be alive, though bruised and bleeding was now common. I gritted my teeth and looked back at the Megalith.
"DAD!?"
I turned my head to see both Clemont and Bonnie staring wide-eyed at Blaziken Mask, who seemed to have used himself to shield them, as he looked more beat-up than them. His mask had broken apart, revealing him to be Meyer, Clemont and Bonnie's father. Despite the situation we were all in, I gave a soft laugh. How had they not realized who he was sooner?
The ground jolted and the Megalith began to move, the vines wriggling around it. Everyone got to their feet, all injured, but willing to give it their all to save the world. I grimaced as I stood beside Greninja, the Megalith looming over us.
"We have to destroy it," Alain grunted, holding his right arm.
"Everyone, listen!" Robert shouted as he and Clemont rushed forwards. Clemont pushed his glasses up and pointed towards Lysandre. "That device on his wrist! He's using that to control it!"
"That's all we need to hear," Alex thrust out her hand, Ninetales stepping forwards, mouth aflame.
"Summon up the last of your power everyone!" Diantha shouted. "We must stop it!"
We all rushed forwards, time seeming to slow. But before we could do a thing, another blast of energy sent us all crashing backwards. I struggled to get up this time, glaring up at Lysandre, who was grinning like the madman he truly was. Then, "Squishy, wait!"
"Bonnie, no!" Meyer held back his daughter as she tried to follow Squishy, the tiny green blob that was hopping along with its buddy towards the Megalith. It stopped and Lysandre's expression changed. Was that... apprehension?
Both of the strange Pokemon stopped before the Megalith, glaring up at it with their one eyes. A voice then echoed around the landscape, sounding as if thousands of voices were speaking at once. "I am Zygarde, Defender of Order!" A green aura began to glow from them, energy traveling across the ground, originating from them as it spread into the horizons. "We will show them, our full power! You won't destroy the world!" Thousands of green beams of light shot across the sky, converging on the two Pokemon.
"What's this-!?" Lysandre shouted as he held his arm up in front of him, blinded by the harsh green light.
A beam of green light shot into the sky and the two Pokemon rose up, merging together. A shape began to form within the bright light, becoming bigger. When it died away, Zygarde floated in the air, a massive aura pulsing from him, a sense of calmness spreading across my body. He had a humanoid shape now, four snake-like limbs sprouting from his shoulders and hanging down from his body. Two of them were had a blue coloring while the other two red.
"That is it!" Olympia's eyes were wide. "The form when all has become one!"
"Become one," I echoed, staring at Zygarde in his 100% form.
"Even with the world as it is, full of greed, suffering, and death," Lysandre stepped forwards, staring angrily at Zygarde. "You still hid this form!? You must have seen the world for what is truly is! Humans have sent this world spiraling into the abyss of chaos! How could you ignore that!?" He stood firm and resolute now. "If I had not raised my objections, the world would continue on its warped path! But now you choose to show yourself! What could there possibly be left to defend!? YOU HAVE NO RIGHT!"
Zygarde's eyes flashed. "If it is a right you speak of, this world belongs to them! I have placed my hopes in humanity! They have always protected me!" His voice suddenly changed, as if a singular entity was speaking from a colony. "They kept their promise not to leave my side! Now it is my turn!"
Lysandre raised his hand, shouting, "I WILL INCINERATE YOU!" The Megalith began charging up once more, blasting a large beam of energy towards Zygarde.
The four limbs shot upwards, snapping open as four beams of draconic energy blasted forth. They ripped through the beam shot from the Megalith, blasting against the crystal. The ground cracked and shattered as a multitude of vines shot forth towards Zygarde. He blasted into the sky, the vines following. Green energy blasted around the Legendary Pokemon of Order as he zoomed through the vines, ripping them into tiny ribbons as he smashed into the Megalith's center. He blasted it again with four blasts of Dragon Pulse, pushing the Giant Rock away.
"IMPUDENT FOOL!" Lysandre roared, raising his left arm.
"Now!" Ash shouted. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Greninja, Water Shuriken!"
"Charizard, use Flamethrower!" Alain thrust out his hand as I yelled, "Greninja, Water Shuriken!"
The attacks collided with Lysandre's device, shattering it and making him stumble backwards in pain. "NO!" He yelled, holding his wrist. "It can't be! Not after all of my meticulous planning!"
The green aura flared up around Zygarde once more and he shot forwards, slamming his fists into the center crystal. The four limbs shot up as well as his tail, and all five opened up like the maws of a dragon, and blasted outwards. They gave Zygarde a massive boost that propelled him through the crystal and out on the other side of the Megalith. Light began pouring from the Megalith as it shook, Lysandre struggling to keep his balance atop it.
"KALOS!" the voice echoed once more across the landscape as energy began collecting in front of Zygarde, shining like scales. "I WILL DEFEND YOU!" A beam of multicolored lights blasted forth, slamming into the earth, carving a Z into the dirt around the Megalith. With a massive green explosion, energy blasting upwards and disintegrating the Giant Rock. Lysandre cried out, hand reaching upwards as he mouthed his final words before being lost among the green light. And with that, the threat that Team Flare held to Kalos and the world, was finally at an end.
At least, we could only hope.
Ah, that wraps things up nicely. The heroes have won! The world is saved! Hooray! Now... ask yourselves. What do I have planned for the remaining 9 chapters? Oh boy, I'm going all out until the very end! So until then my wonderful, ever faithful readers! Toodles!
