Pokémon Journey: XYZ

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 107 and Chapter 24 of XYZ. Here is when I said great change starts now. This chapter will be incredibly different so for starters: Ash won't be the one battling here and before you start raging at me, I have a good reason and I would say it's all part of my plan. But this doesn't mean that Ash-Greninja won't have an appearance, he will but just abit later. Another way this will be great change is I got a surprise at the end. Overall all I ask is you trust me and I promise you won't hate this.

Great, now enjoy the show.


"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."-Ralph Waldo Emerson


Chapter 107: For Old Times' Sake

Anistar City

"Lady Olympia, our guest has arrived." Charlene came in and told to a meditating Olympia. "Good, send her in." Charlene bowed and walked back to the entrance of the battlefield. A moment later Charlene came back with the Kalos Champion in tow.

Diantha walked to the middle of the field to appear before Olympia's counsel. When she receive word that Olympia needed to speak with her and said it was a matter of life and death, she couldn't refuse to heed. "Lady Olympia." Diantha bowed. "Ms. Carnet, I am humble you could make it." Olympia bowed back. "You said this was a matter of life and death." Diantha asked.

"Hmm...a dark force looms on Kalos's horizon. It's shadow ever growing to engulf her. Let this be clear Ms. Carnet: evil is stirring in wake and bring a forth a vanguard of doom." Lady Olympia spoke as Diantha grew tense under Olympia's choice of words. "What evil? What crisis are you talking about?" Diantha asked. "I do not have the heart. But let it be known that history will repeat itself and the ever burning fire will shake the foundations of Kalos to its core." Olympia said.

"What is this fire? A weapon of some sorts?" Diantha asked. "A living being, harvested and transformed into a living weapon. This creature with bright green eyes." Olympia spoke as she use her Psychic powers to display a vision, a Pokémon with the appearance of a snake. "It can't be. The legendary Pokémon Zygarde." Diantha gasped. "This Pokémon will be the cause of our destruction...or perhaps our salvation." Olympia said. "So which one is it?" Diantha asked. "Difficult to see, clouded is my vision." Olympia said.

"And the threat?" asked Diantha. "Much is unknown to my sight, but perhaps there are some who could provide more insight." Olympia said. "Who exactly?" Diantha asked skeptically. "A family that stays together, who resides at the center of the stage. More specifically...two Guardian Knights." Olympia said as Diantha pondered at who was Olympia talking about and getting it almost immediately.

"No..what does Drake have to do with this?" Diantha asked, peaking Olympia's curiosity when Diantha just singled Drake only. "They're investigating the trouble and hopefully have come with leads. If you wish to know more, seek them out." Olympia said. "So where can I find them?"


Route 19

"You sure this is a good idea?" Serena asked. "Ash was the one who suggested it." Drake said. As the group continues down Route 19 to Snowbelle City, Ash proposed a idea of training via parkouring through the forest alongside Greninja. A quarter mile away the group was waiting in an open field. "I still say he's crazy about this." Rene said.

"Ready buddy?" Ash asked as Greninja nods. Ash then gives the signal to go and both Pokémon dash off into the woods. Both stay close to one other until Greninja jumps to one of the tree branches to hop across. That signal Ash to use his Staff's grapple hook to fling himself onto the branches and tries to keep up the blue frog. With his ninja abilities, Greninja hop from branch to branch with ease while Ash didn't stray far behind. Then with no more branches to hop across, both jump down and roll to break their fall and continue running.

"Are they almost here?" Clemont asked as Drake use his Aura Vison to pick up Ash's and Greninja's high Aura signatures. "Got them. They're close." Drake said as Ash and Greninja appear through the shrubbery in a full sprint. Both came tied as they approach the group.

"Whew...that was the best kind of workout anyone can do." Ash said as Serena offer him a Water Bottle which he happily accepted. "To be honest Ash, I still don't think endurance and stamina has anything to do why you can't maintain synchronized with Greninja." Rene said. "Well it wasn't a complete waste of time." Ash argues. "No one saying it was, but if you guys really want to be more adaptable, try some weapons training." Drake said. "Maybe I'll try that some other day. We should probably get back on the road for now." Ash said.

But before they could get back to the road however, a whirlwind surprise them all and the group looked up to see a blue helicopter hovering above them. "Keep it steady, I'll grapple down." Diantha said as the pilot nods. "We'll pick you up at sundown, and don't forget that you got a commercial shoot this evening." her assistant Kathi Lee spoke as Diantha open the side door.

"Who's that?" Bonnie asked as the group look to see someone grappling down from a rope. "Huh, I'll be damned." Drake spoke softly at who he saw land. Diantha disengage the rope from her belt and signal the helicopter to leave.

"Dinah?" Drake said. "Hi Drake, it's good to see you. And all of you as well." Diantha said. "It's so great to see you too." Serena commented. "I take it this isn't a social trip ain't it?" Drake asked. "From what I've been hearing, you six surely haven't been staying out trouble. Not since the siege at Lumiose City a few months back." Diantha said. "Yea that day was pretty dicey and we don't tend to remember it." Drake said. "Well I will because this is my home. Now look, I don't mean to appear hostile towards you, I just commend your devotion to justice and protection of Kalos. Even with the smaller conflicts you guys ran into later on." Diantha thanked.

"It's part of the job. So what was reason for your visit?" Drake said. "I thought you would think I come for more aside from business which reminds me." Diantha said then suddenly slapping Drake across his face, something he never saw coming. "Not sure I deserve that." Drake held his cheek. "How about not bothering to call at all since I gave you my number." Diantha said. "I know how busy you are and I would not want to be on the hard end of your assistant." Drake said.

"You're just making excuses. Do you have any idea that I would hope you would finally call ever since the siege?" Diantha said. "I'm gonna assume a lot." Drake guessed. "Well...yes but gods you could be so oblivious sometimes." Diantha said. "After ten years you're still trying to mother me...I'm flattered." Drake smiled. "Hate to break up this little reunion you got going, but let's go back to business please." Ash said.

"Very well, Olympia sent me to find you all. This morning I was caught up to speed on what's the big crisis that's happening in Kalos. Along with this report from Southern shore of Kalos, one of its islands was found like this." Diantha explain as she showed the group a tablet with a burned island devoted of life. "It's lifeless." Ash said. "That's what researchers propose as well. And the weirdest part is the center of the island where the tall pine tree was the center of the surge radius that destabilize the entire island. I don't know anything that could cause this kind of damage to the environment in my life." Diantha said.

"Neither do we but we do know the who that's behind it." Drake said. "Just who are we dealing with?" Diantha asked. "...They call themselves Team Flare, a domestic shadow organization with the goal of eradicating all life on Kalos." Rene said shocking the Kalos Champion. "That's genocide, but why? To what end?" Diantha asked. "We don't know exactly. Perhaps it's to rebuild Kalos in their version, start anew." Ash said. "They say that humanity is flawed, Kalos is imperfect in their perspective and that the only way that Kalos thrives to a...I'm gonna say utopia in their eyes, is to wipe the slate clean which means to destroy the foundation, culture, history and all the way to the last Kalosian child." Drake said.

"This certainly troubles me. I don't suspose there's no way to reason with them?" Diantha asked. "We debunk them as zealots, and extremists which means they have no problem dying for their cause." Rene added. "Diantha, this shadow war will go on to the end and into the light, which means everyone will be aware." Drake said. "How do you guys know so much?" Diantha said. "Well they weren't always subtle." Drake said. "They were monitoring us specifically for months until we came on to them." Ash said. "They were certainly not happy that figured out their plans of domination so fast." Serena said. "Not to mention we have been keeping a Pokémon they had their eyes on." Ash added.

"Which Pokémon?" Diantha asked. "Right, Bonnie could you bring out Squishy?" Rene asked as the little girl nods and takes out a sleepy Squishy as it wakes up. "It's okay Squishy. She's a nice friend." Bonnie whispers. "Incredible..I don't believe it." Diantha said upon inspecting Squishy. "Professor Sycamore is still trying to find out what kind of species Squishy is. On top of that, it has its own peculiar dialect." Drake explains. "Actually Augustine has made a stunning breakthrough about a Pokémon that is connected to Squishy and forward me the details. Which actually leads to my next point." Diantha said as she shows the group another image, this time of a big green/black snake, shocking the group.

"Its name is Zygarde, known as the Order Pokémon. As old as Kalos itself, Zygarde is purpose to protect the ecosystem of the Kalos region." Diantha explains. "But that looks nothing like Squishy." Bonnie said. "True but more according to the professor's report, Squishy here maybe one of the two Z-Cores capable of wielding incredible power. That power is drawn from small parts of Zygarde that are call Z-Cells." Diantha said as she shows the group more scans of Zygarde.

"It makes sense. Those bright flashes of light we saw back in Terminus Cave prior to Squishy's metamorphosis were Z-Cells." Clemont said. "You've seen it transform?" Diantha asked. "And in action too, saved our bacon a couple times, but it didn't transform into a snake and instead it was a dog." Drake said. "Right, Zygarde may have three known forms base on how many cells it merges with. The Dog form or 10%, the Snake or 50%, but the of third one things get dense and the only note the professor has about it is that it requires both Z-Cores to merge as one to do it. There isn't a record that contains anything about its final form." Diantha said.

"So I guess we now know why Team Flare wants you Squishy. You're a real powerhouse." Bonnie said as Squishy merely listens to the humans. "You said there were two Cores so Squishy has a twin?" Drake asked. "Exactly, which means it could be danger." Diantha said. "If Team Flare doesn't have it already, how else would they be able to test out whatever weapon they use on that island." Ash said. "You bring up a good point." Diantha commented. "Then we'll have to assume that they do have it and are going forward with their plans. That island was just the beginning of something worse." Drake said.

"Well we certainly have come up with a lot today." Ash said. "Perhaps not enough. I for one want to know who's the head behind all this and their base of operations. Otherwise we're still chasing shadows behind walls." Drake said. "They're certainly finance well enough to have top of the line pieces of technology and military grade weaponry. They gotta be getting their money from somewhere." Rene said. "I could do some digging and I have some contacts who could investigate. Plus my people are extremely reliable." Diantha said.

"Right So could we move on from the subject?" Ash asked. "Oh yeah Diantha, Ash and his Greninja have a new form they're practicing." Bonnie said. "New form?" Diantha asked. "It's this new Synchronization form between them that they still don't have a hang on. Plus we've learn that it's not Mega Evolution." Drake said. "Hey, I'm learning every day and Professor Sycamore said he's still looking into it." Ash argues. "That sounds really interesting." Diantha said.

"Really? Because now that you're here, I don't suspose we could finish the battle we had a few months back." Ash asked. Diantha could only stay silent and ponder in thought. Drake smile and signal her to accept Ash's request. "Well, I do actually have an interest to battle today...but just with the right Ketchum." Diantha said as she turn to Drake. "Wait, me?...why me?" Drake asked. "Why not? It's been as you say ten years. I've dying for a dance." Diantha smirked with a fluttering eye which caught Drake off guard with a slight blush. "So why wait?" Drake asked.

"For the right partner." (Get where I got that from) "Besides you owe me for not returning my phone calls." Diantha's expression changed. "She's got you there." Rene pointed out as Drake felt that his balls were twisted and there was only one way out of this. "Alright, for old time's sake." Drake smiled. "No fair! I didn't even get to finish my." Ash gasped in pain as Serena tug on his ear. "Be nice Ash. Drake really needs this." Serena said as Ash let's his previous statement go.

With that Diantha and Drake made their way to the field on opposite ends. The former then took the moment to release her Gardevoir to battle. "I don't suspose there's no clear strategy to this." Drake said. "We can hold our own." Diantha said. "I'll be the judge of that." Drake said as he ponder what Pokémon to choose. It'll be a gamble but also prove beneficial." Drake finally decided and release Lucario.

"An albino? That's rare." Diantha comments. "Thank you. I'm pleased to beat you." Lucario smirked as Diantha looked confused. "He's got a big mouth." Drake warns.


Drake vs. Diantha: One on One

"I'll allow you to go first." Diantha passed. "But who am I without good manners, ladies first." Drake smiled. "It's proper for a host, and besides its age before beauty." Diantha argues. "For crying out loud just one of youse go first!" Ash shouted. "Fine, I'll lead." Drake gave in. "Then I'll follow." Diantha smiled.

"Lucario let's start off with Aura Sphere." Lucario sums up his aura through his paws to fire a ball of Aura at Gardevoir. Diantha could only flutter her eyes in a certain direction which Gardevoir took as a means to dodge and so she did in just a blink of an eye. "Woah she's fast!" Lucario calls out. "I must say I agree, allow me to test it. Lucario use Extreme Speed." Lucario then took a running stance then blasted off at a disappearing speed. "Keep evading Gardevoir." Gardevoir nods as she felt a draft of wind come towards her and dodge quickly enough while appearing in other spot. This didn't stop Lucario from trying again and pretty soon both Pokémon were going so fast that they were disappearing and reappearing in different spots of the field.

"There's no way they are going that fast." Serena said. "I must say Gardevoir's reaction speed is astronomical while Lucario is certainly keep up with her. They're both equally fast." said Clemont. "Eventually one of them has to land a blow." said Ash.

"Yep, she's fast." Lucario said. "Based on how she can quickly pick up and identify the incoming move. Gardevoir is reacting at about 1/3 of a second." Drake said. "Very good Drake, and I haven't even Mega Evolve her yet." Diantha said. "I don't intimidate easily." Drake said. "Any ideas?" Lucario asked via Aura Link. "We'll get in close with Extreme Speed. The idea is we're going to have to predict Gardevoir's next move. Remember that speed is also relative and that could be slowed down with our minds." Drake explained via Aura Link.

"Let's go offense, Use Shadow Ball." Gardevoir zips close and fires a ball of darkness at Lucario. "Deflect with Bone Rush." With two small bone sticks with paw, Lucario easily deflects the Shadow Ball away from him. "Close up with Extreme Speed." Lucario took a breath and then dash in to get inside Gardevoir's personal space. Diantha would only have to point in a general direction via eyesight so Drake knew that he would have to let them make the first move. Three attacks later that Gardevoir dodged Lucario would have to trust his Aura and Master to come up with his next move. Drake breathed in and out and mentally instructed Lucario to do the same. Closing his eyes and accessing his Aura Vision, Lucario spotted outlines of Gardevoir's movements like breadcrumbs, meaning that Lucario could track where Gardevoir would appear next.

"Follow the breadcrumbs and use Extreme Speed." Lucario followed Gardevoir's movement and by the next prediction managed to surprise his opponent with a quick kick to the gut, pulling Gardevoir out of her phasing and landing on the ground. "What?" Diantha spoke. "Your Gardevoir may react fast Dinah, but that don't mean we couldn't catch up." Drake said. "Use Psychic." With psychic power, Gardevoir managed to restrain Lucario, lift him up in the air and then slamming him on the ground with repetition. After the fourth slam, Lucario growled, "That's enough!" Lucario shouted then using a trick his Master taught him and use his Aura to break Gardevoir's mental grip on him.

"Use Copycat." Lucario smirked as this move will mimic his opponent's last move. "Now let's see how you like it!" Lucario's Copycat use psychic power to restrain Gardevoir, lifting her and slamming her on ground like she did him. Gardevoir wasn't amuse and just like her opponent easily broke his grip on her. "Use Magical Leaf." Stirring up the wind, Gardevoir shot out a surge of razor sharp leaves at Lucario. "Dodge backwards." With various twist and flips, Lucario acrobaticy dodges each leaf letting them zip pass. "Bonemerang." On the last flip, Lucario hurls two small bone clubs at Gardevoir. "Dodge flip." Gardevoir remains stationary and just flips sideways to let the two bone clubs zip pass her ears.

"Close Combat." Lucario speeds in close to let on focus stream of punches but Gardevoir would only shift her body pass the punch's direction. It wasn't until Drake saw the two bone clubs returning back that he got a plan. "Flip over, and use Force Palm on the Bonemerangs." Lucario listen and jumped over Gardevoir, and once angling himself perfectly behind the incoming Bonemerangs, he use Force Palm to give them a nudge and redirect them to Gardevoir who fail to see this coming and got nailed.

Diantha couldn't figure out Drake's plan either until it was too late. Nevertheless she smile, she knew Drake well enough that he's a fighter, he's always have been and his style and training make him skilled if not dangerous. "It appears I'm still leading Dinah. Sooner or later you're gonna have to go on the offensive." Drake said. "You've already impressive me Drake and your abilities and bond with your Pokémon are equally powerful. But let me warn you; you're not the only one with that kind of power." Diantha said as she went for her Key Stone and touches it. "Respond to my heart, we go beyond limit, together we unite beyond evolution!" Diantha spoke as tendons stretch from her Key Stone to Gardevoir's Mega Stone. The tendons merge and allow a bright light to engulf Gardevoir. Under the new light, Gardevoir mega evolve.

"This time we won't hold back." Diantha vowed. "Neither will we. Lucario Escrima style." Lucario nods and forms to two bone clubs in each paw. "Shadow Ball Barrage." Zipping in close Mega Gardevoir rapid fires Shadow Balls at Lucario. "Advance forward, and deflect." Lucario runs ahead into the barrage, several Shadow Balls zoom pass him and the ones going straight for him he deflects with his bone clubs. "Bone Rush." Lucario rolls into Gardevoir's personal space and tries to club it but dodges each blow.

"I sure hope you got more ideas other than just tiring us out Dinah. It's only a matter of time until I place my shot." Drake said. "Then try this. Shadow Ball." Rather than trying to distance herself from Lucario to attack, with a flick of her arm Gardevoir quick fires a Shadow Ball up close and personal. Lucario shifts his head to let the Shadow Ball pass him and tries to counterattack but only for Gardevoir to dodge his move. Both Pokémon attack or dodge one another's moves but Gardevoir's close Shadow Ball technique really fascinated Drake. Somehow Diantha taught her Gardevoir to deal with close combatants via that quick fire Shadow Ball technique, almost the Close Combat variance for a Psychic type.

"You won't see this coming. Specter's Ambush." Gardevoir nods and seemly disappears from her last position. Lucario waits patiently for where Gardevoir might appeared from. Suddenly a Shadow Ball struck Lucario on his back reacting him to roll to the direction where it came from. That didn't help at all as another Shadow Ball struck him on the side. "Where is she, I'm not even how is she attacking that fast." Lucario panics. Drake looks around Lucario's space and looks to see somehow a Shadow Ball appearing out of no where coming from Lucario. "Dodge three o'clock." Lucario jumps over the Shadow Ball to dodge. "They keep coming!" Lucario said as he keeps doing flips to avoid more Shadow Balls.

Drake analyze what was going on and figure something that sounds completely impossible. "Gardevoir's moving so fast that she's attack from between spaces that her speed isn't placing her physical body at all." Drake said. "Hence the Specter part Drake. Gardevoir is just moving so fast that she just not appearing physically." Diantha explains. "But she's still there. Dinah you do realize that put her at a speed of 9,000 mph." Drake said. "You flatter me." Diantha smiled, knowing Drake was right.

"Sounds wonderful and all, but how do I deal with the vanishing pixie!?" Lucario shouted as he was still dodging. "Only one idea. Lucario use an Aura Shockwave on the ground. High sensitivity." Lucario nods and jumps high. Coming back down and through his dominant arm, Lucario unleashes a high power shockwave that push up wind and shook the ground. This was enough to disturb Gardevoir's concentration and she appeared back.

"Extreme Combat." Lucario growls and dashes at disappearing speed and only to quick punch Gardevoir in the face. This to a rapid succession of a disappearing Lucario delivered a typhoon of blows that Gardevoir couldn't keep up, especially an angry dog looking to return the favor. Diantha was surprise to say the least. "What, did you think you're the only one who could pull off a disappearing act. I was only surprised because I thought I was the only one." Drake boasted.

Lucario finished his assault and both Pokémon retreated panting and out of breath. "How much longer can you keep this up pixie?" Lucario asked as Gardevoir wasn't amused with Lucario's attitude. "Ha she call him a mutt." Drake laughed. "Gardevoir, That's not proper." Diantha scones. "Let's close up." Lucario nods and dashes in. "Get ready." Gardevoir readys to dodge Lucario's next move.


That next move never happen from either of them and instead suddenly two long metal arms stretch into the field and ensnared Lucario and Gardevoir in cube shape ray shields. "What the?" Drake said as he saw the two Pokémon begin to be suspended from the ground as then a giant walking mech with six legs, four arms and in the form of a orb like a spider. "Oh shoot." Drake groaned.

"Ha Prepared for trouble. You say oh shoot."

"And make it double. We'll give you the boot."

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all people within our nation."

"To announce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie"

"James"

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight."

"Meowth that's right."

"Wobbuffet."

"I am seriously gonna lose my shit if I keep hearing that stupid chant!" Drake yells as the others join him and Diantha. "Oh boo who, we just realized we don't care what you feel." Jessie said. "Yea, and with two top prize champion Pokémon. We'll have increase our firepower to an eleven." Meowth boasted. "We'll see about that. Greninja help us out." Ash said as he released the Ninja Pokémon.

"Charizard, lets give them a hand." Drake release the Flame Pokémon. "We might need some extra firepower Ash. Think you and Greninja could hold it this time?" asked Drake. "Let's find out." Ash said as he and Greninja began to harmonize and allow the Synchronization began thus allowing Greninja to morph under a water veil. "What a stunning revelation." Diantha said upon inspecting. "At least they could be able to tap into it." Rene said.

"I'll free Gardevoir and Lucario while you keep Team Idiots busy." Drake said. "We'll make you eat those words!" Jessie yells. "Charizard use Flamethrower." Charizard attempts to fly in close and fires a stream of flames at the Lucario's cage but only to have the shields negate the attack. "Greninja use Aerial Ace." Greninja zips across the field to the mech with karate feet and striking it in the chest but the mech wasn't faze by it.

"Grr..strong shields." Drake pointed out. "And armor plating." Ash added. "The perfect weapon against bumbling twerps." James said. "First we gotta make the armor weaker." Ash said. "Got an idea. Charizard use Blast Burn from above." Charizard flies high over the mech and fires an overcharged fireball that incinerates the whole mech in flames, causing Team Rocket to panic. "Spin Meowth!" Jessie orders as Meowth shifts the controls to have the spider mech spin in place like a top to douse the flames.

Ash and Drake smile know that the flames made the metal weaker. "Now, let's continue. Charizard aim for the arms and use Dragon Claw." Charizard tries to close in with green claws in order to break the mech'a arms. "Not on my watch." Meowth pushes a button, causing the other two arms to attack and having one of them knock Charizard back.

"Dammit!" Drake growls. "That's enough!" Ash said as he and Greninja felt an extreme surge and both felt a Synergy increase. This cause the water veil covering Ash-Greninja to collapse and allowing his appearance to be visible while the collapsed water manifested into a large Water Shuriken on his back.

"That's new." Drake said. "Use Night Slash." The newly form Ash-Greninja dashes in with two purple Kunai knives in each arm, and manages to cut off each arm before Team Rocket could react and freeing Lucario and Gardevoir.

"Woah, that was fast." Serena said. "I think Greninja could be as fast as Lucario and Gardevoir." Bonnie comments. Team Rocket was panicking loudly when they saw their catch of the day now free but we're now worried about the twerp's Greninja. "Use Water Shuriken." Using the big Water Shuriken on its back, Greninja chucks the star with all its might and striking it through the mech's center that a hole was visible. The interiors began to crackle and spark until the robot finally exploded.

"That was unexpected." Jessie said.

"I'm not surprised." Meowth moans.

"Neither am I." James joined.

"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Rocket cried as they flew into the horizon. "Gardevoir!" Diantha said as she embraced her Pokémon. Ash and Greninja however felt exhausted like before and collapse on their knees while Greninja reverts back to its base form.

"Easy, you're alright." Drake asked as he pulls Ash up to his feet. "At least I didn't faint like last time." Ash said. "And Greninja change to a new form." Serena said. "I think that could've been Ash-Greninja full potential." Ash said. "I must say you all were right. Ash, you and your Greninja really got a gift." Diantha said. "A dangerous one but I'm sure we'll get it someday before the Kalos League begins." Ash vows.

A few hours and the sun appear to be setting and Drake and Diantha were having a private moment. "Sorry that we couldn't finish our dance today." Drake apologize. "You got nothing to apologize for Drake. I really enjoy today." Diantha said. "Nice to know I never became dull." Drake joked. "That and you never fumble on your feet once." Diantha said. "You're never gonna let that go are you? I apologize for the blisters." Drake laughed.

"Though I would love to have an actual dance." Diantha said. "Well...if we have some music, probably." Drake said. "You owe me that much too." Diantha said. "I know, just add that to the bill." Drake said. "Are you sure? It's a pretty big price by now." Diantha said. "I'll make it up to you. I promise." Drake said as he felt Dinah's hand rest on his shoulder. Suddenly a ring came from Drake's Pokewatch with Caller I'D. "That's surprising." Drake saw that the caller was from Lance. "Give me a moment." Drake told Diantha as he walks away to be alone.

Once by himself, Drake picked up and let a screen show Lance's face. "Drake. How are you?" Lance asked happily. "Great right now. I'm enjoying my time in Kalos." Drake said as Lance nods. "I assume this isn't a social call." Drake said. "Sorta, I call bearing some good news and a request." Lance said. "I'm listening." Drake spoke. "The good news is that we nearly routed up the last remnants of Team Rocket and now remains a small platoon of them left." Lance said. "Okay, that's great." Drake commends. "Which leads to the request I've mention. We finally got them corner on an island off the coast of Eastern Johto and my request is...I would like your assistance in apprehending them." Lance asked as Drake was surprise but also confused. "Uhhhh." "I know Drake, I promised you that I would finish the job where you and Ash left off...but with an opportunity like this, I know I need to pull every resource I got. We get these guys there and now, and Team Rocket will be nothing more than just a memory to be forgotten...Drake, the world would be free." Lance pleaded as Drake pondered in thought.

Never he would think of going back into the fray, but at the same time a lifelong goal could be accomplished and Drake remembers the oath to protect his home from threats as Champion. Lance was right, they now have a chance to ends this once and for all and Giovanni's legacy will be worth nothing. "I know how hard and how much Kanto had suffer from the likes of them Lance. My family started this war...and I'll be sure I'll be the one who ends it. Count me in Lance. I'll meet you at Viridian Airport tomorrow morning." Drake said then hung up.

"What happened?" Diantha asked. "I'll explain once we get back to the others." Drake said as he and Diantha walk back. "Hey guys, I have an announcement." Drake told everyone as they huddle close as Drake explain everything that Lance offered him. Suffice to say everyone had different expressions from Ash having a surprise at Drake's choice, Serena, Clemont and Bonnie were anxious, and Diantha was worried. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Ash asked.

"I know I have to do this. It's something that I've held on doing all my life. I do this, and I'll finally be free from this nightmare. Plus Ash, our home could finally be safe." Drake said. "Alright, I get it...it'll be nice to finally get Team Rocket here finally off our back after like a decade." Ash said. "So what will you do?" Diantha asked. "I'll take my Pidgeot to Lumiose City, catch a flight home, and arrive in the morning." Drake said.

"You're not going. Not alone at least." Rene steps up. "I'm going with you." Rene offers. "Out of the question." Drake shoots down, leading to Rene to argue. "Drake you need someone to watch over." "Okay first of all, this isn't about me concerning you. I can see it in your eyes, you want to go after the organization that killed Mara I get that but you don't want to cross these guys." Drake warns. "I can hold my own! So let them come and get all over me because I'll beat them to a bloody pulp!" Rene yells.

"Exactly why you're not coming. This is a vengeance thing for you, I don't need you to do something you're gonna regret." Drake argues. "Spoken like a true noblest. This vengeance thing applies to you as much as me. You said it yourself, you've held a grudging headache for years against these guys and would like nothing more than to finally have them put in the ground. So don't tell me this isn't about protection as it is about revenge!" Rene dares.

"I think Rene should go Drake." Diantha vouched. "Dinah I can't just take a civilian to an official military operation." Drake said. "I maybe a civilian Drake but I can hold my own, you know that." Rene said. "I do know that but I'm not the one you're gonna have to convince to be involve." Drake said. "She'll do it Drake. I know Lance will let her." Ash said as Drake was still completely drowning in thought and pacing until making a decision.

"Uggh, Fine! You can come." Drake groans and accepts. "Excellent." Diantha smiles as suddenly a whirlwind came before the group. Up above a helicopter was hovering down until finally landing its wheels on the field. "Diantha It's time to leave." Kathi Lee calls. "Guess that's my time to leave. It's been wonderful everyone." Diantha said while not taking her eye off Drake. "Drake would you be a gentleman and escort me to my chariot?" Diantha plays leaving Drake heavily embarrass and everyone laughing. "Alright." He said softly as they walk.

"I think you gotta get someone to look in on our friends looking to end the world." Drake said. "I got contacts. I'll handle it, but Drake you really sound like you're gonna be overwhelmed by these two groups." Diantha said. "It's nothing I can't handle." Drake said. "We all bear loads everyday, you more than most. I can see why you were so anxious about letting Rene join you." Diantha said. "If anything happens to Rene, I would never forgive myself and I'll be responsible for let her parents know that they lost another daughter." Drake said. "That won't happen, Drake. I know it." Diantha said as they approach the helicopter.

"Sorry to keep letting you down." Drake said. "Please stop being so hard on yourself Drake. Please let someone help you carry the weight. You're never alone on this." Diantha said as she brush her fingernails against Drake's cheek. "Maybe I was wrong before. Maybe you're my guardian angel instead. Hence the wings on your back." Drake said causing Diantha to laugh. "Diantha." Kathi Lee spoke up, meaning it was time to leave. "You must be going." Drake said as Diantha tightly embrace him. "Please be very careful." Diantha said. "I will and we'll be back in two or three days." Drake said. Then unexpectedly Diantha pecked him on the cheek then headed inside the helicopter. Drake's response was shocked as he saw Diantha take her seat then realized he forgot one last thing.

"Dinah wait." He ran up to the door. "Let's finish our dance one day. I'll send the invitation." Drake said as Diantha smiled. "I'll look out for it." She said softly. As the helicopter took off and started to leave, Drake could only watch as Dinah went away and return to the group. "How was it?" Rene played. "It was..fine. But let's not make this about me. We should get going if we're gonna make it to the airport by tonight." Drake said as he released Pidgeot and Rene release Arrow.

"We're gonna miss you guys." Serena said. "It's not forever guys. We'll be back in two or three days. By then you guys should be in Snowbelle City if not passed it." Rene said. "We'll wait there until you guys arrive back." Ash said as Drake and Rene understand. Once mounting on, the two Aura Guardians take off, leaving Ash, Clemont, Serena, and Bonnie by themselves. "Think they'll be okay?" Bonnie asked. "I know they will, and they'll return." Ash smiled. "You sure we can handle this?" Rene asked. "We can, and you wanted to come on this ride. I'll explain more once we get on the plane." Drake said. "Diantha was sure nervous about you leaving." Rene said. "Like a spouse just as one leaves for war. I hate doing that for her." Drake said. "Diantha is a very understanding woman. She knows and weights the risks you're taking." Rene said as Drake stood silent. "Besides, after today surely she must know how you feel about her." Rene said. "Rene...I don't know period."

"Ma'am if I may ask, have you learn anything more from your visit." Kathi Lee asked. "Yes, that Kalos is indeed in great danger and soon we must find our strength and unite together to defend her." Diantha said. "And if I may say, Ketchum is a dangerous individual and attracts trouble ma'am. Are you sure you want to be associated with him?" Kathi Lee asked as Diantha expression got serious. "Kathi, I trust Drake with my life and soul and they are our only hope to beating this crisis. Once it starts, I'll be honored to fighting alongside them." Diantha asked. "Right now, we need to get someone inside Team Flare and I might have someone who's perfect for the job." Diantha continues. "I have no doubt ma'am, and...I've notice there's some chemistry between you and the Ketchum boy. Need I remind you that there is no time for such things like romance." Kathi Lee said.

"Then we make the time Kathi, and besides...I'm not certain of his feelings over me until I hear him say otherwise." Diantha said as Kathi didn't say anything else but think in her mind how hopeless the two Champions are in terms of personal feelings. One thing was sure, and that the shadows of evil was rising and is clouding all of Kalos as the Journey continues.


Done guys, here's Chapter 107. First I expect this was nothing you guys were expecting and yes this was a focus mainly on two friends catching up while dealing with a crisis that draws near. The surprise I mention before was unexpected in a form of Lance beckoning Drake to return home and join on one last mission to wipe the last piece of Team Rocket from history. Let me be clear that I do have a reason why Drake and Rene are leaving and that will be clear in these next few chapters. So Diantha will handle finding out more against Team Flare while Drake and Rene head for Kanto on a mission and the group is left on their own as they draw near Snowbelle City.

So guys, I'm now back in school so from here on I ask you be patient with me in terms of posting as this will be a very busy semester for me. I do hope you guys are enjoying this story so far and please Like, and Comment on this.

Thanks for reading. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.