"You no good heroes…you can't stand up to me!" Flux said firing lots of ammo from the weapons built into the mech's arms.

"That's what you say everytime we dance." Jexi smirked as he dodged.

"Grrr…well how about this?" Flux said firing from a shoulder mounted weapon as things started to freeze wherever it fired. "My…I have quite the frosty attitude."

"Sorry for the cold comforts, Flux, but…" Mark started as he fired a Ki blast at the ice cannon, destroying it. "...I have to give you the cold shoulder for that one."

"Fine. I prefer to keep things…heated!" Flux said as fire came from the other shoulder mounted weapon.

"Ultimate Color…Strike!" Jexi called out as he landed a quick hit to the weapon and taking it out.

"Grrr….now this is bringing back memories…" Flux growled. "Well…time to break out some classics!" he said as cannons emerged from the palms. "Double dose of…Dimensional Cannons!" he said as he fired them all over creating multiple rifts and many different worlds.

"Uh…okay, I'll give him the point, I do not have a counter for this." Mark admitted.

"You remember these cannons, don't you Jexi? They're what started this whole mess in the first place!" Flux said.

"Oh yeah…" Jexi noticed Flux firing out of the lab through the hole as he smirked. "Didn't you always say you always wanted to see how they'd affect a person?"

"Why yes…" Flux said firing at Jexi as Jexi dodged each shot fired that went outside creating random rifts across Fluxtopia.

"Jex…what are you…" Mark said.

"Remember what Negativity said? Things in the Memory Universe can't leave the Memory Universe or they go back to where they originally belonged." Jexi said as he kept dodging.

"...You genius!" Mark realized in excitement. "HEY FLUX! WHY DON'T YOU GO CRY TO YOUR MOMMY!? THAT'LL BE MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THIS LITTLE PLAN!"

"Why you…" Flux said as he rapidly fired at Mark. "No one brings my mother up in this!"

Mark copied Jexi's strategy, dodging the blasts as they fired all across Fluxtopia. "Considering how you treated the memory version of me and the others…yeah, I don't give a damn how you feel."

"Raaa!" Flux roared as he continued to fire.

Outside as Ian ran from Hope, they dodged incoming fire.

"What the heck is he doing in there?" Ian said as he saw some dark memory copies falling into a rift and vanishing. "Oh no, they must've mentioned his mom. Well…this is gonna put a damper on our army."

"You should be more worried about yourself!" Hope said as he used the addition of lightinng to give himself some speed by jumping.

"Funny…I was about to say the same." a voice said as Dark Jexi, Dark Hope and Dark Mark pounced on him.

Hope was brought to the ground as he face the three dark copies. "Well, don't I feel lucky today." he sarcastically said.

"It's time the Hero Alliance finally casts off its dead weight." Dark Hope said before a sword grazed him. "Ow…what the?" he said before turning to see Dark Ace.

"Well, seems today is a fine day for traitors." Dark Jexi said.

"We…were never meant to exist this way." Dark Ace said as it began turning to night.

"Thanks for the save, Dark Ace. Oh, maybe I shouldn't call you that since you're good now." Hope said.

"It is fine." Dark Ace said. "Yojimbo." he said as a senbonzakura appeared and slowly walking out from behind it was Yojimbo, but with dark colors as the sky turned back to normal. "Go. We will hold them here." he said.

"I prefer to keep things fair. Besides, I've got some things to say to Dark Me over there." Hope said.

"Very well." Dark Ace said.

"Please…you lost to me at full strength. You can't stand up to me." Dark Hope said as he started beating on Hope.

"Man, you really intend to take my place, don't you?" Hope said, enduring the beating.

"Look at me, compared to you. I've surpassed Jexi, I'm strong, I'm competent, I'm…" he said as Hope grabbed him.

"Too much of a braggart. I think you need a vacation." Hope said.

"You idiot! We can have everything we ever want, yet you still wanna play second fiddle and be seen as a joke?! Why wouldn't you want more?!" Dark hope said.

"Because I know who the hell I am." Hope said. "Besides…you're kinda a jerk." he said, hurling Dark Hope towards a rift as he vanished on impact.

"Eh…never liked the guy." Dark Jexi said as he and Dark Mark had Dark Ace cornered. "Your power will be perfect for me."

"Even if you did take it, you would cease to exist in the end anyway, as would I." Dark Ace said as he looked up before spotting something as his eyes slightly widened in surprise.

"Yeah…but we're sure as hell gonna enjoy tearing you apart." Dark Mark smiled wickedly. "Death to the traitor-!"

"I see." Dark Ace said. "Your thoughts…David?"

"I would say… That you two really sunk so low if this is what you do with their faces." A voice said as twin ice dragon streams were fired.

"What the - Behi-!" Dark Mark started to call out, too late as both he and Dark Jexi were struck by the streams, knocking them both to the ground.

"Ugh…what an annoying fly." Dark Jexi said as both got back up easily. "Well…looks like it's two for one."

"So… You really did kill my other self. Disgusting. You're not even you anymore." David said.

"Yes. That's what makes you and Jexi different." Dark Ace said.

"Heh…as if I care. All I want is power. And once I get that elixir…I can take it from anywhere." Dark Jexi said.

"Power? You're nothing but a cold-blooded murderer! I feel sorry for my other self for having to put up with you until now." David said.

"Yeah…you can tell him in hell." Dark Jexi said about to strike him down before Dark Ace grabbed onto him. "You little…"

"Oh… I won't tell him. You will." David said. "Along with all of your victims!"

"You arrogant piece of crap…" Dark Mark growled before he powered up, strong winds being produced to push David back. "BACK OFF! YOU MOTHER-!"

*SHUNK!*

Yojimbo managed to sneak up behind Dark Mark, his wakizashi impaled into his abdomen before tossing him towards a rift.

"God…damn…it…" Dark Mark muttered before he vanished.

"David…my apologies for the events that transpired earlier. What I do now, I do for the sake of the Multiverse and all life in it." Dark Ace said.

"It's fine. I had a feeling my other self felt the same way when he heard you mention Eikichi. It was like a part of him he thought he threw away suddenly re-emerged. Sadly, we may never know how he came to be, but I suppose it's for the best. Some things…are better off not known." David said.

"Just know that…he felt this was the only way he could make up for it." Dark Ace said.

David nods as he takes out his blade before walking to Dark Jexi. "Now… Don't think you can walk away from this. I will never forgive you for what you've done, even if you wear his face."

"I am him, you frost-covered…" Dark Jexi said before being stabbed through the heart. "Oh…." he said before falling over.

"I wouldn't do this to the Jexi I know." David said before he sheathed his blade. "May the Great Spirits show you mercy."

"Yes…" Dark Ace said before tossing the body through a rift as it vanished.

"We should…probably do that with my other self's corpse too, huh?" David asked.

"It's no burial but…it will do." Dark Ace said. "But I suppose in a way, he will continue to live on in your memories."

"I suppose, yes." David said. "I…might also have to apologize to Jexi later. For…you know."

"Why? You killed his other self, not Jexi himself." Dark Ace said.

"Yeah. I think you're overthinking this memory stuff way too…wait a minute…" Hope said, looking around. "Where's Ian?"

"He has escaped during the scuffle it seems." Dark Ace said.

"We should probably go after him, but…" Hope said. "Nah, it wouldn't be the best option. Flux is basically getting rid of his own army. At the rate Jexi and Mark are making him blast everywhere, there won't be anything for Ian to rally."

"But he's still got the elixir." David pointed out.

"Don't worry. He already predicted something like this may happen." Dark Ace said.

Ian continued to run before being blocked off by Eikichi.

"Sorry…end of the line." Eikichi said before taking the elixir from the man's hands.

"Dammit… so what are you going to do, boy? Drink it?" Ian said. "Think about it…you could have a life of your own. Break the laws of the universe."

"You're right… I could do that." Eikichi said. "There are pros and cons to this decision, after all."

"But living life…that's what everyone wants." Ian said.

"I know. But… My life has already ended by Theodore Flux's machinations. That is what reality has accepted." Eikichi said. "Everyone back home has grown so strong after my death. Would it really be right to just show up out of nowhere like nothing even happened?"

"Uh…who cares? You aren't even the real him." Ian said. "So…go ahead and drink up."

Eikichi paused as he looked at himself in the glass of the elixir container. After what seemed like an endless eternity he turned around seriously before taking a small dose before smashing it.

"No! Why?!" Ian said.

"I did both. I will exist…but I won't leave this universe. Not while you and your boss have the potential to manipulate memories." Eikichi said. "And there will be others after you."

"Doesn't matter. If I bring you to him, he can make a new elixir from your blood." Ian said, drawing a weapon before being shocked and falling over with the trio standing behind him.

"Yeah, ain't happening." Hope said.

"Hope we haven't caught you at a bad time." David said.

"Yes, you and your boss have done enough damage here." Dark Ace added.

"Uh…speaking of damage…" Eikichi said as they ducked under a blast. "His boss is still wreaking havoc!"

"Man, those two are really pushing him to the limit there. I don't think I've ever seen Flux this angry before." David said. "Then again, I don't really pay him much attention to begin with."

"Wow…that is cold." Ian said.

In the city, Flux chased after both Jexi and Mark as he continued to fire at them.

"You little rats. I finally had the perfect army and you ruined it!" Flux growled.

"Ah yes, because we're the ones who made you install Dimensional Cannons on your mech. You fell into our trap. Muahaha." Mark quipped.

"Grrr…." Flux said preparing to fire before the cannons shut down. "Ah…out of power. Fine…guess we're going with the alternative." he said pressing a button as the mech opened its core as it started to take in power. "This core is on overload….it'll take out this entire place."

"But you'll take out yourself too." Jexi said.

"I'm in an escape pod. I'll launch it through one of the rifts along with Ian and have the pleasure of watching you all eat it." Flux said.

"Oh, you already have an escape route planned! Here!" Mark said as he went into his Six-Armed form, ran towards the mech and, with a Burst of energy, lifted it by one of it's legs. "Let me speed that up for ya!" he said as he threw the mech towards a nearby rift.

"Don't think this is over! If you all survive this, I don't care how long it takes me!" Flux said. "One day, I will…" he said before Ian was tossed at him as both flew through the rift.

"Don't forget your lackey!" Hope called out. "Sorry guys, didn't wanna hear a monologue from him."

"Yeah… I think we all could use a break from him at this point." David said.

"So…where exactly did the rift lead to?" Hope asked.

"Eh, who knows?" David asked.

"Ugh…" Flux groaned before looking around to be surrounded by beasts. "We're in a whole lot of trouble. Well…least I'm safe." he said before one of the beasts extended a claw and cut a hole into the protective dome. "Oh god, they're intelligent!" he said as they came in and attacked him.

"Yeah, I'm sure he's fine." Mark waved off.

"Well, that's another of his hair brained schemes foiled." Hope said. "Y'know… he'll never give up on trying to beat us. But honestly, I think we couldn't very well stop him from trying. So I say let him keep trying."

"Yeah…that was kinda fun. Brought back a lot of good memories." Jexi said.

"That it did." David said.

"It was pretty interesting." Ace said.

"I'd say it was pretty fun. Good times, and more embarrassing times." Hope said.

"Gotta admit, you guys sure did have some wild times before I came along. Fun to see 'em." DW typed.

"There were even precious times too." Ace said with a soft smile.

"Yeah…shame we didn't see more but we should be going to make new ones." Jexi said.

"Yeah. You sure you're gonna be okay, Eikichi?" David asked.

"Yep. This place needs a guardian, after all. Someone to make sure no one tries to alter memories for selfish ends again." Eikichi said.

"As long as we remember our past, you'll never worry about fading." Hope said. "And we'll continue to make more memories that will expand this place further."

"We wish you all safe travels." Dark Ace said.

The heroes boarded the Galaxy King as they took off as the memory world they created started to fade as only Eikichi remained as he waved them off.

"He'll be fine." Mayumi said.

"Yeah…he's Eikichi." Sachiko said.

"Yes. Now, let us be off. Our new adventures are just beginning." David said.

"Ask not what adventures await us next. For adventure garners surprise." Hope said.

"For we go on, to greet a new dawn." Ace said.

"Hmm. Junk…junk…Oh!" Sunset said, checking the mail. "Guys…take a look at this." she said holding a flyer.

"Coming very soon….the 2nd Perfect Link Tournament?!" Twilight said.

"Wait, really?" Mari asked in surprise.

"A Second perfect link tournament? What a surprise." Hope said. "Looks like you're gonna be defending your title soon, Scott."

"Yep. Plus with so many new universes out there since last time, think we might see a lot of new challengers?" Scott asked.

"Well, we're definitely gonna enter this time around! Right?" Frosta asked Adora, Mermista and Perfuma.

"Eh, why not? Could be fun." Mermista said.

"Could be? It should be!" Perfuma acknowledged.

"I don't see the harm in it." Adora nodded.

"I think I'll enter too. It sounds interesting." Ash said.

"Hmm… We don't have Pokémon of our own yet. Are you sure we're gonna be okay?" Rinwell asked.

"It's your choice if you guys wanna enter or not. And you'll have plenty of time to find Perfect Links if you guys wanna compete." Hope said.

"Alright. I think we should take you guys up on this offer." Trish said.

"I think I'll join too. Might be quite interesting to see how these kinds of battles are done." Shun'ei said.

"But Shun, do you even know what kind of Pokémon you want as your partner?" Meitenkun asked.

"I might have a few ideas." Shun'ei said.

"A tournament huh? Sounds right up my alley!" Balthus said.

"Then I guess it's pretty much decided. We're all gonna be headed for the 2nd Perfect Link Tournament." Hope said.

"It's still pretty far off from now. The tournament is set to begin… after an evaluation of…Paldea?" Starlight read.

"Paldea, huh? A new region, I'm assuming?" David asked.

"Yes. It's a massive one that seems endless and with many Pokémon you likely never heard of." Sheer said.

"That sounds interesting. We should take the time to prep ourselves up then." Sheena said.

"Indeed. I'm going to be ready this time." Mari said.

"Yeah…this'll be fun." Jexi said.

"And so…that's how I won…for about a day." Flux groaned as he and Ian returned to the real Fluxtopia. "Will I give up? Maybe. What I know is I am not gonna let this setback get me down." he said as they crashed at the gates before both looked to see Techno Flux. "Oh great. My descendant. Come to mock me like those other guys did?"

"Not quite." Techno said as he walked up to his ancestor. "I could use your help in a search and rescue mission…and in something a bit more personal."

"Hmm…interesting." Flux said as he got up. "I know this sounds bad asking my several times great grandkid this but…what's in it for me?"

"There is one thing I can offer." Techno said. "The method to permanently rid the Multiverse of heroes. Is that worth your time?"

"Hmm…you know…I do believe it is." Flux said as they shook hands.

"Oh…also…I need a place to make our base. Our old base was…compromised when three former members turned to the heroes side." Techno said.

"Fine. You can stay in my kingdom…but no family discount on rent." Flux said.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Techno said.

"Splendid…" Flux said. "By the way…I might want to ask for…"

"One step ahead." Techno said showing two net bags. Inside them were Eggman and Buggy.

"Hello, boys." Flux said.

"Oh…Flux. Well…you aren't still mad about…you know…me taking all of your minions, right?" Buggy asked.

"Or me taking a lot of your equipment?" Eggman asked.

"I should be but no. I'll forgive you both if you two join your forces with ours." Flux said.

"Uh… oh! I'd be happy to lend the services of the Cross Guild to you! There is one problem though… Croc and Mihawk are in charge." Buggy said.

"This poster says different." Flux said holding a flyer for the Cross Guild.

"(That's right, my crew mass produced those posters and sent them all over the Multiverse! Everyone thinks I'm the head honcho of the Cross Guild!)" Buggy thought. "(Well…those two did say it was better for them. I'm sure they won't mind if I cut a deal with Flux for old times sake.) Right then, Fluxy! Looks like we're back in business!"

"I'll rejoin you too. As it so happens, there might be something I've been…" Eggman said as a gun was pointed at him.

"If you double cross me again like last time on Mobius…there will be no third chances, got it?" Flux said.

"Crystal clear, Flux." Eggman said.

"Well Techno…meet your new work forces as we unite…as the Universal Villains." Flux said.

Techno smiled "(Teaming up with my ancestor…it will provide me with the resources I need to find my remaining generals and regain my memories. But…that method I used to create that utopia…what was it… Well, once I regain my memories, I'm sure it will come back to me. And then…victory will be ours!)"

To be continued…