Pokémon Radiant Sun


Howdy folks. Time for another update!

Not much to go on about this go around. Life has been hectic lately, though when isn't it? But we aren't talking about that, we're talking about how we're barreling towards the climax of the Cipher Arc and keeping the chapters coming at you!

I will say though that I've recently played through Deltarune Chapter 2 and adored it, and am currently working my way through the story again. I even managed to beat the superboss of Chapter 1 finally! Woo!

Shoutout to those who have reviewed since the last update, which includes Oragonking, Madame Rodoshe, SolanaLeonhart and two new reviewers known as The Archsage and AnonymousEmboar. Thanks for the support and feedback, everyone!

Enjoy.


Chapter 129: Arbiter of Tomorrow


Many Years Ago…

Celadon City


"See Sun! Look at the birds! Pretty birdies!" Ashton said with a wide grin on his face as he looked down at his child, his eyes shining bright gold.

"Look Daddy! I see them!" Sun called out, the three-year old overjoyed as he sat on his father's lap, pointing excitedly at the flock of birds soaring nearby. Ashton beamed as he watched the flock of Pidgey, along with a few Pidgeotto and a lone Pidgeot soar through the air nearby. Damien rested nearby, ever-alert for any danger as he lay on the floor beside them.

"Maybe I should get a video of Sun trying to chase the birds in the sky again." Ashton snickered as Damien snorted beside him, shaking his head. Ashton glared at the Houndoom, wondering if the canine was mocking him, but decided to think better of it.

Ashton was surprised a few moments later when, after letting Sun up to walk over to the edge of the balcony to continue watching the birds, he received a call from an unknown number. Frowning, Ashton tapped a button on his phone and pressed it to his ear.

"Hello, this is Ashton. Who is this?" the head of Aupuni Industries asked, only for a familiar scoff to reach his ears from the other end.

"We've got to work on you being more subtle, Ashton…" drawled a familiar voice over the phone, causing the man to run a hand through his short spiky hair with a thoughtful hum.

"Amand...I mean, Amber. Status report?" Ashton said carefully, as if the words were foreign on his tongue. He wasn't quite used to calling her by that name yet.

"They resulted in failure, unfortunately. Archer escaped my grasp, along with most of their personnel. Seems like they've wised up ever since I dealt with Petrel." Came the dull reply over the phone, one which Ashton knew very well.

Ashton's longtime assistant had decided that ever since Team Rocket's attempt to harm their family, Amanda Faerun would take it upon herself to get revenge on Ashton's behalf. And to that extent, gave up any hope of trying to repair the mental damage Hazel's years of mind-torture had done to the red-headed woman. She had now descended back into the mindset of fighting and killing that had stolen what innocence she had left. And that meant adopting the name that had been cruelly gifted to her by an insane Gothitelle just a few years ago.

For all intents and purposes, Amanda Faerun was well and truly dead. Amanda couldn't ensure Team Rocket didn't threaten the Aupuni household or the Kanto region ever again.

But Amber Fontaine certainly could. And she'd enjoy it too.

"It's fine. So long as you're not hurt." Ashton said reproachfully, causing a mirthless chuckle to escape Amber. Perhaps it was habit, or a response drilled in her as a result of the acting classes and scenarios Ashton had made her go through to help the redhead act like a normal human being. Either way, there was no humor behind Amber's laugh.

"Team Rocket is scrambling after what Gold and Lance did to them a few months ago...But there's enough of them out there that it'll be easy for them to regroup. Even with the information I've been anonymously feeding back to Lance's operatives, progress with locating and rooting out the Team Rocket leadership is slow. We still have no idea where Giovanni is at, even if he's been doing nothing since Red defeated him." Amber explained to Ashton, who simply hummed in response.

"Hmm...How about crime in the region?" Ashton asked.

"According to some of my contacts in the police force, we've seen reduced activity across the board thanks to the actions of someone giving Team Rocket more grief than they can currently handle." Amber responded, causing Ashton to smile with pride.

"You really have made this whole 'lone badass' thing your own, huh?"

"Badass?" Sun questioned, looking at his father with confusion. Panic blossomed in Borlath's eyes as he ran over to Sun, kneeling down to look at the boy with pale white eyes.

"No Sun, don't say that! Ever! Your mother would ensure that you never get a brother or sister!" Ashton lightly admonished Sun, who understood just enough to get that he should follow his father's advice. Damien began laughing beside him, clearly finding this hilarious.

"Is that because Laura would castrate you for teaching your kid bad words?" Amber asked.

"Yes. Laura hates swearing. She only does it herself when she's beyond upset. Last time she swore I decided it'd be a good idea to fly to Unova for a weekend."

"She always struck me as a stickler for proper language." Amber responded, almost sounding amused for a moment. "Either way, I'll keep up what I'm doing over here. It's a shame that there's nothing I can do about what's going on in Sinnoh. Team Galactic seems to really be causing a bit of trouble."

"And yet Cynthia is doing absolutely nothing about it. Shocking." Ashton remarked acidly, his eyes flickering with red. "I'm sure we'll all be threatened with worldwide catastrophe before a pre-teen with a really strong team saves us all again."

"Or maybe the bad guys get lucky and finally kill us all?" Amber responded, causing Ashton's eyes to flicker black.

"No...I won't let them." Ashton breathed harshly, clenching his fists tightly as he looked over at his son. His Sunshine. Ashton calmed himself with some effort, inhaling deeply before slowly exhaling, a scowl appearing on his face.

"Destroy whatever remnants of Team Rocket you can find within the next week and then head to Sinnoh. I want those...people out of the picture, Amber. Whatever it takes." Ashton instructed the young woman, knowing full well his son was watching him now.

"Daddy?" Sun questioned, earning a smile and a wave from his father.

"One sec, buddy." Ashton said to his child before addressing Amber. "You got-"

"Don't worry about it. I'll look into Team Galactic and see what their scheme is. With a name like that, I'm sure it's something weird. I'll contact you when I'm en route to Sinnoh. Amber out." With that, the woman hung up the phone and Ashton was standing there wondering what to do.

"I have to protect them." Ashton murmured, looking towards his child as Sun walked over to him, concern on his face.

"I have to protect them at all costs. Sun...he can't follow the same road I did. I can't let him be hurt like I was." Ashton thought to himself as he knelt down and pulled his son into a tight hug. "The same road Amber walks. The path of a Pokémon Trainer, is a dangerous one...No. No, it's okay. He doesn't have to be a Pokémon Trainer. He can be anything he wants to be! Follow in my footsteps here in Kanto if he wants to! That actually sounds good. He can help me run the business. Help me make this world a better place for everyone. Maybe, just maybe...I need to think about this."

"Daddy? What's wrong?" Sun asked, not understanding how close his father was to breaking down into tears. Ashton simply picked up his son as Damien watched on with worry on his face, with his Trainer pointing up towards the birds above.

"It's okay Sun...See, look at the birdies!" Ashton said as the Pidgeot overhead swooped downwards with the flock of Pidgey and Pidgeotto, letting out cries as they soared through the air. Sun laughed at the Pokémon above while Ashton mused as to what he could do to continue thinning out the evil in Kanto and Johto. It was clear that this method was producing some results, but it was a far cry from what he wanted.

"There has to be a way to stamp out those who wish to commit organized crime before they get too influential...How? How do I deal with them before they ever become a problem? How do I protect everyone?" Ashton wondered, his eyes flickering red with fury at the thought of more criminals daring to threaten the world his family lived in.

They would all pay dearly for endangering his loved ones.


Present

Malie City, Councilman Palena's Office


Palena couldn't help the visible look of frustration on his face as Adrian Battlestorm, one of the biggest forces in media and the head of Alola's largest news network, burst into his office with a look of abject fury on his face. Trailing behind him was his camerawoman, secretary and girlfriend Kelly Sontagio, a nervous look on her face.

"Adrian. Good to see you again. Have you recovered since your battle with Dawson?" Palena remarked politely, knowing full well that he was lying through his teeth. He would've been happy to have not seen the man at all this week, or for the rest of his life. Adrian Battlestorm was obnoxious, nosy, and incredibly persistent when it came to news coverage.

And unfortunately, he was a good man who genuinely cared about honest journalism, a rarity these days. And that was what Alola's leadership didn't need right now.

Despite how much it deserved to have its secrets unearthed.

"You and I both know that's bullshit. Let's get to the point. Why the hell did my news station get a bombardment of documents about what the Alolan Regional Council has been up to?! From Borlath of Cipher no less! What the hell is with these files on Ano Aupuni and...and...I c-can't even...Are they accurate?" Adrian demanded of Councilman Palena, who folded his hands and considered the question. "Tell me they're not real!"

Palena then nodded, and Adrian's expression paled in horror. Kelly swore under her breath as Palena considered what he could say. Nothing came to mind.

"You people are awful. Beyond the goddamn pale. You knowingly made use of Roran's criminal empire that wreaked havoc on Alola for years simply for your own vices. Illegal drugs, exotic Pokémon, weapons, people...Do you realize that Roran trafficked children too!? You...How could you? I should have my Dragonite thrash you right now! Hell, I might just kick your ass!" Adrian yelled at Palena, who simply sighed as he leaned forward.

"Simply put...I never knew things were this bad." Palena stated, shaking his head as Adrian scowled angrily, clearly not believing him. "And I myself am guilty of nothing more than negligence and ignorance. For which I can't apologize enough for. It'll haunt me forever, alongside everything else I've seen these past few weeks."

"You can't expect everyone to believe that, sir." Kelly interjected, knowing how furious Adrian was. She was livid as well, but held her composure better.

"It's the truth. I had no idea about the depths of our corruption until Roran flat-out bragged about it while he was executing and crippling the Alolan Regional Council before my eyes. I am the youngest member of the Council and was largely unaware that my older peers were indulging in crimes of...the most terrible nature, even back then. Especially Ano Aupuni, who was my mentor and a close friend who's insight helped me greatly throughout my political career." Palena explained to the other adults, a shaky sigh escaping him. "His recent death has all but confirmed many things for me. I'm still processing this…a few weeks ago I was defending the man to his grandson."

"You do realize that I'm going to be reporting this soon, right? We're going through the documents right now, but they're extensive and contain plenty of damning evidence. What the Aether Foundation found, in the Cipher hideout Roran was apparently holed up in, further corroborated Borlath's information...I just can't believe it's true." Adrian remarked in a tone of someone who had just had his world truly rocked. Palena didn't blame him for being surprised.

Adrian Battlestorm was, much like Palena, a proud Alolan. Finding out that there was some merit to Team Skull's constant remarks of Alola's dark side and of the Island Challenge, and how the victims of Alola's culture were left to rot, was jarring.

"I know you have nothing to gain by humoring me, but I simply ask that you wait a few more days before breaking the story. I want to confirm some things myself at the hospital where some of the surviving members are still recovering and review some of the leaked documents myself." Palena said to Adrian, who stared at the Councilman blankly for several moments.

"You've got some balls, Palena. Give me one good reason not to report this thing tonight." The media mogul demanded, clenching his fists tightly as he glared down the other man.

"Because every single person hurt by our actions deserves closure. Even someone like Ashton Aupuni, who may well have never been sent down this path of destruction had we simply held true to our oaths when we joined the Alolan Regional Council." Palena said to Adrian, who considered the matter for a few movements before scoffing.

"...Fine. Five days. Keep me in the loop, Palena. This is too important to let it fester any longer." Adrian relented, wanting to at least try and be civil to one of the last remnants of the leadership system that he had known since he was a child.

"Indeed. A reckoning is coming...Do you feel it in the wind?" Palena asked Adrian, with the man hesitating for a few moments before nodding. It was a strange feeling, deep within his heart. Something was going to happen soon. Something terrible.

"Come what may, Adrian, we will shed a light on the crimes of the Council. Especially those of Ano Aupuni. Had I known the depths of what he had done…" Palena frowned deeply as he lowered his head, trying not to show how deeply the betrayal had shaken him. Ano had been a charismatic mentor and a good friend. Palena knew about Ano physically abusing his son Ashton, though he assumed that it was simple punishment to an ungrateful child and listened to the words of the man who had helped his career flourish.

Instead, he helped protect a monster.

"No matter. What's done is done. Should I go down for my ignorant actions, so be it. Alola deserves to know what it's leaders have done. Perhaps with the formation of the Alolan Pokémon League, maybe something new can be formed. Something better for all Alolans." Palena said tiredly, leaning back in his chair as Adrian regarded the man thoughtfully. "And not just those who follow the Island Challenge…"

"Roran's actions really did change you...You're a lot less full of yourself than you used to be." Adrian noted, causing Palena to smile bitterly.

"When you're faced with the harsh truth of your world that the people you cared about and respected your entire life are terrible people, and that you could have done something to stop them from indulging in vices or harming others...Well, it's opened my eyes. I sympathize with Borlath, these days. I understand what it's like to wish to undo the damage you've done and wish you could make the world a better place. In the end, I can't even get my daughter to return my calls." Palena responded somberly as Kelly and Adrian shared a glance.

"Well...Come what may, I do appreciate your honesty. Considering recent events, that may help you keep hold of whatever power is left of the Council after Roran destroyed it. Either way, you have five days to sort out whatever you need. If I don't hear from you by then, I'll personally ensure every one of you never escapes this scandal no matter where you go." Adrian said as curtly as possible before turning around and walking towards the door, throwing it open and striding out of it. Kelly went to follow, glancing back at Palena as he picked up one of the files and scowled in simmering anger.

"Some changes may be harsh...But maybe they're for the better." Kelly thought before she shut the door and followed after her boss and lover, hoping that whatever came next wasn't anywhere near as bad as this.


Meanwhile...

Mahalo Trail


The only thing that held Sun back from rushing forward and tearing apart Guzma was the fact that Lillie and Hau were both physically restraining him, and even then the two children were struggling to hold back their friend.

"Let me go! Daaad!" Sun shouted as Borlath's eyes drifted to his son in the crowd, desperately trying to get to him. The Cipher Master's eyes then flickered towards the man who had attacked him from the shadows, a man who had once again stepped up to confront Cipher. Guzma wore a wicked grin on his face as he swaggered over to Borlath, every step filled with the confidence of a man who knew he was in full control of the situation.

"You know, they say violence isn't the answer. And they're right. It's a question! And the answer is yes." Guzma laughed as Ashton Aupuni, also known as Borlath to most of the world, choked on his own blood while being impaled by the glowing claw of a Golisopod. Goliath growled softly as the horrified crowd watched on, stunned still as the infamous Team Skull leader tried to murder the Cipher Master.

"Guzma! What the fuck are you doing!?" Kukui screamed at the man who had once been a brother to him. Guzma scoffed and looked at Kukui with pure disgust in his eyes.

"Doing what you pussies are too weak to do. Killing off an international criminal before he does something insane. He's capturing the goddamn Tapu, you morons. Even if they don't mean anything to me, it's still bad for Team Skull if Cipher gets more power. Now just sit down like the good boy you are and let me handle this...Unless you want to make more mistakes you can't fix, Johnny." Guzma said with a hard note in his voice, causing Kukui to flinch harshly.

"Now then, Borlath! Any last words before I send you to hell?" Guzma asked as he walked towards his Golisopod, who summoned a Liquidation water-sword within his other claw with low grumble. Borlath choked in response, raising a hand and pressing it weakly against Goliath's face.

Borlath suddenly gave the Golisopod a mad grin, and Guzma's smile faded.

A almighty crackle through the air was all the warning Guzma had before a incredible surge of electricity erupted from Borlath's hand and struck Goliath directly, causing the Golisopod to roar in agony as it stumbled backwards, its claw ripping free from Borlath's body as the Cipher Master hit the ground with a sickening thud. Borlath choked and wheezed as blood continued to pour from his body. He continued to grin horribly as his eyes seared with crimson hate as he clutched his chest, blood trickling out between his fingers.

A flash of light exploded from a Poké Ball at Borlath's hip, and a massive Houndoom appeared, looking beside itself with fury. Damien howled before releasing an Inferno directly at Guzma, forcing the Team Skull Boss to throw himself to the ground or risk being burned to a crisp.

"How dare you!? I'll tear you apart!" Damien growled furiously at the Team Skull Boss before looking down at his fallen Trainer. Damien nudged his Partner with his muzzle, muttering, "Get up. Come on, you can't let me keep cleaning up your messes, now can you?"

"What the hell was that?" Ollie breathed, horror in his voice as Borlath somehow, someway got to his feet as his body heaved with the effort. Sun's father stepped forward, and suddenly his shadow swallowed him. Guzma blinked in surprise when he was suddenly spun around in surprise and punched in the face with a metal fist, sending him staggering backwards.

"You...piece of shit!" Borlath rasped, shaking as he desperately tried to stay upright, despite the flow of blood still trailing down his body. How he was standing was a mystery to those assembled on the path. Guzma caught himself after a moment and sniggered, crossing his arms as he spat out blood into the dirt.

"Alright, now why don't you try that again, but this time not punch me like someone who's crippled from the neck down?" Guzma sneered as Borlath staggered forward, crimson coating his teeth as he held himself against Damien for support, the hellhound snarling loudly at Guzma with absolute loathing in his eyes. Goliath rushed forward with Liquidation, but Damien retaliated with a Flamethrower that struck the massive bug and knocked out the Golisopod, sending him flying backwards towards Guzma in a smoking heap.

"I've g-got a godd-damn hole in m-my chest...What the hell were you expecting!?" Borlath demanded as he slowly straightened up, trying to move despite the pain he was in. Zorro the Greninja stepped out from Borlath's shadow and held the Cipher Master upright properly as Damien padded forward. Borlath gestured towards Guzma and Goliath, his gauntlet glowing as he released another massive blast of lightning that had been stored up from his battle with Tapu Koko.

This time, Guzma was ready, and he and Goliath were swallowed into the shadows as the attack exploded against where they had been standing moments before, destroying a cluster of trees nearby.

"Guzma! What is wrong with you!?" Guzma bellowed as he clutched his head, walking out of the shadow of a nearby tree while an Ariados scuttled out beside him. Guzma recovered his composure quickly, breathing hard before shaking his head.

"That's hardcore. Wasn't expecting you to still be able to fight back. You're bleeding out and barely able to stand, but you still can keep me on my toes...I love it. That's brutal as hell and I wouldn't have it any other way!" Guzma grinned as he pressed a Revive against Goliath, causing the Golisopod to shudder back to consciousness.

Meanwhile Borlath shakily reached his other hand into his shirt and pulled out the Eternity Locket, with the ancient artifact already shining a bright blue color. Borlath focused his attention away from Guzma and on the object held in his hands.

It was then that Borlath, the Master of Cipher, began to speak. His deep and melodious voice echoing throughout Mahalo Trail with all of the power and authority the criminal mastermind could muster.

"I call upon...My Ideal. I will protect the world from all evil, including myself, for the sake of peace!" Borlath shouted as the clearing was engulfed in a pure light that burst from the locket dangling from Borlath's neck.

"What is this?" Laura whispered, able to feel the sheer strength radiating from the Eternity Locket as Borlath spoke those words. The ideal that had led him down this path of bloodshed and destruction. What had caused him to forsake his morals for the sake of a better tomorrow.

But he wasn't done.

"Let it be bound by...b-by the Truth! This world must change before it...is destroyed! This world needs to change before it faces it's destruction!" Borlath wheezed as he fell to one knee, his eyes half-lidded as the light within the Eternity Locket grew brighter and brighter. Soon, it became too bright for anyone to look at properly, forcing everyone to look away.

And then suddenly, the light was gone.

Guzma looked towards his opponent, blinking rapidly, and then gaped at what he saw. Borlath stood before him, standing in a pool of his own blood, wearing a terrible bloody smile of malice on his face while running a trembling hand over where there had once been massive holes in his stomach. The Eternity Locket was shining brightly around Borlath's neck.

"What the hell?" Guzma muttered as Borlath's breathing calmed, his body shaking from the shock and blood loss that had nearly killed him. But the Cipher Master looked upwards with black, red and white eyes that gleamed with an intensity Guzma thought looked familiar for some reason.

"The Eternity Locket allows me to call upon the strength of the Arbiter of Tomorrow, the one who saved Unova from destruction hundreds of years ago. By invoking an absolute truth and stating my deepest ideals, and should those things be judged as worthy...it's strength becomes my own. For a time, anyway." Borlath explained as he gestured down towards where there had once been a gaping chest wound, now a bright red gash covered in blood. Borlath's legs shook as he stepped forward, wiping the crimson coating his hands on his crisp white suit.

"The Arbiter of Tomorrow?" Guzma muttered, confused. Borlath stepped forward again, a terrible grin on his face. Sun saw the madness gleaming in his eyes, however, and knew that it wasn't a real smile. It was the same smile his father wore after he killed Roran Rubinara. One that promised violent retribution.

"You know, I've looked into your past, Guzma. You and I, we're birds of a feather." Borlath rasped as he held a hand over his chest, even as he straightened his body so that he was standing tall. "Both despised by our fathers, made to walk a path we didn't want to go down. I learned about Team Skull in my time away from Alola, and I do sympathize with you all. However...I hope the snake can survive without its head."

"Snake? What do ya mean?" Guzma said as Goliath growled, getting into a fighting stance as Ariados hissed beside Guzma. Borlath chuckled as Deoxys teleported beside him, with Zorro standing beside Damien.

"Keep the crowd at bay, non-lethally. I want to make an example out of him." Borlath directed a thought at Deoxys, who shifted into its Attack Forme as Borlath continued to smile at Guzma.

"Because before I end it all...I'm going to make you pay for disrespecting me like that. But more importantly..." Borlath said as he gestured a bloody hand upwards, even as an icy wind began to billow around them. Borlath looked towards Sun and Laura, taking in the sight of his horrified child with tears in his eyes. Borlath's gaze hardened as he looked back at Guzma, his gaze crimson with loathing just like the blood he was covered in, that stained his hands metaphorically and literally.

"You made my boy cry, Guzma. And anyone who dares threaten the happiness of my child will know the true meaning of suffering!" Borlath bellowed, as the harsh cold wind continued to grow with each passing moment. Guzma shivered in the cold as Borlath's smile warped into something that he recognized now, to his surprise.

President Lusamine had the exact same smile these days, when she was feeling particularly vindictive.

"Behold...my trump card." Borlath called out, even as more blood dripped down his mouth, coating his teeth. "Perfect Kyurem! The Progenitor Dragon of Unova!"

A deafening bellow of fury erupted from the sky above Iki Town, forcing everyone to look upward and behold the sight of something truly awe-inspiring. The presence of what loomed above weighed down on all of them, even as the sky was illuminated by bright orange fire and crackling blue lightning, with a cold wind howling around them all.

The Legendary dragon drifted overhead, held aloft by two elegant sets of wings, one of them pure-white and almost feathery while the other was jet-black and thicker. Dark gray armor encased all four wings as well as the imposing figure above, which stood well over five meters tall. It's body was coated in steel-gray armor-like skin, icy spikes sticking out from the chest and shoulders. Two tendril-like tails snaked out from behind its back, glowing light blue every few moments. It's face was draconic, with two dark purple eyes that glowed with a fierceness that bespoke incredible power.

"That's...Perfect Kyurem." Kukui breathed, audible terror in his voice as the dragon snarled softly, the echo of the creature's displeasure audible enough to make everyone wince.

"Rotom…what is that thing?" Sun asked as the device floated out of his backpack, beeping as it tried to process the Pokémon before it.

"Bzzzt! Data entry not found!" Rotom cried out as Borlath chuckled, gesturing with his arms as Guzma scowled in anger. Perfect Kyurem's tails twisted through the air and pointed at Guzma, glowing bright blue.

Guzma stepped forward, gesturing at Borlath with a middle-finger raised up. "You think some magical dragon is enough to stop me? I'm Guzma, damn it! Now bring it-"

"Dodge!" Guzma was knocked to the ground as someone tackled him to the dirt, causing Guzma to barely avoid being struck by an enormous spear of ice that soared through the space his head had been mere moments ago. Guzma looked down to see Plumeria holding onto him, fear in her eyes as she eyed the towering dragon above them.

With an almighty rumble the Legendary, for it could only be described as such, flared its wings and created a harsh gale of freezing winds through the hot Alola air, causing gentle snowfall to drift down below upon those who watched the ancient dragon float down to Mahalo Trail, its purple eyes narrowed in anger. It landed gently on the ground, the dirt crunching beneath it as it stood behind Borlath, who started cackling with delight as the ground froze beneath Perfect Kyurem's feet.

"I haven't had a chance to use Perfect Kyurem since I was asked by Sun to cut ties with Neo Team Plasma. How fitting I use it on the eve of my swan song to crush the fool who dared to stand against me!" Borlath laughed as Perfect Kyurem roared, its two tails uncoiling and extending outwards, jagged icy spikes suddenly springing from them with a sharp click. A few moments later, electricity thrummed to life in the left tail, brightening the clearing with blue light. Meanwhile, the right tail ignited with bright orange flames, almost neutralizing the harsh icy wind that had now engulfed Mahalo Trail.

Guzma stared down the massive dragon before him, eyeing it with surprised eyes. And then he smirked, thrusting a hand forward as Plumeria walked up beside him.

"What's the plan? We can't actually fight that thing...can we?" Plumeria asked Guzma, who burst out laughing at the question.

"Hell yes we are! What's a better way to prove our strength than by slaying a dragon and killing a terrorist? Hell, I'm sure there's a reward! We'd be set for life, Plumes!" Guzma cackled before suddenly becoming serious, matching a fighting stance alongside Goliath.

"You're brave. But I wasn't stopped by Roran or the Pokémon League. I won't be stopped by you." Borlath said calmly as Damien crouched low, growling angrily as he moved protectively in front of his Trainer. "No one can stop me now. Not anymore. And if I can't have any hope...then I'll crush yours too, Guzma."

"I have no qualms being the bigger asshole here. Hit me with your best shot, bitch! Goliath, rush 'em!" Guzma laughed as Golisopod charged forward with Liquidation charged in both hands, only for Perfect Kyurem to flap his wings and release a glowing whirlwind of electricity towards Guzma, blasting his Partner and himself backwards with matching screams of agony as lightning surged through them both. Guzma and Goliath collapsed in a heap on the ground as Plumeria screamed out in horror.

"Was that it? Come on...Show me the might of Team Skull!" Borlath roared as he thrust out a hand, grinning as his eyes gleamed with hate. "Damien! Kill!"

Damien charged right at Guzma, flames igniting within his maw as Laura screamed out for Borlath to stop. Damien leapt into the air and opened his mouth, only to be hit in midair by a Sludge Bomb, throwing him to the ground. Damien immediately rose to his feet with a scoff, glaring down the Salazzle that had been lurking in the shadows. A Golbat lunged at the Houndoom, who released a deadly Flamethrower at the Golbat that it barely dodged with a flap of its wings.

Plumeria and Guzma got to their feet as Borlath stumbled forward, thrusting out a hand as Perfect Kyurem flared its wings, sending a ripple of raw force through the air that made everyone flinch. Guzma growled as he crouched low, pointing forward.

"Get 'em! Aqua Jet into Liquidation!" Guzma shouted as Goliath hissed, his body becoming engulfed in a flume of water as it surged towards Damien, two blades of water clutched in the claws of Goliath. Meanwhile, Salazzle and Golbat charged forward as Plumeria warily joined Guzma in battling Borlath.

Perfect Kyurem suddenly whirled around, snarling at the crowd as if somehow sensing that both Hala and Olivia, as well as Ollie and Laura, were approaching Borlath from behind. Deoxys teleported in front of the crowd, humming ominously.

"Do not interfere...Let his last moments mean something. He deserves that much." Deoxys' thoughts touched the minds of the crowd, its voice tinged with sorrow as its tentacles morphed into hands as it crossed them behind it's back.

"These don't have to be his last moments!" Sun yelled, pulling out two Poké Balls, only for Ollie to stop him with a hand.

"Stand back, Sun. I've got this!" Ollie called as his Aegislash rose from his shadow, even as he called out his Dodrio. Meanwhile, Hala and Olivia both called out Pokémon, though Nanu simply turned away and began to shepherd the crowd away from the scene of what would become a very harsh battle. Deoxys seemed to lower its head, as if considering something, before its head snapped upwards.

"So be it." Deoxys intoned, shifting into its Attack Forme with a furious groan. "I was told to use non-lethal methods of ensuring there are no interruptions. That doesn't mean I won't make you hurt."

Deoxys teleported forward, lashing out with its tentacles only for a ghostly shield to block the attack, with Aegislash striking back with a Shadow Claw to knock back Deoxys. A Dodrio sprinted forward, rapidly attacking the DNA Pokémon with Drill Peck as Ollie rapidly barked out commands and quickly gained the upper-hand.

Deoxys teleported away and reappeared in the air, holding out its tentacles as it charged up a sphere of energy that filled the air with the sound of crackling energy and the smell of ozone. It sent the attack towards Ollie, who held up a hand and shouted, "King's Shield!"

Aegislash looked towards the incoming ball of energy and shined a bright blue color, summoning a barrier-like wall of shimmering hexagons. Psycho Boost collided with the barrier hard enough to send a shockwave of force erupting across the clearing, even as Deoxys teleported to dodge a Hyper Beam from Dodrio.

"W-whoa...that's some power!" Leaf remarked as Red helped pick her up from the ground, joining her friends in watching the battle as it took place. "So why aren't we jumping in to kick ass?"

"Because there's more important things going on right now. Help the Kahunas evacuate the civilians. After that...Well, I've got some payback I want to dish out." Blue said as he looked back at Deoxys, who was weaving in and out of the sky to dodge the waves of attacks flying towards it. Blue watched this go on for a minute or so, stunned by the spectacle of the showdown, before looking towards Borlath with an amused smile coming to his face.

"It's interesting. I've found a fatal flaw in Borlath's strategy here. He's fighting a war on two fronts and can't fully devote his attention to both. Meaning Dexoys is fighting on its own." Blue remarked as he watched Ollie do battle with Deoxys, who swiftly fended off the attacks from Dodrio and Aegislash, at the same time retaliating hard enough to quickly do serious damage to both of Ollie's strongest Pokémon.

Red grunted in response, looking towards where Borlath was dealing with Team Skull as Guzma and Plumeria regrouped and battled with Damien, barely dodging his attacks as the furious Houndoom fiercely protected his Trainer, with Guzma and Plumeria continually trying to get closer to the man to finish him off. Borlath's eyes flitted back and forth between Team Skull, the crowd watching, his family, and Deoxys.

"Dad's an amazing Trainer, but he's got a big flaw." Sun spoke up, earning surprised looks from the adults present.

"What would that be, kid?" Blue asked, genuinely curious.

"He's bad at improvising, and has to plan out what he does in advance. He can come up with strategies that are incredible and his team is insanely strong, and even if it takes him just a minute, he still needs time to make plans. Honestly, he's never been very good at dealing with sudden changes he didn't count on." Sun explained, thinking back to various times in the past when his father would overreact or become upset over things he didn't plan on happening. Despite what the man himself would claim, Borlath deeply relied on the element of control.

Laura looked at her child, smiling proudly at him as she looked towards her ex-husband. "It's been so long since I battled Ashton seriously that I nearly forgot about that. If you can keep him surprised, he struggles to battle as effectively as he normally would. This is exactly the kind of situation he's least capable in...especially after being hurt so badly."

"Well, this thing is still kinda strong! Can I get a hand!?" Ollie yelled as Deoxys unleashed a wicked wave of Psychic, blasting away Dodrio and knocking it out as Aegislash dove into the shadows to dodge the attack.

"I've got you! Let's go!" Laura shouted as she called out her Ampharos, which suddenly attacked with a wicked Thunderbolt. Deoxys teleported to dodge the attack, humming angrily as it shifted into its Attack Forme. It teleported towards the crowd and lashed out, blasting nearly everyone backwards with a fearsome bellow of rage with Psychic. Deoxys shook its head and looked towards the Trainer who had been battling it, and was surprised to see him down on the ground with everyone else.

"Strange...I assumed the sword-shield one would have protected them-" Deoxys thought before a sharp burst of pain erupted from its head, where a massive blade was now sticking out of.

"Lop off it's arms! Night Slash!" Ollie shouted as he struggled to his feet, grinning victoriously as Aegislash beheaded Deoxys and then swiftly cut off the tentacles of the DNA Pokémon before blasting it to the ground with a point-blank Shadow Ball. Deoxys hit the ground with a thud, twitching violently.

"Deoxys!" Borlath shouted out with concern as he turned around, swaying on his feet as he watched his loyal Pokémon fall. The crowd watched on in surprise, even Team Skull, as the Pokémon slowly stopped twitching...before rapidly regenerating its tentacles with a shimmering of light, its face reforming as the gemstone on its chest shined like a star. Deoxys slowly rose from the ground, hunched over as its eyes narrowed with abject fury. It looked towards Borlath, the man who had saved it from the falling star it had been trapped in, and then towards those who would dare stand against the human who had been so kind to it.

"I will...not let you harm him!" Deoxys cried out, its body glowing a harsh green color. With several small flickers of growing light, dozens of clones filled the air. Deoxys was surprised when a bolt of lightning swept through the air along with a massive blast of water, destroying the clones within moments. The DNA Pokémon looked down to see Red and Blue stepping up alongside Ollie and Laura, a Pikachu and Blastoise on the ground.

"Leaf, keep getting the people to safety!" Blue shouted to his friend, who had already called out her team and gave Blue a thumbs up. Red responded with one of his own before turning towards the battle, adjusting his cap.

"Alright, asshole. Round 2, let's go!" Blue barked as Blastoise lowered its cannons. Deoxys shifted into its Speed Forme to dodge a Thunderbolt and a Hydro Pump from the two living legends, only for a lance of lightning to strike it from below.

"Good shot, Laura." Ollie commented, looking over to his girlfriend as she pointed upwards to Deoxys, having instructed her Ampharos to use Shock Wave. Deoxys hovered in midair, momentarily stunned, but that was enough for Aegislash to fling a Shadow Ball skyward. Deoxys teleported away, clutching its chest even as its body glowed white.

"That's Recover...and Teleport." Laura muttered, looking to the Meowth beneath her feet. "Use Taunt on Deoxys, Meowth."

Deoxys lashed out with Psycho Boost again, sending the powerful ball of energy towards the Trainers below. Pikachu leapt to the side to dodge, hurling an Electro Ball skyward as Blastoise took the hit, falling to the ground with a pained groan much to the concern of Blue. The DNA Pokémon then became aware of a Meowth grinning up at him, glowing a faint white color as it began to make a series of rude gestures at it. Deoxys felt rage surge through its body, its tentacles clenching at the thought of being disrespected like that.

Borlath watched all of this with growing concern, knowing his friend was outnumbered by the sheer amount of Trainers here. Especially Trainers like Laura, Red and Blue, who were incredibly skilled. Things were not supposed to be this way.

This was supposed to be just a fight with Tapu Koko, not a battle against every Trainer in Alola. Borlath could kill them with ease, and a growing part of him was warming up the idea, but he didn't want to kill anyone else except Guzma. Borlath's eyes flared with fury, painfully turning towards those who wouldn't stop getting in his way.

"Damn it. I told you not to interfere...NOW KNEEL!" Borlath bellowed as the light from the Eternity Locket shined like a star, illuminating the entire town as Perfect Kyurem roared to the heavens, flapping its wings as a glowing ring of white energy suddenly enveloped the entire path.

"Noble Storm!" Borlath ordered, thrusting a hand skyward as Perfect Kyurem's eyes flashed white, its roar becoming almost deafening in volume as the ring of light suddenly released a maelstrom of wind, water and ice that exploded downwards. The assembled crowd that hadn't fled screamed as the attack enveloped them, sending them crashing down into the dirt and unable to rise as the gale billowed downwards from above and held them down.

To Borlath's dismay, the Kahunas both managed to escape from underneath the Noble Storm while Ollie and Laura stepped out of their shadows, thanks to Shadow Sneak. To his relief, and then horror, Lillie and Sun both emerged from behind them. Borlath growled with annoyance and said, "Zorro, Damien...deal with these Team Skull idiots for a moment. I need to focus on keeping the others away."

Borlath held the Eternity Locket within his hands and Perfect Kyurem roared again, its neck snapping towards the Kahunas as flames and lightning crackled within both its clawed hands, its gray armor glowing with white runes of energy as it charged at them. Ollie blanched as the Legendary prepared to attack, only for Olivia and Hala to step forward, a Poliwrath standing beside the older Trainer.

"Hala! Together! Everything we've got!" Olivia shouted as she called out her Lycanoroc as Hala called out his Hariyama as well. The two Kahunas held their Z-Rings aloft and struck a series of poses, their Pokémon both glowing as Z-Power exploded outwards from the both of them.

"Hariyama, channel Close Combat...AND USE ALL-OUT PUMMELING!" Hala bellowed as his Pokémon rushed forward, releasing a barrage of massive energy fists towards Perfect Kyurem, who was knocked back as the attack struck it. Olivia was quick to follow up, her eyes gleaming brightly.

"Lycanroc, channel Stone Edge...and USE CONTINENTAL CRUSH!" Olivia shouted as her Lycanroc summoned a massive stone from above to drop upon Perfect Kyurem, even as the dragon roared defiantly and Borlath watched on, clutching the Eternity Locket.

"You idiots...Just don't get it, do you!?" Borlath shouted as Continental Crush struck, making an explosion rock the entire trail and sending a massive wave of smoke billowing around them clearing as Perfect Kyurem was struck by not one but two powerful Z-Moves.

"Direct hit!" Rotom Dex cheered, but Sun's eyes went white with fear as he heard an ear-piercing roar as Perfect Kyurem rocketed into the air, flaring its wings as it glared down upon them all. There were several scratches and even a crack on its armor, but it looked perfectly fine despite the barrage it had been subjected to.

"It...it just took two Z-Moves…" Kukui groaned as he struggled under the hurricane of wind and ice that was trying to make them one with the dirt. Perfect Kyurem flared its wings, growling as a ripple of raw power made manifest crackled across its body.

"It's three Legendaries...combined into one. It's powers are…going to be an issue." Burnet agreed before slowly moving her arms forward and slowly pulling herself through the dirt. "We have to...help. Lillie's in harm's way!"

Kukui's expression hardened as he joined his wife's efforts, attempting to pull himself forward and out of the Noble Storm that kept over a hundred people and their Pokémon held captive.

Meanwhile the Kahunas continued to throw everything they had at Perfect Kyurem, who continued to lash out with flames, ice and lightning from above while Borlath barked out orders, desperately trying to remain standing.

Lycanroc launched a Stone Edge at the fearsome dragon only to it to smash through it with a clawing fist that suddenly ignited with scorching white flames, which then shot towards the Wolf Pokémon and struck them in the chest, knocking them down to the ground with a scream of agony as Olivia jumped back to avoid being scorched herself.

"You people just don't get it...This is why I have to go through with my wish." Borlath said as he shook his head, even as Perfect Kyurem fended off Hala's Hariyama and Poliwrath, barely even registering that the attacks were hitting it. It did growl in annoyance, flaring its wings and releasing an howling Blizzard that struck them all down into the dirt.

"I've hurt so many people. Even now, all I do is hurt...And with these idiot's actions, I d-don't have much time left." Borlath admitted, looking down at the Eternity Locket. "I can't keep leeching energy from Perfect Kyurem forever. It's a struggle to even stand, let alone battle. So stop fighting me...Let me die while I can still make things right!"

"No, boy! You have no idea what kind of damage your wish could do! It could spell disaster for Alola, no the world, as we know it! Please reconsider!" Hala pleaded as he watched Perfect Kyurem block a Brick Break with its arms, growling loudly before suddenly spinning around and lashing out with its two tails, each of which crackled with lightning as they struck the two Pokémon and knocked them out instantly. Olivia returned her rocky canine and sent out her Probopass.

Borlath's eyes deepened with madness, his mouth twitching into an insane grin of his own. "Perhaps it's be best if I wished that I never became involved with Cipher. With so many options open to me, this particular wish feels…right. We could avoid all of this. Save all of those lives. No."

Borlath's expression hardened as he thrust out a hand. "I will save them. Everyone who fell at my hand. I'll make things right, and erase my Cipher schemes from reality itself! How's that for a wish!?"

"Probopass, use Thunder Wave! Slow it down!" Olivia shouted as her trusty Probopass groaned in response, firing off the attack towards the Arbiter of Tomorrow. Borlath made a gesture with his fist as Perfect Kyurem clasped its hands together before pushing outwards, creating a cerulean field of lightning around itself that seemingly absorbed the attack.

"Stone Edge!" Olivia barked, punching forward as her ace Pokémon cried out, sending out a Stone Edge that knocked Perfect Kyurem back a step and pierced its electrical shield. Borlath's eyes narrowed in anger in unison with Perfect Kyurem's as Borlath flicked out his hands, grinning as Perfect Kyurem rushed towards Probopass, slashing at the Compass Pokémon and leaving large gouges in its body as it flew backwards into the storm, crying out in pain before being flung forward again and crashing down onto the ground.

"He can control that monster just with his thoughts!" Olivia realized, dismay in her voice as she returned her Pokémon. Perfect Kyurem roared again, flaring its winds as an icy wind tore at those who had managed to escape its Noble Storm. The Kahunas crashed down to the ground as Ollie created a shield around himself and the children, with Blue and Red stepping forward to battle Deoxys on their own.

Hala grunted as he rose once again, returning his Hariyama and Poliwrath and calling out a Machamp and Crabominable. Olivia called out her Carbink and Relicanth, even as Borlath shook his head with annoyance. A voice then spoke up behind the two Kahunas, but thankfully it was one they recognized.

"That's the power of the Eternity Locket." Nanu remarked as he limped to where his fellow Kahunas were standing. "It allows complete control of Perfect Kyurem and allows the user to separate the dragons at will. The true might of that thing is almost unmatched...Not that Borlath's strength was anything to sneeze at before."

"Stand aside...The only one who has to die tonight is myself and that idiot over there." Borlath said to the three Kahunas, glancing at Deoxys as it continued to keep Ollie, Laura and the others at bay with another Psycho Burst behind them.

"Who're you calling an-shit!" Guzma yelped as he dove into his shadow to avoid being incinerated, with Damien growing increasingly annoyed at the three targets around him that kept moving beyond his reach.

"You promised me you wouldn't kill anyone!" Sun shouted to his father, who spun around, nearly falling over himself before pointing a finger at his child. Borlath's eyes were bright with madness as Sun took a step back in fear. He then did a double-take when he saw tears leaking from the eyes of his father.

"And you promised me you'd stay out of Cipher's business! Instead you risked your life fighting one of the worst criminals on the planet! Do you have any...ANY IDEA! How that made me feel!?" Borlath screamed at Sun, tears streaming down his face. "An entire lifetime of keeping you out of harm's way! Of protecting you from the evils of the world, only for you to confront the second-biggest monster from my past!? Don't you dare lecture me about promises...Because you don't have a leg to stand on, my boy. I will keep you safe from everything! I can do this!"

"Mr. Aupuni...please stop this! This isn't right! This isn't the way to fix this!" Lillie pleaded with Sun's father, only for him to shake his head sadly, clutching the ancient locket wrapped around his neck.

"The evil in this world is more than mere children can grasp...You would've been so much happier listening to the adults in your life like good kids. Then you wouldn't have had to be hurt so much!" Borlath shouted back furiously, causing Lillie's eyes to widen in surprise. Those were words that her own mother had spoken to her before, many times.

It then occurred to Lillie that Borlath and Lusamine shared a similar tragedy, with loss and heartbreak twisting their good intentions into destruction and insanity through the guise of wanting a better world for everyone. But where it was clear that her mother was insincere and wished only to reach the Ultra Space, Borlath's goals had always been to keep Sun safe from the terrible world around him. An explosion behind them alerted them to Deoxys crashing into the ground again, though it succeeded in knocking out Laura's Ampharos and Blue's Blastoise.

"Deoxys, I said keep them busy!" Borlath barked before turning his attention back to Guzma, who was glaring at him with abject fury on his face.

"Do you really think you can just ignore me!?" Guzma demanded, thrusting out a hand as Goliath charged forward. "Liquidation, full-power!"

"Damien, Thunder Fang!" Borlath shouted as a Sludge Bomb from Salazzle and an Air Cutter from Golbat soared towards Damien, who dodged both attacks with ease before lunging towards the Golisopod. Goliath held both of his claws together, creating what could only be described as a claymore of shimmering water that rippled with power. Lifting the Liquidation overhead, Goliath brought the blade down on Damien right as the Houndoom leapt at him with crackling electricity surging around his teeth. Damien clamped his teeth down on the sword, snarling furiously as he tried to push through Goliath's guard to attack the Golisopod, who groaned under the strain.

"Come on, Goliath! Don't let that stupid mutt make a fool out of you!" Guzma shouted as Golbat and Salazzle tried to attack once again, only for a Water Shuriken to slam down onto Salazzle and send her reeling backwards with a scream of pain. Golbat tried to attack Zorro, who had decided to rejoin the battle, with an Acrobatics. The Greninja easily dodged the attack and retaliated with an Ice Beam, bringing down both of Plumeria's Pokémon.

It was then that Damien let out a grunt before Goliath's liquidation exploded into water, allowing Damien to sink his Thunder Fang into Goliath as the Golisopod groaned in pain. To Borlath's surprise, the Golisopod turned towards Guzma and turned into a jet of light, returning to its Poké Ball to the confusion of Damien and Borlath. Borlath directed a few commands to Perfect Kyurem, causing the Legendary dragon to flare its wings, creating a torrent of flames that streaked down in shimmering waves of orange and blue, all the while its tails twitched as lightning crackled along their length.

"Well...Looks like that's all Team Skull can manage. How sad." Borlath wheezed as he stepped forward, grinning bloodily as he refocused on Guzma. "Cipher's might is in a whole other league. You were an idiot to even think that you could stop my plans now."

"Tch...You really think I give two shits about Cipher? Nah." Guzma laughed as he dug into his pockets and shook his head, much to the consternation of Borlath. Behind him he heard a scream of agony from Deoxys, but the Cipher Master ignored it for now. "You may be strong and crazy, Borlath, but there's someone working behind the scenes who's got big plans for Alola. Shit that makes this seem small time. This fight is nothing more than me just helping a beautiful lady take out the trash."

Borlath opened his mouth to retort, only to stop when he considered Guzma's words. He repeated them twice in his head, looking down at the ground, before looking into the sneering face of Guzma. It was then that a terrible truth presented itself to Borlath.

"She...did she send him to kill me?" Borlath thought, sorrow gripping his heart as well as a mixture of anger, shame and despair. It then occurred to him that, after their last meeting, it was plausible that someone he once regarded as a precious friend had effectively ordered a hit on him.

"Lusa, you wouldn't…" Borlath breathed harshly, his eyes darkening to black for a moment. Just a moment. But that was all Guzma needed, rolling to his left as his Ariados used Shadow Sneak.

Borlath's eyes widened in surprise before something strong collided with his back, knocking him down to the ground. Guzma pounced on the leader of Cipher, grinning victoriously as he pinned Borlath to the ground by his neck with a single hand. As powerful as Borlath was, his strength was failing due to the injury he had sustained and the resulting blood loss that followed.

Borlath's hand curled into a fist as he punched Guzma as hard as he could in the cheek with everything he had. Guzma staggered upright with a howl of pain before being violently kicked backwards across the clearing by Zorro, the Greninja glaring down at Guzma with fury as he readied a Water Shuriken.

"God, I feel bad for the next woman I sleep with...because this anger? It's coming out in the bedroom." Guzma groaned as he staggered to his feet, eyeing Borlath with bloodlust in his eyes as Perfect Kyurem roared in defiance. Kukui and Professor Juniper rushed in, as well as Ollie and Laura with Sun, Hau and Lillie behind.

Borlath's eyes widened in surprise as he noticed that Deoxys was unconscious on the ground, and that they had gone around Perfect Kyurem as it continued to battle the Kahunas, who were down to two Pokémon apiece after his last batch of commands.

"You got past the...damn it. Sun, get back!" Borlath shouted as Greninja helped him remain upright. Borlath shut his eyes tightly, gritting his teeth as he struggled to keep standing, his eyes opening again as he heard the sound of laughter.

Guzma happened to be the source of the laughter, though his amusement soon ceased when he saw Damien padding towards him. It was then that Guzma realized that Golbat, Salazzle and Ariados were soundly defeated behind him, and that he hadn't thought of an exit strategy. Plumeria moved closer to Guzma, hiding behind him with visible fear as the massive Houndoom approached.

"Damien don't do it!" Sun shouted, causing the Houndoom to flinch at the boy's voice.

"Ignore him! Do it Damien!" Borlath shouted to the Houndoom, who hung his head for a few moments before it snapped up to glare at Guzma.

"I have to obey him. But my only regret is Sun seeing this. Now, shall I tear you apart?" Damien snarled at Guzma, who scoffed and crossed his arms.

"I'm not scared of you. Hit me with your best shot!" Guzma bellowed back, giving Borlath and his Pokémon the middle-finger.

"Damien, kill!" Borlath shouted as Damien snarled furiously, bounding forward.

"Protect!" Guzma bellowed, grinning maniacally as he held out his arms. Damien released a blast of flames at the Team Skull Boss as Kukui screamed out in horror. The flames exploded around Guzma, incinerating the man where he stood as Guzma's laughter ran out.

"Dad! How could you?!" Sun shouted, causing Borlath to scowl at him as Zorro slowly maneuvered the Cipher Master so that he could address his son. Sun noticed how heavily Borlath was leaning on his Greninja, coughing as more blood coated his lips.

"Someone that confident has an ace up their sleeve." Borlath said as he glanced back at the dying flames around where Guzma and Plumeria had been standing. "Damien, come back!"

The Houndoom snapped his jaws shut, prowling towards Borlath with visible concern on his face as he beheld his Trainer, coated in his own blood and barely able to stay standing. The Houndoom froze when he heard the sound of familiar laughter, and turned around to see Guzma standing behind a shimmering barrier, a white worm-like Pokémon hiding within his hair.

"Seriously, Snom. You are the absolute best! Muahahaha!" Guzma cackled as he crossed his arms.

"He hid a Pokémon in his hair...again?" Kukui stated, his voice deadpan as Borlath's mouth twitched into a smirk.

"Well played. But are you aware that Protect's success rate drops dramatically upon using it again?" Borlath asked, pointing a finger at Guzma as the other man's expression fell.

"Smokescreen, Torch!" A thick black smoke exploded out across the clearing, causing everyone to begin coughing violently. Guzma and Plumeria were surprised by this development, since they recognized the voice that had spoken.

"Demi!" Plumeria called as the girl joined them, holding her Quilava in her arms. Guzma covered his mouth and nose with his shirt before tensing as he heard an angry shout.

"Flamethrower! Sweep the area!" Borlath yelled above the chaos.

"We need to go!" Demi hissed to Plumeria, who nodded as she returned her Pokémon and Gumza grabbed both of their hands, right before a wave of flames swept through the smoke, dissipating it almost completely.

"Damien, stop it!" Sun shouted at the Houndoom, causing him to flinch and actually halt his attack. Borlath watched the thinning smoke warily, narrowing his eyes suspiciously as he waited for another sneak attack from the wily Trainer. His eyes then flickered to red with anger, realizing that they had likely fled.

"Cowards...I...agh!" Borlath groaned as he placed a hand over his chest, trying to leech as much strength as he could from Perfect Kyurem as it continued to keep the Kahunas and anyone else at bay, in particular Red and Blue. Damien stepped protectively in front of his Trainer as Ollie, Hau, Laura, Sun, Lillie, Kukui and Burnet approached them warily.

"Stand down, Borlath! Damn it, I don't want have to kill you in front of Sun but damn it, I'll do it!" Ollie shouted at the man as Borlath laughed, falling to one knee. Borlath continued to laugh, even as fresh blood dribbled down his mouth. Damien snarled, taking a step forward, and opened his mouth-

"GET AWAY FROM HIM!"

Ollie's eyes widened as he saw a flicker of movement overhead and looked up into the sky, seeing Amber Fontaine leaping down from the back of her Xatu with two SMG's in hand. Cipher's Angel of Death descended, opening fire with the weapons as Professor Burnet and Kukui shielded Lillie and Aegislash cast King's Shield again over Ollie, Sun, Hau and Laura. The bullets engulfed all of them even as Borlath pushed himself up off of the ground. Screams erupted from those who remained on the route, with crimson quickly coating the dirt.

"Amber, s-stop it!" Borlath shouted as the Cipher's Angel of Death landed on the ground, levelling her weapons at Laura Smiles and Ollie, who were hiding behind Aegislash's barrier. The assassin glared at them before stowing her weapons and swiftly moving over to Borlath, who was now on all fours as more crimson dripped from his mouth, his breathing harsh.

"Idiots...Come on!" Amber barked to Avis as the assassin swiftly picked up Borlath, with Avis the Xatu teleporting them all away. Perfect Kyurem flapped all four of its wings, throwing everyone to the ground at once with the sheer force of the downdraft before flying away at a swift yet steady speed. Deoxys struggled to get up, but collapsed onto the ground and passed out again when Red's Pikachu suddenly blasted it with Thunderbolt.

It was then that pandemonium erupted around them.

"Oh god…" Blue hissed as he beheld the carnage, seeing that several of those who had remained had been shot in the frantic assault from Amber Fontaine. Among those were the two Kahunas and both Professors, who were down on the ground. Captain Ollie was demanding backup over the phone as some of the others rushed to the wounded to help.

"Professor Burnet! Professor Kukui!" Lillie screamed as she ran forward, tears streaming down her face as Sun rushed to her side, with Laura Smiles and Leaf quickly working to do what they could to stop the bleeding as the two Professor moaned in pain.

Hau was also beside himself with terror as several bystanders frantically tried to staunch the injuries of the Kahunas with whatever they could while Ollie quickly took command on the scene, instructing those who were unharmed to give them room to move.

"Do we have anyone with a Pokémon that can use Teleport!? We need to get them to the hospital, now!" Ollie roared over the cacophony of people speaking.

Sun then shook Lillie's shoulder, trying to get her attention, but the girl was busy frantically apologizing to both Professors for simply standing by while they got hurt. Sun yanked Lillie around to face him, and seeing the tears in her eyes and anger flash across her face, Sun grabbed her by the shoulders.

"You can save them, Lillie! Nebby knows Teleport! You've been to the Hau'oli Hospital!" Sun reminded the girl, who gasped in surprise before frantically opening her bag, causing Nebby to fly out of it with a happy cry. It's smile took a hit upon seeing the carnage left behind by Amber and Borlath. Lillie grabbed Nebby and knelt by the Professors, who were looking up at Lillie with surprise and pain.

"N-Nebby...T-T-eleport! Please, Nebby, use it now!" Lillie stammered, trying desperately to keep her composure as the Cosmog looked at the scene with surprise. Nebby nodded and closed its eyes, and moments later the Professors, Laura and Ollie were gone. Moments later Lillie returned and began quickly teleporting everyone to the hospital (with Blue assisting with his Alakazam), and Sun was left wondering how things could possibly get any worse.


The Next Day

Pokémon Research Lab


Night came and went for Alola as it reeled from yet another brutal Cipher attack, this one featuring the unstoppable Perfect Kyurem. Most of the crew from Unova quickly raced to Melemele Island, but by the time they arrived Borlath and Amber were gone, and morale quickly plummeted to practically nothing.

Borlath had the final Tapu. And with it, he could invoke their powers to grant his greatest desire at the cost of his soul. Despite being badly injured, no one was taking the looming threat likely, especially considering the fact that all three Kahunas were critically injured by Cipher and two of them were currently fighting for their lives.

Colress was currently working as hard as he could at Hau'oli Medical Center to save the lives of everyone injured in Borlath and Amber's attack, including the Regional Professors of Alola. Lillie was beside herself with worry, and was only barely comforted by Laura Smiles pointing out that it was thanks to Lillie and Nebby that everyone was able to reach the Hospital in time to get treatment.

Worst still was the fact that Cipher had all but vanished now, retreating into the unknown.

For the time being, most of those who had escaped injury rested well into the next day. Sun didn't wake up until after two in the afternoon, due to having trouble falling asleep in the first place. Lillie and Hau had similar issues, especially since those they cared about most were currently in critical condition in the hospital. It was a few hours before sunset when Aria and Wes had called for a meeting at the Pokémon Research Lab, where the Unova Crew, Red, Blue, Leaf, Lillie, Sun, Laura, Ollie and the International Police, Sina and Dexio, as well as a few people Sun didn't recognize but were apparently important enough to be in on this meeting.

"Alright. First up." Aria gestured to Wes, who was leaning against the wall nearby. "This sarcastic jerk is Wes. He's been fighting Cipher ever since they started being a problem, and he finally came back to join the fight just the other day."

"Sorry about that." Wes said with a shrug, giving the group a lopsided smirk. "Seeing an entire city get frozen solid and being told it's all your fault, right before one of your Pokémon gets killed by an ancient dragon...Well, it sorta made me lose my mind for a while. I'm mostly alright now."

"Mostly, he says." came a dark mutter from Hugh, who didn't look entirely convinced. Mainly because Wes had sat down with them last night and described the traumas he dealt with and how it was still affecting him. It was very easy for him to get lost in thought or suffer violent flashbacks, and fighting had an adverse effect on him mentally. But Wes was adamant that he be involved with whatever came next. No one could disagree with the former Snagger, since right now they needed every bit of help that they could get.

"Yes, mostly. Now...let's recap." Wes said as he walked forward, clasping his hands behind his back.

"Borlath, who some of you may know is Sun's father, became the leader of Cipher when Greevil was killed by Red and Blue back in Kanto at my ex-girlfriend's concert." Wes began, causing Lillie's jaw to drop.

"I forgot about that! You dated Zoey Cairdelly!" Lillie remarked excitedly, causing Wes to blink twice in surprise.

"Uh, yeah. Though I imagine she's dating someone else now, since I vanished for a while without a trace." Wes responded, only for Aria to shake her head.

"Actually, she's been holding out hope for you to come back. You should call her sometime." Aria responded, causing Wes to give her a look.

"And you failed to tell me this before because…?"

"It's been a long…two or three years, alright? Sue me."

"Who the hell would take this case?"

"How should I know, Wes? I don't know any lawyers."

"Is this normal?" Sun asked Noah after a minute of listening to the two of them bicker at each other, with the young man smirking as he nodded.

"Honestly, this is boring compared to some of their arguments in the past. Aria once gave Wes a concussion by accident when she hit him over the head with watermelon."

"Are they like this all the time?"

"Yep. It's refreshing seeing them go at it again. Makes me feel nostalgic." Noah remarked, managing a laugh despite everything. Sun looked back at the pair, frowning at them.

"Don't we have better things to be talking about?" Sun asked, causing Wes and Aria to look at him in surprise. The two exchanged a glance before nodding, with Wes stepping forward to continue.

"Anyway, Sun's father became the leader of Cipher after Greevil's death at the hands of the Pokémon League. Now, contrary to what Miss Smiles has told me." Wes said, glancing at the woman in question with a smile and a nod, "I can say that Borlath's time in Cipher only began after their Greevil's defeat at Citadark Island and the downfall of Cipher once more, which was several years after his move to Kanto from Alola."

"I had always thought he came to Kanto already in Cipher's pocket...I compared notes with Wes an hour ago and learned that he wasn't involved with Cipher until several years after Sun was born." Laura commented, sighing as she shook his head. "There was so much he kept from me. I still feel guilty that I wasn't able to do more to stop him."

"It was thanks to you that more people weren't hurt in the Celadon City attack. Don't feel bad for your ex's actions." Aria responded, smiling at Miss Smiles as Ollie put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You've got more guts than most people I know."

Wes nodded and clapped his hands lightly. "Now, when he approached the leadership of Cipher, he promised them support in exchange for a key role in how they did their business, becoming an Admin for them. He operated from the shadows, financially backing Cipher and urging them to ally with other criminal organizations for the explicit purpose of destroying them from the inside out, which he's managed to do Team Galactic, Team Rocket and Neo Team Plasma. All in the hopes of stamping out the evil in the world and either establishing Cipher as the protectors of the society, or forcing the Pokémon League to effectively safeguard their regions." Wes explained to those assembled, crossing his arms.

"Unfortunately for him, one of the Cipher Admins happened to be a man by the name of Roran Rubinara, one of the Alola region's worst criminals and someone who knew Borlath personally when he was a child. Roran was a mentor to Ashton Aupuni and helped him on his road to become a stronger Trainer. However, once Roran's true nature came to light, Ashton helped defeat him and left the Alola region sometime later to pursue life as a businessman, which went fantastically well for him." Wes continued, looking at Sun for a moment before his gaze narrowed. "However, Roran apparently faked his death and went into hiding, becoming a secret ally of Cipher and establishing himself as an Admin simply known as Mask. Once his secret identity was revealed a few weeks ago, Roran threatened Sun's life in exchange for being able to escape with his own and to force Borlath not to move against him. Borlath was convinced by Sun, who had reached out to his father after meeting his grandfather Ano for the first time, to try and consider a more peaceful way to go about his schemes. Sun managed to convince him to try and talk things out with the League."

"You forgot the part where Roran then tried to enact a crazy scheme to kill enough people and sacrifice me to become a Tapu, only to get beat down by President Lusamine, Aria and Sun." Hau explained in a completely neutral tone, his face a thin line as he recalled being captured by the madman.

"On top of that…" Blue interrupted, causing Wes to look at him with surprise. "Roran crashed that League meeting and somehow managed to leak the location of Cipher's Celadon HQ. We attacked it, thinking there were nothing but Cipher goons inside-"

"Only for you to realize that there were a few hundred, if not more, totally innocent people inside of that building who were killed in the crossfire." Nanu spoke up, his eyes narrowing with a hint of anger in them. "You crippled Cipher, but effectively ruined any chance of Borlath stopping Roran's scheme before it was too late."

"But we managed to stop Roran, like Hau said. But…" Sun trailed off, guilt evident on his face. "Dad gave me his blessing to be a Trainer, but only if I promised that I wouldn't get involved with Cipher or Roran before he could deal with it. Once Hau got kidnapped, I...couldn't just let that stand. Especially after how he attacked everyone in Malie City and killed us."

"...Killed you?" Leaf asked, clearly confused.

"If it wasn't for the fact that Vivian over there was friends with a reality-warping Demigod, most of us wouldn't be here right now." Aria responded, shaking her head. "It's a long story. She can explain later."

Sun glanced at Vivian, who had been lying down on a sofa with her head in Noah's lap, but the violinist hadn't responded at all. Noah played with her hair absentmindedly, and Sun returned his attention to the conversation.

"Now, Roran got recaptured by Amber after we beat him, and Borlath executed him a few days later. That was when Borlath apparently snapped, because he decided that he was going to come to Alola and capture the Tapu, in the hopes of doing...something beyond insane." Aria continued, shuddering slightly. "Sacrificing his very soul for a wish. A wish that, from the sound of things, he's decided on. Borlath wants to wish that he had never become involved with Cipher. A decision that'd affect countless lives and rewrite reality as we know it."

"Are the Tapu strong enough to do that?" Ollie asked, leaning forward intently. "Borlath's actions have affected the entire world in some capacity. Can they actually do what Borlath asks?"

"We're not sure. They're strong, but this would be a tall order for any Legendary. We're talking about changing the course of history, after all." Nanu commented, sighing as he rubbed his temples. "Talk about a headache."

"Well...nearly all of his plans have been totally destroyed. Roran's betrayal cost Borlath most of Cipher's manpower, both in what forces were in Alola and the amount of Cipher personnel that were killed in the Aupuni Industries HQ attack. All of the Cipher Admins save Amber were killed that night." Looker commented, placing a hand on his chin thoughtfully. "It's not a small wonder after so many setbacks, Borlath finally resorted to a measure so drastic it makes his previous schemes seem reasonable."

"And in his state of mind, he totally believes that what he's doing will make everything right." Aria responded, sighing angrily. "He's...delusional. Completely out of his mind."

"But he's not totally gone. Sun and Lillie managed to talk at least a little sense into him." Hau commented, which drew some surprise from some of the others.

"So what can we do? How do we stop him?" Sun asked Wes, who considered the question for a few moments.

"To be honest, that's where we're at right now. With so little to go on and with time against us, our group is certainly against the odds when it comes to stopping Borlath before he can make his wish. We don't know where Cipher is currently located nor do we know how to get to where they are even if we did know. I'm...really not sure." Wes admitted, scowling after a moment. "Even Roran's computer systems in the Ula'ula base didn't indicate another hidden base or anything in Alola."

"Then what're we supposed to do?" Hugh asked, stepping forward indignantly.

"I wish I had an answer for you, Hugh, but I don't. You've been dealing with Borlath more than me, lately, and the game has changed so much I wouldn't know where to start. If I had to guess, I'd say it's a mobile base of some kind like a boat or a sky fortress, but that's just me throwing ideas out there." Wes responded dryly, narrowing his eyes. "I don't have all of the answers."

Vivian sighed angrily and pointed at Wes, waving her hand dismissively. "Well, I do. It's all fine…It's supposed to happen this way. By the end of tonight, everything will reach its conclusion."

Everyone's eyes turned to the one who spoke, surprised by the strange words coming from Vivian's mouth. Lillie noticed that it was the first time that the violinist had spoken since this meeting had begun. Aria and Wes exchanged a look of confusion while Hau stepped forward, gritting his teeth angrily.

"What's that supposed to mean!? Tutu and everyone else barely survived last night! How is this fine?!" Hau demanded, his voice breaking slightly, only for a hand to grab his shoulder. He looked back and saw Lillie looking at him, her gaze gentle, and Hau sighed angrily and stepped back. Vivian sat up, looking towards the boy with a somber expression.

"Let's just say I got a few spoilers for what's coming up and I have the weirdest feeling that they're going to be just fine." Vivian said, smiling in a way that showed no mirth. Only a strange feeling of acceptance, which confused them further. Wes stepped forward, but Vivian held up a hand.

"Don't ask me anything else. Just believe me. Alright? Rest up, and have everyone have their teams completely ready to go. We're going to be in for the fight of our lives and it'll take everything we've got." Vivian said to the bemused crowd in the lab, with Wes the most bewildered.

"What are you talking about?" Hugh asked, confused.

"It's not like you to take point in our discussions. And what's this about a fight that'll happen? What are you basing this on?" Wes asked, crossing his arms as he considered Vivian's words. She sounded so sure of herself.

"Does this have to do with MissingNo?" Noah asked suddenly, causing Vivian to look away. Several of those in attendance looked surprised at the mention of the Anomaly who had given up its very existence to save them all from Roran Rubinara. They knew Vivian had been involved with what happened in Malie City, but not much more than that. "What was your sacrifice, Vivian? Why won't you talk about that?"

Vivian didn't answer the question, instead looking towards Wes intensely. "Tonight, roughly two hours before midnight, the Absolution will become visible. It's currently docked within Hau'oli Bay, but will be accessible to us for a short time. Cipher will attack Hau'oli City to buy time for Borlath to recover enough to make his wish. We use that window of time to storm the boat and take him down."

"Vivian...what are you saying? What's the Absolution?" Aria asked, becoming concerned for the way her friend was speaking. Vivian sounded resigned, leaning back on the sofa.

"Long story short, it's a massive battleship, and Cipher's mobile base of operations. It's armored heavily enough that attacking it head-on is pointless. It's where Borlath has been hiding ever since the Pokémon League attacked Cipher's HQ." Vivian continued, glancing at Blue and Red as they both looked away guiltily. "Anyways, Borlath will be onboard this thing trying to recover from his injuries. But he'll be going for his wish tonight. We need to fight our way to the Absolution and stop him."

"Interesting...The way you say that makes it sounds like we'll have to make our way to the boat on foot." Wes mused, causing Vivian to nod.

"Flying or attempting to teleport to it won't work." Vivian replied, earning a few skeptical looks from some of the others. They clearly didn't believe her, Sun and Lillie noticed, and even they themselves were unsure. Mainly because the information Vivian just happened to know and reveal right when they needed it most was oddly...specific.

"How convenient that you'd magically have access to this information and not share it until now." Looker remarked, frowning uneasily. "It's a deus ex machina if I've ever seen one."

"How can we trust what you're saying is right?" Hugh asked seriously, glaring at the violinist. Aria held up her hand, causing Hugh to stop what he was saying as she looked at Vivian intently.

"You sound really sure of yourself, Vivs." Aria said slowly, looking into Vivian's eyes. The other woman smiled wanly back at the Snagger, as if she was sharing a secret only they knew.

"I'm sure of what will happen because I was shown the future, Aria. Much like you used to be able to do a few months ago, after going through the Passage of Time." Vivian explained, earning several surprised looks and more than a few skeptical glares.

"What did you see?" Aria asked quietly, knowing full well what sort of burden seeing through the past or future was. Even now, she suffered from the occasional nightmare that seemed more real than it should have.

"That's…" Vivian looked away, her expression almost breaking entirely. "Not important. What's important is what I know now, and I know that tonight is when Borlath will attempt to make his wish...Tonight is going to hurt. But it's our last shot at ending this mess once and for all." Vivian explained to a group of disbelieving Trainers. The violinist wasn't surprised that they didn't trust her word, especially considering the stressful circumstances and the threat looming over them all.

Vivian's track record wasn't exactly spotless and she hadn't been very reliable in the battle against Cipher up to this point, running away more often than not. Most notably, she had fled Nimbasa City out of fear of Amber Fontaine, taking with her the Master Ball that would've ended the Perfect Kyurem debacle before it became the stuff of nightmares.

And now Vivian was confidently explaining things none of them had any business knowing. Who was she to suddenly call the shots, and with the air of someone who knew what was coming but was purposefully hiding things? It seemed like the perfect solution to an otherwise impossible problem. There had to be a catch, or rather, something that they were missing.

"I'm sorry, but I can't believe this." Anabel remarked, looking a little annoyed. "Meddling about the future isn't something to make light of. Even if you did know all of this, why wait until now to tell us?"

"Because I'm stupid and scared of what's going to happen." Vivian said simply, shutting her eyes so that she wouldn't have to meet the gazes of anyone. She didn't want to break down into tears again. "I'm not a fighter, not really. This is terrifying for me. And the thought of going out there and being attacked by brainwashed Pokémon and being shot at by terrorists and having to worry about Amber Fontaine is a lot to deal with. Alright? Point is, I'm telling you now."

"I can't believe we're actually-" Hugh began to say, though this time he was cut off by Wes, who made a similar gesture to shut up his friend. Wes walked forward, until he was a few feet away from Vivian, who opened her eyes and flinched upon seeing Wes look down at her.

"No. I trust Vivian." Wes said simply, causing the violinist to look at Wes with complete shock on her face. The former Snagger offered his friend a lopsided smirk, shrugging after a beat. "What? You think I'm gonna hold a grudge over the Master Ball thing?"

"Y-you…" Vivian looked at Wes like she was about to start breaking down into tears, and so Wes grinned crookedly at her the same way he used to when they had travelled together back in Unova.

"Come on, Vivian. You know what to do in order for us to stop this. Make MissingNo's sacrifice worth it by helping us in this last battle." Wes said to his friend, who shook her head as tears glistened in her eyes.

"How? Why?! You should be angry! They don't believe me, why on earth do you?" Vivian demanded angrily all of a sudden, causing Wes to shrug helplessly.

"Because I've met the Anomaly a few times, and know it had some weird powers. After all, it saved me in Nimbasa City with them. What better way to fix a mistake and help us end this fight once and for all than one big final fight to the finish?" Wes said as he extended a hand down to Vivian, who looked him with stunned amazement. She then surprised everyone by leaping off of the couch and pile-driving Wes into a tight hug.

"I'm so sorry…I'm sorry you got hurt so much. I'm a terrible friend. I just hope…I hope you all can forgive me. I hope this can make things right." Vivian began to cry as Noah and Aria moved forward, hugging the violinist. Hugh sighed and walked over as well, joining in the group hug.

"I guess I've been really hard on you too, Vivian. I owe you an apology." Hugh said to Vivian, who looked at Hugh with dumbfounded amazement.

"Apology...accepted, Hugh. Um. Wow, I wasn't expecting that." Vivian said awkwardly, causing Hugh to scowl.

"Don't expect me to apologize again. Now, if we apparently have an idea of when and where we're stopping Borlath, I guess the real question is to ask how?" Hugh said as the group separated. "Borlath still has an army at his disposal and at least three Legendaries that answer to him, two of which could level the island if they wanted to. And we need to decide what exactly we need to do with the bastard. End his life, or try to apprehend him?"

"Hugh!" Ollie yelled at Hugh, who held up his hands defensively.

"It's a legitimate question! I know Sun's here and it sucks that he has to hear this kind of thing, but it's a decision we have to sort out. Especially considering recent events...I hate the man, but it's not my call to make whether or not he dies. Especially since he's so tired of everything that he wants to die anyway." Hugh said to the group assembled, who took in the words of the red-eyed Trainer. What he spoke of was completely true. With Vivian knowing how tonight would play out, they needed a plan of attack.

"No. At least, not if he puts up such a struggle that there's no other choice" Aria said heavily, considering her words slowly before continuing. "As much as I want to end Borlath's life, this isn't the way. Not after what we've found out and why he's doing this." Aria then glared at Blue and Red. "After everything he's done, I hate him with all of my heart and want him to die…but it's not the way to do this."

"So...tonight's the night this all ends? For better or for worse." Sun said quietly, trying to keep his own voice from shaking with nervousness. After all, they were deciding the fate of his father. As terrible as the man's actions had been, Borlath was still Sun's father, and Sun still loved him. Despite everything, he still cared. It was a revelation that had only recently come to him, and now it was one Sun was struggling with. Because it seemed almost certain that one way or another, Ashton Aupuni would die.

And if his wish came true...if his dealings with Cipher had been totally erased and the world was changed because of it, then everything that had happened to Sun since then would be changed completely.

Sun felt his heart drop, and his soul go cold with the sudden realization. His entire journey would have never happened if he and his mother hadn't fled Kanto to Alola as a result of his father's actions.

Blue sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he considered everything that had happened as a result of Borlath's actions. The fact that this all might end tonight was oddly comforting to him. "It started because of an insane psychopath-"

"Which one?" Wes interjected, managing a smirk before Aria smacked him. To his credit, that could've applied to at least four different people.

"No. It started because of love. Simple as that." Nanu remarked, drawing the gaze of everyone present. "The love of family, and of wanting to make a better world for your children. Considering the childhood Borlath had, him wanting to make this miserable planet better for Sun and other children is understandable. He's a basket-case as a result of repeated trauma and obsession. And having the resources and cunning to start a revolution that made him unstoppable."

"You're...not wrong." Sun said to the man, who he honestly still didn't know that well. Sun wondered who this man actually was. "He did this because...he loved me. He loved me and Mom more than he ever loved himself. Dad wanted me to have the world he never could as a kid. After what Ano did and Roran and everything else."

"Love is a wonderful thing. It can set you free…and it can bind you tighter than any chain." Vivian noted, looking towards Sun, and then Lillie, when she spoke. Lillie wondered why this was, but then realized how apt the remark applied to her current situation.

How those words applied to Lusamine Jardin.

"Mother prided herself on her love of Pokémon and of our family. Even now that she's been driven mad, she still proclaims that everything she's doing is out of love. Love…can something so wonderful be just as dangerous?" Lillie wondered, suddenly feeling sick as she considered that question.

"Sun, I'm going to go outside. I need some air." Lillie murmured, brushing past her crush and missing the worried look on his face. Lillie opened the front door and stepped out into the night, closing the door behind her. She then reached up and grabbed her hat, tightly gripping it in her hands as she sighed angrily.

"It reminds me so much of her...Why? All this madness with Mister Aupuni. Is the world just this cruel?" Lillie hissed as walked outside of Kukui's lab, trying to will away the tears, but she couldn't help the few that escaped her as she walked down the path a short ways. Lillie stopped in her tracks after a few moments, surprised to see Brago and Finn standing guard outside of the Lab, with Brago offering Lillie an affectionate lick that made her feel at least a little better.

"Don't you worry about a thing! Everyone's going to be alright in the end! Just you wait!" Finn said bracingly, trying to cheer Lillie up. Brago regarded the Poliwrath with amusement for a moment, but nodded in agreement.

"He's right. The Professor is strong. Just have hope that he'll pull through. You'll see." Brago said gently to the girl, who hugged Brago tightly and sighed, feeling some of the stress fade away from her. Sometimes it was nice to hug something so fluffy and warm. Lillie stepped away and offered a hand to Finn, who laughed and high-fived the girl, who smiled at the Poliwrath. She then turned her attention to the rustling grass a short distance away, where Alastor was fighting wild Pokémon. Meanwhile, Penny was sitting on the roof and watching a figure standing on the beach, unmoving.

Oliver was standing on the beach, not knowing that Penny was watching him with an expression of immense concern.

Lillie looked at the two Pokémon beside her, who both frowned in unison . She then looked towards the owl standing on the beach and walked over to Oliver, who glanced back at her for a moment before looking forward again.

"Did he send you out here?" Oliver asked darkly, ruffling his feathers. "How pathetic must I be. Moping while the Alola prepares to burn. While that thing is still out there. I could feel its strength from inside of my Poké Ball. And all the while, I stand out here unable to do a thing about it."

Lillie looked down at Oliver, and then back at the Pokémon behind her. Penny fluttered down to land on Brago's back, gesturing with a wing for Lillie to do something, the Toucannon's expression almost pleading. To her surprise, Alastor actually emerged from the grass and simply stood a distance away, his expression one of curiosity.

"Were they waiting for someone to talk to Oliver? It's so easy to forget with everything going on that Pokémon have their own crises. Even Alastor is interested, despite how he acts." Lillie thought as she turned back to Oliver, who continued to gaze back at the ocean.

"You're really hard on yourself, you know." Lillie noted, smiling a bit at the Dartrix. Sun's first Pokémon and the one who she had watched grow from a unruly Rowlet to a powerful and capable fighter.

"No. I'm honest with myself. I'm a miserable excuse for a Pokémon. I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I do. It's so frustrating…I can't stand it!" Oliver practically screeched, not truly understanding how and why he felt this way. The Dartrix looked away from the girl, sighing deeply as he tried to calm himself down.

"Trust me...I know what it's like to hate yourself." Lillie said softly, causing Oliver to look at her with surprise. The white-wearing girl offered the owl a gentle smile, patting him on the head. She looked over at Finn and Brago, who seemed to understand the girl's wishes, because they retreated a little further away to the house in order to give them privacy. Lillie waited a few moments before speaking, her voice quiet.

"My mother...isn't a very good person. For many years, she kept myself and my brother trapped in our home as she fell deeper and deeper into her own selfish madness. All the while she made me believe all of these lies. Lies I can't help but believe in, even to this day, no matter how much they hurt me...The same sort of lies you tell yourself, Oliver." Lillie explained to the bird even as Nebby emerged from his bag at that moment and floated upwards, letting out a happy cry. He then saw Oliver and floated down to the Dartrix, concern evident on his face.

"Big bro? What's the matter?" Nebby asked, causing Oliver to offer the Cosmog a weak smile.

"Nothing. I'm fine…" Oliver said in a tone even Nebby found unconvincing, since he looked to Lillie for confirmation. The girl scooped up her Cosmog in a hug and crouched down onto the sand.

"I don't think any of us are fine, Nebby. Seeing the Professors hurt like that was...w-w-was…" Lillie swallowed hard, shivering at the images of blood and pain. She wouldn't cry again. Not when someone needed her.

Sun's team had become her friends, in a way, and she was fond of all of them. Except Alastor, but that was because he was such a jerk. Lillie realized she had stopped speaking, and continued with, "Well, I won't be sleeping for a while. Doctor Colress has all of our friends at the nearby hospital, so hopefully with his help they'll all make a full recovery."

"Maybe...What...what kind of lies?" Oliver asked, tilting his head in curiosity. Lillie looked confused for a moment before realizing what the owl had meant.

"You mean the lies Mother made me believe about myself?" Lillie asked, earning a nod from the Dartrix.

"Well, Mother was adamant that I was a useless girl that was simply too weak to leave her sight, so she forbade me from ever seeing the mainland back when I was seven." Lillie explained, her eyes gaining a faraway look to them as she cast her mind back to a painful childhood. It of course didn't start out that way, but most of the memories she had of the Aether Paradise were of being locked in a gilded cage and hating herself more and more with each passing year. It was a Paradise, yes, but it confined her. Trapped her. She was never allowed to truly be herself. Merely a pretty little doll for her Mother to manipulate as she saw fit.

"Mother loved to tell me over dinner all sorts of nasty things. Things such as that without her, I would never be good enough. That in order to be loved, I had to be beautiful." Lillie's voice hitched when she spoke that word. Despite herself, and despite being called it by others, she truthfully despised it because of the way Mother had tainted it for her. "But the point is, I recognize those words for what they were. Lies. And even though our minds may believe such things as the truth, that will never make them true. Does that make sense?"

Oliver sighed, looking away from the girl as Nebby wriggled in her arms. Lillie released the Cosmog and he floated over to the Dartrix, resting himself atop the bird's head.

"It's just...Ever since I fought that Ultra Beast, I've felt strange. Off. I can feel instincts overpower my training. It's so hard to listen to orders when I simply want to tear apart my enemies with my quills and claws. Something is wrong with me...Even after getting helped, I still keep messing up. I can't even evolve!" Oliver screeched loudly, so great was his distress. Nebby floated down and nuzzled the bird's side, desperately trying to cheer him up.

"I don't deserve this...Any of the kindness you and Sun have shown me." Oliver seethed, not understanding any of this. He was such a failure, always letting Sun down when he needed him the most.

The showdown against Olivia, when he had been distracted by his feathers getting dirty. Protecting Sun against the Ultra Beast, getting injured and poisoned in the process. Failing to defeat Totem Vikavolt despite the advantage he had. Allowing Guzma and his Golisopod to defeat him in a single move. Being unable to stop Sun's death at the hands of Roran Rubinara. Losing to Hau's Cassy for the first time ever...And most recently, failing to evolve and win the most recent Totem battle. Failure after failure, mistake after mistake, and despite it all, Sun refused to give up on him. The boy comforted him after these losses, and made sure he kept training. It was something he didn't understand.

"A lot of times, people who feel sad often don't get why people give them the time of day." Lillie said quietly, her tone gentle. "I've never felt like I deserved the kindness I've been given since my journey in Alola began. Sun in particular has been so good to me...I always ask myself why. Why should this weak, insignificant, hideous and pathetic excuse of a girl be given so much kindness?" Lillie's words were angry, and Oliver looked at her with surprise, but saw that she was smiling despite it.

"Because despite the terrible, awful things in this world, Oliver, there are just as many wonderful and kind things and people waiting for us. Sun is one of them. He sees the genuine best in everyone, and even though he's been through so much hardship, he manages to keep going. That's why I admire him so much. He gives me hope." Lillie said with a bright smile, flushing slightly as she stopped herself from saying more than that. She knew full well that she more than admired Sun, but she didn't want to get away from the point.

Oliver looked back towards the ocean and thought over the words of the girl that had claimed the heart of his Trainer. Despite her lack of skill, Lillie was stronger than most. Strong not like how Finn was or Kahuna Hala, but more like Penny. The strength that came from an incredible will.

Oliver thought and thought, even if a vocal part of him dismissed Lillie's words…Sun had been nothing but kind to him and the others in the time that Oliver knew the boy. Even when the Dartrix was poisoned by the strange creature from Beyond and his mind went strange, Sun never gave up on him. Even when he was younger as a Rowlet, acting out, Sun never gave up on him. Even when he was losing important battles that Sun and the team worked hard to prepare for, Sun never gave up on him.

Even when there were times, like right this moment, where Oliver hated himself. Sun refused to give up on him.

It was then that Oliver understood the motivations of Sun's father. The man of fire known as Borlath who commanded Legendaries and who radiated relentless anger and unfathomable sorrow at the same time. He too hated himself so much that he wanted to remove himself from the world and make it a better place. Borlath also believed that as a result of the injustices of the world and his own tragedies, that there was no hope left for any of them without the drastic actions that involved a sacrifice to the Tapu. A terrible sacrifice for a selfish wish that could destroy everything.

Sun wanted to reach out to his father, to convince him that he was both wrong and bring him to justice properly. That there was still hope left in the world. Hope for humanity and those who dwelled on planet earth.

There was still hope for Borlath. Sun still believed, despite it all.

"Maybe if there's hope for him, then there's some for me too. Sun...I don't know what you see in me and everyone else. But I believe in you. So I'll believe in myself." Oliver said quietly to himself as he looked out over the ocean, even as Lillie smiled beside him.

"Good! I'm glad you're finally getting that message!"

Oliver's head rotated 180 degrees in surprise as Sun walked down from the front steps of the lab, smiling down at the three of them. Oliver looked away and ruffled his feathers in embarrassment while Lillie smiled brightly at her friend. The boy walked forward and sat down beside Oliver, putting a hand on his head as Nebby cried out happily, "Papa! You're here! Make Big Bro less sad!"

"What's on your mind, Oliver?" Sun asked the owl, who looked away from his Trainer.

"That...I've been really stupid. I shouldn't have doubted how much you care about me. How much you care about all of us. Even Alastor, for some reason. You're too good of a human, you know." Oliver remarked, causing Sun to laugh after a moment.

"I don't know about that. I just do what makes sense. You'll get through this. I believe in you, Oliver. I always have." Sun said quietly, stroking the bird's head and causing him to shut his eyes. Oliver laughed in response, and began to preen his feathers. Sun turned to Lillie, his eyes becoming blue.

"We've decided on a course of action. We're going to storm the Absolution and stop Dad...once and for all." Sun said to Lillie, sounding determined. "Wes is leading a team of the best Trainers we have on hand to fight our way to my father before it's too late."

"Even you?" Lillie asked. Sun nodded in response and the girl cried out, "It's too dangerous!"

"Maybe, but after seeing so many people get hurt, I can't just stand by and let people fight for me, Lillie. I have to see him. I have to talk to my Dad. I have to make him understand that he can't go through with his wish…" Sun muttered, looking away from his best friend as she got to her feet. Lillie looked at Sun with an unreadable expression before stepping forward to hug the boy, catching him off-guard.

"I know I can't stop you. All I can do is tell you that I believe in you." Lillie whispered, resting her chin on Sun's shoulder. "Just...be careful?"

"Of course." Sun replied just as quietly, returning the embrace as he held Lillie close.

"And if you run into Amber Fontaine, and it's safe...punch her in the face for me." Lillie said with surprising venom, enough to make Sun smile despite his concern for those hurt by the assassin's surprise attack.

"Of course." And for a time, the two children held one another, allowing their actions to speak instead of simple words. They split apart when Aria came outside, telling them that they were heading back to the hospital to visit the Professors and Kahunas. The Snagger wore a smirk of amusement, causing the two children to blush in embarrassment.

"Just wanted to let you know I just got an update from Mallow and the others. They're in on our plan to attack the Absolution once it appears. Until then, we're resting up and preparing for a hard battle." Aria said as she walked towards them.

"How're the Captains?" Sun asked Aria, who smiled wanly at the boy.

"They've been released, but they're staying in Hau'oli City right now since everything is so crazy. After Hala and Olivia got hurt, they want to be nearby to support them. Borlath only knocked them out, as opposed to killing them..." Aria explained to the boy as she crossed her arms. She shut her eyes, humming thoughtfully before shaking her head.

"What's up?" Sun asked the Snagger.

"Nothing...Anyways, thank goodness Colress is here. He's been so busy with helping with the new Purification Chamber at Aether Paradise, I almost forgot how relieving having him around is. He helped Sophie and Daruk recover from their injuries and he's working to keep the Professors stable." Aria explained to Sun, who nodded in agreement. He had seen the strength of Colress firsthand, and wished that the enigmatic scientist had been around for Roran's attack a few weeks ago. Maybe then Sun wouldn't have died, or more importantly, watched others die.

"Science is pretty incredible." Sun remarked, though he was still concerned about Aria's team not quite being totally healed despite Colress' efforts. "Is Zinnia and Zygarde doing okay?"

"Mostly. Zinnia's weak from how much blood she lost, but she's adamant she can fight. She's currently out looking for more Zygarde Cells, and says she'll rejoin the attack once we're ready. We're very close to reforming Zygarde, but I honestly doubt we can manage it before tonight." Aria sighed, putting a hand to her head. "Come on, guys, let's head inside. We need to get some food and rest before the nightfall...After that, well, I guess we'll find out soon enough." Aria remarked as she walked back inside of Professor Kukui's Lab.

"I should probably prepare some things for Professor Burnet and Kukui at the hospital. And maybe get some pudding for Kahuna Hala. He'd like that." Lillie thought aloud, following Aria inside. She looked back at Sun and Oliver, who had both returned their gazes towards the ocean.

"Sun?"

"I'll be inside in a minute. Just want to take a moment and think."

"Okay. Don't be too long, okay?"

"Mmhmm."

Lillie followed Aria into the lab, leaving Sun and his Partner outside. Sun continued to think about the events of the night so far and sighed, taking off his cap and running a hand through his hair as his eyes flickered darker for a few moments. Sun then put the cap back on his head, his eyes returning to gray. Brago and Finn joined the duo on the shore, with Penny fluttering to Oliver's side at the same time. Alastor lingered back, eyes narrowed in bemusement.

"Soon...I'm coming for you, Dad." Sun breathed as Oliver stood beside his Trainer, a smile coming to the bird as he looked up at the boy. Maybe Oliver didn't have the confidence and strength that Sun thought he did.

But Oliver believed in his Trainer. He believed in the boy that had stood against evil before, time and time again, despite the odds. And if this child had enough faith in Oliver and saw something in him that he didn't…

Who was he to doubt Sun? Faith was a funny thing, after all.


NEXT TIME: The final battle against Cipher begins, and Vivian finally reveals the sacrifice she's made to save the timeline.


Q & A

From: Oragonking

Is Sophie alright? I know that a Pokeball can keep a Pokémon alive.

She's alright, or at least good enough to fight in the upcoming chapter. Colress has been working overtime to heal those injured in the previous few chapters, though he whether or not he'll be able to save them all is a question up for debate.

From: Madame Rodoshe

I have few fun questions, what are the favorite and least favorite foods for Laura, Ollie, Ashton, Ano, Lahela, and Dawson? Did Ashton visited the unnamed gen 9 region? Will Oliver ever evolve in the future? Is there Cipher base in Sinnoh?

Oh jeez, I never thought that far ahead for most of these characters, especially like Lahela and Ano. Sun loves cheesecake, that's for sure, but I honestly can't remember whether or not he dislikes anything strongly. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before in a past chapter, but it's not coming to me right now.

And Ashton has visited many of the regions in the world over the course of his travels. Considering I don't know what the 9th region is even called, as of this story...sure.

We shall see!

And there was a Cipher Base in Sinnoh, but Wes destroyed it during his Sinnoh Campaign.

That's all for now, folks. We've officially entered the Endgame of the Cipher Arc, with the team preparing for the final showdown!

In the meantime, please show your support in the review section below and let me know your thoughts. As always, you can also Favorite and/or Follow the story to stay updated and ask questions about the story as well. I also have a Discord for the story for discussing things both story-related and other things. Plus, we've got a TV Tropes page.

Take care and stay awesome!

Until next time, FlygonNick out!