Chapter 173 Luna's Past Part 2
After getting back to the room where the Arceus' Gate is, Ash and Clair find another statue that can make them invisible, so they use the chance to activate the Red Switch.
Ash: Now all that's left is the Purple and Green statues.
Clair: How do you know that it is those two colors?
Ash: I've been here once, instead of buttons, I had to enter the numbers instead. Good thing they have books for us to find the numbers.
Clair: Okay...that sounds weird.
But just as they are going to get out, they find that Ash is stuck between the walls.
Clair: Ash! Are you okay?
Ash: I can't move...what's going on?
When Clair presses the statue again, Ash is teleported back to where the statue is.
Ash: Thanks, Clair, but I guess I have to do this again.
Clair: Since invisibility is not regarding the time but rather the steps we take, I think we should try to count our steps before moving forward.
Ash: I guess you're right.
After solving the puzzle, they manage to hear the voices of Elias and Lukah near the Green Statue, so they decide to hide and listen.
Elias: I see you've been let out.
Lukah: Yeah...
Elias: What is the purpose of a time-out if you can simply end it as you please?
Lukah: It's to allow us time to reflect on our actions and the reasons they may have been a problem. And I was done reflecting. I understand that I could've been in Lord Solaris's way, or caused damage to a priceless statue if I was careless. The young master understood that as well, and we were both very sorry, so one of the others let us go.
Elias: Indeed. I suppose that is adequate. I hope you understand it brings me no joy to have to punish either you or the young master. There are simply things that must be learned, and in the midst of this distortion, we hadn't the time to deal with your antics as well.
Lukah: I get it.
Elias: Just as well. I am grateful the Lord saw fit to grace you with maturity far exceeding your age. I pray it serves the young master well.
Lukah: I'll do my best for him too!
Elias: That is an admirable spirit for one of our family to have. You will be a fitting servant and companion for him- far better than I was for my own charge. Every day, you bring a light I never dared hope for. I am proud to be able to call you my son.
Lukah: ...Soooo, is this whole moving distorted space thing an act of the Lord too, or...?
Elias: We do not believe so. One of the acolytes reports having seen a Palkia in the main chamber. But just how that came to be here may be nothing short of a miracle yet...
Lukah: A Palkia? What's that?
Elias: There's little time to explain. Walk with me; I will tell you as we go.
Ash and Clair realize that there is a Palkia in this room, and they quickly rush to press the green button just as both Lukah and Elias leave. Then they quickly rush to the final statue, which is the Purple one, and they hear Solaris and Taka from this one.
Solaris: Just where have you been?
Taka: Um... Lukah and I were just playing.
Solaris: Right. I trust you've finished your studies already, then?
Taka: Um... Mostly.
Solaris: Mostly? This is a binary answer, Taka. You either have finished them or you have not finished them. Which is it?
Taka: I... guess I haven't finished them.
Solaris: Why do you have to need to guess? Are you unsure if you have or not? Look me in the eyes when I'm speaking to you. Are your expectations unclear?
Taka: N-no, Father.
Solaris: So then do you "guess" to hide your guilt with trifles, or for what reason do you communicate with such ambiguity?
Taka: I'm- sorry.
Solaris: That is not an answer to the question.
Taka: I was... just trying to hide it.
Solaris: Dishonesty is a tool for the weak. Do not fool yourself into believing you are weak. You are a scion. You do not have the luxury of weakness; of guessing. The future weighs on your shoulders. You must rise to meet it. This begins with your studies. Am I understood?
Taka: Y-yeah...
Solaris: "Yes, Father."
Taka: Yes, Father.
Solaris: You must be more assertive. No one will take you seriously if you stammer and stumble through every sentence. I am sure I have told you this before. I do not wish to have this talk again. I will ask again- am I clear?
Taka: Yes, Father.
Solaris: ... Fine. You are dismissed. See to it you complete your studies properly before engaging in frivolousness.
Taka: Yes, Father.
Then after they leave, Ash and Clair press the final button.
Clair: So now what?
Ash: We should go to the altar, maybe that's where Palkia is.
After getting to the altar, they find Palkia there, and it is glowing with Anomaly light.
Clair: So that's the Anomaly light that you spoke of?
Ash: And this seems to be the new Palkia... we have to save it from the light.
Then the Palkia sends out Magearna, Entei, Meloetta Aria forme, Jirachi, Victini, and Palkia, much to their surprise since there are six Legendary and Mythical Pokemon.
Clair: Can we really beat those Pokemon? Lillie isn't kidding me when you're fighting all six Legendary or Mythical Pokemon.
Ash: Their powers are not that much, and besides, I have some Legendary and Mythical Pokemon that can help me fight them.
After defeating all six Pokemon, the Anomaly glow from Palkia is gone and Ash uses the chance to capture the Pokemon. Once Palkia is captured, they go back to the rooms and find that the Sanctum is back to normal.
Clair: So we're going to leave?
Ash: Not yet. There is Dialga as well.
They rush to the library and find Dialga there, also with the Anomaly light. It summons Celebi, Hoopa Unbound, Keldeo, Meloetta Pirouette Form, Volcanion, and another Dialga. And like Palkia, Ash is the main attacker while Clair is assisting while using the Field advantages to defeat the six Pokemon, after that's done, they manage to capture the Dialga in the end.
Ash's New Capture in Subseven Sanctum: Dialga, Palkia (Event)
Clair: So we did it, now what?
Just then, the Reborn Ball that contains Dialga glows, and for some reason, they are teleported to a scene.
Clair: What's going on?
Ash notices the familiar scene, this is where he was fighting Titania's gym, and the scene where Taka was accidentally killed by Titania.
Lin: So, she gave you the Bracelets freely. Why don't you do the same for me? Or do you really think you can stand up to me? Even after what happened to your precious Champion?
Ash: Like I will give you the bracelets!
Much to their surprise, Titania appears behind the knight and uses Aegislash to slash through the chest, and the knight falls down.
Titania: And so it's over. Haha... Ahahaha! That was all it took, huh? Someone should've done that a long time ago. Our whole world's in disarray because of you.
But just as she takes off the helmet, it turns out to be empty, much to both the past and the future Ash's surprise, and Titania also looks at the person with shock.
Titania: Wait, what?
Lin: Well done. (Walks towards them) If you keep swinging that thing around like that, sooner or later someone's going to get hurt.
Titania: Yeah, you!
Titania tries to charge at Lin, but Lin manages to dodge the attack and trips her, causing her to fall down to the ground. Ash can't believe the turn of events.
Lin: That was all it took, Hm?
Just then, Lin grabs Titania's hair and steps in front of the lava, readying to drop her in.
Titania: Ow- Hey, let go of me!
Lin: Is that really what you want? Should I let go?
Titania: Ugh...
Ash: Leave her alone! You murderer!
Lin: One step closer and she's cinders, Ash. (Sees Ash stop and grit his teeth) So, This is how weak you are? One attack while your opponent's back is turned- Is that really all you can muster? And yet, now look whose back is exposed.
Titania: (Looks at the lava first, but smirks) Yours! Aegislash!
Just then, Aegislash charges at Lin on its own and slashes through her, causing her to fall while Titania is grabbing the edge.
Ash: Hang on there! Titania!
Ash rushes towards Titania and drags her up, then Titania walks towards Lin's fallen body.
Titania: For the sake of everything good in this world, Just fucking die already. (Takes out Aegislash from her body and turns to Taka) What was that all about? An empty suit of armor? Just a distraction, maybe. (Ash walks beside her) Lot of good it did her. Come on, Ash. Let's go.
Ash nods as he follows Titania as they leave. While they leave, none of them notice Lin's body twitching, meaning that she's still alive.
After the scene, Ash and Clair are back in the real world, with Luna by their side.
Clair: What was going on?
Ash: I think we somehow rewrote the history...
Luna: Well, then. It would appear the matter has decided itself settled. And be it a twist of the mind or a twist of time, I believe I have some inkling of what transpired beyond there. A memory came to me not too long after you entered. I find myself unsure as to whether or not it was mine before. I suppose this might suggest something to us about the ebb and flow of causes and effects, but I find myself rather too consumed with lamentations to unfold all of that just now...
Ash: I guess we're the same?
Luna: First, if someone truly had to have seen what I suspect you might have just then, I'm not sure I'd have preferred it be you. No offense is meant, of course- perhaps it is even rather more like flattery. Many of us have histories of which we are not proud. And secondly- more pressingly... Well, this is quite a lonely place after all. Lonelier still for the fact that I have failed in my charge. Though on his command, through inaction I've allowed ruin to befall the very bloodline I was sworn to safeguard. There is much legacy that has been my undoing, and it is this which will hang over my conscience for all my days remaining. I pray my services elsewhere are enough to give purpose and life to an otherwise wholly failed steward. And, should they not be, I can live up to his final command fully enough that he would not have regretted it. "Leave," he said. "Go do whatever makes you happy." "Is that an order?" I asked. He affirmed. Though generous, I believe it was an order not born from generosity. Rather, desperation. He perhaps wanted me to have what he could not. But could he now- if he were here to outlive the conflict of his lineage?
?: -fInd oUT.
Ash, Clair, and Luna hear the voice, but they don't know where it comes from.
Luna: Pardon? Did you... say something?
?: I wanT- to fInd oUT!
Just then, much to their surprise, the being in front of them turns out to be Taka, who is affected by the Umbral Aura. Ash realizes that maybe because of what Dialga did, Taka is revived.
Taka: I wanT oUT.
Luna: Young Master...?
Taka: I'm- aliVE. I feeL- aliVE.
Luna: Is it truly...
Taka: ThesE wrEtched haLLwayS' stAle aIr neVer felT so goOD. I wanT to burN iT alL to the groUND. OuR histoRy haS alReadY endED. Let'S senD thiS prisOn wiTH iT.
Luna: You are possessed of this malignant energy.
Taka: It'S noT so bAD.
Luna: Essence of the New World, tainted by a virulent creator. It is bound to bring out the most destructive sides of those whom it envelops.
Taka: DesTructive? No- I feeL greAT. I don'T wanT to leT go oF thiS. FoR the firsT timE- seaRinG desIRE. LunA. WoulD yoU stilL stanD witH me eveN noW? BlacKened eSsenCe be dAmneD; I am thE prIncE of a rUinEd kInGDOM. WilL yoU havE me aS youR masTeR?
Luna: Your mind is altered by the blight; your heart is not at rest. By all means, I should not dare to enable your impulses and wanton recklessness in this state. But I confess that in a heartbeat, I would. No matter how many times you would send me away, my life will always be yours.
Ash and Clair are surprised to hear what Luna has said.
Taka: GooD gIRL. TheN fiNd a sTocK of VerDigNitE. LeT us stArt bY cleaNsinG ouRselveS of thiS wreTcheD plAce. TheRe's noThinG worTh rememBerIng heRe.
Luna: I am obliged to mention that we yet lie beneath the Jasper Ward. Should we allow the support structure to collapse, it will be the citizens who suffer for it.
Taka: ThaT neVer stopPed my faTheR. WhY shouLd it hoLD us bacK noW?
Luna: Young master.
Taka: No, you're riGHT. ThaT's toO faR- it'S thiS aURA. Ash. BreaK me oUT. I want oUT!
Then Ash agrees to battle him, only that he summons Tapu Bulu and Charizard. Ash goes for Nihilego and Palkia to battle. Palkia goes for Spacial Rend on Charizard, dealing a lot of damage, but Charizard Mega Evolves into Y form and goes for Solar Beam, dealing a lot of damage to Nihilego. Nihilego goes for Power Gem and knocks out the Charizard, so Blacephalon is next. As for Tapu Bulu, it goes for Nature Madness on Palkia, cutting half of its health, but it is also defeated by Nihilego's Venoshock.
The fourth Pokemon is Infernape, and with Blacephalon's Shadow Ball, Nihilego is defeated, so Ash goes for Landorus to battle. Landorus goes for Earthquake, knocking out both Pokemon in the end. The final two Pokemon are Volcarona and Heatran, and Ash has Palkia use Hydro Pump and Landorus' Earthquake, causing both Pokemon to get defeated. After losing, Taka's Umbral energy is gone.
Luna: Young Master?
Taka: ...That stuff really does a number on you, huh.
Luna: I see you are yourself once more.
Taka: I feel like I was thrown out of a roller coaster and then run over by its car. Please tell me that was just a very, very long bad dream.
Luna: It was no dream. For us, you have been gone for quite some time. I am much relieved to see you well, Young Master.
Taka: Please, stop calling me... (Realizes something) Wait, wait, I didn't say something weird, did I?
Luna: You asked if I would still serve you and I was happy to oblige.
Taka: Oh, god, I really talked to you like that. Send me back into the void.
Luna: Young Master, please. I did not dislike it. I'm sure there are some who would say you are better with a fire in your eyes.
Taka: Fire, huh...
Luna: I beg your pardon?
Taka: I almost put people in danger again...
Luna: And then you snapped out of it.
Taka: I will not be like my father. The safety of the people has to come first. But... I suppose in a place like this, there would be no harm in a small fire.
Luna: The walls are thorough stone. The exhaust would not be near the people. Even a large inferno should be no threat. Shall we fill the halls with oil and ash?
Taka: And seal the entrance behind us.
Luna: Is that an order, then?
Taka: (Sighs) Yes, it is. We will burn our pasts and bury the memories. And then we will move on and be ourselves at last.
Luna: It will be as you wish, Young Master. I am relieved to see you have not lost all of your spirit. (Turns to Ash and Clair) Allow me to escort you outside. I fear it will no longer be safe here in just a few scintillating moments.
After Ash and Clair leave the Sanctum, Luna and Taka are ready to burn the place.
Luna: May the past remain as it always should- unrepeating and unremembered. Darkness take it- and never let go.
Taka: May the future be brighter than any "holy light".
Luna: With you back in it, Young Master, I believe it will.
Taka: Okay, but seriously? Stop calling me that. I'm older than you anyway.
Luna: Is that-
Taka: Yes, that's an order. If that's what it'll take... Geez.
Then the four of them decide to leave the destroyed Sanctum and head back to the Night Club.
And here is a new chapter, as you can see, Taka is revived and like the others, he will be staying at the Night Club in the game. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be another collab with another game.
