Chapter 197 Painter/Noel

Ash, Serena, Lillie, and Shelly are back on the surface, and they find Eve, Lumi, and Heather at the tree.

Lumi: (Hugs Ash) You really did it! Now there's nothing standing in our way from rescuing Noel properly!

Eve: It seems Shelly's theory was correct? I'm relieved, though I can't say I understand the mechanics on any kind of technical level... Then again, I suppose I should know by now better than to expect everything to have a perfect technical explanation anyway. It seems people always surprise me. It's nice.

Heather: So you finally did it, huh? I suppose that's to be expected from someone who beat me. The barrier had entirely enclosed the top before and it wasn't flinching no matter what I did to it! But just a bit ago, it cracked like an egg! Much less messy than one too! Anyway, I didn't see Noel anymore when I was up there, so I'm a little concerned...

Ash: We'll find him, and perhaps we can also save him.

Then they all fly to the top of the tree, and then they start to find Noel and the two Legendary Anomalies. They head south first and find a dead end, but Yveltal is there waiting for them. The Anomaly Pokemon is using Cresselia, Milotic, Lunala, Solgaleo, Xerneas, and Yveltal. Ash, Serena, and Lillie use their Pokemon to defeat all six of them and eventually capture Yveltal.

Serena: Now we have Yveltal, the only one left is Xerneas.

Ash: Don't forget we have to find Noel.

They head north of the Rhodochrine Tree, and they still can't find Noel, but they find the Anomaly Xerneas and it is about to battle. But before that, Lin's portal appears once more.

Lin: Okay, wait, hold on. This anomaly is FILTHY! When was the last time this thing was washed?! Seriously- just look at all this junk in it- Here, let me just shake it out-

Much to their surprise, Noel appears, but it is glowing with Umbral Energy.

Ash: Even Noel?

Noel: Excuse me?

Lin: You're excused! No, wait, you should be thanking me! What were you doing inside that anomaly? Do you know even KNOW where it's been? It could be ANYWHERE! Even CRAUDBURRY'S HOUSE! So you're welcome. Now quick, let's fight to get that icky new world juice off before you go ballistic and tell us how you secretly hate everyone or whatever!

Noel: There's no need.

Lin: Nonsense, it happens every time! Quick quick quick, battle battle battle!

Noel: (Looks at Ash) If you insist.

Ash is surprised to hear what Noel is saying, but he still has to save Noel from that energy. But then they have to fight Noel and the Xerneas Anomaly at the same time. They send out Ribombee, 2 Cosmeom, Mega Blaziken, Spiritomb, Sylveon, Mew, Lugia, Giratina, Tapu Lele, Clefable, and Xerneas. Ash, Serena, Lillie, and even Heather also come to save them, which helps a lot since their Pokemon are tired after battling the Yveltal Anomaly.

Noel: This wasn't necessary. I know what happens to others, but it's not me. I was in control even in the aura. But it doesn't matter. Let's be done. I'm tired of others assuming they know what I need better than I do.

Ash: Then tell us what happened?

Noel: When you were gone, I already met Xerneas. We understand each other. We were still understanding each other when I was torn out. That was just part of it. But you usually try to catch Legendaries. (Looks at Xerneas) Okay, Xerneas will go with you. It's my friend, so take good care of it.

Then Xerneas walks towards Ash and bows, then Ash uses the Reborn Ball to capture the final Legendary before Arceus.

Ash's New Capture in Rhodochrine Tree: Xerneas, Yveltal (Event)

Noel: There's still more to do, right? I'll wait for you.

Ash: Actually, we are actually quite done here, we also caught Yveltal.

Noel: So you dealt with Yveltal too. (Looks around the area) But it still looks like this. I guess there's no reason that removing the source of the problem would undo it. Disappointing.

Just then, much to their delight, Ash's parents, Radomus and Delia arrive at the tree.

Ash: Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?

Delia: We're worried for you so we come as quick as possible.

Radomus: The crest, at last, is it? That was an arduous climb... in no small part for the length of time I was left out on a limb. Literally, that is- We heard Noel was here and came to check on him, but in the end, those barriers nearly boxed us in entirely... I suppose I have you to thank for it? I owe so much already, and now this too. But really, why must I always get stuck somewhere or other whenever I try to help out in any which way?

Ash: I don't know? But Noel is fine, he's over there.

Radomus decides to walk toward Noel, only to give him a cold shoulder.

Radomus: So, uh... How's it going?

Noel: You can skip the half-hearted efforts.

Radomus: Of course, I can't say you're wrong to feel that way, but I assure you, if my efforts are half-hearted, it's only because the other half went away a long time ago. All that I have left is here for you, your brother, and your mother.

Noel: ...I guess. It seems like you only care about the half that's gone.

Radomus: I am ashamed to be all-too-often at a loss for how otherwise to show it, but I assure you, the distance between us is as great a tragedy as any other I've suffered. And, still being ongoing, perhaps even greater.

Noel: Sure. You can say it, but it seems like you decided that Anna was the important one from the start. Maybe even Ash and Mom ever since they came back to Reborn.

Delia: Noel...

Radomus: I was worried about her. I was afraid she would disappear like your mother and your brother. And it seems I was nearly right. But even with all my worries, I wasn't able to prevent it. All I did was make you feel like you were playing second fiddle.

Noel: It's not just that. Even down to our names, Fantasia and Painter. The amazing one, and the boring one. What will I do, go paint someone's house for them? You had a clear favorite since the start.

Radomus: Ah. I can understand your feeling that way, however... I'm afraid I must emphatically disagree. I worry that this will sound like mere excuses to you, but if you would believe it, I assure you that you and I see very different meanings in that name. Where you see a laborer, I saw an artist. These were fictions of the man I was more than a decade ago, but I had fancied the two of you inseparable and inconquerable. Fantasia, the dreamer her mother was, and Painter, the one who could draw those dreams into reality.

Noel: Her keeper.

Radomus: My present self laments the ideal. It was immature of me not to imagine what worlds you would want to paint for yourself. And what is in a name? Whatever it is, it's certainly not who one must be. Even then, I don't see it as so unenviable. The world is full of dreamers. Dreams are in high supply and no demand. What is needed is the ability to bring them to life. To some, perhaps even a black-and-white world like this one is a canvas waiting to be drawn on.

Noel: (Realizes while looking at the place) Oh. I guess it was obvious. The color is gone. It was taken away, so we just need to put new color back instead.

Ash: That's right. But how are we going to do this?

Noel: (Turns to his parents) Mom, Dad. You were late. We met Xerneas.

Radomus: Indeed?

Noel: Xerneas understood me. And I understood Xerneas. The way it shapes life and land... It's no different than art. Just creation. Trees should be green. The sky should be blue. What color should I be? And what does it matter? No, let's make something completely different.

Much to their surprise, the whole place starts to glow, and the colors are getting back into the tree. But instead of the normal colors, all the colors are mixed up, the water are purple, and the ground they are standing on is either green, orange, or indigo.

Radomus: Ah...

Noel: I think I understand now.

Radomus: ...Well, that would make one of us.

Noel: Oh well.

Ash: I just realized, Dad. Why are you having cat ears on your head right now?

Radomus: Er- yes, of course. I was climbing a tree; what did you expect? Is that really the most notable thing here?

Noel: I guess not. When I was in the Anomaly, I saw something else. I think I understand how to reach it now. How Lin reaches the New World. (Senses something) Ash! Get ready!

Ash: Wait, what?

Just then, much to their surprise, another Umbral person appears in front of them, and Ash gasps as he realizes the person in front of them is no other than the former Team Meteor Agent: Eclipse.

Delia: Isn't that a Team Meteor grunt?

Ash: That's Eclipse...Aster's partner until she was killed by Sirius' Chandelure for treason...

Eclipse: Ah? WheN am I? I doN't thInk I'm suPPoseD tO bE hERe... My tIme waS ovEr. AnD by noW, hiS mUSt bE toO... IT waS quieT thERe. No paniC. No racE againsT thE clOCk. No rabbiT holE to bURy mY guilT iN. ChasinG a curE? No, I waS jusT ruNNing. If I reallY careD, I would'vE stAYed witH hiM froM thE stARt. AnD noW it's toO lATE. I'vE wasteD toO mUCh timE alreadY. JusT senD mE bACk.

Just then, Eclipse sends out her Pokemon as she tries to battle.

Ash: Leave this to me, I know about her and I'm going to free her from the energy.

The others nod as their first battle is Milotic versus Torterra, Torterra goes for Frenzy Plant to deal a lot of damage to Milotic, but Milotic in return use Toxic to poison Torterra, and then even use Protect to block Torterra's Wood Hammer. But Torterra still defeats Milotic with Frenzy Plant once more. The second Pokemon for Eclipse is Lunala, and it goes for the Z Move Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom to defeat Torterra. Ash goes for Malamar, using Topsy Turvy to change into Inverse Field and uses Psychic to knock it out.

The third Pokemon is Entei, and it defeats Malamar with Curse and Extreme Speed, so Ash goes for Milotic next, and Milotic goes for the Z Move Hydro Vortex, knocking the Entei out of the battle. The fourth Pokemon is Necrozma, and it goes for Photon Geyser to knock out Milotic. Ash goes for Leavanny, using X Scissor and Leaf Blade to knock Necrozma out. The fifth Pokemon is Mega Audino, and it uses Hidden Power to knock out Leavanny, so Ash goes for Pikachu next, defeating it with Iron Tail.

Eclipse: You'rE stilL hERe?

The final Pokemon is Chandelure, which surprises Ash since she was killed by it. Ash switches Pikachu out to Zygarde, using Thousand Waves and Thousand Arrows to knock the final Pokemon out.

Eclipse: TimE onlY passeS fASt iN our memories.

Then Eclipse falls to the ground, with the energy leaving. After a while, she manages to get back up.

Eclipse: Ugh. Where am I and who slipped acid into my drink? Pretty sure I'm seeing Skrelp colors...

Radomus: No drink required for that. I'm afraid we haven't met, but I have some experience with falling back into the world after an extended vacation. Can we be of some assistance? I know the after-effects can be exhausting.

Eclipse: How long have I been gone? Where is Sirius?

Radomus: Ah, you knew my old friend. I can infer what happened to you. We've much to discuss, I'm sure, but you may rest assured that Team Meteor has been defeated and he will not be a threat again.

Eclipse: Then I should get to my father at once. I've been away for too long. For all I know, he could already be- (Tears flow from her eyes) I've been awful... I left him all alone...

Delia: There's no need to be hard on yourself for it. Family is meant to be treasured, but no one is quite sure how to do so.

Noel: I'm sure he appreciates how hard you've been trying in your own way.

Radomus: ...Indeed. Parents and children alike must work to learn and understand how best to appreciate each other. The responsibility doesn't lie with you alone.

Eclipse: Uh, I don't really know what you guys are saying right now, but thanks, I think?

Radomus: Let us help you down. It's a long way, as I've discovered. If that is all right with you?

Noel: Go ahead. I'll stay here. But thanks for talking to me. I'll visit the Nightclub sometimes too, but I think I can find more than just this girl.

Delia: You mean Lin? You can find her?

Noel: Probably. I don't know. I'll try.

Eclipse: ...Why are you looking for-(Shakes her head) You know what, no, nevermind. I don't want to know. I said I'm done and out.

Radomus: A wise decision. Let's be off. The descent is slower than one might like.

Then they decide to leave Noel here as they all head to the Night Club.


And here is a new chapter, and Eclipse is back. I hope you like it and the next 2 chapters will be the final stretch of the game before facing the true ending.