Chapter 200 The End of the Beginning
After arriving at the Rhodochrine Tree, Noel nods as they manage to bring Fern and take the Meteor away.
Noel: I see. Okay, so we can begin.
Fern: So what exactly are we doing here? Can you actually tell me?
Noel: You don't need to do anything. Just wait. I'll make a door.
Fern: What do you mean by "a door"? Why am I here?
Noel: You just needed to be there. You were at the place where Ash is going.
Fern: I was? Where? When? I'm not following you here.
Noel: It was about a clock ago. Just be quiet for a moment so I can focus on it.
Then Noel starts to focus his powers as the other four watch him creating a New World Door, much to their surprise.
Noel: That door will put you at Lin.
Fern: Shit, it's finally time, huh? Should we round up the other leaders, get ready to storm in there, and put her out for good?
Noel: No. Only Ash needs to go.
Fern: What? C'mon, you called me all the way up here and expect me to not ride into battle too?
Noel: Yes. I just needed your past self's memories.
Fern: ... That's kinda uncool, but fine. I'm not about to get my breeches twisted over it. Just tell me why you're sending Ash to do it alone. I know I may not be the best guy for the job, but isn't some backup better than none?
Noel: No. She's expecting everyone. She has something ready for everyone. That amount of resistance will only enable her. If only Ash goes, she'll wilt under her own expectations.
Fern: ...I don't like it, but I think I get it. Fine. Ash, just know that I'm on deck if something goes wrong. I can heal your team if you need to.
Noel: Good luck. We're counting on you.
Serena: We know that we can't come with you, but please be safe.
Lillie: You're all our hope, Ash.
Ash nods as he and Pikachu step into the New World Portal, arriving at the place known as New World Asylum. They find the path chained with some golden chains and also some doors. Some of them are opened, while some of them are actually locked. When they open one door, they find Arclight inside, but just as Ash touches him, he is just gone.
Ash: I see what he means by planning the others to come here...but maybe if I interact with all those figures, then I can get to Lin?
He walks left first, and he finds Ace, Cal, and Charlotte. But Charlotte is talking to him.
Charlotte: Stuck in here again, huh? What'd you do this time? Have you considered, perhaps, NOT being an insufferable little nuisance for once in your life? Didn't think so. We may both be in here for the night, but don't expect me to act all buddy-buddy to you. Not after last time. If you didn't want to lie in it, you shouldn't have dug your own grave.
Ash knows that it is what Charlotte told Lin when she's still in the orphanage, perhaps that the ones that were in the same orphanage would talk. Ash finds a Gold Key on the ground after it disappears. When he uses the key to open the locked door, he finds Sigmund inside.
Sigmund: I offer you, children, asylum. Do not flinch from the name- for what asylum is, is too oft misunderstood as mere containment. Down to its roots- the greek "asylon" meaning "refuge", that itself from "asylos"- "a safe place, protecting those inside from violence and harm." Allow me to offer you what your parents could not. No harm will come to you here, child.
Ash is confused, but Sigmund also disappears, so he decides to continue to interact by going right this time. There is his father, Radomus, Heather's father, Corey, Fern, Amaria, Florinia, and Noel.
Noel: What do you want, Lin? If you don't need anything from me, then just go away. I'm tired of all your stupid games. So is everyone else. Even Anna is just too nice to say no. Leave her alone for once.
This Noel also drops the Golden Key, so Ash uses it to unlock the other door, revealing Anna inside.
Anna: Oh, hi, Lin! You wanted to play another game? Sure, but I'm obviously just gonna win again! You don't use your pawns as much as you could, and then you have to rely on your queen too much. Here, you can move first. You could try to work on maintaining a more consistent line this game? Fair warning- even though I'm saying this now, don't expect me to go easy or help you once we start! This one's gonna be all-out!
With Anna gone, the chains are finally broken, but then he hears Lin's voice from the top of the place.
Lin: So! you've managed to find my SECRET LAIR. I bet y'all are feeling pretty good about yourselves, huh? Well, that's about to end! I'm going to blow you and all of your friends out of...out of...wait, where is everyone? Is this the opposite of a surprise party?
Ash: You won't be finding anyone. I'm here, alone, that is if you don't count my Pokemon.
Then Ash continues to interact with the figures, there are Zero, Eve, Blake, Taka, Titania, and Laura on the left side.
Laura: H-hello there, little Lin... I'm, ah, very- very sorry, but I can't- er, won't be able to play with you right now... Please don't be upset! It's just that I- my sisters, they had something they wanted to do... It was meant to be just between the three of us as family, you know? Sorry- maybe we can draw together more next time!
This time she drops the Ivory Key, and Ash realizes that this is what Anna has been talking to him about when he was in the Endgame. He needs Gold and Ivory Keys to stop Lin. The locked door leads to a woman, who Ash doesn't recognize.
Lin's mother:Shush- shh, shh, sh... No more, no more crying, he's gone now... Your father won't hurt you or anyone else ever again... But it's too late, isn't it? I'm so sorry- I failed you. I failed you... This is the least I can do. You shouldn't have to live with the same pain- this is for the best- No, what am I doing? What am I doing? Mommy is so sorry, darling... I'm so sorry... I'm sorry...
Ash realizes that the woman might be Lin's mother, and she seems to be apologizing to Lin, he starts to wonder if maybe that's why Lin becomes the way she is right now. He continues to interact with the figures from the right, there are Elias, Luna, Lumi, Sirius, and Saphira.
Saphira: For the last time, back the fuck off. She said she didn't want to play with you, so she's not going to play with you. No matter how many times you ask, it's not going to change, so stop asking. None of us want to have this conversation ever again, and yet you show up insisting on the same thing day after day. Am I understood or am I not understood? Say it with me then. You will leave her alone, now and forever.
After Saphira disappears, another Ivory Key appears. Inside the locked door, he finds a man inside, Ash has to assume that it is her father.
Lin's father: You did good, little girl. You'll always be my little angel. Remember, not a word to mommy- for her sake. But I'm sure that someday, for some very lucky man, you'll be just a perfect wife.
The chains are gone for the second time, and Ash knows that he is getting closer to Lin.
Lin: You've kept me waiting all this time, but NOW we'll end things once and for... what, still just you? Well... i'm sure everyone else is on their way! I'm the bad guy! They have to stop me! Right? ...right?
Ash: Just me, and no one else.
In the next phase, Ash notices the Lin doll that was at the side, and he also finds the figures of Solaris, Lin herself as the doll, and Orderly John.
John: Lin, we can't keep doing this. You get five more minutes with the lights on, but that's it. Any more, and I'm going to have to explain to the Doctor why you keep insisting I be the one to do your checks. Neither of us wants that, so please, just, for once in your life, be quiet, and go to sleep.
After that, he disappears, and there is also Euphie, Ame, Adrienn, and a couple, who Ash doesn't recognize as well.
Man: Look, I'm certainly not going to blame you for anything- I just don't understand it, see? Our little girl's been acting so strangely ever since you came here, and, of course, you're not responsible for her actions, but... I just wonder if some space wouldn't do her good. Proper boundaries and all that. I don't think you've slept in the room we set up for you even once, have you? Perhaps it's time we try a little harder to figure out just where you came from...
Woman: Oh, honey, of course, you can stay with us! At least long enough until we figure out your situation, yeah? A little girl, left alone out in the storm- oh geez, what's the city coming to? It seems like just anyone can do heartless things these days. Well, don't you worry about it, honey. We can set you up in the storeroom- a little cramped, don't mind it! But it's all yours as long as you need. Speaking of, you need a towel and a half! Bet you some cocoa will you do you good before you catch a cold too. Marshmallows, honey?
The woman is gone and leaves an Ebony Key, the final key Ash needs to reach Lin. And in the final locked room, he finds Terra in this one.
Terra: H-hey, hold on, what's the matter? Where are your parents? Okay, no, no, I'm sorry- please don't cry? Look, don't you have anyone looking out for you? I have to get home before my parents notice I've been out, but... Well, if you just need somewhere to get out of the rain, you could come with me, I guess? We're still in city limits, and then we can make some phone calls and figure out where you need to be, okay? Oh, I can show you what games I have too! If- if you like that kind of thing anyway. It's gonna be all right... Don't worry... You know, maybe someday, the both of us can learn to stop living in fear. Wouldn't that be something? Look, I'm certainly not going to blame you for anything-
After Terra disappears, Ash realizes that the couple might be Terra's parents, but then he decides to move forward and he breaks the third chain.
Lin: ...it's just going to be you, huh. Man. I had everything all set up for a whole big epic showdown! The forces of friendship vs the big baddy bad! Remember? It was supposed to be a big party? I even had refreshments ready!
Just then, for some reason, a store appears out of nowhere, much to Ash's surprise.
Lin: Just in case? They could drink up while I rattled through my whole monologue! I was very proud of that monologue! I spent all day working on it...
Ash: We know you'll be thinking like that, that's why I will be the only one here.
Lin: What, are they just too scared of me? Can't face me themselves? Well... whatever. I guess you're still here. C'mon, let's do our big showdown or whatever. Who even cares anymore.
Then Ash climbs the final stairs as he finally gets to see Lin in person, and the Arc-PULSE beside her, which is the real reason why Ash is here in the first place.
Lin: Fine then, fight me...but first! You must defeat my legion of evil minions! Or, well, uh, this one at least?
Much to Ash's surprise, Terra is now in front of them.
Lin: Man, I was hoping at least she might show up. At least she was usually there for me ...whatever. Just, fight or something.
Ash realizes that it is actually a doll, not Terra herself, and she goes for the Big Top Arena field and sends out Dusk Form Lycanroc. Ash goes for Garchomp and Lycanroc tries to use Accelrock and Stone Edge to deal damage but is knocked out after Garchomp uses Earthquake to get an Over 9000. The second Pokemon is Landorus, with the Sheer Force as the ability, it uses Earthquake to get Over 9000, knocking out Garchomp, so Ash goes for Greninja, trying to dodge the attacks and land for an Ice Beam, knocking the Pokemon.
The third Pokemon is Kommo-o, and it knocks Greninja out with the Poison Jab. Good thing Ash doesn't use the Bond Phenomenon, or else he has to take a lot of damage. Ash goes for Charizard next, and it tries to use Clanging Scales, but Ash Mega Evolve Charizard into Y form and uses Dragon Claw and Wing Attack, knocking the Pokemon out. The fourth Pokemon is Meloetta, and it goes for Return and Acrobatics, knocking Charizard out. Ash goes for Giratina for the fourth Pokemon, and Giratina goes for Dragon Pulse to knock the Meloetta out.
The fifth Pokemon is Xerneas, and it goes for Moonblast to knock Giratina out, so Ash goes for Solgaleo, using the Z Move Searing Sunraze Smash to knock it out. The final Pokemon is Mega Altaria, but Sogaleo also defeats the Pokemon with Sunsteel Strike in the end.
Lin: Oh no, how could my minion be defeated...what will i do...:crying_emoji: ...just yeet her into the void or something. I don't care. It's not like I can't just make more.
Then the Terra doll is just thrown away, and Lin decides to step forward.
Lin: Well, I hope you didn't think this would be that easy, cuz it's time to fight my next minion, or should I say ME-nion, cuz it's me, funny joke everyone laughed and showed up in the first place. We're having a great time. Sighs.
Much to Ash's horror, Ash is now going to battle Lin as she sends out Mawile and Necrozma, Ash realizes that the only Pokemon he has left are Pikachu and Solgaleo. It is a good thing that Delia has given him some Max Revives, so he can continue to battle. Solgaleo goes for Flare Blitz, only to be Sucker Punched by Mawile, and Pikachu goes for Thunderbolt, paralyzing the Necrozma. Necrozma is in Dusk Mane form and it goes for Sunsteel Strike, damaging Pikachu a lot, but Ash manages to revive Charizard and recalls Pikachu, having Charizard use Heat Wave to knock both of them out.
The third Pokemon is Lunala and Volcanion, and Volcanion goes for Steam Eruption, knocking both Solgaleo and Charizard out. Ash goes for Greninja and Pikachu for the two of them, both of them are fighting hard while Ash continues to revive his teammates. Greninja lands a Night Slash to knock Lunala out, so Lin sends out Magearna as the fifth Pokemon. And Pikachu also uses Thunderbolt to defeat Volcanion.
Lin: Oh no, what will I do now?
Lin is now panicked as she goes for Tyranitar, using the Z Move Black Hole Eclipse to defeat Pikachu, fortunately, Ash manages to revive Charizard back, and by dodging the attacks from Tyranitar, it defeats Magearna with the Heat Wave, and Ash also uses the Z Move Hydro Vortex to defeat Tyranitar.
Lin: Wow... how could you defeat me like this...just please don't hurt my baby, he's all I have left ...which, I guess, isn't really a joke anymore. Yikes, not even the dolls are any fun now. What do I even do? Why do I even do? Well... as long as I have me and deus ex-pubby, I can keep going for as long as I want! Just have to make sure that nothing happens... to him...
Much to Ash's horror, the Anomaly light on the PULSE Arceus starts to glow and summon 6 Pokemon. As Ash is about to feel despair after all those hard battles, he finds someone that he is delighted to see.
Arceus: Well met, Chosen one, I see you're struggling.
Lin: (Surprised) Another puppy?
Ash: Arceus, thank goodness you're here. We're so close to saving your offspring...but he seems to be surrounded by the Anomaly lights.
Arceus: That's why I'm here, I'll help you with this fight.
Ash is surprised that Arceus is going to help him fight the six Pokemon, and the Arc PULSE sends out Tornadus as the first Pokemon. Ash has Pikachu to help Arceus as they battle the Pokemon. Because of the field, Arceus can randomly change type and with the Judgement and Pikachu's Thunderbolt, it defeats Tornadus. The second Pokemon is Yveltal, and it goes for the Z Move Black Hole Eclipse, but this time Arceus uses Judgement to block the attack, and letting Pikachu use Volt Tackle on the Pokemon. Yveltal goes for Oblivion Wing on Arceus, much to Ash's surprise.
Arceus: It won't change me into a stone, do not worry.
Then Arceus goes for Focus Blast while Pikachu lands another Thunderbolt to knock the Yveltal out. The third Pokemon is Rayquaza, Ash switches into Giratina to help Arceus.
Arceus: So this is one of the creations that he made...
Then Giratina goes for Dragon Pulse, with Arceus using Draco Meteor, Rayquaza is eventually defeated. The fourth Pokemon is Ho-oh, and Ash switches out to Greninja and activates the Bond Phenomenon. Arceus goes for Recover to recover its health, and it goes for Draco Meteor, and Greninja uses Water Shuriken to help out, and Ho-oh is defeated. Much to their surprise, the fifth Pokemon is Cresselia, and it just goes for Lunar Dance to knock itself out, and then the PULSE Arceus is the final one.
Ash: So we're going to fight him this time...
Arceus: Ash, my powers are weakened after the use of Draco Meteor, so I'll have to leave this one to you to attack.
Ash nods as he has Pikachu back in the field. And they are having a hard fight against the PULSE Arceus. Arceus goes for Judgement all the time, and Pikachu and Arceus have to dodge. Whenever they manage to attack, it just uses Moonlight to heal itself. After a long battle, PULSE Arceus is going to lose all its Power Points of the moves.
Ash: Now it is our chance! Pikachu! Give him the final Thunderbolt!
Pikachu fires the electric attack, with Arceus going with Judgement to help out, the attack causes the field to explode, after the smoke clears, the PULSE Arceus is now off its PULSE. And now it is glaring at Lin.
Lin: W-wait, that wasn't supposed to... what did I just do? Wait, puppy, hold on- you're not hurt, are you? I didn't mean to-
Just then, the smaller Arceus is angry at Lin as he tries to attack her, and Lin gets hit and now she is hanging on the ledge as she is about to fall off.
Lin: O-oh...you're done too. Uh oh.
Ash decides to grab Lin first, and Lin is surprised that Ash will try to grab her back to the ground.
Lin: Wwait, what, how are you- I'm not- but arceus- you're not- how did you just... I'm so confused? This should've been it for me, why is this not it for me?
Ash: Because we still don't wish you dead. I know you have done wrong things, but to be killed like that is not right.
They also see that Arceus is trying to calm his offspring down after what Lin has done to him.
Lin: Well, um, this is awkward. I didn't have anything planned for this.
Just then, the smaller one is growling at Lin again, and Lin seems to be a little terrified.
Lin: Okay, puppy is still looking really angrily at me. Don't you want to like, catch it or something, maybe? I'll just... sit here and think about what I've done. Promise.
Ash nods as he walks toward Arceus.
Ash: I know what she did to make you get into the machine is wrong, but please stop, I don't want anyone to get hurt because of this whole thing. There might still be some good memories that you have with Lin, right? Please try to remember the good times.
The small Arceus just stare into Ash for a while, and then Lin, then he roars, much to their confusion.
Arceus: Don't worry. My offspring is now trying to think about the times, in the meantime, how about you capture him so that he can think some more in the ball?
Ash: Are you sure about this?
The smaller Arceus nod as Ash throws the Reborn Ball, capturing the Pokemon in the end.
Ash's New Capture in New World Asylum: Arceus (Event)
Lin: Okay, well... now what? I don't suppose I can just... tag along with you?
Ash: Sure, that's why I'm here, I'm going to bring you back.
Lin: ..cool! I do not understand why this is happening! Let's go!
Ash and Lin then rush down to the New World Gate, hoping to find everyone else who is waiting for them. Arceus watches them go, and he gives a small smile before heading back to the Hall of Origin.
And this is the end of the main story, as you can see, Ash has a hard battle with Lin and PULSE Arceus, and in the end, everything goes well. Of course, if you're picking the Anna route, then the difference is that Anna will try to attack you while you're finding the figures, and she will summon Shade instead of Lin summoning Terra. I hope you like this chapter and this is the end of the main story, but there will be bonus chapters starting from the next one.
