"(This battle that I am witnessing before me…its in no other words…something I can't comprehend.)" Esmeralda thought as she and everyone else continued to see Jexi clash with Gold, his father.

"(I can't even bring myself to join in, even if I wanted to.)" Hope thought. "(If i do… i'd be overwhelmed by their sheer power.)"

"Ultimate Color Fist!" both of them cried out as their fists collided.

"They're both using the Basic Style." Aelita said.

"(Incredible. The pressure they're releasing from their auras are as strong as mom's.)" Ace thought. "(No…I think it may be even stronger.)"

"You use the Basic Style?" Jexi asked.

"Of course…all those other styles just limit the options of what you can do on your own." Gold said. "Like this. Ultimate Color Crossbow!" he said, firing an arrow of energy as Jexi dodged as it grazed past his cheek.

"They truly are father and son. They think the same way, and they're practically matching each other blow for blow." David said.

"Nice trick…but I've got some of my own!" Jexi said as his fist coursed with electricity. "Ultimate Color…Lightning Rain!" he said as he struck the ground as lightning rained down.

"Ah…so you learned the second secret. Not bad. Not many actually figure that one out." Gold said.

"What can I say? I'm always looking to improve." Jexi said.

"Well…guess there's no need to treat you like a kid now." Gold said as he put a fist to the ground before a familiar golden glow surrounded his body. "Don't forget…who held that power before you were even born."

"Golden God Mode…yeah…course I didn't forget." Jexi said entering the same mode.

"Oh, this is awesome." Hope said. "After so long, Gold is finally facing his son. Now I understand why he wanted to forgo being revived by that wish I made in Alola."

"Wait, one of those times people tried to revive Gold that he mentioned, was you?" Adora asked.

"Yeah, but he declined it." Hope said. "He was looking for the right place and time. And this was it. But if he was this strong, I don't understand why he still ended his own life."

"He did that for two purposes." Arceus said. "First to avoid Lucius from going after his other sons. The second…well…to put it in his words…Wouldn't be fun to fight a fight I could easily win. So I'll just wait in the afterlife."

"Wow, based on how we saw him in visions of the past… That does sound like something he would say." David said.

"He did that…out of boredom." Hope said. "Unbelievable. Just…wow."

"I'm not so sure how to feel about that." Ace added. "I mean, committing suicide because he was bored?"

"That is unfortunately how the path of a fighter turns out most of the time." David said. "When there is no one left that can challenge you, you start to feel that there's no point in even continuing."

"That's completely ridiculous. I mean, did he even consider his son's feelings?" Ace asked.

"Now don't jump to conclusions, Ace." Hope said. "I'm sure Gold considered that fact. If you recall, Blazer and Umbra are two of the strongest Color fighters alive right now. While it does seem ridiculous that he ended his own life because he was bored, he may have also wanted to pave the way for his future generation to become stronger in their own way."

"Then he should've done it a different way." Ace said.

"But instead he did it his own way. That's what everyone in that family does it seems. They go their own way without a care about their actions or what happens cause of them." Hope said.

"Yep. He pretty much just does his own thing, damn everything else." David said.

"Yeah, that sounds like Jexi's dad." Mark remarked.

The two Golden Gods continued to fight, neither of them giving an inch as they were being pushed far beyond their limits.

"Not bad…you really are my son." Gold asked.

"Yeah…so…answer me something. Why did you cause trouble in the Dark Kingdom? When you…" Jexi said.

"Well…I took one look and decided…it needed a revolution. Both me and that first queen. That's how your half brother came to be. Man…when I think of the times I met with a woman cause of situations like that." Gold said.

"There's more than one?!" a lot of them said.

"Why am I not surprised?" David asked.

"Were…your parents like that?" Esmeralda asked.

"Not as far as I know. We were pretty much just your standard inter-racial family. Though we try to hide it from public eyes." David said.

"Yeah…and my father was always faithful to my mom. Never even tried to meet another woman." Hope said.

"Aw come on. You kids are making me sound like the bad guy here. Right son?" Gold asked Jexi.

"Okay…think…I'm gonna beat the living daylights out of you now." Jexi said. "Golden God's…."

"Ah crap." Gold said, preparing to block.

"Rapid Pummeling!" Jexi said, rapidly punching at Gold, pushing him right into the barrier as he was being beaten in multiple directions.

"That is…wow." Tsubaki said. "Kinda glad I'm not in there."

"Same." Hayase said.

"Son of a…he was holding back on me." Siege said. "Back in the hockey arena. Now I kinda wanna go next."

"Take a number. I'll try him too someday." Rutega said.

"Maybe I'll fight him properly one day." Richard stated as he recalled the faint feeling of dissatisfaction between him and Jexi during their duel in the Alabaster Icelands.

"Not to mention, he still wants a proper rematch against me for the UA Sports Festival." David said. "Maybe one day, at the right time and circumstances… He'll get that chance."

The pummeling soon slowed to a halt as Jexi stood before the beaten up Gold.

"Okay…you win." Gold said, catching his breath. "Whoa…you really got mad about what I said."

"I wasn't mad about that. I was mad cause you chose to run instead of even meeting me." Jexi said as he pulled back a fist before punching the barrier as it shattered. "You're back to life this time right?"

"Uh…yeah." Gold said.

"If you ever run from me, Blazer, Umbra, Albarion or any other kids you've sired…I'll make you wish you were still dead." Jexi said.

"Uh yeah…got it." Gold said.

"Whoa… That was a fine threat there." David said.

"Agreed." Hope said.

"The battle has been decided. You've performed admirably. As such, I shall send with you a piece of myself as you leave. You and I will always have a bond for life." Arceus said.

"Thank you…Arceus. So…I gotta know…why did you send all those plates?" Jexi said.

"That was my idea. It seemed for fun to bring together folks who could light up the path for you." Gold said.

"And it was fun." Perfuma said. "We got to experience the distant past of Pokémon, and we helped construct the world's first Pokédex."

"Huh…I don't remember asking for that." Gold said.

"I added that. Your way would be far too quick. Beat the plate users and take their plates didn't seem all that quest like. It was better to have them seek out all Pokémon in Hisui." Arceus said.

"Arceus kind of has a point there. Plus, their teams would've been far too limited." David said.

"For extra measure, I even went and scattered the plates to make it more challenging." Arceus said.

"So that's why they vanished when we arrived." Hayase said.

"This was a great experience. And we were all happy to have gone through it." Perfuma said. "We thank you, Arceus."

"So uh, what's gonna happen to the other guys that got your plates?" Scorpia asked.

"Well we're all obviously going to be returned to the present, with all the Pokémon we caught in Hisui." Hope said.

"She's talking about the Plate Masters, Hope." David said. "But yeah, what about the extra Pokémon they have in their pastures? What's gonna happen to them?"

"Hmm…the Plate users currently not here will be returned to the locations from when they were plucked. As for the Pokémon you've collected…I think it would be fine to bring them to the present day." Arceus said.

"A-Are you serious?!" Tsubaki asked, her Typhlosion in glee over the announcement.

"Of course…you all accomplished something I tried to make impossible. You deserve a reward." Arceus said.

"Alright!" Mari said.

"Haha… The folks back at home are not going to believe this." Tsubaki said.

"As such, your deeds in this land will not be forgotten." Arceus said as the group members started to glow and float into the air. "But alas…such things must come to an end."

"Well, I guess this is where we part." Tsubaki said. "It's been quite a ride, but I'm really glad we did this."

"Another time then." Gus smiled back. "I'll be looking forward to the next time we meet."

"Same here. I think that you guys are truly great companions along this entire journey." Siege agreed.

"Hopefully, we can call on you all again sometime." Jexi said. "Until then…"

A bright light then filled the room as they all soon vanished.

Two weeks later…

"Thank you for your service." Tsubaki said from behind the counter.

"Okay…you can head home for the day." her boss called out.

"Finally." Tsubaki said as she ran out where she saw Sachiko outside.

"So…things going well for you?" Sachiko asked.

"Yeah…my parents and my younger brother and sister were shocked to see the Pokémon I brought…but they really warmed up. Same with Ayase and her family." Tsubaki said.

"Yeah, I'd bet. I mean, having a bunch of Pokémon suddenly appear out of nowhere would cause anyone's heart to race." Sachiko said. "So…do you know of what became of the other plate holders?"

"I keep in contact with Granite and Keith. Apparently, they were in contact with anyone we missed before we even arrived." Tsubaki said. "To start…Ayase is back home with her Pokémon and studying medicine with her links and Blissey. Cricket has returned to the Lost Thieves…but I hear he's also been debuting as a professional violinist. Lizardess eventually found Swan and Hawk in Paradise and resides there alongside them and Ginhana Sky. Moth hasn't been sighted but I hear she's been doing well."

"Glad to hear that about Lizardess." Sachiko said. "So…"

"Right. Keith has started a new business alongside his Hot Springs franchises. It's a Lost and Found business, using his new Ursaluna as a tracker. I heard Perfuma's been doing well and planted a new flower garden in Flower Town." Tsubaki said.

"Sounds like her. What about you and Hayase?" Sachiko asked.

"Hayase…well…." Tsubaki said.

Elsewhere…

"You seriously want to join us?" Jexi asked. "Why?"

"My goal…if I am to collect all of my family's crafted blades…it is useless to continue alone. As I have learned, working with a team…could work well for my goal. Do you accept me?" Hayase asked.

"Uh…I guess it would be fine." Jexi said.

Back with the two…

"Well…that's definitely gonna be interesting. And what about you? Did you figure out your path?" Sachiko asked.

"I have. It took fighting Spiritomb and Typhlosion to understand. Once I graduate…I'll go to the Undead Universe and become an exorcist." Tsubaki said.

"Hmm… As a Spiritmaster, I think you'll make a very good one." Sachiko said.

"Thanks. Now…to continue…Luna and Sunset have returned to normal life on the Galaxy King. As for Senku, Granite and Keith can't visit his world since it's marked forbidden but there are rumors he smuggled in a number of Pokémon there to work on new creations and improving life there. Especially when it comes to energy. Avis was able to publish his findings on Enamorus, getting the Pokémon officially acknowledged as real with an endorsement from the Flyer's Association. Glacius and Esmeralda, after some soul searching, went and joined Reformed Society as co leaders should Cheetah ever fall or take ill." Tsubaki said.

"Hmm… Yeah, I think that's a good idea. She'll definitely need the support." Sachiko said. "Ah, speaking of which…"

"Hold on…I'm not done yet." Tsubaki said.

"Okay okay…" Sachiko laughed.

"Now…Rutega is back with that other group and working hard every day to perfect herself and her Pokémon. Granite has gone back to digging. He's even found some rare jewels and minerals that have earned him fortunes. X Drake's gone back to the Beast Pirates but I hope we at least made an impression on him if he's ever in trouble. Jexi's returned to being the Dimensional Heroes leader as well as having ample time to bond with Arceus. His father, he returned to traveling once Arceus brought him to the present. I hear he's traveling to avoid facing his old friends for causing so much grief. Crow, I hear his luck has started to improve as he's already gone back to searching for work." Tsubaki said.

In Shadow City…

"Huh….wonder if these places are hiring." Crow said looking for a recruitment poster for Dark Garden and the New Universal Villains.

Back with Sachiko and Tsubaki…

"And… what about that person Volo mentioned?" Sachiko said.

"I'm getting to them. Let's see…Mari…I hear her research has made leaps and bounds after the alliance captured Dialga, Palkia and Giratina. The three fairies have returned to the Enchanted Forest. I even hear that Dust has started to soften on humans. Not much but us stopping the rift helped a bit." Tsubaki said. "As for the last person. Granite mentioned her name was Disparia but doesn't know what happened after she surrendered her plate to Volo but he thinks she's still alive." Tsubaki said.

In an unknown location…

"My lord…I never thought the day would come when I could return to you." Disparia said bowing with Misdreavus and Murkrow. "I'm glad to see you well, Lord Techno."

"Uh…yes. Uh…who is she?" Techno whispered to Arsen.

"Her name is Disparia…she's one of the 12 I came to the past with. A talented necromancer from the Undead Universe." Arsen whispered back.

"Ah, I see. Thank you." Techno thanked before he turned back to Disparia. "And the same to you, Disparia. I apologize it took so long to reunite with you. Nevertheless, I'm glad to see you unharmed."

"The honor is all mine." Disparia said. "I thought I would miss my chance were it not for a kind merchant."

"Hmm, someone to remember then." Techno mused. "In any case, now that you have returned, I expect that you are willing to join up with The New Universal Villains? I understand that it may be a role much unlike the ones in the 31st century, so if you have reservations…"

"Of course not. Even if you wish to destroy the entire universe, I would gladly support you." Disparia said. "And if you were to perish, I would gladly bring you back to life."

"Much appreciated, though I doubt that first one would ever be necessary." Techno said. "Then that's two of the twelve found. It will take some searching before we can find the rest, though… Arsen, did the others have any form of locating them in case of emergency?"

"Possibly, but only Photon knew if there were or not." Arsen said.

"Then finding Photon is top priority." Techno decided. "And by his name, I believe I know where to start looking. Set course for the Future Universe!"

Back with the duo…

"And…I think that about covers all the plate users and their companions." Tsubaki said. "So…what were you going to say?"

"Well, I was going to say that the King of Fighters tournament is going to start soon, so I was wondering if we should see it. Everyone is going to need our support cheering them on." Sachiko said. "But… If a fighting tournament like that isn't your thing, I understand. I'm just glad that everyone's lives are turning out for the better after everything that happened in Hisui."

"Thanks…while I usually like fighting tournaments…King of Fighters…really isn't all that exciting." Tsubaki said.

"I think some people would disagree. But… Yeah, I can see where you are coming from. Everyone has their own preferences on this kind of thing." Sachiko said. "In fact, The Dimensional Heroes nor Team Chronicle are participating."

"That so. Huh…well hopefully they'll have as much fun doing whatever as a certain classmate of ours will." Tsubaki said.

"Oh, I bet they definitely would." Sachiko laughed a bit.

Back on the Galaxy King…

"Okay, looks like it's just our team and your team, Jexi." Eddy said as Team Chronicle and the Dimensional Heroes watched the other teams' ships heading off. "Hope they remember to tape the matches, I'd like to see the ones we miss."

"You know there are streaming services for that, right?" Asta asked.

"Why aren't we going with them right away, anyway?" Miles asked.

"Well, during the Olympics, Steven got a call about some missing persons in Beach City." Double D explained. "So he and the Crystal Gems took the repaired Elijah's Chariot there to figure out what was going on. Mark's calling them to see if they're coming back, require assistance or-"

"He did WHAT?!" a voice filled with a mixture of terror and rage yelled, getting the group's attention. "We're coming, hang tight!"

Mark slammed the door into the hanger open, looking enraged. "I'm gonna save him, then beat him into the ground! What was he thinking?!"

"Mark?! What the heck happened?!" Dan asked.

"I'll tell you what happened! Steven just let himself be kidnapped by the Diamond Authority!" Mark said. "Jexi, phone the others, tell them we're gonna be later than we thought. We're going to Beach City to pick the others up, then to Homeworld to save that brave idiot!"

"Uh…sure thing." Jexi said. "(Sorry guys…given the sound…those fights may have to be all you alone.)" he thought.

"So, we're heading to the Diamond Authority's front doorstep, huh?" Piccolo said. "Something tells me this is going to change Steven's world. For better… or for worse."

"With Mark as leader…it may go either way." Double D said.

"Hey, get off the controls…" Jet called from the bridge.

"Okay…we better calm him down." Izuku said.

And so the story goes on…