Delta 4

40 hours to impact

Brendan moved with Gwen and May quickly to Devon Corporation, knowing the situation was likely critical. They arrived easily, and they saw a group of people in the new brown uniforms of Team Earth, which almost looked like park ranger uniforms, with bandanas and gloves. All three were just grunts, but Brendan got the feeling that they weren't the only group to be involved in the raid. Brendan sighed and approached the group, knowing them to be much more agreeable than they were as separate organizations. He tapped the shoulder of the first grunt he got to, but the man blanched at the sight of the champion, who had beaten both former teams three years ago.
"Wh-what are you doing here?" the grunt asked rather loudly, catching the attention of the other grunts nearby.

"We could ask you all the same thing," May said in an annoyed tone.

"We're here to learn about the Link Cable!" one of the grunts said.

How…do you even know about that? Gwen asked.

The grunts shrugged. "We were told by the Admins," one said.

"And…where are they?" Brendan asked.

"They're in our base, duh," a female grunt said.

Brendan sighed and Gwen began to power. "Thank you, but I wanted more than that," he said. "If you tell me which of your bosses are in charge of this, I won't beat you all humiliatingly," Brendan said.

The grunts all seemed to flee at those words, some flying away, until only one remained. He looked around and began to shake in his boots. "I-it was Matt and Tabitha. They offered us raises for helping them," he said.

"But…aren't Shelly and Courtney in charge of Team Earth?" May asked.

"They are, I'm not sure what the other two are planning to gain, but I know that they were talking about the Mossdeep Space Center," he replied as ten security guards came outside, each with either a Growlithe or an Arcanine beside them. Brendan let them detain the grunt before turning to Gwen and May.

We should get to Mossdeep. Like, now, Gwen said with urgency in her voice as she put her hands onto Brendan and May.

They quickly teleported to Lilycove first, needing to split the teleportation into two jumps due to the sheer distance of the full trip. It took Gwen a few minutes to gather her energy for the second jump, during which time they saw the shipyard where the construction company in charge of a new project was working on an unnamed massive cargo vessel being designed to send Pokémon to other regions so trainers and children could become trainers themselves. It was a project being funded by Devon as well as the Safari Zone Conservationist Organization. Brendan smiled at the thought of the Hoenn Region helping to bring the joy of Pokémon around the world.

A second later, Gwen teleported them the remaining distance to Mossdeep, going to the door of the Space Center quickly. Upon entering the headquarters of the Hoenn Space Program, the trio immediately sees five Team Earth Grunts standing in a wall in front of the stairs leading to mission control. Brendan and May came up to the five grunts, and Gwen took the lead for the group.

Alright, move aside, or I will scream and break your eardrums in the process, Gwen said. The grunts, however, seemed to not care as they all sent out a Mightyena, thinking it would give them an advantage. Gwen just sighed. Don't insult me, she said as simply took a deep breath. May and Brendan both covered their ears to prepare as Gwen used a powerful Hyper Voice, actually making the entire building shake with the power. The Mightyena all flew back and landed in a heap as they were knocked out cold in just that one hit. Again, without a word, the grunts recalled their Pokémon, and they all ran from the building.

"Too easy," Brendan chuckled as they headed upstairs to mission control. It was there that they saw Steven, Cozmo, Matt, and Tabitha together, and they were all looking to the stairway with shocked expressions, presumably from the sudden quaking. Brendan nodded to Steven respectfully and approached the massively muscled Matt, and fiercely intimidating Tabitha, both wearing outfits similar to their Aqua and Magma uniforms, but they were all the dark khaki of Team Earth. On the table beside Steven was the box-like piece of technology that, as Gwen sensed, seemed to pulse with its own Infinity Energy

"Well, Maples, it seems you have impeccable timing…and a knack for making an entrance," Steven said. His tone had a hint of bitterness, mixed with a sense that he was not pleased with these problems so early in the morning.

Brendan just looked to Matt and Tabitha. "Alright, what the hell are you two assholes doing?" he asked. "Some grunts were at Devon claiming to want the Link Cable for some reason."

"Isn't it obvious?" Tabitha said, gesturing to the window. A massive rocket could be seen. Gwen looked and seemed to recoil when she saw it, sensing the immense energy radiating from it. "We're going to carry out the true end to what Archie and Maxie were both going to fulfill."

"And…what is that, exactly?" May asked.

"We will be using the energy inside this rocket to wipe out all of civilization and enable nature to return to what it was meant to be," Tabitha said.

"Yeah, my bro gave his life for that goal. And I believed wholeheartedly in that dream. Will you really say my path was wrong, or that my bond with Archie was a mistake?"

"Maybe your bond wasn't a mistake, but that dream almost destroyed all life other than Kyogre and Groudon on the planet," May said coldly. Despite the friendship she had built over these three years with Courtney and Shelly, she had never really gotten over her disdain for Matt. Tabitha was no better, being a cold and calculating man at heart, and May had always kept her distance from the man.

"And you're just using them as an excuse for your views being more extreme than those of your former leaders ever considered," Steven said.

"You speak as if you're any different, Mr. Stone," Tabitha said. "Perhaps we could take a look at this massive store of energy that makes the Ultimate Weapon of three-thousand years ago pale in comparison. How about using a few Keystones to trigger that thing just to show the world how dangerous that much energy in one place can be. It'd be just like Mega Evolution…for a rocket."

And what do you gain from that? Gwen asked.

"We can see how close that meteor is to Earth," Matt said, sounding strangely intelligent for the first time. "If Earth is to be desolate, then we might as well end things on our own terms, instead of losing to a damn rock from space. Earth will return to its state before humans and begin to flourish."

"You fools," Steven said, standing fast, and looking angry. "You'd be committing suicide and bringing all life with you. And the meteor will STILL hit Earth, doing more damage."

"It's not like your plans are much better," Brendan muttered, but Steven didn't hear him.

"You want to stop us?" Matt asked, grabbing a Pokéball. "Battle us!" He took out a Pokéball and sent out Crobat. "Damien, show them what we can do."

Tabitha smirked as he sent out a Mightyena. "Go, Dalia," he said with a smirk, apparently having finally learned the names of his Pokémon.

Brendan, I shouldn't be in this fight, Gwen said. I sense that any kind of Infinity Energy releasing now, even that coming from a Pokémon that can Mega-Evolve, would cause the energy in the rocket to explode.

"Alright, then I should go with Nikki," Brendan said as he sent out the Slaking. May came to his side as he sent out his Pokémon.

"Asteroth, come out!" she said as she let out her Spiritomb. Since catching him, he had become one of her most defensive Pokémon, and a decently strong attacker compared to other Pokémon on her team. She smiled to Brendan happily. "Hope you don't mind us jumping in," she said, referring to herself, Asteroth, and the baby. Brendan, however, just thought she meant herself and Asteroth. He kissed her cheek quickly, smiling at her.

"I love you," he said happily as they focused on their opponents. They nodded to their Pokémon to act as they saw fit. The Pokémon both smirked, looking really creepy when coming from Asteroth, as both of them began to prepare their attacks.

Nikki made the first move, powering-up a Brick Break. Even with the drop of her attack power from Dalia's Intimidate ability, Nikki's power was clear from how brightly her fists were glowing. At the same time, Asteroth fired a Hypnosis at Damien, putting the bat to sleep, making him fall to the ground. Nikki then leapt forward and slammed her fist into Dalia's back. Simultaneously, the Crobat began to levitate as energy began to arc out from his body. Asteroth began to almost inhale the energy with a powerful Dream Eater attack. It was only a moment until both Damien and Dalia were on the ground, easily beaten.

Both Matt and Tabitha recalled the two before going for their other Pokémon, sending out the Sharpedo, Bruce, and the Camerupt, Aesir, the former of whom was inside an orb of water as a dormant Aqua Jet so he could fight on land. Brendan sighed as Nikki went to use another Brick Break on Bruce. Asteroth then acted by firing a powerful Shadow Ball at Aesir. Once again, it seemed that the two opponents were just outclassed in every aspect. The two Pokémon fainted and collapsed to the ground.

"Alright, that's enough. Team Earth will not have our name dragged through shit because of you two ever again." May smiled as she heard Shelly's voice. The tanned woman with blue and white highlights in her dark hair approached the group with Courtney and a few police officers behind them.

"Sh-Shelly, C-Courtney?" Tabitha stammered. "W-What are you two doing here?"
"A little bird, in the form of our scared grunts told me what you two have been planning," Courtney said, gesturing to the police to start to arrest the two.

"Luckily, it seems we got here just in time to stop you from doing too much damage. We'll let the curious news reporters know that you two went rogue and decided to use your positions to try and kill humanity," Shelly said, anger with the two others clear in her voice.

"Wait, you aren't serious. We were just doing what Archie and Maxie…"

"The two fanatics who nearly killed us all with their recklessness? They're dead now because of what they wrought," Courtney said, almost coldly as Matt and Tabitha were cuffed and arrested. "You two clearly never learned from their mistakes…and you're now too dangerous to society."

Shelly went to May and Brendan. "I am so sorry that these oafs caused you trouble," she said with a sympathetic smile.

"Oh, they were no trouble," May said with a smile as she and Brendan recalled their Pokémon. Courtney then took the Pokéballs from both Matt and Tabitha, saying their Pokémon shouldn't suffer in prison for the bad decisions of their trainers.

"On a more enjoyable note, are you two excited for the wedding?" She asked happily.

Brendan smiled at the question. "Absolutely, but we still have the massive issue to deal with," he said.

"Of course, the meteor," she said with a now sullen tone. As they spoke, the police began to escort Matt and Tabitha out of the building in handcuffs.

"Yeah…and we need a way to deal with it that isn't an ethical dilemma," Brendan said, muttering the last part under his breath.

With a polite smile and wave, both Shelly and Courtney walked with the police as they left the building and drove off. As soon as they were all gone, however, a whirring call came from the stairwell, and an all-too-familiar Whismur came into the room.

"Well, seems the so-called conservationists are being nothing but their old selves again," Zinnia said as she casually approached the group. A stunned silence fell over the group as she passed through the battlefield, walking to the table where the Link Cable was sitting.

"Don't you dare touch the Link Cable," Steven growled.

"Oh, so this is it? The lovely little device made to solve the asteroid problem. Just a snap of your fingers, and poof, asteroid gone? It really is impressive that you have such technology," she said as she barely turned to face Steven. "That's how you and the scientists describe it, right? 'The best hope for saving our planet,' isn't that it?" Steven barely nodded at her words, but he said nothing. "Well, perhaps you're right. It's likely the single best chance of saving us…but it will also be the worst tragedy imaginable for another world and everything on it."

"What are you talking about?" Steven asked.

"Oh, do shut up, Stevie," Zinnia said, using a childish nickname to get under the man's skin. "I don't have time for a man who is more concerned with whether we survive at all, instead of whether we'll deserve to survive with his method of survival. I was talking to the Champion and the Top Coordinator," she said, looking at Brendan and May with some respect. "You both understand that hope for our planet with this device would mean doom for another…right?"

Brendan nodded. "I think I do…but I get the feeling that your meaning is more complex than mine."

Zinnia sighed, sounding a little grateful, but mildly disappointed too. "I figured as much. Your take is that, even if there's a slight chance of causing that devastation isn't worth the end of our survival. But, I shouldn't be surprised. Most people don't know what I'm about to tell you, since it's a story passed through the Draconid tribe and its branches. The lore I'm about to tell you is one passed down for generations about the distortions in our world, all borne by the mechanism of Mega Evolution…as well as another world, parallel to our own, which we have observed to be almost exactly like our own, even down to details such as…"

"There's another Hoenn region there too, isn't there?" May asked, remembering what Theresa said about Zinnia thinking she was making up for her inability to save Aster by stopping this meteor.

"Exactly," Zinnia said, sounding a bit impressed. "And there are all the other regions too. It's full of Pokémon, and people, likely even alternate versions of ourselves…maybe even loved ones we've lost, but are still alive there. The biggest difference, however, is that Pokémon evolution took a much different path…in the fact that there is no Infinity Energy like what's in that rocket outside."

Brendan, May, and Gwen went wide-eyed in shock as they realized what she was saying. "I see you get it now. Our Infinity Energy wouldn't teleport the meteor to nowhere space, it would send it to that parallel dimension. In other words, to a place where the Great War three-thousand years ago and no Ultimate Weapon ever existed. So, the Hoenn region of the other world has no way of dealing with such a problem. Just think about it from their perspective. They're enjoying a peaceful life when, all of a sudden, a meteor six-miles across just appeared out of nowhere. They would be unable to even react before they all died the deaths we put on them." She took the Link Cable in her hands as she spoke. "That's not something I can allow to happen." She then dropped the device onto the floor, and swiftly crushed it under her foot.

Dr. Cozmo went wide-eyed and began to look angry. "You bitch, you've just doomed us all! And based on what? A folktale from your tribe with no substantive proof behind it. None of your claims have ever been witnessed or scientifically observed. Your fantasy has killed us all!"

Zinnia rolled her eyes. "Please shut it, you damn egghead. I didn't do this without my own plan for how to keep us safe. I just made sure the choice of killing another world is off the table. We don't get to play Arceus on that scale just to save our insignificant planet."

Dr. Cozmo was fuming now. "That's preposterous. You just wasted all the years we've spent preparing that device for a case like this, you fucking bi-." The professor was cut off as the room was flooded with powerful soundwaves, though Brendan and May knew it was much weaker than it could've been, especially since Gwen was the cause.

Will you all just be quiet, and let Zinnia explain herself, Gwen said.

"Thank you," Zinnia said to Gwen, almost through gritted teeth. "I take back what I said about you in Granite Cave."

"So, what's your plan?" Brendan asked.

"Oh, Mr. Chosen One, I would've thought that part was obvious to you," Zinnia said, her tone telling Brendan her exact meaning, but there was still more than a little resentment. May saw the look on Brendan's face as he recognized the meaning of Zinnia's words.

Rayquaza…he's her plan. But to do that… Brendan said.

"We will be needing a single spacesuit, though," Zinnia said with more resentment in her voice. "That's the only thing we will need from the Space Center."

"A spacesuit?" Steven asked, sounding skeptical. When he saw Brendan's knowing look, however, he relented. "Fine. It's a small price to pay for any hope to save ourselves, I guess."

"Great," she said cynically as she walked to the stairs. "Give it to Brendan. Aster and I need to go attend to other preparations."

It was then that Brendan noticed that the charm around her ankle held more Keystones than it did the day before. "Wait, Zinnia," he said, getting the woman to turn to him with a smirk. "Promise me you'll return those Keystones to their trainers when this is all over."

"I don't need to," she said with a giggle as she continued. "I was planning on doing that anyway. I just need a few more before I'm ready for the preparations. Maples, go get the key from where you left it. I'm going to pay a visit to the Team Earth's Base."

And, just like that, the situation was over. It took a minute for people to start moving again, but when they did, only Steven, Brendan, May, and Gwen seemed to be working with a sense of purpose. Steven went to a computer near the main screen, and he began to type in commands. A few minutes later, a panel in the wall opened up, and a very hi-tech suit came out. It was relatively thin for a space suit, even though that really wasn't saying much, but the color scheme was the most unique thing about it. As if it were designed for Brendan to wear, the suit was a ruby red color, with a black material reinforcing the joints.

"This is the space suit Devon has been secretly developing for the military, in conjunction with the Space Center here. It's made of an incredibly strong nanofibers, cooling units, and materials highly resistant to radiation. The helmet also comes with a heads-up display so you can receive real-time information, including things like radar. We've never had reason touse it for real in space until now, so whatever Zinnia has planned will serve as a test of sorts," Steven said as he pulled out what looked like an altered Pokéball. "Additionally, it can be carried like the collapsible bikes Rydel sells in Mauville." He pressed the button on top of the device in his hand, and the suit began to glow red and vaporize like a Pokémon going into a Pokéball before Steven pressed the button again, returning the suit to its stand. His expression was solemn as he walked to Brendan. "We'll need to run some diagnostic tests on the suit, which could take a while. Would you two be alright waiting for a few hours?"

"Yeah, I guess we can wait for the professionals to do what they need to do," Brendan said, even if it was reluctantly.

"Hey, wait, didn't Zinnia say she was going to the Team Earth base?" May asked

"Yeah, she did," Brendan said. "Why?"

"Because I think she's going to steal keystones from Shelly and Courtney," May said.

"You want to go make sure they're safe?" Brendan said.

"Exactly, then we need to go to Sootopolis. You gave that key back to Wallace two years ago, remember," May said.

"So, we go to Team Earth's base first, and come back here for the suit when we're done," Brendan said.

May kissed Brendan's cheek and, with the scientists watching, they left the Space Center. They then let out Avery and Drake, both of whom seemed excited to be going for another flight with their friends. They all got into position, and flew toward Lilycove, and the base of Team Earth.

The flight was short, and they didn't get a chance to talk over the wind while en route to the city. Instead of going to the main part of town, though, they prioritized going directly to the hideout to save time. When they landed, however, the entrance was strangely devoid of the usual guard standing outside.

"Oh no, Zinnia got here first," May said worriedly.

"Then there is no time to waste, let's get moving," Brendan said, taking her hand as they ran into the base. They walked through the area, which had become more straight-forward, without warp panels, and only a few locked doors for living quarters.

The disturbing part of their walk through the base was the fact that there were multiple scorch marks along the walls, getting larger and more numerous as they walked through the base, some of the grunts were sitting and staring at the ground like soldiers who had seen the horrors of war for the first time.

They got to the office shared by Shelly and Courtney, where they heard the final explosion of a powerful battle. May rushed in with Brendan and Gwen on her heels, only to watch as Shelly and Courtney stood in shock as they recalled their own Sharpedo and Camerupt, wondering how they could've lost so decisively. Across from them was Zinnia, recalling her Salamence, then turning to the energetic Whismur, Aster, who quickly went to Team Earth's leaders, wrenching their keystones from their necklaces.

"Oh, Aster, you're such a happy girl! Just what I'd expect from my daughter. We're so in-sync, aren't we?" Zinnia said happily.

"Who even is this woman?" Courtney asked Shelly.

Zinnia seemed to hear the question. "Oh, me? That's a surprisingly tough question…I couldn't become who I was meant to be, so who am I now?" she said with a mockingly contemplative tone. "Huh, I guess it really doesn't matter. I'm not here for introspection and soul searching. I'm trying to save Earth." Zinnia, Shelly, and Courtney then all looked at Brendan, May, and Gwen. May ran to the side of her friends, trying to help them up

"Wait, what are you two doing here?" Shelly asked.

"Oh, please, isn't it obvious? Brendan is the hero everyone is rooting for now. He's here to save the world again," Zinnia said in a condescending tone. "And, this time, he's just too late…as are his fiancée and Pokémon. I have the keystones I need now." She slowly began to leave, passing by the Maples easily. "Get the two things I need, then I will see you where the lord of the Draconids perches by tomorrow morning. By then, I know we will have all the preparations done."

Without another word, Zinnia and Aster left the base as quickly as they could move. Brendan glared at Zinnia slightly as she passed, still disliking her methods. "Don't worry, we'll be there," Brendan said.

"Hey, are you two okay?" May asked as Brendan helped them up.

Courtney looked like she was about to cry now. "No…" she said as she sat in her desk chair, tears falling before she covered her face. "She stole our keystones…we can't have the bond with our Pokémon coming from Mega Evolution."

May hugged the lavender-haired woman comfortingly. "It'll be okay, I promise we'll get them back," she said soothingly. Brendan couldn't help but admire May's compassion.

She's going to be a wonderful mother one day, Brendan thought, not realizing how soon that day would be arriving.

"Thank you," Shelly said, seeming on the verge of crying too. "But, you two have more important things to do than console us. I know you still have to deal with the meteor, however you're planning to do that." Shelly took over for May, holding Courtney closely, almost like how Brendan would hold May during her emotional troubles, and vice versa.

"Alright, please call us if you need help at all," Brendan said.

Come on, let's get to Sootopolis as soon as we can, Gwen said as Brendan's phone vibrated with a text.

Brendan pulled his phone out, seeing Steven's text, and his eyes went wide. "May, Gwen, we need to leave, NOW! We only have five hours left before it hits…" he said with dread in his voice.

May's eyes went wide. "How is it so close already?"

"They lost track of it for a moment, and it reappeared even closer to Earth," Brendan said, fear creeping into his voice.

Sorry you two, we're going to Sootopolis, Gwen said as she grabbed and teleported Brendan and May to the Pokémon Center of Sootopolis. The nurse yelped in surprise at their sudden appearance in the building.

"Sorry," Brendan said to the nurse, a tone of urgency in his voice. "By the way, do you happen to know where Wallace is at the moment?"

"I think he's down by the entrance to the Cave of Origins," the nurse said. "He said he wanted to have some time with his Pokémon. He didn't say why."

"Thank you so much," May said. They all knew what the reason was, but Brendan was more shocked that the two energetic Gym Leaders were seeming to give up on the world with the new development. They left the Pokémon Center and ran straight to the Cave of Origin.

The multitude of Water-type Pokémon were swimming in the lake around the area. May, however, was currently reminiscing about how Brendan had proposed to her when they were about to face Kyogre and Groudon. She smiled at the thought, then realized that she had an idea of when to tell Brendan about their child.

Brendan, however, was not wasting time. He approached the water-type expert, seeing the key to Sky Pillar between them. "Wallace!" he called out.

"Hello Brendan, May, and Gwen," Wallace said politely. "I hope you three are well today."

"Umm…not really. There is a meteor about to hit the Earth in about…" Brendan checked his watch. "Four and a half hours."

"Yes…Steven called to tell us about that…" Wallace said solemnly, picking up the statuette key. "We came to get what could be our last moments of solace. I have faith in you, but when there's a massive meteor about to obliterate life on this planet, there's not much that most common people can do." He handed the key to Brendan. "You should keep this from now on. Frankly, I don't know why you gave it back to me in the first place."

May smiled. "We gave it to you because we knew you'd keep it safe…and we were in the process of moving into our new home."

Wallace chuckled. "Oh, I see. You needed someone who wouldn't lose it."

Brendan laughed slightly as well. "Kind of, but we really needed someone familiar with it to keep it safe."

Wallace smiled and looked at a massive tree in front of them, which also had a flower that oddly had the colors of the Kalosian flag on it by the roots. "You know, this tree here was actually gifted to Sootopolis by a massive man from Kalos. He was almost ten feet tall, but he spoke like he had such a sad past…like he'd lived a thousand lifetimes. However, it seemed that his burdens didn't stop him from seeking out that one small glimmer of joy in life everyday he could. It's sort of a good metaphor for life, don't you think?"

"How do you mean?"

"I guess that life can be bleak, but that's no reason to not try and find joy in even the dark times," Wallace said with a solemn smile. May looked like those words had struck a chord in her as a smile spread across her face.

It was at that point that Brendan received another text from Steven, saying that he needed to get to the Space Center to get the suit put together immediately.

"I'm sorry that we're popping in and out like this, but it looks like we'll need to be leaving now," Brendan said as Gwen put her hands onto both him and May.

"Wait, before you go, I have a few things to tell you. Brendan, I know I said that only the Chosen One of Rayquaza can enter the Sky Pillar with the figurine, but there is an exception. The Draconid tribe's Lore Keeper can enter as well, and they don't need a key." Brendan nodded to acknowledge what Wallace said. The blue-haired man then turned to May. "May, you should go into the tower with Brendan this time. He's going to need your support to succeed here."

"I will," May said gratefully. "We will see you at the wedding, Wallace."

Wallace waved as the trio vanished. He sighed as Minerva came over to him and nudged him with her nose. Wallace smiled and laughed as he lightly stroked the Milotic's cheek affectionately.

3.5 hours to impact

The Maples had gotten to the Space Center an hour, but right now, May was sitting with Gwen as they twiddled their thumbs. They felt rather awkward just sitting at the coffee table while Brendan was getting the spacesuit, and while a massive meteor was about to wipe out all life on Earth no less.

"Damn, Zinnia is probably coming up with ways to gloat about how long it took us," May said.

Well, it won't be much longer, I'm sure of that, Gwen said. They know what they're doing in there. Plus, Steven knows their urgency.

"Yes, I absolutely do, which is why his suit will be pressurizing on its own while you guys fly to the Sky Pillar," Steven said as he emerged from the suiting room. "We're just glad the suit was his size, almost a perfect fit."

There were some heavier footsteps behind Steven as Brendan walked out, the helmet's tinting off for the moment. "You know, this actually feels more like a tracksuit than a spacesuit," Brendan said, the radio in his helmet making his voice sound more robotic.

"Well, you look…badass," May said, stepping forward to look him over.

Steven cleared his throat. "Sorry, but you need to move…fast," he said. "Get to the top of Sky Pillar. We're out of time now."

Brendan nodded. "Of course. May, Gwen, let's go save the world…again."

2.5 hours to impact

Brendan held May close as he held up the golden statuette to the door of Sky Pillar. Gwen stood on his other side, standing strong beside him as well. Whatever happened on top of the building, however, she knew she would not be able to come to Brendan's aid…unless Zinnia acted up in some way.

Once the massive stone doors opened, the Maple family was greeted by the sight of Zinnia holding the Whismur on her back, almost like a baby in a carrier. "Well, seems you two have made it…with relative moments to spare. I will keep the lore and history lesson I was planning on as brief as possible because our circumstances have hastened the plan…luckily, Lord Rayquaza should be responsive today."

"Look, Zinnia, we need to keep this more than just brief. We need the fastest you can give this lesson," Brendan said.

"Okay, sure thing, Space-Man," Zinnia teased as she gestured to the back wall, walking them through the tower. "The story begins thousands of years ago, in the primal age remembered only by the select few legendary Pokémon that have lived that long. It was the era when the world was overflowing with energy, an energy when the two Primal titans clashed over furiously. Back then, humans could do nothing to stop the rampaging behemoths, and they were forced to simply watch as disasters decimated civilizations…but one civilization, the Draconids, were blessed with meteoroids raining into their waterfalls." They got to the first ladder of the tower and climbed up to the next level. It was rather treacherous footing, with May being the most cautious, but there was a pretty decent walkway there as well.

"Now, these meteoroids, much like the ones you've gathered, would often glow with a rainbow brilliance, as if it held life energy within it. Then, as if drawn by that brilliance, a Pokémon shining with an emerald hue descended from the heavens. I'm sure you know that Pokémon is, in fact, Rayquaza, whose power overwhelmed Kyogre and Groudon in their Primal forms, which restored peace to the world. People began to revere Rayquaza as a savior for generations to come. After a thousand years, the meteoroids returned, but one, much like the one we face now, was much larger. It struck this planet, boring deep into the earth where it struck, forming the largest crater known to mankind…if I'm not mistaken, you two were just there."

"Sootopolis is a crater? I was told by some school teachers from there that it was a dormant volcano," May said.

"Nope, it's a common misconception, but Sootopolis is an impact crater…which is much safer for a town to be in than any type of volcano," Zinnia said, sounding like she was enjoying this lesson. They then began climbing the tower's next ladder to the third floor. "That great meteoroid was the first of humanity's many great disasters, but it also cracked the ground deeply enough to release a huge welling of dormant energy from the ground. Once again, the Primal titans clashed over this power, causing the people to cry out to Rayquaza again, remembering a thousand years before. They gathered around the meteoroid, which greatly resembled the smaller meteoroids, which had been turned into the first Key Stones. When Rayquaza descended, the wish of the people for salvation was granted as a great change came over Rayquaza as he was enveloped in blinding light. What emerged was, a Rayquaza none had even dreamed could exist. It was one that you…fucking…rode on three years ago," her tone turned sour for a moment. "But, regardless, it was an intangible wish that enabled this form change…this Mega Evolution, as I know you're aware."

They got to the fourth floor, and Brendan checked his watch. They had two hours left. "With his new transformation, Rayquaza confronted the Primal titans, its golden filaments springing from its body to cover the sky, its emerald brilliance illuminating the area, and a terrible wind arising. The wind and emerald light visibly sapped the power from the Primal titans, forming the Blue and Red Orbs that you two know. As Kyogre and Groudon lost their overwhelming powers, they retreated to their respective domains with Rayquaza watching. Once their slumber had begun, Rayquaza returned to his natural appearance and returned to the heavens it dwelled in. The sole witness was a massive man from a distant land, known only as AZ. He said, 'It is the Delta born of the great disturbances in this world. By the bonds of mankind's wish and the power of the stones. It will calm the troubles that plague the world.' Those words, and the event itself that inspired the Draconids to build this tower to hold the rainbow stone which granted Rayquaza its power, and to try to get closer to Rayquaza's heavenly home. They also used it to record the history of such trials, and the great deeds of Rayquaza for all to know by means of the murals on the walls. Something like that…feels familiar, doesn't it?"

They reached the fifth and final floor before the roof, and Brendan saw that they now had an hour and 45 minutes. "Now, the final chapter of this story, as well as the reason that I was so confident shattering that Link Cable. You see, the Draconids recognized that there was a thousand-year cycle, which foretold that more meteoroids would hit the planet. Their prophesy, though, was that the next one to hit would be great enough to break the world forever…You see, the people of the past came up with a plan to summon Lord Rayquaza before the meteoroid struck in order to save this land." Zinnia's words were making Brendan and May excited, but she spoke so calmly that it was inspiring. "And there you have the footnotes version of the Draconid's story." She gave a sigh, seeming to be tearing up, and May was pretty sure she knew why. "I spent a long time thinking about how I could protect the happiness of as many people as possible. What I must do, as one who holds both the knowledge and the power…one who bears the heavy wishes of those who could not…live up to that fate. Well, I had to be really creative, you know?" Without another word, she went up the last ladder to the top of the tower. Brendan and May followed. Night was supposed to be falling, but the meteoroid was too close now, making it look more like it was still the middle of the day. Brendan was sure there would be panic among the cities of Hoenn at least, but he couldn't focus on that now.

In the center of the tower's roof stood Zinnia, who held Aster so she could see the small Litleonids branching from the main meteor. She then started almost whispering presumably to the Whismur, but Brendan, May, and Gwen all got the feeling that she wasn't speaking to the Aster in her arms, given the tears now streaming down her cheeks. "…See that, Aster? You always wanted to watch them, right? The Litleonids. A million glittering stars falling from the sky... The show is about to start. Aren't we happy now? Yes, what could be better, dear Aster?"

Brendan, wanting to help, walked forward, but Zinnia shook her head as if clearing a daze as she turned to face Brendan and May. "Welcome to the Dragonhark altar. By now, I'm certain it's no secret what I am trying to do here by now. I will summon Rayquaza to this world to destroy the meteoroid headed for Hoenn. That is my... It is our duty," she said as she turned her tear-filled eyes to the sky. "Ever since I was a little girl, I have always turned my eyes up to the sky. When I was so full of uncertainty that I felt my heart might be crushed by it…When I was so grief-stricken and alone I thought my heart might break of it…I turned and looked up there so that my tears would never, ever fall. What about you three? Have you ever had to do something like that?"

I have… Gwen spoke up. My mother was killed a year before I met Brendan and May. It may not be the same as what you lost, but I understand.

Zinnia seemed to laugh at a perceived irony. "It seemed impossible to me…but I'm relating with a Fairy-type…who is becoming one of the kindest Pokémon I've had the pleasure of meeting." She then turned to face the others again, letting her tears fall. "…I used to watch the stars like this all the time with my Aster. We were always together. In good times and in bad. I loved her. I loved her with everything I had…But I still lost her. I-I just want to see her…I want to be with her again…My sweet Aster. I will, won't I?" she seemed to be asking nobody in-particular, but May still came forward and hugged the woman tightly.

"Yes, you will. I know you will," May said. Zinnia smiled at the gesture and hugged back briefly, but she had to let go.

"I need to call forth Rayquaza," Zinnia said as she got out of May's hug. "But…promise me something. If things go badly for me…please take care of Aster." The Whismur whirred sadly at the thought of Zinnia getting hurt, but Brendan and May agreed to her request.

Zinnia took a deep breath and walked to the altar. "With jewel bright and borrowed might from the spirits of the departed. Through sacred rite, in thy great sight, my life as well I offer," her eyes went wide as energy coursed into her, and she doubled over in pain. "Ugghh…I summon thee…to aid…this fight…and save us…from disaster! Realize them upon this world, RAYQUAZA!"

A powerful roar echoed from above, and the massive, legendary green dragon descended to the tower, hovering over the tallest point and looking at Zinnia before turning to Brendan, but there was a look of worry that Brendan hadn't seen in the Pokémon's eyes three years ago.

"I…did it!" Zinnia said in awe, and exhaustion. "Aster, I really did it. The world will be saved." She then unclipped the ankle charm with Keystones in every slot. "Lord Rayquaza, Earth needs your help once more. Please, hear my wish, and achieve your Mega Evolution," Zinnia said pleadingly. "Please, take hold of your true power, and show us your true face: that of the Rayquaza who will save this planet!"

The stones seemed to glow for a moment, but they sputtered out when there was no other source to link to. Brendan looked more concerned now than before, and neither May nor Gwen even thought that possible.

"Wait…what's happening? This should work," Zinnia said. "I gathered the Mega Stones capable of withstanding your power, and I summoned you here…yet…you're not Mega Evolving…"

Rayquaza gave a few low growls, which Gwen picked up on. He said…that he isn't able to mega evolve in his current state. The use of his power three years ago was all he could manage on his last power source, she said, sounding worried.

"So…the one lacking the power…is Lord Rayquaza? So, the thousands of years since the last meteoroid strike have drained that power from you…" Zinnia fell to her knees, tears falling once again. "This…can't be. Everything I've done…until now…" she dropped further, putting her hands on the ground as she cried out of frustration. "Aster…I can't…I can't take any…more." That was when a brilliant glow came from Brendan's bag, catching the attention of Rayquaza and Zinnia as Gwen pulled the Meteorite out of the back pocket of Brendan's space suit, which was now fully pressurized. "Wait…that's…" Zinnia ran to Brendan and looked closer at the stone. "A meteorite that looks just like a Mega Stone!"

Suddenly, Rayquaza reached out and grabbed the meteorite with his mouth, then tossed his head back to swallow the space rock. Brendan was shocked for a moment, but that turned into astonishment when his Keystone began to light up, as did Rayquaza's body. Like with Gwen's mega evolution, this one produced a massive flash of light as Rayquaza's body transformed into his mega form, the golden filaments flowing down his body before an incredibly strong wind picked up.

"Whoa!" Brendan and Zinnia said simultaneously.

Zinnia began to giggle with joy that Brendan had never seen from her. "So, swallowing meteorites allows him to store as much power as a Mega Stone. And…your Meteorite summoned forth the power needed for Rayquaza to Mega Evolve. It seems that Rayquaza has made his choice for who will help him save the world this time," she said. This time, though, her resentment was gone from her voice, as if the hope of them surviving had driven her anger from her being. "This is…amazing!"

Brendan looked at his watch. An hour and fifteen minutes were left, but the way Rayquaza was looking at him seemed to be a sort of challenge. "So, you want to see if I'm really worthy to catch you now?" Brendan said, knowing that competitive look all too well.

Rayquaza nodded, so Brendan sent out Avery. "I would be honored. But, let's make this fast," he said. That was when the HUD lit up, and showed a full battle screen like those in stadiums. Oh, yeah, Wattson has been making mobile versions of those screens. Strange place to test this, but it helps.

Rayquaza then coated himself in red and black energy as he used a Dragon Dance to power up. At the same time, Avery gathered a ball of purple electricity, firing a Thunder Wave to interrupt the dragon's movements. Rayquaza growled in frustration, but he responded by flying into the sky before flying back down with incredible speed. Light streaked behind him as he used an Extreme Speed attack. Avery couldn't dodge in time, even as she rolled to the side. She cried out as she hit the ground hard, but she managed to get up and fire a Dragon Pulse at the massive legendary Pokémon. It was a tough target to miss by size, but Rayquaza was fast, dodging and looking graceful in the process. Avery then fired a series of Dragon Pulses, aiming in seemingly random areas, but they corralled Rayquaza directly into another shot. The dragon then flew forward with his claws blazing with a Dragon Claw attack. Rayquaza then slashed at Avery hard, but she managed to dodge enough to make the blow a glancing hit. That, however, proved to be enough, as Avery fell to the ground, crying out at the impact, and passing out upon landing. Brendan recalled Avery, strategizing silently, turning to Gwen.

"We need to end this fast. Can I count on you?" he asked.

You need to ask? I helped you take on and capture Groudon, so I can do enough to let you catch Rayquaza, Gwen said with a smile as she walked out.

Rayquaza took a position directly across from Gwen. He had been secretly watching this Pokémon since their first meeting three years ago, and he knew this Gardevoir was much stronger than was typical of her species. He shuddered to think how strong her future progeny would turn out, if she had any.

By the way, do you have a Master Ball just in case? Gwen asked.

Yeah, I got one as a gift from the Hoenn League after I became Champion, Brendan said. And they're more proven to work now, so I could just throw it now.

Not yet. I'll say when you should throw it, she said. Brendan nodded as he had Gwen mega evolve, the light being just as bright as that which surrounded Rayquaza. She then began to create her army of illusory clones, using Double Team before the green aura of her Calm Mind coated the entire army. Rayquaza would have none of that, firing a massive flamethrower at the tower. Gwen fired a Moon Blast in response. It countered the powerful blaze, but Brendan could tell that it would only cause a draw.

I'm about to set it up for you, get out the Master Ball! Gwen said. Brendan didn't need to be told twice, using the pouch he held the Pokéballs in for the space suit, and he pulled out the purple ball emblazoned with an "M." As he got it out, Gwen used one last Calm Mind before using an extremely powerful Hyper Voice. May even needed to cover her ears to avoid damage to her hearing. At the same time, Gwen used Psychic to hold Rayquaza in place as the soundwaves approached. Rayquaza just began to gather power around himself as he barely managed to break Gwen's powerful hold. He was hit by the Hyper Voice, he managed to avoid most of the damage with a delayed Protect. He then flew up high into the sky, did a loop, and flew directly at Gwen.

Throw it now! Gwen said.

"Dragon Ascent…" Zinnia said in wonder. "I never dreamed I'd see it in person…"

"You may need to wait a little longer," May said as Brendan took his stance. He then threw the Master Ball as hard as possible, hitting Rayquaza squarely in the forehead. The ball activated, pulling in the mega-evolved legendary Pokémon. Rayquaza gave a quick growl before he went into the ball.

Perfect, he seemed to respect how you handled that, given the nature of the situation requiring more speed, Gwen said as the ball shook three times and sealed shut.

Zinnia applauded with what might have been the first genuine show of admiration Brendan had seen from her since registering for the League tournament three years ago. "That was very nicely done," she said to him. "I think you've truly earned the role of Rayquaza's trainer…for however long you wish."

"Wow, umm…thank you, Zinnia," Brendan said.

"Now, we have half an hour that we can use, and I want to help you strengthen your battling skills with Rayquaza," Zinnia said. "After all, there must be something intelligent on that meteor for it to just teleport and close such a massive distance the way it did."

Brendan knew she was right, but he knew that they didn't have time for a lengthy battle. "Fine, three-on-three?"

"No, you get Rayquaza in his Mega Form, no other Pokémon. I get three," Zinnia said. "I'd go with six, but we need at least 30 minutes for you to stop the meteor effectively."

Brendan sighed. "Alright, let's do this," he said as he picked up Rayquaza's ball. "Come on out, Rayquaza!"


And I will leave you all with that…for the penultimate chapter of this story.

Wow…over two and a half years in this story…and it's about to end…but I'm not done yet.

After this one ends, I am going to take a brief hiatus from publishing my writing before I get Into the Storm until I can be absolutely sure that I will not spoil anything in BraviaryScout's story, A Hui Hou Kakou. I know I've said it before, but it is honestly one of the best stories on this site, and certainly the best Sun/Moon story to-date.

Other great Pokémon stories to read in the meantime: 1) I Never Wanted to be the Hero by Rylek196, a dark take on Pokémon White executed with a very strong storyline and character development. 2) The Boy with Fire in His Eyes by SantaFeo, a very well-written adaptation of the manga, with great additional scenes that deepen the world even more. 3) The Legend of Kalos: The Hero of Everlasting Life by IcyAltheon, a take on Pokémon X similar in tone to Rylek's story, although it is still in the early stages of writing.

All the authors also have other good works to check out, and I recommend checking them out.

Anyway, for the last time of Brendan's Journey, until next time ~ jmoul18.