AN: So, it's been a bit. Sorry for the wait. I hope the longer-than-usual chapter makes up for it.
As for some reviews
Silent Diary: Probably the best review I could get while writing this. I appreciate the patience and the compliments!
iKuroto: I was pleasantly surprised to get review bombed for a lot of these chapters. If I recall, it was a lot of them, maybe all of them! I'm especially happy to see the recognized growth with the dialogue!
OllieZ: Not going to lie, I did not realize the ground typing dominance present in Paul's team. There are certain Pokémon I already have in mind, (one of Paul's canonically owned Pokémon comes to mind), but it's fun to see readers keeping up! This fic will have an ending at gen 4's end. There's an ending I have in mind and that's what I've been writing towards, but I do have musings of continuing into another region, specifically Unova. I don't want to commit to something I might not finish though, so that might not come to fruition.
Thanks buds for the Thanks for the chapters and Great Updates/Chapters. They really boost my motivation for this! You keep reading and I'll keep this project writing!
Also oh my we're almost at 1k follows. That's amazing!
It can't be understated how common flying on Pokémon is. Even among the smallest of flying-type Pokémon, their power to fly would only be undermined if, say a middle-aged man attempted to fly on a newborn-Pidgey. Suffice it to say, with time and experience, flying-type Pokémon can fly their trainers to anywhere they need.
But that in no way meant that I was going to fly on the back of Murkrow when I could just get Murkrow to teach Staraptor Fly.
It's rather embarrassing for a trainer to be riding on a small Pokémon , no matter how powerful the Pokémon is.
That is not to say that flying doesn't take a while. In fact, I'd be the first person to tell you differently. It took me the entire day with a few breaks to arrive at Alamos Town.
I texted Barry when I'd arrived and he said he wouldn't make it until early the next day. That was just fine by me because it was really late. Thankfully, checking in at the Pokémon Center was no big deal.
Once I laid down in the bed of my room, I realized the reality of the situation.
Alamos Town or at least when Ash visited the place, was under the threat of the town being wiped out of existence. By who someone might ask. By Dialga and Palkia's fighting.
You heard that right. I went to Alamos Town in full knowledge that I could very well be forced to face Palkia and Dialga. Maybe I should've turned down Barry's invitation. Ash and his friends handle the entire situation on their own just fine. What's the point in my intervention?
…
No, that thought process isn't helpful. I made the decision to intervene so that everything can happen on my terms.
Yes, doing things like this runs the risk of danger but that's to be expected.
I have the knowledge, skill to deal with this. This isn't a matter of believing in myself more than it is knowing the level I'm at right now.
Maybe I can't quite face a champion yet, but I will take control of the situation. On my mark, everything will come to fruition.
(-)
"Long time no see," Barry said, greeting me in the lobby of the Pokémon Center.
"Did you fly in just now?" I asked, amused.
"Yep. I got here nice and early so that we could have lots of time to explore the town together. Alamos Town is especially crowded with tourists this time of year, so there'll be lots of traveling trainers to battle."
"I thought you wanted a rematch. Are you suggesting we double battle some people?"
Barry shrugged. "Oh I definitely want a rematch. I just thought it'd be fun for a small warmup before that."
"Make sure you don't give away all your tactics when we battle then. You're going to need every surprise available to you to squeak out a win."
"I could say the same to you! Now hurry up, we have battling to do."
After getting slightly rushed by Barry to hurry up with my morning preparations under threat of getting fined, I briefly took a look at the center of where all this chaos would emerge from, the Space-Time Towers. While there's nothing indicating that the world revolves around Ash and his posse, something tells me that his presence will be an indicator of when everything truly begins.
"C'mon already, Paul. We're wasting precious time!" Barry said from behind the door of the room.
"Fine, I'm done now." I said, meeting him at the door.
When can I start my intervention?
That question lingered as Barry dragged me to the central plaza where a lot of trainers were gathered. There were a lot of impressive trainers present but a certain few caught my eyes. Specifically trainers that I recognize from the movie.
"Hey, those Pokémon you guys have look super strong! How about a battle with my friend and I?" Barry said, walking up to them.
Wait what?
"Hey thanks for the compliment," the girl with the Infernape said. "My names Feri and these two doofus' are Bero and Rase," she pointed to the Empoleon and Torterra trainers, respectively.
"Hey, that's hurtful," Rase said, laughing. Bero smiled at the statement. It was easy to tell that they were close.
"I'm Barry and this guy is Paul," Barry said, gesturing towards me. "We just arrived in Alamos Town so we thought we'd get in some Pokémon battles while we're here."
"Sounds like music to my ears," Feri said, looking fired up for a match, "Rase, you referee for us. Bero and I will take this challenge on."
"Awww, really? Torterra and I don't get a chance to shine?"
"We'll let you get a chance next time," Bero said, appeasing his pouting friend.
"Don't bother with anything too formal when it comes to refereeing," I said, getting a certain pokeball out.
"Right, this is just a pickup battle. This'll be over in a flash," Barry agreed.
"You wish," Feri said, her face showing her competitive smirk.
"I guess you won't have too much of a role then," Bero said, addressing Rase.
"Fine by me. Make this an entertaining match!"
"You got it," Barry and Feri said simultaneously.
"Hariyama, stand by for battle!"
"Tyrogue, let's get going!" Ah, the Tyrogue that would soon become his Hitmonlee. Interesting.
The match was on.
And so it raged on. Feri's Infernape and Bero's Empoleon were strong and synergized well. Barry and I had a rocky start since we haven't double battled together before, but we quickly got our act together.
Hariyama wasn't unfamiliar with double battling, so his assistance on guiding Tyrogue to what could be called teamwork was much appreciated.
The fight went on for a while with Infernape and Empoleon covering each other well in both offense and defense while Hariyama covered Tyrogue's ferocious offense.
Neither side dared to give in. It was almost surprising how much they were giving their all for a casual match.
Eventually though, we had to call it as it was getting dangerous. Not for any Pokémon or trainer, but for the surrounding area. We didn't want to get into any trouble for damaging any surrounding houses. That would blow all of my traveling expenses if I had to pay for anything like that!
"That was lots of fun. Really fired me up," Feri said, bringing her hand up into a thumbs up.
"Your teamwork was impressive enough to withstand our Pokémon's power," Bero assessed.
"You also synergized well together. It was hard for Electabuzz to pin either Infernape or Empoleon down individually." I said, sneaking a look to Electabuzz to show my praise.
"Tyrogue and I were just getting started! If only there weren't so many houses in the way of our match!" Barry complained.
"Haha, the plaza is big and open, so it's not that bad," Rase commented. "I really wish I could've gotten in on the action. It seemed like a lot of fun! Are you sure neither of you want another go?"
"Maybe later," Barry answered non committedly, "As much fun as it is, I don't want to battle the whole day away."
"Yeah, I don't know about Barry, but I have some things I wanna check out in the town," I commented.
"There's this nice restaurant you could visit around the corner if you're looking for a meal," Baro suggested.
"Ah, the Delibird Wings place?" Feri asked, "I wished the food there was a little spicier, but overall it's not a bad place."
"Did you all have it recently," I asked.
"Baro dragged both of us there last night. He couldn't resist the menu," Rase deadpanned.
Oh… I hope Bero never catches a Delibird then. His calm demeanor might make a big shift then.
"It sounds like a solid place to take a look at for lunch then. I'll keep it in mind, thanks."
"Just be sure to come around if you can to battle Rase. He seems to be a little lonely," Baro teased.
"Hey!"
"Don't worry, Rase, there are lots of trainers around. You'll be able to find one that will battle you," Barry said.
"Ha ha. Honestly, I don't know if there are any other trainers worth battling. Perhaps it's time I join the Darkrai hunt."
"Darkrai hunt? Do you mean that Pokémon that can send nightmares?" Barry asked.
"Yeah. Word around time is that Darkrai has been causing trouble for some reason. Nothing too major has happened though as far as I know," Feri answered.
"You guys be careful if you encounter Darkrai. He's a powerful Pokémon that you won't be able to face alone!" Bero warned.
"We'll be alright." Barry assured them.
"You guys watch out, yourself. If Darkrai's causing trouble, something bigger might happen." I couldn't warn them enough.
After double battling a few more trainers, we wandered around Alamos Town, browsing the trainer supplies they had in store. Tourist traps, although expensive, tended to have rarer stock in order to fetch a pretty penny from tourists. I ended up with a few Pokeballs I probably could get somewhere else, but I was running a little too low for my liking.
Barry spotted some specialty breeder food that he nabbed for a fair price. He confessed that he hadn't been the best around scheduling and packing lunches, so this was a good find for him.
After a few hours of doing menial activities around town, we split off to sight see on our own. It was mostly my suggestion to do this because I had a certain goal in mind.
I needed to meet Darkrai.
(-)
If memory serves, Darkrai "attacked" trainers when they were away from the central plaza, so theoretically if I get away from people but within the town in the open, Darkrai will appear. There was a certain garden I could also find. Some places have been affected by Palkia and Dialga's conflict, so Darkrai is keeping a close eye on everything.
Looking at just the architecture of Alamos Town, it certainly is an anomaly compared to other cities in Sinnoh. Must be because of its rich history in Legendary Pokémon affairs evolving into tourism.
There's these flower sculptures that've been twisted, rotted out. It's the work of the clash of Palkia and Dialga.
Now where is Darkrai?
…
There's nothing. Maybe it has something to do with when Palkia and Dialga clash? Am I just completely off from what I need to do and where I need to go?
Hm, maybe I'll rethink this.
"Staraptor, stand by!" Throwing out his pokeball, he appeared in the air, readily available.
"Star-raptor?"
"Seek out a Pokémon by the name of Darkrai. Do you know who that is?"
Staraptor gave me a sharp look almost questioning why I would even ask that. I quickly shuffled through my pockets to pull out my Pokedex to show Staraptor who Darkrai is.
Although it may be surprising for some that the Pokedex has images of elusive Pokémon like Darkrai, those images are compiled from every Trainers' Pokedex out there, so only the real legends of the world have scarce images.
For instance, there are only carvings depicting the Creation Trio and Arceus. Mythical and Legendary Pokémon more prone to show up in times of need have been better photographed.
After taking in the sight of Darkrai, Staraptor affirmed his readiness with a "Raptor".
" Find him and tell him I'm here to help him."
Staraptor nodded and flew off around town.
I'll proactively search as well. "Monferno, stand by!"
Monferno appeared in a flash, moving with energetic anticipation. "You're with me, Monferno. We're searching for a Pokémon called Darkrai. He has some reason for causing trouble in this town and I intend to help him out. Are you ready?"
"Mon-ferno!" Hmph, my Pokémon are up for anything it seems. Hopefully, I can act in a similar manner.
And so we were off into the outskirts of the town. Pockets of forest exist, home to many Pokémon. While normally I would take the chance to catch some Pokémon, I was a man on a mission.
Monferno and I turned over every rock, looked up in the treetops of every tree, needless to say we tried our hardest to find Darkrai.
We never did find him though.
I made the executive decision to take a break to think about what we need to do next. But then I heard a familiar sound of wings flapping.
"Raptor!" my Pokémon cried out, returning to my side with some news. By the sound of it, he succeeded in finding Darkrai.
As Staraptor came closer though, I noticed the state of him. Staraptor was bruised up, as if he's been in a battle. Did he get attacked?
Staraptor flew close to me and then flew in place before giving his report. "Star. Star-Raptor!"
From the sound of it, Staraptor found Darkrai as a shadow in the city, running away from something. He didn't appreciate being followed though and so he quickly attempted dispatching Staraptor.
Thankfully, Staraptor got out of there roughly intact.
"Good work, Staraptor. Are you well enough to lead me back to him?" I wasn't going to force him to come back even if his assistance was most likely needed.
"Star!" Staraptor nodded, showing his intention to see this through. Shows the strong loyalty of my Pokémon. Makes a trainer proud.
But this is no time for sentimentals.
"Let's go then. Darkrai probably has moved since your encounter with him!" With those words, Staraptor and I began our chase.
We went from a park-forest area and went into the inner part of Alamos Town. The hustle and bustle of the town made it hard to move with haste, but Staraptor and I just kept on moving forward.
"Excuse me," I said, a lackluster comment as I ran after Staraptor who was in the midst of tracking Darkrai.
His movements were hard to pin down, but not impossible. Staraptor can do this.
Rounding a corner, Staraptor seemed to have seen something important as he rushed forward even faster, using Agility.
That is when I heard the dark and foreboding voice.
"You! I told you to stay back! Leave me alone," a voice called out to Staraptor. Before I could approach the voice, a dark beam that I recognized to be Shadow Ball smacked right into Staraptor!
"Staraptor! Return," I said, recalling my falling Pokémon. Darkrai is more agitated than I expected. Wasn't he supposed to be friendly?
"So you're its trainer," he deduced, staring into my eyes. That puppet-like body with a smoke-colored head really made the Pokémon in question much more sinister in appearance than I originally thought. What specifically caught my eyes was the dead color in his eyes. They were cold, portraying a void of nothingness.
I decided to try and nip this in the bud. "I know what you're doing, Darkrai, but you need help."
"Just stay out of my way!" he yelled. He wasn't up for a compromise.
But I knew he needed to see reason.
"You can't stop Dialga and Palkia on your own."
"How do you even know of their appearance here!"
"Does it even matter? All you need to know is that I can help you save this town." I don't know what excuse would work, so I wasn't about to throw out any.
"Hmph, I don't need any help. Begone!"
"The town natives are going to misunderstand at this rate. I can help them realize what's happening."
"I said begone!" he said, throwing a Shadow Ball warning shot at my feet, blowing up dust.
He's not going to realize anything unless I show him the extent of his strength, huh. No matter.
"If you don't understand the weight of the situation here. I'll have to show you! Monferno, stand by for battle," I commanded as my Pokémon walked in front of me, ready to fight a Pokémon that's very well much stronger than him.
"You intend to fight me?"
"I intend to make you understand that you can't do this alone."
"Then this nonsense battle shall end immediately!" Darkrai powered up a Shadow Ball and shot it directly at me!
Monferno dodged outward as I jumped back as well. "Monferno, use Flame Wheel!"
Monferno rolled into a ball, breathing fire around it as he dashed on the side of the building, rushing Darkrai.
"Insolence!" Darkrai shouted, charging a small beam. Maybe that's Dark Void?
"Jump now!" Monferno answered the call and rolled off the way, jumping right onto Darkrai for a direct attack.
"GAH. You dare?"
"Monferno and I will get this through to you. Let us help you with this." Urging him on this matter, I had to stay aware of where we were. Although an alley, we might be stirring up too much of a commotion for no one else to stumble upon this scene. We needed to wrap this up soon.
"Monferno, Mach Punch!"
"I won't let you!"
While Monferno raced towards Darkrai, jumping nimbly across the area, closing the gap between him and Darkrai once more, Darkrai raised one of his arms, forming a claw that seemed fitting for such a terrifying Pokémon.
That was Shadow Claw. "Go for it!" Commanding Monferno to push himself further, Monferno jumped into the air towards Darkrai, unconcerned with the Shadow Claw.
Darkrai raised his claw before swiping it down as Monferno angled his punch inward, opposite of the claw.
Both hits connected with Darkrai getting pushed back minimally while Monferno got slammed into the ground.
I saw something in that clash though. A spark of life reignited into Darkrai's eyes.
"Monferno, are you alright?" I asked, as I couldn't see him with all the dust covering the alley.
"Monferno!" he called out, standing up with a little shake showing how much that hurt him. What terrifying power.
"Monferno, go-"
"Enough," Darkrai said, interrupting me. "You've made your point."
"Really? What made you come around," I asked, still cautious of him, but walking up to treat Monferno's injuries.
"Your attack hurt. It reminded me of something long ago." Darkrai said vaguely. Perhaps he's remembering the girl he befriended years ago. I forget her name, but that girl was important to him I think.
"Good work, Monferno," I mumbled, spraying a super potion over his wounds. He put in a lot of effort to dodge the attacks when needed. He deserves a rest, but I don't think he'll get one, yet.
The shadowy figure of Darkrai lowered his guard as he asked, "How exactly do you intend to help me then."
"There are people around here that probably have an inkling of what's going on. We need to clarify that this mess isn't your fault and that the greater forces are at play.
That caught him off guard as his next question was, "And what would that accomplish?"
"The Space-Time Towers have more purpose than to just sit there as a historical structure. I don't know the specifics, but it can calm Dialaga and Palkia."
"And you need the other humans to deal with the specifics?"
I nodded. "That's right. You probably know more than me about this subject, right?"
Darkrai thought about it before saying, "Hmmph. Perhaps there is a disc like that. Who do you have in mind to help us deal with this?"
"I believe their names are Tonio and Alice. They're natives of this town and have an in on the tower and what we could possibly need."
Darkrai's eyes widened at Alice's name being called. "Alicia…" I could hear being mumbled as he thought about my words.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing," he said defensively, not revealing the truth behind his supposed friendship with Alice's grandmother. That was her name!
"In that case, do you have any objections about my planned assistance?"
Darkrai shook his head. "Surprisingly, I trust your words. This better work."
"I trust you if that means anything. Reclusive Pokémon like you care more than you put on."
Darkrai shoved me off, "Silence. We need to hurry."
At his words' end, a pulse of energy emanated from the Space-Time Towers. The ominous power it showed foretold of something big happening.
"You're right. Palkia is already here by the looks of it. Let's go!"
Rushing away from the outskirts of Alamos' alleys, I pushed through the crowd to get to the fountain plaza. Even if Tonio and Alice aren't there, it's a central location, so it's going to be a good jumping off point to find them.
"Ferno! Monferno!"
"You're still needed right now, Monferno. Stay prepared for battle even if it'll be a little bit until we get to that point," He really did need to be ready.
"Hmph. hopefully your plan will make sure it doesn't get to that point," Darkrai mumbled.
I sincerely hope that is the case, Darkrai.
(-)
Upon reaching the fountain plaza, I heard a voice call out to me. "Oh hey, it's Paul! Ready for a match now?" Rase asked. His companions, Feri and Bero were a little far from her talking to trainers I recognize very well. Ash, Brock, and Dawn. That means that-!
"Not now. I have business to attend to. Thanks for the offer though." Walking past Rase, I eyed a certain blonde and a gray-haired glasses-wearing guy that was next to Ash and his friends.
"Excuse me," I said, making my presence known to them.
"What? That really is Paul" Ash cried out.
Ignoring him, I continued, "There's something you should know." Knowing the severity of the conversation, it's probably better if we took to another setting for this. "Would it be alright if we go to a more… private place?"
Feri, Baro and Rase took that as a cue to leave, saying a quick farewell with Ash and his friends.
"Wait wait wait. Back this up. Who are you and what do you want?" Alice asked.
"The name's Paul and there's something greater going on around here. You just felt a little bit of it."
"That pulsing from earlier. That did give a weird reading for my laptop but I wasn't sure of anything," Tonio muttered into his hand. "Oh and I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself yet. My names Tonio."
"And I'm Alice, but something tells that you were already aware of both our names," Alice said.
I nodded. "People think Darkrai is acting nonsensically when he's actually acting for the greater benefit of the town."
Alice's expression became hard to judge. Her thought process must've been turning like clockwork at the sudden news. "Fine then. Let's head to your lab, Tonio," Alice said, giving a smile to Tonio.
"Oh, roger that, Alice," Tonio said, reeking of embarrassment.
"Should we come along," Brock asked. He probably didn't know if it was a private conversation or not.
"Do as you like," I said, ambivalently. Unlike my words though, their involvement is likely necessary for some things to happen more smoothly. I doubt roadblocks won't show up.
"I'm going to come along in that case. I want to help in any way I can if trouble is coming," Dawn said.
"Right, we'll help out too," Ash said.
"Pi-Pikapi!" Ash's Pikachu affirmed their resolve.
Giving their words nothing but a nod of consideration, we were led to Tonio's lab.
"Oh, I didn't notice before but it looks like Chimchar evolved into Monferno. It looks super strong!" Ash said.
"Monferno puts in the time and effort. It's only expected. Anyway, that's not the topic at hand here." Looking at the shadow at my feet, I pointed to it, saying, "He is."
Darkrai took that as a sign to appear, causing everyone to get startled from the sudden entrance.
"Darkrai?" Alice yelled, not expecting him.
"He's heeere?" Brock, Dawn, and Ash questioned loudly.
Tonio was too terrified to respond.
"This human here has somehow convinced me that seeking out your help is necessary."
"Paul did that?" Ash questioned.
"Help with what?" Alice asked.
Darkrai solemnly eyed Alice as he said, "With chasing the Spatial and Temporal Pokémon's conflict away from this town."
"What!?" Everyone, sans myself and the two Pokémon already in the know of the situation, yelled out in surprise.
"This is where I come in," I said, causing everyone's eyes to go on me, "Our current situation is like this…"
After explaining that Palkia is in this city recovering and that its presence will lead Dialga here, reigniting the conflict in their city, there were varied responses.
Ash and Dawn recognized it was a serious situation, but seemed determined that we could stop them.
Brock was a little more cautious regarding the implications of the conflict.
Alice saw how this bleak situation was.
But Tonio's reaction was different.
"So that was the cause of the strange energy waves my computer was picking up," Tonio said. "It all makes sense now! The story from the book was real! We just have to find Orácion!"
"That's right. The Space-Time Towers can make Orácion calm Dialga and Palkia so that they'll leave Alamos Town." I said.
"Orácion?" Dawn asked. "What could that be?"
"That's a song my grandmother taught me to play. Paul is suggesting we find Orácion's disc to put into the Towers!" Alice realized it as she said it.
"Let's go find it then while we still can!" Brock said. "You know where it is, right?"
Alice nodded. "It's where we keep all the discs. Right under the-"
Suddenly, a stronger pulse went through the town. A pulse that made Darkrai tense up. "Dialga has come to finish the battle with Palkia."
The moment to act was now. "All of you get Orácion to the Space-Time Tower! Darkrai and I will try to stall Dialga and Palkia."
"You can't stall those two! They're much more powerful than any normal Pokémon. It's crazy to try and face them!" Tonio warned.
"He's right. It's dangerous for Darkrai, let alone you and your Pokémon," Brock said, giving me a stern look.
Shrugging him off, I walked past them all with Darkrai following close behind me. "I know, but we don't have much of an option right now. Just get the Orácion disk to the top of the Space-Time Towers as fast as you can.
"Just follow my lead so you don't get hurt," Darkrai warned.
"Don't underestimate me and my Pokémon. We're prepared to support you in this."
Darkrai's eyes went from me to the visible crack in the sky as Dialga broke into this makeshift dimension. The blackened surroundings of the town's borders showed that Palkia had broken the town away to another dimension already. That meant things were getting serious now.
And with that, I prepared for the real fight.
(-)
The town was in panic as no one knew what was going on. Everyone was running away from the town, trying to escape the mayhem, but little did they know, they couldn't.
"Hey Paul. Do you know what the hell is going on here?" Rase asked, worry evident in his voice. Among the chaos, Feri, Baro, and Rase were walking around with their Pokémon, trying to think of what to do.
"A plan is already in motion to stop them. The best thing we can do is stall the big two in the air."
"No way! You're insane. You won't succeed trying anything with them! You could die breathing the same air as those two!" Feri exclaimed.
"Darkrai will be here also to take their attention," I said, pointing to the Pokémon in question.
"D-darkrai?" Rase said.
"So, Darkrai was working for the good of the town. Count me in. Empoleon and I will help too." Baro said.
"Poleon," his Pokémon agreed.
"Errr Uhhh FINE THEN! We'll join the fight too!" Rase said. Torterra reiterates their resolve after him.
"You idiots are going to get yourself killed. I guess we'll have to keep you guys in line by joining the fight too." Feri said, with her Infernape almost elevating her enthusiasm with a fiery roar.
"Fine then. You humans have nonsensically decided to go into danger all on your own. We can't delay any more." Darkrai's speech stunned the three friends equally but there wasn't time to react to it.
Darkrai flew up into the air and started his assault on Dialga and Palkia, charging powerful Shadow Balls before firing them off.
This albeit powerful attack would not normally even phase Pokémon like this. A wave of their limbs can dispel the attacks, but they're in a heightened sense of agitation, so their reaction is especially potent.
That is, they're both extremely angry.
Indescribable roars pierced the sky as a pulse sent Darkrai to the ground, creating a crater.
"... I'm going to a more suitable location," I said, ignoring the gaze of the three friends who are questioning their choice from before.
Going to a more open plain, away from the houses in the middle of the town, I released my Pokémon. "Stand by for battle, Hariyama, Torterra, Electabuzz, Luxio, Scyther, Gastrodon, Staraptor, and Murkrow!"
My team was out and ready to rumble.
"Hariyama, Hyper Beam! Torterra, Solar Beam! Electabuzz and Luxio, Thunder! Staraptor, Whirlwind! Gastrodon, Water Pulse! Murkrow, Night Shade! Scyther, now use Vacuum Wave!"
My Pokémon all fired their attacks through the air, powerful beams flowing right to the legends in the air.
Darkrai fired off his attack as well from the other direction. Good, we're splitting their attention.
They both spoke the attacks away, getting even more angry at the interference. A wave of pure energy came for my team and Darkrai as both Palkia and Dialga wanted no interference into their spat.
"Shield us, Torterra! Frenzy Plant!" Responding to the command, Torterra awakened giant roots from the ground, to collide with the wave.
But those roots weren't enough. In fact, they were cut clean through! There wasn't enough time to call for another attempt to block, all we could do was brace for impa-"
Suddenly a large tornado erupted in front of us, canceling out the fearsome attack. Who could've done this? Turning my head to see a Skarmory, I also see a blond in the distance with a team of Empoleon, Roserade, and Staraptor joining him.
"I'm going to fine you for attacking my friend!" I vaguely hear in the distance as Barry orders his Pokémon to fire an attack.
What an idiot. I'll have to thank him later. "Again, everyone!" We resumed our assault.
It's a shame we have to play second fiddle to be a distraction while the Orácion disc is getting put in, but for some reason, I'm not disappointed anymore. I'm all pumped up for this fight despite the danger!
Three more powerful attacks fired off not from either Barry's or my own Pokémon.
It was Baro, Rase, and Feri. They came through.
Darkrai fired off another round of attacks, beams of darkness showering the sky in their power as the legends in the air took all the attacks that we were giving them.
And then they reversed it.
They pushed our attacks back down to us, expecting us to falter from that. They underestimate us.
Attacks like Stone Edge and Frenzy Plant provide more than enough cover to cancel out the moves of our own Pokémon!
Taking a look at the Space-Time Towers, I saw a hot air balloon slowly making the assent. They've found it! This nightmare will soon be over!
We just needed one final push.
"Give everything you got now!" The dimension hasn't been warped from Palkia and Dialga's fight yet. The distraction has proven to be more than successful. We just need to keep it going!
Our attacks launched with renewed vigor as their attention is split between all the attacks. With my team, Barry's team, Feri, Baro, and Rase with Darkrai leading the attack, this is finally looking promising.
Now it's all up to you, Ash.
Their auras began to pulse as the Legendary Pokémon were getting ready to retaliate once again. I had to be ready. "Everyone, on my mark, launch an attack to cover us."
Dialga and Palkia's roar pierced the sky as their aura pulsed greater and greater until it ended in an attack from each of them. This time is different though. Both Pokémon are directly counter attacking us now! Dialga roared with Flash cannon aiming it down at us while Palkia charged up a powerful Aura Sphere.
"I won't let those hit any humans!" I could hear Darkrai shout as he flew into the line of attack using Shadow Ball to buffer each of the Aura Sphere and Flash cannon. But he was being naive if he thought he could stop them.
His attack was eradicated with no resistance. Darkrai himself was launched towards the ground. Those attacks were now quickly heading towards us!
Something told me we weren't going to counter this! "Everyone, dodge this attack! Get to cover!"
Although tired, my Pokémon were able to get to their feet and spread out from the blow and from the looks of it, out of the trajectory of the attack.
Everyone except Torterra.
"Tor-TERRA!"
"Damn it!. Torterra, you're going to get through this!" I said, running up to him with a plan in mind. Getting out his pokeball, I raised to recall Torterra before a shockwave of aura, from Dialga's roar, knocked it out of my hand. It was launched too far for me to know where it'd land!
Damn it, we'd have to move him manually. Maybe some moves will help.
"Move yourself with Leaf Storm!"
Torterra quickly made a ring of leaves pick up speed from around him. I attempted to direct him and push him with the added bonus of the wind of the leaves helping.
"Geh," I couldn't help but shiver from getting hit by some of the attack. I'm standing too close if I want to not get hit by it… but Torterra needs to get out of here.
Seeing the attack from above almost landing here any second, I gave one final grunt to push, but even with Leaf Storm, he wasn't moving enough.
"HariYAMA"
"Ferno!"
"Buzz BUZZ"
"GaSTRODON!"
"Star!"
"MURkrow!"
"Xio!"
"ScyTHER!"
All my Pokémon from before were around here, helping Torterra get out of the range of the attack! Their push is just what we needed as Torterra is able to move a greater distance now!
In fact, by this point, he'll make it out from the attack.
But what about me? I also wasn't out of the complete range of the attack!
Those thoughts couldn't be completed as Flash Cannon and Aura Sphere hit the ground near me, causing an explosion with massive wind to hit the area as the shockwave of the attack was apparent. A shockwave that hit me.
"Gah!" I involuntarily grunted out as my world was being flipped upside down as the force of the attacks knocked me down to the ground.
My world was going dark as I contemplated these events. Is Ash going to pull through? Was our stalling all for nothing? Did we give them enough time?
Before I passed out from the pain, a ring of serenity played from the Space-Time Towers. A nice tune that signaled the victory.
A smile made its way to my face as I allowed my eyes to be closed. Finally, the battle is over.
(-)
I had awakened in the same field with my Pokémon worried about my state of being. After assuring them of my good health, I promptly collapsed onto the ground and had to be carried by Baro and Rase, who saw the Flash Cannon and Aura Sphere's shock wave hit me.
I ended up having to be admitted into the hospital for my injuries even if I felt that the injuries could be slept off.
And so the very next day, I was sitting in a hospital bed, bored out of my mind. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, I had visitors.
"I'm going to fine you for getting yourself hurt like this!" Barry said, seemingly bummed out from the news of my injuries.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll be out of here by tomorrow, but we'll probably have to delay our battle."
"Really? That stinks. I guess we'll do it some other time then. What do you have in mind for tomorrow?"
"Just a little something for Rase. I have to run it by someone else first though."
"Really," Barry said with a smirk, "Sounds like my kind of battle if I'm thinking what you're implying."
"You're probably thinking correctly. Now don't you have to reward your Pokémon for yesterday."
Barry laughed. "You're right! I bought some food right for this occasion! I'll see you tomorrow then."
After Barry left, some other people quickly came to take his place.
"I told you that you were insane," Feri shrugged her shoulders as she looked at the sorry state I was in.
"You act unfazed, but when you saw him passed out last night, you were a little more distra- BAH!" Rase was interrupted by a smack.
"Shut your mouth!" Feri said, her face red from embarrassment.
"Haha, you're a good trainer, Paul. Feri and the rest of us are just glad nothing more serious happened. We found Torterra's Pokeball for you by the way," Baro said, returning the Pokeball.
"Thanks and I appreciate the sentiments." A thought came to my mind. Something I hadn't asked them yet. "All of you are taking part in the Pokémon League challenge?" I asked, seeing as they raised up strong starters.
"Uhhh yeah, all of us are. We have 5 badges already, so we're almost done with the gyms. Why the sudden question," Rase asked.
"Oh, no reason," I commented with a smirk, "I just wanted to know my competition. Good luck to all of you."
"Hey now," Feri's face showed a large grin as she said, "Just don't wimp out at the end. I want to battle you at the Sinnoh League!"
"I could also battle you tomorrow given I get someone else' participation."
"Ah, do you mean, I'll finally get to battle someone!" Rase exclaimed.
"What? Didn't you battle someone yesterday?" I asked, recalling how they met Ash, Brock, and Dawn.
"Ah, Torterra just played around with Ash's Pikachu a tiny bit. Not anything that can be considered a full fledged battle."
"Then I guess you'll get that battle very soon then,"
"Just text us tomorrow when you wanna throw down," Baro said, waving goodbye as the three friends exited my room. We had exchanged numbers earlier so we could keep in touch. They were strong trainers, so I definitely wanted to see how far they would go.
I also want to see how far I can go…
After some time had passed, I had some more visitors.
"I guess I can't trust you to stay out of danger," murmured a deep voice that could only come from one Darkrai.
Darkrai had entered with Tonio and Alice. Seeing no discomfort from Alice and Tonio, it's probably the case that they became friends with Darkrai after everything went down.
"I don't want to hear that from you. You got hurt more than I did!"
"Yeah, but Darkrai can take hits like that. He's strong" Alice noted.
"Perhaps, but he also puts in double the effort to protect Alamos." I said, bringing a moment of silence for the recent events to come to the forefront of their minds.
… "How's the town," I asked.
"Safe, thanks to you and Darkrai. Any damage Dialga and Palkia caused was erased upon Alamos Town being revived to its original space," Tonio said, showing complicated waves on his laptop that monitors the area.
"Ah, I see. So, everything is fine then. That's good."
"Indeed it is," Darkrai said, "I thank you for your assistance, Paul."
That actually means a lot from a Pokémon like Darkrai. I was almost tempted to catch Darkrai thanks to his power, but his respect is also a nice thing to have.
"Yeah, I don't know how you knew what you knew, but it helped a lot. The city is saved and I have someone to tell me stories of my granny," Alice commented, causing Darkrai to turn his head in embarrassment.
There wasn't a lot of conversation after that. I can't say I became friends with Tonio or Alice, but when they left the room hand in hand, it felt like a piece of the grand puzzle came into place.
A terrifying experience had truly come to an end.
Darkrai left with little fanfare, disappearing into a shadow. He'd be sticking around Alamos for a while.
My final visitors of the day were to be expected.
"I didn't think we'd meet here," Ash said upon entering the room with his friends.
"Pika chu," his companion added.
"Yeah, after the Coal Badge in Oreburgh, we haven't seen you at all. By the way I still haven't forgiven you for acting like you don't know me."
"Piplup pip!"
"...Who are y-"
"I don't think that act is going to work now. You were addressing us just last night," Brock interrupted.
Clicking my tongue, it seemed that caused Dawn to get angry.
"Gr, you cheeky little!" Piplup and Brock held her back as she attempted to get physical. Not like I was worried about the pipsqueak hurting me. It is fun to get her riled up though.
"How many badges are you at now, Paul?" Ash asked. He wants to compare us, huh.
"Four,"
"Ah man, I've only defeated two gyms. How are you so far ahead," Ash groaned as he sat depressed on the ground with Pikachu there with him.
Shrugging, I was going to answer, but Brock did it for me. "A solo journey, albeit more difficult, does have the benefit of not having a lot of obligations. Paul is probably blasting by the routes, right?"
"That's correct. The routes are easy to navigate, so it's a straight shot to each city and since I train every day, the gyms are a piece of cake."
Brock and Dawn glared at Ash probably for his famous sense of direction leading them to a lot of misadventures.
The word training caught Ash's attention though. "Speaking of training, you and your team are probably getting pretty strong, right?"
"What do you think," I said, smirking at that question.
"How about a battle then when you get discharged then," Brock asked, sensing Ash's excitement.
"I have a better idea. How about a triple battle?"
"A triple battle? What's that," Dawn asked.
"It's a three trainer vs three trainer battle. Are you asking for Dawn and I to battle?"
"Not exactly. You've met Rase, Feri, and Baro. My friend and I need a third person to battle with us. Do you want to give it a shot, Ash?"
Telling them the details, I spent the rest of my time, checking up on my Pokémon. A triple battle is just a bit of fun, but I'm curious to see Barry and Ash's progress.
(-)
After being discharged from the hospital, I got my Pokémon together for a checkup on all of them. All of them seemed to have grown more confident having faced up to Pokémon gods. It's good to see their determination is strong.
"We've overcome a huge hurdle just now," I said, addressing everyone. "Good work to everyone, but now that you've seen great power, it'll be your job to get to that point with my help." Everyone cheered at that declaration.
After a meal with my team, I called everyone to meet in a field a little away from Alamos Town. It was time for a triple battle.
"I've never seen a triple battle! I'm excited to see how this'll go!" Dawn said with her piplup mimicking that sentiment.
"I'll referee if that's alright with everyone," Brock said, taking the position in the middle of the field. Barry, myself, and Ash stood on one side facing Baro, Feri, and Rase.
"That's fine by us," Rase said with a smile. "I'm just glad that things are getting interesting!"
"You can start the formalities," I said to the experienced gym leader.
After laying down the rules, of which are similar to double battling, Brock raised his hand as he said, "Trainers, call out your Pokémon."
"Let's get going, Skarmory," Barry called out.
"Pikachu, I choose you!" Ash said, releasing his best friend.
"Electabuzz, stand by for battle!"
The fight was on.