Chapter 69: High on Life

The combined attack against Shadow Zekrom and Shadow Reshiram by Ash and May's friends and allies was a brave effort, but it was not enough. They were vastly more powerful and everyone in the room was outclassed by the shadow dragons. However, when the dragons charged up their signature attacks and the battle seemed lost, a white light began to engulf the room.

"What's going on?" N felt the white light begin to consume them.

Iris, Cilan, Axew, and the others felt the warmth of the light as it rapidly spread through the room. Shadow Zekrom and Shadow Reshiram halted their attacks when the light touched them. The group quickly realized the shadow energy around the dragons faded. "What's going on?!" Iris wasn't sure if she should be afraid or relieved.

Zekrom and Reshiram roared once they were freed from the shadow energy. The dragon duo began to fly away from the group into the abyss of the white light that captured the entire foyer. "Why did Zekrom and Reshiram stop their attacks?" Cilan looked as confused as his Pansage.

"They flew off like nothing happened," Hilda looked around her. There was nothing except white light around them at this point. It was as if they had been transported from the Strange House to a bright empty void.

"Genesis, should we be worried?" Hilbert chuckled nervously, hoping for a good sign.

Genesis, Silver, and Cloud remained calm during the whole instance. They looked at the rest of the group with smiles on their faces. "We won. Ash and May did it," Genesis said with relief.

"Oh wow!" Hilda cheered with Iris and Axew. The girls held hands and jumped up and down.

"How do you know?" Cilan asked with N and Hilbert also standing curiously next to him.

"This white light around us is the timeline resetting itself," Genesis pointed out about their surroundings.

"Resetting?" Iris questioned, immediately stopping her celebration with Hilda.

Ash and May's friends remained confused. "What do you mean by resetting?" Hilbert raised an eyebrow.

"When Omega arrived in this period, his tampering with space and time corrupted the timeline. Events that weren't supposed to happen occurred because of it. Now that Omega is no more, the timeline is free to correct itself and follow canon events," Auro explained to everyone.

"Roxas theorized this would happen and I guess he was right," Nate crossed his arms, thinking about what was about to happen. He looked at Hilda and Hilbert. He regretted that they never got a chance to talk about the fact that he and Rosa were their future children.

"What does that mean for us?" N inquired, placing his finger on his chin.

"It means you will forget any of this ever happened. You won't remember Omega or us or the fact that practically all of existence was threatened. The laws of space and time are fixing everything as we speak," Cloud elaborated.

"We're going to get split up as part of the correction," Rosa pitied at their new reality, but she knew it was the price of victory. She felt the same regret as Nate over Hilda and Hilbert.

"No point in trying to keep it all memorized, sadly," Silver crossed his arms, somewhat lamenting the end of the road.

"That means we won't remember being friends anymore," Iris turned to Hilda with a disappointing realization.

Axew lowered its head in sadness, "Ax axew."

Cilan, Iris, Hilda, and Hilbert grieved over the end of their friendship while Genesis, Silver, and Cloud looked at them with pity. Hilda and Hilbert felt especially disappointed because they had just reunited with their future children but had no chance to address the subject. Silver turned to Cloud and Genesis, "It's been a good run, ladies and gents," holding his hand out.

"Likewise," Cloud shook Silver's hand.

"Always the sentimental type," Silver said sarcastically as he shook his hand, making Cloud chuckle for once. Auro, Nate, and Rosa also shook Silver's hand and expressed their gratitude for all the help they gave.

"It's been an honor to battle alongside all of you," Genesis said to his younger comrades. The feeling was mutual for all of them.

The younger friends from the present timeline continued to pity their situation until N approached them. "I don't think we should treat this as the end," N spoke with a smile.

"What do you mean N?" Cilan wondered.

"I believe life has a funny way of connecting people. Something tells me this isn't the last time we'll see each other," N looked into the infiniteness of the white light.

"You think we'll meet each other again?" Iris sounded hopeful when she asked.

"I do," N nodded contently.

"I think so too," Hilbert grinned at Iris and Cilan with confidence. He looked at Nate and Rosa, who looked at the brown-haired male warmly.

"Then that means we'll see Ash and May again too!" Hilda found her joy again. In those last moments she also stared at Hilbert, then at Nate and Rosa. She swore she'd see her children again, then she blushed.

"Until then, let's share one more group hug," Iris suggested. Cilan invited Auro, Nate, and Rosa to join them since they had shared so much. The seven friends and Axew embraced each other one more time as N chuckled, pleased to see the teens' hopes up. Then the white light completely consumed everything.


In Ultra Space, Roxas, Lucario, and Victini were glad to reunite with Ash and May. Victini had found Roxas in the Strange House and used its power to help the trainer heal. The trio then ventured into Ultra Space to help the couple and their Pokémon. They were all relieved to be together until a white light burst in Ultra Space.

"What's happening?" May saw Ultra Space disappear, a white light taking over their environment.

"It's time. The timeline is resetting and fixing any events where Omega or I meddled," Roxas explained to Ash and May.

Ash, May, and their Pokémon didn't expect the reset to happen so abruptly. Then they noticed Solgaleo, Dialga, and Giratina, who was now free from Omega, roaring with relief as everything began to correct. The trio of Legendary Pokémon looked at Ash and May and roared once more. "They're thanking you for saving reality," Roxas smiled at the trainers.

"You're welcome," Ash grinned softly, walking over to Nebby, and petting it as a farewell.

"We're just glad to help," May smiled at the legendaries, she petted Giratina and Dialga.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu said joyously at the giant Pokémon.

"Blaziken!" Blaziken nodded proudly at them as well.

"Tini!" Victini thanked its legendary counterparts for being with them.

The three Legendary Pokémon looked at the couple once more and took their leave. They each flew off in a different direction until they disappeared in the vastness of the white light. Once they were gone, Ash and May turned to Roxas.

It's time my friend, Lucario said to Roxas. Reminding him that they didn't have much time left before the timeline reset.

"Ash, May, Pikachu, Blaziken, Victini…thank you for everything you did here today. You saved all existence despite the costs. You never lost hope and thanks to you, people can wake up tomorrow to find themselves safe and sound," Roxas highlighted what Ash and May's victory meant to every single world out there.

"We wouldn't have been able to do it without you Roxas," Ash smiled at his future son,

"You showed us what we were capable of and that helped us see just how strong we are," May chimed in.

Roxas and Lucario smiled at the pair. Roxas's smile then melted as tears rolled down his face. He knew this was the last time he was going to see them. Ash and May also knew this was the final time they'd see the boy who turned out to be their son. Roxas lunged at them with a hug. Ash and May embraced them with all their love. "Even if we forget everything, in our hearts, we're proud of you forever and always," May managed to see through her tears, knowing her son was about to disappear from existence.

"I know deep down we will never forget everything we experienced together. We will always have each other in some way," Ash firmly believed also.

Roxas let go of his parents and wiped the tears from his face. He had one more smile and nodded with Lucario. "Goodbye Red," Ash used his nickname affectionately.

"We love you," May added with warmth.

Then the white light consumed Roxas and Lucario, disappearing from the group. Ash and May knew they were low on time. Pikachu, Blaziken, and Victini all looked at each other with soft glances. They knew this was going to be a bittersweet farewell.

May held Ash's face, "It's only goodbye for now." Her eyes glistened with love.

"I know we'll see each other again, even if it's only as friends," Ash held May's hand while she still caressed his cheek. He took pleasure in her warm touch.

"Even if it's only as friends," May agreed. "I am glad I know you, Ash Ketchum. I love you," May said with a knot in her throat.

"I love you May," Ash fought a knot in his throat as well. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck, and they kissed one final time. They wouldn't let their last moments go to waste with tears. Ash and May made the moment count. Victini, Pikachu, and Blaziken held onto their trainers affectionately as they all braced for the white light to consume them.

Ash and May clung to each other for as long as they could. With their last kiss, they relived their whole relationship one last time from the moment they reunited in Pallet Town up until now. Even if they'd forget it all, the two were glad they got to at least live it all together. Their final kiss celebrated an enduring love that had prevailed against all odds and saved everything they ever cared about. Bye-bye baby, May thought as she continued pressing her lips against Ash. Then the white light consumed the five of them, blinding everything.


The world no longer had a black sky hovering over it. Everyone continued about their lives in every corner without even remembering the black sky. A tall luminous tower continued to shine through a cheerful and fashionable city. Surfers on an island archipelago enjoyed another sunny day, thanking their guardian deities for another blissful day. People at an enormous, yet majestic pink stadium cheered as a purple-haired trainer with a black cap continued his undefeated streak. Students at a cathedral-like academy continued their daily school activities, laughing, and learning under the sunlight with their Pokémon.


The dry and mountainous landscape surrounding the Strange House remained, but its sinister sky was no more. A blue sky kept the lonely home company. Unexpectedly, Ash and May separated from their kiss and still found themselves together. They were standing on the rooftop of the Strange House, overlooking the region. Blaziken, Pikachu, and Victini opened their eyes to find each other with the trainers as well. The five of them were confused about what was going on.

"What are we still doing here?" Ash wasn't sure if he should be happy or confused.

"I thought the timeline reset," May also pondered with a mix of happiness and confusion.

"And I still remember everything that happened. Omega, Roxas, it's all in there," Ash recollected all the events.

"Same here, but how?" May crossed her arms as she remembered.

All of a sudden, a bright light spawned in front of the couple and the Pokémon. When the light faded, their eyes widened with awe. A white equine Pokémon resembling a centaur with a gray, vertically-striated underside and four pointed feet tipped with gold hooves appeared before them. It was "The Original One".

"Pika…" Pikachu said with wonderment. Pikachu and Blaziken were paralyzed with surprise, they did not expect the Pokémon's presence. Victini was the only one who bowed before it.

"Arceus," Ash got goosebumps when he saw the mythical Pokémon.

"No way," May's jaw dropped when they saw him.

Arceus looked at the group as if analyzing them. The Alpha Pokémon nodded at them as if greeting them. The white Pokémon had overheard Ash and May's confusion over the continued existence of their relationship and their memories of everything that happened in the tampered timeline. Arceus spoke telepathically, Ash and May, your relationship survived the reset because it's a canon event.

"A canon event?" May wasn't quite following. She was a bit tired of trying to understand the complex intricacies of space and time.

"What's that?" Ash was just as lost as his girlfriend. None of their Pokémon understood what it meant either.

I've long observed everything that happens across all realities. The multiverse is founded on events that are inevitable. No matter what occurs, these inevitable events are bound to happen sooner or later. These events are defined as 'canon events.' In your case, Omega may have intervened in your relationship but you two were always meant to be together regardless of his arrival in your world. The two of you becoming a couple was always meant to happen. It is a canon event, and Omega failed to realize this, Arceus revealed how the timeline reset did not affect Ash and May's relationship.

"Whoa," Ash and May said simultaneously, understanding what Arceus stated. They were stunned by the explanation.

"So, our love was never bounded by that jerk," May was relieved to hear. She quickly ran over to Ash and hugged him; she knew now that she was destined to be with him in every universe. Ash squeezed her as she held him, he felt the exact same way as the brunette.

As the raven-haired teen held May, another question came to him. "Arceus, how are we still able to remember everything before the reset?"

That was my doing. What happened in this timeline must be remembered by someone, and who better to remember all of it than the couple who saved existence? Arceus looked at the couple with pride. If the world is ever to fall in danger again, it has two exceptional defenders…but if you prefer to forget these events then I understand and can erase the memories, Arceus explained to them.

"The world's defenders?" Ash thought about the idea.

"You think we are capable of defending the world?" May questioned.

Ash and May, I believe you are more than capable of protecting this world. Omega was not the first threat to your planet, and you've prevented many other catastrophes before. You're heroes. As I said though, if the burden of your memories is too much then I can take them if you wish, Arceus indicated.

Ash and May looked at each other. They looked at Victini, Blaziken, and Pikachu as well. The couple and their Pokémon remembered inadvertently saving the world multiple times before. The crisis was never as dire as it was now, but they were always ready and willing to help. They didn't see a reason to not defend their world, they loved it after all. Plus, the memories of fighting Omega carried lessons they could apply in the future.

"We'll defend it," Ash and May assured Arceus at the same time. Pikachu, Blaziken, and Victini smiled at their acceptance. Arceus nodded.

No one else has memories of the events that unfolded. Nonetheless, the choice to share them with others will be your choice. Arceus pointed out that the rest of the world has forgotten Omega and any of his actions were undone by the Alpha Pokémon. Ash and May weren't sure if they would share their experience, but that would be a decision for another day. Thanks to the two of you, there is hope for humanity, Arceus added.

"Our hope for them has never wavered," May told the Alpha Pokémon.

"Omega believed we weren't worth fighting for," Ash remembered Omega's speech on humanity's evil.

Arceus sighed. I watched Omega for a long time, and he witnessed inexplicable evils that would break most souls. For a time, I also believed that humanity was not worth preserving until I met you in Michina Town Ash, Arceus recalled. Ash remembered Arceus's fury on the day of judgment for the town. Nevertheless, humanity can be as good as it can be evil. Omega had no right to decide the existence of an entire society. I know he intended to use Giratina against me to gain control of all reality, yet it was the hope you two had that defeated him. As long as there is hope, the future of people and Pokémon is sound.

The couple grinned proudly, knowing their deed allowed justice and hope to survive another day. May wondered though, "Omega really believed he could become the multiverse's new god through you. Arceus, do you have dominion over all existence as he believed?"

The original Pokémon said it did. I exist across all planes of existence but in different forms. I watch over Omega's world just as I watch over yours. In his world, I am known by another name and shape. He was not wrong about that, Arceus detailed. Ash and May wondered what Arceus looked like in another world if this were only Arceus's form in their world.

There was another thing on Ash and May's minds, which saddened them when they thought about it. Is there something troubling you? Arceus noted their dispositions.

"Arceus, is Roxas really gone?" Ash asked the question. They thought about their future son, wondering where in this vast existence he was now.

"He told us he would disappear when the timeline reset," May lamented, picturing her son's sapphire eyes and raven-black hair.

Arceus looked to the sky, the Alpha Pokémon knew they'd ask about their son. He is still out there. Just as your relationship is a canon event, Roxas's birth is also a canon event. Ash and May's faces brightened when they heard his response. Their joy was cut when Arceus continued, but because his timeline was heavily affected by Omega and it led to the death of both of you and Sapphire, Roxas would need to be reborn as a completely different person as part of the reset. Naturally, he would not be the same person you met, and his future would need to be altered to line up with this timeline.

"Oh," May and Ash recognized some form of Roxas would still need to disappear. This saddened them again.

Then the Alpha Pokémon followed up with something else, Since Roxas and everyone in the future played such a significant part in the survival of our existence though, I have rewarded their acts of bravery by preserving their timeline. All experiences and connections will be left intact for Roxas and his friends. Normally, having two separate realities for one timeline defies the laws of space and time, but I established them so I can be lenient, Arceus revealed.

"That's great!" Ash cheered, thanking Arceus for its kindness.

"Then Roxas and everyone else will be ok," May hugged Ash, celebrating the revelation.

Pikachu, Blaziken, and Victini joined in their cheers since Roxas would live to remember everything they experienced in the present. Arceus's eyes focused on Victini, who was dancing around Ash and May. Victini, it's time for us to go, the mythical Pokémon said.

Victini and the others stopped their celebration, remembering that Victini was still a Legendary Pokémon. "Vi?" Victini said to the Alpha Pokémon with sadness in its tone.

You've grown into a powerful Pokémon, and I know it is thanks to Ash, May, and their friends that you made it this far. Now you need to use that power to protect Pokémon too. Our duty as Legendary Pokémon is to preserve life, including that of Pokémon. I know you recognize this as your duty after bravely demonstrating it today, Arceus noted.

"Tini," Victini agreed, but that did not stop it from feeling sad over splitting from its friends.

The Victory Pokémon hovered over to Pikachu and Blaziken. Pikachu stood on Blaziken's shoulder as the two looked at Victini with sadness too. The small Fire-type hugged Pikachu and Blaziken, wishing them all the luck in the world in their battles and contests. "Pi," Pikachu assured the Victory Pokémon that they wouldn't forget their adventures.

"Blaz," Blaziken said it was proud of how far Victini's fiery power had come since the Blaze Pokémon had personally mentored Victini with its Fire-type attacks.

When Victini pulled away from the two Pokémon, it floated over to Ash and May. "Vi…" Victini continued to feel sadness as it looked at the two humans.

"Victini, we are going to miss you so much," Ash grabbed the little Pokémon's head, flashing a soft smile.

"You saved our lives when we first met, and then you taught us so much. We'll never forget any of it," May also placed her hand on the little one's head, petting it.

Victini hugged the couple as tears began to roll down its face. "I promise that we'll see each other again," Ash returned Victini's hug.

"Don't forget about us, and keep being an awesome Pokémon," May squeezed the Victory Pokémon. The couple wiped away its tears and said they looked forward to meeting again.

"Ti!" Victini stopped crying and nodded confidently. The Psychic-type hovered over to Arceus's side as the group of four waved to it. Arceus prepared to teleport away with Victini until Ash asked one final thing.

"One last thing Arceus," Ash stepped forward with his question. "Omega believed there was a bond between us and if he used Giratina to hurt me, then that would provoke you to appear. Are we really bounded?

Arceus closed its eyes and chuckled. You are not the only mortal bound to me anymore, "The Original One" indirectly answered his question. With that said, Arceus and Victini became enveloped in a bright light. Victini waved at its friends in the last seconds. Then they were gone, teleporting away with the bright light.

Ash and May stood alone with their Pokémon on the rooftop of the Strange House. They were left wondering about Arceus's last words.


Roxas and Lucario found themselves on a grassy pasture with Auro, Nate, and Rosa. His friends were just as confused as he was. Roxas looked at his hands and looked at Lucario. He wondered if something had gone wrong, "How am I here? This shouldn't be possible."

Consider if a gift for everything you've done, a voice called out.

The trainers and Lucario turned around with amazement. Arceus! Lucario exclaimed. The four humans and Lucario thought about what the Alpha Pokémon was doing here and what it had to do with Roxas's continued existence.

I'll explain everything, Arceus settled to discuss with them.


"There you are! We've been looking everywhere for you," Cilan's voice alerted Ash, May, and their Pokémon. The couple saw Iris, Axew, and Cilan run over to them when they reached the rooftop. Ash and May noticed no one else accompanied them and they recognized why.

"Can we get out of here, this place gives me the creeps," Iris hugged herself in discomfort.

"Ax ew ew," Axew agreed with its trainer.

"Sure, let's get going," Ash chuckled, glad to see their two traveling companions. Pikachu climbed on Ash's shoulder as they began to get on their way.

"We were looking everywhere for you," Cilan pointed out with slight concern.

"What were you doing all the way up here anyways?" Iris asked curiously.

"Oh, we'll tell you all about it on our way down," May giggled, she placed her hands behind her head as they walked away. Blaziken followed his trainer's pace.

True to Arceus's words, only Ash, May, Pikachu, and Blaziken remembered everything they had experienced. Regardless, the only thing that mattered to them at this point was they all had remained together.