Chapter 36
As we arrive at the Primeval Grotto, we step into the cave and immediately notice scattered fossils on the ground alongside glowing red stones.
"What a curious cave. I sense an extraordinary power here — as if the world itself was created in this very place," Irida observes. "What do you think, Lian?"
After a moment's contemplation, Lian responds, "Taking into consideration my knowledge of ores, my skill at mining, and the strength of my Sliggoo's moves...I think you'd better leave any extraction work up to us, wouldn't you say?"
"Please, go ahead, Lian," Alice agrees.
However, just before we can proceed, a voice interrupts us, a voice we really don't want to hear. "We're going to have to ask you to stop right there."
The Miss Fortunes obstruct our path yet again, prompting a collective groan from our group. Throughout our travels to complete the Pokedex, they persistently seek us out for battles, despite occasionally dropping Soft Sands and Big Nuggets along the way. Yet, their presence feels akin to encountering another Team Rocket.
Adaman voices his exasperation, "Oh, come on... Who's there? We don't have any time to waste with— Clover?! We haven't seen you since you walked out on the clan! Where've you been all this time?!"
Clover grunts in response, "Hmph. I don't have to tell you nothin'."
"Look, you can carry on digging out that treasure you're after. And then you'll give it to us," Charm demands.
"Like we'll give it to you!" I retort, his Pikachu's cheeks sparking with electricity.
"I don't know why you even look surprised. It's not as if you were hard to follow." Coin retorts.
Irida mutters under her breath, "What we seek may be as precious as treasure, but this isn't about how valuable it is - we need it to restore this awful sky to normal!"
"Ugh. That earnest goody-two-shoes act of yours is what made me leave the Pearl Clan in the first place!" Coin snaps.
"Enough. I don't care why any of you ran off to play Bandit. But I won't let you get in Lian's way," Adaman declares sternly. "There are three of you and six of us. Let's go. Ash, Alice, and Rei? You take Charm."
Adaman releases his Umbreon, while Irida calls upon her Espeon. The two of them engage in battle against Clover's Abomasnow and Coin's Toxicroak. Meanwhile, our group faces off against Charm, who declares, "I bring good luck to my sisters wherever I go - and ill luck to anyone who crosses our paths. I'm the eldest, and I'll be your unlucky Charm. Especially in this: the battle of a lifetime!"
"I wonder why those villains like to say a lot of stupid things..." I mutter. "A true villain would just act before they talk..."
"I agree," Alice concurs, we command Samurott and Overqwil to confront her Rhydon and Gengar. I instruct, "Alice, you and Overqwil handle the Gengar. I'll take care of Rhydon."
"Okay," Alice nods in affirmation.
My Samurott lunges forward with Aqua Jet, slamming into Rhydon and causing it to roar in pain. Rhydon retaliates with Rock Slide, making Samurott flinch momentarily. However, Samurott counters with Razor Shell, swiftly knocking out the Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Gengar strikes with Hypnosis, leaving Overqwil drowsy. Despite this, Overqwil manages to land Dark Pulse, damaging Gengar, and then finishes it off with a powerful Crunch.
"Well, you are rather formidable..." Charm sighs, acknowledging the strength displayed by Adaman and Irida as they manage to defeat all of their opponent's Pokémon. Adaman attempts to reason, "Come on, Clover... Why not come back to the Diamond Clan? Times are changing. We're changing. And we could really use someone as strong as you are."
"Are you joking? I've got no interest in living back in that place, with all its stupid rules!" Clover retorts angrily.
Coin interjects, "Look. We'll let you keep your treasure this time. But you'd better do something about that sky."
"You are as strong as ever, Ash and Alice... Maybe you really can do something about that monstrous creature at the top of the mountain," Charm acknowledges. "But even if you do, the next time we meet, you won't escape without a beating! Remember that!"
With a swift move, they throw Smoke Bombs and vanish without a trace. Adaman sighs in frustration, "Honestly, those three... What did they even come here for? Oh well. I'll heal up everyone's Pokémon."
While Adaman tends to our Pokémon, Irida wears a frown of contemplation. "The Coin that I remember never hesitated to help someone in need, even if she groused as she did so. I suspect they may have been... worried about us. Perhaps even wanting to help..."
"Then they should've just said so! What a pain they are, hiding behind all that attitude..." Adaman mutters in frustration.
Lian commands his Sliggoo to use Iron Head on the surface, causing another rock formation to fall, revealing red stones. Lian then takes out his ax and starts mining. After collecting some stones, Lian remarks, "I was able to extract some of that 'Origin Ore,' or whatever it is you wish to call it. I suppose it had better go with you, Ash, Alice, and Rei."
We take a bag filled with Origin Ore, and Adaman comments, "That was surprisingly easy."
"No, you simply fail to recognize my skill. You ought to be praising my hard work! Honestly," Lian mutters under his breath.
"I knew we could count on you, Lian! No wonder Kleavor recognizes you as a worthy warden!" Irida cheers.
"Let's hurry back to Mr. Professor and show him what we got," Adaman urges as they all nod in agreement. "That Laventon's got sound judgment, plus the knowledge to spare, despite his silly streak!"
We rush back to the Summit Camp and find Professor Laventon. After showing him the stones, he remarks, "So this is the 'stone of creation's beginning'... The Origin Ore... Mhm, yes, one can certainly feel an imposing aura emanating from it... Could this be... the feeling of the very origin itself?"
"I've been meaning to ask since you brought that up, but... the origin of what exactly?" Adaman queries.
"Of everything, by the sound of it," Irida replies.
"Exactly, my girl," Laventon affirms. "Now then, back we go to Jubilife Village!"
Everyone rushes back to the Galaxy Hall with the carriages. Upon reaching Laventon's lab, we place the shattered Red Chain on the table. Adaman presents it, saying, "All right, Mr. Professor. It's all in pieces now, but this is what's left of the Red Chain."
"Splendid! Even in pieces, I think we'll find it's still perfectly fit for purpose," Laventon remarks. "We're jolly lucky you had the foresight to pick up all these broken bits back at the temple!"
Akari turns to us, stating, "Your turn. Next comes the stone of creation's beginning."
I place the bag of Origin Ore on the table, and Laventon continues, "The fragments of the Red Chain, collected at great personal risk by the Diamond Clan... Then the stone of creation's beginning, which we first learned of thanks to the Pearl Clan... And now it is time for the Galaxy Team to play its part and turn these items into a proper vessel."
He turns to Akari and requests, "Akari, my girl. You are one of our team's greatest craftspeople. Could I ask you to do the honors?"
Akari nods in acknowledgment, stating, "This is my true battlefield. Even if it may be safe indoors."
"This may take us some time. Perhaps the rest of you had better wait outside while we work," Laventon suggests.
We decide to summon Palmer, and Rei attempts to communicate with him. Palkia, seeming to comprehend the situation due to its familiarity with Dialga as Rei does, speaks up, "I will assist you in battling your... uh, past self. Be cautious; he will employ his true form in battle, and so will I."
"True form? What does that mean?" Alice asks.
"Giratina wasn't the only one with Origin Forme and Alter Forme. We also possess our Alter Formes, though both Palmer and I had forgotten how to activate them. This is one of the reasons why I want to accompany you to the past."
After Palkia's departure, Adaman mutters impatiently, "Come on, Mr. Professor... Wish they'd hurry it up in there..."
"I'm starting to suspect all your prattling about the value of time is just a cover for your impatience," Irida mutters.
"If sitting back and waiting actually solved things, I'd sit forever - because that'd be using time well, unlike this," Adaman retorts.
"We've done it, guys! It's complete!" Laventon rushes toward them, announcing, "I dubbed it...the Origin Ball! If the message conveyed to our good clan leader can be believed, then this should allow you to catch the Pokemon that has appeared at the Temple of Sinnoh!"
Examining the Origin Ball, I comment, "It looks similar to a Cherish Ball... but whatever..."
"These Poke Balls of yours are full of wonders," Irida reflects. "To think the fate of all Hisui could rest in something so tiny..."
"It's interesting how catching a pokemon in one of these things brings the two of you close together," adds Adaman.
"Moreover, Palkia is willing to lend its strength to us in this battle," Alice notes. "This should be great."
"Now that's what I like to hear!" Adaman cheers. "The Pearl Clan's almighty Sinnoh - well, I guess I should just call it Palkia - is one fierce Pokemon!"
"Everything's ready now, Ash, Alice, and Rei," Laventon confirms. "Take the Origin Ball and hurry back to the Temple of Sinnoh together with Palkia!"
We nod eagerly as we swiftly exit the Galaxy Hall, accompanied by the others, making their way toward the Temple of Sinnoh to confront Dialga.
As we head towards the Temple of Sinnoh, Adaman, Irida, and we are the only ones left to board the carriage when we are stopped by Cogita.
"And here you are, lost ones. Ready to face your fate atop Mount Coronet," Cogita declares. "It seems a vicious battle might await you."
"We'll go where we must," Alice affirms.
"Oh, well said," Cogita acknowledges. "Now, hearken to my words, young ones. Time cannot be served from space, nor space from time. The being you will encounter at the Temple of Sinnoh is Dialga, ruler of all time. It is allowed to run wild, time itself will twist and bend here in Hisui, and eventually, the very world may be broken. But you have the aid of its counterpart - Palkia, the ruler of space. And therein lies hope. The balance will be brought to time and space, and the world can once again be as it should be. Now, take Palkia at your side and make for the Temple of Sinnoh once more!"
We nod as Cogita departs. Before leaving, she remarks, "I must say, this is quite the intriguing village...Perhaps I'll have a look around before I go - see what your clothier has to offer."
"Excuse me? Is this the time for shopping?!" Adaman questions.
"Well, I'll hardly have time for shopping if the world ends, will I, young man?" Cogita responds.
"Fair point," Adaman concedes.
Irida encourages us, "Alright! Once you feel ready, set out! We have for the Temple of Sinnoh once more!"
As we reach the Temple of Sinnoh, we encounter Volo once again. "Just the people I've been waiting for! I know you can buy various sundries at the base camp, but I thought it might be helpful to you if I set up here, closer to the temple. I want to have front-row seats if there's a chance to see into the world of myth and legend! I'll probably be creeping even closer to the action once the battle actually begins."
"Are you certain that's alright?" Rei inquires.
"Oh, but you won't have to worry about me! I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. And besides, I know all too well the strength of you and your Pokemon. I've got no doubt you'll have this whole thing tied up in a neat bow before I could possibly be in any danger!"
Assured, we nod and hasten toward the temple, where Kamado and the others await our arrival.
"For so long, I'd thought that I had to eliminate any outside element that might threaten the people of Jubilife Village. Whether that meant banishing you or seeking to destroy the Pokemon of the temple, I felt it was my only path. But you've shown me that I was wrong to think in such a way. Are you ready for this challenge?"
"We are ready to face it," I assert while Alice and Rei nod in agreement.
Irida adds, "Ash, Rei, and Alice, in all of the vast space, your place has found you."
"What in the world does that mean?" Adaman questions.
"It's a Pearl Clan saying. It reminds us that occasions we must rise to are also stages where we may prove ourselves- where we might shine our brightest."
"So basically, you're saying not to feel nervous? I'm starting to see the appeal of how you Pearl Clan people think. In some situations, anyway," Adaman acknowledges.
"We will support you in whatever way we can, though I doubt you'll need it," Kamado pledges. "Ash, Rei, and Alice... Protect Hisui and her people! Protect time and space for her Pokemon!"
"You can count on us," We affirm as we stride toward Dialga. Dialga, now in a frenzy, emits a powerful roar, emanating a surge of yellow light. I summon Palkia, enveloping it in the same yellow glow. As the radiance fades, we are astounded to witness Dialga and Palkia transforming into something entirely different.
"So, these are the Origin Forms of Dialga and Palkia..." We gasp in awe. Rei says, "Oh how I miss this form..."
Palkia says to us, "Ride on me, I'll try to bring you close to Dialga so you can throw those Origin Ores like they're balms."
"Okay." We mount Palkia as though riding a Rapidash, attempting to maneuver around Dialga. However, Dialga emits a deafening roar, unleashing a barrage of Draco Meteor, aiming to strike Palkia and us on its back.
"Watch out! It's launching Shockwaves!" Rei warns. Palkia swiftly leaps into the air, evading the attack, and seizing the opportunity for us to hurl the balms. Dialga then charges forward with Roar of Time, hitting Palkia hard, nearly causing us to lose our grip.
"You two okay?" Rei asks, "And I'm sorry about that."
"We're fine, it's just that the you from the past is strong. What about you, Palkia?" I inquire.
"I can endure this, but hold on tight," Palkia responds. We hold firm as we witness Palkia leaping skyward, using its left-front leg to execute a Spacial Rend, striking Dialga forcefully.
"Just great... Dialga is Steel- and Dragon-type. The Steel typing neutralizes the Dragon-type weakness..." Alice murmurs.
"But we can't give up until it's over. You have to save my past self," Rei states.
"As long as Palkia remains safe, we'll be fine," I reassure. "Pikachu, use Electro Ball to grab Dialga's attention!"
Pikachu acknowledges and releases the attack. Dialga retaliates with a Flash Cannon to eliminate the Electro Ball. Concurrently, Palkia employs Hydro Pump, inflicting some damage on Dialga, creating an opening for us to continue throwing balms at the Pokémon.
After a relentless effort, we hurl the last two balms at Dialga, causing it to collapse in agony. Rei urgently exclaims, "Ash! The Origin Ball!"
"Let's do this!" I shout and toss the ball toward Dialga. The legendary Pokémon gazes at the ball, its form wavering before it is drawn inside. The ball emits a radiant red light, encircled by chain-like patterns. After a moment, the light subsides, and the Origin Ball shakes before emitting a confirming ding sound, indicating a successful capture.
"We did it!" We jubilantly embrace each other after descending from Palkia. At that moment, we glance skyward, witnessing the diminishing red light. The sky gradually returns to its normal state, and the Space-time rift begins to fade away.
Irida exclaims, "They...they caught it...They really did it, didn't they?"
"My eyes aren't lying...right? They actually went and caught it?" Adaman adds in disbelief.
"Yes, oh, good show! Watch a catch! You contained that fearsome thing in the Origin Ball. Absolutely astounding as ever, Ash, Rei, and Alice!" Laventon applauds our achievement.
Palkia roars weakly as it reverts to its normal state. Seeing the Pokémon weakened, we decide to return Palkia to the Ultra Ball.
Akari praises, "Formidable as usual, Ash, Rei, and Alice!"
Kamado, visibly moved, turns away, tears streaming down his face. Adaman notices and comments, "So even the commander sheds a tear now and then. Never thought I'd see the day."
Irida adds, "Yes, what a sight to have witnessed!"
"Hrrmph!" Kamado wipes away the tears and assumes a stern expression, abruptly tossing Adaman, who collides with a nearby pillar.
"Adaman, are you alright?" Rei rushes to help him up.
"Ouch! What gives, Commander? Not sure I deserved a sumo throw..." Adaman grumbles.
"Hrrrm...Well, at least it seems this is no dream!" Kamado addresses everyone, "Listen up, all of you! We faced a calamity unlike any we have known - but we were able to overcome it by working as one! This calls for a celebration - a festival for us all! Gather your clans! This will be the greatest celebration Hisui has ever seen!"
"Celebrate...with the Diamond Clan?" Irida gasps.
"The two clans together, huh..." Adaman echoes. "Well...since it turns out we were both following a true almighty Sinnoh of our own...I guess the times when we'd fight over whose was wrong or right are ancient history now!"
"I'm sure our ancestors would be shocked to see us agree..." Irida reflects. "But this may well be the best path toward protecting the space we all share!"
"Let us celebrate! For today dawns a new day for all those who live in the Hisui region!" Kamado declares.
Before leaving the Temple, Alice and I gaze up at the sky, smiling contently before Rei calls us to move on.
Now the battle with Dialga and Palkia are done, I hope you like this chapter. The next chapter will be back to the Ultra Dimensions.
Ash and Alice's Pokemon (Hisui):
Pikachu, Arcanine (Hisuian), Electrode (Hisuian), Typhlosion (Hisuian), Espeon, Torterra, Infernape, Empoleon, Lucario, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Cresselia, Manaphy, Samurott (Hisuian), Lilligant (Hisuian), Zoroark (Hisuian), Braviary (Hisuian), Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Goodra (Hisuian), Avalugg (Hisuian), Decidueye (Hisuian), Wyrdeer, Kleavor, Ursaluna, Basculegion, Sneasler, Overqwil
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon (Ultra Dimensions):
Charizard, Butterfree x2, Lapras, Meganium, Steelix, Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir, Milotic, Absol, Glaceon, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha