Chapter 59

As we venture to the west section of the second floor, we encounter a series of spinning panels reminiscent of those found in Team Rocket's bases in both Kanto and Johto regions. The familiarity strikes a chord within us, reinforcing the notion that we're treading within the confines of Team Rocket's design.

The spinning panels, a hallmark of Team Rocket's notorious infiltration setups, present a navigational challenge, each rotation potentially leading to a different path or outcome. Our determination to proceed forward and locate the objective remains unwavering, even in the face of these calculated obstacles, urging us to carefully strategize our movement through this familiar yet treacherous maze of spinning panels.

As we enter the final room, a sense of trepidation hangs in the air, and our faces twist with a mix of shock and concern upon seeing the figure standing before us. Gladion grimly mutters, "Oh great... it's him."

"Indeed, it's Cyrus, the head of Team Galactic..." Lillie says with a touch of apprehension, recognizing the imposing figure that stands before us.

"Who are you...? It seems you are not a member of Team RR. My name is Cyrus. I would like to ask you one question. Is this world the new world?" Cyrus's voice is composed but carries an air of profound curiosity and determination.

"We are from this world, different from yours," I reply cautiously, unsure of how much information to reveal.

"I can sense in you the strong desire to protect... something. You have a powerful spirit. ...That must mean this isn't the world I desired. I used the power of the Pokémon that control time and space to create a perfect world, where the human spirit does not exist. That was when a great shadow appeared and engulfed me... And brought me to this world."

Cyrus observes our Rotom Phones with interest, requesting a closer look. As Rotom emerges from the device, Cyrus studies it intently, pondering the significance of our technology.

"The Rotom Phones are designed to aid trainers," Trenor explains.

"... ... ... ... ... ... ...I see. So you have a spirit, as well. But it's too late... All too late. I cannot stop now. I must remove the weak, incomplete human spirit from this world and bring it perfection!" Cyrus declares with a chilling resolve.

"And as if we can let you do that again," Gladion retorts firmly.

"How foolish... I will not let anyone get in my way..." Cyrus responds with a steely determination, signaling his readiness for a confrontation.

To our shock and dismay, Cyrus unleashes an impressive lineup of formidable Pokémon, including Houndoom, Honchkrow, Crobat, and Weavile. But what stuns us the most is his summoning of the legendary Palkia and Dialga, the embodiment of space and time.

Gladion immediately steps in to aid our battle effort, unleashing the power of his Pokémon: Lucario. We also use our Froslass, Togekiss, and Infernape, along with two Legendary Pokemon Giratina and Lunala. We engage in a fierce confrontation, managing to overcome the initial four Pokémon with determination and strategic teamwork.

However, facing Dialga and Palkia proves to be a herculean challenge. The sheer might and otherworldly powers of these legendary beings push us to the brink. Their control over time and space seems almost insurmountable, and our Pokémon struggle against their overwhelming strength.

In an intense moment of synchronization, Lillie and I connect our Z-Rings once more, readying ourselves to unleash our most powerful Z-Moves. Lillie initiates the sequence, calling forth "Never-Ending Nightmare," as Giratina manifests numerous ghostly hands that engulf Dialga, detonating in a spectral explosion.

Meanwhile, I command Lunala to soar higher, entering its Full Moon phase, and then I shout, "Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom!" Lunala harnesses the energies of the Full Moon, generating six vibrant beams of blue energy that converge and strike Palkia with incredible force. The collision of Z-Moves ultimately incapacitates both Dialga and Palkia, ending the intense battle.

"Impressive. Your connection with your Pokémon is undeniable," Cyrus acknowledges. "Your trust in each other has become your strength."

"It's about trust and understanding between us and our Pokémon," I reply.

"...I understand now. You need not worry. I won't interfere in this world anymore. I believe it's time for me to return to the world I made." Cyrus hands us a key and continues, "Use this key to activate the machine behind me. It will open the mirror door for you."

As he fades away, almost wistfully, he mutters, "If only our paths had crossed sooner... Would things have turned out differently for me?"

With the key in our possession, we approach the machine Cyrus pointed out, ready to unlock the mirror door and continue our journey through Team Rocket's Castle.


On the eastern side of the second floor, we encounter the familiar Meowth statues reminiscent of our encounter at Johto's Team Rocket Base. Lillie remarks, "Those again?"

"Yeah, they have the power to send us back to the beginning..." I mutter. Determined, we decide to both move the statues and confront the grunts blocking our path to reach the fourth boss.

The next opponent standing before us is none other than Team Flare's boss, Lysandre. Serena can't help but mutter, "Seriously? Him next?"

Squishy and Z2 emerge from Lillie's bag, trembling with rage. Lysandre addresses us, "Ah, the intruders I've been informed about. I am Lysandre. I triggered my ultimate weapon to eradicate all but Team Flare... Yet, a blinding light engulfed me, and here I am, stranded in this world."

"Of all the bosses, he's probably the last one we'd want to face..." Alice remarks.

"But that doesn't matter. My goal remains unchanged. The world I'm in is inconsequential. What matters is forging a world of beauty, free from conflict or theft," Lysandre declares. "Behind me, you'll find two buttons. One will clear your path and aid your progression. The other will activate my ultimate weapon, annihilating everything in this world! So, make your choice. The chosen possess the potential to alter the future! Whether we unleash the ultimate weapon or keep it buried underground rests upon whether you truly possess this potential or not."

Again? Faced with the choice between two buttons? It reminds me of when Dr. Xerosic presented us with a similar predicament. But no matter the button pressed last time, the outcome remained unchanged. Thus, I opt to push the red button.

"Unfortunately... You are not a chosen one! You will destroy the world you tried to protect, by your own hand! However... There is still time before my ultimate weapon is fully activated. Press the other button before it fires, and you will be able to stop it."

As we rush towards the blue button to prevent the catastrophe, Lysandre abruptly stands in our path, declaring, "...Of course, I refuse to allow that. So, I will keep you busy for a moment. The future you want, or the future I want... Let us see which one is more deserving, shall we?"

Lysandre wasted no time in deploying a formidable lineup: Mienshao, Honchkrow, Pyroar, Mega Gyarados, followed by the legendary Pokémon Xerneas and Yveltal. In response, Squishy promptly leaps out of the bag, taking on its 50% form. Serena, surprised, asks, "Hold on, you got Squishy back?"

"Indeed, and that's not the only surprise," I reply, sending out Greninja, triggering its Battle Bond transformation. In addition, we summon Nebby, Sylveon, Avalugg, and Gladion's Crobat to the battlefield, bolstering our forces against Lysandre's imposing team.

Empowered by our Pokémon, we swiftly engage in a heated battle, strategically coordinating our moves to overcome Lysandre's forces. The combined efforts of Squishy, Greninja, Solgaleo, Sylveon, Avalugg, and Gladion's Crobat prove instrumental in the fray.

The clash unfolds fiercely. Mienshao, Honchkrow, and Pyroar fall one after the other, unable to withstand the relentless assault from our team. As Mega Gyarados enters the fray, its imposing presence casts a momentary shadow over the battlefield. However, Greninja takes charge, channeling its power into a devastating Water Shuriken that crashes into Gyarados with astounding force. The impactful attack shatters Gyarados's defenses, causing it to succumb to defeat amidst a spectacular display of water energy.

Energized by the urgency of the situation, both Lillie and I synchronize our actions, calling upon the power of our Z-Crystals to deliver devastating blows in tandem.

Lillie commands Squishy to unleash the might of Devastating Drake, channeling an immense dragon energy that envelops the battlefield. Squishy, now transformed and radiating formidable power, directs the overwhelming force toward Yveltal, striking the legendary Pokémon with a colossal surge of dragon energy.

Simultaneously, I channel the power of my Z-Crystal, shouting, "Searing Sunraze Smash!" Nebby responds by transforming into its Radiant Sun phase, enveloping itself in a vibrant cloak of orange-yellow energy. With a dazzling display of strength, Nebby twirls with incredible speed before launching itself towards Xerneas, delivering a colossal, sun-powered blow. The impact is immense, and both Xerneas and Yveltal are left unable to continue the battle, their strength depleted by the force of our coordinated assault.

Lysandre's voice echoes with a mix of resignation and determination as he observes our actions. "I can feel the fire of your convictions burning deep within your heart," he acknowledges, reflecting on our resolute determination to protect.

With Serena swiftly pressing the blue button, the cataclysmic threat of the Ultimate Weapon is averted. The mechanical hums cease, and simultaneously, the mirror door ahead of us unlocks, granting passage. Lysandre, now fading away, acknowledges our progress, saying, "You have stopped my ultimate weapon and taken another step toward your goal."

As his presence dissipates, a sense of regret and contemplation lingers in his final words, "Maybe...if my world had a Trainer like you, the path I chose could have been different... No! Nothing can change me now! If there is a path to creating a beautiful world, then that is the path I must take! Even if it means I can only save a handful of the old world!"

With Lysandre's presence fading away, I express, "I believe we can make our way to Giovanni now."

"Let's not waste any time," Serena replies with urgency. We hasten our steps back to the entrance, discovering the mirror unlocked and the teleportation pad humming to life. Gladion, observing the developments, remarks, "The hidden door behind the mirror is finally unlocked. Now, we can utilize the warp panel!"

"Absolutely," I affirm. However, just as we prepare to step through the portal, our anticipation is abruptly disrupted by the sight of someone emerging from the teleportation pad. The figure stepping out from the teleportation pad leaves us stunned—it's none other than Ghetsis, the leader of Team Plasma. And I can see that my Dad is horrified at the man in front of him.


Here is a new chapter, and we're done with Lysandre and Cyrus this time, I decide to give them both Legendaries because it is hard to choose. Now we're going to the final two in the next chapter and I hope you like it. This is actually a really long series, and there are even more things to do before the League.

Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Sandslash (Alolan), Ninetales (Alolan), Dugtrio (Alolan), Persian (Alolan), Golem (Alolan), Muk (Alolan), Exeggutor (Alolan), Marowak (Alolan), Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Zygarde x2, Decidueye, Incineroar, Primarina, Toucannon, Gumshoos, Vikavolt, Crabominable, Oricorio, Ribombee, Lycanroc x3 (Midday/Midnight/Dusk), Wishiwashi, Toxapex, Mudsdale, Araquanid, Lurantis, Shiinotic, Salazzle (Shiny), Bewear, Tsareena, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Golisopod, Palossand, Pyukumuku, Type: Null, Minior, Komala, Turtonator, Togedemaru, Mimikyu (Shiny), Bruxish, Drampa, Dhelmise, Kommo-o, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Poipole, Zeraora, Kleavor