As promised, the final chapter of the Downtime Arc, with no Marcus to be seen. Enjoy!

"The first shipment is in!"

Cheers arose from the Rocket Grunts all around the compound. Betrayer-Of-Kin watched somewhat scornfully from a doorway as the Grunts gathered around the boxes and began withdrawing items. Like a pack of starving Mandibuzz…it's like they've never seen technology before.

It wasn't even technology that Betrayer-Of-Kin found impressive. Computer banks, storage capsules, several different types of Pokeballs. Useful to be sure, but Betrayer-Of-Kin couldn't see why the Grunts were practically fighting amongst themselves to drag the shipment out of the boxes.

Betrayer-Of-Kin was a little surprised by how slowly everything seemed to be moving. She was used to playing the long game - her stints in Team Plasma and Team Flare came to mind - but the fact that it had taken two whole months for Aether to send their first shipment of technology was slightly puzzling.

"Enjoying the show?"

Betrayer-Of-Kin looked up at Giovanni next to her. The Rocket Boss was smiling widely as he surveyed the scene. "This is only the beginning," he said. "More mundane technology is what we need right now. Some of my Grunts might have delusions about anti-psychic field generators or auto-Master Ball generators, but right now we simply have a shortage of computers, storage, and Pokeballs. This shipment was arranged to address that, nothing more."

Giovanni sighed. "One day we will have things like that," he said. "As I have said before, our return is not something that will happen quickly. We will return only when we are fully prepared. Any faster and we risk throwing all our progress away."

Betrayer-Of-Kin nodded slowly. She preferred not to speak so near all the Grunts; at present, Giovanni was the only human in the organization who knew about that ability, and Betrayer-Of-Kin preferred to keep it that way. If she needed that knowledge buried, it would be far easier to kill one person than the entire base.

Two months spent doing practically nothing…

Betrayer-Of-Kin had to admit that while she only occasionally preferred to play the long game, Giovanni was a master of the craft. He'd spent years waiting, slowly recovering the remnants of his organization, and only now was he beginning to truly stir. How long will it be until he truly makes a move? Months? Years?

She knew it was necessary to wait; without her Future Sight her ability to hunt was drastically reduced, and she knew the Heralds would have multiple agents close to Marcus as a direct result of the loss of their Sight. But it irked her that the Heralds had been able to spend two months free of having to deal with her. Free to advance their plans.

No matter. Once all is said and done, even if it takes months longer, I will see Marcus dead.

"Boss!" A Grunt's excited cry broke into Betrayer-Of-Kin's thoughts. "You have to come and see this!"

Giovanni detached himself from the doorframe and stepped towards the swarm of Grunts. "Pardon me," he said as he neared; the Grunts parted before him as he stepped up to the crate that the excited Grunt had indicated.

He looked inside, his face morphing into a contemplative frown. "A suit." He reached inside and withdrew a sleek-looking black suit with gold highlights and a translucent yellow visor with a bright yellow E emblazoned upon it.

"It appears Faba and Xerosic have been quite busy," said Giovanni. "Ah, here are some attached instructions. 'This is the Expansion Suit, a prototype we have been developing. It grants the wearer increased strength, speed, and reflexes, and additionally, it renders them more effective at Pokemon battling via removal of inhibitions that would otherwise interfere with the drive towards victory. Donning or doffing the suit is as simple as pressing a small button on the suit's backside, indicated here. Maintenance instructions to follow…potential side-effects on page 13…expansive testing…" Giovanni straightened. "It seems we have some testing to do. I have a feeling this Expansion Suit will be quite useful to us."

"Snowy, Aurora Beam!"

"Crobat, block with Cross Poison!"

"Freeze Beam!" "Toxic Spit!" The Alolan Vulpix's beam of ice energy met an X-shaped blast of Poison energy; the Cross Poison carved through the Aurora Beam with terrifying ease, but Lillie was ready. "Extrasensory!"

"Psychic Beam!" Snowy unleashed a wave of Psychic energy that dispersed the Cross Poison and flew at Crobat. Crobat twisted, diving out of the way with a flick of his wings. Another flick, along with a murmur of "Wing Blade", sent an aerial blade of Flying energy at Snowy. "Icy Wind!" Lillie cried, and at her command Snowy, with a cry of "Freeze Blast!", deflected the Flying energy with a burst of Ice energy.

"Remember, your Pokemon need to know how to fight without you," said Gladion. "Ease off on the commands - you don't need to dictate their every move."

"All right," said Lillie. "Snowy…can you take it from here?"

"Yes, Lillie!" Snowy crouched. "Freeze Blast!" Snowy sent another blast of Ice energy at Crobat, forcing the Poison/Flying-type to descend, and then summoned a surge of Dark energy and leaped forwards. "Dark Charge!"

Nebby watched from afar. It was all he could really do. Back when he'd still been Cosmog, he had longed for a new form so that he could get stronger and maybe learn how to actually fight, to defend the Trainer who had risked so much to aid him. He'd gotten a new form, all right. A form even worse than the old one. At least I could still move in that old form…now all I can do is sit here and watch.

A cry of pain sounded as Snowy was sent flying back across the field by another Cross Poison from Crobat. She landed on her side, skidding across the grass. "Snowy!" Lillie cried.

"I'm…I'm fine!" Snowy rose to her feet, eyes glowing with Psychic energy. "Psychic Beam!"

"Counter with Bite!" Gladion ordered. Crobat lunged, mouth opening wide; Dark energy glinted across his teeth as he bit down on the incoming beam of Psychic energy. Maw agape, Crobat swallowed the beam whole; Snowy's eyes barely had time to widen before Crobat slammed bodily into her, tossing the tiny Alolan Vulpix across the field again.

"Alola, Lillie! Good to see you again!"

Nebby shifted his eyes to the side to see Professor Kukui strolling over, Professor Burnet behind him. Lillie and Gladion had been living with the two professors ever since the battle at Aether Paradise, though Lillie had been hard at work on her Pokemon journey. Burnet had spent the last couple months studying Nebby and Silvally, while Kukui was busy with the newly created Alola Pokemon League, and as such was not usually around during the day.

"Alola, Professor," said Lillie as Snowy and Crobat ceased their bout. "I thought you were busy."

"Oh, well, I heard you were back, so I figured the League could last a few moments without me." Kukui chuckled. "And how are Snowy, Rosy, and Buzzy?"

"I'll let them tell you in person." Lillie quickly released the Comfey and Cutiefly that made up the remaining members of her team. They, along with Snowy, quickly rushed over to Professor Kukui, exclaiming in excitement.

Kukui laughed heartily. "So, last I heard, you finally beat the Akala Grand Trial?"

Lillie nodded. "I was a little surprised about the layout," she said. "I was expecting someone like Hala…"

"Oh, yes, Olivia used to fill that role, you know," said Kukui. "We're still trying to find a replacement, but in the meantime, we borrowed the Trio-Trial idea from three former Gym Leaders in Unova. Turtonator, Tsareena, and Brionne…I can't imagine they were easy opponents."

"They weren't," said Lillie. "It took me two tries, and even on the second try I nearly failed." Cosmog winced at the memory; if Rosy hadn't managed to learn Synthesis mid-battle…

"Adversity is commonplace in the Trials," said Kukui. "Still, I can't imagine we'll be keeping it that way for long. Between finding a replacement for Acerola and this, it's hard work, but we're looking."

"And I keep saying you should just get some rest," Burnet chided.

"I can't," said Kukui. "Not while Necrozma's hanging over all our heads. I can rest after that's all dealt with."

"Kukui," said Burnet, "you can trust your Elite Four. They can handle it. And besides…you know who the other regions are sending to help."

The small boat slid smoothly into the docking area, borne upon the wind. The dark-skinned, black-haired form of Olivia watched from the docks themselves as the boat slowed to a halt. Another woman rose from her seat and stepped onto the wooden docks. She was dressed all in black, with long, flowing blonde hair and a demeanor that positively exuded authority. Ten Ultra Balls hung from her waist.

Olivia stepped forwards. "I am glad that you could make it, Cynthia."

"So am I," Cynthia replied. She began to walk down the docks, Olivia falling into step alongside her. "Tell me, who else is here?" the former Sinnoh Champion asked.

"Raihan, Grimsley, Misty, Winona, and Geeta so far," said Olivia.

"Geeta?" Cynthia asked, surprised.

"You know her," said Olivia. "At this point she'll go anywhere that might give her a challenge." She sighed, but smiled. "Of course, we won't begrudge the help."

"Indeed," said Cynthia. "Far too often are we threatened by evildoers nowadays."

"This isn't your standard evil team," Olivia warned. "We're talking an invasion of Legendary-level creatures, plus-"

"I know what we face," said Cynthia. "Believe me, I did not come here without knowledge of what I came here to do."

"Good," said Olivia.

"I've also contacted a friend of mine," said Cynthia. "He should be arriving in fairly short order, and I have a feeling he'll be quite useful in this situation. Perhaps even more so than I." Cynthia's eye rose to the sky. "Ah, here he comes now."

Olivia followed Cynthia's gaze; her eyes widened as she beheld a massive black Pokemon soaring down from the sky, great black wings spread wide. The new arrival's body crackled with electricity as its twin red eyes blazed against its silhouetted form. As it descended, Olivia could see its features closer; the shining blue highlights on its body, the fanged mouth, the gleaming wicked claws. The creature slammed down onto the ground nearby, shaking the stone with the sheer force of its descent; its massive tail glowed bright blue, looking more like a black and blue airplane engine than an actual tail. The creature turned to look behind it, and now Olivia saw a man sliding smoothly off its back. This man was instantly recognizable, wearing predominantly white clothing with a black and gray cap and striking bright green shaggy hair.

"N. Zekrom." Cynthia stepped forwards. "Good to see you again."

"Likewise, Cynthia," said N. "I do wish it weren't in such trying times."

Olivia looked shocked. "Cynthia? You know the King of Team Plasma?"

At that, Zekrom's eyes narrowed to slits and N looked somewhat uncomfortable. Cynthia glared at Olivia. "Former King, Olivia," she said bitingly. "And yes, we know each other fairly well. In fact, Zekrom is my Garchomp's main sparring partner. Now, would you mind showing us to where we'll be staying?"

"Of course." Olivia gulped, plainly aware of her faux pas. "My apologies. Alola welcomes your aid, N and Zekrom."

Thankfully, Zekrom relaxed at the apology, accepting it with a slow nod of his head. "Is my brother here?"

"No," said Olivia. "He left with Zacian and Zamazenta after the initial attack."

"Hmph…perhaps that is for the best," said Zekrom. "We do not work all that well together, as you no doubt know."

"Indeed," said Olivia. "Right this way, you three. Your quarters are over on the western side of the city."

Olivia began to move into the city, and the former Sinnoh Champion, the former King of Team Plasma, and the Lord of Ideals followed the Rock-type Alolan Elite Four member away from the docks.

The massive Ribombee soared up into the air, spreading its wings wide. "Twinkle Flurry!" A barrage of Fairy energy-formed blasts flew from Ribombee's wings, hurtling down at the pair of opponents it faced.

"Shadow Sneak!" Hau cried. Decidueye teleported out of the way. With a cry of "Quill Barrage!", he returned fire, only for a blast of Bug energy to shred his arrows in midair.

"Blaze: Roaring Flames!" Incineroar was more direct, not even needing the command from his Trainer to unleash a veritable wall of Fire energy that swept away the incoming Moonblasts. "Blaze: Surging Flames!" Harnessing the Ability that he had only gained a few days ago, Incineroar coalesced his fiery wall into a sphere and from it unleashed a torrent of Fire energy, forcing Ribombee to break off its attack on Decidueye and fly downwards.

Ribombee's stomach nearly touched the stony ground as it flitted across the battlefield, avoiding the fallen forms of the Blissey and Pelipper it had called to its support. No more would come. All involved knew the battle was nearing its climax.

"Darkest Lariat!" Incineroar lunged at Ribombee, but the large Bug/Fairy-type swiftly backwinged. "Twinkle Blast!" Caught off balance, Incineroar couldn't avoid it, and was knocked off his feet by the powerful blast of Fairy energy.

"Spirit Shackle!" Decidueye leaped in from behind, firing a Ghost energy-swathed quill at Ribombee. Ribombee had avoided multiple attacks just like this throughout the fight, but wounds and exhaustion had taken their toll, and this time the Bug/Fairy-type was just a hair too slow. Decidueye's quill slammed into Ribombee, and Ghost energy swept out from the point and wrapped tightly around Ribombee's body, pinning it in place.

"Bug Burst!" Though pinned, Ribombee still managed to fire off an omnidirectional blast of Bug energy. Incineroar deflected it with another wall of Fire energy, but Decidueye couldn't Shadow Sneak away in time; Hau's cry for the technique came too late, and the Grass/Ghost-type flew backwards, bouncing off the wall with a loud crack.

Ribombee glared at Incineroar as the Fire/Dark-type's fiery wall dissipated. "Looks like your friend is finished."

"Doesn't matter," Incineroar snarled. "You're pinned. You can barely stand."

Rimbombee smirked. "If you think this is enough to stop me, you're wrong," the Bug/Fairy-type challenged. "I am a Totem Pokemon! Chosen by the Tapus to test the people of Alola!"

"Yeah, I know," Incineroar growled.

"Then you know," said Ribombee, "that you still have yet to deal with my ultimate technique! I call upon the power of the Tapus, to instill upon me the strength to unleash my Z-Move!"

Pure Life exploded out of Ribombee's body, tearing the Spirit Shackle to shreds before it. Incineroar clenched his fists, crouching as Ribombee's form became silhouetted in an aura of Life. He knew what was coming.

"Incineroar!" Elio cried. "You know what to do!"

Incineroar drew upon the power of his Firium Z, allowing raw Blaze to explode from the red crystal and wreath his body in a fiery glow. Both Ribombee and Incineroar readied themselves, their auras rising to a fever pitch, and all at once the two lunged at one another, Life and Blaze playing around their bodies as they hurled themselves forwards.

"Twinkle Tackle!"

"Inferno Overdrive!"

The two Pokemon's auras slammed into one another, both Pokemon held back by the sheer amount of energy emanating from the clash. Both strained to force themselves forwards as Blaze and Life tore at one another, sparking and bursting and exploding but neither one prevailing. But neither Incineroar nor Ribombee had noticed something. Behind Ribombee, Decidueye was rising to his feet, exhausted but ready.

Hau saw him. "All right, Decidueye, let's do our own!"

Now Incineroar saw Decidueye, and a grin split his face as he redoubled his efforts, straining to overcome Ribombee. Ribombee pressed as well; the Bug/Fairy-type's power might have been greater, but Incineroar's resistance to Fairy kept the clash even.

Decidueye raised his wings to the sky as Overgrow exploded across his body. The base form of Grass energy blazed forth, but unlike with Incineroar and Ribombee, the energy began to shift, rising up Decidueye's body as he raised his wings to the sky. Decidueye's wings touched, and it was at that point that the Overgrow coalesced, forming into a tiny sphere that glowed bright green.

Then Decudueye fired the sphere at Ribombee. "Bloom Doom!"

Now Ribombee finally registered the incoming Grass-type Z-move, but in that same moment it realized the move was coming too fast. Even if the Bug/Fairy-type had been able to break off the clash of Z-Moves in time, it still would have been struck by Incineroar's Inferno Overdrive. All Ribombee could do was twist and throw out both arms, unleashing the Life that permeated its body in a wave in the vain hope that it would be sufficient to disperse both Z-Moves.

It was not. It wasn't even enough to stop either. Both Incineroar's Inferno Overdrive and Decidueye's Bloom Doom slammed into Ribombee from either side, and the explosion of Blaze and Overgrow engulfed the Totem Pokemon in a spectacular red and green display.

Elio and Hau watched nervously as the energies slowly dissipated, revealing Incineroar and Ribombee sprawled out unconscious, with Incineroar on top. Decidueye was standing, one wing pressed against the ground as a sort of crutch, exhausted yet with triumph shining in his eyes.

"We…we did it!" Hau cried. "Woo!" Hau raised his hand for a high-five, which Elio returned.

"Very good." A woman with paint all over her face stepped out from a nearby doorway. "Very good indeed. You have now completed Ribombee's Trial, and as such your Island Challenge is now complete. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Trial Captain Mina!" Hau cried.

Elio quickly recalled his Incineroar, whispering congratulations into his Pokeball.

"Just Mina, now," said Mina. "You are done with your Island Challenge. Formalities need not be utilized in reference to us anymore."

"So what now?" Elio asked as Hau recalled his Decidueye.

"Well, now that we have a Pokemon League, you may sign up for the League Tournament," said Mina.

"But that's nearly a year away!" Hau protested.

"In the meantime," said Mina, "you can do other things. Visit other regions, revisit other islands…but I did notice you possess two of the three Alolan Starter Pokemon."

"Yes, we do," said Elio.

"Did you know the Alolan Starter Pokemon have unique Z-moves?" Mina asked, and Hau and Elio began to grin.

The Dream World lay spread out before Darkrai as if he was watching a thousand screens, each screen displaying the movements of numerous humans and Pokemon. He could see all of them, and with a flick of his fingers he could transport himself to any one of those locations, ready to exert his nigh-unlimited power in this realm upon whatever needed exerting.

So strong, and yet so limited.

Darkrai sighed frustratedly. For the thousandth time, he cursed his own foolish decisions. He was entrapped in the Dream World, his influence on the mortal world was limited to a group of Absols led by a fanatic, one of his three main confidants was now devoting herself to killing in Giratina's name, and another was Medicham, whom Darkrai's friendship with had been at least partially borne out of desperation to be able to talk with somebody new.

And all had been disasters of his own making.

"You're blaming yourself again."

Darkrai's shoulders slumped. "I know," he murmured, turning to look at the form of the one Pokemon who made this existence the tiniest bit bearable.

"You have to stop," said Cresselia.

"You know I can't," Darkrai retorted.

Cresselia sighed, levitating silently for a few moments. Darkrai watched her, awaiting her next words."

"How is your protege?" Cresselia asked at last.

"Medicham is doing well," said Darkrai. "Her command over her Ability is increasing nicely, and she's coming along in terms of summoning Mind and Blaze especially."

Cresselia began to chuckle. "What?" Darkrai asked.

"It's just so nice to see you playing Trainer," said Cresselia.

"I'm not playing Trainer!" Darkrai protested.

Cresselia's chuckling rose into full-hearted, soft laughter. "Darkrai…I'm glad you've found something to occupy yourself. You see? Even now, you're still making a difference."

"It feels like I'm doing it in all the wrong ways," Darkrai murmured.

"I doubt that Medicham agrees," said Cresselia.

"And I nearly lost her as well!"

"But you didn't!" Cresselia protested. "Listen to me, Darkrai. You changed that Medicham's life. Gave her a friend when she needed it most. You're not a failure, Darkrai. I promise."

Darkrai floated where he was. Cresselia shifted up to him. "I promise," she said insistently.

Darkrai smiled. "Thank you."

"Let's go somewhere else, okay?" Cresselia looked over Darkrai's shoulder at the wall of screens. "The Gardens look empty enough."

"Sure." Darkrai snapped his fingers, and the two Legendaries disappeared into thin air.

"Darkrai." The cold voice filled Darkrai's ears. "Your efforts have slackened in recent days. Why?"

Darkrai turned to face the angular form of Necrozma. "I do not have infinite resources, Necrozma," said Darkrai. "My recruits are many. Are you still not satisfied?"

"We may have had months to prepare and gather forces," said Necrozma, "but so have they. We cannot slacken, for they will not either."

"Then why don't we attack before they can rally those forces?" Darkrai queried.

"Do not question me!" A pinpoint laser shot past Darkrai's face. Necrozma loomed upwards, glaring into Darkrai's face. "All you care about is your 'dark world'! I have told you that I will grant you that world when I am whole again. Do not give me cause to reconsider that."

Darkrai glowered. "Yes, Necrozma," he muttered.

"Go and recruit more allies," Necrozma ordered. "You have many timelines to choose from. I doubt you will truly run out anytime soon."

With that, the Psychic-type Legendary turned and shot away in a burst of light. Left alone, Darkrai sighed furiously. He owed a lot to Necrozma - the Psychic-type Legendary had delivered him from the terrible fate that his foes had intended for him - but ever since the abortive attack on the timeline where Necrozma's missing portion now lay, Necrozma had been growing more and more volatile.

Darkrai knew the dangers of volatility. A schemer could not fall to chaos, lest their plans descend into ruin. And if Necrozma's plan fell apart, Darkrai had no intention of being caught up in the fallout.

Darkrai had recruited his old allies - Dusknoir had been pleased to return to his side, and Primal Dialga could always be controlled - and had access to new ones as well. Shifting into shadows, Darkrai phased through space and reappeared next to one of those new allies, presiding over the numerous shadowy figures that served as its minions.

"Dark Matter," Darkrai greeted. "I trust you are settling in well?"

"yOu knoW wHy i ChosE tO joiN," the Incarnate of Negativity responded. "yoU pRomiSeD me That oNce you cOmpLetEd youR DaRk worlD aNd broUght its ResIdEntS inTo the wOrld oF drEamS, i WouLd be fRee tO reTuRn tHe reAl wOrld to The voiD. uNtiL thEn, i aM hEre to fiGht whAt nEedS to Be fOugHt. noThIng moRe."

"Very well," said Darkrai, dipping his head. "I will leave you alone."

"Make sUre YoU dO." Dark Matter turned back towards his army of Void Shadows.

Darkrai looked away from Dark Matter and towards his numerous other recruits. Across the way stood Dusknoir, addressing his legion of Sableye. Dark Rust and his Dark Legion were encamped nearby, and behind them lay the main body of the army, ensconced in several buildings in Ultra Megalopolis - thousands of Pokemon recruited from all manner of timelines, some wild and battle-hungry, some trained and yearning for their dreams of vengeance to be fulfilled. Neither Primal Dialga nor the Bittercold were with the main army; like the Ultra Beasts, they were far too dangerous to be nearby. They would be used as weapons, dropped onto the enemy to wreak havoc.

So many forces, recruited from his timeline and from others. And if Necrozma did falter, Darkrai would be quick to gather as many as possible to his side even as he abandoned ship. He would return to his timeline, and with so many allies, he would be able to easily gain his vengeance, and complete his Dark World, with or without Necrozma.

Regardless of whether Necrozma gets what he wants or doesn't, I'll still have my victory. But first…before I can enjoy the fruits of my labors…I cannot allow that pretender Darkrai and his little protege to have any sort of victory over me. They both will die.

That is my promise.

Distortion. It was a word that had many uses in language. It was used to describe the base form of Ghost energy that only the strongest Pokemon were capable of wielding. It was used as a curse, spat in frustration or snarled at an adversary. It was used as a word to describe anomalies, even if they had no relation to the realm itself.

But all meanings of the word stemmed from the realm that lay beneath the world. For when the three Creators had divided the universe amongst themselves, Giratina, Lord of Distortion, had taken what lay beneath, and so Distortion had become known as the final resting place for those that died in the world above. Distortion itself was an endless expanse of darkness filled only by small rocky islands floating in midair, connected only by rivers that flowed every way the mind could conceive and a few ways that it couldn't.

It was upon one of these islands that four Legendaries materialized.

"Well, here you are!" Hoopa's grin had never left their face. "If you need me, give me a shout, and I'll be there. 'Till then, I've got things to do and places to be, so see ya!" The Psychic/Ghost-type Legendary tossed another ring that formed into a portal and soared through, their giggling disappearing along with the portal.

Left alone, Zacian, Zamazenta, and Reshiram glanced around uneasily. "Remind me why we had to come here?" Zamazenta growled.

"To attract Giratina's attention," Zacian responded, not looking at her brother. "He knows we're here. He'll come."

"I was against this plan from the start," Zamazenta snarled. "Could we not find another way to contact the Lord of Distortion?"

"I understand this is risky," said Zacian. "But if worst comes to worst, Hoopa can get us out."

"If necessary, I will defend you," said Reshiram. "Your survival is more important than mine."

"Relax, not even a Creator can kill another Legendary," Zamazenta pointed out.

"I am fairly certain Giratina will have spent a long time trying to find a way around that," said Reshiram. "I am also fairly certain that given the amount of time he has spent here, he will have found that way."

"That's encouraging," Zacian muttered. "All right, eyes sharp. He could be anywhere."

"Indeed I could."

All three Legendaries whirled as the form of the Lord of Distortion materialized, filling the space of Distortion with his massive Distortion-formed body covered in red and gold highlights. "Giratina." Zacian's voice was cold.

"The Dogs of War and the Lord of Truth," Giratina stated. "Two of the strongest fighters amongst the Legendaries, their combined forces capable of taking on even one of the Creators with comparative evenness, backed up by a glorified lie detector. Even here, the three of you combined would be a challenge for me to defeat." Giratina's entire form shifted, looming over the trio. "A thousand years you have left me alone. Now you come. Why?"

"I think you know the answer to that," Zamazenta snarled.

"Giratina," said Zacian. "We received word from Xerneas that during Yveltal's attempted assault on Kalos, he used Distortional energies in combat. Would you, by any chance, know how he got those?"

Giratina's baleful gaze stared down at the trio. "Interesting," the Lord of Distortion rumbled. "So he kept his promise…precisely to the letter. I would not have thought the Lifebringer to be so wily." Giratina's eyes glowed red. "With the Lord of Truth in my presence, there is no reason to attempt the utilization of falsehoods. Your suspicions are correct. It was I who granted the Harbinger those powers."

Zacian glanced at Reshiram, who nodded. She looked back at Giratina, eyes narrowed. "And why should I not report this clear breach of the Rei Accords to Arceus?"

"Tell me, what part of the Rei Accords did I breach?" Giratina asked. "The Rei Accords prevent me from leaving Distortion, and from directly affecting anything in the mortal world. The entire Team Flare plot was Yveltal's idea; he came to Distortion to petition me for aid. For power. I obviously gave it to him so that he could complete his mission. Tell me, do the Rei Accords really prevent me from helping a friend out with a problem?"

"Yveltal was trying to exterminate all life on Kalos!" Zacian snarled.

"It's not my business what the Harbinger does with his time," Giratina retorted.

"And anyway," said Zacian, "there's a difference between the spirit and the letter of the agreement."

"Something that Xerneas showed me just recently."

Zamazenta curled his lip.

"Lady of War," said Giratina, "you know what this could cause. This could create a new conflict. A conflict that could end the world itself. Is that what you desire?"

"No," Zacian admitted.

"And that is why you will not tell Arceus," Giratina rumbled. "For the same reason that Xerneas omitted so much of the truth. Because if you do tell Arceus, his attempt at retribution will be swift, and I will have no choice but to respond. War will begin anew, and it will not stop until all life on earth has fallen due to us."

"Reshiram, is Giratina telling the truth?" Zacian asked.

"He is telling a truth," said Reshiram. "Maybe not the ultimate truth, but a truth nonetheless."

"You know I am right," said Giratina. "Xerneas made the choice to keep the truth to himself. Tell me, do you want to show the same restraint? Or would you rather start a second War of Legends?"

Zacian glared furiously at the Lord of Distortion. "This isn't over," she said. "Maybe we can't deal with you this time. But if you ever try anything like this again, Arceus will know. We will make sure of that."

Giratina glared at all three of them. "I expect nothing less from Arceus's lapdogs."

Both Zacian and Zamazenta stepped forwards threateningly. Giratina's eyes flashed red again. A wave of Pressure burst from the Creator's body; even as strong as they were, the Dogs of War were forced to crouch against the burst, straining to keep themselves from crumpling. Reshiram rose, Blaze flaring around his body at the perceived threat.

Giratina snorted, relaxing his Pressure. "Pathetic. Hiding behind threats because you know you are too weak to defeat me. I expected more from such supposedly powerful Legendaries."

"Enough," Zacian growled. "We are leaving."

"Wait."

"Why?" Zacian rounded on Giratina once more. "Why should we wait for you?"

"Because," said Giratina, "I myself have a proposition for you. You know of the incoming invasion, I hope."

"Of course," Zamazenta growled. "Why do you care?"

"I would like to send assistance," said Giratina. "Lend you some of my strength. Contribute to the battle against this interdimensional invader."

"And what makes you think we want your assistance?" Zacian asked.

"You need all the help you can get, do you not?" Giratina pointed out. "This is my world too, even if I am confined to such a small place within it. I don't want to see this timeline torn apart. Besides, what can I do, trapped like this?"

Again Zacian looked to Reshiram, and again the Lord of Truth nodded, though this time with a great deal more reluctance. Zacian turned back to Giratina. "We will accept your aid," said the female Dog of War. "But if you or your forces put even one toe out of line-"

"They will not," said Giratina. "I will bring Enamorus-" The other three Legendaries looked furious at the name. "-and fifty other fallen Pokemon to your support. They will wait in the wings until the battle begins, at which point I will send them to wherever they are needed. I trust that will be sufficient."

"You...you have no right to use Enamorus as one of your soldiers!" Zacian protested. "She is-"

"She is mine," Giratina snarled. "Under the Rei Accords, all within Distortion is mine. Its inhabitants are mine. Enamorus is mine. Technically, by coming here, you have become mine. Be grateful that I stay my hand in the face of such disrespect. Now leave. Your claims have been made, as well as your threats. There is no more here for you. Begone."

With a flick of his head, Giratina opened a gateway to Distortion behind the trio. Scowling, Zacian turned and stormed through it. Zamazenta and Reshiram followed just as reluctantly.

Giratina closed the portal, and Distortion was sealed once more.

It had been floating for what felt like forever, nameless, faceless, thoughtless, just a speck of dust in the air, a single bubble in a raging river, a pebble in an avalanche. It did not know how long it had been here, nor did it care to know. All it knew was that something had just plucked it out of the air, carrying it down towards one of the many floating islands within Distortion. And then suddenly it was standing on that island, head tilted upwards.

"Greetings, one formerly known as Ripper."

Yes. That had been his name. The one formerly known as Ripper stood attentively before Giratina's massive form.

"You have drive," said Giratina. "You have talent. And you are fresh. You shall be one of the fifty that are sent with Enamorus to Alola."

The fallen Pokemon formerly known as Ripper knelt. "Yes, master…"

I did mention you hadn't seen the last of Ripper...

So there you have it: the final chapter of the Downtime Arc. This chapter was very experimental - let me know if you want more chapters like it, looking at the rest of the world and its numerous characters.

Also, please do drop a review if you have the time. I greatly appreciate it. As usual, I'll be taking a short break before beginning work on the next arc. So I'll see you in eight days for the start of the next arc, otherwise known as the "Gym Exam Arc"!