Pokémon Radiant Sun


Man, these battle-style chapter things take forever to do. This chapter was nearing 24,000 words before I finally just stopped, split the thing in two and decided to just post it. I've found that larger isn't necessarily better, and I'm trying to keep these chapters at a more manageable length than the past few.

Plus, with this update, we can return to weekly uploads, y'all! Which is why I'm keeping this AN short. Huzzah!

Shoutout to those who reviewed since the last update, which includes SomeCallItKye, Oragonking, SonicIKE, Cottonmouth25, PigniteGamer29, Saig Og Sus, BraviaryScout, and a Guest reviewer. Thanks for the support!

I had trouble deciding on a chapter name for this one. Oh well.

Enjoy.


Chapter 87: A Mother's Love


Months had passed since Primal Kyogre released its fury on the Hoenn region, and in those months Hoenn would experience a whirlwind of activity. A new Champion would be crowned, the world would be saved a second time, and a movement would rise.

Those who had lost loved ones thanks to the Great Downpour, as it had been taken to being called, would not be silent. Protests marched through the streets of Hoenn. Interviews with those affected took up the front-page on countless newspapers all around the world. Millions condemned the crimes of Team Aqua and demanded they be executed for their crimes against humanity. As of now, the criminals hadn't even been charged with a crime and were walking free. Many called for Steven Stone to resign from his post over the incident, which the man ended up actually doing thanks to May dethroning him shortly after she stopped Team Aqua. However, soon the public began to demand that she take care of the criminals in a permanent capacity, or at least jail them. The 13-year old was understandably reluctant to do this, as a young new Champion who didn't understand the politics of the situation.

Finally, several months after May took the throne, Steven Stone would invite a multitude of people out to a press conference regarding the state of the Hoenn region. At his side stood May and the Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia. Standing behind them was Archie and Maxie, the leaders of Team Aqua and Magma respectively. Some of their Grunts and each of their Admins stood behind their leaders, ignoring the angry jeers of the crowd as they shouted at the criminals.

Within the crowd were dozens of reporters and hundreds of those effected by the Great Downpour. Charlie Dawson was one of them, holding a sign that he and his mother had made the night before. On the sign was three simple words, painted in bold red letters.

JUSTICE FOR JAMIE.

"Hello everyone. I'd like to take a moment to say thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend this press conference. We have several very important topics to discuss today. But let us begin with the most important of them." Steven said politely, smiling at the crowd.

"Due to recent political events, May has decided to step down as the Hoenn Pokémon League Champion. As is custom, when a Champion finds they cannot fulfill their duties and wish to relinquish their title voluntarily, the previous Champion is allowed to reclaim their position. So…" Steven drew himself up proudly, addressing the crowd powerfully.

"I will be reprising my role as Champion of the Hoenn Pokémon League, in the same capacity as I used to before my defeat at the hands of May. As for what May will be doing as she steps down, my friend will be returning to a life of training and taking the world of Pokémon Coordinating by storm. We here at the Pokémon League wish her the best of luck!" Steven Stone said with a grin, clapping his hands as May bowed her head in thanks.

"Now...onto other matters. The charges against Team Aqua."

The crowd tensed, with several people raising shouts and jeers towards the group. Steven raised a hand for silence, which made the protesters go quiet.

"The charges against them are reprehensible. They have stolen Pokémon, stolen research, committed numerous acts of theft, and on top of that endangered the life of everyone on this planet with their schemes. Thousands of people were left dead because of their crimes. And that is something that cannot be overlooked." Steven said harshly, turning to Archie. "Archie, you may come forward to speak with the public. They deserve to hear something from you."

Archie nodded and stepped forward, and with that the crowd erupted into boos and jeers. Some people threw things at the man, who took the wave of hate with an almost bored look on his face. After several minutes of screaming, the crowd began to die down, and that is when the Team Aqua Leader spoke.

"For many years, Team Aqua has operated under the belief that expanding the sea, our main goal, would lead to a happier future for everyone. We selfishly thought that we alone could change the world for the better using our drive and passion. And as a result...we nearly destroyed the very world we sought to help. And for that...we, Team Aqua, apologize." Archie said, bowing low to the crowd.

"We hurt Hoenn. We killed innocent people in our desire to seek out a better world. Mankind depends on the sea, as do billions of Water-type Pokémon. But now I see that we were blind...Blind and selfish. And that is why I have spent the past few months working on ways to make amends. To make things right. Because we will find a way to repair the damage we have caused. The hurt we have inflicted on the fine people here today." Archie said to everyone, his tone grave. More boos and shouts rang up as Archie ended up his speech, making the man sigh. Maxie, the leader of Team Magma, stepped up to the podium and placed a hand on the man's shoulders.

"Archie...You were a fool. We tried to warn you. We tried to stop you. Now Hoenn is in pain and the world is damaged in ways we still don't know about as a result of your actions. Your unchecked ambition." Maxie said to the other man, who flinched and looked away. Maxie sighed after a moment, gripping the other man with both hands on his shoulders.

"But at the same time...I understand. I understand the desire to want to make the world a better place. Perhaps, in another life and another time, we of Team Magma would be guilty of the same acts against humanity." Maxie said quietly, looking down at the ground.

"Our own fervor has matched Team Aqua's in the past. In another world, we could have been the villains and sought to use Primal Reversion to achieve our goals. That is why we have learned to forgive you and Team Aqua for their actions, no matter how heinous they may be." Maxie admitted, much to the shock of the crowd. Several shouts rose up at that, which made Maxie's eyes widen.

"So you're just the same as them!"

"All of you should go to jail!"

"Murderers!"

Maxie and Archie glanced at each other, surprised. It was obvious neither of them expected the crowd to lump Team Magma into their hatred of Team Aqua. Yes the groups were similar, but Team Magma hadn't done anything wrong. Steven stepped forward, taking the mic.

"People, people, please calm down! Team Magma is innocent in all of this. And we are forgetting that yes, while the events that occured in Hoenn were tragic and irresponsible, Team Aqua have been paying their debt to society. And that is my announcement."

"Instead of putting Team Aqua in prison for their crimes against humanity and Pokémon, we here at the Pokémon League have decided to conscript Team Aqua to help us improve our understanding of the world's ocean and mankind's effect on it. Team Aqua will pay their debt to Hoenn by helping us better understand the world we live in by improving the lives of those who live in our wonderful region, and they will continue to do so for many years. We have to think of the future and not dwell on the past." Steven said placatingly to the crowd, cooling some of them down.

"Dwell on the past? They killed my brother!" Charlie shouted as the yells of the crowd died down slightly. The boy's furious shout served to incense the crowd once again. Steven sighed and rubbed his forehead, clearly frustrated and unsure of how to calm down the raging crowd. Cynthia stepped forward, a scowl on her face.

"SILENCE!" Cynthia boomed, shouting into the microphone. The crowd fell quiet. "We have all lost people in our lives. And yes, Team Aqua is terrible for the crimes they committed. But they're working on making things right. They're trying to pay their debts to society, don't you see? What does having them sit in jail or be executed solve?...Nothing. That's not justice. It's revenge. And Imprisoning them instead of using their talents would be a waste of such people. Making them atone for their crimes by helping others is the best path forward. We have to find it in our hearts to forgive those who have done us wrong and allow the system to punish those who hurt us."

The crowd exploded with fury as jeers and shouts rose up like a tidal wave of pure fury. It was clear that, while the Champion spoke sense, the crowd of families and scared Hoennians were not ready to forgive the group. Charlie brandished his sign, rage and indignation burning in his eyes.

"HOW COULD YOU!? THEY TRIED TO KILL US ALL! WHAT ABOUT MY BROTHER!?" Charlie bellowed at the Sinnoh Champion, his voice nearly lost in a sea of pain and hatred that was the crowd now as the shouts doubled in volume. Archie and Maxie exchanged a nervous glance while May took a step back, worried about the furious sea of people. Steven Stone tried to speak, but he was rendered mute by the crowd's rage.

"Everyone, please!" Steven Stone shouted as loud as he could, making the crowd's fury die down slightly. "Sometimes, even when revenge and vengeance are the preferable options, we must find a way to move forward peacefully. We will always remember the events of the Great Downpour. We must never forget the lessons Team Aqua taught us with their meddling with Kyogre. How we cannot take the cycle of nature for granted. These people tried to take control of the fate of the world by themselves. They themselves were misguided, not evil. The lesson to take away from this is that together, Team Aqua and Team Magma...Friend and enemy...Me and you…"

"Together we must find a way to forge onward. We're not there yet, but I believe that someday we will be. That we will find a way to let go of the pain of our hearts, and forgive these once misguided people. Team Aqua will work to repay the debt they owe those who lost their lives. Make no mistake…but for now I ask you to quell the rage and anger burning within your hearts, and learn to forgive these people for a terrible mistake. So that we may all work together for a brighter future." Steven said powerfully to the crowd, who grew quiet as they considered their Champion's words. Charlie never stopped staring at the man, his eyes burning with furious tears and indignant at the man's message to the grieving families all around him.

The next few hours were a blur for the distraught teen, who soon found himself barging into his room and collapsing onto his bed, screaming into his mattress until his throat was raw.

Charlie couldn't believe it. Those people had gotten away with it. They had killed his brother and thousands of others and had simply walked away without even going to jail. And worse yet is that the men and women who had opposed them, Team Magma...

They were just as bad. They admitted it, too. If the situation was slightly different, they would have doomed the world for their own selfish designs.

Charles Dawson laid there for a while, unable to move as his young mind tried to cope with the situation. The sheer injustice of it all. For so long, he had looked up to the Champions and saw that as their protectors. People to admire...But now? They had let his brother's killers walk free.

Charlie looked up after some time to see Flappy sitting on the bed, looking at him worriedly. Flappy glanced towards the door, and Charlie looked in that direction, following the Pelipper's line of sight. To his surprise, his brother's team stood there in his room. A Makuhita, Roselia, Slowking, Manectric, and Torkoal all watched him with worry. Charlie rolled onto his back and sighed, rubbing his eyes free of tears.

"I'm sorry guys…I thought we would be able to make those jerks pay for what they did. I guess we failed. Team Aqua walks free...Haha, man, I'm such a shitty brother." Charlie muttered, his eyes stinging as more tears threatened to fall. Charlie had thought he ran out of tears hours ago, but again he was proven wrong. A voice snapped Charlie out of his funk.

"I don't think you're a bad brother. Not after all of the good things Jamie told us about you." said the Slowking, surprising Dawson with its speech. It wasn't even telepathic either. The Slowking simply spoke as if this was common.

"You...can talk?" Charlie asked, dumbfounded.

"It's a rare gift that my species can use, should we spend enough time in the care of a good Trainer. Thanks to Shellder, my intellect has grown enough to allow me to speak this tongue. But no matter. I will act as my teammate's interpreter. We wish to speak with you, Charlie." Slowking said as he walked over to the boy's bedside, smiling kindly at him.

"You're Jamie's starter right?...He got you as a birthday present because he loved Slowpoke." Charlie said to the Slowking, who nodded smartly. The Roselia made a soft sound, making Slowking nod.

"Jamie was a good Trainer. Annoying at times, but he loved us and we loved him in return. Jamie loved you as well, and so we have come to respect you as his elder sibling. We were wondering...what is to become of us now that he has perished, Charlie?" Slowking asked Charlie, who lowered his head.

"I don't know...It doesn't matter anyway. Nothing matters. Those Team Aqua idiots who killed Jamie got off scot-free. We wrote letters, joined the protests, and even met with the Champion himself. But they got away with it...For the sake of everyone...A brighter future? What a load of shit." Charlie muttered darkly, gritting his teeth in anger.

"Do you hate them?" Slowking asked softly. Charlie nodded in reply. "Of course you do. You two were not perfect siblings, I believe, but you had a strong bond with Jamie. You hate them, Team Aqua. For hurting your family. For how they got away with killing our Trainer...You hate them for taking your brother away from you, yes?" Slowking asked Charlie, who took a few moments to answer.

"Yes." Charlie said, his expression darkening. "I do hate them. Same as you guys. That's why you're asking, right?" Makuhita nodded, agreeing with the teen as it punched his fists out. "I hate Team Aqua. Team Magma too! They're probably just biding their time until they can destroy the world themselves!"

"That's what I thought. That much was obvious, but I wanted to hear it from you. So I must ask, what do you plan on doing about it?" Slowking asked as the Torkoal nodded beside him. Charlie blinked, unsure of what to say.

"What can I do? The Champion said that Team Aqua won't face any charges since they're helping the Pokémon League alongside Team Magma. And it's not like protesting or anything changed their minds. They won, we lost. What can I do?" Charlie asked Slowking, who sighed and offered the boy a sad smile.

"What matters is the act of doing something...Anything. Will you choose to drown in your sorrows? Or will you fight for those who fell to evil? Jamie mentioned once that you wanted to be someone who protected the weak and stopped those who wanted to hurt others. Do you still have that desire?" Slowking asked Charlie, who stared at the Slowking in surprise. The Roselia and Makuhita hopped onto the bed and hugged Charlie while the Slowking smiled. The boy stared at the Pokémon team left behind by his fallen brother, stunned.

"We've chosen to follow you, Charlie. Wherever your path leads. Jamie was talented, yes, but he is gone now. You loved your brother dearly and he loved you as well. He looked up to you, and talked about you all of the time. And this discussion has helped us make a difficult decision. My question to you is...Will you allow us to join you? And help you protect others so that they won't suffer the same fate as our Trainer?" Slowking asked the teen, who looked stunned. Flappy fluttered into Charlie's arms, with the boy hugging his Partner tightly as his mind raced.

"You...you want me to become your Trainer? But I'm a terrible Trainer! That's why I've never gone on my journey! I wanted to be a cop!" Charlie protested, but was silenced when Slowking raised a hand. Manectric growled softly, nodding.

"You do not have to follow the same path our Trainer did. You have a dream of becoming strong enough to protect people. To stop those with evil in their hearts...So now, do that is enough. " Slowking said calmly, smiling at the teen. Charlie looked down at Flappy in his arms, who let out a soft cooing sound. Charlie shut his eyes, thinking about this. His brother's Pokémon clearly wanted Charlie to pick up where Jamie left off. They wanted to become more powerful and help Charlie achieve his dream of becoming strong enough to stand up to the bad guys…They wanted to help protect people too.

"I can do that. I don't have to beat the Gym Leaders...I just need to become stronger. Strong enough to stand up to people like Team Aqua! To protect those who can't stand up to them. I can do that. For Jamie…" Charlie knew then what he would have to do.

The teen quickly packed some provisions, gathered everything of value he had and stowed them away in a backpack. He wrote a quick note to his parents while they were at work and quietly shut and locked the front door behind him. Charlie turned around to see Jamie's team waiting for him, alongside Flappy the Pelipper. Charlie sighed shakily and ran his hands down his face for a moment before allowing himself a fierce grin.

"Together...We'll get justice for Jamie together. Jamie lives on through the team that has chosen me to carry on his dreams. I don't have to become Champion...I just need to become stronger." Charlie thought as he put on his favorite hat, a bright blue fedora. He clipped each of their Poké Balls to his belt and allowed himsellf a small smile. Charlie left the house along Jamie's team, leaving Slateport City behind. He would become stronger alongside them and seek the justice that had been denied to him and those who had suffered at the hands of Team Aqua…

The Hoenn region would face a reckoning, soon. A child would become a man, and would become strong enough to get back at those who had torn his family apart.


"Let's take a break. I don't know about you, but it's a bit warm in here." Dawson said as he lowered his knife, grinning at Cynthia trembling form. Dawson has been very precise and very efficient in administering pain to the Sinnoh Champion, with several bloody tears now present in her signature outfit where Dawson's burning knife had met her skin.

At the moment, several holograms were floating around the man, showing live footage of the battle going on outside the stadium. He could see where Misty had been knocked unconscious, only to be saved at the last minute by Brock. Where Acerola had snuck into the battle and was forcing back Cipher as they tried to attack some of the young Trainers desperately trying to fight back. He could see everything, and it was why he was doing this.

Dawson flicked through various screens, muttering commands to the Cipher Peons battling, helping them combat the forces that had rallied against them. He was amazed that the crowd that had been terrified of his display were now fighting back fiercely against Cipher now. Dawson felt a pang, knowing that more people were going to get hurt before he was done with his mission.

"In the end...they'll thank us. Sacrifices have to be made." Dawson thought to himself before a voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Dawson, come in. This is Mask." Dawson flinched as his earpiece spoke to him. "I've got Olivia captive here, but we've got some brats trying to storm the barrier generator building. They're trying to break in. Whatever you're doing, hurry it up."

"You can't rush these things, Mask. I would have thought someone as weird as you would know that." Dawson replied smoothly, making Mask laugh.

"Oh, I know. Especially after I surgically removing body parts and eat them. It takes time to properly cook human flesh."

"...You're not well, are you?" Dawson asked, somewhat disturbed.

"Yeah, I'm a mess. But regardless of that, the point is that you need to hurry. Especially since Amber hasn't radio'd in since she went back into the stadium."

"Why did she go back into the stadium?" Dawson asked, confused. That wasn't detailed in the plans at all. The stadium should be all rights be deserted by now.

"No idea. But we need her to cause as much chaos as possible. That idiot in the suit riled up these people good and a dose of fear might put them back in their place." Mask responded curtly, with what Dawson could have sworn was annoyance in his distorted voice. "I got my battle with Hala interrupted because of that nonsense. I was a few seconds away from incinerating his fat ass."

"Well, you'll get your chance. I'm sending Shadow Articuno in to wreak some havoc." Dawson said as he held out his hand, where a small device was clamped over his wrist. After a moment he looked up at Shadow Articuno, with the bird perched obediently on the barrier awaiting orders.

"Go outside and destroy everything you see! Keep everyone out of the city with Shadow Freeze!" Dawson called to the Legendary, who let out a piercing screech and launched herself into the air with her powerful wings. Soon enough it was hovering over the stadium again, which allowed Dawson to turn his attention back to Cynthia.

"You know...I remember what you and Steven said to all of us, all those years ago at that press conference. To forget our pain and look towards a brighter future together. But what does that do? Just letting madmen walk around as they please? Shit, you didn't do a damn thing to stop Team Galactic. Lucas did all the work. You just stood by like an idiot while he battled Cyrus and Giratina!" Dawson remarked, chuckling slightly under his breath.

"You can't rely on Champions to protect their people. That is the lesson I have learned over the years. Steven...You...Alder and Iris...Diantha...All worthless. It was the children of your regions who stepped up and sorted shit out. And I refuse to let this trend continue. It's time for the adults to take the damn initiative and stamp out the evil in the world. With more evil if necessary." Dawson murmured, crossing his arms.

"And the innocents that...die in the crossfire?" Cynthia whispered, still looking down.

Dawson's expression hardened. "I prefer to think of the bigger picture. What are a few million, when compared to the entire future of our planet? Someone has to step up before another madman destroys out world, Cynthia. The Champions have proven their uselessness. It's time we achieve peace the hard way."

"You're...insane. All of you…" the Champion murmured, shaking slightly from the cold and from the pain. Dawson chuckled, twirling his hand-cannon a few times before clipping it to his belt. It was his favorite habit, and one that he found he enjoyed too much to break.

"Nope. Just determined to make things right. Now, where were we? Oh yeah. Snowpoint Temple. You wanna tell me the secret to getting inside without leveling the place?" Dawson asked with a grin, making Cynthia look up at him with a burning gaze in her eyes.

"You...y-you…" Cynthia's voice broke and she let out a shuddering gasp, making Dawson chuckle softly. "You...monster. I will...NEVER...give in."

"Good! I like that spirit. Because I'm going to make you hurt. I am going to make you suffer. And then...you will face justice." Dawson murmured, stepping forward with a determined gleam in his eyes as he set about his work once more.


Lillie could never describe how it felt to use Nebby's power. It was like being sucked into another world, another...something. Pressure squeezed down on her from all sides, darkness surrounded every part of her being.. She was aware of Nebby being close to her. She could feel his pain. And she could feel how it yearned for something...something so close and yet so far.

And then she was back in the sunlight, a gasp escaping the girl as she collapsed onto the ground, shaking violently. Lillie glanced around and saw that she was outside of the stadium and safely out of Amber's grasp. At least for now, anyways. The girl looked down at the Cosmog in her arms and was horrified at the familiar sight she saw.

Nebby's entire body had gone sheet-white, with his eyes shut tight as if he was in pain. This had happened only once before. When she had been fleeing from the Aether Paradise. Nebby had used his power to help them escape, to save her from the personnel her mother had sent after her. And now…

"I'm so sorry, Nebby. Please just…j-j-just rest." Lillie whispered, her voice shaking with fear and horror. What little courage she had been able to muster before was long gone as she broke down into tears. First Jack and Gretel had died trying to protect her, and now Nebby was hurt. Who knew if the Cosmog would be able to recover this time? And on top of that, she had no idea where her friends were. She alone again, and once again others had been hurt because she was too weak to protect herself. Lillie sobbed as she clutched Nebby to her chest.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Nebby. I'm not strong enough. I'm-I'm not brave enough. B-but...I'll get us somewhere safe. I promise." Lillie whispered as she gently set Nebby inside his bag and zipped it shut. She slowly stood up, taking a shaky breath to fortify herself. And then she heard a familiar voice that she hadn't heard in a long, long time.

"Lillie? Is that you?" The girl quickly turned saw familair blond-haired teen with bright green eyes staring at her in surprise. The two teens stared at each other for a time, realizing just who it was that they were seeing. It took Lillie a few moments before she realized she was staring at her big brother, Gladion. A massive monster stood beside the boy, along with a Golbat. The teen himself was taller than she remembered, and his outfit looked torn in several places and he seemed rougher than she remembered. Edgier. But there he was. Her big brother, and exactly who she needed right now.

"Gladion...you're here." Lillie whispered, feeling more tears come to her eyes. Lillie took a step forward, but it was nothing compared to Gladion dashing forward and tackling his little sister in a fierce embrace. The two siblings nearly fell onto the ground, but managed to keep themselves upright. Lillie hugged her older brother tightly, her body shaking as she half-sobbed and half-laughed. After all this time, they were back together. And the love the two siblings shared hadn't faded in the slightest.

"I missed you." Gladion whispered, shutting his eyes. "I missed you so much. Lillie. I can't…I..."

"I missed you too, big brother." Lillie muttered, smiling despite everything. There was a war going on, people were getting hurt, and she had just seen two friends get cut down by a monster, and Nebby was hurt again...Lillie's heart was hurting so much. But for one shining moment, all was right in the world. Two children who had suffered so much pain in so little time were together again. Lillie had her big brother back.

Gladion, on the other hand, was simply relieved. Despite Demi explaining how Lillie was safe and that he had no reason to worry, he still did just that. He was her older brother after all. It was Gladion's job to worry about how his little sister was doing. While Gladion had left the Aether Paradise to grow stronger with Type: Null, he had done it at a terrible cost...leaving Lillie behind with their mother. He had missed her so much. He had worried about her for so long. And now they were reunited. The only two people left in their broken little family.

"But...Why are you here?" Gladion asked, pulling away from his sister and looking at her. She had grown taller since they had last met. She seemed a bit different than she had last time he had seen her. Carried herself differently, at least a little. Lillie's joyful expression seemed to falter, as she bit her lip, her eyes watering.

"I was here to support my friends. They were competing in the Tournament. But then Cipher attacked and...and…" Lillie's words faded into sobs as she tried to speak about what happened next. About Amber attacking Sun. Commander Jack and Gretel arriving in the nick of time to save her, only to be killed in the process. Lillie was carefully pulled into a second hug as Gladion pat her on the back.

"Shhh...It's alright." Gladion murmured, worry gripping his heart. While he was glad Lillie was okay, she had to have been horrified by something awful to reduce her to such a state. Lillie clung to her brother for comfort, breaking down completely as her sorrow struck her with full force. Jack and Gretel's fate seemed like such a complete tragedy to her.

Jack had been one of the many wonderful people she had met on her own little journey. Despite suffering so much, Jack managed to pull himself from the brink of despair time and time again. He was a strong, yet caring, man who inspired others to protect that which was precious to them. His Partner in crime, Gretel, was always kind and warm, a positive yet protective force who wanted the best for everyone. Jack helped teach Lillie how to draw upon her courage, even when she was terrified. And likewise, even when Gretel knew her end was coming, simply laughed and died with a smile while comforting those she knew she would be leaving behind. Jack and Gretel were true heroes, and had gone down fighting like heroes…

Lillie would miss them so much.

"Lillie...We should get you somewhere safe. Nanu and Acerola are evacuating people." Gladion said to the girl, who hiccuped after a moment and nodded, trying to calm herself down. The two siblings separated, with Lillie taking a moment to compose herself. She then realized that she hadn't asked Gladion an important question.

"W-why are you here? I saw you in the Tournament. They said you had to leave because of that Riolu." Lillie said to her big brother, who nodded and gestured to one of the four Poké Balls at his waist.

"He was badly hurt and needed some kind of treatment. He's stable, but needs a lot of rest and rehabilitation. I came back today to see the big match and then...this happened. What a mess." Gladion growled, clearly disturbed and angry about what Cipher had pulled. "Team Skull is one thing. These bastards are another. Not even Guzma would pull something as twisted as this…"

Gladion shook his head as the strange Pokémon beside him snorted. Lillie gasped as she properly examined the creature, taking a step back in fear. Gladion smiled slightly, reaching out and grabbing Lillie's hand.

"Null's a friend. It won't hurt you." Gladion said quietly, beckoning the monster to come closer. Type: Null padded forward, lowering its head slightly.

"You are Lillie, yes?" the beast asked, its voice sounding deep. Lillie jumped in surprise, but then noticed that TACV collar fastened around the monster's neck. Lillie wondered if this was Colress' doing. Lillie then realized that she had been asked a question and nodded as Gladion moved Lillie's hand to Type: Null's head and let go. While it was covered in the thick helmet, Lillie still pat the monster's head several times, making the beast hum in response. Lillie managed a smile as Gladion grinned at her.

"What is he exactly, Gladion? I've never seen a Pokémon like it before." Lillie questioned, examining the monster more clearly. Gladion opened his mouth to speak, only for someone to cut him off.

"That's a good question. And one I want to know the answer to. Same for that thing you used to knock me out."

Lillie's blood ran cold as she whirled around, with the girl screaming out in fear as Amber Fontaine limped towards her, scowling now. Avis dropped to the ground, heaving with exhaustion as Amber grinned in excitement. Gladion scowled as Lillie trembled in fear beside him and moved her behind him, the teen standing protectively in front of his little sister.

Just then, a screeching sound of fury erupted from the stadium as a massive blue bird cloaked in shadows burst out of the Battle Royal Dome, blasting the people below with streams of icy energy. After a few moments, Shadow Articuno aimed its head skyward and fired a massive arc of energy that split outward, striking down all around Royal Avenue. To their horror, a massive wall of ice began to slowly form around the city.

"It's...trapping us inside." Lillie realized with horror as Shadow Articuno took off into the air to attack those below like a wild animal. Amber seemed to completely ignore what just happened, staring at Lillie with a evil smile.

"That was some trick. It's interesting. And curiosity is one of the few things that makes my life worth living. So...Ready for Round 2, little girl?" Amber asked, calling out her Breloom. "Avis, use Roost. Take a breather, you've been through a lot." The Xatu didn't reply, though she did force herself upright and folded her wings, which began to glow a few moments later. Amber raised an arm, her armor gleaning in the moonlight that now descended upon Alola as the people of Royal Avenue battled for their lives.

"Breloom! Kill the boy and bring me that girl. Mach Punch!" Amber ordered, her smile flashing dangerously.

"There's not a chance in hell I'm going to lose the only family I have left. Lillie, get help!" Gladion ordered as Type: Null shuddered beside him, a deep growl echoing from the beast's covered mouth. "Null! Aerial Ace!"

Amber grinned as her Breloom shot forward, its fists glowing white as it charged toward the beast and punched Type: Null in the side repeatedly, making the beast snarl in pain before getting thrown backwards by a powerful kick. The monster hit the sidewalk with a howl, making Gladion grit his teeth before he pointed forward.

"Golbat! Acrobatics!" Gladion barked as the Bat Pokémon swooped forward, hissing furiously as it quickly smashed into Breloom, sending it skidding across the concrete with a pained expression. "Sludge Bomb!"

"Into the air. Seed Bomb." Amber ordered coolly, sounding amused. The Breloom kicked off of the ground to dodge the blast of toxic explosion, hanging in midair for a moment to throw a barrage of Seed Bomb at Golbat and Type: Null, battering them back and sending Type: Null crashing to the ground with a growl of pain as he fainted. Gladion gasped in concern, running over to his Partner and checking him over. After a moment he glanced up at Golbat and barked, "Acrobatics again!"

"Headbutt!" Amber commanded, with Breloom darting forward and ramming its head into the Golbat as Gladion applied a Revive to Type: Null, revitalizing the monster. Type: Null rose once again as Golbat hit the ground with a hiss and a thud as it fainted, forcing Gladion to return it.

"You're not laying a hand on Lillie! Null, get ready!" Gladion shouted, gripping his arm and gritting his teeth from the pain. Type: Null snorted, stomping down with its left claw to pump itself up. "Lillie, find Demi! She'll get you to safety!"

"I'm not leaving you!" Lillie protested, which made Amber laugh. The sound was empty, lacking no happiness or mirth, just grim amusement.

"There's not a force on this earth that will stop me from taking what I want. Now just lie down and die already." Amber crooned, her eyes gleaming with evil as she drew a dagger from her armor, flipping it around in her hands. Her Breloom cried out, getting into a fighting stance as Type: Null growled angrily at the Mushroom Pokémon.

"I think that's my line, Miss Fontaine. Though I could do without that second sentence." spoke a hauntingly calm voice that made both Gladion and Lillie shiver in terror.

Both children whirled around and saw a familiar figure strutting towards them, a dangerous grin on her face as a Ninetails stalked forward. Amber regarded the woman with interest, recognizing her after a moment. The President of the Aether Foundation, Lusamine Jardin, approached the three of them as her green eyes twinkled with amusement.

"That's enough of that...Lillie. Gladion. My children...It's time I recovered my property and brought you both home." Lusamine said softly, her heels clacking against the concrete as she approached her two children. Gladion swore silently, alternating between glaring at his mother and watching Amber as she watched the scene with bemusement. The Admin grinned and was about to issue a command with all of a sudden she let out a scream of agony and fell to her knees. The family watched in confusion and horror as pink flames erupted from Amber's eyes. Avis tried to console Amber, but the assassin couldn't even understand her through the intense pain she was going through.

"DAMN YOU TAPU LELE! I'LL SLAUGHTER EVERYONE IN ALOLA AND MAKE YOU SUFFER!" Amber screamed as she writhed on the ground, her body shaking uncontrollably as the curse dug deeper and deeper into her as the healing powers of the Tapu healed the darkness within the woman. Lusamine rolled her eyes and turned her attention to her children, with Type: Null growling at Lusamine.

"Now, if we'll stop this foolishness, we can escape from this battlefield and return home." Lusamine said as she stepped forward, grabbing Lillie's wrist in an iron grip. The girl tried to pull away, but Lusamine jerked the girl towards her side.

"Let her go! She doesn't want to go home and neither do I!" Gladion shouted, lunging forward and trying to pry Lusamine's hand off Lillie's wrist. Lusamine snarled as she drew her other hand back and slapped Gladion in the face hard, sending the teen stumbling backwards to the ground with a cry of pain. Type: Null roared in fury and dove at Lusamine, only for Fiaro the Ninetails to blast it in the side with a Flamethrower that sent it crashing to the ground.

"It doesn't matter what you want. I am your mother, and you will listen to me." Lusamine said coldly, glaring down at Lillie. The girl cowered in fear, feeling so small then. All of her achievements, all of those little steps forward that she prided herself on...meant nothing. Were nothing. Because she was nothing...As long as the shadow of her mother loomed over her, she would always be nothing.

"Children would be so much happier if they just listened to the adults around them." Lusamine muttered as she pulled out a silver phone and pressed a few buttons. Gladion staggered to his feet and ran at Lusamine, wrenching the phone out of her hands as Faba's annoying voice spoke. Gladion hurled the device to the ground, stomping on it for good measure and destroying the device.

"Gladion...Do I have to punish you again?" Lusamine asked coldly, making the boy shiver in fear. His eyes narrowed in anger as he stepped forward and stared his mother down.

"I refuse to be your doll. A puppet for you to dress up and keep in your gilded cage. I am alive! And I will stop you from destroying all of us! As long as you continue to listen to those voices in your head, you're not my mother." Gladion hissed as Lusamine sighed, shaking her head.

"Gladion, such defiance is...ugly. Beyond hideous, coming from a boy who used to be so handsome. A spitting image of your father, minus the belly." Lusamine remarked, smiling at the memory. It hurt, though. Why did it hurt?

"Yeah? Well...Sometimes the truth can be an ugly thing. Null, get her!" Gladion barked. Lusamine whirled around in surprise to see Type: Null slam into a surprised Ninetails and leap towards Lusamine, knocking the woman to the ground and making her release Lillie. The girl ran over to Gladion, huddling behind her older brother as Lusamine glared daggers at her children.

"Very well then...I'll just have to deal with you wretches myself and drag you back home." Lusamine snarled, her face contorting with fury as Fiaro prowled to her side, Mohn's old Partner wearing a look of confusion, as if it was torn between obeying Lusamine and not wanting to hurt the children of his original Trainer.

"Don't you get it? How much you're hurting us?" Lillie whispered, flinching back at the harsh glare Lusamine sent her way.

"Or do you really care about those things so much that you won't stop until you've destroyed the family we used to be!" Gladion bellowed out, but the hurt in his eyes was unmistakable. The teen threw a hand out towards Lusamine. "Null! Aerial Ace!"

"Fiaro, Flamethrower." Lusamine ordered as the monster shot towards them. Type: Null slammed into Fiaro, knocking the Ninetails back several feet before the Fox Pokémon retaliated with a blast of fire.

"Dodge and use Crush Claw!" Gladion yelled out, with Type: Null leaping to the side to avoid the blast of flames and charging at Fiaro, slashing at the Pokémon with its claws as they burned with red and slammed down on the head of Ninetails, making it snarl in pain as it leapt back.

"Hmph. So you've gained some skill as a Trainer in the time that you abandoned me and Lillie. Your little flight even convinced your sister to leave me too. But no matter. As strong as you may have gotten, you can't hope to defeat me and my entire team." Lusamine purred as Fiaro rose once again, growling softly.

Screaming suddenly filled the air, allowing the family to turn their attention to Amber once again. Black flames were searing from her eyes, making the woman go through unimaginable agony as she writhed on the ground, slowly curling into a ball. After several moments of silence, the woman began to rise, her expression one of abject fury. Lillie began to quake with sheer terror at the murderous look on Amber Fontaine's face.

"I-I...I refuse to be a plaything for some demented god!" Amber roared, staggering to her feet as black flames poured from her eyes. The flames faded, leaving two orbs of bright blue hatred in their place. It was absolutely terrifying to the two children. Lusamine took a step back in surprise as Amber trembled, the aftereffects of the curse taking its toll on the assassin. However when she looked up, she was grinning, as if reveling in the pain.

"Hate...I almost forgot what it was like. Hatred. Before, with that bandit was just a taste of the emotion. But now? This is...euphoric." Amber whispered, her smile Chesire as she threw out a hand. "I'll crush you three and take your Pokémon. The strange beast there and that other one. And Lusamine...Maybe if you make it worth our while, I can return the Pokémon back to you. Once we've studied them, of course."

"I'll pass. It's not like I can trust an assassin to keep her word. Besides, Ashton knows if he wants something, he needs to man up and come talk to me himself." Lusamine responded with a smirk. Amber scowled at that, her patience clearly gone.

"I can see why he wants to ravage this place. It's disgusting...Breloom, kill them all." Amber ordered, snapping her fingers as Lusamine swiftly called out her Bewear. The Strong Arm Pokémon cried out happily before getting into a fighting stance.

"Fiaro, protect Lillie. That snake is Ashton's greatest weapon. I'm not taking any chances." Lusamine ordered before pointing forward. "Hammer Arm!"

Bewear charged forward, bring up a glowing arm as Breloom launched itself forward, peppering the Strong Arm Pokémon with a barrage of quick punches while dodging Bewear's powerful swings. Gladion growled, conflicted for a moment, before gritting his teeth.

"Null, use Crush Claw on Breloom!" Gladion ordered, with the monster running forward and raking the back of Breloom with a glowing red claw. Breloom screamed in pain, allowing Bewear to punch it backwards and send it crashing onto the ground. The Breloom rose from the ground, snarling angrily and panting from the damage it had taken.

"Seed Bomb. Knock out that monster first, and then focus on Bewear" Amber ordered smoothly, her grin not leaving her face. Breloom tossed its Seed Bomb at Bewear and Type: Null, making the former squeal in pain while Type: Null roared in agony.

"This is bad...Mother hasn't battled in years and Gladion can't match Amber's power. They need help…" Lillie thought, torn between what to do. She could easily run away. That was the smartest option. But she couldn't leave her brother behind like that. And even if Lusamine had become something terrible, leaving her mother behind to face Amber was equally horrible to Lillie. Lillie looked down at Fiaro, who was standing loyally by her side. Even if he was listening to her mother's orders, the Ninetails had originally been her father's Pokémon. His very first Pokémon. Lillie had grown up with the Ninetails protecting their family.

The girl looked back up and saw Bewear brawling with Amber's Breloom, with both Fighting-types beating each other with everything they had. Type: Null slowly rose from the ground, heaving with exhaustion after the powerful hits it had taken.

Lillie made her decision. Once again, she had to gather her courage! Every little bit, from the depths of her heart...

All so she could take a step forward so she that stood alongside her brother and mother.

"Fiaro, use F-flamethrower t-to intercept!" Lillie called out to her father's Pokémon, with the Ninetails looking up at her in surprise. The Ninetails nodded after a moment before facing forward, leaping into the battle. The Fox Pokémon released a massive jet of flames from his mouth, slamming into Amber's Breloom just before it hit Type: Null, sending it reeling back with a scream. Gladion and Lusamine looked to Lillie in surprise.

Lusamine's eyes narrowed, her mouth curling into a disgusted grimace.

"Psychic! Use Psychic and t-throw Breloom into the air!" Lillie commanded the Ninetails, who nodded as its eyes burned bright blue. The Breloom screamed as it was hurled into the air, and Gladion took that moment to capitalize on the opportunity his sister bought him.

"Null, hit it with Aerial Ace!" Gladion barked as the monster rose once more, with the beast growling angrily before Type: Null used its powerful legs to launch itself into the air, slamming into the Breloom with incredible force. Amber looked genuinely shocked as her Breloom smashed onto the ground, twitching in pain several times before it finally fainted. The Trainer herself seemed winded, clutching her head as if in pain, though Amber's eyes were wide in surprise.

"Since when were you a Trainer, Lillie?" Gladion demanded, grinning at his sister with pride. "That was great!"

Lillie laughed nervously, blushing a bit at the praise. "I'm n-not a Trainer, but I've learned a little by watching my friends. They're really talented." Lillie tried to explain, but she caught sight of her mother giving her a scathing look that filled her with dread. It looked so familiar. Because it was the expression of condescending disgust that haunted her nightmares. The driving source of all of her insecurities. Why she was a shadow of who she should have been...

"It's unseemly. Ladies don't battle. They don't degrade themselves like that, Lillie, and you know it!" Lusamine purred disapprovingly, her words like honey over glass. Lillie flinched at the scathing words, the small flicker of confidence and joy she had felt at Gladion's praise being extinguished in an instant.

Not good enough...Improper...Ugly…She was nothing.

Lillie fought back the tears as Lusamine grabbed the girl by the chin, jerking her head upright and making her stare into a set of eyes that seemed to reflect their own. Somewhere, deep down, her mother was there. But now...she didn't know. Lillie raised a hand to try and pry away the hand, only for Lusamine to harshly slap it away, making the girl whimper in pain.

"I don't ever want to see that kind of stunt again. You may be a disobedient little brat, but you are still a Jardin. A proper lady. And you will not degrade yourself by stooping down to that monster's level! I will not let your beauty wither any further, my little flower!" Lusamine snarled, ignoring Lillie's tears and fear. Lusamine only saw a child that needed to be put back in her place. Lusamine raised her hand again to slap some sense into the girl, but Gladion had seen enough.

"Stay away from her!" Gladion barked, ripping away Lusamine's grip from Lillie and yanking his sister out of their mother's grasp. "That's stupid. She was trying to help! And what the hell do you call what you're doing? You just said ladies don't battle, but look at yourself!" Gladion demanded, making Lusamine scowl at her son's defiant attitude. Amber pulled out a Revive and pressed it against Breloom, scowling in annoyance as the family argued.

"I was a Champion once, Gladion. I swore once to protect an entire region. And even if you have chosen to forsake my love, I refuse to allow you both to fall to Cipher's madness. That's why...why..." Lusamine turned towards Amber, her eyes narrowing as she considered her choice of words. She knew what she would have to do in order to ensure that both Cosmog and Type: Null stayed out of Cipher's grasp. And...she couldn't have her children perish like that.

She had already lost Mohn...She couldn't lose them too.

"Despite everything, I do still love them." Lusamine realized with some surprise. Why was she realizing that again? Why did they have to make things so complicated? Forsake her love? Make things so ugly and messy. Lusamine closed her eyes for a moment, considering her options.

"M-mother?" Lillie questioned, confused at the sharp change in her mother's expression.

"Run, for today. Live." Lusamine said quietly, turning towards Amber as the assassin glared her down. Lusamine's head seared with pain, a voice whispering in her head telling her to reconsider. That this was a mistake. She should kill the children...take the Cosmog…SET...THEM...FREE!

But something else…Something deep inside of Lusamine told her that this was the right thing to do. Lusamine chuckled softly, stepping forward as her eyes gleamed with fury. Her mind was tearing itself apart, torn between doing what was right and what was best for the voices screaming in her mind. In the end...

"Leave this monster to me. I can hold her off for a time, but you two must survive. Now go!" Lusamine commanded as Amber glared the President down. Gladion stared at his mother for a few moments before nodding. Gladion grabbed Lillie's hand and began to take her away, but Lillie pulled out of his grip and ran over to her mother.

Lusamine was surprised when a familiar pair of arms wrapped around her stomach and a comfortable weight was pressed against her. A small, trembling voice that sounded so sad, yet still beautiful, spoke to her.

"I love you, mother. No matter what happens, please remember that. Someday, I will save you. I promise!" Lillie whispered, shutting her eyes as her tears fell. She knew that now, for a moment, her mother was trying to protect her children. Despite the madness and darkness that had consumed her, and how awful she had acted towards them...Lusamine still loved them, deep in her heart. And that gave Lillie hope.

Because there was something still left of her to save. Lusamine wasn't completely gone yet. And Lillie would continue on her journey so that she could make things right.

Lusamine remained silent, staring forward and unable to speak for a moment. Many conflicting emotions rolled through her ravaged mind then. The voices hissed at her to take the creature that dwelled within Lillie's bag. To run away with it. Tear Cosmog apart and use its power to free them. Slaughter the children for making them suffer. Lusamine ignored the pain as she shut her eyes. After a long silence, Lusamine spoke.

"I love you too, little flower. Our goals may be different for now and while I am mad at you two, but I do love you both. As I always have." Lusamine said quietly, her voice shaking slightly as the voices in her head wailed in fury and pain. Lillie nodded and released her mother, catching up to her older brother in a few moments and running away from the battle to occur.

"You really think you can stop me?" Amber said with a sinister grin as Avis took flight above her, floating ominously. The Xatu had fully recovered from her injuries and was back to full-health. Lusamine scowled, knowing the harsh truth to the question. No. She wasn't going to delude herself. Lusamine was very rusty at battling and so were her Pokémon. She would only be able to buy her children time to escape.

Lusamine was surprised when she caught sight of Branch Chief Faba and several other Aether Foundation members running towards them. Faba huffed and puffed, trying to catch his breath while trying to look intimidating. Amber called out Aou, her Chandelure that had once been Demi's Litwik, and shook her head in mock dismay.

"Ma'am! Please, allow us to assist!" Faba panted, glaring down Amber as he called out his trusty Hypno. "We can deal with this witch posthaste."

"Oh? Everyone's wanting to fight me today, it seems." Amber remarked, grinning as Avis and Aou got into battling stances. "Bring it. I'm in the mood to fight. All the better to bring that stupid god here. I've got a score to settle."

"They can get in line! Hypno, Poison Gas!" Faba barked as his Partner released a deadly spew of gas towards Amber and her team.

"Sunny Day, float to dodge, and then Flamethrower." Amber ordered Aou, who let out a cry as its flames shot high into the air and made the sunlight come down harsher. Aou floated out of the range of Hypno's Poison Gas and released a massive blast of flames that slammed into Faba's trusty partner, sending it crashing to the ground. Hypno flickered out of existence and reappeared below the Chandelure.

"Shadow Ball!" Faba ordered, with Hypno charging up a ball of darkness within its palm and hurling it skyward, knocking out Aou with a scream of pain. Amber scowled as she returned her newest teammate, kicking herself mentally for not healing her Pokémon before she tried to track down that Lillie. Amber would have to do that before proceeding on with the plan she had in mind.

"That was for the Oore Pokémon HQ Lab, you dirty bitch!" Faba snarled, raising a fist in the air. Wicke smiled slightly, enjoying the good side of Faba for once. It was so easy to forget that while the man was pompous and annoying as sin, he was still human. And he had suffered in his own way as well.

"Oh? I remember burning that lab down and killing everyone inside. I guess I missed one." Amber remarked, tilting her head with an awful smile. Faba growled angrily and pointed a finger at her.

"Take her out! Poison Gas!" Faba ordered Hypno, who chuckled before releasing a blast of deadly gas directly at the assassin, surprising Lusamine. Faba attacking someone with a Pokémon directly like that was a brutal act she didn't think the man had in him.

Amber grinned as Avis' eyes glowed bright blue, sending a wave of force that dissipated the gas as the Psychic attack blew back the Hypno. Avis shot forward with Aerial Ace and slammed into Hypno, sending it crashing to the ground with a groan that was silenced immediately with a Shadow Ball to the face.

"Is that all? Pathetic." Amber said with a demented chuckle, drawing a pistol from her hip and aiming it Faba. The man froze in horror, but right before the shot was fired he was yanked to the side by Miss Wicke, allowing him to avoid getting cut down right there.

"Miss Wicke, Branch Chief Faba...Gather all Aether Foundation personnel and secure the area. I will deal with this monster myself." Lusamine ordered the two adults, with Miss Wicke biting her lip.

"M-ma'am, you haven't battled seriously in over ten years. She's way out of your league." Wicke said worriedly as her Togetic landed on her shoulder.

"I know. Even if they're not as beautiful as they once were, this monster in human skin threatened my children. And even if they have left me behind, stole my property and spurned my love...Something deep within me tells me that I must still protect my darlings from harm." Lusamine hissed, stepping forward with her green eyes blazing with fury. Wicke couldn't help a smile, despite herself. Even though Lusamine's psychosis was getting worse...somewhere deep down this was proof that her longtime friend still loved her children. That there was still someone left to save, and that Gladion and Lillie's quest was not in vain.

"You really think you can stop me alone?" Amber asked, chuckling softly in amusement.

"No. But I don't have too. I just need to waste your time for my children to get to safety." Lusamine said quietly, sighing softly. "And once I've dealt with you, I'll be tracking down Lillie and reacquiring Cosmog. Better that she be safe and out of my control than in your clutches."

"You raise a good point." Amber agreed with a nod. "And you called that thing Cosmog? Sounds like an interesting asset that we should probably acquire for ourselves. It's power was certainly something." Amber said with a wide grin, making Lusamine scowl in response. The Aether Foundation President took a step forward, only for five Cipher Peons to suddenly burst onto the scene from the backs of two Staraptors, landing on the ground beside Amber.

"Good. I was wondering how long I would have to keep their attention." Amber remarked, glancing at Avis for a moment before regarding her underlings. "Keep her busy. I need to be elsewhere. Follow additional orders from Dawson." Amber said with a sinister grin as Avis landed beside her. Lusamine let out a shout as the woman teleported away, leaving the President alone against the Cipher squad as they called out a horde of Shadow Pokémon. Lusamine scowled in fury and threw a hand forward.

"Flamethrower, widespread! Follow up with Psychic!" Lusamine bellowed as a Shadow Scizor dashed straight towards her. The flames erupted from the Ninetails and struck down the Shadow Scizor, which screamed in agony as it fell back and was blasted with Psychic. A Shadow Dragonair floated high into the air and rushed at Lusamine with its aura burning a harsh purple, making the woman's eyes widen in surprise.

"Fairy Wind!"

A whirling blast of pink energy slammed into the side of the beast, sending it flying off to the side with a squeal of pain. Lusamine looked to her left and saw Wicke standing by her side.

"I have faith in Master Gladion and Miss Lillie. They don't need us. But you need me, and I won't abandon you to these people!" Wicke yelled as her Togetic landed on the ground, ready to fight.

"I suppose I can't let Wicke show me up...Count me in as well. I will have my revenge on these cretins." Faba muttered as he walked up to them, calling his Hypno back out and using a Max Revive on it. The Hypnosis Pokémon jerked awake and stood upright, glaring at the Shadow Pokémon as they prepared to strike. Several other Aether Foundation members stepped up as well, calling out their Pokémon in a show of dedication to their President and leader. Lusamine smiled despite herself at the loyalty on display her. It was touching. Even without manipulating them through with what flowed through their veins, these people were willing to die for her. It was touching, in a way.

"Very well then...Let us show these desecrators the true might of the Aether Foundation!" Lusamine declared as the Shadow Pokémon charged at them. The Aether Foundation roared in response and stood its ground and the battle began anew.


"Looks like an absolute mess down there." Zinnia noted as her cloak swayed in the wintry wind that howled around the city now. The Lorekeeper watched with awe as Shadow Articuno blasted an arc of icy energy down into the crowds battling below. Both Cipher and civilian alike were forced to dive for cover as the Legendary Bird swooped across the area, dodging attacks thrown by those below. Zinnia even caught sight of another of the Legendary Birds, Moltres, battling something that was moving too fast for Zinnia to get a proper look at it.

Zinnia's eyes then widened in surprise as the creature stopped for a moment. Deoxys. The Pokémon that had nearly destroyed them all from within the meteor. What was it doing in Alola? Was it stolen from May? Or was there another one of those monsters lurking in the world? She'd have to investigate that further.

"At least they're giving it a good fight." Zinnia remarked cheerily as she got over her surprise, giving an elbow nudge to a violently shaking Tapu Lele, her elbow going through the hologram that was the Tapu's disguise. The God of Life was watching the battle happening below with absolute fury in its eyes, an aura of power and wind blowing around it.

"What's wrong? Don't like that Cipher is hurting your people?" Zinnia chirped, leaning against Tapu Lele. The Guardian Deity sighed, willing some of its anger away.

"Protectors we may be...We can't step in to save these mortals every time something goes wrong. We stay out of the affairs of humans for a reason. They can solve their own problems." Tapu Lele remarked, though it sounded uneasy. Zinnia couldn't help the wide smile on her face, simply because she knew that she was right and that the god clearly wanted to help, but was making excuses. Trying to stay aloof when there was no reason to.

"I feel like we've have this discussion before…"

"Shut your mouth, Zinnia. Know your place."

"Right. I'll stand here and watch with you then! After all, it's not every day that you get to watch a bunch of people get slaughtered alongside the being that's supposed to be protecting them!" Zinnia remarked sunnily, seeing the expression of the Tapu fall.

"I...I…" Tapu Lele murmured, watching as several Cipher Peons ganged up on two younger Trainers. Two young girls, standing back to back and fiercely fighting with everything they had. It could see the fear in their eyes. Tapu Lele trembled, wrestling with itself.

"Who are going to serve, Island Guardian? The people who love and respect you despite how self-serving you are...Or yourself?" Zinnia asked, her crimson eyes flashing, stepping in front of the god.

Tapu Lele releases its disguise, revealing its true form, and it's expression was once of uncertainty. The Tapu stared at the battlefield, seeing its people fighting valiantly against the forces of evil that had come for them. One of them in particular was carving a path of destruction through the streets, a human that wasn't quite there and had a familiar face. And that wasn't helped by the fact that Tapu Lele could sense the twisted mind of Amber Fontaine somewhere in the mess.

"Make a decision. It's either them...or you. You have no right to keep watching. You can step away now...or get down there and do your job." Zinnia said coldly to Tapu Lele, marching up to the god and glaring it in the eyes. Tapu Lele shut its eyes…

So many years...Ages had passed since its birth. A time that had become foggy to even itself. Tapu Lele prided itself on being the most intelligent of the Guardian Deities. The most cunning of the lot, able twist the minds of mortals and heal nearly anything with its powers. And yet...and yet…

It remembered countless years of the love it once showered upon the people of Alola. The life that it watched bloom and wither over the countless years. Years...decades...centuries...millennia rolled by within the mind of the Tapu. Sacrifices made in its honor. Prayers answered to heal those who were hurt.

The festivals it would attend, to the astonishment of the people who marveled at its beauty. The praise showered upon it by the people who loved it. The protection the Tapu would bless its people with. Once upon a time, Tapu Lele had cared about its people more than anything else. And even if the Tapu had neglected its role in the world, the people never stopped loving it.

They never stopped believing in the God of Life.

And now...now…

Tapu Lele opened its eyes, shaking slightly. Despite everything...it did still care. Seeing its people cut down before it like this was terrible. A fury slowly began to build up within the god, goaded by the words of its only friend. It couldn't stand by anymore...It couldn't indulge in its own curiosities and remain detached. Tapu Lele had a duty…

"Very well." Tapu Lele whispered, its eyes burning with pink flames as a whirlwind of pink scales swirled around it. The Guardian Deity looked to the Lorekeeper by its side, a touch of amusement sparking in the Tapu. Zinnia could feel the gratitude within the Legendary touch her mind, warmth radiating from the mental link connecting them.

"Thank you, my friend. Maybe I just needed some sense talked into me...But these fools will know the wrath of a Tapu!" Tapu Lele declared as its body exploded outwards in a horrifying rush of wind that swooped down onto the battlefield. Zinnia grinned, leaning over the edge of the building.

"Go get 'em…" Zinnia whispered, a wide grin coming to her face as she watched her friend descend upon the battlefield with a horrifying howl. Cipher had earned themselves a god's wrath, and watching Tapu Lele get some payback would be quite the show indeed.


Mask leaned back, trailing a hand over the unconscious form of Olivia, chuckling dementedly as his mask distorted his own sounds of amusement. It was a wonderful feeling, this strange joy that filled him. The joy he felt upon watching the destruction of Alola play out before him. The feeling of having one of the renowned Kahunas at his mercy was simply wonderful as well. Mask had watched with wonder as Shadow Articuno emerged from the Battle Royal Dome and began blasting the city with beams of ice. He could see their forces battling against the Trainers within the city from the windows of the building he was in. He even spotted Deoxys soaring through the skies, decimating Gym Leaders as it pinpointed the biggest threats in the crowd and took them out, with Borlath's guiding hologram floating beside him.

"Yes...Show them every bit of your fury. Alola deserves this. They deserve to suffer. Stagnant fools…" Mask murmured, placing a hand over his covered face. "Ua kūkulu wau iā lākou...e wāwahi wau iā lākou."

Mask was snapped out of his thoughts by a burst of radio static in his ear.

"This is Amber...I've received confirmation that the Tapu is on its way. Proceeding with a distraction." Amber said her voice sounding strained. Mask figured that the curse Tapu Lele had given her had likely kicked in several times now. "Taking a few minutes to heal my team and regroup at the safe point. I'll be tearing through everything with Umbral Rhyperior after that. Dawson, how's everything coming?"

"Excellent. I'm making progress with Cynthia. I've already learned some secrets about the Distortion World. All in an attempt to throw me off, but hey, I appreciate the interesting tidbits. She'll be telling me all about Snowpoint Temple very shortly, won't you?" Dawson spoke, addressing the Champion. A scream of agony answered him.

"Good work. Dawson, keep up the pressure and monitor the situation. Mask, hold down the fort at the generator. Amber...show no mercy." Borlath ordered the trio, making Mask grin.

"I can't wait to have a real fight with that Tapu. It's going to be fantastic, crushing a god beneath my boot." Amber said roughly, a note of excitement and bloodlust in her voice.

"You really think you can take that thing down? It made a joke out of you last time." Mask asked the assassin, who chuckled darkly, but didn't reply. Mask shrugged in response as the front doors to the generator room suddenly exploded open, revealing Mallow and Kiawe. Mask cut off communications, knowing he'd need his complete attention focused on the task ahead.

"Olivia!" Kiawe barked, stepping forward, only for a massive blast of flames to explode out in front of them. Mask threw apart his arms, letting out a booming laugh as both Captains looked up at the ceiling, where a snarling Shadow Heatran loomed over them.

"Welcome, my friends! I bet you didn't know that this generator here was-" Mask began to say before Kiawe called out a Charizard, which snarled in fury.

"Flamethrower!" Kiawe barked, charging forward. Mask chuckled as his Claydol teleported beside him, humming as it took the attack head on before blasting Charizard with Psybeam. The Flame Pokémon roared as it fell back, with Mallow running forward as she called out her Tsareena.

"Trop Kick! Follow up with Leaf Storm!" Mallow commanded, eyes burning as she punched forward. The Fruit Pokémon lashed out with a glowing kick, laughing loudly as Claydol was sent spinning backwards from the force of the attack. Tsareena threw out her arms as she released a torrent of rushing leaves that forced Claydol to teleport to safety behind Mask, shuddering in pain.

"Shadow Singe!" Mask ordered as Heatran dropped down from above, releasing a massive surge of flames from within. Tsareena leapt back as Charizard shot forward, taking the hit instead. However, the Flame Pokémon roared in pain and staggered back as black burns appeared across its chest.

"Burns...That's some impressive fire if you can burn a Fire-type." Kiawe mused, scowling as Charizard snorted in anger. Mask stared at the two teens for a few moments before nodding, as if in understanding.

"I see...You two are the chosen Captains of this Island. Fire and Grass-type specialists, eh?" Mask remarked, wearing a hidden grin."Some things never change. Very well. Try as you might to save dear Olivia, I doubt you will be able to topple this old man. I won't die until Alola breathes its last breath."

"Why are you doing this? Who are you?" Kiawe demanded as his Z-Ring flared. In response, Mask simply raised an arm, rolling back his shoulders. Kiawe and Mallow back jerked back in surprise to see a very old, yet oh-so familiar, band of stone around the man's wrist.

A Z-Ring.

"Who am I? Heh...Your past come back to haunt you…" Mask chuckled as Shadow Heatran crashed down onto the ground, snarling as flames and darkness swirled around him. As the two Captains prepared to attack, they heard a wild scream in the distance and began to shiver as a thrill of horror rolled through them. Mask shuddered as well, though he was wearing a hidden grin the entire time.

"Ah...Tapu Lele has joined the battle." Mask remarked, throwing his arms aside. "Alright! Now the fun can truly begin! Come at me with everything you've got!" Kiawe and Mallow prepared themselves for a showdown, and with that the two friends began to battle with the Cipher Admin.


"Brago, use Roar!"

Brago snarled in fury as two Cipher Peons rushed forward with a Drapion and a Pidgeotto. However, thanks to Brago's Roar, both were forced back into their Poké Balls. The Peons swore in surprise before suddenly getting smashed down by Noah's Machamp, who knocked them both out with a chop to their necks. While Sun stared at that sight yet again, amazed how such a move didn't kill the Peons, his attention was turned towards Vivian as she pranced forward, frantically playing her violin as her Pokémon attacked in perfect sync. Sun watched the young woman dance as she masterfully played her violin, winking at Sun as she went by.

Sun then became aware of Noah staring after his girlfriend with a fond smile, crossing his arms. "She's something else...I guess if she's going to be awesome like that, I've got to step up my game." The sickly Trainer looked at Sun with a grin and said, "Come on!"

Noah's Machamp shot forward as a Shadow Tropius descended upon them, releasing a spinning wind of darkness. Noah pointed skyward and yelled, "Fire Punch!"

The Machamp charged forward, all four of its fists burning with flames as it tanked the attack and leaped high into the air, pummeling the Shadow Pokémon mercilessly before dropping to the ground. Oliver and Penny darted towards the slowly-dropping Shadow Tropius, dealing two Pluck attacks to the Grass/Flying-type that knocked it out for good.

"Nice follow-up." Noah said to Sun, nodding at the boy as they continued forward. Suddenly a strange wind began to kick up, an ethereal howl echoing on the breeze as it began to blow.

"What...is this?" Sun began to ask before he caught sight of his Z-Ring glowing a harsh white color.

"No idea. You know this place better than I do." Noah said before he caught sight of another familiar pair within the chaos around them. Protecting several injured citizens was Adrian Battlestorm and his camerawoman, Kelly. The duo was fending off four Peons at once, and while they were doing well enough it was obvious they needed help. Sun began to run forward, only to put a hand on his ribs and wince.

"You alright?" Noah asked as Sun groaned, clutching his chest.

"Y-yeah...just need a minute." Sun panted as Brago nuzzled his legs worriedly. Penny and Oliver exchanged a concerned look while Finn kept an eye out for anyone trying to attack them. Instead his eyes widened in surprise as a massive blue bird soared overhead. Sun gaped at the beauty of the bird as it let out a powerful screech, a cry of fury and hate on those who stood before it. It was so wonderful, yet so tragic.

"Take cover!" Finn yelped as Shadow Articuno screamed in fury, releasing a deadly volley of icy energy down below. Sun and Noah dove to the ground as Oliver threw up Protect to shield them. The attacks from Shadow Articuno struck the ground in several places, but also froze many people solid where they stood.

"We've got to help them!" Sun cried out as he got to his feet, stepping forward before wincing in pain again. As he looked up he saw several people already rushing to help free the people from the ice while Cipher began to converge on those people.

"Let's help the people doing the helping." Noah corrected Sun, helping Sun walk towards the ensuing battle.

"Oliver, use Razor Leaf! Penny, watch his back! Finn and Brago, Flame Burst and Scald!" Sun commanded his team. Oliver shot forward and released a barrage of leaves down onto the criminals and their Pokémon, while Penny kept away any attackers that tried to get revenge on the owl. Finn hopped forward, spraying the Shadow Pokémon attacking the citizens with boiling hot water and keeping them at bay. After a moment, Sun noticed Brago wasn't attacking. Instead he was staring forward, shaking slightly with his eyes wide open.

"Brago…" Sun breathed, kneeling down and hugging his loyal Growlithe despite how much it hurt his ribs. He knew Brago needed the support right now. The canine flinched, sighing deeply as he shut his eyes.

"I'm so sorry…I'm so weak." Brago whispered, hanging his head. Noah watched the display with surprise, before recalling what Kukui had said about canine Pokémon being sensitive to the evil auras of Shadow Pokémon. This had to be really hard for Brago to deal with, being surrounded by so many Shadow Pokémon.

"It's okay...Just stay by my side, away from the Shadow Pokémon. I know I can trust you to keep me safe." Sun said to the dog, giving him a extra hard squeeze of affection before releasing Brago. The canine stared at Sun in surprise at his words. Even after repeatedly showing how he struggled fighting against the enemy all around him, Sun would trust Brago to ensure his personal protection? Brago stared up at the smiling boy and simply nodded, nearly overcome with emotion because of how much his Alpha trusted him.

"No!" Sun heard a scream from ahead, and it snapped his attention back to the fight where Penny and Oliver were dealing with a band of attacking Shadow Pokémon. Oliver fell onto the ground, writhing in pain as ice coated his chest from an attacking Machoke. Penny landed in front of Oliver, glaring furiously at the Superpower Pokémon before her eyes narrowed down even further than normal.

"You dirty no-good-" Penny screeched as she launched herself forward and slammed into the Machoke with enough force to knock it to the ground, flames erupting from her mouth. Oliver shakily rose to his feet to see Penny mercilessly beating the tar of the Machoke. The Dartrix smiled to himself, touched that his best friend would do something like that just because he got hurt.

"Oliver, use Synthesis! Finn, watch his back! Penny…" The Toucannon looked up from the dazed body of the Machoke that she had pummeled into oblivion. "Yeah, just keep doing that." Sun remarked, shrugging as Noah laughed beside him. Penny nodded and released a point-blank Echoed Voice that knocked out the Machoke before fluttering over to Oliver to make sure he was okay. With some more fighting over the course of the next few minutes, Sun and Noah managed to help free a dozen people frozen in the ice by protecting people as they worked. During that time, Sun worried about Lillie. Was she okay? Did Jack get her out of danger in time? He could only hope.

"Hey guys!"

Sun looked up to see Hugh jogging towards them, a Flygon circling overhead while as Samurott prowled beside him. Sun also spotted Adrian Battlestorm and Kelly heading their way as well.

"This shit is ridiculous." Hugh muttered, wincing in pain as Sun noticed the young man's arm was hanging limply at his side.

"Dude, what happened to your-" Noah asked before Hugh cut him off.

"Got hit by a Shadow Medicham. I'll be fine. Where's Aria?" Hugh asked worriedly, clutching his arm as it hung limply at his side.

"Last I saw she was running towards that weird space thing." Adrian Battlestorm said with a tired grin, pumping a fist as he and Kelly arrived. "She and a few of the Alolan Trainers were trying to bring that thing down."

"Tch...I'm going to help her. You guys stay safe!" Hugh said as he ran off, his Samurott and Flygon running interference.

"This is all pointless battling. We need to find a way to stop this." Kelly said to the others, who acknowledged her words. But it was easier said than done.

"Sun, you know Cipher's personnel better than us. At least Dawson and Borlath. Any ideas?" Noah asked the boy, who looked at the young man in surprise. Sun thought about it, thinking over the way Cipher had attacked. Why they had attacked the way they did. The barrier...driving everyone out of the stadium and the battle outside...

"They need Cynthia for something. Professor Kukui was right. They have to be trying to get something out of her. That's why Dawson's surrounded by that shield and all of the Cipher people are out here keeping people away." Sun thought aloud, making Adrian scowl.

"Champions do know all sorts of secrets. The Kahunas here are the same way, so that's an understandable conclusion to jump too. When Cipher had me captive, at least for the few minutes, they assured me that they wouldn't hurt me if everything went well inside the Dome." Adrian continued, frowning slightly. "So they're probably torturing Cynthia for information while everyone is kept out by the barrier, which is basically indestructible. Meanwhile everyone else keeps anyone who could stop Dawson busy."

"So...Their entire plans revolves around Dawson, then? I don't know anything about him, myself. And from the sound of it Cipher collapsed all of the entrances to the battlefield of the Battle Royal Dome and have armed guards by the one entrance left. At least that's from what I could see. We don't have enough information here." Noah mused, frowning deeper. "Sun, what can you tell us about Dawson?" Noah asked the boy, who thought about it.

"His little brother, Jamie, died in the Great Downpour in Hoenn many years ago. The Pokémon League let Team Aqua go in exchange for them coming to work for the Pokémon League. I think they needed help with translating ancient lore and improving Water-type Pokémon ecosystem protections...at least from what I remember." Sun said as he thought hard, remembering the conversations he had with the man.

"Team Aqua was destroyed though. Same with Team Magma, for the most part. I heard that it was a single man that tore through their bases and killed them all...Wait, was that this same man? Dawson?" Kelly remarked before she suddenly pointed out. "Incoming!"

The group turned around to see a massive drill barreling towards them. Oliver threw up Protect just before the drill-like Shadow Pokémon, that Sun learned later was an Excadrill, slammed into the barrier. It quickly began to crack from the force of the attack from the beast, groaning from the effort of keeping the barrier intact.

"No worries, Sun! Help is on the way!" Adrian called out, eyeing a familiar blur speeding towards them. The Cipher Peon who owned the Shadow Excadrill grinned as he stepped forward, only for a massive orange dragon to slam into his Shadow Pokémon from above, driving it into the ground. With a massive Aqua Tail to the face, Adrian's Dragonite knocked out the Subterrene Pokémon and sent a harsh wind that knocked away the Cipher Peon, allowing Oliver to drop his shield.

"Good work, Partner." Adrian said, giving his Dragonite a thumbs up. The Dragon Pokémon returned the gesture as Oliver and Penny flew up to the massive Pokémon, providing extra security as their Trainers discussed a plan of action.

"Yeah. Dawson killed all of Team Aqua in their hideout and killed most of Team Magma. I mean, he was a mercenary and vigilante, killing criminals wherever they appeared. He wanted to keep Hoenn safe from the bad guys, since the Pokémon League wasn't doing anything." Sun explained as he looked towards the stadium. "A lot of people in Hoenn started to support Dawson. They even gave him the nickname,"The Dashing Rogue of Hoenn". A lot of people apparently considered him a hero, especially for dealing with Team Aqua and Team Magma."

"So, I guess it's all about avenging his little brother, huh?" Kelly asked, frowning. "He still killed a lot of people."

"Dawson is a good person...But I think he's becoming a bit like my Dad is. Consumed with hate and the desire for revenge. But he's just not totally gone yet. He's mad at the world for the injustice that's all too common, and I kind of don't blame Dawson for how he went off the deep end. I mean, Team Aqua didn't have any right to escape punishment for what they did. They didn't even get jail time." Sun pointed out, with Adrian frowning.

"It's true. That move was the most controversial thing Steven Stone did under his reign as Champion. I remember it as a young reporter. We didn't stop running the story all week...By all rights, no one was happy about Team Aqua getting off free. But people forgot about it over time." Adrian mused, tapping his foot on the ground.

"So what's the plan? Find a way inside the stadium?" Kelly asked.

"I think so. If we stop Dawson and save Cynthia, Cipher has no reason to be here. They'd just lose resources, and if I know my Dad, he'd pull the plug on any operation that had no reason to exist. It'd just waste money and personnel. It's logic to him." Sun explained, remembering one of the many lessons on business his father had taught him. "It's all about risk and reward. And losing an Admin is something Dad wouldn't want to risk. Leaders in groups like this are incredibly important."

"I wish I could talk some sense into him. He's not gone yet...He tried to protect me. He wanted me to stay safe during all of this…Somewhere, I'd like to think we were friends." Sun muttered, looking down. Noah put a hand on the boy's shoulder, trying to comfort him.

"Kid, this isn't about friends. This is about a bunch of terrorists trying to kill us all. Worst case scenario, the guy dies and his Cipher buddies make a commemorative statue in his honor." Kelly remarked with a sigh, adjusting her glasses. The woman flinched when Adrian swore loudly, face-palming after a moment.

"Of course! Statue! I'm such an idiot!" Adrian proclaimed, looking absolutely infuriated with himself.

"What's with you?" Kelly asked, bewildered by her boss' behavior. Adrian snapped, grinning now as he snapped his fingers.

"There's a way inside of the Stadium! I just remembered! There's a path right to the battlefield underneath an old statue behind the Battle Royal Dome!" Adrian revealed excitedly, much to their confusion.

"Wait, what? How does that make any sense?" Kelly asked.

"I covered the construction of this building two years ago. But some of the lower parts of the stadium still remain! This place once used to be a sports stadium, and one of the greatest surfers of all time had a statue built in his honor." Adrian explaining, tapping his chin with a grin.

"What does this have to do about getting to the battlefield Dawson is on…?" Noah asked, confused.

"I'm getting to that. Well, when the stadium was built, it turned out some of the builders of the previous stadium built tunnels underneath the stadium from the outside! Being a journalist, I investigated these tunnels and found out that not only are they real, but they lead into the Battle Royal Dome itself! One of the most direct passageways leads into the back passages of the Battle Royal Dome, and was a direct shot to the battlefield itself! It's underneath that statue that I mentioned earlier!" Adrian explained with a victorious smile.

"That's...wow. Alolan construction companies are odd." Noah remarked, with Adrian shrugging.

"They were actually outsourced from Sinnoh. I guess since the Underground is a thing there, Sinnohans have a thing for tunnels all around, huh?" Adrian snarked, grinning now. "But we can use that! Use that secret tunnel and get straight to where Admin Dawson is keeping Cynthia hostage."

"And if we can stop him and rescue Cynthia, Cipher has no reason to be here. They can't hope to hold this city forever, especially since we're fighting back so hard." Noah reasoned with a grin.

"I can get to that statue pretty quickly with Dragonite...Sun, do you know anything about how Dawson battles?" Adrian asked Sun, who thought about it. Dawson hadn't really shown off his team that often, though he did sneak Sun away from the house one day to battle Trainers in one of the many parks in Celadon. Dawson supported Sun's dream to be a Trainer and even gave him some tips. After a moment Sun spoke.

"His Pokémon aren't that strong, but he's good at using them in unexpected ways. Plus he's not afraid of getting involved himself. He's got a hand-cannon called Justice that shoots beams of energy that can burn through anything, so it's smart to just dodge those if he shoots at you." Sun explained, with Adrian grinning.

"Perfect. Dragonite should be more than enough to take that guy down. Let's go, Partner!" Adrian cried as he strode towards his longtime friend. Kelly quickly got in the man's way, glaring him down.

"No way. Absolutely not. You're not going to go fight some freak by yourself!" Kelly protested, stomping her foot down. "Take some people with you! Or at the very least, me!"

Adrian chuckled, patting the woman on the head and making her scowl. "Now, now. I know you're worried-"

"I'm not worried! You're just being stupid!"

"But I want you to keep in mind that I was once an Island Challenge Champion. I know what I'm doing. I'll save the day and put a stop to all of this. What I need is you to keep these idiots off my trail while I go show this Dawson guy not to mess with Alola!" Adrian said cheerily, fist-pumping as Kelly scowled at him.

"I agree with her, Mister Battlestorm. You should probably bring along some kind of support. Dawson's a Cipher Admin." Noah remarked, with Adrian grinning in reply.

"I know, right? There's a chance I might not come back!" Adrian laughed, rubbing the back of his head and making Kelly more annoyed.

"Then why are you trying to go at it alone! You're literally making no sense, you dumbass!" Kelly barked at her boss, who simply shrugged.

"And let someone important get hurt instead of me? Absolutely not!" Adrian replied cheerily, slinging an arm around Kelly. "Besides, I can't lose! I'm Adrian Battlestorm!"

"That isn't a valid line of logic, you know." Kelly grumbled, sighing in annoyance. She was surprised when Adrian suddenly turned the woman around and kissed her on the lips. Kelly's eyes widened in surprise, but Adrian stepped back with a smug gleam in his eyes.

"Stay safe, darling." Adrian said with a cheeky grin as he stepped away from his assistant, who seemed to be frozen in place. The media mogul gave the group a casual salute before leaping into the arms of Dragonite. With a snort, the Dragon Pokémon shot into the air and soared towards the Battle Royal Dome as Kelly stood there, shocked.

"I'm totally lost." Sun admitted, staring into the sky.

"So...you two were a thing? I'm getting a lot of confusing vibes here." Noah asked, quirking an eyebrow. Kelly flushed furiously, looking away after a moment as her Venomoth chittered on her shoulder.

"I honestly have no idea what that was...God he's such an idiot." Kelly muttered, brushing her hair out of her crimson-colored face. She looked alarmed after a moment though, as if realizing what just happened. "He can't be serious, though! Taking on that Dawson guy on his own! Ugh, I should have gone with him!"

"He obviously wanted to keep you safe." Noah remarked before the sound of gunfire suddenly erupted from around them, making the trio duck as bullets soared through the air. Oliver swooped down and threw up Protect as a Cipher Peon approached with a grin and an SMG in hand, spraying bullets at the trio. Behind the Peon stood Captain Naps, who was smiling widely.

"If we can get the Prince, that's a promotion for sure. Borlath's gonna be so thrilled when I deliver his son on a silver platter!" the Peon laughed as he called out a Shadow Pikachu.

"It'll definitely make him happy. Now take care of that shield before we encounter more interference." Naps commanded the Peon, his Shadow Haxorus snarling softly beside him.

"Smash that shield with Feint!" the Peon cried out, taking aim with his weapon.

"Crap!" Sun muttered as the Mouse Pokémon shot toward the barrier protecting them from the gunfire. Noah muttered something to his Machamp while Kelly braced herself for impact.

"GET AWAY FROM MY BABY!"

Naps whirled around only for a flaming horse to suddenly slam into him and the Cipher Peon, sending him tumbling away. The gun flew out of the man's hand and was stomped and broken in half by a powerful hoof. Sun sighed with relief as the barrier dropped, gritting his teeth in pain as his ribs flared up. The boy looked up and saw his mother sitting atop her Rapidash like a battle-mount, with Jace the Mega Pidgeot flying nearby.

"Mom! You're okay!" Sun cried out as Laura hopped off of her trusty steed. Laura hugged her child tightly, trying to convey her love and relief in one gesture. Sun returned the embrace with equal relief, even if his injured ribs didn't appreciate it much. Laura looked at Kelly and Noah, who watched the scene nearby.

"I passed some younger Trainers who looked like they needed help towards the north. I can take care of things here. Can you give them a hand?" Laura asked Noah and Kelly, who both nodded. Noah clapped Sun on the shoulder, giving him a grin before striding off. Laura hugged Sun again, muttering what sounded like a prayer to the Tapu in rapid Alolan.

"Mom, where have you been?" Sun asked, with Laura flinching slightly.

"Trying to deal with your father. However, Borlath and that Deoxys of his are something out of my league. Aria took over after he knocked out my Blastoise and I've been looking for you since. Are you okay? You're holding your chest." Laura asked worriedly, kneeling down slightly.

"I...I got kicked in the chest by Amber. I heard something break, but...it hurts a lot." Sun admitted, wincing slightly. Laura bit her lip, obviously concerned. However that thought was driven out of her head when she heard someone groaning from nearby.

"You stupid bitch…" Sun and Laura turned around to see Naps staggered to his feet. The Peon was out cold, but the Cipher Captain glared at the mother and child with fury in his eyes.

"Do you know what it's like...What's it like to work for a bunch of rotten crooks you don't give a damn about anything but their own wealth and power, only to suddenly work for someone with some vision?" Naps asked, clenching his fists. "Someone who's not evil right down to their core? Someone who understands how messed up this world is and wants to do something about it?" Naps demanded, his Shadow Haxorus snarling beside him. "I was there, that night. When Master Borlath came home to reclaim his heir. You should have just died then and there and saved our Master a broken heart."

"How on earth did he keep a bunch of awful people like you loyal to him?" Laura asked Naps out of genuine curiosity, who chuckled.

"It was easy. A lot of people joined Cipher because of the money. Or power. Or vanity. Or just genuine curiosity. The team has always had vision and drive, but in the end we were just criminals. And now we have a chance to actually do some good in the world, on top of making lots of money? Who wouldn't stay on for that? Hell, it definitely makes the awful things we do a whole lot easier to stomach, knowing that someday we'll be heralded as the saviors of this world." Naps responded, grinning now.

"Master Borlath has such wonderful plans. Plans to truly make things better using the many assets of Cipher. He's made one of the strongest criminal organizations rise out of the ashes of failure and ensnare the world in terror. He's made one of the strongest Pokémon Champions in the world worthless, thanks to the care he's chosen in choosing our Admins. It's so...refreshing. I'm proud to work for him. Especially considering he freed me from being stuck underneath my sister's foot for so long. Now...all that remains...is to deal with you two."

"I'll be promoted to Admin for bringing in Master Borlath's rebellious family." Naps finished, drawing a sidearm from his waist and pointing towards Laura. "Shadow Rush!"

"Jace, Aerial Ace!" Laura shouted, with the Mega Pidgeot shooting towards the Shadow Haxorus. The two forces collided with each other, sending a powerful shockwave of force around the group. Both Pokémon were forced backwards, with Sun stepping forward. The boy put a hand on Brago's head, scratching it for a few moments to calm down the agitated canine.

"Finn, Scald! Penny and Oliver, Pluck! Brago, keep watch!" Sun ordered his team, with the two birds darting forward with two screeches.

"Dragon Pulse!" Naps barked, with Shadow Haxorus charging up a ball of pulsating energy before firing it at Oliver. The Dartrix swerved to the side and slammed into the Axe Jaw Pokémon's stomach with his glowing beak before flapping away, only for Penny to hit the Shadow Haxorus in the back of the head a moment later with the same move. To Sun's annoyance, the two moves did little to slow down the powerful Unovan dragon. To makes matters worse a blast of electricity suddenly erupted from the left, striking both birds and sending them crashing onto the ground. Sun looked to his left and saw three Cipher Peons charging onto the scene, one of them with a Shadow Electabuzz.

"For the record, I brought backup. I've learned my lesson when I worked for my sister, Loverina." Naps said with a confident grin as he pointed forward. "Shadow Ravage!"

Shadow Haxorus roared as its claws suddenly began to extend, with darkness burning along the edges. The monster lunged for Oliver and Penny, only for Jace to slam into the Haxorus with a massive burst of speed and send the dragon staggering backwards.

"Hurricane! Full-power!" Laura commanded, with the Mega Pidgeot flaring out his wings and creating a massive blast of screeching wind that sent the dragon crashing to the ground, snarling in pain as the gale tore at it.

"Sweetie, can you handle his friends? I can handle that Haxorus as long as those jerks are out of the way." Laura asked her child, who nodded with a grin. Being able to finally take a stand and fight the group that had plagued their lives over the past year or so was liberating in a way. Especially because Sun got to battle alongside his mother.

"Penny, Oliver! Focus on that Electabuzz! Finn, keep that Charmeleon away from them! Scald!" Sun ordered his team, with Penny and Oliver taking flight once again and soaring towards the Shadow Electabuzz. Oliver released a wave of spinning leaves that slashed the Shadow Pokémon while Penny shot forward with her glowing beak, knocking the Electric Pokémon to the ground. Meanwhile, Finn was hopping around spraying blasts of boiling hot water at an annoyed Charmeleon. Sun got an idea then, and grinned.

"Finn, use Hypnosis!" Sun called to the Poliwag, who smirked and turned towards the Flame Pokémon. His eyes began to glow, and after a few moments the Charmeleon's eyes began to drop. Within another five seconds, it was passed out on the ground. The Peon recalled his Pokémon with a scowl, stepping back. Sun turned his attention to the Peon with the Shadow Electabuzz.

"Shadow Wave!" the Peon barked, with Shadow Electabuzz snarling and releasing a shockwave of darkness from its body that crashed into Penny and Oliver, sending them crashing to the ground. Finn gaped in surprise while Brago grit his teeth, infuriated at his own weakness.

"Finn, use Double Slap on that Electabuzz! Penny, Blast Beak! Oliver, use Protect to run interference!" Sun called to his team as they got back up. Penny nodded and flew forward, her beak glowing from the heat as Finn leapt into the air, landing on top of the Shadow Electabuzz and slapping it three times with his tail before jumping away.

"Shadow Rush!" the Peon bellowed, throwing a hand forward. The Shadow Electabuzz charged forward, colliding with the Poliwag and knocking him out. Sun recalled Finn, and then called him back out again. Applying a Revive to his Pokémon, Sun watched as Oliver and Penny began to get attacked by the Shadow Haxorus as well as the Shadow Electabuzz.

"Bzzzt! Might I recommend you have Brago use Helping Hand? That way we can help his teammates and not get too close to the Shadow Pokémon?" Rotom Dex suggested, landing on Sun's shoulder.

"I...I can do that." Brago said shakily, eyeing Shadow Haxorus as the monster swiped at Oliver and Penny with its deadly claws. It then fired a Dragon Pulse at Jace, blasting the Mega Pidgeot and sending it flopping to the ground with a cry of pain.

"Brago, Helping Hand!" Sun commanded as Penny and Oliver soared out of the Shadow Haxorus' reach. Brago howled and a surge of blue energy engulfed him, pouring into his three other teammates. Penny and Oliver shot forward and slammed into the side of Shadow Haxorus and made it stumble backwards, allowing Jace to hit it directly in the chest with an Air Slash that sent it crashing to the ground.

Naps scowled as Laura grinned at the man. "Had enough yet?"

"Not even close." Naps said as he grinned back at the woman. "Shadow Salvation!"

The Shadow Haxorus suddenly let out a soft growl and began to glow a harsh purple color, it's body twitching uncontrollably as it slowly began to rise. Laura and Sun watched in surprise as the dragon's body began to heal before their eyes. The beast roared as it straightened up, glaring at them with evil eyes.

"Jace, Air Slash!" Laura called out as the Mega Pidgeot released a massive blast of air at the Axe Jaw Pokémon. Shadow Haxorus snarled as the attack slammed into it, but by then it just began to heal the damage it had just been dealt. Soon enough Shadow Salvation had finished, leaving the Shadow Pokémon with no wounds to speak of.

"Get them! Dragon Claw!" Naps bellowed as the monster rushed forward, slashing Jace and making the Mega Pidgeot flutter backwards with a screech as crimson spurted from a large cut on his chest. Jace fell onto the ground, a surge of pink energy encircling him for a moment before fading away, leaving a normal Pidgeot behind. Laura gasped in surprise, returning her fallen Pokémon. Naps wasn't going to let her call out another one, with the man grinning and raising his sidearm at Laurabefore pulling the trigger.

"MOM!" Sun screamed as a bang rang out...

And the bullet rebounded off of a glowing shield that had sprung up in front of the woman.

"Alright, I think I've had enough fun sniping your friends from seven blocks away. Time to kick some ass in person." Sun felt his horrified expression slowly turn into a grin as he recognized the uniformed man standing in front of Laura Smiles, a Aegislash hovering in front of them with King's Shield activated.

"Sorry I took so long, Laura. The evacuation is done. Looker and Anabel are joining the fight, and so am I. And Naps, buddy...Let me tell you one thing." Ollie grinned at the man, but in a way that showed just how angry he was at the other Captain. "You're gonna regret trying to hurt these two."

"You've been a thorn in our side for too long, Agent Quill. I'll be happy to kill you." Naps growled as Shadow Haxorus roared. Naps turned to the two Peons. "Heal your teams. We deal with them now."

"Captain Naps. I think you'll find yourself hard-pressed to deal with three Trainers of our caliber, even with the help." Ollie said as he stood protectively in front of Sun and Laura.

"You're not going to tell us to run and get to safety?" Laura asked Ollie. The International Police Captain chuckled softly, turning towards her.

"Of course not. You're more than strong enough to deal with these pricks, Miss Smiles." Ollie said to Laura, who flushed pink at the compliment. "Same for Sun. Besides, battling alongside two of my favorite people? Sounds a damn good time to me." Ollie said with a small grin as his Dodrio trotted up to them. Sun couldn't help the smile on his face as Ollie pat the boy on the head while Laura looked like she was restraining herself from laughing.

"Hmm...Alright then. Let's keep at it, then." Naps said as he threw out a hand and holstered his weapon. "Dragon Claw!"

"Block with King's Shield! Tri Attack!" Ollie ordered as his Aegislash created a powerful barrier that blocked the barrage of deadly slashes. Dodrio leapt forward, releasing a flaming-burning-sparking attack that crashed into Shadow Haxorus and made it stagger forward, just in time for the Axe Jaw Pokémon to get hit with two Plucks and a Scald from Sun's team, making it take a step back from the force of the blows. Laura called out her Ampharos and was about to issue a command when Sun began to hear a strange sound.

It sounded like rushing wind. A shuddering, rasping sound filled the air, like the sound of fluttering wings amplified by a thousand. Sun then caught sight of a literal tornado of glowing pink scales billowing through the sky, releasing bolts of pink lightning down onto the battlefield and striking down Cipher members where they stood, sending them to the ground writhing in agony as they glowed bright pink. Sun spotted something within the depths of the tornado, which Rotom quickly pointed out.

"Bzzt! That power and the scales...If I'm right, and I'm 92.7% sure I am, that's Tapu Lele!" Rotom Dex declared, with the quartet of Trainers watching the Guardian Deity with awe as it arrived onto the battlefield, dispelling the tornado and beginning to strike down anything Cipher-related with its psychic powers, laughing softly all the while. Suddenly, a voice boomed through the air, carried by a telepathic voice that was so strong it nearby gave Sun a headache.

"Defilers! You will pay for attacking those who are under MY protection!" Tapu Lele boomed, righteous fury burning through its admittedly pleasant voice.

"Alright. Talk about convenient." Naps remarked, sighing with relief.

"What?" Sun asked, confused. "Tapu Lele is here. That's bad for you, right?

"Heh. Not really. Though I guess it isn't so obvious." Captain Naps aremarked, grinning at the trio. "Tapu Lele has chosen to enter the fray! And now that the God of Life is in play, we can proceed with the next step in our plan."

"Any chance you want to explain that?" Sun asked dryly, crossing his arms.

"Are all villains this annoying? I almost miss those Team Skull people." Penny remarked, making Oliver snicker in response. Naps simply shrugged while his subordinates smirked at them.

"It's pretty straightforward, Sun. We wanted to cause a big enough commotion to get Tapu Lele's attention. And now that it's here, we can set about with phase three of our plan. The part where Amber Fontaine gets to kill your god."


While not the most climatic ending point, it does set up some fun stuff for next chapter!

Mask vs. Kiawe and Mallow!

Ollie, Sun, and Laura team up!

Gladion and Lillie reunite!

And Tapu Lele is getting ready to kick some ass!

Plus...the big surprise I had to delay because this chapter ended up being insanely long! Stay tuned, folks!

Q & A

From: SonicIKE

Dang! RIP Jack & Gretel. Thank you for protecting Lillie. Also, for supporting the main characters. You will be missed.

Nebby exploded...? Oh, like when he tried to protect himself at the very beginning from the Spearow? So he's slowly getting stronger?

Yep! And to an extent. That said, he did knock out a very strong Xatu in a single shot. That probably gave him quite a lot of EXP.

From: Cottonmouth25

Also... where Miror B. at? Fled the scene before he'd have to face his old Cipher homies? (Speaking of which, nice to see Naps is still around.)

1. Hehehe...Funny that you mention that. He's definitely still around.

2. And yeah, I figufed poor Naps could get a bit of the spotlight. I liked the idea of him being one of the few Cipher members who realized what he was doing was terrible. Getting to work for Borlath instead became a dream come true for him, since Borlath is actually trying to accomplish some good in the world through evil means.

From: PigniteGamer29

Wow. Did not expect Jack to die so suddenly. Also, I was wondering a couple of things. 1st, what do you mean by PM and how do I do it? 2nd, I thought of a question today that I should have asked before, but was reminded of it. See, I was up against Giovanni in the Battle Agency (dang is he strong beat me twice), and I remembered that Lillie had a Clefairy in Episode RR. So, my question is, does Lillie already have the Clefairy, or not? Because if not, I would love to see a scene on Mt. Hakulani where Sun helps her catch a Cleffa, since it lives there. Just an idea though!

Also, did Hau already catch Noibat? I remember reading that somewhere…

1. I meant a message, like the ones you can send on this site if you have an account on it? And just make an account. It's really simple.

2. Lillie doesn't have any Pokemon, except for Nebby.

From: Oragonking

This Wally and Gallade are another characters, right? Anyway, i'm interested in how Damien met Borlath, and i want to hear his thoughts and hear more of the continuation when Borlath betrayed Laura and killed Padma, and right at the moment he was about to attack her. I also want to know how did Borlath managed to get the Legendary Dragon from Hilbert.

1. I don't know if that's a question...So...Yes?

2. That'll be covered later, actually. Definitely a point we'll visit down the road.

3. As will the continuation of that scene.

4. Ghetsis and Borlath managed to kill Hilbert and steal the Pokeball. This was mentioned in passing a while back. It was surprisingly anticlimactic.

That's all for now, my awesome people. I'll be doing an update this weekend, so with that we are done with stupidly long chapters for a while. Hopefully.

In the meantime, please review the chapter and tell me your thoughts! I hammered this sucker out all weekend, and I'd love to see what you all thought of the chapter. Also, please favorite and/or follow the story if you haven't already! Plus, questions. Send questions if you wanna know something! I answer them regularly.

Also, if you're interested in joining the conversation and keeping fresh info on RS updates, feel free to join my Discord for the story! Just PM me on this site and I'll send you the link!

Take care and stay awesome!

Until next time, FlygonNick out!