Chapter 84

When we arrive back at Area Zero, having traveled via plane and then through the Zero Gate, we teleport ourselves to the first Research Station. As we step outside, Briar rushes to the fence, her excitement palpable.

"We made it... I-I'm finally here... Area Zero! The place I've dreamed about for years!" Briar gasps, her voice filled with awe.

"Whoa... This is incredible," Carmine adds, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Wowzers..." Kieran gasps in amazement before turning to us. "Uh... So you've been here before, right, Ash?"

"Yeah, we've come here with a bunch of my friends," I confirm with a nostalgic sigh. "Of course, these guys as well."

Just then, Koraidon and Miraidon pop out of their Pokeballs, and Carmine gasps, "Eek! You scared me! Honestly! You're too big to come popping out like that, er... Whatchama-don!"

"They are Koraidon and Miraidon," Alice explains with a sigh, her tone indicating that she's used to Carmine's reactions.

"So you came here with Ash and Serena back then too, huh?" Kieran asks, curiosity evident in his voice.

"Oh! You must be those Pokémon that were reportedly first discovered in Area Zero!" Briar exclaims with fascination as she approaches Koraidon and Miraidon. "I'm very intrigued by this specimen, but alas, that's not what we're here for. We're here to go to the deepest depths of Area Zero... And see what's even deeper!"

"What do you mean deeper?" I inquire, puzzled by her statement.

My mom steps forward to offer an explanation, "According to Heath, he mentioned in his writings that he fell from the depths into someplace even deeper."

"Wait, hold on. Doesn't the 'depths' imply he was as deep as he could get?" Carmine interjects, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Yes! It's quite curious, isn't it?" Elena adds, her curiosity piqued.

"However, Heath also wrote that he was utterly unable to recall how he got down there," Briar elaborates. "If his writings are to be believed, there must be an entire uncharted space below Area Zero... Well, either way, we should start by making for the Zero Lab down in the depths."

As we press forward, I take the opportunity to show my Dad the six pictures. He studies them intently before speaking up, "So you say there are more Paradox Pokémon that you haven't caught in this area?"

"Yeah, Dad. I thought that now that we're giving a second time to explore, maybe I can find the Pokémon," I explain.

Just then, a Flare Blitz comes hurtling toward us, forcing us to dodge the attack. The creature responsible bears a striking resemblance to Entei, yet its mane blazes with golden edges like a crown of swords, and its paws are armed with crimson claws.

"There's no mistaking it... that's Gouging Fire... the Paradox Entei," I identify with certainty.

It becomes apparent that Gouging Fire is blocking our path downwards, prompting us to engage in battle. I decide to send out Iron Bundle to face it. However, the Hydro Pump attack doesn't seem to do much damage to Gouging Fire, and it retaliates with a powerful Dragon Claw, slamming into Iron Bundle.

"It's also Dragon?" Lillie gasps in surprise.

"Maybe it's best to use another Pokémon. Iron Bundle, Flip Turn!" I command, attempting to recall Iron Bundle. To my surprise, Gouging Fire erects a Protect barrier with flames, and the barrier also burns Iron Bundle.

"Burning Bulwark..." My Dad remarks, recognizing the move. "I think that's the name of the move."

As the eyes of the Paradox Entei begin to glow, signaling its use of Raging Fury, I gasp, "Oh no... it can use Raging Fury as well!"

I command Iron Bundle to go for the Ice Beam, hoping to freeze the Gouging Fire, but the attack simply passes through it, and Gouging Fire retaliates by slamming Iron Bundle into a nearby tree. When it starts to show signs of confusion, I seize the opportunity and immediately throw an Ultra Ball, successfully capturing the Paradox Entei.

Gouging Fire: The Paradox Pokemon: Fire and Dragon Type. It resembles an eerie Pokémon once shown in a paranormal magazine. That Pokémon was said to be an Entei regenerated from a fossil.

"I can't lose as well... I have to find one of those as well," Kieran mutters determinedly before rushing off, prompting Carmine to yell, "Wait, Kieran!"

As the two children hurry forward, Briar apologizes, "Sorry about that. Maybe it would be better if we meet up at the station."

"No problem," my mom sighs in understanding as Briar rushes after the two students.

As we press onward, our path is obstructed by Rock Tombs, hindering our progress. Ahead of us stands a futuristic Terrakion, its appearance markedly different from the Terrakion we're familiar with. This one appears more robust and ornate, with vibrant orange accents and a prominent horn.

"Wait, that's Iron Boulder?" Minami asks in disbelief.

"That sure is one Future Pokémon..." I remark, noting its altered appearance, before sending out Great Tusk to battle. However, Iron Boulder quickly retaliates with a powerful Psycho Cut, dealing a significant amount of damage to Great Tusk.

"So instead of Fighting... it has become a Psychic Type," Alice observes, analyzing the situation.

When Iron Boulder attempts to attack again, I command Great Tusk to protect itself. However, the attack slashes through the protective barrier and damages Great Tusk. The fact that it's not very effective indicates that it is a Rock Move.

"Mighty Cleave..." My mom identifies the move. "I think that's the move's name, and it seems it can also break through barriers."

Despite the challenge, we eventually manage to capture this Iron Boulder after a fierce struggle.

Iron Boulder: The Paradox Pokemon: Rock and Psychic Type. It resembles a Pokémon described in a dubious magazine as a Terrakion that had been modified by an evil organization.

Passing through the second station, we're startled when a Thunder attack strikes in front of us, causing us to jump backward. Before us stands the Paradox Raikou, its distinctive feature being its unusually elongated neck. Dia immediately recognizes it, saying, "No doubt about it. This is Raging Bolt..."

I decide to send out Brute Bonnet to battle this formidable foe. However, just as Brute Bonnet prepares to unleash a Giga Drain, Raging Bolt strikes first with an electric move. Dia quickly identifies it, "That is Thunderclap... which is an Electric Type version of Sucker Punch, but a special attack..."

"And if the theory is correct, the Paradox Legendary Beasts are all Dragon Types with the addition of their original typing," Elena adds, contributing to our understanding of the situation.

When Raging Bolt goes for a Dragon Hammer, Lillie expresses her surprise, "I thought that move was Alolan Exeggutor's move..."

"Apparently, long-necked Dragons can use that move..." I remark, noting the unusual occurrence. Despite the challenges posed by Raging Bolt, we eventually manage to capture this Pokémon after a hard-fought battle.

Raging Bolt: The Paradox Pokemon: Electric and Dragon Type. It bears resemblance to a Pokémon that became a hot topic for a short while after a paranormal magazine touted it as Raikou's ancestor.

As we advance, we encounter a futuristic Cobalion with blue horns, launching a Flash Cannon attack towards us. Elena remarks, "If it wasn't for the fact that it is attacking us, we would have liked to have another Steel Type Pokémon."

"I also have to assume that all the Swords of Justice paradox Pokémon are Psychic Types with the first typing remaining the same," Dia speculates. "So Iron Crown should have the same typing as Metagross."

Opting to battle with Iron Moth, we brace ourselves. However, Iron Crown surprises us by swinging its horns, creating two air blades. Despite our attempts to evade the attack, it homes in on Iron Moth, striking twice with precision.

"Tachyon Cutter..." My Dad identifies the move. "So it is a two-hit move that never misses."

Despite Iron Moth's Poison Type disadvantage, we persist in our efforts, utilizing its Fire moves to gradually weaken Iron Crown and eventually capture it.

Iron Crown: The Paradox Pokemon: Steel and Psychic Type. There was supposedly an incident in which it launched shining blades to cut everything around it to pieces. Little else is known about it.

"Maybe once we go back to Sevestar, we can try to create these Pokémon for our own use," Dia suggests optimistically.

"Maybe..." My mom responds, her tone tinged with uncertainty.

As we venture deeper into the cave, we encounter another Paradox Pokémon blocking our path. This one bears a striking resemblance to Suicune, but its form is dynamic and serpentine, with vivid orange spikes and a deep purple hue, suggesting a more aggressive and possibly fire-associated nature.

"This must be the Walking Wake," Serena gasps, recognizing the distinct appearance of the Paradox Pokémon.

"I think I'll go with Iron Hands for this one," Alice decides, selecting her Pokémon for battle. However, Walking Wake immediately sets up a sunny day and unleashes a powerful Scald-like attack, causing significant damage to Iron Hands.

"I think that is Hydro Steam... not Scald," my mom observes. "And it seems to be boosted under the sun; usually water moves are weakened."

Thankfully, Iron Hands is equipped with Electric moves, allowing us to effectively counter Walking Wake's Water-type attacks. Despite encountering some resistance, we manage to defeat and capture this Pokémon with relatively little trouble.

Walking Wake: The Paradox Pokemon: Water and Dragon Type. This ferocious creature is shrouded in mystery. It's named after an aquatic monster mentioned in an old expedition journal.

As we face the final Paradox Pokémon, a robotic version of Virizion known as Iron Leaves, it unleashes a move called Psyblade, a surprising Psychic-type attack. This unexpected move choice prompts us to wonder why Iron Leaves lacks a new Grass-type move, breaking the pattern we've observed with the other Paradox Pokémon.

Iron Leaves: The Paradox Pokemon: Grass and Psychic Type. Many of its physical characteristics match those of a Virizion from the future that was covered in a paranormal magazine.

"That reminds me, Professor Sada and Professor Turo each have another Koraidon and Miraidon... what did you do to them, Dad?" I inquire.

"Right now we're giving them to the Macro Cosmos' staff to figure out their ferocious natures. So don't worry about them," my Dad reassures me.

When we gather at the Zero Lab, we're joined by Briar, Carmine, and Kieran, who appears visibly disappointed at not obtaining the Paradox Pokémon. Carmine expresses her awe, "Whoa, this place is insane! It reminds me of the Crystal Pool!"

"This is the Zero Lab, I take it? The structure's exterior matches Geeta's description, at least," Briar confirms.

"So this is the deepest point in Area Zero?" Kieran queries.

"Well, yes and no. This is the deepest point that the Area Zero Expedition managed to reach long ago. You know, I've been told that the lowest level of this laboratory contains a mysterious room whose purpose is entirely unknown. However, where I want to go is even deeper than that..." Briar elaborates.

"Sooo, you're saying we should head inside this... 'Zero Lab'?" Minami seeks clarification.

"Gate's closed, though," Kieran remarks, attempting to push the door open.

"Well, we usually use the panel here to open it," I explain, revealing the control panel. Kieran reacts with astonishment, "Wowzers, this feels like a spy movie or somethin'... Way cool..."

As we all gaze at him, there's a sense that the old Kieran is resurfacing. He quickly averts his eyes, attempting to play it cool, "What? I didn't say anything."

"Well then, can we count on you to unlock the gate, Ash and Serena?" My Dad inquires, gesturing towards the panel as we step forward to operate it.

As Serena attempts to press the gate open, a robotic voice interrupts, "ACCESS REVOKED DUE TO PROLONGED INACTIVITY. ENTRANCE LOCKED."

"What's the matter? Something wrong with it?" Alice inquires.

"It seems that we can't open the door from this panel..." I respond, feeling puzzled.

"It opened before though, right? Are we missing some extra steps?" Dia suggests.

"Well... the professors were in the lab... not to mention we have to open the four locks in the four research stations that we passed through..." Serena recalls.

Just then, the panel activates again, announcing, "INDIGO DISK DETECTED."

"Huh?! It's talking!" Kieran exclaims, taken aback by the unexpected voice.

"INSERT INDIGO DISK FOR GREATER ACCESS PRIVILEGES. PLEASE INSERT INDIGO DISK!" the panel insists.

"Relax. It's just one of those computerized voices. It's not any different than a TM Machine," Carmine reassures, trying to dispel any tension.

"'Indigo Disk'... What could it mean by that?" My mom wonders aloud.

I retrieve the disk and speculate, "I think this is the one. Geeta gave it to us before we departed. I wonder..."

I insert the disk into the disk player, and the panel responds, "INDIGO DISK INSERTED. ZERO LAB ELEVATOR REDIRECTED TO AREA ZERO UNDERDEPTHS."

With a sense of anticipation, we watch as the door opens, much to our delight.

"Look at that! It opened," Kieran gasps in amazement.

"Let's head on in!" Elena suggests enthusiastically as we all stride into the Zero Lab, eager to explore what lies beyond.

Here is a new chapter, and Ash and his friends capture the final Paradox Pokemon. I hope you like this chapter.

Ash and Serena's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Tauros (Paldean) x3, Lapras, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Ursaluna (Blood Moon), Sneasler, Meowscarada, Skeledirge, Quaquaval, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Lokix, Pawmot, Maushold x2 (Family of four/three), Dachsbun, Arboliva, Squawkabilly x4, Garganacl, Armarouge, Ceruledge, Bellibolt, Kilowattrel, Mabosstiff, Grafaiai, Brambleghast, Toedscruel, Klawf, Scovillain, Rabsca, Espathra, Tinkaton, Wugtrio, Bombirdier, Palafin, Revavroom, Cyclizar, Orthworm, Glimmora, Houndstone, Flamigo, Cetitan, Veluza, Dondozo, Tatsugiri X3, Annihilape, Clodsire, Farigiraf, Dudunsparce x2 (Two, Three segment), Kingambit, Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Slither Wing, Sandy Shocks, Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorns, Baxcalibur, Gholdengo, Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, Chi-Yu, Roaring Moon, Iron Valiant, Koraidon, Miraidon, Walking Wake, Iron Leaves, Sinistcha, Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, Ogerpon, Archaludon, Hydrapple, Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Iron Boulder, Iron Crown