Chapter 33: Full Circle Summary:

Prelude to disaster…

Notes:

This is it, the last chapter leading into the altered events of the first movie. One thing's for sure, it's going to be the most destructive battle the world has ever seen, since the great war in the history of Kalos.

I've been looking forward to this, and because of how important this battle will be...the next chapter, is going to be a long one. It might even be a two-parter. We'll see. Hope y'all are looking forward to it, as much as I am.


[Morning]

[Zeryph]


I was awakened by the rumble of thunder, and the sound of muffled rain. My nose caught the scent of breakfast, telling me that Lexie was already up. I started through my morning stuff, skipping over the shower because of the storm. Following my morning stuff, I went to the kitchen. The other girls weren't up yet, apart from Solais. Mewtwo was also up, and he seemed focused on meditation.

Evan was the first to emerge from one of the rooms, after I had already sat down. There wasn't really much space in here for him to fly, and he'd stayed out of his ball for once. Considering his fairly recent evolution into a Pidgeot, his diet had changed. He decided to start eating meat, as well as the usual berries. He bumped a wing against my right fist, when I held it out.

The rest of the ladies joined us, eventually. Which is about when Lexie started serving breakfast. Everyone looked as though they'd had a good night of sleep. Even Solais, despite the rumbling thunder outside. During breakfast, I informed everyone on the travel plans. Stopping in Pallet Town, then heading for Viridian. The stop in Pallet was so that Kaorah, Cerise and Evan could rest for a moment after flying.

Mewtwo could teleport there ahead of us, of course. It was decided he'd take Solais along and let her out there. Lexie was going to ride with Kaorah, while I went with Evan. Following breakfast, I returned the girls to their normal forms, for those who had been shifted. Afterwards, Kaorah and I showed Lexie the proper positioning for flight, as to not mess with Kaorah's airflow.

Then, we returned to the outside world. From there, we left our rooms and headed downstairs. Where, I returned the room keys to Nurse Joy. Ash and the others met us in the foyer.

"Hey, kiddo. Ready to head to Viridian?" I asked him.

"Sure am, just one more badge. Then, it's the big League tournament."

"And whatever time there is to train, between then and now. Remember kiddo, I want you to put all you can into training. You've gotta be absolutely ready for what's coming." I'm referring mainly to our big showdown in the finals. Our biggest goal, so far. And for many regions, it's gonna be the same.

"My team is gonna be flying to Pallet Town, then heading to Viridian. We'll meet you there, or you can all come along. We'll have to improvise on our original plans, but that's fine."

"It would be better for us to go all at once." Brock said. Misty agreed, since it would make things faster for us.

"Alrighty then. So, here's the idea. Ash, your Pidgeotto should be able to carry you. We'll get you some flight gear, just to be safe." I said. "Evan, you can carry Misty or Brock, it's up to them."

"I'll go with Evan, but it means I'll need some gear, too." Misty said.

"I can take Brock, and the others. That leaves you to fly with Kaorah." Mewtwo said.

"I'll fly along, too. Have to stretch my wings, somehow." Cerise said.

"That settles it, then. Ash, Misty, come with me. We'll get you both some flying gear. Mewtwo, Brock, I'll see you two in Pallet Town. Anyone going with them, grab your ball and go. I'll see you in a bit." Solais chose to go on ahead, while Melanie chose to stay with me. Especially just in case Ash or Misty were to crash. It would be significantly faster to just teleport everyone, but we don't need Mewtwo to be exhausted. Could use the Distortion World, but I can't reveal that yet.

Watching Evan get flustered over Ash's Pidgeotto was adorable, I'll admit. Light teasing aside, I could tell the two were meant for each other. Their personalities went very, very well together. Making a mental note for later- to make sure the pair have the option to settle down somewhere. In case things go that far for them.

Getting Ash's Pidgeotto fitted for flight gear didn't take long. Same for both Ash and Misty. With them geared up, we all started to prepare ourselves for the trip. Mewtwo, Brock, and the others, had already left. Pikachu ultimately chose to go with them, as to not risk falling during the flight.

"Alright, so here's how we're doing this. Kaorah and I are gonna take off first, then you'll follow us. We'll try to keep our speed low so we can form up." I told my cousin, and Misty. Kaorah and I had already gotten prepared, so it was mostly helping them get ready. Once we all were, Kaorah and I were the first to take off. Evan and Pidgeotto followed right behind us.

The flight was silent, and pretty peaceful. Even at the slowest speed, Kaorah and I were still pulling ahead. We were the first to arrive in town, because of this. We landed on the southern beach, with the others right behind us.

[Zeryph, could I have some time alone, later? I need to talk with you something.] Mewtwo's voice echoed.

[Sure. We'll have time, later on. When we get to Viridian City and settle in. Assuming we don't stop to camp on the way.] While I was focused on my talk with Mewtwo, Ash and Misty got the flight gear off of the birds. I started to do the same for Kaorah, as well.

With the gear off, we started to head into town. Ash and the others split off from the group, and most of my team decided to go with them. Lexie stayed with me, as I'd wanted to show Oak what we'd managed to discover.

With the big tournament coming up, tourism is going to go up by quite a bit. As trainers from other Regions fly to Kanto, in order to be here in person. For those who aren't able to, it's gonna be broadcast on live TV. Unless I'm mistaken, the tournaments are run between March and November, then the winter months are the off-season. Kanto's league is the second to last for the year, with the Johto tournament being the following month.

On rare occasions, a trainer with exceptional talent pops up. And when it's clear there is, other Champions might even attend in person. A small part of me hopes that the Sinnoh league's strongest might even turn up. Although, I think it might happen anyway. Based on what I've put on display so far, I wouldn't be surprised if Lance has shifted some focus towards me. And, if he has, there's definitely going to be some growing interest.

The door for Oak's lab slid open as we approached.

"Hey, Professor." I said, as Lexie and I stepped inside.

"Zeryph? What brings you here. I thought your team would've headed on to Viridian City. It is to be your last Gym Battle, after all."

"Well, we were. I thought we'd needed to stop by first. During our battle against Blaine, we made a discovery." I said. "Could we take this outside? I'd hate to damage your equipment."

"Oh, certainly. Right this way, please." Samuel walked us through the lab, and into the area out back. "So, what did you want to show me?"

"Oh, you'll see." I took an Empowerment Seed from my bag, then handed it to Lexie. She ate it without a moment of hesitation. Then, in a huge burst of fire, changed into her powered-up form. The ground beneath her feet began to smoke, as it started to burn on contact. We know her ability is Flash Fire, but I wonder if her flames are so hot that it also doubles as Flame Body.

"Is that a Mega Evolution? How interesting…and for a species known to not have one." Samuel began to examine Lexie…from a safe distance. I won't lie, Samuel's resilience, as far as research goes, is way up there. But I don't think that even he can handle the heat Lexie's putting off. "Do you happen to know this form's ability?" He asked.

"Yeah, Flash Fire. I think her flames are also hot enough to replicate Flame Body, as well."

"This is simply fascinating. I must update the Pokedex, at once. If it is alright with you, I would like to also share this information with the other Professors." Samuel had started to write down some notes, as he was speaking.

"Go right ahead. And if you'd like, I could go on to further test the effects of the seeds on other species. If this is what happens to a Cinderace, then perhaps…there are effects on other species who are capable of Gigantamax." I figured it wouldn't hurt. Plus, there's likely a reward for this, too.

"Pardon? Gigantamax?" Samuel took another look at Lexie, then at the information from Galar's section in the National Dex. "This is fascinating. I've never once heard of a partial Gigantamax, but I see it now. Please, gather all of the information you can. This could forward research on Pokemon forms by...ahem." Samuel cleared his throat. "My apologies, I'm getting carried away. The information you've brought is nothing short of incredible."

"I'm glad to help out as much as I can. If I hadn't already decided to go for all nine Leagues, I would've likely become a researcher, myself." I said. It goes without saying that having the System and the abilities that come with it, would make field work so much easier to manage. Being able to understand the Pokemon and their language, even more-so.

"Oh, that would be wonderful. I've seen that your team has another Pokemon that doesn't normally Mega Evolve. Decidueye, I believe. Please, inform me of anything that happens should you give her one of the seeds, too."

"Don't worry, we will. My strategy for Viridian was gonna involve her using one, but…given some…reasons, it's more likely Mewtwo is going to be our mega for that. Sorry but I…can't really explain." I said.

"No worries. Now, another thing I was hoping to have a look at. Miss Melanie's magic, I've been quite interested in how such abilities work." Samuel shifted focus, back to the research. Something which, I was thankful for. I'd rather not have to explain the stuff related to Libra.

"Oh, gladly. Lexie, could you send her our way, please?" I asked.

"Sure. I'll go and let her know. Would you like me to send anyone else?"

"Sure, why not send Kaorah along, as well." I said. Lexie left to inform the girls that they were needed.

"Your ability to speak their language is really handy." Samuel commented.

"Sure is. However, there are other ways of understanding Pokemon. The first, is to learn to wield Aura, from a Lucario. The second, is to have a Psychic Type." I said.

"I suppose they would be. I'll have to keep this in mind, for the future. Having a Psychic Type would also help out around the lab. It would be the first time I've had a new Pokemon registered to myself, since my days as a Trainer."

"You don't necessarily have to register one. You could see about finding one who wouldn't mind working as an employee. You could even ask my aunt's Mr. Mime, see if he'd be willing to help out in the lab during the day. When he's not busy helping her, at home." I said. Could even ask Libra to help out here…once she's free from Team Rocket.

"That doesn't seem like a bad idea. I'll have to ask her, later today." Samuel turned his attention towards the door, as Melanie and Kaorah came through. He reached out and gently scratched the top of Kaorah's head. Side note- he's one of the only humans, that isn't me, who she allows to touch her. The others being the Nurses, and some further exceptions. Ash and Delia are on that list, of course.

"Miss Kaorah, Miss Melanie, good to see you again." He said. Melanie greeted him with a handshake.

"You as well, Professor." Melanie said, in English.

"You know how to speak- goodness. That must've taken some time to teach them, Zeryph." Samuel said. I guess he would've been surprised to hear her speak out loud, no matter when it was she first did. I guess Mewtwo could also surprise him, the same way.

"She's Psychic, she has a cheat sheet." I said.

"Fair enough. Now then, Miss Melanie, I was hoping to have a look at your magic." Samuel returned his attention to her.

"Of course. I'll keep it simple, as to not exhaust myself." Melanie stepped away from the building. I noticed Mewtwo's arrival, though I didn't bring attention to him. I didn't need to, as the barrier he put up was enough.

"Mewtwo's giving us a shield, as to prevent any collateral damage." I nodded in agreement, as I heard what Kaorah said. I hadn't thought of it, but I'm glad they had him come along, anyway.

"To start- the healing magic I've heard of. Word from Fuchsia City has traveled fairly quickly, you see." Samuel said.

"I'll act as the test subject for this." Kaorah volunteered. She held up her right arm, then scratched along the surface of her scales. She hissed as her claw cut into her skin, but it wasn't quite deep enough to draw blood.

"Why do you have to call yourself that?" Mewtwo commented. I could tell by his tone, he wasn't really put off by what Kaorah had said.

"Quiet please. I must focus." Melanie said. She hummed softly, then the unforgettable golden light came to life in her right palm. Then, she gently pressed it against Kaorah's injured arm. Samuel watched in awe, as the injury seemed to just fade away. Far faster than what healing moves normally do. Well, as far as Heal Pulse goes, anyway. Can't say the same for Healing Wish…although, I haven't seen either move in person. When Ash gets his Meganium, I plan to have Melanie train her as a healer.

"Amazing, simply amazing. I've never seen such a thing. Sure, there's moves that heal, but none on this level. How much can you do?" Samuel asked Melanie.

"It really depends on how bad the injuries are, and how many I have to tend to. Sure it's effective, but it's also draining, despite my affinity for it. My other elements are…less so. I suppose I'll go with Fire, first." Melanie said. "Kaorah, would you mind?"

"Not at all. Fire only ever leaves soot behind. Heat's not really a problem for me. Or, we could have Lexie use Flash Fire to soak it up." Kaorah said.

"I'm not sure it works the same for magic, but we can always find out later, during training." I said.

"Fair enough." Kaorah said. She then walked away, before turning back to face us. I saw her brace herself. Though she could take the heat, the impact was a different story.

Melanie held out her hands, a short distance away from each other, palms facing each other. Energy began to swirl between her hands, and the air began to ripple. Then, there was a faint 'fwoosh' as a fireball flared to life. Melanie then did a spin, and threw it at full force. With a little extra boost from her Gravity affinity, it hit home right in the middle of Kaorah's chest. She stumbled from the impact, but apart from a black spot on her skin, she was unharmed.

That spot will just wash off later, after all, so it's no issue.

"Impressive. Though the Gardevoir species is fairly limited on what they can learn for Fire Type, this certainly makes up for it." Samuel commented. Melanie even created another fireball, for him to get a closer look at how she did it. She dispelled this one harmlessly, afterwards.

"The next element is my strongest, but the magic is not what I'm the best with overall. Even healing doesn't compare to what's next." Melanie said, as sparks of electricity began to flicker between her fingers, and across her arms. She channeled the power into her right arm, then with a thrust of her arm, shot out a blast of bright blue lightning. If the fireball did little to Kaorah, this did even less. It left a small, black spot, on her chest, and had the added effect of making her eyes glow briefly.

This is because Melanie's lightning magic isn't the same as what even some Electric Type Legendaries can create. Even Zeraora's might not be at the same level. This is because of Melanie's use of mana, which, makes her lightning almost on-par with natural lightning, itself.

"That's one of her most powerful attacks. Her species can learn Thunderbolt, but it doesn't reach the same level." I said.

"It's definitely something." Samuel said, while rubbing his ears. I'd forgotten to warn him about the side-effect. When Melanie casts lightning, there's often a thunderclap that goes along with it. The more she puts into the bolt, the louder the bang is. Fortunately, thanks to Electric Types existing, people are never really bothered by sudden thunder.

"And now, for what I consider to be my absolute strongest." Melanie waved her hands outwards, and Force Cloak rippled to life, creating a bubble around her that distorted the air.

"Oh? Interesting." Samuel tried to touch the orb, only to feel as though the world itself was trying to stop him from making contact. "Very interesting. The repulsive force put off by this is incredible."

"We call it Force Cloak, Melanie's defensive ability. It uses the control of gravity to blast away attacks…most of the time. It can be overwhelmed, if an attack is too powerful, or if she has to deal with too many in a short time." I explained.

"There's also a fair bit of backlash if it breaks, too." Melanie added. "Of course, I've been working on my gravity control. We believe that I'll even be able to fly, given enough practice." And let others fly, too, but the focus that would require, makes it so that it's not really worth going for.

"Very interesting. If it is alright with you, I would like for her to stay here for a bit, when you aren't busy. I would very much like to look into what her magic lets her do." Samuel said.

"I'd be happy to help with research. Especially once we start picking up new spells for me to use. We haven't seen any for a while though." Melanie said.

"I guess it's about time we get going. We do have another gym battle to get to." I said.

"Very well. Mr. Ketchum, thank you for the data you've provided today. You can all leave through the outside gate, as you go. I have to get all of this information filed, and with your permission, I would like to publish a report on it."

"Go right ahead, Professor. In fact, I'd like to help with writing it. Once my team and I finish up in Viridian, we'll swing back by and get that report done." I said.

"Wonderful. Well, I wish you and your team, safe travels. And, good luck with your final Gym battle. I look forward to seeing your performance in the league tournament." We bid Samuel farewell, then stopped by Delia's house to pick up everyone else. From there, we started to head out. We did still stop in for a short time, since my aunt was making lunch for everyone. Lexie even jumped in to help, after she'd powered herself down. Didn't want to set the house ablaze by accident, or anything.

"This is delicious. Thank you, Lexie." My aunt's praise was kinda expected, I'll admit. And I'm glad to hear Delia thinks highly of her, as well.

"It's not a problem. I'd love to teach you some things, as well." Lexie had also done the same thing as Mewtwo and Melanie, using her Psychic type to pick up English. Once she'd figured out how, anyway. She even commented on how easy it was.

"She learned from me, actually. Well, what little I did show her, and then really took off with it." I admitted. "She's the team cook nowadays, though I still help out."

"Well, she's got talent, I'll give her that." Delia said. We went on to enjoy lunch, then we got packed up and prepared to head to Viridian City. Aunt Delia wished Ash and I good luck for our last battle before the league. Traveling route one again was going to be faster than the first time around.

And this time, wouldn't have the flock of aggressive Flying Types to worry about, either. Ash warned us about them, but it seems the team of heavy hitters that I've got, served as a deterrent. As we drew near the Viridian City gate, Mewtwo placed a hand on my shoulder. A sign that he needs something, and it's important.

"Zeryph, this is of dire importance…more-so than anything before. As such, I can't wait any longer." Mewtwo said, after the others had left earshot. "I meant to tell you earlier, but…we were already preoccupied."

"What's wrong?" I felt his hands grip the sides of my head.

"Just…watch." The world faded to black. Then I heard the sounds of screaming, explosions, and the noise of moves being launched off. A shape began to form, then the world came into focus. An island town, in absolute ruin. Buildings in flames or completely destroyed, as trainers and people panicked in the streets. Bodies of humans and Pokemon littered the ruins. Then, I saw…it, uh, him. Floating in the sky above the ruined town, skin almost black as night. Eyes, bright red, blazing with an uncontrolled fury. His psychic blades glowed bright red, instead of their usual, soft purple. He had the torn remains of a Team Rocket shirt grasped tightly in his right hand.

Even if the vision only lasted for a moment, I know what I saw.

Shadow Mewtwo.

But what I don't know is…why? And, how did it happen? Was it something to do with me, perhaps? I pulled myself back to reality with a loud gasp, stumbling slightly before placing my head in my hands. The backlash from suddenly breaking the link had affected us both, but it would pass very quickly.

"What…the hell was that?"

"That's…what I want to know. I've never seen such a thing." Mewtwo said quietly. It clearly scared him as much as it did me.

"Not a Shadow like that, for sure. Even the Zoroark didn't compare to…that." I said.

"What worries me is…this upcoming battle could be related." Mewtwo said. "I've been getting flashes, brief glimpses of events tied to this, as we drew closer. During my meditation sessions, so…I think, we should spend as much as we can today, preparing for absolutely everything that can happen tomorrow."

"Agreed. And, we need to prepare a contingency plan, too. Just in case that vision comes to pass. Go, let the others know. I'll contact Giratina, let him know what's going on." As Mewtwo went to notify the rest of the team, I sought out a spot away from prying eyes, then I pulled a mirror from my inventory. Carefully, as I had been taught, I tapped on the surface. It began to ripple, darkening until I could see Giratina's face, visible through the mirror.

"Giratina, sorry to bother you." I said.

"No worries. If you've contacted me, it's important. Go ahead, say what you need to." I went on to inform him of the same thing Mewtwo had just shown me. And, that we were preparing a contingency plan. "Hmm…I see. So, you're worried that tomorrow's events could set off a catastrophic event." Giratina said. He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking over what I'd shared.

"Any ideas?" I asked.

"None, at least, not any that would sound the alarm for my brothers, or Father. The best I can tell you to do is continue as you have been. I'll contact my brothers, of course, and see if we can't figure out a plan. We'll prepare in case one of us has to get involved. I would be the best choice, considering Mewtwo's typing, of course. But, worst-case scenario, Father has to personally interfere."

"That's…not what I was hoping for, but… you do come up with something, please…please, let us know." I said.

"We will, right away. I'll keep an eye on things, in order to make sure everything goes well. But, we won't know for sure until it happens." Giratina cut the link, afterwards, likely going to immediately inform the rest of the Creation Trio. It's unfortunate we couldn't come up with anything, properly.

Still, with the Trio making their own plans, at least we know we might have a backup plan, just in case. I regrouped with my team afterwards, then took us into one of the training fields. This is where we would begin to prepare for what was coming. The focus being to put everyone against Mewtwo, at as close to what he could manage as full power. From there, we began planning for all possible ways to subdue him.

In all cases, he made sure to not hold back on his attacks. Allowing his teammates to learn how to read his movements, and dodge them effectively. Solais was the only one who didn't have to dodge his blades, but she did have to learn to dodge his Fighting Type attacks. However, Payback is our best bet for subduing him. That, mixed with Shadow Ball from Lexie, and Cerise's Spirit Shackle.

Kaorah figured that if she could keep his attention, they'd be able to attack from his sides and behind. The problem for them was dealing with his sensory radius. We continued to train and prepare, until we were too tired to continue. At which point, we retired for the night so we could rest for tomorrow.

I have no doubt Giovanni knows we're coming, and he'll be ready for us tomorrow. Our training was also setting us up, for Libra. That armor she has, likely suppresses her powers. And that's the only advantage we've got. Especially since her fighting style could be very, very different from Mewtwo's.


[Break]


The following morning, we ate breakfast, mostly in silence. Using our telepathy link in order to go over our plans again. We must've looked nervous, because Ash and the others…and even Viridian City's Nurse Joy, picked up on it. I'm not surprised, but, considering what we're preparing for…you get the idea.

The walk to the gym was tense, and we were all on high alert the whole time. Mewtwo's expression changed, morphing into a frown. He took a slow, deep breath. I didn't have to ask who it was, because I already knew.

Because, when we reached the gym, and the door slid open, she was there. Her armored form was already in place, on the other side of the field.

"Brother. I've been waiting." Libra's tone was cold as ice. She slowly turned to face us, her true face hidden under her armored mask. "It's about time. Come, face me." I guess this is it. Wonder why Giovanni decided to have things go down like this. I'm not sure what's going to trigger the events of the first movie, exactly, but…something tells me this will be the fight to do it. This is…not how things go. We shouldn't be encountering her so early. In fact, she's supposed to defeat Gary in battle, before we ever see her.

Solais had also warned me, last night. Her disaster senses were going off…big time. From the way she's acting now, it seems to have gotten worse. Something tells me that this battle, is not going to go well.

"Mewtwo…I'm…I don't know what there is for me to even say. Just…be careful." I said.

"I know." Mewtwo took an empowerment seed, and crunched it. He powered up into his mega form, and his blades flared to life. Never mind the fact he'd just revealed one of the secrets of my training with him…assuming Libra hadn't already reported that information. "Clear the field. I don't…want any of you getting hurt." He took his side of the field, and slowly slipped into a stance he'd created.

His legs bent slightly. His left arm held in front, to defend himself, with his right arm to the side. His tail waved back and forth, and he used his telekinesis to unlatch his weights. They fell to the floor with a loud thud.

Libra began to prepare herself, as well. The armor would hamper her, but I'm sure that if it comes off…with how long it has likely been on, she's gonna get a massive boost. I had noticed the gym's referee was absent, perhaps Giovanni didn't want anyone to witness what was going to happen.

"Such power. Come, brother, show me what you've accomplished through training." No further words were exchanged, as the pair prepared to charge. I suddenly had a real bad feeling.

This…is not going to go well.