Chapter 46: A Tearful Reunion

Summary:

After so much time apart, Zeryph is reunited with two people who he cared deeply for. A tearful reunion at long last. Along with the reveal of a plan to truly unlock Zeryph's potential.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)


"Son? What do you…" The Ninetales fell silent as she realized exactly who Xatu was talking about. Her tails even stopped waving for a moment.

"He's…here?" The Lycanroc spoke up.

"Yes…the time will soon be upon us. The time at which he saves us from our impending doom." Xatu spoke softly. "It is just as I have foreseen. The Chosen of Arceus shall save our world from ruin."

"Do…you know where he is?" Ninetales asked.

"The Pokemon Village, of course. I sensed his power, just yesterday. He is strong…very strong, his potential is almost unrivaled. Outside of that of a powerful Psychic who I have also sensed." Xatu told them. "If you hurry, you can be there in two days time." Perhaps even less. Xatu knew how quickly the pair moved whenever it was important. He already knew the former Rangers would likely be at the village much sooner than he had suggested. Especially with it being their son.

"Then we leave now. Come on!" The Lycanroc called, having already hurried off. His mate bowed her head to Xatu, before turning to chase after the wolf. Xatu turned to look back toward the sun as he always has.

"Safe travels, my friends. I hope that you bring him here, one day. I would love to meet the Chosen for myself." He already knew that he would, of course. Everything was going exactly as he had foreseen. He just didn't plan on six massive deviations happening all at once. He knew of Dialga's involvement, but was totally unaware of his brothers. Of Arceus, or another three closely related to the Creation Trio. Or what they were planning to do within the next few days.


[Zeryph]


After a nice bit of rest, and a shower once we were back up, the three of us returned to the outside. It was late evening now, but we did kinda…spend most of the day on each other, and resting. Our teammates didn't even have to ask where we were, or what we were doing. They figured it out pretty fast, just from Kaorah and Mewtwo having a slight limp.

Melanie gained a pretty deep blush, breaking into giggles after a quick mental conversation. Before smiling proudly at all three of us. She wiped a small drip of blood away from her nose, which told me well enough what her thoughts were.

"Sooo…did you have fun? Because it sure sounds like it." Melanie pulled me aside.

"Oh, yeah we did." I smiled. "I've heard about a certain…other side…to how you normally are."

"Oh really now? Hehe…maaaaybe. You might just have to wait and see, hmm?" She gave me a soft kiss on the cheek. "It'll be fun, I assure you."

"I'm sure. Oh, and…we have a contraceptive spell now, too." I figured I should mention that, as well.

"Perfect. Means we don't have to limit ourselves." She leaned in close to my ear, lowering her voice to a whisper. "So…who got the knot?" I felt my face heat up in a blush.

"Ah…Mewtwo did." I said quietly, earning a soft giggle. "I was kinda, under the effect of Kaorah's pheromones. So when she said to knot him, I wasn't really able to stop myself."

"Oh, that's fine. You won't be able to stop yourself once you start having to deal with rut. Or if one of us is in heat." Melanie kissed my cheek again. "Now, c'mon, Lexie's about to start supper."

Supper ended up being delicious, as always. And we all slept well during the night. Even with a light storm blowing in, though the rain only made it much easier to get back to sleep. The following morning was back to business as usual, of course. With a main job coming up today. A Diglett we had recently met, was kidnapped during the night. His father, a Dugtrio, asked for our help.

Being a main job, Mewtwo, Kaorah and I were the ones to go handle it. Dugtrio showed us the way there, then stopped while we went in for his son. With my powers active now, plus my training, I was a little bit better. Though, despite that, Kaorah and Mewtwo still really out-paced me. Skarmory didn't bother trying to fight us, recognizing our strength right away.

My presence also played a part in that, causing him to apologize profusely until I could settle him down. Explaining that normally, Diglett and Dugtrio being present, usually prevents quakes, instead of causing them. He decided to help us get the little guy back to his father, before apologizing once again, then heading back to his mountain home.

Dugtrio paid us for our efforts, too. Even though I didn't really need them. My prize money from the tournament and from doing gyms…as well as the true dungeons, was still…quite the sum. And thanks to automated conversion, we had more than enough here, too.

As we returned to town, Alex took me to meet Wigglytuff. Who gave me a quick introduction to his camps system. Not that we'd need it, Alex was the only one from this time period who would be joining us, officially. But I didn't mind if others wanted to help the team in their own way, either.

A confrontation in the square drew my attention, a Shiftry and a…Jumpluff, if I'm remembering right. The latter of the two begging for help, while the former turned him down. Only to be told off by a new arrival…an Alakazam. And his own team, no less, consisting of a Charizard and a Tyranitar.

"Whoa…check it out, boss." Tyranitar nodded towards me, speaking up to get Alakazam's attention. Our eyes met for a moment, and I smiled.

"A Lucario…here?" Alakazam seemed surprised. "Can't say that one of you has been seen in…quite some time. How long have you been here?" He asked.

"A few days now." I answered. "My team has been split up into squads that all act independently. I'm sure you've likely heard, at least a little."

"Indeed. It is hard to not notice when jobs start being taken so…frequently. Even if some are a bit above your ranks." Alakazam crossed his arms. "However…given the results, your team is shaping up to be the best we've ever seen…better than even my own." His teammates nodded in agreement.

"Helping people is something we're good at. But this work is a lot easier than disaster relief in a city that was hit by a tornado." I know Alakazam might pick up on what I'm hinting at, the possibility that I'm a human…or, was. But I know he won't say anything, either.

The rest of the day was uneventful, with Mewtwo and I mostly focusing on more training. I was getting better, slowly, but against someone like him, it would take a while before I start winning fights. The System wasn't really helping, either. Would've thought I'd progress rapidly, but I guess not.

Mewtwo openly admitted that he was enjoying it- planting me in the mud over and over again. With each time taking longer than the last. It showed that I was improving, even if it wasn't quickly. He had the unfair advantage of being an extremely strong psychic, anyway. The next morning brought with it, a meeting that was bound to happen.

Team Meanies as they're called. A Gengar, an Ekans, and a Medicham. They were standing outside what was to be our office building when we arrived in the morning. I was the first to step outside and meet them face to face.

"A Lucario?" Medicham was the first to speak up. "Why didn't you tell us what he was?"

"I didn't think it was important. Besides…didn't wanna risk you two backing off and leaving me on my own for this." Gengar said in return. "That said…he doesn't seem so tough. From what I've seen, he's not a good fighter, anyway. And…we outnumber him, too."

"That's what you think, buddy." I said softly, already channeling dark power into my left hand. "Outnumbered I may seem, but that couldn't be further from the truth. And, besides, I've got you all outgunned." I lifted my left hand, then slammed it into the ground. This turned my shadow into a rift, large enough for him to appear from it.

Gengar started to laugh, believing that I was joking, only to fall dead silent with a look of horror on his face as he rose from the rift. His teammates mirroring his own expression with theirs. Giratina let out a low, haunting laugh as he slowly looked them over.

"You think yourself a strong Ghost, but you're nothing but a joke." I said, chuckling. "Team Meanies, meet the real Ghost…Giratina."

"Want me to deal with them?" Giratina growled.

"No, not this time. Your presence is enough to get the point across. Don't mess with us." I smiled. "That said, you three cross the line, and you will regret it. It won't be the first time I've had to kill someone." I was openly threatening Gengar's team, now.

"Subtle." Giratina commented with an amused growl. He chuckled when the team of three turned to flee without another word. He'd used a small flare of his power to send them running. "Bold of you to so casually threaten someone's life."

"His team is pretty much guaranteed to try and cause trouble for us." I turned to face Giratina, before sitting down on my knees. "Gengar goes and says the wrong thing…and he's gonna set me off. Won't be able to stop myself if I get riled up."

"Fair. Although Father would prefer you not kill anyone here…we can't really fault you for one small incident." As if it'll be a small thing. With the potential I'm packing, and the fact I have not gone Mega yet…being set off could be equivalent to Naruto going Six-Tails. Which would be…very bad. Worse than Mewtwo and Melanie going shadow, even. The rest of the team began to emerge from the building, most of them exchanging pleasant greetings with Giratina. He might not have officially joined us, but he might as well be part of the team by now.

"Oh, and…maybe after this mission, at the latest, you and I need to have a talk. About the Void Reaper thing." I spoke up again. But who knows, the chance might come up sooner. It all depends on what happens within the next several days or weeks that we're here.

"Finally going to make your choice, hmm?" Giratina said, before he nodded in approval. "I must admit, I saw it coming. You definitely seem like the type who would wield the darkness for good, no matter what. I must be going now, call me again when you need me." He returned to the Distortion World without another word. I never bothered to ask what he was often busy with, but it's his personal business anyway. No need to intrude on it, although, my guess is that he has to keep an eye on things.

Our day went about the same as the previous few, with the one notable exception. Still, between some of the squads going out for missions while Mewtwo and I spent time training, it's becoming our routine by now. And as the evening came around, Melanie and I were sitting together outside. Her head was leaned over against my shoulder, and we had our arms around each other.

She'd just wanted to sit together for a while and enjoy the quiet day. Her eyes noticed something coming down the road, and she pointed them out. A Lycanroc, and a Ninetales. I felt my breath catch as I laid eyes on the Ninetales. That silvery white fur of hers…she's gorgeous. Melanie thought the same, based on her own reaction.

"Hey there. Are you two here for a mission request?" I broke the silence first, before hopping up and stretching.

"That…voice." The Ninetales looked me over, and that's when I realized something. Her eyes- a bright vivid green that matches only one other pair of eyes…my own. As the realization hit me like a Psystrike, I felt my eyes beginning to tear up. Her voice…it can't be.

"M-mom…?" I choked out.

"Z-zeryph? Is…is it really you?" She asked. I started to walk forward, lifting my arms for a hug, but found myself pinned under the pair in an instant. I couldn't stop myself from outwardly sobbing, even from tears of joy. How…how were they here? I thought they…

I managed to sit up so I could hug both of them. And I felt Melanie's arms wrap around me from behind, as well. Being held while I basically cried my eyes out was comforting. I've cried before sure, like when I told Melanie about who Hemi was, or when we made the memorial. But I don't remember the last time I bawled like this.

"How…?" I finally managed to say, my voice sounding broken given the circumstances.

"It's a…long story, dear." My mother's soothing voice met my ears. "Look at you, sweetie. You've grown so much. A Lucario, now? How are you here so soon?"

"A…personal mission, from…" I sniffed. "From Dialga. To save the world from a cataclysm." I started to get myself under control again. "A little over a week ago, my team and I won the Indigo League tournament."

"You're working with the creation trio, and you're a league champion? Honey…I'm so proud of you." My mother nuzzled me, which I returned.

"We're both very proud, kiddo." My dad spoke up. He'd already moved to sit, and my mother copied him. Her nine, gorgeous tails slowly waving in the wind behind her. "Have you managed to become a Ranger yet?"

"Heh…no, not yet. But I will one day." I plan on it, too. I have a legacy to honor, after all.

"And, who's this pretty lady?" My mother asked, referring to Melanie.

"Melanie, team healer…'The Lady With Golden Hands.' As she's known back home, anyway." I said, before wrapping an arm around her waist. "She's called that, because of her talent as a healer. Fuchsia City got hit by a tornado, we took charge of the relief efforts. She saved a lot of lives, as many as she could." We couldn't save everyone, unfortunately, but we did what we were able to.

"From what I heard, the whole city shut down just so they could watch us on tournament day." Melanie spoke up. "There's more. Zeryph and...most of us, are together." Ah…great. Was hoping I wasn't gonna have to explain that of all things.

"As in…a relationship? Zeryph, you know that's not legal in Kanto, right?" My father asked.

"What, you gonna arrest me?" I asked in return. We all broke into quiet laughter after that. Since they're both Pokemon now, they can't exactly judge. Given their smiles and how they just laughed it off…I think I still have their support. I don't think they would've judged if they were still human when they found out, either. Rangers or not, they know when someone's genuinely happy. "So anyway…how did you two know I was here?"

"A Xatu who happens to be a friend of ours. He predicted your arrival, and told us where to find you. We spent the whole night, and all day yesterday, traveling just to get here." My mother answered. "As you can imagine, we're kinda tired now. But we can worry about that later. How have you been, Zery?"

"When I got the news you two had died, it…hurt. But Aunt Delia's been a big help in taking care of me in your place." My parents smiled. "In fact, as Ash was growing up, I taught him everything that I know about being a trainer. It payed off when the two of us faced off one on one…in the finals of the tournament."

"Wish we could've seen it, kiddo. Sounds like it was one helluva fight." My dad, Markus, said.

"Zeryph, who are you talking to?" Suicune's voice met my ears, and I let out a chuckle at my parents' surprised reactions to her appearance. Not as great as Ash's Charizard by any means, but still.

"Suicune…these are my parents. I didn't think they'd reincarnate, but…I guess I was wrong." Suicune moved to sit with us, her tails slowly waving in the light breeze. A soft smile forming on her face. "Mom, Dad, she's not the only legendary, either. We've got three for now, likely to be more in the future."

"It's true." Suicune confirmed. "Everyone else is out on jobs, or helping Lexie in town with her bar."

"She's the most amazing cook that I know." I said. "C'mon…might as well take you to meet her." I hopped to my feet before stretching, then offering Melanie a hand to pull herself up with. As we started to head to the square, I asked the big question. "So…how did you both end up here, anyway?"

"As I said, it's a long story." My mother, Annie, answered. "But the short version is that, as you already know, we died. But, being rangers, and considering what we were doing…I guess, Arceus decided to reward us. So, we got a second chance as…what you see now. We've been living here for years now, of course."

"We met Xatu on our second month, and he was able to figure out what we used to be. Not only that, but…he predicted that one day, we would reunite. He wouldn't give us any specifics…until just the other night." My father said. "Also…from the way he predicted it. I quote; "As the world is under threat, the Chosen of Arceus shall arrive to save us all from certain doom. And you shall both be reunited with that which you love dearly."

"Well, he was right, about both those things." I felt someone approaching in my senses, then braced myself. Moments later, Latias collided with me, causing me to slide backwards. "Oof!"

"Zerrie!" She squeaked, happily, before blushing as she heard my parents chuckling.

"Hey Latias. Where have you been?" I felt her pull away.

"Out flying, with my brother and the other boys. Ah…who are these two?" She caught on to our two extras.

"Latias…these are my parents." I said, softly.

"Huh? But they're…ooohh!" She giggled. "So, they used to be humans too, right?"

"We did." Mom spoke up. "We were Rangers, until our ill-fated final mission. But we were gifted a second chance, and so…we're here now."

"Oh…gotcha." Latias fell into formation with us, figuring out where we were headed. Evan caught up not long after, with Alex and Latios just behind him.

"Mom, Dad, meet…in order, Evan, Alex, and the Alto Mare twins, Latias and Latios." I introduced all of them. "The twins were the team's newest additions, prior to Alex. I haven't caught them yet, but Latias was insistent on sticking around anyway." And because of her, Latios is also hanging around, too. But I think that goes without saying.

"Our whole team is crazy strong." Evan spoke up. "Well, most of us. Zeryph's not a great fighter, and we've really gotta work on Alex. He's two months behind the rest of us."

"You trained a champion-level team in two months?" My dad asked me.

"Yeah, but we had a bit of help from the Creation Trio, too." I admitted. It was a little more than two months, but those two months were when we really put our work into training.

"Kaorah! Look at you!" My dad suddenly called out. Kaorah froze in her tracks, before slowly turning to face us. A grin broke out on her face, and she rushed forward, nearly knocking my parents over as she tackled both of them at once. Just as happy to see them again as I was…but without all the tears of joy.

"My goodness…you've grown just as much as Zeryph has." Mom spoke up. Wonder how they knew it was her. I guess they figured it out just from how our weight bands look.

"Doesn't reincarnation work in just the most…mysterious ways?" Mewtwo asked. He and I embraced tightly before sharing a kiss. If my parents weren't against my relationship choices, I doubt they'd mind this any, either.

"Zeryph…so, not only do you have girls, hmm?" My father said, but he was still smiling.

"Yeah…Mewtwo is the reason for me discovering that side of myself." I shifted so that Mewtwo was leaning against my left side. "And I'm glad for it." Honestly, given enough time, Alex might have a bond with me that's just as strong. Given the fact that he's a Noivern, which is on my list of favorites no less…he's actually, ah…very attractive. At least to me, anyway. Even if I don't show it, outwardly.

The same can be said for the Eon Twins, but I don't think Latios is interested like his sister is.

"Well, it's your choice. So…how did you get him, anyway?" Mom was curious about Mewtwo's story.

"Got him from Team Rocket. About two months before our big training period…he single-handedly defeated their boss, Giovanni, in battle…six against one. Giovanni disbanded Team Rocket afterwards." Mewtwo smiled, warmly, and nodded. Confirming what I had just said.

"I also happen to be the team's Ace. And, thanks to Giratina, I can fight as a shadow and remain in control." Mewtwo spoke of his power, but chose to not show it. He didn't want to cause a panic, and his second stage Battle Fury almost certainly would. Though, I wouldn't be surprised if Xatu has already sensed him…given how he told my parents where to find me. He must've sensed my own awakening.

It didn't take us too much longer to find Lexie's new bar. My parents caught the absolutely wonderful scent just before the rest of us did. Lexie stepped aside from what she was working on, in order to greet us. I was surprised to see Team ACT here, but I guess Alakazam had heard of the place, and wanted to try it for himself.

"Hey guys." I greeted everyone as I found a spot to sit. "Lexie, I have two very special people to introduce to you. Meet, my parents." I gestured to the new pair that was with us. I caught Alakazam's raised brow, likely wondering how we're related, since Pokemon usually inherit their mother's species.

But he caught on quickly, as his expression shifted to surprise, then to understanding. A quiet nod said all I needed to hear…without actually hearing it. He knew, and he wasn't going to speak a word of it. Something which I greatly appreciated. The less people who know, the better. Especially because Gengar's the sort that will more than likely try to use it against us.

I don't think he'd take the revelation that they were Rangers very well, either. As we sat down to eat, I took the time to fill them in on everything they've missed out on. Including my team forming a Rescue Team operation for while we're here. As Lexie began to serve our food, with a little help of course, a blue flash drew our attention to outside.

Team ACT were caught way off guard by who it was. A certain, massive, blue and white dragon. Dialga bowed his head, and I returned the gesture. I saw several locals stop and stare in awe, mentally laughing at the various reactions to Dialga's sudden arrival.

"Dialga, what a pleasant surprise." I spoke up. "Course…sudden appearances usually means something important."

"Indeed, and part of it is related to your parents." Dialga spoke softly. "If they return to the past with you, they will not be able to return to their human forms. And, it's worth noting that there will be some changes to your timeline as well as their own. However, they are not significant enough to cause a paradox." Dialga paused so that I could process what he was saying.

"Ultimately, it's their choice whether they wish to or not. And, they will be able to safely make contact without erasing anyone or anything." He continued. "I would not mind allowing them to go back, of course. And I'm sure you'd be glad to have them around."

"Yeah…for sure. It would take some getting used to, though." Kinda like grabbing stuff with how my hands are in this form. I…still don't understand it. Probably not worth the trouble of figuring out, anyway. Though, certainly not as bad as trying to understand the complexity of time travel. At the very least, we've got two Pokemon who do know how it works, well enough to stop us from causing a paradox. That's some real messy business if it does happen.

"Well, at least, you'll be a human again when you get back. But, explaining who your parents are might be…difficult. Perhaps it would be best if they stayed in the base portal rather than travelling with you." Dialga has a point, there. Wouldn't mind letting them stay for a while.

"Actually, we would prefer to remain here." My mother spoke up. "However, it doesn't mean you and your team can't come and visit us at any time. Since you can, apparently, time travel."

"The time travel is my doing." Dialga said. "But still, I agree. I'll see if I can set up a means to let you jump between here, and where your team originally came from."

"Oh, that would be wonderful." I said, then I smiled. "Just, make sure your Father is OK with it, of course."

"I was going to mention it to Him during my next visit. My brothers and I are supposed to gather within the next hour." Dialga stepped to the side, and Palkia appeared in a magenta flash. I could feel the chill in the air as Giratina also appeared, just above them.

So much for not causing a panic, because having three deities just suddenly appear is definitely going to. I'd be very surprised if it doesn't.

"Whoa…" I heard Tyranitar to my left. "All three at once? How do you get so lucky?" He asked me.

"Believe me, bud…even I don't fully understand it. But they've been working with us for longer than you realize, anyway." I said back.

"Speaking of Father. Zeryph, step forward." Palkia said, softly. I did as told, before kneeling. I felt each of them make contact with one of their legs. Or a tendril in Giratina's case. "We believe it is time you met in person. It shouldn't take too long. Brace yourself." I didn't have long to prepare, before the world shifted around us. When I recovered, I saw that we were standing on a runic pattern, similar to the Mystri Stage. And the same one seen when they saved me from…that day. I had thought Arceus was there in person, then, but in truth, it was only a projection through one of His aspects. Not the real one.

[BGM Suggestion]

[Legends Arceus; Hall of Origin]

A blinding, golden-white light appeared in my view, and I had to cover my eyes. My Aura Sense was already off, as to not overload it and hurt myself. I then felt the power that flooded the empty space, drowning out even the brothers. It was at this moment that He appeared. A large body, colored gray and white, accent with bright, shining gold.

He reigned His power in, before bowing. A gesture which I returned, as soon as I had recovered from the momentary shock. I've never felt my heart beat like this.

"At long last, we meet in person." Arceus spoke. The sheer power in His voice alone was enough to send a chill down my spine. "Relax, my Chosen. You have no reason to be so tense." I felt a warmth wash over me, and my nerves began to settle. I let out a sigh of relief.

"I would've thought this meeting would happen much sooner." I said quietly. "Before, when you dragged me from the void-space, it was just an aspect, was it not?"

"Correct. I felt that, at the time, you would not be able to handle my presence alone, were you to meet me in person." Arceus quieted His voice. "Being around my sons has tempered you, more than enough for you to handle it now. But even still, I have not brought my full power to bear. Were I to do so, you wouldn't be able to handle it, even as you are now."

Three flashes appeared above Arceus, and he smiled warmly. Although, I couldn't tell that He was, just by looking at Him. I just get the feeling that He is. Three small forms with light blue bodies of identical shape. The only differences between them were how their heads were shaped, and colored. One yellow, one magenta, one blue.

"Our sisters? Whatever for?" Dialga spoke up. That was a shock, for sure. I didn't think that he or his brothers shared any relation to the Lake Guardians, but I guess I was wrong on that. Or I just never thought about it, but it does make sense. As, Arceus is the Trio Master for both groups at once.

"Dear brother, we haven't had the time or chance to meet the Chosen one, yet. Unlike you, anyway." The one on the right with the blue head, Azelf, was the first to speak. "We feel that it is necessary to bond with him, as well."

"Are you sure this is wise?" Palkia asked. "And, what are his thoughts on it?"

"Let's do it." I spoke up. It really seems like my time as a Lucario is what's going to boost my abilities to an insane degree. Add on Void Reaper, and I'm going to be a force to be reckoned with. Course, Arceus still maintains the ability to take me out in one hit if I step out of line, but it's to be expected. I don't wanna be stronger than Him, anyway.

"Speaking of powers…Giratina." I turned to face the Renegade. "My choice is made, I will take up the mantle of Void Reaper." Figured I might as well just get it out of the way, now. Rather than waiting for any extra amount of time.

"I knew it." He sounded amused. "Be still. I shall handle the rest. Relax, and let the darkness flow." His shadow reached for my own, and when it connected, I felt the darkness wash over me. I let out a growl because it…burned. To accept the dark is everything a Lucario isn't. But I am no normal Lucario, either. I felt Giratina's dark power reaching for the darkness in my heart, and I let it connect.

The pain faded away, replaced by a flowing power of a sort I've never felt before. Even my Aura didn't feel like…like this.

[Void Reaper Class Selected]

[Void Reaper; Lv.1]

[Passive ability- Safety in the Shadows; When standing in dim places, your defenses are boosted massively. Even the faintest shadow provides some boosts to you. You're also able to use your own shadow to defend yourself.]

[Ability- Distorted Throne; When you take fatal damage, you will always return to the Distortion World to heal. If you die in the Distortion World, you will be pulled into its core to regenerate.]

[There are more abilities to unlock, as you level your class. All of your attacks will be able to hit Ghost-Types, even your Aura ones. You will find that Psychics aren't as resilient against you, either. However, be aware that light-powered attacks are still a risk. If you step out of line, Arceus will be able to send you to the Distortion World at any time.]

So, even Arceus is an anchor now. Interesting…I guess that means I do have to be careful with how I use it. I felt my shadow as though it was a part of myself now…to the point I could make it move on its own. It feels…incredibly strange, and is nothing like what Giratina can do with his. Also, being able to hit Ghosts? Gengar's in serious trouble if he sets me off.

"I trust you to use this power only for good." Arceus spoke up. His face was unreadable, but I'm sure He would be smiling if it could show.

"You have my word." I said with a smile.

"However, if you wish to use it to its fullest within your 'dungeons' then, by all means…go wild." Arceus made a motion with his right front leg, tapping the ground. I felt a light stinging on my right arm, and saw the formation of runes along it. Had Arceus picked up magic of His own? "Limiter seals. The idea is that each stage will be stronger than the last. This is my own gift to you, my Chosen." This made my power fade considerably, but it felt much easier for me to control it, too. With all eight seals in place, I felt more like a normal person again. As far as Aura and the Void Reaper stuff goes, anyway.

The sisters then floated down, and each placed a hand on my forehead. I let them access my mind, all at once.

"Such incredible will." Azelf spoke up. I watched through flashes of memories in my mind. Both mine, and their own. Given who they are, I let them see everything. Outside of the more private stuff, anyway. The sisters smiled warmly at my decision to hide nothing. Watching through the collective years of both lives at once.

"Human…Lucario, it doesn't matter. Father has made His choice well." Mesprit said softly.

"Indeed. Human…we extend our minds to you, raise your hands, and form the bond." Uxie spoke up with her own soft voice. I did as told, and I felt something…click. I could sense their emotions, just as they could my own. Pride, happiness, and perhaps a small sense of caring love. "From myself, you gain Knowledge. You shall learn all that there is to learn, and shall never forget." Uxie said softly.

[Bond: Uxie]

[This bond grants a +20 boost to your Intelligence attribute. You'll also find that you learn things easier, and Experience gains are boosted by a further 20% as a result.]

"From myself, you are granted an understanding of emotion, and how to sense the smallest shifts within those around you." Mesprit was the next to explain hers. "Should you need help mastering this gift, your Gardevoir mate will be a great source of advice."

[Bond: Mesprit]

[This bond grants you the ability to sense the emotions of those around you, positive and negative. You'll be able to pick up on even the smallest of shifts. Even from those who can't normally show it.]

"And from myself, you gain a great boost to your already strong will. You will never break, even in the face of impossible circumstances. With our bonds all at once, you'll find that you will even be able to understand our brothers, and even calm their rage if we cannot." Azelf was the last to speak up.

[Bond: Azelf]

[Your will has become unbreakable. You will stand as a bastion against even the most powerful opponents. An unstoppable force even against the most impossible odds. So long as your will burns bright, so too will your Aura.]

"Can I just say…wow." I finally spoke up, once I processed all the information I'd just been given. With Uxie's gift, it was quite a bit easier than it would've been before. Still, I was blown away by it all. "I…wasn't expecting all of this at once. This is all so much to take in. Why…? Why take such a gamble by giving one human such…power?"

"Because, youngling, we feel that you will know how to use our gifts properly." Mesprit spoke up. "We have bonded with humans in the past, on very rare occasions. But, never with the same person all at once. You're a very special case for us. All of us."

"As my sister said, you're special. This System of yours, what it grants you, is the right to be powerful. I know it does, as our limited contact when we breached the void between, was enough for me to learn all that I could in such short time." Uxie spoke up. "I know it, I know the Monitors and the others roped up into it. I know of its smallest intricacies. Even the secrets which you have yet to see for yourself. Of the updates planned, of how we can change them with our combined will. Of how to stop it from stripping you of our gifts."

"Yes…what my sister says is, there were plans to forcibly strip you of all of your boosts as a penalty for breaking the System in the way that we did. It was even planning to take your powers…entirely." Azelf's words scared me. I felt my heart skip a beat at the implications. "Needless to say…with the state you and your team are in now, had it done so, you would've all been left, most likely, crippled for life. Even if we were to heal you."

"And so we made a plan. Tonight, if all goes well…control will be yours." Mesprit said. "We felt it right to take over, and make it work how you want it to. We seek to break your own, weakened chains. Our intervention on that day was enough to greatly weaken them."

"Should this fail, I shall rewind time until we get it right." Dialga spoke up. "This system can try to control stuff all it would like, but there was a mistake in placing you here. For the first time, control will be in the player's hands."

"Zeryph, we shall take you back to your family. We would like to meet the Psychic Legendary known as Mewtwo." Azelf shifted the subject. "We'll see you again tomorrow morning, if everything goes well. Becoming a Void Reaper has weakened the chains even more. They are so very brittle, and now…we just need to break them." I felt the sisters touch my forehead, then the world blurred around me.

Next thing I know, I'm right back where I was teleported from. The rest of my team was talking with my parents as we arrived in a bright, multicolored flash, causing me to hiss. It had hurt my eyes, because of where the sisters were positioned.

"What is it with people and trying to blind me, today?" I growled, earning giggles from the trio.

"Zeryph, you're…" Mewtwo stopped, his voice trailing off as his eyes widened in surprise. "The…Lake Guardians? Here? …Why?"

"We wanted to meet you, along with other things." Uxie said softly. The gem on her forehead lit up, and Mewtwo's eyes momentarily lost focus.

"I…see." Mewtwo smiled softly at me. I guess Uxie had given him a replay of the past several minutes. "So…Zeryph's about to become the most powerful mortal who ever lived."

"From how Void Reaper seems to work, I think it's safe to say he can't be called mortal any more. Technically, at least, as old age can still get him." Uxie said. "But, he can't die in battle at least. I wonder if the Distortion World thing applies to all of you now."

"Possibly, but I'm in no rush to test it, either." I spoke up. "But for now, I could use a bit of rest. I need time to adjust to all of this."

"With Dialga on your side, you have all the time in the universe." Azelf spoke up next. "Besides…at least processing information will be much easier now, thanks to Uxie."

"You're right about that." I said as I started to head inside. The reaction to the Lake Guardians was pretty much the same as the Creation Trio, for reasons which should be obvious. Even more-so once the news broke that I was bonded to the Guardians now. Feels odd calling them Guardians considering…Destiny. But I'm still going to, anyway. I'll get used to it, eventually.

I braced myself for the inevitable, and slid backwards as Latias barreled into me. It's kinda like Ash's Bayleef after a point. I fully plan to make sure she doesn't get left behind, either. Maybe he and her won't end up like me with…most of my team. I'd still be surprised if it does happen though.

The Guardians ended up taking Mewtwo with them so they could talk. In fact, they took Melanie as well. Uxie mentioned that they wanted to help the pair focus their powers even better than they already could. And I was all for it, too. They had both gotten great training during the two month period, but didn't have any Psychics other than each other to work with.

I told the sisters about Kalina and Lexie's own abilities, but Azelf said that they were much more limited by not being natural Psychics. It would take them years of training to get anywhere near what Mewtwo can do. Even admitting that Melanie was still weaker than he was, even if she was incredibly powerful regardless.

They knew of their brothers acknowledging Mewtwo as a Legendary, and they fully agreed. He was too powerful to be anything less. And although Pseudo-Legendary is a fan thing, I still choose to use it anyway. Even though most people might not understand it in this world, it does still hint at how crazy strong Kaorah is. Incredibly strong, but not strong enough to be a Legendary.

Later on, the Lake Guardians got their own taste of Lexie's cooking. Sometimes, it feels like good food is the ultimate way to befriend Pokemon. Given how everyone's reacted to Lexie's cooking, so far, that might actually be somewhat true.

As this particularly long day finally came to an end, I settled in for the night. Mewtwo snuggling up behind me with his arms around my waist. It didn't take us long to get comfortable, before we dozed off.

[̷̢̛̛͕̯̞̹͈̳̻͕̣̜̤̒͗̂̇͛̍̚W̶̺̥̒͐̊̍à̵̺̼̻̘̝͖̣͔̣̣͎̳͎̰̞̮̓̇̈́̾̃͌̀͠r̸̡̛̲̯̤̹̟͉̥͔̙̭͓͉̩͋͝n̶̡̢̛͍̯͚̼̙̣̱͎̙͕̽̀̓͂̀́͊̅̉͐͛͋̈́͝ͅi̴̛̺̙͉̠̯̔̈́̆̀̀͋͗̊͛̇̇͘n̵̢͓͎̝͕̱̦̺̹̘͕͎̔̈̑̐̄͗̐͝͠g̶̛̛̪̲͓̟̐́̂́̇͐̊͗͘!̵͔̮̝̠͚͇̺̣̣̲̿̍͛͐̏̈́̉͑̉͘͝ ̸̨̨̪̩͔̦̗͙͉͔͙̭͙͕͕̰̽̃̌͐͑̈́͒͒̄̏̒̂͊̀͜Ẅ̶̢̪̲͕̟͈͉̺̠̬̻̻̣́͐̈́̑̀͜͜ͅa̸̦̲̳̗͊͌̈͛̽́̎͛͗̚ŕ̶̨̝̗̠̻͈̠̫̹̺͔͔̠̩̕͝͠ṉ̵̢̱̟̟͙̘͓̼̬̬͖́̋̏͋͂̒̆̒̿̈̈̕̚ĭ̶̬͙͙̼̫̙̠̗́͒̇̐̍̒̉͑͝n̵̰̓͂͐̂g̸̨̣͇̮̹̞͔̫͍͚̬̰͋ͅ!̵̡̢̨̢͙͙͎̦̭̒̔̄̅͆̀ ̴̧̖̩̭̤̦̂͆͋C̴̢̮̻̏̄̌͗͆͆͌͂͛͋̂̒̕͜͝͠ͅͅr̴̮̳͉͍̫͈̣͍̜̰̙͕̘͕͇̱̐̔͂̈́̍̄̾̀̿̀̀̀͘͝͠i̵͇̲͕͗̕ẗ̸̬̱̟̤̱͕̳̉͋̈́́͊͠i̵̦̭̝̲͇̘̺̠̦͍̰͈̘͋͜ͅͅc̵̢̢̡̛̺̣̣̩͕̯͇̥̥̪͙͔̆̆̈̑̿̎͑́͆̿̉͋a̶̞̤͕͖̭̫̬̻͖̙͙̭͍͒̓l̷͖̖̘͙͎̩͔͎̦͙̇ ̶̬̫̠̬͓͙̮̘͈̦͖͎̏͛̅̕͜f̸̛͇̠̙͓̣̖̹̝̹͕̫̈́͋́̊̑̓̏̂͒̏̾͘a̷̗͐̈́͊̓͗́̕̚̕͠ų̴͎͕̲͖̜̟͍̜̮̠͚͗͑̈́͒̍̊̀̀͂̀̋̈́̚̕ļ̷̰͚̪̯̮̝̼̰̞̪̲̼̔̌̂͑̂͋̍̄̀͒͐̚̕̕ţ̶̗͔̻̤͓̮̳̝̗̝͕̻̉̅͛̂̎̉̈́͋͜͜͝ ̷̧̯͚̼̱͕̲̩͈͓̲͈̥̥͂̑̍́͆̈́́͂͝ͅì̶̘͔̪͈̤̬̒͛͛͋̔̋̊͗̄̾̚͘n̷̡̧͍̘̫̜̝̱̯͙͕͉̪̱̙̞̈͊̊̽͗͋̽̅͊͊͝͠ͅ ̸̨̹͖̯̩̑̓͂̔͗͒̈́̄̓̈͋͑̍͑̿̌͝S̸̨̡̢̲̫̜̹̞͉̺̞̲̝̦̰͋̂̿͆͐̒̓̌̏͑́̉̇̚͝͠͝y̴̗͖͙̏͐̽̏̾͂̀̾̆̈̍̒̕͜͝s̴͕͚̀̊͋̇̀̆̽͠͠͠͝ţ̷̧̲͈͉̮̥̺̾̇́͐̍͂͑e̶̛̛̙̲̮̪͇͍̥̺̣̜͆̀̋̊̕͘ͅm̴̰̣̫̫̎̂͒͑̓͋͌͌̆͑̀͒͠͝ ̶͎͖̓ḋ̵̰̭̘͖̀̔̓́͌̉̊͗̉̀͂́͆͘͘̚é̸̢̛̜͙̼̣̩̠͖̱̰͍͉̞̇̿̓̑̌́͊t̷̡̝̻̺̟̬͇͓̦͌͊ę̷͔̺͚̥̘̩̫̺̞̋́̑̽̈́̐̀̾͘͜͜͝͠ͅc̸̯͚͎̻̫̲͖̘̝͚̦̥̱̽̌̈́ţ̸̟͕̪̥̣̞̗̫̦͎͚̥̺̦̖̳̀͊̈́̃͐͛͌̅̎͆̍̚̕͝ḙ̷̡̤̬̖̖̠̣̙͍͚͓̘̓̔̽̀̀̽̿̈̎̍̅͋̌̕͘͘d̷̨̧̡̰͈̪̲̞͓̥̱̼̿̉̓͒͋͛͆̈͑͋͘͝ͅ.̴̧̢̤̜͚͖̜̩̬̻͍͇͇̤̞̃́̂̋̽̀͛̊̎̅͘̕͠ ̸̢̢̗͓̪̰͕̹͎́̇́̐̓͐̀̾̊̀̕͠Ş̶͉͓̜̼̱͓̬̠̗̾́̋̍̈́͐͂̇̂͆̊̽̏͜͠͝y̷̛̘̠̤̝̅͒͂̀̈́̍̇́̌͌̄͝͠s̸̨̙̙̭̣̫̝̫̀̓̓̄̽̀͊͂̉̎ͅt̴̞̐ȩ̶͎̜̗̤̰̖̖̻̩͖̉͐̽͒̌͋̐̕͜͜m̴̧̢̛̥͚̥̬̻͍̱̝̖͚̝̱͆͋̇̇̋̍̄.̷̡͍͍͎̥̱̀̀̔.̶̨̬̤̣̩̜̹̺̟̱͕̟̻͉͓̿̃͌̓̀̾͗̚̕ͅ.̶̮͖̤̦̎̈́f̶̡̪͉̣̻̱͇̥̏̾̆á̶̡̡̗̼͉̗̘̘͚͚̠̬͍̲̝̻̒̈̊̾̄̉̌̀̀̿̄͝͠͝i̸̖͈̳̺̫̔́̄̓̏̈́̿̿̎̊̈͘̕l̶̡̪͓͉̞̻̫̓͌̿͘͜ű̶̜͌͐̌̓̊͋r̵̡̜̯͚̥͓̮̠̊̑́̒͌̓͐͜ẽ̸͙̙̯̲̋̽͂̊͝.̶̛̬̖̲͕̳̙̻̲͖̯̂̓̑̔̋̉͂̓̆͑͛̒̕͘͜͝.̷̡̗̣͎͓̮̜̞̠̙͈̈́̾ͅ.̴̡̛̞̠̬͈͔̤͚͓̓́̐͛͋̈́̓̕ȋ̵̻̭̪̮̝̝̣͚̝͙̺̘̰̬͎̑̽̌͌̍̌͛͋͋̀͑̕͘͠m̷͈͎̰̪̹̗̝̆̔͌̊̉̅͂́́͋̈́̑̎̑m̸̡̭̘̙̣̹͕̘͇͔̰̠͕̺̠͔̲̒͋̔̌̓̍͌̐̈́̔̿́̎͘͝͠i̸̛͓̽̽͂̌̔͌̂̑̈́̈̅̕͘̚͝͝n̵̛̝̬̣̰͉̔̓͐̔̇̆͌̆̿̄͆̂̕ͅé̶̡̗͖̖̘̙̜̝̻̮͍̮̺̦͇̈́͌̐̀n̴̮̪̲̲͚̹̬̦̥͋͑̉̓̅̓̂̃̆̇̀̽͋̕̚͝t̴̖̬͑͂̀̄̆̌̎͝.̵̘̭̞̼̦̠͍͇͖̔]̸͉͋̉̿̓̐̿̚͝


Notes:

Zalgo Text: [Warning! Warning! Critical fault in System detected. System…failure…imminent.]

The Lake Guardians finally make their appearance. And, Zeryph gets even MORE powerful. Course, he's acting under the limitation that his powers are all either meant for the dungeon system, or for emergency situations. However, those limits are going to be forgotten whenever someone manages to make him angry. We haven't seen that yet, but it won't be much longer until we do. The way I see it, it's very hard to rile him up. And, we haven't seen what his trigger is, either. But I'm pretty sure it's obvious for anyone who's read this long.

Also, the things seen as far as Arceus and the Lake Triplets giving him such a major boost, go toward setting up for some future events. If Zeryph's opponents are gonna be stronger, then I think it's fair that he gets stronger, too. The real threats aren't the human opponents, but the Legends he'll have to face off with.

As far as hijacking the System goes…that one seems like it came out of nowhere, but if you think about it…Arceus, and his two Trios, would have to connect to the System to breach the void and get Zeryph's soul back. And as a result, this connection would allow Uxie to learn everything. Even how to hijack control and put it all in the player's hands.

Now, it's worth saying…this does not mean Zeryph's going to shoot straight up to the level at or above full-power Arceus. In fact, he'll be nowhere near the brothers for quite some time…about, I'd say…twenty years, or maybe more than that, to even reach equal with them alone. But that's not a skip I'm going to do, either. I want his power to grow naturally as his journey goes along, through training and hard work. And not from him choosing to skip everything, which he definitely wouldn't do.

Anyway, rant over. That's definitely my longest after chapter note to-date, but I felt like I really needed to talk about the stuff that had just happened. And explain a little of things going forward. I'm always happy to answer questions should any arise, through replying to comments.