Chapter 48: Spark of Fury

Summary:

Zeryph is taken to the Hill of the Ancients to finally meet Xatu. And, Gengar goes and does something he really shouldn't have.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)


Morning time in the village came with another meeting, with Team ACT. They'd caught wind of our humiliation of Zapdos, yesterday.

"Alakazam, good morning." I greeted, softly.

"Good morning, Zeryph. Listen, we need to talk. Could you please, clear us somewhere away from prying ears?" Alakazam was quiet, and I could sense the seriousness in his voice. I nodded, before pulling open another portal to the cabin. The trio was awed by the sight, but shook it off in favor of talking to me.

"This should do. Now…I can sense your concern, Alakazam. What's going on?" I asked, quietly.

"You're human…aren't you? I just…need to be sure." Alakazam and his teammates found their own spots to sit down.

"It's true. Something to do with the legend, perhaps?" I asked in return. I felt the calming aura of the brothers and sisters as they appeared with us.

"Indeed…look, I…don't mean to bother you about it. However, I sense a great deal of power within you…and a potential that far outweighs it. Even…even before your boosts from the six around us." Alakazam sounded worried. Almost…fearful. I could sense it all, of course. And I know Mesprit picked up on it, too.

"It's true, all of it." Dialga spoke up. "Zeryph has the potential to be…stronger than Father, given enough time. Stronger than all of us, even. Yet, he has stated previously…he doesn't want to be."

"That much power…in the hands of one mortal?" Tyranitar sounded worried now, himself.

"We've been training him, to make sure he uses it properly." Uxie spoke up. "But your questions are not about Zeryph's power, but are about the legends. Yes, I know the ones…and I shall put your fears to rest. Zeryph is…not, the human from the legend you're thinking of."

Team ACT breathed a collective sigh of relief, all three looking as though a huge weight was lifted off their shoulders.

"No…Zeryph's Legend is developing as we speak." Giratina's voice rumbled.

"I…I see. And, the Ninetales from the legend…what about her?" Alakazam spoke up. He caught on fairly fast, since…I still had my Gardevoir, unlike the legend. Melanie's presence should've been proof enough that I was not the one.

"We…for specific reasons, can't reveal that." Dialga said. "That is for Zeryph to discover on his own."

"Fair enough…still, Zeryph, there's someone you should speak to. Regardless of if you're the one from legend or not. His name is Xatu, a powerful seer who stares into the sun, from atop the Hill of Ancients." Alakazam said, to me. "It's within the Great Canyon. Your…parents…should know where it is."

"Then, that's where I'll be going. Would you and your team like to come along? Just…just so you can know, for sure." I offered to let them come along.

"Doesn't sound like a bad idea. Besides…it'll let us get the info from a trusted source. Ah…no offense. I don't mean to say we don't trust six of the seven most powerful Pokemon alive, but…I'd rather hear it from someone I know." Charizard spoke up.

"I agree. It's nothing against any of you, by any means." Tyranitar added.

"It's settled, then. Zeryph, we leave immediately." Alakazam said. "Let us not waste any time."

I said my goodbyes to the siblings for now, then returned to the outside with Team ACT. Finding my parents wasn't hard, given how they stand out.

"Mom, dad, we have a mission." I said, quietly. "Great Canyon, Hill of the Ancients. Do you know how to get there?" I asked them.

"We do…you must be wanting to meet Xatu." Dad answered. "Is this team going along with us?" He asked.

"We are. We…want to hear answers from Xatu. I…can't say more, not here. Too many who may overhear us." Alakazam said, quietly.

"Fair enough." Mom spoke up. "Son, grab your gear and get ready. We leave right away. Are you able to use the Distortion World for travel, yet?" She asked.

"I am. Once we're all ready, we'll go." I took the time to spread the word to my team, that my parents and I were going to the Great Canyon. Since they were part of my squad, Kaorah and Mewtwo also had to go along. Team ACT, Alakazam especially, were intrigued by my inventory system. Watching as we figured out exactly what we'd need. Enough supplies for eight people at once, this time.

As soon as we were good to go, I tore open a rift with ease. I didn't even have to channel my power anymore, it just happened on its own. Giratina had explained as well, that reflective surfaces make it much easier, too. Still, the ability to shift about so easily is going to make travel much faster for all of us. And I'm absolutely going to use it, with the same limits as fast travel, to an extent.

Team ACT looked very uncomfortable with the Distortion World, and I could feel their discomfort. Just as strong as I had felt when I was first here…just without the existential dread that comes with being next to Giratina at his full power. He's not anywhere nearby, for right now.

I put a hand on Alakazam's shoulder as soon as we were back outside. He took a slow breath, before nodding. Once his teammates sorted themselves out, we began to move into the canyon. The local Pokemon actually recognized my parents, some stopping us so they could talk. Because of this, we all got friendly greetings from everyone.

It was a nice change of pace, just being able to slowly walk through. Instead of rushing…having people flee or try to fight a battle in which they were outmatched. I think the fact I'm a Lucario probably helps with that too, like with the previous runs we've done.

Also, it's hard to believe we're already at this point so fast…feels like the story is just…breezing on by. But…we're probably gonna be doing post-game, too. 'Cause we're gonna have to deal with Kyogre, after the asteroid is stopped.

Our trek through the canyon towards the hill was mostly silent, outside of stopping to talk. Or, checking out the green Kecleon's shop whenever the chance presented itself. We did have one bit of unexpected chaos, when I accidentally set off a monster house. Mewtwo dealt with that on his own, by quickly knocking everyone out, teleporting around with Hypnosis.

By the time they all woke up, we were already long gone. My parents took the time to talk with Mewtwo, and he decided to reveal how I'd gotten him from Team Rocket's boss…Giovanni. But, he also told them how my team was responsible for the man's decision to officially disband his team.

Alakazam and his team had no idea what we were talking about. But they smiled when Kaorah told them about the Fuchsia City story. With Alakazam even giving me a nod of approval. What we did was what any rescue team would do in our place.

We soon reached the hill, and began our climb up. It didn't take us very long, soon reaching the top. Where Xatu was found, staring into the sun, as expected. He smiled, before slowly turning to face us.

"Chosen one." He spoke softly, before bowing respectfully. "It is a true honor. Just as I have foreseen, you have been brought to see me. You have many questions, I know it. Sit, let us talk."

We all found places to sit and get comfortable. I let everyone else talk with Xatu, while I took the time to slip into partial meditation. The natural energy around us felt much stronger here. Likely because of Xatu, but I don't know for sure. In the far, far distance…I could see the rising pillar of clouds. The Sky Pillar, waiting for the day of our arrival. And, atop it, Rayquaza.

"Xatu, we need to know…the calamities, Zeryph's arrival…tell us, please. How are they connected?" I brought my focus back to the presence as I heard Alakazam's words.

"The calamities, there have been many, in recent times. They occur because the world's balance is upset." Xatu began.

"Forgive my interruption, but…if that were the case, wouldn't Zygarde have done something about it?" I spoke up.

"An excellent point. You became a Pokemon, and you are tied to these disasters. However, you are the key to fixing all of it." Xatu said softly. "Dialga sent you here, just as I predicted. You must restore the world's balance. Or…the unthinkable will happen. It will not be stopped, unless you complete your mission. The world will be destroyed, if you fail."

"I know…but, with Dialga, we have more than enough chances to get it right." I said quietly. "Trust me…I know we will."

"I know, just as well as you. You will succeed in the end, I believe that you will." Xatu smiled. "Human, Lucario, it matters not. You were chosen for a reason. I trust you to find the solution to our problems. To save us all when the time comes."

"You have my word." I already know what I need to do. Perhaps, Zygarde's Core not assembling his true form is a sort of test. And he wants to see if I can do it. If that's the case, then let my actions be the proof that he wants to see.

"Go, return to the village. But…be aware. I sense a great deal of hardship in the near future. Zeryph…grave danger looms in the shadows of the following days. Never has my vision been so clouded. I don't know what is waiting around the corner for you or the village, but…please…no matter what, be careful." Xatu's warning sent a chill down my spine.

What does he mean by that? Best I can think of, it's related to that Ninetales legend with the curse thing. But…my mother's a Ninetales herself, now. And she's definitely not the sort to curse someone for something as small as touching her tails, by any means. And I know for a fact that I, myself, could easily get away with touching one's tails, and not be cursed. I know their curses are particularly spiteful, for those who genuinely earn it.

So…this brings up Gengar, and what I sensed about him being human. I think he might be the one from legend, the one who was meant to be cursed. It would explain the evil I can sense from him. The legend goes that the curse caught a Gardevoir who jumped in the way for her trainer…or something. Only for the fool to abandon her to her fate, by fleeing like a coward. That's a…really slimmed version of it, but still.


[Break]


Later, as we returned to town, I noticed Lombre, Bellsprout, and Snubbul talking to each other in the square. About…the legend itself. And then, hearing it from Whiscash. I got this sinking feeling in my gut. I took a knee and bowed my head as I began to think it over. That…couldn't be right, could it? I know for a fact that it's not myself or my parents.

I'm more than sure now, it's Gengar, it has to be. 'Cause if Melanie ever took a curse for me, I'd NEVER abandon her. Same for any of the other girls…or even Mewtwo. I gathered the rest of the team after a day full of hard work, both training and missions. Our team has really gone through the ranks, and folks all around are getting to know us.

Out of everyone, Alex was shaken the hardest, having known me for the shortest time of the bunch. Not counting the sisters, anyway. Still, he even outright said that he knows that it's not me. I took some time into the night to sit down and meditate on this.

And as I slipped into my mind, I met her. Pretty, though not as much as Melanie is. She greeted me with a smile and a soft voice.

"Human…! I've been waiting for so long. It's nice to finally meet you, even if it's brief." She said.

"You as well, Gardevoir." I said, softly. "I'm…really sorry that…you got stuck with such a coward. Were I in his place, you and I wouldn't be meeting each other right now."

"Wha-? Are…you saying that he's…" Gardevoir trailed off as I nodded. I held out my arms, offering a hug, sensing that she probably could use one. A gesture which she accepted.

"He's a Gengar, now…I'm sure of it." I said softly. "Listen…you and I, we might only have this one chance to talk. I've just learned some really unsettling information. And…I get the sense that tomorrow, things are about to go terribly wrong."

"Please…don't…don't hurt him. He…he might've abandoned me, but I…I don't hate him for it. I shielded him so that he'd have a chance to run. But, Ninetales are…spiteful creatures. And they live for very long periods of time. Hundreds of years, in fact. Just…at the end of all this, at least…try to make things right." Gardevoir pleaded.

"I…can't make any promises, I'm sorry." I said softly. "Listen, I…I really wish I could help you, but…I don't have the means to do it right now." I felt myself beginning to fade. "Our time is running out. I'll come back when I can. And I'll find a way to break the curse, that is a promise which I can make."

Gardevoir smiled at me, as the mindscape faded away. I quietly stood up, stretching my legs, before heading home in order to get some sleep. But not before writing out the details to a contingency plan that I'm calling "Code Crimson." It'll…make sense, if it happens, but…I really, really hope it doesn't come to that.

For the first time in as long as I can remember, my night last night, was restless. Even with Mewtwo snuggled up against my side. It was to rotate to Lexie, tonight. Still, I couldn't sleep, and it showed. If not for the Gamer's perks, I'd be dead tired right now, most likely.

After breakfast, we headed out into the village. And, on the way to pick up our jobs for the day…there was a crowd. Everyone gathered around Gengar, even Team ACT. Alakazam shot me a look, one which held a great deal of concern. I could sense the strong worry rolling off him and his team.

I heard what Gengar said…a Pokemon who sought the advice of Xatu, who was originally a human. I felt a sinking feeling, and a soft pain in my chest. I listened to Gengar's blabbering…and I began to feel it, a small warmth deep within. A spark, a warning.

[BGM suggestion]

[Bruce Faulconer- Super Saiyan]

"There's more…if the world's balance is upset by a human being a Pokemon…maybe…if they were gone, then the balance would be corrected, right?" I heard Gengar say. "That human is the rotten coward who abandoned Gardevoir, right? I don't think the human could complain about anything if we got rid of it. Isn't that right, Zeryph?"

"It…can't be. He's a Lucario, right? It doesn't make sense." Kangaskhan spoke up.

"And he has a Gardevoir on his team too, doesn't he?" Snubbul asked.

"Oh, she's just a replacement for the one he abandoned like a coward." Gengar said before chuckling. My stare had gone blank, my breathing caught and I felt my heart skip a beat.

"Maybe…he's right. Zeryph, were…were you really that human?" Bellsprout asked.

I was silent, not responding, because I was trying to keep myself from going over the edge.

[You're not just gonna let him get away with the lies, are you?] Giratina growled in my head. [Feel that anger…that rage? Let it flow, Zeryph. Make good on your promise. Murder him…do it.]

"Nothing to say for yourself, hmm?" Gengar taunted.

[Unleash your inner beast. Tear him apart. DO IT! Or would you rather prove him right?] Giratina growled, before chuckling in a sinister manner. [What happens if they get rid of you, hmm? All those pretty girls of yours. I'm sure Gengar would like to-]

I held my hands up to my face, looking at the spikes. I felt my heart beat harder than ever before…and with a dull thump…my eyes turned red, and my power surged to a level I've never felt before. I began to black out, giving into the rage burning within.


[Perspective Switch.]


A huge burst of emerald light knocked all of those nearby off their feet, as his power surged to new heights. He had gained height, his form gaining more muscle as his hands and feet turned red. New spikes of steel grew from his limbs, and the circular braces on his shoulders. His sensory pods turning into four long extremities that blew wildly in the turbulent air.

His tail changed from its smaller blue form, to a larger, fluffier shape. The fur taking on a yellow color. Black marks spread down his arms and legs and across his face. His once green eyes replaced by an angry crimson, both locking onto Gengar as a rumbling growl escaped his throat.

Aura flared to life over his body. A bright, brilliant blaze of emerald flame. He growled, then he shot forward faster than the eyes could follow, weights be damned. The ground cracking under the force of his first step. His first punch landing with a loud crunch just inches away as Gengar evaded in a hurry, nearly panicking. The ground caving into a small crater, showing that Zeryph had fully intended to do as much damage as possible in that single punch.

Zeryph's attempts to hit Gengar were wild, driven by rage. With each swing, Gengar's feeling of sheer terror only grew stronger. Even as Zeryph's team began to evacuate the town, none of them once tried to draw his attention away. Zeryph managed to get a hold of Gengar, before beginning to drag his face along any walls the pair got near.

Walls, then the ground, then smashing him through any tree in reach. Before switching to using the ground around them. Slamming the Ghost into any surface in reach with almost enough force to rival Ozen the Immovable. But, much to the enraged Lucario's annoyance, Gengar just would, not, break. Even as his HP began to dip rapidly under each hit, an alarming sign, especially for a ghost. Still, the pain for Gengar was very real, and he didn't remember the last time he'd felt it.

Not like this, that's for sure. He was beginning to realize just how big a mistake he'd made. He should've listened to Zeryph's warnings. He should've listened, but he didn't, and now…he was paying for it. He saw his teammates, running to catch up with them.

"No…stop! Don't…come any…ACK!" Zeryph's fist interrupted what Gengar was trying to say. His frantic warning for his team to stay away. He then felt the ground meet his body once more, then the pain of Zeryph's weight stomping hard onto his face.

"STOP!" Medicham called out. "Please! He's had enough!" Her pleas fell on deaf ears. She watched with horror as Zeryph's Aura began to flare, being channeled to just above what would be his right palm. Shaping into the unmistakable form of an Aura Sphere. Zeryph lifted his right hand, preparing to slam it downwards.

In the last moment, Ekans barely managed to shove Gengar's broken form aside, just enough that he'd be blown clear, but Ekans wasn't so lucky. All that would be left was a crater, the force of the attack being too great for his body to handle.

Zeryph froze for a moment, apparently stumped by such a daring sacrifice, but it wouldn't last. Medicham took her chance, grabbing Gengar, and running as fast as her legs could carry her. She squeezed her eyes shut, whimpering at the angry roar behind her. Then she felt a searing pain as something sharp ripped through her. The last thing she'd see was her lower body falling away from herself.

"Did you really think your pathetic little friends could save you?" Zeryph growled, the blade of Aura fading out as he lifted Gengar by the face, glaring into his one open eye. "What a waste. It's a shame, really. I warned them just like I did you, didn't I? Maybe you need to suffer more to get the point across."

"Zeryph! Stop!" Mewtwo called out. He had shifted into Battle Fury, just as the contingency dictated. He was more than ready to go into Phase 2 if necessary.

"Even my own team stands against me…hmmph! I'll be back for you." Zeryph whipped his arm to the side, and Gengar was finally met with the peace of unconsciousness as he crashed through several trees.

"Zeryph…please…calm down." Mewtwo said softly, despite his transformation.

"And why should I, hmm? Do you have any idea how good this feels?" Zeryph formed a pair of jagged bones in his hands, through the use of Bone Rush. It wasn't much more than a bastardized Sacred Sword. Still, it was good enough for him. He charged forward at incredible speed, his attacks being met with Mewtwo's own blades.

Unlike Zeryph's uncontrolled transformation, Mewtwo's was focused. He fought expertly, in the way only a Legendary could. Countering Zeryph's uncoordinated swings with ease. Of course, this only served to make Zeryph angrier. As he began to throw blasts of Aura, not even Aura Spheres. They were weak, unstable, yet still packed quite the punch.

"GRRR! Stand…STILL!" Zeryph growled, a large overhead swing just barely missing. His right arm snagging as it was caught by crimson chain. A chain which quickly pulled his arm out and away. Then his left was snagged as he tried to reach to break it. "What…the hell…is this?!"

"Code Crimson…but in your state, you don't seem to remember." Mewtwo said softly. The Lake Guardians all flickered into existence. "Just as planned. Now…say goodnight." Mewtwo, and the sisters, all hit Zeryph with the strongest Hypnosis they could manage. Mewtwo had told the sisters how to overwhelm the Gamer perks, just in case of something like this.

"No…when I…get out of…here…I'm…gonna…kill…" Zeryph's head slumped as he fell unconscious. His powers receding as he was sent off into a deep sleep. Mewtwo let out an exhausted sigh, falling into a sitting position before flopping onto his back. His transformation fading away in an instant.

"Two fatalities, one critically injured. The rest escaped unharmed." Azelf spoke sadly. "Those two, the Ekans and Medicham…they didn't deserve that."

"Full memory wipe. Don't let anyone remember this incident outside of the team." Mewtwo said quietly.

"Way ahead of you, big guy." Uxie said softly, in return. "Dialga has already taken care of the damage. I get the sense that right about now…Dad is pretty…displeased. With Giratina, after a stunt like that. And...displeased might be an understatement."

"We should be safe to wake Zeryph up now." Mesprit spoke up. "His fury has faded."


[Perspective Switch]


I blinked my eyes open, my wrists felt sore, and I had a migraine once again. Not helped any by the sunlight shining on my face. I groaned in pain, slowly reaching up to cover my eyes. What the hell even happened?

I found myself pulled into a tight hug, and felt wetness on my shoulder. Mewtwo, and he was…crying. The hell have I done? I searched through the Gamer's Mind emergency recording function and…it all hit me at once.

"Oh my fucking god…" I let a phrase from my first life slip. I'm much more used to saying Arceus now…but after what I'd just seen…yeah. I really...couldn't help it. I shifted so I could let Mewtwo hold me better, and I held him in return.

Medicham's body was quietly taken away by the sisters, and…there was no sign of Ekans. As for Gengar, he was in horrible shape. He…didn't look like he was going to make it. I felt really bad, even though I wasn't in control. Melanie pretty much confirmed it, even using her magic to end whatever suffering there was. Sure, Gengar might've been an ass. And, yeah, Ekans and Medicham went along with him...but they didn't need to die. Why did I let myself give in like that?

Melanie was the next to hug me as tightly as she could safely do. Muttering in my ears how it wasn't my fault. I just felt…numb, I guess. I've been mad before, sure, but…never anything like…that. For everyone's sake, I cut contact with Giratina for right now. As to avoid the possibility of…another episode.

I don't think he can blame me for it, either. Besides, he's the one who goaded me into getting angry in the first place. And I still let myself give in. I think that, even without Giratina pushing me, I would've given in, anyway. I soon learned that Team ACT had been exempt from the mind-wipe. They were fearful of me, and for good reason.

Even the assurance that I wasn't gonna flip out again, wasn't doing much. A warm feeling washed over me, and I recognized the feeling of the power of Arceus. A low sigh of relief escaped from me as my nerves were settled. Arceus forgiving me for that mess was…comforting.

I felt my parents rub up against my sides in a comforting manner, both of them nuzzling the sides of my face. I felt water begin to drip onto my fur. It had started to rain, but I didn't care. My mother shifted, one of her tails moving to shield my head.

I gently pushed her tail aside, as I never minded rain. It's one thing that always makes me feel calm, no matter what. And I really needed that, right now. I felt Lexie's arms wrap around me as I stood up. Silence was always something I appreciated when I needed to clear my head.

She was the one to pull me along, towards what had become our office building. Somewhere out of the rain, where I could sit down and listen to the sound of rainfall. Even though Dialga had fixed the buildings, some scarring was still there.

The last thing anyone remembered was…my transformation. As it turns out, I'd knocked out anyone who wasn't part of my team, outside Team ACT. And, also, Alex. He'd been in the air at the time, so he didn't get the full brunt of the blast.

I felt Latias wrap me into a tight hug, herself. And as I sat down in what was the office building, I felt her settle next to me, before laying her head on my shoulder. Everyone was truly afraid of me now…my…episode…having shaken the village trust in me.

But, when they were told why…I was surprised by how…understanding they all were. That my love for the girls, for Mewtwo…was the fuel for the spark of fury that Giratina had set off. That it was what ultimately caused my Mega Evolution. What caused my transformation…my fury. What got three Pokemon killed, even when two of them didn't deserve it.

"It'll all be OK, Zerrie." Latias said softly. I…highly doubt that. "You were angry…that Gengar had…had said things he shouldn't have. And, his team…wrong place, wrong time."

"Latias, you didn't just murder three Pokemon. You can't even begin to know what that feels like." It's not the first time, either…that I was responsible for people's deaths in some way. The hidden rocket base Mewtwo and I raided, that was one thing. Those were irredeemable scum. Celadon City's rocket base, although it was technically indirectly. 'Cause I wasn't exactly alive to stop Melanie and Mewtwo from attacking it.

And now…Gengar's team. Gamer's Mind or not, I still fuckin' felt it whenever I killed someone. Doesn't matter if they're irredeemable. It's when it becomes easy to do, when it stops affecting me, that I become a monster. Pokemon, though…hits way harder than humans do. Even killing the bosses in the dungeons had an effect on me...in some cases. The Scizor was proof of that.

"You're right but…you weren't thinking clearly, either. You weren't in control. Should we be angry at you for that? No! You weren't mad at Mewtwo or Melanie for losing control. They did it because they loved you, right? So…is it so different for you to lose it for similar reasons?" Latias…has a point.

"Yeah…you're right. I guess it…shows how strongly I care." I said softly.

"Yes, it does. It shows that you do care. It shows…that you love them. And…maybe I might just feel the same about you." Latias's lips met my right cheek with a soft kiss. "I know…maybe not the best time to say that, but…maybe it's just something you needed to hear."

"Maybe so. Hey…wanna go up and fly for a bit? Could use the extra time to clear my head." My suggestion got an eager nod. It didn't take long to get the harness on, adjusted for my current form of course. As soon as I was latched in, Latias shifted into her mega form and shot off into the air. Making sure to go high enough that most Pokemon won't bother us, yet low enough to not trespass on Rayquaza's airspace. We didn't mind the rain, either. Once we were above the clouds, it wasn't an issue.

I'd made sure to tell the rest of the team where we were going, of course. Latias was smiling the whole time, but chose not to do any stunt flying. Which I'm fine with, especially since this is just meant to be a relaxing flight, not an airshow. Latias took us up higher, the longer we stayed up. Using her psychic power to create an air bubble that would last us for a bit.

Up here, I could sense him. Rayquaza's power, at the peak of the Sky Pillar. Silently waiting for the day we go to him. It might not be too much longer until then. I just hope the death of Gengar and his team won't…affect things negatively. Given that they weren't revived immediately, it's safe to guess that it won't. Outside of missing out on their post-game quests.

Regardless of whether or not that does anything, Groudon won't wake up for another few days at the least. So there's still time until we have to go deal with him. I can sense him, too…and Kyogre, as well, if I really push the radius I've got. The fact that it's Legends which I'm sensing probably helps, too.

In the same sense, I know where the village is, not just because we've been there, but because Mewtwo is like a beacon whenever I have Aura Sight up. Even up here, I can still see where he is.

"Hey Zerrie." Latias interrupted my thoughts. "Think we should go on a date, sometime?"

"Heh, sure…sounds like fun." I said, softly. I was surprised that she was the one to ask, first. "Can't do a park though…have already done that twice…hmm…maybe I can take us to an aquarium or something."

"No, you don't have to do anything crazy. I'd be happy with just going somewhere to eat." Latias smiled back at me. "But if you really want to, I can't stop you. Besides, you're the one with fancy powers."

"An aquarium trip and somewhere nice to eat. Gotcha. Maybe that restaurant I took Melanie to, in Alola…or perhaps…something I'm a bit more familiar with." I started to think of something. "Hmm…maybe there's some Kalosian or Unovan restaurants that would be pretty good."

"We can think about it, later. For now, let's enjoy our flight, then head home." Latias and I fell into a comfortable silence, going on to spend the next couple hours flying freely. Makes me really wish I could fly, for myself. I can use Aera Magic, sure, but the hard part is actually getting it since…it's usually only used by Exceeds.


[Break]


As we landed from our flight, I unhooked myself from the harness, then began to help Latias take it off before storing it away. Then we regrouped with the others for supper before they started to go to turn in for the night. It was still raining, both out here and inside the base dimension.

"Zeryph, wait." Alakazam spoke up, just before I would've stepped through the portal. I sent Lexie on ahead, then closed it.

"What's up?" I found somewhere to sit down, and Team ACT did the same. "Is this about…earlier?" I asked, quietly.

"Yes, it is. I…I cannot just…just simply let it all slide. Please, understand that…such a thing has never happened before you came around. I know, you're here on a mission, but…these disasters, they did still start after your arrival." Alakazam was quiet, yet, his worry was obvious still.

"Well, more accurately, they got worse. Sure natural disasters happen on occasion as the world shifts but…never as frequently as they've been in the past few days." Tyranitar spoke up. "Even battles don't cause things like this. But…at least, Solais has been a major help as far as warning us before one strikes."

"Well, that's what Absols like her are good at." I said softly. "Do you maybe think these earthquakes aren't something, but…someone?" I asked. I don't think it really is Groudon…and we'll have to wait and see if Gengar's demise stops the disasters.

"Groudon? Possibly…but…if it really was, things would be going far worse." Alakazam said.

"Right…and if he were to have the Red Orb…we would be in serious trouble." There's only two abilities which can counter it…and one of them counters the other, too. Heavy Rain, and the Delta Stream. "But if it was Groudon, Rayquaza would've done something about it." Groudon and Kyogre are his responsibility, after all.

"And as you said before, Zygarde himself would correct the balance if it truly was thrown off." Alakazam bowed his head. "Hmm…your senses, do you sense if anything seems off? I apologize if my question seems strange. Feel for the world's natural aura, tell me what you sense."

I shifted into a position for meditation, closing my eyes with a slow breath before reaching out for the world's natural aura. It felt warm…calming…welcoming. And yet, it felt disturbed, afraid…like there was something that was a great danger to us all. I could feel it…like the natural balance was indeed disturbed.

Gengar's death didn't seem to settle it at all. If anything, it made it worse…compounded by his teammates' deaths as well. I felt more into the natural energy, to see how I was connected, if at all. Much to my surprise, I was. But like Xatu said earlier today, I was the key to restoring it, not the cause for this whole mess.

This tells me that Gengar wasn't truly the one to throw off the balance. If he was, he would've been killed much sooner, by Zygarde. No…something else is afoot. I opened my eyes, using training from Mewtwo and the sisters to spread my senses upwards as high as I could push them. Aura flowing to my eyes as I reached for my Aura Sight.

"What is it?" Alakazam asked quietly. I felt him reach out with his own senses.

"Something…dark. It's faint, but it's there." I could feel it. Beyond the atmosphere, past the end of the sky, and well into the dark beyond it. Something was coming, and we've still got plenty of time before it arrives. This confirms what I previously said about the asteroid, at least. Perhaps…Deoxys really is a threat. He's not the only alien Pokemon, but is the one to be the most likely.

I reigned my power back in, and took a slow breath. Feeling natural energy itself was incredible, but without the sage training to use it, trying to draw on it would very likely stone me. At least until the Distortion World fixes it. I absolutely plan to take care of that, too. Sage training would be a much safer amp to use, as opposed to using my Mega form…until I can control it.

Maybe sage training will be the counterweight to the fury that my Mega Form holds. If nothing else, I can seek out Korrina's grandfather, Gurkinn. And, perhaps seeking out Mabel would also help. Mewtwo would also be great to learn from, however, his own Mega form is very different to my own. He's able to focus his power, and even shift between at will with ease.

It seems like my first visit to Kalos will arrive much sooner than I thought. Having finally Mega Evolved, without a stone or even a seed. Mewtwo found his trigger before, but wasn't able to fully use it until he broke his chains by facing Giovanni's team.

My reason seems to be tied strongly to my team. To those who I care about the most. I chose to return to the base without a word, as I need some time to think to myself over…everything, really. Tomorrow, I'll see if Dialga will let me take a trip to Kalos. Speaking with Gurkinn and Mabel, I feel, is an absolute necessity. As previously mentioned, we've still got a few days time until Groudon's supposed to wake up.

And I plan to make the most of it.


Notes:

Keep in mind…that was only Zeryph's Mega form being unleashed. He has another form tied to the Void Reaper class that…has a lot more tails, is way more angry, far more powerful, and much less controlled. Gengar made him mad sure, but definitely didn't make him that angry.

Still, Team Meanies had to die here for good reason. It's to show Zeryph that when he's angry, he doesn't think, at all, about what consequences his actions bring. And to show him that he must learn to control his emotions properly. Gamer's Mind may help him think clearly, but it does NOT stop him from losing it if someone sets off the burning fury hidden deep within. Doubly so now that Zeryph is a Void Reaper.