Being aware of one's self and purpose allows one to find strength within oneself. The route to my path forward is clear. All I need now is to make it happen.

Kai sat cross-legged on the smooth, stone ground of a cliff overlooking the water. He was meditating quietly, the ocean breeze comforting him in the night's silence.

He, Cyan, and Luke had recently escaped the Pine Orphanage after it was destroyed in a conflict between Celica and The Ideal One, causing an Ultra Beast to appear from an Ultra Wormhole.

Following this event, Luke was chosen by Regieleki, allowing him and the Ideal One to defeat the Ultra Beast after Kai and Cyan had shown up to help. Unfortunately, the Ideal One escaped along with the Ultra Beast.

From there, they'd gotten into the armored transport vehicle Kai had commandeered before he met Cyan, venturing into the Outlands to escape.

In his meditation, he quietly reflected on these events, his breath deep and even. The point of his reflection was not to think about what he could've done differently, but about what he has to do now.

Despite being focused on his inner self, he was still aware of all his surroundings, quietly taking them in without letting them distract him. Thus, when a tall figure quietly walked towards him, he knew exactly who it was.

"Urshifu," said Kai, not turning around as he slowly opened his eyes.

Urshifu sat down next to Kai, settling into a cross-legged position himself. You've always been perceptive, Kai. It sets you apart from the many other humans I've met.

Kai gave a soft smile. "I haven't always been like this."

Urshifu tilted his head, bemused. Meditation is about being in the present.

Kai laughed. "I suppose you're right."

His smile faltered as he noticed something was wrong. Looking thoughtfully, he observed multiple wounds on Urshifu's fur.

"You're hurt."

The circumstances of which are unfortunate, said Urshifu, looking into the distance. I was attacked by the Gloom Organization.

"How'd they find you?"

Have you heard of the recent invasion of this region's central cities?

An alarmed expression crossed Kai's face. "No, I haven't."

Pokémon from across the Outlands have come together and are moving upon human cities and Outland settlements. The Gloom Organization's actions have forced them to react, seeking revenge against all of humanity.

Kai was silent, taking in Urshifu's words. It only made sense that the Pokémon would eventually do something. The Gloom Organization had broken the sacred treaty, captured Pokémon, and turned them into monsters with complete disregard. Still, the destruction of all humanity?

Urshifu carefully watched Kai. Regrettably, things have ended up the way they were before the existence of Chosen. Their rage has been simmering for years, and the appearance of more Chosen has done little to alleviate the situation.

"So our objectives have shifted from bridging the gap between Pokémon to fighting the Gloom Organization."

Exactly.

Kai frowned thoughtfully. None of this answered his original question directly, but it had to be related to Urshifu's injuries.

"So, what happened?"

I, along with some of the other Legendary Guardians, discovered the reason for the organized attack. Another one of the Legendary Guardians led the assault.

"What? Doesn't that go against your mission from Arceus?"

It does, said Urshifu, sadly looking away. From an objective standpoint, the rage of the Pokémon is understandable. Hatred towards humanity, even as a Legendary Guardian, is justified. What isn't justified, however, are indiscriminate attacks against all of humanity. The Gloom Organization and those who work for it are at fault here.

Kai looked down. "People rely on the Gloom Organization for support and look to them as saviors. From a Pokémon standpoint, I can see why they blame all of humanity."

Urshifu nodded. Indeed, emotions should not outweigh common sense. Even among humans, not everyone believes in the Gloom Organization. Spearheading a destruction campaign against humanity as a Legendary Guardian is unacceptable. Because of this, my comrades and I decided to stand up for the humans.

Kai was burning with questions, but he knew better than to interrupt the Legendary Pokémon. Instead, he waited patiently for Urshifu to continue his story.

The Gloom Organization, however, was planning for this. The moment we began to get involved in pushing back the Pokémon, the Gloom Organization gathered in areas with large amounts of Pokémon, waiting for us to intervene so they could take us by surprise. The same happened to me, but I broke free and escaped.

"Were any of their higher-ups present? The Ideal One?"

No, the battle was brief, and none were present.

"What should we do? Or do you already have something in mind?"

Urshifu smiled. If I didn't know, then I wouldn't have sought you out. As it stands, the Gloom Organization has gotten its hands on another Ultra Beast.

"Another one? Was it summoned by the girl again?" asked Kai, reflecting on an earlier conversation with Luke.

No, this one came from a portal opened by scientific means. I am not sure what became of the scientists, but some of them may have fallen through. Either way, the Gloom Organization will target a Legendary directly now that they have the resources. Where do you think they'll strike?

Kai let the question hand in the air, thinking about it. "Based on what you've told me, I'd assume they'd wait in a place where humans face the most devastation."

Exactly. From what I remember, Ho-oh was talking about the rising number of casualties in Rosecove City. He sent one of his agents to resolve the situation, but we haven't received any updates.

Kai nodded, standing to his feet. "We'll leave tomorrow morning. Stay safe, Urshifu."

Likewise, Kai Yang. Remember, stay vigilant. Shadows lurk everywhere, you may never know what to expect.

A seemingly armored green van with a blue recycling symbol drove down an open plain, its specialized wheels fighting through the grass.

The armored van was the same vehicle Kai had taken. After removing whatever device allowed the Gloom Organization to track their vehicle, he and Cyan painted it to make it stand out less.

While Kai was in the driver's seat, Cyan and Luke sat in the transport area. Luke was wrapped in a fire blanket and wore rubber gloves to prevent the electricity arcing around his body from damaging the truck's components, as they'd learned the hard way.

For most of the trip, they had been driving in silence, anticipating the challenges ahead. Luke, however, was extremely bored.

Unfortunately for him, Cyan was currently dozing off. Any attempt to catch her attention would lead to her blinking sleepily at him, usually after multiple attempts.

"So, Kai," said Luke, moving towards the driver's seat.

"Hmm?"

"Why were you chosen by Urshifu?"

"My understanding of the world around me and my sense of self were qualities that Urshifu greatly appreciated and saw within himself. Because of this, he decided I would be fit to wield his abilities."

"So like, meditation and mindfulness?"

"Precisely."

Luke rocked back and forth in his seat. "So, you're like… a monk? Were you raised and trained upon steep mountains with flowing waterfalls?"

Kai laughed. "Quite the picture you've painted there. Sorry to disappoint, but no. A good friend taught me how to practice meditation after the Gloom Organization took over a few years back. It was a way to help resolve my conflicts and feel at ease with myself."

"That's cool. Seems like the opposite of what I would do. Everyone says I'm so restless and unbearable."

"If you ever want to slow down and take a moment to think, come talk to me. I'll be happy to teach you."

Luke shrugged, turning to look out the front window. "Maybe, I'll think about it. By the way, the Outlands look really beautiful and serene. I wish the cities were so full of nature."

"They typically aren't supposed to be this empty. But most Pokémon have been closing in on human settlements. We should still be wary all the same."

Luke nodded, turning to Cyan. "Got it. Hey- sleepyhead!"

Cyan looked up, shivering as her tired eyes looked at Luke. "Yes?

"You, okay? Ever since I've met you you've always seemed low energy."

Cyan sighed, bringing her knees up to her chest. "It's just a thing now, I guess. Don't worry about it."

"What's your story?" asked Luke. "Like, why did Articuno choose you?"

"Fell through a wormhole, chosen by… at some point…"

Luke watched her as she began to nod off again. Sighing in resignation, he got to his feet and paced back and forth, his boredom growing.

Suddenly, the van swerved to the side, the rough terrain almost causing it to tip over. Luke and Cyan were thrown into the left wall, crashing into each other and toppling to the floor as the truck settled.

"What happened?" asked Cyan as she slowly got to her feet, bracing herself against the bench.

"A trap," said Kai, spinning the van's wheel to try and free it from the undergrowth. "A Pokémon must've found us and proceeded to warn other Pokémon."

A loud crash echoed through the van as something collided, causing it to tilt onto two wheels. Luke leaped for the side of the truck that had been hit, trying to use his weight to prevent it from tipping over.

Kai opened the transport door and got out through the front one. "We'll have to fight them. Get ready."

Luke ditched his fire blanket and zipped out the door, landing on the ground as electricity exploded around him. Cyan followed him, albeit more carefully.

"Now what do we have here?" asked a towering Nidoking. "Three little Oathbreakers in the Outlands in a colorful capture van."

"What's an Oathbreaker?" asked Luke. "Also, you can speak our language?"

The Nidoking and surrounding Pokémon stared at Luke, realization dawning on them.

"He's one of the traitors!" shouted a Bombirdier that stood on the back of a Skeledirge.

Kai looked around, assessing the situation. There were five Pokémon, all fully evolved. None of them, however, seemed to have been able to trap their van within the overgrown grass. Which most likely meant more Pokémon were lying in wait.

Two Pokémon present ran towards them, the Nidoking and a Garganacl. Luke charged himself with electricity and exploded forward in the blink of an eye, reaching the Nidoking and throwing multiple electrified punches and kicks.

"Nice try!" roared the Nidoking, raising his hands and bringing them crashing down. Cyan fired a beam of ice, freezing the Nidoking solid after Luke safely dodged the attack.

The Garganacl brought its hands together and used its signature move, Salt Cure, firing a beam of salt at Cyan. Cyan created an explosion of ice around her, shielding herself with the ice.

The Skeledirge dropped the fireball on its head to the ground, sending a power scream into it. A blast of fire erupted forward, melting through the ice with the help of the salt.

Cyan leaped away from the attack, shattering the remaining ice and sending it flying toward the Bombirdier, which had taken flight earlier. Before the Skeledirge could fire another attack, Luke dashed forward and struck it with a kick, racing around it and throwing another one.

The Nidoking burst free from his icy prison, roaring angrily and running for Cyan. However, he didn't get far as Kai appeared, drawing his arm back and punching the Nidoking in the mid-section with a powerful Wicked Blow.

The Nidoking staggered back, its arm glowing as it tried crushing Kai with a Hammer Arm. Kai sidestepped the attack and delivered three quick, water-enhanced blows, staggering the Nidoking further.

"Damn you traitor!" shouted the Nidoking. He rose into the air as sludge gathered beneath him, intent on flooding the battlefield with a Sludge Wave. However, his elevated position made him an easy target.

"Kai, move," said Cyan, an icy storm swirling around her.

Kai nodded and leaped out of the way as Cyan launched a huge blast of ice. The Nidoking tried to fight back but was too late as he and the wave he was riding were frozen over.

Using this opportunity, Kai unleashed multiple Surging Strikes, demolishing the frozen Sludge Wave as it exploded into frosty bits. With one final Wicked Blow, he punched the Nidoking causing the ice around it to shatter as it flew into the Garganacl.

Luke noticed what was happening and leaped away from the Skeledirge. Charging his electricity, he fired it at the Garganacl as it struggled to free itself from beneath the Nidoking. The Skeledirge tried to attack, but Kai defeated it with a Wicked Blow.

The Bombirdier, seeing its comrades defeated, only laughed. "You haven't won, traitors. As I speak, human casualties are rising among your cities as thousands upon thousands of us Pokémon lay waste to them. There aren't a thousand sorcerers, there aren't a thousand traitors. Your fight is futile."

"Would Arceus approve of your actions?" asked Kai.

"Who needs Arceus' approval? He's a Pokémon, yet he's more focused on balancing the power of humans and Pokémon! And what has come out of it? On the other hand, the Dark Lord Giratina smiles upon our actions. He believes Pokémon should rise to power!"

Kai raised an eyebrow at this, recalling some of Urshifu's teachings. Sorcery, while created by Arceus to balance the powers between humans and Pokémon, had faded after the era of the Chosen. It was only because of Giratina, who reintroduced it and expanded its potential, that people use it today.

"Giratina only cares about opposing Arceus and furthering his agenda."

"Well, that's good enough for me, especially if Arceus favors the humans!"

Kai knew he made the Pokémon angry, which could work to his advantage. "If you respect Giratina because he enjoys your actions, does that mean he's the one directing your attacks?"

The Bombirdier laughed. "If he was, all of you humans would be no more."

"So… Giratina never told you to attack humanity. You're simply using him as an excuse to justify your actions. That's what you tell yourself to kill countless inno-"

"Now of them are innocent! Your entire despicable race is at fault here! We should have never accepted the treaty! We should've wiped you all out while we could!"

Kai looked at the Pokémon steadily, his expression never changing. "Had you done that, the world and all its inhabitants would be no more. History is repeating itself, can't you see that?"

"Let history repeat itself. The more humans dead, the better."

"Yet humans are more advanced. We have new weaponry and better defenses. Think about it, if another full-scale war happened. Which side would have the most casualties?"

It wasn't a threat, just a simple question of thought and logic. The Bombirdier however, didn't see it that way.

The Bombirdier angrily flew into the air, its mouth glowing as it prepared to fire a devastating Hyper Beam. However, its wings froze over as Cyan launched a barrage of snow, causing it to crash down.

"W-W-e'll k-keep fighting," said Cyan, shivering due to the clod of her powers. "Y-You'll h-have to r-realize it one d-day-"

"But fighting a full-scale war to wipe out humanity is futile," finished Kai.

The Bombirdier didn't respond, having been thoroughly defeated. Kai turned around and made his way to the van. Suddenly, a vine wrapped around his legs, pulling him to the ground.

Luke turned, startled by the sound. Before he could react, vines yanked him to the ground, tightening around him as he thrashed about in his bindings, electricity flying everywhere. Despite his efforts, his captor, a green Pokémon with multiple teeth and a flat head only grinned at him.

"You seem to have forgotten," said a Carnivine holding Cyan. "But none of the Pokémon you defeated were grass types.

"What's a grass type?" asked Luke, only to be cut off as the vines squeezed harder.

"The Carnivine that had captured Kai laughed, a fourth one moving towards Cyan. "I'd tell you, but you're going to die anyway!"

Suddenly, one of the Carnivine screamed in pain as it began to freeze over, desperately letting go of Cyan as it tried to escape. Cyan screamed in pain as ice flooded through the battlefield, freezing the Carnivine but avoiding her teammates through intense control.

Kai threw the Carnivine off of him as Cyan collapsed to the ground. Luke rushed over to Cyan, checking on her.

Kai rushed over to Cyan, noticing her skin turning blue in several areas. Thankfully, she managed to stay conscious.

"You have to be careful," said Kai, worry crossing his face. "I know we were in danger there, but using your powers like that after a long battle puts you in more danger."

Cyan tried saying something, but it was difficult to understand due to her developing hypothermia. Kai helped her to her feet, bearing the cold emanating off her as he carried her back to the van, the tangled vines retracting.

"I-I-I d-don't r-re-gret it."

Luke nodded in understanding. "I do a lot of dangerous or seemingly stupid things. But I usually never regret them."

Cyan managed a weary half-smile. "L-L-ike ru-s-shing an U-Ultra B-Beast?"

"Precisely! Still can't believe I'm alive after that."

Kai smiled slightly, but his expression quickly turned serious as he faced Cyan. "Next time, you won't be in a position where you have to do that."

Cyan shook her head. "I-It's n-nothing I-I haven't g-gotten used to a-at this p-point. I can h-handle m-myself."

"They're gaining on us!" shouted Luke, staring out of an unfortunately large hole in the back of their vehicle.

Kai hit the accelerator, making a very irresponsible turn into a neighborhood district, energy shots flying down the street they'd turned from.

They'd passed through the rest of the Outlands without much trouble. However, entering Rosecove City was another matter. They'd found the entire place swarming with Pokémon and Gloom Agents. After multiple battles, they now found themselves chased relentlessly by the Gloom Organization.

"Can't we catch a break for once?" asked Luke, banging his head against the bay door as Kai turned again.

Kai didn't respond. The bay door exploded as a turret shot hit it directly, sending Luke flying backward.

Cyan sent a beam of ice flying out of the gaping hole, freezing the ground behind them and causing the pursuing vehicles to slip and slide.

"All right!" shouted Luke, bringing up his hands as they charged with electricity. "That should teach them!"

Another vehicle slid in behind them, the turret charging up. Luke fired a beam of electricity through the barrel, shutting down the energy weapon.

Kai hit the accelerator, gripping the wheel with both hands. "Hold on."

He twisted the wheel, sending the truck drifting down a road as he slammed the brakes. They turned down another street, heading back to the main road.

"Is it," said Luke apprehensively as he pointed forward. "But are we headed towards there?"

The place he was indicating was the city's center, which had been decimated shortly before their arrival.

"There's enough signs of a large battle for us to be sure Ho-oh agent."

"H-Hold on," said Cyan. "T-They're pulling back."

Cyan was right, all the trucks pursuing them stopped. The driver's inside seemed almost scared to continue.

"I suppose we're on the right track," said Kai.

Luke looked ahead at the destruction before them. "But what does that mean for us?"

You made a mistake coming here.

The speaker was a small, gray humanoid Pokémon, wisp-like in appearance. Around her stood around fifteen heavily armored Gloom Agents, all of them wielding advanced weaponry. Walking towards the Pokémon was Selena. Behind her were multiple Pokémon following like obedient servants.

"Is it a mistake?" she asked, putting a finger to the side of her face. "To me, this is an opportunity to finally have some fun."

The Pokémon laughed, shaking her head. Why you wield the power of a Legendary Guardian is beyond me. Being a Chosen and wielding a small army does not mean you can stand against me.

"Oh really?" asked Selena, producing one of Faba's Beast Balls and The Ideal One's special pokéball. "Because I have two fabulous toys I've been wanting to play with."

Your behavior is appalling.

Selena paused, a frown forming on her face. "What did you say?"

Must I repeat myself?

Selena's eye twitched, her rage growing. "As cute as you are, I won't hesitate to destroy you!"

The Pokémon's power increased as its helmet-like head began to glow teal, the wispy scarf around her matching the same color.

I am Marshadow, faithful servant of Ho-oh, and master of multiple fighting styles. I dare you to do your worst.

"Fine!" shouted Selena, chains erupting all around her. "I'll enjoy watching you suffer, open fire!"

The surrounding Gloom Agents hefted their weapons, firing multiple energy shots as Selena's chains flew at Marshadow.

The Legendary Pokémon dove into the ground, avoiding all the attacks. She reappeared behind Selena, throwing a powerful punch. Selena brought up a shell, blocking the attack but still being sent back several meters.

The Pokémon that were behind her attacked Marshadow instantly. A Sudowoodo jumped forward, swinging one of its arms. Marshadow grabbed it and swung the Pokémon around, throwing it into a Donaphan.

Marshadow dove into the ground again, popping up and striking a Morpeko with a kick before diving in again.

"Is hit and run all you can do?" shouted Selena, more chains appearing around her.

Marshadow leaped into the air behind her. Selena's chains flew at it, trying to trap it. The Pokémon grabbed the nearest chain, pulling itself up and sliding on it. As more chains attacked Marshadow, she smashed through them, leaping off the chain she was on and landing a clean hit on Selena.

I do what I-

Marshadow was interrupted as an incoming blast forced her to sink into the ground again. She popped up underneath a Gloom Agent, striking them with an uppercut and kicking their gun into another agent.

Leaping away from multiple shots, she sent a shadow toward one of the Gloom Agents. Before they could react, the shadow stole the weapon from their hands and brought it back to Marshadow, who used it to fire multiple blasts at her nearest attackers.

Ditching the gun, she dove into the ground as Selena launched another barrage of chains with a scream of frustration. Marshadow reappeared behind a Luxray and grabbed its tail, swinging it around and throwing the heavy Pokémon into a Gloom Agent.

Marshadow laughed, clearly taunting Selena. Still think you can win?

Selena glared at Marshadow, her aura increasing as her rage built. "I'll see to it that you die!"

A Gloom Agent tried to stop Selena before she attacked. "Ma'am! Calm down, we need-"

The Gloom Agent froze, a strangled cry echoing from them as a chain ripped and pierced their armor.

"You don't order me around! I'm the one in charge here! All of this is because of your incompetence. All of you, fall back! I'll handle this."

Done yet? Asked Marshadow, crossing her arms.

Selena dashed forward, chains forming around her. Marshadow crouched down as she approached, waiting.

Selena thrust her hands out, sending chains lashing forward. Marshadow didn't flinch, raising her arms and effortlessly blocking each one. Selena gathered the chains together and shot them forward, only for Marshadow to smash through them.

Marshadow leaped backward, a smug look on her face. That's i-

Marshadow staggered backward, pausing as she looked at her arms, purple lines evident. Selena gave her a cruel smile, her eyes glinting dangerously.

"You thought you could just power through that? Direct contact comes at a price. Now, you're mine."

Selena put her hand out, directing her power toward Marshadow's mind as she tried to control the Legendary Pokémon. However, a sharp pain erupted through her head, causing her to fall back.

"What the- how!"

Marshadow charged forward, sinking into the shadows and appearing behind Selena as she landed another strike. You thought you could control me?

"My poison can do so many other wonderful things to you!" shouted Selena angrily as she landed on her feet, bringing up her shell to block an endless barrage of attacks.

Marshadow fell back, readying another barrage of attacks. I have time.

Selena smiled. "Do you though? With my shells, your puny little fists won't be able to break through. I know, I'll stab you over and over again until poison fills your body. Then, I'll watch as you stagger around like Faucet until you're too weak to resist my control."

Quite the image you're painted. I'd enjoy seeing that happen if it could anyway.

"Stop mocking me already!" shouted Selena, unleashing a barrage of chains.

Marshadow easily dodged all the chains, sliding in between her normal and shadow state when necessary. Selena kept firing chains, trying to prevent any chance of escape or retaliation.

It was only when her rage abated that she realized Marshadow was no longer there.

Out of all the people I've observed, I've never seen one with a personality like yours. That isn't a good thing, by the way.

"Shut up already!" shouted Selena, sending more chains flying.

Marshadow dove into the ground, appearing in front of the chains. Her body glowed as she used Spectral Thief, sending multiple Shadow clones surging forward to attack her.

Change your attack style already. You're getting predictable at this point.

Selena opened her mouth, about to unleash a flurry of insults, when a Gloom Agent flew towards them, hitting the ground with a pained grunt and rolling over, revealing heavily damaged armor.

Selena looked at the fallen person. "What in the hell?"

More shouts were coming from other Gloom Agents that had taken the backseat during her fight. Ice flooded the plaza, freezing the multiple Gloom Agents as electricity flashed through the area.

Luke appeared between Marshadow and Selena, looking around.

"So, where's this Legendary Pokémon we're supposed to find?"

I'm right here. Marshadow said, quite unkindly. What business do you have with me? More Gloom Agents, I'll fight you all.

Kai shook his head, running up to meet them. "No, Urshifu sent us."

"Ooh," said Selena, becoming interested. "I finally get to meet some of the Chosen. How many are you? Two, three, doesn't matter, it'll be fun to kill you all."

Luke looked at her. "Who are you?"

An annoying brat that's for sure.

Selena glared at them. "I am Selena, a member of the Consumer's Council! One of his most powerful members and the strongest of his Chosen!"

"I don't know," said Luke. "You're just as old as me. Being completely real here, The Ideal One was more threatening than you."

"Zekky is nothing compared to me! All of you will suffer for your mockery! I'll watch in glee as you slowly die-"

You've been like this all day. Said Marshadow as she crouched in a fighting stance. Let's get this over-

She was cut off as two brilliant flashes of light illuminated the air. Two massive Pokémon emerged, the ground trembling as the large red one landed heavily on its four pointed legs.

"It's the Ultra Beast from the orphanage!" shouted Luke, stepping back.

She wasn't bluffing. Said Marshadow, the confident edge in her voice faltering a bit.

Selena laughed maniacally as a red aura gathered around the two Ultra Beasts, boosting their power.

"According to my little scientist puppet. The big beefy one is called Buzzwole, and the other is Nihilego. But they both belong to me, all mine! And now I'll get to watch as they crush you!"

Marshadow stepped back, the three Chosen behind her as she sized up their opponents.

The little brat won't be able to fight us while she's controlling the Ultra Beasts. Urshifu's Champion, you and I will fight the Nihilego. Articuno and Regieleki's Champions can take the Buzzwole.

"You know who we're chosen by?" asked Luke.

Of course, I know. All Legendary Guardians will be able to tell. Now, we don't have enough time to chat. Let's go.

Marshadow disappeared into the shadows as Kai ran forward to attack the Nihilego. At the same time, Cyan created a wave of ice to freeze the Buzzwole's legs, forcing it to smash through the ice with its arms, giving Luke a chance to directly strike its chest.

Marshadow appeared behind the Nihilego, launching multiple punches at the Ultra Beast. Kai ran in from the front, using his rapid style to launch an even quicker barrage of blows.

The Nihilego shrieked, releasing a cloud of toxins that wafted over them. Marshadow sunk into the ground, but Kai failed to avoid the attack.

Instantly, his vision began to change as his mind was assaulted by neurotoxins. Pulling back, he tried to steady himself as multiple illusions formed around him.

Marshadow decided that the best option was to take out Selena. Swimming through the ground, she appeared behind Selena but had her blows met by a hard shell. Leaping away from newly spawned chains, she adopted Kai's Rapid-Style to smash her way through the chains, trying to reach Selena.

On the other side of the plaza, the Buzzwole was going berserk as it tried to pulverize Luke and Cyan. It slammed its fists into the ground as Luke ran around it, barely dodging every attack on purpose.

He leaped away as it brought both fists down on the ground, Cyan immediately freezing them before it could pull away. Luke ran up the Ultra Beast and landed on its head, discharging multiple volts of electricity.

The Buzzwole roared in pain, throwing Luke into the air. It broke free of the ice and flew upwards, diving towards Cyan.

Cyan gathered ice around her feet and slid away from the attack, wisps of frost appearing on her legs. She dodged the attack and hopped off the ice, grimacing as she could feel her legs beginning to numb. She couldn't keep fighting like this.

Unfortunately, neither could Luke. He learned that he had a limited amount of electricity available to him and that electricity was quickly running out.

He looked around, wondering what he could do. Then, he noticed all the discarded guns lying on the ground.

With all the energy stored in those weapons, this might just work. Running in place, electricity gathered around him as he grew faster and faster. Everything seemed to freeze in place as Luke ran forward, electricity surging through his body.

Racing around the plaza, he grabbed as many fallen weapons as he could, using the weapon straps to tie them around the Buzzwole.

His electricity began to fade as he put the last weapon on the Buzzwole, everything around him speeding up. Leaping away from the Pokémon, he canceled his super speed, firing a bolt of electricity that arced between each weapon, triggering the energy charges and causing a massive explosion around the Buzzwole.

The Ultra Beast screamed in pain as it staggered backward, its aura flickering. It reared back, its wings steadying it as it prepared to launch another attack.

Luke cursed, realizing that his gambit wasn't enough to finish it. His power flickered as he realized he only had one chance to dodge before his power ran out. Unless Cyan was able to immobilize the Buzzwole, there

Unfortunately, Cyan was also nearing her limit. Her skin was covered in large patches of ice, with the lower half of her ponytail frozen. She staggered to her feet, her body on the verge of shutting down to the cold.

There was a squeal of tires as a pickup truck came racing into the plaza. The Buzzwole didn't have time to react as the truck plowed into its legs, two men leaping out upon impact.

One of the men got to his feet, his bulky armor protecting him from the fall. "It was only a matter of time before that thing got destroyed."

The second man got to his feet as well, running a gauntleted hand through his dirty blonde hair before replacing his horned hat. "Next on the list is this thing. Ready, Lewis?"

Lewis nodded, his great shield appearing on his arm. He charged forward, attacking the Buzzwole's legs with a swing of his great shield.

At the same time, Aaron summoned his sword and jumped into the air, bringing his blade down in a curved arc across the Buzzwole's midsection. He hit the ground and whipped around, landing more strikes against its legs.

Cyan got to her feet, preparing small icicles in a circle around her. At this point, large and powerful attacks would be too dangerous to sustain. With the appearance of Lewis and Aaron, however, assuming they were against the Gloom Organization, she could afford to provide support.

Meanwhile, Kai and Marshadow were struggling against the Nihilego. Marshadow found herself rapidly weakening due to the effects of Selena's poison, while the Nihilego's neurotoxins were beginning to affect Kai.

Despite all this, the two fought as hard as they could. Kai and Marshadow unleashed rapid-fire blows, forcing the Nihilego on the defensive.

Despite their consecutive attacks, the Nihilego weaved between their blows, flying backward and shooting multiple gems.

Kai raised his fist in a burst of dark energy and smashed through the attack, Marshadow attempting an attack on the Nihilego.

The Nihilego flew away, sending a Sludge Wave in their direction. Kai ran to the side, leaping away from the wave. Marshadow leaped from the ground directly behind the Nihilego, striking it with Spectral Thief.

The Nihilego gave a screech, wrapping its tentacles around Marshadow and injecting poison into the Pokémon. Kai dashed forward, landing a full-strength Wicked Blow directly at the Nihilego's mouth, sending it flying into Selena.

The girl screamed as her connection with the Pokémon broke, the Nihilego's aura wavering as its stability decreased.

"Damn you, damn you, damn all of you!" screamed Selena as she struggled to regain control of the two Ultra Beasts. On the other side of the battlefield, the Buzzwole froze in place as Aaron repeatedly punched the Pokémon.

Selena got to her feet, laughing uncontrollably as chains wrapped around the Nihilego, forcing it under her control.

"I know all there is to know of the Ultra Beasts!" she shouted between giggles. "I- I can gain power you'll never understand!"

Marshadow sunk into the ground, reappearing behind Selena before using Shadow Punch. However, she was too slow and was trapped by Selena's chains, her waning strength preventing her from breaking out.

Selena reached a hand out towards the Ultra Beast, the arms of the Nihilego wrapping around hers.

"Join me, Nihilego."

Stop it! Shouted Marshadow, thrashing in her bindings. You don't understand what you're doing!

Selena only laughed, magenta light shining cutting through the afternoon gloom. The chains around Marshadow fell away as the light faded.

Selena floated in mid-air, the Nihilego covering her body starting from her chest. While Selena was mostly unchanged, the Nihilego was completely gelatinous and magenta, large magenta tentacles floated around Selena, chains sprouting from the Nihilego's back.

Selena laughed maniacally, the tentacles behind her writhing.

"All of you will die! You all will know the meaning of pain and suffering!"

"What the hell?" asked Aaron, joining up with Kai.

"All this power is mine, the power that I'll use to destroy all of you! I'll enjoy playing with all of you so much, playing until you all break like all the mere puppets you are!"

Marshadow joined Aaron and Kai, and Lewis, Cyan, and Luke joined as well.

You call yourself human, yet you couldn't be more far from it! Shouted Marshadow, the power of her Zenith form increasing. I won't hesitate to destroy the monster that you truly are!

"You speak of humanity, but what would you know?" asked Selena, surprisingly calm. "To be human is to use others, to abuse them to satisfy your needs. I do what I want, Marshadow. You can't stop me, the Chosen can't stop me, the Legendary Guardians can't stop me!"

Kai looked at her, pity in his eyes. "Whatever happened to you in your past doesn't warrant what you're doing now. I've felt it myself, this Ultra Beast has powerful neurotoxins. This Pokémon could be doing all sorts of things to you, is this what you want?"

"Shut up," growled Selena, the aura around her brightening. "You don't know suffering, not yet at least."

"Why would someone as young as you work for the Gloom Organization?" shouted Luke. "You're practically my age! We could be friends or something!"

"Humans are nothing to me. They're beasts, monsters. The Consumer saved my naive little self back then, the one who believed humanity still had good in them-"

"Oh, be quiet," said Aaron, raising his sword. "Whether you like it or not, you're human as well-"

Luke raised a hand. "At this point, not re-"

"Point being," said Aaron. "You're being very hypocritical right now. Humanity are monsters that use others? What are you doing right now?"

Selena didn't respond. Instead, all eight tentacles came together, purple poison gathering before flying towards the assembled group of Chosen.

Lewis raised his barrier, the poison splattering against it and falling to the ground as the shield faded.

"We have no choice," said Lewis. "We'll have to fight, she's too far gone. I may not know most of you, but it is an honor to fight by all of your sides."

Kai nodded. "Of course, your assistance is appreciated. Our goal is to separate the girl and the Ultra Beast, at all costs."

Marshadow shook her head. Separating them may do more harm than good the longer they're connected. Now that the Buzzwole is frozen, this is our chance. We'll have to end the girl. We'll be doing her a kindness she doesn't deserve by ending her quickly.

Marshadow looked at the Chosen's' uncomfortable faces, sighing in defeat.

Fine, we'll try to save her. But if we can't then ending her will be the final option.

I simply wanted to add a few points here.

One, Marshadow being female is me using creative license. Also, I struggle a bit with writing characters with gender-neutral pronouns.

Second, this will be a two-part chapter so I don't have to spend a week writing a ten thousand-word chapter. This will mean that other characters will be pushed back in appearance, so I apologize for the inconvenience. Have a great day and keep leaving those reviews!