In our last episode, the battle between the heroes and the Explorers had exploded to crisis proportions as the agitated Rayquaza, following a Draco Meteor assault on everyone without warning, was sent crashing into the Brave Olivine's balloon after he and Sarah canceled out Glalie's Self Destruct. Now, though, after it also crashed into the Dragon Craft by mistake following the tragic incident, the Brave Olivine and the passengers aboard both aircraft were in big trouble.

The heroes could only watch with horror and growing fear as they wondered what could've happened to everyone inside both of them including Clavell, his fellow faculty, the Paldea Gym Leaders, the rest of Sarah's family, the Circle of Twelve, Murdock, Mollie, and Orla and the Brave Olivine's Pokémon.

Not wanting to lose everyone, the Dragon Craft, and the Brave Olivine, Sarah immediately brought out her Pup Pad and contacted the Cat Pack (whom Reader secretly brought over and stationed them at a workshop in Levincia).

"Cat Pack, Air Rescue! On the double, we got a Code Red! I repeat, Code Red!" she called.

"We're on our way, Sarah!" Wild, Rory, Leo, and Shade grinned as they pressed their Kitty Tags and summoned their equivalents to the PAW Patrol's Air Rescue Vehicles, the High Flying Cat Aviator Vehicles (or HFCAVs, for short):

- Wild's Cheetah Jet was designed for agility and performance, having an aerodynamic orange body decked out in black cheetah spots

- the Tiger Chopper for Rory was designed to be a powerful yet versatile helicopter, boasting a striking snowy white body and bold midnight black tiger stripes

- With Leo, his Lion Sky Cruiser was more robust and majestic, having been made for long-range flights and heavy-duty operations while sporting a bright yellow body and bold lion patterns

- And, finally, Shade's Jaguar Stealth Plane was made more sophisticated and stealthy for covert operations and high-performance flight with a sleek deep purple body and black jaguar spots

After they jumped into their respective cockpits and donned their uniforms again, the workshop's roof opened, and one by one, the Cat Pack immediately flew over to Levincia Lighthouse and saw the troubled Brave Olivine and Dragon Craft upon arriving, catching everyone's attention as they saw them coming.

"Whoa!"

"Awesome rides!"

"Look at that!"

"Are you guys getting this?!"

"So cool!"

"Sweet!"

"Now, that's flying with style!" Amber, Quaxly, Sprigatito, Craggeon, Freezeon, Fuecoco, and Cap quipped on everyone's behalf, looking greatly impressed as the Cat Pack pulled into view.

"Cat Pack reporting for duty, Sarah, M'am!" Wild called to his, Rory, Leo, and Shade's human mother.

"Perfect timing, Wild! The Brave Olivine and Dragon Craft with everyone inside both aircraft are in trouble no thanks to Coral and her Glalie; we've got to get them out of here before any more damage is done to them! Leo, grab the Brave Olivine's bow with your Sky Cruiser's jaws to steady it so it won't bounce about! Wild, Shade, I want you two to reach the Brave Olivine as close as possible and bring out your grappling hooks! Rory, I need you to use your basket to carry Murdock, Mollie, Orla, and the airship's Pokémon out so we can land it and help MK-1 direct the Dragon Craft to a safe spot!"

"Clawsome!"

"I'm Roaring to go! Roar!"

"Purrfect!"

"Jaguar, go!" the four kittens nodded as they readied themselves.

Nodding in reply, Sarah quickly contacted Murdock, Orla, and Mollie, "Murdock, Mollie, Orla, are you guys alright?"

"Over than being jostled about just now like we're one of the vegetables I was cooking on my wok to make a stir-fry dish, just peachy, Sarah!"

"We're all okay, we're not hurt when Rayquaza crashed into us."

"But, the airship's balloon is totaled and we'll crash if we don't do something!" they replied.

"Okay, okay, calm down, Orla. Now, guys, I want you and the Pokémon to get up on deck. Rory will be there soon to give you all a lift."

"Hang on, guys! Roar, Lion Strength!" Leo called as he moved his Lion Sky Cruiser to the Brave Olivine's bow, his suit glowing and his cruiser's jaws opening as they emitted a roar and carefully clamped down on the bow to steady the airship.

"Grappling Hooks, go!" Wild and Shade exclaimed, pulling their respective jets up and unleashing their grappling hooks to latch onto the balloon and further steady the crippled Brave Olivine just as its Pokémon, Murdock, Orla, and Mollie arrived on deck.

"Meow, Rescue Basket!" Rory grinned as she pressed a large blue button on her Tiger Chopper's dashboard and brought out a large rectangular basket from its hatch which was big enough to fit all of them inside. "Hey, you all need a lift?"

"Do we ever! Thank you so much!"

"Totally!"

"Much appreciated, thanks," the friendly cook, mechanic, and traveling doctor smiled as they and the Brave Olivine Pokémon carefully got inside the basket with the little princess' family getting on those who could fly and Mew using Psychic to carry everyone else aboard.

"All set!" Orla signaled, allowing her to pull everyone in her basket away.

"That's it, Sarah! They're all okay!" Rory called to Sarah.

"Good work, Rory, guys! Now, lead the way for MK-1 and bring the Dragon Craft and the Brave Olivine somewhere far from Levincia Lighthouse for everyone's safety!"

"You got it!" Leo nodded.

"See ya on the other side, Sarah! Come on, MK, this way!" Wild finished as the Cat Pack went off and (along with MK) moved the Brave Olivine, its passengers, and the Dragon Craft (with everyone in it safe and sound) to a safer location.

With Lucius' Rayquaza, the crash did nothing to disorientate him as he roared at the ones that tried and failed to capture him with Coral sneering with hate and disgust for him as she snarled, "Aww, man! That stupid princess and her posse had to ruin everything again! And, there's not even a scratch on that lizard!"

"So, what now?" Chalce asked, having reached an impasse.

A helicopter was heard coming towards them, Sidian, and their Pokémon (including Medicham who tried and failed to take Rayquaza down with Zen Headbutt, having been knocked out before she could reach him), and in it was Spinel.

"No need to stick around, you three; I've finished analyzing Rayquaza's strength by the time things got to this point and the princess' reinforcements arrived. Let's pull back for now," he informed, leaving Sidian, Coral, and Chalce to reluctantly agree as they returned their defeated partners to their balls and returned to their syndicate's headquarters.

"Rotoscope, patch a call to Murdock and Director Clavell. Let's hear how he and the others are doing since the Cat Pack saved them," Sarah said to her Rotom Phone.

"You got it, patching through to our friendly neighborhood cook and friends now," Rotoscope nodded as he got Murdock and Clavell's numbers and they managed to pick up his call.

"You doing okay, guys?" Sarah asked.

"We're gonna be okay, Sarah, thanks for sending in your pets!"

"Indeed, most exemplary, Your Highness. Thanks to you and your Cat Pack, no serious harm is done to all of us," Murdock and Clavell smiled.

"Murdock, Director Clavell!"

"Thank goodness!" Liko and Roy breathed in relief.

"The Brave Olivine's gas vacs are burst but its integral structure is intact thanks to Wild, Shade, and Leo!"

"And, the Pokémon are all fine after Rory came to our rescue," added a relieved Orla and Mollie.

"Friede, Sarah, I'll go and help them!" Ludlow offered.

"Okay, I'll have Winter bring you to them," Sarah nodded, allowing Winter to carry Ludlow to his and Friede's friends before rejoining them later.

"You all take care of Lucius' partner and do what you can to help understand and tame him!"

"We'll be fine, everyone! Just mind yourselves and be safe as you square off against him," Murdock and Rika finished.

"Stay in touch, Murdock, everyone!" Marena said, also feeling relieved for the safety of everyone else.

"Thanks so much, Sarah," Liko thanked her best friend as Rotoscope ended the call.

"Thank me later, Liko. Besides, now that Spinel, Chalce, Coral, and Sidian are gone, if we're going to have a chance to talk with Rayquaza, this would be it," Sarah replied before she gave her a soft smile and continued, "And, hey... should he feel like it, if you and Roy want to prove yourselves to him again, now's the time. Show him how much you've grown should he be willing to challenge you."

Knowing what she was thinking, Liko nodded and with Terapagos beside her, the young girl approached Rayquaza and called out to him, "Please, listen to us, Rayquaza! My name is Liko, and, well...I'm a Pokémon Trainer! There is a reason why my friends and I have been looking for you for a while now; I want to take my Terapagos to a place called Laqua! A paradise you once went to and called home with Lucius, Marena, and the rest of the Six Heroes! We need your help!"

"Rayquaza! Please, Rayquaza! Come home! Home!" Terapagos cried in agreement as Rayquaza stared the heroes down, wondering if Liko spoke from her heart based on what she wanted.

Roy shared her sentiments in his own way as he brought out his Pokeball and called out, "Rayquaza, it's because of you that I got to go on an adventure and see the world! Something that I've always wanted to do, more than anything in my life! My heart is pounding right now...I want to challenge you to a battle!"

"And, we'll do the same! We want to show you the true strength of us brillantemente resplandeciente trainers of Alola and Paldea as we battle from the heart!" agreed Nemona as she, Ash, Gladion, Race, Goh, Asha, and the Pokémon and Paldea School Gangs braced themselves to prove their might against Lucius' partner.

The Terastal Shiny Rayquaza eyed them before turning to Sarah, the little princess looking firmly at him and nodding to have him give her sister, husband, and friends a chance to prove themselves as trainers and good humans to him.

But, really, it was his old family and Marena that allowed him to do as he wished with them in a true battle between himself and his challengers; when he looked over at them, Moltres just smirked at him while Entei and Kleavor gave him intense yet approving stares. Arboliva hissed soothingly and Lapras purred with intrigue before the two nodded their approval to their leader.

And, finally, as they shared an intense gaze despite the Sea Witch's growing internal wish to have him return to them and his internal trepidation about coming back, Marena could only nod her approval to him. She knew it was still up to Rayquaza to decide whether or not he would want to reunite with his team and mother figure at the end of it all.

And, so, recognizing the wishes of those who challenged him and spoke from their hearts (and knowing Sarah had already proven herself along with Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet beforehand), he stared at them and roared, "VERY WELL, IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WISH. COME, ALL OF YOU! SHOW ME YOUR TRUE STRENGTH; WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED SINCE YOUR LAST ENCOUNTER WITH ME! THE HUMAN WHO BESTED ME WILL BE ALLOWED TO JOIN IN TO SHOW ME WHAT SHE HAS LEARNED SINCE HER AND HER TURTLES' VICTORY IF SHE PLEASES..."

"Well, Sarah...?" Gladion asked, wondering what Rayquaza's answer was.

"I think he's convinced, Gladion. Rayquaza has agreed to battle us; he's convinced by Liko, Roy, and Nemona's wishes and accepted their challenge so he wants all of us to fight him. Even me despite my, Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet's victory over him weeks ago," Sarah replied.

"Really? I'd say that 'Yes' of his proves it!" Friede smirked, immediately joining the group before turning to Dot and her two remaining friends. "I'm so going to join you all for this! Hey, Dot, you, Quaxly, and Plume in?"

"Ugh-?! Uh, y-you mean, u-u-us?" Dot gulped, realizing what it meant.

"Wow! Come on, Dot! Let's go!"

"Yeah, it'll be great!" Quaxly and Plume grinned, both eager to challenge Rayquaza.

"...Well, I guess we'll have to do our best, then," the young recluse sighed, getting happy and approving nods from Plume and Quaxly before they got into their respective battle stances with the others.

"This one's also for Brassius! Let's make him and everyone else at school proud!" Penny declared.

Sarah nodded before she turned to Rotom-Dex and Rotoscope with a small proposal, "Rotoscope, Rotom, get the entire battle recorded, I'm sure the region's gym leaders including Brassius, Clavell, and his faculty would want to know what happened."

The pair nodded and saluted her, readying themselves to record the entire battle with Lucius and Marena's greatest and strongest Pokémon as Nemona smirked with determination, "Okay, everybody! ¡Vamos a patear algunos bollitos!"

"Get ready, Rayquaza!"

"This one's for Marena, Lucius, and your own family, too!"

"We'll show you our true strength and you'll see that we're not the type of people you think we are!" Arven, Penny, and Kieran added determinedly as they and their friends/classmates braced themselves for the Pokémon battle of their lives.

"Cap and Charizard, let's go!" Friede called his partners.

"Captain's honor!"

"Let's burn him up!" Cap and Charizard agreed, getting into their battle stances.

"Sprigatito!"

"Fuecoco!" Liko and Roy cried to their partners.

"Right/Ready!" the younger Grass Cat and Fire Croc Pokémon nodded as Rayquaza let out a final challenging roar, beginning the battle challenge that would determine his current fate.

(Opening)

Now, head forth! Pierce through the clouds~

(Our opening for Part 2 of Pokémon Horizons (i.e. The Gleam of Terapagos) begins with Liko, Sarah, and Race in a triangle formation (Liko up top, Race from the bottom right-hand corner from her left, and Sarah from the bottom left-hand corner on her right) as their pendant and Terapagos Three shone in darkness before the former turned into Liko's Terapagos)

(We swiftly pan across the oceans akin to the beginning of the opening of Attack on Titan S4 Pt. 2 (The Rumbling by SIM) before stopping amongst the horizon as the titles for Pokémon Horizons: The Gleam of Terapagos appeared amidst a sunset/sunrise)

When I remember the words I couldn't say
I dove down to hide myself
Swimming my way through in uncertainty
I cut through the clouds and head for the blue sky

(We see a young Liko walking with her parents through a marketplace before we see her as she is, her uncertainty lifted as she holds and looks at her pendant underneath a moonlit sky from the rooftop of her family's house along with Sarah as she enjoyed her life in Alola growing up before she is shown holding her family's Sun Sword in its powered-down form as the young woman she is and held it above her head underneath the Alolan sun in a split-screen sequence. Then, in a flurry of Leafage and cosmic energy, we see the pair with their three Terapagos, Sprigatito, Hatenna, Blitz, Curly, and Silvally enjoying the breeze together on the observation decks of the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft)

One day, I'll look back
At that fiery red sunset
And burn it all into memory

(A young Roy is shown being fascinated by stories his grandfather was showing him until we see him as the boy he is (looking dirty all over and wearing the Brave Olivine's flag like a cape) eyeing the Ancient Pokeball that once held Lucius' Rayquaza in his right hand and raising it high above him in the rising or setting sun while Race is seen being found by Brandon, enjoying life with him and the other Frontier Brains, and being the man he is now as he eyed the camera and held a Pokeball in front of him while glaring at the camera in the same split-screen sequence before they're shown via Flamethrower, Shadow Claw, and Thunder watching the sunset on the Brave Olivine's Wing Deck and the Dragon craft's sun deck watching the sunset with Bella, Robbie, Tou-Tou, Wattrel, and Fuecoco)

Even if I can't reach the truth of the world~
Or the feelings of that girl~
It's okay to not understand~
Just shine like a rainbow~

(We are shown their friends and Sarah's family including a few of their Pokémon in five/six slot group sequences as follows: Friede, Orla, Mollie, Dot, Ludlow, and Murdock with Charizard, Metagross and Elekid, Chansey, Quaxly, Rockruff and Alcremie, and Quagsire; Burnet (with the cute addition of Lei) and Kukui with Munchlax, Incineroar, and Braviary joined by Diane, James, Nikki, and Johnathan with Romeo, Dragonite, Lucario, Clover, Catnip, Juliet, and Clover; Ash, Lana, Mallow, Kiawe, Lillie, and Sophocles with their respective partners; and Delilah, Doug, Donna (former queen), David, Asha, and Gladion with Mischief, Persian, the Tomoe Squad, Flicker, Flicka, June, Proud, Ziracon, Umbreon, Silvally, and Lycanroc; Goh, Nemona, Arven, Penny, and Team Star with Meowscarda, Pawmo, Killowattrel, Cinderace, Inteleon, Grookey, Mabostiff, the Eevees, Bisharp, Torkoal, Skuntank, Revavroom, Azumarill, Wigglytuff, Passimian, and Toxicroak; and the Blueberry Academy students with Hydrapple, Mightyena, Toucannon, Magmortor, Empoleon, Reuniclus, Whimsicott, Granbull, Flygon, and Haxorus)

(We see a smirking Cap from the Brave Olivine's bridge and Friede taking the wheel along with MK-1 on the Dragon Craft's Bridge at its controls with an eager bark, the three of them preparing to take everyone aboard their respective ships to new heights and continue discovering all the world has to offer among the horizons)

Now, head forth! Pierce through the clouds~
Stumbling, staggering~
Standing firm and reaching farther~
Now, run forth! Towards my future~

(In the horizons, with the heroes riding their respective ships, they dash forward with Lucius' Rayquaza roaring and flying alongside them before Liko, Roy, Dot, Murdock, and Ludlow are shown with their partners stumbling, running, or sliding along Rayquaza's body with Mollie, Chansey, and Orla following on Metagross and Sarah and Race tailing their new friends aboard Bolt and Winter with the rest of their family joining them before Marena and Stormcloud joined them. Meanwhile, Amethio is shown training with his Ceruledge and Corviknight with the former forced back by the latter and their master staggering to the floor and sitting on his ass from the intensity of the training battle. As his partners sparred, he gritted his teeth and tugged his shirt, feeling unsatisfied about the current progress he was making and wanting to do more to improve themselves and himself on something while Hamber and Dusknoir watched on)

At the end of this long, long journey
I'll remember you
One day, we'll shake hands
And laugh

(Lucca, Diana, and Liko were seen together with the final Terapagos in the young girl's arms who cried out and unleashed an energy wave, showing Moltres, Arboliva, and Rayquaza with the second half of the Six Heroes: Entei, Lapras, and Kleavor, in small bursts along with Lucius and Liko's Terapagos, before Sarah, Race, Liko, their Terapagos Four, Sprigatito, Rosie, Chili, Crest, Silvally, Tou-Tou, Robbie, and Bella along with a tearful Marena come across Lucius on a cliff point before they joined the Ancient Adventurer on his current spot)

A light appeared
At the end of the rainbow
And I found my dream

(We see the Explorers in short bursts along with a Tera Orb in Sarah's hand, Lucius' gear and records, one of the Terapagos Four in Stellar Form, and someone reaching out in between the heroes looking out to the horizon and the sun in the heavens before Sarah, Liko, Marena, and Race are seen face to face with the Six Heroes as the opening ends)

(End Theme Song)

As the Terastal Shiny Sky High Pokémon breathed out a plume of smoke and waited for his challengers to make the first move, Liko mused over the heroes' situation, "This is it; this is gonna be the battle that'll tell us if Rayquaza decides to join us and be with his family again. Last time we confronted him, Sarah, Larmina, Garnet, and Topaz managed to knock him down. But, even so... can we and everybody else get close enough to do the same?"

"Alright, Sarah, what's the plan this time?" Kiawe questioned on everyone's behalf.

"It's not gonna be easy, Kiawe. Since we're all battling him as a team, I'm pretty sure we'll need to draw his attention from both land and air. Still, he's no slouch with his power when he used Draco Meteor to deter us and the Explorers earlier and Dragon Pulse when I stopped Coral's Glalie in his tracks before he could pwn him with Self-Destruct. But, his agility and defense; we need to find a way to break through them... Then, there's his Dragon Ascent attack; if he ends up using it and it lands a hit on any of our Pokémon or dragons, it would be an instant knockout and we can't risk pulling off an All-or-Nothing unless he forces us into a corner," the little princess thought.

"Not much but it's a good enough start," replied Ortega.

"I'm not griping with that powerhouse over improvising, either," agreed Mela.

Friede nodded as the unconventional professor told everyone and turned to Roy, "Alright, gang, let's split up. Roy, come with me, we'll lead everyone in the air for an Air Force frontal assault!"

"Okay! You ready for this, Fuecoco?" Roy replied as he turned to his partner.

"Let's fly!" Fuecoco grinned eagerly as they joined Friede and his Charizard.

Then, Friede turned to Cap as he told his Pikachu, "And, you, Cap, stick with everyone else on ground zero including Liko and Sprigatito! Get 'em up in the air!"

"My pleasure," Cap smirked as his team, Fuecoco, and Roy joined the Viking Teens, Stormy, and Sarah and Asha's family with the Leo Eight. "Sock him good!"

"What's the lowdown, Brainiac?" Snotlout asked Friede.

"We'll try to push him toward the lighthouse for starters!"

"Right!"

"You got it!"

"Yeah!" Roy, Hiccup, and Zenna nodded.

"Use Flamethrower/Aura Sphere/Dragon Breath/Twister/Dark Pulse/Poison Sting/Icy Wind!" the airborne group screamed as their Pokémon and dragons attacked Rayquaza first only for him to dodge their group assault easily.

As he was drawn towards Levincia Lighthouse, Friede saw Cap's chance to boost Sprigatito and Quaxly as the pair would attack the Terastal Shiny Sky High Pokémon from the ground first, "Now, Cap! Send 'em, up!"

"Right!" Cap agreed, unleashing his Volt Tackle Twister and lifted Sprigatito up and into the air.

"Quaxly, Plume!" Dot signaled, allowing Plume to catapult Quaxly into the twister and join Sprigatito before they came face to face with Lucius and Marena's first partner.

"Use Magical Leaf/Water Gun!" the two girls bellowed.

Unfortunately, before Sprigatito and Quaxly could even land a hit, Rayquaza swiped them away with a powerful tail slap before he dodged the airborne group's next assault.

"YEEEEEOOOOOOWWWWWW/AAAAAUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH!" the Paldea Starters screamed as they drew closer and closer to the ground.

Seeing their riders' partners in danger, Plume and Serrate took off and safely caught them on their backs before regrouping with Liko, Cap, and Dot as they rushed forward to join them.

"Sprigatito/Quaxly!" they gasped with relief.

"We're okay!" Sprigatito meowed happily.

"Just peachy," Quaxly agreed as he straightened his puffed-up hair out.

"Serrate, Plume, thanks so much! You two were great!" Liko thanked their respective dragons who purred happily over Sprigatito and Quaxly's wellbeing.

"Let's give them a hand! Turtonator, Pyroar, use Flamethrower!" Kiawe suggested, having his partners try to take a potshot at Rayquaza.

"Alright, Cap!"

"Our turn!"

"Help us out, please!" Mallow and Lana called as they and Lillie stepped forward and allowed the Brave Olivine captain to lift Tsareena and Snowy into the air with Primarina readying herself from below (eyeing Rayquaza as he came into range).

"Snowy/Tsareena/Primarina, Powder Snow/Magical Leaf/Sparkling Aria, let's go!"

Snowy, Primarina, and Tsareena fired their favorite attacks at full power but Rayquaza managed to dodge them, too, as he moved out of the way.

"Don't let up, mi amigos! Kilowattrel, light it up with Spark and Discharge!" Nemona added as she allowed her Frigatebird Pokémon to unleash a combo attack at Rayquaza who tanked his Discharge attack and swatted him back with another tail whip.

"Come on, pal! Let's get in there! Little buddy!" Arven continued, looking to Sarah for help.

"Got it! Shadow, take Mabosstiff to the sky!" Sarah called her Night Fury, allowing Shadow to appear and give Arven's Boss Pokémon as they drew close to the powerful Dragon/Flying Type.

"Hang tight, Mabosstiff! We're coming! Yanmega, Gliscor, help them out!" Kieran added, sending Yanmega and Gliscor with Shadow and Mabosstiff to begin the heroes' next assault.

"Give it to him, Shadow!"

"Buddy, use Snarl!"

"Yanmega, Gliscor, Air Slash, go!"

Yanmega, Gliscor, Shadow, and Mabosstiff unleashed an Air Slash, Snarl, and Plasma Blast combo assault on Rayquaza. And yet, despite their best efforts, their combined attacks were not as effective as they had hoped as they barely managed to dodge a third tail whip that could've knocked them out of the sky.

"Vikavolt, Togedemaru, Discharge!" Sophocles roared, pointing at Rayquaza and allowing Togedemaru and Vikavolt to attack with Discharge but to no avail as he tanked their assault as well.

"We're not done yet! Inteleon, use Snipe Shot! And, Cinderace, use Pyro Ball!" Goh called out determinedly, having Inteleon and Cinderace fire their best attacks at Rayquaza.

Stormy joined in on the fight by firing a Dragon Pulse attack that converged with Snipe Shot and Pyro Ball but even that was countered by Rayquaza's own Dragon Pulse with it canceling the converged attacks and making them explode in a cloud of smoke.

"Rayquaza's too powerful!"

"We're not even making a dent! He knew every move and combo we were about to make and dodged, tanked, or knocked them and our Pokémon back!" grunted Penny and Carmine, realizing what everyone's problem was as they were battling Lucius' first partner.

"We have to keep on trying until we find an opening! Lucario, Passimian, use Focus Blast and Aura Shere!" Eri assured as she sent out her Lucario and Passimian and they fired off their respective Fighting Type attacks.

"Eri's right! Rayquaza may be powerful but he still has a weakness of sorts, all we have to do is find it! Coalossal, Armarouge, use Overheat and Psycho Cut, let's go!" Mela agreed as she brought out her Armarouge and Coalossal and had them take potshots at Rayquaza, too.

"Eri's right, Rayquaza has got to find an opening... If only we had some way to-ah! Liko, I got it! I have another plan!" Dot mused until she got a brainstorm and signaled Liko who nodded in agreement before they turned to their dragons. "Plume, Serrate! Can you give Quaxly and Sprigatito a lift?"

"Coming right up!" grinned the male Featherhide and female Razorwhip as they stood back from opposite ends and layered their tail fins, having Quaxly and Sprigatito on them (with the Duckling Pokemon holding on to his Grass Type friend) before they launched them into the air hard to reach Rayquaza's current height. "SPRINGBOARD, YEAH!"

"Hey, I want in, too! Galaxagus, Breeze, lift Timburr, Roggenrola, and Panthera up! Woobat, Daisy, Honchkrow, Mismagius, Gengar, don't fall behind!" Lazuli added, realizing what Dot's plan was as she had Galaxagus, Breeze, Timburr, Roggenrola, Panthera, Woobat, Daisy, Honchkrow, Mismagius, and Gengar join the pair to aid in the heroes' latest assault.

"THE SAME THING WILL HAPPEN EVERY TIME!" scoffed Rayquaza as he came at the group to knock them down.

"Quaxly, use Water Gun from below! And, launch Sprigatito up with Low Kick!" Dot shouted, signaling her partner to shoot himself and Sprigatito further up while springboarding Liko's Grass Cat Pokémon with Low Kick.

"Good thinking, Dot! Winter, get, Rosie, Chili, and Crest up there!" added Sarah, having her Light Fury lift her Paldea Starters on her back to meet with Sprigatito in the air.

Stormy came up to Rayquaza to disorientate and distract him from attacking the heroes thus making them lose their chance to hit him with a Dragon Claw attack. But, he fought back with his own Dragon Claw and pulled off a feint with it before he surprised her with a powerful tail whip and knocked her, nearly making her crash into the lighthouse as she hit the rock face.

"Ms. Stormy!" Rosie screamed as she, Winter, Chili, and Crest saw Stormy lift herself back up and shake off the blow before being joined by Tao, Reshiram, and Drogon.

"I'm okay! Get ready, don't lose focus!" she reassured the quartet.

"Cover us!" Winter replied as she maintained her flight position.

"Hit him again!" Ruffnut and Tuffnut barked, having Zangoose, Seviper, Barf, Belch, Sparks, Spew, Glimmer, and Gleam ambush the powerful Terastal Shiny Sky High Pokémon again before they were knocked back for the umpteenth time.

"Robbie, Bella, use Shadow Thunder!"

"Tyranitar, Zircon, Hyper Beam plus Ice Beam!" Race and Asha continued, having Robbie, Bella, Tyranitar, and Zircon use Shadow Ball, Thunderbolt, Hyper Beam, and Ice Beam in another combo attack which Rayquaza also tanked (despite him wincing a bit from Zircon's Ice Beam).

Rayquaza tried to go at the heroes fighting him from the air again but was quickly blocked off by Stormy, Tao, Drogon, and Reshiram as they did their best to distract him and give everyone cover while they were waiting for the perfect opportunity to hit him (which Dot, Liko, Sarah, Friede, and Roy seized the moment they saw their chance).

"Use Magical Leaf/Water Gun/Flamethrower!"

"Magical Leaf and Heat Wave plus Hydro Pump!" the quintet roared as the six Pokémon and Winter (using her Plasma Blasts) fired together, forcing Rayquaza to cut them off with a Dragon Pulse.

However, when his attack met the assault and they exploded in mid-air, he found himself in a plume of smoke just as Sarah and Roy made their next move with Fuecoco and Stormy at the ready.

"Now, Fuecoco, use Disarming Voice!"

"Stormy, Dragon Tail, go!"

"Love and peace~!" Fuecoco sang as they and Charizard got in close and the Fire Croc and female Sky High Pokémon managed to hit him in the chest, dealing him more considerable damage in the process.

"EEERRRRAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHH!" Lucius' partner roared in pain.

"We got a hit in!" Roy grinned as the smoke cleared and everybody saw Rayquaza frowning at everybody, the male Dragon/Flying Type preparing to go all out this time.

"Alright, looks like he's taking us seriously now," Friede smirked as Rayquaza unleashed another Draco Meteor attack.

"Look out, it's Draco Meteor! Rowlet, Pikachu, Melmetal, use Leaf Storm, Thunderbolt, and Flash Cannon!" Ash cried out as Pikachu, Rowlet, and Melmetal blasted the meteors coming the heroes' way.

"SCATTER!" Sarah bellowed as everybody ran for cover, dodged, or blasted the meteors with Ash, Rowlet, Pikachu, and Melmetal.

"Veevees, use Swift to destroy the meteors!"

"You too, Gengar, Mismagius! Mystical Fire!"

"Discharge, Kilowattrel!"

"Take 'em out with Dragon Pulse, Dragagle!"

"Charizard, use your Dragon Claw!"

"Vikavolt, you use, Discharge, too!" Penny, Lazuli, Nemona, Atticus, Kiawe, and Sophocles cried, allowing their partners to protect everyone from the meteors as best they could.

"This is getting crazy!" Lacey barked.

"I think he held back on us earlier, Lace!" Amarys retorted.

"Stormy, Reshiram, Tao! Come to us, Ho-Oh, Sacred Fire!" Sarah shouted before calling Ho-Oh over as the three Legendary Dragon Types used Extreme Speed, Fusion Flare, and Ice Burn before the Rainbow Pokémon arrived, using Sacred Fire to help counter the meteors thrown at everyone.

The Leo Eight (who stood by and kept Sarah's family and Asha's parents safely away) also blasted the meteors and the dragons and Friede's Charizard dodged them as best they could. However, in the ensuing chaos, Fuecoco suddenly lost his footing and fell off his idol.

"ROOOY!" Fuecoco screamed as he fell, horrifying everyone as they watched him fall.

"FUECOCO!" Roy screeched in horror.

"CHARIZARD!" Friede called to his partner who understood and tried to rescue his little admirer but couldn't do anything at the risk of getting hit by one of Rayquaza's meteors.

But, just as Fuecoco was about to meet his end and braced himself for the inevitable, a familiar younger Monstrous Nightmare shot into the air towards him, dodging all of the meteors that threatened to ground him and caught the Fire Croc Pokémon on his snout.

"Char!" he screamed happily at his partner's dragon.

"Hang on, kid! Keep your head down!" Char roared as they flew toward Charizard, Roy, and Friede before he returned him to his rider.

"Nice fast-track save, Char!" smirked Friede.

"Fuecoco! Thanks, Char, you're the best!" Roy grinned thankfully.

But, the heroes' dilemma with Rayquaza at his full power wasn't over yet; seeing that he didn't take them out with his first Draco Meteor attack, he fired a second attack as the meteors fell around and all over them again. Once again, the heroes and their Pokémon were forced to defend themselves or dodge the oncoming meteors with Aurorus, Espeon, Danny, and Danielle being called over to use Light Screen and Reflect to shield everyone before they could get hit.

Unfortunately, Plume wasn't so lucky as he was struck by one of the meteors while protecting Quaxly, shocking both the Duckling Pokémon and his rider.

"No!"

"Plume, no! Are you okay?! Hang in there!" they cried worriedly.

"Ugh... I'm okay, oi... That dude packs a wallop," he winced as he felt the bruise he gained from the meteor hitting his back while Cap knocked some of the other meteors away with Thunderpunch before they could hit the unprotected trio.

Then, there was trouble; as the heroes defended themselves, Liko's Terapagos was left wide open as he cooed worriedly and he soon saw one of the meteors heading straight for him.

"TERAPAGOS/TERAPAGOS!" Liko and Sprigatio screamed in horror as they quickly jumped in front to protect the baby Tera Pokémon while the others watched, unable to do anything to save them in time from where they were.

It seemed all hope was lost and Liko, Sprigatito, and Terapagos were about to die by the claws of Lucius' own partner at that moment (with Marena frantically rushing over to them and Lapras, Kleavor, Arboliva, Entei, and Moltres horrorstruck by the thought of their leader unintentionally killing one of the people responsible for bringing them together). But, just when the meteor approaching the trio was about to crush and obliterate them, a miracle came in the form of a pair team of two unlikely saviors.

One of them was a familiar Fire Blades Pokémon using Shadow Claw to cut the meteor in half and save their lives. The heroes were deeply shocked upon seeing the familiar Fire/Dark Type as they knew they hadn't seen him and his partner since their previous encounter with Rayquaza.

"No way...!"

"Unreal..."

"Totally bonkers...!"

"Get out...!" Atticus, Mela, Giacomo, and Eri breathed in quiet shock.

"Is that...Ceruledge!?" balked Mallow.

"But, how?!"

"It's been days, weeks since we last saw him!" Shaymin and Tsareena added, their jaws dropping in disbelief.

"How did he-?"

"Why would he come here?!" Snowy and Lillie gasped.

"Him again?"

"He's back-bzt!"

"Daddy, are you seeing this!?" Veneon, Manteon, and Seleneon barked, astounded.

"Can it be...?! The very Ceruledge we saw that failed to also make a dent on Rayquaza after agitating him the evening after we parted ways with the Lapras Pirates and Lapras joined us!" Guardeon noted, baffled after seeing Ceruledge again.

"It isCeruledge! It's Amethio's partner!"

"But, if Ceruledge is now here when he saved Liko, Sprigaitto, and Terapagos, then...! Ah!" Ash and Kiawe breathed before everyone else turned and saw the final Explorer agent himself finally appearing from the smoke.

"Oh, great...! Ladies and gentlemen, Ozzy Jones of the Dark Side," griped Eternatus in annoyance at him.

"Interesting, I was wondering what Spinel was up to this time but I'm guessing you, your family, and your fellow meddling kids were behind his big scheme backfiring earlier, Princess. Now that he's out of the way, I'll be the one to capture Rayquaza," Amethio remarked dryly to Sarah as he passed her and joined his partner.

Seeing the last of her former colleagues, Lazuli gripped her sword and came up to him as he approached his partner, "What are youdoing here? In case you didn't know, Rayquaza held his own while we were helping him before he and the Big Three left. Iwas the one who took care of Mr. Dark Physics in his latest dud before you came along. Oh, and by the way, you're late."

"What does it matter, Lazuli? As long as I do what I can to obtain my prize without anybody getting in my way, how I get here and there is not my concern," the admin replied simply as Rayquaza snorted, looking unimpressed at Amethio and Ceruledge wanting to battle him again.

To prove his point, he brought out Hamber's Tera Orb and activated its power before throwing it over Ceruledge and declaring, "From this moment on, I shall cut my path forward! Ceruledge!"

"HA! Ghost Tera Type Ceruledge, ready!" Ceruledge announced as he turned into a pure Ghost Tera Type.

"Ceruledge!"

"He just turned into a pure Ghost Tera Type!"

"And, Amethio had a Tera Orb on him!"

"But, that's impossible!"

"How could he have gotten one before he came here?" Nemona, Penny, Arven, Kieran, and Carmine balked in disbelief, seeing what happened before everyone.

"Island Girl, you think Amethio and Ceruledge will stand a chance against Rayquaza now that they gained the power of Terastallization?" Race asked his wife, looking warily at Amethio's Terastallized partner.

"I don't know... But, I think we're gonna find out," Sarah replied, not knowing about Amethio's previous training with Hamber.

Lazuli hissed quietly as she glared at Amethio, thinking and growling to herself, "Damn it! Somehow, Amethio got his hands on a Tera Orb through Hamber just as I did! Hamber, you old killjoy... What did you do?"

"Use Phantom Force, now!" Amethio began, having Ceruledge strike Rayquaza each time he appeared and disappeared with Phantom Force (finally doing some damage to him now that he's Terastallized).

"GAAAH! YOU IMPUDENT, LITTLE-!" Rayquaza roared in annoyance as the Terastallized Fire Blades Pokémon returned to his master just as Friede joined him along with Elder and Alder (whom Sarah called after Amethio appeared to help if needed) and Stormy hovered over them from above.

"Of course, we might still have a chance..." the unconventional professor realized as he and Charizard stood beside Amethio and Ceruledge and he took out his own Tera Orb. "Let's go, Charizard!"

"I'm with ya, Friede!" the older Flame Pokémon agreed as his partner charged up his Tera Orb.

"Time to go above and beyond, Charizard!"

Friede threw his fully charged Tera Orb over Charizard and he turned into a pure Dark Tera Type (just as Galaxagus did when Lazuli previously Terastallized him) before everyone's eyes, "HAAAAAAAA!"

"Use Tera Blast!" Upon Friede's call, Charizard gathered his Terastal Energy and fired it in one blast, striking Rayquaza in the chest.

"Alright!"

"Yeah, there it is!"

"That's Paldea's Terastal Phenomenon!"

"How amazing!" Ash, Sophocles, Mallow, and Lillie gasped in awe.

"INSANE! What an incredible sight! So, this is the true power of the Paldea Region's Terastal Phenomenon! I'm so uploading this new data into my memory banks!" Rotom-Dex gushed as he photographed the Terastallized Charizard and Ceruledge while Sprigatito and Fuecoco cheered or stared in awe.

"Grr, I'm warning you, Friede! Don't get in my way!" snapped Amethio in annoyance.

"Hey! What's wrong? No time for chitchat today?" Friede joked with a smirk, making him snort.

"ALRIGHT, IF THAT'S THE WAY YOU HOOLIGANS WANT IT...!" Rayquaza dared as he prepared to fire Draco Meteor for a third time.

"We can't let it fire that attack again!" Amethio gritted, knowing what could happen if Draco Meteor couldn't be stopped in time.

"Have Ceruledge hop aboard Charizard's back and we'll double-team him!" Friede offered, still smirking as Charizard prepared to take off.

Seeing that he didn't have much of a choice, especially given their current situation, Amethio reluctantly agreed as he called to his partner, "Ceruledge!"

"As you wish, master," Ceruledge agreed, jumping aboard Charizard and allowing them to fly up to Rayquaza for a pair team attack.

"Use Bitter Blade/Dragon Claw, now!"

Together, Charizard and Ceruledge began their Terastallized assault by first attacking Rayquaza's lower body until he used his tail to smack the Fire Blades Pokémon off him before being safely caught by his temporary partner. Then, after he stood on Charizard's back again, they barely managed to dodge a Dragon Pulse attack being fired at them before Charizard got him on the Terastal Shiny Sky High Pokémon and Cerulege ran across his body up to his face.

"Now, use Shadow Claw!" Amethio continued, having his partner slice and dice at Rayquaza with Shadow Claw.

Down below, the heroes watched in astonishment at the aerial battle above them. None of them, not even Ash, Gladion, the Pokémon School Gang, Dot, Liko, and Roy could believe what they were seeing; before them and Rayquaza, Amethio and Ceruledge had joined forces with Friede and Charizard in a double pair team Terastal battle. It was completely out of left field and none of them knew what to make of the unlikely team-up (something they handled surprisingly well despite Friede and Amethio's opposing personalities).

"Okay, let's end this with the next hit!"

"Don't tell me what to do, then!"

"Use Shadow Claw/Dragon Claw!" the pair bantered, hoping to wrap the battle up with a final team attack.

"ENOOOOOOOOOOOOUGH!" Rayquaza roared furiously as he unleashed a blister of winds that stopped Charizard and Ceruledge and blew them back (nearly blowing everyone away as he did so), getting into the heavens and unleashing his Dragon Ascent attack as he descended upon them. "DRAGOOOOOOON ASCENT!"

"NO, LOOK OUT!" screamed Marena in shocked horror only for her cries to come too late as Rayquaza struck the pair and left them mortally wounded, clinching the round for him and sending Charizard and Ceruledge into the sea (and making them lose their Tera Forms).

Everyone gasped in horror as Friede and Amethio quickly returned their partners before they could plunge into the ocean below. But, now, after seeing Rayquaza take out one of their powerhouses and the Fire Blades Pokémon despite both having Terastallized earlier, they had no idea what to do. The sight of him dealing a powerful finishing blow to two Terastallized Pokémon was more than enough to send terrified shivers down everyone's spines (and force some of them to their knees in awestruck terror).

"No," breathed Fuecoco, now aghast at seeing his idol defeated by the very Pokémon he and Roy were looking for.

"That move just now... I know the princess was able to match it when she fought against Rayquaza but what was it?" Amethio hissed, having not learned what Rayquaza's most powerful attack was.

"That was definitely Dragon Ascent and Sarah was only able to use it without overpowering herself," Friede replied, wondering what to do next.

"WHO WILL BE THE NEXT ONES TO SUFFER MY WRATH?" Rayquaza bellowed, daring the heroes to come at him again.

Nobody moved as they had no idea how to counter Dragon Ascent given how powerful it was and the fact that he was able to end the battle between him and the Terastallized Ceruledge and Charizard with such a move. Not even Liko and Roy had any idea how to counter it let alone a powerful Pokemon such as Lucius and Marena's first partner.

"...No."

Everyone turned to find Sarah and Race stepping forward as they revealed their respective Keystones, the royal couple glaring hard at Rayquaza for pushing things too far for everyone to the point when he would break everyone around them in a sweat of fear over his might.

Marena, Lapras, Kleavor, Entei, Arboliva, and Moltres were stunned as they saw the little princess and her husband preparing to make a last stand against him after they revealed their Keystones with Sarah giving off a loud whistle before their most trusted partners/family members joined them. They didn't believe they would still be standing and ready to fight again after seeing Rayquaza take out Ceruledge and Charizard in one fell swoop. But, with Sarah and Race, that didn't seem to be the case.

As the royal couple stood ready, Robbie, Bella, Blitz, Mai, and Curly stood by them before they were joined by Kit, Ella, Calculator, Falcon, Candy, Star, Cobalt, Kaji, Amber, Mulan, Houndoom, Latios, Latias, Salamance, Audino, Cresselia, Kion, Kiara, their pride, and the Legendary Beasts. Stormy hovered above them as she prepared to fight, finally having enough of Rayquaza's wrath and arrogance while (at the same time) feeling the need to knock some much-needed sense into him. It was clear to everyone that Race and Sarah were about to knock him down hard on everyone's behalf and this time, they would not be holding back.

"That...is, the last, straw, Rayquaza," Sarah growled.

"We'll match you man to man, Pokémon powerhouse to Pokémon powerhouse," added Race darkly as they nodded to each other before turning to their gathered Pokémon.

"This is it, everybody! No running away now!"

"This one's for Marena and the rest of the Six Heroes! One last chance for us to win!"

"Right!" their gathered Pokémon agreed.

"Let's show him what we can do, Mom!"

"I'm with you, Father."

"And, me, too!"

"That's right!"

"Yeah!" finished Blitz, Robbie, Bella, Curly, and Mai determinedly.

"And, us!" Zacian and Zamazenta (their sword and shield at hand and regaining their Crowned Sword and Crowned Shield forms respectively) concurred as they appeared, joined by Rama, Arcanine, Mischief, Milotic, Zorro, Blossom, Claudia, Nebby, and Nebula.

The royal couple raised their Keystones (Sarah's in her left-hand glove and Race's on his Mega Ring) before they shone brightly, charging with energy as they declared, "Older than time itself, from the deepest and farthest reaches of space and the underworld, man and Pokémon have always known the calling!"

"Light of the light, strength of the soul, heed the ferocity of the volcano, hear the loud clap of thunder, and listen to the whistle of the North Wind! Ignite the harmonious power of people and Pokémon inside of us!"

"We are Sarah Tomoe and Race Konami of Alola! We are of one blood with our Pokémon and are pure of heart, mind, body, and spirit! Join us now as we become one with our Pokémon and the power of one! MEGA EVOLVE!"

Touching their respective Keystones once the energy strands from them joined those formed from the Mega Stones belonging to their Pokémon (who were capable of Mega Evolution) and responded to their power, tapping into their unbreakable bonds of love and friendship, Sarah and Race triggered their Mega Evolutions with the majority regaining their Mega Forms for the first time in a long while.

With the others, this was their very first Mega Evolution and everybody couldn't help but look on in shock and awe at them:

- In her Mega Form, Cresselia is now 7'00" and a rosy pink with her body becoming numerous shades of pink including transparent pink wings, light pink paws, and a necklace with a dark pink jewel in the center around her neck. Her underbelly and head crests retained their yellow coloring save for having another upside-down pink crest. And, most surprisingly, she now sported a huge light-blue ring plating circling her entire body connected by a crescent-shaped plating

- Kion, Kiara, Sarabi, Sarafina, Nala, Kovu and Simbaretained their Pokémon Types and their appearances were largely the same apart from their lustrous manes which were let loose as they burst into fierce flames (all of them unable to contain their supercharged flames in their Mega Forms). Totem Luxray, Ranya, and her cubs were most impressed when they took in their pride members' new forms

- With Raikou, Suicune, and Entei, they became 8'03" with Raikou appearing unchanged in his new Mega Y Form apart from also becoming a Dark Type, his new yellow claws, his canine teeth regaining their white coloration but becoming sharper and those of a saber-toothed tiger, his face losing its spiked appearance with his physical features extended, and his tail becoming almost as long as his body; Entei becoming a Fire/Ghost Dual Type with his mane turning purple and covering his entire neck and back, having a chocolate-brown face and tail, his legs and tail gaining red rings (four up front and three in the back), red-armored plating shielding his upper and lower face (leaving the eyes exposed so he can still see), and grey armor on top; and, Suicune becoming a Water/Psychic Dual Type in her Mega X Form, dark-blue diamonds on her body and a larger mane along with a fushia pink coloration, three small green diamonds on her chest which was also green to match as it grew larger in size, and her side crests sporting three smaller diamonds and a larger diamond on the center

- But, the most majestic out of all of them was Stormy (who had a special meteor fragment on her that contained the power she needed to Mega Evolve), finally appearing in her Mega Rayquaza form. As a Mega Rayquaza, she now sported an elongated body with a stretched head (adorned with the symbol of a Δ on her forehead), yellow pupils with red irises in her eyes with black shichishito-shaped markings trailing behind them, gold teeth and lips with gold lines that connect to her broadened and triangular lower horns, long glowing golden tendrils extending from their outer edges to green fin-like structures (featuring ring patterns similar to the markings on her original form) that give her a Δ-shaped profile in flight, two lengthened upper horns that had gold lines forming a V shape along them (each boring a glowing tendril in a circular shape with a spike), golden orbs that glowed and replaced her body's ring patterns, her chin, parts of her neck, and other sections of her body turning black, her fins now marked with gold lines, and significantly longer yellow tail fins

Once their transformations were complete, all of Race and Sarah's Mega-Evolved Pokémon roared proudly before their shocked and supercharged opponent. Along with the rest of their family who don't hold the power of Mega Evolution, they were finally ready to finish the battle on everyone's behalf (including Amethio's).

The heroes and Amethio were left flabbergasted as they looked over the Mega-Evolved Pokémon in the royal couple's care and Stormy as a Mega Rayquaza. For the likes of Liko, Roy, Dot, Marena, Friede, Asha, the Paldea School Gang, and Amethio, the power of Mega Evolution from Kalos and Hoenn was nothing like Paldea's Terastal Phenomenon and something in a completely different class.

"Oh, shit..." Asha breathed in astonishment as she took off her hat, knelt on the ground, and slowly ran her left hand through her hair, looking at the Mega-Evolved Pokémon under her little sister's wing.

"Oh, wow...!"

"That...looks, amazing," Roy and Liko gasped quietly.

"Whoa..." Sprigatito peeped in shock with widened eyes.

"Cool...!" Fuecoco gushed in hushed awe, his eyes twinkling at the sight of Kaji and Amber in their respective Charizard X and Y forms.

"T-That's...was, was... Incredible...!"

"Whoa, mama..." added Dot and Quaxly in stunned fascination while they tended to Plume's back (the Featherhide also being left speechless over what he, his rider, and the Duckling Pokémon were seeing).

"Alright! Sarah and Race are going all out with Mega Evolution!"

"This is the best thing I've ever seen!" Ash and Goh cheered.

"Now, there's something we haven't seen in a long time!"

"You can say that again," remarked Kiawe and Mallow as they, Sophocles, Lana, and Lillie grinned with growing sentimentality.

"Oh-ho-ho! How magnificent!"

"Lookin' good, fellas!"

"Yay, Ms. Suicune, Mr. Entei, Mr. Raikou!"

"Yeah! Go, Uncle Kion, Auntie Kiara!"

"Sock it to 'im, Aunt Cresselia!"

"Get 'im" cheered Tsareena, Pikachu, Snowy, Stufful, Dusk, and Pyroar and Turtonator.

"This is unbelievable!"

"Improbable but not impossible!"

"So beautiful...!"

"I, I, I... I've never seen anything so gorgeous in my life!" Arven, Penny, Ortega, and Drayton cried in awe.

"What is that...? It's definitely not Terastallization, it must be something...something more!" Amethio gawked quietly in amazement.

"Amazing...! This is just, beyond words! This is...the true power of Mega Evolution!" Friede balked in fascination.

"AHH... HOW INTERESTING. NEVER DID I IMAGINE SUCH POWER FROM PUNY HUMANS AND LOWLY POKEMON WORKING TOGETHER. WHAT KIND OF MAGIC WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH AN OUTCOME AND A FEW CHANGED PARTS?" Rayquaza purred, intrigued by what he saw.

"We and our family along with Stormy don't need to tell you how such a miracle can be possible unless you try our combined power. And, besides, looks can be deceiving," Suicune declared.

The others agreed as Stormy opted to carry Loppuny, Kion, Kiara, Sarabi, Sarafina, Nala, Kovu, and Simba along her elongated body and Zacian, Zamazenta, Mai, Bella, and Robbie got aboard Nebby's back. At the same time, Nebula carried Arcanine, Rama, Mischief, Milotic, Suicune, Raikou, and Entei along her back with Varokuna allowing Zorro, Audino, Claudia, Houndoom, Evergreen, Star, Cobalt, Candy, and Mulan to ride on his back.

All the while, along with Stormy (with her chosen passengers riding her), Altaria, Cresselia, Falcon, Calculator, Kit, Ella, Latios, Latias, Salamance, Kaji and Amber hovered with them from above and below.

"Now, then... Let's match the powers of Lucius and Marena's most trusted partner and leader of the Six Heroes, the fabled Terastal Shiny or 'Black' Rayquaza, against the Alolan Royal Family-Mega Evolved, together, and all," Race began as he held out his right fist to Rayquaza and clenched it with a hardened glare.

"For the sake of Lucius, Marena, and your old family, Rayquaza, MY FAMILY AND I DEMAND YOUR POWER!" Sarah bellowed as she pointed at Rayquaza.

"ATTAAAAAAAACK!" they finished as Race pumped his right fist in the air, the royal couple signaling for their family and Stormy to end the heroes' challenge to Rayquaza once and for all.

Without warning, they rushed Rayquaza and started ramming him with unrelenting force, taking him completely by surprise as he tried to follow each of them to attack but couldn't given how they would zip up and down, left and right, and in and out of his attack range. He couldn't keep up with how the royal family and Stormy as they gave him quite the beatdown on their friends' behalf.

"Star, Candy, Latios, Latias, Salamance, Kaji, Amber, Reshiram!"

"Go, Kit, Ella!"

"GROUP DRAGON PULSE!" The royal couple's nine Mega-Evolved Dragon Types joined by Reshiram rushed Rayquaza with Dragon Pulse with Lucius' partner roaring defiantly at them and firing off his own Dragon Pulse attack to counter them.

But, there was one thing Rayquaza forgot about his Draco Meteor attack; to unleash such a devastating all-range attack like Draco Meteor at full power, he had to sacrifice the effectiveness of his stats by a considerable portion (specifically, his Special Attack stats which were harshly lowered six times since he used it three times so far). This meant that his other special attacks including Dragon Pulse had become incredibly weak and his Dragon Pulse attack was broken and overpowered by Star, Candy, Latios, Latias, Salamance, Kaji, Amber, Reshiram, Kit, and Ella's group Dragon Pulse attack.

This time, they were able to hit him in the chest as he let out a pained roar, "YAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!"

Calculator gasped in amazement as he saw this and quickly told Sarah, "Ah, goodness! Ms. Sarah, hurry! Attack him again! Quick as you can!"

"Got it! Kaji, Salamence, Double Dragon Claw!" Sarah blinked in surprise before she allowed Kaji and Salamance to attack Rayquaza with Dragon Claw who retaliated with his own Dragon Claw, the three dragons trading hits with the oddball Sky High Pokémon now slightly wincing from Kaji and Salamance's blows (giving the little princess another chance to attack). "Candy, use Shock Wave, now! Mulan, Houndoom, Flamethrower!"

With Mulan and Houndoom, the Shiny Disaster and Dark Hound Pokémon fired torrent after torrent of flames with Flamethrower and Candy unleashed a volley of electricity from Shock Wave onto his back, enveloping him in a cascade of fire and electricity!

"AGH! WHY, YOU LITTLE-!" Rayquaza roared in surprised pain.

"Oh-ho, yes! By Jove, we might just do it!" Calculator grinned.

"What's up, Calculator?" Race asked, looking at his Metagross.

"Father, we are making significant process from the get-go; I've just realized that Rayquaza's special attacks are dwindling in power after he executed Dragon Pulse three times today! If we keep knocking him about, we'll stand a 94.7% chance of winning!"

"Really?! That must be our only chance!" Race balked in surprise before he turned to his wife and shouted, "Hey! Island Girl, you got that, right?!"

"Oh, yeah! I can't believe I didn't realize it right away! Get at him!" Sarah replied, elated and gaining a second wind from the revelation.

"Okay! Calculator, you're up! Meteor Mash, let's go!"

Heeding his human father's call, Calculator used his immense strength and hurled himself onto Rayquaza's right side with a full-on Meteor Mash attack, hurtling him towards another nearby cliffside that he promptly crashed into soon after. Smarting the blow Calculator had given him, Rayquaza roared in defiance as he shook off the rubble covering him and returned to the air to continue the battle.

"He's still going?!"

"Brother!"

"How long can he keep this up?" Moltres, Arboliva, and Lapras remarked in shock at their leader.

"Rayquaza," Marena whispered with growing concern.

"...Is it over for us?" Sprigatito peeped helplessly, wondering if she, Fuecoco, Liko, and Roy should throw in the towel after failing to prove themselves to Rayquaza.

"NO, NEVER!" Fuecoco roared as he finally snapped with an agitated growl, the pressure of the entire battle getting to him completely and forcing him to let his anger loose as he stomped and looked like he was about to use his Stomping Tantrum attack this time.

It was clear that the little Fire Croc Pokémon didn't want to give up so soon despite feeling the same hopelessness his beloved partner, Liko, and Sprigatito felt over the entire situation. Fuecoco knew that the situation looked pointless now after Rayquaza bested them time and time again throughout the battle and none of the heroes could leave a mark on him no matter what they did or how hard they tried. He knew he and Roy had come so far along with everyone else and he still wanted his friends and family to prove themselves to Rayquaza regardless of what they had to do even if it also meant fighting dirty.

He was also determined to do so on his idol's behalf since Rayquaza made it personal after he effortlessly pounded Friede's Charizard and Amethio's Ceruledge with his Dragon Ascent attack (thus setting in his desire to make the powerful Dragon Type pay and never give up).

As he stomped like mad, Fuecoco prayed for a miracle-something that would give him the strength he needed to help everyone watching carry on the good fight and give Rayquaza a good beatdown of his own. His wish was soon granted as he unknowingly began to increase his speed with small bursts of flames coming from his nostrils and his feet, going faster and building more power with each stomp as his actions drew everyone's attention.

"Fuecoco?" breathed Roy in astonishment, seeing what his partner was trying to do.

"Could it be...?" Cap added in amazement.

"Fuecoco, are you...?" Dot gasped quietly as Plume and Quaxly looked on in surprise, seeing their young Fire Type friend envelop himself in a pillar of supercharged fire and going faster and faster.

This display of determination and never giving up from his starter inspired Roy as he encouraged him to let it go and unleash his rekindled and reforged might, "Way to go, Fuecoco! Show everyone, even Sarah and Race, your power! You got this!"

"Is Fuecoco using Flame Charge?" noted a baffled and amazed Friede, knowing the move Fuecoco was trying to pull off.

"Amazing, both Roy and Fuecoco... Sarah and Race, too, with their family and Stormy," Liko mused in awe, seeing Roy and Fuecoco along with Sarah, Race, their family, and Stormy pull out all the stops they have left to tilt the odds in the heroes' favor.

"Mama, remember!" Terapagos pleaded, making Liko remember her promise to him, Marena, and the five members of the Six Heroes with her and her party.

"That's right... I said I was going to take them to Laqua and Lucius a few weeks ago with everyone's help, which means... I've got to keep pushing further, farther, stronger...!"

She knelt beside Sprigatito and told her, "...With you."

"And, how!" Sprigatito nodded, remembering herself sticking to Liko's promise to Terapagos, Marena, and her family.

"Marena, the Six Heroes, and Terapagos, we have to help them no matter the cost... Even if Rayquaza doesn't choose to join us for their sake, we'll all chase him wherever he goes until he finally does...! And, only then, will we and everyone else be one step further to finding Laqua and Lucius while protecting them from people like the Explorers! What do you say, you ready to get back in and keep fighting?"

"Frosty!"

Smirking at each other and feeling the itch to never give up without a final fight, Sprigaito and Liko steeled themselves and prepared to help Sarah and Race end the battle and prove themselves, Roy, And Fuecoco to Rayquaza for good.

"You ready, partner?"

"You got it!" the two bantered as they came forward before looking at Sarah and Race (who looked at them with surprised awe before they smiled proudly at the pair, Fuecoco, and Roy; they had seen and heard everything).

"...Take it away, kid, both of you," the former BF Champion approved softly, knowing that Liko, Roy, and their partners were finally ready to help take Rayquaza on as the trainers they now are.

Sarah nodded her approval, allowing Liko to nod back and call the next move on everyone's behalf, "Let's do it, Sprigatito! Use Magical Leaf!"

With a long and proud meow and charging into battle once again, Sprigatito jumped up and prepared to use Magical Leaf only for something phenomenal to occur at that moment; a second miracle was coming for the heroes in the form of Liko's Grass Cat Pokémon being covered in a familiar blue light (leaving Liko astonished as she watched her partner change before her very eyes, her new transformation as a result of their blossoming friendship and unwavering determination to fulfill their promise to Marena, her family, and Terapagos).

"Ah, Sprigatito...?" she gasped.

With the Vikings and their group watching from the air, amongst them, Rosie, Chili, and Crest were amazed to see the first of their fellow Paldea Starters finally evolve. For Rosie, the royal Grass Cat Pokémon could only stare in utter fascination as she saw Liko's partner becoming more like her until the light died down and she reemerged as a Floragato (the younger evolved Grass Type radiating with confidence and newfound strength in her new form).

"Showtime, baby!" she meowed proudly, remaining true to her spunky nature as she gracefully landed and charged at Rayquaza from the ground (swinging her new retractable flower on her chest like a professional yo-yo player as she did so).

Everyone was amazed by the new evolution and Roy, Dot, and Liko made it clear as they didn't hold back on their fascination and excitement, recognizing her new form, "Sprigatito, you-!"

"YES! She just evolved!"

"Into Floragato!"

"Amazing!" Friede grinned proudly over Sprigatito's evolution to Floragato.

Seeing this and remembering his wife's Paldea Starters, Race looked at Sarah and smirked, "You want to finish this with our new up-and-coming personal graduates proper?"

"Why wouldn't I after seeing Sprigatito evolve and Fuecoco learning Flame Charge?" grinned Sarah before looking up to her evolved Paldea Starters (who were riding on Elder and Alder's shared back throughout the entire battle to give everyone a hand from the air themselves and having a few close calls with Rayquaza's Draco Meteor attack themselves). "Hey, Rosie, Chili, Crest! Are you okay up there?"

"Yes, we're fine! We survived without getting whomped by Tall, Black, and Shiny's meteor showers!"

"What do you need down there, Mom?" Chili and Rosie called.

"You want to help Liko and Roy's partners wrap this battle up?"

"You bet we do!" Crest replied, giving a thumbs-up.

"Then, get ready to jump! And, don't fire until Floragato and Fuecoco make their last moves against Rayquaza and I say so!"

Nodding in satisfaction, Sarah turned to Liko and Roy and shouted to them, "Now, while we have the chance!"

"Liko!" Floragato agreed, sharing Sarah's sentiments as she looked back at her partner and continued her charge.

Liko returned an agreeing nod as she made the first of the heroes' final calls and Roy followed soon after with Fuecoco's newly learned Flame Charge, "Yeah! Floragato, use Magical Leaf!"

"Go! Use Flame Charge!"

With their rekindled spirit and determination along with their new power and move, Fuecoco and Floragato darted to Rayquaza together with Floragato jumping into the air first and locked on to Lucius' partner, casting her signature move on the oddball legendary via her retractable flower. Her Magical Leaf attacks were so powerful and with swift precision to boot that when they hit him, they caused Rayquaza to flinch after the other heavy hits he had taken while Sarah and Race's group with him had to take cover as they flew past them.

After that, Fuecoco jumped into the air via his increased speed thanks to Flame Charge and darted towards Rayquaza before he rammed him on the head, the force of the impact of his new attack now causing the Terastal Shiny Sky High Pokémon to stagger back in pain.

"NOW!" Sarah bellowed, drawing and raising Cosmic Grace while signaling Rosie, Crest, and Chili to jump from Elder and Alder's back and freefall down to Rayquaza to further end the battle with a big bang.

"So long, Terastal Phantom!"

"Have a little of this from all of us!"

"This is it, Rayquaza! YOU'RE GOING DOWN!"

"KA-ME-HA-ME...HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" they screamed as they fired Magical Leaf, Heat Wave, and Hydro Pump at full chat fueled by their love and friendship with Sarah, her family, and all of their friends (and doing so in the style of Dragon Ball's Kamehameha Wave by the Turtle Hermit, Master Roshi), landing a final hit on Rayquaza and causing him to land in the ocean below as he roared in defeat.

"Gotcha, man!" Floragato called as she roped the falling Fuecoco over to her with the expert precision and rope work of a lasso roper, catching him in mid-air and pulling him safely into her arms.

They were tired by what they managed to pull off but despite that, both of the young Paldea Starters felt triumphant over their and their friends and family's shared victory over Rayquaza, briefly soaking in the moment as they smiled at each other and watched Elder and Alder catching Rosie, Crest, and Chili before they regrouped with the heroes with them from ground zero.

"You did it! That was great, Fuecoco!" laughed Roy as he, Liko, Friede, Dot, Quaxly, Sarah, Race, and Plume joined them and brought him in for a happy embrace.

"Floragato...!" Liko beamed at her evolved partner, her heart fluttering and swelling with pride.

"We won," Floragato replied, smiling in satisfaction until she suddenly collapsed and ended up in her partner's arms out of exhaustion (having used up all of her energy from the intense use of her Magical Leaf attack and the strain it took on her new body).

"Are you alright?!"

"Hey, you did really well, Floragato."

"I gotta say, Floragato, you and Fuecoco did great out there."

"Rest up now, girl, you deserve it after what you did today," Friede, Race, and Sarah congratulated as the little princess pulled out a blanket from her personal satchel and wrapped it around Liko's evolved starter.

"Floragato..."

"What a trooper."

"It took everything she had to pull off her evolution and those Magical Leaf attacks," sighed Rosie, Chili, and Crest as they joined the heroes and smiled at the sleeping evolved Paldea Grass Starter.

As Rayquaza regained himself and emerged from the ocean, hovering over the heroes again and drawing their attention, Terapagos toddled over to him and spoke (his cute voice quivering with heartfelt emotion as he stared at Lucius' first partner), "Rayquaza! Home! Home, come home! Please! Come back!"

The male Sky High Pokémon watched the heroes as they all stared at him, anxiously wondering what he was thinking and whether or not he would return to his family as Sarah and Race's Mega-Evolved Pokémon and Stormy returned to their original forms now that the battle is over. Lapras, Kleavor, Arboliva, Moltres, and Entei joined Terapagos from either side of the little Tera Pokémon soon after, all wanting nothing more than their leader to return to them and Marena.

"Brother..."

"You impressed now?"

"We're ready to welcome you back, Leader. If that is what you wish, of course," said Arboliva, Moltres, and Lapras as they softly smiled at him while Entei and Kleavor shared their smiles and nodded in agreement.

As the ancient Transport, Malevolent, and Olive Pokémon spoke, Rayquaza couldn't help but recall everything he heard and witnessed in Dragonstone during the heroes' visit there the day before Diana's departure. He had seen his mother figure and his reunited family in a new light after hearing what became of them following their separations and reunions, and what's more, he had no idea Marena had it rough despite her doing her best to live in their memories and honor following her fateful decision to split them up for their own protection from anybody wanting to find them and use their powers for dark purposes.

It also hit him hard as he discovered that Marena toiled through remembering them every day following Lucius's disappearance and what she had been doing since parting ways with her husband.

As for the Sea Witch herself, Marena stepped forward as she held his Pokeball, filled with nothing but shame and regret for her previous decision to protect them as she called out, "Please, Rayquaza, I know what I did back then was a mistake! I've regretted it since then and I should've thought of a better way to protect you and the others! But, it doesn't matter anymore; we're here now because of my choice and I want to make things right between us!"

Rayquaza just gave her a judgmental look, prompting her to continue and prove to him that what she was saying was true, "I know you were upset when Amethio agitated you before we could have a chance to meet again proper after all these years and I know fully well how being left alone despite one's best intentions could do to you! I went through that same pain with only Entei and Kleavor to help keep me sane while we lived our lives with my people in Dragonstone and not a day went by when I wished I could undo the unintentional harm I've wrought upon you, Moltres, Lapras, and Arboliva! I would want to send Entei and Kleavor away to protect them, too, but I couldn't do it no matter how much I wanted to! You six and Terapagos were all I had left of my husband since we left him and Laqua behind and you still are! I don't want to go through that pain again after I found out about you, Lapras, Arboliva, and Moltres still surviving after all this time!"

"I know I have no right to ask this of you since you once thought the worst of humans but despite that, times are different and there are more good humans than bad ones in this era! You're in the presence of family again and new friends to help us in our time of need now! The people, their Pokémon, and the creatures before us are living proof that there are some good beings in the world we now live in and they will stand by us no matter the squalls! Please, all I wanted after finding out that you, Lapras, Arboliva, and Moltres were okay...was for us to, be together again... As Lucius would've wanted for us..."

The tears welling up in her eyes finally trickled down her cheeks as she made a final plea to him (taking him by surprise as he reeled back a bit and saw her smiling sadly at him), "...I'm sure, my darling... He would've wanted us to be together again as he wanted..."

(Better With Two - Unicorn Academy)

As she began to sing her pleas to him, a cluster of memories of their time together came flooding through her.

The pair never broke eye contact as Rayquaza looked deep into her gaze and began to remember everything they'd been through before they and their family parted with Lucius and her fateful decision, the first memory showing him his family's mother figure on a high cliff as the wind whistled and whipped around her while gazing out into the blue horizon. Above her was the Sky High Pokémon himself as his form shimmered in the sunlight, his majestic form slicing through the clouds as the song she sang carried over in the wind (blending in with the breeze and supposedly reaching out across the vast expanse to her and her husband's long-lost partner and friend).

I have mainly been in isolation, all I wanted was to keep you safe~

Now, I see that it was my decisions that caused you all this pain~

A second memory showed him with Marena as she held his massive head at one point in their intertwined lives, their eyes locked in a silent and heartfelt exchange. The warm and golden glow of the sunset on the horizon surrounded them, a stark contrast to the tears shimmering in the Sea Witch's eyes as she tenderly held his indriscent scales with each touch speaking volumes of the love and regret she carried all her life. This was evident in the third memory showing him the moment when she was forced to make the toughest decision of her life after consulting with Lucius about it, her face etched with sorrow as she went through with it, sending him, Lapras, Arboliva, and Moltres away while keeping Entei and Kleavor with her. As she left with the only remaining members of her and Lucius' family, a single tear trailed down her left cheek as Rayquaza's departure by her own hand had hit her the hardest.

But, I came back to find you and I'm right here beside you and that's all the matters now~

In a dense and fog-laden forest via a fourth memory, Marena's silhouette was shown until she appeared in full as she searched high and low for Rayquaza (growing anxious and worried for him with each step she took), eventually finding him in front of her at an open clearing. At that moment, after seeing each other, their reunion was marked by a powerful and emotional embrace that bridged the gap that had kept them apart.

A fifth memory showed Rayquaza of the time when he, Marena, and Lucius (when it was just the three of them returning from one of their adventures together at one point and the rest of their team stayed behind wherever they were) were traveling through a hurricane that roared violently around them. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed, and the rain poured down as they soared through the chaos with the married Sea Witch and Ancient Adventurer doing their best to hang on to their old friend as they rode on his back. But, it wasn't too much of a challenge for Rayquaza as his wings allowed him to cut through the storm and follow a guiding light that led them closer to their family, showing them as a beacon of hope cutting through the darkness around them.

When everything's crashing down around you, just let my love surround you~

If you're lost, my light will guide you through~

When you're feeling all alone, you're never on your own~

A sixth memory then showed the trio under a serene and starlit night as they lay together on a grassy knoll, the gentle warmth of the male Sky High Pokémon's tail wrapped around them which offered the ancient couple comfort and protection. It was a peaceful scene between them as the tranquil night sky above mirrored their shared sense of contented togetherness and happiness.

Just look inside and I'll be there with you~

'Cause life is just better with two~

Better with two~

And, I'm right here beside you and that's all that matters now~

When everything's crashing down around you, just let my love surround you~
If you're lost, my light will guide you through~

The seventh memory that came flooding back into Rayquaza's mind through Marena was during a fierce battle they, Lapras, Kleavor, Entei, Moltres, Arboliva, and Terapagos (in his Stellar Form) got themselves roped in. As he soared above his family, his parental figures and Terapagos were with his brothers and sister as they fought against the ones intending to capture or bring them down for their combined power, the Terastal Shiny Dragon/Flying Type unleashing his wrath on the villains to shield his family from the encroaching darkness that served as a testament to his unwavering loyalty to them.

When you're feeling all alone, you're never on your own~

A long while after the battle they just had, Marena, Lucius, Terapagos (now back in his normal form), and the Six Heroes were resting on the grassy knoll; even though they didn't come out of the fight unscathed as they had hoped, they were glad to have each other and stay alive including Rayquaza as he curled protectively around them while he rested.

While he was then shown two final memories, his Ancient Pokeball began to glow in his mother figure's hands like it was responding to her motherly love for him. All the while, Marena looked at her husband's first partner and continued to sing to him with Rayquaza finally feeling the deep and unspoken connection between her and him.

Just look inside and I'll be there with you~
'Cause life is just better with two~
Better with two~

The first of those last two memories showed a war-weary Marena finding solace in his comforting presence as he curled protectively around her, welcoming her in a warm embrace amidst the world of chaos they and their family were in.

When you're feeling all alone, you're never on your own~
Just look inside and I'll be there with you~
'Cause life is just better with two~

And, last but not least, the final memory showed him something that made him realize that Marena still cared for him and the rest of his family (one she always treasured and held onto as a final hope for their future together should they ever be reunited following their fateful separation): her, Lucius, Terapagos, him, Lapras, Arboliva, Moltres, Kleavor, and Entei standing united on a hilltop as they looked over the horizon (their silhouettes etched onto the glimmering light of the sunset before them that demonstrated their strength, unity, and the unbreakable bond between them transcending against the steady march of time and adversary).

Better with two~
Always me and you~

The silence that followed was thick and intense as Marena finished her plea and waited for Rayquaza to make his answer known, the Sea Witch still feeling remorseful for everything she put her family through and hoping she would be forgiven despite having good intentions back then. The others watched on worriedly for her while Amethio waited patiently for his next chance, also wondering how the Sky High Pokémon would respond to her heartfelt and emotion-driven apology to him.

They all waited for what felt like an eternity as the two held their gazes and never broke eye contact, until finally... After a century of being apart, going their own ways over the years, not knowing what happened to everyone in their family, and with the dimming hope that things would be different for them should they eventually meet again... Rayquaza bowed his head to his mother figure in an act of forgiveness and willingly returned to his Pokeball, reuniting the Six Heroes at long last.

Everyone was stunned, realizing what had just happened until they saw Marena quietly sobbing with joy and relief as she got down on her knees and held the Pokeball to her forehead.

Eventually, the silence gave way to a series of cheers from the heroes as they realized that they had finally beaten the Explorers in finding and reuniting the Six Heroes including Rayquaza before Amethio, Spinel, Coral, Sidian, and Chalce had a chance to capture any of them.

"YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!"

"ALRIGHT!" cheered Ash, Goh, and the Pokémon and Paldea School Gangs with Gladion giving a satisfied smirk and huff while crossing his arms.

"Hey, you did it, Marena!"

"You got Rayquaza back!"

"It's finally over!"

"Now, we have all of the Six Heroes on our side!" Carmine, Kieran, Liko, and Roy screamed excitedly as the Pokémon and dragons danced and cheered alongside their friends and families.

"Mother..." Entei called soothingly to Marena, getting her attention as she saw him, Lapras, Terapagos, Arboliva, Moltres, and Kleavor smiling at her. "...You did it."

"Yes, you finally got through to our leader," Kleavor added sweetly as they felt proud of her.

"Mama Marena good! We family back together! Me happy! Very happy! Happy!" cooed Terapagos in agreement as he toddled to the Sea Witch and nuzzled her happily.

Marena could only smile back as her tears kept falling, picking up Terapagos and hugging him back while keeping Rayquaza and his Pokeball in her hands (her ultimate wish finally granted and wondering if Lucius could see them now despite him still being in Laqua).

All the while, Amethio watched on with intrigue and awe; while he did fail to capture Rayquaza again just as Spinel, Chalce, Coral, and Sidian had despite his best efforts, he couldn't help but feel that there was something about both him and his family after seeing the bond between them (feeling as though there was some hidden power he, Terapagos, Lapras, Kleavor, Entei, Moltres, and Arboliva had now that they're back together he and his fellow agents, Hamber, and Gibeon knew absolutely nothing about until the Sea Witch came into the picture).

He was also intrigued to know what role Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet played as the moment of them and Sarah using Tera Burst Radiance against Rayquaza during his previous encounter with them replayed in his mind. He was sure Gibeon would have a wealth of information to chew on when he reported back to him as he felt it would help him and his fellow agents in their ongoing mission regarding his ultimate objective.

"Amethio, Sir!" Onia shouted as she and Zirc arrived aboard their Skarmory (having found out about his arrival to Levincia and rushed over to reunite with him so they could work together again).

"We're glad you're safe!" Zirc smiled at their leader.

"Of course I am, we're heading back," Amethio replied dryly, appreciating his teammates coming for him before he let out Corviknight to depart with them.

"Are you sure?" Onia questioned as he turned back to Terapagos and noticed Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet joining him as they and their family and friends watched him prepare to leave with his team.

"You four and the Six Heroes are mine when next we meet," he vowed to them as he boarded his Raven Pokémon.

"Wait, Amethio!" Lazuli called as she and Liko stepped forward, remembering when he and Ceruledge saved the young girl, Terpagaos, and Floragato from Rayquaza's Draco Meteor attack. "As much as I hate to admit it, despite how moronic and cold-hearted you can be... The kid with me and my friends, well... Thanks, we owe you one."

Liko nodded in agreement, feeling thankful for Amethio saving her, Floragato, and Terapagos only for him to remind them, "Don't get the wrong impression, Lazuli, either of you. My mission was to catch the Black Rayquaza; that's all this was. And, even though he's in your hands now, time will tell us how long that will last. When he decides you're not good for him, I'll be waiting..."

And, with that, Amethio, Onia, and Zirc flew off to return to their syndicate's headquarters as the heroes watched them disappear onto the horizon.

Dusk fell as the heroes left Levincia Lighthouse and returned to the others, hoping to see how they had been getting on after being saved by the Cat Pack. To their luck, they found them being tended to by Wild and his friends, and apart from minor and major damages done to the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft, they were all unharmed (Pokémon, dragons, and all).

All of them cheered and laughed with utter joy as they saw each other in one piece as well as the Six Heroes finally reunited when they saw Rayquaza alongside Marena, Terapagos (who was happily being carried in her hands), Lapras, Kleavor, Arboliva, Moltres, and Entei.

"HEEEEEEY!"

"WE'RE HERE!"

"WE DID IT, EVERYBODY, MR. CLAVELL!" Rosie, Chili, and Crest cried excitedly as they went to Clavell while Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet toddled over to Blair, cooing worriedly for her and everyone else.

"Oh, don't you worry your little heads, you three. We're all safe and sound thanks to Sarah's Cat Pack," she soothed sweetly as she gently held them much to their happiness and relief.

"Liko, Roy, Dot, Sarah, Race! Everyone, you all did so great!" Murdock praised heartily.

"Thanks, Murdock! Is everyone here okay?" Roy smiled with relief as he looked at everyone before his group.

"Like I said, we're all okay. But, Shade and her friends deserve all the credit for saving us."

"That's right!" Mollie and the Brave Olivine Pokémon agreed, chuckling.

"You never cease to amaze us with your quick thinking even under dire circumstances, Sarah," Katy congratulated the little princess.

"And, we saw the whole thing after Rotom-Dex and Rotoscope linked their recordings to the Dragon Craft's video feed in the cabin. You and your family and friends heroic performances and success involving the Black Rayquaza were truly avant-garde!" Brassius added heartily as their fellow gym leaders nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, everyone! You're the reason we all got to battle Rayquaza earlier," Friede thanked.

"Everyone, I am deeply in your debt, all of you; thanks to your teamwork, your love, your dedication, your friendship, everything that made you the people and trainers you are in this era along with the Pokémon and creatures in your care, my family is back together. We are ready to continue our journey to find Laqua and my husband... And, for that... I thank you, all of you. If only... If only, I can repay you..." Marena thanked warmly, getting on her knees and bowing to everyone with her with her family joining in as they were filled with never-ending gratitude to the heroes and everyone connected to them by their love and friendship.

Everyone smiled warmly at them with Clavell coming up to the Sea Witch and gently bringing her to her feet as he told her, "You don't have to repay us, M'dear. The happiness you have now is more than we could ever ask for. You've waited so long to see your family again and make amends for your previous decision to save them despite your noble intentions. You took responsibility for your actions and it paid off brilliantly, we all merely pushed you in the right direction in one way or another. This is your moment, your family's moment; you and your family are all together again and it's a reward we can all appreciate more than anything else."

He then smiled at Rosie, Chili, and Crest as he added (while gently patting and rubbing Rosie's head), "And, as for you three, we're alright, no need to worry. But, most importantly, with that final assault alongside Young Liko and Roy's partners... Ha-ha, good work!"

"I'll say, we've learned a lot today from what we've seen, too! I've always heard about Mega Evolution and wanted to know what it's like but to actually see it happen thanks to Rotom-Dex and Rotoscope is a sight I'll never forget," grinned Greeta.

"And, it's a wonder you were able to Mega Evolve all your Pokémon capable of that power and Stormy all at once for that battle, you two!" Murdock added, grinning at Sarah and Race.

"That power was truly something when we saw them in their Mega-Evolved forms. It's nothing like our region's Terastal Phenomenon, that's for sure," Rika quipped in agreement.

"Wow...! You evolved into Floragato, didn't you?" cooed Orla as she looked at Floragato.

"And, proud of it, too!" Floragato nodded proudly.

"You must be proud, Liko!" Murdock continued, singing his praises to Liko and her partner.

"All of you did well today, congratulations," Ludlow nodded proudly to the heroes who fought on the front lines.

"I had no doubts about them all along; the kiddo especially never failed to impress me," Lazuli added with a smirk as she, Petunia, Stardust, and her Pokémon joined the group and the Circle of Twelve joined them (all relieved that she came out of her scuffle with Spinel unscathed).

However, despite finally being successful in their quest involving the Six Heroes, Liko and Roy couldn't help but frown as they had a nagging feeling in their stomachs that they couldn't ignore (something that had been lingering in them from the moment Rayquaza used Dragon Ascent to defeat Amethio's Ceruledge and Friede's Charizard and put them and everyone else on their side in a rough position for a moment).

"Only..." Liko began sadly.

"Only what?" Friede echoed as he and everyone else looked at them with concern.

"...Looking back... We won, but...by the skin of our teeth. We couldn't do anything after Charizard and Ceruledge were beaten by Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent...and we thought about giving up until Sarah and Race gave us the push we needed to never give up at the last moment."

"We were able to help them and their family beat him with our Hail Mary in the form of Sprigatito's evolution and Fuecoco's new Flame Charge... But, had that never happened... And, we didn't jump in to help them before we decided to push forward... We would've failed to reunite Rayquaza with his family," Roy added solemnly.

"And, the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft, they got..."

The others didn't need to say anything; they could already tell Liko and Roy were partly blaming themselves for not doing more in the final battle against Rayquaza when he had everyone fighting including Amethio on the ropes. They were feeling their previous position deeply despite managing to help Sarah and Race clinch it and win thanks to Sprigatito evolving into Floragato and Fuecoco learning Flame Charge after they decided to push forward and continue fighting until they and their friends won.

But, Friede and Sarah looked at each other and nodded knowingly, not having any of it as they reminded them of how far they've come since their journeys started and intertwined with one another, "Liko, Roy, listen to us... We know it wasn't easy for us and Amethio when Rayquaza pushed us into a corner earlier today and we did win and you finally proved yourselves to him thanks to a miracle on our part. But, if you quit here and now while you're ahead because we nearly failed Marena and her family for the last time, it's all over for you two and you'll be right back where you started."

Friede and Cap shared her sentiments as they glared at the pair with the unconventional professor firmly telling the young trainers, "You've met all sorts of Pokémon, made friends with many people, encountered creatures beyond your wildest imaginations including Serrate and Char, and faced all sorts of challenges... And, you've learned to become better trainers and your partners fought harder, faster, and smarter alongside you under Sarah's wing ever since she and her family and friends joined us at certain points. No matter what the world threw your way, you kept moving forward..."

At that moment, Liko and Roy recalled everything they went through on their journey: first meeting Sprigatito, Fuecoco, the little princess, her family, and the Rising Volt Tacklers; meeting and training with Kabu; Sonia, Leon, and the Postwick Trio; encountering Moltres and their dragon companions, and so on.

Amazingly, they realized that Sarah and Friede had a point; they had changed so much since they first joined the Rising Volt Tacklers along with the Alolan Royal Family and their friends since they first met them and their partners and despite all the hurdles, all the challenges thrown at them, the enemies they faced, and the ups and downs they've experienced, none of that deterred them from the path they took forward. They were able to prove themselves as Pokémon Trainers time and time again and learn and experience so much in such a short time when it would normally take a majority of people years to do so. And, they did it all with a smile no matter what happened to them, Floragato when she was still a Sprigatito, and Fuecoco along with Hatenna, Wattral, Terapagos, Dot, Quaxly, Tinkatink, Serrate, Char, Plume, and all their other friends throughout.

They were also able to become the trainers they are now because of Marena, Terapagos, Lucius, and the Six Heroes; thanks to the lessons they learned from their encounters with Sarah's human advisor and Lucius' wife, their family, and the baby Tera Pokémon belonging to them, they were able to see what the world had to offer and learn more about themselves, the Pokémon that inhabit their world, and the lessons that were still being taught through life experiences.

But, of course, the two of them had Diana to thank for that; she started her journey and developed her love for adventures and exploring thanks to the Ancient Adventurer and his family including Terapagos when she discovered his records and the baby Tera Pokémon in his dormant form.

Marena nodded with a soft smile as she joined the pair and allowed Terapagos to jump out of her arms and coo at Liko, making her look at everyone smiling at them and see Friede and Sarah's point before telling her, "You and Roy have become fine trainers, Liko. And, you got something special out of your partners because of everything you went through, together..."

"Marena's right, Liko. Think about what you two gained by nearly losing to Rayquaza and being put in your worst situation yet; Sprigatito became Floragato just for you and Fuecoco went and learned a new move."

"Don't deny it," Cap smirked knowingly.

"Yeah, Liko! You remember, friends forever, right?" Floragato smiled as she hugged her partner and Serrate joined them with a happy nuzzle.

"...Floragato, Serrate," Liko sighed blissfully, smiling in realization as she hugged them back.

"Pals forever, pals forever! YAY!" Fuecoco chirped excitedly at Roy, having no regrets about being his partner.

"Fuecoco..." gasped Roy, sharing Liko's realization as a smirking Char gave him a knowing nudge.

Sarah smiled proudly at them as she told the pair, "Don't focus on the what-ifs and let even one setback let alone a near miss knock you down. Keep up with your adventures and always explore new horizons along the way. Do what every other adventurer would do when they hit a dead end: learn more, grow more, become stronger, be better, and don't stop doing what you love just as my friends and I did throughout our own adventures."

"...Hey, you're right! We really have come so far, haven't we?" Liko smiled, feeling much better as she looked between Floragato and Serrate.

"We sure have!"

"Amen to that," they grinned.

"It's just like Grandma said, 'With a Pokémon by my side, I'll be fine'," the young girl mused before she gave a determined smile and declared, "Then, I'm not giving up! As promised, I'm going to help take Terapagos to Laqua!"

"And, I'll keep getting stronger to prove myself to be the best I can be, for Rayquaza and everyone back home!" Roy vowed, also wanting to continue his journey even if a crucial part of it was over for him.

Amazingly, Dot shared their sentiments, saying, "And, I-I... I don't want to sit on the sidelines anymore! Ever since you guys came, traveling the world and solving mysteries... I want in on all of that, too!"

Liko and Roy nodded, agreeing to let her join them and everyone else on their journey before they inquired to Friede, "Friede, about earlier... Tell us, how exactly do we and our Pokémon Terastallize?"

"Charizard was amazing before when he went up against Rayquaza!"

"And, Amethio's Ceruledge was the same after they appeared!"

"If we could Terastallize like that...! Or, maybe, we can Mega Evolve them like Sarah and Race's Pokémon!"

Fuecoco let out a small puff of fire in agreement and Dot stood beside the pair, sharing their inquiries and getting a knowing smile from the unconventional professor. After everything they've been through over the past several months, he knew the perfect place in Paldea for them to start the next phase of their journey as Pokémon Trainers. And, he could tell they would like it because it involved a particular school Sarah, Asha, and Race had been attending as of late.

"Okay, I get it. And, if you really want to know, I seem to know of a certain course Asha, Race, and Sarah previously registered for when they signed up for Uva Academy. Isn't that right, Director?" Friede asked Director Clavell.

"Of course, Friede. And, we'd be most honored to have you three as our newest arrivals if you would like to learn about our region's Terastal Phenomenon and become better trainers," he confirmed with a knowing smile.

"Alright, gang, here's what we're going to do: we're going to focus on repairing the ship and the Dragon Craft, and then, there are things about Terapagos and the Terastal Phenomenon that I'll want to investigate in the Paldea Region. And, as for you, Liko, Roy, Dot, get ready... 'Cause it's time for you to take some Tera Training at Uva Academy as its newest students and Sarah, Race, and Asha's official classmates!"

Dot, Liko, and Roy gasped in surprise as the young girl and the little adventurer questioned Friede, "So, you think we're ready, Friede?"

"What exactly do we have to do after being registered as new students?"

"You just leave that to me and Clavell after we start your new student orientation."

"We'll make sure you kids know what we and your fellow students do in one of our academy's most popular courses in our school curriculum."

A growling sound from Fuecoco's stomach sounded off and the Pokémon and dragons looked at the little Fire Croc as he could only mumble a meek, "Sorry, hungry now..."

Another growl came from Cap's stomach and all the Brave Olivine captain could say was, "...Ugh, embarrassing..."

Friede could only laugh as he knew everybody was now hungry after the entire ordeal including himself, "Sounds like the Pokémon are as hungry as I am."

"Then, I say we go shopping in town tonight and have a picnic!"

"Let's make it a big party in honor of Marena and the Six Heroes, too!" grinned Murdock and Orla as they, Cap, Rockruff, and Friede made their way to Levincia along with Doug, Delilah, Mischief, Persian, and the Tomoe Squad to get the supplies needed for a picnic party.

"Don't spend too much!" Mollie warned as they left.

"We can indulge for one day!" Orla quipped cheekily.

"Just saying. We got a couple of ships to repair, you know..." sighed the traveling doctor as she and Chansey smiled in amusement.

"So, Ash, guys, Professors, now that the Six Heroes are finally together again, what exactly do you plan on doing now?" Sarah asked her old friends.

"Well, that's hard to say... Learning to Terastallize is awesome and I would love to see how that works but I think I should focus on my dream to become a Pokémon Astronaut for now. I'm still hoping to learn all I can to become one and learn about our galaxy with Togedemaru and Vikavolt by my side. However, it would be nice to attend Uva Academy and learn to use Terastallization at some point for a change of pace," Sophocles smiled.

"And, I got to return to my training with Olivia. But, it will be fun to learn about and bring Terastallization home to Akala Island when possible," Kiawe grinned.

"I'm going to continue looking for Manaphy with my dad. And, when I'm done with that, I'll ask him and my mom if I can go to Uva Academy to learn Terastallization, too."

"Same with me, especially since Tsareena, Shaymin, and I are continuing our dream for a Pokémon restaurant."

"And, I'll join, too, once I'm done with my own journey in Kanto," Mallow and Lillie concurred excitedly.

"It would be an honor to understand more about the Terastal Phenomenon, Sarah. But, I think it's best if Kukui and I concentrate more on Lei unless we have time; being a parent is just as eventful as being a professor or two," Burnet added with an amused smile as she gently rocked Lei.

"We'll keep in contact whenever possible and we'll all come and visit the new Paldea base once it's complete so we can get an update. You have an Explosion of a good time when you, your sister, and Race return to Uva Academy for your next term with Liko, Roy, and Dot," Kukui smiled.

"Yeah, and the same goes for us. Ash and I have to return to Kanto so we can Professor Cerise everything we've learned throughout our journey with you all and continue being research buddies for him; I'm still hoping to get to Mew and obtain the future in the palm of my hands," Goh added, eagerly still holding onto his dream of reaching and catching Mew.

"Same here! But, I'm also still hoping to continue my dream of becoming a Pokémon Master even though learning how to Terastallize my Pokémon is so much fun!" Ash quipped in agreement, making Sarah sigh and smile at all of them knowingly.

Clavell, his fellow faculty, and the Paldea Gym Leaders smiled at them as the Uva Academy director told the group, "It has been an honor to meet and work with you throughout the last several days, our friends. You truly are wonderful Pokémon Trainers and we couldn't be more prouder of you for your efforts in your endeavors leading to this moment. Take care of yourselves, and remember, the doors of Uva Academy are always open for you."

"The honor is all ours, Director," Kukui thanked as they shook hands.

"Well, it's been fun, ya'll. But, don't worry, we'll keep our guard up when the Explorers strike again," Lazuli reassured.

"Well, we better get ready for the upcoming term. And, we hope to see you, your husband, and your sister do the best you can with Liko, Roy, and Dot joining you soon, Sarah. Good day," Clavell finished, smiling as he, the faculty (including Poppy), and the Paldea Gym Leaders left for home.

"Thanks for everything, Clavell, everyone!" Sarah grinned as everybody waved them goodbye.

That night, after the party and her old friends, Burnet, and Kukui left to continue their own dreams and adventures (while keeping the offer to join Uva Academy for its Terastal Course fresh in their minds), Sarah was alone on the Dragon Craft's sundeck with Reader.

Everyone else had fallen asleep, eagerly awaiting a new day and the beginning of a brand new adventure since Dot, Liko, and Roy would eventually begin the next part of their journey (which involved them being new students at Uva Academy and joining the little princess, the former BF Champion, and the reincarnated cowgirl in the Terastal Course to learn Terastallization). But, she and her NightWing advisor couldn't sleep right now because Reader had gotten wind of a new vision and a new haunting prophecy to boot:

A storm will rise with jewels of light in shadows hidden from the brightest sight
Crystals of power, their truth a lie, guide hearts astray beneath the sky
Laquium whisper, danger deep, where secrets stir and shadows creep
A hand unseen will bend the thread and twist the path where truth is led
When envy's flame ignites the night and treachery cloaks the truth in blight
The scales of fate will tip and sway and innocence will lose its way
The Spinels weave with silken tongue, a fate for three who once were young
One will fall from grace cast out, to wander lost, consumed by doubt
To flee from chains and shadow's might, to seek redemption's guiding light
Three souls will rise from fate's cruel jest, to mend the cracks and face the test
Yet on the run, in darkest night, they'll seek the way to make things right
A chance to mend, to break the chain, to find redemption through their pain

As for the vision, when Reader showed it to her charge, the little princess was shown what the perceived looming threat and the events leading up to it could be: odd pink crystals within a glass casing, Spinel's Umbreon going berserk by their unknown power, Liko and Marena's Terapagos regaining his Terastal Form again, and ending abruptly with the strangest of them all-Amethio being attacked by Glalie, Garganacl, Umbreon, and Medicham at the Explorers' base.

After seeing all of this in the dreamscape, Sarah was deeply concerned by everything in Reader's vision as well as what would happen to Amethio, wondering if something happened to him at that point that caused him to be attacked by his own syndicate (in a supposed act of betrayal by them and Gibeon should he be involved). She couldn't understand it, especially given he would still do whatever it took to get Rayquaza along with Terapagos, Larmina, Garnet, and Topaz despite him finally being on their side.

"Are you sure everything you showed me and the prophecy would come to pass in the coming days, Reader?" Sarah sighed at Reader, worried for Liko, Terapagos, and Amethio (even though she didn't want to admit it).

"There is a dark truth about what we now know as Laquium in Laqua, Sarah. In the wrong hands including Spinel's, it could unleash utter destruction and chaos upon countless innocent people and Pokémon. We also shouldn't rule out what Gibeon would do if he gets his hands on it. And, while it seems strange to be worried for Amethio, after what I've seen, I've realized that there is much more to him than meets the eye based on his group's future betrayal of him," Reader replied.

The two of them looked at the stars twinkling in the darkened nighttime sky as the NightWing advisor continued, "If everything in my vision is true, then Coral, Chalce, Spinel, Sidian, Hamber, and Gibeon betraying him would teach Amethio that some things in the world are not as simple as they appeared and that some things are bigger than himself. But, the rest of the Explorers, even Hamber and Gibeon themselves, will be unable to learn those very lessons the farther they go into the darkness; I'm afraid their fates have already been set in stone when they chose the path they took."

"They're not going to give up, are they? And, there isa chance that we may see a change in Amethio at some point...?"

"I can't say for sure in Amethio's case but the only way we'll know is to figure out why he's doing all of this. As for the others, they won't and I'm afraid this is only the beginning of our world's most chaotic struggle in a while..."

Sarah sighed as she quipped, "Well, I can already imagine Lazuli flipping her lid over this when we tell her. But, we'll do it regardless since it's the next right thing. We still have time before Liko, Roy, and Dot are registered as Uva Academy's newest students and they join the Terastal Course so we'll tell everyone tomorrow after we go to sleep."

And, as the pair went to bed, the little princess finished worriedly, "But... I can only hope, things will be calmer for all of us until we're ready..."

At the same time, over at the Explorers' headquarters, Amethio, Chalce, Coral, Sidian, and Spinel told Gibeon everything that went down. And, while the pair weren't pleased by their syndicate's biggest screw-up to date despite their best and combined efforts, the mastermind was intrigued by everything they told him.

"All your strengths combined, and yet, you still failed. What's more, thanks to the princess and her army's latest intervention according to Amethio, you also lost all of the Six Heroes," Gibeon admonished lowly.

"Our sincerest apologies, Master," Chalce apologized.

"Very well; despite that fact, this could be a blessing in disguise for us. Let the Alolan Royal Family and the Rising Volt Tacklers keep the Six Heroes."

Everyone gasped in surprise but Sidian and Coral were shocked by the decision as the former exclaimed, "One more chance, Master! We can do it and steal them from under their noses again!"

However, Spinel immediately chuckled as he realized the logic behind Gibeon's next plan, "That's the great Gibeon for you, everyone. I see where you're going at, Master; you want us to bide our time and steal them all once the fourth Terapagos in their possession has regained its full power, is that right?"

"Indeed, Spinel. Thanks to Lazuli's reports, we know how the princess and her husband unleashed the true power of the Terapagos in their possession. So, rather than swiping the fourth one off their and their army's backs, we'll leave them to do the legwork on it until then," Gibeon confirmed despite not knowing the other details his former agent left out on her old reports to him.

"Then, what are we supposed to do in the meantime?" Chalce inquired.

"...Monitor them all, leave no stone unturned."

"Unfortunately, Master, there is a small complication to that plan; the princess is much more intelligent than we gave her credit for. She eluded Spinel's surveillance by unknown means and will no doubt do the same with us if we try to spy on her and her family and friends. She is also incredibly bright and never an easy girl to fool let alone trick by any means necessary."

"That roar she also used to stall Coral's Glalie before he could use Self-Destruct on Rayquaza was a surprise that none of us expected. I can't imagine another human using such an odd power... I'm guessing from what we've experienced, she's not human at all," Sidian added, realizing that there was much more about Sarah that he and the others were left completely in the dark about.

Amethio couldn't help but agree as he clenched his fists a little and reported (subconsciously or purposefully leaving out Marena given he still wanted to find out the connection between her and the Six Heroes after hearing her heartfelt plea to Lucius' Rayquaza), "What's even more interesting is that during the battle after I arrived, I bore witness to her and her husband Mega Evolving several of their Pokémon at once including Cresselia and her own Rayquaza."

"And, speaking of our former member, the Female Battousai is now in possession of more Pokémon and her very own dragon during her time with our enemies," Spinel concluded.

"Hmm... Even this failure proved she is still a threat and facing her head-on would be our downfall. Therefore, we must continue to make killing her, the princess, her army, and her husband a top priority."

And, with that, Chalce, Sidian, Coral, and Spinel (who had a dark and devious glint in his eyes as he smirked) left the virtual meeting, leaving Hamber, Amethio, and Gibeon to themselves.

All the while, Gibeon, in a mysterious cockpit-like room filled with a strange purple mist, sat in his chair and contemplated on everything he was told.

"Once more to Laqua...and the Laquium will be mine," he mused darkly as his Partner Pokemon, a Shiny 10% Zygarde, appeared from behind him. "This little adventure of ours isn't over yet... Isn't that right, Lucius, Marena...?"

To Be Continued...