Chapter 11: Every Light Has A Shadow
Ash discovers something about his Fuecoco and Liko goes on an adventure with her friends and finds a crystal only to meet a mysterious version of a Pokémon we all know too well: A shadow one.
One Week Later.
It's only 11 more days until 4th of July or Independence Day, and everyone in Paldea is looking forward to it. Ash, Arven, Juliana, and Florian have been helping Director Clavell and Ms.Briar make the decorations for the holiday. They've also been helping plan what foods to make for the July 4th party that's being held in the Pokémon Physical Ed Gym. Roy and Dot have also been helping the staff with the decorations af Naranja Academy. Liko has also helped, but only with the balloons. While preparing for the big day, Ash and his friends have even got Nemona to help out.
Nemona seems like she's been recovering the more Ash has gotten her out of her room more often. She has also gotten therapy from the school nurse, Miriam. And ever since then, she has been recovering slowly, but greatly. However, it's now Liko who's mentally unwell at the moment.
Moments later by day after doing decorations, by night, in the airship, Liko has barely came out of her room due to depression and nightmares she's been having for her loss of her certain family member; her grandmother, Diana. This results in Liko having PTSD and depression disorder. Friede and Murdock are outside checking for any dangerous signs of the Explorers while Mollie and Orla are worried for Liko. Dot and Roy are also worried. That girl has had it rough throughout her life. If Liko made even more friends, other than Carmine, to be there for her.
At high noon, Dot went near the door of Liko's room to check in on her. She knocks on the door gently. "Liko, bud. It's Dot. There's snacks just in case you didn't feel like eating breakfast."
Liko was laying miserably in bed, and mumbled in a grouchy tone. "I'm fine. I'll eat something soon."
Dot was shaking. She was scared for Liko because of hiw upset she sounds right now. But she also has the urge to run in there and comfort Liko severely into she felt better. Instead, she calmed her nerves and asked Liko this. "Can you at least let me in so we can talk?"
"Come on in. It's fine..."
Dot walked into Liko's room. Liko got up and sat on her bed. Dot sat next to her and she didn't mind at all. She also places her head on Dot's shoulder, looking for comfort from her.
"Hey. What's wrong? Is it because of the Nemona thing?", Dot asked.
"No, it's not because Nemona evaded capture", Liko said. "It's these stupid nightmares I've been having."
Dot gently pats and rubs Liko on the back. "Hey, we're friends right? We can figure something out." Dot started thinking of what she can do to make Liko happy. "Oh! I know! When was the last time you spoke to your girlfriend, Carmine?"
Liko sighed with depressing despair, feeling like she doesn't want to answer the question, but does so anyway. "Since three days ago. But we barely talk because we are learning to give each other boundaries, since we have important things in our lives at hand. I have to finish becoming Champion of Paldea while she has to watch her brother for a month until her grandparents come back."
Dot nodded. "Oh... I see. Well, has your pendant helped?"
Liko shakes her head no. "It's only been ringing in my ear and giving me strange headaches. And I can't take it off."
Saying that made Dot concerned about Liko's pendant. "Uhm...! Are you okay?! Seriously, if you need a hospital-"
"I DON'T NEED A HOSPITAL!" Liko holds her mouth after accidentally snapping at Dot. The pendant was glowing and Liko's eyes were sea green colored like Terapagos's shell.
Dot was spooked. But she doesn't get upset with her for yelling at her. "Poor Liko. Come here.", Dot says in a soft voice, lending out a hug.
Liko hugs Dot while crying silently in tears. In a depressing voice Liko says to Dot, "I'm sorry..."
"It's okay, Liko. Your safe. And we're going to be there for you until the end", Dot responded. Both Dot and Liko let go of eachother after that hug. "If you want, maybe not a hospital, but please try getting therapy from Nurse Miriam soon. You need it."
Liko nodded slowly, listening to Dot's advice about therapy. "Yeah. I definitely will..."
"Have you learned to control your pendant? Or maybe studied research on it?", Dot asked.
"No. But that is a good idea. Isn't it?"
"Totally.", Dot says as she smiles. She then proceeds to place a hand on Liko's shoulder. "Look, I know things are tough right now. Especially with that stupid Ash Ketchum and Arven in the way. But nothing will hurt us as long as we're here."
Liko chuckles. "Thanks Dot."
"No problem. Not only are we a team, we're friends. And family of course. And trust me, we want The Explorers dead as much as you do, okay? I promise, we will end them."
Liko smirked as she is filled with support from Dot.
"There's that smile. You look so cute when your confident."
Liko hugged Dot again. "Your one of my best friends I've ever had. Thanks for being here for me."
Dot hugged Liko back. "You mean a lot to us too, Liko. More than you ever know."
Both Liko and Dot got up from the bed and gave eachother a high five.
"For now, forget about therapy for a little tiny while. Come on, let's go get Roy and go explore around Paldea a bit. Maybe find some more stuff back at Area Zero."
Liko rubbed her hands together in determination. "Count me in!"
Outside of the airship, Orla saw Liko, Dot, and Roy packing there stuff to go on an adventure. She smiled to see that Liko has finally gotten outside to get some fresh air.
Either Dot or Roy got her motivation back. That girl has been through a lot. But as long as she knows we're here for her, that's all that matters.
Before they go, Mollie retrieved Crocalor to Roy. "Here ya go, Roy. Crocalor is all clear after that checkup. It just needed a flu shot from getting that flu it was experiencing since last weekend."
Roy was happy and hugs Crocalor. "Yeah! Alright!" He looks up at Mollie with a cheerful smile. "Thanks Mollie!"
"No problem. Now your kids go have fun. If you have an emergency, just call us."
Liko, Dot, and Roy nodded there heads, understanding what Mollie is telling them.
Liko used her pendant to activate a teleportation gateway portal to Area Zero. Her and her friends look back at Orla and Mollie cheerfully, waving goodbye.
Mollie and Orla wave back.
"See you three later! Remember, don't return home so late!"
"Orla's right! You may not have a curfew and are independent, but your all still responsible!"
Liko and the gang walk into the portal. And the gateway closes.
They walk into the cave depths of Area Zero. Dot and Roy are amazed since those two haven't really visited the place, except for Liko.
"This is amazing! Liko, what have you seen here?!", Roy asks with excitement.
"Yeah, it's like we're in a crystal wonderland", Dot said, complimenting the place.
"This place has secrets I actually don't want to unveil just yet. You see... What I'm about to tell you two is going to blow your minds. But please don't tell anyone about this... Especially not to Arven who might kill me for it..."
Roy screatches his head. "What does that even mean?"
Dot shoulders Roy in the chest hard. "Roy!"
"Ow! What?!"
"Okay, Liko. We promise, we won't freak out. Let it out! Let out the secret from your heart and believe in yourself, okay?!"
Liko blushed as she was flattered by Dot's support and compliments from her. She takes a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling softly. "Okay. Here it goes..."
Roy and Dot excitedly nod their heads.
"Arven's parents are not alive. But they're androids. And they've been aiding in my goal to catch the God of Pokémon, Arceus. I didn't want to reveal this to anyone because... I don't know. I thought I was interfering with the dead, or making double the cheat codes to be a Pokémon Master. But that's not an excuse to just not tell anyone. And I'm sorry you two had to find out about this at the last minute. I get it if you hate me for this or want to punch or hit me or something..."
Roy and Dot's faces were stunned as if they just saw the most radical thing happen. They look back at Liko.
"Liko, it's okay! We're proud of you!", they both said.
Then they smile and rush in to hug and pet Liko's head.
"Liko! Are you kidding?! Do you understand how cool, even though it has a tad bit of a twisted horrid ring to it, that is?!", said Roy.
"Yeah, girl! Calm down! We love you. You know that right? Why would we hit you? I get we're your coming from, but I've watched a lot of Sci-Fi movies. I understand."
Liko smiled in total relief. "Thank Arceus! I thought you guys found that as the most ridiculous thing ever. But I guess I've overreacted."
"Never is anything cool like that ridiculous. Never ever", Dot assured Liko.
"So does that mean Arven's parents got their bodies stolen and stuffed in mechanical parts?", Roy asked in curiosity.
"Yeah. Like the game, Five Nights At Ursaring's", Dot added.
Liko felt nauseous like she was about to throw up after realizing these questions. "Guys-! I think I'm... uuaaghh! Gonna be sick... You guys just asked the most disgusting but most understandable question in existence...-!"
Dot panics and freaks out after seeing a temporarily sick Liko who's going to lose it. "OH! OH! OH! OH! We're so sorry! I forgot this is still your first time understanding how horror movies work!"
Liko got a bit disappointed for that and blamed Roy instead of Dot for making her want to vomit. Dot should've taught her more about how horror movies work still. "Yeah! Not your fault, Dot!", she says in a nice tone to Dot. "But Roy, read the darn room when it comes to questioning dead people's bodies being stuffed into robot suits without consent!", she yelled at Roy.
"Sorry...", said Roy with a nervous laugh.
"Oh Liko! It's okay! I got you, okay?! Uhm, here, throw up on those crystals!" While Dot was giving Liko assistance, Roy saw some orange crystals down below ground, and decided to investigate. "While you help Liko with that, I see something down there. I'm checking it out."
"You do that!", Dot responded.
Liko threw up. She couldn't take it anymore after all that was realized. At least she feels better though.
"They're ya go. That's it. Your okay." Dot was patting Liko's back gently, helping her out.
Down below ground, Roy walks close to the orange crystals, but keeps a distance from touching it. "I feel like I should touch that. But at the same time, it looks dangerous and not Terastal related."
But Roy couldn't resist the shiny glow of the crystals. So he slowly reaches his hand over to one of them. As Dot and Liko arrived to lower ground with Roy, Liko wiped off the throw up remains off her face using a napkin.
"Dot, please remind Roy to never do that again", Liko said in annyoance.
"No problem!", Dot said with a nervous chuckle.
They both then turn to Roy who touched and snapped a piece of the orange crystal off the others.
"ROY! NOOOO!!!"
They both screamed in panic that Roy did that and thought an explosion were to happen. But then, to their suprise, nothing really happens.
"Hmph. And you guys think I did something stupid. You know me. I'm the adventurer who believes in themselves, like Crocalor."
Roy's Crocalor jumps out of its pokéball.
"Isn't that right, Crocalor?!"
"Cro! Croc!"
Roy and Crocalor start dancing around a bit while chanting music of Crocalor's personality.
"Cro! Cro! Cro-ca-lor! Cro! Cro! Cro-ca-lor!" Cro! Cro! Cro-ca-lor!"
Dot and Liko laugh and are adore Roy and Crocalor's bonding.
"They're so cute together!", said Liko cheerfully.
"They are, aren't they", said Dot. "They remind me of the time when Crocalor was a Fuecoco."
The chanting and singing of Roy and Fuecoco can be heard in their heads. "Co! Co! Fue-co-co! Co! Co! Fue-coc-o! Co! Co! Fue-co-co!
Dot and Liko can see why Roy chose Fuecoco. Their personalities really have sunk in to have something in common over the years, like with Dot and Quaxwell when Quaxwell was a Quaxly, or Liko and Floragato when Floragato use to be Sprigatito. However, this now has Liko thinking...
What we're Ash and Pikachu's past like?
"What-ya thinking about, Liko?", Dot asked.
"Oh. Nothing of course. Maybe we should take a break and dance around these glowing crystals with them until we do research on those crystals. You know, kind of like a light show."
Dot smiled and nodded to an agreement. They just got here. It's best if they take a breather before continuing their adventure. Besides, it would cheer Liko up after all after everything she's been going through lately.
Dot and Liko stand there and decide to join Roy and Crocalor dance around the glowing affects for a little while longer before they begin research on those orange crystals.
Ash, Nemona, and Mewtwo were relaxing outside in some random grasslands of Paldea and Ash has been observing his Fuecoco. Ash and Nemona we're sitting on the tall grass. He can't help but wonder why Fuecoco has aurabonded with him lately. What could that mean? Ever since that first battle with Nemona from the first moment he choose Fuecoco, he's been getting curious about what Director Clavell explained to him about the Pokémon.
Your Pokémon might've aurabonded with you. I don't know how or why, but it seems Fuecoco is rather interested in you.
Ash doesn't even know what could be the benefits of it. Mega Evolution? The belief in Terastralization? Maybe Dynamaxing or Z-moves? Who knows at this point. But it could be something special. Looks like it's up to Ash to find out what that is, huh...?
"Are you okay, Ash?", Nemona said, snuggling up on him.
Ash gasped when he saw Nemona do that. He smiled which helped him get rid of his confusion about his Paldean Starter Pokémon. He's never really seen Nemona like that before ever since the incident where she yelled and somewhat hurt the feelings of Ash before she was kidnapped. But obviously it's served as an apology that's necessary. "Yeah. I'm fine", he answered.
Nemona cupped Ash cheek with her hand, looking at him with a serious face for a second. It has something to do with that fight. "Ash. When I was depressed and traumatized before I was kidnapped, I yelled at you. Remember?"
"Yeah. But that doesn't make thay your fault. You had every right. You were hurting inside", Ash says honestly.
Nemona shook her head gets a bit close to Ash face. "No! Don't say that, okay? I had no right! I called you an arrogant Pokémon Master. And to make matters worse, I overreacted and hurt your feelings. I know you don't want to forgive me. But please except my apology at least."
Ash looked a bit lost and confused.
"Ash. Please... You know I love you right? You don't have to love me back. I'm not going to force it. If you want me to make amends before we try again, I get that, but... But...!" Nemona then put her hands and finger on her head hard. It's like she wanted to take her whole hair off out of frustration because she's scared how Ash might respond. She's stressing because of the fact of what Juliana and Florian told her when she was recovering. That Ash was talking to Penny about the incident between her and Nemona and the kidnapping. That Ash had validated words to say to Penny. That Ash just might want to be alone for a while until he's ready to find his own real love; someone that Nemona thinks might not be her other than Penny but a whole different girl.
"ASH! LOOK! WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY IS!-?!", She started crying in tears and was hesitating. "GYAH! WHY CAN'T I LET IT OUT! I'M TRYING TO SAY SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO YOU BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!" Her screaming in tears was too much for her. She covers her face while bawling in tears. However, that was enough to hurt warm Ash as he frowns in worry for her. He wanted to hug her, but Nemona hasn't been well before cooping with her struggles that maybe she's been bottling up her emotions against everyone. So Ash decides to give her space, allowing her the chance to let out her emotions she's been clogging up inside.
Mewtwo, standing behind a tree, can see all of this happening. He felt some sympathy for Nemona. She's been through a lot. But a situation like this. It literally just maked him leak a tear. He's never seen humans im that much state of emotion in his life other than Pokémon since he tried to end humanity for creating him and questioning Mew's existence against his. Not in a romantic sense, but it reminds him of his bondage with Amber. Sure he may not have had a memory of Amber, but he remembers when Mew found a way to get his memories back, months before running into Ash in Paldea again. Mewtwo couldn't bear the pain Nemona was feeling. It's like he also understands she's talking to Ash, not just in a caring away, but in a "I don't want to lose you" way, well, at least from his perspective.
Ash then smiles in joy, knowing that he would never hate Nemona. She has supported him since his battle with Katy and everything else. He regrets leaving her for Penny instead of staying with her. Even though it would've meant Penny would've snapped horribly either way, it was still worth it for Nemona to be happy. After Nemona was done crying in tears, wiping away her face, Ash does the thinkable that he finally wanted to do with Nemona since it seems like she just already blurted out she has a huge crush on him, and he obviously feels the same way when this happens...
"I'm sorry... I just been through a lot... but... I didn't want to act like-"
But Nemona was interrupted when Ash's lips met hers. Ash just kissed Nemona. Mewtwo was happily shocked but also hysterical. He does understand the concept of romance, but he didn't know Ash had guts to have passion for a woman. He always saw Ash as a selfless dumb child when he was 10 who sometimes gets into reckless situations during his adventures. Probably Ash isn't all THAT reckless after all. Not only that, he's no longer 10. He's practically 18. One year older than Nemona. So seeing them in this much romance, Mewtwo is proud of his old friend for stepping up in this moment.
After they stopped kissing, Nemona's face was dazzled and she blushed. She was a little bit embarrassed but she was happy Ash did that for her.
"You are nothing like Penny", said Ash, thinking he knew what Nemona was going to say. "You are the most talented Pokémon battler I have ever met. We both have a love for Pokémon battles, so maybe we can learn to love each other."
Nemona adored the heck out of Ash to hear those words from him. She still doesn't know if she's worthy of Ash or if he deserves her. But also has mixed feelings about this. "Oh. Ashy-kun... you didn't have to say such nice things. Your gonna make me cry again, too..."
"But you deserve it. You've been through a lot so I want to simply make you feel better. I like you and love you. Perhaps we can get to no eachother better", Ash said cutely.
Nemona was so heartfelt about how sweet Ash was being. "Aw! Ashy! You know what? Your cute. I like cute boys like you."
Ash never felt that loved more than in a since of how Penny loved him in that restaurant at Cascarrafa before. But if Nemona is calling him pet names, even the same one Penny called him before, and complimenting him, he doesn't even care one bit and sticks to looking at and thinking about the positives instead of the negatives.
"Come here, cutie."
Nemona pulls him in for another kiss. Mewtwo couldn't watch as it was getting way too romantic. And as they stopped kissing, they can see Mewtwo over there dying of embarrassment of watching them smooch. They teasingly laugh at him a bit.
"Don't mind me. You two are just adorable as heck. Just sitting here watching Fuecoco play with fire is all..."
Ash chuckled. "You we're definitely watching us kiss. You wanted to tease me about this, didn't you Mewtwo?", Ash said with annoyance since he knows how Mewtwo would act.
Mewtwo levitates over to him and Nemona. "Yeah, sure I was. Antagonize me for everything, why don't ya, kiddo?"
"Yeah right."
Both Mewtwo and Ash snickered a bit while Nemona giggled.
"So... about your Fuecoco..."
Ash was finally getting a chance to know the truth of the arua bondage that it excites him.
"Last night, I got word from Arceus. I think it might go into Mega Evolution."
Ash face looked like his mind was just blown. Fuecoco will have a future Mega Evolution?! But how and why?
"Aren't Mega Evolutions meant for final evolved forms of Pokémon?", Nemona asks, wanting ti be assured of clarification.
"Why yes! The are indeed. But to explain further, the reason why Mega Evolution exists to Ash's Fuecoco is because Arceus past on an ability to a species of Legendary Pokémon of this region. I think they go by the name... Terapagos."
Ash and Nemona we're curious of what Mewtwo meant by that.
"Terapagos? Terapagos how?"
Mewtwo looked up to the sky while giving more information about Arceus decision of concept. "Instead of giving Terastral life to Pokémon, Acreus thought Terapagos could also give Mega Evolution life to Pokémon since it seems like they both have something in common. They both symbolize rainbow colors even though their power is different. Arceus saw this as a life vessel for the species of Terapagos to have. And thus, invisible aura sparks in only a Pokémon Trainer who is a champion of one, or more than one region. And you have one two, Ash. So it makes since that only a champion allows even Paldean Pokémon to choose someone like you. Someone so worthy of strength, no matter if the humans are Pokémon Masters or not. A Champion of a league amongst a region is enough."
Ash nodded and understood every word Mewtwo said about how aura bonding works in Paldea. He understands it's not the same and is incredibly different to how Greninja and Lucario used an aura to choose him during his adventures at the age of 10.
Nemona, however, looked like she wasn't listening at all. She decided to fall asleep to Mewtwo's entire information. Ash woke her back up though by nudging her gently with his hand.
Nemona jumps and wakes up. "Huh?! WHAT?! Huh... Oh right! Terapagos is the key to... Mega something-! Whatever you just said, Mewtwo..."
Ash made an adorable nervous laugh while Mewtwo face palms. "Oh you got to be kidding..." Mewtwo said.
Ash stands up and does a bit of stretching. "I know what I must do then. If Fuecoco has a Mega Evolution for the final form known as Skeledirge, it's going to have a Skeledirgite. And I need to work up to that accomplishment. It'll help me in my goal to truly defeat Liko, and also become champion of Paldea!"
It seems like this is helping Ash grow into his confidence even more. Nemona and Mewtwo are proud and amazed to see how more stronger Ash has become. The three all do hands in the middle.
"I support you Ash! We all do! You'll do great soon", said Nemona.
"We're counting on you, my friend", says Mewtwo.
"Thanks you. Both of you.", Ash said with a warm smile. "Okay. On three. One... Two... Three..."
Then they cheered, "Team Ash Ketchum!"
Looks like Ash has a new plan set in stone. Other than just training his Pokémon, he's going to train his Fuecoco to become the very best. And everyone can not wait to see what Ash can do.
Back at Area Zero, Liko, Dot, and Roy have began their research of the strange crystals. Speaking of strange, it seems like Liko is quietly singing something while scanning the crystals with her Rising Volt Tacklers drone.
"No one remembers your name... when your strange... when your strange..."
Dot smiles as Liko looks like she's enjoying herself so far. "Your voice is beautiful Liko." She also decides to compliment on her beautiful singing voice. "What are you singing?", she asked curiously.
"Oh. Some old mesmerizing song I heard on the radio once. I forget the name of that song though."
"Ah! I see."
Roy got the scanner from his drone completed first. "Found something!"
"Aw man.", Both Liko and Dot said.
He picks up his crystal shard and explains what he researched so far. "Okay. So according to these crystals, it belongs to a Mewtwo. But the sorcery of its power is telling me it's no ordinary Mewtwo. It's a different version..."
Liko found herself curious and scratched her head. "Just like the Mewtwo who's friends with Ash that messed up my Deoxys in a fight. But then what Mewtwo are we dealing with then?"
"I don't know", Roy answered. "That last thing that was scanned hear was that the Mewtwo was extremely dangerous due to its appearance of other Shadow Pokémon."
Dot went right out there and guessed it. "So... Shadow Mewtwo then?"
Liko liked the idea of that kind of species. "Shadow Pokémon? Shadow Mewtwo?! I like the sound of that!"
Dot wasn't agreeing with it a bit though. "I feel like those Pokémon are basically dark lords. Like... pure dark evil."
"What's the worse that could happen?", Liko replied.
And there he was... Shadow Mewtwo was hovering above the kids. He was wearing a command watch on the right side of hus wrist. He looked like he was ready to attack them for infiltrating the place, but AI Sada and AI Turo know that Liko and her friends are allies, so there is no need to strike.
AI Sada spoke through the commander watch. "Hold on there, Shadow Mewtwo. Those are your first ever friends. But your guardian duty is mostly for Liko. Why don't you introduce yourself to her and her friends."
Shadow Mewtwo teleports and vanished. The ominous noise of the teleportation made Liko and the gang thought something was there.
"Did you two hear that?", Liko asked.
"Yep! I heard it too.", Roy replied.
"So alien like. But that would be a Deoxys thing, wouldn't it?", Dot said.
As they make a circle near eachother, they are looking all around at their surroundings, finding anything that tries to attack them. Suddenly, what seemed harmless, was a Shiny Glimmora slowly approaching them after emerging from the rocky wall it attached itself too. Liko, Roy, and Dot break the circle and walked over to it.
Apparently though, the Shiny Glimmora can take and speak words. "Hello humans. Looks like my crystal are being tooken again." The Shiny Glimmora sounded like a dying old man.
"Hello! Sorry about that! I'm Roy, and these are my friends, Dot and Liko!"
"Sorry, your crystals?", said Liko. "These are being tooken back to our airship. What do you mean again? Also why do you sound like that? You can talk? And you stuck through the walls and used your pointy thing to escape that, how does that work?"
"Enough of the games Liko. You and your friends give me the crystals and I'll think about bringing the loss of your loved ones back to life."
Liko scoffed. "Didn't think your we're giving us a nice offer. But my grandmother would want to rest instead of bringing her back. It's respectful of the dead by the way." Roy and Dot nodded as they agreed with what Liko said.
"Also why do you even need the crystals?", she asked.
"Give me those crystals now", The Shiny Glimmora demanded.
Liko was getting quite confused and uncomfortable with the Pokémon. Roy and Dot didn't know what to think. "I don't appreciate how your bothering us", says Liko. "And there are more crystals over there we haven't touched. Go after those." Liko pointed at the rest of the unused crystals.
"You don't understand! I must eat every single one of those crystals! Especially the ones your holding! Give them to me..."
"You sound disturbingly desperate for these crystals!", Liko seethed. "I don't want any part of this!"
"If you and your pals won't hand over those crystals in your hands, you will die. Glimmets, kill them."
Two Glimmets appear.
Liko was starting to get annoyed, Dot was shy, and Roy was kind of curious of what Pokémon they've stumbled upon. "Hey guys, why don't one of us check the Pokédex to see what kind of Pokémon these are?", he suggested.
"Oh boy, your right!", Liko responded. She scans the Shiny Glimmora first.
Glimmora, the Ore Pokémon. A Rock and Poison Type. You can see that there are huge flower petal-esque shapes with purpleish light blue coloring that indicate that it's a Glimmora, along with the colors of their shiny counterpart species. The reason they attach themselves to walls is because of nutrients and energy, including Terastral energy as it's everyday diets.
Liko then scans a Glimmet on her Pokédex.
Glimmet, the Ore Pokémon. A Rock and Poison Type. Glimmet's second and last evolved form is Glimmora. Be careful for the poisonous pollen it sprays as it is just using them for self defense.
"Alright.", said Liko. "You want these crystals so bad? Your going to have to go through us. Go Terapagos!" Liko brings out Terapagos for a battle.
"PAGO!"
Dot sends out Quaxwell. "Go, Quaxwell!"
"QUAX!"
"Are you ready for this, Crocalor?", said Roy.
"Cro!" Crocalor grunted with confidence.
The first Glimmet attacks first. It uses Power Gem on Quaxwell.
"Dodge it!", commanded Dot.
Quaxwell dodges the Power Gem.
"Quaxwell, attack with Water Gun!"
"QUA!" Quaxwell hurls a Water Gun at the Glimmet. The Water Gun knocks Glimmet to a wall. And since it was super effective, it fainted.
Liko and Terapagos deals with the second Glimmet.
"Terapagos, use Tera Starstorm!", she yelled.
"TERA!" The star particles hit the Glimmet on by one. It gets K'Oed easily as well.
It was the Shiny Glimmora's turn this time. "You meddling kids will pay for stealing my food! Rock Throw!" It seems Shiny Glimmora has used Rock Throw.
"DODGE IT!", the three commanded their Pokémon.
Terapagos, Quaxwell, and Crocaloe dodged the attacks.
"Quaxwell, use Water Pledge!"
"Terapagos, use Tri-Attack!"
"Crocalor, Use Stomping Tantrum!"
The three Pokémon did what was asked and used their moves. Shiny Glimmora was completely damaged. But it's almost down for the count and it's not over yet. The shiny Pokémon looked a bit more stronger than it looked. Toxic Debris fell everywhere. But that wasn't going to stop Dot and Quaxwell.
"Quaxwell, get rid of that debris using Water Gun!"
"Qqquuaaaxxx... WELL!"
Quaxwell sprays around the Water Gun to get tid of the Toxic Debris.
"How dare you get rid of my ability technique?! See if you can dodge this!" Shiny Glimmora used a critical hitting Sludge Wave on Quaxwell and it critically damaged and poisioned.
"Quaxwell! No!", Dot cried out
Quaxwell tries to get back up. But it has fainted from the poison affect.
"Quaxwell, return!" Dot recalls Quaxwell.
"Are you okay, Dot?!", asked Liko.
"I'm fine.", Dot answered with a solemn smile. "This Pokémon honestly puts up a good fight."
"Your gonna regret that!", Roy said to the Shiny Glimmora.
"Any lost words, kids?!", Shiny Glimmora asked.
There weren't going to be any last words when a Shadow Ball pins Shiny Glimmora down to the ground and it fainted.
"Why is it when ever I get into battles, a mysterious Pokémon attack from a strange creature strikes out of nowhere?", said Liko. Then she gasps when she sees where the Shadow Ball came from.
Shadow Mewtwo was staring amongst her and her friends.
Dot and Roy also look up. "Woah! That Mewtwo looks cool?!", said Roy.
"Are you the one that saved us?", asked Dot curiously.
"I am the one that saved you." Shadow Mewtwo speaks through telepathy.
"Telepathy...", Liko noticed.
"Just like the Mewtwo I saw with Ash.", Dot explained.
"I mean no harm, humans. Especially to you, Liko. I will be your friend and protector. By the authority of Sada and Turo."
Liko didn't know he came from their lab. "The androids. They brought you to me...?"
Shadow Mewtwo nodded his head.
"Well then, welcome to the team. I don't know about collecting you as my Pokémon, but you can stay with me and my crew for the time being."
Shadow Mewtwo understood Liko's terms of what to do with him. "Very well, dear friend."
Shadow Mewtwo hovered down to Liko and they both shook hands. Afterwards, the gang was interrupted by a Pokémon flying around them and teleporting.
"Mew! Mew?! Mew!"
Liko was shocked. She ran up to Mew and was happy to see it. "It's a Mew! The next legendary I have to catch for the prophecy of Arceus! Your so cute, sweetie!"
"Mew? Mew!" Mew was starting to have a liking towards Liko.
Liko smiled gleefully. She couldn't bear Mew's cuteness. "Mew?! Do you want to become a part of my family?!"
Mew titled its head to the side in curiousness. It actually sees something in Liko. Maybe that prophecy of catching Arceus. Not just because of becoming a strong trainer, but becoming an eternal partner so that it doesn't feel alone.
"We can go on amazing adventures, you and I!", Liko continued. "I know it's all moving to fast for you... But you don't have to make that decision now."
Liko grabbed Mew's little paws so that the two can hold hands. "I know there are a lot of Mews out there that probably get caught by a trainer. But you...? Your special. You came here to this region. And you know what? That makes me happy."
Dot was leaking emotional tears of Liko and Mew bonding with eachother. Shadow Mewtwo smiled and was happy for it. Roy also joined Dot on the emotional crying.
"I'm not forcing you. You know that right?", Liko asked Mew.
Mew nodded its head in understanding.
"Good. Glad we're on the same page. See you around. Whenever you make a decision... well... you'll probably find me with easily since your a Psychic Type."
Liko pats Mew on the head gently and gets ready to leave. "Alright guys, let's go home."
After Roy activates a portal device, Dot, Liko, Roy, and Shadow Mewtwo leave the depths of Area Zero through a portal while Liko waves at Mew and Mew waves back.
"I agree!", says Dot. "I'm beat for today. Literally, since that Glimmora took out my Quaxwell! Which reminds of the fact that I need to escort Quaxwell to Mollie for an immediate medical care."
"At least you did great out there", said Roy. "That's what matters."
They have now teleported through the portal.
It was nighttime in Naranja Academy and everyone was closing the building for thr night. In the hotel hallway, Ash goes to Arven's room to check up on him. He knocks on the door. "Arven, can I come in?"
"Sure, ya can buddy!", Arven said in a friendly voice. "The pleasure is all mine."
Ash walks into Arven's room. "So, how are you? I haven't seen you in days."
"Well yeah, about that, me and Zinnia were busy figuring out why Cyclizar is related to Koraidon and Miraidon. But no answers have been found yet. Not that we know of."
Ash was curious of what Arven and Zinnia were up to other than that. "Well, what else was there? You two went on a date or something?"
Arven snickered sarcastically, indicating that it was also an embarrassing and also very huge thing that was more than a date. "Let's just say... romantic comedy, but not really... as in... we had a thing that night after our date..."
Ash snorted and held in his laughter. He didn't want to make fun of Arven, but is also happy for him. "Oh! I get what that means...! Uhm...!"
"ANYWAY, DON'T WORRY ABOUT THAT!", Avren yelled, getting annoyed about talking about it and changes the subject. "What have you been up to?"
"Good question", Ash said proudly. "My Fuecoco is going to have a future Mega Evolution."
Arven gasped with excitement. "The energy of Terapgos must've made Fuecoco aura bond with you! Congratulations, man!"
Ash rubs the back of his head, feeling flatter about that support. "Thanks! It literally just happened when I battled Nemona after arriving to this region. Director Clavell told me about it. I didn't think you knew the research too though."
"Did Director Clavell give you info?", Arven asked.
"Only half of it.", Ash explained. "Then my friend Mewtwo told me the rest. He got that information by talking to Arceus."
"Totally makes since."
"Speaking of Zinnia on another note, where is she?", Ash asked.
Arven playfully starts giving off dramatic affect. "She lefg Ash. She left the day before Nemona's incident. I've been lovesick! Zinnia, my love! Why must you leave?! WHY?! OH BOO HO HO HOOO!" Arven starts fake crying.
Ash laughs it off. "Hahaha! Okay, pal. Well, I just got done defeating Brassius yesterday and Iono is my next Gym Leader to face off against. Beforehand, starting tomorrow, we can go on another Titan Pokémon adventure? I can bring Mewtwo and Nemona with me too. What do you say? I bet that'll cheer you up?"
Arven looked at Ash with a dramatic smile and puppy eyes and started hugging him. "Thanks buddy", he whimpered.
Ash chuckled and also hugged Arven while patting him on the back. "No problem bud."
Ash watch starts beeping. He looks at the time. "Oh, I have to check on Nemona again! See you later Arven!" He rushes and waves goodbye and Arven waved goodbye back. Ash also made sure to close the door.
Arven looked confused about what was on Ash arm.
Was that dude wearing a watch. Man, why can't I be as cool as him?
The moon was full. And the stars shined. The airship was very peaceful at night. Liko and Shadow Mewtwo sitting on the battlefield area of the airship, gazing upon the beautiful night sky.
"You humans actually enjoy these skies at night, huh?"
Liko nodded. "Yep. It's like the light and the darkness are connected together. Even though the sun and clouds of the day have withered temporarily everyday."
"Yeah... it's like the light shines with in, but also is friends with cooperating with the dark.", said Shadow Mewtwo.
"So... question. Because I'm curious. What was your life like, Mewtwo?", Liko asks.
"I was basically born a shadow Pokémon. Those orange crystals you and your friends collected, that's what created me. Basically through DNA."
Liko was interested in learning more about Shadow Mewtwo and other shadow Pokémon already. "Your life must've been wonderful."
"Yeah. It was. But even though it was... I couldn't enjoy the life with my other shadow friends anymore..." Shadow Mewtwo frowns when he says this.
Liko was concerned and seriously looks at Shadow Mewtwo. "What...? What happened...?", she gasped.
Shadow Mewtwo explains his backstory. "I... I was angered and very upset when an evil organization called Team Galatic took away a friend of mine. It's name was Shadow Mew. Shadow Mew is a shadow version of Mew. You could say he was family to me... But then... Team Plasma attacked our shadow colony. My Shadow Pokémon tried to fight back since that evil organization was a bit strong, but after we won, it was the cost of Shadow Mew's death when he sacrificed himself to save us from a Legendary Pokémon that their leader, Cyrus used to threaten us all. A color of white and pinkish-purple..."
"Oh my god... Palkia...", Liko said.
"Palkia was a dangerous one. But what he did was forgivable. He couldn't control himself. It was Cyrus who's actions were unforgivable. Shadow Mew charged at Palkia and defeated him. But an agressive and violent combat move of Special Rend killed Shadow Mew. And ever since then, me and the rest of my friends took vengeance on all human life. We regretted that decision though... Because after I attacked and injured a little girl and she yelped for help... it got my shadow friends killed to. It was by the hands of a Mewtwo and a Red Shimy Genesect... Accidentally, because of me..."
Liko's eyes widened, feeling horrible about this happening to Shadow Mewtwo. "Shadow Mewtwo... What...?!" Her eyes we're filled with worry and sadness.
"Our battle shook a building we we're in. Everything collasped. And the four shadow friends I had by my side... Shadow Lugia, Shadow Ho-oh, Shadow Lucario, Shadow Gardevoir... they died to the collapse... and ever since that day... I couldn't let my revenge against humans change who I am... the only one I could ever finish off in the future... is that girl herself..."
Liko hugged Shadow Mewtwo while holdimg back tears. "Don't you ever think that was all your fault, okay! It scares me to see you hurt!"
Shadow Mewtwo warmly smiles. "Thanks, Liko."
"Your welcome, okay? And I'm sorry for your loss. I lost someone too. But don't take this out on someone you viscously attacked. It's kind of cruel ya know?!"
Shadow Mewtwo nodded, understanding Liko's words.
"So what was her name anyway? Was it a random kid or..."
"I think her name was Nemona...", Shadow Mewtwo answered.
Now that right there just made Liko worked up of hatred against Nemona. That was HER?! How dare she. She clenches her fists, growling a bit like an angry Houndoom.
"She hurt you... didn't she?"
Shadow Mewtwo was smiling nervously about what Liko was thinking. "Of course. But why do you ask...?"
"Killing people is wrong. We shouldn't kill, Nemona, but her Pokémon... we should. She deserves that."
Shadow Mewtwo was a bit frightened, but agreed with Liko's decision. "What made you think that...?"
"Because I have enemies of her friend. Ash Ketchum. If I have to break both of their spirits and there hearts, I will do it. I'll do it just for you too, okay?"
Shadow Mewtwo loved the violence in Liko and decided to join her path of it. "I knew it. I can't believe I see someone that's a human this dear to me! Very interesting."
"What do you mean?", Liko asked in confusion.
"I mean... you... being my first human friend..."
Liko was touched and smiled to hear those words. Shadow Mewtwo smiled back. Then there friendship moment gets interrupted by a teleportation noise and they both look at who it is. It's Mew. And it seems like he's come to make the decision to Liko.
After both Liko and Shadow Mewtwo stand up from the ground. Mew waves hello at Shadow Mewtwo. "Mew.", he chirped.
"Hello, Mew. I haven't seen a regular Mew in person", said Shadow Mewtwo.
"Mew? Mew Mew!" Looks like Mew is trying to tell Liko something. Mew touches Liko's nose with its paw. And then takes out one of her empty Pokéballs and taps it, going into the ball. It rolls around three times and it blinks away.
"OH—!" Liko adored what Mew just did. This can not be happening right now. Is this a dream?! A trick?! An illusion?! Nope. This was real. Mew just caught himself, wanting to be owned by Liko. She was now and forever his trainer.
"Is that what I think just happened", Shadow Mewtwo wondered in confusion.
Liko spawned Mew out of the pokéball, picked him up, and danced around whime holding him gently. She squealed with joy. "YOU CUTE LITTLE GOOFBALL! Oh my gosh! I caught you! I got to tell the others tomorrow! Oh my gosh, I love you! Your just so cute!"
"Meweewewewew!" Mew was laughing in excitement.
Shadow Mewtwo was proud of Liko. He couldn't be more prouder.
I guess that's it then. That Mew decided it's path too.
"Come on, I'll let you get some sleep with me. You can snuggle up on me and Terapagos and Floragato whenever you want.", said Liko.
In Liko's room, she was in her pajamas, ready for bed. As she got in bed, she turned off her lamp and tucked herself in with covers. "Goodnight everyone!", she told Shadow Mewtwo and her Pokémon.
Shadow Mewtwo yawned, feeling sleepy. "Good night..."
Mew layed next to Liko on the other side of a pillow and used Psychic to levitate a blanket on top of him. Terapagos and Floragato joined in and slept next to Mew and Liko. Everyone was alseep by then.
Mewtwo watched them sleep. He was in panic to see Liko has caught a Mew and Shadow Mewtwo is with her. Ash and everyone else could be in a serious level threat of danger. They are up to something, but what? Mewtwo teleports back to Naranja Academy to warn Ash.
Ash walks into Nemona's room to see how she's doing. Nemona is laying in bed while watching television and drinking Hot Coco.
"Looks like someone is relaxed.", said Ash.
"Mhm! I'm living the dream, Ashy-boy." Nemona winks at Ash.
"Really? Me too! I'm so excited to become champion."
"That's the spirit", said Nemona. "You bringing back your a-game is exactly what I was expecting! No wonder why your amazing! That's why I love ya."
Ash blushed. "Thanks for your support, Nemona. By the way, did you want to go with me on helojg Arven with his Titan Pokémon mission? I'm bringing Mewtwo along too."
Nemona was surprised and blushed that Ash asked her of an invitation. "I'd love to go! It's about time you got me to join your little adventures", she says in excitement.
"I'm glad.", Ash said proudly.
Mewtwo teleports in arrival. "Ash! We have to talk in private. Oh hey Nemona."
"Hey Mewtwo! Ash was just inviting us on an adventure for tomorrow! How does that sound?"
Mewtwo nodded nervously. "Uh yeah, uhm- no- that's... that's great! You don't mind if I borrow Ash, do you?"
"I don't mind at all", Nemona responded.
"Thank you."
Ash gave Nemona a thumbs up before leaving her room and she blew him a kiss in return. Ash blushed and him and Mewtwo left her room. Ash and Mewtwo talk in the hallway, where even no one hears them.
"So what's the situation, bud?", Ash asked.
"Liko caught Mew. And that Shadow Mewtwo I told you about... he's on her side. I saw them on the airship while I was out sightseeing."
Ash eyes widened in concern. "Dear Arceus! What are they planning...?"
"I don't know", Mewtwo answered honestly. "That's what I'm wondering too..."
Ash breathed calmly. "Alright. I can't y about that right now. There are too much things on our plate and we need to take it one at a time. Any other infomration regarding that Mew?"
Mewtwo thought of something just now. "That Mew she caught... that's not the same Mew we once knew. That's not our same Mew we met on New Island, and that's not the same Mew Goh was after as his goal back at Galar."
Ash never realky thought of it like that. He knows the species of Mew, but he didn't know Mewtwo could tell what Mew it is with the memories apart. "How can you be so sure?"
"Because... that Mew she caught, is just a random Mew. Our Mew is still out there..."
In Penny's room, she brought out her Eeveeloutions as she is planning something. Vaporeon, Jolteon, Sylveon, Leafeon, Flareon, and Umbreon jumped out of their pokéballs.
"Alright, listen up my precious Veevees. If I'm going to make Ash mine again, I need you to spy on Ash and Nemona. If Ash defeats the rest of Team Star, I met be able to jeopardize their relationship somehow. Understood?!", she says.
"Umbre!"
"Vapor!"
"Jolt!"
"Flare!"
"Leafeon!"
"Sylve!"
"Good, starting tomorrow, you find out everything they are up to and report it to me."
The Eeveeloution Team nodded there heads.
Penny returned the six back into their pokéballs. She has something on her mind for a bit.
Maybe while I'm at it, I can convince Liko to give me a second chance.
Penny looked at Ash on the news report about his win against Brassius, the Grass Type Gym Leader on her TV.
"Ash was phenomenal yesterday! Is winning streak will be through the roof before taking down Champions Miss La Prima and Nemona."
"Don't worry, Ash. I'll show you that I can be your true love. And I can show Nemona that her sorry dirty face won't be around to see it." Her voice was warm and pensive for Ash, but the venom tone in her voice against Nemona was cruel and full of hatred.
First Liko and Shadow Mewtwo, now Penny? Why is everyone after Nemona like she's the enemy. How can she be saved?
Only Ash Ketchum knows that the threats against Nemona means he'll have to protect and defend her from harm. Nemona was already traumatized once.
And it's time to make sure that never happens again.
Chapter 12 is going to be amazing!
It's a shame that some people got beef with Nemona. But at least she has friends, and her beloved boyfriend Ash to save her when needed.
So Liko has become on full fledged conquest mode on Nemona's life and against her arch enemies, The Explorers. Just like Ash is friends with Mewtwo, she's friends with Shadow Mewtwo. Lugia is that last Pokémon for her to catch before Arceus being the very last which will not happen sooner in this story, but I also will NOT be giving spoilers. And that's about it. Oh and she caught Mew.
I know it's January, but either this month or in February I will be making a Snow Day chapter at some point. Because you know... the Winter Season.
Question for you guys. Have you had snow in your area. I had snow in mine. If so, enjoy the snow ball fights and making snow man and snow angels while you still can. We all now that snow melts like crazy.
Anyway, Chapter 12, coming soon.