Chapter 17: The Terstal And The Veevees

This chapter is a wholesome one of Liko and Penny's friendship as Penny helps Liko from her sadness. They both also find out Ash's Crocalor was given the future to Mega Skeledirge and want Mega Evolution Pokémon for themselves and their friends and family.

Meanwhile, Ash is in the hospital recovering from Liko's Roaring Moon that used Dragon Pulse on him.

Hey, we need to talk. Like I said before, Liko's "Terastal Powers" ordeal is going to wear off eventually. That doesn't mean Ash is going to have "aura or god tier powers" No "legendary catchings or meetups with them" No "elemental whatever attacks" or any of that malarkey I'm hearing from these suggestions from the reviews. It's not that serious. (However, thank you thor94 and UltimateCCC and others, along with some guests, for some very good reviews throughout the story so far).

I'll explain why I gave Liko these things. Back in Chapter 14, it's confirmed Terapagos is the one doing all of this. Because of his Seismic Shift that wiped out his species, he wanted to bring his species back and prevent it from happening again. Since he knows Liko, his owner, is going through similar times as he is, he's using the pendant to make her understand that he knows how she feels. Sure it's corruptive at first but quite reasonably interesting.

I see that the circumstances of one's birth are now irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life determines who you are.

- Mewtwo

SpongeBob Yellow Album: You're Old.

You're Old. (You're Old).

Groaning like a geezer

Hear yourself crackin' like an old has-been

Look at yourself , old man, you've got multiple chins

'Cause You're Old, Mmm.

You're Old (You're Old)

A wheezing, decrepit windbag

Where you once had muscle, you got jelly rolls

Buddy, you're as ancient as the Dead Sea Scrolls

Man, you're old mmm, (you're old), you're old.

(Author here: I used this song as a chapter start up before my first drama scene of the Pokémon characters begin. Well, that starts now. Here ya go).

At the Paldean Paradox Hospital, the doctors rushed Ash to his patient room in a strecher. Nemona and Juliana ran with them until one of the doctors told them to stay out in the hallway in sit in one of the chairs we're they took Ash in that patient room.

Nemona and Juliana we're devastated to shreds. Juliana was traumatized for Ash and sprinkled a fountain of tears from her eyes. Nemona mostly couldn't even think what might happen with Ash since it was said that a couple of parts of his bones was damaged through his left arm. It also connected cracks through his bones in his chest were he got hit by the Dragon Pulse. They planned to operate surgery on him before things got worse to save the boy's life.

Hours after operation, the doctors have said it was okay to check on him.

Juliana and Nemona were waiting for Ash to wake up from his temporary unconscious coma.

At 3 PM, he finally started opening his eyes. He smiled and calmed down, even though he was groaning in pain. He was a tough Trainer and knew whatever just hit him earlier, he's been through worse. Pikachu jumped on him carefully and they both gave eachother a hug.

Nemona however... bared hundreds of traumatic triggered pain around her mind when her and Juliana walked in after using the restroom.

The first thing she would do when she saw an awoken Ash, was scream his name and then scream and cry on the top of her lungs in general. Nemona pushed Pikachu off of him and gave him a tight but careful hug.

Juliana and Pikachu thought Nemona was freaking out of ballistic dread way too much and tried calming her. Even Ash tried a little even though he can't really move for a while because of his pain roads to soon recovery.

Afterwards, Nemona was sedated and was taken into a relaxing waiting room where Juliana inquired on watching her and what will be happening with Ash and everything moving foward, which she was allowed to do so by the doctors. Pikachu stayed with Ash and they both ate healthy food and tea and watched some comedy together on television.

Juliana and Ash were still holding the rest of the way, but Nemona for a while was not.

Later at night, Juliana checked up on Ash before leaving with Nemona so she can monitor her after then incident with her earlier.

Juliana was going to walk in, but saw Nurse Miriam walk out of the door of Ash's patient room.

"Oh hi, Juliana! Don't worry, Ash is okay!", she greeted and assured.

Juliana made a very grand sigh of relief. "Thank Arceus! What gives with the surgery stuff again?"

Miriam explained what she and the doctors were trying to do to help Ash. "His left shoulder blade bone along with the rest of his left arm was broken. So we put him in a cast. But cracks also formed around his chest bones were the impact from a Pokémon attack happened. And if he were to move it... it would've been broken and had to recover as well. Which is a critical injury that is scary for people. That Monarch Galar Champion and Alola Champion is a very lucky old-youngster. Very lucky indeed."

"And that bruise?", asked Juliana.

Miriam chuckled nervously. "Well since we did an incision on some areas of where it was during surgical procedure, his chest is all bandaged up anyway."

Juliana made a smirk with a blank stare of knowing the state Ash is in as a conclusion. "So he's critically injured in the first place?"

Seeing Juliana's hilarious reaction made Miriam give off nervous giggles. "It's a one sided possibility of operations..."

Juliana shrugged her shoulders and spoke with relieved hand gestures. "Okay. As long as he's living, I'm okay with this information!"

Miriam laughed but kept to a warm beam seeing Juliana being relieved her friend who is the champion of a couple of regions is doing okay for now.

"Anyway, I was just walking in to check in on him before me and Nemona head on out of here. I gotta watch her since, she's severely worried for Ash." Juliana had rubbed her hand on her other hand to explain what she's doing here.

Miriam frowned and nodded, understanding Juliana's intentions. "Completely reasonable. I know she has a passionate relationship with Ash. And seeing her freak out as he first awoke here would just leave anyone into a heartbreak." She then softly places a hand on the Paldea girl's shoulder. "Ash is available if you are willing to talk to him before you go. If you and Nemona want, we can explain what he needs to do to develop recuperation going foward."

Juliana smiles in response amd hugs Miriam. The nurse hugs her back. "Thanks, Nurse Miriam. For everything."

Miriam looked like she was going to cry tears of joy but held it together. "You are most welcome, little one. I mat be a nurse of Naranja, but I'm also a doctor in this hospital willing to help with extra medical care."

After breaking the hug, Miriam waved to Juliana before walking away. "And don't worry about a thing! He'll still be participating in the Independence Day party before you know it!"

Juliana waved back and shouted. "That's good news! See ya!"

She walked in on Ash playing on his Rotom Phone.

"Hey, Ash. How ya feelin'...?", Juliana asked quietly.

Ash yawned but also winced in pain since it was sore with those painkillers he's been taking. "Ahm...! I'm fine. I'll be admitted for 3 days... I'll be out by morning by then."

"Good. Very good", Juliana said with a wonderful relief. "Now I know what you're thinking, how is Nemona doing?"

Ash nervously grinned but also was awkwardly scared of what this meant as he should've known Juliana knew what he was going to ask. "Oh god...", he sighed.

Juliana continued futher to explain how Nemona is doing. "Well... I have good news, and bad news. Good news is, she's getting more therapy! How's that sound?!"

Ash took a breath of worry, but kept himself calm since he's in not so good condition. "I take it this means she's hugely traumatized that I got hurt huh? First Shadow Mewtwo in her past, then Penny, now Liko and her stupid Roaring Moon did something to me, that "mentally" affected her instead of physically."

Juliana giggled and twirled her side braid. "You're getting the idea. That's the bad news. But she'll be fine. She's Nemona."

"I know. I just worry now. She didn't have to go through seeing me hurt like that... I just hope she has the time to recover. Well mentally... while I recover physically."

After giggling since he used the mentally and physically phrase again, Juliana understood Ash and hugged him. "She'll be fine. I promise. I'll help her get back on her feet. You can count on me!"

Ash gave Juliana a hug as well. "Thanks, pal. I'm glad you're around to help."

After breaking the hug, Juliana gives Ash an adorable wink before walking out of the room. "Give us a call when you're out of this place."

"I will", said Ash.

Juliana left the patient room.

Ash smiled and Pikachu sat on his lap to sleep, allowing Ash to pet him. "Will show Liko we won't be pushed around. We just got to get in her head somehow. Maybe then she'll learn her lesson."

The next morning at the airship, it was just Penny and Liko there. Everyone else left to investigate any traces of The Explorers. Since Friede's been warned by Liko's Naranja Academy school to be on alert for them, as those pesky villians work with Team Rocket; Ash's arch enemies. Liko hasn't been really doing or eating anything most of the time, other than focusing on her path to Arceus. She's also been a tad bit distant from her loved ones; that being The Rising Volt Tacklers, Roy, Dot, and Penny.

Liko was outside pouting in sadness while looking at the sky while sitting on the stairwell near the airship Pokémon battle arena.

"Why did they have to leave us here... I know they don't want me in danger but..." She sighed sadly. "I just want this to end..."

She walks up to the pilot room and looks at the window. She starts having a flashback with her moments with Diana, her grandmother. Including her great grandfather, Lucius, who died to Gibeon when she was 15. "If only you were also here as much as my grandmother... great grandfather..."

Flashback.

She remembers when she, Diana, and Lucius were outside in a random forest around Kanto. Liko was 13 at the time. The place were Gorging Fire would learn its new Pokémon move.

"Okay, you two! Watch this. My Gorging Fire is going to finally have its extraordinary signature move.", Lucius announced. Liko and Diana were sitting on the grass, watching Lucius test out his Gorging Fire's ability.

Terapagos was standing against Gorging Fire.

"Gor! Gorging!"

"Terpa!"

Liko was fascinated by Gorging Fire. "Wow. Gorging Fire looks prepared."

"It does, doesn't it?", said Diana.

"Ready Terapagos?!", said Lucius.

"Pago!", Terapagos chirped with joy.

"Alright then, go!"

Terapagos used Tera Starstorm. And by surprise Gorging Fire blocks the attack with a flaming barrier.

Liko looked amazed. Her eyes sparkled as she saw determined flames right through the Paradox Pokémon. "Pokédex, what was that?", Liko asked her Rotom Phone.

That move was Burning Bulwark. This move used by Gorging Fire acts like the move Protect. But with flammable abilities activated from its headpiece.

"Woah! Burning Bulwark!" Liko got up and walked carefully to Gorging Fire just to gently place her hand on its head and pet it. Gorging Fire was calm and allowed Liko to pet it.

Lucius and Diana beamed for her. She looked very fascinated with Gorging Fire.

"Do you think I might get my own 6 heroes like you, great grandfather?", Liko asked Lucius.

He gently patted her head. "Of course you will. You just got to believe in yourself that you can. Besides, when I die, you might be more like me AND your mother."

Liko tilted her head to the side. "Your passing them on to Mom? I thought she didn't like Pokémon battling. I know my father isn't a Pokémon battler, but-"

Lucius laughed at how funny Liko sounded right now. "Uhm...! So, your mother might've finally changed her mind about being a Pokémon Trainer, and... Well, let's just say she has had a lot of inspiration from Pokémon Champions lately."

Liko was interested now that she knows she might want to be a 6 heroes Trainer herself. "Wow... maybe I might have inspiration to gather my own 6 heroes. Maybe Mythicals and Legendaries even."

Diana charmingly smiles and asks Liko, "And what would those kinds of 6 heroes mean to you, my grandchild?"

Liko thought about it silently before answering. And then she gives an adorable lighthearted smile. "They should be my greatest hearts and souls of my life. And I shall cherish them until the end."

Diana was amazed that Liko had a kind heart for how she would value her Pokémon for each one she catches in the future. Lucius was touched to hear that she would care for her Pokémon by cherishing them.

Terapagos walks up to Liko and nuzzles her leg. Liko saw the crystal tortise and crouched down to him. "Do you need something, little turtle-dude?"

"Pago. Pagos! Pago-pa!"

"What are you saying...?", Liko wondered.

"He says if anything were to happen to me, he would love to keep you company as much as you'll do the same for him", Lucius translated.

"Aw! Really?!" Liko hugged Terapagos. "Such a good Tera turtle."

Diana whispered quietly to Lucius. "I think she might have better 6 heros than you", she teased while whispering.

Lucius made a small chuckle. "Yep." He saw greatness in what Liko might accomplish. She will definitely be a great hero the world deserves. "And I hope they're the strongest in existence."

End Of Flashback.

Liko looked at a small crack on the glass window of the airship, including her reflection. She put her hand on the small crack and looked down depressingly. The state she's in right now, is very sad and depressing.

She leaked a tear and looked back up at her reflection on the window. She lost everything in a matter of a young age. Her great grandfather, her grandmother, and doesn't know the chances of her mother surviving. All of this crashed down onto Liko. That she doesn't know what to do. She might as well have to think about sacrificing herself as a hero to save everyone.

Penny walks in the airship room to see Liko standing there, enjoying the view. Or at least that was her perspective. She cleared her throat before saying a word to her. "Hey, Liko! Are you alright?"

Liko turned around quickly and wiped away smile bits of tears. Liko shrugs off her feelings, smiling like nothing happened. "Oh me? I'm fine! Pfft! Don't worry about me!"

But the tears were already been spotted before Liko cleared them away. Penny frowned, feeling a form of total sympathy for her. "What's wrong, Liko...?!", she muttered to her. "Who hurt you?" She went to give Liko a gentle hug.

She didn't hug Penny back but started making a depressed smile and leaked a few more tears. "Penny, I-" But Penny gave her a soft shush abd rubbed her back gently. Liko finally hugged Penny back. "I got you. It's okay", Penny said to Liko quietly.

After breaking the hug, Penny saw Liko leak a couple tears as she smiled. "Oh... Hey... No tears", she murmured. She wiped away Liko's tears and started petting her hand. "Let's go out and do something fun. Just the two of us."

Liko nodded and grinned. "I'd be happy to do that." But then she gasped as she just realized something wondrous. "I just noticed, maybe we can find out how Terapagos can get one of our Pokémon to have Mega Evolutions!"

Penny flinched and was a bit nervous of what Liko was going for. "How is that possible, exactly?"

Liko smirked excitedly. "We're going to Area Zero."

"Area-... Oh no" Penny was not ready to visit a place she has heard of before.

Liko adorably giggled and pleaded to Penny. "Come on, Pen-Pen! It'll be fun!"

Penny smiled warmly and said, "Fine. But lets at least be careful for any dangers out there."

Liko confidently grinned out of courage. "Don't worry! We'll live! I even got my trusty strong Pokémon by my side!"

Meanwhile at Naranja Academy at the cafeteria, Juliana is sitting next to Nemona to make sure she's okay. She can look at how Nemona is just looking down at her tray of spaghetti and not eating it.

Juliana scoffs frustratedly. "Would it kill you to at least eat something?! You haven't eaten all day today."

But regardless of what happened with Ash, it didn't matter to Nemona. All she can think about is him. "Julie, did you see what happened out there? Liko's Paradox Pokémon came out of nowhere and hurt my Ash. And now..." But all she can do now was frown and sigh. "Nevermind."

Juliana shook Nemona like a ragdoll so she can get her act together. "It doesn't mean you don't eat something! So EAT!"

But the only thing she was doing was making Nemona distressed. "Juliana, I know you mean well. And I appreciate you. But I'm not hungry", she muttered.

However, that didn't stop Juliana from her efforts to support Nemona. "If you don't eat or drink something, you'll make yourself worse! I know you were afraid for Ash, but he's alive now! Don't you see?! He's recovering!"

Nemona gritted her teeth and was shaking angrily, not even looking at Juliana. "I'm not hungry", Nemona said, but in a more provoked voice.

She was getting sick amd tired of Nemona's attitude and decided enough was enough. "NEMONA! Why are you dismissing what I'm saying! I promise you out of anything that happens, Ash will be one hundred percent okay!"

Nemona bangs her fist on the table while rapidly looking at Juliana with infuriation. "I AM NOT HUNGRY!!!"

The rest of the students stopped yapping amd talking as they heard Nemona yell out of the blue and looked at her with worry and disturbance. The same with Juliana. But then Nemona then looked devastated screaming at her like that, especially in front of everyone.

"Julie... I'm sorry. I...", Nemona stammered. She was dripping loads of tears now from her eye sockets now. "Please don't cry", she told Juliana in a shaky voice even though she's the one who's crying.

Juliana, however, just felt lots of guilt for Nemona and didn't mean to make her snap like that. "Oh, Nemona! I'm okay. I just accidentally made you lose it...! I'm sorry! I promise I'm not gonna cry...!"

Nemona completely got up from her seat and ran out of the cafeteria. Juliana reached her hand out to her whike she ran and left. She then looked over to Nemona's food on the table. She frowned and decided to go to Miriam to try to appoint Nemona for more therapy.

On her way there in the hallway, she's worried that Nemoba's trauma is getting worse and Ash isn't around to comfort her this time for a while. "Poor sweet Ash. If only you were here for Nemona at some point. We could really use you right about now."

At the nurse's office, Juliana walks in and sees Miriam is busy on the computer. "Hey, nurse! We need to talk... And... Oh. Sorry, did I interrupt."

Miriam giggled at and respected Juliana's presence. "It's quite alright, dear. I was just trying to find a specific therapy appointment for Liko, but she wants nothing to do with it. I'm trying to figure out why."

This made Juliana wince worryingly. "Well, that's bad. Uhm, Nemona is having a problem at the moment adjusting to what happened with Ash in that Roaring Moon's Dragon Pulse incident. She's not letting me do anything about it either."

The nurse pouted and frowned with sympathy on her face. "This is troubling indeed. But fret not, I shall help her again just like the last appointments I had with her."

Juliana was thoughtfully relieved and thankful that Miriam would take a break on Liko's priorities and get to Nemona as soon as possible. "Oh thank you so much, Miriam!", she said in a praising voice. "I knew I could count on you!"

"Nemona! I have something to share with you!" She ran out of the school nurse office to fetch Nemona.

Miriam shook her head and smirked, loving Juliana's kind hearted feelings for a friend. "Friends are always there for each other, aren't they?"

Liko and Penny arrive to Area Zero. They went inside the lab where Sada and Turo as androids are sleeping.

"This is where we'll be making customizable evolutions!", said Liko.

"Woah, cool!"

Penny was amazed of the lab. She didn't know about the place specifically.

"Just... uh... try not to touch anything...", Liko nervously tells Penny.

Penny understood though. "I promise, I won't touch a thing."

Terapagos waddles over to a platform and lights up its shell which catches Penny attention of curiosity. "Liko? What's your pet crystal turtle doing?"

Liko turned around and saw Terapagos. "Oh! He's cool. He's creating a Mega Stone. I wonder which Pokémon he'll pick for it."

Terapagos formed Terstal Energy aura from it's shell and started making a Mega Stone. A small rock shaped pebble shined and started emerging from the Terastal Energy along with an aura of a golden symbolic Arceus ring gleaming around Terapagos's shell. Penny could not believe any of Terapagos's amazing abilities in fromt of her. She was stoked and felt like crying tears of joy knowing that Liko has a Pokémon that can customize Mega Stones for a Pokémon that doesn't have one.

After the process was complete, Terapagos gives Liko a Mega Stone. Liko takes it to a scanner near a computer to see what Mega Stone it is. "It's always good to analyze what custom Mega Stone were dealing with here", said Liko.

Processing...

Mega Stone detected.

Loading Results...

Scanning custom...

Process completed.

Results detected, Jolteonite discovered.

Liko blinked. "Woah! Penny, you have a Jolteon, right?!"

"Yeah, I have one. Why?"

Liko gives Penny the Jolteonite Stone. "Terapagos gifted a Mega Stone to your Jolteon. It's yours, friend."

Penny takes the stone and looks at it with appreciation in her eyes.

"Pago!", Terapagos cheered.

She thanked both Terapagos and Liko. "Aw! Thanks Terapagos! You too Liko." She then thought of something and looked at Liko for a second.

Liko tilted her head to the right with confusion. "Penny?"

"You deserve a Mega Evolution too, you know", she tells Liko. She then looks down to Terapagos. "Hey, buddy! Wanna give your partner some help?"

"Terpa!" Terapagos goes back to the platform and starts forming another Mega Stone.

Liko smiled with glee. She was really thankful that Penny cared for making her have a custom Mega Evolved Pokémon as well.

After Terapagos finished, he put the Mega Stone on the scanner and both Liko and Penny waited for the results.

Results detected, Deoxysite discovered.

Liko was actually impressed because this gives her Attack Form Deoxys a better edge at getting a payback win when Ash's friend, Mewtwo, defeated it. "This'll totally help me take down that Mewtwo better than sending Shadow Mewtwo against him... unless..."

Penny suggested an idea though. "Why don't you have two of them after that Mewtwo?! Ash will be amazed to see those two beat the original Mewtwo!"

Liko rubbed her hands together and mumbled. "More like he's gonna flip of embarrassment once he see I just wiped the floor with his Legendary Pokémon companion in non-caught form." She then clears her throat and held Penny's hands with hers gently. "You're a genius! This'll totally scare- I mean, surprise Ash." She also hugs her for the Deoxysite gift. "Thanks by the way for that Mega Stone. I'm glad you're here for me."

Penny smiled in awe when Liko hugged her. "Aw, Liko! Always always always! You deserve to be happy!" She gave Liko a very gentle warm hug in return, making Liko feel relaxed and no longer stressed from her past.

After breaking the hug, Penny scratched her head and made a nervous awkward face. "Do you think Ash will love me when he sees my Mega Jolteon?!"

Liko nodded confirmingly with great utter support. "He'll be the most happiest man alive! Don't worry, Nemona will totally be jealous."

Penny still grew hatred even of hearing Nemona's name. She seethes at it even. "When I get my hands on that bratty Pokémon battling addicted moron...!"

Liko laughed nervously and was curious to ask if Penny knows if Ash and Nemona have done anything romantic lately. "So... did you find out what Ash and Nemona have been up too lately?"

"Yes, with the help of my precious Veevees! Liko, I swear to Arceus, those two are starting to kiss now! A lot! And I so hate it!" Penny was getting pent up in agitation and agony when even thinking about it. "And they've been giving each other pet names more often! I should be doing that with him too! Not just her!!!"

Liko smiled nervously, understanding Penny's catty jealousy but also knowing how that would feel. "Hey, if that was me, I'd know that feeling!"

"See, Liko?! Thank you! I'm glad you understand!" Penny was mad-happy Liko understood her but still despises Nemona getting more attention for Ash than her. "It just ticks me off SSSOOOO MUCH! I swear, I might just lose my sanity! But I'm not going to because that would be terrifying! But Nemona is ruining my life!!!", she shrieked dramatically.

Liko was akwardly scared for Penny and then hysterically laughs. "Yeah... I know that feeling." But that all shuts diwn and turns into a bit of worry for a minute when it loons like Penny is about to slam her anger on a button on the computer. "Oh, Pen-Pen... I know you're upset, girly-pal, but you're be careful..."

Penny tried controlling herself, doing her best to listen to Liko. "I'm sorry, okay?! I just...! I know you don't want to see me like this... But all this stuff Nemona is doing with Ash...! It should be me, not her!" But the accident has already occurrd. Penny slammed her fist on that button with a temper. "IT'S NOT FAIR!"

"Uh oh... you woke up the androids...", Liko said with a awkward smile and a tad bit frustrated sigh.

"And- androids?!", Penny said in fear.

Liko calms down Penny, easing her nerves. "Hey, it's okay! Don't freak out! It wasn't your fault and you didn't know." Liko uses her teleportation device to get her and Penny out of Area Zero. "Let's get outta here!", she said before teleporting both of them out of there.

AI Sada and Turo look around to see what all the fuss was about, but no one was hear.

"Nothing detected", said AI Turo.

"It seems that Ash has just discovered our base. It's time that we upgraded the Paradise Protection Protocol with advanced high capacity of security", AI Sada suggested.

AI Turo smirked mischievously. "Now the odds of him getting in are now 6734.80 to 1. Only Liko and her friends and loved ones have access to this place now. Ash will never reach Paradise Protection Protocol. And we will help Liko make sure if it."

Liko and Penny teleported back to the airship in the middle of the battlefield area. They both panted and tried to catch their breath.

"Phew! That was close, right Penny?" But Penny frowned and didn't want to answer Liko for a second.

"Penny?"

Penny hugged Liko for five seconds and then looked into Liko's eyes deeply while having her arms wrapped around her waist. "I'm so sorry, Liko. I didn't mean to! I just got to upset and-"

But Penny was interrupted when Liko gently patted her head. "You have nothing to be ashamed of. You and I will deal with Nemona somehow. Besides, we have customized Mega Evolutions! And we can use them to our advantage against her at that party soon! Wouldn't that be so nice?!"

Penny smiled at Liko as she smiled back at Penny. "Yeah, it would be", Penny responded with a grin. "Hey, not right now, but wanna Mega Pokémon battle with your Deoxys and my Jolteon the day before that party? We can totally do that!"

Liko smiled and chuckled. "I was thinking the exact same thing you were."

"Really?! Wow! It's like..."

Then both Penny and Liko intertwined their hands together and they both said, "We are to characters in a movie, being played by the same actress!"

Liko and Penny then let go of each other's hands and cracked up laughing.

"We are to funny!", said Liko.

"I know, right?! That was hilarious!", said Penny.

Liko patted Penny's shoulder. "Come on. We gotta prepare to show the others about Terapagos little secret! Te-he!"

Penny nodded and smiled. "Okie dokie!"

They both walked together inside of the airship.

Later at night, Nemona came in to the patient room at the hospital to check in on Ash who was sleeping like a little Pichu on the hospital bed. He just woke up from his sleep and yawned after he heard someone come in.

"Hey, Ash. How are you?"

Ash looked up and saw Nemona with a warm smile on her face.

He smiled back and waved at Nemona happily. "Well hello there, my sweet beloved battler! You look pretty when you're happy today."

Nemona blushed from Ash's compliment. "Thanks, sweetie..." She went over and carefully leaned towards Ash to kiss him. The two couple gave each other a very relaxing comfortable kiss. Nemona then caressed Ash's cheek. "Oh, Mi dulce bebé. I thought a lost you...", she murmured with sympathy for Ash.

Ash chuckled. "I'm fine, sweetheart. I just need to recover, that's all. One of Liko's Pokémon might've took me down, but I'm not out of the woods yet."

Nemona giggled. "I'm glad you're alive. I'm sorry I freaked out when you awoke. I... I was just so scared and I've already been through some things enough already. Heck, I even had to talk to my therapist about this since Juliana convinced me to do so..., which I'm thankful for. It's like... I've been through war or something."

Ash seemed hopeless knowing Nemona didn't deserve to be back to square one of what happened when Penny assaulted her. But then he realized, that she was right about going through war. "You're right Nemona. We keep battling enemies and yet, this feels like a war. I did say we have six things going around already, but seeing me not feel traumatized but happy that I survived that attack... made me feel hopeful and free."

Nemona's eyes lit up and gazed at Ash's. She didn't expect Ash to say that, but him saying that made her happy that he took the situation of what happened to him very well instead of going through heck about it. "You seriously are strong, aren't you?", she said to Ash happily. "No wonder they call you a Pokémon Master. They don't call you that for nothing."

"Yeah. They really don't.", Ash responds with a smirk.

Back at the airship, in Liko's room, her and Penny are in bed having conversations while watching a movie on Penny's computer.

"So, Liko, I never really asked you, but do you have a rivalry with Ash?", she asked.

Liko thought about the question then gave Penny and honest answer. "Yes... Why do you ask?"

Penny didn't know where to begin as if she thought Liko would hate that she's asking her about Ash. "Because... well... hehe... you know, when you asked if I was annoyed by Ash, you looked like you hated him or something. Not that I'm mad at you or anything, I'm just curious about you."

Her response to Penny was a very ashamed felt look. She thinks she should've told Penny something sooner which makes it her fault. "You know, Penny, he's been helping Arven stop me from reaching my goal of catching Arceus. And it hurts me. So I hate him."

Penny reared back hastily. "Oh my...! Poor Liko! I'm sorry that's happening to you... Why didn't you talk to me?" She gently rubbed Liko's back.

"Because when you said you love him... I felt conflicted. And I didn't want to hurt you. And ever since after your Cassiopeia thing, I felt even more regrets for not apologizing for recognizing you sooner..." Liko frowned of sadness and sighed. "So I say to you now, I'm sorry, Penny."

Penny hugged Liko and comforted her. "No no no no! You don't have to apologize! I should've never hidden my true self from you since I, and of course my Team Star friends, know you. You have nothing to be sorry about, okay?"

Liko made a little smile and nodded a bit.

"Besides, you got people who will protect you from being bullied. You have me, Dot, Roy, and yes your girlfriend Carmine, who I never heard of before until now."

Liko chuckles, feeling more cheered up by Penny. "Thanks Pen-Pen"

"Anytime, Terstal-buddy. And don't worry about a thing. If your plan gets too crippled by Ash, I'll use my love on him to stop him from separating you away from Arceus", Penny promised.

And then it was time Liko told Penny something amazing and beautiful that she should've told her a long time ago. And that's the reasons why she's after Arceus. "I appreciate that. You know, the prophecy I didn't tell you about, is the reason you saw why I caught those Legendaries and Mythicals. Lugia and Arceus are my last two to catch."

Penny was excited and proud of Liko. "Really?! Oh my gosh! Liko, that's beautiful!"

"It is. And it's going to help me forget my past and focus on the future. The future of being everyone's hero.", she said determinedly.

Back at the hospital, Ash says his side of his perspective.

"And if I'm going to show Liko I can be a true Pokémon Master, I must show her the true way of the good memories I had in the past. Maybe the past could help her have good memories to treasure and she won't have to worry about the bad past anymore. The point is, this could help Liko change for the better.", Ash explained to Nemona.

At the airship, it was back to Liko's perspective again.

"What's past is past. And the future must be obtained. And I shall obtain mine.", Liko said.

"That's something isn't it? I'm sure you'll have a happy future", Penny supported.

"Yeah", Liko responded. "It's time for new generations. Good things to happen. New great memories! No more pain and suffering." Then she snickered cutely.

Back at the hospital with Ash perspective.

"Liko needs to be stopped. We need to find Lugia and Arceus and warn them that Liko is making a terrible mistake, and after you recover, I mean like ASAP at some point.", Nemona worried.

"Good idea", Ash responded with a confident smile. "Because soon..."

"Because soon..", Liko said in her perspective back on the airship.

"Soon, she will not get away with it. Not anymore.", said Ash in his perspective.

"Soon, I'll get away with it, one way or another. And it will be victorious.", Liko said in her perspective.

"We're going to need all the help we can get. ALL of it! If Liko wants to play war, then will play her game. She's waisting her time because we're going to win it. And will all make our last stand at the end when something big happens. All of this is for the sake of Paldea...", said Ash in perspective again.

"I will do this to save Paldea and everyone in it", Liko said in her perspective again.

"Which means..."

"Which means..."

"Let the games begin!", they both said in their perspectives.

Now Liko and Ash understand what's played out in their lives, not just to save Paldea, but to battle over what Arceus really wants. Ash convincing him to accept Liko isn't ready to catch him, or for him to let Liko catch him? Ash's purpose of his life is to represent the past and Liko's purpose of her life is a representation to the future. Everyone else is in the loop of both, including the present.

With all things considered, this story continues with an epic history of two Pokémon Masters who are about to save Paldea and finish their heroic rivalry quest against each other once and for all.

Isn't this a nice way to wrap up the chapter?! Epic!

Ash and Liko are about to go at it once more, but first, as soon as they figure their enemies out, Team Rocket and The Explorers must first be dealt with.

Are you shaking under your boots, because more epic chapters are on the way in this story! So see you in Chapter 18! By the way, the next chapter is something Mewtwo related. So be prepared for what comes next :) ...