When a life fades away

Ash was completely befuddled. A dark portal had emerged out of nowhere, at the exact moment he and his Pokémon thought they had finally won, only to let the cloaked man and his devious Roaring Moon out and shoot at Laventon. 

He still had to take down Volo and the cloaked man: "It has to be a nightmare" whispered Ash to Pikachu. The mouse Pokémon was shocked at least as Ash upon the revelation.

"So… you're not… the same person" commented the hurt professor between coughs, "I had the suspect…"

"You're wise, coward" spat the cloaked man through his mask. "The difference between my goals and ideals and this good for nothing's one is tremendous."

Ash could see Volo's face itching at the comment and assuming a more dangerous aspect.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" shouted Ash, nodding to Adaman who was tying Laventon to Braviary's back in order to get him to safety.

"Isn't that obvious?" commented Volo cockily before being shut by the cloaked man who stretched his arm as for claiming quietness. The blonde man was boiling by now.

"You, you Ash Ketchum of all man. You should already know… It has been so long. How many days of torture and pain I had to suffer because of you and your friends…"

"What?" Ash asked. So he was supposed to know him.

"You, you that took down my plan, my dream for a new world… Now I'm here, free from the world of darkness you put me in. I was so destroyed to think that was the perfect world… But it was only distortion, pain, and subjugation" the cloaked figure told Ash, his hands and his gaze raising as if he was in the middle of a solemn speech, his left foot trembling. Ash could see now that his body was full of tics.

"I don't know by what mean, but I managed to escape, to gather the strength for an act of revenge, gather a powerful ally, and then I put my plan in motion. So many years alone. I spent so much time planning for my comeback. And now, I'm here again, on this very same mountain again. No one can help you. I'll only need to kill you and then I will create my own reign in this Hisui region. And by changing this era, the whole present world will fall into my possession. I and this idiot will reign forever in past and future!"

Ash had understood the idea but the long proclaim was making him bored and even more angry, an emotion he didn't usually feel.

"YOU WILL PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID ME SO MANY YEARS AGO KETCHUM. BY KILLING YOU I'LL ACHIEVE BOTH MY PLAN FOR RESHAPING THIS ROTTEN WORLD AND COMPLETE MY REVENGE!"

He then grabbed his mask, ripping it from his face, revealing his true features. Cold, blue, piercing eyes, blue hair, defined cheekbones. There was no doubt about this man identity even if half of his face showed a profound scar. 

Pikachu gasped as well as Ash: "There's no way…"

In the meantime, Adaman had heard the speech while sending Braviary, with Laventon on his back to safety.

…..

Akari wasn't being able to contain herself even in such a battered state. She was about to jump when Pikachu pulled through Roar of Time and Greninja managed to break the Red Chain. 

She was so happy when she saw Ash's serene gaze at the sky and was relieved when the rift that had scarred Hisui's skies for so long had finally disappeared. But, to her horror, another portal had emerged and poor Professor Laventon was shot. She gasped and then cried at yet another front tipping. She saw Ash looking lost, her heart-shattering in the process.

"I can't believe it…" Cogita said while sipping some tea, unfazed by all the world-ending scenarios, "So, Volo had a connection with someone from Ash's timeline all along. No wonder God ælmihtig sent here your boy" she merely commented at the poor girl.

Akari clenched her fists, rage filling her tiny body as Pikachu, Clefable, and Prinplup, now joined by the rescued Infernape all tried to calm her down. They heard some sobs as the girl brought her hands to her face, covering it. "If only I could do something to help him."

Cogita only sipped some more tea as she furrowed her brows.

….

Eternatus was being ridden by a strange figure. "Come on, lend your power to the beast" a robotic voice said before disappearing.

…

Leon was fighting with all his might. Eternatus' escape had scattered Galar particles all around Wyndon and Pokémons in the city were dynamaxing and gigamaxing. His whole team was scattered around the city, trying to prevent accidents and protecting the citiziens. The undefeated champion was riding his trusty Charizard as he was checking his Rillabom. The gorilla Pokémon was handling singlehandedly a dozen infuriated Dynamaxed Houndoom and Arcanines. They were Pokémon from the local police station. Sadly, the larger the crowd, the greater the damage inflicted to buildings and people. The champion would prevent deaths and damage with all his strength. Until the very end. Two hours later the city was completely free of dynamax Pokémon. The whole population was grateful for a champion like him. Leon smiled a little before retiring on top of Charizard on the top of a nearby hill. From there, she gazed at the sky Eternatus had traversed not so long ago: "What is happening Charizard?" he said to his trustworthy partner, clenching his fists and biting his lower lips. The fire dragon looked at him with a worried muzzle.

…

Sonia admired Leon so much. Although she didn't find the champion's lack of sense of orientation, she was impressed by his strength, courage, and selflessness. She was driving her grandma to the nearest hospital as he was holding the city's fate on his own. He had seen the panic, and the distress on Sonia's face and had encouraged her to bring the old woman to safety as soon as possible. She was grateful, but that wasn't her only feeling. Deep down, she knew how she felt for him. 

….

Serena, Goh, and Clemont didn't know what to say or to do to calm Dawn down.

She was trembling, sweating hard and her expression was of one who had just seen a ghost.

"It's him, it's him… Ash, please be careful…" She looked like she had a PTSD.

"Who is him?" asked Serena, kneeling before Dawn's bed and holding her hand for comfort.

Dawn turned to her, her gaze still hesitant: "Cyrus, the leader of Team Galactic."

…..

"I can't believe it" exclaimed an even more shocked Ash; "You are Cyrus, aren't you?!"

"Took you long enough. I see that brain is still your weak point." Cyrus commented.

It was him, the evil leader of Team Galactic who was about to destroy Sinnoh and that Ash, Brock and Dawn had defeated with the help of Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf. He was the one responsible for all the pain and turmoil the world was facing.

A new resolve dawned on Ash as he recalled Greninja and Braviary who had fought hard until now to unclip two other Poké balls, summoning Growlithe and Lucario. The two Pokémon materialized, now recovered from the last clash. 

"I won't let you win" proclaimed Ash, his auburn eyes burning with passion and desire, Pikachu, Lucario and Growlithe unleashed a mighty cry to further support their trainer.

Volo smirked: "You are outnumbered. You won't see it coming" holding his fingers to his forehead and shaking his head as if to diminish Ash's intent.

Volo released his team consisting of Togekiss, Lucario, Garchomp, Spiritomb, Roserade and Hisuian Arcanine. 

Cyrus unleashed Gyarados, Weavile, Honchkrow and Crobat. Roaring Moon was with them. All of them were surrounded by a glowing dark aura, the very same he had witnessed against Roaring Moon the first time.

"Pikachu, you're up with them" declared Ash. Although the Raven-haired trainer loved everyone of his Pokémon and thought the best of each of them, he also knew that Pikachu was by far his strongest Pokémon, even compared to other aces. It wasn't a surprise for the mouse that Ash had asked him to fight again.

"A Lucario, a Pikachu and the Growlithe who couldn't defeat my Lucario in a one-on-one. You are so screwed" commented Volo, smirking, this time followed by Cyrus' maniacal laughter.

"He's not alone!" interrupted a feminine voice. From the cave leading to the Temple, Irida came out, followed by Director Kamado, Beni and Ingo. The latter spoke again: "So, I'm another victim of your schemes… You won't get aboard the train for success!"

Adaman joined them and his Pokémon came out from the cavern. Vaporeon, Leafeon and Umbreon joined their trainer.

Accompanying Irida were Espeon, Flareon and Glaceon. Beni released his Gallade who appeared slightly fatigued but able to fight. "He should have fought Ingo" Ash thought, still shocked to finally have allies.

Ingo released Gliscor, Alakazam and Machamp. They looked healthy as if they didn't take part in the battle with Beni.

Finally, it was Kamado's turn to release his Pokémons: Snorlax, Luxray and Heracross.

Suddenly the table was turned again as the larger crowd was standing behind Ash.

"I must admit. You were right. Pokémon are friends. Without them, who could defeat those cowards?" said Kamado in an apologetic tone.

"We will build a new future for Hisui! A future of peace and prosperity, forged on the harmony between people and Pokémon" proclaimed Adaman, his tone showing conviction and passion. 

"Both Almighty Sinnoh were real after all. And you put one against the other. You will pay, for the people of Hisui and Dialga and Palkia!" Irida exclaimed, an angry expression on her petit face, so unfitting of her.

"All aboard! Destination victory!" shouted, his pose struck once more.

Ash was very proud of them. The future of Hisui would be safe with them.

"Whahahah, you can surrender now! You won't win!" smirked Volo; and you, outsider, he said pointing at Ash: "Hand over your plates! I will be the one putting them all together. So I will finally see Arceus!"

He finally removed his Gingko Guild uniform revealing his true nature. Blonde, pointy hair, resemblant of Arceus' muzzle. A white shirt was adorned with symbols of the universal deity. Green soft pants completed his attire.

"My desire to meet Arceus cannot be contained any longer! I MUST KNOW WHAT IT IS! And then… your Hisui will be erased!"

A gut punch hit him. Cyrus had had enough as Volo collapsed in a state of semi-unconsciousness.

"You speak too much" Cyrus aridly commented. "Now, let's see if you can stop me!"

The battle started to rage on.

The first battle was between Irida's eevelutions and Volo's Roserade and Lucario. The wielder's two Pokémon were clearly stronger but lacked coordination and team spirit. Espeon could easily take advantage of this to distract her foes and attacking Rosarade in retaliation. Glaceon's Ice Beam was of great help in finishing the fight before it was too late. On the other hand, Lucario easily disposed of Flareon despite the type-matchup. The Fire Pokémon was outmatched in every department. Before going out, Flareon, however, managed to land Will o- wisp and burn the Aura creature, lowering his attack strength.

The match went on, with great cooperation between Espeon and Glaceon as they managed to avoid most of Lucario's Bone rushes or Aura Spheres. With a combination of Ice Shards and Psychic, Lucario fell, winning Irida the match.

Volo's Togekiss and Garchomp were fought by Ingo. Being the most experienced battler, he was able to get the best from his friends. Garchomp was easily defeated by a combination of Alakazam's Psybeam and Gliscor's Cross Poison, while Machamp held his own against Togekiss until the others arrived. The battle was tense, Togekiss landing some massive critical hits thanks to her ability "Serene Grace". Beni's Gallade was taking head on the challenge with Hisuian Arcanine. Luck was also on his side too as Arcanine focused more on hitting Crunches than trying to do some fire damage. This was ultimately a wrong choice as Gallade's justified ability increased his power with every Dark-type move he received. He soon overpowered Arcanine leading to a showdown with Spiritomb. In a matter of 30 minutes, Volo's Pokémon were all out.

Adaman and Kamado had joined forces to defeat Cyrus' Weavile, a fast and strong Pokémon who seemed even stronger thanks to the dark aura glowing around its body.

"Great help those pains in the ass. You have my three strongest and then the mighty Roaring Moon!" sarcastically noted Cyrus.

Ash only smiled, being underestimated helped him achieve victory; he pulled out a keystone.

Cyrus wavered a little, only to focus again as Ash pressed the glowing orb at the center of the bracelet. It emitted a powerful light as Lucario's Megastone glowed as well, absorbing the whole Pokémon in its shimmer. Everyone stopped for a moment the battle as Ash, his arm raised called for evolution: "Let's go Lucario, let's get stronger! Mega evolution!"

Lucario emerged from the glow in his mega-evolved form, his eyes were more focused, with a new orange color instead of the previous red one. His cream fur had become longer, and his thighs slimmed down. His aura-sensing ears had grown, and spikes had appeared in higher quantity. A DNA-shaped spark signaled the end of the transformation. 

"Come on Growlithe, Raging Fury to heat the battlefield!"

"Gyarados, Hydro pump!" Hydro pump collided with the puppy's body but after the vapor had dissolved, he was still running, his heat seemingly even higher than before. Cyrus was shocked.

"Yes! Your training was well worth it, Growlithe!" exclaimed Ash, clenching his fist in approval, remembering the days spent teaching the poor Pokémon to face his weaknesses against ground and water types.

"Now! Flamethrower at Honchkrow!" Honchkrow countered with Air Slash but Pikachu appeared from behind, hitting him with Iron Tail and slamming the bird Pokémon against the fire attack.

Still in mid-air, Pikachu was suddenly jumped by Gyarados with Dragon Pulse charged in its mouth. Lucario intervened with Bullet Punch on its head, shutting its mouth and making the attack explode into the foe's throat. Roaring Moon stayed still, not caring for a move. Cyrus wasn't bothered by its behavior.

"Pikachu! Counter Shield! Lucario, pulse your aura!" Lucario roared and released aura from his body, pushing everyone away, Pikachu included. While all Cyrus Pokémons fell to the ground, burning their skins at the contact with the hot pavement on which Growlithe had unleashed Raging Fury before, Pikachu had slowed down the fall using Thunderbolt and twisting on himself. The old trick Ash had tuned with Dawn so many years before, was still effective as Mega Lucario caught the mouse Pokémon before he could touch the hot floor. 

Cyrus had already seen Ash battle. But now, when he was before him, he could really see the gap between the teenager he fought when he was only fifteen and now. His techniques, his skill, and his strength were on another level. He never thought humans could get better but Ash was, and even the population of Hisui was. Not that he cared. His goal was to erase everything and start fresh. And he was going to achieve it.

So absorbed into his own trail of thoughts, he didn't see Ash nodding to Lucario, Growlithe and Pikachu rushing at full speed to distract his Pokémon as the Aura Pokémon was charging a giant Aura Sphere. Pikachu kept up easily with Honchkrow and Gyrados while Growlithe was running away from the vicious Weavile. Despite the type advantage, the Puppy Pokémon couldn't compete with the speed of Cyrus' ace. Flamethrower and Raging Fury were however enough to keep the foe occupied.

Gyarados was using Dragon Rush and Honchrow Air Slash but Pikachu's Iron Tail was so precise, so fast that the two Pokémon couldn't deliver a single hit on the mouse Pokémon. Pikachu made a move, twisted on himself to be upright, slamming his Iron Tail on a gust of Air Slash to propel his tiny body in the air to go over Honchkrow. The flying Pokémon raised its head only to see it slammed by Iron Tail right into Gyarados. Then, with the remaining momentum, he discharged a Thunderbolt to hit Weavile who was giving him the back while pushing Growlithe into a corner. The bolt struck the Dark Pokémon and the Puppy got his chance to charge at Weavile with Raging Fury, sending it against its comrades. Ash saw the pile of Pokémon, attempting to get back to their feet and took the chance: "Now Lucario! Aura Sphere!" mimicking his Pokémon movements. Lucario fired the attack at full power delivering the final blow to the three creatures. Blue light and then a cloud of dark smoke revealed them fainted. 

Cyrus recalled them, his posture never changing but only moving a finger. That was the signal Roaring Moon was waiting for as he leaped forward, slamming its Dragon Tail to Growlithe sending him flying. Ash didn't wait for him to land as he knew his friend fainted and recalled him into his ball.

 Pikachu, Lucario, and Ash knew the power of that creature and prepared their battle stances.

….

Chloe and Tracey were finally back in Pallet Town. They were unusually tired, their minds were fogged. The only thing they took from their expedition was to see some modifications in the Ruin of Alph. But no trace of a hint of Gary and Brock. They had been informed of the reappearance of Brock in Sinnoh but no one had seen Gary since he left. They entered Professor Oak's lab and were greeted by a Purple-haired boy, his gaze very hard who was training with Ash's Pokémon. Well, at least they were finally able to rest.

….

"Keep it up Lucario, Bullet Punch your way!"

Lucario was going toe to toe with Roaring Moon, countering Night Slash with Bullet Punch. Without Mega Evolution, Ash noted, the beast that was Roaring Moon would have easily overpowered the Aura Pokémon. The Raven-haired trainer had chosen to give his best friend a breather since he couldn't know what other tricks Cyrus and Volo were plotting.

Suddenly Cyrus snapped: "Come on, useless beast! Hyper Beam! Blow this mountain!" 

The Salamance-like creature roared viciously, throwing Lucario to the ground, before raising in the sky and preparing the final blow. Ash gritted his teeth, noticing Lucario's hard breath and fatigue. He called out Braviary to help the Megaevolved Pokémon.

"Lucario, Aura Sphere. With all you have! Braviary! Psychic!"

Roaring Moon shot Hyper Beam. The sheer power of the blow seemed absurd as it countered easily both Ash's Pokémon attacks and was approaching the ground.

"Shit!" murmured Ash, ready to release even Greninja. Suddenly a blow passed near the boy and joined the efforts of Lucario and Braviary to contrast the ferocious power of Roaring Moon.

"Ingo!" shouted Ash, turning around to see his Alakazam launching Psybeam. His Gliscor also joined, using Stone Edge to create a barrier. Irida's Glaceon, Adaman's Leafeon and Kamado's Snorlax joined as well. They were all weakened, all on the edge of fainting but they pushed to help Ash.

"Guys…" Ash commented, somehow moved. They were all cooperating. Well, except for Beni whose Gallade was too tired to join again the hurdle.

Hyper Beam slowed down, before starting to be sent back to the sender. Cyrus laughed and the n pushed again: "Come on, kill them all with the power of an ancient beast!"

Roaring Moon fired again, reinvigorating the blow, inverting again the odds of the struggle.

In the heart of the fierce battle, as Roaring Moon unleashed the devastating power of Hyper Beam, the air crackled with an impending clash of titanic forces. Lucario, Braviary, and the other worn-out Pokémon formed a determined line, ready to face the onslaught head-on.

The Hyper Beam surged forward, an unstoppable force hurtling toward the courageous Pokémon and their trainers. The ground quivered beneath the sheer energy of the attack. Ash's heart pounded in his chest as he watched the impending collision, realizing the desperate stakes of the moment.

Just as the searing energy was about to engulf the weary defenders, a sudden surge of psychic energy emanated from Alakazam. The spoon-wielding Pokémon stood resilient, his eyes gleaming with a fierce determination. Psybeam intertwined with the oncoming Hyper Beam, creating a dazzling display of conflicting energies.

Braviary, with his wings spread wide, summoned the power of Psychic, adding its force to the collective effort. Stones materialized in the air, forming a makeshift barrier that quivered under the strain. Other Pokémon, weakened and battered, joined the struggle—Gliscor with Stone Edge, Glaceon with a chilling icy breeze, Leafeon with a last burst of leafy strength, and Snorlax with a mighty roar.

The collision of forces created a mesmerizing spectacle—a radiant clash of dazzling lights and elemental powers. The very mountain seemed to groan under the stress of the battle, echoes of the impact reverberating through the ancient stones.

In the face of impending defeat, as Hyper Beam continued its relentless advance, a surge of raw determination emanated from all the Pokémon. Their tired bodies strained against the overwhelming force, but a newfound strength ignited within them—an indomitable will to protect, to endure, and to overcome. They could hear their trainer's plea to push through, to work with them, to stop this madness.

The colliding energies reached a crescendo, a dazzling display of power that painted the battlefield in vibrant hues. It seemed as if time itself hung in suspense, nature itself holding its breath in the wake of this monumental clash.

Then, in an explosive burst of light and sound, the tide began to turn. The amalgamation of Psybeam, Psychic, Stone Edge, and elemental attacks intertwined with the Hyper Beam, creating a swirling vortex of energy. The air crackled with intensity as the combined strength of everyone pushed back against Roaring Moon's onslaught.

The very fabric of the Hyper Beam started to unravel, fissures of light appearing within its formidable structure. Roaring Moon, fueled by Cyrus's madness, roared in frustration as the collective effort of the Pokémon began to overwhelm the ancient beast's power.

Then, with a resounding boom that echoed through the mountainous terrain, the Hyper Beam exploded in a radiant burst. Shards of energy scattered in all directions, dissipating into the air like fireworks. The force of the explosion sent shockwaves through the battlefield, causing the trainers and Pokémon alike to brace against the turbulence.

As the dust settled, a moment of stunned silence enveloped the scene. Ash had caught Pikachu and had managed to shield himself behind an ancient pillar.

When he got up, he saw it. Everyone was down, no Pokémon or person was giving any sign of getting up anytime soon. Fatigue and the collision with the powerful explosion had knocked everyone but him down. He recalled Lucario and Braviary, thanking them for their efforts. He then releases Greninja to help reunite the others' bodies together. It was all silent but then he saw the portal still there.

Roaring Moon had been defeated but then Ash saw Cyrus, enveloped by the dark portal, still standing.

The portal grew bigger as Cyrus came out from it, his hands behind his back, a devious grin appearing on his clouded face.

"Well, well well. You also defeated Roaring Moon" he said, holding the grip of his gun. He threw it away. Ash didn't understand why.

"I can shoot at you, but your Pokémon are faster and somehow, you can use Aura… That's unfortunate, because, once I'm done with you, you'll ask me to give you death, but nothing won't save you from the torture I'm gonna inflict on you and all the others in our time who opposed my plan. Even your tanned friend and the blue-haired brat!"

Ash gritted his teeth, angry at such taunts. Pikachu was ready to fight once more and so was Greninja.

"Your Pokémon are strong, I must commend you. But this ends here!"

When Cyrus said that, from the portal two large wings appeared, dark as pitch. Squirts of a dark substance were scattered on the ground, smoke being emitted as a consequence of it, the results of a chemical reaction of some sort dissolving the pavement's molecules.

A pair of blood-red eyes started to be seen as a creature appeared from the portal.

"It's…" Ash shivered at the implication. Cyrus had somehow manipulated the legendary beast to get revenge on Arceus one last time. Now all the pieces of the puzzle were together. The wormholes, the rift, the instability. It was none other than it, the Lord of Antimatter itself.

Giratina came out from the portal, its altered form towering over the ruins of the once Temple of Sinnoh.

Cyrus let out a maniacal laugh: "GIRATINA! STRIKE HIM DOWN!"

"BISHAAAN!" growled the demon itself, its power echoing through the air, sending shockwaves all around. Ash could hear the sound of avalanches detaching from the nearby slopes.

Giratina charged Dragon Claw aiming right at Ash. Greninja came forward and contrasted the legendary beast with his Cut, getting sent against a pillar as rocks crumbled on his body.

The Frog Pokémon was however unfazed as he quickly got up and nodded to Ash.

The boy nodded back, alerting Pikachu to stay back. Greninja wanted a one on one.

Ash raised his hand, his connection with his Pokémon intensifying. Their heartbeats synchronized as a vortex of water engulfed Greninja, converging into a giant shuriken on his back. The transformation was completed. Ash-Greninja was ready to give his all.

Giratina charged forward again, Shadow Claw on one wing and Dragon Claw on the other.

"Greninja, Cut to block the Dragon Claw, then Arial Ace!" commanded Ash, his voice loud, his tone serious yet not harsh.

Greninja jumped, closing the gap between him and Giratina, his paw illuminated and elongated a white blade. The two moves collided; the impact was tremendous. Guratina turned its massive body to hit its foe with the other move as Greninja managed to twist his body and charge Arial Ace with his legs, hitting the Demon at the point where its wings connected with the rest of the body. Giratina let out another roar as Shadow Claw disappeared.

Giratina then stomped its feet, causing Earth Power, which hit Greninja in his blind spot. Ash felt the powerful hit on his back too, as Pikachu cast a glance at him and another at Greninja, ready to intervene if needed.

With another stomp and a quick step, Giratina summoned darkness and disappeared within it. The darkness disappeared. Ash was quick to react: "It's Shadow Force…"

He tried to focus on his and Greninja's aura, trying to sense the approaching attack but it was in vain. A slash in the time-space tissue appeared made of darkness, as Giratina reappeared and struck Greninja with his body. Ash coughed blood as the hit landed on the frog's stomach.

"AHAHAHAH, GO ON! TAMER OF THE GODS, GO ON AND MASSACRE THIS TRASH!" laughed uncontrollably Cyrus. Giratina made another quick step on the ground and vanished into darkness once again. Ash observed, curiosity in his eyes as he started to see the pattern.

"Gren!" suggested the Ninja Pokémon. "You are right! Come on, twist on you and Water Shuriken!"

Greninja summoned some Water Shurikens and started spinning on himself. Giratina emerged from darkness once again, only to be hit by a Shuriken. The Demon recovered quickly and shielded itself with his wing, slamming Greninja with the other. The frog Pokémon fell and rolled on the ground.

Giratina once again made its step and vanished. Pikachu, however, had noticed something. His eyes widened in realization as he called for Ash.

"Yes! You are right buddy. I was thinking the same thing" Ash proudly told his best friend.

Greninja focused again as Ash was letting him know what he had to do. Ash patted his legs and Greninja did the same, summoning denser Shurikens and throwing them all around, this time in all directions and faster. In no time, the field was covered in a whitish mucilage as Giratina emerged this time from the pavement and hit the Ninja Pokémon harder. Ash's view started to blur, a clear signal that Greninja was about to faint. He had to close this fast. But the plan was ready to give its effect.

Giratina tried to vanish again, making the step necessary to disappear again. Its feet however splashed on the mucilage which slowed the beast that tiny moment. 

"NOOW!" shouted Ash at full lungs.

Greninja leaped forward, Arial Ace being the move, and started to punch and kick Giratina. The darkness disappeared as the Demon flinched at the barrage of hits connecting with its body.

A calf kick struck Giratina's frontal legs, making it stumble. Greninja spun, hitting a spinning heel kick on its neck. Greninja touched the ground and followed with a knee-vertical kick on its chin. The momentum made Greninja fly over his foe as Ash saw the chance.

He raised his leg: "KAKATO-GERI ARIAL ACE!"

Greninja shot himself back at Giratina, full speed in his fall, as the beast raised its head to lock on its foe. It was a devastating axe kick, right at its muzzle, the pavement under him crumbling and collapsing. Greninja jumped again, summoned a Water Shuriken, and threw it. A loud explosion accompanied the attack landing on Giratina's body.

With the dust still settling, Greninja landed, collapsing immediately on his knees and reverting back to his original form. Ash fell to his knees too, breathing hard and clutching his stomach as the pain was still there.

Cyrus was there, observing with an amused look. Ash looked up, hoping for it to be the end. When he met his gaze, he gasped. Cyrus was still smirking.

….

Brock was out, doing groceries when the sun which was shining on Hearthome city faded away, being replaced by dark clouds. A spiral in the sky opened on top of Mount Coronet as thunders descended from it. He was shocked. He had to do something.

Before he could sprint to the hospital, a light appeared in front of him.

Out of nowhere, Celebi appeared in front of him. 

"Celebi? Is that you?" Brock was filled with questions as the tiny green deity was glowing, standing in front of the doctor in training. "You see the world crumbling. I did what I could. Hope will come again as I informed the Celebi of the future about the truth of what's happening. Hoopa gave me the help I needed."

Brock was confused. What did that mean? Celebi didn't accept questions as he pushed the doctor on the shoulder: "Come on now. I want you all to reach the summit of Mount Coronet. There, I will pay my debt with you and let you know about your friend in the past." Celebi said, before disappearing.

Brock wanted to know more. He wanted to ask a lot of questions. But right now, he needed to inform Dawn and the others. Maybe they could help Ash.

…

Ash couldn't help himself but he shivered when he saw Cyrus still smirking. "You really think we are done?" laughed the evil man as his hands were still behind his back.

From the dust, a pair of red eyes appeared again. Giratina seemed ready for round two.

Suddenly Ash saw something in the sky. Pikachu couldn't believe it. It was Eternatus, the Pokémon he had fought alongside Leon and Goh during the Darkest Day in Galar. How could it be? The Chaos Pokémon glowed purple and Giratina glowed as well. Suddenly he growled, his aura intensifying as the Demon was growing stronger. Its feet disappeared, its body becoming more serpentine-like as its wings branched out to three tubule-like limbs.

"GRAAAAA!" Giratina roared again, again disturbing the whole Hisui with its power. Suddenly its body also started to grow and grow, Dynamax energy being released. 

Ash, Pikachu and Greninja watched the scene as Eternatus in the sky disappeared.

Cyrus was smirking like crazy; he was tasting victory.

BANG

Cyrus' body collapsed on the floor, a pool of blood quickly flowing from his body as color and life were leaving his life. Ash wanted to run there and help him but was blocked by Giratina's aura.

He instead observed who fired the shot and found him. It was Volo.