When a life fades away

Canalave city was one of the most famous cities in Sinnoh because of its dock and its library.

When Serena entered the city, she was awestruck at the beautiful sight in front of her. The sea was marvelous in the distance, the buildings offered a great contrast to the nature surrounding the place but, in a way, they also completed the scene. The city exuded harmony and a sense of calmness.

The trio was soon in the front of the library when a blonde woman exited the building.

"Well, if you're not Dawn and Goh!" said the person.

"Cynthia???!!" the two youngsters exclaimed in shock.

"Wait, Cynthia like the Sinnoh champion?!" Serena intruded.

"Yeah, it's me. And you are a friend of Goh and Dawn? What's your name beautiful lady?"

Serena blushed and hid herself behind her short honey blonde hair: "I'm Serena. It's a great pleasure to meet an astounding trainer like you, Mrs. Cynthia"

"Wait a minute, you should have faced Ash in the Master 4 before everything… Now what's going to happen to PWCS?"

Cynthia saddened: "I'm so sorry for your loss, Dawn ang Goh. Ash was an incredible guy and an even better trainer…"

The group stayed strong, silently deciding to not involve anything else in a search that could also probably lead to defeat. They lowered their gaze. Cynthia went on:

"Anyway, the tournament hasn't been stopped. They decided to redo only the Masters 8 selecting the number nine in the ranking. And Dawn, you know him well".

Dawn looked perplexed but Cynthia again went on: "Paul was the number nine. He lost to Ash before entering the tournament. Anyway, Leon won again in the end against me. So, here we are. Nothing changes."

The thought of Ash been discarded so easily made Goh very angry. He gritted his teeth as if trying to hold back an unnecessary outburst. Same reaction was for Dawn.

However, Serena had another way to respond: "So, the biggest trainer organization decided that the tournament was much more important than a guy's life? And so, you all only went on again?! I must say I'm quite shocked" she answered very dryly.

Cynthia took the hit but didn't change her attitude: "We all knew Ash and it was devastating, but even Ash would have wanted us to move on."

"That's not this what I'm saying. I'm telling you that it's pathetic to make the tournament again with a replacement. I don't know this Paul, but I'm sure he didn't feel this great knowing he was only a substitute.

With your -The show must go on- attitude you all made a celebrational moments for trainers worldwide, a very low show. And I'm very sorry to tell you so."

With that, she politely bowed to the champion and entered the library greeting the blonde woman who was left befuddled, pondering this so charismatic girl's words.

Dawn and Goh, still mouth agape, but also very proud, followed the honey blonde leader soon after, not before having said goodbye to the Sinnoh Champion.

After a moment on her own, Cynthia raised her head and smiled. That girl had made her day.

"The world is full of beautiful trainers and Pokémon. Ash, you would be proud of this girl, if only you could have met her!" she thought with a soft smile, before heading to the dock.

................................................….

"Ehhhh ehhhh ehhhhh ETCIùùùùùùùù!!!!"

pikachu passed to Ash and handkerchief. "Thanks Pikachu. Jeez, maybe I'm catching a cold" Ash said, rubbing himself to be warmer.

Ash was out since this morning in the Obsidian Field searching for something that could lead him to the plates.

He had left Akari's house very early and despite the girl insistence to follow him, he had left with only his Pokémon. Ash wanted to go on his own because he was aware about all the possible dangers that his mission could bring on his way.

Akari was still new to co-operate with Pokémon and it would be hard for Ash to keep her safe, only having two Pokémon with him.

Before heading out, he had finally changed clothes. His new suit was awesome.

He had a blue jacket with a collar, white inserts at the edge of it. On the left of his jacket there was drawn a shuriken contained in a withe circular patch. On the back, there was a large withe spot with a kanji in it which meant "Thunder". Also, on his sleeves there was the symbol of Team Galactic, the name of the command in head for exploration on the Hisui region's soil.

The jacket was held together by a yellow belt which also held a pocket for supplies and medicaments.

Under the jacket Ash wore a black cotton t-shirt and, on his neck, his silver necklace with Pikachu's Poké ball.

The trousers were blue spruce. He wore a pair of black boots with red inserts.

But the thing Ash was happier to have, was a soft crimson red soft hat with the design of a Poké ball on it.

Pikachu thought that this attire suited his trainer and either Pikachu and Greninja were mor than happy to see clear references of them on Ash's jacket.

Still, even if he was ecstatic about his new outfit, he had to find something to lead him.

And Arceus himself had the answer. Ash's phone beeped and the map was soon filled with eighteen different spots. Ash felt Arceus presence, and the God of all Pokémon said in the boy's mind: 2If you are planning to find the plates these spots will help you. But be aware: a hard challenge it will be. Show me thy might and help me have my power back."

Ash didn't respond but quickly dashed toward the direction indicated by the closest spot. Pikachu and Greninja were ready. The catch was open.

...............................................

"Shit. We must find Celebi! Or else we can't seal Arceus' full power!"

"Gyaaaahhhh!"

"Yes, I know we don't have this much time. Sooner or later the Gods will be at our side and Arceus won't be able to do anything!"

"Master. The boy is heading toward something. I think Arceus is leading him to the plates."

"Oh well, finally some help in our plan!" the man let out a small, evil smile.

"What about the time energy?"

"Even without Celebi we have completely drained so many sources with our darkness aid, that your time is now completely isolated. No one can come or go away. All we need to do here now is to stop Dialga from noticing what we are doing."

"Excellent. I'm preparing for fate to come" he disappeared from the screen.

The hooded man smiled again: "My fate will come. Our reign!" He let out a laugh.

"I suffered so much. But now, Arceus, your time as God is over. Your power is only weakening, your children losing mind and soul! Soon, your entire creation will collapse!"

"Gyaaaaahhhhhhhh!"

...............................................

"So, God's power is really weakening" said a lady watching her garden.

"That rift is the cause…. His children losing control is injuring the father's health" she continued, watching inside an orb.

She sipped some tea again. "Oh well, let the fate be. After all: it has always been Chaos versus Order".

................................................….

Brock was finally beginning to awake. It was night. He felt a gentle breeze, the sounds of wave. Wait, was he on a beach? He also felt the soft warmth of sand. His eyes shot open. His body ached. He saw, Steelix and Croagunk Poké ball on the ground and the poor Celebi laying on the ground himself, wounded.

He tried to get up but in vain. It was going to be a hard night.

.............................................….

Akari was mad. Ash had left her behind.

"Stupid guy come from nowhere. Who does he think he is ?!" she asked outrageously.

Piplup and Pikachu chirped in agreement.

She was now heading to the Team Galactic HQ to get her duties for the day. On her way she was stopped by some villagers, curious about her Pokémon, she stopped by Beni's canteen to have some breakfast with potato mochi. Then she visited the craftwork run by Anvin to get some supplies and finally to the general store. Choy was eager to see Akari but was too scared by her Pokémon. After some chit chats, the girl was finally allowed to buy what she needed.

After all of this (and a quick visit to Anthie and her clothing shop), she finally headed to the Galaxy Hall.

.................................................

Ash has followed his map all the way to a gigantic tree in the middle of a forest. His map, being updated to his time, signaled him as in the Eterna Forest.

"See guys? We are in Eterna Forest!" Ash exclaimed, gaining consent from Pikachu and Greninja.

Obviously, Pikachu was more curious about this since he had been in Eterna forest before.

"So we have to search in this area and…"

Ash was interrupted by a loud scream, coming from the forest and the next thing he saw was a girl thrown to the giant tree. She smashed against the tree, collapsing on the ground, bloody wounds all over her body.

The boy ran to her: "Hey!! Are you alright?!"

The girl, clearly debilitated, managed to whisper: "The king of forest… help him..."

She didn't black out but wasn't able to summon more energy.

Ash turned around, alerted by Greninja, and loud stomps were heard until a big, golden presence appeared.

Ash was upset at this sight. It was a Pokémon, but not one he had ever seen. And it was glowing gold.

He heard the voice of the girl: "It's Kleavor…"

The Pokémon charged with all his might to Ash, brandishing its axes. The girl was about to scream when Ash didn't move and stood tall but then a Cut attack stopped the axe at 10 centimeters from Ash's skull.

Another attack from Greninja made Kleavor back away.

"Pikachu, stay here and help this girl. I know you want to battle but I need you here"

Pikachu groaned, hopped off Ash's shoulder and went to the girl who was seeing the scene mouth agape, trembling.

Greninja saw something on the Pokémon. He had a plate on its back. Ash was quickly informed and smiled.

He flipped his hat, and grinned: "Now I have only more motivation to defeat this King"

He and Greninja crunched their fingers and finally assumed their battle stance: "Okay Greninja, time to go all out! LET'Z GOOOO!!"

A water column erupted from the Ninja Pokémon body. It was ash Greninja time.

Kleavor charged again. Ash knew he needed to go away to battle. If they stayed there, they could hurt the injured girl.

"Water Shurikens on the ground. Leap in the air and let's climb some trees!"

Greninja threw a massive barrage of shurinkens, making Kleavor losingf eye contact with his opponent, but he quickly regained it and saw the frog on the trees nearby. He made a quick jump surprising ash and his Pokémon and hit a really hard X-scissor, knocking Greninja of the tree.

Ash felt the hit and clutched his chest. The girl watched this and was surprised. Pikachu, meanwhile, was collecting some cotton gauzes from Ash pocket to help the girl and had climbed the giant tree to collect a branch strong enough to be a crutch for the girl.

"Okay Greninja, now, jump again, and cut some branches!"

While Greninja was compelling Ash's command, Kleavor leapt forward again, ready to shoot a Close Combact.

"Throw them!"

Greninja, still mid-air dashed from the tree and hit all the cut branches with his paws, launching them to Kleavor who countered unleashing its Close Combact. His body was now fuming, his defenses lowering from the huge amount of energy drained by his last attack. Its breath got harder, clear sufferance in its eyes.

Greninja noticed it, and, through their bond, so did Ash.

"Now's our chance Greninja! Double team, in arial ace!" A massive number of copies appeared and all of them started to charge at the enraged Pokémon. It gathered its last resources to unleash another Close combact which hit several copies but lowered its defenses again.

"Checkmate." Commented Ash, so focused on the action to forget to animate even his face,

The true Greninja came out from the trees and struck his leg onto Kleavor's stomach. It spitted from the huge impact which generated massive resonance waves and a strong gust of wind.

The King of the forest collapsed in the dirt, dust still in the air.

Greninja backed away, reverted to his normal state and collapsed on one knee. Ash did the same, extremely fatigued by the battle. The duo was breathing hard.

Pikachu came to Ash, bringing him a bottle of water. He sat on the ground until he was able to stand again.

Meanwhile, Pikachu had gone to greninja to bring him a bitter remedy. Disgusting but effective, Greninja stood again.

"I must thank Akari for these recipes" commented Ash between a breath and another.

................................................….

"Wow Serena, that was amazing! You put her in her place? What was that? It was fantastic!"

Serena was slightly embarrassed at all the attentions she was getting: "It was nothing. I only said what I think. It's my duty if I want to become Kalos Queen to tell my honest opinion and to get also people to think, whoever you are." She scratched the back of her head.

Dawn was, for the first time since she met the Kalosian girl, looking at her with this much admiration.

"Gotcha" shouted Goh before being hushed from everyone.

He was slightly embarrassed now but went on to show a book to the two girls.

"What's this?" asked serena.

"This is the Pokémon that can control time and help us. Dialga, the king of time."

Serena gasped. Dawn was, of course, more used to see Dialga.

"So, what do we need to do?" the bluenette questioned.

"Well, it is said that to make him appear, we have to get the approval from the Lake Trio"

"Lake trio?!" questioned Serena.

"Three Pokémon which live in the three major Sinnoh lakes. So we should pass their test?" continued Dawn.

"Yes" stated firmly Goh.

Serena stood up: "What are we waiting for? Let's go find them!" she said with a determined expression, Sylveon mimicking her resolution.

.................................................

All the golden aura from Kleavor disappeared in thin air.

Ash went to the Pokémon who seemed suffering a lot.

Pikachu passed his trainer a sitrus berry and he gave it to the Pokémon: "Take it. It will make feel you better."

Kleavor accepted and after a minute, he stood up and stroke his head to Ash and then did the same to Pikachu. He also shook Greninja's hand, in sign of respect.

To thank Ash, he took the plate on his back and offered it to the Pallettonian.

"Thank you Kleavor. I promise you I will treasure it." It looked like the King of Forest had understood what Ash wanted.

After that, Kleavor turned, and went into the forest.

The girl watched in awe.

"Are you feeling better?" asked Ash giving the girl the bottle of water.

The girl gladly accepted and drank a bit before answering with a timid nod.

"Who are you?" asked now Ash with Pikachu and Greninja by his side; "and why that Pokémon attacked you and had that aura?" he added, making pressure on the girl.

Said girl was a shoulder long haired blonde girl with light blue eyes. Her skin was very pale and seemed soft and tender.

She had a purple top and white shots.

Three big bracelets were on her wrists and on her left ankle. Completed the outfit a light purple piece of clothes which was held on her belly by an azure belt.

She answered" I'm Irida. That was Kleavor, a Noble Pokémon. We, of Clan Pearl worship him as the protector of forests. He is a gift form the Almighty Sinnoh, but he was struck by one of those thunders come out from that rift"

Ash was confused but decided to go on: "Okay, okay, too much information. I'll bring you with me so we can help you"

"Are you a member of team Galactic?" she said.

"You can say I work for them but not quite"

The girl wasn't ecstatic about going to the house of foreigners but didn't have many choices if she wanted to recover.

She took out a long flute and played it. Ash was again confused but then a white deer like Pokémon appeared.

He looked majestic, white fur and long branchy horns.

"It's Wyrdeer, one of the great Pokémon of Hisui. He will bring us to your place faster" the girl stated.

"Wow, can we ride him?!" Ash asked, starry eyes and mouth agape.

"He would help who he thinks is worthy enough".

The Pokémon came close to Ash and the boy gently stretched his hand to caress his snout. The Pokémon nodded like he had heard Ash's heart saying: "Let me help her".

Wyrdeer nodded, so Ash mounted on him, Greninja took Irida and placed her behind Ash. Pikachu hopped on Ash's shoulder again. Greninja would run.

The girl placed her hands around Ash's waist, and he grinned:" LET'S GOOO!" he shouted, enthusiastically as he had always been.