When a life fades away

That morning Ash was ready for a long journey. The Diamond settlement was very far from his basecamp.

He handed the letter he had written last night to a member of the Supply Corp who was ready to come back to Jubilife for supplies.

After that, he had a nice breakfast with Laventon, during which he managed to make Laventon caress Pikachu.

The Galarian man was so excited. Ash and Pikachu felt happy.

Laventon had also decided to provide Ash a book he called the Pokédex to fill in whenever Ash would find a new Pokémon.

It was certainly something new for the Kantonian boy, but he accepted it.

When Ash opened it, he saw that most of the pages were empty or incomplete. Maybe, when this whole situation eventually had calmed down, he could help them gathering information.

When Pikachu began to stir and do some warmup, Ash decided it was time to start his day. He called for Wyrdeer, this time no caravan attached, mostly because it would be difficult traverse a swamp with that, he packed his things, some supplies, and a tent to sleep.

They were on the "road" again. Wyrdeer was clearly enjoying the run, Pikachu and Ash enjoying the sights and looking forward to seeing more Pokémon.

Even if he could have followed the same path he had travelled the day before, Ash had opted for a different path through the marsh in order to get closer to the emissary river from Lake Valor and by this, gaining more confidence on the environment for eventual future missions.

At the end of the day, they had reached the river and now Ash and Pikachu were settling the camp for the night.

For the first time in years, they were camping outside just the two of them. Well, except from Wyrdeer which, however, wasn't one of Ash's Pokémon.

For the first time since they had come here, Ash and Pikachu felt alone.

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

The little cave inside Lake Valor was a little anguish grotto; water poured down from stalactites and had formed some curious motives on the floor.

Serena had Braixen and Sylveon out. The fox Pokémon was her only source of illumination in that place.

Suddenly, Serena felt vibrations in the air.

"Don't give up until it's over"

"Nothing we do is a waste of time"

"It should feel good to have a dream to follow"

"Your most precious treasure is your smile"

"Your smile can make people happy"

"You are still missing something. Without it, you won't dethrone Aria!"

"I have so much to learn before coming back and realize my dream. For being a Kalos Queen, I can't only make people happy. I should lead other, inspire them, help other people to choose and follow their road"

"Next time we'll meet, you'll like the kind of person I've grown into!"

"If I really want to be a model, I should try everything!"

"Why don't you challenge my father's gym?"

"Hi, little one. You know? A friend of mine is such an amazing trainer. He took a baby Pokémon like you and made him a great battler. Wanna help me in my quest?"

"That's a Feebas! It's garbage!"; "No, he's not. He will blossom in something greater. I can tell you!"

"Ouch, who's bullet seeding me!?"

"He's out there. Doing his best! I'm gonna reach even higher summits. I'm a coordinator, I wanna be Kalos Queen, but this does not mean I can't be a good battler and beat even Gym Leaders!"

"I'm Dawn! We will be the best of friends, trust me!"

Serena felt so many different voices all together; some of them were hers. Other came from Ash. Then Palermo, a girl he met in Hoenn with another guy. Finally, Dawn. Her entire journey flowed through her mind.

"That's your journey. Will your willpower enough to reach what you want the most?"

Serena's eyes shot open. A figure appeared in the middle of the cave. It was a blue Pokémon.

"Azelf, the Willpower Pokémon" she said, seriousness and determination transpiring from her beautiful blue eyes.

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

The next morning Ash and Pikachu were having stretching outside after breakfast. He had packed everything and was waiting for Wyrdeer.

The duo watched their surroundings.

The river was to the right, behind them Scarlet Bog and in front of them Bolderoll Slope. Upon a quick consultation to the map, after traversing the slope, they would be near Diamond settlement.

"Pikachu, be ready! Today it's the day."

"Pikapi, pikachu!"

Determination was clearly written on their features.

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

After some hours, Ash stopped Wyrdeer. He was finally here. The Diamond settlement was in front of him.

It was made by tents disposed all around a rock, standing in the middle of big heath.

People saw him and stared with a mix of diffidence, hate and distrust.

Ash sighed. Everywhere he went, he was met by those gazes.

"Pikapi, pikpi!" Pikachu told him to comfort.

Ash smiled: "You are right buddy. Thank you!"

Pikachu always knew how to improve Ash's mood.

With that, leaving all the materials for camping with Wyrdeer, Ash hopped off the majestic Pokémon and headed to the top of the hill, traversing the village.

He saw Mai, who stopped him: "I'm here to give you something." She said, holding two plates. Ash's eyes widened, as well as Pikachu's.

"This one was Wyrdeer to tell me to give you" Ash turned to see Wyrdeer nodding.

"And this one was given to me by Calaba. She said it was from Ursaluna" Ash was really glad.

"How did you know I'm looking for these?"

"Akari told me"

Ash genuinely smiled. That girl was a gift. Pikachu did the same. He was lucky his best friend had found a human friend like her.

Ash took the two plates and observed them. The first one was brown and had written behind "When the universe was created, its shards became this Plate."

The other one was pink and had written: "The Original One breathed alone before the universe came."

Ash thanked her, put the plates in his pocket and resumed his march.

From behind Mai shouted: "Good luck with the Lady of the Ridge!"

Ash was finally in front of the tent.

A man was waiting for him. He was tall and had long hair made of blue, green and dark blonde locks.

His eyes were auburn, and he wore a dark blue vest, a bright blue opened jacket over it and a golden necklace.

He saw Ash and Pikachu: "Oh so you are the one who had calmed down Kleavor. I see, you are different from all those Galaxy Team jerks, always scared of Pokémon. Very well then. Let's go to the Brava Arena.

Yesterday Calaba came here, I don't know how you convinced her to bring us the flowers to create a balm for Lilligant. It's only one, don't waste it. It is important to use your time well. I tried to calm her down myself but got defeated…"

He was speaking fast and without giving time to react. "I see now why Diamond Clan is so obsessed with time" Ash said to Pikachu who snickered.

Ash had a lot of questions so decided to interrupt the man: "Yes, I'll be careful. I want to ask you some questions: First: where's Arezu? Second why are you rivals with Pearl Clan?"

"Ah, you don't like wasting time I see. I like it. Arezu is waiting for us with Calaba at the Arena, and Pearls aren't enemies, but we have differences. However, I can see that your work here is making us put differences aside and work together. Well, maybe it won't work, but, after all, humans and Pokémon should live together in harmony in this beautiful Hisui region."

Ash smiled. The first impression of this man was bad but that was quite the speech.

Eventually, they arrived at the Arena where Arezu and Calaba were waiting. It was a clearing in the middle of Cloudpool Ridge, two big flags and an altar at the entrance of it.

"Finally, you are here, young boy" said Calaba.

"Ahem" intruded Arezu, without giving Ash time to greet the old woman; "Adaman, Ash, Mrs. Calaba. I wanted to say I'm sorry. I tried to do everything on my own and failed, causing more damages to other people and retarding help for Lilligant. I hope you can forgive me" she said, bowing.

Adaman smiled: "Come on, stand up! The most important thing is that you're safe and Lilligant is getting her help. I also should say sorry for leaving you doing everything and putting your lives in danger. Now we have help. Let's give Ash time to show us what he can do".

Arezu got her eyes watery but soon smiled, hugging Adaman and then stated: "If what Irida told me is true, Ash is a powerhouse".

The boy, a bit tired of all the speaking, although happy for the sweet confrontation, was three steps ahead. He took the balm and laced it to his belt.

Pikachu jumped from the shoulder to the floor, releasing electricity from his cheeks while Ash adjusted his cap.

"Boy, you sure are an impatient one. Remember. Throw the balm in her mouth when you think she is done" said calmly Adaman.

Ash and Pikachu made their way to the center of the clearing when vibrations were heard. Ash turned his gaze and a golden frenzied Lilligant charged at him from air with a vicious Rock Smash. Pikachu had reacted quickly and met her opponent strike with a powerful Iron Tail.

Ash fell on the ground but quickly recovered, Pikachu now at his side.

"Holy shit! That's a different Lilligant. She seems less flower lady and more striker."

Truth to be told, this Lilligant, an Hisuian variation, looked more a dancer but Ash, being Ash, wasn't exactly intuitive enough to catch it.

"She's a dancer. Look out for her moves!" cried Arezu from behind.

"Okay then. Let's dance!" grinned Ash. "Pikapika!" replied a determined Pikachu.

The stage was set. Let the Grand Ball with the Lady of the Ridge begin.

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

Serena was ready. The time when she was only a scared girl were over. Her two Pokémon were also ready.

"So you can speak telepathically?"

"How is that you are so calm, young lady?" asked Azelf.

"I'm not calm" answered Serena. "I'm shaking, my heart is beating fast. But I won't lose focus. I can't do that. I can't let Ash down."

"Impressive. So, come at me. Show me if your willpower is enough to get what you really want"

"Sylveon, Fairy Wind!"

The Fairy Pokémon shot a wind with her feeler. Azelf vanished and retaliated with Ancient Power.

"Braixen, counter the rocks with Fire Blast!" Braixen made a jump to interject the attack and shot a steam of fire, but Azelf was too strong, and the rocks hit her.

"Oh no, Braixen!" the fire fox was hurt and struggled to get up. "How can I pull through?" Serena asked herself.

Azelf, meanwhile, hit Sylveon with Psychic, lifting her from the ground before firing Shadow Ball straight to the fairy Pokémon.

Sylveon cried in pain falling to the ground, damaged.

Serena watched the scene in horror. Her eyes were shaking.

"So, this is what you can do? Is this your willpower?"

"What can I do?" asked Serena, tears forming in her eyes.

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

"Pikachu, Quick Attack!" "Pikaaa!"

Pikachu burst out in a run, his target the Noble Pokémon Lilligant.

She just jumped away. "She's fast," said Ash, watching the elegant Queen of the Ridge jumping in a fancy manner.

She was twirling all around the Arena, jumping, extending her legs. For a normal person, it was easily viewable that she was dancing but not for Ash who, even if Arezu had told him so just a minute ago, hadn't clearly made two plus two.

Suddenly, with a fast twirl, Lilligant attacked, releasing a powerful Petal blizzard toward Pikachu.

"Come on Pikachu, get the high ground with Iron Tail on the floor!" Pikachu followed Ash's command.

"Now Thunderbolt!" Ash threw his fist to this command like he was the one batting.

Pikachu fired a Thunderbolt, but the Petal Blizzard vanished it.

Lilligant surrounded herself with the attack and started jumping again, striking Pikachu with Trop-Kick.

Pikachu hit the ground, creating a hole.

"Pikachu! Are you fine buddy?!" asked a concerned Ash. Pikachu stood up and was ready for round two

Ash knew he had to give his best shot. Lilligant was stronger than Kleavor.

"Pikachu, let's go sync!" "Chu!"

The duo released a deep breath at the same time. Through their bond and their Aura, Pikachu and Ash felt one. What Ash saw, so did Pikachu and vice versa. What pain Pikachu felt, Ash felt the same. It was like the battle bond but did not include a transformation. It was a pure union of two hearts through a unique bond.

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

Gary was watching a Poké ball in his belt twitching: "What's with you, Lucario? Do you feel Ash?"

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

What came next was unpredictable. Lilligant came down from her jump only to send shockwaves through the entire battlefield. Either Ash and Pikachu were hit and fell on the ground.

"Holy shit! What are those?!" exclaimed Ash, feeling pain from his legs.

"Pikaaaa!"

Lilligant started her dance again. With every step, shockwaves were sent through the battlefield. Ash and Pikachu didn't have the rhythm to avoid them by jumping correctly. Well, mainly Ash.

Suddenly, Lilligant, within her dancing routine, started to launch attacks, making Pikachu's and Ash's movements even sloppier.

Finally, Pikachu was struck by a shockwave and Lilligant assaulted him, hitting him hard on the stomach with a fierce gust of kicks and punch. It was Close Combat.

Pikachu was shot against a tree, clearly damaged by the pure strength and grace shown by his opponent.

Ash fell to the ground, feeling Pikachu's pain.

"Anf… Dammit!" he spat out.

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

"What should I do?" asked Serena, seeing her Pokémon beaten down by this monstrous legendary Pokémon.

"Is this your willpower? Your journey led you to this?"

Serena was shaking. A mixture of sadness, anger at Azelf's words and loss of hope.

"Sylll!" "Braiiii!" Serena's eyes shot open, her Pokémon standing weakly, but smiling, determined to her trainer.

Serena gained courage again. She knew in a moment what to do: "What would Ash do right now?! He would never give. Nor would I! If my Pokémon are with me, I can do everything!"

Azelf smiled softly and then leapt in the air once more to fire another Ancient Power.

Serena saw this with her shining eyes, catching a glimpse on what to do. Images of Ash dealing with Rock Tomb in Cyllage City played in her mind.

"Sylveon, jump on the rocks. Braixen, you too! Get close!" Sylveon and Braixen did so, jumping from rock to rock and closing the gap with Azelf.

Sylveon got closer and Serena ordered a Fairy Wind, which was easily deflected with a Psychic.

When Azelf watched the field again, he saw only Sylveon, charging at him with Quick attack which hit him right in the stomach causing not serious damage, but stumbling him nonetheless.

Finally, Braixen appeared from behind: "Full Power! Fire Blast!"

Azelf's eyes widened in realization. He turned but was engulfed by the attack and smashed against the wall, causing stalactites to break and fall on the floor.

Sylveon proceeded to cause another Fairy Wind to protect her trainer, Braixen and also Azelf from the pointy rocks.

Azelf raised again, bruised, and damaged: "Why did you help me? It would have helped you to win against me, now that your Pokémon are pretty fatigued" he said, questioning the girl.

Serena merely smiled: "Loyalty in a battle is more important to me. I would never want to hurt a Pokémon badly, because I simply love them. Or at least, this is what a great guy once taught me".

Azelf smiled, but at the same time, Sylveon fainted from exhaustion.

Serena saw this, came closer to her Pokémon, smiled at her and lifted her head: "You were great Sylveon. I'm sure Pikachu would be proud of you as I am." She then recalled her Pokémon in her Poké ball.

"So, are you going to summon another Pokémon?" asked Azelf.

Serena only shook her head: "Braixen, let's go!"

Azelf smiled again, amused by this girl and her resemblance to the guy he had revealed himself to, back in the days during the whole Cyrus conflict.

He charged his last attack: Giga Impact.

"Flame charge!" Braixen readied herself, only to not remembering her move. She soon was enveloped by a blue Aura, and she evolved.

"Delphooox!" she cried and rotated her stick, summoning Psychic. Azelf was taken backlash and was thrown against the wall.

Serena, still amazed by her starter evolution, finally shouted: "Fire Blast!"

Azelf saw the fire blast coming and branch out before being swallowed by the attack.

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

Serena and Delphox were panting heavily.

The smoke was clearing. Serena had thanked Delphox and hugged her.

Azelf was down. She had won. Never in her life she thought she would have challenged and beaten a Legendary Pokémon, even after all the gyms she had challenged in Hoenn.

It was satisfying. She understood even deeper what Ash should feel after an intense battle. And, most importantly, her starter had evolved.

Serena went to Azelf and gave him a berry.

Azelf got up, thanking the girl.

"Now, will you listen to me?"

"I know everything" answered Azelf. "I saw that in your soul during the battle. Your drive, your motivation, your feelings. You have enough willpower to see Dialga and ask for his help. But be careful: your path is still full of though challenges. Don't lose faith in yourself or your Pokémon or else, your willpower will be completely shattered" and then he proceeded to give her a piece of what looked like a scarlet pearl. "With this and the two others from my brothers, you will be able to call for Dialga's help" he stated. Then, while smiling, his figure started to disappear, not before some final words: "I will root for you, Serena".

Serena's eyes got teary again. She had done it.

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

Ash and Pikachu got up, clearly tired. They had lost so much momentum that it was going to be hard to end this.

They were watching now Lilligant resuming her dance and jumping.

Ash was lost but Pikachu wasn't. Realization hit the little Pokémon: "PIKAPI!" he shouted.

Through their bond, Ash saw what Pikachu was imagining in that moment.

"She's dancing?" said aloud Ash. Pikachu knew what they needed to do: move with her rhythm and strike in the exact moment between her twirls and the jump.

For Ash, that was one hell of a problem. In an instant, in his mind, a lot of images of him stumbling while dancing appeared. But also, the moments when Serena had tried to teach him how to dance.

Then her phrase: "Maybe, you have your own rhythm". Eventually, the one: Serena's performance.

These thoughts, shared with Pikachu, made him realize one thing.

"Forgive me, Serena. But I must borrow your performance tempo!" he exclaimed. Pikachu grinned.

"Now Pikachu! Let's dance!"

Ash and Pikachu started to move, following Lilligant's rhythm, copying Serena's moves during her Master Class performance.

Ash was clumsy but Pikachu was not. All in all, they managed to avoid the shockwaves and the Petal Blizzards.

Eventually, they saw the moment: "Iron Tail!"

Pikachu leapt forward in the exact moment between Lilligant's last twirl and the jump.

Pikachu's tail glowed silver and stroke it right on Lilligant's face who had now leapt into the air.

She was smacked down. "Pikachu! Thunderbolt!"

The zap stroke Lilligant again and then Ash threw the balm to his partner: "One last Iron Tail. Aim for the mouth!"

And so Pikachu did. The balm exploded in Lilligant's mouth, releasing the soft powder contained. All the golden energy suddenly vanished, leaving Lilligant on the ground, exhausted.

Ash sighed, so did Pikachu, sitting on the ground and embracing his partner for a while. Then he got up and gave Lilligant a berry. She accepted it and as a than you gift, she gave him another plate.

Ash was really happy to have gained something from it.

On the back of the plate, there was written: "The powers of Plates are shared among Pokémon."

Arezu, Adaman and Calaba came to them.

Ash and Pikachu watched the sun setting: "I owe you big one Serena" said the boy, smiling.