When a life fades away

A week had passed after all the turmoil caused by the awakening of the Magma Pokémon Heatran was over.

Ash had wakened up after three days but still had a big bandage on his shoulder and arm.

Palina had sewn his jacket after coming back with Arcanine and the little Growlithe.

The little Growlithe had started to grow interested in Ash and his Pokémon, admiring greatly their strength and willpower. Ever since he did remember, he was always the friend of a more famous and more predestinated Growlithe. So, it was now three days that he was training with the help of Pikachu and Greninja, still too weak to come back to training.

During those few days, Ash had come to know more about Palina and Iscan, especially after a good conversation with Irida herself who had come to check on Ash. She then decided to make her way to Jubilife because she wanted to personally inform Kamado and Cyllene about the outcomes of Ash's expedition.

One thing that Palina had noticed was the metallic object pending from Ash's necklace. The boy explained that that was Pikachu's Pokéball confusing the girl. That obliged him to tell her his whole story, not that he really needed to but, in the end, he really trusted her.

Of course, the revelation was mind-blowing, but she kept it for herself.

Arcanine had been forgiven quickly by everyone. He had started to employ his power to help other Pokémon and of course to help Palina and Iscan.

Speaking of them, they were glad to finally have a way to be with each other, and also Irida, seeing their relationship, had given them her word to help them and keep everything secret. Time was changing.

Although everything seemed fine, Ash was thinking a lot. He wanted to give a try to his original plan: going up all the way to Mount Coronet, climbing it, and finding what was happening. He was getting attached to that more simple and frugal times, but he had challenges to take on and he was missing home. But he needed a way to do so now that his missions were related to the needs of the Galaxy Team Survey Corp.

He, being himself, finally agreed with Pikachu that had advised him to take it easy and to think about that later, after being all fully healed.

Finally, he had started doing long walks around Aipom Hill, with Pikachu, Greninja, and Growlithe, occasionally calling Ursaluna, and Wyrdeer, and also going to the beach to pay a visit to Basculegion.

That day he was doing the same. Pikachu had wakened him, and they had breakfast with Palina, Iscan, and all the Pokémon. It looked like a happy family.

After that Greninja proposed to have a walk and so they did, followed as always by Growlithe.

"You know? I think we are ready to make our way back to Jubilife in two more days of rest" Ash proclaimed, followed by the cheering of Pikachu, who sadly, couldn't claim his spot on Ash's shoulder, and Greninja.

Growlithe heard it and suddenly he was saddened by this revelation. For some more time, he kept it for himself but then he made a choice: a life-changing choice.

He snuggled on Ash's leg, catching his attention, and explained his intentions. Ash had somehow understood but asked Pikachu if he had heard correctly. Pikachu nodded and Ash's eyes widened: "You wanna come with us?!" he shouted, to which, the Puppy Pokémon happily nodded.

Ash hadn't thought about the possibility of catching new Pokémon, but if someone would come with him, why not?

"But what about Palina?" asked the Kantonian boy. Growlithe answered that he came with her to stay with the heir and now Palina had Arcanine to take care of.

He wanted to grow stronger, and he knew that Ash could help him.

Ash stared into his eyes before standing up and proclaiming, unclipping a wooden Poké Ball from his belt: "All right! Welcome to the family!"

The ball shook three times before releasing some smoke. Growlithe was caught.

"Oh right! We have a new friend: Growlithe!"

"Pi, Pikachu!"

"Green!"

"Guys, we have a new member of the family!" Ash exclaimed on cloud nine, Pikachu and Greninja as well.

Finally, they burst out in laughter, happy for the new entry who was released from the ball and was overwhelmed with affection.

............…..

The Group came back that evening while the sun was setting. Ash caught sight of three figures sitting at the table outside Iscan's tent.

He approached the trio and noticed finally who was the new guest:

"Ash…" she said softly, bringing her hand to the chest.

Ash, Pikachu and Greninja were completely in shock. Ash, still dumb folded, answered: "Akari…"

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

The man was standing tall, casting a gaze at the scene unfolding in front of his eyes. Glass shattered, people running away, debris all around, and sand still settling to the ground.

The sky was grey, dark clouds coming and obscuring the bright Alolan sun. Strong gusts of wind were starting to come from the sea, not helping to clear the view and little droplets of rain were beginning their run to the ground.

Only a few hours ago, the sun was high, people were hanging out and life in Alola was so bright. Now, Mele Mele Island was falling into darkness.

There he saw him: the guy who had saved Celebi from his plan.

"So, it's you!" shouted the hooded figure. Brock knew he was the target of the man; or better, the Pokémon he was hiding.

"What do you want?" replied the tanned breeder. The man did not reply at first. Under his mask, he grinned: "Everything"

Even though it was an impressive answer, Brock wasn't satisfied with it. He wanted why this man was causing these many troubles.

"WHYYY???!" Shouted at full lungs Brock, losing his common calm and prudent attitude, stunning Clemont and the Alolan group.

"What I'm planning, what I'm conquering… is time."

"Time?" thought Clemont. Brock cast a glance at him as if saying to him that he had noticed the same thing about the phrasing used by the menacing figure.

Brock wanted to go all out at that point: "So you know why Ash has disappeared!"

That sentence rang a bell in the man's mind: "Fools… he doesn't even know he's helping us" he sneered.

"The only thing I know is that I won't accept any more intrusions on my road!"

"We don't know your plan, but we know we won't back off!"

"Do what you want! You Won't Stop Us!"

With every answer from the man, more and more questions came into Clemont's and Brock's minds.

But there was no more space for inquiring further since the man raised his arm up and his Pokémon started another attack.

A double Hurricane unleashed by Honchkrow was followed by another massive one from Gyarados.

Clouds in the sky were being attracted by the enormous vortex while on the ground gusts of wind were hitting the group's faces, the tinier Pokémon were thrown away by the only sheer force of it.

The vortex started to approach the group and this time was Lana the first to react and order a counterattack: "Primarina! Use Waterfall to climb the vortex and open the way!" she shouted.

The plan was easily clear for Brock and Clemont.

It was the blonde scientist to order the next attack: "Luxray! Wild Charge! Aim for the centre of the vortex! We must break through!"

Brock sent out Steelix and Ludicolo: "Ludicolo! Go with Ice beam! Steelix, ready for your move!" ordered the tanned breeder.

Primarina had broken through the wind and was ascending to the top, breaking the gusts of wind when a deep purple cross stroke her body, sending her to the ground.

"Primarina!" exclaimed Lana, looking up in the sky to find the source of the ambush.

She saw a Crobat surrounded by a dark aura, the same which was enveloping Gyarados and Honchkrow.

"I can use more Pokémon too, can't I?" exclaimed with a sarcastic voice the hooded man.

Luxray had however got momentum and had collided with the tornado and Ludicolo had frozen the air around the breach made by Primarina who was now on the floor agonizing for the super-effective poison.

The assault had made the tornado shake, and now it was collapsing.

The evil figure decided to gain the upper hand in the situation: "Crobat! Air Slash!"

The Bat Pokémon obliged, and the Hurricane was cut, exploding in the process, and sending people and Pokémon away.

It was too fast for anyone to react, except, surprisingly for Clemont, who, against all odds, had smelled the danger and had quickly wrapped his body around Mallow, who was shielding Tsareena.

When the force of the tornado had calmed down, on the field, only four battlers were standing with very little strength.

Brock, Clemont, Kukui, and Mallow were still standing up, while Kiawe and Lana were still on the floor; the boy was embraced by a scarred Turtonator and Charizard while the swimmer was sent far away from her now fainted Primarina.

"Thank you, Clemont," said with a sweet tone Mallow, recalling Tsareena who had fainted as well in the explosion.

Clemont only nodded. The time was too dangerous to freak out as he used to in front of a girl.

Brock was checking on Ludicolo and Steelix who were still able to fight.

Kukui had released his Incineroar and Braviary while Clemont had to recall Luxray in favor of Diggersby and Heliolisk. Mallow was given hold of Ash's Rowlet who was slightly fatigued and Lycanrock.

Incineroar and Melmetal would be commanded by one between Brock and Kukui because of their much more advanced knowledge or charisma.

Even if they were standing, everyone was on the verge to collapse. This battle was surely too much for everyone.

Wounds, cuts on the clothing, and clear oxygen deficit were only some of the symptoms everyone, Pokémon or human was manifesting. This fact didn't miss Brock's eyes who now was in charge to make the battle the shortest possible. Lives were in danger, not only on the field.

Yes, because now they had been sent on the street and the battle would take place in the city. A city in which electricity could go down at any moment. The storm was coming.

Rising from the dust again the man with three Pokémon with red eyes and a dark aura.

Even if he still had a lot of questions, Brock knew the time for words was over.

This last round was not only for their defense but also for their survival, as well as the whole Mele Mele island.

Everyone gulped when the dust settled.

"GO MY BEASTS! STRIKE THEM DOWN!" roared the fierce voice of the hooded devil.

......

Silence.

Ash was silent, Pikachu and Greninja were too. Growlithe didn't know what was happening.

Palina and Iscan were observing the scene with amusement.

Akari had stood from the chair but had stopped moving toward the boy.

In a way, Ash was happy to see her. To see that she was fine.

But something was odd. Of course, the quarrel they had.

Ash was easy-going, forgiving, and always cheerful, but something was blocking him. In reality, he wasn't sure about Akari's intentions. Why was she there?

Akari, on her side, was there, her eyes glimmering, happy to see that guy healthy and safe.

She had taken a great risk, asking Cyllene to take a caravan and reach with Laventon this far away land.

Laventon was still at the base camp and waiting for her to bring back Ash.

Akari didn't know but Cyllene had a plan related to bringing Ash home as soon as possible because of another task waiting for him.

The moment of silence was broken by Pikachu who had gone to greet Akari's Pikachu. It was a beautiful moment since the Pokémon hugged each other and Ash's Pikachu was calming the younger by patting her head.

Ash smiled, lowering his gaze to see the scene until he was tackled in a gentle way by Akari who suddenly had closed the gap and hugged the boy, paying attention not to hit the bandages on the shoulder.

He was startled but soon answered surrounding her with his arms. She reacted with some tears and by tightening the grip.

Between sobs and sighs, with her head sunken in Ash's shirt, her voice mustered a shy, timid: "Sorry"

Ash smiled again, sniffing the scent coming from her hair, and relaxed: "Forgive me too. It's okay"

Pikachu and Greninja watched the scene with a content smile. Growlithe still had no understanding.

…..

"So, you caught Growlithe?" asked Palina that night during dinner.

"Yes. Can he come with me?" answered Ash.

"Of course, you can. He was waiting for someone to help him grow stronger. Maybe it was the Almighty Sinnoh to baste this meeting. And to celebrate this, please take this stone. Somehow, it is related to the fire type power" she stated, showing a little box with what Ash recognized as a firestone.

Ash exchanged a nod with Growlithe. A new path, together.

….

The next day, Akari and Ash parted ways with Palina and Iscan.

On the road, Ash and Akari made some talks and when it came time to stop, they settled and set the camp.

Ash made something for dinner, his shoulder finally recovered, and then they sat down near the beach to watch the sky and the stars.

Akari sat down next to Ash who was talking with Pikachu and Greninja to plan the schedule for training the Puppy Pokémon and also to plan a way to climb Mount Coronet.

She slowly came closer until she was inches from his right hand. Ash saw her coming and then she rested her head on his shoulder.

At first, the boy was confused, but then he relaxed and let her stay.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He had understood, even if it was Pikachu to make him sign to do so, that she needed comfort after all the turmoil she had witnessed.

She sighed blissfully. She was on cloud nine.

"Can you help me grow stronger?" she asked in a soft tone.

"Yes, but we will train on the road. I want you to come with me on the next expedition" he said, watching the moon.

She felt her heart beating faster: "Are you serious?" she responded with shiny eyes.

"I am" he commented, with Pikachu and Growlithe on his lap.

She put her arms around his waist and stayed there, happy as she had not been for weeks.

Then she started to whisper: "Close your tired eyes"

Hearing this, Ash smiled softly and added: "The gentle breeze…"

"Pikachuu"

"And" "Pika pika"

"The twinkling stars" "Pikaaa"

Greninja took a leaf from a tree and played it to accompany them while Growlithe emitted fire from the nose to create a little spectacle.

Akari's Pikachu followed Ash's Pikachu lead, Clefairy started to dance at the moon and Piplup stayed on Akari's lap relaxing with the gentle lullaby.

"That's how I want my life to be" thought Akari.

........

"Noo Incinerar!" shouted Kukui before being stopped from calling back the cat Pokémon.

Sadly, Rowlet and Incineroar had taken too much damage to go on fighting, but they still were trying their best to stand.

They were protectors of the island and they wanted to hold on until the very end.

"Come on Steelix! Stone Edge!"

"Diggersby! Go on with Dig!"

"Come on Lycanrock! Add your own Stone Edge!"

Pillars of rock emerged from the ground where Diggersby had dug a hole and were directed toward the mammoth Gyarados who was summoning a Hyper Beam, protected by Crobat and Honchkrow.

"Tear' em apart!" commanded the strong voice of the cloaked man.

Honchkrow released a strong Hurricane to break the rocks while Crobat was preparing the counter-attack with his Cross Poison.

By the collision, the first line of Stone Edge was shattered into pieces.

"Diggersby! Now! Hammer Harm!"; Clemont's Pokémon appeared from the ground and smashed his brawny ears against the boulders created and sent them to Honchkrow who was too slow to react because of the short distance.

The Flying Pokémon was hit hard but Crobat had now launched his attack in order to avenge his comrade.

"Double Iron Bash!" ordered Mallow to Melmetal who was waiting to unleash his strength.

The Cross Poison was shattered with the first hit and the second Bash collided directly with Crobat's face sending him against a wall.

Finally, the columns of rocks reached Gyarados who wasn't able to release the Hyper Beam at full power, but, however, he still managed to unleash it, hitting Diggersby, Lycanrock, Steelix and Melmetal, all in one, powerful hit.

The loud explosion that occurred made houses tremble and the sea waves get bigger.

All these violent collisions were fastening the arrival of the storm expected by the weather forecast.

Even with dark clouds in the sky, lighting coming closer, and strong gusts of wind hitting the shores and the faces of everyone, the battle seemed at least over.

The Pokémon were called back and now, even if panting, there were still Ludicolo, Heliolisk, Incineroar, Rowlet, and Braviary on the floor.

The man's Pokémon lost their dark aura, and he was obliged to take them back in silence.

"Now, you must surrender!" proclaimed Kukui.

The man stood there, silent until he grinned from under the mask and then started to laugh mischievously, like a maniac.

"You really think I lost?!" he shouted before pointing to the sky.

From the mantel he was wearing, a bracelet with a red stone embedded into it was seen.

The rock started to glow and created a few rays, like red lasers which collided with a cloud in the stormy sky.

Soon after, a hole was created from the cloud, the air around that zone spinning like a vortex.

Everyone watched the scene, and a feeling of defeat grew between them, even Clemont who was now embraced by Mallow as a thank you for before.

Dark stains plummeted from the vortex, falling to the ground. They looked liquid, yet dense but also strange. Clemont, Kukui, and Brock observed them until a roar was heard.

The man laughed again: "Make sure to stay away, you mortal buffoons!"

A Thunder hit the ground at that precise moment: "GYAAAAHH!"

....

Lucario felt something. A mischievous Aura, something bigger, more majestic than everything, and then a voice. A voice of Aura, so strong that even Gary felt it: "Welcome. Thy Lord is here. Thy Lord is calling for thou. A jobben for thy for which Ich rely on thy"

Gary and Lucario at first gulped, but then, they gave each other a brief nod. They had to go on.

.........

Serena had taken a detour for Celestic Town. She had called Goh that morning and the guy had confirmed the positive conclusion of his battle with Uxie, they were still waiting for Dawn to take down Mesprit but were quite confident about it.

So, after telling Goh to call Chloe who was worried, Serena hung up the phone and decided to enjoy the walk alongside her Pokémon.

The scars of the dream made yesterday night were still there but she wouldn't let a nightmare influence her.

.......

Dawn felt all her emotions accumulating in her body. All the emotions that had filled her last months were coming to the surface while a strange presence was felt. A glowing pink aura appeared and Mesprit was there.

Dawn gasped, trying to hold back her feelings. In a moment the girl remembered all the adventures she had.

Her journey started with Mesprit and this was a turning point. She was about to battle the Pokémon that had chosen her to save Sinnoh.

Piplup, Quilava and Togekiss were on stage.

She wanted to stay calm and not let her emotions have the better on her. If she wanted to have a chance, she thought she needed control.

The battle went soon furious with Piplup firing long strikes of Bubblebeam and then Quilava with his Flamethrower. Togekiss was acting as an anti-aircraft launching Air Slash rising dust to cover the view to the "Emotion" Pokémon.

Dawn had the situation under control. Mesprit seemed not prepared but suddenly there was a loud explosion, debris shattering in all directions.

Dawn had to find repair behind a rock. Her Pokémon were sent away, bruised, slashed by that brute force. Mesprit wasn't being rational, she was moved by her emotions. Dawn couldn't see which one but clearly recognized that.

But she had a plan.

"Piplup, Bubblebeam counter shield. Clear all the dust!"

Piplup obeyed and the scene was now viewable. But now, Mesprit was nowhere to be seen.

But still, Dawn kept hindered her emotions and ordered in a serious tone: "Quilava! Eruption! Togekiss, Counter shield with Air Slash! Let's flush out Mesprit!"

The storm of attacks didn't succeed. Mesprit wasn't on sight.

Dawn felt something tapping on her back. She turned around only to see her opponent snickering. Dawn gasped and felt her emotions being covered in a bad feeling. Fear, anger, anguish. This scene, even if harmless, scared the poor girl. She realized that she had been outmatched, Mesprit was stronger, her Pokémon weren't strong enough, she wasn't prepared.

Big tears appeared in her eyes, her Pokémon realized it and went to comfort their trainer.

Dawn was now overwhelmed with love, care and gratitude.

She felt a new force coming to her, prevailing the fear of failure, washing through the turmoil of emotions which were crowding her heart. Her mind was resolute, her heart pure, filled with love. Love for herself, love for her dreams and her friends, love for her Pokémon and then for Ash. It was time to take the stage, even if she was going to lose. But she would lose with her friends.

Mesprit smiled and used her two tails to smash the ground, creating cracks on the ground. An enormous Expanding Force sent waves through ground and air like a big sea wave.

Dawn stood up and it was time to let her emotions flow.

She made a gracious twirl and extending her arm she ordered with a soft and determined way: "Okay Quilava! Counter it with your Fire Spin! Piplup, help him breaking through with your BubbleBeam!"

The two Pokémon obeyed while Togekiss stayed behind and that was because Dawn was waiting the last moment.

When Quilava was about to be rejected and defeated, it was time: "Togekiss! Dazzling Gleam! Piplup, cover Quilava with a Counter shield Ice Beam! Match Quilava's spin!"

Quilava was crystallized in ice while spinning his Fire Spin and Dazzling Gleam impacted against the Expanding Force and especially in the point where Quilava was holding for dear life to hold the ground she had gained.

Through the impact, the ice shattered in pieces and all these small fragments were dashed to Mesprit, not damaging her, but distracting her. By this, she lost concentration for a moment, but enough to allow Quilava to break through Expanding Force and directing her blow to Mesprit.

"Piplup! Whirpool! Togekiss! Moonblast!"

The whirlpool engulfed Moonblast and was empowered by it. Quilava was guiding the last assault. Mesprit recovered the concentration and launched her counter-attack. Psyshock. It hit Quilava who deflected the ray sending it to Piplup and Togekiss, exploding at the contact, raising dust. Quilava's spinning slowed down and Dawn saw soon the impact of the Moon-Whirpool.

She went for broke: "Quilava! Eruption!" Quilava suddenly stopped her spin and quickly discharged lapilli all around before being engulfed by the Psyshock. Finally a white-hot rock smashed Mesprit, then the Whirpool made contact. The dust was so thick that Dawn couldn't see the outcome of the attack when she had to cover the eyes with her left arm.

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

A monstrous figure appeared from the sky, night engulfing more than ever Alola. A powerful Dragon breath was shot by it targeting the allies. Brock stepped forward releasing Blissey. "Fairy wind!"

The two attacks were very diverse in size, Blissey's being the weakest, but it was only due to the super effectiveness. Brock's tactic was to gain time to prepare a more massive attack.

Suddenly he felt a connection and an image of Celebi opening her eyes passed through her subconscious.

A glowing bright blue light appeared in front of him. Celebi was there.

She used Psychic breaking the grip of the Dragon Breath and hitting the giant monster in the sky who recoiled.

It disappeared, as if nothing, with a final explosion.

Brock busted out in a run and reached for Celebi before it, hugging the poor Pokémon who was now exhausted again and was falling to the ground.

The explosion came but, as terrible it had appeared, it was nothing. It never really came. Only the light was emitted, and a vortex cleared the sky for a brief moment.

It was over. When Brock raised his eyes again, he didn't see the man who had threatened them.

Clemont came to him, Mallow with him. Kukui was checking Lana and Kiawe.

"It's over?" asked Clemont, a bit incredulous.

Brock nodded. They saw their two friends regaining conscience and then ran to the Pokémon Center.

It was over but it didn't seem like that. Celebi was hurt again and now the big storm was coming. Too many things to process right now.

........

Dawn ran through the cave and was now in the centre. She saw Piplup and Togekiss with swirly eyes and finally caught a glimpse of fire. Quilava was standing there and Mesprit, before her, laying on the ground. She had made it. Her eyes got watery again: " I did it Ash!" she thought before kneeling to Mesprit to give her a berry. She then went to check on her Pokémon.

....

Ash was sleeping. He woke up, as if called. He watched on his right and saw Akari sleeping peacefully hugged with Pikachu, Piplup and Clefairy. He smiled and exited the tent they made. Pikachu followed him and watched the sky. Pikachu understood. They stayed there in silence. Maybe something was changing. Maybe he would be back to hug his friends.

........

"It was a failure!" growled the hooded man.

"But now they are isolated and Celebi will be out of our way for a while…"

"What about the plates?"

"We are near the end. I think we can finally begin the last phase"

A Pokémon figure appeared, all in dark, coming from a ring, a glowing red necklace holding hit and making his eyes glow orange. In his hands an orb.

"And now we have also the Adamant Orb!"

A mischievous grin appeared on the hooded man's face.

"It's time to end all of this!"