"My dream is almost within reach."
"I can see it, the future becoming a reality."
"I just need more time."
I don't know how long I was out. I don't know what happened. But I began to awake with a heavy blast of wind brushing against my face. Slowly opening my eyes, I looked to be riding on something. A Pokémon? Everything was a blur as a lightning strike ignited what little I could see.
When I was coming too again, I felt a sudden push; I was falling. Falling.
Falling!
I shot awake, falling high from the sky. Swinging my arms around, I yelled, unable to stop myself. Reaching for my Pokeballs, my belt was gone. It must have fallen off during the battle. Screaming, I suddenly saw Iron Illusion falling beside me, just as scared.
I grabbed her, gripping my partner close. "Mimi! I got you!"
It felt like an entirety as I fell, but eventually, I crashed into the water. Gasping for air, I struggled to reach land coughing up seawater. Hunched over, shivering, I didn't let go of Iron Illusion, who was just as banged up. Lying on a soft beach, the sun glossed over me. I felt exhausted, weak and drained.
What little I managed to see, I didn't recognise. Cliffsides, what looked to be a house over the horizon and just ahead of a Pokemon centre? I didn't have any energy to move as I huddled Iron Illusion as if my life depended on it.
Looking up my vision was all over the place as a single man approached hands in his pocket. "P-Please help me."
"Help you?" He said with a smirk. "Hmm, Humble yourself. You are facing the world's greatest Trainer. I believe help should come both ways, If you desire my aid I'll consider it if you join my team."
"Help you?"
Looking down at me the man nodded. "It's not necessarily a waste to help others without asking for anything in return. That's because that favour becomes a powerful negotiation tool when you want someone to act a certain way. What say you, trainer from another time?"
"W-Who are you?" I whimper holding Iron Illusion close to me not trusting this man whatsoever.
"Who else? The ultimate goal of Team Rocket is to use Pokémon to rule the world. I, Giovanni, am its leader!" Taking his hands out of his pocket in a mocking way he walked closer holding his hand out. "I can tell, trainer from another time you are more than meets the eye. That Pokémon is more than enough proof. Why not put that strength to good use, in my Team Rainbow Rocket?"
I could tell Iron Illusion was against the idea but I had no idea what was going on. "Can you help me save my world?"
"Team Rainbow Rocket has conquered countless worlds, saving yours can come easy if we work together."
Against my better judgment, I took his hand. A faint chuckle emerged as he helped me up. "What's your name kid?"
"Y/N... My name is Y/N and this is my partner Mimi."
"Well then Y/N, I look forward to investing in my future business partner. Shall we get started?"
****
Team Rainbow Rocket Y/N wants to battle.
Taking a step back I readied myself as he pointed his device at me spawning in his first Paradox Pokémon behind me. Turning around I was face-to-face with a Paradox Liligant fire spewing from its arms fizzling out into holographic hands. Y/N pointed to me with a deranged snap shouting orders. "I have no time or use for pointless Pokémon battles, Iron Dancer, focus entirely on the lesser version of me. Break him!"
"What?"
Iron Dancer didn't even hesitate spinning in the air readying a blazing roundhouse kick on me. Flinching I fell back calling on Goodra to protect me. Blocking the attack he slid back arms up burning on hit. Crawling back onto my feet I stood behind Goodra fists clenched disgusted by this sudden turn of events. "What the hell! I thought this was meant to be a Pokémon battle!"
"What? Were you hoping I would fight one-on-one with the hopes you would defeat my team and make me surrender? Give me a break, I didn't sacrifice everything just to lose at a pointless turn-based battle! Team Rainbow Rocket don't play fair, neither will I."
Sending out another Paradox Pokémon I was blown back by the mere presence of fog rolling in as the sense of being watched consumed my sanity. "Iron Knightmare, purge this weakling from my sight."
Goodra kept me close setting up Protect and Shelter over and over juggling the constant attacks from the Paradox Liligant and now Paradox Darkrai. Goodra was my only real tank, a bulky team member I could always rely on, but even if was being quickly overwhelmed not being able to get a single attack in. Risking everything for me taking me under his wing he pushed back Iron Dancer shooting a Dragon Pulse it's way missing completely now focusing on Darkrai's psychic prowess.
I was being thrown around so much that I wasn't able to call on a team member to support Goodra as a barrage of blaze kick, close combat and night slash was enough to bring him down. Left in the open I looked horrified as Y/N relished in this. "Finally, Iron Knightmare drown the coward in an endless abyss."
With all hope lost Goodra defining all odds got back up picking up Iron Knightmare and throwing the monster making the upcoming Dark Void miss destroying a part of the castle's wall. "What!?"
Placing a hand on Goodra I smiled tearing up. "Buddy, thank you. You're not fighting alone, not anymore. Do you want to get nuts? Let's get nuts!" Throwing my Ultra Ball into the air Darkrai burst out floating above me eyeing down Iron Knightmare.
Y/N's entire persona changed as he crossed his arms smirking. "I see, so that's how you want to play it? Very well, Iron Knightmare, focus entirely on that past copy. Show it who's the real Darkrai!"
Iron Knightmare lunged forward, its eyes gleaming with malicious intent. Darkrai swiftly evaded, vanishing into the darkness only to reappear behind its opponent. With a quick gesture from my hand, I ordered a Dark Pulse that ripped through the air, colliding with the opposing Paradox Pokémon.
The battlefield was shrouded in a dark energy, the clash of two powerful Darkrai creating an otherworldly spectacle. The other Y/N smirked, clearly unfazed by the initial assault. Iron Knightmare retaliated with a barrage of Shadow Balls, each one pulsating with malevolent energy. My Darkrai skillfully dodged, dancing through the night like a shadowy wraith.
"Stay focused, Darkrai! Let's take this to the next level," I commanded, my voice unwavering. Channelling the power within, I called upon the Nightmare attack. Iron Knightmare recoiled, trapped in a realm of terrifying dreams. Its movements slowed, allowing my Darkrai to strike with a calculated Dark Void.
The battlefield transformed into a dreamscape as Iron Knightmare succumbed to sleep. Seizing the advantage, I urged my Darkrai to unleash a powerful Dark Pulse, exploiting the vulnerability of its slumbering opponent. The blast resonated through the night, causing the opposing Darkrai to awaken in a state of disarray.
The other Y/N scowled, realizing the tide of battle was turning. However, he wasn't one to back down. With a determined glint in his eye, he turned to Iron Dancer screaming. "Bring down this retched pile of dirt down on them!"
The Paradox Liligant snapped into action bursting through each of the remaining pillars with powerful high jump kicks. Soon enough the whole ruins were falling about to crush us in an instant. Y/N stepped back his Paradox Darkrai summoning back to his side teleporting them away. Now left to fend for myself, I returned both Darkrai and Goodra quickly switching to Espeon who didn't even need to wait also teleporting us away.
Stumbling forward I got my bearing now in the heart of New Driftveil City behind the Team Rainbow Rocket Admin. "Haven't you gone far enough with this?"
Y/N glanced at me gripping his device tightly and fuming. "The way I see it, I've come too far to just throw it away. It always comes down to this, when backed into a corner I rely on my one true partner. My best friend. Mimi, come forth!"
His Paradox Zorua appeared from thin air standing before us giggling glitching skulls fizzling from their digital form. Each virus looks more dangerous than the last. Looking to my trusted ally I nodded too as Zorua jumped into battle. "Mimi and I aren't about to quit now."
Rain began to hammer down on us as the tension began to rise. The neon lights burned into my vision, and people surrounded us watching the fight. The first move was crucial, and my Zorua wasted no time. With a burst of speed, it vanished into the shadows, leaving behind an illusion that mirrored its form. Iron Illusion, however, was no stranger to deception. It mirrored the illusion, creating a perplexing dance of duplicates.
"Mimi, let's play mind games!" I shouted, my strategy unfolding. I commanded my Zorua to switch places with its illusion, confounding the opponent. Y/N, however, was quick to adapt, predicting the manoeuvre with a smirk.
As the two Zorua, past and future, circled each other in a neon-lit dance, the battle escalated. Dark Pulses and Shadow Balls collided, creating bursts of energy that illuminated the futuristic cityscape. The Pokémon moved with incredible speed and agility, the neon lights reflecting off their fur as they darted between skyscrapers and leapt from rooftop to rooftop.
The clash intensified, both Pokémon pushing their limits. It became a battle of wits and reflexes, each illusionary strike met with a swift counter. The neon lights pulsed in time with the ebb and flow of the battle, casting a dazzling display of colours across the night sky.
The city below us hummed with life, oblivious to the fierce struggle taking place above. The fate of this metropolis hung in the balance, and every move mattered. As the final showdown approached, I could feel the exhaustion setting in, but determination burned brighter than ever.
In a last, desperate manoeuvre, I commanded my Zorua to unleash its ultimate illusion. A dazzling display of light and shadow enveloped the battlefield, blurring the lines between reality and deception. Iron Illusion hesitated, momentarily unsure of its surroundings.
Seizing the opportunity, I shouted, "Now, Mimi! Finish it with Night Daze!" The attack pierced through the confusion, engulfing Iron Illusion in a torrent of darkness. The city's neon lights reflected off the fading silhouette of defeated Pokémon.
Y/N's eyes widened, and he began to fumble with his device trying to call another ally only to freeze seeing Iron Illiuson trying to get up and continue fighting. "N-No. Stop, Mimi, you don't have to fight anymore. I beg of you."
Standing on its feet the illusion it had held up faded to show a real Pokémon, not a Paradox Pokémon from the future. It looked like a normal Zorua from the present. The dark type from Unova. Y/N's Pokeball fell from his hands rolling next to Zorua as he ran over scooping her up in his arms. "Mimi."
Still weary of this being a trick Zorua jumped on my shoulder as we approached the partner Roaring Moon at hand in case of any funny business. "Your Iron Illusion was real the whole time? I thought you only had Paradox Pokémon."
Y/N lowered his head nodding slightly. "She is, she was the Pokémon my father gave me before he... When the world's Pokémon number went almost instinct I was scared. Scared Mimi would be a target for poachers. She's one of the last remaining Pokémon left. I couldn't lose her, so I made her pretend to be a Paradox Pokémon. This was all I ever wanted, was to have the world back like it used to be. I wanted to be a Pokémon Master. Now, I'm just a monster."
Y/N glanced up at me shaking his head. "I yield. You in the end were just too much. Your morals got the best of me."
Pushing a large number of Pokéballs towards me he sighed. "Return the Pokémon I took. It's the least I can do."
"What about you?"
Y/N looked around his city seeing the wanted posters of him before taking a longwinded breath. "I saw your Hisui with my own eyes. I walked its land and dined with its people. Battled the Pokémon, that would be the sort of life I'd dream of having. For that short time, I was able to live your life, and I was happy. But I guess I threw that away."
"It's never too late. You can make amends."
"If only it was that easy. You'll understand one day... When Missingo appears in your world." He chuckled pausing eyes widen as a Wormhole appeared behind him sucking Y/N in. "No! He's found me! I can't! No!"
Feeling myself being pulled I had no choice but to keep my distance watching Team Rainbow Rocket take back their traitor. With one last desperate show, Y/N threw his Zorua at me shouting. "Take her! Mimi, I'm so-."
The portal was gone and I was left holding the other Zorua struck with horror and shock. "No."
The other Zorua fell from my hands walking to where Y/N once was calling out for her partner each cry fizzling out into a sob. She was all alone.
Mimi approached the lost Pokémon knowing her pain. "That bastard. How could he do that?"
Picking up the lost Pokéballs I looked at the chaos caused, the lives taken, worlds torn apart knowing my job wasn't done yet. "Mimi..."
The two Zorua looked at me as I smiled trying to keep a brave face. "Come with me."
It was time.
****
With enough time past I appeared back in Alola with both Mimi and Zorua in hand as the Wormhole was only getting worse. My heart wavering as I tied up the remaining Pokémon in my bag putting it to the side. I looked to the two Zorua nodding. "Get to safety, please."
Neither did, refusing to listen.
Stepping back I nodded to myself hands shaking holding Lillie's Lunala. Sending it out I held my Ultra Space detector, with this it would send a signal to Lunala to open one last Wormhole sucking in all foreign entities. Including me.
I thought I would go out like my father, or doing so protecting Jubilife Village from an Alpha Pokémon. I guess this will have to do. Lunala flew up readying the Wormhole. I wasn't quite sure how to feel once I saw it open. When I saw the forces of Team Rainbow Rocket being pulled in. When I felt the tug.
Was it relief? Relief I stopped them. Or relief it would all be over?
"Akari, Professor Laventon... Mother. I'm sorry I lied to you."
I lost balance. My footing slipped. I was gone.
At that moment I felt my heart sink being ripped from my spot only to stop Goodra from holding me. I looked back dazed seeing my whole team holding onto Tinkaton who had dug her hammer into the ground. I was overwhelmed by the act gobsmacked. "Everyone!"
Goodra had smothered me with a bear hug as Espeon was using his psychic powers to keep us in place all while Liligant was holding him using Tinkaton as support. Mawile and Luxio were aiding Tinkaton as best they could with Roaring Moon using tailwind to boost our speed. All my friends were working together to save me.
Darkrai stood in front of me using his strength to take the burden off me allowing me some room to breathe as both Zorua and Mimi tugged at my trousers with their mouth pulling the best they could.
"You're all right! We can't give up! A little more come on!"
We pulled through all odds, battling against the impossible time again. The Time Machine, Distortion world, Swarm of Deoxys and now Ultra Space, together my family would always stand on top!
Feeling my body slip a large ice wall was constructed as Vulpix kept giving it his all Mimikyu holding onto him keeping him safe. Just a little longer. Just a little longer! We all began to scream as the Ultra Wormhole closed and we all fell over exhausted. Lying with my closest friends and family we all began laughing uncontrollably, it was all we could do given the circumstances.
During our fit Anabel and Looker had arrived with Lillie and Gladion seeing all of us on the floor. "Y/N! What happened, did it work?"
Looking to Anabel I just continued to laugh to myself hugging everyone. "I have the best family one can ask for!"
****
Professor Kukui sat in his chair rubbing his hair still coming to scope with what happened. "Something like that... It's just, that I never thought another version of you from another world joined forces with Team Rocket and looked to conquer this world. And here you were expecting a holiday and welcome party to the Pokémon League."
Sitting on a sofa I chuckled to myself shrugging. "These days nothing surprises me. I think I'd be more shocked if the world wasn't ending everywhere I go. Still, I can't help but feel less hopeful this time. Did we really beat them? Giovanni is still out there?"
Professor Kukui stood up waving it off. "Well wherever that man is, perhaps he realised it was wise enough not to mess with this world. Can I still not convince you to stay and help run the league? You were highly recommended by several sources. Professor Rowan and Cynthia and Chairwoman Geeta."
"I'm certain, I want to keep travelling, I still plan on returning home someday. Besides, I think you have the perfect candidate right here in Alola."
Kukui looked up seeing Lillie entering and talking to Zinnia and Gladion as he nodded getting the idea. "That I do. Regardless of your answer, you will always be our Champion, no one will argue against that. I would say thank you for your help Y/N, but I'm sure you're sick of it. There is one favour I must ask, I know we've already asked so much of you, but since you're travelling. The Champion of Alola has received an invite to represent us at the next Galar Gym Challenge. While I accept you're not taking the role, maybe you could visit me? I can't ask that of Lillie after everything."
"Galar huh? I suppose it saves me the worry of choice. After all this end of the world stick a good old Gym Challenge sounds like fun." I admit nodding along. "Sure thing Professor, I'll represent Alola."
"That's great to hear cousin! Whoo, I'll be sure to pass on the good news to Chairman Rose right away."
Meeting with Lillie and Zinnia I smiled arms crossed. "What have you two girls been up to?"
"Oh, you know girls stuff." Zinnia joked raising an eyebrow licking her thumb and adjusting my hair. "There, better. So what's the next mission Agent Hisui, onto adventure?"
"We're never using those codenames again. I formally announce I resign from the International Police immediately."
"Looker thought so, so here, he left this with you," Zinnia explained handing me Vulpix's Pokéball. "Looker said he was in better hands with you."
Looking to the Greatball I smiled attaching it to my belt. Lillie was still upset looking at the other Y/N's Zorua sitting on the floor depressed. "I feel sorry for her, losing her partner must be hard."
"I know how it felt to lose Mimi for a short while. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through that. I was talking to the Professor and thought it be best I take her with me, it's not the same but it eases her pain until one day Y/N returns for her."
"You think he will?"
"He'll fight through the Distortion World and back to save his best friend. I can count on it." I echo. "But for now, we're going to move on."
"Already? I suppose you two are busy. I would offer your guidance with the Aether Foundation, but I already know the answer to that."
"What are you doing now?"
"Gladion and I decided it was best to move away from focusing on Ultra Space. Many Pokémon got displaced during the outrage, we're going to work together to save those lost Pokémon and get them back home."
Holding my hand out we shook on that as I nodded. "I'm glad to hear that Lillie, your mother would be proud."
"I'd like to think so, I'm sure your father is too."
"Yeah... I bet he is." I smirk approaching Zorua kneeling to her level. "Hey girl, ready to go." Standing up and meeting me Mimi ran around Zorua cheering her up. I couldn't help but smile arms crossed. "I'll keep her safe Y/N, I promise. Whatever comes our way, whether it's Team Rainbow Rocket or Missingno, I'll be sure as always we'll be there to protect all that is precious. My name is Y/N, Survey Corp member, Champion of Paladea and Alola and Pokémon trainer and our adventure is just beginning."
Alola Arc Finished.
****
From the outskirts of Alola, a stray Ultra Wormhole opened as a group of Team Rainbow Rocket members exited matched with Giovanni. Looking over his new world to conquer he smirked. "My King, you've finally arrived!"
"So this is the world that managed to hold back our forces, how impressive. You said the trainer Y/N was at the helm of foiling my plan?"
"That is correct your majesty. But it was only a minor setback. With you here we can take back what is ours and show the world what Team Rainbow Rocket can do."
Giovanni placed his hands in his pockets chuckling at this. "A new world to enact my evil schemes and one that has the will to fight back, how exciting."
"Should we attack now? While they are rebuilding?"
"No. If this world is like what the traitor exclaimed we should prepare. Have the World Architect deploy to our secret base in Johto to work on his fusion plan. Gather the Admins, we have much work to do."
"What about you your majesty? Where are you planning on going?"
"Me? I want power, power to crush all over Trainers. Where's a better start than the heart of the Dynamax phenomenon? Gather our forces and our newest Admin. We set course for Galar."
To be Continued in the Sword and Shield Arc