Natsume's coat fluttered in the wind as he raised his head to gaze at Arceus, its halo blazing brightly.
It hovered in the sky, eyes brimming with anger and sorrow, silently watching this insignificant human.
In Natsume's mind echoed the prophecy of the parallel-world Arceus.
His time-crossing actions had earned him one final chance.
Proof... A chance for humans and Pokémon to trust one another.
The wind swept through the crumbling ancient ruins.
Natsume's eyes fell upon the battered Darkrai, panting heavily yet struggling to maintain its aloof demeanor.
A dust-covered Mew levitated above the platform, still giggling mischievously.
Behind it, Dialga knelt on one knee, its diamond-studded head bowed in exhaustion.
Palkia was covered in wounds, Giratina's wings torn open, Regigigas' metallic body dented and cracked...
Natsume's gaze swept past Cynthia's weary smile, past Pryce who had aged considerably, past Giovanni standing stern and silent.
"Arceus," Natsume said firmly, locking eyes with the deity. "I'm here to negotiate terms!"
All eyes turned to this lone trainer, as if witnessing a battle standard unfurling against the wind.
A glimmer of hope flashed in Cynthia's eyes. Gold gritted his teeth and stepped forward, only for Pryce to block him with his cane.
"Trust him," Silver murmured beside them.
A half-minute of dead silence passed as Natsume and Arceus stared each other down. Then movement stirred from the nearby ruins.
"We're helpin' too, meow!"
The trio exchanged glances before charging out of the ancient ruins, yelling wildly as they rushed toward Arceus!
"Team Rocket?" Ash's eyes widened.
Jessie moved like a furious Arbok while James shouted mid-sprint, "Jessie, Double-Edge!"
Meowth clung to Wobbuffet's head, waving its blunt claws. "No hurtin' the Executive, meow!"
"So~nan su!!"
The trio's sudden appearance took everyone by surprise.
The scene felt familiar. Natsume froze, remembering when they'd fearlessly rushed poachers.
Even villains had something precious worth protecting.
Warmth bloomed in Natsume's chest. Maybe he should give them a raise later...
Arceus' gaze flickered. That same fearless human resolve had moved it countless times over millennia.
True to its word, it stared at Natsume. Before the trio could get close, a psychic force lifted and dropped them unceremoniously on their backsides.
"I shall grant you one opportunity."
Arceus' voice resonated in Natsume's mind.
The parallel-world Arceus had influenced this one, yet its fury remained unresolved.
Unnoticed until now—
Boss Giovanni stepped up behind Natsume. Pryce wheeled forward in his chair. Cynthia's black coat fluttered as she folded her arms.
"This isn't your gift to me."
Natsume said, "It's something everyone fought for together."
Giratina's wings spread wide. Palkia and Dialga rose to their feet, reforming the ancient triangular sigil.
Darkrai flickered into existence, eyes cold as it merged with Natsume's elongated shadow.
With a ground-shaking rumble, the ancient colossus slowly stood behind Natsume, towering beneath the darkened eclipse.
"Mew~~" Mew chirped an ill-timed cheerful noise.
Arceus hovered silently, halo pulsing.
Humans were greedy, deceitful, cowardly... How had they earned Pokémon's trust?
Bafflement flashed through its gaze as it studied the black-haired young man encircled by deities.
Perhaps... the answer lay with him.
A dome of mist swirled around Arceus.
Natsume's figure gradually vanished within it.
Cynthia reached for the barrier only to be repelled by an invisible force, her brow furrowing.
"That's a dimensional rift created by Arceus," Palkia explained. "Only humans it acknowledges may enter."
"Acknowledged humans?"
Ash's head snapped up. Realization dawned as he exchanged glances with Pikachu.
He had to help Natsume-sensei!
Without hesitation, Ash sprinted toward the barrier—too fast for anyone to stop him.
The mist rippled, swallowing him whole.
Giovanni frowned. James paled. "The twerp's gone too!"
"Go get 'em, twerp!" Jessie cheered, shaking her fist.
"Hit it with Thunderbolt, meow!"
"Wobbuffet!!"
"Silence."
The trio immediately shut up as Giovanni muttered, "What exactly is the selection criteria..."
"I believe it's three humans who've crossed time and earned Arceus' recognition."
The weary voice of Temple Guardian Sheena came from behind as she brushed dust off a stone tablet.
"This tablet once recorded my ancestor's betrayal... Now it tells of three revered heroes. They must have moved Arceus' heart!"
"This defies temporal laws," Cynthia mused, fingers resting against her chin. "Transcending time and space... Is this the meaning of The Power of One?"
Three heroes... Silver's brow furrowed.
"Guess it's my turn then."
Gold stretched lazily, interlacing his fingers behind his head before flashing a grin. "Leave it to me!"
"There's no Celebi this time," Silver said sharply, breath uneven. "If you act recklessly—"
"I want to understand that guy's feelings better."
Gold clapped Silver's shoulder, expression turning serious. "I'll help Natsume-sensei bring him back to his senses!"
He hoisted his pool cue over one shoulder, goggles resting on his forehead as he shot Silver a sidelong smirk:
"Wait for our triumphant return, partner!"
Silver stood frozen before finally lifting his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "No problem."
The cap-wearing young man chuckled. With Ambipom clinging to his backpack, he disappeared into the mist.
Amid the devastated battlefield, Giovanni leaned against a collapsed wall, arms resting on his knees.
"So this... is what Professor Oak called the Pokédex Holder spirit?"
Even facing the unfathomable Arceus, some would stand against deities while others charged headlong into battle.
The essence of Pokédex Holders—symbolizing defiance and courage—could never be extinguished, not even by legendary calamities.
Pryce closed his eyes, picturing Gold's usual carefree grin.
Yet in that final moment, "Gold the Fifth" had never looked more determined.
"When that boy puts his mind to something," Pryce said quietly, "he always delivers."
Cynthia gazed into the distance, arms crossed, and asked Palkia:
"Where is Arceus' Habitat?"
"The Hall of Origin—the space linking Spear Pillar and Sinjoh Ruins," Palkia answered.
"Good." Cynthia gave a slight nod.
"If they don't return..."
Her smile remained elegant and gentle, but beneath her golden hair, her eyes gleamed with icy resolve.
"I'll storm the Hall of Origin myself."
...
The Hall of Origin.
Towering marble pillars stood solemnly, their long steps stretching toward the highest platform.
Arceus stood at the summit, its snow-white body radiant, the golden wheel of its thousand arms gleaming on its back.
Its gaze swept contemptuously over the three humans at the base of the stairs.
Dazzling white light flickered through the temple. Every Poké Ball burst open as their little ones fiercely guarded their Trainers.
Gengar, Sylveon, Blastoise, Arcanine, Togepi, Sirfetch'd, Rotom, Larvitar.
Natsume stood at the center of his team, meeting Arceus' sorrowful eyes.
"Tell us more about yourself, Arceus."
Gold grinned wildly, flanked by Aibo, Exbo, and Togebo. He pointed his pool cue at the deity.
"Let us help you one more time, Arceus!"
Ash stood firm, Pikachu perched on his shoulder, his expression sincere.
"Arceus, I've met a Pokémon just as lost as you."
"From the moment it was born, it questioned its own existence. It wanted to destroy everything—even itself."
Ash spread his arms wide and shouted, "Its name was Mewtwo! And in the end, it chose to live alongside humans!"
"Humans and Pokémon aren't enemies! We can trust each other! We can live together!!"
Arceus' gaze flickered faintly, its eyes still shadowed by hatred and disappointment.
Then, it closed its eyes, its voice resonating like a soul-deep accusation.
『What do Pokémon mean to you?』
"Partners."
Ash answered without hesitation.
He remembered that stormy night—the Spearow swarm, his own body shielding Pikachu, the Thunderbolt that roared through the rain.
"They're lives we share." Ash said firmly. "Pikachu and I… we're partners like that!"
"Pikachu!!"
"Professor Oak already asked me this once."
Gold wiped his nose, his focus unshaken. "Comrades-in-arms."
Exbo's flames blazed at its neck. Togebo's eyes sharpened. Aibo clenched its tail like fists.
Gold stood among his Pokémon, gripping his pool cue, goggles sliding into place.
"We've fought countless battles together. We've grown stronger—side by side. They're my life-and-death comrades!"
Natsume closed his eyes.
Memories flashed through his mind.
"What do Pokémon mean to you?"
The terror of meeting Gastly for the first time. The warmth of earning a tsundere Eevee's trust. The satisfaction of catching Squirtle.
Loyal Growlithe. Adorable Togepi. Sirfetch'd, who mirrored his own stubborn pride.
Little Rotom and Larvitar, still struggling with electric bills and food costs—just like him, always chasing the next paycheck.
A faint smile touched Natsume's lips.
"Gengar!" Gengar bared its fangs, glaring at Arceus.
"Sylveon!" Sylveon in front of Natsume, its cute face set in defiance.
"Blastoise…" Blastoise tortoise's buffs were maxed out, its barrels locked onto the deity with deadly precision.
Arcanine crouched low, snarling. Togepi mimicked its brother's fierce expression: "Togepi doo-ee! (╬◣д◢)"
Sirfetch'd didn't cry. Didn't falter. Its heart was like still water—drowning in fear yet unshaken.
It stepped to the front of the group, eyes sharp as a knight's lance, shield unbreakable.
Honor. Humility. Valor. Sacrifice. It would never refuse a worthy challenge—never turn its back on an enemy!
Arceus' gaze wavered slightly as Natsume spoke.
"They're my family."
Natsume said, "I always try to keep them safe… but there are times we have to fight."
A battle between Trainer and Pokémon.
Proof of their trust—to Arceus itself!
"Let's battle!" Natsume shouted. "Arceus!!"
A deep tremor shook the temple as the ancient deity stirred, provoked by the human's challenge.
Enveloped in light, it rose from the platform—and smiled.
『I accept, human.』
A hurricane erupted inside the hall. Tornadoes shattered marble pillars, barreling toward Natsume and the others.
Pikachu and Togebo flanked the attack. Ash roared, "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
"Pikachu—CHUU!!"
Lightning split the storm, striking Arceus head-on. Electricity engulfed its form.
Togebo blurred with Agility, then slammed into the deity with Double-Edge!!
"Blastoise—"
Natsume's Key Stone flashed white. A tidal wave of aura surged through the temple, his coat whipping violently.
"Mega Evolution!!"
Their bond became a rainbow bridge. Evolution light erupted.
The sheer force cracked the platform. Mega Blastoise's twin cannons merged into one, its eyes burning crimson.
"Blastoise, full-power Hydro Pump!!"
Aura howled like a gale. The Ability Mega Launcher charged to its limit.
A brief pause—
Then the cannon fired.
The Hydro Pump exploded like thunder, a deafening roar as the pressurized blast tore through the tornado, smashing into Arceus!
The deity staggered back, still crackling with Pikachu's Thunderbolt. Light flashed through the entire temple.
When the smoke cleared, Arceus stood wreathed in blackened marks—its wounds already healing with Recover.
"This alone is not enough." Its voice was ice.
"Exbo." Gold thrust his pool cue forward. "Blast Burn!"
"Typhlosion!!" Typhlosion inhaled deeply, flames erupting from its neck in a blazing pillar. The inferno roared up the steps—
And detonated against Arceus' barrier!
"Togebo, now!"
"Togekiss!! (╬◣д◢)" Togebo shot through the smoke, slamming into the barrier—
Only to rebound like hitting water, crashing through marble columns. It grinned weakly at Togepi.
"Togepi! (〃´∀｀)"
"Togepi doo-ee~ ヾ(◕°∀°◕)ﾉ"
Togepi used Helping Hand.
Togebo bellowed, revitalized. Wings flared, it took flight—
Air Slashes hammered the barrier in a shower of sparks!
Natsume stood behind Sylveon's Light Screen, meeting its gaze.
"Moonblast."
"Sylveon! (╬ಠへಠ)"
The fairy-type leaped, its bow glowing silver. A Moonblast detonated against Arceus—
BOOM!!
The barrier shattered—its missing Fairy-type Plate a critical weakness.
Arceus lifted its head just as Hydro Pump surged toward it. One golden hoof tapped the air—
Space twisted. It vanished, reappearing high above the temple!
The Hydro Pump blasted through the wall, leaving a gaping hole.
CRASH!!
The temple trembled. Arceus' voice was cold.
"My turn, human."
Light erupted. Judgment rained down like meteors!
Explosions rocked the hall. Pillars and walls crumbled.
Rock Smash rained down on Arcanine, its massive body bleeding profusely.
"Arcanine—!" The thick-skinned Arcanine glanced back at Natsume with a lopsided grin.
Gold was sent flying by the shockwave, crashing into rubble, blood trickling from his forehead.
"Sunbo, Sunny Day!!"
Sunflora's leaves stretched as blinding sunlight erupted above the temple, intensifying Typhlosion's flames.
Arcanine's wounds rapidly healed under Morning Sun's effect.
Sirfetch'd's blade glowed white, extending into a massive energy broadsword dozens of meters long!
Natsume commanded coldly: "Sirfetch'd, Solar Blade!!"
"Sirfetch'd—!!" The knight swung its colossal light-blade straight toward Arceus—no escape!
BOOM!!!
Dust billowed. When it cleared, Arceus reappeared, eyes burning crimson.
The hatred buried in its heart surged anew.
With a tap of its golden hoof, ripples spread outward—Togebo was instantly hurled back!
The shockwave raced toward Natsume's group, met head-on by a Mega Blastoise wearing sunglasses.
"Blastoise." Blastoise inhaled deeply, tossing its shades aside as its eyes flashed red.
Bracing with both arms, the ripple strained against its defenses, its hind legs carving trenches into the ground.
CRACK!
Its shell splintered. Another dimension shimmered white around it as it roared:
"BLASTOISE—!"
Cannons on its back fired an azure Aura Sphere. The energy collided with the ripple—
The explosion sent Blastoise flying, its shattered shell smashing through marble pillars.
Pikachu stood helpless in the aftermath.
"Look out—!!" Ash tackled Pikachu, shielding it from the blast!
Silence. Ash rolled twice with Pikachu before lying still.
Natsume's pupils constricted.
Ash turned, gritting his teeth. "I-I'm okay!"
Natsume: "..."
Since when is your defense higher than my Blastoise?!
Blastoise lay against collapsed walls, shell cracked, blood at its mouth.
"Blastoise..." It glared at Arceus, pulling out a Revival Herb—chewing it provocatively.
You'll lose before I run out of these!
"Next time, I won't hold back." Arceus' gaze was ice.
A suffocating pressure weighed on Natsume.
But there was a way.
Dispel the hatred. Restore Arceus' sanity. Or put it to sleep...
"Can you buy time?" Natsume asked Gold.
Gold wiped blood from his brow, gripping his pool cue, eyes bloodshot as he stared at Arceus.
"Yeah." A firm nod.
I'll find an opening—
Or make one.
"Togebo!" Gold grinned fiercely at the battered Togebo. "Still fighting?!"
"Togekiss—!!" Togebo shot Togepi a "Piece of cake!" look.
"Then—"
Gold mounted Togebo, charging straight at Arceus: "Let's go!!"
Natsume watched Gold's reckless assault, their eyes meeting mid-air—a sharp nod.
I believe in you, Natsume-sensei.
You can reach Arceus... no matter the cost.
"Togebo, wreck Arceus!!" Gold bellowed.
"Togekiss???"
Togebo blinked. Then, spotting Togepi below, it flared its wings:
"Togekiss—!!"
For my sister, I'll crush a god!!
Arceus' crimson eyes gleamed. Judgment rained down—
Togebo vanished into its Poké Ball mid-strike. Gold plummeted.
Missed attacks lit the sky. Gold stuck out his tongue: "Pbbt!"
"GOLD, YOU IDIOT—!" Natsume yelled. "Arcanine, Extreme Speed!!"
Arceus' hoof froze Arcanine mid-dash. Gold hit the ground hard, coughing blood.
『You lied,』 Arceus intoned. 『Distrusting your allies, relying on another human.』
Gold gasped, battered but defiant:
"I trust them completely."
He held Togebo's ball—the Pokémon inside was screaming curses... until it saw Togepi's tears.
"Togepi doo-ee..." The egg Pokémon's fingers glowed with Metronome.
Simultaneously—
Gengar emerged behind Arceus. Hypnosis flashed—
Blocked.
"Failed?" Gold wheezed.
Natsume remained silent, his gaze fixed on the glow rising from Togepi's fingertip, his eyes flickering.
"Failed… but not entirely."
A gentle melody swelled through the temple—the strength gathered by Togepi's Metronome.
The tune was hauntingly familiar, washing away hatred, pulling all who heard it into its embrace.
A move that could lull opponents into slumber—Grass Whistle!
As emerald light shimmered, Ash suddenly remembered.
"This melody… it's from Alamos Town's spire! Oración?!"
Togepi had memorized that melody in Alamos Town and now channeled it through Grass Whistle!
The song echoed through the temple. Arceus's crimson gaze wavered as it turned to Natsume.
"Your Togepi… trusts you deeply."
"I know." Natsume smirked. "Otherwise, it wouldn't have pulled off a sleep move."
As Grass Whistle's notes intertwined with Oración, the crimson in Arceus's eyes dimmed.
"But."
A crushing pressure surged in Natsume's chest.
"My feelings toward humans… are not limited to rage."
Its gaze bore into Natsume, sorrow seeping through like a tide.
"The battle continues."
"Sleep moves won't work on me. Give up."
Natsume's chest tightened—the despair of facing a deity, an insurmountable gap.
Could this trial… truly be overcome?
"Natsume-sensei!" Gold coughed out, voice strained. "I've got one last strategy!"
Natsume snapped his head up, locking eyes with Gold—then spotting the Poké Ball still clutched in his hand.
Gold had recalled Togebo but never sent out another Pokémon.
That strategy was—
The temple trembled. Rubble rained down as the Hall of Origin crumbled.
Arceus loomed above, divine pressure suffocating the air.
Judgment streaked forth. The ceiling collapsed, boulders crashing toward Ash.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu's Iron Tail shattered the falling debris.
Gold's Sudowoodo and Exbo threw themselves into the light, howling as they shielded the others.
Gold's Sudowoodo and Exbo threw themselves into the light, howling as they shielded the others.
"Why go this far?"
Arceus's voice dripped with sorrow.
"This human doesn't even trust you!"
Amid the chaos, Natsume turned to Gold, sprawled on the ground.
"I—"
Blood trickled from Gold's lips as he grinned, trembling fingers tightening around a Poké Ball.
"I trust… my comrades!"
Arceus sensed danger.
Across time, it glimpsed the next seconds—Gold's throw, the Poké Ball's lethal payload.
With a shriek, Arceus halted time itself, freezing Gold mid-motion!
"I never… planned… to fight alone."
Gold's form flickered, fraying in the distorted space. His voice fractured but his smirk held.
"Because… I'm just the bait!"
Arceus's eyes widened.
An Ambipom stood atop Gold's shattered goggles and bag, tears streaming.
With its tails, it swung a pool cue—smacking Togebo's Poké Ball forward!
Thwack!
"After all your training, Natsume-sensei… I never learned fancy tactics."
Gold's fading figure raised a thumb. "But this? This is my specialty."
The Poké Ball hurtled toward Natsume as Gold's voice faded:
"The rest… is up to you, Natsume-sensei!!"
Arceus couldn't stop time twice. Stunned, it realized—
This human had gambled his life… on trust.
Snap.
Natsume caught the Poké Ball.
Inside, Togebo sobbed, energy crackling around it.
Natsume's hands shook. Gold's strategy—
Agility. Nasty Plot. Chlorophyll.
The combined will of allies and Pokémon surged within Togebo.
Natsume hurled the Ball, shouting:
"BATON PASS!!"
The anthem of humanity is courage.
Even against a god, in a crumbling world—
Trainers and Pokémon fight to the end.
"Togekiss!! (╬◣д◢)"
Togebo flapped its wings, wind howling as it faced Arceus!
The raw emotion struck Arceus like a quake.
Its sorrow faltered, replaced by confusion.
Natsume's hair whipped in the gale, resolve blazing.
Togebo vanished into its Ball.
From Natsume's shadow, a tidal force erupted.
Gengar emerged, its spirit fused with Natsume's.
The Baton Pass—a bridge of light, transcending time itself.
"Champion."
Natsume's voice was steel.
"Now… so am I."
He raised a hand, eyes sharp, coat billowing.
"GENGAR—MEGA EVOLVE!!"
A prismatic bond erupted.
Mega Gengar materialized, a third eye splitting its forehead, claws swirling with void.
"Gengar."
Natsume declared solemnly, "Dark Void!!"
"Gengar!!"
The raging Dark Void surged outward, leaping over the towering steps. Countless shattered rocks were swept up by Gravity, forming a massive Meteorite.
BOOOOM!!!
Arceus trembled violently.
The belief, the courage, and the bond between humans and Pokémon shook Him to His core.
The Meteorite hurtled toward Him.
He turned His gaze to the black-haired young man and Gengar. The disappointment and sorrow in His eyes slowly faded.
Abandoning all defenses, Arceus let the golden rings around Him dim. He allowed the Meteorite to descend—as if accepting judgment.
BOOM!!!
"Natsume…"
Arceus closed His eyes, a faint smile of relief on His lips as His form dissolved into the antimatter of a swirling black hole.
"I've lost…"
Glittering motes of light scattered as His figure slowly vanished from the Hall of Origin.
A long silence followed—a silence that stretched to the ends of the world.
The shimmering light dust drifted through the temple, bringing an inexplicable sense of peace.
Natsume exhaled deeply, releasing the tension he'd held for so long.
The shattered marble, the crumbled palace ruins—all began to restore themselves under the gentle glow.
Ash felt the wall fragments near him lifting away.
The Pikachu in his arms stirred, blinking awake. "Pi…kachu…"
"Pikachu!" Ash cried joyfully, hugging Its tightly.
Natsume stood silently in the grand temple as the little ones gathered around him.
"Gengar…╥﹏╥..."
Gengar's Mega Form faded away. Sensing Natsume's emotions, it pouted sadly.
"I'm fine."
Natsume smiled faintly, slipping a hand into his pocket. This Champion had just achieved the impossible—defeating Arceus.
"It's just…"
The confusion in his eyes faded slightly as he looked at Togebo, who was weeping uncontrollably.
The little ones stood somberly around the spot where Gold had disappeared.
A broken pool cue. A pair of shattered goggles.
Togepi approached Togebo gently, nuzzling it. "Togepi doo-ee~~"
"Togebo! (′д｀ )…彡…彡" Togebo wrapped its wings around Togepi, sobbing.
Staring at the pool cue, a deep sorrow welled up in Natsume's chest.
The emotions between humans and Pokémon were real.
As long as they trusted each other, they would always find an answer.
He reached into his coat—the thick notebook was still there.
Natsume pulled it out, flipping through the first few pages. After a moment of thought, he tore them away.
The pages fluttered into the air—and suddenly, Natsume's eyes widened.
The golden light dust settled where Gold had vanished, slowly restoring the pool cue.
Then, in that very spot, the light gathered, forming a golden silhouette.
The figure knelt before Togebo, picking up the goggles and putting them on.
With a smug grin, it wiped its nose.
"So? Scared ya, didn't I?"
Gold stood with hands on his hips, laughing. "I've done this tons of times! Ho-Oh, Celebi, even Arceus—no big deal! Hah!"
Natsume paused, then let out a quiet chuckle.
The good fight has been fought. The path has been walked. The duty has been fulfilled.
From now on, a crown of righteousness awaits.
Taking a deep breath, Natsume-sensei wrote in his notebook:
May 12, Wednesday.
Location: Hall of Origin. Just wrecked Arceus.
Gold nearly got me into deep trouble with his reckless stunt.
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