The huge skrill-like pokemon emerged from the dark clouds, as if there was a thunderstorm occuring on the place. It was enormous, it's head had appeared, that got everyone's attention.
"What is that thing?!"
"That is enormous!"
"How can we defeat that thing?!"
Many trainers have also looked up the sky, and they are aware that they are intimidated just by the looks of it.
"What did you just say Koharu? Eternatus?" Ash asked, he himself is also horrified at the gigantic pokemon up on the air.
"Yes, Eternatus is a pokemon said to be more than capable in destroying Galar with it's deadly powers." Koharu explained, that statement gave shivers to both of them.
"Why is it here?" Leaf asked as she hid behind her brother's back, she's now really afraid of what might happened.
Yes, Ultra Beasts already gave them a hard time, and with this adding up, there is possibly no way they can defeat that thing, Ash's pokemons are pretty tired out, his Legendaries are also out of steam, same as Leaf's and possibly all the other champion's pokemons have worn out.
"It must've been disturbed." Koharu stated, both looked at her.
"It is said that Eternatus came from a meteorite many years ago, and when it awakens, it'll cause rampage and go berserk on everywhere it goes, that thing is just so powerful." Koharu explained, being a Galar girl and a daughter of the famous Professor Sakuragi paid off, she did her studies while she's still in Galar, the history of the place, everything.
"How do we defeat that thing?" Leaf asked, Koharu is still shivering, she's not expecting that she can see the very being with her own eyes.
"There's a way, there's a saying that the two guardians of Galar will appear and defend the people from it's deadly beams, these two pokemons are what represents a sword and a shield."
"The sword pokemon is known as Zacian, it is said that this particular pokemon is the one wielding the sword of the great hero that once defeated Eternatus."
"And the other one is the shield pokemon known as Zamazenta, the own who wields the shield of the great hero that once defeated Eternatus."
The dragon and poison type pokemon screeches loudly and intimidatingly, it was a really gigantic pokemon, it covered almost the entire battlefield with it's body.
"Zacian and Zamazenta are the ones who can face up Eternatus, but the two aren't enough to defeat that thing, I have read a book about them, the great hero of Galar have linked his powers towards the two of them in order to reach new heights, transforming the two into their own forms, Zacian as Crowned Sword, and Zamazenta as Crowned Shield."
"With the two linked with the great hero's power, they made the Eternatus' downfall, but at the same time, the great hero's life is on line, he's aging that time, and he had to finish the chaos, so he put all his power into the two and permanently stored them into the two, that happened and with the power overflowing around them, they managed to defeat Eternatus, and the compensation? The great hero's life." Koharu concluded, she just stated the story of Galar.
"Zacian and Zamazenta must've sensed Eternatus' presence." Said Ash absent-mindedly.
"I do hope it's true, with our current forces, there's no way we can defeat that thing." Leaf stated as she looked at the enormous thing.
Just then, Eternatus' core, which is located just inside it's ribs, glowed bright red, Koharu, knowing where that thing is going, panicked.
"A-Ash! It's Eternatus' one of it's signature move! Dynamax Cannon!" Koharu screamed in panic.
Just by that, Ash's Corviknight and Leaf's Pidgeot quickly got out from their pokeballs, Eternatus fired off a huge red beam from it's core and was headed to where Ash, Leaf and Koharu is. The move is about to hit the three when Pidgeot and Corviknight bravely swooped down and got a hold of the three and flew away from the spot.
Ash, Koharu and Leaf quickly got a hold of their pokemons and went to mount them. The attack literally left off a huge crater on the battlefield, thankfully no one is in there.
"Thank you very much Corviknight, I owe you my life." Ash said as he petted his Corviknight, Koharu was crying and hugged Ash, to which Ash comforted her while glaring at the massive pokemon.
"Thanks to you too Pidgeot, I don't really know what might happen to me that time." Leaf said and also petted her Pidgeot, it squawked in reponse and was happy that his trainer is just safe.
Eternatus was clearly rampaging, they landed on a different spot, perfect for them to execute a plan, it was really hard for them because they were tired and so does their pokemons. The champions have again, had their aid, but they were sure they can't be of any help because all of their pokemons too are out of fuel.
Ash wasn't sure if he'll do it, but if there's no other choice, then he'll go for it without hesitation.
"Ash, how do we defeat that thing?!" Diantha asked, her team had also worn out from the Ultra Beast battle.
"I don't know now how..." Ash muttered, still debating if it is safe to do it or not.
Eternatus is getting ready for another attack, it's core had brightened up again, Pidgeot and Corviknight is ready to fetch their trainers if something goes wrong.
And for Ash, it's now or never.
Ash went for his backpack, much to everyone's confusion, as he picked up something, they widened their eyes, confusion are now everywhere.
Ash got a handful of pokeballs, and simultaneously, he tossed all of them, there were 12 pokeballs on his hands being tossed altogether. Leaf and Koharu were surprised at this.
"Charizard, Gengar, Sceptile, Melmetal, Naganadel, Incineroar, Decidueye ,Lycanroc, Cinderace, Snorlax, Noivern, Inteleon, fire off your moves!" Ash said as the pokeballs opened and all said pokemons fired off their own moves, at the same time, Eternatus unleashed it's second Dynamax Cannon, the variety of attacks have collided with each other and an explosion was made.
Flashback
Ash's POV
I had my sleep on a small forest just few kilometers away from Aquacorde Town, but the dream was weird.
"Young man."
"Wh-Who are you?"
"I am the one who brought you here."
"Then that means you must be Arceus?"
"That is correct young man."
"Why me?"
"It may or may not be a coincidence, but the world you're walking on is soon to be in chaos."
"Wh-What?"
"You heard me right young man, it just happened that you're the one I chose, and you will face the disaster, because the world needs a hero, and you're the one who will do it."
"I don't think I can do that."
"You will, trust the process, and to aid you in this disaster, I had made you a special trainer, you can access to infinity, means that you can let out bunch of pokemons at the same time, neglecting the rules of the Pokemon World."
"I can do that?!"
"You can, but only when that particular disaster comes."
"Anything else I can possibly do?"
"If you're familiar with Bond Phenomenon, then yes, you can also do that."
"That'll be wonderful."
"But until the disaster comes, you must limit yourself, I know you will do that, just for your safety."
"Well then, I'll do it...Arceus."
Flashback Ends
All of his pokemons stood infront of them, they were 12 in all, Leaf and Koharu were especially dumbstrucked at the sight.
I had expected that reaction, but that is not important for now, the one in front of us, on the sky, is the problem, and I should be defending this world from it.
I made a promise to Arceus.
I swore.
And promises are not meant to be broken.
I have to take responsibility.
And I should do this, for everyone's safety.
All the pokemons have scattered and charged towards Eternatus, the champions looked at the busy Ash and was literally in shock as to why he can call out 12 pokemons at a time.
"Charizard look out!" Ash called as the Eternatus fired off a Dragon Pulse towards Charizard's place, luckily it managed to dodge the attack.
His pokemons continued to par up agains the Eternatus, but isn't enough for them to defeat that thing, and while they were busy, everyone around Ash looked at him with dumbfounded reactions, he's really doing it, commanding 12 pokemons at the same time.
All his pokemons did their very best to defend it's attacks so that there will be minimum damage, all his pokemons are pretty much trained just like the pokemons he had that can do bond phenomenon. Leaf already knew his pokemons, but never in their journey days she knew that he can do such thing, like the one happening right now.
"Everyone, evacuate from this place!" Exclaimed Ash as he was also busy commanding his pokemons.
"But-"
"No buts Leaf, your pokemons have worn out, you can help me if you'll get them checked to Nurse Joy, leave the egg to Nurse Joy for now, take Koharu with you! Also take these pokeballs, let them get healed." Ash instructed and he handed Leaf the six pokeballs, Leaf proceeded as planned and she dragged Koharu out of the place.
"No Ash!" Koharu exclaimed while she's being dragged, the other champions also did as told and went quickly to the pokemon center.
As they were gone from the place, Ash gazed back at the battle, his pokemons are also starting to wore out.
"That thing sure is bulky." Said Ash to particularly no one, he continued on commanding his pokemons, telling them to dodge when something is coming.
"Arceus, where are you." Ash asked to no one, but no response, he should do it by himself, even if it means sacrificing himself for everyone around him.
"Everyone! Don't let that thing use Dynamax Cannon again! Do your best to stop it!" Ash commanded his pokemons, they were determined to take it down, everytime his core is about to brighten, they'll quickly react and fire off their moves in order to stop it from attacking.
Eternatus' rage is getting out of nowhere, as if it is getting ready for another attack, Ash had expected it at first, but that thing is still firing off it's Dragon Pulses and Hyper Beams everywhere, destroying the tournament facilities even further.
As it is attacking, it's rage is also building up, and Ash's pokemons couldn't handle it if it goes even further and further, they were now visually worn out.
"Noivern, Sceptile, Cinderace, return for now!" Ash yelled out as he sees the three really worn out, they have also recieved damages from Eternatus, the trio were returned from their pokeballs and Ash continued to command the other 9.
He knew that even if he had bought up 12 of them at the same time, those 12 isn't enough to defeat the massive thing, it is only to buy time.
And just by that, Eternatus had it all, as the rage had filled him up, he flew up in the dark clouds, hiding itself, and after few moments, it's head is now in a completely different form, it was like it's head had completely torn up and formed five long bone-like fingers, the core and the fingers emitting red light, signifying an attack.
And at that moment, the others also arrived at the scene, they have completely healed the other pokemons, but as they took gaze of the thing on the sky, their eyes widened in horror, especially for Koharu.
"No..." Koharu muttered in panic, she's just standing there, horrified at the looks of Eternatus, as if she also knew what it is going to do.
"Koharu, what is it doing?" Leaf asked in a worried tone, Koharu's body can't move, she was afraid for Ash, afraid that the move might hit him, she knew that the incoming move is more deadlier than Yveltal's Oblivion Wing.
"It's Eternatus' final move...Eternabeam..." Koharu managed to say as she stared in
horror, Leaf, hearing the move, and knowing what it can do, was now afraid for the safety of her brother.
"No! We can't let Ash get hurt!" Leaf exclaimed ran towards Ash.
Ash was staring at the thing, he can't help it but get scared at the sight, Ash's pokemons sensed the danger and noticed this, all of them quickly got in front of their trainer, ready to defend the incoming attack.
The red lights on each finger and the core have gotten brighter and brighter. It's signalling for another powerful move, and in a single moment, it was fired off towards him and his other pokemons.
"ASH!" Leaf and Koharu yelled in horror as the attack went directly towards Ash.
"I guess this is it." Ash said, he closed his eyes and waited for the move to make contact, and as the move was about to hit them.
Time stopped.
The surroundings have paled up, the attack froze on the spot, his Pokemons had also stopped, who was also about to fire off their moves to the incoming attack.
Leaf and Koharu was also frozen as also they were about to run to Ash's and save him.
Ash, on the other hand, was still speechless about what just happened, he's the only one who can move freely, he stared at the massive attack fired towarde them, Eternatus also froze for some reason.
"What is this?" Ash asked to no one, he looked at the surroundings, literally no one moved a muscle, except for him.
"I see that he already made a move." A telepathic voice said out of nowhere, Ash looked around, but he frowned as no one is there, he's also unfamiliar with the voice.
"Who are you?" Ash asked as he kept on looking around the surroundings.
"You shall not worry about a thing young man." Another voice chipped in, Ash just frowned at that, he's really unfamiliar with the voices ringing through his ears.
"I can worry about that move headed towards me." Ash said as he pointed out the large red beam coming from Eternatus' mouth and finger-like things.
"It is a move called Eternabeam, Eternatus' final and signature move." The first voice responded. Eternabeam, now he knew the move that was going to kill him.
"I don't think it's necessary for me to discuss such thing right now, that thing will hit place, and it'll surely wipe out things present here, including me." Ash said as he pointed himself.
"We do also think that young man, and no, we can't let that happen, especially the part that you'll be taken out." It stated, and just by that, something appeared beside him, a wolf like pokemon holding a sword on it's mouth.
"You still have so many duties to do, for now, we can't let you die." The other responded, and on the other side of him, another wolf like pokemon showed up, it has a big shield-like mane on it's neck.
Ash was shocked, genuinely shocked, the two pokemons perfectly looked like the one Koharu was talking about.
"Y-You are Zacian and Zamazenta...the saviour of Galar." Ash stated while still in shock.
"Part of it is correct young man, but setting that aside, do you accept such further responsibilities?" Zacian asked through telepathy while looking at the Eternabeam Eternatus just fired off.
"What are those responsibilities?" Ash asked, Zacian and Zamazenta didn't mind.
"It is to live beautifully in this world, and while you're at it, protecting Pokemons at all cost." Zamazenta said as he walked in front of Ash's frozen pokemon.
"Be Arceus' guest, he put you up here, and you are to enjoy his creation." Zacian said as he followed Zamazenta on the front, almost looked like they're going to deflect the move.
"If that's the condition, then I'm perfectly fine at that, I still want to travel more with Leaf and Koharu, meet lots and lots of new people and rival, defeating leagues, and become the world's most strongest pokemon master!" Ash concluded, both were amused at the declaration, and that satisfied them.
"Very well." Zacian and Zamazenta both said simultaneously, and got ready for the move to be deflected, and with that beings said.
Time resumed.
The surroundings also resumed to move, Leaf and Koharu ran towards Ash, but as the move had made contact.
BOOM!
Was the only thing they can hear.
3rd Person's POV
Leaf and Koharu gasped as the massive move of Eternatus struck at Ash, and a massive explosion can be heard from it. Leaf and Koharu halted on the spot as they gazed at the thick dust cloud emerging on where Ash was. The champions on that spot also stopped and looked in horror at the sight.
Mixed emotions are being felt by them, especially Koharu, fear, afraid, horror, shock, disbelief, sorrow, anything you can put in.
Koharu was on her knees as she stared at the smoke, Eternatus screeched up after the devasting move it unleashed. Leaf was emotionless on the spot, her only brother, adoptive brother, even in the three months of them being together, she felt like he really is her brother, and now, seeing what just happened, she's literally debating on what to do right now.
"Ash...he's..." Koharu muttered, her face is on the ground now, she cried, she's not accepting the fact that Ash is gone, she just can't accept it.
"No...he can't do that..." Leaf also muttered, she's as the same as Koharu.
"No, no, no...this can't be happening." Leaf continued on, tears have dropped in her eyes.
"No!" Leaf yelled out on top of her lungs, and just by that, at the same time she screamed, two attacks were fired off at Eternatus, those two attacks hit Eternatus and it screeched in pain.
Koharu and Leaf quickly perked up and checked on what happened, the dust cloud dispersed and they were shocked to see who protected him. As Koharu took a gaze at the two figure right in front of him, she quickly recognized them.
"Zacian...Zamazenta..." She murmured as she clearly took sight of it, they were in Crowned Shield and Crowned Sword form. Leaf was also amazed at the sight of the two.
Leon, who was also on that very scene, was amazed at the sight of the legendary pokemons that was located on his region, never in his life didn't experience to see such beautiful creatures, he was satisfied, he didn't regretted coming in the league to check out trainers.
And as for Ash, as the time stopped, all he can see back there was barrier all over him and his pokemons, so much for the legendary pokemons of Galar. His pokemons were also amazed at the sight, they didn't have a clue on what just happened, though after the time resumed, they had also fired their moves, supporting Zacian and Zamazenta who just suddenly appeared.
Ash also saw Zacian and Zamazenta firing off their Flash Cannons towards the poison and dragon type pokemon, he heard it screech in pain, that was just a super effective hit.
Eternatus, returning back to it's original form, was enraged, it wasn't expecting the arrival of the Galar guardians, the two who defeated it many years ago.
"You have caused havoc again! And this time, we will put you into permanent slumber!" Zacian roared and then jolted up in the sky, same as Zamazenta, and that surprised Ash, as well as Leaf and Koharu, the book she read while she's studying mentioned that Zacian and Zamazenta can't hover up in the air, so she wondered why.
Zacian and Zamazenta had their sword and shield brighten up, then at the same time, both are charging towards the gigantic pokemon.
"That must be Behemoth Blade and Bejemoth Bash!" Exclaimed Koharu as she saw the two Galar guardians darting up in the air and glowing.
The two pokemons hit Eternatus, and as they hit the spot, Eternatus screeched again in pain, it again attempted to use Dynamax Cannon but Zacian and Zamazenta was quick to react and proceeded swiftly to the core, and hit the core right on the spot.
The battle continued on, Ash and the others can't do anything but just watch at the scene, the whole sky have darkened, swirls on the clouds are everywhere, and as the battle goes on, Ash decided to return his pokemons back in their pokeballs and let them rest, while he's at it, Leaf and Koharu took the cue, they ran towards him and tackled him into a bear hug, slamming him on the ground. Ash can't help it but feel sorry for letting them worry, Ash heard Koharu and Leaf crying while they're embracing each other.
"I...I thought we're gonna lose you forever." Koharu said while tighting up her hug on Ash, he felt responsible for everything, he hugged her back together with Leaf, comforting the two girls.
"I'm sorry Koharu, Leaf, I admit that was a reckless move." Ash stated as she hugged the two.
"Y-You're always r-reckless." Leaf joked between her sobs, Ash can't help it but chuckle at the positive attitude of his sister.
"I'll promise that I'll not do it again." Ash stated as he caressed the heads of the two.
"You promise?" Leaf asked.
"I prom-"
But he was cut off by a sudden smash on his lips, he widened his eyes and looked at Koharu, even Leaf was also surprised at this, it lasted for a good ten seconds before she parted, her cheeks are now bright red.
"Y-You better promise it." She said while embarassly glaring at her.
"W-Wow..." Was all Ash can say, Leaf can't help it but giggle at her brother's reaction.
But as the small reunion goes on, they were interrupted by explosions on the sky, they looked up and saw Eternatus slowly having his downfall, Zacian and Zamazenta are still firing off their moves, or charging towards it, Ash stood up and walked just right above them, Leaf and Koharu followed him.
"Zacian! Zamazenta! Let's finish things off!" Ash yelled out, Zacian and Zamazenta heard this and went towards his place, Koharu is really awestrucked at the two, never in her life she expects that she can meet them in person.
Zacian and Zamazenta stood right in front of him, ready for his finishing command.
"Zacian, Zamazenta, let's all finish this chaos into one final move!" Ash chanted, both roared in response, and got ready to take off.
"Use Crown Shield Slash!" Ash yelled out, Koharu perked up, it was her first time hearing the move Ash just commanded to the two.
As for Zacian and Zamazenta, feeling up the link that they wanted many years ago, they rushed onwards Eternatus, who's also charging up one final Dynamax Cannon.
As they charged, Zacian's sword were now two times longer and sharper than before, it's strands had become longer too, it's sword glowed bright white.
As for Zamazenta, it's mane had also become bigger and broader, the same as Zacian, it's mane also glowed bright white.
The two have merged on each other and darted towards Eternatus, who had also fired off it's Dynamax Cannon. Both rushed in and collided with the attack, they are overpowering the Dynamax Cannon.
"Push through!" Ash yelled out.
With that being said, the two roared loudly and pushed through the attack, and it eventually hit Eternatus itself, it screeched as loud as it can and an explosion was heard.
Zacian and Zamazenta returned to Ash's place, and as the smoke died down, no Eternatus can be seen, the sky have slowly returned to it's normal bluish state, but on the other hand, what's left on the sky is a red glowing orb just hovering above.
"It's the Eternatus' core." Koharu stated.
"Finally, everything is finished, I'm tired now..." Leaf stated as she slowly lose consciousness, but Ash was quick to react and got a hold of her.
Zacian and Zamazenta proceeded to get the core, and at the same time, the champions had also arrived at the scene, Leon was especially delighted, not only he saw Eternatus, but he also saw the Galar guardians, and for him, he'll not regret passing his throne to Ash, because he's the one who commanded the two, which he cannot do.
"By the way Ash, what was that move called? Crown Shield Slash?" Koharu asked as she remembered something.
"Uhh, I was just making it up." Ash said and nervously laughed, Koharu was dumbfounded.
Zacian and Zamazenta hovered near them with the Eternatus' core.
"Ash, we genuinely thank you, with your help, we had defeated Eternatus again, after so many years." Zacian stated.
"We had felt the link, it was the same, no, it was a far greater and stronger link we had from many years back." Zamazenta followed.
"I'm glad I'm a great help to you two." Ash stated
Zacian and Zamazenta nodded.
"For now, the two of us shall depart, we will hide the core from humanity." Zacian said.
"That way, we can prevent the things that happened here." Zamazenta continued on.
Ash nodded in understanding.
"Worry not young man, for soon we shall meet again."
"Right, I understand." Ash responded.
And with that, Zacian and Zamazenta bid their goodbyes to them, even Koharu got to hold and pet both of them, and she's satisfied at that. Together with the Eternatus core, they drifted off away from their sight.
All of them were satisfied at the sight, Ash carried his unconscious little sister, sounding asleep, and all of them took final look at the wrecked stadium, before walking off the scene.
Epilogue
"I thought you and Leaf are siblings." Koharu wondered.
"I guess I never told you, but no, in a way, yes, but biologically, no." Ash replied with a chuckle, Koharu was slightly surprised, but understood.
"Even though you two are not biologically brothers and sisters, you two looked really like one." Koharu said amused.
"Yeah, then after that, meeting you." Ash said and stopped there, Koharu was slighly flustered at that, she clearly remembered that day, she was just a shy girl back then.
"D-Don't remind me." Koharu said, slightly embarassed, Ash laughed out gently.
"I was really wondering back then on why you were so quiet, literally all the time." Ash said amused.
"It was my personality after all, but it's still on me up to now." Koharu quickly said and stuck her tongue out, Ash grinned and then petted her on the head, she just pouted at that.
"I'm not Leaf..." Koharu said and pouted.
"Yeah, but you looked like a little girl to me." Ash laughed, Koharu gave him a playful glare, Ash sweatdropped and had his hands raised in defense. Soon they calmed down and looked again at the sky.
"But you know, I didn't regret coming with you, and it's genuine." Koharu said as she looked at the stars.
"Yeah me too, I didn't regret accepting you on our journey together with Leaf." Said Ash as he also gazed at the beautiful night sky.
And moments later, Ash was surprised at what Koharu did, she leaned on his shoulder, resting her head on it, Ash accepted it and put a hand around the back of her neck, which is also surprising him. Koharu smiled at his move as she didn't expect for him to do such thing, but she doesn't mind, in fact, she liked, no, she loved it.
"Ash?" Asked Koharu while playing her ponytailed hair.
"Yeah?" Ash responded, still looking at the sky.
"Do you like someone?" Koharu asked, that surprised Ash, and he smiled.
"I do." He plainly said. Koharu can't help it but feel jealous, the girl he liked was so lucky, and she kept on playing her hair.
"What's she like?" She asked, curious about the mysterious girl.
"I am aware that I'm a dense person back then, until now, I realized something, that girl changed the way I see things, that girl made me realize that there are still many things I don't understand, back when I accepted her and she became a part of my journey, I was still a dense Shuckle back then," Ash trailed off.
At the last sentence, she stopped playing her hair and her heart beat fastens, she recognized who he is referring to.
"The time we had with that girl, and together with my sister, it was fun, enjoyable, it was truly an unforgettable moment for me, that girl helped me through ups and downs, encouraged me to do better, and overall, I felt the care from her."
Koharu was now flustered, she hid herself on Ash's shoulder so that her heated up face couldn't be seen.
"She's right just beside me when I joined the tournament which my sister suggested, she's a great cook, a great caregiver, it was more than enough to make me happy."
Koharu's heart beats rapidly, she's looking forward onto where this conversation go.
"And the incident, I admit I'm ready to take on everything, but at the same time, I was also scared that I might lose her, my sister, that was the day I realized everything, the moment she kissed me, I felt alive, joyful, I don't know, I was too confused on what just happened back then."
Koharu can't help but giggle at it, she fell in love on a dense person that time.
"And now, she's right beside me, leaning on my shoulder while looking at the beautiful night sky, I may say I have to cherish this moment, together with her, thankfully no Leaf that will bother us." Ash said as he looked at Koharu, who had flustered face all the time.
"Oh Ash..." Koharu muttered as she looked at Ash's eyes, her eyes are tearing up, all this time she didn't knew.
"And with that being said, Koharu, I have something to tell you." Ash said as he looked at her, Koharu also got up from his shoulder and looked onto his eyes.
"Wh-What is it?" Ask Koharu, stuttering.
Ash smiled and gave off his goofy grin.
"I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?"