The Z-crystal shimmered in my hands, dimmed out now from the loss of light, the only true remnant of what appeared to be a deity-like figure. This was nothing I ever expected to find out. 

Necrozma... could he really have been like this 3,000 years ago? I had to figure this all out. However, I knew it wouldn't be very wise to stay here for much longer. So with that, I concentrated and warped back to my timeline. 

While warping I knew I would have to brace myself for the verbal torment I would receive from everyone once they saw the Ultranecrozium Z, and that's just what I did. When I found myself on the plateau, though, I was surprised to see no one was here. That wasn't all. All of Melemele Island was burning. The forests... all those trees and the pokemon within them, dead, or at best, in hiding, by Necrozma's hand... it shattered my heart just thinking about it. The human settlements were all deserted, and had been thrashed. I seriously doubted even half of Melemele's residents were still alive, looking at this unspeakable destruction. Even with five distractions, Necrozma was doing his job well, and that couldn't be a good thing. 

It didn't take a genius to figure out that the other mythicals had fled Melemele to the next island, Akala. Now that I looked over there more closely, I could see a few small flashes of light, and I at once knew it was the Prism pokemon; he was easy to spot in the midnight void. There was no point in staying here, so Z-crystal in hand, I took off the ground and flew eastward to Akala Island. 

The wind was blasting in my face as the lights from Necrozma grew brighter and 5 other lights seemed to glow. Making my way past the shoreline, I looked around to see Necrozma had done had done plenty of damage to Akala already. Heahea City, the apparant largest city, was in ruins, and so was every place near it. There were still no mythicals to be found here. Either they had scattered across Akala or like at Melemele they all gathered in one spot to watch the battle. Likely they weren't on Wela Volcano, the place that looked to be the tallest here, since the place wouldn't exactly have good conditions for Shaymin, or me, for that matter. Which meant likely everyone was scattered throughtout the island. So without knowledge of who was where, I hovered down and started searching. 

By now I was near Route 8, in what apeared to be a large jungle. Necrozma was coming ever-closer to ravaging the entire island, so I had to be quick. As it turns out, there was no need, because as I was looking nearby a cave, a hand grabbed me without warning and pulled me in. 

The cave was very dark and I could barely see, so I was unaware of who pulled me in. Soon, the cave lit up, and it was who else but Marina. It was silent for a few seconds, up until Marina asked me, "Hano. Please tell me you didn't get the Ultranecrozium Z, Hano."

I waan't sure what to do. While I tried to think of something, I replied, "Just please let me explain, okay, Marina?" 

Then she saw the Z-crystal in my hand, and I heard her whisper, "He did." 

She then started yelling, "Why would you do this?! If Necrozma finds that, all of Alola is done for! How could this possibly help us defeat him?!"

I was taken aback and replied with anxiety, "If you'll give me a chance to explain, then I'll sort this all out, okay? You have to trust me!" 

Marina thought for a moment and replied, "Fine. Just try to explain how you've helped us instead of dooming us." 

I took a deep breath and explained, "Okay, so when I traveled back 3,000 years ago, I noticed something different about Necrozma. He was above a town and pleaded with a bunch of ancient villagers not to hurt him. The villagers didn't listen and drained the light out of him by using Z-moves. I literally watched him crumble apart! All that was left of his true form was the Ultranecrozium Z, which promptly turned black."

Marina gave me an odd look and asked, "Okay, sure, but how come no one else knows this? How can you prove you didn't just make it up?" 

That was easier to respond to. "Well, I'm the only one here that can travel through time, right? Not sure why no one else knows this, though. It seems awfully suspicious." 

She sighed and then said, "That's a good point, I'll give you that. Still, it's hard to believe that Necrozma wasn't so murderous. What happened that made him like this?"

That, I couldn't answer. I stayed silent, trying to think of how that could happen. Marina was starting to get impatient, and I racked my brain trying to think of any possible explanation. I thought back to the way Necrozma acted the first time I met him: insane, and frenzied, a big difference compared to the calm, controlled way he was now, and even more different from the benevolent beast he was 3,000 years ago. To get to his complete form he instead used Solgaleo and Lunala as a light source instead of the Ultranecrozium Z...

"That's it!" I thought out loud.

Marina replied, "Did it really take that long to think of one?"

I told her, "Listen to me on this. Necrozma wasn't relying on Solgaleo and Lunala 3,000 years ago, he needed the Ultranecrozium Z to achieve his true power. Solgaleo and Lunala are just makeshift light sources, which could explain why Necrozma is attacking us now... even though he's entered his true form again, he still doesn't have enough light to fully regain his sanity. Meaning that if we gave Necrozma the recharged Z-crystal, he might revert back into his more peaceful self."

Marina widened her eyes. "That actually makes sense. I think you might've figured out to beat him, Hano!"

We both started cheering but seeing the bright flashes nearby, we agreed it was better to stay quiet. 

Marina spoke up again, "The only problem is that the Ultranecrozium Z as of now looks to be drained of Z-power. If we hope to completely restore Necrozma, we have to give him the recharged crystal. Otherwise all we've done is given Necrozma access to his Z-move."

I replied, "That's another problem. But for now, we should find everyone else. We need to take action now, before Alola is completely destroyed."

She nodded, but just as she was about to say something, the light suddenly grew closer, until Necrozma himself appeared just outside. Marina shut off her antennae glow and we hid farther in the cave and watched in horror as the huge dragon destroyed the jungle and everything around it. It was loathesome watching him destroy all of the vegetation here. This was the home of so many pokemon, and Necrozma was laying waste to it. He said only humans were responsible for the loss of his light: why take other innocent pokemon down with them? I wanted to do something about it, but I couldn't. Not when my opponent was a legend this powerful. 

After the whole of the area we saw outside was torn down, Necrozma announced, "It seems my work on Akala is done. Two islands down, two to go. These humans are getting their just payback, but it is not over yet." 

He then took off again eastward, flying to another island I could see in the distance. Not long after, another huge, serpentine dragon followed Necrozma, Giratina. As we watched the two fly off in the darkness, we noticed something strange.

I was the one to confirm what was wrong, saying, "The Tapus aren't following Necrozma this time. Did something happen?" 

Marina replied, "I don't know, but we should find them. The coast is clear, and we have to do something before Necrozma destroys too much of Ula'Ula Island."

With that, we finally left the cave, off in search of everyone else. Eventually, Marina suggested we look in the ruins of Heahea City, since Necrozma wouldn't bother with that place anymore. I agreed, and sure enough, after some traveling, we found everyone else who came, along with the Tapus as well, above the rubble of what used to be a building. Dialga and Palkia, as well as Mew, seemed to still be missing. Wonder where they went...

When everyone saw us, they all crowded around us except the Tapus, asking questions and wondering where we went. They all stopped when the saw the Ultranecrozium Z. Knowing what they were thinking, I told everyone, "Trust me, everyone, I know I sound crazy when I say this, but this is what's going to help us stop Necrozma. We need preparations, though."

Shaymin then replied, "You do realize that'll just activate his Z-move, right, Celebi? It'll never work!"

Marina jutted in and said, "This time, you have to trust him. He's telling the truth. You have to believe us!"

Jirachi decided to put that statement to the test, telling us, "Really, then? Prove it. Let's see if you can convince us that the very source of Necrozma's power is his weakness."

Bearing that in mind, I explained, "Okay, so when I went back in time, I saw Necrozma be easily defeated by a bunch of villagers all because they were using Z-moves. He was much nicer back then than he is now, which is strange, right? The thing is, this time Necrozma is using Solgaleo and Lunala as light sources instead of his actual Z-crystal. That explains why Necrozma is after the human race: Solgaleo and Lunala don't provide enough light to completely restore his sanity, which is what made him retaliate in the first place." 

Everyone was looking on intently, and they almost seemed convinced. So I went on, "What I'm saying is that if Necrozma gets back his fully restored crystal, he'll snap out of insanity, and become the peaceful creature he was so long ago!" 

The other mythicals started to think of that. They all seemed to see my point, making me glad. Jirachi was still skeptical, but considered my idea as well. Soon, Marshadow said, "What happens if the crystal doesn't have enough Z-power? Won't Necrozma just gain access to his Z-move?"

I replied, "Exactly. That's why this is still a huge risk, but it's also our only option. After all, the Tapus are here. Clearly they can't fight him anymore, and Necrozma is still dealing with Giratina easily. What other choice do we have?" 

Soon, we looked to said Tapus, who were lying down, somewhat injured. Of them, Tapu Koko spoke with sorrow, "We've... failed. We couldn't defend Alola from Necrozma. What's the point anymore? How can we defend a region if there won't be a region to defend?" The other three nodded in agreement, and the rest of us deduced that losing to Necrozma seriously killed their morale. Well, up until Marina waddled up to them, to my surprise. 

I heard her tell the foursome, "Are you really giving up that easily? Sure, Necrozma may have beaten you, but that dragon can defeat practically any other pokemon. Don't discourage yourself from a fight that was nearly impossible to win! Besides, it's not over yet. We've got a new strategy that will finally put that beast's reign of terror to an end. But we need your help if we can pull it off. I used to look up to the four of you, back when I was still human, but now... now you're aren't the Tapus I've looked up to for so long in my life anymore."

They all stared at Marina, slowly comprehending what she said. Tapu Fini was the first to reply, saying, "You're... you're right. We've been moping over a battle we haven't even lost yet. There's still a chance for us to win. Thanks, Manaphy."

She replied, "Don't mention it. Now, Celebi, you know what to do, right?" 

I nodded and answered, "I have a good idea of how to approach this, but first, I have to test something. Can anyone here do a Z-move?" 

Immediately, Tapu Bulu stepped up with valor, forgetting that he was lying on the ground and being depressed not even two minutes ago. 

I heard Tapu Lele whisper, "Of course, he's the one that volunteers first," as Tapu Bulu's Z-crystal started to glow as he hid in his rigid shell and a gigantic humanoid body of light formed and rose up with Bulu as the head. As he brought down his massive fist on some nearby rubble with everyone watching in awe, I was instead focused on the Ultranecrozium Z. Just as I suspected, it let out a faint twinkle. 

Tapu Bulu had finished the Z-move and took this opportunity to flex about how well he pulverized what was left of the rubble, which in all honesty he had done pretty well. Afterwords, everyone turned to me, looking for why that expertly demonstration was required, as I said, "It seems my guess was correct. To power up the Ultranecrozium Z, all we need to do is use Z-moves. The light they release is absorbed by the Ultranecrozium Z, most likely due to the fact that Necrozma and his associated Z-crystal now drain Z-power rather than exerting it."

I paused for a moment and then continued, "Alright, I have a plan, everyone. But it'll take Z-crystals, and a lot of them."

Everyone looked at the Tapus again. Tapu Koko knew what was going on and said, "We're only supposed to give Z-crystals on the Island Challenge. This time, though, the situation calls so that we have to make an exception."

Tapu Lele continued, "Since we're on Akala Island, I should have a reserve of Z-crystals for us. Shane, Mystic, can you get a few more crystals?" They both nodded and blasted off as yellow and blue lights. We looked at her and she answered, "Don't ask. Long story. We just call them that between ourselves."

Tapu Bulu seemed to scowl and complained, "Hey! What about me?" 

Tapu Lele replied, "Bulu, are you going to take your chances on the same island Necrozma is on?" He held his head down in defeat. She muttered, "That's what I thought", as she started handing out Z-crystals to everyone. Marshadow said he had his own already. She didn't have enough for everyone, but Tapus Koko and Fini came back with an ample supply that the rest of us got. 

After we finished preperations, and everyone had a Z-crystal, we prepared for what was to come. Everyone gathered me, I asked, "So, who's ready to take down Necrozma and end the destruction?" The entire Mythic Branch cheered. Victini and Shaymin high-fived. Diancie and Marshadow both nodded. The Lake trio and Marina all held a hand up, ready to go. Even Jirachi seemed to smile a little. With that, we took off, the moon shining down on us, as most of us flew off, Marina swam, and Shaymin had be carried by one of the Tapus.

As we crossed the beaches of Ula'Ula, we could already see the horrendous carnage left behind by Necrozma. It only made us even more determined to stop him as we pressed on. It wasn't long before we arrived at the battle between the two dragons, near a destroyed village at the base of a mountain, and I commanded everyone to hide out of sight from the two. Giratina looked weakened by now, and as he made a final lunge towards Necrozma, missing, the light dragon grabbed one of his tendrils with his talons and then spun around, throwing Giratina to the ground with incredible force. The Renegade pokemon struggled to get up this time, and finally collapsed.

Necrozma floated over to him and said, "Well, lookie here. Once again, I've won, and you've lost. No surprise there, now, is there?"

Giratina was a behemoth that struck fear into the hearts of everyone. He was insane, maniacal, even. He had no care for those lower than him and disposed of them at will. Even among other legends, not much could challenge Giratina. This case was different, however. As he gazed upon the creature that finally brought him down, there was a look in his crimson eyes that was different than any other time I've seen him. Giratina was terrified of Necrozma.

The light dragon continued, "Why don't we get to the point? I'd say it's time we, or rather I, ended this, just like before. Think before you challenge me next time, Giratina." Necrozma started cackling hysterically as his mouth filled with light, indicating an incoming Photon Geyser. 

He really had lost it.

By then we all knew it was time we intervened, and with all the bravery I had, I flew up to Necrozma, yelling, "STOP!"

Giratina turned his head in my direction, unable to say anything. Necrozma stopped preparing his attack and did the same. 

He seemed to be annoyed by my prescence, as evidenced by him saying, "Go away, Celebi. There's some personal business I need to take care of."

I took a breath before I went any further, pressured by the fact that this HAD to work, or Alola would be in an even worse situation than it was now. Regardless, I replied, "I have something for you, Necrozma. You might want to take a look at it," as I went closer to Necrozma slowly revealing the Ultranecrozium Z. 

He had a look of curiosity until he took one look at the pitch-black Z-crystal and visibly gasped. Using telekinesis to snatch the crystal from my hands, Necrozma eyed it before absorbing it and saying, "I thought this had been lost forever... Celebi, you've done me a huge favor. All of Alola will bow down to me now!"

I took that as my cue to shout, "NOW!" as everyone revealed themselves and begun the assualt. Necrozma, despite being pummeled with Z-moves left and right, seemed unharmed. He sighed and asked, "What is this supposed to be? If you're trying to hurt me, you're not doing a very good job."

I yelled, "Keep attacking! Don't let his taunts discourage you!" and luckily, everyone listened to me. Marshadow leapt up and performed a Z-move I've never seen or heard of before. Fists were everywhere, and it was the first attack that did even a little damage to Necrozma.

Necrozma snarled, "In fact, your attacks are only making me stronger! You're all fools!" He was right; the light from all the Z-moves was being absorbed by him, and he glowed brighter than ever before.

Soon, a portal opened up nearby, and none other than Mew flew out of it. She looked confused at first before realizing what was going on and unleashing her own unique Z-move, unlike any I've seen before. When she was finished, everyone else was, and we couldn't attack anymore. Necrozma formed a smile and said, "I should be thanking you all. You've given me power your tiny little brains couldn't even comprehend." We all started getting nervous.

"Now, then, where was I?" Necrozma continued with a malicious grin as he placed a talon over Giratina, who was too weak to do anything to retaliate, and accepted what was coming to him. However, an orange, glowing spot appeared on Necrozma's light body, followed by a blue one. Everyone noticed the spots and marveled at them, including Necrozma himself. Soon, the spots starting convulsing and more of them appeared. 

Necrozma was enraged, and he glared at me and roared, "YOU! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"

Mustering all the courage I had, all I did was say nothing and simply shrugged at him. Although I think I did a good job of not showing it, I was scared for my life inside.

As more and more of the spots popped up, Necrozma screeched with incredible fury, and I'll admit it made me flinch. In fact, I think everyone flinched from that. The spots started glowing brightly, and the Blinding One started releasing intense light. We could barely watch as the lights grew brighter and brighter, until they died down and Necrozma's screams were no more.

That was when we saw Solgaleo and Lunala on the ground, groggily attempting to get up. Necrozma was floating above them. He was still in his original form, but looked to be unconscious. 

Soon, the two legends did recover, and the two flew over, with Solgaleo starting, "Thanks for your help! You all really did a number on that stupid dragon."

Lunala agreed, saying, "We very much appreciate you taking down Necrozma. I'm very surprised you were able to defeat him at all. Exactly how did you do that?"

Jirachi answered for us, replying, "Celebi brought back the Ultranecrozium Z from the past and somehow used it against Necrozma. It was an impressive feat."

They both gasped in horror, with Solgaleo turning his attention to me and saying, "You WHAT?" 

We all looked at Necrozma, who had stirred from his slumber, snapping his eyes open. He uncurled himself and observed the ruined landscape around him silently. No one had any idea what to expect from him. 

We all waited there, ready for him to make a move, until Necrozma spoke, "I have done terrible, terrible things."

Solgaleo and Lunala stared at each other while the rrst of us flew off to him, crowding around in excitement that my plan had worked. Necrozma didn't like it so much, saying, "I request that you keep away, you're ever-so-slightly irritating. We need to fix this land, and besides, I have other priorities as well."

Although we listened and backed away, his statement intrigued us, so I asked him, "What priorities?"

The huge dragon of light stared down at me to respond, "Soon, it will be time for me to finally reclaim my rightful throne."

Wow. That was my longest chapter ever, and probably will be for a very long time. Seriously, with my author's note cut out it equates to a total of 3,662 words. Which is insane. But, so concludes the Legend of Necrozma chapters! They'll return to their regular length of 1,500 to 2,000 words per chapter and again will be uploaded once every one or two weeks. Of course, that doesn't mean the action is slowing down. Oh, no, it's just getting started...

Anyway, this is the hardest I've ever worked on a chapter, and I really hope it shows! Also, did anyone catch the slight "Guardians of Alola" reference by TxpuFini? Felt like I had to pay tribute somehow. Please leave a review, I always appreciate it! Until next time!