Fuego was quickly surrounded by the enemy. Marshadow laughed maniacally.

"Did YOU really think that YOU could win? HONESTLY?" Marshadow punched Fuego in the gut. "You're lost."

Fuego snarled but before he could reply the rock blocking their escape exploded and all of the missing guild members arrived.

Marshadow and his Alolan Pokemon moved back. "I'm impressed. But you'll never survive this! Latios now!" Marshadow raised his hand. "Any second now." Moments later a flurry of lasers hit the ground, Karl luckily deflected a few with his electricity.

"Alright guys, focus on rolling out the others! Then we'll beat up Marshadow and his goons together!" Omega advised everyone. Then he ran over to Zax and took out a Reviver Seed.

"STOP THEM!" Marshadow commanded. His Alolan Pokémon began their attack. The Dugtrio dug underground and Ninetales stepped forward.

Karl laughed and helped up Alpha, handing him an Oran Berry. "Hey buddy let's bust some ice!"

Alpha ate the berry and shot upward. "Fine by me!" He blasted some flames at Kassidy and unfroze her.

"Oooh goodie! I get to give the cutie some more time!" Kassidy winked at Marshadow.

Zen and Solomon provided Oran Berries to Gizzit and Kut. Then the Medicham helped the two stand up. "It is good to see you again Kut Tana. I hope this time you will stay."

Kut bowed. "It is an honor to be in your presence again Zen. And I plan on lingering here for as long as I am needed. We have much to discuss after all."

Gizzit has a puzzled expression. "What are you two going on about?"

Kut waves it away. "We have more pressing matters. Like defeating the enemy."

Zax slowly came to and Omega handed him a berry. "Eat it, you'll feel better."

Zax consumed the berry slowly and stood up. "You guys made it after all. We were almost lost so it's a really good thing you got here. Marshadow and his Pokémon were standing on the other side of the mountain while Zax gathered his group near the entrance.

"What're your orders Zax?" Flutter asked.

Alpha stood next to Zax. "Look at them, they believe in you. And you believe in them. That's what makes you the Guildmaster. Better than any of us. You've found the power in all of these Pokémon. So if that doesn't make you a good leader, no Pokémon is a good leader."

Zax smiled thinly at first, but gradually it grew into a full smile. "You're right. I'm not a good leader because of me, but because they believe in me. Alright Bolt Guild! Let's hit Marshadow where it hurts! He's come into our home and attacked us. We are the Bolt Guild. We strike, quickly and forcefully. So let's do just that! Here we go!"

Everyone gave a loud cheer and as a guild they all ran into the final battle. Omega was puzzled. "That's the first time he's ever said the name of the guild as Guildmaster."

"Well I'm relieved. We can finally use Bolt Guild instead of the guild without feeling weird." Jet responded. Then the two friend joined the fight.

Maryland climbed onto Flutter's back and the Pidgeotto flew into the air. They continued to gain altitude until they saw Latios.

"Get ready Maryland, we only have one shot at this!" Flutter shouted back to her, he flew past Latios. The dragon turned and began to pursue. Maryland concentrated, trying to summon the energy she had used in Bridge Tower.

Then she stopped. "It isn't right. I did some reading on the side about that move. Apparently in ancient times around the world it was used as a means of execution for crimes. This Latios isn't in control of itself. I can't essentially execute it."

Flutter dove down to avoid an attack from Latios. "Well if I may ask what do you propose? And please consider making it quick, I don't know if I can keep this up."

"Just get right above Latios. I can knock him out if I can just hit his head." Flutter flew directly upward, Latios mirrored him. Quickly getting closer.

"Now or never!" Flutter shouted, his voice displayed how nervous he was. Latios was charging a purple beam in its mouth.

Maryland's claw felt a rush of power and turned white. She jumped off of Flutter's back, she spun and slammed her claw into Latios's Head. The beam exploded in his mouth and Latios fell down to earth.

Maryland was also falling but Flutter swooped in and caught her. "That was awesome! Now let's get back to the battle."

"You got it!" Flutter and Maryland soared over Malena, returning to the fight against Marshadow.

Alpha, Fuego, and Jet all combined their flamethrowers and struck the Ninetales. The ice type fainted after the attack finished.

The groups of Dugtrio burrowed underground, Omega did the same with Kassidy following behind. One of the Dugtrio burst through the wall, they tackled Omega but Kassidy hit them with a shadow ball.

Omega lunged at them and latched his pincers onto one of the heads. Kassidy concentrated and a bolt of lightning slammed into the surface, revealing their location.

Karl excitedly leaped down and slashed the heads as much as possible. Meanwhile Omega kept his grip tight and Kassidy fired shadow balls until they were defeated. The three climbed out of the tunnels.

The other Dugtrio popped up behind Gizzit. He didn't notice, luckily before he was about to be hit Melanie held the Dugtrio still with psychic. Then Zen noticed, grabbed Kut, and threw him at the Dugtrio. Kut suddenly turned light blue and struck all three heads. The Pokémon fainted instantly.

Roger was slowly getting up when Gizzit noticed and a giant electric attack struck the bird. He fell down again isn't atter it.

Zax battled Marshadow with every bit of energy he could muster. He blocked punches with his claws and attacked with his ice punch.

Marshadow zipped behind him but Ellie attacked him from behind. Zax turned and punched Marshadow again.

Flutter and Maryland had returned and everyone surrounded Marshadow in the center of the mountain peak.

"You think you've won? NOBODY has won! We've all LOST!" Marshadow screamed.

Zax shook his head. "You don't get it Marshadow. We didn't win because there never was a fight. The difference between you and me, is that I only wanted to save my friend and protect my home."

"Home. Home. Home. Yes I remember that. Long ago I had one, but I was betrayed by my own home. I escaped maybe. But I'm not freed yet! No no no! You've stopped me from being freed!"

"What is he going on about?" Alpha asked impatiently.

Karl primed his claws. "Can we attack now?"

Zax held out a hand. "Nobody attack. Marshadow, what are you talking about? If you explain maybe we could help you."

"Help? Help! You can't help me! You only destroy! That is all Pokémon do!" Marshadow screeched.

"I don't know where you're from, if it's another continent or whatever. But here, that's not how we do things. You're on Malena, and we do things just a tad differently."

Marshadow opened his mouth but paused and closed it. "I-I think I believe you. Maybe I do."

"Great! Then let us help you, tell us what happened to your home."

Marshadow shook his head, then he floated into the air and went to the edge of the peak. "Here, that's where it's going to happen. I know this, I was here so now they will be. I hope you're ready, this fight isn't over. I don't know if you can handle it. But I gotta... hope. What a foreign concept."

"What are you talking about Marshadow?" Zax asked.

Marshadow laughed weakly. "I'll hold back the first wave. From then on you'll have to prepare, in one year they will return at this point. They're using the orb in the tower as an anchor point to this island. Once they start, stopping them will be nearly impossible until you take out the leader. The Phantom King."

Suddenly a dark swirling vortex opened behind Marshadow. Marshadow turned and a dark blob grabbed him, pulling him into the portal. Then the vortex closed.

The next day.

Zax was talking to a Spearow on the docks of Central Town. With Roger in shackles next to him.

"Sir I promise I will be a honest captain of this here crew. I was even apprenticed by the legendary Jack Spearow!" The Spearow insisted.

"Alright I believe in trusting new people. What's your name kid?"

"Rogar."

"Isn't that the same as the old captain?"

Rogar shook his head. "No sir, my name is spelt with an A instead of an E!"

Zax groaned. "Of course. Well take good care of yourself. I look forward to doing business with you." The Spearow Brigade sailed off, dozens of boats vanished over the horizon.

Alpha walked over to him. "Looks like you're really coming into your own Guildmaster."

"If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be. Thank you Alpha. You're the best friend a guy could ask for."

Alpha laughed. "I'm doubtful of that but sure. Anyways what Marshadow said is bugging me. Those shadows we fought three years ago, there's more of them, and they're coming back."

"We're stronger than before, and we'll be prepared. They can't stop us, we won't let them." Zax told him.

Zax has asked everyone to meet up so they had all gathered in the lobby of the guild.

"So everyone, as you know apparently in one year the Shadow Pokémon will be returning. But there's no need to be alarmed. We have proven that we are strong even when we're in a weakened state. We can win this battle, but for now we have a whole year. So everyone, let's scale the bar!" The guild cheered enthusiastically and repeated what Zax said.

Deep in the domain of the shadows Phantom was awaiting a report. A shadow creature slithered over to him.

"Sir we regret to inform you that the shadows you sent to create a large breach failed. But we did secure Marshadow and put him back where he belongs." The shadow reported.

Phantom laughed. "Well then, it's not a total waste. When can we open the portal again?"

"One year Sir." Phantom grabbed the shadow quickly.

"Now now, we can't have that. I'll allow six months. No later, if you fail me I will send you to the Shadowium Mines." Phantom said calmly, letting the shadow go. The shadow left Phantom alone.

Phantom stood and glanced at a shard of Mirror Ruby floating in the space. There he saw the other world, Zax was giving a speech to his guild.

"Enjoy your victory against us. It will be your last." Phantom smashed the Mirror Ruby.

That's the end! Thanks so much for reading today's chapter and this story! As I clearly conveyed there will be a final book wrapping up this Trilogy. Though it probably won't be out for some time now. I hope you enjoyed this entire story, it's been really fun writing it and revisiting these characters. Let me know what your favorite part of the story was. Until next time, have a great day, bye!