What If Ash was in Pokemon Horizons?

Where the Adventure Leads

The seven ancient hero Pokemon fly higher into the sky. The clusters of Laquium below them begin disappearing slowly. One shard at a time, the Laquium disappears comepletly. leaving Gibeon to stare at the ground in defeat.

"But, without Laquium... How can we reach the betterment of people and Pokemon?" He muttered weakly.

"Grandfather." Amethio stepped forawrd, "I've seen what you are capable of after standing by your side all my life. I know for a fact that Laquium is no needed to reach your goal. I shall fulfill your wishes without the need of Laquium."

Lucius steps alongside Amethio, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Your grandson is right, old friend. After all, Zygarde had chosen you as its partner because it understood your goals before you lost your way." Lucius then sighed, "But our time here is up, and we must entrust our goals to the next generation."

Gibeon stands up, looking between his old friend and his grandson, beforing nodding. Then, he and Lucius begin to glow a pink aura.

"Woah, what's going on?" Friede asked, appalled.

"Now with the Laquium gone, there's nothing around to keep us here." Gibeon observed, before looking to his grandson. "Amethio, keeping walking the path you believe in alongside Ceruledge."

Lucius then looks to Liko as Pagogo transforms back to normal and he and the Lucius' Pokemon float back onto the ground. Pagogo falling into Liko's arms, "Liko, I shall entrust Pagogo in your permanent care. I know you'll do wonders alongside him."

Liko and Amethio nod to their elders and the two friends fade away, joining Rystal in the afterlife. The six Ancient Poke Balls in Lucius's belt suddenly open and Roy picks one up in confusion.

"So, are the six heroes just wild Pokemon now?" The boy questions, a part of him hoping he can catch Rayquaza.

"Guess so," Tracey mused, rubbing his chin, "Now that Lucius has passed. His Pokemon have no trainer."

While the Rising Volt Tacklers and their allies sliently mourn the loss of Lucius, they hear the sound of someone scoffing. Turning around to see Spinel alongside the Explorers higher-ups.

"What a shame," Spinel began, "Seeing our leader go out in such a pathetic way."

"He left with peace." Ash gritted his teeth, "And that means, you've lost!"

"Yeah!" Jessie suddenly shouted, "Team Rocket can never be outdone!"

Spinel simply laughed, "I intend to surpass Gibeon and take over this paradise, World Monarch." Spinel pulls out a small remote and pushes a button, summoning triangle-shaped drones flying into the area from afar.

"What the heck are those?!" Dot backed away.

Amethio's eyes widened, "Those are the Laquium Spheres." Shocking the other kids and Friede.

"You mean there's still Laquium?!" Chloe asked, though her question is answered by pink smoke entering the air, causing the Six Heroes to go berserk. Everyone ducks and dodges to avoid the endless attacks.

Ash opens his backpack and places Pikachu and the two Zygarde cores inside to protect them from harm. As he looks up and sees the hero Pokemon attacking each other, he turns to his friends.

"Guys! We can't just sit here and let this happen! We gotta fight!" Ash pleads, all of his friends immediately gather their remaining Pokemon. Ash's Paldean team quickly rushes to his side, Ash-Greninja taking Pikachu's place.

"Guys," Friede started, "I agree that we should fight, but we're lacking power. We lost our strongest fighters, the only one who can stand a chance are Meowscarada, Quaquaval and Greninja, and they're already weakened from the last fight."