Arceus—the absolute god of the Pokémon world.
Ever since the release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it had been established that all Arceus across parallel worlds are but fragments.
The true Arceus exists beyond all universes, watching over every world, every human and Pokémon alike.
Even so, within the scope of any single Pokémon world, even an Arceus fragment remains an unmatched existence.
Especially an Arceus with Plates. It's worth noting that each Plate renders Arceus immune to a specific type.
And Arceus's raw power is absolute. Even without its Plates, it can easily overpower all three Sinnoh deities at once.
So it's simple: with all 18 Plates, Arceus is immune to everything, and boasts apocalyptic strength.
The alpaca god is truly invincible.
And that's how it should be—this world was created by Arceus. Its very existence elevates the Pokémon cosmology to a whole new dimension.
In truth, Arceus alone raised the entire narrative to a higher plane.
But Dylan's interest in Arceus wasn't because of its lore. He had one very specific question:
"So… what's Arceus's current status?"
"The Father…" the Time Dragon echoed, blinking, then cast a complicated look.
"Since the incident a millennium ago, the Father has remained in the Hall of Origin, slumbering—healing from his wounds."
Its mental voice was heavy as it glanced at Dylan.
Because of humans…
"I thought so," Dylan murmured, stroking his chin.
Just as the movie had shown—Arceus is currently dormant.
"Arceus was… injured?" Origin Dialga's mental voice sharpened in shock.
Impossible. Who could possibly injure Arceus?
"Betrayed through trust," the Time Dragon said curtly.
In theory, Arceus shouldn't be able to be harmed. But theory rarely matches reality.
Dylan knew the story well.
A thousand years ago, when a meteor threatened the land, Arceus appeared and stopped the catastrophe—but at a cost. The collision knocked the Plates from its body.
Damos retrieved the first one and returned it, which allowed Arceus to stabilize and reabsorb the others.
To repay him, Arceus merged the Earth, Splash, Zap, Meadow, and Draco Plates into the Jewel of Life, and entrusted it to Damos. The jewel would restore vitality to the barren Michina.
They agreed Damos would return it on the day of the solar eclipse.
But when Arceus came for it, not only was the jewel not returned—Damos (under hypnosis) ordered Pokémon to attack the god he once revered.
Trusting Damos completely, Arceus had no defenses. In its fury, it lashed out—and Damos perished in the chaos.
The betrayal scarred Arceus deeply. It had entrusted its very life force to a human… and that trust had been repaid in violence.
What Arceus didn't know was that Damos had never intended to betray it. It was all the manipulation of Marcus, his subordinate, who wanted to keep the jewel for himself.
But still—human greed caused it all. Arceus's vengeance wasn't unwarranted.
"Father's temperament is… extreme," the Time Dragon admitted. "When he wakes, I don't know what he'll do."
When Arceus is benevolent, it's the kindest of deities. It nurtures the world, ensuring balance and growth.
But when it turns… it becomes the most terrifying force of destruction.
Worse still—Arceus has humanity.
It can be swayed. It feels. And those feelings… are dangerous.
That kind of god—an invincible one with emotions—isn't necessarily a good thing.
"Humans have erred, yes," the Time Dragon continued, "but the rest of the world shouldn't suffer for it. What I fear most is that Father will not distinguish."
It was a valid concern. Arceus could end the world—easily.
"You really are a responsible god of time," Dylan said, giving the Time Dragon a thumbs-up.
Now that's justice without favoritism.
Just like in the movie—when Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina appeared to stop Arceus, it wasn't just because of Sheena's 'Life Force'. They had their own reasons.
The Time Dragon lifted its head with a regal snort—indeed.
"When will Arceus awaken?"
"Judging by the turbulence in the Hall of Origin… soon. Perhaps in half a year—maybe a full year at most."
The Time Dragon's tone was grave.
It had to consider whether it might someday have to stand against its own creator.
Hopefully, it thought grimly, if someone gets smited first, it'll be Palkia…
"If Arceus wakes and goes berserk, you can call me," Dylan said, tapping his own chest.
"If battle is the only path to bring him back to his senses, I'm not weak."
"…Understood."
The Time Dragon glanced around.
Not weak? You're the most modest lunatic I've ever met!
Every one of these Pokémon was stronger than it.
Its eyes stopped on the dark-red Mega Rayquaza Dylan was riding.
Rayquaza comes in green… or black… but crimson? Since when?
Still, if Arceus went off the deep end, this guy could call his Dragon God Squad and just beat the holy plates out of him.
Perfect.
The Time Dragon nodded in satisfaction, then took its leave—much more relaxed than when it had arrived.
Father, it thought, I love you, but if you go feral… I may have to let you get jumped.
—
"Arceus, huh…"
Dylan recalled his legendary dragons. The flex had gone perfectly—the Time Dragon had turned docile immediately.
Truly, power is the foundation of equal conversation.
Dylan thought for a moment, then shook his head.
Without the Jewel of Life, Arceus should still be manageable.
"All set, old man?"
"…Yes." Pryce nodded, casting a complex look at the two lifeless Lapras before him.
"Then let's go back. Dialga."
With a pulse of time energy, Origin Dialga enveloped the two Trainers and the Lapras in a temporal veil.
A blink later—gone without a trace.
—
Back on Cerise Island.
The vortex shimmered. Dylan and Pryce returned.
Lorelei sat atop a boulder, staring out at the sea, lost in thought.
"You're back."
She turned at the sound, her gaze drifting across the two Lapras.
So… these were the Lapras that had died all those years ago.
And now… they would be brought back?
Was resurrection truly possible?
"Lorelei, how long were we gone?"
"One hour and forty-three minutes."
She'd been keeping track.
"Hm, fascinating."
Dylan arched a brow. He was certain they hadn't spent that long in the past.
"But since the worldline hasn't shifted, that means we didn't affect the future."
He smiled. They'd "borrowed" the Lapras corpses without the past Pryce noticing.
Otherwise, there would've been some ripple.
"Now we just need Ho-Oh."
"You can find Ho-Oh?" Pryce asked, surprised.
Ever since Leaf had stolen the Rainbow and Silver Wings, he'd been searching.
"I can. Leaf has a special Rainbow Wing—it can summon Ho-Oh."
Dylan's smile didn't waver.
"And considering your history with Ho-Oh, I'm sure it'll be thrilled to help, right?"
"…"
Pryce fell silent.
Truth be told, their history was… not great.
More likely, Ho-Oh would bolt the moment it saw him.
But this time, it didn't have a choice.
"If it won't help willingly… I'll make it."
Pryce's tone was grim.
Whether willingly or by force—he would fulfill his dream.
Dylan nodded. "Then let's head over."
He looked toward the heart of Cerise Island.
I wonder how Giovanni and Red are doing against Lance…
It was getting late.
—
Elsewhere, beside the dormant volcano.
Rain poured down in sheets, turning the earth to ruin.
The battlefield—scarred and ravaged.
The rain whispered of the storm yet to come.