Among the friends and family, Serena clasped her hands tightly, closed her eyes, and prayed in her heart.
"Ash, Pikachu..."
At the very instant it fell, Pikachu's fading consciousness vaguely heard Ash calling out to it.
Its unwilling heart was filled with guilt. It was going to let its companions down—
"So cute. Isn't this the best?"
"Pikachu, I look forward to working with you!"
Time rapidly rewound.
The scene from that day, buried deep within its memories, felt as vivid as if it were there once more.
In the world of darkness, Pikachu instinctively released an electric current.
And that current illuminated its gradually dimming vision.
"Bulbasaur!"
"Squirtle!"
"Roar!"
Opening its eyes, Pikachu realized in surprise that it seemed to be in a wondrous, pure-white space.
At this moment, it seemed to meet the consciousnesses of every companion it had known from the beginning until now.
Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar—
All its companions had gathered here at this moment, even if they were separated by half a planet, or even an entire world.
They all looked at Pikachu with trust, offering their blessings in their own ways.
At the same time, within the passage of an Ultra Wormhole leading somewhere unknown, Solgaleo paused mid-run before speeding up once more.
In the pure-white space, Ash slowly walked toward Pikachu, wearing a gentle smile as he encouraged it.
"That's right, Pikachu."
"We have everyone by our side!"
Pikachu froze. Its dark, shining eyes flickered slightly. At this moment, it could clearly sense the weight that had accumulated since the day its journey began—the bonds and friendship.
"Pika—"
Before that power, the overwhelming fatigue no longer seemed important.
Pikachu struggled to its feet and unleashed its lightning with all its might.
Boom—!
Golden lightning shot into the sky.