Finaly! I am so proud of you, Serena! Good job!

Thank you for making this scene happen.

I love what you did with this chapter. I love how you've written Ash's blind determination to "keep moving forward" as a personality trait where he's ignoring the problems he's having instead of stopping and addressing them. Serena's own obsession with her dream also played out in a very believable way. I think the crossroads they reached here was very natural and a long time coming for the group and I think you addressed it in a VERY natural and expected way. Can't wait to see how it affects the growth of the characters!

Obligatory review.

So, I kinda just blew through this story and started the next without leaving a review. Yeaaah...my bad.

Anyways, just to give a general summary. Development of everyone is awesome, the pacing was excellent, and damn it...I'm gonna be writing the review for the next story for like an hour since I finished Tenacity today. Also, Faba's death was very satisfying.

Stay awesome, and stay tuned for further feedback.

-FlygonNick

Really, I'm just speechless. The threat has lashed out to give the world a taste of what's on come, Lillie has emerged to spearhead everyone's determination, and the final curtain call draws near, a fulcrum to all the previous struggles and conflicts of the saga thus far. Just thinking about it gives me chills.

At this point I must also smack my forehead for realizing Y's potential identity.

Few elements can top my love of a good time skip. It's a fantastic way to shift views in an explosive presentation, with the results somehow giving even more meaning without a showing exactly how the characters get there. It's all about showcasing their reforged spirits, and I love it! Can't wait to see how you depict you own, though I don't have too for long.

With this, I approach the last legs of the long-overdo catch up, sinking right into Tenacity. Before that though, thank you once again for presenting this fine literary craft to us all!

"You've served your purpose" cliché *ding!* heh, just kidding around.

A glorious assault, if there ever was one. Seeing Bonnie take command of the mighty Zygarde was probably my favorite part, as awesome as it was adorable.

But damn, I really thought they'd at least push Guzma down for a moment. I'd completely forgotten he could use Z-Moves, so seeing the result later on was painful, though clearly not as painful as being Savagely Spun-Out through a solid wall; Tapus protect those poor guys.

Amidst the beat downs, you can't question the climactic rise of Lillie near the end of it. That right there was a proud moment, written with all the solid dialogue and actions I'd expect from you. A loss for sure, but not at the behest of gaining something in the process, Lillie's independence blossoming forth in full, showing what's to come as the heroes are forced to move on from this most recent defeat.

Clemont finally gets his own battle to shine in. There's really no one as fitting to take down that slime and shut down his plans. Outside that, everything is snowballing together, with allies pouring in, the final approach commencing, and the decisive brawl against our boy Guzma. Frankly it's good that Ash and Gladion face him as a team; both have vicious beef to pick with him and the ensuing fight will hopefully have the Skull leader at last reveal his full backstory, confirming the connection he'd established himself with out hero.

You know, I really looked forward to all the little bits where Ash considered calling Latias, only to realize it wasn't the right time or reason. It was practically a build up, making it nice to at last see her again, now that the situation demands no holds barred.

It was equally pleasing to see you incorporate the lore of the games into the story as everyone rushes around, naturally with your own little spice to accommodate. Frankly though, I'm mother seeing too big a difference with Faba. Maybe because he's not exactly my favorite character, but then there's also much less... descriptive, material on what he did in the games, for obvious reasons..

*Sigh*, even from beyond the grave he's at it, plunging regions into turmoil with his actions in the past. You can't deny Michael's impression in the Ancienverse, as he's more or less the root antagonist in a sense. This can only get messier...

Another gripping conflict across multiple levels, one-on-one, two friends turned away from each other, both believing without doubt in their chosen actions, until the bitter quarrel. I can't even imagine being in either boys' position.

I kept that close to mind during the siege everyone initiated, seeing the effort they had to be put into rectifying Gladion's choice. It was pulse-pounding in its own right, but I'm sure it won't compare to the charge against Aether Paradise itself. In the midst of the chaos though, my favorite Gen VII mid-stage evolution makes his grand appearance, so at least that was a light of triumph in the unfortunate loss, not to mention everyone's favorite trio busting in to do what they do best: throwing things out of whack, this time favorably.

From memory, absolutely the most daunting confrontation in the Alola trilogy this far. I feel Nanu's actions beforehand were somewhat overshadowed, as much as I was enjoying that, but of course I can't deny the whole thing rocked the story heavily. Here, everything finally comes out, and the effects are devastating on all accounts. I can't really describe much else being essentially left with my jaw hanging open.

Mm, completely satisfying! A high-octane battle, followed by an unexpected visit to some ruins, and Serena finally has her answer. With many more challenges ahead, this marks an important victory for the Performer's self, now able to focus and drive forward with force. To this day though, still really enjoy the Ceremonies, apologies.

Yep, here we go, the most depressing town in the whole region. And I'm glad you added in the storm to reflect the persistent rainfall; just wouldn't be the same without it. This looks to be the tail end of Trials, so I'm eager to finally close another page in the saga and see what Ash and the others can accomplish in this wasteland of thugs and darkness.

I'm honestly a little concerned as to what Nanu has in mind. The man is one of the least predictable, even if his personality isn't. I wouldn't be surprised if he had Ash storm Po Town at this point.

I can really feel the difference now with Serena's advancement through the Ceremony. Sure, she hasn't closed the book entirely on what it really means to bring smiles, but time, as well as the positive influence of Maka, has given her a reason to give passion to her dream again. Truth be told I really don't mind whoever wins this one, I'm already satisfied with our heroine's growth.

Finally diving into the meat of the coming threat, seeing all the big players come together to discuss the fate of Alola and the upcoming events that will likely coincide with the apparent disaster. It was interesting to see so many powerful individuals gathered, makes you wonder just what kind of battle they'll have on their hands in the coming month.

Never thought I'd see a collaborative Z-Move attack, though I also can't think of any other pair pulling it off. Suffice to say it was a heck of a way to finish off a Totem, and seeing Nanu begrudgingly accept Ash's challenge moves us right along to the tail end of Ula'ula, where there's plenty of darkness left. For now though, here's hoping for an exciting Ceremony ahead, as well as the reappearance of the great Maka!

Acerloa's trial was legitimately creepy, quite nicely reflected here in Ash's iteration of taking it. Having everyone join in probably helped it stray just shy of straight up horror, adding some fun comedic moments as well as the oh so lovable Team Rocket.

The entire chapter really had some great snippets of interaction, I can't really name all without typing up a page, but it's a refreshing feel to have the full family back together at last, just sharing in good times. I'm sure there's more darkness to come, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

That was one heck of a speech from Serena. It's always the most compassionate that can be the most severe. Every little reaction to her fervor was excellently played out, and I couldn't help but tense up at each calm declaration she sent Keoni's way.

Whatever the case, it was a powerful moment, though not nearly as powerful as the foreshadowed moment that transpired in the Ruins of Abundance. Everyone maybe making strides towards realizing themselves, but that doesn't mean it'll be a positive experience. Watching the Lumiose gym leader will be a difficult road forward.

Hahahahaha! Pardon the upcoming language, but you are just savagely good at this shit! This buildup was coming over the course of three islands now, and the group was even together again to see it snap, even if it was unintentional on their parts. Ah... I'll be grinning for a while...

Anyway, aside from the obviously perfect fit for a Reaction Guys meme, the dialogues between everyone were quite enthralling, with Serena's revelation taking the top spot in my book. Not that I didn't appreciate Lillie's awesome character placement in the story, but having her here really highlights her care towards the friends who changed her world.