Author's Note: Okay, it took me 2 years to get this done, but I finally finished typing out the last two chapters of this story. Wooo~ Time for celebration... So guys, I'm a college student now. That should say it all. Anyways, enjoy, check out my other stories and thank you for waiting so long!

Disclaimer: I do not own any Pokemon characters, places, or plot lines. This chapter is named after my Umbreon, the little dainty angel on the team. I mean, she'll toxic you to shreds, but she'll do it while looking pretty. Yup...

Sweet, Hasty Dreams

MoonAngel

Chapter 9

"Cyan!"

"Good morning Dawn…"

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, just a little tired… Thanks for asking Lucas."

"Hey, let's get a bowl of water and put Barry's hand in it!"

"But that's mean… He stayed up most of the night to make sure I was okay…"

"That's noble of him." I grinned, crawling from under the covers, my hand going through the locks of the blond boy that laid his head on the sheets of my bed. He stirred.

"Time to wake up Barry…"

"Just five more minutes… I mean it…"

"Eh…?"

"It's like this every morning, don't worry."

"So the hasty boy enjoys his sleep…"

"I tried so hard to hide it for him too." I giggled, an idea popping into my head. I brought my lips close to Barry's ear.

"Barry…? Howl's in here with an axe… He looks serious…" With a sharp stir, the boy lifted his head, his orange eyes hazed by alarm and sheer fear. They softened when they met my orange gaze.

"Cyan…"

"Morning Barry…~"

"Yeah, it's almost noon." Barry cringed when Dawn slapped the top of his head with a rolled up magazine. My eyes glittered with happiness, the people around me making me smile sweetly.

"Anyways, what possessed you to go to that inn? You're as reckless as Barry…"

"Hey! I'm proud my recklessness is rubbing off on her."

"Like I said to Barry, there wasn't a lot of information about that place, so we had to go one way or another eventually…"

"Cyan…" I winced a lot at Dawn's scolding tone. Is this how it feels like to be cared about…? "If you're going to do something dangerous, at least bring us along. We're friends right?" I blinked before smiling widely, nodding my response. This is how it feels like to be cared about. There was a knock on the door and a blond head popped through the crack of the ajar door. Our heads turned to Cynthia and the warm expression on her face.

"Ah, it seems that you're up Cyan." I nodded happily, my gaze turning to Barry. Thanks to him…

"We were just asking why she went to the inn."

"I see… Tell me, did you find anything?" Cynthia came to the foot of my bed, sitting on the stiff bedding. Dawn and Lucas were standing in the isle between Dawn's bed and mine. Barry was seated at the chair before my bedside.

"Well, I didn't find anything."

"I did…"

"EH?! Cyan, why didn't you tell me?"

"It's kind of… disturbing…" With a thought I wondered where that diary could be. I turned to the nightstand wedged between the two beds, pulling the drawer and the aged diary out. The cover was still a haunting hallow brown and the pages yellow with age.

"Huh? What's that?"

"I found this in one of the rooms… The first few pages are from 1928, but the last entry is cut off… It continues about 50 years later with a doctor… but the last few entries are disturbing… I think he went mad…" I handed the diary to Cynthia who began to read the messy cursive scrawl. "Then… after I found it, Barry and I had to leave… but at that moment I stared to feel drowsy… If it weren't for Colbur, I would have been attacked then and there…" Yeah… If it wasn't for him, I think I would be in worse shape…

"Hm… I think this is what we're looking for…" Lucas turned to Cynthia in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"This supports my theory about Darkrai." The sound of its name sent shivers up my spine. I guess I haven't fully recovered from those nightmares… Barry saw this and took my hand into his, giving me a comforting smile. It coaxed my lips to peak in response.

"Theory? What kind of theory is it?"

"Well, Lucas, I've been observing its attack patterns. The last time it appeared was 40 years ago, about the time that the second set of entries started. About a month later, the attacks became more frequent and that was considered the climax of the Darkrai attacks. The second set of entries ended after a month."

"Huh? What does that have to do with anything? Does that mean that this diary and Darkrai are connected somehow?"

"Hm… I think I'm following you a bit Cynthia... but the direction of your theory is what scares me."

"What makes you say that Cyan?"

"Well, Barry, considering that Darkrai is the manifestation of nightmares of man and Pokemon, we can conclude that Darkrai is either an immortal being or a species with a small population…"

"Yeah, but I'm not really following this…"

"What if Darkrai isn't either of those? What if… Darkrai is the entity of the manifestation of nightmares of man and Pokemon and that entity needs to take hold of a physical being in order to have presence in the physical world? In other words, what if Darkrai had to possess a host in order to keep living?"

"So something that continues to live through a resurrection or possession?"

"That would be correct Lucas, but Cyan is on a roll here. Let's hear her out."

"Hm… Cynthia, what was the year of the first Darkrai attack?"

"Around 1928."

"I see… This is… very disturbing…"

"Wha? What is it Cyan?" I gave a deep sigh. It's now or never…

"The first Darkrai attack occurred around 1928, the same year that the first set of entries began and ended. The man who wrote in that diary was around… 28 years of age? 28 or 25, I think. The average human life span back there was about 70 or 80 years of age. 50 years later, around the time in which the man would have died due to natural causes, Darkrai attacked once more, the same year the second set of entries began and ended. The doctor in the diary was much older, 40 or 50 years of age at least… The average human life span now is around 80 or 100 years of age. 40 years later, in our present time, Darkrai is attacking Canalave, around the time in which the doctor would have died due to natural causes. If we piece it together like that…"

"Yes… It is grave…"

"Wait, so you're saying that… wha?"

"Darkrai is an entity of the manifestation of nightmares of man and Pokemon and must use a host to have presence in the physical world. The writers in that diary were hosts of Darkrai and since the current host is dying, Darkrai must find a new host in order to survive." Silence.

"N-no way…"

"That's… that's…"

"But how is that possible? That means that this is more serious that we thought it was…" I hung my head. Could it be that Darkrai wants me as its next host…? Maybe it's because I touched the diary… Ghosts and entities are sometimes attached to certain objects and will follow you until you die if you touch those objects…

"Cyan…?" I looked up and saw Barry's face. He looked worried as Lucas, Dawn, and Cynthia talked about the theory I told them. I smiled before squeezing his hand.

"I'm fine…" He gave an uneasy glace at me before giving me a nod. Lucas furrowed his eyebrows.

"If this is the case, what are we going to do? We can't exactly have Darkrai die, I mean, it's just doing what it's supposed to do."

"Yeah, but we can't have it attack the people… It'll take someone and the people around that person will be devastated…"

"… We can always put it to rest." Eyes shot to me, some wide, some with an arched brow.

"But Cyan, Darkrai is a dark typed Pokemon, not a ghost typed."

"There are sometimes similarities between the two. Cyan described Darkrai as an entity. A ghost is also a type of entity; it's just composed of a soul that is clinging onto the idea of life. Since Darkrai is an entity composed of nightmares, we can put it to rest with reason or ending the eternal nightmare."

"It seems a bit risky, but it's our only plan. How are we going to pull it off?"

"Simple, use Cyan as bait."

"Wait, I don't approve of this!"

"No, it's okay Barry…" Barry gave me a pout and squeezed my hand. I faced Cynthia and put a thoughtful expression on my face. "What should I do to get Darkrai's attention…?" Cynthia crossed her arms and thought for a second.

"If Darkrai thinks you're alone and vulnerable, then it will attack. Tonight, we'll have you walk in the forest under our watch to fool it. Lucas will confront and battle it while I observe. Dawn needs to stay in town just in case Darkrai attacks someone other than Cyan and Barry needs to protect Cyan from Darkrai when we lure it."

"It sounds like a good plan…"

"You're okay with it Cyan?"

"Mnn… As long as I get some rest, I'll be okay with it." Dawn giggled as Lucas chuckled. Cynthia gave me a smile.

"Well then, it's settled. We meet here before sunset. I'd advise you that you get your pokemon ready for battle." With curt goodbyes, Cynthia left the room. Then Lucas. Then Dawn. I looked into Barry's chaotic orange eyes.

"Barry…?" He stared at me for a moment. "Don't be worried." He looked down then he suddenly scooped me into an embrace. I gave a muffled meek yelp as my eyes widened. After a moment, I relaxed into his grip, finding a comfortable place at the crook of his neck.

"How can I not be worried…? Cyan… I don't want to lose you…" I squeezed him tighter and he squeezed me in response.

"Barry… I'm not too worried… You'll be there to protect me… I trust you."

"You… you do?" I pulled away to look into his eyes. The hurricanes of orange stopped and I only saw one true emotion within those orange seas.

"Of course I do silly… I l-" Barry's stomach growled loudly. The apples of his cheeks burned with a deep pink and I laughed. Oh Barry… He bashfully pulled away to clutch his stomach.

"S-sorry about that… I haven't really eaten since you were attacked…" I smiled widely at him.

"Go get something to eat… Maybe you can let my Pokemon visit me while you're out…" He smiled back as I reclined back into my pillow.

"I think I will. I'll get you something to snack on, okay?" I gave a nod and giggle in response. Barry retrieved my pokeballs and released my friends into the small room.

"GLACE GLACE!" I was instantly pounced by Occa as she nuzzled close to me and licked my cheek. I chuckled as Howl put Colbur on the bed and Shuca rested his forelegs on the side of the bed, peering at me worriedly.

"Rhy…?"

"Don't worry everyone… I'm fine."

"Glace!"

"Slow…" I smiled and turned to Barry. He smiled back at me and left the room. I scratched the back of Occa's ear and patted the blubber like fat of Colbur. With a low groan, Howl petted my head with his thick vine. I wonder if I will be okay… Darkrai is pretty relentless from what I've been reading… even from my experience. Shuca nudged my thigh and I peered curiously at him.

"Horn horn rhy?" I stared at him for a moment before replying.

"You know Shuca, I'm not too worried. Everyone is here to support me… Including you guys of course." I patted his forehead affectionately, earning a nuzzle and relieved chuckle from the blushing armored pokemon. I stared up at Howl who gave me a solemn look. I knew that look; it was the one he gave me when he felt helpless. I gave him a deeper smile, touching the thick vine that he rested on my head. "Howl… Everyone… I only fell to slumber because I let Darkrai tell me I was afraid."

"Eon glace?"

"I didn't realize that I was never alone in the first place… But now I know that I'm never alone. I have friends that care about me, a family that's always there and you guys to guide me through it all." I gathered Occa and Colbur into my arms and squeezed them. "Thank you… Everyone, thank you…" Especially you Barry… I only realized this because of you… Occa barked happily while Colbur laxly murmured his reply. Howl seemed to ease his worries while Shuca looked humbled at my revelation. I just smiled as I released Occa and Colbur from my grasp. I'm ready for this…


I gripped my upper body tightly, not from fear, but from the chilly air that misted in the night atmosphere. The trees were tall and lush, but shadows lurked beyond their majestic presence. It was dark and it worried me that I wouldn't be able to see due to the darkness.

"Alright Cyan. Are you ready?"

"I'll be as ready as I'll ever be Cynthia."

"Don't worry about anything here in Canalave. Cressellia and I have everything under control!"

"I took the liberty to notify Byron about the situation and will be helping you out if things get out of control."

"I'm sure I'll be fine Cynthia."

As I wandered, I heard the shuffling of bushes on the path preceding my location by nocturnal wild pokemon. It calmed me somewhat. It reminded me that there are others in the area, including him… Just one foot front of the other…

"So you guys will be following me closely right?"

"Don't worry, we'll just be hidden in the foliage close by."

"Okay, I should set off then."

"W-wait!"

"Hmm? What's wrong Barry?"

"Be careful, okay?"

"Of course, but I'm not too worried when I have you, Lucas and Cynthia nearby."

I gave a little sigh. This is actually a bit boring… My body was pumped with so much adrenaline and was ready to confront this beast, but it doesn't seem to want to attack right now. At least Howl doesn't need to worry for the time being. I reached a clearing at the end of the path, my head tilting at the sight. A clearing…? I wandered to the center of the clearing and listened closely. The sounds of bushes shaking and far away cries dimmed into silence and the air settled into a colder mist. Looking about into the darkness, I tried to see if our prey was being lured out, but my eyes began to droop. It's… nearby… My vision was beginning to blur as I felt the ground caress my knees and shins and licked my feet and ankles. It's… definitely nearby… if I'm starting to doze off…

I struggled to keep awake, my hands anchoring into the grass to keep me upright. My heartbeat was slowing down to thumps that echoed gradually from my core. Maybe a little nap wouldn't hurt… A little nap snuggled up against Barry… A line of pink dusted my cheeks as my heartbeat increased at the audacious fantasy. How can I have such thoughts when I'm at the threshold of extreme danger? The small adrenaline shot was enough for my vision to refocus and I saw those blue diamonds in the darkness.

"Darkrai…" Those blue diamonds came out of the darkness and into the moonlight, the cloaked specter floating towards me, a grand head of white trailing behind.

"Lucario use Aura Sphere!" An orb of light shot out of the darkness, hitting Darkrai square in the side. Everything was a blur around me. There were some shouts and a wild roar along with rapid footsteps, but I could not see it for I collapsed into the earth. Just so tired…

"Cyan!?" My body was collected in someone arms and brought close to their warmth. Mnn… Five more minutes… this is making me sleepier…

"Stay awake Lucario! Shake it off and use Dragon Pulse!"

"Don't fall asleep on me Cyan!"

"Mnn… but Barry, I'm comfortable…"

"Cyan if you don't wake up this second—" I gradually opened my eyes, staring into Barry's chaotic orbs laced with worry. They diminished as relief spread over them. "C-Cyan!"

"Close in now Lucario with Extremespeed!"

"Don't worry Barry… Just keep talking to me and I won't fall asleep."

"R-right!" I smiled, standing with Barry's help. I gazed upon the battle before us as Barry guided me to where Cynthia was standing. Lucas was standing before us, focused on the battle as his Lucario struggled to keep his eyes open. Darkrai looked a little winded, but was still at ample condition.

"You need to keep moving Lucario! We're in this together!" Lucario gave a loud roar in response, adrenaline shooting through the steel jackal's veins, enough to bat the sleep from his eyes. "Good! Give it a Force Palm!" Lucario charged once more at Darkrai, striking Darkrai with firm open palms. He landed a few hits before being hit with a dark pulse that Darkrai released after dodging the second lunge. Darkrai seemed paralyzed after, however, not moving as limberly as it was prior to Lucario's attack. Lucas quickly ordered another attack as I looked to Cynthia.

"Cynthia… Do you have anything in mind to help Darkrai pass over?" She looked at me pensively before answering.

"For now, let's wait until Lucas weakens it. It won't be long at this rate though." I looked at her for a moment before looking back at the battle unfolding.

"One more time!" With a battle cry, Lucario charged at Darkrai with great speed, effectively bringing it to the ground. Jumping back to Lucas, Lucario knelt on one knee and panted heavily, but Darkrai was too weak to continue battling. We joined Lucas as we gazed upon the weakened nightmare entity, face down in the grass. Its breathing was labored and dirt soiled its pitch black coat. After a moment of rest, Lucario stood again, in a defensive stance, ready to subdue Darkrai once more if it were to rise again. But I don't think it would want to raise its head…

"So what do we do now?" I looked over to Cynthia and Lucas for guidance.

"What if I caught it? Would that be fine?"

"I don't think catching it is the same as putting it to rest Lucas…"

"I guess you're right."

"Then what are we supposed to do?" I put my hand to my cheek, closing my eyes in deep thought as I leaned away from Barry. What's one way to take care of a nightmare? Hmm… a good dream?

"Cresselia's feather was about to nullify nightmares. Maybe if we gave Darkrai a feather…"

"I think all Darkrai needs is a good dream." I chuckled and approached the fallen Darkrai.

"C-Cyan, wait." I looked back to Barry and gave him a smile. I turned back and moved close to Darkrai. On my approach, he raised his head, his ice blue diamond eyes, dulled. I gave a smile and squatted down to his level.

"Hi Darkrai… I'm Cyan." Darkrai gave a low deep rumble in response. "Have you had any good dreams lately?" He shook his head. "Hmm… how about I tell you a good dream that I want to have?" Darkrai looked at me with his dull diamonds. We stared for a moment before he nodded. I chuckled. He's pretty nice when he's not after your body… I closed my eyes and put my hands together, spreading my fingers.

"Well… let's see… I'm in my room and it's really sunny outside. I go downstairs and the bakery is really busy. My dad is home and he's attending to the customers, so much that he doesn't notice that I sneak past him and go outside." I chuckled to myself. "Across the street, a new café opened up and all my friends come out of it: Lucas, Dawn and Barry. They greet me and we talk for a little while before I get called back to help out my mom. I see Cynthia inside looking at our poffin and I go into the backroom to see my mom and Bebe baking some poffin. Charti zips in through the window from his delivery and gives me a buzz in hello. I give him a wave as Shuca wakes up from his nap under the table and Colbur gives me a little sigh in hello. My mom wanted me to pass out some samples and hands me a really big platter of colorful samples. It's my favorite job. I come out of the room and I see Starf come down from the second floor, covered in dust. I laugh at him, gaining my dad's attention. Howl is there next to him and he takes the platter from me before I can drop it as my dad locks me in a headlock and gives me a little nudgy. He's always like that, so I let him have his fun and head to the front with Howl as Occa bays at my heels close behind." I opened my eyes and smiled at Darkrai.

"I guess that's it. And you know what? I think I can imagine you in there too, happy and laughing along side me. You're nice Darkrai and a good listener." Darkrai stared at me for a moment before nodding, his ice blue diamonds illuminating. I chuckled and felt as if Darkrai was content. He was still for a moment before his body began to fade, dark crystals shedding and fading from existence. I frowned, reaching out a little to the dissipating entity, but stopped when I saw the expression on its face. Happiness was radiating from those blue diamonds that I feared. I smiled alongside Darkrai as he slowly faded. Before he disappeared, he reached out to me, a small puff of purple energy emerging from his hand. The small puff reached me, making me gasp a little, and Darkrai disappeared.

"Well, that's one way to put it to rest." I turned to see Cynthia behind me with Lucas, Lucario and Barry close behind. I nodded happily before yawning meekly.

"Let's get back to Canalave. We should see how Dawn's holding up." I yawned again, Lucas' voice coming through my ear and out the other.

"Looks like someone's tired."

"Mhm…" And I passed out. There were voices and the content of which were scrambled.

"…you think… be okay?"

"Just let… sleep. I think… having a good dream." And a good dream was what I had.


"I guess this will be goodbye for now." I gave Cynthia a handshake, a bright smile on my face. It was about high noon and about two weeks has passed since Barry first brought me to Canalave. It was about time I returned home to my family and keep my promise to my mom. I told her two weeks, so I don't want her to worry.

"You're always welcomed to come by our bakery. We can talk more about Sinnoh mysteries if you want…" Cynthia chuckled as she released my hand.

"I'll take you up on your offer when I'm in the area then." I smiled wider then faced Lucas and Dawn.

"I'll always come by when I'm in Hearthrome Cyan! Sometimes I just need a girl to talk to."

"Well, I am a girl and I'll be eagerly awaiting your visit Dawn. Maybe we can go shopping or watch a contest together."

"Yeah that sounds great!" Dawn and I giggled, pinky promising that we would make plans together.

"Take care of yourself Cyan. Especially since Barry's taking you home."

"Hey!"

"You too Lucas. Don't worry about me. I'm much more adept than Barry when it comes to tenacity. In fact, Barry's the one you should worry about in that category…" Barry pouted as I laughed, poking his side. "But you know I don't mean to be mean." His pout lessened.

"Well let's go! Time is money!" Barry called out his Staraptor, the familiar monochrome bird squawking its cry proudly.

"Don't be a stranger please. If you ever need me for anything, you know where to find me."

"Cyan! If you don't get on right now, I'm going to have to fine you!" I huffed before giving Cynthia, Dawn and Lucas a final goodbye and wave and rushing to Staraptor's back. The monochrome predator took off over the ground, allowing his trainer to grab onto his talons. We rose higher into the air and were soon soaring to Hearthrome. I'll see them again, I know I will. That's what friends do right? They continue being friends.

It was late afternoon when Starraptor touched down on the dark pavement of Hearthrome City. It took the rest of the day to get to the city, but I was glad to be home. I slid off the monochrome bird's back and stoked his well groomed head feathers.

"Thank you Starraptor." I smiled as Barry also gave his thanks before returning his bird to his pokeball. I looked up at Barry, my calm orange eyes glistening in the orange light of the sky. In the purple darkness of the night sky accented by the orange smothered rays of the sun, he looks quite handsome. He caught me staring, a dust of pink coloring his cheeks, coaxing my smile to widen.

"W-what is it? Do I have something on my face?"

"Hm? No, I was just thinking. It's a bit late and you did take me home… So I was thinking it would be best if you stayed the night with us."

"No, that's fine. I don't want to get in the way of your family time." I tilted my head as I walked towards the door to the bakery.

"I've spent about twelve years having family time and only about four months having Barry time. I think I can take a hiatus from the former in favor for you." Another dust of pink colored the boy's cheek, a hand coming to scratch the back of his head bashfully.

"Well, if you insist…" I nodded vigorously and opened the bakery door. The familiar smells of baked goods filled my nose as I stepped in with Barry close behind. I missed this place…

"Mom, I'm home…" From the backroom, my mother, dressed in a floral print summer dress with her spotless white apron and headwrap, appeared with a happy expression on her face.

"Cyan! Welcome home my angel. Oh and you brought a guest!" Barry and I reached the counter as I nodded.

"Yes, this is Barry, one of my closest friends. He took me home, so I invited him to stay since it was getting late." My mother nodded happily. She's so happy. I wonder why…

"Yes, it is getting a bit late. Thank you Barry for bringing Cyan home. She can be a little slow at traveling at times." I pouted, Barry's laughter filling my ears.

"No problem." My mother giggled a little before turning to me.

"Cyan, I have a little surprise that you will like." I tilted my head.

"A surprise?" My mother nodded.

"It's in the backroom dear." My curiosity peaked, causing me to make my way behind the counter and into the backroom. My eyes widened, my heart stopping for a little moment as my shocked expression turned into pure happiness.

"Hey there sport. You're looking good."

"D-dad…!" My dad was sitting at the table, a wide grin on his face. His short black hair licked his temples and forehead and his orange eyes twinkled with joy. He was wearing a black shirt with trousers, but I knew that his attire was just part of his uniform. He looked fit and youth screamed from his movements. I wasted no time in giving him a hug. It has been almost a year since I've seen him since his job had him locate to the Kanto and Johto regions. In response, my dad put me into a headlock and gave me a nuggie. That was how we greeted each other.

"Oh how I missed doing that! Hey, did you get bigger? It's almost been a year since I saw you last so you probably did." I smiled. Dad's home…!

"Honey, you shouldn't be so rough with Cyan." My mother returned to the backroom to check on the stove as Barry just stood awkwardly in the doorway.

"Nonsense! My little girl is tough as nails!" I laughed pitifully at my dad's logic. He always had such high expectations of me as if I was a boy… Oh well.

"Let's say, I'm getting there…"

"So, what is this about a guest?"

"Oh, yes." I motioned Barry to come into the kitchen, a nervous expression on his face. I eased him with my smile. "Dad, this is Barry. Barry, this is my dad."

"Nice to meet you sir."

"Any friend of my daughter is always welcomed! Nice to meet you son!" My dad stood and gave Barry a brohug, causing me to laugh. Barry wore an uncomfortable expression as my dad released him from his hold. While they stood, I pulled the table out more so someone could sit at the side that was pushed up against the wall. My dad sat down in his seat while Barry sat on the side next to my dad. I brought a fourth chair from next to the pantry and set it on the side next to the wall, sitting in it. I smiled at Barry who sat across to me. The nervous expression was starting to lessen.

"Okay everyone! Dinner is ready. We have enough food for everyone, including your pokemon. Cyan honey, can you help me with these bowls?"

"Coming mom. It's time for dinner everyone." I stood and took out my pokeballs. Calling out my companions, I helped my mother take out the large pokemon bowls.

"Glace!" "Slow…" "Growth?" "Horn."

"Hey there buddy." Howl's eyes twinkled with joy, giving my dad a high five. "And what do we have here? A rambunctious little Glaceon, a lazy looking Slowpoke and a clueless Rhyhorn? Cyan, you sure have taste when it comes to the art of befriending." I laughed pitifully, filling a few bowls with pokemon food as my mother set the table, setting the pork loins, mashed potatos and rolls in the center. Occa jumped into dad's lap, mieuing curiously as my dad tilted his head, avoiding the fork that was psychically thrown at his head by Colbur, Shuca just staring up at Howl, begging an explanation. Barry laughed at the display, taking out five pokeballs.

"It's time to eat guys!" Five white figures appeared onto the floor, the white fading into their image.

"Rosee…" "Fernape!" "Float?" "Cross." I gave the silent Staraptor a pat on the head. Snorlax was missing, but it was probably because Barry fed him earlier this morning in Canalave. Infernape, understanding the situation, helped me distribute the large heavy bowls, for it was obviously too heavy for me to carry. I heard footsteps from the stairs. I turned my head and saw a very sleepy Starf with Charti perched on his head.

"Those are some handsome looking pokemon son!"

"Hi Starf and Charti."

"L-Licky!" "Buzz…"

"You think so? We've been training really hard for two years!"

"Dad, where's Chople? I miss him." My dad chuckled, producing a pokeball and calling out its contents.

"Pyringggg…" A red and blue creature with yellow swirled eyes floated next to my dad before zipping to me, chirping a hello. I gave him a hug in hello, my father's Porygon-Z zipping away to greet Howl and the rest. After a little bit more time, everything was ready and I returned to my seat across Barry. He was engrossed in a conversation with my dad about his adventures and experiences in battling. It put another smile on my face. He looked so nervous, but now he looks so enthusiastic. I'm so happy to be home…


I brushed my hair free of tangles in front of my vanity. I changed into my pajamas after dinner, a simple white tee shirt and red sport shorts, and retired to my room after showing Barry to the guest room. He and dad had a very animated conversation after dinner as mom and I cleared the table and washed the dishes. Howl and Starf were in their respective corners of the room, their forms draped with their teeny blankets. I really don't know why they still sleep with those small blankets, maybe it's because it was the first blankets we gave them when they were smaller.

I shook my head at the thought, a smile widening on my face. Colbur and Occa were sleeping on my bed, exhausted from the day's events. Charti was in his spot on the bookcase, lying on his long pillow. Shuca was sleeping in the kitchen with Chople to keep the house from collapsing. I felt bad for leaving him there, but I told him that we wake up early every day and he gets to smell the fresh scent of baked goods first. He was excited about that, so I guess that'll give him some sweet dreams. I looked at my reflection one last time before standing, setting my brush on my vanity. I think I'll go visit Barry… I left my room, softly closing the door behind me. I walked across the hall, and stood before the guest room, the room that I showed Barry to. I wonder what he's doing right now… I lifted my hand, closing it into a loose fist, motioning to knock my knuckles against the door. The door opened briskly.

Thud. I fell back onto my butt, my arms supporting me from falling completely to the floor. A weight pressed against my legs as I felt a hot breath on my nose, but my eyes were closed to ease the pain ebbing from my tailbone.

"O-oh… H-hi Cyan." I smiled and opened my eyes, my vision filling with Barry's chaotic orange orbs.

"Hi Barry…" The boy stood, offering me a hand. I stood with his help, my hand gently entwined with his. It didn't leave his warmth.

"So what are you doing up still?"

"I just wanted to come visit with you…" I smiled as I spied a dust of pink on Barry's face.

"W-well, so did I." I giggled.

"Do you want to go to the roof? It's pretty clear tonight so maybe we can see the stars…" Barry put a puzzled expression on my face before nodding numbly. I grinned, letting go of his hand, and led him to the end of the hall, where there was a ladder and a door on the ceiling. I steadied the ladder and climbed it half way so I could pop the door open. It rested on the roof. We climbed the ladder and crawled to the center of the roof of the bakery. I gave a satisfied sigh, staring up at the starry sky.

"Dad and I used to come up here a lot and he would teach me about the sky. I think I was about seven or eight and Howl would come up here with us—when he was still a Tangula. When he accepted his new assignment about two years ago, I started coming up here less and less…" Barry listened to me intently. I looked away from the stars and looked at him. "I think this is the first time in a year and a half that I've been up here."

"Really? It's a good view of the city from up here." It wasn't the best view, but it was still something that was special in my heart. I nodded happily.

"So what did you think of my dad?"

"He's so cool!" Barry excitedly told me of what he thought of my dad and I smiled really wide. I was so happy that he liked my family.

"What about your dad? How's he like?" Barry tilted his head.

"My dad? He's the Battle Tower Tycoon." I gasped, my eyes reflecting my surprise.

"Really…? That's amazing… Is that why you're such a good trainer?" Barry bashfully rubbed the back of his head.

"Well not really how it works… But I really want to be a better trainer than him some day." Barry told me about his goals as a trainer and how he wants to surpass his father. I looked at him at awe, hearing his strong conviction and persistence.

"Barry… You're so cool…" Barry did a double take, a fine pink on the apples of his cheeks.

"W-what? Uh… Thank you." He was rubbing the back of his head again, looking down at his legs. I giggled, pressing my knees closer to my body. After a moment, we both stared up at the sky. I saw a cluster of stars that looked like a Piplup. A smile was on my face. I was so happy in this moment. Dad was back, I was home and Barry…

"Are you getting cold? Your arms have goosebumps." I looked at my arms and they were tense with bumps. I bashfully chuckled.

"I guess I am…" I didn't notice because my heart was so warm from the happiness.

"Let's go back." I nodded. I could have asked him if he could give me a hug for warmth or to drape his arm around me to stay out longer, but I figured that I should save some happiness for another day.

Author's Note: Just one more chapter~ Just one moreeee~