X
BOOM!
Mana's and Claydol's joint magma cannon placed a solid hit on Groudon's exposed chest and the Continental Pokemon let out an angry bellow as it staggered backwards and in the direction of the Abundant Shrine from whence it came.
"Just a little more..." Mana grunted and they pushed harder against Groudon's chest, doing their very best to move it further towards its pit. However, Groudon was free from Cyrino's control now and regained whatever ferocity that had remained dormant during the time when it had been bound under the Blue Orb's spell. Grunting, it grabbed the attack and pressed its feet into the ground before hurling them over its head and into the buildings behind it, making the lava ball burst on impact.
It wasn't enough...Claydol moaned tiredly as it hovered a good distance away from the flames before dropping down like a stone, sending Mana sprawling against the ground.
"Damn it...are we going to die in vain...?" the boy cursed as he felt his body finally give in. "Will we have contributed...nothing to this nation...?"
Groudon raised a hand and was just about bringing it down on them when an equally gigantic fist-shaped, steel pillar burst through the ground and delivered a nasty, ground-shaking uppercut to Groudon's lower jaw, pushing it away from the surprised duo.
"Hey, Mana! Good job pushing Groudon towards the Abundant Shrine!"
Mana looked up and saw Scarlet and White atop the massive pokemon's head with heroic grins on their faces.
"You're not dying anymore, Mannie!" White yelled. "I'm doubly sure of it!"
"And quit saying you didn't do anything to contribute in stopping Groudon. The modesty act gets a little old after two or three times!" Scarlet shouted and gave his signature grin. "And thanks for all the help! You did your fellow bishounen guys proud! Now let's finish what Cyrino started and put Groudon back to sleep!"
Suddenly, Mana felt a fresh burst of vitality and looked to his shoulder to see Jirachi sitting on it playfully and grinning cutely.
"Mana's soul came back for some reason and Jirachi felt nice enough to replenish Mana'a and Claydol's spent aura! Isn't Jirachi awesome!"
The boy sweatdropped a little but smiled as he felt his pain ebb away. Looking to Claydol, he sighed in relief to see the pokemon also confused and glad at tje miracle that had occurred.
"Shall we finish this then?" Nella asked confidently stepping beside Mana with the three coloured balls in her arms. Breathing in deeply, she extended the balls and her henna markings began to glow a radiant blue instead of the usual green. In seconds, the spheres lifted into the air and circled each other, producing light as they got faster and faster until they swelled in size and exploded, revealing the Kami Trio in their respective Therian Formes.
"No time for introductions, boys!" Scarlet cried from atop Groudon as it started to shake him and White off. "Help us push this big guy back into the Abundant Shrine! You too, Jirachi!"
"That's not a wish, right?" Jirachi asked and from the bemused glances it got, it didn't take up to a second for her to realise that as a big, fat OF COURSE NOT!
Grabbing White, Scarlet leapt off Groudon's head and landed on Tornadus' back; the latter opting to fly them safely back to the ground beside Nella and Mana.
"Let's do this!" the hunter declared and touched the base of Groudon's feet, copying as much of its god-like strength as his gloves could manage.
"Beartic! We'll need your Water attacks!" the trainer exclaimed, flinging her pokeball and releasing her Freezing Pokemon.
"Great Kami Trio, hear my plea! Assist us like you did our ancestors and lend us your strength once more!" Nella beseeched. The legendaries roared in compliance and faced Groudon with equal looks of fierce determination in their yellow eyes.
"I've still got control over the magma for a little longer so I'll help too!" Mana chipped in, accepting Nella's cloak to hide his apparent nakedness. No one really paid it any attention though as they were far too focused on the colossal Titan of Land before them.
Groudon roared, the legendaries tensed, Beartic put his hands close, Scarlet smirked and Mana took in a deep breath.
"Let's make this the best party Arjrabal's ever seen!" Scarlet declared and as one, they charged towards Groudon with everything they had.
The Continental Pokemon unleashed a large jet of magma at its foes but Mana quickly stopped it with his powers and redirected it back at the monster-pokemon's eyes, blinding it temporarily. In its rage, it blindly let fly several ground pillars and Scarlet huffed before clapping his hands together and slamming them against the ground, summoning pillars of his own to counter each attack while using the leftovers to hammer Groudon in the belly. At that moment, Groudon was able to see clearly again only for it to see three Hammer Arms sink into its right cheek and make it stagger backwards again. Before it could regain its balance, Jirachi's Gyro Ball crashed against its chest followed by a powered up Water Pulse attack from Beartic. Roaring in protest, Groudon raised a foot to begin and earthquake but was promptly surprised to see Scarlet dash forward and stop the foot midway his boosted strength, letting it land on him instead and cratering the ground below.
"HRAAAAR!" the hunter yelled and gave a mighty push, letting Groudon fall back and land in Central Plaza. "We're close now! Give it all you've got, guys!"
The fighters yelled back in agreement and struck harder at Groudon. Sighting its prison nearing its feet, Groudon became far more ferocious and suddenly began giving them lower chances of winning. First, it executed a plentiful Stone Edge attack which everyone had to dodge although they couldn't avoid them all. The legendaries suffered the most as they were naturally weak to Rock-type attacks. Despite that, they held strong and relentlessly blew away the large rocks with Protect barriers. Groudon still had more up its sleeves and with a smirk, it quickly created an Earthquake by slamming its large tail into the ground. This was enough to rock everyone on the ground off their feet and give it an opening to try and squish them under its foot. Just before it did though, a fiery hot Dragon Breath got it in the eye and Bu smirked from his position in the air while Krookodile sat on his back and fired away with multiple Stone Edges.
"To arms! Save Arjrabal!" Khan cried from atop a building and every pokemon in Arjrabal charged down the streets and into Groudon's feet, knocking it back further.
"Final stretch! Let's finish this, everyone!" Nella cried.
"YEAH!" they cheered and Landorus summoned two stony missiles before sending them into Groudon's gut. Thunderus let fly Dark Pulse and Tornadus summoned a Hurrican attack that, combined with Thunders' attack, sent Groudon inches before the hole.
"Launch me!" Scarlet cried, dashing towards Beartic who grabbed him, spun around and flung the boy towards Groudon with all his might before conjuring a large Ice Beam and sending it into Groudon's abdomen. Scarlet drew back a fist before sending it forward, both punching Groudon in the chest and summoning another massive pillar that jammed into its side and provided the necessary push needed for Groudon to fall into its deep lava pit with a loud splash.
"Mana!" Nella called.
"On it!" the boy replied, weaving the magma over Groudon and using it to hold it in places. "Scarlet!"
"I hear ya!" he grunted and formed pillars that wrapped around Groudon and tied it down completely. "White!"
"Jirachi!" she called out and touched the Wish Pokemon gently. "I wish Groudon was put back to sleep with a far stronger seal over it than that of Nella's ancestors, never to see the light of day until it becomes really and truly good!"
"And Jirachi says: Your Wish is My Command!" the pokemon chirped and opened its Eye of Truth while taking on a white glow. Instantly, Groudon felt its eyelids droop and with a tired moan, it sank down and disappeared beneath the lava. Afterwards, the ground rumbled and a black, shiny covering appeared over the hole, covering the pit entirely and forming a large star-shape on its surface, showing the seal used and thus bringing their long, harsh battle to an end.
Silence.
Silence.
Silence.
Slowly, the panting Scarlet heard a faint noise and he looked up to see the citizens of Arjrabal, both foreign and pure-blooded, applauding the brave fighters who had stood against a god, braved severe temperature conditions and overcome Cyrino's misguided wrath. The applause turned into shouts and whistles and before long, Nella was hefted into the air by her people and was being paraded around Southern as a heroine. Scarlet, White, Jolteon and Mana weren't spared either as a myriad consisting of men, women, children and pokemon hiked them up with cheers and hoorays for their pure guts and sheer tenacity in saving Arjrabal.
Even Emboar, Beartic, Krookodile, Scraggy, Claydol and Bu where somehow or the other lifted by the fighting-type and psychic-type pokemon in the area and with a grand shout, the once-heated battlefield was transformed into a place of celebration.
All at once, the sky began to clear and Scarlet squinted at the clear and beautiful pink sunset that embraced Arjrabal like a loving mother with her awakening child.
"We spent nearly the whole day fighting off Groudon and I didn't get to sleep cos we were out doing temple run," White yawned, purple eyes fizzling back to golden yellow and drooping heavily. "I think we deserve a long sleep...but even then...I'm glad to have sacrificed it all for their sakes."
"Heh. Just enjoy the ride, ditz," Scarlet joked and relaxed over the people carrying him above their heads. "If saving the world meant riding human waves on a sunset like this...then I'm sure a day of no sleep is worth it."
White laughed and closed her eyes, finally succumbing to fatigue and dropping off to sleep despite the songs of praise going on.
"How're you doing over there, Mannie?" the hunter snickered upon seeing Mana's confused and dishevelled appearance, showing that he lacked any experience with human waves. "Ha. Amateur."
"I...don't deserve all this...do I?" the boy stuttered shyly as people chanted his name.
"Shut up and enjoy it already, snow head," Khan deadpanned from beside him and casually bopped a foot on a man's head. "Hey! Easy with that! Don't you know I'm injured?!"
Scarlet sweatdropped. "Injured people don't ride human waves in the first place. You'll only end up-"
Khan comically spurted blood from his mouth and passed out, completely unknown to the joyful Arjrabalians.
In minutes, they came to the Southern Plaza where Nella was placed on a suitable announcement platform with Bu, Mana and his Claydol at her left side. Scarlet, carrying the snoozing White bridal style, stood on her right with Jolteon, White's pokemon and Krookodile.
"My people!" the sultan greeted and gestured to Nella's group. "These are the courageous teenagers and pokemon who stood up to Cyrino and Groudon despite their cultural differences! If they could join hands and work together for the good of this nation then what stops us from doing the same? I hope for all of you to take a lesson from this! United, we stand! Divided, we fall! Starting today, it doesn't matter who you are, what class you're from or what culture either! We shall unite and live together in peace and harmony! Do I have an agreement?!"
The crowd was silent until a little girl burst through and climbed onto the platform.
"Minmi...?" Nella asked before grinning broadly. "Minmi!"
"Nella!" the girl cried and threw herself against the happy redhead who lifted her and spun her around with a laugh. Giving her an eskimo kiss, Nella placed the girl down and faced her people sternly.
"Think of a world where cute children like Minmi can freely run into people's arms without having to be restricted by racial differences. I want that world and she does too. My best friend-human friend, Bu-is a mixed-breed and yet he fought and nearly gave his life up for your safety. I'm sure he supports the sultan's notion too and only an ingrate would fail to not see just how well we can get along with others! Scarlet and White are also our best examples. They're not from here. Heck, they didn't even know Arjrabal truly existed but did that stop them from helping me? NO! Learn from this, guys. We may be living in paradise but that doesn't give us a reason to act pompous. Paradise should be shared with everyone, male and female, humans and pokemon, foreigners and real Arjrabalians. I support the notion. What about you?"
The crowd murmured uneasily and Nella was just about sighing before Scarlet chipped in his own speech.
"Anyone who disagrees can talk to me about their problems," he stated and bared his fangs in a creepy grin. "I'll casually put in as much appeal into my gentle persuasion as possible and make you see reason."
"I agree!" one Arjrabalian man shouted.
"I agree!" a foreign woman called.
"Kroo-kodile!" Khan's Krookodile chipped in and slowly but surely, the whole crowd voiced their approval, not only because of Scarlet's potent threat but also because Nella's speech had truly touched their hearts.
"Then let us make peace with our neighbours and come to the main matter at hand," Salim stated and turned to Nella with a proud smile. "Princess Nella. As Sultan of Arjrabal and your uncle, I thank you on behalf of Arjrabal for your brilliant leadership and courage displayed in protecting this city. You'll make a fine queen in future."
Nella beamed and hugged Minmi close.
"Mana. You are the bravest, most patriotic and most kind-hearted lad I have ever seen. Every living Arjrabalian should follow your wonderful example, including me. Thank you for saving our city from burning. Your parents would've been proud."
The boy gave a small nod and looked down to hide the silly smile on his face as Claydol nudged him playfully.
"Khan," Salim called and the straight-faced young man was brought on a stretcher and placed before the sultan who kneeled and put a hand over his shoulder. "You've grown, boy, from that once hateful child to a fine young lad of upstanding behaviour and a strong sense of duty. Thank you for saving my niece and putting your all into fighting against Groudon and Cyrino."
"Sir!" Khan replied curtly with a salute and grinned as Krookodile loomed over him. "We're heroes, buddy." Laughing, Krookodile swung the poor teen around, definitely oblivious of the state he was in.
Salim rolled his amused eyes before finally turning to the three most important visitors who made all this possible. "Scarlet, White, Jolteon. You three are the strangest group I have ever seen with your near-magical technology and whatnot but I must admit that you were also the most interesting group of people to ever set foot-or should I say face- in this nation. Despite not knowing us at all, you tenaciously sought to solve our problems no matter the challenge and prevailed in your noble quest for the truth. What's more, you even saved us from Cyrino's menace multiple times. Really and truly, we all owe our lives and much more to you and your pokemon. Thank you. Thank you for being here with us and saving us. You are Arjrabal's greatest heroes and have marked your names in our history books."
Scarlet gave a small smile and shrugged. "Jeez. Heroes huh? Oh well, if that's how you see it. We're just happy to help in whatever way we can. Besides, I got back at Cyrino anyway so it's all good." Jolteon barked in compliance and Emboar snorted proudly as people cheered gratefully.
"And how can I forget our esteemed legendaries who contributed greatly to our safety," Salim stated, looking to the Kami Trio floating above them in their original Formes now. Jirachi playfully flew around the sultan before coming to rest on his turbaned head.
"Jirachi had the most fun today! It doesn't even feel like sleeping yet!" it sang happily and struck a pose. "Be grateful, people! Jirachi's wish saved the day!"
Everyone laughed at its silly pose and the pokemon pouted before lightening up a again and floating towards Minmi who cooed at its cute appearance and began to play with it.
"Hey Nella," Scarlet spoke up as soon as he got close enough. "Harvest Ceremony, remember?"
Blue eyes widening, she nodded and relayed the message to her uncle.
"I suppose you can do it right here if they allowed," he whispered and gave Landorus a questioning glance. The Abundance Pokemon simply nodded and folded its arms before consulting with its counterparts. After a minute, Landorus floated towards Nella and gave an approving nod before floating towards the back of the podium with Tornadus and Thunderus in tow. On cue, the herald stepped up to the podium and cleared his throat loudly, calling the crowd's attention.
"People of Arjrabal! As you all know, this is the day of the Harvest Ceremony and though it was interrupted by the historical events earlier, we plan to finish it and celebrate. And now, with the Kami Trio's permission, we shall get to see our very own princess perform the sacred prayer."
Everyone fell into quiet murmurs as the large stage was cleared of every object on its marble surface. Scarlet found a suitable park bench at the front and he gently placed White against the long bench before seating down and placing her head on his laps. Mana sat beside the ravenette and Khan got his nurse to finally leave him alone so he could plop down next to Mana. Meanwhile, Landorus, Thunderus and Tornadus hovered to the end of the platform, getting into their respective positions and watching as four tall Old Style lampstands with Lampent-shaped tops were erected on the four corners of the stage.
"To think we'll get to see the ceremony first hand. Luck's having a field day, right Jolteon?" Scarlet remarked.
We deserve it after all, his furry partner replied, lying lazily on Scarlet's head like a fur hat. Considering all the hassle we had to go through anyway.
The hunter nodded. "Guess you're right."
The lamps were lighted and Mana drew his knees up to his chin in slight excitement. "The ceremony that has been kept hidden for several tears...and I can't believe I'm alive to see it now."
"Does it excite you that much?" Scarlet inquired curiously and Khan gave a mocking snort.
"Of course it does. I've heard tales about how the songs sung by a Shrine Maiden on that day can melt even the stony heart of a Probopass. Plus, something amazing is said to happen and the fact that we've got four powerful legendaries here in our midst is enough to make anyone excited. Man, you're such a stiff."
"Look who's talking," the ravenette deadpanned.
Khan scowled before directing his gaze to the sleeping trainer on Scarlet's lap. "White will miss the ceremony if she doesn't wake up soon. Is she that tired?"
She kept up her purple eyes for a while. I won't be surprised if she doesn't wake up till tomorrow, Jolteon mused.
"She'll wake up when she feels like it," Scarlet stated and brushed some hair off White's face. "For now, let her rest."
Soon after, the crowd hushed as light drumbeats began to reverberate through the evening air. Walking through the pathway made for her by the crowd, Nella strutted towards the stage in new ceremonial clothes and took the steps before coming to a stop before the Kami Trio. Turning, she threw a solemn glance at her audience before kneeling and taking a deep breath.
"She's going to sing now," Mana whispered observationally, heart beating in anticipation. He always loved her singing and looked forward to the day when she would use her angelic tones for the ceremony, especially since people said that a Shrine Maiden's singing prowess soars even higher on that particular day.
Scarlet and Jolteon tuned their senses to Nella and waited for this so-called magnificent song. Surely it couldn't be that good.
The song started as a whisper. A low one that no one could hear unless they came really close. The fluid instrumentals that came from nowhere also dulled in tune to her vocals but slowly began to rise in tempo and tune. Nella's voice followed suit and changed from melancholic whispers to melodious tones, rising and falling like waves with each beat and rhythm provided by instruments. Suddenly, the volume spiked, signifying the end of the intro and changing the music from calm adagio to playful allegro. Nella's body also moved to each beat and she danced with as much precision as a Beautifly. The crowd also found themselves clapping to the music and in no time, her solemn song was transformed into a cheery chorus. Scarlet resisted the urge to join in and simply took in Mana's entranced expression. The same went for Khan, Jolteon and everyone else who heard her music.
To put it simply, Scarlet and Jolteon had to eat their words as the magical song dazzled their ears and conveyed all her feelings of gratitude to not only the people who helped in their battle but also the pokemon who contributed greatly.
"Beautiful, right?" Mana asked in a shaky voice. "And to think I wouldn't be here to hear it if not for you guys."
"Makes you happy to be alive, buddy!" Khan remarked cheerfully looping an arm around the white-haired boy. "Now shut up and enjoy the chorus! You too, Scarlet!"
"I'll pass. Clapping like a madman isn't my style," the ravenette objected flatly and returned to watching Nella sway and gyrate like an experienced gypsy. The music's tone also became more energetic and rose up till bursting point before stopping abruptly at the beat of a drum. The crowd ceased their rendition at the same time and Nella finally stopped spinning, finding herself standing before Landorus, Tornadus and Thunderus. Slowly, she raised her tattooed arms towards Landorus and the audience held their breaths as her arms and eyes started glowing bright orange. Incoherent whispers poured from her lips while the Kami Trio joined hands and circled round her solemnly. With a start, Scarlet and Jolteon noticed a rainbow spiral of aura wafting off the stage and the Kami Trio also started their own deep, incoherent incantations; their eyes were also glowing a deep red too. Suddenly, they split away and gave mighty roars and the crowd jumped in slight fright as a pillar of rainbow light burst from the heavens and enveloped Nella and the Kami Trio. At the same time, large, bright light-waves spread in circular motion from the four corners of the stage and Scarlet flinched upon their light touch. However, he and the others found that they had nothing to fear as the waves gently brushed past them and continued far and wide, spreading over every street, corner and end of the Southern District and beyond.
Then something amazing happened.
"H-Hey...my injuries are gone..." Khan stuttered, jumping up quickly to inspect himself. Scarlet arched an eyebrow before doing a double take at himself, suddenly feeling his aches disappear as the waves brushed past him. Jolteon, Mana, Claydol and Bu noticed the same thing and the psychic-types who had sustained injuries whooped and chirped in joy as their headaches and bruises vanished into thin air. The same went for the guards and everyone else who got injured in the big fight and a as one, they all realised that this was Nella's healing power at work, amplified by the Kami Trio's aura. The miracles didn't stop there and someone screamed in shock, making everyone turn back and gawk at the scene behind them.
Arjrabal Central had been completely restored, down to the last blade of luscious, green grass. It even looked far more beautiful than before and Scarlet pinched himself to see if he was dreaming.
"Sultan! The farming district at Northern just called and reported a sudden increase in crop harvest!" a messenger cried, running forward.
"Sir, the canals are flowing faster than ever! Our ecologists have reason to believe that a bigger underground spring developed right beneath Western!" another messanger reported, coming down from his Xatu. "We won't have to worry about using up our old one now."
"Your Eminence!" a man cried, dashing through the crowd and stopping to catch his breath before the sultan. "I'm the one who was in charge of guarding the city walls today and you may not believe this but the desert to the right of us...has a beach!"
"EHHH?!" Scarlet and his group cried in disbelief. "YOU'RE KIDDING!"
"No sirs!" he replied, shaking his head ferociously. "You should take a look for yourselves!"
"It's true!" a voice yelled and everyone looked up to see Khan and Bu already high up above them. "A vast sea that extends to nowhere! It's a miracle!"
"But...how?" Scarlet echoed and looked to the pillar. "Is this the power of Legendary Pokemon?"
"With Nella's intervention, I believe so," Mana replied and grinned from ear to ear. "This has never happened with the other shrine maidens. A new record for the history books, I guess."
"We've got a beach! YES!" Khan cheered, pumping a fist.
Salim stared at the pillar of light and sighed before looking to the sky and throwing a small smile. "Your daughter really loves this country, brother. Perhaps she's a better suited leader than I, seeing as how she's devoting herself to working with the Kami Trio and convincing them to better Arjrabal."
Even the slums were transformed into magnificent structures and Scarlet finally passed everything off as just another great mystery to the world. He wouldn't admit it as a miracle. Not yet anyway.
"Mmmm..."
The ravenette looked down to see White slowly awakening and her hazy eyes went wide upon noticing that her tiredness had dispelled.
"What happened?" she asked, looking around at the happy people before stopping at the rainbow pillar.
"Nella's performing the ceremony and...stuff...happened," Scarlet replied as she sat up straighter and stretched. "Looks like its almost over too."
True to his words, the pillar gradually diminished and thinned out until it disappeared from sight, darkening the plaza again. The crowd watched as Nella's eyes dimmed back to blue and she lowered her head to catch her breath as silence spread through the vicinity. Slowly, she raised herself up again and looked to the crowd before giving a toothy grin and making a V-for-Victini-Victory sign. All at once, everyone burst into cheers again and the people danced to the new music that began to play. Scarlet, White and Jolteon watched the celebration and smiled to each other before running up to Nella and helping her off the stage as she was too spent to even keep herself standing.
"You did your brothers proud, Nellie!" White congratulated, flashing a grin as soon as she heard the full story. "Good job!"
"Thanks White," the redhead replied, equally grinning. "Now that its over, I'm sure you guys are just itching for the party that's coming up soon."
"Yup!"
"Nella!" Mana caught up to them and threw a sheepish smile. "We're...changing the theme for the party."
Nella tilted her head, puzzled. "So...what's the theme then?"
Mana blushed and looked down shyly. "Uh...um...w-we're going to have a b-beach party..."
Scarlet blinked. Jolteon sweatdropped and White's expression totally brightened.
"BEACH PARTY? YES!" she screamed, pumping her right fist into the air...and knocking Khan backwards.
"Bitch! What was that for?!" he yelled, a tick mark forming as he felt his nose redden. "Why I oughta!"
In his comical rage, he lunged at White only for her to shriek and dodge, leaving him to accidentally hit Scarlet instead.
"You just love fighting, don't you?!" the teen retorted and promptly socked Khan in the gut, making him stagger and crash into one unsuspecting, burly man.
"Hey! Watch it!" the guy yelled and tried to punch Khan off but the latter dodged and the former ended up punching Mana's Claydol who snapped and angrily sent weak Psyshocks at every living thing in sight. Like fuel to the fire, the comical riot spread and the plaza was transformed into a free-for-all battle.
Mana stepped up to the stage and cleared his throat, stopping the fight instantly. "Citizens of Arjrabal. This is a day of honour and peace! Please, let us cease this unnecessary display of immaturity and-"
"That bloke just called us immature!" a woman butted in.
"Get him!" another one cried and Mana suddenly felt hands grab at his legs and pull him into the rowdy crowd. Laughing, Scarlet punched one man away and came face to face with White.
"Now this is a party!" she suddenly exclaimed and innocently crashed her fist into his face, sending him flying into Krookodile who unleashed dozens of Mud Slaps at everyone in an attempt to catch the now-running ravenette. Khan happily beat off some men that tried to grab him and met with the dazed Mana on the floor.
"Amateur," he scoffed and stepped over him to continue in Arjrabal's massive playfight. However, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Nella standing right in front of him. "Uh..."
"You..." Sticking a hand out, the mad redhead grabbed the nearest person-who happened to be Mana- and flung him at the screaming Khan. "IDIOT!"
BAM!
Both young men were hurled ten meters back and crashed into Bu who roared and batted them back with his green tail.
The celebration was hilarious and everyone punched away their stress and worries, laughing and cheering like mad men and pokemon. Salim watched everything from his safe position atop Landorus' shoulder and facepalmed before looking to the night sky again.
"Yes...Nella is well-suited for handling these types of people."
Kami Beach. Arjrabal Western.
"Cheers!"
The teens clinked their wine glasses together and took deep swigs of their Sitrus Berry wine before gasping at its satisfying taste.
"Who brews these babies?" Scarlet remarked in awe and everyone laughed. The beach party was in session and various swimsuits were unleashed upon the newly formed beach. Scarlet, Mana and Khan had lost quite a considerable amount of blood via nosebleeding as they were subjected to the young women's bouncing furies. They lost even more when Nella and White came out of the changing room in two piece swimsuits that showed quite a lot of... you can complete the rest.
"Princess!" Mana had cried in horror with blood cascading from his nostrils. "The combination of the remarkably-low cut on your top and the moon's pure shine upon your luscious swells is enough to make any man-"
"HOT!" Scarlet had cut-in, doing his best to sheath his bleeding nose. "HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT!"
And so, without further ado, the laughing girls had promptly dragged their friends into the water for beach ball and drown-the-prudish-Jolteon-who-chose-to-stand-in-the-corner-and-laugh. Even Krookodile dared to take a small step into the water and would've adjusted to it more had it not been for White's drunk Scraggy who suddenly felt like practising the drunken fist technique. Boys weren't the only ones that nosebled that night as several girls oohed and ahhed at Khan's abs and even Mana's toned, light muscles. Scarlet disappointed though as he instead chose to wear his signature clothing for swimming...a long, striped wet-suit that made him look like a Zebstrika. Hey, it was a lot better than showing off hideous scars and ruining the happy moment. Several minutes of swimming and shorts-pulling -in which they found out that Mana was a boy BTW! XD- later, the teens sat back on the sand were currently enjoying their refreshing drinks with their pokemon lying around them.
"Arjrabal's still got a long way to go..." Nella remarked, stretching a hand out to the numerous stars that dotted the beautiful midnight-blue sky.
"But we'll be here to help and see it through, Princess," Mana replied, throwing a smirk of determination.
"Every step of the way!" Khan grunted, smacking his fist into his palm. "That's what best friends are for."
Bu growled.
"Sorry. Best human-friends."
The pokemon nodded appreciatively and purred as the redhead scratched his neck playfully.
"Yeah," she replied and looked to the three visitors who had returned to the water to play with their pokemon. A scar-faced ravenette who seemed far wiser than his age and hinted at becoming something great in future. A yellow-eyed, busty girl with snow-white hair and a heart purer than the most refined of diamonds with a strong will and a kind spirit, definitely destined for greatness despite her evident lack of common sense. And a yellow, furry Lightning Pokemon who acted as mediator between the two, observing their every move and happily joining in their antics despite his sarcastic nature and all-round prudishness. A loyal friend to have in times of need, apparently. Together, they made an odd trio but their manners and behaviour shined brighter than any star.
"I wonder if they'll stay," Khan mused, sensing her thoughtful gaze. "I wouldn't mind having a sparring partner like scarface over there. White's also a good friend to talk to and Krookodile just loves getting into arguments with Jolteon."
"It's their decision. They're welcome to...but I get the feeling that they'll decline."
And they graciously did, minutes later once they re-emerged from the water.
"Sorry, but I've gotta fulfil my destiny and become the strongest trainer in Unova," White explained, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. "Plus, I can't tie Scarly and Jolteon down either since I've gotta show 'em to a certain pokemon once my quest is over."
Nella nodded understandingly and folded her arms behind her back. "I figured you'd say that."
"Hey White. Since we're done here, I think it's okay for us to leave," Scarlet announced, walking up to them. "How does tomorrow sound?"
"Eeh? No fair! I didn't even get to see the Flygon Lifting!" the trainer protested, puffing her cheeks. Nella rolled her eyes and put a hand on her shoulder.
"I doubt the Vibrava will-"
"Jirachi says: Don't lose hope!" The Wish Pokemon floated from nowhere and dropped onto Nella's head. "If you pray hard enough, they just might come back, seeing how much it means to you."
"Right right," Nella sighed and took the pokemon off before cradling it to her chest. "Aren't you supposed to be sleeping right now?"
Jirachi pouted and crossed its little arms. "If you guys want Jirachi gone that badly then Jirachi's sure you'll be happy to know that its seven day waking period ends tomorrow."
"Eh? No way!" White protested again. "I wanted to keep you!"
Scarlet smirked. "Holding down a legendary star that probably keeps the cosmic balance of the universe in check by its thousand year revolution round the earth? You must be joking."
"You weren't a nuisance to us, Jirachi. In fact, we owe our lives to you," Mana remarked, scratching the pokemon's cheek lightly. "You were the biggest help out there."
"Thought I was the biggest help," Scarlet grumbled and everyone laughed before stopping as a small sensation began to pound on their heads. Khan held up a hand and felt his eyes grow wide.
"Rain?"
"We haven't had that since the fire!" Mana gasped and shivered as the rain intensified. But it wasn't from cold. It was more from happiness that their crops would gain a fresh gulp of more water without them having to activate irrigation systems via water-type pokemon.
"Hm. Luck's having a field day, right buddy?" Scarlet asked.
You have no idea. Now get me out of this rain before I catch a cold!
On cue, White sneezed and everyone decided that it would be best to retire for the night. As one, they hurried off to the palace at Central via underground trams and gladly awaited the next sunrise that led to a whole new tomorrow. White took one last look at the beach and remembered an old saying from her own brother whenever it rained like this.
"Arceus is in his heaven. All's right with the world. Black...I hope I made you proud too."
-END OF CHAPTER X-