Ok, everyone. Here's the epilogue to Hellish Visions. It kind of saddens me to end this story, but all good things have to end.

So enjoy!


The scene: Pallet Town, Ketcum Residence.

A sunrise. A simple, beautiful natural wonder to behold. Now, Ash Ketchum could truly appreciate it.

During his days of trekking after Dawn in Sinnoh, he had found himself in thick forests, caves, or temples. This was the first time he was truly witnessing a sunrise from the comfort of a home since Dawn started having those dreams, those...hellish visions that had put them through great peril and neither had come out unscathed.

Ash seemed far more more closed up and independent. His tone of voice was gritty at times-- not to mention his expression. He was also considerably more serious about things he might have considered a joke before these events ever occurred. He was incomplete without Pikachu, and it showed. He felt as if a fragment of his soul had been left behind in that accursed tomb, sealed away forever.

Oddly enough, Dawn also seemed less open with everyone, but for an entirely different reason: guilt. She could not help blaming herself for being weak enough to be possessed in the first place. Ash had explained to her what the Emperor had said while making use of her body as a host, and it only intensified her self-blame. According to Ash, the Emperor claimed she had been mentally vulnerable and control over her had merely been a matter of time, not effort. She had been unusually nervous and shy around the others, particularly Johanna, who had been the Emperor's first victims of attack.

But their inner feelings were the only consequences of the events of the past few days. On the outside, things were quite different. They had tried hard, despite the loss and guilt inside them, to happily accept the tearful reunion with Johanna and Dawn's Piplup-- who had come with them to Kanto-- and then later, the reunion with Delia and Brock. They had given the good news of Dawn's rescue to Professor Oak and Tracey via videophone.

There had been another heart-wrenching moment when Ash had to tell everyone of Pikachu's death. They were all shaken; on the contrary, Delia and Piplup seemed positively heartbroken. And yet, Ash had managed to retain his inner despair from outwardly showing. But not for long, as he soon received sympathetic comments from everyone. He had gotten by with responses, like: "Thanks, but I'm fine!" and Dawn's favorite, "No need to worry." but he knew they merely did not wish to pry, and he appreciated that.

After this recount of what had happened since they had left, Ash got up, glancing painfully at the spot where Pikachu would've been if things had turned out better, where Pikachu should be right now! But it was not to be so. Fighting to focus on the present rather than what could or should have been, Ash threw on some clothes, and exited his room into the upstairs hall.

In her borrowed room, Dawn awoke from the newly discovered miracle of dreamless sleep. Only now had she truly learned to appreciate this, even if those dreams were more unusual than others. It just made her happy. She looked out the nearby window, seeing a dazzling sunrise and getting up herself.

Her reunion with her mother and Piplup had ignited a powerful joy in her. As she looked over and saw the blue penguin Pokemon, she could not suppress feeling a fraction of that joy; although at the same time, feeling a pang for Ash, who would never be with his beloved Pikachu again. Their bond had lasted far longer and they had been like brothers, so Dawn could only imagine his pain.

She got up and dressed, as Piplup began to awaken as well. The Pokemon had seemed more overjoyed and relieved about the reunion than she had. He greeted her with a smile and a chirp of: "Pip-Piplup!" and jumped into her arms.

They stepped into the hall and ran into Ash. It was just like in Twinleaf town all those days ago, merely hours after Ash had learned about Dawn's visions. Now, that was all in the past. They would start a new life now, with the love they had found.

"Dawn." Ash greeted, smiling despite the emotions Dawn knew he was feeling. She smiled back, hoping to lighten him up somehow. Their volumes of love for each other was visible in their eyes.

They had not bothered concealing their relationship with the others. Delia and Johanna went into fits of happiness, while Piplup, Brock and Tracey seemed very happy for them.

Pikachu would be, too. Ash thought sadly. He tried to clear his mind of those thoughts. After all, it would not do much good for any of them.

Some time afterward, Ash and Dawn found themselves in the living room with Delia, Johanna, Brock and Piplup. Their friends, their family. They had told them all that had occurred during Ash's pursuit from Twinleaf to Snowpoint. Ash had done most of the explaining for Dawn had been only subconsciously awake during that period of time.

Their savior, Arceus, had told them not to mention exactly how the Emperor died. Even they themselves could not fully comprehend it, yet they kept their word, honestly telling everyone the reason for this secrecy. The fact that Arceus himself had trusted Ash and Dawn to conceal this information made it easy for them to accept their limited explanation.

Ash's efforts to save Dawn had been built on a promise to her mother, Johanna. He had promised he would bring her back and had it not been for Arceus, his promise would have been worthless. He inwardly shuddered when he imagined that outcome of events. Needless to say, Johanna's gratitude had been palpable when he returned, but he was just happy he was with the girl he loved so dearly.

And now, they were confronted with another question. "Ash, Dawn." Brock began, This...emperor...well you've explained he was possessing Dawn and how he achieved his control and his defeat, and I recall you mentioning he said he was here before Arceus. How is that possible?"

Ash and Dawn exchanged glances. The subject of the Ebony Emperor's past had indeed been overlooked during their explanation.

"You start." Dawn insisted, sipping her water.

Well, now it's all a legend. This story is finally D.O.N.E! Hope this epilogue was satisfying enough for you.

At first, I said this would be shorter than Love & Loss. But by a ratio of words, it's actually longer! Oh, well.

Please, R&R, my friends. At least until more ideas come to me.