Welcome back once more! I bet you all thought that it was over for A Soldier and His Gardevoir huh? Not yet! There's one last part to be told! Surprise, surprise! I hope you all enjoy what is the finale of this story, even if it's a bit short. I also wanted to give a shout out and a huge thank you to the very talented artist Bano Akira! I have commissioned Bano's awesome talents to create a new cover picture, and it is amazing! The commissioned picture will be the official cover picture for this story and will be up whenever it's complete. So please check out Bano's Nest on tumblr and give that awesome artist some love! Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon, which instead belongs to its rightful owners. On to the finale! Enjoy!
Chapter 21: The Alpha Pokemon
(Finale)
One month following the ending of Save Her:
The stadium was roaring in a huge applause. This was it. Just hours ago Lucas and Harmony had defeated Lucian, the last of the Sinnoh Elite Four. It was now time for the final match. Lucas walked out onto the battlefield with Harmony floating beside him. Both had confident looks on their faces as the crowd cheered their names. They waved to the spectators, then turned to their attention to the woman awaiting them at the field's center.
Cynthia, the undefeated Champion of Sinnoh, stood and watched the couple make their way towards her. She smiled warmly at them. She felt proud of the shiny Gardevoir who had grown so much in the short time she's been battling. Once Lucas and Harmony made it over to her, she shook hands with Lucas. The Gardevoir wouldn't accept a handshake however; instead she went in for a hug. The two held each other for a moment, then pulled away.
"You've done so well Harmony. Your father would be very proud of you." Cynthia said, smiling at her.
Harmony smiled back, replying, "Thank you, Aunt Cynthia. Good luck."
"You too. Both of you." The Champion replied, looking over at Lucas. He gave her a confident grin.
The Champion and the mates parted ways, each walking to their respective places. The crowd lowered their cheers so the announcer could be heard over the loudspeakers. A crackle was heard as the microphone came on.
"This will the Championship Battle!" The announcer's booming voice could be heard. "The Champion of Sinnoh, Cynthia versus Lucas from Twinleaf!"
The spectators cheered wildly for the two competitors. Celest watched on from her private skybox. She sat in a chair next to the huge glass window stretching across the entire front wall of the room. The skybox had the perfect view of the battle from where she was at. Back at the arena, Cynthia had her hands resting on her hips. Next to her, a small Gabite excitedly clawed at the ground in anticipation. Cynthia looked over at the young dragon and chuckled.
"This battle will be a standard Championship Match. Each competitor has chosen six pokemon to use. Only one pokemon may be used at a time. Last team standing will be declared the victor." The announcer concluded with the rules.
Lucas wasted no time, he reached for his belt and grabbed the first pokeball. Harmony smiled at him as Lucas threw it.
"Raichu! Make Eric proud!" He yelled.
The ball hit the ground and opened, releasing the electric mouse. The old Raichu had been in Lucas's possession since Eric's death. She looked at Cynthia, and sent small jolts of lightning from her cheeks and to the ground. She was ready to battle. Cynthia smiled at the mouse. She then reached for her first pokeball.
"Spiritomb! Go!" She said, releasing the Forbidden Pokemon. It first appeared to be nothing but a normal trapezoidal rock with a few cracks in it. Within a moment though, a purple fog emerged from the cracks. It swirled around the rock and a pair of green eyes formed in the fog's center, along with a jagged green mouth that curled into a wicked grin.
The people in the stands cheered for the two pokemon that were about to battle. The huge flat screens that hung throughout the arena then showed a photo of Raichu on side, with Spiritomb on the other. A lightning bolt sheared the image in half, adding healthbars next to each pokemon's name to indicate that the battle had began.
"Why don't you go first Lucas?" Cynthia called out from her end of the field.
Lucas nodded, "I just might, thank you Champion."
He threw his hand out dramatically, ordering Raichu into action.
"Raichu, use thunderbolt!"
The mouse pokemon rushed forward and jumped into the air. The Spiritomb glared at the electric pokemon as she charged up a powerful thunderbolt.
The Raichu let out a loud squeal, unleashing a torrent of lightning that struck the ground and arced its way to the ghost. The dirt floor of the arena scorched and a trench was left behind as the lightning got closer to its target.
"Dodge it and use shadow ball!" Cynthia ordered.
The Spiritomb quickly shot off to the side. It floated a few centimeters off the ground as the thunderbolt missed. It then formed a dark orb of ghost energy and launched it at Raichu. The mouse's eyes widened as the attack neared her.
"Raichu, dodge it!" Lucas yelled.
The mouse tried to jump out of the way, but was just too slow. She was not hit directly, but the shadow ball exploded in the spot where she was just standing and was still close enough to get blown a short distance by it. Lucas and Harmony winced, but were relieved when Raichu quickly got back to her feet.
You okay? Harmony asked.
I'm fine. Just a scratch. Raichu replied with a grin.
Harmony looked over at Lucas. "She's okay."
Lucas nodded, then turned his attention back to the fight.
"Raichu, charge down that ghost and use iron tail!"
Raichu didn't waste time. She ran as fast as she could as her tail glowed in a silvery light. Cynthia yelled for her spiritomb to dodge the attack, but the ghost wasn't fast enough. The Forbidden Pokemon was hit hard by Raichu's iron tail and was sent flying backwards. The ghost smacked into the arena's wall and fell to the ground. The rock making up the physical base of the pokemon earned a new crack from the impact, leaving it dazed.
"Now finish off Spiritomb with another thunderbolt!" Lucas cheered.
Raichu squealed again as she fired off another powerful electric attack. The massive bolt of lightning arced from the mouse and to the ghost, electrocuting it and rendering it unconscious. The crowd exploded into a cheer at the result.
Cynthia returned her spiritomb to its ball. She smiled at the young trainer.
"Well done!" She said, "Now it's time for Gastrodon to play!"
She threw another pokeball out, unleashing the Sea Slug Pokemon. It slid across the arena floor to take its position in the center.
"Watch out, Lucas. Raichu can't hurt Gastrodon with electric." Harmony warned.
Lucas nodded, then ordered the mouse into action.
"Use quick attack!" He ordered.
Raichu ran forward, tackling into her opponent. The slug recoiled back from the attack, but quickly recovered. Cynthia then gave her own order.
"Use earthquake!" She called out.
Gastrodon slammed its body onto the ground, causing the arena to shake with an earthquake. The attack sent Raichu rocking into the ground in a daze. Cynthia then had her pokemon finish her off.
"Finish her! Stone edge!"
Raichu struggled to get back up, but was hit by a jagged rock emerging from the ground beneath her at high speeds. She was sent into the air and fell back down. The mouse tried to stand, but collapsed in exhaustion.
Lucas returned Raichu to her ball, thanking her for trying. He then released his Torterra and eventually knocked out the Gastrodon. Cynthia then sent out her Lucario, who in turn defeated the Continent Pokemon. Next up was Eric's Arcanine, who managed to beat the Aura Pokemon. The spectators were on their feet, cheering and chanting loudly to both Lucas and the Champion. The battle had proven to be an intense one thus far.
The young Gabite was growing impatient. He poked Cynthia in the leg with his arm and let out a snort at her. She smiled at the young dragon.
"What's wrong? Wanting to see your Momma fight already?" She asked, receiving a nod from the dragon. She let out a chuckle. "Well I was wanting to make this battle last a little longer, but oh well."
The crowd looked on with anticipation as they watched Cynthia talk to the dragon. They then saw her reach for another pokeball. She tossed it out, releasing her Garchomp. The audience exploded into a cheer seeing the famous pokemon. The announcer came over the speakers.
"Things have just got heated everybody!" He called out into the microphone from his booth. "The Champion has sent out her Garchomp! Will Lucas be able to overcome the nearly unstoppable Mach Pokemon?"
Lucas felt a bead of sweat run down his neck. It's true, her garchomp has never been beaten in a proper match. He gritted his teeth and remained confident though. Harmony laid her hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek.
"Just concentrate, love. We got this." She told him. Arcanine looked back at him and barked in reassurance as well. Lucas smiled and nodded.
"Alright, let's do it." He said.
Minutes passed, and Lucas's eye slightly twitched after seeing the Champion's dragon go on and knock out every pokemon he had. Arcanine seemed to be the only one who stood any chance, but even he was defeated fairly easily. After Arcanine was beaten, he sent out Bronzong, then Toxicroak. Both of them were dispatched with relative ease by their experienced opponent. Every time one of Lucas's pokemon was knocked out, the Gabite would jump around excitedly and cheer for his mother. Harmony found it cute.
"Well you're down to just me it looks like." Harmony said.
"No Harmony, I'll forfeit the match. I don't want you to get hurt." He replied, not wanting to use her in battle.
"And waste everything we worked for? No, I want to battle. Besides, Dad is watching, I just know it." She replied with a grin. She then floated out onto the field and took a fighting stance in front of Garchomp. Her dress blew in the wind as her body began to glow with psychic energy. The crowd cheered her on. They were ready to see her fight. Celest watched her daughter from the private skybox. She smiled, knowing she was very proud of her. At the same time though, she felt slightly worried for her.
Be careful Harmony, that dragon is much more powerful than you probably think. She thought.
Harmony and Cynthia's Garchomp stood off, waiting for either of their trainers to give a command.
You have grown so much since the last time I have seen you. I'm proud to be battling you now. The Garchomp said to her.
It is an honor to battle the undefeated Champion and you. Now, please don't be going easy on me. Harmony replied.
Garchomp smiled at her, widening her stance. As you wish.
"Garchomp! Use tack-" Cynthia began her order, but was cut off by the sky lighting up.
It was a somewhat cloudy day, but something cleared the clouds away, revealing the sun. Cynthia looked up, causing Harmony and Lucas to glance up as well. The people in the crowd seemed confused, then looked into the sky. They all saw a portal rip open in the heavens above. It was beautiful. Rings of blue with waves of a rainbow of colors exploding outwards as ribbons of every color were spiraling outwards from the portal's edges. From it, a large pokemon entered the world. Everyone stared in awe at the sight. Very few had ever seen the pokemon that now appeared before them in the sky. The mythical pokemon galloped slowly through the air in circles on its way to the ground. It landed with grace between Harmony and Garchomp.
It had the appearance of a large, white equine. It had a gray underbelly and face. Its legs were tipped in gold hooves. A big cross-like golden ring wrapped around its abdomen and had four green jewels embedded in it. Its eyes were of an emerald green, with deep red pupils glowing against the rest of its beauty. Its presence alone demanded a holy respect to it. The many pokemon that were mixed in with the crowd or acting as security bowed to their creator. Arceus, the Alpha Pokemon, looked slowly around the arena at the thousands in attendance. His gaze then went to the two humans standing on either side of the battlefield. Then, his eyes fell upon the shiny Gardevoir that stood in awe.
"You there." He said. His voice resonated with power. "I am looking for the one of your kind who is named Celestial."
Harmony didn't know how to respond. She was too shocked to come up with any words. She saw Arceus's eyes looking at her. She could feel his gaze into her soul.
My Lord. I-I... She tried to say something, anything, but had difficulties. The Alpha Pokemon looked at her for another moment.
"I merely wish to speak with her, little one. I can feel her presence here somewhere. I promise you that I have no ill intent, Harmony." He said, surprising her that he knew her name. Harmony went to respond, but was interrupted by a flash of light on her right.
It was Celest. She had teleported from the skybox to the arena floor. She knelt to the pokemon deity. The crowd still remained silent and could only watch on.
Arceus looked over at the Gardevoir that appeared before him.
"Are you the one who is called Celestial? The mate of the human soldier, Eric Hahn?" He asked.
Celest gasped at the mention of Eric's name. She looked up at him briefly, but bowed her head again as she didn't feel worthy of being in his presence.
Yes, Lord Arceus. I am Celestial. She said humbly.
Arceus tilted his head to the side.
"Hmm." He began. "There is no need for such formalities, Celestial. My given name is the only honor that I require. No need for kneeling before me."
Celest rose to her feet, finally looking up into Arceus's face. She locked eyes with his holy gaze.
Yes, Arceus...May I ask what you require of me? She now asked of their creator.
Arceus looked at her in silence for several moments, then he spoke.
"I have seen your struggles in life. I have played back every tragedy that has befallen you in the years you have existed, in mere seconds." He began. "I have also seen your mate's life. Every second of his very being. All the way to the events at the Spear Pillar. I even watched those events unfold in person from my seat at the Hall of Origins."
Celest looked into the Alpha Pokemon's eyes. He replayed in her head the moments of Eric's death. It brought her to tears once more. Why is He showing me this? She asked herself as she fought the urge to cry.
"I am showing you these memories because I have spoken to the human Eric Hahn." He said, reading her mind.
Celest's eyes widened. How? She thought.
Arceus looked to the sky for a moment, then back down at the Gardevoir before him.
"When his spirit was released from his mortal form, I grabbed it from the Ghost World. We have been speaking of his deeds, and yours, ever since." He paused for a moment. "We have been watching over you and your adoptive daughter for over the past year."
Celest felt a tear roll down her cheek. Her hands were clenched over her chest, feeling her heart beat increase.
Why are you here Arceus? What do you need from me? She asked. She felt her anxiety rise.
The god-like pokemon looked at her for several unspoken moments. It was dead silent in the stadium.
"I am here to tell you that your suffering is at an end." He said with his voice resonating in the arena and in the heads of everyone there. "I have witnessed the love you and your human shared. His love for you was so great, that he was willing to end his own mortal life to ensure that yours would go on."
A portal of white light opened beside Arceus. It was blinding to anyone who dared to stare into it. Its edges faded into a rainbow of colors as Arceus continued.
"Eric Hahn's sacrifice, and his love for you and Harmony, will not go unrewarded. You and him deserve not to be torn apart by even death itself."
With those words, a shadow appeared in the portal's center. It took shape as a humanoid. The shadow began walking, then exited the portal into the world. Once outside of the portal's bright and holy light, the human was revealed.
Almost as youthful as the day Celest and him met, Eric's two feet stepped onto the ground of the living once more. He was dressed in a clean military uniform. A large, warm smile spread across his face as he opened his arms to Celest.
"Celest...I'm home." Eric said.
Celest covered her mouth with both hands as tears left her eyes. Harmony couldn't contain her emotions as she broke down into a fit of joyous tears. They both floated at high speeds and nearly tackled the human to the ground in the tightest of embraces. Eric held on to both of them and twirled around as the three all shed tears of joy. Cynthia stood in her spot. She couldn't be happier to see Eric once again. The soldier held on tight to both Gardevoir.
"I'm home, my love." Eric said softly to Celest. He then turned and kissed Harmony on the top of her head as she sobbed into his shoulder. "Daddy's home."
Harmony let go of Eric and took a few steps back. She was joyfully sobbing and wiping the tears from her eyes. She smiled at her parents as they continued to hold onto each other. Celest pulled away, but the two mates still held on to each other by the shoulders. Celest and Eric locked eyes. She looked into his cool, blue-colored eyes as he lost himself in her crimson rubies. Both had lines of tears running down their cheeks as they smiled warmly at each other. Her eyes then drifted downwards to the shiny new prosthetic leg her mate was sporting. The Gardevoir giggled slightly; the light sounds of chiming bells rang like music in Eric's ears and made him grin wider. Celest lightly prodded the fake leg with her own foot.
"Didn't ask for your leg back?" She asked with a cute smile.
Eric thought for a split moment, then responded.
"I guess I could have, but the prosthetic is part of who I am now."
Celest looked back at him and cupped the side of Eric's face. "But, do you not miss being complete?"
The soldier shook his head, then leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.
"I don't need two legs to be complete in life. I have you and Harmony, and you two are all I need to feel complete."
Eric then reached up, gently running his fingers against her cheek as she did the same. They then brought their lips together into a deep kiss. Celest melted into Eric's arms; her eyes closing as the kiss deepened more. The couple held their lips tightly together in love as the crowd looked on.
Many were moved. Thousands of watery eyes watched as the pair embraced each other once again. Once the couple kissed, a joyous cheer erupted amongst the spectators.
"Welcome home! Welcome home!" The thousands chanted to Eric as he parted the kiss and smiled at Celest. She grinned back at him, still wiping away her tears. The two then looked back towards the pokemon deity. Eric bowed his head to the Alpha Pokemon.
"Thank you, Arceus." Eric humbly said. "I cannot be more grateful."
Arceus nodded, then said. "There is no need to thank me, courageous soldier...For there is one more thing that I must do."
Eric gave a quizzical look at him. Celest wrapped her arms around Eric's arm and looked up at Arceus as well.
"What is that, Lord?" Eric asked.
Arceus nodded towards the still-open white portal.
"There is still one more gift that I have for you. You have earned your peace, but so have your lost companions."
Eric choked up at those words. What? It can't be... He thought as tears once again collected in his eyes. He looked towards the portal.
Two more shadows took shape within the blazing white light. One was wide and stocky. The other was long and serpentine. The two beings left the portal. It was Eric's Gyarados and Garchomp. The two resurrected pokemon both let out a roar that shook the stadium. Eric pulled away from Celest and walked towards his two pokemon. His knees wobbled as he looked at the pokemon who both gave their lives for him before. He was so happy to see them again.
Eric sprinted across the dirt ground towards the two pokemon. Steadfast let out an excited noise and shot towards him, tackling the soldier in a tight hug. Eric laughed and hugged the dragon back as he cried tears of joy. Steadfast then let Eric up, who then went over to Gyarados. The large serpent lowered his head as Eric grabbed him as best as he could in an embrace.
"Gyarados...I'm so happy to have you back." Eric said as Gyarados nuzzled him. The water dragon let out a low and happy rumbling noise.
The crowd went into an even bigger cheer for Eric, though it was as like he couldn't even hear them. He was just so happy. He was back in the land of the living to be with his love, but he also had gotten back his two lost pokemon. On Lucas's belt, two of his pokeballs opened. Arcanine and Raichu had recovered just enough to regain consciousness and felt their old master was back. They emerged in hazes of light and wasted no time in piling onto Eric in their own embrace. He held them both as best as he could; followed by the rest of his Pokemon, including Harmony and Celest, joining in the group hug.
Arceus watched the human soldier and his pokemon. He felt satisfied with the situation. The Alpha Pokemon could feel the pure and joyous emotions coming from the human and his mate, Celest. When Eric made the choice to sacrifice himself to save her, Arceus was moved by it. He played back the human's life and saw how he always tried his best to protect those around him. The fact that he was willing to give up his own life to make sure his mate's would go on, made Eric Hahn worthy.
The family was still shedding tears when Arceus turned and looked back into the sky. He then lifted into the air, having completed what he came do to. The Alpha Pokemon flew upwards into the heavens as everyone in the stadium watched in awe the same way they did when he came. Eric, Celest, Harmony and the others all smiled and wiped away the tears as they all thanked him for the gift he gave them. The pokemon deity then disappeared in a brilliant white portal, leaving the dimension for his own.
Thanks again to everyone who read this story and for supporting me in writing this! It truly was an adventure for me and I hope everyone got some form of entertainment from it! For those of you who may be interested, please keep an eye on my profile in the coming weeks. I am planning out another possible story that will take place in the Pokemon universe, but in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by a great author on this site. He goes by XelYel and is writing a story called 'Another Nameless World'. Though the two stories probably won't take place in the same universe, the idea I have for the setting is very similar.
I am still planning things out to see if it would be interesting or long enough of an idea to write. It probably wouldn't be as long as A Soldier and His Gardevoir, but I'd want it to still be long enough to warrant writing. It would, like this story, contain a human/pokemon relationship and be darker in tone. (It would be taking place in a post-apocalyptic, humans and pokemon hate each other world.) So yeah, keep an eye on my profile for the next couple weeks if you think you might be interested in another story written by me. Peace!