Chapter 21:
That power... That Power... captivated the crowd as silence fell. The crowd was waiting to see the results of what Ash and Serena along with Dragonus had just unleashed but one person was taken aback and that of course was none other than Katie the latest addition to Ash and Serena's family. Katie had seen this power only once before when Dragonus came to the rescue of her, her parents and the kingdom of Tempalizin on the dimensional plain years ago.
Flash-Back Begins (Note this flashback is being told by Katie in her POV):
Tempalizin was under siege a massive army was advancing from the east and every five minutes our enemy shelled our kingdom. All was lost all was hopeless that was the attitude of Sir. Hobart my parent's chief military commander. He knew we couldn't do it alone but my father king Saito the first was not ready to give up; and neither was my mother Elizabeth as they called on our newest ally to help save us all that ally was none other than the Supreme King of the Divine Dragons; Dragonus. My parents were confident that Dragonus would be able to save us even if others weren't so sure. Commander Hobart even went so far as to remind my dad that we were out numbered 5000 to 1. It seemed my mom and dad were the only ones with confidence in our chances for victory that is until our attention shifted back to the great blue dragon in the sky whose flares and outlines were now glowing and pulsating between white and gold it was truly a "Divine sight" Dragonus even had a new symbol emblazoned upon him which i later learned from Ash and Serena's library was a symbol for something called "infinity" it was a scene that captivated everyone as my mother explained to me that what was going on was Dragonus using his hidden power a lost power called; "Enlightenment." I remember my mother taking me in her arms and explaining to me how this power enlightenment was only able to be unlocked due to their meeting with their different dimensional counterparts standing on the battlefield below; "Ash and Serena" and how it was them who showed my mom and dad that there was more than just their existence there was more to protect and that there was more to life itself. As my father took Dragonus into combat and with a single infinity energy blast was able to wipe out the invasion with one strike.
Flashback ends:
As Katie finished thinking back to when she saw that power before the crowd began to gasp as the smoke covering the battlefield cleared. The sight which was being revealed was truly astonishing as the four Pokemon battling appeared to be an "equal match" That is until Ash and Serena unleashed the power of enlightenment it was the power that tipped the scales and resulted in the scene that was now made clear. On that scene lay Solgaleo and Silvuddy with swirls in their eyes as Phoenix dragon floated above them. While Dragonus on the other hand reverted from his pulsating white and gold form back to his standard appearance; As the Supreme King of the Divine Dragon lands on the stadium floor clearly drained from his attack. It was then the tournament came to an end as Kali lifted her arm up over her head and made the call; "Silvuddy & Solgaleo are unable to battle Phoenix dragon and Dragonus win!" "All of Lillie and Gladion's pokemon have been defeated which means the winners of the Domino Grand Tournament are tournament hosts; Ash & Serena Ketchum!"
It was a call that resulted in the stadium erupt in applause and cheers as Ash and Serena turned to their friends Phoenix Dragon and Dragonus and thanked them for their help. While unseen by everyone except Ash and Serena ghostly apparitions of their different dimensional counterparts King Saito and Queen Elizabeth appeared by their side. It was a scene that would leave the ordinary person horrified and if they shared would certainly gained them labeled insane but this was all to normal to Ash and Serena who have grown accustom to the ghosts of their different dimensional counterparts appearing out of nowhere from time to time. It was then Ash and Serena took the opportunity to thank King Saito and Queen Elizabeth for helping them by sharing the power of enlightenment even though it was a feat that Ash and Serena were just as much responsible for. Enlightenment was truly a collective effort but that fact seemed to have been lost in the moment as the ghostly apparitions of Saito and Elizabeth assured Ash and Serena that their thanks were unnecessary and that they did not owe them anything after all Ash and Serena had taken in their daughter and was treating her as if Katie was their own and that truly was all they could ever ask for as they faded away into the atmosphere surrounding them with Dragonus and Phoenix Dragon followed suite.
The young couple after watching their friend's returns home walk over to their opponents Lillie and Gladion who were checking on their Pokemon as the crowd continued to cheer and chant Ash and Serena's names. However during this cacophony Ash and Serena manage to thank their opponents Lillie and Gladion and even praised Gladion and Silvuddy for their ability to master the Divine Memory even going so far as to assure the "Emo Trainer" from Alola that Dragonus was truly as impressed as they were. A statement that was responded to by the sky briefly darkening as red lightning flashed before the sky reverted back to normal almost assuring that Ash and Serena's statement was indeed true.
as the four trainers and friends shared a laugh together Ash and Serena's attention turned to the crowd who was still cheering and applauding and addressed them with Ash taking the lead as his wife Serena stood by his side; "Thank you so much everyone we would like to take a moment to congratulate and thank everyone who participated in this tournament!" before pausing allowing the crowd a chance to applaud everyone before continuing on this time with Serena taking
The speaking role; "Everyone who participated can take comfort in the fact that you are seen as the strongest of the strong!" As Serena finished her statement Ash picked up where his wife left off; "I think it's safe to say everyone learned and grew a little during this tournament i know me and Serena sure did!" Serena then joined in allowing Ash and Serena to address the crowd once more in unison;
"And now let's give a round of applause to the domino grand tournament runner-ups Lillie and Gladion Aether!" "we also want to thank our wonderful audience who came to observe this tournament you were all great too we look forward to seeing you all next time everyone and thank you once again!" As Ash and Serena finished their statement the crowd erupted into applause and cheers once again as they went over next to Lillie and Gladion to pose for the cameras.
The Following Morning:
The atmosphere in Domino had begun to settle from the incredible tournament that concluded less than twenty four hours ago. Things had essentially returned to normal in the Ketchum house hold where Ash and Serena were currently enjoying a quiet breakfast together while Kenny, Kate and Katie were watching the news on the television one room over. However as Ash and Serena continued to eat they found themselves interrupted by Kenny and Kate calling for them to come see what was on the news. Curiosity got the better of the young couple as they got up from the table and into the other room where they were greeted by their photos on the news screen as the reporter gave the headline;
"THE TWO BIGGEST NEWS STORIES OF THE DAY FIRST ASH & SERENA'S TOURNAMENT BROUGHT AN INCREDIBLE TURN OUT AS THOUSANDS FLOCKED TO THE CITY OF DOMINO TO WATCH ASH & SERENA IN ACTION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS AND BOY THEY DIDN'T DISSAPOINT AS THEY DEFATED ALOLA'S LILLIE & GLADION AETHER USING PHONEIX DRAGON AND A NEW DIVINE DRAGON DRAGONUS."
As video on the screen shifted from Ash and Serena to Dragonus as he launched his attack against Silvuddy and Solgaleo in his infinity form." It was a report that brought a smile to both Ash and Serena's face as they took in the fact that the fans they love had been so concerned for their safety and were so excited for them it was something that both Ash and Serena took great joy in.
However the mood in the room changed instantly as the new report moved to the other headline. As they introduced the headline they went to a news conference on Paradise Island where Lillie and Gladion were making a major announcement; "good morning everyone today the Aether foundations latest project has a new home the city of domino." "that's right Gladion that project is what we dub; "the inter-dimensional transporter" "our hope is that this device will make our mothers long lasting wish to make travel between our world ultra-space and every other dimension safe and routine!" After Lillie and Gladion made their announcement walked away the news returned back to their studio where the commentator responded to the news by saying; "Exciting stuff!"
However before anymore could be said Serena who clearly was discontent with what she heard quickly snapped up the remote and turned the television off. As the room fell silent Ash decided to share how genuinely excited he was about the news from Aether that is until Serena snapped at him;
"NEVER AGAIN; I'VE HAD ENOUGH DIMENSIONAL TRAVELING FOR MY LIFETIME..." Serena's outburst astonished Ash as he turned to Serena and saw the look of anger on her face as the room went silent and Tension began to build. Only to be broken by the sound of their telephone ringing. It was a relief to Ash who now was just looking for an excuse to escape the tension and awkward silence as he quickly volunteered to leave the room and go answer it.
Unfourtuantly for the raven haired trainer he was just going to increase it as he picked up the phone and was greeted by the faces of the two Aether siblings who they had just seen on the television. Ash's conversation with Lillie and Gladion on the phone turned out to be quite brief as Lillie and Gladion just requested a meeting with him, Serena and, Katie before telling Ash that they'd explain when they got there. Ash was confused by all this and why Lillie and Gladion were being so secretive but still agreed to the meeting as they three ended their brief phone conversation.
As Ash hung up the phone Serena walked in to the room and asked her husband who it was that had just called but Serena's calm nature quickly vanished when Ash explained that it was Lillie and Gladion which quickly set Serena off again;
"OH IT BETTER NOT BE ABOUT THAT DIMENSIONAL TRAVEL WHATEVER THEY'RE WORKING ON!" "BECAUSE IF IT IS I WILL THROW THEM OUT OF THIS HOUSE SO FAST THEIR HEADS WILL SPIN!" Seeing Serena like this truly frightened Ash as he attempted to calm the Honey Blonde performer down but Serena wasn't having any part of it as she stormed out of the room confirming Ash's belief that this conversation with the Aether siblings was not going to go well. However Ash could worry about that later right now there was something else both him and Serena needed to focus on and that was Kenny and Kate who were currently getting ready to leave home once again to head to the Johto Region. As Kenny and Kate were getting ready to leave they shared a brief goodbye with their parents before turning their attention to Katie to ask her one more time if she was sure she didn't want to go with them.
An offer that the former princess did consider but after hearing Lillie and Gladion wanted to speak with her Katie figured it would be better for her to stay behind for now. It was a response that Kenny and Kate both understood as they said their final goodbyes and walked out the door to head for the port so they could catch their boat to Johto. Leaving Ash, Serena and Katie alone to wait for Lillie and Gladion to see what they wanted to discuss with them.
After about an hour of additional waiting Lillie and Gladion finally arrived but as Serena and Katie waited in the study upstairs Ash felt it was necessary to intercept them at the door to warn them about Serena not being happy about this and if they wanted to talk they had better do it fast. They were terms the Aether siblings understood and agreed with as Ash led them upstairs and into the study where Serena and Katie were already waiting. Heading Ash's warning Lillie and Gladion immediately took a seat and began to get down to business but as soon as they divulged the reason for their visit that being their new "THE INTER-DIMENSIONAL TRANSPORTER" Serena stopped them right there instructing Lillie and Gladion to get out however luckily for them Ash was there to help keep the peace and convince Serena to hear them out! At first the honey blonde performer was defiant but eventually and reluctantly agreed as Lillie and Gladion went into detail about their new vehicle and how they wished to test drive it themselves but not take it to ultra-space as it was too dangerous. Ash, Serena and, even Katie were taken aback as they all grew confused about just why Lillie and Gladion were here then and that's when Gladion explained to them that they thought maybe Katie's home world the dimensional plain would be a good target location as it was relatively safe.
It was a revelation that made the former princess break down and cry as she began to think back to her home world and what had occurred there as well as everyone she lost during the battle including her parents and brother. Seeing Katie like this caused Serena's motherly instincts to kick in as she hugged Katie and allowed her to cry on her. As Ash's attention turned back to the matter at hand and asked Lillie just what they needed from them? It was then Lillie divulged the real purpose of their visit and that was before their expedition goes anywhere they would like to ask The Supreme King of The Divine Dragons; "Dragonus" for safe passage and wished for Ash and Serena to call him. After contemplating it for a moment Ash and Serena agreed to Lillie and Gladion's request to summon Dragonus but wanted to make it clear to the Aether siblings that if Dragonus doesn't grant their request they would not argue for them or help defy Dragonus' wishes. They were terms Lillie and Gladion could live with and agree to and thus with that decided the five of them got up to exit the house and head out back so Ash and Serena could summon Dragonus.
Once outside Ash and Serena took each other's hands as they called out to The Supreme King of the Divine Dragons. After calling out for Dragonus the five trainers witnessed the sky darken as Dragonus descended through the cloud cover before landing on the ground after which Dragonus let out a low loud roar. After which Dragonus expressed his gratitude to see his friends Ash and Serena again. A sentiment Ash and Serena shared with their friend before informing Dragonus of the reason they brought him here; "Lillie and Gladion here have a question for you!?" After which Ash and Serena opened the floor to Lillie and Gladion. As Dragonus fixated his gaze on Lillie and Gladion then after several minutes Lillie and Gladion broke the silence;
"WE WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST SAFE PASSAGE TO TRAVEL TO THE DIMENSIONAL PLAIN, FOR A PEACEFUL EXPLORATORY MISSION!" After finishing their request the atmosphere returned to awkward silence until Dragonus broke it by asking the Ather siblings if he was correct in remembering that they helped rescue him and his brothers. A question Lillie and Gladion answered with a simple nod. Seeing this and without hesitation Dragonus granted the Aether siblings request with safe passage ON THE CONDITION YOU'RE EXPEDITION DOESN'T CAUSE ANY TROUBLE OR HARM! Before fading away and allowing the sky to clear back up. Once Dragonus was gone Gladion turned to his sister and instructed her to have their team make preparations but before Lillie and Gladion could leave they found themselves stopped by Katie who insisted she was going with them! At first this was a suggestion Ash and Serena were hesitant about and objected to but Katie turned out to be very persuasive as she convinced Ash, Serena and Lillie and, Gladion to let her do this.
The Following Morning at Aether's Inter-Dimensional Transporter research lab in Downtown Domino:
The lab was a buzz as the space shuttle looking Inter-Dimensional Transporter prepared for its maiden voyage on board was Lillie, Gladion, Katie and two Aether researchers. As it grew closer to launch time one of the controllers radioed to Lillie that all systems were go for "Aether Flight One." As Lillie acknowledged this information onboard the craft Gladion flipped the switch opening the Dimensional gate that would take them to the Dimensional Plain. Tension was high as everyone began to hold their breath anxious to see if this would work but Serena had one more thing to say to Lillie;
"YOU ALL TAKE CARE AND LILLIE MAKE SURE KATIE COMES BACK SAFE WE'RE COUNTING ON YOU!" As the radio began to crackle Serena heard Lillie's response; "THANKS SERENA AND DON'T WORRY WE'LL MAKE SURE SHE COMES BACK SAFE!" As the area was rocked by the crackling of Inter-Dimensional Transporter's engines fired catapulting the craft through the gateway as the big clock in front of the launch sight began to countdown to when the Inter-Dimensional Transporter was to arrive one the Dimensional Plain. As the clock ticked down to zero the gateway closed; it was a scene that built even more tension until a beep began going off from the main consul. It was the signal that the Inter-Dimensional Transporter had arrived on the Dimensional Plain safe and sound much to everyone's relief.
After hearing the confirmation Ash turned to Serena and while completely lost in her hypnotic blue eyes Ash couldn't help but admit to Serena that he was amazed that she'd let Katie do this. It was a statement that made Serena smile as she expressed to the raven haired trainer that she; "TRUST'S KATIE BESIDES THIS EXPEDITION HAS DRAGONUS' BLESSING AND THAT THEY'LL TAKE CARE OF ONE ANOTHER!" Those words brought a smile to both Ash and Serena's faces as Ash whispered to his wife; "YOU TRULY ARE AMAZING SERENA; I LOVE YOU..."
They were words that brought a huge blush to the performers face as she took the raven haired trainers hand to leave the lab and head out to their long Promised, awaited and well deserved vacation, holding hands along the entire way.