Chap. 28 – Seven years later…
It seemed nothing more than a dream to her now… a dream that seemed to become more out of reach with each passing year. It was nothing more than a fleeting memory. Dawn and the others have left that glorious adventure behind and continued where they left off before hand, however they kept in touch. The friendships they made through all the hardship and venture were ones that were made forever, and with each passing year they seemed to grow stronger… not weaker. Another thing that may have kept their ties so strong was of their newfound celebrity for saving the universe. They were considered heroes now… heroes that brought forth a new era… a new genesis for mankind and Pokemon alike.
Now at the age of twenty-one, Dawn was almost at her goal of becoming a great Pokemon trainer. She had tried and failed before, however this time she had made it to the Elite Four of the Pokemon League. It took her almost seven years to reach this point, and she was proving to the Elite Four that she definitely wanted the title. She had defeated them one by one, with Elite Four trainer Lucian being the last to stand against her and the current World Pokemon League Champion. It wasn't Cynthia… she retired after her defeat against the current champion, who has held onto his title for many years now.
Lucian's final Pokemon Gallade was on the front lines facing off against Diagla in his Pokemon form. Dawn had to admit that what helped her get this far was due to the aid of Dialga, who was now her partner in battle. It was a rather easy choice for Diagla to stay by her side afterwards due to his brotherly tendances he developed towards her. The other legendaries paired off with the other trainers as well. They now roamed the world, unlike in ancient times where they had to hide due to the humans' fear of their power. It was a nice change.
Lucian's Gallade put up a rather good fight against Diagla, as it was a rather experienced Pokemon in its own right. It belonged to an Elite Four trainer after all. However the tough psychic Pokemon was no match for Diagla and his most-loved technique the Roar-of-Time. Having the flow of time pushing so hard against it's body was too hard to bare. It was like gravity was being pummelled down upon it! It became so overwhelmed that it fainted in shock. Lucian called Gallade back into it's Poke Ball and that was that… Dawn had defeated the last of the Elite Four. Dawn couldn't help up cheer with joy, while Diagla stood tall and proud, looking rather content at yet another victory. Dawn would be champion in no time!
"Congratulations Dawn…" Lucian then spoke. "You have beaten the Elite Four. You are now one step closer of becoming the new World Pokemon League Champion."
"Thank you," Dawn replied.
"However I have to help but wonder… is all of your success due to your reliance on your legendary Pokemon? The champion has legendaries as well, you know…" With that, Diagla consumed his body within a pure white aura and turned his body from Pokemon form to his human physic. Dialga's handsome looks had not changed any over the last seven years… however his style had. Replacing his armour was now rather modern looking clothing… a style fit for professional male models. In order to fit in with modern society, he and the others decided to change their style from their ancient robes and armour to a more modern look. It was working rather well for him at least. Lucian had never seen a legendary morph before, however heard from others that they could change into humans. Lucian couldn't help but awe.
"Being partnered with me is indeed a rather large advantage, I understand this…" Diagla began to Lucian. "However that doesn't mean that she completely relies on my power. Dawn is a remarkable trainer in her own right… she possessed natural talent before she met us. Also, I make sure that she continues to grow and learn to become the best trainer she can be without always relying on my aid. In fact, she only uses me when it is really necessary."
"That's right," Dawn added with a cheerful skip in her step. "He won't attack unless it's really necessary, like just then when battling with you. Any other time he'll disobey me just to test me… and tease me…"
"…Really? Well, I hope that he doesn't decide to do that against the current champion. Believe me, you will need Dialga's full cooperation against him…"
"Why's that?"
"Cause I'll be the one battling you!"
They turned back to see another trainer walk into the battle hall. It was the current World Pokemon League Champion… Ash Ketchum. He had grown up so much over the past seven years… he looked like a totally different person! However, the one thing that never changed was that youthful sparkle within his eyes. Pikachu still remained sitting upon his shoulder. Dawn could see that the little yellow Pokemon was indeed getting on with age. With that, she rushed up towards Ash and gave him a big hug. It had been a while since she saw him… the last time being over the phone a few weeks ago where he wished her luck against the Elite Four. Dawn knew that he was the champion, however she didn't expect to see him so soon after battling the Elite Four… another week at least, as everything had to be prepared and scheduled before hand.
"Hey Dawn, how ya doin'?" Ash greeted.
Dawn released him from the friendly hug. "What are you doing here?" she asked. "I thought I wouldn't see you for a while yet…?"
"I just couldn't help but watch. I wanted to see how you battle, for fun as well as for strategic reasons. You've become a rather brilliant trainer… you may be my toughest opponent yet! I can't wait! Hey, how's Barry getting along?" Ash's eyes then snapped in realisation. He almost forgot! With that, he reached his hand into the pocket of his black jeans. "I have been meaning to give you this." He pulled out an envelope and handed it to Dawn. It looked rather fancy… what was in it? She opened the envelope and pulled out an invitation… to Ash and Misty's wedding celebration. "Actually I was going to send it to Johanna, and ask her to relay it onto you when you contacted her next. But since you're here, I thought I may as well give it to you in person."
"It was only three months ago when you proposed to Misty, and what a night that was!" Dawn said. "I can't believe you're getting married so soon. But then again, you two have been together for years now."
"Oh, and we're also organising a pre-wedding party at a hot spring inn as well. It's for everyone that was in our group. Misty and I wanna celebrate with you guys before we tie the knot… like a meshed hen's and bucks night. You know how un-traditional Misty is… she just has to do something different and out of the ordinary. I think it'll be fun too…"
"Me too. Sounds great."
"So… how's Marina? She's been travelling with you for a while now, hasn't she?"
"She's battling the first Elite Four trainer as we speak," Dawn replied. "She was scheduled to finally face off against him today."
"Kamon huh? Will they ever get together… it's so obvious!"
Dawn giggled. "I know, isn't it?"
Marina was rather struggling against the first Elite Four trainer. Unlike Dawn, who had battled with the Elite Four a few times over the years, this was Marina's first attempt. She had changed a lot over the past seven years… she had gone from a cute pop model to a rather beautiful young socialite. In fact, Kamon couldn't believe of the woman Marina had become… he was concentrating upon her more than the battle itself. He had come along way as well. He had matured so much over the seven-year period going from that cold, arrogant and reserved child to a noble young man… all due to Marina's influence of course. He still seemed dark, as his choice in style still made him look intimidating, however his attitude was rather positive… and perhaps a little over confident. Well… we was one of the Elite Four after all…
After that final battle atop of Mt. Coronet, Entei took Kamon under his wing. It was due to Marina's positive attitude that Kamon's persona had changed. And then there was Entei with with his sage-like knowledge of battling that had improved Kamon's battle ethics immensely. It was with Entei's guidance that Kamon was here as one of the Elite Four now. Kamon had Entei out on the battlefield, while Marina had the small, swift and agile Celebi at hers. Celebi had bonded with Marina so much during that time seven years ago… when it all ended she didn't want to part from her. So Celebi became part of Marina's Pokemon team, also becoming her strongest. However at the moment, Entei had Celebi on the ropes. A Grass-type against a Fire-type was not one of the best decisions Marina has made…
"C'mon, Marina… I know you can battle better than is…" Kamon began to tease. "Or is because you're battling against me that you're having trouble…?"
"Shut up!" she replied. "It's hard to fight a friend… especially one that's stronger than me!"
"Yeah, you've always been sentimental that way. What's wrong about facing off against a friend in a friendly battle? Actually, I'm fighting you as softly as I can… I'm usually a lot more harder on everyone else that comes up against me…"
"Oh, now you're just making me feel worse!"
"Okay, okay… how about we make a deal to boost that confidence of yours… give you something to fight for? If you win, I will assist you in devising a strategy for fighting against the next Elite Four trainer. That would be helpful, wouldn't it?"
"…It would," Marina replied. "And if you win…"
A smirk corned upon Kamon's lips. "I get to kiss you and take you out on a date." Marina suddenly bushed. A date… he wanted a date with her? "How about it?"
With a blush still upon her cheeks, Marina smiled. "You're on." She wanted to win so badly… but for some reason, losing didn't sound so bad to her anymore.
May stood outside a café in Petalburg City patiently waiting for someone, however her patience was beginning to wear thin. He's late… over fifteen minutes late! Inside the café, Brandon was having lunch taking a break from his adventure. He, May and Max have been travelling together, however May asked if she could have some privacy today, for she had a date. So there was Brandon with a now seventeen-year old Max sitting beside him having lunch, trying to look as non-conspicuous as they could. Sitting opposite them was Jirachi stuffing his face with food. Not much has change for Jirachi, as he was still youthful and as gluttonous as he always had been. He had been travelling with Max. And then there was Groudon looking so laid back and relaxed as ever… while he ogled the waitresses that passed by. Groudon partnered up with Brandon, simply for the reason to help him grow a backbone and become more confident around women, as Brandon was always on the shy side when concerning the opposites sex.
Brandon sighed at Groudon's sleazy behaviour. "Groudon, could you just cut it out for just one second? We're trying to lower our presence, not pick up girls! Just try and control yourself for May. She's really excited about this date."
"What can I say… human women are too hard to resist," Groudon replied. "Human women are so, complex, beautiful and so fascinating to interact with. It's such an interesting experience for a Being like me to be with one. Brandon my friend, you have no idea what you're missing."
"I have always wondered about something concerning that…" Max said. "Why is it that you Beings prefer to be sexually partnered with humans?"
"The emotions, desires, experiences… the complex of being human itself is something that we Beings find so interesting to undergo… Well, I do," Groudon replied. "As Pokemon, we only experience basic instincts and emotions. Our being is downgraded to becoming nothing more but a simple animal. But humans are so much more interesting, as humans possess a complex rationality that Pokemon don't have. Being human is like a drug to us because of this complex rationality… it keeps our immortal life so interesting. We experience both being human and Pokemon as we do exist between them, but if I had to choose… I rather be human than Pokemon any day."
"Is that why there has been so much controversy of intimacy between you Beings and humans over the centuries?" Brandon wondered. "You'd rather love a human than a Pokemon because you find us… more interesting?"
"When you look at the bigger picture, we're more human than Pokemon anyway," Groudon continued. "We may have the ability to change between a human or a Pokemon form, however we experience so much more than a normal human or Pokemon ever will. You could go as far as to even say… that we're more complex than you humans. So of course we find humans more appealing, as well as our own kind."
"Yes… how many times has that theory been proven over the course of time?" Rayquaza wondered to them, as he approached their table. He had been at the front counter placing another order for Jirachi. "It is indeed a rather uncomfortable and scandalous topic of conversation… but it happens. I believe the most scandalous relationship between a human and Being to date was the one between Diagla and that woman. But these days, you'll find that Diagla is more against the relationship between humans and Beings."
"Why?" Max asked.
Rayquaza frowned. "Because of the horrible reality of grief and sorrow that always follows. When you fall deeply in love with someone you want to be with them forever or until the day you die. We Beings are immortal, while humans live such short lives. It is beautiful, however it is nothing more than a short fleeting moment, which in the end brings us Beings such pain. But even so, we fall into that same trap time and time again. We have needs too…"
"Oh… I get it now. That is quite a sad thought… no wonder why Dialga's so against it now…"
"He's still broken hearted to this day, I'm sure."
"Hey, Ray… will you be sad when May passes on?"
"Max… that is something I rather not think about right now."
May continued to wait outside for her date. Twenty minutes have passed and he still hasn't shown up! It made her wonder… was Drew even serious about this relationship to begin with? She then noticed a young man with a head of green hair hurry up towards her down the busy city street. Finally! What in the world was he doing… looking at himself in the mirror or something? He may as well had been, as he had become quite the handsome swan from the arrogant and egoistical duck with that he was seven years ago. He wasn't ugly even then… but his personality sure was! He still looks at himself in the mirror to this day, but not as much. Almost tripping over, Drew approached a rather irritated May and handed a rose to her. She had to admit, him giving her a flower made her feel a little more better about his lateness.
"I am so sorry!" he said. "I didn't realise that contest would take so long."
"You competed in a Pokemon Contest before our date?" she wondered. "Can't you stop competing for just one day… you do have a problem!"
"If it makes you feel any better, I won…" she just rolled her eyes. Yes… some things haven't changed in seven years. He then took her arm and linked it with his. "Well, I'm here now… let's just get going a have fun today, okay…" She just sighed… no use staying angry with him all day… she just wanted to have fun as well. "Hey, did you get that invitation to Ash and Misty's wedding yet?"
"Sure did!"
"Some mail has arrived sir," Jupiter said, as she walked into Cyrus' office. Seven years later and Jupiter was still Cyrus' secretary for Team Galactic. Nothing much as changed with her apart from the few wrinkles she was developing due to age, which she always fixed with surgery anyway. Mars and Saturn were still his top commanders as well. Yes, Team Galactic was still up and running, however its goal had changed. Instead of world domination, it was now the largest energy research organization in Sinnoh. In fact, it was Saturn who suggested that they continue their research looking for new sources of energy, but instead of using it for world domination, they'll use it to offer new sources energy to power cities and homes. It had been successful so far.
Cyrus took the envelope from Jupiter and began to open it. He had aged quite a bit as well, however he seemed more cheerful and vibrant than he did seven years ago. It was due to his new look on life, which he developed through the return of his family. He and Johanna were getting along quite well, and his daughter Dawn contacted him frequently. He was indeed happy… even Johanna has commented that his attitude has indeed improved. He was a different man… in fact he had returned into that man she fell in love with all those years ago. Cyrus opened the envelope to find four invitations addressed for Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and one for himself and Johanna. They were invitations to Ash and Misty's wedding. They had invited them as well. Well, they were part of their team saving the universe after all.
"They're finally here," he said.
"The invitations, sir?" Jupiter asked.
"Yes. Here's yours…" He gave Jupiter her invitation, as well as the invitations for Mars and Saturn. "And take these to Mars and Saturn as well." Jupiter nodded and left his office to relay the invitations to her fellow commanders.
"C'mon, Zappy… just do it already!"
"Get screwed, bitch! And stop calling me Zappy!"
"This is for the benefit of everyone. You're full of energy that's just going to waste! Just do it already!"
"No! I'm not some lab rat! You cannot make me charge energy into the grid against my will!
"You volunteered!" Nothing much has changed between Mars and Zapdos over the past seven years… they still argued, and at times wrestled each other to solve those arguments. However, that was just how they showed their care for one another. They had honestly become the best of friends over the past seven years… even if that friendship was a rather violent one. Saturn and Moltres couldn't help but laugh from the back of the lab, as Mars continued to shout profanities through the intercom at Zapdos. She indeed looked like a lab-rat as she firmly stood within a sealed room with a power grid behind her, while the others watched her from the other side of the protective glass. She didn't look too happy.
"Well then, I change my mind!" Zapdos said turning up her nose.
Mars sighed and plonked her head down on the controls board in front of her. "Damn it Zapdos, you're so impossible!"
After a good laugh, Saturn sighed. "I need a drag."
"Same here," Moltres added. "They're giving me a headache!" With that, they left the lab heading outside to relive their stress.
"Man, your sister is just impossible," Saturn said to Moltres, as they walked down the hall. "If Lugia was here, this would be a lot easier!"
"Yeah… it is a shame that he is miles away at the Pokemon League winning battles for Ash… Ho-oh as well."
"Hey, did you hear… Dawn defeated Lucian, the last of the Elite Four. She faces Ash next week."
"Cyrus must be very proud if his little girl…"
"That's where I heard. He's been going on about for hours now!"
"It's been seven years… how time passes by… It seems what happened all those years ago was nothing more but a dream, doesn't it?"
"It does, but here we are talking about it like it was yesterday. Those memories of that exciting time will forever live on inside our hearts… along with the scars we received along the way…" Dawn decided to stay with Ash and have something to eat together at the Pokemon League restaurant. Diagla sat with them also. It was there, while they waited for their order to arrive that they began to talk about the past. It was the most extraordinary time they had in their lives, as well as some of the darkest. To this day the Griseous Orb remained infused upon Ash's chest… reminding him of what he did all those years ago. That was his scar… a reminder to him, as well as everyone else that did in fact happen. That dream was real once upon a time. Dawn noticed him clench the orb, which was hidden under the veal of his shirt. It was still there.
"He can no longer hurt you," Diagla then said to Ash. "That orb may as well be yours. As long as you use its power for the benefit of others it remains a gift… not a curse."
"I have been," Ash replied. "And I've been getting better at it. But I have to admit; being able to use Pokemon attacks myself is rather weird… What about you Dawn… how are you?"
"What do you mean?" Dawn asked.
"Well… you and Giratina became rather close during that time… I was wondering… how are you coping try to forget about him?"
"I won't be able to forget," Dawn replied firmly. "In fact… not a day goes by that I worry about him. If only you saw and felt what I did, then perhaps you would understand. In fact, I cannot sleep at night sometimes because I know that he is suffering." Ash and Diagla stared at her with concern within their eyes. She looked so worried for Giratina and of the suffering he was perhaps enduring in heaven. To them he deserved it… but to her…
"Well… hopefully a weekend at a hot springs inn will make you feel better," Ash said. "Seeing everyone together again will cheer you up a bit, don't you think?"
Dawn smiled. "Yeah… hopefully…"
"Lord Arceus… I've been thinking… what if there was another way of keeping Giratina under control. What if we could keep him under control by not causing him pain in order to beat him down… but by using emotions instead?"
"Mew… what are you suggesting?"
"How about we give him a break for a while? Why not send him to that hot springs inn Miss Dawn and the others are heading to next weekend for a moment of peace and serenity? You never know what will come about afterwards…"
"Mew… you're not trying to play 'match-maker' again, are you?"
"…No…"
"Very well… but if your theory fails, then he must return immediately. I will send you to keep a watchful eye upon him."
"Yes sir!"
Author's note: Another chapter uploaded under 24 hours... I must be lucky today : ). I actually wanted to upload this chapter the same time as chap. 27, but I was too tired to continue and finish this one. But it's up now : )
Sorry if this chapter seems flat and boring, however it sets up for what's going to happen in the next chapter. So hopefully the next chapter is more exciting than the last one.
Just two more chapters.
Thank you for your support, thank you all for reading and I hope you continue to read in the future : )
