Chapter 34: Towards the Future

With Nerezzik gone, we had saved the world. The hostages were freed, and since they were all important members of the world government, they set about preparing for ceremonies both to honor the dead and to celebrate victory. The celebrations were going to be held at Obsidian.

A few days later, the day of the ceremonies arrived. Draconis, Charmandra, Wave, Absol, Eridel, Mewtwo and I had fully recovered, but Lucario now had his arm in a sling. Latias and Latios both had many bandages, but had been playing joyfully with one another. Both Ninetales and Aureolus were going to be given a funeral during the ceremonies.

A few hours before the ceremonies, I was sitting in the room given for me to stay in. Eridel entered. "The ceremonies are going to begin soon," he began. "If you want I could get you some nice clothes for the event."

I had remained a Swampert, and just gave Eridel an uncaring look. "Don't bother. I won't be needing them. I'm going like this."

"But I'm sure everyone would like it more if you went as a human."

"No, I'm going to be giving up my life as a human. There's nothing left for me in this world but pain and emptiness. I'm going to go stay as a pokemon with my friends."

Eridel decided not to argue, so he went to help prepare the others for the event. A few hours later we headed out. After a short walk we arrived at the place for the ceremonies. A large lawn near the main government buildings had been set up with chairs for the audience and a stage and podium. Even though it was early, most of the chairs for the audience were full. The people cheered as they saw us. We were their heroes and champions, but the cheering seemed empty to me. We took our places on the stage, and soon the ceremonies began.

Some leaders of the government gave a few words, and then Eridel was up for his speech. He told the long tale of our journeys and the many brave deeds we had done. The most memorable phrases were "We must strive to live in peace and harmony with both worlds" and "We must never forget the pain or sacrifices needed to stop this." He concluded his speech and the funeral for Ninetales and Aureolus began. We helped carry the caskets and placed them inside their graves. Both had lived for hundreds or even thousands of years, and it seemed like neither left with any regrets.

After some time the funeral ended and later the victory celebrations began. There was a large feast for us, but I left after having my fill. There were other activities, but I just wanted time to rest and be alone for the moment. I could tell many of the others felt the same way, so we returned to the rooms provided for us.

After a while, Eridel came, looking a little frustrated. "So this is where you all are!" he greeted. "They have been missing you down at the festivities. Only Opal and I have been there, and we wondered where you all were. Why don't you come watch the fireworks they'll be setting off soon?"

Eridel led us to the grassy lawns where Opal was waiting for us. The sun sunk below the horizon quickly and the fireworks began. Draconis and Charmandra sat together, hand in hand.

"With this behind us, we're free to choose our own path," Draconis quietly whispered to Charmandra. "I've been thinking a lot about this over the past few days, and I have one question. Charmandra, would you like to walk together with me on the path that leads towards the future?"

Charmandra wrapped her arms around Draconis. "Of course I would! I've been waiting for you to ask me something like that for so long."

The two snuggled closer together and continued watching the fireworks. Opal, Eridel, Lucario, Mewtwo, and Absol all sat together, enjoying the show.

"There is a lot of rebuilding to do, so we're going to be busy," Opal stated.

"If Exaccus is continued, I'll probably be the next leader," Eridel added. "At least we won't have to be so secretive, now that the public knows about us. We'll rebuild Exaccus with a new goal. We'll strive to bring together humans and pokemon."

Lucario shifted his broken arm slightly. "A worthy goal. We'll be returning to the our world, but perhaps you and I can work together. Together, pokemon and humans can do far more than they could alone. I'll try to work towards the same goal, but on my own world."

Absol opened his eyes and yawned. "I'm not sure what I'll do next. Maybe return to the mountains and get some peace, quiet, and rest. All this adventuring has been fun, but it's starting to wear me out."

Mewtwo decided to let his plans be known. "I'm going to go live with the other pokemon. It will be better than being the only pokemon around here."

Watching the others, I sat a little ways off alone. Wave came up and looked at the fireworks for a second. "Now that this is over, what are you going to do, Ben?"

"I'm going to live as a Swampert. Everything that was important to me as a human is gone, but everything important to me as a pokemon still exists."

"Am I part of the 'everything important' to you?"

"Yes, over our travels, I've come to enjoy your company. Draconis is also a very dear friend to me."

"There will always be room for you to swim beside me."

"I do realize your feelings, Wave. Perhaps one day I may join you in the swamp or elsewhere, but for now there are a few more things I have to figure out."

"I'll wait for the day you decide."

The finale of the fireworks boomed in the sky. The showers of multicolored sparks and flames lit up the sky. Everything seemed to be going back to normal, and I felt a little happiness for the first time in a few days.

With the next day, we set out to the portal. The others all went through, but Eridel pulled me aside before I went.

"Ben, I want to make you a member of Exaccus," he stated. "You'll be the coordinator of any of our members we send through in the future. We will only send a few, and we'll be rebuilding for some time, so it won't interfere with whatever you decide to do as a pokemon."

"I'm thankful for the invitation. I'll accept the position. Who knows? Maybe I'll need some things from you as well."

I went through the portal and caught up with the others. Eridel and Opal faded as we returned to Geonne.

Five years passed quickly.

Over the years, Pokemon Square had been rebuilt, almost looking the same as before. There were many more pokemon there now, so I had taken many and built a new town where buried relic once stood. I called in a favor to Eridel and had him supply me with materials to build a large academy where the portal was. This academy was named Relic Academy, and I worked hard to gather and store the stories and knowledge of the pokemon there.

Wave had joined me on my travels across the world to gather knowledge, and along the way our feelings for each other grew stronger. Eventually we stopped traveling and stayed at the academy to teach others after making one last trip to the swamp for the unity ritual that two pokemon take part in when they want to be together forever. The academy became a place where both pokemon and humans could learn about one another, but Wave and I also built a home nearby for our family. Draconis and Charmandra also decided to live in our town, which was also known as Relic Academy.

One day, Eridel sent a message with one of the few human scientists that were at the academy. It was a request to have a reunion of all the members of our group. I sent the reply that we could meet at my academy, since it had plenty of room. I spread the message to Draconis and Charmandra in one of my frequent visits. Lucario was also easy to reach, since he had joined the academy as one of the teachers. For the others, I sent a message through the small local branch of the Pelipper post office. Latias and Latios had come to our world, and traveled the world. Absol had went to live in the mountains again, going back to the solitude he had once had. Mewtwo had gone off, but I did not know where.

After a few weeks the day for the reunion arrived. Draconis and I had bought food and helped set one of the large rooms up for the event. Charmandra arrived, with the three Charmanders that were hers and Draconis's children. Wave came next, bringing along our son. Mudkip joined the Charmanders and they all began to play in the large room. Lucario adjourned his lesson early and came to join us as well. Soon, Eridel and Opal arrived through the portal. Eridel had on a much nicer uniform, looking every part the leader of Exaccus. Opal wore a long white lab coat, black shirt, and blue jeans giving her a much more casual appearance than her brother. Latias and Latios landed shortly later. We started talking about old times, and some time later Absol entered, but also brought another Absol along with him.

"Sorry I'm late, the journey was quite long," Absol began. "I knew you wouldn't start all the fun without me. I'd like you all to meet my wife. We just went through the unity ritual only a few weeks ago. With all these children, it's obvious that some of you have already gone through it as well."

Draconis smiled. "Charmandra and I went through it right after getting back here. Our little Charmanders sure keep us busy."

"I also have a family now, although Exaccus keeps me away from them at times," Eridel added.

"I'm married now as well," Opal replied. "I only see Eridel during work now, but sometimes its hard to even stand him that long."

Lucario seemed a little uncomfortable. "Maybe I'll take a break from teaching and go find someone special of my own. It's starting to be a bit lonely by myself."

Latias glided over. "We've found a few others of our kind in our travels, and there have been a few Latios I liked. Hey, brother, what happened with you and that Latias we met a few weeks ago?"

Latios seemed a little distant as he thought about the beautiful Latias they had met recently. "I've met with her a few times, and we are getting to know each other pretty well."

Latios had tried to hide his meetings with the other Latias from his sister, but since they were always together, it was impossible. At least she would give them some time together, while she went and did other things.

Mewtwo finally arrived, and Mew came along with him. "I just got the letter. It took Pelipper a long time to get to Western Cave, where I am staying now. I also have brought along Mew. She found me when she followed my energy after noticing how similar it was to hers. We've been together some time now. She had proved to be very helpful and caring."

Mew spoke with a quiet but calming voice. "I'm sorry for the trouble I cause you all in the past when Nerezzik had me. At least that is behind us now. This is the fifth year celebration of his defeat isn't it?"

"Indeed it is," I said. "If it isn't obvious enough, Wave and I have been together for a few years now. We also were together before that, traveling the land. Now let's get this reunion started."

We passed hours talking about the old times and what had happened since then. It was great to remember all that we had fought for and done to bring the world to the way it was now. And now, it would be up to us to help the memories and lessons of our stories live on in the future generations.

A final note:

I do not own the franchises of pokemon or any other games alluded to in this story, although I enjoy playing them.