One day, I will update on time. I will.
But better late than never. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 55: Home at Last
Why? Phoenix thought in his mind. Why is it always me that saves the world? Why can't it be Emile or Jade? Or Dr. Z? Ugh…
He didn't feel that he was ready to save the world again. It might end up like his journey to Oblivion Tunnel… and that didn't end very well. His heart still ached from Cindy's disappearance. If he had to save the world again…
"Why me?" he moaned.
"I could spend all day listing reasons why you could save the world. You're strong, for one. You've already proved your might by defeating Deoxys and eradicating Pokérus," Latios pointed out.
"And you have a brave heart. You always jump in to save your friends, no matter what. I like that in you," Latias added with a smile.
Phoenix chuckled bashfully. "C'mon, guys. You're embarrassing me! I'm not that strong…"
"Yeah. The very Pokémon that saved the world isn't strong. Sure," Jade murmured.
"I wasn't the one who saved the world! That was… Cindy."
Phoenix bit his lip, wishing he had not said anything.
The pain about his partner's loss had still not left him. Even though he had sworn that he wouldn't cry or freak out again, he still had to hold back tears as he took a shaky breath. He had to stay strong…
"Oh… Are you still sad about Cindy's disappearance?" Latias asked.
It took him every ounce of willpower to not break down then.
How… how had she known?! He hadn't even told Jade and Saber, and they were his closest friends. How was it that this random shapeshifting dragon had known about her fading away in the golden light?! How…
He took a shaky breath and tried not to freak out. Maybe Latios and Latias knew about this somehow. After all, they were super big legendary Pokémon. Maybe they had a way of knowing. Maybe they were watching them as they pummeled Deoxys, making sure they were okay…
Maybe that was the case…
He took a deep breath and nodded slowly, not taking his eyes off the twin dragons. "Yeah. Still sad. I don't know if I'll get over that any time soon," he murmured.
Jade gasped, probably remembering Emile's disappearance. Saber sighed and stepped forward, resting his hand on Phoenix's shoulder. "Sorry," he murmured, and he was surprised to see tears were forming in the Treecko's eyes.
Latios nodded. "I see. My apologies. It had to be done, see. It was either that or see her die…" he said.
"It's okay," Phoenix said. "I mean… I'm still sad, but… yeah. It can't be helped," he murmured.
There was a brief moment of silence as the group of Pokémon mourned Cindy's loss. Phoenix was especially crestfallen, but he held in his tears and tried to remember the happy times, not the sad times.
"So…" Latias said, breaking the somber silence. "Phoenix, do you want Cindy to come back sometime?" she asked, a faint smile on her face.
Phoenix jumped up, instantly alert. Of course he wanted Cindy back! And surely… surely there was a way to help her, right?
"Oh, yes!" he said.
"I'm sure we all do. This world is even more sad now that she's gone. If we could bring her back, why, I'm sure everyone would throw a party!" Dr. Z said, clapping his hands together.
"Well… you're in luck!" Latias said brightly.
Phoenix felt like a balloon had burst inside him, releasing a load of colorful sparkly confetti. It was just as he expected: there was a way to bring Cindy back.
He could almost imagine it: he would be exploring one day, then suddenly, a glowing golden orb appeared before him. He would stand there in awe as the orb expanded, slowly taking shape until it was the familiar form of his friend, Cindy. As the glow vanished, the Cyndaquil would stand there, a smile on her face. Without hesitation, Phoenix would race into her arms, overjoyed to see her back.
"R-really?! I mean—wow! I thought she was gone forever, but—! I'm so happy! I could hug you guys! I-I could scream! I feel like I could explore from happiness!" he enthused, jumping up and down like an excited kid.
Latias chuckled. "I'm glad you're excited, Phoenix, but you need to save your energy. We've got a while to go before she can come back!"
That put an end to his excitement almost immediately.
He slumped forward and let out a sigh. He didn't want to do any more crazy things. He had already saved the world once—he had put an end to Deoxys's reign of terror. And he didn't want to have to do that again.
He was about to open his mouth and protest loudly about not wanting to do any work, but then he stopped himself.
He felt that he was being too much of a baby. If he didn't want to do any work, he wasn't fit to be an explorer. He could retire and go home and spend the rest of his days telling about the stories he had to young Pokémon who were eager for a story.
But if it was for Cindy…
"Okay!" he said brightly. "Anything to get Cindy back!"
"Gotta love that enthusiasm!" Latios said.
"So what's the plan? Do we have to go to the ends of the earth? Do we have to fight some crazy legendary Pokémon? Do we have to—" he began.
"Whoa whoa whoa. Calm down, chappie! Let them explain!" Dr. Z said sternly.
"Thank you, doctor," Latios said, a hint of thankfulness in his tones.
"Now. Do you remember what we were saying earlier?" Latias asked.
"You mean about Xerneas and Yveltal and all that?" Emile asked.
"Yeah. And do you remember what Xerneas can do that's so special?" Latios asked, a hint of a smile on his face.
Phoenix had to think about it for a minute. He didn't know what was so special about Xerneas; he knew next to nothing about this being.
But then—he got it! Sharp as a ThunderShock, the answer came to him.
"Life! He's the being that can control life!" he blurted.
Jade stepped back, surprised by his sudden burst. "Sheesh. You don't have to be so loud," she murmured.
"But it's true, isn't it? He can control life itself. He can raise the dead and cure any ailment. He can make someone feel as good as new," Emile said.
"So that means…" Latias said, her eyes shining with excitement.
Phoenix gasped.
"He can bring her back?" he whispered, not believing it to be true.
"Precisely!" the twins said simultaneously.
The penguin could barely believe his ears. A Pokémon that could bring back Cindy with a bat of his eye?! That was amazing! It was almost too good to be true. But it was true… Cindy would come back!
But then… he remembered. That was too good to be true.
"But… You said that he was locked in a battle… right?" he whispered.
"With some sort of destruction Pokémon. Yveltal, right?" Jade said.
"Yes. Xerneas is trapped in the Rift of Life while he battles his foe. He has diverted all his energy to his battle, and he's growing weaker by the minute. And if he dies…" Latios looked at Phoenix, expecting him to complete the sentence.
A bitter taste filled his mouth as he formed the words: "There's no hope. Cindy's gone forever."
"I'm afraid so," Latios said.
Phoenix sighed. He had already heard these words before: just after he had made it out of Oblivion Tunnel, a voice had spoken to him, warning him of the trials ahead. He was sure that was Xerneas now… but even his words couldn't make him feel better. He had gone from absolutely crestfallen to bright and happy… and right back down to depression again.
"But we won't let that happen, will we?" Latias said.
"No!" Emile said.
"Let me rephrase: absolutely no!" Jade added.
"That's the spirit!" Dr. Z said jovially.
"What's the plan? I wanna know! I wanna help Xerneas and get Cindy back as soon as possible!" Phoenix said, his usual bubbly happiness returning.
"Well… that is the plan," Latias said.
"Xerneas needs help to defeat his foe. And you are just the folks we need to help," Latios said.
Phoenix nodded. "So… we help Xerneas defeat Yveltal… and then what?" he asked.
Latias opened her mouth to answer, but Emile interjected with a wave of his blue paw.
"Wait! If we help defeat Yveltal, Xerneas would regain his power… right? And since he controls life, he can also bring Cindy back… right? So if we help him, he might be so grateful that he brings her back! Am I right?" he said quickly.
"That makes sense!" Jade said. "Like when Emile disappeared. A few months after our adventure, Dialga brought him back. He was repaying a favor… a favor I'll never forget…" She inched closer to Emile and smiled sweetly. The Riolu blushed but didn't say anything.
Phoenix gasped. It did make sense. If they helped Xerneas, he might bring Cindy back to repay them. In fact… wasn't that what he had said before? Something about bringing her back if he helped her…
He puffed up his chest and looked to the sky, determined to win. "Count me in! Anything to get Cindy back!" he said boldly.
"Yes!" Saber said. "I'll help as much as I can!"
"Count us in, too!" Jade said, smiling at Emile.
"Oh, you don't even have to ask about me. Of course! I love some adventure!" Emile said, patting Phoenix on the back.
"I'll be more than willing to help you, chap! After all… Cindy was a great Pokémon," Dr. Z said.
Phoenix looked at his grinning companions. They all wore looks of confidence and happiness, and they all looked ready to take the challenge head-on. It made him so happy to know that they were ready to risk their lives all for the life of one small Pokémon.
All his friends… Only a few months ago, he was just a normal Piplup. A young, naïve, weak Piplup who had no close friends. And now… now he was surrounded by friends. Emile, Jade, Saber, Dr. Z, Latios, Latias… Even those who couldn't be there, Cindy, Chris, Team Eeveelution, Terrakion…
He almost wanted to tear up. Everyone here was his friend, and they would give up anything to make them happy. That was a favor he couldn't return.
"So you're all in? You sure? I have a feeling that the road ahead is gonna be really rough," Phoenix warned. After all, he didn't want his friends to get hurt just because he wanted Cindy to come back.
"Of course!" Saber said.
"Seriously, Phoenix. You don't even need to ask that question. Of course we're in! I'm no stranger to saving the world, and I'm gonna do everything I can to help you with it!" Emile said.
"You're absolutely sure? You know, there's a good chance you're gonna lose your lives…" Phoenix said warily.
"It's okay. If we die on the way, Xerneas will just bring us back!" Jade said.
"Exactly!" Dr. Z chipped in.
He had a feeling that wouldn't be the case if they did die, but he nodded along with them. "Yeah. Good point…"
"So! We're all in?" Saber asked.
"Yeah!" the group said simultaneously. They raised their arms into the air and let out a whoop of determination, and Phoenix knew that they really meant it when they said they would follow him to the end.
Once the explorers calmed down, Latios cleared his throat. "But we won't get anything done unless you get some proper sleep. I understand this isn't your proper home?"
"Yeah. Center City. Just past…" Phoenix cursed inwardly. "Medicine Forest."
Medicine Forest was a thick jungle just outside Polar Town. It separated the wintery village from Center City, Phoenix's home. And he did not want to go through that place again.
Last time he trekked through the forest, Emile, Cindy and him had sustained multiple injuries. And Jade… her leg still hadn't healed. And Saber! There was no way he could get through there okay. He'd collapse within an hour!
"Ugh…" Saber moaned. "Why do we have to go through there? It was terrible the first time, and I wasn't a mummy then…"
Latias chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, you silly… Have you already forgotten about us?" she chided.
Saber blinked, confused at her words. "What do you mean? Why do you always talk in riddles?"
"Oh, do you want a straight answer for once?" Latias asked.
"Yes!" Jade said, perhaps a little louder than necessary.
Latios chuckled along with his sister. "Oh, okay, Jade."
"We can fly!" Latias said brightly.
Phoenix blinked. He was surprised that he hadn't remembered that. They had said they could fly at incredible speeds before. And if that wasn't enough, they had been hovering a few feet off the ground for the entire conversation! How had he forgotten that they could fly?
He shook his head, cursing his forgetfulness. "Oh… I knew that." He chortled along with the dragons, trying not to look stupid.
"So you're saying you can fly us over Medicine Forest?" Jade asked.
"Certainly! It'll be a bit of work, but it'll be a nice alternative to exploring the forest of doom!" Latias said jovially.
"Sweet!" Jade said, grinning ear-to-ear.
"So… are you ready to hitch a ride on Eon Airlines?" Latios asked.
"You bet I am!" Emile said.
"Yeah! The sooner we can get home, the better!" Phoenix said.
But just as the word "home" exited his mouth, he felt a sudden pang of nostalgia.
Home. He was finally going home.
Ever since he had left Center City in pursuit of Team Chompy, he had dreamed about going back to the familiar town he knew. He had been gone only for a few weeks, but it seemed like he had been gone for a lifetime.
And now… he was going back. Back home…
"Well, hop on!"
Latios's kind words brought him out of his thoughts. He blinked, momentarily confused, and then realized that the blue dragon was beckoning for him to climb onto his back.
Phoenix grinned and approached Latios, sliding onto his back. Saber and Dr. Z followed him while Emile and Jade mounted Latias. Sitting down, he found that a very fine down covered his sleek white back.
Latios craned his neck to look at Phoenix and the others. "You ready for liftoff?" he asked.
"Yep!" Phoenix said brightly.
"Certainly!" Dr. Z agreed.
The blue dragon turned to his red sister, a slight smile on his face. "You ready, sis?" he asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be!" she chimed.
"Don't toss and turn, Emile. I'm sure she won't like that," Jade said, giving her companion a grin.
"You should be one to talk!" he retorted.
Further conversation was drowned out by Latios's next words: "Okay, team! Here we… gooooooooooo!"
The next thing Phoenix knew, the wind was rushing at his face, the chilly air stinging his body. There was a tugging sensation in his gut, and before he could say "dragons", Latios had left the ground. They were soaring over Medicine Forest.
He had always dreamed of flying. He longed to take wing into the air and soar over the ground, leaving his companions and his troubles stuck on earth. He had never been able to accomplish this dream; being a penguin, he couldn't leave the ground. The closest thing to flying he had experienced was gliding through the ocean.
But this wasn't swimming. No… this was really flying.
At first, it was a little dizzying. The ground was far below them, and Latios was hurtling forward at a mile a minute. But after a few seconds, Phoenix had overcome this nausea and was fully appreciating the flight.
It was incredible. The wind between his feathers, the feeling of soaring, and his racing heart… It was an experience he would never forget.
Then, just as he was starting to really enjoy his flight, he could feel a brief jolt. Latios jerked a few times and began to slow down, steadily reducing his speed as he neared the ground. Latias, who had flown next to them the whole time, also began to flutter downward to the earthy ground.
"Awwww…" Phoenix moaned as Latios quickly approached the ground. "Does it have to end here?"
Latias chuckled. "Yeah. Unless you'd rather fly over your hometown," she said.
He blinked in confusion. Surely… this couldn't be Center City. Latios and Latias had only been flying for a few minutes. There was no way they could get from Polar Town to Center City in the span of five minute's time.
Latios "parked" on a trail of soft dirt just by a small stream. Latias followed his lead, and Emile and Jade slid off her back. Phoenix, Saber, and Dr. Z also dismounted Latios, feeling slightly dizzy upon touching the ground.
"That. Was. AWESOME!" Jade screamed, jumping up and down with a maniacal grin on her face. "Seriously! You were faster than—than a speeding Lapras!"
Phoenix and Saber turned their heads to the Chikorita, confused at why she would make such a strange analogy. Emile, however, cracked up.
"BAH! Hahahahaha… Good one, Jade! Good one!" he said, holding out a paw for her to high-five. She slapped his paw with her front leg and continued laughing.
"Um…" Saber asked, confused at why they were laughing so hard.
"Oh… it's nothing. Well, it is something, but—" Emile began.
"Long story," Jade interjected.
"It's about our world-saving feat," Emile added.
"Oh." Phoenix chuckled weakly. "That. You still need to tell us about it, though. What was it like to save the world back then?"
"It's too long. We don't have time now… maybe once all this calms down?" Emile said.
"Sure," Saber said.
"But in the meantime, let's get going. Center City is just up ahead!" Latias chimed.
Home. Home. Home.
Phoenix was finally home.
XxX
And there we go! Hope you enjoyed, and don't forget to review!
