Pokemon: Crimson Fury

by TheNMan64

When the moon glows with a shade of sinister crimson, both humans and Pokémon become aggressive and violent towards one another. As a group of villains plots to harness the power of the moon for their own purposes, a group of aspiring Pokémon Trainers must battle the forces of evil, their own emotions and the very moon itself to save the world

83. Chapter 82: The End of an Era

In the morning two days later, inside the fabled Taghwan Theater, all of Arcana's brass and the greatly reduced media had gathered to attend the first press conference to be held in Arcana since the tragic fires burned down the illustrious Taghwan Hall. Because of the greatly reduced size of the press with ArcTV shutting it's doors for good and only the trio from ArcNet News there to ask the hard hitting questions of their Champion. The crowd sizes were dispersed across the theater, but filled up roughly 150 seats in the otherwise 1,500 seats of the Taghwan Theater.

Michael, The Elite Four, Piper and the interim mayor of Taghwan City, who just happened to be Mr. Queensbury, stood by and waited for the rest of the hall to fill up. When the doors closed in time for the conference to begin at 10:00 AM, Mr. Queensbury walked up to the podium to address those who had come.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming to this hastily organized Press Conference" he spoke quickly. "We understand that many could not attend due to prior obligations, but this news needed to get out to the public, as we all believe it's time for us to get things back to the way they were meant to be. Before I hand things over to the Champion, I would like to thank him and the Elite Four, not just as my allies, but as a father, for saving my beloved Holly from the Crimson Fury. The Queensbury Family will forever be indebted to you."

Michael nodded. The other four followed in suit. Michael eyed Piper sitting beside him, her eyes unable to meet him. She must have guessed the reason for this conference. The Champion sighed. This day had to come at some point. I'm not a tyrant. It's time for someone else to take up the mantle.

"Without further ado" Mr. Queensbury said, "I introduce the Champion of the Arcana Pokémon League, Michael Kingston." The audience applauded politely for Michael as he walked past Holly's father and up to the podium.

Michael cleared his throat. "Good morning, everyone. I'd like to thank ArcNet TV for being able to come and take part in their first ever press conference. I'd also like to thank Her Highness, the lovely Piper Pines, for being able to be here on such an occasion. And for all of you out there right now-." He paused when he saw Julia in one of the balcony seats. He looked away and continued. "For all of you out there right now, I appreciate you all for coming here to hear this historic press conference." He took a deep breath. "My Grandfather served as Champion for over 40 years. For forty uninterrupted years, he was the beacon of hope and bastion of light for all that came and went through Arcana. And all of my young life, I strived to be just like him. To be the one that everyone thought of when the idea of a great person was floated about. I'd like to think I gave this job everything I had. And I couldn't be more proud of the time that I've spent, serving you all as a guardian, a protector and an icon to many whom I may never even meet face to face."

The audience applauded lightly, allowing Michael to catch his breath and take a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe away a lone tear coming out of his face, before he continued. "But it's time for a someone else to take up the mantle of Champion. James Kingston was a wonderful man, but I know deep down that I can never duplicate what he did for you all. The title of Champion is more than being just the strongest trainer in the world. It's a position of leadership, authority and power that deep down, I don't think I've ever wanted. Some of you may believe that's what makes me perfectly suited to keep going as long as I can. But for a while now, the burdens of the crown of the Champion has been weighing on my heart and making me second guess myself on multiple occasions." He took a deep breath before continuing. "That is why, effective at the end of this Pokémon League Tournament, I shall be resigning my position as Champion of the Arcana Pokémon League. This was not an easily made decision, mind you. It was hard to even fathom the idea of leaving this life behind me, but I did not strive to succeed my Grandfather, only to be a weaker copy of him. Perhaps there will be a Champion ready to take on the mantle of being the next James, but until then, I'm tired. I've given this all I have, but perhaps it wasn't enough." He looked behind him at the Elite Four, who were whispering to each other, while Piper lowered her head in sadness. "I take it some of you aren't too happy about this, but it's something that I feel needs to be done." He closed his eyes for a moment to reflect on his decision and then looked out into the crowds. "I will now take questions from the gallery."

Dylan was the first to raise his hand. "Mr. Champion, congratulations on your well deserved retirement. My first question is, was this decision forced upon you?"

Michael laughed sadly. "No. In fact, after I made this announcement to my family last night, they pleaded with me not to. This was a decision made all on my own. That's sort of why Cameron declared the massive Pokémon League Tournament in another month or so. It's not only to celebrate the defeat of The Syndicate, but to also serve as a farewell tour to all of Arcana. I don't intend on stepping on the toes of whoever succeeds me."

Amber chimed in next. "Mr. Kingston, should you win the tournament for the tenth consecutive year, how would the transition of power go to the next Champion? Will it be the runner-up? Or will someone take up the mantle on an interim basis?"

Michael nodded. "Should I win this last tournament, I would like to say that the trainer I choose will be the one to succeed me. Should that be the one I defeat in the Title Match or some different trainer, it will all be dependent on a few variables. But count on the next person to serve as Champion to be the next Champion until they are dethroned by someone else. Interim Champions never actually hold water. The last time there was an interim Champion, was when Elezar and Cassius first resurfaced. I don't intend on letting any of the Syndicates stragglers to think Arcana is weak anytime soon."

"Regarding the upcoming tournament" Dylan questioned, "will there be any sort of round byes for trainers based on how well they performed?"

Michael shook his head. "I see no reason for that. The Tournament will be held in the same format as it always has been, bracketed carefully and thoughtfully until the winner of the tournament faces me in the Title Match. Unless there's a bizarre number of contestants, which it certainly doesn't seem to be this year as far as we know, the format will remain the same."

Amber jotted something down on a piece of paper before she asked her next question. "When your family approached you about the upcoming tournament, did they give you the opportunity to continue serving in the position?"

"Yes they did" Michael revealed. "Lady Bonnie was particularly adamant about me staying on until I am properly defeated, but I feel like an old man despite only being 26. It's time for me to pass the torch onto someone else. I served in this position as best as I could, but I couldn't live up to the expectations my Grandfather's tenure set. And I know whoever will become the next Champion will have earned every right being there."

Dylan took a moment to scribble Michael's quotes before clearing his throat. "Can we ask what the fate of Giselle Odelia has been since the Battle with the Syndicate?"

Michael scratched his chin. "Giselle Odelia has since been released from custody by the decree of the Cameron Kingston and Julia Pines while I was incapacitated. She fulfilled her end of our deal and proved to be a vital cog in defeating the Syndicate, as many of you in here are already well aware. With some help from my Aunt Alison and Uncle Robert, she's found herself a place to stay until the end of the Tournament, when she's stated she is considering returning to the Unova Region."

"Will she be participating in the Tournament?" Amber requested.

"She hasn't approached me about it, though I suspect I wouldn't have a problem with it. She's proven to us that she has changed and I believe she deserves the opportunity to prove herself in this tournament."

Dylan thought for a moment before asking his next question. "Can we ask about the situation between you and Professor Pines?"

Michael froze in place for a moment. He dared a glance up towards Julia in the audience, but he shook his head. "I'm afraid I have nothing to say on the matter publicly at this time." He flashed an eye towards the balcony. Julia was silently observing the conference, though she seemed to be sad about his words. One last part of my life to take care of.

Amber nodded and raised her hand for another question. "What will the fate of The Elite Four and the Queen be at the time of your resignation?"

"As far as I know" Michael answered honestly, "Piper will remain on as Queen of Arcana on an interim basis until the next Queen of Arcana Contest can be held. Lady Bonnie has approved of this in my absence, and I approve of it." He looked back towards Piper, who seemed to be choking on her tears. Poor Piper. I feel bad for her. I wish there was something I could do for her, but my mind's made up. He then returned his attention to the audience. "She's done an excellent job and I can't see anyone more deserving of an emergency term than her. As for The Elite Four, that will be a decision made by the next Pokémon League Champion. I suspect that my friends Mark and Lizzie will be retiring home with me, but you'll have to interview them on your own for confirmation."

Dylan raised his hand for another question. "What does the future hold for Michael Kingston?"

Michael thought for a moment, before shrugging. "Who knows? I've heard Kalos is a beautiful part of the world. Maybe I'll spend a few years there. But I don't think Arcana is done with me forever. As I am the primary benefactor of the Kingston Family's inheritance, someday I will have to return to sort those things out. But the future will be mine to make of it whatever I wish. Because I know that whoever succeeds me at being the next Champion of Arcana will be up to the challenge."

Amber raised her hand one last time. "So, this isn't goodbye forever?"

Michael shook his head. "Like I said, I will be returning to Arcana someday. But for now, I think I've earned some time to rest. The Syndicate is no more, Mewtwo is sealed away and it seems like Arcana is ready to usher in a new hero. So, who knows what the future has in store for any of us?" When no one else raised their hands, Michael nodded and stepped aside for Mr. Queensbury to address the remaining questions about rebuilding Taghwan Hall and the upcoming Mayoral Elections. While he prattled on, Michael left the stage. The Elite Four and Piper soon followed him and stopped him as he was about to head for the dressing rooms.

"Hey" Lizzie called to him. "Are you feeling okay?"

Michael turned back to one of his oldest friends and nodded. "Never better."

"Hey, you don't have to do this, you know" Chris told him. "You can be Champion as long as you want."

Michael laughed sadly. "I've been Champion longer than I wanted to be. We're all tired. Me and my Pokémon. I think we've earned a chance to rest."

"No one's doubting that" Mark declared. "I just wish that after all these years, we didn't have to part ways like this."

"We've got plenty of time between now and the time you all leave" Cameron affirmed to her friend. "We should spend all the time we want together until then." She looked over towards Michael. "What do you say, Mike? How about we head back to the beach?"

"Come on, Mike" Chris pleaded. "Let's go see if any of the gorgeous ladies are out there."

Piper smacked Chris in the head. "What's wrong with you? Can't you see there's more on his mind than just ogling girls?"

"Hey" Cameron snapped. "Only I get to slap my brother." She then slapped him on the back of the head.

"Ouch! Stop it!" Chris cried out. "They're ganging up on me, guys. Help!"

Lizzie and Mark took a step back, with Lizzie speaking for the both of them. "I'm not getting involved even if you paid me to."

Michael broke the fighting up. "Alright, break it up. If you break your Chris, you won't get another one to play with." He put his arms around Chris and Cam and looked from the two of them to Piper. "You guys go on ahead. Maybe I'll meet you there. There's just something I have to take care of."

Piper looked up to him. "What is it?"

Michael sighed. "Just a little unfinished business." With that, he walked away from the group and made his way up a tall flight of stairs until he reached the roof of the building. He walked over to the ledge and let his legs hang out over it. He reached onto his pocket and pulled out the Poké Ball containing one of his most cherished friends. Someone who had kept him alive through some of his darkest moments. He triggered the Poké Ball and called out Celebi.

The Sprite Pokémon fluttered about for a bit and then landed in Michael's cupped hands. The Mythical Pokémon looked up at him curiously.

"Hey, buddy" Michael spoke to the Pokémon. "After all these years, the Crimson Brand is gone." Celebi floated over to his arm and spun around happily in the air. Michael laughed as the Celebi floated back down into his hands. "We're free now." He lowered his head. "But, if you wanted to go back to look after others who might need you in Orre, I'll understand."

Celebi eyed him and floated directly in front of him.

Michael couldn't bear to look Celebi in the face. "I know that there are other Pokémon that might need you. And if you want to go and help them, I'm giving you permission to." He sniffed as he tried to fight away his sorrow. But he was surprised when the Celebi went towards him and embraced him, hugging him happily and chirping. Michael looked down and the Celebi was shaking his head. "Does that mean you want to stick around with me?" Celebi flew up to his nose and kissed it happily. Michael couldn't help himself but to let out a smile. "Thanks, buddy. I know I could use the company."

Celebi flew above him and perched atop his head, chirping happily as it did. Before Michael could say anything else to him, the door to the roof opened and someone came up to be with him. He looked back for a second, but turned away. It was Julia. One last part of my life to take care of...

Julia nervously approached him, while Celebi floated around Michael's head. "I-I thought I might find you here."

"How did you guess?" Michael asked.

"This was where you came to comfort Deidre after she lost her first Contest here" she recalled. "You were there for her when she needed you."

"I always try to be" he said briskly. He noticed that she was wearing the engagement he had left for Amanda to give to her, but continued to ignore the new arrival as he looked out over the spacious Taghwan City.

Julia took a deep breath and whispered something to herself before she continued. "Michael, I am so sorry for turning my back on you when you needed me. I was so afraid of losing you again, that I thought if I could-ugh-I didn't know what I was thinking. When I look at you, my brains turn to mush and I lose my train of thought easily. I guess that's how you realize you're in love with someone."

Michael made no movement to respond. One last part of my life to take care of...

"You can hate me for it" Julia continued. "I hate myself for what I did to you. I didn't believe you, I mistrusted you and I feared the worst about you without even a real thought in your favor. I guess I was so afraid of losing you, I played right into what the Syndicate wanted of you." She wiped away a fresh stream of tears. "I was horrible to you. And I know I won't ever be able to make things up to you, even if I had another hundred years or so to do it."

Michael again made no motion and just sat there.

"I know that I might have lost you forever" she wept, "but I just wanted you to know that every single day I've known you has made me a better person. I love you with all my heart and soul. But if this really is goodbye-then-then I deserve it. And you deserve someone who will be able to cherish every single day she has with you. You deserve everything your heart desires. The stars, the moon. All of it." Julia took the engagement ring off her her finger. "If you want the ring back, I'm more than willing to-"

"You've been wearing the ring?" Michael asked her.

Julia nodded. "It was the only way I could bear to remember you."

"But you never answered the question" Michael kept his back to her.

"What question?" she asked him, genuinely confused.

"Do you want to make things up to me?" Michael called to her.

Julia nodded like a guilty school age child. "More than anything, Michael."

"Then what's your answer?" Michael reiterated.

"To what question?" she begged.

Michael shook his head. "I thought I was the dense one." He rose to his feet. "Will you marry me or not?"

Julia gasped. "What?"

Michael rose to his feet and looked at her for the first time since they had parted ways in Parlor Town all those months ago. "The only way you can make things up to me is by spending the rest of your days as my wife." He shrugged. "Or do I have to make it more formal?" He walked over to her and dropped to one knee. "Julia Jacqueline Pines. Will you make me the happiest man in the-"

"Yes!" she cried and flung her arms around him. "Yes! Yes! A million times, yes!" She wept into him.

Michael hugged her back. "You're stuck with me. No backsies."

She looked at him, tears pouring out of her eyes. "I thought your parents got divorced."

"Starting with my generation" Michael assured her. "No backing out of this. If you say yes, we're in this for the long haul."

She shook her head. "Never. I don't want to spend another day without you by my side, Michael James Kingston." She then took his head in her arms and kissed him with the most passionate kiss of their lives since they had confessed their love for each other ten years earlier. When they pulled apart, she continued to laugh away her tears. "Not another day in my life!"

Michael held her in his arms. "Don't worry, we'll have all of our lives together."

Julia shook in his arms. "Let's get married. Tonight."

Michael laughed. "Pretty sure we'd get reamed in if we married without the family knowing."

"Then organize some kind of wedding for the next few days" she pleaded.

"What's the rush?" Michael asked.

She hugged him tightly. "I don't want to spend another moment not being your wife, Michael."

Michael picked her up and sighed a content smile. "Well, then. Let's get the paperwork signed tonight. And in a few days, we'll get married at Kingston Castle."

"The Ranch will do just fine" Julia teased.

Michael shook his head. "Not for you. I want you treated like the Queen you've always been to me." The two shared another passionate kiss before pulling apart. Michael reached for his Poké Gear. "I guess we should tell-"

"EEEEEEEEEEK!" a voice screamed behind them. Piper raced over towards them and flung her arms around the couple. "I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I ALWAYS KNEW IT!" The Queen of Arcana was bawling her eyes out. "I always knew you two would make it to this day."

Michael chuckled as he now supported the two of them. "Well, you were right, Piper. Congratulations." He thought he could hear giddy laughter nearby, but shrugged it off as hearing things.

Piper frantically looked towards Julia. "Oh, just wait. I'm going to have my seamstress make you the most perfect wedding gown that's ever been seen. And there will be flowers and dancing and everything. And I finally get to be the Maid of Honor!"

Julia embraced her cousin. "Yes, yes you do, Piper. And thank you for always having faith in me."

Piper then jumped onto Michael. "And you! You're going to look so handsome and dashing as the groom! Tell me, who am I walking down the aisle with?"

"Don't get too excited, Piper" Michael laughed. "You're walking down the aisle with Chris."

Her smile began to fade, but she quickly shook her head. "Oh, who cares. I'll manage. You two are going to be perfect for each other!" She squealed one last time before rushing back into Taghwan Theater.

Julia giggled. "Well, that's one person down."

"Make that five" Michael told her.

"Hmmm?"

Michael looked behind him. "I know you're there, guys. Come on out." Two Charizards and two Salamences flew up in the air and barked happily as their trainers celebrated.

"Congratulations" Lizzie cheered. "We knew you'd make it."

"I had my doubts" Chris opined, before shrinking at the sight of his sister. "But hey, that's why I'm not about to get married."

"We're so happy for all of you" Mark confirmed.

Cameron beamed at the sight of them. "Congratulations, guys. When's the wedding?"

Julia clung to Michael happily. "We're off to sign the papers right now. The ceremony will be at Kingston Castle in three days."

Michael looked to Cameron. "Piper's gonna want your measurements for a dress."

"I don't wear dresses" Cameron declared.

"But wouldn't you like to be the belle of the ball?" Chris asked in a mocking voice.

"CHRISTOPHER!" she sent her Salamence off to chase him into the distance, prompting the Charizard to soar off at breakneck speeds.

Michael looked to Mark and Lizzie. "You guys will be there, right?"

Mark nodded. "I wouldn't miss it, bud. I've been in this far. I might as well see you through to the end."

"Why wouldn't we?" Lizzie affirmed. "I'm here until the League Championships are over."

Julia waved to them. "Thanks, you guys. You're the best."

Mark laughed. "Now, I'm off to go make sure those two don't cause a city wide panic." Mark took off to settle down Chris and Cam, while Lizzie flew off towards the Pokémon League HQ to find a suitable dress for herself. Arm in arm, the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Kingston made their way back into the Taghwan Theater after Piper.

{Meanwhile}

Ryan is surprised to wake up and find himself alone in the hospital room at some point in the afternoon. Michael and Addison had seemingly been discharged without him even noticing. He frowned as he tried to move his arm. So much of the world was changing without him even being awake for it. Part of him was content with this, but another part of him didn't want to miss any part of the world going forward. He reached for his Poké Gear by his bed to see if anything had changed in his world, but paused when he noticed two heads popping into his room through the corner of the doorway.

"Tommy? Holly?"

"Ryan!" Both Queensbury kids hurried their way in to check up on their close friend. Ryan noticed Holly was sporting something different about her. She was no longer sporting the look of someone meant to be a Queen of Arcana. She had exchanged her pleasant clothing for a tracksuit, apart from the bandages that still hung over her arm. Yet she still wore the same sweet and confident smile he had admired about his friend since they had set off as a team from Alchemiburg. Tommy was as cheerful and optimistic as he had always been, but was holding something Ryan was completely sure was his own.

"My backpack!" Ryan cheered. "You brought it."

Tommy nodded. "They took it from you when you went to the Hospital." The boy handed him the bag, which still contained his six Pokémon. "I took care of them while you were sick. But they've missed you."

"Tommy really stepped up" Holly explained to her friend. "You would have been proud."

"You would have been proud to see him in action at the Syndicate Base" Ryan told her. "I think Tommy is owed a lot of credit for what happened."

Tommy showed off a medal he had been awarded by Lady Bonnie Kingston. "I got my reward."

"Solid gold, too" Holly pointed out. "Tommy did really good work for the battle." She lowered her head. "I wish I had been there to help."

Ryan shook his head. "You really didn't miss much."

"Are you crazy?" Tommy cried out. "What about when Hunter was all like ZOOM and BOOM with his Green Dragon and-"

"Just to be able to help out in situations like that" Holly admitted. "I'm not going to be put on the sidelines or captured anymore. I'm going to make a difference in Arcana. And I owe it all to you guys."

Ryan tried to straighten himself out on the pillow he was leaning on. "I meant to ask that. You look different."

Holly pulled out her wallet. "You, Ryan Kingston, are looking at a Pokémon League contender." She unveiled her wallet, which revealed that she had already acquired nine of Arcana's ten Gym Badges, with only Renee's Gym Badge in Titanio City missing.

"What made you decide to take part?" Ryan asked.

"A couple of reasons" Holly answered. "It's supposed to be the largest and grandest tournament held in Arcana this year. It's also going to be the last Tournament in Arcana before Michael retires." She gasped. "You've been in the hospital, so you don't know about-"

"My Mom told me about Michael's plan to resign" Ryan said, a somber tone in his voice.

"That's not what I mean, Ryan" Holly insisted. "At Kingston Castle in a few days, Michael and Julia are getting married."

This caught Ryan off guard. "Really? They're getting married? That's incredible."

"No, it's insane!" Holly snapped. "Now, I have to go and find Jeremy and ask him if he would be my date to the Wedding!"

"I think Addy might still have his number" Ryan told her.

She shook her head. "I already asked her. She told me she deleted it when-"

"And that whole part where you trapped Mewtwo in the Master Ball?!" Tommy butted in. "THAT WAS THE COOLEST THING IN THE WHOLE WORLD!"

"Tommy!" Holly hissed. "There are people trying to rest in here!"

Ryan laughed weakly. "Well, hopefully I'll be out by then. I haven't seen a doctor yet, so I don't know."

Holly shrugged. "I'm sure you will be, but that only means that you'll have a rival for the Pokémon League Championship title. I mean to defeat Renee today to prove that I have what it takes to be a Champion." She winked at her former crush. "I look forward to matching up with you in the playoffs."

Ryan nodded happily. "I'd welcome it."

She looked at him sternly. "And you'd better not go easy on me. Because I still have a score to settle with you."

Ryan raised his eyebrow. "A score? From what?"

"From you picking-"

"I can hear you guys from all the way down the hall" a voice called into the room. Addison walked inside, holding a white bakery box in her hands. "I'm surprised the doctor hasn't thrown you guys out."

Holly sighed and looked towards Tommy. "You're getting me in trouble, still."

"It's not my fault that battle was so exciting!" the boy argued.

Holly rolled her eyes and took her brother's hand. "We'll be back after I take down Renee and calmed this one down. If you're let out before then, Ry, I guess I'll see you two at the wedding." She led her brother out and whispered something to him as the two exited the room. Addison placed the bakery box in Ryan's lap.

"This is from my Mom. She wanted you to have it for saving me."

"Are these Poffins?"

Addison nodded. "Specially made Poffins for your Pokémon. One for Sparks, Marahute, Terra, Simba, Achilles and Cora." She smiled as she looked at the box. "She's been really thankful since you found me. Her and my father too."

"Tell your Mom I said thanks."

'It was the least she could do" Addison told him. "You literally saved her daughter as well as the entire world. You gave up yourself to stop Mewtwo and The Syndicate. Even Mike can't say he did that."

"I wonder why I'm still the only one in here" Ryan remarked.

"Mike was let out last night" Addison explained. "And I only got out this morning. Remember, we were the last ones to get the Crimson Brand removal."

"Why you guys, though?"

"When Professor Krane said that he needed to wait until your burns had cleaned up a bit before he could work on it" she explained, "it was an easy choice for Mike and I. We didn't want ours until we were able to make sure you could get yours. We felt we owed it to you that we go out of this together."

Ryan took a deep breath. "It's gonna take a while to get used to. All these changes and stuff going on."

Addison agreed. "It's going to be difficult. But, so long as we hold true to what we believe in with our hearts, we should be okay."

Ryan noticed something about his best friend. Something was on her mind. Something she seemed nervous to bring up. "Are you okay, Addy? You're not as cheery as usual."

She sighed. "It's been a really long and rough journey. Part of me doesn't want the world we grew up in to change, but another part of me is excited to see what new things this world can offer us. It's not just the Pokémon League or the Crimson Fury or any of that. A lot more has changed since then." She eyed him, her face somewhat reddening as she did. "A whole lot."

"Like what?" Ryan asked her.

She took a deep breath. "When I fell under Mewtwo's control" she recalled. "And he put me against you and all our friends, I wasn't in control of my actions. It all felt like a dream to me, but there was something that stuck out to me through all of this. You told Mewtwo that you couldn't fight Mike and I and that you wanted to be Branded so you wouldn't have to anymore. For Mike, it was because of how brotherly you two acted. But with me-"

Ryan gulped. She's known all along?

"-you told him it was because you loved me."

Ryan winced for a bit, but realized he could no longer lie to himself and especially not to her. "I meant it. I meant every word of it. I wasn't going to battle you two anymore. I mean, I always figured one day I would have to face Mike if I wanted to be the Champion, but you. You're a different story. You've been my best friend for as long as I want to remember. And, I just couldn't bear to fight you. That's why I let Mewtwo brand me." He looked down. "But it doesn't seem like it mattered in the end."

"Why would you say that?" she asked, surprised he would come to such a conclusion.

"Just because I love you, it doesn't mean you love me back" Ryan said sadly. "And, I can take it. Believe me. I'm a big boy. I know I-"

"Ryan?"

"Yeah?"

"Shut up." She leaned forward and kissed him passionately. As she pulled apart, her eyes shined above him. "I don't know exactly when it started, but I realized it at the Faire. I realized that I was in love with you." She reached for his hand and took it. "And not a force on earth is going to keep us apart, anymore." She giggled. "At least, not since Daddy said he approved."

"You asked your Dad?"

She laughed. "Of course not. He just assumed it and told me when he picked me up before."

The two sat with each other for a sweet moment before Ryan came to a conclusion. "So, does this mean we're boyfriend and girlfriend?"

Addison thought for a moment and blushed. "I suppose it does." She beamed. "I always pictured it would be a little different, but I like this."

"What did you have in mind?" Ryan asked her.

"Something more romantic" she suggested. "You know, like with us dancing again or something?"

Ryan thought for a moment before he gave her a cheeky smile. "Well, I learned before that Michael and Julia are getting married and I need a date to go to their wedding. And I seem to be one girlfriend short for it. Unless you put yourself up for the honor."

"The honor?" Addison teasingly repeated. "Since when did you become so high and mighty?"

"I don't know" Ryan shrugged. "I guess some elements of being a hero have their perks."

She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him again. "Then I would be honored to be there with you at the wedding." Ryan could not help but smile as they shared their first official kiss as a couple.

{Some Time Later}

Within the Chapel of Kingston Castle, hundreds upon hundreds of guests had gathered for the wedding of a lifetime. In an outfit that the Kings of Arcana's long ago past would have worn to stately occasions, Michael Kingston led the frail and elderly Maria Pines to her spot in the front row and helped her sit down beside Mark and Lizzie. Maria had been something of a secondary mother to him and she wept openly as she watched the boy she had seen grow up prepare to marry her granddaughter. While Michael made his way up to the main alter, his recently ordained Uncle Byron patted him on the back. Michael looked over towards his side of the benches and found his mother already weeping into a handkerchief and his Grandmother simply smiling as she watched her grandson finally tying the knots with the girl he had loved for almost his entire life. To commemorate the event, Michael was suited up in one of his grandfather's regal uniforms, complete with golden epaulettes and buttons and a long royal blue cape. His grandmother had offered him the right to wear the ancient Crown of the Kings, but Michael flatly rejected wearing that, citing that he was only getting married, not taking up a throne.

The Champion looked on as the rest of the wedding party made their way inside. Despite their clear emotional tension between each other, Chris and Piper led the way as properly as could be expected of an Elite Four Member and the Queen of Arcana, as well as the Best Man and Matron of Honor. While the Groomsmen would all be adorned in black tuxedos with white shirts and vests, the Bridesmaids would be wearing pink dresses made by the finest seamstresses in the land. Chris came up to his best friend and the two cousins warmly embraced, with Chris whispering to his cousin: "You made it, man. Congratulations, bud."

Michael patted his friend on the back. "Never thought I would."

"I knew you would" Piper interrupted as she came up to the Groom. She straightened out his corsage and wept. "I know you two are going to make each other happy ever after. Congratulations, Michael."

Michael kissed her on the forehead. "Consider this your own induction into the family too, Piper." She bowed to her close friend and brother figure before standing opposite Chris on the other side of the altar.

Next up were Tori and Greg, who each made their way towards Michael and warmly embraced him, with Greg patting his brother in law on the back and Tori weeping into her brother's uniform before she made her way over to Piper's side. Jon and Annie were next and did the same as Greg and Tori (albeit with a little less crying on Annie's part), before taking their places beside the altar. Amanda and Billy came next, with Amanda curtsying politely before Michael and Michael coming to her side and embracing her as part of the family. After they took their parts, Cameron and Daniel made their way in, looking as stiff as they could possibly be. Cameron tried to act like the confident and cocky future Champion she aspired to be, but upon seeing her cousin adorned in the clothing their Grandfather had worn, she broke down and Piper and Michael had to bring her over to the side, while Daniel made his way towards the procession, whispering something into Chris's ear before he made his spot beside Billy. Whatever it was made Chris nearly fall over in laughter.

"What's so funny?" Michael asked his Best Man after situating Cameron by the other Bridesmaids.

"At the reception" Chris told his cousin, trying his best to compose himself. "I can't even, right now."

The Groom rolled his eyes. "Behave yourself or Piper is going to chew your ear off."

Chris looked back over towards the Matron of Honor, who eyed him with a cold glare, prompting him to gulp nervously and nod to his cousin. "Message received."

Michael looked towards the remaining two parts of their wedding party and ushered them forward. Shown together in public for the first time since becoming a couple, Ryan and Addison came down the procession, arm in arm, with each holding one of the solid gold wedding bands to present to the Bride and Groom respectively. Both bowed respectfully in front of Michael, before Addison flung herself into the groom's outstretched arms, hugging him tightly. As Michael put her down, he had Piper take her to her spot beside her. Ryan then nodded to his cousin proudly.

"Congratulations, Mike" the boy said maturely.

Michael could do little more than bring his cousin into another back breaking hug before putting him down beside Chris. He looked to the boy and nodded. "You do have the ring, right?" Ryan nodded, tossing it in the air before catching it. Before he could say anything in confirmation, the Royal Trumpets sounded for the arrival of the bride.

Michael returned his attention towards the main doors, a pit forming in the bottom of his stomach. He had always dreamed this day would come, but he was unsure how it would all go. All of his doubts passed away as Michael watched his father bring Julia down the aisle to him. Though Julia was only his daughter through this wedding, Big Mike couldn't help but shed a tear for Julia on her wedding day. And the Bride looked far more stunning than he could have possibly imagined. In a gown truly made for a Queen, Julia beamed as she too realized this day had finally come for the two of them. Her gown was the color of a perfectly crafted cloud, as white as freshly fallen snow. Atop her head was a crystal tiara that Bonnie had worn on the day of her wedding to James more than 50 years earlier. As his father finished the walk up to the altar, Michael came to their sides and nodded to his father, before taking his bride by the arm and leading her up to the altar.

Byron cleared his throat. "Friends, family, acquaintances of yesterday and today, we are gathered here on this momentous occasion to join two separate beings into one whole and complete union. Today, within the halls of Kingston Castle, will we join Michael Kingston and Julia Pines, not just in the bonds of matrimony, but to unite two fragments of souls together. And believe me, it's been a long time coming for these two." The audience laughed, despite the Groom and Bride's clear embarrassment. Byron cleared his throat to continue and looked towards Big Mike, who had sat beside Maria Pines on the pew in the front row. "And you are the one who will give the Bride away today, Mike?"

Big Mike nodded. "That I am, Byron. I stand as her father this day."

Julia looked back towards Michael's father and beamed. "Thank you, Big Mike." She blew him a kiss before turning back towards Byron.

Byron looked from Michael to Julia and then out into the congregation. "I've watched both of these two grow into the adults I see before me, never possibly imagining the feats they would achieve when they ran around and played in these very halls as kids. Julia has accomplished much in the field of Pokémon Professing and helped us put to rest the seemingly endless feud between the Aceds and the Kingstons, through use of her brilliant intellect and cunning intuition. As for my nephew, who singlehandedly defeated Giselle Odelia, reigned over the Pokémon League for ten years and helped to save the world on countless occasions, he used a heart that I could not have ever dreamed would be as big and welcoming as his is to all." He looked from the two and smiled. "I have been married for more than 30 years to Joy, yet I cannot possibly say I've seen two people more naturally made for one another, than the couple I see standing before me. And through this ceremony, we will join these two perfectly matching souls in the sacred bonds of matrimony. Now, I understand that the couple each has something to say to the other. Julia, would you like to begin?"

Julia nodded, doing her best to keep herself from crying too much as she looked into her love's eyes. "After Piper and I both lost our parents, I came to Arcana a broken and lonely girl with my Grandmother. I didn't know what the world had in store for me here, but I should have the day a young boy came to our new home and offered to bring me along to play with him and his cousins at the Parlor Town Park. From that day on, I knew you were someone special to me. You never made us feel left out and you incorporated us into your daily lives with such ease that it still confounds the mind. When I saw you, some time later, in your element as a Pokémon trainer, I won't deny that I began to see you in a different light, as more than just my friend. But as a hero and a Pokémon Master. But when I saw how you cared for all life, from your Pokémon to your friends, I knew that I loved you. No one could feel down around you. No one could feel unwelcomed with you. And while our road to this day has certainly been anything but smooth, I wouldn't have it any other way, because I know that our love has the strength to overcome the most difficult odds of life, from the forces of evil and our own confused emotions." She took a deep breath. "I hope in some way that I can enrich your life in the same way you have mine. Because I know that I would never have achieved anything in my life that I have if you weren't in it."

Michael winked at her. "Of course."

Byron looked to his nephew. "Michael, do you have anything to say?"

The Groom nodded. He looked towards his bride, who bore the same eyes he had fallen in love with years earlier, knowing exactly how it all went for him. "We Kingstons aren't the most astute when it comes to figuring out our emotions. At least, I know I'm not." The audience laughed politely, before Michael continued. "The day I met you and Piper, something clicked inside of me, something that I really couldn't explain until this very moment. It was a feeling that, even if we had just met, the impact we were going to have on each other's lives was going to go beyond what any of us could ever imagine." He sighed. "The road was not an easy one for either of us. And I found myself in a lot of dark places." He looked towards Mark and Lizzie. "Places that even some of my closest friends couldn't get me out of." He lowered his head. "For the four worst years of my life, I wandered here and there, finding somewhere I could belong. Someplace my heart could be welcomed despite of what I was." He looked up towards her again, a beaming smile on his face. "But then I found you again. In my darkest moments, even when I could have been a danger to you or the people we cared for, you refused to leave my side. At my lowest point, you were there to hold my hand and bring me back into the light. When you told me that your were ready to give up your dreams and goals just to be with me, I knew that you were the one person in my life I could never live without." He took her hand in his. "You are the light to my shadow. The Brains behind my Brawn. And I could never imagine my life if you weren't in it, Julia."

His bride was speechless as she looked at him. She choked on her tears, but in the end she nodded to him lovingly. "We're two halves of a whole heart" she remarked. "We beat as one, from the day we met until the day we meet our end."

Byron wiped away a tear from his own face and cleared his throat. "Ahem. Now, I understand that the Ring Bearers are here to present the Rings to the Bride and Groom?"

Piper gently pushed Addison forward towards the Groom, who shyly took the ring out of her pocket and offered it to him. Julia put her hands on Addison's shoulders as she bestowed upon the Champion his bride's oath of undying love. "Michael, on behalf of your true love, I present to you this ring, with which will symbolize your bonds from this day until the end of time itself." She handed it to him and curtsied once more before making her way back over to Piper.

Chris nudged Ryan forward and the boy stepped in between the couple and held up the wedding band as Michael put his hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Julia, on behalf of your true love, I present to you this ring, which will symbolize your bonds that will last from this day, until the very ends of time. And on behalf of the all of the Kingstons, I'd like to officially welcome you to the family." He gave the ring to her and bowed before making his way back over to Chris's side.

Byron cleared his throat. "Lord Michael James Kingston, Champion of the Arcana Pokémon League and Protector of the Region, do you take this woman, Julia Jacqueline Pines, to be your lawfully wedded wife, for as long as you both shall live, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others until time itself ceases to be?"

Michael looked deeply into her eyes and nodded confidently. "I do, from this day until the end of time."

Byron then turned towards the Bride. "Professor Julia Jacqueline Pines, do you take this man, Michael James Kingston, to be your lawfully wedded husband, for as long as you both shall live, in sickness and health and forsaking all others until time itself ceases to be?"

Julia tearfully wept, though her smile gave away her answer in a heartbeat. "I do, from this day until the end of all days."

"Then by the power vested in me as an Ordained Minister of Arcana, I pronounce you both as Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kingston. You may now kiss the-"

Julia flung herself into Michael's arms and kissed him, to the applause of all present in the chapel. As the newlyweds pulled apart, Chris came by next to embrace the bride, was Piper followed in Julia's footsteps and leaped into Michael's arms. One by one, the entire wedding party came along and congratulated the wedded couple, ending with the ring bearers.

Michael and Julia looked down on Addison and Ryan with nothing more than adoration. "I think we have you two to thank most of all for helping this come to pass" Michael told them. "For showing us that love can survive even in the darkest of shadows."

Julia looked to them both as well. "And for believing in us when we doubted ourselves." She took a hand from each of them. "Thank you both, so much."

Addison nodded. "It's our pleasure."

Ryan choked on his own emotions. "Of course. Expect nothing else."

Julia pulled Ryan into an embrace as Michael did the same with Addison, before they split apart and did the same with the other. As Julia and Addison hugged, Michael did the same with his younger cousin.

"Sometimes, change is good" Ryan told him.

Michael laughed. "You know it, kiddo."

"But I like the same too" the boy assured him.

Michael nodded. "I thought as much. And we need to enjoy it all while we can. Because this journey isn't over yet."

Ryan clenched his fist. "And I look forward to it."