Chapter 1: Operation Grace's End

All that was dark, and all that was cold slowly began to dissipate as the sun hopefully crept over the horizon. Its first rays glistened across the ocean waves like ribbons in the wind, turning the sand of the saccharine beaches into their natural, golden color.

The hidden shadows and crevices of the dark green jungles were exposed and evaporated, as the sun pierced through the canopy, shining through the morning mist like blades. The flowers seemed to have awaken, their petals creeping out toward the rays. Condensed mist fell like rain drops, rustling occurred amidst the underbrush, and the dozens upon dozens of bird species began to play their ambient soundscape of song. The dew and moisture on the rich, green leaves reflected the morning itself, and the forest appeared to glow in an emerald hue.

"How much longer? We've been walking for what seems like an hour," Ben said, breathing heavily, wiping the sweat from his face.

"Be calm, Ben. Relax. Enjoy the sunrise, you'll see colors and tones that you'll rarely see, and you're able to focus on only the sound of nature breathing. Don't worry about time in terms of hours." He pointed out to the sky above the canopy, which was

a clash of midnight blue, and the sun was rising. "That is all you need to look to for time."

Ben eased up on the log he was sitting on. He relaxed his breathing, and decided to take in his surroundings, and soon, the tensions eased. "You're right… It is peaceful," he concurred. He looked to Sabre, the family Nidorino that was walking with them that morning, carrying a few basic rations, and a small pack. "Hey, boy, you doing alright?" he asked, as he petted it.

Joseph Aveas had been leading his son, through the jungles of the Remos Islands since predawn. He was trying to instill the values of the early morning. It isn't about sleeping in. It's about seizing the reigns, doing everything on one's own terms, and getting a start to a productive day full of hard work, as early as possible. That's why his grandfather's generation settled this peaceful archipelago. To embrace the truths found in the wilderness, not the worldliness found in alcohol-strewn metropolitan sprawl. For now, he had to show him a sense of appreciation for the forests, and its natural properties of peace, harmony, and bounty. Ben turned ten years old today, and was on his first steps to maturity, so he had to build a foundation for his son that would last a lifetime.

"Let's go then. We're almost there. And when we get there, you'll see probably the greatest birthday present you'll ever get," Joseph said. Ben was turning ten that day.

The two got up, and continued walking through the ferns and underbrush, further and further up the mountain path. There would always be something without a price to measure it, of going down the trail, the ability to see the forest for the trees, to appreciate even the tiniest, delicate details.

"If you kept walking down the trail, you'd find sights no one else would ever see," Joseph said, as the two neared the rocky outcrop. The dark green below the canopy began to lighten up as they slowly approached an opening. Then, they came upon the site; they were at the edge of a cliff which had a marvelous view of one of the inlet bays of the Sedaeti Ocean. It was guarded by many cliffs of black stone. About two hundred yards to the left of them, at the center of the bay, lie a waterfall, with the tributary cascading down the rocks to the ocean below. Hovering over the large fjord-like bay were at least two dozen Apollos, a sleek, white, and majestic eagle-like Pokemon. They glided through the air, doing their morning fishing, some echoing their peaceful bird call.

Ben was almost speechless. He'd been camping, gone on many walks through the woods, and had been to the beaches of the island, but he'd never known a sight like this lie on the island.

"This is… amazing," he said, in simple, near-wordless awe.

"Isn't it? Ben, this is probably one of the best-kept secrets in these islands," Joseph said. "Whenever I may be stressed, or have problems, I can always come here, and all things will come to ease. Listen to the waltz of the waves, warm yourself under the sun, breathe in the fragrance of the jungle, and just remember of all the beauty that can be found in life."

Ben sat on one of the rocks, and took in the sight. The combination of the endorphins from the long hike, and the enlightenment he received from his father washed over his body and mind, and he spent a few minutes letting the moment wash over him.

"Thanks, father. I will remember this place," Ben said.

"Are we ready to commence?" Giovanni asked. He looked out the viewport, as the marine vessel emerged from the ocean. As the water dripped off the window, he could see the cliffs, and the lush, green jungles of the island.

"Everything is in place," commander Silveria replied, from his post. "Now we're just waiting for your call."

Giovanni gave one last look at the island. The rainforests, they were so rich and green, so grand, and so tall. It must have been beautiful up close. Did he really gave to go through with this?

"Sir?" asked Silveria.

Giovanni turned his head away from the sight of the island. Weakness was setting in again. This place was a priceless, piece of art crafted by the oversee'ers themselves. He'd accepted the fact he could regret doing this, for the rest of his life, but in order to go forward, some sacrifices and tough calls would have to be made. All he could do was bear the pain, and step forward to meet fate.