So, I kinda forgot to update. Oops. Thanks to IanAlphaAxel for reviewing the last chapter. Also thanks to anyone who is re-reading this story again several years after the original update in 2014.

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Chapter Thirty: Celebrations

"What's going on?"

"Did the battle actually end up in a draw?"

"No way, I'm sure Cynthia won!"

"Dawn won the match!"

After having dropped off her father at Sunyshore's Pokemon Centre, both Dawn and Cynthia had returned to the Pokemon League to address the crowd of journalists standing outside the building. The journalists had reportedly been standing there for the past few hours, waiting to be the first few people to interview the Champion. No one, but a few select people, knew about the events that had transpired on Stark Island. Everyone else just assumed the trainers were resting.

Cynthia raised both her hands calling for silence. The crowd quietened – it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. "You have waited long enough for answers. I know many of you have questions relating to Team Galactic, but today I will only answer questions regarding the ceremony."

A few journalists pushed forward, holding their microphones to Cynthia's face. Dawn noticed Gabby at the front desperately trying to push another competing journalist aside. She won the fight, pushed the other girl and hopped in front of Cynthia. "Cynthia, I'm sure I can speak on behalf of all the journalists here today, but who actually won the battle?

"The battle was indeed a draw – your eyes did not deceive you. "

"Will there be a ceremony?"

The crowd stirred to life again. Everyone was eager to get their say in. Cynthia called for silence once more. "There will be a ceremony unlike any witnessed before. This ceremony will be the first one to welcome a Champion partnership. Dawn and I will both represent the Sinnoh League." More microphones were thrust forward. One lady fell over in her bid to get to the front.

"Can you explain how that will work?"

"Will it be a seasonal thing?"

"Where will it be held and when?"

Dawn was glad she didn't have to answer all the questions and was content enough just to let Cynthia do all the talking. After all, she was experienced with such matters anyway. "The ceremony will take place in Jubilife's Grand Hall, formerly known as the Global Trade Station and will officially commence in three days."

"Where can we purchase tickets?"

"When can the public buy them?"

"Will media have certain privileges?"

Cynthia brushed her blond bangs aside and spoke again. "Only invited members are allowed within the hall, but the area outside is open to all. There will be a limited number of tickets available to the media to purchase rights to record – no more tickets will be released to the media once the tickets have sold out. The public can purchase tickets from their local Poke Mart stores and this will allow ticket holders a good viewing spot as well as the opportunity to take photos and autographs from the League trainers. If you are unable to purchase tickets, you will be able to view the event on your home television screens or at local cafes and bars. I now ask that you leave this area so that preparations can be made."

Pete and Tom walked into the crowd and started pushing the journalists away from the building and towards the Pelipper that had carried them up the waterfall. When all the journalists had left, Cynthia turned to Dawn and smiled. "Wow, that was an intense mob," Dawn commented.

"Oh, this is nothing. Just wait until you see the mob of journalists that miss out on tickets. They're a feisty bunch." Cynthia led the way back inside the building and headed towards the restricted area. The members of the Elite Four were already there. They acknowledge Dawn with a smile and a nod. "We'll have to begin preparations immediately. I have a feeling this particular mob of journalists will be a far more aggressive bunch than the last set. So, who wants to do what?"

"I'll handle the decorations," Lucian said. "And the seating plans naturally."

"I will organize the catering orders," Bertha answered.

Flint threw his hands up. "I'll coordinate the entertainment. Fire crackers!"

"I'll do the ticketing information and I'll also send out the invitations to the gym leaders and other league members," said Aaron. "This is so exciting! I can't wait to get started!"

"Great! I'll be working on the grand speech and sorting out the licences and permits, but I have to go and see someone first. We'll be back later." Cynthia said her farewells and led Dawn out the door. "I'm going to drop you off at Sunyshore Pokemon Centre. There's someone I have to go and see back in Celestic."

"Your grandmother?"

Cynthia nodded. "Yeah. I'll see you soon, all right?" She knelt down and gave Dawn a hug then left, summoning her Togekiss to climb on its back. Dawn summoned Honchkrow, climbed on and began the journey back to Sunyshore. As soon as they arrived, Cynthia was back in the sky again, leaving Dawn alone.

A few trainers standing near the entrance of the Pokemon Centre greeted her. "Hey, you're Dawn! I watched your battle against the Champion on the television screen! You did well, Dawn!" a young female said.

Her companion, a male with a yellow shirt and blue shorts snorted. "She's good – but Cynthia is way out of her league."

"Shut up, Brad. Don't be so mean. Besides, you can't talk – you haven't even gotten past the first gym yet."

Brad glared at the girl and led her away, allowing Dawn entrance into the Pokemon Centre. Her father was in here somewhere – it was just a shame her mother was still in Celestic Town otherwise it could've been some happy family reunion. She entered through the doors and was immediately greeted by Barry and Lucas who were standing in the main area. Both boys were oblivious to her presence and seemed to be hunched over a newspaper.

She walked up and tapped them both on the shoulders. Lucas jumped and Barry spun around, a smile crossing his face. She noticed a few bandages on his arms and legs, and a cut on his forehead, but he seemed all right otherwise. "Dawn! You made it! How's it going, Champ?" Barry greeted. "We were just reading about the battle in the papers." He gestured to the newspaper in her hands and thrust it into her hands.

Dawn glanced down. The headline, 'Champion match ends up in a draw. Defender and challenger will form a partnership.' Wow, those journalists were fast, she thought. She didn't bother reading through the details since the words wouldn't capture the actual feelings and intensity of the battle – she folded it up and handed it back to Barry. "How are you feeling, Barry?"

He shrugged. "That Paul kid escaped. He tried to bring the cave down on me, but I got away in the nick of time." All that speeding around had helped him after all, Dawn thought. "But let's not talk about Paul – let's talk about you. Why did it take you so long to emerge from the League? Were you sleeping?"

Oh right, Barry and Lucas didn't know about her adventures at Stark Island either. Cynthia had asked her to keep it within the league though otherwise more questions would be raised. It was something she didn't want to talk about herself, preferring not to relive the event in which she had almost lost her father again. "Yeah, I just resting." She didn't want to lie to Barry, but it was for the best. Perhaps one day she'd be able to tell him the truth.

"Well anyway, let me catch you up on the things you've missed. That weird Galactic commander called Saturn turned himself in the other day – he's sitting in a cell right now in Jubilife City. The professor and your mother have been released."

"Wait, what? The professor and my mother are both here?"

Barry frowned. "Yeah, didn't you hear? There was an attack at Celestic's Pokemon Centre. The patients were transferred to other places and your mother and the professor were sent here. We can go and see them if you like. They're in the café eating right now drinking coffee. You know, doing boring adult things." He grabbed her arm and led her to the café area, Lucas following close by.

On the way there, they passed by two girls, who were standing in front of a vending machine. It took a few seconds to recognize them – Cassadee and Alexia, the two girls who had stolen her bike many long months ago. The girls seemed to recognize her as well. "Look who it is, Alexia. It's the little girl who busted her lip."

"She probably thinks she's really good now that she made it to the league, but we'll always remember you as the girl who lost her bike," Alexia said smugly, flicking a strand of her over her shoulder.

"Who are you?" Lucas started.

"Yeah, who do you think you are insulting the Champion?" Barry retorted.

Dawn stepped in between the two boys. "They're nobodies. They're just thieves, that's all." She quickly hurried her friends away, not particularly wanting to get into a heated debate with the two cyclists. They soon reached the café. The café area was a small place – there were only five tables available and two chairs for each one. She spotted her mother and the professor at a table and some other nurse whom she suspected was the professor's caretaker. She rushed over and called out to her mother. "Mum!"

Johanna looked up, a smile spreading across her face. "Dawn!" She stood up and Dawn threw her arms around her mother's waist in a tight embrace. "How's it going, sweetie?" she said, planting a kiss on her daughter's forehead before pulling away. "I hear you're going to be the Champion alongside Cynthia."

"It's true," Dawn replied. "There's going to be a grand ceremony and you're all invited!"

The professor chuckled. "And to think I was hesitant in giving both you and Barry your first Pokemon… Look at you both now." He turned to Lucas. "And you as well, Lucas. You three have become wiser. I remember you complaining to me about how you didn't trust Dawn and Barry."

Lucas' face reddened. Barry frowned at him. "You said that?"

"I… it was nothing, really. I just wanted the best for the Pokemon, that's all. I just didn't want the Pokemon to fall into the wrong hands." He was blushing now, his ears turning a bright red. Barry just laughed at him. "I'm glad that my initial suspicions were proven wrong though. Torterra and Infernape couldn't have ended up with better trainers."

"Aw, you're making me blush," Barry teased, clapping his friend on the shoulder, making Lucas jump. "But seriously, I'm glad you changed your mind. So, what happens now? You said something about a ceremony? Like a big party?"

Dawn nodded. "Yeah, it's a special event. Gym leaders, Elite Four members and the other Champions are the special guests, but I'm allowed to invite a few close friends and family to be there as well. I want you all to be there. It wouldn't feel right if you weren't."

Barry and Lucas exchanged high-fives. "Aw yeah, you think I'll be able to challenge the other leaders from the other regions?"

"Now, now Barry, don't get too over-excited. This is a formal event. You can't just go around challenging people to battles," the professor said.

"I'm just joking, professor!"

While the boys talked, Dawn spoke to her mother, pulling her away from the trio. "Have you seen father yet?"

"Not yet, but I've spoken to the doctors and they say he should be fine to go in a couple of hours. Your father insisted on it – I think he's become quite sick of being inside Pokemon Centres." Dawn wasn't surprised. Cyrus had visited a Pokemon Centre on three occasions now, twice as a patient and once as a guest. "He has to stay within the city for the next day or two just encase any problems arise. I'm sure he'll be fine though. Did you want to go and see him now?" She nodded. "All right then. Let's go." Johanna went over to the professor and leaned down into his ear. He nodded and she led Dawn to Cyrus' room.

His room was like all the other ones she had seen – all white. He was lying down on his bed and she was surprised to see two elderly people sitting next to him on the left. Dawn looked up at her mother – Johanna shrugged, equally confused. "Um, hello?" she started.

"Oh, you must be Johanna!" the elderly woman said, rising from her chair, hobbling over to greet Johanna. "Cyrus mentioned you earlier! It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person!" She took Johanna's hand and shook it. Johanna raised both eyebrows. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't introduce myself! I'm Cassandra, Cyrus' grandmother. And this is my husband, Joseph," she added, turning her head at the old man still sitting down.

"Cyrus never mentioned you," Johanna said.

Cyrus grunted.

Cassandra turned to face Cyrus and shook her head. "You didn't introduce us? Cyrus, why didn't you say anything? You were afraid, weren't you? You thought we'd be the type of grandparents who would visit every day, didn't you?" She hobbled over and pinched him. "Don't be so silly! We would only visit every weekend."

He grunted again.

She then turned to Dawn. "You must be Dawn, my great-granddaughter!" She pulled her into a hug, and Dawn found it difficult to get away. The lady might've been Cyrus' grandparents but to her, they were strangers, having never known about their existence up until now. "You are such a beautiful child!"

"Cassandra, leave the poor girl alone," Joseph said.

"You'll need someplace to stay for the next day, I hear. You can stay with us!" she chirped. "We have extra beds upstairs."

"…We'll be staying at hotel," Cyrus said.

She shook her head, giving him a stern look. "No, you'll be staying with us. There will no arguing. I haven't seen you in years and now you want to run away again? That is not how you treat your grandparents. You will be staying with us, and that's final." She turned to Johanna again, smiling once more then grabbed her hand. "You do not wear a ring… You are not married?" Her smile faded.

"No."

"Cyrus!"

It was almost hard to believe that Cyrus was actually related to this woman. She seemed so lively and joyful, even if she was just a little on the pushy side, but she seemed pleasant enough. Joseph, on the other hand, was quiet and seemed content just to let his wife make a big fuss over everyone. Dawn looked to her mother again. The poor woman was being interrogated by Cassandra and she seemed ready to bolt.

"It's not your fault, love. He's always been a bit clueless when it comes to love and romance. You just have to nudge him in the right direction and drop a few hints, and he'll get the message eventually. Joseph didn't propose until after five years of being together. He hadn't even considered it until I brought it up." She leaned in close and whispered (but loud enough for all to hear), "Just be persistent with him."

Dawn caught her dad's eye. He looked absolutely terrified and she couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. No wonder he had failed to mention his grandparents. "Cassandra, we should probably leave," Joseph said. "We need to prepare the room upstairs and buy some groceries as well."

Cassandra seemed reluctant to part, but she moved away. "Yes, yes, you are right. Oh, you'll love my home-made apple pie!" Joseph walked his wife out of the room giving Johanna and Dawn a sympathetic look. He mouthed the words, 'sorry' and left, Cassandra's voice ringing out throughout the building.

"There was always a reason I never brought them up," Cyrus muttered.

Johanna sat down on his bed. "I'm looking forward to you coming home. We'll finally get the chance to live a normal life again, as a family." She leaned down to kiss him, prompting Dawn to look away. "The doctors say we'll be able to meet our newborn child within the next couple of days for the first time. Things are finally starting to look up." She stood up. "I'll let you rest up. We'll be waiting for you outside."

.

She tried to convince herself the only reason she was returning to Celestic Town was to see her grandmother, but a part of her, at least a small part, wanted to see Steven more. She scolded herself for the thought – her grandmother and her little sister were her family. Steven was just a friend. That's it. Nothing more and nothing less. So why did she feel so nervous?

"Big sister!" Jade cried, bursting into the living room, a big smile on her face.

"Jade," Cynthia replied, stretching her arms out wide to embrace her sister. She held onto her tightly then released her, patting the girl on the head. "Where is grandmother? She didn't leave you on your own, did she?"

Jade shook her head. "Steven has been looking after me. He said that grandmother has gone away for awhile." Steven was here in the house still? Oh Arceus no. How long had he been here anyway? "Please don't kick him out, Cynthia! Steven's really nice and he's a good cook! You're not a very good one, no offense."

Cynthia pouted, pretending to look insulted. She knew her culinary skills were lacking, but that was only because she didn't have the time to learn how to cook. The chefs at the league always made sure she didn't have to worry about it. When had Steven learned? "I'm home now, Jade. Steven has his own family to return to."

"Aww, please, don't let him leave!"

"It's all right, Jade. If your big sister wants me to leave, I'll go," Steven said as he entered the living room. Jade looked upset, then raced out of the house, probably to go and visit the next door neighbour's place. Steven watched her leave then turned to Cynthia. "You never replied to my last message."

"I had a battle to prepare for." She walked past him and into the kitchen to help herself to some green tea, hoping it would calm her nerves. Steven followed her into the kitchen and stood at an angle so she could see him in the corner of her eyes.

"Are you trying to avoid me?" he said.

She shook her head, refusing to meet his eyes, preferring to focus on preparing her tea instead. Turning on the kettle, she drummed her fingers on the side of the bench, waiting for it to finish, not once batting an eye in Steven's direction. "No, I've just been busy, that's all." The kettle took about a minute to reach a boiling state and she grabbed the handle and poured the water in the cup, letting out a hiss when she accidentally spilled some water on her hand instead. "Dammit!"

She immediately placed her hand under the tap and turned the water on, letting cool water run over the red mark. It stung, and she couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed at making such a silly mistake. Steven grabbed her left arm and gently turned her around to face him. "Cynthia, I know what you're doing. Please stop trying to avoid me."

"I really don't have time, Steven. I have a grand ceremony to plan and we've only got a few days… There's so much to do. I have to sort stuff out with the owners of the Global Trade Station and then I'll have to prepare my speech… I'm really sorry, but I have to go." She pushed his arm away and tried to push past him, but he stepped in her path, refusing to move.

"Cynthia, stop it. I just want to talk to you and make sure everything is all right." He grabbed her arm again and gazed into her eyes. "Please, just stop. Give me a few minutes, at least."

"All right, but then I really have to go." She gave him a hard stare. "What do you want to tell me so badly?"

"It's probably not the best time to say this, but you need to know. Your grandmother passed away while you were in the Distortion World."

Cynthia froze, feeling the blood drain away from her face. "No. She hadn't been sick." But she saw no reason why Steven would lie to her. He wasn't a dishonest person. She pulled away and walked over to the kitchen table, her hands gripping the head of a chair. Her grandmother, dead, and her most recent memory of her had ended up in a fight. "I never had the chance to say goodbye…"

Steven came to her side again. "I'm sorry, Cynthia."

"I hope she died peacefully…" she whispered, overwhelmed with emotions of sadness and some anger. Why hadn't Carolina mentioned she was sick? She was so stubborn though, she probably hadn't wanted anyone to have helped her. She would've refused help. Grief poured through her. Steven pulled her in close, and allowed her to weep on his shoulder, holding her close. "I should've been there for her… Why hadn't she said anything?"

"She didn't want you to worry about her." He continued holding her for a few moments longer then pulled back. "She loved you dearly, Cynthia. You and your sister. And she knew you loved her as well despite whatever differences you might've had. You shouldn't hold yourself responsible for what happened. Let me handle the ceremony, Cynthia. I've hosted one before. You've been through a lot and I don't want you to push yourself."

"But…"

"Take some time off for yourself, all right?" He finished preparing her tea then handed it to her. Cynthia accepted the cup and took a sip as Steven left the room. Once he was gone, she put it down and allowed herself to weep.

.

Barry walked into the grand hall, his mouth dropping in awe at the sight around him. He had never been the one to be fascinated by decorations and such, but this place had captured his attention. Six golden chandeliers hung down from the ceiling, strategically placed in a circle, which formed the dance area. Each chandelier was positioned in between two circular tables of eight seats. A rectangular table with twelve chairs was positioned before the stage.

Each table had a black cloth with white chairs which had a white sash running horizontally. A brightly lit flower vase sat in the centre of each one, while the big long table had two. The floor was covered in a flower-patterned maroon carpet which blended in well with the maroon coloured walls and curtains. It was all a little too fancy for his liking, but he could survive one evening of this treatment.

"Have you seen the menu? I've never even heard any of that stuff before," Lucas said.

Barry shook his head. "I'm too excited to even be thinking about food."

"You know, I heard all the professors from surrounding regions had been invited as well, but Rowan wants to sit with us." Lucas looked around the area. Currently, it was still mostly empty as the majority of the guests had yet to arrive. He did spot Roark and his father at a table with some other gym leader he didn't recognize. Guests had been able to choose their own seating and had also been able to choose what people they wanted to sit with to make the night more enjoyable.

A few trainers arrived – Volkner, Flint, Buck and Maylene. All three males were dressed in black tuxedos, while Maylene was wearing a scarlet red strapless dress. Barry felt a little out of place since both he and Lucas had decided to come wearing their casual clothes, deciding such formality was above them. He regretted having made that decision now – he felt awkward. But at least he wasn't the only one.

"Hey, do you have the Poke Social Networking app?" Barry said, glancing at Lucas. "I discovered this awesome game recently. It's called Berry Crush!"

"What's it about?"

"Well, berries fall out of the sky and you squish them. You have to squish a certain amount by the time the timer runs out. Each level gets harder and the berries fall faster, making it more difficult to squish them," he explained, running a hand through his messy bushel of blond hair. It hadn't mattered how many times he had tried to comb it, his hair just refused to be tidy.

"I played this game called Rapidash Unicorn Attack. You guide a Rapidash through these levels making jumps and avoiding obstacles. The levels get faster each time."

"Aw, that sounds cool! You'll have to show me!"

Lucas brought out his Poketch and laid it out on the table. Barry pulled his one out as well and put it down. "I'll verse you then. It should help pass us some time until everyone else arrives."

Barry nodded. Sounded like a good plan to him.

"You honestly don't expect me to wear that thing, do you?" Cyrus protested, glancing down at the clothing items Johanna laid down on the bed. He refused to wear something that made him look like he was attending some fancy ball gown party.

Picking up the invitation lying down on the bed, she opened it up and read the words aloud. "Well, it says here all guests are required to wear formal attire. You're going to have to wear that tuxedo, Cyrus. I know, I know, it's a necessary 'evil', but I think you'll good in it. It's not like you have any other choice." He grumbled. Johanna picked it up and thrust it into him. "Go and get changed, otherwise we'll be late."

He grumbled again, muttering something about 'evil attire' and headed towards the bathroom. Johanna just laughed to herself, shaking her head at his fear over having to wear something formal for an evening. He was making a big deal out of something so small that it was hard not to laugh. The poor guy really was clueless about stuff like this.

Johanna headed over to the wardrobe and pulled her dress down from the hanger. It was a silver corset-style strapless top with a long black skirt with an opening down the right side. Cyrus' grandmother had insisted she wear it because it was something all females on her side of the family had worn at any formal event. Johanna wasn't too fussed – she did want to do her best to impress his grandmother. Getting on with the extended family was important after all.

Once she had changed, she slipped her feet into the silver-coloured high heels then proceeded to put on the matching silver earrings. Her hair hung around her shoulders in curls, bouncing every time she moved. She stood in front of the full-length mirror and began applying her eyeliner before moving onto the lipstick. Tonight was a special evening and she wanted to make sure she looked good.

Cyrus emerged from the bathroom still complaining about the attire. "I really do not understand why they…" he stopped mid-sentence, and Johanna knew he was looking at her. She could see him studying her from the corners of her eyes and smiled to herself. "Aren't you cold?" he said finally, after clearing his throat, gesturing to the opening down her leg.

She twirled around. "How do I look?"

"Ravishing."

Smiling, she sauntered over towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "You're not so bad yourself," she said slyly, dropping a hand down his back, knowing it made him uncomfortable. She smirked when he jumped. She winked at him. "Do you know what chair you are at?"

"Se-er, six," he said, correcting himself, a faint tinge of red appearing on his cheeks.

She chuckled. "Tonight is certainly going to be an interesting one…" She grabbed his arm and tugged him out of the room, closing the door behind them.

.

Cyrus sat down at chair number six while Johanna took the seat right next to him at table five. Dawn sat on the end while Cynthia was on the opposite side closest to Steven and the professor. Her eyes were a little red, suggesting she either had an allergic reaction or had been crying. He didn't ask questions though, too busy trying to steer the topic away from himself. His grandparents, who were sitting right across from him and Johanna, had thought he would be the topic of discussion on their end of the table.

"You're never too late to get married, Cyrus," his grandmother had started, looking to her husband for some encouragement. Joseph just nodded, more than content to just let his wife speak. "Johanna and Dawn can be officially part of the Berlitz family then."

He really wished Dawn hadn't wanted his grandparents to come along. It had been a last minute decision, supported by Johanna and the other people at the table, and unfortunately for his sake, he had been outvoted. Now he had to put up with them talking about future wedding plans and other such nonsense. None of that was going to happen of course.

At Cynthia's end of the table, Steven appeared to be discussing something involving hieroglyphics of some description. He wished he was at that end. It sounded far more interesting than this. "Cyrus, are you listening?" his grandmother demanded.

"Yes, grandmother."

"Well, I was just asking Johanna if you two planned on having any more children."

Great, she was on the topic of great-grandchildren now. He knew there was a reason he hadn't spent a lot of time at his grandparents place when he was younger. They were stuck in the old traditional ways where getting married and having children were the most important factors of life. "Haven't thought about it." He didn't want to either – besides, Johanna had only recently recovered from childbirth.

"Didn't you recently have one?" Barry said, glancing up from his Poketch device.

"Yeah, that's right! Don't I have a younger sister?" Dawn added.

Tonight must've been pick on Cyrus night or something because it seemed everyone on this end wanted to make him feel as uncomfortable as possible. Even Johanna joined in the fun, occasionally making a few jokes at his expense. What had he had done wrong to deserve this? Wait, he didn't want to answer that. The list was a long one.

"She was born a few weeks early," Johanna answered. "We'll have our first chance to see her either tomorrow or the day after." She placed a hand on his leg and smiled at him. "Who knows what'll happen in the future?" She winked. Johanna was evil. He was sure of it. She must've made a deal with his grandmother or something. No wonder they were both so happy.

His grandmother was about to say something (probably something embarrassing) when Cynthia strode over to their end of the table. "Dawn, it's time." Dawn excused herself and stood up.

"It's all right, sweetie! Don't be nervous!" Johanna said, giving her an encouraging smile.

"Don't break a leg," Barry added.

Dawn nodded, and followed Cynthia to the stage. Cynthia had chosen to wear a dress which looked quite similar to Johanna's only hers had some ruffles. He noticed she was wearing a black band around her left wrist and figured her grandmother had passed away at some point. That explained why the woman wasn't present. The room quietened down, noticing Cynthia had stood up. The piano man on the stage took his exit as the members of the Elite Four walked forward, placing down the lectern.

Cynthia stood up, placed a hand around the microphone and spoke into it. All eyes in the room were fixed on her. "It's all around us, everywhere we go – it has no physical form, but it holds a great power. This power is what allows us to form deep bonds between each other. A bond between two friends, a bond between a parent and a child, a bond between two partners, a bond between a grandparent and granddaughter… This bond is also shared between trainers and Pokemon, and it's that connection which makes us stronger. This power I speak of is love and it drives both people and Pokemon to achieve their very best. There is no other power greater." She paused for a moment to allow her words to sink in.

"Is Cynthia all right?" Lucas whispered.

Professor Rowan brought a finger to his lips to tell the teenager to keep his voice down.

"Trainers from across the regions begin their journeys at a young age to follow their dreams of becoming the next Champion. It is not an easy journey to undertake – many trainers collapse under the pressure, unable to cope with the change in lifestyle. You no longer have a permanent place of rest, you have to endure a gruelling journey of battling whilst surviving what the elements throw at you, but the hardest part of it all is having to leave the ones you love behind you. It's a journey that strengthens your mind, and completes your heart. It is a journey that prepares a trainer to act as a guardian of the region, its people and its Pokemon. It is a journey that makes a trainer, a Champion."

The hall was silent. Gym leaders, Elite Four members and even the other Champions all looked at Cynthia with awe. Cyrus could understand why Cynthia was the representative of Sinnoh – she had it all. The leadership, the brains and the charisma, but most importantly, she was humble. Forming a Champion partnership with Cynthia was a wise move – Dawn would be taught well. In time, she might even surpass Cynthia.

"It is with great pride that I am able to introduce to you a trainer who obtained the eight gyms of Sinnoh, a trainer who tackled personal demons to overcome obstacles, and a trainer who proved through her actions, that love was the greatest power on earth. Dawn, would you please step forward?"

Dawn stepped forward to stand at Cynthia's side. She looked nervous from his angle which was understandable. Standing in front of a crowd full of high-ranking trainers would be nerve-wrecking for anyone, even for a Champion.

"Please, join with me in giving a round of applause to a trainer who deserves to be called a Champion." Cynthia started clapping her hands and soon enough, the entire audience was standing on their feet, clapping with her. A few trainers even called out Dawn's name enthusiastically. "Together, Dawn and I will serve this region to the best of our abilities. We will work together as one to ensure this region is safe from terror. And now, I pass the evening over to you. We may not all be Champions, but each and every one of you here in this room, is a hero."

The audience broke out in applause again, giving Cynthia a standing ovation for her words. Cynthia smiled.

"Who wants to hit the dance floor?" Flint called out, earning a few chuckles from the other tables.

"This night is now yours." Cynthia turned away from the lectern and walked back down the stairs with Dawn at her side. Trainers from surrounding tables began to move around the hall, seeking out their friends (and potential partners) in the crowd. The media people present had turned off their cameras now that the official part was over. Musicians climbed on stage and started playing some music, encouraging trainers to get on the dance floor. Flint was the first one there.

Johanna tapped him on the shoulder. "Come onto the dance floor with me."

"No, that's not happening," he quickly replied.

"Oh come on, don't be so boring," she teased, rising up from her chair, tugging his arm. He looked at his grandparents then back at Johanna, trying to determine what was the lesser of two evils. Stay here and be interrogated or look stupid on the dance floor. He chose the latter. She grinned. "Don't worry, I'll show you what you have to do." She dragged him over.

He shook his head. This was going to be painful.

.

Dawn sat back down at the table to talk with her friends while Cynthia walked away heading towards the exit. She didn't manage to cover a great distance when she heard someone running up behind her.

"Cynthia," Steven said, grabbing her arm, turning her around. "Where you are going?"

"Home," she replied. "I need to check up on Jade." She tried to make a break for it, but he refused to let her go. Steven was persistent. She wished he'd understand that she just wanted to be alone right now. "Steven, please."

"Dance with me," he said.

She tried to resist. "I'm not interested in dancing. I want to start looking into my grandmother's research. It's what she would've wanted." At the table, Steven had mentioned something about some mysterious hieroglyphics. She was keen on investigating it herself to uncover the mystery her grandmother had started. It was the least she could do to pay her respects.

Again, she tried to flee. He grabbed her again and spun her around, grabbing her wrists firmly. "I promised your grandmother I would look out for you. You're not going to get away from me that easily. I haven't come this far just to lose you, Cynthia." She could see the yearning in his eyes. The poor guy really cared for her. It was flattering and sweet in a way, but this mission was herself.

"Why do you care so much?"

"I promised your grandmother I would look out for you, Cynthia. Together, you and I can uncover the mystery she started to unravel. Come on, this isn't like you. I know you're upset, but you're stronger than this. Don't let the guilt overwhelm you."

Her expression softened. "I know."

"If you really want to go alone, then go, but let me at least do this." He leaned in and cupped her chin, pressing his lips against hers. Her mouth softened beneath his, her body melting against his. After a few moments, he drew back, releasing her from his grip. She moved a hand to her lips, recalling the feel of him against her, and felt her face redden. "You are beautiful," he whispered.

She had heard that word used to describe her many times, but hearing it from Steven, sent a warm tingle throughout her body. A strange happiness poured through her, unlike something she had experienced before. Perhaps… just perhaps… she could give him a chance. If her grandmother approved of him, then maybe… Maybe he was worth it. Jade liked him at least. "You won't be returning home for awhile."

He smiled, pulling away. "I'll stay here with you as long as you need me. You'll have plenty of time to start working on the mystery with your duties as Champion being lessened."

She tilted her head to the side. "You are right about that."

"So, will you stay here? It would be a shame for the Champion to leave without having finished this dance."

"Just this once, but then I'm going."

He grinned. "Let us have this final dance together then." She placed her hands on his shoulders, while he laced his arms around her waist, and together they danced.

.

"You know, I've never been a dancer myself, but watching other people dancing makes me want to get up there as well," Lucas remarked.

Barry nodded. "Yeah, I totally get what you're saying. I think we should get up there and dance too."

Dawn stared at him. "You want to dance? But you dance like a lumberjack who has cut off one of his feet," she pointed out, earning a light-hearted chuckle from Lucas.

"That happened a long time ago, Dawn! We were kids back then. I mean, formal dancing can't be that difficult, right? All we have to do is follow everyone else. I'm sure it'll be easy to pick up. Come on," Barry said, motioning for his friends to follow him to the dance floor.

The place was becoming a little crowded now, but that was fine because she didn't really want all eyes on them anyway. She looked around the room and spotted a few familiar faces on the dance floor. There was Cynthia and Steven doing some sort of a waltz in the corner. She spotted Flint and Buck attempting to break dance while Volkner and Maylene watched on the opposite site. Her parents were hiding in amongst the crowd, her mother giving Cyrus what looked to be lessons and she noticed some other trainers from other regions tearing up the floor.

"Dawn, I can't do this with Lucas. That would be weird," Barry said, pulling her out of her thoughts. He grabbed her hands, glanced to the right, watching a couple nearby doing a waltz, and tried to replicate it with Dawn. He gave up a few moments later though. "That dance is for old people."

Lucas just chuckled. "Don't say that too loudly, Barry. You might offend a few people."

Barry scoffed, but he did lower his volume after that. He pulled his hands away from Dawn and started pulling his own moves, tucking his arms under his shoulders and bobbing his head like a chicken. She knew he was doing it just to make her laugh, but he still looked so ridiculous. Still, she burst out laughing and he grinned, satisfied with the reaction.

"Remind me to never take Barry anywhere that involves a dance floor," Lucas said, struggling to hold back sniggers.

Barry backed up into Buck who immediately turned around. "What kind of dance moves are those? You're pulling all sorts of crazy," Buck said, but he seemed impressed, much to Dawn's amusement.

"They're my moves," Barry answered. "I can teach you if you'd like though."

Buck nodded. "Sure thing, man! That sounds great!"

Bringing a palm to her face, Dawn shook her head, pretending to be embarrassed. Lucas took out his Poketch and took a few quick photos, chuckling to himself. "Dawn!" Dawn turned around, spotting her mother heading towards her, looking a little more flustered than usual. "We're going to be leaving shortly. You can stay for a little longer, but you'll need to head back to Cyrus' grandparents' place when they're ready to go, all right?"

"Where are you going?"

A tinge of red appeared on her mother's face. "Nowhere dangerous. You're father and I… Well, you're too young to understand, but don't worry, we'll be back home tomorrow, okay? Have fun!" Her mother kissed her on the forehead then hurried away back to Cyrus. She watched her parents navigate their way through the crowd, wondering what exactly they had planned for the remainder of the night. Whatever it was though, her mother seemed quite excited.

"So, what's going to happen next?" Lucas asked, as Barry and Buck continued their wild dance moves. "Are you going to move back to Twinleaf Town?"

Shrugging her shoulders, she gave him a doubtful look. "I don't know. Cynthia said I should probably live closer to the league. I guess it'll be up to my parents to decide where they want to live though. I'd like to move back home, but I don't think that's going to happen though. What about you? I suppose you'll become the professor's full time caretaker?"

He nodded. "I guess so; he'll need someone to help push his chair around." He gestured to Barry. "What do you think Barry will do?"

"I don't know; you'd have to ask Barry. All I know is that it'll probably have something to do with becoming a stronger trainer… and not dancing." Barry spun around and flashed Dawn a big smile then continued his chicken dance. She laughed again. It had been awhile since she had laughed – the past few weeks had been mentally and physically draining, but now, there was peace at last. Her family had reunited, her friends were in good health and she was going to be representing the region alongside Cynthia. What had been a rough journey had ended on a positive note, and she trusted the times ahead, would bring her more good fortune to her family and friends.