EPILOGUE
"Cold-hearted orb, that rules the night
Removes the colors from our sight
Red is gray, and yellow, white
But we decide which is right
And which is an illusion?
Pinprick holes in a colorless sky
Let inspired figures of light pass by
The mighty light of ten-thousand suns
Challenges infinity, and is soon gone
Nighttime, to some, a brief interlude
To others, the fear of solitude
Brave Helios, wake up your steeds
Bring the warmth, the countryside needs..."
-The Moody Blues in "The Day Begins"
A wind blew across the land...
They all felt it...and the warmth of the sun on their back.
Grovyle slowly managed to open his eyes. They were no longer on the mountain. He...Dusknoir...Celebi...the Sabeleye were all on a cliff far from the Frozen Island.
...
This wasn't possible...
Dusknoir got up and looked at his hands, then looked at Grovyle. "W-we're...still here." He smiled and said, "We didn't disappear!"
Grovyle and Celebi and the Sabeleye all got up.
"But why?" Grovyle asked.
"This is true..." Celebi said. "We...didn't disappear..."
Grovyle looked over the sea and said, "I thought for sure that if history was changed, that would be it. So...why this?"
The Sabeleye cheered, and Dusknoir, Celebi, and Grovyle smiled at each other.
Grovyle smiled, and said, "We...we truly are still here."
"This is wonderful!" Celebi said. "I don't know why this is, because I know we disappeared, Grovyle. We...did. But we're still alive! And safe! Isn't this wonderful?"
"Does this mean..." Dusknoir began but said, "We've just witnessed...a miracle. Can we say that?"
"Technically...no...it wasn't a miracle."
They all turned, and behind them, in all his majesty, stood Dialga. "Dialga!" grovyle said.
"M-Master!" Dusknoir said.
Dialga ignored them and said, "For a very long time, I was subject to only darkness, and during that time...the world became filled with chaos..."
"M-Master Dialga..." Dusknoir said.
Suddenly...another light shone from behind them. Grovyle, Celebi, Dialga, and Dusknoir turned to the light. They were all blinded for a brief moment.
...
Once the light faded, Layne was in front of them, on all fours, clothed in his human body.
He was tensed, but once he opened his eyes...he looked up.
"...Grovyle?"
"Layne..." Grovyle said before running over and giving him a hug of victory. "Layne! You did it!"
Layne was surprised by everything that was happening. "We...did?"
He looked to the sun, and managed a smile. "Yeah...I guess we did."
Lane then looked at his hand, and clenched his fist. "Feels good to be in this body again...I'm not gonna lie."
Celebi flew over and also gave him a hug, "Layne! You did it!"
Layne laughed and said, "Easy...I am kinda sore."
Celebi giggled and flew over to where she was.
Layne then looked to see Dusknoir, the Sabeleye, and Dialga.
"Whoa! Are they cool?"
Grovyle chuckled and said, "Yes...Layne. We owe much to Dusknoir and the Sabeleye for what they have done to help us here, today."
Dialga eyed Layne and said, "I have not forgotten you...Layne."
Layne looked to Dialga and said, "I haven't forgotten you either. But..." he looked back down at his hands. "I don't understand...a lot of things."
"I take responsibility for all that has happened. Now that things have resolved...I will be here to support this new world that you have all brought to us all. The pokémon of the future."
Layne looked and said, "When we were at Temporal Tower, you said there was an intruder. Did we ever ind out who it was?"
Dialga shook his head. "I have not been able to find such an intruder. But...I haven't heard from any intruder since time's restoration...now...I must heal the land."
With that, Dialga gave a roar and the land began to fill with life. What was once dead grass, now shone in a green life, trees that hadn't even had a blossom, for decades, now bloomed as if they had never died. Life was everywhere. It was...wonderful...
"Wow!" Celebi said.
"Th-the land..." Dusknoir said. "Dialga has returned life to the land."
"It's so...beautiful..." Celebi said.
Layne nodded and said, "I never expected Dialga would have such power...I witnessed it myself, but...this is something else..." Layne looked over to Grovyle. "Wonder how the Union's reacting right now..."
Grovyle smiled and said, "I can wonder myself."
Celebi said, "We should report to them soon! They will need to hear from us!"
Layne remembered the Union and all they had done in certain areas to ensure their safety. Layne remembered the sacrifice of Electabuzz. He hadn't heard from him since...he didn't know if he escaped or was dead or imprisoned, but...either way, he was sure Electabuzz would be happy.
Dusknoir looked up and said, "But Master Dialga, I am still confused."
Grovyle stepped up and said, "Dialga...we disappeared...all of us. We must know...how are we still here? Was it perhaps...something you did?"
Dialga shook his head. "No. It was not me...I cannot prevent creatures from disappearing from existence due to historical changes. We...have all been spared...by something else...a being of greater power."
Layne never did think too much of a greater being in his life. He didn't know if a pokémon could take that place, but he wouldn't put it past him to see a powerful pokémon give them all a life like this. Layne perhaps...would look into life as far as...faith was concerned...who knew...
Layne smiled and looked to the ocean. Grovyle walked to his side. Layne simply said, "Magnificent, isn't it..."
"Indeed it is, Layne...you were right. The ocean is indeed full of life."
Celebi joined him and said, "I never knew how nice it would look against the sun."
Layne chuckled, and said, "I've always enjoyed it...and I'm glad you both have gotten the chance to see the one thing, that perhaps kept me going in life."
Then two pokémon appeared beside Dialga, and they got everyone's attention. Palkia and Giratina stood beside Dialga.
Palkia looked at Layne and said, "The job is done...Layne. Though we all had our doubts at one point in time, I know we chose right in choosing you to help us, Layne."
Giratina nodded, "I am impressed by all you did both as a pokémon and a human, Layne. Most impressive."
Dialga looked at both the pokémon and said to them, "I am surprised you two cooperated with each other as well as you did..."
"You're not the only one..." Giratina said.
"However," Palkia said. "We could not stand by as the world suffered. We are glad that things are the way they should be now..."
Layne looked to them and said, remembering that they didn't always get along together. "So...are you guys like...gonna get along with each other now? Or..."
"Our rivalries...will probably forever remain, Layne." Palkia said. "But needless to say, your actions, will not easily be forgotten by any of us, and we will because of you...look at each other with a much better understanding..."
Layne smiled and said, "Guess that works..."
Dialga spoke up, "Speaking of which...I must express my gratitude to you...Layne. What you've done...I am truly grateful"
Layne smiled to Dialga but then said, "It wasn't just me. The day I was sent here, I was nearly taken out by the Sabeleye. If I hadn't run into Grovyle...right then and there. There wouldn't be a hope in hell that I would be standing here right now."
Dialga eyed everyone, and said, "Of course, I must express my gratitude to t hem as well, for returning from the past and doing what they did here...to buy you the time required in order for you to complete the mission in the past."
Layne looked over to Grovyle and Celebi, and rose his eyebrows. "Been busy, have you?"
Grovyle and Celebi chuckled a bit at that.
Layne then returned his attention to Dialga and resume what he was saying. "It goes beyond Grovyle as well. Grovyle helped me find the strength to do what I came to do. But his partner, Celebi also helped me find the spirit to keep hope in our mission."
"Celebi, did that to more than just you, Layne." Grovyle said. "I owe her...a lot."
Layne smiled to Celebi, and said..."Tell him how you feel."
Celebi winked and said, "You missed out already."
Layne chuckled and resumed where he was. "Upon going to the past...the Guild's passion in which I lived, helped me strive to live to find out more than the mystery of time. Even Dusknoir..." he said, much to Dusknoir's surprise, "Even he gave me hope, for I had not remembered much about who I was. Even if he did pull what he did...Dusknoir...thank you for showing me what you knew about me...and I hope we can look to each other now...as friends."
Dusknoir smiled and said, "I hope so as well."
Dialga looked to Layne and said, "It goes beyond that too, doesn't it? Your partner..."
Layne closed his eyes. "Pyro. His heart was one hell of a ride. The journey that we went on was indeed life changing..." He closed his eyes, thinking of Pyro...and the Guild. "What happened...after I disappeared?"
Dialga looked to Layne and said, "Layne honored you final wishes and indeed retold the story of what had taken place at Temporal Tower. He also kept exploring, however, it was heavy on his heart, Layne. He felt a very special kinship with you, and he ended up quitting the guild, after about eight months."
Layne sighed and closed his eyes as Dialga showed him through telepathy the events that took place at the guild after their final adventure. There were indeed hardships. Hardships that involved Pyro leaving dinner early...not being able to complete certain explorations, not getting picked for the expedition, and even one where he and Autumn got into an argument...
Layne sighed. "Pyro..."
Grovyle saw Layne's reaction and looked to the three pokémon that stood before him now. "Palkia, Giratina, Dialga...is it possible to send him back?"
Layne opened his eyes and looked to Grovyle. "What do you mean, Grovyle?"
Grovyle put a hand on Layne's arm. He would had put it on his shoulder, but Layne stood taller than Grovyle. "Layne, our mission is complete. Without you, I doubt we'd ever see it complete. Things of the world will slowly go back to normal, but...some things will not go back to normal so quickly."
"So what's this about sending me back?" Layne asked. "We're not done here."
"We're not, but I think I can say, you are." Grovyle said. "The past itself will need healing too. And I think the Guild and Pyro will need you to see this go through smoothly."
Dialga spoke, "It is indeed possible to send him back."
Palkia then said, "We will even send him back as he was..."
Layne looked to Palkia and said, "So, my transformation into that...Buizel. You did that?"
Giratina spoke and said, "It was one final gift to you Layne before you entered the past. Palkia and I combined our power to give you a better chance of defense and completing your mission. I hope you understand."
Layne chuckled and said, "I understand. I didn't mind at all, to be honest. Just wish I didn't get struck with amnesia before I woke up the next morning." Layne then looked to Grovyle and said, "I understand what you are all saying. But...you do realize that if I was to be sent back, the chances of us seeing each other again..."
"I know." Grovyle said. "I'd greatly miss you Layne, but...you've established life in that world. And I think you'll benefit and help the most in the past. I know that parting with you will be a hard part on us all, but, it is for the best."
There was a moment, before Layne smiled and said, "Then, if that's the way we're all thinking...then I will return to the past."
Dialga, Giratina, and Palkia nodded. Dialga said, "Are you ready?"
"Not yet." Layne said. "Just a few things I have to do first."
Layne then approached the Sabeleye and Dusknoir and said, "Dusknoir, though a good amount of our time was spent as enemies, I am glad we are on good terms. perhaps it's too soon for a farewell here."
Dusknoir chuckled and said, "It's been fun, Layne. Perhaps we'll meet again."
Layne chuckled to that and then went to Celebi, and said, "Celebi...you'll take care of Grovyle, right?"
"Layne!" Celebi said, smiling. "I'll do much more than that."
"I'm sure you will." Layne said. "Thank you...for doing all you have done for me, Celebi. I will not forget you."
"Layne...no one likes these sad goodbyes!" Celebi said, showing a bit of tears. Layne chuckled and shook his head. He never knew Celebi to cry.
Finally he went to Grovyle and they looked at each other for a while. "Grovyle..." Layne said.
The sun beat on his face and the morning wind made the waves on the beach below grow in size.
"I don't know what I ever would have done if I never met you, Grovyle."
"The same goes for you, Layne. I owe so much to you..."
Layne shook his head and repeated what they normally said, "You owe me nothing..."
Grovyle chuckled and extended his hand, much to Layne's surprise. Layne then smiled and embraced the hand, and shook it. This was the greeting he had tried first to introduce himself with Grovyle upon meeting him. Grovyle, had not known about it, so it was surprising to see him now doing it so well. "Take care of yourself, Layne." Grovyle said.
"Always have, always will."
Layne then stepped back and looked to the three pokémon waiting on him. Layne nodded, and said, "I'm ready."
With that, the eyes specifically of Palkia and Dialga began to glow. Dialga spoke. "Since you left Temporal Tower with Pyro, Layne, I have felt the sorrow of Pyro because of your disappearance. I never did express my gratitude to Pyro for all you did with him to help Temporal Tower survive it's collapse. I hope...that with your return to the past, my gratitude will be shown, and that you alongside Pyro and the guild, continue to work to make the world a much more peaceful place."
Layne looked to Dialga and said, "You have my word. We won't let you down."
Giratina's eyes began to glow as well. Layne began to feel his body materialize, and start to disappear. Not erased, but just transporting. He also looked down at his hand, which was slowly starting to transform, back into the paw of a Buizel. He chuckled and simply thought to himself, how he'd miss his human body, but would give it up to be with his friends again.
He looked to Grovyle and Celebi one more time and said, "Godspeed to you all..." And he was gone.
Grovyle felt a tear go down his eye. "Godspeed...Layne."
(Six Months After the Restoration of Time)
Pyro let it all out. The memories of Layne were too much to bear anymore. He thought he could be strong on his own...and he was trying, but, but he simply could no longer do it. It was only a matter of time before he could no longer do it.
Bidoof could only imagine what Pyro had been feeling these past six months. Months without his partner. It had not just been hard on Pyro, but hard on the rest of the Guild as well. Bidoof had looked to Layne and Pyro as a team. Without Layne in Hydro Pyro...there just wasn't the same team that helped lift the fog at Fogbound Lake, escaped the world of the future, and restored time for the world. It wasn't just him either. Autumn had taken it pretty hard when she found out Layne was gone.
For about a week, she wasn't the same explorer that was cheerful and dedicated to her work as an explorer. It was safe to say that she however, recovered rather quickly, and began to explore harder than ever. Bidoof remembered one day she even asked Pyro if he wanted to go exploring with her. Bidoof remembered the argument that followed. He wasn't too sure on how it started, but the guild was silent that night at dinner. But thankfully, they did come back on good terms the next day.
Bidoof almost wanted to say that Pyro was starting to let go of everything. Not completely of course, but at least, where he wouldn't let Layne's disappearance hinder his exploration. Now, he wasn't so sure.
Suddenly, while Bidoof pondered these things, a light started to shine behind Pyro, a few feet away. Bidoof was blinded for a brief moment. Pyro didn't seem to notice what was going on. Once Bidoof opened his eyes...Layne was standing there.
Layne! He was standing right there! He fell to his knees, almost as if temporarily weakened.
Bidoof finally managed to blurt out, "Pyro! B-Behind you!"
Pyro finally stood...and looked.
Layne and Pyro met eyes.
There was a moment of them just looking at each other. Then Layne managed to let a small smile form on his face.
"Layne?"
"Hey, Pyro..."
Pyro shed a few more tears...not of sadness, but overwhelming joy and ran to his partner who had been gone for six months. "Layne!" He tripped a few feet short of Layne and Layne helped him up, "Easy, Pyro..."
"Layne...I've missed you so much."
"I know, Pyro...I know..." Layne said, giving his friend a comforting hug. Bidoof also ran over. "Layne! How is this possible?"
Layne chuckled, and said, "I'm not too sure myself, but..." he stared off to the ocean and the sky, in which was filled with the bubbles of the Krabby. Layne smiled to himself. It was ironic to him. He and Pyro met on a day like this, now he was returning on this day. "What I do know is, that I'm here to stay now."
Pyro was overjoyed to hear this, "Layne! Don't ever leave, again!" And he once again, hugged his long lost partner.
Layne collapsed a bit on the sand. He chuckled, "Easy, partner. I think I need to get used to the strength of this body again..."
Pyro and Bidoof helped him up. Pyro looked over the ocean. "What about the others?"
"Grovyle and them?" Layne asked. "They will all work together in the future. Grovyle, Celebi, even Dusknoir and his Sabeleye, Pyro. All will work to make the future a better place. I wish you could have seen the start of it all. And as for me, I am here to help make this world, a better place to be."
Once again Pyro shed tears of joy and hugged Layne. "Oh, Layne..."
Layne patted Pyro's back as he was hugged again and said, "Pyro, thanks for remaining as strong as you did while I was away..."
Bidoof lit up, "Golly! We cannot stay here! The guild has to know! They will all be thrilled to know you're alive!"
Layne smiled and said, "Then we better get there before the gate closes." Layne began to walk with his two guild friends back to the guild, but stumbled. "You okay?" Pyro asked.
Layne smiled and said, "Yeah. Like I said, I think I just gotta get used to the body of this Buizel again."
"Need some help?" Bidoof asked.
"That would be nice," Layne said. And with that, they helped Layne on the walk, back to the guild.
Grovyle and Celebi stood before the council. What would have been a room of darkness, was now a room of light. The council members all looked down at Grovyle and Celebi, with faces of happiness and appreciation.
Prospero smiled and said, "Your actions here and in the past have granted us all a world of life and free of the perpetual darkness. Grovyle, Celebi, we cannot thank you enough."
Grovyle nodded and said, "We are grateful to hear such words, Prospero."
One of the council members looked around and asked, "Where is the human companion?"
Celebi answered, "Layne is in the past. He has decided to stay and help shape the world in a better place there."
"Are we sure, he will not damage the fabric of time as we know?" Prospero asked.
Grovyle said, "Palkia, Giratina, and Dialga are the ones who would be to ask that. They sent him back after we all finished what we had done to prevent Dialga from damaging the fabric of time, and after we ensured that the mission of the past, was complete."
Then a familiar laugh entered the room. Grovyle turned to see Electabuzz...the Fist standing there, wounded from his last battle, but smiling. "Grovyle, I never knew you had such talent in you."
Grovyle smiled at that and replied, "It's good to know you're okay, Electabuzz."
"It's better to know that everything worked out in the end." Electabuzz said. "I'm sorry I ever doubted your ability to complete such a mission with such amazing results."
"You weren't the first one." Grovyle said. "And you may not be the last. Our work is not done. We all have agreed to work together to make the world a more peaceful place. Layne will do his part in the past. We need to do our part here."
Prospero smiled and said, "Then we will do what we can. The union is in debt to you all, Grovyle, Celebi, and Layne. Our main cause has finally been completed. Now...a new cause is here. We will see it completed as well..."
Layne, Pyro and Bidoof walked up the stairs to the guild. Layne looked up and smiled as the tent came into view. The two flaming pyres on each side of the entrance burned in glory. The gate had not yet closed, and Layne stared at the hole with the grating covering it. He knew the hole well.
Below the grating, Diglett awaited a visitor, which he would expertly identify by looking at the footprint. Layne stared at the hole.
"What's wrong Layne?"
"Remember when we first came back from the future, Pyro?" Layne asked. "You were filled with anxiety and anticipation because of how long we were gone. Now...how long has it been?"
Bidoof said, "Six months."
"Six months? Mother of Mercy. The anxiety just rose even more." Layne said smiling.
"Only one way to get rid of it." Pyro said.
Layne smiled and said, "Easy for you to say." But none the less, he put his foot on the grating.
"Pokémon detected! Pokémon detected!" Diglett's voice once again rose from beneath the grid.
"Okay, Diglett! Whose footprint is it?" Loudred asked.
"The footprint...foot...oh my..."
"Diglett?" Loudred asked. "DIGLETT! Come on! Focus!"
"It...it can't be..." Diglett managed to say.
Layne smiled and said, "Diglett...we're hungry up here. You guys haven't started dinner yet, have you?"
"It is!" Diglett shouted. "Loudred, it's Layne!"
"LAYNE?"
Layne took his foot off the grating and looked back to Pyro and Bidoof. With a smile.
"Layne...welcome home." Pyro said.
"It's good to be home..." Layne said.
The news down below of course quickly spread. The first one up was Diglett who popped up in front of the entrance. Upon seeing Layne, his heart skipped a beat. "You really are here!"
Following up the ladder, were Loudred, Sunflora, Corphish and Chimeco."
"Oh my gosh! Layne you're alive!"
"I CAN'T believe it!"
"Hey, hey! Layne!"
More guild members came out, some Layne didn't recognize, and could only guess that they were new guild recruits. It would seem to be the likely reason since they all had looks of wonder as to who he was, and why the senior guild members were so happy.
Chatot flew up and was followed by Wigglytuff. Layne was happy to see Chatot was looking much better after what had happened in Brine Cave six months back. Wigglytuff smiled and said, "Well, Layne. It's nice to see you back home with us."
"Guildmaster..." Layne said straightening out. "I am here to stay."
"Then, I proudly welcome you back to the Wigglytuff Guild, as member of Team Hydro Pyro."
Layne smiled and looked to the new recruits that were off to the side, and said, "I can see things have changed."
Wigglytuff smiled and said, "Indeed, new recruits have come while you were away, Layne. All have heard your story of Temporal Tower, and are probably wondering how you are here."
Layne crossed his arms and popped his neck.. It felt like ages since he last did that. "Well...I'm sure I'll get to know them all, very well."
"You're late!" a familiar voice said. Layne smiled and closed his eyes. He didn't need to guess who that was.
And he didn't know how to reply other than, "Sorry." as he turned around to see Autumn in the entrance, with a look on her face which expressed happiness, but also slight frustration.
Layne half expected her to give him some rant like the old days, but her joy suddenly flooded her face and she said, "Hi, Layne."
Layne returned the smile and said, "Hey, you."
She then ran to him and tackled him to the ground and planted a kiss to his mouth. Layne sat up with her as the guild started to laugh. "I guess I owed you one of those." Layne said.
"Yeah, you did." Autumn said.
"This calls for a much needed CELEBRATION!" Loudred said. "Oh my gosh! That sounds fun!" Sunflora shouted.
Autumn helped Layne up and Layne said, "Doesn't sound at all like a bad idea. It's great to be back..."
With that, the guild all returned back to the interior of the tent for a dinner they would not soon forget. Layne went in with Pyro, Autumn, and Bidoof at his side. Just like old times...only a new adventure he knew...was going to start tomorrow...
"Breathe deep, the gathering gloom
Watch lights fade from every room
Bed-sitter people look back and lament
Another day's useless energy spent
Impassioned lovers wrestle as one
Lonely man cries for love and has none
New mother picks up and suckles her son
Senior citizens wish they were young
Cold-hearted orb, that rules the night
Removes the colors from our sight
Red is gray, and yellow, white
But we decide which is right
And which is an illusion...?"
-The Moody Blues in "Nights in White Satin"
END
Final Notes and Acknowledgments:
I am proud to say for the most part, this story is done. What a ride it's been. It's hard to say that I started this in June! Feels a bit longer in a way, yet in the same way, it doesn't feel that long at all. Am I satisfied with the finished product? Perhaps. Perhaps not. I am not labeling it as complete right now, mainly because I will be re-reading each chapter, one by one, until I fish out and correct each little grammar mistake, and perhaps adding a little more to areas I think could use more story or juice in the plot. Typing this on TextEdit really wasn't that helpful in areas like that(if anyone knows a good site or free proofreading application for a Macintosh, I'd appreciate some help there, so I can put my mind to rest). But, the story for the most part is done! So let us rejoice.
I am proud to say this is actually my first complete full story I've written here. You, the readers, have made it my most popular fic, (behind unfinished stories, like Into the Storm and Metalliklok), and I am proud it got at least the little recognition it now has. I will admit, that in the beginning, when the only review I had gotten, was Chapter 5's review, I was a bit shaky on whether or not this would be successful. Well, now we stand forty chapters later. I have no regrets. Glad to say that too. I'm glad each and every one of you has enjoyed it.
Now I have received a few questions from some of you along the lines of, "What now?"
Let me tell you. I will say this. The story isn't done. My current plans however, revolving around any sequels or stories similar to this, are going to be thought out first. My one idea I'm leaning towards right now is a possible collection of short stories, involving the Guild members in the months during and after Time's Restoration. I'm experimenting on ways to accomplish this. But right now...not too sure how it will all work out.
Know that I do not intend on closing the book of Layne quite yet. Because there are a few plot ideas that could just turn up being stories of their own if I manage to do them right.
But for now, I thank you for all the support you gave me on Through the Never. I had fun writing it, and reading such wonderful reviews. You guys are amazing. Keep reading. And hopefully, we'll be hearing from Layne, Pyro, Autumn, and the rest of the guild...very soon.
Sincere Regards,
-Travis Linton (SamuraiMaster)