Author's note: Sorry this chapter took so long to update. Real life has been eating away at me lately, and I've had little to no time to myself, until now. So enjoy this chapter of my story.

I shuddered, "It's really you Star! Oh God." I whimpered and started sniffling very hard. "It's been so long. Oh God, it's so good to see you again."

She smiled weakly, stood up from the wall and pulled me into a tight embrace. "Yes, I know Gardevoir. It's nice to see you here too. Out of all the places I could run into you, it's so far away from home. I never expected to see you here, and now...I'm shocked. When Volkner called me and asked to make an appearance, something in my mind told me that something extraordinary would happen."

I mused for a second, "So that means that you're the Champion? Red told me that you relinquished your title to see the world."

She shrugged, "Yeah, I did for a while. After I stopped Team Magma, the League offered me a position as Champion. The Elite Four consented to the League officials because even Wallace couldn't combat Team Magma's plight. The crowning ceremony was huge, considering I am the first Champion to gain the title through alternative means."

I sat on the bed puzzled. "Why did you give it up then? You were so powerful, and you deserve the respect of more than just Hoenn."

Star shrugged again, "Pointless to be a Champ without a cause, at least in my opinion. I told the League officials to sock it, and they gave the job back to Wallace. They understood me, and I recieved no static from them in return."

Her situation still puzzled me. "So why are you currently Champion?"

"Well, about a year or two ago, Wallace went AWOL - he just got up and left without any warning. The League contacted Steven - the only living former Champion from Hoenn left, besides me. Steven was busy on an excavation trip to another region named Unova at the time. He had no time to spare to become Champion again.

Star chuckled, "The League literally begged me to be reinstated as Champ. I am the Champion quid pro quo - the League is paying me handsomely to assume the role because I am hard pressed for money. Until Wallace or Steven comes back, I'm Champion, unless someone defeats me in official battle. Of course, challengers are few and far between to come by. I showed up here because no one has defeated a member of our Elite Four in months."

Star's voice dropped in tone slightly. "Also Gardevoir, I would like to discuss some things with you...that I think your friends should not hear. I'd like it if this discussion was kept between us alone. Would you three mind giving us a little privacy?"

Red tipped his red cap in affirmation. "Serenity, Paladus, let's go see Pikachu. Nurse Joy told me a little while ago that he's ok to see in his room right now."

Red guided Serenity to the door, while Paladus followed behind. Just before he closed the door, I caught a glimpse of the look in his eye; I read it as a sign to be cautious. The door slowly creaked and eminated the tiniest thud and the echoing of footsteps diminshing - guarenteeing that me and Star were completely alone.

Star sat down in the chair that Serenity previously occupied. She placed her open palms into her lap, then balled them into fists. " I'll be honest with you now. You have changed a lot Gardevoir since we parted. Do you know how long it has been since that day?"

I shook my head. "I can't say that I know"

Star stared directly into my eyes. "It has been seven years! You don't realize how long ago I got over you. I swore that I would never see you again." She started crying. "But now I don't know now. You just appear out of the blue, and I'm shocked in the very least."

I veered away from her gaze - staring down at the sheet. "The others - my Pokemon - thought good riddance when I told them you walked off for good. I reassured that you would come back for me; I even had a spare Pokeball, just in case you came back. The others said you were weak, but after that fight with Claire's Dragonite, I disagree with them now. When did you ever get so strong?"

I looked away from her. Star sighed, "Gardevoir, will you please tell me?"

I looked back into Star's eyes. I clenched my thigh with my uninjured hand. "Do you really want to know?! I guess I always have been strong. I mean, I still remember when you released me. We trained against dinky Zubats." I laughed nostalgically.

Star joined in with me, "You're right Gardevoir, those Zubats are still etched into my mind. Yet there's one thing that's bugging me."

My laugh slowed from a chuckle to nothing. "What's bugging you Star?"

She sighed, then frowned, "Ok I'm gonna cut the nostalgic crap right here and now." She grabbed me roughly by mybandaged chest and shook me. "Just because I am here visiting you doesn't mean I want you back."

I rubbed my chest, "What do you mean?"

She snarled, "I can't forgive you for what you put me through. I still remember every damn detail of it. I gave you a free ride to glory and happiness, and you squandered it!"

I fumed, what the hell is with her attitude? She did a flip-flop of her emotions in a matter of seconds.

"Star I can't help it; I used to be young and stupid, but I've changed a lot. You just can't see how I've changed: two evolutions, and two children. My children have mellowed me out!"

Star scoffed, "Yeah, I bet your attitude rubbed off on them, and I wouldn't be suprised if they end up just like you."

My nostrils flared, and I attempted to stand. After two shaky attempts, I stood up. I hobbled towards Star, who stood up as I reached her. I snarled audibly, "Say another word about my children and I swear I'll-"

"What? Use Psychic on me? Go ahead bitch!"

I bared ny teeth, "What did you just call me?"

"I called you an unloyal, traitorous, piggy, bit-"

She didn't even finish the sentence as I hammered her nose with a bare fist - the first time I ever hit anyone with a physical attack. Star fell on her back - a trickle of blood poured from her nostril. "Ow! What the hell? What did I do to you?"

I gasped at what I had just done, "Do I really need to say it?"

She sighed and shook her head. "No I guess not. I kinda deserved that. I didn't have to fly off the handle like that. It's just all the memories of me and you railroaded me at once. I addressed the good memories before the bad ones. Sorry for calling you that Gardevoir."

Star rubbed her swollen nose gingerly, "I've got so much stress, I boiled over. Sorry for making you my scapegoat."

I offered Star a hand to get up, which she accepted gracefully. I drew out a long sigh, "Can you at least forgive me for losing my cool?" Star chuckled haughtily, "Yeah I can. You only struck me in anger, and I forgive you because I'm the catalyst."

Star drew me into a hug I accepted without haste. "Gardevoir, when you get discharged, I would like you to meet someone. You may deject this certain someone at first, but stay calm. Can you promise me that?"

I nodded. Star smiled weakly and grabbed a cotton swab from a bedside table, placing it under her wound "I'll go see where Nurse Joy is, and fetch your friends in that Pikachu's room. You just let your body heal."

Star opened the door, looked both ways, and exited to the left - leaving the door wide open. Thoughts raced through my mind: reunification, happiness, and a feeling of completion.

I crossed my arms, and flinched in pain, remembering that my arm still got fractured by the Dragonite. I sat down on the bed, ignoring the feeling of my thighs, muttering to myself: "Probably toyed with them too."

A good fifteen minutes passed as Star crossed paths with my room. "I found Nurse Joy, Gardevoir." Nurse Joy sat down in the chair with a clipboard in hand, flipping through seven or eight papers. Nurse Joy cleared her throat, "Ok Natalie, we have an analysis sheet right here with your Gardevoir's ailments."

Nurse Joy retrieved a pencil from a pocket in her skirt and tapped the paper, reciting all of my injuries. "A dislocated left shoulder. My Chansey popped it in back into the socket. Minor fractures in the left arm: humerus, ulna, and wristbone. One dose of Blissey egg resolved that. Torn muscles in both thighs, and the right calf; the Blissey egg dose applies to this injury too. Hairline fractures riddled about in six of your ribs. Blissey egg can't work there, since it's so close to the heart and lungs. We resorted to morphine so you won't feel pain in that region. Lastly, you suffered a slight concussion, just be careful in future, or else you could be out longer in the future. Other than that, we'll keep you overnight for observation. If you show no signs of weakness, you will be discharged at first light."

Star nodded optimistically, "Ok Nurse Joy, I understand."

I sat in the bed, and drew a breath. "Star, do you wanna stay here for the night?"

Star shook her head, "Nah, I think me and Red will gather your mate and friend there-"

I gestured my hand into a sign to stop, and I interrupted her: "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Those two are my children. They are twins, for your information."

Star sank a little, "Sorry I didn't know. We were gonna go across the street to the motel you all spent the night in a few nights ago."

I raised a brow, "What do you mean 'a few nights ago'?"

Star scratched her head, "You've been unconcious for two days Gardevoir! You woke up this morning for the first time."

"Oh. Well I'm sorry for not knowing something important as well."

Star chuckled, "Well, do you have anything else to say?"

I shrugged, "Maybe one thing: I wanted to give you a hug before you four left for the night."

Star scratched her chin lightly. "Well I can do that if you insist." She placed her arms under mine, and captured me into a warm, nostalgic embrace. I returned the hug with an equal passion. I whispered into her ear, "Tell my children that Mommy loves them." Star nodded, "I will Gardevoir."

After Star left, I fell into an eager slumber.

The next morning, Nurse Joy discharged me from the Pokemon Center. Red dropped by the Pokemon Center to pick me up - alone. He brandished his cap to me when I reached the lobby, drawing me to him. He patted my shoulder lightly. "Well Lunia, I see Joy got you all fixed up. Pikachu got let out the night before and he's with Nat and your kids."

"Have my children been getting along with her?"

"Serenity hit it off with Natalie last night. I swear that daughter of yours is such a chatterbox. I tried explaining the concept of a person named Naruto to Paladus - if you'd be interested in learning about Naruto, ask me later. They had a freaking giggle fest about God knows what, and they kept interrupting me. Paladus suggested we evacuate the premises of their annoying discussion. Paladus also got along with Nat, but nowhere close to Serenity."

I snorted, while earning a strange gaze from Red. He placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "Something irking you Lunia?"

I jabbed a finger into his chest, "Why do you call her Natalie, rather than Star?"

Red shrugged. "As good of a reason why she still calls you Gardevoir. I can't answer that Lunia."

"So what have you got planned Red?"

"I dunno Lunia. I didn't expect us finding Star so quickly. She mentioned something about going back home to see her folks. Quite frankly, if she does, I may go back home myself."

I thought to myself. Going back home huh? Out of all things to consider, I just met up with Star yesterday. I wonder if she will take me and my children with her.

A young childish voice caught me by suprise. "Hey it's Mommy!" The oh-so familiar voice of Serenity snapped me back into reality. Star stood behind Serenity and Paladus. Serenity jumped right into my arms and hugged me tightly. "Mommy, please don't scare me and Paladus like that again. We missed you soooo much. Isn't that right Brother?"

Paladus crossed his arms and stomped his foot on the floor. "Mother, Serenity is right. You certainly had me worried."

Paladus smirked and hugged me too - overlapping Serenity as he put his arms around me.

"I love you both." I murmered to them.

Star yanked her backpack off her shoulders and grasped a Town Map hanging in an outside pocket. She opened the map and showed it to me and Red. She pointed to a handful of sites: Vermilion City, Cerulean City, and Celadon City.

"Well I decided I'm gonna go back home for the time being. You four are welcome to come with me, however I think Red is best suited to answer the question: Which city is best to depart from?"

Red snatched the map from Star and whispered a few things inaudible to me. He circled his fingertip around Vermilion a few times, muttering "Nah." He traced over Celadon, then Cerulean. After a minute of this, he folded the map and handed it to Star.

"Depends on how you want to depart from here. Vermilion has the fastest boats in Kanto. Cerulean also has a port, but Celadon has the luxurious ships. My call would have to be Vermilion, because it's fairly easy to reach through Diglett Tunnel, north of here."

Star palmed a Pokeball from her belt. "What if we didn't have to walk?"

Red looked befuddled. "You have a Flying Pokemon."

"Well I used to have a Pokemon that could Teleport." She thumbed in my direction - the Pokemon mentioned, evidently me. "But yeah, I do have a Flying Pokemon."

Star released the ball from her belt, and flung it skyward, shouting "Cloud, let's do this!" A ferocious white light emitted from the ball.

The bright, white light ceased as a beautiful blue bird flumped onto the sidewalk. The Pokemon stretched it's fluffy,white wings and yawned. It blinked twice and crooned at the sight of Star.

Lone behold, the one Pokemon I knew the least about. Star's last Pokemon before I departed - Cloud, the Altaria. I didn't know much about Cloud, since Star caught her a week before I got released. Cloud - from my few experiences with her - was a determined individual, because she never gave up on a single thing since I met her. If Star were to break it to her Pokemon that I came back, I'm pretty sure Cloud would be least affected by my return, excluding the Dusclops.

How are we all gonna fit on that Altaria?" Paladus asked. "An illogical fit, because I doubt even one of us could ride it."

"Don't think I didn't come unprepared." Star exclaimed.

She dug into her cavernous backpack and fed out a long leather strap. The strap had a multitude of attachments dangling around it. Star bundled the strap in itself and snapped it like a whip.

"Behold a trainer's number one aerial tool: the Aerial Ace. This device basically allows a person - or a small multitude of people - to ride in tow with small bird Pokemon, provided they are strong enough to hold you."

"Man I forgot those things even existed,"Red said.

Star proceeded to latch a harness around her shoulders. She yanked the straps tight to ensure it wouldn't slip. "Here, I'll take care of you two first." Star wrapped a smaller harness around Serenity, then Paladus, ensuring the harnesses were snug.

Star handed me and Red a harness each. We both tightened our respective harnesses around our bodies - not quite constricting, but nearly rib-crushing.

"What about our backpacks Natalie?" Red asked.

"I got a pouch for random objects too."

Red rolled his eyes. "Leave it to Silph Co. to leave nothing out." Red gazed over to Pikachu - who wore no harness. "What about him?"

Star shrugged, "I don't have a harness to accompany his size. The Kirlia's harness is the smallest I have. Do you have room in your backpack?"

Red nodded.

"This may seem barbaric, but you should zip Pikachu into your backpack. I promise the pouch won't tear open. Just leave it to Silph's craftmanship."

Red shuddered and picked up Pikachu by the forelegs, "Sorry buddy, I gotta put you in my backpack for now. I promise that nothing will happen to you, so help my life."

Pikachu nodded.

Red stowed away Pikachu in the largest compartment on his backpack, ensuring Pikachu was secured in the backpack. "Ok, I guess we should fly about now. Natalie, you most likely don't know which way Vermilion City is. Catch!" Red slung a crinkled ball of paper towards Star. She unfurled it - Red's Kanto town map - and produced a compass from a pocket.

Star read the compass, trying to find the direction to fly in - the east from what I studied on Red's map earlier. Star pointed east. "We fly that way! We should saddle up now, 'cause time is wasting away. I think we should catch the next ship to Hoenn from there."

After we had our harnesses secured, Cloud took off, under the whim of Star. A good hour and a half later, we landed in Vermilion City, about a block away from the port. Star recalled Cloud to her Pokeball - the cottony bird crooning in delight while she was absorbed into the red sphere.

Vermilion's salty tang of the sea air surrounded my senses, paving the way to thoughts of Magikarps, and an endless ocean. We found the harbor in a matter of minutes. Boats of every size available littered every dock possible.

People bustled around us as Star made her way to the ticket booth.

Before I could follow Star, Red grabbed my shoulder in a subtle way to get my attention. He patted me on the shoulder. "Just think about where you're going with this Lunia."

I stared into Red's eyes, noticing a new emotion I never noticed before: a feeling similar to when a parent has to see off their child into the world.

I quivered at the thought of what Red might be thinking. "Red...what's on your mind?"

He sighed and kicked at the dirt ground, and turned around, avoiding my question. I stiffly yanked his shoulder, and spun him around to face me, making sure that my children and Star didn't see me grab him maliciously. I whispered into his ear "Red, there is something you need to tell me, isn't there?" I tried to mask my anxious tone, but Red wasn't buying my act.

Red grabbed me by both shoulders, and shook me vigorously. He snarled, and quietly exclaimed, "Quit pestering me ok? If you want to know so badly, I'll tell you later this evening, on the boat." I nodded, and he gently patted me on the shoulder, and turned me loose to Star.

Star clenched a handful of crumpled tickets. She handed one to Red, and he furrowed his brow. He held the ticket to Star's face. "This is not a ticket to the S.S Anne. I told you that ship would be our best bet to reach Hoenn."

"Red, I couldn't get tickets to the S.S Anne." Star said.

"Why? The S.S Anne is right there!" Red exclaimed. Sure enough, easily the largest ship in Vermilion Harbor by at least twofold: the letters Anne emblazoned in fancy blue script letters near the bow.

I clasped onto Red. "Red, can you calm down? Star may have a good reasons for not buying us those tickets."

Red snorted. "You got any good reason why Natalie?"

"The S.S Anne is docked for now for repairs. The man in the ticket office told me that some terrorist group called Team Terra Firma tried to take the ship and barter with the mainland for ransom - they ultimately failed though. Is that a good enough reason for you?"

"It is," Red said.

"Fine. I got us tickets for the Kalima Haze. The Kalima is an older ship, but it still operates fairly well." She pointed to the end of the harbor; an old, beat up, oversized dingy was roped off to a couple wooden posts.

Ugh, Star you gotta be kidding me. This ship is a piece of junk.

As much as I wanted to tell Star that the ship was not viable, I didn't want to hurt her feelings - because someone who puts forth an effort, doesn't like criticism. A man in his thirties was standing at the entrance to the Kalima. He faced the ship, rather than us. I ran up to him, and tapped him on the shoulder - although I should have thought my actions through first.

"Bwah!" he wailed. He wheeled around, almost striking me in the face on accident, he huffed, then sighed. "Sorry about that. Shouldn't scare me like that. I have a neurotic personality, and people frightening me gives me the willies."

Star groaned and pushed me away from the scared man. "Sorry about that Gardevoir. She didn't mean to startle you like that. She just wanted to get your attention."

The man extended a hand to Star, who took it hastily. The man cleared his throat. "I forgive that Gardevoir, ok? That aside, let me introduce myself. I am Captian Zach Lyle, captian of the Kalima Haze. Can I help you fine folks?"

Star showed Zach the tickets. "Ah yes," he exclaimed. "You all wish to ride my fair vessel?" Star nodded. "Well good. Most of the passengers are already on the ship. We are taking a one-way trip to Slateport City in Hoenn. Are you cool with that? Honestly, it doesn't matter, since yea should have known the Kalima was on her way to Hoenn."

Star handed Captian Zach the tickets. "I was aware of all that, and departure time. It has been a pleasure doing business with you." She vigorously shook his hand, and we cleared a way past him.

We all walked the ramp onto the Kalima Haze. Red took a mere second to turn around and look at the Kanto region. He inaudibly kissed his fingers and made the gensture of peace towards the random passerbys near the harbor. "Lunia, I'm gonna take your children down the hall to our rooms. You ok with that?" Red asked.

Red knew I had the matters to take care of with Star, so I nodded to him. "I'm ok with that Red. I'll be with you all in a little while."

When Red and my children had left our vicinity, Star pulled a Pokeball out from her backpack. She handed the ball to me; I just stared at her absentmindedly, since she didn't utter a word. Star's expression turned from neutral to cross when I didn't get the message.

I pointed to the Pokeball and asked, "So you want me to grab the ball?" She shook her head: yes. She pulled me into a hug and patted me on the back. Star sighed, "You may have regained your trust in me, but I wouldn't be so sure about this one right here in the ball. Let's just say he didn't appreciate you. Remember, when you're ready to talk, just press the white, circular button on the center."

Star turned away and walked towards where Red and my children strayed off. Star stopped and wagged a finger to remind herself of something, "Also Lunia, don't mess this up. You only have one chance." With that, she disappeared, leaving me alone in the hallway with her Pokeball in hand.

I gulped, one chance huh? You can't screw this up. Who am I kidding? All of the Pokemon in Star's team never appreciated me towards the end. My replacement never had time to form an accurate opinion of me; that only leaves one Pokemon. I prayed silently that the creature in the Pokeball wasn't the one I dreaded most under Star's command.

A cracked open door drew my attention towards the end of the ship's narrow hallway. Vibrant colors spewed from the little area I could make out. Whatever the room contained, it would be better than conversing in the hallway, where other passengers would possibly hear us. I threw the door open, noticing everything the room contained: a large red mat, a blank electronic board, and rows upon rows of metal bleachers.

I groaned. Out of all the rooms in the entire ship, I had to come across the battlefield. I sighed - still a much better option than the hallway. I took a few seconds to collect myself, rehearsing so I wouldn't flump in front of Star's Pokemon.

I didn't even remember pressing the white button on the Pokeball, as I nearly shrieked when the steady white light materialized into a very familiar creature. The white light morphed into a large, quadripedal Pokemon covered with various hues of blue, and an occasional tinge of orange on specific parts of its body.

An enormous tail fin nearly slapped me across the face, as the Pokemon completely emerged from the ball. I laid the ball aside, and hesitantly tried to touch the familiar Pokemon on the shoulder. I stopped as the quadriped immediately peered over it's shoulder, gazing into my eye with the impression of cocky impunity. It turned around oh so slowly, as if to intimidate me. The creature somewhat succeeded as I slowly backed away. Even though this Pokemon had an inch in height on me when it stood on all fours, it towered over me like a monster in some hideous nightmare.

The Pokemon snarled, which turned into nearly a chuckle. "Hmm...it's you again," the large Pokemon contemplated.

I balled my fist to the point I swore it was pale white. I then giggled, "So we meet one more time. Jet."

Jet was Star's first and foremost Pokemon, whom she loved and adored. Also he was a Swampert. That ability to tower over things came naturally to their species. Jet cracked his knuckles, "Well, I have some unfinished business that we need to attend to."

I gulped nervously. When he meant busniess, it always meant "fight".

He slowly made his way toward me, giving me that menacing look he gave me before.

I hoped that we wouldn't have to take care of "business" right here.