Bonus Chapter Unlocked!

Epilogue:

It has been two years since the events of the Elder World Championships, an event that seemed to have little impact on the world as a whole. Despite the entire world witnessing the rise of a legendary Pokémon live on television, it didn't change anything in the grand scheme of things. No one saw what happened to Giratina. No one really knows. It never ravaged the world, so after a week or so, no one really cared. Lancelot Elderidge found himself imprisoned for life and his empire crumbled. That seemed to be the end of it. Officials never provided an official explanation for what happened, leaving it to be the plaything of conspiracy theorists.

The most popular theory is that a group of heroes rose up and defeated the monster and the evil villain controlling it. People wanted to believe it as it was like something out of a film, a story of hope they could draw inspiration from. It is the heroes depicted in that theory who were most influenced by the events that transpired that fateful day.

Robin Harper sits in an office with his feet on a desk. Despite having a full time job now, he lives life to the fullest and enjoys every moment of it. Having his dream job helps with this. He leans back in his chair and looks up at the television. It reminds him of what happened two years previously. On the screen is live coverage of a challenge against the Champion of the Indigo Plateau. Flourette Lauxand is challenging an old friend, the current champion, Rhianne Barrestein, for the highest honour in Kanto and Johto.

Robin cracks a smile. It's nice to remember the old gang, even if they were only together for such a short time. He wonders if it would be possible to get a reunion together one day. It shouldn't be that difficult, it's hard for the others to stay out of the news. He turns his head to a noticeboard. On it are a number of newspaper cuttings. They show the high profile antics of the other contestants from the ill-fated World Championships and in the middle is an article about the final day with a picture of Giratina in the stadium.

With a strong feeling of nostalgia, Robin looks over the articles. One shows Shaw Weston overthrowing Marshal as the Fighting-type master of the Unova Elite Four, while another shows Elin Reynold being recognised as the world record holder for most official Pokémon League Gym badges. Then, there is Robin's favourite article; Thomas Byrne solved the murder of a wedding guest at his own wedding to Mistralton City Gym Leader Skyla while drunk.

The trip down Memory Lane is short lived as Robin is interrupted by someone entering the office.

"Your next challenger is here," the woman, a Pokémon League referee, says.

Excitedly, Robin jumps to his feet. He relishes every challenger. It's what he lives for. After demonstrating his skills on the world's stage, he was invited to start the first Fairy-type Gym outside of Kalos. Now the Slateport City Gym Leader, he gets battle requests constantly.

His next challenger is a young girl with wild blonde hair and excitement in her eyes. Robin suspects that she is still a relatively new trainer, but can never be sure. Every new day brings a new surprise for a Gym Leader.

"So, challenger, what's your name and how many badges do you have?" Robin asks.

"Melissa Wexler and I have three badges," she says, "Oh, and eight from Kalos."

Robin flinches in shock. He then regains his cool quickly. It shouldn't have been a surprise.

"Moving to a second region after already getting eight badges is a great achievement at your age, but I would expect nothing less from a Wexler," Robin says with a grin.

"Huh?" Melissa asks.

"How's Holly doing these days?" Robin asks. Melissa quickly understands and her face lights up.

"She and Daedalus got engaged and she wants me to be a bridesmaid!" Melissa says with great enthusiasm. It is clear to Robin that Melissa loves telling people this. He knows the feeling all too well.

Robin laughs to himself. It seems everything worked out fine in the end.

"The Gym battle between Challenger Melissa and Gym Leader Robin is about to begin!"

AN: And there we have it. Everyone lived happily ever after. Except... yeah. Close enough.

And now it's time for disclaimers and special thanks. I don't own Pokémon, I don't think anyone's under any illusion that I do. If I did, I certainly wouldn't be writing fanfiction. I also don't own most of the characters as they were created by some lovely readers. Who says SYOCs don't get anywhere and can't be good? At least I'm assuming I did good. Special thanks to those who submitted, reviewed or just read this far. You all make it worthwhile.

Character credits:

Elin Reynold - OPFan37

Daedalus Marlowe - SentientPixel

Flourette Lauxand - visceraEffect

Shaw Weston Barrett M107

Robin Harper - SDproductions

Mark Young - kevinboy1008

Thomas Byrne - Gazooki

Rhianne Barrestein - TissueMonster

Also, I want to give a quick shout out to Gazooki as I am reliably informed that he has been working on the idea of a Thomas Byrne spin-off story. He is a great writer with a unique and highly entertaining style, so I recommend you look out for that.

Once again, thanks for reading.

-IfTimeWasStill