Chapter 54

It’s been a good seven years since we last saw our trainers. Ash, Pikachu, Cilan, Iris, Dawn, Paul, Drew, May and Misty. Them and the many others we saw on their journey through the Xentru region. They have not been slacking in these years each of our trainers have been going straight for their dreams.

The connection forged between them throughout their group travels have not cracked in the least. One can say that this journey was the turning point for many of them.

Not that the new journey towards their goals was not painful or hard but having a goal to pursue after they achieved their original goal has helped them plenty.

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“It looks so lonely up there.” Drew scoffed as he playfully poked at the one Grand festival Trophy May had on her shelf in her room. “It needs friends. Look at it, all by itself.”

“I’m sure your three trophies are extremely good friends.” May huffed coming up behind him to stop his poking at the trophy.

“They are.” He laughed giving up playing with her one trophy to embrace her. “I’m thinking of giving it one more friend so that they can couple up.”

“Yeah right. As if I’m going to let that happen.” May said rolling her eyes and reaching up to pull his cheek. Drew just grinned through it. This was not the original goal he started out with when he started coordinating but it was just fine.

“I think you are getting ahead of yourself though.” She pouted. “Solidad beat us this time.”

“It was close, but next time it’s going to be me at the top.”

“Nope.” May laughed. “I’m going to beat you again.”

“Hey!” Came from downstairs. “May! Your dad is back! Bring Drew down so we can have dinner! We so rarely have you home.”

“We should go.” May said pulling away from him.

“Yeah.” He smiled letting her pull away. “No matter how often I come here your mom amazes me. Treating us like kids still.” It was a heady feeling. Taking May’s hand Drew used his other hand to switch off May’s bedroom light as they left the room.

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Cilan yawned as he continued reading his book. It was something he already heard of but he was reading it anyway. Seeing it up close was one thing but actually reading it was another.

He heard footsteps padding towards him and smiled at Iris coming from the training section of her gym. Her look of surprise pleased him as she spotted him lazing away in the gym lounge.

“When did you get back?” She frowned.

“This morning but you were busy so I decided to wait.” He stood up and put aside the book.

“You could have come and told me!” She said placing her hands on her hips. Hugging her Cilan breathed in her scent. Like soft lilies something not expected considering her Dragon nature but he was blessed enough to know about it.

“I knew you had back to back challenges. The league is coming up. I could wait a bit longer and I came earlier than expected. It’s been only ten months this time.” Cilan told her tipping her face up.

“It still felt like forever.” Iris mumbled pressing her face into his chest. He laughed at that but yelped when she nipped at him.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay, I thought it would hurt more, but it works so well. I had to fight to get you to leave me and go out there but it works out.”

“Yeah, this is the last one.” Cilan huffed as he swung her into his arms.

“Cilan!”

“Shh, it’s okay. After this I won’t have to leave unless I’m called out. Star class has much better advantages than anyone else.”

“What about the gym? I thought you would go back and run the gym with your brothers.”

“Did you really think that?” Cilan asked curiously. “In all the years I’ve been gone the gym has changed by so much. They really are fine without me. I can do what I want from this point on.”

“Congratulations Cilan.” Iris whispered up at him.

“Congratulations Iris.” Cilan smiled. “The next stage starts from now.”

“Have you heard from the others?” She asked as he laid her down on the couch.

“I’ve seen Paul plenty times, Drew and May once or twice. Dawn too I rarely see that Person though.”

“Oh dear. Still kids.” Iris laughed.

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Paul sat where he was almost ashamed to be. Looking down onto the stage he watched as his Blue was once again crowned winner of a Pokémon Collection.

She was amazing, she kept her promise too. It had been so long ago that they made progress and he kept wondering when he would wake up. She had been there every time he made it to a league. In return he watched every festival he could not make it too. She understood he was not the type to do these things. Still seeing her shocked amazed expression tore at him until he could not wait to see it again.

These seven years were tough. He trained, met up with Dawn, hung with Drew ran into Cilan. Still it was not enough. It took the retreat with Gary and Brendan for him to figure out what he really needed.

He made it to the champion league. He was thrilled that he had even if it did not look it. He was thrilled. Blue had always been cheering him on and his annoying brother Reggie.

It was not enough he realized, just like contests were not enough for Dawn. In a few months he would submit his application to the Frontier Brains. It was not that they had not scouted him before.

It just hit him that he needed that. Not to help trainers but to improve himself. The crowd roared for Dawn and Paul smirked. He was the same selfish guy after all. He came first.

Getting up and walking to where she would come out from Paul kept his smirk on his face. Everyone could come second except for her. It was totally different for her.

“Paul!” The cry came and he turned in time to catch Blue from tripping on her dress.

“It was nice.” He told her pushing back her hair.

“I can’t believe you came!” She shrieked hugging him close. “Let me change and we can go.”

“Go?” He smirked. “Blue where are we going?”

Dawn had confusion written all over her face. “To our place of course. You are here in Sinnoh to stay right? Reggie told me.”

“Our place?”

“Well you can’t stay in that big place by yourself. I’ve already moved in.” Dawn sighed.

“Got a key?”

“Right here!” She laughed brining a key from her pocket.

“There is was thinking I would have to bribe you.” Paul sighed. “Unexpected Blue.”

“With me is the only time you smile.” Dawn said her voice serious. “I’m selfish because I want to be the only one to make you like that and to see you like that. Forgive me selfishness.” She finished in a whisper.

Paul laughed silently as he brought his head to kiss his little Blue. He was still a selfish guy but it was okay. The shining Blue he had could be selfish too.

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Misty sighed as she went cleaning the gym. She had somewhere to be and as usual, her sisters were slacking.

“Who brought this ton of papers and magazines?” She demanded as they were knocked to the floor.

“I did!” Daisy laughed from the other side of the room. Shaking her head Misty started o pick them up before pictures caught her attention.

One magazine had a picture of Dawn winning a collection. She looked so mature and happy. It had been a year since Misty had seen her in person. She was always on TV though.

Same as Drew and May. They were called the royal rivals. The battling couple. Almost anything. Misty had thought the battles they had were intense. After the trip they had together it was so fiery.

She had never seen May like that before. Their battles were so full of emotions the crowd was left on edge. Tickets sold out from what she heard. If May and Drew was to face off then it was best to just sit back and watch.

They had gotten better, so much better but that was just on the stage. She knew from May’s happy calls that Drew was quite the attentive guy travelling with her to home and other places.

Their all was still into contests though. When May had finally won a Grand Festival Trophy she thought that had been it but May was determined to keep going. Same for Drew, this was in their blood.

Who knew, maybe Wallace would have to watch out for is seat someday. Those two just keep getting better. Same with Paul. Straitening the stack Misty stifled a giggle. She saw Paul a few times. He always challenged her to a battle.

She always used him as a way to give her strongest a good work out. She only lost six of the ten times he challenged her. She knew he would keep on trying too. She heard from Gary that he was putting his application to be a Frontier Brain in Sinnoh.

She heard from Iris often. She and Cilan last she heard were together. Cilan stayed at her helping out when he was not doing Star class Connoisseur stuff.

Cilan was happy with his dream and he was happy being with Iris. The town Iris’s gym was based had a big change over the last four years with lots of changes being made to the towns surrounding it.

Iris as a trainer was a lot stronger too. Misty was impressed, she travelled to Unova to see Iris and the battle she had been given left her amazed. That was five years ago and she could not wait to see how Iris had improved.

Everyone had gotten some sort of spark lit in them. From what she had seen Georgio had gone back to school and travelled sometimes with Barry. Misty was happy for him.

“Don’t you like, have somewhere to be?” Violet demanded shaking her head.

“Yes! I’ll be off.” Misty laughed scoping up her bag.

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The first year after the Xentru region had hurt. She had missed what had quickly become the norm so easily. She had returned to her gym and the battles had been fierce.

She gave no mercy. Lance came and again to jokingly complained but all she did was shrug. Misty stepped off the bus in Vermillion City fighting back a smile. She should stop by and shout Gary but there was no time for that.

Four years after the excitement in Xentru city Gary had hung up his scientist coat partially and settled down to be a gym leader for the Vermillion City.

She had been elated and went to attend the ceremony. The town loved Gary even though he said his first love would always be Pallet Town.

He settled down some but Gary kept saying that the moment a better trainer came along he was going back to the scientist life.

She knew better, as long as he could Gary would continue to be gym leader. If was in his blood and he gave the trainers a good run around. He used all his Pokémon nothing was predictable. Just like a certain someone.

Misty passed the gym and winced at the long line of trainers waiting outside. The thing about being popular was that everyone wanted to battle you.

Gary was lucky he had such a huge amount of Pokémon for battles. They had to be tired after a long day of none stop battling.

Making her way through the town. She knew it so well. She had to pass through to get to Pallet Town after all. That and to make her way home from almost anywhere.

So many changes over the years, for her too. The first time Ash had been back he came to visit her. They had been talking out on the cape, her favourite place when an impatient trainer from Johto came to fetch her.

Misty grinned broadly at the memory. Ash had hurried off before he could be recognised but she had stayed behind to deal with the little one.

Since she had been home her sisters could not assume the title of Gym Leader so the trainer would have to wait until she was in the gym. Unfortunately for her this trainer was unable to wait.

Like a certain someone she had known. She had stifled her amusement and gone ahead back to the gym. She had lost but she gave the trainer a good run. Form what they had told her Johto had gotten better.

Their name, it was Gold or something. She just could not remember but they had been amazed after she asked about Professor Elm. Gold came from the same town.

Before he had set off he had spoken about his adventures. Reminding her just a little of Ash. That excitement and love for Pokémon.

Exhaling loudly as she saw the entrance to Mount Silver being advertised on a sign Misty prepared herself for the hike ahead.

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The hike never failed to get to her. Panting as she rested her hands on her knees Misty looked around the mountain top. She was here.

She looked to above her to where she had to climb and she saw the figure of Lucario looking down at her. Ash’s Lucario, he had evolved a few years back and still carried that sign of seriousness.

“He’s here isn’t he?” She called up. Lucario folded his arms and gave a brief nod. Misty huffed before reaching up to struggle up. He would be at the peak. He always would be.

Swinging herself up to the ledge she saw an old friend Charizard, standing watching the afternoon light. She was not surprised. Ash had come so far with all his Pokémon but this was the one she remembered fondly the most.

From being so timid to being the most troublesome. They had certainly come a long way. She slipped a bit and she felt something catch her around her waist and pull her up to the peak. Dragonair.

Dratini had evolved a while back too. She was so proud, so happy. She hugged the Pokémon. “Where is he?” Dragonair looked directly above her and she saw him.

Standing on the ledge leading and looking out onto Kanto. If she was to look to the right she would be gazing out to Johto the left lead back to Kanto. Looking straight out to the far away sea stood Ash.

The gates for her Aura pushed open and she felt the energy in the air. She wanted to reach out with her aura and embrace him with it. And urge no matter when she saw him now never went away.

Ash had his dream, champion. It had taken a while but three years after that training he had gotten it. He had pushed so hard. Seeing him had been rare moments but it still was wonderful.

She against the odds had heard him that day. Head his begging plea to wait on him. she did and was happy she had.

He was the oddest champion to date, instead of doing normal champion duties he gave back the reins to the previous league and kept challenging and travelling. She knew what his next goal was. The far away hard champions league.

Ash was racking up experience, he would forever be travelling. Forever training but it was okay. She did not mind as much as she thought she would be.

“Ash.” She called out. Ash did not move but the shadow on his shoulder did. Pikachu half turned on his shoulder.

“Ash.” She repeated walking closer. Pikachu jumped into her arms but she just hugged him once before placing him on her own shoulder.

“Mist.” He sighed. “I missed you.”

“I would be surprised if you didn’t” She snorted as she stood behind him.”

“Been eight months now? Or eleven. Somewhere there.” Ash mused his hands in his pockets staring down.

“Your time up here messes with your mind.” She said shaking her head and touching his shoulder with a free hand.

“Best place for training and it’s so quiet up here.” Ash sighed. “Not many people come up here and whoever does don’t make it this far. Especially if they are looking for me.”

“I come this far.” Misty said quietly.

“Yeah, that’s right.” Ash said turning around and hugging her to him. he felt bigger than before. Warmer. Tears gathered in her eyes, she really did miss him.

“No tears Mist.” He told her pushing her back. Before she could react he was sitting with his back to one of the stones and her in his lap. The top of her head brushed his shoulder. Had she always been this small?

“It’s been such a long while. I have the right to cry if I want.” She snapped trying to struggle.

“I reserve the right to stop potential floods.” Ash laughed keeping her still. “Every time we meet up I feel you can’t tell if to sob all over me or punch me.”

“I can do both.” Misty said dryly.

“How is everyone?” Ash asked ignoring her response.

“You should go and see them I know you watched Cilan get his star class.”

“I watched May win too.” He said smugly.

“Exactly but you never go and see them.”

“I saw Paul and Dawn. Paul went to her last collection and they went home together.” Ash interrupted. “It’s better like this. When the time comes I’ll see them but right now they are too busy to be swamped in the stress I have to go through.”

“Your excuse for everything.” She huffed only to be stopped by him pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“Does it feel like I’m making excuses?” He asked her. Misty felt his Aura as strong as ever covering her. Calm and soothing.

“No but I’m sure they want to see you.”

“They do see me.” Ash sighed. “They call me when I’m at a tournament. When they are aware enough they turn around and face where I’m watching and wave. When the weddings start, I’ll be there.”

“So sure? So positive we will be seeing weddings?”

Ash squeezed her playfully. “Mist, Cilan and Iris are practically living together, Paul and Dawn share a house. Drew is always at May’s parents when they are not training. That’s preparation for marriage.”

“Oh?” She giggled. “Listen to the expert.”

“Not an expert. An observer.” A thread of Aura materialized in front of her eyes and it carefully folded into a rose. She smiled, training for the league was not the only thing Ash went doing.

“It’s been so long since that place.” She sighed and Pikachu jumped off her to pull at her bag. Misty knew what he wanted so she shifted and released Toki.

“I can’t believe Toki hasn’t evolved.” Ash whistled as Pikachu carefully lead Toki to a safe spot where the two could play.

“Me neither but I guess she just is happy how she is. And she liked playing and battling. She works really hard.” Misty said as Toki caught Pikachu’s tail and swung him into the air.

“A lot of things has happened since then.” Ash said shaking his head. “Have you heard about Jessie and James?”

“Team Rocket? I heard! Jessie and James got married!” Misty said the shock from then rushing back. “I’m happy for James he really loves her.”

“Jessie loves him too. She thought it wouldn’t work out but they are going to have a baby soon. They have Meowth and some others run the businesses until the baby comes.”

“Amazing.” Misty whistled. “All those years ago I never thought that would happen at all. To think they retired from stealing Pokémon and run a business and are going to have a baby. Team Rocket has come far.”

“We all have Misty.” Ash laughed. “We can’t stay kids forever. We have to grow up take over from the previous generation and make the world a better place for people and Pokémon.”

“What are you going to do Ash?” Misty asked her voice heavy.

“I’m close.” He responded. “I’ve returned to the leagues, gotten the badges again and challenged them and won everything. In seven years, I can say I’ve done so much. It’s better now that I can fly on Charizard.”

“I guess, you got the Kanto gyms and the Johto gyms at the same time. Then beat the leagues one after the other. You’ve really gotten better.”

“I’ve gotten to where I want to be.” Ash corrected. “This is all I ever thought about but right now I have everything I wanted. My dream is still there shining and I’ve got you too.”

“I’ve become a Water Pokémon Master.” Misty laughed. “I’ve even gotten the degree.”

“Everyone has gotten their goals. But it’s harder to let them go.” Ash shrugged. “May and Drew will always be travelling and improving. Paul will keep battling. Dawn will keep competing. Cilan and Iris will pool together and keep going.”

“So?”

“It won’t stop there. I was thinking it would be over. You know, you win the league, you win the Festival, you conquer, you become the best, you run the gym successfully. But that is not it. I’ve learnt that, it continues on. The journey does not stop at the destination.”

“What?” Misty asked her confusion growing.

“Just because you get your goal does not mean it’s over. The travel with us finished. We went on and got what we wanted but it is still going on. We are still fighting hard. We call, run into each other. If anything we are rivals now.”

“I knew this would come up.” Misty groaned  getting out his lap so she could turn around and push Ash’s shoulder against the rock. “You constantly think of battling there I was thinking you changed and you are oh so mature now.”

“Didn’t I just tell you my goal never changed?” He laughed as his hand snaked around her waist and dragged her to him. she opened her mouth to speak but his other hand grasped her chin to pull him down to him.

Since their travels in that place, when they met up there was a lot of this. Kissing, snuggles, sometimes his growing leaps in experience scared her sometimes. He broke from her and her gaze went to the side as she caught her breath.

She was the one with limited experience now. She knew how he was doing it. He used Aura to read her before moving ahead. Sadly her work with Aura was not as good so she was left to follow behind him each time.

“How is other things?” He asked her and she was glad for the moment he allowed her to catch herself.

“I saw Lugia a few months ago. He swam in and we had a good two days.” She smiled at the memory. And I finally met that guy the trainer who interrupted us that time told me about. Red hair and an attitude of Paul. You better watch out if you run into him.”

“Already did.” Ash shrugged toying with her hair. “The look of shock on his face when he lost made me think of Paul. He has the ability to become something really special though. His name was Silver I think.”

“Yes, I can’t wait until I see him again.” She mused.

“Misty.” Ash drawled. “I’m not letting you avoid this. It’s been seven years. We got our main goals. I have something I want to tell you.”

“Okay Mr Ketchum. I have something I want to tell you too.”

“You are really strong.” Ash begun and she rolled her eyes. “The second person I met on my journey. My best friend after Pikachu of course.”

“Same here.” She sniffed.

“The one girl that gets me the best and doesn’t let me get my own way. Rescues me, supports me. Stays by my side when I can’t stand on my own fights for me. It took me a while to figure it out but you are my best friend ever. I’m not good at the romantic stuff you like but Misty, I love you.”

Misty felt time stop as she held his hand in hers as he stared into her eyes with fierce concentration. She knew that. She had said her feelings too but this was the first time he was saying it like that.

“I love you Ash.” She whispered the only response she could give.

“This is hard, a lot of time has gone by.” Ash mumbled. “I just want you to not wait anymore. I don’t know what I’ll do after this is done but Misty I want you to always be right next to me.”

“I want that too.” She laughed brushing away tears. “I don’t care if I have to hike up to Mount Silver every few months. Once  I can be with you it’s enough.”

“Same here Misty.” Ash whispered as he burrowed his face into her neck. She jumped when she felt one tear splash onto her shoulder. It was not what she had envisioned for herself. They were not teens anymore but he really had grown up. From here would be uncertain but he was dedicated and he loved her. They might not get the dream relationship everyone wanted. But this was Ash and guys who stayed home with no dreams of their own was boring to her. She was so thankful, for that training in Xentru. It gave her and Ash a brand new start. They could work on the ending together. He said he was not romantic but a promise on a peak dividing two regions? He just did not know how naturally romantic and earnest he was.

The view, the breeze. Surrounded by their Pokémon. This guy had just made a life promise to her. How could she not cry? Their future, there would be tough time but she could not find it in her to care or worry.

She tilted her head and raised his so she could at least express her feeling through her kiss. She felt the tears falling on her cheek and his. Opening her heart she could feel the Aura escape her into the air like a gust of wind.

Maybe one day far into the future a legend would start about this place and the day that the colour of happy Aura burst into the sky like two blue streams of light.

Even if no legend started. She knew, their journey had only begun. It might not be as exciting as Xentru and the old days. There may not be as much travel but they would keep going. Meet new people. Gain new rivals. Fight as hard.

However she was thankful she went on that training expedition. Thankful for everything that lead her back to Ash. Closing her eyes tighter Misty felt at peace.