It seemed fitting that the party was heading to Wisteria as the light faded over the region of Ageos, going slower than usual so Josh could catch his breath -- but still plenty fast by the standards of a normal Pokemon. Beryl wondered what the sunset over the water would look like. Wisteria wasn't a place she had many memories of, save for the old manor that served as its Pokemon Gym, where she had received her final badge against the Leader, Liliana. She snapped a picture of that place when they arrived, hoping that the cheap camera's built-in flash would be able to illuminate its spooky details.
Beryl's sightseeing was a great chance for Josh to catch up--he had only ever passed through Wisteria City, the Gym a bit of a poor matchup for his team. Plus, he hated the paranormal--things he couldn't explain and seemed to be reality-defying creeped him out. Ghost-types were never Pokémon he really cared for. Even if one was large, he'd fall right through it.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
"Ready as ever!" Josh replied, the other two nodding. One last bridge, one last town, one last moment. He wanted to enter an aquatic race with Resheph, but never got the chance to. There was always the track around the Whirl Archipelago back home. That, of course, was for another time.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
Suicune howled, wind gusting as it fired a line of ice straight across the bay and started running forward. The sun was setting, casting orange, golden, and purple shadows across the surface of the water as Beryl held on tight to Suicune, feeling entirely at ease despite the fierce running speed of the legendary Pokemon. It wasn't long before they could see the outline of their destination, Lazuli Isle.
Josh thoroughly enjoyed Swift's crazy sprint across the ice bridge, giving Suicune a head start as to not run them over. Billy and Entei followed, the bridge disintegrating behind them. He couldn't believe this would be the last time he'd be going so fast overland. The day seemed to have flown by. Sure, he had Saber, but it just wouldn't be the same. It'd be the closest he'd ever get, but it just wouldn't be the same.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
"So this is it," Beryl said when they finally hit land. Lazuli's infrastructure was very much linked to the sea all around it, with the fish mart and the bait and tackle shop still abuzz with business even this late into the day. Beryl spared a brief glance at the Gym, noting that the Leader used Water- and Ground-types; it was a good thing Beryl hadn't challenged here, as she would have been hopelessly outclassed by the Leader on her home turf.
"And this..." her gaze was drawn to a small island out in the distance.
"This was where we met, Suicune," she said, absentmindedly dabbing at a tear in her eye. "Seems only fitting that this would be the place where we'd have to say goodbye."
Josh vividly remembered taking a tough loss to Sirena at the Gym. He only had a couple pictures to spare. "Hey, Beryl. Why don't we all line up with our legendary Pokémon and get someone to take a picture of us all on the coast? That'd be a great final photo. Something to end on a positive rather than a negative."
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
"Sounds like a great idea. We'll just have to find someone to take the picture -- who hopefully won't draw too much of a crowd by staring," Beryl said. There would have to be four pictures taken, so each of the Chosen could take home his or her very own special memory.
The only person Josh could think of was the Leader, Sirena. After thinking about what the four had done for Ageos, she agreed to it. The four lined up in front of the eastern coast of the island, letting the setting sun illuminate the four. Josh preferred to sit aboard Swift for the picture instead of standing next to his Pokémon, which is what Geoff chose to do.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
Beryl smiled, posing for all four pictures. Finally, Sirena handed back all their cameras and left. Beryl looked off into the west. "So...what happens now?" she asked to no one in particular.
The four legendary Pokémon assembled in front of the Chosen. {...It's time,} Suicune answered Beryl. {Out of all the humans I've been around, I've felt more like a team player around you.}
{Josh, you have proven to me that there are humans that aren't lustful, greedy, and power-hungry,} Swift added. If it were my choice, I'd let you capture me. I really would. But the Great Arceus would never, ever allow it. It's been a pleasure both journeying with you and fighting alongside you. I'm glad I found you--that race against you two was the most fun I've had in a long time.}
Entei and Articuno stayed quiet, staying close to Billy and Geoff, as though they wanted to speak to just those two for now.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
Beryl knelt down, wrapping her arms around Suicune's head and twining her fingers in its mane. "Thank you for everything," she whispered in its ear. "I'll never forget you. You're strong, and brave, and wise, and loyal -- and I hope someday, I'll be all of those things too, just as much as you." She closed her eyes, letting her head rest against Suicune's cheek, not wanting to let go. Behind her, it appeared that all of the Chosen were having their own private moments with their legendary companions.
{In the event that some other region is in crisis and our help is required, you will be the first person we seek out,} Suicune tried to reassure Beryl. {You will hold the Crystal Lance, but it will resume the form of your Dragoon spear, as it did before we met. You can use it to call out to me, but only in times of great peril. You will know when the time is right. Now, Beryl. The Great Arceus has borrowed a lot of your time and put you in great peril to save this land of Ageos. Go--regain your lost time! You are no longer an agent of the Great Arceus, for the time being. Enjoy your life--do the things you want to do!}
Josh was taking it a lot harder than Beryl was--he appeared to be crying.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
ooc: I've got no further RPing to do in this scene, so you can do the rest of the shared party epilogue from here.
With Suicune's final words, the flowing mane clutched in Beryl's hands turned to water, then wind, then faded entirely. She opened her eyes and stood to find the shimmering patterns on her armor and spear slowly fading away to dull grey, Suicune standing atop a cliff facing the north wind.
By the time Josh stood up after being brought to his knees from overwhelming emotion, he too discovered his Dragoon armor faded from bright yellow to the same dull grey Beryl's had changed to. Billy's and Geoff's equipment had faded into nothingness completely, not having been associated with the Dragoons in the first place. Articuno hovered above Swift and Entei, the fire-type's mane flowing magnificently in Suicune's north wind. {See you again!} The four Pokémon cried out before Articuno, Suicune, and Entei went their own directions.
A minute or two later, a small thundercloud appeared above Swift. The legendary Pokémon turned around, faced Josh, and loosed one more loud roar before disappearing in a giant lightning bolt headed to the lone dark cloud. Josh stared at the south-moving cloud for a while before Billy and Geoff knocked some sense into him. "You're right. Once we get this developed, we will always have memories of them. We'll never, ever forget them. And I'm sure they'll never forget us."
Geoff let out a deep sigh. "As fun as it's been, I really should head home, to Pacifidlog, and take some time to relax and reflect on everything that's happened. Seeing family, friends, and the like." He lobbed a Poké Ball skyward, Altaria letting out a high-pitched cry as it swooped down to pick Geoff up. "I'll keep in touch with you--just drop me a message if you want to chat!" With that, he disappeared into the sunset.
After watching Geoff soar away, Billy stepped away from Beryl and Josh. "I should return home, too." Releasing Yahoola, the insect dragon churned its wings for a second or so, the sudden thrumming noise making Josh flinch. "If you want to see me again, just give me a shout--you still have my number. We can set a day and a time, and we'll meet up. That goes for all of you." Billy, too, took to the air, following Geoff's general direction.
Letting out a deep sigh of his own, Josh faced Beryl. "You and I have gone through everything imaginable here. The sad part is I can't even remember when we first met. That's something I should be able to remember...but I can't. What I do remember, though, is every moment we fought alongside each other, and even against each other. You're an incredible Trainer, in terms of strength, compassion, and leadership...and most importantly, you're down to earth about it. Think about it. We defeated a force not even the ancient people of Ageos could defeat. You made top four at a major Pokémon tournament, and not once did you brag about it to anyone. I could never do that." With a somber face, Josh called on Bladestorm's help to ferry him off Lazuli Isle and begin the long trip back to Goldenrod City. He swung aboard the steel-type, but hesitated to take off. " You're an incredible person--one I never want to forget. I hope to see you again. Come to think of it, Pewter City really isn't that far from Goldenrod, is it? That's only a couple of hours away--not far at all." Shaking his head and wiping his eyes clean of tears, he gave the command for Bladestorm to rise into the air, Josh waving before heading in a northwest direction, away from Ageos.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A mere ten days after the Mending, a young knight of Valeron and a young ranger of Eos made a discovery that would change Alara forever.
Setting the last piece of armor on the rack, Beryl laid her Dragoon spear beside it. It still held a majestic quality, though nowhere near as magnificent as when she had been the Knight of Winds.
"You're sure you're staying?" she asked Mystic.
The Dragonite nodded. Although Ageos was peaceful now, he explained, there were little ones to raise and train, and of course his own skills would need to be honed. And who better to do so than among his fellow Dragonkind, in the only place he'd ever truly called home?
"I'll miss you," Beryl said. In reply, Mystic gave her a long hug. Then he pulled out a Dragonite Poke Doll and, smiling, offered it to her. It was then Beryl knew she'd never forget.
Although Chloe begged and pleaded for it, claiming that Beryl "didn't even like dolls" (which was true), Beryl adamantly refused to grow her sister's collection this one time. She would have to find her own way to the Ageos Dept. Store.
The money from the Pokemon League was substantial, more than Beryl knew what to do with all at once. She spent a good portion of it buying some unused land behind her family's house, turning it into a Safari Park for all her Pokemon to live. Trooper and Rumble were its unofficial wardens, and Beryl spent many hours, more than she'd care to admit, learning about the intricacies of raising Pokemon like Wendy (Sawsbuck), Seadrift (Skrelp), and Spooks (Trevenant) in a mixed-type environment.
The money was also enough to furnish several expeditions to the polar regions of Sinnoh. The new "Ice Age" exhibit at the museum quickly became a huge hit.
Beryl flashed her lifetime visitor's pass and walked through the grand front doors of the Pewter City Museum. Although it was still early in the day, the lobby was a hub of activity. On the way to the gift shop, she saw two children dart past, followed by a harried-looking woman.
"We're gonna go pet the Mamoswine first!" shouted the boy.
"No way! I want a ride on the Lapras!" the girl shot back.
"Mom, come on!"
"Moooooooommmyyyyyyy!"
Beryl chuckled to herself as she gently swung the door to the gift shop open, ringing a small chime. "Hello, and welcome to--oh! Sis! Didn't expect you to be back so soon! Has it really been a week? So how many fossils did you get? Did you see any ~legendary~ Pokemon? When is the book coming out? You know, sales have been great ever since we paired up with that plushie company from Saffron!" She gestured to a shelf full of Mamoswine and Lapras toys.
"One at a time: yes, about a dozen, no, and I don't know," Beryl said, taking a deep breath in between each one. "I gotta admit, it's still weird thinking of myself as an author. I didn't even do that much. Mom wrote most of it."
"Look, with all those pictures you took, I'd say you deserve it," said Chloe. The book, an overview of ancient Ageosian worship, was to contain several dozen pages of high-quality photographs. "I still can't believe you left out all the parts about you being a hero. Now that is what people want to read!"
"The fact that legendary Pokemon still roam the earth was a big shock to a lot of people," Beryl said. "If I wrote about Suicune, there'd be a great amount of interest all over again. I don't think it would want that. I think they just want to live out their lives undisturbed by humans, until the next big crisis happens." After all, she thought, that was how the Serpents were living, until Jenny foolishly tried to awaken them.
She wondered how the seals on their Balls were doing, even now.
After a year of her father insisting that his leg was fine, not even Beryl could keep him off Highwind's back.
"Be careful!" Beryl shouted. "Just go low to the ground at first, and don't make any sudden turns!"
"Dear, I've been studying Pokemon paleontology since before you were born. I think I know enough about the Aerodactyl species that you can trust my judgment," said Theo. "Now, let's try a liftoff..." He monitored the instruments strapped to Highwind's neck, head, and each of him wings closely; there were more on his legs and tail. "Ah. A casual soar over the landscape, as it scans the horizon for prey. Now, shall we try a swoop? That tree! Sink your claws into it!"
Beryl sighed as Highwind and her father went flying headlong into the tree. "You may have done the research, Dad. But I'm the one who raised him!"
Luckily, Theo's healed leg survived the crash intact. Unluckily, one of his arms did not. The man was in surprisingly good spirits, claiming that the newly acquired data would keep him busy for months.
Two years after her return from Ageos, Beryl co-published her first book along with her mother. Her participation in the work was enough to gain the attention of a prestigious university in Ecruteak City, which sent Beryl a packet of materials encouraging her to apply.
"Well, here we are, Scout. Our new home, for the time being."
"Slash," Scout spat. He had complained the entire way on the Magnet Train (a "fast-moving steel cage"), poked holes in the textbooks (just the portions with "glaring inaccuracies"), and didn't like living among this many people and their Pokemon. But Beryl had insisted on a dorm for the "authentic university experience." At least for first year.
"We've still got a few days before orientation. Want to go exploring?" Scout was already halfway out the door.
They witnessed a traditional tea ceremony at the Kimono Dance Theater, stocked up on supplies at the PokeMart, peeked in the doors of the Gym before deciding that no, they didn't want to do another League Challenge after all, and admired Tin Tower from a distance (Beryl wanted to hike to the top, but apparently "special dispensation" was required). Walking westward away from the Barrier Station, the duo noticed another structure that most of the town seemed to avoid. Beryl walked up to the building, squinting at the timeworn sign outside it, and gasped when she could make out its name.
"It's windy here." She closed her eyes.
A gentle breeze blew from the north, brushing her hair against her face and making the old timbers of the Burned Tower creak softly.
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
"And this..." her gaze was drawn to a small island out in the distance.
"This was where we met, Suicune," she said, absentmindedly dabbing at a tear in her eye. "Seems only fitting that this would be the place where we'd have to say goodbye."
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
{Josh, you have proven to me that there are humans that aren't lustful, greedy, and power-hungry,} Swift added. If it were my choice, I'd let you capture me. I really would. But the Great Arceus would never, ever allow it. It's been a pleasure both journeying with you and fighting alongside you. I'm glad I found you--that race against you two was the most fun I've had in a long time.}
Entei and Articuno stayed quiet, staying close to Billy and Geoff, as though they wanted to speak to just those two for now.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
Josh was taking it a lot harder than Beryl was--he appeared to be crying.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
With Suicune's final words, the flowing mane clutched in Beryl's hands turned to water, then wind, then faded entirely. She opened her eyes and stood to find the shimmering patterns on her armor and spear slowly fading away to dull grey, Suicune standing atop a cliff facing the north wind.
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!
A minute or two later, a small thundercloud appeared above Swift. The legendary Pokémon turned around, faced Josh, and loosed one more loud roar before disappearing in a giant lightning bolt headed to the lone dark cloud. Josh stared at the south-moving cloud for a while before Billy and Geoff knocked some sense into him. "You're right. Once we get this developed, we will always have memories of them. We'll never, ever forget them. And I'm sure they'll never forget us."
Geoff let out a deep sigh. "As fun as it's been, I really should head home, to Pacifidlog, and take some time to relax and reflect on everything that's happened. Seeing family, friends, and the like." He lobbed a Poké Ball skyward, Altaria letting out a high-pitched cry as it swooped down to pick Geoff up. "I'll keep in touch with you--just drop me a message if you want to chat!" With that, he disappeared into the sunset.
After watching Geoff soar away, Billy stepped away from Beryl and Josh. "I should return home, too." Releasing Yahoola, the insect dragon churned its wings for a second or so, the sudden thrumming noise making Josh flinch. "If you want to see me again, just give me a shout--you still have my number. We can set a day and a time, and we'll meet up. That goes for all of you." Billy, too, took to the air, following Geoff's general direction.
Letting out a deep sigh of his own, Josh faced Beryl. "You and I have gone through everything imaginable here. The sad part is I can't even remember when we first met. That's something I should be able to remember...but I can't. What I do remember, though, is every moment we fought alongside each other, and even against each other. You're an incredible Trainer, in terms of strength, compassion, and leadership...and most importantly, you're down to earth about it. Think about it. We defeated a force not even the ancient people of Ageos could defeat. You made top four at a major Pokémon tournament, and not once did you brag about it to anyone. I could never do that." With a somber face, Josh called on Bladestorm's help to ferry him off Lazuli Isle and begin the long trip back to Goldenrod City. He swung aboard the steel-type, but hesitated to take off. " You're an incredible person--one I never want to forget. I hope to see you again. Come to think of it, Pewter City really isn't that far from Goldenrod, is it? That's only a couple of hours away--not far at all." Shaking his head and wiping his eyes clean of tears, he gave the command for Bladestorm to rise into the air, Josh waving before heading in a northwest direction, away from Ageos.
Emille, Seven-Sting Dancer Shalin Nariya
Setting the last piece of armor on the rack, Beryl laid her Dragoon spear beside it. It still held a majestic quality, though nowhere near as magnificent as when she had been the Knight of Winds.
"You're sure you're staying?" she asked Mystic.
The Dragonite nodded. Although Ageos was peaceful now, he explained, there were little ones to raise and train, and of course his own skills would need to be honed. And who better to do so than among his fellow Dragonkind, in the only place he'd ever truly called home?
"I'll miss you," Beryl said. In reply, Mystic gave her a long hug. Then he pulled out a Dragonite Poke Doll and, smiling, offered it to her. It was then Beryl knew she'd never forget.
Although Chloe begged and pleaded for it, claiming that Beryl "didn't even like dolls" (which was true), Beryl adamantly refused to grow her sister's collection this one time. She would have to find her own way to the Ageos Dept. Store.
The money from the Pokemon League was substantial, more than Beryl knew what to do with all at once. She spent a good portion of it buying some unused land behind her family's house, turning it into a Safari Park for all her Pokemon to live. Trooper and Rumble were its unofficial wardens, and Beryl spent many hours, more than she'd care to admit, learning about the intricacies of raising Pokemon like Wendy (Sawsbuck), Seadrift (Skrelp), and Spooks (Trevenant) in a mixed-type environment.
The money was also enough to furnish several expeditions to the polar regions of Sinnoh. The new "Ice Age" exhibit at the museum quickly became a huge hit.
Beryl flashed her lifetime visitor's pass and walked through the grand front doors of the Pewter City Museum. Although it was still early in the day, the lobby was a hub of activity. On the way to the gift shop, she saw two children dart past, followed by a harried-looking woman.
"We're gonna go pet the Mamoswine first!" shouted the boy.
"No way! I want a ride on the Lapras!" the girl shot back.
"Mom, come on!"
"Moooooooommmyyyyyyy!"
Beryl chuckled to herself as she gently swung the door to the gift shop open, ringing a small chime. "Hello, and welcome to--oh! Sis! Didn't expect you to be back so soon! Has it really been a week? So how many fossils did you get? Did you see any ~legendary~ Pokemon? When is the book coming out? You know, sales have been great ever since we paired up with that plushie company from Saffron!" She gestured to a shelf full of Mamoswine and Lapras toys.
"One at a time: yes, about a dozen, no, and I don't know," Beryl said, taking a deep breath in between each one. "I gotta admit, it's still weird thinking of myself as an author. I didn't even do that much. Mom wrote most of it."
"Look, with all those pictures you took, I'd say you deserve it," said Chloe. The book, an overview of ancient Ageosian worship, was to contain several dozen pages of high-quality photographs. "I still can't believe you left out all the parts about you being a hero. Now that is what people want to read!"
"The fact that legendary Pokemon still roam the earth was a big shock to a lot of people," Beryl said. "If I wrote about Suicune, there'd be a great amount of interest all over again. I don't think it would want that. I think they just want to live out their lives undisturbed by humans, until the next big crisis happens." After all, she thought, that was how the Serpents were living, until Jenny foolishly tried to awaken them.
She wondered how the seals on their Balls were doing, even now.
After a year of her father insisting that his leg was fine, not even Beryl could keep him off Highwind's back.
"Be careful!" Beryl shouted. "Just go low to the ground at first, and don't make any sudden turns!"
"Dear, I've been studying Pokemon paleontology since before you were born. I think I know enough about the Aerodactyl species that you can trust my judgment," said Theo. "Now, let's try a liftoff..." He monitored the instruments strapped to Highwind's neck, head, and each of him wings closely; there were more on his legs and tail. "Ah. A casual soar over the landscape, as it scans the horizon for prey. Now, shall we try a swoop? That tree! Sink your claws into it!"
Beryl sighed as Highwind and her father went flying headlong into the tree. "You may have done the research, Dad. But I'm the one who raised him!"
Luckily, Theo's healed leg survived the crash intact. Unluckily, one of his arms did not. The man was in surprisingly good spirits, claiming that the newly acquired data would keep him busy for months.
Two years after her return from Ageos, Beryl co-published her first book along with her mother. Her participation in the work was enough to gain the attention of a prestigious university in Ecruteak City, which sent Beryl a packet of materials encouraging her to apply.
"Well, here we are, Scout. Our new home, for the time being."
"Slash," Scout spat. He had complained the entire way on the Magnet Train (a "fast-moving steel cage"), poked holes in the textbooks (just the portions with "glaring inaccuracies"), and didn't like living among this many people and their Pokemon. But Beryl had insisted on a dorm for the "authentic university experience." At least for first year.
"We've still got a few days before orientation. Want to go exploring?" Scout was already halfway out the door.
They witnessed a traditional tea ceremony at the Kimono Dance Theater, stocked up on supplies at the PokeMart, peeked in the doors of the Gym before deciding that no, they didn't want to do another League Challenge after all, and admired Tin Tower from a distance (Beryl wanted to hike to the top, but apparently "special dispensation" was required). Walking westward away from the Barrier Station, the duo noticed another structure that most of the town seemed to avoid. Beryl walked up to the building, squinting at the timeworn sign outside it, and gasped when she could make out its name.
"It's windy here." She closed her eyes.
A gentle breeze blew from the north, brushing her hair against her face and making the old timbers of the Burned Tower creak softly.
Avatar by Numotflame96 of Maelstrom Graphics
Sig banner thanks to DarkNightCavalier of Heroes of the Plane Studios!