Pokemon - Tale Of The Guardian Master - CH 67
#67 of Pokemon - Tale of the Guardian Master
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Chapter 67 - Showdown Of The Millennium - Part 2 of 2
Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awYTELIEt8o
Watching the Pokemon charging towards the Wardens team, Chris looked towards Gerald and the others with a smile, nodding at them as they sat back down together to watch. "...I guess this is it then..." he muttered, looking forward as Gardevoir remained by his side, looking down at his legs in concern. "...Still weak. Should sit..." she told him. "No... I can't sit yet... Not while they're out there." he replied while rubbing her head. "You just focus on relaxing now... You've done more than enough for my sake already." he chuckled, causing her to nod with a slight blush before stepping back. "Alright... He wants another fight, he'll get it..." he muttered before putting his fingers to his mouth and letting out a loud whistle causing the group to look behind as he motioned commands to each of them, getting a nod in response. Soaring ahead, Mismagius distracted Machoke and Machamp, the two charging at her and attempting to throw punches only for the tricky Pokemon to turn transparent causing the muscular duo to knock each other into a spiral, the ghost laughing before being suddenly blown away by a fiery flamethrower from Emboar. With another whistle from Chris, Pangoro nodded and charged into the mighty pig, the two wrestling before standing face to face and smirking simultaneously, both making macho poses with one another while butting heads to show off their strength until Blaziken sent Pangoro flying with a kick from behind, Lopunny doing the same to Emboar before glaring at one another and going toe to toe at blinding speeds, each kick and punch blocked by another. "Boy... Just look at her go..." Chris chuckled with a nod. Seeing others coming up behind her, Chris let out another whistle, pointing at Servine and motioning for her to lend a hand.
With a nod, she quickly made her way towards Ursaring as it tried to charge up for a tackle, ensnaring it in her vines before quickly yanking it around and using it as a shield, causing Machoke and Machamp to punch it instead of Lopunny by mistake. With its eyes cross, the bear fell to its knees clutching its torso, the muscular duo blinking with a "whoops" expression on their faces as Servine strut out from behind Ursaring with a smirk, mocking the two causing them to shout and charge towards her. Meanwhile, Lopunny found herself suddenly sent flying towards Chris by a fiery kick from Blaziken that finally got past her defenses. Tossing his staff to Gardevoir, he quickly caught her in his arms, grunting with his teeth grit as his legs wobbled all the more. "Y... You alright...?" he asked, the rabbit clutching her chest with a flush while looking up at him. "F... Fine!! For some reason..." she replied, pausing and poking her fingers. "As long as I think about you... Pain actually doesn't feel bad at all... In fact it... Feels good..." she added, suddenly shuddering excitedly causing both Chris and Gardevoir to blink at her in shock before she gave him a quick hug and jumped back into battle. "That Pokemon... Weird..." Gardevoir said while handing his staff back, noticing the slight blush on his face causing her to raise an eyebrow as he cleared his throat. "Sh... She's not... Just different..." he replied, scratching his cheek embarrassed as Lopunny went toe to toe against Blaziken once more, the fiery Pokemon unleashing several balls of fire only for her to send them flying back, the two furiously knocking them back and forth faster and faster.
Meanwhile, Infernape had joined Pangoro in keeping the biggest of the bunch at bay, Emboar and Ursaring, the ape making a monkey out of the behemoths by suddenly copying Servine's tactic, jumping towards the fiery pig before using its tail to swing around its neck, grabbing hold of its head and sending its own flamethrower blazing towards Ursaring instead of Pangoro as he quickly turned and let loose a powerful uppercut, Infernape leaping out of the way as the poor pig crunched its tongue while simultaneously swallowing the remainder of its flamethrower, running around with its mouth covered and screaming as smoke bellowed from its mouth and nose. "Tssssss... Ooohhh..." Chris groaned with a wince, rubbing his own jaw. "Like Pangoro... He not play... I remember that move..." Gardevoir snickered while pointing at the suffering beast while Pangoro crossed his arms with a grin and Infernape jumped in place while clapping. Shaking his head, Chris let out a whistle and shook his head at the two, causing them to smile nervously before continuing their battle as Servine and Mismagius took care of Machoke and Machamp outwitting them continuously and using them to their advantage to harm one another, this fighting style suiting the two perfectly as they got to mock the muscular duo with every trick, further enraging them into a state of blindly attacking giving Servine and Mismagius all the more opportunities to outwit them...
Watching the battle before him, the Warden stood silently while glancing towards Guile and Lia in the stands, the two Gym Leaders looking back with their arms crossed before facing away from him at the battle instead. Looking down for a moment, he watched Chris on the other side of the arena, giving his all to keep on his feet while giving orders to his team as though playing a skillful game of chess, Gardevoir by his side helping him stay up. "...I've never had someone speak to me that way..." he muttered, watching his team being overwhelmed while thinking back on what Chris had said while getting in his face. Suddenly, his Ursaring flew through the air and slammed down at his feet, Pangoro about to land a blow from high above only for Chris to let out a loud whistle, shouting "no!!" causing Pangoro to send his fist into the ground next to the bears torso instead. Pulling back, Pangoro let out a grunt before heading towards the other Pokemon, allowing Ursaring to sit up as it looked at the hole in the ground and at Chris in surprise. "...He'll never win that way..." he muttered, causing the bear to look back at him. "What...? Going easy never won any wars in this world..." he told the bear as it stood and looked down briefly before heading back into the fray. Meanwhile, Blaziken and Lopunny continued going at one another, fireball after fireball flying between them and launching in different directions until Blaziken caught one in its hands and crushed it, the rabbit smirking proudly until the fiery Pokemon dashed back and unleashed a massive Hyper Beam. In response, Lopunny suddenly charged towards it head on, Chris trying to command her otherwise only for the rabbit to look at him with a thumbs up before heading directly into the blast, disappearing as the energy rocket past where she had ran into it. Shouting for her, Gardevoir held Chris back and shook her head as the Warden raised an eyebrow and the other Pokemon watched, each frozen in mid-battle with one another.
As the Hyper Beam slowly ceased, Blaziken stood panting in its recovery phase, only for everyone to gasp when Lopunny was nowhere to be seen as the smoke cleared. Freaking out, Chris went limp in the knees with a woozy groan, Gardevoir holding him up in her arms with a grunt as the others, even Blaziken, showed a shocked look thinking it had disintegrated its enemy. However, the fiery Pokemon suddenly jolt and looked down as the ground trembled beneath its feet, and still being unable to move, it took a blow from below as Lopunny burst from the ground, unleashing a powerful Dizzy Punch sending Blaziken spiraling into the air. On its way back down, it was if time slowed as Lopunny readied herself for another attack, and once it returned to ground level she sent it flying with a blinding kick as if Blaziken were a ball, sending it crashing into the lights high above and giving it a massive shock before it fell back towards the arena. Seeing she was safe, Chris sighed in relief and rubbed his head. "I'm not sure how much more of this I can ta...!!" he said with a pause, seeing Blaziken rapidly plummeting towards the arena unconscious as it revert back to its normal form. Whistling once again, he motioned for Mismagius to catch it before it hit the ground, the ghost quickly nodding and catching the fallen enemy before resting it near the Warden. Seeing this, everyone in the audience muttered in surprise before applauding, his team looking at him with a thumbs up as the Wardens Pokemon gave him a nod as thanks. Grinning embarrassed, he looked at Lopunny who was wheezing with smoke rising from her body, having taken a direct hit from the Hyper Beam before unleashing her attack. Facing Chris, she smiled before suddenly collapsing herself, reverting to her own normal form as she fell only for the Wardens Machoke to catch her. Picking her up, it brought her over to Chris and rest her at his feet, returning the favor with a thumbs up before backing away as the Wardens Pokemon crossed their arms and nodded in approval.
Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DzrAbLp3WE
"...What kind of battle is this...?" he muttered, watching even his own Pokemon acting kindly towards his enemy and showing him respect in the middle of a battle before continuing to go at one another as everyone in the arena approved simultaneously. "He refuses to take the advantage and make a blow when the enemy is down..." he said, looking at the hole next to him from Pangoro. "Prevents the opponent from taking on just punishment for its defeat..." he added, looking at Blaziken laying near him. "...Gym Leaders themselves lending him their Pokemon in the midst of a challenge..." he continued while glancing at Guile and Lia in the stands as they sat along with Gerald and N, all of them smiling proudly as the fight continued, Pangoro lifting Emboar over him while arching himself backwards, sending its head into the ground, Servine hog tying Machamp and standing on it proudly as Infernape and Mismagius kept Machoke and Ursaring at bay. Looking at Chris, he watched Gardevoir pat him on the shoulder and smile, also glancing at his own officers in the stands as they watched with the same look of respect as Gerald and the others. "My own Pokemon... My own officers..." he grumbled, looking down until Infernape charged up a powerful Flame Wheel and plowed into Machoke, trapping the muscular Pokemon in its searing spiral before sending it flying and landing in front of the Warden with a thud out cold, the ape jumping on it and sticking its tongue out at the Warden with an eye lid pulled down before leaping back into the fight.
"That's two to my one..." Chris said, squatting and feeling Lopunny's pulse with a sigh before rubbing her head, looking over her injuries before looking up at the screen showing a close up of Blaziken and Machoke laying battered next to the Warden. "This is still killing me though... I hate bringing all of you into this... Even his Pokemon... But how do you avoid hurting someone too much when you've gotta knock em' out or disable them to win...?" he added, standing as Gardevoir looked at him sadly while the others continued fighting. As Emboar pulled its head from the ground and stumbled about, Pangoro cracked his knuckles, ready to take down the fiery pig before they started clashing again, punching one another time after time and tackling each other to the ground as Mismagius hurled Machamp against a support beam, Ursaring slamming its foot down on Servines tail to stop her before picking the snake up and sending her crashing into the dirt in its fist. Letting her go, it prepared to stomp on her as she struggled to raise up, only to stop with its foot hovering over her while remembering Chris calling off Pangoro when it was down, slowly lowering its foot next to her while growling before heading off towards the others. Seeing this, Chris smiled and nodded at Ursaring before facing the Warden as he stood in the shadows across the arena, looking back at him before facing away. "...Now who's the one staying silent?" he muttered, looking back at Servine as she stood and shook her head before running off again to fight.
While Mismagius continued trying to take down Machamp, Emboar sent her flying from behind with a painful Flame Burst, sending the ghost crashing on the arena in the distance only for Pangoro to rush up and furiously unleash Payback against it, sending Emboar flying before landing with a thud and rolling across the arena, leaving both it and Mismagius unconscious. "That's... My two to... His three..." Chris muttered, clutching his staff with a trembling hand while watching the remaining Pokemon going at each other. "...You be okay?" Gardevoir asked. "I get back in fight... Help win... That good...?" she offered, causing him to jolt and quickly scream "no!!" in her face making the concerned Pokemon jump back in shock and face down sadly as he jolt, having startled himself from the harsh response. "S... Sorry!! Sorry..." Chris quickly replied, putting a trembling hand on her shoulder with a guilty look as she faced up with a nod, taking his hand from her shoulder and holding it firmly before standing next to him. "It okay... It all be okay..." she assured while watching the fight alongside him. Looking at the Warden, Chris turned his mic on with a deep breath. "You've got two Pokemon left... Does this really look like the kind of fight you wanted?" he asked, the Warden jolting yet remaining silent. "I think... You had good intentions at first... You wanted to fight the type of person you wanted your son to be like, right? The experience you wanted... It was to know what it would have been like to battle your son if he turned out like me...?" he added, the Warden remaining silent while facing down and closing his eyes, his arms crossed once again. "Then you learned more about Gardevoir and let it warp what you wanted out of this battle... You obsessed over fighting a Shadow Pokemon again and to make it happen, you reduced yourself to a person as bad as your son turned out to be... Because of that, you've found yourself losing everyone's respect... I've noticed it just as much as you have." he told the Warden while looking at the audience, everyone muttering with one another while listening.
"I don't know everything that's involved with you and your son, but trying to start over can't hurt anyways, right...? On top of manipulating us so you could fight Gardevoir in her... Other form... It feels like you've just wanted to take your frustrations out on me and my family... " he said while Pangoro trapped Ursaring in its clutches, giving Servine the chance to use Slam to send her tail crashing down on Ursarings head. Letting it go, the bear stumbled forward while looking down at the snake, sneering briefly before grunting and showing her a smile as it fell to the ground with a thud. Slithering atop Pangoro's shoulder, she gave it a five using her tail, the two smirking at one another as Infernape ran up next to them, the three facing Machamp as it stood alone, the last remaining of the Wardens team. "You're the one with the odds against you now..." Chris added as the three stood ready to attack. "What have you gained by fighting us...? Didn't you say something about honor at one point? Seems to me you've lost more of it by having me face you than you did when I came to your prison to take away your sons Pokemon..." he said, looking down before looking around at the audience. "Your sons Pokemon... After I took them from him and returned to the center, they were all beaten and malnourished, some seemingly ready to die at any moment... Lopunny wasn't the only one who suffered being with him." he continued before facing the Warden again. "I saved all of his Pokemon by breaking into your prison... You told me yourself you didn't have the strength to take them from him yourself... And by saying that, you confessed then and there that you were willing to allow him to continue abusing... Likely killing Pokemon had I not stepped in... You're intimidating I'll admit... But inside all I see is a hollow shell... A man who doesn't know what he wants or what he should do with himself... Even when the answer sits in your own prison..." he reminded before looking at Pangoro and the others, giving them a nod to attack together before looking away as Machamp was thrashed about by the three. "...I'd still rather have gone to prison for saving those Pokemon than have to watch my friends getting hurt like this, that goes for your team too." he finished as Machamp went flying towards the Wardens feet, weakly raising up and shaking its head.
Looking down at his remaining fighter before facing Pangoro and the others as they walked towards them, the Warden looked up at the displays, seeing the close-ups of the audiences faces showing solemn expressions, his officers sitting with their hats pulled down while seeing Guile and the others shaking their heads. As Machamp stood up weakly in a defensive state, Pangoro and the others stood in front of it, each readying another attack to finish off their final enemy causing Chris to turn his back on the scene, Gardevoir rubbing his back in concern. Looking at Machamp, the Warden sighed and walked up next to it, putting his arm out in front of the battered Pokemon. "He... Doing something..." Gardevoir muttered, coaxing Chris into turning around while watching. "That's enough soldier... We're done here..." he ordered, Machamp blinking in surprise before groaning in relief and falling back with a thud. "You lot have won... Return to your masters..." he told the group standing silently in front of him, each nodding in response before turning and heading back towards Chris. "You!! This fight is over... Make your announcement!!" he shout, the referee jumping before quickly making his way to the center of the arena. Looking at the Warden with his arm still out, Chris saw him slowly lower it while looking at his Pokemon, turning and facing Machamp with his face down in silence. "...Oh thank you..." he sighed before finally allowing himself to fall on his knees, gardevoir blinking in surprise while he sat back in relief and fanned himself while Pangoro lift Mismagius up and carried her along. Once they reached him, it rest the unconscious ghost next to Lopunny as he looked over the group. "Thank you everyone..." he told them, rubbing Lopunny and Mismagius on the head before looking up at the others. "Seriously... I'm sorry you had to do all this..." he added as Pangoro grunt and waved his hand. "YoU'rE... GoOd... KiD..." it grunt, giving a thumbs up as Chris laughed before both jolt in surprise from his ability to speak, Gardevoir walking up with a smile and shaking his hand. "Oh yeah... Her telepathy... How many can she share it with at once...?" he muttered. "Great battle! Do good! Had fun! Happy help!" Infernape added while jumping and clapping excitedly. "Fun...? Ahhh... Ha ha..." Chris replied with a nervous smile, shaking the apes hand with a nod.
"Well... It was rather refreshing to be on the field of battle again... To conquer so many simultaneously was invigorating." Servine added with a sigh, letting out a hiss before holding her tail and rubbing it. "I could have done without that brute rudely stomping on my tail however..." she grumbled as the referee stood in the center of the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen!!! The victory of the Millennium Gym battle goes to its challenger, Chris!!!" he shout as the displays flashed, showing him with the "winner" logo shining across the screen causing the crowd to roar in unison while applauding, even the officers standing and joining in. Looking around, Chris grinned and scratched his cheek shyly before looking back at Lopunny and Mismagius, taking notice of the Wardens Pokemon remaining unconscious as well on the arena and next to him. "Ngh... I still feel like it was wrong... Wish we could...!!" he paused, looking up at Gardevoir before suddenly shooting up on his feet and holding her hands together, causing the startled Pokemon to blink at him bewildered before looking at her hands and flushing brightly, the others tilting their heads confused. "You can fix it all!! You've got your healing abilities!!" he grinned, causing her to suddenly scowl and pull her hands away. "Why help? He not deserve!!" she replied harshly while crossing her arms. "...Maybe he doesn't, but they do... At least for me...?" he asked, pointing out the Pokemon scattered on the arena. Looking at them herself, Gardevoir raised an eyebrow at Chris before letting out a sigh and shaking her head, walking past while ruffling his hair. "...That why I love you..." she told him, showing a slight smile before making her way to the center of the arena as well while everyone watched, suddenly going quiet and muttering amongst one another. Seeing her coming his way, the Warden jolt and sneered, reaching for his gun as she walked up to the referee. "Please return to your trainer! The battle is over!" he reminded Gardevoir, grabbing her arm. Jolting in response, she looked at his hand wide eyed before glaring at the referee. "Shut up and get out of way..." she growled furiously, enraged over the human grabbing her while her eyes flashed, sending him flying towards the Warden before suddenly clapping her hands together where she stood.
Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqpXrDuLqE0
As she closed her eyes and began to glow, the audience let out quiet "ooohhhh"s in response, the Warden pausing before slowly pulling his hand away from his gun and watching in silence with a cautious look on his face. "Hmm... That's a healing ability she's readying if I'm not mistaken..." Guile muttered, rubbing his chin with a curious look on his face, the others looking at him for a moment before facing Gardevoir again, watching her on the monitors above as well as they flashed off the winner screen and focused on her. "These Pokemon didn't deserve this fight!" Chris suddenly said into his mic, causing everyone and the Warden to jolt in surprise. "It was painful... Seeing my friends and your Pokemon endure this... Just because I wanted to help someone and you let what you wanted get the better of you... I'm not leaving here without making things right and insuring my conscience is clear..." he said, everyone showing confused yet curious expressions nonetheless as a large ball of light engulfed Gardevoir. After a moment, Chris let out another long whistle, causing the light around Gardevoir to pulse before suddenly releasing wave after wave of green energy across the arena. "Heavens... That's the Heal Pulse ability, is it not...? And a mighty one at that... Look at the range..." Gerald muttered in surprise. After she released several waves of energy, Chris rubbed his legs with a sigh as the weakness faded, noticing Lopunny and Mismagius stirring and raising up simultaneously. "Good job..." he chuckled, helping both up as they looked around confused before noticing Gardevoir as well. One by one, the Wardens Pokemon also began stirring, each sitting up and looking around in surprise before standing and gathering together, looking at the energy around them and stretching in relief as their injuries faded away. Once the final pulse of energy was released, the glow around Gardevoir faded away, leaving her standing in silence before letting out a woozy groan and wobbling about while returning to Chris.
"Do good...?" she asked, suddenly stumbling forward into Chris's arms as he smiled. "Yeah... Thanks a bunch..." he smiled, giving her a hug and helping her straighten up. Seeing this, the crowd began roaring once more and applauding, the Warden looking at his team as the Pokemon walked up to him with guilty looks. "...We lost to a good man, there's no shame..." he muttered, the Pokemon looking at him in silence for a moment before nodding and facing Chris and the others as his team gathered around, Pangoro suddenly tossing him in the air several times causing him to shout and flail nervously before sitting him on its shoulder and making a macho victory pose along with the other Pokemon while standing under the spotlight. "...You're free now, my purpose here is finished..." the Warden added, turning and walking towards one of the exits as a bridge extended towards the arena, his Pokemon following while glancing back at the others once more. Taking out a badge from his coat, the Warden gave Blaziken the order to send it towards Chris, the fiery Pokemon nodding before tossing it in the air and sending it flying with a powerful kick. "You've won!!! Take your badge!!!" the Warden shout in his mic while leaving, the officers quickly following alongside his Pokemon. Jolting in surprise, Chris looked up as the badge shimmered in the lights, spiraling towards him before safely landing in his hand after reaching up to catch it. "Th... Than...!!" he replied, pausing when he saw the Warden was gone. "...See you..." he muttered, looking at the round badge featuring the Millennium Mall in the center, the top sticking out from the badge with the Millennium Towers to the left, one of the towers sticking out to the side as well surrounded by the city plated in gold with a silver sky, the Millennium Stadium on the right side sticking out. "Yeesh... Fancy..." he muttered, blinking in surprise as a bridge extended towards the arena allowing Gerald and the others to cross while Pangoro let him down.
"Master Chris you DID IT!!!" Gerald shout, running up and suddenly grabbing him for a spin before jolting and quickly putting him down, clearing his throat. "D... Do beg pardon." he grinned as Guile walked up and shook his hand. "That was an incredible show my boy... Well done..." he nodded. "Too bad you've got these girls already, otherwise I could fall for you in a heartbeat!!" Lia added, walking up and giving him a punch in the arm with a grin causing Chris to flush wide eyed, the girls crossing their arms with a scowl. "An amazing battle... You cared for your own Pokemon and those of your opponent until the very end..." N told him while shaking his hand as well. "As always, I'm proud to have met you..." he added with a nod, Chris nodding in response and waving his hand. "Its one thing to battle for the sake of helping someone, but to battle for something like he wanted... That kind of thing doesn't sit well with me at all. Hopefully this will help him and his son change for the better... Somehow..." he replied, looking towards the exit the Warden went through across the arena. "That human not matter anymore... He gone... Focus on us now, focus on being free..." Gardevoir said, turning him towards her. "Now you focus on being happy... No more worries... You not be happy, make us mad. We fight for nothing if still miserable..." she added as Servine climbed on his shoulder. "Quite right! Snap out of your petty concerns and indulge in victory!" she nodded, Pangoro and the others grinning with thumbs up in agreement. "They're right my boy... That man has been lost and cold for many years now... Rest assured it has nothing to do with you, nor does it concern you... He is not your responsibility, nor is his son. You've said what you had to say to the man, what he learns from this is up to him, now it's time for you to move on..." Guile told him with a pat on the arm. "Yeah... You're right... I just can't help being the way I am though... Its my nature and all." he smiled nervously, looking at the Pokemon around him for a moment. "Thank you... All of you..." he told them with a bow.
"I must admit... You did well ape... I apologize for angering you before." Servine said, walking up and offering her hand to Infernape as it blinked in surprise, backing away cautiously for a moment while giving her a suspicious look. "Oh do come now... You've my word there are no tricks involved." she assured, Infernape slowly reaching out before holding her hand and shaking it slowly. Feeling safe, it grinned and suddenly shook her hand excitedly, sending the snake up and down in the air repeatedly. "A-a-alri-i-ight!!! That's eno-o-o-ugh!!!" she shout, Infernape letting her hand go as she stumbled and shook her head. "Excitable oaf... Thank you for helping this hopeless human of ours..." she nodded before looking up at Chris, smiling and giving him a quick wink. "That goes for the rest of you as well. I thank you all for the aid." she added, nodding her head slightly towards the other Pokemon before climbing atop Chris's shoulders to lay and relax. "Wow... I'm impressed..." Chris replied, pausing before rubbing her head. "...Alicia..." he added, the snake nodding before jolting and blinking at him confused. "...Who...?" she asked as the others blinked just as bewildered, N the only one crossing his arms with a smirk and nodding while Chris turned his mic on again. "Don't you remember...? N gave me a letter a while back wanting me to give you girls unique names..." he replied, taking the note out of his coat pocket. "Ha ha... You kept it?" N chuckled as Chris smiled embarrassed. "Yeah... It took me a while but I finally managed to think of names for them... If they'll accept them that is..." he smiled. "A... Attention everyone!! I have gifts for my family... Special gifts from the heart I'd like for all of you to hear!!" he told the audience as they watched curiously, looking at one another and shrugging confused. "For Servine... I thought of giving her the name Alicia... It means exalted... A person held in the highest regard... A girl that's beautiful and smart... Someone who may seem cold on the outside, but inside has one of the warmest hearts of all... A girl who's smile is always breathtaking and rarely feels fear... Who's always honest, and can be ferocious when need be..." he explained, the snake flushing wide eyed. "M... My goodness..." she muttered as the crowd let out "aww"s in response. "For Gardevoir... I thought Serenity would be a good fit... It stands for honor... For respect... For someone good and just... Full of virtue, meaning blessed..." he continued, holding her hand with a smile. "Way back when samurais were around, virtue stood for showing compassion... Being of use to who they follow... She's definitely been a ton of help to me... And I certainly feel blessed for being the one by her side..." he continued, causing her to flush brightly the same as Servine as tears welled up in her eyes. "C... Chris..." she hicked, the audience swooning all the more.
"And then..." he said, pausing while looking at Lopunny who stood with her back to him, fidgeting nervously until he put his hand on her head, causing her to scream and jump away in a sudden fit of terror. "I'm sorry!!! I'm sorry!!!" she shout, covering her head causing everyone to look at her bewildered. Putting his hands up and shaking his head with a "don't look at me!" expression, Chris slowly reached out and put his hand on her head again, causing her to whimper briefly before nervously opening an eye. "...I'm not in trouble...?" she asked, causing him and everyone else to tilt their heads. "In trouble...? Heck no!! What for?" he asked wide eyed. "I... Passed out during the battle... I was defeated..." she replied, only for Chris to laugh loudly in response. "Is that a joke?! You've gotta be kidding me..." he told her with a sudden slap on the back, causing her to jolt and stumble before looking at him in surprise. "You were incredible out there!! How could I be angry or disappointed in such a cool girl?" he told her with a thumbs up as the rabbit blinked in silence. "...Cool? Even though I got knocked out too...?" she asked, Chris shaking his head before pulling her against him causing the rabbit to freeze up. "For Lopunny here... The newest addition to my family... My gift to her is the name... Rose..." he smiled causing her eyes to widen while looking up at him. "Rose... Standing for delicate beauty... Perfect for someone as pretty and gentle as she is... A long time ago, it also stood for kindness... Someone who just wants to enjoy life..." he explained, the rabbit blushing as he spoke. "But every rose has its thorns which protect it... And she's proven when push comes to shove, she's strong enough to charge forward with her head held high, no matter how delicate she may be to help those who love her..." he continued, rubbing her head with a warm smile. "They also say those with the name Rose live a life inspiring others... And after the courage she's shown today, willing to fight for the first time in her life for my sake... I can't think of a better name to suit someone I think is really incredible... A girl who's really blossomed..." he chuckled, causing the her eyes to well up with tears before suddenly wrapping her arms around him and hiding her face, Gardevoir grabbing him for a hug as well while Servine smirked and gave the side of his face a rub with her tail. Watching this on the displays, older couples began snuggling together while the women teared up, men crossing their arms and nodding as kids clapped and laughed.
"So... Does this mean you girls like em'?" he chuckled. Pulling away, the two wiped their eyes and sniffled before nodding. "Love it... I accept name... Thank you..." Gardevoir replied, taking on the name Serenity while holding his hand and bowing on a knee. "Me too!! It's so... Nice... Knowing you feel that way..." Lopunny agreed, taking on the name Rose while grabbing his arm and cuddling it. "I didn't think you had enough of a brain to bestow a title which suit my taste... I accept as well... You've impressed me." Servine nodded, taking on the name Alicia while giving him a pat on the cheek with her tail before winking with a chuckle. "Ahh... Thanks... Ha ha... Then from now on, those are your names!" he grinned. "Very well chosen Master Chris." Gerald said while walking up to Mismagius, checking her over before giving her a rub on the head and returning the ghost to her Pokeball. "Indeed... Very noble titles lad... And you've done your research on them as well to insure they fit the bill... True dedication..." Guile chuckled, patting him on the back before walking up to Pangoro. "You did well aiding our friends... Thank you... You've made this old man very proud of you." he told the bear with a bow, Pangoro grinning and rubbing his head embarrassed as Guile returned it to its ball. "Lover boy's got a knack for nicknames!!" Lia shout, elbowing him in the side causing Chris to let out an "urk!!" and rub the spot while she laughed. "Aren't you just a big softie... Goin' all into detail about the names and all... Turning it into a speech and everything... You should give me a nickname sometime!" she winked causing the girls to jolt and scowl at her as she ran up to Infernape. "Kidding, kidding! He's all yours girls, no worries..." she assured with a smirk, giving the ape a high five. "You did great partner! Talk about heating up the fight!" she laughed as Infernape jumped around her excitedly before being returned to its own ball.
Looking around at the audience, Chris walked to the center of the arena with a bow. "I'd like to thank everyone for your support!! From my amazing family..." he paused, Serenity and Rose walking up to his sides and into his arms as he rubbed Alicia's head while she remained atop his shoulders. "To my incredible friends..." he continued as Gerald and the others surrounded him. "And everyone else I've met here in Millennium City!! The staff and kids at the Millennium Hospital... The scientists and Professor Rose at the Millennium Laboratory... And everyone else, including you people!! Thanks for everything you've done for us and the encouragement to help us make it through this battle!! You're all the best!!" he grinned with a thumbs up as the crowd stood and roared. Watching the broadcast at the laboratory, Rose showed a flattered look while her staff laughed and shook her hands, while at the hospital all of the kids cheered amongst the nurses, shouting their congrats in response. In the center where he helped the Pokemone eggs and even at the Wardens prison, everyone was cheering together for his regained freedom. Back in the village, the seniors and his grandfathers Pokemon had watched the match as well via monitors and PC's left by the laboratory staff for them to enjoy, all of them cheering as well and buzzing about the names Chris had just given his Pokemon. Looking towards the cabin where Chris and his grandfather had lived, Alakazam smiled with a proud nod, looking up at the sky as the wind blew through the wooded village.
Back at the stadium, things slowly died down over time as Chris and the others spoke, the crowd leaving bit by bit until the place was left empty, save for them and the staff coming out to work on the ruined arena. "I guess that's it then... It's finally all over..." Chris muttered, looking around as Serenity and Rose held his hands. "We go now... Go have good time..." Serinity giggled, resting her head on his shoulder as Rose nodded. "If you don't mind... Can we get some food first...?" the rabbit asked with an embarrassed blush before poking her fingers. "Indeed... I could go for something sweet after all that." Alicia agreed. "You and sweets..." Chris chuckled, poking Alicia on the torso causing her to flush embarrassed. "Hey hey!! Watch yourself!!" she barked, facing away with a scowl. "Ha ha... I'm sorry..." he replied, suddenly grabbing her and pulling her face towards his giving the snake a firm smooch on the cheek causing her tail to shoot out while flushing before he did the same to the others, planting one on Serenity causing her to freeze while seemingly glowing wide eyed and finishing with Rose, the rabbit blinking in shock before feeling him kissing her cheek as well sending her ears shooting straight up. "Love you girls!!" he laughed, the two standing in front of him touching their cheeks in silent shock as Gerald and the others laughed, making "tsk tsk!!" noises together. "Alright alright... Come on, lets get out of here... Meals on me everyone! Can't let you leave without full stomachs!" he grinned, motioning for them to follow while heading for the exit on his side of the arena excitedly. "I suppose no wouldn't be an option... He's spent quite a fortune on our stay here already..." Guile smiled nervously before they followed behind, leaving Serenity and Rose standing where they were still getting over the sudden kisses. Looking at one another, they suddenly grinned with a giggle before following the rest, Serenity floating along blissfully while Rose skipped excitedly.
Leaving the arena, Gerald went off to bring the limo up for the others, giving Chris a chance to look back at the colossal stadium once more. "Free at last... No more stress... It sure feels good..." he chuckled, stretching with a deep breath of fresh air before Serenity and Rose suddenly plowed into him from behind sending themselves to the ground with him in front of the others as they laughed, Chris groaning and smiling at the two nervously while Alicia sat up and shook her head. "Watch what your doing you fools!!" she snapped as the two cuddled him, the group shaking their heads with a smile as the limo came their way. "Alright alright... That's enough now." he laughed, nudging the two off while standing and offering a hand to Alicia. "You okay?" he asked as she jolt and glanced away embarrassed. "Don't fret over me..." she scowled before slithering along his arm and back over his shoulders, coiling around his neck and brushing his cheek with her tail while giving the girls a jealous scowl. "I'll not be knocked away again..." she grumbled as the limo parked in front of them. "You're just as intent on cuddling up as they are, aren't you?" Chris smirked as she jolt and flushed. "I don't mind... It's an honor from the mighty Alicia." he told her with a scratch under her chin, causing the snakes tail to quiver while she sighed until suddenly shoving his hand aside. "The chin, the chin!! I've told you about the chin!!" she lectured with her arms crossed, Serenity and Rose raising an eyebrow at one another and smirking causing the snake to growl. "All of you annoy me..." she muttered in irritation while Gerald climbed out and offered to let the group inside, everyone climbing in one by one. However, just as Chris was about to climb in himself, he was suddenly stopped by the whistles of several officers in the distance, walking towards him before parting and allowing the Warden to step up. "...Where do you think you're going...?" he asked, reaching into his coat causing Chris to jump back with arms up in defense, Serenity and Lopunny about to jump back out of the limo only for everyone to pause as he pulled out a rolled up sheet of paper.
"...This is yours, I had to prepare it before you left." he said, handing it over and crossing his arms. Blinking at it in surprise, Chris unrolled the sheet and looked it over, seeing a description of when he broke into the prison along with a list of crimes he committed involved. "I thought... You said if I won..." he replied, looking up at the Warden nervously until he suddenly snatched it away and slapped it on top of the limo, snapping his fingers at the officers making them bring up a large stamp. "If you won, the invasion of the Millennium Prison and the crimes involved would be pardoned..." he grumbled, taking out a pen and signing the sheet before pressing the stamp roughly down and handing it back, a stamp across the list reading "pardoned" in red along with the Wardens signature reading "Richard Kenway" on the line near the bottom. "Richard...? That's your name?" Chris blinked in surprise as the Warden returned the stamp to his officer. "Warden if you please..." he grumbled in response. "I've fulfilled my end of the deal... You now have the pardon of the law and may leave the city at will." he replied, nodding before turning away. "Hold it!!" Chris shout, the Warden jolting before facing back and seeing his hand reaching out. "...Thank you..." he told the Warden. Hearing this, he looked down for a moment before turning and shaking his hand. "...I doubt it means much to you or those by your side, but I do apologize..." he replied, Chris smiling with a nod before they released each others hands and the Warden nodded in response, walking away with his officers as Chris looked at his pardon. "...Another souvenir..." he chuckled, turning and handing it to Gerald allowing the old butler to look it over, smiling with a nod before handing it in the limo for the others to pass around. "Well... Guess we'll be on our way then." he sighed before climbing into the limo himself, Serenity pulling him between her and Rose, Alicia climbing onto his lap and curling up with a yawn. "So lad... How much longer do you think you'll stick around?" Guile asked curiously while handing back his pardon. "Not sure... Haven't thought about it all that much... I don't even have any idea WHERE to go after all this..." he sighed, relaxing as Serenity and Rose leaned against him with smiles on their faces. "Ah geeze girls... Come on..." he muttered with a slight blush as everyone laughed.
"Well... Whatever you do next, I'm sure fate will lead you to any new friends... Human and Pokemon alike..." N smirked with a nod. "Oh, no doubt about that!" Chris laughed, looking at the girls and rubbing Alicia along her back before putting his arms around Serenity and Rose for a hug, the two blushing and squeezing him back. "Amazing friends... The family of my dreams... This really is the life... And now to top it off, it's a life at peace again too..." he sighed while sitting back and relaxing. "No more drama... No more stress... Just hangin' out and having awesome times again without any woes in the back of my mind to bug me..." he added. "Man... I even got to see the elders and gramps Pokemon to top it off back at the lab... It really puts me at ease knowing everyone back there is doing fine... The girls like their new names and everything... was worth it though..." he chuckled. "Speaking of Master Chris... You named the madam there Rose..." Gerald said, raising a curious eyebrow. "A... Ah... Yeah..." he replied with a nervous laugh, the girls jolting taking notice as well and looking at him just as curiously. "...After everything the professor has done for us, I though it would be nice, ya know...? Plus it really does suit Lopunny so... I hope that's alright...?" he asked, the rabbit tilting her head before quickly nodding in response. "She's a really nice human... She helped us recover and helped you make Gardevoir see... I'm happy having her name... Its an honor." she replied, giving him a peace sign and a smile in response.
As the group disappeared in the city and left the stadium and their troubles behind, everyone in the limo began talking excitedly about the future and their experiences together thus far, all the while Chris slowly drift off with the girls surrounding him, able to relax in peace at long last...