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Three months passed since the incident in Oblivia. With the crisis in Oblivia resolved, Ben and Summer had headed back to the Ranger Union in Almia to give a full report on everything that happened, including their recent discovery of the region's secret. Needless to say, Professor Hastings and all the other rangers in the area were at a loss at this turn of events. In the meantime, Ben finally confessed to Summer his feelings for her. As they, in their disguises, headed to the Planning Room for a conference with the professor, Summer thought back to that fateful night.

---

The sky over Oblivia no longer seemed to have that troubled air the rangers had gotten used to over the course of their stay. In fact, as they flew through the moonlit sky, it seemed very serene, as if it had invited them to partake in its expanse. They left Pichu at Booker's house to be with his friends and their Stylers at Rand's before flying, so now it was just the two of them.

"It feels weird seeing Oblivia like this," Summer said. "I don't mean to say that I miss the crisis, it's just..."

"I know. You're not used to it yet. I'm not either," Ben admitted. "Even though it's only been a few days since we became pokémon, I'm still not completely used to it. I like that I can still eat the things I used to without getting sick or anything, and that my mind is intact, but these sensations I continue to feel are a little nauseating." He suddenly stopped flying, getting her attention.

"Ben? Is there something on your mind?" He paused before taking a deep breath.

"Summer, eventually we'll have to go back to the Ranger Union in Almia. What are we going to tell everyone? More importantly, can we fit back into society again?" She smiled at him.

"It'll be just like before, only on a much larger scale," she responded as she flew to him. "Sure, we'll have to change some things and find a way to explain all this, but the Ranger Union is made of some of the most open-minded people in the world. It's a requirement, actually."

"...All right."

"Ben, I can tell something else is on your mind. You went to all this trouble to make sure we were the only ones in the area. Is there something you want to tell me?" The latios looked away from her when she said that. She could sense how reluctant he was acting, and it was starting to make her anxious. "I promise I'll hear you out," she said in an attempt to reassure him.

"W... well, all right." He sighed before looking at her again. "You remember all that stuff I said about having nightmares about your capture?"

"Yeah... What are you getting at?"

"When... when we battled Mewtwo in the Sky Fortress, I, uh... this isn't easy for me to say."

"It's okay. Take your time." The latias had a feeling as to what he was getting at when she noticed his blush and diverted gaze. She was beginning to blush as well as she stared at him.

"When Mewtwo sent you away with its attack, I realized... I realized something very important."

"What was it?"

"I couldn't go on without you," he said quickly.

"Huh?"

"I could not go on without you," he repeated, feeling slightly less reluctant than before. "When you disappeared, I... was at a loss. When you disappeared, I suddenly lost the will to finish the capture. In fact, I felt like there was no point in continuing my life, and I thought I would never see you again."

"Are... are you saying what I think you're saying?" He took her claws into his own and looked into her eyes. She blushed deeply from how close he had gotten.

"I think I love you, Summer," he confessed. "The nightmares, the loneliness I felt when you were being held prisoner, and the the emptiness I went through in the brief period I thought you were sent to the void... it all makes sense. I love you, without a doubt."

"I... I just don't know what to say, except-" He let go of her claws and turned away from her.

"I understand if you don't feel the same way," he said sadly, expecting rejection, "but I just wanted to-" The latios felt her grab him and turn him around, and before he could say anything, she pulled him into a hug and gave him a quick kiss. "S-Summer?"

"I think my feelings for you came about when you took that attack for me," she admitted, burying herself into his neck. "At the time I felt guilty about the whole thing and only hoped you would be okay. Yet, the more I thought about you, the harder it was for me to only wish for your safety."

"How did you escape the void?"

"Mewtwo must have picked up on my feelings and sent me to Amun in a brief moment of clarity. That's the only theory I could come up with. Regardless, I love you too. I can't imagine going on missions without you, even if we must at times."

"...We should probably get back to the others," Ben suggested after some time. "They must be wondering where we are."

"You worry too much," Summer replied, "but that's what I love about you. Besides, we left our clothes behind on Tilikule Island. We should get those first."

"Now who's worrying too much?" he joked. With that, they broke the embrace and flew, paw-in-paw, into the night.

---

"Hey, Summer," Ben and Pichu greeted her once she walked in. She smiled at her love, quickly snapping out of her daydream as she did so.

"Hi, Ben. Hello, Pichu."

"You three look pretty wide eyed and ready to get out there," Hastings acknowledged, smiling at the couple. It reminded him of his own relationship with Erma. "Very good. I'll need you to head out to the Oblivia region once more."

"Is there trouble again?" Summer asked worriedly.

"No, no," he reassured them. "It's good news, in fact. The fact is this: Rand and Leanne finished a research paper as husband and wife. They were invited to a conference in a different region."

"I heard they were working on something big... So that's what it was! It's wonderful that they did that!"

"The title, if I recall correctly, was: The Light and Darkness of the History of People and Pokémon in the Oblivia Region," he said, sounding displeased with how long it was. "They mention your deeds in great detail."

"Really? That's pretty flattering..." Ben admitted sheepishly.

"You should be proud! You've done great things for Oblivia. There is one small problem, however... With Rand away, there won't be any rangers in the region."

"You need us to patrol Oblivia in his stead, right?" Summer wondered.

"Precisely, Summer. Well then, if we're decided, hurry on to Oblivia! Hurry, hurry, hurry!" he exclaimed impatiently.

"He's as impatient as ever..." the trio said to themselves as they ran out the room. After finding a suitable spot away from prying eyes, they changed form, put on their goggles, and sped off as fast as they could.

"I'm glad we're travelling together on this mission," Ben admitted, "even if only one ranger is enough for this."

"I guess we're not considered experienced enough," Summer said. "Oh well. At least I'm with you, Ben." The latias suddenly stopped in mid flight, causing her partner to stop as well. Before he could ask her why she stopped, she switched off their Stylers. "We'll have more time to ourselves." The latias pulled him close and kissed him deeply. He returned the kiss as he closed his eyes. Eventually they broke away with deep blushes adorning their faces.

"Aww, you two make the cutest couple!" Pichu gushed. "I hope I find love like yours one day."

"Thanks, Pichu. Let's hurry to Oblivia and see everyone! Oh, one more thing." She switched their Stylers back on, then sped forward, Ben following immediately after her. Once Oblivia came into view, they landed at Renbow Island by Rand's house. This time they didn't bother to change form as they flew inside slowly.

"Hello!" Ben greeted everyone.

"Hey there!" Rand greeted back with a wave. "How have you been? You two look as great as ever. Pichu, is this your first time back in three months?"

"Yup," Pichu responded with a nod.

"It's nice to see you all are doing well," Summer stated. She then noticed a wrecked Z.Z. Flyer next to Nema. "What are you doing there, Nema?"

"I'm remodeling them to be used to protect peace and order in Oblivia," she responded proudly. "This one is-"

"Nema-Flyer 1!" Leanne interrupted, much to her daughter's annoyance.

"Mom!"

"Well," Rand said, changing the subject, "since you two are here, we should get going. Professor Hastings said the Union can be used for surveying seafaring pokémon, and we'll be riding it to the conference." After he finished, Murph walked into the house, slightly exhausted.

"Hey, it's me, Murph," he said politely. "All of your luggage is packed up and ready to go. We can go at any time." He then looked up, surprised to see the two Eon pokémon again. "Ben? Summer?"

"Hi Murph!" Summer greeted. "Long time no see!"

"It sure has been a while. I don't know if you know this or not, but I've been made responsible for surveying pokémon in the sea."

"Does that mean you'll be here in Oblivia permanently?" Ben wondered.

"I don't mind. In fact, until the professor comes here, I'm in charge of the Union."

"Professor Hastings is coming here?" he asked in surprise.

"Without a doubt. He'll definitely want to investigate the incident here. Once the Wireless Tower was fixed, Rand gave him a full report. He was so shocked, he was speechless, especially when he discreetly mentioned you two."

"He was so amazed," Leanne added, "that he was silent for almost a whole minute! I never thought I'd see the day."

"Anyways, with Professor Hastings's special permission, we're able to have Murph take us to the archaeology conference," Rand explained.

"Right, right! We'd better get going!" Murph exclaimed. He stepped out of the house.

"Thanks in advance, Murph. Nema, take care of the house while we're out."

"Mom, Papa, have a nice trip!" Nema replied. She then got a mischievous smile on her face. "Sometimes you should go out, just the two of you. It'll be like a date!"

"Nema!" Leanne walked out of the house, flustered by her daughter's suggestion.

"Have a nice trip!" Summer said as Rand followed after Leanne.

"I'll bet you're wondering what's been happening in Oblivia since you were gone!" Nema said excitedly. "You know, you two should go out on a date sometime. I'm sure you'd appreciate the privacy, especially with the uproar the Ranger Union must have had over you two." Ben and Summer looked at each other and chuckled, remembering just how speechless Hastings was once he saw for himself what happened to them. "Why not do it while you're on patrol? I'm sure no one would mind." They then blushed as they entertained the notion of being on an actual date for the first time.

"W-well..." they began.

"So it's decided then! You should try Sophian Island's Aqua Resort since it's so quiet there. You should come back later. I'm working on two things I'm sure you'd really enjoy. Pichu, would you like to help me?" Pichu nodded and jumped off Ben's back to land on the table.

"Have fun!" he said to the retreating Eon pokémon.