Hello there! And thank you for reading so far! This is the last part of this short story, hope you'll like it! ^^

As usual, I'm sorry for all the mistakes I had done, and I hope they won't bother you too much! ^^''

I don't own Pokemon, its characters or world which all belongs to Gamefreak/Nintendo! I only own two characters: Brazgot and Alexander, and (maybe?) the plot of the fanfic! x)

Enjoy! o/

It was everywhere on National TV

"The mysterious girl made a Cinderella Escape at the closing ceremony's ball of the Battle Resort!"

"The scene could have been taken from a fairy tale. While the mysterious trainer, who was at the center of all the attention, was dancing with the famous Steven Stone, Champion of the Hoenn Region and heir of the Devon Corporation, she had made a quick, yet tumultuous escape once the clock strikes its twelves bells. And in all her Cinderella glory, la belle left behind her not a slipper but a Pokeball"

"Soon after, there was an investigation about the mysterious girl information, and it was revealed that when she registered, she didn't present her trainer ID card! How she slips through the security system is still a mystery, but the League had declared that they wouldn't stop until they found her so that she has to defend herself for breaking the Trainer's law, mostly for the illegal training of pokemon without an official license."

"Teams are combing through the all-region looking for any kind of clue that could lead to the girl arrestation."

"We will keep you updated, so continued to follow us to learn more about this Masked Girl mystery!"

oOoOoOoOo

When the community had come back from the tournament, hours after she had returned, she tried to act as if everything were still the same, and in a way, it was the case because she still feared a vast majority of them. Still, she couldn't hide her smile when she thought back to the wonderful week she had lived, earning her some "punishment" for her strange behavior.

Still, when night came and she was alone on her bed, she took the Key stone bracelet out of his hiding place and hugged it close to her, the cold emanating from the stone comforting her.

Brazgot, on the other hand, was really, really suspicious. The fact that he almost recognized her back at the Battle Resort plus her strange behavior could be enough clue for him. But no, he needed one last evidence.

It was three weeks after the incident that one of his right-hand men brought him what he was looking for.

"Sir, one of the journalists who were on the scene caught this with his camera. I had a hard time to retrieve it but I think that's what we were looking for."

Brazgot took the picture in one hand. It was blurred, a take-in-the-moment shoot. Still, Brazgot could see that the mysterious girl clothes were changing to something else that he was almost sure to recognize. Her brown hair hid her face as she extends her arms to the jumping treecko.

The shaved man took a close look at the pokemon, approaching the picture from his eyes, then he saw it.

The treecko had a twisted tail. And Brazgot knew only one person who had a Hoenn starter who matched the one on the picture.

His hand crushed the picture and he stormed out of his house.

oOoOoOoOo

Everything hurt.

May was doing some chores when Brazgot had caught violently her arm, throwing her to the ground before yelling at her.

He knew.

She hadn't tried to deny, as he gave clues to prove his point. He insulted her as the rest of the community came too to watch at her pitiful state. Her blindfold had been removed from her head at one point and, for the first time in fourteen years, she looked at his face directly in the eyes. And she held her gaze high, straight into the chief's eyes in defiance as something began to burn inside her.

For a second, Brazgot had truly looked terrified by her, but it had been only a second. The next one, he had sent his pokemon on her.

Then, she didn't fully remember what happened, except that it hurt and please, make it stop!

Arceus seemed to have heard her plea because Brazgot had stopped attacking her. But he hadn't finished with her yet.

She felt people took her from under her shoulders and bring her somewhere in the back of the campsite. It took her a few moments before recognizing where they were leading her, and she tried to break free from their hold, but she was too weak.

The hole-like-oubliette was wide open, its darkness ready to swallow her, and she didn't want too! She cried, she begged but nothing could stop Brazgot fury. She was violently tossed inside it and her teary eyes looked up at the oubliette entrance.

The shaved and scared man gazed down at her with pure hatred, a sadic twisted grin on his face.

"Maybe now you'll finally learn where your place is…" he said coldly before walking away from the trap door.

May cried for mercy one last time, but they didn't acknowledge her. The next moment, darkness was all that flooded her vision, and the nightmares were back.

oOoOoOoOo

Steven sighed one more time, stretching his back. Norman, Zinnia, Wallace and himself had finally reached Verdanturf Town. It had been almost one month and still, no clues had been found about the masked girl.

Each airport and seaport were required to send them a notification if they learn something new. Plus, Steven had sent a mail to each region's Champion to keep an open eye to any suspicious trainer that might come to their respective region.

The lost Pokeball was like a dead weight in his pocket as they walked into the town. And while looking at the three people accompanying him, Steven felt relieved inside. Steven had to admit that he might not be the most, err, diplomate when it was about asking people information. In fact, he hadn't had any clue of how to interact casually with other people before meeting Wallace, thanks to his father and his "home-learning-process" which had atrophied his skills in social context.

But he had to admit that Norman volunteering to be a part of his team had been quite a surprise, not that Steven would ever complain, as the Gym Leader was quite an easy-going person.

Now that Verdanturf town was before them, Steven realized that it was the last town in all Hoenn they had gone through in their quest for the missing girl. And seeing the town size, he had the feeling that their chance to find her now was close to zero. But they had to try nonetheless.

As always, they asked passerby if they have heard about the girl if they knew something or had any clue that could lead to her. But as always, they faced a dead end.

They finally reached the last house and it was with no more hopes that Steven knocked at the door. Light steps as well an "I'm getting this auntie" was heard before a late-teenage boy opened the door, pausing while seeing them. The Champion eyes went wide. But…! He's May's best friend, isn't he?

Norman was the first to spoke. "Wally! I wasn't aware that you were here! Visiting your uncle and aunt, I presume?"

"Yes, Mister Norman" he quickly answered before moving his gaze on the three others, "Look, I know why you are here and I want to ask you a few moments so that I can get my back and my pokeballs with me…"

Steven frowned, "Wait, what are you-?" but the green haired boy had already turned on his heels.

They faintly heard him climb the stairs before running them down, telling his family he had to go and that he wasn't sure to be there for dinner, and then he was outside, locking the door behind him.

"Now Wally, could you explain to us what's the meaning of this?" asked Norman, following the younger one as he had already begun to walk toward the forest.

"It's easy. I lead you to where I used to meet May before the tournament stuff"

"May..?' asked Wallace, puzzled.

The green haired hummed in response, "Yes, May. It's the masked girl name. I know her since we're both ten."

"And it didn't occur you that maybe you should come to us too, I don't know, tell us what you know about her?!" snapped Steven to Wally.

He flinched, but continued on his way, "Well, I couldn't. I promise May that I never would say a word about her to anyone." he took a shuddering breath, "The masked she wore, it wasn't only to hide who she was, but mostly to hid her eyes."

"Why should her eyes have to be hidden?" asked Zinnia, and Wally looked over his shoulder to answer her, shrugging,

"I have no idea… The only thing I know is that her eyes are apparently cursed and that she had caused a lot amount of pain before. That's why she has to stay hidden because she's apparently 'dangerous'..."

The other four looked at him with wide eyes, having a hard time to understand what he was saying.

Wally shrugged once more, "Yeah, I know how it sounded, but she is persuaded of it, and the guys from the community are too and took a great care to beat this idea in her…" and Norman realized with horror what the younger boy words meant, as he remembered Daria talking about the scar she had seen on the girl's chest.

"... And you know where she is now?" finally asked Wallace, and Wally send them a pained expression,

"That's the problem. You see, we used to meet here twice a week, " he said when they stepped into a small glade, "And for the three weeks that followed the tournament's end, she didn't miss a meeting but…" he took a shaky breath, "But one week ago, she didn't show up. I waited for her almost six hours before I decided to go home. It was at this moment that…" a ruffling sound came for the nearby bush and three, first state pokemon came out of it. In the corner of his eyes, the Champion catch a glimpse of red inside the water stream and Steven knew that those pokemon, once full-evolved, were May's pokemon.

"What happened…?" finally asked the silver head man, but it wasn't Wally who answered him.

"Well, this d-day, the man with the scar burst out of his home and just began to yell at M-May…" wept a feminine voice in his head, and Steven supposed it was the little Ralts who used her psychic abilities to communicate with them, "But then, he stopped yelling and a-attacked her with his pokemon, and then he threw her into a bl-black hole after separating us from her a-and he took Mint with h-him, and we don't k-know where Latias is a-and we're so scared" finally cried the pokemon before sobbing once more, Wally cuddling her little form before standing up.

"When Aurora told me about this, my first thought was to go there and save May, but then again, I'm only one trainer and they all have pokemon. I wouldn't have stand chance. When I heard that you didn't go through Verdanturf Town yet, I decided to stay so that I could catch you to explain to you all of this."

Zinnia held a hand before her, pinching her nose-bridge, "Okay, this is totally weird! C'mon! How can you explain to us that those pokemon," she made a general wave of the hand toward Wally, "Were the powerful ones she had back then? How did she just slipped through the security system?"

Wally smiled a little, "That's easy. It was all Jirachi doing."

There was a long silence.

"For Arceus fucking sakes..." groaned finally Zinnia

oOoOoOoOo

May always had been afraid of the darkness, because it reminded her about the shadow that lurked in the corner of her mind. She didn't know if she was sleeping or not as she had lost track of time. Still, Latias was by her side, as the community hadn't found her last Pokeball, and was doing cooing noise to soothe her shaken nerves. But no matter how hard the Eon pokemon tried, she couldn't appease the broken trainer.

Flash from her nightmare where plaguing her mind, and she felt her entire being fell into an abyss of despair.

She saw Hoenn, if not the world, being destroyed before her own eyes, she felt countless life slipped through her fingers like sand as she desperately tried to find a way to save everybody but, in the end, it was hopeless. Everyone was dead, and it was because of her.

No, my dear...

A voice broke through the darkness and the brunette clenched onto Latias's feathers "W-Who's there?" she asked tentatively, looking around her in the darkness but seeing nothing.

It's not and never will be your fault… continued the gentle voice as a face appeared in front of her mind, a man with ginger hair, tan skin, and blue sapphire eyes, with a tint of red in them…

Just like her…

They tried to break you, my dear, but you prove them wrong. You prove that you were stronger than that… and May had the feeling of a comforting hand on her cheek, I'm sorry but your problems will not end right away, but I can promise you that your pain will end soon enough and that you'll be able to save the one you love, as you already did before…

"What do you mean by that-?" but then, the darkness dissolved, taking with them the strange man face, and the next moment, she was inside a wide room.

A small girl was playing on the ground with a plush Pikachu and she heard steps coming from the kitchen behind her to the main room. The air was filled with slight salt-smell.

"Mommy!" said joyfully the little girl as the older woman came to her, grabbing her into her arms to hugged her., "My little sweet Haruka…" murmured the woman, rubbing her cheek against the little girl hair.

May gasped when her gaze fell upon the woman face. It's Daria! Norman's wife…! But then, this girl…?"

"Mommy, your hair is tickling me!" laughed the three years old girl in her mother arms and Daria let the child go. It was when May got a good sight of the little girl. She was a little brunette all smiling, pink-cheek and ponytail. But there was one thing that hit her like thunder.

Her eyes… They were unmistakable… This child, Daria and Norman's daughter… has the same sapphire blue eyes with the taint of red inside them…

It was her…

I'm their daughter… was the thought which came at her, and everything seemed to click into place.

She once had a family, a family that loved her. But then, when happened…?

The room's windows were suddenly broken as a hooded men came into the house. May heard herself cry in Daria's arm as they were both encircled. One of the intruders came close to the older woman, and the Leader's wife only hugged her daughter closer. "W-Who are you? W-What do you want?"

The man chuckled and began to speak, "Sorry for coming through the window, dreadful etiquette, we know…" she stepped closer for the pair, "Ma'am, if we're here is only because we have to take your daughter with us." and May felt her blood froze. It was Brazgot!

Daria's eyes grew wide, "No!" she stepped back, "Don't you dare come any closer or…! Or I'll scream!"

Brazgot shook his head in mock sadness, "I'm sorry, but we cannot accept any form of refusal, in fact…" a man came behind the older woman and took a good grasp on her arms, "You'll have to comply or things might turn dirty…"

But haven't said her last word as she struggled against the men attempt to stop her, holding a scared Haruka against her chest. Still, she was all alone against them and, at one point, Brazgot get a good hold on the little girl and, tearing her off her mother protective embrace, and from the momentum, Daria crashed straight into the wall behind her, from her head coming a loud 'Thumb' before she fell on the ground, unmoving.

Everything froze. The hooded men just stopped moving as little Haruka went still, a sob on her lips as her eyes fell onto her mother's unmoving form.

"Mommy…?" she murmured, but the woman didn't answer. Panic grew into her chest, as well as anger for those mean men who had hurt her mother!

She cried, and energy burst out of her little body. Green light enveloped her mother body and she vanished (to reappeared outside the house). The blast was so powerful that it broke every windows in the town, making the earth shook. Gas canalization didn't bear the assault of energy and just exploded, starting a fire in and outside the house.

The hooded men had been knocked on the ground, and Haruka struggled to get out of her captor's arms. But she was too weak as she had used too much energy at once. Brazgot shook his head and get on his feet, barking at his men "We have to go outside, NOW!"

Climbing over the window he had gone through earlier, he took out of his pocket a little remote as well a little tissue with an odd-smell. He put the later on Haruka's nose and pressed a button on the former once we were sure he was far enough.

The bomb he had placed on the house wall exploded and it was the last thing that little Haruka saw before fainting.

The vision - memory, faded away and May was once more in the dark oubliette. Still, the strange man was still with her, in the back of her mind. Tears were streaming down her face.

I'm sorry you had to live through that, Haruka, or should I could call you May? but she didn't respond, too shaken by what she had just seen. The man put a hand on her cheek once more.

I'm sure that you have a lot of question, but I can't answer all of them. Still, you have to know that you're special and that you never were a danger for anyone. In fact, you protected the one you love, and you'll have to do so once more in the near future…

"Y-You said that before… But what does that mean…?"

The man only smiled at her, I suppose it's easier to show you, right? and a new memory unfolded before her eyes. But it was not hers.

Storms were ragging on. Heavy rain poured down from the sky as unbearable heat consume the atmosphere. Two giant best were fighting each other, destroying everything in their wake.

Groudon and Kyogre, Primal Reversion forms millennials ago, when the first men were trying to live on Earth…

Suddenly, light break through the sky and its dark clouds and a giant dragon lizard-like pokemon descended from it. Both Groudon and Kyogre stopped in their mindless battle, Rayquaza presence taming them for a few moments but then, the launched attack at him and the legendary pokemon, badly damaged, crashed into the ground, and the two pokemon resumed their feud.

May surrounding changed and the next moment, she was where Rayquaza had fallen and saw how injured the legendary was. Behind her, precipitate footsteps could be heard and a man ran past her toward the pokemon broken form.

I was watching the duel when Rayquaza appeared. And it was my own stubbornness that allowed me to help it, as the other people from my village tried to stop me.

The vision faded a little, and May caught glimpse of the man healing the legendary pokemon, of a green glowing gem that the man used as a pendant and which was gifted to Rayquaza. The said gem gained new power and allowed the Green Dragon Pokemon to get a new form. May saw how he saved the world by stopping and sealing away the two feuding pokemon.

"Alexander…" was a sudden soft voice, and May turned on her heels, Rayquaza facing her in all his glory.

Well, not her but Alexander, the man from the memory, "Yes?"

"You saved me when I was in need and, by your gift and your care, you gave me enough power to stop Groudon and Kyogre to destroy the world, and for that, You have my eternal gratitude. And so, you can ask me one thing. Name it and I'd grant you the wish that your heart desire" And May could felt the smile tugging at Alexander's mouth,

"Our land knows now peace. That's more than enough and more than I could ever hope for. Seeing my home safe from any danger… It's all I'll ever need…" he shook his head, "There's nothing that I want, so "Thank you" is the only thing that I wish from you."

May could see the fond smile on the legendary face, "You truly have a pure heart and your answer doesn't surprise me. Still…" the giant pokemon leaned toward him, "I'll tell you about a far away future and your duty would be to make sure that the story lived through time until it becomes true."

"One day, selfish people will awaken both Groudon and Kyogre, thinking pridefully that they could control them." he sighed, "Unfortunately, I would be able to stop them, as I will be in a deep slumber. That's why I put in your blood this…" and from the giant pokemon body came out a glowing light that dissolved in Alexander skin once it touched it. "This is the Green Orb, it held in its deep a part of my power. The day the two beasts will be awakened, one of your kind will stand against them, taming their power until someone else, dear to your heir's heart, wake me up so that I could seal them once and for all." he gave the man a sorry look, "Unfortunately, the chosen will have to live great suffers as people will fear their power, but I can assure you that, in the end, everything will turn all right…" Then the pokemon seemed to remember an important thing, " Oh! And for the chosen to be recognized, your kind have to know that they'll bear the same eyes as your: saphirre blue with swirling taint of red inside.''

And then, the two friends said farewell and Rayquaza returned to the sky.

The memory vanished and May was once back in the dark. Latias nudged her side as May's eyes looked without blinking in front of her, tears on her cheeks. Alexander presence had faded from her mind but she knew what his main goal had been.

She was the one who would have to tame the legendary beast. And the nightmares weren't products of her imagination, they were a forewarning of Hoenn's darkest hours in millennials…!

May suddenly felt the weight of the world's fate on her shoulder. She broke into sobs once again, one plea resonating in the dark around her.

"Please, somebody help me…!"

oOoOoOoOo

Steven had to grit his teeth to not behead one of those pretentious assholes in front of him!

Almost two hours ago, their little team of now five had reached the community realm, thanks to May's Ralts indications. They had been greeted coldly by the people of the remote community and their Chief, the man that had to threaten May back at the ball, came in front of them and claimed to be the victim in all this affair!

He dared to claim that May was one of them and had stolen some of their pokemon for the tournament! And that she experienced to make them stronger! And to support his point, this Brazgot guy had to show them the little treecko, Mint if Steven remembered correctly, saying that the green pokemon was his, and thus that they don't have to look any longer for the Pokeball owner.

And the worst part? They didn't have any proof to compromise him.

"Maybe we have found the Pokeball owner" finally said Zinnia, "But we didn't find the girl yet, and the main goal of this expedition was to bring her back with us so that she can answer a few questions…"

The chief had snorted, "This girl is under our jurisdiction and so we are the most capable person to know how to deal with the problem."

"Still, she caused a problem in a League-" began the tan skin woman but he cut her once more.

"Moreover, why should we explain ourselves before a Draconidian girl? We part way with your kind years ago and we don't want to deal with any of you!" Brazgot looked at Steven, "So Sir, you might be the Hoenn Champion, but here, we asked you to respect our rules or things might turn dirty"

"Is that a threat?" asked Norman, and the shaved man smirk at him, "Barely a warning"

Zinnia bit her cheek. Those guys knew about her people? But how? He said that they separated from them…

Her eyes became wide and words escaped her lips, "But I know you! Nanny told me about those fanatics that split from our community twenty years ago!" she looked at them with a frightened expression, "She told me that you wanted to control some legendaries! And that you know how to!" she shook her head, "And it was just under my nose! How could I not recognize you from her description!" she tssked, "I knew this all shit means troubles but knowing that you're implicated in, that makes a lot more sense!"

Brazgot expression became darker as the member of the community slowly encircled them, "You were just too foolish to understand! You only aspire to protect the legends, to make sure that everything goes following the fate plan!" he shook his head like a madman, "But if our plan works, then we could control fate! Groudon and Kyogre awakening would not be inevitable! We would be able to control the way of the things! And you were too foolish to understand that!"

Steven palled at those words, "You're all mad… And what do you want? Awake yourself the two legendary beasts?"

Brazgot crooked a smile at him, "No, we're not that foolish. We plan to let someone else doing it and only then we will take the control of them…"

"And how? As far as I can remember, the legendary pokemon have a mind of their own!" shout Wallace at them, making the Chief laughed, "Maybe, but we have a key… And the fact is that if you look deeper into the things, you'll already know what I mean"

Wally, who had stay a little behind all along, tilted at the man words, remembering his best friend words.

Because of my cursed eyes…

"It's her…" he murmured slowly, before raising a horrified gaze at them, "You plan to use her to achieve your goals aren't you…?"

"Diling, diling! Give this boy a price!" said dryly Brazgot, before moving a hand to his belt, "But, unfortunately, you know a little too much about all of this… Now, we have to take care of you… What a shame…"

Steven own hand flew to his pokeballs, looking carefully around him and had to retain a groan. They may be the most stronger trainers in all Hoenn, but they were outnumbered. And the community member didn't look like amateur either.

This gonna be bad…

But then, a thought flew into his mind, as well as a sobbing voice. A simple, heartbreaking plea…

"Please, somebody helps me…!"

He blinked, not understanding what just happened as the other didn't seem to have heard it, and it was at this moment that a white, blinding light flooded into the campsite.

They have to protect their eyes from it, but it quickly dissolved, revealing a small, star-shaped pokemon who murmured in a yawn, "...May…?"

"Jirachi!" exclaimed Wally and the pokemon looked at him, frowning.

"...You're May best friend, right? Wally, if I remember correctly? By the way, where is she? I heard her in my sleep calling out for help but…" then the legendary pokemon seemed to take notice of the whole situation and his eyes darkened, "Oh, I see."

"Please, Jirachi!" said Steven, and the pokemon looked at him with a puzzled expression, "May is in danger! And in pain! And you're the only one who could help her! Please…!"

But Jirachi didn't react immediately, only looking at him with a strange expression.

"You… You're kind of special, aren't you?" he closed his eyes for a second, "... I remember. We've met before. He was hurt and you wish for him to heal.." he open his eyes to look straight at the unmoving Champion, "And now, you're connected to him…" he smiled, "He never forget you, you know?" and Steven blinked at the pokemon, not understanding what just happened.

But then, it was as if the harsh reality of the situation came back at Jirachi as he turned slowly toward Brazgot, "And you… You're the one who hurt May, right?" he said coldly, "You believe that she deserved to be treated like this, maybe…? And I know what you plan to do…" hissed the legendary between his teeth. "HOW could you EVER believe to be able to tame Kyogre and Groudon fury with such selfish hearts of yours?! How DARE you make suffer Rayquaza chosen?!" yelled the pokemon at the top of his lungs, and yeah, maybe he was small, but Jirachi was truly terrifying in this instant.

Even if he was mostly known for his ability to grant wishes, people tend to forget that he was not only a psy type pokemon but also a steel one.

And at this moment, his voice was harder than any metal that ever existed on this Earth.

Brazgot, as well as the other community members, had just frozen when Jirachi had appeared, and the chief seemed to recoil while the pokemon approached him, floating dangerously low. "Now then, dumb face, where is May…?" but Brazgot didn't answer, dumbfounded "Where. Is. May?!" yelled Jirachi and the man jumped back in fear.

"S-Somewhere! I-In the village oubliettes!"

"And where are they?" asked Wallace, approaching the chief leader, "Where are those oubliettes?"

Brazgot had a small, twisted smile, "We could only know where they are only if we let them a little open, but for her audacity, we choose to sealed her away. Those oubliettes had been made by a powerful psychic pokemon years ago! Once closed, there's a confusing feeling that prevents anyone to find them!" he had a maniac laugh, "Now, I wish you a good time to find this pathetic, little freaking monst-" but he didn't finish his sentence as Jirachi let out a frustrated cry out of his body and all the community members were knocked out of cold in the blast.

Fuming, Jirachi closed his eyes and tried to analyze his surrounding. "Damn it, they weren't kidding… I can't feel her…" he hissed between clenched teeth, visibly pissed.

"But… There's must be a way, right?" asked Wally and Jirachi looked sadly at him.

"I wished there were but…" his voice trailed off on his hand has his gaze fell upon Steven who went still. Unknowingly, his hand had come to his chest as distant cries echoed in his head. Jirachi smiled widely at him. "That's it! You're going to help us to find her!"

"Wait, what?!" asked the Champion, dumbfounded and Jirachi hummed. "Yes! May was Latias's friend and there's no way that she leaves her in her time of need! And now I know for sure it's the case!"

Norman looked at the pokemon with a frown, "Well, maybe but how this information could help us?"

Jirachi giggles, still looking at Steven "Well, this man had, years ago, saved Latios from a bad situation."

Steven blinked at Jirachi. He had totally forgotten about the incident, as it just kicked back into his memory, and the pokemon smile became even wider, "Don't worry if your mind is playing tricks. Latios being shyer than his counterpart, he preferred to take some precautions" he floated toward him, "As one of the Eon duo, Latios has the power to communicate through telepathy, and thus, connect with people. As you bound with him, and as he had kept the bond, you're able to 'feel' some of his thoughts. And he seems pretty worried, didn't he…?"

Steven paused for a second before nodding slowly, "Yes… He's worried for someone dear to him…"

Jirachi hummed, "That must be Latias." he shook his head, "After all, if it had been one week since May disappearance, then it had been one week since Latios had lost Latias too… And as May is connected to her, you may feel some of her thoughts too…"

The Champion blinked a few times, "That… makes sense, in a way. But it's still a lot to take into account…" he murmured, looking lost.

Zinnia threw her hands in the air "That's it! I quit! This is just becoming fucking too odd for me!" and Wallace laughed at her reaction "I can understand!"

Wally stayed silent a few moments, "So… If you're connected to Latios, Latios to Latias and Latias to May, then…" he made a general motion toward Steven, "Maybe you should err, try to call out for him? I heard that the two were deeply connected to each other so maybe, if Latios is close enough, he could find both of them?"

Jirachi nodded, "Yes...That could work…" he looked at Steven, "Could you call him for us, please?"

The Champion looked back at him with wide eyes, "And how I do that?"

"It's easy. Reach inside yourself and then things will be clearer!"

The silver-haired man sighed while closing his eyes, "This is madness and I have totally lost it" he murmured, trying to do as Jirachi had say.

At first, Steven felt silly because there was nothing there. Then, he heard them again.

The sobs.

And so, he concentrated on them and soon enough, everything around him vanished in nothingness as he came closer and closer from the cries.

There.

Steven wasn't sure how to describe what he saw but it was clearly there, the link that bound him to Latios. He wasn't sure of where this certitude came from but he didn't think twice when he reached for it.

Latios? Are you… Here? It's me, Steven, do you remember?

A faint shudder was his answer, meaning that the Eon pokemon was far away from him.

Listen. I need your help to find someone dear to me, and I know that if you help me, you'll be able to find Latias too. Because they are together…

A silent, then … Really? ...Owing where… y are? was a voice in the back of his mind, and Steven had to contain himself from jumping in surprise.

Y-yes… That's why we need you there because you're the only one able to sense them in the end.

I'm coming, was the quick answer and Steven hadn't the time to tell him where they were as he felt Latios pulled on their link to track them back. Steven helped him, nudging it too. It was only a matter of minutes before a flash of blue past before them, taking a wide turn before landing in front of Steven.

The Champion blinked at his majestic, remembering the first time he had to meet him, how much he was scared and yet impressed by the Eon Pokemon.

Still, a familiar feeling settled into his chest and he broke out a small smile, "Long time no see my friend…" he managed to say, and Latios nodded back at him, his eyes gleaming too,

"Long time, indeed. I'd hope it would have been under different circumstances." his gaze turned serious, "You tell me that I could find Latias here, where is she?"

"...That's the crux of the problem. We now that both her and May are somewhere hidden here but…" he sighed, "The chief of the village told us that a powerful psy-type pokemon a put a sort of… 'seal' to where they are so that no one could ever found them…" he reached out a comforting hand to Latios, "And we know that you share a powerful link with Latias and that you were still able to sense her feelings. Now that you're closer to her actual localization, maybe you'd be able to find her?"

Latios looked down at him, nodding slowly, "I might be able to, yes...Fine, I'll try, because it's the best clue I have to find my dear Latias so…" he closed his eyes and nudged at their link, "But I'll need your help too." he felt the confusion in the trainer before him and answered before he asked, "You're linked to me and Latias to your friend. And you have a link with this "May" too so you'd able to 'increase' my ability…"

Steven blinked at him, "Fine, I'll do my best then." and he sat next to the Eon pokemon and, together, they began to track down May and Latias.

Norman had watched the strange scenery unfold before his eyes in astonishment. Seeing Jirachi then Latios in a one day was not something anybody could be proud of. But he had to admit that this whole situation was utterly crazy. And while the Champion and the Eon pokemon were… Meditating? he thought back at what had pushed him to be a part of the search party.

This May… He didn't know why but she had caught her attention, as well as Daria's. She felt so achingly familiar that it brought back memories that he thought he had mourn years ago. But the wound was still there, and the normal-type Leader wanted answers.

Finally, something happened. Both Steven and Latios jolted out of their meditating states and, with a shaky breath, the Champion stood up, extending one arm toward a certain point behind a tent, between the roots of a giant oak.

"There!" he said, taking a few steps forward, "They're… just… there…" but he fell forward and his face would have planted in the ground if Wallace hadn't caught him in extremis.

"Hold on for a sec, Steven! Even Latios didn't move so don't be too hard on yourself! You're exhausted! We're taking care of this."

And indeed, Norman was already at the point that Steven had indicated, looking into the roots to see if he saw something odd.

There, a handle.

The older one reached for it and pulled the metal thing with all the strength he had. It resisted a little, but the trap was rapidly open and Norman was already above it to help the girl out.

Extending his arms, he felt two shaking hands took them and he caught the vague picture of Latias lifting this May girl out of the whole.

In the brunette he brought out of the oubliette, he saw the masked trainer that had defeat each challenge of the tournament, except for the Champion.

But then, his eyes locked with her uncovered ones. Their sapphire color in which someone had painted a small slash of red made his heart beat faster in recognition.

There's no way that this girl…! She's dead, for Arceus sake…! No, it's impossible… It's-

Still, his lips were moving before his mind had the time to register what those words implied.

"... Haruka…?" he asked in a whisper, and her eyes, her beautiful full of life's eyes were shining with tears, recognition flickering in them, despair too.

"Dad…" she choked and the next moment, she was clench to his neck, sobbing in his shoulder as he held her firmly against him.

After fourteen long, horrible, painful years, his little daughter was back, back in his life, back to safety.

His little Haruka was alive…

May -Haruka? She didn't know anymore- was shaking in her father arms.

Father… The word had a foreign taste on her tongue as she clunch at Norman, crying all the pain, the sorrow, the grief that had been eating her inside for years.

But it was too much for her and words were confusing in her mind: safety, family, friendship, love, fate, Rayquaza…

Her head was spinning and her exhausted body couldn't last any longer, she fainted in her father's comforting arms.

As for the four other, they hadn't heard a word of the quick exchange between the two, still, Wallace was the first by their side when May fainted, and he was shocked to see tears on Norman's face.

"What happened?" he asked, and the gym leader smiled at him.

"My little girl… She's back home now…" he murmured in a sob, and the Sootopolitan raised a surprised eyebrow at him.

Then Norman explained himself, showing to the group a little necklace he always kept next to his heart with, inside, one of the few pictures he had of Haruka before her disappearance.

Still, there were a lot of unanswered questions, and a few DNA tests will be needed and the community members had to be interrogated.

But for once in a long time, things seemed to turn out for the better.

oOoOoOoOo

Things didn't turn for the better yet.

While Steven talked with the police chief, explaining some details that they had gathered in their search, May had suddenly woken up yelling in utter terror and the Champion had felt his blood froze inside his veins as some her feelings rolled upon him (as he was still attuned to Latios) as threads of nightmares lingered at the back of his mind, sending shivers down his spine.

Because he was one of the few ones to be a friend of the young woman, he excused himself to the police chief and went to her side where Norman and Wally already were.

Now that it thought about it, he could see a certain form of likeness between the Gym Leader and the once, in the curve of their eyes or in form of their jaw. And, in a way, it made sense.

Still, the problem at hand was the screaming brunette. and Norman was drawing circles on her back to soothe her. Her head was between her hands which clenched fistful of hair in a death-grip.

"May, what's wrong?" asked Norman, choosing the name that the girl was used to for fourteen years, as her jailors had called her like that. In the young woman eyes, pure fear could be seen.

"Those idiots, they'll awaking them after all…" she muttered out loud and Steven could see in her stormy blue eyes that she wasn't all that there. And so, carefully, he took one of her hands between his and gently caress her knuckles.

"May, please…" he said and something seemed to snap her out of her nightmare and she looked straight at him, horror still on her face.

"Kyogre and Groudon…They are awake…" she said, and the Champion froze.

"What…?"

And then, they could hear a loud explosion, and violent wind rolled upon them, sending some of the standing men to the ground.

Steven's ears were wheezing and he took him a few moments before being able to stand up.

A sound came to his ears, the sound of a PokeNav rigging.

His PokeNav. He quickly answered the call. It was Sidney. The Elite Four member sound quite distraught, talking about Team Aqua and Magma, stolen orbs and severe weather problems, all of them coming from Sootopolis City. He was vaguely aware that both Bosses had been arrested when the storm came upon them. He just had the time to tell him to decree the emergency state before the communication was cut as heavy rains poured upon them as well as an unbearable heat flooded the atmosphere.

He ran toward the other, who just have found a shelter and quickly resumed them his call.

That was it. What I had feared for several months. Those fanatics had awakened the Legendary Beast and now, we had to deal with Hoenn near destruction. sadly though the Champion

May Arceus have mercy on us… he silently begged.

"I… I have to go, to Sootopolis, now," said May, and the Champion sharply turned toward her.

"What?! There's no way in all the pantheon hells that you go out into this storm!" hissed Norman, taking her by the shoulders. But she wasn't looking at him. She was looking outside, her sapphire eyes full of fear and determination.

"You… You don't understand… I have to go… I can stop this…" she then looked into her father eyes,

"The old legend with Rayquaza… I'm the one it talked about…"

Norman looked at her puzzled, but it was Wally who provided an explanation, "That was why she was kidnapped all those years ago…" he slapped his forehead, "That seems so evident now!" he said in desperation, and tears gleamed in his eyes. "It's because you're the key, they had planned to use you in the end, after all…"

May gave a shaking nod, "Yes… And now that Groudon and Kyogre are awake, I have to go and tried to tame them… Until someone wakes Rayquaza up…"

"And who would do that?!" yelled Norman at his not-so-dead daughter, "Who would go to the sky pillar and awake him? And what tell us that Rayquaza would be up there? That someone will be able to do so? You could die while trying to stop the legendaries!" the gym leader shook his head, "No… I can't tolerate such a foolish move! I…!" he sighed while looking down, eyes squeezed shut, "... I can't lose you a second time… I couldn't handle it…", his voice breaking in a whisper.

May swallowed hard, but she took her father hand in hers, "But if I do nothing, then I will lose you, but also all those I held in my heart. Thousands of innocents will suffer because of this and, who knows how long it will be before they fury reach other regions?" she had a sad smile, "I had nightmares for years about this incident, and what I saw…" she shuddered, "...I don't want any of this to happen to you and this is my destiny, my fate and, in the end, my decision. This freedom was taken away for a too long time, so, please… Let me go…"

The Gym Leader let out a shaking breath before nodding silently, "... Fine…" he swallowed, "Fine, go and save the world if this what you wanted…! Still, even if you contain their fury, we will have to find someone who'll have to go to Rayquaza…"

"I suppose it should be me, or Zinnia, " began Wallace, "After all, I'm a Sootopolitan, and she a Draconidian, and thus, it's one of our duty to-"

"No, you won't, neither of you" cut sharply Steven, looking straight at his friend, and the gym leader gaped at him in shock, "What...?"

Still, the Champion continued "I'll do it, whatever you like it or not."

Wally protested, "But Steven, Sir! You're the Champion-"

"I know I am, and that's why it's my duty to make sure that all of Hoenn's citizens are safe." he sighed turning toward May, "Already, and even if it kills me inside, I have to let someone face great dangers to ensure our region's safety, because, even if I'm the most powerful trainer in all Hoenn, I'm totally useless in this situation. But I can try to awake Rayquaza, even if it will be an arduous situation, and I don't want to put someone else in danger when I can do something."

Wallace, frowned, "But we will need you to lead the security measures, and to settle things with Hoenn's people! It'll be anarchy if you're not there!"

Steven smiled a little, "The state of emergency had already been declared, I asked Sidney for that" then he reached inside one of his pockets, for his Champion emblem, "There, I lend this to you" he continued, extending his hand to the water type trainer, "You'll take my place while I'm away. I trust you to take the best decisions for Hoenn so, would you take the responsibility?"

The water-type trainer looked down at the little object, shock written all over his features, barely understanding the meaning of the situation. He took a shaky breath when the weight of the responsibility fell upon his shoulder, but still, Wallace's fist closed on the emblem, "You'd better be back soon so I could return you this." he chuckled nervously, "I don't want your reign to finish only because you weren't as careful as you should be."

"Don't worry, everything going to be fine... Well, I hope it'll be the case" then he turned toward Wally, Zinnia, and Norman, "If one of you have a pokemon who know teleport, you should go to Ever Grande city. They'll need some help to coordinate security deployment through all Hoenn." he quickly glanced at May, "We'll try to be as quickly as we can but…."

The young woman finished his sentence, "We need from you to avoid any collateral damages at any cost."

Wally mouth set into a tight line as he said, "I'll do my best…" , by his side, Norman nodded too, even if it was clear that he wanted to argue the decision, and Zinnia agreed silently. May then took the pokeballs the groups had returned her and give them to her best friend, "I trust you to keep an eye on them?" and the green haired agreed once again silently.

From one of Wally's Pokeball burst a Gallade, "Please, can you take us to Ever Grande city?" asked the teenager, moving a hand toward the two Leaders and the Draconid woman. The pokemon nodded and, closing his eyes, enveloped them into a soft shining light. The next seconds, they had disappeared.

May felt a knot forming in her throat. She knew exactly how things will be at Sootopolis, how elements were actually raging on, but a strong determination flooded into her veins and she turned toward Steven, "Shall we go then?" she asked, and the Champion agreed with a determination that equal hers.

And then, both parted way, May on Latias toward the cyclone eye, Steven on Latios toward the Sky Pillar.

oOoOoOoOo

It was worse than May had ever feared. Lightning, violent winds, and pillars of water were crashing against huge rocks made of boiling lava. The contrast between the two had created a situation where the atmosphere was almost unbearable.

The young woman had tried to ignore them, but on her way to Sootopolis, she had seen several dead corpses, both human and pokemon, and the sapphire-eyed girl had felt her heart clenched. She had tightened her grip on Latias's feathers.

She'll stop the pokemon fury at all cost, whatever the cost she'll have to pay!

May knew she had approached the current locations of the legendary beast because the chaos seemed a little more concentrated in this place. Soon enough, she saw their two huge forms through the deep rain-curtain and a few, arduous minutes later, they were above the pair.

Sending a silent prayer to Arceus, she murmured at Latias, "Listen I don't want you to put yourself in danger, so from now, I might do something that'll look like pure madness, but I need you to have faith in me, okay?" and the pokemon nodded at her, and May could hear in the back of her mind a feminine voice asking her to be careful, "I'll try, but I can't make any promise." she patted her on the neck, "And I trust you to have my back."

The next second, May had reached inside for a tug she had felt since Kyogre and Groudon awakening. Faint green light surrounded her and, without thinking twice, she let herself fall from Latias back.

Light exploded and the two beasts stopped their fight to looked up at her with puzzled expressions.

Steven, I hope that you'll be able to reach Rayquaza, was her last thoughts before her mind solely focused on stopping the damages caused by the legendaries.

oOoOoOoOo

Steven had a hard time to fly through the unleashed elements, so when he finally saw the cave to the pillar, he let a loud sigh escape his lips. Latios landed the best as he could and Steven jumped off of his back. Turning toward the blue pokemon, he patted his neck, "You don't have to wait here for me. Go to Sootopolis and to Latias. I know that you're deeply worried for her…"

The legendary looked at him as if he was frowning, And how would come there, then? I don't think you could manage to swim through the sea.

Steven shrugged, "I'll manage, and I hope that you or one of my friend would come back for me if things turn for the better in the end." he stepped back a little,"Now go, join your dear one, and please, once you'll be there, could you keep an eye on May too?"

The Pokemon smiled at him, I will, good luck my friend…

And on those words, Latios flew toward what Steven supposed was Sootopolis location.

Taking a deep breath, he turned toward the cave entrance with, behind it, the Sky Pillar. He knew that only who proved themselves worthy or descendant of Sootopolitans could enter the sanctuary. And while Steven was sure he wasn't the latter, he wasn't sure he was the former too. After all, he was only the Champion, and even if this title was the symbol of true achievement, he didn't know if it was enough to enter the Sky Pillar and reach Rayquaza.

But it was too late to back down or doubt now. Hoenn was between May and Rayquaza hands, and he was simply there to make sure that both fulfill their duty.

Walking into the cave, he was glad to see that the storm hadn't disturbed a thing there and saw wild pokemon cuddling on each other on the opposite side of the cave, making scared noises at his apparition. Steven tried to show them that he wasn't a threat and made his own way toward an old-looking door, the one to the Sky Pillar. He reached one hand forward and pushed it with all the strength he had. For a few moments, Steven thought that the mechanism was broken as the door didn't move a bit, and the Champion felt desperation built into his chest. But then, a loud 'click' was heard and something seemed to move behind the giant door which opened slowly, leaving enough room for him to walk through it before closing behind him.

Everything went silent. Only the sound of the wind could be heard, and looking at the sky before him, Steven saw that it was clear, untouched by Kyogre and Groudon fight. And while one could have thought that the two beasts had stopped fighting, Steven knew best than turned back and test his luck a second time.

Nothing told him that he'll be able to walk through the door a second time.

In front of him, dominating the Champion in all its ancient glory, was the Sky Pillar. Steven restained a groan. He already knew that several hours had happened since he left the community camp, but looking at the Pillar seize, he knew it would take him some extra hours to reach the Pillar top, and maybe a few more to work out how to wake Rayquaza.

But then, he thought about all Hoenn citizens who were actually in danger, at League members who were trying to do their best to ensure everyone safety, at May risking her own life to tame the legendary beast until Rayquaza showed up.

With a renewed determination, Steven began to climb the stairs.

oOoOoOoOo

It was a strange feeling for May. She could feel energy pulsed through her veins as she extended her hands toward Kyogre and Groudon, both looking terrifying in their Primal Reversion form.

Falling from Latias back had awake the Green Orb powers sleeping in her as she had begun to levitate above them. Using all her strength, she ordered them to stop fighting and, even she succeeded to allow at Hoenn some moments of rest, both Legendaries will ultimately slip from her mental grip and fought each other another time. And then, May had to reinforce her mental strength again, and again, and again.

Latias was somewhere near her, protecting her from blast or attacks that could knock her out to the ground. At one point, Latios had rejoined her and May wondered if Steven was okay. But she couldn't let her mind wandered. She had to concentrate on her task, meaning protecting Hoenn from the two enraged legendaries.

And May truly hope that they won't try to attack her at one point. She didn't even dare to try to imagine what damage one attack could do on a human being.

She shivered and returned to the task at hand. Soon enough, hours flew past her and exhaustion began to take possession of her body. She became painfully aware of the fact that she wouldn't last for too long now.

Clenching her teeth, she gave all herself in taming Kyogre and Groudon fury.

oOoOoOoOo

After what seemed to be an eternity, Steven finally reached the Sky Pillar top.

He was exhausted, had a hard time breathing as the atmosphere was poor in oxygen but he was there.

He would be able to help May.

Looking around him, the Champion tried to figure out how he had to proceed to 'awake' the legendary pokemon.

The tower top was void of anything with, in the center of its triangular shaped 'platform' a sort of giant statue weathered by time, its shape fading into a shapeless rock. Still, taking some steps forward, Steven could figure out the form of what seemed to be a giant lizard.

Rayquaza….

The Champion rushed to the statue, putting his hand on it, trying, wishing to find something useful to awake the Legendary. But as his hands roamed upon the stone, he found nothing but cold rocks under his palms.

For Lugia's sakes! How could both Team Magma and Aqua have awakened Kyogre and Groudon so easily?

Then he remembered, They had the Red and the Blue Orb! And for Rayquaza, we need the Green one…

Which is with May, in her blood...

He let out a frustrated groan out of his throat as he fell to his knees, his hands still on the rocks. It had been useless! May was fighting a lost cause as she should have been the one here! He was powerless and all the time they had lost letting him go to awake Rayquaza had let more time to the two legendaries to destroy Hoenn…!

He had thought it was his duty as Hoenn's Champion to act like this, and he had been proven wrong.

Despair seize his chest and for a split of seconds, his mind toyed with the idea of giving up-

What are you thinking Steven?! he scolded himself harshly, There's no way in Giratina's hell of giving up now!

And so, he yelled.

"Rayquaza! I- I don't know if you're listening to me or not! I know that I shouldn't be here, I'm not a Sootopolitan, neither a Draconid. And I'm certainly not your chosen…! I'm only a trainer who comes here to beg for help…"

"Kyogre and Groudon, they are fighting each other again, destroying Hoenn in the process. The Green Orb's holder, May, your chosen, is currently using the power she inherits from you to tame them, and she's doing this for hours! How long will she last before she collapses…?" His head fell down and his voice was only a whisper,

"I know that I have not right to be here, and I'll pay the price of such forwardness if it's needed for such sacrilege. I know that my voice may mean little to you but I beg you to awake! I beg you to stop Groudon and Kyogre! I beg you to save Hoenn, I…!"

"I beg you to save May…"

And for a few moments, nothing changed and Steven felt his last hope died in his chest. Then he felt it.

The stone shivered, right under his palm. There was another shiver before light began to shine through engravings and Steven had to jumped back. More lights came out of the stone, making it almost unbearable. Then, the steel-blue headed could distinctly hear the stone broke.

The light vanished in an instant, leaving behind a giant green pokemon who roared in all his glory, and the human could felt pure energy burst out of the pokemon body.

A relieved smile broke out on his face as he exclaimed "Rayquaza…!" and the next second, he fell to his knees.

The Legendary let his golden, ethereal eyes lingered upon the human form. The silver head looked clearly exhausted and something about him made the giant lizard curious, awakening some sense of déjà-vu in his sleepy memory.

Who are you? And what are you doing here?

The human stuttered, "I- I came here to awake you! I know that I shouldn't be the one to be here but It was my duty and currently, Hoenn, what am I saying? The world! are in grave danger! Both Groudon and Kyogre are fighting each other, the way you had foretold millennials ago!"

"You're chosen, May, is currently trying to tame their fury until you come to seal them once again, but, i-it already been more than ten hours and I-I feared that s-she couldn't handle it for a too long time…!"

"Please…!" he begged, "We need your help!"

Rayquaza had closed his eyes while the human was talking, memories of an old-vision coming back to his mind.

In fact, he clearly remembered seeing the silver head in it and he knew that the human wasn't lying. What was his name, by the way? Ah yes,

Thank you for coming here, Steven, and the human gasped at the Legendary, stunned to hear that he knew his name, And even if I would have wanted to talk a little, I dread that now is not the moment.

Unwrapping his giant body, Rayquaza made a movement toward Steven, Now, climb onto my back so we can go as fast as we can.

"What…," he asked, still dumbfounded, "But I-I thought that-"

Do you want to walk all the way to Sootopolis, maybe?

The Champion quickly shut his mouth, "N-no! Certainly no! I, uh… Fine"

Oce the human was on his back, Rayquaza let out a loud roar as his body was enveloped in blinding light. The next moment, his body had changed.

He had Mega Evolved! thought Steven in astonishment, but he didn't have the time to dwell on it as he had to take a good hold Rayquaza to not fall from his back, as the giant pokemon flew straight to the sky (but not too high so that Steven wouldn't faint from lack of oxygen). Then, they were on their way to Sootopolis.

It didn't take them a too long time to reach the center of the cyclone, Rayquaza natural talent withdrawing the violent storm and the unbearable heat on his wake. From his perch, Steven could saw all the devastation that the two legendaries had caused, and he hoped that it wouldn't be worse than what he actually feared.

Then, he spotted them, Groudon and Kyogre, still fighting each other, even if they seemed to struggle against an invisible will.

And in the center of this living hell, Steven saw May small form glowing in green. As they approached her, being only a few meters of the young woman, the Champion could see her raising weakly her head to them. A relieved smile bloomed on her tired face and she murmured, "You finally came…" before her body couldn't handle it anymore.

The green light faded from her body and she began to fall straight into the ocean.

Steven felt fear compressed his chest, and before he truly registered what he was doing, he had jumped after her. He quickly reached her, hugging her close to him in hope of protecting her from the deadly impact that was waiting for them.

He closed his eyes, sending one last prayer to Arceus before he felt being caught by something below him. Opening his eyes, his saw that it was Latios, the pokemon glaring at him

I hope next time you'll take your surrounding into account before you try to do something reckless ever again! Latias and I were ready to catch her before you jumped! You scared me as hell! Don't you ever dare to do something like that in the future! Sent Latios in a scolding tone inside his head

Steven had a nervous laugh at the pokemon scolding tone, "Sorry" he said, "My body acted before my mind registered the situation"

The blue pokemon huffed at him and the Champion felt May stirred in his hold, blinking, looking utterly lost.

"...? Steven…? Why are…?" she coughed a little, "Rayquaza…?"

The man nodded at her, brushing some strands of hair off of her face, "It's okay May, everything is going to be okay from now…"

And it was truly the case, as everything went at a fast pace. Once Rayquaza was sure that both humans were safe, he flew toward Kyogre and Groudon, letting out a loud roar which stop once and for all the two legendaries fight. They seemed to recoil at it, but Rayquaza didn't seem to have finished with them yet as he began to glow from an inner light, the two pokemon responding at him.

Soon, Groudon was the first to vanish, leaving behind it a small red orb which flew in the sky to Arceus knew where. Kyogre was a little more reluctant as he glances once more toward the humans' direction, his cold gaze lingered upon May who looked at him back. The pokemon seemed to nod at her before vanishing too.

Light exploded from where they were and dissolved into the sly in billions of tiny sparks. The storms stopped, the atmosphere cooled down to an acceptable heat and Steven let a relieved sigh out of his chest.

Rayquaza flew toward them before gazing at May, It's a pleasure to finally meet you, May.

The woman smiled weakly at him, "Likewise…"

The giant pokemon gave her an apologetic look, I saw what happened to you for the last fourteen years and I'm sorry that you had to live through such awful experiences…

She shook her head, "No need to apologize… You had no power over it and it's over for good now…" she leaned against Steven's chest, murmuring while closing her eyes, "I'm safe now…" and the next moment, she was out of cold.

Rayquaza looked down at her with a fond gaze before his golden eyes went to Steven's, As for you, young man… and the Champion swallowed at the serious tone in the pokemon voice…

Take good care of her…

The steel-haired man blinked at the legendary, and, smiling a little, said, "I will"

Rayquaza nodded in agreement, Good… Now, I shall go. I was asleep for a too long time, and it seems that I need to fix some stuff before going to sleep once again. He smiled at Steven, I don't have any prediction for a far away future in store for you, so everything should be alright from now.

I hope our path will cross again, with both of you… he finally said. Then, he flew toward the sky and disappear in a flash of green.

Latios was still floating gently in the air, Latias by his side, looking both relieved and worried for May's well being as she seemed deep in sleep.

"Latios, can we go to Ever Grande City? Her father and friends are there and we could take her to the League medical center from there…" he said, and the Legendary nodded. Sure.

And then, they leave Sootopolis's sea behind them.

oOoOoOoOo

Five months later

oOoOoOoOo

When May's eyes snapped open, she was still breathing heavily from the nightmares she just had. By her side, her mother was stroking gently her hair in a soothing motion.

Her mother.

It had been a little weird for May to realize that she had a family now. When she had woke up after Hoenn's near destruction, she almost had been killed by Daria powerful embrace, as the young woman supposed that Norman had told his wife about his little discovery. Still, they had to run a few tests, but it only had been a matter of weeks before the results came back as positive.

One month after the end of Kyogre and Groudon battle, she had moved to Littleroot town, in her parent house. Norman and Daria had prepared a room for and even if it was plain, she had cried for a half hour in gratitude.

And for the following months, a lot of tears had been shed, for the lost time, those moments that were lost forever, for every scar that had marked her body, but also tears for the new happiness she had found, the fact she was not alone anymore. They had bond quickly, all things considered, and even if his job as a Gym Leader, Norman made sure to be home each night so that he could spend time with his wife and daughter, and Daria told May it was because it had happened for him to not came back home for several days, because of his duty as Gym Leader.

So yes, things may have been awkward at first, but now, it was easier for her to call Norman 'Dad' and Daria 'Mom'. That's also why, even at eighteen years old, she didn't mind her mother coming to comfort her. And so, she let herself cry in her mother arms before sleep claimed its hold on her once again.

She had been diagnosticated of PTSD, and she knew that things wouldn't be totally normal for her before a long time. Moreover, her reappearance had caught the media attention, but she did her best to avoid them and, after two months, they grew tired and stopped chasing her around.

May also had to respond about the event of the Battle Resort Tournament, but in the end, she wasn't charged for anything. As for Brazgot and the community, May didn't want to know, but Steven had assured her they won't be a problem for anyone for a long time.

Speaking of the Champion, she didn't get the chance to talk to him since she had moved in with her parents. His duty as Hoenn's Champion didn't leave him enough time to visit her. And even if she had to say she was a little disappointed, she truly understood his reasons (but that didn't stop her heart to ache for the safety that the man brought to her).

She talked about him once to her parents, she told them everything, and even admitted that she loved him in the end, and they had simply smiled at her, telling that if fate wanted them to be together one day, then they'll surely cross path one day or another.

But then again, for the moment it was about her rebuilding her life in a good way.

And slowly, but surely, May began to take a new start in life.

oOoOoOoOo

Her nineteenth birthday was a small affair, her parents, Wally, Professor Birch and his son Brendan. They had eaten a 'special May diner', as her mother like to call it, basically being all the young woman's favorite dishes with, in the end, a chocolate cake made by her father, who had a certain knack in cooking.

Then came to gifts part. May was a little uneasy about the fact of receiving things from people without giving back something else, but, in the end, she accepted them. From Wally, she received a new bag and from Brendan a pair of sneakers. Her parents gave her the latest edition of the PokéNav, with all the options!- and from the Professor Birch a brand new Pokedex.

Wait, what?

Her dumbfounded expression made her father laugh, "Listen, honey, we know that you care a lot for your pokemon, we have seen you acted with your team. And we know that you're happy with the way your life is now but.." then it was Daria who continued,

"But we have seen the longing in your eyes… You carve for adventure and, as the Battle resort wasn't a true experience, we thought that maybe you should go on a Pokemon Journey…"

May blinked at them. It was true that she wanted to travel but she had felt guilty about the simple idea of leaving. She was back at home since for a little more than a year and she didn't want to go away as soon as she was back on her feet.

When she spoke, her eyes were full of tears, "But… That means that I'll have to leave you… But I here for so little time…! I…!"

"It's okay, honey," said Norman while putting a hand on her own, "You lived your all life under harsh condition, never getting the chance to taste freedom. And even if we are happy to have you back in our lives, we can see that you want to travel too, see the world, meet other people, and you have all the rights to carve for that." he chuckled a little, "And, to be honest, I'm not too worried about your well being. You prove yourself worthy and strong enough so that the idea of you going on a pokemon journey!"

"Beside" add her mother, "Is not like we won't see each other again! As soon as one of your pokemon learned Fly move, I hoped that you'll come back home to spend some time with us!"

"And you won't be alone," said Wally, "Brendan and I will be by your side to help you too! And you have already friends that just wanted to see you again too!" he added, a slight hint in his tone letting May knew that he was referring to a very certain person.

Still, she cried from joy at the simple idea of going on an adventure.

And the next week, her bag on her shoulder, her six pokeballs at her belt, spare money, and food with her, she waved goodbye to her Mother and Father, and her Pokemon journey truly began.

oOoOoOoOo

It took her a little more than one year to collect all the badges. She had known ups and downs with her pokemon team. The Gym Leaders had looked quite pleased to see her once again, and even if the battle were not as powerful than the ones they had back at the Battle Resort, May had enjoyed every bit of them.

But from her travel, she got the chance to meet a lot of wonderful people, she crossed path with Zinnia at the Meteor Falls and even had the chance to try her hand at Pokemon Contest. She also filled her Pokedex with information about pokemon and was delighted to see her's evolved while they got stronger and stronger.

Still, she didn't get the chance to see Steven while traveling through Hoenn, but hope didn't leave her, as she knew for sure that he'll be waiting for her at the end of the road.

When Wallace handed her last badge, he had said in a quick, conspirationing voice, "You should hurry, he's waiting for you for a long time, you know?"

"I know" she had said with a cryptic smile, "Me too".

Two days later, after a quick stop at her parent's home, she was at Ever Grande City.

The Elite Four was truly a challenge, but she defeated each of them with a strong determination, her faith in her pokemon unwavering. When she passed Drake, she could hear him chuckle and said something about youth, but she didn't turn around to ask him what he was talking about.

The corridor to the Champion Chambers was made of marble and seemed to stretch indefinitely, still, she reached the other side in no time. She let out a deep breath before pushing the heavy doors.

Illuminating by the light pouring from the window, Steven Stone was there, his back turned toward her, looking thoughtful. When he heard her footsteps coming closer, he turned slowly toward her and, with a smile that sent her heart flipping in her chest, said, "I was waiting for you, May."

She smiled at him, a glint enlightening her eyes as her own hand flew to her waist. She didn't dare to say anything, fearing her voice to failed her. Steven, on the other, seemed to understand clearly what her purpose was. His smile grew even more as he drew his own Pokeball in his own hand.

oOoOoOoOo

When Steven last pokemon fell to the ground, May hardly believed that she had won. But Steven's clasping hands brought her back to reality as the ex-Champion climb down the stairs to come at her side.

The battle had left her breathless as she had poured all her determination, her feelings in it, and she clearly had felt that Steven had done the same.

"Congratulations, new Champion of Hoenn," he said solemnly, a light enlightening the silver blue colors of his eyes, and May drowned in them. She smiled shyly to him, "I suppose it's a title I should get used to now?" and he chuckled back, "You'll see, it's not as bad as it sounds, plus you won't be alone…" He winked at her and then extended a hand to her, "Shall we?" he asked, and she slid her smaller one in his, and Steven squeezed gently her fingers.

They reached a backdoor which led toward a wide room in which she could see her reflection on the ground, « The Hall of Fame », had said Steven. In front of her was a big device with six little holes, for her to put her pokeballs in them.

Steven explained to her what was the device purpose, she barely listened to him, as her hand was still in his, and the simple touch sent jolt in all her body. Once he had finished, he released her, and she put her pokeballs inside the device. She could see lines of code being uploaded inside the computer and then, there was a shimmering tune, officializing her position as Hoenn's new Champion.

Her heart was filled with pride for her pokemon as she reached for her pokeballs, hooking them to her belt once again, her hands shaking, overflowed by emotions.

"May…" murmured Steven in her back, and she turned toward him.

The ex-Champion looked lost, and the young woman could clearly see in his eyes that he was lacking words, "I wanted to… There's something I need to say but…"

A faint red taint was coloring the man's cheeks and May felt her owns warmed as his eyes locked with hers. Steven looked determinate, but still, words were failing him.

May's heart was beating wildly in her chest, but she knew what she wanted to say too. But words were caught at the tip of her tongue too, so she decided to not use words. She took three steps toward the man, who stopped in his sentence, looking at her with a surprised expression.

She bit the inside of her cheek, cursing herself for such forwardness, and grabbed his red's jabot, tugging him downward, and pressed her lips on his.

She felt astonishment rippled through the other one's body and, as he didn't move for a whole second, the young woman thought she had made the wrong choice.

When she released her grasp on him to pull back, she was surprised to feel his hands cupped her face, deepening the kiss she had initiated.

Butterflies were dancing in her chest and everything felt, once again, right. She had her arms wrapped around Steven's neck as one of his was around her waist, the other behind her neck, his fingers lost in her growing hair.

A few minutes passed before they had to stop the kiss because of lack of air. Still, their foreheads were still touching each other, their breath blending with the other, a smile on their lips.

"May…?"

"Yes?"

"I love you…"

She smiled, "I love you too…" she murmured.

Then, they kissed once again for Arceus knew how long, but it didn't matter for May.

She was happy and safe. She had a family, friends, an amazing team and someone she loved, and who loved her back.

And even if her life had been a tough one, she wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

Because her life was perfect the way it was now.

She was happy, and it was all that mattered at this moment.

~End~

A/N Latios and Latias are very smart pokemon, can understand the human language, communicate with them through telepathy or send a mental picture in someone's mind, so normally, this shouldn't surprise you! ;)

Thank you so much for reading! Leave a review, the author always enjoy them! ^^

I hope I'll get the chance to write again for the Pokemon fandom!

Until then!