This is the last thing I'm writing in the year 2009 . . . omg time flies. :D

In the present, everyone was cheering as the disco ball on the top of the Guild was slowly descending. The countdown had started, and in ten seconds the new year would begin.

"Ten!"

In the future, at what would have been that very day if there was still flowing time, two Pokemon and a human were running for their lives. Their own countdown had begun, but it wasn't for a celebration–it was for their very lives.

"Nine!"

Guildmaster Wigglytuff was eating his Perfect Apples as Chatot went around the crowd, chatting up a storm. The pink Pokemon smiled at the sight, wondering how all of his friends were doing.

"Eight!"

The pink forest spirit turned to Grovyle and shouted quickly, "We don't have much time!"

"Seven!"

Lady Weavile scowled at the little tyke that grabbed her arm hopefully and grumbled, "Hey, lay off!" Her teammates snickered at her predicament, enjoying her torture while they could.

"Six!"

Suddenly, a Sableye grabbed the human's foot and tripped her, and she cried out, "Grovyle!" They were trying to drag her back to their insane master, for cruel torture – or worse.

Celebi turned around and gasped. "No!"

"Five!"

"This'll be great," the Rhyperior commented, smiling at the Gallade as he kept a close eye on Team AWD. They were known for getting into trouble, so he had to make sure everything would go as the Guildmaster had planned.

"Four!"

"I've got you!" Grovyle snatched her hand and jerked her back onto her feet, losing the minions quickly as they raced towards the portal Celebi was conjuring. She concentrated all of her power to do it as quickly as she could.

"Three!"

The leader of Team Tasty looked to his Wurmple teammate and smiled. "Tonight's great, isn't it?" He received a nervous nod in return.

"Two!"

"Wait, Grovyle!" The pink forest sprite held out a paw before the lizard could jump into the portal after their human companion, and when he turned to look at her she gave him a quick kiss. "Be careful."

"One!"

"THIS YEAR'LL BE BETTER THAN THE LAST," Loudred shouted happily as everyone held their breath for that one moment before the ball touched the roof.

"Go, now!" Celebi, a bittersweet smile on her face, pushed Grovyle backwards into portal and waved sadly as he gasped in shock. The last thing he saw before being sent back in time was the sprite shining a bright light on the minions as they cringed away from it. She was so brave . . .

"Happy New Year!"

Pokemon threw up scarves and blew party blowers and cheered joyously at the occasion, starting the party that would last well into the morning.

And the portal in time shut behind Celebi, leaving her with only the hope and faith that her Grovyle–her sweet, sweet Grovyle–and their friend would make it back in one piece.

Happy New Year, everybody!

Lots of dragon-y love (and cookies!),
~DL ("Dragon Lover")