(SUPER-LONG AUTHOR'S NOTE AHEAD!)

A/N: Ah, the irony is with me. XP

Well, after making it clear that this story was not over, I do not come back to this in months. I nearly even forgot about it, accursed me. But after such a long time, I have finally decided to give myself the time to get this over with. However, because of how long it took me to get back on it, plus all of the stuff that's going on with me in real life (namely college and my other stories), I have decided to make this the final chapter of the story.

Yes, that's right, the final, I repeat, the FINAL chapter.

Now, why'd I make this decision? Honestly, if I made this the second-to-last chapter or something along those lines, I know for a fact that I wouldn't be able to get back on it just like I did now and that I'd eventually discontinue it again. Believe me, I've previously gone through multiple attempts at writing this chapter (with the mindset that there were a couple more to go) and they all ended in failure. And besides, if it took me this long to update the story just like I promised, then I'd hate to imagine what would happen to this story if I continued on for another couple of chapters. I might lose my patience and just delete it, for all I know! And I'd hate to do that to everyone, not after this rocky series of events that plagued this story's final moments.

So yeah, I'm decided. This is the final chapter of the story, and it might not be the best ending I've come up with. Probably far from it. I'm sure I will have left many plot holes and character arcs unresolved, and I don't like that, but what else can I do? If people were expecting some more cool stuff to happen, I'm sorry, but I really did try every other way to get back on this, and finally, this option presented itself when every other one has failed. On the bright side, I put all of my heart and soul into this one, and I did my best to make sure it's at least a read you can look at from start to finish.

Anyway, I think the biggest problem with the story was that it was too ambitious. I made a lot of things happen in such a short amount of chapters and I think I should've had it more organized, like I'm trying to do now with "Judgment's Fall". And then, it became too much for me, and the XY anime came along at that same time. I hopped onto the AmourShipping train and never came back, which led to me abandoning this for that long period of time.

Now, I'm not saying I hated this story. I loved it, and I still do. I know I had something really good going on. I guess I just got carried away with what I had in my hands, and I didn't control my rampant imagination well enough to give the story all the organization it needed. Plus, the timing of the story was a bit bad. I mean, I probably should've known that I'd lose interest in this when the XY saga came along midway into the story. So yeah, I guess that's what happened.

Anyway, onto better news, I'm definitely going to make a spiritual successor to this. One that's more updated with the anime and definitely more organized. I already have some good ideas going on in my head right now, and I think I'm going to settle on one soon. However, I'm afraid that story will have to wait for a while. Ideally, it should be published sometime after the newly-announced "Pokémon: Sun and Moon" games come out. I think it's a bit appropriate for me to avoid another fiasco like this one.

Alright, I'm rambling, sorry. On with the long-awaited final chapter! ENJOY!

Edit: Had to remove some certain song lyrics to prevent myself from being blocked.

"Welcome to another Johto TV newscast, fellow citizens of Johto! Back to our main story.

"One month after the disaster at Ketchum City, during the Ketchum Month Tournament of all things, the city still only has a fraction of its area fully repaired and cleared of the ice that encases it. At this point, it's becoming clear that the Ketchum Month Tournament will not be able to commence. Despite Mayor Zander Harrington's remarks of optimism, rumors of the tournament's cancellation are abound among the general public. Many tourists have already left Silver Town in anticipation. And Mayor Harrington has never seen lower approval ratings. Something tells me someone will be resigning soon.

"The last of the trials for all members of the new Sky Soldier group that carried out the failed attack on Ho-Oh are expected to conclude by the following week. A vast majority of the members all pleaded guilty to the charges against them. This included the group's leader Felix Ketchum, the adopted son of Wayne Ketchum, leader of the original Sky Soldiers, thought to have been deceased for ten years following his participation in the climactic battle at Mt. Silver. Felix was the first to receive his sentence, which was life imprisonment in a secluded prison, much like his father. Authorities have assured the public that there are no additional Sky Soldiers out there, and that the world is safe from harm.

"And finally, there is still no official word on how Ho-Oh was able to recover from the grievous injuries it suffered during the attack on it at the stadium. Even investigators are baffled by the sudden but miraculous turn of events. Some have said the Rainbow Pokémon received some sort of assistance from the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram, Zekrom, and/or Kyurem, who were all seen at the city during the events. Others claimed a person knowledgeable in Ho-Oh's legend and in possession of a Rainbow Wing used said Rainbow Wing to heal it. And even more others claim there may have been an Aura Guardian like Ash Ketchum was in the vicinity and decided to do the noble thing. However, as I said before, the true story has not been told, which makes all of those theories nothing more than what they already are. Theories.

"In fact, we may never know what truly happened when the world nearly ended a month ago. However, this reporter likes to think that somehow, a hero rose from our ranks and saved the day. Just like Ash Ketchum did. And I think that he would've been proud of that person, whoever he or she is."

Olivine City
The Johto region
A month after the return of Ash Ketchum
(Third-Person POV)

Ash cracked a small smile as he, Pikachu, and Lucario watched the TV set at the corner of the ceiling of the café they were sitting in. Ash had finally abandoned his shabby, aged clothing and was now wearing more modest clothes, consisting of a dark-blue short-sleeved shirt, a buttoned black leather vest, dark-blue pants, dark-blue boots, and a large dark-blue hat, which covered his face well enough so other people wouldn't recognize him. In fact, a waitress approached his table to give him his tray of food; she gave him a flirtatious wink that went unnoticed.

"So," he said, "they never told the public that I'm still alive." He chuckled briefly before leaning against his seat. "That's good."

"How so, Master?" asked Lucario.

For once, Ash didn't flinch at being called by that title. "I think my continued existence has been known to enough people. And it seems like my friends understand that I need the space. And my son as well."

"Pikapi," Pikachu piped, "pika-pika, pikachu?"

"Do I miss them?" Ash shrugged. "Of course not. After distancing myself from society for ten years, barring myself from any human contact, I've learned how to get by life without missing my friends." He then looked down at his empty teacup with a solemn expression. "But I do miss him."

"Nate?" Lucario asked.

"Yes. The fact that I have a son...really surprised me. I guess that one night with Hilda bore unexpected fruit." He looked back up at Lucario. "Predetermination sure has a funny way of making things happen. If Hilda hadn't met me, she wouldn't have met N. If she hadn't met N, she wouldn't have befriended him. If she hadn't done that, she wouldn't have grieved over his death. If she hadn't grieved, I wouldn't have...heh. Well, you know the rest."

"Pika-pika, pika-pikachu chu-pi pika-chu pika," said Pikachu.

"Yeah, and Nate wouldn't have helped me save the world. Again. I guess that's one good thing about predetermination." Ash sighed. "Anyway, yeah. I miss him."

"You would've been an excellent father, Master," replied Lucario.

"You're telling me that, after I gave my son a real beating during our first official meeting? After I tried to shoot down his childhood aspirations?"

"But your heart is still in the right place. Had the circumstances been different, you would've raised your son to be a fine man, and a finer person."

"Heh. But I don't know the first thing about parenting. First off, I was always so caught up in becoming a Pokémon Master that I never considered my future after that. I especially never thought about becoming a father, especially since I grew up without a father to call my own." Ash looked out of the café window. "Secondly, I spent these last ten years in unbearable pain and agony, emotions that cannot be easily overcome. I wouldn't have done much good in raising him now." His eyes narrowed slightly. "It was a good thing I decided to leave him."

"But you will see him again, right Master?"

"Heh, Of course. There's no way I'm gonna miss out on Nate's growth and maturation, now that I know of his connection to me." He chuckled. "I'd particularly like to know if he'll be a better father than I ever would be." The raven-haired man sighed heavily. "But for now, it's time for me to start moving."

"Pika-pika?" Pikachu asked.

"I don't know, buddy. Anywhere. Everywhere if I have to. There's no doubt the world has changed in the past decade. Who knows? Maybe I might find happiness and closure in this new world that we are in."

"But one cannot begin a journey without making a first step." Lucario leaned forward on the table. "So...have you decided our first step, Master?"

"Well..." Ash placed his chin on his palm. "We're all no longer under Arceus's watch. There's no need to hide anymore. No need for planning every step we take, weigh every chance that is before us. We're free to do whatever we wish." His gaze became more intense. "So...to be honest, Lucario...you don't have to stay with me anymore. You're strong and fully evolved; you can survive without me-"

"No, Master," interrupted Lucario. "I will stay by your side till the very end. You rescued me during a time of great need, and I have yet to repay you."

"You already repaid me, Lucario, by being my companion, and my friend."

"That alone does not satisfy me, Master. I will continue to follow you wherever you go, even to the very end of the world if I must." He bowed his head loyally. "So please, describe your next course of action, and I shall follow you without any hesitation."

Ash blinked in surprise at the Aura Pokémon's reaction. Then, a smile formed upon his lips as he realized that Lucario was set on this goal and there was nothing he could do to persuade him otherwise. With a heavy exhale, he glanced back at the TV set, watching as the anchorman switched to a different story.

"And you're not going alone," a new voice piped.

"That voice..." Ash thought.

Surprised by this new and unexpected arrival, he looked up to identify the person who approached him. His eyes widened in shock.

"Dawn?"

"Pikaka?" added an equally shocked Pikachu.

The blue-haired woman's smile widened, her eyes glittering with intense emotion. She clasped her hands over her heart.

"Did you really think that after realizing you were alive, I wouldn't try to go out and find you?" she asked.

Ash blinked in shock, then he sighed heavily and looked away. "You shouldn't be here, Dawn," he moaned.

Her lips pursed. "I do, Ash. No matter what your excuse is, I had every right to move heaven and Earth to find you and reunite with you, after so long." Her eyes then softened. "You're alive, Ash. You've been alive for ten years, and you didn't even bother to contact us, any of us, not even once. We're your friends, Ash! Always have and always will be! Did you not trust us?!"

Ash gave her a bitter glare. "Is that what you think happened?!" he snapped, startling not only Dawn, but everyone else in the café. "Is that why you're telling me off right now?! You thought it was about trust?! Didn't Nate tell you the whole story?!"

"No!"

The raven-haired man was briefly silent. "Well, I guess he withheld details out of respect for my need of privacy. He definitely is my son." He exhaled sharply. "It wasn't about trust, Dawn. I trust you guys, and I always will. It's just..." He looked away from her, the brim of his hat bringing his eyes into shadow. "It's just that I couldn't bear to look at you guys in the eye anymore. Not without remembering what happened so long ago..."

"Ash..." She looked at Lucario, a bit intimidated by his presence. "Is...Is it okay if I, uh, sit down?"

"If it's alright with my Master," Lucario replied courteously. He looked at Ash. "Master? What say you?"

"Does it look like I have a choice?" asked Ash sarcastically.

Dawn pursed her lips again, but moved to sit down. Lucario scooted closer to Ash, so the Aura Pokémon was now sitting between his master and the young blue-haired Coordinator. Pikachu also hopped off Ash's shoulder and sat next to Lucario, watching apprehensively.

"So," Ash began, looking straight into Dawn's eyes, "how's your mom?"

Dawn blinked in puzzlement at the sudden change in topic, then replied, "She's...She's well. She's living peacefully back in Twinleaf Town. She's got Glameow and Umbreon keeping her company."

"When's the last time you talked to her?"

She blinked again. "Why does it matter to you?"

"Just answer the question."

"Ash-"

Ash's tone was more serious. "Answer the damn question."

"Three months. Ash, what-"

"Was that meeting in person, or by the phone?"

"By the phone, Ash. I don't see your point-"

"So, judging from your answers, you haven't moved on either."

"Moved on from what, Ash?"

"Oh, I believe you know the answer to that, Dawn."

The woman stood up from her chair abruptly and slammed her palms on the table, startling the employees and other patrons.

"My father has nothing to do with this!" she shouted.

Ash's eyes widened in complete surprise. "Your father? Or do you mean Saturn?"

"Ash-" began Dawn hesitantly.

"The guy who believed that destroying the Universe and creating a new one in its place would rectify all the flaws of the world?" There was a venomous look in Ash's auburn eyes. "Are you actually telling me that you've accepted him as your father, Dawn?"

Realizing what she just revealed to him, Dawn sat back down and replied softly, "Yes."

The man chuckled and shook his head. "I don't believe this!"

"You don't understand, Ash. He started sending me letters out of the blue, a few years ago. He kept begging me to visit him in prison, just once. At first, I refused, but after a while, I realized that I had to confront this last, biggest demon in my life. So, I went there and saw him. He said he didn't expect me to forgive him for what he did, but that he wanted to get a second chance."

"Isn't that the same thing?" Ash asked.

"A second chance at life," elaborated Dawn. "One in prison, but a second chance, nonetheless. He wanted me to know that he was highly considering it."

"And what did you think about that?"

"There wasn't much to think about. I told him there was no need to worry, and I left. I haven't heard from him since. But that encounter motivated me to move on with my life as well. I don't talk to my mom often because, well, I didn't tell her I was gonna visit my dad. When she finally found out, it left a sour aftertaste in our relationship."

"Damn, quoting Cilan now, are we?"

"It doesn't matter, Ash. What I'm trying to say is that there is a chance for you to move on as well."

"I am aware of that! Why do you think I've been moving around for this past month?!"

"Without bothering to tell us in person that you're alive, without using your son?"

Ash looked away. "Baby steps are always the hardest." He closed his auburn eyes. "And I think it's going to take a long time before I start walking on my own. Dawn, saving the world is one thing. But seeing the people you care about the most die in front of you in the process...that's another." He opened his eyes and looked back at her. "You know, when I was lying low, for the past decade, I wondered if I really did save the world."

"But you did, Ash."

"But when you save the world...when you become a hero, there's this connotation that you save everyone and everything with it. ...Dawn, I didn't save everyone and everything. I lost people I cared about. Lots of Pokémon died. This time...I couldn't save everyone and everything."

"But you saved everyone and everything this time, Ash. No one died in last month's disaster."

"But that hasn't brought Professor Oak, Riley, and my mother back from the dead, has it? That hasn't brought back anyone from the first disaster, huh?"

"I guess not..."

Silence fell upon the table for minutes, though it seemed like an eternity to Ash and Dawn. Finally, Ash took the steaming cup of coffee that was sitting on his tray and took a sip out of it. He then placed the cup back down, a disgusted look on his face.

"Damn," he muttered. "Is this what adults like to drink? It tastes freaking awful. No wonder it gets them up in the morning like the snap of a finger."

"I recommend tea," replied Dawn softly. "It's much sweeter. It should suit you better."

"Naturally. ...Heh. After all this time, you still remember how much I liked sweets."

"Of course I remember every single thing about you, Ash. You're the one who helped me through a period of growth. You're my friend."

Ash arched an eyebrow. "Probably even more than that?"

Dawn blushed and looked away. "I don't know what you're talking about, Ash..."

"Come on, Dawn, I'm no longer oblivious to those kinds of things. I pieced it together a while back. You definitely had a thing for me...and judging by that look on your face, you still have it." He chuckled. "I betcha this wasn't the kind of romantic confession scene you were expecting."

Dawn's blush intensified. "So what if I am?" she asked, trying her hardest to sound stubborn, but she was failing at it.

"Well, you have grown into a fine young woman." Ash promptly scanned her entire form from head to toe with a smirk that would've repulsed any other woman, but Dawn kept her cool. "If the circumstances were different, I certainly would have fallen head over heels for you."

"So does this mean you haven't fallen for me?..."

Ash's expression softened. "To be honest, I don't know. I obviously didn't have much time to think about romance, now did I?"

"But now...are you?..."

Silence fell upon their table. Pikachu and Lucario shifted awkwardly in their positions. Ash's eyes bored holes into Dawn's, and Dawn's eyes bored holes into Ash's. They could feel some sort of spark between them, small but possibly essential for something greater. As they continued to focus on each other, the world all around them began to fade away to them. Nothing seemed important to them in that moment; not Pikachu, not Lucario, not the café, not even the tray of food sitting before Ash.

It was just them.

Then...

"Even if I am," Ash replied, "I can't focus on that. I have more...important matters to attend to. Such as moving on. I may have saved the world this time, but that alone isn't what I need to forget everything that happened during the first disaster. It's just unfeasible for me. And if I just...love someone, right here, right now, then I'll only see the pain and suffering I experienced so long ago. That just can't happen, Dawn. Not now. I'm sorry."

"Oh." Dawn looked down at the table. "Then...when do you think will be a good time...for you to finally move on? To finally love someone without seeing pain and suffering?"

"I don't know. I guess I'll just know when it happens."

"Even if it takes forever?"

"Even if it takes forever."

Dawn's blue eyes began to shimmer with tears, but she refused to let Ash see them. She just couldn't.

Ash continued, "I know you're crying, Dawn. It's not like I don't like you or anything. I think you're beautiful. But I also think you deserve better-"

He was interrupted by Dawn, who glared back up at him with angry, but also determined eyes.

"You are all I deserve, Ash!" she cried. "There is no one else I can love but you! You were always there to help me whenever I had problems with Contests. You were always so brave and inspiring, someone I could look up to. You were always...you. And-And I know it's gonna be hard for you to move on, to-to find peace and then settle down to live a normal life, but I don't care! I will keep loving you! I will keep striving for my next goal, and that is to win your heart! And I will follow you wherever you go, even to the very end of the world if I must, whether you like it or not! Because who knows? Maybe I can help you find the happiness and closure you've wanted! Maybe...I'm the key to your happiness and closure!"

"I don't think it's that simple, Dawn..." replied Ash softly.

"Well, I don't care! I love you, Ash Ketchum! I always have and I always will! And I want you to know that!"

Realizing she had spoken too loud, the blue-haired Coordinator looked around, expecting everyone to be looking at her with puzzled looks, and maybe even being shocked of hearing Ash's name. However, she noticed that everyone was still engaged in their private conversations and eating the food and drinks they ordered, as if it was another ordinary day in the café.

"I could tell you were going to scream," piped Ash. "So I set up a small force-field of Aura around our table. To the people on the outside, we're just another happy couple eating the food we ordered."

"Oh, yeah. ...I almost forgot you knew how to use Aura, Ash."

"Yeah, thanks to Riley, Arceus rest his soul."

Silence fell upon their table yet again before it was finally broken by Ash.

"So...you really do love me."

"Yes," replied Dawn affirmatively.

"And you really want to accompany me on my journey."

"Yes."

"To find happiness and closure, no matter how hard it may be."

"Yes."

"Even if it takes me to the very end of the world."

"If that's what it takes."

"...Even if it takes forever?"

"Even if it takes forever."

Ash blinked in surprise. "Well...I guess that means I won't be able to talk you out of it."

"Damn right you won't." Dawn's lips curled into a small smile. "Does this mean you'll allow me to come along with you?"

"No."

Dawn's eyes widened in surprise. This wasn't the answer she was expecting!

"But-But you just said-" she began.

"You're gonna have to be at the top of your game if you wanna catch up with me."

And with that, Ash smiled that smile. Dawn knew it all too well. It was the same smile he used to give everyone, a smile that radiated confidence, inspiration, and youth in their purest forms. The same smile that brightened everyone's day and told them that everything was going to be alright. When she put more thought into it, Dawn realized the smile matched the one Nate gave her and the others when they reunited with him, in the minutes following Ho-Oh's brush with death.

"Wow...I guess he really is Nate's father," she thought. Then, the Coordinator gave him her trademark smile and asked, "Oh, is that a challenge I'm hearing, Ash?"

"Oh, you're damn right it is, Dawn," replied Ash confidently. "It's a challenge."

"Well then, consider this challenge accepted, Ash Ketchum."

The two chuckled, while Pikachu and Lucario smiled happily, relieved that the meeting didn't end in some sort of misfortune. Then, Ash snapped his fingers, and Dawn felt some subtle, otherworldly force subside. The raven-haired man then raised his hand, beckoning the waitress over to their table.

"What may I get for you, sir?" she asked. Dawn noticed a twinkle in her eye, and she instantly felt a pang of jealousy.

"Yeah," Ash replied. "Uh, can you get some tea for the both of us?"

The waitress then looked at Dawn, and the twinkle quickly faded from her eyes. Within Dawn, the feeling of jealousy was replaced by one of pride and joy.

"Yes, yes, of course..." the woman said glumly as she turned around, leaving Ash, Dawn, Pikachu, and Lucario alone.

"Master," Lucario piped, "it seems you have hurt the woman's feelings. I could sense the amorous emotions she harbored towards you."

"Relax, Lucario," replied Ash calmly. "She'll find someone else. There's billions of men out there; it honestly can't be the end of the world for her right now."

"If you insist..."

"But I guess when you find your soulmate," interjected Dawn, "you'll know."

"If you insist, Dawn. If you insist..." Then, Ash chuckled. "I guess she didn't ask what kind of tea we wanted."

"Well then, I guess it'll be a surprise for the both of us. After all, like a certain someone said, uncertainty is the essential key to life, and we must remember that."

"Lemme guess. Nate said that."

"No, actually. It was you."

Ash's eyes widened in surprise. "Me?"

"Yeah! You said it to Hilda, Hilbert, Iris, and Cilan moments before you were attacked by the original Sky Soldiers. Hilda told me the story behind that quote weeks after we thought you died at Mt. Silver." Dawn blinked. "Don't tell me you forgot about saying that quote!"

Ash blinked.

"As a matter of fact...I did..."

Then, he started laughing, causing Dawn to smile widely and dreamily.

"Maybe it'll be hard, Ash," she thought. "Maybe. But right now, I think you're getting the hang of it just fine."

It took several minutes until the waitress returned, carrying a tray holding two cups of steaming green tea. Ash and Dawn spent the next half-hour enjoying the beverage, along with the food Ash bought. Pikachu and Lucario also ate the Pokémon food that came as a side-dish. Dawn then went on to buy some food for herself, which was shared to everyone else. However, despite the joyous nature of the lunch, it was spent wholly in silence.

Finally, Ash was the one to break said silence, right after he took another sip of his green tea.

"This tea tastes damn good. Adults should use this more often than coffee."

"I told you, Ash," Dawn replied, smiling cheekily. "You've always been the biggest fan of sweets."

"True, true."

The quartet resumed eating their food, again in silence. After several more minutes, Lucario spoke up suddenly, a question filling his mind.

"So, Master, where shall we go first? Remember that it matters not which location you select for your liking. I will be behind you every step of the way."

"So will I!" exclaimed Dawn.

"Pika, pikachu!" chirped Pikachu.

Ash scanned his friends, who were all staring back at him with expectant looks. Then, he leaned back on his seat, pondering about his...their next step. He knew there were no other places in Johto he wanted to stop at; he, Pikachu, and Lucario spent the preceding month exploring every corner of that region. Kanto was next off his list, since there were a lot of memories waiting there, memories he wasn't ready to revisit just yet. The same went for Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova. At first, he strongly considered the Orange Islands, but then, he remembered his experiences with the Trial of the Soul so many years ago, and he didn't want to be reminded of that ever again. That left the only other option: traveling to another foreign region, one he had never visited before.

The question, though, was what new region were they going to visit first? He didn't exactly have the time to look up regions he had never heard of before, with Pokémon he thought never existed.

By chance, he glanced back towards the TV set attached to the corner of the ceiling. It was displaying a news report unrelated to the Ketchum City incident, which appeared to be about a faraway region he hadn't heard of before, beyond the lands of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova, coincidentally enough. As the report informed him more and more about this region, Ash's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

"So, Ash?" Dawn asked. "Where are we going?"

"Hmmm... Kalos looks like a nice place to start."

"Alright. So, Kalos it is! I'll look up flights or ships heading from Johto to Kalos right now."

Ash nodded in agreement, then took another sip of his green tea, all the while watching as Dawn took out her Pokétch and began typing on it, humming an unknown but merry tune to herself as she did so. Once he lowered his cup, he sighed in complete contentment.

"Huh. Maybe it was a good idea, deciding to bring Dawn along after all..."

Aspertia City
The Unova region
Almost one year ago
(Third-Person POV)

A flock of Swanna squawked joyously as they flew across the sky, passing over the streets and rooftops of Aspertia City. A young girl walking down the sidewalks with her mother laughed happily and pointed at the Flying-type Pokémon as they passed by them, while a bicyclist looked up and smiled in awe at the sight.

Nate, however, wasn't focused on the sight, which was a common occurrence in Aspertia. He was only focused on the path ahead, and what was waiting for him at the end of it. That was why he was running as fast as his two legs could carry him down the path, with Hugh by his side, both boys panting from the adrenaline and overjoyed from complete and uninhibited excitement. But then again, who wouldn't be excited from getting their first-ever Pokémon, after all?

"Okay!" Hugh shouted. "Let's go and get your Pokémon!"

Nate nodded and continued running with Hugh up the approaching staircase. In a matter of mere seconds, both boys reached the local lookout point viewing the nearby lake. Standing at the far-end corner was a young woman with blonde hair, who was facing away from them and staring upon the crystal-blue lake, almost longingly. She was wearing a green beret with a white bow, a white long-sleeved shirt, a black undershirt, an orange jacket, green pants, and orange shoes.

Nate decided to speak up, asking, "Are you Bianca?"

The woman turned around, revealing a pair of emerald-green eyes hidden behind red, half-moon-shaped glasses. The eyes seemed to brighten up when she saw Nate.

"Ah, yes I am!" she replied in a cheerful voice. "It's so nice to meet you!"

"Likewise," Hugh said. "Professor Juniper's letter said we'd be meeting you."

"Of course!" Bianca ran up to both boys while they stepped forward. "She and Cheren have both spoken very highly of you two! Especially you, Nate!" She looked at Nate, a twinkle present in her eye. "I can't wait to see what challenges lie ahead of you, and how you'll be able to overcome them as Pokémon Trainers!"

"Yeah, me neither," replied Nate, chuckling and rubbing the back of his head nervously.

Bianca giggled, then showed Nate and Hugh a pipe-shaped device. "TA-DA! The Pokémon that will be your partner is right in here!"

She pressed a green button on one end of the device, prompting a portion of said device to open up. White smoke immediately spewed out with a soft hiss, and once it cleared, Nate and Hugh were staring at a trio of shiny new Poké Balls.

"Whoa!" Nate exclaimed, his eyes wide in awe. "So these Poké Balls contain the starter Pokémon!"

"You got that right, Nate!" replied Bianca. "But I warn you, you'd better choose wisely! Because the one you pick will be your very first Pokémon, the one you have to be the most responsible for! Whether or not they get the starter Pokémon they want, rookie Trainers are always faced with the scary prospect of perfecting their training skills with that very Pokémon. There's a difference between training your starter Pokémon and any other Pokémon you capture down the road."

"Yes, I know. Cheren has always told me that."

"And know that Cheren's always right!" Then, Bianca smiled cheekily. "But no pressure!"

"Alright then, Nate," Hugh said. "You wanna pick your starter Pokémon first, or should I?"

"I thought we already decided that with a coin toss?" Nate asked, crossing his arms. "And I got heads?"

Hugh raised his hands jokingly. "Okay, okay. You're the boss, boss-man."

Nate rolled his eyes in response, then he redirected his gaze back to the three Poké Balls.

He never had a pre-planned choice for a starter Pokémon. All three of them sounded so appealing to him. Snivy, the Grass Snake Pokémon, which could move much faster if exposed to sunlight, and also photosynthesize by exposing their tails to sunlight. Tepig, the Fire Pig Pokémon, which could blow fire out of its nostrils and had an affinity for roasting and eating berries. And Oshawott, the Sea Otter Pokémon, which could use the scalchop on its stomach as a blade for battling and also prying open hard shells. Nate couldn't pinpoint which one of them was more awesome over the others. And to make things worse for him, none of the Poké Balls were marked, so as a result, he would be picking his starter Pokémon at random.

Upon making that realization, Nate became worried. What if he was unable to bond with the starter Pokémon he picked? What if training it was more difficult than he ever anticipated? What if he was a failure as a Pokémon Trainer? What if...?

"Yo, dude!" Hugh shouted, interrupting Nate's thoughts. "Quit staring and start picking! We haven't got all day, ya know!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" replied Nate. "I'm just...just..."

"Having a hard time deciding?" Bianca completed. Her smile widened. "It's okay, Nate. Just pick out one from the three randomly!"

"But-But what if-?"

"You don't have to worry about anything, Nate. If what Cheren and Professor Juniper said about you is true, then you'll be a great Pokémon Trainer, no matter what difficulties lie ahead of you! Just make your pick, and everything else should be laid out for you from here on out!"

"Alright..." Nate replied hesitantly. He looked down at the Poké Balls, which were all glinting in the sunlight. They were all beckoning him to reach out and take one as his own, but if only he knew which option would be the best for his career as a Trainer. After all, he wanted to be the best like no one ever was, like Ash Ketchum...

He held out his hand, directing it towards the Poké Balls.

"Here goes nothing!"

A/N: I told you, probably not the best ending I could come up with. I was thinking about continuing with more, but as I've been working on this chapter for months now, with my progress rate equating to the speed of a snail, I nearly abandoned this again. At that point, I just decided to end it right here and now. Yes, there are no doubt plot-holes left behind, but considering this story was nearing its end, I decided to finish up as much as I could and make do. And thus, here we are!

I know it could've ended a little bit better, but this is the best I could do on a story like this, and I couldn't have been any more prouder of the outcome. Worst-case scenario, I could've deleted it, and thank Arceus it didn't come down to that.

I'd like to thank the following for taking the time to read this:

-Galaxina-the-Seedrian

-Alpha B. A. 7

-Marissa Flynn

-DarkJumper

-x-AZTEC-x

-ampplaca1

-Bezerker21

-Lighting-Squall

-Ky111

-random girlz

-The Totem

-HP-DG-SB-NR-RR-AG-TD-KB-HA-AJ

-Sandgem

-Cheshide

-PsychicEevee0103

-masterofthez

-Blackweylyn

-iwannaread000

-ThirteenMoney

-jg13145

-D4rkHerald

-Aprotny

-Pokemon Trainer White

-Oreh

-TheNightIsYoung97

-Pokemon Trainer Josiah

-Amalgam24

-NinjaFishe

-4fireking

-shadowmaster0304

-Silver Latios

-ScholarX

-PetulantOctopus

-Docta Molga

-Fireminer

-DraconianPhilosopher

-Dick Rash

-Legionary Prime

-Tony Anderson

-Rokudosatoshi

-woodland59

-eracman920

-JZuCuadra

-huntergo123

-Knight Gallade

-NinjaaWritesFanfic

-Fallingarcher22

-Fawx999

-FlashLit3

-Avatar Rikki

-BannanGodis

-Anonymous Trainer

-Ruby Rose and Her Cookies

-xXAkihisaYoshiiXx

-abstract101

-boomingmaster

-DarkLucario98

And last, but not least, all of the anonymous reviewers and the tens of thousands of viewers who read this story!

Anyway, to recap everything that's going on behind-the-scenes, further complications with continuing this story caused me to develop this last chapter, I did the best I could to create an ending that at least wrapped up a major storyline, and I still left a mess in my wake, but proudly so. I guess this teaches me to start a story while one saga of the "Pokémon" anime is almost at its conclusion. XP

But like I said earlier, I will make a spiritual successor to this story, preferably after the newly-announced Sun and Moon games come out so I can avoid making a mess like I did with this story. In the meantime, I recommend staying tuned to "Judgment's Fall", my other "Pokémon" story. It's still got a lot of life in it, even if I hadn't gotten around to updating it in a couple of months.

As for what I'm going to do now that this story is finished, well, it's obviously update my other stories. Hopefully now that this is out of the way, it will give some more breathing room for them, as well as leave a slot that I can fill with a brand-new story. I've been having a lot of ideas for another story. ;)

TheCartoonFanatic01 is out. UNTIL NEXT TIME!