*Epilogue*
It needn't be said that Hibiki's reunion with his family was a tearful one of joy and sorrow. Compared to the chaos storming the rest of Johto, New Bark Town's was relatively minuscule, but it was still overwhelming for all. Technically, the first thing that had happened occured in Kotone's house. Upon seeing Gold, the Champion from New Bark Town, reemerge alive on screen before the world, Mama and Papa burst into her room to share the news- only to find her and Marina watching on the bed. Before they could get into the parental twenty questions game of "why is there a strange girl in our house," a loud ruckus started up outside. Apparently, other locals had seen Kenta on TV, and were all clambering to give the news to the Nyna family. Mom and Dad Nyna had hurried to their televisions, and the rest of the town (including Professor Elm) saw fit to invite themselves inside for this special occasion.
Naturally, the conversation took another inevitable turn. "We found the elder Nyna brother. Now, where's the younger one?" Marina and Kotone could only stand to watch the helpless desperation on the faces of Hibiki's parents for so long. They had just confessed, and were in the middle of spilling the beans, when Curtis's car pulled up to the curb (behind all the other uninvited cars). Then in came Hibiki, as confused as could be, to a house full of people he barely knew. His parents both cried out in surprise and relief to see him, and for a few seconds, or a few minutes, all anyone cared about was making sure he was okay. Then suddenly, the television diverted everyone's attention again, showing footage of the Faction Trainers' police battle outside Indigo Stadium, and the Mew Clone battle within. There was Kenta (and RED!!), constantly only a few seconds away from sudden death. As Kenta was televised laying on the ground, Hibiki suddenly noticed that the Snag Machine was no longer on his arm. At some point, after failing to capture Mew3 in a Master Ball, he had gotten rid of it.
The news remained on television long into the afternoon, and into the night. New reports continued to pour into the PKTV network, but with time, they were refined into basically reliable reports. Some of the main takeaways included:
"A large, hidden stash of pokemon was unearthed beneath the Indigo League HQ, belonging not only to former Kanto and Johto Pokemon Masters, but distinguished ace and veteran trainers as well. Excavation was prompted by footage found on a miniature camera with an orange dragon scale lying nearby."
"Several dozen masked men were arrested after trespassing into the Elite Four chamber. Johto E4's Karen managed to hold off their pokemon until Champions Steven Stone and Lance Wataru arrived back from Indigo Stadium to assist. Two have been arrested and detained for questioning."
"All active-duty members of the Indigo Elite personnel were found unconscious, along with every one of their pokemon but those with Dark-type attributes. Karen, who had been confined to the medical ward for her electric burns, reported sighting of the mysterious creature that had incapacitated the other Elites."
"'Mew-three,' as it is being dubbed, apparently attacked the Indigo HQ on the orders of former Kanto League Champion Jenn Tsiro. Master Tsiro's whereabouts are currently unknown, nor can any group affiliation be confirmed to her at this time."
"Silvaki Kurisawa, the Chair of the Government Restrictive Institute on Pokemon, made an impromptu announcement today that he would be stepping down from his position, effective immediately. When asked why, Mr. Kurisawa had no comment."
"Captain Arcada of Silhouette also gave a resignation notice shortly after retreating his forces from Indigo Plateau. Multiple reports of Military Police infighting are still coming in. We'll keep you abreast of the updates."
"Indigo Stadium was nearly burned to the ground, until local trainers succeeded in putting out the fire with the help of their newly-acquired Water-type pokemon. As of now, these trainers remain on the premises, setting up tents and camps. Though they are divided into particular groups, the factions are uniform in their resolve to regain the rest of the pokemon that were once theirs."
"Kenta Nyna, or Master Gold, thought to have died in 2007, emerged alive during the first round of the Indigo Master's Tournament. He was donning the disguise of Champion Birch, and was later taken into custody for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest."
"Although Mr. Nyna appears to be the leader of the trainer revolt, it is confirmed now that other Pokemon Masters were among the crowd fighting the Police. The most prominent of his supporters include Champion Birch, Master Red, Master Blue, and Champion Cedars."
EXTRACT FROM KENTA NYNA'S ARREST STATEMENT: "I've done plenty of things that I deserve to be locked up for. You could say I acted under duress, because everything I've done was to rescue a friend of mine. But that's just a flimsy excuse; I probably would have done the same stuff anyway. I'm a symptom, not the disease. And the disease isn't some reckless mindset that unsupervised ten-year-olds should go around seeking battles with monsters in their pockets. I agree that we need to work on that- ask Brendan Birch, he's got a great idea going. The disease is man's thirst to replace God and rule other men. You do that, and you'll get guys like me popping up real quick, to remind you that you ain't a god. If G.R.I.P. continues to be challenged while I'm behind bars, you'll know I'm telling the truth. As for me, well . . . I'm upholding my end of a deal. Any more dischord that goes on won't be because of me. By the time I get out again, this conflict will long be over, one way or the other. All I ask is- Professor Elm, if you're watching- please take care of my pokemon. And to all my family and friends, stay safe."
Dear Hibiki,
I heard that you would begin your journey today, though by the time this gets to you, you'll have already picked your starter. You already know who I would recommend, but hey, I wouldn't want to project too much of myself upon you. Let me know when you get to your first pokecenter, okay? Not to creep you out, but I'm like one of those dance moms who's now basically living her life through her kid. Prison life isn't too dangerous for me (seriously, thank God), but it is unbelievably BORING. My cell mate is some guy who wouldn't know a pokemon from a My Little Pony. The authorities keep any potential trainers out of my cage. Luckily for me, Shin keeps out the stabbers. That guy's been good to me.
So, funny story. The other day, I had two visitors at almost the exact same time. First up was the former savior of Orre, Maikeru, that kid who had Steven's Metagross on him. He came in to gloat, giving me the old "I-told-you-so" speech. Then here comes Marina, and out of nowhere, she punches him full in the face. Satisfying as that was to see, the truth is, I don't grudge Maikeru. From what I've gathered, he had a traumatic experience some years ago, when Cipher busted into his lab to steal his professor the first time. We just really got off on the wrong foot, and it never got better. But you know what? I actually respect him somewhat, because he has a soft spot for keeping siblings out of trouble. If you had seen him, and he'd seen you, you'd know what I mean.
As long as we're on the subject of acquaintences, I do wonder whatever became of our sleepy friend. I haven't heard anything about him in here, or on TV, so I suppose no news is good news. I'm pretty sure Lefty left him alone. Same applies for him- if I ever find out Lefty's been put in here, Shin's gonna have his work cut out for him.
It seems the world outside has gotten a lot more interesting with me out of the picture. Isn't that ironic? So, Team Magma now has Groudon, and Galactic managed to capture Palkia. Every time you think G.R.I.P. has gotten a grip on the situation, new details like this emerge. If the true shadow organization of G.R.I.P. ever is unmasked and dismantled, we'll have quite a chaotic mess to deal with afterward. What a pain. Good thing it's not my problem; I'd hate to be Jenn right now.
I know it's way early to be thinking about this, but if . . . well, WHEN you get to the Elite Four- 'cause you're going to get there- give Karen my regards. Actually- while I'm thinking of it, thank Kotone for me as well. You know . . . for the favor she did for my cousin? I'm like, ninety percent sure she's traveling with you. Good thing you've got a Gardevoir chaperone, you naughty dog, you.
Hey, you know that I'm just teasing. I'm sure that whatever company you're traveling with is better for having you with them. You have a heart of gold. You belong out there, and not in here, no matter how lonely I may get without you. I always enjoy hearing from you, and I am thrilled- THRILLED- that you are getting to live out your training dream. No matter how it turns out, know that I am with you to the end.
Love you, runt.
-Kenta
(Loose ends: Shimera Yosuke the Rocket, Brendan's Gardevoir Program, Sergeant Shin, Marina, Kotone, Mewtwo, Mew3, Maikeru, Jenn, Karen, the Teams, the Faction Trainers, Heart of Gold, the other Legendaries), Eusine
Kotone, Mewtwo, Mew3, Jenn, Faction Trainers, Heart of Gold, Legendaries
Dear Kenta:
I GOT A PHANPHY! Wooooot! And my fourth badge, so that was nice. This also marks the occasion where the training wheels come off, and Gardevoir heads back to Professor Elm for reassignment. Quilava's ready to evolve any day, so it's cool.
I've been meaning to tell you since Goldenrod City: I ran into Bill. He was in the Radio Station, making adjustments to the Signal Disruptor so that there would be a bigger range blocking pokeball teleports. It's a shame that we have to use technology to block former technology, at least until we can keep it from being put to evil uses. Anyway, Bill seems to be more relaxed than . . . I imagined he would be. He saw my hat and thought I was you, then he was asking all kinds of things about how you were doing. I said you were fine, and he said that your old pokemon team will be happy to hear that. He's keeping them in 'special storage' for when I get my 'eighth badge.' Does that mean he intends to hand them off to me?
Oh, he's also in the process of making bio-mechanical wings for Bolt! I'm sure that's a pretty ginormous undertaking for a guy who's already as busy as Bill is, but he said that it was the saddest sight in the world to see a Salamence without wings. He said that when he succeeds, it will be a giant blue middle finger to that Mew3 abomination that psychically cut them off in the first place. By the way, yes, I realize that creature is still flying around out there somewhere. I'm being careful, so don't remind me again. G.R.I.P. vs Japan is just the world we live in, and Red and the others are looking out for us.
Kotone and I separated for now; she went west, and I turned east. We didn't break up or anything, but Shimera wants my help with something, and I didn't want to involve her. I want to tell you more, but in case someone's reading our mail exchanges, I'd better not. Suffice it to say that it's faction business. It's too bad about all this secrecy. Ever since the G.R.I.P. initiative went into effect, so many stories have gone untold. All you ever seem to get are fleeting glimpses of unfinished business . . . I wish I had gotten a better idea of the things other people than you accomplished. I would have liked to know who else was fighting Jenn and the secret G.R.I.P. forces at the Indigo Plateau back then. I want to know what Ivy and Ian and their friends pulled off over the winter months. I would gladly listen to the story of ANY trainer who joined the resistance with only two pokemon. Perhaps one day we will hear them in full. Until then, we'll make 'em. You'll always be my first inspiration for that.
Stay in touch, bro.
-Hibiki
It needn't be said that Hibiki's reunion with his family was a tearful one of joy and sorrow. Compared to the chaos storming the rest of Johto, New Bark Town's was relatively minuscule, but it was still overwhelming for all. Technically, the first thing that had happened occured in Kotone's house. Upon seeing Gold, the Champion from New Bark Town, reemerge alive on screen before the world, Mama and Papa burst into her room to share the news- only to find her and Marina watching on the bed. Before they could get into the parental twenty questions game of "why is there a strange girl in our house," a loud ruckus started up outside. Apparently, other locals had seen Kenta on TV, and were all clambering to give the news to the Nyna family. Mom and Dad Nyna had hurried to their televisions, and the rest of the town (including Professor Elm) saw fit to invite themselves inside for this special occasion.
Naturally, the conversation took another inevitable turn. "We found the elder Nyna brother. Now, where's the younger one?" Marina and Kotone could only stand to watch the helpless desperation on the faces of Hibiki's parents for so long. They had just confessed, and were in the middle of spilling the beans, when Curtis's car pulled up to the curb (behind all the other uninvited cars). Then in came Hibiki, as confused as could be, to a house full of people he barely knew. His parents both cried out in surprise and relief to see him, and for a few seconds, or a few minutes, all anyone cared about was making sure he was okay. Then suddenly, the television diverted everyone's attention again, showing footage of the Faction Trainers' police battle outside Indigo Stadium, and the Mew Clone battle within. There was Kenta (and RED!!), constantly only a few seconds away from sudden death. As Kenta was televised laying on the ground, Hibiki suddenly noticed that the Snag Machine was no longer on his arm. At some point, after failing to capture Mew3 in a Master Ball, he had gotten rid of it.
The news remained on television long into the afternoon, and into the night. New reports continued to pour into the PKTV network, but with time, they were refined into basically reliable reports. Some of the main takeaways included:
"A large, hidden stash of pokemon was unearthed beneath the Indigo League HQ, belonging not only to former Kanto and Johto Pokemon Masters, but distinguished ace and veteran trainers as well. Excavation was prompted by footage found on a miniature camera with an orange dragon scale lying nearby."
"Several dozen masked men were arrested after trespassing into the Elite Four chamber. Johto E4's Karen managed to hold off their pokemon until Champions Steven Stone and Lance Wataru arrived back from Indigo Stadium to assist. Two have been arrested and detained for questioning."
"All active-duty members of the Indigo Elite personnel were found unconscious, along with every one of their pokemon but those with Dark-type attributes. Karen, who had been confined to the medical ward for her electric burns, reported sighting of the mysterious creature that had incapacitated the other Elites."
"'Mew-three,' as it is being dubbed, apparently attacked the Indigo HQ on the orders of former Kanto League Champion Jenn Tsiro. Master Tsiro's whereabouts are currently unknown, nor can any group affiliation be confirmed to her at this time."
"Silvaki Kurisawa, the Chair of the Government Restrictive Institute on Pokemon, made an impromptu announcement today that he would be stepping down from his position, effective immediately. When asked why, Mr. Kurisawa had no comment."
"Captain Arcada of Silhouette also gave a resignation notice shortly after retreating his forces from Indigo Plateau. Multiple reports of Military Police infighting are still coming in. We'll keep you abreast of the updates."
"Indigo Stadium was nearly burned to the ground, until local trainers succeeded in putting out the fire with the help of their newly-acquired Water-type pokemon. As of now, these trainers remain on the premises, setting up tents and camps. Though they are divided into particular groups, the factions are uniform in their resolve to regain the rest of the pokemon that were once theirs."
"Kenta Nyna, or Master Gold, thought to have died in 2007, emerged alive during the first round of the Indigo Master's Tournament. He was donning the disguise of Champion Birch, and was later taken into custody for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest."
"Although Mr. Nyna appears to be the leader of the trainer revolt, it is confirmed now that other Pokemon Masters were among the crowd fighting the Police. The most prominent of his supporters include Champion Birch, Master Red, Master Blue, and Champion Cedars."
EXTRACT FROM KENTA NYNA'S ARREST STATEMENT: "I've done plenty of things that I deserve to be locked up for. You could say I acted under duress, because everything I've done was to rescue a friend of mine. But that's just a flimsy excuse; I probably would have done the same stuff anyway. I'm a symptom, not the disease. And the disease isn't some reckless mindset that unsupervised ten-year-olds should go around seeking battles with monsters in their pockets. I agree that we need to work on that- ask Brendan Birch, he's got a great idea going. The disease is man's thirst to replace God and rule other men. You do that, and you'll get guys like me popping up real quick, to remind you that you ain't a god. If G.R.I.P. continues to be challenged while I'm behind bars, you'll know I'm telling the truth. As for me, well . . . I'm upholding my end of a deal. Any more dischord that goes on won't be because of me. By the time I get out again, this conflict will long be over, one way or the other. All I ask is- Professor Elm, if you're watching- please take care of my pokemon. And to all my family and friends, stay safe."
Dear Hibiki,
I heard that you would begin your journey today, though by the time this gets to you, you'll have already picked your starter. You already know who I would recommend, but hey, I wouldn't want to project too much of myself upon you. Let me know when you get to your first pokecenter, okay? Not to creep you out, but I'm like one of those dance moms who's now basically living her life through her kid. Prison life isn't too dangerous for me (seriously, thank God), but it is unbelievably BORING. My cell mate is some guy who wouldn't know a pokemon from a My Little Pony. The authorities keep any potential trainers out of my cage. Luckily for me, Shin keeps out the stabbers. That guy's been good to me.
So, funny story. The other day, I had two visitors at almost the exact same time. First up was the former savior of Orre, Maikeru, that kid who had Steven's Metagross on him. He came in to gloat, giving me the old "I-told-you-so" speech. Then here comes Marina, and out of nowhere, she punches him full in the face. Satisfying as that was to see, the truth is, I don't grudge Maikeru. From what I've gathered, he had a traumatic experience some years ago, when Cipher busted into his lab to steal his professor the first time. We just really got off on the wrong foot, and it never got better. But you know what? I actually respect him somewhat, because he has a soft spot for keeping siblings out of trouble. If you had seen him, and he'd seen you, you'd know what I mean.
As long as we're on the subject of acquaintences, I do wonder whatever became of our sleepy friend. I haven't heard anything about him in here, or on TV, so I suppose no news is good news. I'm pretty sure Lefty left him alone. Same applies for him- if I ever find out Lefty's been put in here, Shin's gonna have his work cut out for him.
It seems the world outside has gotten a lot more interesting with me out of the picture. Isn't that ironic? So, Team Magma now has Groudon, and Galactic managed to capture Palkia. Every time you think G.R.I.P. has gotten a grip on the situation, new details like this emerge. If the true shadow organization of G.R.I.P. ever is unmasked and dismantled, we'll have quite a chaotic mess to deal with afterward. What a pain. Good thing it's not my problem; I'd hate to be Jenn right now.
I know it's way early to be thinking about this, but if . . . well, WHEN you get to the Elite Four- 'cause you're going to get there- give Karen my regards. Actually- while I'm thinking of it, thank Kotone for me as well. You know . . . for the favor she did for my cousin? I'm like, ninety percent sure she's traveling with you. Good thing you've got a Gardevoir chaperone, you naughty dog, you.
Hey, you know that I'm just teasing. I'm sure that whatever company you're traveling with is better for having you with them. You have a heart of gold. You belong out there, and not in here, no matter how lonely I may get without you. I always enjoy hearing from you, and I am thrilled- THRILLED- that you are getting to live out your training dream. No matter how it turns out, know that I am with you to the end.
Love you, runt.
-Kenta
(Loose ends: Shimera Yosuke the Rocket, Brendan's Gardevoir Program, Sergeant Shin, Marina, Kotone, Mewtwo, Mew3, Maikeru, Jenn, Karen, the Teams, the Faction Trainers, Heart of Gold, the other Legendaries), Eusine
Kotone, Mewtwo, Mew3, Jenn, Faction Trainers, Heart of Gold, Legendaries
Dear Kenta:
I GOT A PHANPHY! Wooooot! And my fourth badge, so that was nice. This also marks the occasion where the training wheels come off, and Gardevoir heads back to Professor Elm for reassignment. Quilava's ready to evolve any day, so it's cool.
I've been meaning to tell you since Goldenrod City: I ran into Bill. He was in the Radio Station, making adjustments to the Signal Disruptor so that there would be a bigger range blocking pokeball teleports. It's a shame that we have to use technology to block former technology, at least until we can keep it from being put to evil uses. Anyway, Bill seems to be more relaxed than . . . I imagined he would be. He saw my hat and thought I was you, then he was asking all kinds of things about how you were doing. I said you were fine, and he said that your old pokemon team will be happy to hear that. He's keeping them in 'special storage' for when I get my 'eighth badge.' Does that mean he intends to hand them off to me?
Oh, he's also in the process of making bio-mechanical wings for Bolt! I'm sure that's a pretty ginormous undertaking for a guy who's already as busy as Bill is, but he said that it was the saddest sight in the world to see a Salamence without wings. He said that when he succeeds, it will be a giant blue middle finger to that Mew3 abomination that psychically cut them off in the first place. By the way, yes, I realize that creature is still flying around out there somewhere. I'm being careful, so don't remind me again. G.R.I.P. vs Japan is just the world we live in, and Red and the others are looking out for us.
Kotone and I separated for now; she went west, and I turned east. We didn't break up or anything, but Shimera wants my help with something, and I didn't want to involve her. I want to tell you more, but in case someone's reading our mail exchanges, I'd better not. Suffice it to say that it's faction business. It's too bad about all this secrecy. Ever since the G.R.I.P. initiative went into effect, so many stories have gone untold. All you ever seem to get are fleeting glimpses of unfinished business . . . I wish I had gotten a better idea of the things other people than you accomplished. I would have liked to know who else was fighting Jenn and the secret G.R.I.P. forces at the Indigo Plateau back then. I want to know what Ivy and Ian and their friends pulled off over the winter months. I would gladly listen to the story of ANY trainer who joined the resistance with only two pokemon. Perhaps one day we will hear them in full. Until then, we'll make 'em. You'll always be my first inspiration for that.
Stay in touch, bro.
-Hibiki