Risen

Chapter Twenty: Kalos Awaits!

18th day of Baleence, 8 AJ

Time: 0800

Location: UNSC Infinity

Hope sat on the edge of a landing platform. Fusion, John and Yveltal were around her, thinking about all the adventure they are about to have. The Infinity was currently in orbit around Glaskin, awaiting modifications for the safe transport and manufacture of Titans. Hammer and Fire Starter were currently on stand-by, waiting for the go to climb aboard. Hope was eager to visit the world of Pokemon and make new friends, be they human or Pokemon. Pokemon trainer White had given her a Xtransiver and that was resting upon her left arm. Hope absentmindedly touched the location of her l'Cie mark, remembering the gift Etro had given her. She lowered her head and folded her hands.

Dear Etro, thank you for this gift you have given me. It has given me many friends already, and many more are to come, I can feel it in my bones. You had created humanity and you love us, like my newest friend, Yveltal. Thank you, once again. Let me sing you a rhyme I learned from Lightning, who learned it from Fang. "Come, pity poor Etro, she was left all alone. Her blood pouring forth, in Chaos to atone. Queen of nothing, goddess of death- so let her be known." Thank you, Etro, for this gift once again.

Hope opened her eyes and saw her friends looking at her, all with puzzled expression. She unfolded her hands and shrugged.

What were you whispering, tiny one? Amethyst's voice was loud and gentle, at the same time.

N-nothing.

Heh. Lucky for you, the only ones who heard were your Pokemon. Now, your dad is wondering where you are. The Marines are getting ready for a small concert and your dad wants you here.

I'm in the docking bay. It's where I said I would be.

Yeah, well Hearth wasn't paying attention. Come to the mess hall, they're about to start.

Hope got up and waved for her friends to follow her. She picked and weaved her way over to the massive mess hall and saw two Marines with guitars sitting down, checking sound and getting ready for the song. Marines poured into the mess hall and the two Marines on stage began to play and sing. Every Marine began to sing along, too. They were singing the song "8th of November" by two artists called Big & Rich with so much enthusiasm and soul, it was like they were one, soulful voice. Hope joined in and together, they remembered their fallen brothers and sisters, all of whom gave up their lives so that others could continue to live happy and free. The old USA flag was displayed, along with hundreds of other flags of the old countries. The flag of the UNSC was brought out a minuet and forty seconds into the song with veterans following behind. Every veteran had tears of joy on their faces, for the sight of so many souls putting aside differences to share one, precious moment. Hope's will to fight for the Militia and UNSC grew with every syllable, every beat. At the end of the song, everyone began to murmur. Murmur about what it is they're fighting for.

What are YOU fighting for, tiny one? Amethyst had listened to the song of Hope's thoughts.

The chance for everyone to make new, wonderful friends and the hope that we all can put away differences and live in harmony.

Inspired and ambitious, good. Hope is your greatest weapon. Keep hope, always. Glaedr dished out some of his centuries old wisdom to the young, ambitious girl.

Thank you, Knowing One.

Heh, you're welcome. Now, start your Pokemon journey!

Hope made her way out of the mess hall and walked into the hangar. She looked inside of her bag and mentally checked off the supplies she would need.