Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 93: The Defeat of Team Galactic

"Once the rush of victory wore off, Niya explained to us that Cyrus had died in the Distortion World, but she passed on his message and his remorse—later she told us the truth: that he chose to stay in his perfect world for eternity, all alone. Part of me wanted justice and wanted to bring him back to answer for his charges, but the other part of me felt the catharsis of his situation and sympathized with him a little. In the end, we kept Cyrus's secret to ourselves. Charon, Jupiter and Mars escaped during the confusion atop the Spear Pillar and were at large for a while before we found them—another story for another time, though. Saturn was left as the sole Commander of Team Galactic, in charge of its makeshift army and assets. So far, he's shown to be a much better leader than Cyrus."

"So, we have a deal, then?" asked Valentina.

She was calm, collected, but exuded power.

It wasn't hard to see why she was the Champion—it was more than just being the strongest in this meritocracy...it was about having the confidence and attitude to be in charge and know how to use it.

Saturn nodded. "I surrender all of Team Galactic unconditionally," he stated, a sad smile on his face, "And we shall atone for our reprehensible actions by going back to our original goal of making the world a better place through green energy."

Valentina smiled. "By signing this agreement, you sign over all of Team Galactic's assets to the Pokémon League, and you put yourself and your people under our direct command, control and surveillance, through which we shall jointly research and develop new, renewable energy and technologies for the Sinnoh Region, which shall benefit the region and the world."

Saturn nodded.

"You will also turn over all of the high ranking Team Galactic members who stand accused of the most heinous crimes to be processed through the court system and face justice," continued Valentina, "We can forgive many, but the deaths of people and Pokémon, and the destruction wreaked throughout all of the Great Marsh and Pastoria City by that Galactic Bomb."

Again, Saturn nodded. "Fair. Our actions were inexcusable," he said, bowing, "We are grateful for the chance to be able to reform and do better. I'm excited to get Team Galactic back on track."

Saturn promptly signed the massive stack of paper.

He stood with several grunts behind him.

Behind Valentina were Sam and his friends, Fantina, Cynthia, Nilama and Professor Rowan.

After signing the document, Saturn and Valentina shook hands, and the crowd that had assembled before the stage cheered.

It had taken two weeks to organize an acceptable set of terms for the Pokémon League—Team Galactic's surrender was unconditional, but the Pokémon League, the Gym Leaders, the people, and everyone else involved in the situation.

Sam and his friends were allowed in on the negotiations, as they had battled Cyrus and his team, and put a stop to their plans.

In the end, the victors decided on agreeable terms, and Team Galactic was made to sign it.

It took Niya and Sam much arguing to get Team Galactic a chance at rehabilitation, but they were glad they could do that. There would be more good done in the world if they could reform these crazy geniuses—the Valley Windworks was proof of that.

Valentina passed a microphone to Saturn who stood sombrely before the assembled masses.

"What we did under Cyrus's command was horrible, and I am truly sorry to all of Sinnoh for our, and my, actions," he stated calmly, "And there may never be a way for you to forgive us, but we hope to earn your trust as we return to our roots, and work with the Pokémon League to create renewable energies for this region, and for the world. We aim to make your lives easier, and better, in order to make up for our mistakes of the past couple years. Please accept our sincerest apologies."

There was a relaxed and wary clapping from the crowd.

It would take some time for them to warm up to the redemption of Team Galactic; many had been hurt by their actions, some had lost people and Pokémon important to them.

They could never be replaced.

But soon enough, the old wounds could hopefully heal over, and everyone could move forward towards a brighter future.

Valentina stepped forward.

The Gym Leaders rustled and sat themselves as they prepared for the presentation of the medals to Sam and his friends.

They were situated on several rows of seats near Cynthia, the Elite Four, and Professor Rowan.

"And finally," stated Valentina, "For their bravery in the face of danger, these four young teenagers, who had consistently battled Team Galactic alongside the Pokémon League, and often on our behalf, are being awarded with the Order of Sinnoh, First Class for their bravery. The highest order of merit in the region."

Cheers erupted from the crowd.

Niya and Alyssandra blushed.

Jeremy smiled nervously.

But Sam started bravely out at the crowd...though his ears burned like they were on fire and he could feel goose bumps raise on his arms, and his stomach did a backflip as he and his friends stepped forward to receive their medals.

Music played, confetti fell from the sky, and the crowd was cheering.

The medals were pinned to the front of their clothes by Valentina, who congratulated each and everyone one of the teenagers for their extreme bravery.

The only important thing for Sam, however, was looking down into the front row, and seeing his family, his friends, his grandmother, and his grandfather's ghost, sitting in the crowd—or in the case of his grandfather, standing in the middle of the crowd, half-phasing through most of the people there.

"Behold! Your heroes!" cried Valentina.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

The Oaks, Jeremy's family, Sam's uncles, the Gym Leaders of Sinnoh, the Elite Four, Cynthia, Nilama, the Hiker Brothers.

Everyone Sam had met over his travels was there, except maybe the Kagemusha Warriors of the Hallowed Tower.

It was surreal, leaving Twinleaf Town a little over five months ago, hoping just to beat the Sinnoh League and become Champion.

Now he was the Champion of Arceus, had captured Legendary Pokémon, had defeated Team Galactic and saved all of creation.

Though, most people didn't know the full scope of it, and had no idea that his and his friends were in possession of Legendary Pokémon, or what truly happened atop the Spear Pillar.

But those who were there knew and would keep that secret till their dying breath.

The teens didn't need to become targets for future evil teams.

Truthfully, Sam was praying for this pomp and circumstance to be over.

All he wanted was for this to finish so he could go back to the hotel he and his friends could get ready for the reunion and celebration party with friends and family.

That was the only celebration Sam needed.

The medal of honour was not necessary, and Sam had tried to make as much known to Valentina—but she wouldn't hear of it.

She insisted Sam and his friends deserved the recognition they had earned for all of their hard work.

Sam was not about to argue with the Champion of Sinnoh.

Soon enough, though, and he'd be free of this pomp and presentation, and be able to talk to Niya and his friends about something very important, and very pressing.