The Golden Throne

Chapter 34: Peace at last

Blinding daylight flooded the room. The gang had to shield their eyes for a moment from the sudden surge of light. "Alright, let's get out of here!" Hilbert and Hilda hopped onto Brave's back while Kye got on Golbat and Zeno on Aerodactyl.

In a flash, they flew out of the ziggurat. They spiraled up into the air and looked at the ziggurat down below. It crumbled into rubble. That was too close, Hilbert told himself. A minute longer and they would've been crushed.

Cooling winds blew past Hilbert's face and hair. The large, golden expanse of the Molani Desert was laid out before them. Bright, warm daylight bathed his skin. Hilbert filled his lungs with cool air and laughed to his heart's content. It felt fantastic to be outside again!

"Hahahaha! WOOHOO!" Hilbert screamed at the top of his lungs.

"It's over," Hilda whispered, feeling a rising joy inside of her. Her vision blurred as her eyes began collecting water. "It's over, everyone! We won!"

"So... Zultan is no more," Zeno muttered

"And the Zaff together with him!" Kye cried out triumphantly.

Hilda turned to Hilbert and they looked into each others' eyes. Their faces drew closer. Hilbert tilted his head, closed his eyes and kissed her on the lips. Soft.

"What now?" Hilda asked.

"We go home," he smiled. "C'mon guys! There's a grand welcome waiting for us!"

In a blink of an eye, they flew off into the distance- towards the Empire hidden behind the mountains.

***

"Your majesty!" a guard came running into the throne room. The Emperor and Ripley looked up to see Hilbert, Hilda, Kye and Zeno burst through the front entrance.

"We won! The Zaff is no more!" Kye announced at the top of his lungs, followed by numerous gasps in the throne room.

"Y-You succeeded?" the Emperor's eyes grew wide in amazement.

Ripley, speechless, got up from her seat. Tears began streaming down her cheeks as she smiled.

"What happened to Zultan?" The Emperor asked, still in shock.

"He perished at his own will in the temple of Ris'dra. It's a long story," Hilbert said. "We won."

"I knew you could do it!" Ripley ran towards them. The Emperor began laughing with joy.

"Everyone!" The Emperor announced. "Today shall be a holiday! And tomorrow! and the next! Hell, let this whole week be a holiday!" he let out a whooping laugh.

***

"I hereby proclaim these four young men and women- champions of the Empire!" Emperor Symeon announced, followed by the thunderous applause of a massive audience.

A magnificent ceremony at Errion City's plaza was made to celebrate their success. With Hilbert and the gang's return, one thing was assured- the terror of the Zaff had been put to an end. Thousands of Odarans flocked to see their heroes. Thanks to them, the good people of Odara could finally sleep peacefully.

Hilbert walked onto the stage and the Emperor gave him a medal of Odaran gold. A medal awarded only to the most heroic of Odarans. Hilbert was no Odaran, but after being here for so long, they have come to accept him as their own. Hilbert examined his medal and noticed its intricate Odaran craftsmanship. Once a hero, always a hero, Hilbert chuckled. One by one, they walked up the stage to collect their reward.

Kye looked at all the people cheering for him. He recognised some of them as the same ones who shunned him before. At last, Kye smiled. I've made things right, uncle.

Zeno was no stranger to praise. Back in Thamis City, she was a famous socialite and was only praised because of her family's wealth. But right now with her real friends, people were praising her for her actions, not her money. Is this what it feels like? To have friends to be with you through thick and thin?

Hilda was the last to receive her medal. She looked at it and a tear dropped from her eye to it. I wish you can see me now, mom. And Zye... you have been avenged. I miss you.

The four heroes waved to the crowd, followed by the crowd's roaring applause.

***

"Well, Hilbert. What will you do after this?" Ripley asked. The two were taking a stroll in the palace courtyard.

"I've been discussing this with Hilda... we want to return home to Unova. It's been one hell of an adventure and now we need a good break. Plus, Hilda really wants to meet my mom," Hilbert chuckled.

"I'm going to miss you very much," Ripley mumbled. She looked at him with tears in her eyes.

"Ripley?"

Ripley shook her head and looked away, sniffling.

"Ripley, I'm here," Hilbert placed his hands on her arms to comfort her. Ripley hugged him tightly and sobbed.

"I'll miss you,"

"I... I'll miss you too," Hilbert mumbled. Ripley let go of Hilbert and wiped her eyes.

"I'm sorry," she smiled, her eyes still red with tears.

"It's okay. You will always be close to my heart,"

"Promise to keep in touch okay?" Ripley said.

"I promise," Hilbert nodded. Ripley smiled softly but her eyes were forlorn. Hilbert put a comforting hand on her arm, "hey, it's alright. It's not like we'll be leaving so soon."

Ripley's eyes lit up and she looked at him.

"We're only leaving the day after Merrilea's Independence. After staying in Odara for this long, I feel an obligation to attend this historic event," Hilbert chuckled softly.

"That means we still have two more weeks to spend together!" Ripley said with hope. "Let's make the most out of this time."