Time passed by swiftly for Odara's saviours, and they made the most out of every minute. They visited the rural towns and villages that they hadn't yet, camped under the stars in the untamed, yet tranquil Odaran wilderness, and visited the Empire's historical sites. But all good things must come to an end, and in a blink of an eye, Independence Day had arrived.
Today was the big day, and the officiating ceremony would take place after sundown in the plaza of Sylon City, the capital of the island of Merrilea. A great celebratory feast would be held after that, for this was the start of a new era for Odara and Merrilea.
Merrilea was an island located between West and East Odara, and it was linked to the mainland by two great bridges named after two Merrilean brothers, Vadal and Sadal, who negotiated with the Empire for the end of slaughter in their homeland many centuries ago.
As a gift, the Emperor had prepared a luxury beach villa for Hilbert and the gang to stay in as they witness this historical event. They had just arrived in Merrilea twenty minutes ago by car and were now in front of their residence for the night.
"Wow," Hilda gasped as she stepped out of the cab, admiring the villa's aesthetic quality. "I'm going inside!"
"I'm coming too!" Kye laughed and ran inside.
"Now this, I call class," Zeno nodded approvingly as she walked towards the open front door.
Hilbert was the only one left outside. He had his back to the door, gazing silently at Sylon City in the distance, deep in his thoughts.
"Give him back to me!" Hilbert shouted at Ripley.
"I will. Only if you allow me to execute the final part of my plan during Merrilea's Independence Day,"
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"I just need to send the world a message--"
"Hilbert?" Hilda poked her head out of the front door and called out to him, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Aren't you coming in?"
Hilbert turned to her and forced a smile. "Of course. Let's go."
Inside, Kye and Zeno were admiring the interior design of the villa. A large flat screen TV hung on the wall of the living room. To one corner was an aquarium with shiny Finneon swimming inside. A glass sliding door lead to the beach behind. And this was just downstairs.
"Who wants tea?" Zeno asked.
***
"I'm super excited for tonight," Hilda giggled. They were seated on the porch, enjoying their tea.
"All of us are," Zeno nodded as she sipped her drink, "tonight will be a defining moment for both Odara and Merrilea."
"The Odara Region. It has a cool ring to it huh?" Kye chuckled.
"Not to mention the establishment of Odara's very own Pokemon League," Hilda said.
"Hey guys," Zeno spoke up as she remembered something, "whatever happened to Ripley? We haven't heard from her for quite some time."
"Yeah, she's been keeping to herself lately," Kye mumbled.
Hilbert kept silent.
"C'mon guys! I'm sure she's just busy. What with all the preparations for today's ceremony. Right, Hilbert?" Hilda turned to Hilbert. "...Hilbert?"
Everyone's gaze shifted towards Hilbert, curious as to why he did not respond to Hilda. Then, they realised that he was unusually silent today. Hilbert looked up at them and saw their expectant faces. This is your chance, Hilbert thought. Tell them what you know about Ripley. Before it's too late. With a shaky breath, Hilbert summoned every ounce of his will and opened his mouth.
YOU ARE READING
The Golden Throne
Fanfiction[1st place winner of the 2016 Pokemon Watty Awards Adventure Category] A few months have passed since the events of Pokemon White and Hilbert, a now jaded Hero of Unova is searching for a place in a world that is at peace. He sets off for the Kanto...
