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Chapter 66 - Chapter 67: Four Years of Light

Four years had passed since the fiery clash atop the Indigo Plateau.Four years since the world had witnessed Tharion — the mysterious, unshakable trainer with eyes like tempered steel — rise from challenger to a living legend.

In that time, his name had become more than that of a Champion. It had become a symbol — of perseverance, vision, and the unbreakable bond between humans and Pokémon.

The television broadcast illuminated every café, every home, every billboard.

"And with that, the Hoenn League Champion — Tharion of Pallet Town — has now officially become a Triple League Champion! Winning in Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn consecutively — a feat never before achieved in Pokémon history!"

The camera panned to the victor's stage — Tharion stood there under a storm of confetti, calm but proud, Selene at his side. The moment she smiled and took his hand, the world cheered louder than ever.

That night, under the glittering Hoenn stars, Tharion announced something that surprised even his closest fans —

"Selene and I… are engaged. Our paths have always led us to one another — and now, we'll walk it together."

That single statement broke the internet overnight. The League couples that came and went through the years had been few, but none carried the weight of shared destiny like these two — the dragon and the storm, the Champion and his equal.

Four Years Later — Pallet Town

Morning sunlight washed over the tranquil hills of Pallet. The sea breeze carried the familiar cries of Wingull and Pidgeot across the countryside.

At the foot of the forest stood a beautiful estate — sleek, modern, yet deeply harmonized with nature. The Azure Crest Villa — Tharion's hidden mountain home — had become the heart of his world.

Behind the villa, sprawling training fields stretched across the landscape. Pokémon of every kind trained in harmony — a Charizard sparring with a Salamence, a Tyranitar roaring in challenge to a Metagross, and baby Pokémon playing by the lake under the watchful eye of a gentle Lucario.

Some of these Pokémon were the offspring of Tharion's original partners — a testament to time, trust, and evolution.

Inside the villa's sleek office, sunlight filtered through the window blinds, illuminating Tharion's desk — stacks of papers, League invitations, and business documents neatly arranged beside a Poké Ball set engraved with gold.

On the wall behind him hung three framed League badges — Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn — surrounded by the official Champion certificates.

But Tharion's journey had evolved far beyond battling. Over the past four years, he had built something lasting.

His company, "AetherMeals Co.", had become the leading Pokémon food brand across the regions — known for its natural, energy-balanced formula approved even by Professor Oak himself. His hotel chain, "Azure Lodges", had established prime resorts in Sootopolis, Goldenrod, Cerulean, and Lilycove — a haven for trainers and travelers alike.

Tharion had become a global figure — but he still returned to the peace of Pallet whenever he could.

As for Nina — the once-cheerful little sister who used to watch his battles from the stands — she had grown into a bright, determined young woman.

Now sixteen, she was preparing for her own journey.

For four years, she had studied at Pallet Pokémon Academy, mentored directly by Professor Oak. Under his guidance, she had learned everything from type synergy to advanced Pokémon care.

Tharion had kept her safe and patient, letting her build her foundation first. Now, she was ready.

In the kitchen that morning, Nina zipped her travel bag shut, excitement gleaming in her eyes. "Professor Oak said my starter's ready, big brother!"

Tharion, leaning against the counter with a cup of coffee, smiled softly. "Then it's time you start your own story. You've waited long enough."

Selene chuckled from across the table, her gentle hand resting on her round belly. "You sound just like him when he left Pallet years ago."

Nina grinned. "Then I'll make my own mark just like you both did!"

Tharion walked up, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Don't rush it. Strength means nothing without heart. Remember that."

Nina nodded, her eyes filled with determination.

As Nina left with her backpack and Poké Ball belt, Selene leaned against the doorway, watching her go. "It feels strange," she murmured. "Like she's growing faster than we realize."

Tharion slipped his arm around her. "She's ready. Besides…" he looked at her with a faint smirk, "we're about to have someone new to look after."

Selene smiled warmly, resting a hand over her stomach. "I know. Can you believe it's already nine months?"

He nodded, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Every second of it feels like a miracle."

Later that evening, the quiet hum of the villa was interrupted by the soft click of the office door.

Tharion looked up from his desk as Selene entered — wearing a flowing white dress, her long hair loose, the faint glow of sunset tracing her silhouette.

She walked over to him, her hand resting lightly on her stomach. "You've been buried in work again," she teased.

Tharion chuckled. "Just wrapping up some paperwork for the Johto expansion."

Selene smiled faintly. "Always building… always moving forward. That's what I love about you."

She leaned down slightly, placing his hand over her belly. "He's moving again."

Tharion's expression softened completely. "He?"

Selene laughed quietly. "Call it a mother's instinct."

He chuckled, eyes tender. "Then I'll trust your instinct."

Outside, the evening sky turned golden-orange, the sun dipping behind the distant mountains. The shadows of their Pokémon training outside stretched long and peaceful.

Selene rested her head on Tharion's shoulder. "You know… even after everything we lost in that past life, I think this world gave us the one thing we never had — peace."

Tharion nodded slowly. "Peace… and a future."

The light dimmed, the villa quieted, and for the first time in years — there was nothing but the sound of calm breathing, of life beginning anew.

The morning sunlight spilled across the small hills of Pallet Town, shimmering over the roofs and trees. Pidgey calls echoed faintly from above while a gentle breeze carried the smell of breakfast from Tharion's villa.

Nina had already been awake for hours. Today wasn't just another day — it was the day she would visit Professor Oak's lab to officially receive her starter Pokémon.

Even though she already had a team strong enough to make many trainers nervous — Gigalith, Gengar, Luxray, and Gardevoir — Professor Oak had insisted that she still go through the ceremony. "A starter," he'd said, "isn't about power. It's about bond, symbolism — the foundation of one's journey."

Tharion had trained all four of her Pokémon personally. Each one was an echo of his discipline — Gigalith's perfect defense, Gengar's cunning tactics, Luxray's pinpoint accuracy, and Gardevoir's refined psychic control. They were monsters in their own right — loyal, fierce, and devoted to Nina like their own kin.

Still, she respected Professor Oak deeply and wanted to honor the tradition.

As she stepped into the bright, open laboratory, the automatic doors whooshed open, greeting her with the faint hum of computers and the scent of polished metal. Shelves stacked with Poké Balls, notes, and field devices lined the walls, while a few aides busied themselves with research data.

"Ah, Nina!" Professor Oak called cheerfully, his white coat fluttering slightly as he turned from a console. "Right on time, my dear. I was beginning to wonder if your brother would have let you out of his sight."

Nina giggled. "He tried. But Selene made sure I left."

Oak chuckled, nodding approvingly. "She's always had a good sense of timing. Now, come along. I believe it's time to choose, isn't it?"

He guided her to the familiar, polished table where three Poké Balls rested — red, gleaming, and perfectly aligned.

"These," Oak began with a proud smile, "are the traditional Kanto starters — Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Each with its own personality and potential."

He pressed a button on a remote, and with three bright flashes, the Pokémon appeared.

Bulbasaur blinked up curiously, its bulb glistening softly with dew.Charmander wagged its flaming tail and chirped confidently.Squirtle, with a mischievous grin, crossed its little arms like a playful rebel.

Nina knelt down, sitting cross-legged in front of them on the smooth tile floor. Her smile was gentle, her eyes thoughtful.

All three Pokémon looked up at her, sensing something beyond ordinary — her aura, her composure, the faint trace of her brother's power that clung to her like sunlight.

Gengar's shadow flickered faintly on the wall behind her. Luxray's Poké Ball quivered softly on her belt, sensing her thoughts.

Oak folded his arms, watching curiously. "Well, my dear, you've already proven yourself capable with Pokémon most trainers couldn't dream of controlling. So I won't ask you to pick for strength — rather, choose who calls to you."

Nina's gaze lingered over the three. Charmander was confident — proud and strong. But she already had strength in abundance. Squirtle was playful, clever — but she had Gengar and Luxray for that spark.

Then her eyes fell on Bulbasaur. It stared back at her quietly, not moving, its gentle eyes calm but full of life. The air around it almost shimmered faintly, as if the small creature understood things deeper than words.

Nina smiled softly. "You…" she said quietly. "You feel… peaceful."

Bulbasaur blinked once, then walked up to her, placing its tiny paw on her knee.

Oak's eyes softened. "Ah… Bulbasaur has always had that gift — empathy. It senses the heart of its trainer."

Nina nodded. "Then I'll choose Bulbasaur."

Charmander grinned and waved its tail, Squirtle shrugged as if to say "fair enough," and Bulbasaur hopped joyfully as she lifted it into her arms.

Oak chuckled warmly. "A fine choice indeed. You've balanced your team with wisdom, not ego — something even seasoned trainers forget."

He handed her the Poké Ball and a small, polished badge engraved with the initials O.P.L.A. — Oak Pokémon League Apprentice.

"You've been my apprentice for four years," Oak said proudly. "You've studied, helped me in research, and proven yourself time and again. Now it's time to step into the world, Nina. Make your own path."

Nina bowed respectfully, her eyes shimmering. "Thank you, Professor. I won't let you down."

Oak smiled, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You never have."

As she walked down the hill from the lab, sunlight danced across the green fields and distant forests. Bulbasaur trotted happily beside her, occasionally glancing up at her with a bright, trusting look.

The wind carried the faint sound of Tharion's villa bell chime in the distance. She could already see the outline of the home — her brother's fortress, her family's heart.

She smiled, looking at her Poké Balls. "Alright everyone… looks like it's time for our next chapter."

Gengar's laugh echoed faintly from the shadows. Luxray's Poké Ball shimmered with electric light. Gardevoir's presence brushed her thoughts with calm pride. Gigalith's Poké Ball rumbled faintly like a heartbeat.

Bulbasaur looked up at her with wide, eager eyes.

Nina laughed softly. "Don't worry, little one. You'll fit right in."

As she walked home, the horizon seemed to glow with new light — a promise of a new beginning.

And far off, from the balcony of the villa, Tharion stood beside Selene, watching her approach.

Selene smiled faintly, resting a hand over her stomach."She's ready," she said.

Tharion nodded quietly. "Yeah… the world's about to meet its next legend."

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