Chapter 33 – Shiny Moon's Cosmic Retreat
The afternoon sun spilled lazily across Celadon City, bathing streets and treetops in gold. In Kai's room, however, the light seemed dimmer, filtered through a haze of golden aura that pulsed gently with Shiny Moon's presence.
The little Arceus floated above the floor, tiny paws tucked under her chest, her golden rings spinning slowly in contemplation. Her six sapphire eyes shimmered as though reflecting faraway galaxies, far beyond the city's rooftops.
Kai knelt on the soft carpet, brushing his hand along her silken fur. "You've been quiet today," he said, trying to keep his voice calm. "Is something wrong?"
Shiny Moon yawned, small rings spinning faintly, releasing tiny sparks of light into the room. "Not wrong," she replied softly, voice echoing like chimes in a cathedral. "I… need to go somewhere."
Kai's brow furrowed. "Go where?"
She blinked, deliberate and slow, as though weighing words from the vast cosmos itself. "Far. Beyond the sky. Beyond the cities. Beyond the streets, beyond the noise… a quiet place. A place where I can rest, think, and grow without worrying… about everything."
Riolu bounced anxiously around Kai's feet. "Can I go too?" he asked, tail wagging nervously.
Shiny Moon shook her head, golden rings rotating in a soft swirl. "No, little one. This is my time. I need solitude… space. But I will come back. Sometimes. When you need me, when I feel like it. When the stars call me."
Blaze's tail flicked nervously, and Frogadier, still standing on the window ledge, remained perfectly still, sensing the subtle tremors of Moon's aura. Even the room seemed to hold its breath, as if aware a small god-child was about to leave its comforting warmth.
Kai's heart ached, but he forced himself to speak. "You're not leaving us forever, right?"
Moon floated closer, hovering over his outstretched hands. Her eyes softened, like starlight bending over oceans. "No. Not forever. I will appear… when you need me most. And when I want to play."
Kai swallowed hard, brushing a strand of hair from her tiny face. "I understand… I think. But promise me something."
Her six eyes focused on him, a mix of curiosity and cosmic wisdom. "What is it, Papa?"
"When you go… when you hide among the stars… promise me you'll come back. Fully. When the time comes. When… when my family grows."
Moon's rings slowed, then began spinning gently around her tiny body. "I promise," she whispered, voice like the soft hum of creation. "I will wait. And then… I will shine with you, Papa."
Her body shimmered brighter, golden sparks trailing in her wake. Slowly, she floated upward, higher and higher, until the room felt suddenly emptier. The air was still, only the faint glow of residual aura hinting at her presence.
Kai exhaled deeply, his knees pressing into the floor. "I'll be ready for you," he whispered, though his voice cracked slightly.
Misty stepped closer, brushing her hand against his shoulder. "She'll come back when the universe says it's time," she said softly. "You just keep… living. Training. Battling. Protecting the people and Pokémon you care about. That's what she'll see when she returns."
Kai nodded slowly, thinking of everything yet to come—the battles he had yet to fight, the tournaments, the journey to become Champion, and the family waiting in the wings of the future. "I will," he said firmly, determination hardening in his chest.
Outside the window, Celadon City moved in its usual rhythm, unaware of the small god-child now hovering somewhere beyond their atmosphere, hiding from the world—but watching, listening, and waiting.
Moon whispered softly to herself, voice fading into the void:
"I'll be back… when it's time to play."
The glow slowly dimmed, leaving behind a soft residue of starlight, like a trail of moon dust. Kai sat back against the wall, feeling the silence more profoundly than any noise he had ever known. He could almost hear the echo of her promise vibrating through the air.
Hours passed. Riolu curled into his lap, Blaze lay beside Kai, and Frogadier perched silently, keeping guard. Misty leaned against the window, watching the sunset and holding a quiet vigil over the empty space where Moon had floated just moments ago.
Kai closed his eyes, letting the quiet fill him. Battles would come. Adventures. Challenges. But for now… he would train. Grow. Become stronger. And wait.
Because one day, Shiny Moon would return—not just to play, but to shine fully among them, and nothing in the universe would be able to stop her.
Chapter End