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Dawn smirks, a lump forming in her gut as she stands off to the side, watching the fun. She’s never been one for parties, she knows that now; but it’s not like she can skip out. This one’s for her after all, all because she saved the world. She sighs, feeling the warmth of the torches on her face as she watches the town’s people dance. Laughing and grinning, a flurry of colours filling the town square as they celebrate. She can see Zisu dragging Ingo into a reluctant dance over by the training grounds. She chuckles, watching him, both relieved and panicked about the development. Ingo saved the world too, it’s not like he can leave either, even if both of them would rather have a quiet celebration in the Highlands. Find a nice lonely cliffside and talk, maybe bring along Rei, Zisu, Irida or even Melli. That would be nice…
Dawn sighs, admiring the patchwork of banners and lanterns that stretch across Jubilife, bathing the townscape in all sorts of colours and patterns. If only for a moment, she wishes that this place was a bit more like the settlements of the Diamond and Pearl Clan; or even its modern counterpart. That way she could hide, run away to some dark corner under a tree or in an alleyway and watch the festivities from there. She was never one for large crowds, she knows that now.
It almost reminds her of the New Moon Festival her and Lucas came across on their journey a few years back. The two of them had loved it, before racing off into the forest grinning like maniacs that is. She had danced with a beautiful girl who called herself Marley. Dawn sighs, she never did see her again after that; of course Barry hated that they went without him, his face was priceless!
She chuckles, staring up at the sky, the stars almost seeming to call out to her. She wonders if she’ll ever see them again, or if Ingo will ever see his friends again. They’ve worked so hard, saved the world even! They’ve got to deserve it by now…
Dawn finds herself scanning the crowds, searching for anyone she might want to talk to, even dance with. She hasn’t danced in years, literally anyway. It’s not like Pokémon battles or fistfights really count. She pauses, eyes catching someone moving in her direction.
Dawn gasps, her heart fluttering in her chest as the other woman approaches her; floating through Jubilife Village as if she owns the place, sapphire blue eyes glowing in the torchlight.
“Warden Dawn,” Irida greets, honeyed locks falling gracefully over her face, her freckles almost like stars as shadows dance across her cheeks, stealing the breath from Dawn’s lungs.
“Lady Irida.” She stammers, fidgeting with the hem of her Kimono. A simple design inspired by Lord Electrode, nothing in comparison to the Pearl Clan’s leader.
Irida is clad in a flowering Kimono, pristine white fading into gorgeous pinks, painting an abstract image of the Icelands. It makes the woman resemble a Shiny Froslass, waltzing through a blizzard in search of her next victim. Wonderful….
Dawn shivers, fighting the blush rising to her cheeks as she feels Irida’s gaze on her, fingers tapping absently against her palms. “How are you tonight, my Lady?” She shivers, wincing at the crack in her voice as she whispers the Clan Leader’s name.
“I’m well, thanks to you.” Irida smiles, shy and bright, the light in her eyes making Dawn grow light headed. “I wanted to thank you, for putting an end to Mighty Palkia’s frenzy. I, and the rest of my Clan, are eternally grateful for your deeds.”
Dawn nods, taking a shaky breath. “Of course, as Warden it was the least I could do to protect my Lord and Hisui as a whole. I don’t know if I deserve that much of your time in gratitude…”
Irida’s brow furrows, a slight breeze blowing through the clearing. “That’s not true. You risked your life, fought two gods for us; and you’re not even from here! I may not be from the Diamond Clan, and I don’t really understand your views on time, but I know I would give you all the time in the world as thanks.”
Dawn blinks, her cheeks growing flushed. “Thanks, I’m glad I could do good. I’m… glad I met you. Even if your and Adaman’s arguments are super infuriating.”
Dawn smirks as Irida pouts, adorable displeasure leaking into her gaze. “Hey! He starts it!”
The Warden laughs, feeling almost as if she’s flying. “Oh really, Leader of the Pearl Clan? Because you’re just as bad as he is the way I see it.”
Irida sticks her tongue out. “Never, your insolence hurts me, Warden Dawn.”
Dawn chuckles, seeing the slight smile on her friend’s lips. “Always. I’m glad I met you, Lady Irida, and that our separate clans didn’t keep us from becoming friends.”
Irida glances over her shoulder to see Palina waving and starts to walk away, smiling shyly. “Yeah, me too.”
“Wait!” Dawn shouts, feeling her chest grow tight. She’ll do anything, anything, to spend just a few more moments in this woman’s presence. Hearing her soft fiery voice and watching the embers dancing in her eyes. She’s the definition of beautiful.
As Irida turns back around, Dawn finds herself in a strange bow, her right arm tucked behind her back while her left reaches out to the Clan Leader, fingertips twitching in the breeze, a goofy grin plastered to her face. “May I have this dance?”
Irida’s lip quirks upwards into a startled smile. “Of course.”
Dawn swears she can feel her heart jump as Irida’s soft, yet calloused fingertips brush her own and they spin through the crowd. Dawn beams, watching Irida’s smile grow as she twirls her and holds her, feeling the blood rush in her ears as she pulls the Clan Leader closer. They laugh hand in hand, smirking, challenging each other to go faster as they move. Relief clouds the world as they fall into a rhythm, erratic yet steady, lonely yet perfect.
And they dance and dance and dance, earning approving smiles and teasing grins as they celebrate what was almost the end of the world.