"It's a shame that Lilian had to leave." Heidi sipped her tea. "It sounds like he's been busy lately."
"You know how he gets when he starts to focus on something." Vivienne took a sip of her own tea. "After all, there have been rumors of a few things happening at once around Lumoise City. So, he's been investigating on his own."
"Mmmm." She knows what he's looking into, but now's not the time to spoil. "I guess that's fair. I'm just glad that I was able to say goodbye in the small time that we shared."
"He appreciates it. Although, what about Artemis?"
"Arty and I had... our own goodbyes already." Heidi chuckled.
"I see. Very well. I won't pry, then." Vivienne chuckled.
It looks like the two were getting along, and it looks like Rose already will have company when she enters.
@oflegendariesandtrainers liked for a double vacation starter
Oh. Oh boy. This is... awkward. Aesen seemed to have come to Sky Pillar to pay Rayquaza a visit while Heidi and Yukin were away, but instead of the Sky Dragon, he found... Heidi relaxing with Magearna while THEY were waiting for Rayquaza.
Yet, this Heidi was definitely not the sister that he's used to. There was something a lot more divine about her... something that made her seem closer in nature to his father than the Latias that he's used to. Did something happen.
"O—oh! Uh... hey, Aesen." Heidi got up and bowed. "What a surprise to see you here... hehe. If uh... if you're looking for Rayquaza, that old dragon's currently paying mama and papa a visit in Kanto with the baby. Or were you looking for someone else?"
Oh, she's in so much trouble if Yukin learns about this.
Heidi had picked up on Bede's unease around her. That's... odd. He's not like this in her current time, or at least not as much. Did she dampen her power enough before coming here?
"Stronger? Well, technically yeah. Why do you ask?"
....
It's definitely the lack of dampening, isn't it? Hang on, let her just...
Heidi transformed again to an appearance that seemed closer to the present Heidi's Low-Powered form, and made sure to hold back even more of her Arceus power. She even emulated some more Latias energy just to make sure. "S—sorry. I... forget how much more weirded out you get around Arceus now than in my time. Does... that help?"
"Eh. Still far down the list enough to effectively be the truth. No need to be so technical, or else I would have needed to give 70 caveats to myself by now."
"So, Touko was apprehended, too." Blue clenched her fists. "… and her group was stopped in part from a Shadow Pokémon. Interesting. I must say that I am impressed by their ingenuity." She continued to pet Shadow Mew as it purred in her lap. "I had a feeling that things would get interesting in this place ever since I ready about the fact that they handled the threat of another Arceus. Oh, Leaf. You have quite the assortment of friends."
As she finished reading the report from Touko's Rotom, it let out a worried cry.
"Hm? What's the matter? Afraid of what'll happen to you now that Touko's gone?"
Rotom let out a cry.
"Well… you should be!" Blue quickly closed her palm, trapping it within her grasp. "Shirona!"
Shirona and her Arceus appeared before Blue. "Yes, boss."
"Does Arceus need a new playmate, Shirona? I think if you put this little one in a Washing Machine, then it would love to volunteer."
"… well, in fact, we were just looking for something. Is it alright if it can be Garchomp's chew toy while we're out?"
"Oh! Chew toy! That's even better."
Rotom tried to wiggle its way out of Blue's grasp, but it was useless. Blue tapped Shadow Mew with her free hand, causing it to get up and move out of the way. She then walked over to Shirona's Arceus and offered to Rotom to it.
Arceus enacted some of its powers to bind Rotom to a new toy.
"Thank you, Shirona~. Make sure Garchomp plays with it nice and good. Now, I have an assignment for you, since you could be the only one that I can trust around here."
"Is this related to the Acting-Arceus of this world? I was just starting to do some research about her."
"Sort of, yes. It's about a certain… Shadow version of her, though…." Blue couldn't help but laugh.
As the remaining Legendary Pokémon looked on, they each contemplated what to do. The world was finally nearing its end, and anyone that stayed upon its death would surely meet its end. Some Legendary Pokémon, now relieved of their duties, left for better pastures in other realms to keep their immortality. Others decided that they will see the world in its final moments, finally able to see it to completion.
Then, there was Icathia.
The dragon set off at the edge of space as she watched everything start to dwindle away. At any moment now, the heat death will come, rendering all Infinity Energy of all creatures that remain to be nullified, marking the end of their shared existence. Yet, despite that, she's been floating in the vastness of space for the past three days. Everyone that's wanted to leave has departed, while everyone who wanted to leave having left already…
… all except for one.
"… Icathia."
Heidi's words summoned the Dialga from nowhere to float in front of her. Heidi fixed herself to be more presentable to her sister. This point was eventually going to come, and it was something that they were both anticipating for the days that Heidi was floating there.
"Heidi."
"You still plan to leave, right?"
"I do, yes." Icathia nodded. "I just want to make sure that everything is completed for the next Arceus that finds their way into this empty universe."
Heidi nodded. "Then, can I talk to you about something that's been on my mind one last time, Icathia?"
"You may."
Heidi sighed. "I've determined that I want to join [REDACTED] and my Arceus self to be their sister. It's the reason why I've decided to not go with Nergal to roam around the world. I… think it's the right decision for me, but—" Heidi shook her head. "I'm… I'm just worried. Worried about my baby… about Melly and Leifi and you and Zinnia… Friede, too. I… I don't know when — or even if — I'll be able to see all of you again when I leave, and I worry that Nergal would be right… that I would be needed but not be found."
"…" Icathia crossed her arms to continue to listen.
"I… I dunno. I just… am I worried too much? Will you guys be okay?"
Icathia was anticipating this conversation. "Heidi. You deserve to make the decisions that you feel as though is right without being so concerned of all of us. We are our own people and have made our own decisions. It is time to make yours freely."
Heidi nodded. "I know, and I've made my choice. I just… still worry, you know?"
"…" Icathia looked back out into the vastness of space. It was getting closer to the final moments of this world, but she knew that there was time to do at least one more thing. "… All will be well."
"Huh?"
Icathia turned back to Heidi. "I have already peered into the future, and… and I know that we'll all be okay without you. That is why I implore you to make the decision on your own. While you will be missed, our lives will move on and we will be better in time."
"Really?"
She nodded; however, Icathia then closed her eyes and sighed. She started thinking about the bit of sadness to come… maybe there's a chance to resolve both concerns in a single go. "… In fact, I would like to show you, if you wish. Maybe the two of you could meet, after all."
Heidi's eyes lit up. She happily nodded. "P—please! Who is it? I'm willing to meet whoever!"
Icathia nodded. "Then, take my hand."
Heidi grabbed Icathia's hand and closed her eyes. Before long, she could feel Icathia's time abilities affecting her, causing the very concept of time to bend around them….
---
Origin City, Ruined Kingdom Asguard
It was another sunny day in the great city. Many people were traveling through the bustling city and its several, distinct districts, all with a Clocktower in the middle of the town. There, even though it sat in the heavens above Spear Pillar, it was inhabitable both for people and many groups of Pokémon. Even Legendary Pokémon sometimes made their home there.
A boy started running out of the Balance Trainer School with one of his friends. With them, an Absol and a Dragapult were trailing not far behind. Despite running, the boy was laughing the whole time. "Last one to the Diner's a rotten egg!" He started gaining on his friend before he and the Absol passed her.
The friend picked up the pace. "Hey! I thought we were going to Delta Park! Get back here!"
The two friends and their Pokémon continued running, darting past crowds and gaining on each other.
They eventually passed through two passerby travelers. The wind from their running caused one of them to open her eyes and look around. The other paid them no mind.
"… Huh?" Heidi looked around. She turned to see what passed her. She saw the Absol and Dragapult gunning towards the two humans, causing her to tilt her head. "Oh. It's just some kids—wait. Kids?"
Icathia nodded. "Indeed."
Heidi gave the area another look. It was… all so familiar. The bustling nature of the place… the architecture… even the giant… Clocktower? Wait. This couldn't be what she thought it was, could it?
"Welcome home, Heidi." Icathia's voice was still monotonous, but it still had a little bit of warmth to it. "This… is what I wanted to show you."
Heidi continued to look around. She ran around to each of the building, making sure not to interrupt anyone. "It's… it's just like home."
Icathia caught up with her. "It is. This is the inevitable future of the world, Heidi. Our home… our original home… it will soon be brought back together."
"Woah." Heidi moved back into the crowd and tried to flag down someone. "E—excuse me!"
The person she tried to flag down didn't notice her. Instead, they phased right through her.
Icathia walked back up to Heidi. "I have not fully manifested you in the world yet."
"Oh. Right. So, they can't see or interact with me." Heidi looked back up at the Clocktower. "So, our home is… recreated? Is this Friede's doing."
Icathia shook her head. "Someone else's. Come. This way."
Heidi turned back around and started following Icathia's lead. The two ventured into the Central District, where many Legendary Pokémon find themselves. They passed Vivi's Lotto Diner, which was as popular as she saw when she went back in time. They passed by several houses, eventually stopping at a simple home near the Clocktower.
"What we are looking for is in here."
Icathia walked through the wall, causing Heidi to follow in her lead. Heidi was expecting to see another Legendary Pokémon that she would recognize. Maybe Nergal decided to take over this world after all. Maybe Melony had decided to take up shop and restart the world as she remembered it. Maybe it was Artemis who wanted something for her extended family.
No. What she saw instead was completely unexpected.
The landscape was infinitely vast, with a shallow pool of water all around them. Even the entrance that they entered wasn't anywhere to be seen. A vast mountain laid in wait at the far end of the scene and a serene, calm breeze passed through the duo. The sky above was a clear blue, as if it was the perfect day at all times. It was a beautiful scene, but it was also something that was far too familiar… as if Heidi has been almost exactly in this place before.
Heidi looked around to discover the only other person in the area. She was what seemed to be a young woman with smooth skin and blonde hair. She didn't seem all that tall, but her mere presence was towering over the area. Yet, the woman seemed to be at ease here, almost as if she was becoming one with the very landscape itself. She was sitting in the shallow pool, reading what seemed to be a book of some kind. Heidi couldn't make out which book it could be, however.
"Who is that?" Heidi looked to Icathia.
"That… is Friede's next of kin, and her successor. She won't be born for some millennia, and I haven't shown myself exactly what will happen. For this once… I think I want to be surprised."
Heidi nodded. So, while Icahtia was aware of this place, she wasn't aware of anything after this point. It was a rare thing to hear from her. "She looks… at peace. I can feel some sadness within her but—" Heidi stopped as she continued to watch the girl. She could sense a bit of Friede within her, but this one seemed a little more… tranquil than Friede… more optimistic of herself and of others. If anything, it reminded her of… herself in some way.
Icathia nodded at Heidi. "I think she'll be a fine successor to our mother's title."
"Yeah." Heidi smiled, but something started to itch at her. She didn't think that she was satisfied just yet. "Hey. Icathia."
"Hm?"
"I know that this normally breaks protocol, but…" Heidi turned to Icathia. "… can I talk to her?"
"…" Icathia looked between Heidi and the successor. Then, she sighed. "You have five minutes." Icathia held her hand out, casting her time magic to manifest Heidi into the world.
Now that she materialized, Heidi walked towards the girl that she set her sights on.
One step, however, and the girl was alerted enough to look up at Heidi. Wait. This person wasn't familiar. The girl put the book away and stood up. "Oh um—Hello. My apologies. I was not anticipating company today."
The girl snapped her fingers, causing the scene to change. It was the view of a standard home, with the two of them inside the tatami room. The girl then adjusted herself on one end of the low table and signaled for Heidi to sit. Heidi looked around before sitting on the other side of the table. While this wasn't going to be a long visit, she wanted to make it count.
Heidi bowed. "I'm so sorry for the intrusion. I'm… not exactly in the position to choose the exact time to appear before you. You're Friede's kid, aren't you?"
"It is quite alright. You are always welcome here. To answer your question, I am the daughter of Friede, yes…. However, you may just call me Malenia."
"Malenia…." Heidi nodded. "That's… a nice name. It's… nice to meet you, Malenia. My name is Heidi — Friede was my All-Mother."
Malenia blinked. "Really? Huh. Well, it is a pleasure, Heidi. Please excuse the simplicity of my home." Malenia pushed her book to the table. "Family visiting deserves a bit more decorum than, well… what you see now."
Heidi shook her head. "No need to apologize. I get it. It's not every day where you get chance encounters from someone like me."
Malenia nodded. "So… is there something that you have come for?" Her tone slowed and her voice started shaking. She remembers the stories that she's read about. Seeing Heidi, however, started to process to her just how real they were. "Some of the others have come to reclaim their lost treasures from… then…. Orbs… a sword… a shield…"
Heidi shook her head and smiled. "No, that's okay. I… honestly just came to talk to you, really. I don’t plan to take up too much of your time, if that's okay."
"Oh. Uh… I see." Malenia bowed. "Well, is there… is there something specific you wished to discuss?"
Heidi leaned back and looked to the ceiling. "This place… if you're here and out there is out there… then that means that you must have been the one to reclaim the old world. Is that right?"
"Indeed. I would like to undo all that has been done here. It is only right that those who were lost are given the chance to live on. After all, none of this was their fault." Malenia looked down at her hand and lightly closed it. "I… read a lot of what was done here… and the trouble that Mother has caused all of you. It is tragic, but I want to make things right."
"And… how do you feel about your mother when it comes to her actions?"
"I…" Malenia paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. "I understand but disagree with why she did what she did, but I do not hate her. She has grown a lot over the years before finally having me, and I acknowledge that, but that doesn't mean that the harm that she caused never existed. It just means that I must work to atone for it… to be the person that she — and the rest of us — are proud of."
Heidi sat up straight. "Wait. Does that mean that Friede…?"
Malenia nodded. "She… faded out of existence when she had me. I… never had the chance to know her directly. All that I have to go by are the journals that she's left behind. While she was isolated, she wrote a lot to pass the time, to recall the events of her previous lives, and to reflect on them. Now? It s all that is left of her legacy." Malenia picked up the book from earlier and held it close. It seems to be one of those journals.
Heidi couldn't help but smile. Hearing that Friede may have finally moved on… that she may have finally decided to depart from this world in peace… it was bittersweet, but it was still good to hear. "Friede was a great woman and an even cooler role model, even if you didn't agree with her actions. I'm happy to hear that she finally found peace."
"Mmm." Malenia nodded. "What… are your feelings towards her?"
Heidi shook her head. "I'm in the same boat as you, in a way. In her first life, I've disagreed with her through the bitter end, but I never could get myself to hate her. Yet, when I watched over the survivors of our world, I wanted to do anything that I could to protect them not only because they were my family, but because I wanted to, in some way, atone for what happened to them when this world ended." Heidi looked back to the ceiling. "Until now, I was so worried about them… worried that something may happen to them while I'm gone, but knowing this… it puts me at ease." Heidi looked back at Malenia and gave a warm smile. "Thank you, for being there for my — no… our — family."
The two of them smiled at each other. For a second, there was silence as they sat as statues to take in the time together. Then, when it was through, Malenia stood up and walked around the table to Heidi before sitting back down again. Malenia offered the book to Heidi. "This is one of her journals. In them, she wrote about her experiences… her triumphs and losses… her her love and sadness. This is the final section. The book that she wrote into until the end of her life. I would like for you to have this. I have already finished reading and, well… I feel as if you should have something positive to remember her by."
Heidi finally got a better look at the book. She grabbed it to examine it. The covers were a little worn, as if the book was used quite a lot. Yet the binding seemed pristine and the pages had very little blemishes on the inside. Still, she could feel a little Infinity Energy coming from it, as if Friede put her very soul into each stroke and each page of the writing. "A—are you sure? She may have been my Arceus, but she's your mother, and a mother that you hadn't gotten to know."
Malenia shook her head. "I insist. I have learned everything that I've needed to in there… and I believe that it is ideal for you to have and read it for yourself."
"…" Heidi looked back and forth between Malenia and the journal. Something to remember her All-Mother by… it was something that she would never have thought of. If she has the time, maybe she could look into reading it. "Thank you… but… I can't just take this without giving you something in return. So, you can have something of mine."
"…?"
Heidi put the book down and outstreched her palm. An Arc Phone appeared on her palm. She then offered it to Malenia. "This is Ghost. Ghost is an Unown from the world that I protected, and one of the best partners that I've ever had, and one fo the smartest creatures ever." She looked up at Malenia. "Seeing you here proves to me that I won't be needing it anymore, but I still want it to live on and enjoy the presence of a friend. Can you take care of it for me?"
Malenia accepted the phone and examined it. It was unlike anything that she's ever seen. The only thing that she can think of that resembled this were empty shells that she found during her exploration… and Heidi wanted to entrust it to her? It was… hard to believe of all things. Malenia's vision started to cloud and she started to sniffle. Before either of them realized, her arms were wrapped around Heidi with tears falling down her cheeks.
Heidi smiled but was in a little shock from the embrace. Still, the dragon accepted the hug and even shed a few tears of her own. They spent the time hugging in silence. Ghost moved away from Malenia's hands and transformed into its human appearance temporarily to watch as the two temporarily united sisters embraced each other. Icahia even appeared to initially signal to Heidi that time was up, but stopped when seeing the scene.
Maybe they can go on for a little longer.
Eventually, the two sisters stopped their hug and smiled at each other. Heidi noticed Icathia at the edge of her vision and stood up, which prompted Malenia to rise in turn. Icathia then walked over to Malenia and crouched down to her level.
"We have to go now, Golden One. But please, dry your tears."
Malenia turned to Icathia and sniffled. She then wiped away the tears that were still streaming down her face.
"Your future will be bright, trust me. But, for now…." She turned to Heidi and held a hand out. "It's time."
"…." Heidi nodded, but rebuts a little. "One… last thing if that's okay?"
Icathia rolled her eyes, but chuckled. "Alright, but be fast."
"Thanks." Heidi smiled and turned back to Malenia. "I have a message for you, and three for some others should you find them."
"Okay." Malenia nodded.
"For you, I want to say… that I want you to stay true to yourself, Malenia. Whenever you feel lost… your family will be there for you, just as you're there for them."
"I shalt."
"For Melony, my Giratina sister, please tell her that I hoep that she lives a long and loving life. She deserves it."
"I will tell her!"
"If you see Lati, my daughter, tell her that her mother is proud of her and loves her."
"Okay!"
"And… if you see Lauren, my big sister, please thank her for being the best adoptive sister in the multiverse to me. I'm sure she'll do great things."
Malenia nodded.
Once that was all done, Heidi gave Malenia a quick hug. "Send the rest of the family my regards, alright?" She then turned to Icathia and accepted her hand. "Let's go."
Icathia nodded and started the process of returning to the present. The two time travelers began to fade away and walk away.
However, as they did that, Malenia took a step forward. Her face was brimming with determination. "I will! But when everything is right again, you had better come back! On my honor, this will be a paradise if you do!"
Heidi and Icahia paused from walking as Heidi smiled. Just before fulling fading, Heidi gave Malenia one last smile. "I look forward to it someday. Though, in a way, maybe I never left~"
Heidi and Icathia disappeared into their time. It was at that moment when Heidi decided to join her Arceus counterpart in her own journey without regrets.
Heidi walked through a portal and entered the Hall of Origin. With the vacation over, she was finally free to return home again… and what a vacation it was.
"Mommy!" Almost immediately, a loud noise could be heard from downstairs. By the time Heidi turned around, there was a Latios that was zooming at full speed to greet her.
"Lati! Woah woah woah wait—"
BAM!
Lati tackled her mother to the ground and started nuzzling her.
"Hehehe. Lati… what did Mommy say about flying so fast around the house?"
"Oop. Sorry, mommy." She's still nuzzling and hugging her mother.
Heidi laughed. "It's okay. It's alright. I can tell that you really missed Mommy. Mommy missed you too~" Now that she was done being in shock from the tackle, Heidi turned around to face her daughter and smooched her on the forehead. "You were a good girl while Mommy was away, right?"
"Uh-huh! Very good! I behaved thiiiis much." Lati sat up to extend her hands as far as she could.
Heidi nodded and sat up too. "Good. Well, I can tell tell that you're doing well. Though, can you do Mommy a favor?"
"Hm?"
"Spend some time with Auntie Melly for me? Mommy needs some time with Mama Nergal. I'll make sure to spend lots of time with you when we're done, okay?"
"Uh-huh! Okay!" Lati got up and started flying towards Melony's room.
"Hey! What did Mommy say about flying so fast in the house!?"
Lati stopped and slowly backed all of the way up to the living room. She then landed on the ground and started walking towards Melony's room.
"Much better. Love you, baby."
"Love you too."
Heidi smiled and waited until Lati was gone. Then, she ignored her own advice and swiftly flew up the stairs and into her room.
Heidi closed the door behind her and let out a sigh. Usually she doesn't break her own rules, but she really felt the need this time around.
"It seems that someone's getting pretty desperate today."
Heidi quickly turned around. "Oh, thank fuck you're here. You have now idea how much I needed y—"
Heidi was interrupted by Nergal pulling her. "Oh, get over here and stop faffing about, will you?"
Nergal led Heidi to the bed, where they proceeded to sit. Just as they sat, Heidi leaned in to try to kiss her girlfriend to start something, but Nergal pressed a finger against Heidi's lips before pushing her away. The psychic dragon blushed before sitting up and turning around. Maybe she came off too strong? Maybe there was something else that needed to be done first? Hopefully she's not kept waiting for too long…?
Nergal took one look at Heidi and laughed. "Look at you. You really have been that excited to see me? Pathetic little dragon you are."
Heidi's face only became more red, but she didn't respond. Instead, she simply swayed back and forth.
"Anyway, there is… something that I wanted to speak with you about first. You're not so far gone to not be able to listen, are you, dear~"
!? Heidi shook her head and exhaled. "Sorry. Just was really excited."
"It's fine. I am irresistible, after all."
Heidi lightly bit her lip, but then rolled her eyes. "Whatever you tell yourself, Nergal. Anyway, what's up? Oh, also wasn't Lati supposed to be with Rayquaza?"
Nergal shrugged. "She refused to stay at Rayquaza's. You know how she can get sometimes. So, Melony's caring for her."
Heidi nodded. "Then we're sticking to this room."
"Fine by me, because the request I have for you isn't something that I want everyone to chime in on."
"Mmm. So, what do you need, Nergal?"
"…" Nergal scooted over to Heidi and grabbed her hands. "Well, we've been together for some time. I know that a lot has changed in the time since you've been an Arceus, and that even more will change again, but… I've been thinking about our relationship and what I want out of it."
"…?" Heidi was trying her best not to assume things. She didn't want to give her hopes up. "We've been officially dating for two years, Nergal. Plus, I haven't gotten all of the cores for you yet. Is something wrong?"
Nergal shook her head. "N—no. Nothing's wrong. I was… just thinking about how our relationship is going and… I need to ask you a question before going any further."
"Sure. What is it?"
"…" Pins were sticking in Nergal's stomach. Look at her, hand-in-hand with some goody-two-shoes that she calls a girlfriend… getting too nervous to even continue this conversation. Maybe she's the pathetic one around here. Nergal gripped Heidi's hand even harder before she finally let it all out in a single stroke.
"I… want to skip the pretense and prerequisites. Let's get married, Heidi, cores be damned! I… I want to be with you for the rest of our lives. I want you to be mine and I want to be yours. I don't want to just be your second-favorite dragon in your world. I want to be the happiest dragon, too… and I can only see that with you. So, please, will you marry me?"
"…"
Heidi was left speechless. They've been rivals for years, together for a few, and openly friends for even less. Nergal wasn't the type to hold emotions like this on her sleeve, either. Here, she was working on the cores and expecting for Nergal to just… ditch her once she got what she wanted, or at least say no to her own proposal. Yet… here they are.
What does she even say?
"I… Wow I… sorry I… I'm so taken aback by all of this."
Nergal averted her gaze, but said nothing.
"… Yes. I… I will marry you, Nergal. It's what I wanted this whole time." A tear started streaming down Heidi's cheek. "Yes. Yes. A million times yes."
Tears were going down Nergal's face, too. "Bloody hell. Look at you. You're already ready to cry?"
Heidi wiped her face. "Like you're one to talk. Look at you." Heidi reached over and wiped the tears off from Nergal's face.
"…" Nergal couldn't stop smiling but was fighting back the tears that were clearly bound to come. "I—I'm not crying. Your emotions are just contagious."
"Hehehe. But you're so cute like this."
"I'll show you cute, you cheeky little—!" Nergal grabbed Heidi and pulled her further into the bed.
"Eep!"
Once Heidi was pulled, she ended up on top of Nergal, prompting the two to immediately start passionately kissing. It looks like it was special time, after all.
As the remaining Legendary Pokémon looked on, they each contemplated what to do. The world was finally nearing its end, and anyone that stayed upon its death would surely meet its end. Some Legendary Pokémon, now relieved of their duties, left for better pastures in other realms to keep their immortality. Others decided that they will see the world in its final moments, finally able to see it to completion. Others still were torn on what to do.
Then, there was Zygarde.
Heidi managed to reach the depths of Zygarde's cave. The ecosystem dragon was split into three, with each in their human forms. Thus, they each turned to Heidi.
"You truly have been busy with this 'end of the world' business." Athena got up and gave Heidi a hug.
Heidi hugged back, then moved to hug Artemis. "I have. It's starting to wind down, though."
Artemis returned the hug. "Has Zinnia already left?"
"Yeah. She has. Naresa, Bede and [REDACTED] went with her, too." Heidi let go and started hugging Aphrodite. "...It's not too late to join them, Zygarde. Any or all of your cores can leave here and live a new life."
Aphrodite hugged a little tighter. "We have already agreed to staying here together."
"'We'?" Heidi let go of Aphrodite and sat down along the group. "It's not exactly a democracy when you're a hivemind, Zygarde."
"No, but it is not a dictatorship, either."
"A fair point." Heidi looked around at the group of them. "So, why are all of your cores here? I would have expected for at least one of them to join Rayquaza."
Aphrodite shook her head. "Pardon our conceit, but We wish for the remainder of the end of our time to focus on ourselves. Rayquaza already has Zuki and Rachel to look after him."
"You don't want to be with Vivienne or Lilian?" Heidi turned to Artemis.
Artemis looked down and sighed. She shook her head. "No. I… do not with for them to see me like this."
Heidi nodded. "I understand."
Athena leaned back. "Ever since Zacian retreated with Zamazenta, we have been on our own. You are the first entity to visit since then."
Heidi nodded. She focused more on Artemis and gave her pets on the head. "Well, I'm sure that you will get another visit or two before it's time."
Athena nodded.
Aphrodite spoke up next. "Have you decided on what to do, Heidi?"
Heidi turned around, but looked to the ground and sighed. "Not… yet, no. I know there's still time, but I'm still just… so torn."
"It is a tough decision, after all. There is no going back once you make it."
"And either way there will be family that I never see again."
Aphrodite nodded. "If I may…."
Heidi perked up.
"If I am to be honest, for your sake I wish that you choose to leave. There is much of the universe to see and many people that would be better with you, even if you believe that your duty is complete, but—" Aphrodite caught herself.
"… but what?"
Athena sighed and continued, causing Heidi to turn to face her instead. "If we are to be honest with ourselves, we hope that you choose to live the rest of your days here… with us."
Heidi blinked, flabergasted by their idea.
Artemis agreed. "We believed the same with [REDACTED] and with Zacian, but they have chosen to go their own path. While we do not blame them in the slightest, it has truthfully been… lonely by ourselves…. To think that there is not anyone that wishes to be with us and pay most of their attention to us. While we do wish for you to do the same, we… cannot stop but hoping that you choose to stay."
"Aww… Zygarde…."
The three human forms moved over to all hug Heidi at the same time. "You are our closest friend, and will always be that. It is only natural for us to feel this way… yet, we cannot help but house some guilt."
Heidi turned to each of the forms of Zygarde and nuzzled all of them. "I understand. If… I were to decide to stay and die in this world, there isn't anyone that I would want to spend my last moments with that is still here than you?"
"Really? Not even Rayquaza?"
"...Rayquaza already has Zuki and Rachel to look after him." Heidi laughed.
The three human forms laughed, too. Heidi had a fair point.
"...but, still. I appreciate the offer, and I would be more than happy to accept… if I knew that I was staying."
"Of course." Athena nodded. "Please, do not make a decision just based on our feelings. Do what is right for you."
Heidi smiled and nodded.
"… but… if you decide to stay, is… it okay if you could come back? Even if Nergal stays behind too, it would make me happy to have you here."
Heidi nodded. She gave Athena another hug. "I… I promise, Zygarde. If I stay in this world, then I'll stay here with you. If Nergal stays too, then we'll both come."
Athena's eyes started to water. Hearing that from Heidi… even if, deep down, she didn't think that it would happen, it touched her knowing that her best friend would agree like this. "Th—thank you."
Heidi smiled and nodded. She then moved a little and laid her head on Aphrodite's lap. "Either way, there's still the chance to spend the day away together."
Aphrodite nodded in agreement. "Would you like for me to find you some cushioning?"
"Nah. We can make a bed-nest here." Heidi snapped her fingers, spawning a bed that could hold everyone. She then turned into her Latias form.
"Actually—" Aphrodite pulled the Latias with her. "Can… I give you something?"
Heidi transformed into her human form. "Huh? What's up?"
"We wish to give you something… something to remember us by."
Heidi tilted her head.
"Close your eyes."
Heidi nodded and closed her eyes.
Zygarde placed something in her palms. It was squishy and soft. "If you decide to leave, please keep this with you. If you ever think of me, summon it and know that I am too… wherever I am. If you decide to stay, then you can return it to me and we can spend the days together. Can you promise that?"
"...I promise."
"Good. Open your eyes."
...
---
...
Heidi sighed as she was sitting in the the room of Sky Pillar. As she opened her eyes, she spawned the gift that was given to her all of this time:
A single, living Zygarde Core.
"...Zygarde…. I hope that the rest of you is resting peacefully in the next life."
