#plot: rainbow road

[mxstball]

[EVENT END] Coffee Date (Epilogue 4)

Nergal was on her laptop in Café Sonata browsing through logs and files of metadata, reports, charts, and data. She could tell that Heidi have put a great deal of work into researching Shadow Energy. Good thing Nergal had made a copy of everything while they were away... and left everything else in-tact for neither Heidi nor Lauren to be the wiser.

She was doubtful that she’ll see her little playmate here, but cogs were already spinning in Nergal’s head. Should she feign ignorance and punish her playmate for “standing her up”? Should she be kind to lower her guard. Oh, the possibilities were endle--

RIING! 

The Café door was swung open, causing the bell to sound rapidly. A girl walked from its entrance to the counter, allowing the door to gently close on its own. She spoke with the barista for a moment before paying for a drink and walking to Nergal’s table. Lacey sat down without much of a word and instead took a sip of the coffee.

“Coffee instead of tea? My you are full of surprises after all, Heides~”

“I am not Heidi.” Lacey took a sip.

“Hm?” 

Lacey shook her head. “Heidi is my other self. I am not my other half. I request for you to address me as Lacey.”

“Oh. I see. Well, I apologize, Lacey. I had not been aware.”

“...You are forgiven.” Lacey sipped her coffee. “...considering that you were in Cinnabar Island when it was destroyed, I assume that you know the nature of my existence, yes?”

“!!!” So, she did notice. Nergal is impressed. She nodded.

“Good.” Lacey paused as Nergal received her food. “I will answer any additional questions that you may have per my nature.” She took another sip. 

“Alrght. I will keep that in mind, sweetie~” She Nergal took a bite of her food. “So, Lacey, are you here to take your other half’s place in our date?”

She nodded. “I wish to maintain the schedule. She had made a promise and I would not like to be the cause of her breaking it. After all, It is not like I have much else to do.”

“I see.... So, if you don’t have much to do, what do you do?”

“Heidi still have some of her consciousness -- enough to have some awareness of our surroundings. Thus, she sometimes give me suggestions for actions. Fortunately, I do not have plans for the many days, so I will sometimes act on these suggestions.”

“Awww~ that’s kind of cute. Though, how does it make you feel -- being bossed around when you have the ultimate control of yourself, hm?”

“...The only things that I feel are existential dread, pain, and fear.” She sips the coffee. “The caffeine from this coffee is the closest that I have ever been to feeling anything else. Thus, I do not feel anything from her suggestions.” Another sip. She’s starting to overshare again.

The sheer bluntness of it all caught her by surprise. “...well, that’s dark--”

“...Well, I am a Shadow Pokémon, after all.”

Nergal glared at Lacey for making that statement, but it was clear that the joke was unintentional.

Then, she started to laugh. “Oh-hohoho. Oh, Lacey. You have surpassed my expectations. I was originally oh so disappointed that I would not be able to see my little plaything for quite some time, but it appears that you would be just as fun~. I look forward to our future dates, darling.”

“...” She can tell that Nergal is plotting something, but now wasn’t the time. She’ll find out eventually. In the meantime, it’s time to get more coffee. 

[mxstball]

Residence (Epilogue 3)

The rain was getting heavy in the Hoeen Region. Some Pokémon in the area were taking shelter to cover for the rain while others were thriving in it.

Lacey landed on a mirage island, passing by the shifting wildlife. The Pokémon stayed clear of her as she trekked through the grass to find what she was looking for. She found the nearby rock and ran her hand through them. Lacey wasn’t fully understanding what she was looking for, but she felt compelled to come here, as if Heidi had been guiding her once more.

Then, she found it.

Lacey felt a small hole in the wall that felt familiar. She held her hand out and casted a spell on it, prompting it to open up and allowing her to climb in. To her confusion, the other side of the wall housed a large base, fully furnished and unused. There were plush dolls of various species of Pokémon, photo frames of both local Pokémon and of Heidi’s family and friends, two beds, and even a computer with a note on it.

Wait. A note? Just how far ahead did her other half plan this?

Lacey approached the note. It was the login credentials as well as steps to connect to the internet. Strange how she was able to get an internet connection all of the way out here, but the logistics were not Lacey’s problem. Lacey turned on the computer and logged in.

There was a video file on the desktop that says “FOR_MY_OTHER_HALF.pdf″. She couldn’t make out the thumbnail, but something was still compelling her to click it. Just what was it? Has Heidi prepared this for her?

She clicked it. It was a note from Heidi.

--

Hey, other half. It’s Heidi. 

Sorry we got on the wrong foot when we first met. I know I was a little unaware of your existance and was scared of you when I first found out, but after you helped with Aegir, I can’t be any more grateful for you being here. Not sure how long between today and when you’re reading this is, but I don’t think that I’d be able to convince her to stay as easily without you. So, I wanted to make this place for you to have the option to stay without Rayquaza or Zinnia or my other family try to harass or bother you. I did what I could to make the place as comfortable as possible with a kitchen and some beds and even a computer... barring food of course. 

I also wanted to tell you something. I know that we come from the same body and all, but I wanted to let you know that I do and have always considered you as an equal to me -- a sister, in fact. I’m currently starting research into finding a way to separate the two of us so we can coexist. If we can coexist, then I want to start over with you and truly get to know you. Maybe we can spark a friendship where we wouldn’t otherwise when we’re just having sole control of consciousness. Maybe I could see more of your side and you of mine. Would that be okay?

Anyway, have fun, okay? Oh, also, can you keep the place clean for me? You should have everything you need except for fresh food since I don’t know when you’ll be reading this. If there’s anything that you need, feel free to reply to this document and I’ll do what I can to get it. 

Thanks,  Heidi

P.S. There’s an Absol behind you. He’s a friend. Is it okay if you can help care for him?

--

Before Lacey could react, said Absol approached her; however, it surprisingly jumped on her lap!

“...You must be the aforementioned Absol.”

“!!” Absol got comfortable. He chirped gleefully.

“Hm.” Lacey started to pet him. “You are her friend. Thus, I will respect that. However--” Lacey picked Absol up, got up herself, walked over, and laid on the far bed. Absol followed and laid on her lap. Lacey went back to petting him. “...Good. You are obedient, at the very least. Yes, you may reside with me as I rest. Guarding this island and caring for you are the least that I can do to reciprocate her offer for me to live her.”

Absol snuggled. Lacey didn’t mind.

[mxstball]

Return Home (Epilogue 1)

“Aphraaa!” Zinnia jumped off of Rayquaza’s back and landed on the Dragonhark Altar. “We’re here.”

“Zinnia! Rayquaza! You are finally home.” Aphrodite-Zygarde rose and waved. She gave Zinnia a hug and was about to do the same to Rayquaza when she noticed something. “Hm?”

Rayquaza landed and rested on the ground. Leaf finally jumped off of his back and took her luggage off as well. “Hiii!”

Aphrodite blinked blankly. “...Leaf? What... are you doing here?”

“Oh! You must be the other Zygarde Core that I haven’t met. It’s good to meet you.” Leaf bowed to give some respect. “I’m going to be spending a few days in Hoenn to lie low for a little while. Cynthia asked me to do so before we left so she could handle things with Interpol.”

“Does it have to do with the Cinnabar Island incident?”

“Wha--? You heard about that already?”

She nodded. “Lauren told me the news when she discovered it. The entire island was wiped out -- there’s nothing but sea there now.”

Leaf and Zinnia both looked at each other. “Lacey sure doesn’t play around, huh?” Leaf’s voice was cracking. 

Aphrodite shook her head. “Anyway, you have my expressed permission to stay as long as you would like. Now, is it alright if you girls can get settled downstairs? I wish to speak with Rayquaza.”

Zinnia nodded. “Alright! Already on it.” Zinnia walked over to Leaf and grabbed some of her luggage.

Leaf picked up the rest and the two of them went downstairs.

Aphrodite and Rayquaza waited until the girls went downstairs before they looked at each other.

If you would like to know, Leaf and the Lorekeeper are together now. Thus, I had suggested that she could leave some clothes in the Lorekeeper’s room, and that she can stay for extended periods if she is in the Hoenn Region.

“I... had a feeling based on the way they looked at each other. They seem happy together.”

Indeed.

Aphrodite walked over to Rayquaza and rested on his back.

She sighed. “Oh, I hope that Heidi will be okay.”

Rayquaza turned and nuzzled her cheek. 

The dear has a tendency to find a way to survive. I trust that she shalt return to us with time.

“Yeah....” She drew close to him. “Oh, how I miss her, and how I missed you, too. I am pleased to know that all of you are safe.”

I missed you as well, my dear.

Rayquaza embraced himself around Aphrodite gently as the two kept each other company in silence for the day.

[mxstball]

The Destruction of Cinnabar Island

Cinnabar Island, during the raid.

“You have lost, Giovanni.”

Giovanni was struggling to stand. The attack along with the paralysis left him powerless to do anything. All of his Pokémon have fainted. All of his grunts, thwarted. Even Mewtwo has betrayed him.

Was this truly the end?

“...You are making a mistake. I--ughhh--” 

Lacey had struck him with a Mist Ball. “I never said that you could speak.”

“...”

“Before I have returned to this body, my other half had warned me about you. During our deal, she made a request for me that, once Mewtwo was freed from your clutches and her... our sister had returned, that I may deliver justice to you in any way that she I would see fit -- if and only if I were to understand her research. At first, I was still guided by her will: to banish you from this world and return you to the Ultra Space from whence you came. However, as I absorbed the energy of more of your creatures and witnessed the past deeds of you and your variant of Team Rocket, I have come to the conclusion that your organization poses a danger too great to leave alive. You have travelled between dimensions, defrauding various worlds of their Pokémon and livelihooods, and, yet you have come to this world believing that you would do the same. You are a threat to my ambitions and your continued existence only increses the risk that I shall potentially lose the limited autonomy that I have.”

“!!!” Giovanni is still trying to move, but he’s powerless to stop her.

“No one will find your body, nor of any of Cinnabar Island.”

--

Someone was just outside of Cinnabar Island. While she couldn’t figure out a way to enter the Island, she could feel the amount of energy and power output emanating from the very space.

A large battle definitely has been going on -- no, multiple large battles. Oh, if only she could absorb it-- “So, you have chosen to go on the offensive after all, Heidi. I wonder what you will choose to do with Giovanni when you wi--”

“!!!”

The ground of Cinnabar Island started to shake. While she couldn’t feel the tremor due to her flight, she could start to see the island vibrate. Before long, there were cracks that were forming on the solid rock.

and then--

BAM! 

A giant beam of darkness erupted from under the surface, quickly enveloping the confines of the entire island. Before long, it quickly shot upwards, creating a giant column for as far as the eye can see -- one that could even be seen from Pallet Town. Nergal floated back and held out in a protective stance as it continued for nearly a minute, outputting an insane amount of Infinity and Shadow Energy.

Eventually, the column dissipated, and energy levels returned to normal. Nergal slowly turned back to see the damage.

...Cinnabar Island was gone. It was eradicated completely.

...and at the center was the sole surviving creature within: Lacey.

“!!!” Nergal had to make a double-take as the sea continued to adjust itself to fill the hole where Cinnabar Island used to be. Was it... really gone? Was that truly the work of a single Latias, nay, a Shadow Latias? Just how powerful of a creature is she?

Nergal disappeared. She has some studying to do.

[mxstball]

Leaf x Zinnia

Zinnia and Leaf dropped off at Pallet Town in front of Red’s house. They’d spent all day with each other, laughing and giggling and sightseeing throughout Johto. Zinnia initially planned to simply call Rayquaza and returned home, but Leaf was adamant about staying one more night. So, the two of them walked in together.

“Hey Mom! We spent all day and it was getting dark so Zinnie’s gonna spend one more night. Is that alright?”

Red’s mother waved at the two fo them. “Hi girls! She can stay for as long as she needs. Red’s not home, so feel free to relax in the room.”

“Thanks mom. Love you!”

-- 

Leaf and Zinnia got comfortable and relaxed on the bed. The two were quiet for a moment. They looked at each other for a moment. Leaf smiled. “I had a really fun time today. Thanks for the date today. I had a really fun time.”

“Eh, it’s fine, Leaf. I had a blast too.” 

Leaf’s smile disappeared as she started talking more seriously. “I... wanted to ask. I know we kinda ghosted each other for 2 years after those first two dates, but after everything that’s happened and with that last date, I... I wanna confess something to you--” 

“Hm?”

“I... I think I still like you. Call yourself Outrage or Zinnia or whatever, I don’t care, but I really think that we can work out, you know? Sooo, I wanted to ask -- would you want to be my uh... my girlfriend?”

“Oh... Uh-- I--- I see.” Zinnia blushed before looking down at the ground. She saw this coming, and yet--

Leaf immediately started to backpedal. “It’s okay if you don’t or if you want to be friends or--”

Zinnia shook her head. “No, it’s not that.” She got a bit more on the bed as she thought about what to say. “Listen, I-- I really like you, Leaf. I want to be with you too and I want to say yes so bad, but like--” She sighed. “Leaf. I--I need to come clean about somethin’ before I can feel comfortable sayin’ yes.”

“...? Go ahead. You can tell me anything.”

“Okay-- actually, can you get my phone out of my short pocket? I think it’ll be easier if I show you what I mean.”

Leaf turned around and grabbed Zinnia’s shorts from the ground. She pulled out her phone, gave it to her and returned to lying down. “Is something on there that you wanted to show me?”

“Yeah.” Zinnia started tapping on the phone before she handed Leaf the phone.

It was a picture of another girl. 

“Her name’s Naresa. She’s Lacey’s Celebi. We’re not dating or anything, but I... like her too.”

“You... like a Legendary Pokémon?”

“Yeahhh. I know. I know it’s kinda weird. Heck, I used to be really against somethin’ like this until dad set me up on a few dates with a few. Ya learn a lot about yourself when that happens.”

“Oh. I... I guess you have a point.” Leaf looked a little dejected. “Have... you tried to ask her out yet?”

Zinnia looked away. “I tried, but.... She’s a mess of a girl. Naresa has gone through a lot of trauma when her world was destroyed and she has a very low self-esteem. Plus, like, she keeps herself in a box socially. The last time I tried to ask her out on a date, she fainted and, when she woke up, she didn’t even remember me asking.”

“Ohhh. Poor girl.”

“Yeah. She’s very bright and smart and friendly though, but...” she sighed. “I ‘unno. We’re working on her self-esteem. We set her up with someone that deals with trauma and stress in Pokémon and we’re doing our best to keep her involved in family stuff... but it will take her a long time to get herself together.”

“I really hope that she does get better.” Leaf felt a little better. It sounded like Zinnia really did care for Naresa.

“Yeah. So, like, I really want to say yes to you and be happy, but I’m just... I don’t want to feel like I’m only dating you because she needs to work more on herself, y’know? I really like you, but I don’t think I could start this relationship on an empty conscious without at least letting you know about this, or, worse, lead you on.”

“Oh.” Leaf nodded and closed her eyes.

“...Sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so harsh.”

“No. No. It’s fine. I understand.” Leaf shook her head. The two were silent for a moment as she considered what to say. “Hey, Zinnia?”

“Yeah?”

“I understand that you like her, and that’s really sweet that you’re keeping everyone’s feelings in mind. I think that it’s fine that you have these feelings, and, even better, that you’re showing that you can have this talk with me without letting things get out of hand. I really appreciate that. That said, I still think that we can still work. I still want to give us a chance and, if it turns out that you actually have more feelings for Naresa than me and that you would rather be with her, then I would be more than happy to step aside and let you be happy without hurting our friendship. I trust you deeply, Zinnia, and that is more important than anything in the world. So, would you like to go out with me?”

Zinnia was silent for a while as she took everything in. There were so many emotions welling up inside of her.

But eventually she gave a simple answer.

“...Yes. Yes, I would.”

[mxstball]

Zinnia and Leaf were sitting across from each other in the noodle shop in Ecruteak City. Since receiving their food, the two have been calmly and peacefully eating in silence. They seemed to be enjoying themselves on this little date of theirs.

Eventually, though, Leaf was the one to speak up.

“These noodles really hit the spot.” She goes in for a bite.

“Tell me about it. Best noodle place in Johto, I’d say.”

“I’d argue Kanto, too, though The Grande Vine Whip in Celadon is pretty close.”

“Mmm. I’ve never been. Maybe we should go there at some point.”

“Definitely.” Zinnia calmly had some more. It was a surprise to see Zinnia not scarf down a plate of food like her life depended on it, but Leaf liked it nonetheless. “Anyway, I still can’t believe that you didn’t even try to catch Mewtwo if you guys were so friendly... or at least even ask.”

Leaf chuckled. “Yeah. I’ve had some time to think about it, and... I think its freedom and choices are what’s more important than my feelings. Lacey gave it a second chance at life and, while I don’t fully know why she did, I don’t want my past to get in the way of it enjoying a good life.”

“Still, ‘s gotta sting a little.”

Leaf had some more noodles before thinking. “Well, I thought it would hurt more than it did. I dunno. I guess that seeing our world’s Mewtwo happy with Arceus combined with how content I am with my life has changed how I feel.”

Zinnia nodded. “Be honest with me. If it asked to be your companion, would you take it?”

“Hm? Well, I’d probably let it know how my life is and how different it may be than, say, Red or Blue, but if it still wanted to come along, then sure.”

“Tsk. That’s it? Just ‘sure’? You’re awfully nonchalant about that.”

“Hehe. I guess I am, huh?” Leaf sipped some tea. “Well, sure is better than obsessing over it.”

“That’s fair. Well, either way, whether it be with you or alone or with some other trainer, I hope Mewtwo can find some happiness. Living life without purpose or happiness no good way to live life, and considering everything it’s been through, it’s easily the best way to land back in the hands of despair or villainy... but, even so, I have faith that Mewtwo will pull through. It’s like you in some sense -- experienced yet resilient... willing to push through today so it can find purpose tomorrow. Before ya know it, we’d be back here, laughing about how Mewtwo’s grown since we first met it.”

Leaf blushed a little. She hadn’t expecting Zinnia to speak so thoroughly. “Yeah. I trust that it will, too.”

[mxstball]

Goodbye For Now

Now that they were out of the Viridian City Pokémon Center, Leaf and Mewtwo talked as they walked to Route 1. Of course, there were looks from strangers as they watched a Legendary Pokémon and a legendary trainer traveling together in the town, but no one dared to approach them nor follow them to Route 1.

Eventually the two stopped in front of the first patch of grass when Leaf turned to Mewtwo. It was time to go.

“Well, it was really nice talking to you, Mewtwo. I’m honored to have met you.”

[The pleasure is mine. However, what is it that you intend to do next?]

“Zinnia and I are out on a date today, so I’m going home to get changed.”

[A... date...?]

“Uh-huh. I really like her, so I’m so hype that we can do this now that everything with Rainbow Rocket calmed down.”

[I see.]

“... what about you? This isn’t your world, so I can’t imagine that there’s much for you to do here.”

[...] Mewtwo paused. [I... don’t know. I still haven’t decided on a goal at this time.]

Leaf nodded. “Well, if it means anything, Cerulean Cave is still open for you if you want to train. Oh, and if you ever wanna hang out with me, I’m almost always in grandpa’s lab.” 

[... Thank you.]

Leaf smiled and gave Mewtwo a hug. “Thanks a ton, buddy.”

[...] Mewtwo was surprised by the gesture, but it returned the favor. 

Eventually, Leaf broke off the hug and ran for the ledges to get home quicker. “See ya later!”

[...] Mewtwo took a moment to think of what he really wanted to do, and eventually teleported away.

[mxstball]

“Welcome to the Pokémon Center, Leaf and Eevee! Would you like me to take your Pokémon today?”

“No. Not this time. I’m actually here to check on Mewtwo here? I’m the one that dropped it off yesterday.”

“Oh! Yes. It was actually looking for you. Would you like to come see it?”

“Yes please.”

--

Mewtwo was meditating above its bed when Leaf arrived. To see it feel better was good to see.

“Hey Mewtwo. It’s good to see you’re feeling better.”

[...] Mewtwo lowered itself to rest on the bed. [So, you’ve come.]

“Yup! You didn’t think that I was just going to promise to check on you and just not show up, did you?”

[... You have a point.]

Leaf turned to the nurse. “Is it okay if I can talk to it a bit and then sign the discharge papers when we’re done?”

The nurse nodded, bowed, and left.

“Thank you, nurse!”

Leaf walked over and sat on Mewtwo’s bed.

“Soo, uh... I’m really sorry about what happened back there in Cinnabar Island--”

[Oh? And why is that?]

“Well, I know that we raided the place to get justice for what happened, but... I ‘unno. Giovanni wasn’t a good man, but I can’t imagine how terrible it must be to see your trainer die like that.”

[Hmmm.] Mewtwo shook its head. [It is not so. Giovanni and I agreed that I would assist him in his plans up to and unless I determined that my life was truly in danger. Thus, my continued existence at his expense is nothing but formality.]

“Oh. I... guess that’s okay.” She sighed. “Well, still I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t miss things even a little bit--”

[I... cannot deny this claim, if that makes you happier.]

“...” Leaf didn’t know how to respond to that statement. Instead, she stood awkwardly as Eevee jumped down and landed on her lap.

Mewtwo was silent for a moment before it spoke again. [.... May ask you a question, Green?]

“Yeah sure. What’s up?”

[The variant of Green in my original dimension never lived to see life outside of the confines of Cinnabar Island. Tell me, in the time that you’ve escaped from that island, what have you done?]

“Well, I became an assistant to Professor Oak and a top-tier trainer if that means anything. I started my journey with Venusaur not too long after Red and Blue. We completed the Pokédex together, and I even went out of my way to help with improvements to it.”

[I see. I’m impressed. And what of your variant of me?]

“Uh...” Leaf had to pause and think about that. Just how was her Mewtwo doing since Red released him? “My Mewtwo.... He’s... with Arceus now. Red caught him for a while but released him after finishing his Pokédex. I’m... not sure why he’s with her since I hadn’t asked, but...”

[With Arceus. Fascinating. This is the first I’ve heard of this.]

She nodded. “Anyway, let’s get you out of here.” Eevee jumped back on her shoulder before Leaf herself got up. “You’ve recovered, so no need to be holding up a hospital bed, right?”

Mewtwo nodded.