♦ Dedicated to LogicalCabbage for being a really, REALLY nice and mature sister figure to me. You're someone I really look up to, and your writing is fabulous. I'm really glad I met you at the Pokemon Contest--your writing really set the standard for me then. You're really calm (at times >_>), but you know how to have fun. Such as spamming. And shipping. You know what? Go away. I still love you though. ♦

>~< I'm trying to write faster but exaaaaaaaams. At least I'm trying, right? Riiiight? :DDDDDD

*insert cricket noises* :')

The quotes at the beginning and end are adapted from english translations of the songs "Ai No Scenario" (English translation by SirHamnet) and "Connect" (English translation by Tylec Asroc).

:I do not own Pokemon or the images used in the cover, but the plot, personalities and the edited cover belongs to me. You may not copy, translate, or reproduce it in any form unless given permission by me, @NyxAbsol.:

༺༻

❝ Don't run away.

There's nothing to run away from now.

There's nothing to be scared of now.

Open your eyes—you'll see—

You're ready to face your fears.

You've always been ready. ❞

༺༻

Jirachi gave me an empty stare, and if it was possible, her dark eyes seemed to grow even flintier.

"So, what now, Cresselia?" The Legendary's voice was almost mocking as she spoke, an element of clear annoyance present in her dull tone. "They've refused, much unlike the Umbreon and Espeon who agreed without hesitation."

I wanted to be angry with her for the condescending articulations, but the creature's harsh words did have an element of bitter reality.

"I can hear their voices," I responded in a sharp voice, making sure my telepathy was just for her ears alone. "They may tell us that they want to live for each other that each other is all they have, but deep down, they know Fate can't be fought."

"They've deluded themselves," Jirachi summarised—her words had become so quiet that it had degraded into little more then a mess of jumbled syllabuses. "However, their unity is certainly admired—after all, it's caused them to have the ability to cheat death."

My eyes narrowed, swivelling my head around to face the wish-maker. "That doesn't mean it's right," I argued. "I know you don't want to kill them, but really, it might be the best choice."

"Did you hear me say that I'm not going to help you?" Jirachi gave me a harsh glare. "You've already turned me into a murderer."

"You know what the humans say," she continued on. "Kill one, a murderer. Kill a million, a conquerer. Kill them all, a God."

It was then that I was able to look with absolute clarity into my friend's—in all truths, I didn't know if I could call her that—eyes; but it was only then that I could see the sanity in her mind starting to erode from the word murderer screaming in her mind.

"Killing a few more won't make a difference," the Pokemon hissed. "We're doing this for the greater good. Maybe if I turn into a killing machine completely, I'll become a conquerer. I'll become stronger."

"I'm sorry," I mumbled. "I never meant to turn you into one."

"Too late for an apology now," she grunted. "On another hand, Meloetta is visiting Johto. I've sent her a note—she'll be arriving soon."

As if on cue, a rippling wave of energy tore through the forest, not quite enough to destroy, but the influx of psychic power was more than enough to alert us to the arrival of a new Pokemon—one that was far stronger than that of a regular Pokemon's.

Jirachi reared her head, regarding the slim creature that landed in front of us with a blank expression. "So you received my note," she commented, her voice quiet. "Hey, Meloetta."

"Long time no see, Jirachi," the Legendary greeted back in her melodic voice. "I've received your message. About your reasons, I'd say..."

I intervened, keeping my voice as gentle as I could. "They may sound silly, but I hope you'll be able to at least consider them, I muttered. If I had one wish, it'd be this. So... please... I just want you to—"

Meloetta cut me off abruptly, a smile decorating her elegant features. "It's alright, she assured. "You don't need to explain. I believe in your cause—I do think that this wish of yours, though reckless, represents the desires and truths of the Legendary Council."

Except Arceus, I wanted to say, but I kept quiet, focusing instead on the fluttering, relieved feeling rising in my chest.

It felt like someone was a gardener and causing my soul to blossom, and I stared at Meloetta, surprised at how easy it had been for her to accept our request. "Thank you," I mumbled, and she shot me a calm beam in return.

"I'm quite flexible as compared to other Legendaries like Ho-Oh," she commented, tone light. "I heard that even the old bird supports you, so why not?"

"We trifle time," Jirachi accused. "Meloetta, I did not invite you here simply for idle chit-chat."

The Melody Pokemon levitated herself into the air, performing a flip with little effort as she stared at the two Ponyta. "So, hmm... they refuse to die..."

"Maybe we could move their hearts." The two mythical Legendaries swivelled their heads to face me, and I took a deep breath as I spoke. "They already know what's best for them—they just refuse to admit it."

At this, the wish maker drew in a sharp breath, shuddering in a painful manner as she exhaled—as if she'd been slapped in the face.

"Right. Move their hearts." Meloetta pulled her small frame upright with utmost grace. "I mean, I could try. It's my specialty, and I can do this through song. It's what Arceus created me for."

With that, the creature rose into the air, perching herself on a nearby tree branch and making herself comfortable.

She made no attempt to hurry, and we didn't rush her—music was the Pokemon's specialty, after all, and it was an art in itself. Meloetta leaned against the rough bark of the tree, unruffled by the discomfort brought by the texture and focusing her attention on her targets.

Then, adjusting her microphone-like appendage to her mouth, she sang.

The first few notes were more like warm-up hums, but they were filled with strength—smooth, clear and quiet, yet they carried a unique power in its tonality.

The Pokemon's voice rolled over the forest in sorrowful waves. Swells of power rose up in her throat, and I couldn't even tell if it was words that came from her. Her voice was music, was the definition of grace itself, and her voice was amplified by cleverly intertwined notes of sorrow and drawn-out tiredness.

Music filled the air without effort, like the waves filling holes in beach sand; the sound rushing in and around every Pokemon in the area. The evocative lyrics that Meloetta had composed sent chills down my spine, and even though I couldn't quite make out all the words, the acute emotions painted a clear enough picture.

The quiet plink of a background piano seemed to be natural to, striking a tune in accordance to Meloetta's singing, and flowed through my cerebral cortex like a wakeful dream, the notes relaxing me, enabling the song to call to my entire being.

I didn't know how the Ponyta felt, but if the Legendary's voice could paralyse even me in a mixture of differing emotions, I had to assume that the music had some kind of effect on the sibling pair.

"Don't just stand there," Jirachi commented. "You have powers—do something."

R—Right, I replied, conjuring up a pale sphere of blush-tinted energy and launching the globule of magic into the air. Seeming to know my intentions, it burst at once, leaving behind a heavy, intoxicating mist in its wake—it wouldn't be as effective as Meloetta's voice, but it would helped.

The two equine-like Pokemon performed a half-rear, their anger somewhat quelled by the dreamlike fog and the soothing voice echoing through the area.

Meloetta showed no signs nor intentions of slowing down, and a thought sprouted at the back of my mind—one that tired me like the pitter-patter of raindrops on a rainy day. It calmed my thoughts, and my eyelids felt heavy—as if it was the end of a long journey and all I wanted to do was go to sleep.

The Melody Pokemon's hypnotic articulations were messing with our hearts—no, connecting with them, allowing us to think with a clear state of mind.

The older, taller Ponyta raised his head, eyes frozen with fear and shock—fear that the stone walls they'd set up around themselves were crumbling and shock as this piece of beautiful music revealed the truth—the ugly truth that they'd wanted to forget.

Were his thoughts visible, they would be a inverse explosion, crazy chaotic turns and twists of light all coming together to just one idea, to just one sentence—

I just want to sleep—

They'd always wanted to mistake their tranquil life for readiness to take on any situation. Perhaps that was true once.

Now, however, that calmness had faded to exhaustion—they were quiet, subdued and worn down from years of illness, and they honestly wanted nothing more than a respite from this raging series of storms.

I could hear his thoughts ring as clear as a bell. "Why have we been lying to ourselves?" he started to question. "Why have we been fighting? Is it so that we can stay together?"

Meloetta paused for an inaudible second for a smug smile, before continuing on, her voice stronger than ever. The gift that Arceus had presented her with was evident, and she brought that very ability out in the harshest way she could.

The song's rhythm changed, as if hiding the fact that it was melting to a different tune, something more soulful and powerful—a melody that nearly overwhelmed me.

"It's Meloetta's Relic Song," Jirachi whispered.

The Fire-type Pokemon let out a soft whinny, as though energy was being constantly drained out of his body—as though he was leaking electricity.

There was unbearable sadness in leaving a place of strong love, a place where fond memories grew as fast as the clovers in the grass. He knew he would savour each memory so strong that it would almost live once more—no, the memories were alive. They were the treasures that kept them going.

He was conflicted—we were nearing our goal, and it would be a matter of time before the two's burden could be relieved.

"Memories thrive and grow like clovers," he started, voice quivering and words dragged out. "Clovers start to wither and fade with time, just like memories. However, unlike clovers, memories won't ever die."

"Brother?" The younger Ponyta took a step closer to his sibling, staring up at him with desperation in his onyx optics. "You're—you're not saying—"

"You know..." Jirachi smiled, but I could see the expression in her eyes—the lost, grieving emotions that she failed to hide behind a facade of strength. "Reincarnation is a possibility. I'm sure you two could meet again someday. With your sibling bond, it'll be guaranteed."

"Reincarnation?" The small Pokemon looked up. "I...I don't know what to think now."

"I thought I was living for my brother," the Pokemon confessed with a sad expression on his face. "I thought I was bearing all this pain for him. Now...however...was I selfish? Did I just want to live so that my brother would be with me? So that I wouldn't have to be alone?"

I felt like it was my turn to say something, so I spoke. "I think that everyone's allowed to be selfish sometimes," I reassured. "In fact, the nature of love itself is selfish. However, love makes the world go round, so I guess that some degree of selfishness is needed for the world to exist as it is."

My heart paused for a moment, clenching painfully in my chest—why am I mirroring my emotions? I laughed to myself. This wasn't what I meant to say.

"What I mean is that while love is beautiful thing, some selflessness is necessary too, I stammered out. Sometimes, if your time is here, you'll just have to let go. It's much easier that way."

"And if you let go, you'll meet again in the afterlife," Jirachi confirmed. "It exists, and it's beautiful. And, if you're eligible for reincarnation, I'll do everything in my power to make sure you two reunite in a happier life."

"I see," the Ponyta replied hesitantly before turning to his brother. "Sorry, brother. Don't think of this as leaving."

"But—"

"Love will keep us together even when we are far apart. We only have to reach out with our minds and we'll be there. We'll be together, showering each other with the love and support we need."

The equine collapsed to the ground, starting to shimmer with the translucent, telltale quality of death. "If Brother thinks that this is for the best, then—"

"Being together and stuck in this eternal hell is much worse than separation, now that you think of it," the older creature muttered. "If we separate and just...well, die, there's a chance that we can be much happier in the future."

"Just rest," he continued. "I'll be here until you can go to sleep, so don't worry."

Meloetta's singing had started to slow, and each word was dragged out in a manner that almost seemed painful, the power in her voice draining to a tender, sweet tone that almost couldn't be heard.

"O—Okay..."

Tears ran down the younger creature's eyes, and the glistening pair of black optics started to close, the small Fire-type's form shifting from a solid body to one that was much more intangible.

"It feels strangely good—it feels comforting," the Ponyta murmured. "I feel like everything's going to dissolve into nothing, and frankly, I want it to."

"I guess I have to say this first," the youthful Pokemon choked. "Goodbye, brother."

His older brother shot him a tight smile, the expression made all the more heart-wrenching through the hazy veil of tears that clouded the once clear look in his midnight-coloured eyes. "You silly foal," he laughed, but it was evident that his voice had cracked. "This isn't goodbye. You can't say goodbye if we're going to meet again."

"Meet...again?" A strange guise flitted onto the creature's face—one tranquil and peaceful and something that I'd never thought I'd see on his face. "That'd be nice."

He had the kind of smile that made me feel happy to be alive, that made me feel just a little bit more mortal. Sure, I was far from a transient being, but I was content with that split-second that I was able to feel like a regular Pokemon.

I'll...I'll need you to say this for me, Jirachi explained. Do both of you consent to this wish that I'm about to make?

The duo nodded in an instant, and the wish-maker let out a small sigh. "Very well," she stated, her voice a state of eerie calmness. "On behalf of the two of you, I wish for the heavens to reclaim your souls. Clear your mind, and sleep."

The younger Ponyta was first—his eyes closed, and a sphere of white consumed his emaciated frame fully until the tiny pieces of his lingering heart was all that remained.

"Well, I guess that it's my turn," the remaining equine commented. "Make sure you keep your word. When we return, I hope that this world is even more beautiful than before."

"That's a promise," I replied in a heartbeat, and he just cocked his head in response.

"I'll be going now," he mumbled. "Goodnight—"

And then, he closed his eyes, the same globe of light swathed his fragile body, and I could see his teary—yet joyful—eyes blink open for one last moment before that detail disappeared along with the fiery ball of energy.

Goodnight. Not goodbye.

"Have a happy dream tonight," I smiled. They more than deserved it.

The shards of the two Pokemon's souls circled around Jirachi's small body, before transforming itself into a pale orb of coruscating yellow, the colour vivid enough to mirror the sun itself.

As the sphere disappeared inside the Wish Pokemon, she turned to the both of us with an unreadable expression written on her face. "Unity," she muttered. "We've broken the rule of Unity. We've succeeded again."

She didn't sound excited at all, and I didn't question it. No one could ever feel that way when they had just killed someone.

Meloetta floated off her perch to join us. "About what you said to them about reincarnation—"

"I don't make empty promises," she snarled back. "I'm going to make it happen. If I have to, I'll talk to Yveltal and Arceus. I will make them come back."

"I'm sorry," I murmured.

"I know you don't make empty promises."

༺༻

The meadow was a glorious expanse of grass and meadow flowers, leafy blades rustling gently in the breeze. The morning sky was almost consumed by clouds, stained with deep steel-blues that mirrored the muted shades of one's monochromatic heart on a bad day.

The flowers were an exception—they shone like the first berries in winter: unabashedly brilliant, scarlet, hypnotic.

The equine creature trotted along the sandy pathway, noticing a distant figure standing amidst the fields, cloaked by thick layers of rolling fog that the morning had brought.

He smiled as he recognised the Pokemon—after all, he'd memorised every detail of that Fire-type since years ago.

He let out a call, and as the smaller Ponyta turned around, he rushed forward, leaning his muzzle into the soft, warm fur of the creature's neck.

"I found you."

༺༻

Every time I stop

Every time I stumble

..I'll think of you

..we'll meet again.

Definitely.

༺༻

Holy shit. How did this chapter become so long? xDD Making all the deep, philosophical quotes was my favourite part of writing this tbh. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it ^^

Thank you guys for 1.7k reads and 203 votes! Holy crap you guys literally destroyed my goal xD My next goal is 210! :D 

Read, vote and comment as always, critiques are extremely welcome and now *salutes* Nyx out! :)

~ nyxia ☆