#plot: final holiday

The day transferred into night and into the next day. As time went on, people began to depart. Some had life obligations that they had to attend to. Others were growing tired and wished to sleep in their beds. One or two were called away for emergencies. Even the group that gathered together and spent their time to talk about Dawn and their memories of her began to peter out. It started when Iris needed to return to her champion duties and Cynthia was called back by Bede, but most of the others slowly started to trickle as well.

There were a few people that stayed, however. Jörmungandr requested a room and shared with Meredith. Lauren decided to have a sleepover with Tor. Lati decided to stay with his two mothers. Zinnia and Leaf decided to stay longer to keep an eye on Heidi. Lucas, Rosa, Serena, and Lillie each stayed the night as well to talk more of their departed friend. Heidi ensured that each person that wished to stay had a place to rest, even if it would take them some time to do so.

The next day, Heidi, Melony, and Tor all made brunch for everyone. They all gave their greetings to their guests and checked in on them. Most seemed okay, although a few like Leaf and Lillie were still a bit shaken from Dawn's passing. Heidi, Melony, and Tor each did their best to comfort them when they saw this.

Throughout the day, all but two of the remaining guests departed. Jörmungandr wished to spend more time with his beloved while Zinnia and Lati spent more time to be with Heidi instead of returning home with Rayquaza. Despite that, the atmosphere in the Hall of Origin was fairly dead. After all, why wouldn't it be? Dawn may have passed peacefully, but she felt too young to die, like she was taken too soon. Not only that, but Dawn's death marked a certain reality as well: that Friede would soon return to threaten this world once more... that she will return to her quest to destroy all of humanity. Neither thought was something that anyone within the Hall of Origin wished to willingly think about, yet these thoughts wormed their way through everyone's mind one way or another.

And yet, everyone did their best to comfort each other. This dead air... this aura of sorrow... it wasn't something that Dawn wouldn't have wanted, and yet they couldn't help themselves.

But as long as Dawn passed peacefully and had no regrets, each of them would try to keep the air positive, anyway.

----

Soon after, a wake and later a funeral was hosted by the nearby shrine. Everyone gathered to say their goodbyes: friends, family, rivals.... After Dawn's cremation, only a few family members returned to perform the ritual to transfer her bones to a special urn. Afterwards, while the bones were left to rest in the shrine, with a little help from Rayquaza and Heidi, Dawn's family was able to afford to give Dawn a burial plot and gravestone, where she will be buried for the remainder of her days.

A few weeks later, Heidi was found in her Hall of Origin. She was texting her parallel self and her True Arceus self to apologize about her disappearance and about Dawn's passing. Nergal agreed to tend to the house today so she can focus on herself and her training. Still, Heidi was still in the tail end of her mourning.

That's when she suddenly had a strange feeling.

Heidi put her phone away and left her room. She departed from the Hall of Origin and went to Dawn's gravesite. She was alone and, while it wasn't the middle of the night, the overcast day still gave her a little bit of the shivers. Why is it that she had the feeling to come here all of a sudden, though?

She would quickly get her answer from the appearance of another.

"...Heidi."

"...Friede." Heidi moved over a little bit so they both could stand next to each other.

"..." Friede accepted the gesture. "Thank you."

"...I'm surprised to see you here."

"I... have come here every day around this time since this stone was erected. What are you doing here?"

"I..." Heidi shook her head. "I don't know. Maybe to think of her one last time? I know that I wasn't as close to her as you or Lucas or Zinnia, but she was still nice to me throughout the whole time that I knew her."

"...Mmm." Friede closed her eyes and nodded. There was nothing to refute with that statement.

The two stood together in silence for nearly an hour. They thought of Dawn... their memories of her... the time that they each spent with her.... They each thought of what things would be like were it be that Dawn never passed... were she never had been inflicted with disease. What type of person would she slowly become? How would she affect those around her....

Heidi eventually walked up to the grave and took out a card. She knelt down and placed it in a slot. It was a drawing of Heidi as Arceus giving the world a hug. "I... don't have a business to give a business card, Dawn, but I hope that this will suffice." Heidi stood up and returned to her spot.

They were silent once again as they both were in deep thought. However, it was Friede who would break the silence.

"Dawn... she was... the first trainer that I've had for some time."

Heidi quickly turned to her All-Mother. "How long?"

"...400 years, give or take." Friede crossed her arms. "There was another whom I had given my services to... a girl by the name of Akari, back when our Sinnoh was called the Hisui Region. Dawn... she reminded me of that trainer from long ago."

"..." Heidi nodded. "Is that why you decided to go with her?"

"In part, yes." Friede closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. "No matter, it's given me a new... perspective."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Friede turned to her equal. "Throughout the year that I have spent under Dawn's care, I have interacted with many creatures in this world. It is... different from many of the worlds that I have encountered. Despite the hardships and the struggles, the creatures in this world work together to find harmony and peace with their fellow neighbors and their environment. They care not of the nature of the other but wish to find ways to coexist throughout their lives. Even the Legendary Pokémon share a common goal, both those who have always existed in this world and those outside."

Heidi wasn't sure where this was going. "Yeah. This place isn't perfect, but we all believe that the only way to live in a world peacefully is if we all work together. People, Pokémon, Legendary Pokémon... we all have a part to play in keeping this world safe. Keeping this peace is my goal, but it was also Nami's goal and Rayquaza's and all of our companions."

Friede nodded. "A lofty goal indeed. And do you truly believe that it will last? This sense of peace is fragile and is prone to destruction should one end not maintain their part. If humans believe that you are not good enough for them, they will attempt to oppose you. If the Legendary Pokémon that you encounter are distrusting, they can disrupt the peace that you work so hard for."

"I understand that, but it's worth it. Peace may be fragile and is harbored on trust, but I believe that I have both the means and the understanding to make it work."

"...I see." Friede turned back to Dawn's grave. "...Heidi."

"Yes, Friede?"

"...what is this world to you? What of the people and Pokémon?"

"..." Heidi turned back to the grave.

"This world.... It's my home, whether I was born here or not. The people that live here are my friends, and the Pokémon that live here are my family. I love everyone here, and I will do anything to keep it safe, even if I have to defend it with my life."

Friede closed her eyes. A smile crept up on her face. A part of her hoped that Heidi would say that. Despite everything that Heidi's gone through, Friede could tell that Heidi's convictions were unshakeable. "...Bring that thought with you to our battle, Heidi. Your resolve must remain as solid now as it will when it is put to the test." Friede turned and started to walk away. "Meet me in the Clocktower when you are ready. Prove to me of your faith in this world, and of your own outlook on your life."

"... I will do that." Heidi nodded. She didn't bother to watch as Friede walked away from the scene to retreat into her home. Instead, Heidi just wished for a little more time with Dawn.

"So, she's finally gone, huh?"

Leaf, May, Brendan, Wally, Zinnia, Lucas, Barry, Cynthia, Hilda, Hilbert, N, Rosa, Iris, Serena, Lillie, Elio, Selene, Hau, Athena-Zygarde, Katherine, Gloria, Victor, and Hop all were in the battle hall. They were originally waiting for the bad news to finally hit, but... now that Heidi told them, the entire group was nearly silent.

"I'm... really sorry, guys." Heidi turned off her Arceus form to sit with everyone.

"It's... not your fault, Lacey." Hilda shook her head. "You don't need to say sorry."

"..." Lillie shook her head. "I'm just... glad that I was able to say goodbye... one final time."

"Yeah. Me, too." Serena was in particular pain. She... couldn't help but be reminded of Calem. They both were too young to suffer the way they did, and now neither of them was with her anymore.

Athena moved over to comfort Serena. Her Artemis core was still upstairs, but the least that she could do was to help.

Serena cuddled Athena. "Th--thanks, Athena."

"..." Cynthia had something else on her mind. "...Heidi. What of the other Arceus? What of her fate now?"

"..." Heidi shook her head. "I... don't know. I'm sure that I'll have to challenge her eventually, but... we can think about that another time."

"..." Leaf looked at Heidi. "Lacey... is it... okay if you can stay with us? I know there's a lot of us here and you have the party, but--"

Heidi looked at Leaf and smiled. "No, no. It's fine. I can stay, but..." she got up. "Let me go tell Nergal to host for the rest of the night. Then, I'll be back."

Everyone nodded with a collective "Thank you."

Heidi turned and walked out the door. She won't be long.

There was a knock on the door right after Dawn's passing. "Hey, mama? Friede? Everything alright in there?"

Meredith and Friede looked at each other and nodded. Then, Meredith gave the signal. "Come in, Heidi, but please close the door behind you."

The door slowly opened, and Heidi entered. She then closed the door behind her. "Hey. I sensed something happen in here and wanted to--"

That's when she saw the confirmation of what she sensed.

Friede was still petting Dawn's hair. The girl was still resting on the Creator's lap as she passed. Heidi could feel a hint of grief from Friede's demeanor, although the dragon would dare not bring it up to her.

Friede looked at Heidi. "She passed two days ago, but I brought her back long enough to say one final goodbye to her friends. Now that she has done that, she was... ready to go."

"Dawn..." Heidi suddenly felt a tear escape. She quickly went to wipe it.

Meredith kept a smile on her face. "Dawn... I could sense that she had left us without any regrets." She looked at Friede. "You did the right thing in helping her, Friede."

Friede nodded. She reached over and picked up Dawn's lifeless body, being careful to make sure that her hat stayed on her head. "Heidi."

"Yes, Friede?"

"Please... do not let this ruin the mood of your holiday party. She enjoyed seeing the holiday cheer in this place and wished not to ruin it. However, tell her friends that she has passed. I am sure that it will help them gain closure."

"I... can do that. Thank you. But before you go--"

"...?"

"Thank you, Friede... for being there for her. We... all appreciate it."

Friede nodded and disappeared with Dawn's body.

"..." Meredith was silent for a moment. She was ensuring that her old friend had truly left, but when she did... "... Heidi."

"Yes, mama?"

"Friede. I... still sensed her -- the old her -- when speaking with Dawn. Surely, you've noticed?"

Heidi shook her head. "Friede's never left us, even if her heart's closed, mama. I've known for a while now."

"Mmm." Meredith rose out of the bed and walked over to her daughter to give her a hug. "Dawn must have meant a lot to many of you."

Heidi nodded. She was still fighting tears, but she still hugged her mother back. "She... was a good friend to a lot of us. Even when she grew ill, she didn't back down to help everyone in any way that she could. It's just... really hard to see her go, you know?"

"I understand." Meredith tightened her hug for a second before letting go.

"...Thank you, mama." Heidi let go and smiled at her mother. "I'm... going to talk to Zinnia and the others. Feel free to go back to the party."

Meredith smiled and nodded. She walked out of the door before looking back at Heidi. She could sense Heidi's unease and sorrow but decided to not say anything. Instead, she closed the door behind her and returned to the party.

Zinnia left the guest room and called for Hilda to enter. From then, throughout the party, each of Dawn's friends came in the guest room to see her and speak to her one more time. The reactions from her friends varied depending on the person. Some of them encouraged her and comforted her. Others were the ones needed to be comforted as they were the ones that were sobbing, crying and apologizing to her. Then, when it comes to Lucas and May, Dawn confessed her feelings to them and told them everything.

Eventually, all of Dawn's friends said their goodbyes, and each of them gathered in the battle arena to talk. Once Cynthia was the final one to leave, however, Dawn's guest room's door opened once more.

"I brought someone, Dawn." Friede walked in and allowed someone to walk in with her.

Meredith entered the room and lightly closed the door behind her. "Hello again, little one. My apologies for our short meeting."

"Hey, Friede. Hi, Miss...." Dawn nodded. She didn't seem to exert much emotion. "Miss... uh... what's your name?"

"...Meredith is fine. I'm Heidi's mother."

"Okay. Hi, Miss Meredith." Dawn bowed this time. "I... guess you can already tell, Friede."

"I can, yes."

The two walked over to her. Meredith sat at the opposite end of the bed, but Friede sat next to Dawn. Dawn adjusted herself, lying down and resting on Friede's lap. The room was silent for a little while as the trio settled. Friede even started brushing Dawn's hair. They all knew what was happening, but they each waited until the time was right to address it.

That's when, eventually, Dawn decided to do so first.

"You know... knowing that the next time I close my eyes... that I'll never see my friends again... that I'll never see mom again... that I'll never see you again, Friede... I never properly prepared for how much it hurts." Dawn shook her head. "...but at least it wouldn't be as much as never having the chance to say goodbye."

"..." Friede nodded. "One's final moments are always the most difficult points in our lives. It is where we are most vulnerable, remorseful, and desperate."

Dawn nodded. She shifted herself to curl a little closer to her friend.

"...You are... scared."

"...I am, yeah.... Is that normal?"

Friede looked over at Meredith. Meredith nodded, allowing Friede to look back at Dawn. "It is, yes. There is nothing to be ashamed of, Dawn. Allow the emotions to pass through you, like the water in a rapid."

Dawn nodded. She then looked at Meredith. "Are you... a friend of Friede's...?"

"In a way, yes." Meredith nodded. "Your Arceus and I go a long way, let's say. She simply requested for me to accompany her in your final moments."

"Really...?" Dawn turned to Friede. "Are you... worried about me?"

Friede hesitated but denied. "I simply request someone to keep watch of me under Heidi's domain. That is all."

While that statement was true, Friede's hesitation was enough for Dawn to confirm the underlying truth. She chose not to expose it, however. There was no need to embarrass her friend in front of Meredith.

"Little one..." Meredith turned to Dawn, causing Dawn to lock eyes with her. "Death and the fear of the unknown are terrifying situations for those unprepared. The afterlife can be a scary place to think about, especially if one's soul stays tethered to the land of the living. During my time in the afterlife, I have seen many like you pass on over the years, and many others unlike you as well."

"Wait, you... you passed away, too?"

"I did, yes. Unlike you, I remained -- and arguably still remain -- in a Soul Dew that is under my daughter's possession. In that time, I have encountered so many passing souls who have moved on... and so many who just could not yet. Finding peace is one of the most difficult things to do for many people, but it is a terrific feeling once done."

"I... hope that I can be one of those people that move on."

"You will be. I have faith in you." Meredith smiled.

Dawn nestled on Friede a little more, but she wasn't exactly ready yet.

"Friede...?"

"Yes, Dawn?"

"...I know that you're going to go back to your mission, but...." Dawn sat up again and looked at her friend. "...But, may I ask for one more wish from you?"

"What is it that you wish for, little one?"

Dawn reached in her bag and took out her Pokéballs. She gave them to Friede. "My... my friends. I know that they'll be lonely when I go, especially Torterra. Can you... find them a good home?"

Friede looked down at the Pokéballs and grabbed them. She stored them in her pouch. "I... can, yes. If they wish to travel with me, they are free to, however."

Dawn nodded. "If you're their new home, that's okay, too. I... just don't want them to get lonely. They -- and you -- deserve to live happily."

"..." Friede nodded. She could not guarantee that she can live happily, as it was far too late for her, but these innocent Pokémon more than deserved to.

"...." Dawn reached in her pocket and took out one more Pokéball. She clicked it, enveloping Friede in a blue light.

Dawn released Friede! Bye bye, Friede!

The glow disappeared, and Dawn gave the Arceus a large hug. "I'll... I'll miss you, Friede. Thank you...."

Friede said nothing, but simply petted her former trainer. It's been over a year since Dawn found her and caught her, but she's learned so much more from slowing down this year than from any other time. She wondered if this was due to something within her, or if this was something that Izanami planned...

Either way, the Arceus eventually let go. It was time to go. "Thank you... Dawn.... I will never forget you."

Dawn let go and looked at her friend. A somber smile grew on her face as she gave one more small hug and laid down, closing her eyes.

Zinnia and Dawn were together in one of the guest rooms. The two made small talk so Dawn can muster the courage to tell her friend everything.

Eventually, during a down tick, Dawn gave a sigh. She's been dreading this part of the meeting for a while now, but there was no going back. In fact, there was no going back from the moment that she asked Zinnia to show up.

"...So, there's a reason why I needed you and the others to come to the party."

"...." Zinnia hopped on the bed and sat next to her. "Like I said, I think I know what's happening, but it's better to hear it directly instead. What's goin' on, kiddo? Does it have to do with your disease?"

Dawn nodded. "It... has everything to do with that." Dawn couldn't look her friend in the eye, but she could tell that Zinnia was concerned. "The reason why I needed you to come here is... because I just... wanted to see you one final time."

Zinnia blinked. "I don't get it. What are you talking about? Did the doctor give you an updated time to live or something?"

"...He did, but..." She shook her head. "He was wrong. The doctor said that I still had at least another two months and sent me home to live out some final days out of the hospital before returning there and passing peacefully there, but... well... that didn't happen."

"Huh? What do you mean? You're still here, though."

"Only because Friede is actively keeping me here, Zinnia. I... passed away in my sleep two nights ago. I dunno how or why. Maybe the doctors were wrong or maybe I ran into something that caused it, but... I'm... no longer alive anymore. When it happened, Friede temporarily resurrected me and said that she at least wanted to let me enact my final wish before I go -- to say goodbye to all of you... all of my friends that were with me for my journey and my struggle like you and Barry and Hilda and Miss Cynthia. I... already feel terrible for being such a burden on all of you and for possibly dooming this world, but I would feel so much worse if I didn't at least get to say goodbye--"

"W--wait, so... after you're done with us, you're gonna--"

A tear fell down Dawn's eye as she nodded. She closed her eyes and wiped her face. "I--I'm sorry, Zinnia. I'm really sorry--"

Zinnia turned and gave Dawn the biggest hug. She quietly started to shush her friend as the girl started to sob. "It's okay, Dawn... It's okay...."

Heidi.

"No, I'm looking, Rayquaza."

While everyone was having a lot of fun, Heidi and Rayquaza were busy peering glances at Meredith and Friede whenever they could.

"Does something about this feel kind of... off?"

Hm? What do you mean?

"I mean, like, there's something about this vibe that feels wrong." Heidi shook her head. "I can't put my claw on it, but mama's talking with Friede for an awful amount of time. What do you think they're talking about?"

I presume they are catching up over these past 200 years. After all, she was sent here to converse.

"Sure, but even without Dawn, they're talking together so much?"

Rayquaza sensed that she was talking about something in particular, but he didn't know quite what.

Perhaps there is something that we are yet to know. Nonetheless, as long as the Golden one is satiated, then that is what matters.

"I guess." Heidi crossed her arms as she considered the possibilities. Friede wasn't one to go behind people's back and start a strange plan and she trusted that her mother wouldn't dare put herself in danger.... Still, something was not right about this situation.

Oh, by the way, Heidi.

"Hm? What's up?"

Tell me, how is it that you were able to reanimate your mother?

"Oh, that?" Heidi chuckled. "Well, funny thing. Since Meredith's soul is in the Soul Dew, Leah and that Arceus version of me taught me how to generate a body and impart a soul into it. I think they called it 'Resurrection via Reconstruction' or something like that."

I see. And I presume such was not a simple action.

Heidi scoffed. "No. Passed out when it was done. Wasn't a good sight." She shook her head. "Not only that, but she has to stay in the Hall of Origin for a while or stay near me when outside. I still have the Soul Dew and she needs my energy and the Soul Dew to sustain herself for now. We're working on ways to fix that, though."

Rayquaza nodded.

Very well. Either way, it grants the little one a chance to see his grandmother.

Heidi nodded. "Definitely. She loves her little grandson already."

"And the winner goes to... me~" Zinnia recalled Goodra.

"Woah! That was so close!"

"I'll say. I don't think that those two have ever gotten so heated agsinst each other before."

"Woohoo! Good job, gals!" Leaf was enjoying every second of it.

"Woo! That was so intense!" Hilda jumped up and down from the other side of the battle. Even though she lost, she was still enjoying herself. "You got so much better lately, Zinnia!"

"Heh. Thanks, bud. My team and I have been trying out a bunch of new things lately to up our game. Glad that you're liking it."

The girls all laughed together. Over time, they all took turns battling each other with small breaks in between. While Zinnia and Leaf shared in the most wins, Hilda wasn't that far behind, with Serena and Dawn keeping up as well. Eventually, however, the group started filtering out as they grew hungry. It came down to just Zinnia and Dawn as their battle was just reaching its conclusion.

"Gotta say, Dawn. Not bad." Zinnia chuckled. "Not bad at all. Ya still held up a solid fight, though Torterra seemed to be a little out of her league this time."

"Thanks, Zinnia. It means a lot." Dawn smiled and walked over to her friend.

Zinnia ran over to Dawn, meeting her 2/3 of the way. Then, she gave her friend a big hug. "Yeah, anytime, buddy."

The two were silent for a moment as they continued the hug. Dawn could tell that Zinnia was gearing up with something to say. Why did she bring her here? What is Dawn planning?

Just spit it out, already.

"...By the way, I figured out why you told me to come here, Dawn."

"H--huh?" Dawn jumped.

"You heard me." Zinnia let go of the hug. "You're not hiding shit from me, you know. I was originally going to come see you right after the holiday party... hang out with you and check in on you, but... when you told me that I really needed to come here, I started putting pieces together."

"But... how would you know why I wanted you to be here."

"...Here. Let's take this in a room. This... is going to be a bit heavy, alright?" Zinnia grabbed her friend by the arm and started walking.

The party had just begun. The entrance area was full of colorful lights and decorations. The holiday tree was setup and decorated. Much of the furniture were put to the side or put away to make room for all of the guests. While the party was "small", there were still a significant amount of people attending the location. Everyone in Sky Pillar were there from Lillie to Rayquaza to Zygarde and Jeanne.... Everyone in Spear Pillar attended, too. Even Icathia descended from her duties to partake. Lauren joined the group. Even others from Heidi's home world attended: Leifi, Eir (with Venus accompanying her), Morgan, Jörmungandr... Even a few Legendary Pokémon native to this world and their trainers were there like Kyogre, Zekrom and Celebi.

For a small party, there was quite the crowd.

Many of them were eating and having fun. There were a few like Zinnia and Leifi who retreated to the battle arena to fight, and a couple of others that found guest rooms to hide in and talk privately.

Unfortunately, while Meredith would love to be among that number to take Jörmungandr and sneak him into a private room to spend "private time" together, she instead was in the crowd, helping to maintain order and also to obligatorily answer any questions about her nature. After all, just a few weeks ago, she was secluded in her Soul Dew, only able to communicate directly to her little one. She didn't quite mind, of course, but her lover was constantly on her mind from the moment she saw him again.

At least he promised to stay the night so they could make up for lost time.

Meredith looked among the crowd and noticed that there was a special someone that was there who, while she was able to strike up some conversation with the help of her trainer, didn't quite get strikingly along with some of the others. Though, that wasn't surprising considering who it was.

Meredith walked up to her old friend.

"Meredith."

"Friede." Meredith bowed. "It's good to see that you've been conversing more."

"...One can say that." Friede scowled in disdain from being addressed that way, but ultimately looked at her trainer and nodded. "Leave us for now, Dawn. Please, feel free to talk to the others."

"But--"

"DAWWWWWWNNNN!" Hilda maneuvered through the crowd to find her friend. "Oh, there you are! I was looking for you! Happy holidays!"

"..." Dawn realized that she wasn't going to win this one. She smiled at Hilda. "Hey, Hilda~. Actually, you mind helping me find the snacks?"

"Oh, sure thing. This way." Hilda and Dawn left the scene for now.

"..." Although she only sensed it in passing, Meredith could sense something from Dawn. "Lady Arceus, if you prefer to be called that."

"That is... much more acceptable, yes." Friede nodded. "...I presume that you wished to simply check on me?"

"A small check-in, yes. We may be opposed, but I still care for you."

Friede nodded. "I am alright." She leaned against the wall and finished her snack. "Nergal has not started any trouble lately, has she?"

"No. She is as sweet as honey." Meredith giggled. Despite Nergal's mean / mischievous streak, Meredith spoke the truth in her point of view. "I am proud to have her as a daughter-in-law... well, were they to wed."

"Mmm." Friede shook her head. "That child of yours has some strange taste."

"Well, from the rumors, not like the previous Arceus was any better."

"Well, you have me there, Meredith. Izanami was quite... interesting in her actions."

Meredith laughed. Eventually, Meredith went straight to business.

"...So, the time is nigh, hm?" Meredith turned around to look at Dawn and Hilda, who were now joined by Lucas, Barry, and Leaf. They all were having a good time talking.

"...." Friede closed her eyes and nodded. "Yes. I assume that you can tell?"

Meredith nodded. "I suspected it the moment that Zinnia appeared informing us that Dawn asked her to. Will you...?"

"...That will depend on Heidi." Friede shook her head. "I will allow to give it some time, although Heidi may wish to end this sooner."

"...And, should you lose, are you okay with that?"

"...You know the answer to that question, Meredith." Friede nodded. "A soldier must be honorable -- to live with honor, and to die with honor. I am no different."

Meredith nodded. She knows that there was no point of return -- Friede's heart was long closed by now. She's anticipated this for many years -- to fight and possibly die at the hands of Meredith's daughter. Still, there was still a bit of pain in knowing this.

"...Thank you, Meredith."

"H--huh?"

"I can tell that, while you're conflicted on your feelings, that you have accepted this fact. Thank you for understanding."

"Oh, of course." She nodded. "But, I have one question--"

"Hm?"

"Well, not a question for you specifically, but a question for your possible future self. Should you fall by my daughter's hands and return to the Cycle... should you regain the memories of who you were and regain this memory, I have a question..."

"Anything, Meredith."

"Lady Arceus... Do you believe in the act of truly defying one's fate -- not just of yours, but of the possibility that each of us can defy our fates?"

"..."

"You don't have to answer this now, Friede. Should you fall and should you return with this memory, I wish for that version of you to answer this question."