Why does nobody ever want to be near me? I know my kind have a reputation, but we re nothing like that. I m nothing like that.
Instead of talking more, I just hung my head and walked to my den. It was small, but it was home. Then I used future sight, just as a precaution. Unfortunately, I had a vision of the nearby dam breaking.
Great. This ll make the humans hate me more than ever.
I got up and stretched, then started walking towards the dam to expose myself to try and warn the small town. As soon as someone saw me, though, word spread and they all came to see me.
Not what I was going for, but maybe I can lead them away from here.
I saw the dam starting to crack, and one of the humans, a young female, did too.
Mommy, the big wall is broken.
What sweetie?
Look. She pointed at the cracks, and there was an audible sound as they got larger. Now they started to panic.
Water spurted out of the cracks, but I was afraid this time. Not for myself, but for that little child. It was then, that I knew what I had to do. I looked deep within myself, to find the one place where I kept my most treasured memories. Memories of my long-dead mate, and those memories gave me the courage, and the strength, to do the impossible.
With a roar of defiance shouted to the heavens, I leapt from the cliff I was on and onto the face of the dam, using Ice Beam to patch the cracks and freeze the water jets, buying enough time for the humans to escape, but not me. I was destined to die for them, and I was fine with it. I would finally be reunited with Serinia.
The town was deserted, and I stood tall and proud, ready to meet my end calmly and rationally. Then, as the dam finally broke and water rushed towards me, I heard a voice.
Hannah, teleport! Get that Absol out of there!
A kirlia appeared next to me, and laid her hand on my flank. She closed her eyes, and I was instantly out of harm s way with her trainer. What I heard next reminded me so much of Rin I started crying, albeit silently.
Are you insane or something? Did you want to die?
Yes, I did. I m old, I m tired, and I m ready to sleep one last time. At least I d meet Serinia again.
Who?
My mate. She died almost ten years ago. I was openly sobbing now, letting all the grief I d kept pent up inside come out.
I cried for what felt like hours, letting everything out: my grief, my regret at not doing more to save her, my sorrow at my species reputation, everything.
Then I felt someone touch my shoulder.
I looked up, and it was a young human, a male with a pokeball in his hand. He seemed to be offering it to me.
I know I can t take your mate s place, but I can be here when you need someone. Will you come with me?
I looked him in the eyes, but I didn t see fear. Instead, I saw hope and unstoppable determination. I made my choice, and poked the button on the ball. My last thought before I was drawn inside? Maybe this wouldn t be so bad after all.