I didn't realise just how much this would hurt.

It's like…everything has just been completely sucked out of me. I wonder how I'm standing right now. It feels like there's nothing holding my legs up. My shaking arm collapses by the side of my weakened body. Mew lets out a small cry before disappearing. It's just me now, left alone as the only one suffering in the healed tree.

Underneath me, my legs begin to tremble furiously. Just as it fades though, a surge of energy runs through my entire body. It's immense; I've never felt something so bad. My cries of pain echo off the empty walls and go unheard. It hurts enough that a single tear escapes from my eyes.

I haven't cried in such a long time. I've kept myself a strong role model for Lucario; that meant I could never cry in front of him. But he is not with me now. He is somewhere better, though I sort of wish he was here, just to console me.

No, he is better of where he is. At least…he is alive.

Energy passes through me again. All I can do is grit my teeth and try to bear it. I look around and see a small spot by some crystals. Stumbling, I make my way over, groaning as I do so. My feet seem to brush against something soft. I spare a small glance to it and notice it to be a time flower. I look away. Slipping off my gloves, my body collapses on the floor, my back against the crystals; the only things supporting me and keeping me sitting up.

I groan again as a large surge runs through me. I cry out again. It really does hurt.

For a moment, it fades and I can finally think clearly. Lucario comes to my mind again

"Lucario…forgive me"

I imagine he won't, after the stunt I pulled.

"Please understand, I had to seal you inside the staff…I knew if I didn't, you'd follow me here and suffer the same fate"

That would have been my greatest fear for that to happen. But, it still hurts me that I had to lie.

"I only wish you could have known the real story"

But only when it was too late for you to have followed.

"One day you will be released, in a distant and more peaceful time"

I ponder for a moment.

"What will it be like? I wonder if…"

AAAGH

Another cry of pain. So much pain…my whole body is aching. I take a few deep breaths but I can't bring myself to sit up properly. It still aches, but Lucario's face in my mind turns my gritted teeth into a pained smile.

"I have…no regrets…my journey…has been good…I served a beautiful queen…and you and I had many adventures"

All our adventures. I only try to remember them.

"Those memories…will always be with me"

Yes, I'll take them with me, even until my final breath.

"Lucario…farewell"

I hate to utter those words but they needed to be said.

"You were more to me then just my student; you were…my closest friend"

I only wish I could be telling this face to face. Why did I only admit this now?

"Who knows…one day…it could be…we will see each other again"

This time I really couldn't stop the tears flowing. I can barely choke these words. Once again I feel alone. I don't want to die yet. I don't want to enter the eternal rest alone.

"I hope so my friend…"

But somehow, I don't feel alone. It's like someone is watching me…someone familiar.

It comforts as my eyes slide shut, and all the pain seems to fade. It reminds of what the people used to say.

'Only the good die young'