Lava swirled below in sweltering circles and fire danced against the dusky rocks. Cresselia looked up. She could not even see the sky from the smoke. Her eyes shifted over to her two companions. Their sleeping forms moved ever so slightly, twitching occasionally. Cresselia was grateful that her own abilities negated Darkrai's nightmares. That meant they could sleep soundly even when she herself couldn't. Every time she closed her eyes the same image appeared. Her own paws covered in red blood. A fallen Darkrai in front of her. He was looking up at her, pleading.

So much had happened in the past few days. She had cured so many nightmares, met so many new faces, and seen the destruction Darkrai had left in his wake. He had even disturbed the secrecy of her own dreams. Angry as Cresselia was towards him the grief she felt pained her so much more. The Darkrai she knew or at least the one she thought she knew was gone. In his place was a monster who wore his skin. He terrorized the land with reckless abandon. Darkrai had hurt others, intentionally, without remorse. He had to be stopped, even if that meant…

"Cresselia?"

The sound of her own name being called snapped her out of her trance. Cresselia turned to face the soft voice.

"Yes, child, is something wrong?"

"It sounded like you were crying."

Cresselia was taken aback. She was sure she had not made a sound.

"I will be alright, child. There is no need to worry."

The young Pokémon looked skeptical.

"Are you sure? You sound pretty upset?"

Cresselia was deeply touched by the young Pokemon's concern.

"I know I am a burden to you."

"No! No!" the young Pokémon attempted a reassuring smile, "You're a really good…healer."

Cresselia flinched. It was not the first time someone had told her that.

"Child, I've heard enough deceit to last a lifetime. Please don't hide what I already know to be true. I am not a fighter. I am not strong, agile, or skilled. I am not stronger than Darkrai. If I took him on alone, I would inevitably lose. But you two…"

She held the gaze of the young Pokemon's bright and innocent eyes.

"You are both resilient and brave. Nothing can stop you."

"Th…Thank you, Cresselia." The little Pokémon blushed in embarrassment, "That really means a lot to me…"

"You are the one who was once a human, correct?"

The young Pokémon nodded.

"I am so sorry."

Confusion swept over the young Pokemon's face.

"Why are you…"

"It's my fault Darkrai got as far as he did."

Cresselia lowered her head so that the young Pokémon couldn't see her tears. With a shaky voice she bade the little Pokémon goodnight and turned away. To her relief the young Pokémon did not press her further. Cresselia knew she would not rest tonight but she could not bear to talk any longer. The next day arrived too soon. Her companions were up and prepping for their final fight against Darkrai. Meanwhile Cresselia's stomach was churning nauseously. She rose shakily into the air, feeling as if the world was on her shoulders.

"Let us not keep him waiting."

Cresselia motioned for them to follow. They walked deeper and deeper into the Dark Crater. With every bit of ground they covered, Cresselia could sense that Darkrai was nearer. The road ahead was difficult. By the time they reached the center of the crater, Cresselia was already exhausted and they had yet to face their greatest challenge.

Twin dark pulses hit the rocky wall, narrowly hitting one of her companions straight in the head. Cresselia didn't have time to catch her breath before she was attacked yet again. Casting moonlight, she quickly healed her companion and self. Black claws reached for her but she deflected it with a light screen. Darkrai growled in annoyance. Whirling around to face him, Cresselia was greeted to his menacing expression. She shot an ice beam straight at him as he sped towards her, knocking him off balance. He quickly recovered. Breaking the ice that had encased his claw, Darkrai unleashed an ominous wind. The force of the attack pushed Cresselia to the ground.

Darkness swam in her vision as she struggled to stay conscious. All of her nerves were on fire but she was all out of moonlight. From the smog, he appeared causing Cresselia's breathing became quick and shallow as panic overtook her. He was reaching for her. Cresselia only had seconds to react. Darkrai jerked back from her, his face contorted, clutching his right arm. Cresselia dared a glance at her paws, they were dark red.

The dark ground was splattered. Cresselia and her companions watched in as Darkrai fell. Cresselia was overtaken by fury and barreled into Darkrai, causing him to be forced a few feet back.

"This…is the end for you Darkrai."

Cresselia hovered above him, but she faltered when she met his icy blue eyes.

I can't do this. I can't do this….I…

As if on command a portal appeared, much to the astonishment of Cresselia and her companions. Darkrai drew back. Everything was happening so fast that all Cresselia could do was exclaim in protest. Palkia's loud and obnoxious voice was heard before the Space being was seen teleporting into the cavern. Darkrai fled into the safety of the time portal but one blast from Palkia shattered it, with Darkrai inside. Cold shock overcame her. It was over. He was gone. Despite the slight relief this knowledge should have brought her, Cresselia felt bitter emptiness.

"Has…Darkrai disappeared forever?" Cresselia only caught the end of her companion's sentence.

She cringed and prepared herself for the worst.

"NO! THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED!"

Cresselia blinked at these words. Somehow her heartbeat seemed real again. Like the Pokémon who had once been human, Darkrai's memories would be lost, perhaps completely. Though disheartened by the mere thought that Darkrai would forget her, hope fluttered in her mind. There was still a chance for him.

Cresselia was not surprised when a shining golden orb appeared in front of her the next evening. She touched the beacon of light with her nose and closed her eyes. The teleportation was instantaneous. Cresselia knew exactly were she was before opening her eyes. Up so high, the clouds turned a golden yellow of the setting sun and the icy wind ruffled against her feathers. Cresselia was never more grateful to see the color of a sunset once again. She took a deep breath of the fresh air, hoping to clear her head.

Mesprit was waiting for her by the pale pillars of the entrance to the Hall of Origin. The sprite held herself in a most uncharacteristic edgy way while wearing a grim frown.

"Hello, Cresselia."

"Hello, Mesprit." Cresselia replied softly.

Mesprit twitched before,

"I'm so sorry! I couldn't contact Giratina for so long! I got so tired and closed my eyes for a minute and you were gone!" Mesprit sobbed "I looked everywhere for you and then I heard what happened with you-know-who and then Giratina told me to stay here! There was so much anger and cursing and I heard the most horrible scream…" she couldn't dare finish.

"Mesprit, calm down…breathe." Cresselia gently touched Mesprit's shoulder.

The sprite took in several shaky breaths before she regained her composure.

"Uxie, Azelf and I found him. We brought him here. He was in bad shape."

Cresselia adverted her eyes and tensed, guilt muddling her conscious.

"Does he remember me?"

"He does. He remembers everything until ten years ago. Everything else is gone. Uxie confirmed it and I could tell he wasn't lying. So much fear…" Mesprit sighed placing a paw to her head, "Darkrai's feelings were stronger than I've ever felt from him. I'm beginning to believe there are beings that can hide their emotions from even me."

"Is he alright…?"

Mesprit shook her head, "I don't know. The scream I heard…He's inside the Hall with the others."

Cresselia gave Mesprit a quick hug before making her way further into the clouds. Upon her entrance, Cresselia was met with an unbearable sight. Darkrai was curled up tightly on the floor. His quiet, pained whimpers echoed in the chamber. Cresselia moved towards him but the urge to comfort him subsided when she saw the dragon.

Ruby eyes glistening with anger and frustration. Black wings stuck out almost in a defiant way. Head held high and confident, Giratina towered above him. Just a glance of the renegade Pokémon caused Cresselia to shudder. Even Palkia and Dialga, both powerful beings in their own right, were huddled a distance from Giratina. Much to Cresselia's dismay, Giratina soon noticed her presence.

"Cresselia. You've finally arrived." her haughty and impatient growl bit into Cresselia's core. "I'm sure you know why you're here."

Giratina gestured with one tattered black wing to Darkrai. He did not even look up, his head was buried deep into his arms, shaking. Cresselia did not wish to see Darkrai in so much pain. Without even thinking Cresselia casted a moonlight upon him. The pink glow was weak but she heard an audible calmed sigh, at least it had worked. Giratina's intense gaze fell upon her as Cresselia braced herself for whatever punishment the dragon saw fit.

"You see…this is why I think Cresselia would be the best choice."

Cresselia looked up sharply.

Best choice? She thought, Best choice for what?

"BUT, GIRATINA!" it was Dialga who spoke up from his place in the corner.

"No. Buts."

"HE NEEDS TO BE WATCHED BY…" Palkia yelled.

"Someone who will care for him! How many magical creatures do you know of that will?"

"MAGICAL CREATURES?" Dialga scoffed, "IT'S POKEMON, GIRATINA! CLEARLY YOU ARE SO RECLUSIVE THAT YOU ARE NAÏVE TO…"

"ENOUGH!" Giratina's clear feminine voice cut through the room, "I've already told you two to quit screaming. Secondly I don't care, Dialga. I will call them whatever I want to. Thirdly, my decision on this matter is final. Cresselia will watch over Darkrai."

"Watch over?" Cresselia asked, unsteadily, "I…I'm confused."

All three of the Creation Trio turned their attention towards her.

"Cresselia, do you know what a Shade is?" Giratina asked.

Wracking her brain, Cresselia could not find any knowledge of this being called a Shade.

"No…I've never heard of them…"

"They are a multi-dimensional pests of unknown origin that feed off of negative emotions. They can latch on to a living being and even control them to do their bidding. Darkrai had been infected with one, recently enough it seems, because we were able to remove it."

Darkrai had forced himself to sit up at this point but kept his head hidden beneath his collar.

"It took a lot to get it out of him, but the Shade has been taken care of."

Giratina met Cresselia's eyes again.

"He needs to be look after. Shades have been known to target hosts previously weakened by another Shade. You are the best choice."

Before Cresselia could protest, Giratina had already fallen into a fierce argument yet again with Palkia and Dialga. Seeing no way to reason with the others, Cresselia looked to Darkrai. He was still shaking, no doubt an aftereffect from having a Shade forcefully ripped from his body. Warily, she made her way over to him. Yesterday Darkrai was a threat to be vanquished and now he was in the most pitiful state Cresselia had ever seen him. Cresselia wasn't sure what to say. The longing in her heart had not ceased yet she still felt the prickle of hurt. Unlike him, there were moments she could not wipe from her mind.

"Cress…"

Darkrai's weakened voice called out to her.

"You don't have to…"

It seemed every word caused him agony, as if the Shade were still inside him. Casting his eyes away from her Darkrai let loose a choked laugh,

"Heh…I didn't want you to see me like this…but they wouldn't listen."

Cresselia smiled wearily,

"They were never good at listening. You should've heard them at the last meeting. Arguing over flowers of all things, it was absurd. No one could get them to shut up."

This caused Darkrai to chuckle softly before he gasped in pain, clutching himself tighter.

"Do you need another moonlight?" Cresselia asked, a pink glow already emitting from her.

"No…no. I'm fine..." Darkrai replied quickly, but not quick enough for another pink light surrounded him. Darkrai's quivering stopped.

"Thank you…"

"It has been decided!" Giratina's shout caused both Cresselia and Darkrai to jump.

"Cresselia you will watch over Darkrai for a years' time. If he is deemed well enough then he will be free to go. Understood?"

Cresselia felt her head move up and down on its own accord. Suddenly she was back in her own cavern on Full Moon island with Darkrai beside her.

Nothing but the echo of the rushing waves below could be heard. Only a tiny sliver of silver light shown from the waxing moon. Darkrai coughed. Cresselia turned toward him. As she stared at him, she recalled the past few days and a sharp pain dug into her heart.

"Do you remember anything?" She asked, her failed confession flashing before her eyes.

"Not really. Everything is all blurry and disjointed." Darkrai sighed, "But the others told me what I have done."

Cresselia flinched as Darkrai gently brushed back some of the feathers on her neck. His eyes widened in horror, bruises covered her skin. The feathers fell back when Darkrai quickly withdrew from her.

"I hurt you."

Cresselia attention found the deep cut on his arm.

"I hurt you, too."

Darkrai's claw touched the clotted scab and there was a small silence while he considered it.

"You did what you had to."

Cresselia bit the inside of her cheek.

"Are you hungry?" she asked.

Before he could reply, Cresselia quickly disappeared outside the cave. Gathering something up in her arms she took a shaky breath and reentered, placing the object in Darkrai's claws. Darkrai held on to the blue berry tightly. Lowering his head so that Cresselia could not see his face, he muttered his gratitude and ate.

Before she could stop herself the curiosity inside slipped out.

"Why did you do it? Why did you let the Shade…?"

"Control me? Well…it didn't…not really. Everything I did…everything I felt…was already in my mind…the Shade just amplified it and carried it out. I wanted others to suffer like I have. I wanted everyone to know what it was like to be alone…in the dark…"

Darkrai sighed heavily, resting his head in his claws,

"The Shade…I thought of it as a friend…Dear Arceus…I was foolish."

Cresselia stared at him, regret clouding her mind.

"Darkrai, I should've visited more. If only I knew how lonely you had become I could have prevented every…"

"DON'T YOU DARE!" Darkrai's raised voice caught Cresselia off guard. She felt warmth as Darkrai firmly grasped her paws. She fearfully met his eyes. His gaze was fierce and unyielding.

"Cresselia, don't you dare blame yourself for my selfish actions! They were mine and mine alone!"

Darkrai's glare softened as he stared at her. Cresselia could barely breathe when she saw his face lean slightly towards hers. Realization hit him, Darkrai jerked back and sheepishly looked away. He let go of Cresselia's paws and crumpled to the floor. His outburst had zapped his remaining energy. Cresselia took hold of his uninjured arm and gently coaxed him to her nest. He lay down and immediately fell asleep.

He almost just… Cresselia felt adrenaline rush into her veins and heat rising in her cheeks. She glanced at him, forlornly.

So you did hid your feelings from even Mesprit.

Cresselia reached forward to touch his arm but stopped short. Darkrai's white hair had fallen to his side so that his entire face was visible. Despite being deep in sleep, his expression was tense. However they felt for each other, Darkrai needed time to heal. Cresselia winced as the pain in her neck worsened when she turned away. Holding her paws to her aching chest she reminded herself that she did too.

Author's Note: Hi! Thank you for reading up to this point! I really hope your enjoying the story so far. I'm sorry, I know it's been well past a month since the last update. School, work, other projects, and just life in general have kept me from working on this project, which sucks! Once I go on summer break, which is in less than a month, I will have a lot more time. I love to write and I think fanfiction is the best way for anyone to practice it, so if you have any things you think I could be doing better or think I'm doing well in, please leave a review! Have a lovely day! ~Dawneques :)