THIS STORY IS STILL ALIVE! While this update has taken forever, it's alive, I assure you!

Did you guys miss my chapters? Are you looking forward to the story coming to an end? Let me know in the review section! I can't thank you all enough for standing with me through my fanfiction journey...But, I'm afraid, this story is coming towards its conclusion!

But, if requested, I have a plot set for a sequel, if interest is shown! Please let me know if you would like a sequel that will clear up points I avoided and introduce a new plot.

Again, thank you for reading, as we approach our final chapters!

- Chapter Thirty-Seven - Manipulation -

After the light had disappeared around the two, Darkrai's feet gently grazed the new, unfamiliar area's surface. Not realizing he had been holding his breath, Darkrai released a large intake of compressed air as he gulped in breaths to soothe his burning lungs. His insides seemed coated with a sour aftertaste of something he just couldn't find himself able to describe.

Dust polluted the atmosphere as he breathed, causing his eyes to close in discomfort as the air plagued his lungs. The air was thin and somewhat-sweet to a point where it made Darkrai cough in disgust while covering his mouth...wherever he was, it was somewhere he wasn't fond of.

After managing to adjust to the strange, thick atmosphere, his eyes focused, only to see nothing but pitch black that seemed to eat every object in the room. He squinted, hoping to be able to make out any shape or form, yet finding himself consumed by a thick, cold darkness, and nothing else. If he had been in his true form, seeing in a lack of light would have been second nature to him. Yet, sadly, he remained fleshy and human in that moment.

The silence was thick and displeasing, as was the lack of light. In that moment, Darkrai understood Louella's distaste of the dark. It made him feel, for once, vulnerable and detectable. He felt his stomach drop as his forehead glistened with a thin layer of slight panic.

Never having a pulse before, his heart beating a mile a minute was strange and sent an uncomfortable pain through his veins. He quickly grasped his human wrist with his claw, desperately trying to stop the constant thudding of blood through him. He wanted the pounding to stop.

He remained still, a pricking trail of fear shocking him; he was not used to such a strong feeling overtaking his instincts.

The pavement beneath his feet suggested they were indoors, and the air was stuffy and damp, as if they were locked away in some sort of distant basement. It smelled dusty and hinted that it was rarely occupied, but he had no complaints, just questions as to why Jirachi had chose this specific location.

However, the silence broke as a clear, barely-detectable shuffling was noticeable in the distance. He sensed another Pokemon in the room and, assuming it was Jirachi, spoke out to the individual with a strict tone.

"Get this over with," Darkrai muttered sternly as he attempted to stare in the direction he thought the other Pokemon was. He frowned and squinted before continuing. "We're leaving as soon as you're done."

He clenched his fists as he was met with nothing but silence.

Darkrai's brow furrowed as an angered frown covered his features. He gazed around, desperately trying to uncover any source of light to uncover who, or what, was in the room with him. Yet, even though it was as if he was in The Void, the room lacked all of the comforting qualities it held. He felt a bit homesick for his familiar void, but quickly ignored it, knowing it would be his again if Jirachi would just do his job...if he was even the Pokemon in the room.

A subtle, shaky sigh was heard from the other side of the room, interrupting Darkrai's unorganized thoughts. Darkrai's eyes quickly widened and followed the sound, glaring towards the area.

Whoever was there, they were incredibly nervous, and had only now finally found the courage to speak. This made Darkrai's angered expression flinch as a he took a slight step backwards.

"Okay, Darkrai," the voice replied weakly in a familiar voice. Darkrai sighed as he realized It was Jirachi, but something was off...it was as if he had to find the courage to speak. A shiver crawled down Darkrai's back as the tone of the voice made him stand on edge. The words were drawn-out and scratchy, almost as if he was choking or holding something back.

He continued. "I need you to-"

Another voice interrupted Jirachi with a cocky, annoying tone. It was clear he was not in the mood for smalltalk. He spoke with high superiority and an angered lack of patience...such a voice made Darkrai's posture stiffen as he clearly had been acquainted with this Pokemon before...yet, he couldn't put a finger on who accompanied the two in the room. Such uncertainty made a shiver run down his spine.

"That's enough from you two," the second voice demanded with little amusement. This voice was...familiar. Yet, with no face to connect the face to, Darkrai remained unable to connect the necessary dots to realize who stood before him.

"Yeah, yeah," Jirachi mumbled passive-aggressively while snapping his finger. A small amount of fire-like light floated above his index finger as it pointed upwards. "You got it."

Jirachi's features were illuminated with the thick light that lit up the large room. It was a yellowish light that easily reflected off of the damp walls, allowing Darkrai's eyes to gain the ability to make out not one, but two figures, staring directly at him.

"It's a shame that we're meeting again under these circumstances," the other voice slyly greeted as his features were, too, lit up by the powerful light. His eyes were angry and displeased, yet powerful and cocky. A large, stained bandage covered his left eye as their gazes bitterly locked. "Actually, it's a shame that we're meeting again at all."

Darkrai's face morphed into an angered grimace as he identified who stood before him.

Latios.

Within an instant, Louella was finally alone.

A sudden echo filled the large room as she limply fell to her knees while her head hung weakly. Sadness was not a factor to her pathetic position, but numbing defeat rushed through her as her blood ran cold. She felt empty as an embarrassed, regretful flow of emotions rushed through her, yet she felt hollow at the same time.

Louella grunted angrily and defeatedly. "We're both so...ridiculous," she muttered effortlessly as a red hue of frustration lit up her features. "Why are we like this?" Her hands scrunched up as she continued mumbling to herself. "Everything is always so...stupidly complicated."

She knew she should have said sorry. She should have put their disagreements behind them and said one final goodbye before he would become distant and bitter once again. Now, how he truly felt would be locked away and hushed for the rest of their time. In that moment, she truly felt alone, just as she had all those years without him.

She hadn't felt alone in years ever since Darkrai had joined her. Yet, why did she feel so...pushed to the side due to his decision? Did her views not mean much to him? Why couldn't he just stay human and..be with her?

Louella felt a pang of intense guilt that gave her goosebumps. Did she truly value this physical form of Darkrai more than what he truly was? No. She cared for him no matter his form...she just valued his emotions and ability to speak his mind in this form! That...that was why.

Nonetheless, she should have approved his choice, not tried to force-feed him her opinion.

He would be with her, no matter what. Even if his true self was somewhat locked away, he would always be...him. In that moment, the guilt poured out of her as her cheeks flushed with color out of anger and disapproval from her actions. She was a terrible friend, regardless of her intentions. No sugar-coating the situation could hide how horrible she had been to him.

Louella simply stared downward as she remained on her knees in deep thought. Her expression was emotionless and empty. Her eyes remained out of focus as she attempted to collect herself, but quickly found her attention snatched away from something she hadn't noticed before.

Below her, countless ripped out pages painted the floor, each filled with notes and messy handwriting. In her solemn time with herself, her eyes started to wander along the pages, gently moving each to the side as she slowly read each abandoned scraps.

All of the notes were written in a fashion that suggested the writer was in a hurry...as if they had very little time to do so...almost as if the writer was in danger or fearful of what they were writing. Yet, the writing was so rushed that Louella was unable to decipher most of it...besides a few words that sent shivers down her spine as she managed to understand sections.

...Manaphy…Killed... Stopped… Had to...

Louella's posture visibly straightened as she frowned and strained her eyes on the paper. Her gut felt as if it were spilling out of her as she desperately tried to understand what had happened, seeing as something, or someone, had died. The further she looked among the papers, the more she found scribbled words about this Manaphy with its name heavily underlined. Was Manaphy killed? Did it do something?

Louella tried to connect the dots but all she found was her frustration increasing. Why did she care? Why should she care? She needed to focus and wait on Darkrai, yet the frantic writing compelled her to try and decipher it. Whoever wrote these words, they likely didn't live to tell the tale.

However, within seconds, Louella was interrupted as a small, weak voice echoed through the room and stole her attention away from the notes.

"Are you...Louella?" The voice murmured from the library's entrance. Her voice was soothing and young, yet eerie and mysterious. Such a voice made Louella quickly glance around, nervous as to who this company was. The girl glanced back and forth as if she was on the look for someone before continuing. "I'm looking for your spooky friend. Where'd he go?"

She had large, twin ponytails that fell from the top of her head, her bangs pulled back and her dress a lovely royal-blue. She was human, which shocked Louella, but that was the least of her worries.

It was clear that the girl was eager to speak with 'Louella' specifically, but it seemed like finding 'Louella's friend' was a higher priority...And that spooky individual was undoubtedly Darkrai, seeing as he was widely considered...frightening? She hated to assume that, but he wasn't exactly approachable.

She shook her head as she was getting off topic. Had something happened? Was Darkrai okay? Why was the little girl asking for him? Was she even on her side?

However, as Louella's eyes focused on a small head poking out behind the large doors, Louella found her posture relaxing as their eyes met. The stranger was young and petite; someone likely unable to harm her. However, something remained off putting and...cold, but Louella attempted to ignore it.

"I don't know," she lied. Well, it was a half truth, seeing as she had no idea where he had gone. But, she didn't know this girl and refused to give information that could be used against her. Normally, she wouldn't have thought like this, but with so many people out to get Darkrai…

She had to.

As Louella's response wasn't what the girl was looking for, her brow furrowed as she glared. It was adorable how stern the little one was being, but her strong presence made any cuteness be replaced with a thick alertness. Louella was not fond of her company, as suspicion quickly rushed through her.

"Don't lie to me, okay? I saw him come in here...where is he?" Her voice was urgent, causing Louella to gaze at her with concern. "We don't have time for you to beat around the bush!" Her words were suddenly far more adult-like, but Louella still remained intent on waiting for Darkrai.

Louella sighed as she rubbed her eye. "Can you come out? I can't trust someone who I can barely see," she requested sheepishly while composing herself. "And, yes, I'm Louella...who are you and what exactly do you want with him?" She spoke protectively of Darkrai as she frowned...she had learned that strong entities did not always appear so. She knew she had to stay on edge.

The little girl's eyes lit up as she placed her hands against her cheeks for a moment. Yet, within an instant, she shook her head and continued her request in what seemed to be an attempt at a serious tone. For a moment, the importance of needing Darkrai faded, but was quickly replaced.

But, why was she so excited to speak to her? Did she know who Louella was?

"I've been wanting to meet you, Louella! Call me Naomi, okay? I'm looking for your scary friend!" She paused as she gazed around one more time. "Can you please tell me where he is? Please? We're helping each other and we can't do that if I don't know where he ran off to."

Scary? Louella thought to herself self with a gentle smile crawling onto her expression. She's right...he's a little scary, isn't he?

"You just missed Darkrai. He'll be back soon, though. You can wait with me, if you'd like." Louella remained crouched on the ground as she patted the space next to her. This girl had earned her trust, for now. If she had met Darkrai once and not hurt him, why would she hurt him now? "I've been waiting for awhile, but he's bound to be back-"

The stranger abruptly shook her head no with a clear dislike of the idea of waiting.

"Nonono!" Naomi interrupted loudly before covering her mouth and continuing in a whisper. She eagerly grabbed Louella's arm as she gestured towards the door. It was clear that she had been excited and forgotten why she had come. "We can't just sit around with this place is falling apart already!"

Louella's eyes widened as she glanced upwards, half expecting something to fall on the two. "F-Falling apart?"

The girl, oddly enough, seemed excited to explain, even though what information she had was not positive. It was clear that she felt valuable and important as she clenched Louella's arm even harder with a wide smile.

"Oh, yeah! News got around about Darkrai's 'lil fight and it's a big deal. He's living up to his species' stereotype and everyone's freaking out while trying to keep it hush-hush. It's a reallll big deal and a lotta pokemon are on the hunt for him!" She quickly turned her smile into a frown as she realized how...out-of-place it seemed.

Louella's mouth formed a straight line as she gently gazed over her shoulder towards the last spot she had seen Darkrai, playing the moment over and over in her head as she desperately waited for him to just...come back, like he had promised.

Was he hurt? Alone? Scared? Maybe even...dead?

Louella spoke as if all of the air had been kicked out of her. "They've...they've already gotten word of what he did? T-they better hurry back here…it's already been ages. What if they got caught?" Louella glanced back at the small girl as her frown continued growing. Her hands started shaking as she lost herself to her mind. "What if we've been sitting here while he's been being tortured? What if-"

The girl shook her head no confidently before grabbing Louella's wrist once again.

"If he was hurt, why would so many pokemon be hunting for him still, hm? He's okay, Louella! Well, I think he is. Maybe!" Her excited expression was replaced with a thin smile as she attempted to reassure her potential friend. Before continuing, the girl pulled Louella up and towards the door, but barely got the taller girl to move. "Since we both need him, should we go together? We could have a search party and surprise him! I already know a good place where they coulda put him if he's caught, but you'll have to be okay with getting your hair wet," she snickered. "It's where they used to put me for timeout when I…" She bit her lip as she avoided the topic. "Or we could look up in the-"

Louella sighed and casually interrupted the tiny girl as the two remained in place. She couldn't shake off the idea that she was getting into something rashly instead of waiting on Darkrai's appearance back in the library.

"Are...are you sure you know what you're doing? I barely know what I'm doing…" Louella's voice was unsure and questioning of the smaller girl next to her. Even though fear continually ran through her, she trusted the girl even though her instincts begged of her to run away the second she had the opportunity. "Can we wait a few more minutes? I don't want him to think I ran off…"

However, the girl seemed unaware of the fear that continually kept Louella on guard.

"I know this place like the back of my hand! I made it," she stated, a bit hesitant. "Everyone seems to like it, so I guess I should be proud. Do you like it?" Once again, she went off topic.

She...made this? All of it? Louella gazed from left to right, taking in the library's detailed walls and intense height that towered over her. Every corner and every shape had so much more meaning now that she knew a child had...created it. Such a world thought up by someone so tiny yet intense was something that set Louella's mind buzzing with theories and wonders.

In Louella's awe, she was tugged by Naomi as they carefully walked down the halls.

"What exactly are you? H-how did you...do this?" Louella found herself asking suddenly and quite...rashly and accidentally avoiding her question. "I-I'm sorry if that's rude to ask but you're not human, are you?"

Of course she wasn't human...was anyone in this dimension? Heck, even she wasn't! Well, she didn't know if she believed that just yet.

Naomi took no offence to such a question. She seemed excited to talk about herself! It was almost as if she rarely got any interaction with other living beings.

"It's okay. But, you have to promise to keep it between you and me okay? it can be our top secret!" She paused for a quick snicker as she pulled on Louella's dress while they walked. "But I already told our friend so I guess it'll be all of our secret okay?"

Louella nodded immediately with a slight blush at the idea of Darkrai being so kind with a small girl. Was he good with children? Did he really manage to befriend her without scaring her off with his temper? The idea of Darkrai being so gentle and kind towards a child sent butterflies to her stomach.

Would he be that way towards her if they ever…

No, no! The girl shook her head vigorously as she flushed with color. Children was not a possible outcome between the two, no matter how much she wished to be bonded as a family.

She bit her lip. How long had she wanted something like that between the two?

Before Louella could get off track with such a consuming thought, she inhaled a harsh intake of air and attempted to shake off such a flustered reaction. They were partners, but not in the sense she wanted, so she had no right to wish on a future like that.

Besides, she had to focus. If Darkrai wasn't okay, seeing that unrealistic dream come into reality would be nothing more than a memory. She could dwindle on such an idea in the future.

Louella remained desperately craving the answer to the question that has been going through her ever since she would crossed paths with the smaller girl. She had never met someone with the ability to create an entire world, and an explanation was something that she needed to quench her thirst for an answer.

The silence faded as the blue-haired girl smiled, suddenly answering her question. "I'm just like you! I wanted to meet you so much after Darkrai told me about you! I never met someone like me…" She paused as she glanced down at the floor. "But then Darkrai got in trouble...I have so many questions but I hafta wait until we get him back! You need him, don't you? He said he would help me, even though he looks kinda silly!"

Just like...her? Louella wasn't accustomed to being treated as a high 'rank,' as Darkrai had put it. Did she out rank him? Did it matter? To her, of course not, but she feared that he, perhaps, found it to be an issue in their relationship.

But, the girl before her radiated pure power that seemed to make the air around the two vibrate. She could tell, if the child wished, she could harm anyone, including Louella.

But, nonetheless, Louella felt very little fear towards her new friend.

"You're reincar...reinca...rein…" Naomi struggled to pronounce reincarnated before sighing and continuing. "I appear human, but I'm a Pokemon! The one and only Manaphy! That's why I can sense emotions and stuff so well! Well, that's what they tell me." She paused her rambling for a small frown. "I don't want to be human. I miss being...me."

Louella nearly tripped at her change in tone. Was being human truly so bad? Both the Pokemon she knew that had turned human seemed to dislike it, so the answer was given. Yet, how did this connect to Louella? She was born human.

Louella furrowed her brow. Perhaps her situation was the opposite, yet the same?

Nonetheless, Louella continued letting Naomi guide her. "It's nice to meet someone like me. I have so many questions," Louella mumbled. "But, we aren't the focus, are we? I can't shake him off my mind…" She trailed off before snapping into reality as the grip on her hand intensified.

"We're in this together, okay?" The child stated cautiously, as if she was afraid Louella would storm off and leave her. "Us misfits have to stay together! We can find our friend together."

Louella nodded with a slightly-forced, yet genuine, smile. It was hard for her to feel optimistic at that moment as she felt...increasingly alone, no matter the girl's company. Her hand, the one lacking the girl's grip, felt extremely distant and cold, and she quickly found herself yearning for Darkrai's claw to rest in her own.

Not his fleshy, human hand, but his true form.

"Jirachi, what the hell is he doing here?" Darkrai questioned with a clear amount of horrid dislike towards the Pokemon. Latios, on the other hand, remained calm and serious, unflinching to Darkrai's dark tone. "You never said-"

"Darkrai, just shut up before you dig your grave deeper, alright? You're alone in this." Jirachi's tone was annoyed and focused as he glared at the tall man. "I did what I had to do."

"You betrayed us? You little bastard! I knew you would!" Darkrai called out while taking a step forward. His words were venomous and regretful. "You're sure as hell lucky that Louella isn't around to save your ass from the hell I'll put you through!"

His voice was low and almost a growl; far more intimidating than any yelling could be.

Darkrai reached out to snatch Jirachi as the smaller Pokemon desperately floated upwards and yelped, barely able to dodge him. Darkrai snarled the second Jirachi floated high enough to escape.

After harming Latios, he knew he had a deathwish and was further extending his species' stereotype, and would likely be placed behind bars. Yet, he hadn't expected himself to be sold out by someone he considered an ally. Although, Darkrai could easily tell there was far more to this than simply being...found out.

As if reading his mind, Latios spoke. "Jirachi's merely a pawn. Maybe you should hear him out," Latios suggested with a casual, condescending shrug. "He was highly against hurting any of you from the start, but it seems, in the end, he was fine with tearing you apart from her."

Jirachi floated to Latios' side, avoiding Darkrai's intense gaze of disbelief. Was he guilty? Surely, but no amount of guilt would fix what he had done.

"Why?" Darkrai uttered with clear disgust. He continued in a tone of clear defeat and disbelief. "Can you tell my why you would abandon everything we built on? We trusted you."

Darkrai's voice trembled with frustration and regret. He knew that, no matter what, his species didn't deserve to be treated equally. He hated himself for trusting someone with such a high ranking.

"You don't understand," Jirachi mumbled in desperation, seemingly choking back his emotions. "Giratina says he can bring her back! He can bring back...bring back...her..." He trailed off as his emotions got the best of him. He was unable to state her name.

"Celebi," Latios nonchalantly stated. "While Jirachi can do as he pleases with his magic, we all have our limits, don't we? Messing with life and death is strictly limited to Giratina."

Latios' tone was so relaxed and dismissive that it contrasted with the other two in the room, but both didn't seem to care, as Darkrai was busy fuming at the betrayal of one he had once considered a friend, no matter their bickering.

Darkrai's blood ran cold, however, as realization set in. He had heard of such a scandal before, but the details were scarce. He had researched and read on the topic of Celebi's death, but history seemed to avoid the topic.

Celebi, a peaceful, kind Pokemon of high ranking, was murdered by the hands of...that, he did not know.

But, it had been generations since she passed and the killer, as he assumed, had been discarded of. He felt little remorse or concern for Celebi or Jirachi, seeing as he had lost all care for the Pokemon the second he saw Latios before him.

"You...you would give up everything you had, for her?" Darkrai scoffed with a laughter that was anything but charming. His booming chuckles were dark and mocking; bitter and unforgiving as he felt no sympathy for the Pokemon before him. "I commend your loyalty, but your ignorance is rather blinding."

Physical means were as unnecessary as companionship to Darkrai, so he felt very little sympathy for his reasoning. Besides, he was blinded by rage that surely any motive would not clear his vision from the red that clouded it.

"You're telling me you wouldn't have done the same?" Jirachi clenched his tiny fists. "What if Louella died right before you? What if you could have stopped it?" Jirachi spoke quickly as he desperately wanted his friend's understanding.

Darkrai's eyes widened as several gruesome images lingered in his mind for longer than he would have liked. This was an occuring fear he had ever since he had found the girl. The idea of finding her lifeless made his blood turn to stone.

She had brought light to his life, which he knew he didn't deserve, let alone crave. Her presence was the opposite of himself, and it was almost sickening to find him...craving her company. A being of complete disregard of those around him felt...care for her.

Damn her company and the spell she had placed on him. Damn her loyalty and persistence to be around him. Damn...her.

Latios, unknown to the two, felt a rush of interest as he glanced between the two, now intently listening to the conversation. He was gaining so much information by simply being the third wheel.

"I wouldn't let it happen," Darkrai stated with a skillful mask hiding his emotions. Jirachi frowned as he knew he was lying; Louella was powerful, but her potential powers were not under her control. She could not fight away those who wanted to hurt her in pursuit of her abilities. His tone darkened as he continued. "I'm not like you; I'm not foolish-"

"But, you are," Latios stated.

Darkrai opened his mouth to rebuttal but Latios beat him to it.

The Pokemon locked his arms behind his back. "You trusted someone of a ranking that you can't even dream of rivaling." Latios was fighting back dark chuckles as he glanced between Darkrai and Jirachi. "You actually believed someone who should, and now is, treating you like dirt. You're the ignorant fool here, Darkrai, but I'm afraid you actually have a purpose in all of this."

Ranking was all that seemed to matter to Latios. A rule which, at one point, had diversified the council with a variety of species, now limited it and discriminated anyone who didn't have a higher rank.

But, that's not what pissed Darkrai off. The fact that his kind...no, he, was disregarded as garbage due to such a system sent his mind to the edge of madness.

Without thinking, Darkrai leaned forward as he let all of his weight launch his fist towards Latios' face. He shot his punch swiftly, aiming directly for his healthy eye, but flinched as Latios rolled his eyes.

With one swift movement, Latios grabbed Darkrai's wrist before he could harm him. Had this human form really drained him this much? Latios had been hurt by him before, but letting his guard down twice was something he would not allow.

"Ah, I'd suggest keeping your...primal urges at bay," he muttered as if he were scolding a dog, the grip on his wrist sharpening. "Violence will only lead to us searching for...other means of your compliance. Perhaps involving...friends of yours."

Darkrai grimaced.

"What do you want? What could I possibly grant you?" Darkrai growled as he snatched his hand away in bitter hatred.

Latios shrugged as his claw went back to his side. "Normally, I couldn't care less about you and your kind. None of us would." He paused, knowing he continually struck nerve after nerve. "Well, it's true, I do not care what happens to you. But, your powers are another story. Louella's, specifically," he added with a sweet coating.

"I don't possess any attributes that should be of any concern to you," he lied. "And neither does Louella. She is human." He paused, hating how he was speaking so poorly of her. She was weak, but, despite his words, her spirit was strong...yet, he continued. "Unless you're seeking her company..." He paused as a stiff jealous wave crashed over him as he recalled Louella spending time with him. "...I'm afraid you'll be greatly let down, as she can hardly do anything on her own, let alone possess powers-"

Jirachi had been silent for the entirety of the conversation, but spoke up and interrupted Darkrai.

"Don't bother lying. We know a great deal more about her than you do, Darkrai, and it's best if you just roll with it. You're only making this longer than it needs to be."

Darkrai scoffed as his eyes turned to the tiny Pokemon. "You know more? Hell, it's not as if I've known her for the entirety of her life."

Jirachi rolled his eyes.

"I understand sarcasm is your native tongue, but we have-"

"Enough," Latios calmly demanded as both occupants hushed. However, Latios continued in a tone of professionalism, catching the two off guard. "We need you to grant us access to your void," he stated bluntly with a clear sense of duty.

The void, on all levels, was just as a part of Darkrai as his arms or legs; a branch of him. He could feel all that rested in his domain, and letting in strangers was something he would not allow, let alone be comfortable with. It was almost...filthy. Letting someone in his void was like letting someone into his very soul.

Louella had always felt natural to accompany him, but that was with his permission. He had put up with Charles, but Latios? Jirachi? Darkrai scoffed at the idea.

His expression of disgust was enough communication for Latios to continue.

However, Latios' dominant vibe didn't fade as he floated around his company. His gaze was mocking and controlling.

"You're in no position to refuse. Last time I checked, we have all of the cards in our hands." He noticed Darkrai's intriguement before continuing. "You wish to be in your true form, clearly."

Darkrai's eyes widened for a second and glanced at Jirachi, who gazed away.

Latios took Darkrai's lack of words as him being stubborn. But, in reality, Darkrai was extremely interested in the idea of changing back. Charles - well, Arceus himself, couldn't manage to change him back, but they claimed to be able to do so?

Something wasn't right.

"But, if that isn't enough...persuasion for you," Latios continued. "Perhaps we can change your mind."

He held out Louella's broken hair pin, which was lacking any color or life; it was dull and almost gray. Darkrai gazed wildly at its cracked surface, knowing he had been holding onto it, but there it lay, in Latios' filthy claws. Had he snatched it from him when he wasn't paying attention?

Jirachi, oddly enough, whimpered at the broken charm. His head buzzed with worry for his friend, but the worry quickly faded as he realized Louella would want nothing to do with him after this unfoiled...after the plan was a success.

"You see, I'd hate to stoop so low as to hurt your precious human, but I abandoned my morals years ago." He paused for a fake sigh of regret. "Such a pity."

Darkrai hissed and snatched the pin from Latios, who happily allowed him to observe it. It was simply a shard of Louella's presence, so why would he need to keep hold of it?

This charm...the odd crescent moon she always wore above where her hair parted, was so gentle and calming. Hell, it even radiated with her scent; it reminded him of her.

If he were to lose his emotions and potentially even his void, he didn't give a damn. But, losing her in the process was something he would be plagued with for his life. She had brought purpose into his life. If anything were to happen to her, he knew he would return to his old ways.

Latios had convinced him.

"When...do you need my void?" He whispered through clenched teeth. Allowing two filthy Pokemon in his void was a small sacrifice for Louella's safety. "Your reasoning means nothing to me. I care very little for your motives. This place can burn in hell, for all I care. Just...leave us out of this."

Latios hid a small smirk at his lack of interest, allowing Darkrai to be left in the dark of his true intentions. This was becoming far too easy.

Jirachi, too, was glad of his lack of questioning. It was hard enough that he had betrayed Darkrai. Hell, he even betrayed Louella! Once everything started unfolding, he wanted nothing to do with him...out of guilt and embarrassment.

"We'll keep in touch." Latios beamed, though it was clearly false as his eyes lacked any endusment. He gazed over his shoulder towards Jirachi, who was rubbing his arm in apprehension. "Would you mind?"

Jirachi nodded and snapped his finger, the light draining out of the room, leaving Darkrai alone in the musty room.

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