Okay! Here's Chapter 9! Do be warned this has what will probably be the goriest scene in the entire fic. Also some characters I was looking forward to introducing!

Chapter 9: Teenage Wasteland

It was dark. The clouds rarely let the sun through. It had been this way for years, as had the Risen shambling across the landscape.

Somewhere in the ruins of Yilissitol, a small group of these Risen advanced toward what looked to be an enticing target. For their efforts, they were slashed clean in half, the insects that made them move fleeing into the dirt. The one that had done the deed sighed and started moving on.

"...Valentina? Is that really you?"

Palkia paused. Then turned around. It was Tiki, staring her down.

"...Tiki." Palkia said hollowly. "It's been a while."

"Yes... But you! You seem to be the only survivor of the Shepherds I could find..."

"I'm sure there are... Others..."

"I need you, Valentia."

"What for?"

"Mommy?" said a voice. "Are the Risen gone?"

A small child peeked out from behind a brick wall. This seemed to stir up some actual emotion in Palkia.

"Is... Is that...?"

Tiki sighed. "I... I've decided to take on Grima myself. With my Divine Dragon power I may be the only one who stands a chance. But while I'm gone... and... just in case... I need someone to watch over Morgan. And as far as I know you're the only one I trust left."

"You... You can't," said Palkia, stammering. "Taing on Grima, it's suicide, I-"

"Valentina, please!" said Tiki. "You're my only hope... You're... her only hope..."

Palkia looked between Tiki and Morgan a few times before sighing and nodding. "I'll... Take care of her."

"Thank you..." said Tiki. She bent down to adress Morgan. "Sweetie? I'm going to see your father so we can stop the evil dragon." She started tearing up. "Miss... Miss Valentia is going to take good care of you and protect you from Risen until I get back, okay?"

"Okay mommy, " said Morgan.

She headed over to Palkia. Tiki looked over at Palkia, tears still in her eyes.

"...Goodbye."

And in an instant, she was gone.

Palkia stared numbly in the direction she went for a good few seconds before noticing the child clutching to her leg and promptly panicking.

"Oh no... This was a mistake, a huge mistake..."

She scooped up Morgan and rushed after Tiki, but stopped when she realized she had no clue where Tiki went.

"Not good... If I knew where she was I could just warp there but..."

She noticed Morgan clinging very tightly to her chest, bit her tongue, and started navigating the city on foot. She searched every nook and cranny, behind every wall and broken building, even blasted a few Risen lurking in the depths. Still no sign of her. Palkia was starting to get irritated before hearing a loud roar not too far in the distance. "Grima... She's going for Grima!"

She looked at Morgan, who by this point was eyeing her oddly. "Brace yourself kid."

She immediately warped within view of but a safe distance away from the massive dragon.

And realized her mistake as she heard a scream. And saw Grima's jaws crunching down on the flesh and bones of a much smaller dragon, pieces either falling away or being swallowed whole.

Morgan screamed.

Palkia screamed.

SEVERAL YEARS LATER

Dialga sighed as his time powers vaporized yet more Risen. It seemed he encountered five or seven of them every five feet, and no matter how many even his powers eliminated more kept coming. He turned to Giratina and Hoopa, who were rummaging through a hut. "Anything?"

"No sign of life dude," said Giratina.

~Much less any of the Shepherds. Or... Her.~ said Hoopa.

Dialga sighed again. They'd found plenty of apocalyptic logs and ruins of old homes, but it'd been literal years since they'd seen any surviving Shepherds aside from the three they rescued. And about as many years since they'd seen Palkia.

"Let's... just... go back to the bunker."

"M-Mom?"

"Yes Yarne?" said Panne.

She turned to another Taguel, one with a nervous look and a shock of dirty blonde hair in his otherwise dark brown locks.

"They've taken a while to come back..."

"They'll be all right. Dialga, Giratina, and Hoopa can handle Risen better than most of us."

"I s-sure hope so because-"

Yarne yelped as the door opened and sighed in relief as Dialga, Giratina, and Hoopa entered. Wuzzles perked up from the corner he was sleeping in.

"Told you," said Panne.

"No sign of them," said Dialga. "As usual."

"You know, big scary zombie apocalypse is totally my aesthetic, but this is still getting kind of frustrating," said Gratina.

~Should we ask Virion and Libra if they saw anything?~ said Hoopa.

"You can," said Panne. "Even in the end of the world I'm still not asking Virion for anything."

"Uh, I'll go then," said Yarne.

The other three nodded, and they headed to another room in the bunker. Libra was taking notes in a journal while Virion was fidgeting nervously while also occasionally glancing at Libra and blushing, which stopped when he realized there were other people in the room.

~You guys see anything?~ said Hoopa

"You saw nothi-" Virion started to say.

"We didn't find anyone in our search, no," said Libra.

"...Yes that."

Libra gave Virion a look. Virion blushed harder.

~Great.~ said Hoopa. ~Now what?~

"My hand has been forced," said Dialga. "I have to find Naga again."

"She's been elusive since Grima reawakened, Not even answering my prayers," said Libra.

"I know. But she's our only shot at finding everyone else."

"Good luck bro," said Giratina.

"We'll hold the line here," said Hoopa.

"Wait, r-really?" said Yarne. "What if they like, ambush us while he's gone?"

"I can take care of it, kid," said Giratina.

~Hey! Don't leave me out!~ said Hoopa.

An insulted bear roar came from Panne's section of the bunker.

"...I guess we'll be fine?" said Yarne. "Mom's here too..."

"And with that I'm going," said Dialga.

And so he exited the bunker, turned into his rabbit form, then zoomed off.

Eventually Dialga reached Naga's lair. No sign of her. Dialga called out.

"Naga. It's been a while. We need to talk."

Silence. Then, slowly, Naga's figure emerged.

"Dialga. Good to see you again. Especially in a time like this."

"Same to you. But I need help." He pawed the ground with a bunny paw. "We're looking for survivors among the Shepherds, but of all the ones we've found none were affiliated. Also... My sister, Palkia. She's missing."

"Your sister? This is concerning..."

"Indeed. She just... Disappeared one day when we were looking for survivors. But the Risen or Grima couldn't have gotten her. Palkia and I are like two sides of the same coin metaphysically; I would have felt it. She's... Distant, but she's there."

Naga frowned, then soon after her face lit up. "In that case... Perhaps I can use you to locate her."

Dialga's face also lit up. "Please do."

Naga reached over and placed a hand on Dialga's head, closing her eyes. All was still. Then she opened her eyes, which glowed briefly, before she spoke. "I found her."

"Where?"

"The Outrealm Gate, a place able to access other worlds much like you and your siblings can. She's in a dimension there. It's been barely functional since Grima's rise but your powers should jumpstart it. Will it, and you will find her. I also sensed a presence tied to both me and Grima, so keep an eye out for that."

"Thank you," said Dialga. He paused. "Why hasn't Grima gone after you? Or you him?"

"Grima and I's powers are directly opposed in a strange way. He cannot destroy me, nor I him. So... He's focused on destroying everything I care about instead."

"...I see. I will protect what you have left, then."

"Thank you. It means so much to me."

"I must find Palkia to bring that to fruition, however. So I have to be off."

"Farewell, Dialga. Good luck."

And they went their separate ways.

At the bunker, a table had been decorated with a map and minifigures. Giratina sat at the head behind a screen while the others sat at the sides.

"Okay," said Giratina. "The dire Arcanine pack seems wary, but not yet hostile. Same with the orcs, who keep them as pets. The orc general is eyeing you oddly."

"We try diplomacy." said Panne. "They are not man-spawn, they are worthy."

~I can offer them goods!~ said Hoopa.

"We can try just slowly backing away..." said Yarne.

Wuzzles simply growled and pawed at his paladin figure.

"We can show them the way of Zekrom," said Libra. "Or-"

"I'm rolling to seduce the orc captain!" said Virion.

"Roll please," said Giratina.

Virion did so. The twenty-sided die landed on a one as everyone groaned. "What?!" Virion said. "These are my lucky dice!"

"The orc general is supremely offended at your terrible attempt at flirting and orders the other orcs and dire Arcanine to attack," said Giratina. "Roll initiative."

Everyone sighed and prepared to roll when there was a noise at the door. Yarne yelped and scooched back, while everyone else stood at attention.

"Is that a Risen?" said Virion.

"Sounds and feels... Off for one." said Libra.

"Regardless, we must proceed with caution," said Panne.

~So, what's our plan?~ said Hoopa. ~Pounce on it when they think we're not there? Wait until it leaves? Offer it cookies?~

"I'll get it," said Giratina. To everyone's surprise he simply got up and opened the door. He was met by a sword to the face. Said sword was held by not a Risen but a girl, with dark blue hair and eyes and a blue outfit. Giratina raised an eyebrow.

"Dudette, if you're a zombie apocalypse survivor you probably have better things to do than interrupt my Dungeons And Druddigon session."

"You... You look familiar." said the girl. "Were you a friend of my father's?"

"...Lucina?" said Yarne from inside.

"...Yarne?" said Lucina back.

"Lucina? Chrom's daughter? That's you?" said Panne.

"Well this is certainly fortuitous," said Libra.

"How'd she find us?" said Virion.

~Hey there Lucina! We could use the help!~ said Hoopa.

Lucina turned to respond to Virion when she heard and saw Hoopa, who was in his Confined form, and stared. "What are you?"

~Er, I'm a dijin from another world is all I'll say.~

"...At least you're not a Risen then."

~Hey!~

"So, Lucina, what brings you to our humble... Abode?" said Virion.

"I was looking for Yarne, actually."

"Huh? M-me? Why?"

"I'm organizing a resistance! Of children of the former Shepherds. You were one of only two not accounted for."

"Dudette, you know who would be all over that? My sister Palkia," said Giratina.

"Will she be able to help?" said Lucina.

~Theoretically,~ said Hoopa. ~Her other brother Dialga is looking for her right now.~

He put a hand to his chin.

~I wonder how he's doing...~

Dialga, in dragon form was standing before the Outrealm Gate. Or at least what's left of it. Bits and pieces were strewn everywhere and the gate was barely still standing.

Dialga sighed. His eyes glowed. The Outrealm Gate slowly but surely repaired itself. And he focused his mind on Palkia and entered.

When he did he found a sunny forest far different from the one he left behind. Pools of water were everywhere. But it was silent. Dialga looked around and stepped carefully through the wood.

Then he heard a roar.

He turned his head and was met with flaming breath to the face. When his vision cleared he saw a small Manakete dragon hovering before him, fangs bared. He stared, as this Manakete had traits of both Naga and Grima's dragon forms.

~Who are you? Where is my sister?~

~This is me and aunt Palkia's turf! Leave now!~

~That answers part of my question. Can you show me her? I mean no harm.~

~Are you sure?~

~Positive.~

~Aw, OK. You seem fun to mess with. It gets boring around here.~

The dragon landed and shrunk down, revealing her to be a young teenage girl with pointy ears and short, light green hair, with simple peasant clothes. She pocketed a small blue stone and looked up at Dialga.

"Your dragon form is cool. Not as cool as mine but then again what is?"

~Keep telling yourself that kid. Where's Palkia?~

"Say please!"

Dialga sighed. ~Take me to my sister please.~

The girl snickered."Sure thing! I just wanted to make you squirm."

~Mission successful.~

The girl snickered again and started leading Dialga off. "So, I guess you're that uncle Dialga aunt Palkia keeps mentioning."

~Yes, I am.~

"I'm Morgan! It's actually pretty great to see you. There's no one else here but me and aunt Palkia. And a few wild guinea pigs in the woods, I guess. They're cute!"

~I guess.~

Eventually, Dialga and Morgan reached a rift in space in the middle of the forest. "That's her sulking spot!" said Morgan. "She goes in there a lot."

~Palkia!~ said Dialga. ~Palkia I know you're in there!~

the rift slowly widened and Palkia, in dragon form, stepped out. ~How did you find me?~

~Naga helped. What are you doing here?~

~...I failed. The Shepherds died because of me. I need to be alone with Morgan.~

~No you don't.~

"We're safe in here though!" said Morgan. "Safe from... G-Grima. Grima killed my parents..."

~See? We're better off here,~ said Palkia.

~No you're not,~ said Dialga. ~We still need you. There are still survivors. You can help.~

~No I can't. I'll... I'll just screw up everything again.~

~I'll help you. We can do this. We're going to win this time.~

~Grima is as powerful as we are. We can't.~

~Grima is nothing compared to us. Please sister. We need your help. There's still hope.~

Palkia paused. She thought deeply to herself before replying,

~...Morgan, we're going.~

"Well, you heard her! Looks like we're staying safe in he- huh?"

~Dialga's right. I can't hide from everything forever. We can't.~

"But Grima-"

~We'll find a way to deal with him. Just stick with me, okay?~

Morgan thought to herself, then shrugged. "Okay then! It was getting pretty boring in here anyway."

Dialga smiled despite himself, and the three headed out.

When the three got back to the bunker, Dialga and Palkia back in their disguises, Dialga opened the door, only to be greeted by Lucina.

"More of you?" said Lucina. She noticed Morgan. "...You found Morgan!"

"Lucina?" said Morgan. "Is that really you?"

"Yo, Palkia!" said Giratina. "You're back!"

Palkia didn't really listen. She just stared at Lucina intently before breaking into a wide grin.

"Oh dear, now this makes things interesting..."

~Something up?~ said Hoopa.

"Lucina, I know exactly who you are," said Palkia, "And you give me hope I haven't had in years!"

"...I do?" said Lucina. "I know you were kind of a friend of my father's but..."

"What's she on to now?" said Virion.

"Shh, I'll get to it," said Palkia." "Lucina, what are you here for?"

"I'm organizing a resistance of the children of the Shepherds," said Lucina. "Morgan was the last one I needed."

"Okay then! Could you take us to your base?"

"This bunker's kind of cramped anyway." said Libra.

"I will!" said Lucina.

"We've probably got a long way..." said Yarne.

"Be strong," said Panne. "We have good company. And Virion, I guess."

"Hey!" said Virion.

~What do you have planned anyway?~ said Dialga privately to Palkia.

~I know exactly what's going on here,~ said Palkia, ~And instead of derailing it I'm helping it along!~

Lucina opened the door to an old cathedral, in surprisingly good shape. Inside were several teenagers and young adults, going about various activities, when they all turned to notice their visitors.

"...Fathers?" said a young girl with pointed ears in the direction of Virion and Libra.

"Father, father, is that you?" said another girl with short hair and a spear.

"...Nah? Noire? You're alive?" said Virion.

"It's... Been so long..." said Libra. "I thought you two died shortly after your mothers..."

The four shared an embrace as a woman in thick armor with blue hair and a young man in yellow with orange hair approached the others.

"Sister! You're back! And you found Yarne and Morgan!"

"Indeed, Kijelle." said Lucina. "Now we can begin plans to-"

"Greetings, travellers!: said the man in yellow. "The mighty Owain Dark beseeches you to look around and take in the sights! Especially his muscular ar-"

"Owain," said Lucina, "What did I tell you about showing off to new survivors? You'll scare them off."

"I cannot help myself! No more than I can help my sword hand twitching - Oh it goes again!"

Lucina rolled her eyes and sighed. "Ignore him. Yarne, Morgan, make yourselves at home."

The two promptly headed in to do so, while Lucina turned to Palkia.

"Now... You said you thought you could help?"

Palkia rubbed her hands together. "Well..."

She thought a bit.

"Let's exchange some ideas. Relying on my own with just a bit of guidance from the others has been too costly; we're all going to have to work together for real on this one."