Leaves swayed gently in the breeze, the sun setting and making way for a clear, star-filled sky.
Countless nights were spent here with his dearest friends. So many beautiful sunrises, so many glroious sunsets. Days of peace and wonder, of exploration and new joys. Truly, nothing could have ruined it.
Well, he was miserably wrong about that. That beauty, that love, was tainted now, the grass stained red with his own blood.
Danger had finally come in the form of a strange group of people. They'd appeared and picked off each Champion while they were distracted. It was cruel, and frankly, he had no idea why they wanted this. When they'd come for him, they'd muttered something about power, grasping for the highest glory- a blessing from Arceus itself.
He and Tobias were the only ones left, and he himself was currently bleeding out on the floor. Orre's one Champion, dying in the grass of his own home at the hands of some evildoers.
Pitiful.
Still, as he his breathing grew quick and he felt himself fade, the slash across his stomach- the one caused by the Broadsword that had taken the lives of his dearest friends- becoming too much to bear, he noticed it.
Tobias, walking up the hill, the slowly sinking sun casting him in shadow.
He had been blessed by Celebi and Mew, and was allowed minor healing abilities by them. He finished the trek up the hill, as he'd done countless times before, and inspected him for a moment.
"I..."
He kneeled down, looking at the many wounds that marred his companion.
"These are far beyond my healing capabilities," He whispered. He talked so quietly so often...
"Let me... let..." He slurred. He hated seeing his dear friend so sad and so silent over him of all people. He never did anything to deserve Tobias' affection.
"I'm not letting you die, my friend, but there's only one solution I can see now, " Tobias whispered.
Why was his dear friend so hesitant? What solution could he possibly have?
"I have to send you home."
"Wh...whe...what...?"
It clicked. Arceus' domain. Home. Tobias wanted to send him home.
"If I send you to the Domain.. Arceus will help you. It will let you rest and return when you're able."
"I c...can't... I don't want to go-"
"I'll wait. I'll wait as long as it takes for you to return."
"Please... I.. please-"
He had to stay. He couldn't leave them! He pleaded, but as everything faded, as the pain ebbed away, he saw the stars flicker into view, saw a shimmering light he knew now to be the creator.
Faintly, too, as he was taken elsewhere, he could swear he heard a faint I'm sorry.