My eyes adjust.

The sun is setting, bathing the summit in a golden light. How long have we been away? It didn't feel like long, although I suppose time could work…differently in such a place.

I'm standing in front of Dr. Laurel's structure, he's beside me, still unconscious. And running to me, tripping over her feet….

"GWEN!" Skitty crashes into me, knocking me backwards in a huge hug. She's squeezing so tightly, I might pass out.

The others rush forward. "She's going a funny color, don't you think?" Serperior quips, as he and the others collapse into a pile on top of Skitty and I. It's clear they've all been crying.

I'm crying. I can't believe I actually made it back! We're all safe and the world is safe and…and…

They don't know the price I've had to pay.

From the edge of my vision, I see Audino cradling Dr. Laurel, who appears to be awake now and babbling slightly. He doesn't know he—and his years of research—are part of the deal either.

I…they're all so happy…and I-I…

"Wait…how do we close the wormhole?" Noiba-Noivern asks, noticing it still crackling with energy behind us.

It's too much, their energy, their excitement. I break down.

"Oh no! Don't worry Gwen, I'm sure we can figure out how to close it! It'll be ok!" he tries to reassure me. "N-no, it's not that. I…I have something…important to say."

They take a step back, giving me space while I tell them what happened. About meeting Giratina, how they too believed we shouldn't have come here, that this and other worlds should be protected from scientists like Dr. Laurel.

And about…our deal.

To protect this world, they'll erase Dr. Laurel's memories of his research and this place.

And as payment?

He'll send us home, where I can convince the other scientists on our team to stop the project. To spread the word of the 'dangers' of such research.

And we're never, under any circumstances, to return.

The weight of my words hangs in the air for a moment. I'm expecting an argument, disbelief, even laughter at the absurdity, but nothing comes.

Finally, Skitty breaks the silence.

"Gwen?" She says softly. "Y-you must have hit your head…y-you're confused, but! It's ok! We'll get you back to the Center, get you taken care of…and we'll…we'll…" she's shaking, tears in her eyes. "We'll rest up and…maybe after a couple of days, be back to exploring, right? We can do it…properly this time….w-with the whole team…right?" She looks around at the others desperately, then finally back at me. "Right? Gwen? You can't—this isn't…"

"Skitty, I…I'm sorry…it was the only way…to protect this world…to protect you." "No!" She cries, "Gwen, no! This can't be it! You can't-you can't just go! I don't care about being safe in this world if you're not in it! We…we could've figured it out…we could have…" she's gasping now, between the sobs "Gwen…we were…supposed to…make memories," she looks at me again, desperately. Despite her protest, I know she realizes there was no other way. No words come to me, I just look at her through my tears. "Oh, oh! Gweeennn!" She cries and pulls me into another fierce hug. I bury my face in her neck. "Skitty…I-I'm so sorry…"

We sit there for a few minutes, the others giving us our moment. Then, a voice emanates from the wormhole.

"Gwen…don't forget…your part of the deal…"

Right. Seems like it's time.

Lurantis approaches with Tinkaton in tow. "Gwen, all of you…" she starts, regarding each of us, "I just wanted to say…I am so very sorry about…everything. All of this. Rest assured Gwen, we'll tell your story and take good care of Skitty. I wish you…every success in your future endeavors." "Stay safe out there!" Tinkaton offers. "Thank you, I'm sorry for all the trouble I've been," I say in return. I'm surprised they both offer me a hug, although, the sentiment doesn't quite seem to extend to the rest of my team. I guess old feelings die hard.

As they give their best wishes to Noivern, Dragalge and Rotom turn to Skitty. "My dear," Dragalge starts, "what you have with Gwen…is truly special, you can rest assured she will cherish the memory of you forever." "You're a real character Skitty!" Rotom offers, "way more fun than these sticks in the mud, you're the thing I'm gonna miss most about this place!" They each hug her in turn, then wait a safe distance from the wormhole, eyeing it cautiously.

Noivern approaches next. "Skitty, thank you for letting me part of your team, after everything. I…am sorry," he says. "It's…it's ok," she glances to Audino and Dr. Laurel, "it did hurt, but…I understand," she looks to him again, "I know you'll make the right choices going forward. Good luck." He nods in response.

Serperior comes forward. "Skitty, during my time here, you've repeatedly embarrassed me and done your utmost to make life very challenging," she lets out a weak laugh, "…yours is a friendship I'll always treasure. Thank you," he says, hugging her tightly. "Take care of Gwen, ok?" She sniffles. "You have my word."

They pull apart, and Skitty and I stand face to face. "Gwen…our time together has been short but…it's been a privilege to meet you, and I'll…" she stops, fighting the tears, "I'll never forget you." I rush to her, holding her close "Skitty, I-I'm sorry we didn't get more time…but, thank you…for everything" we stand there for a few moments, savoring the embrace. Stepping apart, we gaze into each other's faces. I'm trying to memorize every strand of fur, burn it into my mind.

I rub my cheek against hers one last time, and slowly pull away.

It's time. We approach the wormhole.

I peek inside, all I can see is the bright light. But Giratina promised, they'd bring us home in exchange for Dr. Laurel's memory on the project and my oath that we'll stay there.

Well, a deal's a deal. I notice Audino and Dr. Laurel have already gone. Noivern next, followed by Rotom and Dragalge. I look back at Skitty once more, she nods gently, face sad but determined.

Offering a sad smile in return, I turn back to the wormhole. Serperior waits by it, offering his tail. I take it, and step forward.

I'm bathed in a blinding light.