The massive form of Giratina looms over me. I take a shaky step back, then another, but ultimately I know there's nowhere to go. Nowhere to hide.

After all this time…they've finally caught me.

"Gwen…I must say I was surprised to learn you had once again left your world. Tell me…how did this come to pass?" They say, tilting their head, looking genuinely curious.

"Giratina, um…I-I-" I'm stammering, too nervous to think straight. My head is swimming, and my whole body trembling. If the simulation in the dungeon was anything to go by…this could really be it. The time of reckoning. The wave of panic, the fear…it all comes crashing into me all at once with a force that throws me off balance. I somehow manage to keep my footing, but can't for the life of me get another word out—instead I just look to the ground, unable to meet their eyes. I focus on my paws in the grass, the outlines becoming blurry through the gathering tears.

A moment passes in silence, then another.

"Gwen," they start, making my stomach tie into a knot. Evidently they've realized there won't be a conversation unless they take charge. "When I first felt your presence outside your own world…I was filled with a blinding rage with you for breaking our pact." How wonderful. I swallow the lump rising in my throat. "But…despite that…you piqued my curiosity, which…is no small feat," they say with an air of interest.

I uh…huh? I don't understand, they were livid with me, but didn't do anything because…they were curious about what was going to happen?

Despite their threatening appearance, it seems they're quite similar to Hoopa in some ways. Maybe that's just the way of these legendary and mythical pokemon.

They must see the confusion written across my face, because they continue, "it's true. Being the ruler of the Distortion World…it has its pros and its cons, the latter being the solitude." Are they telling me they're…lonely? Perhaps the great power that comes with being a legendary is little compensation for the loneliness and boredom such a position must entail. "So when I first sensed you had returned to your friend's world, I was intrigued—how could this be when you were no longer involved in such…research?" I take another shaky step back. How did they…? "Do not be alarmed," they start, "it is not often one makes a deal with me, and when they do…I like to keep an eye. Ensure a betrayal isn't in the works."

I consider their words, then start to feel a little lightheaded. They've been…'keeping and eye' on me since I left? How? That's…incredibly creepy. Just how closely have they been watching? How often? And if they've been vigilant since before I even arrived…

"You…you knew, right from the start, when my family and I got brought to Delcatty's world," I say, more to myself than them. They regard me for a moment, letting the statement hang between us. "Yes. I considered bringing you all into my realm immediately…but I was still curious, of course, on how you got there—why—and what you would do next."

I force myself to steady my breathing. The implication of them just…watching events unfold while I was panicking about getting home is still making me feel quite uncomfortable.

"Yes, I wondered how it could be, without your research. But then I saw your friend, Delcatty, consorting with Hoopa. Then I knew," they pause, as though considering their words. "I knew you had not broken our pact. Not really."

The flood of relief rushes through me. They know the truth. They actually understand that I didn't come here—bring us all here—on purpose. That I never wanted to betray their trust. My legs go shaky as I let out a weak laugh, feeling the absurdity of it all.

"And when I saw you in the Echoing Ruins…I realized what you would do to keep those close to you safe…" they even saw me in the ruins? Of course they did, I don't know why I'm surprised at this point. "I had banished you back to the human world to keep the different realms safe. But…" they look away, as though unsure how to proceed. After a few uncomfortable moments, they return their gaze to me, "I feel you have…proven yourself. You, and any others you deem fit, are welcome to pass between your worlds as you wish."

I'm speechless. Are…are they actually saying what I think they are? Or is it some kind of trick? If I accept, will the dungeon—

You. Are. NOT. In. The. Dungeon.

I take a steadying breath and remind myself this is real. The actual, true Giratina is in front of me, right now, granting me permission to travel between Delcatty's world and my own.

I know it's a momentous occasion, but I can't help the stupid smile spreading across my face or the shaky laughs that escape.

I realize the legendary still regards me curiously. I finally manage to find my voice, "Giratina…I am…incredibly grateful for your mercy…for your generous offer…I…are you certain?" I still can't quite believe it…after everything that's happened, it feels like it has to be some kind of test or trick.

I regard them closely, and see a…a smile? Or the closest thing play across their features, "I do not make such an offer on a whim. I have seen your strength, and that of those dear to you. I cannot interfere myself, but if you have the means, you are all welcome to traverse between your home and Delcatty's."

I bow deeply, "I just…thank you so much!" I don't know what else I can really say to convey how grateful I truly am. I think I'm crying—either from the relief, or the unexpected good fortune, I'm not sure.

"Of course." Giratina bows their head slightly, "I will return you to your friends and family now." They say, opening a portal. I'm overcome with emotion, before I can stop myself…before I fully realize what I'm doing, I run to Giratina and hug them. "Thank you…for everything." A moment later, I feel one of their tendrils pat my head. "Take care, Gwen, I wish you every success."

I pull away, thank them again, and take a step towards the portal. One step, then another, and then I'm through.

—

Such strange creatures indeed, humans.

It's been fascinating, watching them all through this. So many worries for ones so young. Although, I suppose one's worries are relative; when you have so little time, even small problems may feel immense.

I'll admit, I was truly angry when I learned she had seemingly broken our pact. We had made an agreement, after all, and for her, a mortal, to go against her word with an entity such as myself? Unheard of! But seeing her struggle to find a way home, fearing what would happen when I found out (hmph, as if I wouldn't already have known), and finally her test in the Echoing Ruins…those had me convinced…she would never have wished to return to her friend's world, no matter how much she grieved. Not at the peril of breaking our contract.

I briefly wondered if allowing her access between realms was…a mistake. Just because I am a legendary does not mean I am above misjudgments. But…I have the feeling all will be well. And if it goes wrong, I can always intervene at that point.

I feel the ghost of her embrace. It's been…an exceedingly long time since another living being has touched me, and if I recall correctly, that involved an incredibly powerful attack. I truly do wish her every success, and perhaps some day I may encounter her—even the rest of her family—again.

—

I must say, Giratina's portals? Cla-ssy. At least compared to Hoopa's. I'm becoming something of a portal expert—maybe someday I'll write a guidebook; The Dos and Don'ts of Interdimensional Travel; How to Maximize Your Vacation Experience.

I decide to put title workshopping on hold when I see the chaos I've walked into. Everyone is in various states of panic and distress—I hadn't considered it, but I suppose Giratina somehow hijacked Hoopa's portal—which means when they all arrived in Delcatty's home, I was just missing.

I feel bad for a moment—the number of times I've 'mysteriously disappeared' at the hands of a legendary has got to be putting some major stress on the others. It's not doing much for my peace of mind either, to be honest. A moment later I'm feeling bad for a different reason—Stephanie is squeezing the life out of me.

"Gwen! What happened? Where were you?" She cries. Hoopa flies around nervously, "I'm sorry I'm sorry! That's never happened to my portals before! You were supposed to come here with the rest of us!" Stephanie releases me while I look around, making sure I really—truly—am back at the Center. I tell them about my encounter with Giratina; how they knew about us being here all along, their continuous observations, and their decision.

"You mean…you're allowed to come and go? Really and truly?" Delcatty says apprehensively. I nod, "that's right, they said I had…'proven myself,' in their eyes." I say, still not quite believing it.

"So they'll send us back? How will that…work?" Seviper eventually asks. "No, they said they couldn't intervene, that we had to find another way, but when we did, we were free to make the most of it," I reply. "But…how are we meant to just 'find another way'?" Noivern sighs. "Tch, are you forgetting I'm right here?" Hoopa cuts in indignantly. "If anyone's getting you to and from worlds, it's me!" They grin.

I know Hoopa's supposedly turned a new leaf but…I'm still apprehensive. I'm not sure when—or if—I can ever really trust them…but if they're our only ticket home…and possibly back again? I don't know if I have much choice.

We sit in silence, taking in the weight of Hoopa's words. We can…really leave…and come back? Whenever we want? Stephanie and I…we have lives back home, but, the freedom to come and visit?

I feel my eyes water.

"So…what do you guys want to do?" Delcatty says nervously, finally breaking the silence. I'm sure she wants us to stay…to finally get some quality time…but my mind drifts back to our world. We've been gone for…a while. What must our families be thinking? From everyone's perspective, we must have all just…vanished.

Well, I suppose we did.

"Delcatty…knowing we can come back…it's a huge weight off my shoulders. Last time, thinking I'd never see you again…" my breath hitches, but a moment later I continue, "it was hard. So…we'll definitely be back—and soon too!—but…I think we need to deal with the fallout back home from our uh…unexpected absence."

She regards me, eyes sad, but still smiling. "I understand. It's amazing, really…" she looks off into space for a moment, then returns her focus to me, "time passes…things change…you get all these…responsibilities and people depending on you…things you never even planned for." I'm not sure if she's talking about her role as Master, or my own as a wife and mom. "But, before I let you guys go, I'll need your solemn oath that you will return, no matter what! I don't want to have to hunt down Giratina again just to see you for two minutes through a one-way portal!" She grins, nudging me.

I leap up to her, pulling her into a hug. "You have my word, we'll be back as soon as possible. I promise." She returns the embrace, and a moment later I feel my team and hers join in.

It is amazing…time does pass. I came here years ago quite by accident, against my will, seemingly alone, and now I have a whole family…in this world and my own.

We sit there for a few more moments, until Hoopa evidently gets tired of our display. "Bleh, you guys are so sweet I might throw up!" They say, gagging dramatically. "Don't you worry, for you, the Hoopa Express is always available! When you need to call me…" they say, producing a hoop portal and rummaging around, "you can use this—I'll know it's you." They say, presenting the prison bottle.

I'm shocked…this thing is…well it's powerful. The key to them changing forms. They're holding it out for me. "Hoopa…are you sure? I mean, this is…" "no worries! If I ever need it, I can always get it myself!" They wink, "but, truth be told…I think my current form might make me more popular with the Center, a bit less menacing, more convenient, you know?" "Pfft, that's got nothing on former Master Lurantis! You should see her when she's fired up!" Delcatty grins, earning a heartfelt laugh from them.

Despite everything they put us through…I am glad they'll get to be part of the Center. They really do deserve it, after all this time.

"So Gwen, what do you think? We pick up Elliot and head back? Deal with the whatever's awaiting us at home?" Stephanie laughs. I nod, smiling "sounds like a plan.

After a quick trip to the daycare, we return to Delcatty's with Elliot, where she, Cradily, Ampharos, and Hoopa are planning their grand reveal.

"Ah, welcome back!" Delcatty says, "we're just in the midst of planning the party officially welcoming Hoopa into the Center! Do you think you guys could be back in a week or so?"

Wow, they really didn't waste any time! I was honestly thinking we'd be away a little longer, but…"Ooh, party? Where?" Elliot says, jumping up and down. I have a feeling that, even if we didn't want to, Elliot's mind is made up for all of us—he does like a good party.

"I mean…I suppose…Stephanie?" I say, asking her approval. She looks to the ground, then nods a moment later, "I think we should have dealt with…whatever mess is waiting for us by then…and it would be nice to relax after…all of this." I concur, it's been one thing after another.

"Well, it's settled! You guys will be back in a week for the most fantastic celebration you've ever had!" Delcatty grins. I'm already wishing she didn't mention it in front of Elliot, because I'm certain we'll be hearing about it for the whole week. He's already dancing around the room chanting 'party.'

"Well, if everyone's here…you ready to go home? Gotta rest up for my big celebration!" Hoopa says proudly. I look to Stephanie, my team, and then back to Delcatty, whose eyes are watering.

"Now remember, you don't come back, and I'll send Hoopa after you, got it?" She laughs as a tear falls. I laugh with her, "we'll be back for sure! Wouldn't miss it!" I say, hugging her again.

"Alrighty, we're not getting any younger! Let's get you guys home so we can plan my long overdue festivities!" Hoopa grins. I pull away from Delcatty and smile, "well, I guess we'll see you next week," "See you," she waves, smiling sadly.

The next thing I know my stomach is in my throat as I abruptly fall.