Pokemon Mystery Dungeon War of Plot Special
The Bad Ending
Do NOT read if you do not want to get spoiled for Pokemon Mystery Dungeon War of Plot!
Zeraora and his team partner Zoroark were currently in the office of the league leader Aurorus. It had been a few days since it had been revealed that the second former member of the league leadership was a liar. Part of the Plot Elite. Zeraora, who had always seen the dragon as a friend, was still in shock. But now, after Epsilon attacked Aurorus and her, Aurora was dead too. Even though Kel simply refused to accept the truth. Did this Arcanine really believe that Aurorus would lie to him? And the problems that this angry lion was causing were exactly why Team Slash was meeting with the fossil. Zoroark was now the second league leader after Aurora was unable to take the position and Zeraora had basically just come along, but was welcomed by both of them.
"It's good that you two are here, because... I recently discovered that Tyrantrum is no longer in his prison. Most of the Pokemon in the league already know, but you must have missed it because you were in Crowning."
"What? Did he still have a key card to free himself? How can that be?!", Zeraora asked in shock.
Aurorus looked somewhat wistfully at one of the tables in the office. There was nothing on the surface.
"No. The card that belonged to Tyrantrum was stolen from me, obviously to free him. And I already have a confession from the culprit."
"Kel.", Zoroark "guessed".
The league leader just nodded.
"I want to believe that he is not evil, but the loss is leading him ever closer to insanity. He has basically already confessed his guilt. And what's worse... when Elementareon followed him to confront him and find Tyrantrum's hiding place... Kel defeated her. I have never seen anyone do such a thing to her. She was close to death! Even if he means no harm, Kel is a danger to all of us! And that's why we have to contain him!"
Zeraora looked out the window, a little sad. He had never liked Kel very much, but that the Arcanine would go so far... It was probably for his own good if he got caught.
But Team Slash's leader was interrupted in his thoughts by an eerie, deafening roar. At the same time, he saw a huge pillar of fire rising from the beach.
"What the hell is happening? It's fire! Could it be Kel?"
Unusually frantic, Zoroark jumped up from her seat and rushed to the window, only to see the inferno with her own eyes. Her voice seemed different with the next words.
"Fuck! Fuck, that shouldn't have happened! Was that what he threatened?! Aurorus, we have a huge problem!"
Confused, Zeraora looked back and forth between the two Mon present.
"They found her! But if this inferno is what you think, then..."
"He made it come true! Epoliktzus! The hatred of the blood angel! That stupid bastard warned me not to do anything wrong but... this was not what he defined as wrong to me!"
Slowly running out of patience, Zeraora interrupted the two of them speaking riddles.
"What the hell are you talking about? Can you let me in on your secrets too?"
Zoroark looked at him with determined eyes.
"There's no time for that right now. Aurorus, start the sirens! Zeraora, what are you prepared to do to save this world?"
"What's that supposed to mean? Save from what? What are you implying?"
Despite the lack of understanding, his team partner did not seem angry.
"Fine, I'll ask differently. Are you prepared to ally yourself with your worst enemy if it's the best shot to save your home?"
The electric type still didn't understand what all these questions were about, but he also realized that further questions would be of no use.
"Of course, if it's truly for the best of everyone!"
Loud sirens rang through Kira Town as these words were spoken. The inferno in the distance seemed to grow closer, further and further as time passed.
"Aurorus, we fucked up! Badly! He lied to us! And now we have to pay the price for this shit! Evacuate the Pokemon to the north! Meet me at the main square, Zeraora, if you're ready to join me in battle!"
Without warning, the normally shy Pokemon pulled a golden handle from her long mane and untied her mysterious bandage. When the handle became a blade with a swing, Zeraora realized who was truly facing him. The blade pointed skyward, purple lightning shot through Epsilon.
"He didn't take my power! Probably because he doesn't care."
"You're Epsilon? What? Why? You've been lying all this time? But..."
"I'll explain everything to you if we survive this! Epsilon shall no longer be your enemy! It seems that my mission has failed! I would rather save what even I don't want to destroy!"
With a powerful blow, the Plot Empress simply shattered the office window and flew out.
Pokémon ran through the streets to the north in panic, many of their gazes also fell to the sky, where Epsilon was moving. Almost all of the creatures on the ground would think that she was to blame for the evacuation, but she knew better! Even though she had been the enemy of the city for so long and so often, the moment she saw that the author had made good on his threat, she knew that the time of their antagonism was over. The war between the Plot Warrior and the Plot Empress was over, Epsilon had actually won, but the author seemed to be punishing her for it! Had he just used her? He had promised a war between equals! Did he not want her to actually win?
When they arrived at the main square, the inferno was already close. Flames ran through the streets on the outskirts of town. So this was the demon that slumbered deep within the world. A beast, dormant in the depths of every story, just as this world was. A hatred, a rage for destruction on the part of the author, no matter how subconscious it may be. But one day it was able to break free and burn down everything in this world. When the wall of flames reached this place, a silhouette stood proudly at the ground at its center, seemingly the source of the inferno. This outline was the last thing about this being that even reminded one of an Arcanine, proving that it was once truly Kel.
"The evil... core of all hatred... Epsilon. You dare to face me? As if you had ever been an opponent! Look around... fool... look... into purgatory! Consume... what must be consumed! And you... as the root... as the root of the end... what... do you say... to your fate?"
"My ways may seem incomprehensible to many, and to many I am a monster, but none of that changes the fact that I am ready to fight for the world, which many believe I want to destroy! And I still have the strength I need to stand a chance against you, Epoliktzus!"
"Your power... remains... only because even he... he knew it changes nothing. How do you feel... knowing... that you killed your own daughter... only to... fail in the end... You underestimated... the will of the author... and the hatred... of his creation..."
The following answer should not be more words that bounced senselessly off the demon king, but a flash of the Feathersword that did not seem to harm the lion in the slightest.
"So be it... so I take revenge... for the host of my body... marked by terror... when you took everything that was left to him... and now burn! There shall be... purgatory!"
Flames immediately surrounded the entire main square, and buildings around it caught fire. The pitch-black outline of the lion pounced on a battle-ready Epsilon, who was ready to give her all with her Feathersword as her only weapon. However, when she fended off the direct attack, the beast's eyes immediately flashed red. Under the armor, the Zoroark felt a kind of rigidity attack parts of her body. But the power of her sword flashed through her body and gave her back the mobility that had previously been lost.
"So Plot is still enough... as a weapon against eternity! But nothing will change... even so... you are weak..."
The walls of flames all shot individual beams at Epsilon, who dodged as best she could. However, Epoliktzus was also ready and hit the Plot Empress with his powerful claws. The claws immediately dug into the middle of the helmet, which immediately shattered under the pressure before Epsilon could free herself.
Epsilon immediately went back on the attack, but her Feathersword bounced off the demon's skin, leaving no scratch. The Plot Empress quickly dodged the counterattack that followed, and her own next blow hit. And this time it seemed to do more than just bounce off. The sword got stuck in the dark skin before Epsilon pulled it out, her gaze determinedly fixed on her now motionless opponent.
"So I'm not an opponent? That's it, Epoliktzus! The Plot hasn't left this world yet!"
The shadow lion remained motionless while the flames continued to blaze. But suddenly the earth began to shake too! Behind the walls of flames, Epsilon heard rocks falling, the houses of the city began to collapse. But now the walls of flames also disappeared and revealed the view.
"Defeated? You are wrong... fool... I have only... just begun!"
A huge column of flames shot up from the ground, from which even the remaining armor could not protect Epsilon. Amidst a huge noise, her vision blurred and darkness returned.
But the darkness in her gaze did not last forever. The Zoroark did not know how long had passed before she opened her eyes again. She felt a slight dampness in her stomach area and, as she regained conciousness, she saw wet fabric wrapped around her there. She found herself in a kind of strange cave, in which a voice also rang out.
"She's waking up! Come, take the old fabrics, we need new ones!"
A second voice followed, just as familiar to Epsilon as the first.
"I'm really bad with blood, you'll have to do that..."
"No excuses! I need your help!"
"He... is telling the truth. The great psychopath of the Plot Elite... cannot stand the sight of blood. That's why he likes his poisons... they kill without wounds."
For a moment, the Zoroark expected an answer that would tell her to take it easy and not talk, but the actual reaction was much harsher.
"Don't even dare talk about psychopaths! Aurorus can learn from you in that field!"
Too tired to get upset, Epsilon could only laugh.
"Has Amagarga already told you or how do you know that already?"
"She was really your daughter? And you still... what the fuck is wrong with you?!"
The Plot Empress's amusement faded. Yes, she was to blame for the death of her own daughter, but that didn't mean that the fight had been easy for her. There was simply no other way. That was the only way there could be true peace, at least that's what Epsilon had believed. But now she had to see: It wasn't true. On the contrary. She had eliminated her remaining family just to bring destruction.
"The author... he lied to me. He took advantage of me! He told me that Aurora was my enemy on the way to the peaceful future I wanted! On the way to a future without betrayal and tyranny! But he never wanted me to win!"
"My pity is limited. At least my pity for you. I thought you were a friend! You were Epsilon the whole time? So I was just a part of your big plan from the beginning..."
There was nothing to reply. Every word Zeraora said was the truth.
"If you already know all that, then why did you even save me?"
Epsilon really couldn't interpret the look that followed. It could be anger, it could be sadness, it could be pity, it could be affection. And it could also mean nothing.
"What do I gain from letting you die?"
"If you have to risk your own life to save me, a lot."
"And what difference does it make? Can we do anything against Epoliktzus? We'll all be dead anyway. If anyone could help us, it's probably you! As much as I hate it."
Epsilon slowly got up, a little unsteadily, and looked around.
"Probably not. This monster is too strong. But with my Feathersword..."
Her gaze wandered faster, scanning the surroundings more intensively.
"Where is it? Where's the Feathersword?"
"What do I know, I never had it."
Defeated, Epsilon fell back down.
"Forget it. Without that thing, I'm powerless. Even with the weapon I had no chance against the demon, but without it... I'm nothing more than a Zoroark!"
To distract herself from the certain death that now awaited everyone, she quickly changed the subject.
"Where exactly are we anyway?"
Aurorus took over this answer.
"In the League Tower."
"Very funny, last time I was there, the tower wasn't a cave!"
"Back then, Kira Town was still intact. He's right. This cave consists of the remains of the tower."
Grief filled the injured Zoroark again.
"Kira Town is destroyed? And the Pokemon?"
"I sent some away with Team Nordika, to an underground bunker in the next town over. Others fled blindly. And some have already died in the flames in this town because they didn't take the sirens seriously.", Aurorus explained.
"There aren't many Pokemon left on Berelo, according to what Latios told me last time. Apart from us and the two hundred or so Pokemon in the bunker, not much lives here anymore."
What followed was pure silence. Until Zeraora decided to break it again.
"Then... I'll go back to the bunker and report that you're awake."
The Zoroark quickly stood up.
"I can tell them that myself. Whether they're happy about it is another matter."
Zeraora looked at his former team partner in disappointment.
"They will be. Because I haven't been able to bring myself to tell them the truth about you yet."
So this task would now fall to Epsilon himself... but it didn't matter much anymore anyway.
"If you two go there, don't leave me here! Then we can finally leave this rancid place behind us!"
When the Zoroark stepped out of the ruins of the tower, she was overcome by the true destruction of this home. Nothing but rubble, dust and shards remained from a once glorious city. The fire was still not extinguished in many places. There was no life in this place anymore and it would take years to make this place habitable again.
"And that's... my fault. Kira Town... I never wanted..."
"What you wanted or didn't want doesn't matter. Because it doesn't change what you did. And we don't know what will happen next. So, let's get started. We shouldn't meet Epoliktzus, and if we do, we'll see him long before he sees us."
A meaningful look wandered into the distance, where a pillar of flames shot up into the sky far on the horizon.
Before the small group actually set off for the bunker, as Zeraora had initially planned, they returned to the former main square of Kira Town, hoping that the Feathersword was still hidden in the remains.
"Not here either. It's in vain! We won't find it!", Epsilon stated.
"But the thing has to be somewhere! After all, a weapon doesn't just disappear.", Zeraora explained determinedly.
Defeated, Epsilon sat down briefly.
"Perhaps not a normal one. But the Feathersword was a Plot weapon. And the author has left this world, it's very likely that it has actually disappeared. And the armor can't be summoned without it either."
Even if he didn't say it openly, Zoroark noticed that Zeraora shared her train of thought. Berelo was standing on the edge. After the continent, the rest of the world would follow. And what was probably the last chance of survival had vanished. All that was left was to spend the rest of his life in the bunker and hope that Epoliktzus would never find him.
The flame in the distance seemed to be moving away, the demon was heading in a different direction than the trio. But it didn't matter. The beast probably wouldn't even turn around if it knew who it might meet there. The three of them weren't a threat. Nobody was. The demon king knew himself that there was no one who could even come close to matching his strength. All Epsilon wanted was to get to the bunker so that the remaining Pokemon could at least learn the truth. The story that turned a pacifist into the being that brought about the end of the world.
And it wasn't long before a small ring was stuck in the ground amidst the rubble, and Zeraora first knocked on the ground next to it, obviously to warn the Pokemon present.
"Who is it?"
Latias' voice. Another Pokemon that had been a tool in the background of a failed plan for years.
"It's me, Zeraora. And I've got Aurorus and... Zoroark with me too!"
The trapdoor burst open and two dull, narrow eyes looked up from the darkness.
"Come in."
As Epsilon followed Zeraora, she noticed that the trapdoor closed behind Aurorus as the three Pokemon descended down the stairs with Latias upfront. Despite this, a faint light shone up from the bottom of the steps. A little ahead of her, she heard the dragon's voice again as Zeraora stopped briefly.
"Volcarona, take the next watch. I'll take care of our guests."
She quickly turned around, realizing what Zoroark's arrival probably meant for all three of them.
"Or new roommates, but whatever. Just take over."
The four Pokemon entered a large, almost empty room, the walls chalky white and boring, many corridors spread out in all directions, from which further corridors led off, all of which were peppered with small rooms, from bedrooms to bathrooms to kitchens. There was nothing to do in this place except live and talk. Unless you had the honor of having kitchen duty. Among the Pokemon that were not currently enjoying this relief was Team Nordika's leader, along with her team. Elementareon immediately joined Zoroark, as she had already expected from Zeraora's words.
"You're fine! Zoroark, you worried us! Why didn't you flee?"
The Plot Empress briefly considered how to answer this question when she discovered that Elementareon's previously rejected partner was also here. Darkrai had obviously been accepted in this bunker, the Pokemon knew that Epsilon and the Plot Elite were not actually to blame for this at this point. Well, actually they were, but not in the form that the Pokemon would recognize. So she ignored Elementareon's question and turned to him instead.
"Darkrai, do you have any information about the rest of the group?"
Shocked by how directly Epsilon addressed him about the Plot Elite, the Black Mage needed a moment to compose himself.
"Well, the two who aren't here are dead. Marshadow was with Tyrantrum when Epoliktzus awakened. Eternatus challenged the demon shortly after Kira Town was destroyed, but didn't stand a chance. We are all those who remain."
Elementara's confused look fell back and forth between the two Pokemon.
"Rest of which group? Marshadow and three people here? What are you talking about?"
Zeraora's look told the Zoroark that it was time for the truth. She hadn't planned to reveal anything other than that anyway.
"Marshadow was part of the Plot Elite, even if I doubted his loyalty. Tyrantrum was innocent from the start, Aurorus shifted the blame onto him. He is not the Mastermind of the Plot Elite for nothing. And I... stayed behind in Kira Town to stop Epoliktzus. Because I thought I was the only one who could. But no..."
She looked briefly in frustration at her formerly bandaged palm, into which the symbol of Epsilon was burned, from which shadows streamed. Shortly afterwards she raised it so that Elementareon could recognize the symbol.
"But not even the Plot Empress can stand up to the Demon King!"
Epsilon expected a moment of silence, followed by many questions. However, the first part was omitted.
"Are you saying that you are Epsilon? Of all Pokemon? How does that work? Why would you do that? Why were you on Team Slash then? Did you know about it, Zeraora?", Elementareon asked, without even taking a break to breathe.
"One thing at a time. Good... good. What is important right now is that I don't want to be your enemy anymore. Call everyone who is interested together, because I won't tell the story twice."
"So now I'll hear your side of the story too?"
At a questioning look from the head of Team Nordika, the electric Pokemon justified itself.
"I didn't know shit until recently, Aurorus only told me what he knew after Epoliktzus had already appeared!"
After about five minutes, many Pokemon had gathered, the main hall was full to the brim. As deep as the hatred was, towards the Pokemon that caused so much destruction, at that moment they all knew that the Plot Empress was no threat. Instead, she was ready to reveal her story. As Zoroark's gaze fell over the many Pokemon, friends, enemies, strangers, she took a deep breath. There was a lot she wanted to share with these Pokemon, a lot she had never expected to reveal.
"Very well. Elementareon, do you know if Team Aralsa is here?"
The rainbow Pokemon knew better than to question Epsilon.
"No. As far as I know, they traveled to Aralsa shortly before the monster appeared."
"That's better for them. The story begins with them, or rather in their home tribe. Where I was born back then. A warrior village, led by a warrior, consisting of warriors. Disgusting. That's what I thought that back then. I hated war. Not a good prerequisite in a village that determines the value of a Pokemon in terms of fighting power. When I refused to fight, I had to fight against the leader's successor and the current leader Grimmsnarl. Of course, without a chance. They branded me, beat me, starved me and only kept me alive so I could do work that was too dirty for even the lowest warriors. I was an Epsilon."
"However, when Grimmsnarl was officially made leader, I was left unguarded for one night. And I took the chance to escape. And I wandered. Without a goal, an idea, an idea of how to treat others. At some point I ended up in Kasonia. And there... things changed. A Pokemon found me near an iceberg when I was almost starving. He took me in, helped me. It was the first time in my life that someone was good to me. It... had a big impact on me. And after weeks I felt better again. Yet I did not leave. I stayed. With Hail. And we grew closer. The two of us lived there on the iceberg, had everything we needed and were happy as a couple. Well... for a while. Because after a few years there were three of us. Later there were four. Hail and I had two children together, although I must admit that they were important to me, but not nearly as important as him. And... then one morning..."
The Zoroark noticed her voice breaking as she thought about that earlier time.
"He was dead. He had fallen from a cliff, without any outside influence. It had been too much for him. He was unable to take care of our family. And I hadn't realized it. It was only when it was too late that I saw how much the pressure of a family was destroying him. And... I couldn't stay. They were the reason I had lost the Pokemon I loved! I left my children behind."
"I wandered again, everything was as it had been before I met him. And soon I came to Berelo. Starving again, but this time not even with the will to continue, I looked for a place that should be my final resting place. It was a strange valley that I found, a cave in it. But when I got there... it was another great encounter. The author. The god of our world. The creator of the Plot. The one who gave us Epoliktzus. He gave me the Feathersword and the armor, the power of the Plot. To free the world from the betrayal and hatred I felt before! He gave me the chance to fight for my ideals. That's how I became the Plot Empress. I remained Epsilon all this time, as a sign to Grimmsnarl and his tribe."
"But the author also told me that our world was his story. He wanted to entertain readers. He needed action. He would put a Plot Warrior in my path, her and I in a battle of ideals. We were his game, the winner would be able to fulfill her dreams. Over the course of the months, the author also put the Plot Elite at my side, Darkrai led to the valley, Endynalos created from Plot, Aurorus also brought about and Marshadow, years later, reborn as a ghost. And I quickly knew that he was not just anyone. He was my son, whom I had left behind. The one who took his life because he could not protect his sister, in the hope that the Plot could show her the way. And, well... it did. When I met her for the first time, I realized how sick the author was. His fight, Plot Empress against Plot Warrior, experience against hope, violence against peace... mother against daughter. He had made Aurora my arch enemy, my own child! And the rest is history…"
Now, at the end of her stories, silence fell once again. The story of the Plot Empress was a tragic one, that much was now clear to everyone. Did it justify her actions? No, but she knew that herself.
"So your goal was peace from the beginning? You wanted to achieve a paradise through war?", Elementareon questioned again.
"Yes! Because I believed there was no other way! You haven't experienced what I have! No one here has! If you had grown up always seeking peace and suffering for it, tormented because you didn't want war, then you would also find it difficult to believe in the good in many!"
"And so you have become what you yourself wanted to destroy! A traitor and a tyrant!"
Elementareon's accusations hit the heart of Epsilon's own worries about her actions. She had lied to all the Pokemon around her, exploited them, and caused a lot of suffering.
"I know! But I was ready to give up my own dignity for a peaceful world. But instead I was exploited!"
"By that author you were talking about? Who supposedly wrote this world?", Zeraora wanted clarification.
"Yes. He always wanted to make it clear to me that he saw two ideals in the fight between Aurora and me, both on the same level, and the truth would win in the end! But now that I have succeeded, it turns out that he lied to me! For him it was a fight between good and evil, but he didn't want to lose me as the antagonist of his story!"
It was still obvious that Elementareon felt clear dislike. She didn't want to show any understanding.
"And that justifies everything you did? Aurora was your daughter! And you lied to her, hurt her, you killed her!"
"Do you think I don't damn well know that?! Do you think I had fun? That I enjoyed following strangers' orders to become the Pokemon that I am? Every step hurt so much that over time I simply had to become resistant to my own shame and disgrace, to my doubts about myself! Because I thought I could create a world in which no Pokemon would have to suffer like I did! But no, the author used me! And now that I was successful, against what he hoped, he has left us and this world is falling apart!"
Darkrai also joined in, who already knew parts of the story, if not all of it.
"That is exactly what we all believed, Elementareon. No one in the Plot Elite wanted suffering. Or destruction. Or death. But it seemed to us like the only way to peace. We were wrong, and we all know that by now."
Zeraora also joined the front row of listeners.
"Even if this story doesn't excuse anything, it at least explains the background. And, especially for me, it also shows that Epsilon's actions were terrible, but not the intention."
"And that changes what now?", Nordika's leader asked in disgust.
"Not much. But in my eyes that at least means that we can tolerate their group down here."
Epsilon herself interjected snippily.
"I'm not staying for long. Just until I'm healthy again. I'd rather die in battle than live on my knees! I'm not giving up yet! I have one last idea, desperate as may be!"
Now the moment had come when even Elementareon listened enthusiastically to the Plot Empress.
"It's simple! Epoliktzus has awakened because he was Kel's innermost hatred. If there's any chance of weakening him or sealing him again, we need Aurora!"
"But Aurora is dead! You let me take care of it myself!", Aurorus asked.
"So? I killed her on the iceberg too! With the power of the Feathersword, with the power of Plot, I could bring her back. The weapon's power is no longer endless, but what's left should be enough! I need the feathersword so that we can bring Aurora back!"
Elementareon had listened carefully, but now that idea seemed to have died for her.
"You want to go back up there and basically search the entire continent for your sword to bring Aurora back in the hope that her appearance can reverse the effect? Isn't that a bit optimistic?"
"If you have a better plan, I'll gladly hear you out! Until then, it's the only idea I've got!"
Nobody had anything to add, and so Epsilon thought the smartest thing to do was to withdraw for a while. For a few days. After she had occupied an empty dormitory, she hardly showed her face outside. She wanted as little contact with the Pokemon as possible and suspected that the feeling was mutual. The only time she actually left the room was when Zeraora dragged her out so that she could do kitchen duty for once. Otherwise, the only change she had, apart from healing her wounds, was that she had visitors now and then. The variety ended with the Pokemon, however, as it was always either Darkrai, Aurorus or Zeraora.
It was only a few days later that something significant would change. In the distance, probably in the main room, there was noise, a wild mess. For a moment Epsilon considered whether she should go and see what was going on there. Contrary to her own expectations, her curiosity was great enough for her to decide to do so. As expected, there were many Pokemon gathered around a spot. Elementareon desperately fought her way out of it, obviously with Epsilon in her sights. However, the warrior looked battered, a large scar from which blood was still flowing adorned her face.
"What happened? Why are you hurt?"
For a moment the eeveelution seemed unable to find the right words for what she wanted to say.
"I... outside... the..."
But she also noticed this herself and caught herself with a few deep breaths.
"Listen, I was outside. I wanted to find the Feathersword! And... I did. But... I also found Epoliktzus..."
"And yet you're still alive?"
Pain appeared on the rainbow Pokemon's face.
"He... let me live. He wanted me to bring you a message. He... Epoliktzus has the Feathersword! It was gone after your battle because he took it!"
It felt as if every thought vanished from the Zoroark's head at that moment, darkness remained inside her mind.
"He... has it? We're done for! That's it! Not only do I lack the only weapon that could do something, the enemy I want to defeat has it! It's pointless to carry on! We can only hope that he never finds us here!"
Zeraora had already thought one step further, to a terrible conclusion.
"You say he let you live and sent you back? But... by now he'll at least know roughly where this place is!"
Elementareon looked down sadly.
"Probably. We are finished, as Epsilon says." A dead silence fell. There was no way forward. The demon king had all the power and was only playing with his prey.
A voice rose quietly from the crowd. The Black Mage himself, Darkrai.
"If this place is no longer safe... and we have nothing to gain anymore... Epsilon, you said you would rather die in battle than live on your knees! It may be pointless, but I will face Epoliktzus! And I hope that many will join. What do we have to lose? If we are doomed to die anyway, I want to at least die like a warrior!"
Zeraora's voice also echoed now.
"It's the only chance we could have. I mean... maybe we can take the Feathersword from him somehow!"
"And how? His inferno can turn any Pokemon to stone and shatter them instantly. Even if all the Pokemon here fought as a team... it would take seconds until we were finished. But…"
With her pose, Epsilon also straightened up again.
"That won't stop me from trying. Who's in?"
Again… silence fell. No Pokemon stood up, spoke up, made a sound. Until…
"I… I'm in."
"Me too."
"I won't let my team down!"
With Team Nordika, more and more voices rose, noise returned, like when Elementareon had arrived. Epsilon, flooded with adrenaline, took it upon herself to lead the group.
"Then follow me! Let's not wait for death, let's welcome it!"
Little by little the Pokemon gathered together, all of them, including Epsilon, had to get used to the bright light that the red sky radiated, as it was much brighter than the pale light bulbs underground.
"The twilight... home of many shadows."
From these, Epsilon created a blade, not a fraction of the strength of the Feathersword, but a symbol.
"Shadows... or those that remain of them... come to me."
This time the name of the shadows was not associated with the darkness on the ground, but with the Pokemon, which were also known as the Plot Elite. With all her strength, the Zoroark rammed her blade into the ground after the two, as well as Elementareon, had stepped to its side. In the distance the eternal flame blazed, which now also found its way, guided by the geyser of shadows that flowed from Epsilon's blade. The pounding of her heart was the loudest thing Epsilon heard as the inferno approached from afar, fast and threatening. The death of the Pokemon that she had doomed. And now that the last desperate battle was about to take place, she would literally lead them all to their deaths.
The all-consuming flame reached the place to which it was caught by surprise.
"All these Pokemon. I have overlooked so many of you?"
His voice no longer sounded brittle, not in pieces. His strength grew.
"So you admit defeat, Epsilon? A last attempt to defend yourself? A suicide mission?"
The Plot Empress's blade disappeared from the ground through her grip, just like the geyser.
"We will not give up, no matter how hopeless the situation may be!"
Amused, flames seemed to circle around the lion, carrying an object that Epoliktzus immediately took into his mouth.
"This these shadows are be your blade? Oh, Epsilon, my weapon is so much stronger than I would need. I'm sure you can confirm this."
Instead of answering, the Zoroark remained silent.
"Enough talk? Good. Then we'll end this and I'll cross Berelo off my list!"
The huge firestorm that Epsilon's armor protected her from when she faced the demon for the last time broke out again. That wind that consumed everything that stood in its way. And immediately Epsilon also noticed how her legs would not move anymore. So that's how it ended... the story of Berelo. The story of a world. The author... decided to write the last chapter...
Did he not? A tiny spark of orange light seemed to shine in the middle of the storm. No bigger than a pinhead, but clearly what Epsilon knew best: Plot. A tiny bit, a small residue that went into her sword. Immediately the Zoroark felt her body obeying herself again. As if by instinct, she immediately rammed the blade into the ground again, where it had just been just before. The storm became wilder, raging faster. But through the flames the Plot Empress saw other Pokemon, all of which seemed unharmed. The tornado now centered itself in the blade, all of the Purgatory was drawn into it until not a spark remained. And at the same moment the sword simply disappeared into nothingness, just like the storm.
"How? Why did flames stop burning?! Why didn't it consume?! I want matter! I want power! I need strength! Epsilon, wicked one, what have you done!"
With a broad grin, one arm stretched out towards the enemy, on which a black symbol was steaming, the Plot Empress replied.
"It's not all too late yet, it seems! He hasn't given up on us! The author is still watching the fight unfold here, saw what happened. And apparently he decided to give us a fair chance! The last Plot that is not in the Feathersword has erased your inferno! And now it's our turn!"
His greatest trump card was gone. But Epoliktzus was still unconcerned.
"It's your own fault! You want to experience pain and suffering before you die? Good! The author may not have wanted such a boring ending, but it will be your end anyway! I still have all the power! I am a god, I have the Feathersword! It will be my pleasure to destroy you all, every single one!"
There was to be a real fight! No short storm was to end all that was. The survivors of Berelo were ready to die in battle, not without one! Immediately, flames shot up again, this time ordinary ones, deadly, but not hellish. And Epsilon was the first to return an attack.
It was as if a new force had been born in a split second, driving all the remaining Pokemon in battle against the common enemy. Even those who had been considered mortal enemies just weeks ago were now friends, here, in the last minutes. And it soon became clear that the power of the masses was what could put pressure on even the fire demon. However, it was difficult to apply more than a little pressure. Because no attack seemed to have any real effect, while the flames burned across the field and took their toll. And Epoliktzus still carried the Feathersword, even if he didn't use it. But why? This weapon was incredibly powerful! Or... could he perhaps not use it at all?
"Tell me, demon! You want to make us suffer and you don't use your powerful weapon? Why would that be? It doesn't seem logical to me if you want to win!"
The king himself seemed to feel quite offended by this question, which only made it clearer to Epsilon that something was holding him back.
"You dare to question how I fight? Why do I need this weapon when I have the strength I need without it!"
"Then why do you carry it with you and don't just destroy it? If you want to mock me, wouldn't it be better to shatter it before my very eyes, like a last light of hope?"
Instead of answering, the lion immediately jumped at Epsilon, obviously not interested, or perhaps rather unable, to give an answer. However, the attacked person saw the same thing as her former team partner: Unable to use it, Epoliktzus had left the Feathersword lying when he lunged to kill. So while Epsilon dodged, Zeraora took the blade, which was taken from Epsilon. And the demon king also noticed his mistake immediately.
"Give it back to me, mortal! The blade is mine!"
Just as he changed his target, Zeraora threw the sword over the lion's head to its true master.
"No, it belongs to Epsilon!"
Immediately a familiar force ran through the Zoroark. Energy of the plot! As if by instinct, she raised the sword to the sky and the lightning struck, which also created the armor. The Plot Empress was truly back.
"Fine by me! Epsilon, just like that! I've already beaten you once without you having a chance! Then we'll do it again!"
The big problem was... Epsilon also knew he was right. If she fought now, her last battle would be repeated. Her last loss. But...
"You know the plan, Epsilon! We're holding the line here!"
Despite everything, the Plot Empress hesitated to follow Zeraora's words.
"But... will you really manage?"
"No, but we wouldn't with you here either! So go, it's our only hope!"
After another split second of hesitation, the Plot Empress shot away, through the air as if it were easiest with this armor. She heard an angry voice echoing after her.
"Stay here, fool! You and I! Let's finish what we started!"
"No! You have to get past us first!"
Then the voices died away in the distance.
There was a strange calm about the world Epsilon was flying over. She needed to get to the beach. Hopefully Aurora's body would remain there so reincarnation could take place. And yet it was an incredibly strange feeling. Now she was on her way to right the wrongs she made. And... she would have to face her daughter. After everything that had happened. Deep down, Epsilon knew she wasn't ready for this. But she also knew she owed it to her. And to the rest of Berelo. And to the world.
The waters of the sea lapped calmly onto the sand, unaffected by the destruction in the world around it. Were it not for the red glow of the sky reflected in the waves, you wouldn't know that this place was no longer the same world as it had been before. A huge pile of rocks adorned the base of a ruined cliff, destroyed by one of her own henchmen. There was a small crack in the pile of rocks, probably the one through which Kel, Marshadow and Tyrantrum had entered the cave.
The light was dim, only outlines could be seen in this cave. But even so, the sand turned to glass on the floor and the blackened walls showed that the inferno had awakened here, whose end was to be sealed in the same place. And in the middle of it all, seemingly unharmed by purgatory as it only consumed living matter, was Aurora's motionless body, her mane missing, her fur streaked with metallic splinters and missing in places.
For a moment, Epsilon's breath caught as she realized what she had truly done. This Pokemon, who had suffered so much, was so tortured, to the point of death, her death was Epsilon's fault. Her own flesh and blood, all that was left of the family she once had, had perished under the tyrannical hand of her madness. All the Plot Empress had ever wanted was peace. And what she brought was war.
The Feathersword began to glow in bright orange, just like Epsilon's armor. There would have to be enough Plot to get Aurora back on her feet, but no more. It would probably cost her the weapon. But ultimately Epsilon only gave her power to a Pokemon that truly deserved it. And so the light began to envelop Aurora.
Slowly and steadily the power of the blade dissolved in Epsilon's hands, her armor with it. Slowly and steadily she noticed how life seemed to return to Aurora. And after a time that could have been seconds, but also hours, the light faded. All that was left was Epsilon, without armor, with a blade that was no more than a normal sword, and Aurora, still lying motionless on the ground. What if the power hadn't been enough after all? What if the Plot was too weak? Was the plan doomed to failure from the start? Was this act by the former Plot Empress also irreversible?
But all these worries faded and made way for new ones when a quiet, painful groan was heard.
"What... happened?"
Aurora carefully sat up and looked around. Through the darkness of the cave, she didn't seem to be able to see everything straight away, just a silhouette.
"Who... Zoroark? Is that you?"
The sound of the familiar voice, along with the mention of that false name that Epsilon had used for so long to betray them all, was what finally broke Zoroark's hard shell, even after all the support and attempted strength. A loud clink sounded as the Feathersword, now made of mere steel, fell to the glassy floor.
"Aurora... Aurora. I'm... so sorry. It's all my fault. Everything would have been better without me. If I had never been part of your life... if I had just disappeared back then... I don't expect you to forgive me, because I know myself that I don't deserve it."
Having just woken up again, Aurora didn't understand what was going on.
"Wh... what are you talking about? What should I have to forgive you for? What have I missed?"
Slowly, her eyes full of tears, the former empress picked up her blade from the floor again.
"For this. For everything I've done. For the pain I caused you in your childhood and today. For lying to all of you. For letting myself be blinded by hatred. For wanting peace so badly that I called for war. For being a terrible mother. For... for being Epsilon."
Aurora looked silently at the blade, whose outline she knew very well, and at the Zoroark, which perfectly showed the outline of the Plot Empress in the shadows.
"You... are Epsilon? But... what do you mean by saying you're a bad mother?"
Epsilon fell silent again. She was not ready to reveal this truth and yet she knew she had to.
"I... Aurora, I lied to you. Not just about being Epsilon. Back then, over twenty years ago. In Kasonia. When your father died... I couldn't take it anymore. I blamed you and left you alone. And now I have come back into your lives, only to cause more damage..."
Even though she could have gone on for a long time, enough was said for Aurora to understand.
"You... you are my mother? You met me in the tower, right after Kel and I founded Polarna vatra, knowing that you are my mother. And my sworn enemy. And you remained silent, no, worse! You acted as if nothing was wrong!"
"And all of this with the best of conscience, believing that it was the right thing to do! I had to fail first to see what I had done. And with me I dragged this whole world into the abyss."
"Alright. I have heard enough from you. Where are Kel and Marshadow? What happened?"
Only now did Epsilon's thoughts fall back to the war.
"Aurorus killed you, on my orders. And Kel, Tyrantrum and Marshadow found you. The beast in Kel has awakened and has taken the lives of not only Marshadow and Tyrantrum, but of this continent and thousands. Not even I could do anything. And that is why we need you, Aurora! All those still alive on this continent are currently fighting against Epoliktzus, the demon king, the being who awakens when an author gives up on his story. We need you, Aurora! If Epoliktzus can fall in any way, it will be through you!"
No action followed, just a cold look. Aurora looked straight into her mother's still tearful eyes and asked: "Why should I help you?"
Epsilon looked briefly at her blade. She hesitated briefly, then took the fabric that Zeraora had used to cover her injuries, her cape, and wrapped it around herself.
"Because I am not asking this question for myself, I have no right to do that! The reason why I am here is that I was the only one to know how to use the Feathersword. Ultimately, I am asking you for help in the name of all those who survived. Team Nordika, they are your friends, aren't they? Zeraora, a passionate league fighter with a penchant for rivalry and yet a good heart, who himself fell victim to deception, he is your friend, isn't he? And I could keep asking, for hours, all the Pokemon you met in the league, or at least those who are still alive. But there is no time for that. And first of all: What about Kel? Don't you care about him? Don't you want him to be free, instead of obsessively hurting those he doesn't want to hurt? In short: I am the bearer of the question, and you don't owe me shit! But all those for whom I bring this question, who trusted me in their time of need and helped to regain the blade to bring you back, do you want to abandon them just because I am the messenger?"
A loud roar seemed to sound in the distance, telling the Zoroark that she had wasted enough time.
"I have to rejoin them! If you decide so, then come after me, you can see the source of the fight yourself from all over Berelo!"
Briefly, somewhat absentmindedly, Epsilon tried to fly back with the power of her blade to get there as quickly as possible, but when nothing happened, she ran off, not even paying attention to what her daughter was doing. When Epsilon reappeared on the battlefield a while later, the situation did not look good for those who had been waiting here. The Shadows, Zeraora and Elementareon, the Pokemon that Zoroark was primarily looking out for, had suffered painful burns and seemed to be approaching their limit. She immediately threw herself back into the fight, now noticed by Epoliktzus.
"So you've decided to come back after all? I thought you were letting them down! It is what you are best at, after all!"
"I guess I am, if I am willing to. But if not, then I'll fight to my last breath!"
"Which will follow soon! Don't you see, they all had no chance of hurting me! And now you've wasted all that Plot energy running away from me! But no matter, I won't need it anymore once I've destroyed everything!"
The Feathersword immediately had to block a massive jet of fire, not particularly effective but at least somewhat lessening the blow. Nevertheless, this weapon was once again powerless, just like the Zoroark itself. The only chance of victory was that Aurora would soon appear and Epsilon's assumptions would be correct.
"Epsilon!"
In a free moment, the Zoroark turned away from the large enemy and towards her former team partner.
"What happened? Where is she? Was the plan a failure?"
"No, or yes, I don't know. She's alive, but I don't know if she'll come. She... wasn't happy to learn the truth and I don't know if she's willing to follow the request I had..."
However, she was interrupted by a majestic battle cry. Even the red clouds seemed to clear under the presence to allow the glow of the colorful northern lights.
"I guess that means she will!", Zeraora said delightfully!
Something sped past Epsilon at a speed that made her feel nothing but cold wind. Epoliktzus found himself facing a new enemy, one that was drenched in orange light. So much Plot was left in the Feathersword? At the same time, Aurora also had the power to absorb it. In his surprise, even the blackness on the lion's fur seemed to fade a little and a somewhat more normal appearance for an Arcanine returned, albeit still grim.
"Plot Warrior Aurora? Was this your plan, Epsilon? The plan of all of you?"
"Release Kel, whatever you are! I will not allow you to destroy any more of this world!"
However, even in the face of Aurora, the Demon King did not seem worried.
"Well, I must introduce myself then! I am not just someone! For the souls of the sinners, I am the last restlessness, for the Pokemon, a Satan. For the author, I am a counterpart that eliminates what he wrongly created. For you, I am God! Because I am Epoliktzus, the blood god!"
"I don't give a damn what you call yourself! I'm interested in actions, not names!"
"And yet you side with the monster whose actions would break even my conscience!"
There was no question as to which Pokemon they were talking about. And Aurora's gaze fell on that one too. The Plot Warrior hesitated briefly before speaking her words.
"What you say is wrong! You have no conscience that can be broken. You are incapable of showing remorse! And even if that is the only thing that speaks for Epsilon… at least she knows remorse and tries to correct her mistakes as best she can. I don't know whether that would be enough for me to fight for her in this battle. But at least for all those whose lives you took and still threaten to take. And for Kel!"
A tornado of flames surrounded Aurora, but it quickly evaporated.
"Words don't seem to have the effect I had hoped for. But no matter. Plot may be powerful, but I am the master of the opposite. The anti-author, if you will. Just because the Plot Warrior is joining this fight, nothing changes!"
To emphasize his words, the Blood God attacked once again, this time with a direct counterattack from yet another Pokemon. Aurora showed that she was truly fighting with the power of the Plot that ran through her. Each of her attacks, mostly fairy-type, since this incarnation of Epoliktzus clearly had no problem with ice, was filled with the orange light of the Plot power. And truly, they also seemed to be the most powerful attacks, the ones that could do the most against the beast.
Which didn't mean anything, though. While the blows of the other Pokemon seemed like bare fists trying to shatter a diamond, Plot attacks were like a pickaxe. Much more powerful, but still not able to really do anything of interest. The eternal inferno, on the other hand, seemed to rob more and more Pokemon of their last strength and also cause the Plot Warrior great pain. The plan had gone wrong. Nobody had a chance.
And the Demon King seemed more bored at this point than under any kind of pressure. There was only one Pokemon that could even try to fight back. Always at the forefront, the Plot Warrior, who seemed to carry all the Plot that still lay dormant on this continent. As soon as she was dead, the matter would basically be over. So it was now time for the demon to set a direct focus, to see only Aurora as his true opponent.
The sudden change came as a surprise to every Pokemon that was still in this fight, but first and foremost to Aurora. She was not prepared to escape the first Infernp that surrounded her and was already knocking her to the ground. Instead of immediately following up with an attack, walls of flame rose from the ground all around the god, locking everything and everyone out of the small arena that he had created for the Plot Warrior and himself.
"Look around, Aurora. Look at the Pokemon you are fighting for! Hope and Plot were often the salvation, but today, yes, today even these can no longer save you. And yet... yet I feel again what a terrible demon I truly am. It might be the reason that the underworld does not fear me as they should. Because I see you, saw your suffering, feel your emotion. Twice you have already lost your life to the Pokemon that was supposed to be a mother to you! You awoke again from eternity, only to be sent into a fight in which you could only die. And this time, finally, would be your final rest."
"And yet, it must be the Pokemon that the author chose as my body. I sense that you are different from the Pokemon. You are wise, you understand the truth. That is why the Plot chose you. I am here to consume the mistakes of the author's creation. You, however, are not one of those mistakes. Aurora, stand up, look at me, speak from your heart, for it knows what you truly want."
The Ninetales stood up weakly, too weak to resist. What surprised her was that the demons look was filled with empathy and calm.
"This world will become a new home for the lost souls, beings that have been cleansed in eternal fire. Beings that have been rid of their mistakes. Follow your partner's example, become one with purgatory and you will be able to live, united with whom I currently need as a body. Join me and rule, instead of falling as a defenseless rebel."
Aurora should speak from her heart. And that, that seemed to have a firm opinion. It was true. All that was left of Kel was here. If anyone could release Kel, it would be his curse itself. And what would be the point of resisting? She could not win a fight and her ideals, her friends...
Her friends couldn't live, no matter what happened. But they would want, if there was the option, that at least Aurora might still find what she was looking for. And morality... she had lost faith in morality. Sincerity and helpfulness were weapons to lull those who were willing to listen to them. Besides, was morality even in her blood? It was her mother who had turned out to be the worst of all Pokemon. A Pokemon that only thought about herself and used everyone else as a weapon to achieve her own ideal. Nothing had any meaning for her, whether family, friendship or love. If blood was shed so that her will could be done, then she would be ready.
"Epoliktzus... I..."
A shadow rushed through the flames between the two beings and interrupted Aurora's words. The blow of the blade that hit Epoliktzus was almost ineffective, but it brought shock. And Aurora also forgot everything she had just said when she recognized the Pokemon that was standing in front of her, protective and with glowing fur, set on fire by the surrounding flames. Epsilon.
"Stay away from my daughter! If you want a fight, don't look for a young girl, but someone with more experience!"
"Do you see it, Aurora? This Pokemon is the reason why you suffered! Without her, I wouldn't be here today. Without her, you could live happily today, a legendary league fighter with good friends, a partner, a great life in a perfect world! And instead, the world is burning in the eternal inferno and you have lost everything you had!"
Aurora might have agreed just a moment ago, but seeing Epsilon like that, in the middle of the wall of flames, protectively between her and the demon king, she saw the truth.
"Be quiet! Stop lying to me! It's your fault! This inferno is your doing! It's your fault that I've lost so much! You destroyed this continent! Epsilon is not without guilt, not even close, but I would rather fight on her side than yours!"
The walls of flames descended again, revealing the Pokemon around them as the Blood God looked almost in disbelief.
"After everything that has happened, you are taking her side? I just called you a wise Aurora! I was wrong! You are insane, obsessed with ideals and naive!"
This time it was not just the surroundings, but also the lion itself, which seemed to burn as dark flames gathered. This was no longer hatred, no destructive rage, no madness, it was pure anger from the ruler of the underworld!
"Everything shall burn, whether living or static! Eternal purgatory is too good for you! You shall drown in eternal torment, in which pain appears to you as a relief, like the light of hope in the shadows of your mind! My patience is at an end! Plot, matter, life, emotion, everything is superfluous! And I am a fool to think that a mortal could understand! Epsilon, Aurora, you are both alike, led to hell where death is life by fanatic ideals of perfection!"
The northern lights in the sky faded, the earth began to shake. Cracks formed in the ground, rock, lava and shadows rose up.
"Meet your God! No one has the power to kill me! The Plot is powerless! Hope is powerless! Friendship is powerless! The only being that has the power to kill me..."
For a split second, all the darkness seemed to vanish from the lion's body. Even the voice that rang out almost seemed to belong to Kel himself.
"Is myself!"
A massive geyser of shadows erupted, visually similar to the one Epsilon had summoned to lure Epoliktzus to this place, but much, much larger. Rocks also erupted into the air, within and on the edge of the darkness. A sound echoed through the world that sounded like a scream, distorted as if it were coming from Hell itself. And in the sky above the geyser, a strange red essence gathered that seemed to be the source of the sound, and that vibrated strongly... before it burst with a loud bang, sending a massive shockwave through the world that split even the red clouds in the sky.
When Epsilon opened her eyes again, closed in reflex to the explosion, she immediately had to blink again. The light of the sun shone in her face, brighter than it had ever felt after all those weeks of twilight. The sun was back. And where the shadows had just emerged, the motionless body of a lion remained.
"Kel?"
Aurora slowly approached the fire Pokemon, partly out of caution, partly because of her own wounds.
"Kel, is that you?"
Not quite sure how to act now, Epsilon just waited at a certain distance, in case it was a trap. Around her, the other Pokemon slowly realized that the danger seemed to have been averted. Aurora gently nudged Kel.
"Are you... are you awake?"
From her vantage point, Epsilon could not see the Arcanine's face, but she heard his voice.
"I am... for now. Aurora. You're alive. I'm so happy to see you healthy."
The danger was really averted. This Pokemon was no longer a demon, not an enemy.
"Are you okay? What happened?"
"When I had to see you... your lifeless body... the voices in me returned. Stronger than ever before. And... I couldn't stop them. It was too much and... Epoliktzus was too strong. Only... when I saw you... just... in battle... I noticed... how I was getting stronger again. And... then... when he gathered all his strength and... in his rage... I seized the moment and... the only one who can defeat Epoliktzus... is himself."
"Yes, Kel, we saw that. How are you? Can you get up?"
"Aurora... I... was Epoliktzus. He wasn't the only one... who was... broken by his attack."
Epsilon gave Latias an instruction quietly while the two partners were deep in conversation.
"I don't think... I have much longer. But... I would do it again... if I had to."
Epsilon was almost surprised that Aurora's eyes seemed to be filled not with sadness, but with pride and nostalgia. But she knew that her daughter did not want Kel to leave her in grief.
"Because you are not what you always said you were. You were so selfless, so brave. You were never like other humans, Kel."
"Thank you... Aurora."
The injured man fell silent for a moment before surprising his team partner.
"Epsilon... please come here for a minute."
A little out of sorts and afraid of what would follow, the former empress approached, not willing to refuse the request.
"I... saw everything... that happened. I know... everything... that happened. Who... you are."
"Yes... a monster. I would say that I only wanted the best, but I don't give a damn what I wanted, because what I did was wrong."
"But... you have learned. You... know what you have done and... are ready... to take responsibility for it. Much of what you have done... will neither be forgiven... nor forgotten. But... if you are ready... to do everything... to make amends for the injustice, then... then you too... will find your place."
The Arcanine lowered his head weakly.
"I think... this is goodbye, isn't it? All of you... take care. Take care of... this world, okay? Aurora..."
The person addressed gently leaned down, her forehead touching Kel's.
"Thank you. Our time... was too short... but... it was beautiful. I love you."
"I love you too, Kel. Thank you. For everything."
The Arcanine slowly closed his eyes as Latias flew towards her from the distance. Silent, but obviously full of grief, Aurora lay on the ground next to her now motionless partner.
"Aurora! You heard what he said. And I swear, as true as I am Epsilon, I will do anything to make up for my mistakes! And Kel... he is like this world. Hate brought a curse on him. The curse of this world was me. But this is over. We will rebuild our world, which was so close to death... just like Kel. And I will make sure that both this world and your partner will live!"
Aurora looked up in surprise when Latias flew over with some wet fabrics and strange herbs. Epsilon had asked her to look for any material for medical care. Some of those present would need it. Kel included. So while Epsilon bandaged his wounds and felt his pulse, her daughter turned to her.
"And you think you can save him?"
For a moment, the Zoroark stood up and looked around the wide field. Countless other Pokemon were tending their wounds, standing together, talking, celebrating. Her gaze fell on Zeraora, who looked completely out of breath but mostly healthy. He met her gaze and nodded approvingly. A faint grin crept across the former Plot Empress's face.
"I didn't believe that this world had a future when Epoliktzus stood against us. And yet we are here. Compared to everything we experienced today, Kel's recovery would be the smallest miracle. The future begins today. A future in which Pokemon should not fear the name Epsilon, but know: Epsilon is there to help! Not out of generosity, but out of remorse. Together we will create something new. A new world in which you and him can be happy. As surely as my name is Epsilon!"
The End
