Chapter Text
I got out of the bed floating and made my way towards the exit of the roor. But I was immediately stopped by a mantis jumping on me and hugging me to the ground crying her eyes out.
Mismo: F-for the l-love of W-wrym Lucas, * sniff * p-please stop scaring me like t-tha-that!!!
She began to cry louder, making more tears fall on me. (While also suffocating me.)
Lucas: I-I’m s-… sorry Mi-Mismo! I- I sw-swear it’s the last time- jus- * gasps * You’re gonna k-kill me if yo- you keep crushing me li- like tha- that!
In an instant reaction, Mismo got up still hugging me, but not in a suffocating position anymore. She was still sniffing a lot.
Mismo: I-If you keep * sniff * doing t- that, I’m gonna k- kill you myself!
Lucas: I swear… for the last time… I swear I’m not gonna do that…
Mismo: * sniff * You better!
After that, she released me to freely float, and she wiped her tears. She calmed down a bit and sat on the bed. Her face, instead of shifting to a smile, it turned into a frown with a hint of unsureness.
Mismo: Um… can I ask you something? It’s been kinda sitting in my head for quite some time now…
Lucas: Um, sure ask away.
Mismo: … Do… Do humans see bugs in your world as nothing but an unworthy and unimportant species? Are we just… that insignificant to them?
Lucas: Um… why do you ask…?
Mismo: … When… when I went into your home world, I saw… bugs… they had one more pair of limbs… and were really small… I saw an ant colony, at least… that’s what it looked to me as they were moving into lines, so… organized. But… when they were doing their own business… I saw a human just… crush them with their foot like they were nothing. It was such a horrid scene for me that I just… puked on the spot. The worst part was… that other humans that passed by, did nothing to stop that murderer… and then I thought of something that made me doubt you for some time… do you think of us the same? Do bugs lives mean nothing to you?
I was so shocked in hearing in all that, like, if this was another bug, they would clearly want revenge and try to kill that person on the spot. But… this is Mismo we’re talking about… she is so kind to have thoughts running in her head like that. She definitely had a trauma after seeing that. I could already see some tears running down her face again. Without saying anything, I floated up to her and hugged, leaving her surprised.
Mismo: Wha-
Lucas: Mismo… I’m so sorry you had to see that… you don’t deserve seeing something so cruel happen right in front of you. To… to answer your question… of course they do matter for me! I was really careful were I stepped before I knew I could float. Bugs lives do matter to me, I tried protecting every bug from being stepped on when I had the chance!
Mismo: … But what about other humans though? You were not even one to begin with…
Lucas: Yeah but, there are humans who do care about bugs. Like, they might be grossed out by some, but that doesn’t mean all humans hate bugs. Like I could show you a lot of guys on the internet that take care of a lot of bugs as pets.
Mismo: That sounds… super wrong out of context… but I know the bugs on your world are not intelligent.
I released Mismo from the hug.
Lucas: So you noticed, huh?
Mismo: I kinda found a mantis from your world and befriended it… I wonder where they went, I haven’t seen it anywhere after I found you.
Lucas: I’m sure we’ll find it somewhere.
Mismo: I sure do hope so.
Lucas: So… are you calmed down now?
Mismo smiles and nods her head.
Mismo: Yes, I’m fine now. Thank you so much… for everything!
She pulled me into a hug (again) and kissed my forehead multiple times, it kinda stung every time she kissed me because of her small bug mandibles peeking out the edges of her mouth. I don’t mind it since I got used to it by now, and I heal fast so I don’t have marks all over my body.
Lucas: You’re welcome, I can’t bear to see you in a sad mood, at least you’re cuter when you’re happy.
She blushes, flinching as she released me and looked away.
Mismo: You’re way too young for me!
Lucas: I know, I’m just complimenting you hehe. I know you have a boyfriend or mate I guess…
Mismo looks away looking kinda down.
Mismo: I uh… broke up with him…
Lucas: … Oh… I see… I’m sorry.
Mismo: No, it’s fine. I just discovered when I was visiting one of my friends he was um… cheating with another bug.
Lucas: Man… what an asshole. Can I go kick his ass for you?
Mismo: Eh!?
She starts flailing her arms around.
Mismo: N- no! Y- you don’t need to, besides I’m already forgetting about him anyways!
Lucas: Well, if you say so.
I chuckle then turn away from her and I look out the door.
Lucas: Well… it’s time to do the thing I came here to do in the first place.
Mismo: But… what if you faint again?
Lucas: Oh, that? It’s been resolved already, and fortunately there’s no Salamance to make me faint when I’m in that form.
Mismo: Uh… what are you talking about…?
Lucas: A reference you could say from where I came from.
I chuckle. We entered the throne room again (after some minutes of getting lost in the palace). The two monarchs looked at me with eyes widened.
White Lady: Oh my, Lucas what happened?! You just fell on the ground after you tried transforming!
Pale King: Are you alright?
Lucas: I’m fine! I could even say I’m dandy finalicious, but you won’t get the reference, but yes, I’m way better after some resting! (And after some dream beating I guess…)
Pale King: I see… are you sure you well enough to transform into whatever you were trying to become?
Lucas: Yes, I can! This time I’ll do it, no setbacks this time! Watch and see!
I took a deep breath and focused, this transformation should not fail at any cost. While I was focusing, a memory came back to me, something that happened on the beginning of my journey. It was the memory when I first learned soul and my transforming abilities at the same time. Back then, I thought it was just soul, but now I know, this power was within me all this time, but it was just hidden and blocked.
Lucas: (I remember back then I was so much more confident in transforming away into any Pokémon I wanted… maybe the soul gave me a boost in confidence since I thought I had total control. Now… I know that I didn’t… but I’ll try using that so I can get much more control over this form and see if it actually works.)
I closed my eyes and created a soul orb in front of me and put it inside me. I could hear a lot of woahs all around me, probably from the vessels. I started focusing more and did the trick that made me shape the orbs easier, by pretending of using Maya but on a time lapse. After some seconds of creating the form I wanted, I opened my eyes and realized that I was way bigger than I was before. I was basically towering over the king like he was an actual bug, I then looked around and looked at the other vessels and felt the same as well. Some of them were looking at me astonished, while others were looking at me amazed by the sight.
It seems I done it… I became Palkia. I looked at the Pale King once again and he looked at me, I couldn’t quite figure it out what he was feeling. Was it horror? Astonishment? I couldn’t quite tell.
Pale King: (This beast… it seems familiar to me… I have seen it somewhere… wait… that book…)
He took a closer look at my body, inspecting it fully.
Pale King: (No… it must be some sort of coincidence… this can’t be the same beast that was battling with the blue creature above that kingdom… can he?) Lucas… are you in control?
Lucas: Yep, indeed I am!
I moved my limbs around and tail trying to do a little dance. Until suddenly I let out a roar.
Lucas: … Oops… instincts, you know how it is…
Pale King: … I can relate… to some degree. So, how are you gonna take the Radiance out of her realm? With this form?
Lucas: Exactly the case! As for the explanation… shall come later. I’ll be back with a certain moth, cya later!
I immediately got the powers figured it out. I felt like Hoopa, but way stronger. So I made a portal towards the Dream Realm and immediately went in. Before the portal closed I could see the king’s growing concern, eh, he would come around with it.
Lucas: Heeeellooooooooooooooooooo! Radiance, I’m here!
With a bright flash of light, the moth appeared in front of me, she had an excited look in her face. (From what I could guess with all that fluff covering her.)
Radiance: Oh my… I didn’t know one of your forms was this big.
Lucas: Yeah, there are a lot of big ones.
Radiance: I see. So… how are you gonna take me out of here? You said you knew how to do it, but never told me.
Lucas: Well, it’s kinda simple… in my eyes I guess. So, I’m gonna make a portal directly towards the White Palace, and as you are about to pass through the portal… I will make a body that should hold your soul in the physical realm. Since you’re lacking a body there, I will make you a new one so you can possess it.
Radiance thought for a moment before she got it.
Radiance: Oh my light, this is genius! I think this will definitely work!
Lucas: I’ll try everything in my power to get you out of there. No matter what, even if it drains me, I dunno how large I can make your body before passing out.
Radiance: Hm… just make my body at least taller than the wrym, and then we’re in good terms.
She chuckled to herself, I can already imagine what she was thinking…
Lucas: Well… alright then. I’ll see what I can do. By the way, have you seen-
Lume: Lume? Welp, I was just watching what you were doing and recovering as well. But… when you jumped back in here with your physical body, I also was dragged here and materialized.
After I heard his voice, I saw that he was sitting next to me, leaning on my giant feet as a pillow.
Lucas: Ah… there you are. So um… you’re not mad or scared?
Lume: No… I’m not. You said you were in control right? So, I don’t see why I should be getting scared anytime soon. I’m not afraid of any Palkias anymore.
Lucas: Ah that’s great! At least you did get over your fears!
Lume: Well… you can say I did…
Lucas: So… as you know, I’m trying to make a body to the Radiance right here. Do you have any suggestions on what kind body should I create?
Lume looked put his pawns on his chins and looked at the Radiance for a couple of seconds. He then nodded to himself.
Lume: I suggest you doing the Sakuroma style. But you know… except those “parts” if you get what I mean.
Lucas: … I see what you mean, and for some reason I kinda dig it…
Radiance: What are you two talking about?
We stayed silent for a moment before Lume broke the silence.
Lume: We have decided on a suitable body for you, perfect for a goddess of light and dreams.
Lucas: Yep… I think you’ll quite like it, and I assure you, you will be taller than the king of Hallownest so you can tease him all you want.
Radiance: … Perfect!
I could see a mischievous smile behind her fuzz…
Lucas: Ahem… so… are you ready?
Radiance: Yes, I am ready!
Lume: Alright Lucas… do it!
I nod and start to focus. I open a portal to the throne room and I could see some vessels starting to look at the portal in curiosity.
Lucas: It’s stabilized, go now and I’ll start creating your body.
Since I was kinda a “god” of space as of now. I started to imagine a body appearing at the other side of the portal. And to my surprise, it was working. A light materialized in front of the portal and a figure was starting to form from the light. As that was happening, the Radiance slowly floated towards the portal. She stopped in front of it and looked at the Pale King on the other side, they both frowned, but did nothing.
As the light was close to dissipating, the Radiance entered the portal and her massive form disappeared. The light dissipated and the figure that was in front of the portal fell on the floor.
…
… There was nothing but silence for a couple of seconds, until suddenly, a noise came from the figure in front of the portal. The creature slowly woke up grunting.
???: Where… where am I?
The creature had a soft yet low-pitched female voice. The Pale King got up his throne and walked up towards the creature.
Pale King: Introduce yourself…
She looked towards the king with a glowing light eye.
Radiance: … Wrym…
The creature got up and pointed at the king with one of her four arms.
Radiance: Aha! I’m back from the dead and still taller than you!
Pale King: … *sigh* Yep, it’s her alright.
I sigh in relief and close the portal. I just hope when I’m not paying attention another fight doesn't start. I look at Lume and smile.
Lucas: We did it! We actually fucking did it!
Lume: Actually, it was kinda more you than me.
Lucas: Oh come on, you can have some of the credit since you kinda saved my ass at some points, right?
Lume: I guess you’re right…
Lucas: Wait, if I can do that to her, maybe I can do it to you too, I can revive both of you!
Lume: …
Lume turned around looking away from me.
Lume: You can’t…
Lucas: Why not? I built her a body, so I can do the same to you.
Lume: Lucas… since the one who controls this realm is gone, it will fall apart. If this realm disappears, the world will become unbalanced and… it will get destroyed…
Lucas: Then what does this have to do with you? Wait…
He turns back to face me, his fur wasn’t covering his right eye anymore, exposing that scratch mark on his eye.
Lume: Yes… I’m going to take her place.
I collapse, and fall to my knees as I transform back to a Mew.
Lucas: No… please don’t do this…
Lume: Oh come on, it ain’t that bad. Besides, I’m already dead, what’s the point?
Lucas: But- but… I need to learn my powers… I need to protect the ones that I love. I need to-
He grabbed my paws, held them in front of me, and looked at me straight in the eyes.
Lume: I know, it’s gonna be hard to learn your powers. But look at that, you already managed great things without my help. And even if you need moments of comfort, I’m sure there will be others to be there for you. You know there isn’t just me, right?
Lucas: …
Lume: Besides, I won’t have to see all of that furry stuff you search on Google anymore!
Lucas: I won’t search those things anymore!
Lume: Sure… furry…
He giggled, his giggle was strong and I started giggling with him as well until it all turned into a laugh. We both laughed for a while.
Lume: Well then… it’s time to go.
Lucas: Will I see you in my dreams still?
Lume: Eh… depends if I decide to expand this realm, when I learn how to of course.
Lucas: Heh, okay then…
I turned back into a Palkia and then I made another portal.
Lucas: Well… I guess this is goodbye then…
Lume: Yes it is…
Lucas: … Thank you… for everything…
Lume: You’re welcome buddy…
We both smile to each other and we waves goodbye as I step through the portal.
Lucas: Bye Lume...!
Lume: See ya kiddo. Remember, even if I don’t appear on your dreams now, you’ll definitely appear in mine!
Lucas: I’ll remember you too!
We waved again and the portal closed. It was true. I don’t feel a second presence in my head anymore. Even if he didn’t reveal himself to me until recently, I still could feel someone always close by no matter if I couldn’t see him…
Lucas: *sigh* Sayonara… Lume. Damn this line sounds so cool in video games, but when it’s the real shit, it hurts…
I transform back into a Mew and look around the throne room. I could see that it didn’t get destroyed, (I definitely thought it would). I look in front of me to see what it looked like to be a tall feminine white moth standing in front of the Pale King.
Radiance: So wrym, It was true that you abandoned that huge body for this little form that asks itself to be kicked.
Pale King: I want to punch you so badly…
White Lady: Remember my dear…
Pale King: Yes… I know my root…
The humanoid moth chuckled. Now hearing that voice in the same dimension… yep that was the Radiance. She looked at me and I could get a better look at her body. It was like how I imagined her new body to be. She had four arms, human-like yellow eyes, two horns sprouting from the back of her head, two yellow antennas sprouting from the top of her forehead. Thankfully, unlike the moth I based her design on, her chest had no boobs, but instead, there was a dream catcher symbol as a brownish color. Her fur was indeed white as snow, and around her neck there was a big tuft of fur, acting itself as a scarf.
Radiance: There you are!
She ran to me and embraced me into a hug.
Radiance: You have no idea of how much I owe you! But I thank you, from the bottom of my godly heart!
Lucas: No problem. (Man too many hugs today… maybe I am just a soft plushie to these bugs…)
I free myself from the hug and I fly a bit above the usual height I float.
Lucas: But listen up you two! I gave Radiance her usual powers to her. I don’t know how I did it, but I also made it that she can’t infect people, since she isn’t the dream realm’s ruler anymore.
Radiance: But wait, if my realm has no ruler, then who will take care of it and make sure to keep the whole Kingdom in balance?
Pale King: (Wait, she’s actually smart too?)
Lucas: Well, my dear um… other self is taking care of that. Radiance knows who I am talking about, but I will keep his identity as secret, so no other crazy religious group starts worshipping him.
Pale King: (I can get where he’s at…)
Lucas: Now that this all resolved, I want to see one last thing from you two!
Radiance and Pale King: And that is…?
Lucas: … To kiss!
They both stared in shock at me but couldn’t say anything. I lose it and I begin laughing, after a few seconds I calm down and wipe a tear. I don’t know what I was thinking when I said that to two powerful gods, but inner memer said… “do it for the vine.”
Lucas: Okay, I’m kidding, I’m kidding. What I actually want you to do is just to say sorry and promise that you won’t be out for each other’s throats once again, understand?
After their shock, they stood silent for a moment and looked at each other. The Radiance frowned and crossed her four arms.
Radiance: (Wow, having four arms feels really weird… but I can get the hang of it if I look this pretty.)
Pale King: * sigh * As the King of Hallownest, I formally apologize for killing you and taking your place. I am deeply sorry for the problems that I have caused you and your tribe. I shall promise to repay for my mistakes as I try to build a better relationship with not only my kingdom and your tribe, but also myself and you.
Radiance stood in silence for a few seconds before letting out her own sigh and uncrossing her arms.
Radiance: I cannot make formal apologies like you can, so I’ll try my best here. I’m sorry for trying to destroy your own kingdom slowly, by infecting everyone in it. It wasn’t really one of my best moments, and I swear I won’t do something as drastic as that again. As long as you accept my tribe into your kingdom respectfully.
Pale King: I accept your terms.
He reaches out a chitinous hand to her for her to shake, and with her top right hand she shakes his hand.
… I did it… after all this time I finally did it.
I float higher while spinning on the air and fist bump the air.
Lucas: Mission complete! Hallownest is saved!
While I was expecting some Final Fantasy 7 battle won kind of music, all I got instead were the laughs of a goddess tree and the voidlings laughing inside their minds. I looked back down and started laughing sheepishly while rubbing the back of my head.
After that, some hours had passed. I saw how the Radiance was getting used to her powers while testing some of her powers. (I still gave her dream powers because it’s part of her.) After that I waved goodbye to the royal family and former goddess of dreams.
I went towards Deepnest next, Mismo didn’t come because that place gave her chills. It’s understandable, I would too if I was a scared cat. I went to visit a good friend of mine, who I met right on the beginning of my journey. Barrock, a spider from Deepnest, who, tried to eat me when we first met. I offered him to come with me to my world so he could experience a lot of delicious kinds of food when I was over with my mission. But when I came to call him to come with me, he got scared for a second because of my different form but I explained to him what I really was. Even when I said I would still take him to my world (kingdom as I said to him), he said that he was promoted to official guard of Herrah and her daughter, so he couldn’t leave Deepnest. I understood his reasoning and then I waved him goodbye, and told him I would visit him when I had the time.
I went back to Mismo in King’s Pass, as I told her to wait there. She got up and she adjusted her bag.
Mismo: So, shall we go then?
She said excited as she tapped her feet.
Lucas: One second, I need to do one thing first…
I thought on my phone for a second and it teleported right into my paw, I opened up my messenger app and went into my dad’s contact. And with four simple words, I typed… “I’m coming home dad!” with a grin emoji. I held Mismo claw and breathed deeply.
Lucas: Goodbye Hallownest, my time here was so much fun.
And with that, I looked at Mismo with a questioning look. She nodded and with that we teleported away.