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Serena frowned as she glanced at the seal. "We're just here to scout after all. The rest can be handled by those more equipped and prepped for things like this." she spoke to Genesis who had questioned how they were supposed to examine the seal if they couldn't touch it. "The fact that we found something notable is good enough for now. We wouldn't want to jeopardize the mission by fucking around with unknown shit unprepared."[break][break]

As she was speaking something caught the corner of her eye. The former Rocket Beast turned to face the movement she caught in her peripherals only to be floored by what she saw. She'd recognize that pattern of fur anywhere. Off in the distance a spectral version of her partner pokémon Caspurr, her Liepard, was looking at her. [break][break]

Serena blinked back clearly confused if this was an illusion or reality. Then she was quickly reminded of where she was and what Adrian and Yveltal had told her about this place. All of a sudden Cas turned on his heels to leave and Serena reached out for him. "W-Wait!" She lurched forward before freezing. [break][break]

She still had a job to do but she couldn't just let Cas wander off alone. "I'll catch up with you two. I just need to check something." And that was all she said before she took off running after the ghost she'd just seen. Serena quickly bolted her way through the mountainous terrain as it seemed Cas was leading her somewhere. [break][break]

There was a misty trail that lead further up the mountain. As she continued to follow after Cas, who would wait for her to catch up sometimes before quickly darting off again, the path became more and more obscured by mist. Just when she could barely see in front of her the wind blew fiercely to reveal them suddenly at the mountain's peak overlooking the vastness of this spiritual plane. [break][break]

Serena stopped to catch her breath while Cas sat on the edge of a cliff looking out at the horizon. "Why'd you lead me here?" Serena managed to ask after a moments rest. Cas glanced at her before turning and making his way to her. He nuzzled against her just like he used to when he was still alive. [break][break]

Serena felt her heart pierce and ache before dropping down to embrace him. It was odd, even though Cas was no more, this spectral version of him still managed to hold substance. She would've thought she wouldn't be able to hold him, she was even more appreciative of this fact. She hadn't been aware just how much she missed holding him till she was here. [break][break]

"I'm sorry." she breathed with a shaky voice. "If I was stronger you wouldn't have--" she began to apologize but Cas stopped her by poking his nose against her lips. Just like before, even without speech Serena knew well what it was that Cas was saying to her. Her eyes began to prickle as she squeezed him. [break][break]

While she held onto him memories from Cas' time here poured into her. She could clear feel his feelings almost as if they were her own. She couldn't explain the situation but she chalked it up to some fancy business here in the spiritual realm. Cas had been worried about her after his absence. He didn't regret his choice but he couldn't help but be concerned for Serena because he knew she would blame herself. He wanted her to know he'd always make this choice if that meant he could save her. [break][break]

Meanwhile Serena realized that Cas hadn't been able to rest in peace since he'd been so concerned about her. "I'll be alright." she said as she scratched his ears, "But I'll miss you like crazy." Cas purred as he nuzzled against her hand, almost as if he was saying 'Likewise'. The soft sound of chimes sounded in the distance and Cas turned, it would seem his time was up. "Promise not to have too much fun without me?" Serena said with a small smile. [break][break]

Cas snorted, as if to say 'No promises,' before pausing and pressing his nose against her forehead one last time. "I love you big guy." Serena whispered and she could feel that he felt the same. Then the familiar gust of wind from earlier blew one more time causing Serena to shield her eyes. When she opened them again he was gone. [break][break]

Serena paused for a moment soaking in the silence and absence of her dear friend before stealing her nerves. She still had work to do. Placing her fingers to her lips she whistled for Horus to come pick her up. As they made their way back to where she left her teammates Serena caught an odd flash of light in the distance towards the east. Touching down back where she left her team she glanced at them and then nodded her head in the direction of where she noticed the flash of light. "Scouted ahead a bit. There's something going on over east of us. We should check it out if we're done here."
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