With the wishes fulfilled, and the divine bonds sealed, a calm silence fell upon the radiant garden. The moment of parting had come.
Mera turned to him, her expression warm but tinged with responsibility.
"Akg," she said gently, "now that everything is settled, there's something I must tell you. I cannot always be by your side in the Pokémon world. I have duties… I must govern life and death. But you, as my husband, now possess a divine privilege: you may enter my god-domain—my kingdom—whenever you wish."
Akg blinked, a little disheartened. "Can't you just come with me instead? I mean… you're a goddess, right? You must have servants who can handle things while you're gone."
Mera chuckled softly at his innocent request. "Oh, my sweet husband… such a lovely thought."
Then her tone shifted to something more serious—firm, ancient, resolute.
"It's not that I can't… but I shouldn't. There is an iron rule among the gods: we must never interfere directly in mortal worlds. If gods start walking freely in realms below, the balance will shatter. Entire worlds could collapse under the weight of divine influence."
Akg listened silently, then slowly nodded. He understood. It wasn't that she didn't want to be with him—it was that she cared about the greater good, about maintaining the very balance of existence.
His respect for her deepened. She was beautiful, powerful… and noble.
Mera, reading his heart, smiled sweetly. Her gaze held warmth that could melt any fear.
"But don't be sad, Akg. The system I gave you—" she gently tapped the glowing mark on his wrist, "—can let us communicate whenever you want. And remember: you can always come to visit me in my realm. Anytime. When you do…" her voice lowered into a playful whisper, "...I'll show you my entire god-domain."
Akg couldn't help but smile. "Then I'm looking forward to that day, my dear wife."
"Good."
Mera leaned forward, divine energy pooling around her lips, and gently kissed his forehead. The warmth spread through his soul like sunlight in winter.
Akg closed his eyes. Peaceful. Excited. Ready.
His journey was about to begin.