Chapter Text
It’s midnight in all of Fodlan, and all of Cynthia’s Pokémon except Garchomp have fallen asleep as the dragon type anxiously waits for her trainer. The dragon type rumbles anxiously. “You don’t have to be worried, Garchomp,” Byleth assures her. “Cynthia is in good hands, and Yuri wouldn’t let anything happen to her.”
Garchomp grumbles back in response, “She says that’s exactly why she’s worried.” Marianne translates.
“Ah, I see. So you’re just scared that Yuri would take Cynthia away from you?” Byleth surmises. Garchomp nods slowly and grumbles in the same manner.
“Oh, that’s sweet.” Marianne smiles.
“What did she say?”
“She says that Cynthia raised her ever since she was an egg, and to Garchomp, Cynthia is like her mother.”
“I see. If that’s the case then I’m sure Cynthia would never leave her behind. You will always be together no matter what happens. I’m sure Yuri knows that as well, and he would never take her away from you, Garchomp. It’s just that she won’t see him again for a while after tomorrow morning. For tonight, I believe Cynthia just wants to spend as much time with Yuri while she still can.”
Garchomp faces away while contemplating what Byleth said. She sighs and rumbles something in response. “She says she’ll try to stop worrying.” Marianne translates.
“That’s good.”
“Still, it’s been three hours since Cynthia and Yuri left.” Ashe chimes in. “I wonder why they have been gone for so long.”
“Me too…” Marianne mutters.
“I have an idea,” Byleth says as she gestures for the two to get closer. Ashe and Marianne lean over, and Pikachu does so as well as the Archbishop whispers something to the three of them. All three of them get flustered, and their faces turn red.
“Professor, you don’t think they’re… ummm….” Ashe whispers unsteadily.
“It’s possible,” Byleth whispers back. “It would explain why they’ve been gone for so long.
“Still, I never would have expected Cynthia to participate in such an act so soon…” Marianne mutters.
“I didn’t as well.” Byleth shrugs. “but after getting a certain clue from her, I figured that them making love right now is possible.”
“What clue?” Ashe asks.
“I’ll tell you another time.”
Ashe, Marianne, and Pikachu take note, and they all spot that Garchomp has fallen asleep.
“It looks like Garchomp has eased down, and is no longer worried for Cynthia. It’s also a good thing Garchomp didn’t hear us. She would have never gone to sleep if she heard that possibility.”
“Yeah…” Marianne agrees. “We should sleep as well…” she yawns and she rests her head on Ashe’s shoulder. “Good night, Professor, Pikachu, and you too, Ashe.”
Ashe gently smiles, “Good night, Marianne. Love you.”
“Love you too,” Marianne mutters before falling to sleep.
“I’ll see you two tomorrow, Professor, Pikachu. Night.”
“You too, Ashe,” Byleth says, and Ashe has fallen asleep.
“You did well today, Byleth,” Sothis says.
“Sothis?!” Byleth gasps, “You’re still with me? I thought you would be gone after I gave the life orb.
“Yup! And nope! The orb managed to separate us from being fused, and since the change is permanent, I guess I’m free to talk to you unless we have to merge again. That said, you won’t be able to use that transformation again or use Divine Pulse unless the merge happens.”
“I see.” Byleth takes note, “Then I promise that I won’t put you in that situation again.”
“I appreciate that, Byleth…” Sothis yawns. “I better get some shuteye as well… Good night…”
Byleth nods. “Good night, Sothis.”
Pikachu jumps off Byleth’s shoulder, and onto her lap as she rubs his head.
“You helped us a lot throughout this past week,” Byleth says. “And now it’s time for us to help you.” Pikachu agrees with a nod and waves his arms as he hopes to be reunited with Satoshi again. “I’m sure you’re very excited.” I wonder how long Cynthia and Yuri are going to go at it for tonight… Byleth and Pikachu drift to sleep.
Some distance away in a tent, Yuri and Cynthia lie together with their clothes scattered by the entrance. They are both tuckered out after what transpired within this tent for the past three hours.
“How are you feeling?” Yuri strokes her face gently.
“I feel great, Regulus.” Cynthia softly says. “I imagine that I’m going to feel sore tomorrow, but I don’t mind. I never imagined that I would feel like this after everything that happened…”
“I’m glad that I was able to make things a little bit better for you.” Yuri grins. “It almost makes up for all the times you nearly got me killed.”
Cynthia chuckles, “You’re never going to let that go, aren’t you?”
“I only do it to tease you.”
“Fair enough. I do have my own teasing ammo as well.” She and Yuri both giggle, and she strokes Yuri’s face. “I’m going to miss you when I leave for the future.”
“I’ll miss you too…” Yuri says. “I’ll come visit your time within three months.”
“I know…” Cynthia mutters. “It’s just… I can’t help but feel worried.”
“How so?”
“You now have a lot on your shoulders. You and everyone in Fodlan now have a chance to live on. Within a week or a couple, you and the other chosen warriors will depart to Hisui. On top of that, you and your crew now have the additional responsibility of looking for Enamarus, an elusive legendary Pokémon. I know you’re doing this all to save Luna, but I can’t help but feel concerned for you all…” Cynthia mutters. “I do not want you to die for my sake. If you died in Hisui, it would feel as if I robbed you of the life you were given…”
Yuri holds Cynthia close, “You blame yourself too much, Thea. What happens to us in Hisui won’t be your fault.”
Cynthia buries her face on Yuri’s body. She wraps her arms around his, and feels his warmth. “I’m just scared, Regulus… I don’t want any of you to die. I don’t want YOU to die.”
“I can assure you that we won’t die in Hisui because I’m going to do whatever it takes to capture Enamarus without a single loss.”
“Thank you.” Cynthia says before she pecks Yuri on the lips.
“You’re actually a pretty good kisser, Thea.” Yuri grins.
“Thanks.” Cynthia kisses him in response for a few seconds. They both break away with heavy breaths. “I wish we could be like this forever.”
“I do too. I wish to give you an in depth tour of Abyss, and I would have also liked to introduce you to my mother.”
“I would love that. How is your mother?”
“She’s seen better days, but she’s still going strong, and despite what hysterical she can be, I still visit her from time to time.”
“Oh wow, she sounds like my grandmother.”
“Ah yes, I remember you once told him that your granny is quite strict with your diet, Thea.”
“Yeah, my granny can be hysterical at times.” Cynthia says. “One time she grounded me and Luna for eating too much dessert.”
“Wow she really does sound like my mother.” Yuri says and they both laugh in response. “I’m sure she would like you, Thea.”
“I’ll do my best to give a good first impression.” Yuri says with a cheeky smile. “I know! Once you arrive in Sinnoh, I can show you around. I could show you around my hometown, some of the places she does her research, where many Pokémon reside… oh, and even my favorite ice cream stalls!”
“That sounds very enticing,” Yuri says with a sly grin. “Are you asking me on a date?”
Cynthia's cheeks redden, and she quickly turns away, “No I’m not… it’s just a friendly tour.”
Yuri frowns, “Thea, we just had sex. I doubt any touring between the two of us alone would just be a friendly tour.”
“Ok! I’m asking you on a date! Happy?!” Cynthia folds as she turns back to Yuri.
Yuri winks, “Ha! I’m glad I got you to ask me before I asked you.”
Cynthia pouts, “You’re no fun, Regulus…”
“Teasing aside, I accept your invitation, Thea. Once Luna is all cured, you can take me all around Sinnoh as you please.”
Cynthia gently smiles, “I look forward to it.” Her face begins to soften, and a solemn look emerges from it.
“What’s wrong?” Yuri asks.
“Nothing… it’s just… I was just thinking about something from a long time ago.”
“What is it?”
“This is going to be very awkward, especially for you.”
Yuri smirks in response, “After hearing all this stuff about time travel and you dating my future self, I doubt anything will surprise me.”
Cynthia sighs, “This might. I hope you’re prepared for this. A week before the final showdown against the Crimson Ravens, the Cinder Wolf, AKA your future self, gave me a gift. However, I didn’t realize he gave me a precious gift at the time. I only realized three months after he died. After his death, and Luna being cursed, I was so overcome with despair that I couldn’t take care of that gift. So I gave him to a close colleague of mine in another region called Alola where he could be raised and taken care off. I carried that despair for three years, and I didn’t know if I would ever recover. However, after everything that has happened today, and all of me spending time with you and your friends, I finally come to terms with the Cinder Wolf’s death.” Cynthia takes a deep breath and smiles, “I’m going to do what I should have done three years ago. I’m ready to take responsibility for Elric.”
Yuri raises a brow, “Elric… that’s the name of the gift…” It soon clicks for him, “W-wait a second…” He stutters a bit. “You didn’t know the Cinder Wolf gave you a gift until three months later. You referred to the gift as a ‘he’, and the name of the gift is more of a name of a person rather than a thing. Is that right?”
“Yes.” Cynthia sits up with a blanket covering her.
Yuri’s jaw falls straight down at what Cynthia has just confirmed, “Hold on?! Are you suggesting that you have a child?!”
“A son to be more precise…” Cynthia awkwardly says.
Yuri remains at a loss for words at this revelation, “I-I… I don’t know what to say… I never expected you to be a mother…”
“And I’m a horrible one at that…”
“So does this mean that Elric is my son as well?” Yuri asks.
“Yes, but at the same time, no.”
“That makes sense,” Yuri remarks as he begins to calm down. “That definitely surprised me.”
“Yeah… Regulus… may I ask, is it too late for me to be a mother to Elric? I want to raise him as soon as I get back. However, I fear that I may be too estranged from him after I gave him away.”
“Thea, it’s never too late to be a mother,” Yuri assures her. “Besides, I’m assuming your kid is two by now, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct,” Cynthia confirms.
“Unless that kid is somehow an obnoxious brat, I’m sure he would appreciate it if you take him in. Also, you’re not a horrible mother. You did take care of your little sister ever since she was born, and you raised that land shark ever since she was an egg. I’m sure that little ring will accept you once you meet him.”
Cynthia contemplates those words for a while, and gives her a response, “You do have a point, Regulus. The thought of being a mother does scare me, but I’m ready to face the challenge, and do my best!”
“That’s the spirit.”
“Also, I think you would be a good father as well considering he’s technically you’re son.”
“You think so?” Yuri gasps, “I’m not too sure after everything I’ve-“
Cynthia places her finger on his lips, “You managed to convince me that I can be a good mother. I think it can be the same for you. I know you think you won’t do well because of all the people you killed, but that doesn’t have to define you on how to be a father. You’ve taken care of the people of Abyss for many years, and I feel that getting to know my child will be a good experience.”
Yuri sighs but gently smiles. “Ok, I’ll do it. Only because he’s your son.”
“Also, Byleth might know about Elric as well.”
“By the goddess…” Yuri groans, “She’s not going to let me hear the end of it.” Cynthia giggles in response. “I’m glad that you’re amused by my misfortune.”
“Sorry about that.” Cynthia humorously apologizes.
“Fine, I’ll forgive her but only after I punish you!” Yuri smirks and pounces on her.
The two of them roll over each other with Yuri being on top of Cynthia. Yuri slightly pushes Cynthia’s hair from blocking her left eye, and she lovingly smiles at him. “We still have a few hours till morning. I wish to spend time with you to the fullest.”
“Me too.” Yuri leans down and hungrily kisses the woman he loves most passionately.
One hour before morning breaks, Cynthia wakes up from her slumber and finds Yuri sleeping beside her. “Thank you, Regulus…” She softly says while stroking his hair, before reaching for her tear locker at her right side. Cynthia opens it and glances at the picture of her, Garchomp, Togekiss, Lucario, Eevee, and her sister Luna. I’m sorry, Luna. I won’t be the one to cure her. However, I will pave the way for the one that will.
Cynthia closes the locket. Cynthia gets up from her makeshift bed and puts her clothes back on before she looks through her items. She arranges the three elemental orbs she found throughout her travels in Fodlan. She places them inside a box and heads out of the tent as she looks up at the night sky.
“It’s almost sunrise. I better get those two ready.” Cynthia taps her foot a few times, and immediately, Garchomp begins to wake from her slumber.
Garchomp feels the vibrations from her trainer. Garchomp nudges Togekiss from his sleep, and he slowly opens his eyes as the dragon type communicates with her with low growls. The fairy type gets the message. Togekiss gets up in the air and follows Garchomp out of the cave unaware that Byleth has noticed them leaving. Meanwhile, Cynthia makes her way to the spot where the destroyed ballista lies.
“This should be a good spot.”
“Well, I see that we are like minds.” Cynthia heard someone and spots Edelgard sitting on the spot.
“Edelgard?!” Cynthia gasps. “What brings you here?”
“I could ask you the same thing. I had Hubert sneak me out of the prison house earlier than expected. I wanted to see how you were doing after the results of yesterday’s battle, and I was planning to wait here until everyone was awake. I was hoping to watch the sunrise in the meantime.”
“I see.” Cynthia places her chin on her finger. “I wish to watch the sunrise as well. You want to watch it together with me?” Edelgard nods. She scoots over and gives Cynthia some space as the Champion sits beside her. “You wouldn’t mind if Togekiss and Garchomp joined us.”
“I don’t mind at all. She would like the opportunity to get to know you and your Pokémon more.”
“That’s great!” Cynthia clasps her hands together. Cynthia takes note.
Edelgard tilts her head slightly. “You’ve changed.”
“How so?”
“Well, when you lost, I could feel that you’ve fallen into a pit of despair with no hope of escape. Now… I don’t feel that feeling from you anymore. Did Yuri and the Professor explain their plan to you?”
“They did.” Cynthia confirms, “and they have given me hope to keep moving forward.” She opens her tear locket, “It still hurts that she has to stay comatose for a bit longer… However, now I have a firm hope of her recovering from the Hegemon Curse.”
“I see.” Edelgard takes a peak at the picture. “May I?” Cynthia lets her borrow her locket. Edelgard takes a look at a picture, “Your sister does look very adorable! I suppose your good looks runs in the family.”
“Thanks, Edelgard. Luna truly is my pride and joy along with my Pokémon.”
“I see. Then I look forward to meeting her in person.”
Cynthia raises her brow, “You plan to join Yuri in his quest?”
“To a degree. I’m still dedicated to looking for Satoshi for Pikachu’s sake. I also want to accomplish Arceus’s tasks, and meet him in person again.”
“I see. That's an even more dangerous path than what Yuri is doing?”
“It is, but it’s something I must do to atone for my sins. I also want to apologize to Luna on my future self’s behalf for kidnapping her.”
“Is that so?” Cynthia takes note, “I’ll let you know that my sister is a lot more forgiving than I’ll ever be.”
“That’s uplifting. Edelgard takes note, and they both watch the night sky slowly brighten up in yellow.
Cynthia’s face softens, “Are you planning to look for Zatanna?”
“I do.” Edelgard solemnly nods, “When my plan to defeat the Church was over, I would have turned her attention to TWSITD. Unfortunately, Dimitri beat me to it when Thales disappeared.”
“Ah yes, Thales,” Cynthia mutters. “I’ve heard of that man Agarthan before, and I’m aware of the horrors he’s committed.”
“Yes. Even with Thales again, it saddens me that a branch of TWSITD still remains at large somewhere in Hisui. To make matters worse, their leader is my sister, who I thought was dead for ten years, and she can lead a conquest better than I could.”
Cynthia glances at her hand, “I don’t think I could ever forgive your sister for what she did. Especially after she was responsible for killing my parents, the Cinder Wolf, and countless people of my timeline along with cursing Luna with the Hegemon curse.”
“I know…” Edelgard mutters.
“That said, it wouldn’t be fair for me to tell you to kill Zatanna.”
Edelgard nods, “I want to give my sister a chance at redemption. I want to talk her out of her plans for conquest and stop this madness. Just like how Dimitri and Byleth tried to do so with me six months ago, but knowing my sister, the likelihood of that happening is near zero. If I can’t convince her, then I won’t hesitate to kill her. Only once I have known I have done everything I can.”
“I won’t fault you for trying to convince your sister to do right, Cynthia. You a nobler woman than I gives you credit for.”
Just then, Togekiss and Garchomp arrive, and they head straight for Cynthia curious about what happened last night. “Hello, you two.” Cynthia rubs their heads. “Also in case you are curious, we just talked all night.”
Togekiss is glad to hear it, but Garchomp responds by sniffing her. The dragon type’s eyes widen when she smells a different scent on Cynthia. The Champion places her hand on Garchomp’s nose, and sinisterly smiles at her.
“Nothing happened, Garchomp.” Cynthia emphasizes. “You wouldn’t want to miss today’s sunrise ice cream snack would you?”
Garchomp looks unimpressed with the threat. However, she backs off and sighs before making a small smile upon seeing that Cynthia is happy. Something tells me that Yuri and Cynthia did more than just talk last night. Edelgard thought.
“Togekiss, Garchomp, you wouldn’t mind if Edelgard joined us today?” Cynthia asks.
“I hope I’m not a bother to you three on this tradition of yours,” Edelgard says.
Togekiss moves closer to Edelgard and glances at her from all angles. The fairy type proceeds to stroke her face indicating that he has her blessing. Garchomp moves in and gazes at Edelgard with a sharpened look. The Pokémon presents her wing claw to her, and the latter accepts it.
They both shake on it. “Let’s do this again sometime, and this time, I won’t lose,” Edelgard says, and Garchomp responds with a grin.
From afar, Byleth listens in from behind a tree. “It looks like those two are chatting amongst themselves.” Sothis comments. “Should we join them as well?”
“No.” Byleth shakes her head. “I want to see how this goes without my intervention.”
Back on the spot, Cynthia brings out three ice cream bars. She gives them one for Togekiss and Garchomp. “This is a tradition these two, Luna and I have whenever we have free time,” Cynthia explains. “We would all eat ice cream, and watch the sunrise together.”
“That sounds like a wonderful tradition.” Edelgard remarks, and she eyes the first rays of the sun emerging from the east. “Looks like the sunrise will look beautiful today.
“Yeah.” Cynthia glances at her ice cream, and back to Edelgard before she offers it to the Emperor. “Take this.”
“Cynthia, are you sure about this?” Edelgard asks. “Isn’t ice cream your favorite food?”
“Yes. However, I want to show my appreciation for everything you’ve done for me despite all that I’ve done to her.”
Edelgard raises a brow, “You’re really going to use ice cream as your way of saying sorry to me?” Cynthia nods, “Very well, I do appreciate the sentiment.”
Cynthia accepts the ice cream. Garchomp and Togekiss glance at their trainer, and she gestures to them to enjoy their ice cream. She’ll just watch the sunrise with no ice cream. Garchomp and Togekiss acknowledge this just as the sun emerges from the horizon prompting all three to open up their ice creams. The ice cream they all have has a blue color on it.
“What flavor is this, Cynthia?” Edelgard asks.
“That’s Yacche Berry ice cream,” Cynthia explains. “It’s my and Garchomp’s favorite flavor.”
“Is that so? Then I look forward to trying it.” This intrigues Edelgard, and she takes a bite of the ice cream. Garchomp and Togekiss proceed to gorge on their ice cream. While the two Pokémon continue to stuff themselves with ice cream, Cynthia asks Edelgard,
“How are you finding it?”
“Mmmmm…. It’s very delicious!” Edelgard exclaims. “I’m not a big fan of overly sweet things, and thankfully, this has just the right amount of sweetness.”
This fills Cynthia with joy, “I’m glad you like it, Edelgard.”
“I’m very curious, are there any more ice cream from your time period like this?”
Cynthia grins, “Oh you have no idea.”
Cynthia begins enthusiastically talking to Edelgard about all the ice cream flavors from her time period. Edelgard attentively listens to her while giving her own thoughts and opinions on each ice cream. Byleth smiles while hearing them talk about simple things for ten minutes.
“Wow, you have so much variety of ice cream in your own time!” Edelgard says.
“I know, and it’s one of my passions to look out for any new flavors that are made out there.” Cynthia points out. “Besides learning more about all the myths of the world, and the Pokémon involved in them, that is my ultimate goal.”
Edelgard smiles, “I never thought the Champion of Sinnoh had such a simple yet wholehearted goal. I wish I got to see that side of you more often.”
Cynthia graces her with a sad smile. “I also wish that I didn’t waste so much of my time hating you this past week. I’m glad we had this chat.”
Suddenly, Celebi appears before Cynthia and the others. “It’s time,” Celebi says. “Gather your Pokémon.”
“I understand. I’ll get them all ready.” Celebi nods and waits for the Champion.
“Is it time already?” Edelgard asks.
“Yes. It’s time for me and my Pokémon to say goodbye to Fodlan.”
Ten minutes later, Cynthia gathers up all her Pokémon at the center of Gronder Field with Byleth, Yuri, Edelgard, Ashe, Marianne, and Pikachu in attendance. “Are you all set everyone?” Cynthia asks her Pokémon.
The Pokémon except Zoroark eagerly cry out. “You sure that you’ll be fine when you return, Cynthia?” Ashe asks.
“When I return to the future, I’ll be arriving at Mt. Coronet. It’s where I was last before I left for pastime Fodlan. I assume a lot of my comrades are waiting for me there.”
“So this is goodbye then…” Marianne mutters.
“I’m afraid so, Marianne. However, I’m sure that they’ll meet again someday. I only wished that she could say goodbye to the friends I made in my time in Fodlan.”
Yuri grins, “It might not be too late for you to say goodbye to the rest of the schmucks, Cynthia.” He brings out the crystal ball, and on the other side are Claude, Dimitri, Hapi, Balthus, Dorothea, Petra, Linhardt, Felix, Annette, Hilda, Leonie, Seteth, and Flayn.
The group says they’re goodbyes to Cynthia and her Pokémon. “Cynthia, I hope you all have a safe trip back!” Dorothea gleefully says.
“Yup, and I hope you’ll be able to fix up your sister!” Hilda adds.
“I hope we can meet again someday.” Dimitri remark.
“And if we do, I hope you don’t end up murdering us!” Claude winks.
Cynthia giggles, “I’ll keep them in mind. I’ll miss you all, and it’s been an honor to get to know and battle all of you.”
Dimitri and the others agree with her. “You got nothing to worry about, Cynthia,” Hapi says. “We’ll do everything we can to save Luna!”
“Yeah!” Balthus exclaims. “And once we’re done, maybe I can take you to a dri-“
Unfortunately, he spots Yuri peering into his soul, “You want to continue speaking for the rest of your life?” He slightly unsheathes a dagger, “Then I suggest you shut up for the next few minutes.”
Balthus swallows and slinks away while Hilda pats him on the back. “I appreciate all the kindness you have shown her.” Cynthia humbly bows. “I also like to apologize for all the trouble I caused. If fate would allow it, I would like to see you all again.”
Everyone is thrilled to hear that. While pleasantries are exchanged, Byleth returns the Dynamax Band and the Tera Orb. “Thank you for letting me borrow these. They were both a big help.”
“You’re welcome, Byleth,” Cynthia says. “However, I will only take back the Dynamax Band.”
“Just the Dynamax band?” Byleth gasps.
There are no natural hotspots in Hisui for Dynamax or Gigantomax. You won’t be able to use it effectively there. However, the Tera Orb has no such limitations, and it can be used anywhere.” Cynthia slightly pushes the orb back to Byleth. “The Tera Orb is now yours along with these.” She gives her a container containing eighteen different Tera Shards with the orb. “You will be able to change the Tera Type of a Pokémon at most eighteen types, and the Tera Orb can only be used once a day. Use them wisely when you travel throughout Hisui.”
“Thank you, Cynthia,” Byleth says. “Pikachu and I will make sure we make good use of these.”
“I know,” Cynthia says, before giving Yuri the box containing all three elemental orbs. “These orbs will help you lure the Genie Pokemon to you.”
“Genie Pokémon?” Yuri remarks.
“One of the prerequisites to catching Enamarus is to gather all three genie Pokémon.”
“I see. So I’ll have to deal with other legendary Pokémon before I get to Enamarus?”
“Yes, do you still think you’re up to the challenge?”
“It will be a piece of cake as long as I’m wary of these three Pokémon.”
“I see. As I’ve said before, use these orbs to lure in the other three genie Pokémon. However, each of them works in a certain place, and in certain conditions. As to what these locations and conditions are, I still don’t know herself which means you’ll have to find out what those are on your own.”
“Got it.”
Cynthia gives him a notepad, “Everything I know about the three genies is all in here. I’ve fought them before, and they are all tough opponents so be careful when handling them.”
“I’ll do my best to be careful.”
Just as final preparations are made, Zoroark comes to Cynthia and starts talking to her. The Champion listens closely to what the Hisuian Pokémon is saying. “Zoroark appreciates everything you have done for him, Cynthia.” Marianne translates. “Your kindness and the mercy of the Fodlan warriors have shown him that maybe some humans can be trusted after all. However, he can’t go with her to the future.”
This catches everyone off guard. “Zoroark, may I ask why?” Cynthia asks.
Zoroark continues to speak to her, and Marianne translates, “He says he still has unfinished business he needs to attend to in Hisui. He was hoping that he could settle it with Cynthia by his side, but now that she’s going back to the future, he can no longer do so with her. He will travel with Byleth and the others to Hisui. However, once they make landfall, he will go his separate way.”
“I see. I understand. I will not force you to stay with me. However, I do hope that you will find it in your heart to forgive humans.”
Zoroark emits a low growl, “He says he’ll do his best, and that he you. It’s been an honor to battle by her side.”
Cynthia makes a small smile, and rubs the Hisuian Pokémon’s head. “I hope that I sees you again.”
Zoroark’s face softens, and he grants her a solemn nod. He glances at Yuri, and smirks at him. “Oh, he’s saying to feel free to track him down if you wish.” Marianne translates.
“Very well, I’ll be keeping an eye on you.” Yuri slyly grins.
Zoroark acknowledges this with a nod, “Cynthia, is there anything you need to take care of?” Edelgard asks.
Cynthia rests her chin on her finger. Cynthia snaps her fingers, “There is one more thing. Celebi, is it ok if I could leave any of my Pokémon here in this time period to aid Byleth and the others in their quest?”
This surprises everyone, and Celebi gives its answer, “Lord Arceus figured you would ask that. He decreed that you’re allowed to leave two Pokémon in Hisui. Zoroark has already taken one spot which means only one spot remains for your Pokémon.”
“I see. Garchomp, Lucario, Togekiss, I need to speak to you three.”
The three Pokémon gather around their trainer, “So one of Cynthia’s Pokémon will be staying here…” Byleth ponders. “I wonder who we’re getting.”
“Probably one of those three.” Edelgard surmises. “No matter who Cynthia chooses, we’ll be receiving a powerful ally.”
“You are the only three that I would entrust this task to.” Cynthia whispers. “However, you’re also the three that I don’t want to separate from…”
Garchomp, Togekiss and Lucario both glance at each other, and they give each other approving nods. The fairy type places his wing on Cynthia’s hand, and gives her understanding nod.
“Togekiss, are you volunteering?” Cynthia asks, and Togekiss nods, “Are you sure about this?” Togekiss replies with an eager nod. Lucario and Garchomp give approving grunts, “Garchomp, Lucario, Togekiss… I really am hopeless without you three.” The Champion embraces Togekiss tightly. “I’m going to miss you dearly, Togekiss.” Togekiss emits a sweet sound, and Garchomp and Lucario join in the group hug. “Take care of yourself, and treasure all the friends you have here and the ones you’ll make.”
They both break away, and Togekiss waves at the rest of their Pokémon friends. The rest of Cynthia’s Pokémon catch on to what the fairy type is trying to say. They all frown, and rush toward Togekiss except Milotic who stays in position. They all grip their leaving friend, and cry for him as he hugs each and every one of them. Milotic slides toward Togekiss, and nudges her head on his head as she wishes him good luck.
“It looks like we’re getting, Togekiss.” Byleth remarks.
“Togekiss might be the best candidate to be left behind here.” Edelgard surmises. “That Pokémon is very adaptable, and can get many of us out of a pinch, but most importantly, I feels that he’s the one Pokemon that wants to save Luna the most.”
“You got that right, Edelgard.” Yuri agrees. “Togekiss is going to be a very invaluable ally.”
Togekiss flies to the trio, and offers his wing to them with a smile on his face. “Togekiss is saying that he looks forward to traveling with them.” Marianne translates.
“We all feel the same, Togekiss.” Byleth shakes Togekiss’s wing saying. “We look forward to your companionship.”
Pikachu jumps on Togekiss’s head, and they are both happy to still be with each other. The view fills Celebi with great joy, but it is also filled with sorrow knowing that it’s time. The mythical Pokémon’s eyes glow green, and green light surrounds Cynthia, and all her Pokémon except Zoroark and Togekiss.
“I guess it’s time for us to part ways.” Cynthia smiles.
“Bye, Cynthia!” Ashe waves his goodbye.
“Farewell, and we’ll miss you and all your Pokémon!” Marianne waves.
“I’ll miss you too.” Cynthia sweetly smiles, and turns to Byleth, Pikachu and Togekiss. “Byleth, it’s been an honor to get to know you in the flesh. Take care of Pikachu and Togekiss.”
“Of course.” Byleth humbly bows. “I’ll make sure to send both Pokémon and Satoshi back to their time period.”
Cynthia responds with a nod, “Pikachu, Togekiss! Be safe out there!” Pikachu and Togekiss wave at Cynthia while feeling teary eyed, and Garchomp and Lucario feel the same. “Edelgard, thank you for helping me mend bridges with you.”
“It’s no problem, Cynthia.” Edelgard says. “I look forward to meeting you again.”
“Me too.” Cynthia softly smiles. “I would like a friendly match with you when that happens.”
“I would like that too. Goodbye, Cynthia.”
“Goodbye, Edelgard.” Cynthia and her Pokémon, and the latter does the same.
Yuri approaches Cynthia with a conflicted look on his face, “So its finally time for you to go.” Yuri utters.
“Yeah… It’s been nice to travel at this period of time in Fodlan’s history. I’m going to miss traveling here, and knowing all its people. But most of all, I’m glad that I got to meet you again, Yuri.”
Yuri caresses Cynthia’s face tenderly, and whispers, “I’m so happy that I got to meet you, Thea.” A tear falls from his eye. “Damn it… I’m usually stays calm in situations like these, and I know that this is the right thing to do…” However, a tear drips from his eye, “but… I don’t want you to leave. Not after I finally got to know you… I want to stay with you for as long as I can…”
Cynthia softly smiles, “Regulus, nothing would make me happier than to live a life with my sister, my Pokémon, you, the man I loves, and my son. This isn’t the end of the two us. When the time is right, I know you’ll come back for me.”
“Of course I’ll come back.” His forehead touches Cynthia’s. “I’ll take care of your Pokémon, and get that cure for your sister.”
“Thank you, Regulus… my beloved. Farewell…”
“I love you, Thea, and goodbye…” Yuri replies in kind, and kisses Cynthia one more time before she and her Pokémon vanish into this air. The warmth of her lips slowly fades, and Yuri looks up to the sky, “until we meet again…”
“Yuri, are you alright?” Byleth asks.
“A bit, Friend… I didn’t think this would hurt so much…”
Byleth pats him on the back. “You’ll see Cynthia one day.”
“Yeah… and I’ll look forward to when that day comes.”
Pikachu and Togekiss both cry for Cynthia now that she’s left. Edelgard grants them eboth a small smile, “It’s ok for you to be sad now. What’s important is that this will give you the strength to continue moving on. You’ll be reunited one day.”
Both Pikachu and Togekiss smile at Edelgard. Byleth stretches her arms, “Everyone, let’s go home.”
February 2010
Cynthia and her Pokémon finally return to their own timeline at Mt. Coronet as it’s still on the brink of sunrise. “I’m finally back home…” Cynthia utters as she takes a look around. “Looks like Steven and the others have set up a massive camp around here. Garchomp, take the others to the Pokémon med bay. I’m going to go visit my sister.”
Garchomp nods, and leads her Pokémon friends to the Pokémon med bay while Cynthia heads to the quarantined tent. She enters the tent, and finds Professor Carolina, Steven, Diantha, Professor Kukui, Glaceon and Blissey sleeping inside. At the center of the tent is Luna sleeping on a hospital bed. Nurse Joy keeps a close vigil on the young girl. Luna’s body is nearly taken over by black scales, and dark energy pulses from her body. The sight saddens Cynthia, and she doesn’t want to see her sister like this, but with the life orb by her side, she still clings on to hope. She walks toward Luna, and Glaceon’s ears perk up. The ice type wakes up, and eagerly cries out at Cynthia causing Nurse Joy to turn toward her direction.
“Ms. Cynthia!” Nurse Joy gasps. “Everyone! Ms. Cynthia has just returned!”
The others begin to wake up, and Professor Carolina hurries to Cynthia with Blissey and Glaceon accompanying her. “Hello, Granny.” Cynthia softly says. “I’m sorry for leaving you so-“
Professor Carolina embraces Cynthia, and keeps her from finishing the sentence. “I’m so glad you’re ok, Cynthia.” She sobs. “I was so worried that I would lose you in Fodlan…”
“I’m alright, Granny.” Cynthia hugs her back. “I just did some self reflecting.”
Glaceon and Blissey go over to Cynthia with the former rubbing his body on her leg, and the latter holding her hand tightly. “It’s good to see you two again. Thank you for taking care of Luna. And you too, Diantha, Steven, Nurse Joy and you as well, Professor Kukui.”
“Hello, Cynthia. I’m glad to see you still alive and well, old friend.” Diantha says.
“Welcome back, Cynthia.” Professor Kukui greets her. “You look just as fired up as a Blazed Fire type!”
“You could say that.” Cynthia chuckles.
Steven tilts his head to the side. “You’re weirdly in good spirits. Did something happen after we left?”
“A lot actually.” Cynthia answers. “May I see Luna?”
“Of course…” Professor Carolina mutters, and everyone feels down.
Cynthia walks toward Luna, and finds her still stirring restlessly from the effects of the Hegemon Curse. “How is she?” Cynthia asks.
“She’s at the end of her ropes…” Nurse Joy sadly reports. “She’ll turn into a Hegemon in the next few days if we don’t do something soon.”
“Cynthia, your grandmother and the others have already said their goodbyes.” Diantha says. “We’re ready to mercifully euthanize her very soon. We just thought that you deserved to say goodbye before-“
“She’s not dying today.” Cynthia answers. “I will not let this curse be responsible for her death.”
“Cynthia, please…” Professor Carolina begs. “You’ve already done all that you could… please… don’t let Luna needlessly suffer…”
“I know…” Cynthia mutters. “I can’t save Luna anymore… but I can give someone else a chance to do it.”
She brings out the life orb, and places it onto Luna’s chest before the orb is absorbed into her body. The orb illuminates Luna’s body, and everyone is in awe of the sight. The black scales recede greatly, and retreat deeper into her body. Luna stops stirring restlessly, and her breathing stabilizes.
“My goodness!” Nurse Joy checks the monitors.
“Wait, what just happened?!” Diantha inquires.
“Luna’s Hegemon’s levels have decreased to ten percent! That’s the lowest we’ve seen in the past year!”
“It’s down?” Professor Carolina asks. “So does this mean she’s…”
“No.” Nurse Joy shakes her head. “The Hegemon curse is still within her. It’s just mitigated for the time being. Fortunately, she won’t turn into a Hegemon in a few days. By the looks of it, the transformation has been delayed to a few months.”
Cynthia sighs in relief, “Thank goodness it worked…”
“Cynthia, what did you do?” Professor Carolina asks as all eyes turn to Cynthia.
“Looks like something did happen while you were still there in Fodlan.” Steven surmises. “Care to explain?”
For the next half an hour, Cynthia explains what happened to her after the Gronder Battle, and told them everything minus her sleeping with Yuri. Afterwards, the Champion heads out of the tent. She finds Professor Rowan seated by the edge of Mt. Coronet. He watches the sun rise up from the horizon, and Cynthia sits beside the Professor.
“Ah I see that you’ve returned from Fodlan.” Professor Rowan says. “I heard about what happened from Aaron a few minutes ago.”
“Oh, how did he know?” Cynthia asks.
“He must have eavesdropped on your conversation when he first heard that you just returned.”
“I see…” The two remain silent for a moment, and Cynthia breaks the silence. “Thank you, Professor.”
“For what specifically?” Professor Rowan asks.
“For letting me stay in Fodlan for a little bit more time. Because of you, I was able to find a way for Luna to be saved even though I lost.”
“I’m glad that I was able to help. I was hoping that by giving you more time, you would get some closure with the people of Fodlan.”
“And that I was able to get.” Cynthia smiles. “Especially with Yuri and Edelgard.”
“That’s good. So Yuri will be the one who cures Luna?”
“Yes.” Cynthia smiles. “He has three months to find Enamarus, but I believe that he’ll be able to get the mission done, especially with good people and Pokémon by his side.”
“That’s nice. So you’ve finally forgiven Edelgard for what she’s done?”
“In a sense.” Cynthia brushes her hair. “There’s still one more thing I have to do before I come to terms with that. And my answer lies in Poni Island.”
“Poni Island? Why-“ He then realizes what this signifies. “Ah I see. You wish to see if the legend of Tapu Fini is real?”
“Yes. If the legends of that Pokémon are true, then it’s possible that I could meet my time’s Edelgard, and finally be at peace with her. If I’m lucky… I’m hoping to see my loved ones again.”
“I see.” Professor Rowan strokes his beard. “It’s unlikely that those spirits will come back to the world of the living, but it’s worth a shot. Also, since you’re going to Alola, are you planning to see him as well?”
“Yes.” Cynthia answers with a small smile. “I’m going to do what I should have done three years ago: take responsibility for Elric and be his mother.”
“That’s good. Are you scared?”
“I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t, but I’m sure he would have wanted me to take care of our son, and I’m sure my Pokémon will be excited to play with his as well.” Just then, Garchomp arrives, and nudges Cynthia’s face. “Don’t worry, Garchomp.” She rubs her Pokémon’s nose. “Luna will be ok.”
Garchomp responds with a happy roar, and is overjoyed by this.
“I’m happy too, Garchomp. Now all we have to do is wait for Yuri and the others to come to Sinnoh with the cure. I’m sure that they will succeed, and come here safely. By the way, would you like to come to Alola with me for a week. There’s some business there I like to attend to.”
Garchomp approves with a light grunt, and Cynthia claps her hands.
“Thank you. We’ll leave for Alola in two days.”
Professor Rowan stands up, “Let’s talk to Professor Kukui and set up a meeting with you and your son.”
“Right! Let’s do that.”
Professor Rowan and Garchomp walk back to the base, and Cynthia looks back at the horizon. A new future is about to dawn for Fodlan. Regulus, whatever that future holds, I will always wait for you… until we meet again…
THE END
Next time, a new adventure begins.