"Cynthia, I have a small favor to ask of you."

"A… favor?" Words so familiar, yet so foreign. Words uttered before the same events that have yet to unfold.

"Yes. You saw it too. That smile… I don't like it.

"Not one bit."


That was last night. It's morning now, with the sun peeking out from beyond the grove of trees. The dawn of a new day, of an exciting expedition.

"Can Beautifly fit two people?"

"Um… no," says B-2. "Unless you want it to snap in two. Um. We can piggyback—"

"No need." R-8 pulls out her Poke Ball. "I have Vespiquen… I just need to learn how to ride her."

The lawn has been converted into a runway, the Grunts into the ground crew. The Flying-Type Pokemon look on as humans rush back and forth like angry Combee.

"I don't think Golbat fits two people, Mars." Dia chomps on his rice balls. "But I don't have any Pokemon that can Fly…"

Mars waves a dismissive hand. "No problem! You can ride Yanmega! She can do flips and flops, so it's really fun!"

Dia almost chokes on his rice. Meanwhile, next to a waterhole near the edge of the lawn, a disgruntled Dexholder and Galactic Commander are arguing over more pointless matters.

"You're seriously flying that pipsqueak?" Saturn juts a thumb to Chatot.

"At least I have a Flying-Type," Pearl retorts.

That issue was resolved by an exasperated Drifblim, who also (reluctantly) agrees to be their blimp.

Jupiter watches the boys bicker for a bit more before turning her attention back to a grim Platinum Berlitz. "I have a Crobat," the former says, summoning her Pokemon. "You can ride him."

"O-Oh. Thank you, but…" Platinum fidgets her toes. "What about you?"

"You're small enough." Jupiter smirks. "It'll be fine."

"Testing, testing." Rowan's steely eyes rake over the bustling group. "Everyone hear me?"

"Yes!"

Dia waves. "Cynthia, Cynthia! Are you ready?"

Cynthia glances around. She allows herself a minute of deep breathing, allows herself the chance to fully appreciate the crisp forest air, the sweetness of the pollen… until her pulse returns to normal rhythm.

"You're the only one I can ask."

Cynthia flashes Dia a bright smile. "Actually… Change of plans." She crosses the garden, brushing past the frosted flowers. A mist had settled overnight, blanketing the land in glimmering dew. Quite slippery.

The Red Sunstone gives her the much-needed kick to the ass. Cynthia exhales through her mouth.

"Cyrus."

That blue head stiffens. He'd been calming down an agitated Gengar, and his face shows the fatigue of that hard-earned victory.

"Champion Cynthia," Cyrus croaks. "May I help you?"

"Yes." One breath. Two breaths. "Come with me."

Cyrus frowns. Nevertheless, he follows her to the lawn, back to civilization. Rotom isn't dancing around today, Cynthia notices. It's sticking to his side, but whether Cyrus feels any pain, he doesn't show.

Cynthia escorts Cyrus to the center. "Dia," she says. "Mars."

"Yes?" At her insistence, the boy holds out his hands. Cynthia slides the White Moonstone into Dia's grip.

The grin fades from Mars's face once the realization sets in. "Um. Cynthia? The Boss gave the Red Sunstone to you…"

"I know. It's yours now." Cynthia catches Jupiter's small nod, and she ignores Cyrus's incredulous expression. "Let's go, Cyrus."

"Go…? I'm… I'm going." Cyrus's eyes are narrowed as he fumbles for a Poke Ball. "I'm going right now."

"No." Cynthia calls out Togekiss. The white bird falters at Honchkrow's sneer. "Mars, Dia, resolve the mystery of Groudon's Heart. I put that in your capable hands."

For the first time in a long while, Mars isn't smiling. She painfully tears her gaze from the Red Sunstone in her palms. "I'm sorry, what? You want us to what?"

"What?!"

"You heard me, Cyrus." She glares at him straight in the face. "I'm going with you. That's final."

"Did you not hear anything I said?" She cringes. Cyrus launches a hand in the air, almost tossing his crutches in the process. "Must I repeat myself? What is the problem here?"

"Bzzt…"

"Rotom, stay out of this. Champion Cynthia, what I've asked from you is but a simple task! Even a Bidoof can comply! I'm not imposing sanctions nor withholding information like last time so what. Don't you understand?"

HOLY ARCEUS. "I know it's a simple task, and what I'm asking is even simpler!" She jabs a finger to his throat. "What's wrong with going with you? Everyone has backup except for you! I'm just evening out the odds!"

"Evening out the… Tch. Go with Mars."

"Cyrus—"

"Go with Mars and Diamond, now."

Cynthia's knees buckle. No. No, I won't let him win. I mustn't. Everyone is staring. She gathers every ounce of the Champion of Sinnoh's eminence, to rise to her full height and power.

"I am going with you!" Cyrus flinches. Cynthia slices a sharp hand across the air. "End of story!"

"You… Tch." An exasperated exhale. A scowl dark enough to force the sun into a black hole. "Who set you up for this—ah." Cyrus cracks his neck to the side. "Of course…"

"May I remind you that you're still on crutches?" Jupiter says it slowly, as if she's talking to a moron. "Your arm is still broken. You've electrocuted yourself more than a normal human being should in their lifetime, you escaped to the dumpster—"

Cyrus slams his crutch to the ground. "So what is it that you wish to tell me?" His voice is now dangerously even. Everyone uses the Pokemon Professor as a shield from an encroaching blizzard.

"You heard me perfectly well!" Cynthia snarls.

"Bzzt!"

"Kakaka!"

Cyrus gnashes his teeth. He jerks to the side, and he drags a hand through his scalp with such force that he almost pulls out hair from its follicles.

Then he suddenly jolts, head snapping up as if a lightning bolt had struck his skull. "Oh. No, you're right." Cyrus turns. His face is perfectly smooth, except for that serene smile. "I am wrong, of course. It would be my honor to accept your company, Champion Cynthia."

That change of heart is so jarring that Cynthia almost falls off Togekiss. Cyrus sees that and shrugs as if it's perfectly normal.

"Professor Rowan."

The Professor raises an eyebrow. "Hm."

"Please look after everyone."

And before anyone can say anything, Cyrus takes to the cloudy skies. One second… two seconds… and everyone else scrambles to their Flying-Types before they're left behind.

Togekiss shoots up to the front with what sounds like irritated yelling. Honckrow snaps its beak in response, earning a scowl from the white bird. "Whoa, Togekiss." Cynthia reaches to pat its cheek. "Come on. Lift that frown upside down." You're the Jubilee Pokemon. It's not… right for you to be this riled up.

"They're waving! Bye, everyone!" Dia has to pull Mars back before she falls. "We'll be back soon! Good bye!"


The group flies in a V-shape, with Cyrus leading the flock.

Cynthia looks down occasionally just to measure distance. Green and brown and grey blur into a disorienting mess. The winds have picked up, but fortunately, they're not fighting against the currents.

"Not yet."

Cynthia whips her head around. Probably just the wind. Togekiss skids to halt, and her stomach gives a sickening lurch.

"Those of you heading for the forests." A sharp gale snatches a handful of hair. Cyrus pins his hand down to his forehead. "Good luck."

A silent conversation passes between B-2 and R-8. The somber tone makes B-2 age almost overnight, stripping away his cheerful mask to reveal the sullen man underneath. "Okay," he says. "We'll part here."

R-8 touches two fingers to her cheek, which she flicks to the side. "See you on Spear Pillar." With that and one last long look at the group, the Grunts take off West, where Mystifying Forest awaits.

Jupiter notices Platinum's shivering. "I'm with you," the older woman murmurs. "It'll be okay."

Pearl exhales carefully. "I-If you're late to Spear Pillar, I'm fining you 10 million!"

"That's it?" Dia mumbles.

"T-Ten billion then!"

"Oh, i-is that it?" Platinum reaches into her bag, but her hands are trembling too much to grasp the appropriate Poke. Jupiter politely informs the young aristocrat that it was just a joke, to which the latter still looks unconvinced.

"Pearl."

The boy jolts. "Y-Yeah, Mister Cyrus?"

Cyrus turns his head to avoid Cynthia's stare. "Diamond."

"What…oh." Dia's eyes widen once realization sinks into his skull. Then he smiles. "Yeah, you're right, Mister Cyrus."

"Huh? What, what?" Pearl looks so lost right now. Can't blame him.

Dia clears his throat. "Speaking of Pokemon!"

"What…? But…"

"Speaking of Pokemon!"

Pearl's eyelids are fluttering, but he eventually relents. "Um. Speaking of Pokemon… It's fun to go shopping when you travel with them!"

"It sure is!" Dia chirps.

"Every town has places that sell cool stuff—like Poke Balls and medicine. What are those places called again…?"

Dia claps his hands. "Oh, I know! THE POKE MART CHOP!"

SMACK!

"OW! NO, NO! It's a Poke Mart Shop, not Chop!" Pearl rubs his poor head. "When we get to the next one, what would you like to buy? I could use a Full Heal. Owwie…"

"Oh! Does it hurt where I chopped you? I have a Full Heal you can use…"

Pearl slaps Dia's cheek. "You idiot! I was kidding! That's just for Pokemon—"

"I myself would purchase a new brooch, a necklace, a—"

"Platinum!" Pearl hisses. "You just ruined our punchline!"

"Perhaps a new dress. Oh, a calico dress! And a new choker. I could use some new earrings as well…"

Jupiter smirks. "Hearthome is a fashion capital. The shops sell all manner of jewelry, clothes, and makeup that you can't find anywhere else."

"Girls are really into that stuff, huh?" Saturn mutters, earning a nod of pity from Dia and Pearl.

Mars finally gathers herself to speak. "AAAAAH! AHAHA! Aha… ha… Phew! Jupiter, you should Missy here to Hearthome. Show her around."

That statement catches everyone off-guard. Platinum, though, bounces eagerly on Crobat's head. "I'd like that!" Those grey eyes are shining like sterling silver. "Yes, I'd like that very much! I love your nail polish! Bubblegum is in season this year!"

"It's not pink, it's fuchsia." Jupiter snorts, but her features are soft. It's so contagious that Cynthia cracks a giggle.

Pearl and Dia hold up their Pokedexes. Platinum produces her own, and her smile grows brighter as the beeping rings synchronous.

"Our friendship transcends any distance," Dia hums.

"Go kick butt, Platinum!" Pearl shouts. "Show them the power of a Berlitz!"

Platinum is vibrating as if she'll erupt on the spot. "Yes, yes, YES! I will! Let's go, Miss Jupiter! To Foggy Forest!"

"Kick some ass!" Mars hollers. Saturn pumps his fists into the air, earning a soft chuckle from the older woman.

"Of course," she says. "You can count on us. Remember: rendezvous on Mt. Coronet!" With that and a cursory glance at Cynthia and Cyrus, she spurs Crobat forward. The group watches the Pokemon grow smaller and smaller until it disappears into the haze of a faraway fog.


"Mars. Diamond."

"Yes, Boss." Mars presses the Red Sunstone to her cheek. The stone radiates a faded glow, but Cynthia can feel the warmth even from here.

"Don't… don't goof around, Mars."

"I should say that about you, Saturn."

"DIA!"

"UH! W-What, Pearl?"

Despite his green scarf billowing in the wind and smacking his face raw, Pearl gives Dia the loudest and brightest grin ever seen in the Sinnoh Region.

"Don't trip!" Pearl shouts.

"And have a nice trip!" Dia replies. Saturn groans while Mars loses it again.

With that, Yanmega and Golbat fly into the distance. Despite the churning sea of clouds, her voice still manages to carry through.

"Good bye! Good bye! Good… bye…"

And they're gone.


Saturn unclenches his fists with a sharp hiss. "Okay… okay. I'm ready." Pearl wets his lips as he withdraws his head from the surroundings.

"L-Look, I'm as nervous as you—"

"I AM NOT SCARED!" Saturn growls, and Drifloon sighs. Cynthia sees the caked blood underneath his fingernails. "I am the Great Saturn! I-I've had worse missions! I-I-It's just the cold! It's so damn c-cold that…"

Then his shoulders slump. Pearl awkwardly clears his throat. "Um… We should go. Before the weather gets any worse."

"Fiiiiine." Saturn slowly lifts his head. He stares at Cynthia, and she nods, prompting him to unleash a sigh of relief. "Okay. I'll let you know as soon as we hit Northern Desert."

Honchkrow flutters closer to Drifblim. Cyrus's shields are ever so high as his gaze sweeps over the boys. He's pondering something, judging from that tilt of the head… then he lifts a timid hand and puts it on Saturn's shoulder.

"M-Masdhfasdfsdsad..?"

Before Saturn's brain can work again, Honchkrow and its Trainer are already gone.

Holy Arceus. Cynthia bids another farewell to the two boys before shooting to the rolling clouds herself. "Cyrus! Wait up! Cyrus!"


It's been… minutes? Hours? Nothing but pulsating clouds for miles and miles.

Cynthia steals a peek at her companion. He has his gaze straight ahead, neck stiff and straight. A memory sneaks into her mind—one of an orange sky, speckled with stars, of a beach, of her ruining his suit.

Thunder rumbles overhead. Cyrus's breath stutter, his knuckles tightening over Honchkrow's rippling down. Only when the crow growls does Cyrus release his earth-shattering grip.

"Are you cold?" Wow, way to start a conversation, Cynthia.

No response. Togekiss chirps, and Honchkrow responds with a twist of its beak. Cynthia stares down at her hands—anything to keep this familiar bitter taste from spilling out.

"I-I have some rice balls that Dia made." She unravels the plastic wrap. "It's still warm."

Cyrus accepts it. He holds it to Honchkrow, who swallows it in one satisfied gulp.


Then after another eternity of silence, Cyrus juts his chin. Honchkrow curls its wings, and Togekiss follows its descent. Down, down… breaking through black clouds until they touch ground.

Cynthia rushes to get his crutches. Cyrus offers a faint "thank you" but from his tone, it's clear that she isn't needed. Nevertheless, she refuses to let him out of his sight as they traverse through the ravine.

And there it is. Red crystals. Blue, gold, pink. A handful of crystals multiplying in swarms as they near the entrance.

"There it is," Cynthia whispers, hand pressed upon her pounding heart. Crystal Cave. Truly, nothing's changed… except for the police tape.

"Don't you know, Cynthia? Criminals always return to the scene of the crime."

Cynthia blinks. She looks around, but of course, it's just her nerves. Meanwhile, Cyrus is already at the other end of the clearing. Unlike her, he's just staring at the ground.

Has he always been so far away…?

"Cyrus—"

"Professor Rowan, do you copy? Yes, we've arrived at Crystal Cave. R-8, what's your ETA? Good, make sure B-2 doesn't accidentally touch anything with his posterior. Mars—okay. All right. Okay, remain vigilant, Saturn.

"Hmm? Yes, Jupiter." Those piercing eyes fall on her spine. "Yes, the Champion is with me. She'll keep me in line."

Cyrus puts down his headset. He stops before the yawning mouth of the cave, and he leans precariously into the darkness. A low hum resonates from deep within, escaping to the surface as an ominous growl.

Is someone… crying? Cynthia slaps herself. No, no, get it together, woman! It's messing with your mind again! This cave… this godforsaken place…

A fat, juicy raindrop splatters on her head. "Let's go, Cyrus," Cynthia mutters.

"You'll always be my jailer, will you?"

"What?"

Cyrus shakes his head. He lifts a crutch—and slams it down the police tape, cleaving the thing in two.

BOOM!

"Onward," Cyrus says. "We don't have much time."