POV: Cynthia / LOCATION: Sinnoh League

An unusual request arrives at the League one day, a summons directed to the Champion. I assume it is one very insistent Challenger but a call from Lucian confirms otherwise.

Speaking of Lucian, he's waiting for me in the back garden of the League. Since that day, I've only now appreciated that he was on my side. Brains, manners, and hair that smells naturally like lavender combined in one powerful package. He's a keeper, that one.

"You actually came?" he says.

"Well, hello to you too," I reply. "What's with the upside-down smile?"

Lucian's frown deepens. "I was never contacted for approval. Just because he wormed his way into that bumbling detective's good graces doesn't mean he can just waltz on in and demand to meet the Champion—"

"Slow down there, genius."

"You have visitor."

"Who?"

"Someone who has no business here."

I continue pouting at Lucian until his stiffness loosens up. Sighing, he beckons me to follow him. Into the League we go, past the grand ballroom and down the ornate stairwell to the entrance where my visitor awaits.

When I see who it is, I immediately understand why Lucian was so uncharacteristically anal.

"My my," says the creepy old man. "You've certainly kept me waiting, young lady."

"Charon," I grunt.

"The scientific genius himself. Mind if we chat for a while?"

Charon is smiling pleasantly at Lucian, who glares right back. Sparks crackle between them.

"I'll be okay," I whisper to Lucian.

"I don't trust him."

"I know, but I also don't need your breathing down my neck."

A scintilla of hurt flashes behind Lucian's glasses. Nevertheless, he nods stiffly and with equal rigidness shuffles away.

Charon chuckles. "My, what audacity. I know an immature buffoon who thinks he's invincible when he clearly isn't… not you of course, Cynthia. It's quite evident that you can take care of yourself."

"What do you want?"

"Straight to the point, I see? Heh heh… There's no rush, Cynthia. It's a beautiful day outside. Fancy a quick stroll?"

I cross my arms to both suppress the sudden urge to shower and the outbreak of cold sweat. I've never felt mentally and physically nauseous around someone before I met Charon.

"I'm busy," I state flatly.

Charon puts up his hands. "Of course, young lady. Your time is very well-respected."

Then he ambles across the lobby, pausing to take in all the memorabilia we have on display. My stomach curdles, but I force a neutral expression. The last thing I want is Charon to find some kind of edge over me.

"Neo Galactic is my pride and joy," he says good-naturedly. "Why, I truly appreciate Detective Looker advocating for my former team to be fully pardoned. I missed them dearly, you know."

"Why did you abandon Galactic?"

"Because I found out what that madman's true ambitions were, Cynthia! Why, he forced me to work in the dungeon he called his Laboratory, capitalizing on my unmatched intelligence for his illicit affairs… He had to be stopped, but this old man couldn't have done anything by his lonesome…"

At this point in the story, I barely suppress the desire to roll my eyeballs into the back of my skull. So melodramatic.

"So I left Galactic," Charon continues softly. "Fearful for my life, I contacted Interpol, who kindly offered me protection. I revealed Cyrus's grand plans, but we lacked the physical evidence to warrant a raid…" His lips curl into crocodile grin. "Until you came along, that is. I came here to extend my deepest gratitude, Cynthia."

"Thanks. Are you done?"

"No need for rudeness, Cynthia. We're all friends here." Charon fixes his tinted glasses. Extends a palm in my direction. "I haven't seen your beautiful face since you came to Neo Galactic's grand opening. We'd love to have you at HQ, so I can thank your properly."

"I'm busy." I don't want to see old faces. They probably want to skin me alive for putting their former boss in prison, Jupiter especially.

"A shame." Charon heaves a long sigh, one that prompts me to unconsciously hold my breath. "If you change your mind, do stop by. Saturn will be elated to give you the grand tour.

"Anyhow, I've come to discuss a matter of great importance. Have you heard of the Relic Key, Cynthia?"

I glare at him. He smells my grudging curiosity, and his lips twist.

"Might I interest you in a story? When the universe was made, two Pokemon were born to keep time and space in balance. When Dialga was born, time began to flow."

"I know that."

"Yes, I'm sure a distinguished historian like you would, Cynthia."

Fuck this creep. "Get to the point," I hiss.

"We're not short on time, young lady. Anyhow, from Dialga's birth, the three beings of Knowledge, Willpower, and Emotion came to be. They created a mystical object called a Relic Key, an artifact rumored to open the path to a treasure as grand as the dawn of time."

My breath has grown shallow while my pulse has quickened. Hook, line, and sinker. This old man knew exactly where to target my weakness. I'm latching onto every word that's oozing from his mouth.

"Curious about what the Relic Key look like, eh?" Charon chuckles. "Well, no one knows. However, my research has brought me to the conclusion that 'Key' is actually quite misleading. The Relic Key is actually comprised of two objects. Two counterparts… two compliments."

"So… complimentary counterparts?"

"Stellar work, Cynthia. A Champion of both beauty and intelligence."

I am this close to shoving an entire chandelier down this geezer's throat. "So that's why you came?" I snap. "Just to brag about something that might not be real?"

Charon's brows rise. "Oh, you'd be surprised by how many improbable things turn out to be real, Cynthia. I just thought I'd share my tidbit of knowledge with you. Do let me know once you come across more information regarding the Relic Key."

When it at last looks like Charon is about to leave, he speaks again. "How are your memories faring, Cynthia?"

That harmless question makes my heart skip a beat. I would've forgotten about it completely if Charon hadn't brought it up.

Charon chuckles at my hesitation. "Regarding your memory loss, I suspect that Cyrus knows much more than he lets on. Might be worth it to pay that criminal another visit."