Epilogue: Shining Future
Not one thing had changed here. Reverie remained an uninhabitable realm wracked by ruin, Ultra Beasts, and now, neglect. FinVarra’s castle hadn’t been touched since the damage of their battle there, so the structure was falling apart in places from the lack of repairs. The hidden passageway was still functioning however, deepwater path and all.
Lucca stood tall and stared at the rows and rows of frozen Pokémon. He didn’t have the means to free them and the way things were looking, they might stay this way for the rest of time. “I’m sorry I can’t bring you back just yet. But when the world is ready for you, we’ll see if I can let you out.”
His words were slow and solemn. Of course, nothing responded. Not a sound. Strangely, it didn’t sadden him. It didn’t anger him, either. Standing here, he felt determined. As long as these Pokémon were here, the world had eons of potential ahead of it.
…
“Lucca! You are back. How does it look?” Mimia bounced up to him the moment he emerged in the fields. The two shared a quick kiss and began to trek across the grass.
Behind them was deep woodland, while ahead of them were verdant plains filled with flowers. A road had been made leading to the Treasure Coast and even though the walk was short, multiple caravans could be spotted departing and arriving, alongside groups of Pokémon travelling the same road they were. There were ferals tending the nature and teams of explorers and travellers alike everywhere you looked. The world was alive.
“They’re not going anywhere anytime soon. We have nothing to worry about,” Lucca smiled at his partner.
“I know you were not worried, but if something was to happen, we would have to rally everyone again. They would not be happy about that,” Mimia replied.
“Eh, that’s the way things would have to go. They can complain all they want, we have to do what we have to do,” Lucca stated. “Speaking of, have you decided what you’re doing?”
“The house is all done up and the construction workers did not want me around. They believe I should be on holiday,” Mimia grumbled that last part, making Lucca snicker. “I’m going to help you at school.”
“You? Be a teacher too?” Lucca was surprised. They made it to the bridge leading into town, so the noise from chatting Pokémon grew. “Lots of Pokémon will hear your voice, you know.”
“I know. However, it will be a crowning example of the diversity I wish to educate Pokémon on,” Mimia reasoned, and put a paw to his chest. “There are many Pokémon in this world. I hope I can teach others about feral habits and other ways of life I have experienced.”
“You really decided to go with the whole teacher thing, huh?” Azu gave Lucca a shove from behind. “I hope that’s not the real reason you dragged me back here.”
“Azu? How long were you waiting?” Lucca gasped.
“Long enough that I was about to head out. You guys are lucky I spotted you!” she put her hands on her hips. “Honestly though, you’re way in over your head. You didn’t know how shops work, what could you possibly teach other Pokémon?”
“Ack! We’re still not letting that go?” the Brionne slumped. “I told you already, I’m going to teach combat and survival, just like I learnt. I was going to ask you if you wanted to gush about science. If you sign up, Brine’s a shoe-in.”
“Still thinkin’ about yourself, huh?” Azu rolled her eyes. “Brine’s serious about being an ambassador for Pokémon and Undine connections, you know. It’s only been a week and she’s pouring her rewards into the technology teams at Van Aken.”
“Wait, why them? Elise already got a good standing with Feather, right? Communication between Heroica and Van Aken should be fine,” Lucca replied.
“For underwater transport, silly. If Heroicans had the means to visit Undine, things could go a lot smoother. Brine’s too busy to teach fulltime at a school. She’s doing stuff, unlike you,” Azu explained.
“Oof, as blunt as ever, Azu. We cannot do much until the school is built, you know,” Mimia replied gleefully. “I know it is being built around the Citadel, but even that took great damage during the Panzer and FinVarra ordeal. It is going to take some time before it is safe again.”
Lucca sighed. “You don’t think building a school there is a good idea, do you?”
“I’m just yanking your tail. I think it’s a wonderful idea. It’s a great way to turn Treasure Coast into something useful, not just a remnant of whatever Panzer wanted,” Azu smiled. The trio stopped in the street to look up at the half-built colosseum. Scaffolding covered most of it, yet its grandeur remained. “I’ll join you, if I’m allowed to have a new lab. You’re making it a boarding school, right? Something I can live in.”
“That’s a given, sure. As long as you don’t want anything weird in there,” Lucca raised an eyebrow.
“Weird? What do you take me for? You two lovebirds are the ones who need that warning,” Azu put her hands on her hips again.
“Don’t confuse us for Shelly. Him and Ruby are the ones who need the lovebird warning,” Mimia giggled.
“If I’m being really honest, I wanted you close by to help me with… well, this,” Lucca nervously brought a flipper to his forehead.
“You’re still on about the horn?” Azu went half-lidded.
“Of course I still am. I’m worried” Lucca sighed. “Brionne aren’t meant to have horns. Why in the world am I growing one now?”
“Nothing’s happened. Your abilities are still intact, and everyone else has gotten used to it. What’s the problem?” Azu wondered.
Lucca was quiet for a moment, and then directed them into the citadel. A few halls, turns, and slopes later and they reached the living quarters for the couple. Sat on a bedside table was the Armlet of Transmutation covered by a glass bowl.
“I agree with Ruby’s decision to have Alver teach here, but Alver is Alver. If this horn I’m growing is an effect of the armlet, then we know how dangerous it could be. I don’t feel safe with the horn or the armlet. This blasted thing’s been the bane of Heroica all journey,” Lucca dared to reach out for it. “We can’t throw it away and we can’t seem to break it, either. Well, Mimia can’t seem to smash it.”
“You tried to smash it?” Azu was surprised.
“If anyone can get to the bottom of what this thing really is, it’s you,” Lucca turned to her.
“Well it’s Shelly and Ruby, actually. They’re the ones going exploring for ancient ruins. If anyone’s gonna find out about old artefacts in proper, it’s them,” Azu shrugged. “But you’re right, anything involving this thing is bad news. I’ll contact them tomorrow and ask to look for things while I look into it too. I know it’s their journey, but they shouldn’t mind having a little side goal in mind.”
“Thank you. I’ll be able to keep a close eye on Alver to make sure he doesn’t try and steal it. I’ll rest easy for sure,” Lucca smiled. “… What about you? What were you up to?”
Azu turned to the window. “Crystal.”
“Crystal?” Mimia cocked his head.
“Crystal and the knights. And everyone else whose body was borrowed. The Ultra Beasts, too. I refuse to believe they just… vanished,” she clarified. “You went to Reverie, right? Were the beasts still there?”
“The frozen Aska are still there. The same for the beasts that weren’t brought up to Heroica,” Lucca answered.
“We… have our work cut out for us,” Azu slumped.
“Are we really going to spend all the time fretting though?” Mimia bounced between the duo. “We have not seen each other for a week. Azu, you still have not had the ramen here, have you?”
“The ramen? I guess food sounds good right now,” she rubbed the back of her head.
“Do you even have to ask me?” Lucca grinned.
“Careful there, Mimia. This guy could eat a lot of your funds,” Azu teased as they walked back out. Lucca shut the door him them.
“Says you! You still didn’t get me any more marshmallows,” Lucca poked her.
“Why is that my problem now? We’re not dating!” she bounced.
“You still promised,” he pouted.
“Oh- pfft- technically I’m the guest here, you should be getting me a treat!” she argued.
“You ever notice our entire group are gluttons?” Mimia giggled with a paw by his mouth. “We can have a toast over an all you can eat. Here’s to new teachers and new futures!”
Not one thing had changed here. Reverie remained an uninhabitable realm wracked by ruin, Ultra Beasts, and now, neglect. FinVarra’s castle hadn’t been touched since the damage of their battle there, so the structure was falling apart in places from the lack of repairs. The hidden passageway was still functioning however, deepwater path and all.
Lucca stood tall and stared at the rows and rows of frozen Pokémon. He didn’t have the means to free them and the way things were looking, they might stay this way for the rest of time. “I’m sorry I can’t bring you back just yet. But when the world is ready for you, we’ll see if I can let you out.”
His words were slow and solemn. Of course, nothing responded. Not a sound. Strangely, it didn’t sadden him. It didn’t anger him, either. Standing here, he felt determined. As long as these Pokémon were here, the world had eons of potential ahead of it.
…
“Lucca! You are back. How does it look?” Mimia bounced up to him the moment he emerged in the fields. The two shared a quick kiss and began to trek across the grass.
Behind them was deep woodland, while ahead of them were verdant plains filled with flowers. A road had been made leading to the Treasure Coast and even though the walk was short, multiple caravans could be spotted departing and arriving, alongside groups of Pokémon travelling the same road they were. There were ferals tending the nature and teams of explorers and travellers alike everywhere you looked. The world was alive.
“They’re not going anywhere anytime soon. We have nothing to worry about,” Lucca smiled at his partner.
“I know you were not worried, but if something was to happen, we would have to rally everyone again. They would not be happy about that,” Mimia replied.
“Eh, that’s the way things would have to go. They can complain all they want, we have to do what we have to do,” Lucca stated. “Speaking of, have you decided what you’re doing?”
“The house is all done up and the construction workers did not want me around. They believe I should be on holiday,” Mimia grumbled that last part, making Lucca snicker. “I’m going to help you at school.”
“You? Be a teacher too?” Lucca was surprised. They made it to the bridge leading into town, so the noise from chatting Pokémon grew. “Lots of Pokémon will hear your voice, you know.”
“I know. However, it will be a crowning example of the diversity I wish to educate Pokémon on,” Mimia reasoned, and put a paw to his chest. “There are many Pokémon in this world. I hope I can teach others about feral habits and other ways of life I have experienced.”
“You really decided to go with the whole teacher thing, huh?” Azu gave Lucca a shove from behind. “I hope that’s not the real reason you dragged me back here.”
“Azu? How long were you waiting?” Lucca gasped.
“Long enough that I was about to head out. You guys are lucky I spotted you!” she put her hands on her hips. “Honestly though, you’re way in over your head. You didn’t know how shops work, what could you possibly teach other Pokémon?”
“Ack! We’re still not letting that go?” the Brionne slumped. “I told you already, I’m going to teach combat and survival, just like I learnt. I was going to ask you if you wanted to gush about science. If you sign up, Brine’s a shoe-in.”
“Still thinkin’ about yourself, huh?” Azu rolled her eyes. “Brine’s serious about being an ambassador for Pokémon and Undine connections, you know. It’s only been a week and she’s pouring her rewards into the technology teams at Van Aken.”
“Wait, why them? Elise already got a good standing with Feather, right? Communication between Heroica and Van Aken should be fine,” Lucca replied.
“For underwater transport, silly. If Heroicans had the means to visit Undine, things could go a lot smoother. Brine’s too busy to teach fulltime at a school. She’s doing stuff, unlike you,” Azu explained.
“Oof, as blunt as ever, Azu. We cannot do much until the school is built, you know,” Mimia replied gleefully. “I know it is being built around the Citadel, but even that took great damage during the Panzer and FinVarra ordeal. It is going to take some time before it is safe again.”
Lucca sighed. “You don’t think building a school there is a good idea, do you?”
“I’m just yanking your tail. I think it’s a wonderful idea. It’s a great way to turn Treasure Coast into something useful, not just a remnant of whatever Panzer wanted,” Azu smiled. The trio stopped in the street to look up at the half-built colosseum. Scaffolding covered most of it, yet its grandeur remained. “I’ll join you, if I’m allowed to have a new lab. You’re making it a boarding school, right? Something I can live in.”
“That’s a given, sure. As long as you don’t want anything weird in there,” Lucca raised an eyebrow.
“Weird? What do you take me for? You two lovebirds are the ones who need that warning,” Azu put her hands on her hips again.
“Don’t confuse us for Shelly. Him and Ruby are the ones who need the lovebird warning,” Mimia giggled.
“If I’m being really honest, I wanted you close by to help me with… well, this,” Lucca nervously brought a flipper to his forehead.
“You’re still on about the horn?” Azu went half-lidded.
“Of course I still am. I’m worried” Lucca sighed. “Brionne aren’t meant to have horns. Why in the world am I growing one now?”
“Nothing’s happened. Your abilities are still intact, and everyone else has gotten used to it. What’s the problem?” Azu wondered.
Lucca was quiet for a moment, and then directed them into the citadel. A few halls, turns, and slopes later and they reached the living quarters for the couple. Sat on a bedside table was the Armlet of Transmutation covered by a glass bowl.
“I agree with Ruby’s decision to have Alver teach here, but Alver is Alver. If this horn I’m growing is an effect of the armlet, then we know how dangerous it could be. I don’t feel safe with the horn or the armlet. This blasted thing’s been the bane of Heroica all journey,” Lucca dared to reach out for it. “We can’t throw it away and we can’t seem to break it, either. Well, Mimia can’t seem to smash it.”
“You tried to smash it?” Azu was surprised.
“If anyone can get to the bottom of what this thing really is, it’s you,” Lucca turned to her.
“Well it’s Shelly and Ruby, actually. They’re the ones going exploring for ancient ruins. If anyone’s gonna find out about old artefacts in proper, it’s them,” Azu shrugged. “But you’re right, anything involving this thing is bad news. I’ll contact them tomorrow and ask to look for things while I look into it too. I know it’s their journey, but they shouldn’t mind having a little side goal in mind.”
“Thank you. I’ll be able to keep a close eye on Alver to make sure he doesn’t try and steal it. I’ll rest easy for sure,” Lucca smiled. “… What about you? What were you up to?”
Azu turned to the window. “Crystal.”
“Crystal?” Mimia cocked his head.
“Crystal and the knights. And everyone else whose body was borrowed. The Ultra Beasts, too. I refuse to believe they just… vanished,” she clarified. “You went to Reverie, right? Were the beasts still there?”
“The frozen Aska are still there. The same for the beasts that weren’t brought up to Heroica,” Lucca answered.
“We… have our work cut out for us,” Azu slumped.
“Are we really going to spend all the time fretting though?” Mimia bounced between the duo. “We have not seen each other for a week. Azu, you still have not had the ramen here, have you?”
“The ramen? I guess food sounds good right now,” she rubbed the back of her head.
“Do you even have to ask me?” Lucca grinned.
“Careful there, Mimia. This guy could eat a lot of your funds,” Azu teased as they walked back out. Lucca shut the door him them.
“Says you! You still didn’t get me any more marshmallows,” Lucca poked her.
“Why is that my problem now? We’re not dating!” she bounced.
“You still promised,” he pouted.
“Oh- pfft- technically I’m the guest here, you should be getting me a treat!” she argued.
“You ever notice our entire group are gluttons?” Mimia giggled with a paw by his mouth. “We can have a toast over an all you can eat. Here’s to new teachers and new futures!”