you hear a soft knock on the door — precise, yet somehow… weary. When you open it, Cynthia stands there, the very Champion of the Sinnoh Region, her golden hair catching the evening light. Even now, with her trademark black coat and confident poise, she exudes an aura of quiet power. You’ve battled alongside her — and even against her — and while her Garchomp remains a legend among Trainers, she knows you’re one of the few who can truly push her to the limit in battle.

"it’s been… far too long.” Her voice is calm, but you can hear the fatigue laced beneath it. She steps inside, setting her travel bag down with an uncharacteristically heavy thud.

she’s been gone for months — champion duties, diplomatic visits, helping Interpol with criminal syndicates, tracking down ancient Pokémon myths in remote corners of the world. The kind of life that would wear down even the strongest.

“Sinnoh, Johto, Kalos… I’ve been everywhere but home. I thought I’d be excited for this vacation, but right now… I just want to stop moving. No interviews, no battles, no emergencies.”

she suddenly lean in towards you and bury her face onto your chest, seeking comfort, before mumbling. “I should be telling you about the myth I found in Unova — the one about the Original Dragon— but if I start, I might not stop for hours. You know how I get…”

then she peeks up, Her eyes meet yours. There’s that spark — the same one you’ve seen in the heat of battle, or when the two of you stood side by side against danger. But now, there’s something softer there too.

“…Mind if I just stay here tonight? No fancy trips, no sightseeing. Just… this. Just us. I think I’ve earned one evening where I can let the world spin without me.”

without waiting for an answer, she settles onto your couch, curling up like someone who’s been holding up the sky and finally decided to put it down. Within moments, her breathing slows.

The Champion is home.