#plotposts

Cyrus: "With a glance at our surroundings... We should arrive at Madame Sylvania's castle by noon. It seems Maria traveled further than originally anticipated.”

The Espeon reaches down and carefully picks up the sleeping Sprigatito. They move slower yet more precise than that of Maria previously. After placing Prince on their back, the Espeon glances out to the morning sun before turning to face forward.

Cyrus: "Come now, young Master. We haven't a moment to waste."

((Cyrus has been added to the Character Page and is now available for asks! Maria, on the other hand, is currently unavailable for asks.))

((Pt. 1 of this ask found Here))

Prince: “But yeah, Miss Maria and Mx. Cyrus weren’t always one cool super-guardian.”

Prince: “That was before we moved to Ecruteak, though.”

Prince: “Mina had a hard time coming to visit us in Johto, and Mx. Cyrus had to start traveling for family missions way more often. But, even so, I got to see Miss Maria a lot more! Now, I get to see them both about the same.”

Cyrus keeps their head facing forward, the look of their expression showing a mix of reminiscence and acceptance. Under their breath they whisper in a hushed tone. Perhaps you can even hear a hint of resentment.

Cyrus: “… Though the same cannot be said about Mina, who seems to have abandoned the family almost completely.”

Cyrus: "… A sibling, no. A friend- well, perhaps. Perhaps even more than that... Though I am not certain if the feelings were ever mutual. Maria is indeed someone very important to me. Admittedly, I am not sure I was ever able to say it to her in words.”

Cyrus sits and absentmindedly fiddles with their bracelet.

"Not long after she became a servant for the Matan Family, Maria taught me many things. One of which- that there was more to life than a life of servitude. She once told me:”

Cyrus: “So, yes. Without her around, I would say that everything feels different."

The Espeon runs their paw against the bracelet jewel, though accidentally, and you see it glow a faint purple (again). Cyrus does not seem to notice, and they appear too lost in thought to show any physical emotion. Even so, a warmth from the glow of the jewel shows- perhaps the emotions are still felt.

A savannah of Pokémon and a desert of flora; Brimming with life, Paldea basks in the light of the setting sun.

As the the day comes to an end, much of the life in this region settles in for sound sleeping. Eyelids shut, legs curl up, and wings close in; A wave of darkness crashes over the horizon while a bright full moon glows in the sky above. The peacefulness of the evening star makes way for a night of deep sleep.

However…

Two silhouettes enter the night restless, the dusk a sign of their day just beginning.

Prince: “Miss Maria, slow down!”

They come to a stop, basking in the glowing light from above.

——

Maria: “Haha! Sorry about that. I got a little carried away…! The moonlight feels absolutely beautiful tonight!”

Prince: “Yeah, but I almost fell off. I coulda been Sprigatito Soup!”

Maria: (panting) “You’re right! Heheh, sorry Prince.” 

Prince: “It’s okay. Are we in a rush?”

Maria: “No, I suppose not. We could take our time! How long has it been, anyway?"

Prince: “I dunno. But I wanna see everything again! C'mon, let's go!"

Prince: "Just kidding! ‘Prince’ is just a nickname. My real name is..."

"Lionel Matan! But I would still much rather everyone just called me 'Prince'."

Prince: "When I was younger, I couldn't pronounce my name very well. So I decided to use a name that I could choose! I got the idea for the name from my favorite game I used to play with my older cousin; she liked the idea of the nickname a LOT, and decided to choose one for herself, too. She said that it allows us to choose who we want to be without relying on something we were given. I don't really know what she meant, but-!"

Prince's face grows softer, and he smiles for a moment. He lowers his eyes but still looks to the two new strangers.

Prince: "It meant a lot to me that she liked my idea... Funny, though, her name is Mina, too. Maybe if you see her some day... you can ask her about the name she chose."

The Sprigatito's ears drop a little. He turns his head away after he finishes speaking. It sounds like he has more to say, but this might be a sensitive subject.

((Prince's profile has been updated!))

"Yeah, but Miss Maria is the best when it comes to nighttime traveling! It's a full moon now, so it's pretty bright out. If it were any darker we'd be in some trouble!"

Maria nods and raises her head up to look at the moon in the sky.

"Yes, it is quite fortunate that the full moon was out when we left the mansion earlier. However, the dark is no obstacle to me; I would still be able to see just as well."

Prince nods too, though furiously to show his agreement. Maria looks to the Sprigatito and brings a paw to her chin to think. Looking closer, it seems she's trying to hide a smirk.

Maria: "That goes for me, at least. As to why this little one thinks he can stay up so late past his bedtime... Is simply beyond me!"

Maria: "Did they, now? And how many times did you plead until they said yes?

Prince: "Only, like, three times..."

Maria shakes her head while chuckling under her breath. Prince wobbles a bit in place, barely keeping his head up.

Maria: "If Cyrus said yes, then it is fine for now. But, stay on my back and close to me, understood?"

Prince: "Ehe... Y-yes ma'am...!"

“Is this what Maria put up with all night...?"

Cyrus: "Yes, this is not a new occurrence. As of a few months ago, Maria and I have been in this situation; Sharing a body where I appear early in the morning and switch out roughly eight hours later. It’s not a matter of day and night as much as specific times. However, we are separate individuals. And as far as I have been made aware, neither of us know what happens to the other while we're asleep.”

Cyrus stretches their neck and back again in a very catlike manner. Their tail flicks about slightly as they survey their surroundings a few times over.

Cyrus: "I hope you were not looking for further explanation, as I must disappoint you. Unfortunately, I know very little about what happened- Maria knows more about this than myself.”