The morning sunlight bathed the Butterfly Mansion courtyard in a gentle glow, filtering through wisteria blossoms that trembled softly in the breeze. The day was alive—not with the sounds of battle, but with laughter, music, and the quiet flutter of hearts finally unburdened.
Tharion stood slightly apart, observing as the first couple approached the ceremonial arch. His stance was composed, yet his eyes followed every movement with a rare softness.
The first ceremony was modest, yet brimming with tenderness. Tanjiro's hands were steady, yet his gaze constantly flicked toward Kanao, ensuring she was calm, happy, and safe. Kanao, in her gentle way, reached out and clasped his hands, her expression filled with a quiet courage she had learned to claim.
Tharion's lips curved faintly. So this is what peace feels like, he thought. Watching Tanjiro stand tall not as a swordsman, but as a man who could now love freely, something inside him stirred—a reminder of the life he had fought to protect.
Next, Zenitsu and Nezuko took their vows. The crowd chuckled softly at Zenitsu's over-the-top declarations of devotion, but his sincerity shone through. Nezuko's laughter was like a bell, light and musical, resonating deep in Tharion's chest. He found himself smiling openly this time, a rare moment of unguarded joy.
He stepped closer instinctively, as if to shield them from the faintest shadow of their past battles. But all that lingered now was warmth.
The love between Obanai and Mitsuri unfolded next. Mitsuri's energy was infectious, and Obanai's usually stern demeanor softened entirely in her presence. Tharion's eyes lingered on them longer than the others. The way they leaned into one another, trusting and unafraid, reminded him that life could be rebuilt even after endless carnage.
Inosuke and Aoi were next, the perfect blend of chaos and calm. Inosuke barked and shouted as he swore his vows, and Aoi scolded him at every turn—but their hands never parted. Tharion found himself chuckling quietly. Even he, the warrior who had seen worlds burn, could recognize the simple beauty of a love forged in honesty and resilience.
Finally, Giyu and Shinobu. The quietest of the unions, yet the most profound. Their eyes spoke volumes—of respect, of unspoken gratitude, of shared burdens finally lifted. Tharion's gaze softened, almost reverent. Even those who carry the heaviest weight deserve peace.
As the last ceremony concluded, a hush fell over the courtyard. Tharion's head lifted as a soft, ethereal voice filled his mind.
"Brother… please come soon."
The system pinged faintly in response:
[Mission Update] – All assigned objectives completed. Time to return to origin timeline.]
Tharion exhaled slowly, looking around at the smiles, the laughter, the new lives flourishing before him. His hands tightened around his sword for a brief moment, then released.
He approached Tanjiro, kneeling slightly. "Take this back," he said, holding the sword carefully. "To the swordsmith chief. And… I'm sorry for taking it without permission. I had no choice. I needed to be ready for what came… for my sister."
Tanjiro's eyes widened, and he nodded, understanding without question.
Tharion rose, taking a slow, deliberate step toward the path leading out of the courtyard. Everyone's eyes turned toward him. Murmurs of gratitude and farewells rose, but he held a calm, steady presence.
"I have to go," he said, voice soft but unwavering. "Live well, protect each other, and honor the peace we fought for. This world… your world… will always have my respect."
He began walking toward the distant mountains beyond the Mansion. The wind brushed his haori, carrying the scent of wisteria and earth. With every step, the energy of the gods shimmered faintly around him.
And then—without fanfare, without announcement—he vanished from sight.
Tharion opened his eyes to a familiar sight: the sun glinting off the mountain peak outside his villa, the soft rustle of trees and the gentle sound of water flowing nearby. His villa, with its vast 250-acre garden of Pokémon habitats, stretched out around him.
He rose slowly, feeling the calm yet vibrant energy of his world—a world of small, innocent Pokémon, of Nina safely exploring, of life continuing in quiet, purposeful harmony.
A notification appeared:
[System] – Welcome back. All timelines stabilized. Current focus: nurturing and preparing your ward, Nina.]
Tharion allowed himself a rare, unguarded smile.
He had returned home.