Tharion stepped out onto the balcony of his villa, the crisp mountain air filling his lungs. The garden below stretched endlessly—lush forests, winding streams, type-specific zones, all teeming with life. For a brief moment, he simply breathed, letting the familiar scents of pine, earth, and wildflowers settle his mind.
Then he saw her.
Nina was standing near the Electric Zone, her small figure framed by the golden rays of the morning sun. Her Luxio padded faithfully beside her, ears perked, tail flicking nervously as if it sensed something long-awaited. But her eyes—those bright, curious eyes—were fixed toward the villa, searching.
The moment she saw him, her face lit up in a radiant smile. She dropped the Pokéball she had been examining and ran toward him, the garden's soft grass cushioning her small, eager steps.
"Tharion!" she called, her voice echoing over the lawn.
Tharion's lips quirked upward, the corners of his mouth finally softening after months of unrelenting battles. He knelt slightly to meet her eyes, allowing her to close the distance quickly.
"I… missed you," Nina said softly, her small hands clutching his coat. "I kept waiting, but I thought… maybe you wouldn't come back so soon."
Tharion chuckled quietly, the sound deep and reassuring. He rested his hand gently on her head. "I promised I'd return," he said. "I never break my word."
Luxio circled around them, brushing against Tharion's legs and letting out a small, approving growl. The other Pokémon in the nearby garden zones—Piplup in the Water Zone, Budew in the Grass Zone, and a cluster of Eevee in the Forest Zone—watched with curiosity and interest, some chirping or bouncing in greeting.
"I see you've been busy," Tharion said, his gaze scanning the garden. "How's training been?"
Nina beamed, stepping back just enough to gesture toward the small course she had been practicing on with Luxio. "I've been learning, and Luxio has been helping me a lot! I can handle moves better now. And the other Pokémon… they all like me here!" Her chest swelled with pride, but there was a flicker of vulnerability. "But… I missed you. It felt empty without you."
Tharion's expression softened further. He bent down, fixing her hair gently. "I missed you too," he admitted. "Two days may seem short to me, but I can see how much it matters to you."
He glanced around at the garden's zones, the Pokémon bustling around, adapting to the little trainer who had already begun leaving her mark on the sanctuary. The sight brought a rare sense of pride, but also a cautious reminder of the responsibilities awaiting him.
"You're growing stronger every day," he said. "Soon, you'll be ready for challenges I can't shield you from entirely—but I'll always be here, watching, guiding."
Nina's face brightened at the promise, and Luxio purred in agreement, nudging her toward Tharion as if reinforcing the bond between them.
Tharion straightened, taking in the full view of his villa, the Pokémon garden, and his ward now brimming with confidence. For the first time since returning from the Demon Slayer world, he allowed himself a moment of ease.
He had come back home.And this garden—his sanctuary, their shared world—was alive again with hope, growth, and the quiet beginnings of a new adventure.
Tharion stepped back slightly, letting his gaze sweep across the garden. Nina's small figure, Luxio faithfully by her side, ran through a small agility course he had set up, her laughter ringing through the air.
A thought settled in his mind, heavy but necessary. She deserves everything. The best trainers, the best facilities, the strongest Pokémon to train with, knowledge from all over the world… But to provide that, I need influence. Recognition. Fame in this world.
He clenched his fist lightly. "I can't just let her grow here in isolation. She'll be strong, yes… but she deserves more. And for that… I have to step beyond these mountains."
As he pondered the logistics, a sudden shimmer of light caught his eye. Mew floated down from the trees, landing gracefully before him, its large, curious eyes fixed on Tharion.
A soft chime-like voice echoed in his mind, unmistakably Mew's.
He crouched slightly, tilting his head. So, it's you again. You've been watching.
Mew's tail flicked lightly, and it tilted its head as if asking silently. Then the thought crystalized in Tharion's mind:
"Do you wish to come with me on a journey?"
Tharion studied the tiny, yet radiant Pokémon. Its energy was unlike anything else in this world—pure, ancient, and perceptive. A hint of a smile formed on his face.
"I do," he murmured softly. "I'll need guidance… and perhaps someone to show me the paths I cannot see yet. But you… you're different from the others. You've chosen to appear at the right time."
Mew chirped, almost in acknowledgment, its aura glimmering as though it understood. For a fleeting moment, Tharion allowed himself to imagine the possibilities: traveling beyond the mountains, gathering resources, connecting with other trainers, building an environment where Nina could truly thrive.
His hand reached out instinctively, hovering over Mew's soft form. "Then… you'll come with me. Together, we'll make sure Nina's future is everything she deserves."
The tiny Pokémon floated closer, brushing against his hand in a silent pact. The wind carried the faint, playful laugh of Nina in the distance, and Tharion allowed himself to feel the warmth of purpose again.
The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time since returning, he felt it clearly: he was no longer just a guardian; he was a provider, a guide, and soon, a legend in his own right.
Mew twirled in the air before landing lightly beside him, signaling that the journey would begin soon—but for now, the mountain sanctuary remained their peaceful home, brimming with life, laughter, and the promise of growth.