The Garden shimmered with morning dew, every petal bowing under the weight of light. In its center stood a being of rare grace—Diancie, the Jewel Pokémon—now gently embraced by the rhythm of peace she had never known.
Surrounded by a cluster of her devoted Carbink, she glided over the mossy floor with hesitant awe. Her crystal-draped gown shimmered as Roserade stepped forward, offering a slow nod of approval.
"I was born to rule," Diancie murmured, "but this place… it asks only that I live."
Tharion stood beside Nina, arms crossed, observing with quiet pride.
"You're safe now," he said.
Diancie bowed her head. "Then I will give this sanctuary my strength. The light within me… is now the Garden's."
Even the Carbink cheered softly, rolling about like small stars.
The following days passed in harmony.
Diancie helped Roserade accelerate the healing of thorny plants. She carved glowing stones to light the tunnels for the nocturnal Pokémon. And with Nina, she danced—guiding the child through spinning, dodging, and finding inner balance. Her crystal clones created illusions Nina had to navigate, and Shinx barked with playful jealousy each time she stumbled into one.
"You're improving," Tharion told Nina one evening.
Nina giggled, flushed with sweat but glowing with joy. "Shinx says I'll beat her in a real fight someday."
"Then I'll pray for Shinx," Tharion replied with a rare, warm smile.
But that moment of light didn't last.
Because the System spoke.
[MISSION ALERT: CLASS-A – CRITICAL INTERVENTION]
Target: Kyojuro Rengoku
Timeline Branch: Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc
Risk Level: TERMINAL (Fatal Event Approaching)
Assignment: Prevent death. Preserve flame. Ensure Akaza flees.
Combat Upgrade Authorized: [Sun Breathing – All Thirteen Forms]
Mission Lock-in: 48 Hours
Note: Akaza must not be slain. Terror must eclipse his pride.
Tharion's eyes widened, his breath catching mid-inhale.
[Installing Combat Data...]
…Sun Breathing Form I: Dance…Form II: Clear Blue Sky…Form XIII: Flame Dance Continuum
[Compatibility: High – Sync Level 92%]
"You were chosen for this," the System whispered. "Let the flame live."
Tharion clenched his fists as warmth—not burning, but radiant like a rising sun—pulsed through his veins.
The name Rengoku echoed in his mind.
A man who smiled through pain. Who stood unmoving against despair.A man not meant to die that day.Not anymore.
That night, Tharion stood atop the mountain ridge overlooking the sanctuary. The moon painted silver on the trees, and wind whispered among the leaves.
Nina sat by a sleeping Shinx, hugging Diancie like a teddy bear, watching the stars.
Below them, the Garden was alive. Safe.
He had to keep it that way.
"I'm leaving again," Tharion whispered, speaking not to anyone, but to the Garden itself.
The Pokémon stirred, some perking their ears, others raising their heads.
They understood.
Because when Tharion fought, it wasn't for conquest.
It was always for someone.
[43 Hours until Departure][Prepare mentally and spiritually][Sunlight waits for no one.]
As the countdown began, and the legacy of a flame drew nearer to death, Tharion's eyes gleamed with purpose.
He would become the terror that demons feared.
He would protect Rengoku.
And Akaza…Akaza would never forget the light that nearly burned away his soul.