Reiko spent so much time trying to persuade everyone that no, she hadn't gone mad and yes, this was a totally sound and plausible plan that it gave Candice and Maylene enough time to arrive. And even with the latter's support, it took a while for agreement to be unanimous.

Then Cynthia presented her idea as to what she thought Maylene's role in their plan should be, and everything went to hell once more. The sun had started going down by the time Candice went from 'This is completely, absolutely ludicrous and I will not stand for it' to 'Well, you have a point, but…' which Reiko took as a sign they were making progress.

"I just… don't understand," said Candice, seemingly deflating. "Are you really intending for Maylene to go into the inside of Mt. Coronet alongside Reiko, only to go up instead of down?"

Maylene placed a steady hand on her girlfriend's shoulder. "Babe…"

"How would that even work!? No offense to you, Reiko, but not all of us are immune to lava!"

Her need to back down and breathe for a moment finally gave the rest of them a chance to get a word in edgewise. It was as though Candice was afraid of letting them speak. Because if this motion came to pass…

"I… share the same doubts as her," Saturn chimed in timidly. "I don't see why this would be necessary."

"Yeah," agreed Lucas. "Isn't Reiko's mission dangerous enough as it is?"

Cynthia waited for everyone to raise their points, nodding quietly at each one, and only when they all fell silent did she take a deep breath and spoke.

"I think we should take a step back and look at the whole plan from afar," she said. "That will help you understand my proposition."

Percy frowned. "What… do you mean?"

As a reply, Cynthia turned ever so slightly to look at Reiko, her expression hard to discern, and spoke. "Tell me about this… ability of yours. When you say you're immune…"

"I mean one-hundred percent immune," nodded Reiko. "It's… all thanks of the shard of Moltres' power I carry with me. As long as even a little ember remains, I cannot be harmed by fire or lava or any kind of heat. My body just… repels it. And when I fully sync with it, I can also absorb it to fuel the power itself, though only to a certain degree."

Back then, I couldn't absorb all of that Charizard's attack, she thought bitterly. That's why Palmer had to…

"That's… incredible." Maylene's amazement brought Reiko back from that dark thought. "I mean, I know bonding with a legendary Pokemon is… a thing. Candice did it too, but…"

"Did you seriously tame Moltres' power all by yourself?" asked Lucas, pure wonder in his voice.

Reiko let out a quiet laugh, a hint of heat rising to her cheeks. She'd never shared this with anyone other than Percy, and while he'd found it amazing too, he wasn't the kind of man to go starry-eyed over… well, anything. This was nice, in comparison.

"Well… yes. It's only a shard of its true power, though, and unlike the legends of Sinnoh, the Winged Mirages are much wilder and less… cognizant, I guess?" She frowned. It wasn't easy to explain. "They're more like the destructive side of nature itself given form. The only reason I could claim its power for myself was because, somewhere deep down, Moltres also considered Cinnabar its home, and what Charon did angered it deeply. Even then… convincing it to come with me wasn't easy." She laughed at that, remembering in every scar across her body what a nightmare that day had been. "I trained myself and my team for a whole year with seven out of the eight Kanto Gym leaders as well as the mediums from Lavender Tower, and I only barely survived that fight. I'm pretty sure Moltres could've turned me to cinders if it'd really wanted to but… I guess it saw something in me. So here we are."

There was silence for a few moments after she finished speaking, and as she looked up she saw amazement –and hints of begrudging respect in Saturn's case– dotting everyone's expressions. Even Cynthia was taken aback, though she was the first to regain her voice.

"I… always knew there was something incredible within you, Reiko, but that is beyond even my previous expectations."

Reiko raised an eyebrow. She honestly didn't know whether to take that as a compliment or… whatever else Cynthia's words could have meant.

"Sure, whatever," she shrugged. "Anyway, why did you ask me about it?"

"Right, yes. I was curious as to how exactly that heat repulsion of yours worked." She grabbed her chin, brow furrowed. "For example, during your fight against that Charizard, were you naked?"

The myriad of emotions that flashed across everyone's faces after she said that were truly priceless. There were a few seconds of a heavy, uncomfortable silence. Then Reiko broke into a sudden, deep laughter.

"Ah… that came out wrong, didn't it?"

It was only then that everyone realized what Cynthia had meant by that. Maylene and Saturn let out similar 'Ohh' while little blushes appeared on Lucas and Candice's faces, the latter scoffing and shaking her head. Percy simply glared at Cynthia and pursed his lips, though it was clear he was trying to hold back laughter.

"To answer your question, no, I was not," said Reiko, still smiling. "That… ability to repel heat extends to whatever I'm wearing too, so I don't have to worry about emerging out of the lava in my birthday suit."

"I see…"

"That's… reassuring," said Lucas, letting out a nervous laugh. "Though…"

"I still don't get what that has to do with Maylene being a part of this plan," complained Candice.

"I'm getting to that," said Cynthia, then turned to Reiko again. "When you say it extends to whatever you're wearing…"

"It includes my Poketch, but not my Pokedex or anything else I might have on me," she said. "Thank Mew Pokeballs are so heat-resistant, honestly. Mine didn't melt even after I absorbed the heat from that Charizard's final attack, though the paint and varnish did burn away."

A glint of excitement showed in Lucas' eyes, and even before he opened his mouth Reiko knew she was about to be lectured to.

"Amazing! That's Sinnohan metallurgy for you!" He smiled and balled his hands into fists. "The metal we use in our Pokeballs is different than the one they use in Kalos and the rest of the world; it's actually an alloy of tungsten and titanium made in the Fuego Ironworks! It boasts the higher melting point of any man-made metal at 3.422 °C and yet it has a low density, making it light enough to carry six of them in your belt! No wonders yours survived mostly unscathed. Even at their most concentrated a Charizard's flame can only reach 3.000 °C!"

Lucas seemed so caught up in his little spiel that he didn't notice everyone had turned to look at him with expressions that seemed to say 'Is this really the time?'. Saturn was the only exception. His little proud smile was hard to miss.

"Though… I wonder now." Lucas held his chin and looked down, frowning. He sounded as though he were talking more to himself than the rest of them. "The metal I used for my own pokeballs is incredibly light, but it actually has a melting point lower than silver. Was that a mistake? Should I have tried to combine it into a different alloy by using–"

"Lucas."

Cynthia's voice brought him back to reality. He looked up at her, then at the rest of them, and then realization and embarrassment dawned on him.

"I don't think the melting point of Pokeballs is a concern for most, so you shouldn't worry. Reiko's case is… rather unique," said Cynthia supportively. "However, I think we should get back to the topic at hand."

"Right! Yes, I–I'm sorry!"

Even Percy couldn't help but crack a smile at that, and behind her girlfriend, Candice's lips quirked up ever so slightly in a gentle, tender way, like a teacher looking at her students.

"Anyway… there you have it," said Reiko. "My Pokeballs could probably survive a trip through the lava, though I dunno if the Pokemon and the electronics inside would. I'd rather not risk it that way."

Cynthia folded her arms and nodded, a smile forming on her lips.

"The fact that you said 'that way' tells me you've thought of another way. I'm guessing we both came to the same conclusion."

Everyone but them and Percy furrowed their brows at that comment. Reiko simply nodded, taking a step back and extending her arm in front of her, eyes closing. There was a flash of light and Flicker materialized in her hand.

"WAH!"

"HOLY SH–!"

"W-what the hell!?"

At any other moment Reiko might have laughed and commented on just how far back the usually unflappable Candice jumped, but Cynthia was right. They really needed to get to the point.

"Right, so…I can kinda call to me and send away this sword with just a thought. It's a whole thing, and also kind of a long story, so don't worry about it."

"T-that's…" muttered Candice, out of words.

Maylene shook her head and let out an incredulous laugh. "Y-yeah sure, teleporting sword, why the fuck not. Must be Tuesday, am I right?"

"In any case," said Cynthia, trying to bring them back on track, "Reiko, I assume you've already tested whether you can send the sword away while tied to something else, then recall it?"

Candice was the first to realize what Cynthia was implying, closely followed by Percy then everyone else.

"Wait!" she said. "You mean…"

"Yeah," said Reiko. "Too bad I'm gonna have to disappoint you. We tried it out with Percy a while back and…"

"We could tie objects up to a certain weight to the sword before sending it away, and they'd still be tied to it when she recalled it," said Percy. "But when we tried to tie something heavy or alive to it, the sword teleported on its own."

"That's part of why I volunteered so quickly for this job. My plan was to put my Pokeballs and whatever else I might need inside a bag, tie it to Flicker and teleport it to me once I'm inside the mountain and a good distance away from the lava." Reiko let out a sigh, looking toward Maylene. "But… sorry. I can't bring Maylene with me that way."

Despite Maylene and everyone else looking disappointed at the news, Candice couldn't contain the relief as it exuded from her eyes and posture. Unfortunately, said relief was short lived, as Cynthia spoke a moment after.

"You needn't worry; there still very much is a way," she said, still smiling. "And what you said just confirmed for me that it can work."

"What?" asked Candice, panicked.

Reiko frowned. "What do you mean?"

Cynthia slipped a hand into her pocket and took out something small and brown; a pebble of rough circular shape with a strange rune carved into it. Reiko recognized it instantly.

"A… Lavender Stone?"

Saturn's eyes flashed at the sight of it. "That's what you used to escape from Genesect during our attack on Celestic."

"Indeed," said Cynthia. "Unfortunately, this is the last one I have, and it alone will not help us in our endeavor. But seeing as the mediums from Lavender tower still owe me from last time I helped them out, I might be able to produce a second one."

Reiko's eyes went wide. She gave a short, energetic nod then leaned slightly toward the stone, a smile on her lips.

"I get it. If you have two of these with the Teleport move in them, one sending and one receiving…"

"You can put one of them inside the bag tied to your sword," nodded Cynthia. "Once you're inside Mt. Coronet, you'd take it out and crush it, and whoever is holding on to the second one would be teleported to your location, bypassing the lava entirely."

"Ah… I gotcha," whispered Maylene. "That's pretty smart."

Candice grit her teeth, a sound halfway between a grunt and a growl rumbling down her throat.

"B-but…" She shook her head. "Why? Why do we have to–!?"

Cynthia raised a hand. "I understand your fear, and your concerns. But there is a reason as to why I've suggested this plan." She placed that hand to the side, palm up. "You see, there's one possibility none of you have accounted for. One which, if realized, might doom us before we even have a chance to do anything."

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Everyone was paying close attention to Cynthia now, as it tended to happen whenever she used that particular tone of voice. Reiko didn't know if it was because seriousness was so rare for her, but it truly was impossible to ignore. Even as a whisper, her voice filled the entirety of the room.

"We've simply assumed that Cyrus and Jupiter will put in place the necessary equipment to create that clone of Mew only once they reach the summit of Mt. Coronet. It is the logical assumption to make, after all… and Cyrus knows that," she said. "So tell me, what's stopping him from only getting ninety percent of the way to the summit before putting that plan in motion? Or eighty, or whatever percent, for that matter? It would slow them down, yes. It might even make them miss the moonless night as a perfect opportunity to conduct their ritual… but then again, it might not. And in return for that risk, they would have Mew's clone ready before any of us could do anything about it."

Reiko couldn't help but gulp at the thought. Memories of her chat with Mewtwo came to mind. That vast, endless ocean of psychic power she'd felt emanating from them… At that moment, there'd been absolutely no doubt that she was standing before the strongest Pokemon in existence.

If she was right and Team Galactic was willing to take that risk… then they were doomed, simple as that. Cynthia and the rest of them fighting together might, might be able to defeat such a beast, but definitely not before it'd bought enough time for Cyrus to enact his plan.

A similar realization seemed to have dawned on the rest, if their expressions were anything to go by.

"That… would be trouble, yes," said Percy. "Saturn, you know Cyrus better than anyone else. Do you think he'd resort to such a tactic?"

Saturn shot Percy a quick, nervous glare, then looked down at the table. "I… it would carry a lot of risk for them. Maybe more than Cyrus is willing to entertain, but…" He swallowed, then gave a short nod. "I know he'll at least consider the possibility."

"Right…" Maylene folded her arms, letting out a sigh. "So my job would be to stop them from doing that, right?"

Candice opened her mouth to protest, but Cynthia was quick to interject.

"Before you say anything, please let me clarify," she said. "My plan is for both Maylene and her Lucario to teleport within Mt. Coronet with the use of a Lavender Stone, which should be just powerful enough to work on the both of them. But rest assured, I do not intend for them to face Team Galactic head on. In short…" She looked down and placed her hands on the map atop the table, pointing at a specific point near the base of the mountain. "…They will simply follow the path Team Galactic did until they get close enough, at which point they will follow closely from behind, monitoring their activity and movements and reporting back to us. That is all."

Candice shook her head slightly. "T-then why don't you–!"

"Because Maylene and Lucario are perfect for the job," Cynthia interjected. "Her Lucario is the mightiest I've met in all my years as a trainer, and Maylene herself is well versed in the practice of sensing aura. They'll be able to pick up the route Team Galactic used without trouble, and even if they left traps or obstacles behind I'm sure they'll be able to bypass them successfully." She then formed and apologetic smile toward Candice. "I'm… sorry. I know it's a lot to ask, not only of Maylene but of you, who will not be able to go with her, but I would have proposed this plan were it not absolutely necessary."

"…I–I…"

Candice stared at Cynthia with a cold ferocity Reiko hadn't seen before in her. Part of her seemed furious that she'd come up with such a plan, the other looked panicked and terrified, like she was waiting for someone to interject, to complain or say something. And after a few long seconds of silence, it was Maylene who did.

"We knew what we were getting into when we accepted the Champion's invitation," she said, placing a hand on Candice's shoulder. "We were ready to lose our jobs if anyone from the Association caught on to what we're doing. And I'm sure everyone here, Cynthia and I especially, are willing to risk our lives if it means stopping the assholes who caused that eruption and leveled so much of our towns."

Saturn shrinked at the sound of that, looking away from everyone, guilt reflected on his face. Reiko frowned. She found it hard in her to not feel sorry for him.

"Maylene's right," she said. "Whether our role in this plan is risky or not, we're all going to do what we can, because if we fail…"

"We'll be doomed regardless," finished Percy.

Candice's scowl held out for a few more seconds, but that was as much as she could muster. Finally, letting out a long, dreary sigh, she took a sudden, wobbly step back and fell upon her chair, shaky hands rising to hold her face, hiding it from view.

"Babe…"

She took five long, deep breaths, and then a tiny, tired smile formed under the fingers hiding her face.

"I should've known from the beginning that you'd never stop worrying me." she whispered, a hint of laughter in her voice. "Dear me… I sure picked one hell of a troublemaker as my girlfriend, didn't I?"

Maylene's shoulders lowered in relief, and a weak smile formed on her lips.

"I thought that was the reason you chose me," she said. "Don't teachers usually find troublemakers endearing?"

Candice laughed. A weak, high-pitched laugh that had more than its fair share of fear and worry woven into it. And yet when she looked up at Maylene from her own hands, the smile on her face was one full of confidence.

"…Very well," she said. "But if this is what you choose to do, I'll have to find a mission of my own to embark on. The last thing I want is to stay here doing nothing and worrying myself sick over you."

The atmosphere seemed to have relaxed somewhat, which Reiko wholly appreciated. She couldn't blame Candice for worrying, of course. Percy himself had spent a good amount of time complaining on her behalf, and she was sure that if either Lucas or Saturn had a similarly dangerous role to play, either would have risen up to argue for the other's safety. Even with the whole world at stake, all six of them still had something more precious to protect.

"I assume you have something in mind?" asked Cynthia. "You told me during your call that you were planning to…"

"I'll meet with Darkrai and Cresselia as soon as I can," confirmed Candice, rising up from her chair again. "I know Cyrus is planning to hold his ritual during a moonless night, but still. Those two owe me a big favor and if there's any way they can repay it while helping us stop Team Galactic, I swear I'll find it."

"That's what I like to hear," smiled Cynthia. "As for you two, Lucas and Saturn…"

She left the question hanging, and it was Lucas who spoke first, Saturn deciding to shoot the Champion a sour glare instead.

"W-we'll try to find a way to stop the Pokeball neutralizer in case Team Galactic gets to activate it," he hurried to say. "And I… I have something that Rowan gave me back at Galactic HQ. It has something to do with his investigation on Pokemon evolution… I think. I'm hoping it'll give me a clue regarding the clone of Mew they're planning to make."

He took a moment to breathe after that hurried rant, and that's when Saturn chimed in.

"I can't say I'm pleased about working alongside or taking orders from you, but I'll do my best to assist him nonetheless," he said, bitterness clear in his voice. "But just to be clear, even if Team Galactic ceases to exist because of our actions, I will never stop opposing you."

Despite what Reiko expected, Cynthia didn't smile or chuckle or told Saturn that she was looking forward to it. Instead, she looked to the side and gave a short nod.

"Got it," she whispered. "Now, Percy… would you be willing to help them in–"

"Actually, I have something else in mind," interrupted the boy, surprising not only Cynthia but Reiko as well. There was that familiar glint in his eyes, one usually accompanied by an idea. "It's something I'll have to talk to Reiko about. I hope that's okay."

"I… yes, of course. We'll be counting on you, whatever you do," she nodded. "And as for me, I'll work on our little… insurance, just in case. It is not usually my style, but I'm afraid we cannot take any risks when it comes to this mission."

Somehow, as soon as she said that last word Reiko knew that Cynthia had finished speaking. There was something about it. Her voice, her cadence. It was as though even the world itself had been closely listening, and now that she had no more to say, the silence that rushed to fill the empty space felt heavier and colder than usual.

The rest seemed to feel the same. A tense, expectant atmosphere filled the room. Without thinking, Reiko moved a hand to take hold of Percy's, and soon saw that both Lucas and Candice had done the same.

"So…" Maylene finally spoke, her voice sounding weak compared to Cynthia's. "When do Reiko and I have to… you know."

"I will communicate with the mediums at Lavender tower right away," replied Cynthia. "However, I estimate it will take some time for the rune to be completed." She looked at both Reiko and Maylene, as well as their respective partners, and smiled. "Use these hours to rest, prepare, and hone your minds and spirits for the trial ahead. But most importantly, spend them with those you care about."

Reiko blinked a few times, and couldn't help but smile herself.

"Everything up to that last part sounded just like you," she said. "But I wasn't expecting the romanticism."

"We all have our hidden sides, I suppose. Now… if you'd excuse me. I need to call Lavender and then have that talk with Riley."

Cynthia standing up was as good a sign as any that their planning had come to an end. There were no more smiles or words of encouragement. No one wanted to break that heavy silence it seemed, but most importantly, Reiko realized as they all went their separate ways, they all wanted some alone time, either amidst themselves or alongside their respective partner.

She couldn't blame them, especially since she still hadn't let go of Percy's hand, nor did she intend to do so anytime soon. Right now, it seemed like the only thing that could hold back the pulsing, jagged anxiety trying to spread from her stomach outwards.

"So…" she finally said, once the two of them were alone in their room. "You said you'd come up with an idea of your own. Mind sharing it with me?"

Percy raised his head from her shoulder slightly and sighed. "Yes… it's more about helping you than anything else, to be honest."

She raised an eyebrow at him, so he explained himself.

"I was thinking… since it's pretty much a guarantee that you'll have to face against Charon and Heatran on your own…" He looked up at her, lips pursed, brows furrowed. "Do you really have that much power left in you?"

Reiko swallowed. Yeah, that was something she'd been trying to avoid thinking about, a fear she'd been trying to swallow, but now…

"I… used a good chunk of Moltres' flame the other night," she told him. "Since I'm pretty much immune to whatever Heatran has to throw at me, I was hoping what power I have left would be enough to deal with it and Charon. 'Cause if not…"

"You'll be trapped in the bowels of Mt. Coronet without your powers, surrounded by a sea of lava," Percy finished the sentence for her. "Yes, I know."

"Y-yeah… that's what I'm hoping won't happen."

"So… you're just relying on hope and determination, as usual." Percy let out a tired sigh and shook his head. "See? This is why you need a boyfriend like me."

Her lips quirked up into a playful smile. "I'm sure I do, for many reasons. But what did you come up with?"

"We… actually came up with it." Percy raised his wrist, showing her the screen of his Poketch, from which Hao was smiling at her mischievously. "We think there's a way you can stop Charon without exhausting your power."

----------------------------------------

Reiko sat alongside Percy on their bed, silent and contemplative, for some time before answering.

"Right… so that's what you had in mind." She held her chin with one hand, fingers brushing against her lips. "I hadn't even thought about that."

"I wouldn't have either, if it weren't for Hao," confessed Percy. "But it does seem odd, doesn't it?"

"Charon's a well-known criminal by now," Hao spoke from within Percy's Poketch. "The Association, the Interpol, pretty much everyone knows who he is. Yet when I try to look up information about his life and past, nothing comes up."

Reiko nodded. "It'd make sense that he'd want that information hidden, if your theory is correct." She sighed and shook her head, a smile on her face. "Gotta say, this is exactly the kinda plan I'd expect you two to come up with."

"I know how… unfulfilling it must sound. Especially with how long you've waited to confront him," said Percy, squeezing her hand with his. "But I'd really rather this mission of yours doesn't get you killed."

Reiko smiled at that, though it didn't extend to her eyes. All that strength and boisterous confidence she'd displayed during their planning seemed to have seeped out of her, Percy noticed. Much like how she'd collapsed that night after using almost all of Moltres' power. But that's just how Reiko was. To all but him, she must have seemed like a woman of burning, endless intensity, yet that couldn't have been more far away from the truth. She had limits, just like anyone else. It's just that he was the only one allowed to see it.

She looked so drained, so… scared, now. Looking at her, it was hard to reconcile her with the image of the flaming avatar of destruction who'd gone toe to toe with that gigantic Charizard, and emerged victorious. Now, all anyone would've seen was a typical girl in her early twenties, albeit one burdened with the weight of a task no one should have imposed on them.

And yet… here they were.

"…It's fine. You have a point."

Reiko stood up from the bed with a bit of difficulty, a yawn leaving her lips as she threw her arms up and stretched.

"I probably would've complained about such an idea a few weeks before. And I'm sure my hotheaded soulmate will bitch and moan plenty once I discuss it with them, but…" She looked over her shoulder at him and shone him a smile as radiant as the sun. "As long as it gets the job done and I can come back to you, what's there to complain about?"

Percy smiled back with ease, feeling a lightness in his stomach. "I'm… glad to hear that. You know I always have full confidence in you but…"

"Yeah. There's no point in unnecessary risks," said Reiko, her smile dropping, expression turning serious. "Palmer and Argenta gave their lives so that we could be here. It wouldn't be right to let that go to waste."

She looked away as she said that, lips twitching down, shoulders lowering. Percy didn't reply. He simply stood up and grabbed Reiko by the arm, pulling her into a tight hug. Normally her firm posture would've made it impossible for someone to move her around like that, but with him she simply let herself go. Her hands closed strongly around him, as though scared of letting him go.

"I'm… guessing if you want your plan to succeed, you won't have much time to waste. Won't even have time to see me off."

Percy pursed his lips against her shoulder. "I'm sorry. For this, I have no choice but to rely on my family's influence. Between that and Hao's help, I should find the information we need. But at least…"

It was hard, but he managed to unhook himself from the hug and took a step back, breathing in deeply. Then, placing his hands on his hips, he looked up at Reiko.

"It won't be like before," he declared. "This time, I will not submit to the will of my father. Instead, I'll take my rightful place as a member of the house Morow and use it to my advantage." He formed a smile eerily similar to Reiko's. "You told me we could make a new family together, and we will. But first, I need to find the place I belong to in my own."

"Heh. I have no doubts you'll come back safely," said Reiko, folding her arms. "Though… make sure to keep an eye on him, Hao."

"Man, you two lovebirds sure can be a pain in the ass," the Rotom's electronic voice came out of Percy's Poketch. "Sure, sure. We'll fulfill our part of the plan. Just make sure you do the same."

"Indeed," said Percy, shooting her an intense glare. "You will come back to me alive, Reiko Chabashira. I will accept no failures on your part."

Reiko rolled her eyes, but she played along and made an exaggerated bow toward him. "As you wish, Percy Morow. Though you might want to get a move on. Kalos ain't exactly across from the street from what I remember."

"Unfortunately, yes. I should–"

They heard the sound of the door being opened. Reiko turned around and reached for her sword instinctively, but she stopped as soon as she saw who'd entered the room.

"I… apologize for the intrusion," said Cynthia, somewhat taken aback by Reiko's reaction. "I hope I haven't interrupted anything."

The tense atmosphere relaxed, but only somewhat. Reiko and Percy exchanged a quick glance, probably thinking the exact same thing.

Why does she look so… pale?

"You didn't, though you still should've knocked," said Reiko, placing her hands on her hips. "Didn't you tell us to savor the last few hours we have? You could've easily found us in a compromising position."

"I'm sorry. I'll keep it in mind for next time."

Reiko raised an eyebrow, confused. It wasn't like Cynthia to let go an opportunity to make a snide comment. What was up with her?

"Well… what do you want?"

"I was hoping… I could talk with you, Reiko," Cynthia replied, then took a step back from the door. "Would you mind?"

As much as Reiko did want to make use of every second she and Percy had left together, she couldn't deny that she was curious. The two of them agreed to meet outside in a few minutes before he departed, and then Reiko accompanied Cynthia out into the living room, where the woman was quick to reach toward one of the chairs and let herself fall upon it.

Reiko didn't fail to notice the way she winced and clutched at her chest.

"Er… is everything alright? You look like you had a heart attack."

Cynthia forced herself to smile. "It's… quite alright. I simply need a moment to rest, but that's not important right now." She took a deep breath, then looked up at her. "I talked with my acquaintances back in Lavender. They'll have the Lavender stone ready by tomorrow evening at the latest."

Reiko felt her stomach drop. Part of her wished she could just go right now instead of having to wait with all this anxiety boiling inside of her, and another part –which she refused to acknowledge– wished the mission could be delayed indefinitely.

"…Gotcha," she said, trying to keep her voice firm. "Then I should get started with the preparations right now."

"That's… not all," said Cynthia, pursing her lips. "There's another reason I wanted to talk to you in private."

Reiko raised an eyebrow. "And… what would that be?"

"I will start working on my part of the plan as soon as possible, but before that… I was planning on attending Palmer and Argenta's memorial tomorrow morning." There's was a slight shake in her voice as she said that. "And… I wanted to know if you'd like to come with me."