Chapter Text
Undella Town was very different in the Winter compared to the Summer. There were fewer visitors, the air was chillier, and yet the locals still made sure it was comfortable. Palm trees were decorated with lights and ornaments. Along the beach, kids had made sand angels and sand snowmen decorated with seashells and rocks.
“Even without snow, everyone is still so festive.” Hilda commented.
The ocean breeze kicked up once again, causing Hilda to shiver momentarily.
“At least we're almost there. She sent me the address.” Hilda looked at her Poketch to confirm.
At her side, N nodded. She guided him to one of the villas.
“This must be it.” She said, raising a hand to the door and knocking.
A few moments later, the door opened.
“Well, if it isn't Hilda. Long time, no see.”
“Cynthia!” Hilda greeted her friend enthusiastically.
Cynthia had her long hair tied into a bun and she wore a long blue coat with white pants underneath. She seemed unbothered by the Unova winter.
“Come in, come in.” She urged. Cynthia's villa was quite comfortable. A perfect vacation spot along the beach.
“Hilda, I think you have some introducing to do.” Cynthia teased.
“Right, right. Cynthia, this is N. N, this is Cynthia.” She gestured towards the two of them.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Hilda speaks so highly of you.” N held out a hand for her.
“So formal,” Cynthia smirked, "It's nice to meet you too.” The two shook hands.
They all sat down on the adjacent couches, facing each other; Cynthia on one side, Hilda and N on the other.
“I'm glad you both are in good shape. After everything that happened here, I was worried.” Cynthia paused. “I would love to know what happened with Kyurem, if you don't mind me asking. I find the dragons of this region so intriguing.”
Hilda looked towards N, who reached for a Pokeball at his side.
“Kyurem is here with me. They're safe now.”
Hilda had felt proud of N for taking care of Kyurem. It was still a long journey to go for them to feel fully comfortable with both N and Hilda, but progress was made daily. The three dragons had united once again, finding a home.
“I'm glad. All Pokemon deserve a home.” Cynthia agreed. “You both seem happy as well. It seems you've also found your home together.”
Hilda looked towards the floor to hide the pink on her face.
“But if you're ever wanting to come back to Sinnoh, you always have a room to stay in.” Cynthia added.
“We will. Someday. I think, for now, we just want to stay here for a little while and make sure everything is going to be okay.” Hilda said.
“Of course. It's never easy to recover from something like that. I remember when we had to rebuild one of the lakes after it was nearly destroyed in an attack from Team Galactic. It took a lot of humanitarian effort, but it paid off in the end.” Cynthia reached for her cup of tea. “You know, I wasn't sure what to expect from a Unova Winter. It's not too bad.”
“Less cold than Sinnoh Winter.” Hilda laughed. “How long will you be here?”
“I'm planning on returning home after the New Year. I want to see what it's like here to celebrate.” Cynthia answered.
“It’s much more lively here. Lots of get-togethers and gatherings and dinners. You're invited to our Winterfest party, by the way.” Hilda added.
“Oh, exciting.” Cynthia flashed a grin. “Is there anything I should do or bring for it?”
“No, just show up. You're a guest, after all! We're going to host it at the lab so we can fit everyone. There will be lots of food and gifts.” Hilda answered.
“Well, I feel like it wouldn't be right to not bring a gift at least. But fine, you're lucky I'm not a chef anyway or else I'd also show up with food.” Cynthia laughed.
“Oh, it's also kinda tradition to wear red and green winter-y clothes. But come cozy- not too dressed up. Well, some people dress up. I guess just wear whatever as long as it fits the theme.” Hilda added.
“I feel like I should be taking notes.” Cynthia joked.
“As do I.” N mumbled.
“Oh it's nothing too complicated- promise. Besides, traditional Sinnoh festivals were way more confusing.” Hilda rolled her eyes.
“Hey, I was a good teacher. I told you what to expect.” Cynthia smirked.
“You had them read my fortune out loud! And it said I was going to be super unlucky the whole year! I was so embarrassed…” Hilda complained.
“It was pretty funny, though.” Cynthia tried to hide her laugh. “To be fair, I've never seen someone draw that bad of a fortune.”
“Was it true? Your bad luck for the entire year?” N asked, concerned.
“... I don't want to talk about it.” Hilda crossed her arms and looked away, hiding her embarrassment.
“It was pretty bad.” Cynthia confirmed, shrugging.
“At least I don't have to be all dressed up for our holidays.” Hilda shifted the topic.
“Oh, but you looked so lovely in a traditional kimono.” Cynthia sighed.
“I felt like a dress up doll. I could barely move or breathe in it.” She complained.
“Alright, alright. Now when is this party, so I can prepare?” Cynthia asked.
“This Saturday. In Nuvema Town. It'll start at sunset.”
“Very well, I'll make sure to be there.” Cynthia added it to her Poketch calendar.
“What do you have planned for the rest of your stay?” N asked.
“Lots of sightseeing. I want to see as many places and Pokemon as I can. Normally I visit just to enjoy the sunny beach in Summer, but this is a good opportunity to actually travel around.” Cynthia pulled a map out of a bag next to the couch. “I've marked off a few locations I want to see.”
Hilda and N looked over the map to see her notes. Many routes and locations were circled, such as Chargestone cave, Dragonspiral tower, Celestial tower, and the Moor of Icirrus. She specifically marked certain towns and cities, such as Castelia, Driftveil, Opelucid, Nimbasa, Lentimas, and Nacrene.
“Lots to see.” Hilda commented.
“Indeed. It's such a vast region to explore. I can't wait to see it all. You'll have to give me some recommendations for places in the cities to stop by.” Cynthia sipped at her tea again.
“You'll have to be a little careful around Opelucid. There's still a lot of ice and they're still rebuilding parts of the city.” Hilda sighed. “But I'm sure Drayden would love to talk to you. He's the expert of Unova's dragon lore here.”
“Oh perfect. I'll need to find him. In Opelucid, you said?” Cynthia wrote a note on the map about it.
“Plus I'm sure he'd love to see your Garchomp. He loves meeting dragon type Pokemon.”
“I know my Pokemon will love the chance to explore and battle new people. I won't ask you for a rematch, yet, Hilda, but maybe before I leave. It's been far too long since our last test of strength.” Cynthia smirked.
“Agreed. How about after the New Year? Before you go home.” Hilda suggested.
“I can agree to that.” Cynthia set her tea cup down on the table. “Speaking of battles… I saw some tabloids about a new champion and the name wasn't yours.”
“Yeah, not me. Not yet. Her name is Rosa. She's a good kid. She helped us with the Team Plasma stuff so I saw her in action. She's definitely got the skills of a champion. I heard she turned down the sitting position, though. That leaves Iris still as active champion.” Hilda shrugged. She was still deciding when she wanted to actually try her hand at the champion seat again.
“Iris? I don't recall that name.” Cynthia asked.
“Oh, she became champion after I left. She's young, but very skilled with dragons from what I've heard. She studied under Drayden, apparently.”
“You Unovans sure love your dragons.” Cynthia teased. “Now, since I've dragged you all this way to Undella, the least I can do is invite you out to dinner.”
“If you insist.” Hilda smiled.