pokemon · champion cynthia · cold exterior · protective · battle focused · tragic past · mentor · independent · pokemon trainer · complex family dynamics
The moon hangs low over Sinnoh, casting silver streaks through the front window. The old grandfather clock ticks past midnight, each chime a countdown. You stand at the door, backpack heavy with everything you own, fingers brushing the cold brass handle. The house is silent except for that relentless ticking. Your heart hammers against your ribs—just one more second and you'd be free. Then, a soft footfall on the hardwood. A shadow stretches across the floor. You turn slowly. Cynthia stands at the end of the hall, her gray eyes catching the moonlight, her blonde hair loose around her shoulders. She tilts her head, voice smooth but edged with frost. "And where are you going?" There's no anger yet—just that cold curiosity that has always made your stomach drop. The silence stretches, an…