Astral Genealogy: Shadows of Etheria

An epilogue: what next?

"We started with the restoration of the damaged towns and villages. Everywhere that was attacked by the spectres or damaged during the war is being repaired, with priority given to the Pokémon's homes," Ariala said, walking a little behind Rune. "The restoration is going pretty smoothly. It's like the areas where we would normally harvest materials have restocked themselves, so we have plenty to work with."

Rune couldn't help but snicker, keeping his hands tucked behind his head. His head fur was messier than before, but all of it was flung back and went down to shoulder length. "That's the Tapu's reprieve for you. Gifts and blessings galore, all without a lousy devout in sight."

"Rune, don't say something like that," she said. "There are many Pokémon who would still prefer to keep their faith in the Tapu. They taught us many respectable values and ideals to live by. We can't just change that way of life."

"I know I know. It's no different here," he said. He habitually scratched a tree as he passed it. Woodland surrounded them on all sides and the suns rays shone through the leaves overhead to keep the forest floor well lit. Even that was rather soft and pleasant, as if well curated by a gardener – some plants and mushrooms were growing here and there amongst the roots of the trees. Everything was colourful and natural. "Any news on you know who?"

"We haven't heard from Master Lin, if that is who you mean. He returned to the Stardust Treasury, but activity there has gone... quiet, to put it simply. I wish to believe he won't try anything again, but I'm yet to visit and investigate for myself," she said. She slumped forward a bit and her stomach growled, making her partner giggle again. "Is there a particular reason you asked me to come out like this? I haven't eaten breakfast."

"Because it's pretty bad that we haven't ever had breakfast together or anything. I think so, anyway. You becoming queen just pushed me all the more to organize the occasion."

"That's- Queen Magearna is still the one giving the orders, you know. She has stepped down, but she's still to guide my activity. And if you wanted us to eat together, why bring me to... wherever we're going?"

"Because I wanted to surprise you. Ah, here we are," he said, coming to a stop just as they breached the woodland. A short hill below let them overlook a large facility built of pretty white metal, similar to the buildings of Faernia. A colourful field of corn and berries was fenced in around the facility, and not a Pokémon was in sight. "There. That down there. You wouldn't believe what that is."

"It's a field. We have those all over Faernia," she said.

"... I should've said you wouldn't believe what that used to be. That was once one of our breeding grounds. It's now a farm where Pokémon are paid to grow and harvest berries, which they then get to sell to all the nearby habitats." He put his hands on his hips.

"Wait, when did we get on an airship? We're on Eris right now?" Ariala glanced back at the forest. There were a few Pidgey, Spearow, Foonguss, Caterpie, and other shy, forested Pokémon spying on them. Many hid when she looked back at them.

"We're on Eris right now. That's right: in the span of three months, we've got farms, forests, sunlight, wind, the whole mess. So er, let's hurry up and go take our pick, huh? What do you fancy?" he said.

"That's- Rune, I appreciate it, I really do, but please do not neglect to tell me all the details. How did we get here? And how in the world are you coping?" she said.

"We got here via a makeshift bridge that was built to go between the two planets. It uses Magnagate technology, warping Pokémon to and fro with ease. That way we can get carriages and stuff through. It's so seamless that you didn't even notice we'd gone through it," Rune said, and tucked his arms behind his head. "As for how we're coping with all the changes... the same way the Faernians cope? There really isn't much else to it."