It was once again a grim morning for Shauntal. However, unlike Unova, she had someone at her side to give her support during a heart-wrenching event. As she approached the Lost Tower with Lucian, she realized that there weren't as many people coming to this funeral as the one for her grandfather. She could feel Lucian give her hand a supportive squeeze, reassuring her that she wasn't doing this on her own.
As instructed, she made her way to the third floor, only to see that just three other people were near an open grave. There were all of six chairs were placed around the new grave and a familiar face stood near the chairs. A woman with bright lavender hair and matching hair spoke to her Mismagius.
Lucian had to do a double take as a small smile crept over his lips, "Fantina?"
The elegant woman turned as she gave Lucian a curtsy, "Oh Lucian, Bonjour mon cher ami. I was unaware you would be in attendance this morning."
He gave a nod, "I could say the same about you."
"Oh, 'tis be but a simple answer, friend. The woman we are remembering this morning has quite the influence in the art division in so many historical sights in Kalos, my beloved home region. It would only be appropriate if I paid my respects to a talented woman who danced with her heart and soul within her paintings." she turns to Shauntal, her expression becoming somber for her fellow ghost-type trainer. "You have my deepest sympathies, my dear. Shall we say a word to your family together?"
Fantina held a hand out to Shauntal. The young novelist turns to Lucian, lifting her hand he held to his lips for a brief moment.
"Go on. I can wait here for you."
Giving a nod, Shauntal released Lucian and took the hand that was offered to her by Fantina. As the ghostly pair walked together, Shauntal kept her gaze downward. She had no idea how much of a big deal her grandmother was to other trainers in her field, let alone in Kalos.
As they reached the grave, Fantina turns to Shauntal, "Would you care to go first? I am sure she would be delighted to hear from you."
Releasing the other ghost trainer's hand, she placed a hand on the tombstone in front of her.
"What do you say to someone who has barely spoken to you in your own lifetime? I've had only a handful of conversations with the woman and I feel like I barely know her, save from what little details I could recall my father telling me and what's known to the public. I know she approved of my writing, but past that? I don't know her very well." she took a deep breath, closing her eyes, " I wish I could've had a chance to introduce you to Lucian, Gran. He's the best thing that's happened to me since meeting my beloved Litwick. I hope you are at peace.."
Fantia claps her hands softly, nodding with approval, "Bravo, Shauntal. I am sure she would be delighted to hear such a heartfelt speech."
Shauntal removes her hand from the gravestone as Fantina removes a small hairpin from the left side of her head and sets it in the grass. The pin was a small Huanter clip that usually held her back left bun in place.
"When I was a little one, I had the honor of meeting her during one of her art galleries. She told me that she saw a bright future in my eyes and to never turn away my passion for dance. I suspect she had a talent for knowing what others didn't say, as she knew the struggles I dealt with at home. So few believed that I would go far with my love for dance and here I am - a professional dancer and promoter for contests with so many beautiful Pokemon." A small smile crept over her lips, "Before we parted ways, she gave me this pin to keep loose strands away from my eyes and gifted me words of wisdom. 'Don't let the little things stop you from reaching your dreams.'"
A soft sigh slips from Fantina, "She was such a brilliant woman. How she will be missed..."
She looks to the left, noting that there was a gentleman in a suit holding a package wrapped in delicate wrapping paper.
"Were you expecting someone to give you something today?"
Shauntal nods, "Yes, though I was never told what it was."
Fantina taps her cheek for a moment before beckoning him to come closer. No need to have the man wait longer than necessary. As the businessman came closer, Shauntal calls for Lucian to rejoin her.
Once Lucian is at her side, he places a hand on her lower back to silently let her know that he was there to give her support. Shauntal leans into her fiance, as the other gentleman gives a light bow of his head to the three of them.
"Good morning madam. My condolences for your loss. I know today is an emotional day for you but it was clearly stated in your grandmother's will that this letter and painting be delivered to you before your wedding."
Shauntal turns to Lucian as they share a look. Something seemed off about that. She turns back to the other as she retrieved the letter first. Shauntal opened the letter and held it out just enough for Lucian to read it with her.
" 'To my dearest Shauntal,
Upon the day that you read this, I will no longer be here. However, know that even though I am not there in person, I will always be watching over you. I must confess, whilst I still have energy in my old bones, that I have not been completely truthful with you. I have the gift, or as many would consider the curse, of foresight. All of my art has been inspired by my psychic abilities. I have known many things that I did nothing to change. However, that doesn't mean I didn't take advantage of them to a small degree.
In the frame that will be presented to you with this letter is my gift to you and your betrothed. I have known for a year now that you were bound to marry another Elite, one with a talent far more useful and precious than seeing the future or painting history.
The ability to love you completely and entirely, the way you deserve.
You have my blessing for your marriage and I pray that your future days will be blessed.
With all the love,
Gran.' "
Shauntal had to take a deep breath, closing her eyes as she batted away tears from her eyes. This was so much to take in. She carefully reached for the frame and opened the wrapping. Once it was off, Shauntal couldn't hold back her tears.
The painting held the most romantic sight she had ever seen. In a style that she knew all too well to be her grandmother's signature, glass-like shaped pieces were painted together to show an image of Lucian and Shauntal holding hands, foreheads touching as an Umbreon sat at her feet and his Espeon at his. In the distance, there was a sunrise chasing away a starry sky in a grassy field.
"Oh my. . .! What a beautiful painting!" Fantina proclaimed.
Lucian leans into Shauntal, rubbing her back, "It seems your grandmother knew how much I love you before I did." He gives her cheek a soft kiss, "Would you like to have the painting included in the ceremony for the wedding?"
Shauntal's eyes go wide for a moment, quickly turning to Lucian, "Y-you wouldn't mind?"
"Of course not. Such a masterpiece would be wasted if we didn't at least show the world the last painting your grandmother painted."
"That..would be wonderful. Thank you."
Shauntal then carefully took hold of the painting before thanking the gentleman for it and saying her goodbyes to Fantina. After escorting her out of the tower, he teleports the two of them back to his home, where they could find a temporary home for the painting before the wedding.
