The Pantheon

Beach Day

I apologize for the lack of updates on this story over the past couple of months. Between sudden bursts of inspiration for other fics, work commitments, and the general chaos that always comes with the end of the year, my time and focus were pulled in several directions. Thank you for your patience and continued support—it truly means a lot. Happy New Year, and I hope you all enjoy this update.

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Ashley stretched out on the sun lounger, one arm draped lazily over the side, the other folded behind her head. The red-and-white kimono she'd chosen for the beach was light enough that the breeze kept slipping under it, cool against her legs. Her sunglasses sat low on her nose, dark lenses hiding the fact that she wasn't actually asleep, just enjoying a day of relaxation.

Diana was completely out. The shiny Rowlet had tucked herself right into Ashley's hair, round and warm and softly snoring in that tiny, breathy way that made Ashley fight the urge to laugh every time she felt it. She tilted her head just a little, careful not to disturb her.

"Living the dream, huh," Ashley murmured under her breath.

Vulcan huffed quietly at her side, stretched out and soaking up the heat like it was his job. His tail flicked once, lazily, when a breeze kicked up. On the other side, Proserpina leaned against the chair, petals relaxed, her scent faint and sweet in the warm air. Every so often, one of her leaves brushed Ashley's wrist, but she didn't bother moving it away.

Chione and Pluto were tucked away in their Poké Balls, both of them having decided earlier that sand was beneath their dignity. Ashley hadn't argued, some Pokémon were beach types, some were not, and she'd learned to respect that early.

Janus was still gone, supposedly on a shaved ice run, which Ashley was choosing to believe without questioning too deeply. It was better for her blood pressure that way.

Out over the water, Mars and Apollo were making lazy loops through the sky. Mars dipped low once, skimming close enough to the sea that his reflection rippled alongside him, while Apollo stayed higher, wide wings cutting clean arcs through the blue. They looked comfortable together up there, in synch which made Ashley immensely proud of her Pokémon.

Neptune let out a low, content sound as a wave carried him closer to shore. Venus swam beside him, smooth and effortless, her movements so calm it almost made Ashley feel calmer just watching her. Mercury was perched on Neptune's back like using him as a surfboard was the most normal thing in the world, sparks snapping faintly in the sunlight every time he laughed at a wave splashing too high.

Ashley smiled to herself, she loved seeing her Pantheon so relaxed and carefree. It made all the training and PR worth it. She shifted slightly, adjusting her sunglasses, as a shadow passed over her face as Mars swooped low again, and Ashley lifted one hand in a lazy wave. "Don't start another storm," she called out, voice easy. "I'm off duty."

Apollo's laugh echoed faintly as he banked away, and Ashley snorted. Figures.

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the sounds blend together—the surf, the distant city, Vulcan's steady breathing, Mercury whooping when Neptune caught a bigger wave. Diana shifted in her sleep, tiny talons tightening in Ashley's hair. Ashley reached up and steadied her without opening her eyes. "Yeah, yeah," she murmured. "I know, I make a great pillow. But be careful with those talons, baby girl."

The sun warmed her face, and she let herself enjoy it until she heard footsteps before she really registered them, the soft crunch of sand close by. When she opened her eyes and looked up, she saw a woman standing a few steps away with two girls at her side, looking adorable as they held hands.