[Edit] So apparently... I don't even know, actually. Something went wacky. My post disappeared. Sorry, guys. I reedited everything that was requested, but, other than that, it's the same.... sorry...[Edit]
Well, I’m just warning you guys ahead of time, this post is RIDICULOUSLY LONG. IT IS TWENTY ONE PAGES, GUYS. COOL, RIGHT? I figured I’d make up for the past uhhh twenty-two days I’ve been uninvolved OH MY GOD, I’M SO SORRY GAH. So, without further ado, I present to you Ewan’s next post.
Which includes more people than usual YAAAAY
And is kind of divided [by clouds] into four sections
And started off good but ended up kind of suckishly due to my laziness (God, I’m a horrible person.... sorry...)
Anywho... I hope you enjoy it anyway!!! <3
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Featured in Post: Ewan, Tristyn, Tanner, Mist, Chandacy, Raimundo, Glyph, Sneari, Krory
Mentioned: Estelle
Time: Before and during “Mixed Feelings” & “Searching”
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Ewan
Hot water poured down my body, washing away the layers of dirt that had accumulated there. Despite the intense heat, I didn’t move, didn’t shift. I stayed still, letting the liquid cleanse me of my filth and negativity.
That’s working real well, isn’t it?
Biting my lip, I ignored the voice. Instead of submitting to its wishes, I reached for the bar of soap, cradling it in my hands. How long’s it been since I even used this? I’m surprised none of the others have commented on my... presentation.
Timid, I lathered it up, using a simple cloth to catch the suds. Then, I set to work.
After of ten minutes of scrubbing, at least a dozen layers of skin had vanished, leaving behind a tender surface of smooth dermis.
Living in the forest for years on end limited one’s availability to a proper bath; sometimes, the creek just didn’t cut it.
I wouldn’t give up this shower for the world, now that I had access to it whenever I wished.
A pang of guilt rang through me. I don’t even know who owns this place. How am I to know I’m welcome? How do I expect to pay them back? Utilities, food. There’s no way I can ever return the favor.
Speaking of food, I still hadn’t made it to the kitchen. I’d be lucky if I could even find it. Chandacy had allowed me to leave her side once she mentioned most of the rooms having their own bathrooms.
She probably thought I was insane for being so excited, but she hadn’t been forced to endure a life without such commodities.
With a sigh, I reluctantly shut the water off, finding myself enveloped by a chill in a matter of seconds. Shivers wracking my body, I clambered out of the tub, snatching the closest towel. As I wrapped it around myself, fighting the urge to return to the steamy downpour, I found my mind wandering. I’m so thankful the bathroom is attached to my room. How wretched it’d be if my first encounter with someone was...
A strange sensation crept up my spine as if something was out of the ordinary... As if... someone was watching me.
Trying to keep my heart under control, I turned around, a tight grip on the towel.
In the doorway stood a rather thin man, alabaster feathers fanning out in either direction in the form of incredible wings. With an intense stare, one eye a handsome cerulean and the other a shade of crimson, he watched me, legs crossed casually.
For a few unbearable moments, he didn’t move, didn’t speak. SEXUAL TENSION. OH ARCEUS I’M SORRY. Finally offering a smile and nod combo, he called, “Hey.”
... Is he.... is he serious?
I swallowed. “Uh... h-hey...” The longer he kept up his unwavering gaze, the hotter I could sense my cheeks becoming.
He pushed off the wall, moving toward me without even a sliver of hesitation. Eyes wide, I stumbled back a step, ramming into the wall. Stifling a laugh, he shook his head. “I’m not going to hurt you, dude. I’m Tristyn. The Togekiss.” Winking, he blew a kiss in my direction as if to emphasize his title. “What’re you?”
“Um... I...” I licked my lips, flustered with the situation. “I’m a...” I stopped trying.
Hands raised, he sighed. “You don’t have to tell me. It won’t hurt my feelings. I won’t be offended. Much.” Says the guy who barges in on others while they’re in the shower...
“I’m an Eevee.” The words were out of my mouth before I could realize it. His face lit up as he bounded forward.
“You’re one of those shinies, aren’t you?” he jested, prodding my damp, silver ears. They twitched at his touch. “I’ve never met one before.” For a few seconds, he seemed to sober. “You and me? We’re going to be good friends.” Don’t I get a say in the matter?? “But I never caught your name.”
That’s because I never told you.
I sighed. Might as well get all the formalities out of the way. “I’m E-... I mean, I’m Lucas.” You really should practice this; it’s bound to happen more often. He nodded, poking my nose.
“Nice to meet you.” Smirking, he giggled. Actually giggled. “Well, I’m off. I’ll let you get... out of that.” My cheeks flared. “See ya.” Hiding another smile, he bowed out of the bathroom, and only when I heard the bedroom door shut did I let out my sigh of relief.
“What’s it take to get a bit of privacy here?” I muttered, leaning my head back. Despite my negative attitude toward it, I found myself smiling.
After years of solitude... this was refreshing. Sure, I could have done with a little more security in my own room, but hey, I wasn’t really complaining.
Being sure to shut the door beforehand, I stripped off the towel, using it instead to dry my hair. Soaking strands hung in my face, shimmering with a healthy glow. No longer grease-covered, but Mother would have had a fit.
Any male with a sense of dignity wasn’t to have hair longer than approximately one and a half inches. I could still hear her saying it along with many of her other words of wisdom.
Gritting my teeth, I set the towel down on the counter, gripping the edges of it as tightly as I dared. I stared into the foggy mirror, seeing nothing more than a distorted, hazy vision of myself.
That’s who you are. It’s not a trick of the light. You’re nothing. You’ve faded. All you are is a shade.
As I pinched the bridge of my nose, I shook my head, wiping away the condensation.
There... Not a shade. Not a picture. I exist.
Shadows haunted the skin beneath my eyes, permanent marks of my suffering. The black irises seemed menacing and empty. Soulless. My skin was pale, ghastly so, and underneath the thin, yellow-tinted membrane resided clear blue-green veins. I could make out almost every bone in my abdomen: collarbone, shoulders, ribs. The effect of near starvation.
Oh, yes. You exist, alright. You’re still visible to those in the land of the living, but you relate more to those in the afterlife. Tell me, does that really make you alive? Does breathing, does existing show that you truly belong on this planet, in this mansion, with others who actually have lives?
Eyes closed, I bowed my head.
The voice was right. I was nothing but a shell of myself. Where’d the carefree child I’d used to be gone? Far away. Over the edge of the world. It’s too late to ever retrieve him.
Heart heavy, I turned away from the mirror, wondering how such a simple action had turned into such a dreadful realization.
There’s no point in dwelling on that. Get out and interact. Torture yourself a bit more. Even if it isn’t fun for you, at least no one will suspect anything.
I hated when it made a point.
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Later that day
Once again, I couldn’t ignore the hunger that gnawed at me. It’d been dormant for a few hours now, especially with my... guest’s unexpected appearance, but seeing as it’d been nearly a day and a half since I’d eaten, I no longer had time to waste.
For an unmeasured amount of time, I’d wandered aimlessly around the mansion, no particular destination in mind. I was no longer trying to escape, nor was I searching for anyone in particular.
All I discovered was that the building was far larger than it’d appeared from the outside. And it was gigantic at first glance.
Erk... Okay, there isn’t enough time to keep reflecting on everything you see. I scolded myself, the words my own and not that “imaginary” demon’s. It’s either risk running into someone else and live, or cower in your room and die.
It was a tough choice, I will admit, but, in the end, I set off on a grand treasure hunt: the quest for the kitchen.
So, I may or may not have been a bit delusional. Who could blame me?
After locating the staircase and descending with utmost care, I somehow managed to avoid everyone. An ever familiar scent wafted into my nose, salt and flavoring combining with processed noodles to create an inexpensive delicacy.
Ramen. Mother made them almost every day.
Though the melancholy was overbearing, I soon was drifting in the direction of the smell, following its curling path of steam through the air until I reached an open doorway.
Seated at the quaint table was a dark-skinned man with long dreadlocks, his back hunched as he leaned over the table. I froze the instant I saw someone was in the room.
Then, I realized he was familiar.
Well, at least you can be sure he’s a good guy. He saved your *ss, didn’t he?
As if he sensed my presence, he turned to face me mid-bite, a wad of broth-drenched noodles dangling precariously from his utensils. Lifting an eyebrow, he set the utensil down, staring at me in a way that made it seem like he wanted me to speak first.
Fat chance.
The seconds ticked by before he finally cleared his throat. “Good to see you up and about. You were kind of a mess yesterday.” A nervous chuckle escaped my lips as I rubbed the back of my neck, shrugging.
“Y-yeah... I guess... I guess I kinda was.”
Rising to his feet, he abandoned his savory dish of Ramen, a grin spreading across his features. Extending a hand, he said, “Tanner’s the name.” What? You mean you aren’t going to tell me what you— “I’m a Tangrowth.” ... Thought too soon. “I never got your name, seeing as you were in the process of passing out when we last talked.”
Without my conscious consent, I laughed, the sound hollow and hoarse but genuine. “I’m L...” Wait, that’s right. “Lucas. The Eevee. Ah... shiny.” He nodded, unfazed by my slight awkwardness.
Slight? You’re like a preteen at a boy band concert.
I chose to ignore the voice as I took Tanner’s hand. His palms were warm, an uncommon thing for myself, and his grip strong.
Once we’d stepped back, he gave me the once over. “So, I’m guessing Shupple’s work did the trick?” he asked. My brows knit together in confusion.
“Ah... who?”
Someone new joined the conversation from the doorway. “That would be me.” The voice, feminine in form, carried a glacier-like chill.
Startled, I spun around, meeting the steady red stare of a petite woman, her pierced lips set in a frown.
Tanner sighed. “Come on, Shupple. Be nice. He could have died.” Sir, that’s been my entire life. “Could have” or “should have” died define my existence.
She strode past me, moving to rummage through the big, steel machine. ... Is that some kind of containment unit? My mind began to whir. Do... do they have a dead body in there??? Once she dug out a silver-wrapped item, she turned on me with a blank stare.
“Without my help, he would have,” she declared, tossing a smirk my way as she tore off the silver covering. She bit into the pink mound. That looks familiar... Mochi? Like... like Enya used to make for my birthday... “I don’t know what you got yourself into, but you should count yourself lucky.”
“I do.” The words came with no hesitation, no stuttering, and a hint of gratitude. “I... I can’t thank you enough.” With a shrug, she continued devouring the cake.
“No problem. Don’t make a habit of it, though.” With a half smile, she turned on her heel and exited, leaving Tanner and I alone once more.
After a brief pause, a chuckle emerged from my companion. “Sorry about that. She may seem pretty cold, but she’s a sweetie at heart.” That’s a little hard to believe, but I guess I’ll take your word for it.
I shrugged. “It’s fine... No harm done.”
Tanner glanced at his bowl of half-eaten noodles, a gumbo of emotions flickering across his features. “I really should get to work...” A disdainful sigh escaped him as he picked the dish up, tossing its contents into the trash. “It was cold anyway. I’ll see ya around, Lucas. It was nice meeting you.”
Giving me a genuine smile, he waved, whistling as he left.
... Wait... How do I....? What can I... eat? Do I have permission? I scratched my ears.
Probably not, but that hasn’t stopped you before.
For a few minutes, I stood in the center of the kitchen, lost and unsure. The voice in my head didn’t help the situation.
Then, a soft giggle reached my ears. Dreading another encounter with the Togekiss boy, I was cautious in turning around, grateful I was properly dressed this time.
The newest interruption came in the form of a slim woman clad in purple, her lustrous purple locks untamed and flowing. Arceus, it’s like Amethyst all over. Hopefully she’s not intent on skinning me alive...
She moved closer, high-heeled boots clicking against the tile underfoot. “You look a little lost. Can I help you find something?”
Ack... Do I respond? I do really need to get something to eat... Now...
I swallowed, running a hand through my hair. “Ah... n-no I’m fine, thanks.” Yeah, you’re a genius.
Pursing her lips, she stared at with, eyes strangely filled with yellow instead of white. “You sure? I’d be more than willing to assist you.”
Then make me a sandwich, woman. If the voice was a being who existed outside my mind, I would have had enough courage to smack it.
With a short shake of my head, I refused to back down. “No, really. I... thank you, but...” At that moment, a horrible cramp seized my stomach, forcing me to hunch over in an attempt to quell the pain. Eyes wide, the woman made to move closer, hand outstretch. I waved her away. “N-no, I-I’m f-fine.” I wasn’t very convincing.
She laughed, shaking her head and tossing her hair back and forth. “No, you’re hungry. I’ll get you some Ramen. Sit down.”
Unable to decline, I obeyed, gritting my teeth. “R-really.. you don’t... you don’t have to do that...” I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself....
The voice scoffed. If someone showed you how to work common appliances, maybe you wouldn’t burn the mansion down.
“Nonsense. It’ll only take a few minutes. Like I said, I’m happy to help.” She seemed determined to aid me, a random stranger, and I couldn’t seem to deter her intentions.
Might as well take advantage of it.
Though I wanted to argue, the lingering scent of a common dish soon combined with a fresh one, my mouth watering immediately. The woman set down a simple bowl filled to the brim with steaming broth before me. Once I managed to take the silver utensil from her hand, she occupied the seat across from me.
I hesitated, peering into the liquid and at my swimming reflection.
In my peripheral vision, she lifted an eyebrow, a smile dancing across her lips. “I didn’t poison it. It may not be gourmet, but I promise it’s safe.”
Go for it, champ. You’ve got nothing left to lose.
Taking the voice’s advice, I dug in.
Oh, sweet, sweet Arceus. It’s been so long... Real food, praise be.
I shovelled the noodles into my mouth, no longer caring that the woman before me was staring. By the time I’d finished, she’d leaned forward, chin rested delicately in her hands.
“So, if you don’t mind my asking, w—”
I wiped a hand across my mouth. “Lucas the Eevee.” Ha. I’ve got it down pat.
For a few moments, she stared blankly at me. Then, she continued. “... where are you from?”
...Oh. “Ah... Lilycove. Y-you know, in H-Hoenn.” Way to screw it up.
She laughed, the sound musical yet simple. “I’ve never been there. I grew up here in Sinnoh. The Lost Tower.” I nodded as if I knew what she was talking about; despite having lived in this region for nearly half my life, I’d confined myself to the forests. I was never exactly a tourist.
From somewhere deep within me, a surge of confidence rose. “Ma’am, what is your name? I’d hate to leave here before knowing the identity of the woman who cured my hunger.”
Since when did you become a poor recreation of Albert Camus?
Taken by surprise, her cheeks flushed. “You’re just darling. I’m Mist, Mist the Mismagius. And you are Lucas.”
I wished I had a hat to tip. “At your service.”
Shaking her head, she laughed once more, rising to her feet. “It’s been fun, but I’m afraid I have some business to attend to.” That’s... disappointing. She winked. “I have an apple to deliver.” ... Is that supposed to make sense? “Ta-ta, Lucas. I hope to see you around.”
Giggling as she had when she entered, Mist vanished before my eyes. I rubbed them, convinced I’d imagined it, but she was still gone. Huh. Guess she’s some sort of... magic act?
Shrugging, I rose from my chair, stomach satisfied. After retrieving my bowl and returning it to the sink, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.
Guess what? I talked to someone of my own free will! That’s gotta count, right?
The voice was silent. Guess I’d showed it.
“There you are!” a familiar voice called, and with a smile tugging at my lips, I spun around. “I thought we were gonna meet up hours ago!”
Has it really been that long? “Sorry, Chan. I... I guess I lost track of time.”
She shrugged. “No harm, no foul. But I still have to show you the rest of the mansion!”
“More?... O...kay...” I couldn’t possibly imagine there’d be more to this extraordinary place.
Grinning, she grabbed for my hand, the silky material of her glove soft against my skin. “Come on, Ewan.”
It was a few minutes of walking and conversing before I realized something. I hadn’t flinched. I hadn’t even budged when she called me by my real name.
Either this is an improvement, or you’re going insane. Maybe both. I tried to ignore the voice.
My mind was abuzz, thoughts filtering through my mind and competing for my attention. My companion’s voice served as little more than background noise; while it was unintentional, I knew it was rude.
Not that she ever had to find out.
“Here we have the weight room,” Chan was saying, bringing us to a standstill before a large, open room. “And that concludes our tour.”
I blinked. It was over already? “Wow... Quite a... nice place you’ve got here.”
“Oh, no. I don’t own it, if that’s what you’re implying,” she dismissed, waving her hands frantically before her face. “Estelle’s the real owner. She’s... out right now.”
“Oh? ... Where’s she gone?”
She bit her lip, scratching behind her ear. “I don’t know. I mean... it was right before Krory came and...” ... Who? She shook her head, cutting herself off. “Nevermind. It’s not important.”
I nodded, figuring no words were necessary to voice my confusion.
After a good two minutes in silence, she smiled. “Well, I guess there’s no point in dwelling on that, is there?” When you make no sense? No, none at all. “Let’s go to the game room. I’d love to play you in Air Hockey.”
A nervous laugh escaped my lips. “I can honestly say I don’t know what that is.” Her laugh mirrored my own. And you think I’m just being coy.
On the way back, we exchanged small talk, her doing most of the chatting. Our words were meaningless, containing no relevance nor purpose. And... I liked it.
We had walked the length of the mansion at least twice during the course of our chit chat. In the midst of our conversation, we found ourselves in a mostly-empty hallway, doors sprouting off of it and a lone table reclining against a wall.
“It’s definitely a lot nicer here than the last place I was at,” she said, her pace matched with mine despite the height differences.
A short bark of a laugh sounded from me. “Heh, tell me about it.” After at least an hour of this small talk, I found that my stutter, my crippling hesitancy, had mostly disappeared.
I happened to glance away as we passed the table only to have a small fellow with twitching brown ears back into my legs from underneath it. Caught off guard by the appearance of such a small, dare I say it cute creature, I gaped at him as he rightened himself, yellow eyes wide.
“Excuse me, but what are you doing?” Chan asked, hands on hips.
The little guy swallowed, seeming nervous. “Oh... um... excuse me... I was... um... looking for something...”
Chan dropped her hands. “Oh, well, if you’d like your help, it’d be no problem. We’d love to.” ... Okay, so... the fact that she’s answering for me is a good sign, right?
His face lit up. “Would you really?”
Taking the initiative, I forced myself to answer. “Sure thing... What... what did you lose?” Stupid hesitation. Guess it only goes away for one person at a time, or something.
“Um... wallet.” We stared at him. “I mean... um... my wallet’s gone. Not... that there was anything in it, really...” He appeared sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck. “All our IDs are gone.”
Pursing her lips, Chan seemed to ponder this claim. “You know... I realized that my ID wasn’t in the place I’d left it this morning, but I thought I just misplaced it.” Now frowning, she shook her head. “I’m going to go check; not that I don’t trust you, but I wanna be sure. You guys get started on looking, alright?”
We exchanged a brief, blank look.
He blushed. “Um... okay...”
“S-sure...” D*mn it, stutter, I could really do without you.
With a wave, she called over her shoulder, “I’ll be back in a little while. Get to work, you two.”
Once she left, we stood there for a few minutes in silence. Then, he spoke up.
“Um... I’m Raimundo. And... you are?”
“Lucas.”
He bit his lip. “Let’s... um... get started, shall we?” I nodded, motioning for him to lead the way.
It was, for lack of a better term, awkward as h*ll.
When two... socially-inadequate folks are paired together, it never ends well. Why no one seemed to realize that was a mystery to me. And, sure, I may have been making assumptions, but, judging by the rapid flicks of his tail, the habit of twitching his ears, and his incessant tendency to glance over his shoulder at me without saying a word, I had a right to say he was pretty d*mn shy.
Finally, after searching the entire first floor to no avail, he turned to me, a cautious smile on his features.
“Sorry for being so...” he gulped, “wary. I’m not very good with social stuff.”
Laughing, I nodded. “Yeah... I-I understand.” I swear to all that is holy, if this doesn’t stop... “It’s... alright. Let’s just... find the culprit, and... ah... maybe we can...” Don’t you dare make this more awkward than it already— “... hang out sometime?” Aaaand you did it anyway.
He didn’t seem to notice, his smile curling his lips up higher. “Sure. That would be... nice.” After his ears twitched once more, he added, “Oh, we should probably meet back up with my... my uh... with Glyph.” What’s a “Glyph”??
At that exact moment, a purple figure leapt from around the corner, lips twisted into a face-breaking grin. The instant he spotted Raimundo and myself, his blue eyes went wide, scorpion tail flicking the air.
“RAI RAI!” he cried, leaping onto the Raichu with little discretion, latching onto him like he was his mother. “Have you found anything yet? I’ve got nothing.” He pouted, allowing Raimundo to peel him off. Then, the new creature’s eyes lit up. “Who’s your friend??”
“Glyph, this is Lucas. He’s a shi—”
Before Raimundo could finish his introduction, the male dove at me, too quick for me to dodge. A wet sensation arose on my cheek as he wrapped his arms around my neck.
“Glyph!!!” Raimundo exclaimed, eyes wide. That seemed to be the only comprehensible thing he could say.
Positively beaming, this “Glyph” leapt away.
I tried to process his actions. Did he just... He... My eye twitched. He licked me. For Arceus’ sake, you’ve got to be kidding me!
As I wiped away the saliva that rested on my face, I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up in my throat, forcing its way from my lungs.
I can honestly say this has never happened. I hope this isn’t considered customary... anywhere.
“I’m Glyph the Gligar!” he announced as if he hadn’t done something completely ridiculous, jabbing his chest with his thumb. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, heh heh heh.”
“Ah... y-you, too... I think...” Sobering, I shook my head at him, unsure what to think.
“So, Rai Rai, where to? I need my wallet! It’s personal!” Spinning to face Raimundo, Glyph hopped from foot to foot, a sure sign of an attention deficit disorder.
Or hyperactivity. Probably both. I couldn’t be sure.
“Well, Lucas and I checked out the whole first floor—”
“And I scanned upstairs!”
“—so I think we were headed outside,” he finished, disregarding the Gligar’s interruption.
“Then outside it is!” Linking his arm in the Raichu’s, he began parading down the corridor. He glanced back once. “Come on, Lou!”
... Lou? Really? Really? That’s the best you’ve got?
I scolded the voice. Hey, nicknames are a good thing. It’s a sign of acceptance, isn’t it?
It seemed to snort. Yes, in elementary school.
By now, the two were halfway down the hall, skipping and drunk with delirious laughter.
I almost... envied their ability to find fun even in situations that seemed unfortunate. They seemed innocent, childish. Maybe I was reading them wrong, but the way they acted led me to believe their minds were carefree.
Poor, poor Ewan. Jealousy is a sin and an ugly one at that.
Biting my tongue, I began to jog after the disappearing forms of my companions, trying to ignore my thoughts.
I wished I could find an exorcist for my head.
☁☁☁☁☁☁☁☁☁
Outside, about half an hour later
As Glyph skipped across the lawn with Raimundo and myself close behind, we were beginning to grow weary of this pointless search.
Well, I was. It seemed like the others had an unlimited amount of energy and enthusiasm. It tired me out just being near them.
I wasn’t sure what’d happened to Chan; maybe she somehow got lost? Wherever she’d gone, it wasn’t here, so I was stuck with the two sweet but exhausting guys for the moment.
“Ah... haven’t we... already searched over here?” I asked, tail twitching behind me. Stop it. It stilled at my command, hiding my nervousness.
Glyph smiled. “Maaaybe. But we could have missed something!!”
With a sigh, Raimundo shook his head. “But we’ve looked over here at least five times, Glyph! Don’t you think it’s time to at least move onto the front? We have the back lawn yet, too!”
Pouting, Glyph shrugged. “Oh, I guess. I don’t see the fun in that, but alright.” Grin returning, the Gligar spread his webbed arms, running in small circles and zig-zagging around the trees.
I turned to the Raichu. “Um... is he... always...”
Covering up his chuckle, he nodded. “That’s Glyph for you.” The corner of my lip twitched up; these characters certainly were entertaining.
“Hey, guys, check me out! Leaf dive!” he cried, preparing for a leap. The heap he was aiming for was rather shallow, a mere two feet of leaves piled at the base of a tree.
Raimundo seemed to notice it, as well. “Wait, Glyph, don’t—” He was cut off by Glyph’s insane giggling fit.
Licking his lips, the Gligar tossed a smirk in our direction before breaking into a sprint. His footsteps were loud, crunching down hard on the scattered leaves.
Then, as he neared the pile, a particularly large, wet clump of the dead foliage caught his footing.
“WhooOOOAAAooaooa!” was the only sound I could decipher as he tumbled, crashing into his destination with a loud “Oomph!”
I stood still, unsure of how to react, while the Raichu at my side couldn’t contain his laughter.
Soon enough, Glyph rose, leaves coating his attire, his voice filled with mirth. “That. Was. Awesome.”
“Okay, okay, Glyph,” Raimundo giggled. “Come on. That could’ve ended badly.”
“But it didn’t.”
“But it could have. Let’s get out of here before someone gets a concussion or worse,” the Raichu suggested, face red.
After brushing the dead matter off of him, Glyph pranced through the last few trees. Not two seconds passed before he cried, “Hey, Sneeaari!” The Raichu and I emerged from the undergrowth in time to catch the Weavile’s half-hearted wave.
The girl from the other night. I hope she’s okay... In the least, she looks better.
“Hey, Glyph. Hey Rai &, uh, Ewan, right, yeah?” she called, sitting up. Now I flinched, noticeably so.
“Ah... a-actually... Lucas, i-if you wouldn’t mind...”
She shrugged. “Alright, yeah. So, you have any luck with finding the wallets, yeah?”
Glyph’s shoulders slumped. “Alas, no.” Like the Christmas tree that used to sit in our kitchen in December, his face then lit up. “But we did find a great place to jump in leaves! You should totally try it, Sneari!”
Blinking, she shook her head. “I don’t think these claws are suited for leaf diving, Glyph. Yeah.” To prove her point, she brandished her fingers, wiggling the silver claws that adorned them. Never seen that before...
“Ah... I don’t mean to i-interrupt, but...” I began, cutting myself off. What exactly do you think you’re doing...? Three pairs of eyes focused on me. “Ah... shouldn’t we... k-keep trying to... ah...”
Thankfully, Raimundo came to my rescue. “We should find our IDs before we get distracted?” I nodded. “I agree.” I found myself repeating Tristyn’s words from this morning in my mind. You and me? We’re going to be great friends.
“Then let’s go. That jerk is gonna pay, yeah.” Jumping to her feet, she rolled her shoulders, flipping her smoky hair out of her face.
“Where do we even start?” Glyph moaned, crossing his arms over his chest. He seemed disappointed that his fun had to be cut short.
“Since you insisted we spend most of our time over there,” Raimundo pointed to the trees we’d just escaped from, “how about everywhere else?” Baring his sharp incisors in a grin, Glyph nodded.
“Yeah! You’re so smart, Rai Rai!” I guessed he’d missed his sarcasm. “We’ve got some wallets to save! Glyph... AWAY!”
These people... are insane. Following the Gligar’s spastic path, I smiled. Maybe I can be insane, too.
☁☁☁☁☁☁☁☁☁
Out back, another half hour later I’m sorry for so many parts o.o THIS IS THE LAST ONE I PROMISE
Though my company was slightly eccentric, I was glad I’d decided to join them. The back lawn was nothing short of incredible.
Despite Autumn being in full swing, many varieties of colorful flowers were in bloom, giving off a fragrant aroma that permeated the air. Somewhere in the near distance, a creek bubbled and babbled, the sound only audible with my sensitive ears. Numerous breeds of wild Pokemon scampered about in the treetops, sending multi-colored leaves swaying down atop the breeze.
Haven’t you had enough nature for... oh, I don’t know, the rest of your life?
I inhaled as deeply as I could, filling my lungs with the crisp air I was so accustomed to.
No. Never. I can never have enough. This... this is my home.
While I’d despised the tortured life of a vagabond, nature in all its splendor was almost worth it. The diverse trees coated with frost in the dead of winter; the vegetation glowing with health as spring peeked around the corner, the animals frolicking in their innocent way in the heart of summer. I’d adored it. I’d never stop appreciating it.
I brought my focus back to the present; dwelling on the past served no purpose, not now nor ever.
Glyph knelt by the side of a large pond, eying the murky depths with curiosity. Without any warning, he dunked his head in the water, grasping the rocky edge with both of his hands. He was only under for about five seconds before he resurfaced, gasping for air.
“They aren’t in the pond!” he called, shaking off the droplets that clung to his indigo locks.
“And they aren’t on the east side anywhere,” came Raimundo’s response.
“Not the west side, either, yeah.” Sneari climbed through the tangled branches as she spoke, using her claws to cut away the dead ones.
“What if they ran off with them?” the Raichu queried, ears twitching nervously.
“Why would they do that? It’s not like they could see them on the black market or anything,” Glyph mused, cocking his head in thought. “I’d think they’d still be on the property. Whatever they want with us should be faced head on.” He smacked a fist against an open palm.
“But... we’ve looked... everywhere,” I said, biting my lip. “Where else could the... could the thief be?”
Sneari held up a hand. “What if they’re hiding in town, yeah?”
Glyph shook his head. “No, I don’t think so...” He scuffed his shoes on the sodden ground, unsure of what else to say.
From behind us, a voice called, “You guys just never stop moving! I’ve been looking for you for nearly half an hour.”
Chan!
She appeared from the cover of the trees, ducking under a low branch with a half smile decorating her lips. Upon seeing us, her grin faltered. “You multiplied...”
“You just can’t keep us away!” the Gligar exclaimed, making a mad dash for Chan.
Eyes wide, she held up a hand, stopping him in his tracks. “Don’t you dare lick me, Glyph. It’ll only hurt you.”
... I can understand a reflexive smack, but an open threat? That’s peculiar.
“Since you’re all out here, I’m guessing you haven’t found the IDs yet?” With a smug expression and a teasing lilt, she moved closer, joining our small circle.
I shook my head, taking the liberty to answer. “No. We... we’ve searched... everywhere... Sorry...” Frowning, I met her stare, finding kindness and support there. That’s... also strange. Are these new or... was I just oblivious to them?
Instead of responding at first, she tilted her head as if listening to something faint. Puzzled, I did the same, hoping to catch the sound.
A muffled crunch. A heavy thud. Disgruntled, incoherent mumbling.
She smiled, straightening her head. “I think I know where the culprit is.” Nodding, I motioned for her to lead the way. At a slow pace, she trekked through the forest, being mindful of where she stepped.
She moves as if she grew up in the wilderness, too. Sneari seemed to posses a natural grace, as well. The grace of a huntress. Maybe we have more in common than I thought. I dared a glance behind me at Glyph and Rai, both of which were hurtling through the underbrush like wild Piloswine. They, on the other hand, clearly don’t have the experience.
While it would have annoyed me at an earlier date, I found myself amused by their antics.
“They’re just up ahead,” Chan whispered, pointing through a dense thicket. “Be ready to apprehend them.”
Even though I wasn’t facing them, I knew we’d nodded in synchronization; it was such a cliché situation that it had to happen.
I crouched next to her, close enough to feel her inhuman heat. She peeked over the barrier of the bush we hid behind, eyes wide and breathing steady.
“What do you see?” Glyph hissed, trying his best to stay quiet. It was a valiant effort, but it didn’t do much.
When she didn’t respond, I took the initiative to follow her lead, staring through the tightly-woven leaves.
Sitting on the ground surrounded by a pile of wallets and slim, laminated cards was a rather curvaceous woman with stormy eyes and dark hazelnut hair. Black markings surrounding her eyes were visible on her peachy skin.
Chandacy rose, no longer caring for indiscretion. “Krory? You’re the one who stole our IDs??”
The woman smiled, setting aside the card she held in her hand. “Aye. Yoos caught me. Now sit down, shelia. Yoos mates, too. Let me tell yoos sometin' yoos need to hear.”
☁☁☁☁☁☁☁☁☁
WOOO PLOT TWIST? Nah. Not at all. xD I LIKE TO THINK I'M ORIGINAL OKAY.
So ah... I'm pretty fond of the first section, okay with the second, and the third & fourth just make me wat. I hope it suffices though...
OH MY HEAVENS, IF I SCREWED UP YOUR CHARACTER EVEN REMOTELY PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY TELL ME!! I LOVE TO HEAR YOUR SUGGESTIONS/COMMENTS/CRITIQUES/ETC.
Sorry for caps. I get excited. ^-^
So ah... Yeah... Please comment! <3
