Inspired by "The Smallest Straw Hat", written by pikace. Enjoy.
Banishment from the skies. That is the cruelest thing done to those who belong in the air.
I have been grounded, stuck to a statue for a very long time. At least with this statue of memory; I won't fade into nothing just yet. The people in this village continuously leave offerings, even after the time that had passed. It seems humans can be eternally grateful. How long has it been? Years? Decades? I have lost count of the days. All I know is my unfeeling presence has been stuck to this one area of peace for a while now.
Green grass as pure as a shaymin's back. Plant strands fluttering in the wind, clouds fluffy and slow moving as ever. This location hasn't changed too much. The humans nearby have not touched the nature close to my statue. While they have their own houses a great distance away, they won't even farm next to my area of solitude.
I am grateful.
"Dad?" Two humans were passing by. They were probably taking a walk, judging by the flowers held in the little one's hands. They flowers looked awfully delightful to smell. It was a shame I did not have my senses to smell the pollen. "Isn't that the statue of the hero decades ago?" I watched the father ruffle his offspring's hair. The little girl puffed her cheeks while her parent laughed.
"Sure is! Grandpa was there to see it too. He was one of the few who offered telling of this creature's actions back when this village was new." A hand was pointed in my direction, but I knew he was pointing at my statue. "Would you like to hear the story again?" As the male started the story; I zoned out.
The sun will be setting in a few hours. Will he be coming today? My thoughts had asked aloud to the quiet air. Besides the chattering from the humans a few feet away, today was still peaceful.
My frequent visitor comes at the most random times. He's very young, and his mother accompanied him to my area almost every time. I curled up next to my prison. My long brown ears took positions of rest as my fluffy tail relaxed. While I couldn't feel the sun, everything was still nice to sleep in. "And that dear, is how the village came to training falcons. Our tribe really relies on them now. They're seen as man's best friend, heh."
"Wow! Can I have my own one day, Dad?" The little one seemed thrilled, admiration tossed toward my statue.
"Of course you can sweetie. For your next birthday, I'll get you one." The father promised with a grin.
"Really?"
"Of course! You're close to that age already. Aw, my little girls growing up...Oh…" The older human started to sniffle.
"Daaad! Don't cry! Come on! Daaad!" The two finally left, one scolding the other.
This village really is peaceful. My mind whispered as I allowed my consciousness to bath in the tranquil silence. A few falcons flew over my area. They had circled several times before flying off. I listened to the sound of their leaving wings. Envious, I curled up tighter. It's only a sign of respect. I said to myself. They're not mocking me. Yet, I did not find comfort. Only silent mock.
As a former creature with wings, those who can fly burned me with their presence.
A growl rumbled in my throat. I might as well just ignore them.
Time passed, and I did not know how long I've remained in the same spot before I heard someone kneel next to my shrine. I opened my eyes, viewing the flowers crowding the bottom. I recognized a few a certain little human girl was holding earlier today. Ah, there he is. I turned my head, noting my weekly visitor had appeared as usual. My worries washed away as the blond quietly prayed to my statue.
A soft quietude had placed itself over the area. I heard a few brown birds fly over us. I didn't watch them.
"Hello again!" His voice, full of innocence, gave me the energy to sit up. My tail shifted as a smile grew on the boy's face. His eyes closed seconds later. "How have you been? Do you want to come out again today?" He sounded disappointed, but my transparent form did not waver. "That's okay. Mom said I shouldn't rush you."
Welcome back. I watched the little one continue his ritual of being thankful. He had a wooden basket next to him. You always say the same things. Yet it's not lonely with this human pup. This young human always came by. Did your mother not come with you today? Although I knew he couldn't hear me; the question floated on the wind and toward his ears.
"Mom is busy today, so I came alone." The visitor continued. "I hope you like apples!" A basket of red fruit was placed next to the shrine. These apples were shiny enough to show a reflection of the turf. Green grass, and a human boy with neck-length blond hair were reflected in the edible objects. "We went shopping yesterday." The boy's eyes were as pale blue as a the purest skies. His ends of his blond hair were messy, curled in different places every time.
I call the little one, Mahmut, since the other humans call him that.
You probably snuck off on your own. I snorted under my breath. You're too fascinated with a creature you only saw once. Humans are forever odd. Little ones are just curious though, I suppose. If this child been visiting for some time, than obviously he had passed the stage of 'curiosity.' Humans are creatures of habit, he seemed to have put his visit in his weekly schedule somewhere.
"Oh, I should get back. It's getting late. Can I see you later?" There was a trace of hope in his voice as the short young one stood. I stared at the grass I couldn't even feel. The wind tickled the living and brushed past the forever still rocks. "Yes? Okay! I'll bring more fruits back next time! Just you wait. Bye! Thanks again for what you did!" Little Mahmut then dashed away, as fast as those compact legs could take him. Soon, the area was silent from the absence of loud humans and nosy falcons.
Quietude is lonely.
I brushed a paw through the grass. The plant strings did not move from the touch. My paw went through it with bored motivation. The grass didn't react to my action. It merely swayed from the breeze I couldn't feel.
I've been getting a lot of visitors lately. My paw kept swatting at the greenery. Why do they still request my protection? I don't have a lot of power to give. Another falcon soared over the area. I can't even fly anymore. Bitterness rose in my throat as I looked at my paws and fluffy tail of mocking.
I've been banned from my true majestic form. An Eevee isn't my ideal choice if I was born another pokemon. ...Stuck in a weaker and different body. I glanced to the many offerings on my shrine. I don't deserve these.
The fruits, flowers and bread. I don't need any of it, and I don't deserve any of this.
Food? I can't eat it.
Flowers? I can't smell them.
My senses are little to gone. I can't remember what fresh water tasted like. I forgot how it feels to be full. I watched a lone flower roll. Now I always feel empty. I lifted a transparent paw to the sky. The colors had changed to warm and bright hues. Orange, red and pink stretched across the brilliant world.
The sky reminds me of beauty and how I don't compare. I used to be with the clouds, soaring through the air with freedom and will at my side. Those emotions before felt like a memory. A sad, cruel memoir drifting in the wind.
As empty as a corpse. My mind involuntarily finished without a second thought.
Soon; the night had fallen, and stars had come out of hiding. Shaded colors representing grace crawled through the dark sky. I drifted in and out of my thoughts, fascinated by this world's miracles and how it compared to my own.
I heard a rustle of the leaves, and a figure had appeared. I recognized Mahmut's mother by her golden hair. She trailed to my shrine and began to pray; the scene reminding me of earlier today.
Night crickets chirped without a care, and I kept my eyes on her kneeling form.
What brings you here? My thoughts piled together. You usually don't come this late. I watched a red beaded jewel lay over the basket of apples. The ruby hued gem shimmered in the moonlight.
"Please."
My ears folded downwards.
"Please…Guardian. I...I know I'm asking for a lot," The woman paused. "And I know it's selfish…" There was a hint of desperation eating at her tone. "It's my son. He's! He's...Very precious to me. My baby boy." Her eyes glinted with a strong emotion.
"If something happens to me...Please look after my son. I beg of you. Show him guidance when he's alone. Offer him comfort when scared and…" A shaky breath. "Protect him when he's in danger. You are one of the Gods, gifted with immense power."
I wasn't sure what to do.
"You saved this village before, and you saved my son's life. Please look after him. I offer you my soul, being and body." The mother rasped. "I just want him to grow up strong."
My tails touched the floor in both sorrow and apology. I would love to, My mind reasoned. But how can I? A sour taste of stupidity tickled my tongue. I'm stuck here. I'm not even in my true form. Silence remained. I can't even touch. How could I protect anyone? Last time was a fluke.
The first time your son and I met; it was a fluke.
What am I supposed to do for you when I'm not as great as you think I am? These musings are away at my mind. There was nothing to go off on. Should I just ignore her? ...I can't do that. She even left an offering.
...An offering for an impossible notion. I want to accept your wish. The wind was harsh. I would carry it out. The outside disagreed. Your son is very kind. The woman stayed in that position for a minutes longer before I viewed her mouth open once more.
"These gems...Are an ancient heirloom. They contain a magic power...One of the rarest." I found myself slightly interested in her offer. "I believe….It'll provide enough magic to keep your form stable."
I nearly choked on air. Lies! Hostility filled my very form at the mere thoughts. I stood on all fours, fur bristling. How dare you lie to me! An image of swimming in water came to mind. The cool water giving resistance to the padding. A given many didn't understand they had. How dare you tempt me!
I cooled down seconds later.
I slid to the ground, in both exhaustion and sorrow. Why does it matter if she's lying? My thoughts reasoned. I'm forever stuck like this. A mere spirit with a blockage on my power. I looked to the red jewels.
Pathetic.
"Please...Find it in your will to use this magic to help you."
...However, She isn't lying about the magic. I could feel the aura of gold surrounding the shiny chain.
I stalked over to it and gave the object a small sniff. Despite just about all my senses being numbed, magic tickled my nose. I inhaled it, enjoying the rush of power that had followed afterward.
A surprised gasp startled my actions. Puzzled; I had tilted my head to the one present. Her familiar eyes showed amazement as I lifted my ears. Her pupils followed my tail as I moved it.
That look...She's looking at me!
"Vee?" I tested. My voice felt scratchy due to the silence I had kept up for years.
"It worked!" Mahmut's mother breathed in relief. I jumped into her arms seconds later. Pure gratitude flooded my being as I rubbed my face on her arms. I relished in touching her skin. Warm and smooth, this was like a dream. "You really are small." Her comment fell on deaf ears. I made a sound of content at the wonder feeling of fingers brushing my now visible fur.
Thank you.
"You're just as soft as my son described…" She murmured as the soft petting continued. I allowed it, her touch was heavenly. The smooth fingers traced shapes and performed soft rubbing on my back. My tail wagged every ten seconds, a content smile plastering on my face. It felt like a massage, and only Mew knows how long it's been since I've had one.
I haven't been able to feel in so long… I could never get enough of this. I could almost cry, but my very core refused to show weakness in front of a human of all creatures.
I'll accept your request, human. I closed my eyes to savor the moment. Night stars gave off the impression of twinkling. If I'm able to have more moments like this; I'll gladly accept your offer. Moonlight reflected off the many tinted hues, adding a mystical effect to nature around us. I eventually jumped out her lap to dine on the apples given earlier today. The mere thought of eating after decades had passed, filled my being with slight desperation.
I jumped into the basket and bit into one, enjoying the fresh and sweet taste. The crunch between my teeth matched my comforts of the fruit being real and full of nutrients. I felt the crushed apple smoothly go down my throat. I wasn't nearly full, but that had only delighted me further.
"I'm sure you want to relax for a few days, correct?" The woman's long hair attracted my attention despite my obvious devouring of the fruits offered up as sacrifices. "I won't bother you. My son won't either. I'll make sure of that." I perked up at this, unsure how to interact with one who doesn't understand my language.
"Vee." You don't have too. Her eyes shimmered with smittenness. I knew that wasn't going to work. I rolled my eyes, the feeling hard to describe.
Oh well, I don't mind being left alone for a bit. I'll be experimenting with my newly activated senses anyhow. I sniffed the air, fresh oxygen touching my lungs. A smile formed as my paws danced along the grass strands; the greenery bending to my actual force.
"Don't show yourself to the other villagers…" Mahmut's mother had warned before standing. I paused to watch her. "Stay out of sight for a little while. There's something going on with our nation. You don't want to be caught up in it." Her darker colored hair swayed with the wind. Gravity of the possible dangers set in. "Then...Good night." Her hand raised to indicate her parting.
Ahh… My musings had whispered as her retreating form disappeared into the night. That's right. I'm considered a guardian of this select village. I glanced over to the offerings. If they suddenly noticed my presence...I might be seen as a threat. Depending on the other nation that is, but the same thoughts could occur in the current place I was in. Because humans are too guarded over the unknown. I grit my teeth. Worse, they might try to use me as a weapon for their cause.
I was reminded of the old days were pokemon were kept as slaves. Painful collars, harnesses and whips held my fellows hostage. Suffering, sorrow and will pushed pokemon forward during those days as they were treated poorly.
In a fit of rushed frustration, I tackled the basket of apples with a familiar rush of power. The wooden basket rolled onto its side as the remaining apples rolled out. The brilliant pale light died out seconds later from my body as I slowed to a stop. What am I doing? My thoughts murmured in disappointment. I made my way back to the fallen apples, a few cores already lying at my paws.
With a several minutes of digging, I buried the cores to aid the turf. I decided to leave the rest of the apples for tomorrow, in case I got hungry. Do I still have my durability, or did Arceus take that away too? Frustration bit at my nerves as I watched the moon. A night dip sounded tempting, but ever since my small body reformed, exhaustion pulled at my limbs.
It can't hurt to sleep for a bit, then in the morning; I could go exploring. With those thoughts, I drifted off. My body gave into a familiar feeling of unconsciousness, as I truly rested since I came here.
The next morning, I was wandering the fields near my shrine. The grass tickled my fur and paws as I padded along, basking in the warm sunlight I've been deprived of. I had eaten another apple before I left, leaving the core in my wake. Everything seemed good today. I could drink water, eat and laze around. It's almost perfect. I just want to…
Hawks flew above, their wings large enough to carry them across the sky.
I just want to fly again. The itch was there as ever, and I kept glancing to my fluffy sides. It was impossible, but thoughts lingered. The want to feel the air constantly passing through my body; the free that came with soaring through the air...I missed it all.
Two blurs swooped down, and I darted out of the way to avoid having them crash into me. The first bird landed on the dirt. The second remained in the air, staying in place while observing.
It didn't seem to be a friendly greeting, which was odd. I thought hawks liked me?
They squawked, hawk noises escaping their beaks.
I don't understand you. My ears twitched, but there was no further movement aside from their attempts to communicate. We're different creatures, both you, and I. I noticed their claws digging into the dirt, and my paws moved to a more offense stance. A duel then? Very well, I decided to make this quick. I had places to be, sights to view, and apples to eat.
I've been rusty anyway, so it's best to practice getting back on track.