Riolu stared down at the chipped pink cup in front of him. His paw gently nudged at the edge to tilt it back to get a better view of the empty interior. The table before him had been set up with a frilled off rosy sheet accompanied by several stained plastic teacups and a matching flower painted kettle. This scene was all new to him but it wasn't frightening. It was more a curiosity.
Surveying the small room, a night stand and small bedstead sat at one corner of the room. A worn out wooden desk sat on the other side, many nicks and gashes to its frame. The decorations here all had a soft colored theme; mingles of white, pinks and reds dominated with a few touches of mismatched pieces. It was warm none the less and the light scent of citrus covered everything along with . . . something else.
The young pokemon was brought here by an old human male and left to sit and wait alone. He was a bit scared at first but could hear happy voices downstairs so he figured he wouldn't be alone for long. A few pokemon at the daycare spouted their internal worries about being taken to new homes but he was happy to leave that crowded place. He had seen many come and go. A few times he thought he would be selected next but when humans would look at a tag next to his enclosure, they always had the sourest looks on their faces. Riolu wondered at times what the paper meant and why it made so many turn away.
Walking to the other side of the short table, he saw a familiar face. About half his current height, a cheerful Cleffa was sitting at one of the mini chairs with a permanent smile to her face. Relief came over Riolu as he quickly greeted the pokemon. The joy soon shifted to confusion as her star shaped body remained frozen in place and staring forward. His paw reached out nudging a bit at her side and made a startling discovery as she fell over.
This pokemon wasn't alive at all! What was going on here?!
"Keep your eyes closed dear", a deep, tired voice could be heard from the hallway he was previously brought through. The Riolu didn't understand most human tongue but the tone didn't sound hostile. Still, it was best to prepare for the worst.
The worn out door creaked open once more and the tall male figure stood there. Riolu had taken an instinctive defensive stance and waited with nerves shot up. His guard lowered slightly as walking out from behind the male legs was a young female of the species. The small human had her paws up by her face covering her eyes and walked forward, guided by the older man's hand.
"Can I open em now daddy?"
"Go ahead dear and stay calm. He is still a bit young."
The child dropped her hands as a pair of green eyes stared back at Riolu's red orbs. The two stared silently at one another for a few moments as Riolu sized her up. The female had a sort of special garment on, her bottom piece belling out at her knees with the trim cutting it off in a floral pattern. The well-worn skirted dress had a white sash tied around her waist with a large bow, kind of like the blue one that was secured around his neck. The child's hair was a tangled red mess and her cheeks were pocked with several freckles while her lips parted more and more to reveal her two front teeth had gone missing. Maybe the result of a battle? Her dress did have several dirty patches on it and one of her knees was wrapped up with cloth and tape.
Suddenly, a ripple of Aura came forth from the girl. Riolu was still young and couldn't control his sensitivity to the energy as it always seemed to happen by itself. The warm red imprint had flakes of pink wedged within and reminded him a bit of his parents as they both were dominated by one of these shades. It was interesting to see these colors so bright in a small child. What exactly did it mean?
"Now dear, I know you wanted a- "
"I love him! Thank you daddy!"
The little girl seemed very happy suddenly, running back to the old male with arms wrapping around his legs in a tight hold. Riolu watched silently as the two conversed for a bit right before the female reapproached him. She stood a foot higher but he was not intimidated. Instead his paws reached out into the air in front of her. His touch slid over the Aura as the ripples dispersed and died out slowly in a lasting haze. It was enough to know everything was ok. Instead of meeting her own paw, the girl had suddenly knelt down and swung her arms around his torso to pull him up against her. The tight embrace was a bit uncomfortable as he made an audible cry out but her pleasant scent was overpowering at this distance. It was the same smell that coated this room. Her laughter and warm hold made his body go limp, paws dropping down to his sides as her face nuzzled with his cheerfully.
Even through the happiness, a wet touch from her cheek was felt and lingered on the side of his nose. Was that a tear? Was she crying for some reason? Why would this little girl be so happy but produce tears? Question would just go unanswered.
Acero held the cheri berry at the center of his paw. His pads pushed together to squeeze it to test the firmness of the fruit. Something about the color was so familiar to him. If only his mind wasn't a shaded mess . . .
"In for a little spice in your life there dear?"
His eyes glanced up at Mimi as she shot him a cheeky smile from behind the oak countertop.
The local market was wide awake and busy like every morning, shipping off more of their produce to the areas surrounding. Most carts would head farther north while a few carriers headed south. It was always interesting to see the variety of travelers in town and mostly everyone remained peaceful in transactions. The heavy rain through the night had bolstered the water levels for various businesses. This means the drinking holes would most likely be packed tonight. Elder trees that dotted Oakcrest offered plenty of shade from the sun and the mighty oaks must be a sight to see during the fall. Acero didn't plan on being here for too much longer. Instead he stood in front of one of the various vendors in market to stock up for his journey.
"I'm sorry if my daughters keep bringing you sweets only. They should know a strong lad like you enjoys a variety."
Mimi the Lopunny folded her arms over her chest and held her smile at Acero, despite his blank stare back at her. She had been nice enough to allow her daughters to take some extra berries to him free of charge. He didn't have the heart to tell her they were untouched. Oran and pecha were fine for a normal diet but he would need some with more substance to them.
"Quite alright ma'am. I was just looking to mix it up a bit for now."
"Well you just take what you need within reason dear. I'm sure after you bulk up a bit you can pay us back in some way."
The plump older rabbit giggled with a paw up to her pursed lips, giving a playful wink at him. Acero ignored the comment, putting the cheri down onto the counter. It was a ploy he had observed before. Mimi worked as a figurehead of the market while her husband took mostly to the fields. Her flirtatious tone along with her soft voice attracted many to purchase more than they needed. Using her female wiles to lure in customers was an excellent way to move products. He wondered if this was of her plot or her husbands.
"Indeed. I believe two cheri, two lum and . . five sitrus will do nicely."
Mimi's eyebrow quirked up a bit but complied happily, sliding the selected produce in front of herself and taking extra care to lay out a large leaf for packaging. The northern wind gave a light gust through the town, shaking a few trees free of storm residue and sending a shower down on top of the inhabitants. The cool drizzle felt good in the heat of the morning sun to Acero, his eyes closing as he took in a deep breath of the fresh country air. One thing he enjoyed about this town was the wild scents that came with it. It was something rare to him back when he lived in the human city.
"There ya go hun! All wrapped up for ya! I'm glad to see you have your appetite back. Don't eat em all in one sitting though!"
Mimi tilted her head with a happy smile while Acero scooped up the wrapped package and gave a light bow of appreciation before leaving. The crowd that had formed seemed to be a mix of mostly locals but it still made him uneasy. Truthfully it would be nice to be away from everyone's questioning eyes and curious noses. Now all that was left to do was make his way to the west entrance without being spotted.
Even with the warm weather kicking up more with the cloudless day, there was always a sense of comfort when Acero had that red scarf wrapped around his neck. It was tangible, the one thing he could clearly remember and feel. Like a child with a blanket, so unsure of his actions, he stood at the crossroad from the town to the wild frontier. Even with his memories clotted up, he recalled this was the path he was carried from into the town. Logic dictated that landmarks seen would spark his short term memory and guide him to the building where he was first released from stasis. He had never been in the wild alone before but his instincts were always sharp so he figured he would manage.
Taking a deep inhale and taking a few casual steps forward, his head turned back to make sure the inhabitants in the area were preoccupied with their own tasks. A friendly face instantly met with his from only a few yards back. The elder Audino stood quietly in place, supported by a carved birch stick. His glassy blue eyes still held plenty of vitality to them, though the extensions from his ears were ragged and patchy.
"Well now . . . are you off for a stroll today Acero?" His voice was still sweet but carried his years of experience.
"Doc. I didn't see you there. Interesting how you manage to just sneak up on me like that."
"Oh my . . . I was only walking by and saw you here . . . facing the west alone. I'm glad you are here though . . . I need some help."
Acero fully turned around and approached Doc with the berry package held on a rope by his tail.
"We all need help old one. I take it your business is out in the wilderness or you wouldn't be here."
"How astute of you lad . . . I need to replenish some herbal teas and poultice ingredients . . . care to escort an elder for the good of the town?"
Acero exhaled and looked around at his surroundings quickly before he would nod in acceptance. If Doc was heading this way in the first place, it would be less suspicious if he joined instead of leaving alone.
"Very well. In return I ask you for a favor."
"You want to visit the ruins . . . where you were recovered, yes?"
The Lucario paused, being figured out already. Doc chuckled and began to walk towards the opened area to the beginning of the beaten pathway.
"Come now Acero . . . I was the one that helped you recover in body . . . now it is time for the mind."
