We're back!

?: …yup…

Me: Are you ever gonna cheer up?

?: …maybe..?

Me: Good. *pats her head*

?: …heh… thanks.

Me: :3

Chapter II: Home

"Is she gonna wake up, mom?"

"Yes, my dear. Don't worry, she will wake up soon."

…warmth…

…it was warm…

I felt a paw against my side.

Someone said into my ear, "Wake up, sweetie. Wake up."

I groaned, letting my eyes open.

The Vulpix from before was in front of me, along with a Ninetails beside me.

They both seemed elated when they realized I was awake.

The Vulpix hopped onto the bed I was in. "You're awake! Thank Arceus!"

I blinked.

"Are you okay?" She asked. "Can you talk?"

Oh… Well, uh…

I let out a small cough as I tried to find my voice again, before managing to talk.

"...y… yeah. I… I can talk…"

The Vulpix smiled, before frowning. "But… are you okay? Your voice is really scratchy, and…"

I tried my best to smile. "Y-Yeah. I'm… fine…"

"...no, you're not."

The unfamiliar voice came from the Ninetails, who was still next to me.

I shook from fear, remember what happened last time I saw one.

She placed her paw on me, sensing my fear. "Do not be afraid, Little One. I will not harm you." She patted my head. "You seem to be afraid of me. May I ask why?"

I whimper. "N… Ninetails…"

"What about a Ninetails?"

"...the last time I saw a Ninetails, she tried to wipe my memory and make me her slave… and I can't trust an authority figure anymore…"

The Ninetails seemed surprised, but then hugged me tightly.

I shut my eyes tightly, crying.

"Shhh… It will all be okay."

"No…" I whimpered. "No, it won't."

She let go. "Why?"

"I ran… I ran away from my Trainer." I confessed. "He tried to use the Ninetails to make me think he was a good trainer… I couldn't handle him anymore. He abused me every day! So… I ran away from him."

Ninetail's eyes widened. "Oh Arceus… that monster. You poor thing… Come here." She hugged me again.

I hugged her back. "What..?"

"You can stay here." She replied, keeping her voice as calming and caring as possible. "I'll protect you. You'll be safe. I promise…

Do you want me to?"

The word 'safe' stuck out in my mind.

Could I really be safe? WOULD I ever be safe..? What if HE came back and tried to capture me again?!

…but…

…the Ninetails could protect me…

…I decided.

I looked up at Ninetails. "Yes. Thank you…" I sniffled. "Thank you so much."

:)

?: …heh…

Ninetails: *hugs ?* Hi J!

Me: Hi!

?: *smiles*