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*
