The Tale of Team Longshot - A Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Fanfiction
Chapter 21 - The Harmony Of Trust
Primeval Forest, Mac's POV
During the past few hours, Flaps and I have been flying around this labyrinth of a forest nonstop. Run up a tree, soar for a while, dive, empty clearing. Run up another tree, soar some more, dive, another empty clearing. Rinse and repeat to the point where the sensation of the rushing wind feels like another fresh breeze to me now. Watching the sun's slow-but-sure descent between dives gets boring. The fact that we've been doing this uneventful routine until the sun's dip into the horizon doesn't help either.
On the bright side, all this flying and diving has let me notice each of Flaps' little improvements, be it a softer landing, a smoother penetration through the tree barrier, or even pulling up early. I suppose this makes it so that each failed search attempt had something different to it… even if I did run out of Oran Berries and Reviver Seeds from all the crash landings. I'm not sure how Flaps isn't sick of the taste considering he had to eat all of what I have. If it weren't for my shell I don't know how much longer our items would've lasted.
Thank Arceus Mawile contacted me to let me know that I can give up the search because Fia was at Fire Island Volcano… apparently. When Flaps and I traversed through the forest itself to meet back up with Mawile and the others, we found them in a clearing to see Jirachi conversing with Celebi. From what I managed to hear, the two sounded surprisingly casual towards each other, judging from the occasional laughter from one of them. It wasn't too surprising, considering Jirachi being acquainted with Celebi was what led us to coming to Primeval Forest in the first place. Hopefully whatever he's talking with Celebi about is actually relevant, especially considering how Jirachi isn't exactly one to stick to priorities.
After asking Mawile about Celebi's thoughts on the barrier I found (which even Celebi himself didn't have a clue as to what's inside; apparently the indestructible thing has been lingering there for the few years he's been as this forest's guardian), I asked for more details regarding Fia's unusual whereabouts. She told me that Ampharos contacted her while he was under attack, but his call cut off all of a sudden.
"Attacked, huh?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "Guess that Entei really isn't the welcoming type…"
Mawile's gaze turns stern. "It's not Entei they're fighting, Mac."
My expression turns slightly baffled. Why would anyone else other than Entei be up on the peak at a time like this? "Then… who?"
Fire Island Volcano's Peak, Indigo's POV
When I willingly entered my battle stance for whoever was going to attack, I felt ready. When I realized that I would be fighting the Beheeyem trio, I felt scared. Now that they fired at our bags with a homing Embargo beam, rendering every Berry, Seed, and Orb inside them useless, I became downright terrified.
So terrified, in fact, that I almost didn't notice the amount of battle going on without me. I snap out of my little trance of fright to see beams, bolts, and leaves being fired left and right, but none of them directed my way.
Strange… I thought I would've gotten hit by now…
I quickly shake my head and get back to being on guard. The Beheeyem are all currently levitating by the end of the area, near Entei's stone statue, swiftly dodging Dragon Pulse beams from Ampharos and Leaf Tornado attacks from Fia, firing back in between strafes. I could rush in to catch their projectile dodging off guard by dealing a physical blow to one of them, but then I'd be vulnerable to the other two…
My eye catches a window of opportunity, a Dragon Pulse from the left and a Leaf Tornado from the right causing two Beheeyem to strafe into the middle one, leaving them vulnerable to an attack from the center. They would part if I don't act, leaving things back to square one, so I decide to take this chance. Refocusing, I bring my paws back and concentrate, feeling the large orb of energy forming between them. Mentally wishing myself luck, I thrust my paws forward, letting the orb loose.
Fortunately, the Focus Blast stays on the straight flight course I hoped it would take, flying right to the Beheeyem trio's vulnerable spot and exploding. The impact kicks up a cloud of smoke and sends the three Beheeyem slightly reeling in different directions.
"Good move, Indigo!" I turn to my left to see Ampharos giving me a proud smile, still standing despite his worn-out looking state. "Those ruffians are much more vulnerable now that we've separated them!"
"Let's get them!" I turn to my right to see my soot-covered Snivy of a partner, just as eager as always.
Their contagious confidence ends up washing over me as well. I face ahead to see a Beheeyem still attempting to straighten its levitation after reeling across the floor. I don't blame it for looking so pained and taking its time considering my fair amount of times hitting the floor here.
But right now I have to fight it. I may have the size and type disadvantage, but with our other comrades knocked out cold and our items useless, all I can do is rush in and take the offense. If this is the case, then I might as well fight my hardest.
Here goes nothing!
Clutching my bag's strap with one paw, I focus energy towards my feet and bound forward, feeling a burst of Quick Attack speed kick in. I end up closing the distance between me and the Beheeyem in the blink of an eye, catching it off guard right as it attempts to upright itself. Using my momentum, I hurl myself at the foe shoulder-first and successfully send it flying right towards Entei's stone statue. The resulting impact doesn't even budge Entei's petrified position one bit, but the Beheeyem's impact against it was enough to elicit what sounds like a garbled scream.
The urge to cover my ears came to me, but I end up becoming more interested in the object Beheeyem just collided with. Now that I'm this close, I can say it's definitely Entei, but the more I look at him, the more I think that something feels missing from his figure.
Didn't he have something on him back when we encountered him on the Air Continent?
I hastily set that thought aside when the sound of a Psychic beam missing my head reaches my ears. The next thing I know, I'm crying out in pain and sent reeling across the ground when the impact of a Beheeyem's Steel Wing of an arm slams against the back of my head.
The contact of reeling against the rocky floor leaves me wincing in pain, but as soon as the sensation passes, I quickly prop myself back to my feet and turn on my heel. Fortunately, my reaction is just enough for me to catch the Beheeyem's next Steel Wing in my paws. With Beheeyem's glowing arm held in between mine, I end up meeting the monotonous stare in its green eyes.
I notice something of interest right above Beheeyem's eyes, some sort of blue glowing Looplet wrapped around its head.
Wait a second, wasn't that Looplet on Entei's-
My thought is pushed aside by the emphasized force of Beheeyem's Steel Wing pushing against my grabbing paws. I push back against the increased force with my paws, concentrating on ending this clash. I focus all energy to my paws as a red Counter aura surrounds me and sends the Steel Wing's opposite momentum to my grip. With this brief spike in strength, I tighten my grip on the Beheeyem's arm and lift it over my shoulder before hurling the Psychic type away.
The oddly satisfying noise of Beheeyem crying out in pain leaves me with a smile on my face as it collides with Entei's stone statue once more, but this time the Beheeyem doesn't bother getting up.
A brief wave of relief washes over me as the realization sinks in. Did I… actually beat a Beheeyem? On my own?
I take a step closer. It doesn't stir. The opportunity to inspect the Looplet wrapped around its head comes to me. Slowly, I take a step forward and hold a quivering paw towards the Looplet, approaching cautiously just in case this Beheeyem isn't actually unconscious.
A brief second of silence ensues as I pause. Okay… it's still not stirring…
I gently lay my paw on the Looplet. Still no stirring from the Beheeyem. With a swift swipe, I yank the Looplet clean off Beheeyem's head and shove it into my bag.
I sigh in relief. I don't know how useful this is, but if these Beheeyem are after it, then-
"Agh!"
The sound of a pained cry reaches my ears from behind, instantly putting me on edge as I turn on my heel. Its source enters my sight in the form of my soot-covered Snivy of a partner soaring past me, reeling to a stop on the floor face-first. I briefly wince, but the urge to rush to Fia's need takes over my senses.
However, as soon as I ready myself to break into a dash, a certain other Psychic force ends up being the one manipulating my senses. I'm lifted into the air by a psychic force, coming face-to-face with an angrily glaring Beheeyem.
My eyes widen at the sight of the very Beheeyem I thought I knocked out. Other than bruises that should've been enough to render someone unconscious, I spot some sort of dark purplish aura crackling around it like electricity.
Panic takes over me as I realize this detail. Okay, I'm sure that is not a normal Beheeyem thing!
Before I could channel my trembling fear into an struggle attempt, a metallic arm darts into my field of view for a split second before it smashes into my face. The impact causes a flash to fill my vision and elicits a choke of a cry from my throat as I'm sent flying for a brief moment. My soar then comes to a stop when I'm reeling across the ground on my shoulder.
Rrgh!
Once I reel to a stop, my instincts immediately start screaming at me to get back on my feet and keep my guard up against the approaching enemy. However, instead of propping me up, my paws end up scrambling to clutch at the sore center of my face where the blow connected, that being my sore snout. Just brushing my fur across the surface of where the impact landed elicits a pained whimper as the pain starts to throb, blood leaking from my snout and its scent entering my senses. My paws stay indescisively hovered above the pained spot, reluctant to touch my snout in fear of sending another jolt of pain coursing through my body.
So what if your snout is bleeding?! Get back up and fight!
C-Come on! The Beheeyem might be coming! Hurry!
My pure sense of panicked urgency in my thoughts ends up barely overwhelming the sensation of my current pain, just enough to get my reluctant paws to lift me back to my staggering feet. After a quick check to see if my bag's still present, I readjust its strap over my shoulder right as the premonition of danger resurfaces in my mind.
Realizing the message of my raised pair of head dangles, I duck to a crouch just in time to see a pulsing Psychic beam from behind whizz right between my ears. The sound of its blast being eerily close registered into my mind as well, instantly putting me back on edge.
With a kick of the paw against the ground, I manage to spin myself around whilst crouching and break out of my duck in the form of a lunge behind me. The verification of my instincts' intuition registers when my pounce collides me with a Beheeyem, leaving me pinning the surprised Psychic type down.
All fear that took me prior was now overcome by pure adrenaline as soon as I reared a paw back and thrust it down. I made sure to slam it down as hard as possible between the Beheeyem's eyes so as to let the impact sink in, then allowed a faint Force Palm pulse to emit from my attacking paw. Smirking a bit at the successful connection, I quickly focus energy towards my stuck paw, already bracing myself for the aftermath of my incoming point-blank blast.
The violent energy pulse of the Focus Blast sends me flying for a brief moment across the ground, the sting of its blast still present on my figure. Fortunately, despite the shakiness caused by the pain in my limbs, I manage to grasp my bearings quick enough to manuever a landing on my feet instead of on my face. As if by sheer luck, I land in such a way that gives me a perfect view of the dust cloud right where the Beheeyem was, allowing me a sigh of relief at the satisfying sight of my doing.
"About… time…" I smirk for a brief second, but moments after my exhausted statement, the taste of my own blood reaches my senses. Memories of its source immediately resurface in my head.
Hesitantly, I brush a paw just below my snout, careful not to make contact with the sore location, and feel the reddish substance transfer to its fur. Taking a quick glance at the substance was enough to confirm my suspicions.
Still sore… still bleeding… Great…
The urge to let out an exasperated sigh comes to me, but my emotion quickly shifts to shock when a levitating figure zooms out of the dust cloud in front of me. My astonishment is multiplied when I come across the realization that the uncharacteristically fast brownish figure is heading my way. Panic rising within me gives my feet the urge to take a hasty step away, but I only get a split second to catch the Beheeyem's unyielding stare of hostility. Its threatening gaze ends up leaving me in a fear-induced trance.
Before I could even blink, a forceful headbutt imbued with psychic energy rams into my chest with the force of a speeding boulder. The impact leaves an amplified shock of pain to course through my entire body from head to toe before my limbs numb to the brink of collapse. However, the need for collapsing was left postponed as the Zen Headbutt also sent me soaring across the area once more, this time at a far greater speed. At this velocity, I didn't even have to glance behind me to figure out that the air rushing through my fur would halt in a collision against a rocky wall. A collision that would surely leave me in even more pain, possibly silencing me in the process.
With the impact of the attack leaving me with only a second to flinch, I clench my eyes shut and mentally prepare myself for the harsh noises of my bones snapping against rock.
In a peculiar moment of convenience, the acceptance of my fate ends up being unfulfilled when I end up landing on what seems to be a pile of flesh. Hastily, I glance behind me to see and sigh in relief when I realize I've landed on Buizel's unconscious figure rather than what my mind rushed to think. Judging from how no grunts were elicited from my landing spot, the Beheeyem must've done quite the number on this heap of four to leave them in this state of sleep.
Argh… if only I could get back up…
The recollection of the Zen Headbutt's aftermath ends up leaving me to wheeze in pain. Even if I could bring myself to get up, I was left in no condition to deal hits or take hits. My paws were left to tremble weakly from the psychic energy they were exposed to and a purple bruise just as sore as my snout already formed where the Zen Headbutt connected. My wheezing leaves me desperately pleading for some Oran Berry juice, but the only juice I have access to was the foul-tasting one leaking from my snout. Even if my bag was still with me, strap and all, the dark aura around it conveyed that Embargo is still in effect.
Come on… it has to wear off eventually…
Suddenly, another darting figure heading my way enters my sight, but I quickly notice how this figure is much smaller than a Beheeyem, bearing a soaring state similar to mine just a few moments ago. Even if it took me a second to recall why her figure lacked a familiar green, I still leaned into position in hopes of cushioning Fia's momentum.
I try my best to hold back a pained grunt as the impact of Fia's speed transfers from her body to the bruise on my chest all at once. She lets out her own pained grunts as well, meaning that I'm not the only one in this state of pain.
She slowly cranes her neck to look up at me, evident weariness in her tone. "Oh… did they… punch you in the face, too?"
The mere imagery of Fia having to go through the same Steel Wing punishment I had forms a guilty lump in my throat. I slowly nod with a solemn gaze, giving a quick glance over her. She is still as soot-covered as before, but because of this, it was hard to determine which marks on her body were soot marks or bruises.
I muster what I can from what rasp is left from my voice. "I don't… think I can get up at this point…"
Fia's eyes widen for a second before she hops off of me, quickly turning to face me with a defiant look. "Indigo…" She lets out a few coughs for a second. As she does so, her usual tone determination of confidence returns. "Indigo. Come on… you can't give up now. I can sorta see why you were so afraid of these Beheeyem before, but look at me. I'm burnt and beaten, but I'm still standing here on my feet. I want you to do the same."
I can't help but halfheartedly chuckle. Easier said than done… your legs aren't weak to psychic exposure…
As much as I admire the determined confidence shining through Fia's pep talk, my weakness to these Beheeyem in typing ended up leaving me in a state more injured than she once was. Oran Berries can't help me now.
But what can?
Is lying down here… really the only thing I can do?
Of course, on the other hand (or… paw?), I can't just shoot down Fia's insistence at a time like this. I know I willingly rushed into the fray to give these Beheeyem a proper payback, but a handicap like this doesn't mean I'm out for the count just yet. The flickering flame of my fighting spirit is still there. If I can at least bring myself to stand up, maybe I can get by with simply using poorly executed tumbles to dodge, or even use my bag has a makeshift shield. If close quarters combat isn't going to help me, then I have my Focus Blasts. That's something.
Confidence sparking up within me, I hold my paws out. "Can you… at least help me up?"
Returning the smile, Fia grabs my paws with her hands and pulls me up. My legs stagger once more as they're forced to support my weakened body, but a second of firmly planting my feet on the ground is enough for me to at least stand upright.
My standing posture regained, I flash a confident smile Fia's way, which she returns.
Heh… look at us.
Here we are, standing on this volcano mountain's peak facing what might as well be our toughest battle yet. Right from when I woke up in this world, it's been challenge after challenge. And now the days I've spent as an Expedition Society member have only greeted me with missions escalating in difficulty, now coming in full circle when now I have to face the first obstacle I've encountered.
And there's no one else I'd rather be facing these Beheeyem with. Even if this might as well be a losing battle for me and Fia, that won't stop us from still trying. For every challenging trek we've gone through are moments of us rising in the face of adversity. With my fighting spirit rekindled, I'm confident that this would be no different.
The sound of an impactful blow causes the two of us to turn to its source ahead. Still standing in the middle of the fray is the Chief, who just managed to send a Beheeyem reeling with what I assume was a blow from his fist. As impressive as the sight of seeing our usually-clumsy leader in the middle of a heated brawl is, my attention is quickly caught by the Beheeyem reeling our direction. Judging from Fia's look of realization, she must've noticed it too. We glance at each other and nod, almost as if reading each others' minds.
Let's do this.
As if like magic, what shakiness in my legs started to completely disappear as I bound forward in quick strides towards the reeling Beheeyem, Fia still by my side. Rearing a paw back as Fia readies to swing with her vines, my blazing confidence sends a wave of energy through my body, almost as if revitalizing me. Slightly perplexed by my sudden energy, I cast a glance downwards to where my attention is caught by a blinding glow emitting from beneath the Looplet on my neck. A blinding glow coming from the scarf. A quick glance at Fia reveals that her Harmony Scarf suddenly started bearing the same glow too, as if in sync with mine. My energized senses immediately tell me that this glowing is the source of my sudden energy. Before I can question it any further, I suddenly realize the two of us have pretty much finished closing the distance with the reeling Psychic type.
The time has come to finally strike. As I forcefully thrust my paw forward, the sudden energy fueling me feels as if it's reached its limit. Even with all the momentum I've put into my blow, it's as if time itself has stopped and kept all of us frozen in this moment in time. Coupled with this strange sensation is the strengthening energy from before continuing to flow through me, pumping strength into every being of my figure in a way that feels complete.
A voice suddenly flashes through my mind. "The Tree of Life will give you two the strength you need."
Wait… wha-
And with that, before I could fully process the voice, time starts moving again, the unsuspecting Beheeyem finally getting its just desserts in the form of a paw strike and a vine smack to the back of the head. While the sight of seeing a Beheeyem sent flying to the wall is satisfying, my attention is immediately caught by a detail that leaves immediately catches my eye. It confuses me in a way that pushes the thought of the voice in my head aside like it was just an afterthought. I notice that the paw I thrust forward had a metallic-looking spike portruding from its backside.
A look down at my paws gives me the realization that this was no mere hallucination. I notice that both of my paws have one of these spikes, these little portrusions short but sharp-looking at the tips. Even on my chest where a bruise once was, in its place stands yet another spike. In a startling moment of realization as to why I'm not writhing in pain from these sudden pointy penetrations among other things, it hits me.
"W-What the?!" As if looking at my own amplified features wasn't sufficient, the sound of my own matured voice is more than enough to confirm my thoughts.
Riolu I am no more.
I don't know when, but somewhere in the seconds ago, the process of evolution must've taken me by surprise and I didn't even notice it. Did it happen when I felt that spurt of energy pulsing through me from my scarf-
My scarf!
The realization causes me to glance down where my scarf would usually be wrapped, only to be met with the sight of nothing but the fur of my neck beneath my Looplet. I raise an eyebrow.
Then comes the vaguely familiar voice to my left. "Whoa! Indigo! You… look so cool!"
I quickly perform a double take as I turn to the side. While the voice I heard had a hint of the amazed tone I'd expect from Fia, it was also coupled by an unusual sense of matured sophistication, as if sounding regal.
My perplexed thoughts are answered when I end up seeing not a Snivy, not a Servine, but a Serperior to my left, her expression just as amazed as mine. Where my soot-covered dusty partner once stood was now replaced by the sleek but formidable looking coils of bright shades of green, bag hanging off an extended shoulder portrusion where I assume her vines would come out. While I do know that I've never met a Serperior before, this regal-looking one right before my eyes is undoubtedly Fia, judging from her amber tint in her red eyes.
While the two of us could continue gawking at each others' evolved forms or question the unusual evolution that skipped Fia's Servine form and made our scarves disappear(Did they fall off during the evolution or something?), we still have a battle to fight. The shift from surprise to confidence on Fia's face reveals that she realized this too.
And with us in better fighting condition than ever… this battle just took a completely different turn.
The sensation of adrenaline pumps up my Lucario form as we face ahead to see two Beheeyem charging our way. Fia and I give each other quick nods and ready ourselves to retaliate with our newfound strength. I hold my paws behind me and take a deep breath.
This isn't an Aura Sphere… but it'll have to do!
I thrust my paws forward, using the amplified energy coursing through me to hurl a Focus Blast projectile twice as large as one I would normally use. A smile comes onto my face as I realize the similarities in size with my Focus Blast and its target's head. However, my moment of satisfaction dissipates when my Focus Blast projectile does so.
My eyes widen at the source of my Focus Blast's fizzling out; some sort of projectile beam fired by the Beheeyem. The assumption of a Psychic beam immediately comes to my mind due to the projectile's familiar shape, but my surprise turns to horror when I notice the beam's unusual colouration. Its menacing shade of dark purple screams tones of malicious intent into my senses, this tint eerily similar to the crackling aura I saw surrounding the beam's shooter earlier.
Even given my newfound psychic-resistant Steel typing, my senses still go full on defensive and force me to bring my paws up in front of my face. I brace myself for the shock of the blow, clenching my teeth as I feel the beam make contact. My attempts at blocking end in vain when I feel a chilling energy phase through my paws and pulse through my body. A shudder-inducing wave takes its effect by piercing me right down to my bones, threatening to slow every fabric of my being to a hardened stop. My senses immediately start screaming at the permanent petrification starting to eat me from inside.
However, almost immediately, the dark force locking up my limbs is expelled by a sudden rejuvenating energy. What feeling of forced stiffness that was present before is washed away by the sensation of my limbs loosening back to control.
This… energy… it feels just like the one I felt not too long ago.
With the aftermath of the beam's expelling leaving me without a single scratch inside or out, my look of surprised relief meets the confused distraught of the Beheeyem in front of me. A triumphant smirk forms on my face when I realize that the next deciding blow is mine for the taking.
Well, whatever that energy was that caused my evolution… and prevented that beam's effects… time to put it to actual use!
One blinding bound forward later, I thrust a paw ahead and strike the Beheeyem right in the face, adding to the outward momentum with a Force Palm blast. The sensation of every bit of powerful momentum pulsing right from my paw to the Beheeyem's entire body leaves a satisfying taste of adrenaline in my senses, urging me to continue with a follow-up blow. Without even breaking a sweat, just the thought of bounding forward gets my legs working at a speed that might as well fool me for teleportation. Yet, even at the speed of the moment, the pure speed of my mind's reactions synergizing with my movements give me this feeling of complete control despite spending less than a minute in this new body.
Making the most out of my momentum, I pounce forward foot-first, managing to land a kick at a speed faster than the Beheeyem was reeling, lodging it into a wall. With my target cornered, I find myself waving my paws in front of my face in a mystical fashion the gesture somehow channeling visible blue energy to their very tips. Once I move them to a position right in front of my chest, I forcefully thrust them forward in a sudden transition of speed.
However, rather than feeling my paws successfully make their smashing impact, they end up being the first to fall victim to some sort of Psychic-induced shockwave before the influence takes the rest of my body over. A sudden pulse of weightlessness courses through my body before I'm sent for a short soar. Fortunately, repeated sessions of being sent through these humid drafts have taught me well, and thanks to my enhanced reflexes, I somersault safely onto my feet, the only major setback done being our newfound spacing.
A quick cautious look of examining my landing site reveals that a Serperior to my left is experiencing the same distance situation, staring down her distant adversary and probably planning how to attack next.
She catches my stare and shoots me a stiff look. "You know… Indigo… as much as I love taking my Serperior-self on a crash course, we should get this over with before I use up all of my new tricks."
I catch onto her faint smirk accompanied by the hint of her familiar battle-excited tone and immediately piece her suggestion together.
I like where this is going.
I quickly turn ahead to see the two Beheeyem levitating in place. However, rather than preparing for an attack, the sound of faint beeping indicates a conversation of some sort.
Then, all of a sudden, they both to turn to face us, one of them gesturing to me with an arm. I vividly recognize the pointing Beheeyem as the one I went one-to-one against earlier, so it doesn't take me long to realize that he's pointing at my bag.
So that Beheeyem really wants the Looplet back, huh?
I get my paws ready in a fighting stance and see Fia doing the same.
I flash her a confident smile. "So, ready to show me one of your 'new tricks'?"
She replies with a smirk. "It'd be my pleasure."
The two of us turn ahead to see the two Beheeyem levitating towards us, glowing arms at the ready.
"Just follow my lead, Indigo," I turn to see Fia with a determined smile on her face. "These two won't see what's coming."
Even if I've known her to be reckless at times, there are times when she actually knows what she's doing. That undeterred tone of authority emphasized by her Serperior features prove enough to confirm that this is one of those times. Instinct or not, I just know it.
I glance ahead to see the two Beheeyem starting to close the distance between the four of us. Even with their dead stares oozing with malicious intent, I find myself with no reason to be afraid. I'm not a little Riolu anymore. There is nothing but pure energy and adrenaline in this body that is left up to my full control.
Time to let loose.
"Here it comes, Indigo!"
I only have a split second to think when I feel the wind Fia's Leaf Tornado taking me from behind and launching me into a forward soar. Fortunately, I only had to relive the sensation of humid air flowing through my fur for a split second before I get my senses to maneuver my paws back into a running stance. Making use of the speed added to my dash, I channel the momentum into my paws and thrust them at the Beheeyem in front of my face. Judging from how my target didn't immediately respond by blocking with a Steel Wing or a Psychic shockwave, my sudden burst of speed must've caught it off guard. It certainly caught me off guard, because after I sent it reeling from my paw strikes, I forced myself to skid to a stop on the ground, which left a minor sting.
"Over here!"
A quick turn towards the source of the voice reveals the figure of another Beheeyem being flung at me by a vine. With a swift motion, I grab it by the head and toss it to where its other ally lay, adding to the satisfying sound of collision against rock.
"Okay, Fia," I turn to face her with a perplexed look. "What's that all about, hurling that Beheeyem at me and-"
"Good, good!" I'm met with a delighted look from her end of the battlefield before I could finish. "Get ready to launch them into the air, okay? I paralyzed mine, so you don't have to worry about subduing it much."
"Wait, wha-"
"I have my reasons, don't worry!" She interrupts me with a pout. "Come on, Indigo, the battlefield's not a time to start worrying! Trust the process!"
I would attempt to protest once more, but Fia's look was enough to show that a vine slap to the face was coming my way if I didn't listen. Or maybe it could just be me.
I sigh. … she was talking about those Beheeyem as if they were her dolls or something…
Speaking of dolls, a quick glance at the way the Beheeyem were sprawled out on the floor almost made me understand Fia's tone for a second. Definitely beaten to the point of fainting, but still barely stirring. Without dwelling too much on the thought, I quickly approach them and place on paw on each of their heads, activating a Force Palm stick as I do so. My gesture earns me uncharacteristically shocked looks from the Beheeyem.
It'll all be over soon, you two… hopefully… The mere thought almost made me chuckle at how I'm the dominant one over these two for once.
I quickly turn on my heel and look up at a slight angle, readying the 'launch' part of Fia's instructions. However, rather than getting a view of the mostly smoky sky above, my eyes catch a distinct green figure who's launched herself into the air with a Leaf Tornado and is staring down at me expectedly. Even if Fia's a fair distance airborne, I can still see the look in her eyes going, "Over here!"
I only have time to widen my eyes for a second before the situation recalls itself. Fia, you better know what you're doing!
With my paws pointed at Fia's angle, I ready a Focus Blast on both of them, the blasts immediately blowing up and releasing the two Beheeyem from my grips. The impact of the double detonation elicits a brief cry from me as I end up on the receiving end of reeling into a rock wall.
Thankfully, my Steel-type figure paid no heed to the rocky impact, leaving me to easily get up and shake it off better than the point-blank Focus Blast recoil. Good thing I got up in time, too.
I quickly notice Fia's mid-air figure wrap around the two Beheeyem before she maneuvers herself so that she and the Psychic types are plummeting towards the ground. The sight of Fia quickly descending to crash the Beheeyem headfirst into the ground leaves me speechless… in several senses. While the sight of seeing the Beheeyem squirm helplessly in Fia's squeeze is amusing on several levels, on the other hand-
You can't seriously be trying to pull something like that! Not when you're that high up into the air!
The familiar feeling of panic floods my senses as I start bounding towards the shadow of where Fia's soon-to-be landing site would be. However, my strides are interrupted when the plummeting figure from the sky crashes down into the ground full force, only leaving me a split second to shield my eyes from the resulting dust cloud.
Fia! The mere thought overwhelms my safety reflexes and got me intent on focusing on the clearing dust particles.
All I'm greeted with is the sight of the two Beheeyem sprawled in a crater, their state looking even more beaten than before. Definitely fainted, but the absence of any kind of blood leaves me perplexed for a second.
What, are these two just going to end up completely rejuventated all of a sudden like before?
A more pressing matter recalls itself into my mind when I realize that only the Beheeyem are in this crater, no Serperior in si-
"Hey-"
The sudden voice from behind as well as the tap on my shoulder is enough to make me cry out and surprise and turn around to meet a look of equal astonishment.
"Fia!" I immediately yell, letting the shock in my voice show. "What were you thinking, diving down the air like that?! I thought you were going to blast them away with some follow-up attack, but this?!"
"Relax," She replies with a dismissive wave of a leaf… arm… thing. "I jumped off at the last second, so I'm fine. It would've been much easier if I still had legs… but still, I'm fine. Besides, even if I did plan on smashing my head into anything, I would've prepared a vine helmet first."
As if by demonstration, Fia pauses to take a vine out and loop it over the side of her face until several vines find themselves wrapped on the top of her head like several layers of ribbon.
"See?" She gives me her usual grin, the familiar childishness looking obscure on a Serperior's face. "You worry too much, silly. Doing that midair stunt exhausted me like crazy, but the point is that we beat these Beheeyem, right? Up top!" She swerves closer to my direction and raises a leaf appendage.
I raise an eyebrow at the sudden gesture, but for the sake of keeping the awkward silence away, I let my paw touch one of her leaf's stubby ends.
Though… seeing these Beheeyem defeated like this… she does have a point.
A faint smile comes to my face as the adrenaline from before starts slipping away. "Yeah… we did beat them, didn't we?"
With the dust now literally settled, the urge to spontaneously collapse from exhaustion starts coming to me, somewhat akin to the urge to rest and rejuvenate my slipping energy. Rather than doing either, I close my eyes and take a long, slow breath, letting the feeling of calm settle in.
Immediately after letting out a satisfied breath, the sensation of shocked surprise rushes to my senses. When I exhaled, what came out was the sigh of a Riolu. My closed eyes turned widened.
My surprised stare finds itself face-to-face with an equally confused Snivy, green as can be, adding to my shock.
"W-What the?!" I cry out, only to gasp at the sound of a voice that was not as adult-like as it was before.
I immediately look down at my paws, and everything from the absence of my spikes to the distance from my gaze to the ground confirms my suspicions.
Come on… all that Lucario and Serperior stuff… was I… dreaming? Hallucinating, maybe? That can't be the case… bag, check. Looplet, check. Scarf…
I pause as I recall the accessory. There it is, still wrapped around my neck on the space beneath where I'm wearing my Looplet, looking completely untouched.
Normally I wouldn't be worried, but I suddenly remembered that last time I checked when I was still a Lucario, that scarf wasn't there.
Wait, wait, wait, I thought this thing fell off when-
"This is weird… Indigo, I'm not dreaming, right?" I tear my gaze up from my paws to see a dejected Snivy staring down at her own hands in a similar state. "I know I didn't pay attention during Miss Audino's health class, but I know this isn't how evolution works…"
"I guess I'm not the only one lost, then…" I blink for a few seconds, pausing to let the details sink in. "I'm… starting to question reality as a whole at this point…"
There's got to be some reasoning behind this, ri-
"Uh… Indigo? Indigo!" My brief thought is halted by Fia's look of horror peering over my shoulder.
Even in my body's exhausted and adrenaline-drained state, the urgency in Fia's voice is enough to make me quickly turn on my heel to see the threat levitating behind us. Another Beheeyem.
However, turning around is all I manage to do. The only other thing I manage to see is a multicoloured bolt of electricity crashing down from above the Psychic type. While I could just hold my paws up and brace myself for whatever incoming attack's present, my senses immediately scream at my to cover my ears instead.
Thank Arceus I do so. What sound my paws manage to block off ends up leaving the muffled booming sound of thunder to reach my ears, the cloud of smoke kicking up in front of me reflecting its intensity.
What sounds ended up following after I hurriedly set my paws down were the sounds of coughing from me and Fia. Even with the particles of dust threatening our lungs, I narrow my eyes in an attempt to see the danger ahead as the obstruction clears itself. I'm greeted to the sight of the Beheeyem's body levitating for a second before spontaneously collapsing, the smiling figures of the Chief and the other four Society members standing behind it.
My eyes light up in relief, allowing me a proper sigh as the Chief approaches us.
"Are you two alright?" He asks, his frown reflecting his concern.
I respond with a smile. "Well… we are, thanks to you." I glance down at the fainted Beheeyem in front of us, electricity still crackling around its figure. "I… almost started wondering where that Beheeyem went."
His lip curls to the faintest of smiles as his tone is energized with a chuckle. "Well, you really shouldn't be thanking me exclusively." He steps aside to allow the other four to step closer. "It takes a team's effort of force to knock a Beheeyem out like that, and that was only because it was alone and already weakened. Though, if you were to allow me the credit of something, it would be for having enough Reviver Seeds on hand."
Archen steps forward. "Chief, did you really have to go for the Thunder? You could've screwed up that last second save by missing!"
Ampharos merely chuckled Archen's statement off. "But of course." He lifts his arm into the air, taking his proud pose once more. "Whatever I do, I do it stylishly! You don't need to worry yourself, for the worst possible scenario I can think of is that I do miss and thus would've had to take out more Reviver Seeds."
I deadpan for a second. To emphasize on safety or style… he really can't make up his mind, can he?
A realization suddenly makes its way into my head. "Wait, wait, wait, Chief, you used Reviver Seeds?"
Fia steps forward to my side, sharing my look. "That means we can get out of here, right?"
With a proud smile, the Chief reaches for his bag and pulls out an Escape Orb. "That we can. However, are you sure we should escape here without apprehending these fiends first so that we can turn them in?"
"That…" I pause for a second. "... is actually a really good idea."
To finally apprehend the three Pokémon that troubled me on my appearance in this world would certainly lift one more worry off my shoulders. No need to worry about them ambushing me anymore. From the looks of it, they seemed to have turned Entei into stone, so giving them a proper interrogation and finally getting the reasonings we need would definitely be satisfying.
"Er… fellows?" Bunnelby speaks up, a hint of confusion in his voice. "About those three Beheeyem… where'd they go?"
Wait… what?
My eyes immediately dart to the locations of the collapsed Beheeyem, only to see nothing but figure-free indentations in the rock.
I notice Ampharos' expression shift back to a troubled frown. "Those ruffians… to teleport like that in an instant without any trace whatsoever… As if their ability to turn Pokémon to stone and get up from the most severe of injuries wasn't abnormal enough…"
And right when we had them… I double check the crater in front of us. No Beheeyem. We really aren't dealing with normal Pokémon here, are we?
I glance to my right to see Fia sharing my look of disappointment.
Ampharos sighs, slowly shaking his head as he readies his Escape Orb arm. "No matter. Perhaps the opportunity to apprehend them shall come another time. There are more pressing matters I wish to discuss."
Somewhere in the middle of the ocean, Fia's POV
Mmm… I almost forgot how good Apples are…
Under the night sky, sitting comfortably right on the spot where the Wailord's back curves to the tail, and left to the sounds of the sea… what a way to end the day. The Apple generously given to me by Indigo just makes it even better.
I take a satisfied sigh as I swallow another chunk of Apple, my eyes still fixated on the line where the dark blue night sky meets up with the almost-as-dark sea. After all the excitement I've had to endure today, I don't mind some quiet atmosphere time all for myself.
Okay, maybe not just for myself.
My ears catch the still-going conversation going on behind me, making me crane my neck to catch a glimpse at everyone else sitting there. All six of them sitting in a circle, their attention just so happenning to be focused on the very Pokémon I'd rather spend this skywatching session with.
For the sake of being part of something Indigo's in, I could just scooch myself into the conversation on Indigo's Beheeyem story… if I hadn't already listened to it already.
Oh what the heck, why not?
I quickly get up, finish my Apple, and do just that, making sure to sit myself next to Indigo.
"... is that so? Is that everything you have to say?" Ampharos asks him.
He nods. "That's all I know. I… don't think we encountered them at the volcano because they were following me… at least, I hope so."
And I just so happened to pop in right when he finished telling the story. I resist the urge to sigh. Well, at least I can still listen in.
"The only other inference I can make is that they were there for Entei…" Ampharos leans his head down to stroke his chin. "... which of course would link them to all the other Pokémon turned to stone… but I still don't understand their motive. What benefit could they possibly gain by using such a convoluted method of neutralizing a fellow Pokémon?"
Now that he does mention it…
"Actually… I think they were after this," Indigo fishes through his bag for a quick second before presenting a Looplet of some sort. "I managed to take this from a Beheeyem…"
My attention is taken by the mystical-looking Looplet in Indigo's paws. Its shape indicates that it is undoubtedly a Looplet, but the unique shine and tint it has tells me that there might be more to it. I don't know why, but I feel like I've seen something like this before, but not this up close.
Aha!
"Wait a second!" I speak up. "Didn't this Looplet belong to Entei?"
Indigo looks at me with a nod. "That's what I think too. Maybe these Beheeyem are after these special Looplet… things."
As Indigo continues presenting the Looplet to the others, I notice their looks grow with interest.
"Hey, Chief, haven't we seen Looplets like that before?" Buizel speaks up.
"Hmm…" Ampharos' intrigued look remains. "I feel like it's been quite some time since I've seen something of the sort, yes…"
"I feel like I've read of Looplets of zhis caliber in a book somevhere…" Ludwig adds, his small claw fixed to his glasses.
"Sounds to me that if they really are after this thing, then this won't be the last time seeing them…" Archen mumbles.
"Indigo, if it isn't too much to ask, may I keep that Looplet for the time being?" Ampharos asks. "I'll be sure to inquire Mawile about it once we all reconvene."
Indigo nods, handing the Looplet over. Once Ampharos silently accepts it into his bag, he turns back to face us—me and Indigo specifically—with a smile that looks almost childishly excited.
He rubs his hands together in a way that only adds to his suddenly eager look. "So, with the discussion of the Beheeyem and that Looplet done with for the time being, it's about time we discuss the Donphan in the area."
I hurriedly look around myself. There's a Donphan around here?! Here of all places?!
"Er… that being?" Indigo replies with a raised eyebrow, sounding surprisingly calm despite the possibility of a Donphan stowaway in the middle of the ocean.
"It should be obvious as to what I'm referring to," Ampharos replies, his smile still present. "Surely you couldn't have already forgotten it in the moment's passing." He glances behind him to face everyone else's expectant looks. "After all, I'm sure all of us here would consider such an evolution spectacle to be unforgettable!"
The following nods by the others are enough for the realization to sink in, leading my mind to stray away from the previous concern.
Wait… so that wasn't just some sick fever dream?!
Ampharos inches closer to us. "So, from one evolved Pokémon to another, what's your secret? Is this reverse evolution trick some sort of genetic advancement you young Pokémon possess at birth?"
"Uh… well, I don't think so…" Indigo replies. "For… explanation's sake, what's evolution normally like?"
"Ah… where have the times gone…" A sudden look of remiscence appears on Ampharos' face. "Even if I've evolved twice, it's been far too long…"
Ludwig hovers forward. "Well, I suppose I can answer…" He pauses, his gaze trailing off. "Ah, yes… it was like an overvhelming amount of energy coursed through my veins and spread everyvhere… most of it heading to my right claw, of course. It did take me a while to get used to my larger size, but after a bit, I felt as in control as I did as a Clauncher. Well, a levitating Clauncher, to be more specific."
"I… guess I felt like that too…" Indigo comments.
"I wish I could levitate," I speak up. "All I got were missing legs and a voice in my head."
All of a sudden, Indigo turns to face me with a look of realization on his face. "Wait… you heard it too?"
I raise an eyebrow. "So that part wasn't a dream, either? Did the weird lady voice say something about a Tree of Life thing, too?"
His eyed widen. "It… did…" He quickly turns to face the others. "Do any of you know of a Tree of Life?"
"A… Tree of Life, you say?" Ampharos responds. "I presume it's one of those secretive places that only a chosen few know of or have access to. Like with almost every location associated with mythical Pokémon. Sadly, I know nothing about such a place."
"I don't think any of the books I have describe zhis location…" Ludwig adds.
"Doesn't sound like it'd be an easy place to go searching for," Bunnelby speaks up. "For all we know, that 'tree' part might as well he metaphorical! Or that 'life' part! Or the-"
"I'm sure you're just overthinking this, Bunnelby…" Buizel responds.
I'm still on edge about the whole voice being a dream thing or not… this isn't helping.
"Whatever the case…" Ampharos clears his throat, making sure to silence everyone in the process. "... I'll be sure to inquire Mawile about this location as well. Perhaps Jirachi might also know a thing or two. Is that… all you have to testify regarding your mysterious evolutionary phenomenon?"
"Erm… actually… I think our scarves might have played a part as well," Indigo adds. "Not only did it seem to be the source of the evolution-causing energy, but mine vanished all of a sudden while I was a Lucario and reappeared all of a sudden when I turned back, as if it was always there."
I quickly replay the series of events in my head.
"Now that you mention it… I couldn't see my scarf when I evolved, either!" I add.
"Hmm… so you say your scarves might have been involved?" Ampharos replies. "Well… I would've supposed they were special in some way considering Jirachi's ability to fireproof using its substance, but not to this degree…"
His pause makes my expression stiffen. He better not 'take these for the time being' too.
Ampharos finally speaks up. "Where did you get those scarves, again?"
Indigo remains silent. I'll actually have to be the one replying this time.
"I just so happened to have them at birth when I was found." My tone quickly grows defensive. "But neither me nor my Pops knows where they actually came from, honest!"
Ampharos raises an eyebrow. "Pops?"
I let my tone slip away. "Oh, he's a Carracosta. He's my adopted dad. Well, I didn't actually adopt him, but… you get the point."
My statement is met with faint snickering, almost tempting me to whip my vines out at the sources. The only thing stopping me is Ampharos' sudden focused stare at me and Indigo, probably at our scarves.
"Jirachi did use one of your scarves to fireproof a bag, did he not?" He finally asks. "I suppose I'll question him about it since he probably has your scarf's data in his resource scanner."
"Resource… what?" I ask.
"One of his inventions," Buizel responds. "I could elaborate about it, but… those specifics are a long story for another day."
"Agreed…" Ampharos slowly nods. As soon as he finishes, his expression shifts back to his excited grin. "With that being said and done, I would to remark on how astonished I was at your performance in your evolved forms! Such strength, pulled off with such style too!"
Indigo puts a paw to the back of his head and chuckles. "I mean… all we did was beat two Beheeyem-"
"Oh, come on, Indigo!" I quickly stand up and hold my head high. "We just evolved, beat some Beheeyem, and lived to tell the tale! I don't know about you, but that's definitely something to be proud of in my book!"
At this point, I'll gladly take any praise from the Chief while I still can before he remembers why I'm even here in the first place.
"Your evolution was truly special in more ways than we've already discussed!" Ampharos continues, only furthering my pride. "You handled those Beheeyem as if they were any other hostile Pokémon! Do you know how much extra force I had to put in a Fire Punch to send one flying half the distance you two have managed?"
"Wait!" I speak up. "Were we actually that powerful?"
He nods. "It certainly felt like I was under the presence of Awakening-influenced Pokémon. That's certainly saying something."
"A… wakening?" I ask.
"I'm pretty sure that's an Emera of some sort…" Indigo says to me. "I actually studied up on that."
"Okay, you." I quickly sit down to give him a gentle shove to the arm.
Fortunately, the Chief didn't notice my little half-hearted gesture because he was still busy beaming.
"All this talk on your evolution is getting me all the more eager to look further into it!" He says. His tone fades as his gaze trails off to the sky. "Alas… how could I forget that now is not the time for such excitement? I've yet to announce that we can take our dinners now!"
"Actually… Chief?" Buizel speaks up with a muffled tone, Apple in paws. "The rest of us have already decided to eat while you were talking."
"Dear heavens!" With a hasty and shocked tone, the Chief quickly turns his back to us and joins the other four in their Apple eating.
That's… one way to get this conversation over with…
With the Chief joining everyone else in their eating circle, that just leaves me and Indigo sitting here in a moment of awkward quiet.
I break the silence. "So… today's been quite a day, huh?"
Indigo takes an Apple out of his bag and bites into it. "Hmm… you can say that again."
"Today's been-"
He cuts me off with a chuckle. "You're still in a really good mood, aren't you?"
"Well, why wouldn't I?" I slowly make my way over to my previous sitting spot. "Today's trek was on a whole new level of exciting for several reasons, I got to experience evolution of all things, and… well, this view's nice."
I hear his approaching chuckle as he sits down next to me, Apple still in paw. He looks at me with a faint smirk still on his face. "Is that a challenge? Let's see… well… you risked drowning yourself in the ocean by Leaf Tornado-ing over it, you got yourself charred beyond recognition…"
"Hmph," I give him an exaggerated pout and punch him in the arm. "At least the Chief didn't scold me about it."
He shrugs, his tone becoming monotonous. "Yet."
The silence comes back. I quietly sigh and let my gaze lift to the stars above. My attention is fixated onto how unique their dotted alignment is, each of them shining in a way that makes them all look harmonious with each other.
Harmonious…
I let out a more audible sigh. "I'm sorry about coming here. I know it was dangerous… but I was just really worried, you know?"
I really must be clingy…
"Same here…" Indigo responds, his gaze locked ahead. "Now I'm just confused as to why we argued earlier even though it was just nothing but worry. But… I guess all did end well, and, in a way, I'm glad you're here."
My eyes widen as I look his direction. "Really?"
He looks back with a genuine smile. "How'd you think I would've done against those Beheeyem if it was just me? I don't know if I would've even evolved at that point if it weren't for the reassurance of your presence."
"But you seemed to do just fine in all the other battles before that."
"Believe me… I was trying very hard to," he chuckles. "There was still this worry at the back of my head that constantly nagged at me no matter what. Guess our concern for each other really took its toll, huh?"
I giggle. "That's normal, right? I mean, we're pretty much the closest of friends! We got our own duo name! And our scarves are a special representation of our bond!"
"Well, you're not wrong when you say they're special…" He pauses. "... You didn't happen to know about this evolution thing all along, did you?"
"Hey, I'm just as confused as you are!" I respond, my tone turning defensive. "If I actually did know about it, then I would've told you in advance!"
He chuckles. "I guess that means our evolutions really took the both of us by surprise."
"Well, you have to admit it was exciting!" I let my tone shift to excitement. "Being a Serperior made me feel so much stronger! Though, losing my legs did make moving awkward at first, but at least you got lucky with your evo-" I pause as the realization hits me. "Oh, wait… you had to get used to being in a new body again, so I'm not in any position to complain."
"Hmm?" His eyes widen. "Oh, you're talking about that… Well, this might sound weird, but I felt oddly used to my Lucario form, as if by muscle memory. I… didn't feel much different than I did in my Riolu form. Well, except for the boost in power and confidence."
"So… it was as if not much changed in the first place?" I ask with a raised eyebrow. "This isn't going to spiral into another mystery… is it? I just hoped these were normal scarves that were just really comfy."
"I'm afraid so… there's the matter with the voice, too… but those are questions for another day… We might as well enjoy what time we have before we find ourselves involved in something else…" He pauses, focusing his gaze above. "This really is a nice view."
I let my voice soften. "It is… though, I still think it doesn't top Serene Village's. The sea's nice, but I'm more of a 'fine breeze' type of Pokémon. Plus, you can't go wrong with a tree's roomy shade."
He turns my direction. "You're… really quite the enthusiast for atmospheres like this, aren't you? I wouldn't think an excitable type like you would enjoy calm places like these."
I giggle. "We should really learn not to keep secrets from each other, then. We're the Longshot duo, after all. Do you happen to have any secrets you're not telling me?"
"Hmm… well, okay, I'll give in to your trust exercise…" He pauses. "I… don't think there's much you don't already know… Have I… ever told you I think you're pretty?"
I hesitate. Okay, I did not expect him to take it this seriously…
"P-Pretty… what?"
"Er… just pretty," He chuckles. "I just find your stare… charming." He pauses for a second. "I could use these stars as a comparison. Bright and pretty, just like you."
The… stars? I lift my gaze towards the sky. To see all those beacons of the night and have myself be compared to them leaves me in silence.
"Is that enough of a secret-for-secret exchange for you?"
I break from my trance-like stare to see Indigo facing me with an expectant smile. He raises an eyebrow. "Well?"
"Do you… really mean it?"
He chuckles. "I've spent… enough time with you to be sure of my words. I meant what I said."
His genuine smile and his unwavering tone catches me off guard. There's just something about his suddenly steadfast vibe that just makes himself sound all the more confident. This type of confidence isn't something unfamiliar to me: I've noticed he goes through quite the shift during battle. But to look right into his eyes and see this defiance… with the topic being on how good I look of all things…
Indigo…
"W-Well…" I finally break the awkward silence caused by my staring. "... for the record, you aren't too bad looking yourself."
But as a Lucario, I have to say- Thankfully, I manage to keep my mouth away from my thoughts.
He chuckles, his smile still remaining. "I… appreciate the compliment. So, is that the end of your little trust exercise?"
W-Wait, we were doing a trust exercise?
I quickly form a response. "After today, I can definitely say that I've learned to trust you more."
Indigo responds with a raised eyebrow. "So no more launching yourself across the sea?"
A smirk creeps onto my face. "Depends. Do you trust me enough to worry about me less?"
"Hmm… depends." He smirks back.
Even given the fact that I spoke on impulse, I really did mean it when I said I trusted Indigo more. As much as I do worry about him, he worries just as much, turning mistakes into two-person consequences. Trusting each other is the only way to get the most done…
… that's what he was trying to tell me, right? Because that's certainly what I've learned.
Well… other than a reminder of how much he cares…
As I quickly recall the exchange we just had, a soothing feeling starts swelling up from inside me, leaving me with a feeling of comforted safety as Indigo and I remain staring at each other. Just the two of us here with the company of the sky and the stars...
I live for moments like these…
Slowly, I move my hand forward to where his paw is, our smiling stares still locked in peaceful silence. Eventually, my hand finally reaches… a smooth red surface that definitely isn't fur.
Indigo's expression quickly shifts to one of surprise as he breaks away from my stare. "I… forgot this Apple was in my paws… Guess I got so caught up in our conversation that I forgot I was still eating this…"
I quickly withdraw my hand as he brings the Apple back up to his mouth.
That's… one way to get this conversation over with… I sigh.
Indigo, probably hearing this, gives me a stare. "Want one?"
I quickly shake my head. "No, no, I'm fine…"
Hmm… An idea comes to my head. I'm… sure he wouldn't mind…
Hastily, I stretch a vine out and direct it into my bag, pulling out my Expedition Gadget in the process. After quickly swiping through its options, I let my vine hold it up and lean my shoulder against Indigo's, making him let out a surprised grunt. I don't give him any time to process my surprise gesture, instead, I just smile for the camera.
After the sound of the shutter, I'm met with his widened eyes as he swallows a piece of Apple. "You… aren't seriously going to have that picture framed, are you?"
I giggle. "And why wouldn't I?"
"You didn't give me any time to properly smile or anything," He protests. "I… think I might have had bits of Apple on my face, too…"
"No big deal," I say with a wave of my hand as I bring my Expedition Gadget down into my view. "I like your surprised look better. Really looks more you."
"Well, isn't that surprising." He says with a chuckle.
After poking around on my Gadget a bit more, I put it back into my bag and keep my shoulder pressed against Indigo's side.
Mmm… I let my head rest against his shoulder. … now I feel warm inside and out…
"So…" Indigo says after taking another bite. "... you sure you're not hungry?"
"Don't worry… at this point, I'm already satisfied…" I close my eyes and let out a relaxed sigh.
Before I know it, a paw slowly finds itself around my neck and to my shoulder, pulling me closer to Indigo's side.
"Well… in all honesty… so am I…"
NOTE: Salutations, reader! Apologies this chapter took so long to get out, several personal issues got in the way. Though, you might have noticed some of the few side projects I got out in the time being. Well, either way, I hope this long and quite eventful chapter made up for the long wait! And with another chapter published means another chapter to wait for, so, in the meantime, a review would be very appreciated! As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read through this, and I hope you have a good day! :D
-flareon71