Chapter 26
April
Blake and I silently glide through caves and passages with Dawn at the lead. It's clear that she's the leader of this little mission of ours. I find it hard to believe that the little Dratini that seemed so scared and timid in the mess hall would become what she is now in just over a week. Dawn has drastically grown as a leader. I can't help but feel a bit of pride in being her roommate.
Dawn guides us through narrow passages that are cluttered with stray rocks and have no torches to light the way. They've been so unused and battered from neglect, no one treads here anymore. It's the perfect passage for three pokemon escaping Skyborne. However, Dawn has to use some sort of move to light the way. The orbs on her tail glow dimly. We don't want to attract attention with a bright light. I carry the pack of food, the stick slung over my shoulder. It's a lot lighter than I thought, which is good. It's a long journey to Mt. Coronet.
The passage winds in different directions which creeps me out. For all I know, we could be headed for a pit or some sort of trap. Which I know is ridiculous. Why would they put traps in Skyborne? I push the thought out of my head and keep fluttering along.
Eventually, the light from the orbs in Dawns tail fade to their regular blue. I'm alarmed immediately. I've always hated the dark. It's just so creepy to me. I was so thankful when I found out that Dawn leaves a torch on when she goes to sleep. But, I start shivering now. Waiting to be engulfed in darkness. But, it never comes. I feel perplexed until I gaze around Dawn and see light. Sunlight. The shaking goes away as we progress towards the opening. Sunlight pours in and warms my soft, white skin. I accept the warmth wholeheartedly.
We glide out from the small cave and into the sky. That exit must have not been used for years. It must have been long forgotten by most. But, apparently, Dawn hasn't forgotten. The three of us climb higher into the sky, breaking through the clouds and popping up again above them. We travel along the surface as a pack. I reach my free hand down, the other holding tight to the stick. Clouds break away from the mass as I run my hand through it. It feels wet, but warm. I giggle at the feeling and take in the air. It feels so light and indescribable. I never want to leave the sky.
I fly fast to catch up with Dawn who is only slightly ahead. "So, Dawn?"
"Hm?" She turns at the sound of my voice.
"How'd ya know about that passage? I mean, it's not like I've ever heard of it. And, I don't think anyone else has. Did you find it a while ago?" She looks at me, taking in my questions. Then, she turns toward the horizon.
"Nope. This is the first time I remember being there." I blink, but I wait for more. "I dunno, I just knew that it was there. I don't remember where I've heard it from or when I might of discovered it. I just...know it somehow..." Her voice trails off and I leave it at that.
I look over at Blake. He's quiet for some reason. I don't know why he's so silent. Usually, the quiet one is Dawn. Then, I remember why he agreed to go on this mission. For revenge. He might be either in mourning, or in very deep thought with very deep anger. I may be a chatterbox, but I know when to keep my mouth shut. So, we fly in silence.
The sun moves across the sky and hangs low in the west too soon. The pale blue sky turns to pink. It's a pretty sunset, but it's also a warning. If we keep going, it'll be sundown before we reach Mt. Coronet. We all agree to knock off for the day. Reluctantly, our pack dives in a steady slope towards the ground. In the fading light, we find a small rocky area with small cliffs among an endless forest. There must be a cave down there to serve as our shelter. Getting at a lower altitude and closer to the rocks, Blake spots a cave instantly. Pointing it out, he dives down ahead of me and Dawn. We follow as fast as we can, but we're no match for a raptor that cleared the rings course with perfect accuracy.
By the time we reach the mouth of the cave, Blake has already settled in. We catch our breaths as Blake takes the food pack from my shoulder. I gain the energy to untie the knots, revealing our stash. They were barely affected from the flight, only two berries are crushed. Their juices form a puddle at the bottom. Most has already leaked through.
Blake offers to go get some leaves from the neighboring trees to act as our bedding. We allow him to go as we scarf down our supper. I've hardly ever been so hungry in my life. The berries are a huge relief. I have no idea how Blake is able to endure hunger to go get the bedding, but I don't mention it. Dawn goes outside to find a source of water, leaving me alone. There is nothing I can do but sit on the floor, patiently waiting their return. It's a while before either of them come back, but Blake is the first to come back with a beak clamping down onto the stems of many large leaves. I can't see Blake's face among the bundle until he opens his mouth and lets the foliage drop to the floor. I make three beds while Blake eats his supper. He only consumes one berry, but I've seen him eat seven berries in one sitting a couple of times back in Skyborne. He even ate that much today at breakfast. It's obvious that something's wrong. "Hey, Blake?"
He turns to me as he wraps up the blanket again. "Yeah?"
"What's wrong? You've barely eaten anything." I put on my best please-tell-me-I'm-worried-for-you face.
"Nothing. I'm fine." He dismisses the idea.
"It's not nothing. What's wrong?" I press a bit harder.
"I'm fine, April." He gives me a fake smile and flies outside to join Dawn in the search for water, leaving me to place the last leaf on my own bed. With nothing to do left, I sit on the rock floor. Trying to come up with what Blake was trying to hide.