I lay awake in Scarlet's fur, just staring at the sky, after the Ninetales had let me get chased by a Growlithe, I haven't said a word. Not one thing could get me to sleep, not even her fur, which was usually quick to knock me out. I slid off of Scarlet's side, walked out into the moonlight, and just stared at the moon. I still missed my home, where I wouldn't be chased out of a city for no good reason, and where I could actually be safe. No need to know how to fight, and I'd be with my family.
A sigh left my muzzle before I went back to laying next to Scarlet. She had let me get chased by a Growlithe, but the Ninetales was really all I had in this world. The only thing from making me completely alone, and that was reason enough to stay with her.
"You're still awake," Scarlet said, "if something is wrong, tell me now," her blood red eyes pierced my own. "Nothing's wrong Scarlet, I just can't sleep," I laid my head on my paws, hoping she'd buy what I said. The Ninetales got up and sat beside me, "I know that's a lie. After being alive for 300 years, being around countless humans and Pokemon, I can tell when something is wrong. Now tell me what is on your mind."
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Raon still didn't say a word, despite my distaste for Houndour and Houndoom, I was mildly concerned for this pup's health. I still needed to keep my attachment to him at leg's length, "well?" I lowered my head so I was staring dead in his eyes, "I…" the pup stopped for a second. Raon laid his head back on his paws, "if it is something you cannot talk about, just know I will dry your tears." I picked the Houndour up by the scruff and laid him into my side.
It didn't take too long for him to fall asleep.
This was good, Raon still trusted me enough, not that it mattered. At least I wouldn't have to do much to mend whatever relationship he had.
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Something about Scarlet's voice was just oddly comforting. It could be that motherly tone, or just how soothing it was. It was almost enough to chase those thoughts out of my head, but they still lingered. The Ninetales' voice did do enough to get me drowsy though, which I was lucky for. I didn't wanna have to stay awake all night.
The sunlight forced its way through my eyelids, making me open them, and squint immediately. "We aren't too far off from another city at least, but we do have to be careful while entering. Trainers like to travel the path we will be taking, and would love to have either a Ninetales or a Houndour on their team," my eyes were the size of dinner plates. That meant battling, Gyms, and even the Pokemon League was likely also a thing in this world. I would have to spend most of my time inside of a Pokeball if I am captured, and it would suck!
"Do not worry too much, just know if a trainer sees us, you hide in the brush until I tell you to come out." I nodded, "if I am to be captured, do not leave those bushes until it is the dead of night. It will be safer for you to travel then."
What could I do if she got captured? I could barely fend for myself, the most I knew was which berries were edible and which weren't. "We are heading to this city because we can easily steal some meat, you'll need that to grow into a stronger Houndoom. While berries will suffice for keeping you alive, they don't have all the necessary vitamins you need."
I nodded, "now, let us get moving, trainers are likely still sleeping in their tents, so it's good to have a head start."
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Raon seems more obedient than some Vulpix I've raised in the past. Which isn't natural for Pokemon his age, but I wasn't complaining. That would mean getting him to follow me would be much, much easier.
"Hey look! A Ninetales!" I turned to see a trainer walk up quite close to the two of us. He knelt down, and was at arms reach from us, "I haven't seen one of you guys before." the trainer placed a hand on my head, and just petted me. I always liked these kinds of humans, they train Pokemon, but don't immediately capture every single one they spot. The human patted Raon on the head before walking ahead of us.
"Be careful you two, I heard there were some Pokemon Hunters looking for nice prizes like you guys." I nodded, "hmmm."
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The trainer stopped in front of us after patting me on the head, "I've got an idea," he knelt down in front of us, "now, by no means am I asking you two to be my Pokemon. But if you guys want, you can stick with me until we get off this route, that way other trainers and those Hunters won't try anything. They'll think you're my Pokemon."
Scarlet looked down at me, "what do you think?" I shrugged, "well, it'll keep us a little more safe right?" the Ninetales nodded before barking at the trainer.
"The name's Sound, nice to meet you two," I walked forward and placed a paw on his foot. Sound grinned, "you're a lot friendlier than most Houndour I've met." he patted my head, and lifted me off the ground. I felt… safe for the first time in days. I honestly wouldn't mind if I had to stay with this trainer for the rest of my life.