"I… don't think I've ever heard Blaire get that loud…" Crystal muttered, shaking in her bed with medical bandages wrapped around her chest.
Apparently, hitting a solid surface like a ragdoll being thrown in a childish tantrum made her liable for a couple of broken ribs. She was lucky to get away with two but that's as far as her luck would take her.
"I thought she was going to break something else…" she said, tucking her tail between her legs. She didn't think a nurse could be so scary, probably even scarier than the zangooses.
"That's just her way of showing she cares." Emizella laughed before immediately regretting her mistake. She was wrapped from head to tail, made completely immobile with excessive care. Well, excessive to her but just right for the nurses to keep her restless self in bed.
"I oughta show you how much I care too." Lillian warned her, an ominous air bleeding into her cheery disposition. Her smile spoke of murderous intent while her grinning eyes promised a beating worse than anything Axel and his crew could ever dish out.
"C-C'mon, Lily, haven't I been punished enough?" Emizella stammered with no carefree chuckle in sight.
"Don't be mad at Emi, I'm the one that went back for her. My own injuries are my own responsibility." Crystal spoke up as loud as her injury would let her.
Lillian looked over at her and sighed, "Yeah, you're right. Sorry, Emi. You're probably beating yourself up more about this than any of us."
Emizella waved off the concern with little turns of her wrist, "It's all good. If anything, it just makes me want to work harder and get even stronger!" she declared, taking a moment to get over how unnatural it felts to be unable to put any more emotion into her declaration without hurting herself. These were going to be a painful few weeks in more ways than one.
"Of course that's what you're focused on." Lillian said with a sigh and a shake of her head.
Crystal just let out a small, soft laugh, "At least it's a silver lining." Enough silver lining for the both of us.
There was a rustle at the entryway, a new body stepping inside and approaching their little group with small scratches scrapping at the floor with each step. "Alright, I dropped your stuff off at your little base or whatever." Jezebel announced, making herself comfortable in the seat next to Lillian.
"Thanks a bunch." Emizella smiled, "Blaire said we'd be stuck here for a good while so I'd rather have our loot at home."
"Seriously, don't mention it." she held up a paw to stop her, speaking literally when she asked to not mention the small favor. Her paw fell with a sigh, a troubled expression dragging down her face. "How troublesome… Who am I supposed to spar with now that you've already gotten yourself banged up?"
"That's what you're worried about?!" Lillian asked, turning her head in one sharp movement, "Don't you have anything else to say?"
"What am I supposed to say? 'Don't get banged up next time'?" She paused, the idea sounding pretty promising now that she said it out loud, "Yeah, actually don't let yourself get this banged up again. I'm not settling for sloppy seconds." she said shamelessly, a proud look turning her lips up in a smug smirk.
"Really?" Lillian's gaze narrowed, eyeing her like a mother eyeing her mischief-making child.
Jezebel winced and quickly hid the chill tickling her fur behind squared shoulders. "I told her 'not to,' didn't I? Besides, I trust Emizella's skills. She won't let it happen again."
"I mean, the trust is appreciated, but I'm not making any promises." Emizella piped up, her voice flat and her tone dead serious.
"Hey!"
"I'll make her keep that promise." Crystal said, laying bare her intentions and the world she was ready to dive into.
Their two visitors looked at her, Lillian's eyes darkening with concern while Jezebel held more of a look of disbelief. Actually, she wasn't quite sure what to make of Crystal's unexpected announcement. This small body with her big, innocent eyes and delicate frame was planning on holding a candle to Emizella and fight by her side? Those tiny paws were going to trade blows with infamous outlaws? Those tiny paws were going to traverse lands yet explored and still unknown? It was almost funny to her. Strike that, it was funny, her lips blowing out puffs of laughter and drawing attention to herself.
"You?" she asked for clarification, "I'm not trying to be mean, but you don't really strike me as someone for the adventuring business."
Crystal bit her tongue. She wasn't being blunt to be rude. She was being blunt so there were no surprises. Adventuring wasn't exactly a cushiony job and not everyone could handle its demand. Of course, that didn't change anything.
"I know I don't look like much," she could see Lillian's eyes narrowing towards Jezebel for having her "floof baby" imply as much, "but I never want to feel that useless, that helpless, ever again. I'll get stronger, strong enough to stand by Emizella's side and shoulder at least some of her burden." She smiled slightly, her eyes raising up to show Jezebel that she had no intentions of backing down, that the determined flame blazing away behind her sunset hue was not dying away anytime soon. "I plan to shoulder at least half, so I need to get started as soon as possible."
Jezebel stared at her, taking in her dazzling iron will before it became too much for her eyes to bear. She huffed slightly, masking the speechless spell that kept her jaw lax and loose. "Do what you gotta do," she said, the tip of her tail tapping away softly against the floor.
Crystal glanced at the small hint. Jezebel was never as sneaking or as slick as she liked to believe but no one would ever tell her that, and Crystal wasn't going to start either.
"Actually," her eyes went back up at her avoidant gaze, "I was wondering if you can help me out. With my fire-based attacks, I mean."
The request piqued Jezebel's intrigue, her peeking eyes encouraging Crystal to keep talking.
"I want to get more used to using them in battle, so I was wondering if you could give me a few pointers."
Jezebel eyed Lillian's profile, gauging the look on her face. Asking this in front of the brionne might not have been the best move to save face for the entry guard but she was bound to hear about Crystal's request sooner or later. Probably sooner in Lillian's case.
She gave a shrug, "I admire your gung-ho spirit but I'm afraid I can't help you out there." Crystal's eyes looked over towards seal pokemon, seeing her jump at the implication behind her staring eyes. "Not because of Lily but because our styles are different. For you, fighting at a distance is better suited for your body while I like to get up close and personal. Our move sets don't mesh enough for me to be of help."
She hadn't considered that, too eager to get started to bother remembering that she'd do best to learn from a teacher who could relate to her types of attacks. Her ears lowered on her head, thought consuming her lowered eyes that stared into nothingness. A draw-back but she had time for those. Not like she could start tomorrow, even if she wanted to.
"Oh!" an idea pinged in Lillian's head, "Why don't you try Scarlet?"
"Scarlet?" Crystal repeated the name, her awareness of the world slowly coming back to her.
Lillian nodded, "She teaches fundamental techniques in the fire specialist's lessons. Well, usually she does but she's been taking off since her egg hatched a few weeks ago."
She tilted her head, a questioning look raising her brow, "Wouldn't I be a bother if she's taking a break right now?" she asked.
Lillian giggled at first, an idea tickling her mind but Crystal couldn't tell if it was her question that was silly or if a silly thought spawned from it. "Don't worry about it." she told her, "She's been grumbling about feeling antsy for a while now so she'd probably appreciate a change in pace. I'll tell you what, though, I'll run it past her first about volunteering some time to tutor you and get back to you on her response."
"You'd really do that?" Crystal asked, her voice dragging itself past her lips with a heavy, incredulous weight pulling it down.
"Sure!"
"Really?" Jezebel asked, leaning forward to take a look at her genuine generosity.
"Yeah."
"Really really?" Emizella added with her own skeptical undertone.
"Okay, what's so hard to believe here?" she asked with a scowl in her eyes and a pout in her cheeks.
"The fact that you're encouraging her to learn how to fight?" Emizella offered.
"And that you're directly involved with getting her a coach." Jezebel continued.
"Don't get me wrong. If I could, I'd have her stay our cute little fennekin that runs around helping out the village." Lillian explained, her flippers pressed together as she dreamed her wishful thoughts.
Her eyes held a blissful twinkle, no doubt imagining Crystal's golden, fluffy blur hopping around from place to place with a helpful attitude and cheerful smile. But she sighed away her childish musings, a sober look taking over the bliss and replacing it with a reality that weighed down her eyes.
"But I can't change the fact that she's made her decision and I can't keep her from trying to get stronger. But I can at least make sure she's learning from the best."
Crystal pursed her lips, her eyes dropping and her ears hanging low on her head. Guess you can't please everyone, she figured. While one was happy to have her by her side, another was scared to see her go. "I'm sorry. All I ever do is worry you…"
"No! No!" Lillian waved her flippers in front of her face, "It's fine, I'm saying it's fine! I'll feel even more fine if you let me hook you up with an awesome teacher so leave it to me, okay?" she exclaimed, her upbeat tone pulling Crystal's eyes back up to see the smile gestured to by a flipper.
She studied it, filed away its shape into her memories. Lillian was always smiling, but each smile meant something different. This one, the smile she shone in Crystal's eyes, had a peculiar shape: resigned yet optimistic. There was no preventing the inevitable but it was more than simply grinning and bearing through consequences. The grin was there but she wasn't bearing anything, not when she had the power to give a helping hand any way she could.
The look helped to uplift the small fennekin, pulling her heart from the murky sea of guilt and doubt and assuring her that she was making the right decision in the path she had chosen to take.
Crystal returned the smile, soft and grateful and overjoyed to have a friend in her. "Thank you." she said, two simple words but they were more than enough.
~uwu~
Several weeks of enforced rest and plenty of "tender love and care" from their nurse left Crystal beaming with revitalized energy and the need to shake off the buzz of boredom that settled into her bones. It felt so good to be up and out of that bed with the freedom to stretch her legs as much as she wanted. She'd completely relish in it if it wasn't for her friend who still laid in her own bed.
Emizella did end up taking much of the brunt of the zangooses' assault, of course her wounds would take longer. But that didn't keep her from grumbling, seeing Crystal get discharged ahead of her.
"I swear I'll come visit every day, so don't go dying of boredom while I'm gone." she told her, turning her head back as she stood at the door.
"I make no promises." the riolu sulked with a pout permeating her lips.
It was only for a couple of weeks longer but that didn't keep Crystal from feeling the twinge of sympathy pulling at her chest. This was why she needed to get stronger. She let the image burn itself into her heart, a nice little reminder of who she was doing this for. It's going to be tough, and it's going to hurt, but it'll be worth it.
She ran through the village at a light jog, hoping to meet her teacher before she went back to their base. Lillian had told her immediately that Scarlet would be more than happy to oversee her lessons, leaving her with a rambunctious imagination that wouldn't stop playing with the possibilities. Maybe she'd teach her a new move. Or maybe she'd teach her how to erupt an even hotter flame. Her fur has been standing on edge for days just thinking about it and now it was finally coming true.
Crystal stopped at the dwelling at the end of the beaten trail, standing just a bit taller and just a little wider than its neighbor. There was a commotion going on from inside, making her question if she should be bothering her prospective instructor on such short notice. She stared at the door, eyeing the spot where she ought to knock, but it felt like there was something in her paws keeping them grounded. Like the tips of her toes were being weighed down by the tiniest drop of lead—just enough to feel like she could lift her arm if she wanted to, but it would be so much more work than necessary.
She swallowed, C'mon, at least introduce yourself!
Her paw lifted up, hitting the door quickly before backing away slightly. It felt like more of an accomplishment than it should, but she was sure the anxious feeling would go away with time. The noises from the other side of the door died down a bit, a demand for silence killing the energetic ruckus and allowing its source to answer the door.
"Hello? Who is it?" a ninetales stepped out, blank eyes staring forward, unmoving and unresponsive.
"Oh, um," Crystal's voice got her attention to turn downwards, "I'm Crystal, Lillian told me there was a Scarlet living here?"
"Aah, you're the one she was telling me about." she smiled, "Yes, you have the right place. I'm Scarlet, by the way. It's nice to meet you."
Crystal didn't notice it when she first opened the door, but at this angle, she could perfectly see the dull shade of grey that covered her eyes in an unfeeling hue. The kind, welcoming smile that curled her lips didn't quite reach her unblinking gaze that continued to stare on into nothingness.
"You're blind?" the comment slipped free before she realized the words were even sitting on her tongue. Crap…
But Scarlet didn't take offense to the mindless statement, finding it more amusing while laughing softly at what she could only assume is Crystal's awkward discomfort. "That's right, she did say you were new." she said between her giggles, "Don't worry about it. I was born blind so I've heard it all. Trust me, it's far from the worst."
It did help her feel a little better about her minor blunder, but it also got her curious about what the worst was. Best not to ask, she figured.
"Why don't you come inside? I'd like to get to know you a little better before we start." she said, nodding her head towards her home and turning to lead her guest inside.
Crystal gave a short nod before blurting out, "Yes! Sure, that's fine."
She followed behind, treading past wooden toys and stuffed dolls. Some newer than others but all affectionately worn. Despite the scattered mess of children playthings that littered her floor, Scarlet's feet gracefully navigated through the chaos, her tails pushing them aside to clear a path for Crystal's more petite frame.
"Forgive the mess. I promise it's usually not this atrocious. But my children have been feeling more… let's say 'lively' since their baby sister came in."
"No, no, I'm the one that dropped by unannounced. I… kinda rushed over as soon as I was discharged."
Scarlet laughed, "An eager one, I see. That's good, motivation like that is the foundation of learning."
Her host led her into her family's dining area where the mess would not dare reach. Her paws knew where to go, maneuvering her around the chair legs and circling the table. The only part of her that touched the furniture was a tail that pulled a seat out for her guess.
"Please, have a seat." she offered with a soft nod.
Crystal obliged, hopping up to the cushioned surface and settling herself at the table. Her eyes followed the ninetales through her billowing tails, the long appendages guiding her to her own seat. More a cushion on the floor really. She supposed the chairs were more for her children to reach the tabletop than for the whole family's use.
"Comfortable?" Scarlet asked, "Chair's not too stiff for you, is it?"
"No, it's fine. I'm fine." Crystal said with a smile, hoping she could hear the gesture in her tone.
"Are you sure? It's really no problem if I-" she stopped abrupted, her ears turning towards the doorway and tuning into the distant voices growing in the other room. "Excuse me for a moment." her words came out soaked in urgency, standing up in that same moment and trotting out.
Crystal could do little more than stare towards her vanished figure, watching the ghosting presence linger behind while Scarlet rushed to meet the crescendo-ing commotion. Then, a loud thud came followed immediately by a wail that covered the air in despairing sorrow. The sequence made her body wince back into her seat, feeling her ears stand high and firm on top of her head. Scarlet's voice mixed just underneath the crying but it was hard to pick out the words that connected with her sound.
Perhaps coming so suddenly really wasn't the best idea…
The wailing calmed down a bit. It wasn't a full-on stop but it definitely wasn't as loud as its initial start-up. Mostly sniffling and light sobbing that flipped between muffled and clear.
Scarlet stepped back into Crystal's line of sight, a small, red, fluffy bundle pressed to her chest by a tail.
"That should settle things…" Scarlet murmured under her breath, stepping back to her cushion and lowering, what Crystal suspected to be, her freshly hatched vulpix. "I'm sorry about that."
"Is… everything alright?" Crystal asked, drops of worry dewing her voice.
"Oh, it's okay. My older ones just spooked her, is all. She'll calm down soon enough." she explained, pulling the small body closer as she died down into attention-seeking whimpers, "I hope you don't mind her listening in to our conversation."
Crystal could just barely pick out the tips of the young vulpix's ears over the end of the table, pressing her paws against her mother's legs and standing on her hind legs. Even if she did mind, there was no getting her away now. "Not at all."
"Excellent," Scarlet beamed, her tails coaxing her child to hide herself into their fluffy embrace, "So then, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?"
Of course… "What do you want to know?" Crystal asked back, the safest response she could come up with on the spot.
Scarlet hummed, "Your history, mainly. Have you had any prior formal training or education in your fire abilities?"
"I haven't."
"What about any battle experiences?"
Crystal chewed at her lips, "Only a couple, but it was after they attacked first."
"So solely for self-defense?"
Her first instinct was to nod out her response before realizing the ninetales in front of her wouldn't be able to perceive that kind of answer. "Yes,"
She hummed again, the few tidbits of information working a web of thoughts behind her grey eyes. Something was being woven in that infinite gaze and it was making the nerves in Crystal's stomach twist and turn with unease.
"If you don't mind me asking," her voice struck Crystal's core with a sudden jolt, "why do you want to learn now? What's changed?"
Crystal's eyes lowered, her vision fading away and replacing itself with images that kicked at her stomach mercilessly. Looming silhouettes wanting to see her hurt. A mangled body only wanting to see her safe. Nauseating helplessness, surging despair, and all the unbearable feelings that came with it.
"I…" she started slowly and softly, "I'm tired…of being saved." The soft turn of Scarlet's head beckoned for her to continue with silent curiosity. "I don't want anyone else getting hurt trying to protect me. I want to be able to protect myself… and strong enough to return the favor." she added with a soft smile dotting her lips.
Her eyes peeked up from their lowered stance, examining the contemplative look that came over her host's face. She watched her steadily digest her answer, processing her intent.
Her head nodded several times, "I see, I see. Thank you for humoring me. I can get you on your way to fulfilling your ambitions, set you up with a solid foundation to build on, but this road you're setting on depends solely on your devotion and dedication to your growth. You do understand this, correct?"
"Of course. I've had plenty of time to think about what I'm getting myself into so there's no need to worry about my resolve." she said, making sure the tone in her voice matched the assurance of her words—solid, unmoving and deeply grounded into her chest.
Scarlet's smile spread, satisfaction radiating off her fur, making it look rich and silky in her delight. "Excellent! Then, how about we get started tomorrow? I'd take you on now but I'm afraid my daughter seems to have fallen asleep on me." Her tails shifted, showing off the small slumbering form of the baby vulpix.
Crystal's eyes peeked over the table, sure enough finding the little red dot snoring peacefully in her fluffy sea that must smell just like home. She didn't need to imagine or assume how good it felt to be securely wrapped in a warm blanket of safety, but she sure was missing it with this little reminder.
"Sounds perfect." she said, hopping off her seat and turning towards the exit, "I'll show myself out. I wouldn't want to disturb her."
"I'm sorry. It seems awfully rude to not walk my guest out."
"Think nothing of it." she assured her with a soft smile, "I'll come back tomorrow, bright and early."