"Extraordinary!" Professor Laventon started note taking as soon as Ingo took the yellow creature from its Pokeball. "What an amazing specimen! She's beautiful!"
The professor wasn't expecting them to bring Lady Sneasler into the village, much less the mystery creature terrorizing the Highlands. Ingo concealed the thing inside her Pokeball, at least until they were in Laventon's office with the doors shut. He knew Cyllene wasn't a fan of bug type Pokémon, and as the Warden recently learned, even people without the same phobia were terrified of the creature.
Unfortunately, Laventon's outburst alerted Cyllene to its presence, which resulted in… unexpected results.
First she bolted out of the building. Everyone thought she ran for the hills, only for her to kick the door in expertly wielding a katana. The men had to block her from the Pokémon before they killed each other, though dodging sword swipes from a very pissed off Cyllene was not a pleasant experience.
Especially for Ingo's already injured back.
They had to get Kamado involved.
Under his orders, a new plan was made. The strange Pokemon would be allowed to stay in Galaxy Hall under strict conditions.
First, it and its eggs would be confined to what was once a broom closet next to Laventon's office.
Second of all, it would be kept under constant guard.
And third, Ingo would be detained. At least until they figured out whatever the heck that thing was. Irida and Adaman were both informed. Neither were happy about it, but Ingo wasn't too concerned about that right now. Perhaps he should care, but the prospect of getting his memories back was too enticing. This Pokémon was a link to his past, and he wasn't going to give that up.
Lady Sneasler followed Ingo into the weird Pokemon's temporary "jail cell," allowing the mother to unload her brood and spin a new nest for them. The professor was being blocked from entering the room entirely, so he did his best to take notes from the hallway.
"I've never seen anything like it before! How curious… A segmented body and spinning silk to protect her eggs? She is clearly a bug type Pokémon."
"She's also an electric type." Rei added. "She charges her webs to shock intruders."
"Of course! That's how Akari got injured! It's all coming together now!" Laventon's eyes were sparkling at the realization. Ingo could swear smoke was coming from the paper due to his swift scribbling. "I've never seen an arachnid type Pokémon in the Hisui region! Where did you find her?"
"She's mine, actually," Ingo corrected. "At least, I'm pretty sure she is mine, from my previous life."
Laventon paused, looking at the Pokémon gently spinning her eggs into secured balls of silk.
"So she is a Pokémon from either the future, or a distant past. A window into what has or what will be."
"You have no idea what she actually is then?" Rei sounded disappointed. Ingo felt the same way, though he wouldn't vocalize it just yet.
"No, but I have literature on Pokémon spotted in various regions. Do note, some of these books are very sparse with no names given to the species yet, but I shall see what I can find."
"It is very much appreciated." Ingo tipped his hat, trying to stifle a yawn.
"Mister Ingo? Did you need to sit down again?" Rei was ready to catch him, though it was very unnecessary.
He'd only collapsed once on their journey here. Granted, he was unusually exhausted the whole trip, and his back pains from the Pokémon tackling him hadn't subsided at all. It had slowed their progress greatly, which Ingo still felt guilty for.
The side effects of getting old, he supposed.
"I am fine, Rei. Please worry about yourself."
"But you're the one that kept freezing up from your back locking in place the whole way here."
Ingo's eyes darkened, looking at Rei with a deep frown. The kid was too observant for his own good, and he'd rather his pains not be brought up here of all places.
"… your concern is appreciated. However, I. Am. Fine."
"Spinal issues are very serious, my friend. If it's bad enough that you collapsed on the way here, I must insist you stop in with the Medical Corps," Laventon interjected. "You are going to be here a while regardless, so you might as well."
"Hopefully not too long. I have duties to attend to in the Highlands." Ingo sighed. He couldn't afford to neglect those any longer. No matter how weak his legs were feeling, he couldn't upset his Lady anymore. She was still in the building, waiting patiently for the arachnid to complete her new nest.
Putting a hand on his tensing lumbar muscles, hand knocking against the Pokeballs on his belt.
Right, he had another request.
"Laventon. I nearly forgot," he dug around his belt pouch, shakily pulling out the damaged Pokeball. "T-there's a Pokémon trapped inside. Can you free it?"
Ingo passed it to Laventon, the man carefully examining the damage.
"It's metallic like the other one from your original time."
"I fear it may be another of my Pokémon. W-with no clue how long it's been trapped…"
"Right. I'll see what I can do. If I can't get it, the blacksmith should be able to break the thing open."
"T-thank you…" that was a relief to hear. He attempted to step forward, every muscle around his spine locking in place. The other two were staring at him worriedly, and all Ingo could do was stand there stiffly, trying to hide his nervous sweating.
Had the room started wobbling a bit? Things… didn't seem as steady as he remembered.
Ingo couldn't stay here for long though. He needed to see about getting medicine for the mother Pokemon…
That back wound… must hurt…
His thoughts were getting sluggish all of a sudden. Dark splotches along his vision, and everyone… growing taller.
No, wait, that was just his knees giving out.
Rei and Laventon both rushed in, catching him before he hit the floor. His spine did not appreciate the firm hands.
"Mister Ingo! Are you okay!?" Rei was panicking.
"… ow…"
"Oh no I broke him!"
"Calm down, lad. You didn't do anything wrong," Laventon stated, voice level. "Go get Pesselle, would you? Our friend may need an exam."
"O-on it!" Rei rushed out, Laventon turning to the Warden with a stern gaze.
"Ingo? What's wrong?" He shook him a bit by the shoulder trying to get a reaction.
Ingo really should say something.
It was just a lot of effort.
"My apologies," the Warden groaned, trying to stand somewhat upright. "That journey just left me… very tired… I am usually fine with more activity than this…"
Laventon forced him back to his knees. "Don't stand up. Are you light headed?"
He wasn't getting out of this.
"A little… I should be fine… j-just need water… AGGH!" His quite mumbling turned to a pained yelp. Laventon moved his hand when it hit a particularly sore spot.
"You are getting seen by someone first. Did you break something?"
"I-I hope not," Ingo panted. "T-the mother Pokémon was very… excited to see me… her greeting was r-rougher than I anticipated…"
Laventon hummed, turning to Passelle as soon as she entered the room. "He has a bad back injury. A stretcher Is necessary-"
"N-no it's not!" Ingo tried to straighten, but he had no energy for it.
Nor would the professor let him.
Where did all of his strength go? It seemed that his life was completely drained, but he couldn't recall ever feeling this sensation before.
… was he really injured that badly?
Through it all, he could see Cyllene peering at him through the cracked door, expression unreadable, though her entire being radiated death.
He wasn't safe here.
"P-perhaps I should see Calaba! She's an expert on these things-"
"No. You should stay with Passelle," The command was stern, Ingo tensing at the tone. Cylllene's voice was pure ice. "You spent so much time bringing that… THING into my building. The least we could do is tend to your injuries. Besides, you're our prisoner."
"… I-I am indeed…" Ingo tilted his hat trying to hide the sweat beading on his forehead. He was starting to regret his decision to bring that Pokémon here.
He really hoped she wouldn't kill him in his sleep.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
Melli was the only Warden in the Coronet Highlands.
Again.
Ingo ran off to Jubilife Village.
Again.
He was curious how long it actually took to drop off a weird ass Pokémon and its hundreds of eggs. Knowing Ingo though, he probably got distracted by Pokémon battles and completely forgot about his duties.
Again!
Sinnoh almighty, he was getting really sick of covering for Ingo. Melli made his way to the Highlands shortly after the clan moved to their emergency camp. He hated leaving Snowflake alone, especially when he had that stupid Zorua with him, but Lord Electrode needed his attention. How could he live with himself for ignoring his Lord's needs?
Then he'd be even worse of a Warden then Ingo. Somehow that stupid Pearl Warden shirked his duties while actually lived in the Hughlands. Somewhere around Lady Sneasler's den if he remembered correctly.
Living right next to his Lady, yet somehow never around.
At least when it mattered.
Melli could do something similar. A tent right outside of Moonview Arena with a fire pit. He'd be so much closer to his Lord, serving him as needed and patrolling the territory more often.
Still, moving here would mean rarely seeing his own clan anymore.
Mai.
Adaman.
Snowflake.
He'd just be forgotten about again. The thought terrified him, more than being seen as a nuisance ever could.
Poor attention was better than none, at least that's how he justified it.
At least Snowflake liked his company, even if Melli had no idea why. It sucked being away for so long, especially since he wouldn't know if that Zorua had been discovered or not until actually traveling back to the Mirelands.
He really hoped his best friend wasn't dead because of something stupid like that.
Wait, was Snowflake really his best friend?
He hung out with the guy more than Mai, and Adaman hardly counted as a friend anymore, as painful as that was to realize.
Now he felt even worse.
And for so long he was convinced sending him to Jubilife was for the best. Well, he still believed it would be more beneficial for his physical health, but mentally Snowflake wouldn't handle the shift well.
It took a while for Melli to catch on, but he understood now that Snowflake was a stubborn man with abandonment issues.
Actually, Mai had to point that out when he was ranting to her about his refusal to leave for warmer climates. It had been a slap in the face, one that Melli related too far more than he cared for.
So maybe moving to Jubilife permanently wasn't the best for Snowflake's mental health, but watching him physically suffer from the frequent weather changes proved just as bad! He was doing an even better job of hiding it since Melli called him out, smile getting harder to tell appart between the real and fake ones. Still, right before he left, Snowflake had been leaning against a dead tree finally letting the pain show on his face. It was just for an instant, but Melli knew.
If only there was a way to regulate the temperature, then maybe Snowflake's suffering would be reduced.
Perhaps Melli could mix up some remedies to dull the pain? Hot rocks on a sore muscle was also a good way to relax the hurt away.
Wait.
Hot…
"A fire type!" Melli practically smacked his forehead.
Fire type Pokémon provided a consistent source of heat in cold climates. He knew the Pearl Clan untiluzex fire types in the harsh Icelands they called home, and several Galaxy Team members were walking around with them in the Highlands too.
They were keeping their humans warm.
That's what Snowflake needed.
Though finding a fire type was extremely difficult. He couldn't think of any living in the Mirelands, or Highlands for that matter.
It's not like they were easy to obtain either.
And asking Akari and Rei was out of the question! He'd figure something out himself, without getting any more handouts from those two.
Perhaps if he spoke with Iscan about it, the guy could convince Palina to loan him a Growlithe? At least until he figured something else out.
That would take several more days of just travelling though, and he felt bad making Snowflake wait that long.
However if someone else were to take him to a warmer area, until Melli got back, then he wouldn't have to be board suffering and the Warden would feel better about it.
There was just the issue of who would take him….
Akari returned to Moonview Arena having finished her restroom break, going back to ignoring Melli. She was still mad about getting paralyzed and carried over the guy's shoulder.
Wait.
Perhaps there was ONE favour he'd be willing to ask Akari for.
Snowflake liked spending time with her, and she was a powerful trainer. If those two were together in the Fieldlands or something for a few days, Melli could live with that. If his friend discovered he liked the more consistent weather, and Melli wasn't able to get a Growlithe, then that would also be a preferable result.
Well, not for Melli's social life, but for Snowflake's well being.
He just needed to ask.
Easier said than done.
Reluctantly, he made his way closer. This was for Snowflake.
He had to keep telling himself that.
"Akari."
"Yes?" She didn't even look up at him, too busy collecting some herbs near the arena.
"I…" Melli paused for a deep breath. This was for Snowflake! "I need you to do me a favour."
"… That depends on the favour." She looked at him with a raised brow.
"Can you take Snowflake out somewhere for a few days?"
Akari just stared at him, waiting for more of an explanation.
Melli wasn't sure how to say it.
"Uh, what?"
"… Look. The weather has been really hard on him. I have some business in the Coastlands, but I'm also worried about him."
"You could take him to the Coastlands?"
"I don't think he's strong enough to make that trip yet." Melli shook his head. "Besides, I thought you liked spending time together?"
" I do. It's just… he said he was okay?"
"He's lying." Melli deadpanned. "Just take him somewhere with less rain. He's pretty adamant on not returning to Jubilife."
"Why?"
"I'm not entirely sure of the answer. He's not straightforward about it, so good luck getting one." Melli rubbed the back of his neck.
Why did this brat ask so many questions?!
"I'm hoping he'll feel better when it isn't storming constantly and sees reason, at least if what I'm planning doesn't work out."
Akari glowered at him, but eventually sighed. "… alright, but if he's coming with me we are catching Pokémon."
"What is with you and imprisoning them in balls?" Melli still didn't understand the practice. It all seemed so barbaric to him. "Whatever, he's not allowed to keep any though."
"That's not fair." The teen frowned. "What if he makes friends with them?"
"My place isn't big enough for an army of Pokémon!" Melli didn't like how she was just… watching him. It was awkward and made his spine shiver.
She was going to be a brat about this.
"You still owe me for that whole paralysis incident." She crossed her arms, staring.
"That wasn't even my fault! Are you just doing this to torture me?!"
The smirk on her face was answer enough.
He couldn't stand these Skyfallers, but he also wanted to help his friend if possible.
"… fine. He may catch Pokémon with you. But he is only allowed to keep ONE OF THEM. And absolutely no Zoruas, Zoruarks, or fairy types of any kind."
"Aw, he can only keep one?"
"I already told you! My tent isn't big enough for a whole team of Pokémon…" Melli huffed. "And absolutely NO Alphas! The last thing we need is a massive Pokémon stomping around the Settlement."
"You have a lot of restrictions on what he can and can't catch."
"Listen. You're not the one that has to live with his current freakshow of a team. You have no say."
"That's mean!" Akari glowered.
"You only say that because you haven't seen "Buggy" yet."
"… Buggy?"
"You'll meet the little gremlin when you go to see Snowflake. Oh, and do watch your fingers. It bites."
Akari rolled her eyes, but Melli couldn't stop smirking. He had to admit, the idea of making her deal with his greatest source of frustration did sound very satisfying.
He wondered if she'd be begging him to take Snowflake back after their adventure.
XxxxxxxxxxxX
Canteen. Cane. Belt pouch. Caboose's Pokeball. Coat. Buggy. The weird round thing that was stuck to Melli's shirt with all the webbing.
All of it was there.
"Safety checks complete!" Snowflake smiled.
"Isn't that your third time doing it today?" Akari giggled.
"It is important to make sure nothing was lost during our transport with… what did you say it was called again?"
"Lord Wrydeer?"
"Of course!" Snowflake snapped his fingers, Buggy snarling at the noise. He was resting in the sling, his decidedly favorite spot in the whole world. Which was fine! Fantastic even! It meant the little "Vulpix" was getting better around humans.
He grabbed Caboose's Pokeball, letting her loose to walk beside them. She trilled happily, shaking her ribbons out and stretching before taking her spot at Snowflake's side.
They were looking at a massive field, tall grass littering the area with an occasional stray boulder or tree. It was verrrry different from the Mirelands, and he wasn't as sore here. He'd been too distracted during their trip on Lord Wrydeer to notice, but now that they were stationary, his focus shifted from staying in the saddle to his own body.
There was no rain here currently, a few grey clouds, but nothing to indicate rain in the near future.
Admittedly, it was nice seeing the sun after so long.
"Okay, Akari! What can I, Snowflake, do to assist in your mission?"
She said his help would be necessary, and he didn't want to disappoint.
"You're going to help me with an Outbreak."
"An Outbreak? What is that?"
"I'm glad you asked!" Akari was more than happy to explain. "An Outbreak happens when a large group of a single type of Pokémon appear in one area. It's also a great chance to get some research done, and to do research we'll need to catch a whole lot of Pokémon!"
"Very well," Snowflake's smile matched hers. "We will ride these rails straight to victory!"
"Grrrrr…"
"Sorry, Buggy." He patted the little "Vulpix" trying to soothe him. It was easy to forget his little buddy had issues with volume. Buggy didn't care much for the ride on Lord Wrydeer either.
"What are we catching?"
"Buizel!"
"Okay! What is a Buizel?"
Akari motioned to some weasel like Pokémon by the shoreline, yellow rings around their necks and twin tails to help with water propulsion. There were at least thirty.
"They are a pain to battle, and are very weak too. Most of my Pokémon could knock them out in one hit, yet they still want to fight whenever they spot me," she shook her head. "I've found the easiest strategy to deal with them is to be stealthy. Keep an eye on them from the tall grass or behind that boulder, throw out a berry to distract them, then hit it with a Pokeball."
"Hmmmm, seems like a lot of effort. Are you sure we can't battle them normally?"
"We could, but I would need to get weaker Pokémon for my team. This could be a good chance to train Buggy though. They will get experience with each catch too."
That… that seemed wrong? At least, not like he remembered? Why would a Pokémon gain experience if they haven't battled for it? If only he could remeber.
Akari motioned for him to crouch.
"I'll demonstrate. Just stay in the tall grass." He did as instructed, watching her creep closer to the river. Tossing an Oran berry at one of the Buisels, it quickly abandoned its bath in favor of food. Akari took her chance, tossing the Pokeball for an easy catch. The other Buisels barely noticed.
That was amazing!
"BRAVO! WELL DONE, AKARI!" Snowflake stood and clapped, the teen's expression morphing from happy to horrified. Every Buisel on the shoreline turned to stare at him.
"O-oh…. Whoops."
"Run!" Akari rushed past, yanking his hand in an attempt to get them going.
She didn't know he couldn't run.
At least run half decent. He made it a couple yards and tripped.
This was not something he practiced.
"What the heck are you doing?!"
"J-Just leave me! Save yourself!"
"No!" Akari tried pulling him to his feet again, but it was far too late.
The Buisels launched their combined assault on Snowflake, Caboose jumping between the hoard and her human. Akari summoned a Roserade to assist, the two trainers and their Pokémon squaring up for battle.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Wow, those Pokémon were verrrry weak. They weren't worth running from. Or battling."
"We weren't supposed to battle them, remember?" Akari rubbed her forehead. "I was hoping if we ran far enough the hoard would give up and we could try again, but now that they're all fainted, the Outbreak is gone. So much for that."
Snowflake gulped, realizing how badly he messed up. This was supposed to be a trip to help catch Pokémon, and he just made her life harder.
"I-I apologize…" he scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "I simply wished to congratulate you on a job well done. I didn't know they would all target like that…"
"It's alright," Akari sighed. "You'll know for next time, yeah? I do have a few requests from the villagers I need to complete while I'm out here anyway. We can do those instead."
"I can help with that!" Snowflake was quick to clamp onto a new assignment. He was determined not to ruin this one!
"I need to collect three Cheri Berries, a Springy Mushroom… oh, and if you happen to spot a shiny Ponyta, let me know."
"Okay! I, Snowflake, will do my best!" The man walked further into the open, hand shading his eye while searching the immediate area for gathering spots.
He spotted something, but it wasn't a berry tree.
This thing was moving, and it was FAST.
Snowflake's eyes widened.
A white blur.
Bright orange fire running along its back.
A loud ear splitting cry.
The thing reared on its hind legs, scaring the smaller of its species away from the better grass.
Odd things came to his mind.
Darkness.
Metal.
Clanking.
It felt so familiar, like a previous life he couldn't shake the feelings of, yet failed to remember any specifics.
Whatever it was, he needed it.
"Akari. What is that?"
The girl turned, frowning.
"That's an Alpha Rapidash. Don't approach it though, it's very dangerous."
"Alpha? What does that mean?"
"That means it's larger than the average Rapidash, and stronger too. It also knows moves most Rapidash could never learn."
Stronger than others of its kind.
He needed to catch it.
Marching towards his target, progress stopped by a hand grabbing his coat tail.
"Are you insane?! I can barely handle most Wild Alphas, and I have a full team!" Akari cried. "You have one Pokémon able to battle, and another that barely functions. You'll be killed."
"You don't understand," Snowflake twisted his fingers, unsure how to explain it. "That Alpha… a-awakened something."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Uhhhh… when I see it travel… barreling from point A to B, it feels familiar. I-I know it's important, but I don't know why," his grin tightened. "I don't know how to explain."
Akari's shoulders fell. She looked between the Alpha and Snowflake, thinking over her options.
"I can't let you battle or catch the Alpha, because…" her eyes went wide with realization. "Melli said you weren't allowed to bring any Alphas home!"
"He said that? Are you sure?" Snowflake was disappointed, but he hadn't seen Melli in at least a week. It's not like he could find the guy right now and ask.
"Yep! He said you can catch one Pokémon to keep, but no Alphas, Zoruas, Zoruarks, or fairy types."
Oh. That was verrrrry disappointing.
However, Melli did say he could keep one Pokémon that he managed to capture, and he'd find one even better than that Alpha!
"Very well, Akari. I fear I have no Pokeballs though."
"That's okay! Have some of mine!" The teen shoved fifteen Pokeballs in his arm. He tried to balance them all, but most fell to the ground or hit Buggy. He snarled, only for one of the Pokeballs to open and encapsulate him.
"BUGGY!"
"Wait, that thing was still wild?!" Akari gapped.
The Pokeball fell to the ground, a small firework shooting from the top indicating its success.
Snowflake fumbled with the ball, letting the little Zorua out. He barked his displeasure, and his illusion was gone.
"That's a ZORUA?! Did you know?!"
"I'm so sorry, Buggy! I didn't mean to hit you with a Pokeball!" He begged for forgiveness, completely ignoring Akari's question. Buggy snapped his remaining teeth, turning his snout up and huffing.
"I can't believe that thing was still wild… and it didn't try to kill you?"
"Oh, he's bitten me plenty of times, but he's getting better. I wanted to give him the option of returning to the wild later…" he sank to his knees. "I'll release him right now."
"Maybe he doesn't mind having a Pokeball?" Akari turned her attention to Buggy, his eyes somehow focusing on her while facing two different directions. "What do you say, Buggy? Do you wanna be Snowflake's Pokémon?"
She received a snarl in response, the little Zorua walking over to her and… attempted to pee on her leg.
"AYE! WHAT THE HECK?!" She jumped out of the way, Buggy growled at her movement, turning his snout up as soon as he finished crawling back into Snowflake's sling.
Akari blinked, trying to figure out how to take that.
"I-I think that was a yes? Maybe?"
Snowflake grinned, petting the tuft on his head. "I… think so too. Awwwww."
Buggy snarled when he grew tired of pets, Snowflake taking the hint. He was glad that his little buddy didn't mind the Pokeball. Maybe they could become better friends even faster now!
Or he could ride around in the Pokeball sometimes and not attack Snowflake's hand all the time.
"… you can keep the rest of those Pokeballs." Akari looked off to the side for some reason, giving Buggy a weird look.
He didn't know why. Buggy was perfectly fine as he was!
Gathering the rest he placed them in his pouch, grabbing his cane and wandering a bit with Caboose trailing behind. Akari wasn't too far off, only rushing off to check and berry trees they spotted.
Snowflake had to admit it was a nice stroll, with all sorts of red Wurmples snoozing in the shade, and Starleys quickly taking off as soon as they got too close.
Then he noticed something different. A brown Pokémon rushing around the grass near a little pond. An Eevee!
Maybe he could evolve it into another Sylveon, then Melli would have a Pokémon to help with his nightmares. He'd be so happy, he'd even let Snowflake catch that Alpha Rapidash!
Crouching in the tall grass like he was shown, Snowflake did his best to creep closer. He was bigger than Akari though, and the little Eevee heard his clumsy movements early on. Easily avoiding his first Pokeball, the little Pokémon pranced further into the grass.
Snowflake tried crawling onto his knees to stay better hidden.
Maybe Akari's catching methods wouldn't work for him after all.
Crawling on one arm was not easy.
And the Eevee had disappeared.
Damn.
Caboose snuck over, shaking her head.
She couldn't find the wild Eevee either.
Standing upright, Snowflake started his search for another Pokémon. Perhaps more Eevees were nearby?
There were more Starley, Wurmples, some little blue Pokémon he couldn't identify at this distance. And on the other side of the pond…
"What are you?" Snowflake whispered. It had a bright blue fire burning on its back, and was facing the other direction. Sparkles surrounded its body, and its legs were positioned in a very regal way despite eating.
He'd never seen a blue Ponyta before.
Perfect.
Tossing his second Pokeball, the target was encapsulated, a familiar firework coming from the top of the ball signaling a successful catch.
He did it!
"Bravo!" Snowflake smiled wide, Caboose hopping around his legs excitedly.
Buggy didn't care.
He grabbed his newest team member, examining the ball in his hand. This was the first Pokémon he's ever caught! That he could remember at the very least.
He needed to show Akari!
"Akari! Look what I caught!" He quickly walked back up the incline, finding her gathering Cherri berries under a tree.
"Oh! What did you find?" She jumper to her feet, rushing to look over his shoulder.
Opening the ball, his new Ponyta stood majestically, as if purposefully posing.
"She's so pretty! I don't know why the mane is blue, but it looks nice…. Akari?"
The girl stood stock still, mouth gaping open.
"… did I do something wrong?"
"Snowflake! That's the shiny Ponyta I've been looking for!"
"She's not shiny. Shiny is reflective. She is a different color."
"That's what a shiny Pokémon is!"
…
Oh.
"… are you sure it's this one? It could be another shiny Ponyta."
"You found it near that little pond, right?" She pointed at the exact place his new Pokémon had been grazing.
"… maybe that's just prime refueling grass?"
"I can't believe you didn't come get me… I needed that for a mission…"
"I apologize. H-here, you can have her if you need her that badly."
The Ponyta snorted as soon as Snowflake tried handing over the Pokeball, fabulously trotting over with her fiery mane flicking in the breeze. She looked Akari up and down, eyes falling on her big straw shoes.
With a whiny of pure disgust, the Ponyta strutted over to Snowflake, carefully examining his clothing before huffing and standing near him.
"I think she likes you more than me…" Akari slouched in defeat.
"She got all huffy when she saw your… shoes? Those are shoes, right?"
Snowflake hadn't paid much attention to her footwear before, but he had to admit they were ridiculous looking.
"They are part of the uniform!" She instantly got defensive.
"… are they comfortable? They look about ready to fall apart."
"Why are we talking about my shoes?!"
"The Ponyta started it."
Said Pokémon snapped her teeth at Akari, going back to holding her head high like she was the most important thing in the entire region. She even ignored Caboose when the little Sylveon attempted a greeting.
"On second thought, maybe it's best I didn't catch her. She seems like a jerk."
"I'm confused though," Snowflake scratched his chin. "If you knew you needed to catch her, why didn't you sooner?"
"I tried! I was spotted though, and as soon as she looked me over she ran off! I haven't seen her since." The teen crossed her arms and looked to the side, a sour expression on her face. Snowflake sighed, recalling his new Ponyta into its ball and sighing. He felt genuinely bad, but what could he do to fix this?
"I apologise for ruining your mission… wait! I saw another blue Pokémon up the hill! Perhaps it was another shiny Ponyta! We can still complete your mission!"
"Blue Pokémon?" She pondered his words, all while Snowflake was already walking up the hill. There was another boulder up ahead to hide behind. It would be an easy catch for Akari, and then they would both be happy!
"S-Snowflake, wait! That isn't a Ponyta!" Akari cried, but he'd already figured that much out.
Staring at the thing, face pale and shakily clutching his cane like a lifeline.
It had a small, blue upper body and black back legs. Its tail flicked, a star at the end bobbing up and down as it chowed down on a dead Starley.
Blood and intestines were all over the ground.
The sight was uncomfortable.
Terrifying even.
Especially when his heart rate increased, pounding inside his ears like a loud panicked drum.
Only vaguely aware of his cane hitting the ground, everything around the Pokémon blurred and darkened. The only things in existence being Snowflake and that small predator.
He wanted to leave.
He realllly wanted to leave, but his shaky legs weren't cooperating.
His entire body felt weak, panic taking over whatever sense he still had.
It was too familiar.
He could see himself in the place of that Starley.
He WAS in the place of that Starley.
The earliest thing he could remember.
A nightmare that plagued his sleeping and waking moments.
He tried to breath, mouth open attempting to gasp in more air.
There was never enough air.
Warm tears started streaking down his face, some dripping onto his lips leaving a salty taste in his mouth.
Why was he crying?
Snowflake didn't want to cry. He wanted to leave.
The vacant look in that dead Pokemon's eyes, though. Staring straight through his soul.
It was too familiar.
Too much to handle.
Too-
A dainty hand slipped over his wrist, and velvety ribbons intertwined through his fingers.
A sense of calm washed through his body.
A familiar calm he knew only one Pokémon could provide.
Caboose stood practically on his feet, one of her ribbons clutching his hand tightly while standing between him and the cat-like monster.
With the lowering adrenalin, he finally noticed pain in his right hand. Buggy was going between scratching at his wrist and biting it, hoping to get his attention. He seemed worried, something Snowflake wasn't used to with the little Zorua.
Finally he realised Akari was gripping his arm, staring at the sight sadly.
"… come on, Snowflake. Let's go back."
"… y-yes… please." The man croaked. He probably looked like a pathetic crying child, but even with Caboose's help he couldn't stop the tears.
Why did that scene make him panic so badly? It wasn't even the same Pokémon that attacked him.
It didn't make any sense.
Quietly, he let Akari and Caboose guide him away from the horrible sight, Snowflake staying as quiet and small as possible. Buggy continued to lick his fingers and whimper.
He was genuinely grateful for all the support, but his mind was too bogged to begin thanking them.
At this point, he just wanted to curl up in bed and never come out again.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
*ANIMATIONS!!!*
PEOPLE MADE ANIMATIONS OF BUGGY AND OUR TWO FAVOURITE IDIOTS!
CLICK THE LINKS! THIS IS A REQUIREMENT!!!
@kittyorange
https/homestar1812./post/683347183410495488/everyone-i-am-so-blessed-this-has-made-my-morning
@deerpybydesign
https/deerbydesign./post/683289492069744640/volume-warning-and-some-bad-words-but-its-funny