Melli was not happy.
He stared at the fabric ceiling, eyes drawn to the ugly repair job Snowflake did. That stupid hole Adaman cut into his tent and the sorry, poorly mended aftermath.
It continued to bother him, but he couldn't find the energy to redo it.
He was having enough trouble just crawling out of his bedroll, knowing Snowflake woke up hours ago and was off doing who knows what.
It felt so much better without the fire Pokémon turning their sleeping area into a sauna. He could actually breath without congestion, though rest still proved elusive.
The other day's events were reeling inside his mind, over analyzing every little interaction he saw and what they could mean.
Perhaps he was being paranoid, but even the self awareness didn't calm his nerves any.
Things get hazy after the adrenaline rush of climbing that mountain wore off.
He took a swing at Ingo.
That's it.
The next thing he really remembered was waking up sandwiched between multiple Wrydeer pelts, seven newly hatch Sneasels lounging underneath the covering with Skuntank flush to his back, hot deep breaths lifting Melli's long hair. All of the little fur balls were snuggled up close to his body, sharing their warmth, and one even hugging his numb hands.
It was both confusing yet nice. Everything was warm and soft for once, and he just wanted to fall back to nothingness…
The faint giggles of a familiar voice caught his attention first. Peaking an eye open, he saw Snowflake seated a few feet from his head with Caboose in his lap, Ingo on his other side. The two Skyfallers were partaking in Tangrowth vines, watching Buggy snarl and snap at several Sneasels waving a stick in his face. Ingo tried to call them off, but Snowflake remained unconcerned, going back to their previous activity. The men were making twitchy hand movements, neither speaking out loud but seeming to know what the other was saying. It took Melli a moment to recognise some of the motions.
They were ones Snowflake had used before, when he was too frazzled to speak or trying to get his words together.
Apparently they were more than a nervous tick.
It was taking a while to process everything. He thought Snowflake would be in horrible shape up here.
Instead, Melli scaled all the way up the mountain over half a day of rigorous walking AND rock climbing, with Caboose strapped on his back swatting him with a ribbon if he started slowing down, facing far harsher cold then he ever expected, and nearly freezing to death, all to find Snowflake was fine.
Happy even.
The realization hurt more than his stinging hands and feet, feeling now returning thanks to the kits thawing him.
He tried shutting his eyes again, but a little Sneasel wetting the bed made him bolt upright.
Snowflake hugged Melli as soon as he cursed, practically on the verge of crying, while Ingo scolded him for climbing all the way to Lady Sneasler's den without a jacket.
As if his tattered black rag even counted as a coat anymore.
He also said Lord Braviary would be best for getting them back down, and Melli couldn't believe how stupid he was for even forgetting that was an option.
His journey could have been so much faster and easier, but of course his own stupidity made everything more difficult.
Melli remained quiet the rest of the time. Unable to participate much in the new conversation with Ingo dominating it. The two men discussed battles and Pokémon care. They were both experts, and he struggled to keep up with the strange strategies the two bounced off eachother.
When the time came to leave, Snowflake and Caboose rode Lord Braviary first, knowing the Pokémon wasn't big enough for two people at once.
The two Skyfallers had hugged before Snowflake took off, both giving well wishes and waving each other off using lingo Melli still failed to understand.
That just left him and Ingo alone in silence.
A horrible, long bout of silence.
"I assume you're aware of the Luxray culling coming to the Highlands," The older Warden eventually stated. "Does Snowflake know about them?"
Sinnoh almighty, he would have preferred they stay quiet.
"I won't let any of them near Moonview Arena."
"Good," Ingo adjusted his hat. "I've been working on capturing the Galaxy Team's desired quota in hopes of keeping the hunting party out entirely. Has Adaman-"
"We are NOT talking about Adaman!"
Ingo blinked, Melli crossing his arms and turning away. He didn't respond to any more of the old man's prattling after that.
At some point the other Warden pulled out a notebook and started scribbling in it, followed by Lady Sneasler returning soon after. Ingo lectured, telling her she owed Melli and Snowflake apologies.
One of the older purple kits was waving Snowflake's broken cane trying to get her mother's attention. He'd left it behind, given he had no use for it broken. The Sneasel even came over and bopped Melli with it, though he continued to ignore her. She really wanted his attention too, mewing and tugging at his shirt.
He just stared straight ahead the entire time until Lord Braviary returned.
Now he was finally back in Moonview, laying in his bedroll still feeling drained from the entire experience. He forgot how awful nearly freezing to death could be.
"Grrrrr…" Skuntank licked his face, having returned to the tent at some point. Coal whimpered, nudging Melli's hand with his giant wet nose. It was several minutes of Melli trying to ignore them, but the two Pokémon stayed adamant on being annoying.
They weren't going to leave him alone.
"… fine… I'm moving…"
It took him another five minutes to actually sit up and pull his boots and shirt on. The sun was already midway through the sky once he emerged.
Apparently he slept the entire morning away.
There were duties that needed his attention, yet he was struggling to care. First he would check on Snowflake, if he hadn't moved in with Ingo at least.
Ingo didn't seem phased when Snowflake got distracted or things blew up around him, while Melli could barely handle the man for a few hours.
He'd probably have way more fun with Ingo.
Shuffling into Moonview Arena, he found the man's Pokémon resting from a hard morning of training. They were a good distance away from their human, who was currently smiling and sitting among many white and red orbs.
"…. Do I want to ask?"
Snowflake was surrounded by at least fifteen Voltorbs, a couple perched on his crossed legs all enjoying the nice rubs he would give them with one of Melli's polishing rags.
The Warden was half tempted to drag Snowflake away from the Voltorb before they accidentally discharged and zapped him. At the same time, however, he wouldn't learn unless it happened the hard way.
He'd found that to be Snowflake's most effective learning method.
"Good morning, Melli! I, Snowflake, am just getting a head start with cleaning the Voltorbs." His smile was big and bright, like he thought he was helping. "It takes forever just to polish Lord Electrode. You are verrrrry dedicated, including these ones in your polishing too."
"I don't polish the Voltorbs every day," Melli pinched the bridge of his nose. "Only if one is injured or very dirty. My duty is to Lord Electrode first and foremost. He has far too many offspring, impossible to polish all in one day."
"How many?"
"Hundreds."
It was almost humorous seeing Snowflake's jaw drop.
"He doesn't reproduce like the other Nobles. I've told you this before. He spits out seeds from the hole above his eyes."
"I didn't know he made so many though." Snowflake started counting the number of Voltorbs asking for attention.
"… did you really think this was ALL of his children? "
"…. Maybe." The Skyfaller smiled awkwardly, looking to the dirt.
Melli raised a brow, throwing his arms up in the air. "You are a piece of work, you know that?"
"So I've been told."
The Voltorbs started chirping at the words, one of them flickering a yellow light, quickly escalating into a full on spark. The thing built up more and more electricity, quickly going from single flashes of light to full on lightning traveling around its body.
Snowflake watched curiously, while Melli only flinched. He'd learn the hard way why Voltorb were so dangerous.
This had to happen.
The Voltorb discharged, zapping Snowflake with its currents of electricity. He stiffened and smiled wider, short hair and sideburns sticking straight out from his head. By the time it was done, his hair remained wild and full of static, Snowflake giggling like an idiot. He seemed way too overjoyed for someone that just got shocked.
"That was a verrrry strong zap! You have potential."
The Voltorb spun and chatted at his encouragement, the others getting excited too.
"Don't egg them all on! You won't be able to handle THAT much electricity!"
"You should join us! Caboose and Buggy hate the static, so it will just be us!"
"What makes you think I want to join?!"
"You seem tired," Snowflake stated. "I think a sit down would be good for you."
"I just woke up! I don't need rest, NOR sitting thank you very much- HEY!"
Skuntank snuck behind Melli at some point, nudging him towards Snowflake.
"Who's side are you on- COAL NO!" It was too late. The Alpha had already hopped up on his back legs and shoved Melli forward with his front ones. Stumbling several feet forward he barely caught himself before tripping on a Voltorb. Skuntank and Coal ignored his death glare, watching in case he tried to walk away again.
Traitorous kreetons!
Snowflake just patted a spot of dirt next to him, expecting Melli to just sit down when there was work to do.
"What sort of lazy piece of shit do you take me for?!"
"The GREAT kind!" His smile was too genuine.
Did he even realize that was an insult?!
…
Dammit all.
"… whatever, but only for a few minutes!"
"Good." Snowflake grinned smugly in his victory.
Melli just grumbled and took a heavy seat, arms crossed while trying to ignore the Voltorbs pestering him for attention. He normally would give in easily, but he just wasn't in the mood.
Not since returning from Lady Sneasler's den.
Snowflake took out a Pokeball, one Melli was growing more and more familiar with. That Sneasel his roommate gave the scariest talking to yesterday was inside. Apparently it tried to eat something important, and Snowflake would throw him off a cliff if another stunt like that was ever pulled again.
Letting his Pokémon out, the dock feathered thief turned around and curled on its hands and knees submissively, whimpering for mercy from his new human.
"Stoker. As long as you follow the rules, you'll have nothing to worry about. Now go introduce yourself to the others." Snowflake waved him off.
Blinking, the dark coloured Sneasel slowly slinked closer to Snowflake's other three Pokémon, giving him occasional glances back to make sure he was doing it right.
Melli was more confused by the name.
"Stoker?"
"That's his nickname," The Skyfaller shrugged. "Everyone else has one now. It seemed unfair to leave him out."
"What's it mean?"
"I have no idea. Something about fire… controlling fires… maybe?"
"… whatever." Melli hummed, watching the newcomers' introductions. Coal was cowering away from the Sneasel, giving it a newfound sense of confidence. The short feathered weasel postured, but quickly bowed back down when Caboose hissed. Buggy yipped and tried biting to show his authority, only for Stoker to kick him back with his foot. Cooper whinnied with amusement, while Buggy whimpered and rushed to Snowflake for reassurance. Scooping the little Pokémon into his lap between the Voltorb, he gently stroked Buggy's head before continuing.
"Should we give Skuntank a nickname too?"
"Huh?"
"Skuntank is the only one now that doesn't have one. I bet he feels left out."
"He already has a nickna-" Melli stopped himself, slapping a hand over his mouth.
"He DOES?!" Snowflake instantly leaned in way too close. "Why haven't you used it before?"
"It's stupid!" Melli argued, shoving him back to arms length. "You're just going to laugh at it like everyone else did!"
"I promise I won't," Snowflake begged. "Please share? I'm sure it's a verrrrry good nickname!"
The Warden groaned. Why couldn't he keep his mouth shut anymore?!
"… Smelli." It was barely audible, just above a whisper. He waited for the laughter that never came. Glancing back at Snowflake he finally saw the sparkle in his eye.
"BRAVO! WONDERFUL NICKNAME!" Snowflake clapped into his bad hand. "Melli and Smelli! What wonderful rhyming!"
"Please stop making fun of it," Melli grumbled, unable to hide his blush. "I was just learning Galarian at the time, and when I heard the word "Smelly" I didn't realize what it meant. I just thought it sounded similar to my name."
"It's a perfect name!" His monotone excitement was almost contagious. "I will have to ask for your opinion on nicknames some day."
"You act like you'll be getting more Pokémon."
"I am allowed to use up to six in a single battle." He smiled smugly, already beginning a fresh lecture.
It was something about 'League Regulations,' only Snowflake's face fell and he started mumbling trying to remember what a 'League' actually was. His hand started twitching too.
The motions he used with Ingo.
The ones Melli couldn't understand.
It all made him feel worse.
Snowflake would want to spend more time with Ingo. Maybe move in with him in Lady Sneasler's den at some point.
Who knows, he could already want to leave Moonview Arena permanently.
As much as he talked himself up, Melli knew he couldn't hold a candle to most of the other Wardens.
Especially Ingo.
Soon Snowflake would forget Electrode's Warden even existed.
He needed to mentally prepare himself. The time was coming. It could be now, or even in a few days. Soon he'd be on his own again-
"Are you alright, Melli? You seem upset."
"I am PERFECTLY fine!" Melli snapped back, regretting it almost immediately. Snowflake blinked, but kept his expression neutral. As neutral as he could with that permanent soft smile of his.
"Hmmmm… I don't think you are."
"Shows what you know!" The Warden scowled.
"… you're right, I don't know much when it comes to these things," Snowflake looked him in the eyes, smile practically gone for the moment. "But I know you don't usually act this way, so I want to know what I can't figure out…. Please?"
Melli scoffed, turning his attention back to the playing Pokémon. At some point Stoker got himself in trouble, Caboose restraining him with her ribbons and snarling while Cooper shook out her flaming mane and glared at the little thief. Coal had grown more comfortable with everyone else disciplining the Sneasel, finally curling up in the shade with Skuntank for an afternoon nap.
A nap would be nice.
"Please, I want to know. What's wrong, Melli?" Snowflake tried again.
…
Dammit.
Dammit all!
"You want to know what's wrong?! INGO is what's wrong!"
"Ingo?" Snowflake tilted his head, acting confused.
Like he DIDN'T KNOW what was wrong!
"Don't play dumb!" Melli couldn't look him in the face, squeezing his arms tighter across his abdomen. "I saw how you two talk to each other! About Pokémon care and battles like you're old friends. A-and do that... hand thing together!" He almost added 'look alike,' but he was losing his nerve. "You have way more in common than with me, and I know you'd rather live with Ingo… I'm not sure why you're still here…"
He felt like the biggest loser in all of Hisui, and friends abandoning him wasn't new. Still, knowing Snowflake was putting this off for some reason just made it worse.
"… I am Snowflake, and I am your friend. Just because I like talking to Ingo, it doesn't mean I can't be your friend too."
"Sure. That's what they all say," Melli huffed, eyes starting to burn. The warm fluid threatening to spill was held back by sheer will power. "I know how these things work. You'll start spending more time with him gradually, then suddenly you'll leave and never speak to me again. I'm not an idiot, and I don't want to be strung along anymore."
He didn't think he could take another loss like his friendship with Adaman.
Snowflake remained silent for several minutes, stroking one of the Voltorbs while his other hand twitched.
"… it's true… Ingo is verrrrry cool," Snowflake hummed, scratching his Zorua behind the ear and removing the other two Pokémon from his lap. "But I prefer it here, away from Lady Sneasler. Besides, he's not as cool as the Great Melli."
"We'll see how long you keep saying that," Melli mumbled, hugging his knees and staring ahead. "You two were clearly made for eachother."
"You're my best friend though, and…" Snowflake paused, looking at Stoker getting disciplined by Caboose, still bound in her ribbons struggling while the Sylveon dangled him over a felled column, as if simulating a cliff side.
"You're almost like… a brother to me…"
Melli's eyes widened at that.
He used THAT word.
"What?"
Perhaps it was a misunderstanding.
"I don't remember where I came from. I don't even remember my real name," he shrugged. "But the term feels right, and I think of you like family." His expression was so genuine. Not a hint of deception.
It was too much to handle.
"Melli?!" Snowflake's audible alarm at his tears was priceless. If only Melli could laugh without breaking down entirely.
"I am fine. It's just…" he wiped his eyes with a sleeve, trying to get himself under control. "Growing up back in the Diamond Clan… very few of us had blood siblings or parents, so we adopted each other as brothers and sisters… At one time, I called Adaman my "big brother," and I thought I was a younger brother to him. He was my only friend for many years… you know how that turned out…"
Melli felt the energy next to him grow dangerous, looking over to see how dark Snowflake's eye had gotten. He was quick to shake it off, plastering on a kinder smile.
"I can promise you. I, Snowflake, will never abandon my family, and that includes you-"
"ACHOO!"
Buggy practically jumped from his own sneeze, looking around frantically in shock before licking his lips and settling down again. They both paused, watching the little Pokémon for a moment before bursting out in uncontrolled laughter.
"See? Buggy agrees too! We aren't going anywhere." Snowflake smiled. A warm toothy one that helped Melli's heart settle.
The surrounding Voltorb all chattered with excitement, sparks forming and the air getting lively.
Oh no.
"WAIT! NOT ALL AT ONCE-"
Too late.
The two men and Zorua were completely engulfed in enough electricity to knock them all out.
XxxxxxxxxX
"Did I make myself clear?" Melli spoke slowly, hair still wild from the electric shock. "Snowflake is… sensitive. He loves you guys and doesn't mind a zap from one or two of you, but everyone at once is too overwhelming. If you feel the need to discharge, go somewhere else."
The guilty orbs all crackled in shame.
"You can apologize to him later. I'm just going to see how he's doing." Melli stepped through the entrance of Moonview, where Snowflake was seated with his back against Cooper's side. Caboose was laying around the nape of his neck like a scarf, ribbons wrapped tightly around her human providing reassurance.
Snowflake himself was shakily rubbing Buggy's back, the sorry fox coughing up smoke and trembling like a leaf.
"S-see? Not so bad now. I-I know they did not mean to do that." His voice was a bit weak too, though the presence of his Pokémon had calmed him down considerably from his initially panicked response.
Well, most of his Pokémon.
The new Sneasel was taking this opportunity to examine their tent and all of its contents.
Little shit.
He pretended not to notice, turning his attention back to Snowflake.
"So the first zap didn't bother you, but this one did?"
"I barely felt the first. T-that second one was verrrry strong, just like… n-never mind," he continued staring at Buggy, smiling tight. "Look! He is feeling much better now, aren't you?"
Buggy's pathetic whine would beg to differ.
Melli rolled his eyes and took a tired seat next to Snowflake, Cooper not minding the extra person. Though for once she wasn't eating his hair thanks to all the burnt ends it currently had.
It needed a trim after that shock.
Somehow, Melli still found himself surprised by this. Getting taken off guard by this guy anymore was foolish. Still, any tolerance to electricity on Snowflake's part was completely unexpected.
How was he supposed to know this guy was desensitized already? It's not like Snowflake could tell him anything about it.
Not with his memory problem.
"And you're still okay with living in Moonview? Even when you could get electrocuted like that again?"
"Yes. I am positive. I do not want to live with Ingo."
Melli sighed, giving Coal and Skuntank plenty of pats when they came to check in.
A small cracking sound made all of them pause.
It was coming from Snowflake's belt pouch.
"…. Snowflake. What is that?"
He didn't answer right away, fumbling around Buggy and pulling his satchel into view. Lifting the flap, Melli was met with the sight of an eerily familiar egg, and it was hatching!
"Snowflake?! Where did you get THAT?!" Melli screamed.
"Remember when you came back from your mission with Ingo and was all sticky with webs-"
"WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING THEN?!" He was shaking him by the shoulders now, Snowflake still refusing to take this seriously.
"You said you didn't want to hear about it-"
"FORGET WHAT I SAID!" Melli jumped and let out a definitely manly scream when a bit of egg shell went flying. "YOU DON'T KNOW THE MONSTROSITY THAT THING WILL BECOME!"
"Look! A leg!" Snowflake shoved Melli off and leaned in closer to watch. The Warden whimpered, his mind reeling with flashbacks of that horrible creature that produced those eggs. Sure, he didn't want to kill them, but having them IN the Highlands was too much!
Two stubby, yellow, twig-like appendages stuck out through the shall, pushing just enough out to reveal a little wet face with six deep blue eyes. Four tiny ones, and two very large shiny ones.
Snowflake's gasp was audible.
"It HATCHED…" he slowly moved his finger towards the little thing, letting it use its mouth parts to explore the appendage.
Melli grimaced.
"IT'S VERRRRRY TINY…" Snowflake held the pouch up so he could see it better, his eye watering. "Melli, look at how tiny it is…."
"It is… very small." Melli couldn't help but find it a little bit adorable.
Just a tiny bit.
He knew what it would grow into though, so he wouldn't be fooled by the cuteness.
The newborn rolled out of the remainder of its shell, taking a short rest letting the fuzz on its body dry out. Caboose sniffed it curiously. Cooper glanced over without giving much acknowledgement, all while Coal and Skuntank were giving the thing and each other odd looks.
"He's so soft…" Snowflake whispered, gently petting the little five inch Pokémon.
"Don't even thinking of naming it-"
"Kernel."
"NO! I SAID DON'T NAME IT!" Melli groaned. "NO MORE POKÉMON!"
"Maybe you haven't looked at him hard enough. Here." He held it closer to Melli's face with an eager expression. Buggy finally noticed the tiny creature, quickly grabbing it with his tongue.
Snowflake gawked.
"BUGGY NO! SPIT HIM OUT THIS INSTANT!" He smacked the back of Buggy's head, but he refused to let go. Using his fingers Snowflake pried the gremlin's mouth open, managing to force the tiny bug off his tongue. It shook itself dry, seeming rather unphased.
At least not as bothered as Snowflake.
"Buggy," his lear was coming back, all Pokémon except for Cooper flinching away. "Kernel is a friend. Not food. NEVER do that again."
"… I think he got the message," Melli offered when Buggy looked ready to piss himself. "You know… you come off very intense."
"I'm not intense."
"The Pokémon get terrified when you're angry."
"Coal gets terrified of everything." Snowflake tried to wave him off.
"Caboose is scared."
"No she's not. Right, Caboose?"
He waited a moment but didn't get an answer, finally seeing his Sylveon had hopped to Melli's other side to hide, still keeping the tips of her ribbons wrapped around Snowflake's arm.
"Caboose?"
"Breeee…" the little Sylveon nervously trilled, peaking around Melli's lap.
Her human let out a tired sigh.
"… I am sorry. I'll try to keep the intensity down moving forward."
That was enough for her, abandoning her meat shield and licking Snowflake's nose. He laughed, Buggy sneezing at his human calming down and deciding to ignore the newly hatched bug. Kernel hopped on Cooper's back, letting her sniff him while it tried investigating her flaming mane. She almost inhaled the tiny creature by accident, sneezing hard sending the yellow thing right into Melli's hair.
He groaned and flicked it towards Snowflake, pulling his hood up trying to hide his slight smile. It was crazy how much excitement this guy brought to the Highlands.
His brother.
He wasn't just some strange man from the sky or a mere friend anymore. Snowflake claimed Melli as family.
As his brother.
He hadn't realized how much he missed being called one until now.
It was weird, but Melli felt the same. Snowflake was more than his roommate or friend. They understood one another in a very odd way, and could just exist with each other's awkwardness and strange behaviors.
Neither cared if one was angry, or started acting weird or talking funny.
They could just be.
Like a family.
Like brothers.
He never wanted to go back to those extended stays of loneliness in the Highlands. Finally he didn't feel as on edge anymore, or feared being forgotten or abandoned.
Despite the circumstances of their meeting and Snowflake's arrival, he was glad they were family now.
Even if it meant his tent would be getting far more crowded.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Running.
Rei was running as fast as he could through the night, having lost the sun almost an hour prior.
It was dark, chilly and too quiet for his liking, the moon mostly hidden behind clouds removing most of the dim lighting it would normally provide.
The Luxray hunt was underway, and this would be Reis' only chance to complete his plan without getting caught.
So far the scout managed to retrieve his target without getting spotted, Raichu and Mime Jr. leading the way where his own eyesight failed. He didn't have any other humans with him, which definitely wasn't allowed, but Akari was sent to the Coronet Highlands and nobody else would actually help with this.
It was more upsetting how drained he already felt. He hated to admit it, but this Pokeball likely was the cause of Laventon's collapse. Placing it back in the hole would be the smartest option, but he didn't want to put it away without a chance.
He used to think Pokémon were out to hurt everyone, but being friends with Akari and Raichu changed all that. All Pokémon deserved a chance at the very least.
One chance.
"Ummm… excuse me?" Rei stopped running, pulling the strange Pokeball from his pouch and holding it close to his mouth. He didn't know how easy it was to hear the outside world while inside a Pokeball. "My name is Rei, and I want to bring you back to your trainer, Warden Ingo. B-but I can't do that when I'm almost unconscious." The Pokeball didn't wiggle or burst open, just stayed cold and stationary in his hands. "Please stop making me tired? So we can get there faster."
Still nothing from the Pokeball, but he wasn't feeling quite as drained anymore. Not energetic by any stretch of the word, but the constant pull on his soul finally disappeared.
Grinning, Rei put the Pokeball away and continued. He was close to the Obsidian Fieldlands, trying to stay away from any fire lights he spotted. The Luxray hunt was going well into the night, and he wasn't supposed to be in the area.
If Zisu found out, he'd be in serious trouble.
Taking a route through the Grueling Grove and up the Worn Bridge, he managed to avoid any people, and now had a great vantage point for spotting incoming torches. The hunters were nowhere near him, all focused closer to the large lake.
A dying Luxray let out a final desperate roar, the haunting call echoing across the Fieldlands.
Rei grimaced, rushing forward doing his best not to think about it.
There was a space time distortion blocking his path, forcing him to take a longer route across the river. The only good thing he could say about the ripples in reality was their effect on wild Pokémon. They scared off the local Alphas, leaving a much safer path for Rei to take.
The moon was peaking through the clouds now too, providing enough light to actually see his surroundings better. Not much, but enough for him to take a chance and try prying open that Pokeball.
Setting up his crafting kit near the creak, Rei fished the Pokeball out and brought it close to his face. Laventon had clearly been working on the back hinge, the metal pin through the little hole was clipped part way in with half of it forcefully pulled out.
The remaining section was the bent part.
"Man, how did something so solid get this dinged up?" The scout grumbled, pulling out his smallest set of pliers and attempting to grab it. "Must have been something solid, like a rock or Geodude."
"Chuuuu…." The orange mouse breathed, turning to sniff the air. Mime Jr. watched and tried mimicking Rei's motions.
This was proving difficult.
Perhaps he should tackle it from the clamp side? He really had no clue how those button presses worked though, and feared that lack of knowledge would make things worse.
"… I'm losing the moon." His eyes strained as the faint light faded away.
He'd have to try again at sunrise-
A bolt of blue electricity lit up the sky, Raichu leaping in the air, intercepting right before it struck Rei.
Yelping from the bright flash, the teen scrambled upright, gripping the Pokeball tightly to his chest.
His breath hitching.
Sparks.
His vision had adjusted enough to the darkness to see lots of blacks and dark grays, enough to get around if he was cautious.
This, however, was practically invisible to him.
It blended perfectly with the surrounding black, the only hint of its size and build being the bright sporadic blue sparks surrounding its body.
It stalked closer, glowing yellow and red eyes piercing the night and pinning him down from pure terror.
Rei couldn't breath, feeling in his legs replaced by a numb tingling.
He didn't know if it was a ghost or a real Pokémon, but one thought screamed in the forefront of his mind just the predator he was dealing with.
'Man Eater.'
He scrambled backwards, back hitting the dirt incline right behind him.
Trapped.
"Raiiii!" Raichu postured between Rei and the Luxray, yellow sparks contrasting against the threatening blue ones. Mime Jr. took a combative stance too, both Pokémon refusing to let it pass.
The teen breathed a little easier. Right. He wasn't alone out here.
They just needed to work together!
"Raichu! Quick Attack! Mimic Mime Jr!"
Raichu obeyed, bolting in for a swift head butt with Mime Jr. copying the move.
Man Eater barely flinched. Snarling it released a strong Thunderbolt attack, both Pokémon unable to dodge. Mime Jr. was down in a single hit, Raichu barely standing back up.
"O-one hit…?"
He recalled Mime Jr. and thumbled for his Staravia, stopping mid throw.
Staravia wouldn't hold up to an electric type.
That was his only other Pokémon.
Mime Jr. was in bad enough shape, and even Raichu was struggling
He didn't want anyone to die tonight!
"Iron Tail!" Raichu followed his instructions, tail glinting silver right as he whipped it at Man Eater's throat. It reared back, swiping repeatedly at Raichu. They ducked and weaved around eachother, until a claw clipped Raichu's leg.
Large teeth came down hard around Raichi, the orange mouse screaming in pain.
"NO!" Rei recalled his Pokémon before the Luxray snapped him in half, hand clumsily feeling around his bag.
Grabbing a ball he flung it at the ground, a smoke bomb exploding right in the Luxray's face.
Rei didn't wait to see the aftermath. He grabbed his last two smoke bombs and set them off as he ran following the creek. His heart pounded in his throat, hearing the Luxray's feet slapping against the ground once the smoke cleared.
It was following, and he didn't have much left in his bag. He'd abandoned his crafting kit at the shoreline, and now all he had was the damaged Pokeball, Staravia, two potions, and a few cake lures.
Rounding a bend in the land, Rei tripped on a large rock in the stream, tucking himself into a roll through the freezing water and rushing back into a run.
It was too dark. Too hard to see. He tried to stay out of the water but the surrounding land wasn't flat enough for sprinting.
He needed to reach Lord Kleavor. If he made it to his tree he'd be safe.
That was the only thought keeping him sane at least. He had no idea if Man Eater was a ghost, demon, or normal Pokémon.
His only hope of survival lay just a few hundred meters up the creek.
Man Eater caught up quickly, leaping directly into his path.
Rei screamed, tripping on a large rock into cold ankle deep water. Electricity and water were a deadly combination, and this thing was already sparking again.
Trying to scramble to his feet, he was quickly cut off again by the Luxray circling back around, forcing him against a dirt incline too steep to climb. He felt around for anything to throw, but the only boulder in arms reach was too big and heavy.
He was finished.
The mouth on that monster was sparking, Charging a Thunder Fang ready to deliver the finishing blow.
Rei shut his eyes expecting the crunch, only for a light to appear from his bag.
Staravia escaped her ball, flying right toward Man Eater, forcing him back a few paces. Rei was at a dead end.
Nowhere to run.
Too dark to see anything around he could use.
Expect that jammed Pokeball.
He didn't have any options left.
Falling to his knees Rei held the metal orb high above his head, slamming it into the boulder by his foot.
Again.
Again.
Again.
Loud clacking of metal against stone.
Trying his best to bring the hinge down with his shaking hand.
He couldn't keep it steady.
Again.
Again.
Sometimes the ball would miss, his fingers scraping or smashing against the rock instead. All pain was pushed aside in favor of survival. This Pokeball was their last hope.
"CAW!" Staravia screamed in pain, a Thunder Fang sinking deep into its left wing.
"STARAVIA!"
Rei screamed, watching Man Eater throw his bird into the water and hold it down with its massive claws. Staravia's struggle quickly weakened.
"WOULD YOU BREAK OPEN ALREADY?!"
Both hands wrapped around the Pokeball this time. He brought it down with all the strength he had, the clink of cracking metal rattling loud in his ears.
Bursting into pieces in a massive display of light, blinding white turning to dimmer blue flames, a wave of heat and cold hit Rei's body all at once.
He looked up from his prone position, mouth agape. A strange creature took form, one with metal curls centered around a ball of glass, orange eyes piercing through the darkness right at Man Eater.
It was beautiful.
And terrifying.
It let out a haunting cry, similar to a Chimecho, but deeper with a sense of sadness tinging the end.
The Luxray sunk its paw deeper into Staravia's chest, his bird finally stilling entirely.
"STARAVIA!"
The metal ball perked at Rei's distress, flames growing stronger and throwing several smaller fire balls. The large cat leapt back, Staravia finally floating to the surface of the water.
Rei didn't even think, rushing between the two, wrapping his arms protectively around the prone bird. He hugged Staravia close to his chest, listening for a heartbeat but unable to hear over his own pounding one.
"STARAVIA! STARAVIA, WAKE UP!"
"GROAAAAR!" The Luxray tried lunging for him, but was stopped by the mystery Pokémon, flames surrounding it and Rei in a protective barrier.
It responded by charging a Thunder attack, the teen squeezing his eyes shut waiting for the shock.
It never hit.
A cry far scarier than any he'd heard before.
Lord Kleavor.
The Noble swooped in, Man Eater leaping sideways just as its giant axe came down. The two clashed, thunder sometimes hitting the Noble, though Kleavor wasn't going down easily.
"Rei!"
The scout looked around frantically, spotting Mai rushing to his aid. Lian was there too, though he remained far more focused on watching battle.
"Mai!" Rei rasped.
The woman squatted in front of him, face dimly illuminated in his savior's pale blue light. She was trying to check him over, getting Staravia shoved in her face instead.
"S-Staravia isn't moving!" Rei's voice felt far too weak. His throat was dry as a desert and entire body trembling. "That thing held her under the water a-and just… Please help her!"
The Warden hesitated, everyone flinching at another loud roar. Kleavor was chasing Man Eater away, currently in hot pursuit while the strange Pokémon remained overhead. Lian pulled out his flute and summoned Lord Wrydeer, quickly trying to keep pace with the retreating Pokémon.
"… Let's get her to Lord Kleavor's tree. It's safer there." Mai suggested.
Rei nodded, shakily standing up on legs that were far too wobbly. They felt like useless cooked noodles, supporting a weight that couldn't balance on its own from all the trembling. Trudging through the water they finally reached a path, Rei clutching the still avian close to his heart.
"P-please don't die…. I-I promise I'm right here," He pleaded with his friend to stay, though she didn't respond. "I-I'll collect all the best berries for you, and let you have my pillow every night. I-I know how much you like nesting on it…" his voice was wavering, hot liquid streaming down his face. It felt like his organs were falling out of him, everything too heavy with the weight of his worsening dread.
He could see torchlight though, the small bit of hope the sight brought gave him the strength to run the last bit for Lord Kleavor's shrine.
He laid his friend out on the stone table, able to see with the brighter orange fire glow.
Blood.
Dark blood stained her white belly and gray wing feathers, disheveled and ripped in places they didn't belong.
The blood on his crooked fingers, a mix of his own life giving fluids and Staravia's.
Mai gently moved him aside so she could work, Rei staring with an increased sinking feeling. He managed to take a few more steps backwards, sliding against the high earth wall and sinking to his backside. A sad chime rang out above him, the flaming Pokémon still watching.
"G-go to the… C-Cornet Highlands…" Rei sniffled. "W-W-Warden Ingo… he's waiting for you…" he choked on the last word, gripping his chest as a fresh wave of guilt and pain ripped through.
He survived a Man Eater attack, all thanks to his Pokémon taking the hits meant for him.
Raichu.
Mime Jr.
Staravia.
All he had were a few broken fingers from smashing that Pokeball into a rock, and that was self inflicted clumsiness.
He was too weak to protect his partners.
He let his entire team down.
All the training he's done. Working with strong Wardens like Melli and Ingo. Regularly battling Akari to keep his skills sharp.
None of it made a damn difference.
His trembling worsened, letting out a ragged breath.
He survived, but at what costs?
Pulling his scarf over his face he did his best to keep his sobs quiet, back sinking further into the solid cool earth.
All the while, Ingo's Pokémon provided a distant form of comfort from above. Never leaving despite Rei's pleas.
It stayed.
Silently watching over them all.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Thank you DuplicataData for beta reading this chapter!
ART LINKS
Dearbydesign has created this adorable Chapter 15 art of Buggy contaminating the soup. Good thing Calaba wasn't looking.
https/deerbydesign./post/687912974506164224/hi-hi-friends-from-odd-places-pals-and
vlg-official on Tumblr has created a beautiful coloured image of Buggy being his derp self. Everyone look it is gorgeous!
https/vgl-official./post/687463328495370240/yall-giving-me-too-much-substance-for-drawings
If anyone does art/writing related to this fox do share so I can gush over it and link it in later chapters!
We have surpassed 100,000 words….
Normally this is where I start loosing inspiration in the story I'm writing. However, I've also never written so fast before usually it takes at least a year or 1.5 years to get this far. Hopefully I can keep this up till the end (there is a good deal more to go).
To celebrate, have some art of Ash Cat, Stoker, and Snowflake ready to throw hands.
https/homestar1812./post/687785163511431168/two-trouble-making-sneasels-featured-in-my-fanfic
https/homestar1812./post/688155240251490304/another-sketch-from-friends-from-odd-places
Every Pokémon Snowflake has named so far has some sort of relation to trains, whether it be someone well known for working on trains, or actual lingo used in the industry which can all be searched online.
Kernel is the first exception to this. He is literally popcorn. Now that Snowflake's egg has hatched, I'm sure that can only mean Jubilife will face their infestation soon enough…
Man Eater makes only his second on screen appearance (dang it took 100,000 words but he's here again!), AND CHANDELURE MAKES HER GRAND ENTRANCE! Granted, she's likely spotting some head trauma from all the heavy impacts with a rock, but she forgives Rei. She just wanted OUT. Hopefully no memory loss from all the bashing lmfao ;P
Will Staravia survive? When will Chandelure find her Ingo? And will Cyllene live to reproduce when the hoard finally hatches?
All questions that will be answered… eventually I am sure.
Leave a comment if you feel like it! I always love seeing everyone's thoughts and theories