Nurture Chapter 2: Warmth, a pokémon fanfic

== Chapter 2.1: Warmth

A gentle morning sun lit the impossible landscape as I skipped across the fluffy clouds, reds and yellows piercing the endless sky and lighting it up with uncountable rays of light.

My hands brushed lightly against the all encompassing fluff as I dove into the endless softness, it was so warm, so soft, I really could stay there forev-

"Row-let!"- The owlet chirped out right above my head before flapping as intensely as he could to get me to wake up, the sunlight peeking through the tiny holes in the tent from the night before informing us of how late it already was.

It had been a while since I had dreamed this vividly.

Everything felt so real, the warmth and the softness- hell, I could swear I still felt it even while awake, the sensation of cloud-like fluff on my fingers pushing me to pull my eyes open-

Only to see my hands deep into Braixen's fur as it huddled against my chest, my subconscious apparently having wrapped my arms around the injured fox as we slept. I couldn't help but muffle a giggle at it slowly stirred back into awareness as well, snout wriggling in a nonverbal demand for more time to sleep, body still wracked with exhaustion from yesterday.

So cute this little Braixen. I could just pet it all day long.

I waved Row to settle down and rest a little bit longer to give our guest some more time to come to on its own before we started the day off, just silently watching over the fiery fox with my arms still wrapped around it.

After a few moments and just as many groans, Braixen finally took a peek at its surroundings, briefly scanning the now well lit interior of the tent before glancing towards me, its expression shifting into focus as it took my features in before it...

Smiled softly?

I didn't have too much time to fully parse its expression before it was replaced with a strained grimace as the fox's body shifted inside the bag, followed soon by it sliding its arms out and slowly sitting up, looking somewhere between exhausted and dazzled.

*grrroooaaawwwll*

I pulled myself back a bit, briefly confused at the unusual noise before giggling as I realized it was just the loud rumbling of the fox's stomach. Rowlet joined in on noisemaking soon after, flapping and chirping at his own peckishness.

"Alright, alright, food time! Just give me a minute to set it all up!" - I chuckled at the growing commotion before taking my bag and making my way out of the tent, joining serenely sunbathing Whimsi as I sat down in the middle of the clearing and started preparing our breakfast, pulling out all the ingredients one by one.

A small travel stove, a pot to cook in, a bottle of water, a small curry brick, a handful of dried veggies, some herbs the Professor had pointed out to me in the past as edible, and last but not least, nice thick noodles.

As the hearty curry mixture heated up, stock thickening from the concentrated flavor and noodles alike, earthy spices of turmeric and basil started wafting through the camp, exciting the two lil' ones to the point where their happy squeaks eclipsed the clanging and scraping of my mixing spoon.

Braixen interestingly enough stayed silent after managing to crawl over and take a seat next to me in front of the tiny stove, staring at it blankly as my focus shifted back towards the cookery.

I prepared the bowls as the dish quickly approached completion, swirling the mixture some more as a motion to my side caught my attention once again.

Braixen ever so slowly tilted to the side, trying to peer down at the heating element underneath the pot before losing its balance and unceremoniously collapsing, myself stifling a chuckle in response as I put down the mixing spoon to help it back up.

"Be careful, it's gonna be hot-" - I gently chided as I reached over to pull the still obviously exhausted fox off the ground and resting it in my lap, making sure it wouldn't fall over once more as I wrapped up the cooking.

Huh, fire Pokémon and a hot plate. I wonder if it could actually touch it~

I shook my head a bit, quelling that thought before I let Braixen explore the hot plate too deeply and hurt itself, turning off the burner and declaring breakfast ready.

With the three bowls filled up with appropriate amounts of thick curry for each of the critters around me and myself being left to eat right out of the pot, I gently picked up Braixen's bowl and lightly shook the fox to catch its attention, passing over the bowl-

"Eat up little one. Hope you enjoy."

I was about to dive into my own portion, reusing the mixing spoon for eating while I kept an eye on the Braixen to make sure nothing would happen- only to watch in shock as the fox started to drink the molten hot food right away, seemingly finding the temperature unobstructive.

I sighed in relief and blew on a few bites of my own as the fox devoured its portion in record time before laying the now empty bowl down on the grass and relaxing into me.

I smiled softly and set my own bowl down to let it cool a bit before bringing my hands to pat the fox's head and hold it just a bit closer, closing my eyes as it leaned into me, the soft warmth feeling downright dreamy.

After a moment I felt it sneak one paw out of my hold and reach it around me, warm digits holding the back of my head in what I assumed was this species' way of expressing affection.

So cute this little Braixen-

*"Thank you, human."*

The sudden words startled me enough for my eyes to shoot open as I looked around for their source, growing only more confused by Whimsi or even Row with his sharp ears seemingly having not heard anything.

Who else could have said it though...

My surprise slowly waned as I looked down at the half-asleep Braixen in my arms with its paw still pressing itself against my head, the realization that the sound seemed to be echoing inside me rather than coming from any external source pushing me to the unlikely conclusion-

"You?" - I asked the Braixen in sheer confusion, continuing to gently pet its head and tummy alike.

"You can speak lil' one?"

I was baffled by the whole situation as the Braixen wriggled in enjoyment under my pets, its own happy noises making me think I just misheard somethin-

*"Y-yes, I can speak!"* - The voice rung out in my head once more, my focus letting me actually make out things about it instead of my brain short circuiting into utter bafflement. It was very much feminine, rather young, and most of all, really, really tired.

I was stunned into silence by the Braixen responding to me, having absolutely no idea how to react to something like this.

It, or rather, she must've caught on, tilting her head a bit to look at me with clear worry on her face, the sight breaking my heart a bit.

This might have been a completely new thing for me, but in the end she was still a friend, friend who's saved my life no less, and if anything, this only made her more special to me.

I held her tightly once more, my pets and scritches resuming in full force as the fox wiggled underneath them, eventually breaking into what almost sounded like slightly barky laughter, her warm self trying to simultaneously wiggle into me and away from the tickling affection before I slowed down, easing out into calm pets and just holding her closely.

"Never met a Pokémon who could speak before, especially not such an affectionate one, teehee. My name's Zephyr, and I hope you're feeling better Braxy."

Row flapped over and rested on my shoulder, staring happily at the fox in my arms as it recited it's name a few more times in attempted conversation, seemingly having figured out that I was conversing with her and wanting some of that himself.

The owlet's display made Braxy chuckle as she reached over to pet Row with the one paw that wasn't still pressing against my head, the little bird cooing in enjoyment as she responded to me-

*"I'm definitely feeling much better than I did when you found me, that's for sure. I... I can't thank you enough for saving me there... Zeph."*

I could only smile and continue to pet the adorable fox in response, the immense gratitude in her voice making me feel even warmer on the inside.

"I'm so glad, but no need for thanks really, you saved us last night as well. I-I'm not sure what I would have done if you weren't there..."

Brief confusion at her turning around in my embrace was replaced with a soft blush as she embraced me as closely as she could in her state, arms gently squeezing me as I heard her soft response-

*"You're welcome."*

My cheeks reddened brighter than her fur as I happily clutched the sweet fox in my arms, enjoying her warmth in the frigid morning. My hands ran up and down her soft back, fingernails lightly scratching the skin as I enjoyed our affectionate closeness.

We sat like that for a few minutes, Whimsi soon joining in our wordless embrace- or rather almost wordless, with the two little ones occasionally squeaking something out in between each other as they huddled with me and Braxy.

My stomach eventually reminded me I should also eat before the food went cold, making me chuckle as I let go of the sweet fox, gently scooting her over to one side of my lap while I rested the pot on he other side, filling my tummy with the remaining meal as she continued to lean on me.

A comforting sigh of fullness later I put the pot away before reaching over to stroke Braxy's fur some more, catching her attention before asking-

I watched her slowly consider the offer, my excitement fading as her content smile seemed to slowly drain away, only to be replaced with worry as she finally responded before slowly pushing herself away from me and onto her legs-

*"D-don't worry, I-I-I'll be alright..."*

A frown crept up onto my face as I watched her decline the offer, saddened that she wasn't exactly interested in coming along. I was really starting to enjoy the added company, especially one as affectionate, not to mention as talkative as hers.

As she started to head off though, sadness turned into alarm as she squeaked out in pain, myself running back up to her and holding her from falling over once more, trying to comfort her-

"I-it's fine if you don't want to come along, but we can stay back a few days and help you tend to that injury if you'll let us. I couldn't live with myself letting you head back out there in this condition."

I quickly looked over the bandage, the redness making it clear that while it did tame the bleeding, it was in a dire need of redressing.

"And we've also got a hospital a couple days onward that will have you feeling good as new if you are up for it. I could probably carry you for a bit of it too to give your leg a rest.."

I waited a few moments for a response which wouldn't come, her increasingly dejected look draining me of any joy.

"Braixen?" - I sullenly asked, looking at her in distress, slowly ruffling her hair in defeat as I held her that much closer.

I didn't want to let her go, especially not in such a vulnerable state, and especially not-

Not in tears.

I sat down next to her and carefully pulled her into another hug, not knowing what was the problem, only that no matter what, I wanted to be there for her.

She only trembled harder in my arms as her sobs grew more and more intense, any attempts to comfort her seemingly not working right n-

*"...failure..."*

The faint word caught my attention, voice distinctively Braxy's, but distant and feeling like it wasn't aimed at me, more so at... herself.

I sat in silence as I heard more and more of the hurtful words, Braxy's self loathing intense enough for it to be audible even to me, pushing me to finally do something.

I gently tilted her chin up towards me as warm tears dripped down her cheeks, our eyes meeting before she clenched hers shut as I spoke-

"Braixen, you are so much stronger than you let on. W-without you we'd be spider food yesterday- You saved us, a-and that means a lot to me, to all of us..." - Braxy's head softly shook as I spoke, my hold only tightening around her as I desperately wanted to push whatever it was that was making her feel this horrible about herself as far away as I could.

"Oh Braixen, please, try to see, you are special, worth something precious... to me." - I pulled Braxy into a tight embrace, rubbing the back of her head, fingers slowly tracing her fur and skin as my body shivered in her fears along with her.

We sat almost motionless for the longest time, ambiance of the forest the only sounds I could hear anymore, even Braxy's self loathing having faded out as she trembled in my embrace.

The silence was only broken by Braixen's eventual response, her words as quiet as they were small-

*"I-I'm worthless..."*

"Far from it. Having a rough day doesn't make you any less special Braxy. I've had plenty and look where that brought me, face to face with a sweet little Braixen who just saved mine and my two friends' lives. You're worth so much more to me than you think, and I'm so sorry you feel so worthless..."

*"B-but I'm not special, I-if not for you, I'd be dead meat already, I don't deserve y-your help, o-or y-you caring about me."*

"And if not for you, we'd be spun up in a web somewhere, h-having our b-bl..." - My arms went numb as I caught myself thinking of the Ariados once more, the harrowing fear creeping back in before Braxy's warm embrace banished it away, her hold weak and quivering, but calming all the same.

She held me as close as she could for a while, our fears slowly fading away in shared warmth as her trembling slowly ceased, her eventual words accompanied with more warm tears-

*"I-I don't want to leave you..."*

And I don't want you to leave. Please, don't leave, please.

"A-and you don't have to, little one. There is plenty of space in our little group and we'd all love to have you here." - I claimed with a bit of false confidence, trying to seem like a pillar of stability and hope despite still feeling weak.

I felt her paw slowly reach up behind my head, gently pressing it into the side of hers, the sensation soft, warm, electric even, the bits of psychic energy softly stimulating my temples as I heard the tinge of happiness in her tone-

*"R-really?"*

I returned her affection as my shaky hand reached up behind her own foxy head, holding it that much closer, the sensation of her soft fur against my palm calming me beyond words.

"Yes, really. You deserve to feel safe and appreciated Braxy, and I did really mean it- we'd love to have you here, myself most of all..." - I muttered out the last few words in embarrassment as the lil' fox held me tighter still, her few remaining sobs muffled in my shirt before I heard her respond, her voice so tired, but also so, so grateful-

*"T-thank you, Zephyr, thank you so, so much..."*

I ruffled her fur some more, smiling widely as I closed my eyes and held the exhausted Braixen closer-

"You're welcome Braxy. You're more than welcome-"

An unexpected noise caught my attention, a sort of a soft purr that rumbled against my front, making me take a look down at her- only to find her snoring quietly, asleep in my arms.

I couldn't help but giggle in response, guess she was so anxious about it all that when it cleared the exhaustion could finally kick in.

She deserves all the rest she can get.

I gently lifted her up and laid her down close to the tent as the rest of our group could finally start wrapping our stay up and preparing for the day to come.

The dishes were cleaned and water refilled in a nearby stream, the resident Mudkips apparently enjoying the taste of my leftovers to the point where they waddled much closer to me than I've ever seen any do before.

Sorry lil' ones, rest is already in our bellies.

Row's help made disassembling the tent not much more than a speedbump, and soon we were finally ready to head out, with the only thing left to figure out being one fiery fox, still resting on the grass.

Well, she's not that heavy...

***

Who could've known that 'not that heavy' multiplied by many, many hours of march through the thick of the woods equaled 'my arms hurt, ow'.

To my dismay we still weren't anywhere near close to clearing the forest by the time the sun started its race to the other side of the horizon, forcing us to set up camp earlier than usual while having made it through only a fraction of a distance we usually manage on a usual day.

Well, this was hardly a usual day, with a Braixen shaped unusualness slowing our progress- not that I cared that much, Professor Rosewood would definitely understand the delay and the slowdown would very likely be a temporary thing.

Who knew, maybe Braxy could even help with carrying some stuff once we had a chance to get her patched up in Lillywood.

In either case, that was the potential future, and the present reality was that she was still really exhausted, anxieties and injuries alike sapping her of any strength she might have ordinarily had.

And there's no better way to get it back than some warm, hearty food.

"Braxy... Braxy?" - I softly cooed into her ear, gently brushing the fur of her snout she wriggled back into consciousness, glancing around as she realized the change in scenery, and that our camp was thankfully already set, some more curry already being brewed in our pot.

"Hopefully, that wasn't too bumpy of a ride for you, lil' one, I'm not really used to carrying anyone larger than Whimsi here, heh." - I gestured towards the little cottonball floating along with Row, both pecking and poking at one another in mid air, playing excitedly as they awaited their evening meal.

I smiled in relief as she gently shook her head, still looking like she was ready to doze off once more at any moment before I brought up one thing I was really excited to show her-

"Oh! And I got something for you!" - My eyes lit up in excitement as I rummaged around for where I had placed the newfound treasure, showing it off to you in the evening light-

"So, while you were asleep, I did a little research on my dex and it say that you Braixen are very found of your sticks and you didn't seem to have one. Well, I might have scavenged a pretty nice one for you while we were hiking!"

The stick was long and thin, with plenty knots adorning it. A stick for sure, but one that was simultaneously cumbersome and fragile with only appearance to salvage it, the realization that it might have been a very poorly thought up gift making me worry as I watched her reaction.

She gently grabbed the stick as she sat up on the grass, her paws roaming along its length as she seemed to be pondering on something for a while before...

Tearing up?

A handful of tears glittered in the sunset as she smiled and reached behind herself to stick the stick into her tail, looking downright giddy despite the exhaustion, making sure it was positioned correctly before turning towards me and pulling me into a deep hug, her muzzle nuzzling and sniffling into my side as I heard her happy words-

*"Th-t-thank you so much..."*

I was surprised but thrilled that the stick was so well received, scritching her big fluffy ears while she snuggled into me, my arms ready to wrap themselves around her to return the affection before a spluttering noise reminded me of something more urgent-

"You are very welcome Braxy, I'm so glad you like it- but now, food!" - I clapped my hands together and begun serving all the pokes once more, rationing the portions for everyone gathered before taking the pot once more for myself, wooden serving spoon my weapon of choice as usual.

Braxy once more got to eating right away, myself hoping that the added hotness was at least reinvigorating for her.

This time she took her time with eating, the thought she wanted to give the rest of us a fighting chance at the contest of having dinner making me chuckle to myself as she scooted over closer and closer, soon sitting on my lap once more as we both downed our portions, shivering at the growing cold.

Guess we'll have to call it a night soon, wash the bowls and the pot with the water on hand and then straight into the tent-

As if on cue, Braxy perked up with intent, reaching to grab her freshly gifted stick before it burst aflame by the touch of her tail, the sight already impressive in itself, but downright paling in comparison to what came after.

With a flick of her stick she launched a handful of wisps of warm, orange flame, scattering them in the air above the camp and making them hover there, softly lighting up the forest around us akin to a floating campfire, with gentle warmth emanating from it to match.

My shivers continued, not anymore from the lack of heat, but rather from the awe of watching the world brighten back up and begin to warm.

The other two companions were startled to action, with Row planting himself firmly on the ground, hooting and hopping at the fiery globes before ruffling up his feathers once the warmth began to spread, cooing gently. Whimsi as Whimsi would floated as close as she could to the globes herself, the bundle of cotton giggling and frizzing a bit at the intense heat before returning to Braxy in a warm, blanket-like hug, the cotton hair holding the heat well as she burrowed into her fur.

"W-wow..." - I didn't have words for the amazing display in front of me, my hand gently patting Braxy's head as I watched the flickering flames, transfixed by the dance of light.

"Y-you are incredible, you know?" - I muttered quietly towards the fiery fox in her element, waiting until she had returned the stick to its proper position before holding her closer, a quiet purr leaving her before I heard her response, voice much less tired, and much, much happier-

*"As are you!"*

"No no, This... This is something else."

I reached up just bit closer to the nearest wisp, the floating flames just as hot if not hotter than a real campfire and much more impressive as it stayed suspended in mid-air.

I couldn't help but to pull all three of my friends nice and close and just relax underneath the calming light, all four of us snuggling contentedly as we stared into the multicolored flames, their hues ranging from crimsons to yellows, all the shades in between having a chance to shine.

The night sped onwards around us as we all snuggled together, minutes fading into one continuous blur as we relaxed after a long day, soft warmth from Braxy's fur and flames alike relaxing my aching muscles.

It must have been an hour or two, the four of us snuggling with each other before a small 'crack' stirred me out of my dreamy, fluffy trance, only to find another little fluff ball cautiously approaching the floating flames from the shadows.

No bigger than a Poochyena, its purple and white fur stood up on end as it approached, eyeing all of us for but a moment before taking a space on the opposite side of the camp, curling into a small ball itself and resting under the campfire-like warmth.

I looked down to Row and Whimsi with a bit of worry, both of them having to in the past have scared off wild Pokémon that were getting too threatening, but something about this one seemed less interested in us and more interested in the flame itself.

"Row-row?" - Row looked at me in a bit of confusion at my unease, his eyes darting around the forest floor and nearby trees, focusing shortly on many other sets of small eyes and bodies that I had missed approach in my bliss- Hoothoot, Shroomish, and a bunch of other little bugs who had silently snuck their way towards the warmth, all peacefully basking in its glow, just meters away from us.

I guess we all just want the same thing in the end. A little warmth at the end of the day.

I pulled Braxy ever closer, hands burrowing into her fur as I watched the other Pokes shift and turn near the fire, trying to identify the ones I knew and wishing the dex had a mute for the rest.

My mind wandered over to the lil' foxy's anxieties from this morning, and how distant they all seemed right now as our whole group gently snuggled together, wordlessly enjoying and appreciating each other's presence.

"So, how's staying with us so far?" - I chuckled softly as I ruffled Braxy's cheek, her quiet squeaky laughter warming my heart up even more so than her flames.

*"Wonderful beyond words."* - She rubbed the back of her head against me as we all felt the glee behind her message, especially as she followed up with-

*"H-how long will I be able to stay for? I'm getting used to not dying, heh."* - Her joking chuckle hid a real question underneath, letting out just a trickle of worry, making me pull her in closer still as I nuzzled the top of her head-

"For as long as you want, even if it that means forever." - I felt her freeze as she heard my words, evidently not expecting that particular response as she slowly turned to face me, an unspoken question clear on her muzzle-

"Yes, really." - I broke into soft laughter as she outright pounced onto me, her tight hug accompanied with squeaks and tears of sheer, pure bliss as she nuzzled into my front, my arms slowly wrapping around her in return.

I sat back up afterwards, still holding the lil' fox as close as I could with one arm as the other dug into my bag before pulling out an apple-sized plastic orb, its red and white coloration unmistakable for anything else.

"I don't really use these things very much, but it is what people use to signify the bond between Pokémon and human. And, well... I'd like you to have it, for as long as you would keep it." - I explained softly as Braxy looked at the orb with a bit of suspicion, not touching it just yet as she asked in response-

*"W-what does it do?"*

"To be quite honest, I'm not entirely sure. They tell us it's like a little home for Pokémon with everything they could want, but I don't know how that all fits into a tiny little ball." - I try to explain it the best I can, fully realizing how little sense it was all making before following up-

"That said, Row and Whimsi have their own and they sometimes pop into them when they want some space or some alone time, but don't really stay in there that much. But, it would be your space whenever you need or want it." - She slowly nodded in response, expression still confused, but with the tiniest hints of realization creeping back in-

*"And i-it'll be mine?"*

"If you will have it-" - I was about to pet Braxy some more as squeaks from off to the side caught our attention, Whimsi looking upset as she glared at an Aipom that had made its way over, its hand-tail holding our fluffy companion by her cotton.

Before we could say anything she decided on a solution herself, sending a small puff of yellow powder towards the purple monkey from her fluff, the Aipom soon collapsing on the grass with an alarmed expression, its muscles twitching uselessly as Whimsi huffed and scrambled her way back towards us, an indignant expression on her face.

Braxy had to stop herself from laughing too loud at the scene, her own touch received much better by our cottony companion as she squeaked and buried herself back into the fox's fur, the latter sneezing cutely at the leftover powder as she held Whimsi back.

I watched the Aipom slowly stagger itself away from us, the sight equal parts hilarious and making me appreciative of just how powerful my two older companions were in their own ways, my hands already moving to embrace them before I realized I was still holding the Pokéball, shaking my own silliness away as I spoke to Braxy once more, showing the orb off-

"So? How's it sound?"

My own anticipation grew as I watched her consider the offer with the two lil' ones reacting in much the same way, equal parts excited and happy for the fiery fox that had joined them, most definitely wanting her to stay with us, with Whimsi outright flying into the air in hype, her cotton fluffing up even more than usual as she stayed a safe distance from the flam-

I grunted as a jolt of burning, stabbing pain shot through my mind, immediately followed by many, many more, my whole body shaking as the suffering quickly became too much to bear, making me drop the ball as I curled up in panicking agony.

I only knew that something very, very bad was going on, faintly hearing dozens of cries around me, both of my friends and of wildlife, followed up by almost all of them scattering off into the woods as fast as they could.

With all the effort I could muster in my nearly catatonic state I forced my eyes open to at least figure out what was going on-

Only for the pain to intensify further as my eyes connected with the glowing white ones staring at me from the tree line, their glare as piercing as it was fierce, making it clear that whatever the thing they belonged to was,

***"HOW DARE YOU THREATEN MY WOODS, HUMAN!?***

It wanted me dead.

== Chapter 2.2: Belonging

So tired...

I groaned quietly as the warmth slid slightly further away from me, my snout scrunching in displeasure before I slowly forced one of my eyes open, acutely realizing sleep time was over.

So unfair...

I looked up at the human resting next to me, morning light combined with my sight no longer being horribly hazy finally letting me see its features in detail.

That smile could stop a charging Rampardos.

I inadvertently mirrored the expression at the sight before focusing on actually waking up, grunting as I pulled my arms out of the bag, still sore and a bit painful but at least usable now.

With a bit of effort I managed to sit back up, bringing one paw towards my tummy as I realized how hungry I was, not able to eat anything significant yesterday and getting a poisoned beating-

*grrroooaaawwwll*

Guess that's one way to make my needs known.

The human said something- or made noises that just so happened to sound very much like an incomprehensible attempt at speech, unsure which, before it and the Rowlet made its way out of the enclosed space, seemingly intent on doing... something.

I followed them out, my staggered walk much slower than I'd prefer with my injured leg still hurting something fierce with each step.

But I wasn't dead at least, and that's what mattered.

Especially with this obscenely tasty smell that suddenly crept its way into my nose, stopping me in place before I determined its source to be the weird metal... thing that human and its companions were huddling around.

After staggering over and sitting down next to the human, I finally realized its intent- several very tasty smells mixing together in a metal handle-bowl as the water heated up inside it.

My tummy grumbled once more at the wonderful scents as I waited for what was presumably food to be done, still having barely any idea what was going on in the overall sense, but feeling quite safe in this weird situation nonetheless.

Especially with that human by my side.

As I sat there and stared at the pot in my dreamy daze, still struggling to wake up in any real capacity, I suddenly realized something that shook me back to some sort of awareness.

The water was being heated, I could feel the small fire burning underneath- a fire that I didn't start, that neither of the two Pokémon sitting at the other side of the device could start, and which, from what I heard and saw of my rescuer, humans couldn't start on their own either.

I was baffled enough to try craning my head down under the pot to actually see what was going on- an attempt at investigation ending abruptly as I lost balance and fell down on my side, grossly overestimating my control of my own body in the state I was in.

God I'm so tired.

I cursed myself for my moment of weakness, starting to sit back up on my own before the human's helping paws made it much easier. An appreciative grumble left my mouth only to be immediately followed up by a surprised squeak as it lifted my half-limp self to sit on its lap, my eyes going wide at the unexpected action.

Mostly at just how good that felt all of a sudden, the comfort of my new sitting position leaving me almost asleep once more before the sound of something being placed on grass caught my attention.

The something turning out to be a dark, slightly translucent bowl filled with the amazingly smelling food that has been making my mouth water for the last while.

I carefully lifted the bowl up for closer inspection- or at least the two seconds of it before I tipped it and started drinking its contents in record time, completely unaware of the fact that I was supposed to wait for it to cool down.

This was the tastiest food I've ever eaten, it wasn't even a contest.

I set the bowl back down before leaning into the human juuuust a bit more, the wonderfully hot meal having most definitely not helped with my drowsiness.

Before I went and passed out however, a pang of guilt went through me, at the human having helped me out so incredibly much- literally saving my life even, without me being able to offer anything in response, not even a wand.

At the very least thanking my savior seemed like the only appropriate thing to do.

I closed my eyes and focused, one of my paws sneaking around the human to gently cup its head, my limited psychic senses straining themselves to form a connection for me to speak over-

Only for both of our messages to go through at the same time.

"So cute this little Braixen-"

*"Thank you human."*

My eyes went a bit wide as I heard the human's thought just before it heard my message, it being startled in response setting me on a bit of an edge as it looked around-

Before I realized that it was probably just looking for the source of the voice it heard, the sight even more adorable here than with Fennekin cubs that only just learn that their parents can speak to them in their minds, making them look around dumbfounded.

I caught the human looking down at me with an expression of slow realization, making me smirk just a tiny bit as I focused to catch its tho-

"You?"

"You can speak lil' one?"

I'm not that littl-

Aaaaaa more wonderful pets that made my head squirm under the human's caring touch, a sound partway between a mewl and a chirl leaving my mouth in bliss before I managed to collect myself somehow, focusing just enough to force out-

*"Y-yes, I can speak!"*

The human's stunned response chilled some of my enthusiasm, a slight unease growing within me as I looked up at it, trying to figure out if it would react negat-

The subsequent squeeze made me squeak out in surprise before I felt the warmth come through in thoughts and actions alike, relaxing in the human's embrace- at least before it brought in more of its affection, its playful intensity ticklish to the point where all I could do was squirm happily in its embrace, breaking into exhausted laughter as all tension seemed to leave me.

The overwhelming teasing thankfully eased out into slow and deliberate petting soon after, myself still giggling quietly as I leaned in closer towards my rescuer.

"Never met a Pokémon who could speak before, especially not such an affectionate one, teehee. My name's Zephyr, and I hope you're feeling better Braxy."

Did he give me his nickname?

D-did he give *me* a nickname?

I was momentarily baffled by both those revelations before realizing that Zephyr's name for me was... rather adorable, making me smile at the thought that he liked me enough to come up with one for me.

Not to mention that it by far beat the 'Runt' I was stuck with before.

The strain my underdeveloped psychic powers were putting on me was more than worth being able to communicate with someone so nice and caring, his words making me downright giddy, leaving me unable to help but smile at them.

My ear perked up as I heard the Rowlet try to communicate with me himself, the owlet's eagerness making me chuckle and reach in to pet the cute bird even if I had no idea what it was trying to convey except for probably being happy.

Alright, focus, I was already in one conversation, let's not split myself any further.

*"I'm definitely feeling much better than I was when you found me, that's for sure. I... I can't thank you enough for saving me there... Zeph."* - I giggled at my own absence of ingenuity at coming up with nicknames, my reaction fortunately mirrored by him as I felt more of his wonderful pets before he responded-

"I'm so glad, but no need for thanks really, you saved us last night as well. I-I'm not sure what I would have done if you weren't there..."

I slowly shifted over on his lap upon hearing his response, turning towards him before wrapping my arms around him as tightly as I could, my voice soft as I felt... more touched than I ever did in my life.

*"You're welcome."*

His gentle affection made my buried snout smile as we just... held each other, the shared warmth feeling wonderful with the frosty air surrounding us, only made better still as the two little ones joined in on the fun as well, their squeaks getting quiet chuckles out of me.

I leaned back against his shoulder and closed my eyes as Zeph eventually let go of me, chuckling softly at his gurgles of hunger as he got to fulfilling that need.

This whole place, being with him, near him- it felt so much safer and more fulfilling than trying to scrape by on my own in the woods, alone and without any real safety-

Ho-oh almighty, whatever he was doing to my scalp and hair, I wanted him to never stop.

"So, Braxy, we were actually heading to the town on the other side of the forest and should probably get going soon. Do you think you will be okay now? If not, you are more than welcome to tag along for as long as you'd like." - My attention was now completely secured as he spoke up again, his words making me pause at the frankly, incredibly generous offer, generous and exciting. He was the first human I've ever met, and the idea of an entire settlement of ones as sweet as him was almost unimaginable.

The only real issue was...

Did I really earn something like that? I nearly died less than a couple months after leaving my familial den- if not for him I would be some scavenger's midnight snack.

With a track record of that and being barely even able to fend off any competition for food I was essentially worthless, a dead weight unable to even tend to herself.

What value could I even have? I'd just bring the rest of this, this wonderful pack down with me...

*"D-don't worry, I-I-I'll be alright..."* - I responded with a defeated voice as I slowly got up, breaking off into a quiet grunt of pain as I put weight on my injured leg, trying to ignore it as I slowly pushed myself towards the tree line.

Before I could take more than a handful of steps, I felt Zeph hold me once more, keeping me from falling as he spoke once more, the contents of his words lost as my spiraling anxieties broke any focus I might have had, the reality of me having deserved my death grinding into me with each passing moment.

I stared at the ground as Zeph sat down next to me before pulling me into a hug once more, making me tear up at his misguided affection as I wished it was all already over.

Despair and self hatred continued to boil in me, sensations intense enough to make me want only to shake in place and just wait for something to come over and finish that Seviper's job.

Intense enough for Zeph to feel, barely audible whispers of my mental voice unknowingly manifesting in his head as he held me.

For a while I could only sit there as the voices grew more and more intense, bitter tears flowing down my cheeks as Zeph's obvious concern hurt like a claw through my heart- I didn't want him to feel sorry for me, I just wanted him to leave me behind like a waste of effort I was.

I jolted slightly as he eventually reached in and lifted my chin up, my eyelids clenching so that I wouldn't have to see his caring worry, his following words once more understandable, even if I wished they weren't-

"Braixen, you are so much stronger than you let on. W-without you we'd be spider food yesterday- You saved us, a-and that means a lot to me, to all of us..." - I could only shake my head as his words drilled into me, desperately wanting to deny them, to push myself away even more, demons in my mind not even letting me really consider what he actually said.

"Oh Braxien, please, try to see, you are special, worth something precious... to me." - His tight embrace made me squeak quietly in its suddenness before I understood what he meant. I could only sit motionlessly as his fingers traced lines in my fur, his words conflicting deep in me. I selfishly wanted them to be true, I wanted that more than anything else in my life- but it just felt wrong and... impossible.

How could a weakling like myself even be called precious.

*"I-I'm worthless..."* - I could barely speak as the conflict stormed in me, I had no idea what I should do anymore but listen.

*"B-but I'm not special... I-if not for you, I'd be dead meat already, I don't deserve y-your help... o-or y-you caring about me..."* - I responded almost in self defense at his words continuing to fuel the storm within me, Zeph's concern feeling so genuine in a way I yearned for- but at the same time, I couldn't allow myself to even consider it being justified, or consider myself worthy of it.

"And if not for you, we'd be spun up in a web somewhere, h-having our b-bl..." - I noticed his sudden, immense fear, sliding my arms up behind Zeph to hold him tightly as he almost fainted on me.

He... wasn't wrong, but he couldn't be right. How could he be right- h-how could a failure like me be worth all his care and effort, even if I were to consider my stint last night...

I knew what I really desired down inside, and with my mental judge being distracted in my internal conflict the underlying yearning could finally spill out-

*"I-I don't want to leave you..."* - I muttered out quietly, my intense need for comfort making me tear up into his chest.

"A-and you don't have to, little one. There is plenty of space in our little group and we'd all love to have you here." - I held him as tightly as I could, reaching my paw behind his head to hold it against mine as his noticeable moment of weakness filled me with a spark of confidence, confidence that me being here actually mattered.

A confidence that bloomed faster than I could contain it, at least momentarily managing to eclipse the overpowering doubts as my body shook in the internal turmoil.

I... mattered for him.

I was worthwhile...

I still has no idea as to why has he been so affectionate towards me, but... I knew I enjoyed it on a deeper level nonetheless.

*"R-really?"* - My voice shook as some of the internal chaos spilled out, together with just a drop of joy as I finally allowed myself to really, truly consider his words.

"Yes, really. You deserve to feel safe and appreciated Braxy, and I did really mean it- we'd love to have you here, myself most of all..." - I could only hold him tighter in response, my sobs fading into nothingness as I finally felt worthy of being cared for the first time in...

Ever.

*"T-thank you, Zephyr, thank you so, so much..."* - I finally responded after a while, huddling up closer as the exhaustion of my emotional turmoil combined with the strain of my psychic powers finally took its toll on me, making me doze off in his arms almost immediately afterwards.

***

Zeph's gentle voice eventually stirred me awake once more, especially combined with his downright ticklish teasing of my snout.

A quick glance let me know that we were much deeper in the woods, that apparently an entire day has passed since I dozed off in exhaustion, and that I was fortunately snuggled right next to him, taking the opportunity to softly nuzzle his thigh as I came to.

I was much too unfocused to get the precise meaning of what he said right after, but I managed to fish out something about worrying if my sleep was any good, making me sleepily shake my head in response.

I slept so much sounder than I remembered ever since I left my familial den, and... wouldn't be totally opposed to catching a few more Z's still in all honesty.

Before I could doze off once more however, Zeph's excited call brought me back to attention and focus to understand his words-

"So, while you were asleep, I did a little research on my dex and it say that you Braixen are very fond of your sticks and you didn't seem to have one. Well, I might have scavenged a pretty nice one for you while we were hiking!" - The mention of my absent wand embarrassed me a bit before his reveal, ears perking up in response as I watched him show his find to me.

It looked really quite nice.

I very carefully reached over and grabbed the stick, roaming my paws along its length, feeling every bump and knot.

The wands themselves scarcely matter. It's just a dry piece of wood, remove it from its user's tail and paw and its indistinguishable from any other stick. Most Braixen just go along with the first stick they find until it becomes damaged to the point of unusability, and then grab the next one they stumble on. Or sometimes replace their flimsy one with a sturdier, thicker one.

None of that made a difference as to their functionality.

The wand he gave me wouldn't be any different from the hundreds of other potential ones surrounding us-

But... Zeph offering me one, one he thought looked nice and thought I'd appreciate, without me mentioning anything about it...

I was definitely keeping this one forever.

I teared up a bit in appreciation and gratitude, reaching behind myself to insert my newly gifted wand in the correct position before holding him tightly, nuzzling and sniffling into his side.

*"Th-t-thank you so much..."*

Happy tears kept flowing, only aided by the wonderfully feeling ear scritches, making me want to just keep snuggling in Zeph's lap forever before his following call interrupted any further affection-

"You are very welcome Braxy, I'm so glad you like it- but now, food!" - His following clap took us out of our cuddling session as he gave everyone their food once more, with myself huddling over before picking my portion up and gently tipping the bowl over- getting to eating the freshly made goodness right away, its hotness pleasant for me if downright hurtful for everyone else.

As we slowly ate and the day faded, the creeping night's cold caused me to slowly creep closer towards Zeph, still feeling weak and hurting in spots, but getting much, much better with every bit of rest and meal.

Some light wouldn't hurt with how dark it was getting.

I set down my halfway empty bowl on the soft grass and stretched my paws a bit before reaching behind myself in the familiar way, managing to set the tip of my wand on fire with a single fluid motion. I took a moment to focus on the small, colorful flame before pointing it above us, several wisps of soft, campfire-like light manifesting a couple meters above us, lighting the small clearing up.

I couldn't help but smile at everyone's reaction to my little trick, pulling Whimsi into a hug after she'd warmed herself, giggling a bit at her stored warmth before trying and failing to redirect it towards Zeph, who obviously needed it more than me.

My head tilted a bit at some word I missed before his pats made me squirm in the most pleasant way, deciding to take the initiative this time and rub my head against Zeph's palm to make it even better.

"You're incredible, you know..." - I blushed a fair bit at his words, purring happily as I was flushed at such a basic trick being thought of so fondly, but-

I very much wasn't in the mood to dispute his awe. Not anymore at least.

*"As are you!"* - I squeaked out as he held me closer still, his overjoyed response making me giggle softly-

"No-no, This... This is something else."

Our entire group snuggled together underneath the warm lights, transfixed by their flickering colors and the almost eerie calmness they brought as the evening ticked on, the sky having turned completely dark by the time I took another look around the camp-

The scene felt almost surreal in its serenity. On one hand, I could recall having to fend off every kind of critter and bug around us before, but now... there was only peace.

Quiet, warm, and aside from the wisps completely dark, peace.

And with Zeph's gentle embrace and affectionate petting, absolutely wonderful.

And should the situation took sour, well... Fire Spin? I mentally chuckled at the thought, the real possibility of something dangerous happening that underlined it not even registering with my mind at how calm the situation was.

The wisps would of course burn out eventually, probably having not much than an hour or so left. But that was fine, I was already only staying awake because a primeval part of my mind wouldn't let me sleep with all the wild ones around, and once they're gone I'll be out in no time.

I closed my eyes and leaned against Zeph's shoulder, smiling unconsciously at how happy the situation was- that is, until his words caught my attention once more-

"So, how's staying with us so far?" - The accompanying ruffling of my cheek took me by surprise, the ticklish sensation forcing giggles out of me as I leaned further into him, only able to respond in one way as I nuzzled my head into his-

*"Wonderful beyond words."* - I felt happier than I could remember, the tiniest leftover tinge of doubt inspiring a follow-up question-

*"H-how long will I be able to stay for? I'm getting used to not dying, heh."* - Zeph's subsequent embrace made me purr in bliss, the head to head nuzzles feeling just as great even as a recipient as I heard his response-

"For as long as you want, even if it that means forever."

The words made me freeze at their unexpectedness, making me slowly turn towards Zeph to make sure he really meant it, only for him to cut me off before I could even speak up-

"Yes, really."

I felt a dam break in me as the last bastion of my self doubt fell with just these couple words, the flood of bliss that followed its collapse making me downright leap onto him, holding him as tightly as I could as warm tears of acceptance and comfort poured out of me, my nuzzling shaky and uneven, but the warmest it ever was, especially as he held me back.

I clung to Zeph as he sat back up, one of his paws letting go of me and catching my attention before it reemerged from his bag holding a peculiar... orb? It was half white and half red, looking completely alien while also feeling... familiar in an unsettling way.

Wherever it was I could recall it from, it most definitely wasn't a good place.

"I don't really use these things very much, but it is what people use to signify the bond between Pokémon and human. And, well... I'd like you to have it, for as long as you would keep it." - I had no doubt as to Zeph's motives, his warmth so intense as to even rival mine, but I was still unsure nonetheless, wanting some more clarification-

*"W-what does it do?"*

"To be quite honest, I'm not entirely sure. They tell us it's like a little home for Pokémon with everything they could want, but I don't know how that all fits into a tiny little ball." - I had no idea either, the attempted answer feeling like it was falling apart before Zeph continued-

A personal shelter for Pokémon? Guess it could be useful, even something as simple as meditation would definitely benefit from an alone time like that...

I slowly nodded as I felt a semblance of understanding start to creep in, continuing my questioning-

*"And i-it'll be mine?"*

"If you will have it-" - I saw his free paw move to deliver some more reassuring pets before some ruckus off to the side distracted us both.

Oh that Aipom better let go of her, Whimsicott are fun loving fluffballs alright, but even they have their limits-

With the unfortunate monkey running into Whimsi's as the Stun Spore knocked it out, the classic situation making me burst into barely contained giggles as our cottony friend made her way back over, not feeling bad about her self defense even one bit.

Neither should she, Aipom are infuriating little shits at the best of times, I most definitely couldn't blame her for having had enough of this one's harassment.

I reached over to pet Whimsi a bit, wanting to cheer her up after having to go through that, giggling happily and then promptly sneezing as she snuggled into me once again. Her affection towards me in particular still wasn't making even a single bit more sense, but I'd be damned if I wasn't enjoying it.

Zeph's words took me out of the cuddling as he brought my attention back to the eerie orb in his other paw, his question as straightforward as it was difficult to decide on.

His two prior companions were most definitely cheering for me to go for it, I've never seen them inside one of these things either and I'd apparently be able to come and go as I choose, so it would just be some added protection just in case...

It did sound alluring when put like that, but I was still gonna wait with the decision, wanting to at least stay with this wonderful group for long enough to see the others using them and what it entailed-

That is, before Zeph's loud grunt of pain cut off any thoughts I might have had as his expression turned that to one of abject suffering, his body shaking before letting go and curling up on the grass, the now-unimportant ball rolling away as I tried to figure out what in Arceus' name was going on.

The wild ones around us weren't appreciating the change in tone one bit, all appearing just a bit more on edge at the sudden noise before outright crying out in fear as they took off into the woods, terrified at something that seemed to be right behind us...

Before I could even turn around to see what it was I felt the pain myself, hair on the back of my head standing up as my whole head felt like it was being squeezed, making me jerk my whole body to face-

Her.

The Forest Witch stood just at the edge of visibility as she stared down at us from the tree line, expression threateningly fierce.

My parents and elders didn't shy from scaring us kits with the tales of the Forest Witches, of their piercing white eyes and their bloodlust at any perceived slight or strife- and as much as I eventually learned to take all their stories with a bucket of salt...

The sight of one right in front of me, being able to feel her ire with the brunt of it aimed at Zeph, was nothing short of terrifying, especially as the two grass types joined in with their own squeaks of suffering, Row shaking on the grass as Whimsi could barely keep herself standing, eyes forced shut.

And then, the witch spoke, its words outright overwhelming as I nearly collapsed there and then-

***"HOW DARE YOU THREATEN MY WOODS, HUMAN!?***

But I couldn't fall, not this time, shrieking in determination to protect Zeph from her, no matter what it would cost me.