{Approx. 9 years ago}
As promised, Oranguru didn't enforce any training for me. In fact, we most kept our distance. I kept my hands full with my daily routines, and looking after five Pokémon. But I still felt bad for how Oranguru and I last talked. I wanted to make it up to him somehow, but couldn't quite figure what would work.
Zorua still visited us, using his Illusion ability to mimic the appearance and behavior of me and my allies. I didn't mind as much as before. Though it was kind of depressing to see fake-me being the center of attention. I still trained with my friends, but Scyther or Sneasel took the reins most of the time.
One day, Zorua approached me. The others were training at my camp while I just sat by the pool. He first barked at me to get my attention. Once I turned my head, he transformed into a black and red me. We stared at each other for a few seconds, our body positions mirroring each other. My expression was bored and half-hearted, while Zorua's was cheeky and sincere.
Then Zorua-Will tried to speak, but his words came out gargled cross between his usual voice and a boy getting hit where it'd hurt the most.
That got me to crack a smile for a moment. "Purrloin got your tongue?"
He gave me a split-second crossed look.
"Okay, okay." I paused. "Don't exert yourself. Try just one word first."
He thought to himself for a moment. When he tried again, he kept tripping over whatever same word he was trying to do.
"How about, 'hello'?"
He botched the attempt with a howling sound.
"Hello," I mouthed exaggeratedly a few times.
He tried to mimic me. This time, his annunciation got slowly better with each attempt, though not quite clear.
"Hello."
"…O…" he moaned.
"Hello."
"…lo…"
"Hello."
"…Herro…" He chuckled a bit at how that last attempt came out of his mouth.
"Almost. Hello."
"…Hello…" His eyes widened. "Hello!"
I smiled. "Hello, fake me."
"Hello! Hello!" Zorua-Will repeated the word happily over and over. Then he went on all fours and grinned up at me. His butt shook like he was trying to wag a tail he didn't have in my form, which made it embarrassing for me to watch.
"Okay, you got the hand of it. Nice job! Never thought Pokémon could speak the human language."
Zorua-Will scoffed in a show-offy sort of way.
"So, how about try saying 'Zorua'?"
As he gleefully thought about it, he accidentally reverted to his regular form. When he spoke, it was his regular voice. He made a flustered expression, then turned back into me. He vocally tried each syllable first. But after a few minutes of struggling, he was on the right track.
"Zo…ru…a…" He croaked.
"Zorua," I said slowly.
"Zor…rua…"
"Zorua."
"…Zorua…"
"There we go! What to try a whole sentence?"
Zorua-Will nodded gleefully.
"Okay." I cleared my throat, then spoke slowly and clearly, "My name is Zorua."
He flinched. His expression was that of puzzlement. [My name…my name is…]
[Oh!] I exclaimed. [We can communicate telepathically now!]
Zorua-Will was just as surprised. [Cool! This mean we're 'besties' now?]
I raised an eyebrow. [Yeah…don't know if we're that close…but we're cool…]
[Is there some initiation or bond ritual required or…?]
[No, nothing like that! Maybe a handshake when departing.] We sat in silence for a while. Or rather it would be silence if Zorua-Will would have stopped thinking. He was constantly thinking up questions to ask me, not realizing I could still hear his thoughts. I cut off my mental connection to him as soon as he wondered why I wore clothes.
Then a thought popped into my head, and I asked Zorua-Will verbally, while opening my telepathy back up, "So…what's your relation to Oranguru?"
[Sensei? It's…complicated.] Zorua reverts back to his usual form, with a serious look on his face. [He is kind of a father figure. Kind of a teacher. Kind of a friend. But to me…he's everything. I wouldn't have survived if he didn't scoop me out of the ocean with Warwulf.]
[Who's Warwulf?]
[That's the Rockruff. He belonged to a trainer before we beached on this island, and that was the name he got from his trainer.]
[So you and Rockruff were both saved at the same time? And came from the same trainer?]
[Yeah. We came from a much smaller boat than Sensei's. But I was a wild Pokémon. I just happened to meet Warwulf while he and his trainer waited for the ship. We played, we liked each other's company, and I joined him on the boat.] He frowned, [Count ourselves lucky we survived the freakish storm together by jumping into a barrel. Everyone else…not so much.]
"Geez…these storms are horrible…"
[After Slowpoke found us and Sensei took us in, we started regaining a normal sense of life. Warwulf took longer to adjust, which is why he can be so…prickly. I, on the other hand, seemed to get along well with just about everyone. Being able to turn into their likeness has its perks. Eventually, Sensei came to the decision to make me his second-in-command of sorts, looking after his group of allies when he was spread too thin or needed assistance. And that's my life to now.]
[Huh,] was all I could think or respond with. Kind of made my life to now not so harsh, considering how Zorua, Rockruff, Oranguru, and possibly others had got here.
Zorua looked to me. [So, how did you end up here?]
I got a bit flustered. [Oh, uh, it was…Hoopa. Hoopa dragged me here by accident while it was escaping.]
He got excited. [Hoopa? You encountered that legendary Pokémon? That's so cool!]
[Yeah…] Memories of those moments resurfaced for a bit before a suppressed them.
Zorua seemed to catch some of those thoughts, because his excited expression ceased. [Oh. I see. That's pretty scary.]
[Anyway,] I interjected, [want to try saying 'My name is Zorua' again?]
Zorua pondered for a second. [Well, I guess. But the thing is: Zorua is not my name.]
I responded, a bit surprised, [Then, what is your name?]
[I…don't know.]
[How so?] I perplexed.
[Well, I think of a name is sort of an identifier. 'Zorua' is my name as much as your name is 'Human' or 'Pokémon Trainer'. What it seems you're implying to ask is "What is my personal identifier?" My nickname?]
"Yeah, I guess so."
[Then I still don't know. I know many Pokémon caught by their trainers don't get a nickname. But Warwulf and Sensei got theirs. I only call Warwulf by that name because I know him so well and we work as such a good pair. Most of us call Sensei by that name because he prefers to be called that and we know him enough. Sensei thought of calling me 'Protégé'…like his Alakazam peer…or like Pikachu...] He looked down, briefly crestfallen. [I mean, that title is kind of a great honor…but neither I nor Sensei feel comfortable with receiving it. So I don't know whether to uphold the nickname someday, or come up with my own.] Then he gives me a look. [Why do you call Sensei by Oranguru? Don't you know him well enough by now?]
[I…] I looked down. [I guess not. But I don't even know what that would mean for me if I did call him by any other name. Would that make me his Pokémon Trainer? Would it feel weird if our relationship is the reverse of what a typical trainer-Pokémon relationship is?] I clenched some of the dirt beside me. [I always wanted to be a Pokémon trainer. But now…I don't know what kind of title or relationship I want anymore…]
Zorua got to his feet. [Well, Sensei is always waiting. And as he always taught me, patience is a virtue. I hope your answer comes to you someday.] And he left me alone by the pool.
I waited for that answer for a few more days. Then, Oranguru approached me while I was gathering berries with my friends.
He had a stern, but plain look as we stood face-to-face. [I request your assistance.]
I flinched. [Uh…oh…okay…what do you need?]
[Slowpoke found another drifting Pokémon at sea within the island's safe border. But because she's particularly…delectable looking, he's cautious of being caught too early by the patrolling flying Pokémon. So I'm going to be helping him out.]
"So, what am I doing?"
[I want you to watch my team while I'm gone.]
I was taken aback. "W-watch your team?! Now? Gone how long? What do I do?"
Oranguru raised his hand. [I'll only be gone for a few hours, starting now. All you need to do is just keep an eye on my team members. That is all.] With that, he turned his back and slowly walked away.
I just stood there dumbfounded for a few seconds. Rowlet, Ralts, Jangmo-o, Sneasel, and Scyther looked at me, waiting for my response. "He…he's trusting me with his team? Or is he testing me?" I thought. Then I shook out of my trance. "R-right. Let's go to Oranguru's camp."
We dropped the berries we found at my camp, then headed over to the large clearing that was Oranguru's camp. All of his teammates were present. Even the newcomer Wooper, who snoozed off to the side. Zorua and Rockruff were scurrying about, keeping the others in line.
Zorua sensed my arrival first. [Oh goody, you're here!] He finished fetching a stick for a Bellsprout, then ran up to me. [Sensei told me everything. If you need anything…] He turned into me, extending a hand. […I'll be your substitute.]
I slowly took his hand and awkwardly shook it. "Good to know…"
Rockruff came up to Zorua-Will, barking in a serious tone. Zorua turned back to himself and nonchalantly followed Rockruff to help the two Ratatta settle a dispute with the Yungoos.
[Geez, so many emotions…] Ralts exclaimed dizzily. [Guess I need to lift everyone's spirits.] She started by helping out the Marill, who seemed to be stressed out from overheating.
Jangmo-o went to entertain the Patrat in a rock-bashing contest. Sneasel joined the Zigzagoon in a race around the camp. Scyther stood off to the side, watching everything in the camp.
Rowlet tapped my shoulder. [I'm going to see if I can make friends with Tangela and the Bellsprout. I know I'm Flying-type, but my Grass-type half should be enough to show for myself.]
[Go for it,] I replied.
While Rowlet tried not to frighten the Bellsprout too much, that left me to keep everyone else in order. The Sentret were sorting out their stash, which I hadn't noticed until now. The pile was as big as me, though half of it looked mushy. I didn't get too close, as I thought it would be rude, but the Sentret seemed content enough.
Machop, on the other hand, was even busier. She was carrying log debris from somewhere else in the forest and bringing it to here.
"I should help her, since everyone else seems accounted for." I eyed Scyther, and communicated telepathically, [You mind watching the others while I help Machop?]
Scyther turned his head to me. [Do you think it's alright?]
I hesitated. [Yeah?]
[Then ok…] He turned away. [But what happens if something bad occurs here?]
[I'll keep you, Rowlet, and the other four linked to my mind. We should be good.]
[If you insist…]
I shrugged, then approached Machop. "Hi. You want or need a hand?"
The Superpower Pokémon smiled, then motioned her hand to follow her. We walked for a good few minutes. During that time, I was shifting my telepathic thoughts between Rowlet, Sneasel, Ralts, and Scyther.
[Tangela's pretty strong. I wish you were here to watch me battle,] said Rowlet.
[Just remember our training,] I said. [They got berries on hand, but don't go too overboard.]
[I'm going to take the Marill to the pool,] Ralts chimed in. [We'll be there for an hour, just in time for supper.]
[Alright,] I replied. [And don't remind me how hungry we are.]
[Hey, Will?] Sneasel said Sneasel, with a hint of nervousness. [You know how a Zigzagoon climbs a tree?]
[I don't know,] I said. [Probably up the trunk, like a Pikachu can? Probably depends on the type of tree, too.] I shifted to Scyther. [Everyone still good.]
[Yes, just like the four other times you asked. Keeping track all right?] He grumbled back.
[Yeah. Other than a slight headache now, I'm still good.] I shifted back to Rowlet. [You started battling yet?]
[In the middle…] he struggled to find words to reply with, as most of his thoughts were filled with battle strategies. […stupid Ingrain…]
[Ingrain, what's that?]
[He's healing himself through the ground. Staying in one spot…but his vines are whipping all around him.]
[Well, either use Razor Leaf for distance attacks, or Curse to tank him. You'll still move faster than Tangela not moving at all.]
[Oh, this isn't Tangela. This is one of the Bellsprout.]
[Wait, what…?]
[Um, Will?] Sneasel interrupted. [How do Zigzagoon get down from a tree?]
[…you face Bellsprout?] I meant to talk to Rowlet, but the message went to Sneasel.
[Bellsprout?] He said confused. [What's he got to do with Zigzagoon?]
[Sorry, I had a conversation with Rowlet.]
[Oh, so do…get…sprout…] Suddenly, his telepathic thoughts got fuzzy, like muffled static.
[Sneasel? Sneasel?] I stop walking, but it doesn't help. I shift to Rowlet. [Hey, is Sneasel alright?]
[…what…I…] But his thoughts sounded fuzzy, too. So were Jangmo-o, Scyther, and Zorua. Ralts I couldn't reach at all.
I closed my eyes and tried thinking harder. Like mentally stretching my arms across a gorge. The connections gradually got better, but my minor headache got more irritating. After a few seconds of strain, I decided to stop altogether, shutting my telepathy off. "Geez, this is harder than I thought…literally! Picking up multiple thoughts is hard, besides the fact that only I can hear their thoughts, and they can't hear each other's' thoughts through me. Now I guess my telepathy has a range. Good to know now I guess." I noticed Machop standing and waiting. "Hm, the others should be alright for a few minutes, right?" I continued onward with her.
Couple minutes later, Machop led me to the edge of the dense forest. The spot she led me to was a convergent point of sorts between the forest, the rocky terrain, and the beach. Based on the sun's position in the sky, I deduced this was the northern spot of the island.
Just a few meters from where we stood, there was a pile of logs. I pointed to it for Machop. "You need help carrying these?"
She put my hand down and ducked a bit. Then she pointed toward the sky. When I looked up, I saw a Mandibuzz circling over the area a few times. Then it flew away. Once it did, Machop hurried over to the pile.
I stayed in place while Machop hoisted one of the logs over her head. There were ten, long logs among that pile. "So, she'll otherwise be doing nine more trips…" I thought to myself. When I was beginning to stand up and join her, she hurried up to me and nudged me back into the forest. "Wait, didn't you want my help?" But seconds later, I glanced into the open sky, spotting a Golbat patrolling this time. "Oh…I see."
Machop grunted, and I noticed she was sweating bullets from carrying such a large and heavy log. "So, you want me just to help carry each log back with you?" She nodded, and shimmied some of the log toward me. I gripped the other end, and she led the way back.
I got into a rhythm of labor with Machop. She still took on most of the weight, but I did my best to bring each log back to the new pile at Oranguru's camp. There were brief moments of nervousness that lingered in my mind during each walk back and forth. Partly from whenever I lost connection with my friends, partly from when Machop would run into the open to get a log between the shifts of flying Pokémon. But in all ten of our runs, nothing happened. No wild enemies raided Oranguru's camp. No flying Pokémon caught Machop or I near the open.
Once the two of us finished, dinner time was unanimously decided throughout the camp members. For fairness and conservative reasons, each of us only took one berry from the pile. Everyone was present, and accounted for. Ralts even came back with the Poliwag in time.
After picking a mushy berry, I went to lie down against the base of a tree. It became a battle between how exhausted I felt from lifting logs with Machop, and how hungry I was. My stomach won over the rest of my body, though I grimaced at the taste, like most other times before. "Ug! There's got to be a way I can make this taste better!"
My stomach still growled in hunger, as did most of the other Pokemon around me. But the rest of my body slacked against the tree trunk. It had already turned to night. My eyes drifted around the camp. Some of the others were bunching together to fall asleep, Ralts being one of them.
As my own eyes drooped, my thoughts went out to Zorua. [You know if Oranguru's coming back yet?]
Zorua was lying near Warwulf, who was sleeping soundly. He shook his head. [No. But this isn't unusual. Avoid as many of the flying Pokemon as possible is quite difficult outside the dense forest, and requires a lot of waiting and patience.]
['K.] Then my thoughts shifted to Rowlet. [You mind if I nap first? I'll let you have first watch, then I'll let you sleep.]
[Oh, I already took a nap during your log runs,] he replied. [I'll be good for the night.]
[Alright…] Content enough, I gave into my drowsiness and fell asleep.
It didn't take long for me to be wrenched awake. Not from someone or something around me, but because of myself. Once again, vivid nightmares of my past haunted me. Flames surrounded me. Hoth burned to ashes, screaming my name. The silhouettes of my parents loomed over all. Their faces, looks of disappointment, directed down to me.
I woke up in a cold sweat, thought I felt conscious enough to muffle my scream. My head bowed down as I panted, desperately regulating my breathing and heartrate.
[Again?] It was Scyther's thoughts.
My head snapped toward the source of the thoughts.
Scyther stood next to me, though his body faced parallel to mine as he stood against a different tree. [That Slowpoke scares you that much?]
I gripped the tree I leaned against, weakly propping myself to my feet. [No…no. It's nothing.] I just looked aimlessly ahead of me, not looking at Scyther.
[Can't be,] he grunted. [You've been like this for weeks every time you tried to sleep.]
[Well…I'll just get over it. It'll pass.]
[Can you? Will it?]
[I…] My thoughts grow muddled with my memories bubbling up again. I take a moment to temper myself. [Okay, fine! I don't know!]
[Hmph. About the most sincere thing you said to me so far.]
I glanced at Scyther. His arms were crossed, and his posture still faced sideways to me. [What's that supposed to mean? I promised you I'd help you train to be stronger, just like my other friends.]
[Your actions say otherwise.] His thoughts are sharp and stingy, but calm and methodical. [These past few weeks, you've been more distracted. Your thoughts seem to drift and cloud your mind. And you've distanced yourself from Sensei, who's done nothing but offer you everything he has toward your full potential.]
[Well…] I paused. I remained silent for a few minutes. In that time, I looked toward the rest of the camp. Jangmo-o, Sneasel, Zorua, and others who were awake before were now asleep. Warwulf stood awake near Zorua, and softly barked at the remaining awake Pokemon. Machop had reorganized the logs we collected, finished building a sort of cubed hut. Ralts was also awake, and chatted with Rowlet up in a tree.
Finally, I answered to Scyther, [So…what's your relation to Sensei?]
Scyther took a moment before he replied, [He's just a friend. I respect his leadership, as I do with your friends. That is all.]
[If you don't mind me asking…what's your backstory?]
He took a few moments to think. Then he responded more solemnly, [My trainer drowned when the ship sank. Oranguru helped me to a safe spot of the ship. I survived, and I live on to fight another day.]
I looked at him, surprised. [That's it? You miss your old trainer?]
[I do…just not quite the same way Sensei does with his trainer. Given how much he has lost, kind of puts my life in perspective. I can relate to his grief, so I respect him for it. Yet I haven't lost as much as him, so I give him space.] He turned his head to me, narrowing his eyes. [What have you lost?]
I flinched. [Me? I…]
[You readily asked how I got here. And just about everyone knows each other's' losses. But what of you? Have you shared your story with us? I think Rowlet knows, but he hasn't been willing to share that info with the rest of us, as he rightfully respects you for it. It'd be fairer if it was you who was open to us.]
I gripped my arm. [I…I don't know…]
He stopped leaning against the tree. His whole body turned toward me. [You don't know? Or you can't open to us? Or…can you not open to yourself?]
I gritted my teeth. [I…]
[Hey!] Rowlet flew over to the two of us. [Everything all right here?] He looked to me first, noticing my pained expression, then turned to Scyther. [What's the big idea? You trying to scare him awake?] He hooted crossly.
Scyther huffed, [Just trying to help. If Sensei can't reach to him, then who can? I know first-hand what a relationship between trainer and Pokémon is like, and what it's like to have a human with a goal, a drive, a confidence to lead you forward. Will is so close to that…but he's getting in his own way. I'm just trying to understand…if that is himself…or something of his past he needs to push behind him.]
I smashed my fist against the tree I was leaning on. The two turned to me, while I grimaced at the pain from the splinters. [I'm…I'm…not fine. I'll admit that. Scyther, I know you are trying to help me. Maybe telling you what I shared with only Rowlet could be beneficial. But even if you both knew, or anyone else knew, what I experienced…would it matter?]
Rowlet perched on my shoulder and patted my head. [Hey, it does matter. It did matter. Remember how we confronted my father? I never would have found the strength to confront him had you not showed me that I wasn't alone in my grief. You shared your feelings with my own, and we became stronger. Surely, you felt the same and understood you could confront your past…]
"But that's the thing," I interrupted. [I…I don't understand. Rowlet, you understood why your father acted the way he did, and how you got into this predicament. Scyther, you understood that a freak storm ripped your trainer away from you. But I…I don't understand anything! How could my parents act so nicely to some, but mean to others? Do my parents really want to make our world a better place? Did Hoth understand what happened either? Have my parents been lying to me? How much had been a lie? Are there truths to what they say? Do they still love me? What do I want? What can I even do? What am I supposed to be? To my parents? To Oranguru? To you guys? Where can…where should I even go?] My mind grew so dizzy with questions and memories that I had to close off my thoughts. I clutched my chest, feeling my heart race into a panic.
Rowlet patted my head. He sighed, [Oh, Will. Deep breaths; I'm here. We're here.]
Scyther waited until I calmed down a bit. [You seem to have a lot of hanging threads yanked short. I see why you are worked up so much. You fear these unanswered questions. But it seems…more complicated than that, no?]
I rubbed my eyes. [How are you so philosophical? You're usually blunt.]
[Been around Sensei too much,] he retorts.
Suddenly, a loud screech filled the air. All those who were asleep were rudely awakened by the noise. I clasped my hands over my ears, as did Rowlet. [What the heck is that from?!] I exclaimed.
Warwulf shrugged off the noise, then jumped into the air. He used Rock Throw aimed somewhere off the camp site. At least one of the rocks hit something, and the sounds stopped. Then, a Golbat flew into the camp, baring his fangs.
Both Warwulf and Zorua teamed up on the Golbat, using Bite and Faint Attack respectively. By coming from different angles, the two knocked the Golbat out of the air. Then Sneasel stepped in to freeze him in place with Icy Wind, while a group of Zigzagoon rush over to pin Golbat lying on the ground using their paws.
Sneasel crossed his arms and grinned. [Totally got him!]
I sighed with relief. "Thank Arceus." Then I glanced over to Scyther. He was still in a battle stance, with his eyes darting all around him. [What is it?]
[That was too careless for that Golbat to rush us head on,] he muttered. [And that Screech attack…if I didn't know better, I'd say he just alerted…]
That's when we were ambushed. Dozens of Gastly, Haunter, Beedrill, Zubat, Pidgeotto, and Hoothoot rushed from all directions. They attacked each of us while we were scattered across the camp.
I flinched. [Shoot! We've been found!]
Rowlet flew in front of me. [Will, what do you want us to do?]
[R-right! I'm in charge…]
Scyther charged into the thick of the fight, around the center of the camp. [We're not going down tonight!] He swiped at a couple of Beedrill at blinding speed.
"Oranguru put me in charge of his team. I got to do something!" I put my thoughts out to my friends. I could hardly see any of them in the thick of all the flying Pokemon between me and them. [You guys? How and where are each of you?]
[Fantastic!] Jangmo-o grunted. [These guys *ngh* couldn't even *grh* knock a flower *urk* over.] He seemed to keep getting interrupted taking multiple hits.
[Not fantastic!] panicked Ralts. [Everyone is in disarray. I'm trying to disarm them with my voice, but…there's too many!]
[Scyther, Warwulf, and I got this…] Zorua responded, though there was a hint of uncertainty in his thoughts. [You should get the others to safety, Will.]
[But…] I started.
[I can help, too!] said Sneasel. [I've dealt with them before, and I can do it again. I even got a new squad. Or rather, two new squads. Right, Will?]
[No!] Scyther said flatly. [You and Will should gather as many of us as possible and run!]
A Hoothoot flew at Rowlet, but the Grass Quill Pokémon used Leafage to keep him back. [Well, Will?]
Gradually, I could make some sense as to what was happening in front of me. Ralts, Jangmo-o, Sneasel, and Scyther were spread apart around the camp site, battling off their foes. The Zigzagoon followed Sneasel's commands, but two of them got snatched by Golbat and flown off. Of Oranguru's other loyal followers, the Tangela and Machop were fighting back near the log structure, and Zorua and Warwulf had each other's backs somewhere else. The others scrambled to hide behind one of the fighters.
A couple of Gastly were about to attack me from behind, but Rowlet snuck behind them and struck them with Astonish. "Thanks," I sighed. "I got a risky idea, but anything else risks more of us getting snatched away."
[I'm all ears,] said Rowlet. [Or, rather all thoughts.]
I reached out to Zorua first. [Zorua. I got a plan to get rid of these guys. But it means some of us need to stay in the open. I suggest you and Warwulf take the others loyal to Oranguru to the log fort. You'll be safer in there, and easier to defend the vulnerable.]
[So, what? That leaves you and five others to take on the whole flock?]
I patted my pocket. [Mainly just me and one other. But I need some distraction and containment. You know the other Pokémon I can't mentally communicate with best, so I trust you to keep them safe.]
I could sense Zorua grumbling in his thoughts. [Just…don't make me report you missing to Sensei!]
I hear him and Warwulf bark loudly. Most of the other Pokemon began to make their way to the log structure. Though a Poliwag and a Yungoos got snatched in the process.
I quickly flash my thoughts to my other friends. [Scyther, stay where you are in the center. I want all the enemy eyes on you. Ralts, Jangmo-o, Rowlet, and Sneasel, make your rounds around the perimeter of the camp. Lead any stragglers toward Scyther. I'll keep by Rowlet and direct you the best I can. All our lives hinge on one major blow. Can you help me?]
[Fine,] Scyther growled. [Needed the exercise anyway.]
[I wish I was in the middle,] said Jangmo-o.
[Oh boy,] Ralts replied drowsily. [I'll see what I can do.]
Sneasel pointed the Zigzagoon toward the log structure. [Okay, team. You can count on me!]
Rowlet nodded to me. [All set!]
My eyes narrowed. [Rowlet, use Astonish on the Gastly and Haunter. Ralts, use Disarming Voice on any stragglers. Sneasel, I want you to mainly circle the camp and use Icy Wind to slow any around you. Jangmo-o, follow Sneasel and use Dragon Tail to swat the enemies to the center.]
[Alright!] They all replied.
Once we went to work, things seemed a little more under control. Sneasel used Agility to run around the camp, then used Icy Wind to frost the wings of the Pidgeotto, Hoothoot, Zubat, and Beedrill. Rowlet snuck around the battlefield, using Astonish to knock the Gastly and Haunter off their pursued targets. Jangmo-o rushed between those two and knocked the enemies to Scyther using Dragon Tail while they were slowed by initial damage.
Scyther used his own Agility to help keep the flying Pokemon pinned near his spot. He switched between False Swipe and Fury Cutter, depending on if the enemy he aimed for was a Ghost-type or not. But he also took momentary breaks to collect his breath, giving the Flying-Pokemon a slim chance that they could land a hit on him.
[Not tonight!] Scyther sneered, knocking back a cocky Pidgeotto.
My plan wasn't perfect though. Zorua, Warwulf, and Ralts tried to lead the rest of the team to the relative safety of the log structure. However, a couple more Bellsprout, a Poliwag, and a Yungoos got snatched by some of the flying Pokemon and whisked away. I myself was also a weak link, being bombarded by the enemy attacks at every angle. Fortunately, I had Ralts nearby me to use Disarming Voice and repel enough of the danger until I was next to Zorua and Warwulf.
Once I and the weaker members of the team were safe, Zorua and Warwulf helped corral the flying Pokémon near the center of the camp. Our enemies tried to fly away or strike back, but the combined efforts of Sneasel, Ralts, Rowlet, Zorua, and Warwulf kept them enclosed in the center.
With the tables turning, a shiver of delight raced up my spine. "Alright…time for me to shine!" [Jangmo-o, you ready?]
Jangmo-o swatted back a Zubat with Tackle and ran to my side. Though he looked bruised up, his tail wagged with giddy anticipation. [My turn to make things go 'boom'?!]
I nodded. [Oh yeah! Step in front of me, and follow my lead.] Patting my pocket again, I reached out to Scyther's mind. [Scyther, out of the way! The final blow's about to be made.]
[About time. Make it quick!] He used Agility to rush to the perimeter of the camp, like the other five. A Haunter tried to follow him, but he swatted him back toward the center with a Fury Cutter. Now the flying Pokémon looked like a confused swarm trapped in a lidded jar. The dense canopy hampered their upward escape, while the six attacking Pokémon flanked them on all sides.
I readied my stance. "We only get one shot at this. I haven't used a Dragon-type Z-Move before. Oranguru tried with me, but his way doesn't feel right somehow. But if it's anything like the attacks I've done with Rowlet and Ralts, how hard could it be?" [Jangmo-o, we're going to power-up your Dragon Tail. That should blast all of them like a wrecking ball.]
Jangmo-o snorted and stamped his feet. [I'm ready to give them a devastating defeat!]
I took a moment to steady my breathing, though the screeches from the enemy Pokemon and attacks don't make this easy. It took almost half a minute before my Proteanium-Z glowed. Then I wildly waved my arms into a set of jaws mashing closed. Jangmo-o snapped his jaws at the same time. "Devastating Drake!"
But nothing happened. There was an aura building around my body, but it didn't transfer to Jangmo-o. "What?" I tried again, shouting the move. But the energy still didn't jump.
Jangmo-o turned his head slightly, giving me a worried look. [Uh, Will?]
Sweat dripped down the sides of my face. The flying Pokemon were wearing down on Rowlet, Ralts, Sneasel, Scyther, Zorua, and Warwulf. "I don't have much time left! Everyone's holding them back for me, and I'm not even getting it right. How did Oranguru tell me to do it? Clamp down, or open wide?"
I decided to try the latter. [One more time, Jangmo-o. I think…I got it.] More slowly this time, I gestured my arms, feeling the energy flow from the Proteanium-Z through me. Jangmo-o swayed his body as he waited. I tried to copy his swaying, then pushed my hands forward, clamped together in one fist. I smiled as I felt the energy transfer to Jangmo-o begin. [Yes. Yes!] I spread my arms apart, like opening a huge monster jaw. "Devastating…!"
*CRASH!*
Behind me, the log structure broke apart. One of the pieces whacks me hard on my back. "Argh!" I holler in pain as I fall to the ground in front of me.
[Will!] I heard Rowlet and Jangmo-o as I tried to get up. In a sitting position, I turned toward what was the log structure. It was smashed to pieces, exposing all of the team members hiding under there. Some were badly injured, while the rest instinctly scattered away from the wreckage. Above it all, a ghostly anchor and sailboat steering wheel levitated menacingly.
"A Dhelmise!" I gasped.
Tangela and a couple of Bellsprout attacked Dhelmise with their vines. But Dhelmise extended the chained anchor. Glowing green, it whipped the anchor around like a bola. Tangela and one of the Bellsprout got overpowered and flung far back when they got hit hard. Machop tried to defend the remaining Bellsprout by grabbing hold of the anchor. She succeeded, which made Dhelmise get angry. It summoned a twister of water and shot it at Machop, knocking her down, too.
"No!" I tried to get up, but a Pidgeotto nearly struck my head with her wings.
[Will!] Rowlet flew toward me. [I'm coming for you…]
Suddenly, Farfetch'd intercepted Rowlet, coming from the Dhelmise's direction. He squawked in a goading demeanor at his son.
[Take me back? My answer is still no, even if by force!] Rowlet protested, still caught off-guard by his father's sudden appearance.
He continued, jabbing some of his words.
[What?! A distraction?] blabbered Rowlet. [What do you mean "Oranguru, too"?]
He just laughed, then proceeded to strike with his leek.
All around me, nothing but utter chaos. Ralts and Jangmo-o tried to help Zorua and Warwulf protect the weaker team members, but got struck by yet another attack that knocked them out. The Golbat that was pinned down earlier was up and about again, and tried to snatch the Wooper. But Zorua and Warwulf snapped their jaws angrily to keep him away.
[What have you done with Sensei?!] Zorua yelled harshly, angrier than I had ever seen him.
One by one, the Haunter, Pidgeotto, and Beedrill each snatched a weakened or fleeing team member and flew away. Their pleads tormented until each one was too far away to hear. I felt paralyzed and useless. I retreated inwards. "No! I'm losing everything again!"
Rowlet landed a Leafage attack on Farfetch'd, then tapped my shoulder and hooted as loud as he could. […W…W…Will!]
I somewhat snapped back to reality. [S-sorry!]
Sneasel was panicking as the last Zigzagoon got snatched away under his watch. [Argh! Why? Why?!] Then his attention turned to Ralts, who was being snatched up by a Pidgeotto while she tried to protect Jangmo-o. Enraged, Sneasel used his Agility to catch up to Ralts, then wildly sprayed Icy Wind until Pidgeotto was forced to drop Ralts. The Feeling Pokémon slumped next to Jangmo-o, and Sneasel stood over the two to prevent them from being kidnapped again.
Scyther took a turn battling Dhelmise. [Dodge this!] Scyther chained a Fury Cutter attack off of his Agility-boosted speed. He landed a blow on Dhelmise, then proceeded to hit it again. But the Sea Creeper Pokémon suddenly vanished, like a phantom, dodging the attack.
[What the…?] Both Scyther and I exclaimed at the move being used on him. Dhelmise reappeared behind Scyther, ramming him with the full force of its body. Scyther was knocked to the ground, but he tried to get back up. Without skipping a beat, Dhelmise shot his anchor, hooking the Mantis Pokémon and tying him up in its chains. It whipped him around, then slammed him to the ground. Scyther did not get up after that attack, even after Dhelmise released its binding chains.
[Will,] Rowlet quivered. [What do we do?]
My mind was too numb to answer. Panic had gripped me.
Farfetch'd quacked, shooting an Air Slash attack at us. Rowlet and I took direct hits, and fell to the ground.
My whole body screamed in pain. My consciousness was fading, and my head felt lighter than comfortably normal. "Is…this how it ends…?" My right arm fell out to my side, and happened to brush against Rowlet. He seemed knocked out, but I felt too woozy to tell of his exact condition. "Rowlet…" I hoarsely whispered.
Farfetch'd maniacally cackled. He descended upon Rowlet, readying his webbed feet to grab the Grass Quill Pokemon.
"Don't…take him…" I weakly protested, almost crying.
Then, a beam of energy shot out of the forest, directly hitting Farfetch'd. The Wild Duck Pokemon squawked as he hit a couple of tree branches.
[Get out of my house!] It was Oranguru! He stood in front of me and Rowlet, his back turned to me and facing the enemies. [Stay. Away. From my family!]
Most of the flying Pokemon fell to the ground, gripping their heads in pain. Zubat, Gastly, and Haunter in particular fell quickest. I figured some sort of psychic attack like the one he used on me before, but my consciousness was fading too quickly to guess. Before I blacked out, I watched Oranguru dash at Dhelmise, using Feint Attack while maneuvering around its thrashing anchor.
When I woke up later, I felt oddly refreshed. The sky was still dark, and I was lying down on the rock at my own camp. "Rowlet! Oranguru! The attack…!" I shot into a sitting position, expecting the battle to still be going on.
But everything was quiet. Until my movement knocked Rowlet off of me, sending him flying into the air. [Ack! Will!] Rowlet tearfully flew back to me and hugged my head. [You're okay! He's okay!]
Ralts, Jangmo-o, Sneasel, and Scyther were standing near me, and came closer to me as soon as they saw I was awake. All of my friends seemed fairly healthy, minus a few scrapes and bruises.
[I was so worried you'd never woke up!] cried Ralts.
[You took a lot of hits,] Jangmo-o grimaced.
[Thank goodness you're still with us!] said Sneasel.
Scyther scowled, [Does everything take so long with you?]
A small wave of relief washed over me. "Guys, thank goodness you're…"
I glanced beyond them. Oranguru was also present at the camp. Zorua and Warwulf stood by his side. There was also another Pokémon he seemed to be talking to, until he noticed I was awake.
[Seems your services are complete,] he says gruffly to the Pokémon, now that I realized it was a Clawitzer. [You're free to return to your leader.]
The Clawitzer grumbled as he scuttled out of my camp. Zorua and Warwulf ran up to me first. The Rockruff barked angrily at me.
[D-don't say that.] Zorua glanced an uneasy look at me as he spoke to his friend. [Sensei discussed this with us. It's not exactly his fault.]
Uneasiness overcame me as he said that, and persisted when Oranguru approached me. The others back away to give me and him some space.
When Oranguru was further away, I thought I saw him holding a large berry in his left hand. But when he was close to me, the berry shivered in fear. It was actually a Bounsweet, shivering in fear of me. Especially when my stomach growled like I had not eaten in an especially long time.
The Sage Pokemon cradled the Bounsweet. [There, there. Fear not; he won't eat you. He's friendly…] Then he gave me his full attention.
I couldn't look him in the eye. I shrunk my body close to me. "What can I say? What should I say? What even happened?"
[You might want to eat something,] said Oranguru sternly, with no hint of any emotion. [You've been out all day…]
"A whole day?!" I gasped, trying not to say that too loudly. Now I could hardly contain my questions. "What happened? Is everyone…?"
Everyone else bowed their heads down.
That's when I remembered some being snatched away. I clasped my hands over my mouth. […how many…?]
Oranguru paused. He gentle put Bounsweet to the ground. [Too many. Almost everyone is gone.] I felt a hint of restraint from him, like he, too, was holding himself back from tears.
I, on the other hand, briefly choked up. [They…they're gone! Because of me!]
Rowlet gave my head another hug, while Ralts hugged my leg, crying the same way I was.
Once the moment of grief passed, I asked, "Wait…how am I, and Rowlet and the other, recovered this well?"
[The remaining Pokémon I fed them berries,] Oranguru answered. [You…you were in critical condition. So I had to take more…desperate measures. That Clawitzer knew Heal Pulse, which could recover much of your health. And with his Mega Launcher ability, he could heal you that much quicker.]
"You had a healer…all this time?"
[No, I did not. He's from the otherhalf of the island, with the other group. I borrowed him to save you. Though for his services, I had to forfeit half my berry rations to the other side.]
I shook with guilt and rage. "Half?! You gave him half of your food supply? We feed on almost nothing, and you gave those Pokémon half of that?!" Tears streak out of my eyes. "I'm not worth that! I'm more useless than nothing! I'm…"
[No, you're not, Will.] He clenched his fists.
"Yes I am! You trusted me to take care of your team. When they attacked, everyone else put in everything they had to protect each other. But when it came down to me…I blew it! I took too long to muster a Z-Move I poorly trained for, and squandered our chance to end the fight before that Dhelmise attacked. We could have lost less…if it wasn't for me. I mean nothing to your team."
There was silence. I bowed my head in shame. Then Oranguru said sternly, [You are not nothing…to me…] Although his words were clear through his mind, his voice was slightly shaky. [Yes, tonight was tragic. We made mistakes in the face of danger. But…you couldn't stop tragedy. There was nothing I…nothing we could do to prevent it.] He stepped back a bit, turning around. [I did promise I'd keep my distance unless you need me for something. I'll let you be to recover some more…]
"No, wait…" The words escaped my mouth before I could stop myself. "I…it was my fault I messed up…because I should have listened to you. I…you can't afford for me to stay as a weak link to your team. Please, I beg of you…" I thrust myself face-down at Oranguru's feet. "I'm so sorry I messed up! I need your help, Oranguru."
Another pause. [You are a human with remarkable talents. What help could you need from me?]
I still kept my face to the ground. "Whatever it takes! I'll do whatever you want."
[What I want?] He scoffed. [You can't possibly want the same things I do. So…what is it you want?]
"I…I want…"
[My acceptance of your apology? To be the very best?]
"No!" I cried. "I want…I want guidance! I want to understand! I want something like a normal life again!"
Oranguru said nothing in response. He kept his back to me, like he was deeply pondering.
I jerked my head up, with dirt-coated tears on my face. "Please…help me, Sensei!"
It felt like everyone around me held their breath in shock. Sensei the Oranguru turned around in one heel-turn. There was a genuine look of surprise on his face. Then he smiled. He chuckled to himself for a couple of seconds. [To be needed again…to want what was lost…a student and teacher.] He reached a hand out to me. [Alright. I will help you, once again. I understand your pain, as I'm sure you do with mine. To understand one another…a good first step in a relationship between a teacher and his pupil, or a leader and his follower.]
I smiled, wiping the tears from my face. I took his hand as he helped me to my feet. "Thank you, Sensei!"
He nodded, [Of course, this will take time. But when you are open, I will be there. Your friends will be there, too.]
Rowlet hooted happily. Ralts and Sneasel stood by my side. Jangmo-o smiled, as did Scyther, though the latter stayed coolly off to the side.
Sensei returned to his more stoic demeanor and motioned to everyone. [Come. There is much work to be done.]
Indeed there was. We followed Sensei around the forest as he gave each of us directions. Some of us had to gather more berries, while the rest followed him back to his camp. Now that the dust settled, it hit me just how devastating the ambush was. There was a hole in the canopy layer, shedding sunlight into part of the camp grounds. Log splinters scattered everywhere. The large berry stash I saw last night had shrunken by eighty percent. Most was from the compromise Sensei made for Clawitzer, but some likely stolen by the flying Pokémon.
The Sage Pokémon explained he used some of the berries to heal the survivors, but I was beyond what a withered berry could heal. Clawtizer knew Heal Beam, and was the only healer on the whole island. With the addition of his Mega Launcher ability, he could heal me thoroughly and almost completely in one session. Unfortunately, he I loyal to the leader of the rocky side of the island. Someone who I heard others refer to him as 'Behemoth'. If we ever wanted a healer again, we'd have to talk it up with Behemoth, which Sensei insisted was not a viable option for at least another year.
As to the survivors…almost everyone was gone. Machop, Tangela, and a lot of more vulnerable Pokémon were snatched away, never to return. Rowlet explained that his father would have taken him somewhere the flying Pokémon roost, hinting at some location on the Far East side of the island. Unfortunately, Rowlet had run away from his father before he knew what or where that spot was. As to where the others are taken, anyone's best guess was through some sort of hole in the sky, and they never returned.
All the Pokémon I could telepathically communicate with survived that night. Warwulf was still around, though bitter than ever. One Bellsprout was the survivor among his brethren, the same one that happened to bout with Rowlet. The Alolan Ratatta had lost his Kanto counterpart in the ambush. Wooper had snuck away to the pool before the attack, and Sensei found him still napping there after the attack. Other than them and myself, everyone else was gone.
Sensei and I watched the Slowpoke slink back into the ocean. Then we took a moment to meditate in front of the stone within the grove bush, taking the time to mourn for those we lost. I thought he would do more with me after that, or tell of the fight he had with the Dhelmise, but he waved the latter off as a trivial thing. Even though it was the middle of the day, we took a nap for the whole afternoon, given how I woke up during the night and we hadn't stopped cleaning house since then.
Before I dozed off, Zorua told me what I missed when I was unconscious. Before the ambush at the camp, Sensei was helping Slowpoke bring Bounsweet to shore. That's when another division of the flying Pokémon found and attacked him, led by the Noctowl. Fortunately, Sensei defeated them soundly. It helped that the Bounsweet he was holding used Play Nice in her sheer panic. Noctowl was the only one who wasn't harmed, and retreated with the others, but she did mention the attack on our camp.
That's when Sensei appeared as I fainted. Zorua spoke excitedly about how the Sage Pokémon nimbly lumbered around the battlefield, dodging Dhelmise's attacks and striking it back with Feint Attack. He ended the fight by forcing Dhelmise to use Anchor Shot again using Instruct, gripped the anchor mid-strike, and swung it hard to the ground. With its defeat, all the enemies retreated. Zorua happily fell asleep after recounting the fight. I smiled, "He really does look up to Sensei."
For the first time in weeks, I slept without having any bad dreams. I woke up at sundown, as refreshed as I woke up from my healing. Rowlet, Ralts, Jangmo-o, Sneasel, Scyther, and I sat in a circle in my camp eating from our berry stash for dinner-breakfast. Sensei, Zorua, Warwulf, and Bounsweet joined us as we were finishing eating. The berries were never filling enough, so when Bounsweet approached us, all my friends flashed a salivating glance toward her. She screamed and hid behind Sensei.
"It's okay. Nobody's going to eat you here," Sensei assured her.
The Fruit Pokémon inched cautiously away from him. She looked to me, and although the other Pokémon looked her like an edible berry, for some reason I didn't find her that edible. Like I thought I'd be poisoned or something if I bit her. Assured by my neutral stare, she dashed behind me to hide.
"Poor little guy." I turned to Sensei. "So what's new, Sensei?"
He stroked his chin. [Oh, I'm still thinking about our training. Been a while since I last seriously taught someone all my tricks. Besides, I'd be nice to be back to a regular sleep rhythm.]
I shrugged, "Those flying Pokemon won't care whenever the heck we sleep. As long as I can sleep, eat, bathe, and live to repeat the following day, I'm good to learn anytime."
[Very well,] he smirked. [Then I expect your best in your next session.] He eyed Bounsweet. [Keep an eye on that one. Pokémon are known to eat Bounsweet, but humans have no such history. So she should be more at ease with you than me.]
"Sure."I thought for a moment. [Not that I want to, but how come humans don't particularly find Bounsweet edible?]
Sensing the privacy, Sensei telepathically answered exclusively to me. [Bounsweet are super sweet tasting. Too much for safe human consumption.]
My face soured at the thought. [Got it.]
[Well, then we will begin our training the next time we meet. Have a good night.] He left with Warwulf, who gave me a glowering look.
Zorua ran up to me, giving me a cheeky grin. Then he morphed into Sensei's appearance, albeit in black and red color scheme. [Say my name!]
I smirked, "Sensei. Yeah, I say it now."
[Your damn right!] He transformed back to normal and sat near me. [What changed your mind?]
"Well…it just felt right. I mean, that's the name he prefers, so I call him 'Sensei'."
[And you call Rockruff by his name 'Warwulf', right?]
"Yeah."
[And you don't feel 'weird' about calling them those names anymore?]
I thought for a moment. [Not really, actually. It doesn't feel like I'm a 'Pokémon Trainer' calling them those names as a personal way of 'owning' them. It's more like…I'm a friend giving them a 'title' as a show of our special bond.]
[Okay, I get Sensei, but a bond with Warwulf? He almost hates your guts, and I hardly see you interact with him.]
"No, it's kind of a special bond. We hate each other in a mutually special way."
[Oh. Okay!]
As I looked at each of my Pokémon friends, an idea popped into my mind. "I really am grateful to be with all of you. It's like…you and Sensei and the others are my…new family."
[Aw, thanks!] Ralts beamed.
[Same with me,] said Rowlet, who perched to my left. In response, Bounsweet edged nervously to my right side, between me and Zorua. The others nodded in some way in agreement.
I petted Rowlet, then said, "You know, I think I want to give allof you a nickname."
[Huh?!] half of them responded.
I looked to Bounsweet. "Maybe not all of you. Just the ones among you that I can communicate with telepathically. From what I understand, I can only speak with my mind with those I have a deep enough connection to. That's really cool and all, but…I want to cap off that relationship with something more. Something personal between you and me."
[Like a trainer and Pokemon?] said Jangmo-o.
I shook my head. "No. Not really like that. More like…a partnership. Friend to friend." I turned to Zorua. "Kind of a 'bond ritual'."
Zorua tilted his head, slightly bewildered but content with the callback.
"So with that in mind…" I turned to Rowlet. "You first!"
Rowlet jumped for joy. [Hoooh! What you got in mind? What you got in mind? It better be a good one!]
"Hm…how about…Owl Hood?"
All the excitement left his face, giving me an impassive expression. [Well…that's nice. But do you have something better?]
"Okay…how about Emerald Archer? Like your evolved form?"
[…eh. Not really feeling it.]
I half-jokingly grimaced. "Picky, I see. What about Owleye?"
[No thanks.]
"Evergreen?"
[Nope.]
"Wingman?"
[No.]
"Owlliver King?"
[Now you're trying too hard.]
"Nightwing?"
[Better?]
"Scowler?" I scowled.
[No, go back to what you had before.] He puffed up a bit to stand his ground.
"Night…ugh, I forgot already…" I pouted a bit as I thought some more. "Night…raider?"
He paused for a second. [Nightraider…unique and cool…I like it!] He flew into the air in front of me. [Nightraider. My name is Nightraider!] He hugged my chest. [I really like it, Will. Thank you!]
I smiled and hugged back. "Your welcome." Rowlet perched back next to me again. "Now, who's next?"
Ralts raised her hand. [Me! I joined you next, after all.]
"Okay…Astra comes to mind. How about that name?"
She clapped her hands together and grinned. [I like it!]
[Geez, how did you get her a good name in one go, but not me?] grumbled Nightraider.
[It just…comes to mind.] I replied a little bashfully. "Okay, how about Jangmo-o next?"
[Sure,] he said, wagging his clubbed tail. [Whatever name you got, I can take it!]
"Then…" My eyes drifted to the scale on his forehead. "…how about Crest?"
[Hm…short and simple…I'll take it.] He shrugged, but smiled to himself.
"Now we're moving along fast. Sneasel, you want a nickname?"
[I actually thought of one,] he opined. [Could I be called 'Knave'? In my frequent encounters with the flying Pokemon, they started calling me that. Sort of took a liking to it, in a way to annoy them.]
"Okay…Knave. Sort of fits you, from what I know of you."
[I know that side of him.] Astra chided.
Knave shrugged indifferently. [Can't help what I'm guilty for.]
Scyther stood up. [So…what cool name do you have for me?]
"Oh, um, let's see. Your…previous trainer didn't give you a nickname, right?"
He frowned, but nodded. [Correct. I'm giving you one shot to give me a good new name, or I walk.]
I sweat-dropped. "Oh! Well…um…uh…Blindswipe good?"
He narrowed his eyes. There was an uneasy pause in the air. Then he shrugged, [Passable.]
When he still stood in place, I sighed. "Okay…Blindswipe." I turned to Zorua. "You next."
Zorua gave me a surprised look. [What? Me?! I…haven't been exactly part of your team like the others.]
"But I talk with you telepathically like the others, and Sensei. And you mentioned having a nickname thought for you by Sensei. Right?"
He looked uneasy. [Well…yeah. But…I don't really want to be called 'Protégé'; too much baggage with that name. But maybe…some resemblance to that?]
The gears in my head turned. [Zorua…resemblance…I'm thinking…'Zemblance'. Like the 'semblance' your Illusion ability creates of anyone and anything.]
He perked up, his face expressing appeal to the idea. He thought for a moment. Then he barked, [I love it!] He jumped onto my lap and happily licked my face.
I almost fell back when he jumped on me. I laughed, "Okay, okay, your welcome!"
He stopped, wagging his tail. [I'm going to tell Sensei to see what he thinks! If he likes it, I won't nibble on your shoes when you sleep!]
"…what?"
He mischievously grinned. […as much!] He chuckled as he scampered out of the camp.
"…wait, hold on!" But Zemblance left before I could respond.
[Wait, what about Bounsweet?] Astra added.
I looked to my right. Bounsweet peeked over my lap, looking up to me curiously.
"Well, maybe…but not today. If I ever open my mind enough to telepathy with Bounsweet, then I'll give her a nickname." I patted her as gently as I could. "As I will with anyone else we come across."
"Makes sense," Knave nodded.
Nightraider hooped onto my lap, snuggling up to me. "Well, we all have names now. Like we're just one, big, sort-of-happy family."
I half-smiled. "Yeah. Family..."