Hina clambered her way to the top of the tree with ease, hopping from branch to branch. As she climbed she noticed small details that had changed since her last ascension; leaves were starting to sprout on the tips of the branches and the bark seemed somehow firmer, and less dry.
It's actually working, she thought excitedly. Who would have guessed… at the beginning someone like him would turn out to be just what we needed? She smiled as she felt a light breeze roll through the warm air. It was perfect.
Almost. If only Musha weren't so untrusting…Despite them being the same age, the Munna had the personality of a young child, jealous and fearful; and prone to saying whatever was on his mind. Although these were some of the traits that endeared her to him, Hina wished that he and Baku would get along, or at least attempt to.
Recalling the fight from last night, Hina sighed sadly. I don't want to pick sides…they're both my friends. Suddenly last nights' dream came back to her and she had to shake her head rapidly to dispel the image.
Master…all of my old friends..and my old home. It wasn't until Baku had appeared that her normal dream took a dramatic turn. Hina blushed as she remembered the dream vividly and the torn emotions in it. But it was just a dream, right? It's not a big deal to dream about a friend. Or losing a friend… Still, a reluctance clung to her thoughts as she reached the top of the tree. There had been something else odd about the dream… it had felt like she was watching a reflection through rippling water or a funhouse mirror half the time. Curious.
Suddenly Hina became aware of a small shape hurtling in her direction from some distance away. Shielding her eyes from the sun, she peered anxiously at the figure.
"Pidove!" She called excitedly, gesturing and waving with a growing smile. He'd made it back, safe and sound, surrounded by all of his friends and-
he was alone.
Hina's face fell into a look of absolute confusion and worry as the little pigeon fluttered in her direction wildly. As he lit on a jutting branch near her she struggled to smile amiably. "Welcome back…We've been waiting for you! But where's the rest of your family?" She looked around the skies. "You didn't forget that was the point of going back, did you?" She teased, trying to lighten the tension.
Pidove twitched nervously and gulped. "Umm, yes, about that…"
Nobody has to know. None of this ever happened.
"Where did Baku go?" Hina asked, glancing around the clearing and bridge eagerly. She had just returned from scoping out the skies, and had returned empty-handed. It's alright though, there's always tomorrow, she had said, smiling greatly, almost too much. Musha hated that smile on her face. Why wouldn't she ever she smile like that for him? Or when thinking of Master?
"He must have gone to sulk," Musha responded coolly. "Not being the center of attention can do that to a guy like him."
Hina regarded him for a moment in silence, a frown coming to her face. Musha had never sounded so bitter, so angry…so mean. Again she was reminded of a child, spoiled and full of envy. "Don't talk about him like that. You don't know him. You haven't even given him a chance."
"I think I know more about him than you do," Musha shot back with scorn. "But I see the way you guys are, so I guess what would be the point in telling you? You don't give a damn about what I think anymore." He was buzzing around all over now, eyes burning. "It's pretty clear that you don't care about the garden anymore, you're just in it for him. And after all these years, you prefer his company to mine. That. Dirty. Liar."
Whsssh! SuddenlyMusha was sent backward as a Bubble attack struck him, ending his tirade. Hina stood, legs spread and fists clenched, with her face red and angry. Her smile had completely vanished. "That's enough," she seethed, and for the first time since they'd known each other Musha saw her truly angry. "I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear you at all."
These words pierced Musha like glass and he sunk to the ground, anger abated and replaced by regret and hurt. So it's true. She really does care for him more than me. He looked up at her pleadingly, heartbroken and confused. The Hina he had seen looking so happy just a minute ago, the one he had seen laughing just some short time ago, now looked like a completely different Pokémon to him as well.
Hina's tail lashed as she glared at him, and then she finally turned without another word, vanishing through the thick grass.
Musha lie spread-eagled on the broken bridge in silence, thoughts buzzing. If only I'd foreseen this…and I should have… it was obvious. Musha groaned.
"Baku! Baku!" Hina trotted through the wood, apprehensive. What had Musha said to him? She pounded her palms to her temples in worry. I should have known better than to leave them alone together. I have to apologize to him for Musha…. as if things couldn't get worse. Looking around her, she took in the sights of the blooming forest. Around her leaves were beginning to bud on the trees and bushes were filling out, preparing to becoming ripe with berries. And in the garden, I bet the flowers are starting to bloom, Hina thought distractedly. Then she stopped abruptly. Maybe he went to the garden.
She seems so happy, Baku thought sadly. And why wouldn't she be? She's finally getting the things she's been hoping for after so long. And I ought to be happy too…but I can't. Especially now…
Baku stared down the wooden frame of the cabin's doorway, standing silently. Some time ago, this place had been the home of humans. And more than that- it had been…
He punched himself in the arm. This is pointless. Staying here is just going to turn things into a disaster. I need to leave. He groaned. Being here has already turned me into a disaster. "I just don't get, how did I not realize it?" Simple. You're an idiot, that' s why. Also explains how you get into these situations.
He sighed in defeat. "Fine, I admit it. I'm an idiot. Now what I'm supposed to do?"
"Baku."
The voice was soft and hesitating, but against the silent atmosphere the sound was like a shout. Baku turned to see Hina coming towards him, smiling softly and a look of relief on her face. "…Were you talking to yourself?"
"…Uh?" he responded dumbly. She came to a stop in front of him, curling her hair around her finger anxiously. Despite her small smile, Baku noticed her eyes were distant, as if brooding; and the spring in her step had all but vanished.
Does she know? His heart sunk like a stone. Musha had told her. He'd found out more from his dreams than he let on, and now he'd gone and told Hina. Baku's tensed as the Simipour came to a stop in front of him. I have to play it cool here.
"Um…about Musha earlier. I want to apologize for him." Hina looked up into Baku's eyes imploringly. "He doesn't mean to act that way! It's just…" She trailed off, feeling her cheeks burn. It wasn't fair she had to do this. It wasn't fair that the two friends she cared for couldn't get along and had to trap her in the middle.
Baku stared at her for a minute in silence, as if in shock. "You….he….?"
Hina sensed her blood quicken under his penetrating gaze and blushed desperately. "He insulted you," she explained. "He said it'd be better if you never came here."
"…No. He's right."
Hina stopped, and looked at him in confusion. Baku looked away for a moment, eyes cast downwards as if choosing his words carefully. "Look, Hina, there are some things I need to tell you-"
Another flash of emotion came over Hina. "He's not right," she insisted, cutting him off. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest and was certain her face was as red as his fur by now, but she clenched her fists and refused to turn away. "You're the whole reason any of this has happened."
Baku began to feel nervous by the vehemence of her gaze. "I'm sure you could have done it all without my help in someway or another. I mean, let's say…hypothetically…" Hina was closer now and looking at him quizzically, "that I just happened to leave tomorrow night? You'd be able to manage." Immediately he regretted the words.
Hina stared at him, eyes full of pain for a moment, mouth slightly open. Her fingertips lightly brushed Baku's fur. Then: "Would you take me with you?"
Baku froze completely, eyes wide. Simipour met his gaze with passionate eyes, her face soft and rosy, and he felt himself begin to flush nervously.
"I want to leave this place," Hina beseeched, curling her fingers into his warm fur. The warm tingling that teased through her body when around him danced in her stomach, like jittery Beautiflys, and squeezed her beating heart tighter. "I want to go where you go, do what you do. I want to really live. Please."
"But-but…" Baku stammered, utterly confused. This had come at him like a bolt from the blue, and still he was reeling. "But the garden-! Your flowers…! And Musha? And those Pokémon who were coming!" He spouted at random.
"They don't matter." Her response was blunt, but as Hina smiled in amusement at her friends' worried expression she could hardly keep from thinking it true. "I've been living a lie, and have been waiting for something that's obviously not coming. I need to stop pretending and actually start living…you're the one who told me you should live without regrets in life."
Another powerful urge overtook her and she slowly lowered her face into his russet fur. It was warm against her cheeks and she let out a groan. Sheltered against his body she felt distracted, safe even; the hardships of the world couldn't reach her here. Her anger at Musha and fear at Pidove's parting words receded to a corner in her mind.
Baku wanted to run. This was too weird, it was wrong, and things were suddenly happening to fast. But even as he tensed his muscles in anxiety against Hina's body he was stopped by something; something he could hardly point out, yet held him frozen to the spot. His heart accelerated as her arms swept through his tingling fur, and her words spun in his head wildly.
She doesn't know the first thing about life in the wild. She would do nothing but slow me down. But would it really be such a chore to look out for her?... Baku felt a surge or protectiveness as he studied Hina. It doesn't matter if it is or not. What matters is, she's asking ME. Somebody actually…wants to be with me. He felt a thrill, and almost without thinking rose his own arms around her shoulders.
She reacted instantaneously, eyes closed in contentment, and with one finger began to outline the weaving line on his body where the tan fur met the red. She pressed closer, face still against his chest, and felt her body take control, pressing into his. Baku caught his breath, blushing awkwardly and . Am I supposed to say something? Do something-?
His question was left hanging as Hina seemed to read his mind Pulling her arms around his neck and raising her head to stare at him, she whispered. "Baku…hold me. Really hold me."
Her face was glowing crimson, voice husky. He quivered as he felt her soft breathe on his face, and his fur stood erect. Without thought, he leaned into her. Her body was small and delicate, her scent fresh and sweet like a morning rain. She let out a soft sound as he put his face to her neck, brushing her hair behind her ear.
I shouldn't be doing this.
The thought came to him suddenly, loud and alerting, and he almost stopped. Almost. The necklace around Hina's neck shimmered, and he lowered his face to beneath her chin, barely brushing her throat with his lips. The necklace jingled and Hina made a purring noise in her throat; passionately she ground her body against him.
"Baku-"
"Hmm."
Her voice was quiet as he continued to entice her, his eyes closing in pleasure. It was now or never. I may never get another chance.
"Baku, I think…I think I…"
"Well, well, what have we here?"
A cold voice split the silence and cut her off, sending both of them into a start of surprise. A slim figure slunk through the shadows of the bordering copse, silhouetted by the sunset behind it. "We've been so worried about you, Simisear, and all this time you've been getting your rocks off?" Two more shadows flitted some distance behind the first and laughed.
Baku went rigid and stepped away from Hina instantly, pushing away from her, face ruddy and eyes searching nervously. Hina stepped back in surprise herself, confused at the sudden interruption. "Baku, do you know them-?"
"Of course he knows us." From the dark shadows of the enormous trees, the first figure emerged. The Pokémon was ragged, with a long pompadour-like updo and with green legs. Its eyes were a glittering amber. He was covered in scratches and bruises, but walked with an air of complete confidence. "Simisear is a valued member of our group."
He crossed his arms and grinned at Baku. "Oi, Primeape! Ambipom! Come and say hello."
At his command, the other two Pokémon appeared from the depths of the wood. One was a massive Primeape, and the other a sprightly Ambipom.
"Long time no see," Primeape laughed in his deep voice as he approached.
"It looks like even on his own time, Simisear hasn't ceased doing what we know him best for," the group leader grinned, eyes narrowed and teeth clenched in a taunting grin.
"Stop it," Baku groaned, but they ignored him. Hina looked at the three, head spinning on her shoulders, eyes wide. What was going on here? Who were these Pokémon exactly?
"What are you talking about? Are you… friends or something?" She asked, dumbfounded, remembering his confession to her the other day. Perhaps they were members of his clan…? The three looked at each other with an amused look and Baku looked at the ground quickly.
"Are you saying haven't heard of us? I'm surprised," smirked the leader, putting his hands on his hips. "We- all four of us- make up the infamous Team Monito, the greatest band of thieves in Isshu. My name is Simisage."
Hina's jaw dropped and she stared blankly. "Th-thieves?"
Simisage approached, swaggering cockily. "That's right. Aren't you a fast learner?"
Hina felt a chill run down her spine. Amber eyes gleamed brightly beneath white, thick brows. Eyes much like ones she'd seen before. She stared at Simisage for a second that felt like minutes. There was something…
"You're a girl," Hina breathed, surprised.
The corners of Simisage's smile twitched and then fell. Her eyes flashed dangerously. "Well, aren't you a clever one," she scoffed coolly. "Are you implying that's supposed to change something?" Ambipom and Primeapes' color ran out of their faces and Baku made an audible growl in his throat.
"N-no," Hina stammered. Simisage gave her a withering look, tail lashing.
"Well, it just so happens, dollface, that the guy you're getting frisky with is my second in command," she continued. Second in command. Hina felt the blood chill in her body.
"You took off so suddenly, Simisear," Simisage went on, turning to her comrade, eyes glittering threateningly. "You've had us scouring the whole region for you. And making off with our latest treasure find, that wasn't cool." She shook her head regretfully.
"Wait!"
Hina shouted before she could stop herself and was startled by the loud outcry that came from within. She flushed and rose a hand to her mouth. Simisage turned with an exasperated look and Ambipom and Primeape sniggered.
"He's been helping me this entire time!" Hina continued, voice trembling in confusion and feeling. "And I know him! He wouldn't be involved with something…something like that! You're lying!"
The two cohorts ceased their laughter and stared at her, stupefied. Nobody ever questioned the leader. Baku made a hissing noise through his teeth and put his fists to his temples, looking humiliated.
"Oh?" Simisage's brows arched and took a step towards Hina. "…You don't honestly think that someone would stick around this dump just for your sake, do you? Now that…that's selfish thinking." Her voice was cold and dripping with venom. "I'll tell you once, and just once. All that matters to us…any of us…is treasure."
Hina's head reeled. These words couldn't be true. "But I-"
Simisage snarled, face contorting to one of rage. "Maybe you don't get it, honey. We manipulate people. We scam, we pilfer, and sometimes we kill to get what we want."
We were attacked. When flying low in the treetops, a group of Pokémon suddenly sprang out and scattered us! Pidove's frightened words echoed in Hina's head. We were in such a frenzy, oh, and now I am the only one who has decided to continue on…to warn you! Some dangerous, wild Pokémon are coming in your direction!
"You," Hina breathed, taking a step back. Her breath caught in her throat. "You ruined everything."
"I wouldn't say that," Simisage responded bitterly, smiling once again; a cruel, carnivorous smile. "It looks like me and the others arrived just in time to save our your little doodad." She pointed to Hina's necklace, and Hina's hand flew to her throat. The Mystic Water was still there, to her relief, but she felt her heart accelerate all the same. She turned slowly to look at Baku. Was….was all of that…to try and take this? Was he using me?
Baku, who had been watching her silently with his face fearful and pained, clenched his teeth nervously. As if things couldn't get worse…
But they could, and he knew it.
"Don't take it personally," Simisage explained teasingly. "Simisear just can't keep his hands to himself." She flashed him a dark look.
"…Yeah.…It's a bad habit…" Simisear muttered. He turned away, seething at the dirt.
"Trusting him is almost as bad as…" Simisage's eyes rested on Hina's charm once more and her eyes went cold, as if deep in thought. She was silent for a moment, then looked away with a scowl.
"Ambipom, Primeape! We spend the night here!" She snapped, spinning around and walking off. "Simisear, you're with me. We leave at dawn tomorrow." Baku risked one more look at Hina before following after Simisage, who headed in the direction of the tall pines they had emerged from.
Hina's heart was pounding in her chest, the sound in her ears. Her mouth was dry and she was suddenly dizzy. What had started as such a perfect day was turning worse by the minute. Musha was right after all.
"And you'll be coming without a fuss, right?" Simisage added softly, glancing back at the devastated Simipour with a dark smile. She pinched her companion's arm roughly.
"Y-yes," Baku growled, leering back at her. His older sister knew how to get what she wanted.
"So what haveyou been up to in your exile?" Ambipom chirped, resting his chin on his paws, eyes wide in curiosity, grinning ear to ear. "And who was that you were with back there?"
"I haven't been doing anything." Baku glowered, sitting across from his old companion in the boughs of the tree. "And that was nobody. Just some random Pokémon who thinks I'm her friend or something."
"That's crap and you know it," Primeape grunted, his sheer weight seeming to shake the branch he sat on. "You were the one who always made such a fuss about wanting to go out on your own and complained about being sick of clan life. Now you're saying that you're 'doin' nuthin'? And don't think we haven't noticed your limping," he added.
Baku twitched, eyes blazing. "I'm fine, thanks for your concern. How's that lump on your head, though? I heard that those injuries can be pretty serious."
"Simisear."
All three Pokémon froze at Simisage's cold voice from above. She stood calmly some branches above, looking down at them. "I'd like a word with you."
Baku's stomach twisted. He knew what was coming, and had known since the day he had fled the team almost two weeks ago. Trying to hide his anxiety, he made his way up to Simisage's side.
"You know why we're here," Simisage said, looking at the dark night sky.
"…Yes." He struggled to remember the past, when his older sister had not been obsessed with leadership, fighting, and proving to the world she was a force to be reckoned with. To his sadness, he realized he could not.
"Father sent me after you to make you his heir," Simisage turned to leer at him so quickly there was an audible crick in her neck. Her eyes were intense, fangs bared in fury. "You. Even after we kicked you out, he'd still rather have you than me. I'm the eldest, I'm the smartest, and I'm more skilled in battle. But does any of that matter?" She hissed, her fur standing on end.
Baku watched her with growing unease. "Simisage, I-"
"No, it doesn't!" she spat. "Because I'm a female. Despite the fact I would make the greatest leader of our team in his place, because of this curse I'm nothing." She took in a ragged breath. For a moment, her eyes seemed to be close to tears.
The tradition of only males allowed to lead the clan was not an ancient one. In fact, they're clan had been led by strictly females in the past. But something had happened, something horrible before he was even born, that had changed all that. Their father, a war-battered Infernape who was now the current leader, was firm in abiding by the new rule. As he got along in years, he had constantly pestered Baku. But I've never wanted to be leader, Baku thought desperately. I could never handle that responsibility.
It had been so long ago, when Simisage was still a young Pansage, innocent and full of joy. Her mother, a wise and gorgeous Simisage was the clans' leader, and commanded the respect of everyone around her. Pansage adored her. Her father, however, believed she was too trusting and not forceful enough. Many times he encouraged her to make war with the neighbors, but she refused each time. She had a peaceful reign.
Then the unthinkable had happened. Humans had invaded the camp, had stormed the nests and set out their own Pokémon to chase the tribe. A fierce battle broke out, and only at the Leader's authoritive command to flee did they all escape. She however stayed behind to distract the humans, and Pansage, horrified, had rushed to her mother's side.
Baku only knew the story from stories he had heard, and everytime he recalled it a shiver went down his spine.
Both Pansage and her mother were nowhere to be found when the tribe, led by Infernape, returned down hesitantly. The humans had vanished as well. There had been a great sorrow and grieving at the loss for the leader and her daughter. Naming himself the leader, Infernape had explained Ho-oh sent the humans as a warning to them- for the leader not doing her duties and acting as one should. He then announced it was a curse for females to lead the clan furthermore.
"Our clan needs a leader who's willing to do what it takes," Simisage growled. "And you know as well as I do that our father is not. And neither are you, for that matter." Baku felt wracked with guilt. Since then, Simisage has been striving to be strong. She was overly sensitive about her gender, and went out of her way to be as tough as possible. She was obviously a better choice for the job.
Two days had passed since the attack and the clan struggled to pull itself back together. Infernape mated with another Pokémon, a Simisear, who would turn out to be Baku's mother. And then, suddenly, Pansage had come back. She had walked into the grotto silently, as if nothing out of the ordinary. She was crowded instantly by her clanmates, wondering, asking questions, 'what happened?', 'how did you escape?', 'where is your mother?', but she was quiet. She only spoke one word when her father approached, his face solemn. "Why?"
Her father's hand fell on her small shoulder and she jerked. "Your mother is gone," he said dismissively. "It was for the sake of the clan, Pansage. You should be grateful."
Simisage snarled and shook her head wildly. "We barely scrape by with our exploration teams' efforts these days," she said, her voice bitter. "And that was his master plan. To get our former glory back." She gave a wry chuckle. "Not to mention our village is falling into wasteland. No food, no water. Another thing to thank for the humans for. Them and their dirty smog, building their foul things over our home." She then turned to him, glaring squarely into his eyes. "Well, I have my own reasons for being here."
Baku's heart sank. He knew, he'd heard this before. "Simisage. It's too dangerous. You saw what the humans were capable of!"
Simisage's lips twitched. "You're a coward."
"No!" Baku cried, as if he'd been hit. "But you're thinking something crazy…! Going up against humans? It's a suicide mission."
"You didn't have to through being captured by them," Simisage growled quietly, eyes ablaze. Baku cringed. "You don't have to deal with the guilt every day of knowing your mother is still out there. And you don't know how it feels to be replaced. My father replaced me."
She panted, glaring at him for a few moments. He ogled back at her silently. "Fine," she spat. "If you're not going to help me, then you know what it comes down to." She forced a sinister smile. "In order for an heir to relinquish his title, he has to lose in a battle, correct?"
Baku took a step back, heart beating fast. Things were looking worse and worse by the minute. "Simisage…you know those aren't normal battles. They're fights to the death!"
"What's your point?" She put her hands on her hips, still smiling coldly. The sweet and generous Pansage she had once been was completely gone.
"I'm not going to fight my sister!" Baku begged. Simisage exploded at the words.
"Oh, now you're bringing that into this? Because I'm a girl? You're just as bad as that senile old man."
Baku opened his mouth in desperation, and closed it again. What could he say? "There…there has to be another way."
Simisage was quiet a moment, and then a sly smile came over her face. "Well, look at the little genius. I told you, there was a special reason I was here. If you had let me explain." Her tail lashed again, catlike. "That item you absconded with, Simisear. If you want to keep your balls, then you better tell me where it is."
"The…item?" Simisear echoed, not exactly sure he understood. It had seemed like something so trivial at the time; just a small dark gem from the treasure bag. It had been carved into a small dagger shape, and was as black as the darkest night. He had known he was in trouble from before, it was clear, and it was only fair he was allowed a small piece of the treasure he helped in obtaining, wasn't it?
"The only way to even get an audience with father these days is if it concerns you or the clans' welfare," Simisage explained. "But, if I return home, victorious, present him with said item, and continue to convince father you're a thief and a lousy explorer…perhaps…perhaps, I may just fall into his good graces before he passes." She was smiling. "As for you…well, he'll be disappointed. To say the least." Baku frowned as she tapped her chin with one finger thoughtfully. "And then I'll be named leader. Either way, Simisear, I'm going to get even with the humans."
Baku stared at her, eyes wide. This was more than justice to her. This was bloody revenge. "So either I fight you, or I have to be known to our family forever as a coward and some kind of…traitor? And I condemn you all to die? What kind of choices are those?"
Simisage laughed. "That's not really any different than what they think now, hon." She leaned in close, eyes dark, and stroked him. "And you needn't worry about us. Don't forget that we have the spirit Ho-oh on our side." She sniggered. Ho-oh. What a load of shit. She'd stopped believing in things like that long ago.
Baku twitched nervously. "And if I refuse to do either?"
Simisage rolled her eyes and gave him a sarcastic simper. "Don't be like that, baby brother. I'd hate for anybody else to get hurt here." She shot a glance downward and giggled. "Like your pretty little friend there…" She turned back to him, still smiling. Her eyes were glowing like coals.