Well, the streak is over. But if you're reading from the future, I was totally on time. Thank you for reading so far!
Berry Forest was very similar to the deserted island's forest. It was lush and tropical, filled with the same kinds of palm shrubs, exotic bright flowers, and messy leaf-covered forest floor as the island. Vines as thick as ropes hung down in curtains from the dense canopy overhead, which was formed by the leafy branches of towering trees that obscured the sun, making it difficult for Daniel to read the pamphlet Beth gave him as he hiked along the winding dirt path.
He could hear birds calling out and rustling in the trees, along with the drone of insects all around. It was humid and close under the canopy, with only occasional shafts of sunlight piercing through. As Daniel walked, he had to duck under low-hanging vines and step over large twisted tree roots erupting from the ground. Colorful butterflies and other mundane critters skittered away through the underbrush as he passed by.
After about twenty minutes, Daniel arrived in a sunlit clearing, a serene open space surrounded by the towering forest. Here he could see the bright blue sky above and feel the warmth of the sun on his skin. The clearing contained a tranquil pond, its surface shimmering in the daylight. Daniel found a large flat rock next to the pond to sit upon while he took a break from hiking to finally read the pamphlet Beth had given him earlier that morning.
"Pokemon such as Drowzee and Hypno consume the dreams of other creatures. Research has shown that they prefer to consume the dreams of people and strong Pokemon. If you encounter a Pokemon that can use Hypnosis, avert your eyes. Do not look directly at it. Prevent it from putting you to sleep by engaging it in battle."
Seems simple enough, Thought Daniel.
"If you are rendered unconscious by a Drowzee or Hypno, you will not be in immediate danger. Those Pokemon rarely do direct harm to people or Pokemon once asleep. BE AWARE, You and your Pokemon may be unconscious for up to 8 hours unless disturbed."
Oh shit, that's a long time. I guess it's a pretty good food source if it doesn't end for 8 hours.
The rest of the pamphlet told Daniel about telltale signs that you were in a Hypno's territory. It showed pictures of footprints, clumps of shed fur from it's mane, and hypnosis pendulums typically carried by wild Hypno. Daniel took away two things from the pamphlet.
Do not look at a Hypno, and keep awakening items ready.
Daniel scanned the area. It disturbed him how similar this forest was to the one on the island. Lazuli was snooping around the underbrush.
"Getting started already?"
Lazuli nodded while fixing her gaze on an orange flower.
"Well, before you get too carried away, I need you to hold on to this." Daniel took a Chesto berry from the basket Hana gave him and handed it to Lazuli. She wrapped her tail around it, sniffed it, then opened her mouth.
"No no no no, wait. Don't eat it yet!" Daniel said, stifling a laugh. "That's for an emergency. If a Pokemon tries to make you sleep, eat it."
Lazuli raised an eyebrow but heeded Daniel's words.
"Don't worry. I'll let you know when it happens."
The two plunged deeper into the forest. They found some berry bushes, but none of them were topo berries. Daniel was getting frustrated.
Dammit, I thought this would be easier. Wait, maybe it could be.
Daniel had successfully sensed Aura, the very essence of life itself. He realized now that perhaps he could use this ability to sense the berries he was looking for. Closing his eyes, Daniel concentrated deeply, trying to tap into his newfound Aura powers once more. He pictured a gently stirring pot, just like the meditation technique he used before. Slowly he felt the familiar movement of Aura awakening within him, illuminating his surroundings.
Pinpricks of light began to fill his vision, outlining every tree trunk, leaf, and branch around him. The forest floor glowed before him and he could make out each individual insect buried below. Overhead, the canopy was aglow, every bird in every branch traced in shimmering light. Daniel even saw Lazuli's long serpentine form high above, her blue aura shining as she slithered amidst the upper branches.
In the distance, more bodies of light marked the presence of various Pokemon. Some glowed high up, drifting down through the air like parachutes - no doubt bird or flying-type Pokemon soaring above the forest. Others remained perched amongst the trees, while more skittered about the forest floor, signaling Pokemon wandering the woods and underbrush.
As Daniel focused, he could faintly sense clusters of aura farther in the distance. Could these be the berry groves where the Topo berries made their homes? Opening his eyes once more, Daniel now knew the direction he had to travel as if he possessed a supernatural map marked by auras. With this new sense to guide him, he could continue his quest to find the rare berries.
Whoa. Now this will be useful.
The visions of aura faded rapidly when Daniel opened his eyes. Even in the forest's shade, the visions were dim as shadows. He quickly closed his eyes again, trying to maintain the aura sight.
Huh. I guess it's harder to use with your eyes open. I can still use it if we encounter a Hypno.
Daniel concentrated on maintaining his aura vision as he walked, following a particularly bright and promising aura in the distance. As he drew closer, the aura took on a distinct shape, and Daniel realized it was emanating from a berry bush up ahead. However, when he reached the bush, he saw that it was not the Topo berries he sought, but rather common Oran berries. The pale red leaves of the bush cradled clusters of unripe white Oran berries, like pearls budding along the branches.
Disappointed but undeterred, Daniel continued to follow other auspicious auras, trusting his new sense to lead him to the right grove. After some time, he eventually found a bush bearing soft, brown Topo berries, the distinctive triangular marking proved its identity. Interestingly, with Aura Sight they appeared almost indistinguishable from the Chesto berries he had. Both appeared round, any distinguishing coloring was not present with Aura Sight, and any markings were but faint suggestions.
The large ball of aura he had sensed earlier high in the sky turned out to be a swarm of Hoppip floating breezily on the wind currents above the forest. As he continued his search, many hundreds, perhaps thousands, descended on the forest. They landed among the trees and reached the forest floor. Their collective aura was so bright that the Hoppip obscured all other creatures auras' around Daniel when they drifted down into the forest.
I guess that's enough practice for today.
Daniel opened his eyes and let the Aura Sight fade. The forest looked like a fruit orchard during harvest season with all the Hoppip scattered everywhere. Their pink bodies lazily lounged where they landed. They had silly, blank expressions on their faces. A few on the ground attempted to reach the canopy, spinning their propeller-like leaves and rising into the air. The wind of Daniel's passing was enough to disturb their flight. He continued his search, sometimes activating Aura Sight, and sometimes successfully finding a direction to search, but overall progress was slow.
As afternoon arrived, Daniel was thankful he was in the forest's cool shade. By then he had stripped four Topo bushes of their berries. Hana was right, each had at least two to three times as many berries as Oran bushes and Daniel's basket was nearly full!
Just one more bush should be enough.
Because of the swarm of Hoppip still drifting through the canopy, Daniel's aura vision was rendered virtually useless. The collective glow of the Hoppip obscured all other auras in the area, like trying to see stars in the night sky while staring into a bright campfire. The swirling flames make it impossible to distinguish any individual creature.
With his extrasensory perception blinded by the overwhelming number of Hoppip, Daniel would have to locate the last Topo berry bush the old-fashioned way. Fortunately, his time surviving on the deserted island had honed his wilderness skills and knowledge of island terrain. Carefully observing his surroundings, Daniel searched for the kind of environment where Topo bushes were most likely to grow. He knew these plants thrived in shadier areas and close to sources of fresh water. Making his way uphill to higher ground, Daniel checked the bases of large trees and boulders, believing the cooler temperature and moisture would be ideal for Topo berries.
Pushing through dense underbrush alongside a winding creek, Daniel eventually spotted the tell-tale pale blue leaves of a Topo bush nestled in the shade of a towering oak. Drawing nearer, he confirmed the pale red spherical berries hidden among the foliage. Having successfully located the plant without aura vision, Daniel gathered armfuls of the medicinal berries with satisfaction.
Lazuli joined him, gracefully jumping down from the canopy. She landed nearly silently. If Daniel hadn't been watching, he would have been completely unaware of her. She sniffed at a white tuft of fur covered in mud.
Wait, that sort of looks like...
Daniel opened the pamphlet Beth gave him. He compared the muddy fur clump to a picture in the pamphlet.
"Yeah, that's some Hypno fur. From the mane on its neck." Daniel said aloud. "We better watch out, Lazuli. Do you still have the Chesto berry I gave you?"
Lazuli nodded and showed the berry still held in her tail. There was a bite-sized chunk missing.
"Hey! I told you not to eat it!." Daniel said, disappointed.
Lazuli blushed, looking away in shame.
"Don't worry. It's not that big a deal. Just don't snack on this next one ok?"
Daniel began digging to the bottom of the berry basket, searching for the vital Chesto berries, when something caught his eye that made him freeze. In a patch of mud nearby he spotted a fresh triangular footprint with three large toes - exactly matching the photo of a Hypno footprint.
Daniel's heart began to race as he quickly scanned his surroundings. The uneven clearing under the broad oak offered many hidden nooks and obstacles to his view. Plants and foliage obscured the forest behind him. Dozens of Hoppip still swirled through the canopy above, their numbers would make it impossible for Daniel's Aura Sight to penetrate the swarm to spot any lurking dangers.
Where could a Hypno be hiding? Daniel racked his brain trying to remember what the pamphlet said about them. Did they climb trees and hide in the branches? Or bury themselves in bushes and undergrowth? The pamphlet never said exactly how they ambushed prey.
Sensing Daniel's spiking anxiety, Lazuli likewise went on high alert. The Dratini rose up, craning her neck this way and that, raising her nose to sniff the air for any approaching threat.
Moving slowly so as not to make a sound, Daniel placed the berry basket gently on the ground and began rifling through it with both hands. He had to find those Chesto berries quickly before...
A branch snapped loudly behind him. Daniel spun around, heart lurching. Lazuli whipped to face the sound, poised to strike. Daniel's fists clenched as he prepared to confront whatever had made the noise, bracing himself for a hypnotic attack. But the forest was still once more. Had it just been a Pokemon passing by? Or is something more sinister biding its time?
Daniel closed his eyes and activated his Aura Sight. As expected, he could not distinguish any Hypno thanks to the Hoppip blanketing the forest. He re-scanned the area anyway. He could see past the bushes that were obscuring his view, but the numerous auras still...
Daniel's basket flew away from him following a burst of psychic energy. It landed several yards away, spilling its contents out in the open. Daniel rose to his feet, heart racing he spotted a flared aura at the edge of the clearing. It was bigger and brighter than any single Hoppip.
Lazuli spotted a murky shape materialize at the edge of the clearing, partially obscured by shadow. As it shuffled into a patch of dappled sunlight, she glimpsed its features - elongated limbs, yellow fur, a pendulum swinging from its hand. The Hypno's heavy-lidded eyes glowed crimson, devouring all light that fell into their void-like depths. It waved the pendulum in slow, hypnotic arcs, the gold disc catching the sunlight.
Daniel sensed the Hypno's lips twist into a hungry leer, revealing sharp fangs designed to pierce helpless prey. It seemed to relish the fear its presence evoked. With languid steps, the Hypno began to close in. Its fur bristled, resembling creeping tendrils reaching out to ensnare Lazuli in its grasp. The pendulum's oscillations quickened, emitting a high-pitched hum that drilled into Daniel's mind.
Shadows cast by the surrounding trees seemed to warp and twist, bending toward the Hypno as if compelled by its sinister power. The forest sounds quieted, leaving only the scrape of footsteps, the drone of the pendulum, and the pounding of Daniel's heart. A low chuckle emanated from the Hypno's throat - a visceral rumble brimming with dark promise. Somewhere nearby, a twig snapped like a bone.
"Lazuli, close your eyes!" Daniel yelled, frantic.
Lazuli's eyes went wide as the swaying pendulum seized her vision. Its rhythmic swing seemed to dredge up a profound exhaustion from deep within her. Against her will, her eyelids grew heavy, each blink lasting a little longer. The Hypno's spell sang a silent lullaby, beckoning her into the tranquil darkness of sleep.
She struggled to look away, to shut her eyes, but an irresistible lethargy paralyzed her body. Her frantic heart calmed to a steady beat, throbbing in time with the swinging pendulum. Lazuli's mind grew foggy, thoughts drifting like clouds. Her muscles relaxed, head slumping.
As her body gave out, she collapsed limply where she stood. His voice felt a thousand miles away. She tried to cling to wakefulness, but it glided from her weakening jaws. Her vision tunneled until all she could see was the pendulum's mesmerizing arc. Its scintillating glow filled her world, plunging her into hypnotic oblivion.
Lazuli succumbed fully to the pendulum's spell, descending into helpless slumber. She was adrift in an endless void, unable to resist the insidious mental domination of the Hypno.
"No no NO!" Daniel yelled. He rushed to Lazuli's slumbering body, relying solely on Aura Sight. He couldn't risk falling prey to the Hypno's pendulum too.
Daniel shook Lazuli frantically, calling her name, but her limp body remained unresponsive. Her eyes stayed closed as if sealed by invisible glue, faint breaths the only sign of life. Desperate, he pried at her eyelids, trying to expose the vacant gaze he knew lay beneath. But they remained shuttered, denying his efforts.
He scraped at her scales, seeking to elicit some reflexive stirrings. But no amount of pinching or prodding awoke the paralyzed Dratini. She was deaf and blind, lost in dreams beyond Daniel's reach.
Releasing his futile grasp, Daniel collapsed to his knees beside Lazuli's dormant form. His fingers trembled with adrenaline and dread. How could he free her from this helpless stupor? He pleaded and shouted, words echoing unheard. As the forest shadows lengthened, icy panic constricted Daniel's chest. Time was running out, yet all his options had been exhausted.
Lazuli slept on, oblivious to Daniel's desperation. The Hypno's spell had plunged her into unfathomable depths, far beyond any stirrings of the outside world. She would slumber until the pendulum's unbreakable hypnosis released its seize...or death took her.
No. You're being dramatic. Calm down. Think. My only Pokemon is down. Maybe I can still wake her up. If I can find a Chesto berry...
Daniel looked at the spilled basket. For all he could tell, it was filled with rocks. Aura Sight did not give him the precision to tell apart the berries.
Damn it. "Wake up, Lazuli!" Daniel futilely yelled.
Deprived of sight, Daniel's other senses strained against the darkness seeking some warning of the Hypno's approach. The forest had grown deathly silent, only the scuff of footsteps perforating the stillness as the pendulum's dreadful drone filled the air. Each shuffle of leaves or crack of twigs made Daniel's neck hairs stand on end.
He could feel the Hypno drawing closer, its presence permeating the clearing like a creeping chill. The swaying pendulum sent ripples through the fabric of reality, warping the space around Daniel. Its oscillations changed tempo and direction unpredictably, keeping Daniel off balance.
An earthy, musky scent invaded Daniel's nostrils - the Hypno's pungent fur as it circled him. He sensed its eyes boring into him, probing for an opening. There was a rush of air by his ear and a sharp intake of breath. The Hypno's slow, patient stalking was a predator toying with its food. Daniel was mired in darkness, his only lifeline the faltering Aura Vision. But with each encircling step, the Hypno drew closer to ending this game and feasting upon Daniel's dreams.
Suddenly, Daniel saw the Hypno's aura flare brightly through his closed eyelids. At the same instant, he felt an uncanny sensation on his face - like ghostly hands trying to pry open his eyes against his will. The hypnotic psychic grip intensified as the invisible hands pulled at Daniel's eyelids, seeking to expose his vision to the Hypno's powers. Gritting his teeth, Daniel violently shook his head, dislodging the phantom hands momentarily. But they quickly returned, grasping with steadily increasing force. Through it all, Daniel kept his eyes clamped shut, knowing that a single glimpse of the swaying pendulum could spell his doom.
The sinister psychic grip tightened, now feeling as if cold metal hooks were dug into Daniel's eyelids, trying to wrench them open wide. Daniel cried out in pain and alarm. With a massive effort, he broke free once more, the hooks vanishing as quickly as they came. But Daniel knew the Hypno could redouble its hypnotic assault at any second. Keeping his eyes sealed, he turned and fled blindly into the forest, clutching Lazuli protectively. He had to get away from this clearing, from the apathetic Hoppip aura, from the hypnotic predator stalking him. Daniel ran as fast as he could with his limited vision, one hand on Lazuli, the other stretched desperately in front of him feeling his way past trees and thorns.
As Daniel fled nearly blind through the forest, he could feel the sinister psychic grip on his eyes fading with each step that put distance between him and the pursuing Hypno. But even as the phantom hands weakened, Daniel could sense through his aura vision that the hypnotic Pokemon continued to follow unhurriedly behind him. It was stalking Daniel through the trees with ominous patience, seeming confident that he had no chance of escape.
The inevitability of his hypnotic capture at the hands of this relentless predator began to weigh heavily on Daniel's mind. In desperation, he slowed his frantic pace to think.
I have to get a Chesto berry for Lazuli. But I can't risk opening my eyes.
As he blundered half-blind through the underbrush, Daniel momentarily considered giving up this whole perilous berry quest altogether. After all, he didn't really owe Hana anything. She had simply pushed this demanding job onto him without warning. Perhaps he could just abandon this forest and explain to Hana that it had been impossible to get past the Hypno.
But no - some deeper part of Daniel refused to surrender so easily. He had told Hana he would find these berries, no matter how difficult. He knew he must see this quest through to the end, even in the face of hypnotic threats.
I just have to get creative.
With new determination, Daniel formulated a risky plan. He would rely on his aura vision to lead him back to the basket's approximate location, then lunge in while blind, grab a Chesto berry, and immediately feed it to Lazuli before the Hypno could react.
Having formed his desperate plan, Daniel turned and bolted back in the direction of the berry basket, retracing his blind steps through the forest. As he ran past the Hypno, Daniel could sense the Pokemon's confusion through its flickering aura - it was perplexed by the human's sudden quickened pace despite having its eyes closed. But the Hypno's bafflement soon turned to renewed determination as it realized its prey was trying to escape. It began pursuing Daniel in earnest, its pounding footsteps and surging aura evidence of its intent to recapture him.
Guided only by his aura vision, Daniel scrambled and groped his way toward where he estimated the berry basket to be. But as expected, when he reached the spot, he could not distinguish the different berries by touch or Aura Sight. He gasped and fumbled urgently through the basket, searching by feel for the firm round shapes of the vital Chesto berries.
The Hypno was nearly upon him again - Daniel could sense its aura blazing like a bonfire at his back. Time was running out. He continued frantically rifling through the berries, their juices staining his fingers making them slippery and sticky. Lazuli remained in a deep sleep, limp on Daniel's shoulders.
I'll just grab one and take a quick peek. They were at the bottom, so they'll probably be...
The basket flew once more, completely emptying its contents on the forest floor. Daniel didn't need to turn as the psychic grip announced the wild Hypno's presence. Cold, invisible fingers clawed at his eyelids as the Hypno slowly placed itself in front of Daniel. He sensed the amusement radiating off the creature. It was a nice attempt, but now the chase was over.
Daniel shook his head violently, both to rid his eyes of the psychic grip and to look for any sign of hope when he caught a speck of movement. Something floated directly away from Daniel. It glowed with psychic power, the Hypno's power. Why would it push away some random berry?
Of course!
The Hypno wasn't as unconcerned as it seemed. It saw fit to move something away from Daniel, a Chesto berry! What else could it possibly be? Daniel hatched a small ploy.
Sorry, Lazuli. I'll be back.
Daniel dropped Lazuli onto the ground and ran into the forest. This surprised the Hypno, how could this human be so ruthless? No matter, his dreams could wait. The Hypno could move on after this meal. The Human will let his guard down again.
As he sprinted away, Daniel kept his aura vision locked onto the Chesto berry, watching it fall and land on the forest floor. Though he was running in the opposite direction, some invisible tether kept his attention fixed on the vital berry's location. Daniel's heart ached as he watched through his extrasensory view - the Hypno was now hunched over Lazuli's unconscious body, pressing its mouth grotesquely against her skull trying to psychically drain her energy.
Gritting his teeth in anger, Daniel hurriedly snuck his way back around to where the Chesto berry lay unguarded on the ground. As stealthily as he could while the Hypno was occupied, he crept up and snatched the berry in his fist. Allowing his eyes to briefly open, Daniel confirmed it was indeed one of the restorative Chesto berries – a blueish purple and shaped like a spinning top.
Clutching the berry tightly, Daniel broke cover and sprinted at the Hypno, catching it by surprise. The Pokemon recoiled in alarm, whisking around to face this human who had resisted its powers. It began waving its pendulum hand frantically, trying to lock Daniel's vision for hypnosis.
But Daniel was ready this time - in one smooth motion he dropped to his knees beside Lazuli and pushed the Chesto berry into her mouth. Its juices took effect almost instantly, energizing the Dratini and causing her eyes to snap open, free of the hypnotic stupor. As Lazuli reared up defiantly at the stunned Hypno, Daniel grabbed another Chesto berry for himself, grinning in triumphant determination. This time, they wouldn't give the Hypno a chance.
"Lazuli, Thunder Wave!" Daniel commanded.
An electric arc bounced its way to the Hypno, striking it. The Hypno twitched and spasmed as arcs of electricity coursed across its body. Lazuli's Thunder Wave had rendered it paralyzed, giving her an opening to press the attack.
"Lazuli, Dragon Rage!" Daniel yelled.
Inhaling deeply, Lazuli summoned her draconic power—an orb of spiraling purple flames formed in her mouth. With a guttural roar, she blasted the swirling Dragon Rage at the immobilized Hypno.
Still twitching erratically, the Hypno crossed its arms and barely managed to erect a shimmering Light Screen. The Dragon Rage exploded against the psychic barrier with concussive force, rupturing it in a shockwave of distortion.
The Hypno slid backward, its feet carving furrows in the earth. It shook off the paralysis through sheer force of will and brandished its pendulum menacingly. With a wave of its hand, a Psybeam erupted toward Lazuli in a lancing ribbon of rainbow colors.
"Dodge it!" shouted Daniel. Lazuli deftly wove her serpentine body, narrowly avoiding the dazzling beam as it sliced past and gouged the ground.
Capitalizing on the opening, Lazuli lunged forward like a viper striking. Her tail slammed the Hypno across the face, sending it reeling.
"Nice one Lazuli!" Daniel shouted in praise. Was that a Pokemon move? It seemed kind of normal to me.
But the Hypno adeptly turned the momentum into a backflip, landing nimbly and swinging its pendulum in broad circles. Ripples of psychic energy pulsated outward, buffeting Lazuli with raw telekinetic force.
Lazuli dug in her tail, resisting the waves of Confusion through sheer stubbornness.
"Lazuli, Dragon Rage! You got this!" Daniel shouted.
Opening her maw, she prepared another Dragon Rage to decisively finish the fight.
Sensing defeat, the Hypno gestured desperately. A nearby stone tore free from the earth, cloaked in psychic power. With a grunt, the Hypno hurled it straight at Lazuli's head.
Spotting the improvised missile, Lazuli jerked her neck aside at the last instant. The boulder grazed past her scales, barely missing. Lazuli unleashed her built-up Dragon Rage, swallowing the Hypno in an explosive ball of draconic flames.
When the smoke cleared, the Hypno lay unconscious in a smoldering crater. The pendulum slipped from its limp hand as Daniel let out a victorious shout.
"Yeah!"
Lazuli craned her neck proudly, scales glittering in the sunlight streaming through the canopy.
"That was amazing, Lazuli!"
Daniel beamed with pride for his Pokemon. Despite the level disadvantage, Lazuli had leveraged her speed and tenacity to decisively defeat their hypnotic foe. Her power and skill had grown remarkably since she first hatched. And that tail attack she did, was it mundane or a Pokemon move? Maybe they could expand on it later.
As Lazuli preened under her trainer's praise, Daniel let his eyes open and he scanned the clearing. The spilled contents of the berry basket were scattered everywhere after the Hypno's telekinetic assault.
"Let's gather up those berries, Lazuli. Then we can get out of this forest."
With their senses heightened from the thrilling battle, Daniel and Lazuli swiftly collected the berries. Lazuli gathered loose berries in a coil of her tail, cheerfully bounding from berry to berry.
Daniel kept a close eye on the downed Hypno. He was unsure what a trainer in this world was supposed to do in this situation. In the games, a wild fainted Pokemon just kind of stopped existing. The battle would end and you would move on.
I guess I'll just... leave it there. I can't capture it, and I wouldn't want such a creepy Pokemon. Can I even afford to feed it? Wait, it eats dreams. Does it eat real food too?
Before long, the basket was overflowing with plump, ripe berries. Their quest was nearly complete, and without the Hypno's lurking threat, the forest seemed brighter and more welcoming. Together, the trainer and Pokemon set off toward the forest's edge, eager to leave this trial behind.
By the time they reached Beth's cabin, it was nearing sunset. Daniel knocked on the door and Beth opened it.
"I saw you coming out of the forest. And it looks like you had an encounter or two", Beth said, as if she were filling out a dull question on some paperwork.
"Yeah. Nothing too exciting. Just a Hypno trying to put us to sleep", responded Daniel, exhausted from the day's events.
"I see. Thank you for checking in. Have a nice day." Beth closed the door.
Okay? Thanks for the concern. Daniel moved on
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting an orange glow over the treetops as Daniel and Lazuli made their way across Bond Bridge and up the winding path back to Three Island. After the harrowing events in the forest, the tranquil countryside was a welcome sight.
Lazuli slithered cheerfully alongside Daniel, refreshed and energized after their hard-won victory over the Hypno. Her scales gleamed in the warm light, shimmering with each smooth, undulating movement. A content smile rested on her face.
Daniel carried the heavy basket of berries in the crook of his arm, his limbs aching slightly from the day's exertions. But his fatigue was outweighed by a deep sense of satisfaction.
We did it. We fought off a wild Pokemon. That was... fun.
Was that the right word? He certainly wouldn't have thought having his dreams eaten would be fun. At least his life wasn't in serious danger this time.
And Lazuli, she really was terrific out there. Is she really only two months old? What is her level? Does that concept even exist like it does in the games? And that tail slam attack.
Daniel glanced at Lazuli. She was bounding alongside him in her joyful way. Maybe more so after all the praise he had given her.
I wonder what she thinks of today.
Lazuli was Happy.
That forest was fun! So many trees and flowers! She thought.
I hope Daniel gives me some of those berries in the basket. They smell so sweet! But I have to wait until he gives me one. I'm not allowed to take them. He got mad when I did that this morning. Oh, what's that?
Lazuli darted to the side of the road. There she found a butterfly with shiny blue wings.
Eee! It looks like me!
Lazuli continued slithering by the side of the road, getting distracted by every new flower and bug.
"Hey, Lazuli. Keep up!" Daniel said lethargically.
Oh, Right! Lazuli returned to Daniel's side.
Daniel seems tired. He didn't get a nap like me. I shouldn't ask him to play chase when we get back, even though it's my favorite game. Wilson used to play chase with me. I'm sad he couldn't leave the island with us. Maybe we'll go back when he's done growing.
After all, isn't that why Daniel planted him?
He even gave Wilson his axe so he could fight another big monster! I hope Daniel finds me another playmate. Maybe one of those pink, flying Wilsons.
As the two crested a hill, the sea came into view, sparkling and infinite. The setting sun painted the waves in molten gold. Wingulls circled high overhead, their cries echoing distantly. A gentle breeze brought the tang of salt air. Continuing downward, the path entered a shady grove, the light dimming to a soft green. Fireflies began to wink around them, dancing through the trees in meandering trails. Some came to investigate Lazuli, orbiting her curiously. She watched them with delight, entranced by their radiance. Passing through the grove, the path opened up, bringing the vibrant roofs of Three Island into view. The last fiery rays of sunlight crowned the hillside town with a ring of light. As darkness fell, windows lit up cheerfully yellow against the deepening blue sky.
Daniel took a deep breath, savoring the fresh evening air. He was glad to be back to civilization. With Lazuli by his side, he felt ready to take the next steps of his journey, whatever they may be. Tonight, he would rest easy.
Alright, one creepy Hypno down! I feel like there are some pacing issues in this chapter. Regardless, I want to thank all the people who are invested in my story. I saw the views go up on the day I usually post a chapter, even though I missed the date. So, Thank you! It really means a lot that people want to read my writing.
With that said, I want to ask everyone a question. What is the most engaging aspect of my story? What makes you want to read more of this story? I guess that's two questions... so yeah RIP Wilson.