Docking, we walked down onto the pier. Sky and I looked around at the massive city. Beacons shining bright in the sky.
Scorch: Kuri City…!
Scorch exclaimed and rushed down onto the pier.
Scorch: It's been so long…! Shock and I are gonna head into the city, so why don't we meet up later? I plan on finding a place for all of us to eat.
Sky: Sounds good.
Scorch smiled and ran off. Shock walked up a moment later and rolled his eyes, holding a box as he slowly followed Scorch.
Sky: Um… I guess we should look around? That Vaporeon decided to stay back to check on our food and the ship.
Nodding, Sky and I started walking into the city. Our journey didn't last long though because we were rushed by a Nickit who instead of walking to either side, ended up slamming right into the middle of us. He moved so fast that it made both of us stumble back, clearly confused. But a metallic sound then echoed. We looked down to notice that the Nickit had dropped a few jewelry items. The Nickit groaned and laid across the sidewalk.
After a moment, he got on all fours and tried collecting the items. Upon doing this, he dashed away. Sky and I looked at each other, unsure with what just happened. After a moment, I heard my phone and after checking it, I saw it was Scorch who found the perfect area for us. Looking up at Sky, I shrugged.
Shaymin: Well, uh… I guess we should meet up with Scorch.
Sky: Oh. Okay.
The two of us walked to the location Scorch gave me. It ended up being a ramen restaurant. Entering, we found Scorch 30 seconds later. A few was already there and we joined in.
Scorch: Hey, you actually found this place, heh. Anyway, how about we get some good food finally?
We agreed and sat down.
Scorch: Okay! So… I am so glad to be back here. It certainly looks the same as it did all those years ago. Man… It's just really nice. I was even more excited when I saw this place still open.
Ember: I think you talked about our first week in Hexa.
Scorch: Yeah, I just loved visiting here. I would always come to this place since they had the best noodles.
He quickly grabbed a menu and looked through it.
Scorch: Now…! A mega beef bowl with soy and barbecue sauce along with packed with chili powder.
Sky and I looked at each other before shrugging. The next half hour was us talking while enjoying our food. When we were finished, Sky had to drag Scorch outside due to nearly knocking himself out from all the spice he added to his food.
Sky: Eh, he's a Scorbunny, I'm sure he'll be fine. I'll take him back to the ship… I guess I'll see you soon?
Nodding, Sky walked off and left us standing there. Ember then stretched and yawned.
Ember: Did you hear? It's suppose to snow heavily tonight. I saw it on the news inside the restaurant.
Shock: Seriously? Again? Ugh… What's with the weather? First a massive storm… Now snow? Last time sucked.
Ember just shrugged.
Shock: Oh well, I guess. Probably can restock while we're here than wait out the snow.
Ember: Yeah, that sounds good.
While the two were talking, I began looking around. While looking around, I stopped and tilted my head. I saw a Nickit who stuck to the shadows. The same Nickit who slammed into us. He was moving swiftly.
Shaymin: Such a strange Nickit…
Continuing to watch, I saw him enter a dark alley before jumping up and grabbing onto a fire escape staircase. Before I could watch some more, I got distracted by Shock who placed a paw on me.
Shock: Anyway, I guess we should head back, hmm?
Shaymin: O- oh, sure.
Looking back, the Nickit was already gone. This Nickit was so strange, but I decided not to think about it as I followed the others to the ship.
So after reaching the ship, we sat back and relaxed.
When night approached, snow began to fall. I just stared out the window while the others played a board game. Gluttony walked in and looked at us.
Gluttony: Snow's really picking up. Think it'd be done by the morning?
Frost: Eh, I don't mind. I enjoy the snow.
Shock: Um… I'm hoping it stops by the morning. We need to head back to Hexa.
Frost: Oh, I've been wanting to ask… My team has been living off the radar for some time now. Making money from simple trades. So, err… That Sawsbuck. Autumn? I've been wanting to see if I could set up a shop nearby for more traffic.
Shock: Hmm? You could speak to Autumn about setting up shop.
Frost: I hope.
Sky after a moment stood up and walked outside of the room. Noticing, I followed behind him. He was standing outside just staring at the bright city.
Shaymin: This reminds me of my time with Mew during Christmas… We would normally sit outside as the snow fell, just overlooking the distant cities and towns…
Sky: Hmm…? You never really talk about Mew much.
Shaymin: Huh? Well, uh… Mew and I have been really close for a few years… We, um, did everything together most days.
Sky: Why didn't she come with you to Hexa?
Looking to the side, I sighed.
Shaymin: Um… I don't really wanna talk about it…
Sky: Eh? Okay then. Hmm… Well, I plan on heading out for a bit. I'll be back before it gets too late.
Nodding, I watched as he launched into the air, soon vanishing into the thick snow. I turned and started walking back to the others. But before doing so, I heard something that made me stop. Turning back, I tilted my head. Walking towards the sound, I suddenly stopped as I saw Cloud walk up from the pier. She was carrying a bag as she glanced at me. With an eye roll, she spoke.
Cloud: What…?
Looking to the side, I remained quiet as she scoffed and walked into the ship. Giving out a small sigh, I leaned on the railing and looked at the bright city. I enjoyed the peace and quiet for ten or so minutes before returning to the others who were chatting and playing games. As we all sat around, Scorch leaned back and looked at me.
Scorch: I didn't even notice, but where's Sky?
Shaymin: Oh, uh… He went off on a flight.
Scorch: Ah. I would love to have wings… Oh well. I guess I'm gonna head off to bed. I'm getting quite tired.
Scorch jumped up and stretched before heading off to his room. This is when Ember spoke up.
Ember: Thinking of it, I wouldn't mind a night walk. Anyone wanna come?
Frost and Shock ended up agreeing. But before they left, I decided to join them. Taking a walk during night sounded like fun before heading to bed. So off we went. We walked into the city and it was surprisingly empty. Guess it was due to the snow and it being pretty late. This didn't bother me, in fact, it made me feel better.
So we were walking around the city, checking out some stuff we didn't have the chance to earlier. I was distracted looking at some stuff. But my attention was drawn to Shock who spoke up.
Shock: Eh? That's pretty cool.
Looking up, I noticed flashing lights which looked like beacons.
Ember: Looks like a light show. Maybe we should check it out?
Frost: Heh, I'm down for that. Lets go!
Frost sprinted off as we followed. This lead us outside of the city and into an open field. I was slightly confused to why it was so far out. I was even more confused when we stopped to where the lights were shown, but nothing was around.
Frost: Huh? That's strange. Maybe it ended before we arrived…?
Before any of us replied, I heard the crunch of snow behind us and approaching quickly. Turning quickly, I gave out a soft gasp as I was nearly tackled by this same Nickit I saw before.
"Damn. I remember you…" The Nickit said and looked nervous.
Staying silent, Ember ended up speaking up. I slowly backed up while they talked.
"Look, I don't want trouble. I just saw some lights and decided to check it out." The Nickit said.
Shock: Why are you acting so strange?
The Nickit stopped and shook his head.
"Eh… Sorry. A lot of stuff has happened lately that got most on edge. Okay… I'm Starlight." The Nickit said, rubbing his head lightly.
Shock: Strange things? Like?
Starlight: Yeah, err… A lot of odd things has happened lately. I don't really know what, but I know it's unsafe during nighttime, especially during rain or snow… And that's what I'm for.
Starlight chuckled nervously.
Starlight: I mostly scout around the city. See what's going on in daily life.
Frost: What do you mean unsafe? I'm most comfortable in snowy weather.
Starlight: Huh? Oh, right, right… After some recon, I've discovered that this city isn't in a good state. I barely survived last time. When I encountered what haunts this city… A figure as big as Articuno. I've barely escaped one time I got lost in a snowstorm.
Shock: What? That sounds like a horror movie or something.
Starlight: You don't gotta believe me, but it's best if you head indoors. Now, I need to head out and tell others who linger around.
And with that, Starlight ran off. We looked at each other, clearly confused to what he was speaking about.
Frost: Guess he likes telling scary stories?
Shock: Eh, most likely.
Ember: Whatever. I guess I'm gonna head back to sleep. We got a big day tomorrow.
Shock: Yeah. Gotta see if we're ready to set sail.
So with that, we headed back to the ship and got settled in.
As I sat on my bed, I looked over to Sky's bed. He hasn't returned.
Shaymin: Strange… Thought he said he wouldn't take too long.
Looking out the window, the snow has become worse and fell in heavy snowflakes. Sighing, I just fell back onto the bed and closed my eyes. This is when I door opened. Opening one of my eyes, I noticed Gluttony.
Gluttony: Hey, sorry for bothering you, but I wanted to ask something.
He looked to the side.
Gluttony: I sorta have a request for when we return to Hexa.
Shaymin: Huh?
Gluttony: Yeah, um… I hadn't really told you much of myself. Well, err, before I got injured, I was actually trying to get something.
Gluttony held up a book and opened it. Sitting up, he looked through it for a moment before stopping. Turning the book, he showed me it and it looked like a plant. A plant I never seen before.
Gluttony: This is the Yusha Flower. A rare flower that grows on the tallest mountains. The reason why I got injured was me trying to get it. I mainly wanted it for it's nectar.
Shaymin; Oh…? Well, um, sure. I'm not sure how I can help, but I can.
Gluttony: Thanks. I'll uh, let you get some sleep.
Gluttony smiled softly and walked out as I laid back down again. Closing my eyes once again, I started to think. Sky hasn't returned yet, so I am wondering what he's up to. Maybe checking out the sights.
I just shrugged.
Shaymin: Wonder if Autumn is wondering where we're at… That Nickit too… Starlight. He seemed kinda strange, but pretty serious… Wonder what his deal is.
Sighing, I just stretched and decided to finally get some sleep. We'll be heading back to Hexa tomorrow, so hopefully Sky returns soon. Shock wouldn't like to wait for him to return, I know that for sure...