Roommate Pt. 2
My eyes fluttered open, battering away the weariness brought about by my sudden slumber, crimson eyes met the dull gray limestone ceiling. I released a short yawn while extending my right forelimb in a stretch and thankfully, the pain in my left shoulder seemed to have eased by a large margin as despite its shifting in the makeshift sling, there was barely a hint of discomfort. Sitting up, the last moments before I lost consciousness replayed in my mind.
'I can't just sit here waiting for my injuries to heal, I have a task to complete and two weeks is simply unacceptable. I am perfectly capable of making it back' I steeled myself, making it to my paws, wincing as pain filled my right leg 'right I almost forgot about that'
It was then I noticed the slightest bit of movement in the edges of my eyesight, turning in its direction only to see the amber light of the flickering flame dancing upon the walls of the shelter, casting upon them a silhouette of the man that lay before it. There he rested on the packed dirt that composed the area outside the caves' entrance, the only barrier between himself and the cold floor being a black coat, which is missing one of its sleeves.
A stab of guilt coursed through me 'I, at the very least owed this human my life', despite the facts of his species and the 'unique' aura he possessed, not only did he drag me out of the lake, he even treated my injuries, provided me with food and HIS bed… But, as much as I owed him, I had a mission I needed to complete and responsibilities that needed to be fulfilled; no matter the cost, even I have to throw away what's left of my pride, I will complete my task.
Carefully, I removed the sling that incased my left arm and placed it next to his sleeping form, only now noticing the light furrowing of his brow and minute twitches that ravaged his form. 'He's …. Dreaming, good, I should leave', despite what he may have said, I am more than capable of returning in my current condition. My statement was only proven when I scaled the crater's ridge with only the mild discomfort emanating from my right leg making itself known.
My paws pounded against the forest floor, each step being followed by a lance of dull pain through my injured leg. Breathing in ragged bursts as I attempt to race through the throng of trees, I was sloppy, there was no other words for it, with each step; I winced, not just from the pain, but from the sheer lack of grace and finesse that usually accompanied my movements, though I will never admit it, my leg was worse than I thought, coupled with my other injuries and the little energy I managed to regain with the human's help was proving to be fruitless. The forest was thick with towering trees and underbrush, offering some cover but little comfort. Every now and then, a streak of silver broke through the dense canopy, casting brief flashes of light, illuminating the path ahead.
Suddenly, the forest grew still. The rustling of leaves and chirping of birds quieted as if the entire woods were holding its breath, my ear twitched, and the world slowed for just a second, crimson irises radiating energy locked onto their target and its intent was read.
Then, from the shadows, a blur of fiery red and yellow shot forward. The Blaziken came crashing down from above, its legs igniting with ebbing flames as it barreled toward me. I reacted swiftly, leaping to the side, I extended my right paw while bringing the opposing appendage to my muzzle, entering a ready stance, grimacing slightly when weight was placed on my leg
The Blaziken straightened, towering over me with streaks of red consuming its limbs and lighting the battlefield. Its sharp eyes gleamed with a predatory hunger, every inch of its stance radiating power and confidence. It had been hunting, and now, I was prey. There would be no running. It was win or die.
The Blaziken wasted no time. It lunged forward with blinding speed, a scorching leg swinging in a wide arc. I ducked, paws covered in a coat of azure flame as fist met sternum, sending the predatory bird skidding back a few meters. The burst of adrenalin the technique provided both strengthened me and served to ease the burn of the now detrimental injury.
I gritted my teeth, a snarl plastered across my muzzle, exposing the multitude of ivory fangs within, I had no misconceptions about this fight for in many ways it was like my last battle. A battle for survival. To live is to win to lose is to die and this time, retreat is not an option.
The scorching birds' flames roared to life once more, my aura flared defiantly in response, the tension between us was thick as the forest held its breath once more.
The Blaziken's eyes gleamed with mirth as it charged, its body a trail of embers and might. I barely had time to steady myself before the onslaught began. A swing of its leg, crackling with flame, directed at my head. Ducking low once more, a thong of fire grazed my ear and the smell of scorched fur permeated the field, my retaliation was swift with a quick jab to Blaziken's midsection. The punch connected, but the scarlet fighter barely flinched.
I could feel my strength draining fast. My injured leg pulsed with every movement, slowing me down. I had always relied on speed and precision, but now, every dodge, every attack, felt like a gamble.
The Blaziken smirked, noticing my faltering movements. It stepped forward 'a low kick meant to trip' I surmised, leaping into the air, only barely noticing the smirk on its serrated beak, but it was far too late. The Blaziken spun around and delivered a crushing Blaze Kick to my sternum returning my previous gift with twice the effectiveness. From the force of the attack, I was sent barreling through the air and into a nearby tree. A sharp yelp of pain escaped as I slumped to the ground, vision momentarily blurring 'I'm beginning to think the trees have it out for me'.
For a moment, everything was still. My body screamed in pain, breath coming in short, shallow gasps, the world spun as I attempted to regain my footing, only for my paws to give out from under me, back against the tree. I settled with leveling a glare toward the Flaming fighting type, this was the end.
Then mid-step, the creature froze, its crested head locking to its right, just as a spear imbeds itself into the dirt, separating me and the bird, the forest stilled, a few moments passed before sound returned, the rustling of leaves was followed by a black blur which stopped at the projectiles earthen sheath. There it stood, a creature shorter than the one that had soundly beaten me just moments before, but his presence seemed to holds magnitudes more weight to it. Tanned flesh covered in a black cloak which seemed to be relived of a sleeve, the blue pants he wore gave way to a pair of sturdy boots as he stood defiantly, back towards me, his full focus on the Blaziken, long ebony locks bellowed and whipped in an invisible wind. With a bit of focus I blanched. What was once at most a bonfire of lavender was turned into an inferno violet light, the gentle streaks of black that ebbed off the flame now threaten to consume the pillar of hellfire before me, then I felt it, not from his aura, no, the meanings of the minute indications of his aura still alluded me, if they're even present right now, this was far more instinctual, something that emanated from the far forgotten regions of my mind, I felt his malice, his pure unrestrained hatred and desire to eradicate whatever stood before him. It was then he retrieved his weapon from the ground and brandished it toward the now slightly apprehensive Pokémon and he spoke.
? POV
Thump…Thump…thump….Lungs heaving, gasping-no demanding rest Thump…Thump…thump …Legs burned from the strain being placed on them Thump…Thump…thump …yet his mind was focused.
The sound of boots on wood echoed through the hallway, the soft buzzing of the florescent lights grated at his nerves while their light illuminated the grey walls. A thin, reflective sheen took purchase on his flesh, the sweat leaving his form as salted droplets. But the sting of his eyes mattered not, the burning of his body would not hamper his goal. The man's gaze refocused on his target, at the end of the hall was a simple door constructed of oak, it possessed no markings, no engravings, only dark flesh and a brass handle.
The task of making it to the door was monumental for with every twenty steps he took, it was as if he moved one. The process was slow, painful and infuriating, but eventually he arrived at his destination. He desperately clawed at the handle, fingers gripping firmly at the smooth, metallic texture of the knob, before the echoes of the screeching door reverberated from the room. Laying in its center was supple, pale flesh draped in standard black combat attire; dull blue eyes stared at him unblinking, unknowing, yet judging all the same, the damning gaze was not enough to keep him away as he moved toward her side with a viscous squelch, his knees met the floor displacing an unseen liquid for he only had eyes for her. Cradling her in his arms, he combed rough callused fingers through silken ginger hair staining his hands red when it passed through the blood soaked ends, he slowly started to notice the liquid, and he was smeared in crimson, thick and viscus, the nauseating liquid clung to his form. He brought her head to his chest and his emotions ran wild, Sorrow shifted to despair, despair to self-loathing and he wept until all that was left was rage.
With the inclination to the heavens he made his fury known, while strakes of tar made trenches in tanned, marred flesh he bellowed to the ones above. Then with a start he awoke.
I awoke with a jolt, my breath ragged and heart pounding in the stillness of the forest. The air was cool, carrying the earthy scent of damp moss and pine. Above me, the sky was a deep indigo, speckled with stars that peeked through the dense canopy of ancient trees. The moon, partially obscured by drifting clouds, cast ghostly silver beams that illuminated patches of the forest floor, turning the surroundings into a mosaic of shadow and light.
The forest itself was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze or the distant hoot of an owl. The towering trees loomed above like silent sentinels, their rough bark coated with patches of lichen. Beneath me, the ground felt soft and slightly uneven, as if cradling me in its natural contours.
There was an unsettling stillness, an almost otherworldly quiet that seemed to press in from all sides. The usual night-chorus of crickets and frogs was absent, replaced by an unnerving hush, broken only by the faintest whispers of the wind. In the distance, something rustled—perhaps a small animal or the shifting of fallen leaves—but it added to the sense of isolation, as if the forest itself was watching, waiting.
My skin prickled, senses heightening, as the nightmare still clung to my consciousness. The forest felt vast and unfamiliar, yet it exuded a primal energy, a timelessness, as though it had witnessed countless nights like this before.
The scent of smoke entered my nostrils and I was quick to notice the now extinguished fire, silently cursing to myself, I rose to my feet meandering to check on my 'patient' only to stop, because in the place of the unconscious jackal was, not a damn thing, upon further inspection I noticed shallow indentations in the dirt, the shape of the recesses were akin to wolf tracks, a large center pad with four distinct bean shaped marks to its front which themselves were adorned with claws, the tracks led out to the cave and toward the edge of the crater. Interestingly enough the left print was noticeably deeper than the right, indicating a limp. "Fucking hell" I swore, 'I swear you just had to up and make my life harder you stubborn vixen.' Grabbing my coat and spear, I began my pursuit of my wayward patient.
I sprinted through the forest, without the crater's walls the world seemed far more threatening, I was exposed, vulnerable. I needed to be careful but if I was too slow, she could wind up even more injured or….. Worse, my legs began to pump with desperation as I moved to a full sprint; branches whipped at my arms and face, the impossibly dense canopy denied even the slightest of silver streaks access to the forest floor. My chest began to burn with effort, breaths ragged and heavy tumbled from my lips, yet I did not dear slow.
'Why am I trying so hard?' I questioned in my mind, not really expecting an answer, yet I continued on 'I saw her fall, I helped and she left that's it, I have no obligation to be doing this' I vented, though my pace was constant and eyes vigil, desperately searching for any sign of her, a broken branch here, a dug out chunk of dirt from where the earthen mass failed to support the force she applied to it. 'We know exactly why we're doing this' the cynical thought felt like oil, slick, viscus and disturbing as it dripped with contempt, practically hissing into my ear 'It's the reason we chose that 'ranger' job-and no not the little lie we tell ourselves and those around us' the voice continued, countering my argument before it could even take form 'We like the solitude, there isn't much work so I can relax, it's just me, my thoughts and mother nature. Please Jack, you can fool everyone else, but not yourself, not truly because you know deep down what this all really is' I -it continued 'In fact the reason is quite the opposite to our little fib. We took that job because of what it meant, constant work, always on patrol, always observing, always interacting and the excuse to occasionally release our aggression was always appreciated. That all is to say it was simply a distraction' It concluded, the last word ending with such finality that I couldn't even hope to deny it 'And that's all the little jackal is; a distraction. A distraction from your thoughts, a distraction from your guilt…. A distraction from your rage. I mean, haven't you realized Jack the last time you dreamt of 'Her' the last time you spoke to me?' It was only then the voice truly left its parting words echoed through my being.
A Blinding flash of amber followed by a hollow thud provided a blessed …. Distraction…. A quick shake of the head derailed my train of thought. Even in the depths of the night under the thick forest canopy, I could just about make out the scene before me. Slumped against a tree is a recognizable yet foreign sight, deep blue fur once regal and glistening even whilst drenched in water is now disheveled, knotted and singed, her blonde vest now completely incapable of disguising the multitude of weeping injuries that marred her core, both new and old. It was her and standing opposing her was a creature I instantly recognized, body of scarlet, limbs accented by bands of gold and a long V- shaped crest atop its head. The Blaziken looked down at the battered Jackal the smugness of the recent victory radiated from its very being, each step a swagger as if to taunt its fallen prey.
Thinking fast, I readied my spear, 'Remember, it's just like with the fish,' with a brief exhale, I steeled myself 'tense the core, twist my center and whip my arm then… release!' A whistle was heard clearly over the natural symphony of the night, branches shattered and leaves were torn asunder under the destructive force of the weapon, the disturbances only amplified as the five foot eight mass followed with a speed that should not be possible of one of his kind.
Then, as I stood staring up at the humanoid chicken, one thing was clear, there was no negotiating here. The bird was apprehensive of my presence but if its widened stance and the subtle coiling of muscle below slick scarlet feathers were anything to go by it was ready to attack the moment I showed weakness 'The passive and submissive approach won't work here…..so it's time for what I'm actually good at' A guttural growl grated through the hushed atmosphere exposing the plethora of fangs I now possessed, standing at my full height I focused.
Eyes of the sky, bright and free, shining with an endless enthusiasm slowly draining of its luster, hair of autumn, beautiful as the waves of fire flowed through the wind become still and stained with crimson, the once enthralling warmth that wormed into my very core slowly… ever so slowly ebbing away, leaving behind nothing but a sickening cold.
Violet orbs narrowed in the shade of the lunar light, long onyx locks whirled in a nonexistent wind while I retrieved my weapon from my side, brandishing it to the target of my malice, daring the creature to make an attempt at my life, in my now usual gruff tone, I imparted a suggestion onto the creature "Leave". One second passes, then another before the fire type blinked, taking a step back, a chuff escaping its serrated beak before it retreated into the woods.
*Sigh* 'That was way too close' my relief was almost palpable as I relaxed my stature 'I hold no delusions on the fact that enhanced abilities or not, if any Pokémon wanted me dead, I would be hard pressed to stop them, much less a pissed off Blaziken' Turning around I locked eyes with my Dumbass ward.
Dumbass ward's POV
The human released a heavy sigh, turning, violet eyes bore into me dripping with indignation as a gruff voice began "Ok, what in the ACTUAL fuck were you thinking, leaving in the middle of the night still injured AND with an injured leg" I opened my muzzle, determined to plead my case but an issue quickly made itself known "Lu, Rio, Lucario" Arceus damn it, if only I could form a mental link with him, and as grateful and desperate as I am revealing a clan technique was out of the questio- "Oh don't give me that Rio, Lucario shit I know for a fact Lucario can use aura to talk to people" the human interrupted my thoughts, using a rather mocking tone in his attempt to imitate me. Scarlet pupils were washed in an ethereal blue before I attempted to commune with the human once more "How?" ….. "How what?" was his oh so intellectual response, still slumped against the tree, I resisted the urge to roll my eyes "How did you know of this technique ….it's not a natural ability or affinity of my species but an advanced form of aura training, how do you know of it- no wait it matters not, I must really apologize human, I am fully aware I am being highly ungrateful both for your help and hospitality, but there is something I must do" I finished, attempting to return to my paws only for them to fail to support the burden placed upon them.
Before I return to the packed earth, in a surprising show of speed I was scooped off my failing paws. Strong arms like pillars of stone lay below my knees while another supported my back "You aren't going anywhere you can't stand not to mention you agitated every injury you had AND added new ones" Placing my forelimbs to his chest I push in an attempt to free myself but his grip was firm, only giving enough for me to look into his violet eyes, refusing to yield another inch.
"Human my wellbeing is of no concern to yo-", "While that might be the case, I already spent far too much time and effort into keeping you alive to watch you get yourself killed. Honestly do you know how far you made it?" I simply stared at the human, waiting for him to continue, the moment stretched out far longer than It should before it became clear…. He wanted me to guess "….About a kilometer" the man let out a sigh the exasperation was visible "Exactly. You made it half a mile before you ran into something that wanted Bar-Be-Que a-la-Jackal and correct me if I'm wrong but where you want to go is much further is it not?"
Jackson's POV
I simply continued to stare at the jackal as she looked away seemingly in thought 'It's odd despite our drastically different facial structure, some of her gestors and mannerisms are almost human' then she spoke again her tone was a surprise to me when I first heard it, it still is now. I had expected her voice to be rough, scratchy, strong I don't know something belonging to a stereotypical tomboy, but the reality of it proved to be quite contrary to my beliefs for instead of a rough bark and strong stone she possessed a voice of silk, akin to the melody of rushing water, make no mistake, you can sense her might, despite the condition I found her in, I have no doubt she's strong but her voice is soft, elegant having the lightest tinge of….. Well the closest thing I could compare it to would be a French accent.
"Must you continue to interrupt me human" she wined, cheeks puffed in a canid pout "I'll stop once you start making sense you silly jackal also stop with all this human talk I have a name. Its Jackson… Jackson Bram" as I continued to make my way to the crater, the soft moonlit rays lighting the way "So now that we can speak, I want to know, do you have a name I can't really continue to call you Lucario you know that seems too impersonal" the Vixen just squirmed lightly in my grasp, looking down I see her face scrunched and the barest hints of pink illuminated her tufted ears "N-no I do not possess a title for you to address me by".
We simply continued on in silence through the forest, the world of night devoid of its steady rhythm, there was no wind to breathe life into the starless sky, there were no creatures to sing of its illustrious lullaby, there was only the crunch of twigs and leaves beneath my boot accented by the steady beat of her breath, shallow, but steady. A faint, entrancing light seemed to cling to her, casting a soft glow that made her seem ethereal despite her injuries.
The soft light that surrounded her as I passed through an opening within the dense thicket of trees, only accentuated by her sleek, powerful form. It was as if the celestial body itself had taken notice of her, casting her in a soft, almost reverent glow as it danced upon her fur, the tan vest was soiled with crimson but the regal blue almost shone in the pale light, a sharp contrast to the way her dark patterns of ebony fur seemed to devour the moon's grace.
Her present, yet negligible weight placed upon my arms and her eyes, those crimson gemstones bore into my very soul, looking at me and though me as if stripping away my being, piece by piece, layer by layer 'Beautiful...' "Luna" the word simply a whisper into the night, a test for my lips, I smiled satisfied with its feel "I'll call you Luna."