As I said before, the world can be very surprising. What you come to expect sometimes can hid something else entirely. When you thought that despair had overtaken you, a saving grace will unexpectedly come. They will comes in many forms that you will never expect, such that I had learned - Eric Angelo
Play this as opening theme
Anxiety. Anxiety overtook Solar Dawn as the sun had already set over the horizon, thus allowing the night and the moon to take over. But what has worried her more was that there was no sign of her trio of friends.
It had been many hours since Sally had appeared right in front of her door, a book that she had given to Eric earlier as a reading material in her mouth. The very book that she had told Eric to get back to her before sundown so she wouldn’t be fined for not returning the book to the public library in time. Sally left without another word after that.
After the days passed by, she had pegged them for being misfits, but inseparable. Regardless Dawn had expected the trio to come back after she had gone back from the library and returned the book.
She guessed wrong.
Dominus had already passed out upstairs in her bedroom, awaiting for awakening in the morning which left her nothing to do, except for one option. Now, she merely attempted to finish some additional sketches in order to pass the time and wait for her friends to come back. Her mind still wondered where her friends are. Just where had the trio had gone to?
A familiar scratching sound was softly heard as Dawn tried to focus on the image of a stallion in front of her, hoof tight around a quill. “Maybe, maybe, I should try here....no, no, no, wrong. I should try here....” the Bat Pony murmured, agitation ever present in her voice. “Alright, alright, nearly done....” Then the sound of a snapping quill then echoed through the room.
Dawn stared blankly at the now broken quill which lay on the table, inadvertently causing a small amount of ink to go splat and ruining her sketch.
Dawn knew one way to get rid of this dilemma, and that is to confront it.
“.....Oh for Celestia’s sake!” With that exclamation, she rose up from her architect table and marched like a bat out of Tartarus toward the door. “That’s it. I’m going to get them. Knew I shouldn’t have left them alone.”
It didn’t take long for her to reach out her hoof toward the door and opened it to behold a sight that either surprised her or shocked her (it was hard to tell).
Dawn’s eyes bore witness to a familiar Hydreigon that she had come to call a friend for the last three days. She would have been relieved, but two more sights had disturbed her. One of them was the most sarcastic being she had the ‘pleasure’ of meeting was being carried bridal style within the Hydreigon’s arm. The other was a Dragon being carried piggyback on his back with her head over his right shoulder. All of them were covered in bruises, like they had just gotten into a fight with something...and lost.
It is obvious that her friends are all appeared to be in bad shape, but what had gotten them into this situation in the first place?
Eric’s weary voice answered her question. “....Dawn.”
It caused her to broke out of her trance. She shook her head just as she gaped. “Eric! What in the name of-“
“No time! Do you have a first aid kid or anything?”
Dawn had to admit to herself that it wasn’t often for her to hear Eric actually raise his voice.
“Yeah, yeah, I got one in the bathroom!”
“Dawn, I don’t have my healing items anymore, so I need you to get it fast. Sally and Wil are hurt...bad.” Eric emphasized ‘hurt’ through his tone. “
Healing items? That served to fuel her curiosity of her friend’s world once more, but that could wait.That question can be saved for another time.
For now, she had to help her two wounded friends. “Alright, I’ll get it! Just...set them down somewhere or wherever.” She nearly leaped from her spot all the way toward the stairs to the second floor.
The Hydreigon didn’t need to be told twice, immediately marching straight toward the sofa in front of him and laid the Reuniclus own, resting his head on the arms rest. Sally was another matter considering her bulk, but in no time he floated near the ground and carefully set the Salamence down on the carpet just in front of the sofa.
“Here, I got it!”
Dawn’s indistinguishable voice caused Eric to look up from his fallen companions and noticed the first aid kit gripped in Dawn’s mouth. Wasting no time, she quickly half-galloped toward Eric’s side and dropped the cargo in her mouth.
Not caring at all for the traces of saliva around it Eric took it into his arm heads and quickly opened the white box to see whatever it is inside that could be of use. “Thanks Dawn.”
“Uh....do you know how to apply first aid kits?”Dawn scratched her head sheepishly. “ I hope you know what you’re doing because I sure don’t know how to apply first aid kid.”
It took some time for Eric to analyze whatever it is in the first aid box. Gauze, stitch, ointment, bandage, cotton, cloth, alcohol, etc… everything needed for one’s survival.
“This takes me back a long way....but I should be able to patch them up.”
“Should? Eric, if you didn’t know how to apply first aid, then maybe we should just get them to a hospital.” The mare curtly asked. She didn’t want a mistreatment case in her hoof right now. But a single glance caused her to awkwardly added. “To be safe, of course.”
“....I appreciate the concern, but don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” With that, the Hydreigon hopped to work, hoping that his previous knowledge on applying first aid kits to humans would apply to Pokemon in emergencies.
Dawn sighed. Eric sure was strange. “I hope so.”
“And....done.” Eric’s voice jolted Dawn out of her daydream.
Taking a look over the counter to see his handiwork. Sally’s head had been bandaged, followed with one around the barrel and one around her wing. Will, on the other hand, had one around his bubbly body and a slink around his neck so he could hold it up later. She could see bits of ointment here due to the shine it gave off on both Pokémon.
Even the mare had to admit, despite the shoddy job, the Hydreigon actually done quite well. “Huh, not bad Eric.”
“....thanks.”
“So.....” Dawn tried to bring up a topic as fast as she could before the source of her agitation return to hound her. “They’re going to feel those bruises in the morning.”
Eric nodded. “They will, though it won’t be that way for long.”
That served to pique that mare’s curiosity. “What do you mean? I mean,” Dawn pointed at the unconscious heap. “With those kinds of injuries, they’ll be feeling it for a few days at most.”
With a shake of the Hydreigon’s head, he replied. “No, Dawn, you’re wrong.” The answer made her frown.
She wanted to know more. “What do you mean?”
“Put simply, Pokémon...well all Pokémon are able to heal from all but the most severe injures within two to three days without any side effect. In other words, they have a higher regenerative system than humans as I mentioned about my species before.”
The revelation that Pokémon are more than capable of healing their injuries at two to three days at most was overwhelming. As far as she knew about biology, nothing in Equus could heal that fast. Even magic can only go so far and that’s only if it was in the hooves of a skilled unicorn, which is rare.
Thankfully, the strange happenings had steeled her minds from further surprises. “Well....” Dawn trailed off with a scratch of her head, trying to find the correct wording. “...that’s both convenient and nice. Wish, I had that kind of ability.”
“Don’t be. You have to respect what you are. If you are born a pony, then you are a pony at heart and you have to respect it. Just because I’m now a Pokémon doesn’t mean that I’m not a human at heart. Each species has their pros and cons. Nothing is perfect.”
For some reason, that made surprisingly a amount of sense to her.
With a scratch of her head, she replied. “I swear to Celestia, you can be quite philosophical too. That and if our conversation early this morning were any signs of that.” She chuckled not out of offense, but from amusement.
Eric nodded his head in acknowledgement. That’s what people and friends tended to say about him nowadays. “But we’re getting off the real topic. Mainly it concerns you and Dominus.” Now that he mentioned it, he didn’t see the sign of an Eaglet running around the house greeting him. “Where’s Dominus? I didn’t see him at all since all three of us arrived.”
“Uh....he’s asleep upstairs.” Dawn flicked her head toward the direction of the stairs.
Eric acknowledged this with a nod. “...glad to see you’re both fine when we’re not around.”
The deadpan look on the mare’s face couldn’t be avoided. “Of course, we’re fine. At least when Will’s not around, it’s practically peaceful.” Just as soon as she said that, she silenced herself with a hoof. “Okay, what’s wrong with my mouth today?”
Realizing that this topic won’t lead them anywhere, he decided to bring another matter into his mind that needs to be done. “....anyway, how did your sketch go? Will wasn’t around during your work so I assume that it’s going fine?”
Noticing the change of topic, the mare frowned, but answered nonetheless. “Well,” With a scratch of her head, she added. “I had a good bird as an assistant.”
“It’s Rufflet.” Eric corrected.
That caused the mare to grin sheepishly, apparently embarrassed at forgetting her partner’s species. “Uh, yeah, that....how could I forget that?”
Thankfully, Eric wasn’t ticked off at her. “It’s no problem, all of us can forget little things sometimes.” Eric replied simply.
“...soooo...what happened?”
“Hmmm?”
Shaking her head, she took a deep breath. “I mean, what happened? There is just no way in Celestia’s name that Sally and Will ended up like that and you made it without a scratch out of nowhere unless we have loose Lords of Chaos on our hooves.”
Once again, the so called ‘awkward silence’ threatened to overtook the room which not in anyway serve to alleviate Dawn’s agitation.
“Alright, should I tell her now, but,” Turning his eyes slightly toward the stairs, he bit his lip. “Dominus isn’t here right now. I know that I wanted to get this off my chest as soon as possible, but....I might as well do that when both of them are around to hear.” He muttered.
“Eric?” The voice broke him out of his brooding session as he turned to look at Dawn’s concerned face.
That served to make his decision fast. “....I’ll tell you everything tomorrow morning, when Dominus is awake.”
Even with all the questions hovering her head, guess that will have to do for now. But what is exactly she had missed?
Morning had come slower than expected. Granted Dawn had been anxious for her stoic friend to reveal the answer, she couldn’t really sleep peacefully that night. Regardless, she decided that now would be the best time to get the answers for the questions.
Mainly, what had happened during her absence? It would seem that they had gone through something big and exciting.
Going toward her vanity, she grabbed a rubber band and styled her mane the way it used to be, a small ponytail while the rest of her mane flowed down. Dawn was never one for style like other mares.
The familiar heavenly smell that came from the kitchen serve as a sign for her legs to march over there and sit down at the chair waiting for her flank. Her eyes found some bananas on the table on the plate, the mare was glad to know that a certain Hydreigon hadn’t forgotten her favourite dessert for breakfast.
As usual, Eric had woken up ahead of everyone else and prepared breakfast. It was practically the norm now for Dawn’s household.
And judging from the smell, it seems Eric had outdone himself again. “So what’s for-”
“BREAKFAST!” The tiny Rufflet burst through the door, showing impressive leg power by jumping up toward the seat and onto the table.
Staring at the Eaglet Pokémon, she had to prevent herself from chuckling at the cuteness of it all. “Yeah, that....”
“Hmmm?” Eric hummed, but he gave the answer soon enough. “Soup. Its carrot soup with some garlic. Its easy to make and delicious.” He answered curtly. “Oh, and the bananas are on the table and ready for you, Dawn.”
“Sweet! Can’t wait to taste it!” Taking a deep breath to savor the smell, he nodded appreciatively. “Uhmm-hmm, you’re the best cook ever, dude.”
Dawn couldn’t help but agree with his reasoning. Eric did made some of the best food she had ever tasted. It wasn’t a five-star restaurant, but it was better than the bland food she always made.
Soon, their breakfast was served in the form of boiling water, and inside there’s little bits of carrots and garlics swirling around the steaming water. The smell that came out could only be described as heavenly, proof that Eric had outdone himself again.
Simple, yet enjoyable.
“Well,” Eric floated. “As usual, enjoy the food, guys.”
Dominus nearly leaped from his spot on the table to feel the taste of the food. Dawn chuckled at the impatient bird. “Easy there, little guy.”
“No can do, my mouth demands that it’s quickly satiated.” The Rufflet opened his mouth wide and pointed inside the black hole.
“Alright, alright.” Dawn said with a smile, at least happy that this day starting off just fine to alleviate her anxiety. “Here we go.” With that she happily scooped up some of the boiling water alongside several visible carrots and garlic to be carried toward the plate where Dominus waited.
Dawn let out the scooped up water into the plate before proceeding to carry out the same routine several times until the plate was full.
“Thanks, Dawn.” With that, his body went into autopilot as his beak went toward the soup in front of him. He drunk it like a little cub lost in the desert for days.
Dawn couldn’t blame the Rufflet for acting like that, for she knew that she also wanted nothing more than just to drink the soup with reckless abandon herself. She held herself back and simply shoved the same spoon into the soup before filling up her plate with the same amount she gave to Dominus earlier.
As per the usual morning routine, Eric went out his way to make sure that everyone was properly fred, especially the wounded Sally and Will. After making sure he left a plate full of soup for them, he joined Dawn and Dominus on the table.
Then after that, it was breakfast time. None of them talked during this period, but Dawn could go with it just fine for once as long as it’s breakfast.
Then something unexpected happened.
“Can I have more?” Dominus looked onto the two other occupants with expectant eyes. Dawn couldn’t say no to those eyes, after all that’s happened all the time ever since Dominus joined this weird group of friends.
Just as her hoof moved to grab the ladle, an arm head beat her to it. “Let me...” Eric courteously offered and re-filled Dominus’ plate once more. It took no time for the bird to dunk his beak again to fill his mouth with the wonderful taste.
A few minutes later, the plates have been emptied of their contents and the eaters are all satisfied. “
“Ah, that was some good stuff there. Dude, you’re the best.” Dominus patted his stomach as he laid back on the table.
. “I’m full.” Dawn gratefully nodded for the fine food. “Thanks for the food again.”
Eric nodded from across the table. “Don’t mention it.”
That brought up another matter that needs doing, what Eric had promised to do the night before. “So....you going to tell us?”
Eric flinched inwardly for that part as he realized what she’s hinting at. “...right, that.”
Poor Dominus couldn’t help but eyeball the two sitting on each side of the table. “Right....that? Dude, what is going on here?” For some reason, Dominus felt that he won’t like the answers.
Dawn forgot that Dominus is still left out of the loop. She scratched her head as usual. “Uh, Eric wanted to tell us something important. Something about what happens the night before.”
“The night before?” Dominus put a wing under his beak in thought, then his eyes widened in realization. “Oh, about the part where Grandpa Sarcastic end up all beaten up? I pity Sally, dude, but not Grandpa Sarcastic. I’d say he deserved it.” The Rufflet felt good that he could say that.
“Not the way I would put it, but yeah, that.” Dawn wondered many times if Dominus was still ticked off with Will. Guess that answered the question.
“And Eric’s gonna tell us how Grandpa ended up like that? No reason to keep the suspense up. It’s getting uncomfortable enough as it is.”
Dawn scratched her head once more, then turned to the Hydreigon. “Eric?”
Seeing that the Rufflet had a point, Eric sighed in surrender. “Alright, then, brace yourselves. This might be shocking.”
The Hydreigon had recounted the events of the day before, all the way from the Tentacruel assault to the Phantom Thief Fox’s reappearance in Equus (which should have been impossible). He knew he had been wholly wrong though, or else Fox shouldn’t have been here. However, he could brood all he wanted later, for an explanation was in order.
It took just a few minutes of storytelling for them to get the gist of the whole thing. It helped that Eric summarized the whole thing.
“Yeah....and that’s what happened.” With the story-telling done, now came the hard part - is two friends’ reaction. Judging from the look on their faces, their minds had gone off somewhere at the moment.
Dominus’ mind caught up first. “Dude....”Eric braced himself for whatever rant that is to come. “That’s.....so. Cool!”
Honestly Eric didn’t expect that kind of response.
“...what do you mean?” He had an inkling to why.
“What do you mean? Dude, you just told us you literally went to the sea to rescue some stallion off some mangly Tentacruels and gave them a good taste of Thunder! That screams pure coolness. After that, you chased the Phantom Thief Burglars, whoever she is and even though you failed, I wanted to see you guys fight!” Then his expressions dropped. “And I missed all of it...that’s a shame.”
Eric was simply relieved that one wasn’t going to chew him out. “So...I don’t think you’re angry with me then?”
The look of incredulously is placed on Dominus’ face. “You kidding? Eric, dude, I’ll make it simple for us, you guys are a hero. And why would I call you guys that? That’s because you guys went out of your way to fight some Tentacruels for some stallion then you guys tried to fight off some burglars...and fail...that’s beside the point, though...and partly all of that because you guys just screams coolness.” The last part made Dominus shirk back, inwardly hoping that Eric wouldn’t take offense.
It was far from that. “....glad to hear that.”
Though one word keeps replaying in his mind.
Eric knew he was far from being called a hero. No, it was way far from that. “I’m no hero...” He muttered to himself.
Thankfully Dominus hadn’t heard that (and neither did he need to. He heard everything he needed to know.) “Well, Eric, you made a delicious meal as always, dude But I want to get away from grandpa grumpy when he wakes up. Catch up with you guys later. Oh, and I think you broke Dawn, dude. Might wanna do something about that.” The Rufflet waltzed out of there like nothing had happened, jumping down from the table and right out the backdoor.
Eric couldn’t blame the Rufflet, considering how Will ended up, he might wind up more sarcastic than ever. If he even managed to shut his mouth during this time, it would be quite the feat, but unlikely. Eric turned to see Dawn’s slack-jawed expression.
Out of all of this, Dawn remained unresponsive. It is time to bring her mind back into the waking world. “Dawn....”
Dawn couldn’t believe it, all of that happen while she’s back at home? She had to know. “Are you serious? I don’t believe it...Tartarus, I can’t believe it all.” She had seen many things in her life, but this about took the cake.
“...yeah, I’m pretty serious. What I told you is the truth, all of it happened the night before.”
Over the past few days quickly learned that when asked Eric would tell the truth whenever asked. She still had a hard time believing it though. “Let me get this straight. You were spending time at the beach like nothing is wrong, but then some stallion needed help, and then you helped him without any injuries. After that, you saw an infamous thief and saw fit to take her down, but it backfired instead. That brings us to pretty much right now, where the three of you showed up at my doorstep all bruised up.”
“Pretty much.”
It was unbelievable, and would have been if it came from any mouth other than Eric's. Dawn just sighed. “I really, really should have gone out with you guys. Might be able to avoid one or two of those....things.”
“We couldn’t have predicted those....either way, what happens happens. Sometimes there’s just no stopping it.” Eric replied. Silently he hoped that would alleviate her worries now.
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Still unbelievable though.”
One problem out of the way, but it still served to bring up one more: the content of the paper still held within Eric's arm head mouth. Eric knew he had to do it now, otherwise the chance might slip from his grasp. “Dawn....”
“Huh?” Turning to face Eric who called her name, she saw his usual stoic expression. “What?”
“I....need to ask about something...or someone that might live around here?”
“Yeah? Wha...who is it?” Dawn was curious now, whatever it is, Eric is sure seems taking his time. That is a sign that something is wrong.
“....is there someone named High Bits living in Vanhoover?”
That...wasn’t what she’s expecting. “....what?”
“I said, is there someone named High Bits living in Vanhoover?” Eric emphasized on the name, hoping that Dawn would hear him clearly.
“Uh, yeah, a noble by the name of High Bits lives here. I don’t make a habit of gossiping around, though I hear that he’s some hardcore collector of fine art.”
Her answered raised Eric’s eyebrow. “....and where does he live?”
“Uh...just up the hill.” This time, Dawn realizes something worrying.
Eric had just asked for somepony’s address.
It wasn’t everyday that someone would ask about a noble known to be a collector of fine arts, especially if that someone was new to this world. She knew that there was a catch, mainly how did Eric even know the name? This caused her curiosity to well-up to the point of overload. She might not be observant like Eric, but she was observant enough to notice things like this.
Her curiosity won over. “Why did you ask about High Bits?”
The atmosphere tensed as Dawn waited for an answered seems to take forever. It came a few seconds later. “....nothing....nothing that will....inconvenience anyone in particular.”
The Bat Pony is well creeped out by the sudden drop in temperature. “I don’t know why, but that sounded ominous.” She now steeled herself to ask him a question. “Seriously, why did you ask that?” Then it dawned on her. “On second though, you’re up to something, aren’t you?”
Just like that, Dawn had guessed right judging with how Eric sighed. “Trust me....it won’t bother anyone.” Eric answered simply, still feeling one particular object clenched within his arm head mouth.
Dawn raised an eyebrow. “Except maybe High Bits, you mean?”
“Yeah....except maybe High Bits.” That creeped Dawn out again. Everytime he didn’t deny whatever it is she had asked, a shiver went down her spine.
Dawn had learned a thing or two about Eric. One of them was how resolute he could be. “....Eric, what are you trying to do?"
“As I said, Dawn, it don’t bother anyone in particular. Certainly not you, and I wouldn’t think about it at all."
“Look, it’s not that, I don’t want a repeat of last night of you running into something out of your head again. You’re my friend and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Eric couldn’t help, but felt gratitude for her care. Not only she had still extended her house for prolonged stay, but she also help preparing for their daily needs. “I appreciate the concern, Dawn. But this time, you can be sure that I will be careful.”
The white mare sighed followed with her signature head scratch. “There’s no stopping you, is there?”
Eric nodded wordlessly.
“So, straight up....whatever it is you’re going to do, it’s not something I should worry about, am I right?”
“Pretty much....”
“And it won’t bring you back to me in heap, right?” The curtness in her voice could be felt.
That took Eric a few moment to answer, a fact that Dawn had missed. “...no.”
The answer was unsatisfying, but she felt he won’t change his decision anyway. “Okay, okay, okay, just.....” Dawn scratched her head once more. “...try...I mean, try not to hurt yourself, OK? I won’t stop you, but try not to get yourself hurt. The last thing I need is that you’re the one getting hurt next.”
With the conversation ended, Dawn returned to her corner and her sketch. The bat pony wasn’t at all satisfied with their resulting conversation, but she figured it would have to do in order to dissuade what the Pokemon is planning.
Meanwhile, Eric had gone over to the backyard and stared up at the endless blue sky. His mind is now dead set on one thing and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. Now.... all Eric had to do was wait.
Once again on the same day, the night had taken over. It was now near midnight Aas tThe city was as silent as a grave, for nopony in their right mind would wander the streets in the middle of the night. They would either stay within the safety of their homes or somepony else’s to spend the night.
But not all ponies are like that, for some didn’t have those luxuries. Within the two-story mansion up the hill, a pony decided that it wa’s a good time to take a nap instead of guarding the door leading outside like he is supposed to do.
Figuring that this is just another uneventful night, the pony fell asleep. After all, who would be crazy enough to pull off some crazy stunt enough to warrant his attention? Considering nothing had happened these last few nights, even with these new creatures appearing out of the woodwork, it was unlikely
Aknock jolted him from his attempted slumber. “Who is it?” The stallion asked as he was rubbing his blurry eyes. “Storm Cloud? Fire Blaze? That you?”
He stood up and looked at the double door in question with a lens on both doors to see whoever it is on the other side. Unfortunately, whoever it is on the other side had avoided his gaze. Either they have ducked under the door or slinked aside, the stallion was betting on the former.
The sound of silence was the only sound heard, the door watch stallion tensing .
Then more knocks.
The stallion sighed. “Look, I told you a thousand times, use the backdoor for crying out loud. The boss doesn’t appreciate someone coming in the front door at night unless it’s urgent.”
Then another three knocks came, causing the stallion to made a deadpan look. “Hey, I told you guys, use the backdoor already! You can’t come in here in night time using the front door!”
The pony waited for a response from the other side of the door. Ten seconds later whoever it was heard him and decided to enter through the backdoor. He sighed in relaxation just as he attempted to get back to his nap. To his dismay the accursed knock happened again that caused him to grit his teeth.
His head jerked toward the door. “Enough with the knocks already! I told you, use the backdoor. Celestia, are you two deaf?” Then as if by a cue, there was another knock.
Feeling that the pony on the other side of the door wasn listen, he marched over to the door in anger. “I swear, if you ponies decided to bother me for no reason, I’m gonna-” Just as he opened the door outward, what he didn’t expect is that the door swung inward violently, slamming into his snout painfully.
He unleashed a muffled cry as he felt something grab the back of his head and he heard a crack as his head slammed into the mahogany door before going off into dreamland. The attacker revealed himself to be Eric as he floated over the unconscious stallion.
Eric’s eyes stared as he tried to take everything in. Two grand staircases that curved right and left respectively that lead toward the second floor with wooden railing, possibly mahogany. The floor is wooden, but constantly polished judging from how it reflected the light from the crystal chandelier that hung from the ceiling.
But Eric arrived here for a reason, and the reasons doesn’t include being impressed at the decor of the house.
His head jerked to the left as he heard a door knob clicked open. Three white and yellow stallions emerged from the doorway with frantic looks on their faces. “Hey, what’s wrong? We heard some-“ The stallion’s words died in his throat when they saw their friend’s unconscious form.
One thing wass made clear: an intruder is in sight. The stallions bewildered expressions were quickly replaced with scowls. “GET HIM!” All of them went into action and circled the Hydreigon.
The Hydreigon himself quickly got into action. As he heard the sound of galloping hooves coming behind him, he slammed his elbow into a stallion’s neck before finishing by slamming the stallion’s head violently against a glass cabinet, leaving the poor stallion’s head stuck in it. Seeing two hind hooves coming his way to his left, resolving not to make the same mistake a few days earlier, he quickly floated aside and locked the stallion’s left hind leg with his arm before violently flipping him over with a grunt before he felt a sharp blow administered onto his face. The Hydreigon stared at the stallion on the ground in silence...out of nowhere, he suddenly jerked his right elbow backward, revealing a stallion with the-now bloodied snout as the elbow managed to land a hit.
Gripping his muzzle, the stallion cried in pain, the sound muffled by his hoofs gripping it. Before he could do anything else the hydra assailant grabbed his mane and followed up with two sharp blows against his stomach before slamming his head against the hard wooden floor for a good measure.
Floating up the stairs, he witnessed two double doors leading off somewhere. Judging from how stylish it looked from the intricate ornate decoration carved into both doors middle, Eric figured that the door must have lead somewhere important.
“Might as well check it out. Hope it leads me somewhere.”
Just as his head about to turn the knob, he stopped as quickly as he touched it as his mind flashed to remember an unfortunate event in the past “Maybe I should check it out first. Don’t want to repeat the same mistake twice.”
Eric had no intention of repeating it again anytime soon.
Learning from his mistakes last time, he slowly put the side of his head against the door, attempting to listen for any suspicious sounds within. The Brutal Pokémon did this for for a few seconds, but his attempt were fruitless.
He sighed, tension leaving his body. “No one’s in there...” He was proven wrong when he heard hoofsteps that slowly got louder.
It would seems that his caution is founded.
As quickly as he had widened his eyes in realization, he floated backward as the door banged open, revealing a bipedal creature charging toward him. Before Eric could think twice a powerful blow tuck him, expelling the air from his his lungs as he was sent flying painfully into a banister.
“Well, look who it is. The goody-goody savior of the ponies.”
With a groan, he took a good look at whoever it is that had tackled him. His right eyebrow rose upon witnessing a creature he hasn’t seen first hand except in a book until now. “....a minotaur.”
True to word, the one that had tackled him had revealed himself to be a burly, muscular, bipedal, therianthropic ox-like creature that could easily tower over other less manly minotaurs. To Eric’s surprise the minotaur was wearing some kind of suit and a simple white shirt underneath the jacket.
Eric instantly figured what occupation he is. “...you’re a bodyguard.”
“You know.... after seeing you as the first of your strange creatures that’sI’ve never seen before I’ve been thinking of adding you to my ‘wall’. You are a strange hydra, and the same could be said for your tiny dragon friend. Though the weird bubble creature you got there with you....” The minotaur made a gagging sound. “...no, it wouldn’t fit at all at my wall.”
“Shame the boss wouldn’t let me. Too much attention he says. But you? With you coming here, you just fulfilled my wish, A Golden opportunity just fell into my lap.”
”So....what do you say? If you are willing to give yourself in I promise it won’t hurt…...much.” The minotaur spread out his arm in both sides, as if he is willing to follow his promise.
Eric knew better than to take the offer,staring at the minotaur in rage.. Inwardly, he’s disgusted at the implication.
“Oh, don’t play the smart guy on me. I know that you can understand me.” Eric didn’t give him the satisfaction of an answer. “Oh, not in a talking mood, huh? Or are you the strong, silent-type kind of creature?”
To his further amusement, the hydra-like creature still didn’t gave any answer from the main head’s mouth. “Ah, it’s okay, I don’t need you to say anything anyway. Because you’re going to my wall one way or another!” The minotaur smiled that almost threatened to split his face in half while cracking his big knuckles. “Let’s do this!”
With a final crack of his neck the minotaur charged forward with his right hand pulled back.
As soon as he closed the distance, he made a vicious right hook, the strike just barely missing Eric for he had ducked just in time. Before the minotaur could react Eric landed a simple uppercut to the jaw that sent the burly minotaur stumbling back.
He rubbed his jaw where the uppercut had land a hit on him sneering in satisfaction. “Good. It looks like you weren’t so helpless after all. I...don’t like helpless prey, they all make it waaaay too easy for me.”
Realizing the implication, Eric resisted the urge to shudder. “This guy...he’s sick. It seems he has a sadistic streak from the way he talks. I doubt he would even follow up with his promise.” Eric pursed his lips.
“Try to make this a little bit more interesting for me, yeah? It would be bad for you to go down a little too early.” He flexed his muscle a few times as he prepared himself once more.
That act didn’t go unnoticed by Eric. ”From the looks of things, it looks like this minotaur packs the punch of a Slaking. Or maybe he’s high on steroids. Either way, I need to be more careful with this guy or else I could end up in this minotaur’s....’collection’.”
His thoughts were cut off when the minotaur charged. Eric’s reflexes quickly went into play as a right hook answered the charge sending the minotaur back. “You’re good,” the minotaur spat out, “But not good enough!”
Eric shielded himself with his arm just in time to receive a haymaker, the force of the blow reverberating through his arm. For a moment Eric wondered what would have happened if that kind of blow was against him when he was still human..
For now Eric shifted from offense to defense, dodging several of the guard’s punches just in time.. He quickly retaliated when he parried a straight punch, slamming his arm into his face and stomach before the minotaur’s face is introduced into the banister.
Eric had expected the minotaur to be knocked out by that, but he was wrong. AN elbow shoot into his stomach, the air in their lungs escaping as a silent scream. Luckily was able to lean backward to avoid a reverse roundhouse kick. The minotaur took his stance once more, and he went at it again.
From what Eric could see, the minotaur tried - and failed - to become a martial arts master. His kicks were uncoordinated and he could feel the strength of each blow that he blocked were not as strong whencompared to a punch. Eric was able to lean backward with each sloppy roundhouse kick, but his escape route was cut off when his back hit the door.
“Not now!” He muttered in annoyance.
With his target having nowhere to run, the minotaur grinned knowing the fight would be over in his favor. The Hydreigon had other plans, charging head on and unleashing a brutal uppercut into the minotaur’s stomach that sent him crashing into the doors .
Not wanting to make wrong assumptions again , Eric floated backward toward the railing, allowing the minotaur time to catch his bearings.
The bodyguard leaned against the door and glanced over his shoulder toward the waiting Hydreigon, this intruder proving that victory would not be simply given to him.
Out of rage, he glanced over at the three-headed hydra before hunching over. Eric prepared himself on whatever the minotaur is going to do. “HRAAAH!” What the Hydreigon didn’t expect was for the the minotaur to charge at him, spreading both arms out to both sides.
Befor Eric coudl react the minatoru grabed him into a bear hug and tightened his grip. Eric cried helplessly as he was literally carried by the minotaur against his will. He suddenly heard the sound of wood being splintered before breaking, sending both falling toward the awaiting hard wooden floor.
The Hydreigon braced himself for the feeling of pain to come. That pain came a lot sooner than he expected as the height difference between both floors weren’t that far.Coupled with the added weight on top of him, the landing has made a number on his back.
Groaning painfully Eric tried to wriggle his arm free from the minotaur death hug whose face is buried in his stomach. “Damn, this guy is heavy!” He cursed under his breath. “...at least...I think...he’s...knocked out.”
He was wrong once more when the arms around him twitched and resumed their work in restraining him. “You’re still awake? You sure are resilient.” The minotaur taunted, glaring at bemused face with amusement. . ”Good. I like resilient!”
“Crap!”
The minotaur gritted his teeth as his prey attempted to wriggle free from his vice-like grip. “Be quiet and stay still!” The burly minotaur pulled his right arm back and punched Eric across the face, the force of the blow causing him to spit out some blood.
Eric still tried to wriggle free as two more blows came into his face. Then a familiar urge came, his eyes widened upon instantly realizing the prospect of knowing what would happen. “No, I can’t....it’ll kill him!” The urge had become stronger. The minotaur pulled back his arm again for another blow.
“I can’t! Not again!”
In a last ditch effort to save himself from his dark desire, Eric lunged his head into the Minotaur. The strike hit the minotaur’s face on the snout, whom reflexively loosened his deathgrip.
That served as an opportunity to punch the minotaur aside.Quickly from freeing himself, Eric quickly floated up and away from the downed minotaur.
The minotaur glared at Eric with undying fury in his eyes. “Why you little....” Grinning, he quickly armed himself with a splintered piece of wood before charging at Eric with murderous intent.
Eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as the minotaur took a swing., Thinking fast Eric leaned back to dodge, the improvised weapon barely missing him. The next thing Eric was dodging a hurricane of swings, dodging and leaning in all directions to keep the weapon out of his personal space bubble.
“Sit still, you little freak!” Unexpectedly, the Hydreigon did exactly that, floating backwards before staying still. Seeing the chance, he attempted to punch the wood straight into his foe’sthroat.
The strike never met it’s mark as Eric quickly parried the strike followed by this other arm head grabbing the minotaur’s trusting arm. Before the minotaur could think of a way to counter Eric released his grip to quicky send two jabs into his stomach. .
The guard was then struck by an elbow slamming into his arm with a sickening crack.
A scream that could rival the Royal Canterlot Voice burst from the minotaur's throat, the wooden shard finally falling from his iron grip. Before the weapon could land on the ground a waiting arm head grabbed it and gave the weapon an new owner. . The makeshift weapon finally fell from his grip, only to be grabbed by a waiting arm head.
The last words the minotaur heard was “Shut up!” just as the blunt end of the wood slammed into the back of the bodyguard’s head.
Eric quickly let go just as the broken arm in his grip went limp and it’s owner fell to the ground face first, causing another crack to be heard. Heavy breathing could be heard echoing throughout the suddenly silent foyer of the mansion as Eric floated all by his lonesome, staring at the minotaur downed form.
As soon as his breathless lungs has been filled again, he quickly floated over the minotaur to head up toward the second floor once more. He would have until he stopped dead in his tracks and glanced at the minotaur unmoving form.
Staring at the minotaur, he tensed up, expecting him to rise up again like some demented cockroach. Fortunately the burly male didn’t rise up like he had expected. “....... Just in case.”Eric attempted to kick kick the minotaur to make sure, before suddenly realizing he now lacked legs.. “Dammit. I really need to get used to my new body.”
Even after starting to get used to a newer fighting style that only utilizes only punches and arms, Eric still acted like he was still a human when it came to movement.
Still aware of the piece of wood held/bitten in his right arm head. He knew what he could do with it. “Probably the only thing I could do without legs.” Twirling it around, he flung the blunt end of the wood as hard as he could into the minotaur’s head. He could hear the sound of skull being struck by something hard and waited for any indication that he is still conscious.
As soon as he was sure the minotaur really was out, Eric floated down nearly to the minotaur’s level and put his right arm head underneath his jaw. Feeling the soft beat against the skin, he sighed with relief. “He’s still alive, good for him.” Out of goodness of his heart, he grabbed the arm that he had broken the moment before before sharply fixed it back into place with a crack. “Sorry for that, but you left me with no other choice.”
After checking the pulse, he floated straight again. “And if he were still conscious after that blow....he wouldn’t be now.” Eric mumbled with weariness in his tone before floating away toward the staircase. Taking one last look toward the carnage he had caused, he floated up back the stairs.
Meanwhile, a pony with a coat of magenta and a blood red mane paced back and forth in his office. A few minutes ago he only got a glimpse of the intruder, but his bodyguard’s over muscled body got in the way before the door closed, preventing him from identifying the intruder. . Then, from out of nowhere, a bang against the door could be heard followed by the voice of his bodyguard screaming just a moment ago.
It was obvious who won the fight. It should have been easy...what in Tartarus is taking him so long. “Hey, Clarence, you done out there?” He waited for a few moment, no answer came. “Clarence? Answer me, you fool!”
Anxiety overrode common sense as he strode toward the door, but still sensible enough not to open the door immediately. Instead, he put his ear against the door. Without warning, the door opened inward knocking him down, revealing the object of his nightmares.Terror seized his being, and he scrambled backward as fast as he could, but it was no good as his back hit the desk of his office.
“What....who are you!? Clarence!” He called out toward his bodyguard frantically as the Hydreigon menacingly advanced toward him. “Clarence! Clarence! For Celestia sake, help me!”
Clarence’s failure to answer served as Clarence’s answer, and the feeling’s of feat amplified within the stallion. . It was just him and the three-headed hydra. “No...no, please...”
Two arm heads quickly seized the collar of his suit before he felt being lifted up. The glare that the Hydreigon made could burn through steel. “Please...please, don’t hurt me!”
The reaction made the Hydreigon pause, and he let go of his victim, dropping him to the floor in heap. “..dreigon...”
The stallion didn’t expect the hydra to just release him like that, but he felt relieved. That relief quickly turned to nothingness when the Pokémon spoke. “...Hydreigon...”
On cue, another Pokémon unknown to him floated in, this one was covered in bandages around the mid-section and the right arm in a sling.
The grin that the bubbly thing gave off was unnerving. He glanced right to his fellow Pokémon. “Will, did you do it?”
“Of course,” Will give off his signature grin once more. “Lucky for them, I had the courtesy to fix the abnormality within their minds.They’ll have a nice experience of grogginess in the morning.”
He nodded, it is time. ”Then you know what to do.”
The stallion noticed that they’ve been staring at each other for nearly a minute. Figuring that it’s the best chance to slip, he tried to slink around them unseen. His efforts are in vain, as his body suddenly seized up.
The Reuniclus just made a sideway glance at the stallion as his body glowed blue. ”And where do you think you’re going? Bad stallion, mommy should teach you how to not escape while adults are talking. Now will be a good opportunity to teach you a lesson or two in manners.”
The stallion didn’t understand how the pokemon could speak his language now, nor did he need to. That terrified him even more.“Wha....what kind of freaks are you!?” The stallion exclaimed in alarm,
Before he could react, the bubbly creature thrust his left arm forward. The stailion then felt like his life was flashing before his eyes like in a near death experience knowing he was certainly not dying at the moment. Every single thing that had happened tonight and the day before flashed before his eyes. From receiving the news that the shipment had been lost, finding out that the captain of the barge where his shipment was in had been hospitalized, and an intruder that have found it’s way to his estate.
It finished almost as soon as it is started, ending with him slumping even further from the wake of the mental assault. “....who-” He didn’t finish his sentence as a head rammed against his cheek, cutting him off from the waking world.
Will whistled. “Nicely done, Eric. Try it on a rock next time, I’m sure it would love to be kissed by your fist. Oh wait, it’s a head this time.”
The Hydreigon ignored the sarcasm entirely, his eyes still glued to the stallion’s face as he expected him to jump up like some madpony would. But then, another immediate problem drew his attention, mainly the spot in front of the desk where the stallion had leaned his back onto when he backpedaled away from him.
It came loose.
His curiosity got the better of him once more as he shoved the stallion to the side and allowed the loose piece of the table to came off. The contents inside revealed itself to be nothing more than plain black book, which wouldn’t look important unless it is to be found on top of the table. All in all, it just screams importance when found in a secret panel like this.
Eric gingerly took it and shoved it at his companion. “Will, hold on to this.”
“Oh, what is this? Looks like the stallion is smart enough kept some interesting secrets out of the reaches of henchman’s mischievous hooves. The naughty stallion deserved a commendation.“ He turned the book all around, attempting to take the shape into mind.
“We’ll check on that later, for now, what have you got from his head?”
“What, no thank you for my help? Really, I’m insulted.“ Eric raised an eyebrow as a reply. “I’d say it’s a good night to store something within the cold and damp basement. Who says it’s a bright idea to store things in a damp place anyway? Must be lacking brain cells, that’s something new.”
Ignoring his sarcasm, Eric turned toward the door. “....Will, watch him and everyone else. I’m going downstairs to check on the basement you mentioned.”
The Reuniclus just shrugged. “Good idea, they’ll probably wake up and try to whack me.”
Once again, the Hydreigon gave no reply as he exited the room through the open doors
Eric stared at the door in question. His right arm head went over toward the door knob, clutching it before opening the door with a click.
Slowly, he opened it,tensing his limbs for any immediate attack. Instead, only silence and darkness greeted him on the other side, with staircase going down.
“If what Will said about the information is correct, it should be down here….” Staring into the darkness,Eric shrugged internally before floating inside.
As Eric floated into the darkness,he squinted his eyes in an attempt to get used to the darkness of it, yet it yielded no results. Seeing it has no use whatsoever, he felt the wall to his right as he went down the stairs.
He felt that his right arm head left the feeling of brushing the wall as he goes. “It looks like I reached the basement. If this house follows up the structure of any basement should have some kind of light switch. I just have to find it and switch it on.” He muttered as he felt the wall that turned the corner as soon as he hit the basement.
After a few seconds of feeling his way toward any switch, he found some kind of bump on the wall. “....looks like I found it.” Immediately, he clicked it on and the Hydreigon widened his eyes to almost dinner-plate sized as a glowing chair came at his face.
“DIE MONSTER!”
With reflexes to spare, he put up both arms and felt the force of the wooden chair shattering against it with the force of the blow sending him onto his back.
Seeing the opportunity, the unicorn stallion went in for the final blow and charged like a mule with his horn pointed forward in an attempt to pierce the three-headed monster.
“I’m not going to repeat the same mistake again!” Eric floated back up as quickly as possible, but it was too late, the stallion is already upon him.
The stallion charged blindly into the assumed position of his prey. Judging from the distance, he felt odd that he had continued his charge instead of the feeling of bumping into something. He didn’t have any chance to find out when an arm locked around his neck.
The next thing the stallion knew, his body made contact with something hard, it shattered upon impact, it spilled whatever contents is inside. Before he could get back onto his four hooves, he felt something bit down on his mane. That is the last feeling he had before he could hear the crack of his own skull being slammed into the concrete floor.
Eric breathed heavily as he stared at the stallion whose mane is in the mouth of his right arm head. Noticing the limpness of the stallion, he let go of the mane.
“Son of a...how could I be so careless? Of course, they would have a guard in here.” Eric made an annoyed grunt as he took in the sight of the basement.
It’s just like what your typical basement would, only it would have been bare, except that there are crates, crates and one crates after another.
“Eh?” The voice brought Eric head swiveling over his shoulder to see the Reuniclus had found his way into the basement, with the book from earlier still in his Psychic grasp. “Looks like I missed a party again, I sure would love to be in one. What’s with you leaving me out of parties tonight?”
Instead of answering his sarcastic question, he motioned for Will to come over. “Will, take a look at him. Make sure he won’t remember us.”
“Yes, sir.” Will saluted sarcastically then he thrust his left arm forward toward the downed stallion. He is helpless as the memory he had of the Hydreigon assailant is edited. “Done, should be nice hangover he’ll experience in the morning.”
Nodding, Eric called for him. “Will, come over here. I need to check on something.” He would want to see.
“Something good enough for me to see? Oh, boy.” He floated over to Eric and stood beside him. He quickly found out what made Eric distressed earlier. “Nice collection they got going here.” Will nodded sarcastically.
“I’ve seen enough to know.” Eric nodded grimly, finding out that the information was correct didn’t sit well with him. “High Bits is smuggling illegal artifacts into the country and out, mainly...pieces of history that should have found themselves in museums.”
“Big surprise, as if magical pony land is any different with earth. I will kneel and beg for forgiveness if I am proven wrong.” Will offhandedly said.
The evidence is damning, from the contents of the broken crate to everything else that Eric and Will checked inside the crate that they had pried open. Everything contain massive amount of artifacts that have found it’s way here. Statues, idols, paintings, scrolls, medieval weapons, none were spared. All of them are illegal. It wasn’t art as Dawn mentioned, it was all illegal artifacts.
Eric didn’t need more evidence, he had enough. “We have all we need, let’s get out of here.” Without another word, Eric floated toward and up the stairs.
“Looks like happy time is over, eh?” The Reuniclus grinned as he followed his trainer up the stairs.
Soon, they found themselves floating away from the ransacked mansion. Even the guards outside weren’t spared from Eric’s fist or Will’s memory alteration ability. They wouldn’t remember anything regarding whoever hurt them. Every scene, every detail, they would remember, but the one who did this to them? It would came up blank.
Both stopped at the road leading down the hill toward the suburbs. Noticing the ominous black cloud above, Eric had made another decision. “Alright, here’s what we’re going to do. I’m going to head to the police station, while you go back to Dawn’s house, Will.”
The sound of insects could be heard when everything went silent. Will’s sarcasm mode tore through it. “Anymore brilliant ideas you’re going to share with me? Seriously, at times I think you’re trying to make me into dead meat whenever Sally decides to ask me, ‘oh, where is Eric, my dear friend Will’.” The Reuniclus grinned complete with a faux imitation of Sally’s voice. “Sure, let’s try that, but what makes you think that I will leet you out of my sight this time? Like I said, I will cry mommy and sell you out to Sally if she asks.”
As much as Eric wanted to rub his head, he resisted the urge to do so. “....The fact that you’re still recovering from the fight with the thief is proof enough that you need some rest. I’m fine and uninjured, so I can handle things from here. The night is taxing enough as it is, not to mention that it will probably rain soon.”
Now, it was Will’s turn to resist the urge to facepalm. “Dawn’s right you know. You can be so observant at times that is it nice to point out everything you’ve seen? Impressive if you ask me.”
“Will....” Eric was in no mood to deal with his sarcasm right now, he made it clear through his tone.
And Will noticed enough to know. He scoffed. “Sure, whatever. Try to think of a more good plan next time with that impressive brain of yours.” Unfortunately, his trainer didn’t dignify him with an answer.
The Reuniclus took that as a sign to follow his trainer’s wishes. “Come back soon. Try not to start anymore parties, everyone is trying to sleep.” Will waved before floating down the hill, book in tow.
As soon as Will is out of his sight, he brought the crumpled up paper up to his face again. As soon as any sign of abnormalities isn’t evident, he floated down the road, toward the police station.
Soon, he stopped dead at the police station that was located in the suburbs. It wasn’t hard to locate it, considering it’s bigger than the other buildings around it. It was smaller than the one found in downtown district, but Eric knew that this will serve his purpose.
Getting close to the closed up door, he took one last glance toward the paper before he smoothed it out. After that is done, he floated as low as he could and slipped the paper inside. The evidence they needed to finish this is now in their hands.
Knowing that the cops...or guards or whatever they got going as a police force would do the rest, he left the area.
The ominous black clouds that had gathered had began rumble with lightning. Eric looked up at the sky, frowning. “...looks like rain is coming.” He knew that will happen, yet he didn’t make any attempt to pick up the pace.
And it did, the sky began to unleash it’s payload of tears into the city. First from simple drizzle, then to outright heavy rains.
If one were to be caught in a rain, they would immediately scramble for any form of cover over the splashing water. This doesn’t happen to Eric. instead of running for cover over his head, he slowly tilted his head to look upward toward the black clouds that had gathered, casting shadow over the city in the already dark night.
Eric closed his eyes as he tilted his head to look up toward the dark skies. Rainwater running down his face as if it carries the burden that he had endured for years. The Hydreigon opened his eyes again, reality can be so harsh at times, this one isn’t any different.
“How fitting for rain to come right now.” He muttered, just as a bolt of lightning in the distance brightened the darkness for a moment. “.....everything has gotten worse before. The next thing I know that it will happen either way.”
Shaking his head with a sigh, Eric floated down the street, not paying any heed to his drenched form.
The streets are barren of ponies, not even hair nor hide of Pokémon can be seen. That is not uncommon, since nopony would wander around looking to be mugged at this time of night or willing to drench themselves in rainwater. That served the Hydreigon just fine. He just wanted to go home as soon as possible.
The former human reached the block where Dawn lived, the suburbs. It wasn’t that long considering that High Bits house was just up the hill.
Dawn’s home was within sight following a few minutes of rainwater. Silently, he floated forward.
His vision becoming clearer and clearer as his destination became larger. There didn’t seem to be anything out of place, except for one little thing. “Hmmm?” With narrowed eyes. They soon became wide the moment he laid eyes upon whoever it is that had taken shade beneath a tree in Dawn’s front yard.
Out of the things that he expected to happens next, which were all unpleasant, this was not on the list. His eyes lay on a familiar friend, another one that he hadn’t seen since all of this had started. It’s a moth, a Volcarona to be precise.
Eric couldn’t help, but make sure. “....hey, are you-“ That went south fast, the moment the Volcarona heard the voice, he quickly flew as fast as those bug wings could carry him and slinked behind the tree.
The Volcarona peeked his head to the left of the trunk, eyes wide with fear. “P-please, uhm, I don’t want any trouble, Mr. Hydreigon.” The moth said softly, not wanting to offend the Hydreigon.
The Hydreigon had to prevent himself from rubbing his head. It seemed clear to him now that he had found one of his friend. “...same behaviour. It has to be him.” He muttered, unheard by the timid Volcarona. “Will, must’ve missed him, or Alex just recently arrived.”
He shook his head to get rid of such thoughts. Brooding can wait until later, for now he need to convince the Volcarona. “....Alex, I-“ The fact that the Hydreigon knew his name didn’t serve to curb his worries, instead, he slinked more behind the tree.
“...I wonder if everyone else is going to act like this.” The Hydreigon muttered in annoyance. “Helen, won’t, but everyone else...I have to wonder about that, but later.”
It seems he has no choice, but to unleash his secret knowledge. “....I was in Reversal Mountain. When I was eating, I carelessly left my bag open beside a rock. When I went to get my bag I found someone who was happily munching my supply of poffins. turns out to be a Larvesta. Knowing that Larvesta live within volcanic region, I saw an opportunity, and I decided to unleash an Archeops to catch that Larvesta. But as it turns out, he was smarter than I expected as he cleverly used the mountain’s holes and maze-like structure to lose us. After a little bit of dirt here and there, we managed to catch the moth, which I immediately let out of the Pokéball so I could introduce myself and nickname him....Alexander.”
It didn’t take long for a dawn of realization flashes before the Sun Pokémons eyes. Could it be? Is it really who he thought it is? “....Eric....is it really you?“ It was unbelievable, but if what the Volcarona heard correctly three days ago, there are many former humans that have ended up as a Pokémon.
Eric nodded curtly. “It’s me, Alexander. Or should I say...Alex....” That serve as the catalyst to the Volcarona since he knew that a few people uses human sounding nickname. If that wasn’t enough, the familiar voice would serve to ram the final blow.
Eric didn’t expect a blur to ram into his chest, but he still stood straight, thankfully. “Eric!” The Hydreigon didn’t resist as the Volcarona rested against his chest. The warmth of the Sun Pokémon is felt even within the dead of the rain.
“Eric...” The Volcarona sobbed into his chest. Relieved that he could finally have someone close offer him comfort that he had dearly missed. “I’m so glad, you’re alright.”
The bug could feel a comforting pat on his back. “....it’s okay, Alex, it’s okay.” It was strangely comforting, but he accepted the feeling.
“It seems....things didn’t get worse. I can be wrong at times.” The rare smile had tugged his lips once more, more than happy that Alex is back with him.
But comforting thoughts can wait for later, since now he had another companion return to him. “Let’s go, Alex.”
Alex looked up at his trainer with curious eyes that could be found on a child. “Uhm, to where?” The moth asked softly.
“....where the others are.....home...” Without another word, Eric clutched Alex to his chest as he floated down the path with Dawn’s home in mind.
For some reason.....his body overflowed with a feeling of peace.
Play this as closing theme
