Lambency (Ingo x Reader)

31. New Friends

You are under the uncanny impression of being followed since this morning.

It all started with Sneasel's strange behaviour - you have seen his ears twitch several times and caught sight of him waiting by the door.

At first, you had thought that it could be children or Rhyhorn circling around your hut out of curiosity, but when you had looked outside, there was no one to be seen.

As Sneasel does not seem too worried about it, you tell yourself that it is only a figment of your imagination.

"I ought to give my thanks to Mistress Tulsi for cleaning my uniform so swiftly. I'm impressed she succesfully removed all the stains from my coat...", Ingo speaks up from the corner of the room.

Lost in thoughts, you do not reply to him as you are oblivious to the fact he is talking to you.

"What's the matter, (Name)?", asks Ingo after noticing your absent-minded state.

"Hum-hum. Sorry, Ingo, I just spaced out a little here."

"I'd be more than happy to listen to your worries or grievances..."

"It's nothing of the sort, I was just wool-gathering...", you reassure him. "Thanks for your concern, though."

"In that case, shall we go out and train together?"

"Sneasel and I would love to! But how's your wound?"

"Smarting, but I'm fine overall, and I can use my other arm. Furthermore, I'm positive it would do me good to go and stretch my legs a bit."

"Okay! We're in! But before that, I need to talk to Adaman. He really insisted on showing me something."

"Very well. Let us walk to his place, then. Ready for departure! Mind your step, all aboard!"

Sneasel laughs at Ingo's funny tone of voice, but the warden does not seem to mind. Despite the absence of a smile on his face, Ingo appears to be very excited about the idea of going out and training with you.

He must be looking forward to going back to work and to resuming his routine. Moreover, he has previously mentioned to you that Commander Kamado and Captain Zisu are waiting for him.

Although you understand his feelings, you would rather not think about the prospect of your separation. You attempt to find solace in the idea that Ingo's presence in Jubilife Village would give you a valid excuse to travel regularly and visit him. You even plan on discussing with Adaman about job opportunities at the Diamond Clan, and whether he is able to offer you a position facilitating exchanges between the Crimson Mirelands and Team Galaxy's settlement.

Besides, the more you move, the more chances you get to investigate space-time distortions and figure out a way to go back to Unova. Perhaps Ingo could drop by whenever he travels to or from the Coronet Highlands...

You hope that Adaman will remember the words he pronounced in Jubilife Village, about giving you the freedom to choose the life you want to lead.

"We've arrived at our destination!", declares Ingo, drawing you out of your ruminations.

You inhale and knock at Adaman's door with determination, but no one answers.

"If you're looking for the boss, he's currently at Aibika's!", someone speaks up next to you.

"Hi, Thym and Rhyhorn!", you greet them.

"Good morning, Mister Thym! I trust you are well?", Ingo civilly tilts his hat.

"Hello! Yes, we're fine! And Aibika's feeling better, too!"

"That's a relief!"

"Yeah! Adaman should be back in one hour! By the way, how are you, Warden Ingo? You gave us quite the scare, yesterday!"