Arcane Explorers: An Eeveelution Story

Chapter XIV

[Carbon POV]

The fallen leaves occasionally crunched under our paws as we walked through the woods. It was mostly quiet, there didn't seem to be many mons still living out here. I mostly stayed silent as I walked, taking a quick glance at the map every few moments. Lipo and Aconi seemed to occasionally make brief conversation, but I didn't pay too much attention to what they were talking about. From what the map showed, it would be a while before we reached the area that Topaz had circled. I was conflicted about whether I felt happy or sad about that. It gave me time to think, and properly process all that had happened within the last couple days, but it also meant that it would take longer for my sister to get proper treatment. I dove deep into my thoughts as I pushed my inner conflict aside. It had been a long time since I'd gotten to properly go through my thoughts.

I thought about Lipo, and how I was concerned that there was more to him behind the friendly mask. I thought about Breeze, and how disappointed I'd been when he decided to stay back home. I thought about Anion, and the fear that came with his presence. I thought about my sister, and how worried I was about her condition. But mostly, I thought about myself. I've been a little overprotective recently, specifically towards my sister. It wasn't something I'd picked up on until we were reunited at the inn. I felt bad about it, but I wasn't sure what to do. I shook my head as I continued through the woods.

. . .

I nervously looked around. I was all alone now, completely lost. It had begun to get dark out, and I'd managed to lose Aconi and Lipo. The forest was completely silent. I slowly and nervously padded through the woods. Everyone knows that the dark types come out at night to hunt. Despite what I like to think, I'm not strong enough to fend off a small pack of hunters. I was worried much more for the others than I was for myself, but that still didn't calm me down. Suddenly, my ears twitched. I didn't hear anything. I stopped moving, and listened. Crunch. I froze. I looked in the direction of the noise. I didn't see anything, but I could still hear someone approaching. Everything suddenly went silent again. I waited a few moments, and heard a claw scrape on a tree behind me. I turned around to face the tree. The dark silhouette of a head was peeking out from behind the tree. Two amaranth eyes stared back at me. A feminine voice came from the mon. "Y'know, it's a bit dangerous to be wandering around in the middle of the woods at night. Especially if you're alone." I spoke up. "I-i'm lost. I was with my sister and her friend... we were looking for a special healer we'd been told about, and I lost them..."

She was silent for a few moments before responding. "I see... I might be able to help you out. I know this forest very well, so I should be able to find them. Though, I think I'd like to have you wait in my home. It's a bit dangerous out here, and I can tell you're in no shape to fight." I nervously nodded. "But... I want to go." She shook her head. "No, I can't let you do that. I don't want you to get hurt out here, especially if it can be avoided." I sighed. "Fine..." She turned around and began walking away. "Follow me." I nervously followed after her. I could barely see her, but it was enough for me to not get lost. "So... what's your name?" It took me a moment to process the sudden question. "... Carbon." I could see a light far in the distance. "Carbon... can't say I've heard that one before. The name's Artemis, I help out a group of mons that protect wanderers from the dark type hunters that live in these woods." 'That's a fancy name.' "Oh, that's cool. Dark types are scary..." She giggled. "What? Did I say something?" I could vaguely make out her shaking her head. "Nope, nothing at all!"

The light was much closer now. There appeared to be a small shed-like structure, mainly made of wood, like a small cabin. We walked up to the cabin and she opened the front door. She didn't go inside. "Head on in, I'll be back." I turned to face her, thinking that maybe the light would help me see her better. All I saw was the tip of a black-furred tail disappearing into the darkness. I sighed before turning back, and heading inside. I closed the door behind me and looked around. There wasn't much, just a couple beds, some cabinets, and a food shelf. I walked over to a small couch in the corner and sat down. All I could do was just sit there and hope that Artemis found the others...

—--------

A/N

Hey! I'm actually in school right now. I typed most of this up in my first period, which is basically a study hall, but the last 2 paragraphs I finished up in 2nd period P.E. Heading to homeroom next at 10:32. I likely won't finish the next chapter for a couple weeks since finals week is next week. But winter break starts right after that, so maybe I'll manage to finish it then. I've been throwing around the idea of a potential comic version of this story, though I've gotta make some ref sheets first. I'm not good enough to draw it, so I might see if I can work with a close friend of mine to get it started. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

-Volt

(12/4/23, 10:30, -5 GMT)