Safe Haven

Ask Him While You Can

Reina immediately began to walk over to Erin. He turned to face her, smiling as he noticed her approaching. She now stood with him, both of them waiting in the main area of the Guild while other recruits ran to the dining hall.

"Hey! Wanna go get breakfast?" Erin asked curiously. Reina nodded. She was starved, not having eaten enough at dinner last night.

"That'd be nice," Reina replied honestly, and immediately her stomach rumbled. She looked away, embarrassed. Erin chuckled, still smiling at her.

"Let's get going, then?" He replied with a curious tone, swaying his tail playfully as he began to walk to the dining hall. Reina laughed and followed suit, walking side by side with the eevee.

-

About an hour ago, Reina and Erin had left breakfast to continue the tour and occupy their free time. They visited the training dojo, and Erin was pleased to see that it was open this time.

Reina paused as Erin spoke with a marowak, and she assumed that they must be catching up with one another. She smiled at their interaction, zoning out as she stared in their direction.

"Anyway, I'm glad you decided to stop by! And tell your eevee friend that they're welcome here anytime." The marowak said, grinning at Reina. She jumped, suddenly realizing attention was on her. She felt a bit awkward, having not fully been paying attention.

"She heard. We'll be sure to stop by!" Erin said, reassuring him. Reina walked with Erin as he headed for the door, and her excitement went to her paws as she walked faster toward their next destination.

Reina walked giddily along the stone path which they followed, and Erin found himself following Reina, instead. He smiled lightly at her eagerness, happy to see her so joyous.

"So!" Erin began, looking forward, "The next stop is Xatu's. It should be right over..." he paused, pointing his right paw to their left, which Reina observed. She nodded and continued walking, Erin following close behind.

Reina let Erin take the lead as they approached a tent, the sculpted head of a xatu plastered on top of it. In front of the tent was a mat, rocks dividing the customer and xatu, as well as two tree stumps on either side. Reina gaped at the handiwork of the xatu sculpture, impressed by its level of detail. Most shops in Treasure Town had beautiful work above their stalls, she noticed.

Reina waited as Erin spoke to the xatu, smiling and chatting away. The xatu turned its eyes and met hers. She felt a weird creeping sensation approach her.

"Who is this?" The xatu asked, still peering at Reina. Erin paused, looking to where the xatu was. He smiled when he saw Reina.

"This is Reina! We're friends." Erin explained, laughing a little. The xatu still stared at Reina, making her feel nervous.

"Ah, I was wondering why they were just standing there." He explains, "I see now." He said. "Well, this is my shop. Find chests in dungeons and take them here to have them opened." He said finally, turning away from the two Pokémon and waddling back into his tent. Erin looked at her, a smile still on his face.

"Don't mind him. He's just an awkward guy, doesn't mean anything by it." Erin explains. Reina nods in understanding.

"I get it," Reina replies honestly. She stops with Erin as they meet a diverging part of the path, looking at him in curiosity. "Where should we go next?" She asks him. He looks up as he ponders his answer.

"Well, I think we've covered everything important in Treasure Town," Erin replies before his eyes light up and he turns back to face her, "Actually, we should visit the beach!" He exclaims, grinning widely. Reina lights up, filled with excitement.

-

Reina steps foot into the sand, paws brimming with wonder. She had never been to the beach before, but it was always on her list of places to go. And now she lived right by one!

The waves crashed onto the shore, slowing as they receded into the ocean's depths. Bubbles were blown into the air by krabby, lighting up the atmosphere in front of the beautiful blue sky. She stared at the water as she walked, in awe of how it sparkled against the sunlight.

"How often do you come here?" Reina asked curiosity in her voice. Her mouth was agape, still in a state of wonder from the view. Erin looked to her, now still as they had stopped walking. He sat down, paws pressed into the grainy sand.

"I visit when I can. It's nice to clear the head, you know? And when you're lucky like we are now, no one else is here." Erin explained, looking onto the horizon. He seemed to get lost in the view, and she found herself doing so as well.

"That's nice. I'd never been to the beach before, but I've always wanted to go. So now, I get the chance." Reina said, voice wavering. She looked to Erin, his brown fur complemented by the cool blue sky, bubbles behind him sparkling like glitter as they popped. She found herself staring, before turning away, face warm. She peeked back to him as he looked over to her, tilting his head in playful confusion.

"What's up with you?" Erin asked lightheartedly, swiping his paw at her side. Reina still felt the warmth on her face, but she looked back to face him. She felt very light, like the bubbles above them.

"Oh, nothing..." Reina replied nervously, tucking her paws in, "I do have a question for you, though." She said, turning her body to face Erin. Now he looked really confused. She smiled.

"How do you feel about..." Reina paused, looking up to fully face him, pushing her nervousness aside, "Starting an exploration team with me?" She finished, looking into his eyes. She faced him now with an expression of full confidence. He smiled his usual smile.

"Of course, I'll start an exploration team with you, silly," Erin replied.