Lambency (Ingo x Reader)

40. ... Which Reason knows Nothing of

"The path you take as you climb to greater heights is much like a journey by train. Everything you see along the way is new and exciting!", Ingo tells Machoke and Gligar, who are respectfully listening to their Wielder in spite of the fact they do not understand what he is saying.

Rather, they are under the impression that their Wielder is talking to himself.

A white breath comes out of their mouth as they ascent the barren mountain path with effort.

"What's more, I believe that supporting people on their way to greater heights is also part of my job! Miss Irida has sympathetically recommended me to her clan and persuaded them to entrust me with the role of Warden to our Noble Sneasler, for which I'm immensely grateful and proud. Now, it is my turn to demonstrate my unwavering support to her and to prove to the Pearl Clan that I'm worthy of her praise. By fulfilling my role to perfection, they'll acknowledge her as a sage and dependable leader in the future! I musn't disappoint her!"

As he speaks, he appreciatively touches the bracelet on his wrist that he has received from the elders of the Pearl Clan, a symbol of his new title.

The three of them eventually stop near a cliff located at the highest point of Cloudcap Pass.

Mount Coronet, adorned in a long white mantle, is still far from their reach.

It does not matter.

It is not their final destination.

"Let us take a short respite, gentlemen, before we investigate the place from top to bottom.", he instructs.

Reportedly, an Alpha Electivire has been causing havoc in the area at the front of the Stone Portal, preventing the members of the Pearl and Diamond Clans to reach the Temple of Sinnoh.

Ingo carefully steps forward to the edge of the cliff, mindful not to trip and slip because of the snow, and looks down. The whole of the Coronet Highlands, seemingly infinite, stretches out beneath his feet.

"What a magnificent view!", he exclaims with wonder, readjusting his hat.

However, his shout prompts Machoke and Gligar to utter a cry of alert and to pull him back without restraint.

Stupefied, Ingo blinks incredulously at first before realising what has transpired.

"... Thank you very much, my friends. However, you may let go of me now. My systems are fully operational, there's no cause for alarm.", he assures.

Gligar hisses at him and Machoke refuses to loosen his grip.

"... It won't happen again.", his voice is expressionless and his eyes are dull.

Notwithstanding Ingo's words of reassurance, his Pokémon drag him away and closely watch him with piercing eyes.

"Now, now. I made a solemn promise to you, cycles ago, didn't I? Besides, it was an accident."

"Mister Ingo, you can't blame your partners for worrying about you! They love you from the bottom of their heart, after all! And it's true you could slip and fall! Without the Noble Braviary's help, you'd never survive such a fall."

"Good morning, Miss Akari. I trust you are well? Are you on a mission to complete your Pokédex?"

Ingo turns in her direction and nods to greet her.

The teenage girl walks past Ingo without a look at him and cautiously approaches the brink of the cliff.

"It's a little cold today in Hisui, isn't it? Aren't you cold, Mister Ingo? Your coat's in tatters... I think it's colder here than in the Alabaster Icelands."