Lambency (Ingo x Reader)

54. Distant Memories (II)

You finally wake up to the melodious sound of chiming bells.

You distinguish something glittering before your blurry eyes.

You slowly move your head and realise you are lying on the hard floor. As your body awakens, you feel a little sore.

"Kling-kling?"

"Hmm?"

When you open your eyes, you are face to face with a group of Bronzor examining you with interest. Though, when they understand you are now awake, they swiftly take off.

The noise wakes Cyndaquil and Rhyhorn up. All of you yawn and check on each other.

"You're great friends. I'm sorry for freaking you out earlier... Thanks for being loyal and looking after me."

Cyndaquil squeaks and Rhyhorn blinks, as if appreciative of your words. You pet them with affection.

You still feel upset about that nightmare, but after realising it was only a bad dream, it is not as scary anymore.

You remain in that position for a bit until you gather enough strength to sit down and stretch.

"Ow, ow...", you moan, massaging your shoulder and lower back.

"Qui quiii?", Cyndaquil burns the flame on her back to brighten the area and warm you up.

"Thanks. You're right, it's time to leave and find Ingo... Are you guys hungry?"

You give them your last berries and notice you even have a Plump Bean. You kept it for Sneasel...

You stand up with the help of Rhyhorn and place Cyndaquil on top of him to light the way.

Your surroundings are very quiet, except for the occasional soft ringing and clinking sounds above you.

The Bronzor and Bronzong are levitating and keeping a safe distance. They are not interacting with you and are seemingly watching you attentively, occasionally following you discreetly. Sometimes, they seem to be steering you in what you assume is the right direction.

Some walls are cracked because of roots. Faint rays of light filter through the high ceiling, from which particles of dust and drops of muddy water fall. The area mostly remains dim.

When you are about to pass by the mural, you break out in a cold sweat and turn around.

"N-not this way..."

Your partners agree.

"Besides where we came from, I don't see another way out, though..."

You look up and observe the Steel-type Pokémon sadly wandering in the air.

"They look depressed..."

All of a sudden, you hear the padding of approaching feet on the ground, similar to the sound of little claws. The Bronzong stand alert.

You encourage your Pokémon to go with you. You would be lying pretending that you are unafraid...

The pattering feet are getting closer... and come to an halt.

You also stop and hold your breath.

Then, very slowly

A small purple head pops out from behind a block of stone, with low ears and with big, round red eyes. The pupils are large and dilated, as if the Pokémon is cautious or scared.

That yellow gem-like protusion on the forehead, that adorable black little snout...

"Sneasel?..."