Lambency (Ingo x Reader)

59. Asleep among Wildflowers

"We had so much fun, today! Battling with you and Melli was awesome!"

"Indeed! We've now almost reached today's final destination. We can afford some well-earned rest."

"How's your shoulder?"

"It's getting better. As soon as I'm fully healed, I'll exert every effort to face you with all I've got!"

"For someone who didn't battle at his fullest, you sure were at the top of your game..."

"I have won this time, but your talent is very strong! Your tactics... reading... You have great skills. As Sneasel and Rhydon gain more experience, they'll become formidable opponents. My team and I will wait for it!"

Sneasel proudly meows and swallows a whole Plump Bean in one go. Rhydon and Cyndaquil, the little one perched on top of the gentle giant's head, are humming a merry tune.

"By the way, where are Melli and Lady Sneasler?"

"Hmm..."

You and Ingo look behind you and notice him and Skuntank dragging their feet further down the path. They look passably exhausted. Lady Sneasler brings up the rear and pokes the young warden to get him to move. He utters a "yeow!" or whines everytime she does so.

"I am glad Warden Melli pushed himself very hard today. Bravo to him!"

"In the end, he spent the whole day with us... I think he actually enjoyed himself!"

"I concur."

Ingo is relieved that Melli did not cause you any trouble and behaved. He can forgive him, now.

As the sun is setting, the upper part of the sky is turning deep blue and is dotted with stars. The darker colour spreads to the atmosphere and blends with the last rays of light, rubbing them off to reveal purple and orange hues which are quickly vanishing. Nocturnal Pokémon are ready to come out.

"Where are we going?"

"We're driving to the northeast side of the Coronet Highlands, past the Celestica Ruins, on top of Clamberclaw Cliffs. There's that scenic viewpoint, an ideal spot for stargazing, that I'm keen to show you."

Ingo pulls you up to help you climb a slope and lets go of your hand. You can feel your heart beating faster at the thought of him holding it just a little longer, as you walk side by side... 

"You've got such a strong grip!", you comment as a light blush creeps up your cheeks.

"I guess I've grown stronger during my incumbency... Did I press too hard?"

"Not at all! On the contrary... I'm impressed."

"... That's good."

Ingo is avoiding your gaze; but his tone of voice suggests he is happy despite his timid reaction.

Whilst Rhydon and Sneasel have no difficulty ascending, Melli, on the other hand, is struggling; Skuntank kindly assists his wielder, but Lady Sneasler, annoyed at his slowness, throws him over her shoulder. He howls in anger, and Skuntank jumps in surprise and squeaks before running after them.

Cyndaquil burns the flames on her back to light the way. However, the fire seems to attract some Ghastly and Haunter lurking around... Ingo sends out Magnezone to repel them.

"I don't expect any Zubat or Golbat pestering us on the way, as the night is still young. We can press on without risk!"

"Heehee, I'm not worried at all when you're around!", you say with a doting smile that makes him blush.

When you finally arrive at the clearing, the moon and the stars shine bright, paving the way forward.

You inhale in amazement at the view: the ground is carpeted with flowers. Though, looking closer, those are plants you are most familiar with.