Lambency (Ingo x Reader)

60. In the Spirit of the Times

On the following day, you wake up to the pleasant giggles of Sneasel and Cyndaquil who are playing. Ingo, sitting in a corner of Lady Sneasler's den, is blankly looking in their direction, as if woolgathering.

"Morning, Ingo.", you shyly greet. You still feel awkward about the night before.

He is jolted awake by your voice.

"Good morning, (Name)! Are you well rested?"

He sounds cheerful, to your utmost surprise.

"Yes! I am... You?"

"I slept as soundly as a train carriage in the depot! I acknowlege Alakazam's Hypnosis is very effective."

"Do you remember what happened yesterday?"

"Yes, I do.", he answers without hesitation. "I ought to apologise for my unsightly demeanour. You must have felt sorely uncomfortable witnessing my ghastly lamentations."

"I didn't! I felt bad for you... I thought it was because of me. I'm the one who made you sad with my insensitive remarks..."

"I promise you did not. Rest assured I'm not blaming you for my sorry state. I was in trance after being hit by a train of melancholy. It wasn't the first time. I normally attempt to remain professional at all cost, however, last night I let myself go on autopilot. What I mean to say is that I knew I could safely express my emotions around you and Warden Melli."

His words bring you solace, as if a weight has been lifted from your heavy heart. The fact he even admitted being himself around you makes your heart flutter.

"Know that I'm here for you through thick and thin."

Ingo's expression softens, like he is pulling a tender smile.

"Thank you."

Your Pokémon are gathering around you for affection.

"Everyone's in a good mood, today!"

"Indeed! They were a little boisterous after having woken up, even thought I requested that they turned it down a notch..."

Sneasel rolls on his back and Cyndaquil rubs her head on your belly and chest.

"(Name), may I ask you a favour?"

"Anything!"

"May I borrow your device and look at some more photographs, please?"

You gulp.

"A-are you sure it won't make you sad again?"

"It probably will. But isn't that a positive trait? Even if I cry, I would ascribe it to nostalgia, which I'm not afraid of. I'm equally content being able to see and hear the voice of my brother and my friends for the first time. It's such a relief... everything's real."

Your smile grows wider as he speaks.

"Okay, then!"

You search for your mobile phone and inspect it before handing it to him.

"There's no network, obviously, but the battery's full! How weird! It was completely switched off not so long ago."

"The battery?"

"In a nutshell, phones work with a battery plugged inside. It stores energy and releases it as electricity."

"I see! It's similar to a Voltorb or my partner Magnezone!"

"Exactly! They're Electric-type! I guess Humans began using electricity for domestic consumption as they tamed Pokémon more easily."

"As in, to light the dwellings and caves? I've thought so for a very long time, you know! It would be more efficient and less resource-consuming than using torches!"