Lambency (Ingo x Reader)

61. Prelude of a New Adventure

After bidding one last good bye to a teary-eyed Lady Sneasler in Heavenly Ward, your group immediately heads west. Ingo is hoping that if you keep the pace, you could arrive at destination before dark.

Similarly to the travel between the Alabaster Icelands and the Crismon Mirelands, you barely have time for breaks, except to eat or refill your gourds with water. At least, this part of the world has milder terrain and less dangerous wildlife. Perhaps this is because Ingo knows a safe route where he avoids wild Pokémon. Moreover, you occasionally encounter members of Galaxy Team as well as members of the Pearl and Diamond Clans, who greet you enthusiastically.

However, just like your first travel together to the Diamond Heath, rain becomes once again a major setback to your progression. At first, Ingo cuts large Caster Ferns to use as umbrellas and you keep walking (Sneasel is wrapped around your neck, hiding inside your hoodie that you pulled on your head). However, after crossing into the Obsidian Fieldlands on the southern tail of Mount Coronet, the rain intensifies.

You notice some Bug-type and Normal-type Pokémon such as Aipom, Buneary or Wurmple running and looking for a place to hide.

This forested strech of land reminds you of the Crimson Mirelands, though instead of arborescent ferns and plants, there are actual trees, which some of them are gigantic and covered in moss. The canopy is protecting you from the rain but is making the path dim and slippery. At some point, you are forced to stop.

"Let us find shelter.", advises Ingo, unfazed. "We're close to the Heartwood, the territory of the Noble Kleavor. We're safe in that zone."

"Are we looking for a cave?", you ask. Sneasel's ears perk, looking forward to be somewhere dry.

"Unfortunately for us, the nearby caves are all inhabited. A hollow trunk will do the trick."

"A hollow trunk?"

"That one overthere will do. Come.", he points to a large tree further down the path that can shelter at least three adults.

"That's crazy! You can camp in here!", you tell in amazement after sitting inside. Sneasel leaves the comfort of your hoodie to sit on your laps and groom himself.

"Indeed! However, you must be prepared for the possibility that wild Pokémon will come and claim a seat. It gets crowded at night!... In fact..."

As Ingo speaks, two tiny Shinx approach your group but look reluctant getting any closer, even though they are soaking wet and shaking. Sneasel's fur stands on end and he quietly hisses at them, making the other Pokémon gulp.

"Come on now, Sneasel! We can't let them out in the cold rain!", you scold. Sneasel scoffs and crosses his arms.

"They must be lost adventurers.", remark Ingo. "Shinx and their kin dwell in the meadow. We are still far from the grasslands."

"When the rain stops, let's help them find their way home!"

"How thoughtful. I would be delighted to be their guide."

You and Ingo can relate, after all. 

The warden presents his bracelet to the poor creatures and even though you move further into the hollow, they are still too scared to come in. Suddenly, they hear the beating of giant wings nearby and rush inside, staying as close as possible to the entrance where they shake themselves dry. On guard, they observe your group with attention, waiting for you to make a move. Sneasel rolls in a ball in the crook of your crossed legs and stare at them, as if to say, "You two stay there!"

You let out Cyndaquil out of her Poké Ball and she happily chirps and hops before you until she notices the two visitors. Her fearful cry startles them and she immediately tries to hide under Sneasel who growls. You see her little muzzle poking out while she is peeking at the Shinx.