Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon: Here Comes The Hydroflames

Staying Alive

Author's POV

Ian sighed as he headed out of the Expedition Society's doors and looked around Lively Town. He starts to yawn, desperate for sleep.

Well, I guess someone has to look for her...

I better get this done quickly so I can sleep...

Then, through the darkness of the night, his attention is caught when he noticed a blue figure sitting by the docks, next to the dimly lit lighthouse in the distance.

Bingo.

He then walked over to see Faith staring up at the sky, looking deep in thought. The Glaceon turned her head to see the Mudkip approaching her.

"Oh... uh... Ian... what're you doing here?"

"I should be asking you the same question," The Mudkip responded. "We do have a big mission tomorrow with going to Frosty Forest and all that..."

"I know, I know, I'm just... tired..." The Glaceon replied, sounding slightly exhausted as she slowly turns her head to look up at the stars again. "Dealing with Suicune and Raikou's wounds was a bit too troublesome for my taste..."

"You just need some rest..." Ian replied. He then starts to make a gesture, motioning Faith to come back to the Expedition Society. "Which is exactly why you need to head back so you'll be well rested to handle our mission tomorrow."

Faith simply smiled at Ian, ignoring his gesture. "You know, I'm starting to feel like Patience with how much you've been looking after me lately. I'm surprised."

The Mudkip then started to silence himself once he notices Faith's kind smile. The same smile that continued to melt his heart. He couldn't help but smile back.

"In my defense, Patience is in good hands... uh... paws... er... feathers... um... fluff this time around," He said, sitting down on the grass. "But... you know, I guess I can't help it with a Glaceon as cute as you..."

"Oh, you charmer..." Faith blushed. "I still wonder why you helped me during my times of need..."

"Maybe it's because I'm a Water type. Water helps with that fire issue of yours. Helps with Rock types, too," Ian answered, half-jokingly. "Well... I guess Buizel can do that too, but I guess I'm different."

"I guess so," Faith responded, catching on to the Mudkip's tone. "But seriously... Ian... I still haven't properly thanked you for all the times you've been there for me..."

"Well... how about you just keep being you?" Ian answered. "I mean, even if you had felt bad about yourself and everything that's been bringing you down, I didn't mind any of that... And now I want you to remember that. I'll admit, you're a part of the motivation I have to keep going. To... well, stay alive and all that."

"Then... I'll keep being myself. Thank you..." Faith then pulled Ian into an embrace. "I needed the comfort..."

"Don't worry... I'm always here..." Ian then started to return the embrace. "After all, like I said, you are part of the reason I motivate myself to stay alive..."

"And so are you..."

The two then continued enjoying each other's company in each other's embrace for the next few minutes, the peaceful silence of the night sky continuing to loom over them.

"Now... if you're ready to go back... if you'll excuse me..." Ian then withdrew from the embrace, turning back to the path back to the Expedition Society. "I'll go continue being myself..."

The Mudkip then proceeds to take a step, only to fall over, sound asleep.

Faith simply giggles at Ian's state.

"Looks like I'll have to carry you back, just like you did for me."

A/N: In case you haven't noticed the sudden change in writing style, I actually didn't write this. This was written by a good friend of mine named flareon71 as part of a pseudo collab we're doing by writing one shipping chapter for each other's story. I too, have written one for flareon71 in his new Super Mystery Dungeon fanfic, The Tale Of Team Longshot. Which chapter would it be? Guess you'll just have to read and stay updated to his story!

With that said, this is Ikcatcher, signing off!