The road they traveled on cut across a snowy hill, encompassed by woods beyond it, Most of the trees were bare, save for the snow that clutched to the branches. The evergreens that fought against the cold weighed heavy from the frost attached to their limbs, but still held strong. As they walked, the crunch of the snow beneath their feet echoed; the rest of the world fell silent.
Misty looked around, the scenery drawing her in. She thought herself in a snow globe; the flakes falling in large clusters that clung to whatever it touched. There was no wind, and the air was cold but bearable with the garments she was wearing. She looked up, letting the snow fall on her bare skin. She smiled as she opened her mouth, catching some flakes on her tongue. Cold, refreshing, and wanting for more.
“Enjoying ourselves, are we?”
Misty looked over to Ash on her right, then smiled and looked back up.
“I am”, she replied.
“Well, at least you’re honest”, Ash responded.
“We don’t get to see snow a lot traveling, I wanna soak it all in while I can”, Misty explained. Ash couldn’t fault her for that.
Kanto didn’t get much snow, and Johto was no different. That they got this much snow while home, before Christmas, was, well, a miracle.
Perhaps it was this reason, and this reason alone, Ash thought, that Misty didn't mind the cold weather.
Misty stopped walking, prompting Ash to do the same. He looked at her, expecting a response. Instead, he was met with silence. Thinking something was wrong, he looked around, wondering if they might have gone the wrong way. Misty raised a finger in the air, knowing Ash would say something, and stopping him before he did.
“Listen...”, Misty said quietly.
And so he did.
The crunching ceased when they stopped walking, and a new noise replaced it; it was that of the falling snow. The landscape before them was untouched, clean, fresh. Ash breathed in, and even the air felt different. There was a purity in the world around them, Ash couldn’t put it into words, but knew what it felt like. As if his body and soul were cleansed of impurities just by being there.
What a feeling it was, he thought, to just feel the surroundings. Through his travels, he was very often focused on the destination, and not the journey. He rarely stopped to appreciate the world around him. Not that he didn't love it when he did; and he loved the outdoors to be sure. But with his mind always on his next badge, his next battle, his next shot at realizing his dream, it wasn't rare for the scenery to be a backdrop and nothing more.
This was when having her with him, to remind him to stop and listen, was a blessing.
He looked at Misty, who kept her eyes on the woods around them. Her coat, hat, and boots were speckled with flakes of white. She held her mitted hands out, allowing the snow to cling to them. Misty inspected each flake, seeing the intricate designs in each before they could melt away.
He thought to himself that he should take her down this way another time, perhaps with friends, or their Pokemon. But as way led on to way, he doubted that they would return here again. He closed his eyes and looked up, just feeling the snow cling to his face. The cold didn’t sting, but was instead rather welcoming.
“It’s like a painting. There are no trails in the snow, no imperfections, nothing is disturbed. It’s almost too perfect”, Misty said, keeping her eyes on the scenery before her.
“It is”, Ash replied, not looking down from the sky. Misty turned to him and saw what he was doing.
Like herself, the snow was scattered about on Ash’s garments. His hands were in his pockets, and he just seemed to soak everything in. Misty couldn’t help but smile. He seemed so serene, a rare sight for someone who was always active and busy.
Misty loved to see it.
She felt a heat on her face, which caused it to sting slightly from the snow that melted immediately on contact. She shook her head.
“S-So, should we be going?”, Misty asked. Ash took one deep breath in, looked over to her, and nodded.
“Yeah”, he replied. The snow stuck to his eyebrows and lashes, prompting a giggle from Misty.
Now that burn was felt on Ash’s face.
The two continued on their way, the crunching commencing once again. Ash kept mind to look for ice on the path, knowing that the weather could make it likely. But as they walked, he found that the road beneath the snow was solid and devoid of anything slick.
Before long, the hill made way to a fork. The two stopped as they looked down both paths.
“I forgot about this part. The map said that the woods here are protected for the Pokemon, so they made the path go around it. Both ways lead back to town, it doesn’t matter which way we go”, Misty explained.
“Well, I wouldn’t say that”, Ash said. Misty looked to the raven-haired boy.
“What do you mean?”, Misty asked. She wondered if he knew something she didn’t, which would be a welcome surprise, she’d admit.
“I think this way is the scenic route”, Ash explained, pointing to their left. Misty looked down the path. A sheet of snow covered the road entirely. The trees on either side of them remained undisturbed; no Pokemon resting in them from protection from the cold or snow. The path went up a small hill before bending from sight.
Misty then looked to their right. The path appeared the same, except that there was no hill to cross. The trees were equally blanketed as the ground around it in the fallen snow. She knew that both paths were about the same distance, and the other way looked just as wanted for wear.
“What makes you say that? Have you been here before?”, Misty asked.
“Nope, never”, Ash answered. He took a few steps towards the path to the left. He looked down it, as if imagining what was to come. “...just a gut feeling I have”.
“And your gut has never led us astray before, has it?”, Misty asked with a smirk.
“Hehe”, Ash chuckled, putting his hand behind his head in embarrassment. Misty stared at the boy before her, and felt that burning sensation on her face once more. However, this time she recognized the feeling, and made no attempts to hide it. The woods around them were lovely, dark, and deep; she doubted Ash would see the shades of red across her cheeks.
“So, you think this way will be more fun?”, Misty asked, motioning her head towards the path. Ash shrugged.
“Depends on what you think fun is, I just feel like it’s the road less taken, and I like the idea of being different”, Ash explained. Misty shook her head with a knowing smile.
Ash liked to do things his own way. He felt that following exactly what many other trainers did wouldn't allow him to learn anything on his own. While this made for some...difficult times, Misty knew that it was also for the best. Not just in the care and compassion he put into his training, his Pokemon, and his family. But it also let him find a new way to do things, and more times than not, those new things led to amazing adventures.
“That’s an...interesting logic to have. And we all know you’re nothing if not different”, Misty said with an innocent giggle. Regardless, she stepped ahead of Ash. “But, I’m fine with that. I trust you. Either way, we should get going; we don’t want to miss our gift exchange with everyone”.
She began walking down the path, only hearing the crunching of the snow. But noticing that the crunch seemed lonely, she stopped and turned around, seeing that Ash was not following her. Instead, he was rummaging through his traveler’s sack. She stood there quizically, until Ash pulled something out, swung his bag back to where it was, and ran towards her.
“Well, I guess now is the best time for this, all things considered”, Ash said upon reaching her. He held in his hands a long cloth. He looked Misty in the eyes, then slowly wrapped the cloth gently over her shoulders and around her neck.
Misty held up one end of the cloth when he was finished. It was a scarf, and felt warm to the touch. Hidden from the elements in Ash’s bag, it was dry, soft, and smelled of something like pine and earth that made her heart flutter. Although dark, she could still make out faint patterns in the stitch work. They seemed familiar to her, but her mind was elsewhere, and she couldn’t place it.
“I know this isn’t the most practical gift for you, but once I saw the design, I couldn’t turn it down”, Ash explained. The darkness that Misty was thankful for but moments before, was now helping Ash for the same reasons.
Now knowing that the patterns were important, Misty took herself away from the scents and focused on the sight of the gift. The scarf was pink, with streaks of yellow and red dots in symmetry. She knew she had seen the design before, it was there in her mind's eye, but she couldn’t quite place-
wait...
“...Ash...is this?”, Misty asked. Ash smiled.
“It’s made from the same person that made your handkerchief. I didn't know that it was unique craftsmanship. I saw that they had a shop online, and I ordered it for you. Now...well, we both have something to match”, Ash said sheepishly.
The added warmth of the scarf made her face feel like it was being beaten by the sun’s rays. The Butterfrees in her stomach wanted to take flight, and she could hardly contain them, nor did she really want to.
“I know it's cheesy, I honestly thought of a million other things to give you, and a lot of them were lavish. But...I don't know, something about this just sorta felt right. Not sure how to explain it really...Anyway, I hope that, i-it’s a good Christmas gift for y-”
“It’s perfect”.
Misty found herself cutting him off before he could finish, or even before she knew what she was saying. How unlike her to let her mouth move before her brain could think.
Ash took a moment to register her quick response, before smiling. There was silence between them for a bit. Snow speckled the landscape further, and themselves as well. The two of them, in the middle of the woods, did not feel the cold that engulfed them. Rather, they felt warm; the type of warmth one would feel in an embrace with another.
Ash stepped just passed Misty, further down the road, before turning back and grabbing her hand. Perhaps it was the peace and quiet of the world around them that made him feel this confidence, or perhaps it was her and nothing else, but he was glad to have spent this time with her and just her. The road before them begged to be taken, and there was no one else he’d rather take this journey with than her.
“Let’s go soak all of this in...together”, Ash said, softer than even he expected. Misty found it hard to breath, if but for a moment, before finding inside of her a feeling of desire. A desire to step forward.
With him.
She smiled, taking his hand in hers and nodded.
“Yes”, she replied. The two moved forward, walking almost in unison as they looked at the path before them. The road was untouched for now, but soon would be marked with two pairs of footprints, bound for a single destination.
Whether by chance or by choice, they stayed hand-in-hand.
Hey Gael! So for the first time ever, I will be participating in a DnD session with a few friends and a random person or two. It's (mostly) all of our first times, mostly just for fun and learning, and we're doing version 3.5 (I guess?). I'm thinking about going with a Dwarf Ranger, with a few backups just in case. Thoughts? Opinions?
A lot of people started playing with 3.5, you’ll get the full experience with “wait -- there’s actually a numerical check I have to make for that?” If you’re doing any modern module, it’s gonna be 5.0 and very much more streamlined -- DnD Beyond’s default. As for your Dwarf Ranger, I say that sounds super interesting! I love when characters break “min/max” roles -- i.e., choosing a race that benefits the class and modifiers numerically (not that there’s anything wrong with that whatsoever, hell, I play a elf ranger which is about as min/maxxed as you get). Dwarves aren’t particularly noted for being part of any sort of Ranger-y archetype, although the Ranger Subclass “Gloomstalker” sounds perfect for a dwarf.The most important thing is to have fun, be courteous to other players and just go for it :)
This song popped up on my playlist and I suddenly had the urge to make a songfic about it. I do not own the song in any way, nor am I making money off its use.
I'm going under and this time I fear there's no one to save me.
Ash stormed into the house, slamming the door behind him. Pikachu just narrowly missed being shut outside. He looked up to his best friend, his ears down and a look of sadness across its face.
The Pokemon trainer put his hands to his head, ripping his hat off his head and throwing it violently into the emptiness of his living room. He tugged at his hair, his scalp aching as he gripped his locks and pulled with all his might. The tears that were coming down his face were now streaming steadily. He was breaking.
This all or nothing really got a way of driving me crazy.
Pikachu hopped on the back of the couch, looking at Ash as he backed up against the wall, still pulling at his hair; as if he could rip out the images from his brain. He sniffled as the tears continued to pour. Looking beside him, he saw a series of photos in frames on a table. He grabbed one, looking at the couple in the photo. Smiling. In love.
He yelled in anger as he whipped the frame across the house. It crashed into the far wall and broke, glass and wood falling to the ground.
I need somebody to heal, somebody to know. Somebody to have, somebody to hold.
Pikachu was scared, he never saw Ash this way before. But more than that, he was worried. He didn't understand the situation, how could Ash be angry at her?
Ash grabbed another frame, this one of an individual person. He felt his face turn a red that almost matched the photographed person's hair. He clenched the frame tightly, the tears not stopping. He threw it like a discus, this one flying into the door. Pikachu ducked instinctively as it shattered.
He kicked the table, pushing it a few feet down the hall towards the door as the remaining frames either collapsed or fell off. Pikachu jumped off the couch and ran in front of the trainer, trying to get him to stop. Ash looked down at his faithful companion.
Faithful.
He grabbed his hair again, tugging at it even harder than he did before. He wailed, the tears coming down faster than ever.
It's easy to say, but it's never the same. I guess I kinda liked the way you numbed all the pain.
He thought it'd be a nice surprise; a bouquet on a late night of work. She had a lot of them lately, but it was to be expected at the gym, he thought nothing of it. He didn't say he was coming, he wanted to see the look of shock on her face.
But it wasn't the type of shock he expected.
As soon as he walked in, there she was. Standing in the entrance hall. She was with him, his best friend. The three of them traveled for years, they grew up together, they were family. He was so happy for them when they started dating. "It's about time!".
Which made their kiss together all the more heart breaking.
Now the day bleeds into nightfall, and you're not here to get me through it all. I let my guard down, and then you pulled the rug. I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved.
Ash looked through the house from where he stood. Their house. Except it no longer felt like home. It felt wrong; like it wasn't the same. The furniture, the photos, the decorations; all of them just reminders of what he thought he had with her. What he thought was true.
All a lie.
He clutched his sides, he didn't bother trying to stop the tears that were staining his cheeks. His teeth clenched tightly, his insides hurt, he felt weak in the knees. It was over. All over.
I'm going under, and this time, I fear there's no one to turn to. This all or nothing way of loving got me sleeping without you.
Ash ran upstairs. Pikachu rushed up the stairs behind him. What was going to happen now? He had to be beside him. He just knew he had to.
As he reached the second level, he collapsed. His knees gave out underneath him. He wailed even more. This was a pain he never thought he could feel, and he couldn't take it.
Pikachu reached Ash and stood by his head, just in time for the trainer to pull himself up. He looked to see if Ash was feeling better, but something seemed different. The tears didn't stop, they didn't slow down, but the look in his eyes was different. A scary different.
Now I need somebody to know, somebody to hear. Somebody to have, just to know how it feels.
Ash stood up fully. The pain in his chest didn't settle. His knees were still weak. He coughed from the tears, and it angered him. He punched the wall, putting a small hole in the drywall. Pikachu flinched, his tail tucked between his legs and his ears down.
Ash looked at his hand. His fingers were damaged, possibly broken; he didn't care. He walked down the hall, heading into their bedroom. The worst place he could be right now. But he had to.
Now the day bleeds into nightfall, and you're not here to get me through it all. I let my guard down and then you pulled the rug. I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved.
He finally entered the room. He looked at the bed that he shared with her every night. The place where they'd express their deepest love to one another. It felt tainted now. Was this a place she shared that intimacy with, with someone else? Was there another bed where she made the same vows to, to another man? A bed of lies?
The pain in his chest grew. He found himself whimpering. He tried to control himself but nothing could get the image burned into his brain to stop replaying over and over again.
Him, and her, kissing, seeing him,
and saying nothing.
And I tend to close my eyes when it hurts sometimes.
Pikachu hopped on the bed as Ash looked around the room. More photos of the two of them together. Some with other friends, some with family, some with their Pokemon; but always the two of them. On the dresser were pieces of jewelry, gifts he gave her for anniversaries and birthdays. Tokens of an unconditional love he had for her. Something, he thought, she returned fully.
He slid his arms across the dresser, all the photos and jewelry sliding off the top of it and crashing into the wall to the right. He walked over to his side of the bed, away from Pikachu, and away from her side. He sat on the bed, and looked over to his nightstand, which was illuminated from the moonlight coming from the window. He opened the top drawer, inside, resting on top of a few books, was a single black box. He pulled it out and looked at it. He didn't open it, but he knew what was inside. The ultimate symbol of his feelings for her. The best way he could show her, truly, how he felt.
The tears came even faster now.
He wailed loudly as he whipped the small box across the room. It banged into the wall and cracked open. A small, glittering ring fell onto the floor. The moonlight hit it and it glistened in his eyes. Taunting him. The pain in his chest grew even more. As if his heart would burst from his chest and explode. He clutched his chest, as the glistening ring continued to shine. Pikachu watched as Ash cried.
Ash turned back to the nightstand, slamming the first drawer shut, and after a moment's pause, opened the second one. Pikachu's ears perked. He never opened that drawer. He told him never to open it, never to go in to it. That it was a bad drawer. So why was he doing it now?
Pikachu's eyes were briefly blinded as the moonlight flashed on the silver metal of the gun his trainer pulled from the drawer.
I fall into your arms, I'll be safe in your sound till I come back around.
Why did Ash have one of those? Why was he pulling it out? Is it because he's sad? He watched as Ash stood up, only to turn and collapse on the floor against the nightstand. The wailing grew softer, but it didn't put Pikachu at ease. Nothing could be at ease as long as that thing was out.
Pikachu scurried across the bed, closer to Ash. The trainer sat on the ground, crying, the pain in his chest growing more and more intense. He looked at the pistol in his hand. But all he could see was the image of that kiss.
And a decision was made.
For now the day bleeds into nightfall. And you're not here to get me through it all.
Ash looked more intently at the pistol, and then slowly lifted it, aiming it right to his temple. Pikachu panicked and jolted off the bed and onto Ash's lap. He quickly pushed down Ash's arm, making his best attempt to pull the gun out of his trainer's hand. Ash pushed Pikachu away, his strength far greater than the little rodent's.
I let my guard down, and then you pulled the rug. I was kinda getting used to being someone you loved.
Pikachu rushed back to Ash, pleading as best he could to stop his trainer, his friend. But the pleas fell on deaf ears.
He raised the gun again, his hand shaking and the tears never ending as he once again pressed it against his head.
Pikachu had to take desperate actions. He clutched onto Ash's arm and bit into his hand to get him to drop the gun. Ash yelled in pain, but the pain in his hand was nothing compared to the pain in his chest. He was angry; not at Pikachu directly, but at everything, at everyone.
He swung his arm back and forth, Pikachu tried to keep his grip but eventually was thrown across the room, bouncing off the far end of the bed and onto the floor. Ash looked at his hand. It was bleeding profusely from the bite. But it didn't matter. His hand still worked, and that's all he needed.
But now the day bleeds into nightfall. And you're not here to get me through it all.
Pikachu climbed up the bed, his heart racing. He had to stop him, in any way he could. When he got onto the top of the bed, he charged up.
He had to, for his best friend.
Pikachu screeched as his body surged with electricity and fired it at Ash. Ash yelled in pain as the Thundershock coarsed through his body. He felt the grip on the gun loosen.
But he fought through the pain, and gripped it tighter.
I let my guard down, and you pulled the rug. I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved.
Pikachu began crying as much as Ash now. He screeched and shot the electricity harder now. But Ash fought through the attack. There was no way that the pain Pikachu was feeling, the pain it would feel when it was over, could be as bad as the pain he himself was feeling now. He raised the gun, cringing as he did. If Pikachu stopped the attack now, he wouldn't reach Ash in time to stop him. It was all on this.
I let my guard down, and then you pulled the rug.
Pikachu cried harder, he yelled his friend's name in his language, begging, pleading for him to stop.
But Ash couldn't hear the pleas. He couldn't feel the electricity. All that crossed his mind was her. The image of her kissing him, the feeling of his heart breaking, the memories of them together; now amounting to nothing but pain. A pain he had to end.
The sound of Pikachu yelling, and the electricity flowing, weren't enough to drown out the bang of the gun.
I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved.
I know this one-shot was a far cry from what you may be used to from me, but the idea hit me and I just felt I had to put it to paper. I'm gonna go cry now; hope you enjoy? ;_;
As asked by pok3n, here's a sequel to the prompt I was given some time ago. Sorry it took so long!
"I have to say, you really picked a winner with this place, Ash", Misty exclaimed. "Right by the mall, close to tons of little boutiques and restaurants, short walk to the magnet train, it's prime!".
"I thought so, too. It's not exactly cheap, but could be so much worse. And I come here enough where it's worth it to me", Ash explained.
The two had just finished their afternoon in the city of Goldenrod. After lunch, Ash treated Misty to a shopping experience, an offer which she was not about to pass up. They were now in the elevator, returning to Ash's condo. Ash carried a couple bags of various purchases, (most of which were Misty's), while Misty herself carried a smaller bag. When the elevator reached the room, they entered and put the bags down by the door.
"Has Delia seen this place yet? Or anyone else?", Misty asked, sliding the bags over so they wouldn't trip anyone going in or out.
"No, she's only seen pictures. She hasn't been to any of my places. I think you're the first to come to this one. Usually when I'm seeing people, I go to their places, not the other way around", Ash answered.
"Ohh, so what you're saying is, I'm super special?", Misty asked. Ash chuckled.
"Yeah, you're special alright", Ash retorted. The punch that came afterwards, he felt, was at least somewhat deserved. "So then, what now?"
Misty walked further into the condo, just to the left of the stairs. She looked around.
"I think I want to appreciate your place more. It's still blowing my mind that you have this", Misty said.
"And it's blowing my mind that you're so easily stunned by all of this", Ash said back. Misty ignored this and laid down on the shag carpet. The setting sun was shining through the patio windows and on to her. The sun's rays and carpet fibers felt great on her bare legs and lower back.
Not as good as Ash's hands would feel on them though.
Wait, what?
Misty immediately shook her head, trying to get that thought out. As she did, she turned to her right and saw a large metal box that was hidden under a table behind the couch. There was a digital screen that showed a temperature. Next to it was a wooden rack, with different types of glassware positioned carefully on it. Some hung upside-down from their stems in little rafters, while other, stemless glassware sat on shelves.
"You have a wine cooler?", Misty asked, though it came out more as a groan. Of COURSE Ash had one here.
"Yeah, for guests. Want some?", Ash asked, walking towards it. He pulled two wine glasses off the mini rack and then opened the cooler. He looked through it for a brief moment and then pulled out a large bottle. "Think you'll like this one. I can't say I'm a big wine connoisseur, but I do know this is a good brand".
He grabbed a white towel from the rack and carefully popped the top of the wine bottle with it. Misty just laid there on the ground, absentmindedly twirling the shag carpet strands with her fingers, as Ash poured some wine into the two glasses. When he finished, he placed the wine bottle on the table above the cooler and handed Misty one of the glasses. She sat up and took it.
"Cheers", Ash said with a smile. The two lightly clanked the glasses together. Ash took a sip and stood up, making his way to the kitchen. Misty waited a moment before taking her sip. She swallowed, and waited.
...You gotta be kidding me.
While she wouldn't call herself an expert on the matter, Misty fancied herself as someone who knew her wine. She knew this wine. Pinot Noir. And he was right, she did like it.
Since when did Ash know wine!?
The last time she had a conversation with Ash about wine, they were young teens. Ash thought the only difference between red and white wine was the color; as dense an answer as she would have expected. What happened since then? When did Ash become such an expert?
Why was this making her want to pounce on him!?
She shook her head again and took another (larger) sip of wine. Damn her "thirst"!
"You alright? Is it not to your liking?", Ash asked. Misty snapped out of it and looked up. Ash stood above her, carrying a wooden tray and looking at her with some concern. She shook her head and stood up.
"What? No, no! It's fine, better than fine actually. What's that?", Misty asked, trying to change the subject quickly.
"Oh, just cheese and crackers. Sharp Cheddar, pairs with the Pinot Noir well. I'd put out a red meat, but this place doesn't have a lot of food and we just ate, so this should work", Ash said, putting the tray on the table beside them.
He knew wine pairings, too!?
Misty felt her body temperature go up. She only had a couple sips and she had plenty to eat at lunch; she knew it couldn't be the alcohol. What was making her so flushed? What a dumb question, of course she knew what it was. It was Ash, suddenly being an adult, a man! Her man, who she wanted!
Another sip.
"So, how is it? Johto is more known for their saki, but they have a nice wine shop in town. That's straight from Kalos, I figured it was more your style", Ash explained. Misty paused.
"Yeah!", Ash answered, taking a sip from his own glass. Misty looked to the bottle on the table, next to the cheese platter. She recognized the logo, it was one of the best wines to come out of Kalos; one of her absolute favorites.
Kalos, the region of wine and romance. And Ash knew she'd like it. The condo, the interior decorating, the wine; Ash was so much more mature than she thought. This was a whole new side of him that she never saw before.
"I want you so bad", Misty shuddered under her breath, her voice muffled by the glass.
"What was that?", Ash asked.
"I'D LIKE SOME CHEESE!", she suddenly blurted out, much louder than she anticipated. Ash stood back in shock while Misty placed her glass down on the table in a rush and grabbed some cheese. She plopped a small chunk in her mouth and chewed, her nerves getting the best of her.
"Uhm...Misty...you uh...y-you doing ok?", Ash asked. She acted a little odd earlier when she first saw the condo, but he figured it was just shock. Now however, she was acting far stranger than normal; even for her.
"W-Why do you ask!?", Misty asked back, her mouth filled with cheese and crackers. She swallowed and grabbed more.
"Well, your sudden addiction to dairy products aside, you're acting a bit funny", Ash replied.
"Funny!? Me!? Noooo! Don't be foolish! I'm fine, I'm fine, I'mnotfine", Misty exclaimed. The end of her sentence was rushed and quieter than the rest of it. She took a swig of wine. Ash sighed.
"Ok, how about you just lay down and rest then, huh?", Ash said, taking the glass from her and gently walking her over to the couch. "Vicky, play outdoor ambience". A soft ding was heard from the corner of the condo.
"Playing outdoor ambience", a female robotic voice replied. Suddenly, the sound of a steady rainfall echoed throughout the room. Misty stopped.
"What was that?", Misty asked aloud and in shock. Ash tried coaxing her to the couch, but to no avail. He sighed lightly.
"I have a 'Vicky', it's a smart home feature. It plays music through my speakers throughout the place. I use this to help me sleep sometimes", Ash replied.
"Your condo's nicely decorated and smart!?", Misty said out loud.
"Is it really any more surprising than anything else here?", Ash asked, still amazed at how impressed Misty was over his design tastes.
"But, why rain?", Misty asked. Ash sighed, he was trying to get her to lie down, but she was too easily distracted.
"Because it helps me relax. Reminds me of traveling. Rain helps you sleep too, so I figured you'd like it", Ash replied.
"...you remember?", Misty asked. There was a moment of pause.
"What? Yeah, of course I remember. We traveled for years together. You loved listening to the rain outside when we were little. This sound reminded me of you, that's why I downloaded it, Mist", Ash replied. There was a longer pause. The only sound came from the fake rain.
Ok, that was it.
Before she knew it, Misty threw herself into Ash, her lips planted firmly on his. Ash stood back in shock, almost losing his balance. Misty moaned, wrapping her hands around his head and kissing more. Ash could do nothing but stand there as she kissed more passionately.
She didn't know what she was doing, but it felt waaay too good to stop now. But she was running out of breath, and eventually had to pull away. She was breathing heavily and her face was as red as the Pinot Noir. She huffed, released Ash, and started walking towards the stairs.
"I, you, that, w-wait! Misty!? Wh-what was that!? What's going on!?", Ash asked, short of breath. Misty rushed up the stairs, and from where he was standing, Ash could hear her jump on the bed.
"ASH KETCHUM, IF YOU DON'T COME UP HERE AND MAKE OUT WITH ME RIGHT NOW, SO HELP ME ARCEUS, YOU'RE A DEAD MAN!", Misty yelled. Ash stood there, trying (and failing) to comprehend what had just happened.
"...I'm so lost", Ash said to himself.
"I'M WAITING!", Misty yelled. Ash took a moment to think it over...but then shrugged, smiled, and rushed up the stairs.
I'm sorry it took so long! I hope this is to your liking, pok3n! And to anyone else reading, if you'd like, I have other stories you can read on here. Later!
Eallgréne entered the Armory slowly, looking around the building for a moment before ultimately walking in completely. No one was visible, the store was empty.
The walls of the shop were lined with weapons on shelves and in racks. Some were already pieced together; protected by panes of glass. Others were in pieces for hunters to put together themselves; as was custom for many students. Blades, arrows, and bullets were in boxes and compartments; arranged by size and type.
Pieces of metal for staffs and guns took up the vast majority of the building. There was a large counter filled with dirty rags, oil, and small tools for people to build and repair their weapons there. In different book cases were magazines and texts about weapon types, how to build them, and how to use them.
Gael, Violette, and Nickel finally entered the shop themselves, looking around.
“The shop’s gotten more stock since we were here last”, Gael remarked, looking around, impressed with what she saw.
“Indeed. Looks like Lady Steorra has become quite the merchant”, Violette added, looking over an open book on weapon prices on one of the counters. Nickel held a small box of bullets in his hand, looking it over.
“Yeah, her options are a lot wider now. And prices ain’t bad either. No wonder she’s successful”, Nickel remarked.
“I’m coming! Just a moment!”, someone called out from a room behind the main counter. The group of hunters turned towards the voice. To the far right of the shop was a long counter that spanned almost the entire length of the room. Behind it were large ticketed items, (namely specialty weapons and parts), along with pamphlets, bags, and other trinkets. On the counter was a large lien register. A bit to the left of the register was an open door which led to a back room, possibly used for storage.
After about a minute, a woman entered the room from the storage room. She looked to be about the age of the hunters, with long blonde hair similar to Violette’s. She wore a dark green-hooded cape like Eallgréne, but unlike his, this was just a cape and hood; not sleeved. The green was also lined with a bright yellow color that matched her hair. Her shirt was white with a corset design, and she wore dark brown khaki capris, (also lined with yellow down the sides and at the pockets), with dark brown-heeled boots. Her hands were covered with fingerless yellow gloves.
The woman came out in a metal wheel chair, which she wheeled herself.
The hazel eyes of the young woman met the eyes of the hunters, and she grew the widest smile imaginable. Eallgréne smiled back at the sight.
“EALLGRÉNE!”, the woman yelled.
“Hello, Steorra”, Eallgréne replied. Steorra immediately wheeled herself passed the counter to an open area and towards her brother. Eallgréne rushed forward and the two met in a tight hug.
“I haven’t seen you in so long! You should have said you were coming, I would have tidied up!”, Steorra exclaimed. Eallgréne chuckled.
“I wanted to surprise you!”, Eallgréne replied.
“You did!”, Steorra said back. She glanced over and saw the others, who all smiled and waved back. She gasped. “AND YOU BROUGHT THE OTHERS! HI!”. She was thrilled to see her brother’s old team again. Having never had the chance to be a part of one, she essentially adopted Team EVGN as her own. Eallgréne lifted his sister up from the chair and placed her on the counter, allowing her to be more in eye-level with the others. Gael was the first to move, blinking over to Steorra faster than the others could react, and reappearing in front of the shop owner. The women quickly embraced.
“HI STEORRA!”, Gael exclaimed in excitement, hugging her tightly. Being her brother’s partner, Gael and Steorra had been close. Despite not seeing each other physically in years, they kept in contact often; catching up with one another or calling for equipment.
Steorra laughed as she hugged Gael tightly. She was like an older sister to her; someone to connect with in a way she couldn’t with her brother.
“I’m glad to see you haven’t lost your touch when it comes to hugs!”, Steorra exclaimed.
“Years of experience”, Gael replied with a smirk. She released Steorra and stepped aside to let the others in. Violette approached, but stopped before Steorra and curtsied.
“It’s wonderful to see you again, Lady Steorra”, Violette said. Steorra giggled.
“I’m charmed, but come now Violette, you should know that you don’t have to do that with family,“ Steorra explained, holding her arms out. Violette giggled and scurried over for a hug. While also close to Steorra like the others, she felt obligated to keep her manners about her until she was given permission to be more casual. This was her former team leader’s younger sister after all.
“It’s been so many years, you look great, Steorra”, Violette stated.
“Thank you, so do you”, Steorra replied. Soon it was Nickel’s turn. He didn’t hesitate, and quickly bear hugged the young woman.
“It’s good to see you again, sweetie”, Nickel said.
“Likewise, handsome”, Steorra replied. The two had a fun relationship together with nicknames. Nickel leaned back to look at Steorra, but kept the embrace.
“And what, still no man in your life? I’m shocked!”, Nickel said, noting the lack of anyone else in the store. Steorra laughed.
“Ohh, but you know I’m saving myself for you, Nickel”, Steorra said with a playful wink. Nickel gave a hearty laugh.
“Baby girl, just say the word. I’ll make an indecent woman out of you yet!”, Nickel playfully replied. Eallgréne pulled Nickel away from Steorra.
“WELL ALRIGHT!”, Eallgréne yelled, having had enough of the conversation. He knew they were only joking, but hearing his sister and friend discuss such intimacy still creeped him out. The entire group aside from him laughed at the outburst.
The laughter continued on for longer than anyone realized. It wasn’t just from the joke, however. It was from being together again. Team EVGN being back in Vale, seeing family again, it made their hearts feel a sense of joy they hadn’t felt in years.
The feeling made their smiles wider, their laughs louder, and their happiness contagious. Soon, tears rolled down their cheeks from laughing for so long. They couldn’t resist themselves. The joy they felt was long overdo; and they hoped it would stay for some time.
Eventually however, the laughter did cease. They wiped away their tears and tried to settle themselves. For some, their chests hurt from all the laughter, and they held them in a pain that they would easily experience again if it meant feeling that amount of joy once more.
“Ohh, I haven’t felt that way in ages”, Steorra replied, wiping tears from her eyes and still suppressing chuckles with a smile. Her cheeks ached from smiling for so long, but she fought through it and smiled anyway.
“We needed that”, Gael said, grinning both in amusement and pain as she clutched her stomach. Steorra looked to the group, beginning to regain her senses.
“So Eallgréne, why the sudden visit? And why bring the others? I didn’t forget an anniversary, did I?”, Steorra asked. As pleased as she was to see her brother and friends, she had to wonder why they made a surprise visit.
“I hadn’t been here in a while and figured I was due for a visit. Though, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t also fortuitous timing”, Eallgréne explained. Steorra raised an eyebrow.
“Fortuitous that I happened to be where you needed to go?”, Steorra asked. Eallgréne nodded.
“It’s not that he means you’re just a secondary thought, sweetie. He just means that-”, Gael started. Steorra shook her head with a smile.
“It’s alright, Gael. I know what he meant. I’m used to his way of thinking”, Steorra said with a smirk. “So then…I assume it’s a mission of some sorts; and a big one at that if it meant bringing the team back together again…care to share?”. The others looked to Eallgréne. He shook his head.
“I can’t, sorry”, Eallgréne replied.
“Personal?”, Steorra asked.
“Classified”, Eallgréne answered.
“That important, huh?”, Steorra retorted with some surprise. Eallgréne nodded. “I understand. Not often you get involved in those kind of jobs, brother. And you got the others involved?”.
“No, our employers got us all involved. Tricked us into meeting up and got us to work as a group”, Gael explained.
“They contacted them separately, then me and Violette, and had us meet them to discuss the mission without saying that the others were involved”, Nickel explained without giving away too much. Steorra nodded, piecing together what she could.
“I see. They went through a lot of trouble to bring you all together…must be an important mission”, Steorra said.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Steorra, it’s just-”, Eallgréne started before being cut off.
“It’s ok. I may not have ever had the chance to experience it first-hand, but I know how these missions go; especially the secret ones. Am I to assume then that, maybe, you came here for some help as well?”, Steorra asked. The idea of being assistance seemed to spark excitement in her. Her disability meant that she could never become the huntress she always wanted, so the idea of helping her brother and friends on a mission, especially one as important as this one seemed to be, gave her the adventurous spirit she had as a child in training. Eallgréne, knowing all-too-well how his sister was, smirked.
“Actually, you just may be able to”, Eallgréne exclaimed. Steorra smiled confidently. “Do you know of a huntress named Amber? Might be new to town?“
“Amber? No, I don’t recognize the name”, Steorra replied, thinking through people she knew.
“Without giving away too much information, we’re supposed to be looking for her. She may have information important to us”, Nickel explained.
“Want me to ask people who come in the shop?”, Steorra asked.
“No, at least not directly. We can’t have too many people know who we’re looking for; not sure who to trust”, Eallgréne explained.
“I understand. Well I’ll keep an eye out and get back to you if I hear anything. Is she in trouble? Or IS she the trouble?”, Steorra asked.
“We don’t know, that’s the problem. She went missing. There’s more to it than that, but we can’t say”, Gael replied. It was difficult explaining the situation fully without giving away too much information. Steorra thought for a moment.
“Hmm, I’m sorry, but I don’t know about any huntress going missing…but, I wonder…”, Steorra said, trailing off mid-thought and looking to the side of the room.
“What is it?”, Eallgréne asked, recognizing that his sister was thinking of something. Steorra looked to him.
“I don’t know if it’s related to Amber or your mission, but there have been a series of thefts going on in town lately”, Steorra stated.
“Really? What kind of thefts?”, Violette asked.
“Lately, dust shops have been held up at gun point by gangsters. But what’s weird about it is that it’s not for the lien, but for the dust itself”, Steorra explained. The group seemed confused by this.
“For the dust? That seems odd. Those shops would make a killing in a city like Vale, especially with the school and now the tournament coming soon. Why steal the dust and not the money?”, Nickel asked himself.
“Maybe to influence the tournament itself? Could fix fights if students don’t have dust to use. Gambling effects maybe?”, Gael suggested. Nickel shook his head.
“If it happened right before the tournament, maybe. But there’s plenty of time between now and then for the shops to replenish their stocks. And the schools would bring their own supplies of dust to the tournaments for their students anyway; so it’d be pointless. Besides, that would be quite a means to fix a fight when it’s so much easier to just bribe one of the fighters to take a fall. No, this can’t be for gambling”, Nickel explained.
“Then they’re stock-piling it for themselves. But why? Dust isn’t so rare that it’d make sense to steal it to resell; the effort wouldn’t justify the profits, even on the black market. The only good stealing it would do them would be if they were preparing for-”, Violette started. She stopped before she could finish, reacting to the thought before she told the others. Eallgréne went on for her.
“A fight”, Eallgréne finished. The group looked at one-another in deep thought. The idea of someone getting ready for a battle concerned them. Perhaps it was related to their mission after all. “Steorra, do you know who is behind the robberies?”.
“I don’t actually. There aren’t a lot of witnesses, or rather, not a lot who are brave enough to talk. But someone’s bound to know more”, Steorra explained.
“Ok, ask your customers, see if they know. But ask only about the robberies, don’t mention Amber. It’s too risky to spread word of her. And we can’t assume there’s a connection between the two just yet, however likely it may be. Nickel, get in contact with your source, see if we can set up a meeting”, Eallgréne said.
“There’s a phone in the back”, Steorra said, pointing down a hallway separate from the one she entered the room from.
“Gotcha. Might take a bit, but I’ll get it done”, Nickel said, and then he left to make the call.
“Meanwhile, I’ll get a hold of Faramant, let him know that we’re here and beginning our search. Maybe they’ll have something for us to go on by now", Eallgréne continued, pulling out his scroll. He pulled out the slip of paper Faramant had given them and typed in the number. After he did, he sent the call out. It only took a few seconds of ringing before the line picked up.
“Hello, this is Chief Inspector Faramant of the Atlas Military Police”, the voice on the other end of the call proclaimed.
“Faramant, this is Eallgréne”, Eallgréne stated.
“Understood, hold on a moment please”, Faramant said. There was a moment of silence on the line. Eallgréne looked to the others in the room during the wait. They all watched in anticipation, wanting to know what Faramant would say. Before long, the voice returned. “Apologies, I moved to a more secluded spot in the office. Still not taking risks. I assume you’ve made it to Vale?”
“We did, managed to hitch a ride and got here faster than expected. We’re currently at my sister’s place”, Eallgréne explained.
“Good, good. Then I assume you’re in a safe place to discuss?”, Faramant asked. Eallgréne looked towards Steorra. Understanding the situation, she nodded. With Violette’s help, she got back into her wheelchair and moved into the other room. She didn’t want to get her brother in trouble; especially from the Atlas Military Police.
“I am”, Eallgréne replied.
“Understood. Have you had any luck finding Amber?”, Faramant asked.
“No, we only just got into Vale a short time ago. However, we found out that there’s something else going on here. My sister said there have been a string of dust-specific thefts in the city, done by professionals”, Eallgréne explained.
“Dust-specific? That does seem odd. Do you have any reason to believe that it’s related?”, Faramant asked.
“Nothing solid, just suspicions”, Eallgréne answered.
“We can’t risk ignoring it. Look into it and see for yourself if there’s a correlation, but keep the focus on Amber”, Faramant ordered.
“Understood”, Eallgréne replied. Violette looked to the archer, and he knew what she was going to ask. “Violette said that she would ask her parents to assist you, have they or you found anything out?”.
“Yes, they did reach out to me, and while I didn’t give them all the details for security reasons, they are assisting me with their sources. However, we haven’t had much luck on our end. Nikko is having a debriefing with General Ironwood as we speak; should anything new come up, I’ll call you. But I wouldn’t hold your breath at this rate”, Faramant explained.
“We’re going to have a meeting with a source of Nickel’s to see if they know anything of the robberies or Amber”, Eallgréne detailed.
“It’s a start. Hopefully it’ll lead somewheres. I’d recommend talking to Headmaster Ozpin when you get the chance, time is of the essence and we can’t afford to waste it. Stay guarded at all times, and call me if you find out anything. Good luck”, Faramant said.
“Understood. Over and out”, Eallgréne finished. He then hung up.
“Well that got us no where”, Gael remarked.
“But at least he knows we’re here. Besides, it wouldn’t be fun if it were easy, right?”, Eallgréne asked, reminding Gael of her own words the other day. She smirked in response.
“So what do you do now?”, Steorra asked, entering the room once more. When she heard Gael speak, she assumed the call had ended. She approached the girls and her brother by the payment counter.
“He suggested talking to Ozpin as soon as we could”, Eallgréne answered.
“Normally I’d say that wouldn’t be too difficult for former students like yourselves, but the new year DID just start, so he’s gonna have his hands full. The team formation exercises were just the other day in fact”, Steorra explained.
“So getting time to even see him will be difficult. We’ll need to head over to the school and hope we can schedule one soon”, Violette suggested.
“We’ll also have to get a hold of one of the hotels and book rooms. Who knows how long we’ll be in the city, we can’t afford to miss out on space”, Gael added. With that statement, Steorra shook her head.
“You all can stay here. I have PLENTY of space upstairs, including spare rooms. And it’ll be convenient for your mission, more privacy”, Steorra explained.
“Ohh, sweetie, you don’t have to do that. We don’t want to interfere with your business”, Gael replied. Steorra chuckled lightly.
“Nonsense! You wouldn’t be a bother!”, Steorra retorted back.
“It would be the most convenient. And it’d be nice to catch up”, Eallgréne said. “Don’t worry, we’ll pay for rent”. Steorra scoffed.
“Since when would I force rent on family? Forget about it. Just make sure you wash your dishes and pick up after yourselves and it’ll be just fine”, Steorra replied. Gael squeeled and hugged Steorra tightly.
“It’ll be like old times again! I’m so excited!”, Gael remarked. Steorra giggled. She couldn’t contain her excitement either.
“I know! I can’t wait!”, Steorra replied. Eallgréne sighed.
“As much as I appreciate the offer sister, you have to remember that we’re on a mission. We won’t be able to hang out as much as you’d probably like”, Eallgréne said.
“I know, but it’ll make what moments we CAN have together that much better, now won’t it?” Steorra asked. Eallgréne couldn’t help but smile. Like him, she was fond of deep conversation. He nodded.
“Yeah…I guess so”, Eallgréne replied.
“Well, with that settled, I guess we’ll just wait on Nickel, and then head over to Beacon to see if we can schedule an appointment with Ozpin”, Gael said.
“Sounds like a plan”, Violette replied. Just then, the front door opened, causing the bell to ring through the store. The hunters turned towards the direction of the noise. As a figure stepped into the building, the members of Team Evergreen collectively smiled in surprise.
Standing before them was a large figure, a man in perhaps his mid fifties. He wore a wine red-colored double breasted suit with olive boots. His large white mustache and matching colored hair showed a face of age, but experience and refinement. He entered the room, looked at the hunters before him, and reciprocated with an equally large smile.
“Well, well, well! If it isn’t Team EVGN! So wonderful to see some of my favorite former students again!”, the man bellowed, his stomach bouncing as he talked in merriment. He had a jolly disposition, which made the group laugh.
“It’s good to see you again, Professor Port!”, Gael remarked, waving to the professor. The man chuckled.
“Come now, Miss Kasai. You’re no longer students, hugs are perfectly acceptable greetings!“, Prof. Port exclaimed, approaching the faunus and giving her a bear hug. Gael chuckled nervously, but hugged back regardless. The professor was a hulking figure compared to her small frame, and the hug nearly enveloped her entirely. Gael also recalled the professor to be a bit of a flirt with the female students, (of which she was a frequent target), however, she did not fear anything provocative; he was still a gentleman after all.
“Ahh! And Miss Liddell, always a pleasure!”, Prof. Port said, seeing the knight beside him. She opened her arms and wrapped them around the Professor. Unlike the small-framed Gael, Violette was more physically opposing, and was able to not only wrap her arms nearly around the body of the professor, but able to pick him up entirely.
“Wonderful to see you again, professor!”, Violette exclaimed. As she hugged the professor, a loud crack echoed through the room. Professor Port winced, causing Violette to put him down quickly. “Oh my goodness, are you ok professor!?”. Professor Port chuckled, feeling his lower back.
“Quite alright Miss Liddell; in fact I dare say I needed that back crack!”, Professor Port exclaimed with a chuckle. Eallgréne approached the older huntsman.
“It’s been a long time, professor”, Eallgréne stated. Professor Port turned to look at the archer with a smile.
“It has indeed! I still have had few students as interested in the Grimm studies as you, Mr. Hód”, Prof. Port said. He held his hand out briefly, but then hesitated, pulling it back slowly. It was as if he remembered something, and became apprehensive. Eallgréne chuckled lightly, knowing what it was. He held his own hand out.
“It’s alright Professor”, Eallgréne stated. Professor Port chuckled and shook the archer’s hand.
“Wonderful! Glad to see you all looking well! I was hardly expecting to see you all together like this; although I suppose if I were, this would be the place to do it. And how are you, Miss Hód?”, Prof. Port asked, turning to Steorra. She smiled.
“I’m well, Professor”, Steorra exclaimed. “Am I to assume you’re here for your order?”.
“Indeed I am! I assume then it’s arrived?”, Prof. Port asked.
“Just this morning, I’ll go retrieve it”, Steorra said, turning her wheelchair around and heading to the back room. The professor turned to the others.
“I ordered a cage from your sister last week for classes. I hope to capture a Grimm for the new students, but my last one was destroyed”, Professor Port explained.
“Still making your classes more hands-on are we?”, Eallgréne asked, recalling similar actions done in his time at Beacon.
“Of course! It worked so well on you, now didn’t it?”, Prof. Port said with a chuckle.
“That’s true. In fact, I’ve got notes on many different Grimm on my travels, I’ll have to show you them”, Eallgréne exclaimed, pulling out a notebook. Professor Port chuckled.
“Wonderful my dear lad! Unfortunately, it may have to wait for a later time. As you know, captured Grimm need to be fresh, elsewise they disappear. My class is today, and I have to be off to get one before then”, Prof. Port explained.
“Hmm…actually, Professor…why don’t we capture a Grimm for you?”, Eallgréne asked. The group seemed surprised at the sudden offer. Why would be volunteer them for something like that when they had an important mission to undertake? Even Professor Port seemed skeptical.
“Really? I must say, I’m surprised you volunteered so out if the blue”, Prof. Port replied.
“We don’t mind helping out an old friend, and it shouldn’t be THAT difficult…but…there is something I’d like to request in return”, Eallgréne stated. The professor raised an eyebrow.
“Oh really? Hmm…well, I am quite curious as to the request, and capturing the Grimm for me would save valuable time I could use preparing for classes. So I accept your generous offer!”, Professor Port exclaimed. Eallgréne nodded with a smile.
“I thank you, professor”, Eallgréne stated.
“So what is it you’d like, my boy?”, the professor asked, twirling the tip of his mustache.
“You see…we’re not just here to see family. The others and I, we’re on a mission…an important one”, Eallgréne explained. Professor Port nodded in understanding. “And we were asked to talk to Headmaster Ozpin over details that may help us. But we know that, with classes and the Vytal festival coming up, he’ll be busy. So, we were wondering if you could help us schedule a meeting with him? It’s…pretty important”.
Professor Port nodded again. Being a former hunter himself, he knew what it was like to have a mission one could not discuss openly. And he was well aware of the busy schedule coming up for the new school year and the festival.
“I see. Well, I will be sure to do all that I can to aid you. I will have a word with Ozpin, and let him know that Team EVGN wish to talk with him”, Professor Port stated. The group smiled.
“Thank you, professor! This will help a lot!”, Gael said.
“Glad to be of assistance my dear!”, Professor Port exclaimed.
“Alright everyone, the call’s been made, we’re-”, Nickel called out. The group turned towards him as he entered the room. When he saw Professor Port standing before him, he stopped talking. He looked both shocked and concerned. “Professor?”. Professor Port sighed.
“Ahh yes, Mr. McCarty, I should have assumed you’d be here as well if the rest of your team was”, Professor Port stated with a hint of annoyance. Nickel groaned.
“Oh come on, don’t tell me you’re still upset over me skipping class all those years ago!”, Nickel said.
“Mr. McCarty, you skipped enough classes over the four years you were at Beacon to equate to an entire semester! It was a miracle you still managed to graduate!”, Professor Port explained.
“Listen, I was young and impetuous! Now I’m-”, Nickel started before being cut off.
“OLD and impetuous”, Violette said with a giggle.
“Sounds about right”, Professor Port added.
“So what kind of Grimm would you like us to bring you?”, Eallgréne asked, changing the topic away from his troublesome friend.
“These are mostly first-year students, so nothing too dangerous. I should think a Boarbatusk would work nicely”, Prof. Port determined. Nickel turned to Eallgréne in shock.
“We have to catch a Grimm!? For Port!? I THOUGHT I WAS DONE DOING HOMEWORK FOR HIM! GAH!”, Nickel whined, throwing his arms up in the air.
“I see your attitude towards homework hasn’t changed over the years either, hmm?”, Professor Port stated, crossing his arms.
“He’s gonna try and get us a meeting with Ozpin for compensation. It’ll be fine”, Eallgréne reassured the hunter. Nickel groaned.
“What about your contact?”, Gael asked.
“Hmm? Oh, yeah. I managed to get a hold of him after a few tries. Wasn’t easy, but he’s willing to talk to us privately tonight. We’ll see how that goes”, Nickel answered.
“Alright then, it’s set. We’ll get the Grimm, then tonight we see what we can dig up”, Eallgréne decided.
“Sounds like a solid plan, Mr. Hód! Well, I best be off then to prepare for class. I’ll be sure to talk to Ozpin as soon as I can! You can drop the Grimm off at the school when you’ve caught it; happy hunting!”, Professor Port exclaimed, walking out of the shop with a wave goodbye.
“Bye Professor!”, Gael said in reply. The door closed behind him. Nickel crossed his arms in annoyance.
“I’m gone for five minutes and you all manage to give me homework, what the Hell!?”, Nickel whined.
That brings an end to another chapter! Sorry for the long wait; there was a busy schedule for me as of late, and I sorta lost the drive to write because of it. Hope this makes up for it though! Please enjoy!
This post is to focus on what I can do for myself, and others, for the future of mental health awareness. I have every intent to spread the word of mental health awareness. I do it now, there's no reason why I can't for the future. Having more open discussions about my daily routines and struggles with OCD can help others cope or learn how to deal with their own situations. I may not ever become a huge spokesperson, someone with hundreds or thousands of people following them and learning from them. But that's ok. There is nothing wrong with being the voice of comfort and support to just 1 person. There is nothing that says that helping 1 person isn't enough; even if that 1 person is myself. And for those who are reading this, maybe follow suit. Openly talk about your struggles, let people know that they're not alone. And if you feel that the only person who's listening is yourself, then that's ok. Do what you can for you. It'll help.
For Mental Health Awareness month, I'm gonna talk about how we can be there for one another. Simply put, the best thing to do is to talk and listen. Opening up about your struggles, what you deal with on a daily basis with your mental health, and letting someone try their best to help you is really all you can ask for. When I'm down, I tend to bottle it up. Mostly because most people I know either don't know how to handle mental disorders, or worse yet, go with the classic, "It's all in your head" mantra. But talking to someone who understands, who knows what it's like, can have a huge positive impact. When I was down, I looked on here, and other sites, to talk to people who suffer from things similar to me. We were able to support one-another, and in this way, I was able to get better. If you see the signs of someone in distress, talk to them. Tell them that you're there to help. A shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen. That can make all the difference to someone like me, or someone like you.
