Water is life's only master.

@frozenriver

“Hibiki?”

Homura entered the suicune’s room, there was a heavy musk hanging. The ho-oh had brought some fruit for him, though it was still..an interesting sight. It’d been a while since Hibiki entered rut, and the effects were..impressive.

Though everyone else was kept at bay, at least one of the family was unaffected, coming to check on his child. The beast in question was curled, wrapped up in blankets upon blankets with massive orbs of water looming throughout the room in an attempt to bring down the ambient temperature.

“’m  ..fine..”

He wasn’t, but  he also didn’t want to acknowledge the burning in his core, how sensitive he was just having his skin touch exposed air. It was grueling, and well. What other option did he have?

–

Homura left him alone soon enough, lounging at the cliffside and giving a hum as a familiar visitor came once again.

“Hibiki’s rutting right now, Kawa. You can come back in a few days if you don’t want to see him in such a state.”

Kawa had come to visit, as he now often did. Hibiki had become someone who he would consider precious. If only it were more realistic to have the other travel with him... At the same time, it was reassuring to have Homura and the others around him to keep him safe. It wasn’t as if Kawa wanted to keep him in a safe little box, but he often thought about him throughout his long journeys. Hearing that the other was in such a state, though... he didn’t expect that.

“Hibiki...? Rutting...? Hah, the poor guy! I wonder what he’s like when he’s like that... I still want to see him- to tease him if nothing else.” He certainly planned on teasing him, but if Hibiki wanted more... Kawa knew he wouldn’t decline. Hibiki was beautiful, and not only that, but the two seemed to click so well together. In fact, he hadn’t had sex since he had met the other Suicune. No one else was good enough to even humor.

After a small chat with Homura, he went to the Suicune’s room, in his human form today. That form was easier to cuddle with. Sitting on the bed next to the clump under the blankets, he gave a chuckle.

Joy trills happily and snuggles at Kawa, happy to hear they are doing a good job. “Thank you. We hope you find your home, too! You can always come to ours, when you need to!” The wartortle on the other side merely nods in agreement. That’s how he feels, too, and he’s sure Cyan would feel the same way.

After placing the water down, Cyan pauses at Kawa’s comment. Slowly, a bright smile forms on his face and he sniffles, wiping a little at his eyes. Its…just totally dust! Not crying!

“I know, I’m really lucky.” Before he leaves, he places a hand on both of his Pokemon’s head, petting them fondly. “Sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning.” 

Joy and Azure snuggle up against the Pokemon’s side and also settle in for the night. Azure sleeps lightly, sure to help by bringing Kawa more water during the night if he needs it, and other necessities.

They’d all wake up to the smell of food being made in the kitchen, Cyan walking as quietly as he could as he worked on meals for the Pokemon sleeping in the livingroom.

He could always come to this home... that was a comforting thought. This small family was a good one, and Kawa would be happy to visit again. There may have been more, but the Suicune bet any other members would be kind like the other three. When Cyan pet the heads of the other two Pokemon, for a moment Kawa wished that he could have gotten a pat as well, but he understood that the human was only trying to make sure he felt safe. So without any fuss, he drifted off into sleep. He awoke a few times throughout the night to drink, but other than that he had a good and warm night.

When he woke up in the morning and smelled food, his nose stuck up in the air and sniffed in a very dog-like manner. Standing up while making sure it didn’t bother the other two, he stretched and changed into his human form. This way, he’d be smaller so he could more comfortably walk around the house, The butt-naked man entered the kitchen casually, not quite awake enough to realize what he was doing wasn’t something Cyan would find odd.

“You give off a certain vibe, One i am such used to, But my Name is bede. Bede ekeri, I am a lugia, Guardian of the seas and keeper of harmony. I’ve had many years to hide my presence from other legendaries, I don’t need to but, Sometimes i enjoy the privacy of just being another ‘human’ among the masses.”

He blinked, How old? Hmm, A odd question but he supposed for legendaries, Not really. They could bridge quite the time gaps after all and often didn’t reflect the look either so the only way to know who was elder or not was by asking.

“I am probably younger than most legendaries you know, I am somewhere in the four thousands, I lost track of the exact age a long time ago.”

This Bede sure talked as if they were in older times. Kawa, too, used to speak like that, but as time changed, so did his speech. Though it was not unusual that he would come upon human slang that he did not understand, especially if it had anything to do with technology.

A Lugia? So he was a greater legendary. On top of that, he was old enough to have been the one who killed him so long ago... With a sudden worried look, Kawa took a step back with a tiny almost inaudible whine.

Hibiki gave a chuckle, tucking his foot under the brush he’d been using to kick it into his hand.

“Sure. I have Homura and the twins to preen me, but I guess you don’t have such a luxury, huh?”

It didn’t take long for them to reach the grove, everyone had gone to their own devices. Upon closer inspection it was easy to see why everyone liked it. Though it was relatively large, it definitely wasn’t large enough for seven human shapes to pile onto. Mostly likely barely large enough for Reika’s natural form to fit on.

Though the netting seemed to be made out of vines, most likely woven and replaced by Rahi - it was the mattress anchored onto it. Massive, most likely overfilled from the looks of it. Hibiki didn’t have much in the way of physical strength, so as he tried to consider how to get Kawa onto the bed, the Suicune wrapped his arms around the other’s torso and pulled him on with a grunt.

The mattress compressed with an audible puff, and it was pretty obvious why it was a hotspot among the Pantheon. Warm, plush, even the fabric used was more comfortable than it should’ve been for something kept outdoors.

Hibiki released Kawa, rolling over onto his stomach as he saw the signs of Reika returning. Leaves shifting, the sound of ice clinking together. She dropped a mantine down before them, the massive, wet body slapping against the short grass. Luckily for Kawa, judging by the wear and tear on this one, it was most likely ancient, in terms of wild mantine.

It felt nice to be out after such a nice rest, even if he could have stayed in bed longer. At least they were pretty much going to a different bed! He was still naked, but the air was refreshing on his body. The pantheon probably wouldn’t mind, since the first time he arrived, they seemed to think he didn’t need to borrow a kimono. Clothes were nice when it was cold, but being naked today was prefered.

Once on the hammock, Kawa settled in on his side. He was about to call Hibiki over to cuddle with him, but Reika returned with breakfast before he could do so. The food looked like it had lived a long life, but it was a bit sad nonetheless. Still, eating would be good for him, since all he wanted to do was sleep.

At the risk of insulting the other, Shiro kept the growing smirk at bay…if the Suicune was going to exhibit feline tendencies, that only validated him earlier comment…if just a tiny bit. 

“Kawa? I’ll remember that” He answered simply, an almost knowing gleam in his eyes. 

“I suppose if you really are curious about me…I can say I am not a Mythical or any sort of legendary by your standards. But…I suppose Ghost fits the best” His head tilted as he answered, tail swishing behind him just slightly. 

“But yes…I guess you could say I am a bit canine like. But, let me ask you…do you command this territory?”

If ghost fit him the best, was he a spirit? Maybe he’d never died, but still existed with a immortal body. Kawa had never heard of this particular being, but ghosts were abundant, so a spirit wouldn’t be that odd. The Suicune himself had been dead before yet was very much alive now.

“Oh, We have a berry grove somewhere around here. I think Rahi moved it down by the shore to do some splicing experiments.”

There was a soft huff as the new weight was added to him. Even if Hibiki’s health was fine, his human form wasn’t an especially large frame. He learned that the hard way when Homura picked him up in one arm.

Not a fun experience.

But oh, not feeling hunger? Must be nice. Hibiki didn’t need to constantly eat, not like Homura, but he did still need to consume. Unfortunately the pantheon did know the concept of “starving”…not fun.

“Well, come on lets get you outside. Homura’s got this really nice hammock bed out in the grove that we all fight over. You can eat berries and pick at whatever Reika brings back.”

He did feel a bit bad, not being able to guarantee that she’d return with a sick or elderly one - he knew it wouldn’t be already dead - no one was a carrion eater, after all. Maybe he should’ve asked Archel to hunt instead. She mostly ate seafood.

“A berry grove sounds lovely... Yes, that sounds nice.” Holding on to Hibiki’s arm, he allowed the other to lead him out of the room on their way towards the shore. Hopefully the others would be kind enough to allow him to use the hammock- at least until he was recovered. After that, he wouldn’t mind participating in the fight for the best spot.

A noise of delight left the little Pokemon, and she gently pet the tail, enjoying the cold appendage.

“Mama is great!” she chirped. “When I hatched, he was there. He loves me, and I love him!” She sways back and forth for a moment, humming happily.

“He was very sad, back then, and would cry a lot. But I would give him hugs, and he’d be so happy! He likes to take care of me and sing to me…” she nods. “Now that we’ve found home, he’s much happier!”

Azure listens, a proud smile on his face. Yes, his human is good, and he’s quick to return with a second helping of water.

“I’m going to go to sleep soon. In my room.” Cyan points to the door not to far off. “Azure and Joy will watch over you while you rest. If you need me, you can ask one of them. Is that alright with you?”

It just seemed better if he was out of view while the other was sleeping, that way they’d feel more comfortable.

As the Happiny talked, a smile came to Kawa’s face as his ribbons pulled the two new friends closer to him. It sounded like this little family had a rough start, but things were looking up for them.

“You make others happy, then? You’re very good at your job! I’m glad that you three are settling down in a home now. ...One day, I hope to do the same.”

When the human returned, about half of the water he provided was lapped up before he pushed it aside for later and laid he head down with a yawn.

“Well,”

There was a sheepish laugh across his features. He did claim the best room for midday naps, the colored glass filtered out enough heat to only warm up the bed, ideal for the pale kirin and allowing him to sprawl out at his leisure.

“Can’t help it, Sirocco makes the climate here really nice. It’s hard to not doze off, y’know?”

Would it be rude to tell Kawa he never ate in his room? Aside from having to eat jellyfish still in the water, the kirin was deceivingly fastidious about his space. He remained unmoving for a while longer before finally stirring, puling himself up and offering Kawa a hand once he stood.

“I don’t mind, but you aren’t hungry? Reika volunteered to go catch some fish for you.”

“It is very nice in here. I slept very well. Having you as a personal heater helped as well.” Besides the sore hands and feet, he was feeling refreshed. He let out a whine in protest when Hibiki got up, but it didn’t work. Too bad Kawa had no faith the other could lift him in the forms they were in now. Gently grabbing onto Hibiki’s outstretched hand as to not hurt himself too much, he pulled himself up, leaning on the other both for support and to take some weight off of his feet.

With no resistance on Hibiki’s part, he was moved easily. A soft moan escaped his throat as he was shifted around, though otherwise still unresponsive. He curled up, pulling his legs closer  against his body and burying himself into Kawa. It almost sounded like he was purring.

It was only a few minutes of bliss in this manner, though - the other Suicune stirred soon enough, shoulders pulling in as he gave a stretch in a manner not unlike a meowth waking from a leisurely afternoon nap.

There was, however, a pause. there was a human shape next to him, but it definitely didn’t smell like anyone from his family. Considering they were still in his room, that left..

“..Kawa?”

His voice cracked, a soft, raspy sound as he was still trying to wake up fully.

As Hibiki awoke, Kawa set the arm holding him on the bed so that he could do his cat stretch.

“Good morning, Hibiki.” Still feeling affectionate, he pulled the other back to his place and gave him a hug. This is, after all, all he wanted since he saw the other Suicune in the tundra.

      ﴾ ♚  @frozenriver​ sent:

              There seems to be a Suicune in the walk-in fridge, stealing all of the cheese and putting it on the stove. If only he knew how to work the thing…                      

        He catches the stranger red-         handed, quiet and observant         as he wander close, behind         the other as they attempt to         figure out the equipment.         “Mon Dieu…of all my years, I have         never seen ANYONE attempt to         mix in morbier, crottin, and neufchâtel         with comté, among others…could it         be that you are making…” he speaks         calmly, as if unphased by the attempt         being made by the stranger. But then—                      SMACK.         His hand connects with the back of         their head, HARD. If there was ONE         THING Siebold would absolutely         LOSE it over in the kitchen, it was          misuse of his precious CHEESES.         “As-tu idée de ce que tu es en train         putain de faire?! NON, tu n’as pas.         Obtiens un pot, barbare!! Et ce—”         He is quick to move and grab some         of these wheels. Displacing ALL of         the cheese, he couldn’t BELIEVE         someone would even try this form         of foolishness.         “Do not play chef in this kitchen,         the only thing you would be is         a waster of good ingredients,         since it is so obvious you have         not a single clue how to function         in a kitchen.”   

The human must have been far too angry to notice that when he smacked the other, the blue-haired man didn’t even budge. If anything, it probably hurt the blond’s hand. Kawa simply turned to listen to the man yell in different languages.

“...I don’t know how to use this.” He admitted, pointing to the stove. What a surprise! “I was told there was cheese in here, which proved to be true, but I like it better warm. I know these things can make things hot, but I think it’s broken- it’s not doing anything.”

No one should ever trust this man with any kind of technology. If he were a fire type, this wouldn’t be a problem at all. Not that he minded being a water type, it had plenty of perks as well. Perhaps he could use Scald, but then the cheese would be wet as well.

Was this human too mad to help him? If that was the case, he’d have to pull out the puppy-dog eyes. So, naturally, he began stripping. His shirt, pants, and shoes were laid on the floor behind him. This time he couldn’t seem to find underwear or socks, not that it bothered him.

With one step forward, his body morphed into his Suicune form. With his very best begging eyes, he stared into the human’s eyes.

By the time he woke up again, Kawa would find himself on an unusually massive mattress, a soft denseness that one could sink into and get lost in, on the floor, in the center of a very large room. For all intents and purposes, aside from a few textiles hanging up on a rack - it looked like they were mostly silk or embroidered bamboo weaves.

There was a weight draped over him, though the positioning wasn’t great, Hibiki was laying over Kawa’s back, next to a wrapped paw was what appeared to be a detangling brush with an extravagantly carved handle.

He was fast asleep, nuzzled into his short fur. From the looks of Kawa’s mane, Hibiki had every intention of brushing him out, but fell asleep halfway through it. The sun filtering in through an ornate shell-themed stained glass window, bathing the two in a gentle warmth and a peaceful array of colors.

Warm... Finally, the freezing cold was no longer a hinderance. Nothing hurt when he wasn’t moving, but he noticed his paws were sore when he tried to sit up, which he gave up on when he noticed who was with him. With a quiet yawn, he took a look around the room he was in. Certainly this was nothing like anywhere he had been before. It was cozy though, and having Hibiki there made it all the better.

Transforming to his human form now that he had the energy to do so, he hugged the other despite his sore hands. After a kiss on his cheek, he positioned him to use Kawa’s chest as a pillow, still holding onto him and gently rubbing his arm. It was so strangely comfortable.

“Y-you’re welcome.” He’d definitely heard the comments. “Not very fond of humans” and “I don’t mind being touched by other Pokemon.” was not exactly subtle. The Suicune wanted space from humans, and Cyan obliged that.

“I’ll grab more water.” he was quick to give them space, grabbing the bowl to fill it up again and leaving the Pokemon to their own devices.

“Cyan is one of the better ones, although he doesn’t often believe it himself.” Azure explained, settling beside the Suicune. Sure, the legendary was much larger than him, but he would try to share body warmth where he could.

The happiny sat on the other side of the Suicune, gently papping their side. This is what they usually did when Cyan felt sad.

“Nice to meet you!! Please, Feel better! Feel warmth!” the little pokemon chirruped, already enjoying the pokemon

Kawa could have spoke so that Cyan wouldn’t understand what he was saying, but he’d rather the human hear. This way, he could indirectly let him know that he didn’t 100% trust him, and not to mess with the legendary. Though Cyan hadn’t tried anything like that yet. It was easy to taste that nothing suspicious was put in the water, and the human was making an effort to make sure the strange dog was warm and comfortable.

When the two Pokemon sat on his sides, a ribbon tail went to each of them. For the Wartortle, it draped over his shoulders. Kawa hoped it wasn’t too cold. For the Happiny, it simply sat in front of her. It was up to her if she wanted to touch the cold white tail.

“Just stick him in the hot spring with us.”

Epoch glanced over in HIbiki’s direction, though they had yet to actually see Kawa, just smell the blood that their Suicune’s mouth was no doubt covered in.

And..he did just that. Sliding Kawa into the water first, Homura and the others shifting forms to allow more space in the pool. Entering before the others, Hibiki pulled Kawa to the side, holding the other Suicune’s head to keep him from slipping under, not that they..really had to worry about that.

It didn’t take long for Homura to heat up the large body of water, breathing a multitude of handheld fireballs, keeping their form as he dropped them in.

Hibiki’s hand ran over the fur on Kawa’s cheek, He certainly looked the odd one out with the others stripping their clothes and sliding in to soak while the Suicune remained dressed.

“How are you feeling?”

Homura was so warm, so if it were his choice or if he had the energy to hang on, he would have stayed buried in the soft down feathers. Despite a few whines in protest, he slipped into the water. It wasn’t as warm as the bird, but one the fireballs were inside, it was much better. Nuzzling his head in Hibiki’s arms, Kawa let out a satisfied sigh.

“Much better...”

So much still hurt. His paws, his ribbons, the wounds that were now closed... But the water was soothing and the arms he was in were comforting. While his eyes were open, they were soft and drowsy. The others entering the pool were ignored for the most part. The only person he was looking at was the one holding him.

“...Tired.”

Can be used to get to know a bit about the person behind the screen!

1. FIRST NAME: Just call me River ;) If we talk on discord you may eventually find out what my name is, and in that case it’s fine to use it!

2. STRANGE FACT ABOUT YOURSELF: I’m super allergic to nickel so I can’t wear most jewelry, belts, or things with metal buttons like jeans.

3. TOP THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU FIND ATTRACTIVE ON A PERSON: On a person...? I care way more about personality, but if it has to be physical, I love clean, soft, shiny hair, well kept hands, and a real genuine smile.

4. A FOOD YOU COULD EAT FOREVER AND NOT GET BORED OF: A warm, buttered small baguette with ham and cheese.

5. A FOOD YOU HATE: Tacos. I’ve never liked them. I think it’s something about the spice?

6. GUILTY PLEASURE: Fruits Basket and Ouran Highschool Host Club. I just. Really like them.

7. WHAT DO YOU SLEEP IN: A bed  Nothing usually

8. SERIOUS RELATIONSHIPS OR FLINGS: Serious relationships. I don’t want to date anyone who can’t see it being long term/ forever. I’m too old to play those games.

9. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN THE PAST AND CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WOULD YOU AND WHAT WOULD IT BE: Only one?? The biggest thing I would probably change is doing better in school altogether. I was NOT a good student...

10. ARE YOU AN AFFECTIONATE PERSON: Um? Kinda? I’m very affectionate with my mom and sister, but not so much with my dad and brother or closest male friends- but then again I am with girl and non-binary friends?? So... maybe it’s a gender thing?? Idk there’s probably some deep psychological reason.

11. A MOVIE YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN: Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog

12. FAVORITE BOOK: I don’t know... I loved +anima which is a manga, does that count?

13. YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP ANY ANIMAL AS A PET, WHAT DO YOU CHOOSE: ...Can I say a Bulbasaur? If not, assuming it’s completely domesticated through generations of breeding and won’t cost me anything, I think it’d be great to have a bear.

14. TOP FIVE FICTIONAL SHIPS [IF YOU ARE AN RP BLOG, YOU CAN USE YOUR OWN SHIPS AS WELL]: Red x Green (as in the rival, Pokemon), Niles and Male Corrin (Fire Emblem), Shion and Nezumi (no.6), Kokichi and Shuichi (Danganronpa), aaaand idk Pikachu and Ketchup

15. PIE OR CAKE: CAKE Unless it’s chocolate pie!

16. FAVORITE SCENT:  Rain, clean moving water.

17. CELEBRITY CRUSH: This isn’t really a crush but boy do I love me some JackSepticEye.

18. IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO: Norway to go see family!

19. INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT: Both?? I’m not a shy person, but I’m not a big party guy. But I also throw parties?? And I don’t think I talk too much, because people say I’m quiet but I don’t think I am?? I’m smack in the middle.

20. DO YOU SCARE EASILY: Yes. I am such a jumpy person, and I do not do well with horror. I am literally too afraid to play Luigi’s Mansion. I am one of the biggest wusses I know. ...Please don’t take advantage of this, I will get upset.

21. IPHONE OR ANDROID: I have an iPhone, so I guess that? I don’t really care to be honest.

22. DO YOU PLAY ANY VIDEO GAMES: YES! I have my switch, xbox one, and some pc games. Fire Emblem games are a favorite~

23. DREAM JOB: I work in CAD, so I’d love to expand on that and do much more complex designs than what I do now. As for what kind of designs... I’m not sure yet!

24. WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A MILLION DOLLARS: Buy my sister a car, get a nice fence and garden for my brother, send my parents on a vacation to Alaska, and get a house. I’d donate to organizations I support, and the rest is going into savings most likely.

25. FICTIONAL CHARACTER YOU HATE: I. I really don’t like Misty. Never have.

26. FANDOM THAT YOU WERE ONCE A PART OF BUT AREN’T ANY LONGER: ...I can’t think of one? I’m only “active” in the Pokemon fandom, with a bit of Fire Emblem.

TAGGED BY: @unimpressivethief​

Cyan set up the fire before looking to his Pokemon and giving a nod in understanding. 

Touching the other creature would be the wartortle’s job, since they seemed to be more comfortable with other pokemon. Cyan went about fumbling in the kitchen for his largest mixing bowl, filling it to the brim with clean sink water.

“We were lucky to find you. If my partner hadn’t decided to go for a walk, you could have laid in the sand all night. It could have been way worse.” Azure sighs. “Feel free to rest here as long as you like. Cyan has had problems in the past, but he is a good human. We can take care of you till you recuperate.”

Cyan came back a moment after the conversation, bowl in his hands, a chattering happiny at his side, clutching onto one pant leg.

“S-sorry, Joy really wanted to meet a new friend. She’s just a baby, but I reminded her not to touch you unless you say you want to be touched.”

Cyan sets the bowl down in front of the legendary and gives them a tentative smile. Noticing that they have a spot on their flank not yet covered with a towel, Cyan grabs one and gently sets it atop them.

“Drink all you like. We can always grab you more.” 

When the fire was ‘lit’, Kawa kneaded just a bit in the bedding under him as he felt the artificial warmth. The Suicune was listening, of course, but his mind was mostly on the water being brought to him. It was only when with bowl was dry he lifted his head to speak.

“Thank you. I am glad I was found by you two and not somebody else. Since you say that he is a good human, I will believe you, though I am usually not very fond of humans...”

When the tiny Happiny showed her face, Kawa smiled, and his ribbon tails flowed in delight. His head lowered to the ground in a friendly manner.

Homura looked up as the sound of Hibiki returning broke the quiet calm. Epoch was making a hot sprint bath with the seasons changing so drastically. Reika had managed to catch a cold somehow, so better treat everyone just to be safe.

As the ho-oh opened his beak to greet the Suicune, an unceremonious squawk escaped his throat as something small and cold was jammed into his plumage.

“Hibiki!”

“Don’t look at me like that, I found Kawa instead of that damn plant Epoch sent me out for.”

He was still out of breath, but better, at least. It was a tough venture having to consciously remember not to tense his jaw. Hibiki leans over enough to nuzzle Homura in greeting before interrupting the Zapdos wading around in a closed off pool to mix in herbs.

“Can you help him?”

Kawa was successful in staying awake the entire way. In fact, it took much less time than he thought it would be. Maybe it was because he was slipping in and out of conscious, but most likely it was simply that Hibiki was fast.

The second he was shoved under the large bird, he could feel the heat warming him up. While it hurt his frostbitten toes, it was a welcome feeling to the rest of his body. Slowly, he wiggled his way under Homura until only his cold nose was sticking out for air.

His form shivered, pulling Kawa’s face against his chest. He – he was so cold. Hibiki couldn’t let him go out - not like this… not like this.

The suicune changed forms once again, his towering, kirin-like body now at least large enough to block the wind from Kawa. Carefully, carefully he lifted the smaller Suicune into his maw, careful not to let his sharp teeth scrape against the other.

You’re going to get out of this, Kawa. You can’t die here.

He moved, a higher line of sight allowed him to head for warmer weather…maybe..maybe he could try doing that..”air step” that Archel did…that would surely be faster, but he couldn’t risk taking a fall with Kawa in this state. ..

As Hibiki picked up Kawa in his mouth, the smaller Suicune was like a ragdoll; completely limp. Up in the air, he looked down at the large patch of bloodied snow where he once lay. Even now, Hibiki would be able to taste blood. Although the cold was harsh and painful, it most likely helped slow the bleeding and swelling. It may have been odd to admit, and he probably never would, but the warm breath of the giant Suicune was welcome. Any snow or ice that clung to him was melted away.