ENDLING;

An unnatural fog was spreading through the desert, snuffing out any sun and making it oddly cool despite the season. An unnatural figure that wasn’t native to these lands was walking about, attempting to follow the sound of both human and pokemon activity.

     There was a sound resembling a pleased chortle coming from Barachiel as she’d agree to his help. He raised his claws then, each of which danced with ghostly flame as he’d offer some of that ghostly flame with outstretched arms, those golden eyes of his getting a friendly little twinkle to them.

‘Then allow me to protect you. Take some of my power, as long as you shall will it, then a barrier shall defend you against any would-be attackers or assailants. It will alert me to you or your granddaughter being in danger as well, and will allow me to find either of you in a pinch.’

     It was a great power he had been gifted with, and now he could use it to protect some of what he thought were his lost kin… It was enough to make him giddy, as hard as it was to tell with his mouthless face.

Apprehensive only because of the woes of the past, Shiro was trying to lighten herself up a bit. When the others claws were raised, her gaze lowered to stare. As she realized what was going on, her mouth curved into a smile and her ears perked up. 

Thank you, zoro. We’ll protect you as well, we’re all in this mess together. 

…….oh. i hope that day comes soon. i really miss having them around, telling tales to each other, zoro. 

a cold wind blew at the fox’s fur, and yet she didn’t feel a thing. she haven’t felt the bitter cold for a while, too, everything is happening for a while. nadia suddenly leaves her grandmother’s side to dig at a random spot in the snow, there was some scent she picked up, but it vanished, almost like their kind.

shiro couldn’t say more than that, not yet. she wasn’t ready to, it would be more beneficial if nadia got older, more mature. it’s just been a while. hopefully she will handle it okay...

... 

she comes to a brief stop while the youngling digs, and she lowers herself to all fours for a moment, sniffing at the snow before standing back up. the snow wasn’t cold, although she knew it was. the closer to the base of the mountain they got, the less thick the snow was. the more footprints of various species.

     A family that needed his protection was not something he was unfamiliar with, and he’d be damned to the Distortion World before he’d turn his back on those in need. He’d simply reach out to the other then, offering her his claws if she needed some form of reassurance,

‘You are very bold for venturing into new lands, my kin, you and your granddaughter both. Do you desire my protection?’ He’d inquire ever-so-softly, smiling at her with his eyes as he’d add on, ‘If you do, then I shall shield you both with what I’m able, you have my word.’

... ... ....

it was dangerous for those of their kind to not stick together, although her pride wanted to say no, she knew logically they did need the help, the protection to ensure survival. it was wiser this way. in turn, they would help him as well, despite their situations. 

…

     The Hisuian Zoroark stares at his kin for an almost uncomfortably long amount of time, those piercing golden eyes staring right through Shiro as Barachiel would lean in closer…

     Then he’d give her a sniff or two himself, and if he had a mouth, he would definitely be smiling.

‘Greetings, kin. I apologize if I have unsettled or worried you, I assure you that I am fine.’

     He did not speak directly, instead allowing his whispy, ethereal voice to dance through her head as the Hisuian Zoroark would take a bow of his head then before continuing.

‘No, I am afraid not. I’m simply… Sightseeing, I suppose is the correct turn of phrase. It has been so long since I’ve seen another… If anything I should be asking that question of you, my kin. Might I do anything for you?’

species formalities were not unforgotten by this zoroark, in fact, it was reassuring to see them. to tell her that not all was lost, that there was at least another out there, one who seemed to be even older. concerningly, she did not catch the scent of others on his fur.

please be safe. my granddaughter and i have decided to finally venture forward due to hunger, there’s nothing left where we’ve come from. it’s very concerning for us to be out where we’re unfamiliar zoro. 

sniff sniff sniff sniff. the aggressions of shiro fade when the species is recognized. 

the gentle familiar touch brought peace to the young fox’s soul, reassuring her that as long as they are together, nothing can hurt her. with the fear gone, she could now observe the territory and how beautiful it is despite of the snow. she wonders when spring will come.

grandmother shiro, have you wondered where the others may be? i haven’t seen another for some time, zoro.

...

yes…..yes, grandmother. don’t leave my side, ok, zoro? i am afraid it might be one of those monsters, you know…? from the tales? 

like a fox kit scared to leave their parent, nadia stands on all fours and sticks close to her wise grandmother, it is rare to leave the home forest, but she is unusually famished today, and has been for some time.

...

She knows that Nadia was hungry, that was why she decided to heavily expand territory. It would be a lot of work, but she was determined to not let this last one perish from hunger. First the cold, then the hunger. Laying a paw on Nadia’s head, she started venturing out of the forest with her despite the unusual hour.

And out bounds the Mythical, pidgey between her teeth.

Locking glowing eyes on the other pokemon.

(👀✨)

Although the sounds of another being hunting in her territory were infuriating, it was an unnecessary fact of life to keep producing the energies needed to survive.

While the two locked eyes, the odd phantom was already starting to feast on what emotions wafted into the air.