Hisui's Phantoms

Ingo kept going on their tracks without a need to stall, except for the instance where the memories, faded, kept him alert for a brief second. He could not know what he had been doing, or if he braved the mountains in his previous, faded life as well, but walking on difficult terrain and even racing someone came to him naturally.

Excellent. This new revelation was a rare relief, affirming his path as a warden was clear to proceed.

He only wished he had pen and paper ready to dabble in cartography while they were touring the mighty mountain, to preserve the knowledge passed onto him to the best of his abilities. He could recall, faintly, that someone would have taken a photograph of their surroundings mentally and could retrieve it on a whim. However, Ingo could not, and only had to rely on his human memory, which already proved to be unreliable. 

Well, at least now he knew what to invest in next time he visited the settlements or saw the traveling merchants.

Offering a relaxed frown, Ingo listened to his friend and the bittersweet story, not of hers but of many. Though it could be ignorant of him, he felt that he was going through a similar, eye-opening experience by finding himself in the wilderness, working on an unknown terrain to earn his keep. He had never related to the wild pokemons as he did in his most vulnerable state in this unfamiliar land. Thus, he decided to keep this train of thought to himself.

“I would love to meet them, Miss Ramble. I also would like to propose a plan to help out the wild pokemon in our vicinity through a carefully organized system with access to always replenishing food and water. Perhaps also putting efforts in shelters fitting for the various types of pokemon. If we could get an amateur railway built onto the mountain, we could ensure some ease for the passenger’s daily lives.” He offered a froggy smile, one where his usual frown only tugged upwards at the corners, since the normal smiles did not come naturally to him… Unlike someone… But who?

“I do not have the information on how or where I grow up, so I cannot contribute to our conversation at the moment. I hope, with time, I would become someone who would have… more anecdotes to share,” Ingo spoke softly, though sadness ran through him. How could it not, when he felt like he had been shattered and most of the shards were stolen from him? Could he even be considered a person worthy of an enjoyable conversation and a company to keep when he had no past and perhaps, no future? Where could he even go when his tracks had been buried under the snow in his mind? What was his purpose in life? If he had had dreams, what had they been like?

Just who Ingo used to be?

“Of course! I take pride in the work I do, and I shall give the excellent service to my Noble Pokemon as her warden!” Ingo’s froggy smile could not match the brightness of Ramble’s, but his eyes sparkled with his pride and excitement.

This time, I am really serious. Really serious. Because if a battle is not serious, it is not fun.

Memories were faint, but he could almost hear the voice, so similar to his own, ringing in his ears.

“I… I recall that being always serious about your work, whatever it may be, is the way to thank everyone for doing their best. A way to cherish the ones important to you. I am grateful for this opportunity and title as your Warden, and I want to thank you by being always serious about my work as your Warden.”

That’s why I’m always serious about battling—to thank everyone for doing their best!

Ingo nodded at the promise, slowly blinking in agreement. “Pearl Clan thinks I show a natural affinity for taming Pokémon. I think it is my nature to support others. Either way, my tracks lead me to solve any problems we may face, and we can only excel if we face them together. There is no need for concern for me as well, Miss Ramble. You can continue with your normal activities and I will be here to offer any plans and projects we can achieve together.” He could not comment much on the company aspect, both due to the insecurities taking root in his heart for being not even half of the person he used to be, but also… due to being shy when offered compliments. He took the brim of his hat and lowered it slightly to hide his expression.

 Ingo nodded with a hum of agreement. “Bravo!! Yes, we shall roll onward! I look forward to learning about all these lovely places you mention! We can hold out conversation our way, of course!

“Please, show me the way!” 

slopesofsinnoh:

While the people that had lived in this region for generations, the Diamond and Pearl clans, knew the landscape like the back of their hand, that knowledge had yet to be committed to paper by the explorers and settlers that had made their way to Hisui’s shores in recent years.

Ramble and her kin, the packs of Sneasel and Sneasler that lived in the highlands leading up to Mount Coronet, had welcomed these newcomers with open arms, thanks in part to their good relationship with the Clans. Ramble’s distant ancestor had been bestowed with a Plate by the Almighty Sinnoh themself, after all, and these people also served them in their own way -- while the same might not be true for the newcomers and they’d brought some strange ideas, customs and inventions with them, the noble Pokémon just saw that as an opportunity to learn and sate her never-ending curiosity.

“Really?” Her mouth was left half open as she tapped her chin in thought, eyes looking somewhere up and far away before focusing again. “That sounds great! Winter here can be pretty harsh, so we could use some help. I’m just not sure about the railway thing. Whatever it is, it sounds like a big deal.”

As much as she would appreciate the help and extra resources, the region meant a lot to its inhabitants, and so to see the landscape change drastically might not be met with unanimous enthusiasm.

They made their way west down a narrow valley that ran parallel to the mountainside, until they crossed an ancient bridge and reached a ravine that allowed them to make their way up with relative ease. This path had been used countless times over the years, a way for humans and Pokémon alike to get close to the summit without having to worry about sheer cliffs, rockfalls or harsh climbs. Ramble was one of the few who didn’t need to rely on such easy terrain, but she wanted Ingo’s first tour to be as comfortable as possible. They could always try the harder, more daring paths some other time.

Her chipper demeanor had gradually made way for a more serious one, although her optimism never quite faded. Just hearing the way Ingo spoke of himself had her searching for any and all bits of light in his situation; sure, she could brush it off and pretend everything was fine and dandy, but wasn’t that what he was doing already?

“Sounds like you have something to be proud of! You’d be surprised how many humans have a hard time getting along with us,” she admitted. “I mean, I try my best to be nice, and I’m sure most of the others do too, but that doesn’t stop people from getting scared, you know?

“But I kind of get it. I mean, look at these.” Without so much as turning around, she held up one set of claws -- longer than knives, and visibly glistening with poison -- walking and talking all the while.

“I think that’s what wardens are for. It’s hard to put into words, but I think... humans and Pokémon kind of belong together? That’s what I see and hear from the Pearl Clan a lot too. We’re different, but we can help each other. If we just find ways to understand and get along. And we can set an example.”

Now she did look back at her warden, the smile on her face no longer big and radiant, but small and warm -- yet no less sincere.

“You know, I don’t need to know where you came from or what you did before you came here. I just need to use my eyes and ears and get to know this you. Does that make sense? I didn’t know everything about my old warden either, and we were still friends. He was like an uncle to me, almost.”

Meanwhile, Ingo was much closer to her own age, which lent itself to a different kind of friendship.

She had been so lost in thought and focused on her choice of words that, thanks to the easily navigated route she’d picked, they had already arrived at the first of the places she’d wanted to show him: worn stone columns lined the ridge to the east, disappearing off a sheer drop some ways ahead. This was the place humans called Celestica Ruins.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Izzie smiles at Camille and says, “Well, for your information, I’m Izzie,” giving a dramatic pose, and…showing off her muscles to him.

Then, to his next words, she gives him a raucous laugh and slaps her leg. He said “Beauty rest”?! What did he think she was, a show Pokémon?

“Hahahaha! Actually, I prefer to call it my ‘lazy time,’ thank you,” she says, giving the Typhlosion a snooty blep…then yawning again. Okay, so she did need to rest still.

After that, the Incineroar gives Camille a friendly wave, and moves to sit back against the tree…and then she falls asleep after barely a few seconds.

slopesofsinnoh:

Whether or not it has the effect she wanted it to, Izzie’s pose doesn’t go unnoticed. Camille doesn’t give much of a reaction, though, beyond tilting his head and giving her arms a glance brief enough to still be respectful.

“It’s a pleasure to meet, you, Izzie. I assume that’s short for something, like Isabel, or perhaps Isolde?” He smiles. “Either way, my name is Camille.”

Her reaction gets a good-natured laugh out of him, and he actually returns the blep. “Of course! I’m sorry. I should have known better than to think you needed a beauty rest.”

Ingo offered a kind bow of his head, not feeling like he had any right to judge the last warden since he had not set his path straight and proved he was worth his salt yet. However, as Miss Ramble pointed out how out-of-place the terminology was, something in him changed. His relaxed expression with a froggy smile bled into a broken, wide-eyed fear as his heart ached at the motion of invisible tugging on his sleeve.

Two-car train… Ingo knew the words very well, but the meaning behind it felt incomplete somehow, separated from its origins. Outside Hisui, there could be answers waiting for him. It could even be in the shape of a person, he dared to consider. However, thrown into the world with no purpose or memories, he could not take that route. Where would he even go? Where would he start? With no clues or a carefully orchestrated plan, it would be foolish to leave the station he found himself at. And… he could not disappoint Miss Ramble, not after he accepted this new role and the responsibility along with it.

His hand clutching his heart was lowered and a stoic look was locked onto his face to push away the thoughts of a lost man, who he could not afford to be. He even managed to nod softly at the kind words of Miss Ramble. He wanted to deserve the helpfulness bestowed upon him. In this land where he would always be a stranger, unwanted and replaceable, he knew this was a rare chance he stumbled upon. He did not want to take her kindness for granted.

“Of course! I would be delighted to learn about the terrain!” he said with strong determination, however, hesitated and weighted the next words, not sure if it would be impolite to comment and inquire on the subject. However, dismissing it seemed awfully neglectful to him. “Is there a reason you do not play with the other Sneasel anymore, Miss Ramble? If it was an issue with your schedule, I could arrange ours to ensure you would have the time to do so.”

Ingo fixed his tie and tucked his shirt in properly, before straightening his posture. He gave a nod with a sparkle of determination softening his gaze, despite the frown that stayed still. “Ready for departure! Now then, all aboard!” He took his pose spreading his arms on his side and forward, with one hand pointing down and the other ahead.

“Oh, and… Miss Ramble. I would like to give my word on fitting your every need as your warden. But, to reach the destination called Victory, I would like to make sure we are in sync, as a Noble and their warden!” Despite the loud volume of his voice, his words were soft and came from his heart. It was his desire to be the best warden he could be, and hopefully, he would discover the missing pieces of himself in her service as well.

“I do not know what my past held for me, but I shall rise to the challenge and get stronger here on Hisui with you. Therefore, please tell me more about yourself! What do you like to do on your free time? Have you set a destination you would like to reach?”

Ingo folded his hands behind his back and clutched the Pearl Clan uniform, as he fought against the troubles clouding his mind as subtly as possible to avoid burdening the other.

slopesofsinnoh:

While Ramble bore her previous warden no ill will, he had been an old man whose increasingly limited mobility had limited her own activities as well. She was still sad to have lost him, of course -- in a way, a Noble’s warden tended to become family of sorts after enough years together -- but she also looked forward to exploring these mountains again, hopefully with Ingo in tow.

Completely oblivious of the mild crisis her new warden was going through just behind her, she set off on their first tour around the south and southwest side of Mount Coronet. By the time she looked over her shoulder to see if he was following, he had already pulled himself together enough for her not to suspect anything; if she’d known him better, she might have been able to tell how he was feeling, but for now, her excitement and their lack of familiarity kept her from noticing anything off.

She instead just answered his question.

"It’s alright! Nothing happened, I just... well, we all grew up. Life as a wild Pokémon isn’t easy, you know! We have to make sure we have food and a place to sleep, and it’s a struggle every day. Well, I say we, but I’m one of the lucky few that gets all their needs taken care of. It’s not me you need to worry about,” she added with a quiet chuckle. “We still spend time together, anyway. If we run into them, I could introduce you to some of my friends!”

Even living in a lair of her own, her social life had hardly suffered for it. Many humans and Pokémon alike knew to find her here, after all.

Ingo’s words, combined with the admittedly pretty striking pose he’d struck while saying them, caused her to place a palm on her chest -- mimicking his gesture from earlier without even knowing. If she were honest, he’d actually flustered her a bit -- but in a good way.

“You’re really taking this seriously, aren’t you?” Her face lit up in a genuine smile. “Then I promise I’ll try to keep us out of trouble! I can take care of myself, so it shouldn’t be too hard to...” She waved a claw. “...do your warden thing. You know, I’m just glad to have some company,” she added, her tone softening even more. She couldn’t be sure, but she had to hope they’d keep getting along.

What did it feel like to see the world anew? Ingo knew, deep down, he had always been a pretender in that regard– pretending every problem presented was new and not to fall into the bias and constraint of prejudice. But, now, standing with no ties to a past or a family, a blank state throughout, he was really experiencing the world for the first time.

What did it mean to be a blank state? He knew he was not weighed down by his past experiences, but it also left him vulnerable with his accumulated knowledge being wiped clean. And he could see that with the way he talked, foreign words and speech manners that once had to make sense, but now felt like wearing an article of clothing made for another.

The uncomfortable feeling of turning over a new leaf in this unconventional way of memory loss troubled him, but it also allowed him to strike a conversation with humans and Pokemon alike with no prejudice. And now, accepted by the Pearl Clan, one of the three fractions he had to get on the good side of to survive in the wild, Ingo knew he owed it to the kindness and patience of the Sneasler in front of him. Clan Leader Irida only allowed him in for his affinity with Pokemon, but he felt like the achievement went both ways.

Holding onto the Pearl Clan uniform he did not have the heart to wear yet, hanging onto whatever mystery his own attire could have told, he walked a few steps behind the Sneasler, trying to process his promotion, which was a ticket for survival.

“Ah, we have not had to chance to properly meet before, Miss Ramble. I would like to ask if my new position as your warden is alright with you. I faintly recall that I liked serving others, and I am honored I will be serving you. However, I could not ask for your input while in presence of Leader Irida. My apologies,” he spoke loudly but with an underlying softness and happiness, as he folded his hands behind his back. He had wanted to, but he also knew losing favor with the clan by rejecting the generous offer could only end badly for him.

The giddiness he felt tugged at the corners of his lips, turning them upwards in a froggy smile. “Warden Ingo... It has an excellent ring to it, wouldn’t you agree? I do not know where the tracks ahead will lead us, but I am glad it will be with a keen-clawed Pokemon by my side to form this two-car train!!” He… faintly recalled that there was strength in numbers. That he… He felt it was the safest when there was a two-car train.

Just who he used to be before he found himself in Hisui?

“Would you be so kind to give me a tour of your residence? I am afraid I do not know the land yet. In Hisui, I am a passenger on the road to improvement! I want to learn and improve so that I can be of service to you better!”

slopesofsinnoh:

When she’d first caught wind of her getting a new warden, Ramble hadn’t thought much of it. The Diamond and Pearl clans both insisted on having one of their own staying with their so-called Noble Pokémon to keep them safe and see to their every need, no matter the cost.

She wasn’t interested in being spoiled or pampered, though. Her adventurous spirit had kept her from staying cooped up in her cave all day for most of her life, and she wasn’t about to change that. If anything, having a warden around might just make things more interesting -- that all depended on what kind of person they turned out to be.

So far, Ingo had made a great first impression.

From choosing to wear his own clothes over the Pearl Clan uniform to asking her directly for her opinion, she had a feeling she could expect him to be himself despite any pressure the clans might put on him. That made him a human after her own heart, even if she did also like helping others.

“Oh, it’s alright! You’re already more fun than the last one,” she admitted with a dismissive wave of one of her giant claws. “Not sure what you mean by two-car train, but likewise!”

Whether it was because of this time period or just her limited exposure to human culture and technology, there were still plenty of things the Sneasler just plain didn’t know about... but on the other hand, she knew the mountainside like the back of her claw, whereas her companion looked lost. From the sound of it, she and the newly-appointed Warden Ingo might just be able to fill in some of those gaps in each other’s knowledge.

She gave a nod that caused the ribbon-like feather on her left ear to swing and bounce lightly in the air. “Of course. I’ll show you how to get to all the best spots! There’s this one tree up on a cliff that grows the sweetest Oran Berries you’ve ever had, and a lake where I always used to play with the other Sneasel.”

Being a descendant of one of the Pokémon that had been given a plate by the Original One -- in her case, the Toxic Plate -- meant she’d had to take up residence in a place separate from the rest of her kind, but that didn’t mean she hadn’t spent some time with them when she could.

Not even seeming to notice the way Eris seemed to take up the space in his arms that should have been reserved for two others, Regulus stared down at the young kit for a long time, his expression unreadable. His mane wavered in a breeze that didn't exist, but other than that, he was completely motionless...

...until an arm went to wrap around her, soon followed by another. A tear welled up in one of his cold eyes, freezing before it could even make its way down his cheek.

Woah white? Well that was a little difficult there! There were many white things in this cave after all!

“ Hmm…is it your sibling? ”

Ciera asked, grinning at the other small Pokemon. Why were they both so small and cute?!

slopesofsinnoh:

She might not have a lot of experience with this game, but even Rubedo knew that making the answer something like, ‘that snowflake over there’ would have been unfair. But she didn’t want to make it too easy, either.

“Good guess,” she replied, shaking her head, “but no!”

Ciera had a huge grin on her face as she nodded, trying to give the small pokemon a little boop on the nose!

“ Yes you! Now it’s your turn! I know there isn’t much to look at in the cave but I’m sure you can find something! “

slopesofsinnoh:

Deftly dodging the finger, Rubedo made another playful attempt at catching it between her teeth. Whether it was just the acrobatic skill many wild Pokémon seemed to be born with or some Ghost-type phasing ability, they still couldn’t seem to touch each other.

Ciera was definitely hyped now! She wondered what she could play with them though. They were so small and fluffy! Hide and seek wouldn’t really work, nor could she really run like this.

“ Hmm..how about we play ‘ I spy with my little eye’? For example I spy with my little eye…something red! What am I looking at? “

slopesofsinnoh:

Rubedo stared back at her, confused... until Ciera gave her a demonstration of how this game actually worked.

“Oh! Is it the fire?” She waved a black paw towards the flames that bathed the cave in their golden warmth. “Or is it...” Her paw then went to poke at her own chest fur. “Me?”

She nodded and waited for him to leave before she simply flopped onto the soft grass that was spread across the cavern floor, turning to the small Pokemon. Yes! Babysitting time!

“ Sooo…what would you like to do? What do Pokemon even do? Do you play any special games? “

slopesofsinnoh:

The pair of Zorua had watched their father leave with tired indifference, Albedo even settling back down with her chin resting atop her crossed forepaws while Rubedo blinked at Ciera with a curious look in her eyes.

“Mostly we just sleep until Father gets back.” She yawned as if to drive her point home. “But do you know any games we could play?”

Well despite that, Ciera was in high spirits! Sure, odd living conditions and all that but she would totally make the best of it! Hey, not many could say that they were living in a cave with these mysterious beings!

“ Oh yeah we definitely do…but don’t worry! I’ll try not to eat as much so that the little ones can have their fill first! “

Wow, it was really a miracle that she didn’t die yet! How could a klutz survive for this long?!

slopesofsinnoh:

They were safe from the elements, and with Ciera’s campfire, even relatively warm. A wild Pokémon had little more to wish for, except for food -- the need for which he was about to take care of.

“We do not need to eat much,” he began. “I would be... happy to share what we have with you.”

He got back on his feet and, without another word, made his way towards the cave’s mouth. Just before leaving, though, he looked over his shoulder and once again locked eyes with his human guest.

Ciera had the biggest and dumbest grin on her face at the revelation about being able to stay! Jackpot! Honestly, she’d prefer this much more than staying with her old village.

Perhaps there was a village that would share her opinion on Pokemon but until that, she would be fine by staying here!

“ Thank you! Don’t worry! You won’t even know I’m here! I’m super sneaky! ”

As soon as she uttered those words, she already knocked over a small pile of pebbles…still sneaky though!

slopesofsinnoh:

If Regulus had still lived with his pack, welcoming Ciera the way he had would have gotten him kicked out for sure. Thankfully for him, the Zoroark in this region led more... solitary lives.

“I am sure,” he replied, his tone careful not to show a sign of skepticism, whether he actually felt any or not.

Both he and his kits watched as the pebbles were scattered all over the cave floor, and one could swear he sighed. At least it wasn’t anything fragile or valuable to them.

Gawain for his part, could only give a disgruntled grunt.

He was tired and the work wasn’t even finished.

Just outside what he’d dug, lay a small pile of stones, as big as a man’s fist in some cases. And in others as big as a large egg.

He had the misfortune of hitting a pile of rocks it seemed. And Gawain for his part? He was at least being stubborn.

“Why must home expansion be so difficult?” The Leafeon asked. Clearly frustrated.

slopesofsinnoh:

Eyes drifting from the unfinished den, to the rocks lying not too far away, Camille didn’t take long to connect the dots. He shook his head and let out a good-natured sigh. “I know all about it, I’m afraid. Especially when you’re no longer used to the work.”

With that in mind, one more thing he knew was that any work automatically became lighter if two people went at it together.

That actually caused her to shudder! Woah! Cold! However, she overplayed that little sense of discomfort with a small giggle. She didn’t even know what she expected! Sure, they were a little odd looking but they were nice!

“ Aw really? Oh…well I still make sure to leave something for it around the area! It feels like the right thing to do! “

slopesofsinnoh:

Feeling her leg shift under his touch, Regulus froze, looking up at her with wide eyes. Was that... concern? Something had made him pause, that much was obvious. He stared for what felt like minutes, then, with a small jerk of his head, went back to inspecting her wounded leg.

“You will live,” he concluded. “But you need to rest.”

“Can she stay with us?” Albedo’s voice, softer and shier than her sister’s, could be heard. She must have been awoken by their conversation, if she’d even fallen asleep in the first place.