There were three islands located across from the great island. Each had a unique quality of its own, but the furthest one had a swirling mist concealing its mountain top. The air around this mountain was cold, almost as if they had just flown into a winter’s snow. Here though was where Tryce felt a warm tingle in his body almost as if the place was anchoring him. Home. A weird place for him, but the safest one that they had for now.
Swooping low he made his way through the mist. Normally the cold mist would deter any stranger from trying to get through, but the hybrid was no stranger. Instead it seemingly parted for him as he cut through the chill tendrils with his powerful wings. There below a tangle of silver vines and evergreens was an entrance and Tryce dove right towards it.
Immediately the cold dispersed into a steamy warmth as he landed on the ground. Flickering lights from candles resting in stained glass orbs revealed the underground shrine. Overhead the entrance, that had been impossible to spot from the outside, revealed an open gap in the natural cavern ceiling inside. Through it the shimmering outline of the moon and stars could easily be seen helping to light even more of the ice cavern.
While the cavern seemed to stretch on through dark tunnels coated in ice Tryce had landed them in the middle of an island. What surrounded the island was a series of steaming pools of hot springs creating a natural warmth in an otherwise frozen world. A single bridge, ancient with white set stones and crystals, stretched over the waters to connect with the cavern. Standing tall on either side of the bridge were crystal pillars coated in a perma-ice that shimmered like crystals in the light. On the island rested the shrine itself. Once forgotten it had fallen into shambles around the statue of Articuno which rested there, but now it seemingly had life again. For the past few weeks Tryce had worked to repair the older stones of the temple and shrine back to their former, if not a more modern, glory.
Walking up the steps Tryce shifted his ‘load’ in his arms. Let’s see if I can get away with this before she wakes up. It was late and it had taken them at least an hour if not more to get to the shrine. Even his wings were feeling the strain of the flight now and he wondered if he could even manage this last part, “Be thankful I’m nice.” He commented softly as he walked along the island and behind the old shrine.
A smaller bridge rested here to allow on passage over the smaller, and last of the pools. There built into the cavern itself was the remnant of the lower temple that had once rested here. It was here that others connected to the temple had once lived. Now after being deserted for centuries the temple walls had been fixed up on the inside and the long hallways held flickering flames of lights once more.
Spiraling down the stairway Tryce made his way through to one of the renovated rooms. The entrance was through an arch of stone that blended into the natural alcove of the cave ceiling and candlelight flickered from candles lining up the natural shelves that went along the wall. A simple room it held nothing other than the natural decor of the rocks and crystals themselves. A platform was built above the older floor to hold a large, round bed that was freshly made. Along the other side of the wall away from the bed rested only a few chests and trunks. It was as it had been once, a simple place for a traveler to rest. A well-deserved sleep for managing to make it through the ice caverns to this sanctuary beneath the ground.
It was on the bed that Tryce put down the sleeping girl, “I’ll let you rest then.” He whispered softly before pulling the blankets up around her body. Thankfully for her the hot springs that ran throughout this part of the cavern kept the home a livable temperature. Just in case though Tryce placed another blanket from the trunk on the bed along with a jacket.
He may not feel the cold anymore, but that didn’t stop others from shivering.
Still as he turned to leave Tryce had to hesitate once more. There really was something familiar about the espeon. Her necklace for one….but who knew how many others had such a piece? A small smile crossed his features as he turned to leave. Now that he had seen her in the light a faint recognition haunted him. Only time would tell him, but for now he would let her sleep.
And then just like the thief he was Tryce slipped outside of the room back into the shadowed halls of the temple once more.
Truffles only briefly stirred as the temperature made such changes; curling slightly against the cold mist, opening back up at the warmth, an eye cracking open when the wind ceased... but she wasn’t conscious to anything. The warmth of the steam and the blankets only made her that much more comfortable. It was probably another hour before her white eyes blinked open again.
When they did, they took in the sight of the unique and impressive home. It looked more like a cave. ...Was it a cave? Her ears twitched to listen for sounds. Just the gentle running of the waters... The air was on the thin side, and incredibly silent. It took her a moment to sit up, shivering once as the cocoon of warmth dropped with the blankets. She looked herself over, and frowned at her leg. She’d expected to wake up to fresh bruises, but her leg was aching again, and that was annoying. It would take so long to walk home now...
Muffling a groan, Truffles pushed herself up to start walking around, stretching her limbs as she investigated her surroundings. Where the heck was she? ...It was beautiful. Like she was in another world.
Shaking her head, she looked around with a sigh. She felt like she might wander for ages through this place. Where was that bugger? “Hey! Flyboy!” she called out loudly, looking back and forth down the hall. “I wanna go now!” The guy better hear her!
Tryce let out a content sigh as he rested in the waters. One of the things he enjoyed about the temple was the sense of peace and healing he found here. While the other ruins each had their own special traits the hot springs of the ice mountain helped him to relax best. The spring here in the oldest part of the temple was especially relaxing with the hot waters spilling down from the wall into the pool. Not that he was biased or anything being half articuno now....sudden noise interrupted his thoughts. “Hmm?” Frowning the hybrid pulled himself from the waters and stretched his wings out to shake the extra droplets away.
He was so used to being alone in the temple that Tryce didn’t think to bring clothing down with him. Without much thought the male wrapped a short towel around his waist before walking up towards the upper hall. As her words registered Tryce just shook his head. Flyboy really? Out of all the names she could call him…”Yes, gimpy?” He crossed his arms and rested his long lithe, mostly naked frame against the wall as he studied her. That leg probably wasn’t faring any better…she truly needed to rest it.
“I know you want to go now, but rest up a bit more. I’m not carrying any hobbly passengers just yet.” He flexed his damp wings as an afterthought, “Plus I need time to dry.” Honestly he wished he had stayed in the springs just a bit longer to help relax his tired muscles. He really was not completely used to flying just yet.
Speaking of healing….
“Since you’re stuck here for a while you should go to the springs and rest up while you’re here. It’ll do wonders for your leg.” Tryce motioned towards the hallway he had just left, “The best ones are towards the older part of the temple in the back. They’re pretty much untouched so be careful. Might be a loose stone or two…” Or a few hundred.
Ears perking as she heard the splash of water, Truffles decided to wait where she was. Flyboy was in one of the pools? It made her wonder what kinds of wings he had. Did they soak in the water, or repel it like a psyduck?
“‘Gimpy’ is only temporary!” she huffed, turning to face the voice coming up. Her eyes first darted to the wings; wet. Any other thoughts were thrown to the winds when she realized he was only wearing an immodest towel. Cheeks flaring up, she gawked at his fine figure before her face sharply angled away, eyes locking onto where the floor met the walls. “You coulda just said ‘hold a minute’ and dried yourself off!” she scolded, digging her hands into her pockets in a pouting motion.
She was ready to argue that she would walk out of there herself, but ‘springs’ caught her attention. Slowly, she peeked up at the hybrid. “Springs... Like, hot springs?” She could have a hot bath? She adored hot baths....... “Well, fine. Just long enough for a soak.. but that’s it! Then you take me out of here.” Looking behind her, she snorted and headed as directed. “Of course they’re in the back.”
Tilting his head in confusion Tryce watched as her face lit up like a firework, "What?" Blinking he looked down and noticed the towel, "Oh well you want me to dry myself off now then?" He couldn't help teasing, "I didn't realize getting the floors wet by dripping would bother you."
Not to torment her, the hybrid lowered his wings to try to conceal more of his body, "Yeah, you slept through everything last night but there are springs here. The whole place is built around them." Without hesitation Tryce followed her, "Well that's where the water source is so I would say of course they are."
Despite his teasing he was watching her move, "Should you be walking at all after last night?" He smiled, "I can carry you again if you want." As they moved the hallway opened up to reveal a wide steaming cavern. Inside pools of hot water circled around one larger stream where a slender waterfall ran down the walls. Stone pillars had been build around it and even some had the shape of the legendary birds on them.
"It may be hard for you with a bad leg out here...would you need help?" Not to be teasing for once Tryce asked sincerely, "I can uh..." He looked around, "Grab some robes or something if that makes you feel better. More towels are over there by the stone steps leading into the water."
Truffles pressed her lips together with flustered irritation. If that towel dropped while she was facing him at all... Nope!
Ears twitching again, she glanced back as he followed after her. Was it supposed to feel this awkward? “You carried me enough, buddy,” she grumped, trying to walk smoother; though only managed to emphasis the limp. “Walkin’ just fine.”
She caught his change in tone, and glanced back at him again. She looked at the gorgeous pool of water. She looked back at the guy. Cheeks a dark purple, she looked longingly at the pool again before finally looking at her leg. “Just.. need the bandages off,” she murmured, balancing on one leg and sticking the wrapped one out toward the hybrid.
Tryce just shook his head as he watched her limping. She had plenty of spunk like the other, but that bad leg was worrisome. "The bandages?" Nodding Tryce began to move to help. Gently he touched her leg and began to work on the bandages, "You really got yourself banged up this time." He commented softly, "Did you...happen to fall in the woods?" How did he find out more about her? Hmm..."I hear there's a shrine there you know. Why not ask for the lady's help there?" As he finished Tryce frowned and looked around the chamber.
"Hold on for a moment and make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back." Disappearing from sight the male returned only a few minutes later in a pair of shorts with something else tucked under his arm. "This might help you as well." Setting the left behind pieces of Raxka's swimsuits on the ground Tryce took a few steps backwards, "I'll go somewhere else if you want to change."
He smiled teasingly, "Since I'm guessing you won't want my help with that."
Truffles clenched her hands into fists as the old bandage was removed. Sweat and grime made it stick and pull, but at least she didn’t see any bleeding. The worst part.. was simply needing the help. She hated needing help, but she certainly got it often enough. “I didn’t fall,” she huffed, lifting her chin slightly. As if it were anything so simple as a fall... If only.
While the hybrid was gone, Truffles inspected her leg more. It was thoroughly bruised again, and hurt all over. ...Stupid vine moves. Relieved to see the guy return in a pair of shorts, she inspected the swimsuit... pieces. “Course I don’t need ya!” she barked, turning her back to him once more. Of course, she’d never put on such a thing. The thin straps tool a moment to untangle, and another moment to be put and tied to the right spots. ....This was underwear for swimming!!!
Growling under her breath, she found the steps that led into the pool and carefully walked in. Didn’t need help for walking. Of course not! As the heat hit her legs, she felt the wave of relief. A warm bath... She hadn’t had one in... in ages... “I’m in the water! Go do whatever it is you need to do so we can get goin’ when I’m done!” Settling into the water up to her neck, she sighed heavily with delight.
Pacing the hallway Tryce tapped his fingers thoughtfully against his legs. After getting a good look at her leg the hybrid worried. If he let her go what if she ran into more trouble? I shouldn't be bothered... Yet the missing pieces, the tell tale attitude and that necklace....if he had changed why couldn't she?
That was the aggravating thing about eevees. You never knew who would become what when the time came. Sighing Tryce ran a hand through his damp hair before pausing at her call. Do whatever he needed so they can get going? "I don't know about that one, kiddo."
A few moments later Tryce was walking back with a box in hand, "Hey. When you get out let me look at that leg of yours. I have bandages to rewrap it for ya." He paused before moving in to set the box down by the water. "So if it wasn't a fall how did you get hurt, kiddo?" He sat by the pool's edge and reached down to flick some water, "It doesn't look like a mere scuffle or any little accident caused that one."
When the hybrid walked back in, Truffles ducked down to her nose and glared. The suit was a little too big for her, making his presence.. well, not the most welcome. Still, she was covered, and in the water, and she was too relieved by the heat to risk mouthing off enough to get booted. She gave a short little nod, turned her back to him, and started pulling the ties from her thick hair to let it down. “Not really your business,” she replied shortly, peeking back over her shoulder. Man, he looked so much like Tryce... but that was silly, and she wasn’t about to settle in here for long. He could forget about her the moment he dropped her off after.
Still, he had bothered... Sighing, she ran her fingers through her hair and tugged at the knots. “Listen, I’m glad ya saved me and all. Appreciate it. I got the bandage before those goons you saw, and I ain’t gonna talk about it. Don’t wanna, and ain’t gonna.” She paused, and shook her head. “And ain’t goin’ to the shrine. Been there, done that, ya know?”
"Ouch." Tryce raised an eyebrow, "Not like I helped you out or anything." The hybrid stretched with a sigh, "But I guess I've been a rather nosey host." He felt a mix of emotions at her reactions to him. Happy to see she still had sass, but at the same time...it felt weird to be a stranger. Perhaps he was wrong and this wasn't her?
"Oh thanks?" He laughed quietly, "Could have surprised me." Tryce pushed himself up from the poolside, "So be it. It just doesn't feel right letting an injured pup go back out there to more goons." He frowned at her refusal, "Seems like leaving the shrine gave you a nasty memento..." What was he her father? It really shouldn't bother him this much seeing her injured.
It was just...if she was Truffles....then perhaps he did have a few fond memories of the kid, "You should consider taking a bit to rest here. The temple here is empty save for me right now so you could feel free to use it as you please. If not just let me know and I'll fly you back out..."
Standing Tryce started to move away from the falls, "I actually have a few things to take care of as it is so feel free to stay here or explore if you want. The place is yours to roam, but if I were you I wouldn't go beyond the bridge."
Truffles snorted. “So I’m a pup now? Well, don’t stress yourself too much about me. Give yourself wrinkles with your advanced age.” Sticking out her lower lip, she turned away from him again and looked at her leg through the water. What a bugger this guy was!
The mention of the shrine made her body slump slightly. “It’s a bit more complicated than that,” she murmured, uncertain of whether or not he could actually hear her. She did miss Mitsuru. It was the good memories that weighed her down. She missed those days, but she couldn’t have them back.
She listened to the step receding, brow knitting with each echo. Turning, she propped herself up against the ledge. “Hey, Tryce?” Whoops. Wow. Saying it stung more than it should have. “I mean- whatever your name is. I should probably know it so I know who to yell for if monsters come after me or something from this cave you’re living in~”
Tryce laughed at the girl's retort, "I'm not that much older!" He commented with a grin, "Not like I've always been this way..." The extra sentence trailed off softly as he turned away once more. Then again it seemed that a lot of time had passed since he first left. I should have realized that she would have forgotten me. Of course he was unrecognizable now. Who in the world changed this dramatically when they grew? Even most pokemon just evolved...they didn't do this. His wings dropped lower at the thought.
Was something the matter? He froze as he caught a faint murmuer, but the words missed their meaning over the sound of the falling water. She did tell him to mind his own business so he was prepared to ignore it when she spoke again.
Tryce? His gaze widened in surprise as he hesitated before taking a few steps backwards, "You want my name to yell?" Finally. So it wasn't a lost hope. He blinked at her before smiling faintly, "For a second I thought you had remembered me, but to be asking that I guess I've really slipped your mind Truffles." The hybrid waved a hand, "Just yell and I'll hear you. There's no monsters here to cause you trouble, so just relax."
It was almost like he was just brushing off their reunion as he turned away. Secretly though the boy was curious. How would she react? Had she truly recognized him just then or had it just been a slip up? As if my answer didn't make it obvious for her. Tryce almost rolled his eyes at his stupidity. So much for playing it off like a cool hero and just letting her go safely on her way later.
Too many surprises made her reaction slow. First, was him knowing her. Second, the realization that.. that umbreon with the wings... really was Tryce. Third, that he was turning away like it was no big deal. The sudden burning behind her eyes made her angry. She hadn’t seen him in ages. He’d recognized her after so much change, and she’d let a longer frame and fancy wings fool her. ..Had he even bothered trying to find her when he’d come back? He’d promised to come back, but she hadn’t expected it to take this long! She should go sock him right on the nose for being such a tease! ...Honestly, what she wanted to do right then was get a hug.
Grabbing the stones of the steps she was on, she went to push herself out of the pool. To her horror, she found herself going down instead of up, slipping toward the center and deeper part of the pool. Those loose stones she’d been warned about had caught her, vanishing out from underneath her hands. Afraid of water outside of a small pool, Truffles wasn’t a strong swimmer to begin with. When she went to kick though, a hand breaking the surface of the water, her injured leg went into a spasm that seemed to make her whole body curl tight in pain.
Panic started to itch along her skin as she sank, fighting to not choke on the water in her mouth. She was going to drown. The flood was catching up to her. Water was trying to hurt her nearly as much as that Raichu!
The image of Tryce walking away suddenly popped into her panic filled mind. ‘They’ll all be better off if I just disappear...’ Thankfully, that thought infuriated her. Now she really needed to sock Tryce on the nose! Pushing through the pain, she uncurled enough to reach her arms for the surface again, weakly trying to swim up.
Any second now he was going to get an earful. Tryce was just waiting on it when the splashing caught his attention, "Coming to smack me now?" He mused quietly before his gaze went back towards the pool. Instantly his teasing eyes widened in concern as he saw the weak movement in the waters. Where was she?
"Truffles!" Dammit, dammit! He had warned her himself about the loose stones and to leave her in there with a bad leg? Did she even really know how to swim in the first place? He had never thought to ask...oh gods.
Without hesitation Tryce bolted back the way he came. Wings pulled tightly against his back the hybrid dove into the warm waters. The steam made it hard to see, but eventually his hands connected with Truffles. Bubbles of relief escaped from his mouth as he kicked forward and wrapped his arms tightly around Truffle's waist. It'll be okay. I've got you.
Breaking free of the water Tryce dragged Truffles with him to the surface. Eventually his free hand found the stone steps and he pulled the girl up carefully after him to solid ground. This was all his fault for being such an idiot, "I'm so sorry Truffles." Letting go he moved to brush hair away from her face and leaned forward to hover an ear over her mouth. She was breathing, right?
Should he sit her up? Knock water out of her? Tryce basically was holding his breath as he looked for some sign of life from the girl. Everything seemed frozen in time as he waited to see what would happen next.
Lungs burning, Truffles felt like she was under the water for hours. She couldn’t see anymore, and could barely focus on moving her arms. She didn’t even feel the arms wrap around her.
All at once, the world returned in a shock of sensations. She felt the warm stone under clammy skin, and the weight of the water was gone. Her muscles kicked in, contracting around her lungs and belly to expel the water she’d taken in. As air finally reached her system again, her vision began to clear, and feeling returned to her limbs. Blurry vision cleared into the glorious sight of a concerned Tryce hovering over her. Tryce! Tryce? ...Tryce.
Clenching her hand into a fist, she swung up as hard as she could straight at his nose. She might have still been weak, but she had to try~
Following the momentum of her hand though, she pushed up and rolled to wrap her arms around him, resting her head against his stomach and leg. “You a**..” She panted out. “Can’t catch.. a damned break. Ye’re bad luck.. Tryce.” Still, she continued to cling to him, trying to calm her body, trembling despite the warmth around her.
Tryce relaxed as he saw Truffles cough out water. Good, she's alive. All of the visible tension in his body and wings just collapsed in that moment. Even when he was surprised by her punch the hybrid just accepted the blow. Though he was thankful that he moved his head just a fraction to have the blow on the side of his nose and his cheek rather than straight on. She was definitely alright then. He suppressed the chuckle as he rubbed his nose, "Okay then...I might have deserved that one."
His surprise though made him freeze as she wrapped her arms around him, "Truffles..." Tryce trailed off softly as he sat there with her, "I guess, but gotta keep life interesting somehow." He tried teasing lightly. Sincerely though he had to worry about the girl's luck. I should have came home sooner. If he had known that she was gone away from the shrine....out there with those bastards ruining her life...he would have flown like a bullet.
Shifting on the ground Tryce carefully reached out to rub her head, "Sorry it took so long, kiddo." He commented softly as he allowed her to cling to him. Ever so gently his damp wings stretched out to enclose around them both.
Swooping low he made his way through the mist. Normally the cold mist would deter any stranger from trying to get through, but the hybrid was no stranger. Instead it seemingly parted for him as he cut through the chill tendrils with his powerful wings. There below a tangle of silver vines and evergreens was an entrance and Tryce dove right towards it.
Immediately the cold dispersed into a steamy warmth as he landed on the ground. Flickering lights from candles resting in stained glass orbs revealed the underground shrine. Overhead the entrance, that had been impossible to spot from the outside, revealed an open gap in the natural cavern ceiling inside. Through it the shimmering outline of the moon and stars could easily be seen helping to light even more of the ice cavern.
While the cavern seemed to stretch on through dark tunnels coated in ice Tryce had landed them in the middle of an island. What surrounded the island was a series of steaming pools of hot springs creating a natural warmth in an otherwise frozen world. A single bridge, ancient with white set stones and crystals, stretched over the waters to connect with the cavern. Standing tall on either side of the bridge were crystal pillars coated in a perma-ice that shimmered like crystals in the light. On the island rested the shrine itself. Once forgotten it had fallen into shambles around the statue of Articuno which rested there, but now it seemingly had life again. For the past few weeks Tryce had worked to repair the older stones of the temple and shrine back to their former, if not a more modern, glory.
Walking up the steps Tryce shifted his ‘load’ in his arms. Let’s see if I can get away with this before she wakes up. It was late and it had taken them at least an hour if not more to get to the shrine. Even his wings were feeling the strain of the flight now and he wondered if he could even manage this last part, “Be thankful I’m nice.” He commented softly as he walked along the island and behind the old shrine.
A smaller bridge rested here to allow on passage over the smaller, and last of the pools. There built into the cavern itself was the remnant of the lower temple that had once rested here. It was here that others connected to the temple had once lived. Now after being deserted for centuries the temple walls had been fixed up on the inside and the long hallways held flickering flames of lights once more.
Spiraling down the stairway Tryce made his way through to one of the renovated rooms. The entrance was through an arch of stone that blended into the natural alcove of the cave ceiling and candlelight flickered from candles lining up the natural shelves that went along the wall. A simple room it held nothing other than the natural decor of the rocks and crystals themselves. A platform was built above the older floor to hold a large, round bed that was freshly made. Along the other side of the wall away from the bed rested only a few chests and trunks. It was as it had been once, a simple place for a traveler to rest. A well-deserved sleep for managing to make it through the ice caverns to this sanctuary beneath the ground.
It was on the bed that Tryce put down the sleeping girl, “I’ll let you rest then.” He whispered softly before pulling the blankets up around her body. Thankfully for her the hot springs that ran throughout this part of the cavern kept the home a livable temperature. Just in case though Tryce placed another blanket from the trunk on the bed along with a jacket.
He may not feel the cold anymore, but that didn’t stop others from shivering.
Still as he turned to leave Tryce had to hesitate once more. There really was something familiar about the espeon. Her necklace for one….but who knew how many others had such a piece? A small smile crossed his features as he turned to leave. Now that he had seen her in the light a faint recognition haunted him. Only time would tell him, but for now he would let her sleep.
And then just like the thief he was Tryce slipped outside of the room back into the shadowed halls of the temple once more.
Truffles only briefly stirred as the temperature made such changes; curling slightly against the cold mist, opening back up at the warmth, an eye cracking open when the wind ceased... but she wasn’t conscious to anything. The warmth of the steam and the blankets only made her that much more comfortable. It was probably another hour before her white eyes blinked open again.
When they did, they took in the sight of the unique and impressive home. It looked more like a cave. ...Was it a cave? Her ears twitched to listen for sounds. Just the gentle running of the waters... The air was on the thin side, and incredibly silent. It took her a moment to sit up, shivering once as the cocoon of warmth dropped with the blankets. She looked herself over, and frowned at her leg. She’d expected to wake up to fresh bruises, but her leg was aching again, and that was annoying. It would take so long to walk home now...
Muffling a groan, Truffles pushed herself up to start walking around, stretching her limbs as she investigated her surroundings. Where the heck was she? ...It was beautiful. Like she was in another world.
Shaking her head, she looked around with a sigh. She felt like she might wander for ages through this place. Where was that bugger? “Hey! Flyboy!” she called out loudly, looking back and forth down the hall. “I wanna go now!” The guy better hear her!
Tryce let out a content sigh as he rested in the waters. One of the things he enjoyed about the temple was the sense of peace and healing he found here. While the other ruins each had their own special traits the hot springs of the ice mountain helped him to relax best. The spring here in the oldest part of the temple was especially relaxing with the hot waters spilling down from the wall into the pool. Not that he was biased or anything being half articuno now....sudden noise interrupted his thoughts. “Hmm?” Frowning the hybrid pulled himself from the waters and stretched his wings out to shake the extra droplets away.
He was so used to being alone in the temple that Tryce didn’t think to bring clothing down with him. Without much thought the male wrapped a short towel around his waist before walking up towards the upper hall. As her words registered Tryce just shook his head. Flyboy really? Out of all the names she could call him…”Yes, gimpy?” He crossed his arms and rested his long lithe, mostly naked frame against the wall as he studied her. That leg probably wasn’t faring any better…she truly needed to rest it.
“I know you want to go now, but rest up a bit more. I’m not carrying any hobbly passengers just yet.” He flexed his damp wings as an afterthought, “Plus I need time to dry.” Honestly he wished he had stayed in the springs just a bit longer to help relax his tired muscles. He really was not completely used to flying just yet.
Speaking of healing….
“Since you’re stuck here for a while you should go to the springs and rest up while you’re here. It’ll do wonders for your leg.” Tryce motioned towards the hallway he had just left, “The best ones are towards the older part of the temple in the back. They’re pretty much untouched so be careful. Might be a loose stone or two…” Or a few hundred.
Ears perking as she heard the splash of water, Truffles decided to wait where she was. Flyboy was in one of the pools? It made her wonder what kinds of wings he had. Did they soak in the water, or repel it like a psyduck?
“‘Gimpy’ is only temporary!” she huffed, turning to face the voice coming up. Her eyes first darted to the wings; wet. Any other thoughts were thrown to the winds when she realized he was only wearing an immodest towel. Cheeks flaring up, she gawked at his fine figure before her face sharply angled away, eyes locking onto where the floor met the walls. “You coulda just said ‘hold a minute’ and dried yourself off!” she scolded, digging her hands into her pockets in a pouting motion.
She was ready to argue that she would walk out of there herself, but ‘springs’ caught her attention. Slowly, she peeked up at the hybrid. “Springs... Like, hot springs?” She could have a hot bath? She adored hot baths....... “Well, fine. Just long enough for a soak.. but that’s it! Then you take me out of here.” Looking behind her, she snorted and headed as directed. “Of course they’re in the back.”
Tilting his head in confusion Tryce watched as her face lit up like a firework, "What?" Blinking he looked down and noticed the towel, "Oh well you want me to dry myself off now then?" He couldn't help teasing, "I didn't realize getting the floors wet by dripping would bother you."
Not to torment her, the hybrid lowered his wings to try to conceal more of his body, "Yeah, you slept through everything last night but there are springs here. The whole place is built around them." Without hesitation Tryce followed her, "Well that's where the water source is so I would say of course they are."
Despite his teasing he was watching her move, "Should you be walking at all after last night?" He smiled, "I can carry you again if you want." As they moved the hallway opened up to reveal a wide steaming cavern. Inside pools of hot water circled around one larger stream where a slender waterfall ran down the walls. Stone pillars had been build around it and even some had the shape of the legendary birds on them.
"It may be hard for you with a bad leg out here...would you need help?" Not to be teasing for once Tryce asked sincerely, "I can uh..." He looked around, "Grab some robes or something if that makes you feel better. More towels are over there by the stone steps leading into the water."
Truffles pressed her lips together with flustered irritation. If that towel dropped while she was facing him at all... Nope!
Ears twitching again, she glanced back as he followed after her. Was it supposed to feel this awkward? “You carried me enough, buddy,” she grumped, trying to walk smoother; though only managed to emphasis the limp. “Walkin’ just fine.”
She caught his change in tone, and glanced back at him again. She looked at the gorgeous pool of water. She looked back at the guy. Cheeks a dark purple, she looked longingly at the pool again before finally looking at her leg. “Just.. need the bandages off,” she murmured, balancing on one leg and sticking the wrapped one out toward the hybrid.
Tryce just shook his head as he watched her limping. She had plenty of spunk like the other, but that bad leg was worrisome. "The bandages?" Nodding Tryce began to move to help. Gently he touched her leg and began to work on the bandages, "You really got yourself banged up this time." He commented softly, "Did you...happen to fall in the woods?" How did he find out more about her? Hmm..."I hear there's a shrine there you know. Why not ask for the lady's help there?" As he finished Tryce frowned and looked around the chamber.
"Hold on for a moment and make yourself comfortable. I'll be right back." Disappearing from sight the male returned only a few minutes later in a pair of shorts with something else tucked under his arm. "This might help you as well." Setting the left behind pieces of Raxka's swimsuits on the ground Tryce took a few steps backwards, "I'll go somewhere else if you want to change."
He smiled teasingly, "Since I'm guessing you won't want my help with that."
Truffles clenched her hands into fists as the old bandage was removed. Sweat and grime made it stick and pull, but at least she didn’t see any bleeding. The worst part.. was simply needing the help. She hated needing help, but she certainly got it often enough. “I didn’t fall,” she huffed, lifting her chin slightly. As if it were anything so simple as a fall... If only.
While the hybrid was gone, Truffles inspected her leg more. It was thoroughly bruised again, and hurt all over. ...Stupid vine moves. Relieved to see the guy return in a pair of shorts, she inspected the swimsuit... pieces. “Course I don’t need ya!” she barked, turning her back to him once more. Of course, she’d never put on such a thing. The thin straps tool a moment to untangle, and another moment to be put and tied to the right spots. ....This was underwear for swimming!!!
Growling under her breath, she found the steps that led into the pool and carefully walked in. Didn’t need help for walking. Of course not! As the heat hit her legs, she felt the wave of relief. A warm bath... She hadn’t had one in... in ages... “I’m in the water! Go do whatever it is you need to do so we can get goin’ when I’m done!” Settling into the water up to her neck, she sighed heavily with delight.
Pacing the hallway Tryce tapped his fingers thoughtfully against his legs. After getting a good look at her leg the hybrid worried. If he let her go what if she ran into more trouble? I shouldn't be bothered... Yet the missing pieces, the tell tale attitude and that necklace....if he had changed why couldn't she?
That was the aggravating thing about eevees. You never knew who would become what when the time came. Sighing Tryce ran a hand through his damp hair before pausing at her call. Do whatever he needed so they can get going? "I don't know about that one, kiddo."
A few moments later Tryce was walking back with a box in hand, "Hey. When you get out let me look at that leg of yours. I have bandages to rewrap it for ya." He paused before moving in to set the box down by the water. "So if it wasn't a fall how did you get hurt, kiddo?" He sat by the pool's edge and reached down to flick some water, "It doesn't look like a mere scuffle or any little accident caused that one."
When the hybrid walked back in, Truffles ducked down to her nose and glared. The suit was a little too big for her, making his presence.. well, not the most welcome. Still, she was covered, and in the water, and she was too relieved by the heat to risk mouthing off enough to get booted. She gave a short little nod, turned her back to him, and started pulling the ties from her thick hair to let it down. “Not really your business,” she replied shortly, peeking back over her shoulder. Man, he looked so much like Tryce... but that was silly, and she wasn’t about to settle in here for long. He could forget about her the moment he dropped her off after.
Still, he had bothered... Sighing, she ran her fingers through her hair and tugged at the knots. “Listen, I’m glad ya saved me and all. Appreciate it. I got the bandage before those goons you saw, and I ain’t gonna talk about it. Don’t wanna, and ain’t gonna.” She paused, and shook her head. “And ain’t goin’ to the shrine. Been there, done that, ya know?”
"Ouch." Tryce raised an eyebrow, "Not like I helped you out or anything." The hybrid stretched with a sigh, "But I guess I've been a rather nosey host." He felt a mix of emotions at her reactions to him. Happy to see she still had sass, but at the same time...it felt weird to be a stranger. Perhaps he was wrong and this wasn't her?
"Oh thanks?" He laughed quietly, "Could have surprised me." Tryce pushed himself up from the poolside, "So be it. It just doesn't feel right letting an injured pup go back out there to more goons." He frowned at her refusal, "Seems like leaving the shrine gave you a nasty memento..." What was he her father? It really shouldn't bother him this much seeing her injured.
It was just...if she was Truffles....then perhaps he did have a few fond memories of the kid, "You should consider taking a bit to rest here. The temple here is empty save for me right now so you could feel free to use it as you please. If not just let me know and I'll fly you back out..."
Standing Tryce started to move away from the falls, "I actually have a few things to take care of as it is so feel free to stay here or explore if you want. The place is yours to roam, but if I were you I wouldn't go beyond the bridge."
Truffles snorted. “So I’m a pup now? Well, don’t stress yourself too much about me. Give yourself wrinkles with your advanced age.” Sticking out her lower lip, she turned away from him again and looked at her leg through the water. What a bugger this guy was!
The mention of the shrine made her body slump slightly. “It’s a bit more complicated than that,” she murmured, uncertain of whether or not he could actually hear her. She did miss Mitsuru. It was the good memories that weighed her down. She missed those days, but she couldn’t have them back.
She listened to the step receding, brow knitting with each echo. Turning, she propped herself up against the ledge. “Hey, Tryce?” Whoops. Wow. Saying it stung more than it should have. “I mean- whatever your name is. I should probably know it so I know who to yell for if monsters come after me or something from this cave you’re living in~”
Tryce laughed at the girl's retort, "I'm not that much older!" He commented with a grin, "Not like I've always been this way..." The extra sentence trailed off softly as he turned away once more. Then again it seemed that a lot of time had passed since he first left. I should have realized that she would have forgotten me. Of course he was unrecognizable now. Who in the world changed this dramatically when they grew? Even most pokemon just evolved...they didn't do this. His wings dropped lower at the thought.
Was something the matter? He froze as he caught a faint murmuer, but the words missed their meaning over the sound of the falling water. She did tell him to mind his own business so he was prepared to ignore it when she spoke again.
Tryce? His gaze widened in surprise as he hesitated before taking a few steps backwards, "You want my name to yell?" Finally. So it wasn't a lost hope. He blinked at her before smiling faintly, "For a second I thought you had remembered me, but to be asking that I guess I've really slipped your mind Truffles." The hybrid waved a hand, "Just yell and I'll hear you. There's no monsters here to cause you trouble, so just relax."
It was almost like he was just brushing off their reunion as he turned away. Secretly though the boy was curious. How would she react? Had she truly recognized him just then or had it just been a slip up? As if my answer didn't make it obvious for her. Tryce almost rolled his eyes at his stupidity. So much for playing it off like a cool hero and just letting her go safely on her way later.
Too many surprises made her reaction slow. First, was him knowing her. Second, the realization that.. that umbreon with the wings... really was Tryce. Third, that he was turning away like it was no big deal. The sudden burning behind her eyes made her angry. She hadn’t seen him in ages. He’d recognized her after so much change, and she’d let a longer frame and fancy wings fool her. ..Had he even bothered trying to find her when he’d come back? He’d promised to come back, but she hadn’t expected it to take this long! She should go sock him right on the nose for being such a tease! ...Honestly, what she wanted to do right then was get a hug.
Grabbing the stones of the steps she was on, she went to push herself out of the pool. To her horror, she found herself going down instead of up, slipping toward the center and deeper part of the pool. Those loose stones she’d been warned about had caught her, vanishing out from underneath her hands. Afraid of water outside of a small pool, Truffles wasn’t a strong swimmer to begin with. When she went to kick though, a hand breaking the surface of the water, her injured leg went into a spasm that seemed to make her whole body curl tight in pain.
Panic started to itch along her skin as she sank, fighting to not choke on the water in her mouth. She was going to drown. The flood was catching up to her. Water was trying to hurt her nearly as much as that Raichu!
The image of Tryce walking away suddenly popped into her panic filled mind. ‘They’ll all be better off if I just disappear...’ Thankfully, that thought infuriated her. Now she really needed to sock Tryce on the nose! Pushing through the pain, she uncurled enough to reach her arms for the surface again, weakly trying to swim up.
Any second now he was going to get an earful. Tryce was just waiting on it when the splashing caught his attention, "Coming to smack me now?" He mused quietly before his gaze went back towards the pool. Instantly his teasing eyes widened in concern as he saw the weak movement in the waters. Where was she?
"Truffles!" Dammit, dammit! He had warned her himself about the loose stones and to leave her in there with a bad leg? Did she even really know how to swim in the first place? He had never thought to ask...oh gods.
Without hesitation Tryce bolted back the way he came. Wings pulled tightly against his back the hybrid dove into the warm waters. The steam made it hard to see, but eventually his hands connected with Truffles. Bubbles of relief escaped from his mouth as he kicked forward and wrapped his arms tightly around Truffle's waist. It'll be okay. I've got you.
Breaking free of the water Tryce dragged Truffles with him to the surface. Eventually his free hand found the stone steps and he pulled the girl up carefully after him to solid ground. This was all his fault for being such an idiot, "I'm so sorry Truffles." Letting go he moved to brush hair away from her face and leaned forward to hover an ear over her mouth. She was breathing, right?
Should he sit her up? Knock water out of her? Tryce basically was holding his breath as he looked for some sign of life from the girl. Everything seemed frozen in time as he waited to see what would happen next.
Lungs burning, Truffles felt like she was under the water for hours. She couldn’t see anymore, and could barely focus on moving her arms. She didn’t even feel the arms wrap around her.
All at once, the world returned in a shock of sensations. She felt the warm stone under clammy skin, and the weight of the water was gone. Her muscles kicked in, contracting around her lungs and belly to expel the water she’d taken in. As air finally reached her system again, her vision began to clear, and feeling returned to her limbs. Blurry vision cleared into the glorious sight of a concerned Tryce hovering over her. Tryce! Tryce? ...Tryce.
Clenching her hand into a fist, she swung up as hard as she could straight at his nose. She might have still been weak, but she had to try~
Following the momentum of her hand though, she pushed up and rolled to wrap her arms around him, resting her head against his stomach and leg. “You a**..” She panted out. “Can’t catch.. a damned break. Ye’re bad luck.. Tryce.” Still, she continued to cling to him, trying to calm her body, trembling despite the warmth around her.
Tryce relaxed as he saw Truffles cough out water. Good, she's alive. All of the visible tension in his body and wings just collapsed in that moment. Even when he was surprised by her punch the hybrid just accepted the blow. Though he was thankful that he moved his head just a fraction to have the blow on the side of his nose and his cheek rather than straight on. She was definitely alright then. He suppressed the chuckle as he rubbed his nose, "Okay then...I might have deserved that one."
His surprise though made him freeze as she wrapped her arms around him, "Truffles..." Tryce trailed off softly as he sat there with her, "I guess, but gotta keep life interesting somehow." He tried teasing lightly. Sincerely though he had to worry about the girl's luck. I should have came home sooner. If he had known that she was gone away from the shrine....out there with those bastards ruining her life...he would have flown like a bullet.
Shifting on the ground Tryce carefully reached out to rub her head, "Sorry it took so long, kiddo." He commented softly as he allowed her to cling to him. Ever so gently his damp wings stretched out to enclose around them both.
