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Draven had been pondering the storms since they started. As the storms continued, however, the dragonite grew concerned. The winds were strong, and the ground shook. The cabin they were staying in seemed like it would be swept away in the storm, and when it didn't, the dragonite was not relieved. These storms, whatever they were caused by, were too powerful. It wasn't safe for Briar, or for anyone, to be out in them. It wasn't safe for them to be home.

He'd started to pack a small bag without thinking about it. An umbrella, a lashlight, and a pack of fruit snacks went into this bag. He dressed himself in a raincoat and gloshes, hoping that would keep him warm enough against the storm. He didn't want to think about what would happen to Briar if she went outside when a particularly strong gust of wind happened. And of course, because he didn't want to think about it, it was all he thought about. He needed to keep that from happening. He needed to protect Briar.

He wouldn't let this storm win. Whatever Pokemon it was causing it, they were just another Butch he needed to defeat in order to be with Briar.

Draven heard Briar's sigh, and echoing it, turned to face her. His expression was hard to read, a strange mixture of determination and reluctance. He wasn't sure this was the best idea, but if it kept Briar safe, it was worth it. The dragonite wasn't out to be a hero, well, maybe a little: but he wanted to be Briar's hero. That wasn't to say he didn't care about anyone else: he did; just not as much. "These storms are upsetting you," he began, meeting her eye. "And they're making it unsafe for you to stay here. If they aren't stopped, no where will be safe. I've seen the news. They're everywhere." The dragonite frowned, closing the gap between him and the pachrisu. "You're soaked," he observed. He studied her for a long moment. She was frightened, he noticed.

She didn't want him to leave. But if discovering the cause would prevent the storms, and if preventing the storms meant keeping Briar safe, he had to. He took her hand. "I'm going to fix whatever's gone wrong," he explained. "I think it must be something big. "I'll protect you," he promised. As he always had.

This was harder than Draven had expected. He had known Briar would be upset, but just how upset, had been beyond his comprehension. "No," he muttered, "It isn't safe out there, either. That's why I have to go. I have to know what's going on, Briar, I have to keep you safe." Surely she understood? She was the most important person in his life. These storms were getting out of hand, they were dangerous for everyone, not just Briar. And though Draven knew he cared signifigantly less what happened to "everyone" in comparison to what happened to the parachisu, he wouldn't admit that.

"I don't know," he admitted, wanting nothing less than to close the gap between them and dry the tears he knew would come. He wrapped his arms around her, and held her tight. "I don't know, but I'll find a way. These storms..." he hesitated, not sure how much to tell her, "I think they're more than storms. I don't know what they really are, but Rhiyn told me its never like this. Its not storm season. So whatever it is..." he have her a light squeeze, "I'll protect you. And I'll come back." He had to, didn't he? He hadn't asked her on a date yet!

Draven almost did stay. He hesitated at Briar's words, preparing to say he would do anything she wished; and stopped. No, he had to be out there. He had to protect her! "You know I'd stay if I could," he said at last, hugging her. "And I would let you come, if I knew you'd be safer out there than here. But I don't." He wanted Briar with him, but he couldn't take that risk. What if she got hurt? What if something worse happened? It would be his fault for letting her come along.

"I'll always come back to you," he promised. "I love you, Briar." He paused, looking down at himself. She was right, he was soaked--but not as badly as she was. "Soon, not yet though. Let's get dried off and do something fun."

"We could watch a movie," he suggested. Normally he would have suggested something outside, where they could be alone. The storm prevented that though: and besides, he didn't want Briar out in that. Not again. "Or play a boardgame." Their options were very limited, he realized, sighing. Just being with Briar would be enough for him, he'd enjoy it no matter what the activity: but did she feel the same way?

"I will," he assured her. "You don't have to worry about that, Briar. You'll never have to do without me. I'll always be here. And I'll always come back." if course he would. Briar was his light, his compass. He'd always be able to find his way to her. He loved her. "Are you dressed?" He asked.

Draven changed: yanking his wet shirt off and pulling a dry one over his head. There, done. He spared no moment in returning to Briar's side. He wanted to be with her as much as possible. When would the storm end? When would it stop threatening Briar, and all those around? The dragonite biy was uncertain of when he would be able to return, despite his confidence that he would. Soon, he hoped. "What game would you like to play?" He asked, taking her hand. "Pick a good one!"

He hesitated, and gave her hand a squeeze. "Did you think I wouldn't?" He asked. He almost invited her to go with him, but seemed to think better of it. Instead he said, "We belong together."

Draven hesitated at Briar's words, but slowly, he began to nod. He understood that. Leaving Briar, while he knew that if would make it so she would be safe (at least eventually) was going to be hard. No matter how he tried to soften it with movies or games, he was still doing something he didn't want to. He didn't like leaving her: he had to leave. The stormms kept coming, damaging their home, damaging the forest around them.

He nodded, silently, before pulling Briar into his arms. That was one change he truly appreciated. He could hold her like this, short stubby arms wouldn't get in the way. He kissec the top of her head. "That's fine," he said. Just being with her would be good. Wonderful, even. If the circumstances had been just a little different,the dragonite boy might have dared to kiss Briar on the lips.

"But the sooner I go, the sooner I'll miss you."