Painted Ghouls

Chapter 28

Needless to say, Lucas had been quite surprised that Athena had managed to successfully defeat the Armaldo on her own. He was also surprised that the Armaldo was even alive in the first place. Ever since that incident, less Pokémon came near the two. There wasn't very many in the first place, but now Mauville City seemed a little too vacant. There were hardly any opponents to pitch herself against.

It had been quite some time since she had fought the rock-and-bug type. The air was beginning to warm, and the bitter feeling of winter was draining away. More Pokémon were beginning to come out of their burrows and nests, and truly enjoy the nature. Berries were beginning to sprout upon the branches of the bushes and trees, supplying more food for the region. Spring had officially arrived.

With a soft moan, the Blaziken allowed her eyes to flutter open. Silently, she poked her talons around subconsciously, continuing to do so until they touched a familiar fabric. Dragging Brendan's cap closer to her, she lifted her back off of the cold flooring beneath her. The air was fresh and warm- spring truly had come. With a yawn, she lifted herself onto her feet, her vision drifting off to her left as she scooped up her trainer's hat.

Lucas, as expected, had left. It was unknown to her where he headed off to every day. Of course, there were some days when he stayed and occupied her. Then there were others where he left her to do her own thing, like this particular one. She figured that he had left to go fight his own Pokémon battles- it would make sense, considering how violent he could be at times. Blinking, she brought her attention ahead of her.

A soft breeze wafted through the air, causing her to ruffle out her feathers just a bit. Once the wind passed, she smoothed them down again. She could hear Swellow cawing out cheery songs from the trees ahead of this city- most likely to find a mate. After all, since the weather was becoming warmer, it would be beneficial for them to raise their own young.

Silently, she thought back to the time when she had met Brendan. That was nearly a full cycle of seasons ago- when the weather was warm, just before the summer. Once the weather was like that, then it would be a complete cycle. It was strange, really, that such a particular event was so long ago. It was also strange that she had started out with a strong dislike to humans, but quickly bonded with one of them.

She also couldn't help but think of Damien. How was he doing? The last time she had seen him was in the fall, before she and Lucas had to leave for Fallabor Town. Truthfully, she missed him. He was a dear friend, no matter how hyper he could get at certain moments. Plus, his optimism and gleeful emotions were contagious. She hoped he was doing well; if she would ever get the chance, she would love to see him again.

Sauntering around aimlessly, the Blaziken passed by the pile where the Armaldo was killed. It was strange to see the goo that made him a ghoul slither off of him in such a way when he had fallen. Was it because the black substance no longer had a host? Truth be told, she had only seen ghouls when they were about to enter a battle. Other than that, she had never seen one enjoying a peaceful life. Did the form only activate because he was in battle?

Releasing a sigh, she paused in front of the berry pile. Following the same routine she had for many days now, she dropped Brendan's cap, moved the wooden plank, and stuck her arm into the hole. With every passing day did the pile get smaller and smaller- she practically had to crouch down to reach the berries. Grabbing two cheri berries, she pulled her arm back, before plopping one of them into her beak. Closing the entrance to the pile, she turned heel, and ate in silence.

The berries were beginning to stale, and soon they would be rotten. That shouldn't be a surprise, considering how long the duo had them stuffed beneath all of that rubble. However, she couldn't help but feel disgusted at their dry, crispy texture. She would much rather have the berries that were growing on the branches, past the borders of the city. They were probably much fresher than the ones in the pile.