Run, Run, Run - A Short Pokemon Fanfiction

Respite

My heart raced as I danced over fences, jumped through trees, and leaped into clearings. I ran along a river and kicked up some water playfully while my thoughts took a back seat, watching as if my vision was a dream flying by. I felt like an athlete sometimes whenever I get going like this, or maybe a daredevil if I went running on a cliff's edge. Panting, I slowly came to a halt as I zigzagged up the hill to its peak where the breeze blew the strongest, my mouth dry from the exhilaration. My eyes were dry, too, and the tears with them.

"Dang... Must've been a tad slower this time," I muttered as I laid down on my back, eyeing a few clouds floating by as my breathing settled down. In these moments I find respite from my insecurities, my problems, and my distractions. I closed my eyes and listened to the wind as it rolled by, whistling sweetly occasionally. The sunlight kept me warm while the wind regulated the heat; I could hear footsteps drawing close.

"Mienfoo...! Mienfoo," a voice called out. "Are you okay?" When I heard their voice I started to smile, knowing I was in good company. She was my best friend, after all.

"Over here," I called, sitting myself up. She looked exhausted. "Are you alright, Flaaffy?" I patted a patch of grass nearby, offering her a seat. Joining me, she caught her breath and sighed. Was it out of sadness or relief? 

"You scared me again, running off like that." I turned and looked at her eyes; had she been crying, too? I didn't know what to say, so I looked back up at the sky. She looked at me and asked, "Why did you run away? It wasn't a big deal— just a small mistake."

I met her gaze and frowned, saying, "It's just... If my dad were watching, he'd be ashamed." My mind started drifting to self-deprecating thoughts again, something I was trying to keep from happening. I looked away as I shook my head and told her, "Well, either way! I came here to get away from all of that. Can we talk about something else, please?" I almost shouted, but I managed to keep it down. Flaaffy rubbed at her eyes and stretched, sighing again.

"Okay, let's see..." She looked around as if looking for something to talk about, humming to herself. She snickered and pointed at a large, lumpy cloud, saying, "See that cloud? Doesn't it look familiar?"

"Not really."

"Look closer! Here's a hint: it looks like someone we know."

"Someone we...? Oh, heheh!" I chuckled as I matched a face to the clouds. "You mean Jigglypuff when he gets mad, don't you?"

"Bingo!" We continued to talk for a while about whatever came across our minds, whether it was usual gossip or playful banter. We resorted to sightseeing after running out of topics to exchange, like watching the clouds and gazing at the horizon. I knew we couldn't stay here forever since we're supposed to be learning back in town, though.

"Flaaffy, I think I'm ready to head back."

"You sure?" She's always concerned about me, nearly to the point where I'd consider her to be my big sister. I don't mind, really; I'm thankful enough to have her as my best friend.

"... Yeah. Thanks for sticking around with me."

Author's note: It's been a few years since I've written anything. This is my first item here, and I hope to add a second part since it ends abruptly like this.