Pit stop

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Shara was lazily drifting on the thermals. The goggles on her eyes were dirty with sand and she didn't even want to know what she looked like.

Flying through a sandstorm might not have been the SMARTEST thing to do, but it certainly was interesting. And nearly deadly. details.

Whatever the case Shara was weak from the hard flying and even the rising air currents were hard to keep up with. Here was as good as anywhere to take a break. She dived towards the forest and fell through the canopy.

ENTER PECHA FORREST: -5E
E:11

Shara knew which direction the town was in, but she wasn't sure if she trusted him. Now that she was powerless she lacked the confidence that had made her, her. If he was planning something, it at least seemed like he was genuinely concerned about her health. at least for now. But where did he get that vine? those didn't grow in this forest, or at least she hadn't spotted any.

"Just get it over with. Don't make me regret trusting you." Shara said with a voice that betrayed her fear.

She knew she would probably be alright, but after all the 'swell' guys she had to pound into the ground, she was more than a little wary without her main mode of locomotion and attack. Shara hated this. She wanted to feel like herself. She didn't want to feel afraid of some goof that she ran into.

[Full page natural regen +1 Energy]
[E:13]

Somehow Aria's response didn't inspire much faith in the Aipom. In fact, he wilted a little as he complied, sliding the twig under her tender wing and using the shriveled up vine to bind and hold her wing closed. As he worked he made sure to check that he hadn't broken any more bones with his rash move moments ago, breathing a sigh of relief when only the one break was found. It seemed his paws knew the basic motions even though his brain couldn't quite recall all the specifics of what he was doing.

Once he had everything in place, Cracker tightened the vine just enough so as not to cause discomfort. He hoped it would hold for now. The vine he'd found wasn't of the typical swinging-from-trees variety, it was just a ground-crawling weed, and it had been dead for at least a day, but it was the only suitable length of plant matter he could find on short notice. To find anything better, he'd have to return to his tree, where vines hung from the branches and crawled up the ancient trunk. It really was a little slice of home in that respect; not to mention one of the few trees in Pecha Forest to be a suitable home to the slippery green climbers.

"That should do it, I think," Cracker said somewhat meekly, looking away for a moment like he'd been scolded. When he turned back though, he focused on Aria's eyes, staring at her closely with a look of worry. "Are you still in shock? Can you walk, or should I carry you?"

((Energy: 21 + 1))

Shara observed the monkey work. He seemed like he knew what he was doing now. Shara didn't say anything. What could she say? She didn't have the power to run away anymore. She started walking. She was fine, she didn't need any help.

"I can walk fine." Shara said, because that was all that needed to be said.

Shara looked at her reflection in the pond. her eyes had lost something, a spark. They were dark now. Fearful. normal. She didn't even get to have any color to her feathers. She didn't even have her goggl-

"Where are my goggles?!" Shara yelped. She was nothing without that accessory or color in her feathers. She was just another common bird. That's when it hit her. She started crying. She was scared and sad. Her life had been shattered with her wing.

[E:13]

He couldn't help but frown again in response to the Pidgey's newly changed attitude. It seemed ever since the Hoothoot's attack, the fun-loving, competitive and adventurous Aria had sunken into a deep depression. No doubt thanks to the injury preventing her from doing the one thing she was born to do. Cracker could see himself behaving the same way if he were forced to remain grounded too. The trees were his life and his playground. To be trapped on this prickly earth forever would've made him one unhappy Pokemon too. Which is why he was so motivated to help her.

The Aipom took a step forward as Aria walked over to the pond to stare at her reflection, feeling just a bit of worry that she might fall in. But instead she suddenly cried out for her goggles. Cracker stopped sharply, his paws immediately reaching for the top of his head where the little ocular device had been. Of course it was gone. Long gone, in fact. Whether the Hoothoot had knocked it off while attacking, or his quick descent into unconscious had washed it away, there was no doubt the Pidgey's beloved possession was at the bottom of the pond somewhere.

"Oh... oh no," he winced, realizing the gravity of the situation. Aria was in enough emotional turmoil over her broken wing, the last thing she needed was to lose something of hers. "I--I'll--Don't worry, don't cry, please!" Cracker rushed over to her, easing the blubbering Pidgey back from the water's edge. "I'll go look for it, and I'll find it, I promise! Just--just please, stay here!"

Without another word, the Aipom dove headlong into the water, kicking up a sizable splash with his big head as he dove underwater. The small body of water was relatively shallow, but the basin was wide and the floor covered in little hills and divots, not to mention algae-coated rocks. He was determined to find her lost item though, even with his visibly steadily fading as the sun began to set. He resurfaced numerous times, searching close to shore, then deeper, trying to cover every square inch of where he'd been and where he'd gone, but with all the thrashing he'd been doing at the time, the goggles could've been swept up in any number of currents.

By the time the monkey came up for air again, he was panting and breathless, the day ever so slowly sliding into evening. Visibility, which hadn't been great to begin with thanks to all the stirred up pond scum, had dropped considerably. It was essentially impossible to continue searching today, and the realization of that fact had the Aipom stricken to the core. Not only had his involvement gotten Aria hurt, but now she'd lost something that no doubt meant the world to her. Drained and defeated, Cracker crawled ashore, shivering and dripping water.

"It's too dark now, I-I can't see," he informed her, essentially admitting his loss. "But... But I'll come back and look again tomorrow. I promise. I will get it back for you." He didn't seem very hopeful right now, though. "We... We need to get out of sight before the night Pokemon come out. They're far less friendly than the daytime ones." Trying to shake off some of the chilled water, Cracker started to head for his tree, turning back to make sure Aria would follow.

((Energy: 22))

He really did care about her didn't he? Why? They had only just met. Shara then remembered how she had panicked when Cracker was drowning. But that was different. his life was in danger. The aipom didn't give up, he kept going back into the pond looking for her goggles.

He was just nice wasn't he? Would it be that simple? A nice pokemon? Shara wasn't sure about it. She sighed. Didn't she live with no regrets? Then why was she second guessing herself here. Shara Decided that she would trust the Aipom. She used her good wing to dry her tears.

"It's alright. You did more than the average pokemon. It will still be there tomorrow. It's crazy, so much happened in such a short time. I'm scared Cracker. I'm scared of anything that might happen. I can't run away anymore. I can't even act like myself. I don't even look like myself. I'm just an injured bird." Shara said, walking with the aipom. She was broken. She hated this. She started to chirp a sad song, but she felt even that was beyond her.

[E:13]

With a small sigh, the Aipom led the way back to his new home, which had yet to be properly acquired, let alone renovated; it wouldn't make a very safe place to stay until he could make it visually clear to wild Pokemon that it was his, but it would at least keep them out of the open. As he guided the way, Cracker stayed on the ground, wincing inwardly with every prickly step. He wasn't enjoying the tactile sensation one bit, but it was a small price to pay to ensure the injured Pidgey's safety. And he owed her that much at this point.

As the two Pokemon made the trek back from the pond, Cracker listened to the fear and hopelessness in Aria's tone as she spoke. It made him realize that she wasn't the only one not acting like herself. He was normally happy and carefree, rarely brought down but the negative emotions of others, but right now all he could feel was guilt and worry for the Pokemon whom it seemed he'd caused nothing but trouble for, so far. Maybe if he'd done as planned and pranked her, he might've scared her off and saved her all this torment...

Cracker shook his head sharply, trying to break free of the depression forcing its way into his heart. This wasn't right. She shouldn't be feeling this way. Turning around sharply, the Aipom stepped in front of the Pidgey, placing both paws on her plummage as he gaze down at her.

"No, no! You're not just an injured bird," he argued. "Are you forgetting what happened today? You beat me in a race! Me!" The Aipom jumped backwards and threw his arms up. "Nobody beats me in the trees! But you did, even though you'd already been flying all day long! Where was your fear then? Where was it when you saved me from that Hoothoot! You did that! All I did was nearly drown like a dummy!" After waving his arms around wildly with every word, he lowered them slowly to his sides and took a step closer. "Okay... so maybe your wing is broken and you can't fly right now. But that doesn't mean it's the end of the world, and it doesn't mean you're defenseless. Flying isn't all you can do, just like climbing trees isn't all I can do. Hah, but it beats the heck out of walking though, right?

"Maybe this is a rare opportunity in disguise. With your wing out of action, maybe you're destined to discover a new way of doing things. A new perspective on the world! Heehee, I'm almost a little jealous," the Aipom giggled to himself. "Anyway, what I'm trying to say is cheer up. I know things look bad right now, but my Gram used to say, 'things always look their worst before they get better'. I don't really know what she meant by that, but I can only assume it's something good."

((Energy: 22))

Shara looked up at the sky. The words of the aipom did little to help her. She had saved anyone's life before, so there was that. But she could hardly see how loosing her passion, her reason for existing could be a good thing. Shara knew that she could do other things, but She could't go back to flying when she wanted to, her freedom was gone.

"Thanks, but I've never been without flying. I've never broken anything, I'm just that good. heh." Shara half heartedly laughed. She knew the aipom was trying to cheer her up, but she had never dealt with this sort of thing before.

"Image means a lot to me. I don't want to be another normal Pidgey. just some common pokemon, canon fodder or a pest. I usually dye my crown feathers and tail feathers, I like being colorful. The Goggles were part of that, I never wanted to be pegged for a common feral bird. The do come in handy in other places though." shara said. "Cracker, why are you doing this? I mean We only just met! how can you trust me? I'm even sure I can trust you."

[E:13]

Continuing on the path back to his tree, the Aipom looked to the sky along with Aria, frowning a little at the brightly colored clouds signalling that the sun was about to set behind the distant mountains of Shadowmist. Normally it would've been a pretty sight to watch and marvel at, but right now it told him they had to hurry. With the setting on the sun, a lot of the more unfriendly, nocturnal Pokemon would start rearing their heads, and he did want the Pidgey or himself to get caught between them and his home.

Cracker could understand where she was coming from in a way. As a village nuisance he'd made a name for himself in a much different manner. Although he didn't need colors to stand out from the group, he knew the importance of individuality Aria spoke of. It was why he never chose to be like everyone else, sitting in lectures and learning. He was always out and about causing trouble instead. Unfortunately, his freedom and uniqueness was ultimately what resulted in his banishment. In many ways though, it was worth it.

Just when he was about to insist they pick up the pace, the little Pidgey posed a few queries that Cracker had been contemplating himself ever since he'd been knocked out of the tree. Turning around to face Aria, he walked backwards and crossed his arms behind his head with a big grin on his face.

"You're kidding, right?" he said, jokingly. "After what you did for me today, I can't imagine why I wouldn't trust you, Aria. You saved my life! And that would've been enough, but the fact you put your own well-being at risk for me, well... If you were an outlaw planning to rob me, you're a terrible one. And actually, it's because we just met that I know I can trust you. I can't think of anyone bad who would save a complete stranger and not expect a reward. No, I trust you because you're a good Pokemon, I can tell. I mean, I was little iffy at first when you were so rude after crashing into me like that, but... well, since then you've been nothing but friendly to me, and I want to return the favor!

"So that's why I'm doing this, Aria. You've earned it. And it's okay if you can't trust me yet. I wouldn't expect you to. I've done nothing but cause you trouble so far, but I'm gonna make it up to you. I'm gonna get your goggles back, then we're gonna fix that wing up, and if you still don't trust me by then, you can just carry on your way without another word. I won't be mad or anything. I'm just happy to be alive, you know!"

The Aipom turned back around and walked alongside the Pidgey for a few feet before leaning towards her slightly. "By the way, if it's any consolation, even without your goggles, you're still the most unique Pidgey I've ever met." Straightening up, he dropped his arms to his side and stared up at the darkening sky again.

((Energy: 22))

Shara looked away. Maybe she was being too cynical. Being left without escape brought up fears that she never had to deal with. This whole eperience had broken her. She thought about saying something snarky, but her heart just wasn't into it.

But then a song came to her, It wasn't exactly right for the situation, but She felt like singing at least a part of it

{Full song(thought that it might be more relevent to be sung in full to Cracker some time later):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-Vg2YS-sFE&feature=kp}
"You got sucker's luck, have you given up? Does it feel like a trial? Does it trouble your mind the way you trouble mine?" Shara sang, humming the instrumental piece of the song for a bit.

"I don't feel like myself. I could pretend like I do, But I'm scared. I'm so sad. I don't know what to do." Shara admitted.

Shara turned her head. Something felt wrong. The shadows of the forest seemed that much more ominous in the twilight. She decided to suck it up and keep moving.

Dediles carried out 1 launched of one Pecha Forest :

As the pair proceeded on into the woods towards Cracker's new home, the sun set into a darkening twilight, accompanied by a song from the Pidgey. The mournful tone made the Aipom's heart sink a little, but he made the effort to stay upbeat, if not for her sake then for his own. As much as he understood how she must feel right now, he had to admit that there was as just as much that he probably didn't know. After all, he didn't have wings upon which to travel the world with. Aria had no doubt seen wonders he couldn't even imagine. Having something like that taken away clearly took its toll on the little bird.

They were nearing the clearing when Aria stepped on a small stoney platform, half buried in the earth. He was about to inform her of their arrival when a sudden glow of light erupted behind him, causing Cracker to turn around sharply in surprise. The shimmering, swirling mist-like essence rose up from the ground and surrounded the Pidgey for just a moment before vanishing, casting the two Pokemon into a sudden darkness. Shaking his head, the Aipom rubbed his eyes. After such a blinding light it took him a moment to readjust to the fading light cast off by the setting sun.

"Whoa, what was that?" he exclaimed, dropping down to the ground to get a better look at the device she'd stepped on, but just as he laid eyes on it, it crumbled to dust and faded away. "Wow... Y'know... I think that might've been an Energy Shrine. My Gram used to talk about them, but I'd never seen one before. They're about as mysterious as those dungeons, I think. Stepping on one is supposed to give you good luck. Hey--How do you feel?"

((Energy: 22))

Lumin carried out 3 launched of one Pecha Forest :

, ,

Shara had known about these kinds of traps. some people claim that a pokemon made a wish to jirachi to make doungeons more fair, others say that they come with the curse of the dungeon. Everyone seems to agree that they are good things, as they generally revitalize you.

And shara was feeling that. She felt like she got a good nights sleep, like she hadn't flown across a dessert all day. It was a strange sensation. most of her less serious injuries from fighting the Hoothoot seemed to be gone as well, but Her wing was still painfully broken.

Well eating an oran berry isn't going to cure a cold, an energy trap isn't going to fix a broken wing. Shara sighed. She just decided to push forward.

"I Feel better, at least physically. My wing is still broken, So no luck there. I just want to get somewere safe and just take some time to myself." Shara said, no sooner did Cracker turn around when he stepped on another energy trap. "What are the odds?"

There was a screeching, and a hoothoot came flying through the forest, shara noticed it's bruises and realized it was the same one she had taken down. "SERIOUSLY?!" Shara face winged. She did not want to deal with this.

Then she remembered. She couldn't deal with it. She couldn't ram it with tackle, and she wasn't fast enough on foot to use Feint Attack. She tried a one winged sand attack, but all that did was make her lose her balance and fall into the brambles.

Shara didn't want to be a damsel in distress. She was stronger than that. She should be able to fight. She began to cry quietly. She had no choice.

[Energy trap +5 energy]
[E:18]

More than just a little surprised when he took a step back to land on a shrine himself, the Aipom jumped into the air and landed on his rump, staring at the glowing platform as its tendrils of light wrapped around him and vanished just as they had with Aria. He felt invigorated and just a little anxious as he watched the trap crumble and reduce itself to dust. Clearly even Pecha Forest had its share of weird little mysteries. Two Energy Shrines so close together had to be a one in a million chance.

"Yeah... no kidding," he said slowly. Maybe things really were starting to look up.

Unfortunately, not a moment after the thought crossed his mind, a Hoothoot burst out of the foliage overhead, squawking loudly as it dove down at them. Instinctively the Aipom covered his head, expecting another pecking assault, but instead the Pokemon steered straight for the Pidgey accompanying him. Its attack was narrowly avoided by an awkward single-winged Sand Attack that toppled the wounded Pidgey onto her side and into a low bush, but the Hoothoot was undeterred as it came back around for another swipe at its newest target.

Cracker quickly realized that he was not the initial objective of the owl's scorn, but it took him a moment to comprehend the situation. The Hoothoot was very familiar; in fact, he recognized it clearly as the one that had attacked them back at the pond, only now it was focusing its attacks not on him, but on Aria. Was it because she'd defended him before? Or was it just sore from having been beaten by a Pidgey? At any rate, Aria was in no state to battle the Hoothoot, which meant it was up to him this time.

As the Hoothoot tore through the air, powering up a strong Tackle attack on the defenseless Pidgey, Cracker barely had a chance to think before moving to intervene. The owl was looming over Aria, moments away from contact when the Aipom howled loudly and angrily, leaping into the air and whipping his tail-hand into the Hoothoot's path. Although surprised, it was moving so fast that rather than cut it off, his Astonish attack hit the Pokemon directly, knocking it quite sharply into a bush nearby.

Startled by his own actions, Cracker dropped to the ground in a momentary daze, staring at the bush where the Hoothoot landed. It was thrashing unhappily, trying to free itself from the underbrush. He didn't had a lot of time to flee before it would be bearing down on them with another attack. The Aipom quickly hopped over to Aria, scooping her up with his tail.

"You saved me once, so I think it's time to return the favor," he said quickly, "My tree isn't far, so hold on tight." He didn't really give her much of a choice in the matter, though.

With his tail wrapped around the small Pidgey securely, he took off across the forest floor on all fours, not willing to risk an encounter in the trees. Especially now that the Hoothoot had freed itself and was making pursuit. As he ran though, a bump in the terrain tripped him up, forcing him to a rolling stop as a small shiny orb popped out of the ground and unceremoniously bounced off his head. It looked valuable, but he didn't have time to admire it. Scooping it up quickly, he shoved it into his Gold Ribbon pouch wrapped around his neck and hurried on his way.

((Energy: 22 - 3 + 5 = 24))

Not like Shara had anything to hold onto. She held in her tears. She was already a damsel in distress, She didn't need to be any weaker. She clenched her talons and closed her eyes. She could get through this. She wasn't worthless. She was just injured.

There wasn't much to do being held in the tail of the Aipom. so shara looked at the ever darkening sky. What she wouldn't give to be up there right now. She just wanted this nightmare to be over with. She didn't say anything. There wasn't anything left to say.

as the forest rushed by shara closed her eyes. She would get through this. A single tear rolled down her cheek. This isn't who she was. She needed time to think. Time to get it together. Time she didn't have right now.