The Noivern's calls soften, transforming from guides to a series of gentle hums that seem to echo the very mountain's quiet sigh. Rayshaun glances at the lead Noivern, a silent understanding passing between them. They've done their part. The duo, along with their Pokémon companions, finally reach a high, secluded nesting ground. It's a breathtaking sight: a series of caves carved into the cliff face and sturdy ledges, clearly a haven built for Rufflet and its kind. The air here smells crisp and clean, a mix of pine needles and something ancient, peaceful.
Rufflet, perched on Rayshaun's shoulder, suddenly perks up. Its injured wing is still, but its good leg finds a surge of energy. It lets out a strong, clear chirp, a sound filled with recognition and a touch of urgency.
"Whoa there, buddy," Rayshaun says, carefully setting Rufflet down. The little Pokémon lands a bit unevenly on its one good leg, but its focus is entirely on the caves ahead. Its bright, determined eyes scan the ledges, clearly searching for familiar faces. It hops forward, moving with a surprising amount of speed despite its injury.
Daisy kneels beside Trapinch, stroking its head. "Looks like we're home, little guy," she murmurs, her gaze following Rufflet's eager progress. A sense of relief washes over her. They made it. The relief is quickly followed by a new tension, though—the anticipation of meeting Rufflet's family. She hopes they'll be understanding, not just of Rufflet's presence, but of the strangers who brought it back.
Two adult Braviary, their crimson-tipped feathers gleaming like war paint and their eyes like chips of obsidian, emerge from a large cave. Their wings, broad and powerful, flare outwards, and a pair of territorial screeches rip through the air, demanding to know who dares trespass. These are Rufflet's parents, magnificent and formidable.
They land heavily on a rocky outcrop, their talons scraping against the stone. The lead Braviary, larger and with a more pronounced crest, fixes its gaze on Daisy and Rayshaun. The second Braviary, equally imposing, stands slightly behind, its attention also fixed on the intruders.
Then, the lead Braviary's sharp eyes fall upon Rufflet. Its piercing screech falters, morphing into a questioning cry as it notices the injured wing. Its gaze shifts from the strangers to its offspring, a silent question hanging in the air.
The second Braviary echoes the sentiment, its own cry a mixture of concern and suspicion. Their formidable posture doesn't soften, but the territorial aggression is now tinged with a deep apprehension. They fix their sharp, assessing gazes on Daisy and Rayshaun, their stance clearly conveying, What have you done?
Rufflet, sensing its parents' shift in mood, chirps weakly, nudging against Rayshaun's leg as if to say, They're good people.
"Whoa, hey there," Rayshaun says, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "We found him. Rufflet was in trouble."
Daisy nods, her expression earnest. "He was being attacked. We just wanted to help him get home."
The lead Braviary lets out a low rumble, a sound that vibrates through the rocky ground. It takes a hesitant step forward, its eyes still sharp, but a flicker of something other than hostility enters its gaze as it looks at Rufflet. The younger Braviary shifts its weight, its wings still slightly flared but less aggressively.
Rufflet, despite the ache in its wing, turns its small body to face its parents. It puffs out its chest, a valiant effort, and begins a flurry of chirps and sharp wing-flaps. It's a story told in motion and sound—the bullying by the Geodude and Gravelers, the sudden appearance of the humans, and the gentle rescue. It explains how Trapinch stayed by its side, and how these strangers, Daisy and Rayshaun, not only saved it from danger but guided it all the way home. Rufflet's earnest chirps convey its gratitude, painting a picture of unexpected kindness.
The two Braviary watch their offspring, their sharp eyes flicking between Rufflet and the humans. They take in the makeshift bandage on Rufflet's wing, the steadfast presence of Trapinch pressed close to the young Pokémon's side, and the genuine, open expressions on Daisy and Rayshaun's faces. Slowly, subtly, their rigid stances soften. The territorial challenge melts away, replaced by a quiet understanding. The lead Braviary lets out a deep rumble, a sound that vibrates in the chest, a clear and unmistakable gesture of thanks directed at Daisy and Rayshaun.
A shared breath escapes Daisy and Rayshaun. Their shoulders relax, the tight knot of tension they didn't fully realize they were holding finally loosening. They exchange small, relieved smiles. Rufflet, sensing the shift, chirps again, nudging against its parent's leg. It's a silent plea, a confirmation of their rescuers' good intentions. The Braviary dips its head slightly, acknowledging the younger Pokémon's plea.
The lead Braviary nudges Rufflet with its beak, a soft, encouraging gesture that signals a move away from the main nesting area. Daisy and Rayshaun watch, a silent agreement passing between them to maintain a respectful distance. Trapinch stays close to Daisy's side, its sturdy form a grounding presence as they follow the Braviary family and their unlikely human escorts.
They enter a secluded clearing, bathed in the warm, fading light of early evening. The ground here is carpeted with plush, emerald moss, and a small, crystal-clear stream winds through the center, its gentle murmur a soothing melody. Scattered around the clearing are several Chansey and Happiny. Their presence itself seems to radiate a comforting aura, a tangible warmth that calms the air. A few of them are tending to other Pokémon, their movements graceful and unhurried, offering quiet comfort to those with minor scrapes or who simply seem tired.
The adult Braviary approach one of the Chanseys, the one closest to them. They communicate through a series of soft chirps and subtle gestures, their large heads dipping towards Rufflet's injured wing. The Chansey, with its perpetually gentle demeanor and wide, kind eyes, turns its attention to the young Rufflet. It approaches slowly, its movements radiating a profound sense of calm.
Without a moment's hesitation, the Chansey begins to heal Rufflet. Its egg, held cradled in its arms, glows with a soft, warm light. A gentle wave of restorative energy emanates from it, washing over the injured Pokémon. Rufflet, which had been whimpering softly, visibly relaxes. Its pained chirps gradually subside, replaced by contented, soft coos. The nearby Happinys offer their own support, emitting soft vocalizations and nudging Rufflet gently with their small bodies.
Daisy and Rayshaun watch the scene unfold, their eyes wide with a quiet astonishment. They've seen Pokémon Centers, witnessed the efficiency of healing machines, but this—this natural, inherent gentleness of Pokémon caring for each other—is something entirely different. It's a profound display of innate kindness, a quiet miracle unfolding before their eyes. They exchange a look, a silent acknowledgment of the wonder they are witnessing.
Rufflet, now a picture of health, hops with renewed vigor. Its little wing, no longer a source of pain, flaps with a cheerful chirp. It turns its bright, determined gaze towards Rayshaun, letting out a series of clear, bold calls. The message is unmistakable: Rufflet wants to stay with him.
The adult Braviary watch the exchange, their fierce Auras now radiating a quiet understanding. They've seen the bond that's formed, a connection that transcends species. The lead Braviary lets out a low, resonant call, a sound that carries the weight of acceptance.
At the same time, Trapinch nudges Daisy's hand insistently. It looks up at her, those unwavering black eyes conveying a clear message, then glances back towards the path leading down the mountain. Trapinch wants to go with Daisy.
Daisy looks from Trapinch to Rayshaun and Rufflet, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "Looks like we're going to be a team," she says to Rayshaun, her voice filled with a newfound excitement.
Rayshaun grins, a look of pure satisfaction spreading across his features. He gently guides Rufflet towards Daisy. With a final, affectionate chirp to its parents, Rufflet hops onto Rayshaun's extended arm, a clear signal of its choice. Trapinch nuzzles Daisy's hand, solidifying its own intention to join her.
The adult Braviary watch the clear indications of these bonds, their Auras now radiating peace and acceptance. They offer a final, deep rumble of acknowledgment to Daisy and Rayshaun, a silent blessing on their nascent partnerships.
***
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Advance chapters in P@T0n Najicablitz.