The foothills of the mountains rise before them, a jagged, rocky ascent that promises a challenging climb. Daisy and Rayshaun press on, the Rufflet perched on Rayshaun's shoulder chirping softly, a sound that's more determined than pained. Its bright blue eyes track their progress, and every so often, it lets out a little squawk, as if urging them forward.
Trapinch, surprisingly secure in Daisy's arms, nudges her cheek with its massive head. Its grip on her tactical vest is firm but gentle. Daisy strokes the rough hide of its head.
"You're a loyal one, aren't you?" she murmurs, her voice low. "Sticking with Rufflet like that."
Rayshaun glances back, a small smile playing on his lips. "They're a pair, alright."
The landscape shifts, the gentle rolling hills giving way to steeper, rockier inclines. Loose scree crunches under their boots with every step. The air grows cooler, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth.
"Think their parents will know what to do for that wing?" Rayshaun asks, his brow furrowed with concern as he glances at the Rufflet.
Daisy checks the Rufflet's wing again, a quick, practiced movement. "I hope so. It's pretty dislocated. But I saw the nests on the cliffs up ahead. If they're anything like Trapinch, they'll have some way of taking care of their own." She pauses, looking at the Rufflet. "You're tough, aren't you, little guy? Gotta be, to survive out here."
The Rufflet chirps again, a sound that seems to carry a hint of pride, and then nudges Rayshaun's ear with its beak. Rayshaun chuckles, adjusting his grip on the shield holding the bird.
"He's saying 'hurry up'," Rayshaun translates, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "And maybe 'thanks for not dropping me'."
"Or maybe he's just hungry," Daisy adds dryly, earning a light shove from Rayshaun.
The climb continues, each step a testament to their shared purpose. They're a strange team, a trio of humans and two Pokémon, united by a rescue mission that's quickly becoming more than just a simple retrieval. It's a mission of compassion, of understanding, and of forming bonds in the most unexpected of places.
The air thins as they climb higher, the rocky terrain growing steeper. The path narrows, hugging the sheer face of the mountain, and a chilling wind whips around them. Rufflet lets out a nervous chirp, tucking its head closer to Rayshaun's neck. Trapinch nestles deeper into Daisy's arms, its tiny eyes darting around nervously.
Suddenly, a high-pitched shriek slices through the wind, sharp and disorienting. It's a sound that vibrates in their bones, making their teeth ache.
"What was that?" Daisy mutters, instinctively pulling Trapinch closer.
Rayshaun shields his eyes, scanning the jagged peaks above. "Sounded like… a bird?"
Then they see them. Three of them. Perched on rocky outcrops, silhouetted against the pale sky. Massive, bat-like creatures with enormous, bat-like ears that swivel independently. Their wings are spread wide, membranes catching the wind, and sharp crests jut from their heads like dark crowns. A faint, shimmering blue energy pulses around them, their Auras radiating a potent, territorial warning.
"Whoa," Rayshaun breathes, his hand instinctively going to the energy shield on his wrist. "Those aren't birds."
Daisy fumbles for her Pokédex, her fingers clumsy with a mixture of awe and apprehension. "Definitely not. Those things look like trouble."
She taps the screen, aiming the Pokédex's scanner at the nearest creature. The device whirs, a soft blue light sweeping across the Pokémon.
"Noivern. Sound Wave Pokémon. Flying/Dragon type," the Pokédex's synthesized voice announces. "Known for powerful ultrasonic waves that can disorient prey and intruders. Extremely territorial."
Rayshaun pulls out his own Pokédex, his fingers flying across the interface. "Mine says the same thing. Flying/Dragon. Sonic abilities. Great."
The three Noivern let out another piercing screech, a unified sound that makes the very rock beneath their feet seem to hum. They shift on their perches, their yellow eyes fixed on the intruders. They don't look friendly. They look like they want Daisy and Rayshaun gone, and fast.
"They don't seem too happy to see us," Rayshaun observes, his voice tight.
"Understatement of the year," Daisy replies, her hand tightening on Trapinch. "But they're not attacking. Yet."
The Noivern continue to shriek, their sonic attacks a clear warning. Daisy and Rayshaun stand their ground, acutely aware that they've stumbled into a territory fiercely guarded by creatures they know nothing about.
Pokédex Entry: Noivern
Species: Sound Wave Pokémon
Type: Flying / Dragon
Height: 1.5 m (4'11")
Weight: 85.0 kg (187.4 lbs)
Sex: Male
Description:
Noivern is a powerful nocturnal Pokémon that uses ultrasonic waves to navigate and hunt in complete darkness. Its enormous ears can detect even the faintest sound, allowing it to sense movement long before it is seen. When threatened or asserting dominance, it unleashes a shriek strong enough to shatter stone. Though naturally fierce toward intruders, a well-bonded Noivern becomes an unwavering guardian, using its precise echolocation to guide its allies safely through the night.
Rayshaun holds up the pouch of berries, their sweet scent wafting on the wind. He offers them forward, his movements slow and deliberate.
"We don't want any trouble," he calls out, his voice clear and steady, cutting through the high-pitched screeches of the Noivern. "We're just trying to get past."
Daisy watches the lead Noivern closely. Its massive ears twitch, swiveling towards the offered fruit. The intense sonic assault falters, then stops. The creature tilts its head, its yellow eyes narrowed, assessing the offering. It's territorial, sure, but it's also curious.
The Noivern hovers for a moment, its wings beating a steady rhythm against the air. Then, slowly, it descends. Its sharp crest, which had been held high in a posture of dominance, lowers just a fraction. It lands a few feet away, its gaze fixed on the berries in Rayshaun's hand.
"Easy there, big guy," Rayshaun murmurs, keeping his voice calm. He extends his hand further, offering a single, plump berry.
The Noivern inches closer, sniffing the air. It makes a soft clicking sound, a stark contrast to its earlier screeches. Then, it gently plucks the berry from Rayshaun's fingers with its beak, swallowing it in one swift motion. A low rumble emanates from its throat, a sound that, to Daisy's ears, feels more like approval than threat.
"See? Not so scary when you offer them snacks," Daisy says, a small smile finally breaking through her apprehension. She pulls out a few more berries, offering them to the other two Noivern, who have also cautiously landed.
The lead Noivern lets out a series of screeches, but they are different now. Shorter, more inquisitive. It gestures with its head towards the higher peaks, then back towards the path Rufflet was originally heading. Daisy catches the gesture.
"I think," Daisy says, "it's asking where we're going. And maybe... offering another way?"
Rayshaun nods, understanding dawning on his face. "It's showing us a different path. Higher up. Probably safer." He gestures towards Rufflet, then points up the mountain. "We need to get him to his family. Up there."
The lead Noivern seems to comprehend. It lets out a sharp, definitive cry, then turns and launches itself into the air, its wings catching the updraft. The other two follow suit. They circle once, then begin to ascend, not away, but along a higher, more treacherous-looking ridge.
"Looks like we have a guide," Rayshaun says, a relieved grin spreading across his face. "Come on, Daisy. Let's get Rufflet home."
***
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