keychained | 020; [action for Goldenrod/Route 34]

[if one is brave enough to venture outside in the cold and snow and ice and onto Route 34 today, he or she may notice a feral child just outside the entrance to Goldenrod-- Johto's very own Mowgli is sitting cross-legged off to the side, hunched over with his arms wrapped tightly around himself. surprisingly enough, snow is pretty chilly when one lacks a winter coat.]

[it's not out of not owning one, however; Sora's coat is actually laid out on the ground in front of him. no... wait, it's haphazardly draped across about the top third of a Dratini, who is curled up with his head resting on Trainer's lap. the coat isn't much, but it's all Sora's got.]

C'mon... We're maybe ten minutes away from the Center. You can do it! We've made it this far together, right?

[a pitiful whine from the Dratini. Sora's momentarily defeated expression is obscured by his hair, and by the fact that he's staring down at the ground. though it's probably equally pitiful, that defeat hardens into steel determination-- he and Pokémon hadn't trudged around out in who-knows-where for two weeks, and finally back onto the route to wind up freezing to death now.]

All right. [his voice is unsteady, but warm.] I think you've pulled more than your own weight lately... I'll keep going for the both of us. Okay? Hold still; I'll carry you.

[... how Sora intends to pick up and carry what is essentially a 6-foot giant worm is questionable, but dangit, he's going to try-- once he picks himself up and actually gets going, anyway. good thing Dratinis are on the light side for their length.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It'll be great! I won't let you down, Lightning. I'll be your best student ever, I promise. [and now he's gone from the yawning to the eye rubbing, like a little kid.]

Good students listen to their teachers, Sora. [She stands up, then crouches in front of him to look him in the eye.]

So I want you listen to me right now, and get some sleep before you pass out. Can you do that for me?

[Sora lifts his head to look up at her, bleary-eyed, then... he smiles, and even salutes.]

You got it! That's one thing I don't need training to do.

[She nods, then, with her motion full of hesitation, she gently ruffles his hair.]

I'll hold you to that.

[Sora's spikes floof in all kinds of funny directions when she does that-- and his smile grows into a full-out grin.]

Kairi's always said it's one of my special talents!

[That grin is good to see again, and she pulls back. His hair is messy enough already.]

And she's probably right. [A glance over towards the nurses station. He's not going to leave until he's got his pokémon back, so...they'd better hurry if they don't want a passed out teenager on the bench.]

[he'll get Hope back on the condition that they both take it easy. that's something Sora can do no problem! he tucks the pokéball away for now-- he'll let the Dratini out to rest on the bed with him once they get to a room.]

Thanks for staying with me, Lightning.

[She nods, standing up straight as he pockets that ball.]

Sure thing. Just don't go over the railing again and we won't have any trouble. [Slightly teasing? Perhaps.]

I think I'm gonna stay as far away from the radio tower as possible for a while.

That's probably for the best. [Eyes narrowing. If she ever sees Vanitas again, she will lay the smackdown on him.]

Go and get some rest, Sora. We'll talk later.

Okay. I'll come find you later, all right?

Okay. Call me if you need anything. [Another quick hair ruffle, just for good measure, and a soft smile. She's....glad you're safe, Sora.]

I will. Thanks again. [you're going to give him an afro at this rate, Lightning-- but Sora just smiles up at her. he'll just be ducking into a room to have himself one heck of a nap.]

020; [action for Goldenrod/Route 34]

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