The sound of Rhys' sickness jolted Yumi from her musings. She scrambled to her feet to follow, her Pokémon in tow. [break][break]

As their group wandered through the passage and subsequent chamber, she made no comments—uncharacteristic behavior. But she was exhausted from running and screaming; she wanted nothing more than to find a way back home. [break][break]

Unfortunately, they came across a different danger, one she recognized from previous encounters. But unlike the others, this Volcanion spoke, its thundering voice shaking her bones. [break][break]

This fact alone made Yumi hesitate even when Rhys urged her to run. Instead, she did the opposite and took a step toward the Pokémon. [break][break]

"I'm sick of fleeing," she said, exasperated. Addressing the Volcanion, she continued, "If you can speak, then you can understand our language." [break][break]

She took a deep, steadying breath. Her heart hammered wildly in her chest, but she refused to show it. [break][break]

"We're lost. We don't have any interest in hurting you or getting in the way of whatever you're doing here. If you could just show us how to get out of here, we'll go on our way and stay out of your business." [break][break]

Only then, in the light of Salazzle's fire and the glow of the Volcanion's body, did she notice what exactly the latter had been doing. Small objects of delicate make and intricate design lay arranged on a workbench near the Volcanion. [break][break]

The Pokémon peered at her like she was insane. Maybe she was. Then, finally, it relented: "Nay, mine duty is too great; I shalt not be distracted from this task until its full completion." [break][break]

Yumi sighed. "What if we helped you? What exactly are you doing?"

TAGS – Rhys Collins[break]
NOTES – mechanical kingdom #3

[attr="class","pkmn"]