Littleroot Town was beautiful this time of the year. And the farther away from Slateport and its ilk, the better. Summer was brewing just under the surface. He could feel it in the air, in the turning of the leaves. It was just the perfect temperature to enjoy a relaxing rest.

Away from the rest of the world.

Here Hyeon could feel at peace, and even if the world ended tomorrow he would be content. Surrounded by what he loved the most. "When it all comes crashing down, at least I know you guys will always be there for me." He said to the open air, his expression open and soft. A smile, a rare occurrence, always fleeting. But said to be beautiful to those who witness it.

Once it was something he shared with a special someone. Now, it only existed in the presence of his pokemon and frayed, painful, memories. The quiet revelry was broken, however as the serene silence was shattered by a distant, sudden, sound.

Apollo and Artemis stirred raising their hackles as the ranger's expression soured into a neutral frown. Dark eyes narrowed he stands up from his crouching position.

Alert.

There was someone or something here.

"If you're a human, then show yourself."

It was a warning, not a threat.

He was done with that kind of stuff.

@uno

☉

An eevee.

It was just an Eevee.

The little fellow looked spooked, making the young man feel sorry for it. He had no intention of startling the wildlife. Though something didn't feel right about the situation. Something in Hyeon's gut told me this was all off. Deciding to follow with his intuition he called his Arcanine over gesturing towards the clearing he gave it orders.

"Sniff out any scent that may smell strange, clothing, hair conditioner, perfume, we're not alone." Apollo huffed before bringing its large nose into the air. Scenting it before letting out a growl in the direction of a specific tree.

There.

"Enough is enough. The game's over. You maybe be able to fool me, but you can't outdo an Arcanine's sense of smell."

He paused, as though contemplating something, his eyebrows furrowed he mumbles something before speaking up once more.

"I promise I won't hurt you if you have nothing to hide."

Before adding a somewhat hasty.

"Ranger's honor."

@uno

☉

This person wasn't dangerous just... odd.

Hyeon's shoulders relaxed slightly as he let out a less stressed breath. His eyes become less cold, his back less rigid. There was nothing to worry about it seems. Well, at least for now. "Right." He began a slight smirk on his lips, an amused tone on his tongue. "I guess you'll be just fine behind that tree. And not speaking to me face to face, I get it." He made his way towards a nearby stump in the clearing. His pokemon followed him as they sensed no threats, they cozied up next to him as he sat down and laid back.

He pointedly ignored the man's joke about harming the Eevee, feeling nothing malicious about it. It was just a bad case of nerves, most likely. And the silver-haired man probably couldn't or wouldn't allow harm to come to his pokemon. Hyeon wasn't exactly sure, but he feels he had a knack for figuring people out. And this beautiful young man didn't seem like someone who would allow harm to come to others needlessly.

"While you hide out there like that, I hope you don't mind me getting some shuteye?"

To further the ruse he closed his eyes as he leaned back comfortably. Slowing his breathing he feigned sleep. Perhaps this timid fellow would come down if Hyeon felt less like a threat? And what was the best example of trust than the vulnerability of sleep? It was underhanded, sure. But the ranger didn't say he was some kind of saint, either.

@uno

☉

Hyeon wasn't expecting the order, it seemed the strange man had a crafty side to him. As he felt the weight of the eevee on his chest he gave the impression that he stirred for a moment before 'falling back to sleep'. He was committed, at least for the moment, to his act.

Sure the pokemon made it hard to breathe slightly, but it was if an annoyance than a hindrance. However, Hyeon couldn't help but wonder what the silver-blue-haired man had planned next.

@uno

☉