Setting up camp on top a cliff’s edge allowed for the best view in any extended hike. Nico’s camp was situated perfectly- the ledge was a mere 20 feet off the ground below, just barely tall enough to sit above the tree line. Numerous rocks jutted out beneath the edge. Too tall and slippery for a human to climb- but easy for most mountain-trailing Pokemon, like his Gogoat. Traveling through the trees on foot as opposed to lounging above the canopy was such a different world… With the bushy trees obscuring the sunlight, the world on the ground looked so dark and threatening. This perfect location was impossible to ignore- so he was quick to set up a camp as soon as the wonderful little spot was found. Nico would even wager that few campers knew of the spot since one needed to climb a steep cliffside or utilize a mountain scaling Pokemon. His Gogoat was at home here- currently laying across a sunbaked rock with her legs tucked neatly beneath her fur and leaves. After a long bout of riding, Lilypad was content to soak in the sun and relax.

Normally, Nico would have returned home. But this spot… It called to him. Every breeze that ruffled his hair carried a promising whisper. The air tasted sweet up here. Nothing suffocated him.

He was serious about claiming the spot. For a solid two hours Nico had been engulfed in an energetic swirl of activity. Two large, sturdy-looking tents already sat with a large firepit marking the center. A locked (fireproof) storage chest had been set up, quite literally containing everything they had- sprayed down heavily with Repel though, so they had to move the crate further away from the center of camp for the comfort of their Pokemon. Tucked securely into the rock wall and obscured with a convenient, thick bush. Several rugged-looking cooking pans were stacked neatly by the fireplace as well, and Nico himself sat on the ground next to them, rifling through his hiking bag. A series of different bagged herbs and spices were laid out across the ground next to him. Matt Vice had been sent out to obtain firewood- and lots of it. Nico intended to cook tonight.

Just then, a buzzing from his phone stole his attention. Aki Kumori 's name made him quirk a brow, as a flashback of memories back through him… Just one hour ago, he’d texted her amid his excitement. Eagerly babbling about how great his new camp location was, how she should come visit-

Then his eyes went wide with realization, pursing his lips as he recalled his latest text. You should come visit! It’s really close by, right here. He had sent her the location.

…Did she really try to come all the way out here, alone?

Immediately, he answered the phone. Not even having time to say anything before she announced hat she was lost.

”Ohffffff- okay, no problem, Lilypad and I will come get you! Uhh.” Nico stood and whirled around, staring out over the huge canopy of trees… ”…Think you might know where exactly you are?”

Aki Kumori

☉