[attr="class","samjertop"][attr="class","samjer"]

[attr="class","samjermain"]A few weeks ago, Aubre stood on what felt like the edge of the world. Emerald eyes stared out at the horizon, wondering if her family was staring back. The fins of her Marshtomp occasionally tickled her feet. The gesture coaxed out the occasional giggle. A little further off, an aged Kabutops dodged between a herd of Corsola. But this peace was not meant to last.


The doctor’s reality check came in the form of a giant boulder from on high. Only a clumsy stumble saved the redhead from a broken neck. As the bird circled around for a second strike, her Kabutops managed to ward it off with a surprise Hydro Pump. But not all of the dark type’s victims had been so lucky. In hot pursuit of the bird, a Dragonite emerged from the horizon. But the bump on its noggin and a shattered shoulder made it hard for him to stay aloft. With a crash, he doubled the craters on the ground.


With an apology, Aubre captured him, so she could examine him at the clinic. While the relationship was rocky at first, the good food and relaxing atmosphere soon warmed up the dragon. This friendliness was spurned on by the fact that Aubre handed over the ball almost immediately after. She promised she’d let him go once he was up for the journey home. Today was the last hurdle he needed to pass.

"Just take it easy, all right? We do not want to strain your injuries." She'd been there and done so herself. The dragon snorted. She didn't think he could fly? He was a force of wind and nature!


Settled on the ground—smiling at the distant orange dot—Aubre watched as the Dragonite circled around. A fist of sadness crushed her heart as she watched him do a loop-de-loop. Bitten nails tightened in the strap of her bag. In it, for some reason, she’d passed her flying goggles. It wasn’t like she’d use them. That part of her life had died with her Mantine. Still, seeing his white teeth grin, she couldn’t help but want to be up there.


As she turned to face a noise on the path, she felt strong muscles wrap around her torso. “!?” Before she could process what was happening, her feet were a hundred feet off the ground. “Marcus! What are you—put me—!” Her eyes dropped to the earth as the Dragonite released its pinky claws. “Well, don’t drop me, but I’d appreciate if you—” The dragon’s tiny wings picked up speed as e zoomed over the trees of the nearby city. Her heart pounded in her chest, feet almost tickling the tops of the tree houses.


Soon enough—realizing he wasn’t trying to kill her—the redhead relaxed into the Dragonite’s muscular arms. As they circled back to her original spot, she felt her heart swell. Tears, ones she’d forgotten to shed, erupted as she battled back quiet sobs. Images of her Mantine came to the forefront. Her fingers tightened in the Dragonite's scales. “Elouise, I didn't mean to—” A gasp erupted as she focused on the path. “Pull up! Now!” Apparently someone else was enjoying the beautiful day. Someone who put themselves right in their path.


Lifting her feet as close to her chest as possible, her and the Dragonite landed clumsily a few yards away. Her knees hit the packed dirt heavily. “Arceus! That was close!” She pushed the dragon’s arm away as she rushes toward the other traveler. “Are you all right?”

[attr="class","samjerpoke"]