RESPITE

Frankly, Lutgarde hasn't seen "their own (rented)" four walls for quite a while in this month. They've been travelling all across the region, following where their help might be needed the most. It's nice, being so busy, it truly is - but they've had a moment of respite now, and well.

Were sent home with the kindest words.

Maybe they did work a bit too hard, especially compared to Kalos which seems fairly peaceful compared to here ... They open the door to their flat, and a bit of stale air hits them. "Oh, we gotta air," they say, and Sylv's already jumping towards the biggest window. They've picked a flat where most things could be accessed by pokémon, so the Sylveon has no problems opening the window wide open to also let Sylph in, who's been hovering outside it, waiting for it to open.

"Decided to join us?" they laugh quietly, turning on all the lights one by one. It's already late in the evening - almost night. They've gotten something to eat outside, so the only thing to do would be ... going to bed.

However, they're reluctant to do so, and both Sylv and Sylph know. Sylv cooes, hoping onto the couch and tugging at the ribbon to motion Lutgarde to follow him, and they comply with a small smile. "Do you want to watch some TV?" they ask, taking the remote control. Immediately, Sylph also has positioned herself on the largest part of the couch. Her presence alone is demanding a certain show, and who is Lutgarde to deny her that? Especially when they don't really have anything better to watch.

Pulling up the streaming service, they navigate to the favourites quickly and continue to watch the drama that Sylph's currently obsessed with. The ranger only finds it so-so, and Sylv doesn't even pay attention at all, simply loafing in his trainer's lap for a little nap.

For a moment, it's peaceful.

WORK

continued thoughts on a mud and sparkles npc moment

Frankly, there's part of Lutgarde dreading returning the saddle to Ben, but they've promised, and it wouldn't be a big deal, after all. That is, until they've found themself in the farm house, with a steaming cup of tea in front of them and no recollection of how they got here.

"Kid got home alright?" Ben asks, striking up some casual conversation.

"I wouldn't be here otherwise, would I?" they reply with a laugh, forcing to be casual even when they feel the tension creeping in. So far, Ben hasn't tried digging into the questioning from yesterday, so it should be fine. Sylv notices the tension, and gazes at the farmer with a silent look.

Man, Ben really reminds them too much of some of the villagers back home.

"True." There's a moment of silence between them, and Lutgarde feels themself relax with every passing second. They take a sip of the tea, and widen their eyes, curious.

"That's a flavour I don't taste often. It's really bitter, isn't it? But it smells sweet." They smile as they take another sip, fond of that odd combination of flavour. It takes them a while to turn to look at Ben, who almost seems like he's dying from holding back a laughter. "You know Granny Smith?"

"Sure do. Glad you enjoy the tea, I was calling her yesterday, just chatting and told her I've been rude, and somehow, they figured out it was you, so they gave me the tip. We're good?" Now, he almost looks a bit embarrassed, but Lutgarde smiles quickly.

"Only if you got some packages of that - I didn't manage to catch her before she's gone off to Unova."

"Please. I ... it's not really my favourite," he admits, laughing. Tea time is passing by pleasantly, but Lutgarde feels like there's something waiting for them still. It's mostly Sylv who's feeling it, however, as his grip around their wrist is a nudge tighter than usual, as if providing reassurance, and an extra reading.

"Say what you want to say before you burst," they graciously offer as they think they might be able to answer properly, but it's ... how would you ever know?

"Kiddo. You know that you've got to look after yourself, too, right?" It seems like he's put quite some thought into that, and also would leave it at that.

Lutgarde smiles, but it's a faint imitation of their usual. "I will, don't worry. I think Sylv will force me, otherwise," they laugh, petting the Sylveon who nods firmly.

With that reply, it seems like there's more to say - but there's always more to say in situations like these. "I've got to head to work now, but thanks for the tea!" They wave the package they've gotten, before mounting Sylph and flying away.

Ben stands there for a thoughtful moment longer, before shrugging. "They'll be alright." He can only hope.

ALIVE

Night has fallen over Lilycove, and Lutgarde steps outside. Their apartment is small, so as soon as the temperatures rise, they leave the window open, leaving their pokémon with the choice to step outside their balls whenever they want and take a little stroll. It's Sylv leading them to the beach, after having woken up and noticed four balls of six open. Zylf, their Impidimp, and their Rapidash Oreo are resting. Sylph, their Togekiss, has found a comfortable spot on the roof to sleep on, and ... well.

"Oh," they whisper, uncharacteristically softly, as they see the glittering ocean in the distance. Their steps are quiet on the sand, as they eventually settle on one of the many benches there, sitting with a fond smile on their face.

As expected, their Primaina Noh and their Milotic Garnet - a name that just came to them - have snuck out of their balls and towards the nearby beach. Seeing the Milotic dance always puts them in a mesmerised state, but ... it's a whole different level when hearing Noh's voice going with it. Garnet's movements are powerful in the midnight waves, forcing Noh to rise his voice in a crescendo to keep up with the splashes, with the roaring of the ocean that's riled up by Garnet's movements.

He looks hesitant at first, but eventually leans into it, and almost seems to laugh while he's singing his heart out. Waves rise higher, and higher, caused by their joint performance, witnessed only by lonely observers.

Here, far from the city's street lights, the moon is brilliant with a cold, yet shining light, and the stars spread out over a dark blue canvas.

Here, with no one to see.

(The last leaf, the first bud. Welcoming the Tide, and weeping as it goes and takes with it what shouldn't be lost. Saying I love you, but not meaning it. A drawn negative, turned upside down and it's still unchanged. But you did it, you did it. Uniqueness broken in parts, as you scream your heart out without a voice, so aren't you keeping it still?)

(You're here, you're here, you're here.)

(Alive.)

Lutgarde nudges Sylv as they still dance and sing, and Sylv understands. The duo returns as quietly as they came, with the sounds of the universe in joy growing faint in the distance.