[attr="class","lance"]

[attr="class","lance b"]

[attr="class","lance i"]distractions are good; they've kept him afloat for this long, and today's no different.

the sound of sand crunching draws pulls his attention towards the approaching pinsir. it clicks its sharp horns together in what would normally be seen as an act of aggression, but it feels different this time. he takes a bet and remains seated even as it nears him.

"you lost there, buddy?"

it stops, prompting him to assume so. "the route is back that way," he points west, away from the beach, then east, continuing. "route one-two-four is this way, but i'm not sure if you can swim that long."

the pinsir locks eyes with him and holds it, intimidating in nature. but, it eventually turns and walks west, back towards the forest, leaving lance alone with his thoughts once again.

@wild
passing!

[attr="class","lance"]

[attr="class","lance b"]

[attr="class","lance i"]he sets the bottle of beer down, pushing the bottom into the sand, deep enough that it rests without him having to hold it. he pulls his phone out, clearing his throat as he navigates to find the video folder, before tapping on one of them.

the scene is cold, serene, as snow falls down around them. a woman has a young child in her arms, both dressed in thick winter jackets with puffy collars. they're walking, peering up at the snow in wonder and awe. it's innocent, sweet, and it brings a smile to his face.

"it's beautiful, lance."

the video eventually comes to an end, and as silence befalls him, he can't help but feel a tinge of sorrow that crashes with the waves in front of him. it hurts, but remembering them is important. it's what keeps them alive.

a glameow passes by, uninterested.

@wild
passing!

[attr="class","lance"]

[attr="class","lance b"]

[attr="class","lance i"]as he finally rises off the sand, ready to return home, he is stopped by the sight of an absol. it stands behind him, blocking his straight path back to the house. he narrows his eyes, confused, curious, because the absol doesn't seem to be hostile nor friendly.

it simply watches.

eventually, he speaks: "the people here think you're a bad omen."

this particular absol looks old and weathered and experienced. there is a presence about it that makes it different. and perhaps it is for that reason that lance decides to extend a hand.

@wild
catching absol!