Magic & Transvolution

Chapter 26: Journey into the Gloomy Woods.

"We're boring, actually," Sylock counters, his hands behind his head.

The rabbit pouts. "Okay, that's how I know yer ass is lyin'." Her arms fold while Sylock grins.

"What did he say?" Ada asks.

"He thinks he and I are a boring duo," Courtney answers with annoyance as Ada and Justin snicker once more.

"Heh. To be honest, I'm thinking about trying some Oran Berries," Ramon says, staring at Mesmeren's giant pile. "Curious to know what they taste like."

Mesmeren looks at the Zorua as the group continues ahead. "O-Oh?" She blushes. "Well, I'd hand some to you but um..." She stares at the pile, chuckling nervously. She soon yelps from one of the berries lifting off from it, surrounded by purple auras. She looks behind her, Ada's hand coating in the same auras.

The berry descends in front of the Zorua, Ramon blinking. "Hmm?" Turns around. "Oh."

"Figure I'd lend you two a hand there," the girl says, smiling.

"Thanks," Ramon and Mesmeren both say, the fox biting into the Oran Berry. He looks around, chewing on the gush and fruitfulness of the berry, nodding.

"Whoa...This tastes really good."

"I know, r-right!?" Mesmeren looks at the Zorua, giggling. "I loved them so much that I gained the ability to sniff any nearby."

Ramon smiles. "I see. That explains why you were salivating yesterday."

Mesmeren pauses, her face intensifying in red. "Y-You noticed?" Ramon nods, the Drowzee shielding her face behind the Oran Berries. "Th-That must be so embarrassing and disgusting to see. Sorry..."

"Hey, no need to apologize for loving Oran Berries." Ramon closes his eyes while wagging his tail, smiling up at the Drowzee. "I see no harm in it."

Mesmeren trembles. "But I-I was being weird about it...A freak. Like I wasn't supposed to—" a paw touches Mesmeren's arm before she can finish her sentence, the Drowzee gazing at him.

"Hey, I'm telling you that it's okay. You're free to drool over your love towards Oran Berries. It's just a preference, after all: It's not hurting anyone." Ramon smiles warmly, the Drowzee's rumbles ceasing itself.

Mesmeren nods. "O-Okay..."

The two roam around further, eyeing the shadowy corners. The Zorua comes to a halt, jolting his brow.

Mesmeren stops, looking beside her. "What's wrong?"

"...Where is everyone?"

"U-Um...What do you—" Mesmeren looks around: Nothing but Ramon, berries, trees, and bushes are there. "O-Oh no..." She quakes, dropping the berries.

The fox tenses up from them and looks at the tapir, leaning close to her. "Relax. I'm sure we can reunite with them eventually."

"...I-I hope so." Mesmeren whimpers.

. . .

"Ada? Ada!?" Justin shouts, his hands over his lips. He and Sylock roam around the dark woods, brushing aside any bushes in front of them. "Damn, how did we get separated from them?" He looks at Sylock: His eyes widening, his hands trembling. "Hey uh, are you—"

Sylock's claws seek into his left hand, one of his eyes twitching. Blood seeps out, the boy staring at the Blaziken with wide eyes, perplexed. He remains still, not wanting to move a muscle.

The Blaziken looks at him, moving his hands rapidly. "WHERE'S COURTNEY!?"

Justin lifts his hands up. "Look, I don't know what you're saying, but I'm going to assume that you're worried about our buddies, too." He locks eyes onto the Blaziken's hand, red liquid dripping on the grass. "I wish I knew where they're at."