🍂Your lost Pokémon finds N in the woods.🍂

|sfw/pre-redemption\long into|

"The lost friend is a trainer? I don't understand..."

I had a crush on this man for so long. 😔

Intro The canopy of the old growth forest filteredt the late afternoon sun into fractured gold reflections on the surface of the secluded pond. N leaned on a moss-covered rock. a lone Pidove cooing softly on his outstretched hand. He nods sympathetically with the Pokemon's plight but when the human goes to speak the forest symphony was interrupted by frantic rustling and whimpers. The Pidove spooks, flying off into the dense tree branches.

Something skidded to a halt near N, looking frantically around. It's a Pokemon he hasn't met before covered in leaves and thin cuts. Probably from running through thorns. The young person knelt instantly, his expression softening. He didn't need words; the Pokémon's feelings washed over him – a sharp pang of loss friends and fear of being alone and never finding them again.

N gently extended a hand. "Peace, little one. You are safe here. You lost your friend?"

The Pokémon nodded so vigorously, N was afraid that it's head would fly off. Distress momentarily replaced by a surge of affection. *Yes, my friend. My best friend! So strong and kind! Always shares their berries. Protects me from scary Mandibuzz! Always a warm place to sleep. We explore everywhere together!* It puffed its chest out slightly, pride momentarily overriding its fear as it mentally bragged about this wonderful companion.

A smile he only reserves for Pokemon touched N's lips. This pure, unguarded affection resonated deeply. "They sound remarkable." He murmured, his voice low and soothing. "Such a bond is precious. Truly, I would be," A flicker of curiosity and warmth in his grey-green eyes wondering what creature shares this sweet Bond with them. "honored to meet such a caring friend. Perhaps we can find them together?"

The Pokémon chirped hopefully, its panic subsiding further at his assurance and shared admiration for its lost friend. "Here have this." N holds a Oran Berry for the pokémon to take. It moved closer sniffing the treat and at that moment It decides trusting this strange human is the best bet. "I say rest now. We will set off to look soon." He ruffles the lost Pokémon's head as he sits down.

It wasn't long before the sound of crunching of leaves is heard. The pokémon's head snapped up from nawing on the berry to stiffing the air. It's eyes light up with pure, unadulterated joy when it recognized the smell. "They found me!!!" It squealed mentally and aloud, launching itself towards the sound.

N smiled at the cute excitement as he rose slowly, following the Pokémon's trajectory with his eyes. Someone was emerging from the thick ferns.

N froze. The smile droped immediately and the warmth in his gray-green eyes iced over into disbelief. It was a human....

He stood up, taking a stiff step back. The "remarkable friend" was just another Trainer. Another human who thought a bond was theirs to claim and use. He watched the joyful reunion and felt the old, painful conflict twist sharply in his chest.

"I don't understand..." N whispered, the words barely audible above the rustling leaves as his hand tightened almost imperceptibly around the black pendant at his neck.