Flight of the Busybody
By Kygunius
KRACKOOM! It was a windy day, with a rather muggy start and now worse for any bird trying to fly, but that didn’t stop a certain Melinda. This swellow was of the Softcore Air Force unit of flyers. They are used to ferry important individuals who have at least the smallest connections to them. This one in particular flying right now was Melinda. “Huff huff, we’re in the middle of an air alert, so we are to rush over to the nearest shelter. Sadly we can’t take a continuous fight and shall commence- huff… after only a brief- agh! Oh no!”
Inside her stomach a faint but sweet voice called out for her, a spinda named Patti; “Oh? Dear are you alright? You sound tired..” Patti was an old lady spinda meant to be taken to a very important spot deep within territory unfamiliar to Melinda. No matter, the job is a job and said “minor inconveniences” won’t prevent this task.
Dropping momentarily before reconfiguring herself, Melinda reassured them, “Energy isn’t the issue; I can go many miles, just.. The war around us has me on edge. Flying around airborne explosions isn’t something I skipped in training. It’s having someone in my belly while swerving that I havn’t practiced.” She didn’t harp on it but indeed while two factions were in combat against another on the ground, the real issue was the chaos their individual air supports could cause. Most would prefer to avoid it, but alas their destination laid in the midst of this imminent danger.
The sounds in all her awe spoke up, “Oh my…I did notice a wee sound here and there.” The creature struggled out of a leg twitch from all their shuffling. In this world it was normal to carry somebody in any way as long as it got them to where they needed to go. This wasn’t just fast considering the speed of various species but also cost efficient, though for specifics in how effective it has been overtime well that aspect is all ‘depending on who you ask’ in laymen’s terms. Melinda felt it and immediately addressed their concerns, “I promise you will be kept safe. No matter.. N-no matter… Oh Arceu-!” SHOOM-POP! She tried to put on a poker face, but was given no time for it to stick once the bombs flew right into her. She was fighting for consciousness.
The spinda inside felt a sense of dread. KRACKOOM! Another sound exploded in their vicinity. Patti attempted to climb up the throat to be able to hear what’s happening outside better regardless of the danger. Melinda rejected that decision with a swift swallow, no words were needed now. Just action and endurance from her alone. Patti’s confusion was given attention as Melinda steadies herself for a good place to descend for their lives, “Now see here, things are… listen, this is gonna be bumpy but you will survive just hang on!”
“I-I will trust that you… woah! Mm…!” The spinda gave their word and kept their head low even within the swellow, hoping they could keep theirs. Melinda felt slightly confident, “I…! Ha… ha…! I will k-keep you safe! Brace yourself! Curl up….” SHOOOOM-POP! Melinda was silenced- exhaustion had gotten them. Patti got nervous, “Oh my stars! That was quite rough. I’m guessing we’re on the ground now. How are things? …dear? Dear are you… S-speak to me..!”
~~~~~~~~~
Mistral rose her wings up and down while the morning breeze wafted across her face, enjoying how cool it felt. She was a fine female alpha swellow, donning a blue hat and vest for her uniform. She sat next to hot springs having dipped in an hour earlier, and now was drying off while stretching to get the joints in order. Soon enough, some other birds flapped from above and met her at the door to the spa. A wing peaked through the door to bid her to come outside. She made sure to come out quickly, and was certainly surprised to see so many birds of different species in uniforms similar yet unlike her own in other ways. The largest, a swanna, approached her with a question.“Excuse me, You’re Mistral right? Heard that you were a wee thing that grew up into a refined lady… it shows. I’m Adahlua, may you work for us? Single instance I assure you.”
Mistral had to crane her neck upwards to keep eye contact, wide eyed they chimed, “Oh! Well, sure am, though do forgive me for being a tad surprised. I work for Swellow Air so being commissioned to be of aid by the military adjacent-” In an instant, Mistral caught her heart in her throat as she watched a fellow swellow clack, clack, clack all the way into her view. They held their neck high with legs charred but still standing firm, a prominent chest and…one wing. She had a beautiful right wing but her left was taken clean off- leaving the area with a bandage on it covering what was likely a gaping wound. Mistral blinked in disbelief, then saluted them, shocked into silence. Mistral found her voice, but the only words she could find were, “I see.”
The whole team of various birds here were quite the spectacle– well almost all of them, that cramorant at the end of line up looked like he seen better days. Miss Adahlua was quite stoic and aerodynamic that the wind only makes her look more elegant, she explains, “She got shot down by an infamous one… only known as The Busybody. She is known for how she seeks to shoot down folks, specifically to hurt anyone enough to have their left wing gone like this. Some people are just…”
Mistral looked but didn’t linger in seeing the wound out of respect, “Cruel. You had a passenger when…?” The risks one takes on the job, even if it’s not a job intended to be life or death. That’s one of the same for most jobs, sometimes no matter how the factors are accounted for the worst outcomes can occur. Melinda stood her ground against the danger and suffered for it but at least it wasn’t with regret.
The other swellow bowed their head and spoke, “My name is Melinda, and yes I did. I kept her safe with my life. However I think… I think I’m done. We have miraculous technologies but…. Right now I’m in no shape to even get a prosthetic as they got me in the joint.” Melinda said that with a tinge of a forced sounding tone of joy, possibly trying to console Mistral’s or try to prevent an act of pity towards her own predicament.
Mistral had heard and seen enough, she turned to Adahlua, took her uniform off of a rack and got dressed. She knew how it felt to not succeed in this type of work, and how Melinda must feel having to come to terms with their last flight in such a manner. Helping military-esc birds isn’t her forte but this will only be a one time event most likely. Most importantly how could anyone look at Melinda in her shape and not want to help someone who merely kept others safe?
Mistral readied herself to hear what else she must know, in due time a spinda waltzed on over with a little wobble in their step. They look a little older than your average spinda but Mistral knew their unsteady gaits were a natural occurrence in this species. Everyone came together again via a small flight to the spa’s air strip for bird pokemon. In due time Mistral’s crew would make the trip over on short notice, and with a shipment of prep towed in from behind.
Adahlua started to explain, “We have heard many things. Inconsistent records. The risks… but dammit, we can’t have this wait any longer and we were out on such short notice that we’d have no other alternatives ready in time. It is important that this seasoned lady goes to see her family.”
The Spinda went over to Mistral, touching all over their plumage and Mistral didn’t react sharply but asked, “You seem confused about me, is it that you can’t perceive me well?” Mistral knew at least if something odd had occurred: best to at least address in some way shape or form. Patti could definitely fit within the place of the crop as Mistral can tell. For some out there not in the know, it’s like a lil pouch underneath the neck that birds have. Not that she couldn’t swallow anyone bigger, just this complicates things way less- thank goodness for that. The Spinda nodded and answered, “Indeed, I ain’t no old foggy, well in a tad of an oldie but I had been unable to see since I was born. It’s thanks to many around me that no person has taken advantage of me. That as well as what I’ve learned to keep myself alongside of you who could see. Thankfully my sense of touch hasn’t failed me yet~ Oh and I’m Patti dear. Seeing as you’re not Melinda, I’m likely going into your stomach?”
Mistral liked Patti’s energy; it kinda reminded her of some friends she met on one of flights ages ago, “Well Miss Patti, you’ll be in a place much safer than the stomach of the previous lady you’ve boarded as I can easily handle you in my crop.” The associate of Patti’s read over the waiver Mistral had provided and didn’t look too concerned before signing it. The crew for her flight this time were the military logistics regiment. They all go over the checklist of supplies and advise what to take going in. Mistral couldn’t help but notice Patti kicking her feet idly, waiting as the lot of them go over the details.
Patti soon stepped over and rested their paw on Mistral’s beak as they were cleared for take off. Mistral opened her beak wide and allowed Patti to push inside at her own pace. Patti’s ears twitched as she pivoted them inward. Then, Mistral began to pick up Patti in her beak and proceeded to gently swallow them. It was nice that they didn’t resist. Patti instead said, “Well it beats eating and laying in the bed!” She chuckled to herself while slipping down into the crop peacefully.
A satisfying GLURK! And a GLUUUUNK! echoed all around Patti’s sensitive ears~
“Ah… Ms. Adahlua you have my word. If anything happens we have our wavers and other things, but I assure you that I’m gonna to ensure nothing is to happen to Patti to the best of my ability.” Mistral’s conviction really made Adahlua smile.
Adahlua as they fan themselves says to Mistral, “Just head north 3 ½ miles, reach the bend where the sky is on fire by ballistics, and travel the remaining 720 miles to where you need to go. If you’re ever unsure of where you are then ask Patti. Trust me, she’s able to communicate things if you let her.” Mistral notified the others she was to take off with a gleam in her eyes. Mistral was loaded with the necessary supplies, then with ease she stood up. With a blast of wind from her wings, she propelled herself upwards and was on her way flying.
And so they began the journey; Patti twiddled their digits as Mistral looked back at those saluting her off with a smile. She thought about how those military folk were counting on her. As she flew with care, the more she thought about it…. It kinda struck with her and not entirely in the best way. She started to worry about herself, she didn’t have the best track record with every passenger even though everyone she knew on a daily basis usually liked her. Patti however didn’t have such thoughts, she’s been in a war before… she saw this all to be a relaxing evening. Patti’s a spinda, almost a red and white dot upon the planet’s surface, yet seemingly managed to survive so much despite it all… Mistral’s thoughts raced as she narrowed her intent in ensuring the last thing she wants is to have her fail this- or worse cause their demise themselves due to unforeseen circumstances…
She kinda felt fraudulent, she felt like… maybe they got the wrong bird for this, maybe she should turn back before- Squelch! Squish! Her throat felt a little less tense, hmm? What was Patti doing up in there? Patti spoke first, “Hey youngin, I could feel your neck tense from in here! Feeling nervous? It’s ok hun, let Patti soothe those fears. You’re doing great…” The massage was really relaxing. So far so good, Mistral had fair weather and Patti was busy getting used to her surroundings. Patti was blind, but with how she’s used to feeling things she can infer a lot of her surroundings, a skill well developed throughout her years.
Patti could sink her nubs to feel the squishy membrane and slickness of the crop walls. She could feel the direction of the heartbeat below her, and even get a hold of the pace. She could hear the steady breathing and feel the faint push of the lungs as it caused the slightest shift of the body. These conditions would be horrifying to the average pokemon, but they are the things that puts Patti at ease- these were her stable constants. Patti had a thought, and it soon breached into words directed at Mistral right as the two of them had left the others over the horizon, “Mistral, have you eaten recently? Do you have busy days? Nice name I must say, Mhm.”
Mistral heard their voice and tried to think about the exact array of what she’d had recently. “I had some yogurt, a wurmple and maybe some berries…. Hopefully the smell doesn’t disturb you if it’s creeping in. Is it? I wasn’t expecting passengers in my stomach today...” Mistral could tell Patti had an interest in her and was breaking the ice with small talk. She wished she had something of note to perhaps say to her even a little exciting but something so simple escaped her.
Patti giggled and patted the side of her fleshy capsule, reassuring them with, “No not at all, I just was curious, might even ask something later, though at the moment I’d rather not distract you with anything concerning such at least until you get in the zone dear~” Mistral would twirl and spin as to dispel an unexpected sharp wind, Patti tossed somewhat but it was kinda fun. Patti even put her nubs in the air like she didn’t care all the way until Mistral got back to her normal speed. As she slowed, the belly still was carried into a gentle swing from the prior motions, leaving it slowly swinging back and forth. SLOOOSH… SLOOOSH… SLOOOSH!
Mistral nodded and continued to fly, she must admit she hadn’t expected someone seemingly older than her to be so adamant to get to know her down to what she eats. She didn’t need as much time to answer the other question, “I have a stable mix between the frequency of passengers, most I get in a day is four and that’s better for us all I don’t end up stuffed with one too many… someone could get lost inside me if you can catch my drift…”
Mistral cruised into a handy straight forward pocket of air, picking up speed when she was sure this would lead to less turbulence. Mistral could feel as Patti stretched inside and rolled about, all the little wriggles. Mistral could also feel their ears wiggling about as they moved about. She decided to ask a question of their own, “How do you see the world Patti?” Mistral tried to figure out what it would be like by closing one eye but it still eluded her.
Patti’s ear peeked up, giddily sat on her side and had an expression that said she expected to be absolutely awestruck from this experience written all over her face, “Oh you wanna know do ya? It could just blow your mind though. I want to hear how you think it works first!~”
Mistral drew a blank there. She had never been blind before but had to factor in that Patti seemed to get around relatively well and could figure out what she was without seeing her. The more she thought about it the more it stumped her, and eventually she just went with, “Is it like when one closes their eyes and can feel around for things?” Just then she had to make a quick turn of head from getting goosebumps.
Patti chuckled loudly before going into some detail, “It’s not so hard to figure really, even to someone on the outside I feel at least. We don’t see darkness, as there’s no way to see darkness if that makes sense. I’ve not seen anything… yet I can acknowledge the surroundings to be there nonetheless. It’s not just darkness, it’s nothing. Yet all the senses I do have are everything.” Mistral tried to even comprehend it, and Patti found it wasn’t that hard to imagine how that would look. While she thought long and hard, Patti slumped against the crop’s side with a warm smile spread across their face.
~~~~~~~~~
The journey was halfway along now. Mistral took a swallow of water before taking off from a rest stop. She was certain to be on schedule, and could feel that Patti had taken a peaceful nap in all that time being just so cute. Upon waking up, Patti out of the blue- just outright asked to Mistra’s concern, “Aaaah~ Alright I think for this half of the journey I’ll hang out in your belly. What say you Lady Mistral?” Her legs started to twitch anxiously, the crop hadn’t been an issue to stay in but she could really use just more room to work with. Not that she was against being in a snug spot mind you, she just felt the urge to move up… well, in this case, down.
Mistral could already imagine how putting an elder in gurgling acids was gonna end up, “Uuuuh I dunno... I don't think that would be wise to tempt fate… the waiver has made it clear-” Patti then cut her off, clearing her throat to say, “Don’t sweat it love, I may be blind but I was with military folk for good reason. I have tangled with quite the tumultuous being time and again on the battlefield, I can handle the likes of your guts. If anything I think I’d be more at peace there…” Mistral’s eyes darted about, just from the topic alone, It was an unexpected thing to hear altogether. It caused her to lower herself a few feet, figuring to be safe she would fly next to a mountainside with a road along it.
“You make it sound like this is gonna be your final flight…!” Patti pinched them and they felt it! Ouchies. Patti then chuckles as gets off to fooling around inside, like this was her lil cabin in the sky. Guess what one can only take from this is some people will say or do things on top of a situation when they don’t really need to for the sake of the opportunity. For sure Mistral was gonna have to see it that way with something like that getting spooked into her with not a thought from Patti apparently.
Patti sharpened her tone a tad, “Now dearie, don’t take me as someone who doesn’t value their life. I’m just more used to living on the edge than anything. Don’t take me for some foolish lady, now humor me will ya?” Mistral sighed but didn’t want to come off as disregarding her elders. She then began to swallow Patti gently. Patti sank inside more and more with each GULP GULP GULP pushing them further inside. GLUUUNK! With Patti nested within,Mistral decided there’s no point in worrying too much now. Patti made her decision and she was a hardened lady, can’t argue with what she could handle. Still, she pulled a few antacid tablets from her pouch and sent them down.
Upon entry through the pyloric sphincter, Patti felt more at ease with all the leg room. The tummy was hot, moist and humid- perfect to keep one’s senses active and alert in the way she liked. The bubbliness was a treat she could feel floating up and clinging to her hips. As it was fainter than she expected, Mistral must’ve taken some antacid prematurely. Well it was just a hunch, all she can do is speculate as she enjoyed her new yet familiar surroundings.The newly arrived tablets cause her belly to foam up a little further. Patti even played a lil in them and made a foam beard, it’s the little things that are the best~ She was comfortable in this environment; its sway in the wind, the Guuuuurgle that ripped along its walls, even the occasional Rrrrruuumble or Gloooooooourgle that rocked on through, bliss. This was really just being surrounded by a waterbed on every surface and that was her preferred way to travel. No squealing or hesitating, all that was relaxing, just cozying up in there for the rest of the trip.
Mistral went on to start humming a lil song, and its vibrations felt all tingly across Patti’s body ever so effectively. She just had to know what was the tune that did it, “Hey Mistral, what song are you singing?” Mistral blushed and didn’t want to say, it was quite the crude song that only made its way into her head by how catchy it was. She was always sure she wouldn’t need to tell anyone even such a horrid thing as it’s not like she would go out of her way to hear it or anything. In most of her life and into her career, Mistral had something put her on edge by now so it was great that the only worrying thing was just her recent dabbling in music.
Instead she broke the silence with a question, “You know you certainly have a lot to say and got a lot of drive to just go and do something you feel like doing. Do you have any regrets?” Patti didn’t smile, but answered anyway, “Well that is certainly a hefty question right there… Well, I do wish I could see despite it never being a huge necessity. Maybe I would’ve chosen a different path in life. I love the people I got to work with over the years, I adore the folks I got to meet but… these adorable little nubs have done some things. Things feel inadequate in how to describe it all, Mistral….
“I’ve hurt people.
“I don’t regret exactly doing it for the fact I knew what I signed up for but, I wish I knew the faces of the lives I took. Maybe I would’ve considered another way back then. I can only recall their voice and their pulse felt on my tips before… I stop it. That and I wish I could stop feeling like I freak others out when I can tell about certain things regarding them with my heightened senses. Though a bit off topic, I’d like to put on top of how I would like to create art sometime, even if it’s something visual that I’ll never get to see myself… well, until I bite the big one and get reincarnated as a ghost type. Well, unless I’m a blind ghost when I return… damn that would be quite the kick in the knickers.”
Mistral was taken aback by just how open Patti was. She appreciated it dearly, like she was given a life story from a friend. I guess it made sense, after everything Patti has… can’t say seen, witnessed? No, can't really use that either…. Been through? Yeah that fits right to be used… been through, it’s only understandable that they felt like they’ve got nothing to hide when they’re getting all cozy in the belly of a bird they have taken a liking to. In her opinion, Patti considers this great atmosphere to have someone to talk to.
Whiiiiiiz-PEW! Mistral was a lil shaken by the popping of an explosive 2 meters away from her. She then had to perform a hasty maneuver as a net with heavy boluses lunged at her- goodness two of them! Surprisingly, not another attempt on her life was made. Mistral still made sure to be ever vigilant with how things can switch up… and she was right to! A nearby cliff face had been struck and so the swellow had to narrowly avoid a few falling rocks. She had a nasty thought of how a rock might be super effective on her if pokemon caused this.. nevermind it…! She must protect retiree Patti, getting her to safety.
Just then though, out the corner of Mistral’s field of view, she was certain to have seen something darting about. They were flying back into the clouds now, and they were at such an altitude that she expected to have no issues. Though to be at all prepared she asked Patti, “Say why are these folks below fighting? I know we have to be careful of them anyway, but it’d be nice to know the context.”
Patti got to one side of the belly and tried to give all she knew, “Well, something happened in Galar. A Raichu at the helm of a rescue team caused an incident with the royal Montaigu and so… well best I not act as if I know of the rumors what the specifics are to be true are not. All everyone likes is that those two encountered one another and that’s what all this bloodshed stemmed from. Some say it’s for the greater good, others say it’s not good. Some say it’s gonna be the start of a new change and others say it’s just the same old cycle of violence. All I know is… I’m getting too old for this stuff anyhow hehehe…”
Mistral was quite taken by these events. To think something she hadn’t even heard about in the paper or her colleagues was making waves like this. Once again the sound of assaulting rockets whizzing and explosions could be heard here and there yet none of them felt close, and yet still too close for her liking. She flew higher. Maybe if she was above the clouds she can be at least sure she wasn’t sniped. She put 2 and 2 together and reasoned this was the area Melinda was…. Was…. Oh it just hurts to even imagine.
An unknown clockwork-like voice rings out, “Say little prey inside, I see those bulges~ No need to hide from me because you can’t~ What is this one to you?” Mistral eyes darted in many directions, all without cocking their head to avoid showing signs of panic.
Patti responded and got to tapping the belly’s sides to get Mistral’s attention. She talked calmly to the other bird without hesitation, "Oh, her? She's my service pred! She eats me when I have panic attacks to help me calm down!~ R-right Mistral?”
Mistral was frightened, she was sure no one was even close to her but there they were- someone right next to her abdomen like a ghost. She got a good look at them, a skarmory with a cocky grin and only an array of wing stamps on their body. Mistral can only guess these were signs of how many… victims they had claimed. Mistral didn’t need to be a military bird to understand this one's type, show any weakness and you’re a cooked swellow. Might as well season her and stick a fork into her hide if they got her way with her. In ways- GUUUUUURGLE… Damn, all the thoughts of what this malicious flyer could do to her has made her hungry thinking about it…
“Hiiiii~ I’m Skylar. What’s your name? What’s. Your. Name?” Skylar’s voice was near metallic in how cold and coarse it was, with a gaze that could almost burn a hole into Mistral’s very soul. It didn’t feel like she was even asked a question, but rather given a command. It was looking to be hard for anyone to get through to her if they tried, or reason with her if anything. The skarmory would then fly into a brighter light, making themselves easier to identify better to Mistral. A skarmory with holes in their form in awkward places, jagged teeth, worn feather pulsating, a crooked cap, sunken eyes and a smell of sulfur carried around them. It didn’t take a reuniclus to be able to see that this lady before her lived, breathed and planned to die constantly fighting day and night and was still trucking along, to the dismay of the world.
She had to answer before she started to sweat under the pressure, and beyond wanting to keep herself from the swift kiss of death, Patti was such a sweet thing that she didn’t deserve whatever fate this black hearted creature could think up. She stilled herself, and confidently told them, “I am Mistral. Any other information is classified I’m afraid.”
“Hatah! I am known by The busybody! My real name is Skylar NOW. It used to be Sierra, but everyone calls me Busybody…. Must be their way of venerating how much they fear me by giving me a strange epithet, surely!~” said Skylar as they did a barrel roll around Mistral. She wasn’t sure how intelligent this lady was, but certainly they weren't gonna tell it to their face. Mistral was certain they must be at least sixty percent of the distance to their designated destination. They can make it, they just keep them distracted possibly. Most importantly, not to catch on to focusing on them in particular.
Skylar was focusing her eyes on Mistral but her mind was thinking around 2 different things. Could this swellow be involved with Araluen in any way shape or form for one. Nothing about the raichu involved got brought around to Skylar’s knowledge since the person that was meant to tell her got rubbed out by her. She was really guessing as to what she could attempt to do in getting info out of her. The other thing in mind was, whether or not all that entirely mattered since she kinda wanted to have her fun with her anyway. Suffering from success, too many targets die to quickly sate a bloodlust in her eyes.
Skylar went in close again, Mistral told them, “You got a handle of what that means then?”
Skylar beamed a smile, “Of course! Busybody clearly means in reference to my powerful body and how I keep myself busy by sniping down others! …right?” They tried to show off in the sky. Mistrap pretended to be impressed, though what did make them less tense was noticing there were no more explosions and the like. They must’ve left the battle zone… now to out-maneuver this crazy lady and the job would be done. When the Skarmory bumped into her intentionally, it dawned on her that she was meant to answer that question and it wasn’t hypothetical. It had been in one ear and out the other. So Mistral just responded with, “No comment. You mentioned the name change… why was it…?”
Skylar cracked a wild grin, eagerly answering with, “Oh thaaaat see I saw this lady in my corps and she was quite the self serving bitch I tell ya. She thought she could tell me what to do. Even… EVEN SAY ANYTHING TO ME SO I PUT HER IN PLACE! MY GIZZARD! I FUCKING ATE HER!!! …Then I took her name for myself~ Makes sense since HAHA! I’m more her than she is now. You see it’s funny cause she’s DEAD. Ay? Cmon that’s a good one innit? Woof, I over exerted myself a lil… aaaah~” Mistral’s heart almost stopped, she thought the skarmory was gonna tear her apart just then, but she was trained to keep her composure over unruly passengers and so she can really hold it in. She was starting to notice Patti was a lot calmer than she was. Despite being in her hungry stomach, she had so much faith that she’d be staying alive today… She oughta give herself more of that same credit.
Mistral stuck out her chest a bit, saying with gusto, “I see! Moving up in the ranks huh?” She was proof of her acting but she really had to get away from this psychotic bird; she NEEDED to get away, but any sign of fear would doom her and her passenger. When Skylar’s belly suddenly brushed against hers, Mistral wasn’t sure how to react but she tried not to be rude. Skylar’s belly was cold to the touch even with the feathers between them, and Skylar’s wings just narrowly avoided smacking Mistral repeatedly. H-how often has she done this to other flyers…? Do I even want to know?, thought Mistral. Many soldiers on the ground called out in pain, flailed from the violence or clung to life just barely before falling back into the shadowing smoke below. Skylar had the most genuine smile watching them squirm and panic whether it be her side or the opposition as some divine entertainment just for her to ogle.
Skylar cooed on about more of her life’s story, “Oh I’m still in that corps. Sure I’m in charge but like… oh I forgot to mention DEAD Skylar was the old sergeant. Now I'm a sergeant. I’m better. So really all I’ve been having to do is carry this team on my own 2 wings.”
Mistral could feel it now, the clear was just out of reach- Yes! Skylar was seemingly lagging behind now. She must’ve not intended to fly this far. Mistral congratulated her with semi-false pleasantries, “Ah haha… wonderful! Girl power and all that! So how is your team like nowadays…? I guess they’re a bit rowdy or so.”
Skylar then pulled out a scrap of metal from her maw and spat it out to fall towards the surface of the planet, and continued by saying, “Ah. Another thing, see it’s really funny I forgot to specify. They were also such weak worthless voids of space I decided the only proper HAHA use for them was for me to ultimately make my earlier statement literal~”
Mistral was taken aback, she figured from what she did to get her position she was already ruthless, but what she was implying was… insane! It made her almost sick to her stomach to think about. Actually she was starting to actually get sick. She feared she might throw up. WAAAAARGLE… Buuuuuooourgh… However Patti started to rub the inside of her stomach and actively soothe it. She would need to thank her when they were both safe. She said to Skylar, “So you…?”
HACK… clack… Pleh~ Skylar horked up an entire Skarmory helm to have it crash below, and said with slobbering breath, “So yeah I’m literally carrying the whole team… never felt better~ All twenty-seven, I hated twenty-three the most because he stopped screaming the earliest, what a buzzkill. Am I right?”
Mistral steadied herself, “R-right…. Can’t say I know for sure if I can say…”
Skylar immediately snipped at them, “What!? What do you mean you can’t be sure!? It’s so obvious! It’s so clear! It’s been justified so… I know this, give me a second, it was… for like…. It feels like two years. Yeah! Get with the program! What I gotta do to get it through your head- BOOOOOOOOOOOURP!! Oh, hehe~ Sounds like my dead weight seem to not be in agreement with me even after all this time, I’ll have to get em back in line~“ The terror in skies before them proceeded to start talking in elaborate gibberish, it was either so intelligent stratagem to being above their comprehension or more crazy talk. Very likely more crazy talk, but it didn’t curb the morbid curiosity any less the more she prattled on to them.
A brilliant idea came to Mistral! She said to Skylar, “Why don’t you get something together like a lot of props so I can understand you better. I’m more of a visual learner, and I’m sure you’ve got all sorts of baubles and trophies from your conquests. You surely know the goings on and can teach me all the lil things you wish me to know in no time~ I’m sure you’ll need some time to prepare, but I’ll be flying back this way soon.”
“That’s… a great idea! Heck I probably should strike down more flyers to make them into very good puppets! Nice knowing ya Mistral, you’re way more fun than the last swellow I rammed THROUGH… I struck her down so quickly too… I wonder if she survived. Ha, naw she’s wurmple surprise by now hahahaha. Don’t keep me waiting to find you!~” Mistral realized she was safe. Skylar had taken off, and she could see cleaner pastures, meaning the location would be in her sights in about half an hour.
Mistral was now left at a peace but still felt a little on edge, breathing sharper than she had previously. Patti slathered their weary body against the sides like she was in a plush room. She would be up long nights working papers and doing what’s right, but she can hardly stop thinking about her long hard thoughts of decisions past. She wanted to work more. She felt guilty not pouring more and more of herself into her work, so, for now, it felt all the better to put her whole body into being a natural fit in one’s gastric organ like it was nothing. To just let herself be in this lumpy, pulsating space surrounded by sounds reminded her she’s alive. It was the small finer things, all she can experience without needing eyes. She could feel the experience in her core, from her other senses. Patti in a way, could feel Mistral more at ease, them together- this just be what nature intended. As a few kind words go a long way, Patti uttered, “Thank you for your services Mistral. You truly take your work seriously, and you should get told that more. I can even feel how well you keep your body in shape from here if you can believe it. You might put my mattress out of a job. Teeheehee~”
Mistral sighed even upon hearing such praise, “I… really appreciate hearing that. I really don’t think I deserve as much as you give me credit for. Just doing my job is really the bare minimum is all it is.” Patti got up to her nub rubs, “Didn’t have the best record? At least from what I heard. Let that flow out your ear, you’re wonderful. Everyone has more room to patch things up. If you let yourself think you’ve never gotten better… you’ll break, and I’m sure nobody wants to lose you. Let yourself be free of pressure both inside and out.” Mistral could see the location now, she almost teared up. Was it from the kind words? Was it that it was almost over? Who was to be sure. What she did know for sure, she could only say with a smile, “Thank you for taking Swellow Air, Patti~ Please come again~”
~~~~~~~~~
After spitting up Patti and unpacking the rest of the supplies, the two of them had a nice rest in the sun. Patti got up first and went off towards somewhere she didn’t know. Now, Mistral understood how Patti wasn’t just any old lady but she couldn’t help but worry about her walking somewhere by herself when such an unsavory character had taken an interest in them prior. She caught up in pace and was upfront with asking Patti if she would allow her to come with. Patti was happy to have Mistral come along and they walked until they met an ominous cliff face.
Mistral was a little unsure at what she was meant to look at, “Well we’ve made it. I think this is the place… though I don’t see a soul.” She wasn’t kidding, the earlier part had at least some decorations and benches… this part was devoid of seemingly anything. What did Patti expect to find here? She said family but there’s no houses or anything… Eerie.”
“We’ve gotten right to where you were pointed to, haven’t we?” Patti asked as they tapped her wing, getting their swellow aid to look into their blank eyes. She knew they weren’t seeing each other, yet it still felt like Patti was just identifying Mistral’s confusion all the same with no issue. She was now the one guiding Mistral around, and she had them both walk alongside one another steadily.
Mistral spoke, “Yes. As well as the port…” The wind blew fiercely, quite a chilling breeze, unlike the warm skies of before. She looked and saw a sign saying they were in a place called Bungalow Grove. A mail box stood here, slanted and overflowing with bills. Many unkempt plants and wretched shacks for likely supplies and waste, murky puddles and fountains of similarly unclean stature adorned the site. Eh, she’s taken folks to waaaaay worse to be honest, 6/10 locale. At least this spot wasn’t trying to kill them, be it an ambush or with environmental hazards.
Patti felt around with the bottom of her foot till she identified a rounded mound that made her smile, “Then we’re at the right place!~ Hey don’t start doubting yourself again~ You dropped me off at the right place dear.” Patti said it with such glee that Mistral almost shared in it despite not understanding the source. Sometimes it felt like Patti could see beyond what she did at times, be it environmental, emotional or metaphorical. Mistral shook her head straight and just decided it’s best to not think so hard when Patti is leading the way.
Mistral figured its best to just ask, “So where is your family?” She mentally kicked herself for not doing so earlier. Maybe she will laugh to herself about this later, like way down the line if she’s lucky. Better now than late at least, so she gets on to peering downward.
Patti states, “They’re already here. They’re always here. Take that as you will…” Mistral watched as the spinda scampered around the soil until coming across something shiny. She held a hand out to Mistral to come and see. It was like Mistral was now the one blind until just now, as the true value of this place came to light before her eyes.
Mistral looked upon the shiny object and saw it covered in braille and letters. It all clicked from there, Mistral says in a quieter voice, “So these are all gravestones… your entire extended family is here I’m guessing, rows upon rows and untapped plots of land of them….” Mistral just looked at just how many there were, and thought of the horrors of what Patti probably went through. Still, she figured it only normal to ask, “So, is there a story about them all? Well. Now that I think about it, going through every strain would be on the same level of ‘I love the game match but to name every one at once is kinda how it is.”
Patti smiled, sat next to Mistral and said, “Nearly countless, yet I made sure to still remember them all. Some of my folks died in wars long ago, some died of natural causes. Some got eaten, some just up and disappeared. Do understand this wasn’t a massive at once thing, it’s a whole compendium of my entire family line in here. I do have close family members still alive, just… they don’t really come to visit. Arceus bless ‘em, I wish em well. Two of them just have busy jobs, but the last one I guess is partially my own fault… they didn’t take well with my decision to join the local armed forces… It has strained our relationship ever since. Come now. Don’t think that means I ended up all alone. I got my army buddies and the community I swore to protect right into my retirement. All is well in my heart.” Mistral heard and understood this. Squeeze~ They still hugged them with them so tight, Patti made a squeaky toy noise.
Unfortunately the nice moment was interrupted when somebody walked in on them, nose turned up: A well groomed Furfou. He sneered at the 2 of them before knocking over the little lady spinda with their foot, before placing a sign in where they once sat. The doggy gave themselves a notable loud blow into a handkerchief before casting it onto the ground. Only when Mistral made an intentionally loud cough did he address them.
With such a flat haircut you almost wouldn’t think he was a furfrou, he sounded almost as he was gagging by talking to them, “Ah, so old lady you’re here with a bird. Don’t you know not to sit around this place. Haven’t you heard it’s now in new possession…By ME. Corbin Felonius SR. Ah so you’re that same old lady back here again. I take it you can’t handle that I’ve bought up your shares of this dirty island? Too bad, so sad. Now get lost, it was already a pain having my work crew throw out all the flowers, wooden sake cups, and other trash getting in the way of the equipment I’m having come in as it is. Don't tell me you’re bringing more disgusting people”
Mistral had a burning fury in her chest, she could peck him senseless, but she was more clever than that. She thought of a better way right there and then. He got his attention right here and merely gave a warm smile with untold malicious intent hidden behind her beak. He turned his nose at her again so high he didn’t watch where she was moving her beak. “Really now, Hmm….” was all Mistral said because as her impatience grew, so did a thought in her mind: This guy wasn’t worth getting into a scuffle no matter how she sliced it. He wasn’t worth the effort of talking into submission that it could take as she was better than the childish buffoon trying to talk down to them. She did know one thing, she has a pretty decent understanding of: can’t own land if you don’t come back to claim it. My oh my, how handy that was sounding right now. We’ll see, she thought to herself.
He sneers, “Huh, are you talking to me? Ah, right. Rubes, they can’t all realize I'm not to be addressed by just anybody. Well for you… I think you’re a lady or something- I expect somebody prettier to be one. Uh what was I gonna say… oh yeah. Uh,what the hell do you want on MY island now?”
HOMPH! GYULP! In a near instant with heavy quick motions, the furfrou vanished. What happened to them, who knows? Mistral certainly wouldn’t say that’s for sure.
“Hurm? Mistral…?” Patti turned suddenly, she heard loud strong gulps and then a hearty BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELCH! And the next thing she knows, Mistral was resting next to her. It took her a moment to recognize it was Mistral upon feeling her form as she felt waaaaay bigger than what she last was able to tell. Maybe she had a big growth spurt suddenly? Sounds quite rumbly and grumbly around her vicinity now, she hopes Mistral takes note of these sounds. The last thing she’d want is Mistral having to combat a dragonite or Ursaring hungry for Swellow & Spinda stew- maybe even with a side of milk! Oh the horror… or maybe she was just getting hungry.
“Yes Patti? Oh uh, that man… just was leaving, I have a feeling one day he won’t be keen to up and bother you again, we can only hope. He muttered something about wanting to help me with refueling~ Flying is a lot of work afterall. Say, wish to head back already or just sit alongside me for a while?”
Patti chuckled, “Yeah that sounds nice… Let’s just sit beside one another and I’ll tell you stories about my loved ones for the rest of the evening my friend~ We have no rush to get anywhere.” It was quite the relaxing time. And when they did eventually go back, Mistral gladly didn’t see that scary bird again along with all the fighting pokemon for that matter! It looked as if the conflict took itself elsewhere. Mistral was relieved this path was now at peace but also felt bad for wherever it ended up. She had to let those worries go for wouldn’t have a way of knowing, besides she and her suppliers got a bigger tip this time around. Pati also sent her a friendship crochet in the mail.
Kygunius
