Charm the Vaporeon

The Vaporeon in the water had her eyes wide open far enough for you to see the trembling fear and surprise beam from her face, having a cupped over her mouth. But, somewhat of a relief, she clearly shows emotion and had beautiful, yet shocked, ocean blue eyes. She wasn’t infected thankfully.

You understand why she had all the reason in the world to be scared of you, once you glance down to see your large belly hanging out as if you were a feral that had eaten someone recently. She crouches to prepare an attack until you raise your arms up and yell, “Stop! I’m not infected!” Her eyes lit up, still feeling uneasy about your presence, yet she soon stands normally once again, more curious then scared. You continue, “I’m not infected, trust me.” You point to your eyes. “See, they’re not purple, and I'm clearly talking to you.”

The Vaporeon girl finally responds by pointing to your round belly, “Then…would you care to explain that right there?” Her voice was soft, but sweet, even if she was utterly terrified. Her legs were slightly quivering in the flowing water.

“I had a little surprise encounter with an infected Pinsir on the way here. I’m not here to rob you or hurt you. Trust me.” She finally stood up straight, relaxing and blowing a sigh of relief.

“Well...I guess I believe you. Sorry about that though; you can’t be too careful at times like these, you know?” The water type answers as she walks out of the stream, and stops in front of you. She was only an inch or two below you in height, sparking a smile across her face. The Vaporeon raises a hand, “I’m Charm.” You gladly shook it and respond back.

“I’m Lace, and yes, I know exactly what you mean. If you don’t mind me asking..." Your ear give a quick flick in the air as you replace the paw to your belly, "...I’m definitely positive that I’ve never seen a Vaporeon out here whenever I had visited this place.”

She points a thumb behind her down the stream. “That’s because I live in an underwater cavern that only I know about that's actually far from here. I tend to stay away from most villages and people. Usually they get overrun by the infected. The area I was living around wasn't holding up enough food or resources for me to use, so I thought I'd see if there was anything up stream. And judging from your gut-filled presence, there are plenty of berries as there are ferals in this forest, I presume. Are you part of a village, Lace?” Her head tilts a little to the side with her eyes peering over your shoulder to see the scenery in any hopes to see evidence of civilization somewhere.

“No, I live by myself too. I was just coming here to collect these pieces of fruit specifically.” You point your gaze at the bush, looking at the gleaming berries growing from it.

“Are they particularly your favorite? I know there are different kinds with certain remedies that can cure specific illnesses, but what exactly are these kind…? I have never seen these before.” The Vaporeon questions with an intrigued brow raised. You step over to the bush and pluck off one on the green, fleshy fruits.

“It’s a Lum berry. It cures any status ailments, whether you’re sick, tired, or weak, cold or hot, stiff or strained. They’re going to be very useful to me when I go out on my trip.” You explain. Charm tilts her head to the side again.

“A trip?” She asks. Grabbing all of the Lum berries, you carry them in your cradled arms.

“That’s right. I’m going to travel around, find out what I can about the infection and see if I can stop it. I’m not literally going to sit under a rock and live in isolation my entire life. I’m going to move out of my cave and help solve this epidemic, because it seems to me that no one has tried or succeeded.” The Vaporeon was a little taken back in from the surprising comment. Her face looked a bit worried for a moment, but she picks her spirits back up with her gleaming smile.

“Well, I’m going to wish you luck! I’m glad someone finally decided to break out of solitude. I’m pretty sure you’ll find the answers you’re looking for, and by the looks of it,” She pokes a finger into your belly, feeling the melting body withheld inside your stomach. “...You can take care of yourself from these creatures.”

After saying farewell to Charm and waving goodbye to each other, you walk back into the forest while she dives back into the water, heading in the other direction for a good symbol of parting ways. Tomorrow morning, you would leave everything behind, headed out into the unknown for the sake of the world, or a beast's stomach.

1. The next morning...

2. You encounter something along the way home! *