“Geez… It’s getting so hard to find food around here anymore…”
The Quilladin muttered to himself, placing another berry at the small satchel of berries that was clutched firmly in his hands, the other holding onto the tree branch so he wouldn’t fall down below. He sighed wistfully at the fact that his bag wasn’t even halfway filled. Glancing over the sun was just beginning to dip over the horizon in front of him. Casting a golden glow over the landscape.
“Gotta head back before it gets dark.” He sighed as he made his way down. “Might have been able to make it to town… But I’ve wasted enough time as is looking for this pathetic haul.” The Quilladin grimaced as his own stomach growled hungrily at him.
“Figures. The moment I look for food every berry disappears off the face of existence.” He muttered bitterly to himself. He groaned as he shook his head firmly. He grabbed his coin bag and shook it a little. He was running low on funds too.
He sighed as he looked out to the horizon. The golden glow was beginning to edge deeper and deeper into the horizon, just barely hanging in the orange and purple sky. The remaining light washed over the farmlands that were not far off.
It would be harvest season soon. At least he figured based on that time of year. Their crops would be ripe for the picking by now. There was a lot of farmland to be completely honest.
Right, he was near Rivercross Acres. He recognized the place now that he got a good look at it. Still, he seemed closer to the outskirts so the village was still a way ahead. They grew a lot of food here to deal with the rising population. So much so that they probably wouldn’t notice a few missing carrots or potatoes.
“Hmm…”
---
“There… that should do it…” Soleil said as she whipped her brow. She had been helping plow at the fields for a while now and they were ready for the seeds to be planted. Her wings ached in exhaustion but it was the good kind. A feeling of accomplishment after a hard day’s work. Of course it wasn’t over just yet.
She glanced further along the farmlands where the other guild members were probably working hard themselves. With so much land to cover, they all split and tended to their sections. Some teams worked in groups and other teams preferred to stick to themselves.
Soleil had been working with two others team. The first was a rather interesting one; a rather energetic Hawlucha named Saki and a shiny Croagunk named Jezebel. Saki wasn’t a problem really, she did her work well. Although her theatrics were a little too much at times it was harmless all the same. Jezebel on the other hand?
“Hey, you finished over there squirt?” Jezebel asked with. With that grin Soleil was starting to hate. “Geez, what’s with you? You’re looking rather tense.” She chuckled a little.
Soleil sighed as she mentally counted to ten in her head. She was just trying to get to her. She had to remind herself of that. “As a matter of fact I’m finished here. I just have to plant the seeds and that’s it…” Soleil said before glancing over to her side of the field. “You know, if you weren’t busy pestering me every five minutes you’d be done by now.”
“Is that what you think I’m doing?” Jezebel said in an exaggeratedly hurt tone. “I’m just trying to be friendly is all.”
Friendly? Right. She stuck to herself at first but she quickly grew bored of this task and settled for entertaining herself by playing small, but innocent pranks on the others. Specifically towards her. She might have tolerated them if it weren’t for one thing she absolutely hated. She called her short. Or pipsqueak. Or any word that meant small. Gods it got on her nerves and she knew it too. She did her best to distract herself with work to ignore as best as she could.
“Just finish up already,” Soleil sighed as she went to put her tools away. “It’s getting late and we’re not leaving till we’re done.”
“You know what you’re problem is? You’re a workaholic. You should loosen up and enjoy yourself a little. If not you’ll become a sour and bitter.” She chuckled as she leisurely started to work again,
Soleil chose to ignore her. She reminded herself that this was just temporary and she’d never have to see her again. Well, for as long as she could.
And then there was the other team. There was a small Cubone, good kid and really good at helping her plow the fields. The only one she could really count on to help her out. He didn’t talk much and was probably shy seeing that his partner wasn’t around. She didn’t know where his partner had run of to, just that she took her eyes off of her for a second and the next she was gone. She gave him his space and she figured after a while he wouldn’t have minded her presence.
She wished Flora was around to help. She could have helped the kid open up, but more importantly, she would have loved this task. If her talents didn’t lie elsewhere she could have sworn she was born to tend to plants. She didn’t know how she did it but it’s like she knew how to take care of plants properly. Though it could just be in her nature as a grass type. She didn’t really know.
Of course she understood why she decided not to come along with her. Not necessarily for the potential bandit attacks, though she imagined that would bring some hesitation. No her talents were needed elsewhere. Or more specifically her home in Mosswood. A strange illness had been spreading there and no one really knows why that is. Of course she’d be concerned for those in her home.
Well, no point in mulling over it any further. As nice as this break was she still needed to plant the seeds. She grabbed her bag of seeds and began to plant them into the soil. She hoped she was doing this right. She was following the instructions as best as she could but there was that small bit of worry that they’ll grow crooked. The thought of an oddly shaped radish was a little amusing actually and she couldn’t help but chuckle a little.
“U-um… excuse me miss?”
Soleil turned and smiled at the Cubone. “Oh hey, what’s up?” She asked him. She tried very hard not to think about how she wasn’t that much taller than he was. Nope. Certainly wasn’t thinking of it now that he was this close.
“W-well um…” he fiddled with his paws before looking back at her. “It’s um… getting dark soon. S-shouldn’t we be heading back soon?” He asked her.
“Yeah, it is getting pretty late,” Soleil nodded in agreement. “Still, there’s still these seeds that need to be planted. Shouldn’t take me long really.” She said with a shrug. “You’re free to go if you want. I can ask one of those two to take you back if you’d like.” She said, glancing at the other team in question.
“A-are you sure?” the Cubone asked her. “What if bandits attack while we’re gone?”
“Don’t worry, if any bandits come by they’ll have to deal with me.” She said with a confident smirk. Well that and she’d have one back up but hey, she figured she’d be enough. “Now get going, we’ll be heading back soon ourselves.” She said as she grabbed the bag of seeds to start planting them. This land wasn’t too big so she shouldn’t have a problem planting all these seeds in time. Plus, with her speed this shouldn’t be a problem anyways.
---
‘This is a terrible idea…’ Keaton thought to himself as he snuck toward the farmland, staying alert for… well anyone really. Farmers, bandits, or worse, members of the guilds patrolling the areas. Bandits he could deal with. Farmers would only run him off, throwing the occasional produce here or there until he left their lands. Guild members on the other hand? Yeah, it was probably best for him not to be seen by them. It wouldn’t exactly be a good first impression if he was caught robbing a farm of their crops.
Though to be fair, this wasn’t the worst idea he’s ever had. Not by a long shot anyways.
“Just a couple of carrots or two and I can call it a night. Forget I did anything illegal…” He grumbled as he continued to sneak forward. Well, anything he was morally against any other day.
As much as he hated doing this he didn’t have much of a choice. He hadn’t had a good meal in days and the berries he found wouldn’t be enough to satisfy someone as big as him. Besides, they had plenty to spare it seems. Thankfully he got here as the sun was just barely hanging over the horizon. It made it easier for him to sneak in without also tripping in the dark and breaking his nose. An individual like himself would never have been able to sneak in broad daylight. His movements were slow, well, slower than usual at least.
“Alright, this should be good enough…” He mumbled as he reached a field. No one was around it seems. Taking his chance he moved forward and pulled out five or six carrots out of the ground. He ate one to make sure they were good to begin with, stuffing the rest in his bag.
‘Mission accomplished. Now to get out of here.’ He thought to himself as he made for the edge of the land.
He stopped when he heard movement. He immediately dropped the ground and hopped no one saw him. And to think he was being careful.
“Alright, they’re gone. Well most of them anyways. Just a Croagunk and some kid.” He heard a low gruff voice speaking nearby. He heard movement and curiosity got the better of him. He peaked over as a group started to make their way towards a patch of farmland not far from here. A Nidoran, a Heatmore and a Scrafty. He could tell just from looking at them that they were unsavory, thuggish-individuals.
Bandits.
--
Jezebel whistled a little through the slight gap between her front teeth as she buried seeds into the ground.
Saki had left her to take the kid home. She’s pretty sure she offered almost immediately so she could leave her behind and actually contribute some more. Also she’s pretty sure this was some attempt to force her to patch things up with the Torchic. Not that she felt the need to anyways. It was all innocent fun really.
But as fun as it was teasing that Torchic earlier, the Cubone was right, it was going to be late soon. Some other team would be stopping by soon to cover for the night and be on the lookout for bandits. Still, they might as well finish this task she supposed. It was only because she wanted to leave as soon as she could that she was working diligently on her task. Something she’s sure the Torchic appreciated. If only to leave her alone.
She sighed as she finished up here. Suddenly, something grabbed her. She didn’t have time to react before she was slammed on the ground. She groaned a little before a foot stomped on her chest, pinning her to the ground.
“Well well well, thought I’d never see you again.” Jezebel looked up to see a Scrafty smirking down at her. “I haven’t thanked you for punching me with that freaky poison of yours. I couldn’t eat well for weeks!”
“I doubt the food was any good anyways,” she quipped. She groaned when he kicked her again.
She didn’t even remember these idiots. Then again, she didn’t remember half of the people she’s beat up. Even moreso when Saki took her to one of her stakeouts. Speaking of which, she’d need to remember to bring coffee next time. The good kind, not the kind that tasted like dirt.
“I’m gonna enjoy hurting you.” He cracked his knuckles as the other two snickered. “But first, where’s that friend of yours?”
“What’s going on here?” Soleil asked.
Jezebel looked up at Soleil. “Oh hey, about time you noticed squirt,” she said flatly. She saw her feathers ruffle when she called her that. Jeez, such a short temper that one.
The Scrafty clicked his tongue as he let Jezebel go before heading over to the Torchic. “Listen here pipsqueak,” he growled at her. “The adults are talking and ain’t got time for you. So run along now and you won’t get hurt. ‘Kay?”
‘3… 2… 1…’ Jezebel mentally began to count. She smirked when she heard a cry of frustration and the sound of something smacking into the Scrafty.
--
“Ah dammit all…” He huffed as he watched what was going on. What was that kid doing? She was either really brave or stupid to come running to save her crops. Nope, definitely stupid. Those three idiots were gonna tear that girl to shreds. Sure she knocked on flat on the ground, but he got up and looked pissed. And it’s not like that other chick could help since she was pinned to the ground.
On the one hand this did give him cover to sneak in and out more effectively. On the other hand, he’d be a complete ass to leave that kid to fend off those bandits herself. C’mon, there’s got to be a guild member around. Someone else to take care of this. He groaned as he ran a paw through his face. No one else around and no other way around it.
“Dammit… well it looks like I’m going hungry tonight…” He sighed, dropping his bag on the ground. He got up and started to march forward.
--
“Hold still runt!” The Heatmore yelled as he puffed smoke out of his nose before firing a spire of flames at Soleil.
Soleil jumped up and ran on the fence to keep his aim off the ground. She put a lot of work planting those seeds and she was not going to let them get roasted. She charged with a Quick Attack and smacked the fire-type in the abdomen. A little harder than most circumstances.
He groaned and staggered back before running up to her. He yelled as he tried to punch her. Soleil easily sidestepped and kicked him in the face. The Nidoran came running in and performed a jumping kick attack. She jumped back before he could land and swiftly kicked him in the chin. Her attacks didn’t have much power to them as she would have licked but little by little she was wearing them down.
“That’s enough already!” The Scrafty said as he kicked Jezebel again. “You’d better stop already or your friend here is gonna get hurt.” He said with a wicked grin.
Soleil clicked her tongue. She wasn’t a friend. But she couldn’t just let her get hurt now could she? In her moment of hesitation the Nidoran took the opportunity to kick her, knocking her on the ground.
A smug grin spread across the Scrafty’s face. “Not so tough now are you squirt?” he let out a laugh.
“Like you’re any better,” A voice said. The Bandit turned to look, and was suddenly on the floor, his cheek hurting like hell.
The others turned to see a Quilladin, cracking his knuckles. “Alright, I’ll make it simple. You can either leave now or I can make you leave,” he said with cocky grin.
Scrafty held his cheek as he pointed at the newcomer. “G-get him!”
The Nidoran was already on it. He charged in with a Take Down, slamming into the grass type. His horn had hit his shell and he made him slide against the ground but otherwise he seemed unharmed.
“Bet you’re stating to regret that.” The Quilladin grinned as he punched the Nidoran in the jaw. The poison-type dropped like a rock, a bit of blood coming out of his mouth. Probably lost a tooth there.
The Heatmore charged in to try and engulf the Quilladin in flames. As he was about to fire Soleil had charged in with a Quick Attack and knocked him on the ground. He struggled to try and get up but his injuries were too much and he fell unconscious.
The Scrafty looked around and gritted his teeth. “Y-You’ll pay for this!” He said and made a run for it. Coward.
Soleil was about to charge after him when Jezebel stopped her. “Leave him. Besides, I never thanked him for that back there.” She said with a wicked grin as she started to chase after the leader.
Soleil thought about going after him anyways. She was much faster after all but in the end decided she had this. Besides, she figured she deserved some payback so she let her have this one for now.
She turned back to see the grass type gone already.
--
“Alright… I know you’re here…” The Quilladin mumbled as he searched the ground. He quickly found his bag, more importantly it was intact.
“Found what you were looking for?”
He jumped a little and swiftly turned around. “Don’t do that! Hell kid, you could have given me a heart attack.”
“I’m not a kid.” Soleil stated with an exasperated sigh.
“Wait seriously? But you’re kinda-“ he trailed off as she had a nasty look in her eyes. Something told him he should watch what he said around her. “Nevermind.”
“What’s in that bag of yours?” Soleil asked suddenly. Trying to change the subject no doubt.
“Mmm, nothin’ you need to concern yourself with.” He replied with a wink. One of his arm slowly shifted its way over the bag’s covering in a somewhat defensive manner. His stomach suddenly rumbled. He put a paw over his stomach and forced a smile, out of embarrassment no doubt.
“Uh huh…” Soleil said, eying him suspiciously. “I didn’t get to thank you for helping me back there,” she said after a moment. “Or your name for that matter.”
“It’s Keaton,” replied after a bit. “And… Well, it didn’t look like you needed it,” he shrugged a little. “Of course, I kinda found that out after I already got there,” he chuckled a little. “You’re pretty tough for such a short thing.” She gave him that look again. Right, he forgot about that. Still, his mind kept trailing off to how petite she was. He found it very unusual, yet it piqued his interest.
“I meant what I said though. I probably would have gotten a couple of bruises if you hadn’t come.” She said, getting him back on track. “Still, you took a hit and you’re not even hurting.” She knows a hit like that would have broken her wing.
“Eh, I’ve had worse. My pa once took a blow from a pissed off Ursaring and didn’t get one scratch on his shell. We’re all tough like that.” Keaton said as he patted his shell. “Of course, I’m the toughest Quilladin around these parts. Never will see anyone stronger than me around here,” he replied, oozing with confidence.
“Right…” Soleil frowned. Well, wasn’t he modest. Still, what the heck!? She couldn’t even imagine taking a blow from an Ursaring without a scratch. He could be a valuable member to the guild, though she could do without the cocky attitude.
“Listen, you’re welcome and all but I need to head out now.” Keaton said after she was just staring into space.
“Hm? Oh yeah, sure. I need to head back to finish my work anyways.” She said before pausing for a moment. “You’d better get going before someone sees you and thinks you’re a bandit.
“Yeah, right.” Keaton chuckled awkwardly. He started making his way out of the farmlands and back to the woods. A part of him wondered if she knew what he had stashed with him. He couldn’t be sure without asking and he wasn’t that curious. He figured he’d leave it a mystery and just be grateful to get out of there without much trouble. Next stop, the guilds.
