ToT Chap2 - Friend or Foe? Pt4

Rushing footsteps sound in Darkhowl woods. The sound frantic to go as fast as they could while also doing their best to avoid tripping or setting off any traps.

Sonya trying to not let her worry for her teammate make her lose her footing or set off traps to slow her down. After hearing Yang suddenly yell out in a tone she’s never heard her friend yell before, she immediately took off. Ignoring the fact she saw something strange in the shiny male eevee named Nox who did help her with confronting a witch, but then witnessed something strange happen in him as well.

And not only that, but the witch Morgan called him a hunter. A witch hunter.

As much as she’d like to forget her past, some things she can’t seem to get rid of yet. One being the fact she came from an eevee evolution clan who were witch hunters. Her father was the leader and she and her older sister used to be proud of the fact they were witch hunters.

Growing up, she and her sister trained under their father’s supervision to improve and strengthen their instincts as hunters. Sonya used to be proud of the clan she was apart of and wanted to make her family proud.

Yet as time went on, Sonya started to realize her clan’s ways which she prided herself in was not as ‘noble’ as she thought it was. She saw the corruption that ate at her father and sister and learned that they weren’t really protectors like they made themselves to be.

Hunting witches to bring them to ‘justice’ and stop them from continuing their ‘evil ways.’ That is what she grew up believing.

How wrong she was.

She has struggled to this day to forget her past and move on from the beliefs and customs she grew up with most of the beginning of her life. Yet it hasn’t always been easy. Things happen that make those memories come back, and this encounter with Morgan only made her remember things. Painful things.

And now, the possibility of Nox actually being a witch hunter like she originally suspected him to be makes her realize how careless she has been.

Yet, for the moment she leaves those troubling thoughts behind for the moment. The fact her teammate might desperately need her makes her run as fast as she’s able to back to where she left her before confronting Morgan.

Though as she runs, Sonya suddenly looks sees a quick grey blur go past her. The realization that Nox just passed her at an incredible speed makes her look shocked.

Knowing already how fast he was, yet something still is off about him. She can't pinpoint it but it only makes her more alert of him and what exactly he is.

Is he really a hunter like the witch said and he lied to her? Or something else?

She grits her teeth at these conflicting thoughts as she pushes herself to move faster after him.

------

Yang whimpers softly as she can feel her shield starting to weaken. Her fears making her lose concentration and bringing tears at the corner of her eyes.

Suddenly she feels a familiar yet different aura coming up and looks forward seeing Nox.

She sees how fast he's coming up on them and realizes he's going to help. She concentrates hard one last time when she sees him aim for the cage with his tail. Bracing as he slams against the cage to ensure she and the twins are safe incase it doesn't work.

Strangely she's not disappointed when she sees him succeed and stop it.

She finally lets down her shield and collapses to her knees in relief and fear. Shaking once more like a leaf as she lets her tears fall freely with soft whimpers.

The fear of being caught again..... Along with the fact she was so close to a witch.....

She releases a shaky breath with a pained expression. Relieved it's over yet deep down frustrated in herself for not handling her situation better.

She breaks out of her feelings and thoughts when Nox suddenly collapsed in front of them.

She manages to barely notice how his eyes looked and what kind of strange energy Nox's aura was giving off, gasping softly in shock.

She can still feel the protectiveness in it and slight desperation. Yet, like Sonya sensed, she can feel something else.

Nox wasn't able to move from his spot, but his breathing was starting to become more regular as he coughed one last time before having normalized his breathing. His navy blue aura was still weak, yet at the same time did something awakened inside him that he wasn't even aware of at all.

His black eyes were closing softly as he tried to stand up from his spot.

As soon as Nox tried to get up from his spot were his white paws giving in, which caused him to fall onto his side again with a loud thud onto the ground. Yet he was still conciousness as he spoked up weakly "I'm glad... you're all okay..."

Yang looks concerned seeing Nox barely able to stand. Yet, she also can't deny that she's weary of him now.

She's never meet a full blown witch hunter or huntress. And though Sonya does indeed hail from a witch hunter clan, she never talks about her family and only heard brief things about them.

Yang knows Sonya hates to talk about it since its part of her past she wants to not delve in to. So even though Yang is shaken up badly again by this encounter for her own reasons, she can only imagine what Sonya is going through.

"Yang!!"

She flinches then looks relieved as Sonya finally catches up.

"S-Sonya...." Yang voice cracks with a raspy tone, having yelled so loud and not used to yelling that loud that Yangs throat hurts a bit.

Sonya has a look of desperation on her face as she quickly looks at the scene. Seeing the cage, her and the twins, and a worn out Nox who's barely conscious.

She can guess what happened as she runs past Nox and to her teammates side. She puts her two front paws on Yangs shoulders and looks her over quickly for any injuries and glaring to the cage

"Please tell me your ok?"

Yang whimpers and leans in to her friend crying softly in to her chest. Sonya's long fur getting wet but she doesn't care.

"I-I was so scared.... I-I don't want to be a prisoner again...." Yang says softly, her voice still raspy.

Sonya looks pained at how Yang looks right now and what she's saying. "You’re not Yang. And you'll never be again. I promise."

Yang nods in to her fur but keeps crying with soft hiccups.

Sonya relieved that Yang and the twins are alright. But then she remembers something and turns to glare at Nox.

A part of her worried for the male Eevee as she sees just how worn out he is right now. Another part is also grateful since he once more helped Yang.

Yet, most of her is only suspicious of the male again as Morgan's words ring in her head despite Nox's denial in it being true.

"Hunter...." She says softly with an ashamed tone. Her expression pained.

Yang hears this as she looks up to Sonya confused but concerned.

"The witch.... said he is a hunter......"

Yang gasps in surprise then leans away from Sonya to look at Nox, tears staining her cheeks.

Sonya keeps her head lowered so her expression couldn't be seen by Nox. Yang can't even see her eyes from her position as Sonya remains deathly quiet.

The male soon opened his eyes again as he heard them say hunter again. "I'm NOT... a hunter... not that I know..." His voice trails off in uncertainty.

Yang flinches softly when Nox exclaimed he's not a hunter. Sonya not even moving an inch even as he denies it.

Yang can see the pure hatred and denial in his eyes, but also the truth in his voice and aura. Even his actions show that if it is true and he is a hunter, he still came back to help her even as the witch left.

Sonya's brief stories told that hunters will mercilessly track and hunt a witch without the regards of others. Their first priority being the hunt and to capture or kill.

Yet Nox came to help when she cried his and Sonya's name.

Even Sonya came back right away. She might still have some of her huntress instincts, but Yang knows she's slowly breaking them since she came when she called for her.

Yang still feels uncertain though. She knows only a little on Nox and what she does know is he was very kind and protective. Yet with her brief knowledge of witch hunters and huntress, she doesn't know whether to believe it was him tricking her all this time or he truly doesn't know if he is one or not.

He could be like Sonya. Trying to get away from a life he did not want.

That was Sonya's reason she left her family and clan behind.

The uncertainty makes Yang grow nervous to what she should do. And to what her teammate will do as well.

Nox manages to look up to Sonya from his position and mumbles quietly for Sonya's ears only. "You can end me now... if you don't believe me..." It was pure honesty right now while his body was still laying on his side and he smiles at her.

Sonya's ear twitches barely as she manages to catch what Nox said. Yang not hearing it at all since she's too conflicted with her feelings of concern and uncertainty.

Sonya still remaining still as she barely moved her head enough to look at Nox with narrowed eyes. A hint of conflict shining in her violet eyes as she observes Nox's worn out form.

So many emotions boiling in her.

Anger. Disappointment. Suspicion. Frustration at herself for actually considering Nox an acquaintance when he possibly lied to her all this time. And, dare she say it, sadness.

Apart of her really considering being able to trust Nox. But after today she's not sure anymore.

Yang can feel the conflicting feeling in Sonya's aura. Looking to her concerned to why that is.

Suddenly Sonya stands on her hind legs and walks over to Nox, still silent which greatly worries Yang.

She stands before Nox looking down to his form, just staring at him with narrowed eyes for a minute.

She then scowls at him and says softly, "Even if I did believe you or not, I'm not a killer. Not anymore. I threw that life away and I won't go back. Don't insult me by giving me the option of ending you just because you know what I once was."

She then walks past Nox and back the way they came.

Yang looking confused then alert. "S-Son--"

"I’m going for the Woobat. Be right back. Don't move from here incase there's more traps. And don't move him either until I get back." Sonya says without looking back and keeps walking on two legs. Her ears lowered on her head.

Yang looking down sadly, feeling the sadness and regret in her teammate’s aura. Regret in thinking she could really trust someone else for once.

Sonya, after a bit away from the others, pauses in the middle of the woods. Gritting her teeth together while clenching her paw tightly.

Upset that for some reason, she actually wants to cry. Why though?

Was it because try as she might, her past of coming from a witch hunting clan she ran from caught up to her again? That try as she might, she still can't get rid of her huntress side she tries so hard to repress? At once more being called a huntress again?

Or........

Was it because she was actually coming to trust Nox and now she feels she can't? So because of that she felt like she was betrayed, just like before.

She growls out softly at her uncertainty, quickly wiping her right eye quickly of a small stray tear before stalking forward to go get the Woobat.

------

Yang stands up slowly in shaky legs and takes the kids in her arms. She walks to Nox's side with a sad and relieved look. Glad he isn't hurt, but still conflicted.

She can see so many emotions going through him as well, before soon he start to cry silently with a very confused and scared look on his face. The male Eevee was showing fear for the first time to someone else that wasn't from his family, and it's kinda ironic that it's Yang who slowly walks towards him. He looks to her and says weakly, "Don't... please don't come closer to me... I don't... I don't wanna hurt you nor the kids!"

Yang gasps softly seeing Nox cry and ask she stay away from him. Not expecting that all as she can see the pure and honest sadness and fear in his voice.

She's not sure what she felt in Nox. Was it really the aura of a real witch hunter? She's felt Sonya's aura when she accidently lets out her huntress side and knows how intense it can be.

She also knows Sonya holds it back when it happens so she's never seen the extent of what a true hunters aura looks like.

If Nox truly was a hunter was the way his aura looked a little while ago the aura of a true witch hunter?

She looks skeptical. Apart of her wanting to think yes, but somehow she feels that wasn't the case.

And seeing the almost broken and sad form of the male Eevee before her breaks her heart.

She only knows what Sonya has told her. How corrupted witch hunters can be. The thrill of the hunt, the chase, even the rewards, or just killing overall is what drives hunters. That's what Sonya would hint at and hate to talk about.

Yang knowing Sonya hated that corruption and that's why she left. Though some of it was still imprinted on her and it's what she struggles with every day.

The way Nox is now and how he interacted with her isn't like those descriptions. His aura wasn't like that at all.

I don't know much on aura youngling but to your kind aura is a powerful thing. It can be your greatest weapon but not in fighting alone. If you hone it in another way, you can see the very essence of a pokemons soul. Are they telling the truth? Are they lying? Are they good? Are they evil? Friend or foe? Usually you can do this by common sense. Yet if you relearn to trust in your senses with aura again, there won’t even be a reason for you to doubt.

Yangs eyes open in realization as her Mentors words go through her head. All this time she has been relying on others aura to help her determine if they are friend or not.

The dark aura of the witch making her tremble. Yet the protective aura of Sonya and even Nox helping her to not be scared and reassur her things will be ok.

Right now, she can feel Nox's aura very well. The fear, doubt, and sadness.

All of those feelings he has right now and the way he's looking at her crying, it wasn't a lie.

Tears gather in her eyes seeing how hurt and unsure Nox is. Feeling for him and how hurt he is. Not physically but emotionally. She knowing more than anyone what it's like to be unsure or feel alone when you don't know what to do or are in a hopeless situation.

She disregards her hesitation and uncertainty as she walks forward to him. Reassuring the kids everything was fine as she sets them down beside her then kneels next to him.

Seeing Yang getting closer towards him despite telling her to stay away made his body starting to tremble. He wasn't concerned about himself, but more about the shiny Mienfoo "Don't... I'm a monster... a ticking time-bomb..."

His vision is slightly blurred by his on tears, yet he grows silent as he is still able to notice the tears running down Yang’s face while she smiles at him.

She sniffs softly as she gathers herself together, then smiles to Nox. "Thank you." She says, her voice slightly raspy but not stuttering.

Nox's black eyes widened from her suddenly thanking him. "D-don't..."

"You helped Sonya. I couldn't be there for her but you were instead. Like Sonya said, that means the world to me. And You saved us. I was so scared. But I knew you or Sonya would come. Thank you Nox." She says honestly with a smile.

Not showing any fear, resentment, or hesitation as she wipes her eyes.

It was at this point where Nox realized what's going on right now. Yang was accepting him, the grey furred Eevee that lived a life on his own for the most of the time. The tears on him got stronger as he actually started to release the tension inside him, his head only turned around to muffle the crying sounds he was giving out.

Yang could feel that his emotions changed again in his aura. They still had confusion, fear and sadness in them, but she could also feel something Nox haven't felt in a long time, gratitude.

His voice was weak as he hiccupped from the crying, before he spoke with a voice that carried all his emotions in them. "Y-yang... t-thank you... t-thank you so much..." His paw clenched onto the worn-out blue scarf of his as he continued, "Y... you're the first one in a long while... who I can truly call.... a friend..."

Yangs eyes widen in surprise but then go to normal as her smile grows.

He was right. They are friends.

She may not know much about him or what happened, yet he doesn't know about her or Sonya either.

Yet one thing she does know, is he needs someone to be there for him. She has Sonya and Sonya has her. Nox doesn't have anyone.

She's seen how kind he can be, how clumsy as well, but most of all how conflicted he is. They don't know what happened with Nox and though it is unsettling to them both, right now that doesn't matter.

Yang can see how upset and alone Nox is right now. His tears real enough that they can't be fake. And friend or foe, Yang won't leave someone like this.

When she needed someone, they didn't come for the longest time and she almost lost hope. She won't allow Nox to be alone and lose hope like she almost did.

"W-We are friends..." She says softly and a bit timidly. Finding it strange but nice that slowly she is starting to gain more friends. Slowly but gradually. "Y-Your not alone Nox. N-Not anymore..

Yet she looks a bit sad as her thoughts drift to Sonya.

She wipes her eyes and let's Nox cry it out. Knowing he needs to as she stays by his side in reassurance.

Sonya does trust him. I've seen it. She wouldn't of left me behind to distract the witch if she didn't trust him deep down. Sonya.... Please don't give up on trusting others. Yang thinks.

It took a while until Nox started to calm down from all the crying, coughing a moment before wiping the last tears from his eyes with his white paws. His aura was still weak, but calmed down a lot after the words of the shiny Mienfoo.

"Yang..." He speaking up in a weak, rough voice, "Thank you... for being there for me...”

Yang smiles happily when Nox thanks her. “That's what friends are for." She says with a happy giggle.

“But what about Sonya..." His ears were onto his head when he mentioned the female Eevee.

Her look then turns sad as he mentions Sonya.

Even if she's accepted Nox as her friend, Sonya won't be easy. She already distrusted Nox in the beginning and just when she was starting to consider him as a comrade and perhaps a friend, this happened.

Sonya's past very touchy that she gets easily offended or mad when it's brought up. Yang can't say for sure if Sonya will even talk to Nox again, yet she also knows Sonya does seem to trust him deep down.

She saw it and felt it when she eavesdropped on her and Nox at the medical building in Mosswood. Sonya actually willing to give Nox a chance even if she had doubts.

The fact Nox being a witch hunter will be a big blow to Sonya who was for once starting to open up to others. Yang doesn't know how, but she does know Sonya was betrayed by her family and even her close friend.

Something like this happening again will only drive Sonya back to distrusting others but herself.

She sighs softly, giving him a sympathetic look. "I-I'm sorry Nox. I-I can't say for sure what Sonya will do."

She then smiles to him reassuringly and for once, confident. "T-That doesn't mean I won't be your friend anymore. Y-You both are my friends and i might be.... weak at times." She looks to the side when she says weak, takes a deep breath, then looks back to him determined. "T-That doesn't mean I don't care for all my friends and their well-being. R-Right now you are my friend and you need my help. I-I won't leave you or get rid of our newfound friendship."

The words the shiny Mienfoo told towards the grey furred Eevee made him look a bit to the side, his ears still being near his head as he shook his head when she said she's weak "Yang... you're not weak... not at all..." His eyes soon looked directly towards hers when she reassured him that she won't abandon him "You're strong... actually, is your heart very strong."

She looks bashful at his compliment to her, then looks sadly to the ground. "S-Sonya just..... needs time. Like us, she has a past that has hurt her greatly. I-It didn't leave a scar physically. I-It left it in her heart."

She then looks up nervously. "I-I know that sounds cheesy, b-but it's true." She glances over to the side with a nostalgic look as she recalls how Sonya was when they first met.

He look down to the ground. "So even she haves scars in her heart..."

Yang nods her head softly. "S-Sonya was betrayed by her loved ones. I-I can't say much since that is her story to tell. A-And due to that I can't say what she'll do. She used to be much more distant than she is now. N-Never letting anyone close so she wouldn't be hurt again. I-I showed her she could trust me. N-Now with all this uncertainty, I don't know what she's thinking. B-But I will say this...." She gives Nox a hopeful smile. "S-Sonya.... does in a way.... trust you. I-I can see it."

He gasps in shock to hear that the female Eevee does trust him in a way "She... I don't think so..."

Yang continues to smile while speaking honestly so Nox knows what she says is true. "S-She wouldn't have let you get away with keeping me and the kids safe while going on her own if she didn't. A-And if you noticed, she went off on her own to get the Woobat and left me here with you again. E-Even if you can't move, she would still think you'd try something and make me come with her if she didn't trust you."

His doubt was too strong right now that Sonya would actually trust him "I'm not able to move right now... otherwise she definitely would have asked you to walk with her and the kids..."

She sighs softly. "I-I know that trust isn't lost yet. A-And I'm sure your also suspicious of her now due to what she once was. I-I don't know much on hunters either, a-and I can see you don't either even though the w-witch called you one. B-But Sonya does and she truly despises them. Even if she was one, she's not anymore i assure you."

"It's... because of the same reason Sonya's suspicious of me before that... vulpix witch mentioned that I'm a witch-hunter..." and it looks like Nox didn't had any other choice then accepting that fact by now. "I... saw too much things during my 20 years of living that I.... rather keep distance to others then risking getting... betrayed or hurt again... nor do I want to see you getting hurt, Yang..." his white paw went towards the wornout blue scarf again to grip onto it.

Yang looks sadly to Nox, slight curiosity to his blue scarf as he has a look on his face while touching it. Almost like it was a precious gift but also a painful reminder.

Her paw going to her wrapped up leg on instinct at the thought. She too has a painful reminder.

She looks to him sympathetically. She knows after today things will be tense with Sonya and Nox on both ends.

Sonya won't want to tell Nox of her history or knowledge of witch hunters unless it desperately calls for it. She hasn't even told her everything on that touchy subject.

Every time it was brought up, Sonya would look angry then turn to look sad and hurt later when she thought Yang wasn't looking.

She wants to tell Nox the other reason she left to get the Woobat alone was probably to hide how hurt she feels. Yang knowing better than anyone how she puts up walls or hides away so no one can tell how she's really feeling.

Though she doesn't say because that is confidential to her and Sonya. Plus she doubts it will help the situation now as Nox and she both need time to sort things out.

She reaches out and though hesitates for a second. Not due to fear but her own timidness of touching others, she gently puts a paw on his shoulder reassuringly. "G-Give it time. M-Maybe once that trust comes back Sonya will tell you about it better. J-Just know, I am still your friend either way."

Yang gives a bright smile to Nox, showing she means it. Even if Sonya rants or complains, Yang will for once be firm in this decision and not abandon Nox.

Nox flinched when the shiny Mienfoo placed her paw onto his shoulders since he wasn't used to be touched by someone else, especially a female, in a reassuring or friendly way. Her smile made him smile weakly as she said that he should give Sonya some time for herself "Yang... thank you..."

"J-Just give it time Nox." She says again then smiles reassuringly. "A-And don't worry. I-I may not know you fully, and you don't know everything about me either. T-That's ok. F-Friendship takes effort and time."

She fidgets nervously. "T-There are some things I don't feel.... comfortable talking about yet. A-And im sure there are things for you as well. Just.... I can't help but feel all three of us.... are connected."

She taps her paws together nervously. "W-We..... w-well. W-We're the same. We have troubled pasts we came from that influences us. A-And we're trying to figure out how to get past them.... or get stronger to get through them. J-Just promise me something Nox. A-As my new friend."

She gives him a pleading look. "D-Don't think of Sonya as an enemy or someone to avoid because of what someone else called her. A-And just give her some time. A-As her best friend I know her better than most and you just trust me when I say, deep down, she will learn to see what I see. A reliable and kind friend."

"All three of us... connected?" was Nox asking confused what Yang meant. "I... hope you're right Yang" was his honest answer to that. He still had some doubt regarding Sonya, yet deep down would he be glad if the shiny Mienfoo was right and that it was only his instincts and wisdom from several encounters with others that he better keeps distance until they proved him completely wrong. "I just... don't want to get hurt again..."

------

Sonya makes a face as she was a bit of a ways from Nox and Yang, hiding behind one of the trees and listening in. Hearing what they said as she looks a bit embarrassed at some of the things Yang said about her.

Though also, she looks uncertain on what she's feeling or should feel.

Even if she's far away she can still hear what they're saying. Having came by and listening in on most of their conversation.

Part of her is a bit offended that they're taking about her while she's gone. The other is slightly concerned for Nox, surprisingly, as she recalls all he did and went though. Yet that only brings her anger back at him in reminder that he probably lied to her.

Deep down though, she also has some clarity that Nox might be telling the truth. She knows the corruption hunters have. The horrid instincts driven in to them by choice or not. She almost didn't have a choice in the beginning since it ran in her family.

She was sane enough to see the corruption before it completely took her over and she struggles to keep it back while dealing with her painful memories of her family already corrupted.

Yet Nox, she can feel he has the instincts but manages to keep them at bay like she does. She doesn't see the corruption in him.

What unsettled her is that she feels something else in him that made her on edge with her huntress instincts. And she doesn't like it.

Another part is secretly wishing she can trust him, yet she looks pained as she silently agrees with Yang.

She needs time to figure out her feelings. Does she hate him? Does she trust him?

And even the biggest question that bothers her the most. Now that he knows what she was, does he believe she is a cold blooded killer?

That question alone makes her heart clench tight in pain.

She looks over from behind the tree to watch him and Yang, feeling bad as even though she isn't sure about Nox anymore, she's happy Yang found another friend. And is also happy that Yang is comfortable enough to consider Nox a friend where she isn't nervous around. She just can't be like that right now after today even though Yang already sees him as a friend and he her back.

She does witness as Yang gasps softly as while Nox gripped his scarf, his Warding Charm broke and fell. Yang picking it up and looking to it.

Sonya narrowing her eyes to it then looks surprise recognizing it.

Recalling their fight with the vulpix witch as something repelled the potions she tried to has on them. Recognition dawning on her Nox wearing the charm prevented them from being affected.

She looks down conflicted again. Being grateful to him for helping Yang once more and even helping her, but still can’t shake her suspicion of him off yet.

She sighs, deciding they all had enough for one night.

She grabs the cage with the Woobat and hauls it up with two arms. The cage rattling a bit to let Nox and Yang know she's close by.

"Yang." She calls out.

Yang jumps hearing her name and sees Sonya in the distance with the cage.

She looks uncertain of what to say but Sonya just speaks up first.

"Can you carry the children while levitating the cage?" She asks avoiding to look at Nox for the moment, appearing calm for now.

Yang stutters a few things out at once unsure. Sonya smiles to her shaking her head and says reassuringly. "Relax. I'm carrying Nox back."

She squeaks in surprise at this as Sonya sets the cage down. "Y-You are....?"

"Your in no shape to carry anything heavy. But your focus with Hidden Power is good enough to lift at least one heavy thing. I'm not sure you'd want to life Nox up with it though."

Yang looks frantic and shakes her head no vigorously. The idea of accidently dropping him when he's in this state making her nervous. At least the Woobat won't be hurt with the protection of the cage.

Sonya nods then finally looks down to Nox. Her usual emotionless face on as she says, "If you have any objections say it now and make it quick. We need to get out of here incase the witch decides for round two."

His eyes widened in surprise when the female Eevee said to her that she would carry him while Yang should carry the kids and the cage. Nox tried to get up onto his paws quickly, but was still weak to be steady onto them as he grumbles a bit from that "Fine..."


Sonya looks satisfied as his answer to her and holds up the cage towards Yang.

Yang uncertain still on what Sonya is thinking, but knows it's better not to talk about it now.

Sonya will not want to talk yet and she is also eager to get out of here before the witch does decide to come back.

Yang nods in understanding and moves a paw up as her green eyes glow with power. The cage being surrounded by the power as its lifted up in the air out of Sonya's arms.

Sonya letting go once it's in the air.

As soon as Yang has a solid hold on the cage, she kneels down to the tired and confused kids and picks them up.

She reassured them softly everything is ok now despite all that happened while Sonya turns and kneels before Nox.

She looks him over for any physical injuries first, not saying anything for a minute.

A part of her still tense around him but she does her best to ignore it.

Seeing how worn out he was and could barely stand she frowns a bit then sighs. "You may not like this but excuse me." She warns Nox real fast then puts her paws under him and firmly but gently lifts him up.

After steadying him carefully, she scoots his front arms over her shoulders, letting his head lay across her right shoulder opposite of her bell so it doesn't hit him.

Once having a decent hold of him, she stands up on her hind legs and carries him piggyback.

She doesn't look too happy at their situation, especially as she can feel herself get nervous and not because of her suspicion of him. Her heart almost beating way too fast for her liking and she can't pinpoint why.

Must still be the adrenaline. Yeah, I'm anxious because the witch could come back.... She tries to reason with herself as she holds tight to Nox then walks forward.

Nox didn’t look to happy either about their situation as he does his best to hold tight. “Sorry….”

Sonya doesn’t answer him as walks."Stay close. Well go out the way we came and find the nearest trail or transport." Sonya says to Yang, more tense than she was before.

Yang look to the two nervously, knowing both aren't happy about their situation, but deep down she's also thankful.

Sonya could of left Nox here yet she didn't. And not only that she offered to carry him, definitely something she doesn't do unless it's called for.

This telling Yang even more than Sonya does trust him deep down. Her doing this is not something Yang sees her friend do a lot.

But it's still too soon to tell.

Yang keeps the cage in front of her as she follows behind Sonya. Giving Nox an apologetic smile at their forced situation, but also smiling in reassurance to him.

Sonya's aura telling her she isn't angry at Nox, but calm and, dare she say it, completely embarrassed at being so close to him.

His navy blue aura oddly resonances with Sonya's aura welll, but they both were giving off the same embarresed vibe of beeing that close to each other as he leaned his head onto Sonya's right shoulder now because he was feeling that tired that he was giving off a yawn. A very soft and quiet "Thank you..." escaped Nox's mouth right next to Sonya's ear because she didn't left him behind in his situation.


She suddenly looks surprised as her face turns a bit red when he whispers thank you near her ear. Said ear twitching a bit as his breath tickles it.

Finding it weird he just thanked her like that and for some reason her heart suddenly skipped a beat. She might even feel, dare she say it, happy that he thanked her, despite her hostility to him.

She almost falters in her steps but catches herself quickly without dropping Nox. Looking embarrassed as she turns her face away from Nox to try to hide how red her face is.

"W-Whatever." She says still walking and looking away from him. "I couldn't leave you there alone. I owe you for helping me so this is me paying you back. D-Don't get used to it."

She internally screams at herself for faltering and stuttering slightly. All these mixed emotions making her uncomfortable and confused. Not wanting to feel this way as she should just hate Nox and have nothing to do with him now.

Yet she can't just leave him there for the witch to take. Yang would be upset.

Doing this for Yang. Doing this for Yang. I don't care about Nox. Doing this for my only friend. Even if it is embarrassing. she repeats in her head trying to be reasonable with herself. Yet the more she repeats that phrase in her head the more it sounds like a lie.

Yang looks a bit taken back, but smiles either way as she witnesses just how oddly yet almost perfectly the way Sonya and Nox's auras resonate with each other and their interaction.

Her eyes almost lighting up in happiness as her suspicion of them being connected somehow grows.

She tried to repress a giggle as best as she can to her two friends in front of her.

Yang knows it will take a bit of time before Sonya figured out of Nox really is a friend or foe. Yet Yang hopes that she learns to open up and accept him as a friend.

Especially as with her knowledge on witch hunters, Nox might be able to come to her with questions. Yang can't help him with that since she hardly knows a thing yet Sonya would be able to help a lot.

First couple things need to happen before that's possible. Sonya and Nox need to learn to trust one another, and they need to be wiling to talk about their pasts.

Yet yang hopes deep down, once things settle and are made clear, they three can becomes friends and be there for each other. Maybe that was the key to helping them get over their pasts.

------

After finally getting back to the transport location and helping Nox in to the wagon, Team Pathfinders gets in after and find a seat.

Sonya sighing in relief once they're all on. Nox sitting across from her as his worn out form leans against the edge of the wagon. The cage with the Woobat in the far back secure. She sits then leans back against the wagon throwing her head back, her bell ringing out softly but calmly as she closes her eyes in exhaustion.

Yang smiling softly to Nox in relief they all made it. Then goes and takes a seat next to Sonya.

She also looks exhausted as she leans on Sonya's shoulder.

"Y-Your not mad.... A-Are you?" Yang says softly in concern.

Sonya's ear twitches as she caught what she said and opens one eye to look at her teammate. Yang looking to her worried.

She glances to Nox for a second, then closes her eyes in a sigh. "I can never stay made at you Yang. You’re your own 'mon. I'm just proud that you’re branching out of your shyness and if..... he being your friend helps that and helps keep you safe, then I'll tolerate it."

Yang smiles in relief, hopeful as the old Sonya she knew would deny it right then and there.

"Thanks Sonya....."

Sonya sighs again then says. "Just don't expect me to be his friend."

Her smile died down a bit and she looks sad.

Suddenly Sonya whispers softly, "Give me some time...."

To which Yang caught and she looks up surprised and hopeful. Sonya still the same with her eyes closed as it looks like she dosed off.

Yang looks happy with a smile. She then looks to Nox and says, "R-Rest Nox. Y-You both have been through a lot. I-I'll wake you both once we've arrived."

Sonya starts to dose off after Yang spoke. Too many things happening in all of one day for her liking. Revisiting unwanted past memories, dealing with too many conflicting feels, and trying to not yell or cry in frustration.

One things for sure, Team Pathfinders have a lot to think about starting today.