Endless Horizons - Nosy Nancy pt.2

Reef spent the better part of the day tailing the pirate captain. Watching as Sharp went from patrols in the morning, to his duties in Town Hall during the midday. Despite how ‘boring’ such a process was, the boy had to admit it was sort of comforting to see the leader of Vandrils Harbor do things like go to meetings with Feral Pokémon. Undoubtedly it was meant to maintain the relationship that Vandrils with other tribes or factions, and to see some even walk out looking satisfied, it proved to Reef that the Toxtricity was a rather competent leader. He felt a touch of pride in that. As unwarranted as that feeling was.

Though none of this was really riveting in terms of information regarding his ‘Uncle Sharp’. So he was a good leader, he had to be to keep this place running. That was like saying water was wet. Reef knew he was not satisfied with this information, and he imagined neither would Nancy. Though at this point, he was doing this more for himself than his ‘employee’. Yet he kept up the pretence as he continued to spy on Sharp, watching as the Toxtricity continued his routine once dusk started to set across the city. Nothing stood out to the pup during this time, and it was starting to get late. The first stars in the sky long since appeared, and Pokémon across Vandrils was starting to turn in for the evening.

Harbor would start to wonder where he was, staying out this late. He’d get in trouble for sure. Whatever, Reef thought to himself. This was more important. He could just come up with an excuse as to why he stayed out. Maybe he could get Shula to cover for him by saying they were spending the day talking and didn’t realise how late it got. That could be believable. Though he was not sure if the Numel would be willing to lie for him, considering they had only met a few weeks ago by now. Still, it was better than nothing.

Reef’s focus snaps back to attention as he watches Sharp duck into a bar. His ears stand at attention as he practically leaps out of his hiding spot and proceeds to follow the older Pokémon inside. Making sure that his hood was still up and keeping his head low to hide his identity. As Reef pushed his way past the venue’s doors, he was greeted with a nearly overwhelming amount of noise. Pokémon cheering and chattering all across the floor as they sat around drinking. Yes, this was a familiar scene indeed. He remembered watching his crew, his family, gathered around in the gally almost like this bar. Talking and sharing in good times together. A lot of them would go easy on the alcohol once he showed up, and even would invite him to join in their festivities. A small smile came to his face at the nostalgic memory flooding his mind.

“Oi, out of the way kid.” One large an particularly mean looking Pokémon shoved their way past Reef, which snapped him back to reality. Right, he was not here to reminisce. Stepping away from the door, Reef scans the entire bar until he spots Sharp. Though the sight before him was very curious indeed. So much so that the young Riolu had to squint his eyes to make sure he was seeing it properly. The pirate captain had sat himself down in a ‘quieter’ table, one that only had a single other patron at it. It was a female Grovyle, who’s pale green figure was unlike what he had seen before. A neon pink scarf was wrapped loosely around her neck, the accessory further accented by the gold bracelets she wore around her wrists, as well as the large teardrop earrings attached to the side of her head. The makeup she wore that put emphasis onto her eyelashes drew attention to her light pink eyes that almost seemed to look straight past you.

To Reef, the lady’s way of dress reminded him of Umbra, his old crewmate, who had a similar taste in fashion. Though Her’s was much more ‘transparent’ and exotic. The boy moves past everyone in the bar and makes sure to keep himself just out of sight of Sharp and this new strange Grovyle. Sitting himself at a table that was close enough for him to see the two, yet too far to hear anything between them.

He saw Sharp hand her some Poke and proceeded to hold her hand. That caught him off guard. Was… Sharp seeking comfort? That was surprising. Perhaps the stresses he experiences throughout his day was much heavier than the young pup had expected. He wished he was closer so he could properly eavesdrop on them. And it was far too crowded for him to get a read on either of their Auras either. Damn it, why was he still a Riolu? This would be so much easier if he was a Lucario. Reef silently curses under his breath as he continues to simply be content in just watching. He tries his best to read their lips, yet it was a vain attempt. He never even practiced such a skill to begin with, yet he wanted to try and at least find out something. The night carries on, and before too long, they let go of each other’s hands. Sharp places his hat back on and Reef watches as the captain walks out of the bar, likely returning to his ship for the evening. Leaving the Grovyle all by herself.

Reef’s gaze goes towards the tabletop he had sat himself at, contemplation spreading across his face as he tries to reason what he should do next. His crimson eyes then return to the Grass-Type, who was counting the coins that Sharp had left for her. She had to know something. She just had to. They literally talked into the dead of night; he watched it happen right in front of him. She was his one lead now, and the determined boy was not going to let her escape.

Standing up from his table, the pup slowly walks over towards the mysterious Grovyle lady. It did not take long for her pink eyes to land onto him as he approached. A claming smile spreading across her face, as if to greet him.

“Well, this is certainly a surprise…” her voice was rather soothing. She looks the pup from hood to toe as her smile spreads further. “To be visited by someone so young, and at this hour as well. Do your parents know you’re out this late?”

“I’m not a kid…” Reef’s quietly defiant tone was juxtaposed by him averting his gaze from the lady, as if she had called him out point-blank. Her grin lessens, almost turning focused and serious. “The veil of delusion ill suits someone who can peer into the true feelings of an individual’s soul such as yourself…” She leans forward, that smile slowly returning. “So, tell me young Aura Bender, what brings you my way this evening?”

Her eyes almost seemed to look right past his hood, and directly into his own. She was giving him her full attention. Somehow, Reef felt as though this mysterious Grovyle knew what he was here for. Did she catch him spying on her and Sharp just a moment ago? There was no way. Sharp would have called him out for sure. He balls his fists up in concern, biting his lip for a moment. If she did know what he was here for, and she didn’t say anything to Sharp then… Perhaps he was safe? His eyes go towards the money she was counting not but a moment ago, and some gears begin to turn in the pup’s head. Taking a deep breath, he reaches up past his cloak and lowers his hood. So that the curious Grass-Type could see his face clearly.

“I’m here to talk to you…” Reef states rather vaguely, taking the seat just opposite from her. The very same seat where his ‘Uncle Sharp’ was not that long ago. “We can talk about many things, young one. Anything in particular?” The boy’s eyes go to the table’s surface, and he takes another deep breath.

“Captain Sharp.” He states firmly, feeling a small lump in his throat. “I want to know what you two were talking about just now.” The Grovyle slowly nods in understanding.

“And who is the dear captain to you, may I ask?” Reef’s eyes once again cast downward. The question was simple, yet he felt as though he had no real good answer. Perhaps a more honest one would work. “He’s someone important to me…” He almost hesitated to say that, and it seemed as though the lady had picked up on that.

“How important?” She inquires.

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out…” His ears fold downward. The very real possibility of Sharp not thinking much of him at all was screaming to the forefront of his mind. He was starting to doubt ever going on this mission at all. Suddenly, he felt a warm hand on his own. The Grovyle had reached over and started to caress his hand in comfort.

“My, there is such turmoil in your eyes…” She sighs. Clearly, she had seen this far too many times. “Peace, young one. They are just thoughts. Do not let them rule you.” It was strange. Almost as if at the mere utterance of her words, Reef slowly felt his mind clearing. Just that simple direction, and it was like he could think more clearly now. He focuses on that calming sensation, and steady’s his breathing. Until finally, those thoughts had subsided. He blinks a few times, and returns his gaze back towards the Grovyle woman, she gently lets go of his hand.

“Thank you, miss…” She offers the boy a small smile. “Jewel. And you…?” The Fighting-Type hesitates, yet only for a moment before he responds.

“Reef.” He could not help but smile back to her in turn. Jewel chuckles. “Reef. Such a beautiful name…” She leans inward, looking deep into his eyes with her own. “Such beautiful red eyes too. The colour of blood… Yet also the colour of passion and love. Almost like his, yet unclouded by the burden of time.”

Upon hearing that, Reef knew she was referring to Sharp. And with that, he was reminded of his mission. The pup looks down towards the coin pouch tied to his sash, and he reaches down. Pulling out a handful of coins.

“Please, Miss Jewel…” His voice was soft, almost pleading as he places the coins neatly stacked together onto the table. Just in front of the Grovyle. Her eyes seemed to light up a little at the familiar glint and sound of the metal hitting the tabletop.

“I need to know about him… About Captain Sharp.” He looks up to her. In just a few simple words, and with a gesture of coin, Reef effectively bared his heart to this strange woman. She could easily take him for a ride and lie to his face right now. Showing this sort of vulnerability would have gotten him killed under any other circumstance. But he felt that, at least with the assurance of money, he was safe.

The Grovyle counts the coins he had offered her, allowing them to flow from her fingers and back into a stack onto the table. She clearly seemed to love the sound. Her pink eyes then slowly move back towards the boy before her, who had revealed not only his face, yet name and intention.

A subtle look of contemplation caresser her feminine features, before a small smile finds its way onto her maw.

TO BE CONTINUED