Almost A Man
Jul 23, 2020 2:35:16 GMT
Post by faize on Jul 23, 2020 2:35:16 GMT
Almost a Man
Summary: It staggered on its new legs, still partly unfinished much like the rest of it that was still reforming flesh. The being looked about, bewildered by its surroundings.
Warnings: Psychological Horror, Transformation, Blood, Body Horror
Also on AO3: AO3 Link
Chapter One
The enclosure was impressive. No, it was more than that. It was amazing, a feat of technology and determination and he expected no less from the way the Foundation spoke of it."You've done a great job here cousin!"
"Oh it wasn't all me. I could have never achieved this without my faithful employees." Lusamine said, gesturing regally toward two Aether Foundation members working with a recovering Starmie. The enclosures were lush, a pleasing fusion of nature and technology working together to improve injured Pokemon's lives.
Kukui chuckled, somewhat off-put by her cold attitude but not willing to let it bother him.
The next enclosure they walked past was filled with beds of colorful flowers and a rainbow of moss clung to the ground and trees. The perfect habitat for the recovering Oddish and Lurantis that were currently being treated there. He smiled widely thinking back to when he was testing and recording the move power of Vine Whip. Kukui could remember the feeling of the welts on his skin as if they were still fresh.
"So, you said you'd discovered something interesting?" Kukui asked.
"Yes, one of our research teams found a most interesting compound, drawn from a rather...strange Pokemon. After the tour here, I'd love to show you some of our findings. But first-"
Commotion was heard as chaos erupted from the entrance on the left. A gang of Team Skull kids ran in, chased by some of the Aether Foundation security staff. The foremost kid wasn't looking where he was going and so slammed straight into Kukui with a solid thud.
Kukui's mind reeled as he lay in six-inch deep water. That kid had a mean tackle, considering how scrawny he looked. The kid looked back at Kukui, leering down at him. He looked ready to join Kukui in the pool and fight it out. Kid had Moxie. Kukui smiled and sprung to his feet, assuming a placid posture.
"Hey cousin you think you could give me a second to get back up there? I don't want to disturb the recovery of these poor Pokemon, you see?"
A stunned look flashed over the kids face for a second before setting into a cocky grimace.
He then jumped down, keen and swift. Not even going for his Pokemon; a curious move. What other moves did he have?
"I'm not looking for a fight so let's both climb out, yeah?"
The kid wasn't going for it and immediately swung in with a left hook. It was telegraphed from a meter away so there was no way Kukui wasn't going to dodge it, but it was a disappointing start. One miss, two misses, if this was baseball he'd have struck out by now his aim was so poor.
Now, to be fair Kukui hadn't tested taking moves from multiple angles yet, so it was a total surprise when something struck him behind the head while he was so focused on what was in front of him. He didn't have much time to reflect, only exclaiming in confusion before falling back into the water.
---
Kukui awoke to white. There was a soft beeping and the hovering of one of the Aether medical staff in what he now realized was the medical wing of the facility.
"Oh you're awake! That's good, our apologies for the little incident earlier. Thankfully you don't have a concussion! In a bit I can release you and you can be on your way okay?"
"Yeah...Thanks." Kukui responded groggily. No concussion huh? He still felt like he was hit by a Takedown. Looking at his arm he noticed a small ball of cloth covered with a band-aid. An injection of some kind? Aether was known to employ some unusual healing practices, it wouldn't surprise him. It's probably nothing.
The rest of the day went well enough, other than than being knocked out. He couldn't help but notice the band-aid again and the stinging sensation beneath. Oh right! He didn't even get to see what Lusamine wanted him to see; she wasn't there when he tried to find her. That sucks. Kukui left, with little new knowledge and aching head that lead him only to wonder why Lusamine had brought him there only to disappear.
---
Several days later Kukui came down with what he guessed was a mild cold. However the symptom of lethargy did not fade with the virus's absence continuing for a number of weeks afterward. Lillie did her best to help Kukui find some answer to the beguiling illness that plagued him, but to little result. If he were a lesser man he might suspect some foul play at hand but as it was Kukui tried to forge ahead in spite of this limitation. He was considering contacting a doctor from Uli'Uli Island but was interrupted by his wife Burnett calling and informing him that she would be visiting soon. Elated at the prospect, Kukui pushed aside his personal concerns and instead thought of all the things he could do with his wife while she was visiting.
The day before Burnett's visit Kukui felt especially unwell, the cold deciding to come back with a vengeance and ravage his stomach, preventing him from sustaining what little energy he had. Dry heaving over the toilet he wondered if taking on so many Pokemon moves was the cause of his poor constitution as of late.
The next day went off with few setbacks, although Kukui did have to explain away his tired posture and slow responses to his wife. Burnett in response prepared some wonderful tea for him and though it did little more than taste good he greatly appreciated her gesture. Kukui thought the world of Burnett and held no qualms with expressing so openly and with great enthusiasm. Lillie was happily reading a book and most definitely not spying on the two of them with a little smile on her face as Kukui and Burnett went about their day.
Little incidents cropped up within the next few days. Kukui blacked out when they went hiking the next day, although he recovered within a few seconds. A horrible churning sensation in his stomach plagued him for an entire night, to which he foisted the blame upon some sensitivity to the new dish he and Burnett had tried. What Kukui could not explain was the dull pin-like tingling in his muscles that had developed in the past three days. Still he postponed seeing a new doctor until Burnett left tomorrow. There was still so much he wanted to with his wife while she was still here. Besides...given Burnett's long research stints Kukui had no idea when he'd be able to hold her again.
Kukui's strength persevered throughout the day well enough for him to focus on enjoying his time with Burnett. As night rose so too did his strength fade and Kukui soon found himself woefully bedridden. His insides were ice cold and no amount of blankets seemed to stop the incessant chill. When Kukui was conscious his vision smeared like reflections across ice. In dreams he felt himself stumble through his house, near sightless and with even less balance. Dully he felt the cold, steely metal of the door handle as he closed the door behind him. Dazed by the sensation Kukui stumbled a few steps before hitting the dirt. The stinging in his limbs grew stronger leaving him paralyzed on the ground, still unaware that this was not a dream. Breathing became more difficult as the stinging pain increased, now requiring him to take swift, jagged breaths to take in air. In a few minutes the stinging sensation overwhelmed all of his senses, pressing in on all sides like a vise.
Some primal part of Kukui's mind started to fear, and he shook terribly under its power. Above the waves of pain and horror that threw him about like a wayward log upon the sea. Kukui heard the distant voice of his wife piercing through him.
He tried to call out but found he could not.
He tried to move but he could not.
Powerless, that's what he was. This enigmatic illness held him under, suffocating him.
Power. He needed POWER.
Like a catalyst Kukui felt strength surge through his limbs, burning away restraint.
But it was wrong.
It burned through the pain and the terror into terrible reality. Kukui now knew that this was neither a dream nor a nightmare but something far worse. Something unnatural and he could do nothing to stop it. The worst part was knowing Burnett was nearby, hearing him cry out in pain as she lost the man she loved to something unknown.
It staggered on its new legs, still partly unfinished much like the rest of it that was still reforming flesh. Tatters of its clothing remained wreathed around the creature's waist and chest, relics of humanity now unwillingly shed. The being looked about, bewildered by its surroundings. It moved cautiously, not quite trusting its fresh legs to support its large, bulky frame.
Burnett meanwhile was both horrified and curious. A part of her hoped that her husband remained somewhere within this thing that Kukui had become. Beyond all reason Burnett reached out for him, tears in her eyes. It looked back, a hundred facets reflecting her face back onto her. Its antennae quivered for a few moments.
Then as if stung the antennae lay flat, the creature reeling. Some horror made itself real to the creature, the horror he saw reflected in his wife's eyes, which Kukui now recognized was himself.
Kukui fled, clumsily running upon his new legs, keeping upright only through sheer strength. His speed was incredible and already he was beyond Burnett's range of vision. Burnett fell to her knees, confused and afraid.
All he could think of was the horror in his wife's eyes, haunting him. Kukui ran. His legs carried him past field and bridge, everything a blurry multi-imaged haze before him. Instinct drove Kukui to take a sharp right, towards the Island Trial area. Shelter there. He burst through the barring gates like they were tissue, splinters and dust trailing him like a wake of disaster. Inside he paused for a moment, leaning his large frame against the cavern wall. It terrified Kukui to think what he could have done to his wife...his antennae vibrated with fear and fury. If he could breath normally Kukui would have been breathing hard through his mouth but as it was he had to content himself with wringing his large hands.
What was he going to do?
What could he do?
Kukui knew not whether it was a mercy or a curse that he retained his mind. There had to be some way to make the best of this situation. For now though he knew where he had to go. Somewhere he could hide away until he became used to this alien body. Kukui remembered a secluded island of the coast of Poni, populated by Eggsecutors and not often frequented by travelers. And thus he did fly, hoping to adjust if not overcome this new condition...
Chapter Two
The island, both distant and secluded from Kukui's home island was the perfect place to hide, thought Kukui. Somewhere he could be alone away from people while he sorted through this predicament of his. The Eggsecutors shied away as he approached, bowing their heads in a mix of curiosity and fear. This was their island, no other Pokemon lived here! But what lay before them was no Pokemon at all, but an amalgamation. Part man, part inter-planar creature spawned from the machinations of the Aether President Lusamine. The Eggsecutors didn't know that and neither did Kukui however so the horror continued. Though admittedly this existence wasn't yet horrid, just jarring and different.
Something was...wrong with his eyes. For the life of him he couldn't focus on anything. No matter how hard Kukui tried he saw everything and thus he saw nothing of any importance. He'd claimed a spot on the island already in a small cave alcove beneath the high point of the island. It faced away from the major islands, away from that which he left behind and like he, faced toward some unknown future.
The massive creature once known as Kukui was bored. After spending several intensive days categorizing every strange new thing about himself he was still at a loss about what to do next. It was all so much! This would be so much easier if Burnett were here...but no! I...I can't, he thought, I can't force her to deal with me. Oh dear...She's worrying right now I know it. Kukui bore his large hands against his eyes, wishing he could close them.
Burnett was pissed. Burnett was mad as hell, speeding towards the place where she knew deep in her heart, her husband was. Someone did this to her sweet Kukui and as soon as she found them they would pay. But more than that Burnett was angry that Kukui thought he could hurt her. Idiot! As if he could ever; as if she would Ever let him. The boat could only go so fast so she found herself mixed between fuming and worried. More than anything, she hoped Kukui wasn't hurt. Not long now...very soon she hoped...they would be able to sort this out together.
A few day's ago Kukui had found a journal discarded in one of the inner crevices of the cave he currently resided, most likely left behind by a trainer camping there after an eventful day. He'd snapped the few pencils that were left with it and that dream of recording his experience on paper thus went unfulfilled...at least outside of his mind.
Day One of the Mental Journal of Kukui (Given that I can't write):
Just snapped the pencil I found with some Trainer's discarded goods. There's so much I want to record for future knowledge or...research. Kukui shuddered. Come on Kukui shake it off! You've been using yourself as a test subject for years don't back out now! Not sure how much use writing things down would even be given I can't focus on anything. Note: Compound Eyes are not as cool as I thought they would be. Second major issue is my mouth, or rather what replaced it. This needle-like thing, which I assume is a proboscis is extremely hard and inflexible. It pierced straight through the berry I was holding the first time I tried eating here. Also, the pads on my hands seem to be quite tough as well...Thankfully I did figure out how to eat despite this roadblock, though I wouldn't exactly use the tactic in good company. Speaking of crushing things I know what I need to focus on. My overwhelming strength! End of Mental Journal.
Kukui had been testing his strength for the rest of the day and it seemed that on the Island at least there was nothing he could not pulverize. He could hold things but gauging the difference between slightly pressing into something and turning it to powder. There had to be something hard enough to resist his strength...
After the sixth day Kukui resolved that there was not in fact, something hard enough to resist his strength on the island. He needed a different approach. An approach that would involve collecting a hundred small rocks. The logic led that if he could keep remember a frame of reference by which he could hold the rock, then with enough attempts he could emulate the memory of how he'd held things without crushing them while he was human. Indeed, Kukui had a frame of reference that wouldn't crush the rock...he just needed to remember it.
Day Eight of the Mental Journal of Kukui (A Breakthrough!):
I finally got it! It took two days and nights but I finally didn't crush the rock completely! It was so simple too it's funny. I...I really miss her. This is major progress. Now to test subjects that aren't solid rock...End of Mental Journal.
Today's fruit was alright, but it was still missing something. No matter what Kukui ate or how much it didn't feel quite right, Kukui thought, and he didn't know why. There was no explanation for it. He wasn't hungry true, but he wasn't...satisfied either. The thought plagued him as he ran his hand through the seawater, rinsing off the remnants of the berries he'd crushed. His legs tamped against the ground resolutely as he returned to his temporary home to reflect on his unusual state. He needed to focus on managing his strength, not worry about what he was eating.
It had taken nine days but Burnett had finally made it to the that hoped for place and being at sea had worn her worry down to a fine point. Anything could have happened by now; Kukui could be seriously hurt and the thought burned in Burnett's mind as she set the anchor and swiftly set to place feet on solid ground. She set upon the island with a tense and determined stare in her eyes, intending to find her Kukui.
The island, both distant and secluded from Kukui's home island was the perfect place to hide, thought Kukui. Somewhere he could be alone away from people while he sorted through this predicament of his. The Eggsecutors shied away as he approached, bowing their heads in a mix of curiosity and fear. This was their island, no other Pokemon lived here! But what lay before them was no Pokemon at all, but an amalgamation. Part man, part inter-planar creature spawned from the machinations of the Aether President Lusamine. The Eggsecutors didn't know that and neither did Kukui however so the horror continued. Though admittedly this existence wasn't yet horrid, just jarring and different.
Something was...wrong with his eyes. For the life of him he couldn't focus on anything. No matter how hard Kukui tried he saw everything and thus he saw nothing of any importance. He'd claimed a spot on the island already in a small cave alcove beneath the high point of the island. It faced away from the major islands, away from that which he left behind and like he, faced toward some unknown future.
---
The massive creature once known as Kukui was bored. After spending several intensive days categorizing every strange new thing about himself he was still at a loss about what to do next. It was all so much! This would be so much easier if Burnett were here...but no! I...I can't, he thought, I can't force her to deal with me. Oh dear...She's worrying right now I know it. Kukui bore his large hands against his eyes, wishing he could close them.
---
Burnett was pissed. Burnett was mad as hell, speeding towards the place where she knew deep in her heart, her husband was. Someone did this to her sweet Kukui and as soon as she found them they would pay. But more than that Burnett was angry that Kukui thought he could hurt her. Idiot! As if he could ever; as if she would Ever let him. The boat could only go so fast so she found herself mixed between fuming and worried. More than anything, she hoped Kukui wasn't hurt. Not long now...very soon she hoped...they would be able to sort this out together.
---
A few day's ago Kukui had found a journal discarded in one of the inner crevices of the cave he currently resided, most likely left behind by a trainer camping there after an eventful day. He'd snapped the few pencils that were left with it and that dream of recording his experience on paper thus went unfulfilled...at least outside of his mind.
---
Day One of the Mental Journal of Kukui (Given that I can't write):
Just snapped the pencil I found with some Trainer's discarded goods. There's so much I want to record for future knowledge or...research. Kukui shuddered. Come on Kukui shake it off! You've been using yourself as a test subject for years don't back out now! Not sure how much use writing things down would even be given I can't focus on anything. Note: Compound Eyes are not as cool as I thought they would be. Second major issue is my mouth, or rather what replaced it. This needle-like thing, which I assume is a proboscis is extremely hard and inflexible. It pierced straight through the berry I was holding the first time I tried eating here. Also, the pads on my hands seem to be quite tough as well...Thankfully I did figure out how to eat despite this roadblock, though I wouldn't exactly use the tactic in good company. Speaking of crushing things I know what I need to focus on. My overwhelming strength! End of Mental Journal.
Kukui had been testing his strength for the rest of the day and it seemed that on the Island at least there was nothing he could not pulverize. He could hold things but gauging the difference between slightly pressing into something and turning it to powder. There had to be something hard enough to resist his strength...
After the sixth day Kukui resolved that there was not in fact, something hard enough to resist his strength on the island. He needed a different approach. An approach that would involve collecting a hundred small rocks. The logic led that if he could keep remember a frame of reference by which he could hold the rock, then with enough attempts he could emulate the memory of how he'd held things without crushing them while he was human. Indeed, Kukui had a frame of reference that wouldn't crush the rock...he just needed to remember it.
Day Eight of the Mental Journal of Kukui (A Breakthrough!):
I finally got it! It took two days and nights but I finally didn't crush the rock completely! It was so simple too it's funny. I...I really miss her. This is major progress. Now to test subjects that aren't solid rock...End of Mental Journal.
---
Today's fruit was alright, but it was still missing something. No matter what Kukui ate or how much it didn't feel quite right, Kukui thought, and he didn't know why. There was no explanation for it. He wasn't hungry true, but he wasn't...satisfied either. The thought plagued him as he ran his hand through the seawater, rinsing off the remnants of the berries he'd crushed. His legs tamped against the ground resolutely as he returned to his temporary home to reflect on his unusual state. He needed to focus on managing his strength, not worry about what he was eating.
---
It had taken nine days but Burnett had finally made it to the that hoped for place and being at sea had worn her worry down to a fine point. Anything could have happened by now; Kukui could be seriously hurt and the thought burned in Burnett's mind as she set the anchor and swiftly set to place feet on solid ground. She set upon the island with a tense and determined stare in her eyes, intending to find her Kukui.
Chapter Three
The sound of an anchor dropping was the first sign of trouble.
Not that Kukui knew given his secluded spot deep within the caves beneath the island. Just a precaution he repeated to himself, a precaution in order to focus his mastery upon his body. It was necessary.
It was lonely.
His antennae wavered with tension and Kukui sought to refocus himself by going to get something to eat. The air carried a different taste here, muted and stale. The light of the sun reminded him of all that he was and it was no less impactful than the first time, still unsettling. Plodding up a grassy hill on the southwest of the island an Eggsecute skittered by with giggling tones. A Crabrawler guarded the trees, its regular post since he arrived here. However, at Kukui's presence it skittered back and seemed to bow, a dry berry held in its grasp. He didn’t recall any conflict to give this creature such a notion but still it continued on portraying Kukui as their better. He took it graciously and crushed it in his hand, swallowing it greedily before holding his hand out for another. It was an agreement between them perhaps, that one would return the favor when time came for the necessity. It was not enough. Kukui left the Crabrawler after the fifth berry, his annoyance and the dry taste in the air pushing out the worries and woes of the dark. Then Kukui then noticed something odd and angular over the hill.
Moving in closer a sense of dread flooded him. She couldn't be here! He wasn't ready, oh dear sweet Burnet! Wings fluttered as Kukui considered his options. All the other possible locations he'd considered were too frequented by people or Pokemon not to mention the Tapus certainly would not appreciate him in their territory. He flew back to his alcove, flitting about looking for the materials for the alternative option.
The plan was simple: Block off the entrance, eat at night and wait for Burnet to go away or for him to perfect his control. He hauled a man-sized rock from the depths of the cave, it's weight insignificant in this body. Kukui had it ten steps from the entrance when he heard her. He dropped the rock as Burnet stood at the entrance to the cave, her eyes shimmering.
"Kukui..." she murmured.
He stood stock still as she approached, hesitant about this unexpected encounter. A hand pressed against his chest, warm and flush with blood.
Antennae tilted to the side, the pull to hold Burnet grew stronger with each beat.
No. No, I can't be sure...
Arms slacked back to his side in resignation. Burnet smiled then, assured of something Kukui couldn't fathom.
"Come with me." Burnet spoke, her smile soft.
Antennae waggled back and forth as Kukui swung between fear and hope. He'd run from her at first out of fear, though as of yet his greatest fears had not been confirmed. Something nagged at him that it wasn’t enough time. His chest throbbed, matching the pulse of Burnet's hand and he continued to deliberate.
"Unova is quiet now and I'm sure can find some space for you," Burnet explained. "Besides..It seems awful lonely here, don't you think?"
Kukui stepped away from Burnet, having made up his mind. He held out his hand in gesture for Burnet to lead the way. Instead, Burnet placed her hand in his, tugging him toward the entrance. He skittered along, wings fluttering as Kukui spent all of his focus trying not to hold Burnet's hand back.
He waved goodbye to the Crabrawler before they departed and the creature responded, skittering up and bumping his claw gloves together. What was it trying to say? It seemed to want to go with them, but...
"Come on little guy, there's plenty of room aboard," Burnet beckoned, tugging Kukui's arm slightly to jostle him from his thought.
Of course Burnet would think nothing of it. Kukui shook his head trying to shake of his mixed feelings and instead focus on the uncomfortable sloshing sensation he now felt on deck of the boat. It didn't make any sense, he was...he'd never been seasick! For a time he was moderately useless and unresponsive, staring out of the port side while Burnet unmoored and set a course. No mouth, how was he going to throw up, even if he could? Antennae flicked back and forth, windshield wipers of the mind as it sloshed with everything else. At some point he realized he was no longer standing, somewhat crumpled with three of his four legs bent under him. Burnet hovered nearby but nothing made sense beyond the whirlpool of his insides.
"kzzzshhhhhk....skzzzzzzzzzzzzzkkkkkk...kzzzzzzshhhk..."
"Kzzzukkkqiiiiii....Kzzzzukkqqqiiii..."
"Kukuiiii..." It was a voice. Hers, asking his name.
A rumbling came from deep in his chest, a rolling noise unexpected from every quarter.
"Mmmmabushiiii..." Kukui moaned, pain swirling inside. "Mabushiiiii..."
"What...try...say?" Burnet's words sinked in piecemeal.
"MMMnmmmn!" Kukui clutched his head. Say? He wasn't trying to say anything. Hurts too much.
"Let's...below deck, ok?" Burnet said, tugging on his arm. Yes. Yes...below deck.
Kukui rose slowly, legs shaking. A few steps. A few steps more and he teetered, barely balancing on two legs. Burnet saved him somehow, shoving all of her weight into him to keep him from falling. Warm. To be held like that again...He only realized he was below deck as his vision finally stopped rippling and became clearer (or as clear as it could be). It was a lot better here. He looked at Burnet, of whom stood waiting for him to move away from the stairs to step down. Realizing this he stepped slowly away and gave her a thumbs up. Burnet's face perked up instantly and she practically leaped at him, pulling him into a tight hug. Air whistled through his proboscis from the sudden assault and something twisted inside his chest.
"I'm so glad I found you!" Burnet spoke pressed against him, "I was worried..."
"MMMMn." Kukui responded, in part to the warmth of her words but moreso lulled by the heat of her body on his. Nothing to worry about now. Nice and warm. Arms remained at their side while he savored the sensation.
Burnet pulled back, "Now, how about we eat something?" she offered.
"Mm!" Kukui's antennae perked up at the potential of real food and swiftly gave a thumbs up.
The ship galley was much as he had remembered it: small and cramped, now even more so that he was twice his regular size. After finagling his way through the door, he found his way to a chair. Burnet had already put something together: a soup, simmering on the stove with a rich and savory smell. Kukui breathed deeply, anticipating its warmth.
"Enjoy." Burnet said warmly as she placed a bowl before him.
The golden liquid with soft carrots and potatoes awaited him. Kukui's spine tingled as the tip of his proboscis dipped into the bowl. The taste was exquisite and the heat was even better. Drinking deeply, that warmth spread, outwards to his fingers and abdomen in a sweet, lulling embrace. For the moment, he felt something in a way none of the berries on the island could muster. Peace.
Kukui felt so peaceful, in fact, that he felt himself drifting off, for the first time since this all began, into sleep.
An empty bowl tipped and clattered off the table, landing in Burnet's hands. Kukui lay limp at the table in a peaceful sleep, a soft almost song-like whistling sound coming from him. Burnet cleaned up, quiet as can be, and retrieved a blanket from the hold. Gently, she rest it upon his shoulders with a soft gaze before returning above-deck to plot their course.
"Again, sorry for being late but I'll be back by tomorrow."
"Don't worry about it, if anyone deserves some time off it's you! Don't worry I haven't made any messes while you've been gone. I can handle myself, really."
"Well, that is a relief. See you soon." Burnet hung up the Rotomphone, looking at the floor of the deck. How was she going to do this? She furrowed her brow...That. That could work. Looking outward, the setting sun shone across the deck as Crabrawler patrolled the deck diligently to ward off any potential intruders. A few more hours yet until thier arrival in Unova. Kukui still sat, fast asleep. Part of Burnet wondered about the nature of his existence now and the other half scorned the first for thinking to study her husband.
Yet there she stood, watching him sleep. No. No, she shouldn't.
The hold held a pad and pen after some searched; Burnet's curiosity burned. Kukui did look kind of like a Pokemon now, but did that mean that he could experience the Dream Realm as well? No way to test that right now, but a preliminary sketch and cursory data could still be drawn. First the general characteristics, then any differences between the unconcious and concious states.
The body was a duller shade of red; the antennae lay at fourty-five degree angles away from the head, unlike being fully upright when awake. The soft whistling sound persisted, presumably occurring through respiration. Nothing much else of note until she could access some proper equipment and run some tests...
That's enough.
Burnet blushed in shame for giving in so easily. It could be helpful, she rationalized. That didn't mean it was right.
Maybe she should get some rest too, later.
She returned to the helm, a little weaker and thoughtful for her troubles. Helping Kukui was the most important thing right now. She should focus on that.
The coast glimmered in the moonlight as Burnet pulled into the quiet pier, surrounded by nothing but rocky cliffs and the sight of Crustle lumbering across the beach.
Time to get to work.
The sound of an anchor dropping was the first sign of trouble.
Not that Kukui knew given his secluded spot deep within the caves beneath the island. Just a precaution he repeated to himself, a precaution in order to focus his mastery upon his body. It was necessary.
It was lonely.
His antennae wavered with tension and Kukui sought to refocus himself by going to get something to eat. The air carried a different taste here, muted and stale. The light of the sun reminded him of all that he was and it was no less impactful than the first time, still unsettling. Plodding up a grassy hill on the southwest of the island an Eggsecute skittered by with giggling tones. A Crabrawler guarded the trees, its regular post since he arrived here. However, at Kukui's presence it skittered back and seemed to bow, a dry berry held in its grasp. He didn’t recall any conflict to give this creature such a notion but still it continued on portraying Kukui as their better. He took it graciously and crushed it in his hand, swallowing it greedily before holding his hand out for another. It was an agreement between them perhaps, that one would return the favor when time came for the necessity. It was not enough. Kukui left the Crabrawler after the fifth berry, his annoyance and the dry taste in the air pushing out the worries and woes of the dark. Then Kukui then noticed something odd and angular over the hill.
Moving in closer a sense of dread flooded him. She couldn't be here! He wasn't ready, oh dear sweet Burnet! Wings fluttered as Kukui considered his options. All the other possible locations he'd considered were too frequented by people or Pokemon not to mention the Tapus certainly would not appreciate him in their territory. He flew back to his alcove, flitting about looking for the materials for the alternative option.
The plan was simple: Block off the entrance, eat at night and wait for Burnet to go away or for him to perfect his control. He hauled a man-sized rock from the depths of the cave, it's weight insignificant in this body. Kukui had it ten steps from the entrance when he heard her. He dropped the rock as Burnet stood at the entrance to the cave, her eyes shimmering.
"Kukui..." she murmured.
He stood stock still as she approached, hesitant about this unexpected encounter. A hand pressed against his chest, warm and flush with blood.
Antennae tilted to the side, the pull to hold Burnet grew stronger with each beat.
No. No, I can't be sure...
Arms slacked back to his side in resignation. Burnet smiled then, assured of something Kukui couldn't fathom.
"Come with me." Burnet spoke, her smile soft.
Antennae waggled back and forth as Kukui swung between fear and hope. He'd run from her at first out of fear, though as of yet his greatest fears had not been confirmed. Something nagged at him that it wasn’t enough time. His chest throbbed, matching the pulse of Burnet's hand and he continued to deliberate.
"Unova is quiet now and I'm sure can find some space for you," Burnet explained. "Besides..It seems awful lonely here, don't you think?"
Kukui stepped away from Burnet, having made up his mind. He held out his hand in gesture for Burnet to lead the way. Instead, Burnet placed her hand in his, tugging him toward the entrance. He skittered along, wings fluttering as Kukui spent all of his focus trying not to hold Burnet's hand back.
He waved goodbye to the Crabrawler before they departed and the creature responded, skittering up and bumping his claw gloves together. What was it trying to say? It seemed to want to go with them, but...
"Come on little guy, there's plenty of room aboard," Burnet beckoned, tugging Kukui's arm slightly to jostle him from his thought.
Of course Burnet would think nothing of it. Kukui shook his head trying to shake of his mixed feelings and instead focus on the uncomfortable sloshing sensation he now felt on deck of the boat. It didn't make any sense, he was...he'd never been seasick! For a time he was moderately useless and unresponsive, staring out of the port side while Burnet unmoored and set a course. No mouth, how was he going to throw up, even if he could? Antennae flicked back and forth, windshield wipers of the mind as it sloshed with everything else. At some point he realized he was no longer standing, somewhat crumpled with three of his four legs bent under him. Burnet hovered nearby but nothing made sense beyond the whirlpool of his insides.
"kzzzshhhhhk....skzzzzzzzzzzzzzkkkkkk...kzzzzzzshhhk..."
"Kzzzukkkqiiiiii....Kzzzzukkqqqiiii..."
"Kukuiiii..." It was a voice. Hers, asking his name.
A rumbling came from deep in his chest, a rolling noise unexpected from every quarter.
"Mmmmabushiiii..." Kukui moaned, pain swirling inside. "Mabushiiiii..."
"What...try...say?" Burnet's words sinked in piecemeal.
"MMMnmmmn!" Kukui clutched his head. Say? He wasn't trying to say anything. Hurts too much.
"Let's...below deck, ok?" Burnet said, tugging on his arm. Yes. Yes...below deck.
Kukui rose slowly, legs shaking. A few steps. A few steps more and he teetered, barely balancing on two legs. Burnet saved him somehow, shoving all of her weight into him to keep him from falling. Warm. To be held like that again...He only realized he was below deck as his vision finally stopped rippling and became clearer (or as clear as it could be). It was a lot better here. He looked at Burnet, of whom stood waiting for him to move away from the stairs to step down. Realizing this he stepped slowly away and gave her a thumbs up. Burnet's face perked up instantly and she practically leaped at him, pulling him into a tight hug. Air whistled through his proboscis from the sudden assault and something twisted inside his chest.
"I'm so glad I found you!" Burnet spoke pressed against him, "I was worried..."
"MMMMn." Kukui responded, in part to the warmth of her words but moreso lulled by the heat of her body on his. Nothing to worry about now. Nice and warm. Arms remained at their side while he savored the sensation.
Burnet pulled back, "Now, how about we eat something?" she offered.
"Mm!" Kukui's antennae perked up at the potential of real food and swiftly gave a thumbs up.
The ship galley was much as he had remembered it: small and cramped, now even more so that he was twice his regular size. After finagling his way through the door, he found his way to a chair. Burnet had already put something together: a soup, simmering on the stove with a rich and savory smell. Kukui breathed deeply, anticipating its warmth.
"Enjoy." Burnet said warmly as she placed a bowl before him.
The golden liquid with soft carrots and potatoes awaited him. Kukui's spine tingled as the tip of his proboscis dipped into the bowl. The taste was exquisite and the heat was even better. Drinking deeply, that warmth spread, outwards to his fingers and abdomen in a sweet, lulling embrace. For the moment, he felt something in a way none of the berries on the island could muster. Peace.
Kukui felt so peaceful, in fact, that he felt himself drifting off, for the first time since this all began, into sleep.
An empty bowl tipped and clattered off the table, landing in Burnet's hands. Kukui lay limp at the table in a peaceful sleep, a soft almost song-like whistling sound coming from him. Burnet cleaned up, quiet as can be, and retrieved a blanket from the hold. Gently, she rest it upon his shoulders with a soft gaze before returning above-deck to plot their course.
"Again, sorry for being late but I'll be back by tomorrow."
"Don't worry about it, if anyone deserves some time off it's you! Don't worry I haven't made any messes while you've been gone. I can handle myself, really."
"Well, that is a relief. See you soon." Burnet hung up the Rotomphone, looking at the floor of the deck. How was she going to do this? She furrowed her brow...That. That could work. Looking outward, the setting sun shone across the deck as Crabrawler patrolled the deck diligently to ward off any potential intruders. A few more hours yet until thier arrival in Unova. Kukui still sat, fast asleep. Part of Burnet wondered about the nature of his existence now and the other half scorned the first for thinking to study her husband.
Yet there she stood, watching him sleep. No. No, she shouldn't.
The hold held a pad and pen after some searched; Burnet's curiosity burned. Kukui did look kind of like a Pokemon now, but did that mean that he could experience the Dream Realm as well? No way to test that right now, but a preliminary sketch and cursory data could still be drawn. First the general characteristics, then any differences between the unconcious and concious states.
The body was a duller shade of red; the antennae lay at fourty-five degree angles away from the head, unlike being fully upright when awake. The soft whistling sound persisted, presumably occurring through respiration. Nothing much else of note until she could access some proper equipment and run some tests...
That's enough.
Burnet blushed in shame for giving in so easily. It could be helpful, she rationalized. That didn't mean it was right.
Maybe she should get some rest too, later.
She returned to the helm, a little weaker and thoughtful for her troubles. Helping Kukui was the most important thing right now. She should focus on that.
The coast glimmered in the moonlight as Burnet pulled into the quiet pier, surrounded by nothing but rocky cliffs and the sight of Crustle lumbering across the beach.
Time to get to work.
