Fifth Glow [Legendary Seekers Video]

[heartofalioness]

[The camera... doesn't pick up much light at first. Looks like someone is underground, possibly in one of those new, definitely unstable tunnels.]

All right, it's fine, Allura. Just keep going with Water Pulse, keep a map, and you can get out. You have plenty of rations for just such a scenario...

[Chumirra the Azumarill takes a second from Water Pulsing with Tirlan the Quaquaval to give Allura a quick nuzzle. Echolocation can wait, it's important to give Trainer emotional support. Allura gives a soft sigh, but also a smile a a light ruffle between the blue ears.]

We'll be all right. Although I have sharp words for Shiro after this... [Another deep breath.] At least we aren't trapped, just... turned around.

[Aaand then she notices the light on the top of her gear is blinking.]

Is this broadcasting? [She'd tried at the start; maybe they have a good enough signal now.] Hello? Can anyone hear us?

Comments

[tempredmental]

[Thanks, bro. Keith appreciated that bracing grip to keep him upright.]

Maybe...

[But now something that someone had said earlier came back to him.]

Allura, did you say you had an escape rope?

[shiro2hero]

At this point? I wouldn't be surprised if there was an underground tunneling bird with plant roots for feet.

[This world is just weird enough for that.]

[heartofalioness]

There's an image...

[Not a pleasant one, but... he's right, she wouldn't put it past this world to have a Pokemon like that. Still, Keith's question intrigues her.]

Yes, why?

[tempredmental]

[Honestly, Keith wouldn't be surprised, either, Shiro.]

Oh, uh... you said something about it earlier... I've got a couple, too, in case you had needed one.

[Was this Allura's chance to talk Shiro and Keith into using the ropes to get out while she used one of hers? Possibly!!]

[shiro2hero]

... Keith, we're right by the hole entrance. We don't need to use an escape rope.

[BRO why. It's fine, he's fine, everything is fine!!]

[heartofalioness]

[GEE, SHIRO, WE WONDER WHY?!]

I appreciate it, love. And once I find you or you leave yourselves, I'll use mine.

[Because no, she's not leaving until she knows her husband and brother-in-law are going to be safe.]

[tempredmental]

[Said sweetly, but Keith still caught the underlying meaning. He almost pouted a little.]

So, basically, you don't trust us to actually leave.

[shiro2hero]

That's... a low blow.

[Their expressions are almost identical right here.]

[heartofalioness]

No, because all three of us are far too similar when it comes to protecting our loved ones and taking risks. You're more than welcome to prove me wrong, though.

[Hey, at least she acknowledges she's guilty of it too.]

[tempredmental]

[Keith made a frustrated noise in the back of his throat, looking away from Shiro's gear with his arms crossed. He didn't say anything, though, because he knew full well she wasn't wrong.]

[shiro2hero]

... Fine.

All right.

C'mon. Exit's back there.

[heartofalioness]

[A soft sigh of relief and gratitude.]

Good. I am glad you two have stayed safe. I'll be along shortly.

[tempredmental]

[Having pocketed the moss for the Seekers, Keith was grumpy as they started to make their way back to the exit.]

I'll wait for you outside.

[Though, really, with her Escape Rope and his limp, she'd probably get there first...]

[shiro2hero]

[And here comes Shiro right behind, clasping a hand on his shoulder.]

She's just trying to be a good partner.

[Even if he's getting bossed around too.]

[heartofalioness]

[Okay good. Now Allura pulls out the Escape Rope and activates it, and within seconds, she's standing outside the entrance to the tunnel, waiting for the both of them.]

[tempredmental]

[Keith huffed a tiny sigh through his nose and then nodded, the grumpiness softening slightly.]

Yeah, I know.

[He couldn't really blame her. He'd be just as stubborn if the situation was reversed. And he knew she'd be just as stubborn as he was being, too. They were an awful lot alike sometimes.

He was quiet the rest of the climb back out, moving quickly to give her a hug once they were outside.]

You sure you're okay? [Keith quickly looked Allura over, taking a surface level assessment.]

[shiro2hero]

[It's the most uneventful climb out. He's privately a little disappointed - it'd be fun! Battling underground. Maybe. But that's internal monologue Shiro, who doesn't get a say.]

[And he just kind of waves. With his good hand. Once they're out.]

[heartofalioness]

[Allura returns the hug eagerly, nuzzling Keith's cheek a bit before pulling back to look at him.]

I am now. [A very brief peck to the corner of his mouth before she reaches out a hand to Shiro.] And you two are as well?

[tempredmental]

[Keith nodded quickly, though he was likely going to feel this later and need to ice that ankle.]

Yeah, I'm okay.

[He held her hand firmly, trying to mentally bring himself down from that rush of anxiety now that they were reunited.]

[shiro2hero]

Yep. No harm done.

[And hey, mission successful. He found some kind of fancy feather!]

[heartofalioness]

Good.

[A soft sigh... and she tries to keep the Look she throws at both of them soft too.]

If either of you decide to aggravate significant injuries in a non-emergency situation like that again, I will have our heaviest Pokémon sit on you for a week. I know that you were trying to protect us, Keith- which I knew would happen, which is why I didn't want Shiro to go down there- but what the quiznak were YOU thinking, Shiro?

[tempredmental]

[Oof... Lecture time... Keith just lowered his head a bit. He hated being lectured. But then he shifted his gaze towards Shiro when Allura singled him out.

Hm... good point. Just what had he been thinking?]

[shiro2hero]

That I had two good legs, one good arm, and a lot of strong pokemon with me - look. It's fine.

Can we not do this?

[It all ended up all right, they don't need to be so darned concerned.]

[heartofalioness]

[More. Looks. ... But then Allura relents.]

For now. [A soft sigh.] And I will try to be more careful as well.

[tempredmental]

[Keith took a breath and then it out in a small sigh.]

Yeah. I'll try, too.

[He was quiet for a moment, and then reached into his bag and pulled out a PokeBall. When it popped open, the giant Wyrdeer Keith had inherited from Thace came out.]

Either of you want a ride?

[Prex was large enough to carry a second person.]