Chapter Text
Liko felt like she was walking on air. Charcadet trailed along behind her as she walked through Cortondo. Liko had been out shopping for Meowscarada's favorite green tea cakes, since nothing else would please it lately.
But, of course, like it did on any pretty day, it started to rain. Liko tilted her head back in exasperation, as if the clouds would part if she stared long enough. Charcadet huddled close to her.
"I'm so sorry, Charcadet. It must be uncomfortable to stand in the rain like this," Liko frowned, unsure of what to do. The ship was not close enough to make a run for it, but she had come too far to backtrack.
Liko saw many people walking around business-as-usual with umbrellas, among them a tall boy with a striking hairstyle-half black, half white. She caught his eye as he walked toward her, holding an indigo umbrella.
Arceus! What should I do? Should I walk towards him? Why is he coming towards me like that? Should I wave him over?
Liko's monologue was interrupted as the boy held his umbrella over Liko's Charcadet.
Liko jerked backward in surprise. He and Charcadet walked together, through the rain under the umbrella.
The boy turned around and looked at Liko. "Well, are you coming, Miss -"
"Liko," she supplied.
"You are this Charcadet's trainer, did I assume right?"
"Uh- yes?"
The boy smiled a little as he held out the umbrella to her. "Let's walk together."
--
Liko walked awkwardly beside him, unsure of what to do or say. She shivered, her soaking clothes clinging to her skin. The boy with the umbrella noticed, and he draped his black sweatshirt over her shoulders.
"Thank you," she said, feeling awkward as hell but extremely grateful for him.
"You should always carry an umbrella for your Charcadet," he said, looking straight ahead. "The dampness could cause its armor-like skin to rust or corrode."
"Good to know," Liko replied. "Although I wish I had known earlier."
"It's a mental thing too," Amethio added. "A wet Charcadet's firey spirit could become anxious and depressed."
He quickly apologized for oversharing. "Sorry, I just love Charcadet a lot."
"No worries, I appreciate it. How do you know so much about Charcadet?" Liko asked, looking up at him.
"I have a Ceruledge of my own," he replied.
"What's your name?" Liko asked again, suddenly feeling curious.
"Amethio."
Liko smiled. "Thank you so much, Amethio. For everything."