Maurice Mareep vs. The World(?)

I don’t like caves. I really, really don’t like caves. Or…ruins. If you must be fancy.
Not only did we get lost in there for several days? We got separated, and assaulted by strange, strange floating creatures.

I ran through the caves, trying to get out, trying to find Kitty, trying to hide. But always, they were there. More frightening than zubats. More numerous than them. I know. I didn't think it was possible either. Everywhere. Humming. Chanting. Stalking me at every turn. I tried to fight them, but my attacks simply exhausted me. I was hungry, and haggard, and lost, and lonely. They haunted me, waiting for me to drop and die. Vultures.

What about Kitty?! How could she be handling this? Rose and Naoki were with her, although Rose is less than helpful. Naoki would take good care of her, as he always does, I’m sure.

So I tried to find a little nook or cranny to hide, and there, in front of me - a doorway. I bolted outside, but found myself in a little clearing, with a pond out in front of me. There was a creek, running down the rocks and into the pond.

Oh, bugger.

I just sat myself down. I was distraught. Would I never get out? Would I never escape?

I heard some rocks falling and I looked up. Amongst the rocks covered in moss and vine, beside the small waterfall of the creek, was Akela. The moonlight made him shine, sleek and ready for anything.

Akela is probably the one creature I look up to the most. Sly, foreign - from a place he called Emeraldeyal - he always gave the best advice. He came to be with us as an eevee, voracious and full of energy. Kitty’s night-time wanderings with he and I made him happy - and made him evolve. He was full of wisdom, even when he was unevolved, and told me stories of when he was “back home” with his sister. He loves his sister, clearly, and his many brothers.

He approached me through the moonlight, slinking. “Maurice, m’lad.” He greeted. “You look sad, what’s wrong?”

“Don’t you realise? We’re lost. Where’s Kitty? Do you know?” I was too upset not to be rude by this point.

“Kitty’s fine. She was rescued about a half-hour ago. Come on, lad. Let’s get you out of here.” He came down and licked my head softly, preening at me. He was quite affectionate when he wanted to be.

I followed his glowing, golden rings over the rocks and then - we were out. Out of that place. Free. There was Kitty, wrist bandaged, with Arabella at her side (delicately licking her paw) and Naoki, who was very happy to see us. She ran over to put her arms around me.

“Maurice!” She cried. “I was so frightened! Are you okay?”

Yes, I’m okay, Kitty.

Please.

No more caves.

[TRAINER NOTES: 8333 I MISSEDED YOU MAURICE.]