Finally, Audax got to the point where he was ready to chant the
runes, and he did so. He remembered seeing magic users casting
spells just by saying the name, or by saying nothing at all, and
wondered if that was an advanced technique. Audax had to focus...
he cleared his mind again and continued the chant. A small, black
orb began to form, as expected. It began getting a little bigger,
before soaring forward, and hitting the nearest target, a tree.
Remembering to check the timer, Audax hurried over to the stop
watch to see how long it had taken...
"True, true," Fortem nodded. "How do you get to Rioverde?" Fortem
asked. "I haven't really learned much about the place, but it
sounds really cool and tropical... like a berry smoothie," He
couldn't help but add, smiling.
Emerald couldn't help but laugh. "Right of course! They also offer
peeps to go up and dance and perform on stage! They pick peeps out
at random!" He then took note of Fortem's question. "Oh we fly
there!"
Audax checked the stop watch. About an hour and a half... not bad,
that was faster than the other times! If he had to use this spell
quickly though, he'd need to get much faster... He sat down, and
began to try again, meditating.
"Now? Hmm... I talked with Dainn earlier about canceling a little
bit of my training... so yeah, I should be free." A matching grin
spread across Fortem's face. "Sure, lets go then!" The good rest
had made him feel more bold and open today.
Fortem got up off the bubble to avoid the tickling. "Let's head
back down to the entrance!" He carefully did as he said, and looked
around to see if Hiro was anywhere near.
Audax decided that he'd done enough practice for now... maybe he'd
go and get something to eat, or maybe he'd explore a little bit? He
didn't know... he was always indecisive. Heading to the Anthian
District would give him lots of options, so he packed up, and
dragged his back and tome out to the shops.
There wasn't anyone at the entrance but...
"Waaaah!" Emerald suddenly fell down threw the floor through
something...Fortem would follow suit if he stepped one step
further.
The shops were starting to open, it wasn't too busy at this time of
day
Fortem stiffened, good reflexed saving the day. "Emerald?" He gazed
down at the floor, where Emerald should be. "Are you ok?" There was
concern in his voice.
Audax kept to the side, staying out of everyone's way as he debated
what to do. He wasn't really hungry at the moment... After longer
than it needed to be, he began exploring the shops and streets that
weren't as busy, or ones that he found intriguing, all while having
as little interactions with others as he could have reasonably.
An audible sigh of relief escaped Fortem's mouth. "What happened?"
He asked, laughing a little bit as he caught Emerald's one.
Audax poked his head into the general store. Most of the other
times, it was bustling, and he wasn't going to let this chance go
by to see what it was like now.
After a momen't hesitation, Fortem leaped down, but not before
calling out a warning to Emerald. He shut his eyes, not liking the
falling sensation...
"...hello..." His shy voice could scarcely be heard, even with the
store not being busy. Audax knew he should give a polite greeting,
but no one really ever said how loud he had to greet. He looked
around at the shelves, diverting his eyes away from other pokemon.
He scanned, looking to see if there were any books.
"A bubble?" Fortem asked, opening his eyes to look for Emerald.
"Ah what can I get you?" Sophia asked warmly as she looked at
Audax
Indeed it was. Hiro's winking face was on the bubble. In other side
of the room, Hiro was doubled over laughing. Probably from Emerald
falling into his prank.
"I'm looking for the books..." Audax found himself saying. "sorry
if I'm being awkward..." He mumbled, even softer than his original
hello. Yep, he was probably being awkward, as per usual. He blushed
lightly.
A knowing look passed over Fortem's face as it quickly faded into
one of laughter. "Another prank? You're getting even better at
these!" He chuckled, as he looked fondly at his friends, recalling
the huge bubble that Hiro had made when they'd gotten back to
Luminia.
"Thank you!" Audax let out a sigh of relief as he found the books.
He gave a small, friendly nod to Sophia, not very noticable, much
like his other actions. Now, what could he find that was
interesting here? He browsed the wares.
"No arguing with that," Fortem chimed in with a nod of agreement.
"Oh! Hiro! Emerald and I were going to check out Rioverde... are
you free, or is the emporium going to be busy today?"