“Young lad, what did you say your name was?” the Breloom spoke up from behind. They weren’t quite moving so briskly that conversing wasn’t an option. They had a ways to go, and pacing was key.

It was an odd question to hear. The Sneasel was silent for a moment, letting the fact that anyone was so interested in him sink in for a moment. “Rhodes, sir.” It seemed appropriate to address the Breloom as such, with the refined way he carried himself!

“Ah. A fine name! If you don’t mind my asking... what is your relation with Slasher?” Shroomsworth had a genuine interest in this. This Sneasel didn’t seem like the type that would knowingly aid in ruining his guild leadership. Surely he must have had some good reason for following Slasher around.

“Oh... um, he calls me a bodyguard! I protect him, and stuff.” Rhodes didn’t even flinch at admitting such a thing, as though it were completely natural. He just kept leading them through the darkness, always checking his surroundings as though he were a skilled pathfinder.

“Bodyguard..?” PK really didn’t understand it. Sure, a young Sneasel wasn’t much different in stature from an old one, but surely Slasher would choose more experienced and worldly Sneasels to accompany him personally. “So you were there to protect him when I... we... ah...”

It was true. The realization hit her that she had socked a juvenile Sneasel unconscious. She didn’t know at the time, and it may not have been avoidable if she wanted to help Shroomsworth. But, still...

“Madam.”

PK perked up out of her train of thought, looking in Shroomsworth’s direction. He was peeking right back at her through his monocle as they walked, and he didn’t look happy.

“I believe the wretched Weavile’s idea of a ‘bodyguard’ is a body to throw in front of himself when things go wrong.” Shroomsworth frowned and shook his head in disappointment. “The fiend uses children as a shield.”

“What?!” PK simply looked disgusted. It made sense, now that she thought about it. How could he do that?!

Rhodes turned his head, attempting to explain away the accusation as well as his younger mind could. “He can’t really help it... lots of us aren’t real old or anything. When someone in the gang gets older, he... um, well, he makes them leave... we don’t see them anymore.”

There was a brief silence. There was a lot of thinking to do after a statement like that, particularly for Shroomsworth.

It was always thought that the Slasher gang was a bunch of Sneasels who just followed their leader because they were petty thugs just like him. No one could have guessed it was like this. It was hard to tell their age without interacting with one of them at length, yet they usually just stuck to the forest and only socialized with each other.

“I’m sorry I hit you.” It was the only thing PK could think of to say. She couldn’t bear the thought of being as bad as him, or anywhere near it. To even consider that she could have no remorse over it. Sure, they were helping him shake down Shroomsworth before, but they didn’t know any better.

Though it was too dark to see well, Shroomsworth smiled wide. It was a heartwarming thing to hear. Though she was often rambunctious and playful and it was part of her overall charm, it was nice to see PK’s caring side. He turned his head forward again with a nod, though it was likely unseen. “Yes, dear boy. We would not have harmed you if we had known.”

“... Thanks...” It was weird. As far back as he could remember, Rhodes had never been apologized to in his life. He could only remember being ‘shown the ropes’ by the boss, and being praised. Slasher outright called him better than the others, because he always listened. He never talked back, and always looked out for his boss like he was told to.

And yet, Slasher struck him. That Dragonite who had never seen him before looked more concerned for him than the Weavile did after they left the castle. It made him confused. Made him feel sick to his stomach. This is what he got after he tried to be the best bodyguard he could be.

A mild sniffle was heard, but the Sneasel didn’t stop, reaching up to grasp his scarf and wipe it over his eyes, drying the forming tears so he could continue to lead the two Merchants through the dark forest. They seemed pretty smart. Maybe they’d know what to do.

Rolling thunder rumbled overhead. The three looked up, but only the Sneasel could make anything out.

“It’s snowing...” It was just barely visible to him through the small gaps within the tree leaves, but it was unmistakable.

Just hearing the mention of snow made PK shiver. It was cold, and the last thing she wanted was to be reminded of that fact. “Ugh... let’s hurry up! I don’t wanna be out here without any Aspear berries...”

=====

Seventh excerpt from 's story Resignation.

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