Lose the village... what a stupid thought. PK was only semi-aware of her path, letting her feet’s memory guide her course out of the city. She continued on her way for perhaps an hour or two (it’s difficult to say how long with much accuracy, as daydreaming often twists time in strange ways). Pokemon traveled between Tao and Alomomola not infrequently, so PK wasn’t surprised to pass some villagers she recognized whenever she happened to look up. Though, she was surprised to hear the sound of a carriage approaching. She didn’t at first realize what it was until the rumbling of hooves got close enough that she looked around to ensure she wouldn’t be trodden upon. That the pair of Zebstrika slowly come to a halt along the dirt path was entirely unsurprising, however. Why? Well, Twigs was in the carriage they drew, so it was of course that they should be destined to stop next to her. It wasn’t very hard to find her, and she knew it wouldn’t be. The path between the ruined village and the bustling city wasn’t really concealed by any extensive brush or surrounded by many trees. It was mostly open plains thinly divided by the worn dirt trail from thousands of feet over time.

PK deliberated. She probably wasn’t going to make it back to Tao for several hours, for her pace had been slow. She knew it would be; she didn’t feel very well and, besides, she had much to consider. Walking alone was always a fantastic way to probe a muddled mind, but it wasn’t very likely to help speed up her gait. Perhaps an hour had been enough, perhaps she’d allow him to take her back home. There was really no good reason not to let him do so at this point. All of her thoughts and walking daydreams had pointed to Twigs being the answer to her many problems. Her doubt about him had started to melt after her strange beachside encounter. If Anana didn’t want them to work out for whatever reason, then well, it was probably something PK was supposed to go for. That had mostly sealed the deal. After working it out in her head during the walk, everything seemed to fall into place.

“So,” she said. “I see you’ve finally caught up.”

“Yes. I finished my meal at my leisure and then left. I presume you’d fancy a ride?” Twigs licked his lips in that particular way any sated feline does after an especially fine and savory meal. “Come, get in.”

She did just that.

=====

Part 16 of "The Dates"

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