The Bed[!] Bug's[!] [bite]!

[Cammy!]

Light sighs that escaped her mouth were a simple reminder to her current condition. Her form was slack, fitting the shape of the Rapidash’s torso and neck with ease. The pokemon that ferried this petite child made no sudden movements in any direction for fear of disturbing her precious cargo. Its legs carried it slowly and lithely, ensuring that it would only be interpreted by Cameron’s dormant mind as floating in whatever oppositie realm she had traveled to. Beside the gentle beast was the omnipresent creature that guided the equine to wherever they happened to be going. The soft flames that caressed Cameron’s slumbering form lit their path as they traveled, warming her skin like a blanket. She pressed her cheek into the side of Cookie’s powerful neck, causing the horse to check back upon her to ensure that her nap had not been disturbed. The Rapidash glanced over to her partner who showed no interest in whatever the child had done. Its eyes were focused ahead, the glowing yellow irises piercing the darkness almost as well as Cookie’s own mane. The ghost looked at her inquisitively, challenging her own glare with one which was twice as fierce. Cookie was forced to look away, which caused Cameron to stir quietly. The beast shot the ghost an angered glance, but her eyes didn’t linger upon him for long. She finally resorted to ignoring him, and focused on the road ahead.

The silence between them hung like a thick curtain, but they still continued to push forward, their bodies brushing every once in a while which caused them both to inch as far away as they could from each other without disturbing the one who they guarded with such ferocity. Multiple times the girl had emerged from her deep sleep only to be pulled under once more as the darkness that struck her eyes caused her to shut them tightly against it, her head throbbing from the rush of dulled color. With another deep sigh though, she was out cold once more, her hands grabbing at Cookie’s thin fur and clenching it within the gaps of her bony fingers. Cookie felt no unease with this new position, and continued to trot forward, her tail flowing majestically behind her in a series of hungry flames.

Hours later, Cam finally summoned enough energy to pick her head up from its rest upon the warmth of Cookie’s neck, and rub out her tired eyes. Puppy eyed her expectantly, while Cookie’s low alto voice broke the silence.

“How was your nap dear? Are you well rested?”

“Cameron feels much better after the nap. Cam is fully awake now!”

The tiny child hugged the Rapidash tightly, her arms resting on either side of the creature’s thick neck. Cookie thrummed with affection, while Puppy merely floated motionless beside them.

“Excellent. Stay on my back though Cammy dear, the ground out here is cold, and will nip your feet.”

Puppy growled, disgusted with Cookie’s instructions. She was too caring towards the child, it made the hostile ghost uneasy very quickly. He watched as the girl stroked Cookie’s neck, shining with the love she felt for it, and in that moment, Puppy wanted nothing more than to expel that love and to still Cookie’s heart. But he stood firm against his wish, and remained as still as he could be. His appendages fluttering behind him like fabric being brushed by the wind’s cool embrace. Cameron looked up at him with happy eyes.

“Did Puppy watch Cameron while she slept?”

“Yes, I did. No monsters came close to you tonight Cameron. Since that is the case, it is time to go play some games.”

“Cameron likes that idea! Can Cookie play these games too?”

The ghost sighed inwardly at her question, but found no reason to not allow the horse to “play” as well.

“Yes, she may play these games if she promises that she will not object.”

Cameron felt Cookie’s muscles all tense simultaneously at the word “object”. Her coal-black eyes were full of worry, but she did not allow it to show in Cameron’s presence. Cookie nodded stiffly, and the Mismagius’s ubiquitous smile grew brighter under the moonlight. Tonight was going to be a night full of fun for the two of them, excluding Cookie. As if knowing this was what Puppy was thinking, the Rapidash threw another suspicious glare at him as he walked, scoping out the land for something that would peak his interest.

So far, both he and his tiny little accomplice were coming up short.