#( kid and teen rika didn't fancy the idea much. so stuck to eating berries )

[tierra-paldeana]

Flashback

Send ‘Flashback’ to see one of my muse’s old memories

☠🌏– A couple years had passed since Rika had joined the pond. She had successfully become part of her adoptive father's army, and was now a sentry and defender through and through. Although her hunting skills could use some work...

A group of Wooper sat near a big rock, talking and going about their day, while Rika hid behind it. She peeked out when they had their backs to her, staying low to the ground, eyes peeled before...

''Grrrnah!''

She pounced on one of them, being very careful not to squash her, while the other three jumped in surprise, only for all of them to laugh when they saw it was just Rika practising her pouncing.

Hahahaha! Rikaa, you scared mee!

''Nahah, sorry bud. Y'know why I do this. Papá says this helps ya guys stay alert. Don't want any of those Round-beaks or Three-claws sneakin' up on ya.''

And it helps you with your hunting, too.

Everyone raised their heads when Papá approached. Rika gently lowered the pup back on the muddy ground, petting her head. With her free hand she scratched the back of her own in thought.

''Aah, papá... Y'know I don't eat others...''

Hunting is much more than just eating, dear. The skill involved can be used for other things as well... Even if it makes me a little sad you won't eat morsels with us.

He nuzzled her arms, prompting her to lean on him in a hug.

I've always wondered... why so?

Rika rubbed her cheek and part of her face on his head, her trademark pout showing.

''I dunno, it just feels... weird. Like I'm not supposed to do it like that, yknow? N' I'm not very sure if I would like what you guys eat either... Not to mention you can just gobble 'em up whole, n' I can't do that!''

Mm... I understand. But you've seen how other Pokémon do it, right?

''Yeah, and...''

She could tolerate seeing blood and guts. But doing that herself? The thought made her equal parts queasy and conflicted. And Papá could see that on her face.

...It's okay, dear. I hope I'm not pressuring you. You're always welcome to eat anything you like with us. Just remember, your hunting training isn't only to prepare you for the day you... might do it. It's also helping you with your sentry and defending duties. Us Clods prefer to ambush, but someone fast and agile like you really benefits from having these skills.

A smile formed on his face.

Like that day you sneaked up on that Chatty-beak¹ and almost bit his tail-feathers off, heheheh.

Rika snickered as she remembered.

''Oh yeah, hehehehe! That got 'em good! They had been pesterin' the babies all day n' I got em by hidin' in the reeds...''

Papá chuckled along with her, before rubbing his snout affectionately on her side.

See? You're doing great things, Rika... I'm so proud of you. Keep it up, I believe in you.

Rika pressed her forehead against his in turn, her father's praise putting her in an extremely good mood. With his permission, she climbed on top of his back, and he slithered towards the murky waters, to ferry her to the other side of the pond.

¹clod-speak word for squawkabilly