Sixteenth Flight. [audio/action for travel party.]

[newberktown]

[Among the background bustle--familiar sounds for anyone who's set foot in a Pokemon Center--there's a small whine from an Eevee, almost like a prompt for Hiccup to speak. After another second or so, he does.]

Uh... Has anyone ever, uhmm. [There's another pause. How should he put this...] Lost...half their pokemon? [He clears his throat before continuing, quicker this time like an excuse.] I still have all their pokeballs, and those are registered to all of them still, according to the people at the Center. But I can't find them anywhere...

[Hiccup sighs, and there's a subtle clunk as he moves his hand to the 'gear to shut it off. Before he does, though, there's one last mumble.]

I can't believe this is happening again...

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[newberktown]

[Unfortunately, Dragonese is a skill only possessed by the bookverse Hiccup. Still, it's pretty easy to guess what the first mime means, given who he's now positive is this pokemon's trainer. Carmen. Good.

But then bad, bad, bad, because that is indeed the saddest Charmeleon face ever and Hiccup immediately worries if he's somehow done something to upset Miles. Honestly, it wouldn't have surprised him. Maybe Miles was upset from being away from Carmen? No, Hiccup had already offered to take him back... Maybe he was just overthinking this.]

Are you...telling me that Carmen's sad?

[He sounds pretty uncertain.]

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[thecrooks]

[VIGOROUS NODDING. Okay, part one of the message was received. Now to find a way to succinctly and accurately convey part two.

...how in the world do you mime, "FIX IT".

Maybe Hiccup will figure it out from context if he attempts part three.]

Maaaaa...sssssssh.

[He whaps his little claws against his brand new grownup Charmeleon chest, tail flicking back and forth from the effort, and then rises up on tiptoes to suggest "tall". Miles - me - grownup.

#HELPING.

He flicks his tail up and over his head again — that worked pretty well for "Carmen" before — and then pulls his face into a twitching dragonish approximation of a human smile, followed up by a hopeful look.

MILES - ME - GROWNUP. MOM HAPPY?]

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[newberktown]

[Oh, he was right... Welp. Hiccup sighs, shoulders slumping a little (which Leap isn't all too pleased about, as he has to adjust his perch.)]

Yeah, bud, I know...

[Carmen being sad wasn't worrying just Miles, after all. But Hiccup goes back to paying attention when he sees the reptile continuing his pantomiming. Seems it was getting more difficult.]

You...getting bigger...Carmen...smile. You...evolved to make her happy again?

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[thecrooks]

[And just look at that big proud (shy) Charmeleon smile. Growing up is scary and he is not entirely sure if he likes it! But some things are more important than fear, and one of them is Mommy. :c ]

Maa!

[And he really does manage about three seconds of bravery before self-consciousness gets the better of him and he starts looking all nervous and apprehensive again.]

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[newberktown]

[Hiccup does manage a smile at that, giving a gentle headpat.]

That was very considerate of you, Miles. I'm sure she'll be touched to hear that.

[Because even if having a scared baby dragon didn't have anything to do with why Carmen was sad, having yet another being that was looking out for her and going through great trials of bravery might just cheer her up some.]

I'd like Carmen to be happy again soon, too. Is there anything I can do to help?

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[thecrooks]

[...Well.

Yes, actually.

...

Hug now plzkthx the world is a scary place, Hiccup.]

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[newberktown]

[He wasn't quite expecting that, but he's always happy to hug a dragon! Especially one that wasn't too keen on him before. Leap hops down from his perch, lightly butting Miles's leg to show his support. Let him help with this part, too, guys. Everybody likes fluffy cat-fox-dog-things.]

Okay, okay... How about we get you back home, alright? Looks like you've had enough adventure for one day, huh, bud?

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[thecrooks]

[Yes, please, Miles has had more than enough adventure for one day, thank you best friend dragon buddy Hiccup.

Someday he will repay this kindness by helping you find all your lost roster members or something, seriously. BUT FOR NOW, he will just stick with you like cling wrap and try his best to be brave the whole way home.]