Chapter 1: The Colony
Chapter Text
Olimar paced around the room, nervous. His arms were crossed and pressed closely against his body, and his long ears kept twitching. The fact he was able to have Koppai's three heroes agree to meet with him – let alone being able to contact them in the first place – was a miracle and a half. Well, the contacting more so than the agreeing – once they heard “the pikmin are in danger” they wasted no time promising to be there. It was arguably even harder to convince his boss to let him take time off to do this. Louie had to talk to the man for him. Olimar didn’t know what Louie said to change the old company president's mind.
He didn’t really want to know either.
Thankfully his family was much more understanding. They knew what the pikmin meant to him. They were even scared themselves.
“Olimar. You don’t need to be so nervous.” Louie spoke up. “They’ll listen to you.”
Olimar turned to his much younger co-worker, who was well over twenty years younger than he . “I… I know they’ll listen. That’s not what has me worried.”
“The pikmin will be okay.” A second, more feminine voice spoke. “We’re launching you guys up no later than tomorrow, I promise.”
Olimar turned to the koppaite woman who made this whole mission possible – an older woman by the name Ella. “I just… I just hope you’re right…”
Before Ella could respond, the office door opened and Koppai’s three hero e s came filing in. They were quiet, worry clouding their faces. All Olimar got was a nod from Charlie. Louie got a scrunched face from Brittany.
“Thank you all for coming here so quickly.” Ella began. Olimar took it as his queue to go ahead and sit down next to Louie. “As Olimar here has informed you, the pikmin may be in danger. A while ago a colony was spotted on PNF-404.”
“B-But it’s a protected planet! No one is supposed-“ Alph began before stopping and looking away, as if just realizing he had interrupted the woman.
“ Indeed… after all that work you three put into making sure it stayed a wild planet… I can understand your frustration. That being said, this colony appears to be inactive. The mission is simple; explore the remains and see if you can find any evidence to what planet has broken the law. ”
As the three heroes looked at one another, Olimar added on “And hopefully protect the pikmin and their ecosystem from them as well. ”
Charlie took a deep breath, looking down at his hands. “It… will be hard for us to return there, after all that’s happened. I’m sure of it.” Brittany looked away a little, and Alph began to rub his right arm. “But we owe the pikmin so much. We would have never gotten home – never had a home to return to – if not for them. Of course we’re going to go.”
Olimar smiled weakly. “I understand… Thank you. ”
“No need to thank us. This is for the pikmin.”
“For the pikmin!” Alph repeated, then he sunk back into his chair a little as if he had spoken out of turn.
Poor kid… he’s anxious all of the time… “For the pikmin.” Olimar echoed back. Alph smiled a little from hearing that. So did Charlie, Olimar realized, which made him raise a brow.
After a short moment of silence, Ella began to speak again. “Well, with all of that settled… you’ll have the rest of today to prepare. We’ll be launching you guys into space tomorrow, in the S.S. Drake of course. We’ll have the coordinates of the exact location you’ll be landing programmed into the computer for you.”
Alph nodded. “Thank you. ”
Ella nodded. “Of course. This meeting is now dismissed.”
There wasn’t really much to prepare for, in all honesty. As they were all space explorers, they had done this song and dance time and time again. They were able to leave Koppai without a hitch . It took them only a day to leave the solar system – a fairly uneventful day filled with small talk, mind you. Once they were a safe distance from all other planets, Alph initiated the cosmic drive. The Drake raced at a speed incomprehensible to Olimar – he never had to go this fast to deliver products. As Alph secured the cosmic drive key in place, Olimar noticed so mething.
“Did… did you tie the cosmic drive key to the Drake?”
“It’s- It’s a little more complicated than that.” Alph insisted, seemingly getting flustered. “I welded some cable down to the Drake.” He pointed at a spot on the floor, where a long, thick, black cable attached to some kind of loop was. It looked as if it had always been there, but Olimar knew for a fact it wasn’t there last time he was on the Drake. “And then welded that same cable to the cosmic drive key.” He then pointed to the key itself. The fact something had been added onto it was more obvious due to its shape, but it didn’t look bad or unprofessional either.
“Hm. Good job kid. ” Olimar decided not to address the obvious – they both knew why the cable was added. No need to make Alph uncomfortable by bringing it up.
“Of course it’s a good job!” A deep voice rang. Olimar jumped a little from shock before turning towards Charlie. When did he get in here?
The captain walked over and put a hand on Alph’s shoulder. “It was my engineer who did it. And I only have the best in my crew!” Alph looked away a little, his cheeks burning an even brighter red.
Olimar couldn’t tell if Charlie was trying to make Alph feel proud, or if Charlie himself really was proud to have the kid on his team. Probably both, he decided.
“Well, I came in here to tell you it’s dinner time. So go ahead on to the kitchen, alright?”
Olimar nodded, and let Charlie lead him into the Drake's kitchen area. Brittany already had the meals all laid out – some instant Hocotate noodles for him and Louie, and some kind of Koppaite dish Olimar didn’t know the name of for the rest of them. They all talked and bantered as they ate, conversation and laughter filling the room. Mostly Charlie’s laughter – the man had a deep and loud voice.
Alph lifted his glass to take a drink, but before it could reach his mouth his arm froze up and he dropped the glass. It shattered, sending glass and fruit juice everywhere. His right arm just stayed there, stuck out and shaking.
Everyone else moved quickly. Olimar and Brittany worked on cleaning up the glass. Louie wiped up some juice off of the table. Charlie led Alph away from the commotion, who still seemed to be frozen in fear.
Once they were all done cleaning up, Olimar looked up at Alph. It seemed he had finally regained feeling in his arm, and now had it pressed firmly against his body. “Are you okay Alph?” he asked.
“I… I… I need to go.” He wiggled out of Charlie's arms and made his way for the door.
“Alph, wait, your food!” Charlie tried t o stop him, but the engineer was already well on his way. Charlie frowned, grabbed Alph's plate of food, and left with only a “I need to make sure he eats…” before leaving.
Olimar looked over at the other two, ears leaned back from worry.
“Go ahead and finish your meals.” Brittany spoke after a moment. “And stick around to help me clean up, please.”
They did as told, now staying quiet as they ate and cleaned up. Louie washed some dishes, and Olimar put Charlie’s meal away. Not really knowing what else to do, Olimar decided to just slip into his bedroom and call it an early night. It'd be six more days before they arrived at PNF-404, so he might as well just try and get as much rest as he can before then.
He walked pass Alph's room on the way to his own, faintly hearing Charlie trying to comfort Alph. Poor kid… after what happened to him, he’s still willing to go back there? PNF-404 had hurt everyone on board greatly, but Alph was the only one left with physical scars from the planet. Olimar sighed and walked away, and into his own bedroom. There was no need to pry, and he trusted that Charlie would be able to calm Alph down. He turned his light out, curled up, and tried to fall asleep.
Olimar held his breath for a second as PNF-404 came into view through the Drake's large window. The planet was as beautiful as ever; he could see the wide blue oceans, the green land, parched desserts, and frozen poles all from here. The particular angle they were coming at the planet from also revealed a large mountain range that tore across the plains.
“The coordinates say the colony was… here-ish.” Alph spoke up, pointing to a spot in the plains that was east from the mountains.
“Alright then. Let’s prepare to land.” Charlie ordered.
Alph nodded, clearly shaking a little. Olimar frowned – he only ever had one good landing on this planet. The koppaits had crashed the one and only time they came here. He didn’t know what it was about the damn place that caused ships to crash into it so regularly. But they had to be careful.
“I-In… initiating landing sequence!” Alph managed out, taking control of the Drake to glide smoothly in. Charlie walked over and laid a hand on Alph’s shoulder. Olimar and Brittany looked on, just barely breathing from the fear. Louie was nowhere to be seen; probably curled up in a corner away from the stress.
The Drake shook a little as they passed into the atmosphere. The crew looked on, wondering if maybe they did it…
And then all the lights went off in the Drake.
Alph’s eyes widened as he struggled with the controls – no matter what he did or how he turned them, the Drake didn’t respond. The ship’s emergency lights came on, a pale white at first before switching to a harsh red.
The ship was falling, faster and faster as the planet's gravity sucked it in.
Everything happened so quickly. Alph had started to cry from the stress, and Charlie held onto him. Brittany grabbed onto Olimar for support as the ship tumbled. Louie screamed. An emergency hatch forced itself open, and the crew members were sucked out into space.
Olimar could barely move as he fell – Brittany had a death grip on him, and she wasn’t willing to cooperate. He couldn’t blame her. He was able to turn his head. Left of him was Charlie, who was also clinging onto Alph. Further from them was Louie, free falling alone. Olimar panicked, his heart racing as he tried to figure out just what he could do. And then he blacked out.
Chapter 2: Awakening
Chapter Text
Charlie groaned as he woke up. His entire body hurt. God dammit… how did I even survive that fall?! Everything around him was pretty rocky, with small plants cowering close to a wall. Well, small by this planet’s standard anyways – the bushy things still towered over him. He shivered a little; it was night time (how wonderful), and it was cold here. As he looked up and then down a slope, he realized he must have fallen on that mountain they could see from space. According to Alph, the colony ruins they were after was just east of here.
His eyes widened and his heart raced. He scrambled to his feet despite his pain. “Alph!” he called out. “Alph! Alph are you-” After stumbling around for a little while he saw him. Charlie ran over and picked Alph up. “Alph! Hey I’m right here-” He got no response. Charlie’s heart raced faster. “Alph! Alph wake up!” He laid his hand on Alph's chest, trying his best to hold still. He could feel the engineer's heartbeat, and he was still breathing. Just knocked out still. “Oh… Oh thank fuck…” Charlie sat down, still holding onto Alph. He was okay, he was okay. He was alive, and would wake up soon.
Charlie had no time to waste though. He had to contact the Drake, see if the others were okay. He didn’t see where they landed, he had to check on them.
As he reached for his kopad, however, he heard a strange sound. It reminded him of an out-of-tune instrument of some kind.
“Who’s there?!” he demanded, looking around. Then he saw it. A single bright white eye staring down at him from the shadows. The body it belonged to had the rough shape of a pikmin but…. Something seemed off about it. It was too dark to tell what was wrong though.
Charlie stood up, still holding onto Alph who squirmed a little in his sleep. “What are you?!” he demanded.
The pikmin didn’t respond. It just ran at Charlie, continuing to screech its horrible sound.
Charlie didn’t get a good look at it. It might have had mushrooms growing out of its face? It definitely had a mouthful of sharp teeth though. Charlie doubted that it was friendly, and didn’t want to stick around to find out the hard way. He picked up Alph, carried him over his shoulders, and began to run.
As he ran, he heard more screeches, and the sound of more of those things chasing after him. He gritted his teeth as he tried to climb upwards to get away from the damn things. Then he heard something fly right past his ear. He turned around – it couldn’t have been a winged pikmin, could it?
Unfortunately, it wasn’t. It had been a spear, and that spear was now lodged into the torso of whatever that weird pikmin was. Black goop poured out of the creature's wound as it screamed more. Charlie looked away, tried to focus on climbing more.
He then saw even more pikmin, shining in a shade of pale white in the moonlight. They looked… fluffy? Many of them wielded spears, and were throwing them down at the creatures below.
A few of them ran over to him and Alph. One held out a clawed hand, and after a second of hesitation he took it. The pikmin helped lift him up the mountain. Two pikmin from the group ran back to peel Alph off of Charlie and carry him themselves. Charlie continued to run and climb up the mountain with these strange new pikmin, leaving the demented cries of those creatures behind him.
Charlie couldn’t remember if he managed to make the entire climb himself, or if the Pikmin had to carry him part way through.
Louie woke up a little, only to hiss and flinch back. The sun was high in the sky, and it was blinding. It was also unbelievably hot. He patted around his spacesuit until he could find the fan button and turn it on. It didn’t help much – president cheeped out on it, of course – but it was better than nothing he supposed.
He grunted as he got up. Dammit, he was sore. Why was he so sore?
Oh. The crash landing. Yeah, that would do it.
Louie looked around. He was in a desert of some kind, with cacti all around him. He panicked for a second – was he near the Formidable Oak? But no, nothing nearby clued him off on if he was anywhere near that beast's lair. Far to the east, he could just barely make out a mountain range.
Dammit, and the ruins are further east than that?! I don’t want to walk that far… he made a weird grumbling noise as he stretched. Could wait for Olimar to rescue me, but… he looked around, turning this way and that and even poking around plants. I think I’m all alone. Again. Wonderful. He sighed and with not much better to do, chose a random direction to walk in.
As he walked, he noticed some rubble. The more he walked the more rubble there was, light grey with rusted iron bars poking out here and there. Louie looked on in awe. The rubble was fair too ruined to tell what it once was but they still made Louie wonder.
Louie laid eyes on another piece of wreckage, and stopped dead in his tracks. This one was much more intact, and was very clearly a building of some kind. It was amazing how well preserved it was. Though it was clear that some additional supports had been added some time after it’s ruin. Was something trying to preserve it?
It reminded Louie of a skyscraper. They weren’t too common on Hocotate, as they clashed horribly with the traditional organic shapes buildings took there. There were a lot of them on Koppai though.
It looked like the top half of the building had toppled over. It was also over grown with some kind of dry looking desert vine. He could just barely see that something had been built up on the inside of the thing, but couldn’t tell what exactly it was.
As he looked on, he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Louie turned around quickly to try and get a better look. He saw nothing.
Now agitated, he kept spinning around to try and find whatever that thing was.
And then he made eye contact with it.
It was a pikmin. It was average height, and had dark green skin. Four bright green eyes shone back at Louie. It very clearly had a mouth, jagged and wide. Its stem ended not in a flower or leaf of any sort, but rather… it almost looked like another, much smaller head that had only a mouth. It was also very flat, and not like anything Louie had ever seen before.
Slowly but surely, it walked closer to him. Two others then appeared from behind some cacti, following behind the first.
“Uh… Hello.” Louie waved his hand a bit. The first of the pikmin tilted their head before waving back at him.
Louie smiled. It seemed no matter what kind of pikmin he met, they all seemed to be cute. He then blew his whistle to call them closer to him.
They didn’t come closer. All they did was cover the sides of their heads, as if protecting some kind of invisible (or internal) ears. After a second the leader looked at Louie and hissed at him.
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” Louie held his hands up.
The pikmin narrowed their eyes at him, before the leader turned and began to talk with the other two. Louie had heard pikmin speak before, but they usually only said a few words or would sing. He never heard them have a full conversation like this before. Not that it mattered; he couldn’t understand what it was they were saying.
After a moment the pikmin looked back at Louie. Their leader pointed at Louie, then at the skyscraper. He wondered for a moment if their onion was in there. Louie suddenly yelped as a pikmin grabbed his arm and began to drag him along, walking towards the skyscraper. After a moment he was able to wiggle his arm free.
“I can walk there myself.” He grumbled, rubbing the spot where he was grabbed.
The pikmin just stared at him. Of course they didn’t understand him. He kept walking alongside them, and they didn’t try to grab at him again. Good.
He sighed and looked up at the skyscraper again. He didn’t know what these strange new pikmin were, nor exactly what they wanted from him. At least he had some form of protection now…?
He still hoped someone would find him soon.
When Brittany woke up, all she saw was black.
For a moment, she figured she was dead. But her body was too sore, and it smelled too much like… like…
Forest! She realized, pushing herself off of the ground. I’m in a forest!
She stood up, grumbling from the pain. She then had to wipe dirt off of her helmet. Looking down, she saw a rather Brittany-shaped skid mark in the dirt.
“God damn. Is it at all possible to land here without crashing?” she grumbled, now brushing dirt off from the front of her suit.
It was only then that the details of their crash came to her.
“Olimar! Olimar are you here?” she called out, looking around for him.
It didn’t take long to find him. He was only a few feet away, submerged in a similarly Olimar-shaped skid. He began to stir and push himself up before Brittany could get too close.
“B-Brittany?” He stood up, also groaning from pain. “Brittany, are the others okay…?”
“I don’t know… I don’t think they’re nearby.” When a look of worry spread across his face, she offered “Hey… I’ll check my kopad, okay? See if anyone is closer than we thought.”
She turned it on; thankfully it still worked. As she swiped around on the map, she frowned.
“Well… I don’t see anyone nearby. But I do see the S.S. Drake. If we can get to it, and get it into space… it should be able to tell us where they’re at.”
“Won’t we have the same problem you guys had before?” Olimar asked. “Running around in circles to see if each signal is the one you want?”
“Not really. Er, in theory anyways. Alph fixed it – the Drake should be able to recognize your signal as yours, the captains as the captains, so on and so forth. We never got to test it much though.”
“I see... And your kopads…?”
“He wasn’t allowed to mess with them much. Mission leaders were angry enough when he set it up so we could read my fruit files. So we’ll still have to deal with vague signals here.” Brittany then motioned for Olimar to follow her.
Olimar frowned a bit as he did follow her. “I see. That’s a shame.”
The two were quiet as they walked along. Brittany occasionally looked down at her kopad to make sure they were still headed in the right direction.
“I can see it!” Olimar cried out after a few minutes of walking. “And pikmin, too!”
Brittany looked up. The Drake was there, in all its glory. There was also a red onion nearby as well, and red pikmin were crowding the ship. She smiled and quickly pocketed her kopad, running off to the ship and the pikmin. Olimar trailed close behind her.
The pikmin looked up and made noises of excitement as they spotted the two explorers. They ran towards the aliens as well, soon crowding Brittany and Olimar. A few even hugged them.
“Hey there…” Brittany cooed, brushing the pikmin's stems. “Seems you’ve been busy.” She looked around the group, as many of them wore simple clothing. It wasn’t much – the pikmin didn’t exactly need clothes for decency's sake. A few had basic vests. One seemed to have a bow tie. Another handful had ribbons tied around their stems. One had a soot covered apron of some kind. She even noticed that one or two had glasses. All of which seemed to be crudely made, of course. Mostly from grass and leaves and twigs. Maybe that apron was made out of animal skin of some sort? What little fabric there was seemed old and dirty.
“How'd you learn to do this?” Olimar asked aloud. Of course, the pikmin didn’t respond. They didn’t understand them. The pikmin just kept staring at them, whispering amongst themselves.
Eventually, the pikmin in the bow tie stepped up to them. They, too, were wearing some kind of vest. Once they had Brittany and Olimar's attention, they pointed at the S.S. Drake.
“The Drake?” Brittany asked, mostly to Olimar. “What about the Drake?”
The pikmin just pointed again.
“Think they want to look at the inside of it? I mean, they are curious little things.” Olimar pointed out.
“Maybe? I don’t see the harm in letting a few on board.” Brittany shrugged her shoulders, then began to walk to the Drake. “Just got to keep them out of trouble. If they break anything, I’ll never hear the end of it from Alph.”
Olimar rolled his eyes a little and followed her. “As if Alph could stay mad at anybody.”
“True. I mean, he mostly forgave Louie.”
“I thought he entirely forgave him for that?”
Brittany just shrugged, and had the Drake beam her, Olimar, and three pikmin into its hull (including the bow-tie pikmin).
Once inside, the three pikmin looked on with awe. Even though they didn’t speak or understand galactic common, she still felt the need to point out where everything was.
“This is the control room, where we can see the map and drive the ship and what not. Down that hall is the bedrooms, with a small bathroom at the end.” She faintly wondered if and how pikmin bathed for a second before continuing. “And then there’s the kitchen, where we store, prep, and eat our food.”
The pikmin just… Looked at her, leaving Brittany to feel rather silly for a moment. Then the bow tie pikmin walked up to the main computer of the ship, and pointed at it.
“Yeah, that’s the computer.” Brittany explained, walking up to it and pressing a button. In an instant a map appeared, showing the entire continent they were on. The pikmin cheered a little, and then the bow tie pikmin pointed at a location in the plains, east of the mountains.
Brittany gave a nervous glance back at Olimar, who could only shrug.
She zoomed into the area, and the pikmin pointed again. Clearly towards the area of that ruined colony.
“They… want us to go there.” She realized, frowning. “Did… Did something happen?”
Before Olimar could respond, the pikmin began to point again. This time to an area much closer, being in the same forest as they were. Now Brittany was confused – whatever it was they wanted her to see, it was being blocked by the trees. As Brittany tried to think of a way to explain this to the pikmin, a huge message popped up on screen.
A call! Maybe it's one of the others? Without hesitation she answered, and Captain Charlie’s face appeared on screen.
“Oh, thank fuck.” Charlie sighed as he slouched a bit. “I’ve been trying to call the ship for so long...” He looked tired – well, he always looked tired. But even more so now. It also appeared that he was in a wooden building of some kind.
“Where are you?” Brittany asked. Olimar stepped closer to her to be in Charlie’s eye line as well.
“Uh, the mountains west of the ruins. Couldn’t tell you exactly where, other than near-ish the peak? The Drake should tell you exactly where I am. Alph is here too, but he’s still knocked out cold from the crash. The pikmin here are taking care of him though.”
“You found pikmin, too?” Olimar asked.
“Yeah. Weird fluffy ones, with claws. Never seen ‘em before.”
Olimar hummed a little. “Can’t say that I have, either.”
Charlie yawned a bit, then rubbed the sides of his helmet – as if he was trying to rub his temples. “Listen, it’s been rough here. We got chased by some weird mushroom pikmin and I haven’t slept much. I’m… I’m going to go off to bed. Or try to. Come get us as soon as you can.”
Olimar’s ears twitched, and he spoke with a shaky voice. “Mushroom pikmin? I… I haven’t seen anything like that in a long time…”
“Oh god dammit.” Charlie grumbled. “What are they?”
“Vicious little creatures… Pikmin infected by the spores of the Puffstool. They’re… they’re not okay. They’re hostile – they try to attack healthy pikmin. Even tried to attack me.” He sighed, and Brittany frowned a little. “I hadn’t seen them in so long, I just assumed both species to be extinct...”
“Ah fuck. Great, just what we need. Evil killer pikmin. Fuckin’ hell...” Charlie then let out a low, growl like noise. “At least them fluffy pikmin know how to deal with them. I’m going to get some sleep now. Bye.”
Before Brittany or Olimar could interject (not that they wanted to), Charlie hung up the call.
Brittany frowned. She didn’t particularly care for the captain, but she didn’t like seeing him miserable like this either. Whatever happened to them, and whatever those mushroom pikmin really were, it must have shaken him up badly for him to be this short fused.
She looked to the bowtie pikmin, who was looking at the map still. They turned to her and nodded, then walked off near where the Drake’s beam was. At least they seem to understand… Brittany sighs and walks over to them. “Stand within the square.” She directed, helping the pikmin into it. “Then you hit this button.” She pointed at it, then backed off. The bow tie pikmin hit the button, and all three pikmin disappeared.
“Smart little guys, huh?” Olimar commented.
Brittany just nodded. “Yeah. I just… I just hope they’ll be okay.”
Chapter 3: Memories
Notes:
So somehow my dumb brain forgot to mention that this fic takes place in an AU .-.
It doesn't change much, mostly just additions to the world building. But they are enough to warent the AU tag! The AU in question is called the "Star Touched AU" because I'm creative.
ALSO this chapter has something in it that could be triggering, but I have zero idea how to properly word it as a warning. So uh, I guess this is your warning? And if you know how to word it please do tell me and I'll edit these notes to include a more proper warning.
Chapter Text
Alph walked around the room, a horrible feeling building in his gut. He knew this house. He wasn’t safe in this house. He had to get out, and soon.
He fumbled and tripped over some old toys, eventually making it to the door. He panicked for a second as he found it to be locked. He kept struggling with it, but stopped when he heard something. Footsteps. Slow, loud, bumbling footsteps. It was then soon followed by the cry of a bulborb, and while it was clearly the sound of a bulborb it almost sounded as if it were talking.
“Are you asleep?”
Alph’s eyes widened and he stepped back, slipping on some toy car and falling with a loud and painful thud.
The sound of the footsteps came closer to his door.
His eyes widened, and he quickly scrambled up and ran to the only other door in the room – the closet. He shut himself in, laying a box of clothes in front of the door. He backed up into a corner, the bottom of some shirts brushing against his head. He heard the bulborb open the bedroom door and enter, saw the shadow from the small gap beneath the door. He closed his eyes, covered his mouth, and waited for him to just leave.
Eventually, the room was silent again. The feeling of clothes hanging above him disappeared, and a familiar yet hard to identify smell overtook the closet. He opened his eyes. The box was gone, and as he looked up, he realized he was in a pantry.
Slowly, he stood up and opened the pantry door, stepping out of it. He looked around, realizing he was in Drake's kitchen. He walked to the kitchen window, looked out into the small yard – this was Drake’s house. He was okay. He laid his hands against the counter, trying to slow his breathing and relax. After a few seconds, however, Alph realized he had to stretch his arms above him to touch the counter top. He let go and stumbled backwards, the kitchen now growing taller and with more floor space by the second.
He looked around, trying to figure out what happened, and then he heard it. That clear, slick voice . Somewhat deep, and thick with the effort of lies.
“Look at me, Alph.”
Alph sat there and shook violently. He didn’t turn around to look at him. He couldn’t – he was frozen with fear.
“I said look at me .” He snapped, and Alph felt a hand grab him and forced him to turn around. His heart quickened and his ears leaned back as the Plasm Wraith towered over him.
Alph grabbed onto his right arm as it flared up with a searing pain. The Plasm Wraith laughed.
“Why are you even here?” it asked in it’s cold and cruel voice. “You won’t help them much.”
“I… t-the pikmin… they needed-“
“Oh! The pikmin . Yes, I’m sure what they need is an engineer who doesn’t want to be here, and can’t even use his right arm!”
“I-I can still use-“ he stopped mid - sentence to let out a scream, as the pain in his arm worsened. He curled up, waiting for the pain to go away.
The Plasm Wraith laughed again. “As if you'll be anything other than a disappointment."
Alph shook more, and the temperature changed suddenly. His body was unbearably hot, yet his face felt cold. He woke with a start, throwing the thick cover off of his body. He looked dead ahead, not knowing where he was other than that it was cold here.
Something touched his right arm, and he pulled away from it. Still breathing heavily and with tears pricking at his eyes, he turned to whatever it was that touched him. He was angry. And sad. And tired. And hungry. And overwhelmed.
None of those feelings came to fruition, however, as he locked eyes with a pikmin.
It was taller than most, with pale white fur covering its body. A thick mantle of grey fur sat around its neck and chest, and the mane had some various objects tied into it. Two pupil-less eyes stared back at him, a third painted “eye” in the middle.
The two sat in silence for a while before the pikmin gently began to rub Alph's back, softly cooing some words he couldn’t understand. I had a nightmare. He realized. It… It was just a nightmare. That’s all. I can stop being freaked out now. Of course, it wasn’t that simple. It never would be, and never could be. Tears were streaking down his face now, and he let out a grunt of annoyance when his helmet got in the way of him being able to wipe them off.
The pikmin stopped and then held onto Alph's arm again, as if checking it over for injuries. “I-I'm okay.” Alph insisted, causing the pikmin to look up at him. “I promise. There’s nothing to check over.”
The pikmin just gave him a look. Right. Language barrier. He looked away again, now rocking a bit. He wanted to move, to run, to do something . But something told him to stay in this odd bed, so he rocked back and forth instead. Soon the pikmin left, and Alph took a better look at his surroundings. He was in a tent of some kind, filled with many empty beds. Crude looking shelves dotted the place, filled with dried plants, knifes, and mortar-and-pestles. Three large wooden poles stood in the center, holding the whole thing up. Four more poles were at the corners as well. The floor was mostly a rocky dirt, but he could see snow blowing in from the entrance. The entire thing seemed to be made of a leather of some kind. Alph looked down at his blanket. It too was made of animal fur of some kind. He wasn’t sure what his bed was stuffed with – it wasn’t as nice as his bed in the Drake, but it was surprisingly comfortable.
Did… did the pikmin build all of this? He wondered . They… they’ve really grown sense last time. Or it could just be these new pikmin in particular…
He looked up with a jump when he heard something enter the tent. Charlie stood there at the entrance, just staring at Alph for a second before running over to him.
“Y-You’re awake!” he exclaimed. “You were out cold for so long, I was worried…” he sighs and sat on the bed next to him. “But you’re awake now. That’s what matters.”
Alph smiled softly, before frowning again. “Out cold...? Charlie, what happened ?”
Charlie frowned a little in response. “We… We crash landed again.”
Alph suddenly remembered. The lights going off, him losing control of the Drake. He brought his hand closer to his mouth (or as close as he could with his helmet in the way) and started to cry again. “I-I… I couldn’t-“
“Hey, hey, it’s not your fault. You did your best. It’s okay…” Charlie gently grabbed hold of Alph’s hands. “It’s okay…” he repeated, now rubbing the shorter koppaite's hands with his thumbs.
Alph calmed down a little. Then he tensed again – there was only one other time Charlie acted like this, and… Alph looked away. “It was my job to keep the ship running smoothly. I failed. And now… everyone’s…”
“You didn’t fail anyone. You did everything correctly. There’s something up with this planet. And the others are okay – Brittany and Olimar found the Drake, and they’re on their way.”
Alph was quiet for a moment. “And… Louie?”
Charlie froze, as if not expecting that question. “I don’t know where he is. Other two might though. Besides, with that update you programed into the Drake's sensors we should be able to find him in no time.”
Alph nodded. “Mh-hm.”
“Alph…” Charlie squeezed his hands a little tighter, and leaned his helmet against the engineer's. “It’ll be okay. I promise.”
Alph’s ears leaned back. God, I’m being such an asshole. He’s just trying to make me feel better. He moved over to give Charlie an awkward and clunky hug, still shaking a bit.
After a few moments, Alph fell asleep into a dreamless slumber.
Louie followed the pikmin into the ruined sky scraper. As they got closer, more and more of these strange green pikmin joined their group. He also realized just how massive this thing was. What remained of a door towered over him, going up several meters high.
As Louie looked into the building he gasped a bit – wooden structures lined the walls, with bridges linking the buildings together. In the center was a green onion, nearby it was a yellow one. The green onion looked more natural, like the ones he saw when he first came to the planet. The yellow onion was more mechanical though, just like last time.
The green pikmin ran over to a group of yellows who were… wearing clothes? Vests, glasses, ribbons… they didn’t wear a lot of clothes, and what they did wear looked crude, but some did wear clothing.
The two groups of pikmin talked, and the yellows soon looked up and at Louie. They ran over to him, excited cries escaping them. A few of them hugged him. Louie smiled wide as he stroked their stems, ignoring the weird stares the green pikmin gave him.
“How have you guys been?” Louie asked. The pikmin didn’t respond. Rather one yellow pikmin in particular grabbed hold of his wrist to try and lead him somewhere. Louie stumbled a bit, but went ahead and followed them. They led him up and onto the bridges that encircled the ruined skyscraper. They pointed various buildings out to him, where small groups of those green pikmin huddled together to sing or dance or just talk. They passed a large, important looking building. Peeking in Louie saw a green pikmin who wore a cape of some kind, sitting alongside a small white pikmin. The green pikmin glared at him, and so he looked away.
As they walked, the leader of the pikmin would move their hands around and talk excitedly. They eventually turned around to Louie and said something else.
Louie tilted his head. “I’m sorry… I don’t know what you’re saying.”
The pikmin stared at him before rubbing the side of their head and grumbling, as if just realizing the language barrier between them.
Before Louie could say anything else, the pikmin beckoned him to follow and then began to make its way higher and higher up the sky scraper.
The trip took several minutes, and by the end Louie felt sore. He groaned as they reached the top, but as he looked around… the desert was beautiful, though hauntingly so thanks to the ruins that dotted the landscape. Louie turned to the pikmin smiling, and they seemed pleased as well. For a moment the group just sat there, enjoying the land and soaking up the sun. Then something caught his eye. Louie turned and saw something crawl around in the distance, glittery and black. Louie tilted hid head in wonder of what it could be, but as it stood up and revealed its true silhouette, he felt his stomach drop.
There was no mistaking it.
That was a wraith.
Chapter 4: Reunion
Chapter Text
Olimar was beamed out of the Drake, Brittany at his side. He shivered a little as he walked out, snow blowing around his feet.
“Damn cheap suits.” He grumbled.
“Tell me about it, they’re awful. ” Brittany echoed his frustrations.
Olimar looked around the area. A mechanical, light grey onion stood tall in the center of a cleared area. Surrounding the onion were various wooden buildings, alongside a leather tent. A very small number of fluffy white pikmin walked around the place, a few stopping to stare at the aliens. They were all wearing... crude sunglasses?
“Did… did the pikmin build this?” Brittany asked, taken aback by the sight. The buildings… Olimar wouldn’t call them well built – they were clearly pikmin made - but they still stood sturdy, and he trusted that they wouldn’t collapse in on themselves.
After a moment of staring one of the pikmin slipped into the tent. A few moments later , the pikmin came back out with Alph and Charlie in tow.
“Olimar!” Charlie called out. “ You guys were quick!”
Alph just stared at them, looking as if he just woke up.
“Of course. We couldn’t leave you guys out here.” Brittany crossed her arms as she spoke. “ So , I guess Louie is next.” She grumbled a bit.
“Do you know where he is?” Charlie asked.
“Thanks to Alph's upgrades to the Drake, yes.” Olimar began. Alph looked away, seeming a little flushed from the comment. “He’s further west of here, in some kind of desert area. Not too far away though, we can still get to him today if we’re quick.”
“There’s a desert near here?!” Charlie stared at Olimar, seemingly baffled.
“Well, yeah. This cold is mostly from altitude. Plus , mountains often end up as rain barriers, kee-“ Olimar paused mid - sentence, then shook his head. “Never mind that. Let’s… Let’s just go and save Louie.”
“Alrighty.” Brittany grumbled as she stretched a bit. Alph and Charlie simply nodded. Captain Charlie walked up to the Drake, and everyone was beamed inside. Alph and Charlie immediately ran into the kitchen, in where they quickly downed a bottle of juice they split between themselves. Once done with their meal, they returned to the control room. Alph sat down and began to fly the S.S. Drake off to the desert.
Olimar looked out the window, watching as the Pikmin’s village grew smaller and smaller. It was then he saw the Onion was still down there. “Hey, uh, Charlie?” He looked up. “Those Pikmin you found... they’re not following us.”
“What?” Charlie ran over to the window, looking down as well. “Shit. So no pikmin then?”
Olimar shook his head. “The red onion we found didn’t follow us either. Maybe they only fly at night?”
“I dunno ...”he frowned, as if trying to remember something. “Could have something to do with the colony.”
Olimar frowned as well, then looked away – the mountain range now shrinking far behind them. “I... I hope not.”
“At least we found pikmin.” Brittany spoke, approaching the other two. “And the red onion did fly – it just flew elsewhere. They probably had places to be.”
“Places to be? Where would pikmin ever need to be?” Charlie furrowed his brow.
“I’m... not sure.” Olimar closed his eyes as he spoke. “The reds we met were wearing simple clothes though. Very simple clothes... So were those fluffy ones! Did you see their sunglasses?”
“Yeah. They weren't wearing them last night through.” Charlie’s expression changed the moment he finished his sentence. “Last night! It was nighttime when I ran into them – are they nocturnal ?”
“Last night? How long were we out for then, Olimar?”
The captain shrugged. “I’m... not too sure Brittany.” He turned back to Charlie. “There was only a few of them out today as well... were there more?”
“So many more. All fighting off those weird mushroom lookin’ pikmin I saw.” he frowned a little. “Both pikmin are really creepy in all honesty. Neither had pupils, and the mushrooms had teeth .”
“No pupils?” Olimar asked. Charlie shook his head. “They really must be nocturnal then. And that explains the sunglasses! Without pupils, any light is way too harsh.” Olimar closed his eyes and began to hum a little. “Nocturnal pikmin... I shouldn’t be surprised, but I never thought I’d ever meet such creatures.”
“Maybe when this whole thing is over, we can study them a little more.” Brittany offered. “There’s still more weirdness about them I’d like to figure out. Like their claws. And weird face paint.”
“Hey guys?” Alph called from the control panel. “We’re just about there. I’m going to land as close as possible to Louie’s signal.” He frowned a little. “There’s a lot of rubble here... It may not be a very, ah, graceful landing.”
Brittany and Charlie grumbled a bit as they held onto some nearby safety handles, which were placed all over the spaceship. Olimar grabbed on as well. The ship wobbled this way and that as Alph wound his way through the rubble. He didn’t hit anything though, and the Drake landed softly onto the ground.
The crew wasted no time donning their helmets once more and jumping out of the Drake. Olimar flinched a little as he was greeted by harsh sunlight and an unbelievably high temperature. It only took him a second to find his suit’s internal fan – it didn’t help too much but he’d rather be with it than without.
He turned to the others who were all standing still, staring at the ruins. Charlie was... shaking a little? As Olimar looked around he realized why – these ruins vaguely resembled a city. Most of all, the tower before them was undeniably a skyscraper. It almost looked koppaite made, save for a few small but key differences. And of course, it’s absolutely enormous size. Coupled with the fact that most of Koppai was a desert...
Charlie was the first to speak. "We need to find Louie.” his voice was tense, and he spoke quickly. As if trying to hold something back,
The others nodded, and followed Louie’s signal into the sky scrapper.
When they walked in, the first thing they were greeted with were some green pikmin. They stared at the aliens, their four eyes seemingly sizing the group up. Then they saw yellow pikmin, who immediately ran at the group to give them all hugs. Charlie flinched away a little before calming down and returning some hugs to the little guys.
Olimar looked around, amazed at the community these pikmin were able to build up. Small wooden structures lined the walls, with bridges and ramps connecting them all together. He smiled a little, continuing to look around this way and that to get a feel for the entire village.
And then Olimar spotted Louie.
“Louie!” he called out, running past some pikmin to get to him. “Are you alright?”
“Me? Yeah, yeah I’m fine...” Louie pulled his arms up and behind his head. “I’m more worried about you, old man.”
Olimar crossed his arms, raised a brow, and smirked a little. “ Old Man ? Really?”
Louie smirked back. “Yes, really.”
Olimar stood there for a second before laughing a little. “I’m glad to have you back, kid.”
Louie finally lowered his arms as he shrugged, hands facing upwards. “And I’m glad you found me.”
Before either could say anything else, Alph slowly approached them. “Hey... I’m sorry to interrupt but we should head for the colony now.”
Olimar sighed and then nodded. “Alright. Ready to go, Louie?”
In an instant Louie’s mood changed, his slight smile being replaced with a deadpan. He simply nodded, then began to follow Olimar closely.
As the group left the sky scrapper, only then did Olimar notice a yellow pikmin talking to another one of those green pikmin, one with a cape. Next to it was a small white pikmin wearing a bow around its neck, who immediately darted from sight when he made eye contact.
Olimar was being beamed back into the Drake before he could process any of that, however.
Everyone quickly got into their places, preparing to rise to the sky once more. Before Alph could start liftoff, however...
A yellow pikmin was beamed into the Drake.
“How did you get in here?” Charlie demanded. The pikmin ignored him, however. It walked straight up to the Drake’s computer, hit a button, and made the map come on.
“Hey! Don’t touch that!” Alph scolded the pikmin, trying to gently push its hand’s away. It responded by slapping Alph’s hand away, causing the engineer to flinch back a little. Before anyone could say or do anything, it managed to zoom into a particular part of the map. It then pointed at it, staring at everyone intensely.
“What does that even mean?!” Charlie demanded, clearly agitated.
“I... Brittany, isn’t that the same spot the red pikmin pointed out to us earlier?” Olimar turned to her.
“Yeah, yeah it is.” she turned to the others, who looked confused. “I... might have let a few red pikmin on board this morning. They didn’t touch anything though! And they certainly were not so rude !” she turned to the yellow pikmin, who simply glared back at her. “While on the Drake, they seemed really curious about it. So, I showed them around, including showing them the map. They pointed out that same location to us.”
They all looked at her for a moment before turning back to the map. The pikmin was now more insistent with pointing out that location.
“I’m... I’m even more afraid that something happened there.” Olimar spoke up. “I... we need to go there. Now.”
Charlie nodded. “Alrighty then. Alph, make course for that location.”
“Yes sir.”
And with that, the Drake took off.
The yellow pikmin hardly moved away from the computer, standing over the group as if to make sure they went where it wanted them to go. I’ve never seen a pikmin act like this before... I hope whatever happened there didn’t shake them up too much. Olimar sighed, then walked over to Louie who was looking out the window.
“Look, the yellow and green onions are following us.” Louie pointed out.
“Oh! That’s good. The other onions we found didn’t for some odd reason.” He looked out the window as well. “Those buildings though... are they not these pikmins’ homes?”
“I... I think so.” Louie frowned and looked down. “I don’t think they had much a choice to leave though...”
“Why do you say that?”
“I... think they’re evacuating.”
“Evacuating?” Charlie asked, now stepping closer. “What do you mean by that?”
Louie simply looked away, refusing to talk now.
“Hey, Louie. Look at me.” Olimar instructed. The younger man turned his head as asked. “What makes you think the pikmin are evacuating?”
“I...” Louie stuttered a bit. Charlie opened his mouth to speak again, but stopped when Olimar raised his hand.
“I saw a wraith.” he finally managed out. “It looked just like the plasm wraith but it was black. It was really far away. The pikmin still seemed freaked out over it though... I think they’re leaving their homes... b-because of it.” The man then turned away, hand placed firmly over his mouth, and looked out the window. Olimar knew from experience that he wouldn’t get anything more out of Louie for a good while.
Charlie just looked over to Brittany, who could only shrug. They had no idea what was going on with this planet.
All they could do was hope the pikmin would be okay.
Chapter Text
When the Drake flew into the forest, the crew realized immediately why the pikmin wanted them to come here.
There was another colony here, and this one didn’t appear to be ruined.
They landed somewhat near the colony, and quickly ran out. What were they going to do if there were people here? What could they realistically do?
Olimar scrunched his face up as he saw the two onions land within the walls of the colony. “What are they doing ?” he asked the others.
“Something really stupid.” Charlie responded, staring up at the walls of the place.
Then the yellow pikmin came running out of the Drake. It seemed to be in a much better mood now, and was bouncing around and pointing at the walls.
“Yeah... I see that, little one.” Olimar grumbled a little. In the middle of the wall there was a great gate, and on either side of the gate were two watch towers. A shadow suddenly appeared in the one, staring down at the crew. They all froze, unsure of what was going to happen. The shadow disappeared, and soon the gate began to open.
Charlie held his arm out in front of the crew, as if it would protect them all somehow. They peered into the city, trying to see what it was that made its home here, but... all they saw were pikmin. Hundreds and hundreds of pikmin.
Most of the buildings seemed fairly simple, and hardly went more than a story high, save for a tower in the middle surrounded by a few two-story buildings. The buildings were made of several different kinds of materials: stone, wood, and pottery. The tower’s material was unfamiliar to Olimar, however, but it looked smooth and much stronger than the rest of the buildings.
They clearly could see a town square of sorts, filled with countless onions both standalone and merged. The crew just... stared, not knowing what to make of the sight at first.
And then it hit Olimar.
“The Pikmin made this! This isn’t a colony – it's the pikmin’s own city!”
The others looked at him, then back at the city. Olimar knew he was right – he just had to be! What else could this little city full of pikmin be? Besides those buildings were very clearly pikmin made, to put it nicely.
Soon pikmin began to file out of the gates, gently tugging on the explorers’ arms and urging them to enter. The others relaxed a little, and stepped into the walls. The city wasn’t too big, and they could see all the walls from any spot so long as no buildings blocked their line of sight. The buildings were not very tall – the walls themselves were the tallest thing there. The pikmin crowded around the explorers, hurriedly trying to point to this thing or that. There were so many of them too! Reds, yellows, blues, rocks, wings, purples, whites! Even a few of those fluffy ones and of course the green ones, too. There were even a small handful of pikmin Olimar had never even seen before, ranging in all sorts of colors. Most wore those simple clothes the red pikmin they met wore.
“This... this is amazing!” Olimar was beaming.
“It... it really is.” Alph replied.
“I... I hate to bring the mood down but... what does this mean for those colony ruins?” Brittany asked.
Olimar’s ear twitched. “I’m... not sure. I suppose we’ll still have to investigate that.” A red pikmin then began to tug on his arm. He looked down at the pikmin. Ah, the bow tie one from this morning! “Hello there, what did you need?”
The pikmin pointed at the central tower. It then tugged at him again, urging him to follow.
“Guys, I think they want us over there.” he pointed to the same building.
The others nodded and began to follow Olimar and the pikmin into the building. The first room appeared to be a lobby of some kind. Then they were led into a large, open room with lots of chairs and a large table. The crew looked at each other as the pikmin guided them to sit in the chairs, which fortunately were able to hold them. Soon after more pikmin entered the room – a yellow with a long ribbon attached to its stem, a blue with a vest sporting an artificial fin on the back, a white also sporting a vest, a purple with a bow tie and crude glasses, a rock with some fabric tied around its wrist (seemed clothing wasn’t easy for their bulky bodies), and finally a winged with a scarf around its neck. Most of their clothing seemed to be made of weaved grass, but a few had true fabric on – though the fabric appeared to be salvaged from elsewhere. All of the pikmin took seats at the table as well, quiet as they waited.
Alph turned to Olimar. “What’s going on...?”
“I have no idea.”
About a minute or so passed, and soon one of the green pikmin – this one donning a long cape clearly made from bulbear hide – and a small white pikmin entered the room. This white pikmin looked a little different from the first. Besides the red ribbon tied around its neck, its eyes were a much darker shade of red and its flower was red instead of pink. The two walked to the table, the green pikmin sitting down while the white pikmin stood to the room. It began to talk in pikish to the other pikmin, seeming nervous. All the while the green pikmin appeared nervous too, looking at the white pikmin. Eventually the white pikmin took a deep breath and looked to the explorers.
“Hello.”
They all sat there, staring at the pikmin. Did – Did that pikmin just speak in galactic common???
The pikmin stared a little. “Uh... h-hello. My name is Scarlet. Scarlet of the Angelic Ruin’s troop of Flytraps. I’ve heard much about all of you, especially you Red Leader.”
It took Olimar a second to realize the pikmin was talking about him. “Oh! M-My name is Olimar.”
“Olimar...” Scarlet repeated. “That’s a wonderful name!” her voice squeaked with a childlike quality. Well, all pikmin spoke like that, but it was even more apparent in this one. “Do the rest of you have names?”
After a stunned moment, the others managed to introduce themselves.
Scarlet giggled. “You all have wonderful names! I love them!”
Olimar couldn’t help but smile. This pikmin was just too precious, and reminded him of his own little girl back home.
The red pikmin then whispered something in Pikish to Scarlet, causing the light to die from her eyes. “Oh... yeah. We – we had something important to tell you, but I’m the only one who can. Which is why Gild brought you here.” She sighed and began to shake a little, looking at the green pikmin. The green pikmin gave a soft smile in response. “We... Wraiths have begun to appear more and more frequently, attacking any lone groups of pikmin. They’re why the Flytraps of the Angelic Ruins had to leave our home. They’re why we...” She looked away a little. “We... I don’t want to do this anymore.” Tears began to prick at her eyes. “I don’t want to – mom! Mom I-” she turned to the green pikmin again, now crying and babbling in pikish. Scarlet hugged the taller pikmin tightly, and some of the others gave annoyed glances. More conversations in pikish that couldn’t be understood, followed by the green pikmin hissing at the rest of them before carrying Scarlet out of the room. The door slammed shut behind the two.
Olimar stared at the door, his ears leaned back. Scarlet seemed so much like a child, but he never thought... it made his heart ache. It also made him miss home a little more.
He turned back at the other pikmin, now a little agitated. Was it really worth to have a translator if said translator was a child?
… how did she know galactic common? And more importantly... how was that green pikmin her mother?
The anger died away when he saw the fear in their eyes. Right. Wraiths. They were dealing with some of the most dangerous creatures this planet had to offer. Which meant that the pikmin were still in danger.
Now without a translator, the red pikmin – Gild – opted to put a hand to Olimar, which he pulled to his chest. He then stared intensely at the hocotation.
Olimar knew what he was trying to ask. “Yes, yes we’ll help.”
The crew was quiet as they entered the Drake, and as they entered low orbit for the night. Olimar faintly noted that the onions stayed on the ground – maybe they felt safe inside the city at night? He was mostly still caught up over poor Scarlet though.
Louie then broke the silence.
“Scarlet was a child. A child .” he insisted, venom dripping from his voice.
“We noticed that.” Brittany gave the man a glare.
“What, do you not care that those pikmin had AN ACTUAL CHILD try and explain all that shit to us?”
“Louie, please calm do-”
Brittany cut Olimar off. “Yes, yes I do care, asshole.”
“Then could you at least act like it? She. Was. A. Chi-”
“Louie, just be quiet for a moment.” Charlie stepped in. “It was fucked up. But what can we do about it? The kid said it herself – she's the only pikmin that can speak galactic common for whatever reason. We care. But there’s no other option.”
“There are plenty of other options! Body language, images, something, ANYTHING is better than dragging a child into that mess!”
“Louie.” Olimar stepped in, hand on the younger’s shoulder. “You’re right. You’re right, but yelling won’t prove it nor fix things.” He looked up. “Everyone... just calm down, and give each other space, okay?” It was then Olimar noticed Alph in the corner, shaking and on the brink of tears.
Louie had noticed Alph as well. “I’m... I’m leaving then.” He wormed his way through the others, and left.
The crew stared at Louie as he left. A very awkward silence pervaded through the rest of the night.
Alph woke up, breathing heavily and shaking a little. He just laid there in his bed for a little while, staring at the wall. Dammit . He curled up a little, clinging onto his legs. When will these goddamn nightmares end? They seemed nonstop over the past year. Year and a month if he wanted to count the nightmares he had when they first came here to PNF-404. Just about anything seemed to set them off – broken glass, yelling, stress. Absolutely nothing at all sometimes. He just wanted them to stop, and he didn’t know how to get them to stop.
It was then Alph realized he had started to cry at some point. Dammit, now this?
Why couldn’t he just be fucking normal .
He smeared his tears away as he slowly got up. He was going to go and get a drink of water, head back to bed, and sleep. No stupid nightmares, and no more crying.
He shuffled out of his room and to the Drake’s kitchen. He filled up a glass with water, downed it, then filled it with water again and downed that drink too. He just left the glass in the sink – too tired to clean it – and began to shuffle back to his room.
Oh no. He froze for a second when he saw Charlie, who had just stepped out of the bathroom and had noticed him.
“Alph?” he asked quietly. “Is... is everything okay?”
“I’m fine.” Alph insisted, sounding a little snappier than he wanted to. His voice was also clearly choking with tears.
“Alph...” Charlie was suddenly much closer – how did he move that fast?! - “Alph I... I don’t know what’s going on. But you know that I’m here for you, right?”
“I-I...” Alph stood there, stuttering.
“Please, whatever this is... don’t try to go at it alone, okay?”
Alph shook for a moment longer before leaning into Charlie and sobbing more. The captain responded by hugging him tightly. He didn’t know how long he had stood there, crying into the taller man’s shoulder. All he knew was that at one point he stopped, but still stood there in his arms. He... felt safe here. He didn’t want to leave. He nuzzled further into Charlie’s shoulder, slowly feeling more and more content with just being here.
“You doin’ better now, Alph?” Charlie asked, his voice soft.
“Y-Yeah...” Alph sighs, pulling away a bit. He looked up at the taller man. “Thank you.”
Charlie smiled a little. “Of course, Alph. Just let me know if you need anything else, okay?”
Alph couldn’t help but smile back. Charlie was just so sweet, and that soft smile made him look so- Alph blushed fiercely and looked away. I – I shouldn’t be feeling like this. He’s my captain! “I will.” he managed out. “I... I should go to bed though. I’m tired.”
Charlie nodded, and pulled himself away from Alph. “Of course. Good night Alph.”
“G-Goodnight, Captain.” And with that, Alph slipped past Charlie and into his own room. There, he curled up in his bed overcome with a new emotion. Several new emotions. Cuddling his pillow, he drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
Notes:
With this chapter, I've posted all chapters that have been reviewed by my beta reader. I'm also about halfway through what I wrote as a buffer prior to posting chapter one. Updates may be a lil slower in the future as a result. THAT BEING SAID, I'm officially on holiday break from school! So I'll have more time to write and refill the buffer some.
I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far! :D Scarlet here is a lil OC who is very dear to me, and so I hope you enjoy the screen time with her! She's fairly important, so she'll be popping up regularly.
Chapter Text
Louie wandered around the weird city aimlessly.
After that weird little fight from the previous night, he just wanted to get away from the others for a bit. The pikmin they had talked to had yet to specify what they wanted them to do about the wraiths. So until then, he may as well explore a bit.
There really wasn’t much new to see – he passed by the same kind of buildings he saw yesterday, and saw the same kind of pikmin too. A few looked at him. A few more waved to him, and he would wave back.
Maybe, just maybe, things would be okay? He was still ticked at the pikmin who thought to use Scarlet as a translator, but he hadn’t yet run into them. Hopefully that meant that Scarlet was somewhere safe with her mot-
He was stopped mid-thought when a pikmin tapped him on his shoulder. He turned around, and frowned. A group of pikmin, all of varying colors, were standing before him. Poor little Scarlet was in the front of the group.
“T-They want to know what... what it’s like on Hocotate.” the white pikmin spoke, looking down at her feet.
“No.” Louie grunted, then began to make shooing motions with his hands. The other pikmin may not understand his words, but they usually seemed to understand his mannerisms. “No. I’m not telling you guys. Shoo.”
The pikmin began to walk away, seemingly annoyed. Scarlet started to follow them at first, before turning back to look at Louie. “Why did you tell them no?”
“I figured you didn’t want to be a part of it.” Louie shrugged.
Scarlet was quiet for a moment. “... I don’t.” she finally spoke.
Louie nodded. “And that’s okay. Do... do you need help getting back to your mom, now?”
“Yes.” she nodded quickly, then ran over to Louie. “She’s over there.” She explained, pointing at a building.
With a nod, Louie began to walk there. They were silent for the most part, but around half way through their trip Scarlet looked up at Louie.
“You’re... You know a lot about pikmin?” she asked.
Louie shrugged. “Olimar knows more. I know a bit though.”
“Do you know why I can talk like you guys can?”
“Y-You don’t know?” he turned to the pikmin.
She shook her head. “No, not really. Just that I was born being able to.”
“I'm not sure either. You’re the first pikmin I met who could… The first pikmin I met to have a mom to boot.”
Scarlet looked sad at first, until Louie mentioned her mother. “Yeah! Pikmin don’t really have moms. I’m not sure why I call her mom though… it just… it just fits her.”
Louie nodded. “I understad.” The two then turned a corner as they further approached the building.
“You know, I still remember the day I met her.” Scarlet closed her eyes, making a strange hum-like sound. “I was very sick when she found me. I remember laying on her lap. I couldn’t find her when I woke up, but then she came back! And I’ve lived her and the rest of the troop sense!”
Louie smiled a bit. “That’s wonderful.” He looked up as they approached a short building made from… pottery? “We’re here.”
Scarlet squealed a bit and then opened the door. “Well? Come on in!”
Louie slowly stepped in, feeling a little awkward. The house was small, only having the one room. There were several green pikmin – didn’t Scarlet say they were Flytraps? - in it, including the caped one from yesterday.
The caped pikmin stood up quickly, gave Scarlet a tight hug, and… Louie could only assume she was scolding Scarlet based on her tone of voice and Scarlet's ashamed expression. Once done she sighed and looked up to Louie, saying something.
“I’m sorry… I… I don’t understand.”
“M-Momma Venus says thank you.” Scarlet translated quickly. “And… And that she’s sorry for the trouble. She wants to give you something.”
Before Louie could argue, Venus turned around and dug around in some stock piles. She returned with something wrapped in cloth.
Louie took it, and gently unwrapped it to find… dried meat?
“It’s bulborb jerky! It’s a Flytrap's favorite!”
Louie looked up at the Flytraps. Well, with their mouths and weird external teeth, and the extra head as a leaf… Yeah, it made sense they were carnivores. Olimar would be very interested to hear this!
“Thank you.” He wrapped the meat back up and bowed deeply. He was a little shocked when, as he was standing upright again, he saw that Venus had mirrored his actions. Did the pikmin pick up on Hocotation customs? Did this happen to be a Flytrap thing as well? Or did she just mimic him in the hopes of appearing polite? Whatever the case, it brought a smile to Louie’s face.
With Scarlet home and a big bag of jerky in tow, he figured it about time to return to the Drake. He turned around, left the house, and made his way back to the ship.
Notes:
Sorry for the minor hiatus. Started work on a one shot for a secret santa (which is posted here and you should 100% go read it) and then holidays also happened.
It's a shorter chapter today, but I hope you enjoyed none the less! :D
Chapter 7: The Himbo
Notes:
Just want to say that unlike most other chapters, my beta gave me no re-working advice on this chapter. Just spelling fixes and a note that the chapter title is "glorious [and] brilliant".
Thus this is a PERFECT chapter and you cannot debate me on this.
(also yes hi we are BACK! I'm adding in my beta's suggestions up to chapter ten after this, so uh ye haw!!!)
Chapter Text
“We just landed. How could he have disappeared so quickly?” Brittany demanded.
Alph and Charlie were only able to shrug, and so she turned to Olimar.
“Louie, ah, has a way of doing things.” the captain replied sheepishly.
“You don’t say.”
“I know you guys have a history, but please give him a bit of a break.” Olimar’s tone changed suddenly, sounding more stern than usual. “He’s probably still upset is all, and left to cool off on his own accord. He’ll be back when he’s ready.”
Brittany grumbled a bit, but she wasn’t going to argue any further. She didn’t want to make Alph upset again. He was almost like a little brother to her by this point, and like hell she’d let him come to any more harm – physical or mental.
“So, ah...” Alph began, sounding awkward, “Now that we’re back together, mostly anyways, do we, uh, want to unpack everything?”
“... unpack?” Brittany asked.
“You know. The crash. The city. So much has happened so quickly, I just...” He looked to the side a bit.
Brittany couldn’t help but frown. He’s changed so much sense their first mission here. He used to be so much more confident and talkative. His unending spiels about seemingly anything and everything could get annoying, but she’d do anything to get them back.
“Sounds good to me.” Olimar responded. “So, when Brittany and I found the red pikmin, they were wearing clothes.”
“And those fluffy guys had buildings too!” Charlie finally spoke, voice ungodly loud as usual.
Seems they were going to just talk about the pikmin, rather than “unpack” like Alph had suggested. Maybe it was for the better.
Alph nodded. “Medicine too, I think. That’s what the stuff in the tent looked like to me, anyways.”
“Did they try to give you any of it?” Brittany asked, a little worried.
“No. I just saw it was all. All I really did in that tent was sleep...” Alph looked away a bit, ears twitching.
“Well it’s a good thing those fluffy pikmin managed to help you.” Brittany laid an elbow on Alph’s shoulder. “I’d hate to see something happen to my favorite lil’ engineer.”
Alph narrowed his eyes at her. “Uh huh, I’m sure.” Brittany could only smirk in response.
“I-I could have protected him just fine on my own.” Charlie suddenly interjected.
Brittany looked up at him, struggling to hold back laughter. Oh my god.
“I mean, I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to... to my – to you either.” Charlie seemed to puff up a bit.
Brittany was now covering her mouth to hide her smile and hold back laughter. She made eye contact with Olimar, and while she had no words to describe his expression, she knew it meant he knew too.
Evidently, it seemed Alph didn’t realize it himself. He just smiled, wiggled so that Brittany wouldn’t use him as an arm rest any more, then said something about how Charlie did do a good job. Brittany wasn’t paying attention anymore, and was putting all her energy into not laughing.
Their little group chat didn’t stick together much after that. They all dispersed to do their own thing, and Alph and Charlie didn’t talk much afterwards.
That poor poor himbo. Brittany sighed internally. I may just have to help him out, hehehe .
Louie returned shortly after that whole event. He ignored the koppaites entirely and elected to instead tell Olimar all about how the green pikmin he met were carnivores.
The pikmin never approached them the entire day, and were seemingly still planning what they wanted the crew to do for them still. The day passed with little event, which the crew took as a chance to just relax for a bit. The crash and then the pikmin and then Scarlet... they needed the rest.
It was night now, and they had decided to take the chance with not flying off – the pikmin’s walls were keeping the pikmin safe, why not them?
Brittany was running back into her room with a small snack in hand (hey, no more food shortages, may as well snack on sweets!) when she ran into Charlie who was in the main hull as well. A smirk appeared on her face. It was her time to strike.
“Hey Charlie.”
“Oh, hi Brittany.” the captain responded sluggishly.
“You know I’m lesbian, right?”
“W-Wha...?” Charlie seemed bewildered.
Brittany knew why of course, but the temptation to mess with him was too great. “You know, I like girls.”
“... Okay? W-Where are you go-”
“And that means I’m not competition for Alph’s affection.”
Charlie suddenly puffed up again. “What do you mean?”
“I mean I’m not gonna steal your man.”
“I-I’m not – he's not- things are NOT like that.”
“Oh of course! Only because you flirt as well as a rock could.” When Charlie didn’t respond, she pushed her hair back behind her ear. “Just remember that we have gay – lesbian solidarity here, no need to be ashamed.”
Charlie’s “puffness” seemed to die down a little as he slouched. “Why did I ever try to flirt with you? You’re obnoxious...”
“It’s because I’m also irresistible.”
Charlie just groaned.
“Listen though, real talk. If you’re going to flirt with him, go all out. None of this weird half-flirt crap.”
“I-I mean, it’s not like he’d respond back...” he suddenly looked away, face flushed.
Got him. “Listen, you have to or he won’t get it. He’s as every bit oblivious as you are.”
“... are you trying to tell me something?”
“Maybe.” Brittany said, then quickly began to walk away. She slipped into her room before Charlie could stop her. She couldn’t just tell the captain Alph had a crush on him. It’d ruin her fun! That, and Alph made her promise not to tell, and she wouldn’t betray the kid for the world. Doing it this way meant she gets to keep her promise to Alph and mess with Charlie’s head. Two birds, one stone.
She seemed to recall her Auntie Bea bragging about doing the same thing to her dad when he was trying to court her mom. She smiled a little; maybe she’d get to brag to their kids about this someday as well.
Chapter 8: Alarm Bells
Notes:
Guess who has a scheduel for this thing now? Me!
I'll post a chapter every Saturday as I'm able to. Spring Semester starts on Monday, though, which means there may be times I skip a week (or two... or three...) so no promises that this will consistently be a weekly thing. Just that, when I do have buffer chapters, they'll be posted once a week.
Chapter Text
Alph was woken up rather early in the morning by a purple pikmin .
The muscular thing was able to shake him with ease. He swatted it away a bit as he sat up, grumbling. He climbed out of bed, and the pikmin left him so that he could change into his space suit.
Stepping out if his room revealed that several pikmin had let themselves into the Drake, and that the rest of his crew mates had also been woken up by them. Wonderful.
At least everyone else seemed equally cranky and distraught by the pikmins ’ intrusion.
With some coercion, the pikmin managed to get the crew to leave the Drake and enter the meeting hall. All of the pikmin from the other day were there – Alph could only assume them to be leaders of some sort. Scarlet and her mother sat alongside them, Scarlet looking scared and her mother looking pissed.
I wonder what the pikmin are doing to force Scarlet into this... He never brought it up during the argument – the yelling had made him frozen and useless – but he did agree fully with Louie. There just had to be some alternative than forcing Scarlet to be a translator. However, as the pikmin couldn’t fully understand him... he wasn’t sure how to tell them to stop doing this, to use one of Louie’s ideas instead. Whistling and throwing were good for fighting monsters and building bridges; not so much for more diplomatic affairs.
Once everyone was settled, Scarlet stood to translate once more.
“W-We’ve... There are reports of... of wraiths. They were spotted closer to the city than ever before.” She paused a moment for the red pikmin to give her more info. “We’re going to set up a group to investigate a particular one that’s really close by. Uh...” Another pause, more info was given. “It will be ready the day after tomorrow, as we need the help of Wooly Pikmin. Can – can you guys be here to help lead?”
Their responses were automatic and synchronous. “Yes.”
Scarlet seemed a little relieved and relayed the information back to the red pikmin, who then made a pleased expression himself.
“If... If I may,” Brittany pipped up, “What are Wooly Pikmin, and why do we need their help?”
Scarlet was able to answer without the red pikmin’s assistance. “They’re really fluffy pikmin! The ones we’re closest to live in some mountains. They’re super kind, and know a lot about medicine. One time, momma was visiting Etna of the Pepple tribe of Woolies, and I scrapped my knee on a rock. Etna put this weird slimy stuff on it that smelled funny, and it burned at first, but then all the pain went away!” She beamed, happy to talk about this “Etna” person.
So those fluffy pikmin that saved Charlie and him were called Wooly Pikmin ? Name checked out. Alph wondered vaguely if the pikmin that tended to him could have been Etna. Then again, Etna wasn’t necessarily the only kind Wooly to exist. At least, Alph hoped so.
Brittany thanked her for her information. The pikmin dismissed the crew, and they left alongside Scarlet and her mother.
Once again, their day proved to be a rest day. But relaxation came hard, knowing that soon they would be facing another wraith. The thought scared Alph so much that he spent the day in his room. He sketched out a plan for a spaceship, at least until his arm seized up again, then simply laid in his bed. He might have fallen in and out of a dreamless sleep – he couldn’t tell. He spent most of the day daydreaming and anxiously wondering. Brittany had to practically drag him out to have dinner, which he ate slowly due to both lack of interest and because his arm was still locked up. It never froze for this long before. He’d have to make a note to inform his doctor.
He thought about the project he had postponed to go on this mission. A mechanical brace, to help keep his arm from locking up. He wasn’t sure if it could logistically work, but it kept him from just sulking around these past two years.
He then thought about how his cat would always get in the way of his work, and how he’d go ahead and stop to snuggle her. He put away his dishes and slipped into his room again, thoughts of Taco’s purrs and her insistence to sleep practically on his face filling his mind. It didn’t last, fading into how his sister responded when asked to cat sit.
She had been upset. Why was he going back there? That planet was deadly and Alph was already hurt. He just had to, he had told her, he had to for the pikmin , and for his friends. He was only one of six people to have gone to that planet, and the sixth saw it as nothing more than a money-making scheme. The others needed him.
He needed them.
He needed them to need him.
They had to, right? They needed him. He wasn’t here wasting their food and their time... maybe he should have stayed back, maybe his arm and anxieties caused more harm than what he could make up for. Maybe-
He stopped. He clung to his pillow, and tried not to cry. No, he couldn’t go down that rabbit hole. There was no promise he could climb back out again.
Someone knocked at his door. When Alph didn’t respond, that someone let themself in anyways.
“Alph?” it was Charlie. It was always Charlie.
“Y-yeah?” Alph responded, trying to not sound too chocked up.
“You... you were in here all day. Did...” Charlie sat at the edge of his bed. “Did you want to talk?”
“... Not really.”
A pause. Then, “C-Can I stay in here anyways? So that you’re not alone?”
“Knock yourself out.” Alph grumbled, rolling over a bit. He didn’t mean to be such a jerk; he didn’t want to be a jerk. But... what buts were there? He was being one anyways.
Charlie sat down next to him. The two stayed silent for a short while, then the door knocked again.
“Yeah?” Charlie asked from habit, then turned to Alph like he did something bad. Alph just nodded to show he was fine with this.
Olimar then entered the room. “I didn’t realize you were here already Charlie.” he said, though he didn’t exactly sound surprised. “I, ah, was just going to check on Alph was all.”
Alph’s ear twitched, not sure what to think on this whole situation. On one hand, they cared. On the other hand, they probably cared too much.
“Can I sit down?” Olimar asked. Alph nodded again, and Olimar took a seat on the other side of him.
“Listen Alph, I...” Olimar paused for a moment, as if to think. “We’re all scared of these wraiths. I don’t... I don’t think any of us want to face them.”
Alph simply nodded again, face still in his pillow.
Olimar sighed. “I’ve never been good at this. Just... you won’t be alone in this, I promise. Your crew will be with you. Louie and I will be with you. The pikmin will be with you.”
“We won’t let anything happen to you, or to anyone else, I promise.” Charlie laid a hand on Alph’s back.
Alph sat up, wrapping his arms around his legs (or the best he could anyways, why was his arm still frozen?). “... Thanks guys.”
Olimar smiled softly now. “Of course. We’re glad you’re here, you know?”
“Yeah! Wouldn’t want anyone else but my best engineer by my side!” Charlie’s voice rose suddenly. Alph smiled a bit. He was always so loud when excited... it was kind of nice, in its own strange way.
“We won’t make you come out if you’re not ready.” Olimar continued. “But... you don’t need to hide away in here, either. We’re always here for you.”
Alph nodded. “... Thank you.”
Olimar smiled then patted Alph’s shoulder. The captain rose, then left for the door.
“You gonna be okay, Alph?” Charlie asked.
“... I don’t know.” Alph admitted. “I’m just glad you guys are here...”
“We’re glad you’re here.” Charlie gave him a quick, tight hug. “Have a good night, now.”
Alph tried to hug back but Charlie was a little too quick, and was now leaving as well. Alph was tempted to call Charlie back, but what would they do? He had nothing left to say. Would they just cuddle? His face flushed. Nope, nope, nope, stars above he wouldn’t ask his captain to cuddle. He just sighed and laid back down. Maybe he should get some sleep, as he was exhausted despite probably sleeping most of the day.
Charlie sighed as he left Alph’s room. Olimar wasn’t that far ahead, standing in the hallway and messing with a tablet of some sort. It reminded Charlie of his Kopad , but looked a little different.
“Hey, thanks for helping out.” Charlie offered. Olimar looked up at him. “I was trying to make him feel better, but didn’t know what to do.”
Olimar chuckled a bit. “It wasn’t a problem. I think you did just fine.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, sometimes a hug does the trick as well.”
Charlie was silent now.
“You’re not as sneaky as you think.” Olimar chuckled some more. “Anyways, I think I’m heading off to bed now. Good night!”
“... Good night.” Charlie mumbled. Brittany knew, Olimar probably knew... was everyone except for Alph going to know about this? He groaned a little, walking to his own room. This was a mess, and there were so many things to think about. Too many things. He just wanted sleep.
Chapter 9: A Giant Special Intrest
Chapter Text
It was rather early in the morning when some noises woke Olimar . He groaned at first, thinking it was the pikmin coming to wake them up again, but he quickly realized that wasn’t the case. He got up from his bed, stepped outside his door, and poked his head around a corner. Louie was in the main room of the Drake already, twisting his helmet on.
“Where you heading off to this morning?” Olimar asked.
Louie jumped a bit, turning to Olimar . “Don’t. Don’t do that.”
“My apologies .”
The taller man grunted, then muttered something about heading into the town again.
“Mind if you stay there for a moment, then? I’d like to go with you.”
Louie sighed, not giving a clear answer.
Olimar decided to head back into his room and get ready anyways. He smiled a bit as he left his room, seeing Louie still waiting in the Drake’s main room. Without saying much, they left the ship and began to walk around the pikmin’s settlement a little bit.
“... Why did you want to come with me?” Louie asked.
“Didn’t think you’d want to wander this place alone.”
Louie made a weird sound, crossing his arms across his body. “... Thanks.”
“Any time, son.”
The faintest hint of a smile crept across the younger man’s face.
They walked around aimlessly for a little while, taking in the buildings. They noticed some things they didn’t at first, such as small gardens pikmin tended to (for what reasons, Olimar didn’t know but it made his mind race with ideas) and small ponds that blue pikmin splashed about in. The sheer amount of pikmin , too! Not just in the quantity, but the variety as well.
Olimar was certain there were more pikmin species he didn’t even see here in the city. It was impossible to contain his excitement, and he never seemed to slow down in his speech “They’re so pretty, Louie! What do you think they all do?”
Louie just shrugged as they crossed paths with pink pikmin who had long stems that dragged on the ground behind them.
“Do you think the long stem makes for a whip?” Olimar wondered aloud, only to get a quiet “maybe” in response from Louie.
Some small grey pikmin then skittered by them, some kind of shiny objects clutched in their paws. “Those guys sure are fast!” Olimar giggled. He then saw some angry red pikmin chase them down, yelling. “... they look a little like racoons, actually.” Olimar realized, seeing them dart off with what may be stolen goods.
“Heh, pikmin after my own heart.” A devilish, toothy grin spread across Louie’s face.
“Oh, don’t even joke about that.” Olimar grumbled, earning a laugh from Louie.
They turned around a corner, and what could be described as a simple gazebo came into sight. Sitting in it were a trio of obsidian black pikmin whos’ limbs, eyes, stem, and flowers all glowed a brilliant cyan. Olimar stopped for just a second. “You see them, Louie? They’re glowing! They must live in caves!”
Louie looked on. “They look the way I dress back home.”
“... That they do. The neon-on-black hurts the head if you look at it too long though...” the captain complained as he looked away.
“That’s the point. At least for me.”
“You just want to cause problems on purpose , don’t you?”
“Pretty much!”
Olimar narrowed his eyes at the younger man for just a second when some yellow-and-brown pikmin crossed their path. “Oh! They look like tiger’s eye crystals – wait, more rock pikmin ! I wonder what kind of rock the other ones we found were then... Shale, mayhaps?”
Louie shrugged before tapping Olimar’s shoulder. “That one reminds me of a snake that lives by my house.”
Olimar looked at the dull black pikmin walking along the path. Once it walked out into the sun, it gleamed with all the colors of the rainbow wherever light hit it. The captain’s eyes went wide. “IT’S SO SHINY LOUIE!!! You’re going to have to tell me what species of snake it is that lives by your house, I want one.”
“You don’t need another pet.”
“Yes I do.”
They both looked up when some shadows passed overhead. Orange winged pikmin with wings more akin to spectralids than scornets flew past them. “More winged pikmin !” Olimar bounced in place a bit. “Louie, this place, it’s fantastic!” Olimar suddenly spun around to face Louie, making the other stumble a bit. “This city, this safe haven... I’m so glad the pikmin built it.” He smiled widely, but was out of breath now. Was he tired already? He couldn’t be that old... right?
Louie regained his footing, sighing. “Wanna sit down?”
“... Yes please.” Olimar sighed.
They didn’t need to go too far before finding a bench, where they promptly sat to rest for a little while. Olimar stretched as he sat, trying not to groan. Gods, why was he so sore? He used to be able to go a lot longer before getting tuckered out... maybe it was the excitement of it all. Yeah, that had to be it! Definitely not his age...
He must have fallen asleep, as Louie’s voice caused him to jump a little.
“Huh?” Olimar looked around, confused.
“Scarlet is here.” Louie responded.
Olimar looked down to see the small white pikmin beaming up at him. “Hi, Mr. Olimar !”
“Oh, hi Scarlet.”
“She and I were just talking. I thought you’d be interested in hearing it.” Louie then turned to Scarlet. “Would you like to sit with us, we ca-”
“Yes!” Scarlet squealed, interrupting him. She then jumped up on the bench and sat promptly in Louie’s lap. Louie looked to Olimar , confused. Olimar could only smile and shrug.
“I was telling Louie all about the Giants!” she squealed.
“Giants?” Olimar’s ear twitched as he spoke.
“Yep! They’re these reaaaaaaly big creatures that have gone extinct! They used to be all over the place and they built things just like we pikmin do. No one knows what they really were or where they went, though. They did leave us lots of shinies behind for us to find!”
Olimar immediately realized why Louie wanted him to hear this.
“And there’s more I haven’t told you yet, Louie!” she squealed, looking up at the Hocotation . “Some of the shinies we found were books! I’m not allowed near them because they’re... frg ... fregil ... easily broken. But they have pictures! And words, too, I guess. Some pikmin have learned how to read these books too! Which is weird, they’re not in pikish , but isn’t that cool?”
Olimar nodded. “That is really cool!”
“Anything else you know about the Giants?” Louie asked.
“They lived in groups like we do. They liked shinies and they built things. That’s why I think they were just giant pikmin !” she then crossed her arms. “The... the... the learners of Giants think they’re monkeys though, and won’t listen to my idea. That’s dumb. Monkeys are dumb.”
“What makes them think that they were... mon-keys?” Olimar struggled to pronounce the word. Just what was a monkey anyways ?
“They won’t say! And that’s dumb! They won’t listen to me, but when I ask why they’re so right they tell me to let them work. I just... I just wanna learn about giants...” she crossed her arms again, and was seemingly pouting.
“That’s a shame. Well, we’ll listen to you.” Louie patted her head a bit.
“Thank you!” she squealed. She then looked away. “Oh! There’s momma Venus! I’ll see you later!” and without much else of a good-bye she ran off to the green pikmin.
“Well, that was... something.” Olimar laughed a bit. “Kids are funny like that, you know?”
“Not really.” Louie sighed, slouching into the bench a little.
“... Louie, do you think those treasures we found were Giant artifacts?”
“Of course. That’s why I woke you up.”
“I always knew they were from something, but to have a clearer answer now...” Olimar then frowned a bit. “Makes me feel bad that we had to sell them.”
“Maybe we can get them back? Besides, I’m sure there’s plenty more on this planet. I wouldn’t worry too much.”
“... Thanks, Louie.”
The younger man nodded, looking to the sky. “Hmm. Noon already. I haven’t had breakfast yet either... Let’s go back to the Drake and have some lunch.”
“Yeah, good idea.”
Chapter 10: The Crystal Wraith
Notes:
There’s some potentially triggering content in this chapter, but the warnings are also spoilers. Short version is: blood and death. A long version that doubles as a chapter summary can be found in the end notes. Always know you’re free to skip to the end if it gets to be too much for you!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It was the next morning now. Today was the day they’d investigate that wraith.
Everyone in the Drake was tense, and hardly a word was spoken. Only Charlie said anything, as he gave out short orders every now and again. Alph seemed like he’d faint at any second.
When the crew stepped out of the Drake and into the town square, Olimar noted that the pikmin with them were equally tense. They had a somewhat small squad prepared, only thirty pikmin total. Ten reds, fifteen flytraps, four woolies, and one of those orange winged pikmin . Each stayed in clusters of ten, one having five red and five flytraps and the other having five flytraps, four woolies, and a winged. Everyone had a crude weapon of some kind, and the woolies had medical supplies strapped to their bodies. There was a sense of order to these groups that Olimar had never seen in pikmin before. It fascinated him despite the unease it brought with it.
Little Scarlet was seen nowhere in the crowd. Her “momma”, Venus, was present and talking with a red pikmin . Soon the two of them approached the crew, and though a series of jesters managed to get them all to follow.
This is it. Let’s hope we don’t have to fight this thing. Olimar felt a little sick, but he had to keep going. The pikmin needed their help desperately.
They walked out of the city and into the forest, where they... kept walking. Everyone was silent, but Olimar could feel the tension rise with each passing second. From the corner of his eye, he could see that Alph had begun to shake again. Olimar frowned a little. Poor kid... hopefully this doesn’t end up being as bad as the Plasm Wraith... For a moment, Olimar wondered if having Alph come to face another wraith was even a good idea.
Early morning soon faded into noon, and finally they had stopped walking. Everyone sat down in some sort of clearing. Olimar was winded, and grateful for the rest as he leaned against a rock. Louie sat nearby him, but didn’t say a word. The pikmin talked quietly amongst themselves, and soon a red pikmin had approached Olimar . It sat down across from him, and began to draw in the dirt.
Olimar stared at the drawing for a moment, and Louie looked over it as well. “I think it’s nearby .” Louie finally spoke. “And I think they want us to be sneaky.”
This, of course, grabbed the attention of the koppaites as well. Charlie stood up and stared at the drawing. “Yeah, I agree with Louie. That seems to be what they intend.”
Olimar nodded. Right. They just had to be on the side lines. They weren't going to fight it, just observe it. But if a fight did occur... well, they seemed prepared enough? It was hard for Olimar to know for sure.
The red pikmin seemed to get the impression that the crew understood. It wasn’t long after that the break was ended, and the pikmin began to stalk away into the underbrush.
“Alright. There’s five of us. I’ll take my crew. Olimar , you stay with Louie.” Charlie ordered.
Olimar nodded. Their power relation was... weird. They were both captains, but Olimar was a ship captain while Charlie was only a squad captain. Olimar , however, was just a deep space truck driver while Charlie was the one with any true military positions. Neither role really mattered in this mission though. It was hard to say who should order who around, but Olimar chose to just let Charlie take the lead. No need to make things complicated when they have the same goal: save the pikmin .
As the pikmin lurked, they slowly split off into two halves. Charlie turned to his crew and used his head to gesture towards the half they’d be following. Olimar noted that it was the one without the woolie pikmin . Maybe the koppaite felt the need to let Louie and him be closer to the medics, as they were only two? Olimar couldn’t really tell, but he and Louie still fell in line with the other half of the pikmin.
It wasn’t long before they had spotted a clearing that was too perfect. It was a near perfect circular hole, large with brambles on all sides save for a neatly constructed entrance. The grass that had begun to grow in the hole was also finely mowed. While the brambles proved annoying, the pikmin and their alien companions were much too small to really be stopped by it. Everyone froze when a strange sound called out, but from where Olimar couldn’t tell. Then he saw it, a nearly transparent wraith slithering on through the entrance of its makeshift compound. It was almost like a ghost, with only the faintest reflections and its deep grey core to give its existence away. The transparency faded into a more translucent form as it shifted to a standing position not unlike how the plasm wraith stood. This one, however, had a straighter posture and “arms” of the same length, and also lacked that strange hole the plasm wraith had.
It wandered its compound for a little bit. One of its arms crystalized into a fine blade, and it used it to cut some blades of grass it seemingly deemed too long. It stood up when done, looking around a bit.
Within that same moment, it turned and threw a shard of crystal deep into the brush, and the unmistakable sounds of pikmin dying filled the arena.
In an instant, everyone scattered. Pikmin jumped into the arena itself to get a better shot at this weird crystal wraith. The koppaites followed suit, throwing pikmin at the beast to help them get on top of it, where the pikmin would then try stabbing or hitting it with their various weapons. Small bits of the wraith would fall off as a result, but a quick shake to get the pikmin off and a second to reabsorb the goop was all it took for it to get into prime fighting form again.
Whatever this thing was, it was somehow both weaker and stronger than the plasm wraith. Almost as if it were less talented, but better trained
Once its back was turned, Olimar jumped out with Louie and their pikmin to try attacking it. He threw some pikmin onto it’s back, who stabbed and clawed desperately at the thing. Olimar then realized the woolies nor the winged pikmin were with him. He turned around for just a second to see that the woolies were indeed hanging back. Maybe because they were the medics? The winged was nowhere to be seen.
“OLIMAR!” Louie suddenly shouted, and Olimar was suddenly pushed over. A harsh crack filled the air as he scrambled to his feet.
The crystal wraith was hovering over him, poised to strike with a sword-arm. Olimar rolled out of the way as some pikmin clung to it and made it stagger a little. It’s other arm quickly grew crystal spikes, which it used to smack the pikmin on it with. At least one was skewered by the thing. It didn’t have much time to attack before another pikmin was thrown onto its “head”.
Olimar panicked as he looked around the arena. Charlie was the only other crew member he could see, though he could swear he heard the others nearby. He could only count ten pikmin with them, but knew there just had to be more... right?
We were under prepared. We have to run. But where? We can’t risk this thing following us... Olimar panicked as he hastily threw another pikmin at the wraith. What should they do? What should they do?! What should they do?!
Olimar’s ear twitched as he heard the sound of... well, he didn’t know what the sound was. He looked up at the source of it: at least fifty some orange pikmin flying above them, each carrying a rock pikmin . They flew in a little closer and began to drop the rock pikmin on the wraith, who flinched and tried to escape in response. As rock pikmin fell to the ground, Olimar raced to grab them and throw them at the wraith again. It sliced and stabbed at the rock pikmin , but to no avail; their rocky bodies were too sturdy to be harmed by it. Olimar made one good throw at its sword, causing it to crack a little.
It seemed the others noticed this as well, as soon rock pikmin were constantly being chucked at its sword. The crystal blade soon broke, and it tried to escape as it turned to its more transparent form. Pikmin still chased it, throwing spears at its grey core, but whatever gooey substance it was made of stopped the spears from going near the core.
It managed to escape, but at least they knew how to fend it off now. Maybe this would even scare it off for good!
Olimar sighed with relief and did a quick headcount. There were fifty rocks and fifty-one of the orange winged pikmin . Olimar then realized that the one winged who went missing had gone for back up. Fly ing probably meant they could travel faster. That must have been the reason for sending the winged with them. He turned as he continued the headcount. All five woolies were alive, and tending to some wounded pikmin . Only six reds and nine fly raps remained, however. In a panic, Olimar looked over the group to make sure Venus was alright. After only a moment of searching, he was able to find her being patched up by a woolie. He sighed again. Good. Scarlet’s mother was still okay.
He looked over to make sure the other crew members were okay. Brittany was rubbing her shoulder, Alph was panicking and crying, and Charlie was doing his best to comfort Alph with back rubs and gentle “It’s okays.” Olimar turned around to find Louie, but...
“Hey guys? Where’s Louie?” Olimar asked.
The other crew mates seemed equally confused. Olimar began to panic again, turning around and trying to peer through the crowd of pikmin . “Louie? Louie?!” He was now shoving pikmin out of the way to try and find him. “Louie?!”
Finally, he spotted the younger hocotation . “LOUIE!” He shoved past a few more pikmin to get to him.
Louie was on the far side of the clearing, laying in the grass. His helmet was badly cracked.
“LOUIE! LO-” he reached over to roll the hocotation over, to see if he was okay, but recoiled when he felt... no. “L-Louie -” Olimar looked over the large wound, touching his helmet in an attempt to rub his cheek like he always did when stressed.
All he managed was to smear blood all over it.
Seeing the blood – Louie's blood – on his helmet and hand finally broke him. He began to hyperventilate and cry and shake Louie out of desperation. But it wouldn’t work. Louie wasn’t going to wake up.
Louie was dead.
The crystal wraith must have gotten him. It’s - it’s sword... when he pushed me, when he saved me. Olimar shook more. He saved me. This could have been me. This was supposed to have been me, I...
Olimar jumped when a tiny hand touched him. He turned around to see Venus, who had a sadness in her four eyes that almost reflected Olimar’s . He turned a bit to see all of the other pikmin staring at him. Brittany and Charlie looked on, seeming uncomfortable and confused. Alph refused to look at him at all, and was still crying.
Olimar turned back to Venus. “Please.” He whispered in a hoarse voice. “Help me. Help him. He’s - he’s like a son to me – he is my son – please help me.”
Venus only stared at him, unable to understand a word. She just took her cape off, wiped away the blood on Olimar, then wrapped the cape around him. She cooed some words in pikish , putting her hand to Olimar’s chest. Then she stood to the other flytraps and barked out something to them. The other flytraps nodded and walked over to Louie.
“W-what are you doing?”
Neither Venus nor the other fly traps looked at him. They simply picked Louie’s body up.
“What are you doing?!” Olimar repeated, struggling to stand up.
Venus finally looked at him, placing a hand on his shoulder again. She stared at him; face scrunched in a strange way for a little while before she spoke. “Trust.”
Olimar stared back. “Trust?”
“Trust.”
He looked to the koppaites again. Brittany simply patted his shoulder and urged him to start walking with the group. Olimar looked around, feeling dazed. The rocks and orange wings walked or flew closely, protectively, around the group. Everyone else stayed in the middle of the near diamond shape the other pikmin types created. The flytraps who carried Louie were encircled by their fellow flytraps, Venus herself holding a spear in protection of the hocotation . Olimar clung onto the cape like a child, still feeling a little confused. He hardly registered the two red pikmin who walked by his side, each a hand to his back as they returned to the city.
It was almost sunset when they returned to the city. Olimar still felt dazed though, and was unable to recall the walk back. He was hardly able to recognize where he was at.
The pikmin then began to disperse, most heading for the town hall. The flytraps, on the other hand, began to walk to their onion. Olimar snapped his head to them, realizing they still had Louie. “What are you doing?” he called out to them. Of course, they didn’t listen, and got dangerously close to the onion.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Olimar repeated, running at the pikmin .
But not fast enough.
They brought Louie under the onion, where it sucked him up.
Olimar froze for a moment, then stared at Venus. “WHAT DID YOU DO?! WHAT DID YOU DO?! ” he yelled at her, getting closer. Some other flytraps restrained him before he could get too close.
The onion sputtered and glowed before popping out a single seed. Olimar just stared in horror as it planted itself and grew. He couldn’t yell at them anymore, just shake as the sprout swayed without wind.
He looked back to the koppaites , who seemed equally mortified. In fact, most pikmin seemed scared and disgusted by what took place. He turned to the flytraps again. “Why?” he barely whispered.
Venus said nothing. She just walked over to the sprout, and pulled it out of the ground.
What came out... hit Olimar with too many emotions and thoughts.
Louie grumbled and swatted Venus away. His suit was gone, and several patches of his body were replaced with the same green of the flytrap pikmin (namely his lower torso and lower arms). A long green stem with the same “mouth leaf” of the flytraps grew from his head, and four wide green eyes had replaced his old eyes.
“L-… Louie?” Olimar managed out as the other flytraps let go of him.
“O-Olimar?” The younger man responded, then groaned. “ Olimar , what happened? Why does my neck hurt? And my... everything else.”
Olimar didn’t respond. He couldn’t respond. He ran to Louie, fell to his knees, and hugged him.
“Hey, what are yo-”
“Y-You’re okay...” Olimar managed out between tears. “Y... You’re okay...” He began to shake some more. “My son is okay...”
Notes:
Trigger warnings/Chapter Summary: while fighting a “crystal wraith”, a wraith with power over only crystals but can shape them into objects like spikes and swords, several pikmin die. The wraith also kills Louie, having both sliced him and thrown him against a wall. They manage to scare the wraith off when reinforcements of rock pikmin arrive. Olimar then finds Louie, then panics and breaks down crying when he realizes Louie is dead. Venus comforts him and comes up with a plan to help. They return to the pikmin city, where the flytraps take Louie to their onion. Olimar is at first horrified by their seemingly betrayal of his trust, but calms down when he sees that Louie has been revived as some half-pikmin, half-hocotation thing. Chapter ends with Olimar crying over Louie again.
Chapter 11: New Life
Chapter Text
Louie groaned with pain when he woke up again. He sat up a bit, rubbing his head, when an unfamiliar voice began to coo at him.
“Shh, don’t strain yourself yet...” her voice was soft and sweet. Louie let her lay him back down. Something cool and damp was placed on his head, and he let out a sigh of relief. He opened his eyes a bit, trying to find whoever it was that was with him. All he saw was a wooly pikmin.
“W-Where is...?” He spoke in a hoarse voice.
The wooly looked up. “I’m right here.”
The two then stared at each other, bewildered.
“I-I can understand you?” Louie asked.
“You’re talking in Pikish!” the wooly responded. “I - I should tell someone! Oh, but if I tell a star, they won’t leave you alone... Venus. I’ll get Venus.” Before Louie could say anything else, she had run off.
The hocotation groaned and rubbed his head again. This planet was filled with too many surprises. As he rubbed his head, however, he found his hand felt... weird. And heavy. He pulled it away to look at it. It was green, a little larger than before, and had only three digits. Like a pikmin hand.
“What in the world...” Louie sat back up, and a wet rag fell off his head and into his lap. He grumbled as he held it on his head again. His head felt heavy too, but he didn’t want to lay down. Leaning back proved uncomfortable, like something was being squished, but he didn’t want to move again.
The wooly pikmin returned, Venus in tow. Venus’s arm was in a sling, but otherwise she looked the same: a fly trap with a proud posture and a bulbear hide cape.
“Is it true?” She asked. Her voice was strong, but gentle.
“Is what true?” he responded.
“Hmm... so it is.” Venus sighed and walked closer. “This must be a consistent side effect then...”
“Side effect? Of what? What – what happened to me?”
Venus turned to the wooly pikmin. “Is it best to tell him now?”
“He’ll find out eventually. No sense in making him wait in confusion.”
Venus nodded. “Thank you, Etna.” She then turned back to Louie. “There’s no way for me to put this gently. You died, Louie.”
Louie froze a bit. “I... what?” His ears twitched as bits came back to him. The crystal wraith. Olimar being in danger... “It was the wraith, wasn’t it?”
Venus nodded again. “Yes. Olimar was distraught, so I decided to bring you to our onion.”
“So... I’m a pikmin now?” he looked at his hands again.
“Er, not quite? Something between pikmin and... whatever you were before. Bits of you are still the same. Mostly.”
Louie blinked slowly as he flexed his hands again. He had no thumbs, and he didn’t really like that. “H-How did you know it would work?”
“I... That explanation isn’t mine to just give out freely, I’m sorry to say.” She admitted.
Louie frowned. That wasn’t too comforting. “Are Olimar and the others okay?”
“Last I saw, they were still shaken up and quiet about what happened. I think they’ll be okay though.”
“I need to see one of them. Any of them.” He looked up from his hands and directly at Venus. “Please I... I need to know something.”
Venus nodded. “Understood. I’ll see what I can do.” With that, she turned and left the room.
“Now, lay back down.” The wooly pikmin – Etna, wasn’t that her name? - instructed. “You need to rest after all of that.”
Louie grumbled, but complied. He was still really tired, and everything still hurt so much. Particularly his neck and general abdomen area. Maybe it had to do with how he died? He frowned. No, best not to think about that ever again. He closed his eyes. Everything hurt so much...
Louie jolted a bit at the sound of a door opening. He looked over with groggy eyes and saw...
“O-Olimar!” He sat up, despite his pounding headache.
“Hey there, kiddo.” Olimar’s smile was wide, but clearly sad. There was something in his hands. “You doing alright?”
“I... I think?” Louie shrugged. “Just wish I had something for this headache.”
Olimar’s smile faded a bit. “I’m... not sure what hocotation medicine would do to you now. Otherwise, I’d get you some pain killers.”
“Mmm. Don’t worry about it.”
Olimar nodded and sat in a chair next to Louie. “Took forever to find you, ya know? They have you on the third floor of a building that looks identical to four others.” Before Louie could offer any sort of comfort, Olimar began talking again. “But I digress. You must be hungry after all of that, so I brought you some instant noodles. It’s... not much, but it’s what we got, so...” he handed Louie the thing he brought in, which Louie realized was a bowl wrapped in tin foil.
“Thank you.” Louie nodded. He tried to be polite, he really did. But when the smell of the soup broth hit his nose, he realized just how hungry he was. He ended up slurping the meal down quickly and in a rather messy fasion. He groaned a little as he finished and leaned back.
“Well... glad you liked it.” Olimar chuckled a little. “Have the pikmin been treating you well?”
Louie nodded. “Yes. And I... I can understand them now. Their language, I mean.”
Olimar’s ears twitched. “Oh! That’s wonderful!”
“Yeah...” Louie stretched a bit. “Which is why I wanted to see you. To make sure that... that I still knew common.”
Olimar nodded. “I... I see.”
“I think I’m ready to head out now.” Louie quickly changed the subject, hoping it may make Olimar feel better. “Hopefully the doctor will let me out.”
“Are you sure? You haven’t been here long, you know.”
Louie wasn’t sure. In fact, he was still very much in pain. But with this new knowledge... he had to leave. He had to use this. Then he could rest more at the Drake. So, he nodded. “Just have to wait and see if the doc will come back, so I can ask to leave.”
“I-I see... take care then.” He stood up, then leaned in to hug Louie. “And... I’m glad you’re alive, son... I’m so glad you’re alive.
“Uhhh... I am too?” Louie managed out as he patted the captain’s back.
Olimar chuckled weakly as he pulled away. “Heh... I’ll see you later, alright kiddo?”
Louie nodded as the captain left the room. He... wasn’t expecting that hug, to say the least. Or any of this, for that matter. What’s gotten into him? Louie wondered for a moment, then, ah yeah... I died... poor guy must be shaken up, still.
Some time than passed - too much time, if you were to ask Louie – before Etna returned.
“I’m ready to leave.” he blurted out.
“Oh, no you’re not! You are to stay here and rest!” she crossed her arms. “I didn’t get this award by letting my patients walk out before they were done healing!” she pointed at a bone shard woven into her mane.
Louie stared blankly at it. “Well I guess that’s too bad for the both of us – I gotta do this for Scarlet.”
“Don’t bring that little one into this! You’re not getting out-”
“I’m serious, Doc. If I can speak both pikish and galactic common, then I need to replace the kid as translator.”
“I-” she then groaned. “How dare you make me choose between her wellbeing and yours?” the wooly pikmin crossed her arms.
“I’m not making you choose. I said I’m going to leave here and take her place.”
“... bull headed little brat...” Etna muttered. “Fine. For Scarlet. But you must rest at your weird silver onion most of the day, got it ? I’ll be checking on you!”
Does she mean the Drake? Louie wondered. “Don’t worry, Doc, I was planning on it.”
She nodded and made notes on her clipboard. “And don’t do anything stupid. Or else.”
“... I don’t think Olimar would let me get away with anything stupid.”
“Good! At least your leader has some sense!” she huffed. “You’re free to go.”
Louie wasn’t sure what to expect when he stepped outside. Countless pikmin surrounding him and asking if he was okay wasn’t on that non-existent list, though it realistically should have been. He tried to ignore them despite understanding them – his head hurt too much and he knew he would lash out. He couldn’t lash out at them. Olimar would be upset if he did.
He made his way over to the meeting hall. A few pikmin tried to stop him along the way, but he was not to be deterred. He pushed the door open, stepping into a meeting already in progress.
“Oh good, he’s awa-” the red pikmin began before being cut off.
“WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, BARGING IN ON OUR MEETING LIKE THIS? WE DIDN’T INVITE YOU!” the white pikmin all but shrieked.
“Actaea, calm down. He’s a leader. He can’t hurt us.” The rock pikmin cooed in trademark gravelly voice.
The white pikmin turned on him. “We have rules here, Daru! He could be a god walking in here for all I care! He needs to follow them! Gild, get him out of here!” she now turned to the red pikmin.
“Wait-” Louie took a step forward, and everyone stared at him. “I’m - I’m here to be a translator. In Scarlet’s place.”
The red pikmin – Gild, was that his name? - curled his stem a little. Louie got the sense that this was somehow a pikmin equivalent to smiling. “Of course. You were so worried about her on day one. Alright, what does the council think?”
“Getting her away from this mess may be good.” The rock pikmin Daru spoke first. “I... don’t think she can handle it. I say yes.”
“Having someone competent would be appreciated. I’d rather have him then the lil weirdo. It’s a yes from me.” venom dripped from Actaea’s voice. Almost literally.
By the end, the vote was a resounding “yes” across the board, all for the same reason – Scarlet could not handle it (told in... varying aggressive ways...)
Louie nodded. “Come get me whenever you need me then. I’m going back to my ship to rest up.”
Gild nodded. “Of course, of course. Rest. You’ve... been through a lot.”
Louie turned and left for the Drake. He didn’t need to be reminded about his whole ordeal, though he got the sense that people were going to remind him anyways...
Olimar gladly welcomed Louie back on board once he got back. The koppaites were... much wearier around him, however. They never did get over the whole “stealing their food” thing even after he apologized, and...
They must have seen me die too. Louie realized, suddenly feeling sick. It was at that moment he decided to go to his room and rest again.
When he awoke it was dinner time. Everyone was quieter than usual, and it unnerved Louie. Not that he took part in the conversations but not having them there just felt off.
After eating in silence for a few minutes, Olimar looked up. “I’m... I’m just glad to have you back buddy. Room felt empty last night without you!”
Louie nodded in thanks, and then Brittany got up and left with her food.
“Eat in th-” Charlie began, before being cut off by her bedroom door shutting behind her. He just groaned.
Louie looked to Olimar, who just shrugged. As he turned away again, his ears leaned flat and his stem began to flick about in agitation. He knew it would take more than one night for them to be okay, but... would they ever be okay?
He then gripped his bowl tighter. His recklessness in battle, the wounds he suffered.... was it going to scar all of them forever?
He jolted as he felt someone touch his back. He looked back to Olimar, who was trying to comfort him as he smiled. “Hey, son. It’ll be alright. You hear me?”
Louie just nodded, his stem becoming still again.
“It’ll be alright son. I promise. It’ll be okay. You’ll be okay...”
Chapter 12: Helping Hands
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Louie grumbled as he struggled with his fork. A fork of all things.
His past two meals had been soups he could just drink, which was all well and good. Certainly easier on these weird pikmin hands. But he wanted other kinds of food too, dammit!
And that meant learning how to use a fork all over again.
He had no idea why it was so damn difficult .
His noises of frustration must have been obvious, as soon Alph walked into the room with him. “Do... you need help?” he asked.
Louie just grunted. “Can you make me robot hands?”
Alph giggled a bit. “No, but... wait right here. I have something that may help!” he then turned and left.
Louie just groaned. What grand idea does the kid have in store? He was... fairly certain Alph was his same age or older, but he was so tiny compared to him that it was hard not to see him as younger. Especially with that baby face thing going on.
When Alph returned, he had several... stress balls?... in his hands. “Alright. Watch what I do.” he set the balls down on the table, then stretched his hands out. “I know you have... less fingers now... but try to do what I’m doing, okay?”
He began to stretch his hands in odd ways. As Louie followed along, he found it didn’t hurt for as weird looking as it was. He did struggle to match some stretches on account of no longer having a pinkie finger or a thumb though...
After a few minutes , Alph stopped. “Grab the yellow one. It’s the softest.”
As this was proving to at least not be hurting him, he nodded and followed along. The stress ball was... a little tougher than he expected, and he couldn’t say he liked the rubber texture. Still, he followed along with another series of hand stretches and exercises that included the ball. But as time passed, realization as to how Alph knew all of this dawned on him.
“H-Hey Alph?” Louie asked, stopping.
“Yeah?”
“Is... your arm doing any better?”
The koppaite scowled a bit and looked away. “No, it’s not.” he snapped, soon followed by a meek “Sorry...”
“J-Just thought I’d ask. I thought that... after all this time...”
Alph turned back to him. “I never told you, did I? No – of course I didn’t, you were already back home when I found out...” his ears leaned back.
“Found out what?”
He began to hug himself. “T-The damage is permanent. The burns were too bad, a-and my treatment too delayed...”
Louie’s ears then pinned back as well, stem going somewhat limp. “I... I’m sorry.”
“I just... I just don’t understand . After that... that... that thing burned me, it just... stared at me. I had no idea what was going through its mind – was it going to burn me again? Kill me?” he began to shake hard.
Louie stood up to place a hand on Alph’s shoulder, only for the shorter man to flinch and step away. “Listen I... I’m no good at this kind of stuff. Olimar or Charlie could help you more. But...” he sighed. Gods, there was nothing he could say. They were here to fight wraiths, to protect pikmin from them. He couldn’t say the Plasm Wraith couldn’t get to him anymore, or that stuff was behind them now, because the creepy bastard may show up any day now.
Having him face the wraiths was a terrible idea. But Louie also knew from personal experience that forcing him to stay back would be just as bad for him.
“You’ve faced it before. You know it’s tricks. Yeah, the creep is tough as nails and impossible to read, but you know what its limits are. You know how to deal with it. You... you can do better, if it shows up again, for both yourself and the pikmin.”
Alph smiled sadly. “T-Thanks Louie...” he looked down. “I just wish it... never mind.” he sighed. “Keep the stretches up, okay? They helped me. They... might help you.”
Louie nodded. He wasn’t going to force more out of Alph that he didn’t want to say. “I will. I’ll also let you know how it goes.”
A happier smile spread across Alph’s face as he smiled and waved. “Take care.” With that, he left.
Louie sighed and returned to doing his hand exercises. He found it to feel... kind of good, actually. Though his hands were getting sore from the work. After a while he stopped. I... just hope this actually helps. Alph seemed unsure... Of course, Alph was only doing based on whatever he knew. Louie couldn’t fault him for that.
As he was done, he decided to scoop up the balls and head back to his room. If there was one good thing about his hands being weirdly big now, it was that he could carry more things. He just laid them on his desk for the time being – he only really used it for his tiny laptop anyway, and headed for the door again.
“H-Hey Louie!” Olimar stepped into the doorway, catching Louie off guard.
“Ack - Captain! Please, stop sneaking up on me!”
Olimar’s ears twitched. “Sorry kid... I... just wanted to make sure you were doin ’ okay.”
“Yeah, I’m okay.” Louie grumbled a bit.
A pause. Then, “... I’m sorry, kid. I know you’re okay now... I... I just...” he sighed and hugged Louie again, causing the taller man to squeak in agitation and surprise. “I was so scared you’d be gone forever. I didn’t know the pikmin could... could bring you back from the dead like this.” He tensed a bit. “You... you were dead Louie. You were...” He looked down and began shaking. Louie realized ... he was crying.
Ah shit... “Hey, hey it’s alright Cap’. It’s alright...” he tried to pat his back the best he could, given how his arms were pinned to his sides. “You don’t need to cry over me.”
Olimar sniffled. “I-I know... you.... you’re like a son to me, you know?”
Louie’s stem went limp again. He had only heard Olimar say that once before, back when they were hunting for treasure that first time around. He didn't think much of it then, as it came out of nowhere and most likely spurred on by the poor guy missing his family but...
Louie just nodded in response.
“I - I’m so glad you’re still here, Lou.” Olimar then pulled himself away. “Sorry... sorry for getting all touchy feely again, I-”
“No, it’s... It’s alright.” Louie rubbed his arm. “I... can only imagine what happened... during the time before I was... before I became a hybrid.”
Olimar was quiet now, slowly nodding. He turned to leave.
“Wait-” Louie began. Olimar turned back. “Just... take care of yourself... Okay D-… okay Cap’?”
A soft smile appeared on Olimar’s face. “You too, Lou. You too...”
Notes:
Just a note - the series will be going on a short break so I can refill the backlog :D and also focus on school a little more...
Chapter 13: Louie Dot exe Has Stopped Working
Notes:
It’s been a little while! School had me busy, and my beta was unable to edit for a short bit... but we are back!!!
This also comes with a title change – from “Star Touched” to “Wraiths from an Age Passed”. Felt It was more accurate to what the story is about... plus I have many fics that have “star” in the title, hah!
I also now know how many chapters there will be. It may still fluctuate as time goes on, but I don't see it straying far.
Chapter Text
It was early morning on the Drake, and all was fairly quiet.
Louie was already awake, and he hated it. He wished he could sleep in, but he wasn’t able to fall back asleep. It wasn’t because of a nightmare either, which was the most frustrating part.
… Actually, he had been waking up earlier ever sense he became a pikmin-hybrid. He hoped this wasn’t a side effect of it. He liked sleeping in.
He looked up when the coffee machine beeped. He poured a cup, put a little sugar and creamer in it (thankfully he only spilled a little bit of it, as he still wasn’t confident in his dexterity) and then took a big gulp.
He immediately began to gag and spat it out.
Holy fucking Gods that was awful. It tasted like he drank poison.
All things considered, it probably was a poison to him now.
Great. Another wonderful thing taken from me by being a pikmin. No sleeping in, no coffee, no hiding my emotions... Of course, being able to translate in Scarlet’s stead was nice. He also supposed no longer needing to wear clothes – he had a pikmin body for most of his torso, it’s not like he had to for decency’s sake – was kinda nice but... no. It wasn’t really a perk. He still wore a shirt and sweat pants around, as he could no longer get his hands though the arms of his space suit. He also couldn’t wear shoes anymore, which made him thankful that these new pikmin feet were tough as nails.
Louie grumbled a bit as he dumped his cup of coffee down the drain.
“Is it necessary to waste so much coffee?” A sharp voice complained, accompanied by the sound of footsteps.
Louie groaned in response. “Good morning, Brittany.”
“Mornin...” he turned to see her pouring her own cup, which she then added copious amounts of sugar and creamer to. “Is this a bad brew or somethin’?”
“... probably not. I think it’s just... my pikmin body not liking coffee.”
She took a drink, staring tiredly at him. Her hair was a mess, she had bags under her eyes, and a robe was thrown half-heartedly on top of pink jammies. Normally he’d assume something was bugging her, but she always looked like this in the mornings. Was a good visual cue to not fuck with her. “... yeah, it tastes fine. Must be your pikmin body. Guess pikmin can’t drink coffee.”
“Great. Wonderful. I can’t help but wake up early in the morning, and now I can’t drink coffee either.”
Brittany just rolled her eyes. “Oh, how awful for you...” she then sighed and sat her cup down. “I’m... I’m sorry.”
Louie just stared at her for a bit. “Eh?”
“For everything.” she went on. “I...” she looked down the hall, then back at Louie. “To be blunt, I’ve been a dick. And I’m sorry for it. You had apologized for the things you did, and yet I held onto the grudge anyways. So... I’m sorry.”
The man just slowly blinked in response, unsure of what to say.
“You know, this is the part where you’re supposed to accept or reject my apology.” Brittany grunted.
“Oh - Oh! Uh, yeah. Sure. It’s... yeah.” Louie stuttered out.
Birttany sighed. “Thanks. You can still drink fruit juice, yeah?”
Louie nodded.
“Grab a cup of the Citrus Lump juice. Nowhere near as good as coffee, but I’ve heard people say it’s good at waking them up a bit.”
He turned to the storage and dug around for a container, which he began to taste. It didn’t taste as acidic to him anymore, he noticed, but it didn’t taste bad. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” She began to walk out with her cup of coffee.
“Doesn’t Charlie want dishes to stay in the dining area?”
“Do I look like I care?” she turned to him. Between the jammies and bags under her eyes and messed up hair...
“... no, no it doesn’t.” Try as he might, there was no way Charlie was going to order the girl around unless she already wanted to do the thing. Or couldn’t realistically get out of it. It almost made Louie feel bad for the guy. Almost.
He washed his cup once done with the drink, then returned to his room to do a few of the hand exercises he could remember. It felt as if they were helping, at least a little. Though he could have just been getting used to these weird pikmin hands. One done with that, he decided he’d take a walk outside in the pikmin’s little city.
It was a warm day, and the sky was overcast. Pikmin were milling about all over the place. It seemed there were more blue pikmin than usual today... maybe they were excited for the coming rain?
He ended up wandering into a small park of sorts where tiny flowers were being grown in raised beds. He had learned in to get a closer look at them – maybe Olimar could identify them? - when he heard a loud “There you are!”
He turned around to see Venus and Scarlet approaching him. Scarlet had a strong grip on her mother’s hand, and was practically bouncing in place. Venus had a wide smile on her face, causing her lower pair of eyes to seem squished.
“Etna and the Council both told me what you did for Scarlet. I came here to thank you.” Venus bowed as she said “thank”. Then under her breath she added “... after they yelled at me for bringing you to the onion in the first place...”
“Huh?” Louie stumbled over his words a bit. “Oh, you don’t ha-”
“Of course I do! Poor thing has already been through so much...” she let go of Scarlet’s hand to gently rub her head. “I can’t overstate what this means to me.”
His brows raised a bit at the comment, but he chose not to ask. It wasn’t his business to know what the child had gone through before. “She’s a kid, Venus. It was wrong to make her translate for us. I... I just had to do this.”
Venus’s gaze softened. “You’re... you’re a good person Louie. I’m glad to have you be a part of our Troop!... that is, if you want to be...”
Louie looked down at his pikmin hands. He wasn’t just a pikmin – he was a flytrap. Venus had been the one to save him. He was a flytrap. “I mean... yeah, I guess I am...”
“You should be!” Scarlet squeaked, running over to hug his leg. “You’re already just like me now! All that’s left is to be part of the family!”
Louie froze a bit. You’re just like me. He wanted to believe their similarity was their shared ability to translate for the pikmin... but a sick feeling settled on Louie as he heard those words. He looked up at Venus, who’s expression told him everything.
“That explanation isn’t mine to just give out freely.” she had said. “She’s been through so much.” she had said.
He looked down at a happy Scarlet. With a smile, he stroked her stem and nodded. “Yeah, I’m a flytrap. Just like you.”
But... Scarlet, what are you really?
Chapter 14: Calls From the Past
Notes:
Small heads up, decided to change a plot thread a little. Thus one of the sentences in Chapter 5 has been retconned. I've gone back and edited it already. I don't think most of you would've remembered the line as it wasn't super important, but I figured to let you know anyways. So if you re-read that chapter and feel as if one of the scenes played out a little differently, that's because it did.
Chapter Text
Olimar hummed a bit as he typed away at his computer. There were so many new pikmin types to document! Unfortunately, he didn't have the time to study them, so his notes were limited to remarks on their physical appearance and theories to what they could do. Maybe, if they ever had the time, he could get Louie to help... asking them directly would be much quicker than sheer observation!
His bedroom door opened. “Hey, Olimar?” Louie asked. It was as if his thoughts had called out to the younger man. “Can you, uh, help me out?”
Olimar spun his chair around. “Of course I can! With what?”
“Venus is going on a hunting mission. Needs food for her tribe.” Ah yes, the carnivorous flytraps! By far the most interesting type of pikmin to Olimar, next to the nocturnal Wooly pikmin. “She wants me to watch over Scarlet but ah... I’m... not... the best with kids. S-So I need help...” his stem was swaying side to side slowly. Olimar knew he was emoting just as a pikmin could, but what stem movements linked to what emotions was beyond him.
“Of course I’ll help!” Olimar promised as he stood from his chair. “I’d be glad to check on the little one again... uh, isn’t Venus’s arm broken though?”
Louie nodded. “Won’t stop her from taking care of her tribe... Still, thank you... I’ll wait outside the Drake while you get your suit on.” with that, he slipped away.
As usual, it took Olimar only a few minutes to get his suit on and ready. Once everything was attached snugly, he stepped out of the Drake where Louie was waiting for him. With an affirmative nod, they began to walk to the terracotta building where the flytraps lived.
A group of them were just out front, including Venus. She looked up to Louie, and the two began talking. Olimar just... stood there, unsure of what to do. He didn’t understand the clicks and squeaks of Pikish, and understood even less how Louie suddenly knew the language. It obviously meant that language was an instinct to the pikmin, rather than something they learned, but how could something so complicated be instinctual? It was almost as if they were programed to know.
Louie turned to Olimar, pulling him out of the thought before he could dwell on it further. “Let’s head inside. She’s waiting in there.”
“Right!” Olimar nodded.
They opened the crude door and stepped inside of the building. Scarlet was in a corner, drawing in the dirt floor. She looked up, squealed, then ran right to Louie and hugged his leg. “Louie! I’m glad you’re here!” she then looked to Olimar. “Oh, hello Mr. Olimar!”
Louie seemed... confused on what to do. Olimar just smiled softly and waved.
“Have a seat. No need to stand around!” Scarlet insisted, now tugging on Louie’s arm.
She led them to a spot where pillows were laid out around a low table. Olimar sat down next to her, and Louie was on her other side. Scarlet immediately hugged the pikmin-hybrid.
“I’m glad you guys are here! Louie is a member of our tribe now! He needs to hang out here more often!” she squeaked.
Olimar raised a brow to Louie, who sighed. “Yes, I am now...” he rubbed her back a bit. “But I also have to stay with my...” he seemed to struggle to find the word for a moment. “... crew.”
“Awwwwww.... will you ever stay with us?” she pleaded, resting her chin on his arm and giving him puppy dog eyes.
“Uh... m-maybe?”
The unsure tone didn’t deter her. It was almost as if she couldn’t tell. “Yay!” And she buried her face into his arm.
Poor kid’s trying his best... Olimar couldn’t help but smile. She... really was just like his little girl back home.
Snuggled in, Scarlet’s voice was somewhat muffled. “They found another Giant book!”
“Did they, now?” Olimar asked, head resting in his hands now.
Scarlet nodded slowly. “Yeah... it’s... a big deal too.... they say it’s a... text book.” She let out a yawn. “I thought... all books have text though...”
Olimar couldn’t help but smile now. Spent all that energy and now she was falling asleep. “They do. Text books are just a kind of book. Used in schools.”
“... School... boring...” she yawned again, curling up under Louie’s arm now, and just fell asleep.
Louie looked up at Olimar, who could only smile and shrug.
“I didn’t know pikmin had schools.” Olimar hummed.
Louie looked away. “I... don’t think they do.” and then he became quiet for a moment.
Well, how else would she know of school? Unless she overheard it from one of them? Or learned about it through Giants? Whoever she learned it from, they clearly rubbed off on her. Why else would she have an opinion on school? Olimar couldn’t help but hum a little as he thought.
Little Scarlet murmured in her sleep.
“So... uh...” Louie began, seeming uncomfortable. Was he really that bad with kids, or was it something else? “I’ve heard about the others... calling their families. Have you been able to? Are they doing okay?”
Olimar beamed at that. “Yes! I try to every night, though I don't always get to. They’re doing wonderfully! Nova is in a video game club at school now. I didn’t even know that was a thing!” he lifted his head up to clap his hands together gently (as to not wake the sleeping child with them). “Wifey and I have also saved up enough money for her to go back to school! It’s not easy, being a mother and a student, but I believe in her!”
Louie blinked slowly, making Olimar pause. It was sometimes easy to forget that the “dots” under his eyes were actually an extra pair of eyes... “I ah... see. Her major?”
“Business! She’s always wanted a little grocery store of her own!”
“And... your little girl?”
Now Olimar’s eyes were sparking. “She caught a frog yesterday!” he exclaimed a little too loudly, making Scarlet mew and stir in her sleep. The captain continued in a much softer voice. “She normally doesn’t like getting dirty. She wants to be a “proper lady”. So imagine my surprise and delight when I get a photo of her covered in mud and holding the biggest dang frog I’ve ever seen!”
Louie rolled his eyes. “You’re the only person I know who would be happy to see your kid come home absolutely filthy .”
“Well how else are you supposed to learn?” Olimar asked with a slight huff, crossing his arms.
“I can think of many ways...”
Before Olimar could retort, Scarlet began to mew and wiggle much louder and harsher. His ears leaned back. “I-Is she-”
“Too hot...” she murmured. “Too hot... too fast.... dad, do something... too hot, too hot...” Her eyes suddenly opened as she darted up and practically screamed as she trembled.
Louie’s eyes widened. He reached a hand out to her, only for her to flinch away. She stared at Louie, breathing heavily, before burying herself into him and sobbing. Louie looked up at Olimar, scared and confused.
The captain scooted closer to her, rubbing her back. Louie did the same, and Olimar pulled away to give a thumbs up. He’s learning...
After a moment of crying, she looked up at Louie. “It’s... always that same bad dream...” she sobbed.
Louie paused a moment. “Uh... you... want to talk about it?”
“Yes but...” she sniffled. “I... can never remember... all of it.” she sighed and buried herself against Louie. “Just... the ship and heat...”
Olimar couldn’t help but stare. Something felt... off about this, and Louie’s weird expression wasn’t helping matters. Dad ... she had a dad? Which pikmin did she claim as her dad... Olimar made awkward eye contact with Louie.
"It’s... It’s just a bad dream, dear...” Olimar offered despite not being sure himself. “It’ll be okay...”
Scarlet nodded, pressing herself into Louie more.
“It’ll be okay...” Louie repeated. “I’ll make sure of it.”
Alph smiled softly as he watched Tau’s eyes go wide. They had been talking for a while over this video call, discussing what the Pikmin planet was like. Seems his little brother Tau was still fascinated by the place!
“Think they’ll ever let me there?” Tau asked.
Alph shrugged. “Depends, I guess. If you were a wanderer like you’ve mentioned before, then you wouldn’t need permission.”
“Yeah...” Tau sighed. “But it can be hard out there. And lonely...”
“Would it really be lonely when you’re bound to have someone call you every day?” Theta, their older sister, now asked. “You have fourteen older siblings, Tau. We will be calling you all the time !”
“Yeah. Guess so! That’s not even counting the others! All those nieces and nephews and cousins...”
“Oh you know little Sophie is going to always be asking you about that! I think you’re her favorite uncle!” Alph laughed. Uncle wasn’t quite the right word per say. Sophie was their cousin's kid, making her their first cousin once removed. But that got confusing fast with a family as big as theirs, so uncle worked just fine.
“Yeah... I think she’ll be a pilot too. Maybe even another engineer!” Theta hummed.
Alph nodded along, then looked up when he heard a knock on the door. “Who is it?”
It opened to reveal Charlie. “Hey... oh! Are you in a video call? I-I can go if-”
Alph shook his head. “No, you can stay. Come meet my siblings!”
Theta and Tau both smirked a bit, causing Alph to glare at them. Charlie sat next to Alph, facing the computer. “Uh... hello!”
“Hey, Captain.” Theta waved a bit, as did Tau.
“She’s my older sister, Theta. And then that brat is my little brother Tau.”
Tau stuck his tongue out in response.
Charlie laughed a little. “And the others? You have more, right?”
“Yeah. They’re all busy right now. These two are the ones with free time right now.”
“One of our sibs from another crib is totally free right now though.” Tau sighed. “He’s just being a butt.”
“Ah, right that’s...” Charlie paused for a bit. “What’s... a sib from another crib?”
“Brother from another mother.” Tau offered, cracking a smirk again. “Sister from another mister?”
Alph sighed. He was trying to avoid telling Charlie this... he was admittedly afraid of the judgment. But it was unavoidable, especially if he wanted to... did he want to date the captain? Stars, now wasn’t the time for this! “We’re uh,… most of us are half siblings. Same dad, different moms. And some of us have half siblings from mom’s side. Which... gets confusing fast.”
“Those of us who share our same dad, Cygnus, we’re the siblings. There’s 15 of us.” Theta continued for him. “And those of us with other half-siblings not related to Cygnus... they’re the sibs from other cribs.”
Charlie blinked slowly. “Right... I uh, think I get it?”
“It’s confusing.” Tau tilted his head a bit. “The system was made by us when the eldest were still teens. So don’t worry if you don’t get it.”
Charlie just nodded.
“Well, I gotta hop off now. Still need to do my homework.” Tau laughed sheepishly. “Have a good night, guys!” With that, he logged off.
“I should get off too then. Glad you’re doing well, Alph” Theta hummed. “Talk to you soon?”
Alph nodded. “Yeah.”
“Alright. See you!” she logged off as well.
Charlie turned to Alph. “They seem nice!”
Alph shook his head, smirking a little. “Nah. They’re monsters. The lot of ‘em!”
Charlie laughed a bit. “Siblings must be fun.”
“You have a strange definition of fu-” Alph jumped a little when the video chat app began to ring again. He narrowed his eyes a bit and leaned closer. “I... don’t recognize this number.”
“Answer anyways.” Charlie smirked. “If it’s a telemarketer, I know ways to waste their time. Don’t worry.”
Alph nodded, now smirking as well. He leaned over to accept the call, then pressed back into his chair in fright. His chest tightened, his breathing quickened, and every muscle in his body was screaming for him to run.
The man on screen looked unassuming. He had sparse traces of dark blue hair on his head, deep wrinkles on his face, and a suit comparable to that of an evil business man from some budget holiday film. He smiled slightly, face appearing kind.
“Ah, Alph! Good to see you.” His voice was clear and slick. Somewhat deep, and thick with that type of exhaustion that comes with age. “Haven’t seen you in a while... you okay?”
Alph didn’t respond. What the hell. How the hell. HOW THE HELL?
“And who are you?” Charlie asked, arms crossed.
“Ah, guess we haven’t met before! Though, I know who you are, Captain Charlie.” The man laughed a bit. “My name is Cygnus Huston. I was the head Engineer of KSA for many decades before retiring.” he puffed a bit in pride, and Charlie’s ear flicked. The captain seemed agitated already. “That young man by your side, your engineer, well he’s my son!”
Charlie blinked, and turned to the trembling Alph. “Really?”
Alph nodded, slowly and stiffly.
“Quite a bright young man,” Cygnus went on seemingly oblivious to Alph’s panic attack. “He really is like my old man! I hope you’ve found him helpful during these missions.”
“Yeah, he’s a good person. Quick on his feet.” Charlie slowly rested a hand on Alph’s shoulder, rubbing it in an effort to calm him. It only brought a little comfort.
Cygnus still smiled and nodded, though now he glared at Charlie ever so slightly. “Well, my boy and I haven’t talked for a while, would you mind leaving so that we-”
“He can stay.” Alph insisted, voice cold. “He’s allowed to stay.”
Cygnus faltered a little. “I uh... see.”
A brief silence overtook the three. Then Charlie spoke, “Apologies, sir, but we are on a tight schedule. We were just finishing up our time on the video calls with Alph’s siblings. We accepted your call by mistake trying to put everything up.”
“Oh, I see... another time, then?” Cygnus offered.
Alph nodded again.
“.... Alright, I’ll be talking to you later.” the old man spoke flatly before hanging up.
Once he was gone, Alph buried himself into Charlie and just sobbed . He felt pathetic for doing so but he was just so scared, he couldn’t stop. Charlie, thankfully, didn’t seem to mind and pulled him into a protective hug.
Alph wasn’t sure how long he sat there, shaking and useless in the captain’s arms. After a while exhaustion over took him, and he ended up falling asleep.
Charlie frowned, watching Alph fall asleep in his arms. Poor guy... he looked at the computer. What the hell did that man do to you? He lifted Alph up and, with some minor difficulty due to the fact he was still clinging to him, managed to get him in bed. He turned out the light as he left the room. I don’t know what he did to him, but Alph was terrified... I’ll... I'll keep him safe.
Chapter 15: Cave of Lights
Chapter Text
"Hey, uh, Brittany?” Louie poked his head in her room.
“What is it? She groaned, turning to him. She was trying to work on something! Just because she apologized didn’t mean he could interrupt her.
Louie’s stare was as apathetic as ever. “Pikmin want you for something.”
“... Alright, I’ll be out in a bit.” She sighed. Louie nodded and left.
She would do anything for the pikmin; it was the whole reason why she was here. The pink-haired woman pulled her space suit out, already lost in thought. Yes, the pikmin... it was a good thing they wanted her. Things had been quiet after what happened to Louie. Many pikmin died or were wounded in the fight as well, they must have taken the time to stop and heal. Maybe this was a sign that things were a little better?
She walked out of the Drake, waving to the captains and Alph as she went by. Soon she reached Louie and a small group of pikmin. They were all of a type they hadn’t properly met before, though several could be seen in the city. They were small, grey, and furry with blue tulip-like flowers and large yellow eyes. When they spoke to Louie, their voices were higher pitched than most other kinds of pikmin.
Louie looked over to her, four eyes slowly blinking. “We’re all going on a scouting mission. Some pikmin found a strange cave and they want to investigate it more. Shouldn’t be too dangerous; I’ve explored the planet’s caves before so I can get us through it.”
“Alright.” Brittany crossed her arms. Did he really need to boast like that? “What can these new pikmin do?”
“Well, in the event something bad does happen, they can run fast.” Louie shrugged. “They also got tiny claws hidden in that fur. Not as strong as the reds, but still gives ‘em an edge.”
Her ear flicked. Hopefully just these guys would be enough. Maybe they were the only ones not busy? “... Okay. We heading out now, then?”
Louie nodded. “We’re ready when you are.”
It took roughly an hour to get to the location they were set to investigate. A small cave opened up in the side of a hill, burrowing down into the ground. The grey pikmin by their sides immediately darted in.
“Hey - wait-!” Louie called out. The grey pikmin didn’t respond, leaving Louie to groan in agitation.
Brittany grumbled, slowly stepping in as well. “How do they see down here?”
“Guess they can also see in the dark.” Louie shrugged. “Follow me; I’ll lead you best I can... hopefully we can catch up to the rascals.”
Brittany’s face scrunched up, staying closer than she really wanted to be in order to not lose her way. “You can see in the dark too?”
“Uh. Not quite. I... think I can see heat? I can only see them.”
That wasn’t exactly comforting to Brittany. She supposed the Flytraps were a carnivorous species of pikmin, and that this type of ability would make sense to have to combat camouflage. But it also just creeped her out a bit.
After a while, they got to a more open part of the cave filled with glowcaps of various colors. Brittany sighed with relief, happy to finally be able to see where she was going. At the far end was another tunnel that led further below the ground, which was also dark. Brittany hoped they didn’t have to explore further. The grey pikmin were all over the room, investigating the walls. Most were staring up at one wall in particular, to the left of the entrance way.
Shrugging, the two crewmates walked over to look at it.
Brittany froze in place once she saw the wall. It was covered in paintings. Paintings of wraiths.
There were five wraiths, all in a circle. Each had some kind of strange markings next to them. One looked to be surrounded by crystals, one by fire, one by unidentifiable spheres, one by jagged lines, and one by clouds. In the center of the circle were two more wraiths painted larger than the rest. One had horns, and the other did not. The one without horns had a gash over it, like something wanted to remove it. Around them both were all of the markings the other five had.
"... Wh... What?" Brittany finally managed out, breaking the silence. More of the grey pikmin were approaching the painting and chittering amongst each other. They seemed rightfuly nervous.
"That one is the crystal wraith." Louie said, his voice sounding... Empty. He always spoke in monotone, but somehow he sounded even more emotionless than ever before. For once, Brittany decided it was fair, looking over at him in worry.
He was right. Which meant... "One is also the Plasm Wraith... Maybe the middle one without horns?"
The idea of there being a second plasm wraith terrified her. How could there be TWO of the single worst creature they ever had to face? Two of the same thing that kidnaped Olimar. That burned Alph’s arm so bad it damaged the nerves. That killed so many pikmin. She held onto herself. The Stars really have abandoned us, huh...
But what did that mean for the other wraiths? Was there a wraith for fire? She already knew there was a water wraith. More of other elements too??? She knew the pikmin said wraith s but...
Seven. According to this picture, there were seven wraiths. Seven . Seven horrible beasts that could wipe out all the pikmin and, evidently, wanted to.
"... Why is the Plasm Wraith scratched out, then? What did that?" Louie asked, approaching it. The gash was singular, diagonal, and deep.
"Whatever it was, I don't want to meet it."
“But why? It’s the only one scratched out!”
Brittany looked around. The Plasm Wraith didn’t have its weird face hole. Was that a style choice, or was this made before the hole came around? How did the hole come to be? Olimar mentioned thinking it was a “manifested psychic wound", but he was barely conscious during his time with the thing. How could he come up with such a conclusion?
Even Olimar didn’t know, and that honestly freaked Brittany out a lot.
“What even painted this and why?” She asked. “Was it the wr...” No, no she hated the idea of the wraiths themselves painting this. But it made sense. Did it? It felt like they were going around in circles now.
Before Louie could respond, a loud crackling noise filled the cave. They jumped and turned around to the room becoming slightly more illuminated.
A pale-yellow wraith had entered the room from the other passage way, glowing bright with harsh energy. Just like the Crystal Wraith before it, it looked near identical to the Plasm Wraith save for the fact it didn’t have a hole in its head. This one was also considerably smaller. The grey pikmin scrambled to get away, but two unlucky individuals were swatted by the wraith. They cried out before dropping, slightly seared where they were touched. The wraith stared at the painting for a moment, looking as if it was sighing . Then it quickly turned to Louie and Brittany.
Brittany yelped as she felt Louie grab hold of her arm, but was too scared to complain as she ran off. Grey pikmin scurried ahead of them, making Brittany fear they were lagging behind. However, it didn't seem the electric wraith had caught up to them. In fact, turning her head to look behind her revealed the wraith was still in the room and looking up at the painting.
Soon they were out of the cave and into the blinding light of the field. The grey pikmin had stopped running a bit ahead of them, and that's where Brittany and Louie collapsed. Brittany laid there in the grass, trying to catch her breath best she could.
Louie recovered long before she did. "It stopped chasing us. Which is good."
Brittany was too tired to respond.
"... Want help walking back?"
She managed to shake her head.
After a few more minutes, she managed to push herself up. "L-let's get back to the city. There’s so much to go over.”
Louie nodded. "... Are you sure you don't want help?"
"Positive." Brittany grumbled. "Let's go."
Brittany's body felt like it was on fire by the time she made it back to the city, every muscle crying out from over exertion.
Once there, she ended up collapsing again. Louie helped her up, and Charlie ended up running over to help her to the Drake and her room.
She fell onto her bed, not even bothering to remove her space suit. Too tired. Too sore.
"... What happened, Brittany?" Charlie asked as he put her helmet away.
"Paintings. There's seven wraiths. Electric one attacked." She spoke in quick hushed words between huge breaths. “It... stayed behind to look at the paintings.”
"S-Seven???" Charlie's ears pinned back, eyes widening slightly in alarm.
Brittany just nodded, too tired to talk.
"... I'll ask Louie for more information. You just rest, okay Brittany?"
Don't need to tell me. She made some grumbly noises.
Charlie gave her a lighthearted smile. "Even being exhausted won't stop you from being your usual stubborn asshole self, huh?"
"Oh fuck off, Captain."
His only response was to laugh as he headed for the door, though worry still clouded his expression. "Take care Britt." And with that, he left.
Brittany sighed, eyelids becoming heavy as her muscles burned.
Seven. There were seven wraiths, according to the painting.
Did they really make that? Is that why the electric one was so interested? Were they more than animals? The thought of a sentient creature going out of its way to harm others scared her. She hoped it was something else that made the painting. But... based on the behavior of the wraiths, it seemed... she curled up a little. No. They had to be animals. They had to be animals, and they had to be stoppable. Brittany couldn’t give up on that hope.
She supposed hope was all they had left.
Chapter 16: She Came From the Dawn
Chapter Text
Olimar bounced his leg in agitation. The crew had gathered up in the town hall again alongside the pikmin leaders. Brittany and Louie had found some... concerning things yesterday; a potential count of how many wraiths there were, an encounter with a yellow electric wraith, and the implication that they might be fighting more than just mere animals. Needless to say, the pikmin were panic stricken.
Olimar hated this. He hated it so much. As much as he tried to be a shoulder to lean on for the others, he was struggling. Tired. Stressed. A lack of action would make him feel worse, he knew that. But he was just so... Done...
Seven didn’t sound like a lot, but he’s seen what singular wraiths could do. He’s seen the blue pikmin and bulbmin lost under the rollers of the Water Wraith. He saw the Plasm Wraith obliterate his forces, he was its prisoner for the longest time, and he’s seen poor Alph have panic attacks as a result of the Plasm Wraith.
He saw the Crystal Wraith kill his son.
Louie wouldn’t be here if the pikmin didn’t bring him back.
The thought alone made his stomach twist in painful ways. He had already fallen down the rabbit hole though, and there was no climbing back out.
The fact that the wraiths might be aware of their actions just made it so much worse. He couldn't just push them aside, thinking them nothing more than animals acting on instinct, and who's instincts are happening to be an issue that needed dealt with. He couldn't handle it as easily anymore, not if they knew what they were doing to the pikmin. Have done to the pikmin.The thought of fighting something other than animals was terrifying.
He was so tired... He just wanted this to be over already.
Lina did always say that I give up too easily... Olimar sighed, remembering his wife back home. But it's just so much. She doesn't understand that! She doesn't understand what it's like on this planet! She doesn't understand being torn from home all the time!
Then again, he supposed he didn't understand what it was like for his spouse to be gone all the time, to raise two children basically alone.
... He was starting to feel light headed now.
He needed medicine. A nap would also be nice.
He jolted as he felt a hand be placed on his shoulder. "Olimar?" Louie asked. Everyone was staring at him, making the Captain flush a little.
"S-Sorry... did... You need me?"
Louie nodded. "We were trying to get your attention... Are - are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Lying about it was too easy at this point. "Just tired. Bad night's sleep."
Louie made a face, as if he didn't quite believe him, but nodded anyways before pulling his hand away. "The pikmin trust you most. They want to know what you think should be done."
What I think? Fuck, I don't know. What was he supposed to say? Being kidnapped by a wraith didn't mean he knew anything more about them than the others.
And quite frankly, the only idea he did have wasn't what the pikmin wanted.
The wraiths were attacking pikmin settlements. This city. The Flytrap's village. Going back to the nomadic lifestyle they had before might stop the attacks.
But it was clear the pikmin didn't want that, otherwise they wouldn't have gone through the trouble of building the city and staying in it no matter what. This was the lifestyle these pikmin wanted, and they shouldn't be forced out of it.
… Besides, there was no guarantee it would actually keep them safe.
What if the wraiths attacked the settlements out of convenience? Who's to say they wouldn't try to hunt down onions and traveling pikmin either? So, no, he had no ideas. The fuck was he supposed to say?!?
"I... Uh..." Olimar began, trying to fill the silence while he came up with some other answer. "Maybe we could-"
"EEEMEEE! MEEEH!" A pikmin squealed, bursting into the room suddenly.
The other pikmin immediately began a back-and-forth with the intruder, clearly agitated at them for interrupting their meeting.
"Louie, what's going on?" Alph squeaked, clearly on-edge from the sudden commotion.
Louie furrowed his brow. It took him a moment to respond. "They found a girl out there. An alien, like us."
"A - A girl??? A person???" Olimar was taken aback. "Another explorer???"
Louie just nodded.
How??? Olimar's mind reeled with possibilities. Who else would come here? WHY come here?
"Is she Hocotation or Koppaite? Or Another race?" Charlie asked, voice laced with concern.
"I don't know. They don't... Have words for Hocotation or Koppaite. They just call us all aliens. Or stars. They use the same word for both."
Olimar sat there. Stars. They just... See us as stars. They see us as the same. It was fascinating, though his head was filled with too many emotions and thoughts to really take it in.
After their back and forth ended, a few pikmin began to beckon the crew over. They stood up, nervously following them outside to meet whomever this strange explorer was. Olimar felt nervous for some reason he couldn't quite figure out. What if she hurt the pikmin? But why would she? Did the word of treasure being here seep out of Hocotate Freight? Would that mean MORE people would come? Gods, this was the worst time for that.
He jumped a little when Louie put a hand on his shoulder, looking nervous. "I'm fine." he insisted, patting Louie's back a bit. Louie said nothing, but clearly wasn't convinced.
Outside, surrounded by pikmin, was a young Hocotation woman - maybe in her early twenties - being back-lit by the golden dawn. Her pale blond hair was rather long for a helmet, bunching up at the bottom near her neck. Freckles dotted across her face. Her suit had red detail and looked a bit scuffed up, as did her helmet. Her suit had some patches on it, of the Hocotate flag and… The Hocotate Freight logo? Was she a coworker of his? He didn’t recognize her. Then again, the company was growing larger and it was possible she was hired while he was away. As they approached, she seemed to tense up a bit and stared.
Olimar couldn't tell if she was staring at the group or him in particular.
Ridiculous. She's just staring at all of us. Stop being paranoid.
Olimar scolded himself. Besides, look at the poor thing. She took a step back as more pikmin approachecd, her eyes widening and her ears leaning back. She's scared. That's why she's staring. Now stop being worried.
After a few moments of silence, she managed to speak up. "H-hello..." Her voice was soft and clear. As she spoke, her fearful position faded a bit though she still looked stiff.
"Greetings." Charlie took a step forward. "What brings you here? This is a rather far out and dangerous planet to just show up at, alone no less."
No shit. Olimar couldn't help but grumble a bit. Gods, he really needed to get his act together... but he was still so tired and so, quite frankly, startled by her sudden arrival.
"I... Don't know." The woman looked away, ears leaning back again. "I don't know."
Charlie's head tilted, looking slightly agitated. "What do you mean? How can you not know?"
"I-" She swayed in place a bit. "I don't... Remember anything. All I know is... I woke up nearby... In a field."
"Was there a ship nearby?" Charlie asked.
She shook her head.
Olimar frowned, finally stepping up. At least this meant that she wasn't going to hurt the pikmin? "My guess is that you crash landed here and... Somehow ended up with amnesia." He didn't know much about amnesia, but being hit in the head could cause it, yeah? A ship crash landing would most certainly do it. Her ship must be elsewhere then. Maybe she fell away from it? "What's your name?"
"I don't know. I don't remember." She shook more and began to cry a bit.
Olimar frowned, stepping forward. Tired as he was, he couldn't let others suffer on this planet alone. He had to be there for them. Had to. Trying to not let his exaution and previous agitation be betrayed in his voice, he told her "Dear... Dear, it's okay. We'll help you however we can. Alright?"
"Yes. This place is too dangerous to bear alone." Charlie sounded a lot calmer now. "We'll do what we can."
She seemed to freeze up more, staring them down, before slowly nodding. "O-okay..."
"We'll find your ship. Your identity. Your family. Your crew - whatever it is you need. We will make sure of it." Alph offered with a soft smile.
"T-thank you..."
Charlie nodded and turned to Alph. "Can you use the Drake's scanners to search for any sign of a ship?"
"Yes Captain." He quickly ran off.
"Do you want to come inside? Are you hungry?" Olimar aske, motioning to the Drake.
"... Water would be nice..." She rubbed her arm. It seemed it was more so out of nervousness than because she was injured... Olimar could only hope she was okay.
"Water is certainly doable. Follow me." He lead her to the Drake. It took her a moment to actually follow him on board. Once in the Drake she looked around, now scared again.
Is it too overwhelming? Olimar wondered, twisting his helmet off. "You don't need to wear your helmet in here. It's safe to breath."
"Huh? Oh, yeah." W hen she took her helmet off s he stumbled a bit, holding her head like it was in pain. "Sorry, sorry... I'll be okay."
Olimar was beginning to doubt that, frowning as he took her helmet to put away with the others.
He then led her to the Drake's kitchen, where he got her a glass of water. She stared at it a bit before taking a drink.
"There's no more extra bedrooms." Brittany explained as she entered the kitchen as well. "So you'll have to share with another, if we can't find your ship. I don't mind bunkering up together if needed."
"Thank you." The woman spoke softly, barely nodding.
"Do... You want a medical check over?" Olimar asked. "Charlie knows a good bit. He can help you."
She shook her head. "I'm not hurt... Just... Tired."
How can you not be hurt? He wouldn't make her get a check-up if she didn't want one. That much was obvious. But he was getting more and more worried as time went on.
"Some oxygen could have leaked in." Brittany turned to Olimar now, ears leaned back a bit. "I know that even a little bit can be dangerous to Hocotations so..."
"Maybe." Questioning a little couldn't hurt, right? Especially with something as serious as Oxygen Poisoning! "Any other symptoms? Lightheaded? Shakey? Weak? Chest pain?"
"Maybe a little lightheaded."
"Then laying down and resting should be enough." Olimar sighed. "We'll make sure you can, in the med bay. Alright?"
She nodded a bit, taking another drink of water. "Okay... "
They all looked over as Alph entered the room. "B-bad news..." He shuffled a little bit, looking down. "I... Couldn't find any trace of a ship anywhere. It may have fell in a cavern but... I'm sorry..."
"It's alright, Alph." Olimar placed a hand on his shoulder. "You did your best. We can't ask for more."
Alph managed a soft smile. He looked an awful lot like Olimar's son back home...
Olimar tore himself away from him to look at the young woman. "We'll have you stay in the med bay then. Okay? Then Brittany's room."
She nodded, looking unsure. By this point, Charlie and Louie had both entered the kitchen as well.
"Just know... We are on a mission. You may be in the ship alone..." Charlie made a face as he talked, clearly not trusting a stranger alone in his ship. "Or you can come with us."
"Mission? What is it?"
Olimar paused a moment before talking. "There are many creatures on this planet. One species is the Pikmin... Another being Wraiths." It seemed the girl flinched at the mention of wraiths. "The... The wraiths are strange, hostile animals that have been attacking the Pikmin." We hope to the Gods they're animals, anyways... Though I doubt it now. "So we've been helping the Pikmin - those little plant people who brought you to us."
The woman nodded. "I... I see... I uh, I can help. It's the least I can do for all you're doing for me..." She groaned a little. "I just need a night to rest."
"Of course, of course. We weren't doing much today anyways." Olimar offered a welcoming smile as he spoke, hoping to put the poor girl at ease.
"Guess that settles that." Louie spoke up now. "But we still don't know her name. Should we find something to call her until she remembers? Or we find out another way?"
Olimar nodded. Just calling her "girl" or "woman" wasn't going to work well in the long run. "If she's okay with it. But it is a good idea, son."
They all looked to the woman. She adverted her gaze, tensing a bit. "Uh, yeah. That would... Would be for the best. Do..." She finally looked up, looked at Olimar. "Do you have any ideas?"
Me? Why me in particular?
He figured it was just by chance, as he was kind of in the center of the crowd... Kinda. "Uh, Well..." He racked his brain for ideas.
Nothing too generic... Nothing too odd...
"Oriana?" He finally suggested. Admittedly, the name wasn't much special. Just a name he saw on the pamphlet for his daughter's spring play.
She smiled softly the first time that morning, finally looking fully relaxed. "Yeah, I like that name. Call me Oriana."
Chapter 17: Oriana
Notes:
IMPORTANT! This story is not coming back. I was going through my old document for this story a while ago and realized I had left so many chapters unpublished. Like, I posted the first 16, but I had written 22 full chapters and most of chapter 23. Yeah, that's a lot of lost content. So, for the sake of archiving, I've decided to post the remaining chapters. Again, I will NOT be finishing this story. I am merely posting already finished but un-shared work. I will also post the summaries I had for the remaining chapters. Uh... judge them as you will; this story is older and not up to the standard of quality I hold myself to now.
As for the original "chapter 17", which was an update chapter (which are actually against TOS if I'm understanding it correctly, so uh, oops?) I will leave it in the end notes of the new chapter 17. For a multitude of reasons, I decided editing it would be the best choice.
I'll be copy/pasting this note to both chapters 17 and 18, as anyone subscribed to this story will initially only see chapter 18 but I also want it on chapter 17 for reasons but... yeah.
I'll be posting these chapters in small batches as I find the time to. Anyways, enjoy the previously lost story :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Shh, there there little one. It's okay..." Olimar cooed softly. One of those fuzzy grey pikmin (which were, according to little Scarlet, apparently called "Woodland Pikmin") had managed to get herself hurt. Sprained her ankle. How, Olimar didn't know... Though he had a few guesses, knowing how the Woodlands were. After struggling with the pikmin a little more, he finally finished getting the bandages on her. "There. That should help."
The pikmin grumbled a bit as she stepped away. More like hopped, really. After placing her hurt foot down by mistake again, she cried out and finally sat down in the grass with her arms crossed and a pout on her face.
Olimar chuckled a little. "Gotta be patient with pikmin... They can be stubborn, even to their own detriment..."
Oriana had accompanied him today. It was only yesterday that they found her, but she seemed eager to help them. More importantly, she was also eager to learn! Which was good, as she didn't know anything about pikmin... Or first aid, for that matter. The blonde haired Hocotation slowly nodded. "I see... What do they do if they try to, ah, hurt you?"
" Hurt you?" Olimar was taken aback. Pikmin never really hurt him, or any of them! ... Well, there was that one Yellow from when they first arrived here around three weeks ago who had slapped Alph's hand away. He hadn't really hurt Alph through, just spooked him. It was more rude than anything else and even then, it was a justified rudeness. "Well... I don't think they ever even will! I guess just try to keep them far from you? But I wouldn't really worry... Not unless..." He grumbled a bit, ears leaning back.
"Is... Something wrong, sir?" Oriana asked.
"There is one kind of pikmin that may try to hurt you. They're not really their own species though... More like... They're sick. Infected . Spores from this animal-mushroom hybrid clung to them and..." His voice trailed off as he stared into the distance.
"Olimar, are you okay??? " Oriana asked, and Olimar felt a hand on his shoulder. "You're shaking."
Gods dammit... "S-Sorry. They're... It's not..." He groaned a bit, leaning back into the wall behind him. They were in a tiny park on a corner too small for anything else, really. "They're creepy, and them being sick makes it hard to fight them..."
Oriana frowned. "Is... There any way to cure them?"
Olimar slowly shook his head.
"... I'm sorry. I shouldn't of ask-"
"No, no. It's fine." Olimar sighed. "You had a genuine worry. You didn't even know those.... Things existed. I shouldn't be getting freaked out over them anyways. None of them are here." ... I hope...
"It's not..." She sighed, removing her hand and curling up. "It's not that simple, Olimar."
"... Huh?"
"Not being scared. Even of something that... Happened a while ago." She looked away now, clear pain in her eyes. "It's not easy to just forget... Hell, even if I don't remember what happened I..." She curled up more.
"... Oriana?" Olimar's ears leaned back.
"I'll be okay." She declared, sighing. "And so will you. It'll just... Take a while..."
The captain was quiet for a moment, unsure what to say or do. "We're uh... Here to help you." He offered. "Food. Shelter. Companionship... We'll... Help."
Oriana chuckled a bit, smiling. "... Thanks, Dad..."
Now Olimar was really confused. "H-Huh????"
Oriana suddenly flushed, looking up. "Oh God! S-sorry! I..." She groaned, leaning back now. "You... Look like him. Like my dad. Confused me when I first saw you... Took me nearly all day to realize no, you were not him... Guess some part of me still isn't sure..."
Olimar's shoulders relaxed. "Hey... It's okay... It's good you at least remember something, right?"
Oriana nodded slowly.
"So don't worry about it, kiddo... Okay? It's not a problem! You just... Caught me off guard there." He chuckled lightly.
The girl smiled softly. "... Thank you. It means a lot that you're helping me out despite not... Really knowing who I am."
"And likewise." Olimar hummed. "Always glad to have more help with the... With rascal pikmin." And with the wraiths but... He couldn't bring himself to mention them at all. “But may I ask a question?”
“… Sure?”
“Does the name “Hocotate Freight” sound familiar to you?”
She shook her head.
“Ah. I noticed you had their logo patch, so I was hoping it could lead to your identity.”
“...Oh.”
“Now let me track down a little volunteer for you to practice wrapping bandages on, yeah?"
He quickly got up to go find a pikmin willing to help. Oriana smiled a little, leaning back as she watched the blue sky above her. "... Acts like him too..." She mumbled to herself. "If only he really was dad..."
Notes:
The original "update" post, for sake of archiving:
Realized I uh. Never said this anywhere but a single discord server. Oops?
Anyways, this story isn't being updated anymore. I've changed the AU sense I started (the biggest being the wraiths lol) and have generally fallen out of love with the original plot.
That being said, I intend to sorta do a reboot of this after I finish Cycles of the Stars + two one shot fics I planned out. The one shots will be in the same AU and thus the same continuity so hey! That's somethin'.
There will be a lot diffrent about the plot, but it'll still stay similar enough. I think. The pikmin cities are staying at least lmao, I still need to actually plot out this thing,,,
Thanks for reading this far though :3 even though I don't like the story direction any more, I did greatly enjoy working on it before. And I'm glad others have enjoyed reading it!
If anyone has some spesific questions, go ahead n' toss them at me! So long as I'm certain it won't spoil what I tend to do with the AU in the future, I can go ahead and explain some things I had planned.
Guess that's all. Thanks for reading thus far <3
Chapter 18: Family Bonding
Notes:
IMPORTANT! This story is not coming back. I was going through my old document for this story a while ago and realized I had left so many chapters unpublished. Like, I posted the first 16, but I had written 22 full chapters and most of chapter 23. Yeah, that's a lot of lost content. So, for the sake of archiving, I've decided to post the remaining chapters. Again, I will NOT be finishing this story. I am merely posting already finished but un-shared work. I will also post the summaries I had for the remaining chapters. Uh... judge them as you will; this story is older and not up to the standard of quality I hold myself to now.
As for the original "chapter 17", which was an update chapter (which are actually against TOS if I'm understanding it correctly, so uh, oops?) I will leave it in the end notes of the new chapter 17. For a multitude of reasons, I decided editing it would be the best choice. Which, on that note - go back and read chapter 17, as it is now an actual chapter with some actual content in it.
I'll be copy/pasting this note to both chapters 17 and 18, as anyone subscribed to this story will initially only see chapter 18 but I also want it on chapter 17 for reasons but... yeah.
I'll be posting these chapters in small batches as I find the time to. Anyways, enjoy the previously lost story :)
Chapter Text
It was early morning. Dew was still sticking to the grass, and it was slightly chilly. Brittany yawned a bit as she stretched, walking alongside a group of Red Pikmin. She had called them over to help her with something. The group seemed more than egar to join her, and followed her directions flawlessly... It was almost like the old times.
Now they were returning to the city, a dwarf bulborb in tow. After a fair bit of lost wandering, she eventually came to the building she needed. One made of old pottery, and one where many noises and many smells were coming from. The Flytrap's temporary home.
The Red Pikmin with her seemed confused as she knocked on their makeshift door. When it was Louie that stepped out, the look of confusion faded from their faces.
"... Oh. Uh... Need something?"
"You eat meat, right? Flytraps do, too?"
"Uh... Yeah..." Louie's face scrunched up a little in confusion. "... Why?"
"This is yours." Brittany replied curtly, stepping aside to show him the dwarf bulborb.
Louie seemed a little stunned. "You... Got this for me?"
"... I got this for the Flytraps. You all need food, yeah?"
Louie didn't seem convinced. Still, he nodded. "Yeah. In fact, I was just cooking them breakfast... Have you eaten yet? I know you can't eat what I'm making us but you can join us. Just... Don't want you getting hungry either."
"I-" she sighed. Shit, this was harder than she expected. "Yeah, I ate. And sure... I'll join. Need notes on the Flytraps anyways."
"Uh-huh..." Louie looked into the house and called out into it. Two more Flytrap Pikmin walked out. The Red Pikmin set the bulborb down and, after a nod from Brittany, ran off. Louie and the other Flytraps picked it up and carried it inside.
When Brittany stepped inside the terracotta house as well, she found it to be packed with Flytraps talking amongst themselves. Scarlet and Venus were easy to spot in the crowd. There was a giant cooking pot in the center, with a tame fire crackling under it. Above it is what seemed to be a very new and very makeshift vent for the smoke.
Louie hummed as he walked to a counter top area that also looked new and makeshift. At least it was also clean and smooth, at least where food was being placed. The group of three hoisted the bulborb onto the counter, and the two Flytraps left to rejoin the group.
"... You may want to look away..." Louie mumbled a little as he pulled a knife out.
Brittany crossed her arms. "I can handle it."
"You sure?" He seemed genuinely concerned. Brittany almost hated it.
"Yeah. It's natural." She scoffed. "Creatures have blood and bones and stuff. Just part of life." Also cool slime that covered tech and grossed your short gay friend out.
Louie turned back to the bulborb. "Okay..." And cut a thin slice.
At first, the butchering wasn't too bad. Until he cut the head off. She made a face, but was too stubborn to look away now.
Eventually the beast was nothing more than small, bite-sized cubes of meat that Louie brought over to the cooking pot, adding them into the stew. He went back to the creature and began packing up parts Brittany couldn't even imagine to be edible. "You... Seriously don't eat those, right?"
"What? The organs? Well... Yeah. Creature died so we could eat. Gotta use up everything. These will be saved for latter though. Probably lunch."
Brittany made a face again. She agreed with the idea and sentiment but... Ew. Just... ew .
"I cook for them, the Flytraps." Louie explained. "They really like it! But before, they just ate raw meat. And I found out it meant I can eat meat raw too." A soft, genuine smile slowly morphed into a devious smirk as he picked up an eyeball.
"... Oh, don't you dare-" Brittany started, and finally recoiled when Louie just popped it into his mouth. "GROSS!"
Louie chuckled a bit as he chewed. It took him a while to finish it. "I ah. Don't recommend that. They're very... Chewy. Hard to swallow."
"That is the least of my concerns with that!"
Louie just laughed as he returned to the pot, giving it a few stirs. "Gotta get used to it if you'll hang out with us!"
Brittany's face scrunched up, and she watched Scarlet roll her eyes. "You're just gross, Louie." The little pikmin whined.
"Oh hush it, child." Louie huffed.
Well, at least someone here was on her side... Even if that someone was essentially a small child. Brittany took a seat among the Flytraps where there was space. After a few minutes, Louie looked up and said something in Pikkish. Evidently, this made the pikmin excited. He then began pouring spoonfulls of soup into bowls and passed them out. The Flytraps then passed them to each other until everyone had a bowl and was eating... Save for Brittany, of course.
Even Scarlet was eating! Kind of. Louie had handed her a bowl with just liquid. Seemed she was able to slowly drink it, letting out happy little chirps.
"They all really like your food, huh?" Brittany asked, looking around.
Louie nodded, chest swelling in pride a bit. "Especially little Scarlet. She wasn't able to eat with the rest of the tribe before... But now she can! Because she can drink things!"
Brittany smiled. For as gross as the meal creation was, she was glad the end product made the little kid so happy.
Louie sat down next to her with his own bowl of soup. After a few moments he looked over and asked, “So... why did you bring the bulborb to us?”
Brittany huffed. “I already told you. It’s because you guys need food, no?”
“Well I mean... we have plenty in storage...”
“S-still!” she crossed her arms now. “I don’t have to do nice things for you, ya know!”
“No, you don’t.” Louie hummed, stirring his soup around. “Which is why I appreciate it.”
Brittany’s ears leaned back. Stars, couldn’t he just make this easier for her and shut up ? Her leg began to bounce in agitation when she noticed a few of the Flytraps staring at them.
“... If I may ask, why have you been nicer as of late?... Is...” he sighed and lowered his food bowl. “Is it because of... What happened?”
The woman made a grunt like sound before getting up. “I need to go.”
She was almost at the door before Louie spoke. “Wait.” She turned to him, and he took in a deep breath. “... Thank you again for the food. It does mean a lot.”
“Yeah, uh... no problem.”
And with that, she left.
"-I’m telling you, Captain, his prose is utterly fascinating! When we get home, I’ll show you one of the poem collections I got from him.” Alph was in his desk chair, slowly spinning around as he talked to Charlie. More like info dumped, really. Charlie managed to catch the poor guy in a good mood, a rare sight these days. Moon light softly filtered in through a window.
"Alright. I'll give it a read." Charlie chuckled. "Any of them have poems on birds?"
Alph hummed a little as he thought. "Hmm, Walter Sonen does a lot of nature poems. Good chunk of bird ones there. Best I can offer you, captain."
"Eh, good enough. You got any books or will I have to find 'em?"
"I got one or two. He also posts a good chunk free to read online."
"Oh! Can judge if I like his style or not then."
"Yeah!" Alph laughed a bit. "Still, my favorite is easily G. Dickinson. He does a lot of space stuff!"
Charlie... Couldn't help but snort a little. "May you, ah, repeat the name for me?"
Alph tilted his head but did so anyways. "G. Dickinson."
"Oh, that's so mean... Who would name their child Dick?" He chuckled a little more.
Alph's face contorted into one of disguised realization, and he let out an annoyed groan. "I can't believe you're so - his name is Grey. Dickinson is his last name."
Charlie just kept laughing. "You can't believe that I'm so what , Alph?"
"Immature!" He squeaked out. His chair had stopped spinning.
Charlie could only shrug. "I was expecting a lot worse... But yeah. I can be."
"... You're just... Gonna take it?"
"You sound like I should be bothered by it." As if "immature" is really an insult... Charlie leaned back and waved his hand a bit. "I got bigger fruits to juice than this. Besides, immaturity has its time and place! Like trying to mess with your easily flustered friends."
That... Made Alph fluster more as he adverted his gaze. "... You're... Comfy enough around me to... Joke around like that?"
Charlie rose an eyebrow. Alph did always have a strange way of going about things... It did at least leave his intentions clear a grand majority of the time. "Well... Yeah! We've been friends for a lil’ while now..."
Alph smiled softly, as if genuinely touched by this.
Stars, I made a dick joke and he still managed to make it wholesome... Charlie smiled a bit himself. Leave it to him to manage that...
Alph looked up as if to speak, only to gasp and grip his right arm. He trembled a bit, curling into himself.
Charlie was quick to jump to Alph's side. "A-Alph! Is - is there any way I can help?"
"... B-bed..." Alph looked up slightly at his bed.
Charlie was... Admittedly afraid to touch Alph. He didn't know all the details regarding his injury, and was afraid of making the pain worse. So he chose to just roll Alph's chair closer to the bed. The younger man managed to move to his bed from there.
"Do you have any medicine or ointment or-"
Alph shook his head. He trembled again, and his ears leaned back. "... The pain stopped. It's just numb now... It's worse than being in pain. I can't... I can't move it. I can' t even feel it. It's like I don't even have an arm at all..."
Charlie frowned and gently sat next to Alph on his left side. "I'm... Sorry... I wish I knew how to help."
Alph just sighed and leaned into Charlie a bit. "I don't know either... Just... Don't go..."
The captain frowned a little, pulling Alph a little closer and rubbing his back. "I won't, I promise..."
A few minutes passed, and Alph was able to lower his arm. He then chose to curl into Charlie more, burying himself into the captain for comfort. Charlie let him, even resting his chin on Alph slightly. The shorter man's breaths soon evened out as he relaxed, though he still kept himself there.
. .. Should I say it?... No. This is a bad time. Alph's in pain. He comes first... My own feelings can be admitted latter. Charlie let a sigh escape him. I need to protect him better. I will protect him better. I will protect him...
Chapter 19: Pikkish
Chapter Text
Olimar took a drink of his coffee, grumbling when some spilled onto his notes. Oh well, coffee stains never looked too bad on paper... “So that’s it for the Woodlands? Small, fast, good climbers, and decent fighters?”
“Pretty much, yeah.” Louie nodded.
“Okay, so the pink ones with long stems...” Olimar flipped a page in the note book.
“They call themselves the Heliconia Pikmin. Their coloration is mostly to blend in with some strange plants found in their native region, which is this giant jungle. They call the region they are from the “Mangroves’ Labyrinth”.
Olimar nodded and began to write their entry. He and Louie had finally found time to sit and discuss what these new pikmin types in the city actually were. Louie was able to just ask them some questions that they were more than happy to reply to. “I’m assuming Heliconia is a Pikkish word? I don’t recognize it, at the very least.”
Louie’s brow furrowed a bit. “Uh... no, it’s not. I can’t say I’m familiar with it either. Maybe from the Giant language? I don’t know... anyways, uh... you’ll want to prepare yourself for this.”
Olimar looked up. “... Why?”
“They have no onion.”
“W-What?!?” Olimar stood up from shock. Was – was it destroyed? Did something happen or-?!?”
Louie shook his head. “Each Pikmin species has multiple onions. It’s unrealistic for them all to have been destroyed. No, they just... evolved without one.”
Olimar slowly sat down, resting his head in his hand. Gods, this changed everything he had assumed about pikmin kind! “So... how do they get more pikmin? Or stay safe?”
“Staying safe involves finding or building small shelters. Some individuals are nomadic, others settle down in one place.” Louie explained. “As for reproduction, it’s the same as any other plant.”
The captain’s head was still reeling. They just made seeds on their own??? Did pikmin not need the onions after all? He knew pikmin that fell in battle would rarely leave seeds behind but this was entirely different! “Okay... okay, are they the only pikmin like this?”
Olimar just about toppled over when Louie shook his head.
“More! I...”
“Okay, okay... relax, old man.” Louie held his hands up. “Let me explain from uh, the basics I guess.”
Olimar grumbled a bit at being called an “old man” but listened anyways.
“So... uh, short lesson in Pikkish I guess. Minnina and Ninnina. Nina means family and community. Both are the same to pikmin. Min means big and Nin means small... you follow?”
Olimar nodded slowly.
“Therefore, Minnina means big family and Ninnia means small family.”
Olimar nodded again, gears turning as he tried to guess what this had to do with the given topic.
“Those are the two main kinds of pikmin. Up till now, we have only worked with Minnina pikmin. They live in large groups and have onions. There are also many species of Ninnia pikmin who live in small groups or even alone. They have no onion.”
“So... there’s many more onionless species out there! Are the purples and whites Ninnia or-”
“They’re Minnina. We just never found any of their onions.”
Olimar nodded, rapidly writing down notes. “Cool, cool!”
“Anyways, the Heliconia Pikmin use their long stems to climb trees better. They also have claws for this. They’re also used to hot, humid climates. But that’s it for special abilities.”
The pencil in Olimar’s hand was flying across the pages, the captain smiling goofily. There was so much to learn! So much to document!
Louie sighed and playfully shook his head, looking up when someone entered. It took Olimar a moment himself to look up as well.
“Hey guys.” Brittany was leaning against the door way. “Come outside, Scarlet wants us all for something.”
“Oh! Of course!” Olimar stood up quickly. “Did she say what for?”
Brittany shook her head. “Just asked if we could all come visit.”
Olimar nodded, both he and Louie following her out of the Drake and to a small patch of grass where Scarlet waited. Alph, Charlie, and Oriana were all already there. Venus wasn't too far off, keeping an eye on her kid. Scarlet clapped with delight when she saw the remaining leaders approach.
“Louie! Louie! Sit by me, I'll need your help!” She squeaked. Louie paused a bit before nodding and sitting beside her. Olimar and Brittany just took spots where there was room to sit. Scarlet looked over the group again. “Okay! So mamma and I think it’s important you all also know Pikkish!!! So I’m gonna teach you guys some words!”
Louie chuckled a bit. “Funny. I was teaching Olimar some words just now.”
“ Really ? Oh, this is good! What did you teach him?”
“Minnina and Ninnina.”
When the rest of the group, to no ones surprise, showed confused faces Louie decided to give them the short run down. “Big family and little family, respectively.” The others slowly nodded.
“Okay so uh…” Scarlet hummed. “Hello seems a good place to start!”
For a good while, they all tried their hand at the words given to them. Both Scarlet and Louie would help with pronunciation, and Louie would sometimes interject if a word was two other words stuck together. Everything taught was all basic stuff that got across important messages in just that one word. Stuff like “help”, “pellet”, “animal”, “plant”, “leader”. They found out that pikmin referred to other individual pikmin as “sibling” (or rather, their word for sibling) which Olimar found both fascinating and rather sweet. He did worry about how much of this information they would retain … ah well. He did have his notebook, and was writing things down. If they forgot, he could just pull it out again. At least until they could actually learn the language rather than a few helpful words.
It was noon by the time they were all done. Scarlet looked around the group. “So uh... Do you guys all understand then?”
Brittany nodded. “I think so!”
“Agreed.” Oriana nodded.
“Yeah, you did a pretty good job explaining things.” Alph spoke with a warm tone to his voice. “You’d make a pretty good teacher.”
When she’s older? Can she even age? Olimar turned to her. Can she grow up like any other child?
Scarlet flushed a light pink as she looked away. “T-thank you…” Her stem curled to the front of her so she could hold onto her red flower a bit. Olimar couldn’t help but let an endeared chuckle escape him. He’d never seen a bashful pikmin before… he had to admit it was adorable.
Venus stood up and stretched, walking over to Scarlet. They talked for a short bit before standing up. “I have to go now.” Scarlet explained. “It was fun teaching you guys! If we think of any other words that will help, we’ll do this again!”
Brittany nodded. “Of course, we’d be glad to.”
A happy expression appeared on her face as she tilted her head a bit. She then looked up at Louie. “We’re leaving to have lunch. Do you want to come Louie?”
“Oh uh…” Louie had been skipping a lot of meals with the crew lately in order to eat with the Flytraps instead. Olimar had to admit he missed having the kid at the table. He did really see the kid as his son and well… He knew he shouldn’t let Louie be a stand in for his family. But having him there did make it feel like he had at least a family member there with him.
Still, when Louie looked to Olimar as if asking for permission, he nodded. The Flytraps were the first big group to really like Louie’s cooking, and he wasn’t going to take that form the boy. Still, some sadness must have been unintentionally expressed in his face, as Louie turned to Scarlet and said “Yes, I will. But I think I want to have dinner with the crew tonight.”
“Aww… okay!” She hugged Louie’s leg. “I’ll miss you!”
Louie chuckled and patted her head as most of the group got up to leave as well. “It’s just for one night, dear.”
“I know! But… But still!!! I’ll miss you!”
Olimar let a silent sigh escape him as he turned to leave as well. I understand kid… even one night without the people you care about can hurt so much…
Chapter 20: Pikmin Games
Chapter Text
Alph’s face scrunched up after stepping out of the Drake that morning. Eventually, he sneezed. Spring was giving way to summer, which didn’t really affect the Koppaites. They were native to a desert planet, after all! But summer brought summer flowers, which had a sickly sweet sent that permeated the pikmins’ settlement. And flowers meant pollen. Pollen meant allergies for poor Alph.
He could only imagine what it was like for Olimar, Louie, and Oriana. Hocotate was a fairly cold planet. Not an ice ball, but it never got really warm either. Thus, they had a thin layer of fur that you could just barely see. This heat had to be miserable for them, and he doubted the scent of these flowers would help matters.
Maybe Louie is immune though? Sense he would no longer have Hocotation fur... don’t think he’d be used to it though. Alph let a sigh escape him. He sneezed again.
After walking around for a little bit, he ended up spotting Oriana and scarlet sitting under the shade of some big leafy plant. Scarlet looked up and waved at Alph, so he decided to just head over to them. He took a seat by the little table they set up... and sneezed again.
“Bless you!” Little Scarlet squeaked.
“Thanks... uh, the pollen is causing my allergies to act up, so it’ll happen a lot... sorry.”
“Don’t be. It isn’t something you can control.” Oriana offered. “I was able to see outside of the walls a little bit earlier. Saw a lot of little white flowers on bushes that bloomed overnight. Guess they’re the cause.”
“Oh oh oh! Mama says they’re called Honey Suckles! You can get a really yummy nectar out of them, but it doesn’t make your flower grow.”
“Sounds wonderful...wonder if it’s safe for me to eat?” Oriana hummed.
Alph shrugged. “Donno... experimenting could be risky though...” he looked at the table, which was covered in disks of all sorts of colors. “Uh, so what were you guys up to?”
“OH! I was teaching Oriana how to play a pikmin game!!! Wanna learn too?”
That got a small smile out of Alph. He always knew they played games, but to learn how they functioned? He couldn’t say no to that! And so he nodded, getting comfortable as Scarlet explained the rules to him. It was a fairly simple game, but Alph could tell that you could go far with it. Have some really tricky matches...
Scarlet was growing restless as she explained the rules though. “Do you get how to play?” She asked.
Once Alph and Oriana nodded, she quickly scurried up. “Cool! Gotta go!” and ran off somewhere.
“Ah, children.” Alph laughed. “Probably wants to go play a game with more movement.”
“Yeah... I always preferred those kinds of games over board games myself... still, uh...” Oriana fidgeted with her glove. “Would you like to try a round?”
Alph nodded again. “Sure!” He didn’t get to talk to Oriana much himself over these past few days. It would help to get to know her a little, sense she was going to be staying in his grand pappy’s ship.
Then again, that would be hard as she didn’t seem to know anything about herself...
After a few silent turns of moving the disks around, Alph eventually asked “Do... you like it here? I know the pikmin city is about all you know but... do you feel welcomed here, at least?”
She nodded, smiling a little. “Yeah... the pikmin are kind... kinder than I expected.”
“Yeah, I wasn’t sure what to think when I first saw one...” Alph slid one of his pieces over to a new spot. “They are kind though... I like them.”
“Which is why you’re going to save them?”
Alph nodded. She stated it so matter-of-factly... maybe blind hope in the crew? He hated thinking like that, they had to save the pikmin, but... with wraiths, you just never know.
“... do you like games such as these?” Oriana asked, shifting around a little.
“Oh yeah!” Alph lit up a little at that. “Would play with my brothers and sister all the time. Always liked solving puzzles... which a game like this? Essentially an ever-changing puzzle.”
“You... have siblings?”
Alph nodded. “They’re assholes. But I love them.”
Oriana snorted a bit. “Oh, I can believe that... But is that why you always tinker with the ship? Because it’s a puzzle?”
“YES!” Alph was beaming now, swaying side to side a little bit. “Engineering is just the ultimate puzzle. Very neat stuff!” Another sneeze.
Oriana had begun to tap the back of her hand with the other, but she didn’t seem nervous. Quite the opposite actually. “You’ll have to tell me more sometime... or maybe show me some basic mechanic skills, so I can help out a little."
“Sure!!! Olimar is the only other person on board who knows anything about engineering and... well he doesn’t know much. Much of what I know confuses the poor fellow. I’d love to be able to talk about it again!” Alph was practically bouncing in place now.
“Great! I’ve been trying to find things to get into... forgot what I liked to do before. I find the creatures here to be really neat.”
“Oh, ask Olimar to see his notes! He has tons of them! And would be more than happy to discuss them at-length!”
“Guess I’ll have to, then!” She let out a light giggle. “I know they’re causing you aler-”
Alph sneezed hard then. “S-Sorry...”
“You’re fine. Anways, I do think the little flowers – the honey suckles are really pretty. They do smell quite strong though...”
“Oh I’m sure they’re pretty. I do like flowers... from a distance.”
“Aww, poor thing... maybe you can engineer something up to fix that?”
“Or just wear a mask, the medical ones filter out pollen pretty well... don’t got any on board though. Should have brought some...”
Oriana smirked a little as she slid a piece over. “Well, this was fun! We should talk or play again sometime. Maybe you’ll win next time?”
“Yeah it wa- WHAT?” ALph looked down at the board. He had barely paid attention to the game these last few rounds, focusing more on the converstation. Sure enough, he lost...
“Hey - how did?!?” Alph demanded as Oriana stood up.
She simply shrugged. “Puzzles are no fun if you’re given the answer.” Alph crossed his arms at that, making her laugh more. “Maybe I can give a few tips next time. Still, you should pay attention to the game!”
“You distracted me! That’s a low move my brother Sigma would make!”
“Well it is a good strategy.” she smirked. “Tell him he’s a smart man.”
“Like hell I would! He already has an inflated ego!” He then sighed. “I’ll get you next time...”
She simply shrugged and walked backwards a bit. “Whatever you say, little man... whatever you say.”
Chapter 21: Dad
Chapter Text
Pikmin were running around in a panic that morning.
At first, Louie had no idea what was going on. There was just too much noise and movement for him to really process anything. Yet the others were still bothering him. At least the overcast sky cooled the area a bit, meaning he didn’t have to deal with sweltering heat on top of all this.
“What’s going on, Louie?” Poor Alph seemed... scared. Overwhelmed or not, Louie couldn’t find himself angry at the little man.
Louie just shook his head.
Charlie’s face scrunched up. “No? No as in you don’t know or as in you won’t tell us?” Brittany seemed annoyed, and Oriana... he couldn’t read her expression.
“I - it-” Louie just kept shaking his head, which now hurt from all of the noise. He tried to take a step back.
“Listen, you need to give us answers or-”
“Charlie, enough.” Olimar’s voice was stern as he took a step forward. “Give him a moment.” Then in a much gentler voice, “Louie...? Do you need to step away?”
Louie nodded. “Yes. Somewhere quieter.”
Olimar looked around. “I think... over there. Follow me.”
Louie stayed close. If this headache got any worse, he’d start feeling lightheaded. He’d rather not fall on the cobblestone and bust his nose. After a short (? Louie couldn’t quite tell) walk, they ended up in some kind of small corner park away from where all the commotion was. A tall plant grew in the center, providing some shade the group sat in.
Some time passed in absolute silence. Louie rubbed a temple and looked at Olimar.
“You... feeling better?” The captain asked.
“Yeah...” It wasn’t really a lie. All that was left was a dull throbbing pain. Really, he needed medicine and sleep to get rid of that. But there were more important matters to deal with. “Let’s... find Venus.” She would know what was happening. And Louie trusted her to be pacient with him.
The crew stood up and began to head towards the Flytrap’s temporary home, which was unfortunately closer to the commotion. At least things seemed to be calming down a bit... which was to say, only one pikmin was talking in a loud voice, amplified by some tool they must have found.
“Venus.” Louie called as they appoached. “What is happening...?”
She turned to him quickly, away from a group of ten Flytraps she was with. “Wraith.”
Louie shuddered. Yeah, that’s exactly what he needed right now. “What... kind?”
“Not yet known. Very close though. They’re getting a large group together.”
Louie turned to the rest of the group. They still had confused and worried expressions... except for Oriana, who just looked like she would get sick. Poor girl must be anxious. Louie’s ear flicked before he translated the news to the others. Now they all looked scared and Oriana staggered a bit.
“I’ll be going with my tro-”
A shrill voice cut Venus off. “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Louie jolted a bit, now holding his head. Why must everyone yell all the damn time?!? Etna was storming towards them. “It’s only been a few weeks sense you BROKE A BONE!” She moved her hands outward in agitation. “You are in NO condition to fight – the fact you went out hunting was stupid enough! - let alone fight another one of those monsters!”
“This isn’t about me Etna. It’s about my troop. My tribe. I’m their leader – I must go with them.”
“WELL TOUGH LUCK! YOU’RE STAYING HERE TO HEAL!”
Louie let out a low groan that seemed to go by unnoticed. He agreed with Etna, but she needed to quiet down.
Venus just sighed. “No, I’m going with them.”
“AND WHAT WOULD THEY DO WITH A DEAD LEADER, HUH? ‘Cus if you go out there with a broken bone YOU WILL DIE!”
Venus didn’t answer that question.
That’s it. My head hurts too much for this shit. Louie stepped up to them. “If I may, well Etna is right.”
“DAMN RIGHT I AM!”
Louie flinched and sighed. “They... need you alive. You stay here, for them. Watch over Scarlet. I’ll keep your troop safe.”
“Wha - no, that’s not a responsibility you should bare.” Venus suddenly seemed worried. Scared, even. “It’s... too much.”
“I’ve led pikmin before.” He retorted, desperate to calm them down and keep this dumbass safe. “I can do it again.”
Venus seemed at a loss for words, gaze becoming gentler if still frightened. “They said you did... I...” she relaxed a little, backing off. “Alright. I’ll leave it to you.”
Etna nodded, and finally lowered her voice. “Good!” But now she seemed worried too.
Great. Thanks for the confidence boost guys . The group began to leave to join the pikmin in preparations, but Louie paused when he heard a “Wait!” He turned to Venus, mildly annoyed.
“If... you ever need anything Louie... advice or... just to talk, I’m here. Okay?”
Etna nodded along. “Yes. We’re here to help you.”
Louie’s face scrunched up once he realized why they were worried. “Alright... I’ll be fine. I can handle this.” And he turned away again, finally leaving. I’ve handled pikmin before. I’ve handled creatures and wraiths. I’ve handled death. I’ve handled nightmares.
This will be no different.
----
Their group this time was far larger and much more diverse than before. With the Crystal Wraith, their goal had been to investigate; the battle wasn’t intended. This time, however, they were preparing to fight this thing. So they needed pikmin with all kinds of abilities. They had no idea what kind of horrible thing this one could be.
Louie's face contorted as they entered into a fairly flat grass field a bit aways from the forest. He could smell the thing long before they actually saw it in its own dirt arena carved into the ground; an opaque purple mass that looked like sludge and smelled like rotting meat.
Louie had the strongest stomach of the group, and he was barely keeping it together. The smell also made his head hurt more, which was just wonderful for going into a battle. Turning to check on the others revealed just what he thought it would – they were all gagging and trying to find ways to combat the stench. But... why did Oriana seem unaffected? Mostly anyways. Did nothing more than scrunch her face in disgust. Must have a stronger stomach than Louie realized.
The disgusting wraith hadn’t noticed them yet. The pikmin turned to each other and quietly talked about how they would handle this – turn and run? Or fight it right now? They still didn’t know what it could do, but they didn’t have the daylight to be able to return to the city then back here to fight it and then back to the city again.
“Louie... what’s...?” Olimar began.
“They’re discussing if they should fight it or not.”
Oriana suddenly went wide eyed. “N-NO! DON’T FIGHT IT!”, which made Louie flinch again and grumble... maybe he should have stayed behind. But who else would have gone in Venus’s place?
The wraith suddenly looked up and around. When it spotted the group, it quickly took on a more person-esq shape.
Everything at that point became chaos.
The crew scattered, some pikmin following them. Most moved on their own accord and charged straight for the wraith. Pikmin swatted at it, knocking bits of it off. Yet it stood firm.
Louie turned to the pikmin with him – good, the ten Flytraps Venus sent were all here. He pointed at the wraith, and they all ran to attack it.
And it still stood rigid, no matter how much it was hurt. (Did knocking globs of it off even cause it pain? Or did it not feel anything at all?)
The fuck is this thing’s problem? Louie grunted, a slimy and putrid glob of wraith goop now clutched in his hand. Whatever. His head hurt too much to care. If it was just going to stand and take it and make their job easier, he wouldn’t question it.
Then it formed a rather large elemental cube, shrinking in size as it did. A large purple cloud came from it, filling the arena.
No one had time to react. The noxious gas spread too fast, and every pikmin near the wraith was trapped within.
Louie’s eyes burned. His throat burned. It felt like fire shot though every nerve in his body as he fell. He tried to crawl away, though he couldn’t get far. He was too weak. Everything hurt too much. His throbbing headache returned with a vengeance. He panicked and hyperventilated, which only made things worse as more gas entered his system. What? How? Why? His thoughts were incoherent, and he barely could think through all the pain.
He felt someone pick him up roughly by his sides. He felt weightless for a moment – before he slammed into the ground on the right side of his body, arm pinned against him. He let out a low groan. Everything hurt. His ribs and the side he fell on especially. Some of the pain subsided, replaced with a most welcome chill. He managed to push himself up, hands and knees on the ground. He then immediately threw up whatever it was he ate for breakfast that day.
His throat burned. His right side and ribs hurt. His head still throbbed and it felt like the world was spinning. But the rest of the searing pain was finally gone.
Still a bit shaky, he slowly stood up and looked behind him... then fell back down as the spinning continued. Most of the arena was filled with a purple gas, the wraith in the center. His other crewmates were in there, chucking pikmin out of the gas. Some slowly stood up as well, coughing and groaning. Most were still.
Including...
Louie went wide eyed, crawling further into the arena. He counted – one, two, five, nine... ten.
The ten other flytraps were still.
Louie curled his hands into fists as his chest tightened. I didn’t... I failed... he was suddenly filled with the desire to run away, to hide from this battle.
He wasn’t sure what made him dart forward and to the wraith instead. He didn’t know how he managed it despite the pain and despite feeling so dizzy. All he knew was that he was suddenly angry .
Louie didn’t get close to it. Something hit his already sore chest, sending a new spike of pain across his body as he fell.
“IDIOT! You don’t have a helmet – stay the fuck back!” Charlie’s sharp voice snapped.
Louie knew he was only trying to keep him alive. But Gods damn did it hurt. He began to cough again, clutching his chest. Falling had made the spinning worse. Still, he looked up best he could to see that the poison cloud was finally dissipating.
The wraith looked around the field, reabsorbing the now depleted core. All that remained was the crew, ten white pikmin, and a small amount of a few other kinds. No more than twenty-five pikmin though... The wraith almost looked smug about what it did, sending another spike of anger into Louie. But he was too weak and too disoriented to do anything now.
Knowing it had already won, it began to walk away.
“HEY!” An angry voice snapped. Louie flinched, and the wraith turned around.
Olimar had stepped forward. The man had his moments of anger, which Louie has seen. But never before did Olimar fire in his eyes, or that threatening growl to his voice. Even when Louie had stolen the Koppaites’ food, his captain wasn’t this angry. He never ever intended to hurt him or anyone.
But now, the man looked ready to kill .
Louie crawled away a bit, ears pinned back. Not even the others would stop or approach him.
“Listen here you fucking monster.” He growled. “You will not get away with this. I will make you pay for th-”
The wraith lashed out, knocking Olimar to the side. The captain skidded on the ground, quiet now.
Louie went wide eyed. “C-Captain???” He called as he scrambled up, running to Olimar He stumbled and fell a few times as the world kept spinning. But he still pushed up to try and run forward. “CAPTAIN?!?”
Olimar groaned and sat up. Louie skidded to the ground as he practically tackled the man, falling on him and pulling him into a relentless hug. “ DAD !!!!”
Olimar was stunned for a moment, before slowly hugging back. “Louie-”
“DAD! Y-you're-!” Everything around him was a blur and he was only really aware of Olimar, though.
“I’m fine... just a small crack...” he rubbed his helmet, examining the shallow crack. “I’m fine...”
Louie tucked into him. He was considerably taller than his captain, but right now he felt so small in his arms as he clung to him and sobbed. “I-I-I couldn’t-!”
“Shhh... you did what you could... we all did what we could...”
He whimpered a bit as he felt his captain... dad. His dad wipe away some tears.
“I’m... right here. I’ll always be here. Okay?”
Louie slowly nodded, pain now returning to his body. His limbs burned. He realized he had started crying, his eyes and throat now hurting because of it. His head felt like it was splitting open. He groaned slightly, as he collapsed and passed out in his father’s arms.
Chapter 22: And so She Fled
Chapter Text
The walk back was... hard, to say the least. Alph felt like he could faint any moment. But he couldn’t. He couldn’t. Charlie was already carrying the unconscious Louie. The pikmin were in no shape to help either... Stars, how could they have lost so many so quickly? Alph didn’t see any poison like that when he visited. Closest was the Phosbat’s spore things, but those couldn’t kill pikmin. Only make them panic.
This... this was something far worse. Far more sinister. It killed pikmin so quickly, and it was clearly painful…
Alph hugged himself. Stars above... Why did this have to happen? He began to tremble violently. He hoped they’d get to the Drake soon. He just wanted to curl up in his bed and sleep for the rest of the day.
He flinched when he felt something touch his arm, turning quickly to judge if he should fight or run. He ended up simply freezing when he realized it was just Olimar. The older man frowned, slowly pulling away. “I-I’m sorry, kiddo.”
“… You… It… okay. It’s okay. You didn’t mean…” Alph gripped himself harder. If not for his space suit, his tiny Koppaite claws would have scratched him.
Olimar sighed. “This… I don't know the words for what happened. It was just…” he began to shake a bit himself. “We'll be here for you, no matter what.”
Alph found himself looking over at the unconscious Louie. He came back from the dead after being killed by a wraith only to almost get killed by a second one… Will you guys really always be here?
Olimar must have noticed where Alph had looked, as he managed out a small “… I – I’ll make sure of it.”
Alph looked up, ears pinned back. “O-Olimar…”
The Captain was shaking as well now, his expression blank and distant.
Alph couldn’t take it anymore. Tears began to run down his cheeks as he managed out “I-I hate this… I want this to be over already!”
“… So do I buddy.” Olimar’s voice was blank. It unnerved Alph. He was always so happy or excited! Or at the very least sad or angry. Never just… Nothing.
He flinched again when Brittany brushed up past him. She said nothing, only laying an arm across his shoulders. Alph leaned into the touch. He… missed this. He missed it so much. Tentatively, Alph reached over to gently touch Olimar's arm. The man flinched slightly, then stared at Alph’s hand. He eventually took it.
Charlie was too busy carrying Louie to do much. Still, he walked up closer to the group. Brittany placed her free hand on Charlie’s arm.
Oriana stared at them all, a few feet behind them.
And they carried on to the city.
-
It took a while to get there. Once they arrived, Charlie was directed to bring Louie to some other building. Olimar followed them. The surviving pikmin were being directed there too. Everything was quiet. It unnerved Alph; he almost preferred the noise of this morning to this.
He, Brittany, and Oriana sat down in one of the corner parks, under the shade of a leaf. It was a much cooler day today, and a light misting was sprinkling onto the city now.
Brittany was the first to speak.
“What the fuck do they want?!?” she snapped, causing the other two to flinch away. “How do the wraiths benefit from this?!? What is it that they WANT?!?”
Oriana was curled up and shaking now.
“I... don’t know...” Alph shook his head. “They want something... the plasm wraith, it only attacked us when we took Olimar. Which we had to; it couldn’t just keep him. Maybe this is something similar?”
“I know they’re all connected somehow, but I doubt they could all want the same thing... unless they do, and they’re...” Brittany began to shake. “Stars - why? Why can’t those fucking monsters just LEAVE US ALONE ?!?” She snapped again, voice raising louder.
They both turned their heads as they saw Oriana push herself up and run away.
Brittany’s eyes widened. “Shit I – I didn’t mean to – I -”
“Stay here. I’ll go after her.” Alph stood up, unsure about why he was offering.
“Are you sure?”
He gave her a curt nod. “Rest up, and help the others. They’ll need you too.”
She nodded back, and Alph ran after Oriana.
Oriana had ran outside the city and into the woods a bit. She sat on a small stump, crying and shaking. It was low to the ground, and so didn’t take Alph much effort to climb up. Once on the stump, however, he froze. What am I doing? I... I can’t do this. I have to do this. I... He hugged himself, trying to sort out just what to do. He was tired and scared. So was she. He just wanted to lay down. She needs help. Still uncertain, he slowly approached her.
“O-Oriana?”
She jolted, turning to him. Her ears were pinned back and her eyes widened. She calmed a little once she saw him, and looked down. “S-Sorry...”
“Don’t be. Can I sit here?”
She nodded, and so he sat next to her.
“She... Brittany scared me. She got loud and... I don’t know.” Oriana pulled her feet up onto the stump, hugging her legs.
“It’s... I understand. Don’t worry. We’re all on edge after what happened...” He didn’t miss how hard she flinched at that. “You can’t be blamed for being scared.”
She nodded slowly. Then, “Did... I ever tell you... about the one memory I managed to remember?”
Alph tilted his head. “Uh, no, I don’t think so.”
“It’s about my family. I don’t remember specific events; just how they looked, acted, and how I felt about them.”
“Well, I’d say that would be one of the better things to remember.” Alph smiled lightly.
Oriana smiled a little too, though she still seemed sad. “I know we had no mother. Our father was only around for a little before he disappeared. And so all I had were my siblings, who were... nice enough, for a while.”
“... I... I can relate, actually.”
She looked up. “Really?”
“Yeah, ah... I wasn’t with my parents for too long before my older brother basically adopted me. He took care of all of us. We were quite a large collection of siblings!”
“I see...” She hugged herself tighter. “But I suppose... they stuck around.”
“My siblings?” Alph asked. Oriana nodded. “Yes, they did... uh, did yours...?”
“No. As time went by they got more and more annoyed with me. I was too different. I didn’t think or act the same as they did. I even had completely different morals. They’d snap and yell if I got too “annoying”, and...” she began to shake.
Alph wasn’t entirely sure what to do. Slowly, he placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, tears pricking her eyes. “I... That’s one of the worst things someone can do... I’m... sorry.”
Oriana let out a shaky sigh. “One day they just ditched me. I remember seeing them a few times after that but... that’s it. That’s all I remember.” She looked away now. “Why... The wraiths, my siblings, why does anyone do the awful things they do?”
Alph shrugged. “Some people just like to hurt others I suppose. I'll never understand why, or what the logic is behind their excuses but…"
"... You make it sound like you… know a lot of people like that." Oriana's voice was small. "... S-sorry, I-"
"You're fine. I…" Alph sighed. "... Some of my family members weren't so great either. My parents were not kind. Mom cared more about her status and dad… I don't know what his problem was." He had pulled away to curl up as well. "But they weren't… good people, and were worse parents."
Oriana was quiet for a moment. She then moved closer, placing a hand on Alph's shoulder. "I… wish I knew how to help. You'd think I would but…"
"I mean, I'm not sure how to help you either." Alph shrugged. "I only knew that I didn't want you to be alone when you're this upset."
She smiled softly at that, and finally seemed to be much happier. "Thank you. It's… good to know you care. You're a good person; your siblings are lucky to have you."
"Oh, I…" Alph was a bit flustered from the sudden complement. "Well, thank you. I think you're a good person too. And I'm always willing to help, if needed."
Oriana let out some kind of light, breathing laugh before standing up. "C'mon bro, the rain is starting to get heavier. Let's go."
Alph snorted a bit as he pushed himself up. He… didn't think that's how these sort of things went. But it didn't bother him, and so if it made her happy then he wouldn't stop her.
-
Everyone was on the Drake by the time Alph and Oriana returned. They were all quiet, the only sound being the now heavy rain pelting against the Drake. Everyone had looked up when Oriana and Alph returned.
Alph stumbled a bit, unsure of what to do at first. Then he asked, "Uh… how is Louie doing?"
"As good as he can be." Olimar sighed. "I think anyway. The pikmin gave him a checkover in that little hospital they have set up. After a while, they got Charlie to carry him back here to the Drake. Now we're just waiting for him to wake up, I suppose…"
Alph nodded. "We'll - we'll do what we can for him when he wakes up. Okay?"
Olimar smiled a bit, though his ears leaned back as well. "I know you will."
"M-Mr. Olimar?" Oriana squeaked, fidgeting with her fingers a bit. She appeared more nervous when everyone turned to her. "What about… uh… will you be okay?"
Olimar seemed a bit taken aback. "I… Well…" and whatever shock he had faded away, replaced with that grim and empty look again as he looked away.
"How can any of us be okay after that?!? After everything that has happened?!?" Brittany snapped, making Oriana flinch. Brittany's eyes widened a bit and she looked away. "I just… I'm sorry."
Orina took a deep breath as Alph walked over to comfort Brittany, sitting by her side. After she gathered herself, Oriana wearily asked "Things have happened before this?"
Charlie and Brittany both shot her a look, making her step back. It was Olimar who sighed and looked up to her. "Yes… you weren't here for it all but… yes… before this was a Crystal Wraith that- that…" And Olimar went quiet again.
"... There's also a Plasm Wraith." Alph continued on. "It… held Olimar captive, and burned my arm."
"... And a Water Wraith…" Olimar managed out in a hushed, barely audible voice.
Charlie finally seemed to calm down a bit… just a bit. "As if all that shit wasn't enough, we keep crash landing here! On this trip, the Drake lost control and the five of us were separated!"
"... Same thing happened last time too…" Brittany added on, now laying her head on the table.
"And to myself a… long time ago. Lost control of the Dolphin, and she ended up torn to pieces from it…"
Everyone was quiet again.
Oriana was hugging herself now, staring at nothing for a bit. Then, "Crashes… sound familiar… I think…"
Alph looked up. Did she… crash here too?
"I think I know why it's happening. And if I'm right, then we can stop it."
Everyone stared at her for a moment, stunned now.
"How do you know this?" Charlie demanded suddenly, stepping forward.
She flinched and backed away. "I uh… it just feels familiar, I… I may not even be right! I just… Want to try and help!"
Charlie's expression softened then. "... Alright. Tell us what you know."
"... Map, I need - I need to look at a map." Oriana looked around. Alph stood up and walked to the Drake's main control panel, where he turned the map on. A picture of the planet displayed on the screen.
With… some trial and error, she managed to get the map to zoom in on the location she wanted. It was the area the Flytraps' village was - the pikmin called it the Angelic Ruins, yes? "There's… I think there's a machine there… I remember… someone telling me about it. Telling me we had to go there and turn it off…" she shook her head. "That's it. That's all I can remember."
It felt… Weird, how she was able to know all of this. But Alph wasn't going to question it. Her regaining her memories was a good thing, yes? Besides, this information was too valuable. It could save lives…
Charlie looked at the screen, taking in the information. "... Alright. This is the plan: we're still in no condition to do much. We'll stay put for a few days to rest and heal. Once everyone is up to it, we'll head there to investigate. Understood?"
Everyone nodded.
This was it.
They may just be able to put a stop to the crash landings.
Chapter 23: Spores and Machines
Notes:
This is the last chapter I wrote, and thus the end of this fic. Much like the fic itself, this chapter is unfinished and never will be finished. I am posting these chapters for the sake of archiving them.
That being said, I am posting one more "chapter" that is an outline of what I had planed for the future. As far as I know it is allowed sense it's still fannish in nature, just an outline and not the polished fanfic most people expect. The pikmin fandom doesn't have too much of this due to its size, but you'd be surprised at the amount of non-fanfic fan works the archive allows!
Chapter Text
Louie was fading in and out of consciousness. He usually awoke to a warm bowl of soup and someone urging him to drink, a few other times he woke up only to be urged to fall back asleep by whomever was in the room with him. Once someone woke him up to drink something that tasted fucking awful, but it did ease some of the pain he had.
He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when he woke up fully.
The Drake was dark, with only pale lights near the floor to keep people from tripping on things. It took Louie a moment before he saw a shadowy figure sleeping at a table near him. He recognized who it was near immediately.
"... Dad?" He whispered, sitting up.
The figure jolted a bit, looking over to him. "Louie? Oh you're awake!" And began to stumble to him.
"Dad b-be careful."
It was easier to see Olimar once he was closer. The poor man moved so stiffly, and there were heavy bags under his eyes. "I'm fine son. I'm fine." He gently hugged Louie.
"You don't look-"
"I'm fine ."
Louie sighed. Olimar was always like this. Damn man needed to learn to care for himself once in a while.
Then Louie's ears pinned back, clutching onto Olimar a bit as he fully came to. "T-the pikmin-"
"We did our best." Olimar had begun to shake now. "We- we did what we could."
"Our best fucking sucks." Louie mumbled. A little too loudly, given how hard Olimar flinched. He looked up at the trembling man. "I'm sorry…"
"It's-" Olimar sighed. "You're… right."
They were both quiet after that.
Louie eventually tucked into his father, grateful for the near immediate embrace. He didn't want to let go, pressing more into him as they both cried. They stayed like that for a long time in an oddly comforting silence.
Just as the younger man was nodding off again, Olimar pulled back a bit. "It's late, kid. You need sleep."
"So do you."
He just stared at him a bit before nodding. "Yeah… I'll actually sleep in my bed." he tried to chuckle a bit.
The attempt was enough for a slight smile to appear on Louie. "Good. Beds are more comfy than mess room chairs, I hear."
Olimar chuckled a little louder and more genuinely. "Yeah! Yeah they sure are… good night kiddo."
"Night dad."
Olimar was beaming, but he still seemed sad. He got up and left before Louie could ask anything. I wonder if me calling him dad hurts him more than anything else. It was possible, but Olimar would probably be hurt more if Louie suddenly stopped. So he couldn't really make that call right now. Sighing, he curled up in his cot to fall asleep.
-
"What do you mean I was out for three days?!?"
"You were. It's just the facts." Charlie's arms were crossed as he spoke in an agitated tone.
It was the next morning. Only Alph, Olimar, and Oriana remained asleep.
"And no one woke me up?!?"
"We did. " Brittany spoke now, sitting at a nearby table. "Several times, so you could eat and take medicine. Then you'd fall right back asleep."
Louie was… Annoyed. He hated the thought of being asleep for that long, but his crew really had done all they could. Grunting a bit, he asked "So what now? How do we deal with these wraiths?"
"We still don't know." Brittany stood up from the table now, walking closer. "But Oriana said she thinks there's a way to stop the crash landings at least."
Louie stared at her. "... How?"
Charlie shrugged. "She's slowly regaining her memory I guess. Which will hopefully lead us to knowing where to take her by the end of all this."
Yeah, that would be good. It'd make things much simpler at least.
"Now, if you're up to it," Charlie began, "I'd like you to do something."
Louie nodded. He felt alright enough, and doing anything other than lay down some more sounded wonderful. "What is it?"
"The location Oriana pointed us to is A building-like structure north of the Flytraps old village. Out in the desert, away from the other buildings. Think you can get some more information from them? Just… to be sure."
"Yeah, sounds easy enough."
Before Louie could leave, Charlie said "You should eat first, you know."
"I'll eat at the Flytraps' place." When Charlie's expression turned to annoyance, Louie sighed and walked to the kitchen. "Fine. I'll grab a juice. But I will eat there."
He grabbed a container of Citrus Lump juice to placate the others, though he found himself quickly downing it once he had taken a drink. He then rushed out of the Drake and headed for the pottery buildings that made up the Flytraps' home.
A few pikmin greeted him as he walked in. He said hello in response, more focused on his task and getting breakfast.
"LOUIE!" A high pitched voice squealed, soon followed by something latching around his leg.
"Good morning Scarlet." Louie hummed, grabbing a serving of Snagret for himself. "Has Venus eaten yet today?"
"Yes!"
"Good to know. I won't bring her more. Where is she?"
Scarlet pointed to a room. "Momma is in there. You need her?"
Louie nodded, sighing a little as Scarlet followed him there. Oh well, he'd let Venus decide if she could stay or not.
Venus looked up from what looked to be a desk-like structure. Complete with a few stone tablets and paint. "Oh, good morning Louie."
"Mornin'." Louie sat down. "I'll, ah, cut to the chase. According to Charlie, Oriana knows how to stop the crash landings."
Venus seemed shocked, to say the least. "Doesn't she have amnesia?"
Louie nodded as he ate a cube of meat. Once he swallowed, he continued; "Charlie thinks she may be recovering."
"Hmm…"
"Well, she said we need to go to this building north of your old village. Outside of the main ruins area."
"The Silent Den?"
"My spore?!?" Scarlet squealed.
Louie was dumbfounded to say the least. "Huh?"
Once Venus settled Scarlet down a bit, she explained "The Silent Den is the most complete ruin in our home. Still has a roof! One with a few holes, but more than the others can say… probably because it's largely underground. Despite it being the perfect conditions for desert creatures to live in, it's largely empty. A few small bugs, but no predators."
"Is there a reason why?" Louie shifted around. It sounded like the right conditions for a large, monstrous creature to be at.
"There are two. One, a wraith can sometimes be spotted nearby. A golden one. Not much farther out is where it makes its den in some tower-" she stopped mid sentence, leaning over to touch Louie's arm. "Louie?"
He had tensed a bit, and flinched when touched. "Oh s-sorry-"
"Don't be." Her tone was much softer now, as was her gaze. It almost reminded Louie of Olimar… he guessed it was just a worried parent thing.
"It's just - a wraith we've had run-ins with before." Was all he said. Based on how much sadder Venus's expression became, it was all he needed to say. Even little Scarlet hugged him (though he doubted she fully understood the situation).
"I understand." Another gentle pat. "For what it's worth, it's not there often. And if you decide to go, it's possible to scout ahead. Not even the wraith will enter the building, and it's easy to spot given how shiny it is."
"... Dare I ask why a wraith won't enter it?"
"Scorching Nettle. A highly toxic plant, even to the touch. The insects that live there are the only things immune. We'd have to cover up to stay safe, as the plants are everywhere in there. Needless to say, touching it makes you feel like you're on fire. I guess even a wraith can't handle it."
Louie made a face. The others' spacesuits would protect them just fine at least. So he would be the only one that would have to cover up. Unless Venus joined, which her language seemed to indicate.
"There's also my spore!!!" Scarlet squealed.
Venus sighed. "And… Her spore."
Louie stared blankly.
"It's very very VERY important!" Scarlet insisted. "And I want to go see it!!! Can we go, Momma?"
Another sigh. "Yes. We can go." She looked up at Louie, almost apprehensive. "I… think it will be better for you to see it for yourself first. I don't… Think my words could properly describe… Everything."
"It's just my spore! My flower!"
Because that answered his questions. Venus's tone didn't comfort him really either. "I, uh,... Okay. So you'll be leaving with us?"
Venus nodded. "Not sure what in there could stop crash landings though." She suddenly seemed even worse off, looking defeated . "But if it could have helped…"
"Would have saved us a lot of trouble." Louie agreed, now reaching over to her shoulder. "But if you didn't know, you can't be blamed. If Oriana is right, then don't fault yourself for not acting."
Venus just nodded, not convinced.
Another parent who beats themself up over everything. Louie understood completely, of course. But it was starting to become a rather worrisome pattern… He could only do the best for them both, he supposed.
"Let's get ready then."
-
Preparations were not that hard. It really just boiled down to getting some suits from the council, who while apprehensive at the idea of the crew going to such a place were still happy to help.
Louie felt a little ridiculous in his suit. It was full body, of course, covering even his stem. Which was rather uncomfortable. The material was thick and brown in color, and apparently not even Flytrap claws could tear it. There was a mesh-like hole for him to look out and breathe though. It wasn't exactly well made, being pretty uneven, but it kept large objects from touching his skin.
Plus, at least he also got to see Venus look ridiculous alongside him, made better by how grumpy she looked for it. Tiny scarlet was even more upset. Had to be given a special one made on-the-spot where the buttons were on the back of the coat instead of the front so she couldn't take it off.
It was noon, however, by the time they were ready to head out. Hopefully it wouldn't take too long.
Once Alph had autopilot on, he joined the others in the main room. "So, Oriana, how exactly will this help…?"
An already tense Oriana flinched a bit. "Oh, uh, there's a machine. And… turning it off is what helps. I think."
Louie sighed. It was probably all the poor girl could remember.
"I do hope so." Olimar grumbled a bit, frustrated. He said nothing, but everyone in the room knew he wasn't exactly happy to hear the Plasm Wraith hung around that area.
The operation wasn't as simple or safe as it was originally made out to be, which agitated the crew members. Then again, what on this planet was simple and safe?
But if Oriana was wrong… well, she'd probably panic and cry and everyone would forget their anger to help her. Or at least Alph would. He was fairly quick to forgive Louie, doing so long before he met Olimar. Regardless, it wasn't a situation anyone wanted.
"... I didn't know there would be a wraith near it." Oriana's voice was small.
"It's - It's okay." Olimar sighed. "I just-"
"You hate h-the plasm wraith." She responded almost flatly.
The captain was quiet for a long moment. "I… suppose I do, yeah."
Oriama hugged herself as she nodded. "I understand. I'm sorry for... Everything that's happened."
"Don't be." Olimar waved his hand, now walking closer to the map so he could watch it. "It's not your fault."
By this point, Oriana had slipped away into the kitchen so she could sit down.
Olimar's ears had leaned back, now stepping away from the map to be closer to Louie. He spoke in a low voice so the others wouldn't hear him; "I really worry for that girl…"
Louie nodded in agreement, not sure what to say.
"I saw she has a Hocotate Freight patch. I've been trying to call our boss to see if he could help. I'm supposed to finally get an answer by tomorrow but… you know him."
Louie groaned. "Yeah, all too well."
Chapter 24: Outline
Notes:
As explained before, this is just the outline for the rest of the fanfic sense I never plan on finishing it. It starts at chapter 23, sense I see no reason to give the outlines for finished chapters.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
- Louie gives more information on the location through pikmin. It’s some giant ruins near where the Fly Traps used to live. He also mentions that when Scarlet heard of them going there, she asked to go with them to “check on her spore”. (ch23)
- Crew travels there with Scarlet and Venus in tow. When they arrive, they find a disturbing scene. An old crashlanding, surrounded by koppaite bones. One body seems to be covered in mild with a weird fungus-plant growing from it. Scarlet claims this as her spore, and the crew quickly realize what it means – scarlet is a pikmin borne from a koppaite corpse. Venus gives a little bit more detail, but they drop it quickly to head inside. (ch23)
- Once in, Oriana directs them to a particular giant machine. She explains it’s what is causing ships to crash. Venus backs it up, mentioning how some pikmin found this to be a defensive base of some sort. (ch 23)
- They turn it off, and just like that... no more crashes. The crew cries a bit, both from the discovery of what Scarlet is and from the relief they feel. Oriana just stands from afar, not sure of what to do to comfort the rest of them.
- On the way back, the crew is... largely silent. Then Alph has a sickening realization. After some coaxing, he points out how the original ruins may have been where Scarlet was from and that it must have been attacked by wraiths as well. Charlie suggests Oriana may have been from there too. After a moment, she quietly agrees. Alph reaches out to comfort her. Someone asks if they should check on it, in case there were more survivors. A quick scan of the planet reveals nothing. Brittany and Olimar decide they’ll go there on their own anyways. (ch 23)
- Louie is now fretting over Scarlet, making sure she knows she’s loved. She giggles at one point, saying “I love you uncle Louie!” (ch 24 Louie POV)
- Louie asks Venus how much she knew of the crash. Venus reveals all she knew – a space vessel came down, and was destroyed nearly on impact. The desert scavangers got to the crew before the pikmin did. Venus couldn’t do much then console one of the dieing koppaites as she faded away. Some weeks later, a spore had attached itself to the child, and it wasn’t long before it dropped scarlet’s seed. Venus begins to cry, and Louie consoles her best he can. (ch 24)
- Olimar tries to find out about Oriana through boss. Finds nothing.
- Olimar and Brittany arrive at the ruined colony, sickened and terrified at how desolte it was. They find no more survivors, only the crystal wraith which prompts them to run away.
- Still very much worried over little Scarlet, Louie decides to play with her a bit. Stops when one of her friends comes over to play instead. Olimar sits and talks to him about what the poor kid has gone through. They’re glad to see her play and have fun like other children, however. They also talk about the colony a bit. (ch 25 Olimar POV)
- When they get back to the ship, they walk in on another awkward flirting attempt on Charlie’s part. Olimar sighs and just pats Louie’s sholder. (ch 25)
- While going on yet another patrol, the group is attacked by yet another wraith (fire wraith). Battle lasts a very short time, and it seems this was the weakest of them all. Charlie still saves Alph at some point. (Ch 26 Charlie POV)
- At some point louie talks to alph about his OBVIOUS crush on charlie, “ah its okay im sure your boyfreind can help you out” “b-boyfreind???” “you know, charlie?” “Wer’re not dating!” “oh... I mean, I thought it was pretty clear you liked eachother a lot so I figured...” “You... think charlie likes me?” “bro have you SEEN the way he looks at you?” “*squeaky alph noise*” “anyways you’d better ask him out soon or I’ll have to start playing match maker for the two of ya” “please don’t” (ch 27 Alph POV)
- To get out of the Drake and away from the teasing Louie, Alph decides to take another walk with Oriana. They talk more about their families; old and new. While on their walk, however, they end up lost... and stuck out at night. (ch 27)
- The two find a safe place to hide, and Alph uses the comm radio to let the others know they’re okay. They talk about wraiths a bit and have a heart to heart regarding her survivor’s guilt. While in the hole, however, they see a pair of glowing eyes... then more eyes. They’re eventually chased out by the mushroom pikmin. (ch 28 alph pov)
- They get corrnered at one point, and Alph is not sure what to do. Then suddenly, Oriana has a crystal shard? She uses it to kill the mushrooms so that she and Alph can get to safety. (ch 28)
- Alph askes her where she found it, as he didn’t see it. She said it was nearby, and Alph decided that his fear is probably what made him gloss over it. Now actually safe, they decide to go to bed. (ch 28)
- The next morning, they make it back to the city where the others fret over them...and olimar scolds them. He is happy they’re okay, and make them promise not to do that again. (ch 28)
- Olimar finds time to call his family up. Invites Louie to the call bc he’s family now! They talk forever about so many things, all the things! (ch 29 Olimar POV))
- Oriana and Alph talk again. She’s upset Olimar brought Louie over as a part of the family but not her. Alph tries to calm her, telling her the reasons why - “he’s known Louie for years, and nearly lost him not too long ago”. But it doesn’t calm her. He says she’s still like a sister to him, which makes her feel better but it’s evident it’s not enough for her. She wants Olimar. (Ch 29 Alph POV)
- Last but not least, the horned wraith attacks. Everyone realizes it’s just like the Plasm Wraith, but more skilled. After an intense battle where many pikmin die, it backs Olimar into a corner. Here, it speaks: “This is the one my sister was obsessed over? Pathetic...” Olimar asks why it’s doing this, and it seems to tense up. It turns into a vaguely bird looking thing and fucks right off. (ch 30 Olimar POV)
- Everyone talks about the horned wraith attack as pikmin are being patched up. Olimar worries over what the wraith could have ment when it spoke to him. (ch 31 Olimar POV)
- Latter that night, Oriana is trying to explain something to help Alph with the wraiths, but he’s becoming suspicious about how much she knows for suffering from amnesia. After asking “how do you know this?” too many times, she ends up snapping and yelling at Alph. As she yells, she melts, revealing her true plasm wraith self. Alph panics, screaming and crying and trying to get away from her. Charlie shows up and over powers the wraith, who then leaves the Drake and runs off. The pikmin are unable to catch her, and it takes the crew all night to calm down and help Alph stop panicking. (Ch 31 Alph POV Her Heart of Gold)
- While comforting Alph about the betrayal, Olimar starts crying himself and the two just. Cry in each other's arms (Ch 31)
- Everyone is in a slump over what happened. Scarlet is trying to cheer everyone up, but failing. No one knows what to do, and they’re all scared. (Ch 32 Olimar POV)
- Next morning, Alph and pikmin are on patrol and get attached by a creature, plasm wraith comes in and “kidnaps” alph (Ch 33 Alph POV)
- Pikmin return and relay this news to the others through louie. Everyone freaks out, and charlie is just absolutly devistated and refuses to talk with anyone. Beats himself up for not protecting Alph like he promisrd he would. (Ch 33 Louie + Charlie POV)
- Alph is kept at wrait’s den for a little while, and he is FURIOUS with her. And terrified. (“I want my sister back!”) She says she’ll return him come morn, and keeps her word (Ch 34 Alph POV)
- When he is brough back, everyone worries over him while also side-eyeing plasm (Ch 34)
- Charlie ends up getting to talk to him alone about it for a while, and while snuggling they FINNALY confess their fuckin feelings. (Ch 34)
- Meanwhile outside, Louie is confronting the plasm wriath. She leaves before she can get too upset. Olimar is very conflicted based on what she said as Oriana, did in the past, and is doing now. (Ch 34 Olimar POV)
- Pikmin discuss what to do about all of the wraiths, when PW suddenly busts in saying they’re under attack. After much arguing about if to trust her, a Buttermin flies in to confirm the same thing. (Ch 35 Olimar POV)
- After a short battle where in PW defends the pikmin, they decide the only thing they can really do is trust her for the time being. (Ch 35 Olimar POV)
- Alone in the room set out for her, PW kinda just sulks for a bit. A very nosy Scarlet then comes up to her and talks to her. In her naivety, she comforts PW and says she thinks PW could be a good person. (Ch 35 Plasm POV)
- The next morning, Scarlet joins Louie and the crew for breakfast. She calls PW “Oriana” and says she’s nice. Olimar ends up snapping at her - “That is not her name!” - then immediately feels bad and leaves the room. Louie goes to comfort a now freaked out Scarlet, and Alph follows him. (Ch 36 Olimar POV)
- Alph talks to him, saying that it was wrong but it was ultimately a mistake. An accident. He isn’t a bad person or a bad father for this despite Olimar saying he is. “The Plasm Wraith hurt you. Okay? It hurt you. It was wrong to snap at her like that, but until you can go home and get a therapist or whatever else you need I can’t entirely blame you. You didn’t mean to hurt her. YOu feel bad for it. You’re not a bad father... just trust me, I... know what one acts like.”(ch 36)
- Olimar feels bad and comforts Alph. After a moment, he finnaly accepts what he said and goes to apologize to Scarlet, who eagerly accepts it. (ch 36)
- Pikmin comes on board to say the PW wants them. Nervoud, they slowly follow the pikmin to a temprary meeting spot. There, PW says there’s no way to make the other wraiths back down – they're too angry at the pikmin for simply existing. So – after making them promise they’d only use the knowlage in retaliation and to never hunt down wraiths in the unlikely event they do back down – she tells them how to kill a wraith. With that, the pikmin make a plan for their final attack. (Ch 36 Olimar POV)
- Olimar asks PW why’d she give them the info - “it’s the right thing to do so that the field is an even match” - and what’s to stop them from using it on her - “nothing I suppose...” (Ch 36 Olimar POV)
- As Olimar is getting ready for bed, he notices a crying Alph. Seeing as Charlie was passed out, he comforts him. Alph is angry at Oriana/PW for breaking his trust, for taking him, for coming back and expecting to be trusted again. Compares her actions to his father’s. Olimar pulls him close and comforts him best he can. (ch 36, maybe 37)
- Everyone prepares for their big attack on the wraiths. Charlie + Alph comfort each other, and Louie comforts Scarlet and Venus. (Ch 37 Olimar POV – Soil Reclaimed from the Past)
- They leave for the attack. As everyone is trying to fight the wraiths, Venus and Olimar manage to kill the Crystal Wraith. (But it kills Venus as well) (Ch 37 Olimar POV)
- This makes the other wraiths PANIC, so they pull out their ultra-secret technique: fusing together into one big wraith. (Ch 37 Olimar POV)
- They struggle to fight it, and it even manages to kill PW. As it laughs and turns it’s back on her, only to be stabbed and killed from behind. (Ch 37 Olimar POV)
- Days have passed. Pikmin and leaders alike are healing physically. They don’t know what to do or what to make of what happened. Olimar is still conflicted on Oriana, and probably always will be. A small plaqe was made in her honnor, but the statue is of her favorite flower and not of the PW herself. (Ch 38 Olimar POV)
- Louie chooses to stay behind and care for Scarlet now that Venus has died. Olimar is disapointed but also proud, and hugs his son promising that he’d visit them as often as possible now that there’s a safe haven on the planet (Ch 38 Olimar POV)
- He and the koppaites leave for home. Olimar comforts his other son, and Alph and Charlie embrace a bit. Olimar looks on at the pikmin planet, knowing that at long last... it was safe. (Ch 38 Olimar POV)
Notes:
... you can probably take several guesses as to why I stopped writing this lmao. Part of it was Pikmin 3 Deluxe having some implications that contradict this fic's portrayal of the wraith; part of it was jut not liking the plot any more. I felt that I could - and sense have! - do better.
Still, I'm happy to have all of this safely archived, and I hope that posting these unposted chapters and the outline for the rest of the story gives some sense of closure to those who enjoyed the story! Thanks for getting this far :D