-Babysitting Mishap-
(Kade / Emma / Les / Callan)
When the twins heard the sound of their mother calling them, both eagerly toddled to the living room where they were greeted by several familiar faces. Les and Callen proceeded to kneel down to greet their grandchildren once they entered. Les, the older, gruff looking Squid, smiled happily as he picked up Emma.
“Oh, Emma. I’ve missed you so much.” He nuzzled the young child. “How’s my favorite granddaughter doing?”
Emma giggled in response when his fluffy mustache made contact as he kissed her mantle. She gently returned the hug and kiss before being set back down next to her brother. Kade held out his arms at the elder, and chirped for attention before being picked up by Callan.
“Oh, my sweet Kadren, it’s so nice to see you again.” She proceeded to peck him on the cheek and lightly pat his head before setting him back down with his sister. Kade chirped a few times to his grandmother before Les intervened.
“Ellie, don’t tell me he’s still chirping.” He spoke, “How will we be able to understand him if he needs something?” He looked at the toddler who then covered his mouth when he heard him say that.
“Dad, just because Kade isn’t able to speak like us, doesn’t mean he isn’t able to communicate in other ways. If he needs something, he’ll most likely point or lead you to what he wants to show you.” She picked up the small puff, and cradled him. “Isn’t that right, my little jellybean?”
“Cheep!! Cheep!” Kade responded and clutched on to the Squid with his wings.
“Bate and I will be back around 8.” Ellie handed off the toddler to Les while she was talking. “Lunch and Dinner’s in the fridge, and please make sure they’re in bed by 7:30.”
There’s nothing to worry, dear.” Callen reassured. “We have so much planned for the kids. Now go out and have a nice evening. We’ll see you soon.”
Ellie happily nods and calls out Bate. Kade eagerly chirps when he sees his dad, and started to wiggle out of Les’ grasp. The old Squid started to lose his grip once his wings started to hit his face, and he rushed over to hand over Kade before he dropped him.
“Kade, settle down.” He chirped, slightly laughing as he took the child. “Now be good while we’re gone, alright? Have fun, and no wandering off.”
“Ok!” He nuzzled the elder. Bate then picked up Emma with his other hand and placed a small kiss on her mantle
“And my precious Emma, be sure to behave as well. Listen to everything your grandparents say, okay?.”
“Ok!” She hugged him before being set down.
The couple gives one last wave to the group before heading out. The twins start to head back to their room to finish playing with their blocks. Before Emma could reach the hallway, though, she was picked up by Les again. Kade didn’t have time to react, and just watched from afar as he started to give his sister attention.
“Callen, would you take a look at her mantle. My, her markings are quite stunning, aren’t they?” He headed to the living room where his wife was at. “And her feet markings, too! She’s like a splitting image of you, dear.”
“Yes, yes. Emma’s markings are quite the eye catcher. I’m sure Ellie’s proud the gene runs strong in her.” She smiled, placing a gently hand on the child’s mantle.
“And in a few years, she’ll be learning how to swim.” Les beamed. “We’ll have to visit again when she does. I can’t wait!”
Emma watched the two elders talk, and glanced back at the hallway where Kade quietly stood. She tried to move, but Les moved her back to his lap. She gave a small sigh and noticed her bother already left. She didn’t want to say anything to upset her grandparents so she just quietly sat and waited until they were done.
Kade sadly looked at the block castle they were building and softly chirped to himself before toddling to a small table in the center. He didn’t want to finish building without her so he decided maybe drawing would keep him entertained until his grandpa was done praising Emma. Even though he knows his grandpa loves him, it never quite compared to the attention he gives Emma. Any time he visits, he would rather be with her than him. Was it because it was unable to talk? Was it because it wasn’t a Squishy like them?
“Emma favorite…” He quietly spoke, doodling several images of his grandfather hugging Emma while Kade was scribbled in a corner with tears in his eyes. He scribbled out a few more drawings until he heard his grandmother calling him. Wings perking, he headed out of the room. His attention was quickly caught when he saw Emma opening a gift Les was handing to her. Kade tried not to let it get to him, and look towards Callen who held out a gift as well. His troubles a few minutes earlier started to disperse, and he smiled and happily chirped as he took it from her hands.
“Cheep cheep!!” He thanked and tore open the wrapping paper to reveal a small teal ball. He held it up to show her, and she could help but giggle.
“Do you like it?” She asked.
He nodded and started to turn to show Emma. He blinked in surprise when he saw she received a much larger gift. Emma held up the box full of colorful clay and a molding set. He gently set his ball down and went near the table where Les was helping her set everything up. When Emma saw her brother, she reached over and handed him several tubs of clay so they could play together. The Puff shyly fiddled with the cap, and avoided eye contact with Les since it seems like was only talking to Emma.
“Need help, honey?”
Kade turned and noticed her grandmother joined the group as well. The Puff nodded and held up one of the colored tubs for her. She pulled the cap back and handed it to him while she finished uncapping the rest.
Once everything was set up, Emma and Kade began putting the clay in the various molds. Kade used one shaped as a star while Emma took the one shaped as an ice cream. Both grandparents sat back on the couches and watched the twins play.
“Dear, you did tell Kadren it was for him and Emma to share, right?” She said. “He looked quite sad when he saw you giving the biggest gift to Emma. I don’t want him to think we bought it only for her.”
Les shrugged it off, not as troubled by it. “He seems happy now, Callan. I’m pretty sure he understands.”
The other just looked away, not agreeing with his answer. As much as she wanted to prod further and discuss his treatment towards Kade, she didn’t want to start an argument while the kids were in the room.
Eventually, it was already time for lunch, and Callan left to prepare the meal Ellie made. Once she was done, she called to her husband to get the kids.
Les headed to their room and peeked in to see the twins playing with their blocks. He took a few steps in and picked up Emma.
“Lunch time, sweet pea.” He smiled. He was so preoccupied with Emma playing with his floofy mustache, he didn’t notice Kade holding up his arms to be picked up as well. When he saw the pair leave, he dashed to the kitchen and chirped louder to get his attention.
“I’ll get you after Kade. No shouting.” He scolded as he put Emma into her highchair.
With his wings lowered, Kade didn’t speak a word and waited. Finally, he was picked up, and placed next to Emma. Again, his troubles dispersed, and he smiled when he saw his favorite meal in front of him!
“Cheep, cheep, cheeeeeeep cirr-irp!!!” He held up a chicken nugget and started to chomp away.
With the twins content, both Squids took a seat in the living room and watched from afar as the pair enjoyed their lunch. Callen started to doze off, so Les was left to supervise them for the time being. Once he noticed most of the food from their plates were gone, the elder decided a small treat to hold them off before dinner would be nice.
“Who wants some dessert?” He smiled, heading over to the cookie jar. Taking one out, he split in in half since he didn’t want them to having a sugar rush. He walked over to Emma first, and happily spoke.
“Can you say ‘please' for your grandfather?” He knew she was still learning how to speak, so hopefully this would encourage her. Les watched as Emma babbled to herself, so he repeated the word again. “Please. C’mon, Emma, you can say it!!"
“P…Pweeeese!!” Emma spoke, and happily smiled when he handed her the treat. Kade saw, and quickly started cheeping while pointing to Emma's cookie. Les held the other half in front of Kade.
“Alright, Kade, its your turn.” He spoke, but received several chirps in response. “No, Kade, none of these silly chirps of yours.”
Kade anxiously chirped again, but when he didn’t receive the sweet treat after saying what he was told to say, he tried to reach for it. He stretched his wings, and began to cry when Les pulled away. He chirped even louder which caught the attention of the other Squid.
“Les, what in sweet Nova.” Callan called, and grabbed the cookie from his husband to give to Kade.
“Here you go, sweetie.” She patted his head as Kade grabbed the confection. His tears and sniffles quickly disappeared, and he happily pointed to the cookie.
“Yes, yes, you can eat it.” She spoke and watched at the little puff began to nibble on it. She then glared at the other, and began to scold him.
“Ellie would be absolutely ashamed if she saw you treating Kadren in such a manner. I don’t ever want you to belittle him like I saw today, he’s your grandson.” She scolded.
“Callen, I-“
“Don’t Callen me.” She held up her hand to silence him. Bending down, she picked up the small teal ball they bought for the twins and placed it in his hands. “Now, go and spend time with both of them. If I hear Kadren crying one more time, you better believe I’ll have a word with Ellie and Bate about this.”
Les didn’t speak, but softly mumbled to himself as he headed back in the kitchen to fetch the pair.
Taking a seat on the bench outside, Les watched as the pair happily kicked the ball to one another. Kade eventually picked it up and held it high above his head before tossing it to her. Emma missed, but ran a few steps to fetch it before throwing it back. All seemed well until they started to play keep away. Emma dribbled the ball and did her best to avoid Kade from stealing it. Giggling, Kade quickly flapped his wings to gain momentum and managed to take it for his own.
“Yay!!!” The Puff cheered, toddling away as he did his best to mimic Emma’s dribbling. The Squishy wasn’t far behind, and Kade could clearly see her trying to take it. She tried to kick the ball from under his foot, but ended up kicking Kade by accident. The pair ended up tripping over one another as a result, and Emma cried out in pain when Kade’s talons accidentally scratched her mantle.
“Emma!” Kade did his best to comfort her when she started to cry. His attempt to comfort his sister didn’t last long since Les quickly picked her up and did it for him.
“No, no, no- shhhhhh, Don’t cry, Emma.” He hushed, cradling the small Squid. Once he saw speckles of blood starting to trickle down her mantle, he looked at the Puff now next to him.
Kade lowered his wings and inched away from his harsh glare. Kade couldn’t help but start to snivel and cry, but it fell on deaf ears as the Squid raced inside to tend to the other.
Left alone, Kade couldn’t hold his feelings in anymore and started to cry. He hated being teated like he wasn’t good enough for his grandfather. He felt horrible for hurting his sister, and the fact he couldn’t speak to the other to explain what happened.
“Dad would know what to do…” He thought to himself, looking towards the direction of the plaza. Taking a few steps forward, he looked back at the house before making the decision to find his parents. Besides, his grandpa was so focused on Emma, he probably won’t even notice or cared that he left.
—————-
Okay, Emma, this will hurt for juuuust a moment." Callan spoke, placing a alcohol soaked cottonball on her mantle to clean her wound.
"O-ouchhh!" Emma cried from the stinging pain. She tried not to move, and did her best to keep a brave face on for the her grandma.
"Very good, dear." She smiled, placing a small bandaid where the cut was. She picked up the child and set her back on the floor. Les entered moments later and was relived that Emma was feeling much better. He eyed his wife in the kitchen and gave a nervous chuckle.
"I'm glad she's okay. For a moment I thought we may need to fetch Ellie."
"It was a small cut, dear, there was nothing to worry about."
"Hm." He nodded. "Though we should have a word with the pair about his wings once they return home. It be for the best if they cut them until he's older. I wouldn't want Emma to sustain even more injuries because of them."
"I never knew how sharp they were. He's usually so gently and careful around Emma, but accidents do happen. I'm sure Kadren was just as frightened as we were." She then motioned him to fetched the child for her. "Dear, could you please bring him to me. I want to make sure he's okay as well."
"Hm." He gave a nod, heading outside to call the child.
"Kade, it's time to come inside now." He scanned the area, looking around to see if he could spot the child. When he couldn't, however, he closed the door behind him and took a few steps away form the house and called again.
Nothing.
Giving an irritated groan, he went back inside where Callen was waiting.
"I think he came inside while we were tending to Emma. Let me check their room." He said.
Opening the door, he peeked in and only saw Emma. Walking in, he asked where her bother was only to be responded with a small head shake.
"Can't find..." She spoke in a worried tone.
Les couldn't help but feel slightly anxious when she said that. He quickly went into Bate and Ellie's room and called out quietly so Callen wouldn't be able to hear. He looked under the bed, and then in the closet. When was wasn't hiding in either of those places, Les started to panic.
"Dear?" Callen called out from behind. "Les, where's Kadren at?"
——————————--
"Mommaaaa!!! Daaad!" Kade cried as he voice echoed through the large forest. The sun was already setting, and Kade's been trying to navigate himself out of the forest for several hours now. The path seems simple when he was with his parents, but doing it alone seemed like an endless maze. At this point he was more worried about trying to find his way out.
"D-daaad!! E-Emma!!!" He called again, hoping somehow, they could hear his voice. When there wasn't a response, the Kade's wings lowered as he was getting more and more tired. With his voice sore from all of his shouting, the small warrior spots a small burrow under a tree, and he crawls into it for protection, and to rest his voice for a bit. He curled his wings to hug himself, and closed his eyes.
“Oh, Emma. I’ve missed you so much.” He nuzzled the young child. “How’s my favorite granddaughter doing?”
Emma giggled in response when his fluffy mustache made contact as he kissed her mantle. She gently returned the hug and kiss before being set back down next to her brother. Kade held out his arms at the elder, and chirped for attention before being picked up by Callan.
“Oh, my sweet Kadren, it’s so nice to see you again.” She proceeded to peck him on the cheek and lightly pat his head before setting him back down with his sister. Kade chirped a few times to his grandmother before Les intervened.
“Ellie, don’t tell me he’s still chirping.” He spoke, “How will we be able to understand him if he needs something?” He looked at the toddler who then covered his mouth when he heard him say that.
“Dad, just because Kade isn’t able to speak like us, doesn’t mean he isn’t able to communicate in other ways. If he needs something, he’ll most likely point or lead you to what he wants to show you.” She picked up the small puff, and cradled him. “Isn’t that right, my little jellybean?”
“Cheep!! Cheep!” Kade responded and clutched on to the Squid with his wings.
“Bate and I will be back around 8.” Ellie handed off the toddler to Les while she was talking. “Lunch and Dinner’s in the fridge, and please make sure they’re in bed by 7:30.”
There’s nothing to worry, dear.” Callen reassured. “We have so much planned for the kids. Now go out and have a nice evening. We’ll see you soon.”
Ellie happily nods and calls out Bate. Kade eagerly chirps when he sees his dad, and started to wiggle out of Les’ grasp. The old Squid started to lose his grip once his wings started to hit his face, and he rushed over to hand over Kade before he dropped him.
“Kade, settle down.” He chirped, slightly laughing as he took the child. “Now be good while we’re gone, alright? Have fun, and no wandering off.”
“Ok!” He nuzzled the elder. Bate then picked up Emma with his other hand and placed a small kiss on her mantle
“And my precious Emma, be sure to behave as well. Listen to everything your grandparents say, okay?.”
“Ok!” She hugged him before being set down.
The couple gives one last wave to the group before heading out. The twins start to head back to their room to finish playing with their blocks. Before Emma could reach the hallway, though, she was picked up by Les again. Kade didn’t have time to react, and just watched from afar as he started to give his sister attention.
“Callen, would you take a look at her mantle. My, her markings are quite stunning, aren’t they?” He headed to the living room where his wife was at. “And her feet markings, too! She’s like a splitting image of you, dear.”
“Yes, yes. Emma’s markings are quite the eye catcher. I’m sure Ellie’s proud the gene runs strong in her.” She smiled, placing a gently hand on the child’s mantle.
“And in a few years, she’ll be learning how to swim.” Les beamed. “We’ll have to visit again when she does. I can’t wait!”
Emma watched the two elders talk, and glanced back at the hallway where Kade quietly stood. She tried to move, but Les moved her back to his lap. She gave a small sigh and noticed her bother already left. She didn’t want to say anything to upset her grandparents so she just quietly sat and waited until they were done.
Kade sadly looked at the block castle they were building and softly chirped to himself before toddling to a small table in the center. He didn’t want to finish building without her so he decided maybe drawing would keep him entertained until his grandpa was done praising Emma. Even though he knows his grandpa loves him, it never quite compared to the attention he gives Emma. Any time he visits, he would rather be with her than him. Was it because it was unable to talk? Was it because it wasn’t a Squishy like them?
“Emma favorite…” He quietly spoke, doodling several images of his grandfather hugging Emma while Kade was scribbled in a corner with tears in his eyes. He scribbled out a few more drawings until he heard his grandmother calling him. Wings perking, he headed out of the room. His attention was quickly caught when he saw Emma opening a gift Les was handing to her. Kade tried not to let it get to him, and look towards Callen who held out a gift as well. His troubles a few minutes earlier started to disperse, and he smiled and happily chirped as he took it from her hands.
“Cheep cheep!!” He thanked and tore open the wrapping paper to reveal a small teal ball. He held it up to show her, and she could help but giggle.
“Do you like it?” She asked.
He nodded and started to turn to show Emma. He blinked in surprise when he saw she received a much larger gift. Emma held up the box full of colorful clay and a molding set. He gently set his ball down and went near the table where Les was helping her set everything up. When Emma saw her brother, she reached over and handed him several tubs of clay so they could play together. The Puff shyly fiddled with the cap, and avoided eye contact with Les since it seems like was only talking to Emma.
“Need help, honey?”
Kade turned and noticed her grandmother joined the group as well. The Puff nodded and held up one of the colored tubs for her. She pulled the cap back and handed it to him while she finished uncapping the rest.
Once everything was set up, Emma and Kade began putting the clay in the various molds. Kade used one shaped as a star while Emma took the one shaped as an ice cream. Both grandparents sat back on the couches and watched the twins play.
“Dear, you did tell Kadren it was for him and Emma to share, right?” She said. “He looked quite sad when he saw you giving the biggest gift to Emma. I don’t want him to think we bought it only for her.”
Les shrugged it off, not as troubled by it. “He seems happy now, Callan. I’m pretty sure he understands.”
The other just looked away, not agreeing with his answer. As much as she wanted to prod further and discuss his treatment towards Kade, she didn’t want to start an argument while the kids were in the room.
Eventually, it was already time for lunch, and Callan left to prepare the meal Ellie made. Once she was done, she called to her husband to get the kids.
Les headed to their room and peeked in to see the twins playing with their blocks. He took a few steps in and picked up Emma.
“Lunch time, sweet pea.” He smiled. He was so preoccupied with Emma playing with his floofy mustache, he didn’t notice Kade holding up his arms to be picked up as well. When he saw the pair leave, he dashed to the kitchen and chirped louder to get his attention.
“I’ll get you after Kade. No shouting.” He scolded as he put Emma into her highchair.
With his wings lowered, Kade didn’t speak a word and waited. Finally, he was picked up, and placed next to Emma. Again, his troubles dispersed, and he smiled when he saw his favorite meal in front of him!
“Cheep, cheep, cheeeeeeep cirr-irp!!!” He held up a chicken nugget and started to chomp away.
With the twins content, both Squids took a seat in the living room and watched from afar as the pair enjoyed their lunch. Callen started to doze off, so Les was left to supervise them for the time being. Once he noticed most of the food from their plates were gone, the elder decided a small treat to hold them off before dinner would be nice.
“Who wants some dessert?” He smiled, heading over to the cookie jar. Taking one out, he split in in half since he didn’t want them to having a sugar rush. He walked over to Emma first, and happily spoke.
“Can you say ‘please' for your grandfather?” He knew she was still learning how to speak, so hopefully this would encourage her. Les watched as Emma babbled to herself, so he repeated the word again. “Please. C’mon, Emma, you can say it!!"
“P…Pweeeese!!” Emma spoke, and happily smiled when he handed her the treat. Kade saw, and quickly started cheeping while pointing to Emma's cookie. Les held the other half in front of Kade.
“Alright, Kade, its your turn.” He spoke, but received several chirps in response. “No, Kade, none of these silly chirps of yours.”
Kade anxiously chirped again, but when he didn’t receive the sweet treat after saying what he was told to say, he tried to reach for it. He stretched his wings, and began to cry when Les pulled away. He chirped even louder which caught the attention of the other Squid.
“Les, what in sweet Nova.” Callan called, and grabbed the cookie from his husband to give to Kade.
“Here you go, sweetie.” She patted his head as Kade grabbed the confection. His tears and sniffles quickly disappeared, and he happily pointed to the cookie.
“Yes, yes, you can eat it.” She spoke and watched at the little puff began to nibble on it. She then glared at the other, and began to scold him.
“Ellie would be absolutely ashamed if she saw you treating Kadren in such a manner. I don’t ever want you to belittle him like I saw today, he’s your grandson.” She scolded.
“Callen, I-“
“Don’t Callen me.” She held up her hand to silence him. Bending down, she picked up the small teal ball they bought for the twins and placed it in his hands. “Now, go and spend time with both of them. If I hear Kadren crying one more time, you better believe I’ll have a word with Ellie and Bate about this.”
Les didn’t speak, but softly mumbled to himself as he headed back in the kitchen to fetch the pair.
Taking a seat on the bench outside, Les watched as the pair happily kicked the ball to one another. Kade eventually picked it up and held it high above his head before tossing it to her. Emma missed, but ran a few steps to fetch it before throwing it back. All seemed well until they started to play keep away. Emma dribbled the ball and did her best to avoid Kade from stealing it. Giggling, Kade quickly flapped his wings to gain momentum and managed to take it for his own.
“Yay!!!” The Puff cheered, toddling away as he did his best to mimic Emma’s dribbling. The Squishy wasn’t far behind, and Kade could clearly see her trying to take it. She tried to kick the ball from under his foot, but ended up kicking Kade by accident. The pair ended up tripping over one another as a result, and Emma cried out in pain when Kade’s talons accidentally scratched her mantle.
“Emma!” Kade did his best to comfort her when she started to cry. His attempt to comfort his sister didn’t last long since Les quickly picked her up and did it for him.
“No, no, no- shhhhhh, Don’t cry, Emma.” He hushed, cradling the small Squid. Once he saw speckles of blood starting to trickle down her mantle, he looked at the Puff now next to him.
Kade lowered his wings and inched away from his harsh glare. Kade couldn’t help but start to snivel and cry, but it fell on deaf ears as the Squid raced inside to tend to the other.
Left alone, Kade couldn’t hold his feelings in anymore and started to cry. He hated being teated like he wasn’t good enough for his grandfather. He felt horrible for hurting his sister, and the fact he couldn’t speak to the other to explain what happened.
“Dad would know what to do…” He thought to himself, looking towards the direction of the plaza. Taking a few steps forward, he looked back at the house before making the decision to find his parents. Besides, his grandpa was so focused on Emma, he probably won’t even notice or cared that he left.
—————-
Okay, Emma, this will hurt for juuuust a moment." Callan spoke, placing a alcohol soaked cottonball on her mantle to clean her wound.
"O-ouchhh!" Emma cried from the stinging pain. She tried not to move, and did her best to keep a brave face on for the her grandma.
"Very good, dear." She smiled, placing a small bandaid where the cut was. She picked up the child and set her back on the floor. Les entered moments later and was relived that Emma was feeling much better. He eyed his wife in the kitchen and gave a nervous chuckle.
"I'm glad she's okay. For a moment I thought we may need to fetch Ellie."
"It was a small cut, dear, there was nothing to worry about."
"Hm." He nodded. "Though we should have a word with the pair about his wings once they return home. It be for the best if they cut them until he's older. I wouldn't want Emma to sustain even more injuries because of them."
"I never knew how sharp they were. He's usually so gently and careful around Emma, but accidents do happen. I'm sure Kadren was just as frightened as we were." She then motioned him to fetched the child for her. "Dear, could you please bring him to me. I want to make sure he's okay as well."
"Hm." He gave a nod, heading outside to call the child.
"Kade, it's time to come inside now." He scanned the area, looking around to see if he could spot the child. When he couldn't, however, he closed the door behind him and took a few steps away form the house and called again.
Nothing.
Giving an irritated groan, he went back inside where Callen was waiting.
"I think he came inside while we were tending to Emma. Let me check their room." He said.
Opening the door, he peeked in and only saw Emma. Walking in, he asked where her bother was only to be responded with a small head shake.
"Can't find..." She spoke in a worried tone.
Les couldn't help but feel slightly anxious when she said that. He quickly went into Bate and Ellie's room and called out quietly so Callen wouldn't be able to hear. He looked under the bed, and then in the closet. When was wasn't hiding in either of those places, Les started to panic.
"Dear?" Callen called out from behind. "Les, where's Kadren at?"
——————————--
"Mommaaaa!!! Daaad!" Kade cried as he voice echoed through the large forest. The sun was already setting, and Kade's been trying to navigate himself out of the forest for several hours now. The path seems simple when he was with his parents, but doing it alone seemed like an endless maze. At this point he was more worried about trying to find his way out.
"D-daaad!! E-Emma!!!" He called again, hoping somehow, they could hear his voice. When there wasn't a response, the Kade's wings lowered as he was getting more and more tired. With his voice sore from all of his shouting, the small warrior spots a small burrow under a tree, and he crawls into it for protection, and to rest his voice for a bit. He curled his wings to hug himself, and closed his eyes.
-End Drabble-
Artist Comment:
Date: N/A
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Date: N/A
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Species © Nintendo/ HAL Laboratory
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem
