When Hyde passed the first traveler, they held their breath, terrified of what the stranger might say.  When the second passed, they gave a wide berth.  By the third, they were convinced that no one saw anything but Hyde the Human.  And eventually, they picked up their stride.  It was already mid-day by the time they had left Ecriteak city, but this new form meant new energy, and the ability to travel just a bit quicker.  They had considered dropping down and sprinting again, they had felt *very* fast while doing that, but that would have meant either changing masks, or looking like a bizarre freak, neither of which seemed appealing. Instead, they just kept the jaunty stroll going.

By the time the sun started to reach the treeline, they could see the skyline of Goldenrod just over the horizon.  They could feel the warmth of home already, and a wave of happiness flooded their mind.  What was meant to be a brief visit to see a fun show had turned into a two day affair, and they were just ready to take a warm shower and fall into bed.  For a brief moment, they pondered the logistics of showering, and opted to make that a tomorrow problem.  Tonight was still going to be an ordeal anyways.  They were certain Ryan would have questions, and they didn't yet have a good answer.

A trainer road by on a bike.  Hyde paid him no mind, stepping out of the way, but their ears perked up when they heard the bike skid to a stop.  Something was chiming, and Hyde had a small panic moment.  A poke-walker was beeping, the sound of a found target.  Just as he passed.

"Damn thing, I thought I reset you.  A Zoroark? Out here? Must be broken."

Hyde picked up the pace, not quiet ready to confirm if it was them being detected.  Passing under the city gate, they took a deep breath.  Someone was cooking barbecue, and they could barely contain themselves.  They jaunted up to the apartment block and hit the buzzer.

"Yo, who is it?"

Hyde smiled at their friend's voice.  They attempted to respond, letting out a small growl, before finally stumbling over words.

"Irwa... wah... *cough cough* it's Hyde."

There was a pause, then a buzz and a click.  They pushed the door open and ascended to the third floor.  Ryan was waiting, giving his trademark smirk

"Wondered when you'd get home.  How was the show?"

Hyde slipped past him, immediately flopping on the couch.

"Rrr... it.. *cough* it was fine."

Their voice was gruff, like they had been sick, but it was something they felt they could get over.

"Just fine?  You've been banging on about this show for a week.  Did ja not like it?"

Hyde rolled over, staring at Ryan.

"No, it was... fine. I was really..."

They paused for a moment.  The mask had come up before, but now they worried he might ask questions.  They thought better and tried to change the subject.

"Fine. hey question, ever heard of a... Zork?"

That wasn't the name, was it?  It felt just barely off.

"Hm? A zork?  You mean a zorua? The little foxes?"

Hyde shrugged.

"I think that was it, some trainer was talking about them on the way home."

Well, at least it was half true.

"I mean, I've *heard* of them.  Little black foxes from Unova.  Dark type, I think."

Ryan held up his phone, showing off the small black creature.  It was roughly similar, but way too small, so Hyde let out a half sigh.

"Ah, guess that was it."

They shrugged and rolled back on their back, hanging half way off the couch.

"But yeah, show was fine.  They're good performers.  Was more interested in the uh... mask collection."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah?  You hear what happened?"

They took a short breath, trying to calm frayed nerves.

"Got stolen, yeah.  Police were there when I finally left for home.  Would have missed it but I kinda... had a bit to drink."

Ryan laughed.  It was disarming, and they relaxed.  Whatever he thought before, now it was just a joke.

"Typical Hyde.  Glad you chose to take it safe.  Next time though, let me know.  Don't leave me questioning if I need a new roommate again."

They giggled, sliding off the couch and walking to their room.

"Yeah, fair.  I'll keep you informed."

Door closed, they slid into a chair, taking off the mask.   The moment she did, everything ached, like a muscle held for too long.  Barely able to sit, she let out a low grumble of pain.

"You ok?"

She froze, a small amount of panic returning.  Grumbling, she tried to form words, but all she mustered was a grunt.

"Hyde?  Yo, you sound terrible."

She slipped the mask back on.  Pain shot through her, but they found the words again.

"F-fine, just s-still a bit, *hurp* hung over."

The pause was too long.  Did he not hear them?

"Oookay.  Let me know if you need anything.  Gonna head to the store tomorrow."

"Okay..."

They waited a bit to ensure he didn't ask a followup question, then removed the mask and flung it to the floor.  Her body shook with pain and her head ached like it was splitting open.  Why does it hurt so much?!  She mentally clawed at herself, trying not to make any further noises.  Pushing through the pain was like swimming in mud, but she needed more info.  She can't stay like this forever.  She reached for the computer's power button-*Crack*. That... was the sound of her new claw going through the plastic of her screen.

"(Fuck)"

She slapped a paw over her mouth, startled by the growl that came out.  Gonna need to be more careful.  With gentle clicks and claws, the computer sprung to life.  Thankfully the damage was just cosmetic, and a message was waiting for her.  Something from work?

```
Hyde, it's Roberts.  Can you come in tomorrow? We've got a situation.  Earlier is better if possible. Thanks!
```

Hyde felt the energy drain from her.  Of all the days to be called in.  She started to bang out a response, but when a claw went through the keyboard, she tossed it aside in anger.   Losing this job would make getting anything new nigh impossible, and it already took 6 months just to get this one.  Scooping up the mask once again, she flopped on the bed, staring at it.  A claw traced the wood grain, following all the details and lines.  The craftsmanship was amazing.  Granted, a magically made mask should be well made.  She sighed, placing the mask on the nightstand.  Everything, all the magic, all the work, all of it could wait till tomorrow.

For now, she was exhausted.  Sleep found her very quickly.