Good Imp Hunting | Loafki Lazing

"So, You've handled Imps before?" Hutch asked, walking through the grasses with Bahem as he looked over the net he was given. It was a very large net, large enough to capture any imp that was commonly seen in Burrowgatory. "Well, yes. You could say that. I used to have a Bonezo, but it also wasn't exactly mine... but I took care of him so he was mostly mine, it's complicated." They knew how it was. Sometimes organizations had buns taking care of imps, and even if they're much better owners for them than their actual owner... impnapping was still a crime. Hutch did feel a bit of pity, though- they tried to hide it as they continued to speak.

"Oh, good! Bonezo's are quick tricky ones to handle due to their clumsiness, so if you have experience with handling imps like that, this should go extremely smoothly!" Bahem had to agree. The imp that had escaped was a still-feral Loafki. They had been brought into the Imporium before, but got scared by a soon-to-be pet owner and ran out through one of the open doors. Loafki weren't anywhere near as active as Bonezo, but that also didn't mean that Hutch didn't need help. If they got scared again, they could move surprisingly fast. 

It didn't take long to find the missing imp, the black colored body contrasting heavily against the open green field that they were laying in. Their eyes were closed a large amount of the time, but Bahem could tell that this Loafki specifically wasn't sleeping, still fully aware of everything occurring around them, and ready to bolt at any sign of danger. "So, ideally we'll want to get them into this cage, but the net works just as well. They might try to scramble out through the opening, but if we lift them up high enough off the ground, they'll stay put." Hutch explained on, watching alongside Bahem as they observed the imp in the grass. However, after hearing all that, Bahem still had a different idea in mind. "Actually, Hutch... Can I try something?"

Hutch looked a little confused, but they also weren't going to deny Bahem's request. "I mean... sure! If they run off again, we can just find them a second time, so go for it!" They encouraged, making sure to keep their voice to a whisper-yell at the loudest. 

With the newfound permission, Bahem started to walk toward the Loafki, gently setting down his net and keeping him arms close to his body. He cooed lightly, making sure the noise was soft and calming. The loafki turned to him, but didn't open their eyes. They also didn't run away immediately, instead staying perfectly still as the priest approached. Bahem continued on making little sounds with his mouth. They weren't identifiable as mimicking anything,  but whatever kind of noise it was, the Loafki seemed pleased by them. 

Eventually, while Bahem was still trying to move forwards without stepping on any loud pieces of grass, the Loafki stood up and waddled over towards him. When they reached him, Bahem put his arms down towards the ground. Accepting his offer, the Loafki sat themselves down in the male's arms, allowing themself to be picked up and cradled like a baby basket. 

Hutch didn't say anything when Bahem returned for fear that the Loafki would get scared off again, settling for clapping their hands together silently instead. They would give Bahem proper appreciation once they got back to the Imporium, but for now, the talk was silent. Bahem knew that Hutch was happy with his methods, however, as the pride bun would hop and jump around silently on the soft patches of grass.

The loafki was gently placed into a large cage with plenty of pillows and blankets, a perfect place for a still-nervous imp to sit before they got socialized. Once the imp was secured, Hutch gave Bahem a little hug that was over just as quickly as it started. "Thank you, Bahem! I knew that some imps are able to be captured without the use of any of the tools, but I'm still very impressed! That imp was quite a skittish one, though I imagine you had experience with that too!"

Bahem nodded. "Oh, it was no trouble, Hutch. I'm just glad I was able to help you out. I admittedly know a bit about imp care outside of Bonezos... it's just that Bonezos are the ones I know best." Hutch saw a small glimmer or sadness in Bahem's eye. They didn't want to pry, so instead they offered a solution that they know would always make them feel better.

"You know, if you're ever yearning for some time taking care of imps, I've always got a few friends here that might need some specialized attention. And, I especially think that loafki you helped out today might need a bit of extra attention..." Hutch didn't need to try and convince Bahem any further. He was already on board.

"Yeah... That does sound nice. I wouldn't want to abandon that little friend, after all."