Gary Returns! -fangirl squeals- Drabble Thirteen: Have you seen my (blank)?
(755 Words)
Age 16
"Okay Sweetie, let's get you some..." I turned to look at my inheritance, which was gone. "God damn it! Not again!" I growled, turning back to my Fearow. I put down the brush I was going to use on Sweetie. "Can you check the city from above?"
With a caw, Fear took off. I gathered my items, left a tip on the table of the outdoor restaurant where I was, and left as fast as I could down one of the streets.
"Sweetie! Where are you?" Of course, the little devil had to run away in a big city. But at least I knew it wouldn't be able to go too far because of the connection with the Pokéball I had at my hip.
After an hour or two of searching, and stopping many people to ask, "Have you seen my Jumpluff?", I plopped back down at the restaurant and awaited Fear's return. My leg, casted only a week earlier, was killing me. As were my armpits from the crutches I had to use.
When the large brown bird finally appeared, he plopped into the chair across from me and cawed softly. Wherever he'd been, there'd been no Sweetie. "No luck?" I asked anyway, and the Pokémon shook his head dejectedly.
"Well, we'll just have to keep looking, together."
I shouldered my backpack once more and took off yet again. It was getting late, and the sun would be setting soon. With some frustration, Fear and I got into a routine. He would fly down an alley first, and I would follow, in case of wild Pokémon or muggers.
Down one such alley, Fear landed, halting my progress. Ahead of him, a man was crouched low. The faint glow of an Umbreon's rings allowed me the ability to see the small white puffs of a Jumpluff. "It's okay, let me help you find your trainer."
"Sweetie!" I called, pushing past my Fearow, who moved reluctantly.
The little Jumpluff let out a long, low, threatening growl as it looked at me.
The man had backed away slightly, and the light had faded, leaving two gleaming red eyes staring in my direction.
"What's the matter?" I crouched down as best I could with a cast and crutches, and held out her Pokéball.
Sweetie inched forward and sniffed the air, giving me the distinct impression of a Pikachu or Growlithe, but not a Jumpluff. She grabbed for her Pokéball, which I pulled out of reach. The creature glared at me and growled again.
I sighed and stood up with some effort. "Fine, stay here in this dark, dirty alleyway. If you don't want to come with me, then don't," I dropped the Pokéball, which rolled to her feet. "I was just trying to follow Grandma's wishes. She thought we'd be a great team, you and I."
I took a step back towards Fear, who was giving me a quizzical look. "Let's go Fear. Sweetie wants nothing to do with us." I'd given up. The stupid little puffball had caused me enough pain and headaches. If she wanted to stay away, I'd let her.
A very high pitched whine came from behind me, and something hit me square between the shoulders, knocking me over. The weight jumped off and hit me in the head with something small and hard. "Ouch!" I spit out, looking up at the Jumpluff who was still glaring at me, but held out her Pokéball. I took it and called her back.
I sat up, checked my leg, and rubbed my head, looking at Fear. "What a headache."
"Excuse me," The man with the Umbreon said, and I turned my head to look at him.
"Yes?"
"What are you doing in Eterna City?"
I tilted my head and squinted. I didn't think I knew this person. "Training."
"Gramps told me your Grandma died. Shouldn't you be with your family?" The man asked, approaching.
I snorted. "You must have me confused with somebody else."
"No, Zaria, I don't."
"Well then you'd know I don't spend time with my family."
The man finally came close enough for me to make out his features. "Well, your family never came up in conversation."
I gawked. "What are you doing here, Gary?"
"Research."
"Research? What happened to training Pokémon?"
"Well, a ton can change in three years," He grinned and offered his hand.
I took it and stood up. "That's true."
Gary supported my weight as he gathered my crutches with the help of Umbreon.
"Thanks for the help."
"No problem."