Ch. 24: Outcast, the Cryptic Pokemon

I had given up my search for the other teams. From what I had gathered, Joker or Yucca and her team haven't left Hideki. I just couldn't find them. I was now walking, not really knowing where I was going.

"I heard Outcast is super strong and powerful, only the best bounty hunters go after him," a Petilil said, most likely one from the café. I stopped dead in my tracks. I was never one to eavesdrop but maybe this bit of news or gossip or whatever it was could explain why Bolt, Jolt, Blaze, and Razor left.

"Yeah, he is the only Pokemon wanted all over Akemi," said a young Torchick. Now I didn't know who they were talking about but I knew whoever this 'Outcast' is was an outlaw. I couldn't tell if there was a connection but I wanted to know more.

"We can ask Deputy Arcanine the finer details but right now I have to go, lunch won't eat itself," a Spinda. The group of kids split up in different directions. I was left wondering who this outlaw was…

-N-M-

I had continued walking and soon found myself in front of the First Aid Center. I didn't know how or why I had brought myself here, I had no business in this particular area. I went up to the door and knocked.

"Be there in a minute." Herupa, with her rather big ears, could hear a knock from the second floor. It wasn't long before the Audino opened the door. "Yes?"

"Could you give me some information?" Herupa clearly became curious by the expression on her face. She moved out of the way to let me in. I walked in turned the corner into the room she kept most of patients.

"So, what do you want to know about?" She began treating an elderly Noctowl lying in one of the beds. The only other patient was a small Weedle with several bandaged injuries.

"I want to know about a Pokemon named 'Outcast.'" The Audino didn't look up from what she was trying.

"You don't know? He's a famous outlaw, wanted for several crimes including theft, kidnapping, and assault."

"Blaze and I don't usually go after outlaws."

"Yes, and where is Blaze? You are usually with her."

"I don't really know, she left me a note saying she'll be gone awhile." Herupa looked up, her face painted with worry. She knew how out of character that was for Blaze.

"I'm sure she'll be fine," I tried to hide my concern. "She'll be back in a few days, I know it." Arceus, I sounded like I was trying to convince myself.

"Ah, I see. Could you help me out for a moment?"

"Sure." I walked closer to her. "What do you need?"

"Just rub her back while I get medicine from storage. I usually have Yukio helping me but he's with Kagoni and Chishiki on some mission." I took my position and gently rubbed the Noctowl's back.

"Don't you go with them?" Herupa rarely battled. In fact, she never liked hurting others. She only wanted to help them so I couldn't see her going to many dungeons.

"Sometimes, I would've gone with them today if it wasn't shipment day." She returned with the medication needed to treat the flying type further.

"Shipment day?" I moved out of the way so she could do what needed to be done.

"Once a week, I get a shipment of medication, berries, and herbs. I have to go to the Kecleon stand to get them."

"I'm not usually nosey but who are you treating?" I wanted to change the subject to something else. I was running out of things to say.

"Her name is Noctia, she used to be a messenger bird until illness struck her like a brick. Her children were supposed to fly out to get medicine but they never returned…"

"Oh, what does she have?" I felt sorry for her, losing her children to Uxie only knows what. It must be quite saddening to not be able to do anything at the moment.

"Featheridous, a common disease in bird Pokemon. It causes shortness of breath and continuous cramps and aches. One out of every five bird Pokemon has or will catch it. One out of every ten who has it will not survive."

"That's not good…"

"I think the worse thing is living with it. It makes a bird Pokemon unable to fly, something one takes great pride in."

"That's just terrible."

"It is."

-N-

Short chapter is short. The next one will be longer, I promise. I'm really sorry for taking so but this chapter got delayed with writer's block, then the computer needing to be fixed, and the recent number of projects. I had to literally rewrite the beginning two or three times. Right now I have to do a fairytale for german, two research papers, a PowerPoint, and a poster (I'm up to my knees in work...). Sudden inspiration hit me like a brick while doing my homework so I had to type.

Bolt: You have neglected us…

Me: I know but better late then never… Right…? T^T

Bolt: In no way does WOWfan own Pokemon.

Me: R&R… please? TT^TT If all goes well, I plan to update in the next week or so.