I didn't realize when I fell asleep again, but when I woke up, it was almost twelve in the noon. Orinthia was still asleep, but a few inches away from where I remember her being before. Were the events of this morning just a dream? I didn't feel like waking her up and asking. She always looked so peaceful sleeping, no matter the circumstances.
I finished my usual morning routine around the forest, but was stumped when I realized I ran out of instant coffee. I forgot to buy any on our way back from the town. Simply the thought of not having coffee was giving me anxiety. If I loved anything after Orinthia, it would be coffee, or tea, or anything with enough caffeine. I gathered my gear and headed for town again. I should be back in an hour. Maybe I should teach Orinthia to read so that I can leave messages for her instead of making her worry. But it wasn't possible to fix that right now. I petted her gently before leaving.
Nothing had changed in the town within a day, of course. But I still felt nervous. What if someone spotted me around the town yesterday and decided to inform everyone who was looking for me? Although I told Gloria that I was fine, she didn't live here. We got separated when I was eleven, now she lives in another city. So the folks here must be still looking for me; I didn't trust Leo to soothe their worries. After all, he probably spread the rumor about me being kidnapped in the first place. That damn guy! I decided to head for my old workplace. I should tell the manager that I was back from my hike and ready to work again.
He wasn't too thrilled to see me again, "Took you long enough. Where have you been? I've been looking for you." He stared at me through his thick glasses as he spoke. My hopes sprang up. Did my job get fixed?
"Err, just to the forest in the east. Why were you looking for me?" I tried to sound humble.
"To tell you that I got a better employee. You're fired."
I was only half-prepared for it, not really expecting him to fire me like that. But there it was, like a miracle. I still wanted to take a last stand, "Are you sure? I've been working here for years!"
"Yes, then you decided to abandon ship on your own initiative. We don't want irresponsible employees. I'm sorry to see you go, but the business is important." He shrugged.
I sighed, "Very well. I'm officially a customer now. What kind of Poke Ball do you think would work on a Lucario?"
"What? When did you get into training Pokemon, son?" He looked at me with his famous I-don't-believe-you gaze that was well known among the employees here.
"Last week." I said as a matter-of-fact.
"I would suggest an Ultra Ball, since a Lucario is usually strong. But I don't think they live around here. Did you see any on your trip?"
"Well, yeah, kind of." I tried to avoid the details, "But those balls cost too much! Can't I just buy six Poke Balls instead and hope one of them would work?"
"That could work too, I'm not sure. You should ask a trainer."
I thought for a moment. I couldn't sit around here and wait for some wise trainer to show up. I didn't have much money left, something like 1800 Yen, and I didn't even buy my coffee yet. I finally decided.
"I'll take one Great Ball and three normal Poke Balls." It seemed like the best of both worlds in my head.
The manager sighed, "Very well, get them yourself."
"Nope, not happening. It's your job now, boss. Maybe you should hire someone for noon instead of working yourself." I still tried to persuade him.
He didn't fall for it, instead groaned and got the items. I handed over 1200 Yen in total. I already knew the price.
When I returned to my new home with the Poke Balls and coffee, I had a surprise waiting for me.
Both Orinthia and a Lucario were waiting for me, and both of them looked very irritated.
[Author's note: My apologies for the short chapter. I'm not in the mood for writing lately due to some personal issues. Hope I'll get through this soon. Thank you for your continued support.]