Slow Start

“Arcues I hate flying…”

It was a windy day at the airport. Passengers held onto hats and bags, voices carried across the landing strip as passengers called for family and friends and workers directed traffic. A small park nearby, provided by the airport for children and Pokémon to run around and play in while waiting for their flights was alive with the sounds of small children and their families, travelers who had layover and venders selling their wares. Flowers and fresh cut grass perfumed the air as dainty bug Pokémon bobbled along on the breeze in fun and merriment.

“Are you all right?”

A young woman had stopped with her teenage sister in front of a fountain near the back of the park, closest to the ocean. For all the park’s many occupants, they had left quite a large space for the young man who leaned against the fountain’s edge. However it wasn’t the young man who kept the populace at bay.

It was the sulky looking Gyarados who hogged the fountain space, looking mournfully at the big wide expanse of ocean stretched just beyond the cliff wall and the grumpy looking Arcanine who stood guard over his master. An Espeon was grooming herself next to his left hip while an Absol lounged on the rim of the fountain napping, thoroughly ignoring the world around it in favor for some well deserved sunshine. A Galvantula was cleaning its face on the back of the Gyarados, oblivious to the yearning for bigger bodies of water.

The youth they guarded wasn’t unattractive. In fact it was quite the opposite. He wore dark jeans, tucked into a pair of well loved calf high boots, a studded leather belt and a very expensive looking brand name t-shirt. Three piercings decorated his ear while a single fang hung from his other. His shaggy black hair was stylish and soft looking as if it had been taken from the latest teen heartthrob magazine.

His face would have been attractive if it wasn’t a shade of green that resembled a moldy avocado.

A pale youth knelt on the young man’s other side, worry lining his face. His appearance was for the lack of a better word, odd. His skin tone had a pale violet hue and his clothes were several centuries too old. He looked up and quickly hid behind the attractive boy who looked up in surprise, hiding a burp behind one hand.

“I’m fine.” He assured the two women with a weak smile. “I just don’t fly well.” He covered another burp and pulled a can of ginger ale from his knapsack.

The two women looked at each other and shrugged. “If you’re sure…” The younger one began.

The young man rubbed the Espeon with his free hand. “I’ve got a ride coming so I’ll be fine.” He explained. “Until then, these guys are keeping an eye on me.” The Espeon purred and affectionately nuzzled his hand.

The two women smiled and the younger of the two wrote out her number on a piece of scrap paper. “Well if you ever need any help, please give me a call.” She said handing it to him. “Or you know, if you’re in the neighborhood.” She added with a wink before her sister slapped her upside the head. “Bye!” She called as she was dragged away.

The young man waved a little weakly before tucking the note into his bag to separate later. “People are friendly here.” He murmured before burping again and making a face as his stomach voiced its displeasure. “Ergh.”

His Espeon pawed his arm in worry before her ears twitched. She turned and hissed as another Espeon trotted over. Her trainer grabbed her by the scarf and held her back before she could launch into a lecture about personal body space and Pokémon class status. (At least, that’s what he thought she was usually lecturing about). “Don’t mind her.” He told the newcomer. “She’s just tired from her trip.” There was an unlady like snort from his companion and he chose to ignore it at that moment.

It was definitely a handsome Espeon. However, he didn’t see a collar anywhere and wondered if it was wild. Or abandoned. “Hey, where’s your trainer?” He asked extending a hand to pet the male.

“Hey! Don’t touch him!”

He looked up in time to see a young lady start walking…no marching? Over towards him.

Guess that answered that question.

He sighed. Airplane sickness and a cranky Espeon trainer and he hadn’t been here even twenty minutes.

His adventures in Unova were off to a wonderful start.