My Pokémon Legends Arceus Adventure

Chapter II: Accommodations

The following morning I awoke disoriented and sore. I groaned and tried to get up, scowling through gritted teeth as I forced my body off the floor. Only once I managed to stand up straight, did I notice little Rowlet looking up at me with concern. I tried to smile reassuringly, but was panting heavily and could hardly manage. 

Rowlet moved closer and nuzzled my legs ever so gently, which made me smile. No human could tell by looking at me, but Pokémon always seemed to know how ill I really was. I held out my arms and Rowlet jumped up into them. I held her close and she nuzzled me and cooed her name softly, reassuring and grounding me. 

I took a breath, feeling my feet on the floor and looking around the cosy quarters, which I hadn't had time to inspect previously. There wasn't that much to be observed; a dresser, storage space for items, a small workstation and a fireplace for cooking, a crafting bench, a mirror, and... something hanging from the wall. 

I moved a little closer to read the writing on the scroll. It seemed to be the Galaxy Team's rules. "Our Five Principles..." I muttered, then scoffed upon reading the first one. 

1. Behave with courtesy to others. 

"Suppose that one doesn't extend to strangers," I said with a chuckle, "Or perhaps that captain of theirs is above the rules. The professor's been nice enough, though it seems only because I can be of service to him." Rowlet cooed and I laughed softly, kissing the top of her head. "Whatever his motives, I'm so glad to have you." I looked up to read the next rule. 

2. Superiors are owed your respect. 

"We'll see about that..." I muttered. "People who demand respect usually aren't that respectable. And what about everyone else? Isn't everyone owed respect? Weird rule. What's next?" 

3. Likes and dislikes are a luxury ill afforded. 

"What..?" This one seemed even stranger to me. "What does this mean, do you know, Rowlet?" Rowlet tilted her head to the side as far as it would go and I giggled. "Guess not, huh. I guess it means we're not allowed to complain... But we're not allowed to enjoy things, either? Odd." As I read the next rule, though, my playful smile faded and my breath was caught in my throat. 

4. Those who are weaker must be helped. 

"Huh..." I breathed out. "Well... Let's hope that out of all of these, this is one they stick to..." Rowlet nuzzled me and I smiled, glad of the company. I read the last rule with a more respectable and thoughtful attitude. 

5. Difficulties must be faced head on. 

I smiled. "Hmn, alright then. Those last two I'll agree with," I said, putting Rowlet on top of the dresser as I turned to get dressed. 

With Rowlet on my shoulder, I exited my quarters and was met by professor Laventon, who was chatting with a person sporting an awfully green moustache. He quickly said his goodbyes to them before jogging up to me. 

"Good morning, Saskia! It's your first day on the job, so let's make it a good one!" he chattered, and I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "So, what are we going to do?" I asked as he and I walked toward the front gate. 

"I'm working on a Pokédex, I'm collecting data on every single Pokémon in the region," started the professor and I nodded. "Classic, I expected something of the sort," I said, having filled out many a 'dex myself. 

"Huh? I thought my idea was quite original, to my knowledge something like this has never been done before..." Laventon furrowed his brow as we exited the town through the gate. The guards let us pass, but gave me some suspicious looks. 

I scolded myself mentally for not watching my words more carefully. "Oh, I didn't mean it like that," I said quickly, "I just assumed you'd be researching Pokémon because, well, you're a Pokémon professor... Writing your findings down only makes sense. I never meant to insult your ingenuity, I am very sorry."