Underdog (Pokémon Fan Fiction)

Chapter Twenty-One

            I walked out of the Ecruteak City gym, trying to smile happily as I grasped the Fog Badge in my hand. I’d beaten Morty on my second try- much faster than I’d managed to win Whitney’s Badge. That was because of my newest asset, ironically an Umbreon, Luna’s favorite Pokémon. How I’d managed to catch an Umbreon, and a shiny one at that, I had no clue. It was kind of a blur. I’d found Ring- that was what I named him, I know, it’s so original-  while I was wandering around the forest at night during the first week I was here. Somehow I’d managed to catch him. Nearly three weeks had passed since I’d left Luna, and I knew I’d have to leave Ecruteak City soon. From what I’d heard, she was healing well and I had no doubt that she’d come raging after me as soon as she got out of the cast.

            Considering that Morty was an easier opponent to beat than Whitney, with Ring’s dark type advantage, you’d think I’d have gotten out of here before now. But it had been pretty hard with Luna indirectly stalking me.

            I hadn’t realized how determined she was, because ever since I’d left she’d been sending Gold and Seth into Ecruteak as scouts every couple of days, which effectively cut my training time while I hid from Gold’s prying eyes. I probably should’ve realized that this kind of thing would happen, considering that Goldenrod City was only an hour’s walk from Ecruteak City.

            On days that Seth came with Gold, I’d see him pretending to look for me in the crowds while Gold actually did. But on the days Seth came alone, he pretty much lounged outside a café for a few hours and ate lunch, not even bothering to pretend when no one was around to question. I wanted to thank him for understanding why I wanted to stay away from Luna, but I only talked to him once, at which time he told me why he and Gold kept coming to Ecruteak. I didn’t think that it’d be wise to approach him multiple times in case Gold was hidden nearby or some crazy thing like that. Luna is a scary girl; I wouldn’t underestimate her. And Gold seemed to be doing exactly what she said. Willingly. Hmm…

            I felt a flash of jealousy at the thought of Luna falling for Gold while I was out of the picture, but shook my head to clear my mind. I didn’t want to think about that possibility. So instead, I opened my Badge case and placed the Fog Badge in the fourth spot. Snapping it shut, I glanced down at Ring, who was walking beside me. “You did a great job back there, bud.” I said.

            Ring opened his mouth and yawned, flicking his ears. Gigi sat on his back looking betrayed that she hadn’t been included in the gym battle. She refused to make eye contact with me, and I smiled. “Sorry Gigi, but normal type moves don’t affect ghost type Pokémon.” Ignoring me, she tried to cross her stubby arms, but couldn’t quite reach. I chuckled and plucked her off the Umbreon’s back, placing her on my head. She cried out in indignation, but then gave a resigned huff and slapped my forehead. “Aw, come on. You don’t care about the battle, you just miss Luna.” I glanced up to see her shake her head defiantly, and I laughed. “Okay, whatever you say.”

            I had to joke about it or I’d feel upset. In the span of two days, I’d gone from having four friends to having none, as usual. I shouldn’t really be surprised- it was typical of my luck. But I was determined not to brood too much, or I’d never get anything done. If I wanted food, I had to earn money. Falkner’s back-stabbing pay off was dwindling quickly. Thankfully, I now had a fistful of bills from my success against Morty. So at least that problem was taken care of.

            I headed to my room in the Pokémon Center and packed up, letting Romeo out of his Pokéball. I returned the key to the rented room and headed out. As I left the building, people gave me a few weird looks, with good reason. An Igglybuff was on my head and a Smeargle was clinging to my backpack, and a shiny Umbreon trotted alongside me. I probably looked like the circus walking through town.