Reborn As Barry

Chapter Seventeen

Gabe couldn't help but look at the Forest Badge he had in his hand. It had always been his favorite of the eight in terms of design. Though Gabe was often seen as a nerdy gamer with practically no life, it wasn't until people got to know him a little better that they found out about his love for the outdoors. A smile crept onto his visage as he rubbed the badge between his fingers. Taking out his badge case, he placed it inside and put it inside his bag.

With a sigh, he stood up and turned to exit the Pokémon Center. A lot was weighing on his mind. Most of it had to do with the small but significant change in Gardenia's team lineup.

Facing off against a Grotle wasn't exactly something I was expecting. She didn't evolve her Turtwig in the games or the anime... at least not until the rematch that is. But by then she had a Torterra...

Gabe adjusted his scarf and exhaled a breath of cold air. It was sunny but chilly the morning after the gym battle. Jamming his hands in his jacket pockets, Gabe made his way towards the café. He was in the mood for a good mocha and some Rawst Berry waffles. Upon entering the café, he took note that a lot of trainers were inside.

The establishment was abuzz with activity and it wasn't difficult to see why. Sitting at the end of the counter, with one leg over the other and a smoothie in hand, was a woman with platinum blond locks, penetrating silver eyes and a delicate yet well toned frame, clothed in obsidian garments. It took every ounce of willpower imaginable for Gabe to not start squealing like the fanboy that he was.

Holy Miltank! It's Cynthia! Gabe thought as he looked in her direction.

Okay... don't freak out. She's only your favorite champion of all time that you have several posters of, and a remix of her theme song on your YouTube channel... that you can't use anymore for obvious reasons...

Gabe took a deep breath and shook his head vigorously before turning his attention to the barista behind the counter. Making his way to the counter, he placed an order and sat down on a barstool.

"Hey did you guys hear? someone robbed the museum the other night," Gabe heard one trainer say as he waited on his order.

"What? But isn't their security like... top notch or something?" another replied with a confused tone.

"Supposedly, however... whoever did it, managed to get in and out without leaving so much as a trace. It has the police baffled!"

Gabe narrowed his eyes as he heard the conversation. There weren't that many possibilities pertaining to what could have happened. Some were saying that it was a common thief, while others thought otherwise. Gabe was inclined to agree with the latter, especially since Jupiter was in the café the night the robbery took place. Stupid didn't cut it when it came to how Gabe felt.

I should have known something was up when I saw her here! For Her to just be "hanging out" should have been a red flag...

Gabe clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

Easy Gabe... there's no way you could have known that she was going to rob the museum. It's not your fault...

"You seem troubled. Is something wrong?" came a familiar voice from beside him.

Gabe blinked and turned his head towards the source, silver meeting copper as his eyes met with Cynthia's. If ever there were a record for how fast a heart could beat, Gabe would have shattered it.

"I-I... um..." Gabe stammered, his mind fumbling for words, any words at all.

Cynthia canted her head as she observed the nervous look on Gabe's face.