Company (Pokemon Short)

Aaron

Aaron sighed as he sunbathed on his rock. The sun shining perfectly on his resting place he reminisced of those days when he would lay there with a baby Cyndaquil asleep beside him. He missed those days, he missed his daughter. It had been two years since Dwindle left home, he hadn't seen or heard hide nor hair of her. He smiled as he thought of her: where she was, what she was doing, how she'd been faring.

Aaron sighed again, since Dwindle had left he'd grown lonely. He still enjoyed being alone, but he also appreciated the time spent with others. He'd finally visited his sister. May lived in a neighbouring forest, where she had cosy den. It was messy and disorganised, he'd helped her clean it. Perhaps he should visit her again sometime soon, just to see how she was doing.

Aaron spent the morning laying upon his rock but eventually his stomach growled, and it was time for lunch. Aaron grunted as he stood up, his old bones creaked and groaned. He walked towards home, where a stockpile of berries awaited him.

Aaron walked lazily through the forest, it was another beautiful day. Sunlight filtered through the leafy branches of tall trees and littered the grass with patches of light and warmth. The light perfectly contrasted the dark coolness of the shade.

Entering his den Aaron found it to be warm and cosy. Approaching a corner, where his food was hidden, he picked out a few berries for lunch. Sitrus, Pecha, Oran; he didn't take any Rawst berries, he never did. He was saving them, in-case she ever came home.

Little did Aaron know a Pokémon was standing behind him, watching as he sorted through the berries. He hadn't changed at all, it brought a smile to her face.

"Got any Rawst berries?"

Aaron froze at the voice, he dropped the berries and turned slowly. Standing before him was a Typhlosion. Aaron recognized his daughter in an instant. Tears welled in his eyes.

"Plenty."

Aaron hugged his daughter and held her close. She wrapped him in a massive bear-hug, tears of joy traced their way through her fur; down her cheeks.

"I did it, Dad. I saw the world. I followed my stars."

He laughed. "Just as I told you..."

Dwindle broke the hug, she held his shoulders and smiled nervously at him. "Well... maybe not just as you told me."

Aaron was confused by her words, but he didn't care; he was so very happy. He followed Dwindle as she led him out of their home. They stood in the small clearing around the den's entrance. Aaron looked expectantly at Dwindle, she chuckled nervously, took a deep breath and called out.

"Rye! You can come out!"

An Arcanine hesitantly walked into the clearing. He walked over to them and smiled nervously down at Aaron.

"Hello Sir. It's nice to meet you."

Giving Dwindle a sideways glance Aaron deadpanned. "I told you no boys."

Dwindle chuckled, she nodded to Rye and the Arcanine turned his head. When Rye turned around again a Growlithe pup was hanging from his mouth. He placed the pup gently on the ground. Aaron couldn't believe his eyes.

Dwindle nudged Jolteon gently. "Dad I'd like you to meet your grandson."

"Wh... what's his name?" stuttered Aaron.

"Kaiyu."

Aaron sniffled, the Growlithe opened his eyes and barked quietly; making Aaron chuckle. This little Growlithe stole into Aaron's heart: very much the same as a little Cyndaquil had once done. Aaron laughed as he nuzzled the pup.

"I said no boys, but I suppose these two aren't so bad."

Aaron was overcome with happiness. To think, he'd once been a cranky old Jolteon, content to spend all his time sunbathing, he hadn't even wanted Dwindle! It was funny, it had happened so easily; his grumpy old heart had been warmed. As Aaron laughed with his family he wondered; who else was like him? Who else had failed to appreciate the value of a little company?

Company Fin