Chapter 108: Peaceful Nursery
Inside the police station.
"Yes, yes, that's the spot, oh my~"
Ryu lay comfortably in a baby carrier, kicking his legs, while a female officer used a back scratcher to get an itchy spot on his tail. He never would have known his new body had such a sweet spot.
"Hahaha," the other officers laughed. "Look at the little guy's expression!"
"As expected of our Big Sister," one of them said. "She can handle any baby Pokémon."
"That's right," the senior officer began to boast, but she was interrupted by the sight of an old woman walking into the office, leaning on a cane. "Sora!" she said, quickly standing to greet her.
"Sora, what brings you here today?" the Officer Jenny of Ever Grande City asked.
"Little Jenny, my Skitty has run away from home again," Sora said, her eyes red with worry. "She hasn't returned all day. Please help me find her."
"Ran away again, huh? Leave it to Growlithe; he's the best at this," Jenny said.
"It's alright, I'll walk back myself," Sora said, stubbornly turning to leave.
"Where's Treecko?!" the senior officer suddenly exclaimed.
"Huh? I think I saw him follow Sora out just now," another officer replied.
On the street outside, Ryu quietly followed about two meters behind Sora. He wasn't particularly interested in the old woman; he was just thinking. If he stayed put, he'd just be taken back to the police station or sent to a research institute. It was better to find someone to follow and pretend he had a trainer.
While at the station, he had learned a lot. This was Alliance Calendar Year 20. The Kanto and Johto Leagues had been founded 60 years ago, and this grand, unified Alliance was only 20 years old. This city was Ever Grande City, the easternmost city in Hoenn and the closest to Johto. This was great news. He could just go to the port and take a boat.
But how could a tiny Treecko get onto a ship unnoticed? He couldn't fly, and the tender spikes on his feet weren't developed enough for climbing.
"Tsk, do I have to go back to the station and freeload for a week?" he thought, shaking his head. He was worried that a physical examination at a research institute might reveal the powers Celebi had given him.
"Treecko!" he chirped, feeling a surge of resilience.
The sound attracted Sora's attention. She turned and saw the little Treecko by her leg. "Hmm? Little Treecko, where did you come from?" She looked around but saw no trainer. "Are you lost? Do you need me to take you to the police station?"
"No," Ryu immediately shook his head.
"Then... do you want to come to Grandma's house as a guest? There are delicious macarons."
Ryu paused. He had never had a macaron before and was a little curious. This old lady also seemed very kind. And so, he nodded and trotted along behind her.
They arrived at a two-story villa in the northeast corner of the city named 'Peaceful Nursery.' The backyard was a miniature Pokémon paradise, with flower beds, fruit trees, a pond, and toys. Sora led him inside.
"Here, sit nicely, and Grandma will get you something delicious."
She went into the kitchen, and Ryu realized he had stumbled into a Breeding House. It was the perfect safe haven for him to stay for a week while he grew out of his infancy.
Sora returned with a plate of colorful macarons. She placed Ryu on her lap and held a green one to his mouth.
Ah woo~
He took a bite, and his eyes lit up. It was sweet but not cloying, with a perfect texture. He could even taste the banana berry juice in the green shell.
"Is it delicious?" Sora smiled gently.
"Delicious," Ryu nodded.
"Hehe, you can't eat too many sweets, okay?" she said, stroking his head. He looked up at her; her hair was completely white, and her face was full of wrinkles. He guessed she was still worried about her Skitty. He turned and gave her a comforting hug.
Sora was stunned for a moment, then she gently embraced him, a happy smile appearing on her face. This was why she loved Pokémon so much. They were simple, sensitive, and so good at comforting people.
"Hmm?" Ryu felt something brush against his tail. It was a crudely made ring on Sora's hand.
"I met him sixty years ago..." Sora began, her gaze distant as she looked at the ring, ready to tell him a story.
[Inorin Note:
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