Baby Blue flopped onto his side, nuzzling against Mau. His new friend was warm, and soft.
Mimsy, on the other hand, was a little more tactful. They settled on their knees, removing a glove and offering her their hand- It was scarred. Burnt, scratched, their fingertips rubbed completely raw in places. The scarring continued up their arm, disappearing into their jacket sleeve. A stark contrast to the immaculate, glossy coat of Baby Blue. A pokemon is only as strong as its trainer, after all.
“P-pokemon all have d- dif-different personalities. Each one is unique. … Preference for bat-battling is different, too.”
They give Mau a gentle, brief stroke, noting just under their breath that she was beautiful.
After that, they stand back up and recall Baby Blue into his ball, glancing back toward the building they’d been lingering by. They should get back to work.. And go inside. They needed this man to leave, though. How ..
“Th- th- thank you for showing me, but my fri-friend should be here soon.” Mimsy’s eyes focus on Mau for a moment, expression soft. “Good-bye, Mau.” They look up toward ‘Santiago,’ but not quite at him. “Good-bye, Santiago. … I hope you f- f-find what you were look-looking for. Be safe.” Spoken awkwardly,
They’d heard people part ways like this before, but emulating it was difficult. They nearly winced at how poor it was.
Alfie was taken aback by the shooing, as he was the one that did the shooing most of the time, but he knew when he wasn’t wanted. He recalled Mau into her ball (not without her kicking up a fuss though) and bowed to the stranger.
“Of course. I’ll be just fine with the map you’ve given me. I’m so lucky to have been around such a kind stranger. I’ll find a way to get your map back to you somehow. Don’t you worry about it.” With a last charming smile, he turns away from Mimsy and waves. While they were a tad awkward, it was enchanting how much effort they put into a goodbye while they were most definitely uncomfortable.
It annoyed him that someone like Rocket had a grasp on them and not he. Wasn’t his company doing live saving research for pokemon while Rocket stashed them into who knows what conditions? It had to be the ideal environment for Mimsy, so why not steal them away?
It only took a moment for him to get out of view and reach for his phone in his pocket, getting the information he needed to send Mimsy a letter.
We met not too long ago on a route outside of Celadon City. You believed I was a traveler, lost without a map or phone to call for help. From our small interaction I can tell you’re full of potential.
Potential I’d hate to let Team Rocket squander.
I have plans for this region, and I want you to be a part of them. I’m offering a fully salaried position of your choosing. If you’re interested, send a resume.
The only condition is that you must cut all ties with Team Rocket.
You’re smart. Make the right decision.
Alfonso Pedro Arollo
Aka, “Santiago”
Arollo Medicine & Experimentation Enterprises Kanto Region CEO”