Ladybug week day 3: Pokeverse
“You did good,” Ruby said with a smile as she offered Budew a poffin. “That gym’s a bit a rough and you did your best.”
“Budew!” Budew answered back as it munched on the poffin.
Ruby’s smile dropped a bit as she watched her pokemon partner eat. Her goal of becoming champion started to feel further and further away now that she’d taken on and lost at the first gym of her journey. She hadnt been able to make it past one of the first trainers that stood between her and the gym leader. All the training she’d put Budew had almost seemed to be for naught.
“Everything okay?” a woman asked.
Ruby paused for a moment when she saw a faunus woman with a rookidee following behind her. “Yeah, just having a rough time with a gym.”
“I’ve heard the one here is a bit rough,” the woman said as she sat down. “Maybe I could help you out.”
“Training.” The faunus woman offered a hand to Ruby. “I’m Blake.”
“Ruby,” Ruby answered as she took Blake’s hand. “The pokemon with me is Budew. She’s been my partner since I was a little girl.”
“You both must have a great bond.”
“I’d like to think so, but even though we’ve been together for a few years, she still hasnt been able to evolve.” Ruby gently stroked Budew’s petals. “Not that it matters too much. If I’m going to be champion, I need to work with what I have. Even if Budew isnt evolving.”
Blake nodded and stood up. “Maybe you havent bonded enough with her.”
Ruby turned to watch Blake. “I’m not sure I follow.”
“I know a great spa that can help. They can help you relax and bond a bit more with Budew here.”
“I’m not much of a spa person-”
“Its better than it sounds. I’m actually going with Rookidee if you want to join. Who knows, maybe you’ll understand Budew more.”
Ruby took a glance at Budew and watched it waddle around for a moment before returning her back to her pokeball. “Alright, where’s this spa?”
“Its just down the road here,” Blake said as she started to walk off. “I promise, it’ll be worth it.”
Ruby nodded and followed Blake through the city, Budew’s pokeball still in hand. The idea of going to a spa was already nerve wracking enough, but going to one with someone she had barely met was enough to put her on edge. Especially after hearing stories about pokemon getting stolen. “And you’re sure this place is… safe?”
“Of course it is.” Blake stopped in front of the spa. “I come here once a week to help my pokemon relax. Battling can be pretty stressful on them.”
“Are you trying to become champion too?”
“I’m fine with being a gym leader.”
Ruby paused for a moment as she watched Blake open the door to the spa. “Wait, you’re… you’re the gym leader? Why are you helping me then?”
“I watched your battle and you intrigue me. Besides, I think we can make things a bit interesting.”
“We have our spa day, I help you bond more with Budew, and then if you can beat me in a one-on-one fight, I’ll travel with you.”
“I still dont understand why.”
“Being a gym leader is boring. Besides, I miss adventuring and you seem interesting enough to go with. And I want to see how you grow.”
Ruby nodded and followed Blake into the spa. “In that case, I’ll give you everything I’ve got.”
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