Chapter Text
Yixing had already closed the help desk of the Pokémon Center for the day. A few guests were still sitting in the launch area of the big entrance hall, discussing where to go for dinner.
“Careful, don’t drop it.” The Nurse handed a small stack of drinking glasses to Wigglytuff, then grabbed some bottles of water and led the way to the back of the center.
“We need those in conference room one.” He said.
Today’s public service meeting was about to start soon. As usual, the two of them prepared the room together, getting chairs, drinks, and writing utensils ready. Yixing looked up when someone knocked on the conference room door.
“Hey Kyungsoo! You are a bit early.” He greeted the gym leader with a warm smile.
“Yeah, sorry about that. I just wanted to talk to you before the meeting starts.”
Yixing shook his head. „Don’t worry about it. What do you want to talk about?”
Kyungsoo took a deep breath. “Well...You know…” he started fidgeting with the hem of his jacket.
Yixing looked confused, then let out a knowing “Ah! You want to talk about him!” He quickly closed the door, sat down at the table, and gestured at the chair beside him.
Wigglytuff, who had lately taken a liking to mimicking human behavior, observed Yixing with a great amount of curiosity before trying to climb one of the chairs herself.
Kyungsoo sat down, observing the Pokémon with concern.
“She does that at the moment, I let her do it as long as she’s not getting hurt” Yixing explained. “So, I haven’t seen him in a while, if that’s what you’re going to ask.”
Kyungsoo quickly shook his head. “No, he’s fine, I saw him yesterday. Chanyeol almost caught us. I think he suspects something.”
Yixing lifted an eyebrow. “Then just come clean. It’s not like you are hiding a fugitive.”
Kyungsoo thought about it for a moment, then shook his head. “I respect his decisions. If he doesn’t want to be seen, then that’s how it is.”
Yixing nodded. “I see…. but maybe it’s time for him to come out of his shell.”
“Agreed, but I don’t have the right to decide that for him… and as long as he’s not ready, I will at least help him to stay out of trouble.”
“Trouble?” Yixing asked, looking at Kyungsoo intently.
Kyungsoo looked down and started fidgeting with the hem of his jacket again. „Chanyeol might start asking questions… maybe even link him to illegal activities.”
Yixing narrowed his eyes. “Why would he do that? Did something happen?”
Kyungsoo’s eyes widened. “No, nothing. I’m just thinking ahead.” He responded. “You know how there are already a lot of rumors because of him. Something has to come up eventually.”
Yixing didn’t buy it. Kyungsoo usually stayed calm in the most precarious situations. It was one of his best qualities as a gym leader. Today, he seemed nervous.
Yixing took a deep breath. “Listen… I get that you want to protect him, but don’t forget that keeping secrets will eventually catch up to you.” He stood up. “You don’t have to tell me anything. I’ll cover for you this time, but you need to get this sorted out. The meeting will start soon. Do you mind setting up the projector?”
Kyungsoo stood up, bowing deeply to Yixing. “Thank you! I know I’m asking too much of you.”
Yixing smiled fondly at the gym leader. “You care about him a lot.”
“Well, yeah, I mean… we’ve become good friends, so…” Kyungsoo rubbed the back of his neck.
Yixing laughed at the flustered gym leader. “I’m glad he found a friend… and a good one at that.”
-
“As it turned out, the Zubat were disturbed by a lone Crobat that had found its way into the cave. The pack was trying to protect its territory, which is why they behaved aggressively, even towards humans. I was able to contain Crobat, but I think it belongs to a trainer. I’m currently working with Chanyeol to find the owner. Yixing, Kyungsoo… maybe you should keep an eye out as well. Someone might be looking for their Pokémon.” The two men nodded. “That’s it from me”, Jongdae concluded, sorting his speaking notes into a neat pile and sitting down.
“We will print flyers and distribute them in all Pokémon Centers nearby. That should speed up the process.” Yixing said, writing it on his to-do list. “Up next is Chanyeol.”
The officer stood up and cleared his throat. “Crime rates have slightly increased this month. Nothing serious, just the usual misdemeanors. Shoplifting, vandalism... There have been more cases of missing Pokémon, which is common for this time of the year... Spring has begun, and people leave their doors open… Pokémon run outside.” Chanyeol shuffled his speaking notes. “But I came across a strange case the other day. I still don’t know how to interpret it.”
The officer handed out papers. “This is the report I wrote. As you can read, Rockruff disappeared. No damage to the collar, no signs of intrusion, no trail.” Chanyeol sighed, rubbing his temple. He had stayed up late for several nights this week, trying to make sense of this case.
“I have a feeling that something bigger is going on here, but this case is way too small to get HQ involved. I’m afraid I’ve reached a dead end, that’s why I’m asking you all for help. Any fresh ideas or points of view are welcome.”
Kyungsoo had been shifting in his seat for the past few minutes, shooting nervous glances at Yixing. The nurse sighed, then looked up from his notes.
“First, we should assure the Pokémon’s safety. Maybe it just squeezed out of its collar and is roaming the city now.” He looked at Kyungsoo. “We should all keep an eye out for Rockruff. Maybe it can be found, and the case solves itself.”
Kyungsoo’s nostrils twitched slightly. “I think Yixing is right, this might not be that big of a deal. Let’s be on the lookout. Maybe Rockruff is just lost. Stuff like this happens all the time.”
Chanyeol sighed. “It might be true that I'm overthinking this. However, keep in mind that this could be something serious.”
“A friend over at Ambrette City told me about a new gang.” Jongdae remarked. “They’re called Red Force and are involved in all kinds of stuff.”
Chanyeol thought about it for a moment. “Rockruff isn’t exactly a sought-after Pokémon… But you have a point. Maybe they are testing out new methods. I will get in touch with the Ambrette City officer. It’s a good lead, thanks.” Chanyeol sat down, taking notes.
-
“Kyungsoo, do you realize how serious this is?” Yixing sighed deeply, rubbing his eyes. “Stealing Pokémon? That’s what people go to jail for! And I could lose my job if I don’t report this!” He continued to pace around the small nurses' office, nervously chewing on his bottom lip.
Kyungsoo quietly sat on his chair like a kid who was getting scolded. “I can’t give her back.” He said after a while. “She was mistreated. I’d rather face the consequences than send her back. Report me if that’s what you have to do.”
Yixing stopped. “Is that why he took Rockruff?”
Kyungsoo nodded. “You know he couldn’t harm anyone. He just wanted to help a Pokémon in need.” The gym leader stood up. “Thank you for your help so far Yixing... You don’t have to get involved in this any further. If you need to report this, then go ahead... I’ll understand”, he mumbled before walking to the door.
The nurse sighed. “Wait… bring him here next time. We have to talk this through. Maybe we can figure something out.”
Kyungsoo turned around, a soft smile forming on his lips. “Thank you, Yixing.”