@IatosFinally, somebody who gave her more recognition than Oscar or Alexis did.
“That could explain a few things...” she responded to his comment about Purrloin. Maybe that was why she was having so much trouble with the Dark-type Pokemon.
She let a snicker escape as he introduced himself. Codename?
“Heh, somebody likes his spy movies... I guess it’s nice to meet you, Kero. And you too, Dusty.” Even if this Kero guy seemed a little on the eccentric side, he at least treated her with the respect she deserved. Her grin widened.
“You made your choice well,” she said as she headed onto the beach.
“Come on then! Let’s see what we can find.”Beachcombing wasn’t something she’d done before, but how difficult could it be? She’d heard valuable items could be found that way, and she could do with a little extra cash.
A Pokeball at her belt popped open. “Gothi-ta!” the perpetually-fascinated Pokemon squealed, staring ahead. Sophia’s haughty grin softened into a gentle smile as she patted Gothita, gazing out with her. The sea truly was a beautiful sight, glimmering, lapping at the shore. Breathing in the salt-scented air, Sophia closed her eyes. This was the perfect, calming atmosphere after a stressful start to the day, quiet, only a few people around. If she focused, she didn’t even have to turn to know they were there. She could faintly sense presences around her, those of Gothita and Kero, and flickers behind her as other people took early morning walks. The energy pulses faded from her awareness as she opened her eyes, bringing her attention back to the beach.
“You want to help me look for items here?” she asked Gothita. The Pokemon nodded. Strolling along the beach with Gothita at her side, Sophia glanced around. Seaweed, pebbles, more seaweed. No sign of any sea glass or shiny metal. If only she had a metal detector. Or the ability to dowse for items, like some of the other psychics she knew. Would Kero think she was wasting his time?
A metallic glint caught her eye.
“Aha! I knew there had to be something around here!” With a triumphant smirk, she looked at the half-buried object, making it unearth itself, she didn’t want to get sand under her nails after all... Her smirk vanished. A bottle cap? She let the piece of trash fall.
“Uh... Ignore that!” she said to Kero, giving the back of her neck a nervous rub.
“Ita!” Gothita pointed at the sea. Something shimmered under the water – some kind of jewel, from the look of it.
“Finally!” Sophia hoped it wouldn’t turn out to be a bottle or some other piece of garbage, but she had to take this chance before the object could get swept out. No sooner had she focused her power on it, though, than she let go in surprise. She hadn’t expected it to be that heavy... and there it was again, that thrum of life force...
The jewel flared brilliant red and burst from the sea, revealing five pointed limbs protruding from it. Spinning in the air and landing on the shore, it sprayed a jet of water around. Sophia didn’t have time to block with the parasol.
“Ack! I didn’t know!” she spluttered as she stumbled back, toppling into a heap of seaweed. Gothita fell next to her, immediately jumping up, brushing wet sand off herself. Sophia raised her head. She had no idea how a Pokemon without a face could glare, but the Staryu that stood a few feet away from her seemed to be doing just that.
As Gothita faced the Staryu, it turned towards her, accepting the challenge despite its obvious displeasure at having been woken up.
“Gothita, Confusion!” Sophia called, staggering to her feet, recognising how this latest mishap could be turned into an opportunity. The wild Pokemon managed to get another Water Gun in, but Gothita retaliated, knocking the Staryu back with an energy burst. Another spray of water, another energy wave, and the Staryu nearly fell. Sophia threw a Pokeball, which opened, closed, rocked, before settling on the sand.
Gothita took one look at her trainer and doubled over giggling. Looking down at herself, Sophia cringed. Sand and crushed seaweed clung to her sopping wet clothes, her frills dripping slime. She forced a slightly awkward smile.
“Ha! I did it! Three Pokemon already!” she shouted, head held high, gunk-covered parasol tilted. She made the Pokeball circle around her a few times before reaching out, grasping it and holding it up in an exaggerated pose. She had to save face in front of Kero.
“We’d better head back to the Pokecentre,” she said to the tired Gothita before returning her and clipping the Pokeballs to her belt. She turned towards Kero. He’d better not laugh at her.
“Ugh... I’m gonna have to get cleaned up anyway. I can’t exactly challenge the gym like this.” She hoped none of the other travellers would still be at the Pokecentre to see her in that state.
