nexus_crossings | (no subject)

(no subject)

Harley is sitting cross-legged on a random Nexus couch today. She has found a pamphlet from the Pokémart and is looking through some of the Pokémon that could be adopted and trained.

She seems in a good mood today. Twirling her hair, as she reads the pamphlet. And there is a huge bag of caramel popcorn at her side.

"If you could have any kind of pet, what kind of animal or creature would you have?"

"What do you think qualifies as being a suitable pet owner?"

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"Thanks for caring, Bulbasaur. I think Poochyena needs a little space." Harley smiles over at the happy little plant Pokemon.

Harley sits near the Poochyena, allowing the Pokemon to sniff the air around her.

"Did something happen to him?" She asks the Professor.

Bulbasaur looks a little disappointing, but the Professor pats his head, reassuring him that everything is okay. Poochyena makes no sudden movements, choosing to lay down, licking one paw while carefully keeping an eye on Harley.

"I believe he was abandoned by his pack for not being strong enough. A common thing many wild Pokemon do."

"Then you had the wrong pack." Harley tells Poochyena.

"I sort of had a similar experience... I was in the wrong kind of gang. And I got hurt. And abandoned."

"But then..." She brightens. "I found the right people. The right friends. And they helped me get stronger."

"You just need to find the right person, Poochyena."

The right person? Poochyena seems to huff at that statement, but has at least started looking upward at Harley with his red eyes. It's clear that the Pokemon is reflecting on her words, but seems lost in thought.

"He seems to be doing better. Normally Poochyena would be running away right now, but I think he understands your words, Harley." He puts Bulbasaur on the ground, but the plant Pokemon stays near his feet. "Poochyena was found a few months ago, injured and hungry, at my doorstep. Some of the other Pokemon I watch over brought him here for care."

"That is nice, that you have a place where injured Pokemon can stay safe."

Harley is glad that all these Pokemon have a place to stay.

"There are so many in the Nexus. Did something happen to their world?"

"Everyone deserves a home, pokemon and people alike." He thinks about her question for a second. " I think that portals appear here and there, similar to the doors, which allow Pokemon access to this place. I'm from their world and haven't noticed any major issues."

Poochyena listens to the two of them talk and slowly gets up from his spot, moving a few inches closer. His nose is withing touching distance of Harley's shoes.

"I was happy to find myself a home in the Nexus. So am glad that these Pokemon are able to do the same..." Harley smiles.

She smiles at Poochyena. And gently taps his nose with the tip of her shoe.

"Yes. If you so like, you may come back anytime and see the Pokemon. I might have you help with a few chores here and there though." Nothing stressful, mainly feeding or playing with the Pokemon.

The Poochyena hops back at getting his nose lightly bopped, but that doesn't deter him from trying to take a playful bite at her shoe. Dogs like to chew on things, after all. The professor is not oblivious to this sudden display of energy.

"Harley...Poochyena seems to like you. Why don't you try adopting him for a bit? Maybe you can get him to break out of his shell?"

"I would like that." Harley already has a paying job. But she would be happy volunteering here. Especially if it means seeing more of the Pokemon.

She laughs at the Poochyena bites at her shoes. Her shoes, while fancy, are very durable. And she boops his nose with her toe again.

"Really?" Her eyes lit up.

"I am sure I could do that. And you never know... he could warm up to other Pokemon over time." Because she would like to take care of Bulbasaur too, maybe sometime in the future. But not right now, if it is at the expense of Poochyena.

"Great! The Pokedex is your hand is now yours. Use it to scan any Pokemon you may encounter in the Nexus, as that information will be sent back to me for research. If you'd like, I can also set you up with some tools to catch wild Pokemon for starters. I know some people don't like the idea of capturing Pokemon, which I can respect."

Poochyena must have a taste of leather, as he continues trying to nip at Harley's feet. When she boops him on the nose again, he grows and starts barking...at her shoe. Seems like he still has lots to learn.

"Time heals all wounds, they say." He offers Poochy's Pokeball to Harley. "Pokemon and people share spirits and personalities."

"What would I do with these wild Pokémon? Would they upset Poochyena?" That would be her greatest concern.

Speaking of Poochyena, Harley uses the Pokedex to scan him. So she can learn about his strengths. His weaknesses. What he likes to eat.

"We will learn about each other. Won't we Poochyena." She holds the Pokeball to her heart.

"Well, many people keep other Pokemon around as friends. Some Pokemon like to battle or participate in contest shows and trainers help Pokemon achieve those goals."

He ponders on her comment for a moment, while Poochyena takes a seat near her feet.

"It could happen, so be mindful of how Poochyena acts around any wild Pokemon you may find. I trust you'll do what's best for him though."

Harley carefully reaches out to scratch Poochyena between the ears. "I am sure he will tell me what he wants. Right, Poochyena?"

The Pokemon gives off a happy bark, then nudges Harley's leg, as if asking when they can leave. Professor Madrone merely smiles at the scene.

"Of course. You're welcome back here anytime, Harley."

"Thanks Professor!" Harley holds out her Pokeball so that Poochyena can decide if he wants to go inside of it.

"I will be back. I will want to visit Bulbasaur."

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