Pokemon Writing: Gus: Caring For A Fighting Egg

“You know, back home we only really had miltanks and tauros’,” Gus said as they finished wrapping a warm blanket around the pokemon egg in their hands. “But my older sister and dad were the ones to handle all that business. Still, I know a thing or two about looking after poke-eggs.”

 

Lance chittered in response, climbing onto the futon (one of the few pieces of furniture in the still mostly barren apartment) as Gus placed the bundled egg on the cushion and sat down next to it. The little scatterbug circled the egg curiously, before looking up at Gus. Gus smiled.

 

“Yeah, that’s gonna be your new friend. Just give it some time.”

 

Gus hadn’t had Lance for all that long, only about a week at this point, but he already felt quite close to the little fella. Sure, it was a bit of an adjustment, living in this new little apartment in a new city all by himself. And having his own pokemon, not just one that was owned by the farm, also took a bit of getting used to. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel a bit overwhelmed at times, but having a friend in his starter pokemon certainly made the difference. At the very least it made him feel less lonely out here, less homesick.

 

“Now be careful there,” Gus said as he saw Lance begin to tentatively place his metal-clad legs on the side of the egg. “Eggs are delicate.”

 

Lance immediately stepped away, a nervous chitter rising from his mouth.

 

“No need to be worried, you just gotta be gentle with it. And patient. I know you're excited, so am I. It will be fun to have another critter around here.”

 

The professor had said it was a fighting-type egg, though what pokemon would come out of the egg was anyone's guess. Gus wasn’t much a fan of the concept of fighting in general, but he supposed having the extra strength and protection of a fighting type could come in handy. His mother had been worried sick about Gus’ move to Crater City, speaking of all the ills of big city life, of all the misfortunes that could befall someone who wasn’t careful enough. Gus didn’t believe all of that, but they supposed they were still a bit on edge in this new environment.

 

When they got a chance to talk with their mom on the phone again they’d be sure to tell her they were plenty safe, especially with Lance around. Not ten minutes after leaving Eden Labs after getting Lance, Gus had been splashed with muddy water as a speeding car drove down the street. Before they knew it, Lance had started charging after the car, as if to protect Gus from the injustice. Though quite quickly poor Lance had gotten startled by another car honking its horn and curled into a ball out of fright, hiding his face behind his visor. Gus scooped him up, surprised the little steel type was already so protective of them.

 

“I bet you’ll keep your new friend safe,” Gus said as they reminisced. They lightly patted the egg before motioning Lance over. The scatterbug scuttled onto their lap and let Gus pick him up. They looked him in the eye. “But you gotta remember to let me and your new friend keep you safe as well, we’re all in this together.”

 

Lance chittered and wiggled in Gus’ grip, before hopping out of their hands and curling up protectively near the egg. Gus sighed. Maybe as they got to know each other better his starter would listen to him more. But for now, he supposed he couldn’t fault Lance’s protectiveness and excitement. Gus felt it too.