In and out of luck [Zom: Gertie]

[ZOM]

Gertie's heart felt warm as she watched the trainer deal with her new Pokemon for the first time. Gunda wasn't the easiest nut to crack, so to speak, but Roxy seemed to have a handle on it, and also seemed to like following the Kabuto's movements as she zipped about beneath the water's surface. This was quite a relief; it meant that Roxy's relationship with the Woobat had simply resulted from clashing personalities, and that she would probably do just fine with Gunda. Gertie was happy for Roxy and Gunda both.

"You will do great with your new friend," Gertie said, and her voice hummed with sincerity. Even though Bjorn was watching the water with a regretful expression and seemed to be tearing up, he nodded in quiet agreement. The Woobat was sulking around in the background, pointedly not watching his ex-trainer. "I will go now, ja? You must get to know Gunda!" She bowed her head, and her ears twitched.

After a moment, though, she straightened up with a start and a grin. "Oh, oh! But one thing first! Here!" She placed Bjorn down to wipe at his teary eyes, and dug in her pocket for her phone and a receipt stub she had neglected to throw out. Then, she pulled a pen from her bag and scribbled down a number on the receipt, handing it out to Roxy. "My number! Please stay in touch; I am hoping to hear about Gunda and your friendship more!"

With that, she gathered Bjorn up in her arms once more, smiled at Roxy one last time, said her goodbyes, and turned to leave. The Woobat followed after her, and Gertie turned her attention to the bat with a thoughtful hum. "You are in need of name... Are you a boy or a girl?"

+A boy, duh!+

They continued on their way, needing to get in some bonding time themselves.

[Seas]

Roxy sat down on the edge of the docks after scanning to to make sure it had nothing more on it than sea spray, carefully tucking her legs to the side. She pulled her wings in close and folded her hands in front of her. She had to admit that watching the dark, smooth shape that was Gunda swimming was surprisingly relaxing. It's like watching fire, she decided, leaning closer to the edge. The creature clearly knew what she was doing because although Roxy couldn't see how something without fins could manage to jump out of the water for a few instants, Gunda did do that. She knew what was expected of her and when Gunda floated on the top of the water near the docks, she immediately smiled and said, "That was great!"

Satisfied, Gunda ducked back under the water. Roxy followed her with her eyes and took a few moments to look up when Gertie started to talk.

"Oh, thanks," she said, blushing just faintly, "And I'm sure Woobat will be happy with you."

Her eyes were downcast, but she wore a small smile still. She started to raise her hand, intending to wave until Gertie offered her a phone number. Roxy took it gracefully, tucking the receipt into the front pocket of her shoulder bag.

"I'll call as soon as I can," she promised. Then she smiled and waved as Gertie left, saying a polite farewells. When the other pokemorph was out of sight, she turned back to the water, hanging her head so that her face was shadowed. Nice that she's gone now, she thought, Time to get to work.

"Gunda, how do you feel about a visit to the swamps?"