Back with more AU testing. Y'all want some Pokemon? (Yes you heard that right.)
Rain had begun to fall hard in the city, instantly soaking anything it came in contact with. A rare treat to some, a pure aggravation for firefighters.
Hank disliked it, as it often led to more work on their end. Drivers in the city weren't accustomed to the weather, not heeding warnings to slow down and drive predictably. He expected to be busy.
What he didn't expect was to see his engineer standing at the edge of the back bay doors, arms crossed as he scanned the sky. Hank could tell from his posture that he was worried about something, a rare sight. He decided paperwork could wait for the time being as he made his way to Mike's side.
Mike answered his captain's question before it even left his mind. "She knows better than to go flying in this kind of weather." He restlessly tapped a finger on his arm. "Fire-types and the rain don't get along."
Hank understood the issue: Tanya, his partner, had gone for a flight earlier. The sky was overcast at the time - not an issue, unless it began to rain. Some bird pokemon dealt with the rain just fine, others not so much, and a handful rather horribly. Tanya definitely fit into the last category.
Quietly sighing, Hank planted a comforting hand on his engineer's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.
"I'm sure she'll return, Mike. I've seen her fly through rain before."
That didn't seem to ease the engineer's worries. Anything he was about to say was cut off by an undeniable Talonflame descending from the skies. By now, the rest of the crew had gathered in bored interest to see what issues were abound, and all six watched as Tanya landed gracefully on the back lot...with a very-dead Wingull.
Everyone recoiled as Tanya ran close, dropped the poor pokemon, and nudged it Mike's way. Unfortunately, this was something he was used to, and he had no choice but to thank his partner. Tanya responded to him with a hearty call, then some happy chatter as she wandered into the bay.
Hank saw Auron's ears perk up before he grumbled something at John. Raising an eyebrow, he looked over at his partner before meeting Mike's gaze.
"Auron says she said you're looking skinny."
Good-natured laughter instantly erupted among the group, each member using it as an excuse to forget the food offering. Mike shook his head as he watched Tanya perch on the engine, shaking the water off her feathers. While he appreciated the offer, it was likely she'd steal the rest for herself later.
"I'm hoping one day, she realizes I'm not a bird."
