#pokejournal

Once again, I find myself in the infirmary, though despite Warden Yūgao’s insistences, I feel that the reason this time is far less frivolous than usual. Unfortunately, the injury is far more serious- it is likely that I will be unable to walk far for quite some time. I have been told that my pelvis is fractured. This is not surprising, but it is painful and irritating. Still, I believe it was worth it.

I was sent to forage in the icelands. While I was told of the Alpha Garchomp that makes its territory in this area, I believed that I was outside of its range- unfortunately, I was not. At first, I thought I was rather lucky, as it did not seem to notice me, but it was not good luck for me. Rather, it was bad luck for some poor Gligar, who the Alpha Garchomp was focused on defeating, presumably to eat. While I am no longer squeamish about hunting and butchering Pokemon for sustenance, something about seeing a Pokemon that normally sports a distinctive grin no longer “smiling” wounded my heart.

What I did next was foolish, I will admit. I should have thrown snowballs to stun the Alpha Garchomp. I was not thinking. Instead, I ran directly to it. The next time I see Warden Hamarenge*, I will be sure to thank him, though he may not appreciate the implication that his self defense lessons emboldened me to punch an Alpha Garchomp in the snout. This did work to temporarily stun it, and the Gligar immediately took the opportunity to flee. I was not as quick as him. The Garchomp grabbed me in its mouth and, to tell the Truth, I thought that I would die right there. Thankfully, the Gligar had not fled far. Perhaps he felt indebted to me, because he attacked the Garchomp, causing it to drop me.

The two of us were able to flee, if only barely. The cold atmosphere of the icelands seems to slow even such a swift Pokemon as Garchomp, and a mixture of Mud Bombs and snowballs eventually convinced it to leave us alone. As I write this, he clings to my shoulders, watching as if he can read the words I am writing. He was wary at first when Warden Yūgao began to inspect my injuries, and became angry when it became apparent that her treatment was causing me pain, though I managed to calm him. I shall have to remember to ask her what is in the poultice that she applied to the bite mark, though I am certain that she will tell me anyways, considering my track record with injury.

If nothing else, it soothes my heart to finally have a Pokemon as a companion. While it is not all that common in the Pearl Clan, I have often felt jealous at the sight of Clan Leader Kai^ with her Eevee, or Warden Yūgao with her Bidoof. Perhaps, wherever I was before Hisui, I too had a Pokemon as my partner. Perhaps they are even wondering where I am. I am uncertain if the naming of Pokemon is a common practice here, but it feels right to me to do so. I feel that I should consider the matter more carefully, but for now, when I look at this Gligar’s smiling face, only one name comes to mind: Em. Perhaps this shall suffice.

*[This is the Hisuian name of the Warden known as Gaeric.]

^[This is the Hisuian name of Clan Leader Irida.]