Chapter Text
It’s been four months. Two months after the incident and two months of what seemingly ended my career as an explorer, only for me to be given a second chance at the cost of going on expeditions. Now, I’m confined to sit in a room with explorers who’ve regressed on their “expeditions”, if you could even call them that. The room’s walls seemed to be bluer than the bluest Oran Berry, with the bottom of the wall painted with different shades of green to look like blades of grass. Pastel painted clouds decorated the walls as well, making the entire room look like a child painted it.
“Mx. Glacier!” A voice called, their steps quickening as they approach, “Can you help me!”
I turned my head to see the newer explorer, a Luxray named Argus I’ve been assigned to train, getting overwhelmed by littles. His normally electric blue face, hind legs, and torso were now decorated with splotches of paints and dried berry juice. For moment, I had to remind myself why I had to keep him from getting fired. That way, I can leave this daycare. As I was getting up, I felt a sharp pain in my legs causing me to wince and sit back down.
“Help me! I’m getting overran!” Argus shouted.
“Okay, give me a minute will you?” I said.
When I finally got off the ground I made my way over to Argus, who is now nearly covered in a pile of littles.
“Alright, kids, let’s get off of the kind Luxray and head to the story time corner!” I said, changing my tone to sound more cheerful and caring, yet my raspy voice peaked through.
All of them in that moment seemed to stare at me like a startled Deerling before rushing over to a yellow ringed green carpet. Argus let out a whine before getting up and stretching, paint dripping off of his torso and legs.
“Thanks, Mx. Glacier,” Argus said, flashing a rather toothy smile. “Those littles sure are a lot, huh?”
“Did they hurt you?” I asked.
Argus responded with a nod. “One bit me on the paw, and almost everything aches.”
I let out a loud groan. “I’ll walk you to the infirmary, Argus.”
“I-I’ll be fine, Mx. Glacier! It’s just a bite,” Argus said.
"It’s not just that, Argus. You haven’t been classified yet. So, if you want to continue working with me, you need to be classified first,” I chided.
Argus responded with a pout.
“Quit pouting too. It makes you look—”
His eyes went wide and he shook his head, like he was trying to shake a thought out before dashing over to my side. I decided not to bring it up for now, but when we get to the infirmary, I’ll talk about it. As we walked out of the gateway entrance to the daycare, I heard mumbles and whispers from Pokemon watching us. Their voices hushed, but I could tell most were filled with malice.
“Do any of you have a problem with us? If so, speak now,” I said.
They all stared for a few more seconds before leaving. After they all left, I sighed. Caregivers have been treated like crap for no reason since I could remember joining the explorers. Low pay, high turnout, and little to no job security. I hoped for change since a majority of us joined the explorer’s rescue team, but now it seems more unlikely than ever.
“That was weird… and mean,” Argus said.
“You’ll get used to it, so worry about it later,” I said, “Now come on, the faster we get to the infirmary, the faster you stop dripping paint on the ground.”
When we reached the infirmary, three Pokemon were outside. One was a Squirtle, who had a makeshift sling, seated on one of the two stools that sat outside. The second was a Bunneary who I recognized as Fluffy. He had a torn ear and would often come to the daycare to pester the littles. He seemed to be the Squirtle’s partner, for today at least. The third was a Blissey who waited near the door to the inside of the office.
“Don’t mind us! Just coming in for a check up,” Argus said enthusiastically.
“Paint and all, little one?” the Bunneary jeered, “How about you go back to painting class where you belong!”
Fluffy shifted his gaze towards me, but only gave a condescending, yet knowing smirk. Argus opened his mouth to speak, but I swiftly put my paw on his mouth.
“Take seat,” I said, “We might be here for a while.”
“How long is a while?” Argus asked, my paw muffling his voice.
I lifted my paw from Argus’s mouth. “I don’t know, Argus. Just take a seat, and I’ll talk.”
Argus gave a nod, and awkwardly climbed onto the stool. It wobbled under his weight, but eventually held still.
“Fat ass,” Fluffy said with a snicker.
Argus growled. “Yo—”
“Argus!” I barked.
Argus shrunk back into the stool, his eyes trained on me. “I’m sorry…”
I rolled my eyes and walked over to the Blissey waiting outside of the door. Blissey who I know all too well. She has seen me on my best and worst days and yet still had a smile.
“Good evening, Glacier!” The Blissey greeted.
“Good evening, Ms. Bliss. How are you today?” I said.
She sighed, her eyes half lidded and barely open. “I’m doing well, Glacier.”
“You’re too hard on yourself,” I said.
“And you aren’t?” Ms. Bliss retorted, “Aren’t Glaceons supposed to have light-blue fur instead of a sea green?”
She was correct. A Glaceon like me is supposed to have icy, light blue fur. However, you don’t get to have the luxury of bathing often when you’re constantly in the pastel war zone of the daycare.
Ms. Bliss exhaled, her features softening. “You’ve haven’t been eating either, and I know you’re grieving—”
I looked away, tears clouding my vision. "I’ve come to make an appointment, for Argus. He’s the Luxray sitting on the stool.”
“Okay, Glacier,” Ms. Bliss said, “But I need to warn you. I think Argus will be needed some more care then you intended.”
I tilted my head. “Hm?”
I turned to Argus about to pounce. I wiped my eyes and turned back to Ms. Bliss, her expression a little startled.
“Take care, Ms. Bliss,” I said.
“I will, Glacier. I will,” Ms. Bliss replied, opening the door.
After Ms. Bliss headed inside, I turned and sprinted towards Argus. However, I paused when I saw the Squirtle from before between Fluffy and Argus.
“Hold up, guys! Stop fighting!” The squirtle yelled, their arms over their head.
“Not until he says sorry!” Argus retorted.
Argus tried to pounce, but Fluffy went past the Squirtle and delivered a swift kick to the side of Argus’s face, causing him to slide past where I stood. At this rate I’ll never teach him anything.
“Argus, are you alright?” I asked.
Argus lifted his head, revealing a bloody nose and teary eyes. “No…”
“I should’ve figured as much. Stand up and let’s wait this time before starting something,” I reprimanded.
“No! I don’t want to!” Argus yelled.
I tilted my head. “Argus?”
He continued, “That Bunneary’s laughin’ at me, and— and other Pokemon are laughing at us!”
I knew it was only a matter of time Argus had dropped, but I didn’t imagine it would be this soon. It’s very easy to tell when someone’s about to drop when you’re a caregiver. There’s always certain tells, like body language and exaggerated expressions of emotion. Despite this, Argus is very good at staying big, and if it wasn’t for him pouting, then I wouldn’t have suspected anything.
“Argus,” I said, making my tone more soft like before, “I can tell you’ve dropped, but we need to wait for your check up. It’s only thirty—”
Argus’s eyes widened, but before I could say anything else, he darted off. It’s clear that this is his first drop. Either way, I need to calm him down before we’re called into the office. Otherwise, he’ll be fired for lying about his classification, and if that happens, then I will never escape that daycare.