Drop-off [Sang]

Ruìsāng seldom brought Lìeyàn with him on the streets, but today, anxiety gnawed at his insides. It was impossible to maintain composure when he felt his mother’s situation worsening. She had invited people he despised into their home, and coming back to find an actual dealer sprawled in his living room, beer belly exposed and insolent, had pushed him over the edge. A walk was needed.

His nerves resonated with Lìeyàn, their emotional states intertwined. The beak on her head snapped, attempting to grasp the intangible dread lingering in the air.

He almost collided with a passerby, narrowly sidestepping her. A slight annoyance crept onto his face, until he realised this wasn't a safe environment for someone like her. He came to a halt.

“You might want to get out of here before someone robs you of your pretty wallet.”

Lìeyàn, his feisty Mawile, was far from being the obedient type, a trait that often kept her concealed within her Pokéball. Due to the opinion surrounding Pokéball usage, she remained hidden, emerging only in select situations. In places like this, however, her fierce presence was invaluable. Ruìsāng wanted her to intimidate strangers, urging them to leave or engage in a brawl - he was always up for a good fight.

As Ruìsāng ordered a stranger to leave, Lìeyàn stared at the newcomer with unwavering determination. The stranger warned him. Ruìsāng let out a laugh, a mix of amusement and confidence, dismissing the cautionary words with a wave of his bandaged hand.

“Oh, please. I’d love to see them try,” he scoffed, the glint of challenge in his eyes matching his audacious words.

“I’m not kidding, though. A girl like you shouldn’t be wandering alone in a place like this. Where are you headed?” he inquired, raising an eyebrow knowingly. Aware of how men eyed pretty things like her.

The girl mentioned she had to head to the metro station, prompting a soft hum from Ruìsāng. He presumed it was the closest one. Clicking his tongue thoughtfully against the roof of his mouth, he considered her words. She claimed she'd love to see others try, but Ruìsāng had grown accustomed to people overestimating their own abilities. Regardless of her confidence, the situation could still turn dangerous. He had witnessed too many individuals being taken advantage of in his lifetime.

The other commented on his Mawile's ability to intimidate scum, and Ruìsāng huffed in response. “She doesn’t just intimidate,” he assured her. His Mawile was meticulously trained, and while plenty of opponents might still outmatch him in strength, your average Joe would be knocked down in seconds.

“Let me at least walk you to the station. You might not need it, but if I hear on the news that a pretty girl vanished today, I won’t forgive myself,” he said, his tone serious. He raised a questioning eyebrow, determined to ensure her safety. He couldn't bear the thought of more people getting hurt, especially if he could prevent it.

The girl didn’t appear overly concerned about the prospect of danger, but Ruìsāng couldn’t shake off his unease about letting her navigate the area alone. She clearly wasn’t a local. Having spent his entire life here, Ruìsāng felt a sense of responsibility. Still, she seemed grateful and asked if he could lead the way as she wasn’t familiar with the area.

“Of course. Follow me,” he said with a reassuring smile, confidently steering in the right direction. His Mawile observed their surroundings with a furrowed brow, walking ahead of them. Her watchful eyes scanned the area, especially when passing alleys notorious for shady dealings or populated by the homeless. It was clear that this was second nature to her.

“This place wasn’t always this bad, but things are getting worse. You might know how to protect yourself, but those people now have affinities and there’s little even I would be able to do,” he explained his worries. “It’s why I have her,” he continued, gesturing toward the Mawile. The Pokémon flashed a grin before fixating her gaze on a man in the distance, her eyes narrowing in caution.

 The girl remarked on the state of the place, noting its decline. Ruìsāng wrinkled his nose in distaste as she continued about affinities. Those elemental powers had been no stranger to him, often encountering them in the ring. The reigning champion in various underground fighting arenas possessed a formidable fighting affinity, making him a challenging opponent. “I doubt ice would suit me,” he scoffed. He’d always been a blazing fire.

When she praised the upbringing of his Mawile, Ruìsāng quipped, “Or she raised me well,” prompting a sharp look from the Mawile herself. Training her had been a challenge, with memories of her jaws snapping at him etched in his mind. Despite the initial struggles, they had found a mutual understanding.

Of course, their walk couldn’t be calm. Ruìsāng let go of a sigh. “And this is why,” he mumbled. TThis was why little girls shouldn’t walk these streets alone. Glancing over his shoulder, he spotted a knife-wielding man approaching. Nonchalantly, he raised his hands, seemingly surrendering to their whims.

“If it is money you want, I have none. If it is a fight, try someone else,” he calmly declared. The Mawile, on the other hand, eagerly anticipated the prospect of a brawl, her pink eyes shifting between the men, jaws snapping in anticipation.

Maybe one could adapt to an affinity rather than having an affinity that perfectly aligns with one's personality. Ruìsāng hummed, contemplating the idea. “Are you planning to find out?” he wondered, though he pondered over the words for a moment. If that were true, then perhaps he’d like an affinity that would cool down the rage burning inside his chest.

Suddenly, a Noivern entered the fray, catching Ruìsāng by surprise. Ah, that clarified a few things. She had mentioned learning from her Pokémon just before everything escalated, but the presence of a dragon-type was unexpected. Then again, he assumed most wouldn't anticipate him having a fairy-type by his side.

“A dragon. Impressive,” Ruìsāng smiled, his gaze sweeping over the dragon for a moment, recognizing its strength. Perfect. She emphasised the wisdom of listening to him, and Ruìsāng noted the visible regret on the faces of the men. A wise move would be to let them go, but Ruìsāng never fared well with those who tried to intimidate him. That had happened one too many times in his life.

“Crunch,” he hissed, his nails digging into his palm as his Mawile approached one of the men. If they didn't flee now, he would ensure they never ran again.