13) Misfortune

"So, Wingull," I say as we stroll along, "I think I should give you a name of some sort. It's getting awkward just calling you 'Wingull' all the time. That is, if you don't mind? I mean, I assume you have a name of your own, but everything you say sounds the same to me, so I really don't have any idea what to call-"

"Wing," he says, placing a wing over my mouth. He then nods vigorously, apparently giving me the go-ahead to name him as I please.

"Skystorm," I say at last. The Wingull looks at me for a while, and I wonder if I've made a grave mistake, but he finally nods, apparently accepting my choice. We continue on through the forest. So far, we haven't seen any other people around. It's almost creepy how quiet it is...

However, disaster strikes just as I think this. A small, red, caterpillar-like Pokemon leaps out of the trees above us, its large single horn stabbing into Skystorm's flesh. The Wingull gives a cry of pain, but dives down to strike viciously at his opponent with his beak anyways. The battle is fierce and furious, but over quick. The remains of the creature-a Wurmple, I think it was called-lie at Skystorm's feet, and he flies tiredly back to my shoulder. Suddenly, however, he slumps over with a cry of pain. I notice the inflammation around one of the puncture wounds on his wing. Poison? If I'm not mistaken, Wurmple horns can transmit a potent venom.

"Oh no," I whisper, taking him in my arms. "No!" I can't believe my misfortune. I have no idea where the next town is, or if it will even have any medical supplies available. What can I do? The poison seems to be hurting Skystorm more and more, even as I look at him. I have no choice. I take off running in a random direction, praying that I have chosen correctly. Who will be my companion if he dies? Who will listen to what I have to say? Who will help me regain my memories?