New Costume
No matter the simplicity of his duties, Jared set about them with all the gusto he’d learned from his years as a restaurant host. Being a politician can be fun, he learned once the bright and smiling faces of his village would cordially greet him and tell them how their lives were. Everything was and could be taken care of by their own efforts and desires to help the community they were in. Jared, their figurehead, was there to ensure this cohesion and bolster morale. He felt something like a daycare professional, making sure everyone was doing OK and having fun.
His off time was spent flying and exploring more of the yonder valley and its other settlements. He permitted himself a few days away from the village so he could explore. This was after making sure it would be fine in his absence, which Tina assured him. He was excited to see how far his wings could take him, to encounter the many Pokémon the valley had to offer. As a Vaporeon he was restrained by the needs and territory of a wild animal, but here he was a free man, a free man with wings.
Alas, something tugged him back once he’d traveled too far. A paternal instinct to keep his village safe, a sense of betrayal that would carve at him the moment he landed somewhere else. He was lassoed to the place he called him and never strayed too far before landing back there again. His duties as mayor and friend were too important.
The week left him, and Leeland’s package arrived at his doorstep. Before anyone could see him, Jared picked it up and hurried inside with it. It took some effort to open the letter with his massive fingers, but eventually he got it open and read what Leland had to say.
Dear Jared,
I hope this letter finds you well, certainly much better than the hellhole you were in as a selkie. I trust you’re enjoying a Pokémon universe where you aren’t hounded by trainers? You’re much more respected here, aren’t you? Being a leader of Pokémon is much easier than that of humans as I’m sure you’ve found out by now. If only our civilization were so civilized.
I’ve brought you a new gift for whenever being a Lugia becomes boring, which I hope it hasn’t. This one will treat you better than the previous two trips, mistakes I promise not to make again. Until next time.
Sincerely,
Leland
Written by TheGreatJaceyGee on 09 December 2025
