Castelia City. Unova’s shining crown jewel sat near a glistening river, reflecting the full moon on the sky. Withing it’s winding streets nestled with skyscrapers and apartments, a lone Pawmi’s the last thing one would expect. Abandoned by his trainer, this electric rodent spend it’s days searching dumpsters for leftover food and hanging out with other stray Pokémon, likewise abandoned by their trainers. This group, consisting of a Salandit, a Linoone, a Nickit and a Shinx, found Pawmi near the local Gym, evidently abandoned by his trainer after performing poorly against it’s Leader.

The sun was already high in the sky by eight in the morning by the time the gang woke up from their sleep. As usual for this time of the day, they immediately headed for the food carts lining up Castelia’s main pedestrian walkways. Due to their situation, all of the gang have perfected the techniques necessary to swipe food from the carts with no one the wiser. Though admittedly it did take Pawmi a few tries before he could pull it off correctly as well. Most of them seemingly preferred hot dogs except for the Linoone who for some reason preferred pita kebab. After today’s heist, the gang, as always, went to meet with Ol’ Cheshire, a Purugly sitting on top of a dumpster who happened to be their boss. In order to appease him, the gang always had to give up half of their shares and in return would be given shelter by him. Looking down from his ‘throne’ at the today’s catch, he seemed pleased enough.

• Good work Vi, Ralph, Nick, Brian and Scruffy. You’re always the reliable ones. Except for you, Scruffy. Your techniques still needs polishing.

The Pawmi as usual flinched. He still hated how they constantly call him ‘Scruffy’ instead of the more respectable name of Pedro his former trainer bestowed on him. According to the gang, he would have to absolutely prove his worth in order to ‘graduate’, whatever that meant. And then and only then, would they agree to drop that demeaning nickname. After giving Ol’ Cheshire their share, the gang retreated to the shelter for the evening.

• Why the long face, Scruffy? Do you still miss your trainer after all this time? Face it, he never liked you in first place. He only used you for the sole purpose for making him master! The Linoone named Ralph taunted Pedro.

• Yeah, you should be grateful that we even found you in first place. The Salanmdit named Vi added.

Pedro was almost on the verge of crying. However, he quickly managed to regain his composure. He had to be strong, he had to prove himself to the gang somehow.

• Aww, what’s the matter, crybaby? Is that a hint ofInsubordination I see? Do you really want me to Sucker Punch you? Nick the Nickit threatened.

• Eeep! Don’t hurt me… Pedro whimpered.

• Heh, you’re all talk but no bite. Do you even KNOW how to use Bite? I’m not really that up date. Regardless, you better know your place or I’ll…

• That’s enough for today, how about we all calm down for the evening before the Raid? I have my fall faith on the Pawmi and you better know it. Brian the Shinx said.

• As you wish. I will get my paws on you sooner or later.

Resigned, Pedro went to his favourite spot at the fire escape ladder. Looking at the street below, he could see the usual sights like couples going out on a romantic dinner, eager trainers doing battles amongst themselves and even a homeless bum or two (until they’re carried off by the police in short order). Pedro suddenly heard a noise and looked up. To his delight, he saw one of his only true friend in this strange city in the form of a Corvisquire named Nigel.

• Hi, Pedro. He said upon landing next to him.

• Oh, am I glad to see you. I haven’t seen you in days. If there’s anyone who brings a smile to my face, it’s you.

• Well, I do have a family to look after, you know. You still with that horrible gang? If I were you, I would have fled immediately.

• Yes, I know. But believe me, they are very persuasive. And Arceus only knows what would happen should I attempt it. Ol’ Cheshire likely has scouts posted everywhere to capture and punish anyone who tries to flee under his watch.

• That’s quite sad fate. If I recall, you were released by a trainer and left to fend on your own, correct?

• Yeah. I’m still bitter about that. But I will find a way for sure to flee from Ol’ Cheshire’s paws. The time for me as the obedient ‘Scruffy’ will come to an end whatever it takes.

• Oh yes, that’s the spirit! Do whatever it takes to turn your life around.

• Yeah, I hope so too. Perhaps I’ll be able to escape from this lifestyle someday. Perhaps I’ll be free, perhaps I’ll be with a trainer who doesn’t treat me as only a tool for victory. In any case, I really wanna get some rest. But since today’s a Tuesday, that means I have to be present for the weekly Night Raids. I really hope I won’t get partnered with Ralph again…

• Right, of course. Duty’s always important, eh Pedro?

• Indeed it is. I hope to see you again real soon. Pedro said while stretching his limbs.

After saying their goodbyes, Pedro returned to the Meeting Spot for the Raid Briefing.