MISSION: My badge...: MISSION: My badge...

Whiskers was glad a smile came naturally to him. It assured the Pokémon he was helping that he was confident in his abilities, and could settle down other mons with a large grin.

 

Well, most other mons.

 

This Luxray… Whiskers could feel the sides of his mouth twitch as the lawyer frantically motioned with his paws that his badge was missing. He kept pointing to an empty spot on his chest, presumably where he would normally place the badge, then continue to prattle on about how important it was for Whiskers to find it before tomorrow. Something about a big court case.

 

“Sir-” Whiskers started, only to be interrupted by the Luxray.

 

“Phoenix.”

 

Whiskers’ smile grew larger, and he bit down on his teeth. “Mr. Phoenix,” he corrected. When the Luxray didn’t correct him, he carried on, “I’m sure we can find your missing badge before the day is over. Why don’t we retrace your steps, starting from when you first noticed you were missing your badge?”

 

The Luxray’s mane seemed to deflate at the memory, paw going to the spot the badge would be. “Yes, that would be prudent. Well, I first discovered that I lost my badge as I was packing up for the day in my office. I thought I searched it quite thoroughly, but perhaps another set of eyes not clouded by panic would help.”

 

Whiskers nodded, motioning for the Luxray to lead the way. The lawyer sighed, standing up and turning away-

 

The Meowth almost tripped as he stared at his client’s back. Oh, sweet Arceus…

 

“Sir-”

 

“Phoenix is fine,” the Luxray said, still continuing forward to his office.

 

A growl wanted to come up his throat, but he shoved it down as he quickly followed Phoenix’s steps until he was right next to the larger Pokémon. “Mr. Phoenix,” he stressed, a paw coming up to touch his back. The Luxray jumped, but Whiskers paid him no mind as he pulled the seemingly magnetic badge off the back of his client. “Your badge,” he said, offering it to him.

 

The Luxray lit up at the sight of it, grabbing it with careful paws. “My badge!”

 

By the time Whiskers left the courthouse, he had a small purse of poke for his troubles, and a promise from the lawyer that, should he ever need a lawyer, he would help the Meowth free of charge. Arceus help him that he never needed to claim that favor, his jaw already hurt from grinding his teeth while smiling.