Hey, everyone! Long time, no see! I'm back with a oneshot I've been meaning to post for a while; between a loss I've suffered in real life and being without a laptop, I haven't been able to upload this, or work on Another Road. (The latter's still in my plans; please bear with me!)
This takes place during the events of DP185; after Ash's battle with Conway, and before Gliscor returns.
I've prepared a special art piece to go with this story; please check it out on my twitter, Stumpyart! Feedback is appreciated, as always. Enjoy!
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"
"Pika!" Following his trainer's order, Pikachu broke into a sprint, darting forward with blinding speed. Silver light trailed him, barely keeping up with his lightning bolt tail.
"Now, Infernape, use Mach Punch!"
"Ape!" Infernape lunged off his nimble feet, rearing a glowing fist back. With his teammate quickly approaching, he threw a fierce punch quick enough to crash into Quick Attack.
Pikachu felt resistance, crashing against his skull. His own momentum sheltered him from the worst of the impact, but his teeth gnashed, regardless. Tried as he may to shove forward, he could only force a draw.
A shockwave boomed from the impact point, sending both pokemon skidding back. The grass below them rustled, nudged by their might.
Pikachu stood on his hind legs, smirking at the fire type. "Nice one!"
Infernape crouched in a fighting stance, grinning in turn. "I can say the same for you, Pikachu!"
"Awesome! Keep it up!" Piplup hollered, waving his wings from the sidelines.
"Look at all that power! You're both looking great!" Buneary cheered, hopping in place beside Piplup.
Pikachu looked over to his friends, rubbing the back of his head. "Thanks, guys. But, there's more where that came from!"
"Oh, I bet~!" Buneary linked her paws at her waist, winking at… him? Yeah, he was pretty sure that was aimed at him. Unsure how to respond, Pikachu forced a smile. "Ahaha… yeah."
Pikachu didn't miss Piplup cracking a smirk, and rolled his eyes.
"Good one!" Ash didn't seem to pick up on the pokemon's banter at all. "Infernape, Flamethrower!"
Infernape complied, spitting out wild flames.
"Dodge that," Ash coached.
"No problem!" Pikachu lunged into the air off of his powerful legs, narrowly avoiding Flamethrower's scalding heat.
"Now, Iron Tail!"
Well out of harm's way, Pikachu somersaulted as gravity pulled him in, coating his tail in iron. Coming down above Infernape, he swung with all of his might. "Chua… Pika!"
He felt his tail smash into Infernape's crossed arms. The fire type buckled under the force onto one knee, struggling to resist Pikachu.
"Great defense!" Pikachu praised, smirking down at his teammate. Springing off his tail, he disengaged, landing on all fours, opposite of Infernape.
"Hah, my arms are numb!" Infernape winced from the blow. What a thrill!
"Looking good!" Torterra roared from the sidelines.
"Awesome, awesome, awesome! Youguysaresodangstrong, yergonnamopthefloorwithol'mophead!" Pachirisu chattered, running in circles.
"Now, let's wrap this up!" Ash shouted, pumping a fist in the air. "Infernape, Flare Blitz! Pikachu, Volt Tackle!"
"Pika!" Pikachu acknowledged Ash, sprinting forward. Electricity burst around his body, snapping at the grass below him.
"Ape!" Infernape surrounded himself in a blue blaze, and lunged at Pikachu.
Fire and lightning collided in a loud, scalding explosion, sending thick black smoke across the grassy field, outside the hotel. Winds whipped around before settling, carrying the dark fog away.
Pikachu supported himself on all fours, cringing from the recoil damage that tingled down his spine. His breaths were heavy, his fur dirtied with ash.
Infernape emerged, as well, hunched over on his hind legs. Red static clung to his fur before dying out. He'd taken quite a few marks of his own, from Pikachu's electricity.
"Awesome job!" Ash cheered. "You're both looking great."
"Nice one," Pikachu huffed, standing on his hind legs.
"Same to you," Infernape agreed.
"I think that's enough," Brock interjected, "they wouldn't want to be worn out, for your battle with Paul tomorrow."
"Yeah, you're right." Ash nodded. "Alright, guys, that's a wrap!"
"You're all in top shape, as is!" Dawn chimed in, smiling upon the group with her hands on her hips. "So, no need to worry!"
A rather loud rumble caught everyone's attention, drawing their eyes to Ash.
"…Whoops. Guess we lost track of time," Ash laughed, red in the face.
"There's no better clock than Ash's gut, I guess," Brock chuckled. "I should get started on dinner, soon. I'll give the gang a quick once-over to make sure they're healthy, before I get started."
"We're counting on you, Brocko! I'm getting famished, here."
"Didn't you just realize you were hungry?" Dawn quirked a brow at Ash.
The boy laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "You got me there."
Shaking his head at his trainer's antics, Pikachu dusted himself off. He felt rather sore, but the adrenaline of a coming showdown kept him on his feet.
"You guys ROCKED! And, that's coming from me!" Piplup chirped, walking up to Pikachu. "You're gonna lay that jerk out flat."
"I'm definitely gonna try!" Pikachu smiled, pumping a fist in the air. He was, admittedly, a little nervous… "But, you know how tough Paul is."
"Who cares how strong he is?" Hopping on her nimble feet with such grace that she was nearly silent, Buneary joined the group, stealthily hooking her arm up with Pikachu's.
The sudden contact made Pikachu startle, his ears pinning to the back of his head. "Buneary!?"
"You heard me. That Volt Tackle, just now?" The rabbit laughed, shaking her head. "You really think his pokemon are gonna get up, after that?"
Pikachu heard the distinct sound of snickering, and upon a quick survey of his friends, confirmed his fears. Buizel shook his head with a knowing smirk, Pachirisu was barely holding laughter back, and Piplup tutted at the scene. He felt his own face growing hot with embarrassment.
Here we go again.
"Yeah, well, you know…" Pikachu put on a polite smile. "Thanks, but my last battle with him…" He was doing his best to keep his cool – he really was.
It wasn't as if he disliked the attention she was giving him. He'd feel rude straight-up pulling away. Besides, her fluff against his side felt awfully soft-
'…wait, WHAT.'
He just particularly disliked the confusing thoughts it gave him, especially in mixed company. Like right now.
Buneary paused, staring at Pikachu with unsettling scrutiny.
What was she staring at? Did he have something on his face? That couldn't be it; he'd just battled, of course he'd be dirty. Was there something he was supposed to say, here!? Pikachu felt himself begin to sweat.
Buneary clicked her tongue, and raised a paw in the air. "The Pikachu I know doesn't bury his head in the past. He charges for victory!" She stopped short of actually nuzzling him, the way she used to, thankfully. If he had to guess, she'd figured out some of his boundaries.
Nope, she only continued to praise him endlessly in mixed company.
"…Right," he agreed. In all fairness, that was a good pep talk. He probably needed that, right now. "Right! That's what I'll do – what all of us are gonna do!"
His friends showed him mercy, and cheered in unison. "Yeah!"
"You just get your rest, hot-shot, so you're good and ready." Buneary winked, patting his head with her coiled-up ear.
"Y-yeah…" Pikachu dodged eye contact, feeling his face grow heated, again.
"Alright, Pikachu, it's your turn."
A sight for sore eyes had arrived – Brock! He crouched by the small crowd of pokemon. "Alright, Buneary. I know how you feel, but I'm going to have to borrow Pikachu from you." He gave the pokemon a knowing smirk.
"Sheesh, you don't gotta be blunt." Buneary pulled her fluff up to cover her face, probably sporting a blush, herself; if she was, she'd succeeded in hiding it. "See ya~!" Buneary hopped away, giving Pikachu his space.
Pikachu snorted, smiling at Buneary's sudden shift in behavior. "Yeah, see you!"
"I know, I know." Brock held Pikachu's paw, spraying his arm with a Max Potion. He gave no resistance to the breeder in training, well beyond comfortable with his close friend's care.
"Love is a fickle, confusing thing, that makes mice out of the mightiest of men."
Pikachu made a face, and Brock shifted uncomfortably. "Maybe not the best choice of words, sorry." Motioning for the electric type to turn around, he sprayed the burn mark on the back of his head. "At any rate, it's something you'll understand one day. Don't sweat it." Pulling back from his handiwork, Brock put his hands on his hips, satisfied. Pikachu looked good as new!
"And, if you ever need advice, I'll be happy to help!"
"I'll keep that in mind…" Pikachu deadpanned, forcing a polite smile.
"Is that sarcasm I hear?" Brock pouted. Of course, his track record wasn't great. Giving a good-natured smile, Brock moved on to check out the rest of the team.
Pikachu let out a drawn-out sigh. What a day…
The skies were a magnificent, vibrant orange, on the tail end of an eventful day. After a brief, tense encounter with Paul, the gang had settled down to eat. Ash, Dawn, and Brock sat amongst themselves, leaving the pokemon to socialize with one another.
Pikachu didn't seem to notice. His eyes were fixated on the bowl in front of him, staring blankly into the pile of chow.
"You feelin' alright, Pikachu?" Piplup asked, before swallowing a piece of pokechow. "You look like you've seen better days, man."
"Huh?" Pikachu looked to Piplup and shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. I've just got a lot on my mind."
"Lemme guess; the battle, or the girl?"
"Both, really. I-" A loud rumble interrupted Pikachu, and he blushed. Tending to his appetite, he began to eat. "…I really should be focusing on the battle, after all of our hard work. But, I can't shake off what happened earlier."
"You mean what happens all the time," Piplup corrected. "This isn't new, Pikachu."
"Yeah, you're right. I just… don't get her, really?"
Piplup squinted at Pikachu, his beak curving into a frown. "Please don't tell me you don't know."
"I mean, I know that she likes me. That's pretty hard to miss."
"Didn't you deny it for months?"
"Well, yeah, but that's because… I don't know. I don't get why she likes me so much. What in the world did I do?"
"Beats me. What does anyone do to get people to crush on them?" Piplup ate another morsel, and turned to Pikachu. "No, seriously, if you figure it out, I want to know." He still hadn't forgotten that Marril…
"I'll let you know." Pikachu rolled his eyes. "I just… I don't know, before, she was just… staring at me. I felt like… like there was something I should be saying, or doing? But, my mind was just blank."
"I guess that depends," Piplup replied. "Do you like her back? I can never get a read on you."
"I… I don't think so? I don't know." Pikachu huffed, rubbing behind his head. He looked across the loose circle of his companions, and spotted the rabbit in question. Oddly enough, she was far away from him, chatting with Pachirisu and Cyndaquil.
She looked up from her conversation, and made eye contact. Even from a distance, her face visibly lit up.
Panicking, Pikachu forced a smile, and waved.
Buneary covered her face with her fluff.
"See what I mean?"
"Well, if you don't know… I don't know, maybe just try it?"
"Try what?"
"I… I don't know! Try what Buneary does! Maybe, then, you'll understand her!"
"Like, the flirting? The compliments? All of that?" Pikachu gawked, spreading his arms out in emphasis. "You want me to do THAT!?"
"Hey, it's as good an idea as any," Piplup shrugged. "If this is bugging you, it's gotta be driving her crazy."
That deduction gave Pikachu a terrible cold, sinking feeling. "You've got a point… I guess I could try? But, I don't know how to act like that!"
"Just copy her! I'm telling you, Pikachu, it's a fool-proof plan, endorsed by your man, Piplup, himself!" Piplup boasted, slapping his flipper against his chest.
Pikachu tilted his head. "Didn't you just come up with that, off the cuff?"
"I'm just that good," Piplup replied. "But, hey."
Pikachu looked to his close friend. "What's up?"
"Whatever you do… don't hurt her."
"Huh?" Pikachu flinched. "Of course I wouldn't-"
"I mean it," Piplup interrupted, stern as a high-pitched Piplup could be. "We may be best friends, but she's my teammate." Piplup leaned forward, well into Pikachu's personal space. "Be good with her, got it?"
"Of course!" Pikachu hung his head. "As if this wasn't enough pressure…"
"Hey, hey. You'll be fine." Piplup pat Pikachu's shoulder. "Everyone'll probably wander after dinner, and you can talk to her, then!"
Pikachu nodded. "But, what about everyone else?"
"I'll distract them," Piplup slapped his wing to his chest, once more. "Leave that to me!"
Dinner had come and gone, with anticipation ever-building for the battle between Ash and Paul. Ash's team had stuffed their faces, and Pikachu was no exception. They had to be energized for the big day.
Before that could be his focus, though, he had a mission.
The pokemon had scattered across the grassy fields surrounding the Pokemon Center, exchanging pep talks, boasts, and advice, among other things. Everyone seemed to be preoccupied…
But, where was she?
Pikachu wandered the grounds, not minding the cool sensation of grass beneath his feet.
"Hey, Pikachu! We're counting on you to lead the charge, tomorrow." Staraptor squawked, raising a wing to Pikachu.
Pikachu smiled, raising a fist. "You can count on me!" Scanning the small crowd, he spotted Infernape. "But, I won't be the only big hitter, on the team." He winked at the fire type.
Infernape seemed to notice, and gave a soft smile.
"He obviously means me," Buizel boasted.
"You? Feh. Appreciate it, Pikachu!" Torterra spoke. "I won't let you down!"
Oh, these guys. As silly as they sounded, their morale was good. Pikachu wouldn't dare damage it, he decided, and kept walking.
A row of ornate shrubbery lined the perimeter of the property. From a quick glance, berries decorated it scarcely; most likely left as a gift for trainers and pokemon who were competing. Judging by a sniff of the air, they smelled tasty.
Apparently, Pikachu wasn't the only one who thought so. Almost past the corner of the center, Buneary sat in front of the bushes, facing away from the group.
With a deep breath, Pikachu prepared himself, and walked over. "Hey, Buneary!"
The rabbit's ears perked up, and she looked over her shoulder. She smiled widely at the sight of her crush. "Oh, hey, Pikachu!" The sunset highlighted the pink tint in her brown fur; if she'd blushed upon his arrival, he wasn't really able to tell.
Glancing about, Pikachu panicked; how had he come this far without picking a place to start!? He really was terrible at this.
…Of course. The bushes! "Checking the berries out?" He asked, making small talk. "We just had dinner."
"I'm not hungry," she shook her head, standing up to face him. "I just liked their smell. What's life if you don't stop to smell the roses? Or, berries in this case, I guess." Buneary laughed weakly at her own joke. "Sorry, that was bad."
"Only a little," Pikachu chuckled. Right. She did tend to enjoy the smell of flowers and what-not, didn't she? He vaguely remembered that.
"I thought you'd be over with your teammates? You've gotta be sure you're pumped for tomorrow, don't ya?"
Pikachu shook his head. "I've been in a couple leagues, now; it's a big deal, but I'm not too shook up." That was an honest answer, and this conversation was pleasant enough… but, he had to remember why he was here. "I thought I'd rather spend some time with you."
"O-oh!" Buneary startled, pulling her fluff over her face. That'd clearly caught her off-guard! "…That's fine by me~ I trust your battle instincts." Shimmying his way, she reached for one of the bushes, yanking off a pink berry, nearly heart-shaped. Pikachu forgot the name of it, probably due to its rarity, but he'd seen it before.
"Check this out, then!" Buneary savored the fruit's scent, and offered it to Pikachu. "Smells nice, doesn't it?"
Pikachu gratefully accepted, getting a closer look. It certainly smelled sweet, but it was too intense to just be that. There was a bit of intensity to it, like it could also be sour, or spicy…
Come to think of it, that reminded him of someone. As Pikachu was about to bite into it, to treat himself to dessert, he had a thought. "It does," he agreed. "But, I think you smell a lot nicer."
He dropped the berry to slap his paws over his mouth.
What had he just come out with!?
"H-huh!?" Buneary whirled around, gawking at Pikachu. "Pardon?"
"I- uh…" Pikachu really envied Buneary; he'd love to be able to hide himself in fluff, right now. Of all the things he could've said… "Sorry, uh… I meant, uh… what I meant to say was that you… you're sweet, just like that berry! Hahaha…" Pikachu rubbed the back of his head. He was trying to play this off cool, but his face was hot with shame.
"Oh…!" Buneary seemed to ease, still gripping her fluff. She didn't cover herself, this time, though. A big, bashful smile was on display. "Well, if you say so~ you're so sweet."
"Well, you know…" What a close call. He'd gone and humiliated himself, tying his tongue in knots. He was just glad that she'd accepted his recovery.
Surely, because he didn't want to look like a fool.
That was why his heart was pounding.
Silence hung between the two, like an unwelcome third party wedged between them. Pikachu was sure he wasn't the only one feeling it, judging by Buneary kicking lightly at the grass.
"So, uh… how you feeling about tomorrow? All pumped up for the big fight?"
"Sure am," Pikachu chirped. "We're gonna show Paul what we're really made of." He blinked, then. A light bulb had gone off in his head.
He shuffled sideways towards Buneary, leaning his weight against her. "I think I'd do even better, with you cheering me on, though!"
"P-Pikachu!?" Buneary squealed. Her cracking voice was evidence that she couldn't believe her eyes or ears. "Gosh, I… I'd love to!" She made no move to reject his advances, and instead, swooned. Leaning into his cheek, she offered the full embrace of her soft fur. "I'd love to, but Dawn was only planning on having Piplup cheer…"
Buneary pretended to look mad with her pout, Pikachu noted, but a smile was still breaking through at the corners of her lips. Honestly, that was awfully cute. Were his moves really going that well!?
'Arceus, I think it's working… This is so embarrassing, but…'
"Oh, well." Pikachu took a deep breath, and went the extra mile, nuzzling into her cheek. This was so, so weird. This was what Buneary did, though, right? "The battle can wait," he cooed, sweating bullets, despite the smile on his face. "I'm just glad I get to spend this time with you, haha!"
"My… my gosh!" Fluff-tipped ears extended to full height with a squeal. Buneary clutched her cheeks – she wasn't dreaming, right!? "Pikachu… this is… this is so sudden!" Smiling from cheek to cheek, she averted eye contact, kicking at the grass below her feet. "Not that I'm complaining… at all~" Without further ado, she pulled Pikachu into a tight hug.
"Well, you know…" Pikachu forced a wide smile, crossing his paws over his torso. From his own perspective, she'd died and gone to heaven. Was he playing this right? His face was hot, and he was still sweating; more than he'd like to. Buneary was happy as could be, which was nice…
Very nice, in fact. It warmed his heart in a distinctly different way than his ever-rising discomfort could.
"I am curious… where'd this come from? Getting this mushy ain't like you." Buneary tilted her head, one ear rolling back to hang just over her head, as it usually did. Now, she'd met his eyes.
"I guess not," Pikachu squeaked. Arceus, she had a point. One that made the warmth in his heart sink like a rock.
This wasn't like him at all.
Looking Buneary in the face, he suddenly felt awfully odd. Was he… lying to her?
"Huh? I'm not following." Buneary righted her posture, the magic in her eyes switching over to a look of skepticism. "Are you feeling okay, Pikachu?"
"I… yeah! I think… I mean, I'm feeling just fine!"
"You're a lot of great things, Pikachu, but you're not a very good liar." Buneary pulled back from the embrace, looking him up and down. As if she was studying him, looking for clues.
"No, I'm not…!" His mouth suddenly felt awfully dry. "It's just… I just thought I'd try…"
"Try what?" She squinted. Why did she have to be looking at him so hard?
The rabbit's eyes grew wide. "Pikachu, you wouldn't play with a lady's heart… I know that's not the kind of guy you are… right?"
Either he'd just used Minimize, or Buneary was making him feel awfully small. "N-no, I'd never!"
"I hope not, 'cause let me tell you something – I may like ya – a whole lot. But, I ain't a pushover." Her words were strong, but Pikachu wasn't blind – her breaths were heavy, and tears were building below her deep brown eyes.
Oh, crud.
"I'm not the kind of gal you can just 'try out!'" Buneary's mouth scrunched up, presumably from biting back tears. It was all he could guess, because she'd turned away from him. "If I'm right, you can get your jollies elsewhere."
Pikachu's ears fell to frame his face. No, he wasn't that kind of guy, right? He hadn't gone into this with any bad intentions. Certainly not to manipulate his friend-
Though, this whole thing had been a bit facetious, hadn't it?
'…I didn't play her. I'd never do that!'
But, he had lied to her. He didn't feel those things… did he?
"N-no, you have it all wrong, Buneary!" He asserted, waving his arms, as if she could see him doing so.. "I've been acting weird, I know… but, you don't understand – it was all Piplup's idea-"
"Piplup's idea?" Buneary had started to walk away from the scene. With her echo of Pikachu's words, she slowed to a halt. "I should've known." She turned around, wiping her eyes gingerly with her paws. A faint residual drop of tears trailed her cheek, still, though. "Alright, then."
Pikachu flinched. Her pained expression made him feel like dirt. "Then, what?"
"What's going on?" Buneary wiped away the remainder of her sadness, though, and in all of her mercy, waited patiently for an answer. "Be straight with me, this time."
"…Alright." Pikachu inhaled, and exhaled heavily. "I wanted to understand your feelings… the way you always act with me. It's just… confusing!" He gestured wildly, trying to do express with motion what his words couldn't. "So, his – our idea was to act the way you do… so, maybe then, I'd get it."
"That's all it was, then?" Buneary's posture eased. Her guard had seemed to drop, but there was nary a hint of a smile on her usually sunny face. "You know, it feels awfully silly to be taken for a ride, like that. But… I'm sorry for accusing you of all that junk. I should've known it was more complicated than that."
"No, I'm sorry!" Pikachu shook his head wildly. "It's my fault you got that impression… I'm really sorry."
"You really need to get better at expressing your feelings… you're an amazing guy, but you threw me for a loop."
"Yeah, I deserve that." Pikachu rubbed the back of his head. She could've said worse. He deserved worse, but he was grateful. He dispelled that thought with a huff, and held out a paw. "We're cool, then?"
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Buneary smiled, and she gave his paw a firm shake. "Cool as ice."
Pikachu laughed. Her corny sense of humor had made a welcome return.
The faint sound of rustling grass caught his attention. Ears perking, Pikachu whirled around. He hadn't been alone, clearly, as Buneary held her ears alert.
It didn't repeat. The two shrugged and left the matter be.
"I thought something was off… that was awfully hammy of you. You don't praise like that." Buneary fidgeted with her paws. "But, I gotta ask."
Pikachu tilted his head. "What's up?"
"Was any of it true?"
"Was any- oh!" Pikachu stopped before he made more of an ass of himself. "I, well… you're right – I don't act like that. I was goofing it up a lot… but, I… I don't know. Some of it, like… if I'd put it another way… ugh." He groaned.
Why was speaking his mind so difficult on these matters? He was beginning to understand why Ash never bothered with them.
He felt warmth on his shoulder, then. It was Buneary's paw. "You're a mess, hun. It sounds like this is a lot… why don't you stay focused on tomorrow's battle?"
"Huh? I mean, I guess… but, I'd hate to leave you without an answer." Pikachu frowned.
"It sounds like this ain't something you're gonna work out in one night. I'd rather see you succeed tomorrow than fuss, now. We can talk about it, some other time?"
"…If you're sure." Gosh, did Pikachu feel guilty. It was bittersweet, this time, though. Buneary was so sweet. He couldn't resist pulling her into a tight hug. "Thanks, Buneary. That means a lot."
To his surprise, the embrace was accepted. His head was coddled by one of her fluffy ears, gently stroking it.
This time, he'd been genuine. Evidently, she'd felt that.
"Anytime, Pikachu. You know I'm here for you." Buneary pulled away, standing upright. A mischievous gleam appeared in her eye, and her wide, sudden smile reflected it. "And, hey. If you were that curious about me…"
Pikachu felt his own face heat up.
Somewhere deep down, he'd really enjoyed his time with her, tonight.
He hated that knowing look, calling him out.
He also liked it a lot.
"Maybe I'll be curious again, soon." Pikachu smiled, kicking absently at the grass. It was about time he'd met her halfway.
"Feel free," she cooed. "But, hey, maybe you oughta head back, first. You know how they talk."
Pikachu shuddered at the thought. "Yeah, good point… not that I'm embarrassed-!"
Buneary shook her head. "I getcha. You're private with your feelings, aren't cha?" Still looking smug, the rabbit winked.
"Ahaha… let's go with that." Feeling bold, Pikachu winked back.
He felt like a goof, doing it. But, it was genuine.
Buneary covered her face with her fluff, and he took that as his cue to round the corner. Now, he'd just settle into the group like nothing had happened-
Pikachu came to a sudden halt. Why did the whole group have their eyes on him…?
"Oh, hey, everyone!" Pikachu managed a nervous laugh. "What'd I miss?"
A collection of smirks, cracking smiles, and dodging eye contact sent a chill down Pikachu's spine. This did not bode well for him.
"Just a whole lot of second-hand embarrassment," Mamoswine grunted.
"Oh, no kidding?" Pikachu forced a terribly fake grin onto his face. "Was it Ash? Or Brock?"
"For shame," Torterra tutted. "Throwing your own trainer under the bus, too?"
"Haven't ya done that enough for one day? Humph!" Piplup huffed, poking Pikachu squarely in the chest.
Shoot. Busted. "I… don't know what you mean, buddy!" Pikachu stammered, persevering with his dishonest grin.
"It was all Piplup's idea," Piplup parroted. "I never agreed to take the rap for that!"
"It worked, though, you have to give him that," Staraptor chimed in.
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," Pikachu assured. "…Wait a second. You were supposed to keep everyone distracted!" He pointed an accusatory paw at Piplup.
"I tried!" Piplup huffed.
"You're not exactly subtle," Togekiss gently reminded.
"Yeah! You're a crummy liar," Cyndaquil chirped.
"Shut it, pipsqueak!" Piplup squawked.
"Make me, birdbrain!"
"So, the Meowth's out of the bag… how embarrassing." Pikachu hung his head.
"I don't know what was worse," Buizel chuckled, "watching you squirm out of that mess, or getting yourself into it."
"I'ddoevenbetter, with you cheerin' me on~!" Pachirisu chattered mockingly, nuzzling into Pikachu's side.
"Easy," Pikachu frowned, gently pushing Pachirisu out of his personal space. Sheesh, that was uncomfortable when she did that. "I wasn't that bad."
"Nah," Infernape replied, "you were worse."
"You too, Infernape!?" Pikachu blurted out, feeling the sting of betrayal.
"At least you didn't screw it up any worse," Piplup shrugged. "I was ready to hit you with a Hydro Pump for a minute, there."
"I'd deserve it," Pikachu admitted. "Can we drop it, then, please? All's well that ends well, right?"
"Lucky for you," Buizel replied, "I'm a lot more interested in the battle, tomorrow."
"A battle you're all gonna win!" Buneary hopped over from around the corner. "So, let's get pumped!"
"You said it!" Infernape roared, pumping a fist in the air.
"So, Piplup," Buneary addressed, approaching the penguin. "You're on cheer duty tomorrow, so ya better cheer your heart out for the both of us!"
"Duh!" Piplup rested his wings on his hips. "But, if you got anything special to say to Pikachu, you're on your own." He shot a smirk at his best friend.
"Hey, come on," Pikachu pouted.
"Hehe~ No problem." Turning her attention to Pikachu, she winked.
Suddenly feeling bashful, the mouse smiled in return. "Fine with me." Holding out his paw between the two, he chanted, "to victory!"
"To victory," Buneary echoed, placing her paw atop Pikachu's.
"To victory!" Piplup put his wing in last.
"Yeah!" Pikachu shouted to the stars, throwing his paw to the air in sync with his friends.
All in all, Pikachu thought, surrounded by his friends and allies, on the eve of a long-awaited fight, this night hadn't been so bad.
At the end of the conference, he'd have another confusing, gut-twisting challenge ahead of him. Until then, he'd keep his eyes on their victory star, shining brightly above.