An idea I had in my mind. Decided to post this first part to see what people think. I'm not sure if people will like it or not but as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. This story has some foul language and violence as well as a physical transformation.
Rain, it seemed never ending. Kurt had been walking through the woods to get to the town where his older brother Jay lived. He was ill and Kurt wanted to see him. He could not afford a bus ticket, did not have a car, and thus had to take the long route.
Despite Jay's assurance that he was going to be fine, Kurt still wanted to see Jay. Jay had always defended Kurt against bullies when they were growing up. The fact that Jay was only three years older then Kurt allowed them to relate to one another without too much trouble. In Kurt's mind, nothing short of a meteor slamming into the Earth, alien invasion or supernova would stop him. That was what he thought before the rain started.
It had been raining for the past three days. Kurt's watch had stopped working two days ago when he tripped and fell in mud; his clothes were still dirty and stank of the mud. He sneezed as he pulled out his map (which itself was damp).
At the rate I'm going, I'll be the sicker one; what I wouldn't give for a hot shower and some coffee.
The weatherman had said there was only a twenty percent chance of rain over the next week. Eighty percent chance of sun and warm weather my ass. More like eighty percent chance of pissing me off.
Kurt was grateful that it was warm. If it weren't for the deciduous and coniferous foliage, Kurt would have sworn he was walking through a rainforest.
As Kurt walked by a bush and group of trees, puddles of water splashed under his shoes where the ground (perhaps shielded by a large tree) was still somewhat hard. He felt a tingle go through his body. It reminded him of how it felt when he'd stand close to a source of electricity.
He remembered a visit to the science centre when he was eight; he'd touched a ball that made his then shoulder length red hair stand on end. Kurt realized the memories of that science centre visit were fifteen years old.
Kurt's hair was now much shorter. He doubted his hair would be standing up any time soon. He scratched his itchy chin. He needed a shave.
When the tingling passed, Kurt assumed that an electric type was in the area. He wasn't aware of any Pikachu colonies in the area but knew that large groups congregating could cause storms.
Kurt had elected against becoming a trainer when he was younger. With a flying type, he could have made the trip in far less time. The folly of that decision was more evident then it had been in years.
At least I wouldn't have to be alone in the rain.
Finally, Kurt saw some good news. An outcropping of rocks was just ahead. Two were amber and the one was purple. In the center of them was a plaque. In the dark, it was hard to read but Kurt recognized it. It was a dedication to a person that studied a Pikachu colony. They'd since moved on and the person had vanished after giving their notes to a scientist. Some joked that the person became a Pikachu and joined the colony.
Kurt knew he was at most, a six-hour walk from Jay's hometown.
After walking for what felt like an hour, the rain seemed to be letting up. The clouds above the trees were parting, allowing sunlight to stream into the forest. Kurt may have complained in the past about the sun getting in his eyes but now, he welcomed the sight of it.
Enough water dripped down from soaked tree leaves that if it weren't for the sun, Kurt might had thought it was still raining.
As a yawn escaped Kurt's mouth, he heard splashing ahead. The sound of electricity discharging joined the splashing moments later.
Strange, I wonder what's happening.
When Kurt heard footfalls from the same general vicinity, he knew something was up. Kurt's direction left him with few alternatives other then encountering who and whatever was ahead.
The unmistakable sound of Pikachu or perhaps Pichu crying had Kurt gasping. He didn't need this! Kurt didn't want to have to watch a predator hunting prey. He'd feel obligated to help the prey even though he knew the predator was just doing its job.
Kurt heard another cry of pain and ran toward the source of it. What he saw was not just one or two but three predators of a different type. Three men each standing a fair bit taller then Kurt and dressed in the unmistakable outfits of Team Rocket were after a Pichu. The poor creature had its back up against a tree. It had a gash on its chest. The obvious terror it its eyes spoke volumes.
A Marowak was in the process of catching a bone.
Kurt gulped. Even one of those men was a match for Kurt if he chose to fight. What could be a high-level ground type verses a small and young electric type was a terrible mismatch. Kurt wished that real life were like a video game where he could save his progress to try different courses of action before settling on one.
"Who's that?" One of the Rockets asked.
"Get out of here," another Rocket said. "This is none of your concern."
"Why are you…"
The Rocket approached Kurt. Kurt only reached the man's chest.
"Are you deaf?"
Kurt tried to back up only for the Rocket to follow him. The other rockets laughed, brining back memories of groups of bullies picking on Kurt or some other unfortunate student. Kurt hated people like this. Often, there was no justice. Kurt was fighting shaking and his stomach was burning.
Kurt chanced a glance at the Pichu. It looked right into his eyes. There was no way Kurt was abandoning it. Unfortunately, Kurt was not a fighter by a long shot. Kurt didn't have much time to dwell on a memory of his friend Paul recommending self-defense classes when they were kids before an interruption in the form of the Rocket's fist connecting with Kurt's jaw.
Pain was something Kurt never liked. He had even less tolerance for blood. His jaw and lip were providing him with both as he fell to the muddy ground.
"I said get out of here," the Rocket said. "Do you have a problem with that?"
The Pichu cried out for help. It tried to use an electric attack against the Marowak only for it to deflect the blast with its bone. Kurt swore he heard the Pichu use a curse word.
Kurt tried to stand only for the Rocket to kick him in the ribs while the others advanced on the Pichu with poke balls in hand.
Rage formed within Kurt. Bullying him was one thing; the Pichu had no chance of defending itself.
A tingle ran through Kurt's body. It faded as fast as it came. Kurt felt the urge to imagine a bolt of energy flying from him into the Rocket standing before him.
Kurt's heart almost stopped when his imagining became reality. Before his shocked eyes, white energy flew from his face and struck the rocket in the chest, sending him flying onto his back. What had just happened was impossible. Only electric type pokemon could use electric attacks as far as Kurt knew.
Blinking his eyes, Kurt arose.
"What the – hell?" Kurt said.
The other two rockets turned in Kurt's direction.
"You got him!" The Pichu said.
Wait a second, how did I understand it – her?
"How did you do that?" One of the Rockets asked.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to – it just happened," Kurt said.
Kurt chanced a look at the rocket he'd apparently used an electric attack against. A large scorch mark adorned his shirt and he wasn't moving. Kurt wasn't sure if the man was dead or alive.
Desperate to see a Pikachu or Raichu as the source of the attack, Kurt averted his gaze on the other rockets for a moment. There were no Pikachu or Raichu present.
The sensation of something slamming into Kurt had him cursing at his foolishness as he fell to the ground.
Stupid – stupid – stupid; you should never lose sight of your opponent!
Kurt was dazed but determined to protect the Pichu. He felt another tingle pass through his body. The rockets seemed upset by something. Kurt on the other hand, felt exhilarated; whatever was happening to him seemed to be a good thing.
"Get 'em already," one of the Rockets said.
The Marowak stepped closer to Kurt.
"I don't know what are you but she's mine," the Marowak said. "I suggest you leave before I really hurt you."
"Don't threaten him, take him down," the rocket commanding the Marowak said. "If we capture him, the boss will reward us well!"
The idea of capture terrified Kurt. Aside from not wanting to be in captivity, he had obligations. Knowing these people could take Kurt somewhere he'd never see his family or friends again sent Kurt's survival instinct into high gear. He doubted he could fight, but he knew he could still run.
Kurt felt the hair on his arms and face stand on edge. Strange, I need a shave but I've never been hairy enough for…
Another mysterious bolt of electricity flew from Kurt toward the Marowak. Unfortunately, fighting a ground type with electricity was like putting out an inferno with an eyedropper. The Marowak was able to use its bone as a shield.
Kurt ran toward the Pichu, picked her up and ran back in the direction he was headed.
"Let's get out of here," Kurt said.
Kurt didn't get far before he felt something hit him in the back. Both he and the Pichu fell to the ground. Dazed, Kurt turned around to see the Marowak standing before him.
"Nice try," the Marowak said.
Desperate, Kurt looked around and saw a bush behind and to the left of the Marowak. It was a long shot but Kurt had little choice. He charged at the Marowak, executing a quick attack without realizing it. He hit the Marowak, knocking it into the bush.
Another bolt of electricity flew from Kurt's cheeks, striking the Marowak as it stood up. This time, Kurt was lucky and managed to daze the creature enough that another tackle knocked it out.
"Well done freak," the Rocket said. He recalled the Marowak and grinned at Kurt. "I guess I'll have to take care of this myself."
The Rocket bolted for the Pichu. A third tingle went through Kurt. He felt something tugging at the base of his spine. Another flash of electricity and the rocket was lying on the ground.
"Stop it! I don't want to hurt them!" Kurt cried.
The Pichu, having been hiding, hoped over to Kurt, looked at the Rocket and smiled. Kurt's heart was racing and he was breathing deeply.
"You saved me, thank you," The Pichu said. "But, how did you become a Pikachu that looks like a human?"
A tingle went down Kurt's spine. Kurt saw his hands. Yellow fur now covered them with small black claws at the tips. Gulping, Kurt removed his backpack before throwing his jacket off only to see yellow fur on his lower arms. He removed his shirt to see the same yellow fur on the rest of his torso. He could still make out some features of his chest but the fur was unmistakable.
"What the hell?"
"You didn't know?"
"No! How did this happen?" Kurt asked.
Kurt needed to sit down to think about this. He sat down on a nearby rock. When he did so, he felt something touch something else behind him. It felt like grass but it didn't seem to be touching his rear end.
Oh boy.
Kurt didn't want to look behind him; he wanted to stay in denial for just a little longer. The small jolt of electricity that preceded the Pichu touching her tail to the tail Kurt didn't want to acknowledge he now had forced Kurt to curtail his denial.
"See, you have a tail!"
"Yes but…"
The Pichu leapt onto Kurt's knee. He stroked her head. Kurt felt a definite connection to her. He had to protect her!
"Where were you going? Can I come with you?" she asked.
"I was going to see my brother, he's sick," Kurt said. "But, I can't go there looking like this!"
"Why not," she asked.
"I don't think there are any – whatever you want to call me now out there," Kurt said.
Kurt touched his face, feeling small discharges of electricity when he felt his cheeks. He picked the Pichu up and stood. A gaze at the fallen rocket had Kurt realizing the Rocket was still alive. Kurt couldn't leave her there.
Better to get there as a freak then not at all.
"Do you have a name?" Kurt asked.
She shook her head.
"Well, if you're okay with it, you can come with me," Kurt said. He looked at the Rockets. "When he wakes up, he's going to be after both of us. I won't let them hurt you."
Kurt put his wet shirt in his backpack before donning his backpack. He allowed the Pichu to sit on his right shoulder, though he felt weary as something could still grab her. Kurt knew he'd have to be vigilant. This was the first time in his life he'd ever had to care for something so young. Somehow, becoming a Pikachu man was less intimidating then being what could amount to a father. His body shape was still human but caring for a young one was a new experience.
"I can come with you?"
"Unless you have somewhere to go," Kurt said.
Kurt wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer to that. A tragic tale would do little to raise his spirit.
"No, I don't," the Pichu said. "I wanted to explore the world on my own. I didn't know the world was so scary. Please, let me go with you!"
"All right but first you need a name," Kurt said. "I'd suggest Jolt but I think that's taken. How about…"
The sound of something approaching Kurt from behind and cocking a gun ended Kurt's speech. It was the final Rocket. Kurt realized with horror that he'd forgotten about the third Rocket.
"How about you surrender the rat and yourself," the Rocket said. "The boss will pay an excellent bounty for you."
"You can't be serious!" Kurt said.
The Rocket grinned. "I assure you that I am. You're just lucky that I only have a water and flying type."
"Why are you doing this?" Kurt asked. "Do you enjoy kidnapping innocent creatures and taking them from their lives and families?"
A rage was building in Kurt. He felt his cheeks sparking with intensity that increased with his anger.
"Don't make me kill you or it," The Rocket said.
"What's he going to do to us?" The Pichu asked.
"Don't worry; I'll get us out of this."
"Even if you do, we'll find you. I doubt a freak can hide for long…"
Kurt felt fear unlike anything he'd felt before. He didn't want to die but he also didn't want to surrender. His new form could force him to go into hiding. Kurt wondered if he'd get worse and would wake up as a full Pikachu the next day.
He felt helplessness to not just the force that had changed him but also the Rocket. If something in nature had changed Kurt, it was one thing. Nature was a thing, neither malevolent nor benevolent. The Rockets however knew what they were doing.
Kurt felt rage over the idea of an organization dedicated to the adduction and exploitation of others.
"Run, I'll distract him," Kurt said.
"Wrong answer," the Rocket said.
Just as the Rocket was about to fire his gun, the Pichu jumped off Kurt's shoulder and ran at the Rocket. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as Kurt saw the Rocket take aim at the Pichu. Kurt ran toward the Rocket, tackling him. The impact seemed to hurt Kurt more then the Rocket as it knocked Kurt onto his rear end with a painful sensation from his tail.
The Pichu biting the Rocket on the right ankle had him shaking her off, which caused him to slip on mud, sending him falling back and against a tree, causing water from the leaves to fall. Unfortunately, the Rocket chose that moment to fire his gun. A sharp pain went through Kurt's right shoulder.
Almost by accident, Kurt released all of his rage induced pent up electricity directly into the Rocket. That combined with the water from the tree had arcs of electricity flying all over the Rocket as his body convulsed for several seconds.
Kurt ran over to the Rocket. Kurt didn't need a medical license to realize that the Rocket was dead. Kurt's body went cold. His mind reeled and he vomited three times from both the pain of his wound and at the magnitude of what he'd done.
"What have I done?" Kurt cried. He stumbled back and fell onto his rear end as he struggled to breathe. "He's dead because of – I killed him! I didn't mean to – oh god."
Kurt sat up and buried his head in his knees as he wept for he wasn't sure how long. The Pichu drew Kurt out of it.
"He was going to kill us," the Pichu said. "You're bleeding, he hurt you!"
Indeed, Kurt was in a lot of pain. He fought passing out from it even though unconsciousness would in Kurt's mind, free him from the pain and guilt.
"I know but there must have been another way…"
Kurt knew it was not only self-defense but also an accident. That didn't make it easier.
"How can I show my face anywhere…"
"If he killed us, he'd hurt other people after!"
Kurt sighed. "You're right but – oh God, he's dead!"
"But he hurt you!"
"I know but maybe I deserve to be for what I did," Kurt said. "When we get to town, I should surrender to the police."
"Please, don't leave me alone," the Pichu said. "He made you do that!"
"I – I guess. We need to get out of here. You're still hurt. They can help you!"
"You too!"
Kurt sighed. Allowing himself to suffer wouldn't bring the Rocket back to life. For a brief moment, he hated the Rockets for forcing this guilt on him. A part of Kurt wished he could die so he wouldn't have to feel this way. However, Kurt wasn't willing to abandon his family or the Pichu.
"Maybe I deserve to look like this," Kurt said. "After what I did…"
"Stop it!" the Pichu said as she began to cry. "It wasn't your fault!"
Kurt considered that the other rockets would want revenge. Killing them before they woke up was not an option in Kurt's mind. Kurt tried to think of something else to get his mind off the emotional and physical pain he was suffering.
"How does the name Yannai sound? I knew someone with that name in school."
The Pichu sobbed but stopped crying. She nodded. "Yannai, Okay."
"Come on Yannai, let's get out of here," Kurt said. "I need to get you to a Pokemon centre. I don't know if I should go there or to a hospital."
Kurt stood up but had to drop his backpack because of his shoulder wound. He decided to carry it in his left hand. Yannai climbed up Kurt and sat on his left shoulder before Kurt took one last look at the Rocket, held back tears, sighed and began walking toward his brother's hometown.
While Kurt had rescued Yannai, he told himself that if he were a trainer, he'd have still been here to save her. Regret over not becoming a trainer was surfacing enough that Kurt wasn't sure he'd be able to hold it in for long.
Kurt could only hope that things would improve; he didn't want to think about ways things could get worse.