Hey! Sorry my first chapter is so short! As an apology, you will get another chapter for the low, low price of one day! Also, even though I only got one review and a few favorites and follows, I am very grateful. Thank you and enjoy my story. But first...

I do not own Pokémon or the Shinx in the story, they belong to Nintendo.

Chapter 2: Realization and Safety

A Shinx. A SHINX! I could not believe my eyes. I shook my head and looked again; the small lynx-like Pokémon was still crouched in front of me staring back into my eyes, but with sadness instead of shock. It was still whimpering and shivering. I noticed that its fur was soaked and it had mud on its four paws. I crouched down and offered my hand, showing that I meant no harm. The Shinx looked at my outstretched hand and then back into my eyes. It started to back away until another flash of light filled the sky. Then came the thunder.

"Shiii!"

The Shinx, now terrified by the sound, leapt into my coat covered arms for a want of safety. I looked at the Pokémon and saw that it was crying.

"Shh, it's okay. You're alright. Let's go inside. What do you think?" The Shinx was surprised to hear my voice; it calmed down slightly but not enough to stop crying. It looked up at me and nodded. With the Shinx still in my arms, I carried it into my family's home to get out of the rain. Luckily, the power had come back on, restoring the lights so we could see. What I saw was that the Shinx was covered in mud.

"Hey, how about a nice warm bath for you?"

"Shinx!" It look back at me with an expecting look in its eyes. It seemed to be overjoyed upon hearing the words, "nice warm bath."

Giving the Shinx a bath was actually easy; it was also very calming for the Shinx. It listened to what I said and was quite pleased with getting clean. After finishing the bath, I wrapped it with a fluffy, white, towel to dry it off. I then noticed that the Shinx was yawning and its eyes were drooping; it must have been tired. I carried the Shinx, still wrapped in the towel, into the living room to sit on the couch. At 11:00, I got a text on my phone from my dad.

'Hey, we won't be back until about 2:00. Can you handle the night without us?'

'Yeah, I can handle it. By the way, I have a surprise, but I can't explain it until you get home. You will have to trust me. And don't freak out.'

'Okay, I trust you.'

'Thanks.'

I looked down to notice the small Shinx was asleep in my arms. I decided that it was about time for me to sleep as well. I carried the Shinx with me to my room and placed it on a spare pillow on my bed. I laid down in my bed with the Shinx at the same level as my head. I closed my eyes just after catching sight of the Shinx smiling and inching closer to me.