The little creature woke up. The first thing he noticed was that it was being carried in a basket, although he did feel warm and comfortable in it. Then he felt that he recognized this path and this road. Then he realized someone was humming and took a little peak outside. He was being carried by a human girl that looked vaguely familiar. She set the basket down by a rock and sat down by the river.
Lilly pulled out a couple of bottles and filled them with water for the trip home. She knew it was connected to a freshwater spring, so it was safe for drinking. She then placed them into a pocket of her backpack.
The creature's ears twitched as he listened to her song. She checked her supplies, making sure she had some Pokémon food on hand. Then, she looked at the basket. The creature ducked back into it. "Oh." Lilly realized he was awake.
She carefully approached it, trying not to scare him off. "It's okay. You're safe." Lilly told it. "Do you remember what happened? You were caught in a thorn bush. Officer Jenny and I did everything we could to rescue you." The creature tilted his head, as if trying to determine if she was telling the truth. "Can you walk or…" It crawled out of the basket, then tripped over one of its hind feet.
"Are you alright?" It looked embarrassed and a little scared. Lilly got an idea. "After what you've been through, you're probably hungry, right?" She opened a can of Pokémon food with a lot of effort. Then she poured some of it into an empty bowl. The Pokémon walked up to it and began munching on it. He smiled at Lilly, appreciating it.
"You're welcome." Lilly said. She sat down nearby. When he was finished, he walked over to her. "You know, it's a good thing I managed to help. We may not have gotten you out of those thorns."
"Pi?" He seemed to be looking for something or someone.
"Did you get separated from your…" Lilly paused, trying to think of the right term to use. "Did you get separated from your partner?" She finally settled on.
"Pika." He sounded sad. She felt guilty for making him feel that way and knew she had to do something to help.
"Don't worry. As soon as you've fully recovered, I'll help you find them again." Lilly said. "Besides, my motto is when I make a promise, I keep a promise. You can trust me."
"Pika!" That cheered him up, as he leapt into Lilly's arms. "Pikachu."
"Anytime." Lilly looked at him. "You look kind of familiar. Do you mind if I look you up?" He indicated that he didn't mind. Lilly gently placed him down, then took out her Pokedex. "Okay, Pikachu, right?"
"Pika-chu." He confirmed.
"Okay, come on. We're headed to my place so you can rest better. Just promise you won't shock me."
"Pika!" Lilly quickly picked up her supplies, then picked him up and carried him in her arms as she walked toward home. Neither of them said anything for a while. "Well, since it looks like we're going to be spending some time together, we should probably get to know each other." She said when they were only a few blocks from her house. "My name is Lilly."
"Pika?" Lilly nodded slightly.
She paused, deciding to sit down on a rock. Pikachu sat next to her. "I have a brother, but he's away often. I really miss him sometimes. But, he knows what he wants at least, I admire that much. My Pokémon journey hasn't really started yet."
"Pika-Pika." Pikachu patted her on the arm, as though to let her know it was okay.
"You're right, I'll figure it out eventually." Lilly said. "Though I often worry about my mother being alone if I do go. I love her and all, but my brother and I are all she has." Lilly pulled a small picture out of her pocket. I wish you were here. Maybe you could help me. It was a picture of her and her whole family. Pikachu got a quick look at it.
"We should get going." Lilly said. "It's almost sundown and Mom worries if I get home late." Pikachu looked at her, wondering if she was okay. "I'm fine, Pikachu. But thanks for listening." She bent down slowly and hugged him, careful not to squeeze him too tightly. He jumped into her arms. Then, they headed the last few blocks to her house.
"Pika?" Lilly looked down. Pikachu looked concerned.
"Alright, maybe I'm not okay," She told him. "But I can't give up on believing that things will get better. Besides, right now, my priority is to make sure you stay safe until we can find your friend."
"Pikachu."
"We'll be at my house soon. Hopefully Mom will be okay with letting you spend the night."
