A loud roar woke Natsumi early the next morning. The roar was followed by screaming. Natsumi leapt to her feet and raced to the cafeteria, Kyoko hot on her heels. The Pokémon she had helped in the forest clearing was standing in the middle of the cafeteria, clearly upset. It roared again, and sent tables flying across the room.
Natsumi stepped forwards slowly, hands out.
"Shhh, it's okay. You're safe. It's okay, you're safe."
"Oh my. Is that what I think it is?"
Natsumi turned to face Professor Elm.
"What is it Professor?"
"That, my dear Natsumi, is Raikou, a legendary Pokémon. But why is it here?"
"I found it injured in Haru Forest, so I brought it here."
Professor Elm smiled. "Is that why your arm is bandaged?"
Natsumi nodded, and slowly walked towards Raikou.
"Shhh, you're safe now. It's okay, you're safe."
Raikou turned to Natsumi, calmer. It began to relax a little, listening to her voice. Slowly she led Raikou outside, but people saw it and began to scream again.
"I'm sorry Raikou."
Natsumi called Raikou back into its Pokeball. She sprinted home as fast as she could, Kyoko on her heels.
"I'm home!" she called as she walked through the front door.
"Natsumi! How are you? How are the Pokémon?"
"They're all healthy mum. I'm fine. I'm just going to go release them."
"Okay sweetie. Say goodbye for me!"
"I will!"
Natsumi and Kyoko headed to Haru Forest, Natsumi carrying the pouch containing with the Pokeballs containing the Pokémon they'd taken to the Pokémon Center. Natsumi and Kyoko reached the forest quickly, eager to free the Pokémon.
"Come on out everyone."
Natsumi released the Pokémon from their Pokeballs.
"You're all free to go."
The Sentret, Spearow and Pidgey all nodded once before leaving. The Hoppip, Caterpie and Butterfree all hung around a while before leaving. The Pikachu and Nidoran butted their heads against Natsumi's hands in thanks before dashing away.
"Raikou? Aren't you going?"
Raikou lay down beside Natsumi and yawned.
"Are you staying?"
It opened one eye and sighed lazily.
"Are you sure?"
Natsumi stood and left, expecting the Raikou to stay behind. She was surprised when it butted its head against her side. She turned to face it, and gasped when it crouched, offering her its back.
"Are you sure you're alright? I don't want to hurt you."
The Raikou whined slightly and waited patiently. Natsumi grinned.
"Alright, fine. You win."
She climbed onto the Raikou's back and held on. Kyoko leapt up and joined her, afraid of being left behind. Raikou took off, and Natsumi whooped, loving the feeling. It was almost as if she was flying. They raced around the countryside until it was time to go home.
"Welcome to the family Raikou."