Regular text- Talking
Italics- Thoughts/thinking
Karp-Karp playfully nudges a puppy. The puppy barks and plays chase with him. Two more puppies join the chase. Karp-Karp laughs, having a good time with his friends. "Run, run, run. You can't catch me."
An elderly lady who owns the dog watches them from a bench, enjoying watching her puppies getting some exercise.
It has been a year, and much of it was pretty much the same. Hinata training and being tutored, Karp-Karp exploring the compound for adventures, and play time with Hanabi.
The clansman didn't know what to make of the animal at first. Its name is just noises that his vocal cords can produce. The heiress having a koi fish pond is one thing. A rare fish following her like a puppy is bizarre.
Most assumed at first that the pet was supposed to be a snide remark about Hinata's clan status. The elders don't approve of her shy personality and believe her incapable being a good heiress.
However, the clan head approved of the pet, not the elders. The clan noticed that Hinata taking responsibility caring for the pet helped her in her mourning. She is much happier and her performance in training is back to the point before her mother died.
They believe that Hiashi's reasons for allowing it was to indirectly help Hinata's mourning, teach her responsibility, and get her training at an acceptable pace sooner. The few woman of the clan who like Hinata can't interfere in her life for political reasons.
The biggest reason that disproves of the 'inadequate heiress insult' theory is Hinata's training schedule is still the same. Hinata has done a pretty good job training the fish to be self-reliant. It doesn't need as much maintenance like a dog like many believed, based on its needy behavior in the beginning. Set aside a bowl of fruit, a source of water, and a grassy garden and it's all set.
The clan finally got their head wrapped around the fish on land thing. There were a few panic attacks in the beginning, believing the pet would die breathing in air too long.
Witnessing him on land for hours without running to the pond got them used to him. They believe he's one of those animals that can walk on land and breathe in water. They're not animal experts, so that's what they came up with. It's not like they're going to walk up to a civilian scientist and ask.
The Hyuuga clan will willingly give power over them to anyone outside the clan, especially civilians. They're unwilling to admit they don't want to be seen as unknowledgeable of the clan heiress' pet. It would be embarrassing to admit they don't know anything about it.
A tired Hinata greets the elder. "Hello Kana. Thank you for letting your puppies play with Karp-Karp."
Karp-Karp leaves the puppies behind. "Yay, time to go see Hanabi again."
The old woman gratefully smiles. "It was a pleasure. Karp-Karp helps them burn their energy."
Kana wanted some company after her husband's death, preferably a puppy, a pet she has always wanted. She can feed and bathe them, but her old bones can't run after energetic animals. She didn't want to buy a pet if she couldn't give them as many walks as they needed.
Karp-Karp solved her dilemma. Eager for company, he entertains the puppies and wears them out.
Karp-Karp and Hinata say their good byes and are in Hanabi's room.
A guard is in the corner of the room, watching Hanabi's every movement. Karp-Karp ignores him, even though the man's stillness kinda creeps him out. The Hyuugas have a tendency to hover. The watching bothered him at first, until he learned something about an attempted kidnapping at the compound.
The kidnapping is a taboo subject, judging by the reluctance to talk about it. No details on who was almost abducted. The snippets of information he heard before the person was shushed up, was a kid was almost taken from the compound. An adult Hyuuga died because of it.
Hearing that, he doesn't blame them for their paranoia. Although Hyuugas do get overzealous, like they always do.
Baby Hanabi chews on the quilt beneath her, unaware of their presence. Hinata sits down and gently hugs her sister. "It's me, Hinata." Hanabi coos.
The water type snuggles Hanabi. "Babies are so soft." He is careful with his crown shaped dorsal fin, not wanting to poke her in the eye by accident.
Hinata spends ten minutes trying to get Hanabi to speak.
"Say Hina, Hanabi. Hi-na."
Hanabi quietly gurgles.
"Please say something. Anything."
Hanabi is a relatively quiet human baby. The adults say she is too quiet. The doctor not to worry yet, as she is still young. He recommended speaking around her more, to encourage her to speak. When she listens enough, she'll catch on.
Karp-Karp thinks he should help out the family, too. Hinata loves her sister and cares for her very much.
"Hey, Hanabi, look at me." The water type makes funny faces. He exaggerates his mouth movements, making a large O shaped mouth.
The little girl giggles.
Encouraged, he flaps his fins.
"K-k…k-k"
Hanabi stretches her arms, reaching for him. He leans in closer, being mindful of his dorsal fin.
Her hand grabs a whisker, and pulls. He winces a bit at the pain, but lets her play with it. Human babies are delicate. They're not like a three-month old baby Pokemon, who can take a little roughness at that age.
"K-k k-k…"
Hinata smiles. "Are you trying to say Kasan?"
"Ka-ka-ka."
"Say it with me: Kasan."
"Kaaaarp."
"…What did you just say?"
"Kaaaarp. Karp."
"I sound like that to humans, huh. Wait a minute, wasn't there a Pokemon that taught itself to speak human?" The Pokemon is beside himself with joy. "Maybe I can teach you the Pokemon language. I'll have someone to speak in my native tougue."
"…..karp."
"You're pretty talkative today Hanabi. You know what, I like you. You'll be my second human friend."
Hanabi easily escapes the weakened grip of a shocked Hinata. She snuggles against Karp-Karp. A yawn escapes her tiny mouth. "Kaarp."
"That sounded like you said food. Make the o's sharper."
Hiashi enters the room to a silent guard face palming, a Hyuuga heiress shocked at her sister's suddenly talkative mood, and Hanabi and Karp-Karp in what appears to be a conversation.
The guard mumbles, "I can't believe when she finally speaks at length it'll be 'karp.' Does it even count as a word, though?"
"My daughter's first word is not an animal cry," He glares at the guard, "It does not count."
"No….can't….."
Loud alarms are screeching. Sobbing and screaming are drowned out by an explosion. Two more explosions follow.
"…..safe….evacuate…" Several powerful Pokemon cries sound out. Sounds of strong attacks clashing. It sounds close by.
"…..another…..appeared…Don't go near…"
A little girl's bloodcurdling scream.
Adrenaline courses through him. Karp-Karp's breathes come out in short puffs. He takes in Hinata's bathroom. The familiar room calms him. He leans over the bath tub. The matt is a little wet from splashing in his sleep. The little water will dry before Hinata notices it.
Karp-Karp doesn't remember what exactly his nightmare was. It was black with echoes of voices. The nightmare feels scarier than the rare nightmares he gets. He reminds himself that nightmares are not real and let's it fade from his memory as he sets out for the day. He does his little drying ritual with his fish printed folded towel.
The pokemon sees Hinata sleeping in her bed. Sometimes he wakes up before her, but she usually follows the strict schedule and is the first one awake between them.
Karp-Karps jumps on Hinata. He Splashes on her stomach, careful not to land on her face. "Wake up! It's time for school!"
Hinata groans. "Karp-Karp. Stop jumping on me in the morning. Again."
Karp-Karp has a habit to waking her up abruptly. He really can't help himself. He gets so excited and wants to Hinata awake to play him.
"Let's go. We're gonna go to the outside world, finally. There's going to be trainer pokemon at school and we'll make best friends for life. We'll have the most exciting adventures. Hey, Hinata, when we're on our adventure one day, do you think we can visi-"
Hinata abruptly sits up. "I have to get ready for school! It's today." Karp-Karp gets out of the way before she squishes him. She does her daily ritual and she's ready for school.
A week ago, Hinata's father talked about Hinata's first day of school coming up. (He ignored the typical Hyuuga pride speech.) He was excited, of course. What Pokemon is not hyped up for trainer school?
More time at school than this crazy place. Don't get him wrong, he likes his home. It's beautiful and huge. It gets boring staying in the same place for a long time. He's going stir crazy here.
After a quick breakfast, Hinata powerwalks to the gate with Karp-Karp following closely behind. They are almost out of the gate when a voice speaks up.
"Hinata, you can't take your pet to school. Only approved and behaved animal nin are allowed."
She bows her head sadly. "Sorry father. I didn't see him."
Karp-Karp jumps into her arms. "Please don't let him scare you this time. Let me come with you, please! Don't leave me alone!"
"Pay more attention to your surroundings." Hiashi looks Karp-Karp in the eyes. "Karp-Karp, breakfast time." Hinata's father takes on a tone that his directions must be followed. Usually, the Pokemon would listen because he respects Hinata and he should listen to her relatives.
Karp-Karp vehemently says, "Why can't I go Hiashi? I listened to all your directions. You're not my trainer. You can't tell me I can't go!"
"Is she leaving me behind..…..with these crazy exercise nuts?"
Visions of happy times during recess breaks, being one of the few kids with Pokemon, and practicing battle skills fall apart. The happy dreams are replaced with Hyuugas taking over his favorite spots in the compound for training.
"Go now. You must not be late for school."
Hinata firmly hugs him. She sniffles into his scales. "S-Sorry Karp-Karp. It's s-safer h-here. Those m-mean k-kids who h-hurt animals are t-there."
"It's safer with you. That Neji kid is scary. That kid is more obsessed with exercise than the adults, and that's saying something."
His trainer hands him over to an impatient older cousin. Hinata rubs her tears. "Good-bye Karp-Karp. I'll be h-home in a f-few hours." She leaves before he can protest more.
Karp-Karp is back at the pond. Hanabi is on a blanket watching him with wide eyes. She waves her arms, trying to grab his attention. Her babysitter has his eyes glued to his book. Occasionally his eyes flicker to Hanabi. His hand at his side, ready to grab her if she tries to get closer to the water.
Karp-Karp, not in the mood, ignores Hanabi. He swims in circles, anxious from his separation from his trainer.
He was so looking forward for the first day of school. It would mark the beginning of their adventures. No more staying indoors. Going outside for fresh air. Meeting other trainers and finding some Pokemon weaker than him to battle and gain experience.
However, Hiashi has to spoil this too. He always says "Don't jump in the house!", "Get in the water. Don't dry up," and "Don't chase the dogs inside the rooms! Dear Kami!"
The Pokemon can't help himself sometimes. Good Pokemon behave themselves, as their behavior reflects on their trainer. The compound is big, but he finished exploring every inch he is allowed in months ago. There's not much to do here for long periods of time. With Hinata being busy frequently, he gets bored. Hinata and her family are busy people. They hardly have any time for fun. You can tell from the look of their stiff and unpleasant faces.
Dear Arceus, don't even get him started on their obsession with exercising. Seriously, what is with this family and exercising? Humans have their quirks, but this is too much.
Humans don't need to exercise this much. Leave it to the Pokemon. The trainers are just going to stand there and shout their commands in battles. It's pointless.
There are rooms and small grassy areas within the compound dedicated to it. Many family members are occupying them around the clock. Hinata has at least 8 hours (with breaks in between) of exercise per day.
They get super mad if he interrupts. (They take over his favorite spots to play and expect him not do anything about it.) The few times he tried to shoo them away, some kids try to attack him. Thankfully, they were with adults. They get scolded for allowing a 'defenseless animal' to provoke them. He doesn't retaliate at the defenseless comment as he has witnessed adults and children breaking blocks with the palm of their hands. He's not going to provoke them badly enough for them to attack him. He likes living, thank you.
So, he never bothers anyone again when they're exercising. He may be energetic, but he's not stupid. Young Pokemon are taught to not harass stronger Pokemon, and so he takes this lesson and applies it to the crazy Hyuugas. He waits patiently for Hinata's exercising to end or does something else.
The water type swears they are either training for a Pokeathlon or they're secretly fighting types in disguise.
School will be the only time where exercising is limited, and he has to stay home. That is not fair. The Hyuugas take the good spots for many hours and he has to stay home indoors.
Worst of all, he won't be at trainer school. He heard years into trainer school, there's mock battle classes. If kids already have their own starter Pokemon, they can use them instead of the practice Pokemon provided for the class. Mother said to take advantage of this, because it will be very difficult for Magikarps to evolve. They need all the experience they can get.
Mother taught her children Bounce to help them in battles. Wild Magikarp don't know Bounce normally, and struggle to try to gain enough experience and strength to perform Tackle. It's the only attacking move they can learn on their own normally. Being able to do Tackle is a sign that they are getting closer to evolving into a mighty Gyarados.
Luckily, a trainer's Pokemon knew Bounce and taught his mother. His mother's advice fondly reminds him of his old home. Mother did her best preparing them for life beyond the ranch.
"River Maiden, I really don't think you should do this. Farley is adamant that their future trainers are the ones who train them. The road to learning to battle effectively is a bonding experience for both Pokemon and trainer."
"I don't see a problem. My children will not be ignorant of the world out there. Besides, I'm only teaching them one move."
"It will be if a trainer gets a young Pokemon already taught a battle style that doesn't fit theirs, when they're supposed to be a clean slate."
"As I said, I'm only teaching them one move. I'm doing a favor for the trainers. Move tutors are expensive, and they get a move they can teach to their other future Pokemon for free. Also, Magikarp learn Tackle much further into their maturity and they're getting them young. It's difficult to get them tougher when they are limited to Splash."
"So stubborn. You won't budge no matter what I say, won't you?"
"Correct."
"I give up. It's on you when he finds out. When, not if."
"I'll handle it when it happens."
Uncle Grumpig sighs, "So stubborn. Might as well stick around and help. When he finds out, I'll be dragged in any way. I taught you Bounce and he'll assume I taught them too."
Mother grins. "Thanks, old friend."
"Mother! Mother! Mother! Are you done talking yet?"
"Yeah! I want to go back and play with my other sisters."
Karp-Karp and his other siblings hop about excitedly. Mother said she was going to show them something important. His group gets shown first.
Karp-Karp has thirty siblings. Mother's trainer Farley split them into two groups for some reason. (Something about each group has a different 'destiny.' Whatever that means.) Group T, which includes him, has twenty-five. Group B has five and they're all girls.
Members of Group B are usually play by the lake. They not often included in these lessons. Whenever one of them asks why, mother says it's better to get the biggest group done with important things first.
Mother gives them a sharp look. They all become silent.
"My children, today I will teach you Bounce. It is too soon for Tackle, however this move you can learn now."
"That's so cool. We can actually battle."
"Yeah."
Karp-Karp's 28th oldest brother huddles closer to him. His voice is hard to hear over the excitement. "This is great, youngest one. If we get the hang of Bounce, we can go on adventures in the forest."
"Not so loud, brother. Mother will hear us and there will be more patrols around the forest."
The crowd of young Magikarps quiet down. Mother flicks her strong tail, and they obey the signal. They move back and make room for Mother. Uncle Grumpig rolls a log and places it where Mother wants it.
Mother talks in her lecture voice. "Although Bounce is a flying type move, our evolution line can use the move. We have the stomach muscles to perform it. When you're with your trainer, try to battle with weak bug types such as Caterpie. Bug types are weak to flying types, and their moves are limited. They can't poison you like Weedle."
Uncle Grumpring grunts, "River Maiden, I thought you would only teach Bounce. You promised no strategy."
She whispers back, "I am. I'm teaching them the best way to use Bounce. It's up to their trainer how they'll corner the bug types."
The psychic type sighs. "Continue the lesson."
"As I was saying, I wouldn't recommend fighting grass types, even though they are weak against flying type moves. Can anyone tell me why?"
A few of his siblings yell out their answer. Mother says negative to all of them. Before Mother gives up, one of says an answer she likes.
"Uumm…because water types are weak against grass types."
"Yes, correct answer my daughter. They have the type advantage, and you won't know if they're strong enough to learn their first grass type move. You want to improve your battle style, not be beaten to the ground in one move. You'll never evolve at that rate."
"I'll demonstrate Bounce on that log." Mother leans down, and with a grunt, launches herself into the air. She comes down hard on her stomach. The log splits in half easily and the debris flies away.
With a swish of her tail, she gently rolls smaller logs in an orderly line. "My children, pick two logs per pair and practice Bounce. Uncle Grumpig and I will go to each group for extra help. Your bounce must be strong enough to break the log."
Uncle Grumpig pipes in, " If it's not broken, your Bounce is not strong enough to do damage to a Pokemon. Do not worry if you don't get it right the first meeting. It takes practice."
There is some chaos getting some logs. His sibling got too excited and there was shoving and tail slapping. A few harsh words from Mother and order was returned.
"Remember my motto children."
In unison they say, "Gain experience, not get beaten to the ground."
For thirty minutes, the Magikarps try to get Bounce right. They mostly ended up crashing into other pairs. Their injuries were healed with oran berries. Three siblings had to be taken to the sidelines because another sibling accidently hit them instead of their log. The oldest siblings were smart and practiced at the far edge of the chaos.
Karp-Karp and sibling number 28 are together for this lesson. Karp-Karp dismally pats the small crack in his log. His brother dives from the air and smacks the log. The log gets a clean cut.
Brother number 28 tries to cheer up his brother. "Hey, 30th sibling, remember Mother said not everyone can get it right the first lesson."
"I know. I just want to learn it fast. I want to go on an adventure to the forest soon."
"Shhh. Don't speak so loud. Uncle Grumpig is coming."
Uncle Grumpig slightly limps. "Why did she insist teaching thirty Pokemon at once? Should have pulled five aside at a time."
The psychic type stops by their pair. He takes in the logs and Karp-Karp's dejected state. "Ah, don't be sad, young one. You'll get it one day. How about I tell you some tips?"
Karp-Karp perks up. "What do I do?"
"First, show me how you Bounce, and I'll tell you what to improve."
Karp-Karp tilts back and force, and pushes off the ground with his stomach. The strain hurts his stomach. He doesn't launch himself far enough into the air. He flops and makes a tiny dent into the log.
Uncle Grumpig draws his paw over the marks. "Not much power. You would be lucky to do any damage. You'd injury a human more than a Pokemon."
He continues before Karp-Karp becomes more saddened. "Don't rely solely on your stomach. It strains it and tires you out faster in battle. Use your tail, too. Some Pokemon who have tails use it to help to go higher in the air."
Hope reignites in Karp-Karp. He takes the advice to heart. He aims at the log and does what he did before, but adds his tail. He succeeds and cuts the log in half.
Uncle Grumpig claps. "Congratulations. Repeat it the same way until your body remembers the action. You'll be able to do it instinctively one day."
"Yes! I did it brother."
Karp-Karp gets too excited.
"Well, I'll go the next pair. You two have it down." Uncle Grumpig walks between the young Magikarp and the remains of his broken target as he does Bounce once more.
"I almost forgot, you need-" Uncle Grumpig is cut off from Karp-Karp landing on his head.
He flinches and rubs his head. "Well, that was unexpected. At least you had the power right the second time in a row," His body freezes. "Looks like you got the paralysis effect."
Karp-Karp barely notices his comments. He Bounced from Uncle Grumpig's head and crashes into another Magikarp mid Bounce. The other Magikarp gets shoved and lands to a different groups log.
The partner of the one who got shoved screamed, "Hey, watch it!"
Karp-Karp's actions cause a chain reaction. The Magikarp on the log gets hit with a Bounce, the Magikarp doing the attack not noticing him in time. The poor Magikarp faints from the attack, while the other one, shocked at hitting something soft instead of the hard wood, flails and lands in the next pair that is too close to his.
The Magikarp scream as they keep crashing other groups resulting in multiple injuries. Some fainted and a few weakly powered Bounce not strong enough to do much damage gives the unlucky victims paralysis.
Thank goodness mother actually had some cheri and oran berries just in case. Karp-Karp sneaks away to the edge of the group, wanting to avoid being identified as the one who started this mess.
"WHO STARTED THIS MESS! WHEN I FIND YOU I WILL MAKE YOU WISH YOU WERE BEING BABYSAT BY PURUGLY. THANK ARCEUS AFTER YOU CHILDREN LEARN BOUNCE WE STICK PERMENTALY TO ORAL LESSONS."
Karp-Karp pretended he didn't know who did it. Sibling number 28 doesn't snitch, not wanting to isolate his adventure buddy. When no one spoke up, mother forbid Group T from playing in the lake for a day as punishment.
Karp-Karp is drawn out of memory lane. He sees Hanabi happily waving at him, trying to invite him to get closer.
The water type turns down the offer. "Sorry Hanabi. we'll talk later. I'm going to go find Hinata. She needs me."
There are times he wishes Hinata would stand up to her father. She is too shy to say anything. He believes his trainer wants him to come to school, but can't outwardly say it or Hiashi will get super mad.
His trainer is a gentle, kind soul. She needs him to protect her. When he evolves, he can protect her better. No bullies and her father bossing her around. Hiashi needs a good scare from a Gyarados to put him in line.
A surge of anxiety hits him. He's not eager to trapped in the compound like he was at the pond again. The thought of seeing Hinata for a few hours at night like before is painful. He will lose his mind if it happens again.
He is going to find Hinata's school. It can't be that hard. The Leaf Village is a village after all. Villages are like small towns were everyone knows each other.
He'll wander around until he finds it. He could find bigger Pokemon out there who can give him some directions. (Unlike the strange tiny water types.)
He eyes the walls surrounding the pond. It's very tall, so he can't risk using Splash to get up there. He can generally control where he wants to go, but he won't have a stable landing. He might not reach the wall and land flat on his face. Bounce is the better option.
Karp-Karp smiles fondly at Hanabi. "Bye Hanabi, I'm going to school. See you later." He moves it to dry land for a better spot for a jump. He Bounces and makes it to the top of the wall. He doesn't hesitate and jumps down to the other side. Hanabi's screaming covers up the little noise he makes in his grand escape.
The guard startles from the young Hyuuga's screaming. Adrenaline running, he quickly gets in the Hyuuga stance, guarding Hanabi protectively.
He sees no danger and tries to calm Hanabi. "Are you hungry, lady Hanabi? What's wrong?"
"Karp kaaaarp," cries Hanabi. She tries to crawl away, but the guard catches her.
"Please stop making fish noises. Your father will get mad again."
Hanabi wiggles in the man's grip. Her hands smack the ninja's face. "Kaaaaaarp."
"I know what'll cheer you up," The man turns to pond. "That fish you like talking to, what's-his-name."
The man blankly sees the empty pond. "Where'd it go," The man groans, "Please don't tell me he's raiding the fridge again."
I'm going to cut off the chapter here because I want to actually post the chapter sooner rather than later.
Karp-Karp trying to teach Hanabi another language and Hiashi disapproves. Lol.
I wanted to get this chapter out last Friday, but a big project kept cropping up messes that I had to fix before I finished.
