Episode 26: Kira's New Friend

I can't believe it! The Christmas Gala is coming up in a few days! Lita smiled as the group trooped back inside the house. She sniffed the air, savoring the small of chocolate coming from four mugs sitting on the table. And Kimi made hot chocolate for us too!

Kira, meanwhile, eyed an odd box with airholes lying by the tray of mugs. What's in here?

"You mean who." Kimi smiled as she set the box on the floor. "I have someone I want you all to meet." With that, she opened the box, granting the Pokemon inside access to the open.

Starshine was piqued. Wonder what Pokemon's inside?

Just then, a Meowth peeked from the box. Is it okay to come out of da box yet? it asked.

"Sure you can come out." Kimi coaxed. "Say hi to your new housemates."

A Meowth? Starshine shuddered. I heard Team Rocket has one, and he can speak human!

Really? Kira was amazed.

The Meowth bristled at Starshine's accusation. Who ya calling a crook? I got better tings to do dan hang out with dose lowlifes!

I wasn't saying you were part of Team Rocket, too! Starshine protested. I was only stating a rumor I heard, and I know that it may or may not be true.

Dat's da ting with rumors... the Meowth mused. You don't even know if dey're true or not.

Now that that's settled, let's introduce ourselves. Brenna smiled--this Meowth was a feisty one, compared to most Meowths she had seen, who were just content to laze on a windowsill or climb trees. I'm Brenna--pleased to meet you.

I'm Starshine... Starshine began. And these two are Lita... Lita just waved hello. ...and Kira. Kira just smiled shyly.

The Meowth was piqued by Kira's tension. What's da matter? I'm not gonna hoit ya.

It's just...I've heard Meowths eat Pichus sometimes... Kira blurted.

The Meowth sighed. More rumors again...not every Meowth likes a Pichu for lunch, 'kay? it began. Take me--I'm scared to eat a Pichu cause the 'lectricity could cause da woild's biggest case of indigestion?

What's "indy-gesstion"? Kira asked.

In other woids, upset tummies. the Meowth explained. Kira nodded to show she understood. So I'm not da type to eat Pichus. Kira heaved a huge sigh of relief.

So, how did Kimi adopt you... Lita asked before pausing--the Meowth had not yet been named.

Leon. The Meowth replied. Kimi wanted me to have a name that I liked--and I fancy myself a lion with all da lessons I loined on da streets...

You were out in the alleyways? Kira asked. Leon nodded. That's awful!

Yeah...I loined really fast dat not everyone you meet will be a friendly face. Leon began. Our family was not very well off, at least in a Meowth's toims; so it was every Meowth for demselves. We picked through trash every day, slept in boxes every night, tangled with da junkyard Growlithes, da whole nine yards!

And you didn't catch any disease or something? Kira was interested now.

Nope--our family was lucky dat we never caught anyting, but the udder Meowths--some of dem were not so lucky. It was heartbreaking, seein' some of them suffer. Leon continued, brushing one tear away with a paw. I wanted to get away--find a human willing to take care of me and love me like all da Pokemon I saw on da streets day in and day out. And den your master came...

What did Kimi do? Kira asked.

She gave me da once over and presumed I was healthy, then looked over my brudders and sisters too. Leon replied. Next came my mudder and fadder--and then we were all put in a box and taken to da breedin' center.

And then?

We were poked and prodded with all kinds of tings just to be SURE we were disease free. Once we were confoimed as all bein' healthy, we were taken to the adoption room. Kimi was then asked if she wanted one of us to take care of herself.

And she chose you? Starshine asked interested in Leon's story.

Yeah... Leon sighed. I'll miss my family, and I hope all of'em got a loving and kind human like Kimi to take care of'em.

I hope so too...no Pokemon should have to go through what you did. Brenna interjected.

At any rate, welcome to your new family!" Lita smiled as she hugged Leon.

Tanks, you guys... Leon replied. With Christmas comin' up soon, I can safely say that just bein' adopted into a lovin' home was my greatest gift of all! Everyone else laughed joyfully in agreement.

To Be Continued...