Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. Or Pepsi.

Piplup POV:

I was frozen in place, not by the cold, but by pure shock. I was NOT expecting this, and I knew I was in major trouble, being alone with this Articuno. I had already been electrocuted by a legendary and almost roasted by another. Was I about to be frozen as well?

Its ruby red eyes locked with mine, and I found myself unable to turn away. It was strange, but this Articuno didn't feel like a threat. Its aura felt comforting and warm, the opposite of an ice type. It was like this Articuno wanted me to feel calm and safe.

"Um, hi" I managed to squeak out pathetically. Instead of attacking me like I feared it would, the Articuno did something I did not expect; it gave me a gentle nod.

"Hello Piplup" the Articuno answered in a light, friendly voice. "I've been waiting for you."

I was unnerved; this was not a typical legendary's attitude. Well, at least that I knew of. The Articuno must have sensed this and frowned. "I know us 'legendary Pokémon' have a reputation of being fierce, powerful creatures that should be feared. I am not one of them, you don't need to fear me, Pipsi.

"Um, how did you know my nickname?" I asked. "Only Buneary has ever called me that." Surprisingly, the Articuno grinned, like a hungry Noctowl spotting a small Rattata.

"Would you rather I called you Pip-butt?" it asked me teasingly, causing me to blush. How did it know that name? It continued before I could ask. "I followed all of you to Onix Island. I saw and heard everything." I frowned; why did it follow us? This made no sense.

"You followed us? Why?" I asked. The Articuno smiled.

"I've been following Ash for years, ever since we met on Snowtop Mountain" it began. "I had recently flown over to visit my brother." I flinched as it continued. "He was the one left to guard both travelers and the nesting grounds there. I visit him every now and then since he must be lonely being all by himself." The Articuno paused before continuing. "I first saw Ash when he was about to walk over a cliff. My brother wasn't around to help, so I stopped him. Moments later, three travelers my brother had saved earlier attacked and tried to capture me." The Articuno shook its head sadly. "They had no idea of the power I possess; I defeated them easily and quite literally sent then flying." The Articuno chuckled, presumably at the memory. "Anyways, I experienced firsthand how much Ash cares for everyone, both Pokémon and human. He was ready to defend me from those three, even though I had no need of being defended. He would have fallen to his death trying to make sure I was alright." The Articuno nodded to itself. "I understood why my mate said he was special, and I have been following and protecting him ever since." I was shocked: I had no idea Ash had a legendary following and protecting him.

"Wait, you said you have a mate. So legendaries have genders?" I asked.

"Of course we do, Piplup" the Articuno replied. "It's obvious if you think about it logically." The Articuno frowned angrily. "Those so-called Pokémon experts; they're really just a bunch of morons. They say all Articuno are genderless, yet they know Snowtop Mountain is one of our breeding grounds. How do they think we breed if we don't have genders?" The Articuno shook its head angrily, then looked back at me. "Anyways, yes, I have a mate and I love him. And yes, I am a female." She looked straight at me and tilted her head slightly.

"It seems pretty clear Oshawott loves you, but you seem to have concerns with it" she said. "Is it because that Steelix on Onix Island said that there are no gay legendaries?" I nodded my head while looking down.

"Partly" I admitted. "It's not that I believe what he said is true, I don't. But what if it is? Would I be-"

"It's not true, Piplup" she interrupted. "I know that for a fact. I have met the boys myself." She slowly shook her head. "The saying is a myth that originated many centuries ago. There was a horrible drought that lasted for many years, destroying food sources and habitat. As a result, many Pokémon species were nearly extinct. So, in order to help replenish their kind, the saying 'be prolific for our gods' came about." Articuno sadly shook her head. "After the populations were stable again, the saying mostly went away." Her expression darkened. "Unova was the exception. There the myth morphed over time into the homophobic fable it is now. Any Pokémon who isn't straight is punished severely." She looked back at me. "You met someone who has gone through that."

"Really?" I asked. "Who?"

"You'll find out at some point" Articuno replied. "But enough of that. I sense you have another reservation about loving Oshawott." Her eyes stared into mine, asking me to answer. I relented, letting out a sigh.

"I know I really like him; heck, maybe I love him" I admitted. "But isn't this way too fast? We only met a week ago!"

"Not necessarily" she replied. "The notion of needing time to learn if you and your partner are compatible is a human thing. Pokémon have no such requirement; we go at our own pace." She shook her feathers. "For example, the boys knew they were destined for each other as soon as they met. They went from meeting to mating in the same day."

I blushed heavily at the mention of mating, and even more at the thought of mating with Oshawott. I didn't hate the thought at all. In fact, it made me feel excited and tingly. Maybe a little too tingly.

I looked down to make sure I was still decent.

"Unfortunately, we must part ways now" she said. I looked back up and saw her looking away with her eyes glowing. "The Audino will be checking your room soon. If you leave now, you can make it back before it sees you left." Her eyes stopped glowing, and she looked down at me. "I'm sure we'll see each other again soon."

With that, she walked over to the cave entrance. She spread her blue wings wide, and I watched in amazement as the raging hailstorm instantly ceased. "Think about what I've said and follow your heart. You could end up changing many lives if you do." She crouched in preparation to take off.

"Wait" I called out, and she paused. "You said you had a mate. Have I ever met him?" Articuno turned her head and grinned at me with a twinkle in her eye.

"No, you haven't. But Pikachu has." With that, she took off into the clear night sky and was quickly out of sight.

I stood still in shock. Pikachu had met her mate? Interesting, it must have been before we met. But who could it have been?

Remembering what Articuno had said, I started walking back to the Pokémon Center. It had been surprisingly easy to talk to Articuno, and she had given me a lot to think about. I was very grateful-

Wait a minute; didn't she say she was waiting for me? What did she mean by that?

Oh well, I'd have to ask her what she meant the next time I saw her.

/

Like it? Constructive criticism? Have any suggestions for future chapters? Leave a review please!