Chapter III – The Dream

Louis held his breath, and a fearful Flopsy hugged him. Who would be out at night, save us? he wondered. His question was soon answered when something that sounded like it was stomping quickly approached.

"Have you found 'em yet?" a deep voice (the source of the noise) demanded. The Pokémon who had spoken was close. Dangerously, frighteningly close.

"Not yet, Commander," a second Pokémon nonchalantly replied. "It is possible that they have already gone home." This last statement seemed to enrage his companion.

"Nonsense! He said they would be aroun' here somewhere. Stay an' keep an eye out for 'em."

"Yessir!" he replied, and his superior noisily trudged away. After a bit of rustling (he was probably getting comfortable, Louis guessed), all was silent.

Neither Louis nor Flopsy moved, as both were worried about being discovered. Well, I guess Flopsy's wish came true; we're staying here for the night. However, tonight's going to be anything but pleasant. At least, that's what he thought.

Time passed slowly for Louis. For the sake of caution, he tried to stay awake while Flopsy, cuddled close to him, slumbered. Her unrolled ear lightly brushed Louis's, causing him to tuck his back, though he didn't object to her being so close to him because...it seemed to make him feel secure.

We used to have sleepovers like this all the time when we were young, he remembered, fighting sleep. Even though it feels wrong to be sleeping with her now, I kinda like having her body pressed against mine. He smiled warmly. Despite himself, he began to doze off...and before he knew it, he was asleep.


Louis found himself in Serene Village, in the town square. Though the sun emitted its warm rays of light, he noticed everyone in the village seemed gloomy. Even the birds were silent, as if they, too, were mourning over something. I'm dreaming, but why does it feel so real? And why is everyone so sad? he wondered.

He stopped a Lucario who was passing by. "What happened?" Louis inquired.

She narrowed her eyes. "Have you not heard?" The Pikachu shook his head. She hesitated, as if reluctant to tell him. Finally, she said, "Marie was killed by the Shadow Knights."

"Who's Marie?"

Again, she was silent for a moment. He was beginning to wonder if something was wrong with her. "You are Louis," she said suddenly.

Louis stiffened. How does she know me? he thought. "Yeah, I am. But what's that got to do with my question?"

"It has everything to do with it. I shall not answer your question now, but when we meet again..."

"But this is all a dream, isn't—"

The Lucario raised a paw, silencing him. "Allow me to speak. This is actually a memory into which I have entered. I have a very urgent message to deliver: the Shadow Knights are searching for you."

The Shadow Knights...Louis had heard Tails mention them at dinner. Maybe he should ask about that when he sees him again.

"Ahem." The noise wrenched him from his thoughts. He looked up at the aura Pokémon, who rolled her eyes. He blushed, and covered his cheeks with his paws. How embarrassing...his mind apparently wandered in his dreams, too.

He collected his thoughts. "Umm...why are they looking for me?"

"They want to kill you." She said that as if that were something one would say on a daily basis.

"I don't understand," he flatly stated.

"You will before long." The Lucario sighed forlornly. "It is time for you to wake up," she said. Suddenly, Louis found himself beginning to awaken.

"What? But I can't!" Even as he said that, everything was beginning to fade.

"Goodbye, Louis. I do hope I can meet you in person someday."


Louis's eyes slowly cracked open. He noticed was that it was daybreak. Feeling someone fluffy snuggled up against him, he reddened. It was Flopsy. He had forgotten about her. Worse, sometime during the night, he must've wrapped his arms around her and pressed her even closer to him. As embarrassed as he was, though, he didn't pull away from her. In fact, he didn't want to.

Oh, Arceus, I'm falling in love with my best friend, he realized. However, he didn't have any time to reflect on that thought at the moment, as Flopsy was beginning to stir. He braced for the loving nuzzles and affection he was sure she would give him.

Flopsy opened her eyes. "You're so warm..." she murmured, beaming up at him. "Please don't let go of me..."

He was not expecting that kind of reaction. Well, he wasn't about to let go anyway, so...

"Okay," he responded. His bunny friend sighed contentedly, snuggled into his chest, and fell back asleep. Louis smiled at her. "I can get used to this," he thought aloud, enjoying the blessed silence and pleasant company.

Presently, it became brighter outside and the peace was soon disturbed by hearty birdsong. Judging by how bright it was, he figured it was probably about 7 a.m. "Flopsy," Louis whispered, directing his attention to the rabbit in his arms, "it's time to wake up."

Said Pokémon yawned. "G'morning, Louie," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "When do we have to leave?"

"Leave for what?" Louis asked after he crawled out of the burrow.

Flopsy gave him a look which probably asked him if he was joking. "For school, of course."

The mouse Pokémon facepalmed. "Oh yeah, I forgot."

With a little help from Louis, Flopsy had exited the burrow as well. "How can you forget a thing like that?" Thinking a moment, she added, "It's because of the wonderful night we had together, isn't it?"

Louis blushed, but tried his best to hide it. "Of course not," he lied.

Flopsy shrugged. "Whatever you say. But I still think that's why. You seemed pretty happy being with me last night. I mean, you were hugging me and everything."

He couldn't really deny that, so he just said, "We have to get back before we're late for school."

She nodded. "Race you to the orphanage!" she hollered, and hopped off in the direction of Serene Village.

"No fair! You got a head start!" he shouted, chasing after her. I'll have to keep my feelings a secret until I know for sure if she likes me, he decided. I really hope she does, though.


Words: 1,062

Published: Nov. 21, 2019