I don't know what Naktu did that day but he managed to keep me out of the way because he gave me a very long and interesting book. I all know was he left early in the morning. Naktu did always like going through details and planning something. I think he felt he owed me something. I don't know why though it's more like I owed him something.

(Switching to side Story)

Naktu pulled his shirt over his head and made sure Tael was still asleep; known that she loved to sleep late as a hobby. Hastily he scribbled a note to her and let her with a book that ought to keep her busy for the day.

There were a lot of things Naktu didn't tell Tael about himself and considered Tael and exceptional person for not probing so he didn't have make us some lie, and he wasn't very good at lying.

The blue-eyed boy still considered a boy even though he was 16 headed off to the computer in the pokemon center.

Deftly and quickly he accessed the computer's main database hacking unnoticed past security codes. As Tael had assumed and he he'd know team rocket was up to something because they stored their funding bank near in the city. But he could access it giving him a thousand stolen dollars to work with.

Team rocket deserved it nothing would change his mind ever. Naktu stealthy pulled out the money and deleted the system that was tracking his files. He almost didn't notice it was a fake one but he soon found the real one and tapped smartly on the keyboard, sending one of his random homemade viruses to mess up half the computer base.

So Naktu was like that a computer whiz, but his plan with bomb really hadn't been to blow up the center, just get team rocket's attention. Tael had stopped that though and he realized that might not be a good idea. Fortunately Tael was able to get him out of it making him a nondescript dishwasher. He owed something to her even if she didn't know.

But Tael had been very right about the timidness of himself with out a mask or computer to hide behind. His personality was gentle and polite enough (not at ALL like Tael, he knew she wasn't angry only convinced of finding the backs of things and winning even though it seemed like anger) but his anger was like a raging bull pinned down trying to get out.

Naktu dismissed these thoughts and headed out. Briefly he considered having dinner that night at Friendlys but that didn't seem like a relatively good thought.

A French restaurant? No, she wouldn't like that. Chinese? No to tacky, Mexican? Did she like spicy food? T.G.I.F. Fridays? Would she go to a pub? Maybe Italian food? No they had enough noodles for once. Naktu suddenly had an idea and a very good one at that.

The next thing that posed a problem was a gift. What the heck would he get her?

Naktu wondered among miscellaneous shops for hours. Nothing jumped out at him however. Tael was a difficult person, to be put lightly of course. Maybe something useful? But what? Naktu sat on a park bench and sighed. His eyes glanced around in front of him was a jewelry store.

His face paled. He knew what kind of gifts you expected from a place like that but he didn't think anything along the lines of that.

He walked in looking around at bracelets he thought she might like a charm bracelet. But it was something in a case that caught his eye.

Guardian Angel Necklace

-Set with a gemstone representing each color gem of a month and a real diamond these pretty neck jewelry are sure to please any girl.

Under the description a little poem was written:

Guardian Angel keep me near

So that I might have nothing to fear

I will look upon you each day

For you are the prayer that I pray

Stay by my side always.

There was a click in his mind. He bought the necklace quickly and when he got out of the store took it out of the box to avoid anything unpleasant.

Naktu walked slowly out the door feeling pleased with himself. But not moments later he was admiring the necklace when he dropped the clasp off it and spent a good hour on the ground looking for it…

(End side story)

I of course had no idea what to expect tomorrow. But took it upon my owns means to find a dress. I don't hate dresses but I don't like them either. Naktu came back later that night a bit beaten up maybe even trampled but I didn't know. It might have been a better hint if there was a footprint stamped across his face or something but he may have not liked that.

I quickly stuffed the dress I had under my bed before he could see it. I may have even been embarrassed for the first time in my life. Human emotions seemed a bit foreign to me but no they where at least tangible, for moment at least.

My eyes shone even in the plain dim room we where staying in.

"Don't even try to pry it from me." he said defiantly

"I wouldn't dream of it." I childishly told him.

"Draw!" we both exclaimed at the same time. But again there was that familiar little tingle…

I admit I DID have SOME trouble sleeping but not much I hadn't been excited about a birthday in a long time. It was different of me my shell was wearing away. Only to be built up again later when I had almost gotten rid of it.

Morning shown enthusiastically and I had no problem sleeping late, which is never a bad thing you know I find it very peaceful. Well I certainly didn't sleep the whole day but I didn't hang around wondering all day what my "surprise" was. You know me well; does that sound like something I would do? I didn't think so.

I spent my day washing my clothes, grocery shopping (I won some money from battles yesterday) and other stuff I had in my pack that needed cleaning or was really disgusting.

And I could utilize the showers! Warm water! For once, I was happy. I still was debating whether to wear a dress or not. It wasn't too hookerish it was white cotton with embroidered flowers scattered around the dress. It wasn't too short and it HAD straps. It was pretty (I picked it out myself) but did I WANT to wear the thing?

It was my birthday and I was supposed to looked dressed up but what if we walked into a burger king or something I mean it wasn't like he was rolling in cash. Well the dress won over me. I didn't do anything to my hair though I don't like hair spray or gel if it's just up and out of my way it's fine by me.

"Jiggly!" I ordered and the pokemon gleefully came out.

"Hand me the brush and hair elastic." And it hoped on over to my bag while I scrupulously brushed my hair until it was fine.

I really didn't want to put it up or anything so I just left it down.

Wow I wasted all that space on my hair and clothes? I guess I get like that when I remember that day. Now isn't that odd.

Naktu didn't looked very dressed up but he did look cleaner for once.

He didn't say anything and I secretly pouted I really did want him to say "Damn you fine girl." But I realized I never presented myself as a girl, my own mistake even though he had seen me.

No, I was no head over heals for him but he was my friend and if he was doing something nice for me I was going to appreciate it.

"So where are we going?" I said casually

"A diner down the street I didn't know what you liked." He shrugged.

"So do you have a car or something?" I asked wondering.

"Transportation? Shit!" the blonde-haired boy said smacking his forehead.

"Can you even drive?" I said trying not to sound too amused.

What we ended up doing was using my bike. Now isn't that pathetic.

"Look I'll scrunch up forward…Damn it this stupid dress. Just let me pedal Naktu." I could not believe I was riding a bicycle to a diner with a boy sitting behind me. Only now I laugh at this moment but I'm pretty sure Naktu was amused that night.

"I really wasn't sure were you'd like to go…" he said from behind me while I was furiously pedaling I almost said something really nasty to him but he tried and well what else was I expecting from someone like him.

"I like the thought but next time, lets get a cab." I said less tartly than I normally would have. I think he was bit taken back by that. Oh yes, there would be a lot of awkward pauses that night.

I parked my bike outside while Naktu being the gentleman I knew he was escorted me in. Normally I wouldn't have allowed this but maybe tonight I would lower myself to the girly, girly necessities but his diner idea wasn't so bad there was a karaoke bar and I love karaoke. No, I can not sing, I doubt you will EVER want to hear me sing but it's karaoke who cares you're supposed to sound bad while making guys stare at you.

That makes me sound like flirt though but I assure you I wasn't doing that it's really fun to get looks of shock on peoples faces.

When I do something you notice, behave yourself, because with my S.I.N.G. ideals no body would mess with me. That's right someone puts their hands on the stage I step on them.

My, that DOES sound mean. How horrifically awful I am putting my life in danger with the chance of tripping over my heals to stop these people. But somebody's got to do it.

The place wasn't shabby but it wasn't a pub type either. Bar like stools up to the counter with red leather seat and polished silver. Of course there were the bench tables along the walls and the smell of grease. It was going for the retro 50's theme, even the checkered floor.

I bet they had malts but I'm not very fond of those. The only thing that wasn't in the 50's theme was the karaoke music I bet there where at least a hundred different types of music there.

I hoisted myself on top of the stool and took up a menu…yep…loaded conversation with Naktu. Not.

"Where did you get money to go here?" I asked (It was the only thing I could think of to say!)

"I thought ladies didn't ask those kind of questions." He said slyly.

"-And do you consider me a lady?" I politely turned on him.

"After the second time I saw- but he stopped there and blushed furiously.

"Never try to retort when you can't win." I answered Naktu smiling.

"You always manage to turn things on me don't you." He grumbled.

"Would you be disappointed if I didn't?" I playfully bantered with him.

"Very disappointed." He assured me.

I put down my menu and Naktu and I placed our ordered to the waitress quickly. I took a sip of coke and said: "Excuse me."

"You're not going to run out on me are you?" he said playfully

"Wouldn't dream of it." I smiled.

Really I didn't run out on him, I was going Karaoke maybe embarrass Naktu step on a few toes…literally.

Using my feminine charm instead of a spiteful tongue I made my way up to the stage.

Oh yes, I chose the classic. I disregarded the T.V. lyrics and did the Joan Jett girl rebel song.

"I don't give a damn 'bout my reputation

You're living in the past it's a new generation

A girl can do what she wants to do and that's

What I'm gonna do

An' I don't give a damn ' bout my bad reputation"

I made sure to include my rock dance. The people around me singing along really it was fun.

"Oh no not me

An' I don't give a damn 'bout my reputation

Never said I wanted to improve my station"

"An' I'm only doin' good

When I'm havin' fun

An' I don't have to please no one

An' I don't give a damn

'Bout my bad reputation"

I cat walked up and the little stage, making sure turn heads. I put my microphone to the side of my face and continued.

"Oh no, not me

Oh no, not me

I don't give a damn

'Bout my reputation

I've never been afraid of any deviation

An' I don't really care

If ya think I'm strange

I ain't gonna change

An' I'm never gonna care

'Bout my bad reputation

Oh no, not me

Oh no, not me"

"Pedal boys!"

I think at that point the lights at the diner when out and the stage light on karaoke stage came on. I believe a marsh pit might have broken out too. My bad.

"An' I don't give a damn

'Bout my reputation

The world's in trouble

There's no communication

An' everyone can say

What they want to say

It never gets better anyway

So why should I care

'Bout a bad reputation anyway

Oh no, not me

Oh no, not me"

At this point I was using all my energy to strut. I even did a daring spin close to the edge of the stage. I finished the spin with a sassy smile.

"I don't give a damn 'bout my bad reputation

You're living in the past

It's a new generation

An' I only feel good

When I got no pain

An' that's how I'm gonna stay

An' I don't give a damn

'Bout my bad reputation"

And as loud as I could for the last of the song I shouted.

"Oh no, not me

Oh no, not

Not me, not me"

I bowed and panted. A shouting applause was given and I couldn't resist I ran back up and cheered widely.

I turned a diner into a nightclub…Talent? I know.

Unless you really want to hear about how I smugly ate my BLT while Naktu belittled himself at my stunning performance, which I'm sure, you don't I'll go on to what happened outside.

"Wow the queen of Karaoke! And I have the honor to be in her presence with her. Bet half those guy's fingers are broken." He chuckled.

"I'm glad you're impressed." I grinned.

"You were much MORE feminine than you ever were with me." smugly said.

"You count?" I said innocently.

"Oh." Naktu said fumbling in his pocket in the dark. I was next to my bike.

"I thought you might like this, the way you talked about your birthdays I figured you didn't get anything thing nice." Naktu mumbled.

He held out small gold chain in his palm. On the chain was a small angel. A diamond outlined with gold was centered as a head and two precious tear shaped ones were wings but the body was a perfectly cut pink October birthstone.

"Naktu!" I whispered surprised.

"You liked it?" he truly asked.

I hugged Naktu and told him. "No one's ever given me anything like this. Thank you!"

He delicately placed the necklace around my neck. I smiled at him and saw the earnest look in his eyes.

"You're a good friend Naktu."

Then there was that little tingle again. I nonchalantly looked around out of habit. A huge shadow sped down near us.

Naktu noticed too because we jumped to the side, afraid of being hit by the shadow.

The figure that landed however happened to be a bird, no ordinary one a legendary one. Articuno.

It bowed before us I looked dumbfound at Naktu who shrugged. I didn't have a poke ball and I couldn't catch it but it seemed to be waiting for me, as corny as it might sound. An ice blue poke ball rolled past me. Okay, this looked set up but not by anyone, I couldn't figure it out. Naktu picked up the strange object of a Poke ball and handed it to me. I cautiously tossed the ball down to the bird and the poke ball and it locked instantly, by fate.

I know now that the first time it saw us; there had been tears in its eyes.

I couldn't think long because a disturbing sight distracted me, a burning building. Smoke billowed upward from streets away but something wasn't right, because it wasn't an accident an Entei was burning down half the town, which meant Team rocket was there. My eyes narrowed to the site and Naktu sensed it too.

"Naktu get my back pack." I said sternly. He nodded and took off on my bike.

I looked down at the poke ball in my hand it was there for a purpose.

"Articuno!" I called out.

The blue ice bird soared out. Quickly its huge talons wrapped harmlessly around my arms and fully supported me.

It knew my destination was the orange flickering flames consuming everything in their path.

Raging sirens and terrified screams rang out. My rage was building; this town held nothing dear to me but these people shouldn't of had to flee from some bully. No one needed to lose someone they loved. The fire reminded me of the way my Grandmother died, the cause of that fire had been unknown but I knew someone had done it out of hatred for the way she supported the food shelter for free instead of making money on the poor. Power and Greed canceled out everything else.

Articuno faithfully followed me and my heels of my shoes clicked angrily under my feet on the hard black tar.

"Blizzard." I commanded ruthlessly.

I don't know if it was me commanding my will but I find having a reason for something is much easier than just destroying something on command which would put me in the same league as Team Rocket.

The ice bird began gathering forces of cruel artic winters to launch chilling winds and a full-fledged storm.

"Now."

Great winds and unsightly snow raged across the small area of the urban city.

The fire submitted quickly to the ice shock and I was really cold afterward.

The ground beneath me had been iced so it was a skating rink.

"You!" a voice snarled.

It was the team rocket member with the Entei. Articuno must have been reading my thoughts because he partner lay blue on the ground.

Articuno perched on my shoulders. I glared like the ice around me to the team rocket member.

No, Articuno was not my mystical Pokemon I found what it was much later after much hardship. My anger is much like ice I have discovered.

I knew I would possibility have to kill him but could I do that? Would I take a life away?

Entei lay in the snow gasping for breath; he had taken quite a beating. It was a face off but sorts only he knew he would lose. But I just couldn't it wasn't for me to decide.

"Not today Articuno." I answered to myself harshly and flew off with the legendary bird.

"It is your mistake girl! Start digging your grave team rocket will be looking for you!" he shouted back revolting against me. I ignored the comment, however.

I saw Naktu standing near the edge of one of the building with my pack and his.

He looked angry and it wasn't like him.

"Team Rocket those basturds." He cursed and swore some more colorful language, which even I wouldn't dare repeat.

"We'll get them Naktu." And suddenly we had a goal.

I had gone from a simple trainer to something very involved. But I thought nothing of it only later did I realize what I had stopped that night.