Ugh, sorry everyone, the next side chapter is delayed. It just didn't form, even after several months of trying.

To the guest reviewer, I want to make sure I understand correctly; do you mean a body swap as in Point of View (POV) or a physical body swap?

Again, sorry for the delay and hopefully the next side chapter will come soon!

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

Piplup POV:

The heat was finally starting to abate as the sun began its slow descent from the sky. I sat under a large tree, taking shelter from the sun's harshness. My muscles relaxed as a nice, gentle breeze blew by, further cooling me.

I leaned back against the firm, unyielding bark, grumbling to myself as I reflected on why I was so tired. That stupid Cubchoo, making us walk all around the hot forest while searching for it. And when we found it, it wasn't kidnapped or evolved like Cilan said it was. It wasn't even worried! Instead, it was happily playing with its Larvitar friend! Talk about immaturity, not thinking about how worried its trainer, Chris, would get! What a selfish Pokémon.

True, I was being a bit of a hypocrite thinking this, with all the times I left everyone, including my own trainer, Dawn. But that was different; I had my reasons those times!

I smiled to myself as I felt the otter next to me shift, strands of his thick fur slipping between my feathers and sending a delightful tingle up my spine. I let out a deep sigh of contentment; after the long day I had, this was exactly what I needed.

"This is so nice" I muttered, hearing a chuckle in response.

"You said it" Oshawott answered. "After the day we had, this is nice."

A period of silence overcame us, letting me enjoy the moment. I felt his fur continue to slip beneath my plumage, lightly tickling my bare skin.

"You know, Emolga's still missing" I commented.

"Yeah, I wonder where she is now?" he replied.

"You know her better than I do." A question crossed my mind. "How come Iris hasn't really cared about finding her?"

"I don't think Iris doesn't care about Emolga; she likes her a lot." He paused. "My guess is the problem isn't who Emolga is, rather what she is; a flying and electric type." I frowned, feeling confused. I waved a flipper, encouraging him to continue. "Iris wants to be a dragon master, but Emolga's not a dragon type. Even though she certainly has the attitude of one!" He briefly chuckled to himself. "I would bet that has something to do with it."

"But what about Excadrill?" I asked. "He's not a dragon type, yet Iris loves him. So, what's the difference?"

"Excadrill is her first Pokémon, and they have a lot of history together" he answered. "Their bond is special; I doubt that will ever change."

"I thought Axew was her first Pokémon?" I questioned, seeing him shake his head. "Huh, I never would have guessed, what with the way she treats him. She's tougher training him then Dawn is with me." Oshawott raised his arm to his chin, scratching it thoughtfully.

"I never noticed that, but come to think about it, she has been a little less patient with him" he commented.

"Anyways, as I was saying, Emolga's still gone" I started, reverting to the subject. "And I swear I saw her stealing one of that Beartic's apples."

"Really?" he questioned. "Well, it doesn't surprise me. She's always been overenthusiastic about apples. Don't get me wrong, they ARE delicious, but it's as if she needs them, like she's afraid of starving."

Starving. I felt a chill go up my spine at that word; I knew it all too well. Unwanted memories of my early days flooded my mind. Helplessly watching the other Piplup eat. The sneer my brother gave me as he ate my bowl of food. The taste of grass filled my mouth, like it had filled my stomach years ago.

"I know what that's like" I uttered darkly. "I hope she never experienced starvation. Nobody deserves that." I shivered violently, the ground filling my vision. "Nobody."

I felt his arms wrap around me and pull me to him, my face sinking into his chest.

"Hey, don't you worry," he soothed. I relaxed in his warm embrace, laying my head against his chest. "I'll keep you safe and well-fed. That's what lovers do." I abruptly pulled back, my eyes widening.

"Lovers?" I questioned. Did he just say that word, or was it my mind playing tricks on me?

"Um, is it too early to say that?" He looked incredibly worried, like he was about to panic.

"Relax, it's fine" I reassured him. I chuckled to myself as a memory came to mind. "Compared to two guys Mom knows, we're glacially slow. They had sex the same day they met!"

"Heh, kinky" he replied. "Are you saying you want sex?" My face felt like it was on fire; that was not what I was saying!

"N-no, that's not what I meant!" I stuttered. Oshawott laughed, obviously trying to embarrass me. I gave him a fake pout before joining him laughing. I playfully tackled him to the ground, landing on top of him. I lowered my head gently pressed my beak against his lips.

"What are you two doing?!" a voice spoke. I turned and saw Pikachu standing nearby, glaring daggers at us.

/

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