Hello all this chapter took a bit longer, I didn't expect it to get this long lol. Anyway I hope you all enjoy this chapter!
"Hmmm…" Red scratched his head as he and his team entered Fuchsia City. "Should we challenge the gym first? Or go to the Safari Zone?"
"WOW! Finally a new city!" Voltaro yelled, causing everyone including Red to stare at him for a few seconds.
Kirin looked at the building with enclosures "Something's telling me to check out the Safari Zone…"
Nouva looked up at her and smiled "We can do that if ya want, though it is ultimately Red's decision."
"I kinda want to fight Koga's team!" Queenie cracked her knuckles.
Quina scratched his stomach. "Well I'm down for either."
Red stretched. "Well, let's go to the Safari Zone! See how many pokemon I can catch! C'mon gang!"
They all followed along, looking around at the various enclosures. They passed by a Slowbro sitting on a rock and Voltaro chuckled. "Watch this!" He picked up a rock and threw it at the Slowbro's face. The rock hit and Slowbro did not flinch or even react.
Queenie frowned and flicked him on the back of the head. "Voltaro!"
"What!? He won't notice till like an hour later!"
"Huh?" Slowbro looked down at the rock and then looked at Voltaro and glared.
...
"That will be 500 Pokedollars, sir!"
Red handed the money to the man behind the counter. He counted the money and put it in the register then handed some Safari Balls to Red and spoke. "Now rules are no using your pokemon to weaken the ones you are catching. Only the Safari Balls are allowed. Finally you will be timed, be sure to explore and catch as many Pokemon as you can!"
Red nodded. "Alright! C'mon guys!"
They all entered and Kirin immediately felt nostalgic.
"This place..." She whispered.
Voltaro ran off much to everyone's surprise. "Voltaro where are you going!?" Queenie called out.
He just waved them off "I'll be back! Don't mind me!"
"Are you sure it's wise to let him be?" Quina asked.
Nouva smirked. "He'll be fine, whatever trouble he gets into he always seems to find a way out."
Kirin was still staring off at the plains when Nouva tapped her with his claw.
"Hey. You alright?"
She shook her head "Yeah. The breeze feels great and I kinda zoned out." She gave a nervous chuckle.
Nouva frowned as he felt there was more to what she was saying but he let it go. He turned and saw Queenie and Quina following Red. It was just the two of them now.
"So" Nouva said, trying to break the silence as they were walking. "So, what's really up? If you don't want to talk about it that's fine."
She sighed. "I'm feeling a little conflicted…"
"How so?"
"Well..." She started, "I was born here."
Nouva's eyes darted up at her. "Woah? You mean this is your home?"
She nodded. "Yup, little me was born here. It was here where I remember being taken by those rocket grunts."
"I see, well aren't you glad you are back home?"
"I mean yeah but, I want to continue traveling with you guys. I know my family won't like it."
Nouva tried to reassure her. "Hey, so what if they don't like it? It's your life. You choose what you want to do for yourself. It doesnt matter who doesn't like it. Hell, why do things that won't make you happy just to make other people happy? You won't be truly happy in the long run."
She blushed at his kind words. "Thanks Nouva." 'Why do I have butterfrees in my stomach when I talk to him? He's so sweet!' She thought.
"So about your family?" He asked.
She grinned. "Well I have 6 sisters all younger than me."
Nouva chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Damn, I couldn't imagine having so many siblings"
"Well they are quite a handful. Besides, my parents are Dragonairs. My mother and my father."
Nouva crossed his arms. "It's going to throw them off that you evolved into a Dragonair too."
She gasped. "You're right! Would they recognize me?"
"I'm sure they will."
"I hope so," She said as her face saddened.
Nouva put an arm around her and gave a thumbs up. "Don't worry Kirin. Even if they don't, you can tell them it's you and they would still love you"
Kirin's face turned red. 'Why? Why am I feeling like this?'
They both stopped at a pond and Nouva instantly started to back away nervously.
"I know this pond! This is my home Nouva!" She said, squealing.
"W-well I'm glad you found it" He said, sweating nervously due to the water.
Then before Kirin could let any more excitement out 6 dratini hopped out and tackled Nouva.
"Nouva!"
They all were squirming all over him and he tried to fight back but they all kept wrapping him by using their Wrap attack. "Let go of me!" He growled.
"We will protect our home!" One of the Dratini yelled.
Kirin was awestruck at the scene but then realized it was her little sisters! "Guys! It's you, my little sisters!"
They all stopped and saw the Dragonair before them.
"Who's this? She looks like Mom!" The first Dratini beamed.
The two Dratini frowned. "Nooooo! Mom is much taller than her!"
"She called us her little sisters! Does that mean she's our big sis?" Dratini three asked.
"But isn't big sis like a Dratini too? Why would she look like our mom?" Dratini number four questioned.
"Our big sis went missing though!" Dratini number five said.
Kirin giggled at this and spoke. "Well I'm back! And I can prove I'm big sis! I gave you all nicknames to help tell you apart. "Umi, Mira, Towa, Hiki, Mimi, and finally Kia."
All of their faces lit up as they finally released Nouva and huddled over to Kirin hugging her.
"We missed you big sis!" They all cried.
Nouva laid on the ground and was about to say something but noticed the events playing out in front of him and decided to bite his tongue.
"You guys have grown since the last time I saw you!" Kirin smiled. "How has everyone been?"
"Mom and Dad took us to see the Rhyhorns play! It was so cool!" Umi said.
Towa chipped in "Yeah, yeah! And then we got to eat some berries"
Nouva chuckled at this when one of the Dratini then turned to him and got defensive. "You hurt big sis! You took her, didn't you!"
Nouva held both his hands up "W-wait I didn't-"
They all pounce on him and bound him again. Kirin gasps and tries to convince them "He didn't take me, he saved me! Don't hurt him!'
They all let go of Nouva and eye him. He then sweats as they all look at him and examine the Charmeleon, since they had never seen one before.
"What's with the funny pokey thing on the back of your head?" Mira pointed with her tail.
Nouva huffed "It's my horn. Hey, give me that back!" He yelled. As Towa snatches his scarf and tries to keep it from him.
"What's this red thing?" She asked.
Nouva finally gets it and wraps it back around his neck. "It's my red scarf! Don't you know not to take things that don't belong to you!?"
"Ooooh" Kia gazed at his tail. "You have fire on your tail!"
Nouva panicked "Don't touch it! All Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard have flames on their tails." He explained holding his tail.
"What's a Charmander? Charmeleon? Charizard?" Umi tilted her head.
Nouva gave a sigh "Kirin help me out here"
Kirin laughed at Nouva who deadpanned her.
"How do you know big sis?" Mimi asked, sitting on Nouva's head. "Are you her boyfriend?"
Kirin immediately tries to protest with her face turning red. "N-no he's not hes uh- a uh-"
Nouva just facepalmed.
Then two Dragonair come out of the pond, stunned to see their children around a Charmeleon and then a new Dragonair.
"Alright kids, what's going on here?!" The Male Dragonair asked sternly.
"Papa! Big sis returned and she looks like you!" Mimi beamed.
"What? Is this true?" The female Dragonair turned to Kirin. "Why, it is you! I-I never thought I would see you again!" She started crying while embracing her Daughter.
Her father soon joined in and embraced her.
Nouva smiled, yet a part of him felt... envious? Whatever it was, he brushed it off and decided to walk away to give Kirin some space.
"Nouva! Where are you going?"
The Dragonair turned to him and he just waved nervously.
"I'm Nouva. Pleased to meet you"
"What's with the Charmeleon, dear?" Her mother asked.
"Mama! This is big sis' boyfriend!" Umi said.
The male Dragonair then glared at Nouva who sighed. "Why can't I catch a break?"
"Boyfriend!? I'll be damned!"
"Wait wait wait wait!" Kirin tried to hold her dad back. "He-he saved me from being kidnapped! He's not my boyfriend. Please just calm down!"
He processed what Kirin said and then decided to calm himself down. "Fine, I'll let you off the hook cause you saved our daughter but if you lay a finger on her I'll-"
Kirins mom cut him off "Honey! Be nice to our guest! After all, he did rescue our daughter."
Nouva was still sweating uncomfortably. "W-well it's no big deal really I rescued Kirin cause it felt right you know?"
Kirins father just scoffed. Then turns to his daughter "Kirin?"
"It's the name my trainer gave me."
Kirins father was outraged "Trainer!? Then that Charmeleon is a trainer's? No wonder there's one here! He probably led you here so he could capture us! You let yourself be caught by a trainer! They are nothing but bad news!"
Kirin just glared "Father! He and my trainer are not like that! Nouva saved me twice and my trainer has been nothing but nice and caring to me!"
Her father just growled at Nouva. "Even so, I don't trust him. Just promise me you'll be careful around him." He huffed as he slithered back into the water.
Kirin's mother sighed and bowed to Nouva. "Sorry about my husband's attitude, dear."
Nouva gulped "It's fine."
"Thanks for saving our daughter. Please feel free to stick around as long as you want. Kids, let's go help your father!"
"Yes ma'am!" They all said.
"Now Kirin, dear, show your lovely boyfriend around." Their mother smiled.
"Mom!" She yelled out, flustered. "I told you we are just friends!"
She laughed "I'm only teasing sweetie. Now if you'll excuse me your father needs my help"
She and the other Dratini went into the pond.
"Bye bye Nouva!" Umi beamed.
Nouva waved back.
Kirin sighed and fell on the ground. "God they can be quite the handful…"
Nouva chuckled "Yeah I bet, though at least you seem happy with your family." He then frowned absentmindedly.
"Look, I know my dad was harsh on you but you are the best friend I ever had, I'm really glad I got to meet you!"
"It's fine," He assured her. "I'm glad I got to meet you too."
Kirin could still sense that something was wrong. "Are you okay?"
Nouva shook his head. "I said it's fine."
"S-sorry!" Kirin exclaimed, shocked by his suddenly stern tone. "Forget I said anything!" feeling guilty, she decided to pull him towards her. "C'mon let me show you around!"
...
"This is where the Rhyhorn graze! Be careful of where you step, or else they will charge you head first if you aren't cautious!"
"I see, it must be a territorial thing."
"Wait, is that...Voltaro?" Kirin squinted.
Nouva growled "What's that idiot doing?"
"Oi?! Has anyone seen my Oran Berry?!"
All the Rhyhorn ignored him and then he noticed a Rhyhorn going for an Oran Berry. He snatched it and then the Rhyhorn started scuffing its front foot across the ground. Voltaro jumped towards a branch on a nearby tree out of the Rhyhorn's reach.
"Nah nah nah nah nah nah-" He taunted, shaking his butt. Then the branch suddenly started cracking "oop" He muttered. The Ryhorn huffed, watching in anticipation as Voltaro fell and landed on his back, screaming in pain. He then quickly got up and ran from the Rhyhorn, who was hot on his tail.
"You think he'll be fine?" Kirin asked as she looked on.
Nouva just threw his hand up. "Eh, I'm sure he'll be fine."
"Well anyway, c'mon I'd like to show you something cool!"
Nouva smiled. "Lead the way!"
...
They soon found themselves at an overlook where they got a view of the whole Safari Zone.
Nouva whistled "Not a bad view from here!" He said with a hand above his eyes.
Kirin giggled. "I'm glad you like it. I like it too. Though I am afraid of heights…" She gave a nervous chuckle.
As Nouva and her sat there looking off into the scenery for a bit, Kirin couldn't help but feel giddy that she was alone with Nouva. What about him made her feel like she enjoys her time with him? She blushed as she stared at him, admiring the sun reflecting off of his skin and his red scarf blowing in the wind. "Damn, Nouva looks cute" She thought to herself.
Nouva turned to her. "You say something?"
Kirin jolted in surprise. Had she said that out loud? "Oh- uh I didn't say anything!" She yelped, trying to hide her blushing face with her tail.
Nouva just chuckled and went back to staring at the scenery. "You know Kirin, I'm glad I'm hanging out with you."
Kirin looked back at him.
"Queenie always used to nag me about hanging out and just being around others. I always felt like it would be a waste of time to just do anything other than battle and keep to myself. With you though, it's easy for me to let go and just, I dunno, be myself I guess? If that makes sense?"
Kirin felt flattered but couldn't find the right words to say.
Nouva just waved her off. "Eh, sorry, I went on a bit of a tangent there."
"No, Nouva, it's fine. I'm just glad I make you feel comfortable!"
He smiled at her and then his stomach growled. He slightly blushed.
Kirin giggled. "Sounds like someone is hungry, if you are interested, I know a great place to get berries!"
"Sure."
"Then follow me this way!" She waved with her tail.
...
They then reached a tree that had a bunch of berries. "How are we going to get them down?" Kirin muttered to herself.
Nouva popped his knuckles. "Watch this!" He used Iron Tail on the tree and all the berries fell.
Kirin clapped her tail against the ground in applause. "Bravo, Nouva!"
Nouva just scoffed. "It's not a big deal, now after you." He said, motioning to the pile of berries.
"Ooooh, being a gentleman, are you now?" She playfully grinned.
Nouva just stretched his arms then placed his hands behind his head. "Nah, just trying to be thoughtful." He said as they both sat down and began eating the berries. Maybe it was just him- but it seemed as if Kirin wasn't eating a lot. "Hey Kirin, you're not eating well. Is there something on your mind?"
Kirin sighed. "Well, you know how my dad reacted to finding out I'm now owned by a pokemon trainer?"
"Yeah?"
"Well he's seen pokemon that were abused and such by their trainer. He heard stories of pokemon abused and unhappy with their trainers."
Nouva quietly took this in and continued to listen.
"But, I want him to understand that not all trainers are like that. Red has proven it to me. I also want him to understand what a great pokemon you are, Nouva. I'm just scared that he's going to try and force me to stay."
"Well it's like what we talked about before, if it makes you happy go for it! Remember those words."
She blushed and then smiled. "Nouva, you truly are sweet."
Nouva blushed a bit. "Stop flattering me, I'm just trying to give good advice." He scratched the back of his head nervously.
Staring into one another's eyes, they subconsciously started to lean in close to one another. That was, until a certain Raichu ran right in between them, sending them stumbling backwards.
"Sorry love birds!" Voltaro cried out. "But daddy's on the run!" He panted. The two then moved out of the way right in time to just narrowly avoid the Rhyhorn dead on his trail. They both glanced at each other and just laughed.
"Well, we might as well help him." Nouva crossed his arms.
"Y-yeah" Kirin said trying to hide her disappointment for the moment being ruined. With that, They followed after Voltaro.
...
"Honey, look, I know you are worried about her but she's fine! She's grown now."
"She's still too young to be off with that hotshot! And that so called trainer of hers too; who knows how he treats her!"
Kirin's mother sighed. "Look, dear, I'm sure her trainer is good since she's back alive and well. Besides, I don't think I've ever seen her look so happy."
Kirin's father shook his head and thought about what she said. "Well, still, I don't know if I can just let her leave... not after we just got her back, too."
"I know, but sometimes you just have to let her decide what to do with her own life... We can't keep her here forever. You've seen how she gets bored just living here. She likes to go out and explore." Kirin's mother gently held onto her mate's body. "You also need to learn not to be so harsh around her friend. Besides, it seems she's taken a shine to him, and you know how she is- she's very reserved and it's hard for her to come out of her comfort zone like that with just anyone."
"...Fine. I don't like it, but I care about her happiness more." He smiled.
"Good! Now when she and that Charmeleon get back you will apologize to them both!" Kirin's mother scolded.
Not even a moment later they noticed the two coming back. Nouva immediately frowned, prepared for another earful.
"Dragonair, I mean Kirin." Her father said to her. "I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier with you and your friend."
Kirin smiled in relief. "It's ok, Dad, but, I need to ask you something."
He stared at her.
"I-I w-want to continue traveling with Nouva and my trainer!" She closed her eyes tight expecting a no. She felt her father hug her.
"Of course you can, sweetie! I'll be honest, I hate for you to go, but it's for your own good. You are happier with Nouva and that trainer."
Kirin smiled and hugged her dad back. "Thanks dad"
After they hugged he turned to Nouva who gulped nervously.
"And for you, hotshot. Take good care of my daughter." He glared.
Nouva was sweating even more now. "Don't worry. You don't have to tell me twice." He nervously scratched his head.
"Alright good" He held his tail out and then Nouva shook it with his hand.
Then Kirin's sisters jumped out of the water and hugged Kirin.
"We're gonna miss you big sis!" Umi said.
"Come back and see us soon!" Mia added.
"Take care of your boyfriend!" Mimi laughed.
Kirin glared at them with her face red. "He's not my boyfriend!"
While her parents laughed at this, Nouva just sighed out of frustration. They all then say their goodbyes and her family waved them off.
"Glad he let you continue, right?" Nouva looked up at her.
She nodded. "I sure am, I can't wait to have more adventures with you!"
They both then run into Red and the others.
"So, we have to leave cause a certain Raichu messed it up." Red deadpanned at his electric type.
Voltaro just whistled, looking away.
"Anyway we should get going guys, we are going to stay at the Pokemon center then fight Koga tomorrow." Red said to them.
They then exited the safari zone and walked past the enclosures, when all of a sudden Voltaro was hit with a rock which knocked him clean out.
"Take that! Bitch!" The Slowbro from earlier thrusted his waist forward, doing a victory dance.