Chapter 43: A Wolf Boy and a Wolf Father!

Kaito's POV

It's been a few days ever since Litten had joined up with Ash's team. And I was happy for my little Fire Type friend, because with him being able to move on from what happened to Stoutland, I felt a little bit at peace.

True, I was conflicted and sad after knowing that might've happened to the big guy, but I knew that I couldn't mourn for him forever, because that could make the big guy worried and upset while he's looking down at me.

With that in mind, I decided to continue my quest to unlock the truth about myself...

Ever since I learned that I had grown blue fins when Ash and I had returned from Treasure Island, I went to the Melemele Library to check over any details that could explain on how I was able to gain the fins.

But upon remembering about the lost Sea Prince that was lost from the Alolan Sea Kingdom, it started to hit me... that I could be that same Prince that had gone missing a few years... but, that couldn't be it, right?

I mean, I only remember living with my Mom and my Dad, who was a human, not a merman who rules a Sea Kingdom under the sea...

But in any case, I decided to find more about it... Of course, I didn't think I would have any time, because yesterday my friends and I had a little trouble at the beach today, because of a Sandygast, which soon evolved into a Palossand!

After we accidentally enraged it by making it lose its shovel, we had to try and distract it while Buizel, Popplio, and Pikachu searched for it under the sea. Of course, it wasn't easy because of how big Palossand became when it evolved!

Not only that, Litten and Rotom were beginning to lose energy when Ash and Litten got sucked into Palossand's body. But thanks to all of our efforts, we managed to get our friends out from Palossand with Litten mastering Fire Fang in the process.

But enough of that, I was heading into the forest right now with Shiho and Seita by my side, along with Buizel. Right now, we decided to have a relaxing picnic day at the forest, so we could all relax from what's been going on in the past few days.

With a picnic basket in my hand, I was ready to enjoy a relaxing day with my siblings. Of course, what I didn't know, was that today would be something other than relaxing... It all started when something strange occurred.

ZAP!

"WHOA!"

"AH!" I yelped in surprise while Shiho and Seita grabbed onto me, as they were frightened by the sudden light that blinded the three of us! Even Buizel was quite surprised with what just occurred.

It wasn't long before the bright lied had died away, leaving all of us to be confused with what just happened.

"Big bro? What was that just now?" Seita asked me, as I could only frown. Because even I didn't know the answer to that question.

"I don't know, little bro..." I could only say as Buizel looked around, trying to figure out what caused the sudden flash. But wanting to get this peaceful day done in a peaceful way, I shook my head at my Water Type partner.

"Don't, Bui. I'm sure it was just nothing. The good news is that we're all still safe after that flash, right?" I reminded, causing Buizel to be a little puzzled by the situation. Yet, he didn't complain and just nodded towards me in agreement.

But in truth, I was a bit concerned with what just happened too... It just... Something feels different after that flash went away... Could something new have happened or was there something about the atmosphere that's making me feel... peculiar?

"Big brother? Are we almost there? It's almost lunchtime!" Shiho reminded me, before Seita was excited about it too, forgetting about that sudden flash.

"Yeah! And I'm really hungry!" Seita added, causing me to chuckle and forget the incident earlier. Those two had a point... It was almost lunchtime and heck, even I was getting hungry just by thinking about it!

"Haha... I can tell... Don't worry. There should be a fine, smooth spot up ahead. We can eat there and enjoy the view." I spoke, causing my two siblings to grin together and nod happily at my words.

"Yeah!"

"Bu bui!" Shiho and Seita cried out with Buizel smiling in response.

Little did I know that someone else was in the forest... someone that I would feel as though I think I have met before...

End POV

Meanwhile...

At another spot in the forest, a white wolf was happily running across the forest with a Rockruff by his side. The two were running from another wolf that was both a wolf and a dog... in a way, a wolfdog.

They both dodged a pounce from the wolfdog, who chuckles at the two for their playfulness.

"Ah ha ha! Bet you can't catch me, dad!" The wolf called out, with his Rockruff friend barking out in agreement.

"Ruff Ruff!"

"Hmm... overconfident yet excited... Heh heh, that boy." The wolfdog chuckled as he continued to chase the white wolf and his Rockruff friend through the forest. It's been like this for more than five minutes ever since the two started their game.

But while the chase went on, neither the wolf or the Rockruff realized the danger they were about to get themselves into. That realization came too late when...

"WHOA!" The wolf widened his eyes as he realized that both he and Rockruff were heading for a cliff! The two skidded to a stop, only for their stop to be too late as they both fell off the cliff!

"AHHHHH!"

"RUFF!" The two screamed as they fell off, only for the wolf to grab onto a branch that was sticking onto the cliffside while the Rockruff held onto his back, whimpering in fear for what he and the wolf have gotten themselves into.

"YUKI! DUSK!" The wolfdog cried out as he ran over to see his son and his friend dangling up on a cliff, both whimpering together in fear.

"H-Help! Dad! Help us!" The wolf whimpered, pleading for his father to help. The wolfdog looked around, trying to find something he could use for the wolf to grab onto, only to find nothing.

"No...! There's nothing around here...!" The wolfdog grunted as he began to sweat in fear for what might happen to his son and his friend.

(Pokémon Opening: Breathe English Subbed)

(I do not own this ending song)

A music chart full of positive words
Giving a supportive push even when you didn't ask

(Kaito opens his eyes, before revealing the Sea Gauntlet, which began to shine brightly)

(The opening title reveals itself on the screen)

You are doing your best already
Don't know why you're rushing and forcing yourself to change something

(Shiho trips, much to Seita's surprise until Kaito helps his little sister up, causing Shiho to smile)

(Kaito is joined by Buizel, Vulpix, and Rockruff, before he turns to see Ash and the rest of his classmates calling to him while running towards him)

Do you think that you're not good enough now? If you don't act quick enough

(Hau is eating a malasada with Pichu and Eevee before he blinks, turning to the window of the malasada shop to see dark clouds)

(Camilla is enjoying her time at the beach with Austin, Comfey, Fomantis, Litten, and Cutiefly until she notices the dark clouds)

Can you not make it to the future?

(Kaito watches the sky as he sighs before Ash puts his arm around his shoulder, much to his surprise as Ash grins at him)

(The boys watch with Shiho, Seita, Rowlet, and Vulpix, seeing Buizel and Pikachu sparring together, with Ash's Rockruff and Kaito's Rockruff against one another)

The negative is only an important fragment of
Your spectacular journey

(Kaito is near the ocean until he turns to see unknown people sending out their Pokémon to attack him)

(Kaito tries to defend himself only for the enemies to blast all their attacks on him)

(Just as Kaito looked like he was hit, a giant thunderbolt repelled the attacks, revealing Zeraora)

Why not just be as you are
If you make an unassuming voice, it will echo

(Storm clouds gather before a giant wave splashes in the air)

(Camilla holds her necklace to her, looking afraid until she's comforted by her Pokémon)

(Akira walks up on a cliff with Rockruff, who has a strange gemstone attached on its rock collar)

I've heard it from a well-known phrase, before you know it, it will still remain unchanged

(King Kaisuke reunites with Shizuka, who smiles at the Sea King with tears welling up in her eyes)

(A Primarina uses Oceanic Operetta, as the giant water orb explodes, splashing water everywhere)

Even if it doesn't become famous, it's still your song

(Kaito and Ash faces Zeraora with Pikachu and Buizel as the battle gets intense)

(Kaito opens his eyes again, only to be sleeping on the beach with all of his friends and Pokémon)

(Opening End)

Back to Kaito...

Kaito's POV

"Ah... Just a few more seconds and we're... There! There it is!" I pointed to where a clearing was, as that got my siblings more excited for the picnic.

"Yay! We're here! We're here!" Shiho cheered as my little brother grinned.

"Alright!" Seita exclaimed as I chuckled to see the two excited. Buizel smiled as well as we were ready to set the blanket down from the basket. But just as we were about to do so, I blinked as I thought I heard something...

"HELP! SOMEONE HELP!"

That caught my attention, and it also caught Buizel and my siblings' attention, too.

"Big bro? What was that...?" Seita asked me as I narrowed my eyes.

"I don't know, but stay here, you two...! I'm going to find out what that was!" I called out as I ran to where I heard the distress call for help. Buizel ran next to me as we rushed across the woods with the voice getting louder as we ran.

"SOMEONE HELP! I'M GOING TO FALL!"

That didn't sound good... Was he dangling from on a tree? Or was it a cliff that he was struggling to get on? Either way, I just knew that I had to help that person...! By the time Buizel and I got there, we both blinked to see something over there.

It seemed to be a wolf over there, but it was definitely not a Lycanroc... or any sort of Pokémon that I've seen before. Either way, it turned to me, as if it had sensed my presence and widened its eyes in surprise.

"DAD! HELP!"

That voice again...! Was it over there...? From where the cliff was? Not waiting to get a response or a growl from the wolf, I rushed past it to see... a white wolf being hanging onto a branch with a Rockruff on his back!

Was this where the voice was coming from? The white wolf was calling for help?

"Yuki! It's fine! Help is here!" Another unfamiliar voice caught my attention, but it only lasted a second as I tried to reach for the white wolf with my two hands. Buizel supported me, as did the wolf, surprisingly.

"Grab my hands!" I called out to Yuki, who seemed to be the white wolf that the unfamiliar voice spoke out too. The white wolf blinked, before looking at my eyes before he struggled to put one of his paws onto my hands.

Knowing that would be enough, I grabbed his left paw with both of my hands and pulled him up! The Rockruff on his back continued to whimper, but that was soon about to end as I managed to pull the white wolf back up!

Eventually, we were all lying on the ground, all of us being safe from the danger the white wolf had gotten himself and his Rockruff friend into.

"Hah... Hah..." The white wolf looked exhausted and frightened, judging by how shaky he was and how his face expression looked. As I looked, the wolf ran over to the white wolf, checking over him.

"Yuki! Are you alright!? Are you hurt!? Dusk!?" The wolf exclaimed... wait, it talked!?

That caught me by surprise. So the unfamiliar voice I heard was coming from this wolf! Well, I guess it would make sense since I think I heard the white wolf calling out for help multiple times...

But to think I'm hearing other beings talk besides people... Well Meowth can talk, but that doesn't matter now. I watched dumbfounded as Yuki, the white wolf gave a sheepish grin to his wolf father.

"I-It's okay, Dad... I'm okay... I'm sorry for worrying you..." Yuki whimpered to his father, with the same going for Rockruff, who whimpered what seemed to be an apology. The wolf seemed to understand as he sighed in relief.

"Be careful next time... You would've gotten killed if you had fallen off. You're lucky that this kid was here to help you out." The wolf spoke calmly to his son before he turned to me, causing Yuki to turn to me as well.

The sudden attention I was getting made me feel a bit uneasy, but that soon passed when...

WHAM!

"AH!" I yelped as I was tackled by Yuki, who panted happily as he got on top of me before looking at me in the face.

"Thank you! You saved my life! And Dusk's too! Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" Yuki panted happily as he licked my face several times...

Geez! I know that you feel grateful for me saving you, but could you tone down the slobbering...! I could only chuckle a little as the licking continued on before he got off of me while wagging his tail happily.

"S-Sure... No problem. And you two... If you're going to run, then can you please watch where you two are going...? You both could've gotten killed by dangling off from the cliff..." I reminded seriously.

Seriously... I don't know how they got themselves in trouble by running into the cliff, but I can only imagine that it was due to their recklessness judging by how excited they are... almost like Ash.

Except that Ash was a human and the being I'm looking at was a white wolf... and not a Pokémon.

"Sorry about that." Yuki chuckled sheepishly before he and his Rockruff, which I knew as Dusk got off of me. Yep... The Rockruff was quite grateful for the save as well, which resulted in him joining Yuki for licking.

"I honestly didn't see where I was going. Me and my dad were practicing increasing my wolf senses." Yuki explained to me as I narrowed my eyes before dusting myself off.

"It's fine... And wait... Your dad?" I asked in surprise. I thought that the wolf would be his father, but I didn't know that my guess would actually be correct, despite of me hearing him call the wolf, Dad...

"Bui?"

Even Buizel looked a bit confused from what he heard Yuki say.

"Yeah. Balto the Wolfdog." Yuki explained to me as Balto smiled before he walked over to nuzzle my hand as he wagged his tail, looking like it was in excitement.

"Hi." The wolf, who I know now as Balto greeted me as Yuki grinned.

"Yep! Dad is quite a nice dog and the best father a wolf-kid like me could ever ask!" Yuki explained to me, with his Rockruff friend barking out in agreement.

"Ruff Ruff!"

"Nice... to meet you, Balto." I spoke timidly before I blinked in remembering what Yuki said... Wolf-kid?

"And wolf-kid? Does that mean... you're half-human and half-wolf?" I asked, making a guess of what Yuki was referring to himself as. At my question, the white wolf blinked before he gave a sheepish look before he grinned toothily.

"Huh, you seemed pretty calm upon finding that! That's right..." Yuki exclaimed before he jumped into the air and revealed himself in... his human form!

So I was right! This guy was half-human and half-wolf...! But surprisingly, I didn't find myself much surprised for some reason. Why is that? Well, let's just say I had a strange dream last night that seemed to make me feel like... I know this guy.

Flashback

I was at my home, in my bed... exhausted for how exhausting that day was ever since we managed to stop Palossand from raging around. I was fast asleep when I had a strange dream...

Dream

I found myself in... the woods. And I was even in my outdoor outfit. Confused as to where this was going, I decided to have a walk around, wanting to know what this was all about.

As I was walking, I noticed that there seemed to be someone up ahead. Curious as to who that person was, I ran over to speak to that person. But what caught me by surprise made me stop as I stared at that person.

This person... had ears on his head... and even had a furry white tail! He seemed to look more like a wild boy rather than a normal boy... But that wasn't all that surprised me as the boy jumped up in the air and... turned into a white wolf!

I couldn't hold back my gasp, which seemed to have caught the wolf's attention as he turned to me in surprise before running off.

"Hey! Wait up!" I called out, only to be too late as the wolf had already gone out of sight in the forest. As the wolf went away, I noticed something on the ground that seemed quite familiar.

As I took a closer look, it was... a Z-Ring? Picking it up, the Z-Ring seemed to be quite different from what Kahuna Hala made it... In fact, it didn't seem to be one of the ones that Kahuna Hala made.

It kinda looked old for some reason, but well cherished. Was that the wild boy's Z-Ring...? I picked it up, wondering if I should chase after him to give it back, but... before I could do so, the Z-Ring suddenly began to shine brightly!

I widened my eyes before closing them, not wanting to get blinded by the bright light.

As I was getting blinded by the blinding light, I thought I heard a voice... A scared, young voice...

"P-Please...don't hurt me! I-I'm sorry for anything that I done or didn't do wrong!"

Huh? What... What was that voice?

Flashback End

Coming back to reality, I watched as Yuki jumped into the air and immediately transformed back into his human self, much to my surprise and Buizel's, too. But I wasn't the only one who was surprised by this.

"Hi..."

"So cool..."

I turned in surprise to see Shiho and Seita had followed me... I guess I've made them wait for too long... but now that I look back at the boy, he was exactly like what he was back when I dreamt about him...

He has pale skin with a thick mane of waist-length white hair with a small ponytail at the end of his hair wrapped around in a blue waistband. He has blue eyes with slit like pupils, and short fangs in his mouth.

He was seen wearing a red handkerchief around his neck like a scarf with gray goggles with black accents on his head. He is different from a human because he had furry pointy-like dog ears on top of his head. He was also wearing a brown sleeveless shirt with a Pokéball logo.

He also wore red board shorts, and right through it was that he had a furry tail. He doesn't seemed to be wearing any shoes nor sandals as he is barefooted, but his legs are covered with bandages, but it barely covered his toes.

He even possess an prominent ahoge on top of his head.

"By the way, the name's Yuki Fenrir! Nome Island's hero and the son figure of Balto the wolf dog! This is my dad, Balto and my partner and brother, Dusk the Rockruff." Yuki introduced himself with Dusk barking in greeting.

"Ruff Ruff!" Dusk barked happily.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Kaito. Kaito Shirogane. These are my little brother and sister, Seita... and Shiho. And this is my partner and Pokémon brother, Buizel." I introduced myself before introducing my siblings and my Water Type partner.

The two of them waved at Yuki, both having timid yet awed looks on their faces. At seeing them wave at him, Yuki grinned toothily and waved back at the two while both Dusk and Buizel greeted each other.

While the greeting was done, I caught something that Yuki had said earlier...

"And hero, huh? Well, it's an honor to meet a hero like you... And heck... You look like you're just one year older than me! You must've done something really heroic if you were called a hero." I spoke, which seemed to have confused Yuki a bit.

"Huh? You guys new around here? Me and Balto delivered a bunch of Antitoxins to my friend and the other children after catching Diphtheria and we saved a pilot from freezing to death after he crashed his plane into one of the Nome Island's mountains." Yuki started to explain.

That left me a bit confused... Diphtheria? There wasn't such disease in the Alola region... as far as I knew. And Nome Island? Is that supposed to be an island? But there are four islands in the Alola region...

There's Melemele, Akala, Ula'ula, and Poni Island... There can't be a fifth one, can there? But while Yuki was trying to explain himself, I took notice of my two siblings walking over and noticed Yuki's wolf tail and his ears.

"Wow... This tail is so fluffy! And the ears look so cute!" Shiho commented as Seita reached for his white tail.

"I wonder if it feels soft..." Seita wondered as he rubbed his tail, with Shiho soon following his lead. Of course, that didn't seem to go to Yuki's liking as he winced and turned to see my siblings playing with his tail.

"YIPES!"

He pouted at the two after wincing, trying to get them to stop.

"H-hey! Stop that! That kinda hurts." Yuki whined as Balto came over to explain about the tail of the white wolf boy.

"True. Whenever Yuki gets his tail pulled, it sorta makes him weak." Balto explained before he walked over and licked both Shiho and Seita. The two giggled together as I raised an eyebrow before smiling gently.

"Hahaha! Stop it, Balto! That tickles!" Shiho giggled as Seita laughed along with her.

"A talking wolfdog... Why am I not surprised?" I chuckled as Yuki chuckled as well with our two Pokémon partners watching in confusion. Then, he turned to me with a question as to where I had came from...

"So Kaito, how come I never seen you before here in Melemele Island? I've known everyone here on the island." Yuki explained, causing me to raise an eyebrow.

Everyone on the island? Did that he mean he knew Ash and the others? Hau? Camilla? Akira? But... none of them have ever mentioned of having a white wolf boy as one of their friends...

"Hm...? What are you talking about? I've lived in Melemele Island for about five to six years... I've even attended the Pokémon School with my friends there." I explained to him, which was true.

I moved to Melemele Island when I was around four to five, but for once... I never met this guy in my life... At least, I don't think I did. But my words seemed to have made Yuki even more confused as he scratched his head.

"But that's weird. I've been attending Pokemon School with Rosy, Lillie, Ash, Kiawe, Mallow, Lana, and Sophocles for two years and soon to be three years. I want to become the best musher and trainer in all of Alola!" Yuki explained as I frowned.

Who's Rosy? Is she a friend of Yuki...? I mean, I've never heard of that name before while I was living here... But then... Then again...

"Hm... Now that I think about it... You said that you and Balto were from Nome Island, right...? That's... rather strange. I've never heard of such Island before. And not only that, I've never seen you or your friend Rosy at the Pokémon School while I was attending there. And... Well..."

I continued speaking, before I frowned and rubbed the back of my head in both confusion and with an apologetic tone.

"Sorry... I also don't ever recall hearing about a disease called Diphtheria when I lived here at Melemele Island for about five to six years. And I don't ever recall hearing about a plane crash. If I had known about this, I would be more excited or serious about it." I apologized.

That was a fact. If I had known about the disease or the problems that Alola was having, then I might've done something to try and help with the problem. But I never heard of such problems before... which is why I knew nothing about it.

That shocked not just Yuki, but Balto and Dusk as they had widened their eyes in shock.

"This is strange. The news about those incidents were quite popular and everyone was talking about around the Alola Region. I don't get it..." Balto spoke silently as Yuki frowned as well, before turning to his wolf dad.

"Yeah... what do you think it's going on, Dad?" Yuki asked his father, who only shook his head with a frown.

"I have no clue..." Balto admitted with Rockruff giving a small whine of confusion, too.

"Ruff..."

Oh man... Looks like I started to make them feel a little bad for not knowing about what occurred in the past... At least, with the past that they know of that I know nothing about...

I could only frown, before I blink, remembering something the dream that I had about Yuki last night.

"Hey... By any chance, did you have a dream last night?" I asked, causing Yuki to blink in confusion before he made a face on looking like he had realized something.

"Oh yeah... I think I did, but I just don't remember but it felt kinda weird in a way..." Yuki explained, before I explained to him about what my dream was like last night.

"Now that I think about it... You kinda looked familiar when you were in your wolf form... I had a dream last night, too... It was blurry, but it showed me that you were there..." I explained, as I couldn't explain much more details about it.

After all, I wasn't exactly sure if the dream I saw was for real or not...

"I was where...? Hey wait, you also looked familiar. I remember seeing a boy underwater with a bunch of water Pokemon. It felt more like an nightmare considering that I was surrounded by water... but you told me that you were there as well." Yuki explained to me.

Realizing what that dream could've meant, I nodded before remembering one part about what he said about water. So he must've saw me being surrounded by lots of Water Type Pokémon underwater during that dream of his, huh...

"I believe the boy you saw was me... I've had plenty of visions of being underwater... One including that the Water Pokémon were, um... fond of me, I guess? Anyways, does this look familiar to you?"

I talked before showing Yuki the Sea Gauntlet that was attached to my left arm. While Balto only blinked in surprise at the sight of my Gauntlet, Yuki stared at it before widening his eyes on what seemed like realization.

"Hey! That's that weird gauntlet he had..." Yuki pointed out, as Balto looked at his white wolf kid with a frown.

"Are you sure, Yuki?" Balto asked, with the white wolf boy nodding to him.

"I'm positive, Dad!" Yuki assured before he showed me his Z-Ring, which looked exactly the same as the way I had seen it during my dream...

"Have you seen this Z-Ring before in your dream?" Yuki asked as I nodded with a serious expression.

"...Yeah. This Z-Ring... This isn't one of the Z-Rings that Kahuna Hala made... It's entirely different." I explained, which confused my two siblings, as they turned to me with questions in their eyes.

"Big brother...? What are you talking about?" Shiho asked me before Seita asked me a question that I thought I knew how to answer.

"Do you... know this guy, big bro?" Seita asked me while looking at the white wolf boy.

"I don't, but... I feel like I've known him for a long time... Don't know why that is, though." I spoke with a frown.

That feeling was coming to me... I just don't know why, but... it's like I said to Seita... I feel as though I've known this guy for a long time, even if we had never met before...

"Well... Kahuna Hala told me that this Z-Ring wasn't made but Tapu Koko gave to me. I just don't know where..." Yuki started before he scratched his head with a confused look while looking at me.

"Though I don't think I ever seen you before in my life. Maybe you're mistaking another wolf-kid like me." Yuki suggested to me as I frowned. Another wolf-kid? How could I mistake another wolf-kid when you're the first wolf-kid I met so far?

"But you're the only wolf-kid I know." Balto stated, causing me to raise an eyebrow.

Yep... Even Balto seems to understand as the two of us sweat dropped at the true statement. But before one of us could speak, we heard a growling noise. It kinda caught me by surprise, along with Buizel, Shiho, and Seita.

Was it a wild Pokémon? But before I could ask, I noticed Balto smirking while I remained confused.

"What's that noise?" I asked, causing Yuki to look down and see...

Ah... So that was the case. It wasn't a growling wild Pokémon... It was a growling stomach coming from Yuki's stomach as he made a toothy smile at us.

"Sorry! I'm just so hungry. I guess I forgot to eat some breakfast." Yuki explained as I shook my head with a sheepish smile at him. Once again, he reminds me of Ash... always being hungry and wanting to eat.

"Ah... I see... Well, in that case, why don't you join us for lunch? We came here for a little picnic together." I offered. Now that I think about it, I did make lots of food for me, Shiho, and Seita to eat.

But maybe I overpacked a little. My two siblings seems to like the idea as they turned to the white wolf kid.

"Hey, yeah! You've got to try big bro's food! It's the best! The same level as Mom's!" Seita explained, with Shiho nodding in agreement.

"Mm hm! Big bro always makes lunch for us when we're hungry or when it's to eat!" Shiho explained, causing me to feel a little flushed.

I mean, sure... I may be good a little at cooking, but I'm not THAT good compared to Mallow and her family restaurant...

"Come on, you two... I only do it because Mom's hardly around... It's not like my cooking is anything special..." I tried to remind them, only feeling a bit embarrassed from the praise I was getting from the two.

Of course, that earned me a teasing smirk from my Water Type partner, who nudged my leg, as if telling me that I didn't have to be modest. Like, seriously? You're not going to back me up here, Bui?

"Ha ha! That's awesome! Can we, Dad?" Yuki exclaimed excitedly before turning to his wolf father.

At that moment, I took notice of both Yuki and Dusk giving Balto some sort of puppy eye stare, pleading him to have lunch with us. By seeing their eyes, Balto let out a chuckle before smiling over them.

"I see why not." Balto chuckled, causing the two to grin together.

"Yeah!"

"Ruff Ruff!"

Later...

"It's so good!"

"Ruff Ruff!"

I watched in awe of the two finishing their sandwiches with one gulp, much to their joy. After I offered the two and Balto to join us for lunch, they seemed to enjoy the meal they were getting as they both grinned toothily.

"Ha ha! You gotta be the third best cook I ever know so far! The first and second being Mallow and Rosy." Yuki exclaimed happily as I nodded to him. But that name again, Rosy... Who was she?

"Thanks... This Rosy girl...? Who is she? Your girlfriend?" I asked, causing Yuki to widen his eyes and nearly choke on his food. At his expression, both Balto and Dusk rolled around with laughter.

Huh... So I got it right, then?

"N-No... we're just friends! She was my first friend in my entire life and she's my mom's owner!" Yuki explained as I narrowed my eyes in amusement before recalling of what he said just now.

So even his mom is a wolf? Or is she a pet dog? Whatever the case is, I can tell just by seeing his expression and hearing his tone to see that this Rosy girl seemed to be his girlfriend.

"Hm... That expression and tone of yours doesn't convince me. You sure she's just your friend?" I asked with a teasing tone. Buizel followed my tone and expression as Yuki stuttered a bit, trying to get the two of us to stop.

"Bui...?"

"I-I'm positive! Sure I may have saved her life from dying from her illness, but we're friends!" Yuki assured with a blush as Balto smiled at his white wolf kid.

"You're just making them believe that you do have a crush on her." Balto reminded, much to Yuki's displeasure as he turned to his father figure with a whine.

"Dad!"

I could only chuckle at the fact, but that was until Balto explained to me and my siblings, along with Buizel on how Yuki truly feels when he's around Rosy.

"It's true. Whenever he offers Rosy a ride to bring them to school or home, she always gives him a kiss on the forehead, which makes his face turned red. Plus, you can see his tail wagging like crazy." Balto explained.

At that point, both Buizel and I looked to see Yuki's white wolf tail wagging like crazy. Yuki noticed it too before he stomped on it, probably to shut it up. Although, he winced by doing that.

Doesn't that hurt? I mean, it's not wrong to show your true feelings to other people...

"No I'm not!" Yuki whined as I chuckled, regaining the smile on my face.

"Ah ha ha... Whatever you say, Yu." I spoke out. Oh, the nickname? It's short for Yuki. Thought I would give him one, especially since everyone at school sometimes call me Kai during fun or relaxing times.

Yuki however, seemed to be a little surprised at me calling him that as he turned to me in question.

"Yu?" He questioned me as I raised an eyebrow.

"You don't like it? Short for your name. I always call Lana 'Lan-Lan', and everyone at school mostly calls me Kai." I explained as I recalled the first time of when I called Lana by that name once we got used to each other back when we were young.

"Yu... I like it!" Yu spoke brightly with a toothy grin with Dusk barking, as if he agreed with liking the nickname.

"Ruff Ruff!"

"But... Lan-Lan? Do you mean Lana?" Yu asked me as I flushed a little upon being asked that. Balto seemed to understand what my relationship with Lana seemed to be as he made a hypothesis about the two of us.

"Something tells me that you have a thing for Lana." He hypothesized before Yu cocked his head, like he was wondering on how Lana got comfortable with me.

"Huh, Lana never told me that she had a crush on anyone before." Yu spoke out as I flushed a little bit more, before talking.

"She... I'm not sure if she does. I mean, I always had this weird feeling for her. But... one thing's for sure... Buizel already has a headstart on romantic topics... especially since he has a bit of a 'loving' relationship with Popplio." I explained with a smirk.

That seemed to have ticked Bui up a bit as he was complete red in embarrassment as he snapped at me out of embarrassment.

"BUI! BU BUI!" He cried out as I gave him a sheepish smile and an apologetic look.

"Okay, okay! Sorry, Bui... But you always get along with each other. It's kind of obvious." I reminded, causing him to pout with a "Bui". Well, at least he knows that I'm not wrong about his relationship with Lana's partner.

Yu giggled, before bursting out with a small laugh as he turned to me and my Water Type partner.

"Ha ha ha! You know, you're not bad Kaito, you too Buizel. You know, this is the second time that I've been friends with a Water Type that hasn't blasted me with water." Yu chuckled, until that caught my attention.

He was blasted by water at times? I shook my head, wanting to drop the subject as I had one thing in mind that I wanted to ask him.

"Blasted you with water...? Never mind. Anyways, after lunch... You want to have a battle?" I asked, which he quickly accepted with a grin.

"Sure! How many Pokémon do ya wanna use?" Yuki asked me, as I suggested the old rule.

"How does three on three sound to you? I have four, but my new friend is a bit scared to battle. And also... I always wanted to know how strong you are, since I know how gifted you are..." I explained before I made a sheepish smile.

"Being able to become a wolf, being able to understand Pokémon... And being able to make friends easily... Honestly, I kinda envy you for that." I added, as I knew that that fact was true.

He was able to remain as a human while becoming a white wolf at the same time. It's as if he was free to become of what he want to become. I, on the other hand, have to stay away from water for a while because of it turning my legs into fins...

My siblings both blinked in surprise, as they seemed to have not gotten used to me challenging others to a battle when it's usually the others that sometimes challenge me to a Pokémon battle.

"Big brother asking for a battle...?" Shiho questioned with a surprised look.

"That's new..." Seita added, causing Balto to be curious as he turned to the two.

"Why is that, kids?" Balto asked, allowing Seita to explain first before Shiho followed through.

"Big bro didn't like Pokémon battling for a strange reason... So he only battled when he was asked or forced to..." Seita explained.

"Maybe there's something special about big bro Yuki?" Shiho wondered, causing me to raise an eyebrow in amusement. So they already think of Yu as a new big brother figure, huh... Well, I guess it would make sense due to how friendly he is.

Yu on the other hand, seemed to be a little surprised at my dislike of Pokémon battles...

"You don't like Pokémon battles? I don't think I've encountered anyone who doesn't like battles. Also... thanks. You've gotta be one of the rarest people to understand me... unlike hurting me for being a wolf." Yu talked before he stopped himself.

That caught my attention and had gotten me confused while Balto just looked at his white wolf kid with a concerned expression.

"Yuki..." Balto called out, causing Yu to be a little sheepish before he apologized for the sudden subject change.

"Heh heh... Sorry about that." Yu apologized as I could only frown.

"...I'm not gonna force you if you don't want to tell me... But I do know one thing..." I started to say, causing Yu to blink at me in confusion before I spoke in a blunt tone.

"Those people that hurt you... were complete morons that didn't understand the great gift that you had with you." I spoke out, because I knew it was true. People hurting him because he's half-wolf? That's just wrong and unbelievable.

I'm sure he did nothing wrong in the past and that people must've found it fun to just play around or mock him for what he is. Those people sounds like they're completely messed up with their heads...

At my blunt words, I watched as Yuki smiled softly at me, looking like he was grateful for me taking his side.

"Thanks Kai... And I can't say I hate them... they were afraid of me but I never knew why. They were even the reason why I became fear of water after many of them blasted me with water from a fire hydrant to drive me away." Yuki explained.

That left me and my siblings shocked, as were Buizel.

A fire hydrant!? They used a fire hydrant to shoot water at him just because of what he was!? Oh come on! That's completely messed up! Those people sound even more twisted than I thought they were for hurting him like that!

"That's horrible..." Shiho said sadly, feeling sorry for Yu.

"Those people sound like real jerks!" Seita added angrily, feeling mad at those twisted people. I could only sigh and agree with the two, before making a point of what the people should've done instead of what they did to Yu.

"Another reason why they're morons... Those people that hurt you... They really need to learn that it's not what's outside that's important, but what's on the inside! Just because you're half-wolf doesn't give them the right to hurt you just because you look different." I spoke seriously.

I shook my head in disbelief, not wanting to believe of the horrible life Yu had to go through because of those people.

"I can't believe there are still people like that... People who don't listen to reason because they get scared by taking one look at you..." I spoke out in annoyance, earning me a big smile from Yu.

"Thanks for understanding Kai, Shi, and Sei! I'm glad someone else understand me and dad. We've faced so much trouble because they feared us so badly. There was even one dog that hated the both of us with an iron fury." Yu explained.

A dog that hated both him and Balto with... an iron fury? This dog sounds more twisted like those people, but... I shook my head. This subject was getting more depressing, which was why it needed to change now.

"...All right... Enough with the sad story... You still want to battle?" I asked, taking out my Pokéball for Yu to see. I noticed that he only smirked, ready to take my challenge.

"You bet!" Yu called out as he took out a Pokéball of his own to prepare for battle.

"Okay! I'm ready Kai!" Yu called out as I smiled... So was I.

To be continued...

Kaito's Team:

Buizel (M): (Ice Beam, Agility, Rain Dance, Aqua Jet)

Rockruff (M): (Crunch, Sand Attack, Rock Slide, Howl)

Vulpix (F): (Ember, Roar, Baby-Doll Eyes, Quick Attack)

Eevee (F): (Quick Attack, Swift, Attract, Dig)

Next chapters:

Chapter 44: An Alternative Bond and Friendship

Chapter 45: A Masked Pokémon to Bond With! Pt. 1

Chapter 46: A Masked Pokémon to Bond With! Pt. 2

Chapter 47: The Pokémon School Open House!

Chapter 48: Family Work Together to Win!

Next chapter preview:

Yuki: I've been through a very tough time, all because of how I looked different... because I looked dangerous to the people...

Kaito: I don't believe it...! That doesn't give them the right to treat you like that! If it makes you feel better, I think you're special!

Yuki: Thanks... It's good to know on how there's someone else besides Ash and the others that accepts me immediately...

Kaito: All right, then... Enough with the sad story talk... I think this is the time we have a battle. How does that sound to you?

Yuki: Sure! I'm really looking forward to this! Let's go, go, go! I want to show you how strong my team and I can be!

Kaito: Then, let's go... Something tells me that you're strong... And I just know that the feeling is right...

Events that occurred:

- Kaito, Shiho, and Seita meets Yuki Fenrir and his father figure, Balto the wolf dog

- Kaito, Shiho, and Seita learns of Yuki's powers to be half-human and half-wolf

- Kaito challenges Yuki to a battle