Blast From Dad's Past

by WyldClaw

Becoming Parents animeverse sequel. Major AAML ( AshxMisty). Derek (OC)'s parents are hiding something from him. One night Ash & Pikachu's mate Storm (oc) are kidnapped and Misty' can't recall what happened. there's a ransom note. Can Derek & Aki (pikachu's pup-OC) save them? read on to find out. . Nov 2022- Added Aki's major loss side fic. enjoy!

12. Side Story: Aki's Major Loss

'Aki's Major Loss by WyldClaw

plot : revised long animeverse-side story to Blast from Dad's past. Remember near the end of Blast from Dad's past Ash and Misty's son Derek ( OC) learns Aki ( Pikachu's OC daughter) ran away when she Lear out about her missing electric powers and half a tail? here's that st seen through her eyes. I own nothing but the original characters and I did made up Gary's full name. ". " Are humans speaking, italics are thoughts and () is translated Pokéspeech. Enjoy

XxX fic is below XxX

I felt utterly tired. My head and body ached tremendously- like I'd been struck multiple times by a variety of attacks. My eyes felt heavy as an Onix and I couldn't muster the strength to open them . Why am I so sore?

Familiar Low voices and bits of a conversation swirled around my throbbing head like water through rocks in a rushing river. "... Harsh blow." Huh?

(Why isn't .. up? .. been ...days ... Unless sh-she...)

"She'll wake up Storm... Soon. took… ..energy .. of her."

Who's talking? What in Arceus' name is going on?

(Dad, … i-is ….. be okay?)

(..don't know, Taran. .. sister … tough. ...pull through.)

"But ..able .. fight w-without-"

"..don't know Mist..."

(poor baby.)

I smelled tears and someone quietly crying followed the sound of the first human voice saying, "Don't cry. ...be fine."

The reply-the second human voice that had spoken- sounded wobbly. "I k-know. ..I-if she'd hadn't found... ."

"I know... other day… not your fault. ..Awakening ... Wakes her up".

I felt something cold pinch my fur - like a syringe needle -and something liquid but strong enter my body .

As my body slowly woke up, I deciphered who had been talking. The first human voice I heard was the voice of my parents' and my trainer, Ash- one of the kindest humans I knew. The second human voice belonged to his slightly older wife Misty, who shared many of the kind personality traits. They thought alike most of the time but my father said when they first met they fought like Growlithes and Meowths - squabbling over over the smallest things . After my siblings Zapp, Taran, Electra and I all hatched they arranged it so they shared ownership of my siblings and mother by somehow trading their Pokeballs to each other and filling out paperwork. However since I alone inherited my father's claustrophobic fear of small spaces and thus Pokeballs , I had never been in one so i registered as wild if someone tried to capture me . The Pokémon voices were my parents and my Pichu brother Taran.

That answers one question but now I have so many more . What are they talking about? Something bad must have happened to me but I don't remember . What happened? What did mom mean by how will I fight? Why is Ash telling Misty it wasn't her fault? .

I pondered over these questions for a few minutes as my tiredness slowly ebbed. I heard footsteps as a door opened and smelled two new humans enter the room . I also smelled a good amount of Pokemon food which definitely got my attention and my mouth started to water . .

Now that I was less groggy and more alert- thanks to the Awakening shot- I was able to hear everything much more clearer . "Is she awake ? thought having family around would help her wake up." a new Softer voice spoke." I also thought ... Awakening injection would work."

"Sorry Dora. ...still the same as yesterday when Ash stopped by. But I think ... Awakening injection is working . It's ... taking its time getting into her bloodstream. " Misty said.

".. makes sense... she was in that coma for a few days .." Dora commented. I was in a Coma? why?

"Mamma..Why she Not wake-ed up?" a little girl's voice asked.

" ..don't know Sami. . " Dora said,

" I. Fought ' wakening woke-Ed Pokeymons ." Sami said

" it does sweetheart ... but remember.. she's been really badly hurt so its taking a bit longer tobwork." Dora explained then addressed me. "Come on dear one. Can you open your eyes and wake up for us?"

"Pwetty pwetty pease?" Sami pleaded.

"Maybe she's still wiped out. I mean she did fight that ..thing and use her energy up. "

"She could be, Ash."

(Ugh….) I groaned and my ears twitched.

"Look! I think the Awakening shot is working its magic Her ears twitched and she groaned. " Misty said.

I slowly opened my eyes ,blinked a few times and gazed around my surroundings . I looked and saw I was on a soft bed in a large room on my belly. There were wires and things attached to my electrical sacks with little suction cups. Theses wereconnected to some kind of machine on my left and a light blanket over my back. On the shelves on the side of the wall were glass jars full of medicinal smelling stuff. The room had pictures on the walls and something like a little table and four chairs a few feet away from me.

I looked up and saw two humans and three Pokémon sitting in the chairs. When they saw me their worried faces instantly became relieved. The first human was a man about twenty-seven with unruly black hair and dark brown eyes that looked older that they really were- Ash. He wore a white tee shirt and brown capris and i noticed he had half healed scars all over his arms . Those are new. On the chair next to was another slightly older twenty seven-year-old human-an with red orange haired woman- his wife Misty. She wore a blue and and white rppled shirt and sweats. I thought she looked a bit sad - I noticed a few dried tear-stains on her face-and she also appeared thinner than the last time I saw her.. Both the humans appeared to be sad

Next to her sat two worried looking Pikachus - one smaller than the other-and a Pichu- my parents and Taran. A dark blue-haired woman smelling like a lot of different Pokémon and medical stuff stood my bed side at my bedside. She was in a white lab coat who wore big glasses, light brown Pokespeech translator studs in her ears which looked like earings she and had a clipboard in one hand-Dora Oak. A small two and a half year old girl with light blue hair- who was wearing big glasses and a smudged pink tee shirt and blue shorts and glasses was next to her -her daughter Sami. Sami was holding out a big bowl of Pokémon food which made my mouth water .

(P-Papa? Mom? T-Taran? Ash? Misty ? Wh-what's wrong? ) I asked and they all noticed me. The concerned looks on their faces went from concerned to relieved.

"Aki! You're awake!" Ash and Misty said.

(Oh Aki!)

(My baby !)

(Aki!) My parents and brother happily cried out in unison before lightly jumping onto my bed and smothering me with licks, careful of the wires.

(You scared us so much), Mom-who was the smaller Pikachu - pressed her nose into my fur. (Oh sweetheart...)

(You're all right) Taran squeaked.

(Wh-what happened? what's going on? Why are you- oh!) I looked down at my paws and got a bit of a surprise. I saw not a Pichu's pale yellow hue but the distinctive yellow colored fur of a Pikachu. my gaze ping-ponged from my parents' fur and then to my own a few times as if for clarification. It couldn't be.. (I'm ... A Pikachu?) I asked the room at large. The adults all nodded but their facial expressions looked grim for a few heartbeats- like something bad happened during evolution . (how did it happen? Wouldn't I' remember something life changing like that happening?. )

Misty, my parents and Ash looked at each other uneasily. My dad kept glancing to the blanket on my back with a worried look. (My poor little girl .) He muttered almost inaudibly for anyone to hear. But I heard it.

(Papa? Wh-why are you calling me a poor little girl? ? ) I asked.

My parents looked at me and then one another. He turned back to me and for a second there was something sad looking in his facial expression. But then it disappeared and he licked my forehead. (n-nothing sweetheart . Just glad you're awake.)

Sami smiled and said, "Hi Ki! " Unlike her parents , Sami didn't really need a Pokespeech translator studs- she could understand it Pokémon really well. It was a major advantage of having Ash as her godfather, and Gary Oak as her father and living at the lab.

(Hey Sami.) i replied.

" You make gweat peekychu."

(Thanks.) My head still throbbed and I felt wiped. My stomach let out a sound like a Hyper Voice attack that echoed in the room.

Ash smiled as he took the plastic bowl of overflowing food from Sami's hands and placed it next to me. I saw bits of dried mixed berries - like Cheri and Oran and strawberries mixed with the sweet smelling Pokemon food. "Here Aki.. eat up. you must be starving."

I didn't need telling twice. I dived headfirst into the bowl finishing it off within fifteen minutes. Dora placed a big plastic collapsable bowl full of water next to me and took away the other bowl. I drank the water quickly and she took the bowl away. My head felt less fuzzy and heavy and more alert now. i looked up and saw everyone watching me. (do you feel better dear?) Mom asked.

i nodded. ( yes i do.)

(You needed to regain your strength after that... ordeal.) my father said.

(Wh-What ordeal? Why did my head hurt? Why am I so tired?)

Dora looked at her daughter then at Taran. "The grownups need to talk privately with Aki. "

" is Ki alwight Mommy?" the little girl asked concerned. I saw my brother's face full of the same emotion at the question. He and I were very close.

" I... hope so sweetheart." Does stated."Why don't you two go play with Arcanine's puppies in the nursery? I'm sure she'd enjoy your company ."

Sami's face lit up with glee. " I wuv Baby pokeymon !"

Everyone laughed . "Who doesn't" Ash remarked.

Taran looked to our parents then to our trainers and begged. (Can I go? pretty please?)

They looked at each other. "I don't see the problem with the problem with that, do you ?" Misty asked.

Ash walked over to the bed. He looked over at my parents for a brief second then to my brother. "I don't see why not. We'll come and get you when it's time to go. Just don't cause any trouble."

(I won't.) He held up a paw as if promising.

Sami grinned. "C'mon tawa." He jumped off the bed onto the little girl's shoulder. Ash and my dad smiled- that was his favorite spot as well .

Sami walked over to the open doorway when she bumped into a tallish man with semi spiky mahogany hair in a white lab coat over a grey shirt and tan pants and a folder in one hand. He had what looked like small silver studs in his ears –matching the light brown ones in Dora's ear-but it was really a Pokéspeech translator. The man nearly dropped his folder to the floor but caught it . "Oops . Sawy daddy."

"Hi sweetie ." He smiled at his daughter.

" Guess what? Ki woked up." Sami beamed.

"Oh. That's... good ...I suppose."

Dora rounded on him. "Garrison Andreas Shigeru Oak-" He flinched at the name . Ash smirked before getting a look from Misty . " you be nice and behave . She's just woken up from a trauma induced coma after going through a horrible ordeal and major blood loss."

huh? i was in a coma had major blood loss ? Why?

"they've been worried sick about her. The least you can do for your friend is be supportive. What if it were Arcanine or Umbreon in her position? Or even Blastoise? " She asked her husband.

Gary winced at his wife's truthful words. They had been bitter rivals when they were young trainers but a major loss at the Silver Conference in Johto sent him on a different path as a researcher. Over the years they had reconciled and were much better friends now- Ash was actually Sami's godfather. "Sorry, dear. I'm just a bit preoccupied. I was going over her test results and it doesn't-"

Sami and Taran looked at him questioningly. "Whaf tests daddy?" she asked.

He smiled warmly at the little girl. He doted on Sami and her twin brother Ryan. he patted her on the shoulder. "N-Nothing to worry about, princess. It's just some Checkup tests since she went through that.. bad situation."

"Oh."

"Where are you going, pumpkin ?"

"We gonna sees Arky's pups."

"Ah. Good idea." he pat her hair and bent down to kiss her forehead. . "Just be careful sweetie , they are still very young. I bet she'd like some rest herself so that would be great. ."

(She's a sweet Pokémon, Mr. Oak. She makes a good mom) Taran said. Gary's Arcanine was very kindhearted.

"She sure is, Taran. Perhaps you would like to help Ryan and Dan brush them? They tend to use him as a play toy".

Dan was one of the Oak's assistants who looked tough but was really very gentle. He had such a kind heart and everyone knew it. Ryan was Sami's brother. 'Yeah!" she nodded before going out the door.

Gary closed the door behind him as they left and came over to us and gave his wife the folder. "How are you feeling?"

(Weak, tired and achy. What happened?) Everyone looked at me uneasily. (i got the feeling that S-something happened to me but what?

everyone looked at each other hesitantly for a few minutes as if telepathically asking one another who should say the bad news. "There's no easy way to say this ... but when you evolved you were involved in ...an accident," Dora explained . .

(Wh-what do you mean …an accident? But I'm okay. I just feel wiped out and where my tail naches. That's normal to feel after evolution ..right?)

The humans looked at each other. I knew by the looks on their faces that something else was off. I felt a knot form in my gut. Something DID happen . "Aki.C- Can you demonstrate a ...light t-Thundershock attack for me?" Ash asked.

That's a strange request. (Um ...Sure I guess.) I closed my eyes and concentrated on the simplest Electric type attack. (Here goes ... Nothing!) I opened my eyes and let out a little battle cry ...but something was wrong. I couldn't feel the strong electrical current coursing through my body - there was nothing but a very weak fizzle. There was some kind of pain near my tail I opened my eyes. .. (That's very strange. I can't Do it...)

I heard scratching and saw Dora writing something in the folder . Ash bit his lip and looked from his wife to my parents. " Can you try ..a Thunderbolt attack?"

(Um…Okay.) I tried again with the second basic Electric Type attack but the same result happened. I noticed this harsh stab of pain in my tail every time I did it. ( S-Something's wrong. I. I just can't do it.) I admitted after I'd tried it three times. What's going on? I looked up and saw the looks on everyone's faces: a mixture of shock and disappointment. Tears-ran down my face. . (I-I should be able to do it. I should be able to do both attacks. I'm an Electric type Pokémon . Why-Why can't I?) I stumbled over my words

Dora looked at me and shook her head as she showed my trainers and parents whatever she wrote in the folder. Their pupils went wide. "Oh, Aki…" Misty said. I noticed that she looked like she was about to cry. Ash squeezed her hand. Dora closed the folder.

I looked at my parents. (Mom. Papa. What happened? Why can't I do the attacks? )

(Oh sweetie. I was afraid this might happen after…) my dad trailed off looking at my covered backside.

(After what? What happened? y-you were Afraid of w-what?) I was close to tears myself now.

"Dora, do you have a hand mirror nearby?" Ash asked. She looked in a nearby drawer and found one and handed him the item .

He bit his lip looking from the hand mirror to me to the Oaks to my parents. he was worried about ... Something. Misty,and my father looked at each other as if knowing what was on his mind. Perhaps they did -he'd shared his Aura powers with them years ago . but I knew they only used it when Extremely necessary. After a few minutes he turned to the Oaks. "C-Can you two give us a few minutes? I think she might not be so terrified.. if… if it's just us who tell her..."

(T-tell me what?) I asked feeling the knot growing in my stomach.

Dora nodded. "Now… Wait just a minute -" Gary opened his mouth to say something else but she gave him a fierce look.

"You may be the Kanto Pokémon Professor .. but Aki's their Pikachu . They know what's the best for her not you." she told him as she herded him out the door. "Come on Gare bear." She closed the door.

As the door closed Ash groaned and made a face. "Ugh. Gare bear? "

Misty rolled her eyes as he handed her the mirror. My parents scooted back to the chairs . "Like your nicknames for me are better."

"They're not as bad as-"

"Shush Ashy. Can you hand me the mirror?"

(.. Why does she need a hand mirror?) I squeaked as he did just that.

Misty knelt down to face me, the mirror in one hand and lowered her voice softly. "Do-do you remember what happened when you e-evolved?"

I closed my eyes for a few second . I had a hazy memory of Derek, her son, yelling something and a weird Mightyena of some kind but that was all I could remember . I reopened them and told her so. I must have had a scared look in my eyes since she patted my head with her free hand." It's going to be all right Aki.." she reassured me. " ashy If you would be kind to lift the blanket," She told her husband.

" Do you want her to freak out when she finds-" he started to whisper.

She nodded. " She's gotta know."

(K-know what?) I squeaked- the knot in my stomach clenched tight.

" You're right. " he said in a small voice.

He lifted the blanket off my back and she shifted the mirror so I could see. I gasped when I saw my tail or what was left of it. It was half gone! The part that remained was beat upon badly and it ended in a stumpy nub. (Holy freaking Arceus...

Suddenly looking at my half of tail everything came back to me in a flash as images flashed through my mind:

That strange creepy man and his odd glowing Pokémon attacking Misty , Daisy , Rosie , Derek and i on our walk and knocking me out

Hearing how that stranger kidnapped Derek and injured Misty , telling her to come with Ash to the heart of the Viridian Forest in three hours or else .

Refusing to stay back with Mom and my siblings while my father and the two humans complied with the stranger's demand.

Finding Derek and Fighting those Mirage Houndoom and that strange half steel Mightyena to save him.

That odd Mightyena injuring me greatly and pinning me to the ground about to slash me .

Derek giving me the courage to unleash a massive Thunder attack- an impossible task for a mere Pichu- freeing myself from its sharp claws.

a glowing light surrounding me as i evolved and using my new form to defat the other Pokémon and save Derek

Feeling the half steel Mightyena grasp my tail in its mouth .

an immense excruciating pain going through my t… The pain!

.I gasped. (I-I remember…) I explained what I remembered . (what h-happened after w-we escape from th-the…_) I tried to recall the creature's name.

(St-Steelyena…?) Mom prompted.

I nodded. (yeah,, that's the name I was looking for. Wh-what happened next? )

(you g-got steaming mad and tried to use some Rage filled Comet Punches at it but your tail injury put you off balance. It used Bullet Seed then Mirror Shot and knocked you out) my father explained.

"Y-you followed your instincts to find derek and did your best against that evil Steelyena." Ash said. "If you hadn't evolved Derek , w-w- would be …" he shivered, not finishing . I Gulped - i knew how he would have ended the sentence: dead. "Y-you were lucky. The major blood loss and the energy you spent using ..t-Thunder and evolving made you extremely weak. Y-You were in a coma for a few days. " his voice wobbled.

I gazed up at him at his words . ( oh..) I said in a tiny voice.

"Gary and Dora h-had to amputate your tail stat . .. if they didn't.." Misty trailed off ,

(But that ... that thing much ripped It off. It's nothing but a .. half tail now.) i lifted the limp thing-which still ached - an inch or two off the table . It felt like a phantom limb- I could almost feel where the rest of my tail had been though it ended then flopped it back down. ( Does this mean I can't use electricity?)

"W-we don't know," ash admitted, spunding defeated . "Gary ran some blood work tests while you were out cold to see if you were still able to. That's why we had you try that Thunderbolt' and Thundershock."

(And?) I had a sinking feeling in my gut.

My father sighed and looked sadly at me. (It doesn't look good sweetheart.)

I felt a lump in my throat as his words hit home. Anger terror and confusion overtook me and I felt like I was in some kind of a foggy anger- controlled haze. (NO! It can't be true!) I yelled. I felt the haze take over and I felt like I was distanced from my own body. I could see and feel myself struggling on the bed, Snapping and breaking the wires attached to me as I shouted horrible things about being a freak, an outcast. I could have been like that for minutes or longer – I don't know . My parents and trainers were trying To talk to me -to help calm me down but I wouldn't listen, I used Screech, punching attacks and Swift attacks breaking and knocking glasses and things over. they shattered lousy on the floor. One of them glasses hit Mom and made her collide with a small cabinet. another would have hit Misty if Ash and Dad hadn't used their Aura powers to make a barrier.

. the door opened and Gary rushed in to help. he picked me up but I accidentally scratched him on the arm and drew blood. I looked down at the red lines on his arm. The sight and scent of blood caused the haze to disappear and I felt like myself again.

I blinked a few times . (wh-what just happened?) I asked.i gazed around at the destruction I caused: jars broken on the floor, pictures shattered, papers and what not all over the floor, my mother's injuries , and the humans' pale faces. My parents And trainers were stunned . (I-I-...)

Horrified At what I'd done , I squirmed out of his Gary's arms, made a running leap and jumped right through the window- feeling the shattering glass puncture my skin but I didn't care. I hit the ground and ran as fast as I could ignoring the yells of my parents and the humans- unsure of where to go. I let my paws drive my direction. I didn't pay attention to where i was going so I stumbled a lot and got yelled at by various humans and Pokémon . I was confused and hurt. No wonder they wouldn't tell me! I'm a true freak- a Pikachu that has half a tail and no electric powers. I don't deserve to live. I'm useless. Why did I scratch Gary? I even hurt my own mother ...They won't want me around now. Nobody will. Where do i go? What will I do?

Those thoughts kept echoing in my head., I was so lost in my thoughts and about what I had done to Gary And mom I didn't notice a shadow looming over me. i looked at the grass and saw a huge bird shaped shadow over me . I looked behind me and my heart pounded faster than ever i as i viewed a large bird like shape shape swooping down from the sky upon me. oh no! not a Fearow.

Fearows were the one Pokémon I was truly petrified of. I couldn't move as a memory of how my phobia started when I was a young Pichu came at me full force.

Xflashback startsX. Xflashback startsX. Xflashback startsX. Xflashback startsX

My trainers, my parents, my siblings and I were in a flower dotted meadow. I snuggled into the warm tall grass that hid me from my bigger sisters Thora and Electra, who were too busy play- attacking each other. The humans- or at least my parents and a six month pregnant Misty- who was brushing my brothers Taran and Zapp- were watching us from A short distance away. Ash was asleep.

I was enjoying the sunshine thinking my bullying sisters wouldn't find me when I heard running pawsteps. I looked up and saw my sister Thora ram into me. ( nice try sis. Daddy… look at me!') she rammed into me using a Double-Edge Headbutt . then before I could react she used Skull Bash to knock me a few feet away to the ground hard. (Whoops. Sorry runt, I didn't see you there.)

(Owww) I got to my paws but then-

(No. Look at me.) my sister Electra ran at me using Quick Attack which knocked me back a few feet she tripped me using her Tail Whip And Mega Punched me fifteen feet away . I collided with the earth and felt a few bruises show up. (Oops.)

I started to get up but the Pichu up to me and scratched my face A few times .I yelped in pain but but she gave me a big Thunderpunch to the gut and I fell on the ground. (Going to cry?) Thora sneered

(N-n-no.) I replied, touching my injured face with a paw. The wounds didn't appear to be that deep but they still hurt. I wasn't good at fighting back just yet.

(Then fight back, runt ) Electra Body-slammed me to the ground. Thora and Electra always seemed to pick on me.

(I'm n-not a runt.) I tried to use my own Quick Attack on her but tripped on a rock and fell on my face on the ground.

Then Electra gave me another Body Slam to the earth . (oops.. didn't see you there,,,)

Tears started to well up in my eyes as I felt bruises on my face . (Th-that' s not fair!) I wailed as I got up my body covered in dirt. then my two sisters both used Quick Attack and sent me skidding fifteen feet away. I groaned as i got up, ( you know I'm not good at fighting just yet)

My father heard me. He looked up and scolded my littermates. (Electra! Thora! How many times have I told you not to pick on your sister?)

(Just because she's smaller than you doesn't give you the right to bully her.) Mom pointed out.

(But mom, she's puny) Electra pouted.

(And Zapp and Taran are no fun.) Thora added. (She's so weak and little!)

(Yeah!) Electra added. (She's nothing but a weak runt.)

Misty nudged Ash awake. " Huh? What did I miss ? " He sleepily asked. She groaned as she pointed to my sisters and then to me. The pregnant redhead started to tell them something-probably scolding them-but I didn't pay attention and ran off- tears streaming from my eyes.

I managed to run about fifty-five feet away. I stopped and wiped my teary dirt streaked face with a paw. It's not fair. Why do I always end up as the punching bag? I knew I was the smallest of my litter , the last to hatch and a bit slower in learning attacks than my sisters and brothers. But it didn't give Thira and Electra the right to always use me as a target practice dummy.

I stared down at a small puddle of water on the ground. My tear streaked face reflection looked back at me . I had a few scratches cutting into the pale yellow fur on my face. I looked grubby and bruise from all the times my sisters made me eat the ground .

I swiped the puddle with my front paws a few times and looked away. (Why is it always me? I didn't ask to be born small or w-weak? I can't e-even fend off my sisters. ) i sniffled. I cried for five or so minutes.(Maybe I am just a weak runt after all..)

I heard pawsteps come toward me and smelt my brothers. I turned around to my brothers Taran and Zapp behind me. Zapp looked over at me - his spiky tuft of head fur setting him apart from Taran, who looked like an ordinary Pichu. (You're not weak sis.) He told me.

I wiped the tears from my face. (B-but I can't do any good attacks ...)

(Sometime you don't have to fight to prove how strong you are.) Taran told me. Zapp nodded.

(L-like Unfezant a-And Leavanny?) I asked.

He nodded. (Don't forget about Muk) Zapp added. (He's all bark and no bite.

( true ..) I smiled. The big poison type Pokémon appeared to be a scary mean fighter but it was just an act. He was just super affectionate and loved to hug people and Pokémon. he didn't seem to realize he was a Poison type. After a while you didn't notice his stench either. ( but why do Electra and Thora beat me up?)

(Cause they're bullies an' all they care about is getting stronger. .) Zapp replied. He was a very easy going, peace loving Pichu who didn't like to fight unless he didn't have a choice .

(Everyone learns things at a different pace. ) Taran explained. (Some 'mons are quicker than others. You'll get the hang of attacks eventually. ' Member Dad said it took him forever to perfect Iron Tail and Electro Ball.)

(well , yeah. ) I admitted.

(But that doesn't give our sisters the right to be jerks .) Zapp added

I smiled. (You're right.)

(Just cause you're small doesn't mean a thing. Look at mom.) Taran pointed out.

I nodded. ( True…).

(Your size gives you an advantage so that you can outsmart your enemies and be quick at sneak attacks .) Taran commented.

(You mean ..like this?) I tackled him lightly to the ground.

He nodded. (Pichu Play Pile!) Zapp said as he jumped on top of me and joined in l the fun . All three of us laughed as we play wrestled and tumbled on the ground. I loved my brothers- they didn't care that I was the runt or couldn't use attacks well . We were having so much fun none of us didn't seem to notice that our play wrestling took us farther and farther away from our parents,

After a while our stomachs growled . We got up off each other, shook the dirt off our fur, and looked at our surroundings .We seemed to be near the edge of a group of trees and our parents and trainers appeared to be black specks in the far distance. I sniffed the air and smelled the sweet smell of Cheri Berries, so we walked over to the tree. We walked to it. The small sweet tangy berries taunted us from a high branch on the tree . (Yum.) I licked my lips. (How do we get them?)

(I got an idea) Zapp's electrical sacks on his cheeks sparked. He let out a small Thundershock at the Berries, which made them nearly fall. Being a Pichu he ended up shocking himself. (Ow. ) he said as he got shocked by his own attack and fell on his butt onto the ground . (I'm not gonna miss that happening when i evolve. ) he commented as he got to his paws..

I got a closer look at the branch and noticed that it was close enough to fall. I nudged Taran. (Hey Tar, do you think you can make it fall with Swift?)

My brother nodded. (I'll try. here goes nothing). He opened his mouth and unleashed a few gold sharp stars. The stars zoomed up at the Berries and a few of them hit the fruits, detaching them from the branch.

I ran underneath the falling fruit with my paws open. (I got it! I got it- I-) SPLAT! Two of the berries exploded over my pale yellow fur staining it with sticky juice. (-Don't got it.)

Taran and Zapp laughed kindly and then they helped clean most of the juice off of my fur. (Sorry sis.) Zapp told me. (We got most of the juice off)

( Misty'll probably give you a good bathing later to get the rest of the juice off) Taran said.

( Definitely. ) I agreed .

We gathered the Berries that hadn't exploded and ate them. The delicious fruit filled my mouth with it's sweet flavor. (Yum.) I remarked.

After we'd eaten our fill- Zapp snd Taran knocked a few more Berries off the tree with their Swift attacks. we decided that little area would be the best place for me to practice my electric attacks. Taran pointed to a bunch of old Berries on a really high branch . (Reach inside and focus your energy . Feel it in your guts. Try to aim your ThunderShock at the Berries. )

I nodded and concentrated. I felt the air around me crackle as sparks came out of my red electrical sacks on my face. ( here goes nothing!) I concentrated and aimed the attack at the Berries. The attack hit the Berries and my body as well. ( ouch..) I yelped as the attack hit me back.

I did it three more times with the. Same result . But the fourth time the attack coming out of my electrical sacks seemed stronger than a ThunderShock . The powerful bolt of electricity totally fried the Berries and knocked them clear off the branch, falling few feet away . however the electricity that hit me back was so strong that iI was knocked back onto the ground at least three feet away . . (whoa. Aki.. I think you just learned Thunderbolt ) Zapp commented.

( Very impressive.) Taran remarked.

A huge grin appeared on my face. ( I.. learned Thunderbolt ! )

I was so ecstatic that I let out a ThunderBolt in surprise. It hit what appeared to be a bunch of boulders clustered in some tall shrubby grass at the foot of a nearby tree as well as myself. I groaned as the attack knocked me onto the ground yet again. As I groaned I heard loud screeches of pain from what I assumed were boulders. uh oh. Once the attack ended Zapp helped me to my paws. a loud angry squawk came from where my attack struck . ( Who dared to fire that Thunderbolt!) a voice squawked.

(Wh- who said that?) Taran looked around, trying to find the source of the sound.

. I heard a flutter of wingbeats and my fur prickled as a tough looking huge Spearow , wearing some kind of small Berry on a chain on its neck and a long scars on its face and an eye patch over one eye flew to us. (Me.) it said in a masculine voice. I saw his feathers were ruffled and fluffed up as if hit by an Electric attack -my electrical attack. I shrank back trying to make myself as small as a Joltik against Taran's side hoping the bird wouldn't figure out who fired the attack.

A second Spearow appeared followed by another. (And me) it squawked.

More birds squawked and appeared until there were about ten of them- some of their feathers fluffed out in a circle around us trapping us . The three of us clung together in fear. and I could hear their hearts beating fast. (I've got a very bad feeling about this. ) I muttered. We were just threebaby Pokémon - how could we stand up against a flock of Spearows ?

The first Spearow that spoken- the one with the scarred face- leered at us hungrily- his hooked beak glinted as the sunlight hit it. (Well, well, well. What do we have here, it looks like three lost- and delicious looking squirts .)

I gulped. What do we do now? There are fifteen of them and only three the three of us. (We're not lost and w-we're not squirts .) Zapp tried to sound tough.

(I thought Spearows ate g-grubs not m-meat) Zapp nervously squeaked.

The Spearow who'd spoken looked at him. (we do , little one.. but ,.. when i evolve- which should be quite soon, I shall need meat. while Fearows w steal fish why settle for that when fresh meat is right in front of me .And let's just say I have a plan that requires a tasty little morsel.) He narrowed his eyes at us and looked at each of us in turn hungrily . (Plus I believe one of you pests is responsible for that ThunderBolt .)

we all gulped. My brothers opened their mouths but i stepped forward. (M-Me. ) I squeaked. I didn't like the look he was giving us.

The Spearows cawed insults at me as they pressed in .

( that thing?)

( that pipsqueak fired at us?)

(it's a shrimp version of a Pichu)

( I can find Caterpies bigger than that .)

(it's nearly as small as a Digglet)

(it's hardly bigger than a Budew)

I shuddered. (Please Mr. Spearow. I didn't know you were -) I started to inch away but got no further than that. A fast brown blur zoomed around and around me making me dizzy. Then out of the corner of my eyes I saw it fly into the air and waved its wings in an 'X' like motion. A light blue 'X' shaped energy is released from the tip of its wings. I knew what it was -an Air cutter attack

(Ahhh!) I yelped as the Air cutter attack connected and flung me through the air.

(Aki!) My brothers called as I smacked the trunk of a tree thirty feet away on my left shoulder. I cried as i fell to the ground- the attack making my already bruised body hurt even more. I smelled blood on my wounded shoulder. I looked up and saw them being restrained by Spearows- two birds were on their shoulders - the talons digging into their shoulders. Two held their tails as if daring them to shock them lest their comrades dig deep into their flesh. The rest of the tiny bird Pokémon blocked them from me.

A bright white light covered the Spearow who smacked me. My heart raced in my throat as he grew bigger and his wings became much larger. (Uh oh) I squeaked as the light vanished.

I tried to inch away but before I could really move I was pinned r to the tree trunk by a extremely powerful talon. The Spearow- no, a Fearow now- had me trapped with one huge talon covering my body. His narrow good eye glared at me as if trying to remember something.

The other Spearows congratulated him on the evolution, the congrations overlapping

(so cool!)

(Wow! )

(Looking good boss!)

(Dude!).

(Way to go)

(Sweeet!)

(You're so much stronger now.)

(Awesome.)

(so powerful!)

I tried to break freee of his hold on me. (Let me go!)

(Let go of her you mean bird!) Zapp and Taran cried out at the same time.

The brown cormorant like Pokémon turned his neck to look at him before looking back at me. (Let me think about that. No) he replied in a deeper male tone . He studied me. (You have the same scent as a rat that terrorized my old flock with a Pidgeot years ago.)

I caught my brothers' eyes for a heartbeat -the three of us stared at each other in horror. We'd heard the story plenty of times from Ash, Pidgeot and our dad. The Spearow flock papa and Pidgeot fought! I gulped. (B-but I thought... the Pidgeot and her tribe m-made peace after saving their leader a few years ago)

The Fearow had an ugly look on his scarred face as he looked down at me for a few minutes and tightened his grip. (Unfortunately. This was years before I was hatched but I heard the tales many times., The doddering old fool made us weak! We-who were once the scourge of the forest! That stupid weak old bird gave me this me when I tried to usurp him and make us fierce again.) He gestured to the scar on his face with a talon. (Me! Talorn Phaeyaran Winger. I injured him greatly- but he overpowered me even in his old age. He injured me , renamed me Skar, and then exiled me and my followers and me. Two humans- one with greasy hair and a scratchy voice and another with yellow hair and a Raticate Found me . They healed and made a bargain with me. All I have to do now is bring one of you , injure it find the blasted pidgeot who her former trainer, has a weak spot for creatures in trouble. Once , take over both tribes and signal them and they'll net the stupid bird and her flock. They have some … business in the human city nearby.) I felt the color drain from my face and shuddered asSkar stroked my cheek with a talon. He then looked at my brothers and I in turn. ( to do that.. I need a hostage but which one ..)

I tried to squiggle out his grip but just got cut even more since his grip was too powerful . (L-lemme go.) I repeated.

He shook his head. (Now. why would I do that? You're a feisty little squirt aren't you? . I like that in my bait. I think you will do quite nicely-)

(I'm n-not helping you. Leave me alone you big bully!) I yelled as I Thundershocked him as much as I could which of course involved myself getting shocked as ... but the Berry around his neck glowed. It was a small berry that looked like a candle that seemed to grow bigger and heavier as it absorbed the majority of the attack and I grew weaker.

(What's happening?) Taran and Zapp yelled.

I felt weaker than ever and my electricity was depleted very quickly. (What' ... is ...that Berry?)

Skar's eye glinted. (Surprised?) He jabbed my body a bunch with his beak using Fury Attack. I yelped as the attack hit and made countless bleedingbcuts. (The humans who found me gave it to me. It's a very rare berry called a Wacan Berry. I can assume you can guess what it does.) He looked at my brothers then at me. (You know this plan only requires one pathetic weakened baby 'mon. Avis,, Cyclone, Voltaire and the rest of you) he turned to the birds holding and surrounding my brothers. (Be my guests and take care of those two ... mini fur balls)

(Help!) Zapp and Taran cried out.

(YAAAAAAH!) The aforementioned Spearows holding my brothers screamed as a streak of white struck them. Then a yellow blur Mega Punched the birds and knocked them out

(Taran! Aki! Zapp!) The blur said.

(Don't you lay a wing on my pups!) the streak of white yelled. Papa?

I saw the humans running a few feet behind them.

(Blasted humans running my fun ) Skar jerked his head to them. (Sand attack. then get rid of them boys. Make it so they can't see. ) Skar lowered his beak to my line of vision. (Not a single peep from you... or else,) he hissed.

(Watch out!) Taran and Zapp cried out in unison as Skar's followers kicked up an enormous dust storm in which I couldn't see anything. I heard shouts and cries of pain. Three Spearows went right above the dust cloud for Misty- who I heard wince as she fell on the ground - but my father sent an Electro Ball at them and fried the birds.

Skar's talons cut deep into my skin. (Fly! Fly away you fools! ! Meet at the rendezvous point !). He squawked , grabbed me tightly with his other talon and rushed into the air. The rush of wind stung my countless cuts.

(Hel-)

Skar's talons dug deep into my fur before I could complete the word . ( shut Up)

My father's ears twitched as . He looked up after he used Thunderpunch on a Spearow. (AKKIIII!) He yelled. (Put her down or else!)

He started to charge up for an electric attack but Skar stopped mid flight about three hundred feet intonthe air and turned around. (I wouldn't do that if I were you .) The Fearow raised me in front of his chest so that my body hid the large Wacan berry as i tried to get loose and failed .(I don't think you want to attack me. Not while I have this little Pichu in my talons . Baby Pokémon are just so delicate... so vulnerable) His sharp claws dug deeper and red lines appeared on my now reddish pale yellow fur. I whimpered in pain as red dripped from my fur onto the ground and my dad looked up at Skar , he seemed to be horrified that Skar was using me as a shield. (Why just one little slight move and they begin to break. ) Skar replied.

My father looked up at the large Fearow-a horrified look on his face. (You wouldn't dare...) My trainers stopped and looked up and saw what was happening- their eyes got wide.

(Dare to do what? This?) The bird dug his sharp talons deeper into my skin and lines of red rushed down my fur and splattered on the ground . I cried out in pain (Oops.. my bad )

(What's the choice mouse?) The message was clear: if he shocked Skar I'd be used as a shield and get the brunt of the attack. Since Pichus weren't that good at electrical attacks, ... the attempt could really hurt me or even make me extremely sick. . .

My father's black eyes looked defeated as he stopped the attack . (I'll stop.. just please don't hurt her.)

Skar's good eye glinted down at him. (I thought so . Don't follow me or else the tiny mouse gets it').

We zoomed out of sight. A tear fell out of my eyes as we flew higher and farthwr away. the wind stung my injuries . (Papa…)

Skar laughed as he flew over a high cloud. (That mouse can't use its attacks on me now or I'll hurt you!) He looked down at me, his single good eye gleaming. (Wait a minute. Did I just hear you call him...'Papa? ) I gulped. (I take that as a yes. Those humans who healed me told me to keep my good eye out for a human with meddling powerful Pikachu like that one... that has a bunch of squirming brats. They said those two were always ruining their plan)

(I'm not… a brat and don't call my papa meddling.)

He gleamed hungrily down at me. (you must be one of his little runts. This makes it even better. After I find some vines to bind you up and shut your mouth I'll have one of my minions get them and say I know where they are. Then i'll use you to take over that tribe! Victory will soon be mine once again and you can't do anything about it.)

(Y-yes I can) I opened my mouth and bit the talon holding me.

(Yeeoooow! You pest! ) He cried but didn't let go. Instead he shoved his talons deeper into my skin. (That's not gonna make me let you go.)

(Maybe not. but this might.) I let out a Swift attack, which hit him in the beak.

(You blasted rat!) He squawked but I wasn't done.

(I'm… a mouse not a rat.) I used Swift again and again and again on my true target: the chain holding the heavy Wacan berry untill finally...

(NOOOOOO!) Skar squawked in horror as the gold stars hit the chain and broke it. The berry and chain quickly fell to the ground and shattered.

( now that your Berry is gone) I closed my eyes and focused my energy and the turrent flowing through my little body. (Take This! ) I yelled as I unleashed a huge Thunderbolt at the Fearow. He cawes loudly in pain - as did I as the attack shocked us both and the bird's talons dug deeper into my skin. (Hel ! somebody I.. anybody! ) I called out as I did the attack two more times before I felt worn out but Skar's grip only slackened a little bit.

He gazed down at me as i stopped the attack, panting for breath, a smell of fried feathers permeated the air around us. ( that the best you can do?)

We flew up even higher into a thick cloudbank. Dew soaked my fur. (That does it! I'm gonna kill you right now .I can't wait to see the look of horror on that stupid bird's face when I show her your carcass. She'll submit to me immediately. ) He laughed cruelly as his talons dug into my skin deeper than before and I saw more red lines rush down my fur. . (No one's around to save you now. any last words?)

(J-just one: H-H-HHEEEEELLLLP!) I yelled.

(Sayonara rat!) He raised his beak into the air and it started spinning fast like a corkscrew or a drill.

I gasped. Drill Peck! (Please ... help.)

Luckily his good eye was focused on my terrified expression so he didn't see a glowing white large bird figure zoom from the cloud at his behind. (SKAR!) a voice i recognized yelled .

Pidgeot?

The attack stopped as he looked up as the glowing white figure slammed into him , knocking him back three hundred and fifty feet feet away . (Get your filthy talons off that Pichu!)

(YEEEOOOOOOW!)He screeched in pain as the powerful Sky Attack hit and he dropped me. (YOU! You're toast!)

(i don't think so!) she replied as she lunged at him.

(Someone help!) I cried out as I fell out of the cold cloudbank. . As I fell through out of the cloudbank and the air something caught me gently with Confusion. A blue tinge appeared around my body as the attack moved me through the air, placed me on a feathery back and vanished. I looked down and saw golden shiny feathers … feathers .

( Don't worry ...I got you Aki- you're safe ) a kind recognizable voice said.

I looked down and saw the face of a familiar Johto flying type turn to look at me for a second. (N-N-Noctowl?)

(The one and only.) She replied as she descended to the ground . (What other bird do you know with golden feathers?) She paused. (Are you okay?)

I nodded weakly. (I th-think so. j-just sh-shaken up by Skar- th-thats the one-eyed F-Fearow's name n-nearly did to me.)

(I don't blame you . let's get you back to your mom and Misty .) I opened my mouth but she answered my unspoken question. (Ash told me to find you)

(Sk-skar- he told me th-that the two humans that healed him were looking for him. One h-had yellow hair and th-the other had a f-frog like v-voice. )

I felt her feathers ruffle as if agitated . (I know exactly who helped him...) she muttered

(t-team rocket?) I asked in a whisper, remembering my father's stories.

(Yup.) she responded. (Except the Rocket goons that helped Skar are.. smarter than the trio of dimwit dolts that were usually after us ..trying to get your dad.)

(oh.._)

(Stupid Rocket Jerks... )

(He said th-they told him to keep a look out for P-P-Papa and Ash. He was gonna take over Pidgeot's tribe)

(It's okay Aki. They're going to stop him. He's on her back.)

I turned to look back at the two fighting birds in the far distance and saw a human riding on her back. Skar didn't care he lost me or that there was a human on her back now that he was fighting Pidgeot. (Will they be okay?)

(Pidge can handle Skar) a sense of pride was in her voice tone. (Plus Ash has that Aura thing. Your parents are a mess. )

She paused then changed the topic . ( That was a very courageous thing you did by getting rid of the Wacan Berry and then Thunderbolting Skar..)

(You saw that?)

She nodded. (yup. That was great instinct. Was that your first time using that attack?) Noctowl asked.

I smiled . (Actually ... my third. i was practicing my ThunderShock attack on a branch with some Cheri Berries with Taran and Zapp and it turned into a Thunderbolt attack. It knocked me back four feet. Then we realized what it was i did anotherone in surprise accidentally Thunderbolted Skar and his flock.)

( That's very impressive. ) she remarked.

(H-how did you find m-me?). I asked as we descended to the ground.

(My superior eyesight and Your dad and Ash. They were both really shaken up.)

My parents and Misty came over as Noctowl landed on the ground. Misty must have recalled my siblings to their Pokeballs. They seemed relieved as Misty gingerly took me off Noctowl's back and onto the ground. "Oh Aki... Aki, Aki. Thank you so much Noctowl."

The golden avian Pokemon nodded. ( No problem. She's Ohana - family - and family helps each other out. ) She patted my fur with a wing . (You'll be safe from that psycho Fearow now. I'm going to go help them fight that blasted Fearow. Pidge can't take him on by herself. Nothing my illusions- and my attacks can't help won't be able to help.) She winked and flew off into the air again.

I saw the redhead scowl at my injuries. She got out two big napkins out of her bag, soaked them with some water from the water bottle, and started cleaning up my injuries. I flinched at the touch. ( It hurts..)

" I know girl. But I have to clean your injuries before they get infected . We'll get them properly looked at."

My parents licked me gently careful of the wounds. (Aki! I was so worried.)

(Oh …my precious baby) Mom nosed my pale yellow fur.

I started to cry. I couldn't help it. (I'm s-s-sorry. Tar, Zapp an' me . we shouldn't have gone th-that far. w-we-didn't know Skar was gonna-) I blubbered in between tears.

Mom nuzzled my cheek. (I'm not mad, sweetie. I'm just glad you're safe. Your brothers told me how you tried to fry him.)

"You brave, brave girl." Misty gently stroked me and made soothing words until I stopped crying.

(S-Skar- th-that was th-the F-Fearow's name. he said th-that two humans- o-one with a scratchy voice m-made a deal with h-him. T- told him to look for a human with black hair and a p-pesky Pikachu. ) I stumbled over my words.

My father's electrical sacks sparked in fury for a few seconds. (I'm gonna fry that Fearow to a crisp the next time i see him ) he said under his breath.

(He w-was gonna use me as bait for P-Pidgeot but got mad when I made the W-Wacan Berry fall and smash with Swift. I a-also used Swift on his beak and' Th-Thunderbolt on him .)

Papa licked my forehead. (that's my girl,)

(h-he was g-gonna u-use Drill Peck-)

"Shh. it's okay. He's not going to hurt you again. " Misty reassured me and then stayed silent for a minute, ". You look worn out from your ordeal. Why don't you take a rest? We'll get you to the PokeCenter soon."

I didn't need any encouraging. I closed my eyes and fell asleep. However Skar's attack had installed a deeply rooted phobia of Fearows inside me.

X flashback ends X. flashback ends X flashback ends X. X flashback ends X flashback ends X

I shook my head to get back to reality just as the Fearow was a few feet away from me. (Helloooo lunch) it gazed hungrily at me as it lunged! (Stand still!) I used Agility to escape its sharp talons but they just raked my fur leaving long cuts.

(g-g-go away. I'm not your lunch) I ran even faster than before. I was soon panting. I didn't look where I was going until...

(AHHHHHH!)I yelled as I fell down a high cliff into a fast moving river. My fur was soaking wet as I tried to doggie-paddle to the shore but the cold, rough current was too fast!

(Help!) I squeaked above the water but no one came. 'Either the river's is too strong or my strength hasn't come back. I kept my head above water as much as I could but it dragged me under a lot. My paws and body- already injured from running through the window-hit rocks and stones as I was carried away. (Help! somebody-) I tried calling but the current pulled me under again. I swam back up to the surface and called again. But no luck so I floated about for a while.

No one can hear me over the water.' Think aki think'. I scanned the area and saw a wet branch from an overhead tree halfway to the other side. Pushing through the water to get there wasn't easy. I was tired and had to fight against the water. As soon as I got to the branch I grasped it with my paws and hauled myself out of the water.

(I did it.) I paused to catch my breath. I looked up and saw a large shadow of a bird- most likely the Fearow- circling in the increasingly dark gray sky so I dashed up the branch into the tree as quickly as I could. I stood as still as I could against the corner of the tree trunk , not daring to make a sound. When I was sure the coast was clear I found a high sheltered branch in the intersection of the tree and shook myself dry. For the first time I noticed the countless cuts jumping through the window and the rocks in the river caused and my weariness .

My stomach growled loudly as I noticed the delicious smell around me. 'I'm in an Oran berry tree grove'. I grabbed pawful after pawful of the nearest berries and gobbled the sweet fruit down. As I ate I felt raindrops plunk on my nose. By the time I was full it had become a heavy downpour. Great. I just dried my fur too.

I climbed down the tree as carefully as I could and looked for a nearby hollow tree trunk or someplace warm to stay.

By the time I found a hollowed out dry tree trunk I was shivering and wet all over again. My temporary sanctuary was just right. The ceiling didn't go all the way up to the top. There was a pile of dried moss in one area and some dry leaves. There was a very faint smell of sentret in the trunk so I know it hadn't been used in a while. After drying myself off again I lay on the moss and curled up into a ball, frowning at my half a tail. 'Was this my new life-drifting from place to place? Never see my siblings or my family again? After what happened was there even a place for me in that household anymore? What was I if I was now an electricity-less Pikachu?

(Quit it Aki) I said. (You're a wild 'Mon now.) But then something hit me. (I was raised with humans- I know n-nothing about living in the wild.)

It didn't help due to my fear of pokeball Ash had never put me in one and registered me like my siblings. Since I was the smallest of my litter I was very distinguishable but for all intent I registered as wild. . I alone inherited my father's claustrophobic fear of Pokeballs and small spaces. My dad utterly loathed them-he had only been in one once or twice. I yawned. (I th-think i'll -I'll figure some-something out in the morning) The sound of the rain added to my tiredness and my countless injuries soon made me fall fast asleep.

…

I woke up from a dream about double berry muffins when I smelled it. I opened my eyes, blinked and sniffed around. 'I DO smell double berry muffins. Not just any kind- Delia Ketchum's homemade ones with warm cinnamon glaze on top right out of the oven!' I practically floated out of the tree following the smell. A few seconds out of my sanctuary into the bright sunlight I realized something was off. I didn't see any muffins but glittering dust near the tree. I sniffed it. Sweet Scent. That's what I was smelling- not the muffins. Someone put it there to lure Pokémon out.

I started to run but I heard a voice from above. (Running away so fast? I don't think so.)

(Huh?) I looked up but it was too late! A thorny Vine Whip came at me from above. I jumped out of the way only to be hit with a volley of sharp Razor Leaves which cut my fur. Another Vine Whip and flung me hard into the trunk of nearby tree twenty feet away and I collapsed to the earth . (Owww) I loaned.

I shakily got up but another Vine Whip slapped me to th ground then Strong rings snapped around my paws and A tiny rubber net was flung over me! There was barely space for me to move. I tried to free my paws but no luck.

As I struggled, the net was picked up by something leafy with red and green tentacle like vines . I quivered as I nearly squashed my lame excuse for a tail as the creature raised the net to face me. Oh no...My heart pounded in my throat when I saw two circular eyes reflect my scared reflection . I followed the red and green yellow spotted vines to the face of the spiky toothed Sinnoh native grass type Pokémon . 'It's a Carnivine !I gulped as the grass type Pokémon stared at me with its beady black pupils hungrily (You'll fetch a good price)

"Carnivine, bring it over here " a deep voice said. I huddled as much as i could to hide my 'tail' as my captor brought me over to a human about thirty feet away in a small clearing. The lean human was waiting for his Pokèmon, a satisfied look on his face as he stroked his black mustache. He was about six feet tall and had slick blue-gray hair. One eye was light brown while the other had an eye patch over it. He wore camouflage clothes with big pockets, and moccasins. He smelled of smoke and grease and was in his early forties. He looked somewhat familiar but I couldn't place where I'd seen him.

He stopped stroking his mustache and fished out a weird looking contraption out of his pocket as we came in front of him. "Good find, my lovely pet. Let me see what its condition is." He pressed a button on the box and it started to buzz. He then waved it in front of me twice. It emitted a red light that went over me and scanned me. He pressed another button and the buzzing and red light stopped. He read something on the box. "Hmmm. Young female just evolved ... fast. Good. Defense low but I'll fix that. Semi-decent electrical levels for a - It used Thunder as a Pichu? What luck!"

He pressed the first button again which turned it off and put it back in his pocket. (How much do you think we can sell it for, Master?) Carnivine asked. ( it's smaller than a normal Pikachu )!

"A high amount . they're famous due to the one that went far in the league a few years ago and it's part of one of the Frontiers. If I could only get my hands on it I'd be so stinking filthy rich. " I squeaked in terror. I knew who he was mentioning- I was related to that very Pokemon. "runt's heard of that famous Pikachu apparently. I'll have to make do with it. All we have to do is load it with TMs, and stat drugs and it will be ready for the black market. Who could resist a powerful Pikachu? As far as I know no Pichu can utilize Thunder. Now to properly examine you." He crooned as his Pokèmon handed him my net. "The stat scanner only tells so much. Now to take off these props so as to see you better, my dear."

He ripped off the mustache, which was a fake and lifted his eye patch. I yelped- instead of a missing eyeball or socket, my terrified reflection looked back at me in a dark green orb. Now I recognized him but I was too alarmed to say anything.' Oh no its dodgy dirk!' Dodgy Dirk was the most ruthless Kantonian poacher ever. His distinctive feature was his mismatched eyes and his wanted poster was in every Pokèmon Center. He was a master of disguise and seemed to be one step ahead of the police. The Pokèmon he stole ended up in black market auctions, in pit fights- illegal underground free for all death battles- or even dead. He wasn't known to leave a trail that could lead back to him. By the looks of I was his newest catch! Please oh please don't let him find out where I came from.

He examined me turning the net around as he did. "Strong paws. Muscles weak but that's because it hasn't used them yet. Small. It looks like it could learn Mega Kick, Iron Tail –" I couldn't move an inch as he gasped when he saw my stubby tail and nearly dropped the net. "What? Its tail is half gone! It's worthless. How am i supposed to sell it?"

(The pits?) The grass type Pokémon suggested, eying me. I heard rumors about pit fights- or pits, as they were commonly called an all-out illegal underground battle that people bet money on. Pits only ended when one foe was either dead/ too weak to carry on or the authorities were on their way.

'No one would bet on it."

(Fair point. make it be target practice instead. I need a new moving target Since that teddiursa.. left .)

I shuddered. Somebody please help. "Not a bad idea." Dirk grinned evilly at the Carnivine then at me, his mismatched eyes gleaming. "We are about to have so much fun with you ." I shivered at those words.

…

Shortly I was in even more trouble than before. The bands were off my paws but I had weights tied tightly to my paws with rope and some kind of heavy elastic cord tied around my middle. The other end of the cord was tied to a nearby tree giving me barely four feet to run. Dirk was merciless- he made Carnivine constantly attack me with many attacks including Power Whip, Mud-Slap, Cut,Bullet Seed, Acid, even Faint attack. When I could barely move and my battered throbbing body was covered in cuts, burns and bruises, Dirk came over and knelt down to face me. He brought out a sharp knife to my line of vision. It glinted in the summer morning sun. "You've proved worthwhile for a weakling." I shuddered as I saw my beaten , trapped face reflected back at me with a look of utmost terror. Dodgy Dirk saw the terrified look of terror on my face and smirked . "Scared much runt? Don't worry you tailess useless freak. It will all be over soon enough. "

I'm dead- I'm dead- I thought as he brought the knife into the air above me . I thought he was going to stab me but instead he cut the ropes and cordS. However before I could move he snapped his fingers and the Carnivine quickly picked me up and slammed me to the ground about six feet away hard. I was so weak I couldn't get up- but it didn't matter...He threw another net over me, which prevented any escape. . I could hardly breathe and my numerous cuts ached in utter agony. (Please. let me. go) I panted.

He laughed. "That thing is to be squeaking for its death. We can't have any loose ends running off now can we?"

(No master we wouldn't want that.)

"I'd be a sloppy poacher if I left witnesses ". He said four words that turned my blood to ice and my heart pound fast . "Carnivine, Hyper Beam it."

Somebody ... anybody help. I thought.( help me ) I squeaked as i squeezed my eyes shut.

then I heard running footsteps and another familiar voice from not so far away. "Aurora, freeze that plant with your Ice Beam!"

(Right!) No way! It can't be...

(What the-) the Carnivine was cut off mid-sentence.

"NO!"

I opened my eyes a minute later and saw it frozen in ice few feet away. Dirk was livid. "Who did that?" He snarled as he recalled it. He knelt down to face me and put the knife he used earlier under my chin. "Now to get rid of you before anyone else -" I whimpered. Help. Just then another beam of freezing cold ice went over our heads.

"Who dares mess with me?" he growled.

"That ..would be me" a figure ran out of the tree grove around us . A familiar scent hit my nose as Dad's best female human friend ran toward us. She wore a blue jogging shirt and white sweatpants and her reddish hair was under a faded gray baseball cap. She had a water bottle bouncing in a pouch around her waist. Her Dratini Aurora was in her arms, a Mystic Water charm around her neck on a string. For a few seconds her face went white and she looked horrified when she saw me. "Oh my! D-Aki."

Dirk got up, put the blade away, his mismatched eyes set on Aurora. However the tiny dragon looked at me, concerned. (Aki? What happened to you?)

I was in so much pain all I could do was squeak out one word: (help...)

(We'll get you out as soon as we can, you poor dear) she told me.

Misty was furious- there was a fire blazing in her eyes. She recognized him now that he didn't have the eye patch prop. "That's my Pikachu .. I've been looking all over for her . What did you do to her?"

"Finders keepers'… losers' weepers. I didn't see any tags on it." He stated.

"Her... collar came of and her Pokéball.. broke. Aki, what city did I catch you in in?"

My Pokéball broke? Caught in? I was confused but then I saw her and Aurora give me a nod. I understood- I had to lie about being caught in a Pokéball . (P-P-Pallet …C-City.) I croaked.

She relayed my answer to him. " See? That proves she's mine. Now let her go."

"This lame thing is yours?" He laughed coldly as he kicked my side with his boot and I groaned in pain. "It can't fight nor does it have a tail! Tell you what- I'll let you have it back ….if you hand over that Dratini. What to you say girlie? "

" Here's what I have to say. " She noddedat Aurora , who jumped out of her arms onto the ground. "Aurora, soak him with Water Pulse!"

(Take this!) The Mystic Water pendant glowed as she opened her mouth and a powerful blue ball of swirling water appeared inside of it. She fired it at Dirk Water Pulse attack threw him at least forty feet away. The pendent went back to normal and she used a light Thunderbolt on him, which knocked him out. .The little dragon Pokémon gave the poacher a disgusted look. (Never ever mess with the Waterflower-Ketchums or their Pokémon . Can't take drowning? Stay away from the water… creep)

"Awesome job Aurora! Can you get her free while I call the police?" Misty asked as she took out her cell phone and started dialing the police.

(Will do) she came over to the net and cut it open with a few powerful Iron Tail attacks. She nudged me to my paws, which took a few minutes since I was so weak and injured.. (You must have been frightened out of your wits, Aki. You're safe now. It's all right) she kept on reassuring me.

(D-D-Dogdy Dirk w-was g-gonna-) I buried my head in her neck and lost it. I don't know how long I cried for or what I said. I was dimly aware of Misty ending her call and coming over to sit next to us. Aurora kept patting me with the tip of her tail and making soothing sounds and talking calmly.

Misty repeatedly poured me some water from her water bottle, which I lapped at greedily, like a thirsty Zebstrika drinking at a pond. "Oh Aki. You gave us quite the scare when you ran off like that. What made you think you had to leave?"

I looked up at her through puffy teary eyes. (I-I scratched Mr. Gary and ruined his lab.. And I can't use my element type. . I didn't think you'd want me after what happened.)

She looked surprised. "What made you think we'd want that? We'd never abandon a Pokèmon for something like that. Do you know that when he and Ash were first in Hoenn the first time, your dad got scared and sick from being overloaded with electricity and ran off? When Ash found him , he scratched him but then his confusion rubbed off . He realized what he did and who it was. It was a simple mistake. You didn't know what else to do. Pikachus bite or scratch when they are frightened or trying to defend themselves. We know that you'd never intentionally hurt us."

I sniffled. (I also didn't think y-you'd want me since I don't have really a tail any more) I glanced at my stubby battered tail covered in bruises for a heartbeat and then looked away..

"Aki, your tail serves as a reminder as to how you saved many lives due to your very noble and brave deed the other day. You saved my baby boy from those ...beasts. If you hadn't saved him your parents, Ash and I would all be dead. Heck you used Thunder to save him."

(I had to defeat those ..creatures to save him. somehow I knew what had to be done. Wh-who was that was the crazy man with the burnt face and the weird glowing Pokèmon and creepy Steelyena creature?)

She looked down at me and her words were in a whisper. "H-his n-name is Dr. Yung. We- your dad, Ash and I along with Gary's grandfather- ran into him once. That's why he s-said I hadn't changed. It… wasn't a fun experience a-and we barely managed to get away with our lives. Ash and I- we th-thought he was dead and didn't think about him until..."

I didn't press on for details . (Oh. What am I gonna do now that I have this?) I waved my stumpy tail limply once before making it flop on the ground. (What's a Pikachu without electricity or a tail?)

"It makes you-"

"Pit fodder, Bait or a skinned pelt." Dirk cut her off

We yelped as we looked up and saw him standing over us, with two sack bags- one human sized and one smaller over his shoulder. Evidently he had gathered enough strength while I was crying to get close enough to us. Aurora hid behind our trainer-she didn't really like batting unless she had no choice. She and I both gasped in terror . He glared at me .. "Am I am going to hit the jackpot with you and the Dratini"

"G-get away from us." My trainer was nervous- the only Pokémon she had with her was Aurora.

(L-leave her alone.) I wobbly stepped in front of her.

His odd colored eyes focused on me. "Fine, worthless one. I'll knock you out first then I'll grabthat Dratini. ". He made the mistake of grabbing me by my tail as he picked me up into the air

Remembering what Misty just said I turned around and bit his hand. (Get away from me you monster!)

"YEEEEEEOOW!"He howled in pain as he let go of me and slapped me. I fell on my paws on the ground a few feet away.

(Owwww.) I tried to stand up fiercely but my injuries were too much and I flopped on the earth.

"Aki!" Misty yelled as she rushed over to me. In her haste, the hat came off onto the ground and her distinctive reddish-orange hair fell out. She saw the hat fall to the ground. "Uh oh…"

Dodgy Dirk looked at her hungrily for a few seconds. an evil glint appeared on his face as he reached down and grabbed her right arm tightly . "Let go of me!" She screamed.

"ha! I knew you looked familiar. Ooooooh! You are going to make me soo rich! Now That I know who you are, you are coming with me. I'll be the envy of every poacher in kanto once i -"

(L-leave her a-alone!) I leapt into the air as much as I could and scratched the poacher's hand holding her arm, which freed her.

"YEEOOOOW! YOU ANNOYING VERMIN!"he bellowed and whacked me to the ground again.

(Uggh!) I fell to the ground again, falling on my side. I groaned in pain from my injuries, my heartbeat racing fast. . I stood up again to tackle the beastly human but fell back on the earth yet again. Dodgy Dirk laughed at me as I made more feeble attempts to stand up but I was way too weak. (Go… away.) I squeaked weakly.

He grinned down at me, evidently not understanding what I said. He raised a thick red hand into the air – the one I had bitten -to slap me out cold. " Do you actually hink you're gonna fight me pathetic runt? You're too weak to fight back. I'll be long gone with you three- the girl and the Dratini are going to make me filthy rich. . You' -on the other hand - will make a fine training tool or go into the pits or.. perhaps both". I shivered at those words. "This should knock you out until I can properly bind and muzzle you and the other two . You are going to pay for that bite, you little b-"

..

A large howl interrupted him. (Not so fast!) Seven red-orange blurs said in unison as they rushed into the clearing and slammed him into the ground with Body Slame . It was a group of Growlithes-quadrupedal canine Fire type Pokemon with beige chest, leg and belly fur and muzzles . They had orange fur with black stripes and tufted rounded ears . . The group of Growlithe also wore blue vests that had the police insignia on them. The dogs growled at Dodgy Dirk as they cornered him in a circle. as Misty got shakily up.

"I would have gotten away with it too if not for this meddlesome stupid mutts..." He muttered

That was too close.

The team of Growlithes held him at bay until the police officers arrived. They picked him off the ground and handcuffed him. "You can't do this to me! I'm innocent I tell you!"

One of the Growlithes- slightly lighter orange in color than his comrades - laughed. (Surrre you are and I'm a Beartic. Tell it to the judge scumbag. I can smell you and your Carnivine's scents all over this poor Pikachu. Plus we heard her yell, right guys? ) The others agreed. (You really put her through hell).

"Dodgy Dirk, you are hereby arrested for pit fighting, pokenapping, thievery…." The officers read him his rights and led him out of the clearing with their Growlithes.

The Growlithe that spoke stayed behind with the human that was his partner- a young thin man with reddish brown hair, warm hazel eyes and freckles writing something on a notepad. He wore a blue backpack that blended in with his uniform and had golden crescent moon Pokéspeech translator buds in his ears. . . "Thank you for coming so quickly Jeff" Misty said.

He looked up and put the notepad away. "It was nothing, Misty. Stryker here was the one that did most of the work" he patted the Growlithe on the head. "We were doing our regular patrol nearby when we got the call."

Stryker sniffed me then looked at Jeff. (hey Jeff, do you have any of that healing cream left in your sack? The wounds Dirk gave her are pretty bad,)

As Jeff looked for the cream Aurora explained. (Jeff and Stryker met Misty when she and Ash were dealing with Sunset's old trainer. They were assigned to the case and were very helpful. Both of them are really kind)

(So I've noticed,)

(He and his wife Laurie have a cute year old named Anna and a cute three-year-old boy named Matty. Matty is in preschool with Derek)

"Here you go" he handed Misty a tube of something. "It's safe for humans and Pokèmon. Laurie uses it in her massage shop and her customers love it."

"Thanks."

He looked at Aurora, who had come out from behind Misty . He squatted down and stroked her head . " oh wow.. can this really be little Aurora?" Misty nodded. "You're getting pretty big. "

( I agree.) Stryker added

The tiny blue dragon blushed Tamato-berry red at the compliment . (I'm almost four feet now.)

"Impressive." He gazed at me as I peeked up at him.. " hey little one.. are you okay?" He reached out his hand to pat me.

I nodded, shyly, hiding my stumpy tail behind me as I came over to him and he patted the top of my head . ( I th-think so.)

( you're courageous to have put up with all that abuse from Dirk.) Stryker told me .

( thanks.)

"You must be one of Pikachu s pups, little one."

(Y-yes s-sir) I nodded, (I'm A-Aki.)

"What a strong pretty name for a courageous girl. "

(Th-thank you. Is - is Dirk going to come after me a-again? )

He shook his head as he removed his hand And stood up . "No Aki. He's not going to get out of jail for a loooooong time. He's already wanted for pokenapping, pit fighting and a bunch of other crimes."

(If he ever does get out in his lifetime) Stryker added.

Jeff looked at Misty as he got out his notepad again. "Do you want to give a comment for the report? It's your call"

She stayed silent for a few minutes then looked at me. "Do you want to explain what happened with Dirk?"

I shook my head- the wounds were too fresh . (I understand if you don't want to go through the memories again. Sometimes when humans and Pokémon go through horrible experiences they don't want to relive it by talking about what happened right away . ) Stryker explained. ( sometimes the hardest part of healing is taking that first step and talking about it to get it out of your system. It also helps police so that they can get an actual record of what happened in case the person who did the crime tries to deny . Would that be easier for you ?)

I nodded-. despite what the police and Growlithe team saw I had no doubt Dodgy Dirk would try to deny the abuse he put me though and the near kidnapping. (I... would like that.)

"If you want, I can come over Monday with a tape recorder and a translator to get your testimonies . " Jeff said.

Misty nodded. "I'll talk to my husband and let you know. I'm sure that will be fine."

Jeff wrote something down on the notepad. When he was done he put the notepad and pen back in his backpack. ""Thanks. Ash's going to be pretty pis-"

There was a crackle from the small radio at his hip that interrupted him. "Jeff, this is 693. We need back up for a 506 on 375 Seaborne Streets. Do you copy?"

He unclipped it, held it up, pressed a button and said "copy that 693. We'll be right over"

Stryker's face fell as Jeff put the radio back on his belt. (Drat! Laurie's making homemade butternut squash ravioli for lunch)

"It will taste even better when we get home. See you on Monday. Misty."

...

We exchanged goodbyes and watched the duo leave. Misty sat back down and gingerly put me into her lap and opened the tube. it smelled a bit like peppermint and flowers She put some on her fingers. "This might hurt " .I braced for the pain as she put it on my wounds, instead I felt a wonderful minty smelling cooling relief. I sighed in relief. "I take it you're not in pain?"

I shook my head. (That's so soothing. what were you saying before dirk interrupted?)

She put more cream on her hands and started massaging my nastier wounds as she talked. "I was going to say that you are still a part of our family. It doesn't matter if you can use your element or not, we still love you. You know what Derek was asking me this morning?"

My ears perked up at his name. (Wh- what?)

"He asked me where you were and when you were coming back. Your siblings were worried too. I came to find you and bring you home. We should have told you the truth once you woke up but couldn't find a way to do so. I don't blame you for how you reacted. We all miss you and I'm sure we can work something out. We worked out stuff for Storm.

(You came to find me? But. I scratched Gary and hurt mom. )

"You were just scared. You belong with us- you mean a lot to everyone. Don't worry about Gary-he understands that you were just scared) she more ointment on my wounds.

(H-how did you find me?)

"The Aura powers Ash transferred over to your dad and I.," she said. "Please don't scare us like that again. We would have looked for you if it weren't for the rain. Your parents were terrified-. They thought they lost you. I was scared too. Dr Yung had already kidnapped one baby and… a-and cause me to lose another."

(Wait...Derek was going to be a big brother?)

She nodded and smiled sadly. Her eyes looked teary, like she was about cry. "Yes. Until Dr Yung. The man with the burnt face …he-he- "

She didn't go on and I felt my fur shiver. (What happened?)

She lowered her voice and tears came dow her face as she talked . "it w-was when you were knocked out. He-he ...made his Mirage Pokémon-th-those were the strange glowing P-Pokemon- attack and b-bind-
I screamed loudly that the vines were hurting the baby and t-told him to go to .. blazes. H-He heard this and had his Mirage Pokemon slam me around until i- I- I" miscarried the baby. I won't be able to have another one for a few years. "

My ears drooped and I shivered. (I'm… so sorry.) I didn't know what else to say so I nosed and licked her arms for a few minutes.

She smiled at the gesture as she wiped her eyes . "thanks. It…. was a devastating blow- neither of us can't tell him what happened. While you was in your coma I felt hollow and empty? But when you fled i-all of us actually were terrified. I didn't want to lose you too. You're family-I didn't want to lose you like- like …" she choked back a sob but a few wet tears splashed onto my fur... "When we saw you being tortured by Dirk … something in me reignited. I knew I couldn't let you suffer any more than you already had at Yung's hands. Please Aki… we're all worried and concerned about you. We know you didn't mean to freak out like that."

I was so touched at her heartfelt words I felt t a few salty ears run down my fur. (I- I'm sorry I terrified Papa and Mom and you. I didn't know what to do. I want to go home)

Aurora wiped a tear away from my face with her tail as Misty put the tube of cream away. (We understand. It's not your fault. Maybe I can help teach you Body Slam.)

The thought of a Dratini using Body Slam made Misty and I laugh . she scooped me up. (Uh 'Rora? Wouldn't that be more like Tail Slam in your cased, since you're pretty much all tail?)

(Oh yeah I forgot.. Silly me.) Aurora chuckled as she slithered up to her favorite spot around Misty's shoulder.

"You know soon enough you won't be able to fit..." Misty commented to the Dratini. She stood up still holding me carefully and we started walking back home.

(I know. but can't I enjoy it a little more? Please? ) The dragon asked

Misty pretended to consider it. "I don't know…" Aurora gave her a sad Rockruff puppy-eyes look for a few seconds She kissed her head. "How can I resist that face? I suppose it won't hurt. But once you get too big you'll have to go in your Pokeball for travel and when you get tired."

I heard her phone buzz in her sweats pocket and she got it out and answered it. It was her husband's voice- he sounded a bit concerned. . "Water blossom .. are you okay? I felt fear through the-"

" I'm fine Ashy. Aurora and I .. we found Aki. "

" Oh thank Arceus."

"but.. she's in a rough state."

" How so?"

She went on to explain what happened but i was so exhausted and weak I fell asleep.

...

When I woke I was on the couch in the living room of the house- a light soft blanket covering my back. I smelled something like lavender on my body, which still felt sore and a big plastic bowl topped the brim of delicious smelling pokemon food in front of men . I felt a little hand gently rubbing my ears and got a sniff of a familiar scent along with a salty smell before looking up. I saw Derek's light green eyes look down at me -his face shone with dried tearstains. That's the source of the salt. He wore an off white tee shirt with a striped green pattern and tan capris. . The three year old's concerned face transformed into a big smile. "Ki! You' 'wake!"

(Wh-what happened? Why do I still feel sore?)

His lip trembled. "Mommy an' Stormy said you might be sores fwom the meanie wif the carny-c-carny- " he tried to figure out how to say the name.

(Carnivine?) I prompted.

He nodded. "Uh huh- that. You were sleeping When Mommy an Rory came backs wif you earlier. She s-said th-the meanie man hurted you vewy badly. She put cweam wif wavender on your boo-boos. Mommy also said you would be tired cause you funderbolt-ded the Fearwo"

(That's why I smell like lavender) I said.

He nodded. "It smells nice. mommy said you's be hungwy after what you went thwoo."

I nodded as my stomach growled loudly . I dived right in and inhaled the delicious food within minutes. he took the plastic bowl and set it on the side table. Derek smiled. " Mommy' was wight. .. " i caused for a few minutes She's said when she founded you She- was scared-ed."

I shivered, remembering the physical abuse Dodgy Dirk had inflicted on me and what he'd been about to do to me before she'd shown up. (Sh- she was. if she hadn't shown up) I said in a small voice. (The mean man would have k-k- killed me,)

A fresh tear slipped down his face and splashed onto my head. " L-like that scarewy man was going to do to m-me.," he murmured and I nodded. It was clear he'd been terrified from his experience with Dr. Yung.

(We're both safe.) I reassured him.

"I ' member you saveded me from the scarewy man's Steely-yeny. Thanks Ki. You saveded my life." He patted me gently.

A warm feeling went through me when he said that. My father told me after he saved Ash from the Spearows all those years ago and they woke up he felt the same thing. He knew that life-saving moment bonded them for knew in that moment that he'd do anything to protect his friend/trainer from harm and vice versa. I knew I had just felt the same sensation go through me. I saw my father and trainer briefly peeking out from the hallway with smiles on their faces, as they looked at me then at each other and then left. I didn't know if they knew what i had just experienced or felt it through their Aura. (I ... knew it's what had to be done.)

"But you lost your tail …" he gazed over to the blanket then back at me. "An' how you gonna…"

(Defend myself if someone like that poacher takes advantage of me again?) I finished and he nodded. I sighed. (I dont know Derek.. losing that is nothing compared to the life I saved. I knew what I sacrificed it for. ) My voice wobbled. (I –I just couldn't let you down or get hurt anymore. You were totally worth taking the risk) I licked his hand.

"'Ki, whys did you run 'ways fwom Mr. Oak's lab?"

(Mom and dad and you parents... they told me –about-...you know.) I jerked my head to the blanket covering my back, (I was scared, confused. I really didn't know how to react- it was too much of a harsh blow. I ran away and… a Fearow tried to have me as lunch.)

"Daddy told me why you don't wike Fearwoes. " he stated. " scarewy."

I nodded. (It-it was.) I shivered at the memory of Skar pokenapping me to use against Pidgeot then nearly killing me. If Noctowl, Ash and Pidgeot hadn't shown up when they did…

\

"But you gots 'way fwom the fearwoe.,. " he pointed out. "How?"

(I fell into the river but got myself out right before the rain hit. I found an Oran berry grove to hide in once the rain started. I was thinking about staying wild but then I realized I didn't know anything about living in the wild. I fell asleep and that's where the mean poacher found me) I yawned. Derek rubbed his eyes and I felt salty tears fall onto my fur as I talked.

Derek rubbed his eyes in tiredness. "I was worwied. I'm glad Mommy an' 'Rory saveded you."

(Me too. Th-the poacher sc-scared me. ) I admitted. (the p-poacher didn't know who y-your mom was until her hat fell off . He grabbed her arm and was boasting about her.) I shuddered recalling the look on Dodgy Dirk's face.

Derek's eyes went wide in horror. "wh-what happen-ded? "

(I … scratched him and he let go. he was gonna knock me out but the police came and took him away. After they left Sh-she healed some of my cuts. she reminded me where I really belonged: not in the wild but the family who loved and missed m-me and. She said that you would never do that to me – th-that you didn't care that I b-barely have a tail now or that I can't use electrical attacks .she also said they'd work on coming up with attacks th-that I can do.) I was careful to avoid even mentioning his unborn sibling.

He yawned which also made me yawn again. "M-Mommy's an' Daddy d-did that fo' Stormy. we love you an' i'm glad you back home. "

(Me too.)

We just sat there in silence for a while. . Derek fell asleep shorty after. I lay my head on my paws, slowly getting sleepier by the minute. I licked the young boy's hand and yawned. I closed my eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep.

…

a few hours later I woke up to the sound of footsteps and a camera click. . I lifted my head and opened my eyes . I saw my trainers staring down at me, a small disposable camera in Ash's hand. (wh-what's going on?) I whispered as he put the camera on a side table and they sat down next to me. Derek was fast asleep a few feet away.

"Hey aki. . i had to get a picture of you and Derek sleeping together.- you both looked so peaceful." Derek's dad explained,

(oh. )

"Feeling better? .. considering " he asked. He wore a white semi long shirt with the Battle Park symbol with tan shorts and his wife was wearing a blue shirt with the same sweatpants from earlier. Misty gingerly lifted her sleeping toddler onto her lap. he massaged behind my ears, which felt so soothing.

(a bit) I admitted. (M y wounds don't hurt as much but i still feel wiped out ). i saw him glance over at the blanket covering the lower half of my body. " .

" that's Totally understandable considering what you went through in the past few days " Misty told me and added, "I don't think your body and energy has recovered."

( Oh. Are Papa and Mom okay after .. yesterday? .)

the humans smiled. " They're fine- Gary patched them up . Your dad's eating lunch with Storm . we came her to check on you" Ash explained.

I nodded.. (I -I wanna say something. ) i whispered.

They both looked at me. " Yes?"

(I'm sorry. for making such a fuss the other day. and hurting Gary and running off . I just didn't know how to react. to the news about ..) I glanced to the blanket covering my stump of a tail.

"we're not mad whatsoever Aki. We're not blaming you .we should have told you first thing when you woke up. " The coal haired human told me. " We love you so much .you're part of our ohana. Ohana means family.. family mean no body gets left behind."

(o-or forgotten. ) I added. I paused. ( but h-how am i gonna b-battle?) I asked quietly.

They sighed. "we.. don't know. " Misty admitted. "but we'll figure something out. I promise you that Aki."

The End