Chapter XI: Sakura Meets Aiko

"It is a fact of life that some Pokémon are more attractive to some people than others. There is also a myth that the uglier the Pokémon, the stronger it is. Each Pokémon has their own strengths and weaknesses, some related to type and some related to specie specialties or nature. If in combat with a Pokémon, do not be dissuaded from attacking because of 'cuteness' or even intimidating factors."

"Takuma-san, I'm here! I hope I didn't keep you waiting; Hokage-sama kept me late on my shift today." Sakura joyously approached Takuma and he grinned.

Well, she wasn't as bad as Ino…but he wasn't thrilled with the choices he was being presented. He was instructed by the leader of his clan not only to come to the Fire Country to instruct its residents about Pokémon, but to acquire a bride. He had exhausted all of his choices from his own village and found that he simply wasn't interested in the women.

"I'm ready for my Pokémon, Takuma-san!"

"I see, and I picked out one that I think you will like just fine. In fact, she has already met Hokage-sama. Her name is Aiko and she fits your personality well. Come on out!" Takuma threw a yellow colored Pokéball into the air and Aiko formed on the ground.

The small fairy Pokemon's ears twitched as she gazed at Sakura then turned back to Takuma.

"That's your new trainer, Aiko. I think you'll be happy with her."

"She's really cute! I'll be sure to take good care of her!" Sakura grinned and kneeled down to pat Aiko on the head.

"I hope you will, she is one of my favorites."

"Ring ring ring, ring ring ring. Phone call, phone call. Ring ring ring, ring ring ring. Phone call, phone call."

"Oh, sorry, excuse me a second." Takuma took a small device out of his pocket and walked away. He fitted a small part of the machine into his ear and held the other part, which had a screen on it, in front of him.

"Takuma? Are you there?" Takuma grinned as his mom's face came up on the screen.

"Yeah, I'm here. I made it to Konoha and I only have one more initiation to go through today before I can relax."

"Good, then you'll be able to receive more of your Pokémon tomorrow?"

"If all goes as planned, I suppose so. Look…I haven't really found anyone…"

"Oh, don't worry, Takuma-chan. These things take time. Bye-bye!" Click

Takuma sighed and went back to the clearing where he left Sakura and Aiko, but they were already gone.

"Fairy Fairy Clefairy!" The small pink Pokémon danced around Sakura's apartment gleefully.

"Well, do you like it, Aiko? I got a bed made up for you and everything…there's plenty of berries too! I read up on Pokémon before I met Takuma so I know how to take care of you."

"Clefairy Fairy!"

"You know, I can't quite understand you yet…" Sakura giggled and patted Aiko's head.

"Fairy Clefairy Fair…"

"I'll get the hang of it, though, I'm sure of it!"