Thank you to Alex Warlorn for beta reading this story for me.
---
Pike wandered into a meadow bordering the forest. For several minutes, he considered running back into the woods after Pichka and Kevin. He knew however that he couldn't do that.
Although the long grass almost went over his head, he felt far more vulnerable out in the open then in the woods. He could hide in the grass by ducking but would still be open to attacks from flying types. He dropped his identification and looked into the sky. Rather then feeling afraid however, he suddenly felt confident.
I can always shock 'em!
His cheeks sparked and he stood on his hind legs at attention, almost as through daring something to attack him.
No one can get me!
The sensation of the sparks made him feel wild. His emotions instead of logic, reason or intelligence guided him. A breeze blew across the meadow, ruffling his fur. He could smell scents it carried. The grass blew back and forth, touching his fur; it tickled somewhat.
He heard something approach from his right.
"Hey cool, it's a pikachu!" It was a giant's voice! No, it was a kid. Pike didn't need long to discover a simple fact. Going from 172 centimetres to forty centimetres tall meant that a kid that would previously reach his shoulders was now gigantic. The kid was almost on top of Pike before he could react. Pike barley reached the kids knees! Pike's cheeks stopped sparking when he looked at the boy, the last thing Pike wanted was to hurt the kid.
Pike grabbed his ID and held it, pointing to himself. "No I'm not. I may look like one but I was human just like you! See, that's me," Pike said. The words still came out in the pikachu language; Pike knew the kid would never understand him.
"You're cute! Is that your trainer?" the kid asked.
The bold daring attitude within him shifted into fear. This kid could capture him and then use him for battles, something Pike definitely didn't want! Pike shook his head. He had to make the kid understand that the picture was of him.
"Just stay still little dude; I won't hurt ya," the kid said.
Stay still? Yeah right, how stupid does he think I am?
The kid pulled a small spherical device from his pocket. Pike recognised it as a ball used to hold his brethren when humans weren't using them. Whether from fear or anger over the fact the kid wanted to capture him, Pike didn't note his thinking of himself as a pikachu rather then a human temporarily inhabiting the body of one.
"No, I don't want you to capture me!" Pike protested.
He can't understand you! He doesn't speak pikachu! Don't stand there yelling at him, run!
The voice of human reason, one thing that Pike knew kept humans from being savages. Before this mess started, Pike would probably have just let the boy capture him for fear of getting into any kind of conflict with him. He'd then have planned to convince the boy of his humanity by behaving in ways atypical to pikachu behaviour.
Whatever becoming a pikachu had done to Pike's mind, it had instilled a more active, fighting attitude. Perhaps it stemmed from a pokemon's fighting abilities. In a battle, one couldn't afford to be passive; a delay caused by insecurity or nervousness could result in disaster. One had to react quickly and trust their instincts; if one had to do something, they would do it and that would be that.
Pike considered letting the boy capture him for another reason. He'd heard pokemon became pure energy while in the balls. The thought of it appealed to him; he wondered what it felt like, both psychically and emotionally.
Are you crazy, run! Experiencing it isn't worth the kid capturing you and never seeing your friends and family again! You can ask Henry to put you in a ball later! What are you waiting for?
"This is so cool, I'm going to have my own Pikachu! All of my friends will be so jealous!"
Pike didn't think about it anymore. He put his identification into his mouth and ran as fast as he could away from the boy. Disembodiment could wait for another day.
"Aww, don't run away Mr. Pikachu!"
The kid was starting to annoy Pike. He stopped, stood on his hind legs and faced the boy. Instinct affected him as he started seeing the child as a potential threat. His cheeks sparked, Pike ready to shock the kid if necessary to defend himself.
"Stop calling me that," he said, his ID falling to the ground.
The kid now grinned and threw the ball he was holding to the ground. "Go get em Bobby!"
The ball opened and energy that formed into a familiar shape flew out of it. When it solidified, a cubone stood there, ready to battle.
Okay, it's a ground type. I think I can defeat that thing. Oh wait ground beats electricity; oh crap!
"Okay Bobby, use Bone Club. Don't knock him out!" the kid said.
The cubone raised its bone, its eyes glaring into Pike's.
"Look, I know what I look like but I'm not a pikachu. You see this…"
The cubone swung its bone down, striking Pike in the head.
"Ouch," Pike cried, holding his head. His cheeks sparked, anger taking over, he let loose with a thundershock attack, which the cubone effortlessly deflected with his bone.
Perfect, just perfect!
"Is that the best you can do?" it mocked.
"How should I know how to do that properly? I'm supposed to be a human being! I'm just trying to get home!" Pike said.
"If you let him capture you then you won't have to rely on such delusions to counter the fear you feel over being wild!"
Pike felt his cheeks sparking as anger flowed into him. "I'm not delusional!"
He shot out another thundershock; Bobby deflected some of it; the impact of what he didn't knocked him back.
"He must be high level! Don't let him get you get Bobby, use bonemerang!" the kid yelled.
Bobby leapt up. "Well played Pikachu but you know that you cannot win. Just let him capture you. Think of it, no more predators or hunting to worry about. Just wait until you experience existing as pure energy; it's the epitome of perfection." He didn't say anything else before throwing his bone like a boomerang; it struck Pike in the chest, knocking him to the ground.
No, I'm not going to let him capture me; the kid will use me to fight and make money. I'll never see my friends or family again!
Pike heard Bobby approach; it nearly stepped on his tail.
"Get up!" Bobby demanded, now holding his bone.
Pike stood up, holding his sore head and chest. "Please stop; you're hurting me!"
"There's no pain, psychical or emotional as pure energy. Battling is a small price to pay to experience that. Besides, the kid has access to excellent health facilities and fighting is fun! This fantasy you have over being human; they can take care of that. I've heard of a furret that thinks she's supposed to be the mayor of some town! Can you think of anything so silly?"
Pike felt his cheeks spark again but the charge was weaker; he was losing both power and the will to fight.
"Please, just let me go. I don't want to hurt you!" Pike said.
Bobby raised his bone as if to hit Pike. "We can be brothers in battle. I can feel your strength pikachu. Join us!"
"No!" Pike said weakly before trying to shock Bobby; the shock did nothing and the next thing he knew, he was on the ground, his head spinning as he heard the kid congratulate Bobby.
Seconds later, Pike heard something hit the ground beside him. He felt warmth from it. Something touched him, seeming to draw him towards it. He felt a calling; something told him it was safe in there. Human reason said to run but emotion and instinct was in control of his body now. The entire world went bright and Pike felt his body seeming to vanish.
---
It was peaceful, warm. Energy and light surrounded him, bathing his form. All pain from his wounds was gone. He didn't seem to have a psychical form; he should have been panicking but instead experienced serenity.
Hello?
There was no speech, only thought. His thoughts seem to echo throughout the area of wherever he was.
Where … what am I? Am I dead?
Pike remembered what had happened to him. The kid had captured him! He'd heard speculation of what pokemon experience while in a ball but nothing solid. It was something that he doubted any human was able to experience … until now.
Is anyone out there?
Wherever Pike was, it was peaceful. He thought of Henry, knowing his cousin was probably worried sick about him. Then he thought of his parents. His father never worried a lot about him, on the outside at least.
He was just being strong because he knew that if he freaked out, Mom would as well. Wait, how did I know that?
Clarity seemed to exist here; Pike understood things that used to confuse him.
He wondered how his brother and sister would react to his becoming a pikachu, not to mention the others.
When Pike thought of his younger brother Remmie, an image of the lad appeared before him. Remmie was twelve years old and aspiring to become a trainer. Tension existed between them because of that; now, none of that seemed to matter.
The lad was dressed in a blue shirt, black vest and shorts. Knowing his brother wanted to be a trainer had Pike seeing the boy in a different light. Now, he saw him as a protector, someone that could teach him what being a pikachu meant as opposed to a younger version of himself with different views and goals. Pike wouldn't care even if his brother wanted to keep him as a pet, just as long as he saw him again.
Pike imagined his sister Tiffany would probably find his situation amusing. Her image replaced his brother's when he thought of her. She was eighteen and a tomboy. She always spent time around guys as friends and never seemed to see them as boyfriends.
If I can make images appear when I think of them, maybe I can make a forested region appear.
Pike did his best to imagine the forest that Kevin and Pitch lived in. It wasn't long before his sisters image faded and an image of the forest replaced her. Pike found himself seeming to be on solid ground. He heard birds chirping and felt the warm sun beaming into the woods. It felt real and serene. Pike leapt over to and lay back against a tree. He didn't fear attack, capture, injury or illness of any kind in here.
I wonder if I can make a beautiful woman appear.
He didn't have to think for long before a cute young woman about his age appeared. Good, at least my mind still sees humans as beautiful. The woman had long flowing red hair that went halfway down her back; it blew in the breeze. She was clad in shorts and a black tee shirt. She smiled at Pike before walking over to him and leaning down. She started rubbing his chin and Pike closed his eyes. He enjoyed the sensation before he realised he was still a pikachu.
"Such a cute and friendly pikachu," she said.
Maybe I can…
Pike imagined himself as a human; before he knew it, the young woman was gasping as she saw his body turn to pure energy before reforming into a human form. When the energy faded, Pike looked at his hands. He blushed when he realised he was naked. He concentrated until his image had shorts, a blue shirt and sneakers before standing up.
The young woman didn't react at all. She only stood there, smiling. Pike found this unusual; she should have at least said something, whether it be objecting or finding his situation fascinating. Instead, out of nowhere, she leap at him, hugging him much like Pichka had; exactly the reaction Pike thought of.
"It's too perfect," he said.
"What is?" she asked.
"Everything," Pike said. He soon realised why. "Because it isn't real."
"Don't worry about it, have fun and enjoy it while it lasts," the young woman said.
Pike relaxed a bit; this is all just my imagination so I'm not hurting anyone. Might as well at least try to enjoy it.
Unfortunately, he was going to have to wait. The forest, young woman and even Pike's form seemed to fade back into pure energy. What's happening now? Seconds later, Pike felt himself flowing out and back into the real world.
-
Pike found himself standing on a desk in a brightly-lit room. The building he was in had a sterile smell to it. A hospital? No, it must be a pokemon centre! Pike confirmed that he was still a pikachu before looking around. The kid that had captured him stood before him and Bobby was too Pike's right. Pike felt the pain from his battle injuries return and cringed.
"Welcome back Pikachu!" Bobby said, putting his right arm around Pike.
"Ouch! Be careful!" Pike said.
"I just captured him! Is he going be okay?" the kid asked.
"Don't worry Porter, we'll take good care of him," the nurse said.
Why do they have to refer to me in the third person?
Pike turned to the nurse; she was clad in typical nurse clothing with long red hair and a cute smile. She looked like the woman he'd seen. Perhaps, he thought, he'd somehow sensed her presence and constructed her that way.
"Miss, these guys won't believe me when I tell them I used to be human! Can you help me?" Pike asked.
"Don't worry, we'll take good care of you!" the nurse said. She petted Pike and smiled at him. He felt safe around her, as though she cared deeply for him and the others. There was no doubt in his mind that he'd recover under her care.
"By the way, he was carrying this when I found him. I wonder if it's a trainer that abandoned, lost him or something," Porter said.
"Bobby, tell him the truth, I'm a human trapped in this body!" Pike yelled.
"You're crazy pikachu," Bobby said.
"My name is Pike!" Pike protested.
"Hmmm," the nurse said, taking Pike's identification, "maybe if I searched for the name, we can find him."
"I'm right here!" Pike said.
Pike wished he could speak English in this form.
"But first, let's take care of you," she said as she pocketed Pike's ID and picked him up. "Don't you worry Porter, he'll be just fine."
The nurse carried Pike into a back room. Pike's situation seemed more desperate then ever. He tried speaking to her but he knew that everything he said would be gibberish to her.
Come on Pike concentrate. Do you want to end up going with that kid and spending the rest of your life battling?
Pike was fidgeting by now, which only increased the pain from his battle wounds.
"Don't worry little guy, you're going to be just fine!" the nurse said. She held him closer, gently stroking down his back, as a mother would comfort a baby. "I won't let anyone hurt you."
Pike had heard of that these nurses before. He'd never met one personally until now. The irony that a lot of young guys might fantasise over having such a pretty young lady working on them was coming true for Pike wasn't lost on him. If anything, it calmed him down.
If anyone would understand, it's her. She is cute; maybe I should just let her help me.
Pike stopped struggling and instead held onto her coat as she cuddled him. She eventually put him on another table with several bright circles and a control panel. He stood there looking up at her as she pressed the buttons.
"What's this thing?" Pike asked.
Joy petted his head before the circle Pike was on lit up and hummed to life. She looked back at a display behind Pike as he stood there patiently.
"Nothing serious, we can treat everything right here. Now, just relax and everything is going to be fine," she said.
Her tone relaxed Pike; he stood there as she pressed a few more buttons. The pain from his injuries gradually disappeared and he soon felt healthy again. The nurse pressed more buttons and the circle turned off. She picked Pike up and smiled.
"There, all better now. Would you like something to eat?" she asked.
Pike hadn't of eaten anything in several hours, so he welcomed the opportunity. Pike nodded and Joy picked him up. She took him to a room that had other pokemon eating various dishes. Pike looked the group over, wondering if he could communicate with them. Perhaps one of them could speak to the humans. Joy put Pike down in front of a table and pet him on the head.
"I'll see if I can find your human friend for you," she said before walking out.
Pike watched her walk out before regarding the others there. A few humans were helping them to get food. Pike recognised most of them. There was a Ratticate, Persian, Sandshrew, Butterfree and Ekans. What he didn't recognise was a pretty cat like one like purple fur and a tail that split into two at the end. Pike ran over to the creature.
"Hi, I don't recognise your species; what are you?"
The cat turned her head to Pike, her eyes seeming to gaze into his soul.
"Greetings Pike, I'm am an Espeon," she said.
"How did you know my name?" Pike asked.
"I am a psychic type. To answer your other question, I find your belief that you used to be human intriguing. However, before I am willing to believe it, I must access your memories," she said. Pike felt beads of sweat forming on his forehead as his heart rate increased and stomach started hurting. He backed off as he shook his head. "I assure you Pike that it won't harm you in any way."
"I … g…guess so," Pike said.
"Hold out your paws," she said.
Pike stood still and did so, trembling with fear. The Espion walked over to him and rested her forepaws on Pike's. Almost instantly, Pike felt a connection to the cat. His anxiety seemed to vanish; the Pikachu desire within him for companionship had him feeling elated.
He felt as though he were telling her the story of how he became a Pikachu. He knew that she understood his trepidation, inquisitiveness, and desire for companionship and change in his life. From her, he felt, understanding and compassion. He blinked his eyes when she released his paws. Pike felt a little sad at the detachment.
"I believe you Pike. I am willing to help you communicate with the humans," she said.
That was so cool! I want more.
"No Pike, it's not safe for us to stay connected. I assure you, I will help the humans to understand. You won't have to be alone for longer."
"How did you? Oh ... right," Pike said with a giggle.
Pike learned the Espion's name was Miranda and stayed with her. He learned she worked with the police to help interrogate criminals. A criminal had injured her during an escape attempt but she was recovering.
Miranda seemed fascinated with Pike; partly based on his having been human and understanding how it felt to be one as well as his learning life from the perspective of a pokemon. He badly wanted to connect with her again; it made him wish Pikachu were phycic types. He however, realised that this desire was amplified by his desire for companionship.
"It isn't all fun and games Pike," Miranda said after finishing her meal.
"What do you mean?" Pike asked.
"You desire companionship and see a psychic connection as one in which you are never alone," Miranda said.
Pike nodded, "it must be nice never having to worry about hiding things. You can understand why people feel certain ways about things and why they do the things they do."
"While this is true, there are times I wish I could be alone. Perhaps your envy of my abilities stems from a desire to have one in which you can confide in. The species which you have become is social which has no doubt increased this desire within you," Miranda said.
"That would be great being able to tell someone my deepest secrets and desires without having to worry about them judging me," Pike said. He then remembered the ad he'd seen the previous day. "My cousin and I had considered adopting a female pikachu."
"Perhaps then, she could give you the companionship you desire."
Pike nodded. Even if he was stuck this way, if he could get back with his friends and family, he felt he would be all right. It wasn't long before Joy walked back in; a worried looked on her face.
"Well, we did a search on a Pike Chance; he was reported missing this morning," she said.
Pike looked at Miranda. She nodded and walked over to Joy, looking up at her. Pike watched as Joy's expression went from concern to disbelief within the span of a few seconds.
"You're Pike Chance; but how?" Joy asked.
Miranda looked at Pike; the former human knew what Miranda had to do. He watched as she touched her paws to Joy's hands. Joy's expression now became one of concern. When she and Miranda released their connection; Joy gazed at Pike.
"I've heard rumours of a spring that can do but I never imagined," Joy said. Pike simply nodded. He was elated to see that Joy believed him. Perhaps now, he could get home. "I'll have to contact the police so they know we've found you. Then we can bring you back to your friend. Don't worry, you'll be just fine. Porter will be disappointed but I think he'll understand," Joy said.
-
An hour later, Pike was standing back in the reception area with Miranda. A trio of officers was there, including Miranda's owner Jenny, who greeted her friend with a hug.
"I'm glad you're all right Miranda. I see you've met a new friend," Jenny said. She put Miranda on the floor and walked over to Pike, who was standing on the counter. She cuddled him with a smile.
"So, this cutie is the man that disappeared last night?" she said. Pike nodded as he looked up at Jenny. "Well Mr. Chance, we'll get your friend here as soon as possible. You're very lucky Porter found you when he did."
Pike looked over at the lad, who was looking disappointed. Pike leapt off the table and jumped onto Porter's knees. Bobby was standing beside him.
"Sorry, I didn't know you used to be a guy!" Porter said.
Pike shrugged his shoulders. Porter had no way to know. Besides had Porter not captured him, Pike would have been wandering home right now, probably lost and confused.
"Looks like I was wrong," Bobby said with a humph.
Pike put a hand on Bobby's right shoulder. "It's not like you had any way of knowing. You put up a heck of fight though. I know you'll go far in competitions," he said.
If it wasn't for Bobby's helmet, Pike was sure he'd see the cubone grinning. Pike realised that he was starting to see competitions under a different light. Before, they seemed inhumane to him. When he'd fought however, he didn't feel forced into it. He could have run at any time. He wasn't sure what it was but something inside of him (perhaps pride or instinct) felt an excitement over the battle. While Pike wasn't ready to go charging into competition, he knew it wasn't the blood sport he'd often thought it was.
Moments later, Henry arrived.
Pike turned into a pikachu? What kind of sick joke is this? First he doesn't come home yesterday and now this?
Henry walked into the pokemon centre. He'd received the call forty minutes ago and didn't believe it. The only reason he came here was fear that someone there had harmed Pike. If so, Henry wanted to be there when the police arrested them.
When he entered the establishment, he saw a Pikachu standing by a kid with a cubone. The pikachu looked right at him; it seemed happy to see him.
"All right, where is my cousin?" Henry asked.
One of the officers approached him, a stern look on the man's face.
"Are you Henry Chance?" the officer asked.
"Yes," Henry said as he nodded.
"Could I please see some identification?" the officer asked.
Henry reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet and produced his ID, handing it to the officer. The officer scrutinised it for a few moments before handing it back to Henry. He looked towards Jenny and nodded.
"It's him."
"All right Mr. Chance, I know this is hard to believe but that Pikachu is Pike," she said, pointing to the yellow mouse beside the child.
"With all due respect officer; how can you expect me to believe that?" Henry asked.
The pikachu spoke to Henry; he couldn't understand what it was saying. It hoped over to him, stood on its hind legs and started pawing at his right leg. Henry knelt down and petted it on the head, noting it enjoyed it.
"He's adorable officer and I'm not calling you a liar," Henry said. I know better then calling a police officer a liar. He stood up, looking her in the eyes. "But I need proof."
An Espeon, (that's what Henry thought it was) walked over to him.
Then you shall have it. Please, take my forepaws.
He'd heard her thoughts!
"What are you going to do?" Henry asked.
Your cousin showed me his memories of how this happened to him. I can show you those same memories. It will not harm you.
"All right," Henry said. He didn't really believe this was possible but was willing to try it.
He knelt down and touched his hands to the Espion's paws. Almost immediately, he felt a wave of memories. The sensation was not unlike suddenly remembering something you'd forgotten and would feel intense relief when remembering.
Then she showed him something else, an experience Pike and Henry shared a few years ago. It was when they were at an amusement park and Henry accidentally walked into a young lady, causing him to drop the ice cream cone he was carrying. He ended up dating her for a year before her job relocated, forcing her to move away. They still wrote each other.
When the Epsion released his paws, Henry gasped and stared at the pikachu that he now knew was Pike. What the Espion showed him would be almost impossible for anyone to fake. A skilled phycic type could create false memories but these were far too detailed. Only someone who'd experienced what Pike had could have such detailed ones of said experience. Then there was the memory; it seemed unlikely that anyone else would know about that.
"My God; that really is you isn't it Pike?"
The pikachu nodded, smiled and gave Henry a thumbs up sign with his right forepaw.
Henry had felt more then just Pike's memories. He'd felt the fear of both Pike over the trepidation his situation brought in the form of his future as well as the emotional release the pikachu form was starting to allow him. Henry had to sit down; Pike jumped onto his lap when he did.
"Pike, I had no idea. I hope you can forgive me for not believing you," he said. Pike nodded. Henry stroked Pike's chin. "I have a new friend at home that loves that too," he said. Pike's ears perked up. Henry smiled and nodded. "It looks like we're going to have a friend for that female pikachu after all. I picked her up on the way home from work last night. I know we were going to discuss it but when I saw those eyes of hers looking up at me, I just couldn't say no."
Jenny approached Henry a minute later. "We'll need to go down to the station so you can fill out a report stating Pike is no longer a missing person. I recommend we keep his … situation quiet. There are any number of criminals out there that would like nothing more then to exploit what's happened to him."
"I understand. I'll just need to figure out how to explain this to my Uncle Larry and Aunt Kate," Henry said. When the officer appeared confused Henry nodded his head. "Pike's parents."
An almost paternal instinct kicked in for Henry. He petted Pike, and wanted to protect him as though he were a young child. Henry knew that Pike needed him now more then ever. "Don't worry Pike; you're going to be safe now. I won't let anything happen to you."
---
They arrived home an hour later. It was late afternoon by that point. Henry parked the car and let Pike out.
Pike looked around his yard, seeing everything in a new light. A street that was previously easy to cross now seemed menacing. The pavement of the driveway felt unnatural. He leapt onto their lawn, finding the sensation of grass under his paws much more comfortable.
"Come on Pike, we don't want anyone to see you. Anyway, I'm sure you want to meet her; she's really cute."
Pike's ears perked. Why yes, I do want to meet her.
Henry picked him up and put him on his right shoulder. Pike at first felt a little uneasy being up so high but soon relaxed. Henry walked him into the house, closing the door behind them before lowering Pike to the ground.
Much like everything else, his house appeared vastly different with his current form. Everything had a scent to it; Pike smelled a female nearby. Probably the female; I wonder what her name is? He didn't know how he knew that smell and at the moment didn't care. The human smelling furniture and carpet that surrounded him if anything relaxed him. If I'm going to be a pikachu, I'll definitely be a domestic one. I know humans for the most part are safe to be around so their scent is a good one. Knowing those scents included the scent of his human form relaxed him even more. It was as though being around something familiar reassured him that somehow, someway; things would be all right.
"Don't worry Pike, things are going to be all right. If you have to be a pikachu, I'll make sure you'll be a happy one," Henry said. Pike trusted his cousin; Henry was in many ways the big brother Pike didn't have. Pike enjoyed being the eldest sibling in his family for how his brother and sister would ask him for advice. Even with the tension that existed between he and Remmie, the lad still requested Pike's assistance with schoolwork and other life issues. However, there were times that Pike enjoyed having one older enough then him to act as a mentor but young enough to understand his way of thinking.
Nevertheless, right now, he was the smallest one; he was the one that needed advice and help. That scared him the most. He tried to concentrate on something else to calm himself down. Knowing another of his species was close helped, so he went with that. He'd felt good around the others in that colony so saw it logical that having another here would have a similar effect on him.
"Hello?" Pike asked.
He heard something running in his direction seconds later. With delight, see saw the female pikachu run in from the living room. She almost ran into him before stopping and sniffing him for a few seconds. Pike stood on his hind legs to greet her. Just being close to her calmed him. He could feel the heat coming from her body and smell her scent. She smelled a little different from the wild pikachu; Pike could tell she'd been around humans before. His heart rate slowed to something closer to normal for a pikachu and he smiled.
"Hi, I'm Pike," he said.
"This place is fun, much better then the shelter. Come on, let me show you around," the female said.
"You don't need to, I live here," Pike said.
"What do you mean? Your scent isn't on anything," the female said.
Pike told her his story; she didn't seem to believe it at first, but didn't go as far as to accuse Pike of lying.
"What are you guys talking about?" Henry asked.
"To bad he can't understand us," Pike said.
"Well, I'd better call your parents to tell them you're okay. As to how I'm going to explain this, I don't know. You two go and have some fun while I figure out a way," Henry said.
Henry didn't need to tell the female twice; she bolted off in the direction of the living room with Pike in hot pursuit. The room appeared vastly different to him. He saw under couches; they were potential hiding and sleeping places now. As he chased his companion, he realised he needed something to identify her.
"Do you have a name?" he asked as they dashed under the couch facing the TV. It was dusty under it; Pike sneezed.
Wow, we need to vacuum under here more!
"Well, yes, of course I'm a chu! What else would I be?" she asked.
"That's not what I…" Pike started.
The female started laughing. "Gotcha!" When she calmed down, she told Pike that the humans called her Amper.
"Amper?" Pike asked. A few seconds later, he got it. "Oh right, as in um," he knew it was a pun on amperage and thought it was cute. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be a pikachu word for that. "It's a combination of a human name and a word they use for electric stuff."
"So, if you become a pikachu, what are you going to do?" Amper asked.
"I don't know. I can't go back to," work was another word that he doubted pikachu knew. It wasn't a competition, so he had to explain in a way she could understand. "My role in the human community. A place where I go so I can get the things I need to get food and shelter. If I can't speak, I can't do that."
"Don't worry about that Pike. Playing and having fun is much more interesting then that," Amper said.
Amper was cute and seemed to be about his age, (in pikachu years anyway). Pike wondered what the others at the colony would think of her.
Maybe some day, I can take her to meet them.
"Maybe I can show you how to use human things. Ever used a um, you know one of those magic boxes human sit at?"
"You mean a porygon nest? " Amper responded.
Pike nodded "Yes a porygon nest, what else would I call it? Agh!" Pike wondered what other terminology would change the longer he was like this. He knew a porygon nest was where he checked his stocks every weekend, and got his e-mail, oh boy. "They're fun. They can do many other things. Want to see?" Pike asked.
Amper had probably lived with humans for most of her life but Pike doubted she'd done human things. He could show her fun stuff about human living, while she could show him the same about being a pikachu. Pike wasn't sure exactly how he'd use his porygon nest in his current form but he chose not to worry.
"Sure, sounds fun!" Amper said.
Pike dashed out from under the couch, shaking to get the dust off him. With Amper following, he ran for the basement.
-
Pike stood on his computer chair with Amper beside him. He gazed at the now gigantic monitor. He switched it on after hitting the power button on the machine.
"Do you have any porygon in that nest?" Amper asked.
"No, but I can use it to check my um," Pike said, thinking of the right term to use. This was getting annoying. He knew the jargon but the pikachu words came much easier, even in his mind he was discovering! "You know, stuff other people write to me with theirs." Arg, I sound like a little kid.
"Humans talk to you on that thing?" Amper asked.
She now paid acute attention to the machine, standing on her tiptoes as she used Pike's shoulders to hold herself up.
"Sort of. They use um ... words on that thing instead of taking to me in person," Pike answered, pointing to the screen.
When the operating system had loaded, Pike did his best to move the mouse.
"What's that thing called?" Amper asked.
"It's called a ... mouse," Pike asked, unable to avoid a chuckle.
"That's not a mouse! We're mice!" Amper giggled.
"Don't ask me why humans use such silly names for their stuff," Pike said. I'm thinking of them in the third person again; this isn't good.
Pike did his best to access his e-mail. With his tiny hand like paws, it was difficult. When he managed to do it, he saw he had a few new messages. He was happy when he noticed that he could still read; even if the words seemed less logical then the pikachu equivalents when they had them. When they didn't, it was more of a struggle to force the meaning from his mind.
"What does it say?" Amper asked. She sounded like an excited child wanting to know everything about the world around her. As a human, Pike would have found this behaviour distracting, perhaps even annoying from anyone except perhaps Remmie. Now, it didn't bother him at all. He was too happy to be around another of his kind to think negative thoughts about the way she conducted herself.
"It's from a friend of mine; he's at a pokemon competition this weekend. It seems they have contests tailored to each of our species."
Our species? My species is human ... isn't it?
"Like what?" Amper asked.
"Weight lifting for fighting types, swimming races for water types, one where electric types try to power various machines and whomever powers one the longest and the most powerful one wins," Pike answered.
"Ohhh can we enter?" Amper asked.
"It's in another province. Too bad, I bet we'd make a great team," Pike said.
There I go again. Come on Pike, focus. Stop thinking of yourself as a pikachu. Just because you're in the body of one doesn't mean you have the mind of one.
"We'd electrify the humans watching us!" Amper said, giggling.
Pike looked back at her and smirked. "I get it."
He accessed the rest of his e-mail. It was casual chat, just asking how he was doing, nothing significant. He chose not to tell them about this situation. His next step was checking some of his stocks. While he didn't have a lot, he still wanted to know how they were doing.
"I'm going to check my," Pike started. What's the right word? "Humans sometimes own a part of something and the stronger it is, the more the part they own is worth. I own parts of some things."
"Sounds confusing!" Amper said.
"It is, but it can get you more stuff," Pike answered.
He checked his quotes; they were doing all right but nothing too special. Of course, given the fact he was a pikachu now, he didn't have the need for money. He found himself losing interest in them.
"Want to see some games I have on this?" Pike asked.
"Okay but wouldn't you rather play with me?" Amper asked.
Pike looked back at her. To be honest, he was more interested in playing a pikachu game with her rather then a computer game. However, he wanted to keep the human part of his mind active. He was already thinking too much like a pikachu as it was. If he behaved like one all of the time, he could very well lose himself to the point where there wouldn't be any of Pike left.
"Human games are fun; I'll show you," Pike said.
But she's so cute! Can I say no to her? Pike shook his head; don't let it win Pike, control yourself.
"You okay?" Amper asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine; don't worry," Pike answered.
He'd barley had the chance to load a space shooter when Henry walked into the room.
"What are you two up to?" he asked.
Pike turned around. "I'm just showing Amper this game."
Henry cocked his head and appeared confused. "You really can't speak English?" Henry asked.
Shaking his head, Pike shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know why. The pikachu words just come out automatically."
Pike realised that speaking to humans unless he found someone to translate would be pointless until he found some way to speak English again. Pike wondered if he could teach Henry the pikachu language. It would probably take a long time. He hoped that he'd be human or could speak English again before that became necessary.
"Well, I told your parents; they're coming over. I don't know how we're going to communicate though," Henry said.
Pike nodded. This was going to be difficult but he knew he needed to do this.
"So, you gonna show me this game?" Amper asked.
Pike turned back around and nodded. "You think our games are fun, just wait until you see this."
This time, Pike didn't bother to think of how he'd thought of pikachu games as normal for him rather then games another species played.
Playing the game didn't go as well as he'd hoped. With his tiny paws, controlling his ship was much harder. As well, it was hard for him to translate the games terms into pikachu equivalents. With some, there just wasn't a translation. He ended up letting Henry play the game while he and Amper watched. That annoyed Pike and he finally gave up. He decided that playing with Amper was more fun then playing a game he couldn't do much with anymore. Amper was relieved when Pike decided that. Just as Amber took off with Pike giving chase, they heard a knock at their door.
"Your parents must be here. Come on Pike, it's the moment of truth!" Henry said.
Pike followed Henry to the front door with Amper behind him. He nervously waited on the steps behind the front door while Henry answered it.
What if they don't believe me? What if they want to keep me as a pet? This could be a disaster!
"Hi Kate, Hi Larry," Henry said as he opened the door.
"Where is he? Where is Pike?" Pike's mother asked.
"I'm right here Mom!" Pike said.
"Remember, they can't understand you!" Amper said. She now stood behind Pike.
"That's a cute pair of pikachus Henry but where's Pike?" Kate demanded.
"I know it's hard to accept but that's Pike," Henry said, pointing to Pike. "The police had an Espeon; she was able to give me a copy of Pike's memories of becoming a pikachu as well as of a memory that only Pike knew about; it's him."
Kate walked into the house and looked at Pike as his father strolled in. Feelings of modesty hit Pike again. By now, he was mostly used to people seeing naked but this was his mother! He tried his best to cover himself as she approached and knelt down before him.
"Pike, that's really you?" she asked.
Pike nodded his head.
"Sounds like you've really gotten yourself into it this time Pike. I know you wanted a Pikachu but isn't this a little extreme?" his father asked.
"Dad this isn't funny!" Pike said.
"Why are you talking like that Pike?" his father asked.
"He apparently can't speak English," Henry said.
Kate looked at Pike before picking him up and hugging him.
"Don't you worry Pike, we'll find a way to help," she said.
Man, she's talking to me as if I'm pichu! This is embarrassing!
Pike looked at his father over his mother's shoulder.
"Don't worry son; just because you got yourself into a mess doesn't mean we're going to leave you like this," the man said
"So, why don't you guys come in. I can make something for supper. I know Pike's the better cook but," Henry started. Pike glared at Henry, his cheeks sparking. Henry held his hands out and stepped back. "Okay, bad thing to say; sorry."
"Now Pike, we can't have you acting like that," Kate said.
Pike looked at his father. The man was smiling and nodding. "That's right Pike, you don't take crap from anyone," he said.
"Larry!" Kate said.
"Relax guys, I was only joking," the man said. Pike looked at him, only for the man to wink at him.
"Well, I'll get something going," Henry said.
Kate lowered him to the steps. "Come on, let's go sit down," she said.
Pike nodded.
-
Minutes later, the group was in Pike's living room. Pike's parents sat together on the loveseat with Pike and Amper on the couch. Pike heard Henry in the kitchen trying to figure out what to make for supper.
"So, why can't you speak?" Pike's father asked.
"What do you mean? He can speak," Amper said.
"He means in their language," Pike said. When he looked at Amper, he no longer saw a pikachu companion, but a potential soul mate.
"Larry, I think he can speak but for some reason not in English," Kate said.
Pike nodded his head. At least I can communicate with yes or no answers.
"So Pike, you're just speaking Pikachu then?" Larry asked.
Pike again nodded. Don't ask me why though.
"But you still understand English Pike. Why can't you speak it?" Kate asked. Pike stood on his hind legs and shrugged his shoulders. "Well, at least you can get, yes, no and I don't know across."
His inability speak English was not unlike his co-worker Ian who spoke English and French. When stressed out, Ian tended to use much more French then English. When Pike asked Ian about it, he said that since English was his second language and French what he grew up speaking; it was much easier to speak the later. Over time, the problem became less severe as he started using English more often. Pike assumed his situation was similar. Somehow, becoming a pikachu had not only taught him the language, but also reversed them in his head. This situation was certainly stressful. Pike assumed that once he calmed down, that he could speak English normally.
Kate stood up, walked over to Pike's location, picked him up and sat down, putting him on her lap.
"Well, if it's easier right now to speak pikachu then all right Pike. However, you need to fight it. You're a human being inside, not an animal. Don't let it win!" she said, petting his head.
Pike closed his eyes, enjoying it. He still felt modest around his mother though, the feeling was fading in exchange for the desire to relax and not worry so much about minor issues such as human modesty.
"That's not helping Mom," Pike said. Not that I want you to stop.
"Hey, don't hog the attention; I want it to!" Amper said.
Amper hoped over onto the woman's' knees. Pike opened his eyes when his mother stopped petting him and started scratching Amper under the chin. She closed her eyes, raising her head for maximum enjoyment.
"Hey, I didn't say stop!" Pike said.
"Now Pike, don't get jealous. If we treat you like an animal all of the time, it will just make your instincts stronger!"
Pike turned and sat down, pouting. "Oh, okay."
Henry walked out shortly thereafter. "Well, I'm not sure we have enough to feed everyone. I have pokechow that Amper can have. I guess Pike can eat it now."
"The usual is all right but I'd rather have human food," Pike said.
"What did you say?" Kate asked.
This is annoying! I never realised how much people, I mean we rely on speech to communicate.
The woman stopped rubbing Amper's chin. Amper jumped off her legs and lay down on the couch beside her. Pike watched, unsure of how to answer the question. The pikachu words came out so easy that he wasn't sure he'd be able to translate. Then an idea hit him. Standing on his hind legs, he acted out eating by holding his right forepaw to his mouth and pretending to chew.
"Food?" his mother asked. Pike then pointed to his mother. "My food? You want what I eat?" Pike shook his head but also nodded it before also pointing at Henry and Larry.
"I think he's saying he wants to eat what we're eating," Larry said.
Pike nodded. Yes, I'm getting through, sort of.
"Well, maybe this once. Just remember that you're a pikachu now. Things that were all right to eat as a human aren't all right to eat now. You have to stay healthy in case," his mother said, stopping as her voice broke somewhat.
In case I'm stuck as a pikachu for life.
When she recovered, she sighed. "Just make sure you take good care of yourself okay?"
Pike nodded.
"How will you become human again anyway? You can't just live out your life like this! What about your job and life?" Larry asked.
Pike could only shrug his shoulders. It's not as if I have much of a choice here Dad! Pike wondered if his father didn't quite get that he was stuck like this for the time being.
"How are you going to explain this to your boss? I've never heard of calling out for this reason," Henry asked. Pike held his stomach and stuck his tongue out as though he weren't feeling well before pointing to the telephone. "Call him and say you're sick?" Pike nodded.
"Good idea Pike but that won't work for long," Larry said.
"Then what do we do? Tell the man the truth?" Kate asked.
"Well, no, but what if he takes vacation time or something? That will at least buy us some time!" Kate suggested.
"Then what do we do when it's time for Pike to go back to work? Pike could lose his job!" Kate said.
That made Pike nervous. I don't want to lose my role in the community!
"Why not just tell him the truth? You guys can invite him over and show him yourselves," Amper said.
Invite him to my nest? I don't know; an elder from another nest could follow him and take me away.
"The last thing Pike needs is his boss seeing him like this! Talk about the ultimate compromising position," Henry asked.
"Everyone stop arguing!" Pike said, standing on his hind legs and feeling his cheeks spark.
The humans looked right at him. His mother was the first to speak. She took a deep breath and moved her hands in a downward motion.
"Okay, okay, arguing will get us nowhere. But we need to work out something!"
Amper tapped Pike's right shoulder. "Do they always battle with words like that?"
Pike looked over his shoulder at her, "only when they're angry."
"Their attacks don't seem that effective," Amper said.
Pike turned around to face her. "Sure they're effective." He then leaned in close and whispered into her right ear, "about as effective as an electric attack on a rock type."
Amper giggled.
"Maybe we should invite him over," Larry said. Everyone looked in his direction. "Tell him the truth but ask that he keep it quiet. The way I see it, there are two alternatives. One, we say nothing and Pike ends up losing his job because he stopped showing up. Two, we say that Pike is missing; if we find a way to restore him and succeed, then we tell his boss we've found him."
"Maybe option two is the best one," Henry said.
"Perhaps," Larry said, stroking his chin, something he'd always done when he was thinking. When he stopped, he spoke. "However, he may end up wondering why there are no news or police reports. He might even suspect foul play and call the police!"
Kate sighed, "I don't think we have a choice. Pike, do you know his home telephone number? I doubt he'll be in the office on a Saturday."
Pike still knew what numbers were. He remembered that some combinations of numbers would get you through to certain humans when using that gizmo they use to talk to others.
"Yes, I think it's 555-5309."
"Um, Pike, maybe you should write the number down," Kate said.
Amper tapped Pike's right shoulder. Pike turned and looked at her. "Pike, use your fingers for the numbers." Pike looked down at his forepaws. Yes, that could work.
"Good idea Amper!" Pike said.
He turned and used his stubby little fingers to motion the numbers as the others watched. He nodded when they got each number correct.
"All right, so his number is 555-5309?" Kate asked.
Pike nodded.
"I'll call him," Henry said. Henry left the room and Pike looked at his parents.
"Well Pike, you may not be able to speak English but at least we can still communicate something."
Pike nodded and smiled.
His mother tapped her right index finger on her right knee and seemed to zone out for a few moments. Pike knew she was deep in thought. When she stopped, she nodded her head.
"Remember Pike, just because you're a Pikachu doesn't mean you have to act and/or think like one. We have to assume you're going to be human again and need to keep your human mind active."
What does she have in mind?
"Maybe doing human mind exercises will help. I often do the crossword puzzles in the paper when I wake up. It gets my mind going and keeps it strong," she said.
"Good idea. Pike, you could also try taking those IQ tests they have on the 'net. By forcing you think of human things, it might help keep your mind human," his father said.
Pike nodded, he knew that he had to keep his human mind active if there were to be any chance at staying human mentally. He remembered stories of people disconnected from civilisation and technology. Having to survive in the wild would, in time effect their thinking. If they didn't have something to remind themselves of who and what they were and/or keep their mind active with some aspect of humanity, they could lose their minds. Some would keep logs where possible while others would use mathematical problems.
His situation didn't seem too different; Perceiving the world through the senses of a pikachu with people treating him as one would probably have him thinking like one sooner or later. He needed a way to keep some aspect of his human mind intact. He was not going to allow himself to become an animal in mind as well as in body! He would find a way to restore an important aspect of his humanity, human speech no matter what it took.
"Why would you want to do that Pike? Being a pikachu is fun! Why fight something so wonderful?" Amper asked.
"If you'd ever been human before and knew what it was like, you'd know it's worth going back to Amper," Pike said.
Amber nodded her head. "I guess so. Until then, can we at least have something to eat, I'm hungry! Even the usual would be fine with me," she asked. Pike nodded his head.
Amber looked towards the basement and grinned. "Come on, I know where he keeps the food." Pike looked at his parents and then at her.
I guess this one little thing won't hurt me. Anyway, the usual, no, that's not what it's called. Come on Pike think. Nine times nine is eighty-one. The square root of sixty-four is eight. Reciting the mathematical equations seemed to help. Now he knew that what a pikachu thought of as the usual was in fact pokechow. It wasn't as appealing as meat or fruit but was good enough in a crunch.
"Sure, why not? No reason I can't enjoy myself at least a few times!" Pike said.
As Amper ran off, Pike gave chase.
-
"I'm serious Mr. Bara, Pike really did get turned into a Pikachu. If you don't believe us then you're invited to come and see for yourself," Henry said.
"I've heard of some lame excuses for not wanting to come into work but this one takes the cake. How do I know you're not going to show me any old pikachu and claim that's Pike?" Mr. Bara asked.
"Maybe you can ask him a question only he would know the answer to. Just stick to simple questions that call for a yes, no or perhaps a number and you'll be fine," Henry said.
"How do I know this isn't a conspiracy that this pikachu is in on?" Mr. Bara asked.
"I'm not sure what else we can do to prove it. I guess you're going to have to trust us. Believe me sir, I wouldn't lie about something like this and I know Pike wouldn't either," Henry said.
Mr. Bara waited a few moments before responding. Henry assumed the man was thinking.
"All right, I'll come over," he said.
"No reporters though, we need to keep this quiet. The police know but we don't need the government or criminals wanting to get their hands on Pike," Henry said.
"I understand," Mr. Bara said before hanging up.
Henry hung up and sighed. This was turning out to be an interesting day to put it mildly. First Pike vanished, and then Henry received a call claiming of a Pikachu saying it's Pike and it turned out to be true. Henry liked the species but that didn't mean he wanted his cousin living his life out as one!
However, Pike seemed happy. It was as though the Pikachu form was a type of release for Pike. Henry knew that many people kept certain aspects of themselves locked up around most people. He, for example, always enjoyed poetry, both writing and reading it. He never told Pike or anyone but a few friends of his online out of fear of what they might think of him. He suspected Pike had similar issues. Why becoming a pikachu was realising said interests and desires was beyond him.
I guess I can't understand it unless it happens to me. Not that I'm in a rush for that to happen.
He walked back into the living room, seeing that Pike and his new companion pikachu Amper weren't there.
"Where did they go?" he asked of his aunt and uncle.
"I think they're off playing or looking for something to eat," Kate said.
"So, are you guys doing all right? I mean, this is crazy enough for me. I can't imagine how it must be for you," Henry asked.
"We're worried about Pike of course. He always seemed shy and reserved. He always wanted a pikachu as a pet but we were afraid one would shock and hurt him," Kate said.
"How ironic that he's become what he so badly wanted as a child. I just worry with my adopting a pikachu, especially a female one that he may not want to go back even if he does get the choice," Henry said.
"No, Pike would never try something with an animal!" Larry said.
"That's not what I meant," Henry said, holding his hands out in a stop position.
"I know Henry. You meant that he might like being a pikachu. Having a female that let's face it, can now be much more then a companion to him might make it hard for him to want to go back to being human," Kate said.
"I know that Pike never had a girlfriend. However, I also know that he knows better then to use this female of yours in place of one," Larry said.
"I've noticed Pike is behaving far more like a free spirit now. Maybe he does need a vacation from himself so to speak. Expressing this side of his personality might do wonders for him," Henry said.
"All right Henry, we trust you. Just make sure to keep his human mind active. Larry and I discussed Pike doing crossword puzzles and other brainteasers. Hopefully that will help," Kate said.
Henry nodded. "Don't worry, I'll make sure that Pike stays smart. However, I also want him to enjoy this. He has seemed to hold back a lot in life. I think we need to let him enjoy this for all its worth. He's getting to experience something few (if anyone else) will ever experience. I say he should enjoy it but without crossing the line of losing himself to it."
He wanted to give Pike the benefit of doubt. He knew Pike enough to know that Pike wasn't the type to give in. Maybe expressing that part of his personality would make him more comfortable with it when he changed back. Henry assumed Pike would be able to become human again. He wasn't sure how they'd pay the bills without Pike's income. His logical side however, knew that he had to be willing to accept that Pike might be stuck like this for a long time and he would have to plan for it.
Larry nodded. "We trust you Henry. Remember that you're going to have to know when Pike is taking it too far so you can calm him down."
Henry smiled and nodded before taking a deep breath. "I managed to convince Pike's boss to come over. Are you guys okay with ordering a pizza or two? I don't have much to cook in time and that seems to be the best option."
"Sure, why not," Pike's father said, nodding.
"Fine with me. I'm a lot more concerned with Pike at the moment then food, so I'm not going to be fussy," Kate said.
"I'll just get a couple of pepperoni ones then. Is that okay?" Henry asked.
Pike's parents nodded.
Henry nodded in return and left for the kitchen to place the order. He could hear Pike and Amper downstairs talking and wondered what sort of trouble they were getting into. He was worried about Pike, but he also knew that they would find a way to make things right so they could get through this.
-
Pike could smell the food; humans always kept their food there. It didn't smell as nice as human food but he was hungry enough that he wasn't going to be meticulous.
Amper managed to get the door opened into a cool room with a large cache of food in it stored in a human contraption. They seemed to have discovered the mother lode.
"Come on, help me get it open," Amper said.
Pike was about to charge at it when he realised that he was again using animal terms to think. He'd seen no problem in taking the food. A part of him knew that was wrong.
Come on Pike, think, don't let it win. Let's see, speed equals distance over time. If someone drove 400 kilometres in six hours, they'd be travelling … 400 over six equals 200 over three which equals two thirds times one hundred. Therefore, they'd be travelling at about 67 kilometres per hour.
Words flowed back into Pike's mind as though he'd flipped a switch. That was a large bag of pokechow stored in the pantry. Pike knew that Henry had worked hard to afford that. He and Amper stealing it would be wrong.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's get it!" Amper said.
"No, that would be wrong," Pike said. The pikachu instincts in him were almost begging him to take it, telling him not to worry about where it came from; it was there and that was what mattered.
"What do you mean?" Amper said. She turned, looking right into Pike's eyes.
"Henry worked hard for that food. How would you feel if a cache of food you'd build up all summer suddenly vanished one day because someone stole it? We have to keep that cache clean and don't waste it in case there isn't more where that came from," Pike said.
Those were still terms a pikachu would use but Pike needed to get through to Amper.
"I'd be mad. Why, I'd zap em," Amper said, her cheeks glowing. She stood on her hind legs and looked at the food. "I'd have to save food in winter. If I wasted it, that might be all I'd get until spring."
Pike nodded. "Let's go upstairs. If we want food, we can ask for it and they'll give us enough."
Amper nodded, her cheeks stopping their sparking as they closed the pantry door. Pike felt good; his human reasoning had won out this time. This was a conflict he was going to win.
Pike ran upstairs, seeing the others were watching TV. Henry came out from the kitchen, picked Amper up, and petted her between the ears. Pike felt a little left out.
"Don't forget me!" he said.
"Here Pike," his mother said, petting the loveseat to her left. Pike doubted she needed a translation. He looked into her eyes. "All right son, just this once. I suppose you do need the break."
She started petting his chin; Pike closed his eyes to enjoy every moment of it. He didn't pay attention to the other humans talking inside of that box thing. Time seemed to slow as Pike concentrated on how nice even something as simple as a chin rub felt.
The sound of his doorbell ringing roused him from his blissful state. He heard Henry walking over to the door. There was another human there. Pike's ears perked when he smelled a wonderful scent. He leapt off the couch and down to the stairs, watching Henry giving a human something in exchange for a trio of boxes.
That smells wonderful. I have to have some!
When Henry closed the door, he turned with the boxes in hand. "The pizza is here!"
Pizza? I want some!
Pike hopped up the stairs, keeping pace with Henry as he walked into the kitchen. Pike jumped onto the kitchen table using the chairs when Henry placed the boxes on the counter. Amper joined him seconds later.
"That smells good!" she said.
"It's a human food. We don't have a word for it but it's delicious!" Pike said.
"What's the human word for it?" Amper asked.
Okay Pike, you can say this. Pikachu don't have a word for it, but humans do. Just remember how you said it before. Concentrate on the sounds that form the word. The word sounds a lot like pika, so say it as if you're saying that.
"They call it, pizza," Pike said.
Henry turned and looked right at Pike. Pike's parents were entering the kitchen and they both stared in his direction.
"You spoke!" his mother said, bounding over to him and petting him.
"It was just one word," Pike said, holding a paw up with one digit extended.
"It's a start," his mother said. She looked in the direction of the pizza. "Can they eat pizza?" she asked of Henry.
"I don't see why not. The adoption centre said they're omnivores and can eat almost anything. The pokechow has all the nutrients and stuff they need but our food would be a lot more tasty to them," Henry said.
"Well, I'm sure a slice of pizza won't hurt," Kate said.
The humans acquired a few slices each. Henry gave one to both Pike and Amper. Pike was able to eat it by holding the end of it with his forepaws. It was hot, but he managed. He savoured the taste of every bite as he ate it. By the time he'd finished the one slice, he was full. He looked over at Amper, seeing she had pizza sauce around her mouth and was enjoying her slice.
Just like with that apple, one nice thing about being so tiny.
Henry came running into the room seconds later. "Oh yeah Pike, we forgot to tell you. I called your boss over so we can show him why you can't come into work for a while. I know it's going to be awkward explaining it to him, but I don't think we have much of a choice."
"What's that?" Amper asked.
"Sort of like a type of elder that's a leader of a colony," Pike answered.
While Pike wasn't entirely comfortable with his boss being at his home or seeing him like this, he knew it was a necessity. He couldn't go back to work like this.
As though on queue, the doorbell rang moments later.
---
A/N: A few different changes here.I removed the kadabra character because it seemed too easy for Pike to have him as a literal translator. I do plan to have the Kadabra character show up later, just in a different role.
Henry is now Pike's cousin (father's side) and thirty-two years old.
I had the Espion give a copy of Pike's memories of becoming a pikachu to Henry as well as a memory he and Pike shared as to verify Pike's identity.
I've edited the dialog of the wild pikachu colony a bit and made their behaviour a bit wilder.
I should be able to post chapter three soon. I almost have it written, I just need to proof read it first.