A/N: Pike's going to be using increasingly more English as he gets his vocabulary back. In an attempt to keep it as clear as possible, if Pike speaks to a human that knows of his 'condition', he'll try to use as much English as possible. When he uses a pikachu word he still cannot 'get out' in English, I'll use Italics to emphasise it. He'll speak Pikachu when speaking to other Pokemon, with possibly the exception of Amper.
Two weeks later
After completing another crossword puzzle, Pike was sitting on the basement couch reading a novel. The book was almost his size; holding it in his paws was challenging. With effort and perseverance, he managed.
Over the past two weeks, the stress over the monotony of his job had all but vanished. Pike found himself wondering how Steve was doing. Pike never did find out how Steve's weekend vacation with his girlfriend had gone.
The banter between he and his co-workers was the one thing Pike missed the most. His job may have been monotonous but at least he did get to spend time with people he considered his friends.
He was progressing at a good rate. Over the past two weeks, he'd learned to speak dozens of words in English. He'd made it a goal to learn more with each passing day and so far, it was working. Words that the pikachu didn't have were easier for Pike. When they did have an equivalent, it was easier for him to default to their words.
His pikachu skills were important to him as well. He wanted to be able to fight as one. He'd been spending the past two weeks trying to find a balance between human and pikachu behaviour that allowed him to express this side of him while also keeping his human mind intact.
Too much and he found he would start losing some words he'd learned. His thoughts would shift into those of his new species.
Not enough and he would get antsy. He would lose focus and have trouble concentrating, his attention span would waver and he'd become excitable.
Right now, Pike was having this problem. He'd been reading the novel for the past two hours. He was nearing the end of a chapter. Despite his human interest in it, he was finding that his thoughts would keep wandering to re-matching Hothead, play in the yard with Amper or just relaxing. It annoyed him because he'd enjoyed the novel.
It feels like I'm a little kid again!
Every time his mind would wander, he'd lower the novel and gaze at Amper's sleeping form before him. He shook his head in an attempt to shake off the urge to play but with each passing second, it was growing more difficult.
You can play with her later Pike; at least finish this chapter!
He heard Amper stir; squeaking a bit as she stood up.
Then again, she'll probably want to play. I guess this page is enough.
"Hi Pike!" Came Amper's sweet and welcoming voice. Pike heard her hop behind him. "Come on, let's play!"
This paragraph is enough!
Pike put the book down, turned and looked up at his companion. Her eyes twinkled and her face told of her desire for play and mischief. How can I resist that? With a simple nod of his head, Pike initiated the chase through the house.
-
Pike hadn't of shocked anything in days. He knew that if he didn't, he could end up growing ill. He was standing outside in his backyard with Amper. They'd managed to get out via the screen door. It was a warm day out, a slight breeze blowing.
Most of Pike's shocking activities over the past two weeks had involved shocking rocks. He seemed to be able to shock them just fine. He wasn't sure why in a battle situation that he shocked himself much more then his opponent.
Amper walked in front of Pike, "You keep shocking rocks and stuff but that's too easy. Try hitting me!"
Her suggestion stunned Pike; she was his friend, how could he hit her. He thought of ways he could express that to her using the English words he knew. In the end, he settled for pikachu words.
"I can't shock you; we're friends!" Pike said.
"It won't hurt remember? Anyway, you have to hit me first!" Amper giggled.
She started running around the yard, hopping onto the birdbath, then the lower branches of the maple tree and onto the shed. Pike watched her, trying to figure out what to do.
"Come on Pike, you can do it!"
Pike stood on his hind legs and felt his cheeks charging with energy. She was literally asking for it, so Pike figured that it wouldn't be that wrong. Anyway, he didn't have to use his full potential on her.
As Amper jumped off the shed, to the tree and onto the ground, Pike attempted to let lose with an attack. Unfortunately, all he ended up doing was shocking himself onto his back. It didn't hurt, in fact, if anything, it almost tickled! His pride was another matter however.
Amper walked over to Pike, giggling. That wasn't funny!
"You need to focus. Don't be afraid to hit me!"
Pike stood back up and Amper resumed running back and forth. Pike watched her as he charged his cheeks again. I can't hurt her; she wants me to do this. He repeated that statement in his mind before releasing an attack. This time, he didn't shock himself. His attack hit the shed door just Amper, leaving a black mark on it.
Feeling adrenaline rushing through his veins, a new confidence hit Pike. This was fun not a battle; he could relax. Amper would never tell him to do this if there was a chance he could hurt her. He watched her before letting lose another attack, which hit her seconds after she landed on her hind legs from a jump.
It knocked her onto her back and Pike leapt on top of her, grinning. He looked right into her eyes, worried for a second that he'd harmed her.
"That tickled! See, I knew you could do it!"
Pike felt something else, as he looked at Amper, something pleasant. "I guess I could."
Amper's scent was combining with that of the grass. It excited Pike. As soon as he realised what was happening, he leaped off her and ran under the tree, sitting with his back against it.
Am I attracted to her?
Amper hoped over to Pike. "What's wrong?"
If he were human, Pike would have denied. However, over the past two weeks, he'd become not only pragmatic but also more open. There was no logic in denying it or lying to her. "I think I'm … attracted to you."
"Do you want to mate with me?" Amper asked.
Pike almost jumped. She's an animal Pike; of course she'll cut right to the chase. Pike covered his midsection, try his best not to be embarrassed. Is there any reason for me to say no? I am a pikachu now; so is she. She knows what she's doing and so do I. Human rules don't apply to a pikachu; I can do whatever I want.
While his thought perhaps true in theory, putting theory to practice was another matter. Actions had consequences. Pike wasn't sure he was ready for them yet. "I don't know. Maybe we shouldn't," Pike said.
Before Pike knew it, Amper had leaped into him, pinning him on the ground with her body pressed up against his. She was warm and had a wonderful scent, not to mention beautiful. Pike felt his resistance fading. Why does she have to be so bewitching? It would be easy to just grant her request, enjoy himself and to worry about the consequences later.
"Why not? No one's watching now. Don't you want a pichu?"
They're cute and having one to call my son or daughter would be cool.
Right now however, thinking of the repercussions of what Amper was suggesting was much harder then thinking of the act itself. Pike tried to tell himself that he still found human women attractive. He thought of some women, soon realising he was finding them beautiful but no longer alluring.
Amper on the other hand, was alluring. She awoke feelings within him. Said feelings however, were not appreciation for beauty. These were primal, exciting thoughts. A whole other side to him that he'd long since denied and locked away. Amper it seemed had the key.
Could Henry, Remmie or Mom and Dad forgive me? Tiffany hasn't even seen me like this! If I do this and she finds out, she'll think I'm crazy! No, I can't, I have to find some other to release this!
"I'm … not quite ready yet. Soon though but just not yet okay?"
Amper climbed off Pike. "You're weird Pike but all right."
"Come on, let's go in the house and get something to eat," Pike suggested.
Of course, it wasn't lunch or supper yet but Pike was hungry now. He saw no reason to wait for a mealtime when he needed food now. With Amper following, Pike ran towards the house.
-
"Yes, Tiffany, I'm really am a pikachu," Pike typed into the chat program.
Typing was difficult with his smaller forepaws but he was growing used to it. He'd considered voice chat, but as his vocabulary was still limited, that option seemed unrealistic.
It was evening and Henry was watching the TV upstairs with Amper while Pike sat at his computer, chatting with Tiffany for the first time since changing.
"Come off it. You've always had an overactive imagination Pike. Remember that time you took me to the museum when you were sixteen and I was ten?" Tiffany typed.
Pike remembered when he'd gone there (although his mind wanted him to refer to it as a place where people displayed stuff from long past times). He'd showed Tiffany skeletons of Pokemon from millions of years ago. He kept telling her that in fact, there was an island on the planet where they still flourished. Given technology, it was at least possible, which only added credence to his claims.
"Hey, it's possible; just look at some of the things they're doing now!" Pike typed back.
"Well, how do I know you haven't just decided to write a story about this happening to someone. Maybe you want to see how I'll react so you can have a character react the same way!"
"I can prove it to you! I'll send you a picture of me wearing my baseball cap; you know the blue one," Pike typed.
She has to believe that!
"Okay Pike, but I still think you're just kidding me, despite what Mom, Dad and Remmie say."
Shortly after, Pike had set up his digital camera with Henry's help. Pike was wearing his blue baseball cap, which fit awkwardly with his ears, but good enough to stay on. Even he had to admit that he looked cute. He felt more comfortable with it on, as though it reminded of what he was.
Maybe it'll help me from losing control around Amper. I love her but I can't use her like that, it's not fair to her.
Pike stood on the basement couch and smiled while giving a thumb up motion with his right forepaw. Henry snapped the picture and nodded to say it worked.
"Thanks," Pike said.
"No problem. Now, let's upload that pic. I'm sure Tiffany will get a kick out of it," Henry said.
Once they'd done that, Pike sent a copy of it to Tiffany. While he waited for her response, he turned to Henry.
"I want to keep it," he said, pointing to the hat. "Fix it so it works with my ears."
"I don't see why not," Henry said, with a sly smile. "You do look cute with it."
Pike frowned; he didn't have to say it!
"He's right, you do!" Amper said with a giggle.
Pike heard the sound of his messenger program indicating Tiffany had replied. He looked at the reply. Tiffany was still sceptical. However, she admitted that this many people wouldn't lie about it. As well, she doubted Pike would go to the trouble to make such an image.
After promising Pike that she would stop by as soon as she could so she could see him, they said their goodbyes.
Rachel relaxed under a large oak tree in her backyard. The day was warm and birds chirped as they flew between the trees. It had been fourteen months since her fateful encounter with the spring had turned her into a furret. She'd been taking her nephew's furret for a walk one day and decided to relax when it ran into the spring. She'd pursued, getting soaked in the process. Shortly after entering the water, she began to change.
Ever since then, she'd been seeking a cure.
Wearing a vest, she saw it as a reminder of her humanity, a way to show she wasn't an animal.
She watched a middle aged man approach her position. The man, dressed in a black suit, sat on the bench beside her and looked back and forth as though making sure no one was looking.
"I've heard something you may find encouraging," he said.
"Oh?" Rachel asked. She spoke in English, something she'd learned to do in the months following her becoming this way.
"I've heard that a boy has been talking to his friends at school. He's been spreading tales of a brother turned into a pikachu," the man replied.
Could it be true; finally another like her? Could she finally end having to be alone with this?
"Have you been able to confirm it?" Rachel asked.
"Not yet. How do you recommend we proceed?"
"Get Mark to make friends with him. Perhaps Mark can convince the boy to let him see his brother."
"If it's true; that his brother really has become a pikachu, then what should we do?" the man asked.
"Arrange something but make sure neither he nor anyone around him is harmed. I simply want to meet him, that's all."
"What if he won't come with us?" the man asked.
"Offer to pay him, say you may have a cure, anything. I just don't want to be alone with this anymore."
"What if he doesn't believe us?"
"Then offer to bring me to him. It will be difficult to deny a talking furret," Rachel said.
The man nodded, stood up and walked off, leaving Rachel to ponder the latest turn of events. It wouldn't matter to her if this other person were a different species. She'd finally have someone that would understand.
"Absolutely not!" Henry protested.
Pike had asked Henry to re-match Hothead. Pike hated losing and despite knowing battling wasn't a good idea, he felt the need to prove his value as a pikachu as much as he did his humanity. He was standing on the kitchen counter with Amper beside him.
"I need to battle him. My pride is at stake," Pike said.
"Pike, so far you're making progress. If you start getting into battles, it might erase all of it!"
"They could have hurt you or Amper!" Pike protested.
Simply put, Pike also realised he had nothing better to do. Releasing his electricity had felt good. He wanted to be able to defend Amper or Henry should the need arise. So far, he couldn't do that and that bothered him. It made him feel weak perhaps even a burden.
"You're worried that they may have hurt me or Amper?" Henry asked.
Pike nodded. "I want to be a good pikachu!"
Having to speak with a combined version of the two languages was annoying for Pike. In a way, it made him feel even more useless. He didn't want to be a simple pet; he wanted to show that he still had value.
"Look, Pike, if we start acting like this then it's as though you've resigned yourself to staying a pikachu. Is that what you want?" Pike shook his head. Henry looked at Pike. "I'll find a way to make your hat fit with those ears of yours."
Pike nodded. He still wanted to re-match Hothead. He needed to prove he could win. He wondered if he was doing it for Amper. Perhaps, he was starting to see her as a mate and this was a desire to protect her or even show his worth. He pointed to himself. "Protect," he said before pointing to Amper and Henry.
"I know you want to protect us Pike, but is it fair to you? You could get hurt and you still need to read and do those puzzles! Your parents would never forgive me if I let you lose yourself to this!"
The instinct however was there and it wasn't going away. "Please, let me try," Pike said, pointing to himself so Henry knew who Pike was referring. "I'll beokay."
"You're not making this easy on me Pike. I want you to enjoy yourself but if what if you get hurt?" Henry asked.
"Just this one battle," Pike said, holding up one finger on his right forepaw.
Henry paced the room a few times before sighing. "You never were good at taking no for an answer. I suppose it is your life. All right, I'll let you train. Remmie can come over to help you. But, if you start losing yourself you need to stop for a while all right?"
Pike nodded. He was going to defeat Hothead. If he was going to be a pikachu, he was going to be a darned good one. Besides, he knew Amper would love him even more for it. He looked at her, a smile on his face. If he was going to be like this for a long time, perhaps she could be a mate for him.
Twenty days later
Sunday afternoon and five weeks since Pike's encounter with the Vulpix named Hothead, he stood in his backyard with Remmie.
The last twenty days had been eventful on some levels, while mundane on others.
Pike was still a pikachu; his parents had not had any luck finding a cure for him. He had kept up his daily exercise of doing puzzles and reading. So far, it had helped immensely. He was able to speak English well enough that he only rarely used a pikachu word. While his grammar was somewhat limited, he was happy that he could communicate so much better. If others that didn't know of his condition came to visit, Pike would refrain from using English.
He made sure he always wore his baseball cap. In fact, he now felt naked without it. Henry had managed to get it altered to work with Pike's ears. Pike actually enjoyed how he looked with it. To him, it said that he wasn't an animal.
He'd recently finished a book on Pokemon anatomy and battling tactics. He's probably learned more about pikachu then he had in his entire life. Of course, being one had given him perspective from within that no book could ever educate him on. He'd also finished the novel he was reading as well as two others.
Remmie had helped Pike practice battling. Pike felt happy being able to do something constructive with his brother. Pike didn't really feel the need to be able to defeat any opponent. As long as he could defeat Hothead, Pike would be happy.
Being a pikachu and free of human timetables had effected Pike in ways he hadn't of imagined. He tended to eat when he was hungry and sleep when tired. He wouldn't worry about sleeping to a human schedule as since he wasn't human (not anymore at least) he found little point in it.
While he still wanted to be human again, he was used to being a pikachu enough that, he was finding the lines between being a human in the body of a pikachu and a pikachu blurring.
It had been weeks since Pike had been to a restaurant or the movies and he was starting to miss that. Practising with Remmie and having the time to read and expand his knowledge however, had had least tempered his pinning for human things. While he did still miss the banter with his co-workers, he also loved playing with Amper. Being with her had shown him a joy he'd never experienced before. It was to the point where, he wasn't sure he'd want to live without her.
Pike's parents visited on a regular basis. In fact, on Saturday evenings, Pike and Henry normally visited Pike's parents for supper. Pike enjoyed the opportunity not only to get out but also to eat human food.
Today, there was an added bonus to Remmie's visit; Tiffany was here with him! After this long, she'd finally found the time to come and visit him.
She sat on the loveseat in the living room with Pike on the couch to her right. The others were downstairs, Pike having requested some time alone with Tiffany.
"So, you wear that thing all of the time?" Tiffany asked.
"Yep," Pike nodded. "I feel naked without it."
"But you are naked! Shouldn't you at least put some pants on?"
The effects of being a pikachu were evident on Pike. Modesty was a human concept; one he'd found had all but faded. "Why? I'm comfortable like this."
"It doesn't bother me that I'm seeing you naked?" Tiffany asked.
It didn't bother Pike at all. In fact, his lack of clothing hadn't disturbed him for most of the past few weeks. Other then if he took off his hat, he didn't feel naked at all. Even then, he was seeing the hat as more fashion then anything else. Pike shook his head and hung it.
"I'm sorry Pike, this is just weirding me out! You're a pikachu, talking and naked!"
Looking at his sister, Pike considered his next words. He's noticed that Tiffany seemed uncomfortable and was looking at his face as much as she could. "Weird for you? It's worse for me!"
"Well duh!"
"It's not too bad. I don't have to work but it kinda sucks that I can't see my work friends anymore."
"Do you still technically have your job?" Tiffany asked.
"Sort of. My boss sometimes calls to see if I'm human yet. I don't think he'll hold out for long," Pike answered.
"You do want to be human again right?"
"Well yeah, I guess."
Tiffany raised her eyebrows and leaned closer to Pike. "You … guess?"
"It's fun being this way. I've been able to read a lot and it's been educational for me. I do miss being able to do human things though," Pike answered.
"I can understand that. It must suck not being able to go out much," Tiffany said. Pike nodded. "What about your girlfriend?" Tiffany asked.
"Girlfriend?" Pike asked, trying not to blush.
"Your female … friend. She is cute. You like her don't you?"
"I ... um," Pike started. He'd grown close to Amper over the past weeks. His feelings for her were stronger then like. Was he in love with her? The pikachu part of him was interested in her. However, he wondered if his human friends and relatives could forgive him should he take that interest to the next level.
Tiffany is a technically a young woman now. Man, that's so weird to think about. Seems like only yesterday she was still a kid. I can't tell her how I feel about Amper; it'll creep Tiffany out!
"No way!" Tiffany said.
"What?" Pike asked, the worry in his voice impossible to hide.
"You love her!"
"W…what do you mean?"
"Wow Pike, I never thought. I mean, she's an animal! I guess you are too but it's a little creepy. Oh well, whatever floats your boat I guess," Tiffany said.
"No, it's not like that at all!" Pike said.
"Forget it Pike, I've heard that excuse from tons of people."
So, the secret was out, assuming it was a secret to begin with. Pike wasn't sure if Henry knew and wasn't sure he wanted Henry to know.
"I guess I do love her. But … we haven't done anything yet!" Pike said, quickening the pace of his speech.
Tiffany held out her hands and shook her head with a sly smile, her brown hair waving back and forth, "I didn't say anything!"
"Anyway Tiff," Pike started. He always called his sister by that nickname when he was getting more serious. "I know we haven't always gotten along."
Tiffany sat closer to Pike, appearing to pay closer attention to her.
"It's not like we hated each other or anything," Tiffany said.
"I know but being this way has given me time to think and allowed me to appreciate the more basic things in life. I now realise how silly some of our arguments were. I just want to be friends."
"Geeze Pike, I've never seen you this friendly or wanting affection. You all right?"
"I'm fine. I don't know what it is. Ever since this happened to me, it's like a part of my personality is now free to flourish. I used to keep my more … affectionate side locked up all of the time. I was so afraid to express it. Now, the need just comes naturally. I crave togetherness and hate being alone now," Pike answered.
"Pikachu are social creatures. I guess becoming one would unlock that part of you if that's what you want to call it. Anyway, don't worry about it. Brothers and sisters argue all of the time. Even I'll admit that you're cute like that. I heard Remmie wants to be a trainer; ever considered battling with him?" Tiffany asked.
"It's temping, I'll admit. I also feel a stronger bond to him knowing he wants to be a trainer. But, if I act like a pikachu all of the time, then I'll be one, I mean really be one. I can't let go of my human side."
"Yeah, I see what you mean. Anyway, if you are more interested in reading, I know of some books that you might love."
-
Remmie and Henry were playing with Pike's console system with Amper sitting on Henry's shoulder watching with apparent fascination when Remmy brought up the question.
"Cousin Henry, can I ask ya a favour?" Remmie asked.
"Maybe, what is it?" Henry answered.
"There's this kid I met at school, his name is Mark Johnstone. I was wonder if he could come over to see Pike." The game announced that Remmie had scored a goal against Henry's team. "Yes, tie game with only thirty seconds left in the third period!"
"Nice shot," Henry said. I sure hope Remmie hasn't been telling all of the kids at school about Pike. "Um, Remmie have you been telling people about Pike?"
"Just a few, it's not like I'm blabbing it to everyone. Mark just wants to see him because he likes pikachu and would love to see a talking one."
"I don't know Remmie, it sounds risky. The more people that know about Pike, the greater the chance that someone might want to hurt and/or capture him."
As the game resumed, Remmie looked at Henry, who paused the match. "Why would they want to hurt him? Wouldn't the police protect Pike?"
"They might want to find out why he can talk or why that spring turned him into a pikachu."
"But, Pike could just shock the hell out of them and get away!" Remmie said.
"Yes, he could do that. However, they might also be expecting that and protect themselves," Henry said.
"But, Mark isn't a bad guy. Anyway, he already knows. Please, he'll be good. He won't hurt Pike!"
"Maybe we should ask Pike," Henry said.
Remmie nodded and the two stood up and walked upstairs as Amper held on. Mark Johnstone, why is that name familiar? Pike and Tiffany were talking about books. Henry gathered that Pike had read a lot during these past weeks. He certainly had a lot of time on his hands, so it made sense that he'd do something like that to pass it.
"Hey guys, Pike and I were just talking about books he might like to read," Tiffany said.
Amper jumped of Henry's shoulders and climbed onto the couch beside Pike.
"Pike, can I ask you a favour?" Remmie asked.
"What is it?" Pike asked.
"This guy Mark at school wants to see you. Is it okay if I bring him over?" Remmie asked.
"He's apparently told some friends about you. He promised he only told a few," Henry said.
"I'm sure his friends would love to see a talking pikachu," Tiffany said.
"Maybe but I thought we were going to keep this secret?" Pike asked.
"Sorry Pike, it's just too cool not to tell anyone!" Remmie said.
"Well Pike, what do you think? If you're okay with it, I'm okay with it," Henry said.
"I promise I won't tell anyone else," Remmie said.
"I guess it would be okay just this once. But no pictures or anything like that. I don't want the news knowing about me!" Pike answered.
Remmie smiled and ran over to Pike, picked him up and hugged him. "Don't ya worry Pike, we'll be good."
After Remmie put Pike down, he looked at Henry. "Now, I believe we had a game."
Henry smiled and the two ran back downstairs.
Rachel Johnstone sat in her living room as her son Mark walked in.
"Well, have you had any luck?" she asked.
"Yep, Remmie said I can see his brother Pike this Friday! This is so cool, another talking Pokemon! Maybe you guys can be friends. Maybe I can use that spring to become something neat!" Mark said.
"Mark, you know you can't do that. This hasn't been an easy experience for me. One day I'm mayor of a town, the next I'm a furret. I can't go out much and it's hard on your father, although he seems to have accepted it. You may think it's cool, but it's not so cool when I don't have a way out," Rachel said.
"I know Mom, I'm sorry."
Although Rachel was taller then Mark, the thirty-seven year old still felt awkward talking seriously with him. Perhaps, she thought, having another like her would help her to have the confidence she needed to know that, despite her appearance, she was still the same woman she was before she became a furret. Then, she knew she could still take herself seriously. She knew that Mark had no problem taking her seriously. In fact, her becoming this way had strengthened her bond with her son. If anything, that had made this experience worth it.
"Let's just make sure this talking pikachu is real. If he is, I would like to meet him. I wouldn't tell him about me, not yet at least."
"Don't worry Mom, your secret is safe with me. That will so cool though, seeing another person that became a Pokemon!"
"Yes, actually, it would be," Rachel said, smiling.
As Mark walked off, Rachel relaxed on a living room couch. Finally, if her son's stories were true, she wouldn't have to be alone anymore.