Just your average Pika
Chapter 7
Pokémon is copyright Nintendo and Gamefreak. I intend no copyright infringement with this work.
In this chapter, Pike meets Rachel. The same spring that changed Pike also changed her into a furret about a year before the story takes place. Pike discovers that a year as a furret has changed Rachel's outlook on life, in some ways drastically.
I'll keep the rating at Teen for now. It might be a mild Mature but from guidelines, I think teen should suffice. Again, if anyone disagrees then I'm open for opinions.
---
This was finally it. Rachel was going to meet Pike. She had to admit that she already had an image of what he was going to be like in her mind.
Rachel was a furret; that was that. Her humanity was a part of her past; she had to look to the future. When she heard that Pike had bonded with a female pikachu, Rachel assumed they'd soon be expecting pichus.
She couldn't mate with a human for the simple reason that they just weren't compatible. A human would object to such a union if it were possible, Rachel wasn't sure why. Pike however, was compatible with her. Perhaps he would be willing. Failing that, she'd have someone that understood her situation.
Her excitement had her running to the front door as Mark opened it. Rachel couldn't help but beam when she saw Mark with a male and female pikachu. She looked at the male, a feeling of joy entering her.
"Hello, my name is Rachel. Are you Pike?" she asked.
"Yes," the male nodded.
"I'm so happy to meet you Pike," Rachel said.
"Me too, I thought that I was the only one like this."
"Come on, let's go to the den. I'll even give you and your mate a ride."
Rachel went onto all fours before feeling the weight of both Pike and his girlfriend on her back. The company felt wonderful. Pike was warm and had a wonderful scent. His mate is lucky. Rachel felt a touch of jealously towards Amper but decided to ignore it. Acting on such an emotion would show weakness, which Rachel didn't want.
"Mark, thank you for brining them over. I'd like to speak them in private."
Upon walking Pike and Amper into the den, Rachel lay down to allow them to disembark. They jumped off and walked in front of her.
"Like I said Pike, I'm happy to meet you. You have no idea how much I've looked forward to this," Rachel said.
Pike seemed a little nervous. "Um … hi … Mrs um," he said.
"Please, call me Rachel."
"You're really like me?" Pike asked.
"Well, you're a pikachu and I'm a female furret. I know that you mean that we were both born human and have both been liberated from the shackles humanity."
"Shackles?" Pike asked.
"So, tell me Pike, have you two mated yet?"
Rachel didn't think Pike's cheeks could turn a deeper shade of red. She was wrong. "No, we … I'm not ready for that." Rachel cocked her head. Not ready? Perhaps there will be less competition if he hasn't bonded with her yet.
"I'm surprised you two haven't. You're both young and healthy," Rachel said.
"See Pike, why can't we?" Amper asked.
"Because it's … I dunno, it's wrong!" Pike asked.
"I'm no longer human Pike, neither are you. We can't think like humans anymore. Their values and inhibitions are irrelevant to us," Rachel said.
"What does that mean? Teach me those things Pike, like you taught me that other human stuff!" Amper said.
"Teach you?" Rachel asked.
"Pike is teaching me how to read and stuff," Amper answered.
"You can't hold onto to what you no longer are Pike. Believe me, I learned that the hard way. Once you allow yourself to cast off inhibition and worry, you'll be much happier. Tell me, how hard are the instincts to control?"
"They … they're hard. I keep wanting to do some stuff but I don't want to lose myself to this form. If I do and someday I can be human again, I won't be able to go back."
"Pike, do you really want to give up this wonderful gift you have?" Rachel asked.
"What do you mean?" Pike asked.
"What you have in a honour few humans get the chance to experience. Don't throw it away out of a sense of loyally to your human form. Embrace your new body."
"Being a pikachu is fun. It feels so good to play with Amper. But, I can't just give up on my humanity!"
"Perhaps what you need is clarity," Rachel said.
"What does she mean Pike?" Amper asked.
"Don't worry honey, I'm going to help your mate," Rachel said.
"Help me?" Pike asked.
"Yes Pike. You see, I was having the problems you're having until a fateful night."
"What happened?" he asked.
Rachel closed her eyes and remembered as reiterated her story to Pike and Amper. It was a night that changed her life. Everything made more sense after what had happened. She was going for a walk in a park close to her home. She'd been confused about the nature of her existence. Ironically, she'd gone for the walk to clear her head. As she leaned down to take a drink of water from a lake, a male furret approached her.
"What did he do?" Pike asked.
"Let's just say that he seemed interested in me," Rachel said with a grin.
Pike gasped. "You don't mean?"
Rachel nodded "Yes Pike. I was still thinking much like a human. Even the idea of such an act seemed wrong. He offered me … release. Perhaps pheromones and loneliness motivated me. However, I allowed him because I needed it. When we were finished, I felt as though he'd lifted a fog from my mind. My human inhibitions were holding me down, stopping me from truly discovering this form. He let me see that I was denying what I was. I see that you too are in denial Pike."
"But I'm not ready for that yet. I want to show Amper that there's more to life then that. She seems to enjoy learning to read," Pike said.
"Do you enjoy it Amper?" Rachel asked.
"I like knowing how human stuff works. I never knew that those markings on human things meant something."
"Does it make you stronger or better able to care for a pichu?"
"No, but I've expanded my knowledge and I want to learn more."
"I admit that it's getting hard for me to worry about those human things now. But I have to stay focused," Pike said.
"You don't have to do that if you don't want to Pike," Rachel said.
"I … don't know. I feel like I should at least try to keep the human part of my mind focused. Although, I admit that a part of me just wants to play."
"Then, let's play," Rachel said.
"I dunno," Pike replied.
"You want to, don't you? I see it in your eyes. Allow yourself to let go Pike. I promise that you'll be all right."
"Oh, what the heck," Pike said before moving onto all fours as though about to run. He didn't quite start running before something appeared to hold him back. "No, I should hold back. I can't lose myself to this."
"Don't worry Pike, you'll just be allowing your fun side out for a bit. Allow your pikachu instincts to be a guide to that aspect of your personality. You'll find it a … liberating experience," Rachel said.
"Well," Pike said. He looked at Amper and then at Rachel. Rachel looked at Pike, seeing the playfulness in his eyes. She instantly bolted out of the room and towards the back door.
She could hear Pike and Amper following her. Running through the house, she made it to the back door; it had a smaller door for her to get out. Now outside, Rachel ran into her backyard, which backed onto a forested region.
"Come on Pike, catch me if you can!" Rachel said.
Rachel ran into the forest, her heart racing with excitement. Playing with a natural member of her species wasn't quite the same. Pike however knew what Rachel knew. Yes, he would make an excellent mate for her. She saw no reason to exclude Amper; they could have multiple mates.
Once she was in the forest, she felt more natural. This was her habitual environment, where she could be herself. Pike and Amper caught up to her when she could hear the stream in the distance. By now, Rachel was giggling. She'd reverted back to speaking furret speak rather then English as she would often do when she allowed herself to enjoy her new form as she saw fit.
Standing on her hind legs, she waited for Pike and encouraged him to tackle her playfully. Pike did so, and Rachel fell back onto the soft forest floor. She hugged Pike, beaming at him.
"Wasn't that fun?" she asked. Pike nodded. "Why would you want to deny yourself that?"
Pike, who was still sitting on Rachel's belly, looked at Amper, who was now beside the duo before looking back into Rachel's eyes.
"I … I don't know."
Hours later, Pike sat with Rachel and Amper in Rachel's living room. They'd played in the woods for hours. They all dust in their fur, Rachel even had a couple of damp oak leaves stuck to her back. The group's activities had dishevelled Pike's fur. If he were human, he'd probably want to take a bath or shower.
Amper approached Pike from behind and started to groom his back. There was no need for him to fight it. He enjoyed the sensation and she was getting him clean.
Pike had to admit playing was fun. He was starting to wonder just why he was striving to be human again. He had his family, he had Amper and now he had Rachel.
Rachel, having now calmed down, was now speaking in English.
"That was … fun," Pike said.
"We could never do that as humans. Everyone expects us to act our age. I've been able to get along with Mark precisely because I can play with him. No one expects a furret to be … mature," Rachel said, shuddering at the last word.
"No one expects a pikachu to read. Doesn't learning to read make me special?" Amper asked.
"Perhaps honey," Rachel replied.
"I'm getting along with Remmie; Tiffany thinks I'm cute. She could never get away with that if I were still human. Maybe I'm better off this way," Pike said.
Amper stopped grooming Pike. "But Pike, what about reading and human stuff? I want to learn!"
"I … I dunno, what if I just want to play," Pike said.
"You can play all you want now Pike. You don't need to hold back any more," Rachel said.
Pike looked at Amper; "Maybe we don't need to worry so much about learning anymore." As soon as he'd said that, he regretted it. Shaking his head, he felt his cheeks sparking. "No … I can't give up! I can't stop being who I am!"
"I know how hard this is for you Pike. I want you to be happy. I don't want you to have to fight this any more," Rachel said. She walked closer to Pike and started rubbing his chin. Pike loved that sensation. His cheeks stopped sparking and his ears perked up. Rachel's tone softened and became almost seductive. "Let me loosen the shackles of your humanity. They needn't hold you back any longer."
Pike's resistance was fading. He closed his eyes, taking in Rachel's scent.
"But Pike, you wanted to show me more about being human," Amper pleaded. Her voice broke Pike out of his trance.
Rachel's tone was now stern but still tame. She spoke as someone that wanted to help Pike. She needed to give him one little push to do what she felt was right. "Why tease yourself Pike? You're not being fair to Amper or yourself. I care about you both. I just want what's best for you."
Pike thought of his job and realised that he wasn't sure he wanted to go back to it. He enjoyed the freedom being this way afforded him. He started to wonder if he had a reason to hold onto his humanity.
"How can you help me?" Pike asked.
"The same way we discussed earlier. Don't worry Pike, it won't mean you love Amper any less. She's your mate; you two have bonded. I won't take that away. I'll just be giving you clarity," Rachel answered.
"But, isn't that wrong? You're a married woman!" Pike said.
"You're still thinking like a human. Don't let human values confuse you. All that will do is annoy and depress you. We can have multiple mates. This is just a release for you. It's not the bond I share with Cal."
"But, I can't use you like this!" Pike said.
"Pike, when a female offers herself, you don't say no. Restraint is a human thing, you need to let go of that," Rachel said.
It was growing harder for Pike to say no.
"Pike, I like you for who you are. If you give up, then you won't be the Pike I know anymore," Amper said.
"He'll still be Pike honey, he'll just be more focused," Rachel said.
"But you don't want him to learn! All that human stuff seems so interesting to me. Why did you give up on it?" Amper asked.
"I didn't give up. I just realised that I'm not human anymore. I can't deny what I am."
Pike realised that Amper and Rachel's argument was in many ways a reflection of the battle going on inside of his mind.
"But if you used to be a person then you know all about human stuff. Weren't you like the alpha male of a colony?" Amper asked.
"Mayor dear, I was the mayor," Rachel replied.
"I want to learn what that is!" Amper said.
"I've been teaching her things besides reading. At first I did it to help me to keep my human mind intact," Pike said.
"The Pike I know cares about being human. You've taught me about being more then what I am," Amper said.
"But we're not human anymore Pike. Why worry about keeping the human aspects of our thinking intact?" Rachel asked
"What if we can become human again?" Pike asked.
"After so long, I've accepted that I'm never going to be human again," Rachel said.
"Unlikely but not impossible," Pike said.
"Like I said Pike, I can give you clarity. You just need to let go of your human worries," Rachel said.
No, I can't. It's tempting but I would never do what I think she wants me to do with someone I just met if I were still human. Just because I'm a pikachu doesn't mean I should act like one. Amper needs me. I need to help Rachel, show her that she doesn't have to give up.
"No, I … it's tempting but I can't; it wouldn't be right. I know that might not matter for what I am physically but it does for who I am inside."
Rachel nodded her head. "I understand Pike. Some day, when you're ready, I'll still be here. I'd still like to consider you a friend. I had a good time today."
"So did I," Pike said.
With that, Rachel reached gave Pike a hug.
"I'm sure Mark would like to spent some time with you Pike. He's really interested in talking to you," Rachel said.
"Sound good," Pike replied.
Rachel summoned Mark, who walked into the room.
"You guys have a good time?" Mark asked.
"We had a great time. Thank you for introducing us," Rachel said.
"So Pike, wana go for a bike ride or something?" Mark asked.
Well, we were outside before and I was fine. I'm sure I'll be fine this time.
"Sure," Pike said.
"Um, Amper, is it okay if Pike goes alone with me? We can talk and stuff," Mark asked.
"Okay," Amper.
"Amper says that it's all right," Pike replied.
"Don't worry honey, we can spend some time together. I'm sure us girls can come up with something to do while the boys are out playing," Rachel said.
"Maybe you can tell me what a mayor is," Amper said.
Rachel smiled, "I just might."
---
With Pike on his shoulder, Mark rode his bike down the street. While apprehensive in the open, Pike felt that Mark would protect him.
"Which way is the pond where you changed?" Mark asked.
"I don't think it's far from here but I don't know this area that well," Pike replied.
Pike had an idea of why Mark wanted to go there. He chose not to ask the lad as the last thing Pike wanted was an argument.
"There is a large forest close to here. We should go!" Mark said.
Pike thought of the pikachu colony there. A part of him wanted to see the others again.
"It can be dangerous in the woods, maybe we shouldn't," Pike said.
"You can defend us can't you?" Mark asked.
"Well, I probably can but…"
Before Pike could say anything else, Mark sped off in the direction of what Pike assumed was the forest. The prospect of being around where he'd changed had him more nervous. If that spa could turn him into a pikachu, it could do anything.
They arrived at the border of the forest soon after. Mark slowed and Pike looked into the woods. Memories came back to him. He remembered the panic he felt at watching his body change and being helpless to do anything to stop the process. Panic started to rise from the recesses of his mind.
No, I can't lose control.
"I…I'm not sure about this Mark," Pike said.
"Why not?" Mark asked.
"I became a pikachu in this forest. It's a scary place for me."
"Can you show me the spring where you changed?" Mark asked.
"I… I don't know," Pike said. His stomach was starting to hurt. "It's dangerous. Why do you want to go there?"
"Because I want to be like you!"
"Mark, I can't do this to you. Your Mom would kill me."
"But she wants to make me like her. That'd be so cool but I don't want to wait," Mark said.
"I don't know if that would be the best thing for you," Pike replied.
"But, you don't have to go to school, work or anything. You can just play all day. You can even get away without wearing clothes!" Mark said.
"It's not as easy as that Mark," Pike said.
"But, didn't you play with your girlfriend and my Mom?" Mark asked.
"Well, yes but…"
"They don't have cooties do they?" Mark asked.
"Huh?" Pike asked.
"You played with two girls. Do pokémon girls have cooties?"
"Aren't you too old to believe in cooties?"
"Yeah but my friend Nathan told me that his big brother said that kissing girls can give you cooties. Is that why you don't want me to be like you?" Mark asked.
I doubt that's what that kid's brother meant. I can't tell Mark that. But how can I put it in a way that won't gross Mark out?
"I didn't kiss your mother Mark. She doesn't have cooties. When you're older, you'll see that girls are cool to be around," Pike said.
"So, how come you don't let me to become a pokémon then?"
"I don't want you to make a mistake that you'll regret for the rest of your life."
"You regret becoming a pikachu?" Mark asked.
"It's not easy being this way Mark. I can play and stuff because it's more natural for me now. Thinking like my human self is harder. Sometimes, I worry that I'm going to end up reasoning like a natural pikachu. It's scary knowing I could lose who I am. I don't want you to have to go through that," Pike replied.
"But, you're cool. How could you lose who you are? That only happens to…"
"The other guy?" Pike asked.
Mark nodded his head, almost as though in shame. "Yeah. But, I wouldn't lose myself. When I imagine it happening to me, things always go great."
"I never thought this could happen to me. This type of thing only happens to the, you know other people. It doesn't happen to main characters … right?" Pike asked.
"Well, yeah. They always get away and are fine. All those other people are dumb," Mark said.
Pike shook his head. "It doesn't work that way in real life. There are no main characters in real life, no extra lives, no pausing things and no reloading from a save game. If you screw up, you might not get a chance to make things right. That's why I can't let you do this. If I could reverse it easily, I might."
"But … what about that story about that dumb kid that got turned into a vulpix because he liked to play with fire. He was foolish, he should have known better," Mark said.
"That's because we know what happened to him. It might seem stupid for me to take a bath in that spring now that I know the consequences," Pike said.
"But, you're not dumb. You made a mistake. You didn't know."
"Just like the kid in that story," Pike said.
Mark sighed. I hate doing that to a kid. I want him to be able to be a kid. Damn it, I wish I could let him experience this. If only there was a way to reverse it.
"What about my Mom? I want to be able to be with her. She says we can all go together. Would that be okay?" Mark asked.
"I can't tell your Mother what's right for her. You guys need to decide that for yourselves."
"But Pike, don't you want to play with us?" Mark asked.
Yes, I do. Today felt wonderful. But I can't tell Mark that his mother seemed interested in me. Damn it, I just want to play. Maybe I should take him to the spring then we could play hide and seek. He could be like a protégé for me. Pike shook his head. No, I can't give into it.
"Yes Mark, I do. But if I give in then I may never be able to be able to regain my life."
"Mom always says we should look to the future. Maybe you're supposed to be this way now. Maybe you're better off," Mark said.
Pike again thought of his situation. He still had his family, if anything if he was getting along better with them now. He had friends and even had a potential mate. Was there any reason for him to go back?
"It would be easy for me to give in. Sometimes what's easy isn't always what's right … even if I don't know what's right," Pike said.
"Could we at least play for a little while? Like, you hide and I try to find you?" Mark asked.
"I think that would be all right," Pike replied.
---
An hour later, Pike stood on a branch halfway up a tree. Mark was directly under Pike looking for him. He doesn't see me. This is fun! We both love it. I should try this with Remmie. Maybe even both of them. As with when he played with Rachel and Amper, Pike felt as though he was Mark's age again.
Mark wouldn't judge Pike or see anything wrong with him enjoying being a pikachu. Pike knew that kids were less judgmental. Adults tended to have far more conceptions of what was right and what was wrong. The human side of Pike had warned him against enjoying this. It saw doing so as a betrayal.
The pikachu side of Pike however was far more relaxed. If something felt good, his pikachu side said to do it. Playing a simple game of hide and seek with Mark felt good. They both enjoyed it. The human side of Pike wondered what (if anything) was wrong with that.
"I see you Pike!" Mark said as he looked right at Pike.
"Heh, I had you fooled there!" Pike said.
"Come on, let me hide now," Mark said.
Pike noticed that it was starting to get dark. "I dunno, I think we should head back. It's getting dark and I don't want your mom to worry about us."
"Awww okay," Mark said.
Pike climbed down the tree and back onto Mark's shoulders. Mark walked out of the woods, retrieved his bike and started riding back to his house.
"That was fun. I hope we can do it again some time," Pike said.
"We can do it all of the time if I become a furret with Mom and Dad. Then you and Amper can play with us. It'd be fun."
Yes, it would, but I can't encourage such thinking, even if a part of me wants to.
"It's not that easy Mark. It's nice not having to go to work but it's not all fun and games either. You can't play video games that much as a pokémon. People might want to battle you!"
"No video games? That would suck. But wouldn't it be more fun being able to play with you guys?" Mark asked.
"I don't know Mark. Remember our earlier discussion. This isn't a game. If things go wrong, you can't just reload from a different save game and try something else. Once you become a furret, that's it. You can't just change back. What if you end up regretting it."
"I won't regret it! Being a pokémon would rule!" Mark said.
"I'm serious Mark. Becoming a pokémon will be far more then just getting fur and a tail. Sure you won't have to go to school but for everything you gain, you'll lose something. You might not even be interested in video games any more. You'll be like a different version of yourself. My time as a pikachu has changed me. I'm still Pike, but it's like I'm becoming the pikachu version of myself," Pike said.
"But, you're cool like this. Isn't it better being this way?" Mark asked.
"No one species is better then another. You're only seeing me today. It's been tough for me to adjust to this. If you become a furret, you may never know what you could have done as a human. You could end up regretting it for the rest of your life. Regret is a powerful thing Mark. Far more powerful then any attack."
"What if I don't do it and I regret it? I just want to play with my Mom again," Mark asked.
"I don't know Mark," Pike said. Is it right of me to keep Mark from his mother? Do I have the right to tell him to hold back? Rachel seems comfortable with her position. Maybe she knows what I don't.
"I could give into this form. But if I do, Amper might not be interested in me any more. She wants to learn about human stuff."
"Can me and Remmie play with Amper? We can teach her math and stuff!" Mark said.
"Remmie and I Mark, when referring to someone else and yourself, you say their name and then I," Pike said.
Mark giggled. "You sound like a teacher Pike, you're funny!"
"In short Mark, if your mother is fine with it then I'm sure that Amper would love to have you guys teach her stuff with me."
---
Amper sat in front of Rachel. This was the smartest furret Amper had even seen. The furret had even explained to Amper about what a mayor was. A mayor was just like the leader of a colony of pikachu. They were still in the living room. Little bits of pokechow surrounded them.
"You really like this human stuff don't you?" Rachel asked.
Amper nodded. "It's fun learning about the human world. It isn't so scary when I understand it."
"It's not as a fun as you think. There are bad people out there. Believe me when I say that ignorance is bliss," Rachel said
"But, why?" Amper asked.
"You and Pike should enjoy being pikachu together. He's a handsome guy Amper. That spa gave him an incredible gift. I think he should enjoy this and stop trying to be what he isn't," Rachel said.
"But Pike's different, he's special! If he gives up on human stuff, he'll be an ordinary pikachu!" Amper said.
"Exactly, then he won't worry about right or wrong. You can play all you want. Once I turn Cal and Mark into furrets, we'll be a complete family again. No more will I have to pretend that I can care for Mark. I'll finally be able to mate with Cal again. Mark can have a brother or sister, or even both. Cal and Mark will be free of the humanity that is tying them down and preventing them from being who they truly are," Rachel said.
"Can't you become human again and have babies with Cal and care for Mark that way?"
"I haven't found a way to become human again Amper. I wouldn't want to. I'm better off this way just as you're better off as a natural pikachu. Don't deny what you are."
Amper didn't understand why Rachel wanted to abandon her humanity. Where Amper used to see only objects that looked or smelled a certain way, she now knew names for some of them. She was starting to understand how to read; maybe she could even create some of those symbols herself!
She wanted to have a pichu or two with Pike, but she didn't want to force him if he wasn't ready. Besides, Rachel seemed to be saying that a male furret mated with her, which was when Rachel started to be afraid to be human again.
"Pike can show you humanity isn't so scary. He's showing me!" Amper said.
"Amper, you're young so you don't know. Believe me that you're better off as you are."
Amper wanted to shock Rachel! The world could be dangerous but Amper wanted to learn about it! Sometimes it meant she'd be hurt or scared. She was willing to take that risk.
"I'm sorry honey, I shouldn't tell you how to live."
Amper hoped over to Rachel and looked her in the eyes. "How come you can't be mayor now?"
"I … humans might not trust a pokémon as their leader," Rachel asked.
"How come? People like pokémon and you used to be human!"
"It doesn't work that way honey," Rachel said.
"But you could do law stuff to make people nicer to pokémon. Being one has taught ya stuff about it that can help humans and pokémon hasn't it?"
"Well yes, but," Rachel started.
"Why not make the world less scary if you think it's so mean?" Amper asked.
"I'm not the president! Besides, that is the human world, I'm not human any more. I need to concern myself with what I am, not what I used to be," Rachel replied.
"But, if Mark becomes a furret, something could happen to him!" Amper said.
Amper knew the wild was dangerous. Besides, humans trying to capture them, other pokémon would try to harm them as well as natural dangers.
"Humans may try to harm him as well."
Amper heard the front door opening and someone entering the house.
"Mom, I'm home." It was Mark.
"Pike!" Amper said.
Pike ran into the room followed by Mark. Amper approached Pike. He smelt a little funny, as though he'd been somewhere Amper didn't quite recognise.
"Mom, is it okay if Remmie and I study and stuff with Amper? Pike says we can help him to teach her about human stuff," Mark asked.
"I don't understand why you'd want to do that Mark. Amper isn't a human. She doesn't need to learn human things," Rachel said.
"But Mom, Pike says Amper likes how he's different from other pikachu."
Amper watched as Rachel approached Pike. "Pike, it's clear that I need to help you. You're teaching Amper things that she doesn't need to know about. All that's going to do is hurt both of you in the end. I'd love you to be our friend when Mark and Cal join me. However, you need to accept what you are."
"Help me … no, I can't do that. I won't betray Amper," Pike said.
"Do what?" Mark asked.
"Mark, why don't you and Amper go and get something to eat?" Rachel asked.
Mark shrugged his shoulders. "Okay Mom. Come on Amper."
"Wait, Pike, what's going on?" Amper asked.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine," Pike replied.
Amper nodded and Mark picked her up before walking out of the room.
-
"Why are you doing this Pike?" Rachel asked.
Why is she upset with me? What have I done that's so wrong?
"What do you mean?"
"Why are you encouraging Mark to teach Amper human things?" Rachel asked.
"I want to show Amper a life apart from being an animal. Besides, it helps me to focus!"
"Focus, on what, being human? You're not human anymore Pike. Look, you're just hurting yourself by doing this. I was in denial for a long time. Trust me when I say you're better off this way!"
"If I give into these pikachu emotions and sensations, I won't be Pike anymore. Amper may loose interest in me. Not only that but I'd be letting my family down!" Pike said.
"But what do you want?" Rachel asked.
"I … I don't know. I don't want to go back to my job. I want to play, re-match that vulpix and defeat him, use my abilities to help people and spend time with Amper."
"Those are things that having clarity can give you Pike. Please, let me help you. Allow me to focus your pikachu side."
Pike backed up and ended up falling onto his rear end sending pain flying through his body from falling on his tail. He looked up at Rachel. He saw not a human in the body of a furret but a furret with human memories. She was acting on the values of her current species. It would be futile to impose human inhibitions on her.
"You don't have to fight it Pike; don't let human worries and standards control you. Amper will understand. Please, let me help you. I don't want to see you suffer. I can make things easier for you."
Pike looked at Rachel. She was offering herself to him. His pikachu half said to take the opportunity. His human half was curious as to how such an act would feel.
A battle between pikachu instinct and human reasoning waged in Pike's mind.
The pikachu half offered fun and pleasure. It promised a life where he followed his own rules and wouldn't have to hold back. He would exchange study for play. Battles for were the fun of it rather then technicality and competition. Such details were best left to humans.
His Human half offered a life of study and understanding with opportunities normally forbidden to a pikachu. However, it also had the cost of losing some of the simpler pleasures in life. It was more controlled and inhibited. However, it promised being more then just an animal.
Rachel had chosen her furret side; Pike was trying to achieve a little of both. Unfortunately, it was proving unsuccessful. He understood the act Rachel wanted to perform with him as something beyond instinct.
Having accepted her fate, Rachel appeared to be a furret with the memories, knowledge and intelligence as opposed to a human in the body of a one.
She really seems to want it. Should I stop thinking I'm a human in the body of a pikachu and accept what I am? Rachel appears happy. She must know something I don't know.
"I … don't know," Pike said.
"You'll never have to go to work again Pike. I can free your mind from those human worries. You'll be able to explore your new form in ways that up until now you've only been able to imagine. Once you've done it once, it's easier. There is peace in letting go as at least you're not fighting any more."
But if I can't go back, I'll regret it for the rest of my life!
Logic told Pike that he should have ran. Yet, something held him back. There was allure to Rachel's offer. Pike saw a side of him that would be free from the inhibitions keeping him from accepting Rachel's offer. All he needed to do was to go through a door that Rachel was offering him the key to.
Perhaps, Pike wondered, did he want to struggle with this any more? He didn't want to let Amper down. If he gave in, he might lose interest in teaching her about humanity. Was that really what he wanted?
On the other hand, there is freedom in letting go. I could finally beat hothead. I could be totally free of work. I wouldn't have to hold back any more. Am I right in telling Mark to stay human? Do I have the right to go against his mother's wishes?
"What about my future? I want to play with Mark but what of his future?" Pike asked.
"Do you want him to have a future where he can enjoy life and stay innocent? Alternatively, do you want one where he works for someone else and grows cynical as he grows increasingly separated from the simpler pleasures in life?" Rachel asked.
"Well … I um."
"What about your brother Pike? Wouldn't you love to go on an adventure with him some day?" Rachel asked.
"I dunno, maybe," Pike answered.
"If you become human again, just think of the opportunity you'd have lost out on!" Rachel said.
Rachel did have a point. Pike could do something few humans ever have to do.
"I know but if we teach Amper how to read and such, she'll be smarter, which will make her a better pikachu. I know the world isn't always a good place but why give up on it?"
Rachel began to pace around the room.
"It's not easy for me to be alone Pike. You understand somewhat. You just need some help. You won't give up on the world. You'll be accepting your new position in it. You … we'll be far from inferior to humans if that is what you fear. We can educate them. First however, you must learn to let me."
"Educate?" Pike asked.
"Yes Pike. Humanity has grown far from its routes. We can help them to see what they've lost. There is however another reason for my wanting to help you. Perhaps it's selfish. Being alone has also created another problem for me. Well I am technically … compatible with other pokémon; it's not quite the same. That encounter I spoke of gave me clarity but I need companionship from someone that understands me. I cannot mate with Cal while he is a human. I think you want Amper to be smarter so you'll feel more compatible with her," Rachel said.
Pike cocked his head; maybe she's right.
"It's possible. However, I could never do that with her! It would be wrong! My body may say yes but I dunno, it's just wrong."
"Why? It's a natural act. You need to stop thinking about it the same way a human does. I think that in your mind, if she is smarter and understands the act at a level a human does then you might see it as more acceptable," Rachel said.
"I dunno … maybe," Pike said.
"I still love Cal and I know you love Amper. We can help each other in this department Pike. I promise you that letting go and allowing yourself to enjoy your body isn't wrong. After my … experience I realised that I could let go and enjoy being this way. I just want to give you the same opportunity. Think of it this way, I understand human things. Pikachu can have multiple mates. It isn't wrong Pike."
Rachel was tempting Pike. He had to admit that her offer, as strange as it sounded was difficult to resist. His human mind tried to rationalise that this was wrong. For his pikachu side however, he'd have been insane to refuse.
"But if I was human…"
"You're not human anymore. Don't let their inhibitions rule you. Embrace this side of you and accept the wonderful gift you have. Allow yourself to let go and allow instinct to be your guide. You'll find it can set you free."
Rachel stepped closer to Pike and started massaging behind his ears. Pike felt his pulse quickening and he looked in Rachel's eyes. She seemed so honest and only wanted to help him. He was a pikachu so technically, he was just accepting his situation.
Damn, she's good at this. Oh man, why am I resisting her? Just once won't hurt will it? Why can't I let go just this once?
Pike nodded his head. "All right."