Just your average Pika
Chapter 9
Pokémon is copyright Nintendo and Gamefreak. I intend no copyright infringement with this work.
First, I'd like to thank everyone that has read the story and those that have reviewed. Without my readers, I'm nothing. I'm happy to see you guys are enjoying the story.
I apologise for the delay in getting this chapter done. I've been having some writer's block lately. I think I'm doing all right now however.
---
Pike awoke on his couch with Amper sleeping on top of him. This position was heaven for him now. He had bonded with her; she was his mate. Pike would do anything for Amper, no matter what the cost.
Although it had been a week since Pike had finally given in to his urges, he still felt some euphoria. Amper and Pike had given in on other occasions since then. Pike had never been able to let go like this as a human. He used to consider himself shy. Now, it was as though Amper had unlocked a part of his mind.
Initially, he'd felt shame over his action with Rachel. She represented temptation and the desire to embrace his new form. If anything, They were just two vulnerable people trapped in strange bodies that were struggling with desires, instinct and bodies that were and yet weren't their own. Pike saw them losing control as understandable.
With Amper, it was different. The emotional bond between the two of them was one no one could break. He loved Amper. A physical expression of that love was one of the most wonderful things he'd ever experienced.
Pike had woken up from a dream. It was however, not about Amper. It was about Pichka, the female pikachu he'd met when he'd first changed. He'd been nervous around her. Now, with more confidence in his new form, he wanted to take Amper to meet her and perhaps even show Henry and Remmie the spring.
I want to make them like me. Once they see how great being this way feels, they won't want to go back. However, if they don't want to, I won't force them.
Amper stirred moments later. Her beautiful eyes bore into Pike's soul. I would do anything for her.
"Good morning. So, what are we going to learn today?" Amper asked.
Why learn when we can play instead?
While Pike was still teaching Amper to read; he was finding it less appealing by the day. Pike was more interested in playing now. Ever since his encounter with Rachel, Pike was finding his form much more appealing. He was growing to the point of wanting others to be this way.
Saving the people in the car had been another anchor for his new form. Pike knew that he'd have been helpless to do anything if he were still human. The newspapers were still reporting about the talking pikachu. Some were requesting information on where he'd gone. While Pike wasn't ready for that level of exposure; he wasn't sure how Rachel would react. Mark had been there so there was the chance that they'd trace him back to her.
Pike had yet to rematch Hothead. He hadn't of done much training with Remmie. However, with his new confidence in his abilities as well as his personal stake in his form, Pike felt that he could beat the vulpix.
"We don't need to learn anymore. We can just play all day now," Pike said.
Amper stood up. "Don't we have to learn? Can't I learn to speak your language?"
"We don't have to. There are other things more fun then study."
Pike stood up and nuzzled Amper. He looked at the clock and saw that it was 11am. Knowing that Henry would be at work by now had Pike feeling more adventurous.
"We have the house to ourselves," Pike said.
"You taught me about privacy," Amper said.
"Playing is more fun when others aren't watching. We don't have to study. No one will know if we just play," Pike said.
"Then we won't get smarter!" Amper said.
"We don't have to be smart to play and relax," Pike said. He stopped nuzzling Amper and looked into her eyes. "Do you like playing just for fun?"
"Yes," Amper said.
Pike nodded. "Later, I can show you where I changed. I met others after. We can meet them."
"Can we teach them stuff?" Amper asked.
"I don't know. Maybe they don't want to learn. They seemed happy with their lives."
Shortly after his accident, Pike had wondered how Pichka and the others could be happy like that. Now, he was staring to wonder how he was satisfied living as a human.
Maybe if we all changed we could live with that colony.
"I still want to learn," Amper said.
"You don't have to," Pike said.
Amper jumped off the couch and ran towards the bookcase. She pulled out a book from the bottom shelf. Pike followed her and saw that she was starting to read a history book. She'd opened a chapter from two centuries prior.
What am I doing? I know I should want to learn as well. Yet, being with her feels so good. I think I might want to take it further. I'd never thought of having kids as a human. Pichu are adorable. I wonder if Amper would be interested.
"If we had pichu together, you could teach them," Pike said.
Amper turned around. "I thought you said you just wanted to mate for fun?"
"I did," Pike replied.
"Think of how good they'd be at battling if we taught them to be smart!" Pike said.
"What if they'd rather learn then battle?" Amper asked.
"Battling can be fun. I want to re-match that vulpix. I know I can beat him this time!"
"You can learn how to battle a vulpix by reading about them," Amper suggested.
"I do have books on them. I've read about pikachu and battling but not a lot about vulpix," Pike said.
Pike only needed a few minutes to find the book about vulpix. He realised that he could use study as another way to embrace his pikachu form.
---
Two bowls of pokechow and four hours later, Pike had read most of the book. He felt more confident about the prospect of a re-match now.
Amper had asked him for help several times while reading the history book. Pike still found reading about things other then something relevant to his current form difficult to focus on. However, he knew Amper found it important thus decided to help her. Helping Amper let Pike know that she needed him; it made Pike feel useful.
"You want to go outside and play for a bit? I could use a break," Pike said.
Amper closed the book she was reading. "Want to practice your attacks?"
Pike remembered the practice Amper and had weeks ago. He also remembered almost losing control around her. Now, he wasn't sure how he would react. He wondered if perhaps, he wanted to lose control this time around.
"If you're interested, then sure. It's more fun then reading," Pike said.
"Not always," Amper said.
She has to be joking.
"It sounds like it gets the blood rushing through your veins, your heart pounding, adrenaline flowing. It must be … stimulating. I've only done it those two times. I want to try again."
"So, you don't like reading anymore?" Amper asked.
"Not as much. I don't think I'm going to be human again. I need to look to the future and stop denying what I am," Pike replied.
It was the truth, so Pike saw no reason to deny it. He'd been a pikachu for more then seven weeks now. He didn't want to tell his family that he was starting to forget what it was like to be human. He was genuinely attracted to Amper; the past week was ample evidence of that. Even his boss had called a few days ago to inform Pike that his boss had to give Pike's job to someone else. Pike hadn't of been upset with that at all. He didn't want to go back to work. Pike was even tempted to call Remmie and say that he was ready to go on an adventure with him.
"When we saved those people from that car, I learned that this form is valid. Maybe fate intended this to happen to me."
"What's fate?" Amper asked.
"Some humans think that we're all meant to do something or lots of things in life. Sometimes, the things that happen to us happen so we can do those things," Pike said.
"You mean that someone wanted you to be a pikachu so we could meet and save those people?" Amper asked.
Pike nodded his head. "My parents still haven't found a way for me to be human again. Maybe, fate doesn't want them to find a way. I know my parents are smart. If there was a way to make me human, they would have found it by now."
Amper approached Pike and put her right paw on the Pike's left shoulder. Heh, I taught her that.
"You've been telling me that we can be more. Maybe this fate person wanted you to be a smart pikachu so you can tell people about being this way," Amper said.
Those news people keep asking me to come forward. Yet, maybe Rachel was right about being this way is a gift and I should embrace it.
"It's possible. Or, maybe fate wanted me to be a smart pikachu so I'd be great at battling. Want to test that theory out?" Pike asked.
"Okay, but don't hold back," Amper said.
Pike grinned. "I won't."
-
Pike stood in his backyard facing Amper. It was cooler out then their last match. A breeze blew through, rustling the grass (which was at level with Pike's belly) and Pike's fur. Amper stood a meter away from Pike.
"Okay Pike, let me have it! Don't worry about hurting me. When I've had enough, I'll say so."
Pike initially resisted. That delay was enough for Amper to let loose with an electric attack that knocked him onto his back. The shock didn't hurt. Hitting the ground stung.
Feeling a surge of adrenaline, Pike leapt to his feet and jumped over the charging Amper even as static from her attack sparked through his fur.
Okay, if you want it, you're going to get it!
He did an about face as he landed on the ground, his cheeks sparking. Electricity flew out of them. Amper reacted by going onto all fours, standing on her forepaws and absorbing it with her tail.
Good one! Okay Pike, don't admire her, defeat her, you can do it!
Pike ran at Amper. She leaped out of the way. Sensing she was about to let loose an electric attack, Pike raised his tail just in time to feel the electricity hit it.
That's right Pike, don't think; just do. That's what you did wrong before, you thought about it.
Pike knew that electric attacks alone were not going to win the battle. He did his best to draw on his pikachu instinct, ran at Amper, spun around and executed a perfect slam with his tail.
"Good one. Now here's another!" Amper said.
Amper started running around in circles, making Pike feel dizzy. When she stopped, Pike's eyes went wide. There were three versions of Amper standing there. Sweat trickled down Pike's belly as he stood on his hind legs.
Great, so I'm seeing triple now. How did she do that?
Pike tried a quick attack against the Amper to his left. He went right through her as though she didn't exist.
Oh oh.
"Gotcha!" Amper said before executing a quick attack of her own, knocking Pike onto his rear end again.
Pike stood up and held out his right forepaw. "All right, that's enough … I'm beat. How did you do that?"
Amper smiled. "Double team."
Amper was intelligent and a worthy opponent, making her more enticing to Pike. The battle had excited him. He tried to calm himself rather then lose control.
"You created two copies of yourself to fool me. Since when do you know so many battle attacks?" Pike asked.
Amper hoped over to Pike and kissed him on the cheek. Something else I've taught her.
"You're not the only one whose been reading up on battling."
"But how do I know which one to attack when you do that?" Pike asked.
"Don't trust your eyes," Amper said.
Of course! How could I be so foolish?
"Now I feel kinda dumb. But I remember reading that I should focus on what I learned from the battle rather then on the fact that you defeated me," Pike said.
"Then you can be a smarter Pikachu," Amper said.
Pike nodded. "That was exciting."
Amper suddenly tackled Pike, an act of play rather then battle. She looked him in the eyes as the grass tickled his feet. Any shame over being intimate with Amper where others can see them faded. Pike felt that he had to let go of those human values. The sweet scent of the grass only furthered Pike's excitement. Amper was warm and her scent was wonderful. She'd given Pike an opportunity and Pike wasn't about to deny her.
He and Amper kissed before giving into their feelings.
---
After Henry got home, they'd had supper. Pike lay stretched out on Henry's lap, having He'd removed his baseball cap so Henry could pet Pike between his ears. If Pike were a kitten, he'd be purring.
Now that he was starting to accept what he felt was his fate, he didn't feel degraded by it at all. He wasn't sure how Henry felt. However, since his cousin was doing this, Pike doubted Henry had a problem with it.
Amper was reading. Pike still wasn't sure why she was doing that. Battling and playing were so much more fun (not to mention their other activities). He felt that he needed to accept what he was. Behaving like a furry little human no longer seemed logical to Pike.
"I want to visit the woods where I changed. I can show you the pikachu colony I found and the pond that changed me," Pike said.
"I don't know Pike, it sounds risky," Henry replied.
"I want to show Amper the pikachu that helped me after I changed. I might never have found my way home if it wasn't for her," Pike said. Suddenly feeling excited; he stood and turned around. "We can have a campout! I can show Amper the woods and we can play in them!"
"I don't understand, I thought you wanted to read and such. How come Amper is reading but you're not? You seem more interested in … you know, then anything else," Henry said.
A few weeks ago, Pike would have blushed. Now however, he knew it was the truth and saw no reason to deny it.
"We're the same species and I care for her. I think fate wanted us to be together," Pike said.
"Fate? What do you mean?" Henry asked.
Pike told Henry the same thing he'd told Amper. Maybe Rachel was right. I wonder how she's doing.
"I understand seeing it that way. Are you sure you want to give up on being human again? What about your career, not to mention your life?" Henry asked.
"This is my life now! A career is a human thing. Anyway, I have Amper and you guys. Why go back to a boring job when I can help people and go on adventures?" Pike asked.
"You're forgetting that those boring jobs pay the bills. Believe me Pike, I'd love to spend my days romping without a care in the world. Just because I'm thirty-two years old doesn't mean I'm boring. Believe me, I'd love to be like you. In some ways, I envy you. However, we have bills to pay. The truth is, I'd love to play video games as much as I did when I was younger. I just don't have the time as well as other priorities," Henry said.
"Maybe you can become like me. Then you won't have to worry about bills. If you don't want to be a pikachu, maybe you can be a furret like Rachel or…"
"Listen to yourself Pike. Where would we live? What would we do? When this first happened, you wanted to speak English to make sure you kept that part of your humanity. You even wanted to read and write. I know you've been teaching Amper to show her there's more to life. Now, you seem to be losing interest in that."
"I know. It's just so hard to resist. A part of me wants to just go and be one with nature," Pike said.
"Nature isn't all fun and games Pike. It's hard out there," Henry said.
Pike nodded. "Maybe I do need to calm down. I still want to show you the pikachu that helped me. I'm curious as to how they're doing," Pike said.
Pike hoped off Henry's legs and ran over to Amper. He nuzzled against her.
"Not this time Pike, this book is too interesting," Amper said.
Pike saw that Amper was reading a collection of short stories. He was mildly annoyed that Amper assumed that he wanted something physical.
"That's not what I wanted," Pike said.
Amper stopped reading and looked at Pike. "Sorry. What is it?"
"Remember how I mentioned meeting those pikachu that I met after I changed. I could also showing you guys where I changed."
Amper nodded.
"Are you still interested?" Pike asked.
"Maybe. Can we take something to read with us?" Amper asked.
"I guess if you want. In the woods, we can have fun. That's better then reading!" Pike said.
"Didn't you want to battle that vulpix again?" Amper asked.
"Yes, I do. This time, thanks to your help, I know I can beat her!" Pike said.
"Beat who?" Henry asked as he approached Pike from behind.
"Hothead. I'm going to re-match her. I know you don't think that's a good idea but I need to do it," Pike said.
"You know I don't approve of that Pike. Yet, it is your life. I can't tell you what you can and cannot do. But, I want to be there if you decide to re-match her. I don't want you to get hurt."
Pike nodded his head. "What about my friends in the woods?"
"I guess if you want to visit them, I'll take you. However, I'm not about to take a swim in that pond. I also think you should take something to read with you. I'm getting worried about you. Don't be so eager to give up your humanity," Henry said.
Pike knew that if Henry just tried being this way (even if only for a short while) that he'd see things differently. However, Pike also remembered what Henry said. Henry couldn't afford to end up like Pike. He knew that to get a little, he had to give a little.
"Okay, I'll bring some reading material. Can Remmie come to? I'd love to show him my friends from that colony!" Pike said.
"That's up to him," Henry said.
"Let's call him and ask him!" Pike said.
"All right," Henry said.
A few minutes later, Henry had finished the call.
"He said he'd love to come along," Henry said.
"Great, it's a campout then! But first, I have a battle to win!" Pike said.
---
A week later, Pike stood on Henry's shoulder with Henry standing in a small ring on in a park close to his house. Pike had spent the previous week training with Amper before he felt ready to battle Hothead. The boy from before stood several meters in front of the duo. Remmie stood to Henry's left holding Amper.
"What's wrong? Can't control your pikachu?" the boy said.
"I don't think we caught your name," Henry said.
The boy grinned and folded his arms. "Trevor."
"Well Trevor, I suggest you adjust your attitude," Henry said.
"Meh, whatever pops," Trevor said.
"I think someone needs to teach you manors," Henry said.
"Look, are you going to fight or not?" Trevor asked.
"You sure about this?" Henry asked.
Pike nodded. Henry lowered Pike to the ground.
"Get 'em Pike," Amper said.
"We're ready when you are," Henry said.
"Well then, I have a little surprise for you all," Trevor said.
Trevor threw out the pokeball containing Hothead. When it opened, the energy hothead was stored as flew out. Pike gasped when he saw a Ninetails take form before him.
Oh crap.
"This wasn't what we expected," Henry said.
"I can still beat her!" Pike said.
Trevor's eyes went wide. "Say what? A talking pikachu; what kind of messed up crap is this?"
"So we meet again," Hothead said.
Pike looked up at hothead. She towered hover Pike now. Her ghostly appearance only added to the Pike's apprehension. While Pike honestly would rather just be friends with her, if she wanted a fight, Pike was more then willing to oblige.
Okay, just remember what Amper taught you.
"I can take still take you!" Pike said.
"Like you defeated me before?" Hothead asked.
"I've been practising," Pike said.
Hothead looked at Amper. "I'm sure you have."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Pike asked.
"I think you know pikachu," Hothead said.
Pike felt his cheeks sparking. "My name is Pike."
"How can your pikachu speak?" Trevor asked.
"I'm a good teacher," Henry replied.
"Pike is cool; that's how he can speak," Remmie said.
"Whatever. So, are you ready?" Trevor asked.
Pike nodded.
"All right then. Hothead, use Attract!" Trevor said.
Pike watched Hothead's eyes glow. He felt strange. His desire to fight her decreased. Pike shook his head. He'd read about that attack before. He considered it a cheap shot. Unfortunately, it didn't change the fact that she'd use the attack.
"Shake it off Pike!" Henry said.
"He's distracted, quick attack him!" Trevor said.
Before Pike could react, Hothead charged at him, striking him and sending him flying several meters backwards. Pike stood up and leapt back into the ring.
"Counter attack Pike. Don't let her get to you!" Henry said.
Pike ran at Hothead, doing his best to ignore the effects of attract. He spun around and struck Hothead with a Slam attack. Hothead flinched but otherwise; Pike's attack didn't seem to harm her.
"Use confuse ray now!" Trevor said.
Before Pike could register what was happening, he felt something fly from Hothead. It stuck him, feeling warm against his fur. Things started making little sense. In place of Hothead, he saw Amper standing there. He looked around and everything was waving back and forth.
Whoa, either I'm tripping out or something strange is going on.
"Pike, thunderbolt her!" Trevor said.
Pike thought it was Trevor. The voice came from Henry's direction! What's going on? Pike tried to use his thunderbolt attack only to end up hitting himself. He fell into his back, stunned. Although he did manage to get up right away, he saw what looked like Amper run at him, spin around and strike him with all nine of her tails! Nine tails, on a pikachu. What is going on? Pike hit the ground hard. His mind cleared and everything came back into focus.
He saw Amper run to his side and put her forepaws on his belly.
"Come on Pike, you can beat em. Rest for a bit," she said with a wink of her right eye.
Allowing his instincts to guide him, Pike executed the attack. Everything went dark as he fell asleep. He seemed to feel something hit him while he was out. When he awoke, he felt refreshed. The effects of attraction had worn off, as had any lingering effects of the confuse ray.
"I'm sorry Pike, I guess I'm not so good at this," Henry said.
"It's okay, at least you're trying," Pike replied.
"I've been helping him, let me be his trainer!" Amper said.
"All right Amper," Henry said.
Pike stood up with Amper behind him.
"What is this?" Hothead asked.
"What it looks like," Pike said.
"You're letting a pikachu train you? How stupid is that?" Hothead said.
"Shut up and fight," Pike said, frowning.
"You heard the man, use firespin!" Trevor said.
"Hurry Pike use that move I showed you … double team!" Amper said.
Pike concentrated; two more versions of him appeared beside him, one to his left and one to his right. They jumped around fast enough that Pike assumed Hothead would need to guess which one was Pike. Hothead executed her firespin attack. To Pike's elation, it hit one of the illusions. Unfortunately, both illusions faded. However, the distraction was enough to give Pike a chance to counter attack.
"Okay Pike, now use agility!" Amper said.
Pike did as Amper said. He felt faster. He ran towards Hothead. He heard Trevor tell Hothead to use another confuse ray. Fortunately for Pike, he was able to run fast enough to evade the attack and counterattack with a thunderbolt. This time, his attack met its mark, knocking Hothead back.
"Good one!" Hothead said.
"Come on hothead, don't let that phase you. Use Iron tail!" Trevor said.
Hothead tried to attack, but she couldn't seem to. Pike smiled when he realised that Hothead was out of energy! She'd need to recharge before she could do another attack!
"Oh damn. Just give me a minute!" Trevor said.
"Use thundershock again Pike!" Amper said.
Pike tried to. Unfortunately, while his cheeks sparked, the charge fizzled out before he could attack. Oh no, I'm out of energy too!
"All right, I think that's enough!" Henry said.
"What are you talking about?" Trevor said.
"They're both out of energy. I say we call this a draw," Henry said.
Seems fair.
"I agree," Pike said.
"If you want to forfeit … be my guest," Trevor said.
"The battle isn't over yet," Hothead said.
Trevor threw something at Hothead and her eyes glowed.
Oh no. I knew I'd forgotten something!
"Get em Hothead. Use fireblast!" Trevor said.
Unfortunately, Pike wasn't ready for the attack. Hothead let lose with an assault that despite Pike's agility, he was couldn't dodge. He flew backwards from the heat. It was a painful experience to say the least. However, it gave him insight into the fact that while pokémon may enjoy battling, sometimes they get hurt.
Pike landed on his belly. The attack had singed him. Although he managed to get up, Hothead charged at him with a quick attack. When she collided with him, everything went dark.
---
Pike opened his eyes. Everything came back into focus. He was staring up at a ceiling he didn't recognise. Henry, Remmie and Pike's parents were standing over him. Amper was standing beside Pike. Her presence was enough to reassure Pike that everything would be all right.
"What hit me?" Pike asked.
"A fireblast," Henry said.
"Are you all right?" Pike's father asked.
"I've never seen a fire ball like that!" Remmie said.
"I lost the battle," Pike said, hanging his head.
How could I have lost after a week training?
Pike felt humiliated. From his point of view, he'd let Amper and Henry down. He was supposed to be a hero for Remmie. Losing in front of his little brother was (in his opinion) the worst thing that could happen to him.
"My poor baby," Pike's mother said. She leaned forward and kissed Pike on the forehead.
"Mom!" Pike said.
"Sorry," she replied.
"I can't believe I lost," Pike said.
Pike's father petted Pike's head. "We all lose every once in a while. It's what you learn from defeat and how you otherwise deal with it that's important."
"Yeah, I guess. So, how long have I been out?" Pike asked.
"About twelve hours," Henry replied.
"How bad did he get me?" Pike asked.
While Pike felt refreshed; he was still sore from the battle. He wasn't sure he wanted to get into another one if it would hurt like that. It made him wonder just how badly their opponent would hurt the loser in these sorts of battles.
"You got singed but you'll be fine," another voice said.
Pike looked up to see a male nurse walk into the room. He was a little taller then Henry, had buzzed brown hair, blue eyes and tanned skin. His nametag identified him as Paul. He was carrying a clipboard.
"A talking Pikachu … fascinating," Paul said.
"It's a long story," Pike said.
Paul sat down in a chair beside Pike's bed. "I'm interested in hearing it. That is, if you don't mind. Tell me, are you the same talking pikachu that saved that family in MapleBrook?"
Pike looked at his parents. He heard someone else run into the room. It was his sister.
"Geeze Pike, you're getting into battles now?" she asked.
"Yeah … sorta," Pike said.
"So, have you guys heard anything about a cure yet? Pike may be cute like this but it's been what … two months by now?" Tiffany asked.
"A cure? For what?" Paul asked.
"Oops, I wasn't supposed to tell," Tiffany said.
"Like Pike said, it's a long story," Henry said.
"But it's a cool one!" Remmie said.
Paul crossed his right leg over his left. He stroked his chin and looked around. "I can assure you confidentiality if there is anything you wish to keep private."
"I don't know," Pike's mother said.
"I think the public already knows enough," Pike's father said.
"Is Amper still your girlfriend Pike?" Tiffany asked.
"Girlfriend?" Paul asked.
"It's up to you Pike. You're old enough to make your own decisions," Pike's mother said.
"I'll tell you the truth. There's an Espion at the police station that can back me up. Her name is Miranda," Pike said.
Pike considered telling Paul about the Joy there that knew of his story. However, he noticed that this seemed to be a different centre. It's appearance and scent was different then the one he'd ended up at the day after he changed. It seemed like long ago.
"If you wish, we can use my office. You're well enough for it now," Paul said.
Pike looked at the others around him and nodded. "Thanks for coming guys."
His family members parted and waited while Pike and Paul went into Paul's office to talk to him.
-
A talking pikachu; Paul had never seen anything like it before! The expression on his face made him appear more intelligent then normal. There was also something about his eyes. The fact he was wearing a baseball cap was also unusual.
"So, how is it you're able to speak?" Paul asked.
"You promise you won't tell anyone?" Pike asked.
"Yes," Paul said.
Pike proceeded to tell Paul his story about encountering the spring. He mentioned the issues he'd been having with instincts as well as his relationship with Amper. Although he didn't say who Rachel was, he mentioned meeting a furret that used to be human.
"You're unique perspective on battling could be useful to trainers. I will respect your wishes, however, perhaps you should re-consider. Have you considered writing a book about your experiences?" Paul asked.
"I can still write, but I don't know. What makes me so special? I mean, I'm not an author," Pike asked.
Paul smiled. "You've experienced what it seems few have. There are people that would love to hear your story and the positive and negative effects it's had on your life."
"I suppose that's true," Pike said.
"What sort of relationship (if any) do you have with the female pikachu that was with you?" Paul asked.
I hope that wasn't a bad question.
"She's um … this is just between us right?" Pike asked.
"Yes, I assure you," Paul said.
"Amper is … my … mate," Pike replied.
Paul nearly dropped his clipboard.
I guess it's reasonable that he'd pair off with a female. But … wow, who would have thought.
"Does she object?" Paul asked.
"No, in fact, she's the one that encouraged it."
"Fascinating. So, how do you feel about it?" Paul asked.
"I love her. I can't imagine living without her," Pike said.
Pike told Paul about his teaching Amper to read and encouraging her to increase her knowledge. Paul found the idea of a pokémon taking such an interest fascinating. He realised that there was still the issue of Pike re-gaining his human form.
Fascinating, he's developed a bond with a natural member of his new species. I don't blame him for that. I wonder what his brain is like right now. Perhaps his thinking is similar to an advanced Pikachu.
"Would you be interested in undergoing some tests? I'd like to find out how this has affected your mind. I could use this Espion you spoke of to help ascertain how similar your thinking is to a so called normal pikachu," Paul asked.
"I don't know. I think I'm comfortable with that. I don't want people to want to do all sorts of tests on me," Pike said.
Makes sense that he'd be afraid. I don't blame him at all.
"I understand. If you wish, I can study this spring. Perhaps I can find out how the water works and then find a way to reverse its effects," Paul said.
"What about Amper? I don't want to change back if she can't be human with me."
"I can't guarantee you anything Pike. However, I will do everything I can."
"Thanks," Pike said.
"Now, I'll let you be with your family," Paul said.
Pike was well enough for the centre to discharge him so he went home.
Later, the group went to a restaurant for supper, a treat for Pike given how long it had been since he'd been in one. The staff didn't have a problem with him and Amper being there as long as they behaved.
While Pike was able to stay in control, he felt out of place. Amper on the other hand, enjoyed reading from the menu now that she was growing more able to understand human words by the day. Pike decided to base his decisions on the pictures of food rather then the woods. He found that he wanted to get back to practising in order to re-match Hothead once more.
Eventually, they went home, but not before Pike decided that, wanting to spend more time with his siblings that he wanted to make his visit to the woods to be an outing with them.
Henry agreed. Since Pike had been home for most of the time since he originally became a pikachu, Henry didn't mind the opportunity to have the house to himself for a few days.
---
The big day came. Pike and Amper sat on Remmie's shoulders while Tiffany was carrying fold up tents on her back as they trekked through the woods. It was getting dark out and the wind was cold. Remmie wore a navy blue sweater and jeans while Tiffany wore a light blue sweater and jeans.
"It's around here somewhere," Pike said.
"It's getting too dark to tell," Tiffany said.
Pike wished he could have the warmth of a campfire or preferably Amper's body. However, with his brother and sister with him, he didn't want to do anything that might upset them.
"This spring could really make a pikachu like you?" Remmie asked.
"Yes," Pike said.
"I don't think we're going to be doing that Pike. One of my brothers running around naked is enough," Tiffany said.
"I still have my hat!" Pike said.
"He also has his fur!" Remmie added.
"Yes, I know. So, where is this pikachu colony of yours?" Tiffany asked.
"They're close to the spring, I know that much," Pike said.
"Are you going to battle anyone else Pike? Maybe if you became a Raichu then you could beat that mean NineTails!" Remmie said.
Am I ready to grow up? Maybe I could beat her if I did. Would Amper accept me like that? Could I be a good father for her children as a Raichu?
"Pike can't do that! If he evolves himself, he might never be able to change back! I know you're not so sure you want to change back Pike but still, evolving is a whole different thing," Tiffany said.
"Yeah, I know. I don't know if I'm ready for it," Pike said.
He imaged touching a thunderstone and feeling its energy course through his body. All aspects of him would improve. He'd be bigger and stronger; Hothead wouldn't know what hit him, at least from Pike's point of view anyway.
I could wipe the smile off Trevor's face. If people liked a talking, pikachu … just wait until they see a talking Raichu!
"Then again, maybe it would be a good idea for me," Pike said.
"You want to evolve?" Amper asked.
"Maybe," Pike said. Pike detected a familiar scent in the air. His ears perked. We're almost there! "Turn left here, then we'll be there."
Tiffany and Remmie walked in the direction Pike requested. They came to the spring a few moments later.
"There it is!" Pike said.
Looking back and forth, Pike leapt off Remmie's shoulder and ran around. Memories of what had happened to him on that day came back to him.
"Let's pitch our tents here then," Tiffany said.
"Can I please be a pikachu like Pike? They're so cool!" Remmie said.
"Remmie, you remember what Mom and Dad said. They'd trust us as long as we didn't give in to that temptation.
This is strange, why can I smell Rachel here?
"I know, but Pike is so cool now. I want to show him to my other friends!" Remmie said.
Pike walked around and to his surprise, found that his pants were still by the tree he'd left them on! He stood over them, sniffing them. His human scent was still on them. It was a scent now almost alien to Pike.
"What's that Pike?" Amper asked.
"These were my pants I was wearing before I had the accident that set off the chain of events that made me a pikachu. It feels weird that I used to wear these things," Pike said.
"There more," Remmie said.
Pike turned to see Tiffany setting up the tents while Remmie pulled clothes out from behind a bush. Hopping over to Remmie, Pike saw that there were enough clothes for five or six people there. All of them had Rachel's scent on them.
What has she been doing?
"What's this?" Remmie asked.
Pike watched Remmie pick up what seemed to be a small book. Remmie sat down and Pike jumped on his shoulder.
Remmie took out a flashlight from his pocket and lit it over the book. "It's a journal by someone named Eva Hargrove," Remmie said.
With fascinated horror, Pike read the journal as Remmie did. When they were done, Pike jumped off Remmie's shoulder's and began to pace.
My God, Pichka used to be a human. She acted as if she's always been a pikachu! I have to help her somehow. If I didn't get help, that could have happened to me! Her family must be going crazy with worry about her.
Pike leapt over to Tiffany's position and tugged on her jeans.
"What's wrong? Why do you look like you're about to cry?" Tiffany asked.
"Look at what we found," Remmie said.
Remmie handed the journal to Tiffany. When she was done reading, she gasped. "My God," she said.
"I have to get to that colony and tell her that I know who she was," Pike said.
"Pike, it's getting too dark, we'll have to wait until morning," Tiffany said.
"What about those other people?" Remmie asked.
"Other people?" Tiffany asked.
"Wait a second. Put the journal down for a minute," Pike said.
Tiffany did as Pike asked. Pike sniffed the paper and detected Rachel's scent on it.
Did Rachel know about this thing? Why didn't she try to help Eva? What about those other people. Oh my God, what if she's already changed Mark. We could play but … what if he didn't want it.
"Pike, what's wrong?" Tiffany asked.
"Rachel's scent is on this book. It's on all of the other clothes here. I think she may have brought others to become pokémon like me."
"Does that mean that we can play with them?" Amper asked.
"I don't know. Rachel wanted me to embrace my pikachu side. Maybe it would be fun to have others to play with. Yet, if she wasn't happy with my trying to stay human on the inside, she may be trying to get others to embrace her way of thinking. I have a bad feeling about this," Pike said.
"Pike, I found something else," Remmie said.
Pike turned and ran towards his brother. Remmie was holding a shirt. When Pike reached Remmie; he knelt down and showed it to Pike. Since it was a light blue polo shirt like Mark used to wear, what was Pike's worst fear but perhaps also something a small part of him wanted was apparently coming true.
Sniffing the shirt, a chill ran down Pike's spine. The shirt was Mark's.
"It's Mark's isn't it?" Remmie asked.
Pike nodded. "Yes."
---
I'm still considering which species Mark is going to have become. I've considered a Mewoth. I'll always have a special place in my heart for them. In the game, I loved to have one.
I'm still of two minds as to whether or not Pike will evolve into a Raichu. So, we'll see.