Chapter 9: An Unhappy Reunion

Kari groaned as she opened her eyes. There was a light flashing in her eyes. She then noticed she was cuffed to a table. She tried to recollect her thoughts, but all she could remember was the fact that someone had jumped her and knocked her out.

All of a sudden, the door on her far right opened and two women walked inside. One had pink-colored hair and a short ponytail. The other had shorter red hair.

"So I see you're finally awake," the pink-haired women said as they each took a seat in front of her. "I'm Commander Jupiter and this is my associate, Commander Mars. I think you know why you're here."

"Actually, I don't," Kari said, giving them both a glare. "But I'm sure the police would love to charge you for abduction."

"Oh cut the bullshit!" Mars said, rising from her seat. "We know very well that you have top-secret information concerning Dialga and Palkia."

"And how would you know that exactly?" Kari asked testily.

"Because we have spies who have reported seeing you given a small disk from members of the Sinnoh Academy," Jupiter said calmly. "And the fact that they did it quite secretively makes us think it's that important."

"However, we know you don't have the disk on you," Mars added. "So it seems like we'll just have to weasel the information out of you."

"Look, whatever information you think I have, I don't," Kari said heatedly. "And honestly, you're very lucky that I don't have my Pokemon with me because then I would be a nightmare to you people. But I know someone who does and trust me, he would kick the living shit out of you in a Pokemon battle."

The two commanders were silent for a moment. Mars then smiled. "She's a feisty little one isn't she?"

Jupiter then got up and walked up beside Kari. "Well, if she won't talk now," she said, taking a swipe at the back of Kari's head, knocking her out once again. "We'll just have to wait a bit. We have all the time we need."

"You think she really meant what she said about that trainer?" Mars asked.

"She's just making false information," Jupiter said. "But even if there is, he or she will just be another pushover."

"So, Shadow was the first Pokemon you ever had?" Matt asked.

"Yeah," Jack said. "When I found him, he was still a Poochyena, and was being tormented by some kids from town. Soon, I took him in and he eventually warmed up to me. After some time, he finally evolved into a Mightyena." His face then turned grave. "Unfortunately, Shadow ended up learning two attacks I had hoped he would've never learned."

"What do you mean?" Matt asked.

"Well, I think it was from all the anger he had felt before, but he knows two attacks even I'm not familiar with," Jack explained. "I decided to call them Demon Fang and Demon Claw."

"Sounds rather intense," Matt said. "You mind if I ask what they do?"

"Nah," Jack replied. "With Demon Fang, it's an attack where Shadow charges at his opponent, his fangs get longer and a weird black aura appears around the teeth. Shadow pounces and
bites his opponent, then jumps off. The bite also has an effect that takes away an opponent's health overtime. However, it's such a dangerous move that I would only make Shadow use in emergencies."

"And this is only with Shadow?" Matt asked, somewhat curious and interested.

"Apparently," Jack said. "One of these days I'll have to go see Professor Rowan in Sandgem Town and tell him about it. Anyway, Demon Claw is a move where Shadow jumps into the air as his nails get longer. He then pounces onto his opponent and begins to claw at them, he jumps off and his nails return to normal. This move is very dangerous, as Shadow sometimes has trouble reverting to his old self and his other half. He only used it once and, well, it didn't end so well."

"What happened?" Matt asked.

Jack sighed. "Well, he totally lost control of himself, and the only way I could get him to stop was to grab hold of him and bite his ear. Of course, he ended up attacking me before that."

"Wow, he had no control that he even attacked his trainer," Matt said, surprised and somewhat appalled.

"He must've had a rough life when he was younger," Jack said. "At least, that's what I think. I don't think I could ever use that attack again. I mean, it's powerful but if Shadow loses control of himself, he could endanger the lives of anyone, Pokemon or trainer."

"I myself don't know what I would do in that situation," Matt said.

Soon, the two finally reached Celestic Town. A small town, yes, but it's said to be incredibly involved with the mythology of Palkia, Dialga, and the lake trio. They then got to the Pokemon Center where their Pokemon got treated.

While they were waiting, Matt then noticed that Jack was sketching in a notebook. "You're an artist as well?" Matt asked.

"Not exactly," Jack said. "I just do it in my spare time. Kind of a stress reliever."

Matt looked at some of his earlier works, all of them having him and his Pokemon."These are pretty good," Matt commented.

"Well, people always say I inherited it from my mom," Jack said. "I guess they have a point. My mom when she was younger was a major Pokemon artist."

"My mom used to do a ton of contests when she was younger," Matt said. "In fact, I think she ended up winning at least one Grand Festival." He then chuckled. "Mom was always into the more cute Pokemon. Always used the same two Pokemon, a Skitty and a Pachirisu. But, after I was born, she knew she could no longer do contests so she ended up releasing them back into the wild."

After about another ten minutes, Raiden and RiRi, as well as Matt's and Jack's other Pokemon were fully healed and ready to go. "So, is there a reason why you have Raiden and Pachirisu out of their Pokeballs?" Jack asked as they left the Pokemon Center.

"Actually, her name is RiRi," Matt explained. "One, Raiden doesn't like being in a Pokeball unless in critical situations and two, she's really concerned about Kari and well," here he lowered his voice, "Raiden happens to like her a lot and Kari and I were trying before to get them together."

"And does she like him?" Jack asked him then.

"Not quite sure," Matt replied, looking at the two Pokemon behind them. "I guess we'll have to wait and see."

"I remember hearing something, awhile ago, about how the feelings trainers feel about each other reflect on their Pokemon," Jack said.

"Yeah, except instead of getting two trainers, we're the ones trying to get them together," Matt said. "It would seem ideal."

Soon, after walking for about thirty minutes, the two then stopped for lunch. While they were eating, Raiden then heard a rustle in the bushes. When he looked up, he saw a flash of yellow. Normally, he would just ignore such things, but something felt strange.

"Raiden?" RiRi said to him. "Are you alright?"

"I need to check something out," Raiden said.

"Wait," RiRi said before he could go off. "I'll come with you."

"No, really it's fine," Raiden said. "It's probably nothing."

"I know," RiRi said, who suddenly found herself blushing. "But I'll still come with you anyway. I... don't want you to get hurt or anything."

Raiden smiled and found himself blushing as well. "Alright."

(A/N: Okay, this is what I meant by the interesting part. Unfortunately, it'll be rather said but bear with me. The song I have here is called "Makubex" which is from a manga/anime called "Get Backers.")

The two then made their way into the bushes where Raiden had seen the yellow figure. Truth was, there seemed something familiar about what he saw, perhaps from his past. Once they got to the other side, they noticed no one was there now. "Are you sure you saw something?" RiRi asked.

"My own two eyes never deceit me," Raiden replied. He then closed his eyes and let his ears do the work. He opened his eyes quickly and looked to his left. He went over softly to the other set of bushes.

All of a sudden, something launched out from his right and quickly hit him, knocking him tot he ground. Once shaking the pain off, he looked up and, to his surprise, saw a Pikachu on all fours glaring at him. He then noticed the Pikachu was female.

"What do you think you're doing in our home?" the Pikachu said quite heatedly.

"Home? What are you talking about?" Raiden asked, rather confused.

"Duh, we live here!" the Pikachu said rather impatiently.

"Since when do Pikachu live in this region?" Raiden asked. He then stopped. "No, it couldn't be. Jess? Lil' Sis? Is that you?"

The female Pikachu gasped, hearing her name and nickname. "How do you know that?" Then it all set in. "Brian? My big brother?"

It had been quite awhile since he heard that name, which was his birth name. Raiden all of a sudden started laughing and Jess started laughing as well as the two went up to each other and hugged. "I don't believe it!" Raiden said, amazed. "I haven't seen you in six years. My, have you grown."

"Yep, I was just a Pichu when we last saw each other," Jess said. "But you've obviously grown as well."

"Yeah," Raiden said rather sheepishly.

"Raiden!" RiRi came out of the bushes and then saw the two other electric-types. "Oh," she said then. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Of course not," Raiden said. "RiRi, I'd like you to meet my little sister Jess. Jess, this is my friend RiRi."

"Pleasure to meet you," Jess said kindly. She then looked back to Raiden with confusion. "Raiden?"

"Oh," Raiden then said. "You see, I have a trainer now. We've been together for six years now."

"That's wonderful!" Jess said. "I'm sure he's treating you well since you're so built now."

"Oh he is," Raiden said, smiling. "So, are you here by yourself?"

"Actually no," Jess answered. "The whole family is here still."

"Oh really?" Raiden asked, his mood suddenly changing. It was as if the area dropped several degrees.

Jess, noticing his sudden change of mood, quickly said, "Raiden, listen to me. I'm sure it was just a mistake. I mean look how many of us there are-"

"A mistake?" Raiden asked venomously. "It was the third time they've done this. I don't think it was just a mistake!" He calmed down a bit. "Where are they?"

"Just up ahead," Jess said reluctantly. "I'll... take you to them."

"Raiden..." RiRi said.

Raiden turned back to her and he had a glare that made her shiver. She had never seen him angry like this. Even Jess had never seen him like this. "Just stay here, RiRi!" he said angrily. RiRi could only watch in awe as the two mouse continued northward. However, she decided to lay low and see what was going on.

Once the two made got to another meadow in the forest, Jess went ahead towards of the large trees. "Caylie, Kyle, Cody, and Lauren wake up!" she practically yelled.

There were four groans that replied. "Jess, what is it?" Caylie asked.

"I swear if this isn't important," Kyle said. "I'm going to kick the-"

"I just went to sleep!" Cody cried.

"Ugh, I really wish you wouldn't do that," Lauren responded.

"Fine, if your own brother isn't that important, then just go back to sleep!" Jess snapped. Raiden couldn't help but smile. Some things never change.

"Brian!?" the four yelled and quickly got up and ran over to him. Kyle was a Raichu just like Raiden, and the second oldest of the bunch, and the others were all Pikachu.

"Well actually, my name is Raiden," Raiden mentioned.

"Raiden? What kind of corny name is that?" Kyle asked.

"Thanks Kyle, I see you haven't changed," Raiden said. "Actually, that was the name my trainer gave me."

"A trainer!?" both Lauren and Caylie said.

"Wow, that's awesome Brian, I mean Raiden," Cody said. "What's it like?"

"I'd love to tell you, but I have some things to take care of," Raiden replied. "Where's mom and dad?"

"Oh, I can see where this is going," Kyle said, somewhat amused. "They're doing some things up ahead. I'm sure they'll be rather surprised to see you."

"I'm sure they will," Raiden muttered as he and Jess continued on ahead. Soon, they saw another Raichu and Pikachu and Raiden realized they were his parents.

"Mom, Dad!" Jess said. "There's someone here who wants to see you." The two Pokemon looked at Raiden and shock was shown on their faces, but Raiden could also see a bit of fear. Oh, they had the right to be scared.

"Hello Mom. Hello Dad," Raiden said coldly.

"Brian, hows it going?" his dad said hesitantly,

"It's so good to see you," his mom said.

"Oh, enough with the bullshit!" Raiden yelled. "I can tell you're not happy to see me, because you're just standing there. Six years. Six years I had been looking for you, but you never came back to look for me."

"Brian-"

"And this wasn't the first time either!" Raiden continued, interrupting them. "I believe you pulled this stunt twice before, except before I was able to find you."

"Brian-"

"Were you seriously that desperate to get rid of me!?" Raiden roared. "How can I even call you parents? I at least have my brothers and sisters show their love for me."

"Alright fine!" his dad said angrily. "You want to know the truth? You're not even our real son!"

That last statement caught both Raiden and Jess off guard. "What are you talking about?" Raiden asked.

"We found you when you were just an egg," his mother said. "We just found you abandoned in the woods. We didn't know where your real parents were, or why they did it, and we still don't know."

RiRi, who was overhearing everything, had slight tears in her eyes. "Oh Raiden..."

"And this is why you always abandoned me?" Raiden asked, completely shocked by this. Did this mean that even his real parents didn't love him?

"We never wanted you!" his dad said angrily. "We just felt pity for the condition you were in!"

"How dare you say that!?" Jess yelled. "Biological or not, he's still your son and still my brother and should be loved like everyone else."

*"No Jess," Raiden said. He then looked up to them angrily with slight tears in his eyes. "If I seriously mean nothing to you at all, then I might as well just leave and forget that you two actually exist." He then turned around and was about to leave before saying, "My name is Raiden now, and I have a trainer who cares about me more than you ever will." He than ran off, leaving his mom and dad behind and Jess, who had tears in her eyes as well.

Raiden then ran as fast as he could, away from his brothers and sisters, who at least showed him kindness, respect, and love. Soon, he stopped and collapsed to the ground, gritting his teeth as tears slowly crept down his face. How could his parents, his real parents, do this to him? It wasn't fair at all, only cruel and inhumane.

"Raiden?" He looked over and saw RiRi staring at him with a concerned look.

"Oh, hi RiRi," Raiden said. He then sighed. "You heard everything, didn't you?"

"Yes," RiRi replied. "Raiden, I'm so sorry. I had no idea at all."

"It's fine," Raiden said. "Come on, we better head back." The two were about to head back until-

"Raiden!" He turned back again and saw that Jess was running up to him.

"Jess?" Raiden asked as Jess ran up to him into his arms.

"Raiden, please forgive me," Jess said, sobbing. "I had no idea, honestly. You know I've always loved you and cared about you."

"I know that," Raiden said, rubbing her back gently. "But Jess, I have to leave now."

"I'll come with you," Jess said quickly. "I won't lose you again like I did before."

"No Jess," Raiden said. "I want you to stay with everyone else. They need you." He then smiled. "You may be the youngest, but you're definitely the maturest of them all."

Jess smiled back at them, tears still streaming down her face. "You really mean that?" she said, wiping away her tears. "Thank you Raiden." Her smile then disappeared. "But will I ever see you again?"

Raiden then took a hold of both her paws into his. "Of course you will," he said. "Whenever you need me, I'll always be in your heart." They then gave each other a hug once again. "Goodbye Jess," he then said. "And make sure to tell the others, especially Kyle, that I put you in charge of the others, and that I love them very much."

"Oh I will," Jess said, giving him a wink. "Goodbye, Big Brother." She then went back to the meadow.

Raiden then sighed. It was not one of his better days. "Raiden, are you going to be okay?" RiRi asked him.

"Yeah... I'll be just fine," Raiden said, though now he wasn't quite sure. "Let's just head back."

(A/N: Well that was definitely a sad chapter. Truth is, that's the truth about Raiden. Sad indeed, and definitely something people need to stop doing. Anyway, I hope this chapter turned out good. Until then, au revoir.)

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