A/N: And the last chapter! Thanks to anyone who reviewed/favorited.

Soothe the Savage

Part III

Haruhi had been a bit harsh in the battle, she was sure. But she couldn't deny the small spark of satisfaction she got when Hana had turned and fixed her with a disbelieving, but grudgingly respectful look. It had told her all that she needed to know.

The Chikorita hadn't been happy with her, but wasn't being as cold or hostile as she was before. She'd even managed to look happy when Hinako had handed over the Yellow Daisy badge.

Haruhi had taken her Pokemon back to the Pokemon center, and was waiting in the lobby for them to be returned when Hikaru and Kaoru sidled into the seats next to her.

"That was some match," Kaoru prompted with a smile, Yuri the Plusle nodding fiercely on his shoulder.

"Yeah, you did great!" Hikaru agreed, and Juri the Minun made a squeak of assent.

"Thank you," Haruhi mumbled, feeling a faint burning in her cheeks. "I never would've been able to do it without you, Hikaru. You really saved me back there."

Hikaru waved a flippant hand. "It was nothing," he muttered, his own cheeks dusted a faint pink. "Anyway, Kaoru and I got you something. To celebrate your win." He reached into his pocket and drew out a small box, handing it to Haruhi.

"What's this?" she asked curiously, eyeing the little blue box curiously. "You didn't have to do that. I mean, we hardly know each other and-"

"Don't be silly, Haruhi!" Kaoru cried, throwing an arm over her shoulder.

"Yeah, we wanted to get it for you! We're your friends!" Hikaru added, slinging his arm over her shoulder as well.

Friends? Are they…really my friends? Haruhi wondered, feeling slightly embarrassed at the attention. She'd never really had friends as a child; she'd been too caught up in her books and her father's business to do much socializing. But she realized that the idea of having friends was appealing. It was…nice.

Tentatively lifting the lid from the little box, Haruhi was surprised to see a tiny silver bell sitting in the middle of a pile of blue velvet. "What's this?" she queried.

"It's a soothe bell," Hikaru informed her, taking it from her hand and giving it a little shake. It made a soothing, chiming sound, and Haruhi found herself smiling widely as the dark haired twin placed it back in her hand.

"It's for Hana. We saw how much trouble she was giving you," Kaoru explained. "So we thought this would help. It'll make her friendlier."

Haruhi was touched by their generosity. "T-thank you, Kaoru, Hikaru. I-I really appreciate this. It's so beautiful."

Both twins nodded at the smile on Haruhi's face, finding that it was well worth the pretty penny they'd spent on the little bell; it wasn't like it was doing much damage to their funds. They could afford it, after all.

And Haruhi was worth it.

Once Haruhi had gotten her Pokemon back, she'd bid farewell to Kaoru and Hikaru, finding herself a bit sad that they were parting ways. But they'd exchanged numbers, and promised to call one another in the future, and that was enough for Haruhi. Her next stop was Yuri City, where she planned on challenging the gym leader Chizuru Maihara for the White Lily badge.

She strolled down the path that led out of town, hands grasping the straps of her backpack and Flutter sitting happily on her shoulder. Behind her, Hana trailed grumpily, the soothing chime of the bell letting Haruhi know her monster was there. She hadn't expect the bell to magically work wonders and make her Pokemon like her instantly, but she was hopeful that it would work in the future.

Flutter didn't seem all that concerned with Hana's foul mood.

:Hey!: the bird Pokemon chirped, craning it's head around to gaze a the leaf-type trailing behind. :Don't look so sad! You won the match for us, after all! You sure showed that stupid Sunflora what for!:

Hana looked vaguely startled, but her little face soon morphed back into a scowl. :Shut yup, bird-brain,: she scoffed. :Of course I won. I am the strongest fighter on this team, after all!:

:Could've fooled me,: the bird sniffed. :The way you ignore Haru-chan and treat her like she's beneath your notice, I was sure you were just a pathetic, moody weakling. You proved me wrong about my assumption. At least, the weakling assumption. I still think you're pathetic and moody. If you were a monster worth your salt, you'd take more pride in your trainer, and treat her better!:

Hana turned away with a growl, her gaze flashing angrily. :I don't need a trainer to show everyone how strong I am. And I don't want to take pride in her. She's annoying and stupid and-:

:And you don't want to admit that you like her. I get it.: Flutter gave the stunned Chikorita a haughty look. :Fine, you can lie to yourself all you want. But don't lie to me.: The bird Pokemon turned back around, nudging Haruhi's cheek with his beak. :I can see right through you.:

Hana gritted her teeth, stomping after her trainer with her head bowed and her leaf bristling. Stupid bird! What did he know? He was nothing but a weak Pidgey who would never amount to anything! She didn't need a trainer to be strong, and she didn't like Haruhi either!

The faint, soothing chime of her bell distracted her from her thoughts, and for the briefest of moments, doubt crossed her mind.

What if I'm wrong?

Maybe she needed to revaluate her entire situation.

Dear mother in heaven…

Things are starting to look up.

A/N: All done with that one. The next one will be up sometime soon~