Author's Note: Hello, readers! Just a reminder that this story is not canon, and is not meant to be so (that becomes pretty evident from this chapter onward). Also, sorry for taking so long to post- this chapter is pretty extensive. School keeps me pretty busy, but I'll continue with this as much as I can on the weekend. Anyway, enjoy the chapter!
Startled, Kaminari shoves N away and trips back in the opposite direction, causing her Poké Balls to roll out of her bag. She crawls frantically after them, but both manage to get lost in the tall grass despite her efforts. The girl completely forgets that N is standing there, watching her dig through the dead leaves and blades of grass with panicked eyes. "Is everything alright?" he asks.
Kaminari's gaze settles on the green-haired boy and gradually remembers the last time she stared into those focused eyes. "Hey… you're that weird guy I battled back in Accumula- the one with the Purrloin."
N glances away uncomfortably. Realization sets in as Kaminari understands that she just ran into him, shoved him, and called him weird. "Sorry, I'm not thinking straight right now," she admits. "I didn't mean to say that so bluntly."
"I'm used to it by now." The words don't seem to matter that much to N, but they break Kaminari's heart a little. He tilts his head a little and analyzes his situation. "I suppose since I'm partially to blame for this little mishap, I should aid you in your search."
"You don't have to-"
"It seems they have rolled off in this direction." N steps carefully into the grass, afraid to disturb any Pokémon in the area. "So tell me; why were you fleeing to Route Three?"
Kaminari shudders at the reminder of Bianca's torturous dream. The droplets of rain on a window never brought comfort to the girl like they did to others; they were only ever an omen to her, a warning to prepare for the black sea of charged clouds racing her way. Nothing could seize her mind like the sound of rolling thunder. Nothing made her hide under her covers and scream like the flash of lightning outside. Nothing dragged her into a fit of madness and misery like the memory of that night from so long ago. Part of her feels ashamed for allowing her fear to consume her in front of so many people, but it wasn't like she dove into the pit herself. It was Bianca's fault for having that dream… or so she continued to tell herself.
"It's really none of your business."She attempts to keep her voice from wavering as she speaks to him, but if she fails, he doesn't seem to notice.
"How is this in any way not my business?" N replies, bending over to pat a wild Lillipup on its scruffy head. "I believe I deserve an answer after you so rudely bumped into me. I won't even bother mentioning the fact I am aiding you in your search for your Poké Balls."
"I said sorry," she mutters "and I didn't force you to help me, so that argument doesn't work here."
N snatches a red ball off the ground and observes it in his hand. "If I hadn't been here, would you have found this?" He grins and holds the sphere out for Kaminari to see. She peers up at it with relieved eyes, sensing the courageous aura of her Oshawott from within the ball.
"Tsunami!" She dives toward N, ripping the Poké Ball from his palm and hugging it tightly, promising to never let him go again. "Thank you so much!"
"I can't hear his inner voice at all." N sounds concerned now. "Is your partner alright?"
"No," she says, feeling flooded with remorse. "I worked him too hard in our last battle and he fainted."
"Oh my…" Seeing the regret in those electric-blue eyes of hers suddenly makes him feel for her. The emotion is indescribable for him- too respectful to be pity, yet still a form of caring and sorrow. This only ever happened when he looked upon a valiant Pokémon that had been injured by human touch. "We should seek your other partner imme-" N trips and falls flat on his face, causing many disturbed Pokémon to scatter away.
"I think you just found him." Kaminari picks up the Poké Ball sitting next to N's feet and extends an arm to help him to his feet. Not humiliated at all, he accepts her offer and stands up. "Thanks," she mutters quietly "I wouldn't have found them without you."
"I'm not through yet." N pulls out a golden, diamond shaped object
"What's that?" Kaminari asks, concerned about what this stranger might give her Pokémon.
"It's a revive," N states. "Open the Poké Balls and I'll show you how it works."
Just as he says, Kaminari presses the buttons on the shiny spheres, unleashing two white beams of energy, one of which takes the form of her unconscious Oshawott while the other makes the shape of the fearful Pansear. N gently places the object on Tsunami's round belly. After a moment, the solid melts into a glistening liquid, which then seeps into the Pokémon's fluffy fur. Tsunami's eyes soon flick open and he drenches N with a Water Gun instantly.
A huge smile spreads across the brunette's face. "You're okay!"
At the sound of his trainer's voice, the otter turns away from the dripping boy and waddles towards the other teen with open arms and sparkling eyes. "Wott!" he chirps joyously at the sight of Kaminari safe. "Osha-sha!"
The sight of their heartwarming reunion brings a crinkle to N's eye as he wrings his long hair out. The bond between the two creatures bewilders and comforts him at the same time, assuring him that he has not just harmed the Oshawott by returning him to his trainer.
Kaminari glances up from her elated partner and remembers that poor N has been soaked by her Oshawott twice now. She blushes and murmurs, "Sorry about that… again."
"It's not a problem." he reassures her and whistles gently into the cool night air. A Pidove carefully perches on his arm and attentively listens closely to his words. "Would you please use Gust to dry me off, my friend? I would greatly appreciate it."
The Pokémon enthusiastically obliges, flapping her tiny wings with tremendous force until there is not a single drop of water left on N's wrinkled clothes. He grins gratefully and lightly scratches her feathered back. "Pidoooove…" she croons.
The girl tilts her head, puzzled by this display. "How do you do that?"
"How do I do what?"
"How do you get any wild Pokémon to obey you? The first Pokémon I came across in the wild bit my finger even after I caught him."
N gently lifts his arm up into the air and the bird flies off into the nearby trees. "It revolves around your demeanor. If you behave in a gentle, calm, and welcoming manner…" N extends his palm to a nearby Patrat, who cuddles his soft hand. "… then wild Pokémon will treat you the same way. Of course, it also depends on the nature of the other creature." A Purrloin creeps up and pounces on the Patrat, who screeches and flees.
The green-haired boy turns to Kaminari's fire-type. "Now, what's wrong with him?"
"Oh, Zest is fine. Nothing a potion or two won't heal."
"I don't think so…" N listens carefully as the Pansear explains how he feels, waving his tiny paws about and jumping around. "He says he feels powerless, like it's raining really hard on him."
"Hm?" Kaminari digs around in her bag for a portion and sprays the purple mist on her partner. "How about now?"
N wears a concerned expression. "You may want to take him to a Pokémon Center when you reach Nacrene City. Something seems off about him."
"What does that mean?!" Kaminari panics.
"I'm not sure. There's nothing I can-"
"Zest, use Incinerate!" the girl commands. "I don't care what you use it on, just do it!"
Zest, afraid and puzzled, concentrates on the nearest blade of grass, preparing to raise three pillars of flame around it. Many seconds pass and nothing happens. He stares back at his trainer, apologizing for being unable to follow her orders. "Sear…"
"It seems that he has run out of firepower," N points out, genuinely worried. "How did this happen?"
Kaminari shakes her head, mortified of the aftermath of her mistake. "This is my fault. I pushed him way too hard in the last battle, and now he might be affected by it forever." She pounds her fist on the ground, furious at herself for being so rash. "Bianca told me that lengthening the duration of a move might have long-lasting effects on him. Why didn't I listen to her the one time she made sense?"
For some reason, seeing her so distraught disturbs N. "What on earth would compel you to forcibly extend the length of an attack?"
"I was battling a couple of Team Plasma grunts and they started going against the rules, throwing rocks at my Pokémon and stuff." Kaminari struggles to breathe steadily as she retells her story. "In the heat of the moment, I just kinda… I was blinded by fury, okay?"
N's speech becomes as rapid as the brunette's breathing. "Why did you attack members of Team Plasma?"
"They hurt an innocent Munna!" she blurts. "Would you idly stand buy as people harmed a Pokémon?"
Shocked, the boy has no way to defend the grunts now. "No, I wouldn't," he sighs. "Are you sure that…" N abandons the thought when Kaminari grasps Zest in her arms and pleads for his forgiveness. He's never found himself in this situation before, and has no idea of how to comfort her. Thankfully, the surrounding wild Pokémon know how to handle the situation.
N watches in awe as various creatures emerge from their hiding places in the grass, slowly making their way towards the overwrought teen. While Zest nuzzles his trainer and wraps his soft tail around her shoulder, several Patrat, Purrloin, Lillipup, and Pidove gather around, cooing as they console her with cuddling. "Amazing…" he whispers to himself. This girl is not an average human, that's for sure.
"Hey, look at this." Kaminari wipes her eyes and smiles at her small audience. "You were right about that whole behavior thing."
"Ah, well, I've spent a lot of time with Pokémon." N notices the leaves rustling lightly in a nearby bush. "It seems you have another visitor. I sense a firm presence."
This statement makes a spark in the girl's heart, capturing her attention and completely sweeping her guilt aside for raw curiosity. Mildly holding her hand out, Kaminari waits patiently for this "firm presence" to emerge from the shadows and greet her, trying her best not to frighten the creature off.
The boy follows her every movement with his concentrated eyes, feeling a fiercely intense connection between the two strangers. "She does not fear you; she's evaluating you," he informs her quietly. "Don't hide your true self." N's eyes sparkle in anticipation for this magical event. He's certain that he's about to witness something beautiful.
The brunette takes a deep breath and focuses on the twigs of the lush vegetation, exposing her true demeanor of confidence, remaining steady and still as she awaits the Pokémon beyond her view. Like a massive boulder she sits, unmoving, unwilling to submit to any judgments this creature may make about her.
A single black snout pushes the weightless leaves aside, accompanied by a mouth curved in a slight smile. Following it is a black-and-white head, containing a shimmering set of mild, sapphire eyes. A horse.
"You've attracted a Blitzle…"
A spiky white mane trails the dazzling head of the Pokémon on a sturdy-looking neck. More and more of her body becomes visible as she continues to plod out of the bush on gleaming hooves, displaying light stripes stretching across her charcoal coat and a pointed tail. Kaminari can't help but admire the magnificent form of this equine, examining every detail of her strong but small stature. She's perfect in every way.
That's when a charge travels through her body, causing every inch of her white hair to flicker yellow and blue. Kaminari's eyes widen in realization of what she's found; an electric type. Horrified screams cross her lips as she slides away from the puzzled Blitzle and right back into the sea of insanity and panic.
N grabs her by the shoulders in an attempt to steady her, but nothing can cure the girl of this condition now. She knocks him away with wildly swinging arms and leaps to her feet, about to flee in this state of madness. "Wait!" he calls after her. "Don't go!" Like a fox, he chases after her on all fours until she trips on her own laces and falls flat on the dirt road. He grabs her arm and pulls her into a sitting position, staring into her starry eyes with a new concern.
Glancing around, Kaminari shakes her head and rubs her brow. "I'm fine," she gasps, assuring him with humiliation. "Really, I'm fine. Thanks, though."
He grants her a slight grin. "Well, I couldn't let you ram into anyone else."
She laughs uncomfortably, alarming him once more.
"Wait here, I'll retrieve some water from the daycare for you." He stands and strides away hurriedly, leaving Kaminari to clear her head.
She glances back at the patch of grass she and N were in just a moment ago. To her relief, the Blitzle has disappeared back into the greens of the forest. The girl's breathing begins to even out to a steady rate and she finally relaxes, closing her eyes and leaning softly against the white fence on the side of the road. She desperately tries to ignore the fact that she has, indeed, allowed herself to sink under the dark waves of lunacy two times in one hour.
Tsunami and Zest, who had been abandoned in the grass, race worriedly toward their trainer, who grins and reaches for them. Zest leaves the swaying Oshawott in his dust as he hustles up to Kaminari and leaps into her lap, crooning comfortably. Jealously Tsunami scrambles up the side of her leg after him and swats the monkey aside with his tail, making sure to claim all the space on her lap. The teen giggles and places the pouting Pansear on her shoulder, content now that her partners have returned to her.
N jogs back down the road with a cup of water in his hand and thoughts of Kaminari flooding his innocent mind. What was it that startled her so? Was it the Pokémon? Was it something I had done?
His thoughts are interrupted by some nickering from the nearby grass. The same Blitzle from before steps onto the road and nudges his leg. "Take me back to her." The words of the tiny creature echo in his head in a kind, mild voice. "I want to be her partner. Please."
"You truly wish to join her?" he asks, questioning her wish. "You would leave this life of freedom and willingly fight for a stranger? Why?"
The Blitzle's eyes glint in admiration. "We may never have met, but that doesn't make us strangers."
"But she could never understand you," he replies. "You witnessed her reaction to your power. How can you expect to ever be at peace with her?"
Her inner voice remains light and gentle as she responds to him; "We've all been hurt before, but the pain can only disappear when we truly accept each other."
N knows deep down that their spirits are compatible, kindred even. The connection he sensed earlier was just as strong as the one between Kaminari and her starter- he was sure of it. If there are barriers of dread keeping the two apart, then he has no right to keep them from being broken. He nods, understanding and accepting the wish of the young creature.
Kaminari is relieved to see N racing around the corner a few minutes later. Just as a precaution, she whispers, "Behave." Tsunami, who eyes N suspiciously, growls and curls back up on her crossed thighs.
N kneels be her side and hands her the cup of water. "Here, take this. Maybe it'll help clear your head up." While she throws her head back and gulps down the cold liquid, N discreetly places an Ultra Ball in her pink bag.
"Ah," she sighs. "That's better."
"So tell me, what was that all about?" N takes a seat next to her against the fence. "At least tell me what it was that frightened you. I deserve to know that much, don't I?"
Kaminari groans. "Yeah, you do."
A long minute of silence passes. "I understand this may be a very sensitive topic for you, but it won't help to hold it all in."
Another quiet moment of consideration comes and goes. "I don't like lightning. Or electricity. Or thunder."
N glances down at her rough hands. One is hidden in her pocket while the other hovers above the otter, hesitating to continue stroking him. Kaminari's expression appears cold and emotionless on the surface, but it's clear that she's masking her extreme discomfort. "That's all."
"There's no reason for this distaste?"
"There is a reason." Her voice wavers this time.
"Well?"
The lack of noise that follows signals that her lips are completely locked, unwilling to share this agonizing secret. N stands and grabs her hand, causing blood to instantly rush to her cheeks. "I'm obviously not getting any further with this conversation. Why don't I at least accompany you to the end of this route?"
"S-Sounds good to me," she musters, standing and returning her partners to their balls. "So, it's my turn for a question, right?"
"If you wish, Kaminari." N smiles compassionately and strides gracefully down the road, her curled fingers resting in his soft palm.
The girl's teeth grind at the sound of her full name being spoken in his smooth, gentle voice. It seemed out of place to her. "Call me Nari. All my friends call me that."
"Alright then, Nari. Ask me any question, and I'll decide whether or not to answer it."
"Fair enough," Kaminari admits, her mind packed with questions about this green-haired, Pokémon-speaking boy who's holding her hand and walking her through Route Three only about a day after they've awkwardly met. "Okay, I've got one," she declares after seconds of pondering and careful consideration. "You said you've spent a lot of time with Pokémon. Care to elaborate?"
"That's strange," N says. "Most people would rather know about my name, or my ability to speak to Pokémon."
"Well, I saw you running like a Purrloin while you were chasing me…" N chuckles a bit at this, not at all embarrassed. "Besides, if I have only have one question, I'd like to ask about you rather than some label your parents gave you." She smirks and nudges him with her shoulder. "And I'll get that stuff out of you at some point, anyway."
"Excellent point." N smiles proudly, finding it pleasantly surprising that someone does in fact care more about him than the things he has no control over. "I was raised by Pokémon."
Kaminari's jaw drops and her eyes dart to his. "Seriously?"
N nods. "Mhm."
"That's incredible! What was it like?"
"Um…" He struggles to come up with the correct words. Could anyone describe their entire childhood in a few words? "I wouldn't say it was any different than how most of you humans were raised. They fed me, taught me, and loved me."
"Why are you here, then?" Kaminari asks, overexcited. "It sounds like you had a pretty nice life in the wild. Why leave?"
"…You've already exceeded your question limit." N states plainly. Kaminari doesn't ask anything else of him, fearing she'll strike a sensitive nerve.
As soon as they round the corner and spot the crystal-clear lake of Route Three, the brunette halts and admires its astounding beauty. "Look at that… Have you ever seen anything so amazing?"
N glances at Kaminari's gleaming eyes, cherishing the way the stars reflect onto the water and then into them for just a moment. "I'll admit, there's nothing like it." He blinks and snaps out of this miniature trance. "Come with me. There's no reason we should have to view this marvel from behind a fence."
The two run down the road until they arrive at a bridge, built barely a foot above the surface of the water. It's as if the lake is comprised purely of glass, presenting a stunning reflection of the rich, evergreen trees and dark sky above. The many cotton-like clouds and bright stars of various cool hues create a new, ethereal scene for just the two of them. While the city was a magnificently thrilling experience for Kaminari, nothing has ever taken her breath away like this sight. No matter what angle she views it from, the phenomenal display renders her speechless from the bridge.
N, who has seen this a million times before, focuses more on the girl's joy. It brings him an indescribable sensation to see her happy, like watching a baby Pokémon being returned to his long-lost mother. Sure, it is rare enough to see a human to be genuinely grateful for the world around them, but it's extra special to see her witness something new.
"I know what will make this even better…" N suggests, standing up. "Let's have a Pokémon battle."
Kaminari jumps up eagerly at the word. "Alright! Let's do this!"
Together, the two trainers fling out their Poké Balls, placing a Pidove and an Oshawott on the wooden bridge. Tsunami's battle cry, no matter how intimidating he intends it to be, sounds as adorable as ever. "Tackle!" Kaminari commands, trying to get the tranquil scene of the lake out of her head.
"Growl at him, my friend!" N cries, studying the girl and her partner carefully.
The otter plunges towards the bird, who makes a high-pitched rumbling noise just before they make contact. Just as the boy intended, the attack doesn't do nearly as much as it normally would, causing Kaminari to groan, aggravated that she has to put up with this ordeal again.
"Quick attack!"
N's Pidove flies up in the air and darts left and right repeatedly with blinding speed. Tsunami, trying in vain to follow the bird with dizzy eyes, is stuck with the full force of the attack and spins around in all the commotion. As he flaps back to his side of the battle, Pidove scoffs at his opponent. "Pi-Pidove!"
Tsunami's cheeks turn bright red with fury. Kaminari isn't too amused, either. "Use Water Gun!"
The otter gladly follows the command of his trainer and opens his mouth wide, preparing to drench the Pidove. "O-sha-woooooott!" Water shoots out at the bird, blasting him out of the sky while his back is turned. He hits the ground, dripping wet and defeated by the critical hit.
"Interesting." N returns Pidove to his ball. "You're prepared for circumstances in which you cannot rely on either physical or special attacks by using both."
"Mixed attackers can be useful." Kaminari waits impatiently for N to throw out his Great Ball. A tiny, humanlike Pokémon with a log appears from the white beam of energy. "What?" She pulls out her Pokédex and analyzes the smirking creature. "Timburr, eh? We can handle it, Tsunami."
Tsunami nods in certain agreement. "Wott."
"Don't underestimate us," N warns her. "My friends and I derive our strength from our ability to communicate, which of course we have no problem with."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kaminari becomes flustered. "Go for Tail Whip!"
"Bide, Timburr."
N's Timburr scrunches up his face and flexes all his muscles, preparing for something powerful. Instead, Tsunami whirls around and waves his blue tail around cutely with glistening eyes and an adorable grin. The display warms the heart of the fighting-type, lowering his defense.
"Bide?" Kaminari asks, perplexed. "That move seems pointless."
"It certainly has more purpose than Tail Whip." N retorts.
"Oh yeah?" The brunette's hands are balled into fists. "Tackle! Now!"
Tsunami dives at his opponent, damaging but not moving the steaming creature. "Osha?"
"That was not the best move for you, Nari." N points at the baffled Oshawott. "Timburr! Unleash the energy!"
Following the orders with a menacing look in his eye, Timburr jumps in the air and slams his log on Tsunami's head, inflicting massive damage. "Burr!"
The Oshawott shakes as he struggles to get up, just barely clinging to consciousness. "Hang on, Tsunami." Kaminari reluctantly places her partner back in his ball and calls out her Pansear, whose low cry reminds her that he's not quite at full health. "Alright, we can still pull this off, Zest. Inciner… Fury Swipes!"
Zest's claws shine as he rushes up to his opponent and strikes him with a flurry of relentless slashes, clawing quickly at the Pokémon's body four times before scampering back to his side of the battle. "Pan?"
"You did great, buddy." Kaminari smiles at him, causing him to be overcome with joy. "If only you could still use fire attacks…" she mutters to herself, still ashamed.
"Use Low Kick." N concentrates closely on Kaminari's reactions to the battle, carefully evaluating the meaning of each blink, stammer, and step. So far, he has found no pattern with her. The girl's battle strategy remains as unpredictable as she is.
Timburr smirks as he plants his log in the bridge and swings around on it, kicking Zest's legs out from beneath him. "Bu-burr!" The unprepared monkey falls on his belly but quickly stands, ready to attack once more.
"Lick!" Kaminari crosses her fingers, hoping this goes as planned.
"Pan!" The monkey races up to the steadfast Timburr and licks him on the cheek, causing his eyes to widen. He backs away from the monkey and wipes his saliva off his face in disgust. To his opponents' disappointment, he is not paralyzed.
"Um… What did you hope to accomplish by that?" N asks, his focus officially broken.
"What did you hope to accomplish by asking me that question?" Kaminari snaps, infuriated that her plan failed.
"Never mind, then." N shifts his attention back to the battle. "Low Kick."
Still appalled by his opponent's vulgar action, Timburr kicks at Zest's paws, leaving him sprawled out on the ground. The Pansear won't take one more hit at this point.
Kaminari becomes nervous, pressing her fist against her chin anxiously as her eyes dart back and forth from her partner to N's. Her brows furrow as she tries to escape this tight spot her opponent has planted her in. An Incinerate would probably take out the Timburr, but that's clearly not an option at the moment. A Lick certainly wouldn't knock him out. All she can hope for is that Zest will hit him at least three times with Fury Swipes.
"Okay, Zest, I'm trusting you with this..." The Pansear glances back at his trainer, as if unsure of her decision to have faith in him. "Fury Swipes!"
Zest bolts up to the Timburr and slashes him relentlessly with pointy claws. Kaminari knows just by watching his first strike that he's worn out; he won't reach three hits. Just as she loses all hope and reaches for his Poké Ball, his second swipe knocks Timburr down- a critical hit! "Sear!" Zest hops around joyously as N withdraws his fainted partner.
"Not so fast," N announces "I still have one more Pokémon."
Kaminari's jaw drops. "What?!"
N reveals a tiny blue tadpole with a skittish look on his face. Kaminari pulls out her Pokédex and analyzes the new creature. "Tympole… a water-type… fantastic." The girl clenches her teeth. Neither of her Pokémon are feeling very well, neither can deal any super-effective damage to the Typole, and Zest is especially weak to water attacks. Kaminari is faced with yet another unsolvable situation now.
"What's taking so long?" N asks, trying to hide his deceptive plan.
"Don't rush me," Kaminari snarls "this isn't an easy decision."
"Why?" N can hardly contain himself. "You have a third partner, don't you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I distinctly remember you having another Pokémon." N taps his chin thoughtfully. "In an Ultra Ball, I think."
Kaminari rolls her eyes and empties the contents of her bag. Many unused Poké Balls spill out, as well as her town map, berries, potions, fresh waters, and other healing items. "See?" she sighs. "No Ultra Ba-"
A single black sphere drops from her sack and bounces on the bridge. "Oh."
"My memory never fails me."
"Yeah, well, I'm almost positive this doesn't belong to me." Kaminari narrows her eyes at him.
N lifts his chin indignantly. "Are you accusing me of something?"
The girl sighs and returns Zest to his ball. "Now I gotta clean all this up later..." she groans. "I'll blame you for that much."
"This won't be the first time I help you gather your irresponsibly misplaced items tonight, anyway." N ignores the grinding of Kaminari's teeth and prepares himself for the worst outcome of his deceitful actions. "Will you unleash the creature inside?"
Kaminari closes her eyes. "This better not be some rotten prank."
N hides as much as possible in the collar of his white shirt.
The button on the dark sphere is pressed carefully, releasing the white beam of energy held within. The light zigzags to the ground and quickly takes the form of the beautiful Blitzle.
The howl that escapes Kaminari's mouth can be heard all the way back in Nuvema Town.