"Natsumi, it's time to get up!"

Natsumi stirred sleepily, eyes shut against the bright sunlight. She sat up slowly, and stretched. A muffled whine came from the end of the bed.

"Sorry Kyoko. I didn't mean to kick you."

The Vulpix stretched, grumbling quietly. Hopping down from the bed, she wandered out of the room. Natsumi followed, yawning.

"Natsumi, are you up yet?"

"I'm right here Mum."

"Breakfast is on the table."

Natsumi sat and began to eat, still sleepy. Turning on the TV, a story on the news caught her attention.

"…thunderstorm has been raging over Olivine City for the past week. The number of people injured has increased to 36. Thankfully, the storm hasn't produced any casualties so far. Residents of Johto are warned that the storm is heading towards Route 46 and New Bark Town…"

Natsumi switched the TV off.

"Come on Kyoko, let's go for a walk."

Kyoko barked her agreement and followed Natsumi outside. It was a beautiful summer day. The sun burned bright and hot in the sky, and a cool, gentle breeze blew. Natsumi and Kyoko chased each other around the town for a while before heading into the forest.

Known as Haru Forest by the people of New Bark Town, the forest was quiet and filled with flowering trees all year round. Many Pokémon lived in the forest , and got along fairly well with people.

"Kyoko, do you remember when I first met you here? You weren't very happy to see me."

Kyoko barked, and nudged Natsumi's leg.

"Oh, I know you didn't mean it. You were injured and wary. It's fine."

Natsumi sat against a tree, and Kyoko curled up beside her. Pulling a wooden flute from her backpack, Natsumi began to play. The music drifted through the forest, causing Pokémon to pause and listen. Soon the sun began to set, and Natsumi and Kyoko headed home, stomachs growling.

"Dinner's ready!"

"Coming!" Natsumi and Kyoko raced each other downstairs.

"Careful! You don't want to trip and fall down the stairs."

"Sorry Mum, we'll be careful."

They sat at the table and began to eat. Natsumi turned on the TV and flicked to the news.

"…thunderstorm shows no signs of stopping. It is currently over Route 32, and is picking up speed. Residents of Cherrygrove City and New Bark Town are warned that it is heading their way, and precautions should be taken…"

The TV screen went black.

"Mum, why did you turn the TV off?"

"It's no use worrying about something that may or may not happen. The storm will die off before it reaches us here. Now finish your dinner."

Natsumi ate quickly, eager to go upstairs and call her friend. She raced upstairs and grabbed her PokeGear. She called her friend Genessa, who lives in Cherrygrove City.

"Genessa, it's Natsumi. Did you see the news?"

"You mean the story about the storm? Yeah, I did."

"Do you think it'll reach us? Mum reckons it'll die off first."

"I don't know. It looks strong enough to reach us, and the weatherman on the news said it wasn't slowing down or getting any weaker. Maybe it will."

"That's a scary thought. Imagine the damage it could do."

"I think I might get ready for the storm, just in case."

"Better to be safe rather than sorry."

"That it is. Oh, I gotta go. Bye."

"Bye Genessa."

Natsumi sat on her bed, a little worried.

"What if the storm does hit here Kyoko? What about the Pokémon in Haru Forest?"

Kyoko sighed and lay down on Natsumi's bed.

"I suppose you're right. There's only so much we can do.

Kyoko grumbled quietly, before curling up and going to sleep. Natsumi stroked her fur, smiling. She stood and got ready for bed, before joining Kyoko in sleep.