First off, thanks for the review VGS2. Just to clarify, I'm not against Pikabun. I just prefer others. That being said, Pikabun is a vital part of this story. And no, Pikachu will not be an unlikable jerk, so don't worry.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

Piplup POV:

I took in the beautiful day from atop Dawn's head as we ran outside. The pleasing ocean air was a perfect temperature, and the occasional clouds gave the area soothing shade at times. The distant sound of the many Wingull flocks added to the beauty of the day.

Excitement filled the air as Ash and Pikachu ran ahead of everyone else. They weren't the only ones who were excited, however. I knew Dawn had been looking forward to this moment. As for me, I was eager to meet the Pokémon he had caught and traveled with for several reasons; one of which was to see who I should battle.

"All right, everyone come on out" he yelled, throwing five Pokéballs up into the air. Each of them released one of his Pokémon who appeared on the ground in a group and shouted their own greeting.

The first Pokémon I noticed was Snivy, whom I had already heard a few things about. I could tell just by looking at her that Pikachu wasn't kidding about her being strong. The way the snake-like Pokémon just stood there with her hands on her hips oozed confidence. The smirk she wore was that of an experienced battler who didn't lose very often. Her eyes, while sharp and fierce, held a hidden softness that revealed her kindness and caring side. Altogether, she had an aura of a fierce competitor who looked out for those around her. Not to mention she was naturally beautiful. Although I would never admit it out loud, she did seem out of my league in many

Next to her was Scraggy, a boy. Even with his hard glare and acting tough, I could tell he was very young and likely someone Snivy watched over. Instead of looking fierce and intimidating, he came across as a funny and cute youngster. Not that I thought he was cute though.

Behind him was Pignite, another boy. He was obviously a fire type even if you didn't know it just by looking at his demeanor. He looked physically strong, bold and reckless. I swear, every fire Pokémon I've met is a huge pyromaniac. 'Well, almost everyone, I'm not including Quilava in that group' I briefly thought.

On his right was Krokorok, also a boy. The first thing I noticed about him were his sunglasses. Those were awesome, he looked so cool with those on! I should see if Dawn will get me a pair, my cuteness factor would go through the roof! There's no way any contest judge could resist me then! On the battling side, however, I noted that he looked really strong, even more so then Snivy. I gulped looking at the size of his mouth and those protruding, razor-sharp teeth. He could easily crush my bones and remove my head from my body with little effort. 'No thanks, I'm not battling him. I like my head!' I thought. I did doubt that a Pokémon of Ash's would do that, but hey, accidents happen!

Finally, there was…Oshawott. That was weird. As soon as I looked at him, I got this strange feeling, one I had never ever felt before. If felt like a tiny Butterfree in my stomach. The feeling lasted no more than a second though. I mentally shook myself and observed the water type starter who I knew I was destined to pummel in battle. He was standing there with one eye closed and arms crossed. His posture was very defiant looking, like a bad boy. 'Huh, he does look kind of attractive like that. I wonder if that shell-thingy on his stomach is removable?' I thought. Admittedly I don't know too much about his species. No matter, he was going down in our battle. No water type starter would ever get the best of this penguin!

I noted that Snivy was the only girl on the team. 'That sucks for her, not having another girl to be around' I thought. 'Or she's really lucky.' I smacked my head after that. I shouldn't be thinking those thoughts!

My thoughts were interrupted as Iris and Cilan both released their Pokémon. Besides Axew, Iris had a tough looking Excadrill and a flirty Emolga. Cilan had a confident looking Pansage, an energetic Stunfisk, and a Crustle who's shell looked like a piece of a giant chocolate cake. 'Even his Pokémon remind me of food!' I thought, much to my displeasure.

Dawn ran over to them with me and greeted all of them. "Hi, my name's Dawn. Nice to meet you."

"Pip (Hello)" I added.

Dawn then ran to an open spot and turned to the others. "And now, I think it's a good time to show you my Pokémon pals."

"Lup (Here we are)" I said as I jumped down from Dawn's head. I made a heroic pose, my flippers on my hips and eyes closed while puffing out my chest. Then Mamoswine, Pachirisu, Buneary, Togekiss, and Quilava materialized around me.

"Ta-da" Dawn called out, all six of us chiming in our own greetings. I opened my eyes and saw Oshawott giving me an inquisitive look, then turning away when we made eye contact. I felt that Butterfree flutter in my stomach again, causing me to frown. Something was wrong, but I wasn't sure what it could be. Was I getting sick?

'I must still be thinking about chocolate cake' I thought. Yeah, that did sound really good right now. Stupid Crustle and his delicious-looking shell.

"You look hungry" I heard someone say. I turned slightly and saw Pansage looking at me. "I'm Pansage, Cilan's partner and culinary assistant."

"Well now that you mention it, I am a little hungry" I said, not mentioning why that was. Pansage laughed at this.

"Well after this I'll talk to Cilan about making us something to eat" Pansage replied. "Hopefully Cynthia and Jervis will let us use the kitchen."

I was happy to hear this. "That sounds great! No offense, but are you two good cooks?" I asked, shuddering at the memory of Dawn trying to cook me a fried Magikarp. And to think she made me eat that! I had a stomachache for over a week!

"You bet, we're fantastic cooks!" Pansage said, voice full of pride. "We have perfected all sorts of recipes. Cilan doesn't just talk about delicious food, he can make it too. Especially with my help!" I sighed and smiled. Hopefully they didn't make anything weird, just some tasty Pokémon food.

I was about to reply, when a yell of "WHAT BEAUTY!" came from behind me. I turned to see Buneary walking over to Pikachu with a bright red blush spread across her face. Apparently, the yell came from Oshawott, who was rambling flirtatious remarks about her "radiant beauty."

I thought it was both funny and sad since I knew he had no chance. I also felt a tinge of something in my chest. Had I not known better, I would have thought it was envy. Yeah, that definitely was not it.

Sure enough, Buneary made her way over to Pikachu, walking right by Oshawott in the process.

"I missed you so much Pikachu, I'm so happy to see you again" she said while cuddling against him.

"I missed you too" Pikachu replied Mareepishly. Buneary was right, Pikachu didn't show any romantic attraction to her, hiding it well. So well, in fact, I wondered if she just made the whole thing up. I guess it's possible.

I saw Oshawott's shell thingy he had on his stomach fall to the ground from what I assumed to be shock that his flirting didn't work. I curiously walked over and picked it up to examine it. It was strange that the shell had no obvious way it stuck on his body. 'Maybe it just sticks to a water Pokémon like me, let's try it out' I thought, picking it up. "Look at my shell crown!" I declared as I stuck it on my forehead. Sadly, it didn't stay there long, sliding off my head and falling to the ground with an audible clank. "Aww" I sighed, my theory being wrong. Oshawott started snickering at me and leaned down to pick it up. Unfortunately for him, Pachirisu had seen the shell on the ground. Being the energetic squirrel that she was, she ran over and kicked it like a ball. Boy did she kick it hard, the shell went flying into the distant trees. She did always like games, even though this wasn't one.

"Osha! Oshawott! (No, stop! Get back here!)" he yelled while running after it. It was funny how he was hysterical over losing his shell, it must be really important to him. I turned back to see Pikachu and Buneary were the center of attention now. Buneary was snuggling into his side and looking happy and content, something I hadn't seen in quite a while. Pikachu still looked sheepish and a bit embarrassed by all of the attention.

"Aww, so this little one likes Pikachu" Iris said. Well yeah, that was super obvious.

"Isn't that sweet" Cilan added. 'Like chocolate cake' my mind said. Dang it mind, stop it!

"Pikachu (Sweet like cotton candy)." I snickered at this, as did everyone else. Quilava, however, found this hilarious and started to laugh hysterically. She had developed quite the sense of humor since evolving.

"Hey Dawn, want to battle? It's been a long time and I can't wait anymore" Ash said, catching my attention. I had been waiting for this moment.

'Yes! I'm sure Dawn will choose me. I am her number one fighter after all. Now who should I pummel today?' I thought as I looked around. 'Oshawott! He is…nowhere to be found. He must have gotten lost looking for his shell.' That was too bad, I guess his turn to be trounced would have to wait.

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