Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Piplup POV:
I relaxed on the ground, eating some Pokéfood with Pikachu and Axew while our trainers had tea and biscuits at a table. I had to admit, it was a nice change to be under the shade outside. A light, cool breeze passed over me, a nice contrast to the heat from the sunny sky and Pignite's fire attacks.
I grumbled unhappily to myself. As pleasant as it was outside, I was irritated with Cilan. Dawn was finally going to let me battle, but he just had to interrupt. 'Why don't we take a little break' my rear end!
There was also the problem of the electric mouse sitting on my left. There was a cold aura in the air between us, no longer feeling the brotherly love we usually felt for each other. I was starting to doubt he would tell me whatever his problem was, and it hurt.
I hated to think about it, but I knew there was a good chance he would end up attacking me. He knew he had the type advantage over me with his electric moves, and could hurt me enough to control what I said.
Heh, that was true a few days ago, but not anymore. He hadn't seen what I did to Emolga's Discharge attack, and I knew I could do the same with his Thunderbolt if I had to.
I glanced to my right and met eyes with Axew. He gave me a small acknowledging nod and a smile, to which I did the same. He was quickly becoming a good friend in the limited time we were together. It seemed like everyone, including Iris, thought he was too young to understand his emotions, but I quickly realized nothing could be further from the truth. He was surprisingly mature for his age, especially how in touch he was with his feelings. I sure felt bad about how I had treated him on the beach before we went to Onix Island.
"Cubchoo? Cubchoo, where are you? Cubchoo?" a voice called, interrupting my thoughts. I turned saw a young boy approaching. Just seeing the long-sleeved brown jacket he wore made me feel hot; how could he be wearing that and not sweating at all?
"Well well, if it isn't Master Chris!" Jervis greeted the boy. I guess Jervis knew this boy, named Chris.
"You know him, Jervis?" Dawn questioned, rising from her seat.
"Master Chris lives here in the neighborhood" Jervis answered, walking over to stand next to Chris.
"Uh, excuse me. I was wondering if you've seen my Cubchoo?" Chris asked.
"Cubchoo?" Dawn asked, looking just as puzzled as I felt. I had never seen one, either. She pulled out her Pokédex.
"Cubchoo, the chill Pokémon" her Pokédex announced. "Cubchoo's runny nose is the source of its energy, and its sniffles power it's moves." I rolled my eyes at this ridiculous statement. Sure, I never met one before, but a runny nose giving a Pokémon energy? Talk about absurd.
Seriously, how did researchers develop these wacky theories?
"Hmm, I'm sorry, no" Dawn said apologetically.
"I haven't seen a Cubchoo either" Ash added, standing up as well.
I saw Iris stand up and jump over towards Chris, and I couldn't help but think back to Axew's story after Onix island. He told our group about the adventures the three of them had while trying to find the rest of us, and how Iris was a great swinger. Buneary, of course, had collapsed to the ground, laughing hysterically. Axew had looked so confused, and I both pitied and envied his innocence.
"Why are you asking us?" Iris questioned Chris, bringing me back to reality.
"Cubchoo disappeared all of a sudden" Chris explained.
"Dear me" Jervis replied as we all joined them.
"You must be worried" Dawn said, sympathetic concern in her voice.
"Don't you worry about a thing" Ash stated, raising a fist in confidence. "We'll help you look."
"You'll find Cubchoo faster if we all look" Iris confirmed.
"You will?" Chris asked, his hopeful expression turning thankful. "Thanks so much."
"My name's Ash" Ash introduced himself. The other trainers then introduced themselves.
"Hi, my name's Chris" Chris greeted, making me chuckle to myself. Didn't he realize Jervis already introduced him?
I saw Pikachu walking casually over to greet him, and I felt myself becoming irritated. He was acting like nothing was wrong, like everything was normal. I jumped in front of him and, petty as it was, cut him off to introduce myself first.
"Pip-lup! (Hi, I'm Piplup!)" I greeted Chris.
There was a popping noise, followed by a flash of light. I turned in time to see Oshawott materialize next to me.
"Oshawott! Osha! (I'm Oshawott! You can count on me!)" he declared, smacking his scalchop once in a show of pride and confidence.
"Oshawott, you just can't let Piplup get ahead, can you?" Iris commented with a laugh. Heh, he was certainly being convincing!
"Lome (Hello Chris)" a soft voice spoke in front of me. I looked up and saw Meloetta floating there.
I swear I could feel Pikachu glaring warningly at my back, and as much as I didn't want to, I pretended to be infatuated with her again. I heard Oshawott do the same next to me. I didn't feel anything negative towards him, as I knew this was just an act. We had agreed to pretend to be rivals earlier, but there was no animosity between us.
"Okay, the first thing we should do is split up into groups" Ash advised. "I'll check the beach with Pikachu."
"I'll go with you" Chris declared.
"And I'll check the docks" Cilan volunteered.
"Dawn and I will check the forest" Iris said, smirking afterwards. "That way we can stay away from the little kid, right Dawn?"
"Sounds good to me" Dawn answered with a giggle. I heard Ash growl lowly.
"Would you knock it off, Iris?!" Ash yelled, voice full of frustration. I watched him stomp off in frustration. Pikachu began following but paused and looked back.
"Pikachu! (Let's go Oshawott!)" he called.
"Osha, Osha! (No way Pikachu, I'm going with Piplup!)" he answered, sounding defiant. He walked over and stood next to me. "Oshawott! (Got to keep an eye on the competition!)." Pikachu quickly stopped glaring, his posture relaxing.
"Pi, Pika! (Fine then, but control yourself!) he warned before turning around and running after Ash.
"Well, I guess you're coming with us, Oshawott!" Iris said.
"Mel (I'm coming too!)" Meloetta said. I turned around in time to see Dawn give me a teasing grin.
"Sorry, Piplup; you won't get to be alone with Meloetta" Dawn teased, giggling at my expense. I whined sadly, giving her a fake pout.
It was funny in a way, me faking being disappointed. The irony of this being a sad thing a few days ago was not lost on me. Now, though, I was happy he was joining me!
Yet, I was forced to hide it. Stupid Pikachu, he'd better tell me what his problem is!
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