Chapter 4 - The Spark
Roxy wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but she felt a lot better since she had stopped crying.
She knew that at some point she had been invited to sit upon the mound with the three Raichu, who were sitting nearby but still giving her space. Makari was there too, sitting a little closer than they were, and Taka had been sent away. Everything had been such a whirlwind of emotions that it was all a blur to her and she was finally beginning to regain her composure.
"I'm sorry…" she murmured as she munched on the pink Pecha Berry Makari had brought her.
"You have nothing to apologize for," Makari said with a comforting pat on her back.
"It is us who should be apologizing," Ozu concurred, "Taka is a respected warrior within our clan, but his temper can sometimes get the best of him."
Roxy shut her eyes and shook her head, trying to cast out the memory of Taka's rage-filled yelling. "It's just so overwhelming…I don't want to be a bother or anything." She took another bite and gulped it down, relishing in the exceedingly sweet flavour. "I just…I think I need help. I'm in a really, really bad spot."
The Raichu all murmured in agreement.
"Roxy," Makari spoke, "It is clear to us that you wish to return to your human trai- Erm…Your master. Yes?"
She nodded. "I just wanna go home…"
Makari shared an unsure glance with the wise ones. "Well, Roxy, let me be realistic. I cannot say for certain what the future holds, but for the moment that is likely impossible."
Roxy's ears fell and she frowned. "What…?"
"Besides the fact that you should recover some more," Ozu started to say, but then trailed off.
After a brief moment of silence, Karizu chimed in. "You have told us about who you are and where you come from, so perhaps we should do the same?"
Roxy considered this and then nodded. "O-okay…"
"What do you know so far?"
"Um…Makari just told me that this is the village of the…Thunder Clan?"
The Raichu nodded. "We are the Thunder Clan, and this village sits at the centre of our territory. We are bordered on all sides by neighbouring clans, including the Braveheart Tribe of whom you are all too familiar with. We, and all of the other clans, are wild Pokémon and we reside in the forest."
"The…forest…" Roxy recalled the extensive forest she had seen when she had climbed up the tree.
"Yes. This forest is scarcely tread upon by humans, aside from the rare visitor of whom always takes care not to disturb us. We have lived in this forest for generations, all of the clans."
"Where is the forest?" Roxy asked, "Like, where is it located?"
Ozu shook his head and said, "We do not know. The forest stretches to the horizon, home to a great number of foreign tribes."
Roxy glanced down. "Yeah, I climbed a tree and saw. The forest is really, really big…But, don't you know what's beyond the forest."
"No-one has need to travel across the forest," Karizu replied, "So no-one does."
Upon hearing those words, Roxy's heart sank. Not only were they a remote and wild tribe, but they were isolated as well. If none of them knew anything about the world she came from, or anything past the endless sea of trees, it did not bode well for her.
"You see, Roxy," Karizu continued, "traversing the forest would mean encroaching upon the land of other clans. With no good reason to do so, it would be foolish to attempt."
Roxy frowned. "Are all of the other clans…like the Bravehearts…?" she asked, remembering how vicious her reception had been there.
"Yes, and no…" Ozu replied enigmatically, "It can vary."
"As clans we stick together," Natoka spoke, after having been silent for a while, "We are not savage creatures like our ancestors. We form understandings and agreements with one another, but in general this only helps if you stay put on your clan's territory."
"The predators do not barge into our village and attack everyone, not only because we defend ourselves but because of our, admittedly weak, diplomatic ties," Ozu clarified.
"P…Predators…" Roxy murmured.
"Yes, young one…" Karizu said, "The food chain is still a dominant force in our forests. You may have noticed that even we have predators in our clan."
Roxy nodded, remembering the Luxio family.
"So, do you understand now?"
When Roxy didn't reply, Makari said something more. "Here in our village, you and all of us are relatively safe. Step beyond our borders and, well…"
"I'll end up dinner," Roxy concluded morbidly.
She felt Makari's paw on her back. "Roxy," he spoke, "The fact is that you arrived in this forest from the safety of your Poké Ball. But as you say, the Ball is now broken, so you no longer have that luxury. You should consider it a great fortune, however, that you managed to find us."
Roxy glanced up at him, a heavy frown on her face. She saw him looking towards the Raichu with an unreadable expression. The three larger Pokémon shared a glance.
"Makari, Roxy…" Natoka spoke, "We request a moment of private conference."
Makari bowed his head. "Of course, Wise Ones." He then turned to her. "Roxy? Can you come this way please?"
"Um…" Roxy gave the Raichu an uncertain glance before turning back to Makari. "Okay…"
Makari led her down off of the mound and a few paces into the trees that surrounded the clearing. Glancing behind her, she could see the three Raichu having a quiet discussion amongst themselves.
"What're they talking about…?" Roxy whispered, a quiet tremble snaking through her body.
"I do not know for certain," Makari replied, "but it is nothing to be worried about. The Wise Ones are hardly known to keep secrets."
Roxy gulped, accepting this information. They were obviously talking about her, and didn't want her to hear them until they had made a decision about something.
"I am…sorry that this had to happen to you," Makari spoke in a low voice.
She turned to look at him, gazing into his sympathetic eyes. "It all happened so suddenly…I've been torn away from my whole life, and now I'm in this nightmare…" She paused, and then realized something. "Well…You're not part of the nightmare. This village is definitely my silver lining."
Makari grinned. "I am glad to hear that. Despite how certain others might feel, in my opinion you are more than welcome to set paws in our village. Though you may come from an entirely different world than us, you are still a Pikachu. You were born a Pichu, the blood of a Pikachu runs through you, and the dancing thunder lies inside of you like it does all of us, waiting to be unleashed."
Roxy blinked, not quite sure how to react to something like that. "Wow, um…Dancing thunder huh? Heh…" She cleared her throat. "Look, I'm really scared and freaked out, but…behind all of that I'm amazed. Your village…This whole place is so incredible. I have a thousand questions I want to ask! Taka was all mean, but…I hope the others are friendly. I would love to meet some of them."
"I am sure they would be delighted to talk with you, especially once they get to know you."
"Heh…I hope so…I dunno how long I'm gonna…" She trailed off, her eyes drifting back towards the Raichu. She was starting to get an idea of what they might be discussing.
"Makari…?" she asked after a moment of silence.
"Yes?"
"…Has anyone in this village…seen beyond the forest?"
The other Pikachu paused before replying. "Yes," he said, "One."
Roxy turned to look at him. "Really?" she said, her eyes open wide.
Makari nodded and then simply said, "Taka."
Before she had a chance to say anything else, the pair of them heard the Raichu summoning them back. Makari quickly took her paw and led her back up onto the mound to rejoin them. Once they were both seated, Karizu started speaking.
"Roxy, we understand your desire to return home, and can guess that you are perhaps hoping we will help you get there. Unfortunately, that is not something the Thunder Clan will be able to do, at least not at this time."
Roxy felt her heart sinking. She nodded slowly.
"We can see…" Ozu continued, "It is clear from your words and your body language that you are out of your element. Your life back home with your human was a lot simpler and calmer, was it not?"
"It was…"
"These woods are dangerous for…well, for pets," Karizu spoke, taking care not to say 'pets' in a derogatory manner, "But the danger will only increase if you step beyond our borders."
Roxy gulped and nodded slowly once more.
"And so, we the Wise Ones have come to an agreement that the Thunder Clan would be willing to extend our paws in welcome. Above all else, you are a Pikachu. Thus far, you have not given us any reason to distrust you, and so long as this continues then we feel that we can treat you as one of our own."
The young Pikachu looked between the three Raichu, looking just a little confused. "You…Y-you mean stay here? Like…live here?"
The three Raichu nodded and then Karizu said, "You are from a different world, but you are one of us. You are a Pikachu at heart. We believe that you will fit in well enough as a member of our clan."
"A member of your clan…" Roxy murmured, "I…Oh gosh…This is- I can't- I…" She felt a little overwhelmed by the request. No, it was more like an offer, but at the same time it was one she knew she couldn't refuse. This clan didn't want to set out through the forest and take her home, and she would never survive out there on her own anyway, so what choice did she have but to stay put?
Makari rested his paw on her shoulder. "Trust me," he said, "Our brothers and sisters will quickly become your friends. Strangers are unusual to us, yes, but underneath we are all a very friendly group."
His words made sense to her, but her head was starting to swirl with emotions. She thought about her home, far away in an unknown direction. She thought about the pristine streets and houses, the expansive and calm gardens, and the extensive wonders of human ingenuity that had contributed to such a comfortable lifestyle before. Hiking through the Viridian Woods didn't even come close to this place. To make a change so suddenly, Roxy wasn't sure she could do it.
Then, she thought about her master. The embodiment of her whole world, Roxy's master was one who filled her life with joy and sunshine. Roxy couldn't even remember the last time she had spent more than a day without seeing her master. In her mind's eye, she saw her master's face twist and change into an expression of pure heart-break. Roxy could imagine that was what her master was going through, now that she was gone. It, in turn, broke her own heart.
"Roxy…?"
Upon hearing Makari's voice, Roxy realized that she was crying. She sniffled and tried to talk. "I…I jus…"
She jumped slightly as she felt a pair of paws wrap around her, bringing her into a gentle hug. She glanced back and saw that it was Makari who was embracing her, gently rubbing her back with one of his paws. Her anguish melted a little from this. Makari was just so kind and comforting. Amidst a sea of strange, wild Pokémon, he had been nothing but pleasant. It was as if he wanted to make her difficult transition as painless as possible.
Even though he had only known her for a couple of hours.
"I'm sorry…" she murmured, wiping her tears, "This is just so much…"
"I understand," Karizu said, "It is a lot to happen in such a short time."
"Well…" Roxy said as she raised her head up to face the others, "I guess I don't really have a choice. I'm stuck here, so…I-If you'd have me, I mean…" She took a deep breath in through her nose and let it out through her mouth, feeling a little calmer. "I…I do feel much safer here with you than when I was out by myself."
"I think most of us agree that we would be happy to have you live with us in our village." Karizu then smiled and held out his paws. "Then it is settled. We welcome you, Roxy."
"Welcome, Roxy," Ozu chimed in.
Roxy looked at them for a moment, considered the circumstances, and then smiled as well. True, she wasn't where she wanted to be and she missed her Master terribly, but with the exception of Taka these were turning out to be very friendly Pokémon. "Heh, um…Thank you…"
"It will be wonderful to have a new companion in our village," Makari said.
"Thanks, Makari," Roxy said to him, "I'm glad you were the first one I met when I woke up, otherwise I would've freaked out a whole lot worse."
"Hmm…Makari?" Karizu spoke, "Perhaps we can count on you to introduce Roxy to our brethren and help her adjust to our village's way of life?"
"I would be happy to, Wise Ones."
Roxy's smile grew upon hearing this. "Are you sure…? I don't want to be a bother or anything."
Makari shook his head. "Nonsense. It would be my pleasure. Feel free to ask me any question that you have, and I will do my best to answer them. If you would feel comfortable doing so, you can also stay in my hut until we can get your lodging arranged."
"Um…Okay. If that's not a problem."
"It is no problem, my young friend."
"Now then…!" Natoka suddenly cut in, startling Roxy because he had been quiet for so long. When she turned to face him, he continued speaking to her in a serious and somewhat commanding tone. "A human pet such as yourself is something we have never encountered before, but nonetheless if you choose to stay here, then you will be treated as any of our other brethren."
Roxy looked up at him uncertainly. "Uhh…Okay?" She frowned a little. Natoka had definitely been the coldest of the three Raichu, hardly smiling and rarely speaking a word. She didn't really detect any malice from him, but his personality was still a little unnerving.
"Above all else," Natoka continued, "there is one common responsibility that applies to everyone living in this village, aside from children and our healer."
She gulped and said, "Um…What's that?"
"All members of the Thunder Clan know how to fight and are trained in the most advanced and formidable battle techniques. I know not your history, but regardless of what it is you will be expected to be able to take up arms should the need arise. Is that clear?"
However, Roxy didn't respond. She was staring up at the large Raichu, eyes wide and jaw hanging open slightly. She couldn't move, because it felt like a Hyper Beam had gone straight through the pit of her stomach.
"But…I don't know how to fight!"
Roxy's panicked protests were most of what could be heard from the small, simplistic hut. Pikachu and other Pokémon walking outside would easily be able to hear her, but Roxy didn't care. She couldn't care. All she could think about was the daunting task that had unceremoniously been thrust upon her.
"I've never fought anything before…ever!"
"Roxy, calm down," Makari said, holding up his paws, "It is okay."
"He said I have to know how to fight if I wanna stay here!"
Makari hesitated briefly. "This is true." He glanced away for a moment before continuing. "It is not just this village, Roxy. If a Pokémon in this forest does not know how to fight, then they will not survive. While it is true that there is some form of order, there is always danger to contend with. Everyone must know how to fight, not as a means of offense, but rather as a means of defence."
"So…like self-defence?"
"Partially," Makari replied, "But also so that everyone can pull together when it is time to defend the village from possible attackers."
A shiver ran up her spine. "A…Attackers…?"
"Take a deep breath, Roxy." When she did, he continued. "I feel that you may be getting ahead of yourself. No-one is expecting you to become an expert fighter overnight. And anyway, you have not said that you can not fight, only that you have not in the past."
"I…Y-yeah, I guess so…"
"If you ask me, there is no harm in trying something new."
Roxy heaved a heavy sigh and buried her head in her forepaws. "Ughhh…" she moaned, "I dunno if I can…I'm not a fighter, Makari. I've never been in a Pokémon Battle…My master has never trained me…I wouldn't know the first thing about it!"
"Well, put it out of your mind," Makari said, "The Wise Ones said they will arrange for someone to teach you how to fight, which will not happen until tomorrow. Do not think about it until then."
Roxy raised her head and looked at him for a moment, and then nodded. "Y-you're right…I just…Oh gosh, I dunno…"
Makari smiled as she started to calm down. He had brought her straight to his hut after the Raichu had dropped the news, because she had been so worked up into a panic. Now, she was starting to feel a little more in control.
"I would like to show you the village, and introduce you to some of our brethren," he said, "Before that, however, is there anything you would like to ask me?"
Roxy pondered the question. One thing immediately leapt to the front of her mind. "Yeah. These…huts. You built them?"
Makari nodded. "Our village has been building huts for a few generations now. It is something that sets us apart from the other Clans, as none of them have structures like these."
"Wow…" she murmured, "It's just that…I've never really heard of wild Pokémon building houses before…or at least not Pikachu…"
"The concept was introduced to us by a warrior from long ago who had journeyed to the edge of the forest. As far as we know, he was the first of our Clan to do so. He did not see much, but he saw the humans and how they lived. He returned with the concept of building shelter, and we did what we could to imitate it."
Roxy was now looking at him with renewed interest. "He went to the edge of the forest? To the humans?"
Makari nodded. "He is one of only two known members of the Thunder Clan to reach the forest's edge."
She paused and then nodded. "And the other is Taka…"
"That is correct."
Roxy fidgeted. "Do…Do you think he would talk to me about that? About his journey…to the humans?"
"That is a question that only Taka can answer."
She sighed, thinking about how cold and resentful Taka had been since she had met him. "I suppose…Is this also where your weapons came from?"
Makari shook his head. "We have been using weapons like these for as long as our Clan can remember. They were borne out of necessity. Our village is mostly prey, and so it was natural that we would devise a way to more adequately defend ourselves."
"It's…very impressive," Roxy said with a chuckle.
"My weapon of choice is the spear," Makari said, "though I am also rather proficient in direct combat."
"Yeah, and I saw Taka using his boomerang. I mean…that was incredible."
Makari gave her a blank look. "'Boomerang'?" he spoke, "What is a 'boomerang'?"
"Oh…Yeah, you probably don't call it that. I guess that's a human word."
"If you are referring to Taka's weapon, we call it a 'curved club'."
"Ok, I guess that makes sense… Still, though, I was amazed by what I saw."
It was Makari's turn to chuckle. "There are few of us who can properly wield the curved club. Taka is gifted with an innate skill that none can match. The curved club is a versatile and effective tool, if one can master it."
"It was amazing. It was like a Marowak's Bonemerang!"
"Perhaps you should tell him this," Makari said, "Who knows? Perhaps it may smooth things over between you two."
Roxy sighed. "I hope so. I really don't want him to be mad at me, especially if I'm going to be living here."
"Ah, I do not think he is mad at you. He can just be…stubborn sometimes, and perhaps a little hotheaded." After a pause, Makari said, "Is there anything else? Or shall we introduce you to the village now?"
She thought about it, but couldn't think of any pressing questions. "I'm sure more will come to me before long, heh…"
Makari nodded and stood up, offering his paw. "Well then, come with me."
Though she felt a little apprehensive, she took his paw and allowed him to lead her out of the hut and into the village. Once again, she could feel the eyes of everyone else as they stared at her, but now even more so. She realized that it was probably because she was wearing her collar and flower now. She saw a few groups whisper to one another, while some didn't even bother to whisper at all.
"Who is she…?"
"She is not anyone we know, is she?"
"She is an outsider…"
"What is she wearing?"
"Do not worry. Makari is with her."
Roxy gulped and tried to look as friendly as possible, offering a few passing waves as they went. While she didn't feel threatened by any of the Pikachu and other Pokémon, she did feel rather uncomfortable and out of place. Even though most of them were Pikachu, she didn't look anything like the rest of them. Frankly, she stuck out like a sore thumb.
Makari was offering quick greetings to some of the villagers as he led Roxy towards the centre of the village. There was a fairly small but open clearing there, surrounded on all sides by huts and treehouses.
"Come," Makari said as they slowed to a stop, "Come, everyone. Gather around."
Roxy watched as some of the nearby villagers started to approach and encircle them. Every one she looked at, be they Pikachu or otherwise, they were all dressed similarly to Makari and the others. An endless array of different green paint patterns adorned their bodies, forming zigzags and swirls of all kinds. She noticed that a few of them had scars and injuries. A few were missing chunks of ears or tails, and one or two of them had a deep gouging cut creating a scar right across their eye, which reminded Roxy of Scar from The Pyroar King.
"Greetings, fellow brethren," Makari spoke, "I'm sure some of you have been wondering about the 'stranger' in our midst." He didn't speak terribly loudly, and seemed to be refraining from making a big, loud speech. Roxy was quite thankful for this.
"Everyone, this is Roxy. She has become lost in the forest, and found her way to our village," he continued, introducing her, "She has nowhere to go, and so the Wise Ones have decided to allow her to join our Clan."
Many of the villagers murmured her name, all of them using the same 'Rakasi' pronunciation.
"I trust that you will all welcome her into our collective home, and spread word to others that she is not to be feared."
Roxy glanced around nervously, feeling the spotlight fall directly upon her. She meekly waved her paw and said a simple 'Hello'.
She could see a few smiling faces in the crowd, but no-one had come forward to greet her yet. A few of the villagers were speaking quietly to one another, and a select few were giving her very wary glances.
"What is that around her neck?" a voice called, though Roxy wasn't sure from where.
"Do not worry," Makari answered, "It is something she chooses to wear."
He then turned to look at her, and Roxy jumped slightly when she realized it was her turn to speak. "Um…I-it's my collar. I've worn it all my life. M-my master gave it to me…" She paused upon seeing confused and uncertain glances. "My, um…my human."
Though she saw a few bodies visibly tense up, no-one had the same level of violent reaction that had come from Taka. To her relief, it simply looked like most of them were still seeking answers.
"Does she belong to a trainer?"
"No…" Roxy replied, even though the question hadn't been directed at her, "My master is not a trainer."
This simple statement seemed to relax a few tense members of the crowd. After a few more moments of consideration and hushed conversations, someone finally broke the ice. A male Pikachu, about the same size as Makari and decorated in warlike body paint, stepped forward.
He extended his paw towards her, looking down upon her with a rather commanding grin. His expression told her that he didn't have a problem with her, but that could change the moment she decided to make a problem. "I am Bamaka. Welcome to our village."
Roxy hesitated and looked over to Makari for support. He nodded and indicated with his eyes that she should return the gesture. She then turned back towards the other large Pikachu, tried her best to smile in a friendly way, and shook his paw. "H-hi…" she stuttered, but then composed herself, "Hello Bamaka. Thank you for welcoming me. I…" She paused and considered her words carefully. "I am…thankful for the shelter you all provide."
Bamaka, however, simply looked confused. He looked down at her with a furrowed brow for a moment, making her glance around awkwardly, before he turned his gaze to Makari.
"Um…Is there a problem?" Roxy asked meekly.
"Makari," Bamaka spoke, "What is this? She has no spark."
This set the crowd atwitter and they all started muttering to one another. Roxy was just confused. She knew that 'Spark' was the name of a Pokémon Move, but she had a feeling that wasn't what Bamaka was referring to.
She turned to Makari, and saw that he was nodding sagely. "Yes, Bamaka. I noticed it earlier."
"But…how can that be?" Bamaka asked, turning to look at her once more, "All Pikachu carry the spark."
"She does not," Makai stated simply.
Bamaka rubbed the back of his neck and said, "I have never heard of such a thing."
Roxy frowned, her ears laying back as she glanced between the two Pikachu. "Makari? B-Bamaka…? What're you talking about?"
"The spark, Roxy," Makari replied, "I cannot explain it, but you do not have the spark in your fur."
Roxy tilted her head. "…Huh?"
Makari walked over to Bamaka and held out his paw, which Bamaka took hold of. The two looked at each other in understanding, and then back to Roxy. Their expressions seemed to indicate that she was supposed to understand now, which was pretty far from the truth.
When she didn't say anything, Makari continued. "Do you not know of the spark? It is our great defense. The spark can be found in every Pikachu, Pichu and Raichu, and also within the Emolga. Our foes dare not strike us directly, lest the spark render their bodies immobile."
"Immobile…" Roxy murmured, and then recognition came to her. "Oh!" she exclaimed, "You mean 'Static'?"
"Static?" Makari replied.
"Yeah, Static. It's the Pokémon Ability that most Pikachu have. Direct contact with their bodies may render the opponent paralyzed."
Makari nodded. "What you describe is indeed the spark, so perhaps it is known by a different name where you come from."
"But," Bamaka interjected, "that still does not answer why you do not have the spark. I have never heard of a Pikachu without the spark before."
The crowd clamoured in agreement.
Roxy frowned. "Well…" she said, recalling what she had read in the encyclopaedias, "The Pikachu family is known to have one of two possible Abilities. 90% of Pikachu and their related evolutions have Static. However, there are rare specimens who have something called Lightning Rod instead. I'm…Well, I'm one of them. I have Lightning Rod instead of Static."
The look on their faces told her that they hadn't understood every word she had said. "Basically," she tried to clarify, "Very rarely there are Pikachu without…'the spark'."
"I must say, I have never witnessed this of which you speak," Makari replied, "As Bamaka said, none of us have ever encountered a Pikachu, Pichu or Raichu without the spark."
"Well…" she said, glancing at the crowd, "You're all part of a big family. You probably all inherited the spark from your parents because you never encountered a Lightning Rod Pikachu before."
The villagers started murmuring again, and so Makari took the reins. "My friends," he said, "in more ways than one she is different from us. However, she is also the same as us in just as many ways. She is a Pikachu, and with the blessing of the Wise Ones, she shall become a member of our Clan."
Some of the Pokémon around her nodded and smiled, seeming to accept this, while others continued to stare at her like she was a total stranger. Roxy had to remind herself that she was. She had never really been shy about making new friends, but this situation was entirely different.
She decided that, at this time, humility might be the best option. So, she bowed her head and said, "Thank you all so much for your hospitality and protection. I am very grateful."
She then glanced up as she heard Bamaka chuckle. "If Makari and the Wise Ones are okay with you," he said, "then I am too."
Roxy smiled. "Thank you…"
"What say you, my brethren?"
While certainly not a boisterous ovation, most of the crowd did voice their approval or at least their acceptance. Roxy found herself smiling. This forest was still terrifying to her, and there were terrifying Pokémon out there, but she had truly found an oasis amidst the danger.
So many of them were Pikachu just like she was. She knew hardly anything about them, or their culture as a whole, but underneath it all she still felt accepted and welcomed.
If only a little, she started to feel less out of place.
"…and this is Miri, our healer. She was the one who treated your wounds."
Roxy was being led around the village by Makari, and he was showing her all there was to see. They had met with a few villagers that Makari was acquainted with, including a few warriors, a family of Plusle and Minun, and an Emolga with a rather eccentric personality. At present, Makari was leading her through the opening of one of the huts.
Roxy was still finding herself marvelling at the ingenuity of the huts and treehouses. It was still hard for her to believe they had been crafted entirely by the paws of these villagers. The hut only distracted her momentarily, however, until she spotted the hut's occupant.
She stopped and paused, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh…!"
"Miri, I am sure you remember our young friend," Makari spoke, "Her name is Roxy."
The healer stood up from where she was seated, stepping over towards the other two and smiling warmly as she looked down at them. She had the same green body paint, but the patterns on her fur were more calm and flowing. Of particular note was a design that was painted right above where her heart was. Around her neck, she wore a necklace with dried wood and gourds, some of which seemed to be filled with something, and she held a large stick with a few leaves tied to the end. She stood nearly twice as tall as Makari and even taller than Roxy, but this didn't surprise Roxy considering her species.
Miri was an Audino, which definitely took her by surprise. Unquestionably, the healer was the first Pokémon Roxy had seen in the village that was not an Electric type. Of course, Audino were known for being exceptionally skilled at healing and treating wounds, so her position in the Clan made sense. Still, however, it was a trend that Roxy had not expected to be broken.
"Hello, Roxy," Miri said, her voice as sweet as a fresh Pecha Berry, "I am glad to see that you are on your paws and looking much better."
"Um…Hi! Hello…" Roxy said as she stepped forward and shook paws with the Audino.
"If something is wrong," Makari said, "then come to Miri for help."
Miri gave Makari a bashful look and said, "Now Makari…You are making me sound like a miracle worker."
Makari chuckled. "Do not sell yourself short. Having you around is a miracle enough for us."
Miri smiled and shook her head. She then got down on one knee, bringing her head a little closer to Roxy's. "I will do my best to care for you, young one, but my healing waves and bells can only go so far."
"Waves and bells…" Roxy thought about this for a moment, thinking back on what she had read in books, and realized that Miri was referring to Heal Pulse and Heal Bell.
The Audino smiled and nodded. "Unfortunately, in your case, I am unable to cure fatigue. It looks like a good night's sleep has done you well."
Roxy looked up and felt a smile on her face. "So, you helped me after I was attacked by the Zangoose? Thank you so much."
"It was a pleasure, young one."
Roxy felt very comfortable around Miri. The Audino just seemed to radiate an air of calmness and serenity, and Roxy got the impression that Miri was a Pokémon who was never cross or upset. She glanced back at Makari for a moment, and then spoke up. "I'm a little surprised to see you, Miri. I thought that everyone here was an Electric Type."
"This is true," Makari replied, "but Miri is an exception. She has been with us for countless years, a cherished part of our extended family."
Miri smiled and nodded. "Thunder does not dance on my fur, but the Thunder Clan is my home. I cannot fight and I have no other place to call home, but that does not matter. Right now, I am where I belong."
"Are you really the only one here who isn't Electric?" Roxy asked.
"Yes," she replied.
"First and only," Makari added, "The division of the elements among Clans is not usually broken."
Miri chuckled. "I consider myself a native of Thunder anyway."
"Well, it was very nice to meet you," Roxy said with a smile, "It makes me a little less anxious to know that you're here."
"I am happy to hear that, child."
"Adi."
The Luxray's ears perked as he heard his name, slowly lifting his head from his forepaws and turning to look back.
"Forgive my intrusion," Makari said, "I wished to introduce you to the newcomer, Roxy."
Roxy was standing behind Makari, feeling only half-nervous. Luxray and their related species were indeed predators, but they weren't exactly known for being vicious.
"I saw your…'presentation' of her," Adi replied. Roxy shivered upon hearing his voice. It was extremely deep and powerful, making the words resonate in her mind. Again, she was reminded of The Pyroar King.
"Hello…Adi, was it?" Roxy said in a friendly voice, "It's…nice to meet you."
Adi simply gave her a disdainful look, yawned, and then slowly stood up. Roxy kept her eyes on him the whole time, but he seemed almost disinterested in her.
"I trust that you will consider her welcome?" Makari said.
Adi didn't reply. He simply padded over to Roxy and leaned his head down uncomfortably close to hers. Roxy flinched slightly and tried to lean back, but he just leaned further down. Her eyes locked with his, a bold, striking yellow colour, and it was then that she was truly reminded that Luxray were predators.
Traumatizing flashbacks of her encounter with the Zangoose addled her mind. For a moment, she felt herself getting taken back to that nightmare that had happened not so long ago. Subconsciously, her body prepared itself to run.
Adi took in a deep breath through his nose, and then another and another. It took the frightened Pikachu a moment to realize that he was sniffing her. Slowly, her fear morphed into abject confusion.
Once he had finished sniffing her, he took a step back. Roxy saw that his brow was knitted, but otherwise he still looked indifferent. "Very well," was all he said before lying back down on the ground.
Roxy slowly turned and gave Makari a perplexed look. To her mild indignation, Makari seemed amused with what had just happened. Roxy was about to say something to him, when Adi's voice suddenly cut through the air.
"Adikai!"
The two glanced at him, but saw that he was looking past them. They turned around and followed his gaze, seeing that a young Shinx cub was standing not too far off.
"Where is your mother?" Adi asked.
The Shinx seemed preoccupied with looking at Roxy, making her smile awkwardly and wave hello, before he answered the Luxray. "She is getting berries, father," he said.
"Bring her here."
"Yes, father!" the Shinx chirped before happily scampering off.
Once he had gone, Roxy turned to look at the Luxray again. Adi was staring off in the direction his son had gone, and then shifted his gaze towards her. "That is my son," he said, straight and to the point.
"Oh! How nice," Roxy replied, "You said his name was 'Adikai'?"
Adi gave a single, subtle nod of his head.
Roxy chuckled and said, "He's adorable."
To her surprise, this remark caused Adi to scowl slightly at her. He looked as if she had said something that mildly offended him. She was about to ask what she had done, when she was interrupted once again.
This time, it was by Adikai returning with a Luxio in tow. Roxy assumed that this was the Shinx's mother and Adi's mate.
"Mother! Mother, look!" Adikai was saying excitedly, "It is the new one! The one who wears strange things!"
"Yes, Adikai. I see," the Luxio replied calmly before turning to look at Roxy. Her expression had a little more life to it than Adi's, but she still carried on an air of detachment. She had a smile, but Roxy felt like it wasn't meant for her. "I am Kiga," she said.
"Oh, hello. I-"
Roxy's words died on her lips when she was startled by both the Shinx and Luxio stepping right up close to her. Just like Adi before, the two of them started incessantly sniffing her from all angles. She immediately felt squeamish and vulnerable under this strange behaviour, and she squirmed on the spot until they were done.
Then, the two stepped back and started speaking as if nothing had happened. "I shall see you around the village, young one," Kiga said.
"Mother! Can I play with her?" Adikai asked excitedly, "I want to know what the thing on her neck is!"
"No, Adikai," Adi cut in, "Stay here."
"Perhaps later," Kiga added, to which the Shinx smiled excitedly.
Roxy, still not sure what was going on, simply looked at all of them in confusion and then glanced to Makari, whom she silently asked for help.
"You have our gratitude, Adi, Kiga, Adikai," Makari replied, bowing his head just slightly before continuing, "I look forward to patrol with you tomorrow."
Adi only nodded.
"Come, Roxy," Makari said as he started to usher her away.
"Oh, um…Okay. It was nice meeting you all!" she called over her shoulder as Makari took her paw.
Only Adikai waved.
Once the two had made it a fair distance away from the family, Roxy spoke up. "What was that about…?"
"They were remembering your scent," Makari replied.
"Oh?"
"Yes, so that they know who you are. They are predators, after all."
It took a moment for Makari's words to sink in, but Roxy then felt a tremble straight up her spine. Silently, she wondered if she should go back and let them sniff her once more just to be sure.
Roxy yawned, stretched her arms, and glanced out the door of the hut towards the sky above. The starry night sky could hardly be seen beyond the thick covering of branches, but she could clearly see the moon in the distance.
It had been a long day of being shown around the village and being introduced to everyone. Reception had definitely been mixed, but still the only one who seemed to outright despise her was Taka. Thankfully, they hadn't seen head nor tail of him since the Wise Ones had sent him away earlier.
Now night had fallen, and Makari had taken her back to his hut. He was busy collecting grass and moss to make a second bed for her, while she found herself enraptured as she stared at the stars.
She hadn't noticed evening's approach, because she had been spending so much time doing things with Makari. When night itself had arrived, it had spooked her a little. Light was disappearing from the sky, and everywhere around. The tree cover had already made it somewhat dim during the day, but at night it was an entirely different story.
Roxy had never experienced darkness like the cover of night in the wilderness. It shook her to her very core.
She had slept through her first night in the forest after passing out, so this was an entirely new and frightening experience for her. It was almost pitch black outside. She couldn't even see her own paw in front of her face, and the sounds of the forest sounded so much more eerie. While she had been outside, she could not shake the feeling that someone was constantly sneaking up behind her.
Inside of Makari's hut, however, was at least somewhat lit. She had been quite surprised when he had used a few small sparks from his cheeks to light the end of a short stick on fire, creating a small torch. It was small enough that there was little danger of accidentally starting a huge fire, but enough to provide ample lighting inside of the small hut. He even had a specially carved rock that the torch fit into, allowing it to sit in the middle of the room on its own.
Roxy was thankful, of course, but it was still really dark out. Even the inside of the hut seemed shadowy and creepy. She found herself drawn to the only light-giving thing that remained at this hour, which is why she was gazing up at the moon.
"Are you okay?" Makari asked, making her jump slightly.
"Oh…" she said with a short sigh, "Yes, I'm…I'm just a little nervous."
Makari nodded sagely and said, "Few venture out at night because we Pikachu cannot see well in the dark. Do not worry, though. You are safe here."
Roxy nodded but didn't reply, gazing out into the dark forest once more.
"Did you enjoy our village?" he asked, "I am very glad that we were able to welcome you in. I am sure that you will do well living amongst us. Please do not get the wrong idea, Roxy. We are a family here. When one of us struggles, we all pitch in and help. If there is something you need, please do not hesitate to find me, one of our brethren that we spoke to today, or even one of the Wise Ones."
Still, Roxy didn't say anything.
She heard him stepping over towards her, and a moment later he was seated at her side. She gave him an idle glance before continuing to look up at the moon.
"Roxy?"
She mumbled something unintelligible in response.
"You are troubled, Roxy. It is easy to see."
Finally, she slowly turned and looked into Makari's eyes. There was a frown on her face that she just couldn't shake.
"Did everything go well for you today? There were many who were more than happy to welcome you, and the others will come around soon enough."
Roxy glanced downwards. "N-no…I mean, yes. It was nice. I like your village and a lot of the Pokémon here. You especially have been so super nice to me…"
Makari reached forward with his paw and tilted her chin up so that she was looking at him again. "Are you worried about learning to fight?"
She stiffened slightly. "A little…" she admitted, "I'm just trying to stay calm until it actually happens, y'know? I mean, no-one's expecting me to be perfect, right? I just have to know…y'know, the basics, right?"
Makari nodded, and she let out a tiny sigh of relief.
"It's scary out here…"
"Considering your background," Makari said, "I can understand that. This world is alien to you. Then again, yours is alien to us."
Roxy half-smiled and chuckled quietly. "I don't belong here, but I don't really have a choice…"
"I am sure you will do fine in training. All Pokémon know how to fight at least a little bit. It is in our blood."
Roxy glanced away again, remaining silent.
"Please, Roxy," he said softly, "Tell me."
She tried to compose herself and give a response, but found she couldn't do so without letting out a couple sobs.
"I miss master…"
It took a moment before Makari responded. "Oh…"
Tears rolled down her cheeks and stained her fur. "I've spent my whole life with her. She's there when I wake up in the morning, and when I go to sleep. If something was wrong, she was always there to make it better…."
Roxy reached up and touched the collar around her neck. "I'm such a pathetic, spoiled brat…" she lamented, "Without her, I'm nothing. Who'm I kidding? I can't survive out here…"
"Roxy…"
"I need her…" Roxy started crying, trembling like a leaf. "I need my master…"
Makari laid his forelimb across her shoulders, pulling her into a gentle half-hug. "Roxy, I have never seen a human before…but I can understand the pain of loss. The sting in your heart when your loved ones are taken away from you."
Roxy sniffled and turned to look at him. "Y…You do…?"
"Of course. That is something that anyone can understand. Roxy, I am sorry that your life was taken away from you so suddenly. I know that you do not want to be here, and that this is not the life you wish to live…"
He squeezed her a little tighter and continued. "But Roxy, I do not want you to feel like an outsider. Fate has brought you here, and here is where you must stay for the present. I want to make the best of this situation and make you happy while you are here."
Roxy chuckled. "You're all so nice…Well, most of you anyway. I'm sure it'll be fine…but I still miss my master. Even though you're all here, I feel so…alone."
There was a moment of silence.
"And I'm scared…!"
She turned to glance at Makari, who looked as if he wanted to reply but couldn't find the words.
"I'm so scared, Makari….I'm terrified!"