POV - TRIXIE
Deep in the heart of dense marshland, tendrils of midday light pierced through the canopy above. Trixie glided cautiously among the foggy lower branches; wings held steadily against the moisture-laden air. Rich, earthy scents of damp foliage and the musk of the marsh filled her senses. Within her, unease persisted, even as her bright eyes darted across the faded landscape with hope.
The fog, both a veil and a barrier, gave her a sense of disorientation, masking both the dangers and the path ahead. In her heart, a singular determination glowed – to find Jake, her partner.
Trixie buzzed from branch to branch, feeling a growing tiredness in her wings. The fog had transformed her recently joyful flights into something more laborious. "Flying isn't the same without Jake," she thought, a touch of weariness creeping into her otherwise optimistic tone. "Things are harder, but I'm not giving up!" she mentally reassured herself, her spirit still buoyant.
Sticking close to the lower branches, she heeded Jake's advice to stay cautious. Gaze determinedly scanning the below marsh for any sign of Jake amidst the mist.
Her reluctant ally, the young Venipede dutifully traversed the damp earth below, pausing occasionally to lower his small, segmented body against the ground, attempting to detect vibrations. Yet, the soft, spongy marshland beneath muffled any hopeful tremors.
Trixie, her voice tinged with worry but optimistic, emoled softly, "Jake's out there, Veni, we can't just give up. He's depending on us."
"Speak for yourself. This isn't some adventure. And frankly, I need to report back to my hive. I've had enough for one day." Venipede replied.
Undeterred, Trixie pressed on. "Come on, Veni, you said you'd help out!"
Venipede, replied with his usual flat tone, "Firstly, it's Venipede, not 'Veni.' Secondly, Jake is your human, not mine. We're dealing with a serious situation here. I've just had a close encounter with real danger in these woods. And isn't it true you had a battle with my mom? Why should I keep helping you?"
"Jake seemed to be getting on fine with your mum until you came along," Trixie observed, fluttering near Venipede.
"That wasn't my choice. I got dropped into it by that Pikachu," Venipede grumbled.
Trixie's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she glided closer. "Oh? That Pikachu? What happened? Where did it go? Tell me everything!" she urged excitedly.
Venipede let out yet another sigh. "Okay, okay, I'll explain," he said, resigning himself to her curiosity. "I was just there, minding my own business when suddenly..."
"You got ambushed? Wow, how did that happen? Sounds super exciting!" Trixie interjected, barely containing herself.
"Not exciting. A nightmare. And would you let me finish? Seriously, how does your human get a word in edgewise around you?"
Venipede hesitated, letting Trixie power down a bit. She managed to quiet herself, albeit with difficulty. Pressing his body against the earth, Venipede spoke with conviction. "Alright, pay attention. I was deeply engrossed in vital training. You see, perfecting my Defence Curl is absolutely critical for my evolution, and the hive" he explained, his tone laden with grandeur. "Picture me, perfectly curled up, a future Whirlipede in the making."
"Ooh!" Trixie emoled, dutifully clapping her paws. The image of a lone Venipede, just sitting there curled up into a cute, spiky ball, sparked a giggle from her.
Trying to ignore her, Venipede pressed on, pride evident, "There I was, unbreakable. But then suddenly, I'm being tossed around! A plaything in an instant. I was just about to react when... well, I was caught slightly off guard."
Trixie's eyes sparkled. "Were you taking a nap? Napping on Jake's shoulder is the best! But I didn't know it was part of special training!"
Venipede, slightly irritated, clarified, "It wasn't a nap, Trixie. It's a strategic position for evolution, not sleep."
"But you were all curled up! That's how I sleep sometimes. It's super cozy!" Trixie exclaimed, tilting her head.
Venipede sighed deeply, feeling the weight of their miscommunication. "It's more than just being cozy. It's about being prepared, being ready to evolve into something stronger. I'm on the path to become a Scolipede, not just lounging around."
"Wait a sec, you said a Pikachu attacked you? But Pikachu are the friendliest! They don't have scary claws or anything. I used to play tag with a bunch of them near my den!" Trixie said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm and a hint of nostalgia.
Venipede's voice took on a serious tone, "It wasn't just any Pikachu, Trixie. This one was different, crazy even. I only caught glimpses of it, but its eyes... they were weird, as if they stared right into your soul."
"Maybe it just wanted to play a staring contest with you! Pikachu love to play pika boo, you know!"
Venipede exasperated "No, Trixie, it was not a game. It was menacing, not playful. This creature... it wanted to hurt me... it did hurt me. Nothing like the Pikachu you're talking about"
Trixie giggled, soaring back up high to the low branches. "A Pikachu, really? Oh, I hope Jake meets one too! He would have a lot of fun! But we should find him soon, I want to play too!""
"These woods are full of dangers. We need to stay alert," Venipede warned, serious in his tone.
"You should learn to have a bit of fun, you know!" Trixie retorted playfully, ascending in a spiral. As she rose, the clearing mist below unveiled the world anew, sparking hope in her curious gaze.
"For the record, Scolipede do not have 'fun', it's about discipline."
Trixie, her enthusiasm undiminished, responded, "Danger or not, our main job is finding Jake! Look, the fog is lifting. Let's get moving, Veni!"
Under his breath, Venipede grumbled in resignation, his voice barely audible as he followed Trixie, "It's Venipede, not Veni…"
With the dense fog receding, they trundled on. Trixie's eyes widening as the once obscured wetland forest came into view, bisected by a river, its waters lazily weaving a path amidst the trees. This was the river, that she and Jake had been tracing towards the human den before their unexpected separation.
Further along, where the river curved, Trixie noticed the trees thinning out, giving way to a more expansive open field. Here, the river stretched wider, its banks guarded by tall grasses that swayed rhythmically.
Life had returned; Chewtle and Drednaw basked on marshy islands, Corphish and Wooper rested on the sunlit riverbanks. In the distance, Trixie glimpsed what could only be Bouffalant – creatures known to her only in stories. Large ringed horns, the only visible signs. Excitement filled her; as she realised, she'd never been so far from her den before. 'Jake would've loved this,' she thought, a wistful longing for her partner.
Trixie glanced around with a little concern. "Veni, where do you think we are? The scents and sounds are all different here, and I'm pretty sure we're quite far from where we started?"
Venipede, his antennae twitching, pointed with one of his many legs. "I recognise this area. Do you see that tall, twisted willow by the riverbank? It's a landmark not far from my family's hive. We're not far."
Trixie's ears perked up, and she tilted her head, her voice laced with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "A hive? Like with lots of other Venipede's? That sounds... busy. And a bit intimidating."
Venipede, his voice steady yet laced with unmistakable pride, responded, "Intimidating? Precisely. We embody discipline. We epitomise strength. One day, we'll reign supreme in the bug world." He puffed up, grandeur returning to his voice. "Our hive? It's the most formidable around here. And that Pikachu? I bet my mama and siblings are scouring the woods for me. They must have realised my indispensable role by now. Just imagine their faces when I recount my experience"
"Yes, yes, but what about Jake? We can't just go to a bug family reunion! We need to find him!"
Venipede, pausing to let the rustling leaves overhead subside, said, "Consider this, Trixie: Our hive knows much of these woods. They might have seen something, heard something."
Trixie, her tail flicking thoughtfully, finally nodded. "I guess it makes sense... But we're in and out, got it? We find out what they know and zip back to find Jake! No bug buffets, though that sounds kind of tasty, or meet-and-greets."
"Agreed. No detours. And for the last time, it's Venipede, not Veni," Venipede corrected
"Sure thing, Veni!" Trixie giggled.
Trixie trailed Venipede towards his hive, skimming just above the damp ground. She noted the soft squelching sounds accompanying Venipede's methodical steps as they journeyed forward. The air around them was rich with the earthy scents of wet soil and decaying leaves. Ahead, a large fallen tree loomed into view, its moss-covered bark and size indicating it was once giant.
"This is it," Venipede said, his voice betraying his pride. "Our fortress. Our hive is beneath that log."
Trixie spotted a large log, half-submerged in the soft soil, an odd choice for a home at first glance. Yet, as they drew closer, she discerned a hidden entrance at one end. She briefly pondered how the sizable mama Scolipede could possibly fit through such an opening.
As they reached the entrance, Venipede led the way down a gently sloping tunnel. The air inside was cool and damp, a contrast to the muggy marshland above. The tunnel walls were reinforced with layers of soil and plant matter, providing insulation.
Within the hive, a hush of focused activity prevailed. Numerous Venipede, curled into small spiky balls, rolled swiftly across the spacious chamber, covering distances with remarkable speed. They communicated through clicks, even while rolling, orchestrating their collective efforts to upkeep the hive. Whirlipede lined the walls – motionless, silent sentinels, awaiting evolution, yet ever-ready to literally whirl into action at the sign of threat.
Trixie, buzzed with curiosity at the sight, having never seen anything like it. She zipped through, curiously taking in every detail. The hive was a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, each serving a specific purpose. Some were lined with a soft, fungus-like material, likely for resting. Others had piles of leaves and twigs, possibly food stores.
The absence of the Scolipede was noticeable. "Mama must still be out searching for me," Venipede explained, his tone filled with respect. "She's the protector of our hive."
Trixie, her eyes sparkled with mischief, nudged a young Venipede with her nose, watching it roll before coming to a stop. "Do you all roll around like this? It's like a game of bowling!" she chirped, her round ears twitching.
Venipede sighed with exasperation, maintaining his serious composure. "This isn't a game, Trixie. It's efficient locomotion. And they're in training, not for play."
"But they're so cute!" Trixie exclaimed, gently nudging the Venipede balls again, fascinated by their movement.
Venipede sighed again. "Cute is irrelevant. They are future defenders, honing skills crucial for the hive's safety. Please refrain from poking them. More importantly, we must focus on the Pikachu matter. Its unpredictability poses a threat to the hive's security."
Trixie tilted her head. "So, who should we talk to about Jake and this mysterious Pikachu? There must be someone here who knows something, right?"
Venipede nodded, as a centipede could. "We should speak with the second in command, my older sister. She oversees the hive's activities and gathers information from the scouts. If anyone knows about this Pikachu, it will be her."
Venipede led Trixie through the hive's passageways, each turn revealing more of the intricate tunnel network. They moved along what appeared to be the main channel. Venipede of various sizes rolled back and forth, their movements swift and purposeful, in a constant hum of motion. Trixie watched, fascinated by the orchestrated chaos, as they rolled their way through the bustling corridor.
The tunnel widened into a chamber, which seemed to serve as the central hub of the hive. It was more spacious than the others, with the ceiling arched high above to accommodate the larger size of a Scolipede. The walls were reinforced with thicker layers of earth, providing a sturdy structure. Two Whirlipede, coiled, silent and motionless, stood guard on either side of the chamber's entrance.
In the centre of the chamber was a Scolipede. It was smaller than the mother Scolipede Trixie had battled alongside Jake. Despite this, the Scolipede was still an imposing figure, segmented body adorned with vibrant markings that seemed to ripple with each subtle movement. Her antennae-like horns twitching alertly, sensing their approach.
As they neared the Scolipede, Trixie noticed her antennae quiver, almost like a sign of relief. "You're back, Venipede. Concern was high. Mother searches above ground," the Scolipede stated, her tone firm, yet with an undertone of concern. "Your absence stirred unrest."
Venipede moved forward, posture as stiff. "I have returned from defence training," he said with a touch of pride. "Encountered erratic Pikachu. Threat to hive."
The Scolipede's response seemed practiced. "Again, with defence training? Evolution more than just that..."
Venipede interrupted, unwavering. "Defence crucial. Must perfect. To evolve like Mother."
The Scolipede let out a small sigh. "Matter discussed before. Dedication noted. Now, Pikachu?"
Venipede, tone unchanging, continued, "Pikachu disrupted training. Ambushed." He paused, a sound of slight embarrassment creeping in. "Surprising event. Not usual."
"Strong Pikachu," he added. "Used claws. Hurt me. Left me in bog."
The Scolipede, now fully attentive, nodded. "Understood. Report important. Elaborate further."
Trixie watched, standing to one side, her eyes yo-yoing back and forth between Venipede and his sister, fascinated by the change in Venipede's demeanour around his family. Quite soon, unable to contain herself any longer, she burst into the conversation.
"Excuse me, Excuse me!" Trixie interjected; ears twitching excitedly. "But what about Jake? We need to find him! And this Pikachu, you know, the ones I've met are usually super friendly. Do you know anything about a Pikachu that's not so... well, cuddly?" her tiny paws fidgeting.
The elder sister Scolipede tilted her head slightly, eyeing Trixie with a blend of curiosity and mild surprise. "And you are?" she asked in her usual direct manner, an almost imperceptible softening in her tone.
"I'm Trixie! Veni... I mean, Venipede, is helping me find Jake! He's my human and best friend!" Trixie replied, bubbling with enthusiasm.
Her antennae twitched slightly. She quickly regained her composed demeanour. "You keep intriguing company, Venipede," she remarked. "Regarding the Pikachu: a section of the woods exists. Typically deserted. Silent during scout patrols. Reports of Pikachu sightings are infrequent. They appear atypical. No further investigation was conducted. Not assessed as a threat. Until now.
Trixie's eyes lit up. "Ooh, where is this part of the woods? Maybe Jake and the Pikachu are there! Can we go check it out, please?" she asked, charm offensive engaged.
The elder sister Scolipede twitched her antennae to reply, but before she could, a deep, resonant thudding sound echoed through the chamber. Every Venipede and Whirlipede in the room tensed, instinctively aware of what the sound meant.
Mama was home.
POV - JAKE
As the syllables of Trixie's name hung in the air, an eerie silence echoed in the marshy woods, tension thick. Jake sensed the chilling transformation in the air, an undercurrent of malevolence, that seemed to almost physically radiate from the Mimikyu standing before him. It was unnervingly motionless. Its disguise, the crude facsimile of a Pikachu, stared at him, haunting emptiness drawn on its fake eyes.
Jake found himself in secluded woods, shrouded in isolation – it was just him, an unchained prisoner, and a ghost Pokémon whose instability that was as unmistakable as the damp, clinging fog that was still lingering amongst gnarled trees surrounding them.
Every instinct screamed at Jake to tread carefully, to appease the volatile spirit before him without revealing his true awareness of its nature. He could almost taste the bitterness in the air, feel the prickling of his skin in response to the unsaid threats that hung between them.
Just a few days ago, he was back on Earth, in school, engaging in inane banter with his friends and sitting through admittedly dull classes. Now, here he was, caught in a hostage situation with a delusional Pokémon. He sighed again.
Jake, trying to maintain his own facade, spoke softly, "Sorry, I was wrong, ok? I am happy to stay here with you."
Mimikyu stood rigidly, its drawn-on eyes fixed on Jake. After a moment of tense silence, "Kyu," Malevolence remained. It was not convinced.
Jake swallowed hard, searching for the right words. "I... I got nowhere else to go, really. It's pretty nice here, you know? Just us, hanging out." His voice was steady, but he was on edge, careful with his words.
Jake continued, "Yeah, just us. No one else. I'm not looking to go back... anywhere else." He spoke, meticulously steering clear of another mention of Trixie, aware that even a hint of her name could provoke another volatile reaction, that would not let him go unharmed.
Minutes stretched on, each passing second felt like an hour to Jake. Mimikyu's gaze never wavered, its scrutiny intense and unyielding. Jake could feel the mental strain of the situation, every word he spoke weighed heavy on his mind.
Slowly, Mimikyu began to unwind, the sinister air starting to fade, though a trace of caution lingered. "M-mimi, Kyu?" it ventured, almost like a whispered question, 'Will you really stay?'
In response, Jake gently lowered himself to the ground, settling amidst the damp leaves to make himself as comfortable as possible. He positioned himself to be at eye level with Mimikyu, all the while cautiously avoiding any direct gaze at the holes in its disguise. "Why would I leave, right, Pikachu? This place has its own unique charm," he said, managing a small, reassuring smile, trying to convince himself to be sincere.
At his mention of 'Pikachu,' Mimikyu suddenly froze, it seemed to be self-conscious of something, as if it had forgotten something important.
"Mimi, kyu!" Mimikyu chirped, straining to sound cheerful but falling short. The Pokémon appeared rather embarrassed by its own performance. Jake observed, a blend of disbelief and amusement in his eyes, as it awkwardly attempted a jovial hop. 'It's trying so hard to be a Pikachu, but it's just... painfully bad at it,' he thought, a mix of sympathy and a barely restrained nervous laugh bubbling within him.
The Mimikyu continued with another raspy overly enthusiastic "Kyu!" This time, it added a little spin, which only made its disguise sway more awkwardly.
Jake knew what he had to do.
"Wow, Pikachu, you sure are full of surprises! You really had me fooled there, didn't you?" he exclaimed, infusing his tone with an exaggerated sense of wonder. Jake was struck by the absurdity of the situation. 'it's like an exceptionally bad Punch and Judy show' he reflected with an internal shake of his head.
With each strained attempt to mimic a Pikachu, the tension in the air slowly ebbed away. The sinister aura that had previously clung to Mimikyu now shifted, revealing a layer of endearing desperation that, in its own way, evoked a faint, unspoken sympathy in Jake.
As Mimikyu continued its awkward charade, Jake slowly blew out his cheeks, a sense of relief washing over him. With the immediate threat seemingly gone, he permitted himself a moment to relax.
The encounter had sharply brought home to Jake the difference between dealing with Pokémon as pixelated characters and meeting them in actuality. The games provided a delusion that capturing Pokémon was a simple matter: just throw a Pokéball, and they're yours. No complications, no second thoughts.
Jake knew Mimikyu well; it was among his friend Josh's favourite Pokémon. He had often debated the strengths and weaknesses of Mimikyu's battle attributes, analysing its role in various strategies. But those conversations never really touched on the Pokémon's true nature – the envy, deep-rooted insecurity. The profound loneliness.
Mimikyu, held a certain allure in the games. A popular choice for battlers, with a unique Disguise ability, very useful as it shielded them from the first move. Dual ghost and fairy typing also gave them a rare upper hand against dragon-types. However, the game never considered the complexities of personality. The game never took their actual Pokedex entries into account.
Jake could not just walk away from this. Attempting to flee was not an option – Mimikyu simply wouldn't permit it. Yet another harsh truth, another realisation of the implications of living with real Pokémon. Humans occupy a precarious position and, by themselves, were at the mercy of Pokémon and their whims.
He pondered on the delicate balance that must exist between humans and these powerful creatures. Back home, humans were the undisputed masters of their environment, but here, in a world with Pokémon, that dynamic was drastically different. Without the companionship and alliance of Pokémon, humans were vulnerable.
Jake watched Mimikyu intently as it awkwardly shuffled from side to side, movements hesitant and uneven. It looked up at him shyly, emitting a soft, uncertain "K-kyu?" Jake could see only one real way to leave this situation. Take Mimikyu with him.
Deciding to take Mimikyu would be no easy choice. Jake's ultimate aim was to return home, a quest that likely involved encountering one of the Legendary Pokémon, believed to have the power to send him back. Accomplishing this would be no small feat; he would need help, and that would require Pokémon. Mimikyu had already clearly demonstrated a level of malevolence at the very mention of Trixie that did not bode well for future team dynamics.
Jake couldn't help but feel a profound sense of sympathy for Mimikyu. The more he observed it, the clearer it became that its actions – the insecurity, the envy, the obsessive behaviour, even the moments of hate – were all manifestations of something deeper. It was loneliness, a curse that seemed to be woven into the very fabric of Mimikyu's existence.
He realised that beneath its imitation, its malicious outbursts, there was a creature yearning for acceptance and companionship. Mimikyu's struggles resonated with Jake, touching a chord of empathy within him. It wasn't just a Pokémon acting out; it was a being dealing with emotions as complex as any person's.
Jake understood that breaking through to Mimikyu wouldn't be simple. It would require patience, understanding, and a genuine effort to connect. He considered the delicate balance of acknowledging its disguise while reaching out to its true self. 'How do I get Mimikyu to trust me, to see that it's valued for who it really is?' he wondered.
He thought carefully about his approach, weighing his options. Finally, with a deep breath, Jake decided. 'I'll start by showing Mimikyu that it's not alone, that it's understood. We'll take small steps, but we'll take them together,' he resolved internally.
POV – MIMIKYU
It watched. Eyes peering through the disguise. It saw him, the human called Jake, approach. It felt strange, a flutter inside. It knew not what it was.
It tried to be the desired one. It chirped, "Pika?" voice small and unsure. Jake smiled. Would he see? Would he know?
It saw Jake's smile, wide and warm. It heard his words, but understood not. It felt his presence. It liked this. It feared this.
Jake showed It a 'game'. A sharing game. It hesitated. It feared being known, being seen. But It was curious. It played along. It mimicked, it shared. It felt... something. A warmth? It puzzled over this.
Jake shared stories. It listened. It heard his laughter, his words. It did not understand all, but It felt more. It felt a pull. It was new. It was scary. It was... It was something.
It risked to speak. "Kyu," It said, voice small. Jake smiled. Not rejected. It liked the feeling. It was new. It was something.
Jake looked at It. Really looked. It trembled. Would he see? Would he know? It braced for fear, for rejection. But Jake's eyes were kind. They were accepting. It felt more.
It shared more. It showed Jake a trick, a small trick. Jake clapped. It had never felt this before. It was... something.
Jake's gaze soft, understanding. It spoke. It tried to respond. It wanted it. It did not know.
As the sun began its descent, It felt change. It was unsure. It liked Jake. It feared losing this feeling. It decided. It would stay close. It would not leave. Not EVER.
None would interfere.
It only wants Jake. Only It. No others.