The chapter title is based on the song from Fireflight.
I don't know if people found it hard to read this fic. I have gone through this fic to add a line break whenever there is a new scene.
To all of you who read, follow, favorite, and review this story, thank you all! Your interest in this story fuels my motivation. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
The day after her exhilarating battle with Barry dawned bright and clear. Akari wasted no time in assessing Monferno's newfound strength since her evolution. While the gains in Attack, Defense, and Speed were marginal when measured individually, the combined effect was a noticeable boost in Monferno's overall power. This newfound confidence fueled Akari's determination to conquer Oreburgh Gym and its Rock-type leader, Roark. The evolution also meant she could focus more on training Budew or catching a new Pokémon.
Unfortunately, the search for a new Pokémon companion the previous day proved fruitless. Deciding to rest and regroup, Akari set up camp for the night. Now, with the morning sun painting the sky with vibrant hues, Akari had prepared a simple breakfast for herself and her Pokémon. While Monferno and Budew eagerly devoured their portions, Magikarp presented a unique challenge. The lack of a nearby body of water for most meals forced Akari to get some furniture for Magikarp. Pulling out the collapsible fish tank, she carefully filled it with water, transforming it into a temporary breakfast haven for her water bound Magikarp.
As Akari tucked into her breakfast, a warm contentment filled the air. Her Pokémon companions munched happily on their own meals beside her, the clinking of cutlery and the contented sighs of well-fed creatures creating a symphony of peace. Akari couldn't help but marvel at the ingenuity of Poké technology. While most people recognized Poké Balls as the pinnacle of Poké innovation, many overlooked the everyday wonders that trainers relied on.
The humble trainer's bag was a prime example. Akari's own bag, unassuming in its appearance, held an almost magical capacity. Within its seemingly bottomless depths, she could store a tent, a complete kitchen set with utensils, and enough food to sustain them all for a week, along with an assortment of other essentials. Remarkably, the bag remained surprisingly lightweight regardless of its contents, making it the perfect companion for carrying large quantities of supplies. The only limitation, as Akari had discovered through trial and error, was the size of the opening – the item simply needed to be small enough to fit through.
Just as Akari and her Pokémon finished breakfast and she began to clean the dishes, a sudden, sharp crack shattered the peaceful morning routine. Startled, everyone whipped their heads around in surprise. A lone Pokémon materialised in the centre of the clearing, its arrival heralded by the crackle of displaced energy. It was a Ralts, barely able to stand on its wobbly legs. Its once pristine dress was now marred with grime and dust, and its usually bright eyes were dull with pain. The sight of the injured Pokémon sent a pang of sympathy through Akari's heart.
Unlike the usual pink-horned and green-haired Ralts, this one boasted a different coloration. Its horn is a shimmering orange that broke though vibrant blue hair. The unexpected arrival sent a thrill of curiosity through Akari, wondering what had brought this rare Shiny Ralts to her campsite.
The Ralts looked injured, its movements weak and erratic. Concern creased Akari's brow as she cautiously approached, her voice soft and soothing. "Hey there, little one. Are you alright?" she called out gently.
At the sound of her voice, the Ralts flinched, its eyes widening in alarm. It attempted to teleport away with a flash of light, disappearing momentarily. However, it reappeared not that much further, its teleportation clearly hampered. Its movements were sluggish, and a pained whimper escaped its throat.
Realising getting closer might trigger another teleport attempt, Akari needed to think fast. Glancing at her bag, she knew there was only one option easily available, which she felt somewhat bad in doing. With a sigh, she reached in and retrieved a Heal Ball. Her movements were deliberate and calm, attempting not to further spook the injured Pokémon.
In a swift motion, Akari tossed the Heal Ball. The Pink and tan sphere arced through the air, engulfing the startled Ralts in a flash of light. The Poké Ball wobbled precariously for a few moments, the tension thick in the air. Finally, with a click, the light subsided, signalling a successful capture.
Akari released the Ralts from the Heal Ball, the Pokémon surprised to see itself completely healed. Its body no longer trembled with pain, and its eyes, though still wary, held a flicker of curiosity. As Akari reached out to get closer, a subtle twitch in the Ralts' leg muscles caught her eye. Reacting instinctively, she recalled the Pokémon back into the Heal Ball.
Akari prided herself on learning from past experiences. The memory of Mew's escape was still fresh in her mind. She saw Ralts using teleport, by staying observant and recognizing the warning sign, this ensured both Ralts' safety and maintained control of the situation. However, the question of its injuries remained unanswered. Flight wasn't an option until she understood the cause.
The Heal Ball trembled in her hand, the captured Pokémon's energy clearly pulsing from within. Did it yearn for freedom, or perhaps sense danger? As Akari pondered this, a figure emerged from the treeline, his silhouette framed by the morning sunlight. A tall man in a tracksuit approached, his confident stride accompanied by the imposing presence of a Bisharp by his side.
"Hold on there!" he boomed, his voice carrying an air of authority. "I'm searching for an injured Ralts. Apparently, there was a scuffle involving Psychic-type Pokémon nearby. I'm just trying to reunite the Ralts with its family."
Akari's gaze flickered between the man and the suddenly motionless Heal Ball in her hand. This sudden turn of events unsettled her. "No, I haven't seen any Ralts," she replied cautiously, her mind racing. "Where exactly did this fight take place? Psychic-type Pokémon are powerful… I wouldn't want to run into them by accident."
The man seemed to accept her explanation at face value. "Ah, I see," he nodded in understanding. "The skirmish happened further north. If you stick to the main path, you shouldn't encounter them unintentionally. Thanks for your time. I'll continue my search elsewhere." With a curt wave, he turned and disappeared back into the woods, his Bisharp following silently in his wake. Akari and her Pokémon eyed the duo as they all returned to finishing their breakfast.
After Akari made sure he wasn't in sight anymore, she retreated to the sanctuary of her tent. Inside the calming quiet, she released Ralts from the Heal Ball. A cascade of sparkling stars erupted as the Pokémon materialised, confirming her suspicion – this was a rare Shiny Ralts. Its cerulean dress shimmered with an otherworldly glow, and its eyes, the colour of marigolds in the afternoon sun, held a flicker of both fear and curiosity.
Akari approached cautiously, her voice a gentle murmur. "Was that man the one who hurt you?" she asked, concern evident in her tone. The Ralts flinched slightly at the sound of her voice, but its marigold eyes met hers for a fleeting moment before it gave a small, hesitant nod. Now Akari understood its initial resistance to being captured.
With a sigh, Akari noticed Ralts hadn't attempted to teleport since the man's arrival. Perhaps it sensed the man's presence lingering nearby, rendering teleportation a futile escape attempt. Though clearly apprehensive, the Ralts seemed to tolerate Akari's company for now. Perhaps it saw her as a potential ally, a source of refuge from the danger it perceived from the stranger.
Akari formulated a plan and carefully explained it to Ralts, her voice soft and reassuring. Ralts listened intently, its large, marigold eyes fixed on its face. Every now and then, Ralts would give a small, thoughtful nod, understanding her strategy. Once the plan was solidified, Akari emerged from the tent, a determined glint in her eyes.
••• ••• •••
Some time later, Akari found herself trekking through the verdant expanse of Route 203. The forest trail offered a cool respite from the midday sun, sunlight dappling through the leaves and casting a shifting mosaic on the forest floor. Akari took this opportunity to assess Monferno's acquired tail watching with a smile as her Fire-Fighting companion expertly navigated the arboreal terrain. Monferno, fueled by her recent evolution, performed a series of impressive flips through the air, letting out a joyous cry of triumph.
However, Akari's moment of amusement was cut short by a panicked cry from Monferno. She skidded to a halt with her scarf flying in the wind, her heart pounding in her chest. Monferno rejoined her moments later, her fiery gaze fixed on the treeline. Skulking from behind a tree was the man from before, his face contorted in a mask of fury.
"Well, well," Akari remarked coolly, spotting the man's simmering anger. "Took you long enough, Mr. Poacher."
"Don't play dumb, girl," the man snarled. "I figured out your little scheme back at camp. But I needed confirmation of Ralts tracks, and that meant waiting for you to leave. Since you refused to hand over the Ralts willingly," he continued, his voice laced with a dangerous edge, "I'll have to take your Pokémon by force."
With a menacing growl, the man gestured forward. His Bisharp, its cruel eyes gleaming, stepped out from behind the trees, its metallic body glinting menacingly in the dappled sunlight. Recognizing the threat, Monferno leapt down from her perch, a defiant roar escaping her throat. She positioned herself protectively in front of Akari, her fighting spirit burning bright.
Akari knew a head-on brawl wouldn't be the wisest course of action. While Monferno's dual typing of Fire and Fighting granted her a type advantage over Bisharp's Dark and Steel, the man's Pokémon emanated a sense of raw power that couldn't be ignored. Strength wasn't everything in a Pokémon battle; strategy and technique played crucial roles as well.
Taking a deep breath, Akari issued a command. "Monferno, use Nasty Plot!" This was a strategic move Akari had envisioned being able to teach Monferno with Move Tutor after her evolution. Nasty Plot boosted the user's Attack, tipping the scales in their favour.
The man, however, seemed prepared. With a sharp bark, he countered. "Bisharp, use Leer!" A wave of intimidating energy pulsed from Bisharp, its cruel eyes narrowing further. This Leer aimed to lower Monferno's Defence, potentially rendering her more susceptible to Bisharp's attacks.
The effects were immediate. A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes as she envisioned the battle strategies this newfound power unlocked. However, the Leer from Bisharp wasn't without its effect. A flicker of nervousness crossed Monferno's face, a reminder of the threat she faced. Akari knew this fight would be a delicate dance, balancing newfound power with the lingering intimidation from Bisharp's Leer.
Akari wasted no time formulating her next move. "Get in close, Monferno! Mach Punch!" she barked, her voice laced with urgency. Monferno, her body alight with newfound power, responded with a blur of motion. She launched herself from tree to tree with incredible agility, her fiery form cutting through the dappled sunlight. With a ferocious roar, she lunged towards Bisharp, aiming to deliver a swift blow.
The man's eyes widened in surprise. "Parry with Night Slash!" he shouted, barely managing to get the command out in time. Bisharp reacted with lightning speed, its arm guard morphing into a wickedly sharp blade of darkness. With a clang of metal, it met Monferno's Mach Punch head-on, the force of the impact sending sparks flying. Though deflected, Monferno's attack wasn't entirely thwarted. The momentum propelled her past Bisharp, landing her behind the Steel-type Pokémon in a crouch.
Akari seized this opportunity. "Turn around and use another Mach Punch – Strong Style!" she barked. Monferno, fueled by Akari's command, launched into a rapid spin. The manoeuvre not only helped her regain her footing but also built momentum for the upcoming attack. With a blur of orange fur, Monferno pivoted, her eyes blazing with an inferno of determination. Before Bisharp could even twitch a metallic appendage, Monferno unleashed another Mach Punch. The impact echoed through the clearing like a thunderclap. The Strong Style Mach Punch connected with Bisharp's steel hide with the unrelenting force of a bullet train, sending a shockwave rippling through the ground. The screech that tore from Bisharp's throat was a guttural howl of pain as it was launched through the air like a ragdoll.
It slammed into a nearby tree, the impact echoing with a bone-jarring crunch. The force of the blow was so immense, it left a crater in the tree's bark, the metal of Bisharp's body leaving behind a permanent mark. As Bisharp landed on the ground, the once-proud tree could no longer bear the weight of the damage. It toppled over with a groan, its Trunk snapping in half, completing the scene of utter devastation wrought by Monferno's devastating attack.
The man's face contorted in rage. "Get them with Slash!" he roared, frustration boiling over. Bisharp, though clearly shaken, pushed itself up from the wreckage. A chillingly beautiful white blade materialised from its arm, its edges gleaming ominously. With a guttural growl, Bisharp charged towards Monferno, intent on repaying the favour.
"Stop them in their tracks! Flamethrower!" Akari countered, her voice unwavering. Monferno responded instantly, unleashing a torrent of intense flames from her mouth. The fiery jet erupted in a continuous stream, engulfing Bisharp's path. However, the Steel-type Pokémon was nothing if not resilient. With a powerful swipe of its newly formed blade, it managed to cleave through the flames, dispersing a portion of the attack before it connected. Though the manoeuvre provided some protection, the intense heat still managed to singe Bisharp's metallic hide, leaving behind a faint scorch mark. Despite the pain, Bisharp pressed on, its glowing blade aimed squarely at Monferno. With a sickening slice, the Slash landed on Monferno's form, drawing a pained whimper from the Pokémon. However, stopping this close to Monferno gave Akari an idea.
"Finish it, Monferno! Mach Punch-Agile Style! Keep going for as long as you can!" Akari cried out. The gravity in her voice spurred Monferno on, which increased her fiery determination. She wound her arms back, a blur of orange fur against the verdant backdrop. With a series of rapid-fire strikes, Monferno unleashed a barrage of Agile Style Mach Punches. Each punch landed with a resounding thud, the force of the blows visibly staggering Bisharp. The Steel-type Pokémon stumbled back with every impact. Finally, after a relentless onslaught, Monferno's arms ceased her flurry, leaving her panting heavily. Bisharp, its body wracked with tremors, stood frozen for a moment before collapsing backwards with a pained groan.
The man's face contorted in a mixture of anger and disbelief as he recalled Bisharp. He clicked his tongue in frustration, the sound echoing through the silent forest. "Che, lucky break with the type advantage," he muttered. But his defeat wasn't complete yet. He reached into his Poké Ball belt and retrieved another one. "Druddigon, come on out!" he declared, throwing the Poké Ball with a practised flick of his wrist.
A flash of light erupted, materialising into a Druddigon. The imposing Dragon-type Pokémon towered over Monferno, its bulky frame dwarfing the Fire-Fighting type. Its sapphire wings, shaped like spiky thistle leaves, seemed more decorative than functional for flight, given Druddigon's weight. A bright red head, harder than rock by the look of it, sat atop its muscular neck. Its eyes, burning with ferocious yellow irises, glinted with a primal predatory instinct. Towering red spikes adorned its body, and as it raised a hand, sunlight glinted menacingly off its razor-sharp claws. Akari's heart hammered in her chest.
"Get in close and use Power-Up Punch!" Akari called out. While Nasty Plot had boosted Monferno's Attack, Akari decided to prolong the effect. Monferno charged forward, her fist aimed for Druddigon's bulky form. However, as her fist connected with a satisfying thud, a yelp of pain escaped Monferno's lips. She recoiled sharply, her fist throbbing with a newfound ache.
Capitalising on Monferno's momentary lapse, the man barked another command. "Dragon Tail, bring out that Ralts!" Druddigon's powerful tail glowed a menacing red, then lashed out with incredible force. The blow struck Monferno squarely, sending the Fire-Fighting type flying through the air. Monferno was enveloped in a red light, as she flew back inside her Poké Ball.
Akari braced herself, unsure of who would emerge from their Poké Ball. To her surprise, it was Budew, Akari decided to use this forced switch to her advantage. "Get them with a Poison Powder, Budew!" she called out, hoping to inflict some status damage on the hulking Druddigon. Budew promptly unleashed a cloud of purple powder that drifted towards the Dragon-type.
Druddigon, however, seemed undaunted by the approaching cloud. Its bulky frame made it a slow target, and the Poison Powder easily engulfed it. But instead of attempting to dodge, Druddigon charged forward with a surprising burst of speed, its eyes narrowed with predatory intent.
"Dragon Tail again! We'll get Ralts out eventually!" the man roared, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. He knew getting Ralts out of the Poké Ball was his best chance of retrieving it. Druddigon's tail glowed red again, and with a powerful swing, it connected with Budew, sending the Grass-type Pokémon back into his Poké Ball with a pained cry.
A red flash replaced Budew, and this time, it was Magikarp. The man's eyes widened in surprise, then erupted in a fit of laughter. "Hahahaha! Ah, how fortunate. Dragon Pulse." he bellowed, his amusement quickly replaced by a cold seriousness. He aimed his attack at the vulnerable Magikarp, certain of an easy victory.
Akari's heart lurched. She lunged for her Poké Ball belt, desperate to recall Magikarp before he was struck down. However, before she could even reach for the Dive Ball, a flash of blue light materialised behind her. It was Ralts, her eyes glowing with an otherworldly intensity. In a display of bravery, the Shiny Ralts had teleported herself in front of Magikarp, taking the Dragon Pulse attack head on, arms spread wide.
A thunderous explosion filled the air, a cloud of dust obscuring the scene. Both Akari and the man held their breath, waiting for the dust to settle. When it finally cleared, a wave of relief washed over Akari. Ralts stood defiantly in the same position, her arms outstretched as if shielding Magikarp. Incredibly, both Pokémon came out unscathed.
Ralts locked eyes with Akari, a silent understanding passing between them. With a small nod, Akari recalled Magikarp back into his Dive Ball. "About time!" the man grumbled, his earlier amusement replaced by annoyance. "Hunter J just arrived back in Sinnoh. I need to get one last catch to sell before I head back to Unova."
As the man talked, a surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins as her Move Scanner skill unexpectedly activated. A thrill shot through her – Ralts already trusted her enough for her skill to work!
Seizing the opportunity, Akari formulated a plan. Stalling for time was crucial against the poisoned Druddigon. "Use Double Team, Ralts!" she commanded. Reacting with impressive speed, the Shiny Ralts focused her energy, creating a dazzling display of illusory duplicates. In a blink of an eye, the battlefield was filled with shimmering copies of Ralts, each a perfect replica of the original.
The man's eyes narrowed in frustration. "Dragon Pulse! It won't harm the Ralts, but it will get rid of the distraction!" he barked. Druddigon unleashed a powerful blast of draconic energy, the attack sweeping across the field in a devastating wave. The illusory Ralts flickered and faded, one by one, until only the real Ralts remained, standing defiantly amidst the dissipating illusions.
"Now's your chance, Ralts! Use Confusion!" Akari called out. Ralts' large, marigold eyes glowed with an intense psychic light beneath her fringe of hair. A wave of invisible psychic energy surged from Ralts, engulfing the mighty Druddigon. The Dragon-type Pokémon let out a surprised bellow as it was lifted into the air, its bulky body spinning uncontrollably. With a sickening thud, Druddigon crashed back down onto the forest floor, its head reeling. Disoriented and confused, Druddigon looked around with bewildered eyes. Three small, cartoonish birds materialised above its head, a clear visual indicator of its muddled state. Akari allowed herself a small smile. The tide of the battle seemed to be turning in their favour.
The man roared in frustration, his face contorted in a mask of fury. "Finish it in one hit, Metal Claw!" he bellowed, his voice laced with desperation. Druddigon, still reeling from the confusion, swivelled its head around in a daze, searching for its target. With a metallic sheen enveloping its claw, the Dragon-type Pokémon launched itself forward. However, in its disoriented state, Druddigon completely missed Ralts. Its powerful attack landed squarely on a nearby tree, the metallic claw slicing clean through the trunk with a sickening screech of metal against wood. The impact caused the tree to shudder violently, before toppling over with a deafening crash.
Akari seized this golden opportunity. "Disarming Voice, now!" she commanded, her voice ringing with newfound confidence. Ralts let loose a high-pitched cry, a barrage of pink rings erupted from her mouth and squarely hitting Druddigon like miniature sonic blasts. The unexpected attack caught the Dragon-type off guard, striking it squarely in the back and sending it tumbling forward. It landed with a heavy thud on the fallen tree trunk, the impact momentarily knocking the wind out of its sails.
As Druddigon sluggishly rose to its feet, the effects of the confusion seemed to have finally worn off. However, the telltale purple glow emanating from its body confirmed that the poison was still coursing through its veins. Each laboured breath was accompanied by a wince, a testament to the damage inflicted by the toxin.
Ignoring the pain, Druddigon let out a guttural growl and charged at Ralts once more. "Alternate between Metal Claw and Bite!" the man roared, his voice a desperate attempt to regain control of the situation. Druddigon lunged forward, its razor-sharp teeth glinting menacingly in the dappled sunlight.
"Teleport around the field!" Akari cried in alarm. Ralts, with her keen psychic senses, reacted instantly. In a flash of blue light, she vanished from Druddigon's snapping jaws, reappearing a safe distance away on the other side of the clearing. Druddigon, fueled by primal rage, lunged again and again, its powerful attacks snapping at empty air. Ralts, despite her impressive agility, wasn't tireless. Akari could see the strain on the small Pokémon's face with each successive teleport. Her movements, once fluid and graceful, were becoming sluggish.
Finally, Druddigon's relentless pursuit paid off. With a powerful lunge and a flash of gnashing teeth, it managed to clamp its jaws around Ralts. A yelp of pain escaped Ralts' lips, mirrored by a surprised yelp from Druddigon. Druddigon recoiled immediately, releasing Ralts and rubbing its mouth with a pained whimper. Confusion clouded the man's face.
"I guess you didn't know that Ralts' ability is Trace," Akari explained, a hint of triumph creeping into her voice. "It allows Ralts to copy the ability of the Pokémon she fights against." Realisation dawned on the man's face as he looked at Druddigon, whose movements were becoming noticeably sluggish. The poison from the earlier attack, coupled with the damage inflicted by Ralts, was taking its toll. The effects were undeniable – Druddigon's breaths were shallow and laboured, its body racked with tremors. As Akari spoke, a purple aura pulsed around Druddigon, signifying another wave of poison damage. The mighty Dragon-type Pokémon let out a weak cry before collapsing onto the forest floor, defeated.
The man, defeated and frustrated, recalled Druddigon without reaching for another Poké Ball. It was clear this was his last Pokémon. He cast a hardened glance at Akari, then turned abruptly as if to flee. But before he could take a single step, Akari reacted with lightning speed.
"Disarming Voice!" she commanded, her voice laced with steel. Ralts unleashed another barrage of pink rings, the sound waves washing over the fleeing man. The unexpected attack caught him off guard, sending him sprawling to the ground with a surprised yelp. He scrambled to his feet, a mixture of anger and fear twisting his features. However, his escape attempt was cut short as a figure appeared behind him with surprising swiftness.
A knee slammed into the man's back, driving him face-first into the soft earth. Before he could react, a pair of handcuffs snapped around his wrists. He struggled against the restraints, but it was a futile effort.
"Easy there," a calm voice spoke from behind him. The man craned his neck to see Looker, the enigmatic detective from the International Police, standing over him with a smile. "Thank you for contacting me about the danger in this area, Akari," Looker continued, addressing the young trainer. "And heading back west to Jubilife City to allow me to set up this perimeter and police van to make sure he didn't escape. You handled yourself remarkably well against this scoundrel."
Looker tightened the handcuffs on the man's wrists, and with a grunt, helped him to his feet. As they walked towards the van, Akari couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. She had not only protected herself and Ralts, but also played a crucial role in apprehending a criminal. However, a shadow of self-doubt crept in as well. Picking up Ralts, she furrowed her brow.
"I overestimated myself," she admitted softly. "While I figured Monferno could handle Bisharp, I didn't anticipate anything else." A sigh escaped her lips as she replayed the battle in her mind, realising how the situation turned out.
Looker picked up on her sudden shift in mood. "Akari," he offered gently, his voice laced with concern, "you can't predict every event. That doesn't mean you can't refine your skills in deduction and investigation. Learning about potential opponents beforehand can give you a significant advantage."
They reached the van, and Looker gestured towards the back compartment. The poacher, subdued and sullen, shuffled towards the open door. With a firm but not unkind shove, Looker ushered him inside before slamming the door shut with a satisfying click.
"Despite the unexpected challenge," Looker continued, a hint of admiration colouring his voice as he turned to Akari. "You handled yourself remarkably well. You're shaping up to be quite the trainer, Akari. In fact, if you ever feel the gym circuit isn't the path for you," he said, a thoughtful pause breaking his sentence, "I could put in a good word at Interpol. They're always looking for high-calibre agents, and their work is often far more undercover than people realise." A sly wink accompanied his proposition as he slid into the driver's seat and started the engine.
"Imagine," he said with a chuckle, "a secret agent trainer! Nobody would suspect a thing."
With his parting words delivered, Looker glanced back at Akari, his expression unreadable. He closed the van door, the sound echoing in the sudden silence, and pulled away, leaving Akari standing alone in the clearing.
Akari took a moment to process the whirlwind of events. Her gaze drifted down to the Pokémon cradled protectively in her arms. She knelt down gently, placing Ralts on the soft bed of the forest floor. Their eyes met, and a profound silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken emotions. "The poacher is gone now," Akari said softly, her voice thick with empathy. "You don't have to stay with me anymore, if that's what you want."
Ralts tilted her head thoughtfully, her large, marigold eyes filled with an unreadable depth. For a moment, Akari held her breath, unsure of what the small Pokémon would do. Then, in a flash of blue light, Ralts vanished. A pang of disappointment shot through her, but it was quickly replaced by surprise as a weight settled on her shoulder and neck. Craning her head, Akari's breath hitched. Ralts wasn't gone. She was nestled inside her scarf, her tiny arms wrapped around her neck in a surprisingly strong hug.
The dam broke. Tears welled up in Akari's eyes, spilling down her cheeks in a torrent of relief and joy. Unable to hold back any longer, she wrapped her arms around Ralts, returning the embrace with all her might. In that moment, under the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, a silent bond was solidified.
Ralts has joined the party.
AN
I didn't expect Akari to get that emotional when I initially wrote that last scene, but sometimes characters act on their own.
To clear some possible confusion, Akari read Ralts' Pokedex entry and knew her moves and ability back at camp, but she was surprised her move scanner activated, as it requires a bond with the Pokémon to use.
Also at first I thought about giving the poacher a name, but I realised it would be weird for a criminal trying to stay low to give away their name.
Tune in next time for Dreams Never End: Chapter 10 - Battle Cry
Next chapter will be on the 3rd, Friday. I will release a chapter every third day until the 15th before slowing down.