Chapter 47: ...Without You
She was dead.
Buneary was dead.
This was really happening...
Those three sentences constantly swirled in Pikachu's head as he continued to lie on the grass near the shore. He didn't know how long he was there for, but judging by the fact that the rest of the airship had crashed into the waters below, it couldn't have been long.
He wanted to cry and just let it all out but strangely...he couldn't. It was almost like it had yet to hit him. All he knew was that he had been lying there, his face pressed against the cool grass, emotionlessly staring at the horizon where the airship had once been. Occasionally, he looked off to the side and saw that along the beach were some marble pillars jutting out from the ground. Behind those pillars were a few weathered structures, some remnants of a civilization long since abandoned.
Dissociation kicking into high gear, Pikachu's eyes wandered over the blades of grass in front of his face as the ocean in the distance became blurry.
He just wanted to stay there. To keep thinking of her face.
And for a moment, he just wanted to close his eyes and not wake up.
Trying to stifle a strange sound coming from his throat, Pikachu sniffled, his expression rather neutral with an underlying tone of exhaustion underneath.
Finally, his ears flicked and he slowly started to get to his feet. Standing straight up, he looked again towards the sky which was still marked with the indelible stain of the explosion, now a large gray cloud that tainted the pureness of the azure blue like some sort of malignant disease. He grit his teeth and as he started to lift his left arm, he felt an explosion of pain shoot up to his shoulder. Instinctively, he winced and held it, closing one eye in the process. Damn it, he must've injured it when he crashed into the escape pod's wall.
He let go of his arm and saw that his fur was beginning to stain red. Great...must've cut it a little too. His mind drifted for a bit before he thought of something. With some difficulty, he made his way back.
As Pikachu stepped inside the escape pod, he saw a first aid kit on the wall. Opening it up, his eyes rested on the gauze wrap. Taking in a shaky breath, he slowly but surely started to apply it, using all of the knowledge he had learned from people like Brock on how to treat things like this. Some of the things that...she had taught him as well...
After a few minutes, Pikachu had completely bandaged up his left arm and already the tightness of the gauze had stopped the bleeding.
Using his teeth to tear the gauze and moving the first aid kit out of the way, his eyes rested upon something else.
Her vest.
Tattered, dirtied and burnt, it was there, lying on the floor of the escape pod.
That's right...she threw it in here...
He merely looked at it and without really thinking, bent down to pick it up. He held it up to his face.
As Pikachu's chest began to uncomfortably rise, something else caught his attention. On his right arm was the letter bracelet, still fully intact. It was a bit scuffed up but otherwise fine.
This and her vest were all that he had of her in that moment.
Less than an hour ago, she was right by side...
Swallowing hard, Pikachu felt his heart begin to painfully thump against his chest and he suppressed the urge to shake in place. He didn't want to leave it here in the escape pod but he couldn't bear the thought of taking it with him either otherwise, he'd do everything in his power to keep it safe, even in the middle of a battle.
He sighed. It was all too much...
What should he-?
His ears stood straight up as he suddenly got an idea.
Pikachu continued to lean forward. Making sure that he wasn't going to slip off and fall, he checked to make sure that the vest was adjusted correctly. Finally, when he was satisfied, he took a moment to get a better look. It appeared fine but still...something was missing. He looked down at his arm and stared at his letter bracelet. Then he looked out at the beach.
This wasn't just some random location. As terrible as it was to admit, this spot was special.
He felt that wherever he left this, it needed to be somewhere meaningful.
Still, it's not like there were signs or buildings anywhere. When he inevitably comes back – probably with the rest of their group – he would have an easier time finding this place if he left her vest here.
And if he was going to leave something of hers behind...
Gently, Pikachu took off his letter bracelet to place it down at his feet.
When he was done, he put his paws on his hips and nodded.
Suddenly, something else got his attention and he instinctively looked up. To his immense surprise, he saw an aircraft bearing the Team Rocket logo glide over him and towards the middle of the island.
He blinked upon seeing that. Oh yeah...the people in charge got into a second ship to escape.
His eyes traced the smaller vessel and realized how it slowly but surely traveled further away from him.
Huh, well...it looks like it was heading towards something. The radio tower perhaps? And if not at the tower itself, maybe near it? It was worth a shot to follow it nonetheless!
Quickly inhaling, Pikachu calmed his nerves. It was his best chance at stopping this whole thing. He quickly glanced back at the items that he was about to leave behind.
He'll be back to get these. He would never leave them here abandoned.
He'll come back...
And with that, he jumped off and started making his way into the jungle-like forest, determined to finish what both he and her had set out to do.
What she had sacrificed herself for.
Pikachu continued running until his figure was overtaken by the darkness of the forest.
Then he was gone.
As his footsteps softened, a warm and gentle breeze caressed the sunny shore.
And on that shore was a marble pillar that he had put Buneary's tattered vest on. Carefully placed on the top center of the pillar was his letter bracelet, patiently waiting for its owner to return.
Running on all fours, Pikachu continued making his way through the dense forest, all the while he carefully listened for any potential threat to emerge from the foliage. So far, he heard nothing.
He couldn't allow himself to think of what had just happened...not yet anyway. He had a mission to focus on. She wanted him to finish this and stop these guys. It was her last words to him after all.
Gritting his teeth, Pikachu put on a burst of speed and he stifled an anguished yelp as he flashbacked to being on that ship and seeing her form disappear into the sky. Burying what he was feeling deep down, he continued onwards.
Eventually, he heard some commotion off to the side. Amongst yelling and cursing, he couldn't tell who the voices belonged to but he was sure that they were human. It almost sounded like they were about to battle someone or something else.
Pikachu furrowed his brow. He couldn't engage in random fights right now, he needed to keep going!
Steering his body in a different direction, the mouse continued to run without missing a beat.
The island itself didn't look particularly large. It shouldn't take him too long, maybe a couple hours or so...right?
Evidently, his decision to continue in a different direction paid off because soon the voices receded behind him and he was sure that he was alone again.
Traversing the darkened forest, one wouldn't even be able to tell that it was daytime given how the tree leaves almost completely shielded him from the sun.
Eventually, he stopped at a rather steep trench, one that would take too long to try and climb down and then out of. Grimacing, he scanned around to see what he could use to get across. His eyes glanced upward to see that the trees had continued to cover everything above him.
Huh, déjà vu. It was exactly like when he first got on this island and had to outrun that scyther...
Quickly, he climbed up a tree and used the branches to get across and before he knew it, he was back to running.
If it had been her, she would've been able to just use Bounce to get across...
Pikachu shook his head.
Stop it. Can't think of that now.
...
...But deep down he knew that he wanted to.
About twenty minutes later, Pikachu stopped to catch his breath and he leaned up against a tree. Attempting to steady his breathing, he tried to remain silent and he looked around to see if anyone was nearby.
If she was here, she'd use her amazing hearing to immediately pick up anything in close vicinity. She wouldn't even need to look around.
Pikachu scowled. Damn it, he did it again. There would be time for this later, right now he had a job to do!
Closing his eyes, he calmed himself down and when he was ready, he left his position and started climbing up a hill.
Once again, he heard muffled yelling in the distance, this time it was accompanied by what sounded like Pokéspeech.
Okay, no biggie, they'll just use some good old fashion teamwork. He'll go left with Thunderbolt and she'll go right with Ice Beam and then they can-
...
...Oh.
Right.
Blinking, he stopped his ascent to grab onto a tree and he quickly plowed his face into the bark and gave a muffled scream.
Ugghh...this wasn't going well. He couldn't focus...how in the world could he anyway? It wasn't like it was just another friend he had to say goodbye to for a little while.
This was...
Inhaling deeply, Pikachu took his face off the side of the tree and looked upward. He furrowed his brow as he noticed something else in the sky. Was that...another aircraft? He leaned forward to squint and he saw that it was indeed an airborne vessel that appeared to be coming from the direction of the beach. A few seconds later, Pikachu could see the PLA's logo on the side. Guess they had their own emergency aircraft...
Before he could fully take in what he was seeing, the ship opened fire on something in the sky!
Flinching, Pikachu stepped away from the tree to get a better look. The ship looked to be shooting at something in the clouds that hovered the island. A few seconds later, he saw Team Rocket's aircraft emerge and fully appear in the sky.
Oh great, another air battle! Well at least he was safely away from the gunfire this time!
As Team Rocket's aircraft fully emerged from the clouds, the cannons along its hull turned and aimed at the other vessel before returning fire. The distant sounds of warfare only produced muffled booms. Pikachu watched as Team Rocket's airship tried to continue flying further towards the island's center, all the while firing back at the PLA's vessel.
Pikachu gasped as he saw a sudden large explosion appear on the PLA's airship, causing it to slowly veer off to the side and head in a different direction. Before long, the two aircrafts were too far away for their firing to reach each other and they began to rise above the clouds.
Grimacing, the mouse watched Team Rocket's vessel continue on its way towards whatever destination it had set. He took in a shaky breath.
Only a little more to go.
Not allowing himself to slow down, he continued climbing the hill.
Another twenty minutes or so later, Pikachu ventured onwards until he came across a cave. Skidding to a halt, he looked deep into the abyss. Indeed, there appeared to be no light whatsoever, as if he was staring into a black hole.
Allowing himself to catch his breath, he grit his teeth. He looked around yet all he could see was the rest of the rock structure's perfectly vertical surface, its beige texture too smooth to climb up and no trees close enough to help him get over it. Looking from side to side, he couldn't see any alternate routes. Slowly, he looked back at the entrance.
Okay...this looked to be the only option. Steadying himself, he cleared his mind. There was no telling what – if anything – he was to come across. Team Rocket members, PLA Pokémon, simple cave inhabitants whose homes were being intruded on...
For a moment, he remembered his cave adventure with everyone back in Sinnoh. How Buneary was so hesitant to go in but did anyway albeit while holding his tail the entire time. How she screamed at the top of her lungs when a drop of water landed on her head and how he nearly did the same until they realized that there was truly nothing to be afraid of. How he had laughed and walked away from that with her following close behind...
Mentally returning to his situation, Pikachu merely looked at the ground. He didn't shake his head this time and simply let his mind dwell on that memory for a moment longer. Then without hesitating, he rushed into the cave.
Indeed it was quite dark inside. In fact, Pikachu had to slow down to allow for his eyes to adjust. When they eventually did, he started to pick up the pace and all the while he kept an ear out for any sounds that might ring out.
As he quickly walked through the darkness, he tried to keep his mind on anything other than her. Arceus knows that it was already hard enough with virtually no other stimuli to distract oneself in here but as Mew as his witness, he was trying!
He had to be honest with himself and admit that he wasn't entirely sure how he was going to accomplish his mission. Assuming that there weren't too many enemies to go up against, how exactly was he supposed to stop Team Rocket's plans? Destroy the tower? Okay, but how? He supposed that he could use his electricity to short-circuit it or something. Regardless, he didn't have much of a choice. He was here, he was on his way and he was going to try even if he would-
Just as he went over that in his mind, he thought he heard something. Stopping in place, he whipped his head in the direction of the noise. He stopped himself from producing electricity from his cheeks as that would only provide light and give away his location. Instead, he restrained himself and waited.
After a few moments, his eyes trailed over his surroundings. It looked to be a fairly large chamber, an occasional stalactite hanging from the ceiling, totally quiet save for the occasional drop of water from somewhere else.
He started to ease up. Maybe he was just mistaken or perhaps he was the cause of the sound.
Regardless, he should get moving again.
Just as he started to make his way across the chamber, he heard another sound. Immediately, he got on all fours and assumed a battle stance.
Alright, no mistake this time. That wasn't a drip from the ceiling and that certainly didn't come from him. He looked around again but saw nothing. As his eyes drifted to the exit, he thought he saw...some fluff?
He blinked as he watched the figure dart away and into the darkness.
It looked like...
Not wanting to take the chance, he ran after it.
It couldn't have been...
It must've been an inhabitant or one of the enemies.
No matter, he couldn't stay here forever anyway.
Leaving the chamber, Pikachu was completely shrouded in darkness, so much so that he couldn't even make out what the area around him looked like. Was it another chamber or some sort of corridor? He really couldn't tell. As was expected for a cave, the echoing in here was practically overwhelming.
...Which was why the sudden giggling sounded louder than it probably was. Most unnervingly, was that the laughter sounded...familiar.
His heart fell down into his stomach upon hearing it.
No...
It couldn't be.
Pikachu continued running but for a cave, it felt like it went on for quite a while. Seriously, was he even getting anywhere?!
He heard that same giggle again, this time much more clearly.
Stopping dead in his tracks, he looked around.
"(Alright, that's enough! Show yourself!)" He yelled, clearly having had enough of this to the point where he didn't care if somebody noticed him.
"(Hee~!)" The feminine voice rang out.
Sparks began to emanate from his cheeks as his anger boiled over. "(Last chance!)"
"(Hehe...)" The voice followed.
"(ALRIGHT, THAT'S IT!)" He roared as he unleashed a Thunderbolt in the direction of the sounds which illuminated the area.
And as the attack hit the cave wall, off to the side he could see...her face.
With his breath caught in his throat, Pikachu's electricity subsided and he gave a look of absolute shock.
"(...Buneary?)" He whispered as the darkness returned.
He saw how the figure that looked like Buneary quickly darted off again, further down wherever they were.
"(W-Wait!)" He cried out as he ran after the figure.
This has to be a trick. Some horrible, demented ploy to lower his guard. Could it have been a Ghost-type getting its sick kicks from tormenting him like this? Or maybe one of the enemy factions trying to hit him where it hurt?
Well...that didn't make sense given that nobody knew who he and Buneary were. Maybe some sort of Psychic move was being used on him for whatever reason? Still...to him...none of this made much sense.
...Then again, neither did Buneary running away from him right now.
Grimacing, he let out another spark ahead of himself and once again saw her, this time hopping down what appeared to be an endless corridor.
"(Buneary...stop!)" He yelled, his voice reverberating off the rock walls.
No response.
Not wanting to do this forever, Pikachu's confused expression turned into one of anger as a golden light of energy enveloped his body, the electricity lighting up the cave. He didn't care if he smacked right into a wall, he was getting out of here and ending this charade!
Almost immediately upon thinking that, his perplexed look returned as he noticed that he had entered into another chamber, this one rather large and he could see that in the center was a massive pool of water.
Having enough time to slow down, Pikachu soon came to a halt as his electricity dissipated. Not really sure what to do, he slowly started to walk up to the pool which gave an occasional sparkle.
He walked up to the edge of the water and looked ahead. On the other side, it appeared as though there was another exit. Not giving it any thought, he looked down at the water...
...And saw Buneary's face staring back at him.
Startled, he jolted back, his focus still on her image. She...didn't look like a reflection. It appeared as if she was actually under the water's surface!
Hesitant, Pikachu slowly inched closer to the pool but as he did, she started to fade away, as if she was sinking further into the murky depths.
Panicking, he jumped into the water. He had no idea why, this couldn't have been real but he also couldn't bear to lose her again, even if it was just a mirage!
As soon as he got into the pool, he realized, to his complete shock, that the water was so shallow that it barely covered the bottom of his lower body.
"(Bun!)" He yelled as he stood in the water, leaning forward and splashing about, trying in vain to find her.
...Yet all he could see was his own reflection that was occasionally broken up by his swipes as his paws hit the bottom of the pool.
Soon, he stopped entirely and he just stood there.
What in the world was he doing? Splashing in a cave pool chasing a ghost? He was really losing it wasn't he?
It wasn't her. He knew that. So why was he-?
"(It's not your fault Pikachu.)" Buneary's voice rang out from right next to him.
His sympathetic nervous system going into overdrive, Pikachu tumbled to the side with a yelp of surprise, a large splash of water momentarily becoming airborne. As he looked up, he saw her standing over him, a calm look on her face.
He couldn't believe it. Yet...here she was, looking as she always did, not a hair out of place. Yet her eyes...they didn't sparkle.
"(B-Bun...?)" He managed to stutter, unable to accept what he was seeing.
"(It's not your fault.)" She calmly repeated, her face as serene as ever.
Pikachu tried to say something but all he could muster was a moaning sound as his chest locked up. He saw her give just the tiniest of smirks. Immediately, he felt a wave of anger wash over him.
"(You're not her...you're not real.)" He finally said, his voice shaky, almost as if he were trying to convince himself.
The figure shook its head. "(I made my decision. You can't beat yourself up over it.)"
"(Stop it.)" He growled, leaning up a little and lightly splashing the water in the process.
"(I meant everything that I said you know? Those weren't just words of comfort.)"
"(ENOUGH!)" He roared, quickly getting to his feet and pointed at her. "(Whoever you are, whatever you are, it isn't working!)"
Buneary merely stood in place, not even batting an eye at him. "(You were my guy. You were the only one for me.)"
"(Last chance, I'm warning you!)" Pikachu shouted. He clenched his teeth and sparks began appearing out of his cheeks.
She quietly huffed and looked away. "(And to think that you were so unsure when you first saw me at the villa.)"
Pikachu's eyes widened in horror and he let out a surprised noise. Then his electricity began to fully dissipate. "(Y-You...I...how...?)" He stuttered.
He truly had no idea how they were doing this. If it was some sort of Psychic or Ghost-type behind this ruse, they were beyond skilled enough to know his deepest thoughts, thoughts of which were so buried in his own psyche that even he didn't realize what they were talking about at first!
Then Pikachu shook his head and he once again pointed at her, this time his face contorted into one of barely restrained despair.
"(You're not real...)" He repeated, his arm shaking as he pointed at her. Then he took in a deep shaky breath. "(You're not Buneary...Buneary's dead.)"
"Buneary" smirked and raised a paw to beckon him. "(I'm as real as you Pikachu.)"
They stayed like that in complete silence for a few moments.
"(I don't understand...)" Pikachu muttered, lowering his arm as his ears drooped to the sides of his head. His once enraged expression was replaced with sullen defeat. "(...What do you want from me?)"
"(It's remarkable...you knew.)" She muttered, lowering her arm as well.
"(Wha...What do you mean?)" He asked, easing his posture a little.
She shook her head. "(When you saw me and called me over. When I walked over and nuzzled you. When we had our moment by the cliff before we went out to sea. Even before that, when we had our little snowball fight. You knew.)"
Pikachu held his mouth agape. What was she...or rather it...implying?
"(I-I don't-)"
"(Yes. You do.)" She sternly said, quickly looking back at him. He continued to merely look at her, both in awe and in slight horror. She closed her eyes and turned away a little. "(Always running and making progress. You're always so close yet so far away.)"
"(Look just cut the wordplay! What do you want?!)" He yelled, taking a step forward, his footstep causing a splash that ring out.
"(You never think about doing things over again until you're past the point of no return. Clarity is often in hindsight after all.)" She solemnly said.
"(I...I couldn't...there wasn't a choice...)" Pikachu muttered.
She started to walk to the side, her gaze elsewhere. "(That's not what I mean. There was always a chance. All it took was a moment to accept it yet you kept pushing it back. Life can be so unpredictable. But regardless, no matter what, you can't blame yourself.)"
As she said that, her figure strangely started to become shrouded in darkness, almost as if it were swallowing her whole. Pikachu gasped and for a moment he hesitated.
"(W-Wait!)" He cried out as he saw her form begin to disappear.
Acting on instinct, Pikachu ran after the figure. As he got close, he reached out to try and grab her shoulder.
And as he jumped forward, he only felt empty air as her form fully disappeared.
He fell face first into the water with a loud splash. Startled, he took his head out of the shallow pool and looked around and he realized that his frantic breathing was the only thing accompanying him.
As his panting slowed down, he saw that he was truly alone again.
She was there, then she wasn't. Again.
Unable to take it, he started to feel tears escape his eyes, the hot sting feeling rather intense as they traveled down his cool cheeks. He leaned forward and shook his head, his tears hitting the surface of the pool.
"(Oh legends above. Buneary...I'm sorry.)" Pikachu sobbed as he shook his head, reaching a drenched paw to cover his face. "(...I am so sorry.)"
A few minutes later, Pikachu continued to slowly walk through the caverns. He only stopped in place when he felt something brush against his fur.
It was a slightly warm breeze which was accompanied by the faint sound of rustling leaves.
Blinking, he immediately realized that he was reaching the exit! Running forward, he wouldn't stop for anything!
Indeed, it wasn't long before he could see the outside brightness and soon, it shone upon him.
When he finally stopped running, he looked back and saw the cave, its shadows swallowing up any light coming its way. Aside from that, all he could hear were the distant chirps of some Flying-types.
Slowly looking back, he scanned the area and saw only more trees. Steeling his nerves, he continued on his way.
The tranquility of this other part of the island didn't last very long because after a few minutes of trekking through the wilderness, he began to hear different voices call out, many sounding like they were panicked.
"(Where the hell's Delta Team?!)" A mightyena growled.
"(Probably with Gold Outfit.)" A murkrow replied.
Keeping his focus sharp, Pikachu continued running, making sure that he avoided stepping on anything on the ground that could make a sound.
"(They said our airship would arrive soon!)" A pinsir cried out.
"(They said that maybe an airship would arrive soon. We don't know if it's ours.)" Murkrow sternly followed.
Pikachu could only hear more grumbling as he rounded a tree and soon, the voices faded.
Just gotta make it to the tower.
Make it to the tower.
Make it to the tower.
That's all he has to do.
He continued his journey. Over streams, climbing trees, sneaking past potential enemies, he never halted his progress. Occasionally, he heard the distant sounds of battling, be it through Pokémon moves or actual weapons being used.
It wouldn't be long now. He'd get there before any of Team Rocket or the PLA could regroup, disable the tower, then he'll...he'll...uhh...
...Okay he didn't exactly have an escape plan, but at least one big problem would be solved!
Continuing to run, and taking in a quick breath, Pikachu once again looked around to see if there was anyone else nearby.
Nope, not another soul. Okay, he'll just keep going and maybe when he gets there, he won't hesitate to-
Pikachu yelped as he felt the ground give way and for a moment, he realized that he had stepped over the ridge of a hill that was inconspicuously hidden amongst the grass, near impossible to notice while running the way that he was.
Unable to stop the rest of his body from going forward, the next thing Pikachu knew was that he was awkwardly tumbling down the hill. The occasional smack of the grass to his face blackened his vision and when he opened his eyes, he could see that he was gradually getting closer to the bottom! Before he could reposition himself, he landed face first onto something wet with an audible splash.
Groaning, Pikachu slowly started to lean up, every part of his body hurting. It was only then did he realize that had landed in a thick puddle of mud. Blinking, he carefully looked at his arms. They were completely stained brown. Guess it was a good thing that he didn't bring...bring...
His mind flashed back to her vest. His bracelet.
What had happened in the past few hours...
...
A sudden fire bubbling up inside of him, Pikachu's face twisted into fury, his body trembled and he screamed at the top of his lungs as he pounded the pool of mud that he was still sitting in, causing drops of viscous hazel to be projected in every direction.
It wasn't fair...
...It wasn't fair!
Why...why did it have to be like this?! She should be here with him! Even if he did manage to pull this off, he didn't want to keep going on without her!
How...how could this have happened?!
When he finally stopped, his body continued to shake with anger. A few moments passed in complete silence before all at once, Pikachu suddenly felt another sobbing fit coming on. Burying it deep down, he took in a steady breath to regain his composure and he paused for a moment. Then, without giving himself a chance to slow down, he jumped out of the mud pool and continued forward.
Not seeing a clear path, he dove into the bushes, constantly pushing leaves away until he broke on through to the other side. When he did, he got into a small clearing, the heavenly light casting down upon him as he scanned the area. Aside from the grass and trees, all around him were more bushes. It was actually quite a lovely little isolated spot to go and get away from everything. An oasis clearing to spend a nice moment with someone you-
His ears pricked up as he heard some rustling in the bushes. He stood perfectly still, not even moving his head, only glancing in its direction.
It stopped.
He continued to stay still, not making a sound.
...Then it started again, this time in a bush that was even closer. If it got any nearer, it would be in the clearing with him.
Closing his eyes, Pikachu steadied his nerves.
"(Alright...you don't have to sneak around. I know you're there.)" He calmly said.
The rustling stopped.
...And just like him, whatever was behind that bush stayed perfectly still.
Pikachu merely huffed in amusement. "(I've got somewhere to be so if you're trying to stop me, quit wasting my time and show yourself.)"
The rustling began again, albeit much more quietly. Slowly but surely, it was heading towards him, perhaps waiting for the right moment to strike.
With a strangely passionate feeling beginning to arise from his chest, Pikachu's body tensed up a little.
"(So you've made up your mind then. Alright. But just to warn you...)" He said before his eyes shot open and intensely bright electricity immediately surrounded his body. "(You've caught me...IN AN EXTREMELY FOUL MOOD!)" He roared as the ground shook beneath him. Indeed, so strong was the energy emanating from his body that the bushes and trees all around swayed back and forth, almost as if every one of their leaves rustled in fear of him.
He waited for whatever was nearby to emerge from its hiding spot and engage him in battle...
...But instead he saw a rustling figure quickly dart back the way that it came.
After a few moments, he eased up and his electricity dissipated and all was quiet again.
"(...Good.)" He muttered rather unamused before he went on his way.
Continuing to feel the adrenaline coursing through his body, his mind swirled, unable to hold back what he was feeling any longer.
She deserved to be here instead of him.
Legends above, he would do anything to have her by his side again. Anything...
He looked up to the sky and wondered if some cosmic entity or ancient guardian was looking down upon him right now, watching his every move and listening to his thoughts.
Whatever it takes, whatever he could offer to bargain for her life, he would do it. Gods above knew that she had saved his life more than once already...
He frowned.
...But such a thing was a pipe dream at best. Bargaining with a legendary for a life? Has anyone actually succeeded at doing that? Even if he could get the opportunity, what could he offer? His own life perhaps?
...
...Yeah. Actually...that might work. After all, what more could he give?
Pikachu shook his head as he continued running.
Tsk, look at him...he was really going over this wasn't he? Gosh, he truly was a goner...
...
...
...
But it's true...he would do it.
And if that is indeed the case...then why?
It was true that he hadn't lost someone so close to him like this before...let alone someone he had dated. Sure, there were plenty of friends that came and went in his life, Pokémon and human alike...
...But nothing like this.
And would he seriously be considering giving his life to bring someone back if they were just a friend? For Ash, yes. But...for anyone else?
It was a pretty uncomfortable question but he felt a strange need to finish his thought.
...If he truly had to pick a few names...
Definitely for Ash and...definitely for her.
Surprised, he blinked as he began to slow down, his run becoming little more than a brisk walk.
Yeah...he would do it for her! He would actually give his life to bring her back, no doubt!
But that still doesn't explain why-
He flinched upon hearing the distant groan of something large and metallic in the sky above him. Looking up, he nearly gasped upon seeing a fairly-large aircraft bearing the PLA's logo on the side. It looked to be slowly descending towards the ground though not exactly in a way that indicated a smooth landing. In fact, upon closer inspection, Pikachu could clearly see smoke billowing from the side. Looks like that previous battle really damaged the vessel because it didn't appear to be doing too well at the moment.
He held his breath as he saw that it was clearly traversing in the same direction as him, onward to wherever he last saw Team Rocket's ship heading towards. Not really having a choice, he proceeded on.
Trying to keep up with the descending aircraft, the mouse thought about what was in store for him.
So this was it. He was going to get into some sort of huge confrontation and probably barely make it out alive if he was lucky. That's the price he has to pay for still being alive when she wasn't.
And just what was he going to do when it was all over? He-
His eyes widened in horror upon coming across another thought.
O-Oh dear Arceus...what was he going to tell the others?! What was he going to tell Dawn?! How in the world could he ever go back to his regular life after this?! Knowing that...th-that...
He stopped in place and leaned against a tree to regain his composure, certain that he was going to be sick. In that moment, it felt like something deep down inside of him crumbled into dust.
She was dead.
She was dead.
She was...gone.
Sniffling, he sprinted forward, making sure not to lose sight of the ship which by now was looking like it was simply trying to make a less-chaotic crash.
As he jumped over a ditch and rolled down a small hill, his thoughts continued to swirl.
The ship continued to descend as Pikachu crossed a stream, immediately washing off most of the mud from his body. With that, he could feel the ground begin to elevate as he began to climb another hill. Soon, he could see the tops of some of the trees.
His stomach burned and for a moment, he felt dizzy, overwhelmed with everything that had happened and for what was about to occur.
There was nothing more he could do other than try his best to end this nightmare.
As he thought that, he could see a lone tree on a cliff that oversaw a distant lake. Still lost in thought, he made his way towards it as the ship only got closer to the ground.
It's a harrowing thing to know that you have nobody else to rely on. Almost as far back as he could remember, he had someone...at least one person or 'mon to help him out with something. When he was little, he had his kangaskhan mother to show him what familial love was like. After meeting Ash, he understood what a real friend was. When Buneary stepped into his life, he began to understand that there was more to life than friendship, traveling and battling. He was never alone and every time that he had someone by his side, dread like this was the furthest thing from his mind.
And now...here he was.
Standing there leaning up against a tree on a small cliff overlooking a lake.
Alone.
He could only watch in silent horror as the PLA aircraft crashed on the other side of the lake in a massive and terrifyingly bright explosion, smoke immediately billowing into the sky. He felt the ground rumble beneath his feet and he noticed how the still water of the lake began to ripple.
Then Pikachu nearly fell over from the shockwave that blew everything back in an almighty push.
His eyes still on the crash site, he scanned it only to see fire and debris every which way. A hellish column of smoke rose above the trees.
Whoever was on board that thing – if anybody was even on it that is – surely didn't make it.
Giving a rather dry gulp, Pikachu looked from side to side. All around him, the light from the explosion bounced off every surface. He looked back at the crash site and off in the distance he could see the figure of Team Rocket's airship continuing on its way.
That's where he needed to head towards.
Steadying himself, he set out for it. Going down the side of the small cliff, he soon ran alongside the lake.
He could only imagine what Dawn's reaction was going to be when he tells her. No doubt, she would be inconsolable. So would Piplup. So would Pachirisu. So would...
Pikachu felt his eyes water upon remembering them and he grit his teeth as he shook his head.
Damn it. He was such a failure. Everyone always turns to him when things got tough, when they needed a shoulder to cry on or was seeking advice. And now...
And...what would any of their other friends say?!
Ambipom? Happiny? Brock?
Heck, even the friends that Buneary had met not too long ago would be horrified!
Even if they'd forgive him and say that it was her choice and that there wasn't another way...how could he live with himself after all of this?
Perhaps because he was pushed beyond his limit or because he had seen enough death to last a lifetime, Pikachu's mind raced to recall a comforting memory.
"Hold on to her Pikachu and never let go!" Brock shouted as Pikachu and Buneary held paws and walked along the beach of Solare Island.
He blinked upon remembering that.
That's right...when they had first started dating. What was the name of that spot again? Auguri Beach? A beach that if couples were to walk along it, they would be together forever?
His heart sinking down into his stomach, his run slowed down a little.
But it wasn't true...was it?
Tears beginning to form, he stifled a cry as he picked up the pace and continued to sprint towards the direction of the crash site.
In his angst, his tortured mind remembered something else.
"(You're having babies already?! Ooh, ooh! Can I babysit them?! I call dibs!)" Pachirisu squealed, waving his paw in the air.
Utterly perplexed, Pikachu skidded to a halt.
Why...why did he think that of all things? When did that happen anyway?
Trying to catch his breath, Pikachu walked at a brisk pace, a paw under his chin. It was...next to that fireplace...oh right! It was after their snowball fight back in Sinnoh! Yeah, when their friends were all teasing them about having kids because of how good she was with Pachirisu! When she gently broke a soft snowball over the kid's head. When she turned away from Pachirisu to look at him with a wink and how she-
Pikachu stopped dead in his tracks. In that moment he saw her smiling face against the backdrop of the iridescent snow, how she fended everyone off on her own and...and that strange feeling he had upon seeing her. A feeling that was unlike any other.
Swallowing rather hard, Pikachu held a paw up to his chest.
Even now, in the middle of everything going on, he could still feel it. His muscles sore, his mind swirling, his heart in pain...it all made him feel rather dizzy. Glancing to the left, he saw the trees next to the lake and wandered over to one of them to lean on. Pressing his other paw against the bark, he doubled over and took in a few deep breaths.
What on earth was happening to him?! It's like he suddenly can't breathe!
Trying to focus on the ground, he couldn't help but begin to remember more things about her. Her smile, her wit, her infectious laughter, not to mention all of the crazy moments that they had been through together.
Being hypnotized by an evil togepi and falling towards the earth in a rocket ship, all the while holding each other's paws and screaming in abject terror.
Taking care of a very sick Pachirisu in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, both he and her trying out new ideas whenever their trainers thought of something.
Going through a "haunted" mansion, being chased by all sorts of possessed household appliances.
...The fun just never ended with her.
And yet...he would do anything in that moment to have another day with her like that again.
His heart thumped painfully in his chest, longing for something. Gritting his teeth, he turned his body around and, with his back still pressed against the tree, slid down its base as he looked outward.
He would give anything...
Hell...he would give anything just to relive this morning...when the world made sense.
His heart continued to beat against his ribcage and he felt a shiver go up his spine as goosebumps electrified his body. Tears going down his face, he looked up to the sky.
He remembered when she saved his life after the Aerodactyl battle. How she had looked at him and pleaded to not go out for his own safety and asked for him to stop being so stubborn.
And even now, he still couldn't explain that feeling he would get when gazing into her eyes. How he went into that dizzying hypnotic world. The look in her eyes as she asked him to stay with her in that cabin was something that he would never forget.
He couldn't explain that moment. He couldn't explain all of those other moments when he fell into a trance with her. He couldn't explain what he felt the day of their snowball fight.
And while everyone's teasing of having children did indeed freak him out a little, there was something else that they, nor Buneary for that matter, knew.
And that something was...he was actually kind of looking forward to it. Somewhere deep down...he could envision it. Him and her, raising a family...a faraway dream in that point in their lives sure but...
Pikachu gave a small squeak and covered his mouth to suppress his crying, unable to hold it back any longer. Merciful legendaries above, it was a miracle that he had managed to do so for this long!
As he sat there against a tree, sobbing into his paws, she was all that he could think of now. It was as if a part of him had died on that ship too. Something he couldn't hope to ever recover.
He wanted to remember her as she was. Strong, brave, selfless...
And now...she was dead.
His eyes shot open as his heart continued to painfully beat and he sat there in sudden silence. Looking at the peaceful lake, the world briefly brightened up as everything made perfect sense.
For a moment, the sunlight broke through the clouds and all was quiet save for the chirping of birds from far away. Off to the side, a butterfly gently rested on a flower near the tree he leaned against.
Ever since he and Ash had reunited with Dawn, he had such confusing feelings about seeing her again. All this time, he thought it was because he didn't know how she felt about him anymore...
...If they could still be together like before.
But that wasn't only reason.
He slowly looked up towards the sky and felt a strange, distant comfort overtake him.
He was a fool. An absolute fool.
He was so confused and worried about seeing her again because...b-because...he...
...
...Loves her.
Blinking, his focus rested on a cloud lazily inching its way across the azure blue of the sky.
Wow...was he really thinking this?
Pikachu rested his head against the tree and he continued to look above.
But it was true. No doubt. Ever since Sinnoh, he felt it. Ever since he saw her here in Unova, he felt it. When he saw her on that airship for the last time, he felt it.
...And even now, sitting all alone next to this nameless lake on this little island in the middle of nowhere...
He felt it.
Upon thinking that, something in his chest loosened up and he felt like he could breathe again, his heart still thumping albeit far less painfully.
A minute passed of sitting there in absolute silence at the revelation.
Slowly but surely, his gaze drifted down to the other side of the lake and he noticed how lush and emerald it appeared. Right then and there, he was reminded of Ash's words of encouragement after what had happened in Hearthome City.
The grass is always greener. That's what he had said. Granted, he probably didn't know what it meant and it was for an entirely different context, but it was still true.
They had separated in Sinnoh to pursue their dreams, goals of which were bigger than what they would have if they stayed together. Isn't that what he and Ash always do? Move on to greener pastures in the pursuit of achieving their dreams, even if it meant saying goodbye to those they became close with? Always going off in the hopes of getting more in life...
Pikachu sighed and he eased up as he watched the clouds go by.
He remembered what he had experienced in that cave. Whatever that figure that looked and sounded like Buneary had said.
He knew. He knew before this day. All it took was one moment. One chance.
And now it was too late.
Nobody ever thinks about those things. How in an instance it can all be snatched away.
Regardless of how he had said it, Ash was right. The grass is always greener.
And you don't really know what it is you have...until it's gone.
"(Buneary, I can definitely say that contests and fashion can't compare to how Pikachu makes you feel!)" Dawn said with a smile and a wink.
Gone.
"(Attaboy Pikachu! Boyfriend material right here folks!)" Aipom said with a hint of laughter.
Gone...
"(...That girl thinks the world of you.)" Piplup said with full sincerity.
...Gone.