Chapter 6
Akari awoke the next morning feeling groggy yet refreshed. A good night's sleep in a futon is just what she needed. As for her Pokémon, they lazed about the room in different areas they've claimed for themselves. Starly, being a little bird, preferred the nook near the back window. Shinx would snuggle with Akari in the futon while Oshawott had his own little pallet in a secluded corner. Eevee had chosen to remain with Growlithe who'd kept his distance by sleeping next to the firepit.
Looking across the room, she spots the pup studying her with open curiosity. He'd been difficult to handle the night before. It became obvious that he didn't trust her; going as far as to refuse the roasted berries that she offered him for dinner. He even growled at her when she got a little too close. This had caused Oshawott to throw a small fit as he saw this behavior as disrespectful. Akari talked him down to prevent a fight from breaking out between them.
Letting out a yawn, Akari pulls back the covers of her futon. The air caressing her bare skin is warm unlike the previous mornings she'd awoken at home. The fire in the pit is going strong. This is curious as it's normally nothing except a few smoldering embers covered in ash by this hour. It's obvious that one of her Pokémon had maintained it throughout the night and her suspicions told her it was Growlithe.
Akari checks on Eevee next. The little fox is curled up in a tight ball against Growlithe's left side. Unlike her grumpy puppy companion, Eevee didn't seem to mind her new surroundings. She ate all the berries offered and had mingled with the other Pokémon. It appears she will fit right into the team seamlessly.
Slipping out of bed, Akari lets out an appreciative sigh. The warmth from the firepit feels wonderful. She gives Growlithe a sweet smile. "Thank you for keeping the fire going. I know everyone here really appreciates it." The pup looks up at her quietly, clearly trying to determine something about her. She wonders what that something is but is unable to figure it out.
Akari supposed it didn't matter, deciding to turn her attention elsewhere. She walks across the room to her clothing trunk, opening the heavy lid to peer inside. The contents are sparse; she hasn't had a big payout yet and had to be rather selective about the clothing she had bought during her first shopping spree. It consisted mostly of undergarments, breast bindings, and undershirts. There is a plain pale grey kimono for casual wear. It was a gift from Professor Laventon shortly after she passed her trial.
Grabbing an undershirt and underwear, Akari closes the trunk. She slips out of her sleeping yukata, folding it neatly before setting it aside to be washed. She then slips into her clean undergarments before pulling her uniform down from the rafters above. She had hung it there the night before to dry after taking the time to scrub it after she'd bathed. Unfortunately, it's still a little damp to the touch, making the fabric uncomfortably cool when she slips it on.
Once dressed, Akari decides to rouse her Pokémon. Starly flutters his feathers before preening himself to straighten anything that's out of place. Oshawott does some morning stretches to warm up his muscles. Shinx grooms her fur while Eevee rolls over and mumbles. It's obvious she wants another five minutes to snooze. Akari lets her. This earns her an odd look from Growlithe. It's as if he expected her to force Eevee out of bed.
"Who's hungry?" Akari's question is met with cheerful banter. "So, everyone then?" She smiles as her Pokémon gather around her – well, most of them anyway. Growlithe is still hanging back, and Eevee is struggling to open her eyes.
Akari opens one of her food storage baskets. It holds many of the berries she'd picked while out on excursion. She grabs what she expects her Pokémon will eat before handing them their portions. It's received jovially and consumed quickly. She brings Eevee hers, placing a plump Oran Berry right in front of her nose. The little fox suddenly wakes up ravenous. She basically inhales her food.
Growlithe turns away from his own share. He hadn't growled at Akari's approach this time, but she still finds herself concerned by his refusal to eat; not all Pokémon can adjust to domestic life. It's possible that this Hisuian Puppy might be one of them. Refusing to eat several meals in a row is a red flag concerning this condition. If this is what's happening, she'll have to do what's best for Growlithe despite her own desire to keep him around. She kneels, speaking softly to the puppy. "I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do, including staying here. If you really want to be a wild Pokémon, I'll let you go."
The look on Growlithe's face is pure shock. He hadn't expected such words to be uttered. Akari continues gently. "I have a lot of things to do this morning, but I'll be heading out into the field later to help a friend with a request. You have until then to make up your mind." She grabs his Oran Berry and holds it out to him. "However, for now, just eat. You'll lose your strength if you don't and regardless of what you choose to do for yourself, I don't want you to be hungry."
Growlithe looks at Akari consideringly, then relents, taking a bite of the berry. He is hungry and the human before him speaks the truth about him needing his strength. It's never a guarantee that one will eat when you're a wild Pokémon.
The room is now filled with the sounds of munching and pleasant grunts. It's Akari's que to eat her own breakfast. She picks out a plump one, digging into the berry happily as juice drips from her chin. It's perfectly ripe and sweeter than expected. She's about halfway done when a loud knock interrupts her meal. "Hello?" She calls out.
"Akari!" Rei's voice can be heard through the door. "I know it's still early but I'm wondering if your almost ready."
"I am," Akari responds. She moves over to the door, sliding it open to reveal the young man waiting for her on the other side. He smiles brightly in greeting as she motions for him to enter. "You can come in if you like."
Rei steps inside, his gaze quickly taking in his surroundings. Akari's home is rather bland with very little personal flare to it. He supposed that's to be expected since she only arrived in the village a week ago. Rei then shifts his curiosity to the Pokémon gathered around the room. They stare back at him, clearly wondering why he's here.
"So." Akari's kind voice brings his attention back to her. "What brings you around? Do we need to leave sooner than expected?"
Rei shakes his head. "No, it's not that." He suddenly develops a nervous air that causes him to fidget. "Hay… Uh…" It's obvious he wants to ask her something. She smiles at him encouragingly. "I was wondering if maybe before we go meet with Mai about that request…" He trails off again as he avoids eye contact.
Akari wonders what is making him so nervous. "Rei, just ask."
Rei takes a deep breath, then admits loudly, "I'm terrible at battling!" Akari's eyes go wide. That isn't what she expected him to say at all. He continues, "It's why I can't complete this quest on my own!" Rei bows deeply, and with an earnest tone, inquires, "Would you mind having a Pokémon battle with me?"
It's a challenge – an awkward one but a challenge regardless. "If you want too, I don't mind." She would never deny someone a battle but she's curious about the sudden interest. He'd mentioned the request and had been rather distraught when talking about it the night before. This battle must relate to the current situation in some fashion.
Rei smiles, looking relieved. "Thank you! I'll meet you at the battle court in the training grounds!" He then quickly steps back out the door, leaving Akari a little stunned. The young man is rather fidgety. Akari suspects it's just nerves. However, it didn't change the fact that he just rushed out of her home without even shutting the door behind him.
Akari sighs, sliding the door shut. She looks back at her Pokémon. They return her gaze, obviously expecting her to address them. She doesn't disappoint. "As you all have noticed, I've just been challenged to a battle." This is said mostly for the benefit of her newer recruits. Oshawott is the only one that has had the privilege of battling against another trainer's Pokémon.
Shinx is excited by the news. Starly also seems thrilled by the prospect of a competitive fight. Eevee's response to the announcement is open curiosity. Growlithe, on the other hand, didn't respond at all. It's obvious he isn't interested in battling – well, not with her at least.
Oshawott steps forward, shell in hand. "Osha!" He wants to be the one chosen.
"No." Akari's refusal isn't said unkindly. Oshawott is still upset about it though. She elaborates, hoping to soothe his displeasure. "The only Pokémon Rei carries with him is Pikachu; he's an electric type. You're a water type and the match up wouldn't be in your favor."
"Osha!" Oshawott doesn't care. Tough battles make tough Pokémon.
Akari shakes her head negatively. "I'm sorry, but I'm not picking you."
"Osha!" Oshawott is now mad. He stomps his foot in a show of temper.
Akari's tone, although still kind, takes on the edge of steel. She understands the otter's enthusiasm. However. "I can't just choose you all the time. Shinx, Starly, and even Eevee at some point – each of them deserves the opportunity to compete in competitive battle. Let them show off the results of their own training. It can't always be you."
Oshawott huffs in displeasure. He doesn't like this; not one bit.
Akari chooses to ignore the otter's sour attitude. He's still young and learning to share isn't easy. She addresses the room. "I'm going to return you all to your Pokéballs. The villagers won't tolerate all of you following me around." The words are met with exasperated groans. "I know it's bull, but we must abide by the rules, or I'll be called before the commander."
"Mow?" Shinx looks at her trainer curiously; her trainer had stated the truth. However, the little cub also knows that members of the Security Corps can walk about with a single partner at their side when traversing the streets. The rule doesn't exactly apply to the Survey Corps, but Professor Laventon assured her trainer that Captain Cyllene wouldn't entertain complaints about a single companion. Shinx wants to know which of them will be the lucky one to accompany her.
Akari looks at her gathered Pokémon. The choice is a no-brainer in her opinion. "I think Growlithe should be the one to travel by my side – well, if he wants to that is." She smiles at the pup who appears rather surprised by her suggestion. "This might be your only opportunity to see what life in Jubilife Village is all about before you return to the wild."
Growlithe studies the human before him. She isn't acting in any predictable fashion. He's heard rumors about these Galaxy Team folks, but this one isn't living up to the dastardly descriptions whispered among the Pearl Clan. It makes him rather curious about her specifically. "Ruff." He'll walk with her for now. Perhaps her true colors will become more apparent as she mingles with her kinsmen.
Akari smiles at Growlithe. She can tell there is a lot going on in his mind. "Thank you for giving me a chance." She turns towards the rest of her Pokémon. "Alright guys, back in your Pokéballs for now." The request has her team lining up in an orderly fashion to be recalled. She then placed each Pokéball snugly into her satchel for safekeeping.
Growlithe watches her intently. He notices how gently she handles the Pokéballs. It's as if they're the most precious things in the world to her. Once finished, she turns towards him. There's a slight look of concern on her face. "Jubilife Village is rather busy." She speaks her warning kindly. "If you feel uncomfortable in any way by the proximity of the other people on the street, just let me know. I'll recall you."
Growlithe nods. He's certain this consideration is because he had growled at her the night before. She'd assumed it was because he was distressed with her presence. That hadn't been the reason for his hostile attitude though; he just wanted her to leave him alone. He recalled how his snarls had infuriated the other Pokémon – even Eevee had informed him that his behavior was rather rude, but it was Oshawott who made the initial attempt to put him in his place.
"Are you ready?" Akari questions.
Growlithe nods.
Akari opens the door, revealing the busy street to the Hisuian Puppy. He moves to stand in the doorway, his nose and ears twitching. The smells of the village are vastly different from the wild forest, as is the loud clamoring of voices. It's a lot to take in but he isn't uncomfortable. This isn't his first time around a large pack of humans either despite his wild status.
Akari steps out of her home, closing the door behind her. Growlithe moves in close to shadow her. It reduces the odds of being bumped into or approached. He doesn't like the smell of the people here. They reek of high levels of fear. Some even seem openly distressed when they spot him from a distance. It's rather odd behavior. He doesn't like it.
The walk to the training grounds is uneventful yet Growlithe finds the experience informative. Akari had kept to herself. She wasn't approached by anyone – in fact, many of the humans within the village seemed to outright reject her. He heard hateful murmurs of "outsider" and "stranger from the rift" from the various people they'd passed. Growlithe isn't sure how he should handle this new information. It looks like Akari isn't a part of Galaxy Team despite living among them. That's rather curious.
The training grounds are relatively quiet when they arrive. Akari looks around, taking in the area with expert interest. The battle court isn't adequate at all, being too small for a large Pokémon to battle comfortably; even a small Pokémon with exceptional skill would find it difficult to toss their attacks without damaging the surrounding fence line. She estimates that the battle court is about half the size of one you'd find in a modern Pokémon Gym. This means that nobody in Galaxy Team has ever witnessed an epic battle between two master level trainers. If they had, this place would be a lot bigger and the perimeter reinforced with rock, not wood.
Rei is there, waiting for her. He's sitting on a bench, his expression blank as he examines the Pokéball in his hand. It's apparent that he's thinking about something. She wonders what that something is when he suddenly looks up at her. "Akari, you made it!" He waves at her excitedly. "And you brought your new Growlithe with you! He looks amazing!" The complement is met with apprehension from the Hisuian Puppy.
Akari smiles down at her Pokémon. "He doesn't mean any harm, I promise."
Growlithe snorts as he pretends to take interest in something far away.
Rei jogs across the small battle court to join Akari. "Thanks for taking a minute to help me out!"
"Of course," Akari responds. "I don't mind."
Rei shakes his head. "Don't be modest! I know your plate's full right now with all the survey work you're doing and now I've asked you to help me with this request from the Diamond Clan."
Akari shrugs, dismissing his concerns. "You've been supportive with helping me adjust to my new life here. It's the least I can do." Honestly, she would have helped him even if he hadn't been overly accommodating. That's just the kind of person she is.
Rei's bright disposition fades. The transition takes Akari by surprise. Something really is bothering him. He's even fidgeting again. Rei states, "I'm going to be straightforward with you about something."
Akari can't help the concern she feels. "Is everything all right?" There's something solemn in his tight expression.
"No – I mean…" Rei sighs. It's always been difficult for him to openly express himself. "As you know, I'm not the best when it comes to Pokémon. I lack the skills necessary to handle them properly – I mean I just don't understand how anyone can handle taking on a Pokémon in battle." He lets out a frustrated groan to express the internal turmoil he's feeling. "I know I'm a Survey Corps member, and I've even got my partner… but I just can't do it! I mean, you saw how poorly I handled Pikachu in battle against that Rufflet."
"Oh, Rei…" Akari feels for him. "You shouldn't put so much pressure on yourself. It takes time to gain the skills needed to battle and catch Pokémon. Like I said, I had someone teach me how to do it and even then, I still made a fool out of myself from time to time."
Rei looks at Pikachu's Pokéball, running his thumb across the smooth surface. He then tosses it, releasing the Pokémon inside. The mouse appears in a flash of light. "Pika!" He looks around, noticing Growlithe first. Pikachu greets the Hisuian Puppy before turning his attention to Akari. He's missed her. "Pika!" he calls out jovially.
"Hi, Pikachu!" Akari smiles down at the mouse. "How have you been?"
"Pika!" Pikachu responds. He wished he could tell her about the week he's had.
Rei watches the exchange, feeling disheartened. Pikachu has never looked at him like that. He knows that it's his fault. It's because he's been projecting his fears and insecurities of Pokémon upon his partner since the beginning. This wasn't fair to Pikachu, but he's determined to change. The first step in the process is to be honest. "This happened a few weeks back, but I was attacked by a small pride of Shinx. I responded like a complete coward, choosing to run away instead of calling on Pikachu to fight by my side. The Shinx sniffed out my weakness, and using their own efficient teamwork, they surrounded me before giving me the shock of my life."
Akari cringes. That must have terrified Rei. However, Pokémon chasing off perceived threats and intruders in organized groups is a rather common occurrence. "You shouldn't let that experience define you as a trainer. It's something that can happen to anyone – in fact, it's happened to me but instead of a pride of Shinx, I was attacked by a flock of raging Starly."
"Starly attacked you?" Rei is surprised. "Those Pokémon are usually very docile."
"Usually," Akari states. "But Berry and I had wandered into their nesting grounds uninvited."
Rei pauses, curious. He wonders who this Berry is – a friend? Perhaps a lover? He really wants to know but forces himself to bite his tongue. This isn't the time for personal inquiries. He states something else instead. "You've just made my point. Pokémon are unpredictable and that's part of what makes them so terrifying. I mean, they can spew flames, produce electricity, manipulate wind – the possibilities are limitless. Humans, unlike Pokémon, are unable to defend themselves using elemental attacks. This makes them unnatural."
"Rei." Akari speaks kindly. "Pokémon, like humans, are natural living beings. Their abilities, although sometimes powerful and frightening, are natural as well. I cannot speak as to why Pokémon have these capabilities while humans do not, but that doesn't make them bad. Besides, humans have their own talents in the form of extreme intelligence. I mean, look at this village. It wouldn't be here without human innovation and problem solving."
Rei knows Akari is right. However. "It's just hard for me to deal with things I don't understand. I don't know how a Pokémon makes their attacks, or why certain types are stronger or weaker against others."
Akari shrugs, seemingly unconcerned with the observation. It's not like she hasn't thought about similar things at one point or another. "It's normal to be curious. As humans, it's in our nature to want to understand the things around us. Unfortunately, that's not always possible. It's at that point we must simply accept the unknown for what it is. The same can be said about the nature of Pokémon. There is a lot we don't know but that's okay."
"Right." Rei looks at Pikachu. The electric mouse is watching him closely. "I can do this; I know I can. I've been watching you at work and I'm convinced I can move past my own fears. I have too – for Pikachu's sake. I also want to do my Survey Corps work well; to do that I must trust my partner and we've got to be a team in all things."
Akari smiles fondly at Rei. "That's right." The sudden change in his disposition is encouraging. He's going to try even if he's currently lacking confidence.
The atmosphere around Rei shifts into one of pure determination. "I've asked you here to have a battle with me! I believe our first real step towards becoming a real team is battling your team!"
It suddenly clicks for Akari. This battle request had never been about competitiveness or the request from the Diamond Clan as she'd originally suspected. Rei just wants to work on his bond and teamwork with Pikachu. It's honorable and she's ready to show them how it's done. "Let's do this!"
"You bet!" Rei looks down at his Pokémon. "Let's get into position, buddy!" He turns on his heel to relocate himself to the opposite side of the battle court. Pikachu moves to stand before his trainer. Something has shifted in the electric mouse's attitude. He's putting his faith and trust into his trainer unlike before. Rei is trying now, and Pikachu is responding to it.
Akari reaches into her satchel, her finger's slipping around Shinx's Pokéball. The choice is a strategic one; both Pokémon are electric types. This will force Rei and herself to use secondary attacks like bite or scratch instead of relying on Thunder Shock or Spark. It's going to spice things up and give Shinx more of a level playing field. This was the plan at least. However.
"RUFF!" The bark is loud – almost commanding.
Akari's focus shifts towards Growlithe. He's looking at her with a gaze that's all too familiar. "You want to battle?" It's an unexpected turn of events given his earlier attitude.
Growlithe nods, then moves onto the battle court. This decision isn't one he's made lightly; everything he knows about Galaxy Team is bad, but this human is different. It's not just her kind words and understanding. It's her willingness to do right by him, and her quick defense of Pokémon when Rei expressed his concerns. This makes him want to fight by her side. He wants to see if he will be treated as a partner and companion if he were to stay.
Akari turns her attention towards the battle at hand. Growlithe's sudden desire to step forward had jarred her. It's obvious that he's testing her; checking to see if she's truly worthy of his loyalty. This has caused her nerves to boil up, but she won't change her methods to sway his decision. She is who she is and altering her battle style once or twice isn't going to change that.
"Pikachu!" Rei calls. He isn't wasting time. "Use Thunder Wave!" He recalled how this move had slowed down the Alpha Rufflet. It had nearly halved that wild bird's speed, allowing their Pokémon to win. Akari's Growlithe looks fast – perhaps as fast as his own Pokémon. Pikachu needs to land the first hit to give them the advantage.
"Growlithe, dodge it!" Akari commands. "Don't let that move hit you! It will cripple your speed!" She knows what Rei's strategy is – it's a good one. He has learned from their time battling together in the wilds.
Growlithe's ear twitches, showing he's heard her. He doesn't move right away though – knowing that Pikachu's attack trajectory can't be changed once released. He's young but has had several spats with electric Pokémon over territory.
Pikachu narrows his gaze. He knows what his opponent is doing but a command is a command. The attack is released, an electrical wave pulsing through the air towards his target. Growlithe dodges it effortlessly, the attack slamming into the ground with a bang, kicking up dust.
"Try again!" Rei orders. "Keep trying to hit him!"
Growlithe tenses, getting ready to dodge multiple attacks. Akari knows she needs to order some sort of counter – her Pokémon can only jump out of the way effectively so many times. "Growlithe, use Sand Attack! Let's make it harder for them to aim!"
Pikachu jumps, the air rippling as he releases multiple Thunder Waves in succession. Growlithe is forced to move as a result, dodging with impressive agility as he searches for an opening. It's difficult with so many attacks heading in his direction but he notices Pikachu is slowing down from fatigue. Producing consecutive attacks is tiring, allowing Growlithe the time needed to claw at the ground. Dirt is flung into the sky, creating a dusty haze that gets into the eyes of his opponent.
"Use Headbutt!" Akari's commands.
Growlithe responds without hesitation, charging towards a blind Pikachu. Rei shouts a warning, but his Pokémon can't heed it effectively. The dirt in the electric mouse's eyes makes it impossible to determine the exact position of his opponent. Growlithe slams into Pikachu, sending him flying across the battle court. He lands in a crumpled heap near Rei's feet.
Akari's eyes go wide. It appears that Growlithe has got some serious hit power despite his young age. She makes a mental note to teach him how to hold back against a weaker target. Even if he doesn't stay with her, it's always a good skill to learn how to hit gently when needed. A powerful Pokémon can really hurt an untrained adversary – even kill them.
"Pikachu!" Rei is alarmed. "Are you okay?"
"Pika…" He struggles to get back to his feet. It's obvious that Pikachu is in pain but there's determination in his dark eyes.
Growlithe lifts his lips in a growl. He's impressed by the durability of his opponent.
Akari frowns. Pikachu is willing to continue but Rei looks anxious. It's a bad combination. "Rei don't overthink things!" she calls out. "Just focus on the battle at hand!"
Rei grits his teeth. He knows Akari is right but seeing Pikachu get hit like that filled him with restless emotions. There was a time when his Pokémon's welfare meant very little to him. He had seen them as a dangerous tool to be used in any manner necessary to ensure his safety and success. This mindset has shifted – even before Akari had arrived – he'd started second guessing the philosophies that have been ingrained in him since birth. "I… can't…"
Pikachu's head whips around to face his trainer. The electric sacks on his cheeks are cracking with sparks as he bears his little canines in anger. "PIKA!" Rei has come a long way in the last week but he's slipping back into his old patterns. "PIKA! PIKA!" He needs his trainer to snap out of this weird ass funk of his.
Rei swallows the lump in his throat. He can't let his insecurities get the best of him. Pikachu is willing to continue. Still eager to fight by his side despite taking severe damage just moments ago. It stirs something deep within him. The loyalty of his Pokémon motivates him enough to refocus on the battle at hand. "Pikachu, use Agility!" It's time to try something different.
"Pika!" Pikachu doesn't hesitate, bolting into a run on command. He rapidly gains speed, his little clawed feet kicking up dust as his appearance becomes slightly blurred.
Akari narrows her eyes. Pikachu is fast. Growlithe – although fast himself – will find it difficult to keep up. However, the Hisuian Puppy should have the advantage concerning stamina. He just needs to hold out, focusing more on dodging for the time being rather than attacking. To do that, he needs a boost in his own speed. "Growlithe, I want you to use Agility too! We can't let them out speed us to much!"
Rei watches as Akari's Pokémon increases his pace considerably. It's clear that the Hisuian Puppy is putting in serious effort to hasten his footwork. However, his overall performance is still lacking. It's highly unlikely that Growlithe will be able to hit Pikachu with another physical attack at this point, but Rei knows he must be cautious. Akari has proved to be a very capable trainer that strategizes in the most peculiar ways. She's going to know how to counter this. This means he needs more of an advantage than he already has. "Pikachu, use Double Team!" This should hopefully throw his rival off her game!
Akari's eyes go wide. She hadn't expected Rei to use such a combination. It's impressive and proves that he's been studying up on Pikachu, not only as a species but as a competitive battler as well. Double Team being used right after Agility is always troublesome. There is an effective counter for it though. "Growlithe, you need to close your eyes and rely solely on your other senses!" The pup looks back at her as if she's gone crazy. She elaborates, "You must trust me on this! Double Team is an illusionary technique that only gets more confusing the faster your opponent is!"
Growlithe shifts his attention back towards Pikachu. He's bouncing all over the place, leaving visual copies of himself, and those copies are creating more copies. He can't tell which one is real or an illusion. It's a rather scary predicament to be in. He has no idea where the next attack will come from.
"Growlithe!" Akari calls. "Please, you have to listen to me!"
"Pikachu!" Rei calls. "Quick Attack." Of course, Akari would know how to counter this. She just seems to be one trick after another. It's frustrating and yet, there is some serious weakness in her strategy currently in the form of Growlithe himself. He doesn't fully trust her. It's the opening Rei needs to get in as many hits as possible before Akari comes up with a different plan.
Pikachu is also seeing what Rei does. He can't imagine why the puppy would hesitate with a trainer like Akari guiding him. Pikachu is envious and this ditz of a dog doesn't even have a clue as to the kind of skill his partner has. This is irritating, causing him to muster up more strength out of anger. The Quick Attack gets a boost, making it more of a severe hit than it would have been originally. "Pika!"
Growlithe yelps. Pikachu had come the left, smacking him hard on the hip. The attack had hurt like hell but the fact that his opponent had also just called him a "dumbass" left him more confused than the illusionary Double Team.
"Growlithe!" Akari calls. "You really need to listen to me. Please close your eyes!"
"Again, Pikachu!" Rei commands. He isn't going to give them a chance to work out their differences.
Pikachu comes from the right this time. "Pika!" He hits with enough force to send Growlithe skidding sideways. The ditz of a dog snarls, now frustrated. He'd been called "dumbass" for the second time and the insult is getting to him more than the actual attack.
"Keep it up!" Rei shouts. "We're wearing them down!" Growlithe's distrust is really working to their advantage. He just might when this.
Akari cringes as her Pokémon takes another hit. He's a stout boy – there's no doubt about that but the continuous accumulation of damage is going to take a toll on him. She calls out again, "I know we've just met, and it's hard, but you've got to trust me! Please, close your eyes!" She pleads with him one more time.
Every instinct within Growlithe is telling him to ignore her. The logic within him screams that needs his sight to see incoming attacks – expect, he isn't seeing them. He hasn't been able to pinpoint the location of his opponent until the exact moment of the hit. It's like Pikachu has taken on the form of a ghost type, fading and shifting in a haze of blurred movement that makes little to no sense at all.
"Pika!" Another strong hit. This time it gets him across the back.
Growlithe grits his teeth. He can't keep going like this. Pikachu isn't weak. He's just inexperienced with battle. This is causing the mouse's hits to be sloppier than normal but that won't change the outcome of this battle if Growlithe doesn't figure out how to counter this illusion. It's also grating heavily on his nerves that Pikachu keeps insulting him. This isn't respectable behavior.
"Pika! Pikachu!" Yet another painful smack.
Growlithe finds himself stumbling. He's almost at his limit. However.
"Listen to your trainer, dumbass."
It's odd. Pikachu is now telling him to follow the instructions of his trainer. Is there really something to this request to close his eyes? He looks back at Akari, noticing that her face is etched in worry. It's apparent that she has his best interests at heart despite the peculiarity of the command.
Growlithe closes his eyes, letting out a shaky breath that clearly displays how insecure he is about this situation. This feels too risky, but he's decided to do it anyway. If he loses the match because of it – well, at least he can say he tried to do it Akari's way. It's not like he was making any progress by ignoring her.
The first few seconds are the hardest for him. It's an intense battle against his own instincts. However, with his vision darkened, his scrambled perception of the world around him starts to clear. The multitude of sounds and scents created by the illusion of Double Team are fading – no, that's not exactly right. They're combining into a single point. This is where the real Pikachu is.
Growlithe lifts his lips in a silent snarl; his opponent can no longer hide.
Relief floods Akari's system. It took time – too much in her opinion – to get Growlithe to follow her instruction. In fact, his rock typing is probably the only reason he can keep going. Pikachu had been relentless under Rei's command. It's a respectable decision made by the pair to exploit their opponent's weakness. They wanted to win. She would have done the same thing if their positions had been reversed.
"Growlithe!" Akari calls. "We're going to use Ember when the time is right! Just stay focused and wait for my command! Trust in me!"
'Right.' Growlithe finds himself thinking. He's blind now. This means his depth perception isn't the best. He knows Pikachu is off to the left but he's unable to determine exactly how close the mouse is. This will be Akari's job. Although… Isn't she affected by Double Team's illusion too? He forces himself not to not think too deeply about that particular detail.
Pikachu is apprehensive. Something is up. He knows it. Akari should be just as confused by Double Team as her Pokémon. Then he sees it – she has closed her own eyes as well. She's using the same technique as her Pokémon! She is tracking him by both scent and sound!
"Hay!" Rei calls. He knows something has changed on the battlefield. It makes him anxious. "We can't afford to hesitate! I can tell they're up to something but you're still a lot faster than Growlithe and way more agile! He may no longer be fooled by Double Team's illusions but he's also fighting without his sight! There's a good chance he'll miss when he attempts to counter!"
Pikachu shakes off his nerves. He is faster. In his mind, nothing can out speed an electric type! He charges, shifting into the motions needed to perform another Quick Attack.
Growlithe's ear twitches, detecting the scrapping sound of tiny paws in dirt. Pikachu is still coming from the left. He turns his head slightly, preparing to counter although it's extremely difficult to tell just how far away his opponent is. It's only obvious that he's coming closer.
Akari has his back, shouting, "NOW!" Unlike her Pokémon, she's fully aware of Pikachu's exact position. This isn't her first time dealing with Double Team. She's had lots of practice during her many practice battles against Volkner. The Sunyshore Gym Leader was notorious for using this strategy. It was always taxing to deal with, but it had helped her hone other her senses to a fine point.
Rei's eyes go wide. "No way!" He realizes too late that Akari has somehow pinpointed his Pokémon's exact location. Pikachu sees it too but it's too late to do anything about it. He'd been so confident in his speed and agility that he had put his all into this single attack. This in turn has made it impossible to change his trajectory without crashing into the ground in the process. He now has to hope that Growlithe will hesitate. He doesn't.
Growlithe's eyes snap open as his hackles rise. He can see the real Pikachu heading right for him and he greets his opponent with a burst of hot flames. It catches the poor mouse right in the face as he dives headfirst into the attack.
"PIKACHU!" Rei is alarmed. That was a direct hit from a very powerful fire attack. "PIKACHU, ARE YOU OKAY?"
"Pika…" Everything hurts; his yellow fur is singled and marred with angry red burns. Pikachu is struggling to remain standing; his stubborn nature is the only thing keeping him upright. It doesn't change the fact that the match is over though. There's no way he can continue battling with the injuries he's sustained.
"Pikachu!" Rei can't stand it anymore; his partner is hurting. He finds himself rushing out onto the battle court to get to his Pokémon's side. He reaches out to cradle the mouse in his arms, stroking his burnt yellow fur. The gesture is gentle and done with great care. "I'm sorry," he says. "I really messed up! I told you to keep attacking when I should have thought up a new strategy instead!"
Growlithe is stunned by the interaction. This boy – no he's a young man despite his soft childlike features – is showing genuine concern for his Pokémon. Can he really be a member of Galaxy Team? This thought causes his attention to shift towards Akari. She has proven to him in a short amount of time that she doesn't act like the depictions he's heard through the rumor mill either. Is there more to these people than the obvious?
Akari walks out onto the battle court, joining her Pokémon. Growlithe has taken a lot of damage. "You battled hard," she says to him. "And you took a few good lumps for your efforts." There's something in her hand – a pink glass bottle labeled Potion. "I figured I should offer this to you. It's medicine that helps a Pokémon heal up from their injuries." She unscrews the cap and pours out the white powder into the palm of her hand.
Growlithe stares at the human before him. He has heard so many terrible things about the people that live within Jubilife Village. He'd believed them to be true. In fact, he still does; rumors as dastardly as the ones he's heard are not whispered without merit. However, Akari is a good person. So is Rei. These humans are not evil or cruel.
"Growlithe?" Akari questions. "Do you not want it?" He's just staring at her with this perplexed expression. It's like he's trying to figure something out.
Growlithe, being so self-absorbed in his own thoughts, had forgotten that he'd been offered medication. He rectifies the situation by licking the white powder off Akari's palm. It's terribly bitter and he finds himself scowling as he swallows. However, the effects are almost instantaneous. He can feel his strength returning rapidly.
"PIKA!" The shout is an unhappy one.
Slightly confused by the outburst, both Growlithe and Akari turn their attention towards Rei and his flustered Pikachu. The pair appear to be arguing about something. Rei's tone holds a note of insecurity as he states, "But we lost because I'm incompetent. You got hurt because of me." This was apparently the wrong thing to say. Pikachu bristles with hostility before shocking the crap out of Rei. The mouse then huffs as he turns away.
Akari sighs. Pikachu is frustrated because his trainer is having a pity party. It's time to fix that. "Rei, get up, and stop chastising yourself. In Pokémon battles, a trainer and their team either win together or lose together. There's no in-between."
Rei gets to his feet. "But we lost because I'm not a good trainer…"
"Then you need to do better." The words are not overly harsh but still jarring. Rei looks at Akari with shock. Akari doesn't let it deter her. "Look, you made a bad call. It happens. Pikachu made mistakes too but guess what, he's going to learn from them. You will too if you stop to take the time to consider them instead of beating yourself up."
"Okay." Rei knows she is right. He's not going to improve if he lets this get him down. "I'm going to do better, I promise." He looks at his Pokémon. "We'll catch up – as a team. We'll do the best we can to someday surpass her and her team!"
Pikachu looks up at his trainer. "Pika…" There's still a lot of huff in his attitude, but Rei's sudden determination has reached him.
"Ah. Fair enough." Rei decides to let the subject drop. Pikachu isn't in the mood.
"You know," Akari's begins slowly. Rei looks at her curiously. "Attempting to hinder Growlithe's speed with a Thunder Wave in the beginning was a good idea. I also found it impressive that you had Pikachu use Agility in combination with Double Team. If you had been able to land that Thunder Wave, this battle might have gone a lot differently. That's got me excited for our rematch."
"Really?" The praise is unexpected. It causes Rei to feel a mixture of both excitement and determination. "I've been thinkin' I want to try different things. I was able to do that today during our battle."
"You should keep at it." Akari wants to encourage Rei. He has the potential to become a real powerhouse if he keeps training. "Trying new things will always help you grow even if you fail."
"It's just hard, you know." Rei's tone shifts, becoming a little somber. "I know you remember Seth's apprehension about Pikachu – you know – that day we came back from your trial. As upsetting as his attitude towards our Pokémon was, it wasn't without good reason."
Akari does recall that day. It was eventful to say the least, but why is Rei bringing that up now? "And that reason is?"
Rei cringes a little, recalling some unpleasant situations he'd been in prior to Akari's arrival. "Well, Pikachu's got this tendency to attack, y' see. I've figured out that it's how his kind deals with stress but that doesn't matter. I'd gotten several complaints from different villagers about his behavior. That's why I normally keep him inside his ball – well, I did until recently."
Akari supposed that makes sense. Pikachu can be shocky little devils when agitated about something. She's never personally trained one herself. However, she has friends back home that have. Usually, with more advanced trainers, there isn't much of a problem but those with less experience often find themselves in difficult situations that end up with them getting electrocuted. Rei is no exception to this unfortunate dynamic of Pikachu partnership.
Rei continues, "I'm catching some heat for letting Pikachu have so much freedom." He lets out a dramatic sigh, releasing some of his pent-up frustrations. He's a people pleaser by nature so standing up for himself is causing him a lot more stress than it should. "I'm not going to back down no matter what they say. I know the first step to becoming a better trainer is for Pikachu and me to be friendlier with one another. I'm going to help that along by letting him walk by my side."
Akari finds herself impressed. Rei is doing what's best for his Pokémon despite the backlash it's causing. That's not an easy thing to do, especially in a society where disobedience to authority is basically unheard of. She can imagine that some people are not taking kindly to his new ideals. "You're doing the right thing even if it's hard. I also think you're brave for challenging the social convention of this village concerning Pokémon."
Rei finds himself smiling. Akari is right. It is hard to go against the norm, but he isn't in this alone. He opens his mouth to speak once more only to snap it back shut quickly. They're no longer alone – perhaps they never had been to begin with. This is Captain Zisu's battle court after all. The woman is a frequent sight here and he should have been more mindful of his surroundings.
Akari notices the sudden shift in Rei's demeaner. It's clear that he's noticed something or someone that has caused him alarm. She follows his line of sight to see a middle-aged woman – one she recognizes from the various history lessons she's had – leaning against the side of the storage building on the opposite side of the battle court. It's obvious that she has been eavesdropping on them, but this isn't the reason for the sharp intake of breath. "Oh… Flint…" It slips out unintentionally causing Rei to send her a curious look. She doesn't see it, too absorbed in her inner turmoil. There's no mistaking that familiar mop of bright red hair or the powerful steel colored gaze looking right back at her. This is another ancestor of one of her many friends.
"Are you alright?" Rei's question is unexpected.
"Yes." It's said quickly with a shaky tone, meaning it isn't very convincing. Rei's eyes narrow. He isn't fooled. However.
"So, you're the one?" It almost sounds like an accusation. Perhaps it is. History considered Captain Zisu an overzealous protector of Jubilife Village. It wouldn't be surprising if she considered Akari a potential threat to everyone's safety. "You're that new recruit everyone's been talking about? The one I keep receiving reports on from all the gossiping doom sayers about the village?"
"I suppose I am." Akari bows, showing proper respect. "My name is Akari. It's a pleasure to meet you." It's amazing how the physical resemblance between Flint and this woman is so similar despite the two being opposite genders. She finds herself struggling to reconcile their personalities in a way that computes logically as well. Flint had been an easygoing soul; easy to understand and simple minded despite his great intelligence. Captain Zisu is currently presenting herself in the opposite manner; stiff postured with a calculating gaze that doesn't miss a thing.
"Ha! So polite. The name's Zisu, Captain of the Security Corps." Her laugh is a lot like Flint's. Unlike him though, it's rather loud – not in a bad way, but still noticeable. "I've heard everything about you from Seth! He's a good lad I tell you but hearing him talk about you – I'm impressed. Facing off against an enraged Luxray – an alpha on no less – you've obviously got no sense of danger."
Akari doesn't respond. That last part sounded a lot like an insult for some reason. It's as if she's being told that her actions are going to get her killed because she's too stupid to understand the danger she's in. Rei's frown suggests he's thinking the same thing. He's even quick to defend her, stating, "Akari saved us. If she hadn't stepped up – "
"I know." Captain Zisu interrupts. "That's why I think her talents are wasted in the Survey Corps." She looks Akari up and down as if appraising her. "I think a change in job description is in order. I could use stronger trainers like you within my ranks."
Akari's finds the request odd. Something feels off. Rei doesn't seem to notice though. He's stepped in between both her and Captain Zisu. It's almost like he's trying to be a physical buffer between them. "Hay! Hold up!" he begins. "You can't just steal her from us like that! The Survey Corps needs talent like hers to complete the Pokédex! She's a master at catching Pokémon!"
Captain Zisu counters, "Perhaps, but she's a smart trainer that's strong. I saw the battle that you two had. That Growlithe of hers is powerful, but stubborn and disobedient." The comment makes the Hisuian Pup's hackles rise in anger. The reaction is ignored by the older woman who continues. "Had Akari not been a master of strategy, she would have lost the match. That's the kind of skill I need in the Security Corps. I want someone who can take on any situation, regardless of the odds stacked against them, and win."
The direction of the conversation isn't entirely unexpected and yet, it still has Akari's mind reeling. While the words are obviously complementary, there's still this strange nagging feeling inside her. It's stating there's an ulterior motive to this, but what is it? Rei seems to have caught on as well as he looks just as confused. However, at the moment, his anger is stronger than his perplexity. He suddenly bristles, looking like a ticked off Liepard as he growls, "Captain Cyllene would never permit the poaching of her best talent."
Captain Zisu snorts, looking unconcerned. "I don't need her permission. I only need to plead my case to the commander." The statement causes Rei to growl in displeasure. Captain Zisu ignores the reaction as she continues, "Let's not forget that the commander values the protection of Jubilife Village above all else. If Akari's presence within my ranks will do that – well, we both know he won't hesitate to reassign her."
"That's not fair!" Rei snaps. He's fighting a losing battle. Captain Cyllene answers directly to Commander Kamado. She's unquestioningly supportive of all his orders as well. If the request is made that Akari transfer to the Security Corps, Captain Cyllene will fill out the paperwork herself.
Captain Zisu is unmoved. "This isn't about being fair or friendship. Akari – like you – is a member of Galaxy Team. She's expected to do as she's told."
Akari frowns. She's starting to get a little angry herself. "This isn't the military." The comment slips out before she can stop it. "And I'm not something to be fought over. I'm my own person. I also don't appreciate the way you spoke about Growlithe. He's a good Pokémon." The tone used holds a hint of steel that is uncompromising. "I refuse to join your ranks."
Growlithe looks up at Akari with shock. He hadn't expected her to defend him. She is treating him like a pack member. This causes something primal to stir within him, an instinct to protect her at all costs. He glares at Captain Zisu, a growl forming on his lips. This woman is making his human unhappy. That makes her a threat.
"Oh? What this?" Captain Zisu's gaze becomes darker, displaying her own temper clearly. "A Galaxy Team Star Rank One thinks she can tell a captain no." The way their ranks are stressed is an obvious warning for Akari to remember her place. This in turn causes Growlithe's growl to deepen. He won't let this woman bully his human, but she doesn't back down. Instead, Captain Zisu addresses him. "And you, as a captured Pokémon, are to follow the orders of your trainer without question. It's not your place to question her strategies."
Now Akari really is mad. "Don't talk to him like that!"
"Oh?" Captain Zisu looks back at Akari, arms crossed and a scowl on her face. "I'll have you know stranger from the rift, that I don't take kindly to backtalk."
Right. Captain Zisu is just like everyone else – superstitious. It doesn't matter if she's Flint's ancestor or not. Akari won't let anyone disrespect her like this. It doesn't matter if that person is a captain or some random nobody on the street. "So, I'm just the stranger from the rift to you." It's said with a lot of heat. "Is that also the reason you're so keen on me joining the Security Corps? Is this a way for you to personally keep an eye on me?"
"And if it is?" Captain Zisu retorts. There isn't an ounce of guilt in her expression.
Akari scoffs. "Then I'm done." And she means it. "This place is just too toxic. I've tried to ignore the sneers and the comments but I'm only human. I'll just leave so everyone can sleep well at night knowing that the dangerous stranger from the rift is no longer among you." She recalls how the commander had warned her that it wouldn't be easy to make a life here; that people within the village would have a hard time accepting her. This had made the hostilities she faced expected but that didn't take the sting out of them.
"Akari, no!" Rei is distressed. He can't lose his new friend like this.
"Pika! Pika!" His Pokémon is just as distraught. Akari doesn't deserve to be tossed out! Not like this!
"Hush!" Captain Zisu commands. Rei sucks in his breath, biting his lips to force himself to keep silent. Pikachu is glaring, sparks cracking on his cheeks. Captain Zisu studies them both for a moment. They're loyal to this unusual girl, she can tell. "You've gotten rather mouthy as of late Rei. That's not like you."
Rei flinches. It's clear that he's uncertain about how to handle the situation but there's no doubt about his opinion. It's impressive really. He has always been rather shy and submissive by nature. There was a time when he wouldn't dare question authority but now? Something within him has changed. It's made him stronger in a lot of ways.
Captain Zisu shifts her attention back towards Akari. The changes within Rei are because of this girl. She literally dropped out of the sky one day, possessing skills and insight that shouldn't be possible for someone her age. She's an influencer, changing ideas and mindsets of all those around her without even realizing it. It's making the oldest generation – the elders if they must be labeled – rather nervous. These old crows don't possess any kind of rank within Galaxy Team. However, they're an opinionated bunch that like to uphold outdated traditional values. Commander Kamado often appeases them just to prevent headaches but not this time. He hadn't banished Akari when they had demanded it from him. This rattled them rather negatively.
Looking at Akari now, Captain Zisu can understand why they're so threatened by her. She isn't like them – any of them – including Professor Laventon, who's always been very liberal with his ideas concerning Pokémon. She can understand the creatures in ways that can't be explained. It also appears that the girl has one hell of a backbone. "So, you'd leave this place?" It is hard to believe. The wilds of Hisui are very dangerous.
"Yes." It's said without hesitation. Akari isn't playing games. "I will do what I must."
"Is that so?" Captain Zisu watches the girl closely, looking for signs of deceit. This is a skill she'd mastered back in Johto as her father had been an interrogator. He'd taught her all about the little things to watch for: indirect eye contact, delayed answers, twitching – all are subtle clues. Naturally, a skilled liar knows how to control their response but there will be other signs. "I find it difficult to believe that someone would willingly leave behind both shelter and protection for the savage wilds."
Akari holds her ground. "I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't miss those things. However, I'm no longer helpless thanks to the skills provided to me by Galaxy Team. Professor Laventon, Rei, and even Captain Cyllene, have all taught me invaluable lessons that I will take with me." She smiles bitterly. "Besides, remaining in a place this spiteful isn't good for my mental health."
Captain Zisu knows Akari is being truthful. It's clearly displayed in her stubborn posture. This causes something within the older woman to shift. Akari isn't a bad person. She's just different. "You really don't have any sense of danger." This time, the statement doesn't hold insult. The heat in Captain Zisu's tone is also gone. "I'm such a fool."
Akari's eyes widen slightly. Rei also looks taken aback by Captain Zisu's words. Akari finds herself asking, "Are you… alright?" Perhaps, given the situation, it's a little odd to show concern for someone who was just being rather harsh towards her. However, this is just the type of person she is.
Captain Zisu is now frustrated. Akari is genuine, and sweeter than sugar. "Aw, dammit… I just can't do it…" She looks at Akari, her expression apologetic. "I just can't bring myself to bully you into submission. I tried – I really did but I just can't."
Rei glowers hotly. "That's unfair! You shouldn't do that to people!"
"Oh, lay off," Captain Zisu growls. "I know I messed up!" She lets out a long-suffering sigh, appearing aged well beyond her years. "As you know, things have been difficult as of late. The Security Corps is under a lot of pressure because of that dammed rift swirling about."
Rei supposed that's true. "But that isn't an excuse." He's not ready to let her off the hook just yet. She'd judged Akari unfairly, hurting his friend's feelings in the process. "You should apologize."
Captain Zisu is getting irritated. "I'm trying dammit…"
"Rei." Akari's call is gentle. "It's fine. Let it be." She can tell the older woman is attempting to right her wrong. Yes, she's making some excuses, but it's fine. Swallowing one's pride is hard. Voicing an actual, I'm sorry can be even more difficult. She's just happy Captain Zisu has realized her mistake before taking things too far.
"Fine…" Rei will respect his friend's request. This doesn't mean he has to like it though. Akari is too nice for her own good.
Captain Zisu studies the two Survey Corps members in front of her. Rei's right, she shouldn't be acting this way despite the frustration she is feeling. It's not Akari's fault that the elders are a difficult bunch. She's also certain the girl is going to shake the very foundations of Jubilife Village if left unattended. That doesn't bother Captain Zisu, she thinks it's high time for things to move in a different direction but the girl's going to face a lot of opposition. It's best to give her a heads up. "Look, I messed up. I admit that. I'm not usually like this. Using one's rank to get one up on another person is disgusting behavior. My skin was crawling the whole time I was berating you."
Rei's eye twitches. "Then why did you?"
"The elders." Captain Zisu looks agitated. "As you probably know, they'd demanded that the commander banish Akari. He didn't. Captain Cyllene isn't entertaining their nonsense either. This means they had to come up with another plan. I, as head of the Security Corps, became the next person they decided to harass. They got it stuck in their heads that I could somehow fabricate some sort of security risk. I told them to bug off, but they kept coming back and somehow the old crows got under my skin. I figured that if I forced Akari into my ranks they'd lay off."
A frown tugs at Akari's lips. This hurts A LOT. How can people hate her without even knowing her? She closes her eyes, attempting to fight off the strong negative emotions bubbling up in her chest. It's at that moment she feels the sensation of a cold wet nose nuzzling into her palm. She looks down to see Growlithe attempting to comfort her in his own puppylike way. There's no doubt he can smell the sadness wafting off her in droves. As for Rei, he just shakes in anger. This isn't right. However, there's nothing he can really do except stand by his friend's side.
"I'm sorry, kid," Captain Zisu states. "I know the truth hurts." She steps forward, placing a hand on Akari's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "But it's super important that you understand that there are people within this village that are out to get you. I don't think they'll stop anytime soon either so be on your guard. The commander won't protect you if you let them get any kind dirt on you."
Akari inclines her head. "Thank you." It's a warning she will take to heart.
Captain Zisu's expression softens. "You've got allies though – in Rei, your captain, and that goofy professor the commander likes to keep around." Her tone is light in an attempt to be encouraging. "I'll also guard your back as will Seth. He's had nothing but good things to say about you." She then smiles, squeezing her shoulder once more before letting go.
Rei swallows the remnants of his anger. Captain Zisu is difficult to understand. She's rough around the edges yet can be extremely motherly to those within her ranks. It's an odd combination but it works.
Captain Zisu states, "It's getting late." It's best to put this topic behind them. They're not exactly safe from eavesdroppers.
"Oh, man! It is!" Rei suddenly looks flustered. "Mai's not a patient woman!" He turns towards Akari. "I have to get to Deertrack Heights right away!" He moves, appearing ready to dash away when he suddenly pauses, looking back at his friend. "You don't have to come right now – in fact, Beauregard was inquiring about you this morning. He knows your back in the village."
Akari is confused. Isn't she supposed to go with him? "Do I really have the time to spare on that?" While it's true that she'd been planning to complete Beauregard's request for a Wurmple this morning, things had gotten rather messy, and time had flown by as a result. It seemed logical to put it off a little while longer.
Rei looks conflicted. The delay is an issue. However. "This is your first personal request. It's super important that you complete it without fail! You should also consider Beauregard's satisfaction with how quickly you complete the request. Good feedback leads to higher rank consideration and often means bigger tips from satisfied customers."
"This is true," Captain Zisu adds. "Rei will go on ahead and you can catch up when you're done."
"That's right!" Rei nods. "And I really should go!" He lifts a hand, waving goodbye. Then he takes off, Pikachu hot on his heels. It appears that he had forgotten that he'd left his Pokémon out of his Pokéball. That's not a bad thing though, as the mouse looks absolutely delighted to be running free next to his trainer.
Akari watches the pair dash through the crowded street until they disappear. She then turns her attention to Captain Zisu once more. "I should be on my way as well." She bows deeply, showing proper respect. Their first meeting wasn't the best, but she has high hopes for future interactions. "Have a great day."
"Good luck." Captain Zisu returns the bow. "Do us proud."
Akari smiles. "I will." She then looks at Growlithe. "Let's go buddy! I have a request to complete!"
The Hisuian Puppy barks, eagerly following his trainer. Like that Zisu woman, he'd misjudged this human. He's going to do everything he can to make up to her.
End Chapter 6
Man, this was a hard one to write. The next one isn't any easier. Mai is difficult to get right. As for this chapter, it's basically the second half of Chapter 5. I appreciate everyone's patience. I also hope that I got all the grammar errors but I'm sure I missed some. I usually do as re-reading my work over and over as I edit and add things makes my eyes tired. Anyway, I hope it was worth the wait and just know I'm working on this story when I can. Work - I'm a dog groomer - is starting to pick up as all the pups are coming into the salon to have their winter coats shaved off. There are days I'm just too tired to write. My brain is mush. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoys.
Also, a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who started following. I also like hearing what everyone thinks. Please drop a review if you can!