Dark cravings

The fire was lit enough to where it was near the pot having added enough ingredients to start cooking the stew. The scent of it makes your nose twitch, and your stomach rumbles once more.

It’s a shame that I couldn’t have Valorie…’ I thought before realizing what I meant before squinting my eyes tightly. ‘Stop thinking that Rai! That line of thinking is wrong!’ You thought as you looked around to see Kate.

She was sitting on the log, waiting for the contents in the pot to be ready and it was that where you had an idea to get your mind off of the incident.

“Hey Kate, while we wait for the stew to cook, how about I teach you another move?” You offer. The Pachirisu blinks a bit from the offer, unsure how to respond.

“It’ll help us get our minds off of waiting for dinner to be done, and you’ll learn another move that could help us.” you pointed out with a smile. “Take down two Pidgeys with one rock throw.”

“Well… Okay.” she stated, standing up and you two headed off to a different direction while everyone else just relaxed by the fire, though one watched you leave.

You move a little bit away from the camp so no one will disturb you, but not too far that they wouldn’t hear if something happens. You were about to get started before you noticed your sister looking sad.

“Still thinking about what happened back there with the Malamar and Jynx?” You asked.

“If I didn’t rush ahead, you all might’ve been there earlier and would’ve had an easier time beating them, and when Nina needed help, I froze…” Kate muttered, holding her tail for comfort.

“We’ll help you build courage, so that if a situation happens like that again, you won’t freeze up.” You stated, placing your paw on her shoulder. “Remember what I said, Rachael and Nina were also scared, but they didn’t let that fear stop them. You can get that as well.”

“I-I’ll try.” she stated, nodding her head and you nod in response.

“Okay, now onto learning a move.” You stated, “Now tell me, when you think of electricity, you think it can only hurt and paralyze your opponent right?” The Pachirisu nodded her head.

“Well actually, electricity can help others out of bad situations.” You pointed out.

“Really?” Kate asks, looking excited, “How? It usually is meant for hurting or stopping others.”

What our electricity does depends on our intent and control. If I want to hinder my opponent, I give out a little bit of electricity to paralyzed them. If I want to fight, I generate a lot.” You explained, showing your palms sparkling with electricity. Also, there are times where we can use our electricity to power ourselves or others up.”

The Pachirisu watched you starting to gather electricity within your body, when you were done, Kate saw your entire body surrounded with electricity sparks. “Wh-what did you do?” She asked, looking amazed.

“This is Charge. When I use this move, the next electric type move I use will be much stronger than before. It will last a little while, but it will fade if not used. This is a move that benefits me, but what I’m going to teach you will benefit others.” You move back a bit in preparation.

“Now, I want you to gather electricity from within, but instead of thinking of powering yourself up, think about wanting to help someone. Once you’re done, send it towards me. If successful, I should be feeling more powerful.” you explained, giving Kate an opportunity to try it out. The elesquirrel looked nervous, but she stared at her paws, feeling electricity crackling in between the space. You stare at her intently before she sends the electricity towards you. It connected and momentarily ran around your body harmlessly due to not having enough power, but nothing else came afterwards.

“It didn’t work.” You stated.

“It’s hard trying to think positive and gather enough power to send to someone.”

“We’ll just have to keep at it until you succeed.”

Do we have to?” Kate whined.

“Yes, we have to, so stop complaining.” You stated, motioning for her to try again. “Remember, think positively while gathering electricity.”

You see Kate gathering electricity once more and send it to you. You feel a bit more from it, but it faded. “Almost there. Just a little more.” As they say, third time’s the charm as then you felt strength running through you, both physical and special.

“I got it!” Kate said happily.

“You did, now let’s make sure you can do it without issue.” You stated as you drill her into repeating it.

*Kate can now use Helping Hand*

The Pachirisu was panting a little from having used a good amount of energy from practicing Helping Hand.

“Looks like you got it now.” You stated with a nod as you saw her sat down a bit rough. “Whoa, you okay Kate?” You asked, looking concerned you pushed her too hard.

”I’m alright, just a little dizzy.” She stated, placing a paw on her forehead.

“Maybe you’re still a bit unwell.” You stated.

“Uhh, you mean I have to drink that herbal tea again?…” she muttered, grimacing at the thought.

“Well actually, I found some children's medicine on the way-oh wait, it’s actually empty.” You stated, taking out a small, worn down and empty bottle. “Why would someone have trash with them?” You asked yourself.

“Where did you get that?!” A voice broke your train of thought before you look and see Neku staring at you and walking towards you.

“Neku? What are you doing here? Is something-“ you didn’t finish your sentence before the Zoroark’s paws went and grabbed your wrist tightly, causing you pain. “Aahh! Hey!”

“Where did you get a hold of this?! You’re not supposed to have this!” He spoke furiously, yanking it out of your hand.

“Hey, I found it on the floor after dealing with the Slowking!” You stated, feeling his claws scratching your skin.

Neku stared at you for a moment before he looked towards his bag and saw a hole having been opened. “Dammit, again?!” Neku growled in frustration, trying to cover the hole “l knew I should’ve gotten a new bag before departing…” he muttered under his breath.

You stare at the Zoroark and the bottle in confusion. “Why is that empty bottle so important to you?” You asked him.

“None of your business!” He snapped at you, making you jolt and Kate yelped, running behind you. Neku noticed this and eased his stance. “Sorry, it’s personal to me.”

“Why is-“ Kate was about to ask, but you covered her mouth gently.

“That’s his business. He doesn’t have to share it with us.” You told her.

“I was actually here to inform you that the stew is ready.” Neku explained as he placed the empty bottle back into his bag.

“I see. Now we’ve worked up an appetite for it.” You stated to your sister. “Now let’s eat!” You started to head towards the direction of the camp.

“Rai, can you stay here for a minute? I need to speak with you about something.” The Zoroark asked you.

You blink a bit at the sudden request. “Can’t it wait?”

“It won’t be long, I promise.”

You mumbled, but Neku’s face looked serious.

“You go on ahead Kate.” You told your sister. “I’ll catch up in a minute.”

“Okay, please don’t take too long.” Your sister then heads off to join the others. It was just you and Neku alone now. -writing limit

“Alright, so what was so important that you have to ask me here instead in front of others?” You asked.

“What happened back there?” He asked you.

You blink a bit in response to his question before sighing, “I appreciate you trying to cover for permitting you to set fire to the church, but it wasn’t fair on you.” Your mind goes to your friend, “I hope she understands why I did that, but I couldn’t just leave knowing it wouldn’t stop unless something was done.”

He listens intently to your response, “I see, but that wasn’t what I meant.” Neku pointed out, looking in your eyes before stating, “What happened with you and Valorie? You stopped with her halfway down your throat.”

You felt like you took a blow to the chest, making your heart stop for a second. “Wh-what do you mean?” I asked, a pathetic attempt to play dumb.

Neku sighs in disappointment at your response, but he simply explained himself. “I entered the area during her taunts about the potential misfortune that can happen to Kate. Even if I didn’t saw it or your cover up attempts, she was covered down to her waist in saliva, and the only other Pokémon present was Melanie, and she was ****. (-Writing limit)

Your paws tremble from reliving that moment from him bringing it up. It’s pointless to try to deny it any further as you look down to the ground in shame and confusion. “I’ve tried to think of any logical reason, but… I still don’t get it.” I muttered, eyes trembling. “Why would she taunt me like that knowing that she could end up like that?! She would’ve died either way.”

“I guess…” You heard Neku starting to speak, “She wanted to get you to fall to a lower level.” When he finished, you look and saw him staring upwards.

“What do you mean?” You asked, looking confused at what he’s talking about.

“You carry yourself by trying to stay good even with the world going dark from the chaos…” He stated walking around, observing the surroundings. “Because of you exposing her scheme, and causing the Slowking to escape protecting those kids, you showed yourself as a noble being.” Neku placed a paw on your shoulder. “Not only that, but you defeated her in battle, she lost. Despite that, she wanted a victory of her own, regardless if she lives or dies. So she resorted to the method as you know.”

You grumbled, disbelief that someone would sink to such methods even if it comes to ****. Even Melanie wanted to help others before it happened.

“The thing is… that’s not the worst thing about it.” You spoke those words.

“What do you mean?” Neku asked.

“I just… resorted to it without thought.” You admitted, looking scared. “No hesitation, no second thoughts, I just… went with it.” You stare up to the sky. “I mean, I’m no stranger to getting into fights, getting taunted, someone I care about being insulted, but those times the worst I would do is knock them out, not try to eat them!”

“The epidemic has a way of twisting the minds of those who are surviving it. Things one would at one point never consider acting on isn’t so easily kept back anymore.” He stated, taking a firm look at you. “Rai, if you intend to keep yourself from doing something you’d regret, then you must not let your emotions run you. Stay focus and use your head, and be mindful of thinking with your heart.”

When he said that, you nodded your head from those words. ‘I remember when my mom gave me advice similar to what Neku’s said.’

**Flashback-6 years ago**

A forest area was full of sounds, leaves rustling together by the wind as hindpaws from a Pachirisu walked through along the path as she started nearing a small area, she can see the form of a Leavanny sitting in a chair, noticing her approaching. As the Electric type approaches, she notices a bit of black and yellow appearing over a chair.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Mrs. Voltaire.” A masculine voice came from the Bug/grass type, which made the one in the chair jolt a little. The Pachirisu noticed it, but could already tell it was you. “Principal Flynn, did Rai cause trouble?” She asked calmly, sitting in the chair next to you.

“Your son exhibited some concerning behavior in regards to today's incident.” The Leavanny answered her, holding his feeler hands together.

“Miss Flynn, what happened back there-“

“Please let me finish my explanation before you start speaking.” The principal spoke firmly at you before continuing. “He got into another fight with the Elekid during recess.” He explained, “Although the word from teachers said that the Elekid was provoking him and Rai tried to walk away. The Elekid tried to pull a sucker punch, but your son dodged and fought back.”

“So Rai didn’t instigate the fight? So what is the issue?” Your mother asked.

“Well… After your son beat him, he kept kicking him while he was down, stating that he’ll belittle him the same way he and the others did to him and everyone they bullied.”

“N-no! I got caught up with the sensation of beating my bully!” You spoke out desperately, barely keeping yourself in your chair. “I wouldn’t actually commit to doing such actions.”

“And I certainly hope that is the case, but it still warrants being brought up to your parents.” The Principal stated, watching your mother standing up.

“I’ll be sure to talk about this with him.” Your mother said, looking calm.

“This is only a warning, next time will bring more disciplinary actions. You two may leave now.” He stated as your mother took your hand and walked off.

The walk home has been quiet as you walk beside your mother.

“Rai, your father said that it’s good to stand up to bullies, and to defend yourself, but he never said anything about sinking to their low.”

“I know, it’s just that he was insulting me and my dad! Saying that I’m only strong because he’s a guardsman, I couldn’t just let that slide!” You explained yourself, hoping she understands.

“Rai Voltaire, you are a strong-willed, spirited boy.” You smile from hearing her say that, though she does add, “But you’re also rather short-circuited.”

“Short-circuit?” You asked, looking confused.

“It means that you’re prone of acting out on emotions, and can be impulsive.” she explain, looking at you with a stern gaze. “Even if you wouldn’t do what you said, suggesting such methods is still below you, that’s what those bullies do.”

“I wouldn’t. Really!”

“That’s good, but what’s to say the others would actually believe that?” Your mother asked, getting you silent. “Rai, what happened was understandable, but avoidable. You must not let your emotions run rampant. Consider whether you should act with your head, or with your heart. Otherwise, impulsive decision making will bring consequences that could effect you in the long run.”

You listen to her words in silence, feeling like you could’ve avoided that outcome if you just remained in control. “I understand mom.”

“Can you promise me that? I want to hear you say it.”

“I promise that I’ll consider my options before I act.” you said to her, and she responded with her tail wrapping around your waist, feeling her warm fur as you see her smile as you two headed on home.

*End Flashback*

Your mind stopped reminiscing about your time with your mother as you returned to the others back at the campfire.