The nature reserve was beautiful. Lush greenery stretched in every direction, wild Pokémon freely roaming in their natural habitat. Butterfree fluttered lazily through the air, a herd of Nidoran scurried through the tall grass, and a few Poliwag splashed in a nearby pond.
I wanted to enjoy it. I really did.
But instead, I found myself sitting on a flat rock, nose buried in my notebook, scribbling away.
Because, as always, there was work to do.
“Come on, Mia,” Leaf groaned from a few feet away, watching a group of Doduo run across a meadow. “You’re actually choosing to study instead of watching this?”
Blue snorted. “Typical.”
I ignored them, flipping a page.
I was halfway through a new strategy note when—
Thud!
Something small and fast smacked into my notebook, knocking it right out of my hands.
I blinked, startled. “What the—”
Before I could react, a yellow blur bounced onto my lap.
I barely had time to register what it was before—
BZZZZZT!
A sharp jolt of electricity zapped through me, making my hair frizz in every direction.
I yelped, flinching, as the Pokémon leaped off me, landing a few feet away in a defensive stance.
It was a Pikachu.
A small, scrappy-looking one, fur slightly ruffled, cheeks sparking aggressively.
“Pika!” she growled, crouching low.
I barely had time to process before a nearby park ranger shouted in alarm. “Oh no, it’s her!”
I blinked, dazed. “Her?”
“That’s the aggressive Pikachu!” the ranger huffed, jogging over. “She doesn’t let anyone near her. Every time we try to approach, she zaps us!”
I glanced down at myself. My hands still tingled from the shock.
The Pikachu’s ears twitched, tail flicking as she eyed me warily.
“Miss, you should probably step back,” the ranger warned. “She’s unpredictable.”
I should’ve listened.
I should’ve stood up and walked away like a smart person.
But instead, I slowly crouched down, keeping my gaze on the small Electric-type.
“…You didn’t have to zap me, you know,” I muttered.
The Pikachu narrowed her eyes. “Chu.”
I sighed, rubbing my head. “Okay, fine, maybe I did deserve it a little.”
Leaf gasped dramatically. “Wait, did Mia just admit to being wrong?”
“Mark this day in history,” Blue added dryly.
I ignored them, instead focusing on the Pikachu.
She was still tense, but she hadn’t run away. That was something.
“…You’re kinda feisty, huh?” I said, tilting my head.
The Pikachu’s ears twitched.
I carefully extended a hand, palm up. “You don’t like people much, do you?”
She sniffed, looking at my hand before huffing and turning away.
I smiled a little. “Yeah, I get that.”
She flicked her tail, glancing at me out of the corner of her eye.
Slowly, I sat cross-legged on the ground, giving her space. “You’re tough,” I continued. “You don’t let people push you around.”
The Pikachu didn’t reply.
I hesitated. Then, I reached into my bag and pulled out a small Poké Puff I had bought earlier. I placed it gently on the grass between us.
“I won’t bother you,” I promised. “But if you want to come over…”
For a long moment, she didn’t move.
Then—cautiously—she stepped forward.
One step. Then another.
Until she was right in front of me, eyeing the Poké Puff.
Then, with a huff, she snatched it up and chomped down.
I grinned.
Leaf gasped. “Wait—she’s actually letting you near her?!”
The ranger stared, completely baffled. “I… I don’t believe it.”
Pikachu finished eating, then licked her lips, looking up at me.
I smirked. “Not so bad, huh?”
She studied me for a second. Then, suddenly, she jumped onto my lap.
And stayed there.
I froze.
The entire group froze.
Ash’s jaw dropped. “WHAT.”
Blue looked personally offended. “You’re telling me this Pikachu—this monster—zapped everyone who got near her but just decided to sit in Mia’s lap?!”
The ranger looked like he was questioning his entire career.
I, on the other hand, couldn’t help but smile as the little Pikachu made herself comfortable.
“…Guess she likes me,” I murmured, gently scratching behind her ear.
Pikachu purred.
Ash threw his hands in the air. “Unbelievable.”
And just like that—
I had found my partner.
