Separated but Connected

Regretful Outburst

Greninja was awoken by a set of footsteps against the hard tile floor. He pushed himself up into a sitting position, ready to strike if necessary.

The door swung open and Greninja tensed. He expected to see the huge, imposing frame of Lucien. Instead, he saw the skinny, frail frame of Harley. He relaxed slightly. He knew that Harley was no physical threat to him. Still, he couldn't underestimate the kid. He noticed that Harley was carrying a bowl of Poké food. "I've just come to give you some food and to check your wound." Harley muttered softly as he set the bowl down on the tile floor. Greninja took a few steps forward, his senses in high alert. He noticed that Harley suddenly slowly reached into a pocket of his lab coat, and he froze, narrowing his eyes. His instincts screamed at him to attack, but he held them back.

Harley noticed his drastic change in demeanor. "Don't worry, I just brought you a Sitrus berry." He quickly added as he removed said berry and placed it in the bowl, before taking a step back.

Greninja was dumbfounded. Why would Harley risk sneaking him a berry? Sure, he could tell that he was nicer than the others around here, but he never thought he would take such a risk.

Although he generally appreciated the gesture, he still was wary about Harley. He grabbed the bowl of food before sitting down. He began to slowly eat, as if he was testing the food, in case Harley did something to it.

As if sensing his thoughts, Harley spoke again. "If you think I did something to your food, I assure you that I did not. It's safe to eat."

Was this boy part physic type? Or was he just that observant?

Despite the information, Greninja continued to eat slowly, all the while Harley had his eyes trained on his every move. It made his skin crawl. He didn't like being the center of attention, and that trait had only worsened since his capture. Once he finished his meal, Harley took a tentative step towards him. "If you'll allow me, I'd like to check on your wound? Maybe re-dress it so it doesn't get infected."

Greninja stared at him for a moment, before giving him a brief nod. Harley nodded and went over to Greninja's left and slowly unwrapped the bandage, until he could clearly see the long gash. He studied it for a moment. "Hmm, it's not too deep, so I don't think it'll leave a scar. I believe it should be healed up within three to seven days. I'll come by every few days to clean and redress it." Greninja gave him an affirmative nod as Harley redid his bandage. While doing so, Harley talked to him. He told him how he was studying to become a Pokémon doctor when Lucien and his grunts approached him and, well, forced him to work with them.

Greninja listened to every word, even nodding when Harley paused or hesitated.

Harley noticed that he was listening intently. "You seem to be very intelligent, even for your species. I'm sure a trainer would love to have you as their partner." Harley stated.

Greninja gave him a hard stare, which made Harley swallow a bit. "Uhh, that is, if you don't already have a trainer. Umm..." He paused for a moment before continuing. "You know... Lucien sometimes lets his nurses and doctors choose a Pokémon to be their partner. If you'd like, I could chose you to be my partner-"

"Never!!" Greninja growled before he could stop himself. Harley stopped dead in his tracks. Greninja felt guilty, yes, but how dare he have the audacity to even mention replacing Ash!

Harley took a step back, panic flicking on his face. Greninja glared at him, eyes searching for his next move. "I... I see... That was my fault- I'm sorry..." Harley's voice died as he gazed at the floor. Neither one said anything to each other. Greninja watched him with narrow eyes.

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted them. "Harley, Lucien requests your presence immediately." A gruff voice said through the door.

Harley practically jumped. "I-of course. I'll be there right away." He stumbled as he walked towards and out the door, leaving Greninja alone with his thoughts.

Now that Harley was gone, Greninja sighed. He shouldn't have lashed out at Harley, he knew that he meant well, but to even ask him if he'd like to just replace Ash, it just infuriated him. He assumed that Harley knew nothing about Ash, otherwise he wouldn't have asked, he knew that, but he did not care. Now however, he was no longer angry with the kid, he was angry at himself. If he ever wanted to get out of here, he would need all the help he could get. Harley could've been a big help in his escape, but thanks to his carelessness, he had just lost a valuable ally.

Greninja sighed. Looks like he'd just have to work a little harder to escape this dreaded place.