Separated but Connected

Harley's Story

Harley took a deep breath as he looked at Greninja. Its eyes were now their usual slits as it stared unblinking at him. Harley paused. He wasn't even sure it was listening to him.
A nod from it dismissed that thought though. Harley nodded back as he pulled out a shrouded Poké Ball from his lab coat. "This belonged to my first ever Pokémon," He said before pausing for a moment. He took a breath before continuing. "I picked Froakie as my starter. It evolved all the way into a Greninja-like yourself." He mentioned as he looked at it. Its eyes now were narrowed, but not in an angry way. It was more of a calculated look. Harley continued. "It was shy as a Froakie. Professor Sycamore informed me that it was often bullied by its much bigger and stronger pond-mates." He looked up and noticed that the Greninja's shoulders grew tense and its fists were tingly clenched in a failed attempt to mask its anger. This deeply both confused and concerned Harley, so he made a mental note to ask later. He cleared his throat before he continued. "As it evolved, however, it started gaining not only strength, but confidence in its abilities. We became an unstoppable pair, we both grew and gained confidence together. We were happy. We always battled together. It was my most trusted friend." He paused, his voice tense with emotion. "Unfortunately, such happiness doesn't always last. One day, when we were eating lunch, it didn't look okay. Its skin was clammy and its eyes were glazed over. Before I even had the chance to ask if it was alright, it collapsed right in front of me..." Harley paused as his throat constructed with pure fear and his voice cracked with emotion. "I was paralyzed with fear, I couldn't move. One of my other Pokémon-a Charizard- picked it up in its arms. I've been so scared that I forgot to put it in its Poké Ball. We all rushed to the nearest Pokémon Center, where we sat for a couple of hours. I paced back and forth, all while my other Pokémon gave my sympathetic looks. After a few hours or so, Nurse Joy came out and told us that Greninja had some sort of illness, which, to my horror, had no known cure. I didn't know what the symptoms were, so I was surprised when it woke up after another hour. I was so ecstatic that I burst through the door and wrapped it in a big hug. Nurse Joy said that if something like this happened again, that we should go and see her. After that, I decided to take it easy with its training. I didn't use it in many battles, which it didn't like, and to tell you the truth, neither did I. But I did it anyway, for its sake. After about a month of not seeing any symptoms, I thought the illness had passed... Unfortunately, I was wrong." He said sadly as he turned towards Greninja, who's eyes were wide and its face shown a sympathetic look. "One day when we were traveling, a Rhydon suddenly came out of nowhere and blocked our path. Apparently, I had accidentally entered its territory. Before I had to the chance to summon my Pokémon, Greninja's Poke Ball opened and it came to my defense. As soon as I saw it, I could see that its skin was once again clammy and its eyes were glazed over. I tried to recall it, for I knew what would happen, but it refused. It wanted to protect me, even at the cost of its life. It swiftly overpowered Rhydon, causing it to retreat. I nervously stepped towards it, asking it if it was okay. It responded with a nod as well as a huge smile upon its face. Suddenly, its knees gave out and it fell. I caught it in my arms at it stared up at me with grateful eyes and a small smile. I quickly released my other Pokémon as we all huddled over it. I couldn't contain my tears so I let them fall. It weakly reached a hand up and wiped a tear before flashing me a weak smile. I saw it shed a tear before it closed its eyes and its chest slowly rose and fell until it stilled. I couldn't believe it. My starter, my best friend, was gone. I hugged its still body and cried. I cried and cried until there wasn't any tears left to shed. My other Pokémon also grieved with me. Together, we brought it to Nurse Joy to be put to rest. I vowed from that day on that I would find a cure for this illness, so no one would have to go through the pain I had. I had only just begun my research when Lucien approached me. He told me that he was willing to help me with my research if I came with him. I was a bit put off by his forcefulness, but accepted nonetheless. The very next day, I first laid eyes upon you. You were in a small cage, unconscious. I was shocked, as you were the first Greninja I had seen since..." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I asked Lucien why you were in such condition, and he told me that they only put you in the cage for your own protection. I had an feeling that wasn't the real reason, but he told he not to worry and if I did as I was told, my research would be done sooner.
However, when I saw them doing experiments on you, I knew I had to help you. Lucien told me you were wild, but subconsciously I knew differently. It was only after I learned about your trainer- Ash, was it?- that I decided to help with your escape. I owe you and my Greninja that much. Now, do you trust me enough to help you?" Harley said with a tired, yet hopeful edge to his voice.
The room was silent for a moment. A moment which felt like a hour for Harley.
Unfortunately, just as it was about to speak, a knock interrupted them.