Separated but Connected

Gaining Full Trust

Greninja listened closely as Harley told his tale. When Harley mentioned how his Greninja was bullied by its pond-mates, long-suppressed memories began to arose within his subconscious. His mind flashed with memories of himself being confined and attacked by his pond-mates, all because he wasn't like them. He wanted to become stronger, while all they seemed to want to do was play and have fun. Greninja remembered how he thought they were all weak because of this. Unlike him, Harley's Greninja wasn't bullied because he was stronger than it's pond-mates, it was because he was weaker than them. Greninja balled his fists. He had long-suppressed these memories because of Ash. Unlike his pond-mates, he was the only who truly understood him.
He did not want to be reminded of his past troubles, not after he had been able to suppress them for so long. He just clenched his fists, willing the hurtful reminders to go way, as he focused on Harley's words.
The more Greninja listened, the more he understood him and grew to pity him. Just like himself and Ash, he was very close with his Pokémon. The fact that one of his species suffered so much turmoil was horrible.
Greninja's eyes widened when he learned that he was the first Greninja Harley had seen since his own passed. Now his behavior started to make sense. Why he was so gentle and kind. Why he had asked him to become his partner.
He was pulled out of his thoughts by Harley asking if he could trust him.
Greninja thought for a hard moment.
He had made up his mind.
Before he had the chance to respond, someone opened the door.
A woman with dark brown hair and green eyes entered the room. Her lips were curled into a ugly sneer. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the famous Greninja," She mocked. "I happened to cross paths with your trainer and his friends. They were so weak without you, you know. Your trainer practically collapsed onto his knees and begged for mercy." She laughed.
Greninja clenched his jaw as his shoulders grew tense. Nonetheless, he didn't rise to the bait. He would not give her the pleasure of a reaction.
She sneered at him before turning her attention to Harley. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I was just checking its wound." Harley replied.
The woman nodded. "Lucien wants to have a little chat with you," She had her eyes glued towards Greninja. He stood up straighter, meeting her gaze.
She sneered at him before she retrieved something for her pocket and threw it at Harley, who, in his surprise, nearly dropped it. It appeared to be a black bag. Greninja eyed it warily, knowing what it was intended for.
"Put the bag over its head before we return." The women demanded before she took out a pair of hand cuffs. "Take these just in case. This one is known to be a fighter." She hissed with distain.
Greninja fought the urge to roll his eyes.
Harley glanced at the cuffs, before taking them from the women's hands. "Thank you, but these won't be necessary. It's under my control, but to please Lucien, I'll take them just in case." Harley replied.
The women turned to look at Greninja, her eyes narrowing just a bit, before turning back towards Harley. "We shall see." She muttered before turning and exiting the room.
Harley sighed as he dropped the cuffs. "I wasn't lying right? You've decided to trust me?" He asked.
Greninja nodded without hesitation. "You have my word, Harley."
Harley let out a smile. "That's great." He said before he looked down at the bag. "Unfortunately, looks like you'll have to be blindfolded."
Greninja nodded sadly. It could always be worse though. At least he wouldn't have to wear those restricting cuffs.
Harley walked over towards him. "When they return, you must allow me to put this over your head, and no matter what, do not resist when they come with you. Can you do that for me?"
Greninja frowned. He didn't want to be ruthlessly dragged anywhere! But for Harley's sake-and mostly importantly, his-he nodded.
A few minutes later, two goons came through the door. Greninja glared at them, before kneeing before Harley. He looked up at him and nodded.
Harley nodded back and gently placed the black bag over his head. Greninja's vision was shrouded in darkness as he felt vice-like grips around his arms. His body begged him to fight back, but he forced himself to go limp in their arms. He was practically being dragged out of the room. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his back. He felt himself stiffen, stricken with apprehension, he had no idea who's hand this was, but he was soothed when a gentle voice whispered in his ear. "Relax. It's just me."
Greninja mentally sighed. It wasn't some faceless grunt, it was Harley.
Together, the allies walked down the hall, towards whichever room Lucien was sitting in, waiting for them.