Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Team Eve - Book One

Chapter 4: Confessions of Kin

Evie looked at the Stoutland in confusion, he smiled at the setting sun, "Let me tell you, the truth about our friend Kin."

Evie watched Stoutland, he smiled at her and began his tale.

"Kin was born alone, he hatched in a Mystery Dungeon, this particular dungeon was extremely dangerous, it was a volcanic island with lots of powerful Pokémon, to survive he couldn't allow himself a conscious. He fought on instinct, he attacked others, and stole for food. Then one day I found him, Pokémon inside Mystery Dungeons are territorial, but the little Riolu I found that day, he was fighting to survive, so I took him from the dungeon, I tried to raise him as my son, I taught him to think, to speak and talk. He changed, he became one of the nicest Pokémon I knew, but he couldn't forget the horrors of the dungeon, he would have nightmares, he would wake in violent fits and start attacking randomly. Sometimes he would act on pure survival instinct, he didn't mean to, but he couldn't stop it, and that terrified him, he didn't want to hurt anyone, so he spent countless hours training."

"Training?"

"Yes, training. Training himself not to attack others, to control himself, he got better and now he's the kind Riolu you know today, he tries to avoid anything that might trigger his violent instincts but sometimes... things happen."

"Like with Levi..." Evie said, understanding dawning on her.

"Right."

"But, what did Levi do?"

"He threatened you."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. Kin has a strong sense of Right and Wrong, Levi crossed a line and Kin couldn't stop himself, he instinctively fought to defend you."

"Defend me? But why? Sure he's my friend but I barely know him."

"The day you and Kin met, you did something no-one had ever done before, you gave him a name, and when you did that it was like saying 'You matter, you are important' and that was something Kin had never been told before. Your kindness touched him and suddenly you became the most important thing in his life."

"Really? But he doesn't act like that."

"Oh? May I ask, you share a room with him correct?"

"Yes."

"Where do you sleep?"

"On a bed."

"And where does Kin sleep?"

"I... don't know."

"Your fur, everyday you come to school and it has been brushed thoroughly, you couldn't brush yourself like that, Kin helps you?"

"He does..."

"You're shy, because of Kin you became close friends with Summer and Ez?"

"Yes..."

"You see, since the day you met, Kin has cared for you deeply, he brushes your fur when you can't, he sleeps on the hard floor so that you can use the soft bed, he helps you overcome your shyness. He tries very hard to give you what you gave him, a true friend. Vincent lied to you, Kin is a good Pokémon, give him another chance, he deserves it."

"He deserves a second chance, but I don't."

Stoutland watched as Evie's head dropped and she began to cry heavily.

"I was so mean to him! And after he was so kind, he shouldn't forgive me."

"I'm sure he thinks otherwise."

"But, how can I...?"

"You'll know what to say."

Stoutland offered a knowing wink, Evie dried her tears, barely managed a weak and shaky smile, she nodded to Stoutland turned and ran off. Stoutland watched as Evie ran, down the hill, through town, to the beach.