The Buneary & the Beartic (A Pokémon short story)

Part three ❄️ Taken

A few months had pasted since Ice had taken Minny in, and although her adjustment was slow, she was getting used to living with the feared Pokémon she had dreaded for so long. It took a while for Minny to stop being afraid of the larger Pokémon but Ice expected that, letting Minny adjust to him at her own speed, which for her wouldnt be quick as the haunting memory of what he had done to her parents made her fear him, even if she didn't particularly want to. However, Ice knew that if he rushed Minny's a acceptance of her new living conditions, she would just fear him more.

Ice of course had set out strict rules for Minny that realistically, were quite simple. She was never to leave the cave unless Ice was with her, this was more for her own protection as well as the security of his image since if a single soul found that the merciless ice type had not killed the baby Pokémon as thought, then his reputation would crumble. Another basic rules for Minny was that she was never to disturb Ice if her was asleep, unless it was an emergency, otherwise Minny wouldn't dare wake Ice, even if it wasn't a rule. She was not to ask a lot of questions and never follow Ice out of the cave if he had told her not to. Minny, of course, followed these rules the best she of her ability but as a child, she found it hard to stay out in the cave all the times. Her energy as a young Pokémon naturally made it hard for her to stay still and as she began warming up to Ice she became more and more active, forcing she and Ice to eventually settle on a compromise for one of the rules, Minny may play outside the cave but must be where Ice could see her at all times and if he called her in she must come in without question

Since Miiny had only ever taken care of herself, she found having to obey rules set by others difficult but she did her best not to anger the Ice Bear Pokémon. Her fear of being eaten as so many others had would always hang over her like a dark cloud but no matter how much she lied to herself, she could not deny the fact that she like being taken care of and appreciated. Or the fact that she was learning to enjoy the company of her capture since he, despite what she'd always been told, was actually quite gentle, calm and quiet.

Ice collected berries for them to eat and had shown Minny the water hole next to his cave. He told Minny she may go there whenever she wished proved she tell him first. When the first day of each month came Ice would leave the cave, giving Minny exact instructions not to leave. She never did, Miiny knew what was happening and knew Ice didn't want her to witness him doing what he was supposed to do to her so many months ago.

The feeling of guilt wasn't something Minny was immune to either, guilty that she was the only one ever to escape the cruel fate that so many others had to face but whenever she thought if it she pushed it away. Guilt would get her no where, and she was finally somewhere she felt wanted. What was so bad about that? Minny couldn't think of anything. Yet guilt still plagued her mind like an infectious disease, gnawing the darkest corners of her consciousness.

She sat by the waterhole, grooming her fluffy yellow fur. She smiled slightly at her own reflection, despite her guilt, she couldn't think of once ever before that she'd felt this happy, accepted and wanted.

Ice came to her side, padding through the snow on all fours. "Minny, I'm going to collect berries. Will you be joining me?"

The young Buneary nodded and turned to face him. "When do I ever not?" She giggled, pouncing around like a new born Ponyta.

"Come on then." The much older Beartic smiled back at her, nodding his head for her to follow.

She jumped up to her feet, skipping happily by Ice's side. Though her adjustment had been slow, Minny was feeling more comfortable with being around Ice. She knew he wouldn't hurt her, but at times still felt nervous to be around him, when he was angry was a good example as he would growl and stomp about while Minny would cower in the corner.