Submitted: 7/12/2019

Word Count: 727

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   Now the Buizel had a mission. To keep Noami alive no matter the cost. During the busy hours when his father was distracted, the young Pokémon would go over to the Oran berries, sneak a few into his mouth. He then scampered off without a single soul noticing. Once within the thicket of the greenery, he dashed his way over to Naomi's home.

   She finally made her stay inside of a hollow den in a tree left over by a Noctowl. He would climb the tree to get to it, hugging his flippers fully around the trunk and inched upwards. He made it to the opening of the den and dropped the berries inside. The Pichu would scramble over to the edge and stuff herself with the berries.

   Sometimes she would shout his name in excitement and then tackle hug him, making him stumble right down to the ground. Although, he didn't mind. The fall didn't hurt that much since the tree was five feet tall. 

   "I-I'm sorry, I get so carried away!" Noami said.

   The Bruizel brushed himself off as he got to his feet. He smiled up at her. "No worries, friend."

   Her chocolate brown eyes sparkled. "Really? I'm your friend now?"

   "Yeah, of course, I considered you a friend from the very start."

   "My first friend, my first friend!" She cheered the phrase as she leaped from her tree and latched onto Markus's face. 

   "Gwa—" He stumbled back before they both landed onto the ground. He held onto her with his flippers and rose her up. "The first rule of being friends, don't get too playful." 

   "S-sorry." Her ears drooped as she was lowered to the ground. 

   "Oh no worries. All I was concerned about your safety. I should be concerned for my safety as well, you're getting pretty strong. That tackle nearly knocked my flippers off."

   "I am!" She jabbed the air with her tiny fists. "Kapow! I'll be able to take on the whole world!"

   "Haha!" He laughed at her adorable spunk. "Yeah, your energy levels have improved too. Those berries are really restoring your health."

   "You'll come back tomorrow with more, right Markus?" Noami asked.

  "Just like always. Maybe we can do some battling when we meet again."

   She gasped. "Yes! Then I'll be able to show how powerful my electricity is!" 

   "Oh Arceus, I know it's gonna be painful, since, y'know, I'm a water type."

   "I'll go easy on ya!"

   "Heh, we'll see." He ruffled up the fur on her head, making her giggle. "I'll cya around, Noami."

   "Cya, Markus." She smiled up at him before he got on all fours and scampered off. 

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The young Buizel sneaked his way inside his father's stand, only to be met with furious eyes. "Where were you?" His father barked at him. Like usual, a line stacked behind the stand, but unlike usual, they were more demanding. Someone shouted where the Leppa berries were, others were anxious about their desired berries running out. 

   "I was getting something to drink," Markus said.

   "It doesn't take you damn near a millennium to grab a sip from the nearby pond and come back. You know how backed up this line is? I needed your help!" He growled. 

   Markus sighed and closed his eyes. He bawled down his anger and rationalized the situation. "I'm sorry, but fussing isn't going to help the customers. What do you want me to do?" 

   Jonathan leaned in and whispered to his ear. "Go find me some Leppa berries right quick."

  "What?! I—, yes sir." Even though he wasn't in the mood to do so, he started heading out the stand and towards the bushes. 

  But then a piercing screech could be heard from the sky. Other thought it was just the Chatot being chased by the local Purugly again, but that was far from the truth. Feathery silhouettes filled the land. Blinded from the sun, the Pokémon from below were unable to decipher what flying type they were. 

   Then, the silhouettes rocketed down from the sky and landed on top of the huts. A gang of Murkrow looked down upon the weary customers. The guards prepared themselves for any possible attacks. The very leader, Asher, stood on Jonathan's stand. 

   Markus spotted the commotion. His mouth widened at the sight of the veteran flying type. "Asher...? What is he doing here?"

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✦ A u t h o r ' s N o t e ✦

Cliffhanger! Dundunduuun! Hehe, I know, I know. Your questions will be answered soon. Chapter five will be released on Thursday or maybe Wednesday if I feel typy. 

Also, while I was playing Pokemon Go, I caught some Buizels! Of course, I named one Markus. UwU