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A series of events had once again led to the trainers and their Pokemon getting split up into mixed groups. The sky was growing dark and Pikachu and Meowth sat on a grassy knoll, gazing at the setting sun as it dropped toward the horizon. Tired from all that walking, they had decided to settle down and rest for a bit in the hopes that their trainers would soon come upon them and be reunited.
"Well." Meowth rested back on his arms, letting out a long exhale. "It's a nice view, huh? I guess it's nice to just sit and take it in once in a while."
"Pika," Pikachu murmured softly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He lowered his head, looking a bit sad. "Pikapi, pikachu."
"Yeah, I know. You'd rather be seeing it with your twerp trainer, right? You're missing him, aren't you?" Meowth gazed at Pikachu. "I can tell you really care for your trainer. You two have such a deep bond."
"Pi." Pikachu narrowed his eyes and looked at Meowth, speaking in a somewhat accusing tone. "Pikachu, pi pikachu?"
Meowth flinched slightly. "Yeah, I guess you make a good point. I'm one of the bad guys who's trying to separate you so I really shouldn't be talking about that, should I?"
"Pika, pikachu?" Pikachu tilted his head.
"Hm?" Meowth blinked. "Don't we ever get sick of it?" He let out a little laugh. "I dunno. We've been at this for so long now, it's like second nature to us. Can't imagine us doing much else at this point. If you're feeling sorry for us, you're free to come along and hand yourself to the boss."
Pikachu turned his head away sharply. "Chu."
"Yeah, I know, that was just a joke." Meowth waved a paw. "You'd never come with us. So we're just gonna keep on chasing after you and getting blasted off until the end of time, I guess. Honestly, at this point, I wonder if we're really doing this to... no, never mind."
Pikachu stared at Meowth with a confused look. Then, looking pensive, he spoke again. "Pikapi chu pi?"
"Hate him?" Meowth's eyes widened slightly. "Heck, no. The twerps are annoying and all, I'll give you that, but hate is such a strong word, you know? They are a thorn in our side and we're a thorn in theirs. Hate is... it's an ugly emotion. I've seen it. I've seen it in the eyes of people who chased me away when I was stealing food to live. Admittedly, maybe I hate that damn Persian... but the twerps? Nah. I think I might have a soft spot for your twerp by now. Maybe Jessie and James too." Meowth's eyes fixed on Pikachu. "Do you think he hates us?"
Pikachu didn't say anything for a long while, just staring out at the horizon. Finally, he shook his head, letting out a small "Chu".
"I see," Meowth murmured, with a smile. He leaned back on the ground, resting his front legs behind his head. "So the feeling's mutual then."