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Akari/Irida - SpatialDawnShipping
(Sorry about the over-use of Growlithe in this fic.... They're my fav Pokémon and I couldn't leave them out XD)
There's like... not enough content for this ship?
Another howl escaped Akari's Growlithe.
Throwing a Growlithe into an Alpha Infernape was a bad call on Akari's part, she would admit that. But she didn't exactly have another choice. The only Pokémon she had on hand today was an inexperienced Growlithe. It wasn't her intention to get into any fights today, it was supposed to be a calm and relaxing break from the chaos that had surrounded her life.
Growlithe finally hit the floor after enduring another attack, Akari let out a shaky breath at the sight.
The Alpha Infernape took a step closer.
"Growlithe!" Akari called. Growlithe was already down and out, she wasn't about to let this Alpha get in an unneccessary hit. Especially after the small Pokémon had willingly stepped up to protect Akari. This Growlithe was her friend.
Akari didn't think. She ran towards her whimpering friend and jumped in between him and the Infernape. She covered the small body with her own, trying her best to shield him from the torment that was sure to come. Akari could clearly hear the buildup of an impending flamethrower attack behind her.
This was going to hurt.
Akari clenched her eyes shut and braced for impact.
But the attack... Never came? Well... It did, but it missed. By a long shot. Akari opened one eye and looked off to her right to see a tree had taken the blast and ignited from the flames.
"Wh-" Akari began in confusion.
"Hit 'em with another icebeam, Glaceon!"
That voice.
Irida.
Akari sat up and looked towards the Alpha, Growlithe peeked out from behind her. They could both see that there were three Pokémon blocking the Infernape from getting closer.
An Espeon. A Flareon. A Glaceon.
The Alpha roared as Irida calculated her attacks.
Akari made sure that her Pokémon wasn't severely hurt, the Growlithe simply responded by huddling closer - seemingly thankful for his trainer's sheer dedication to protect him.
The Infernape landing on the floor with a loud thud caught the girl's attention. It was over. The Alpha was defeated.
Irida soon approached Akari, the latter assumed that the blonde would offer a hand to help her up... But no. Irida bent down and reached into Akari's bag to retrieve an empty Pokéball. She reluctantly turned and threw the Pokéball at the Infernape, she took a deep breath and watched the bounce. And....
Caught.
Irida retrieved the ball before turning back towards Akari. She threw it at the girl on the ground quite forcefully, but Akari managed to catch it just in time.
"Now THAT is how you deal with an Alpha!" Irida exclaimed with anger and hurt clearly laced within her voice.
Akari gulped, "I-Irida... Thank-"
"You are such an idiot! What were you thinking jumping in like that?! Alphas are serious business!"
Clearing her throat, Akari placed the Pokéball back into her bag before standing. She retrieved a couple Oran berries from the bag before throwing them into the distance, her Growlithe and Irida's Pokémon happily walked away to tuck in to some food.
Akari could feel Irida's piercing gaze.
"Look, Irida-"
Akari was cut off again by the blonde walking over to her, the anger in her eyes seemingly covered by worry. "Let me look at you," she muttered, a hand coming up to her cheek - the other checking her arms. Akari seriously hoped that her blush wasn't noticeable, "Look, Akari! These wounds could've been a lot more serious!"
Akari has literally fought a few Pokémon that could be considered Gods... This was nothing.
"Ah, it's only a few bruises and scratches. I've had worse," she tried to reassure, "The Alpha got the jump on me, but Growlithe was more than happy to take a stand," she took a step away from Irida.
It was Irida's turn to blush as she realised just how close she had gotten, "You... You need to be careful. I know you can handle yourself but-"
"Growlithe protected me, I was simply returning the favour."
"You could've done that by returning it to their Pokéball! And then you could've actually ran away from the Alpha!"
"..." Akari paused, "Okay, you make a fair argument. I wasn't thinking."
The pair stood in silence as they took glances at eachother - the only noise came from the nearby Pokémon.
Irida sighed as she finally looked into Akari's eyes with a soft gaze. Akari was stubborn and caring and strong... Irida knew that no matter what she said, Akari would protect a Pokémon like that again.
"I'm sorry," Akari muttered before stepping forward, "I know I'm reckless. But I can't help it. I've been researching these Pokémon for a while now and I've somewhat... Grown attached?"
"You know how I worry," Irida sighed.
"Worried about me?" Akari smirked, "Careful. People might start to think that you actually care about me."
Irida glared in response, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"H-Hey, I'm kidding!" she held up her hands in surrender.
With a shake of her head, Irida continued, "Of course I care. That's why I'm here," she folded her arms in a huff, "Adaman informed me that you were coming out here without your Pokémon. Why do you only have a Growlithe on you?"
Akari gulped trying to ignore the fact that Irida actually cared about her, "W-Well, Professor Laventon said that it would be best if I bonded with my Pokémon one-on-one style. I was just having a day off from researching and thought that bringing Growlithe along would be a good idea... In hindsight, I should've brought backup."
You're lucky I love you.
"Well, aren't you lucky that I turned up when I did?" Irida shook her head, "As soon as Adaman told me, I had the feeling that you would get yourself into some trouble."
"Yeah... Thanks, Irida," Akari offered a genuine smile, "You handled it really well. Who knows what would've happened to me if you hadn't shown up," she moved closer before engulfing the blonde in a tight hug. She was quite impressed by Irida taking care of an Alpha.
Hot. Very hot. Irida felt the temperature rise.
Akari's face pressed into her neck? Was this a dream? Was she sweating? She sure hoped not.
Irida soon returned the hug with a content sigh. She still thought it was stupid of Akari to risk her life but... She too wouldn't want to see a Pokémon like Growlithe come to any unnecessary harm either... But she still worried for Akari's wellbeing if she continued to act so reckless. Irida hadn't even noticed that she had tightened her grip on Akari... But the latter didn't seem to care. The pair remained in a hug which lasted a lot longer than either expected.
"Just... Promise you will take a little more care. I'm not going to force you to stop what you're doing. I-"
"I got it, Irida. No more jumping in front of Alphas. Or any angry Pokémon for that matter," a shaky laugh escaped her. Akari pulled away slightly to look into the blonde's eyes, "However... I wouldn't mind it if you were my knight in shining armour from time to time," she winked before pressing a lingering kiss to Idari's cheek.
Irida quickly backed away and turned her head, "I-I don't think you need any help-"
Akari grabbed Irida's hand causing her to squeak. Akari bit her lip before speaking, "I've been meaning to ask..."
Swallowing hard, Irida looked back at Akari. She could feel her face heat up quick, "Oh? Go on?"
"I wanted to know if you'd like to... do something like this again? Just us two? A nice day out to the Cobalt Coastlands. I've heard the Falls are nice at this time of year over at the Obsidian Fieldlands, so maybe there?"
Like a date?
Irida smiled, "I would love to. On one condition," she took a chance and squeezed Akari's hand just a little harder, "You bring backup Pokémon this time."
Akari rolled her eyes but couldn't stop her own smile from appearing, "Deal."