.

             It was a brisk day in early August, and I was taking a stroll through New Centennial Park. Carien was supposed to meet me here so we could to jogging together, but she was an hour late. I rechecked my phone, hoping to see if she had contacted me or not.  Nothing.

“Sarah!”

             I turned around to see Carien running up to me.

She brushed back her hair from her sweat covered face as she came to a halt before me. “I am sorry, I am late.”

             “Where were you? We were supposed to finish our run twenty minutes ago.”

             “I dropped my phone down a sewer drain and spent the time trying to get it back.”

             I narrowed my eyes at her, now noticing all the dirt and grime on her features. “You actually went down into the sewers after it?”

             “Ya. I am not going to pay for a new one. That and it would kill me to lose all the contacts I have on here.”

             I just stared at her for a moment. “How did you even get down there?”

             “There is a manhole in an ally off Maridith ave that I used that was out of sight. Was able to get down there and search without anyone knowing.”

             I nodded, a bit freaked out at the lengths that she went to retrieve her phone. “Cool.”

             “So, do you still want to go for a run together?”

             The wind picked up, and I could smell the lingering odor of the sewer on Carien’s jacket. “Umm, maybe tomorrow. Or after you head home and wash up.”

             She crossed her arms. “I don’t’ smell anything. It’s fine. Let’s go.”

She took off running.

             I sighed. Sometimes I wondered if Carien had a sense of smell.  Let’s get this over with.

I made sure to catch up with Carien and stay upwind. We ran our usual two laps around the park before stopping for a break by the pond in the center. There were some geese there were bathing in the water when we arrived and an elderly couple on the bench trying their best to beckon the little monsters over onto try land.

             Carien walked over the pond and sat down. “Good job Sarah. You actually kept up for once.”

Well, I had an excellent reason to this time.

“Thanks, Carien.”

             “So, can I expect to see you later tonight?”

             I blinked my eyes. “What is going on tonight?”

             “I am going to have a gaming marathon with some friends and thought you would be interested.”

             I nodded my head. “I sure would be. It has been some time since I have just locked myself up for a gaming marathon.”

             Carien stood up, wiping her hands. It only seemed to get more grime on them. “Then it's settled. I will see you around eight.”

             “It’s a date.”

             She laughed. “Sure.” Carien then jogged off. I took a collective sigh of relief that I could breathe again.  Hopefully, before we start this marathon, she has a change of clothing and a shower. Or she is going to chase everyone away.

I started heading out of the park. I needed to return home and have some dinner before heading out to the gaming event tonight. It was four p. m. already and I wanted something substantial in my belly before loading up on junk food.

             As I walked through the park, I noticed a small figure slumped up against one of the massive oak trees. It was my nephew Alex. He seemed a bit downcast as he used a stick to play in the dirt.  Wonder what is going on?

In the distance, I could see my sister on the phone. I could tell by her narrowed eyes and red cheeks she wasn’t happy with the conversation and had been talking for a good while. I looked back at Alex. I was sad that he seemed so alone right now. I walked over to him and tried to see what I could do.

             He looked up as I approached. “Aunt Sarah?”

             “Hello, Alex. Long time no see. What are you doing out here?”

             He pointed at my sister. “Mom said we were going to meet dad today. But he never showed. I don’t’ know who she is on the phone with, but she has been yelling for a half-hour straight.”

             “I am sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

             He shook his head. “I don’t want to make my mom stressed out even more by being seen with you.

Nothing against you aunt Sarah but mom-“

             I stood up. “I know. I grew up with her.”

             I sighed. I didn’t want to just leave Alex here like this.  What can I do, though? He won’t talk to me.

Then I remembered. A few weeks ago, on his birthday, when I had one of the Fredrick’s Fancy products and transformed, I had formed a bond with my nephew. I hadn’t had much of a chance to be there for him before the potion wore off. I knew more about the Fredricks Fancy products now and that every time I drank and consumed one, something exciting would happen.

Maybe I can find one and see if I can transform again. Try and brighten up Alex’s day before I go and game with my friend for the night. Even if I don’t change back in time, it might be ok. I don’t’ want to spend the night with a sewer rat.

First things first, I needed to find a vendor that was selling one of Fredricks Fancy’s products. They seemed to be everywhere now. His business was booming after our last encounter here about two months ago, and I had grown almost a hundred feet tall. But unlike Fredrick, I hadn’t gotten the same level of popularity. It seemed that most people didn’t even recognize me outside of Carien and my boss. Still, though, that was for the best. As I could keep these changes, my little secret a little while longer.

             Eventually, I found a stout looking man selling hot dogs and Fredricks Fancy sparkling water. “Hot dogs. Get your fresh hot dogs here. Best in all of Michigan.”

             I walked over to him, holding my breath at the overwhelming stench of the meat. “I will have some of your Fredricks Fancy Sparkling water, please.”

             He turned to face me, wiping relish from his chin. “It comes with my family's special brand of hot dogs.”

             “I just want the water.”

             “Look, miss. You don’t pay for the dog, you don’t get the drink.”

             I didn’t like the look of the fly-ridden meat that the vendor had prepared. Still, if I wanted at the transformative water, I was going have to pay up. I reached into my purse and pulled out some bills. “How much?”

             “Two bucks. Do you want anything with it?’

             I waved my hands. “No. No.” I was going to dump his food when I was out of sight. I had no real intention of actually eating it.

             As I took the goods, the vendor looked me in the eyes. “I want to see you sample my family recipe.”

             “Excuse me?”

             “I want to see the joy on your face as you experience Toneys Magnificent

Hot Dogs.”

             I tried my best to keep my eyes from widening.

This guy was creepy. I took a tentative bite out of the meat, Toney’s unsettling gaze upon me. The hot dog tasted dry and undercooked. Still, I gave him a thumbs up.

             Toney seemed pleased and turned away. I took the sparkling water, and once I was a reasonable distance away, I dashed for safety. I dropped the disgusting meal into the trash. I then moved into a nearby bush so I could safely transform out of sight.

Well, that was if I didn’t grow. I still knew that using a Fredrick’s Fancy product would change me, but not how. So there was always a risk.

             Once I was sure I was out of sight, I unscrewed the cap of the bottled and drank the contents. The water was soothing to my dry throat. I took gulp after gulp of the pristine liquid. Soon the side effects started to occur, and I started shaking.

I dropped the bottle to the ground as my bones started to feel like rubber.

             I looked at my shaking hand, trying to hold in up in front of my face. I felt a prickling sensation from it. Yellow fur started to grow out of it. As I tried to hold my hand steady, my other hand started to suffer the same fate.

             “What is happening? Why is the fur yellow?”

             I didn’t have much time to focus on this as my bones started to feel like they were on fire. It was a sign that I was beginning to shink. I looked down, and my body was already covered with the strange yellow fur.

It was nice because my clothing didn’t shink down with me when I transformed. I wormed my way out of my clothing as I started to look more and more like a small yellow mouse.

             My ears suddenly grew, becoming long and pointy.

My face became round and cubby. A long zig-zag like tail grew out of me that looked like a thunderbolt. I tried to reach around to grab it, but my arms and legs became so small that I was amazed I could even stand, let along walk on them.

             Two red round dots appeared on my cheeks. At first, I thought it was because of my slight embarrassment. But when electricity pulsed through my cheeks, I knew this was all apart of my new look.

Oh gosh. 

What have you gotten yourself into this time, Sarah?

I had no idea what I had become. I opened my mouth to see what would come out. “Pica. Picachu.”

             I swore I had heard that before.  Is that another one of those pokemon? Well, I am sure that Alex would know and be happy to see me. Unlike the last time at the birthday party, my sister is not going to want to get near me with electricity coming out of my face.  I chuckled.

             I walked out of the brush, trying to get used to my new form. It was challenging with these short stubby legs.  Now, where was Alex?  

It was a bit confusing being this small. I looked up for a familiar landmark but couldn’t find any. Even Toney and his horror-filled hot dog vendor were gone.  Great. I guess I will just wander about on my own then.

I looked for the nearest sidewalk and started on my way. A few couples were walking along the walkway as I came out of the brush. Thankfully no one glanced downward at me so I could just continue on my way without any impediment.

             I turned left, believing that was the way I had come.

I didn’t get three steps before I heard someone scream. I turned around, believing my presence had scared someone.

             As I turned, I wish I had. Two young teens, one man and one woman, were starring at me.

Both were jumping up and down and pointing. “It’s real, right?”

             “And it’s not on my phone. I am going to catch it.”

             “No. It’s mine.

I am going to hug it and love it.

Come here.”

             They both had crazed looks in their eyes. I backed away slowly, but they seemed to take that as an indication to rush me. I turned around and dashed for my life.

             As I ran, I could hear the pair arguing behind me.

“Get out of my way.”

             “No, you. You’re the dolt that scared it off.”

             I ran into the safety of a nearby bush and waited, hoping the two fools would pass by thinking I had dashed out. I had made a grave mistake, though when strong arms wrapped around me. “Got you.”

             I was pulled up roughly into the young man's arms.

His friend tried to reach around him to get at me. “Dammit, Caral. Let me hold it.”

             Caral squeezed me so tight I thought my eyes were going to pop. “No way.

This is my Picachu. Find your own sis.”

             His sister backed away for a moment. “I said, let me hold the little guy.” She then tackled her brother. Carel held a firm grip onto me as we fell, and I hit the pavement hard.

             I had it. I could feel the energy starting to build inside me. Before I knew it, I let it out, and electricity burst forth, shocking the duo. After I wriggled out of Carel's fried arms, I looked at them a bit shocked.  I did that? 

Well, I am not going to wait around for these nuts to come to. They deserved that. I was scared they were going to squeeze me to death.

I went back to looking for Alex, making sure to keep to the foliage more often. I did not want a repeat of the crazy twins. After a few minutes, I found him still sitting beneath the tree. I didn’t see Brunice, though. That was both good and bad. Good in the sense that I could cheer my nephew up and unfortunate that she had left him alone.

             Carefully I walked up to him. He didn’t seem to notice me at first. Trying to get his attention, I said, “Pica.”

             Alex almost jumped out of his skin. “Who’s there?” He then looked down at me. “Oh my god.

It's another…” He seemed to be at a loss for words. “I can’t believe I have seen two real-life pokemon this year.

Come here.”

             I crept up to him. “Too bad there isn’t anyone here to believe me this time. You won’t leave me like Eevee, did will you?”

             I lowered my ears. I couldn’t’ promise Alex that. I couldn’t stay in this form forever.

Maybe I should tell him. It isn’t like these transformations are a secret anymore. Letting him in will help him not feel so broken hearted after. But how would I make him believe me?

He stroked my head but quickly stopped. “What happened to you? There is a cut behind your ears."

             I blinked. The moment Alex had said it, I felt the pain. It must have been from when the crazed fans were chasing me down before. One of them had scratched me to hard.

             Alex reached into his backpack, which was lying next to him. “Hold on, I will get something to help you.”

             I tried in vain to starch at my wound. My tiny arms were just too small to reach around.

Ugh, why did he have to tell me? These dam stubby arms.

Alex put a soothing hand on me. “Just hold on. I will make the pain go away.” He pulled out a piece of cloth from his bag and wrapped it around my head. I winced as the makeshift bandage touched my skin.

“You will feel better in a jiffy.”

             The bandage helped some. There was still some pain, though. Alex then sat back and gave me a big toothy grin. “Feel better?”

             I did my best to show my own smile. Alex’s face brightened up in response. “I am glad. How did this happen to you?”

             Before I could attempt to communicate to him, I heard a familiar voice call out. “Oh, Picchu.

Come back to us, will you?” It was Caral

             A moment later, his sister called out. “No, come to me. I have cookies.”

             I ran into Alex’s arms, truly scared. He held me close in his arms. “Is this who did this to you? Don’t worry, I will protect you.” He opened his backpack. Hide in here.”

             I didn’t need to be told twice. I jumped inside without hesitation. Then the world went dark as my nephew threw the flap over my head.

A few long minutes passed as I just waited to see what would happen. And then I heard Caral’s voice.

             “Hey, kid. Have you seen anything strange come by here?”

             Alex didn’t respond right away. “Only you two.”

             I heard the scuffling of footsteps and then Carel’s sister’s voice, “He is just a kid Carel. He isn’t worth it.”

             “Whatever. Let’s go.

That little devil couldn’t have gotten far. I am going to make it pay for running my outfit.”

             “Your outfit? What about my hair?”

             Their voices started to trail off. “You can do with the extra volume.”

             “Take it back.”

             I sighed. Hopefully, I changed back before they found me again. Even though I wanted to see what the duo looked like now after I shocked them. After a few minutes, Alex spoke to me. “It’s ok they are gone.” He opened the flap on his backpack, let me jump out. “I can see that you gave them a good shocking.”

             I nodded my head. “Picka.”

             “I guess my mother should be careful then if she finds you and tells you to go away.” He laughed. “Please tell me you will stay with me.” He gently hugged me.

             I wish I could make that promise, but I couldn’t. It broke my heart to see my nephew like this.

             He stood up. “Well, shall we find something to do together?”

             I nodded my head. “Pica.”

             “Ok. I don’t have much on me, but I am sure we can think of something.” He stood up, scratching at his head. “Hmm.”

             As he thought, I could feel that the Fredrick’s Fancy potion was starting to wear off. I knew I had to make my decision fast about letting my cousin know. I decided that I couldn’t see him upset again, so I pulled at his leg.

             “What is it?”

             I started to run off in the other direction, going slow enough that he could keep up. “Where are you going? Do you want to show me something?”

             I was able to just make to where I had left my clothing before the transformation started. Alex was staring at the bundle, asking, “Why are these here? Is someone hurt?”

             My body started to feel like it was on fire.

Before I knew it, I was growing.

Alex looked at me in shock.

“Umm?”

             My ears retracted, and my arms and legs grew out.

I quickly reached for my clothing as I became more human-like. Soon I looked like a yellow-skinned woman as I slipped my garments back on. I turned to Alex as my rosy cheeks vanished. I tried to form words, but I could still only say, “Picchu.”

             “What is going on?”

             Now my fur was vanishing, and my tail shrinking.

Alex seemed a bit worried now.

Finally, I was able to say, “It’s ok, Alex. It’s me, Aunt Sarah.”

             He blinked, starting to recognize me.

“Auntie?”

             I finished growing to my original height.

“Yes, it's me.”

             “But how?”

             I reached down onto the ground where I had thrown the Fredrick’s Fancy bottle. “This. I… um have strange reactions when I drink this man’s products. I could tell you some stories.”

             He seemed to relax. “That is really weird. Wait then, was that you on my birthday before?”

             I nodded my head.

             He was speechless for a moment. “I don’t believe it. Well, I do but still. It seems like something out of a movie.”

             I laughed. “Tell me about it.”

             “Why did you show me this?”

             I shugged. “A bit of some people have figured this out, and I couldn’t see you so sad after I had left to transform back again.”

             He smiled. “Thank you.” Alex came up and hugged me. “It means a lot that you have been there for me.”

             I hugged him back. “Any time.”

             Bruncine’s shill voice filled the air. “Alex? Where the hell did you run off to? I told you to stay right here.”

             Alex looked up at me. “I have to go. Talk to you later.”

             “Good luck with my sister.”

             He rushed off. He seemed to be in a much better mood now.

That is good. Glad I could have brightened his day up.

Suddenly two familiar faces passed me by. It was the trouble duo that I had shocked earlier. They both looked puffy and brown. Caral’s sister was still trying desperately to comb her hair back down.

             Caral walked up into my face, his singed jacket still smelling like burnt leather. “Hey, have you seen anything unusual around here?”

             “Like what?”

             His sister was the one to answer. “It is about this height and-“

             “Shut it.” He looked back at me. “Just anything that doesn’t belong.”

             “Like you two?”

             I saw his eyes flash for a moment. I was scared I had crossed a line. But he took a deep breath before saying. “Come on, sis. We are waisting time with this weirdo.”

             “I couldn’t agree more.”

             They stalked off, leaving me alone once more.

I wondered if they would be circling the park all night looking for me in my Pikachu form.  It would be fitting.  

I looked at my phone. It was getting close to six-thirty. I should start heading home so I could eat before my gaming marathon tonight.  Well, it’s time to find out if Carien took her show or not. It would be a quick night if she didn’t.