The Invasion (Part 2)

I fired Blizzard at the escaping Mandibuzz, but he was just barely out of range.  I could see frost edging its wings, but it wasn't hindering its flight at all.  Clover was still fighting, attempting to use Leaf Blade, but her strength was ebbing.

Behind me, Umbreon was wearing thin as well, being overrun by the Mightyenas trying to get to Espeon.  While his Sludge Bombs were effective, they could only hit one Mightyena at a time.  I turned briefly around and used Surf, but it knocked them back only for a moment.

Snow wasn't doing so well without her partner at her side.  While her Blizzards were keeping multiple foes away and conveniently freezing some of them, they were coming at her from all sides, Biting her legs and Shadow Pulsing her when she wasn't looking.  When she used Recover, that only gave them the chance to attack all at once.  She didn't know where to turn, where to run, how to attack, or where to attack!

Espeon was hiding in her log den with the safety fake end of the log up.  They could still smell her.  Clover's vines could hold a lot of exertion, but the wood might not.  It was never tested.  She could hear Umbreon fighting valiantly just outside, but she could feel that he was getting tired.  Through the log, she used Hypnosis, putting some of the furious dog Pokemon to sleep, thus allowing Umbreon to use Dream Eater on them as well.  Even with the added help, she could tell by his emotions that Umbreon was being overrun.

Inferno climbed out of the fern bush, disoriented.  Luckily for him, none of the Mightyenas seemed to notice him.  While the fern bush had cushioned his fall, there were some thorns in there somehow.  Those hurt.  It didn't help that there was a rock under the ferns.  He was dazed, hurt, and slightly confused.  What was happening?  He felt like he should be fighting with Bolt.  That was it.  Where was he?

I glanced around at my Clan, which was doing badly.  We were short two members!  Three, since Espeon was pretty much useless in this fight.  How would we make it through this?

CRACK!  BOOM!!

As if in answer to my plea, a massive bolt of Thunder cleaved the sky, striking the Mandibuzz with extreme ferocity.  It and Clover plummeted to earth, Clover making a soft landing for herself with some rapidly grown clover, ironically.  I paused.  The Thunder was huge and powerful, but not quite as big as the Great Raikou's....  That could only mean...

A blur of yellow blasted into camp, braking in front of Espeon's log den, revealing a very angry Jolteon.  Bolt had returned.

His normally spiky fur was even more bristled with rage and crackling with electricity.  His ears were pinned back, flat against his head.  Narrowed eyes filled with fury scanned the confused pack of Mightyena.  He spoke only ten words.

"You want her?  You'll have to go through me first."

With that, he unleashed a massive discharge of electricity, striking every Mightyena and not a single Clan mate.  The Dark Dogs yelped as the miniature lightning bolts struck them, charring their previously glossy fur and massively injuring them.  Bolt kept the electricity coming, firing smaller charges as the pack fled, the shocks prodding their retreating backs and tails, giving them extra encouragement.  Within 30 seconds, the Mightyenas were gone.

Bolt sagged visibly when he was sure the pack was gone.  Umbreon was by his side in an instant, catching him with his shoulder as he almost fell.

Inferno and I said the same thing at the same time.  "BOLT!"  He was back.  And judging by his joyous smile, he was here to stay.

I looked at Espeon and Bolt behind me on the announcement rock.  Espeon looked none the worse for wear, though she was a little shaken.  She looked calm and confident.  "You sure you want to do this?" I asked. 

She nodded.  "Five of the eight members already know.  Why keep it a secret?"

Bolt looked at her kindly.  "Thank you for telling me personally, by the way."

Espeon purred.  "I don't want to hurt you, Bolt.  I really don't."

Bolt shrugged.  "Well, now I get why you didn't want to leave Umbreon.  Not that you'd leave him anyway," he said with a knowing smile.

I looked at Bolt.  "Where did you go when you left?  I couldn't find you anywhere!"

Bolt spoke without looking at me.  "I was never going to leave forever.  Just for a few days to think things over.  I met up with Raikou in a dream, he told me to meet him.  When he did, we talked my situation over.  He pointed out that Espeon and Umbreon were soul mates.  I may have loved her, but it would never work.  That didn't mean I couldn't be friends with her."

"Why didn't I think to say that?" I said, more to myself.

Bolt answered anyway.  "You don't have to think of everything, Splash!  But anyway, he sensed you were in trouble, charged me up to the max, and sent me back to the Clan.  Good thing I did..."

"Yeah," I responded.  "I don't think I've ever seen Inferno so happy."

Espeon touched my shoulder with her split tail.  "The others are getting impatient.  We should start."

I nodded, turning to the other 5 Eevees.  "Eevees!  We have big news!  First off, as you all know, Bolt has returned!"  Bolt stepped forward, smiling as the others cheered for him.  Just for show, he struck himself with a small lightning bolt.  After a bit, he jumped off the rock, landing next to Inferno, who all but hugged his best friend.

Espeon stepped up next to me on the rock.  "Eevees!  Before that attack started, I was about to say something very important."  Everyone leaned forward slightly.  "I will be having kits soon!"