Two Halves of One Clan (Part 3)

I stared at One with a huge smile on my face.  "Everyone else is ok?"  One nodded ecstatically.  "Thank Arceus!"  I was still marveling over the fact that One had managed to find her mother using her weak telepathy.  Then again, Espeon had probably done most of the work for her...

One had a smile that was, if anything, bigger than mine.  "And they said that they have Streak, too!"

I tilted my head.  "Streak?"

The psychic Eevee nodded.  "Yeah!  Mama said that the humans too him, too, but they hurt him really badly."

I sat down again, curling my tail over my paws.  "But if they have Streak, then where's Night?"  One shrugged and looked at her three other siblings, who were happily play-wrestling each other.  It didn't take a Psychic Type to figure it out.  "Go ahead, go play."

"Thank you, Splash!" One chirped before making a flying tackle into the pile of brown and grey-blue fur.  I smiled and went back to thinking about Night.  I had automatically assumed that the humans had captured both of them when I didn't find either of them.  But if Streak was the only one there...

I flicked a fin worriedly, glancing at Inferno's tail sticking out of his den and occasionally bursting with electricity.  "How's it going?" I called, trying to focus on less worrying things.  My Clan was all right and coming back here right now.

Inferno grunted and backed out of his den.  "Man...  Using that move is a lot harder for a non-Electric Type, apparently..."

I stood up and walked over.  "Tired?"

"Tell me about it.  But he's doing better.  He should wake up in a little bit.  I hit him pretty hard with it..."  I smiled.  Trust Inferno to subtly show off his strength.  I knew that he was powerful, but I found it kind of funny that he made a point of showing it.  Especially when he was downright terrified of water and heights.

I looked at the snoozing (and recharging) Jolteon.  He did look a lot better.  Inferno was right; he'd wake up in a bit.  I looked back at the proud Flareon.  "Hey, if we're going to get the other half of this clan back, we should probably work on putting the camp back together."

Inferno's ears drooped.  "Come on, Splash... I'm tired."

I smiled wryly at him.  "What, a big, strong, Flareon like you is too tired to help his clan after using Discharge a few times?"

Inferno gave me an irritated look, knowing that I had said the right things.  "Well, if you put it that way...  Fine, what should I do?"

I led him towards the camp entrance, where the piles of debris that One and Three had cleaned up were still standing.  "I was hoping that you could get rid of these piles for us, then help find a new log for Espeon, Umbreon, and the kits.  I'll help you find the log.  Sound good?"

Inferno nodded.  "They'd have probably needed something bigger soon, anyway." 

I nodded in agreement before turning away and walking back towards the kits as Inferno started torching the piles with Flamethrower.  "Ok, kits!  One and Three already started helping me clean up the camp, and Inferno and I can't do this on our own!  Ready to help?"

The four of them seemed disappointed that I had interrupted their game, but all stood up regardless.  One began giving instructions.  "Ok!  Three and I already started fixing the camp wall.  We should finish that first!"

I nodded at her.  "Good thinking.  I'll help you with that from the outside until Inferno finishes getting rid of the debris piles, then I'm going to help him find you a new den to sleep in, ok?"

All of them yelled at once.  "Yaaaay!"  Before I could say another word, all four of them raced over to the barrier, One and Three in the lead, and started working again.  I really had to give them credit.  Espeon and Umbreon raised them well.  I didn't know anyone else who, in their pre-evolution phase, would take on such a Wailord of a task on their own with such determination.  And without complaining.

I smiled at the busy Eevees, then trotted outside to begin patching up the camp wall from the outside.

 

Umbreon's eyes went wide.  "One has Psychic abilities?"

Espeon nodded happily.  "Apparently!  She said that Splash told her that some of my powers had rubbed off on her.  Splash also helped her develop them.  Quite frankly, I'm impressed!"

Her mate smiled in amazement.  "So am I!  Wow!"

"One has Psychic abilities?" asked Streak from behind them.

Clover smiled.  "Wow!  Neat!"

Surf smiled as Snow nodded in agreement.  "Congratulation, Espy!  She takes after her mother!"

Espeon smile again.  "Thank you."

Surf walked closer.  "We should really keep going," he said as Clover gave Streak more Sitrus berries.  "We're about halfway there already.  We can make it before nightfall if we hurry."

Clover scanned Streak's haling injuries.  "Do you feel like you can fly again?"

The Staraptor opened his wings and gave them and experimental beat.  "I think so.  I may have to land every so often, but I think I can make it."

"Good," Clover smiled, watching him eat the last of the Sitrus berries that she had given him.  Surf turned back around and lead the way back towards camp as Streak took off, a bit unbalanced, but in the air.

Espeon turned to her mate as they, too, continued walking back home, Four now hovering by Espeon's side.  "When did you hurt your shoulder?"

Umbreon looked at her in surprise.  "When did I- What?"

"Your shoulder," Espeon stated factually.  "It's hurting you.  When did you injure it?"

Umbreon gave her a look.  "...During the explosion.  It got worse after I saved Four from a human, but it hasn't slowed me down too much."

"Because you used Moonlight a whole bunch of times.  And that moon dust, I'm guessing," Espeon concluded, judging by Umbreon's reactions and expressions.

Her mate shook his head.  "You know, Espy, sometimes I swear you can read my mind just as well as everyone else's."

"Nope.  Just intuition," Espeon smiled, rubbing up against his cheek.  "So I want you to tell Clover and have her fix it, ok?"

"Come on!  I can wait until we get home, Espy."

"Nonsense.  I don't want my Escavalier in shining armor to falter at the last minute.  Go talk to Clover."

"But I can-"

"Umbry..." Espeon said, using her pet name for him.  Umbreon couldn't say no to her now.

And he didn't.  "Fine...  But only because you asked me."  He sullenly trotted faster to catch up to Clover.

The Leafeon apparently had overheard the conversation.  She drifted away from Snow a bit to make room for the Dark Type.  "Here to finally get your shoulder fixed?"

"I can make it until we get back to camp...  Shut up..." Umbreon grunted.

Snow looked at him with a sly smile.  "Umbry?"

He snapped his head in the Glaceon's direction.  "Espeon is the only one who is allowed to call me that.  You call me by that name and I will blind you with acid," he stated firmly.  Espeon didn't doubt that he would carry through with his threat.

Snow took a step back.  "All right," she said defensively, but still with a smile.

Espeon looked up and the dimming sky as Clover grew some vines around Umbreon's leg while they were walking.  "That should hold you until we get back to camp.  My cotton seeds are there."

Umbreon thanked her and fell back to Espeon, matching her step for step without even trying.  For a while, they walked in silence.  Finally, Umbreon spoke.  "Do you think that she'll ever be able to actually fly?"

Espeon shrugged.  "I don't see why not.  She has the tools and she's smart.  She'll pick it up." 

Silence fell for a bit longer.  This time, it was Four that broke the silence.  "Mommy?  If One is psychic, Three is lucky, and I can control my energy, does that mean that Two and Five have powers, too?"

Espeon leaned down and nuzzled her son.  "I would expect so.  Maybe you could ask them."

Before he could ask when, Surf called out from the front of the group.  "SPLASH!!"

Espeon heard the familiar voice of the Clan leader as she raced towards her own mate.  "SURF!  You're back!!"

Two Halves of One Clan (Part 2)

I swam to the surface of the pond to see all four Eevees tackle Inferno at the same time, piling on top of him with joy.  Smiling, I pulled myself out of the water just in time to hear Inferno mutter something about not being able to breathe.

I laughed as I trotted over.  "Ok, you four, get off of Inferno," I said patiently.  One, Two, Three, and Five obediently slid off of the squashed Flareon, instead snuggling up to each other and asking about what had happened since they last saw each other.  Even though they were constantly cutting each other off,

"Splash taught us how to swim!"

"Uncle Bolt and Inferno gave us Rapidash rides!"

"We started to fix the camp, see?"

"We climbed trees with Uncle Bolt!"

"I didn't get hurt at all during the explosion!"

"I did, but Splash saved me."

"Uncle Bolt saved us from humans."

"Yeah, and he brought us to visit Soursap!"

"Splash taught me how to read minds!"

"I can use Phantom Force and disappear."

"I just used Wish to save Uncle Bolt!"

"Yeah, you guys know that I'm really lucky..."

Amused by their banter, I sat down nearby and curled my tail over my paws.  Even Two was joining in on the conversation.  The kits then started to swap stories, each pair telling the other what had happened in the others' absence.  One and Three started.

"I don't remember much about the explosion.  Splash said I got knocked out," One began.

Her shiny brother chimed in.  "I didn't!  In fact, I wasn't hurt at all!  I saw a human, and it was big and scary, so I ran, but then I saw Splash!  She had One!  And then she pushed me into the pond!"

"But then she brought us both to her underwater den," One spoke again.  "And she helped me wake up."  Little by little, each story was told.  Inferno paid close attention to the tale of what happened in the camp, as did I when Two and Five began their story.

"You stayed in Soursap's human's den?" I asked Inferno accusingly.

Inferno shrugged defensively.  "What were we supposed to do?  We didn't think the camp was safe!  Where else were we supposed to go?"

I sighed.  "No, I see your reasoning...  I just didn't expect it is all," I explained.

Inferno nodded just as Two and Five wrapped up their side of the story.  The Flareon stood up.  "I'm going to go recharge Bolt."

"Good thought," I agreed.  Inferno nodded and walked into his and Bolt's rock den with the kits watching him.  After a few seconds, a small burst of electricity came from the rock cleft, along with a grunt of exertion from Inferno.

For a few moments, everyone (except Inferno) was silent.  Finally, One turned to me.  "Splash?"

"Yes, One?"

"We still don't know where Four or Mommy or Daddy are.  Or Snow or Clover or Surf," she added as an afterthought.

I tilted my head at her.  "I'm willing to bet that they're all ok.  They all know what they're doing, especially your mother."

"I know," she nodded.  "But humans caught her, remember?  If she's ok, then why hasn't she told any of us?"  Concern and fear filled her big, brown eyes.

I did my best to reason.  "Well, what if she was saving Snow or Clover?  She wouldn't have time to tell you that she was ok.  Maybe it's something like that."  I felt as if I was trying just as hard to convince myself as I was trying to reassure One and her siblings.  "Maybe she'll try to talk to us right now."

One nodded, taking my last words as a challenge.  "Ok, Splash!  I'll try to find her!  Just like you taught me!"  Before I could say anything, One clenched her eyes shut, focusing her mind and trying to find her mother.

Two, Three, and Five watched curiously.  The seconds changed into minutes.  Finally, I stood up, looking at the sinking sun.  "Ok, you four, let's start getting ready to-"

"Mama?" One's voice spoke quietly.  I blinked.  Her eyes were still closed.  Her ears suddenly flew up as she called blissfully.  "Mama!"

Espeon walked in silence next to her mate for a while, occasionally using her telekinesis to lift Streak off of them, giving them a break.  Finally, however, the injured Staraptor made a dull squawk.  Espeon didn't need to say anything to Umbreon.  Both of them stopped at the same time, Umbreon calling out to Surf in front.  "Surf, wait!  Streak is coming around!"

Espeon touched Streak's mind with her own.  Streak?  How are you feeling?  Are you all right?

The Staraptor took a few seconds to realize that he had been knocked out and that Espeon was using telepathy.  Espeon?

Are you doing better?  You were out for a while.

Was I? Streak asked incredulously.  Espeon suddenly felt him growing afraid.  Where's Night?  What happened?  All I remember is seeing an Electrode and then an explosion!

Espeon did her best to calm him.  We don't know where Night is, but we were captured by humans, and she wasn't with us.  We've just escaped.

Where are we headed?

Surf thought it would be best to check and see if anyone in our clan has returned to camp.

Good, that's where I last saw Night.

Clover interrupted Espeon's conversation.  "Here, Espy, I'll grow a Revival Herb for him."  As she did so, Espeon told Streak what was happening.  A few seconds later, Streak shook his head out and beat his wings in surprise, knocking over both Espeon and Umbreon.

"Oh!  Sorry!" Streak said as he hopped over to the couple, almost completely healed.

Umbreon rolled to his paws first.  "No need to apologize.  I would have been startled, too."  He shook out his fur as Espeon got to her paws as well.  She thought she detected some pain in his shoulder as he shook himself.

Clover pushed a few Sitrus berries from her healing store towards Streak.  Just as Espeon was about to question her mate about his injury, something tugged dimly at her mind.  Like Splash was calling for her from a ways away, but without calling her name.  Espeon focused on the weak presence.  Who's there? she asked, not unfriendly, but on guard.

Mama? came the quiet response.  Espeon knew that voice anywhere.

One? she asked hopefully.  

Mama! her eldest kit thought back joyfully.  

Espeon smiled warmly.  One!  You're using telepathy!

Splash taught me how!  She says that some of your powers rubbed off on me!

Espeon had to give her friend credit for that.  Even having no experience with mental powers herself, Splash had somehow helped One develop Psychic powers, even if they were rather weak.  That's great, sweetie!  Where are you?

Two, Three, Five and I are all with Splash and Uncle Bolt and Inferno back home!  Espeon's prayers to Arceus had been answered in that one sentence.  Her whole family was safe.  Her whole clan was safe!

That's really wonderful, One! Espeon thought, meaning every word from the bottom of her heart.  I'm with your father and brother.  We're on the way there with Surf, Snow, Clover, and Streak.

Daddy and Four are safe! One thought, possibly calling it aloud to those she was with.  When will you be here, Mommy?  I miss you!

Espeon smiled as Umbreon gave her an expectant look.  I miss you, too, One!  I miss all of you!  We'll be home as soon as we can!

One's focus broke, ending the conversation abruptly.  She must have gone to tell Splash and the others.  She met Umbreon's eyes.

He tilted his head curiously.  "You only do that when you're having telepathic conversations.  Who was it?"

Espeon couldn't keep the smile off of her face.  "It seems as though our eldest kit is taking after me in terms of Psychic abilities."

Two Halves of One Clan (Part 1)

I looked at Bolt in amazement.  All of the injuries that he had sustained had suddenly vanished, leaving only a few scratches.  "Who healed him!?" I asked again.

Everyone was silent for a few moments.  Then, Five raised a tiny paw.  "Um... I think I did."

I tilted my head at the tiny brown Eevee.  "How?"

Five sat down.  "Well... um... I wanted Uncle Bolt to get better and I looked up and I thought I saw something in the sky and Uncle Bolt got better..."

It took me a second to put the pieces together.  "Something in the sky...  A shooting star?"  Five nodded.  "Five, you just used Wish."

Inferno tilted his head, standing over his best friend.  "Wish?  How?  No one related to her knows that move!  And can we talk about this after we get Bolt back to camp?"

I nodded.  "Right.  Yes.  Here, help me carry him."  I slipped underneath the sleeping Jolteon and slowly stood up, Inferno helping to balance him by pushing him onto the center of my back.  Bolt's spiked fur poked my skin a little bit, but I wasn't about to complain.  I raised my tail to help balance the Jolteon as we walked back towards camp with Two and Five following closely.

Inferno glanced back at the Garchomp, knocked out a short distance away.  "What happened back there?  Bolt dropped me out of a tree and ran ahead.  I only got there after you did."

I did my best to answer as I balanced my load.  "I got there just as Bolt got knocked out."

"Down," Inferno corrected.  "He got knocked down.  He was still awake.  He's pretty resilient."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, just leaving the small smile.  "Fine, I got there just as Bolt was knocked down.  Better?"  Inferno nodded.  "I had heard the Garchomp from the lookout post, so I came running and used Blizzard the second I saw it.  Good thing I did..." I finished, looking at Two and Five.

We reached the camp entrance, which, thanks to One's and Three's hard work, looked a lot more like a camp entrance.  I lugged Bolt to his rock den and gently set him down in his bed.  Inferno slipped past me as I exited the den.  "I'm going to use Discharge a few times on him.  If Bolt is sleeping this soundly, it's because he has no power left."

"Essentially, his batteries are dead," I stated jokingly.

Inferno laid his ears back in annoyance.  "Essentially, yes.  ...That was my line..." he complained.  "Can you just watch Two and Five, please?"

"Sure," I nodded.  "Just give me a second to get One and Three."

Inferno backed out of the den quickly as I turned to jump into the pond.  "You know where One and Three are!?" he shouted incredulously.

I nodded.  "Well, yeah.  I found them right after the explosion and brought them to my den."

Two and Five jumped up, Five pawing at my shoulder.  "I want to see One and Three!" the small Eevee called.

I smiled at her, wondering how she could be so cute.  "Ok, one second, Five!  Let me get them!"  I trotted to the edge of the pond and dove in, relishing the feeling the warm water on my skin. 

I let myself sink to the bottom before swimming into my den.  At first glance, I didn't see either of the kits... until I saw two pairs of long ears, one brown and one shiny blue-grey, poking out from inside my nest.  "One?  Three?" I called.  "You can come out now.  It's safe again."

Both Eevees bounced out of my nest and dashed over to me instead, snuggling up as close as they could.  One looked up at me with big eyes.  "What was it, Splash?"

"Did you beat it?" asked Three.

I smiled.  "Yes, Three, I did, and One, it was a Garchomp."  Their eyes went wide.  "Don't worry, I know Blizzard.  It wasn't a big deal."  Both kits still looked stunned.  "But...  Guess what else I found?"

Both kits sat in silence for a few seconds, not knowing or willing to hedge a guess.  One narrowed her eyes at me, focusing.  She suddenly lit up as she found the answer.  "Inferno and Uncle Bolt and Two and Five!?" she shouted.  Three's mouth dropped open.

I nodded, proud of One's abilities.  "Yes, but Uncle Bolt is really tired, so don't-"  I stopped talking as both kits barreled out the entrance of my den and into the pond, not even remotely listening to what I said.  I let out a sigh.  This was exhausting.

A tear slipped out of Espeon's eye.  She didn't think she had ever been so happy in a very, very long time.  The love of her life was alive and well, fighting like only she knew that he could to save her.  One of her sons was safe.  She had a feeling that the rest of them were, too, somewhere.  She was happy.

Umbreon's kiss lasted.  Espeon never wanted to pull away.  She inhaled his scent deeply as her nose touched his.  She blocked out everything else around her, just wanting to focus on the Pokémon in front of her.  Maybe it was the way that he spoke to her.  Maybe it was the way that he looked at her, no matter the time of day or night or the way she looked.  Maybe it was the fact that she couldn't read him like she could everyone else.  He was always something of a mystery.  He loved her despite the type difference, and she loved him right back with all of her heart, soul, mind, everything.

Finally, they pulled away, still staying very close to one another.  Espeon didn't want to lose him again.  Ever.  Umbreon looked at her.  "Espy...  You're crying..."

Espeon nodded.  "I thought I'd lost you."

Umbreon shook his head, starting to answer when another voice cut him off.  "Hey!  Luvdiscs!  Go get your Staraptor friend and let's get out of here!"

Espeon looked at the speaker in confusion, then alarm.  "Umbreon, isn't that Terror?"

He nodded, not looking too concerned.  "Yes, but now she means well.  She came to save that Zorua that you were talking to."

Espeon was about to speak when said Zorua dashed across the room and pounced at the Liepard.  "Terror!  You came to get me!"

Terror gave her a sly smile.  "Of course!  Thought I'd bring your new friend a little present, too..."

Terror had led Umbreon here.  Espeon looked at her mate.  You know what?  She didn't care.

Espeon touched his nose again quickly before standing up, urging Four to follow.  "Come on.  Terror's right.  Let's get Streak."  Together and in perfect sync, Espeon and Umbreon bounded over to the hanging cage.  Espeon easily lifted the Staraptor with her mind, relishing the use of her telekinesis again.

Carefully, Espeon lowered Streak over the two of them, one wing draping over each of the perfect couple.  Espeon looked at Four.  "Four, sweetie?  Go stay with Snow and Clover, ok?  They can watch you." 

Her radioactive son nodded and turned to do as his mother said.  He stopped suddenly and rubbed his entire body against Espeon, forgetting for a moment about his extra energy.  "I love you, Mommy," he whispered before breaking away and dashing over to Snow and Clover.

Umbreon caught Espeon's eye again.  Around Streak's feathers, she saw a little red stone tied to a worn vine around his neck.  "What's that?"

Umbreon glanced down at the stone before meeting Espeon's eyes again.  "A promise," he stated.

Espeon needed no further explanation.  Surf, now mostly healed thanks to Aqua Ring, ran ahead.  "Come on, everyone!  Let's get out of here!" he shouted, leading the way.

Everyone followed, including two Pokémon in the back.  One of the sun, one of the moon.  One made for the other.  Even underneath the weight of an unconscious Staraptor, nothing held them back.  Espeon smiled, not bothering to hold back another tear.  She was with Umbreon and her kits were safe.  That was all that mattered to her.

 

Five New Abilities (Part 3)

I had to give the kits credit for putting in the effort.  They were tackling each new task I gave them with confidence.  They had already finished cleaning up the scattered debris around camp, leaving the bigger pieces for someone stronger (or, I hoped, with telekinesis).  Nevertheless, I had helped them in moving those piles to a spot near the camp entrance by using a lot of Surfs in quick succession, along with a few Stone Edges.

Next, One and Three had moved on to cleaning up Snow's and Clover's den.  Broken branches, stray thorns, which were carefully dealt with using tail-sweeping, and littered and charred leaves all were moved outside of camp.  After the kits had finished cleaning up the den, I was beginning to be impressed.  I didn't think that even I had these kinds of work ethics when I was an Eevee.  Then again, I couldn't really remember much of my kithood...

One and Three interrupted my river of thought, panting heavily, but smiling happily and with determination.  One took a second to catch her breath as her shiny brother begged the biggest question of the day:  "What next, Splash?" he asked, a huge smile on his face.

I tilted my head at the rambunctious kits in front of me.  "Do you two want to take a break for a bit?"

One recovered quickly after the proposal.  "No!  We can finish!  What next?"  I glanced around the camp, shaking my head.  They were going to be too tired for battle practice if this kept up.  Let's see how far they got. 

My eyes roamed the camp, now in less shambols than before.  They hovered over Espeon's and Umbreon's den, but I didn't want to make them clear out what was essentially their home.  I moved on, eventually stopping on the camp entrance itself.  "How far do you two think you can get in repairing the camp wall and entrance?"

Both immediately got down to business.  One took charge.  "Ok, the camp is kind of a circle, so we'll start in one place and work all the way around in one direction.  We'll start at the entrance.  Work our way around towards the Emergency Tree, then keep going around from there."

Three tilted his head.  "Why not go towards the pond first?  That's where we're staying right now, right?"

One switched her ears and shrugged.  "What's going to try and break into the camp through the pond?  It'd be easier to walk."

Three nodded.  "Yeah, you're right...  I wouldn't want to swim in for an attack."  I didn't think he would become a Vaporeon any time soon.  He may have been able to swim, but that didn't mean that he liked water...

One smiled.  "Ok, then!  Let's go!"  With that, both of them raced off towards the camp entrance.  As they started putting the stray branches back into place, I made a mental note to ask Clover to reinforce the barrier later.  The wall around the camp, meant to keep trainers and large, predatory Pokémon away, was constructed of strong branches and vines woven together.  It had been very effective, protecting us for such a long time...

I shook my head a bit, noting that my fins had started to vibrate slightly.  I'd take the kits in when it started to rain.  For now, I had to stay with them at the camp entrance, to make sure that noting would attack them from the other side. 

I gently and carefully moved past the hard-working kits, rather amused at this point by their determination.  Did they even remember the battle lessons that I had promised them after this?  I glanced up at the lookout post.  It was undamaged.  Perfect.  I jumped from the ground, to the rock, to the branch, to the platform, curling my tail over my paws as I sat down.

As I watched, I thought about when the kits were cleaning Snow's and Clover's den.  They had found some berries for eating, yes, but there were no Sitrus Berries, no Lum Berries, no Revival Herbs, nothing in her healing stash.  Someone or something had definitely taken them.  But had it been a friend or a foe?  Clover kept a secret spot for her healing supplies.  Did that mean that some of my Clanmates had walked right through my camp and I hadn't known?

My guilty thought were interrupted by something that pulled my ear.  What was that sound I had heard just now?  At the current moment, all I heard was two Eevees grunting with exertion, occasionally calling encouragement to one another.  I leaned forward slightly, straining my ears.  There!  There it was again!  That was almost certainly a Jolteon call!  But almost immediately after it was...  Oh dear Arceus.  "KITS!  GET BACK TO MY DEN, NOW!!"

Both stopped working suddenly, One dropping the branch that was in her mouth.  They looked fearfully at me before dashing to the pond at full speed.  I turned back towards the source of the sounds, tensed my muscles, and jumped.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Espeon stood frozen for a moment, watching Surf start a deadly serious battle with the formidable Zoroark.  Surf immediately went for his namesake move, knocking the Dark Type away from him as he charged up an Iron Tail for a combo attack.  However, the Zoroark was quicker than he looked, recovering from the water and blocking Surf's Iron Tail with a perfectly timed Shadow Claw, retaliating with Night Slash, which Surf barely dodged with Dive again. 

This fight was fast and serious.  Espeon hoped that Surf could keep up with Blackstrike's quick moves.  Nearby, she could feel Snow growing more tense and anxious, thinking the names of the move that he should be using.

Wait.

She could hear Snow's thoughts!  Just she made the realization that her powers were unbound again, Surf's mental shout reached her sharp mind.  Quick, Espeon!  While he has his attention focused on me!  Go!  Unfortunately, the minor lapse of attention was all that Blackstrike needed to score a hit on Surf with Foul Play, which hit the male Vaporeon rather hard for a Pokémon of his size.  Nevertheless, he rolled back onto his paws quickly, just in time to dodge another Shadow Claw.

Espeon simulated more adrenaline in Surf, giving him additional mental sharpness before focusing on her own predicament.  With a bit of focus, she easily teleported out of her cage, reveling in both her freedom and her regained powers.  Fixing her gaze next on the lock on Snow's cage, Espeon fired up her most skilled Psychic aspect: her telekinesis.  Easily shifting the pins and tumblers in the lock, it opened with a snap, and the door swung open easily.

Espeon called a plan as Snow jumped down.  "Help me free these Pokémon.  The more numbers that we have on our side, the better our chances will be when that human comes back."

The Glaceon nodded.  "Right.  I'll start on Streak so that we can get him out as soon as possible."

Espeon nodded once, then, in a single leap, made her way to Zorua's cage, which was higher up than hers was.  "Sit tight!  One second!"  Once again, Espeon easily scrambled the lock and popped it open.  The small black fox Pokémon jumped down, landing awkwardly and favoring one leg.  Apparently, the move that her cousin had used was worse than Espeon had thought.

Zorua acted like it was no big deal.  "Thank you, Espeon!  I'll watch to make sure that the human doesn't come back too soon."

"Actually, I need your illusionary abilities," Espeon said quietly, glancing over at the fierce battle that was ensuing.  She looked back at the little black fox Pokémon.  "Can you make sure that my Clan mate gets out of this fight all right?"

Zorua nodded, then turned and focused her abilities on her cousin, making it seem like there were suddenly 10 of Surf, all attacking him at once.  Not knowing which Surf to block, Blackstrike took a critical-strength Iron Tail to his side.

Espeon smiled and spun on her tail, getting to work with freeing the other Pokémon in the human den.  She worked through a Totodile and Cyndaquil without much problem, glancing over to see Snow freezing a lock with Ice Beam, then smashing it with Aqua Tail.  Espeon smiled.  Did everyone in this Clan know a move that they normally shouldn't except her?

Suddenly, Espeon's vision went dark, a horrible pain slicing through her body.  Espeon collapsed, panting.  Blackstrike, in a moment of panic, had used Dark Pulse and hit everyone in the room.  Espeon turned, seeing the Zoroark realize what he had done, and pressed the advantage, showering Surf with hit after hit.  Espeon couldn't stand it.  She did something very brave and very stupid.

She made a massive leap, extended her claws, and slashed them across the Zoroark's face.

Blackstrike stood stunned for a moment, which allowed Espeon to teleport her and Surf to safety behind the human's counter.  The Vaporeon ground his teeth, panting and bleeding heavily.  "Espeon!  What are you doing!?" Surf demanded.  Espeon had no idea, aside from brining the wrath of a bloodthirsty Dark Type onto herself.

Sensing the Zoroark approaching Espeon teleported away, drawing him after her and away from Surf.  If anything, she could score a few hits using teleportation and her claws only.  No fancy moves, just her wits.  She could buy time while Surf recovered with Aqua Ring.

And so the chase began.  Blackstrike used Shadow Claw or Dark Pulse, Espeon escaped the attack by teleporting, and tried to hit him with her claws, unsuccessfully most of the time.  The Purrloin and Patrat game continued for several tense minutes.  If any of these moves hit Espeon, she'd be knocked out for good.

Espeon dodged into a corner, jumping through space again immediately after to a spot a few feet away to dodge another Shadow Claw.  She was starting to have to limit her jumps.  A few days of not using her powers had their toll.  Espeon couldn't safely teleport for much longer.  Blackstrike stared her down, fury in his eyes as he charged up a Dark Pulse.  Espeon was about to make another jump, when a nagging instinct told her to stay put.  She looked at the Zoroark, framed by the moonlight through the window behind him.  Stay put.  Don't move.  She trusted her mind, but her instincts were telling her to move in any way possible.  She sealed that part of her mind off temporarily, blocking the signal.  She stayed put.

Just as Blackstrike was about to launch his attack, the window behind him shattered.

Clover and Terror lead the way, both knowing exactly where they were going.  Umbreon tailed them as closely as possible, trying to see their destination.  He could see the best at night, but he was also carrying Four in his mouth, being the only one able to do so without getting residual energy on himself.

Terror pointed her tail as they ran, slowing down.  "There!  That's the place."  Umbreon slowed down as well, placing Four on the ground next to him as they ran, his son having no trouble keeping up. 

Umbreon broke open one of his moon dust pouches with his teeth, accidentally cracking open another one next to it as well.  The contents of both spilled onto Umbreon's fur, filling him with power.  Oh well.  A double dosage to save Espeon wasn't the worst thing in the world.  Umbreon coupled the power with Moonlight, using the combination to fix his aching shoulder almost completely. 

Glancing through the clear pane thing that Espeon had said was called a "window," Umbreon spied a Zoroark spinning around in place, looking for something.  There!  A flash of a very familiar pink split tail!  Espeon was in the corner of the building!  Umbreon put on the speed again, blasting past Terror and Clover.  The Leafeon grabbed Four before he could follow. 

The Zoroark used Shadow Claw, making Espeon teleport a few feet away, directly opposite the window.  Her foe spun again to face her charging up what had to be a Dark Pulse.  He was now perfectly positioned between Espeon and Umbreon, with his back to Umbreon.  "Espy... Stay put.  Don't move..." he muttered as he neared the window, charging up a Dark Pulse of his own.

Espeon didn't budge.  Had she heard him somehow?  "Stay there...!" Umbreon said again, just before leaping high, mustering as much force as he could, and smashing through the window, sending shards of glass everywhere.  Umbreon fired his Dark Pulse just as he made impact with the Zoroark, darkening his enemy's vision and making his charged attack fizzle out and fail.  A quick bound brought Umbreon between his mate and his foe.  Espeon joyous vibes came off of her in waves as the Zoroark turned, recovering from the attack.  Umbreon was in full attack posture.  "No one attacks my mate," Umbreon snarled.

Espeon bounded away as the Zoroark moved to attack, but Umbreon hit him first with a Sludge Bomb with critical power, basically his only effective move in this fight.  The battle raged on, Umbreon firing Sludge Bomb after Sludge Bomb and managing to poison his foe.  The Zoroark continued to try and retaliate, but Umbreon dodged every time as time almost slowed down for him in the heat of battle.  This Zoroark was fast, but Umbreon was faster.

Dimly, Umbreon heard the door burst open, a human storming in and sending out more Pokémon.  Every Eevee in the room burst into action, Snow jumping at Victreebel as the air around her turned misty with cold, Espeon turning towards a large Arbok with extreme confidence, Clover pinning her ears back at a Krookodile, and slightly injured Surf staring down a Combusken.  Even Terror had begun dueling an Alakazam.  It was all paws on deck.

The Zoroark in front him tried using illusions to throw him off balance, but Umbreon's lie detecting instinct told him which ones were false.  Using a quick Phantom force, Umbreon evaded detection, then struck at his opponent's face, throwing another Sludge Bomb into his eyes while using Dark Pulse at the same time.  Never before had Umbreon been angry enough to use a triple move combo.

Finally, the Zoroark went down.  Umbreon stood over his opponent, toxic sweat still beaded on his fur.  Espeon's beautiful voice entered his head.  Thank you, Umbreon.  Grab Streak, if you can.  We need to get out of here.

Umbreon nodded, finding the injured Staraptor rather easily.  He also saw Four, pressed up against the wall, facing down the Krookodile that had managed to evade Clover with Dig.  Umbreon's aggression built back up, and he prepared to charge.  He paused when he saw Four muttering something.  "Mind over matter...  Shift the energy."  Clover had seen the predicament, but neither she nor Umbreon would be able to get there in time.  Umbreon's heart leaped into his throat.  He used Dark Pulse just as Clover grew some vines around the Krookodile's legs.

Umbreon flew forward, just as the glow around Four, who was deep in concentration, shifted.  Part of it moved away from the Eevee and onto the Krookodile. The effect was immediate.  All of the injuries that Clover had given it previously suddenly got worse, along with a familiar buzzing around the Dark and Ground Type.  It seized for a moment, allowing Clover and Umbreon to strike at the same time, knocking the Krookodile out cold.

Clover and Umbreon looked at each other, panting.  The radioactive energy flowed out of the defeated foe and went back to a stunned Four.  The radioactive Eevee looked at his father.  "Daddy, look!  I did it!"

Umbreon couldn't hold himself back.  "Four, I'm so proud of you!" he shouted, running up and hugging his son tightly. 

A familiar, warm presence entered the hug next to him.  Umbreon drank in her scent, afraid that she would vanish on the breeze.  Umbreon smiled as Espeon spoke into his and Four's ears.  "I'm so proud of you, too.  Of both of you.  I love you."  Umbreon's red eyes met her deep purple ones.  Without needing to say a word, both touched their noses together, afraid to break apart again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Inferno didn't need to be told twice.  Bolt dashed ahead, fully terrified.  Two tried to hold back a whimper.  Mustering what speed he could, Inferno charged up to Bolt.  The Jolteon slowed a bit to accommodate him.  Thank Arceus that the Garchomp was slow, too!  "We need to get the Eevees to the side!  We need to power each other up!"

"Roger!" Bolt called back.  "Sorry, Two!  Get your sister and use Phantom Force!"  Bolt really didn't know if that was possible, but it was worth a shot.  Inferno did a weird little hop, throwing Five off into the bushes as Bolt simply tossed her shiny sister in with her.

Inferno drew the Garchomp's attention with a well-aimed Flamethrower, then tuned and bolted.  Bolt followed close behind.  Leading the Dragon Type Behind them, both blew up on a silent count, Bolt using Lava Plume and Inferno using Discharge.  Both moves hit bother their battling partner and the Garchomp, Inferno's move having no effect.  Bolt, however, immediately used Extreme Speed with the extra zip that the electricity had given him, spinning and head-butting the Garchomp with maximum velocity, sending the much bigger Dragon Type reeling.

Bolt's partner finished the combo move by using Flamethrower again, then spinning on his tail and running.  Bolt followed.  They hadn't done much damage, but they could keep this up for a while.  Inferno initiated the next attack, using the much more powerful Blast Burn, which actually did a fair amount of damage.  Bolt finished the move with another Extreme Speed, giving Inferno time to recover before both of them raced off again, the furious Garchomp on their tails.

Just before they could use the same combo again, the Garchomp drilled into the ground at frightening speed, using Dig.  Bolt immediately grabbed Inferno by the tail and climbed into a nearby tree.  Despite his best friend's struggling and distressed calls, Bolt could see where the Garchomp was underground, due to the raised dirt above it.  It paused for a few seconds, in which Bolt held his breath.  Then, it started off in the opposite direction.  Bolt froze.  The kits!!

Panic overcoming him, Bolt dropped Inferno and leaped to the ground, running at speeds that he had never needed to run at in a long time.  He didn't even have the time to say sorry to Inferno!  Bolt summoned all of his spare electricity to lay on the extra speed.  He passed the Garchomp, which was still underground just before reaching the kits, slowing just enough to slam them both out of the way.

Just as the Garchomp's scythe-like claws burst from the ground and sank into Bolt.

Bolt drifted around the rim of consciousness, not quite knocked out, but barely able to move, let alone fight.  He felt a cold wind, like Blizzard.  Snow?  No, Splash.  He smelled her standing over him.  She must have defeated the Garchomp.  That seemed right.

His thought's were sluggish, for once.  It took him a while to comprehend everything.  Inferno said something to him.  "Bolt!  BOLT!!  Are you ok!?"

"Yyyyyyyyyyyyep..." Bolt slurred.  "Juuuuuuuuuuust fine.........."

Next to him, Bolt smelled Two and Five.  Two put a paw on Bolt's shoulder.  "Thank you for saving us, Uncle Bolt, but please get better!"  Was that the first time that Two sounded emotional about something?

Bolt heard Splash's voice nearby.  "All of Clover's healing things are gone.  We'll have to look for things ourselves."

Five put her nose against Bolt's chest.  "Please get better, Uncle Bolt.  Please..."

Bolt started to feel like he was about to loose consciousness, and all of the voices around him got fuzzy in his ears.  Then, everything that hurt went away.  Bolt let out a quiet sigh as he heard the last thing that Splash said.  "He healed.  He healed!  Who healed him!?"  Then, Bolt, on insanely low power levels, fell asleep.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Happy birthday to me,

Happy birthday to me!

Happy Birthday dear Chief!

Happy birthday to me!