A Sapphire Shines in Sinnoh (Save #4 - Facade)

>CONTINUE
NEW GAME
OPTION

PLAYER Rustfur
BADGES         0
POKeDEX       9
TIME        7:00

-------------------------

  On the other side of the clearing, Sapphire's shouts brought Leafpool nad Fireheart to their paws with alarm. "Rustfur? Rustfur, are you all right?" the Leafeon called back, standing with her paws against the cage bars.

  A passing Sneasel caught ear of the Grass-type's concerned tone and decided to have a little bit of fun with her. "Hey you, paws off the cage! Else I might have to tickle the little one's throat with this claw here." he taunted, wiggling a keen claw under the Leafeon's amber eyes.

  Like a bolt of lightning wearing tan fur, Leafpool's paw flashed between the space between the bars, outstretched claws finding purchase in the Dark-type's paw. A swift yank from the confined Pokemon pulled the Sneasel's head just close enough that she could close her teeth on its ear.

  Panicked struggling managed to loose the Sneasel from the Leafeon's furious grip, but not before she had done her damage. Despite his injuries, the black-furred Pokemon still wore an unsettling smirk upon his mouth. "Keep it up, and just see how long you'll be stuck in that cage."

  Leafpool let out a hiss of frustration as she could nothing but watch the taunting Sneasel amble away, back into the milling throng of his own kind.

  "Easy, Leafpool." Needlefur cautioned, placing a gentle paw against the Grass-type's back. "Remember, we're not looking for a fight. When Lily gives us the signal, we get Rustfur and go."

  The Grass-type's burning eyes flew to face the Jolteon, lingering there for but a moment before cooling off. "I know, I know. It's just an attempt to push my buttons." she sighed. And it's working. she added to herself. The familiar warmth of her mate's soft tail draped itself over her back, as if he could sense her conflict.

  "The best thing we can do right now is keep calm." Fireheart whispered. He touched his nose to the back of the Grass-type's neck as he felt her shiver.

  A light "Psssst!" from behind the cage won the attention of all seven Pokemon within it.

  "So, who's ready to leave this place in the dust?" Lily asked with a smirk.

  "I thought you'd never ask." Ravenpaw answered, joining his Flareon brother at the back of the cage.

  "Good to hear. There's just one thing I have to ask you all first. It affects all of you, so I'll understand if there's some hesitation."

  "Just what would that be?" Torrentpaw asked, sensing the slightest bit of Lily's own uncertainty in asking.

  "You might not be able to see from here, but there is another Eevee in Rustfur's cage with him. Her name is Sapphire."

  "'Sapphire?'" Leafpool repeated. "Excuse me, Lily, but were this Eevee's eyes a very deep blue?"

  Lilybloom nodded. "As I recall, they were. Why?"

  "Because," Torrentpaw's Jolteon mate cut in, "we've had a run-in with her already. Or, to be more specific, a run-in with those pursuing her."

  "Team Galactic?"

  "Exactly."

  "Well, that complicates things a little more."

  "How so, Lily?"

  The Grass-type on the forest side of the bars took a long sigh before answering. "When I was talking with Rustfur last night, he told me something. He told me that Sapphire lost her parents some time ago. Though you wouldn't know it from looking at her, she wants a family again and Rustfur wants to share his." Lily fell silent, allowing the request to sink in.

  Many questioning looks were traded between the seven Pokemon that made up the family in question. Most of these looks were directed toward the two eldest Pokemon, with good reason.

  "What are you thinking, Mom?" Swiftclaw asked, putting voice to the unanimous question.

  "Team Galactic is already hot on our heels because they believe we are harboring Sapphire. Anything they could send at her already has our name on it." Needlefur pointed out. "Taking her in changes nothing."

  "Nothing but bettering her chances of staying out of their reach." Leafpool added softly.

  "Well spoken." The yellow-furred Pokemon flicked her ear thoughtfully. "There is safety in numbers. Eric would not hesitate to take her in, so why should we? I see no problem with accepting Rustfur's request."

  "Got it. In that case, let's get you all out of there. Give me a minute to whip up some chaos before you make a break for it." The Leafeon melted back into the forest and all was quiet...for about thirty seconds.

  "Hey! Get back here, you damn Leafeon!"

  "There's another one over here!"

  "And over here too! They're everywhere!"

  "Lily certainly works quickly, I'll give her that." Frostpelt remarked. "Bust us out of here, Leafpool."

  For all of the construction time actually spent on it, the cage housing the seven Pokemon was sturdily built. However, it was comprised solely of wood and thus fell to a broad sweep of Leafpool's Leaf Blade.

  The group of Pokemon dashed across the clearing, keeping a tight formation. "Rustfur! Duck!"

  The two Eevees took one look at the Leafeon's glowing tail and threw themselves to the ground as the attack swished over their heads seconds later.

  "Mom! Dad!" Rustfur bounced back to his paws, almost squeaking in happiness.

  A shout from the back of the group cut short the elation. "Hyper Beam, incoming! Grab them and move!"

  Fireheart flashed his mate a swift glance. In the split-second of eye contact she understood and nodded just as quickly.

  Faster even than Sapphire could track, Leafpool's teeth met in the scruff of the Normal-type's neck. Fireheart did the same with Rustfur. Eevees in tow, the two of them leapt forward, Needlefur calling out another command. "Swiftclaw, cover us!" A blue glow radiated from the Espeon's eyes in response and the golden column of energy abruptly ricocheted into the sky, deflected by a nearly transparent wall of mental force.

  Paws pounded against the hard-packed forest floor as the fleeing Pokemon weaved through the trees, over roots, and around bushes. Fleeting looks were periodically thrown over shoulders to ensure their flight was unhindered. So far, it had been. Lily must have been doing an excellent job of deterring the Sneasels.

  In what could only be described as perfectly timed, a single chunk of ice streaked from the trees the instant Swiftclaw lowered his barrier. The frigid missile had been expertly thrown, catching Sapphire square in her midsection, ripping her from the surprised Leafpool's mouth.

  Before the Eevee could even register the daze from the impact, she was pinned to the dirt by a heavy claw. Above her was the snarling face of a very angry Dusk. "Not this time, brat..."

  "I'd say do your worst, but I can't tell that from your best." Sapphire managed to gasp from beneath the Weavile's weight.

  "Arrogant runt!" The Dark-type raised his free paw, claws spread and ready to rake them across the young Pokemon's throat. He quickly dropped his paw as what felt like a series of tiny blades slash across his back.

  His brief lapse in concentration was just what Sapphire needed. A solid kick to her attacker's midsection booted him to the ground. She jumped up to face him, only to find another Pokemon striding toward her.

  "Are you all right, Sapphire?"

  "Y-yeah, I am."

  "Leaves?" Dusk took one look at the razor-sharp foliage still swirling on the air and turned burning red eyes to their source. "Damned Leafeon! Get out of my way! This is between me and that brat!" he hissed pointing a claw at the suprised Eevee between them.

  "It was. Not anymore." Leafpool answered coldly, stepping between Sapphire and Dusk. "I am not one to pursue revenge against another Pokemon, but I will not stand by and watch you bully a kit. Needlefur, keep moving and make sure that Rustfur and Fireheart are safe."

  "I'm sorry, Leafpool." the Electric-type responded. "But that's not going to happen. We're not about to leave you behind."

  "Then keep everyone out of it."

  "Leafpool, what are you-"

  The Grass-type turned her gaze toward her mate, the fierce glint in her amber eyes silencing him instantly. "Fireheart, drop it. I'm not afraid of any Pokemon who fights kits to prove a point." Turning the same intense glare towards Dusk, Leafpool continued. "Go ahead, Dusk. Prove me wrong."

  All the Weavile could muster in answer was a thin, frustrated hiss from between clenched fangs.

  The lack of response was all the response Leafpool needed. "That's what I thought. Now walk away." With one final parting snarl, the cowardly Pokemon slunk back into the trees. "Good." she snorted. "Let's get moving again."

-------------------------

  The party's retreat continued at a quick clip for well over an hour. A halt was called in a small grassy clearing, alongside a quietly bubbling stream. "This is far enough for the first leg." Needlefur announced, panting slightly.

  Leafpool placed Sapphire on the ground, freeing her mouth for a reply. "Good to hear. My legs could use a bit of a break." she laughed.

  "Go ahead and get some rest." Torrentpaw's address was directed to all, though he nodded specifically to the Leafeon.

  While the idea of rest was appealing, Leafpool's attention was elsewhere. Upon setting her down, the Grass-type had kept Sapphire within the corner of her eye out of instinct. Naturally, Rustfur had come scampering over to his mother the instant his paws touched the ground. What caught Leafpool's eye was the tentative glance that went between the two Eevees as they passed each other.

  "I'm so glad to see you, Mom!" the brown-eyed Normal-type exclaimed.

  "So am I, sweetheart." She bent down to touch her nose to the top of his forehead. "So am I."

  "Leafpool, is it?"

  The mention of her name pulled the Leafeon mother's gaze up until she met a pair of vivid blue eyes. "Yes, it is. What is it, Sapphire?"

  "Listen, before I go, I'd just like to say thanks for getting me out of that cage and for, you know, helping me out with Dusk back there. I appreciate it."

  "Before you go? Sapphire, there's no need for you to leave."

  The younger female Pokemon shook her head. "That's not how I see it. As long as I can remember, I've had this group of humans after me and if I-"

  "Team Galactic?" Leafpool interrupted.

  "So you know them?"

  "I do." The Leafeon paused to turn her injured flank to the other Pokemon. "They left me with a little parting gift."

  "That is why I have to leave. Team Galactic doesn't care what happens to other Pokemon as long as they get me. I don't want to be the reason for Pokemon like you getting hurt."

  "And I don't want my disregard to be the reason for Pokemon like you getting hurt, Sapphire."

  The little Pokemon had been doing her absolute best to hold her temper back, but the genuine concern in Leafpool's words touched just the right spot. "You don't understand! No one ever does!" she shouted, tears rapidly building in her eyes. "No one is alive to miss me! It doesn't matter! It-"

  Leafpool silenced the distraught Sapphire with a gentle press of her leaf-like tail to the Eevee's mouth. "Rustfur, give us some time alone, okay?" she murmured, lightly nosing him towards Fireheart. "Sapphire, come with me for a moment." The young mother slid her tail across the brown Pokemon's back, then turned and began moving away.

  Meanwhile, Sapphire remained where she stood, eyes closed, sniffling at regular intervals. After a small space of time, she looked up, finding Leafpool waiting expectantly.

  "Sapphire, please. I just want to talk, that's all."

  Sapphire threw a look around, embarrassed that all of these Pokemon had witnessed her breakdown. Out of all of them though, she found herself spending the most time looking at Rustfur's face. She saw concern in his eyes too. She sighed and padded after the Leafeon. When she was close enough, that broad, gentle tail lay itself over her back again. There it stayed, even after the pair seated themselves in the grass.

  "Is it all right if I ask you something first?" Leafpool's voice was just as soft as the touch of her tail had been, hardly above a whisper.

  "S-sure, I guess."

  "How old are you, Sapphire?"

  "Two months..."

  "And how long have you been on your own?"

  "One month."

  It took every ounce of willpower in the Leafeon's body to resist pulling Sapphire into a tight embrace at this revelation. But, this was not her kit and there was no way of gauging her reaction to such a gesture. "I know how you're feeling, Sapphire. I cannot say that I was as young as you are now, but I have been there."

  "H-how would you know?" she sniffed. "You've always had other Pokemon around."

  "Not true. I was about four months old when I lost my parents. My brother Cinder took care of me for another two before he was captured. After that, I was convinced that there was no one left to worry about whether or not I survived; convinced that I had no reason to keep on going. "

  "So why did you?"

  "Honestly, I don't know. I went on like that for six months; seeing no real reason to keep going, And that's when I found one."

  Sapphire's ears perked, now fully invested in the tale. "What was it?"

  Rather than respond verbally, Leafpool nodded to the right, toward the watching Flareon. "That is my reason. I met Fireheart and his family. They took me in and I have been living with them and their Trainer ever since."

  "So all of those other Pokemon are his family?"

  "Uh-huh. His parents are the Vaporeon and Jolteon, named Torrentpaw and Needlefur. The Umbreon, Espeon, and Glaceon, or Ravenpaw, Swiftclaw, and Frostpelt, respectively, are his brothers. I trust that you have already met Rustfur, yes?"

  "I have." Sapphire answered, subconsciously finding the brown eyes of the other Eevee.

  "You most likely already know this, but he is my kit, just about your age. This is my family. All of them. They are my reason for going on. They would miss me, and I would miss them. I know what you're feeling, Sapphire. I do. I also know how to get out of that mindset. There are Pokemon that would miss you and they're right here. You just need to let them in. I'll leave the final call up to you, but I do hope you'll decide to come with us. Don't feel like you'd be putting anyone out either; we've already talked everything through."

  Once more, Sapphire's eyes caught those of Leafpool's son. She held these for a brief moment before staring down at her own paws. "Thanks, Leafpool, but I-I need some time to myself to think about this."

  "Of course. Just let us know whenever you decide. We won't move along until you've come to a decision, all right?" Respecting the young Pokemon's wishes, the Leafeon stood to return to her mate.

  "Sure." the Eevee murmured. Everything that Leafpool had said echoed over and over through her mind. To find another Pokemon that felt the same way... It was oddly comforting. Maybe Rustfur's not hiding anything after all. Maybe I should just trust him. She let out a long sigh as these thoughts whirled through her head.

  Though he couldn't hear it, Rustfur had been watching the entire conversation. As soon as his mother was close enough, questions began babbling from his mouth. "What did she say, Mom? Is she coming with us? Is she still upset? Is-"

  "Shhhhh." Leafpool's response was quiet, but her practiced tone was forceful enough to silence the stream of inquiries. "Sapphire has some thinking to do."

  "Mom! I don't want her to go!" the Normal-type protested. "I-"

  "Rustfur, enough." This second interruption carried far more stress in its delivery. The Leafeon mother would have no more arguing. "This is a decision that Sapphire has to make for herself."

  Rustfur knew better than to continue an argument against such a tone. Instead, he slowly turned to face the faraway Sapphire. His brown eyes went wide at what he saw. The other Eevee had risen and was walking away as if she were leaving right now. "Sapphire..."

  Leafpool placed her tail around her kit, halting his step forward. "Rustfur, no. Leave her be. Let her think."

-------------------------

  Tired from the day's events, Rustfur took the downtime to fall into a deep sleep. Or, at least as deep a sleep as was possible in fifteen minutes' time. A nearby conversation succeeded in rousing him, while its subject seized his attention.

  "Leafpool? Fireheart? I-I've made up my mind."

  "Oh? What have you decided?"

  "If the offer still stands, I'd like to come with you."

  "Of course. We would be happy to have you. I know of one who will be particularly excited." Leafpool nudged the small Pokemon curled up against her.

  Feigning drowsiness to maintain the illusion of sleep, Rustfur brought his head up, blinking repeatedly. "Mmmph. What is it, Mom?" he mumbled, already well aware of what was happening.

  "Ask Sapphire."

  A genuine yawn slipped from his mouth as he turned to look at the mentioned Eevee. "What's up?"

  "Hope you still wanted to share your family, because I'm coming with you." She paused for a moment to note the smile that appeared upon Rustfur's face. "Oh, by the way, you can drop the act. I know you heard me."

  "What act? I'm not-" The beige tip of Sapphire's tail flicking his nose cut the Eevee off.

  "I'm not buying it." the female Pokemon retorted. "I saw your tail wiggling while I was talking. You're so excited you can barely sit still."

  "What makes you say that?"

  "Your tail." Sapphire replied, matter-of-factly. "It's still wiggling."

  "Heh... Whoops." Amidst masked laughter from his parents and Sapphire, the Eevee sat firmly upon his tail.

  As Fireheart stepped away to relay the news of the new arrival, the blue-eyed Eevee took one shy step closer to the embarrassed Normal-type. "Thanks, Rustfur. I needed to know that someone would care."

  "I'm just glad you're coming with us. I don't think I could've stopped worrying about you otherwise."

  "Hold on. You would've worried about me? Why?"

  "No Pokemon deserves to go through what you're going through-"

  "Then why do you want me to come with you?" she interrupted.

  "No Pokemon deserves to go through that alone. We'll help you out."

  The ear of the female Eevee twitched and she looked back over her shoulder. "Your father's on his way back." she noted. "Probably time to start moving again."

  Before Rustfur could even question how she had come to such a conclusion, Fireheart went and proved her dead accurate. "C'mon, you two. We ought to get moving. Leafpool, what about you? How's the bum leg?"

  She nodded, sensing the true question behind her mate's words. "I'll be fine."

  "And you?" Sapphire asked, lightly bumping Rustfur's shoulder.

  "And me what?" he parroted, flashing a questioning look toward the other Eevee.

  "You up for walking? I need to stretch my legs after being holed up in that cage. Walk with me?" There was a drastic change in Sapphire's tone; one that Rustfur had not yet heard. It was completely peacable. No anger, no sadness, no intent. Just invitation.

  "Well-uh, sure. If t-that's okay with y-you."

  "I asked you." she reminded him.

  The male Eevee coughed awkwardly. "Right. I'd love to walk with you."

  "Then let's go. Can't have anything happening to my new family, now can I?"

-------------------------

  "Hey, Sapphire, you mind if I ask you something?"

  A root crossing their path delayed her answer as she hopped to the top of it and back down again. "Sure. You've been kinda quiet since we started walking. What's up?"

  "I've just been thinking, is all. W-would you be willing to teach me...how to fight?"

  The simple request instantly grabbed Leafpool's attention. She lightly nudged Fireheart to alert him to the conversation. He nodded in reply.

  "Me? Why me?"

  "What you did against Dusk... You weren't fighting for yourself, you were fighting for me, for my family. I want to be able to do that. I want to fight for other Pokemon."

  "Any Pokemon in particular?" Sapphire asked nonchalantly.

  The unintentionally weighted question caught Rustfur off guard and set his tail flicking about nervously, enough for it to inadvertently flick the other Eevee's flank. He knew what he wanted to say. He could even hear himself saying it. "N-not really." he stammered. "I just need a reason, that's all."

  "I won't argue with that. Yeah, I suppose I could show you something. What were you thinking?"

  "Do you know Shadow Ball?"

  "Yeah, I do. Sounds like a good place to start. Leafpool? Is that okay with you?" she asked, looking up toward the Leafeon walking alongside her.

  "Honestly? No, Sapphire, it isn't. No mother would wish to have her kit in a situation that requires fighting. And, in a perfect world, she wouldn't have to worry about it. But, if Rustfur asked you, then I know he's thought long and hard about it and I'll trust his judgement. You are more than welcome to teach him."

  "Thank you." The blue-eyed Eevee nodded in respect and looked back towards Rustfur. "I'll show you some stuff when we stop for the night, okay?"

  Rustfur nodded. "Sure."

  From the front of the group, Needlefur called back for a quicker pace. The increased traveling speed and heavier breathing that came with it pressed a unanimous silence upon the two Eevees. Never had Rustfur been more grateful to finally hear the call to stop.

  "You all right there, Rustfur?" Sapphire lightly butted his shoulder.

  In taking her gesture with his tired paws, the Eevee staggered a little. "Yeah, I'm good..." he replied amidst long breaths. "Just give me a minute." While he let his breathing return to a regular, unstrained rate, the Normal-type's attention remained fixed on his companion. Sapphire's breaths were only slightly faster than usual; she didn't look tired at all. The more he thought about it, the more his tail began flicking with the onset of embarrassment.

  Even though it was from the corner of his eyes, the female Eevee noticed the extra scrutiny given to her. She made a quick assessment of her coat, looking for any burrs or mussed patches. The lack of anything of the sort led to a good deal of confusion. "What are you looking at? Is there something in my coat that I can't see?"

  "No. It's just...you don't look tired. At all. I'm just impressed."

  "O-oh. Thanks?" she murmured quickly, her response sounding more like a question than anything else. "I guess I'm just used to running a lot." A perfect example of an awkward silence inserted itself between the two Eevees, Rustfur finding no proper response and Sapphire unsure of how to react. At length, the blue-eyed Pokemon finally broke it. "When you've got your breath back, let me know. I'll teach you a couple things, all right?"

  "Sounds good."

  "I'll go find us a practice spot in the meantime." Even as Rustfur nodded in response, the female Normal-type was looking around. After a moment, she stood and trotted off.

  As she left, the now vacant place at Rustfur's side was filled by his mother's paws. His attention on Sapphire, he jumped slightly as she sat down. "Answer something for me, Rustfur." the Leafeon began. "Why did you ask Sapphire to teach you about fighting?"

  "Needlefur said I should know how." he answered after the tiniest of hesitations.

  "Then why not ask Needlefur?"

  "I..." The Eevee felt his real reason weigh heavy on his tongue. "I just want Sapphire to teach me. She knows a lot and she's nicer than she lets on."

  "I know, Rustfur. I spoke with her. Her coldness is just a facade."

  "A what?" The unfamiliar word passed over the Normal-type's head.

  "An act. She doesn't want to let anyone in; to get close to anyone."

  "Why not?"

  "Sapphire has lost Pokemon close to her, Rustfur. I know from experience; it hurts. She doesn't want to go through that again, so she keeps others away."

  Rustfur glanced toward the distant Sapphire. He didn't know why, but he knew he'd be upset if anything happened to her. "Would you be upset if something happened to dad?" he asked, trying to make sense of his own feelings.

  "Absolutely. But, I've got a feeling you already know what I mean." A knowing mother's smile slowly crossed her features as she watched her son's reaction through the corner of her eye.

  "How would I-" Realization silenced the young Pokemon's question seconds after he put voice to it. "Ohhhh no. That's not it, Mom. You're so totally wrong."

  "Of course I am." she laughed. Mid-laugh, the Leafeon let her amber eyes drift, settling them upon the beckoning Sapphire. Leafpool tapped her tail against her kit's shoulder to point his gaze back toward the other Eevee. "Do you have your breath back? Sapphire is waving for us. It looks like she's found a spot for you."

  When she saw she had won the Grass-type's attention, Sapphire came trotting back up to the mother/son pair. "There's a nice clearing just beyond those bushes. You feeling better yet, Rustfur?"

  "Yeah, I think I've got enough back."

  "Sapphire, if I might, I would like to sit in on this lesson. Call me cautious."

-------------------------

  "All right, before I start teaching you anything, tell me something. Aside from sinking your teeth into Dusk's goon, what sort of fighting experience do you have?"

  "Uhhhh..." Rustfur turned his eyes skyward, looking for an answer. "None?" He visibly cringed at Sapphire's loud sigh. "Sorry."

  "It's fine." she snorted. "Just thought you might already know something." The female Pokemon rose from her seated position to begin pacing around the other Eevee. "Where to start?"

  Rustfur sat completely still, following Sapphire's pacing with his eyes. The longer her silence carried on, the more he regretted his answer.

  "Okay. Have you ever seen a Shadow Ball?"

  "No?"

  The tentative answer immediately stopped Sapphire's pacing. "Really? You're kidding." Sapphire looked at the other Eevee as if he had another tail growing out of his forehead. "Of course you're not..." she added, catching the innocence in his gaze. "All right, then. The basics, I guess. A Shadow Ball is a simple attack for when you don't want to get close to your opponent."

  "Got it. So, what do I do to make one?"

  "First, widen your stance. You'll need some solid footing."

  Rustfur spread his paws and lowered his stance slightly. "Like this?"

  Sapphire shook her head. "That's fine if you want the Shadow Ball to knock you on your backside. Watch." She placed a paw upon the male Pokemon's chest and with a quick shove, sat him upon his tail. "See? Your stance was too high. If I can knock you over that easily, you won't have a chance with the Shadow Ball. Make your stance a bit lower."

  The Normal-type returned to his paws, crouching lower than he had before. "Is this better?"

  "No, no, no. Hold on." With a couple nudges of her paws, Sapphire carefully corrected his stance. "There. That's better. Now that you've got a better posture, focus on making the ball itself. The best way to do it; the way I was taught, is to think of something that makes you angry, take the feelings from those thoughts and imagine them making a ball in front of your mouth."

  "That's all I have to do? I thought it'd be harder."

  "It's not that easy. You have to make sure to keep it under control, or else it'll just blow up in your face. Trust me, you don't want that to happen. I made that mistake once before." she said, flicking her damaged ear. "Once."

  "O-oh. Right." His eyes remained fixed on the missing chunk from Sapphire's ear. He was beginning to have some second thoughts about this whole thing.

  "Whenever you're ready, go ahead and start making the ball."

  Rustfur tossed one more look toward his observing mother, who nodded once. It's all right. I just have to keep it under control. He swallowed nervously and closed his eyes.

  Sapphire nodded slowly as she saw a small orb of crackling purple energy gather before Rustfur's mouth. Good. Now just keep it steady. As if her merely thinking such a thing was reason enough, the sphere spontaneously doubled in size, easily growing to the size of her head. Then it doubled again, causing her to take a step back. The surface of the ball began wavering, made unstable by the crackling bolts inside, far more than was safe. He's lost control of it!

  The female Eevee sunk her teeth into the beige ruff around the other Pokemon's neck and heaved him off his paws. In the same movement, Sapphire tensed her tail, illuminating it with a white light and slammed it into the Shadow Ball, pushing it away. Her action, while quick, was barely enough. The ball exploded mere feet away, pelting the pair of Eevees with a heavy shockwave, reducing them to a pile of tangled paws and brown fur.

  Before even Leafpool could sprint to their aid, Sapphire leapt back to her paws and cuffed Rustfur over both of his ears. "Watch it! Are you trying to hurt yourself!?"

  "Rustfur! Sapphire! Are you all right?" The Leafeon eased her kit back to a standing position.

  "Yeah. He's okay." the blue-eyed Eevee sniffed.

  "What happened?" Leafpool asked. "I've never seen a Shadow Ball backfire like that."

  "He lost control in building the attack. He put too much energy into it too fast. I made the same mistake." Sapphire admitted. "The thoughts I picked, they made me far angrier than I had expected. Rustfur must have done the same thing. What did you think about to get angry?"

  "What Team Galactic did to you, Sapphire."

  The Eevee's eyes went wide at the answer. "Thanks." Sapphire barely heard her own reply over the pounding of her heart in her ears. She shook her head vigorously to hide her embarrassment. "Do-do you want to give it another shot?"

  The Grass-type looked down toward her son, rubbing his back with her tail. "Your choice."

  "No, not today. Between that and all the running, I'm too tired."

  Sapphire nodded. "Fine by me." she answered brusquely, still put off at just how much unease Rustfur's simple answer had instilled in her.

  "Rustfur, head back and wait with everyone. I'll be right behind you." The beige-furred Pokemon nudged the Normal-type away.

  The young Pokemon swapped looks as they passed. "Sorry about that. I should've given you some warning about making the ball."

  "It's fine." he replied. "You pulled my tail out of the way quick enough. Thanks for that."

  "Sure." Sapphire's response was little more than a murmur. She was still processing what Rustfur had said. Unconsciously, her eyes followed his departure until he disappeared into the brush. She broke this gaze at the light touch of a wide tail against her shoulder.

  "Now I see why Rustfur wanted you to teach him. I've never even seen Needlefur move that fast. Thank you for pulling him out of the way."

  A shiver shot through the Eevee's small body, a result of Leafpool's tongue softly brushing against her nicked ear. It was an odd feeling; one completely new to the young Pokemon. She felt safe.

-------------------------

>YES
NO
Would you like to
SAVE the game?

>YES
NO
The older file
will be erased to
save. Okay?

Now saving...

Rustfur saved
the game!