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Noctowl’s six sharp talons had been perched on top of the thin greystone chimney of her master’s three-story farmhouse. Unshaken by the sudden drop in temperature, as the whistling winds began to chill her backside. As the owl’s head rotated 180 degrees to look beyond their wooded backyard, and at those distant mountains that were further south of them. With her piercing red gaze, able to cut through the encroaching darkness, while she watched how quickly the storm clouds moved overhead and enveloped the early afternoon sky. Only to instantly turn her focus around and down below, as she overheard the creaking sound coming from the opened front doorway. Easily spotting their youngest family member - a prematurely-evolved Croconaw - proudly waddling himself across the dirt path outside. Letting the door swing closed on its own, as he proceeded to stomp his way up north. Notably getting more used to his growth spurt, since he hadn’t tripped over himself yet.

Prompting the brown owl to sigh gently and descend from on high, as she called out his moniker from above. Using her usual prim-and-proper tone, to catch the chunky gator’s attention, as his head tilted backward to stare up at her. “Hatchling. How many times have I told you about sneaking out without supervision?” She questioned, before landing on the bright red awning above the front door. Her head tilted slightly to the left, as she waited for his excuse.

“But you’re already watching over me.” The croconaw contested in his deeper, albeit still juvenile-sounding voice. As he grinned and raised his stubby little arms in the air. “And you’re doing such a great job too!” He declared with bombastic enthusiasm. Striking ‘The Resident Watcher’ where she was most vulnerable, and seeing results almost immediately, when Noctowl’s wings were lifted to conceal her face.

“Oh. S-stop that.” She stammered. Being interrupted by the boom of thunder, and the frigid drizzle that soon followed. “Y-you know it’s my duty to make sure that nobody gets hurt.” Noctowl mumbled shyly, behind her feathers. Feeling her puffed chest pounding, as she tried to calm herself. “And I know how much you like playing in the water, hatchling. But it’s much too risky for you to run off somewhere, when a lightning strike could-” Noctowl hastily elaborated, before she stopped to notice that he had long since scampered off. Seeing Croconaw running past a broken section of fence, that led him over a big hill, down into a sprawling field that went on for miles. Not long before the light rain showers turned into a heavy downpour.

Leaving Noctowl with no choice—but to rise upward into the small window on the second floor that was always left open for her. Oh my. I hope he’ll at least stay near the barn... She thought, proceeding to head inside. Where everyone else in her family was safe and asleep. All unaware that they’d have their first trespasser in a while—and that the child would soon cross paths with them.

The peaceful traveling weather had turned foreboding rather abruptly. With the thunder clapping as if it was a captivated audience. Creating non-stop noise around her and giving the unsheltered pokemon caught in the middle of nowhere, its full wrath. So how fortunate was it to find a huge red barn within her sights?

Fifi, a young and relatively adventurous Eevee, was exploring the open fields alone throughout most her day. At first she mainly spent it frolicking around or picking flowers to put on her fur, until after a couple of hours she became disoriented and lost, and she no longer remembered what way she came from. She looked around in all directions hopeful that she would recognize whereabouts she came from, but it was hopeless as each direction seemed the same to her now, just open hilly fields. So, she had decided the best course of action was to keep walking forward in one direction, eventually she would have to end up somewhere if she did, she thought to herself.

But after a few more hours had past, she was getting very tired, exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. Even worse, the weather had taken a turn for the worst, making her fur wet from rain and cold from wind. She was freezing but kept walking onwards, after all what other option did she have? "Just one more step, if I can make it one more step I can make them all" she said aloud trying to encourage herself while shriving from the cold, struggling to see far ahead of herself. She then stopped, she did not have the energy to keep going without hope, and so she yelled for help in the off chance someone could hear her and give her the hope she had lost "I'M COLD, I DON'T WANT TO BE COLD" she yelled to nobody. She looked around thinking maybe someone had heard her, not that anyone nearby would in this weather, and spotted nobody. However, she did see something red and big in the distance, almost like a building was nearby just barely within her reduced visual range.

Filled with hope once more, she ran to the best of her ability into the red building. She was in a weakened state at this point so running was hard, but at last she had made it to the barn. She limped in and looked around to see nobody was there, and she celebrated to herself "I...I did it! FIFI DID IT!!! I did not need anyone, I'm the best, I beat nature". She limped into a area that was warmer and collapsed from either sleepiness or coldness, and smiled despite her discomfort "Not a castle made for a princess, but its still my safespot now, I'll...". She did not finish talking before falling unconscious from being wet, cold, exhausted, hungry and thirsty all at the same time. She may have thought she beat nature, but she was in more need of help now then she could ever know

It was too dark and loud to notice the silhouette of an Eevee running inside their old barn. Huge for what little remained within its two floor interior. Aside from the haystacks, ladder and other various farm tools hanging from its weathered walls. Not that Croconaw was too interested in heeding his surroundings—when the ongoing thunderstorm had created the perfect spot to ‘practice his maneuverability’. Or at least that’s what he remembered ‘The Resident Gardener’ calling it. Since he encouraged him to train whenever Croconaw wasn’t working. Thus, the gator had been dancing with death looming overhead. Utilizing his new weightier body to make even bigger splashes, each time that he leapt toward one of the numerous fresh puddles outside.

However, a strong gust of wind had caught the Croconaw’s vibrant orange eye. After seeing how the large barn door had suddenly swung itself wide open. “You dare challenge my might!” Croconaw exclaimed, with his stubby arms spreaded out. Facing the door and taking a big stomp forward in the puddle that he was currently standing in. “Then prepare to be shut by my own claws!” He declared, before rushing forward and subsequently stumbling his way up to the opened door. Taking his unseen fumble in stride, as he gripped the wooden edge and pulled the door closed behind him. Finding himself standing inside the barn and letting out a weary sigh.

But Croconaw soon froze up for a moment, as he squinted his eyes and peered around at the shadows. Promptly waddling himself over to the nearby camping lantern, that had been put there for Cronocaw’s little excursions. Being bright enough to illuminate much of the indoor space, as he proceeded to turn the thing on. Processing the sight of the soaked, fallen Eevee in front of him. Huh? Who is this? Wait. Are they okay? Croconaw questioned. Quick to dash over to his vital stash of goodies in a woven basket. Because…okay he snuck out there a lot.

“Hey. Are you okay?” Croconaw asked Fifi from afar. Unconsciously using a younger and higher-pitched tone that Croconaw had when he was a Totodile. As he grabbed the thick wool blanket that had been sewn for him, in order to drag it across the floor and quickly cover up the Eevee’s body with it. Being answered first by the crack of thunder, as he raised his voice to compensate for all the noise. “Hey⁠—wake up!”

At first Fifi slowly awoke, regaining consciousness bit by bit, as her body was still struggling to recover from the encounter with the dangerous weather that was still raging on outside. But then, she suddenly jumped up seemingly in panic and discomfort as she gained enough awareness to sense how dangerously cold her body had gotten. It was a little known fact that cold water cools your body down 25 times faster than cold air, and with Fifi's body and fur still being soaked, her body temperature was plummeting while she was unconscious. She was now up and shriving and shaking as she desperately tried to warm herself up "brrrrr, cold cold cold, me no like-y the cold, wanna be warm warm warm!" she said in a loud and panicked voice.

She then noticed the other Pokémon in what she thought of as her new make-shift safe-spot, and quickly pleaded "Hel...hello! please help me! I'm so cold and it hurts! I'll let you stay in my new house if you help me, we can explore it and everything, but please help me". Her eyes were deeply looking into the eyes of the one standing before her, with an expression of both hope and fear, and although Fifi was unaware of how dangerous it was to be this cold, she did know she has never felt this cold in her life and that she did not like it whatsoever. She stood there, pleading, while shriving uncontrollably and trying to smile politely.

Without abilities like Scald for him to use in practice. Croconaw briefly froze up in response to Eevee’s jumpy reactions. Unable to think of a better way to make her any warmer in this frigid storm. Let alone discern how dire the situation was—apart from the theatrical fox. But he still tried to put on a tough face like his older brothers would. “I-It’s okay. The blanket s-should absorb the water.” Croconaw uttered, as Fifi trembled underneath the wool blanket.

Quick to clear his throat and deepen his voice. “Um. My family lives over the next hill—someplace warm.” Croconaw explained, realizing that she didn’t look capable of making it that far. Nor would he be able to carry her through the storm’s frequent lightning strikes. Each sounding closer to them than the last one. Oh man. I wish Shepard was here. Croconaw thought. Being filled with both surprise and relief, when he then turned toward the barn door opening up. And there he stood—'The Resident Shepard' in his uniquely-fitted human clothing. Wearing a big white raincoat, with holes for the spikes to protrude, and two yellow rain boots on Lucario’s footpaws. Making squealing noises as he walked inside and smiled at the pair.

Greeting this frightened stranger, with a friendly wave of his paw. Sure to bring a Calm Mind to Fifi in the process. Because panic would certainly not help the young pokemon recover. Before lowering himself down to the Eevee. Hello, my dear. Lucario introduced himself telepathically to the Eevee, with a soothing and compassionate voice entering her head. Everything will be fine. If you allow me to warm you up. Lucario offered, with his arms extended to lift her off of the ground.

Despite Fifi considering the building she was in to be 'her' new safe-spot, she allowed the seemingly kind Pokémon to enter. She figured that if even she could not handle the intense weather then they'd also need someplace safe to hole up in as well, and she could never bring herself to cause others to suffer if she could help. Nevertheless, as she felt herself calming down unnaturally quickly due to the Lucario's influence, she immediately jumped back to life in a renewed panic as she darted her eyes around the room. She was spooked by Lucario's telepathy and mistaken it as a separate voice coming from someone she could not see. "HMM, WHERE ARE YOU? I.. umm" she stopped shouting as she composed herself noticing how foolish she had just made herself look in front of the two new people in front of her. "Sorry sorry, I did not see the other Pokémon hehe, I.. please you can stay, all three, in my new house if you help me! I'll give you cuddles and umm... I can clean everything like a good princess but I am so cold, please I.. I" her breathing became difficult as her lungs struggled to breathe through her panic while also reduced in ability due to her dangerously low temperature.

Croconaw wasn’t much better at keeping himself from bouncing off the walls. When their leader effortlessly took off his raincoat and approached the freezing Fifi. “Shepard! Shepard! What are we going to do?!” The gator blurted out in growing concern. “Should I-should we start a fire? Or-or…” Croconaw asked, as he nervously pointed to himself, and then toward the nearest dry hay pile.

High heat will only shock her body, and cause more damage. Lucario corrected the nervous child, while he proceeded to scoop her off the ground. Soon cradling the cold eevee, like a small child in his sturdy arms. Trust me, princess. We’re both friendly. And you’ll be safer with us. Lucario assured her in a soothing tone. Using an even quieter voice, to make it less abrasive to the Eevee, since she wasn’t used to his telepathy yet.

As Lucario attentively wrapped her up within a soft and protective inner-layer of his clothing. Surely, feeling good enough to be cocooned inside, that Fifi wouldn’t care about how embarrassing it might’ve been. With Lucario looking down to see Croconaw’s downcast expression, as the child wore his guilt for not being able to help this stranger in need. A sign of the hatchling’s big heart, that made Lucario smile. You did the right thing with that wool blanket. He said, getting the upset Croconaw to look back up at him.

And she’d still be in here alone, if it wasn’t for you. Lucario reminded him, before he turned around to face the windblown barn doors. Close your eyes and relax, young princess. Lucario reassured Fifi, before dashing back through the thunderstorm and toward the house with ‘Extreme Speed’. As he would reach their front door in a matter of seconds. Trusting that Croconaw was mature enough to return on his own. Since he had already casted ‘Protect’ on the young hatchling with his previous wave.

Just to be safe, of course.

It was his job, after all…

Leaving the Croconaw to blink and start to grin proudly. Proceeding to waddle dance around as he celebrated after. "Yay! I helped!" Croconaw exclaimed. "Mummy, is going to be so proud of me for remembering. Hehe." The gator noted giddily, as he confidently pranced up to the bright waterproof lantern. Feeling the frigid air blowing inside the interior, as he easily lifted the light up within both of his claws. Taking a moment to stop and stare out into the darkness ahead, before he put on another tough face. "Hmph! I'm not afraid of some dumb storm." Croconaw declared, as he boldly stomped forward several times. Up until a streak of lightning had suddenly struck the field in front of his very eyes—promptly sending the fallen gator backward onto his rear.

M-maybe, I'll just sit here...

As soon as Fifi was cocooned by the Lucario she felt much warmer, she was still very cold, but at least she was starting to warm up. She instinctively cuddled up to the best of her ability to the Lucario, and smiled as she felt like she was being pampered. It was a very long time ago that she was last pampered and she felt like it was long overdue, and so was thankful for the Lucario to give her the help and attention she thought she was entitled to. But suddenly the Lucario moved at a seemingly impossible pace which disorientated and scared Fifi, but as she recomposed herself a few seconds later she saw she was now outside again in the storm, although it was more accurate to say she could hear it as her eyes had not yet adjusted to the darker environment of the storm's rage and could not see much yet. "No no, wait mister! WAIT WAIT! I DON'T LIKE IT HERE, IT'S DARK! I WANNA GO BACK TO MY CASTLE PLEASE! please please please!" she pled hopefully, trying to muster the cutest facial expression she could.

Shepard’s coat kept Fifi protected from the ongoing storm. Not that her short-lived protests seemed to realize it, before they came to a sudden stop. Relax princess. Lucario responded in a gentle tone, as he was able to cradle the Eevee comfortably in one arm. Despite all her squirming—it was likely to invoke feelings of being pampered by a parental figure. Our home is warm, and my family are the kindest bunch you’ll ever meet. Lucario assured her, as he reached out to pull open the door. Soon proving the first true, once he stepped inside and the Eevee was then greeted by a brightly-lit foyer. With its cozy warmth becoming apparent, shortly after he shut the door behind him. Making it easier for Fifi to relax—if it wasn’t for Lucario’s latter statement coming into immediate question.

Whereas Eevee could gaze at any of the eclectic art pieces and other rustic furnishings that adorned this long spacious hallway. Ones far more quaint than her past life would be used to. Or let one’s curiosity run wild, at the numerous closed-off doors and distant stairwell in her sights. It was all still unmistakably human in design. Sharing a similar level of pristine neatness that royal families tended to uphold for social standings. But even the thought of humans being within the vicinity, wasn’t enough to distract Fifi from what she would be witnessing.

“And-when-the-hatch-ling-gets-back-you’ll-tell-him-that-you’re-sorry.” She hooted.

A visibly perturbed Noctowl fluttering above a tired Sceptile. Not that he appeared to be affected by the lady’s scolding. With her talon holding onto a rolled-up newspaper, and repeatedly smacking the unflinching leaf pokemon’s head and shoulders with it. Even if it wasn’t very hard, or meant to hurt the Sceptile at all. Shepard was quick to alert the two of his arrival. Ahem. I didn’t think this would still be going on... Lucario uttered aloud in their heads.

Making the Noctowl drop her newspaper and correct course fast, as the Sceptile let out a weary sigh. Likely both giving Fifi a warmer welcome than she first expected. With Sceptile sounding a lot more casual than how Lucario spoke, as he gave off the impression of being friendly and laid-back. Opposed to how intense and nosy Noctowl became, as she flew up to Shepard.

“Sorry miss. We didn’t mean to startle you.” Sceptile apologized, as he rubbed underneath his eyes and bent over to pick up the paper discarded on the hardwood floor.

“Oh my! You poor dear. You're soaked to the bone! What happened? Were you injured?” Noctowl asked in a motherly tone, with Shepard looking down at Fifi. Using his ability to calm her again, if it proved to be necessary.

The princess will be fine, once she’s eaten something and gotten her rest. Lucario said to all of them. Prompting the pair to tilt their heads in opposite directions, as Fifi finally had time to speak up.

Fifi's ears perked up the instant she heard the Lucario refer to her as a 'princess', and although he had already called her that a few times now, this was the first time she had really thought about it. She quickly turned to face him with a wide smiled appearing on her face, as her tail began to affectionately wag. "Princess? You think I'm a... a princess?" she asked, her voice mixed with a combination of happiness and hope, with a slight hint of excitement in it. It had been so long since anyone but herself had referred to her as a 'princess' that if it was not for the calming effects cast on her by the others, she'd surely be jumping around in excitement despite her dire physical condition. However, Fifi managed to completely fail to pay attention to whatever the Lucario's answer was to her deeply hopeful question, as her mind became awash in a mixture of different memories brought on by hearing the word 'princess'. Her eyes seemingly sparkled full of nostalgia and thoughtfulness as she entirely lost her focus on her surroundings and she was pulled into a powerful flashback.

The first memory to resurface was a positive one that regarded one of her previous owners, who she had not seen for well over a year now, almost two years now in fact. Her previous, and only, owners were a ridiculously rich married couple that owed their wealth to many years of fraud and unethical business practices. Of course, Fifi never could of known that, and as far as she knew, her owners were the kindest and sweetest humans that ever existed. In fact, Fifi legitimately thought that her owners were her own parents and often referred to them as 'mommy' and 'daddy' as fifi had never met her real birth parents. See, the law of the land states that Pokémon can not be caught or owned until they have spent at least 8 weeks with their biological parents/family as this is usually critical to their psychological development, but Fifi was illegally brought by the couple while she was still in her egg, and so when she hatched the first beings she saw were her owners and was brought up to think they were her parents.

The memory itself was very comforting for Fifi to relive, it was one of her 'daddy' cuddling her. She specifically recalled her 'father' gently placing her atop her own bed that was within her own room, and him kissing her on the forehead before he said "I love you princess, but you know it is way past your bedtime, and you need your rest". Fifi smiled to herself as she further recalled how she purposely gave him the cutest look she could muster to try and guilt him into staying with her longer, which was successful, as he noticed and said "Very well princess, but only because I love you" he then kept affectionately playing with her ears while he cuddled her until she fell asleep. As if from instinct Fifi began to actually purr aloud as the memory played out in her head, but as she enjoyed the moment she was then hit by another memory, this time it was one regarding her 'mother'. She recalled that she was purposely winding up her 'mother' by stealing socks out of the sock draw and putting them in the wash bin in plain view of her 'mother' knowing that it displeased her. She then recalled how her 'mother' walked up to her, picked her up and said "Young lady, this is not the behaviour suitable of a princess. And you know what the consequences are for such misdeeds" before tickling her tummy for about a minute or so. Fifi again smiled and purred so immersed in her memory that she failed to realize her surroundings.

But behind these positive memories of Fifi being pampered by her owners, and treated as if she was literally their own daughter, was a dark truth that she was entirely unaware of. Fifi's 'father' suffered from infertility and therefore was unable to have children of his own, this is why the couple had spent a fortune on illegally obtaining a poke-egg and raising the Pokémon as if it was their own daughter. They had lied to Fifi her entire life about them being her parents and even to this day she believed it, after all why would she not believe it, they were all she knew at the time. But then suddenly Fifi's stance and pose became defensive and uncharacteristically aggressive as another memory resurfaced, the memory of the last time anyone else called her 'Princess' before Lucario just now. It was the fateful day when her parents were being arrested by authorities during a crackdown on corruption, fraud and bribery. Fifi to this day doesn't understand the full extent of the situation as she was, and still is, simply to young and sheltered to comprehend what was happening, but she vividly recalls seeing police arresting her 'parents' and not knowing what to do as she was also taken away by protective services, with the last thing she heard was her 'father' shouting "You leave my princess out of this". Fifi had tears collect in her eyes as unpleasant memory after unpleasant memory played out in her mind of her constantly breaking out of poke-rescue centres to look for her parents, never being able to find them, and struggling to survive alone until eventually being recaptured by authorities... all the time with a growing resentment of humans building inside her... these memories played out again and again as she started to cower and shake still lost in thoughts.

Lucario was left speechless at Fifi’s abrupt mood swing, from perky to teary-eyed. Whereas the other two had a more immediate reaction to it. “Oh you poor dear. Was it something I said?” Noctowl murmured with worry, quickly fluttering over to Lucario’s other shoulder, in order to not be so close to Eevee’s face. Before Noctowl suddenly realized that someone else was absent too. “Wait, Shepard. Were you teasing her just now?” She questioned him, with a piercing stare. “And where is the hatchling?” Noctowl added, before Lucario had any hope to defend himself. Only looking a bit stunned in response, as Shepard saw the second door on his right had swiftly opened to reveal a concerned Miltank. Along with a wonderful smell, that came from the same room that she had peered out of.

“Iz someone cryin' out there?” Miltank asked in a softer heartfelt tone, not wanting to disturb whoever was still sleeping inside. A question that prompted the Sceptile to turn around and smile slyly at their Resident Chef. Soon pointing his claws over at the Eevee that was being carried in their leader’s arm.

Wait. No. She referred to herself as- Lucario stammered, as he looked down at Fifi. Please don’t cry. Lucario pleaded, not wanting to keep forcing her to be calmer with his mana. Nor continue to receive the judging and heartbroken expressions of ‘the two big sisters’ of their family.

“Not so good with kids are ya, Shepard?” Sceptile teased, as he proceeded to amble over toward the front door. Casually setting the newspaper on top of a square table in his path, that had a pile of their Master’s unopened mail. “I’ll get Chompy back.” Sceptile offered, giving his leader a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “You can take care of our new guest.” He added. Though Noctowl was quick to chide the Sceptile’s laid-back posturing.

“You should’ve been the one to get the hatchling in the first place. But you were still halfway in bed.” Noctowl hooted, landing on Lucario’s shoulder to point at him with her wing.

You two aren’t helping the situation by squabbling. Lucario urged them calmly, as the pair stopped and looked away from each other.

“Sorry, Shepard.” They replied. As Sceptile headed outside and only managed to take a few steps forward, before noticing an oncoming ball of light that was rising up and over the hill. Turning out to be the hectic Croconaw, holding out the lantern in front of his limited vision. Swiftly running into the Sceptile’s awaiting bushy tail, as he let go of the lantern and latched onto his leg.

“Big green brother!” Croconaw exclaimed in hysterical relief. His flowing tears indistinguishable from the rain itself. Before Sceptile easily lifted both Chompy and the lantern up within his arms.

Meanwhile, Miltank had carefully approached Fifi, so long as she didn’t upset the little one any further. While Shepherd seemed to understand why Eevee acted so distressed in the first place. Like he was a Mind Reader. I apologize. I didn’t mean to bring up your bad memories. Lucario suggested, as if he was merely guessing. But I need to call you something. So would you tell us your name, dear?

With Noctowl speaking up for the concerned-looking Miltank. “And our chef here has made something scrumptious for you to eat.” She stated, as the Miltank warmly nodded her head.

“There, there. Bud. I’ve come to the rescue.” Sceptile reassured him in a relaxed tone, as he walked back inside. Feels nice out here. Bet my crops are loving it. The Resident Gardener thought, as he held out Croconaw like a prize to show the others who were still in the foyer. “He’s fine.” Sceptile said, with his claws gently wiping the gator’s tears away.

Bringing smiles of relief to both Lucario and Miltank. Although Noctowl’s glare remained unimpressed. "Small thanks to you." She scoffed.

As Croconaw immediately perked up to the smell of his favorite oatmeal and vegetable soup. Practically leaping from Sceptile’s claws and raising his stubby arms in the air. “Food!” He squealed excitedly, to Noctowl’s prompt shushing. “Thanks big sis.” Croconaw thanked Miltank in a lower volume, as he waddled off toward the kitchen’s door.

“So…can I go back to sleep now?” Sceptile interrupted, with a sleepy smile directed at Noctowl. Who predictably huffed and puffed out her chest in displeasure.

Before Shepard bowed his head and addressed the adults. I’m truly grateful for the three of you, for staying up on your time off. Lucario said. But I insist that you all try to get some more rest tonight. I’ll watch over the children and send them to bed.

Fifi began to relax somewhat as she noticed that she was slowly warming up due to the heating that was on inside the beautiful new house she was in, as well as the warmth from being in Lucario's arms. She instinctively cuddled up to him by shifting her weight in such a manner that she pressed herself more against him. As her condition improved and she was no longer feeling so bitterly cold, she became more socially aware of her surroundings and how she was behaving. At first she put her paws over her face to cover her eyes, as she felt embarrassed and ashamed that she was unable to look after herself independently and had needed so much help "Sor..sorry mister, and AND thank you for helping me, but sorry for being a bad princess and needing help". Her insecurities flared up as she began to feel worthless and useless for not being able to look after herself, and she started shaking her head "I'm ok now! I promise! I wanna go back to my castle you found me in, I will do better now!" she pleaded, trying to regain her sense of independence to fight her own insecurities. "and... sorry for getting sad and... being 'cry cry', I know I should not 'cry cry', daddy said it weak to 'cry cry' and I promise I am a very strong girl, like my daddy wanted".

She looked out to one of the windows and gulped looking at the bad weather and shuddered a little, with an expression of despair in her eyes, dreading to face nature again. She thought to herself ((Be like daddy, no weak, you strong princess like daddy said)). She was not aware of it, but a single tear ran down her face as she felt a bit of emotional pain from missing him still so dearly. She then smelt the air and felt even more sad, as she could smell something nice that they surely would be eating without her, but despite how it made her feel she kept smelling the air finding the smell comforting. She soon forced herself to stop sniffing the air knowing she'd find the food too irresistible to ignore if either the smell got stronger or she kept sniffing it. Still her stomach lightly growled, it had been a very long time since she had actually ate something nice, as her body subtly showed... she was not starving or malnourished as she has learnt to live from foraging, but she was still underweight, although it was hard to tell under her unkempt fur.

She decided she was going to try and somewhat purposefully struggle in his arms to let him know to put her down, but no matter how much she thought about it she simply could not bring herself to do it yet, this was the first time she had felt genuine affection for over a year, and although staying in his loving arms flared up her feelings of insecurity, she needed this more than she would admit or realize. Her eyes teared up a little as she scootered even closer to him and very very faintly smiled. ((No more cry cry, no cry cry, no cry cry)) she kept thinking to herself as she closed her eyes struggling to stop herself from crying again. But with her eyes closed all she could sense was Lucario's loving embrace as well as all the others speaking as if they were family, and as she kept repeating the phrase 'no cry cry' in her head over and over she still ended up silently sobbing anyway. She felt so alone, so helpless, and so unworthy. She wanted her parents, she wanted to tell off the 'evil' humans that took them away, she wanted to go a single day without these painful feelings haunting her. But she was simply only a young eevee, she could not handle the pressure she misguidedly places upon herself, nor the guilt she wrongly feels for 'leaving' her parents.

Lucario and Miltank were still standing in the foyer. As Sceptile and Noctowl took one last look at the Eevee, who proceeded to snuggle up closer to Shepard’s chest. Before Noctowl flew off of Lucario’s shoulder and got cozy on top of Sceptile’s head, as he yawned with a smile and led them both upstairs.

“Your pout is cute.” Sceptile teased, halfway up the stairs. Making Noctowl promptly bury her face within her wings.

“Oh hush.” She murmured.

Soon followed by Lucario hearing the Eevee’s revealing comments, that he knew Miltank also understood better than most of the others did. But at least she didn’t have many memories of her past family. Now hold on. You’re not in any condition to go back out in that storm. Shepard pressed in a calm and serious tone. With the sound of distant thunder still booming outside. And it’s okay to need help sometimes dear. You’re still young. Lucario reassured the Eevee, proceeding to carry her over toward the kitchen’s left-open door. As the chef quietly walked along behind Shepard. So let’s just get you something to eat first, okay? Lucario noted, unwrapping the Eevee from his raincoat.

"Lemme take care of that, hun’." Miltank softly offered her assistance, and took the coat from his paw. So that she could go over and put it up on the coat rack pole.

Thank you. Lucario accepted, knowing that she wouldn’t sleep a wink until the children were comfortable. You can call me Shepard, dear. But you still haven’t told me your name yet. Lucario addressed Fifi, not wanting to use ‘princess’ anymore, if it caused her more distress. Still focusing on and cradling the young Eevee within his arms, as he heard her stomach begin to rumble.

“That can wait. A strong girl oughta' to fill her tummy.” Miltank gently encouraged the Eevee, in a more cheerful disposition. Since Lucario was unsure how to react, once Fifi squirmed around to be let down. Only to start crying in his paws again, as he started to loosen his sturdy grip on her.

Causing the leader to hesitate. Wait. What should I do now…? He wondered.

Prompting Miltank to take charge and speak up in a warm tone. “Sssh. Sssh. Comere’ sweet pea.” Miltank cooed. Able to pique Eevee’s interest, with her soothing voice and very pleasant-smelling aroma. “Big gals are brave, aren’t they?” Miltank asked her sweetly. With Lucario allowing Fifi to be taken into her motherly hooves. So whether Fifi wanted to act tough or remain coddled; Miltank’s words seemed to compel her. Even it was merely Eevee’s stomach doing most of the listening.

For the longer she remained sad near the Miltank, the more Fifi would start to crave her sweet-smelling milk. As if it was a powerful magnet for hungry and upset children. Strongly pulling Fifi’s attention away from her feeling of loneliness, to instead focus on her current needs, and be calmingly lured closer to Miltank’s potent udders. “Would ya like to taste some of the best milk in the land, princess?” Miltank asked with a big smile, recognizing that Fifi liked the title. “You can sit with me, and drink as much as ya want on my lovely lap.” The chef offered, letting Eevee have the chance to be fondly held, and be full.

Fifi shifted around in her arms so that she was able to face and lock eyes with the Miltank and smile up at her, and although she sniffled a little bit from her previous sobbing she was beginning to cheer up considerably. "Yes please, I really want some milky" she said hopefully. She was then carried a short distance by Miltank who was finding a nearby place to sit down, and once she found a comfortable seat she allowed Fifi to rest upon her lap. Fifi, finding the smell of the milk irresistible now due to her hunger, leant towards one of the udders and tentatively observed it before saying "I'll be a good princess and share by only having a little tiny bit". Fifi then cautiously placed her mouth over the udder, fearful she was going her hurt Miltank is she was careless, and began to suck very lightly before the milk made contact with her mouth. The moment she tasted it the milk Fifi's eye light up like a Christmas tree and her tail started to wag, and she sucked more and more drinking a generous amount of milk that she certainly needed after being hungry for so long.

As Fifi was drinking, she relaxed her body atop Miltanks and cuddled up the best she could with her face still attached to the udder. Eventually though Fifi stopped drinking as she felt full, something she had not felt in a very long time, and she gazed thankfully towards the miltank with her tail wagging at a rather fast pace "Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! It was so nice!" she jumped a little up and down, feeling happiness and excitement now her needs were finally addressed. "It tasted like the milk my mommy got from the shops for me... OHH *gasps* Do you know my mommy, did you give the shop the milk she got?" She said with a tinge of hope, before she turned around as she remembered the Lucario was still behind her. Now feeling happier, and her insecurities kept at bay, she leap at him in excitement wanting to be caught. Thankfully he did manage to catch the now invigorated bundle of joy, as she climbed up him on to his shoulder and nuzzled her nose into his neck, somewhat tickling him. "Thank you for taking me here to your castle, its so nice... Oh, and my name is princess Fifi" she said with glee!

She then jumped all the way to the floor, and started to walk around a little. "How did'cha find my castle in the bad rain? and what do you do in your castle?" she was slowly retracing her steps to the way she came in, talking to encourage the others to follow. Although much happier, it was clear her intentions did not change, she was trying to retrace her steps to the exit and leave, feeling like she should be independent, but this time she had decided in her mind that her two new friends were going to live with her. "Oh, and you can do your job with me at my castle" implying they are to live with her now. But as she got closer to the exit of the place and the sound of the storm got louder, the slower she walked and the closer she got to Lucario, until she was practically standing still cowering under his legs, not upset but just unsure about how she was going to get back while keeping her friends safe, although they clearly had a better idea.

“Whatta’ good girl!” Miltank praised Fifi, once she was lifted and lovingly escorted into the kitchen. For nothing made his sister look more delighted to be alive; than watching someone else enjoy her cooking, or when she was feeding and pampering a child. So Lucario couldn’t imagine a happier trio, after he let out a relieved sigh and then followed them inside. Seeing the beaming chef gently stroke the cautious eevee on her lap, while she sat on a kitchen bench, which gave Miltank a front row seat to their kitchen table. Where Croconaw stood up on the corner chair, quickly gulping down his second helping of her steamy soup. With obvious signs of oatmeal still covering the gator's face, as he blissfully exhaled and patted his bloated belly.

Yet the wonderful scents present in the kitchen, would be no match for the delicious milk that Eevee was drinking straight from the source. “Aw. It’s sweet of ya to be so gentle. But you don’t hafta be shy. Drink your fill, lil’ one.” Miltank reassured, with her hoof holding onto a small soft brush, that made it easier to remove the knots out of Fifi’s fur. Sounding happy when she felt Fifi drinking faster, and watched some of the milk dribble from out of eevee’s greedy maw. “Good girl.” She cooed, while setting the hairbrush down at her side. Prompting Croconaw to take notice from his seat, as he giggled behind his raised claws.

Clean up your mess, and head to bed. Alright? Lucario urged Croconaw, as Chompy looked at him and nodded with a smile. Soon stacking up the four emptied bowls next to him, and then scampering off with them, in order to hop up onto a stool below the wide kitchen sink. Blasting his bowls clean, one by one, with a small burst of water from his gaping maw.

“Bleh-” Croconaw unleashed, before he put each power-rinsed bowl in the sink. Before Shepard decided to let the yawning gator jump down and waddle his way toward the door. So he could head to the sink and finish the process.

“Dear. Your mums’ asleep in the sewin’ room.” Miltank informed the Croconaw, as he smiled wide at Miltank.

“Thanks big sis.” Croconaw replied, before he eagerly headed out to venture upstairs. Leaving the kitchen around the same moment that Fifi cuddled up to Miltank’s plump belly.

Receiving a question that Miltank was proud to answer. “Hmm. Well, I don’t mean to jingle my own bell. But I was a bestseller in the city-” She touted.

Feeling better now? Shepard interjected in a pleasant tone. Reacting quick enough to comfortably catch the jumpy princess, as he let her climb onto his shoulder. We’re happy to have you here, Princess Fifi. Lucario responded, while answering her misunderstandings truthfully. It was my old master’s barn. But perhaps, I’ll show you more in the morning. He urged, proceeding to protectively follow Fifi up to their front door. You can sleep with me tonight, princess. Lucario offered, when she cowered underneath him. My bed is um—comfortable. He added sheepishly.

“Your hammock is a terrible place for such a delicate princess to sleep.” Miltank interrupted, as she gracefully approached from behind. “Plus, our brother snores like an Ursaring.” She referred to Sceptile, who slept on the other side of the same large bedroom that Lucario did.

Fifi looked back and forth between Miltank and Lucario with a conflicted expression, although she wanted to go back to where she was before to be independent, she also did not want to face the storm raging outside. She also seemed to have grown very quickly attached to the two Pokémon that have shown her so much kindness so far, and really did not want to be separate from them. She then looked to the ground in thought as she suddenly realized what the Lucario meant when he had said about her 'castle' actually being someone else's barn. "Umm, Mr, did you say that place I found was actually your friends place? Where is your friend master? Can I meet him, I wanna say thank you for having a barn that saved me from the mean weather". As she finished speaking she then looked towards the exit where she could hear the storm raging unrelentingly, before facing Lucario again with her face beaming with sudden excitement "If I'm really really good can I stay with you?". She figured in her childish logic that if she was 'allowed' to stay in the barn then surely she could also stay here, somehow taking that as more of an acceptable invitation then being directly asked to stay.

Fifi, trying to be as persuasive as possible and fearful she may get no for an answer, pulled the cutest face she could muster. Her eyes widened too, and although this was not part of her cute expression, her smile kept widening more and more as she looked into the Lucario's eyes. She quickly hopped over and nuzzled his legs overwhelmed by the feeling of emotional warmth she had not felt in years, and the deep rooted feelings of loneliness that had plagued her seemed to disappear as she cuddled up to him. "I want to stay with you! I like you! I wanna cuddle!" she beamed, seeking validation from the Pokemon she now looks up to.

Shepard looked away from his sister’s half-serious pout and disapproving stare. Knowing full well that he couldn’t argue with her. W-what’s wrong with my hammock? He questioned sheepishly in his head. Before focusing on Eevee’s questions and her excited face, as he gently smiled at Fifi. Please princess—call me Shepard. Lucario urged, with his paw unconsciously massaging the back of his neck. Mister. Makes me feel like an old geezer… He thought, before dwelling on the other reason that hearing that word made him uncomfortable. My old master is sleeping above the clouds. Lucario answered her query about ‘his friend’, while placing a paw upon his upper chest.

Prompting Miltank to approach closer behind Lucario and respond to Fifi’s request. “Of course you can stay with us, dear.” She chimed in, as her hoof softly patted her brother’s backside. “We could always use another hand on the farm, couldn’t we Shepard?.” She asked.

He blinked and glanced briefly at his sister’s smile. Sounds like our resident chef will be happy to have another maw to feed. Lucario teased his sister. With Miltank joyfully nodding in response. Well I guess that settles that. Shepard added, after Fifi made her choice. Offering his opened paws for her to jump into, as he spoke up in a fatherly tone. At least, that’s what it reminded the Eevee of. Come with me, Fifi. I’ll show you to our bed for the night. Lucario urged. Since it was both polite to let the weary Eevee rest her paws for a while…and because her prancing was noisier than his pawsteps were.

“Okay. Just don’t roll over and flatten our princess like a pancake.” Miltank cautioned, as Lucario proceeded to head down the hallway toward the staircase.

You’ll be okay. So long as you don’t mind sleeping on top of me. Shepard assured her, making sure the princess was comfortable.

As the Lucario walked up the stairs carrying Fifi within his arms, she started to giggle happily before she playfully wriggled about in order to escape his gentle grasp. Once she successfully had gotten free from his grip, she smiled widely as she quickly climbed atop his head and laughed victoriously. She then began to peacefully sway left to right atop him head, but as he neared the top of he stairs she started nuzzling him affectionately, until another wave of excitement hit her and she began swaying again. Despite the fact she knew she was about to go to bed, she felt nothing but excitement as this was the first time within years that she had a proper bed to sleep in, as well as having someone she felt safe around to cuddle up too, and it was clear she had missed those things deeply. As the Lucario got the top of the stairs though, she could no longer contain her excitement and she started to restlessly hop up and down atop his head until a beautiful painting hung on the wall caught her attention. In an instant she leapt to jump down onto the floor so that she could run over to the painting and inspect it, however the Lucario had managed to catch her mid-jump preventing this. But after a few more mere seconds she again attempted to jump down as she saw a bedroom door was left open just a tad and she wanted to burst in to explore it and introduce herself to everyone that may be in there. Yet once again she was caught by the Lucario, but amazingly she still was not done as she tried to jump down a third time when her reflection off of a mirror hung on the wall amused her and she wanted to get closer to it to make funny faces.

This time however, when the Lucario caught her he made sure she would be unable to jump down again, by holding her upwards so that her back was leaning on his chest. Fifi did not protest or struggle however, as she simply leant into him affectionately until they had arrived at the bedroom. Once inside, her tail wagged at insane speeds as she gasped and eagerly darted her head around in many different directions to get a good look at 'her' new room. "HEY HEY" she shouted very loudly in pure overexcitement "CAN WE MAK..." her voice was cut off swiftly by the Lucario that had to cover her mouth so that she did not wake everyone in the house up. As she was placed upon the hammock she moved in a motion to cause it to gently swing back and forward before gently whispering, seemingly understanding she couldn't shout right now, "can we make my new room look like the one at my house when I was younger?" she gazed at him with hopeful eyes, before she jumped as a flash of lightning lit up the room. She then giggled and fibbed saying "I'm a brave girl like my daddy wanted, so that did not scare me hehe.... wait... oh nose! You said your friend master was sleeping above the clouds, he must be so cold and wet and can't sleepie as all the loud bangs, we need to bring him back home with us". She then yawned as her fought the urge to relax, clearly more sleepy than she wanted to admit

Fifi would’ve noticed how effortlessly he moved across the hallway and led them upstairs, without ever once letting her out of his sight⁠. Almost as if Lucario didn’t have to look where he was going. Alright dear. I need you to calm down a little and stay with me. Okay? Shepard urged her politely, on his way up to the top step. Realizing that his sister’s milk might’ve replenished a bit too much of the young princess’ energy. Especially since his superior reflexes had to keep her from touching the floor numerous times now. Yet she seemed no longer reluctant to stray from his side. Most of my family sleeps on this floor. Lucario elaborated further. So please⁠. Promise me that you won’t try to wander off somewhere. He requested in a fatherly tone.

Continuing his leisurely stroll through the second floor hallway, after turning left and approaching one of the many colorful and elaborate oil paintings, which hung from the surrounding walls. Each one uniquely titled, and signed by the same signature at the bottom. However, this particular canvas managed to catch Fifi’s interest long enough to absorb the work’s basic details. Seeing the seven suited human figures; all reaching their arms out ahead of them and frolicking in separate rows of a rainbow-colored field of flowers. Titled as “Morning Meadow Of Married Men.” Being the most attention-grabbing piece for Fifi to gaze upon. Placed beside a ticking grandfather clock, with wooden Pokemon carvings of several legendary birds around its face.

Every drawing on the wall was painted by our young master. Shepard explained to her, while unconsciously itching his arm. The boy truly loved to draw, whenever he had any free time. Lucario added, with a brief sad smile. Before Fifi was quickly carried off, in his silent rush toward their bedroom door. But come now, you must get your rest. Shepard suggested. Allowing Fifi to be easily fascinated by the large ornate silver mirror; which was visible from the moment Lucario had opened the gap wide enough for him to enter.

However, Shepard couldn't cover Fifi’s loud maw in time to prevent another family member from sheepishly poking their fluffy head out of a further left-side archway. Hmm? I wonder whose- A young feminine voice pried, until her swiftly inflated pupils trembled at the sight of this unknown stranger. Before she immediately poofed back into her room. Jumping head first into a pile of plush blankets, before she scurried underneath them to completely conceal herself. Excluding the flickering tip of her bulb-like tail. T-t-t-that was a close one... Mareep thought.

Meanwhile, his high-ceiling bedroom was rather limited in terms of furnishings. Beside the two hammock beds that were hanging from its rafters on either side. The white one on the right, already occupied with a slumbering Sceptile, with his bearish snores being muffled by a big feather pillow put over his face. Along with his surprisingly small dark-green blanket that was being held firmly in his claws.

This one’s ours. Lucario noted, while pointing toward the dark gray one that had nothing else inside of it. Since extra covers made Shepard feel too warm. Giving Fifi a chance to spot the Noctowl up above on the room's single window sill, soundly sleeping in-between the two men. Maybe if you’re good, princess. Shepard offered in response to her final query. And good girls are always quiet at nighttime. Lucario asserted calmly, as he proceeded to climb into his resting spot.

As the Lucario laid down atop his own hammock, which naturally Fifi had already assumed was somehow hers now, Fifi purposefully jumped atop his chest with quite a bit of force, trying to keep him awake for as long as possible. She whispered to him "I'm the best princess ever, but that means you have to give me snuggles like my daddy did" she demanded, despite her pleading eyes making it look more like a beg. She then patted her paws up and down on him to keep him alert so that he could not fall asleep. Seemingly getting her own way, Fifi was given a cuddle by the Lucario, although one that seemed to keep her in place more than anything else. Still Fifi was happy with that and stayed put, purring somewhat, although she occasionally started forcefully patting her paws on him when he started drifting off to sleep to keep him awake and prolong the amount of time she would be cuddled. After a few minutes she spoke in a whisper "I wish daddy was here, he liked cuddles too... he was taken by those meanies, and it makes me feel sad. I... get super sad at night and am bad as it makes me cry-cry, but now I can be a good princess and not be sad. You can cuddle me and *yawn* we can... umm..." Fifi lost track of her thoughts as she gave a long and sleepy yawn. She was clearly fighting to stay awake and her eyelids barely remained open at all, but unluckily for her as the Lucario spoke back to her he started stroking her ears, which was too much for Fifi to take as it relaxed her and after only a few seconds of it... She fell asleep peacefully.

The next morning she awoke first which was not unusual given that she always woke up before even dawn arrived, a habit she had to form to constantly keep escaping rescue centres throughout the years. As Fifi awoke she gazed at the Lucario who was still asleep and frowned, before gently whispering "When I find daddy I'll tell him how nice you are, I promise". This was pretty much routine to Fifi at this point, each day she awoke feeling sorrowful as she thought about her previous owners, and once again planned to herself how she would 'find them' today. But unlike her normal morning routines, this time she had to give up something she really enjoyed from the night before, a connection to somebody else. This was hard for her to do and so she just gazed at him for awhile, before finally deciding that if she stays any longer she might somehow miss an opportunity to find her 'parents'. So, she enacted to the escape attempt she always did to escape from rescue centres, after checking the bad weather was gone first by looking through the window, that is. She jumped down onto the floor and bolted at high speed to the nearest exit, and just like in her rescue centre escape attempts, she did not recall where the closest exit actually was and so bolted downstairs running in practically every direction until she found an exit. Once she was outside it was just like any other successfully escape, where she would sprint forward in a single direction until she became too exhausted to keep going or no she longer could move forward for whatever reason. In this case it was her inability to move forward, as after a while she ended up in front of a river that was too large for her to jump across. Stopping, she looked deeply in the distance while speaking aloud ohhh, ok ok... I did it...but...hmmm...I wish I knew which way to go to find you daddy, and you too mommy, but I don't know what way, I hope its this way, she then turned left and started to follow the river down. But after a few steps she noticed her legs needed to recover from her previous sprinting and so she laid down and relaxed, and there she stayed trying to regain some energy "ughhh I hungry again, I wish I could have milky again... But no... need to find... no no no" she again started to sob before falling back asleep listening to the flow of the river.