A/N

I said I would come back to this story and I am. It may take longer than I'd like, but thats because Im tweaking the story and dialogue a bit. The initial story will remain somewhat the same, but there are some things im not satisfied with. I'll making updating all the chapters, so bare with me on that. And without further delay...

Disclaimer: Pokemon related material belong to their respective owners.

chapter 1

A light storm passed through the sky after several days of gray and dark clouds. Most pokemon were in their homes, keeping dry from the rains and turning in for the night. However one was still out, lost in thought as she stared at the now distorted image that was her reflection.

A young eevee sat on the edge of a small pond, watching the rain disturb the surface that was mirror like before. She could still see herself though. Brown fur, white mane, deep brown eyes and furry long ears. She stared at herself, deep in thought and oblivious to her surroundings. helped her think. Especially considering the decision she would have to make soon.

She thought of her father, a strong and kind jolteon. His words echoing in her mind:

"We eevee have survived due to our ability to adapt," she remembered, "Soon you too will decide what to become, and help our pack thrive in these troubled times." She growled at his words.

A choice that is forever. Once made, there is no turning back. How was she to make a decision like that? What if she chose something she didn't like? What if she chose something they didn't like? She liked being an eevee, but everyone was putting so much pressure on her and it was getting to her.

"Lo?" Came a voice from behind. She didn't look. " What are you doing here? You tryna get sick?"

"Yan, can I ask you something?" She started. An older eevee came and sat next to her, obviously bothered by the rain.

"What is it?"

"How is it so easy for you to choose?... I'm... I'm afraid I might choose wrong.." Lo frowned and swiped at the water disrupting the reflection. Once it cleared and returned, Yan looked at her reflection and then at his. With a smile he rolled his tongue out and shook his head. Lo looked at him and giggled.

" When I heard about Tif and what he did to save our pack, I decided then and there that I would be just like him. I know its a bit harder for them, but Im going umbreon." Lo listened to him. He looked at her and she looked back. "You're my best friend, Lo. I know you'll make the right choice. Don't worry." Lo looked back at the water. She quickly thought of what her father said.

"I just... i dont know..."

"It's your dad, huh?" Lo nodded, unsure if Yan understood how she felt. "Did you tell him?" Lo shook her head. "Maybe you should. I'm sure he'll understand." Lo sighed and nodded again. "Good. Now lets go. I'm wet and hungry." The two eevee then left the pond and headed home.

The two talked more as they walked. The converstaion eventually went back to Tif. An Umbreon that saved the pack from a neigboring force of mightyena. They had the help of the Houndoom from the northern forest as a debt that they owed. Together the two packs drove the mightyena out of the entire territory.

Tif was wounded in the final fight and after it was over he dissapeared. Yan and Lo were mere kits then, barely hatched. But the battle was very real. Tif was like a role model to Yan. Now that he was gone, Yan wanted to fill in his place as a protector of the pack. That was his reason for becoming an Umbreon.

Lo didn't have such a reason to change. Tif was a great pokemon, but she didn't feel the same way that Yan did. She also knows her father would like for her to be a jolteon, but she didnt want that either. There were so many choices to pick from and though they all had their advantages, the "right" choice was nearly impossible for Lo to see.

She didn't want to pick something and become a burden on the rest of the pack. If that were to happen the pack leader would surely have her exiled. A fact umong the pack, it was decided long ago that those who do not evolve were not allowrd to stay. And to this day that rule stands. As far as a choice to be made, Lo was feeling less and less certain everyday. The ceremony of the stones was soon and she was running out of time.

They soon came to a familiar den that was under a small cliff. A tree grew above it giving the den strong walls on the inside from the roots. grass hung over the entrance and hid it very well.

"Thank you Yan. I feel a little better now." Lo said as they approached.

"No prob. And just... y'know, talk to him. I'm sure he'll understand." She then said goodbye and dashed off toward his own home. Lo sighed. How was she going to tell him? It wasn't something to casually bring up over a few berries.

'Oh yeah, I'm having second thoughts about evolving. How was your day?' This was going to be tough. Lo braced herself and trudged inside. It was empty and quite spacious. There were even individual rooms for Lo and her father. Of course He had the bigger room. Lo didn't mind. She liked hers. It was more private and quiet. The way she liked it.

"Did you enjoy the rain?" Came a voice from behind her. Lo turned to see her father come in with a mouth full of berries.

"I could ask you the same thing." She chuckled. The jolteon shook the rain off of his fur and splashed Lo. He apologized and the two laughed. Xen then gave her a few berries and the two ate dinner. Lo didn't speak while eating though. She finished first and took a breath to talk.

"Lo. I want to speak with you."

Lo felt her heart speed up. She already knew what he was going to say. Xen looked her in the eyes but she couldn't do the same. The way she felt made her feel unable to look at him. "Have you made your decision yet?"

"There's so many to choose from," she admitted.

"Ah yes. Choices. You could always become a jolteon!"

"M- maybe-"

"I can see it now. Father and daughter! An electrifying team if i can think of one." Lo shuddered at the thought. "Has your friend decided?"

She answered with a nod. "He wants to be like Tif and become an umbreon"

"I see. Tif was a great pokemon.. I wish my old friend were still here.."

"You and were friends?" Xen nodded.

"He and I fought in the battles when the mightyena attacked not long after you were born. He was extremely skilled and stronger than most in the pack."

Lo had to say what was on her mind. She had to tell him she didnt want to go through with this, but before she could start, Xen began again:

"I remember when your mother and I evolved," he said, earning a look from Lo. "She was so scared and worried. She thought it would hurt!"

The young eevee tried to laugh, but she could only muster a smile.

"At first she was afraid, but once she saw me, all of her fear vanished. I remember it well." Xen looked forward, lost in memory. Lo felt guilty. How could she tell him she didn't want to evolve after hearing that? Xen shook his head and brought his attention back to her.

"Anyway, what did you have in mind?"

"Well um... I... I want to surprise you." She stammered. Xen stared at her for a moment, and Lo looked away. Suddenly the room echoed with his hearty laugh.

"Of course! I'd have it no other way."

Lo knew she would have to tell him, but how could she? Not only was it essential to evolve in the pack, but Xen seemed to be more than just excited about the ceremony. He was looking forward to her coming of age. Something she hadn't truly thought of. Telling him would have to wait. She didnt want to bring him down again.

"Well!" He bursted as he stood to his feet. "Think I'm going to turn in."

"Ok Dad. Goodnight."

He nuzzled her and headded off to his area. The eevee then went off to her own room and lay down on a bed of leaves Xen made. It took what seemed hours before she began to drift off and beore falling into an uneasy sleep she whispered.

"Great advice, Yan.."

End of Chapter 1