Blue's heart was beating faster than it ever had.

Of all pokemon, why did it have to be his dad? His dad was supposed to be there with him and Finn and Ellie; he was supposed to watch them evolve. This wasn't right.

"Blue, Blue! It'll be fine, okay? Dad will be fine!" his older brother, Finn, urged. Finn had tried to sound positive, but his voice was trembling. Because deep inside, both the brothers knew that this was the last time they would get to visit their dad. The two rushed as fast as their little legs could carry them; speeding past the streets filled with Pokèmon. It really was a pitiful sight- two tiny eevees; one normal and one shiny, running madly towards the hospital.

Blue didn't respond. He didn't know what to say. All he knew was that they had to get to their dad as quickly as possible. He was exhausted; and yet he kept running. He needed to see his dad.

Soon enough, they found themselves in front of the large hospital building. Blue vaguely remembers coming here when his little sister, Ellie was born. That was a happy memory. Finn seemed to have sensed what Blue was thinking and said," It's funny, how the same place can have both good and bad memories." Blue simply nodded. He couldn't say anything, because his throat felt constricted. Blue was one step away from breaking down.

The pair of brothers walked hesitantly into the hospital, sticking close to one another. They had never been here on their own before, so they felt a little bit lost. Luckily, a Chancey in the uniform of a nurse came towards them and asked," Hello! Are you hurt?"

Blue and Finn almost jumped in surprise, but were quick to regain their composure as Finn said," No. Our father is sick and we've come to meet him. Can you please take us to him? His name is Atlan and he's a Vaporeon." Upon hearing Finn's words, Chancey's face dimmed. Her expression grew grim and her eyes were filled with pity when she looked at the brothers. Blue visibly gulped and his heart lurched. That expression only confirmed what he had been thinking: their father was in a really bad condition.

"Follow me,"Chancey said. They walked through long, winding corridors silently, and finally reached the room in which their dad was admitted. Chancey opened the door quietly and told the brothers to go in. Upon entering, Blue couldn't hold back the whimper that left his mouth. Beside him, he heard Finn gasp.

Their dad had always been strong; someone that Finn and Blue always looked up to. But seeing him now; it was like their worst nightmare had come true. His usually bright blue coat had paled, and the scales around his head had drooped. There were dark circles under his eyes and his figure had thinned sizeably.

"D-dad?" Finn said finally, tail between his legs. Atlan slowly opened his eyes, turning his gaze to his sons. With much effort, he smiled and said," Finn, Blue. Are Eve and Ellie doing alright?" Blue still couldn't bring himself to say anything and could only stare at the fatigued figure of his dad.

"They're fine! What about you, dad? You're alright too, right?" Finn said desperately, walking towards the hospital bed. Atlan's face became grave and he sighed. "Finn, everything will be alright. Take care of yourself and mom and Ellie and Blue, okay?"

Finn nodded and Blue noticed how his older brother's paws had begun to tremble. Blue quickly rushed to Finn's side and nuzzled him, hoping to comfort him.

"Finn, can I have a moment alone with Blue?"their dad croaked. Finn opened his mouth, seemingly to refuse, but closed it and changed his mind. Something about the way his dad had talked made him feel like he should listen. He ran towards Atlan and nuzzled him once, then quietly went outside the room.

"Blue, come here,"Atlan said and Blue obliged. Every step he took made his heart break a little bit more. "You've always stood out,"Atlan said, placing his paw on Blue's head with much difficulty. Tears welled up in his eyes but he refused to let them flow. Not now.

"I'm not just talking about you being a shiny, either. You're so much more than that. One day, though,"Atlan's expression became dark," One day, someone might come and try to break your will. There will be days when you will want to give up. But you can't, okay?" Blue nodded. Atlan's breathing became rugged; like it was costing him too much energy to talk.

Atlan placed his paw under Blue's chin and raised it gently, looking straight into Blue's aqua eyes. He stared for a moment, then finally smiled. "Blue, you are so strong. You will do great things one day. Just remember, I will always be there for you. You might not always see me, but I'm here. Right by your side. I love you very much." With that, the faint light in Atlan's eyes diminished. The paw under Blue's chin dropped.

Atlan was no more.

Blue released a howl of pain, trying to cuddle into his dad. At that moment, the door opened and Finn rushed in. When he saw what had happened, he whimpered and tried to get close to their dad. The brothers' hearts had completely shattered. To watch your father die in front of your eyes; Blue was sure he'd never forget it. The Chancey came in and softly told the boys to leave the room and go home. After much persuasion, the two finally agreed and left the hospital. Tears ran down their faces, and neither said anything.

That was the day Blue decided that no matter what happened, he would never give up. He would live bravely, because that is what his dad would want.