It's finally done... it's been too long.
I keep apologizing for how long chapters take, but life just keeps getting on my bad side with it's ability to restrict my writing time. My stepfather had some very serious health complications. I got Covid a second time. I lost a close family member. I got a promotion at work. The irony is this has given me tons of time to sit and write on paper, but getting the time to type it all up and get it proofread is a far different deal. Adding to that is that I wrote this nine times! It's had to balance Sparkette and Shadow's friendship without taking it too far yet making it realistic. And this is a critical chapter, it's the main crux of the entire story. From here, everything will get easier, because the hardest chapter to get right is the one you're about to read. I truly hope it does them justice. If you want to meet Sparkette and Shadow in person, you can on Eevee's Playground, the official discord for them, the link is c32kfy32
After an hour, we had no word on Shadow, but Officer Jenny showed up, just like Nurse Joy had threatened. Tyler explained everything he saw from Camp, and I explained everything I had gone through. As it turned out, the Onix had attacked several others, and they were about to issue a bounty on it. Jenny decided that Tyler had done nothing wrong to Shadow, and hoped the best for him. Since no one knew what he was, they sent pictures to Professor Oak. Even he, with his years of experience, had never seen the kind of Eeveelution Shadow was.
Shortly after one in the afternoon, almost ten hours after Shadow went through those doors, a single doctor came out. His uniform was stained in crimson, and he seemed so tired as he came to us. "We did everything we could for Shadow."
NO!
"The good news is he has survived surgery."
Oh thank Arceus.
"But bad news too. He's going to live, but he has to rest. He's badly hurt, and he needs to heal on his own, because our healers can't identify his species. We know he's an Eevee, but his evolution has never been seen in Kanto. The nurses are finishing bandaging him up and getting his discharge papers ready. He'll have a few prescriptions to take, and we're giving you a voucher for a daycare center. They will care for him in any capacity to allow him to heal. It's just outside of town. Drop him off there and they will see to it he's back to battling soon."
Half an hour later, Shadow was wheeled out on a cot. He looked good, except for the white bandages wound around his chest. It was clear he was still in pain, even thought he was probably on the highest amount of pain killers they could give him. Now that I could actually see him, I could see why everyone was so intrigued. His fur was short and the most ultra black I had ever seen. His ears were long, slim, and had the shape of a predator. His face too was almost evil looking, a shape perfect for killing. But to contrast the darkness were yellow rings, which I swear to Arceus put off light last night, but now were just soft coloring in his fur. But at least he could stand on his own, even if he was exhausted.
"How are you feeling Shadow?" I asked, standing on my hind legs to see him. "Ever been hit by a magnet train? Multiply that by child birth and you'll understand." he groaned. "How would you ever know what child birth feels like?" I giggled. "I can guess after having my insides toyed with." he sighed. "While they were in there, did the proctologist happen to find your head?" I teased. "No, but the cardiologist did confirm I have a heart. It's rather bruised at the moment, but it's still ticking." he smirked. "It's a strong heart. It has to be for a strong Pokemon. Rest Shadow, I'm right here for you." I assured him, giving him a nuzzle.
Tyler put him in his pokeball, and we made the short trip to the daycare center nearby. A kind old man was more than happy to accept Shadow as he stroked an aging Vulpix on his lap, her muzzle full of grey. "Shadow will be fine here. I will keep a close eye on him." The man smiled, letting him out on the counter. "Sup!" he laughed, then fell over and groaned. "Umm... I thought he was an Eevee." the man said, looking him over. "He was. We have no idea what he evolved into. Not even Nurse Joy knew. Her best guess is an undocumented eeveelution." Tyler shrugged.
"That does explain the physical surgery and not the PokeHealer. But that also means a longer healing time. I'll need to keep him for a month." the old man sighed. "But... I don't wanna have him be alone for a month." I whimpered, looking at Autumn. "I know, but at these prices... I mean maybe my dad would cover it but he wouldn't be happy about it." she sighed. "Well, that's an easy fix. See, Nurse Joy is a great doctor, but a terrible contract writer. She puts "any reasonable treatment" in her papers. I'd say having a close friend to provide support in a very trying time is a reasonable treatment. I can keep the Jolteon too if she promises to help him heal." he smiled at me. "Of course!" I cheered.
After Autumn and Tyler filled out some paperwork, Shadow and I were allowed into the back. There was a large wall of cubbies with padding and blankets to sleep in, a bunch of feeders, and a huge back area with a stream of clear cold water. Not a bad vacation, if it wasn't for Shadow being more crippled than an ice type facing a fire type. Still, he sat beside the stream with me and watched the other Pokemon frolic on the other side.
"Thank you, for staying with me." he said, looking into the water. "I've stuck with you through everything. This whole journey. Even when you've been an annoying twit, I've stayed right here beside you. You evolving will never change that." I told him, looking over to him. He just stared at his reflection. "No one knows what I am. I don't even know what I am. They couldn't even type me Sparkette. I thought maybe I was a ghost, but they said no. I am the only one of my kind. I have no one! I am alone! I am a single being with no one to answer anything!" he vented.
I didn't think about the injuries when I tackled him, but the yelp made me recoil. "Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. But Shadow, you're NOT alone. You never will be. I will not leave your side. No matter what you are, I will remain by your side, right here! We will find the answers, but you need to calm down and focus on the now. I cannot have you hating yourself just because of a stupid thing like black fur." I growled at him. I expected many reactions, but not for him to laugh. "Sorry, I'm just frustrated. I don't hate myself, I just wish I could know what I am. But it's cute how protective you are. It's part of why I love you." he chuckled.
I could feel my face get hot, probably at red as a pokeball. Not only did he just admit that, but here I am straddling him in a very awkward position. "Umm... I said that aloud didn't I?" he muttered, looking away. "You may have evolved physically, but mentally you're still a moron. But I guess you're my idiot." I sighed, sliding off to lay next to him. "If I'm your idiot, does that make you my girlfriend?" he asked, rolling with a groan towards me. "I suppose dating a moron isn't too bad. Let's just hope our kids inherit my brains." I teased. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I don't think kids are a good idea yet." he choked. "Well obviously not you moron!" I barked. "Typical, I find a girl, and she just insults me." he sighed. "When have I ever not teased you?" I asked, sticking my tongue out. "Oh I know, you're a naughty little vixen who has a very hard time saying nice things, but I know how to shut you up." he grinned.
"Many have tried, none have succ-eep!" I began, until I was suddenly pinned under him, his front legs holding me down. Even injured he had some raw strength, enough to make it actually hard to move. "Shadow, you're bleeding again." I sighed, looking at his bandages. "I know, it stings like hell. But I think I have proven I will endure an endless amount of suffering if it means proving I care." he smiled. "You don't need to prove anything. But you need to heal. Why don't we go get you checked out?" I groaned.
"Ahh young love. The one thing that makes ladies weak in the knees, and men into complete idiots. Shadow, you have 6 broken ribs, a repaired lung puncture, and a bruised heart. The fact you are able to walk is a testament to Nurse Joy's healing knowledge. But that doesn't mean you can be reckless! You are here to rest, not spar with a Jolteon. Or any other Pokemon for that matter. Rest, food, and talking, nothing else. Do I make myself clear?" the old man said as he restitched Shadow's side and changed his bandages. "Everyone keeps saying that. Do you all really think I'm stupid?" Shadow sighed.
"Yes!" The old man, the Vulpix, and I said together.