Chapter 3
Life's Flicker
Before the forest stood a young male Eevee, staring into its unfamiliar depths. His brown fur swayed with the wind, which was strong until they had come upon the forest. Several Pokémon accompanied him there, including his adopted father, an Arcanine, a Staravia named Rapid, a Medicham who shortened his name to Medi, and a Growlithe, his adopted brother and true son to Eevee's adopted father. They came from their small living group back on the prairie to test the young Eevee and Growlithe, as their times to evolve were near, according to Medi. Medi lead the group, as unanimously voted for by all the Pokémon there. He was experienced and strong, and his psychic abilities helped to detect possible intruders.
"I hope you two have prepared yourselves," Medi said as he passed between Growlithe and Eevee. "It'll be a difficult test." Medi turned to face them. Its pale white body was skinny until it reached the legs, which were bulging in comparison, and purple with a moderate sized yellow dot in the center of them. His feet were tiny in comparison and the same color as its body. The arms were long and pale white also. Its head was the same except for the top, with a purple headpiece that had two oval appendages on both sides and one twice as large on the top of the headpiece. Three yellow, small, and unconnected dots were in the shape of a triangle on the headpiece just above its eyes, which were just below the purple headpiece and symmetrically placed on his face. His mouth was small and circular near the bottom of his face.
"I'm ready for anything," Eevee replied to him confidently.
"You both nearly always are, for better or worse," Medi replied with a widening smile.
Eevee and Growlithe looked at each other, clearly recalling the times Medi was referring to. Growlithe had a mainly orange fur with black stripes, with cream colored fur covering his chest, belly, tail, muzzle, and along the middle on the top of his head. Two claws were sported by Growlithe's two front paws while three tows were present on his hind paws. Though they lived together like brothers, they knew from the beginning that they were not. As a result, Eevee viewed Growlithe, who was twice his size in comparison, as a close friend. He knew Growlithe felt the same. Yet, despite his feelings, he would easily call him a brother if someone asked.
"You said it," Rapid chirped, hopping to just behind the two, ending up next to Growlithe's father. "How many times was I called, while sleeping mind you, to fly around and look for these two?" He playfully smacked the two with his black and gray wings. His body comprised of white, black, and gray in somewhat random patterns, but gray composed his lower body and the middle of his wings. Orange covered his feet and beak, with the semi-long beak having a black tip. What he said was true, whenever the two got into mischief, he was usually the first one called upon to look for them. He enjoyed it though, despite his occasional teasing and complaining.
"Not enough" Growlithe replied to Rapid with a yap. "After all, a couple of times we did that on purpose so we could hide from you."
"You did what?!" Rapid's chided in surprise. Eevee and Growlithe giggled at the bird's reaction. "Ugh, no wonder it took me ages to find you that one night when you pranced at the tall grass."
"Young pups will be mischievous no matter how they go about it," Medi said, still smiling. "However, the time has come for this test to begin." He paused and looked at Arcanine. "Are you sure you want them tested this way Arcane? We can always use something less…" Medi trailed off, turning to look at the forest behind him as if trying to find the right word to describe it.
Arcane, the name of Growlithe's father given to him by Medi, answered before he finished with a nod. "They deserve this challenge. Both are headstrong and dedicated. Besides, we are here to accommodate for those fears you mentioned before. The test will go smoothly."
Eevee turned to look at Arcane with admiration. Whenever he spoke it was with zeal and confidence. Eevee could only describe him as a much bigger and majestic Growlithe. The cream fur now covered more, and his body in general basically had much more muscle. If a Pokémon ever threatened their territory back home, he would be the first to challenge them. The result was the intruders nearly always running away terrified after hearing his booming roar. He was no slouch in a fight either.
"Very well, you are right," Medi returned Arcane's nod and beckoned the two forward. Growlithe and Eevee obeyed, and in step approached Medi and sat in front of him, looking at him expectantly. Eevee knew he was about to explain the finer points of the test.
"We have recently found a fire stone, but as fate with have it, two of you eligible to use it sit in front of me today. Since you are the same age, it is only fair that a competition be held to decide the user."
Though listening intently, Eevee felt a pang in the back of his mind. He wanted to evolve, and would give it his all to do so, but he did not want to shame Growlithe in front of his father. The night before he had told this to Growlithe, who laughed in response. What? He said when he finished laughing. Are you growing sentimental on me? Come on, he is pretty much a father to you just as much as me. This comforted Eevee, but he wished there was a way they could both evolve. Some time ago, he confronted Medi about it. Yes, Medi said in response to Eevee's question. One could evolve without a stone, but only when in extreme and most likely life threatening circumstances. Eevee flicked an ear to recompose his mind. Growlithe was ready, and so was he. He would not let these thoughts stop him now. Besides, they kept a promise.
"The competition," Medi continued, "Will be held in this forest, starting here. Though the forest is large, do not fret young ones, we did not venture too deep, and it is relatively safe provided you do not raid marked territories. Rapid, Arcane and I will act as your guides and guardians, adding hints to help you on your way. Do not expect to see us, as we will remain hidden. Remember your goal and remain focused as you tread the path to evolution." He looked at Eevee and Growlithe. "Are you ready?"
"We already promised each other…" Eevee began
"… No grudges" Growlithe finished.
Eevee and Growlithe turned and bumped heads, a friendly good luck to each other as a sign that they were ready.
"You two have truly grown," Medi commented, and Eevee could have sworn he heard admiration in the difficult-to-please Medicham. "Enough! The test," He turned to the forest, "Shall begin!" Upon saying this, Rapid, Arcane, and Medi disappeared into the forest, most likely beginning to set the trails.
"Good luck," Eevee mewed to Growlithe
"You too," Growlithe returned with an affectionate growl.
Both took a deep breath, and parted ways, entering the forest far enough apart to be on separate trails.
Eevee trotted at a steady pace as he looked for signs telling him where to go. He had found three already, realizing early that they could range from anything from marks on trees to disturbed plants, to even stacked rocks, which had to be Medi's doing. The other two would not have had time to place that clue. Eevee slithered through thorn bushes and came across a fire. It was controlled, as it was surrounded by rocks. Looking beyond it, he noticed that there was a fork in the grassy pathways. Logs were lined up, pointing in one direction, and twigs were pointing in the other. Closing his eyes, Eevee imagined his goal, fire encased in stone. Larger amounts of wood created more fire. Eevee opened his eyes and followed the path. He soon came across a river. It was too deep for him to wade through, but a mark on a tree on the other side told him he needed to cross. With a look at the river, Eevee noticed that rocks were placed into a path, scattered. He leaped the first two and steadied himself. Hearing a thud behind him, he turned to see the rock now floating downriver. Looking back at the rocks before him, he noticed that they were placed in such a way that the slightest weight would dislodge them. Once again Medi's doing, but Eevee was surprised that he was able to set all of those rocks up in such a short time, and aside from that, where did he get all of these rocks to begin with?
Eevee pushed the question out of his mind and focused on the task in front of him. The rock he was currently on was natural, so he had time to think. Since the rocks dislodged when he jumped on them, he needed to be sure of his pathway. After he was certain, he started jumping, quickly so he would not fall with the rock as it plummeted into the river. He prepared to leap for the final rock and jumped. After hearing a splash, he felt the wind suddenly knocked out of him as he felt a blow to his belly. Before he knew it, he was in the river, getting carried away by the current. He struggled to regain himself as he flailed in an attempt to fight the current. Suddenly, he felt something grip his fur, and then he was pulled out of the water and onto the shore. Laying down and breathing heavily, he turned to see Rapid, angrily looking into the direction of the river.
"What's the big idea?!" He twittered angrily. "Are you a jerk to everyone that tries to cross the river?"
"What did you expect?" Eevee got up and looked to see a Barboach that had just surfaced above the water. Its voice was very deep. "He was using the rocks that plugged up my home!"
"Plugged up your-" Rapid stopped mid retort and covered his eyes with a wing. "Darn it Medi." He shook his head and looked at the Barboach. "Which one is your home?"
Barboach turned and splashed water onto the rock Eevee was just about the land on.
"Well, if you were just a little more patient," Rapid said, flying to the rock then landing on it, flying away once it tipped. With a splash, the rock was carried away by the current.
"Are you kidding me?" Barboach said in disbelief. Rapid returned to Eevee's side while the Barboach began knocking each of the rocks from their place.
"Sorry that had to happen, you'd better going." Rapid said, sounding apologetic as he took flight, rounding the trees until he was out of sight. Eevee continued onward, trying to ignore the fact that the incident did waste precious time.
The clues became noticeably shorter until a small clearing was reached. Eevee looked for some kind of entrance but could not find anything relating to one. On a tree to the left of him, markings were there. It was a mix of a form of Pokémon writing. The message was easy enough to decipher. "The location shall reflect the sun at its highest." It only took a moment for Eevee to figure it out. The entrance was in the center of the clearing. He turned and bolted for the center. When he arrived, another arrived at the same time, and they collided, with both being sent sprawling onto the ground. Eevee knew who it was even before he looked. His gaze rested on the recovering Growlithe, who was panting from the run just as much as Eevee was.
"Well this is unprecedented." A familiar voice sounded. Medi suddenly landed nearby them. Eevee guessed that he had been watching from a tree branch. "I am amazed that the interruptions still allowed you both to meet here at the same time. It seems that you two will still struggle at beating each other at anything other than fighting."
"Wait," Eevee chimed in, "Growlithe was interrupted too?"
"Yup," A regretful growl came from Growlithe. "I was blamed for doing damage to a bird's house. My father had to explain that Medi would fix it later, and I was able to slip away."
Eevee could not help but laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"The same thing happened to me, except it was a fish," Eevee said the words in between laughter.
"Wow, Medi sure had trouble dodging homes didn't he?" Growlithe giggled. Medi loudly cleared his throat.
"Yes, yes, I was a bit clumsy, but was also in a hurry. The fact of the matter is that you both made it, and only a dual will decide the victor. I had hoped to avoid this, but I suppose it could not end in a better fashion than a one-on-one clash."
"Did they seriously get here at the same time?" Rapid chirped as he landed beside Medi, looking at the two in disbelief.
"Are you really surprised?" Arcane's deep voice sounded from the trees. He entered the clearing shortly after. "These two are equals. One may be able to beat the other in something, but then the other would turn around and beat him at something else. It always comes down to some sort of tiebreaker game with these two."
"True," Rapid smiled, clearly remembering those times.
"It is time!" Medi cried, as if trying to tell the world. "The dual for evolution shall decide the victor. When you have recovered, begin. We shall once again hide and observe. I know I do not have to tell you this, but please," he paused and bowed. "Keep it clean." Once Medi said that, the three vanished into the woods again.
"Well," Growlithe said as he smiled at Eevee. "It looks like we'll finally get to settle the score."
Eevee smiled back and nodded to him, remembering the only day the two had fought a legitimate battle. It had dragged on for so long that an amazed Medi had to break it up and call it a draw.
"I've been looking forward to this. I knew it would happen someday." Eevee stretched to prepare himself, then turned and walked a ways to put some distance between him and Growlithe.
"Me too," Growlithe shook himself and shifted into a fighting position. Both Eevee and Growlithe were trained to fight by Arcane, so their fighting styles were similar. Eevee wondered how he was going to break the neutrality that they kept finding themselves in.
I have to knock him off balance somehow, Eevee told himself in his thoughts. Otherwise I am too small to do any real damage to him. Charging headlong at him isn't going to do me any good. Arcane once let Eevee use Take Down on him as practice for the move, and he did not even budge.He rotated his head then got into a fighting stance of his own by crouching with his rear up, preparing to leap in reaction to Growlithe. I'll let him make the first move.
He was soon glad he did. Growlithe began the battle by using Ember right away, launching a small amount of flame at Eevee, who leaped to get out of the way. When he landed, he looked to see Growlithe now using Agility.
That's bad, if I allow him to use that too much and he gains momentum, getting an opening will be that much harder.
Eevee used Quick Attack to stop him, and Growlithe staggered from the blow, evidently not expecting such a quick counter attack. Eevee then tried to use Take Down to gain an edge, but Growlithe was ready this time, and he swatted Eevee away with a forepaw. Eevee regained his footing just in time to dodge another Ember, and started to run. Growlithe ran to intercept, but Eevee leaped just in time to fake him out, hoping Growlithe would lose his balance. He unfortunately did not, and Growlithe swiftly turned and hit Eevee hard with his head, sending Eevee sprawling to the ground. Seeing that Growlithe was trying to use Agility again, he quickly got up and used Quick Attack again. Growlithe was prepared for the blow, and was able to recover in time to use Fire Fang. Growlithe chomped on Eevee's tail, and with a yelp of pain, Eevee struggled free and used Take Down, hitting Growlithe squarely in the chest, knocking him off his paws.
That's my chance!
Eevee tried to take advantage of his opponent being down, but he could not regain himself fast enough before Growlithe was able to recover, as he was still trying to sustain the burning pain he felt in his tail. Growlithe noticed the pause and tried to use Agility again.
He thinks I am going to panic and lash out. Nice try!
Thinking fast, he used Sand Attack. Growlithe yipped in surprise and ended up tripping, landing on his side. Eevee used Quick Attack again, and when Growlithe scrambled up to counter, Eevee ran past and zipped behind him, then used Double Edge, a powerful move he had learned just recently, and hit Growlithe so hard that he was sent flying. When he landed he rolled, but amazingly was able to get back up. Eevee's head reeled from the impact, but he shook himself to regain control. Growlithe charged him and tried to use Fire Fang. Eevee leaped back just in time, but Growlithe pursued. After dodging three more Fire Fangs, Eevee saw his opening and charged. The two collided, but Growlithe had braced himself and Eevee felt as if he had just slammed into a rock. While Eevee was stunned, Growlithe seized his chance, and he chomped on Eevee's neck fur and flung him into the air. Growlithe then followed up with an Ember, hitting Eevee as he came back down. As Eevee hit the ground hard, Growlithe reared his head and slammed into him, sending him clear across the clearing. Dazed, Eevee barely found the strength to stand up, and looked at Growlithe, who was now using Agility once more. Eevee took the opportunity to recover, but he knew he needed to be moving soon. Growlithe attained the boost in speed and charged Eevee. Reacting on pure instinct, Eevee turned and jumped on the tree, pushing with all of his might to jump off of it. The tactic worked out for Eevee in the best possible way as Growlithe slammed into the tree while Eevee jumped over him. Growlithe recovered quickly however, and was again charging at Eevee with alarming speed. Once again reacting on instinct, he used Quick Attack to zip around the clearing, barely able to turn by jumping off the trees to readjust. He maneuvered around Growlithe, barely avoiding blow after blow, until finally Eevee was able to hit his flank using Take Down. Growlithe stood up, panting from the chase. Eevee stared at him, breathing heavily. He was struggling to stand, and he could tell that Growlithe was too.
This is it. We are on our last legs.
Despite Eevee's pain, he was smiling. He felt truly alive, and the rush of battle was the only reason he was standing. Upon reading Growlithe's expression, Eevee could tell that he felt the same.
Growlithe let out a roar and released flames toward Eevee. Eevee leaped back, but the flames lingered. Growlithe then started to use agility. Eevee guessed that he was going to leap over the flames. He hesitated, starting to second guess himself.
No! It's all or nothing. If I don't do something, he'll get me.
As soon as Growlithe charged toward him, he mustered all of his courage and charged through the flames and leaped with all of his might. He had guessed correctly, and he slammed into Growlithe's belly, knocking him completely off balance and sending him flying past the flames. Eevee then turned, went through the flames again, and hit Growlithe with Double Edge. Growlithe landed on the ground and did not move. The recoil was too much for Eevee and he collapsed. He started to get up, but he could feel his muscles failing.
Are we… going to end it like this?
Get up
The voice came from out of nowhere. Despite sounding somewhat disembodied, it sounded like it was pleading.
Who are you?
That is not important
Get up
I can't…
I refuse to believe that one brave enough to charge through flame's flow twice is too weak to stand after delivering the final blow
Get up
I…
Remember what you fight for
Nothing has stopped you before
Despite your love for the pup
What you must do now is get up
The words remember what you fight for rang in Eevee's head. He knew the answer. It was a chance for a journey, a chance for adventure, and a chance for none to get in his way. If he gave up here, he delayed it so much further. With his realized resolve, he gathered what was left of his strength and stood up, panting heavily, feeling more pain than he ever felt in his life. Growlithe was struggling to stand. He looked at Eevee, and Eevee's eyes widened at the loving admiration that sparkled from those black eyes. Growlithe smiled, then exhaled, as if to signal the last of his strength, and crumpled to the ground.
"That…" Rapid's tweet sounded from the trees. He landed beside them in a heartbeat, but from his expression it was easy to tell that he was struggling to find words. "Was fierce," he finished after moments of hesitation. His expression was filled with admiration. "You two sure know how to fight."
"Indeed," Medi agreed, walking up to the tired fighters. "That was a very climatic finish. Never had I thought you would run through fire. I think that is proof more than anything that you are ready to embody fire."
"Though I am sad for my son's loss," Arcane said, following Medi. "I bet even he knows you deserve this victory." He padded to his son, and began licking in areas where he looked most rugged.
"Father…" Growlithe weakly said, lifting his muzzle slightly to address his father. "That hurts."
"Sorry," Arcane growled between licks. "Your mother was better at this."
"How? I never met her…"
"That is true son," Arcane paused with his licking. "However, who else would lick my wounds after fending off intruders? Not Medi I assure you."
Growlithe chuckled weakly. Eevee noticed with amusement that Medi was fuming silently.
Eevee walked with a slight limp to the other side and pressed his muzzle to Growlithe's. After some hesitation and a small grunt, Growlithe returned the gesture.
"Good fight," Growlithe exhaled the words.
"You too, you were brilliant." Eevee meant it. Growlithe anticipated a lot of his attacks throughout the battle, and he could respect him for that.
"I thought I had you when I threw you," Growlithe said with a good natured growl. "You're a lot more tenacious than you seem."
"I'll admit, I was definitely scared after that," Eevee purred.
"Father… I can get up now," Growlithe told Arcane, in a stronger tone than before Eevee talked to him. Arcane hesitated, but Growlithe grunted with effort and got up to a sitting position. He looked at Eevee and smiled. "How's your tail?"
Eevee was so caught up in the moment that he had forgotten all about the pain. He winced slightly, still feeling a burn there.
"Here," Rapid landed beside him, with a Rawst Berry in mouth. He bit into it then squeezed it over the slightly charred area on Eevee's tail. While he was doing so, he noticed that Medi was taking care of the fire that still lingered with a wet log. Eevee could feel the burn cooling as the Rawst Berry's juices dripped onto it. Rapid dropped two Oran Berries in between Growlithe and Eevee, and they both bent to eat one. Eevee could breathe normally now, but his whole body still ached.
"Who knew that such a warrior could have been left behind?" Medi said, standing beside them after having finished his task.
"Why bring that up?" Rapid asked as Eevee looked towards him in curiosity.
"This one has been a fighter since birth. I can only imagine his parents were as well. I'm sure they'd be proud now."
Eevee was not sure of how to respond. He had never known his parents. Both Medi and Arcane told him that shortly after Growlithe's mother and father had an egg, they found an Eevee egg upon waking just outside of their dens. Shocked as they were, Growlithe's mother could not abandon the egg. After a short and in vain search for the parents of the egg, Growlithe's mother planned to raise it as her child alongside Growlithe, but she died from a harsh winter disease, just two days before Growlithe hatched. Eevee hatched from his the following day. A traumatized father was able to pull himself together and see them through the winter. Despite all of this, Eevee never really put much thought into what life would have been like with his blood parents.
"They are proud of me," Eevee finally spoke. He approached Arcane and nuzzled his leg with his muzzle. "And one of them is right here."
"Ah…" Arcane hesitated. After a moment, Arcane lowered his heat and gently rubbed Eevee's head with his own. "You're right. I am very proud of you Eevee."
"Such a strong conviction," Medi spoke, sounding somewhat choked up. "I believe it is time for you to claim your reward Eevee. Are you ready?"
Eevee looked at Growlithe who nodded to him happily. He then looked up to Arcane and smiled, and he nodded in return.
"Yes," Eevee answered Medi as he approached him. Medi motioned for Eevee to follow, and they headed closer to the center. Through psychic power, Medi revealed and entrance that was concealed a closely compacted pile of small rocks and pebbles that was even further concealed by grass.
"None will follow you down there. Go and gently touch the stone."
Eevee looked back at Rapid, Arcane and Growlithe, who were watching him go. Growlithe nodded to him, as if urging him to stop waiting and go on. Eevee returned the nod then turned to enter to small entrance. Eevee noticed that Growlithe would barely have been able to fit through it, but it opened up a bit as it went downward. After a few moments, the stone was in sight, providing a dim light around it. He lay down next to it, closed his eyes, and then gently laid his nose onto the stone. For a heartbeat he felt intense heat, but darkness encompassed his thoughts and the sensation was gone.
Eevee opened his eyes to see nothing but white around him. Confused, he slowly got up and wandered around. He did not think a dream was part of the evolution process.
And so you arrive
That voice!
"Who are you?" Eevee called into the vast emptiness.
Though others may see you as coarse and harsh
With compassion and love you guide them through the marsh
Many threats will bar your path
Burn brightly to blind thy enemies' wrath
To you who embody the flames of hope I dub thee:
Flare
Rise my chosen warrior
Flames surrounded Eevee and he looked around in surprise and awe. The flames rapidly grew in height and drew closer to him. Before he knew it they seemed to collapse upon him, and he could feel the immense pressure from the heat. He was about to cry out, but in a heartbeat later he could feel dirt beneath his belly. Realizing he was awake, he stood up and bumped his head on the dirt above him.
Did I grow taller?
It hit him then: He had evolved. He looked at the stone, which was now just an ordinary rock. Leaving it behind, he turned to leave. Upon arriving above ground, he saw Medi, Growlithe and Arcane waiting at the entrance, which he had to squeeze through to get by.
"What th-, hey you're taller than me!" Growlithe exclaimed and ran up to Flare. It was true, as Flare did have to look down slightly to look his adopted brother in the eye.
"Well done," Arcane said, congratulating him by bowing his head.
Flare could feel the heat within him. It felt comfortable, as if sleeping next to a warm fire in cold weather.
"It feels amazing," He breathed, wishing once more that Growlithe could have evolved as well.
"Doesn't it feel great?" Growlithe yipped in excitement. "I cannot wait to feel what it's like as an Arcanine!"
"I am sure you will soon," Medi told him encouragingly. "So, will you return home with us?"
Flare was about to nod, but he felt something tug him. Instinctively, he looked toward the denser trees that lead deeper into the forest.
"Something…" he hesitated. "Is calling me."
"Really?" Growlithe's eyes widened in curiosity and wonder.
"Adventure!" Medi chimed. "You're journey can begin here if you wish. You have desired it after all."
True as that was, Flare immediately looked at Growlithe. Powerful as the tug was, he wondered if he should wait first.
"Go, I'll catch up to you," Growlithe smiled and butted Flare with his head, encouraging him to go. Flare leaned and rubbed his muzzle to his.
"I'll make sure to not go too far then."
"Oh please," Growlithe barked. "Don't make it too easy."
Flare laughed. After saying goodbye to the three, he watched them turn and leave. Medi hesitated and turned back, looking at Flare with a rare serious expression.
"You have a new name, yes?"
"Yes… It's Flare."
"The name suits you," He nodded to him, but kept his stern gaze. "I feel something bigger is at work here than I can perceive. Wherever fate takes you, be careful okay?"
"Look who you're talking to!" Flare fluffed his chest, which was now covered in yellow fur like a collar stretching across about a third his body, which was now covered in red-orange fur. His tail was now much bushier and yellow as well, and a tuft of yellow fur grew from the top of his head. Medi chuckled in response.
"I do not doubt your courage and confidence. Go. Your journey awaits you." Medi turned and leaped, trying to catch up to Arcane and Growlithe. He silently bid Rapid farewell, guessing that he had returned home to check up on it. He turned and padded to the edge of the clearing, stopping just before the denser trees.
I do not know what calls me, but it is somewhere in there.
He could feel a bright warmth in his chest.
Only one way to find out.
