Authoress: Hey, I'm back! "Finally," I'm sure yall are saying. But anyway, here's the continuing saga and Jennifer and the rest, and the answer to the evil cliffie that I left last chapter. ^_~ First off, I'm glad that I'm still liked (^_^), so thank you to all those who reviewed my author's note. O, and Lirawen won the Who's That Pokemon game this time, congratulations! Ereyla won't be appearing in this chapter since I had to get it put up tonight. But no worries, she'll be in the next. Let's get on with the reviewer responses, shall we?
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Paladin Dragoon: Hey! That Who's That Pokemon question was difficult, wasn't it? I'm surprised anyone even got it! Lol. Yes, Stephanie and Jenn are reunited, but you'll have to read to see what happens next! ^_^ Thank you so much for the review and enjoy!
Waynemon: You almost got the question right but not quite – it was Spinarak. But hey, you got the Misty being deathly scared of bugs part right! ^_^ Anyway, I'm glad you liked last chapter, so let's see if this one measures up as well. I hope so! Read and enjoy please. ^_~
ACME-Rian: You got the answer right first, but I'm trying to let some new people that haven't already been picked to participate. I'm terribly sorry! But hey, you did get Ri. Anyway, hope you keep reviewing, you're reviews are always crazy! Hope you like!
Zyte: Awe, thanks for the compliment! ^_^ Always glad to hear that I'm doing well, it makes my day. I'm happy that you like my story, so here's the next chapter after a few months of waiting. Lol, but at least I got it up, right? ^_^ Hehe.
Alex Warlorn: Actually the pokemon was Spinarak, the spider pokemon. But who cares, right? Lol. Anyway, it's not that Burnt Tower, it's a different. Sorry, I wasn't thinking when I named it, I forgot that that name's already been used…oopsies. Anyway, I must've missed the memo of the 'no author notes' thing. And Yay! You're not mad at me! Lol. As always I love your input, and I hope you like this chapter!
Lirawen: As you read up at the top, I'm accepting your pokemon as the winning guest pokemon. ^_^ Yay! I'm not too sure whether I'm going to do anything with Umbreon and Jennifer though…but we'll see, maybe I'll change my mind as the story moves along. Enjoy this chapter!
Subieko: Well finally the next chapter's here. Yea, I was hoping for Umbreon to come off as one of those smart-mouth guys who are always making the audience laugh, and I guess I succeeded! ^_^ There's a lot more of that in this chapter, let me tell you. Haha. Hope you like this chapter! You'll have to read on to see what Steph thinks of her sis now.
ElementalZoidFighter: Yes, yes, flamers SUCK with all capital letters. ^_^ If you don't like it, keep it to yourself and don't read, that's all I gotta say. Anyway, you got the question right, so you should be happy. Lol. And I'm sure you can put together a plot if you really put your mind to it. Me, the plot comes to me as I go along…basically I have as much knowledge as you at the moment of what's going to happen in the next chapter! And thank you for forgiving me. ^_^ I appreciate that. Lol, read and enjoy!
Silvermoon: Yay, you're back! ^_^ I'm really glad you like my story, and I hope this chapter is to your liking as well. But I'm back from my non-updating streak, and I'm glad you're happy to see me! ^_^ Enjoy this chapter!
Melchoir the Mewthree: Lol, Sol and Odin are funny! ^_^ I like 'em. And yay, you like Umbreon! He's one of my favorite characters in this story because of his sarcasm and random remarks. And there's more of that in this chapter. O, and love life is a real bitch sometimes. For the moment things are going smoothly, so let's cross our fingers! Lol. Here's the next chapter, hope you like! Thanks for reviewing, I always love getting new reviewers. ^_^
DarkAngelTorchic: Thank you SOO much! ^_^ I'm SOO happy that you like it that much! Wow. Brendan/May is definitely one of my favorite pairings, partly because I wouldn't pair the two with anyone else. Misty/Gary is my number favorite pairing though…maybe because they're my two favorite characters! ^_^ Anyway, I hope you haven't gone away because of the long wait, I'd be sad. =*( Hope you love this chapter too!
Snuffsnuff: Cool pokemon, Raichu happens to be in the top 10 of my favorite pokemon. ^_^ But, unfortunately, Lirawen beat you to it. But by all means enter Isak into the next game, I'd love to see how I can use him! For the mean time, I hope you like this chapter, tell me what you think!
Maia's Pen: O yes, evil cliffies…something I'm actually pretty good at leaving. ^_^ Seems like everyone loves Umbreon, but what's not to love? He's sarcastic, temperamental, all the qualities of a likeable character! Lol! But anyway, I'm really glad you liked last chapter, and I hope you like this the same. And get well soon! *waves pom-poms* I'll have to see if I can get Gary to help. (to help you feel better, of course ^_^) Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Gabe B.: Hey! ^_^ I'm glad I didn't lose you as a reviewer, you're my favorite one! Lol! The Who's That Pokemon question was easy, wasn't it? Don't worry, I'm going to try to make the next one a bit harder so it's at least somewhat of a challenge to people. Yes, Jennifer is a character, that's for sure. And I'm postive that Jolteon's gonna tease Umbreon about the Mightyena thing for the rest of his life! Lol. Don't worry, I would never leave my loyal reviewers hanging forever! (keyword: forever) Hehe. I'm glad that you're glad I'm back, so I hope you enjoy this chapter! Hope it was worth the wait!
Elf Swordsman: Glad you found some parts funny, that's always my goal! ^_^ You're on FictionPress? Cool! I'll have to go and check out your story. Sorry for the long wait on this chapter though, I hope I didn't lose your reviews! Please enjoy this chapter and tell me what you think!
Alley Drendo: Ah, yes, the old 'I'm-tough-enough-to-handle-some-things-you-can't-so-if-you-get-pricky-don't-expect-help-from-me method'. Lol, I've got some friends who are like that too. And thank God for spell check, because I can't spell on my life either, and especially pokemon's names. Usually I'm having to go run to a handbook laying around somewhere and look it up. Here's the next chapter, hope you like! ^_^
SaphireStars: You can choose any pokemon, you don't have to stick with the one in the game unless you want to. Sorry about that, I forgot to clear that up. ^_^ But please submit one next game, and I hope you like this chapter!
Sir-Egan: LOL, you're reviews crack me up! ^^ Thank you for all the compliments, and I hope you keep reviewing! And I like all the 'yays'. Lol! Actually, I put the rainbow swiry-proof whirligig cap on first. Then I put the pink butt rocket booster and the boingy shoes on! Haha! ^_^ Speaking of boingy shoes, those are actually very fun. ^_^ I hope you keep reviewing, enjoy this chapter!
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Authoress: *phew* That's done. Now, what you've all been waiting for! Chapter 7!
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Stephanie's emotions were clearly recognizable a few seconds after the initial shock wore off – confusion. She squinted her eyes. "You're…Jennifer? B-but how? And why?" She turned on all the pokemon standing around her.
"Uh…" Jolteon stammered, racking his brain for an explanation since he didn't know whether or not the girl should know the truth. He and the rest instinctively looked to Espeon, since she was the one who made the transformation.
Stephanie had come to the conclusion by herself that the Eevee in front of her was in fact Jennifer. "But why is she a pokemon!?" she continued, concern showing in her high-pitched voice. "She could get hurt, or worse, killed because no one in this town respects pokemon!"
Espeon knew she would have to explain this to Stephanie, and she also knew that she would have to be a little harsh to get her to understand. "I think you know why."
Stephanie stopped panicking and stared at her blankly. "What?"
"You remember the last conversation you had with your sister."
"Yes, but -"
"And do you also realize what could've happened to you and the organization if something wasn't done immediately?" The psychic pokemon spoke in that annoying calm voice that gets other even more angry.
"But a pokemon!" Stephanie yelled ten amps louder than she did before. No one said a word; everyone was still and silent watching Stephanie.
Espeon waited till the older girl had taken a few breaths to calm herself down before she spoke again. "It was for the best, Stephanie."
*~Jennifer's POV~*
I was shell-shocked at Steph's outburst. She cares that much…for me? After all I've done to her? Threatening to give her up to the cops? Not treating her fairly? Oh great, I've had the worst day of my life with a side order of guilt please!
"So she'll be like this…forever?" Stephanie asked.
"Of course not," scoffed Umbreon. "You think we'd want her around us for that long?"
I shot him a glare and, not to my surprise, he returned with a smirk that I really would've loved to smack off his black face.
"What he means to say," Vaporeon said, eyeing Umbreon, "is that she'll only be an Eevee for a week. This is the end of Day 2 now, so roughly five more days."
Stephanie nodded, but I could tell she was still worried – she wore that expression a lot at home. I decided that right now would be a good time to walk up to her, and I did.
"I-I'm sorry," I forced out of my mouth. I truly felt sorry, but it was hard for me to say it, especially in front of strangers.
Stephanie smiled and bent down. "It's ok. You're my sister, how could I not forgive you?"
I managed to smile back. Maybe pokemon aren't such a bad thing after all. She picked me up and hugged me, of course, since I was small enough. Normally, I would've been embarrassed, but this was different. I don't know how, but it was.
*~General~*
The pokemon looked on it awe, and even a few said it. "Psst," Jolteon whispered to Espeon, not wanting to ruin the moment. "Are you sure it was necessary for a whole week? I don't think she'll be saying anything to the police after this."
"I don't know," was her answer. "Jennifer not telling on her sister wasn't the only thing we wanted to achieve here."
Jolteon was confused. "Then what else?"
"For her to respect and grow to love pokemon. Two days seems too short a time for a complete change to me. I believe there's probably some selfish, self-centered, 'Jennifer' qualities left in her that might show before this is over."
"So we're leaving her this way?"
Espeon nodded. "We can't be sure yet. The spell will wear off at the end of seven days anyway – she's got nothing to lose being here a few extra days."
"Hey, Espeon," Jennifer's voice broke into the conversation. "Vaporeon said I had to ask you. Do you think it would be ok if I stayed here tonight? With Steph?"
Espeon hesitated in answering. "Well," she said eventually. "I don't know, Jennifer…"
Vaporeon saw that Jennifer looked genuinely hurt, but she wasn't coming back with a smart remark like they expected her to. "Come on, Espeon," Vaporeon decided to stick up for the Eevee. "She just wants to spend time with her sister. What's the harm in that?"
The psychic sighed. "You're right. Alright, Jennifer, you can stay here tonight. But we have to get home and see how our shelter is doing."
"We'll be here first thing in the morning though," Vaporeon told her. "Just to check up on you and if you're ok."
"That's ok," Jenn replied. "See you in the morning!"
"Come on," said a very drowsy Skull. "I don't know about you all, but I'm about to fall asleep standing right where I am." The pokemon left Jennifer at the Burnt Tower as they watched Stephanie wave to them as they disappeared into Espeon's Teleport (they decided they were too tired to walk and chose to risk it).
*Later that night…*Skull and Flareon had both fallen asleep as soon as they had gotten home (without any mishaps), and everyone else was lying on their mats or pacing around the ally talking. All were a little restless, but none more than Espeon. "Espeon, what's wrong?" Tatta questioned from her little mat with Tat.
"Yea, you've been acting strange the entire night," Umbreon added his two cents with a trace amount of concern in his voice which he failed to mask.
"I'm not sure if we should've left Jennifer with Stephanie."
"What are you talking about?" Vaporeon replied. "I think it's probably the best thing we've done for her yet. You saw the change in her when she realized Steph cared for her even all the things she did, right? And no one could fake something like that, at least not that good."
"And," Umbreon added, "it feels extremely good not having to worry constantly about where she is or what she might do to us in our sleep." He flopped down on his mat and let out a relieved sigh to dramatize the moment.
"You're so immature, Umbreon," Tatta told him.
"Yea, Umbreon, you're so immature," Jolteon mocked Tatta in his best high-pitched voice, which earned him a "Shut up!" from both of them.
Espeon gave both the males a look, then turned back to Vaporeon. "Yes, there was a change in Jennifer. However, we don't know for sure if it's…"
"Real?" Tat finished.
"Not exactly. More like permanent. It's possible that her change of heart could backfire, and that's what I'm worried about."
Umbreon got up from his mat. "What?"
"It means that something could happen that could change Jennifer's outlook back as fast as it was changed for the better," Espeon explained. "I don't think it's safe for them to be alone with no protection."
There was no talking for a time. "Well," Jolteon began. "What things could happen that could do that?"
"I can't single out one happening, Jolteon," Espeon answered. "Many different things could happen. It could be something as devastating as something happening to her or Stephanie, or Stephanie could simply say the wrong thing to her. I imagine Jennifer's emotions are running fairly high at the moment after all that she's been through in such a short time."
This revelation got them all talking and asking questions directed at Espeon all at once.
"Do you think we should go back?"
"What would happen to Stephanie if Jennifer changed back into her old self?"
"Are we leaving her there?"
Umbreon finally decided to take it upon himself to step between Espeon and the rest. "Hey!" he shouted. "Knock it off, she's only one pokemon!" Everyone shut up and stared at him. The dark pokemon took a breath. "Now that I have your attention, here's what we're going to do: Jennifer will be fine for the time being, it's too late to walk anywhere so we're staying here."
"We could Teleport!" Tat piped up.
Umbreon stared him down. "Feeling lucky?" he asked, almost in a haunting way, referring to Espeon's chances of actually arriving at the target destination.
Tat hesitated, then smiled sheepishly. "Just forget what I just said."
"Excellent. Now let's get some sleep." He trudged over to his mat and fell on it again.
Espeon sighed and rolled her eyes. "For once I agree with Umbreon, we can't go anywhere this late and risk getting lost or seen. We'll go see how she did first thing in the morning."
As everyone drifted off to sleep, Espeon spoke to Umbreon without uttering a word. /Thank you Umbreon for, you know, telling everyone to be quiet. Now what do you want?/
What? Umbreon sent back. //Who says I want anything?//
/Oh, you don't want anything? I'm sorry for assuming that./
//As they say, assume makes an ass out of you and me! Get it, 'ass', 'u' and 'me'?//
Espeon sighed inwardly. /Yes, thank you for that./
//No problem. But while we're on the subject of wanting things, do you think you'll let me wake everyone up tomorrow?// he asked.
/What kind of a thing is that to want in return?///Just tell me I can.//
/By all means, knock yourself out./ And with that both drifted off into sleep.
*~Jennifer's POV~*
To be honest, I never felt so relieved in my entire life. I was perfectly content where I was – with Stephanie and away from that ally which the pokemon called a home. Not that this was much better, but it sure felt like it. Maybe I should've invited them to stay over here, I thought. Nah. They can survive, I know it.
Stephanie was eating some unidentifiable food over by the wall at that moment. "Hungry?" she asked me with her mouth full when she noticed I was looking over there.
"I'm fine," I smiled, but suddenly I started feeling extra guilty. She's here because of me. Despite myself, I started crying. And I cried even more when I heard what an Eevee sounds like when its crying.
I could tell my sudden outurst startled Stephanie but she recovered quickly, dropping her food and running over to me. "What's wrong?" she asked concernedly.
"What's wrong?" I retorted through my squeaks. "You're in this place hiding all because of me!" Frankly, I had no idea why I was actually crying over this. I had suddenly gotten ultra sensitive after I saw Stephanie for the first time since I changed into a pokemon.
Steph smiled reassuringly. "I already said I forgave you." Now she began to cry.
"Yea but…I still feel guilty."
With that she gave me a big hug, and I wished I could've hugged her back, but I couldn't. I wanted to hug her as much as I wanted to smack Umbreon early that day – which is a lot.
"Do you realize you haven't been sorry for anything since two years ago?" Stephanie asked, laughing a bit.
"Yea," I replied, looking down. "I'm sorry for that too."
Stephanie laughed through her tears, which caused me to laugh as well. "Come on," she told me. "It's late enough. I think we should get some sleep."
I could've never agreed more. After that incident with the Big Bad Wolf, I was pretty much wiped out.
As we settled in the sleeping bag for warmth, I asked drowsily, "You won't let anything happen to me while I'm this way, right?"
"Not as long as I'm around," she answered. I fell asleep feeling safe, secure, and most importantly, happy.
*~General POV~*
Espeon's eyes opened to slits as she sat up and yawned. She looked up into the sky and decided it was around seven o'clock in the morning and proceeded to get everyone up. "Umbreon." She smacked him with her tail. "You wanted to wake them up."
He smiled, eyes still closed. "Of course," he said, getting off his mat to stretch. "ALRIGHT!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. "YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS TO GET UP OR WE'RE LEAVING WITHOUT YOU!"
That, of course, wasn't a problem. Everyone was on they're feet with wide eyes and hair standing up on end. Umbreon snickered. "If only I had and knew how to use a camera."
Espeon gave Umbreon a dirty look. "That's not what I had in mind when you said you were going to wake them up." Her hair was even standing up on end.
Skull stared at Umbreon. "Just so you know," he said, "I'm giving you a really dirty look right now." Everyone laughed, and were soon off toward the Burnt Tower.
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Jennifer and Stephanie were eating breakfast when they arrived. All were a bit on the apprehensive side, but they were relatively calm. "How was it?" Vaporeon asked Jenn.
"Great!" she said, to everyone's relief. "Best sleep I've had all week."
"Really, you don't say?" Umbreon said sarcastically, shooting an 'I-told-you-so look Espeon's way. Espeon merely ignored him, much to Umbreon's disliking.
"Uh…guys?" Jennifer got the attention of the pokemon. "I…um…" She looked back to Stephanie, who smiled and nodded. "I'm really sorry for, uh…hating you."
There was silence for a few seconds, but Flareon was the first to react. "That's ok," she said, bounding over to Jenn. "We forgive you. Right guys?"
"How could we not?" Skull helped out. "You we like you, Jenn, even if you were a bit of a pain in the beginning."
"Thanks," Jennifer smiled.
Jolteon walked over to the Eevee. "You did good, kid. We all accept your apology."
As each made their way to Jennifer, Espeon finally decided that the girl's attitude was permanently changed. Makes our jobs easier, she thought, and joined to rest in chatting with Jennifer and Stephanie. It made her glad to see that Jenn was truly happy conversing with her sister and pokemon, things she wouldn't have done with a fierce battle just days ago.
*~Jennifer's POV~*
Talking and apologizing to the pokemon turned out better than I expected, just as Stephanie said it would. It was now nearing the end of the day, and I was excited that I only had four days left in the spell.
I looked to Stephanie, who was talking with Skull and laughing. I walked away in search for Espeon; there was something I needed to ask of her. I found her just a few feet away.
"Uh, Espeon?" I started awkwardly. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course," she smiled. "About what?"
"It's Stephanie. I'm kind of worried about her since she is hiding and my parents haven probably got the police looking for both her and me. And if they got her they'd probably find out her job as a secret PAP member."
The purple pokemon nodded.
"You and the rest will keep her protected from things like that, right?"
Espeon looked surprised at the question. "Of course!" she told me. "That was our self-appointed jobs in the first place. That's why we transformed you – for Stephanie's safety. Now we're protecting both you and her."
I smiled, reassured. "Thanks."
*~General POV~*
The Eeveelutions, Skull, and the Rattatas left Jennifer with Stephanie another night, and they chose to walk home for the exercise.
"So," began Vaporeon. "What's your conclusion about Jennifer, Espeon?"
"I believe she's actually changed now," she answered. "I think it's safe to say we don't have to worry about her any longer."
That put everyone in a good mood, even Umbreon. Skull was singing some pointless song and to everyone's amusement Flareon began dancing to it.
Umbreon smacked Skull in the head with a paw. He did, though, feel secretly good inside for having helped change such a spoiled brat around. And, to everyone's delight, he didn't have a single smart comment to make about the situation.
Jolteon walked along, equally as happy as the rest. Suddenly out of no where came this feeling that he and his group were being watched by someone…or something. He looked around discretely, not wanted to alarm anyone. Seeing nothing, he turned back to the group. The feeling of being watched had disappeared, but it had been replaced with a new one – fear. Fear of something bad happening. Jolteon, being not used to those kind of impulses, brushed it off and didn't say a word. But what he didn't know was something was happening…at the tower where the bunch had just came from.
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Authoress: Ok, that's that! ^_^ No game this time since I didn't get around to putting Lirawen's character in this story. The Rapidash will be guest starring next chapter. Until then! ^_^