Chapter no.35 The Moonlight Pokèmon

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Austin had repeated it to himself a hundred times now: Fairy types... A Pokémon type immune to dragon attacks. A type not native to the Japanese continent, only found in regions like Kalos, Alola, and Galar.

He had to remind himself of this constantly. Even with all his knowledge about this world, there were still gaps—so many things he didn't know, so many unknowns that made it feel… real.

And that unpredictability terrified him.

He didn't know Ash's story beyond Unova. Didn't know what happened in Kalos or Galar. Honestly, he hoped Ash's journey was better than whatever mess Unova had been, but it didn't matter. What mattered now was figuring out what to do with the Clefairy tribe.

"Seymour, calm down."

The redhead was pacing frantically, muttering half-formed ideas as he clutched the PokéBall containing the Clefable. He looked like a Meowth chasing its own tail. And Austin got it—this discovery was huge. A Fairy-type Clefairy tribe in Kanto? It could reshape how people thought about Pokémon across the entire region.

But it was also dangerous.

Poachers, profiteers, and every other lowlife scumbag would swarm Mt. Moon like Beedrill to honey the moment they caught wind of this. These Clefairy would become nothing more than trophies or tools to the highest bidder.

Austin felt his stomach twist.

Seymour wanted to keep them hidden, to let the Clefairy live in peace, tucked away from the world. And for a fleeting moment, Austin saw the merit in that. But deep down, he knew better. Secrets never stayed secrets forever.

"We can't keep them hidden, Seymour," Austin said as he tried to keep his frustration in check. "It's only a matter of time before someone stumbles onto them. And when they do? If we're not ready, we're screwed—and so are the Clefairy."

Seymour stopped pacing, his face etched with doubt and fear. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Austin pressed on.

"Look, we need Professor Oak. We need the government. They can set up a reserve or something, maybe even a research facility. If we control how this gets out, we can make sure the Clefairy are protected."

Seymour hesitated, chewing his lip. He didn't want to believe the boy was right, but he couldn't ignore the logic. Finally, he nodded, his movements stiff with reluctance.

"Good," Austin said, pulling out Seymour's Pokétch. His fingers hovered over the device for a moment before dialing Professor Oak's number. The knot in his chest tightened with each ring.

"Hello? Who is this?"

Seymour practically squeaked beside him.

"Hey, Professor, it's me," Austin said, trying to sound casual despite the tension in his voice. Pikachu, sensing his nerves, let out a quiet "Pika" from his spot at his trainer's feet.

"Ah, my boy! Calling from Mt. Moon, are you? In a hurry, I see." Oak's tone carried his usual mix of cheer and curiosity. "I imagine Daisy will miss you."

Austin winced, heat rising to his face. The mention of Daisy brought back the awkward memory of his failed attempt to flirt with her. She had seen him as nothing more than a little brother. What had he been thinking?

Stuck in a ten-year-old's body, with none of the charm or experience he liked to think he once had—sure, keep telling yourself that—it was no wonder she hadn't taken him seriously.

"Why? Is she jealous she can't be on this awesome journey?" Austin deflected, forcing a laugh.

Oak chuckled, letting the subject drop. "What can I do for you, my boy?"

"Seymour," Austin said. "It's your show now—and, please, no rhymes."

Seymour gulped, taking the Pokétch with shaky hands. He launched into a long-winded explanation about the Clefairy tribe, their unique biology, and their habitat. His voice gained confidence as he spoke, the passion for his work shining through.

Meanwhile, Austin drifted away from the conversation. He wandered over to the Clefairy tribe, who were settling in for the night.

One by one, the Cleffas curled into little pink balls, tucking their stubby limbs beneath their bodies. Their tiny ears twitched, and they let out soft murmurs as they snuggled close together. The air was filled with the gentle hum of their breathing, a lullaby that seemed to echo through the cavern.

Austin smiled, feeling the tension in his shoulders begin to ease.

"Let's call it a night, guys," he murmured to his team.

First was Vee. Restless as ever, he circled a few times, his fluffy tail swishing before finally flopping down with a soft huff. His ears twitched, scanning the quiet cave for any last-minute noises, but the stillness calmed him. Slowly, he rested his head on his paws. The moonlight brushed against his fur, making it shimmer faintly, soft and warm like a fox finding its perfect nook. Austin knelt beside him, gently stroking his head. Vee gave a quiet yip of contentment before his eyes closed.

Then came Pikachu, the most stubborn of the bunch. Even after the day they'd had, he was still buzzing with energy.

"Come on, buddy," Austin coaxed, scooping him up.

Pikachu nuzzled into his chest with a soft "Pika," letting out a small yawn. Austin placed him beside Vee, but, true to form, Pikachu didn't settle immediately. He rolled onto his back, then his side, then onto his back again, his little paws twitching in the air as he fussed for the perfect spot.

Austin chuckled under his breath. Finally, Pikachu curled into a tiny ball, his tail wrapping around him like a blanket, soft snores signaling his surrender.

As Austin finished settling his team, he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned to find Seymour standing there, holding out his Pokétch.

"It's Professor Oak."

Austin nodded, taking the Pokétch and stepping a few paces away from the sleeping Pokémon to talk. Seymour trailed behind him, hovering like a shadow.

"My boy," Professor Oak's warm voice came through the speaker, "I must say, I never expected this kind of news."

"Me neither," Austin replied, glancing at Seymour. "But I was hoping you could help Seymour. This is way out of my league."

"Of course," Oak said immediately. "This is monumental—a discovery that could reshape how we understand Pokémon habitats and evolution. But it's also fraught with danger. Poachers, overzealous trainers… The Clefairy tribe could be in serious trouble if word spreads too quickly."

That thought hit Austin hard. Not just poachers, but everyday trainers would swarm the area, desperate to catch such a rare type.

"Have you caught one of these Fairy Clefairy, my boy? Or do you plan to?"

"No," Austin said. "And I'm not planning to, either."

The line went quiet for a moment. When Oak spoke again, his voice was laced with curiosity.

"I thought you'd jump at the chance to catch such a rare Pokémon."

"Normally, yeah," Austin admitted. "But there's a couple of reasons I'm holding off. First, the cost of raising a Fairy type is… something not native to this region will be expensive. Special food, supplies—it's a lot. And second, I don't want anyone finding out. If I caught one, it'd only draw attention to the Clefairy tribe."

"Very wise," Oak said.

"Besides," Austin added casually, "I don't need another Fairy type."

There was a pause on the other end before both Oak and Seymour chimed in simultaneously.

"Another Fairy type?"

Austin blinked, realizing he'd just dropped an unintentional bombshell. "Yeah," he said. "Seymour mentioned there's a Fairy-type Eeveelution. I figured I'd just wait for that."

Silence. Then Oak spoke, his voice filled with the kind of academic excitement Austin had only heard in documentaries.

"Fairy-type Eeveelution? Fascinating! And 'Eeveelution'—what a delightful term! I might start using that myself."

"Glad you like it, Professor. Now, what's the plan?"

"The plan will require time and cooperation from the government. First, we'll need to establish a research facility here at Mt. Moon. Once that's in place, the League can close off the tunnels to prevent disturbances. This will protect the Clefairy tribe while we study them."

The government could easily shut down the Mt. Moon range, and no one would question it—not after the recent Team Rocket attack. Any excuse would be enough to justify sealing the area off. In fact, it was probably the smartest move they could make.

"From there," Oak continued, "the goal would be to gradually introduce the Fairy-type Clefairy to habitats with normal-type Clefairy. If the integration is successful, we could eventually allow the natural spread of Fairy types across Kanto. It's a delicate process, but one that could have profound implications for the region."

Austin let out a breath. The plan sounded solid—on paper. But the reality of executing something like this? It was going to be a nightmare.

"Do I need to do anything?"

"Well, I just wanted to let you know your monthly stipend will be increased to 15k."

Seymour clapped lightly.

"Oh, uh, thank you, Professor… but why?"

"This discovery is going to bring tremendous prestige to the lab," Oak replied smoothly. But something about his tone made Austin pause. It wasn't the words themselves—it was the way Oak's voice carried a certain eagerness, a hint of calculation.

Austin glanced at Seymour, who was puffed up with pride. "Isn't this Seymour's discovery?"

"Indeed," Seymour said, "and you are looking at the Oak Lab's newest member and the head of the Clefairy research team!" He stood a little taller, practically beaming with the title.

Austin hummed quietly, watching the interaction with a critical eye. So that's how it is, he thought. It didn't take much to piece it together. Bringing Seymour under the lab's umbrella wasn't just about protecting the Clefairy—it was about consolidating credit. Oak wasn't foolish. By claiming the discovery through his lab, he'd ensure all the accolades and recognition came back to him.

Seymour, however, didn't seem to mind in the slightest. He was too thrilled about the Clefairy tribe's safety to care who got the glory. And Austin? He wasn't exactly upset either. The Clefairy were safe, and his stipend was getting bumped. It wasn't worth raising a fuss over.

Still, Austin wasn't about to let an opportunity slip through his fingers.

"About the stipend," he said, a small, sly smile tugging at his lips.

He wasn't naïve. Oak wasn't just increasing his allowance out of the goodness of his heart. The professor knew Ash Ketchum had a knack for stumbling into world-changing events. The whole Celebi incident alone had probably made Oak realize it was smart to keep him happy.

"If this is going to be such a groundbreaking discovery, why not make it an even 20k? I mean, with everything happening, the extra support would really help me stay ahead of things."

There was a pause on the line.

Austin knew Oak was mulling it over, weighing the cost against the potential benefit of keeping him incentivized. Austin's confidence didn't waver.

Come on, old man, he thought, holding back a smirk. You know I'm worth it.

----

Vee stood in a field, soft grass brushing against his paws, the warm sun draping over him like a gentle blanket. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers, and the laughter of his human rang out like music. Austin was there, his face alight with carefree joy, tossing a ball to Pikachu while the rest of the team played around him. It was a perfect moment.

Too perfect.

A chill seeped into the scene, subtle at first. The sunlight dimmed, the vibrant colors of the meadow fading into muted shades of gray. The warmth that had cradled Vee turned icy, biting through his fur. He glanced down, and his paws sank into the grass—no, not grass. It was mud now, thick and cold, rising higher with each step.

He tried to move, to shake himself free, but his legs felt heavier, weighed down by something unseen. He wanted to cry out, to warn Austin, but his voice wouldn't come. The world around him twisted, the meadow falling away into darkness, swallowing the laughter and light in an instant.

And then he was back.

The sterile lights above him glared, harsh and unrelenting, their white beams piercing into his eyes. Metal restraints bit into his limbs, holding him immobile. A muzzle clamped over his snout, muffling his cries, leaving him voiceless. The lab. The cold, cruel place he had thought he'd escaped forever.

Panic surged through him as he struggled against the restraints, but they held firm. His claws scraped uselessly against the steel as a familiar voice sliced through the air—a voice he had hoped to never hear again.

"This is what you get for escaping, you little experiment," the scientist sneered, his tone laced with malice.

Vee's blood turned to ice as the man stepped closer, syringe in hand. The green liquid inside glinted under the harsh light. Vee's heart pounded violently in his chest as he thrashed harder, his movements frantic, desperate, but futile.

His eyes darted wildly around the lab, searching for escape, for salvation, but all he saw was horror. His team—his friends—were there too, strapped down like him. Pikachu. Rattata. Spearow. Even Austin. All bound, all helpless. Austin's eyes locked with his, wide with terror.

"Vee… help me!"

Vee tried to scream, but the muzzle choked the sound. He watched helplessly as the syringe pierced Austin's arm. His trainer's scream tore through him, more agonizing than any pain Vee had ever felt.

Rage flooded him, consuming the fear, filling the void with something primal and untamed. His body trembled as he felt the familiar, searing heat of evolution ignite within him. It clawed at his insides, tearing through him with merciless force.

The lab dissolved into fire. His muscles burned, his bones cracked and shifted, his cells writhed in agony as they were reshaped. The heat crawled through every inch of him, setting him ablaze from the inside out. He was being torn apart, shredded and rebuilt in a cycle of endless pain.

He wanted it to stop. He wanted it all to stop.

"Please…"

The word echoed in his mind, but no one answered. The light of evolution swallowed him whole, leaving nothing but pain and emptiness in its wake.

---

Vee jolted awake, his body trembling as if the fire from his dream still burned through him. The cold air of Moonstone Cave felt suffocating against his fur, clinging to him like a phantom. His chest heaved with each ragged breath, his heart pounding so loudly he thought it might wake the others.

He glanced around, his wide eyes scanning the cave. The faint glow of crystals along the walls painted the scene in soft, shifting light.

His paws shook as he lowered his head, trying to steady his breathing. He was safe—he knew he was safe. But his body didn't believe it. The memories clung to him like tar, sticky and suffocating.

"You okay?"

Vee flinched, his head snapping toward the sound. It was Austin, sitting awake in the moonlight, his face calm but concerned.

Vee stared at him, unsure how to respond. How much had his trainer seen?

Austin patted his lap, an open invitation. Vee padded into Austin's lap, curling up without hesitation. The warmth of his trainer's body against his fur began to ease the tension knotting his muscles. Austin's hand moved instinctively, gently scratching behind Vee's ear in slow, calming strokes. Vee closed his eyes, letting the rhythm of Austin's touch wash over him, soothing his frayed nerves.

"Did you have a nightmare?"

Vee hesitated. He trusted Austin more than anyone, but the nightmare's weight still pressed heavy on his chest. How could he explain it? The memories of the lab felt too raw, too tangled to put into words—or actions.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then Austin leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Vee's head. "I'm here for you, Vee," he said. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

The words unlocked something in Vee. Slowly, he straightened up and crouched low, his body trembling as he mimicked being trapped. He held the pose for a moment before leaping upward, his paws flaring outward as if escaping an explosion. Turning back to Austin, he tilted his head, silently asking if the boy understood.

"Something scary?" the boy guessed. "An attack?"

Vee nodded vigorously, then began tiptoeing in place, his movements exaggerated. His eyes darted as though watching for danger, then froze, pointing to an invisible threat before recoiling in fear. His body quivered as he acted out the terror.

Austin's face softened as the pieces clicked together. "Is this about Team Rocket?" he asked. "Were the nightmares about them?"

Vee nodded again, this time more urgently. His small frame trembled as the panic from the dream bubbled back up, threatening to overwhelm him.

Without a word, Austin reached out and pulled Vee into a gentle embrace. He cradled the little Pokémon close, his arms a protective cocoon. "It's okay, buddy," Austin whispered. "They're not here. You're safe with me."

Vee snuggled closer, burying his face in Austin's chest as his trainer's warmth seeped into his fur. The fear didn't vanish completely, but it dulled enough for him to breathe a little easier.

"Do you know why the nightmares are happening?"

Vee shook his head, his ears drooping.

"You know," Austin began, "I've had nightmares too."

Vee tilted his head, curious, his gaze locked on the boy.

"Do you remember Viridian Forest? When we ran into Sird?" Austin's voice wavered slightly. "I try not to show it, but… when those Beedrill were killed… it messed me up." He paused. "I've had nightmares about it. Sometimes, I stay up late reading—just so I'm too tired to dream when I finally fall asleep."

Vee leaned forward and gently placed a paw on Austin's hand, a quiet gesture of support. The boy smiled weakly, squeezing the Pokémon's paw in return.

Vee stepped back and acted out another scene. He mimed stepping carefully over an imaginary obstacle, then pointed to his heart and raised his paws, looking at Austin expectantly. The silent question was clear: How did you deal with it?

"I didn't really get over it, Vee," he admitted. "I just accepted that I was scared. Scared of Team Rocket. Scared of what they could do to us. Scared of losing you all." His voice softened. "And… that's okay. Being scared isn't a weakness."

Vee's head tilted further, his expression confused. How could being scared possibly be okay?

"Fear keeps us careful," Austin explained. "It's what makes us think twice before rushing into danger. It's what's kept us alive this far." He chuckled softly, though there was no humor in the sound. "Fear isn't the enemy, buddy. It's part of us. It reminds us what we have to protect."

Vee seemed to ponder the words, his ears twitching as he processed them. After a moment, he gave a slow, thoughtful nod. He bumped Austin's knee gently with his head, his way of saying he understood—at least a little.

But the question wasn't fully answered. Vee mimed another scene: sleeping peacefully, only to jolt awake in fear, clutching his chest as if reliving a nightmare. He locked eyes with Austin, his gaze full of worry.

"What about the nightmares?" Austin asked. "Are you asking if I still have them?"

Vee nodded.

"Sometimes… they come and go. After we defeated Ariana, they got better for a while. But… they never fully go away."

Vee mimicked shaking in his sleep again, clearly trying to convey how deeply the nightmares haunted him. The guilt in his eyes was impossible to miss.

"I don't know why they're happening so much now," Austin said gently. "But we'll figure it out. When we get to Cerulean City, we'll find someone who can help. Maybe a doctor or someone who understands this kind of thing."

Vee's ears twitched at the suggestion, but he shook his head, his expression clouded with guilt. He mimed shielding others, then pointed at himself, his body language heavy with self-blame.

"Vee," Austin said softly, sensing the depth of his Pokémon's anguish. "It's not your fault. What happened on Mt. Moon wasn't your doing. Team Rocket is responsible for their actions—not you."

But Vee still looked troubled, his head bowed. Austin could feel the weight of the guilt pressing down on him like a physical burden.

"I know it's hard," Austin continued. "Seeing others get hurt makes you feel like you should've done more, like you could've stopped it. But you did everything you could. We did everything we could." He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "Blaming yourself for the actions of people like Team Rocket is like trying to stop a thunderstorm with your bare hands. It's out of our control, buddy."

Vee's tail flicked, his gaze still downcast, but there was a subtle shift in his body.

"We'll get through this," Austin said. "You're not alone, Vee. And you don't have to carry this by yourself."

Vee looked up at his trainer, his eyes shimmering with emotion. Slowly, he leaned forward and nuzzled the boy's chest.

"Not everyone's like Team Rocket, Vee. There are good people in this world—kind, caring people who fight against evil, just like we do."

His hand rested gently on Vee's head, stroking the soft fur between his ears. "It's smart to be cautious," Austin continued, "but don't let fear stop you from seeing the good in others. Not all humans are bad. Some will stand by us no matter what."

Vee looked at him, doubt flickering in his big eyes. The fear of being found by Team Rocket still loomed, a shadow he couldn't shake. Austin could see it clear as day.

"Team Rocket will never find us, Vee," Austin said firmly, but Vee's skeptical posture betrayed his thoughts: How can you know that?

Anticipating the unspoken question, Austin pulled his map of Kanto from his backpack and spread it out on the ground. "Look here," he said, pointing to Cerulean City and the web of paths surrounding it. "Back in Viridian Forest, we didn't have much choice. It was forward or nothing, and that gave Team Rocket an advantage. But now? After Mt. Moon, we have options. So many paths, so many places to go. We've covered our tracks, Vee. The odds of them finding us again? Slim to none."

He met Vee's gaze. "And even if they do, we'll deal with it together. You're not alone, Vee. None of us are."

Vee's posture eased slightly, his ears relaxing as the weight of Austin's words sank in. But there was still something else Austin needed to address—the guilt.

"Vee," Austin said. "We're a team, right?"

Vee nodded hesitantly.

"Rattata, Pikachu, Spearow… They took risks because that's what teammates do. We fight for each other, and we'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Vee's eyes shimmered, silently asking the question that hung in the air: Why?

Austin smiled softly and wiped a stray tear from Vee's face. "Because that's what being a team means. We look out for each other. Always." He chuckled lightly. "Besides, look at the bright side—Spearow's becoming an Alpha Pokémon, Rattata's got a shiny new coat, and Pikachu? He hit the jackpot with a lifetime supply of ketchup packets."

A tiny smile broke through Vee's doubt, and Austin's heart lightened at the sight.

"Don't carry guilt for what others choose to do, Vee," Austin said, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to the top of his head. "We're in this together. Always."

Vee let out a soft, hopeful "Eevee!" and curled up on Austin's chest, his small body rising and falling with the steady rhythm of his trainer's heartbeat.

Austin leaned back in his sleeping bag, gazing at the vast expanse of stars scattered across the night sky. The deep velvet of space stretched endlessly above them, the constellations twinkling like a thousand silent guardians.

"See that cluster there?" Austin said softly, pointing to a formation of stars. "That's Cassiopeia. It kind of looks like a W or an M, depending on how you see it."

Vee chirped in response, tilting his head as if trying to understand. Austin couldn't tell if Vee grasped the meaning of his words or just found comfort in the sound of his voice. Either way, it didn't matter. This moment—the calm, the connection—was what mattered.

Austin's gaze drifted, his thoughts momentarily tugged back to Earth. What are the constellations called in this world? he wondered. Kanto felt so familiar, yet so alien.

A small paw tapped his chin, pulling him back to the present. Vee pointed at himself, then mimicked the motion of calling out a name. The question was clear: Why do I have a nickname when the others don't?

Austin blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. He hadn't really thought about it before. Nicknaming his Pokémon wasn't something he usually did. In the fanfics he used to read, it always felt unnecessary, sometimes even confusing.

But with Vee, it had just… happened.

"That's a good question," Austin murmured, a smile tugging at his lips. "I guess I didn't think about it. It felt right."

The name wasn't random, though. It came from Red's Eevee in the Pokémon manga—nostalgia, sure, but also affection. Vee had become more than just a teammate. He was family.

Austin chuckled, reaching out to boop Vee's nose. "That's because you're a special Eevee. And someone special deserves a special name. Just don't tell the others, okay?"

Vee's ears twitched, his eyes brightening with pride, though his bashful expression gave him away. He glanced up at the moon, its silvery light washing over them like a gentle embrace. For a moment, he simply stared, captivated by its quiet brilliance.

Austin watched him fondly, a deep sense of calm settling over him. The cool night air, the stars above, Vee's warm weight on his chest—it all made the world feel lighter, simpler. He let his eyes close, breathing deeply as peace wrapped around him.

Meanwhile, Vee's thoughts wandered as he gazed at the moon. For so long, the darkness had been his enemy. Shadows had been hiding places for danger, reminders of the constant threat of Team Rocket. Fear had been his companion—unrelenting and suffocating.

But tonight, under the vast open sky, the darkness felt different. The moon and stars weren't ominous; they were protective, their light soft and reassuring. The night didn't feel like a threat anymore—it felt safe.

Vee's gaze shifted to Austin, whose chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm as he dozed. Warmth surged through Vee, spreading from his heart to his paws. This human, this boy who had given him safety and love, had changed everything. Austin had replaced fear with trust, shadows with light.

I want to protect him, Vee thought, his resolve hardening. I want to be strong—for him, for all the adventures ahead.

As the thought took root, something extraordinary began to stir. It wasn't like the evolution forced on him in the lab—cold, painful, and unnatural. This time, it felt right. This time, it came from a place of love, of bravery. The feeling was warm and grounding, as though the stars themselves were guiding him forward.

A soft glow began to envelop Vee, a gentle light that mirrored the moon above. It grew brighter, wrapping around him like a cocoon, humming with quiet energy. The air around them seemed to shimmer, and the comforting hum of transformation filled the silence.

Austin stirred at the shift in weight on his chest, his eyes fluttering open. The sight before him stole his breath. Where Vee had been, there now sat a sleek black Pokémon, its crimson eyes glowing softly in the moonlight. Yellow rings adorned its body, pulsing faintly like an echo of the stars above.

"Vee…" Austin whispered, his voice filled with awe. "You evolved."

The Pokémon—the newly evolved Umbreon—leaned into Austin's touch as he reached out, his fingers brushing against the sleek, velvety fur. Umbreon nuzzled his hand, letting out a soft, contented chirp before affectionately licking his fingers.

Austin smiled, his chest swelling with pride and joy. Umbreon had always been one of his favorite evolutions, and seeing Vee transform felt like a perfect culmination of everything they'd been through. For the first time, evolution had been a choice—a step forward taken on Vee's terms.

"You did it," Austin murmured, running his hand along Umbreon's back. "You really did it."

But just as Austin began to revel in the moment, Umbreon's ears twitched, and he shook his head, an odd motion that made Austin pause.

"Uh… you okay?"

Before he could get an answer, a sudden burst of light enveloped Umbreon once again. The glow of evolution wasn't fading—it was reversing. Austin could only watch in stunned silence as the light grew brighter, and then, just as quickly as it had started, it vanished.

Vee was back. The sleek black Umbreon was gone, replaced by the familiar form of Eevee.

"What the…" Austin sat up fully, his brow furrowing as he stared at Vee.

Vee looked down at himself, ears twitching with confusion, then up at Austin as if to say, Did you see that too?

Austin blinked, trying to process what had just happened. "...Huh?" was all he managed to say.

---

Author Note

Well, this was certainly one of the most wholesome chapters in the entire story, wouldn't you agree?

Remember when I asked y'all in the previous chapter whether I should go with Vee getting all evolutions or just one? Many—and I mean many—of you had things to say, and frankly, I loved every single comment (except for the Vaporeon creepypastas, fuck you).

Anyway, now that this chapter is out, it's obvious which option I chose: all Eeveelutions, baby.

The reason I chose this path is simple—I really like the plotline of Austin and Vee trying to collect all the Eeveelutions.

Now, about the power level—obviously, Vee is too OP with all the Eeveelutions, so here's the nerf: Austin isn't stupid enough to use Vee's multiple transformations in public. That would be like painting a giant target on his back for various governments and evil organizations. So, smartly, Austin will only use one transformation at a time and pretend he has just one Eeveelution plus a normal Eevee.

What did you think of this chapter and Vee's development?

Team Update:

Our team is:

Pikachu

Spearow, who will evolve into Alpha Fearow

Rattata, who will evolve into a very fast Raticate

Vee, the Special Eevee

We have a few more spots left on the table. What Pokémon do you want to see in this lineup, and where do you think Austin should catch them?

Thanks so much for sticking with my work. Your support and feedback mean the world to me. Have an awesome day, and I can't wait to hear what you think in the comments!