Echos of the cursed forest

Chapter 1: Evolving

The dawn broke gently over the mountains, casting a serene glow on the slow-moving rivers below. Most Pokémon were still wrapped in slumber, yet one little silver Eevee splashed playfully in the water. "Steel! Where are you?" called a male Leafeon. "Right here by the pool!" Steel replied, her voice bright and cheerful. Steel was a shiny female Eevee, level seventeen. "Oh, thank goodness! I wanted to have another chat with you... about your evolution," the Leafeon said, revealing himself to be Shawn, Steel's father.

Steel's demeanor shifted as she lowered her head to the ground. "Oh... um, okay," she murmured. Shawn settled beside her and affectionately licked her head. "I understand it's a tough decision to make, but trust me, when the time is right, you'll know which form suits you best." Steel looked up, a small smile forming on her face. "Alright, I'll give it another shot." She sprang to her paws and affectionately nudged her father.

***

"Have you made a decision yet?" a Rockruff inquired as they traversed the rocky terrain. Steel shook her head, overwhelmed by the weight of the choice before her. Whatever she decided would be permanent—there was no turning back. "Oh, come on, Steel, it can't be that difficult," the Rockruff said, peering over the edge of the rocks. Steel shot him an annoyed glance. "It's easy for you to say, Dusty. You can only evolve into one form."

Dusty, her childhood companion, looked back at her with narrowed eyes. "Actually, Steel, Rockruffs can evolve into three different forms: midnight, dusk, or daylight. I already know which one I'm choosing," he said proudly. Steel sighed deeply, feeling foolish for her ignorance. "Oh... I didn't know that," she admitted, stepping away in embarrassment.

"It's okay; not every Pokémon knows everything," he reassured her. "Hey, let's head to the river and explore." Steel decided to switch topics. "Sure!" Dusty's tail wagged in excitement.

***

The moonlight shimmered on the water as it cascaded down the waterfall. Steel and Dusty lay on a flat rock, admiring the view. "Steel, it's getting dark; maybe we should head back," Dusty suggested. Steel stared at him, surprised. 'Is he scared? Every time the sun sets, he insists on going home.' Curiosity got the better of her. "Why do you want to leave? It's a beautiful night; the moon is full, and it's so peaceful out here." Dusty hesitated before responding. "Well, I've never liked the dark! That's when Pokémon can get hurt." He stood up, determined. "I'm going home, and you should too. You don't want to make Mr. Shawn worry again, do you?" Steel rolled her eyes. She didn't want to worry anyone, but she loved the night. 'But he's right; Dad always frets when I'm not home.' "Fine, you win. Let's go," she conceded, getting up as they began their descent down a narrow path bordering the steep drop-off, where the water pooled ominously below.

As they climbed down, the roar of the waterfall grew louder. "I can't see where to place my paws; it's too dark—AH!" Dusty slipped on a rock, losing his balance. In an instant, Steel leaped onto the rock and grabbed him by the scruff, pulling him to safety. "Heh... thanks," Dusty panted, regaining his composure. He watched her with a tilted head. "How can you see in this darkness?" Steel jumped to the next rock, glancing back at him. "I don't know; it just doesn't seem that dark to me." Many Pokémon had told her she had excellent night vision, but it was something she never paid much attention to. "I thought all Pokémon could see at night," she shrugged.

Dusty jumped next to her. "Not all Pokémon can, mostly just Dark-types and Ghost-types, and my midnight form. That's why I'm not evolving into the midnight form; I can't handle the dark." He explained. Steel's silver fur fluffed up as they reached level ground, and she walked over to the water to drink. "Well, bye Steel! I'll see you tomorrow!" Dusty called out as he dashed past her.