The Bond

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Where the Green Grass Grows

Lucario, Frogadier, Ash, Bonnie, and Serena were walking through a field of flowers when Ash heard the sound of an explosion. Running forwards, he saw an Eevee had used swift on a Quilladin, knocking it back. The Quilladin ran off, scared away. The Eevee turned back and called out to something. Ash then saw another Eevee walk out of a hiding spot, where she looked around for any danger. Reassured by the male Eevee, the female started dancing. It seemed to enjoy dancing a lot and moved beautifully. Serena came over and saw the dancing Eevee. Instantly entranced, she tried to think of a way to catch the Eevee and decided just to ask it.

Serena started walking down the hill before realizing Ash was right next to her. She turned to her crush and said, "Ash, you don't have to protect me. I can take care of myself."

"It might make them more comfortable to see two people in the same situation they are, and I want to catch the male Eevee." Ash kept walking next to Serena as they approached the two normal types. The Eevees saw them and the female cowered behind the male as he charged up a Swift attack again. Ash threw himself in front of Serena, staring down the Eevee. He held out his hand, offering peace. To assure the wild Pokémon this wasn't a trick, the young ninja turned his head away while crouching down. Now completely vulnerable to the wild Pokémon, Ash held his breath as he heard approaching footsteps. Then, he flinched in surprise as he felt a fluffy head lean into his palm. Ash turned to see the male Eevee had leaned into his hand and began petting him. He turned to see the female shyly approaching Serena. The performer crouched and gave Eevee a grand smile.

"Ee?" The female took another step closer. "Vee?" Another. This continued until finally, Serena was able to pet the wild Pokémon. Serena rubbed the body of the normal type, running her fingers through her fur. The Eevee closed her eyes in bliss at the feeling of Serena combing her fur. Serena pulled out a Pokeball and saw Ash had done the same.

"Eevee," They said, "Would you like to come with me?" Ash and Serena held their breath while the two normal types turned to each other.

"Vee!" The male confidently pressed his head against Ash's Pokeball.

"Ee." The female hesitantly pressed her head against Serena's Pokeball. The two red and white balls shook three times before giving off a dinging sound at the same time. Both trainers picked up the newest addition to their teams, turning to see Bonnie and the two ninja Pokémon watching them.

"You guys were awesome! Especially you, Ash. I mean, you calmed both of them down by showing them you two were mirror images of them. The princess and her knight." Ash and Serena both blushed and looked away from each other.

"I guess so," Ash said, "Though I never thought of it that way. Anyway, come on out, everybody!" Ash tossed out three Pokeballs as Frogadier and Lucario came closer. "Guys, we have a new addition to our team! Say hi, Eevee!" The normal type Pokémon introduced himself to all of the others as they returned the favor.

Serena tossed her Pokeballs into the air. "Alright everybody, this is Eevee." She gently picked up the normal type Pokémon who was still extremely shy. The female Eevee pressed her face against Serena's shirt, hiding from Fennekin and Pancham. Serena whispered to her Pokémon, "Eevee. It's alright. Fennekin's really nice, like me, and Pancham is lots of fun. Will you give them a chance? Please?" Eevee reluctantly pulled her face out from Serena's shirt and turned to the others. She leaped down from Serena's arms and hesitantly walked towards Fennekin. Behind Eevee, Serena motioned for Fennekin to stay extremely still. Eevee walked forward and nuzzled Fennekin before quickly stepping away. She did the same thing with Pancham and ran back to Serena. The performer held up two Pokeballs and said, "Fennekin, Pancham, return please." The two Pokémon went in their Pokeballs with no problem.

Ash, seeing what Serena had done, decided to do the same. "Frogadier, Lucario, do you mind going in your Pokeballs for a little while?" The two shook their heads. "Alright, thanks, guys. Everyone but Eevee, return!" Ash held up the four Pokeballs before clipping them onto his belt once more. He then picked up his Eevee, who climbed onto his shoulder. Ash walked over to Serena and her female Eevee and said, "Hello, Eevee."