We only realise how much someone means to us when they are no longer with us.
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I watch carefully, cautiously, as Shimmer played in the water with Thomas, Amy, Alyssa and Nick. It pleased me to see her having fun for the first time in quite a few weeks since she'd been too weak to do much lately. But she seemed to be enjoying herself with her new friends. They stayed close to her, I could easily note how Alyssa was always only an arms reach from my trainer as she cautiously watched her for signs of distress.

Smiling to myself I closed my eyes and allowed the peaceful vibe drifting throughout the air to relax myself, it had been difficult to do so while Shimmer was recovering as my paranoia told me that if I rested, she'd need me most. Since the mood was much calmer, and happier than it had been in weeks, it was nice to be able to simply relax a little after everything that had happened, and I didn't have to hover over Shimmer as I'd been doing lately. My diamond shaped ears twitched in pleasure as I listened to the sounds of the trainers enjoying the water as well as their Pokémon playing around in the morning warmth. Opening my eyes again, I observed each group of Pokémon, who seemed to be playing more with those who came from the same trainer then the others but then, that was normal.

Gleam sat patiently, flicking her duel tipped Espeon tail, yawning from time to time as she soaked up the morning sun. The rest of Alyssa's ice types rested in the shade of a willow tree. Tica had fluffed up her feathers – The Articuno now appeared to simply be a large ball of cool-blue floof – and had her head tucked under the wing while Niro the Sneasel hopped about in the tree above with the snow cone like Vanilite – Vanilla Bean. Jackson, the final member on Alyssa's team, was watching them carefully, the Beartic's gaze followed them here and there while he remained stationary from his spot curled up near Tica.

Amy's Jumpluff Poppy was floating blissfully in a field of flowers with Buddy; her Skiddo and Ivy; her Bulbasaur, playing a game of tag along with some of the other younger or more playful Pokémon, namely being Thomas's Houndour; Inferno and Hydreigon; Dina. Nick's Litleo; Reece also joined. Moss, Sunburn and Dusk watched them from not too far away, the Leafeon, Flareon and Umbreon had their own conversation going, although I caught Dusk sneak me a few looks as well from time to time as I was sitting alone in a patch of clovers.

Nick's Talonflame was soaring just below the tree line, I knew the Fire/Flying Type well enough to know he was a show off. Solar Flare had always been one to do so, even if no one particularly cared. The only one who did get particularly annoyed was Charm, as a Charmeleon, she would fly soon but had not yet acquired the ability. Thomas's Greninja, entertained himself by creating obstacles made of water for him to dodge, Kai was also the only one who was actually in the water playing. Wisp the Chandelure didn't do much, she rarely did anything of interest really.

Tiara along with Wish was flying low laps around the lake, keeping well below the tree line unlike Solar Flare as to stay out of sight of anyone above. The Altaria would occasionally fly inwards to tap Shimmer on the head or give Nick a face full of cotton which sent Wish into a fit of giggles and loose balance before the little Vivillion would catch herself. Jemima was napping it the sun while her tail kept trying to eat a nearby berry off the bush, eventually the little head got annoyed and bit itself to wake Jemima up. The Girafarig awoke, furious with the little head as she snorted in irritation, eating the berry herself before poking her tongue out at the little face.

All the Pokémon and their trainers were having fun, it was a nice sight for there to peace between all team members and trainers which was rare for this bunch, something I'd learnt quickly. Even the three Pixies and two Dragons were having fun – rare for those creatures who were normally so serious and seclusive. Joy, Dream and Life were scoring Midday, Nick's bonded Dragon and Shade on tricks they were doing while giggling with each other almost uncontrollably.

I was brought from my thoughts by Gleam popping up in front of my face. The playfully posh Espeon giggled as I sat up in surprise before glaring at her. ~Hiya!~ The Espeon purred, flicking her twin tipped tail.

Nodding my head in greeting, I otherwise ignored her and hid my irritation, laying back down and brushing her off as I rested my head on my crossed paws, relaxing in the shade of a nearby Pecha berry tree.

~Aww come on Shiver talk to me, you've been gone for like ever!~ Gleam pressed, her tone obnoxiously happy. ~Tell me how you've been, how did your mission with Alice go? Besides the ending part, we all know how that went.~

I opened my eyes and let out a small hiss. As much as I love Gleam and saw her as a sister, she knew exactly what to say to switch a mood. Often, she didn't even mean to do it either, she was just oblivious to other's feelings – quite odd considering her Psychic-Typing.

As I raised my head to look at Gleam, who had her usual happy and innocent look. ~I don't want to talk about it.~ I hissed, trying warn her to back off with tone alone.

~You never want to talk about anything.~ She pouted as the three other Eeveelutions came to join us. None of them said anything, just watched in amusement. Some friend they're turning out to be. 

~Come on Shiver, you've been gone for months.~ Gleam purred while Moss, Sunburn and Dusk sat down in silence. I averted my eyes from the Dark-Type Eeveelution, looking instead at a nearby patch of flowers.

I still haven't spoken to him since we fought and frankly I didn't know how to start a conversation with him. Of course, I felt bad for what I said but I don't regret it... maybe a little... It's not like I don't want to apologise and talk to him, I just didn't know how. I'd never been very sociable – everyone else just kind put up with me with it though, although I had to put up with them just as much.

~Shiver, I know you can hear me-!~ Gleam giggled, waving her tail in front of my face. ~Now please can you talk to us? I know you're like socially awkward in everything you do but we won't judge.~

I stood up silently and tried to walk off, but Gleam blocked my way, smirking slight. Groaning in irritation and growling at the same. ~Move.~

~Not until you talk to us-!~ Gleam half sung.

Shaking my head firmly, I looked towards Moss or Sunburn for help since I highly doubt that Shadow will help me anytime soon. He just shrugged looking amused.

~Thanks a lot.~ I mumbled once again trying to push past Gleam. I really didn't want to talk about that period of time, I was still getting over the loss of my first trainer and I didn't want to bring it up with this group of buffoons.

The Psychic-Type pushed me back with Psychic. ~Not yet, now talk to us.~

I sat down and looked blankly at the female Eeveelution. ~Fine but I'm not going to like this whole conversation.~ I caved, my ears dropping helplessly as my tail wrapped around me in a defective manner.

~Tell us about you mission!~ Sunburn inquired curiously, his ears twitching in delight from having me given in to their questions.

~No.~ I growled, glaring at him. ~That topic is off limits.~

Gleam pouted ~Please?~

Snarling at the Psychic-Type, I stood up once more. ~No!~ I replied louder. ~I do not want to talk about that, now stop bugging me about it!~ I gritted my teeth and shot out a burst of cold air. My fur became needle sharp as it always does when I feel threatened. I gritted my teeth as crystallian tears formed in my eyes. I glared at Gleam and the other Eeveelutions, my breath had sped up, so my breath came out in frosty pants.

Gleam and Sunburn looked shocked by the outburst while Moss and Dusk looked more like they expected it to happen, looking calmer then the other two while pity flashed in their eyes, maybe a little guilt to.

I didn't say anything else and averted my eyes to my paws to avoid looking at everyone while tears formed in my eyes. I forced myself to calm so that the temperature around me returned to normal, the ice melted from my fur and it returned to its slightly damper then normal state.

~Girls I think it best you leave Shiver alone for a bit.~ Dusk's voice broke the silence. I slowly looked up a moment later to see Moss leading away Gleam and Sunburn while Dusk carefully approached me, as if trying to figure out if I would yell at him of not. I looked back down at my paws and felt him sit down next to me. ~Are you alright? It's not like you to get emotional like that.~

With a soft sniffle, I shook my head as I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I turned my head away, so Dusk wouldn't see.

A few moments later I felt Dusk's paw on my cheek, turning my head to face him. He had a small smile. ~Would you like to talk about it?~ He said softly wiping away the tear.

I shook my head and looked down at my paws again. ~I just...~ I began but didn't know how to end the sentence. ~I'm sorry.~

~It's fine Shiv. You just wanted to protect your trainer and I'm sure you were already upset and hurt from everything Tyson no doubt put you though and everything else that happened with that... and Alice.~ Shadows explained, a sad smile over his features.

He rubbed his forehead against mine and looked into my black eyes with his crimson ones. ~I know things haven't been easy for you lately, but I want you to know that I'm here for you okay. Myself and all the other Pokémon will help you now. You don't have to do this alone.~

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat as I looked to the grassy floor. ~I just... was scared. I-- he did something to us – our memories - and neither myself or Wish or Tiara could remember who had done it all... it was a blur. All we could know is that one of the Dragon Born had done it... so we agreed that none of you are to be trusted until the three of us were sure... I didn't want to push you away that time... I just... didn't have a choice. He killed Alice, he did it to protect Shimmer, I just, I couldn't let it be for nothing.~

Dusk nudged my cheek softly. ~I can't say I understand, I didn't go through what you had to. But I do understand why you did it. I can't say truthfully that I wouldn't have done the same in your position. But I'd never do anything to hurt you Shiv... I-I really like to much for that.~ He looked down at me, his cheeks as red as a tomato.

Cocking my head to the side, I frowned slightly in confusion. ~What do you mean? Like, like-like or just friend-like?~

~Like-like.~ He blushed harder. ~I have for a while now... for a long time... I just wasn't sure if you liked me back- so I haven't said anything. It wasn't until you and Alice disappeared that I started wishing I'd said something. I wanted to tell you that night but... You know... and then you started avoiding me and everything. I just wanted you to know so I won't regret never not telling you.~

I smiled at him and nuzzled his cheek before resting my head under his head, against his chest so I could feel his heart beating rapidly against his chest. ~I really like you to. I can't say for sure if it's the same way you like me- but nothing can happen between us until I know for sure Shimmer is safe.~

We were both quiet for a quite a while after that. Watching our trainers and fellow Pokémon play together and have a good time for once. The evening had turned out to be quite pleasant and as the sun started dipping beyond sight, out trainers started to build camp. It wasn't until then that I pulled away from Dusk, giving him one small smile before I joined my new trainer in gathering fire wood to cook dinner.

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Word count: 2178

More of a filler but I hope you still liked it.

Anyway, thanks everyone for being so patient and not demanding updates or requesting them (other then the five it six people who did) it gave me time to do what I had and sort stuff out, even though it's not yet, I feel better writing now so...

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