Sketch led Chara back through the many stands. The Absol's eyes never left her. Specter had disappeared after a snarky comment about his size from Chara. Sketch rolled her eyes as she remembered the conversation. 

'The big bad Chara is trusting a stranger?'

'Big words coming from someone who is the exact opposite of that.'

After that little comment, the Banette had floated away. Sketch hadn't cared at the time, but it had been at least an hour. She couldn't say she was worried, but it was better than saying she didn't care. 

Chara prodded her, and she realized she had stopped, lost in thoughts. Sketch gave the Absol a mutinous glare and led her over to a stand. 

"It's on the top shelf," she said, pointing to the desired item. Chara's eyes gleamed. 

Specter reappeared next to her. She gave him a sideways glance. The Banette took the hint and floated up to the stone. He grabbed it and floated back down. 

'Happy?' Sketch asked impatiently. She was losing daylight hours, and while she was fine with traveling at night, she knew her owner would be asleep. 

Chara's red eyes regarded the shiny Mimikyu for a moment. For a brief second, Sketch felt intimidated. Chara turned away with a lash of her tail.

'I'm content. Specter, let's get this to Xenia.'

Specter gave Sketch a small head pat and followed the Absol. Sketch debated on following them, intrigued by this "Xenia". Her eyes went to the sky. The sun was saying its goodbyes to the world, barely visible above the horizon. 

The Mimikyu eventually gave a small shrug and shuffled in the direction they had gone. If they let her spend the night, she would be grateful. After all, she did just help them and save them a possible day's work. If they didn't... well, that wouldn't happen. 

The Absol eventually stopped at the basin of a large tree nearby. She put the stone down and disappeared underneath it, as there was a small opening. The Absol remerged with a small Eevee trailing after her. 

'Chara, why did you bring me out here? I know what I'm going to evolve into!'

'Yeah? And what's that?'

'A Flareon! No, wait. An Umbreon! Actually, maybe a Leafeon.'

Chara shook her head. 'See? You don't know yet. This is why we train.'

'It's nighttime.'

Sketch looked to the sky in surprise. She had been so focused on the Eevee that she hadn't noticed the sudden change in lighting.

'Yes, you noticed. Why do you think we're doing it at night?'

'I haven't the foggiest idea,' was the response.

'We're training for Umbreon,' Chara sighed.

The Eevee tilted her head to one side. 'But we mastered Umbreon already?' 

'Incorrect. We mastered hunting techniques. We never looked at other features. Like, for example, seeing in complete darkness. You know that, Xenia.'

The Eevee lashed her tail. Her eyes suddenly went to Sketch's hiding spot. The Mimikyu cursed in her mind and picked up a small stone in her claw. Making sure she wasn't too close to the bush, she hurled it with all her might. It hit a tree, startling a pair of sleeping Pidgey.

 Chara's head snapped round to look at the spot. Sketch backed a good two feet away from the bush before turning and running. 

The Eevee frowned at the Mimikyu's disappearing form.