Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

Eevee had settled into Natsume's home.

The bandage tied in a bow on its wound clashed starkly with Eevee's grimy appearance.

Natsume had considered giving it a bath several times, but worried about the risk of infection, he decided against it.

The Eevee had made a nest for itself in the courtyard, though none of the potted plants had survived its presence. Makoto, however, took it in stride.

"It's fine, it's just a kid after all, hahaha..."

Crash—

Another pot shattered.

Makoto raised an eyebrow, his hand trembling as he picked up his chopsticks. Finally, he set them down with a clack.

"I'm going out for some fresh air."

Natsume chuckled awkwardly. "Mom, I'll make it up to Dad with new plants."

"What kind of plants are you planning to give him?" Misuzu asked, surprised.

"Those Sudowoodo from the south. They don't even need watering."

Stepping into the wrecked courtyard, Natsume found the dirty Eevee sharpening its claws on a rock.

Hearing footsteps, Eevee's ears twitched, and it turned its head, eyes filled with wariness.

But upon seeing Natsume, Eevee's tail gave a slight wag before drooping again.

"Eevee..."

Eevee let out a listless cry, lazily lying down and licking at its bandage.

"If it itches, that means it's healing," Natsume said with a smile. "Hold still, let me change the bandage."

It was the third day Eevee had been staying at Natsume's house.

The little Pokémon's recovery was remarkably fast, and the wound was already starting to heal.

This was partly due to the world's Pokémon Potions.

Despite being just a spray, their effects were astonishing—though they only worked on Pokémon.

Natsume had also been taking care of Eevee's diet.

With his [Pokéblock Crafting Lv5] skill, even Hoopa would have to admit it was delicious!

Eevee lay reluctantly on the ground, letting Natsume lift it onto his lap.

"This might hurt a little, but bear with it."

"Eevee..." Eevee turned its head away, feigning indifference.

As Natsume changed the bandage, tears welled up in Eevee's eyes, but the little one didn't make a sound.

Natsume couldn't help but smile and gently rub its head.

Eevee stiffened, about to bare its teeth, but instead let out a low purr from its throat.

"How about I give you a bath in a couple of days?"

"Eevee!!"

Eevee struggled out of Natsume's hands.

"Come on, even girls like to look pretty. If you keep this up, even the shelter..."

Suddenly, Eevee wriggled out of Natsume's arms, glaring at him with fury.

"Eevee!"

Natsume was taken aback, then sighed. "Alright, I get it... But, would you let me catch you?"

"Eevee."

Eevee gave Natsume a cold look, then turned and retreated to its nest.

Shut out of the courtyard, Natsume felt a pang of disappointment.

Uncle was waiting at the door, looking anxious. "Still won't let you catch it?"

Natsume nodded, sighing. "I think I said the wrong thing."

"What now? Send it to the shelter?"

Uncle scratched his head.

"Or maybe I can ask the neighbors if anyone wants to adopt it?"

Natsume glanced back at the courtyard.

"Never mind. I'll just release it back into the mountains."

Natsume had never planned on becoming a Trainer, and this Eevee had a strong battle instinct.

Catching it would be unfair to the little Pokémon.

"Haunter..."

Sensing its Trainer's mood, Haunter also looked dejected.

It had been hoping for a new companion and had even practiced its greeting moves with Zigzagoon.

As for Zigzagoon being sent to the Pokémon Center... It was immune to Shadow Punch, so don't go spreading rumors!

As the review week came to an end, Eevee's attitude grew colder.

When Natsume opened the courtyard and saw the untouched bowl of Pokéblocks, he couldn't help but feel helpless.

After changing Eevee's bandage one last time, Natsume tied it into a bow again.

"You can go now."

Natsume stood at the courtyard gate, speaking to Eevee.

"Eevee?"

Eevee looked confused for a moment, but then coldly stood up, trembling as it walked toward the gate.

Without a hint of hesitation, Eevee pushed past Natsume and headed into the countryside.

It was already dusk.

Natsume followed Eevee until the sky on both sides of the field grew dark.

"If you remember the way, you can come back anytime," Natsume called out.

But Eevee was already far away, the bow on its bandage fading into the distance.

Natsume couldn't help it—he pulled out a Poké Ball.

"If it looks back, I'll throw it," Natsume told Haunter.

"Haunter." Haunter nodded solemnly.

Natsume wished it would turn around.

If it did, he wouldn't feel any guilt about catching it.

But Eevee disappeared at the end of the path.

Natsume felt a hollow emptiness, an indescribable sadness.

"Let's go, Haunter."

"Haunter..."

Haunter also looked downcast, floating listlessly.

In the reeds by the field, Eevee quietly watched Natsume until his shadow vanished. Then, with a light step, it turned and disappeared.

That night, Uncle found Natsume, looking as if he had some great news.

"I had an expert check it out. Those saplings weren't ruined by Eevee!"

"Really?" Natsume replied indifferently.

"Aren't you happy? Now catching Eevee makes perfect sense!"

"It left today," Natsume sighed. "Still wouldn't let me catch it."

Uncle's eyes widened. "Why didn't you just throw the ball at its head?"

"I wanted to, but it didn't give me a chance... It didn't even look back."

If Eevee had no attachment, Natsume didn't want to force it.

Respecting a Pokémon's will was part of Natsume's catching philosophy.

Uncle stroked his chin, clicking his tongue. "Anyway, you'll need to come up the mountain with me tonight. I found out what Pokémon those little troublemakers are."

"What?"

"They're Raticate!" Uncle said, exasperated. "They have a habit of gnawing, and since big trees are too tough, they went for the newly planted saplings!"

Natsume, already frustrated, gritted his teeth. "Can we just burn them?"

"Better not... Let's just teach them a lesson."

"Haunter!" Natsume called into the house. "Grab the fire extinguisher. We're heading up the mountain tonight!"

The moon was bright, and the sky was clear after a light rain.

Natsume led the way, with Uncle shivering behind him.

"Should I stop him if things get out of hand...?" Uncle muttered.

Before they reached their destination, sharp cries echoed from the woods.

"Raticate!"

"Eevee!"

The sound of a fierce battle. Natsume rushed into the woods and froze.

Under the bright moonlight, Eevee was surrounded by a group of Raticate and Rattata, its expression full of disdain.

When Natsume saw the familiar bow, his breath hitched.

"Eevee!"

With a Quick Attack, Eevee nimbly dodged a Hyper Fang, slamming into a Rattata and sending it flying.

Breaking through the encirclement, Eevee dug up a handful of sand, throwing it into the lead Raticate's face.

"Raticate!"

The plump Raticate screeched, flailing its claws wildly, but Eevee dodged effortlessly.

Baring its sharp teeth, Eevee bit down on the Raticate, pinning it to the ground!

Uncle was stunned. "This Eevee... is this strong?"

"Eevee!"

Just then, two Rattata charged from the side. Before Eevee could react, a familiar voice rang out.

"Quick Attack, dodge!"

"Eevee?"

Eevee hesitated, but its body moved on its own.

It couldn't help but glance back, tears welling up in its eyes.

"Don't space out."

Natsume barked, "Watch your left! Use Swift!"

"Eevee!"

Eevee sniffled, sidestepping the Raticate's charge. A spinning beam of stars shot out, knocking the Raticate to the ground!

Seeing their leader defeated, the Rattata scattered in panic, fleeing in all directions.

Eevee was about to give chase when Natsume called out.

"Eevee!"

Eevee froze, quickly wiping its face with a dirty paw, then continued walking without looking back.

Suddenly, Eevee flinched.

A Poké Ball landed squarely on its head.

Eevee, tears in its eyes, glared fiercely at Natsume before being engulfed in a beam of red light.

"Are you sure it won't break out?" Uncle gulped.

That look didn't seem like it wanted to be caught!

Natsume sighed, a mix of relief and exasperation.

"I should've realized sooner..."

"All this time, it was just being tsundere!"

The forest fell silent, then a soft ding echoed.

Thud—

The Poké Ball didn't shake even once.

A perfect catch!

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