This time Barnaby tried something a little different. Instead of him taking the lead, he allowed Pepin free reign to guide them through the park. He figured perhaps the EEVEE could lead them to its brethren quicker than what they had done in trips past. It wouldn’t hurt anything to try, right?

The diminutive Pokemon trotted along happily in front, keeping a watchful eye out while still enjoying the warmth and peace of the day. Unfortunately, this peace was short-lived. Like clockwork, a STUFFUL came to disrupt their day, chattering a warning as it blocked their path.

“Double-Edge.” Barnaby ordered, lazily.

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catching STUFFUL

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Pepin was getting a little tired of this routine as well. He didn't have time to waste on interfering bears. The job was to get in, entice a new EEVEE friend, then get out. All obstacles would be obliterated.

The Double-Edge hit like a freight truck, slamming into the STUFFUL and knocking it back, hard. The bear gurgled out a pained bark, but did not rise from where it fell. Barnaby quickly tossed a Safari Ball its way and continued on their trek.

"Bon, Pepin. Let's rest for now. How about a snack?" The journalist asked after a good bit of walking. His EEVEE, though, shook its head and held its snout to the air, sniffing intently. Then, he ran off.

This was typical of Pepin so Barnaby didn't think much of it. He had full confidence in the little guy to not run away; there must have been something exceptionally enticing to warrant his departure,

So, Barnaby simply enjoyed his rest, leaning against a tree and grazing on a packed bag of assorted nuts. About ten minutes passed before a rustling in the bushes announced the return of Pepin, who awkwardly trotted out carrying a... LUVDISC in his mouth.

"Pepin! Merde, you know those aren't food."

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catching LUVDISC

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If the EEVEE could talk, Pepin would have given Barnaby the biggest attitude ever. What do you mean I can't eat my catch?? What the hell???

But he dropped the LUVDISC on command, grumbling meekly, and stood off to the side. With a sigh and a shake of his head Barnaby once again captured a heart-shaped fish on it's last... legs? Fins?

Pepin beckoned them on with a little squeak. They continued down the path, passing steams and hillocks, and eventually came upon a slumbering HAPPINY in the undergrowth. Caught unawares, Barnaby lobbed a Safari Ball it's way.

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catching HAPPINY

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Finally. They once again made it to EEVEE's meadow. It had taken them longer this time around, so much so that the sun was beginning to set on the horizon. Twilight burned the sky an ember orange, casting the grassy area in shadowed delight.

The EEVEE here frolicked as they usually did, winding down the day with companionable play. Pepin joined the easily, even the charismatic charmer, and eventually pulled away a larger male from the pack.

Barnaby welcomed their new friend with open arms.

Four down, three to go.

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catching EEVEE

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