Lucario was left speechless at Fifi’s abrupt mood swing, from perky to teary-eyed. Whereas the other two had a more immediate reaction to it. [color=a187be]“Oh you poor dear. Was it something I said?”[/color] Noctowl murmured with worry, quickly fluttering over to Lucario’s other shoulder, in order to not be so close to Eevee’s face. Before Noctowl suddenly realized that [b]someone else[/b] was absent too. [color=a187be]“Wait, Shepard. Were you teasing her just now?”[/color] She questioned him, with a piercing stare. [color=a187be]“And where is the hatchling?”[/color] Noctowl added, before Lucario had any hope to defend himself. Only looking a bit stunned in response, as Shepard saw the second door on his right had swiftly opened to reveal a concerned Miltank. Along with a wonderful smell, that came from the same room that she had peered out of. 

[color=f49ac2]“Iz someone cryin' out there?”[/color] Miltank asked in a softer heartfelt tone, not wanting to disturb whoever was still sleeping inside. A question that prompted the Sceptile to turn around and smile slyly at their Resident Chef. Soon pointing his claws over at the Eevee that was being carried in their leader’s arm. 

[color=0072bc][b]Wait. No. She referred to herself as-[/b][/color] Lucario stammered, as he looked down at Fifi. [color=0072bc][b]Please don’t cry.[/b][/color] Lucario pleaded, not wanting to keep forcing her to be calmer with his mana. Nor continue to receive the judging and heartbroken expressions of ‘the two big sisters’ of their family. 

[color=8dc73f]“Not so good with kids are ya, Shepard?”[/color] Sceptile teased, as he proceeded to amble over toward the front door. Casually setting the newspaper on top of a square table in his path, that had a pile of their Master’s unopened mail. [color=8dc73f]“I’ll get Chompy back.”[/color] Sceptile offered, giving his leader a reassuring pat on the shoulder. [color=8dc73f]“You can take care of our new guest.”[/color] He added. Though Noctowl was quick to chide the Sceptile’s laid-back posturing.

[color=a187be]“You should’ve been the one to get the hatchling in the first place. But you were still halfway in bed.”[/color] Noctowl hooted, landing on Lucario’s shoulder to point at him with her wing.

[color=0072bc][b]You two aren’t helping the situation by squabbling.[/b][/color] Lucario urged them calmly, as the pair stopped and looked away from each other.

[color=8dc73f]“Sorry,[/color] [color=a187be]Shepard.”[/color] They replied. As Sceptile headed outside and only managed to take a few steps forward, before noticing an oncoming ball of light that was rising up and over the hill. Turning out to be the hectic Croconaw, holding out the lantern in front of his limited vision. Swiftly running into the Sceptile’s awaiting bushy tail, as he let go of the lantern and latched onto his leg.

[color=6ecff6]“Big green brother!”[/color] Croconaw exclaimed in hysterical relief. His flowing tears indistinguishable from the rain itself. Before Sceptile easily lifted both Chompy and the lantern up within his arms. 
[center] * * * [/center]
Meanwhile, Miltank had carefully approached Fifi, so long as she didn’t upset the little one any further. While Shepherd seemed to understand why Eevee acted so distressed in the first place. Like he was a Mind Reader. [color=0072bc][b]I apologize. I didn’t mean to bring up your bad memories.[/b][/color] Lucario suggested, as if he was merely guessing. [color=0072bc][b]But I need to call you something. So would you tell us your name, dear?[/b][/color]

With Noctowl speaking up for the concerned-looking Miltank. [color=a187be]“And our chef here has made something scrumptious for you to eat.”[/color] She stated, as the Miltank warmly nodded her head. 
[center] * * * [/center]
[color=8dc73f]“There, there. Bud. I’ve come to the rescue.”[/color] Sceptile reassured him in a relaxed tone, as he walked back inside. [color=8dc73f][i]Feels nice out here. Bet my crops are loving it.[/i][/color] The Resident Gardener thought, as he held out Croconaw like a prize to show the others who were still in the foyer. [color=8dc73f]“He’s fine.”[/color] Sceptile said, with his claws gently wiping the gator’s tears away.

Bringing smiles of relief to both Lucario and Miltank. Although Noctowl’s glare remained unimpressed. [color=a187be]"Small thanks to you."[/color] She scoffed. 

As Croconaw immediately perked up to the smell of his favorite oatmeal and vegetable soup. Practically leaping from Sceptile’s claws and raising his stubby arms in the air. [color=6ecff6]“Food!”[/color] He squealed excitedly, to Noctowl’s prompt shushing. [color=6ecff6]“Thanks big sis.”[/color] Croconaw thanked Miltank in a lower volume, as he waddled off toward the kitchen’s door. 

[color=8dc73f]“So…can I go back to sleep now?”[/color] Sceptile interrupted, with a sleepy smile directed at Noctowl. Who predictably huffed and puffed out her chest in displeasure. 

Before Shepard bowed his head and addressed the adults. [color=0072bc][b]I’m truly grateful for the three of you, for staying up on your time off.[/b][/color] Lucario said. [color=0072bc][b]But I insist that you all try to get some more rest tonight. I’ll watch over the children and send them to bed.[/b][/color]