Shepard held onto Fifi for as long as she remained still. Knowing this was going to be a rough night, when nothing he did seemed to soothe the child. But it was also his second chance to get rest over the past few days. So he continued to gently stroke the princess’ head and backside with his paw. [color=0072bc][b]Okay dear...[/b][/color] Lucario responded in a calm, yet weary tone. With his severe lack of sleep starting to challenge his withstanding composure. Though unless she happened to hear the subtly elevated pace of his heart or sharpness in his exhale, it wouldn’t be noticed. [color=0072bc][b]We’ll talk about it more in the morning.[/b][/color] Lucario urged Fifi, before trying to not engage with her further. Because despite Eevee’s repeated efforts to keep him talking; it wasn’t his first rodeo, and he could’ve fallen asleep regardless of whatever she was doing on top of him.

However, there was a bigger obstacle that he couldn’t overcome. [color=0072bc][b]Your daddy wouldn’t want you to worry about him, princess. I promise—and I’ll help you find your true family in any way I can. No matter what.[/b][/color] Lucario whispered in a kind tone. Proceeding to smile fondly at the sight of her finally dozing off. [color=0072bc][i]Sweet dreams, Fifi…have them for the both of us.[/i][/color] He thought. 
[center] * * * [/center]
But Shepard wasn’t the only member of their family that hadn’t slept in a while. So Eevee would be the first to wake up in that bedroom, and leave without disturbing the trio. Since the morning sunlight was blocked by Noctowl’s body. With Sceptile’s Sleep Powder still sparkling all over the light-sleeper’s wings, chest feathers and forehead. 

Thus, it would’ve been possible for Fifi to look out of the high window. If the princess managed to climb up the hammock’s chains and scale the wall. Otherwise, she’d notice plenty of open shutters in the second floor hallway that illuminated the space, and made it easier for Fifi to find her way downstairs. Albeit, not without being seen by at least one eyewitness. Being the curious Croconaw—who was peeking out from the Resident Medic’s sewing room door. Or at least, she was one who was here the most often.

[color=6ecff6]“Mummy. Mummy. That girl I saved last night is leaving Shepard’s room-”[/color] The gator alerted in a hushed volume, after turning his attention back into the room. Proceeding to quickly waddle over to the wide rocking chair that Audino had sat in. [color=6ecff6]“What should we do?”[/color] He asked with a concerned frown, looking up at her smiling face.

[color=f6989d]“You can come up and sit with your mummy.”[/color] Her soft loving voice replied, as the Cronocaw beamed a smile and eagerly climbed up into the seat. With his body actually taking up more room than hers did. Before the Audino gave her chubby boy some tender headpats. [color=f6989d]“Neither you or Shepard has any right to stop the princess from going out on her own.”[/color] Audino noted, using the term that Cronocaw had used when telling his grand tale earlier. [color=f6989d]“And if she wants to go. It’s her choice. Understand, Chomps?”[/color] She suggested sweetly. Always seeing the Cronocaw’s eyes twinkle with glee, whenever Audino used the name she had given him. Opposed to how upset he’d get when others called him something else, or changed the name to tease his gluttonous appetite.

[color=6ecff6]“I understand.”[/color] Chomps nodded, before he carefully leapt down onto the large rug covering most of the floor. Quick to scamper away into the hall and look out of a back window, where he proceeded to spot Eevee’s heading toward the wooded area. [color=6ecff6][i]“But I can still follow her, right? Hmm…”[/i][/color] He questioned, considering what reason he could use. [color=6ecff6][i]“I bet Shepard would want me to.”[/i][/color] Cronocaw confirmed to himself.
[center] * * * [/center]
Meanwhile, everyone’s breakfast was already well on its way to being made. As their aproned chef proceeded to carry a silver tray down the hall and inside the stables where the three brothers had slept. [color=f49ac2]“Good morning gentlemen! I brought you two some milk coffee.”[/color] Miltank announced in a cheerful manner, seeing the Tauros smiling and his tails casually swirling in circles. A unique habit that made it look like his backside was trying to propel itself off the ground—but it was simply the Resident Workaholic’s usual behavior.

[color=brown]“Oh, you positively spoil us. Sweetheart.”[/color] The gruff older voice lauded, as Miltank walked up and set the tray down onto an empty wooden barrel. [color=brown]“You know. Back in my pasture days, I’d never imagined that something could taste this good.”[/color] Tauros recalled, in an equally good-natured manner. 

[color=fdc68a]“Yeah. You’ve said that before. Many times.”[/color] Combusken murmured, with a trying-not-to-be-so-grouchy expression. [color=fdc68a][i]And our chef knows that. Cuz’ she was there with you, old timer.[/i][/color] Combusken thought, after he finished fastening the oat bag to the forlorn Mudsdale’s muzzle. 

[color=gray]“Thank you, lad.”[/color] Mudsdale uttered in a somber tone, as he started to stand back up again. As Combusken gave the draft horse a brief reassuring smile for his sake.

While Miltank smiled proudly, and waved her hoof dismissively. [color=f49ac2]“Oh-ho. You flatter me dear.”[/color] She commented, not intending to make Tauros stop. As Miltank had brought him over a large steamy bowl of her coffee, to assist Tauros in slurping it up. 

[color=brown]“Mmm. Yes, delicious as always. Thank you chef.”[/color] He acknowledged, before looking over to Combusken. [color=brown]“Hey bucko. You really should drink yours, before it gets too cold.”[/color] Tauros declared, as the fire chicken rolled his eyes and walked up to his mug. 

[color=fdc68a]“Things don’t [b][i]get[/i][/b] cold around me.”[/color] He retorted, proceeding to heat up his coffee further to the point that it was scalding hot. Each one too busy to overhear Chomps scampering out of the back door. 
[center] * * * [/center]
It wasn’t too long when Fifi passed out by ‘the large river’ that was more akin to a shallow stream past their backyard trees; that Croconaw tripped and fell at least twice in his attempt to follow her lead. 

[color=6ecff6]“Nobody—saw—me.”[/color] Cronocaw uttered aloud between breaths. Waddling himself over to Eevee’s body, as he couldn’t help but be nervous at the sight. [color=6ecff6][i]Uh-oh. She didn’t drink the water, did she? It has poisonous algae growing at the bottom of it. So we haven’t used it for anything.[/i][/color] The gator thought, with a long worried stare. [color=6ecff6][i]Hmm...her face isn’t purple-[/i][/color] Cronocaw noted, before getting on all fours and leaning his head near her chest. Trying to listen to her heartbeat, as he only then noticed the tears in Fifi’s eyes. [color=6ecff6]“H-H-hey…princess?”[/color] Chomps stammered, with a sad look on his face. Not very good at seeing others crying, as he tried again. [color=6ecff6]“Princess?”[/color]