Ring...Ring...Ring...

  A rude annoyance to the senses dragged Lucas in the realm of the living. The young trainer groaned, dragging the pillow his head rested upon around his ears, hoping to muffle the noise entirely. Yet, the buzzing still found its way into his ears. Not that the boy believed he should've been interrupted by the rude ringing at all, swearing he'd set his phone to silent the previous night. But, the echo of that ringtone proved that oath false.

  Couldn't be an alarm either. It was a call. From who, Lucas hadn't the foggiest idea. All his travelling companions should've been rested alongside him. Harry wouldn't bother calling him. Anything he sent would've been in the form of a text, a method the two of them had unanimously agreed upon years ago. A scam caller, more than likely. But, out of the kindness of his heart, Lucas would give the caller the time of day enough to at least read the contact.

  Mom <3

  "Oh."

  Lucas threw his Rotom Phone to the side of the bed, rudely awakening Torchic from underneath the sheets. The Fire type emerged, crying out in anger. But, upon looking at Lucas' face, filled with panic, Torchic got the picture. Felt some of it, even, running around the bed like a headless chicken. Not to make Lucas' panic any better.

  "Oh jeez, oh jeez, oh-" Lucas hurriedly reached over towards the lamp, managing to just about reach and flicker it on. A burst of light exploded in his eyes, just as the request to call finally ended. But, another call soon came after. Lucas grabbed his phone, setting it down against the heaped duvet that had amounted from his panicked scramble to approach decency. But, looking at the reflection of his figure, staring back at him through the phone, he realised that was a pipe dream akin to the one he'd just woken up from. Nevertheless, he clicked accept.

  "Hi Mom!" his voice betrayed the tiredness of his features, attempting to mask the obviousness of him just awakening from slumber. Like she'd called just at the right time. Maya's face lit up when Lucas had finally answered. Standing alone in a spotless kitchen, camera overlooking the worktop with a slightly off tune angle. Her hair all done, bright smile, warm eyes. And, the same chipper voice Lucas had come to expect of his mother.

  "Hi honey! How ar-", Maya stopped halfway through, her eyes settling on Lucas in greater detail. The unkempt hair, drooping eyes, and mess of pillows stacked behind his head. Not to mention the shirt that looked nothing like his typical trainer outfit. A light chuckle escaped her throat. "Did I wake you up by any chance?"

  "How could you...tell..." Lucas dropped the facade of non-fatigue almost instantly, yawning halfway through his sentence. No point in attempting to upkeep it when the mask slipped without the faintest bit of resistance. His eyes shuttered for a moment, rubbing away the sleepy dust from his eyes, before settling onto Maya once more.

  "Sorry for waking you, honey."

  "Oh, don't be. Really, I should apologise for not calling." Lucas seemed to wake up a little more at his mother's apology. Especially with thoughts of broken promises ringing in his mind. That of calling her when Lucas reached the next town. Not that Lucas didn't have a good excuse. But, still, the thought ate away at him. "So, sorry. Did I make you worry?"

  "Admittedly...a lot." Maya sheepishly admitted, fidgeting with her hair, looking away. "Thankfully, I can track you through your phone, so I knew you were safe. Just been busy, huh?"

  "Super busy." Lucas' head seemed to sink deeper into the pillow, sighing and closing his eyes. Then, his eyes shot open. "Wait, you won't have even seen my Pokemon yet!"

  Lucas excitedly flickered his camera around, jumping from the bed to capture Torchic in all of its glory. The Pokemon seemed not to have gotten the memo that Lucas had stopped his hurried panic. Still prancing around, making a mess of the duvets. Only when Lucas seemed to shine a camera upon Torchic did the Pokemon finally stop its shenanigans, merely staring back at the phone. Not with a full understanding, but enough to know it was being watched by more than one person.

  "Meet my partner, Torchic!"

  "Oh honey, it's adorable!" Maya clasped her hands together, sighing longingly. "I so wish I could reach right through the phone and just pet those cute feathery cheeks! Absolutely thrilled you got Torchic just like you wanted!"

  "Mhm, and I couldn't ask for a better partner either!" Lucas set the camera down against another heaped part of the duvet. Then, his arm stretched out to Torchic. It didn't take long for Torchic to get the memo this time, racing up his arm and landing triumphantly onto Lucas' shoulder. "See? Aren't we the coolest?"

  "Yes, the coolest." Maya giggled. Seeing the light in her son's eyes sparkle in the presence of Torchic never got old. From the first time he saw one, even to now, the fire had always remained the same. Blue and roaring. Maya tapped her fingers against the kitchen surface, asking. "Any other news for me?"

  "Oh, how could I forget!" Lucas carefully moved back to the bed, grabbing his camera and peering it over the mattress, capturing a slumbering Zorua. A miracle it had remained asleep. Through all the racket, ringtones and rumbling of the duvets, the Dark type remained soundly under slumber. "Meet Zorua! My second Pokemon!"

  "Wow, another cutie! And a rare one, at that." Maya watched its chest heave up and down in awe. "Heavy sleeper?"

  "Yup, Zorua'll fall asleep pretty much anywhere. But, it's ferocious in battle." Lucas carefully snuggled in beside Zorua, a cautious hand stretching over the Pokemon's head. Not enough to wake it, but to ease whatever dreams it happened to have. A small smile appeared on its face, clenching its plushie tighter. Lucas smiled, then placed the camera back down in its accustomed spot, angling it slightly more upwards so that Torchic could be seen in all of its glory, too.

  "Looking like the starting of a team that could win the Ever Grande Conference." Maya smirked, watching Lucas' face turn blushy.

  "You flatter me too much. We're strong, but we've got some steep competition."

  "From Harry? And...oh what's her name?"

  "Ellie. Her name's Ellie," Lucas corrected. "Harry ran ahead, so we've been travelling together since we first met up on Route 101. Gonna keep travelling in future too."

  "Wonderful! And here you were saying she might not like you, but you sound like you've made a good friend!"

  "Yeah, we've been getting along pretty well," Lucas sheepishly admitted, recounting on the memories they'd made in their brief time together. "Helped me loads with getting into the swing of things. Plus, she's a really strong battler. And, really brave! And, she knows a lot of stuff from her time with the professors, so she's super smart!"

  "Mhm, do tell me more." Maya smirked.

  "Well, she was a little shy at first. But, I think she's started to warm up to me. Plus, she's got a Ralts, so Ralts will tell me what's up if she's too shy to tell me."

  "A Ralts? Tell her she has great taste in Pokemon for me." Maya smiled, asking, "What starter did she pick?"

  "She's had a Mudkip for a little while actually. So, they get along really well, and are really strong together." Lucas sighed, rubbing his partner under its beak. "We'd know a lot about that, wouldn't we buddy?"

  "How is Harry doing?"

  "Doing well, got a Treecko and a Poochyena to his name!"

  "So you're all doing great, that's excellent to hear."

  "Mhm, and we even...hang on-" Lucas reached down from the bed, grabbing his backpack. Then, he plucked the Petalburg Gym Badge from the front. With a dramatic fanfare, he revealed the badge in front of the camera, making sure to capture his beaming expression in the same shot. "We've got our first gym badge!"

  Maya's face lit up with excitement, clapping her hands. "Oh, well done honey! I'd give you the biggest congratulatory hug if I could! From...Petalburg?" her face seemed to drop on recognizing the shape of the badge, although Lucas hadn't the insight to notice.

  "Mhm! Managed to get it on my first try! Ellie got hers too, even if it took two tries."

  "So, you weren't there...when the gym was destroyed?"

  Lucas' eyes widened, hands shaking. A momentary stutter came upon his heart, before revitalising with greater intensity. His eyes settled on the badge for a moment, trying to think of a proper response. The truth appeared in his mind so vividly. But, a dampner to his mother's worries was more needed than him admitting to being in the sights of a dangerous group of criminals.

  "Oh y-yeah, I guess I forgot-" Lucas squeaked out. A pathetic sentence that felt like a lie, even if nothing he said even had significance to the question she asked. Still, that didn't save Lucas from further questions, assuming the worst.

  "You forgot? That you were there?" Maya's heart raced to Lucas' levels.

  "Oh, no, of course not!" Lucas insisted, fingers floundering with the flaps hanging from his backpack. Another lie. But, this time, it came out a little more convincingly. "I wasn't there when it happened, I got my gym badge before Team Storm attacked-"

  A loud bark suddenly echoed through the room. Zorua had suddenly awoken from its slumber. Seemingly at just the mention of its tormentors. The Dark type leapt to its feet, darting around the bed, knocking the phone from its tenuous position, mounted against the uneven duvet. It continued to bark and holler, even as Torchic leapt off Lucas' shoulder, attempting to communicate with its own cries.

  "Zorua, hey, it's okay!" Lucas attempted negotation, hand outstretched towards Zorua. The Dark type backed off at first, but soon came close to his touch. Then, a gentle finger behind the ears seemed to settle the Pokemon's worries a little more. Until, it strolled over towards Lucas, down into his lap. "There, there, they're not here, they can't hurt you," he continued to mutter, his eyes glancing back to his Rotom Phone, sat staring at the ceiling.

  "Lucas, are you there?" Maya's face pressed closer to the phone, attempting to make out Lucas' form amongst the ceiling. But, Lucas soon fixed the pose of his camera, setting it against the duvet once more. "What happened?"

  "Oh, Zorua just doesn't like any mentions of Team Storm. Saw them on TV and wouldn't stop barking at them."

  Another lie Lucas had to hope would stick. He hadn't even a clue if the identity of the team had been revealed to the public. After all, a major scandal like the destruction of a gym had to have been covered extensively. So, it shouldn't have been long until the press caught wind of the name Team Storm. And, it seemed that his assumption was correct. Given Maya accepted the lie without much pushback.

  "The little guy's got some sense then." Maya glanced away from the camera for a moment, unable to stop the queasy feeling hanging around in her stomach. Her head rested against her palm, leaning on the kitchen top. "I have a really bad feeling about those people. At least from all the news about them. Those poor trainers who had to deal with them. Can't imagine the feeling."

  "I know." The first truth Lucas had uttered thus far. "Must be horrible."

  "They remind me of a team from the past. But, I hope it's just the media blowing everything up." Maya uttered, knowing the sensationalized titles seemed to drum every small detail as the end of the world. But, a sinking feeling hung there where it hadn't for others. Such a bold attack, for what purpose? To make themselves as big as those from the past? To set up for forces greater than that which came before? Maya hoped to every Legendary above for anything other than that.

  "I-", Lucas wanted to mutter about the damage he'd seen from the crumbling gym. But, it seemed that would do neither of them any good. So, he changed subject. "What's the team you're talking about?"

  Lucas had heard of so called 'evil teams' in the past. Terrorist groups gathered under the idea that they're a 'team'. He'd heard of some that once terrorized Hoenn. Although, vaguely. Small murmurings amongst the kids of his school, whispers like they were an urban legend. Never to be commented on by the teachers. Lucas hadn't the drive to search for what any of them did back then. Truthfully, he had feared what he would discover. He feared it even now. But, glancing down at Zorua reminded him that every piece of knowledge may be valuable. To putting this evil to rest.

  Maya's eyes glanced back to Lucas, spotting a looming fire behind his eyes. She turned her back to the flame, hoping it'd grow colder. "It's grown up stuff. You shouldn't have to worry about it."

  Of course. Lucas did the best to stifle the sigh he wanted to let out. He'd expected that Maya would remain tight lipped on such a subject. Lucas guessed it was a topic better to ask Ellie about. She seemed scholarly enough to know more about it, especially when she's the apprentice of two well educated professors.

  "All you need to know is they were dangerous then, and Team Storm reminds me lots of them."

  "Is this the part where you make me promise to avoid them?" Lucas snarked. Mostly to ignore the feeling of dread weighing on top of him, threatening to break down his bones with its presence.

  "Well, I'd hope they'd want nothing out of you, so they won't harm you," Maya sighed, eyes locking onto Lucas. "Just be careful. Stick close to Ellie."

  "Of course, I will. Plus, we've got another person travelling with us."

  "Someone else? Is it Harry?" Maya suggested. A reasonable thought.

  "Not quite." Lucas responded with a knowing smirk.

  "Who is it then?" Maya matched the smile.

  "The Gym Leader of Petalburg." Lucas announced. Maya's smile dropped, as did her jaw.

  "Wha-I, how on earth did you-are you joking?"

  "Not at all, Mom!" Lucas smiled. "Seijo's really coming along with us."

  "How did you make that happen? Especially so soon after his entire gym was destroyed!"

  "Turns out; people with little to lose are easier to persuade."

  "That's an...uncharacteristically morbid way of putting it." Maya laughed, "I hope Ellie's not cursing your optimism."

  Lucas laughed back. "Nope, I'm optimistic as ever. I was just mirroring what he said when he accepted our pitch."

  "Well, that's my fears put to rest. Highly doubt they'll try and cross you when you've got a gym leader by your side!"

  Both sides breathed a sigh of relief. Maya at her son's safety, Lucas in confidence his journey could continue without excessive worrying.

  "Yup, we'll be getting plenty stronger with his help too!" he added, Torchic chirping in agreement.

  A knock came at the door, thundered through the small room, Zorua's ear flickering up. But, the Dark type soon settled with a pat on the head, Lucas waiting for a call from the other side.

  "Lucas? Are you ready to go?"

  "I'll be a minute!" Lucas called back, grabbing his phone and waving goodbye to his mom. "Gotta go, we're heading out of Petalburg today."

  "No problem. Go get em, sweetie. Love you."

  "Love you too."

  The video call swiftly ended. Maya stared at the blank screen for a moment. Her expression dropped.

  "Team Storm..." she muttered. Her eyes turned towards the door. A hand reached into her pocket, her thumb brushing against a worn Pokeball. Her thoughts kept her body trapped there for a moment. Until, finally, her feet moved an inch. Then, they moved in large strides, throwing the door open.

  A vast world blossomed before her. Fought for and protected by thousands before her. By the people she loved. All so she could live in this moment. So her life, her pride and joy may venture out into the world, unharmed by those evils lurking in the shadows.

  So, she'd do the same as the thousands before her.

  The Pokeball dropped to the ground.

  "Altaria, let's move."

  "Is Route 104 always this empty?"

  Lucas let out a loud and exaggerated yawn, with Torchic soon matching the gesture (although what it could do with its small beak left a lot to be desired). Ellie took a place next to Lucas, side-eyeing his obnoxious yawn, fighting back the impulse to yawn herself. Mudkip gave in easier, trodding along and yawning.

  "See, even Mudkip's getting bored!" Lucas pointed to the Mud Fish, who tilted its head with curiosity, looking back at the two of them.

  "Yawning is contagious, you're just spreading the yawning between everyone," Ellie stated, pouting at Mudkip betraying her and joining Lucas' side.

  "I'm spreading the yawning because this place doesn't have anything going onnnnn." Lucas hung on the last word for a while, groaning as he dragged himself through the route. "What does a guy have to do to get a battle around here?"

  His eyes dragged to his surroundings. The route was unlike the previous ones they had explored. Much more open in space, compared to the cramped forest-like conditions of Route 102. But, unlike either in the fact there lay remarkably little tall grass to explore. No wild Pokemon jumped out of them, ready to battle. Lucas could hardly recall even seeing a Pokemon trodding along the plains.

  "There aren't any wild Pokemon!" Lucas continued to whine, glancing to Ellie for her reaction. All she did was point a finger to the sky, smiling in amusement as a group of Taillow and Wingull fluttered by. Lucas blushed in embarrassment, turning away from Ellie.

  "They're too peaceful, I can't battle them if they're just flying and living their life!" Lucas continued on with his rant, regardless. Ellie let it happen. She quite liked the change of pace the route had comparitively to everything she faced thus far. No Pokemon to bother her. Just her, her starter, a whining teenager, and a gym leader who seemed so distant someone could've mistaken him as a third party.

  "What do you think, Seijo?" Lucas turned to the gym leader, his head tilting upwards to recognize when he was being spoken to.

  "Of the route? It's...nice? Doesn't really have much going on."

  "See! Seijo gets me!"

  "And, he said it's nice. Maybe he's like me, finding comfort in just enjoying the walk," Ellie's face stretched into a smile. This quarrel started to get interesting, if only to see Lucas' face get more flush and bothered.

  "I can enjoy the walk, and battle too!"

  "Do you guys...always bicker like this?" Seijo finally cut in of his own admittance, the two kids stopping dead in their tracks. Lucas looked to Ellie.

  "You did drag me by my ear that one time."

  "I found you unconscious on the floor!" exclaimed Ellie. "What else am I supposed to do other than drag you to get some sleep?"

  "So, is that a yes to the whole bickering thing?" Seijo asked once more.

  "Not usually, I don't think." Lucas shrugged, struggling to recall another time, other than the ear pulling incident. Still, didn't help uphold their reputation when met with a new guest in the party. "I'm just complaining because I'm bored. Harry said this route was a bit dry, but I didn't know it was this dry."

  "How can you say it's dry? The ocean's right there," Ellie pointed to the glimmering waves, resting not far from the mainland, a smug smile on her face. Lucas blinked twice.

  "You-" Lucas covered his mouth, then burst out laughing. "You just want me to argue at this point, don't you?" Her smirk told everything. She's doing this on purpose. Probably something Harry set her up to before he'd set off for Rustboro.

  "Well, it does provide a pretty view, doesn't it?" Ellie glanced upon the ocean, watching the waves crash against the sands. Seemed the perfect place for a little serenity. Especially with how remarkably quiet the beach appeared. Turning to Seijo, she asked, "Is the beach always this empty?"

  "Well, I don't quite know. I'd usually fly over this route if I were to travel this way." Seijo admitted, knowing how poor it sounded for a gym leader to not know the surrounding area well. But, it was the truth. His eyes scanned the length of the coast, spotting only a few dark dots in the distance where people had settled down to rest. "Does look a nice place to stay though."

  "Think any people along there will wanna battle?"

  "Jeez, Lucas, you're making Seijo think you're some battle obsessed lunatic," Ellie teased.

  "I'm just wanting to get stronger! I can have fun without a battle too, you know! Like, we could go swimming!" Lucas suggested, his eyes dwelling upon imagining him and all the Pokémon happily paddling around in the deep ocean. But, a peck to the head brought him back to reality. Torchic, with eyebrows furrowed, staring at its trainer. "You don't have to go in, you can just lie on the beach and chill!"

  "Seems we've got another vote for swimming," Ellie glanced down to Mudkip, jumping up and down excitedly. It pawed at Ellie's calve, egging her onto saying yes. She couldn't say no to that excited face, tail wagging from side to side. "I'm alright with that. Gives us a bit to relax and get our bearings."

  "Seems swimming wins the vote, although I'll be staying on the shore." Seijo muttered, cautious of the pain still dwelling in his spine, even when doing something as simple as leisurely walking. "Do you guys have swimming stuff, or not?"

  "Nope!" chirped Lucas.

  "So...how do you expect to swim again?" Ellie asked.

  "I've got spare clothes for a reason!" Lucas responded without skipping a beat. Seijo snorted, repressing a laugh.

  "Well, I don't think it'll come to that, if I remember correctly, there's swim suit rentals in a shop near the beach." Seijo suggested, much to Ellie's relief. She already knew the pains of waiting for clothes to dry out in the wild.

  "Well, whatever, all I know is I'm getting into that ocean, and not battling! Now, let's get going!"

  Lucas shot off ahead of them. Ellie turned to Seijo.

  "I'll give it half an hour before he battles again," Ellie muttered.

  "Sounds about right," Seijo sighed, following after the hyperactive boy, down into the seaside.

  A peaceful beach they did find.

  Golden sands lit by the beating sun, glistening and grinding beneath their feet. Calm gentle waters, sparkling and glistening, frothy waves running against the shore. A few families lying under the shade of the cliffs hanging overhead. But, so far apart it created an abundance of free room for the group to settle down. Just to enjoy the scenery, with the waves softly crashing in the distance.

  "No one else coming into the water?" Lucas made one final check, dressed out of his trainer outfit and into his swimming outfit, which comprised of a sole set of black and blue swimshorts. Not a fancy transformation, nor did Lucas intend for it to be. He only intended for practicality.

  "I'm alright." Ellie passed on the opportunity, not taking a fancy to the idea of getting into the water after her last incident with swimming. Laying down a few beach towels, she rested her back against the sands, staring up at the sun, a book peeking from the top of her bag should she ever get bored. Seijo, too, declined with a polite shake of his head. Not that Lucas could blame him.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "Suit yourselves!" Lucas threw off his jacket and shirt, propping them against his backpack, resting on the sand. Then, the boy crouched down to the small crew he had assembled for swimming. Zorua trodding closely to his side, eager to get more experience in the water after its first experience back on Route 102. Mudkip followed to Lucas' side too, eyes sparkling with the prospect of a wide open ocean to paddle around in. Torchic had decided to follow, too. Although, at a distance. Couldn't be grouped in with the rest of the water dwelling Pokemon.

  "You sure you don't wanna come in the water?" Lucas turned, teasing his partner again. Torchic pouted, stomping its foot angrily. It remained rooted to the spot, stubbornly glancing away as the two other Pokemon continued to waddle towards the ocean. Lucas turned, giving his Pokemon a light pet on the head. "Don't worry, you'll get your chance to play soon. Just in a little bit."

  Torchic huffed, but ultimately did nothing to stop Lucas. Lucas sighed. Good enough. He could tell Torchic's anger was yet to be proper. So, he waddled back towards the ocean. Mudkip had already taken initiative, blitzing ahead of the group, jumping high. Then, it dived into the ocean, ripples forming out of the impact. The water went still for a moment, before its blue fin poked out of the water, darting around with great speed. As to be expected of the Water type.

  Zorua had trodded to the shore, but not dived in. The frothy waves washed along the shore, water dipping its claws in a sandy wet slaw, before settling into the ocean once more. The Dark type stared out at the blue water. It should've been safe, especially with Mudkip and its trainer there as support. But, for some reason, Zorua couldn't move from its spot.

  "You okay?" Lucas sat down just next to the Illusion Pokemon, looking out onto the ocean, much the same as his Pokemon. Zorua glanced into his eyes for a moment, then back to the ocean. The young boy took a deep breath, smiling as he felt the salt hit his nostrils. Waves washing over his feet, sun shining over the water.

  "It's a pretty beautiful view," he commented, out of absence of anything else to say. Then, he glanced back to his Pokemon, "Are you scared?"

  Zorua gave a slow nod.

  "Well, that's a shame for me. I'm not getting in until you do." Lucas smiled. Zorua's eyes widened, turning to Lucas, letting out a cry.

  "Oh woe is me, the ocean's so beautiful, but I can't get into the ocean without you by my side..." Lucas let out a dramatic sigh, closing his eyes and lying back. Playing up all the theatrics as much as possible. His eyes would soon shoot open, however, as Zorua quickly pounced on his chest. Its cyan eyes stared into Lucas's. If Zorua could've uttered a word in that moment, it would've been 'guilt tripper'. But, alas, it resigned to letting out small cries, vaguely gesturing towards the sea.

  "Would that be a yes to going into the ocean?" Lucas asked. Zorua looked back, then to the boy, nodding. In an instant, Zorua felt its balance upset, as Lucas launched himself to his feet. The sand is what Zorua anticipated next. But, Lucas had swiftly scooped up the fox, before it could hit the warm grains beneath.

  "Awesome! Knew you'd come around!" Lucas gave an innocent smile. Zorua knew better than to believe that innocent smile. Seemed Lucas still had a little to learn. But, his mother's technique still got results, so he didn't mind Zorua knowing his intentions.

  The boy slowly began to trod closer to the ocean, Zorua cradled near and dear to his chest. It glanced down at the water beneath, watching it rise to meet Lucas' ankles. Then, beginning to stretch up the length of his legs. The cold embrace of the salty ocean. Lucas took a deep breath with each step. Adjusting ever so slowly to the freezing liquid below. His hands stretched downwards, with Zorua cradled gently in them. The Dark type placed one paw into the water. Then, two more.

  "You ready?" Lucas asked, feeling it cruel to drop the Zorua into the thick of the water without a moment of hesitation. But, Zorua insisted it was fine. So, Lucas let go.

  Zorua's fur submerged underneath the water, scrambling to the surface and gasping for air. It felt the gaze of both Mudkip and its trainer settle upon its body. It felt even colder than the pond water back on Route 102. Denser, salt nagging at its eyelids, attacking its taste buds Yet, Zorua didn't really mind the feeling. With a chirp, Zorua brought its paws forward, paddling along the ocean water. Lucas beamed with pride, excitedly diving into the water, ignoring the cold shock of the water.

  "Isn't this nice?" he exclaimed as he emerged from the water. His vision stung the next time he dared to open his eyes, but he didn't mind it in the slightest. Everything felt so peaceful, as it should've been. With Zorua happily paddling against the water, while Mudkip briskly swam past the Dark type. Lucas dived under once more, his feet excitedly kicking against the surface of the sea, splashing upwards, ripples of water dancing across the surface of the water. Then, once more, he emerged.

  Brushing the water from his eyes, he marked a lone Taillow circling the air. Eyeing the three of them from above, with a deadpan expression he'd recognise anywhere. Sure enough, two of Seijo's Pokeballs lay open upon a beach towel. Vigoroth ran across the shore with its arms limply dangling at its side, nearly trampling a few sandcastles on its run along, while Taillow shot daggers into Lucas for just existing.

  "Come to join us, little guy?" Lucas shouted up at Taillow. The bird scoffed at the suggestion, so offended it soared away from the group, in pursuit of waves high enough to pose a challenge to its flight. Lucas giggled, ultimately not finding reason to blame the bird. With all the air to explore, especially over an ocean like this, why'd it settle for being tied to the water?

  Zorua...

  The Dark type let out a deep murmur. With momentum completely halted, merely treading water, it stared out at the ocean. Cyan eyes locked intensely upon...whatever lay in the distance. Not that Lucas could see anything. All he could see was a fox, fur dripping with water, panting.

  "You had enough?" Lucas asked, going to pull Zorua from the salty water. But, he stopped when Zorua shook its head. Lucas tilted his head. "Then, what's wrong?"

  A single paw pointed out towards the water. Further outwards, nearer to where Taillow soared above the water. Lucas squinted, attempting to mark anything other than slightly harsher waves. A fin appeared from out of the rough tide. It could've been Mudkip's. It certainly had the colour for it, a blue to match the ocean's colour.

  Mudkip!

  The Mud Fish swam to Lucas' side. It wasn't Mudkip. The fin was jagged, pointed, reaching taller from the water. Fast approaching.

  His eyes widened.

  "EVERYONE OUT!"

  Mudkip's body shook, instantly following Lucas' command. Zorua quivered, until it found itself caught in Lucas' firm grasp, held close to his chest. Then, the boy swam, barely keeping his head above water to glance back. The fin cut through the water like the sharpest of knives. Speeds Mudkip couldn't have even hoped to reach. Lucas knew he wouldn't swim fast enough to make it to shore. But, maybe quick enough for Zorua to escape from his arms, back to shore.

  A loud howl echoed behind Lucas. It attracted the attention of a couple kids playing on the beach. Staring at the Pokemon, scales as sharp as daggers. In only a moment, they departed the safety of building sandcastles, retreating further up the beach to their parents, where they couldn't be harmed. But, Lucas wouldn't be so lucky.

  He glanced back for a moment. His sight confirmed his worst fears. Sharpedo. A Pokemon he'd seen before, only through the comforts of screens. Not with its sharpened jaws pointed towards him and his Pokemon, eager to take a bite.

  Taillow dived to the ocean floor, its wing smashing against the sharp scales of the shark. It bought them a little extra time to swim. But, Sharpedo wouldn't go down easy. Nor at all, its fierce eyes snapping to the Tiny Swallow. Taillow attempted to retreat. But, it couldn't make it in time, jaws catching around one of its wings. Then, with a mighty swing, Taillow found itself smashing against the water. A ragdoll along the waves, before landing on the shore, sand stinging against its injured wing.

  Taillow wouldn't get back up soon enough. Lucas could see that through the splashes of water, threatening to block his vision. His eyes glanced up to the trainers resting along the shore. Ellie and Seijo had just now seemed to notice the severity of the situation. It'd be a little time before they could run to help. So, Lucas just had to hold Sharpedo off. Or, put himself in harms way.

  "Stay behind me," Lucas let Zorua into the water, before swimming in front of the Pokemon. Zorua wouldn't be of any use in the water. But, Lucas could hold the Pokemon off for a little bit. Even if his heart thundered in his chest. Lucas could only hope Mudkip, Ralts, or Torchic would come to his aid in time. Either way, Sharpedo wouldn't hurt Zorua. Not like this.

  A shadow rushed over the water. A blur. It blipped by him so fast he scarcely had time to react. His heart thudded louder, watching Sharpedo's eyes lock onto the incoming threat. Its jaws widened, ready to snap down with a sickening crunch.

  Its jaws fell limp. The Pokemon stopped dead in its tracks. The fins that swept through the water halted until you could almost hear a screech. Its eyes turned to gaze upon the form of what had attacked it. Only for its eyes to track another attack, sweeping through its body. Sharpedo's eyes widened. All bloodlust, ambition to attack those by the coast, drowned in an instant. The waves couldn't come soon enough. Under the froth of the choppy sea it submerged itself, ducking away from danger.

  Flying across the surface of the water, their saviour descended lower to the water. A faint trace of venom lined its wings, pooling into the frothy sea below, drying off from its attack on the Sharpedo. Then, once satisfied, the Pokemon sped back to the shore, brushing past Lucas. It soared high into the sky, blotting out the sun, staring down at the three.

  Crobat.

  "Is everyone okay?" Seijo dived to the shore, overlooking the result of the battle. Luckily, it seemed that only Taillow had come to harm. But, it wouldn't let anyone know, flying back into the air and returning to looking over the ocean for the shark. But, Sharpedo had long disappeared under the water. Taillow tsked, then returned to its trainer.

  "All good! Just a little shaken!" Lucas held up a shaky thumbs up, splashing the water as he turned to cradle Zorua close to his chest. The Dark type shook, its fur draining slightly as Lucas lifted it from the water.

  "What happened?" Ellie rushed to Lucas' side, helping him from the water. Mudkip had trodded to Ellie's side already, accompanying Ralts. Ralts' telekinesis plucked the water from Mudkip's body, allowing it safe passage into Ellie's arms, without fear of getting its trainer wet. Ralts attempted the same for Zorua, but the Dark type's fur proved resistant to Ralts' power.

  "Got attacked by a Sharpedo..." Lucas huffed, letting Zorua onto solid, sandy ground once more. Then, before Lucas could so much as look up, an orange blur launched itself onto his shoulder. Wet hair and soaked shoulders be damned, Torchic took that spot eagerly, rubbing its warm coat into Lucas' body. A momentary fizzle of warmth echoed through Lucas' body, Torchic's warmth becoming his own, evaporating the water that clung to his body.

  TORCHIC!

  Torchic scolded Lucas for entering into the ocean. Something about always knowing it was bad, no place with that much water could ever be good. Its eyes set onto the vastness of the sea, looking for the monster shark who attacked its trainer. But, it found nothing.

  "The Pokemon's gone, don't worry." Lucas chuckled, petting his starter on the head. Torchic gave cries of resistance. Half from being unsatisfied with the its trainers attacker leaving almost scott free. But, also from Lucas' hand dampening its bright feathery coat. Still, Torchic chose to deal with it, pecking Lucas affectionately on the side of the head.

  "Thank you, Crobat." Seijo pressed his head against his partner's, Crobat grinning, doing a small salute with one of its wings. Then, Seijo turned. "I think we know why the beach is quiet now."

  "No kidding," Lucas forced himself to laugh, lifting Torchic from his shoulder and passing it onto Zorua. Torchic huffed, then clung to Zorua, warmth spreading through the Dark type's fur. "No more swimming, I think."

  "G-Good call-" Ellie muttered, eyes fixed not on the ocean ahead, but Lucas' saviour. Crobat, flying loosening up its wings after spending so long either recovering, or trapped inside in its trainers company. Both trainers ended up staring. Both for entirely different reasons.

  "I couldn't even see Crobat coming, how fast is that thing?" Lucas exclaimed, eager to leave the previous thoughts behind him, in pursuit of the speed demon he didn't even know would stand at his side.

  "Crobat's one of the fastest out there. Mine is no exception," Seijo commented with pride. His eyes flickered to Crobat, giving it permission to show off. An opportunity it took without hesitation. In a flash, Crobat breezed over the water, wings cutting underneath the water. Then, its wing came soaring out the ocean, droplets of salty liquid splashing against the surface of the sea. Crobat then snatched the momentum and soared into the air, nearly knocking Taillow out of the way in its pursuit of the sky. It looked down at the ants beneath them. Then, in only a moment, it was back amongst them, gusts of wind blowing away kernels of sand in its wake.

  "Amazing!" Lucas' eyes sparkled, clapping heartily. Even the few children dotting the beach had turned heads at Crobat's display, following Lucas' lead and clapping for its great show. Crobat eagerly took the attention, while Seijo waved at the onlookers, careful not to drag too much attention to himself, keeping it firmly on Crobat. But, in his sweeping glance around, he did notice one person not clapping.

  "Not a fan?" Seijo asked Ellie, breaking her from her thoughts.

  "Oh, well, your Crobat is great and everything it's just-" Ellie began to trail off from her train of thought, looking to the ground.

  "She doesn't like Poison types." Lucas finished where Ellie faltered, cutting into the conversation.

  "Neither do a lot of people. That's why Crobat became my first partner. Common, cheap pet as a Zubat." Seijo lamented on the earlier years, looking back at Crobat. "But, as long as you're on the right side of history, Crobat's as docile as a Chansey."

  "Yeah, of course," Ellie responded, attempting to sound convincing in her tone, but coming off as weak in her delivery. Seijo pouted.

  "If Crobat being in it's Pokeball would make you feel more comfo-"

  'Wait, no, no, you really don't have to do that." Ellie shook her head from side to side. Even as its purple tinted skin gave her shivers just being in proximity to it, Ellie couldn't imagine condemning Crobat back to its capsule for events out of its control.

  "Hey, maybe this is an opportunity! We could..." Lucas pretended to think for a moment, like the rest of the sentence hadn't been formed in his mind. "...have a double battle, two on one versus Crobat! Help you get over your fear!"

  Ellie shot him a glare. A knowing one. "I'm not thick, you know."

  "It's a good idea! Come on, Ellie..." he whined, pulling at her sweater. Ellie rolled her eyes.

  "Fine, only once you're dried. Don't wanna be double battling with a wet Poochyena."

  "That alright with you, Seijo?" Lucas turned to the gym leader, who called Crobat over. They glanced between the two, Crobat taking note of the Pokemon beside them. Then, it smiled. Seemed like a done deal.

  Something like a half hour later, the two stood at opposite sides of a makeshift battlefield. Carved into the sand, wide and vast, not daring to touch the many sandcastles that lined the beach. Although, a few kids had stopped playing in order to watch the battle. Vigoroth continued to run along the shore, drawing circles in the sand around the battlefield. Taillow circled the air above, acting as their eyes in the skies, observing the battle closely. Then, both Ralts and Zorua lay at the side of the battlefield. Ralts tracking everything intently, while Zorua curled into a perfect ball and shuttered its eyes.

  "I must warn you." Seijo began, Crobat descending from the skies, taking its place on the battlefield. "Crobat struggles to hold back. You'll be lucky to land one hit."

  "Oh, we'll show you! Right, Torchic?" Lucas held out his arm, letting his chick dawdle along the length of it, before leaping out onto the battlefield.

  "Mudkip, let's show them what we can do!" Ellie called their accustomed chant, Mudkip trodding along the battlefield. It glanced to Torchic, paws engraved into the sand. Torchic bounced from one foot to the other, chirping at Mudkip. The Water type murmured back, face stretched into a smile. Crobat hummed, glancing down at the two.

  "We'll let you have the first turn," Seijo announced to the two. Ellie turned to Lucas, wishing to consider their options before they struck together. For Lucas, however, there could be only one option. One he wouldn't have to explain.

  "Let's start this then, Ember!" Lucas bellowed out, Torchic eagerly obeying the command of its trainer. Taking a deep breath inwards, Torchic huffed out a spot of fire, ripping through the air.

  "Dodge it," Seijo commanded. Crobat didn't need to be told twice. In the flash of an eye, Crobat had flown out of the way, letting the Ember sail by harmlessly, put out swiftly by the golden sands.

  "Again!" Lucas commanded, anticipating Ellie to chip in with her own attack. And, soon she did, content with the knowledge of Lucas' gameplan now.

  "Run in and Tackle!" she cried, as her partner leapt across the sands, speeding towards Crobat. A rainstorm of flames came flickering over Mudkip's head, providing cover for its assault. Crobat leapt out of the way each time, wings fluttering in the air, propelling its nimble body out of the way. Torchic never seemed to slow for a second still, continuing to fire off Ember bullets without a care in the world. Seijo knew something had to change. Especially as Mudkip made great strides across the battlefield, eyes focused on Crobat.

  "Crobat, meet Mudkip halfway!" Seijo made his next move. Mudkip halted, only watching as the venomous bat came speeding towards it. Two wings beating at the back, two lunged forward, ready to strike. Crobat made the distance up in no time, leading Seijo swiftly to his next command. "Steel Wing!"

  "Dodge it!" Ellie blurted out, Mudkip pushing off its front legs, diving backwards from the attack. But, whatever distance Mudkip gained in the dodge back wasn't nearly enough to escape. Crobat simply swept forward, raising up its wings, gaining a metallic sheen that glistened in the sun. Then, when it came back down, it swung right into Mudkip's side, knocking the Water type away.

  A brisk burst of fire came soaring through the air. Crobat shouldn't have been able to dodge. After all, it had been too busy in its attack on Mudkip. Lucas anticipated the hit. But, his hopes were dashed in a single swipe. Another wing, encased in hardened steel, guarded the bat's flesh body. Parrying it away, the flames reduced to cinders on the sands below.

  "Mudkip? Are you okay?" Ellie asked, watching as her starter picked itself up from the sandy beach. Its body shook violently, brushing off the coarse dust clinging to its body, then letting out a hefty breath. Still more than healthy. Ellie nodded, then turned to Lucas. "Mind if I play the long game a little?"

  "Fine by me! Torchic, let's get running!"

  "Mudkip, Water Pulse!" Ellie called for suppressive fire, her Water type swiftly leaping into action. The swish of the ocean waves sounded just behind Mudkip. It took a deep breath in, and out. Then, with the sounds of the ocean crashing behind it, the Mud Fish let loose a barrage of Water Spheres, bursting through the air, ready to pop open. Torchic, meanwhile, sprinted along the sand, talons crunching against the sand as it made ground on the Poison type. Crobat, hard pressed to dodge the Water Pulses, couldn't take enough time to swat Torchic away. But, Seijo had a solution.

  To kill two Pidoves with one Stealth Rock.

  "Crobat, position yourself in front of Torchic!" he called out. Crobat followed as such, swiftly moving towards Torchic. A strange move, Lucas thought. But, Ellie saw the method behind it, as Mudkip stammered. Faltered, glancing at its target, using Torchic as a shield.

  "Hold your fire!" Ellie called out. Needless to say really, but it made absolutely sure no friendly fire would occur. Rather, Mudkip bided its time, water swishing around its mouth. Torchic almost stopped in its tracks too, thrown off by the lack of covering fire. But, with Crobat right in its sights, the chick pressed forward.

  "Let's heat things up, Flame Charge!" Lucas bellowed out. Torchic let out an cry as its body combusted into flame, momentum building as it burst forward. Crobat stood steady, its eyes glistening in the light of the flames. Seijo remained just as stoic.

  "X-Scissor!" he called out. Crobat's wings rose into the air, glowing with an earthly green colour. Then, when Torchic jumped up to clash with Crobat, its wings slashed down in an X-formation. Scythe cuts formed the shape, piercing through the air. And, soon, right through Torchic's Flame Charge. Torchic didn't even have a moment to give some resistance to the attack. Rather, its strength simply paled in comparison to that of Crobat's.

  The Fire type went crashing against the floor, grains of sand sticking to its feathery coat like glue. Torchic came to a slow and painful halt a good distance away from the collision, groggily raising its head to the Poison type. Crobat's eyes settled on its form. Then, its vision changed, as the sound of crunching sand alerted Crobat of a sneak attack. Mudkip, who had taken the liberty to reposition around Torchic, while Crobat was distracted.

  "Now, Water Pulse!" Ellie shouted, confident in their clear shot forward. With an attack that had been brewing for what felt like years, Mudkip shot the Water Pulse forward. A mortar shot, pulverising through the open air, aimed straight for Crobat.

  "Parry it!" called Seijo. A task Ellie'd have deemed impossible. Had Crobat's steel covered wing not swept up towards the Water Pulse, effortlessly blocking the blow. Gradually, the spin on the projectile lessened and lessened, until its fate rested solely in Crobat's control.

  "Now, redirect it at Torchic!" Seijo bellowed out with a smile. With another wing, Crobat slammed the pulse's side, rocketing towards the Fire type.

  "Dodg-"

  TORCHIC!

  A giant splash of sapphire water erupted around Torchic's body. Its talons left the ground, body nearly soaring into Lucas' arms. But, instead, the Fire type landed just short. At his feet, letting out a soft and pained cry.

  "Mudkip, fall back!" Ellie called out. The Water type didn't need to be told twice. Its paws dug against the sand, running back to Torchic's aid. Half of Ellie expected Crobat to follow. She knew it could've, and Mudkip would've had little to say about it. But, instead, the Poison type just watched. Its eyes stared into hers. Ellie flinched. Then, ashamed, she turned her eyes towards the ground.

  "You okay?" Lucas crouched down to the sand, dirtying his knees with the gravel of the sea. Torchic groaned once more. Water soaked its coat, dampening the fire that lay beneath. A small cut had formed on its coat from the X Scissor, too. But, in light of it, Torchic's body shone. Its body burning bright, evaporating the water that clung to its feathers, burning away the freezing cold of the water. Blaze had already activated.

  "No way..." Lucas muttered. In only two hits. His eyes darted up, meeting Crobat's again. Not a scratch lay on its body. Every attack dodged or parried without issue. Not even a bead of sweat had left its body. A light warm up for his ace. But, for them, the fight of their lives.

  "You know, I've only been using moves your Pokémon resist, too," Seijo added insult to injury. "X-Scissor for Torchic, Steel Wing for Mudkip. The only super effective move landed today has been Mudkip's own attack."

  "Where we're heading, opponents won't hesitate to attack you when you're down. Or when you're charging up. You're dealing with more than just league trainers and gym leaders. You have to adapt! Be strong, or die dreaming." Seijo took a deep breath. "So, hit me with something that I won't see coming, that brute strength won't overcome."

  "I-" Lucas glanced to Torchic. The Fire type had shot to its feet, huffing with fiery energy coursing through its veins. Maybe hopes of winning the battle were lost. But, they could still work together to land a single hit. That was well within their capabilities. The boy stood up once more, stretching his arms, glancing to Ellie. "You got any ideas? I'll follow whatever you have cooking up in that big brain of yours."

  "I do have a couple of ideas," Ellie thought for a moment, then looked down to Mudkip. Mudkip had already begun charging a Water Pulse without Ellie having to ask. A good aid to their plan. She glanced to Lucas, muttering a few words. The boy's face lit up, giggling. Seijo smiled, but didn't let up.

  "Charge forward, Crobat!" he yelled.

  "Water Pulse!" commanded Ellie. A rocketing Water Pulse surged forward, looking identical to the attack Crobat had parried before. But, Seijo expected more to come.

  "Torchic, Ember, full blast on that Water Pulse!"

  Torchic blasted an Ember forward, lames fanning the air, not slowing for a second. It came to clash with the Water Pulse. The Ember pierced through the membrane of the water orb. Although, the Water Pulse didn't immediately shatter. Fire burned on the inside, evaporating the water held within. The flames grew brighter, water bubbling away, until the membrane shattered.

  Plumes of smoke erupted from the collision. A thick smog, too dense for Crobat to see through. An attempt to ward away the fog resulted in nothing. Just flapping wings with no real result. But, Crobat knew, in the midst of all of it, stood two Pokemon, hatching a plan. With their trainers behind them assisting. Seijo couldn't help but smile.

  "This is more like it," he muttered in a hushed tone, awaiting their next move.

  Lucas turned to Ellie, thinking. "Do you think one of those Water Pulses could take the weight of a certain chick?" he suggested with a smile. Ellie turned towards him, then back towards the battlefield.

  "I'm not sure. They might not be strong enough for that yet," Ellie assessed, giving as honest an opinion she could. Mudkip's Water Pulses were getting stronger, for sure. But, could they be sure to hold Torchic's weight, without blowing up in the poor Fire type's face?

  "Well, I'd rather go for it all than die dreaming." Lucas glanced down to his partner, who excitedly hopped up and down. "We're both of the same mind. Even if it doesn't work, it's better than going for the same old and doing nothing."

  Ellie looked to the sky and sighed. A little smile came onto her face. "Let's go mental then."

  "Mental indeed." Lucas giggled. "Alright, Torchic, position yourself in front of Mudkip!"

  "Alright, Torchic, position yourself in front of Mudkip!"

  Torchic bounced between the fog and Mudkip, hopping on its feet as it turned to Mudkip. They exchanged a few brief words. Seemed they already had an idea of what plans their trainer would put into action.

  "Mudkip, charge up your sturdiest Water Pulse!" Ellie cried. Mudkip nodded, taking extra care with moulding the next attack. The protective membrane had to be firm, rigid enough not to crack under Torchic's weight. Torchic bided its time, huffing up Embers, only to swallow them once more. Something to keep the fire burning strongly inside. Constantly stealing glances backwards, checking Mudkip's progress. Until, Mudkip looked back at the two, nodding.

  "Alright, get ready to jump, Torchic!"

  "Stand steady," Ellie took a deep breath. She waited. Then, her fingers snapped.

  "NOW!"

  "JUMP!"

  With the speed of a bullet, the Water Pulse rocketed forward. Torchic leapt into the air. It tasted the air for only a moment, before its talons met something unlike the sandy beach. Softer, more flexible under the Fire type's weight. Almost squishy. Torchic's body swerved with the motion, talons gently gripping onto the membrane. Tight enough to remain on, even as the projectile pulsed through the air. But, not so firm as it explode the attack prematurely, leaving their plans to swim with the fishes.

  The smog finally started to dissipate. At long last, Crobat could see the battlefield once more. As could Seijo. He'd heard murmurs from the other side, but never more than that. All his brain had time to register was a speeding Water Pulse, aimed straight forward. Crobat had been found in its sights, Mudkip aiming steadily in spite of its blocked vision. An amazing feat neither team had an idea of how Mudkip could've done. Luck, or skill, either way, Seijo would have to prepare for it.

  "Dodge it!"

  Crobat swerved to the ground, narrowly dodging the Water Pulse. Then, his eyes scanned the environment for a sign of Torchic. Eyes darted to the ground, marking the golden sands. Yet, not a hint of orange appeared at all. His eyes turned towards the sky.

  "Torchic, let's finish this!"

  The sun glistened down onto the beach. Torchic took in the radiant heat of the sun with a deep breath. Then, a confident grin. Flames painted the edges of its feathery coat. Dancing with the light, the heat, the fire that burned deep inside. A comet set ablaze, on a collision course. Without even Crobat's speed to save it now.

  "Block!" Seijo blurted out, finally caught on the backfoot, without much choice on what to do. Soon, it became clear there was only one option. Torchic blazed through the sky. Momentum from its Flame Charge conspiring with gravity, defying its speed limits, pushing its power to the brink. Crobat's wings gained that solid metallic sheen. Two planted themselves in front of its torso, while two behind flapped, keeping the bat in the air.

  The two attacks came to clash. A bang erupted from the source of the collision. Akin to a gunshot sounding through the beach. Each clashed, not giving a single inch. Torchic's face could be seen, even through the ripping orange flames. A bright smirk illuminated its face. One Crobat couldn't help but match. Even as the steel on its wings began to melt away. The guard it put up began to falter, shake.

  "GO FOR IT, TORCHIC!"

  In a second, Torchic had blitzed past. Landed on the sands, with the flames bursting from its body beginning to die down. In its wake, a black spot had appeared on Crobat's chest. A burn, as clear as day. Torchic huffed, turning for a moment. Then, it spat up a cinder onto the beach. The last kernel of its all out attack. No, their all out attack.

  "Did you see that?" Lucas turned to Ellie, shaking her like the battle had been won already. Then, he set her down, fists clenched. "Torchic, you're amazing!"

  Mudkip pouted, swishing its tail into the coastline, burying Lucas' trainers in grains of sand that would take weeks to come out. "Oh, and you too, Mudkip!" he finally chirped, Mudkip turning and beaming in pride at its acknowledgement.

  "The battle's not over yet, Lucas." she chuckled, trying to keep them both in reality. But, even she had to admit, she was beginning to get swept up in his energy.

  "But, come on, that was sick!"

  "That's a word to describe it," Seijo muttered in response. Crobat glanced back at Seijo. The burn stung. But, they'd been hit with far worse before. "A great effort. I truly didn't anticipate you getting a hit. But, now, our fun comes to an end."

  In a flash, Crobat sped towards the ground. Torchic hadn't the time to react. An Ember charge quickly came to an end, as Steel Wing bluntly smacked against Torchic's throat. Any cinders passing through its body lost their flame. Then, Torchic's body came crashing down.

  "Water Pulse!" Ellie cried, attempting to get their own hit in while Crobat took care of Torchic. Seijo chuckled.

  "About time we go all out!" Seijo shouted to his partner. Crobat turned, nodding. Then, it burst into the air. Wings flapping, soaring to the skies. A piercing white aura passed over Crobat's body. One that only grew stronger as the bat descended towards the ground. Right into the path of Mudkip's Water Pulse. It should've been a sure hit.

  But, Crobat cut through it like it was nothing. Then, it cut through Mudkip. Felling the Pokémon in only two attacks. Mudkip tumbled onto its side, eyes widened, before fading into spirals upon its collision with the ground. Crobat's wings smoked. The Poison type took a deep breath. Its eyes glanced between the two trainers. Then, it retreated into its trainers side, gliding down.

  Lucas couldn't mutter anything. Only stand in awe. A flawless display of power to finish off the battle. His team attack felt like nothing compared to the sheer finesse of the final attack. One he couldn't even give a name to.

  "Brave Bird..." Ellie finally commented. "Only the strongest Flying types know it."

  "My Crobat just so happens to be one of 'em!" Seijo exclaimed, walking onto the battlefield, alongside Crobat. Torchic had weakly climbed to its feet, glancing at Crobat through hazed vision. But, Lucas was there to lift it into his arms. Ellie did much the same, cradling Mudkip gently, rocking it back into the real world. "Your Pokémon are both okay, right?"

  "Seems it." Ellie glanced for any injuries. Any particular signs of injury beyond a normal battle, or any poison settling onto its skin. But, it seems a rather clean strike from Crobat. For the both of them.

  "Your Crobat is amazing," Lucas muttered again. "But, I guess I should've expected it from a gym leader."

  "It's the result of lots of work, and years of time together," Seijo answered, scrubbing the ashes from Crobat's burn. "Always improving though. The fact you got a hit in just proves we can get stronger."

  "Then, we'll get stronger even faster!" Lucas turned to Ellie, asking, "So, did that battle help you with your fear a little?"

  "My fear?"

  "Yeah, you less scared of Crobat now?"

  "N-not really, I mean, if anything, it's only made me more scared." Ellie chuckled. "I mean, did you see how fast Crobat is? That thing could take my head off in a second!"

  "Crobat would never do that, right?" Lucas scooched up to the Poison type, rubbing across the length of its head. "Look at this cute little guy!"

  "You all are crazy." Ellie rolled her eyes.

  "Crobat won't hurt you," Seijo insisted, Crobat turning away from Ellie with a pout.

  "See? You made Crobat sad!" Lucas pouted alongside his new venomous friend. "How rude!"

  "Can we just go sit down and heal our Pokémon?" Ellie sighed.

  "Only when you apologize for hurting Crobat's feelings." Seijo grinned.

  "Honestly, you guys are impossible..."

  not at all fit the tone of this chapter. Plus, to fit it in would be to push everything else to the side. It doesn't even mention any of my OCs once. It could function as an independent one shot just fine. But, I suppose I'm yapping a little. You'll know it when you see it.