At the Petalburg Gym, head there when you're awake!

  Harry smiled, glancing down at the last message that Lucas had sent to him...after about 50 short videos that Lucas had sent him beforehand.

  He had made the crucial mistake of replying to a single one that interested him, which sent a floodgate of reels piling up at his door. Ranging in topics, not that Harry really knew the contents beyond the thumbnails. He'd never click on any of them. Rather, his finger just flickered through the messages, snickering at how little of their chats were actual conversing between one another.

  Harry had to wonder how he could keep up with training his Pokemon, taking care of them, while also having the time to scroll and send so many videos. Especially with Zorua appearing a handful, and, no doubt, a good chunk of his free time going to doting over how cute Torchic was. The training still had to come in somewhere. Especially now that he felt his party strong enough to tackle the Petalburg Gym.

  Whether or not he had succeeded would be another question entirely. One that Harry felt pretty confident in answering. Lucas would win.

  He believed as much for his own success as he did for Lucas's. They had fought to what Harry thought was a close loss. Around even in strength. So, to see Lucas emerge from that hall with a badge firmly held in his grasp? That would be the confidence boost Harry needed. That he, too, could do it. Him, his loving pooch, and showoff gecko.

  Of course, there was the chance that Lucas would lose. But, Harry pushed those worries to the side as he carefully trodded towards the gym. Scaling the short steps, his hands rested against the wooden doors. Then, they parted, sliding the entrance open.

  Scarcely did Harry get a moment to glance around, before shockwaves began rocking the very floor he stood upon. Strong enough to be mistaken as seismic waves. Harry wobbled, then planted his foot, remaining standing even when the unexpected vibrations attempted to knock his balance. Poochyena fell to the ground, but just as quickly rose. Barking at nothing, other than the general feeling of insecurity.

  "Pooch!" Harry exclaimed, a sterner command that brought the dog down to silence. Even if it had been something dangerous, barking wouldn't help. Poochyena looked up to its trainer, whimpering. Pupping eyes forced Harry to feel bad for his sterner command, sighing as he rubbed his hands behind the pooch's flopped ears. "Sorry for shouting, but I'm sure its nothing. No need to get so worked up."

  Harry couldn't entirely believe the words he was saying. Especially with rumblings so strong they could shake the building. He could still feel it, even now. It seemed to be getting stronger. But, the difference felt so slight Harry could've chalked it up as placebo. Mostly, the worry came from what lay behind those doors. If the source of the rumbling had been from the ensuing battle, just what the hell did this gym leader pull to make something so strong?

  Now that Harry had the chance to look around, it confirmed that Lucas still rested in the other room. Likely in the middle of a battle, if the rumbling was anything to go off of. Perfect opportunity to take a glance in at what he could expect from his own battle. Paying no mind to the shaking plants, Harry continued onwards. Poochyena wandered after with shaking legs, Treecko's eyes slanted in suspicion as to the source of the quaking. Its tail clung tighter around his arm. Not a good sign. Still, Harry took the next step, sliding the door open.

  His eyes could only settle on the scene for a second. Then, the ground exploded.

  Never had Harry shut a door so fast. Grabbing Poochyena, throwing the entrance closed, ducking away from the door. A loud crash echoed against the hatchway. It could've been the echo of an entire dojo creaking, or some contact between debris and door. Harry wouldn't know. Just that he'd been saved from whatever occurred in there. Blinking twice, his eyes glanced to his Pokemon. Poochyena's chorus of barks had begun once more. Not that he could blame the creature. Meanwhile, Treecko hissed, pointing to the exit.

  Any other circumstance, Harry would've followed his Pokemon's advice. Especially after their last encounter went so disastrously wrong. Go tell the police first, then rush back to help in whatever way they could. Even if the explosion seemed something Harry could do very little against. Perhaps, it would even been pointless.

  But, those who sat inside that room muddled everything up. The thought of Lucas, trapped inside, victim of the explosion. Shattered shards piercing his skin, ceiling collapsing around him. Hurt. Possibly without even Pokemon to protect him, if the battle had been raging for a long time. The mere thought sent shivers down his skin, then a shock to Harry's heart. It raced, beating against his chest, as he shot to his feet. Then, his arms ripped the door to the side.

  Just inside lay a sharp piece of wood, slumping to the ground as Harry entered. Good thing he'd slammed it shut when he had. But, he didn't dwell on what hadn't happened too long. Rather, he fought through the dust cloud relentlessly. Even when his Pokemon protested. Poochyena barked, while Treecko's tail coiled tighter. But, a fierce look told the two there wasn't any convincing to be done. So, they did as requested. Treecko loosened, while Poochyena sprinted headfirst into the danger, where it found two startled children.

  Lucas' head turned as the echoing of barks thundered against his ears. Accompanying the sound of clamourous ringing, crumbling wood and hacking breaths. Poochyena had stumbled between the two, gaze fiercely locked to the looming spire of steel stood in front of them. Harry had to be near. That would've brought some comfort. But, the coughing fits echoing through the hall nullified whatever benefit Lucas felt from the appearance of his friend.

  Ellie. Knees keeled against the floor, coughing desperately. The dust had settled into her lungs, forcing the precious space needed for oxygen away. Lucas slid to her side, going to grab at her bag. But, before he could help, Ellie grabbed the bag herself. Digging through the side pocket, finding her inhaler, gesturing for Lucas to pay attention elsewhere. But, he couldn't quite rip his eyes away. Not until the medicine dropped onto her tongue, and her passage for air finally cleared.

  "Are you okay?"

  "I'm fine..." Ellie's throat still remained coarse, but felt clearer now. Enough to speak, and enough for Lucas to drag his attention towards other things. Namely, the looming shadow, threatening to crush them all. His hands still trembled, gazing upon the torture machine. Back again, to rip another piece from someone's life. For what purpose, Lucas could only ponder. But, the unknown terrified him more.

  "Lucas!"

  A loud shout came from behind, as Harry and his Treecko finally appeared in view. Lucas' legs shook, attempting to drag himself to his feet. But, the shaking forced him down a knee. Torchic crashed to the floor, too, whimpering meagrely. Lucas scooped the Pokemon up, one hand cradling the creature close to his chest. Then, the other hand accepting Harry's help, lifting the black haired boy up to his feet.

  "Are you okay?" Harry's eyes shot up and down in an instant, trying to check for any visible injuries. Not that he could see any outside of friction marks from the presumed rough fall.

  "I'm okay...I'm okay..." he uttered. A little unconvincing, given the shake in his voice. But, nevertheless truthful. All the shakes had been subject of nerves. Just terror inflicted from the machine stood behind them. Lucas glanced to his side again, checking Ellie's position. But, she'd thankfully shot up to her feet. Even without the help of either of them. Ellie and Harry glanced to each other. A small nod would suffice for a greeting. Then, a careful watch of the drill.

  "It's the one you described, right?" Ellie stumbled to the right of Lucas, Mudkip trailing by her side, while Ralts cried out behind her. Seemed emotions were beginning to run wild, overwhelming the poor thing's senses.

  "Yes. The exact one," Lucas answered gravely. Devoid of anything Harry could name optimism.

  "Your Torchic's injured, how's Zorua?" Harry observed, noting the panting chick cradled in Lucas' arms. All the boosts to its speed had long been lost, with only a moment out of battle.

  "Injured too," answered Lucas.

  "So, we'll take it from here." Ellie took a step in front, Mudkip joining her and taking the front lines, watching the drill carefully. Ellie glanced to Ralts, the Psychic type continuing to whimper. Ellie went to brush her hand against its helmet, only for the Pokemon to teleport. Disappear, then reappear in front of Ellie. Letting out a high cry, wooden shards shifted upwards through its telekinesis, then dropped with a thud. High off emotion, looking for any excuse to let it out. Ellie'd take it. They needed the extra push, even if founded in overstimulation.

  "Yeah, you should-" Harry's eyes settled on the drill. The spinning head began to disappear, shrivelling back up into the machine. Its spider-like robotic legs established themselves firmly in the floor of the gym. Then, from atop the drill appeared a figure. Shrouded in dust.

  "Damnit, worm, I told you to aim for the back room!" a deep voiced man growled, his shout echoing through the room. His figure clenched a dirty Pokeball, worn and rusted from years of misuse. Dust clung to his blackened utility jacket, marked with the insignia sowed onto one of the many pockets lining the coat. Each pocket seemed equipped with something different too. Not to mention the metal belt wrapped around his waist, equipped with Pokeballs, as well as other bits of gadgetry and tech.

  Grey gloves with a turquoise ring running around the edge adorned both his hands. On one of them, a tight bracelet kept the glove held down tight, with the other glove seemed to hang more loosely around his fingers. Darkened, gray cargo pants ran down his legs, once more covered in bulging pockets. His blackened hair had been trimmed into a crew cut, faded down at the sides until it ran into a slightly overgrown beard. Black boots finished his look, with fur draped around the top of the boots. What looked to be Arcanine Fur, a kind of accessory outlawed for cruelty towards Pokemon. But, none of them expected the man to care about such a thing.

  The boots thudded against the drill, metallic thuds echoing through the room as the heavy soles clanked against the drill. A scowl arose on his pale bearded face, skin ever so slightly worn with age, as he stared down at the Pokemon on display. Treecko had slithered down from Harry's arm, shivering. Poochyena's barks intensified beyond everything they had once heard before.

  Ellie's eyes glanced to Harry's. His fists had clenched. Gritting his teeth, staring daggers into the man. Ellie's eyes quickly shifted up to the man. Her heart stopped. Now, it'd be her turn to be terrified. Mudkip glanced to its trainer, small cries begging Ellie to break out of her stupor. But, once Mudkip followed her sight, it felt the same way. Whimpering, then letting out cries of frustration. Barking, chorusing along with Poochyena.

  The bearded man swiped away the dust with a wave of his well defined arm, staring daggers into one loud mouthed Poochyena. Then, to the trainer standing behind it. The Pokeball clenched tighter in his grip.

  "Arceus must've commanded you return to me. Destined to finish the job I failed," the man snarled. Ruthlessness dripped onto every last word as he spoke. Harry hadn't even the snark to respond. Ordinarily, he'd tried. But, any wit escaped him, only left with the need to survive. The man seemed enticed to begin the battle already. But, a familiar noise rang through his ears, mixed in with the pathetic dog's whelps. His scowl only grew more bitter, glancing to Mudkip, then to the trainer. "Seems it really is destiny."

  Harry opened his mouth to finally respond. But, before he could, another person slithered from out of the drill. Unrecognisable to two, but instantly recognisable from one. The director of the attacks upon Zorua's family. Her suit appeared skin tight, in contrast with the looser fitting outfit worn by the man. Turquoise in colour, contrasted by the mix of colours that nestled in the large S running down her chest.

  The suit ran down up to her thighs, where there sat some shorts and long boots, pale skin showing between the two pieces. Purple locks of hair drifted down the length of her slim, hourglass physique. Silver, shined spikes dotted the edges of her Liepard print boots. Lucas hoped they'd merely be a design. But, he knew the answer to their true form. Her boots clinked together, glancing over the group. Purple nails tipped her fingers, acrylic tapping against her chin as she surveyed the area. Her eyes settled onto Lucas, gasping. Then, she smiled.

  "Hello there, little one..." she spoke in a sickly sweet tone, sickening Lucas to the core. Then, she turned to the other admin. "Seems we both have our respective history. Destiny is right for once!"

  Destiny is wrong. All wrong. The drill had been enough. But, to see the same woman there? Taunting him, like nothing had happened. This shouldn't have been their fate at all. Why couldn't it have been an isolated incident? Why couldn't they live on without fear of their lives being uprooted? The sweet spirits above must've had a particular plan. But, Lucas couldn't view it as anything other than cruelty.

  Torchic flopped out of the boy's arms, weakly crying at the woman. Eager for a rematch, even with its poor condition. Lucas attempted to hold back Torchic. But, as soon as he reached for his chick, another of his Pokemon appeared. Zorua, of its own accord. Injured, still panting, wobbling on one leg. It should've rested. Taken a deep breath, and returned. Glancing at the scene around only made its breathing worse, however. The shattered battlefield, terrified trainers and Pokemon alike. Then, the sick human. The machine.

  One feeling overpowered anxiety, brewing deep in Zorua's soul. Rage. Burying the nerves six feet under, leaving only the rawest of instincts in its place. Zorua barked, claws dragging against the torn wooden floor. Huffing, staring at the disgusting flesh and steel in front of it. Lucas shot out, managing to catch Zorua just as it went to pounce on the drill. The boy struggled to hold the fox back, flailing, thrashing in its trainers grip.

  Lucas tried his usual tricks. But, they were useless. No comfort could sedate this fire.

  "Zorua, you can't fight them!" Lucas begged his Dark type, attempting sternness, only for his tone to feel laughably weak. Shaking under the stress of his own nerves, trembling arms barely keeping Zorua back. The fox didn't matter what it could and couldn't do. What could fight and kill it. What would die to its hacking claws. It just wanted to make her suffer. The woman who made Zorua hurt. The fox would make her hurt more, until she crumbled under her suffering, just like Zorua had.

  Torchic attempted to help, head pushing against Zorua. Cries sounded out, coarse and rough, begging the Dark type to settle. But, Zorua's barks overpowered them, continuing with the same tone and pitch. Torchic's cries fell on deaf ears.

  This was hopeless.

  "Look at this, Gladius!" a mocking laugh erupted out of her mouth, pointing to the two frozen children. Then, the one sat, fighting back his own team. "They're dysfunctional! Why did they even bother sending both of us here?"

  A stir came from the back end of the room. Seijo, slumped against the wall, attempting to rise to his feet. It took a moment. But, he could eventually bring himself to move. The pain surging through his back should've meant rest. But, the adrenaline flowing through his veins beckoned him to fight. Arming himself with a Pokeball, he stood hunched, neck tilted to make eye contact with the admins. One of which had turned.

  "That's why." Gladius pointed his comrade in the direction of the gym leader.

  "What on Earth...do you think you're doing?" Seijo uttered lowly, through winces of pain. His legs staggered, clothes tarnished with the impact of the blow. Cuts and gashes lined the skin. All of which went ignored. Adrenaline drove everything forward. The Pokeball smashed against the floor, Crobat emerging from its ball. His only healed Pokemon. But, still, he talked like a full team of six sat at his disposal. "Leave this place! Now!"

  "He won't be able to chase you." Gladius ignored Seijo's demand, seemingly calling his bluff. A Pokeball slipped out of his breast pocket, just as well worn with use as his earlier one. It smashed against the Earth, revealing a blue tinted muscular monster. Quadridextrous, each arm as defined as the last. Muscles bulked up, ready to strike. "Your own Pokemon are to protect you. Machamp will fight."

  Gladius' eyes turned towards his partner. But, she had seemed rather uninterested in whatever he was saying. Rather, her eyes continued to settle on the tricky fox below. Watching the little creature struggle, cry out with survivor's guilt. An emotion she wished the poor creature would break free of. But, she'd be merciful, soften the blow. Laughing at its plight, making it a tiny thing to be so worked up over.

  "Lilith!" the man growled again, finally dragging her attention away from the pathetic plight of a random fox. "Did you hear me?"

  She smirked. Gladius couldn't take that as a yes or a no. But, they hadn't the time to co-ordinate more than necessary. Especially when a Crobat headed Machamp's way, wings doing battle with arms. Until, eventually, they ended in a draw, Crobat going flying back while Machamp dug into the shattered ground. Lilith sighed, whipping a Pokeball from underneath her suit, holding it over the edge of the drill and letting it drop. Then, with a refined dive, she fell from her platform, landing onto the shattered wooden floor.

  Beside her appeared a Pokemon comparable to her earlier Pokemon. Poison tipped edges, vulnerable centre covered by tentacles. Exhaustion etched into its eyes. A sign of growth too soon. But, the Pokemon's evolution ultimately made it stronger. Even if its energy left lots to be desired. Crobat swung for the admin, but a Protect put up a barrier between the two. The woman giggled.

  "Nice try..." she taunted, just as Crobat felt its wings snatched tightly. Machamp swung the bat around, launching it into the wall. Then, the group began to move, heading towards the storage room. Seijo huffed, Crobat picking itself up from the wall. Then, the two made pace, chasing after the criminal.

  Gladius put on a rare smile. The bulk of their mission had been handled. Now, it just fell to the dirtier work. His eyes turned upon the disorderly scene. Lucas, still attempting to quench the fox's flame, unaware of himself burning up in the fire. The boy should've been easy pickings. But, two familiar faces were in the way. As to be expected.

  Harry's fist clenched so tight, nails could've cut through his skin. Treecko and Poochyena were each of the same mind. Ellie's eyes flickered more uncertainly. But, if she let hesitation consume her now, she'd have learnt nothing from her years. Nerves gave way to fierce determination. Burning bright, through people and Pokemon.

  "If you think you're here to kill anyone, you've got the wrong idea," Harry snarled.

  "You're foolish to battle against me again." Gladius' eyes stared deeply into both of them. "Need I remind you of our last encounters?"

  "Not at all." Ellie stepped forward. "We've gotten stronger since then. We'll defeat you. And, you won't hurt any more Pokemon. Now, or ever again."

  "I'll hurt as many as I damn well need to." his eyes glinted with frustration, hand clenching tighter against the Pokeball. "You don't walk away from this unharmed."

  The man moved to make good on that promise. The Pokeball smashed against the drill, a thin shadow emerging from the capsule. It bounced on its three toed feet, then dropped onto the wooden battlefield. The same toad Harry had fought against only recently. Agile, light on its feet, deadly. Toxicroak.

  "That's the one who tried to kill me," Harry muttered lowly. Lucas' eyes widened, hands shuddering. Poison dripped from the sac growing underneath its chin, and from the edge of its large red claw slotted on each arm. More than ever, he wished his Pokemon would have the strength to fight. But, neither seemed in the condition. Despite Zorua's insistence on running into combat, they'd be laid flat with a single touch, if not for any healing.

  "He's dangerous. Unstable. We've gotta stand and fight together, otherwise..." Ellie swallowed a pit stuck in her throat. Harry looked at her, then back at the man. Poochyena continued to bark, and even Treecko let out a slow hiss. Ralts let out a high whine, horn tingling, while Mudkip continued in ensemble with Poochyena. Harry looked back at Lucas. Still struggling, eyes on the verge of breaking water.

  "Lucas. You should go report this to the police," Harry told the boy, earning his attention quickly.

  "What? I'm not leaving you guys behind!" Lucas insisted. "I have to be here to help!"

  "You're better off getting help than fighting while those two are exhausted," Harry uttered.

  Zorua's barks picked up again. Continuing to thrash, scratch, claw. "I don't think Zorua will let me." Lucas responded. "We have to battle."

  Harry sighed. No use wasting time arguing. "Fine. Just heal up your Pokemon. We'll hold him off."

  Lucas nodded, bringing Zorua and Torchic behind both trainer and Pokemon. His backpack dropped from his arm, hitting the floor with a thud. Torchic sat on the floor, overlooking its trainer. They both knew they had a more present problem.

  Zorua wouldn't settle. Still kicking, screaming hysterically, outdoing Lucas' desperate protests that it stop. Tears erupted from the fox's eyes, iris' shaking madly. It couldn't rip its eyes from the drill. The machine, hollow and empty, that had destroyed its home. Ripped it to shreds, then carted away the life that once made it safe. Possibly never to be seen again. Even the woman responsible had came out to taunt its misery.

  Zorua couldn't wait to tear it apart. Hack away with whatever energy it had at whatever came its way. Pokemon, machine, whatever. Zorua sought to see the end of it all. See the monsters staring down at them suffer.

  "Zorua, please just-"

  Lucas winced. Another swipe had hacked away at Lucas' arm. The arm that kept Zorua safe, he'd have thought. But, to Zorua, it was just a poor restraint. Keeping it from taking revenge. No matter the pleading, Zorua would break free. A murky amber colour set into its eyes, frothing over the cyan and leaving no traces in its wake. Then, its eyes finally glared to meet Lucas's. Vengeful. Unlike anything Lucas had ever seen.

  But, when they shared eye contact, Zorua felt its resolve waning. As did Lucas. The anger held within Zorua's. Then, the sorrow held within the boy's. He'd nearly been brought to tears. And, with that, Lucas finally let go.

  Zorua's paws finally touched the ground, only for a moment before a limb came crashing down. Zorua snarled, returning to its feet. But, it only came crashing down again. Lucas stared in silence, unable to find the words to calm the amber light brimming in Zorua's eyes. His eyes darted to the battlefield, where the battle finally appeared to be kicking off, at the behest of the man atop the drill.

  "Poison Jab!" the man snarled. The claws at the edge of Toxicroak's hands shone a deep purple, poison continuing to pool off the sharpened edge. Its feet bounced, movements slick and precise as it made ground against the four opponents. Perfectly shifting its body, making the most of whatever speed the species had. Poochyena had taken the front lines. Thus, was the first to go up against the toad.

  The dog snarled, attempting to bite the toad's leg. But, a quick pivot sent Poochyena off balance. Then, a pinpoint jab to the chest dropped the dog to its knees.It couldn't have been aimed more perfectly, nor land with any more immediate efficiency. A wave of poisonous nausea washed over its body instantly, poison bubbling from the impact on its fur. Harry's eyes widened, body tensing.

  "Treecko, Leafage!"

  "Mudkip, Water Gun! Ralts, Confusion!"

  Distracted with its pursuit of Poochyena, Toxicroak found it at the whim of an avalanche of attacks. First came Treecko, a mound of leaves cutting away at Toxicroak's body, grazing its skin with its razor edges. It cut into the sac underneath its chin, leaking small pools of venom from its utricle. Mudkip followed up the attack quickly, jumping up to a height, then belting out a stream of water.

  Toxicroak put up its arms, digging its feet into the ground. The Water Gun's power had been stronger than the toad expected. Leagues from Toxicroak's full strength. But, still stronger than expected. Especially when in combination with the other attacks, as leaves continued to pelt its poison tipped skin. Thoughts rushed through the toad's mind. But, not the usual rush of battle. More like a garbled mess of useless information and thoughts, overlapping with one another, deafeningly loud.

  Ralts' hands thrust forward, remaining behind the two starters. Psychic power locked around its arms, a Confusion aimed straight for Toxicroak. All the emotions brewing in the room that Ralts had been forced to deal with? Toxicroak would feel all of it. It almost felt cathartic, watching the toad stumble uselessly, brought down by the information Ralts had been forced to deal with all day, every day. Then, even more cathartic when the Water Gun finally broke through its guard, sending the toad crashing against the hard steel surface of the drill.

  "They're giving it their all." Lucas watched, fist clenched. Zorua's eyes began to water, still huffing, snarling. But, its efforts to escape had brought around exhaustion, nearly bringing it to the verge of collapse. Lucas gently brought Zorua into his arms, once more. Then, settled the fox onto his lap, retrieving a Potion from his backpack.

  "I know it's...so hard," Lucas made one last ditch attempt, while Zorua seemed at its most willing to listen. The amber colouring in its eyes hadn't cooled. But, it stared at Lucas with a seeming willingness to listen. "They took everything from you. But..."

  Lucas took up one of Zorua's paws, a claw marked with a small inkling of blood, drawn from underneath the surface of Lucas' skin. A mark of the struggling and thrashing it had done. But, Lucas hadn't the nerve to be concerned about that. His arms and hands worked, continuing to spray Potion onto Zorua's injuries, and that's all that mattered. The fox winced as its wounds were treated, covering the areas where Taillow's pecks had left their mark.

  "But...if we are to stand any chance of winning, if you want to save them...we have to be together. Let me look after you, and look after yourself too. Don't let the resentment blindly consume you."

  Zorua's huffs began to slow. Reaching out its paws, Lucas continued to work on them. Seems the few words went through. Enough for Zorua to make the effort towards its own treatment. Torchic let out a small chirp beside the two. Zorua looked to Lucas for approval. The boy nodded, and Zorua hopped from his lap. In its place came Torchic. Scratches and slashes against its burning orange fur were plentiful. But, wounds were much easier to heal without resistance to its treatment. Only the occasional wince came as the purple liquid spilled onto its wounds. But, Torchic would soon thank the stars for the pain relief that came after the initial sting.

  "Think we're okay?" Lucas asked, unsure of any remaining injuries. But, what had went untreated didn't matter. The sting of the wounds faltered to the adrenaline pumping through their bodies. And, their energy came back in a flurry, with a small bite of a Revive. A move he wish he hadn't had to use. But, Lucas knew whatever crash his Pokemon had later would be nothing next to whatever fate lay here, should they suffer defeat.

  "Water Pulse, again!"

  Toxicroak dodged out of the way of the incoming projectile, the bubble of water smashing against the machine. The cutting leaves that came would soon be dodged around, too. Gladius stared down at the battlefield, attempting to identify where Toxicroak's defence had went wrong. That's when he identified the terror stood at the back. The timid Ralts, holding out its power, taking in deep breaths.

  "That's the biggest threat." Gladius pointed to Ralts, addressing his Pokemon. "Eliminate it."

  "Like hell we'll let you do that! Treecko, Pound! Poochyena, Bite!"

  "Ralts, Confusion! Mudkip, Water Pulse!"

  The four Pokémon formed a squad together, facing down the quick and agile Toxicroak. The Poison type ran across the battlefield, Ralts' confusion beginning to grow stronger as it took more and more steps towards the group. Its footing became uneasy, sloppier, slower. Then, a Water Pulse to the stomach awoke Toxicroak from its frenzied thoughts. With Treecko and Poochyena heading straight after it, too. It was getting embarrassed by a bunch of lower Pokémon. And Toxicroak wouldn't stand for it.

  Treecko and Poochyena each leapt into the air, diving down for Toxicroak. But, in a flash, it was gone. Dashing across the battlefield with incredible speed. Mudkip stood right beside Ralts, attempting to mark where the toad approached. But, Toxicroak slipped by almost undetected. Even Ralts only barely detected Toxicroak appearing behind it. Its emotions muted, barely bubbling beyond the surface. A darkened purple energy overcame the toad's red claw.

  "Telepor-"

  Ellie attempted to cry out, before Toxicroak could strike. But, whatever attempt she made had been useless. A hard Sucker Punch drove straight into Ralts' back, driving the Psychic type to its knees. The shine around Ralts' arms disappeared, its body folding over, unconscious in a single blow. Then, a single Bullet Punch drove into the back of the Psychic type's skull. To ensure its defeat. Although, all it left was a mark of blood on the earth.

  MUDKIP!

  The Toxic Mouth Pokemon pivoted. But, Mudkip's head had already made contact, a Tackle inflicting a small amount of damage. It seemed meagre when compared to what Toxicroak's strength held. But, Ellie needed to take whatever win she could get. And, a retreat certainly seemed like a win, too. Even if Toxicroak likely was doing it to await its next command, rather than out of any true panic or fear.

  Ellie rushed to her Pokemon's side, dragging her knees down to the battlefield floor. Her hands gently shook the Psychic type, but she could find no reaction. Overturning the Pokemon, she marked the swirls caught deep within its eyes. As well as the trail of blood leaking from its fin, running down its helmet, staining its white cloaked body. A quick flicker of its Pokeball returned Ralts back to its confines. But, it did nothing to erase the picture from her mind.

  "W-Was that one punch?" Harry dared to ask. Ellie could only respond with a nod. That'd been their best shot. Toxicroak had a crippling weakness to Psychic that could've been exploited to its fullest. But, her Pokemon had crumpled in only a single blow. If Toxicroak really had the capacity to do all that, what chance did they have?

  "Ember!"

  From overhead, a burning shot of fire surged through the battlefield. None had the time to react before Torchic's attack struck Toxicroak in its poisonous sac. Ellie's eyes drifted backwards, where Lucas appeared from behind cover, Zorua trailing by his side, with Torchic dropping from the air. Ellie let out a sigh of relief, running back so the three could stand side by side.

  "Can someone give me an update?" Lucas asked, scanning the battlefield.

  "Poochyena's taken a hit. Ralts went down in one punch," Ellie stated the facts of the battle.

  "One hit almost certainly means game over. So, don't get hit," Harry muttered. "Treecko and Poochyena can draw Toxicroak's attention. I think they're better off at the front."

  "Zorua too," Lucas added.

  "So, Torchic and Mudkip will stay back and provide covering fire?" Ellie asked. The two boys nodded. She turned back to the battlefield. "Fine by me."

  Toxicroak huffed, brushing away the ashes from where the burn left its mark. Its fists clenched, claw sharpening at its edges. Ready to fight. No more theatrics. Just a fight for survival.

  "Pound! Bite!"

  "Fury Swipes!"

  The commands rung out in the gym, Treecko and Zorua leading the pack, with Poochyena trailing close behind. Treecko approached first, heading for the right, while Zorua darted for the left. Finally, Poochyena came running through the centre, howling at the Poison type.

  "Bullet Punch!"

  Poochyena jumped in at Toxicroak, fangs sharp, ready to bite down. But, a glimmer of metallic texture shimmered from Toxicroak's fist. Then, a punch ripped through the air, puncturing into Poochyena's stomach. The dog whined, launched across the battlefield, landing with a heavy thud right to Harry's feet. Toxicroak huffed, but knew the battle wouldn't be over. That small window where Toxicroak had been distracted allowed the other two their opening.

  First came the hacking claws, digging into the toad's poison laden body. Then, came a number of hard hooks and punches from Treecko's speedy fists. Toxicroak put up its fists to block the approaching blows. But, no matter where it blocked, it always seem like it was the victim of hurt somewhere else. Zorua slashing at its shins. So, it would turtle up to protect its legs. But, that left Treecko to pounce.

  "Mega Drain!" Harry cried, Treecko planting its fingers onto Toxicroak's back. Then, from its fingers, it began to siphon the Pokemon's energy. Toxicroak grunted, stomping the ground.

  "Poison Jab! Get rid of those pests!" the admin commanded. Toxicroak reached its arm over its back, grabbing Treecko and planting a poisoned punch right into Treecko's chest. The Grass type reeled with the impact of the blow, flying to the side of Poochyena, slumping to the ground with a venomous mark inflicted on its chest. Zorua continued to bite and scratch at Toxicroak with all of its might and power. But, Toxicroak smirked, able to take the blows without much worry, raising its fist skyward.

  "Dodge!" Lucas cried. But, the command came too late. A punch sunk into the top of Zorua's skull, sending its chin crashing against the ground from the brutal overhead blow. Traces of poison lined the fur where the blow struck. Zorua bounced into the air, crying out in pain, reeling from the blow. Lucas' body stiffened up, watching Zorua drop through the air. Another blow came prepared to finish it off.

  "Torchic, help Zorua! Flame Charge!"

  "Mudkip, provide cover! Water Pulse!"

  A Water Pulse burst through the battlefield, smacking Toxicroak's side, exploding on impact. Its balance toppled slightly. But, mostly, the growl that came afterwards would be the distraction. Drawing Toxicroak's attention for just long enough, before it realised the distraction and turned back. But, by that time, Torchic had swooped under to help soften Zorua's landing. Carefully planting its head underneath Zorua's body, letting the fox fall onto its comfortable coat. From there, the Zorua began to slip away.

  "Kill these insects already! Low Kick on Torchic!" Gladius commanded. Toxicroak nodded, obeying its trainers command to a T. Even when Zorua presented itself as an easier target, the toad still dashed after the chick, who found itself in quick retreat away from the Poison type.

  "Flame Charge!" Lucas belted out. Their best chance of outrunning this thing would be utilising Flame Charge. It would take a moment to acquire the speed, but it'd be better than letting themselves get run over. Still, Lucas quickly began to doubt his strategy. Toxicroak made great ground on the Fire type, the difference in their movement showing in spades.

  "Poochyena, Bite!" Harry cried out. Poochyena barrelled along the battlefield, one blow away from dropping into unconsciousness. But, with the desire to protect its trainer burning bright, the pooch did whatever it could to help. Including aiding this chick. Torchic's momentum shifted for a moment, bursting straight towards Poochyena. A slight limp egged at Poochyena's limps, beckoning it to fall. But, the dog wouldn't rest. not yet.

  Toxicroak continued to chase after Torchic, only for the Fire type to slip by another Pokemon. Tagging in Poochyena, who crouched down, then leapt at the toad. Its fangs went wide, before snapping down harshly, biting into the Poison type's leg. Toxicroak cried out, forced to take a knee as every ounce of Poochyena's strength sunk into this one bite. Crushing against its skin, then the bone underneath. It should've been strong enough to withstand the blow. But, a moment of weakness brought the blow to agonising levels of pain.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Toxicroak fumed. Without even a command from its trainer, it raised its hand. Just the same as Zorua. Poochyena's eyes moved up to watch the blow. Its fangs dug in harder. It wouldn't be able to escape now. All it could do now was make sure Toxicroak didn't enjoy its defeat. The hammer fell upon Poochyena's skull.

  Poochyena's head went swimming. The grip of its crushing teeth instantly went slack. The Dark type's body fell to the ground, hitting it coldly with a loud thud. Poison oozed from the tips of Toxicroak's fingers, growling. It raised its hand to club Poochyena once more, only for a sudden force to hit it in the head, disturbing its thoughts.

  Torchic stood, having let an Ember loose to distract Toxicroak once again, letting Harry slip his dog back into its Pokeball. A sinking feeling dragged his stomach into the depths of hell, seeing Poochyena be laid out so brutally. But, Harry couldn't give up the fight just yet. Not while Toxicroak still stood standing.

  ZORUA!

  The fox dived behind Toxicroak, claws digging into the Fighting type's back. Then, hacking and slashing swipes came crashing down into its skin. Ripping and tearing with vigour and determination not unlike that of Poochyena's. Each blow that cut under its blue skin brought the toad one step closer to defeat. The Poison type couldn't allow for such severe failure.

  But, the annoyances didn't just come from Zorua alone. A Water Gun hosed down Toxicroak's bad leg, keeping it locked to the ground. Torchic's repeated Embers struck it in the chest, Toxicroak forced to put up its arms to block. Then, Treecko approached from the front with the aid of the two other starters. Diving downwards, it slammed Toxicroak with a hard Pound to the head.

  Toxicroak's eyes went wide. Then, they slanted, fiercely angry.

  An extended hand grabbed at the gecko, picking it up and thrusting it away from the battle. Then, Toxicroak reached for Zorua behind its back. The fox slipped away, batting its arms away with sharp swipes. Then, when the grip of its claws faltered, Zorua bit against the skin on its back, remaining fixed to the toad like glue. Toxicroak growled. It had enough.

  In an instant, Zorua felt Toxicroak's weight smack against the floor. Keeling over, back slamming against the ground. A sign of fainting, to any onlookers. But, to Zorua, it knew the intent of the attack as soon as its back smashed against the ground, nestled between the weight of Toxicroak and the splinters digging from the floor. Sharpened wood dug beneath its fur, Zorua belting out in anguish. Toxicroak soon emerged from the collision better, looking down at Zorua. The Illusion Pokemon's eyes stared back. Panting, hacking coughs paving its way to exhaustion.

  Toxicroak's fist soared into the air. The hammer came to fall. But, cries of resistance rang out all the same. Loud and proud, echoing through the room, taunting Toxicroak. It might win the battle. But, the war was still far from over. Zorua's will would last beyond this lone battle. Nothing Toxicroak could accomplish would do anything to tarnish that.

  THUD!

  Blood trickled from the source of impact. Red highlights around its fur grew darker in crimson. Its body flattened instantly.

  "ZORUA!"

  Torchic's body combusted aflame instantly. With the speed of a bullet, it shot into Toxicroak's stomach, knocking the toad far away from Zorua, until it stumbled and crashed into the floor. Torchic's flames died down, sliding to the assistance of Zorua. But, there was none to be found. Zorua wouldn't stir. Lucas' legs began to run, but Harry's arm held him back.

  "Don't. I don't want that maniac attacking you," Harry spoke sternly. Lucas' eyes darted between Zorua, then to his best friend, then back again. His hand trembled as he recalled Zorua back to its Pokeball. Harry's hand gently rubbed against Lucas' shoulder. "Zorua will be okay. And, it'd want you to keep fighting, no matter what."

  Lucas nodded, eyes returning to the battlefield. Toxicroak picked itself from the floor, plucking the wooden splinters from its skin as it arose. Heavy breaths exhaled from its mouth. Yet, it still resumed its position. Arms outstretched, claws dripping with venom. Torchic retreated, running between the other starters, each falling in line. Mudkip hadn't taken a scratch, while the boost from Revive still held strong for the fire chick.

  Treecko, on the other hand, seemed to be the weakest link of a group. Poison made its purple mark over its chest, with small splinters of wood lining its back. Gladius' eyes settled upon Treecko. Better to shatter the weakest link, drain their numbers, before going for the others. A fact that wouldn't go unobserved by any of them.

  "I think he's gonna aim for Treecko," Harry tracked the admin's eyes. Then, his eyes darted towards Ellie and Lucas. "Think you can protect Treecko?"

  "Leave it to us," Lucas responded.

  "Just make sure to back us up with that Leafage of yours," Ellie added, and Harry nodded.

  "We'll do our best," Harry spoke. The starters, clearly communicating amongst themselves too, reached the same conclusion their trainers had. Mudkip and Torchic jumped in front, while Treecko rested at the back. It was about time they got involved in the bulk of the battle anyways. Gladius looked down at Toxicroak. Toxicroak exchanged a glance back, eyes heavy with exhaustion. But, the admin cared not.

  "Bullet Punch! Rip right through them!"

  "Water Pulse!"

  "Ember!"

  Torchic's attack came first, despite the command coming second. A quick spark of fire burst through the air, combusting brighter as it ripped through, oxygen fanning the flames. Toxicroak weaved around the first. But, a second would soon come after. Then, a third. Peppering Toxicroak so fast it'd be forced to block, rather than dodge. Then, finally, Torchic stepped aside, letting Mudkip's Water Pulse take the stage.

  "Burst that thing!" Gladius bellowed. One of Toxicroak's fists reeled back, red claw swiping forward, coming to clash with the Water Pulse. The claw held against the membrane, slowly ripping it open. Until, it burst with a large explosion of aqua, knocking the toad off balance. An opening appeared.

  "Flame Charge! Let's go!"

  Torchic rushed in after the Water Pulse, looking to take advantage of the Poison type's upset footing. But, with a stomp of its foot, Toxicroak found its balance much quicker than Torchic had anticipated.

  "Low Kick!" Gladius cried. Using its strong leg, it swept under Torchic in one agile movement, knocking the flames right out of the chick. Torchic's stance lopped, landing with a thud against the floor. The fire chick looked up, scrambling as it found its chest crushed by Toxicroak's foot, pushing the Fire type against the jagged wooden floor. Torchic cried out in pain, coughing and scrambling as it felt its lungs expended of whatever oxygen they had.

  "Water Gun!"

  "Leafage!"

  The two other starters rushed to Torchic's assistance. Treecko huddled at the back, Mudkip pouncing forward. The Water type runned and gunned, firing off a stream of water, while forests of leaves slunk overhead. Toxicroak kept its foot tight on Torchic's chest, crushing down, putting up its arms to guard against the coming attacks. It awaited the command to drop the chick to the earth with a Poison Jab. But, the command never came.

  Gladius' eyes rested solely on Mudkip. Seeing the Pokemon stand so strongly. Battling so strongly, fighting so strongly, without even a minor scratch upon its aquatic body. The sight taunted the admin. Made his blood boil beyond belief. Forget about the other kid's Pokemon, the strategy behind keeping it trapped. Mudkip was the one who deserved to feel defeat the most.

  "Forget about Torchic, focus on Mudkip!"

  Toxicroak nodded, stomping Torchic to ensure the chick would stay down, before leaping back into combat. Torchic refused to lie there, however. It raised to its feet, hacking up a cough, taking a moment to get its bearings. Its eyes tracked as Toxicroak abandoned fighting the Fire type, instead swerving straight for Mudkip. Its bad leg held Toxicroak down, but the speed it moved still eclipsed the other starters. Especially Mudkip.

  "Stand your ground! Water Pulse!" Ellie cried. She knew better than to try and run from the rushing threat. She'd never win that battle, even with the assistance of either of the starters. The best she could do was continue to be the mortar cannon that Mudkip was best at. Mudkip swished the water through its mouth, forming a blue sphere that then rushed through the air. But, before it could release, the admin barked out a command.

  "Sucker Punch!"

  Toxicroak blipped by with great speed, dodging the Water Pulse just as it released, pivoting around to Mudkip's side. A dark purple tint overcame its clawed hand, punching straight into the mud fish's side. Mudkip winced, crying out as it came crashing to the ground, lying limp. Gladius snickered with delight, a rare, sickening smirk coming across his face.

  "What's wrong, I thought I trained you better than that!" he shouted. A sentence that sickened Ellie right to her core. And, her companions too, who wouldn't stand for it any longer.

  "Torchic, Flame Charge!"

  "Treecko, Pound!"

  The two starters came to Mudkip's rescue immediately. Treecko gave chase, bouncing off its tail into a full sprint. Even with its body creeking, one hard blow from giving over, Treecko still wouldn't give up. Not while it drew breath. Torchic felt much the same. All the breath had been expelled from its lungs by Toxicroak's harsh kick. Yet, Torchic somehow found the fuel in fumes to set its body alight, chasing after Toxicroak.

  "Poison Jab, behind!" the man barked. Torchic had taken a slightly stealthier approach to battling, aiming for the toad's back, thinking it would be unprotected. But, Toxicroak spun on its foot, purple poison dripping from its fist. Treecko approached, but would be too far away to prevent Torchic's harm now. Nothing to stop Toxicroak putting down the chick.

  "Water Gun!"

  The Pokemon Gladius once believed fainted sprang to life. Toxicroak's bad leg struggled against the pressure of the stream of water, until it eventually faltered. Toxicroak went down, swinging still for Torchic. But, the jab went wide, breezing past Torchic. The Fire type smirked. Licks of fire burned brighter as it came crashing into Toxicroak's chest, knocking the Pokemon down to both knees. Then, Treecko came in with the final blow, delivering a crushing overhead blow to the top of the Poison type's head. One last piece of revenge. Its own overhead used against it.

  And with that, Toxicroak fell.

  Torchic huffed, flames flickering from its body. Then, they dispersed, leaving only a warm fiery glow surrounding its body. All the starters had a glow like that. Treecko's the most intense, closest to defeat between the three of them, aura shining as deeply green as the liveliest grass. A lighter colour surrounded Mudkip, the most sound of all the starters. But, still huffing. Watching Toxicroak, checking if it could rise again.

  "Toxicroak."

  "Get."

  "UP."

  Gladius didn't care to check if his Pokemon could get up at all. It should've. Without any words of inspiration, extra energy. These were children. It should've only take a command, venomous or not, and Toxicroak would leap to its feet, crushing down on the starters. Torchic, Treecko too, looked at him like he was crazy. But, the rough command had given the toad life once more. Rising to its feet.

  Its bad leg buckled more than once. Taking a knee. Even its arms struggled to hold up its weight. But, the Poison Mouth Pokemon returned to its stance. Sloppy, vulnerable, beyond spent from the battle. Yet, still fighting. Ellie couldn't help but feel bad for the Pokemon. Forced to do battle for someone undeserving of such an effort. But, wishing for its saviour Ellie couldn't do. Not now. They had to finish this.

  "Poison Jab!"

  Aimed for no one in particular. Toxicroak's vision wouldn't allow it to see as such, either. It swung for blurs. Slow, telegraphed blows, where poison only trickled from its claws.

  "Flame Charge!" Lucas called out. Torchic sprouted flames once more. Then, came crashing down into Toxicroak's chest. Its balance stumbled, yet it kept swinging. Swinging for whatever it couldn't see, only hoping one attack could land.

  "Leafage!" another command came. Treecko stepped up next, a storm of leaves erupting as it swished its tail. Then, they came blasting forwards, cutting against Toxicroak's navy skin. Poison leaked from its sac, dripping onto the floor. Marks of woe covered its body. Yet, the Pokemon refused to fall. That'd be Mudkip's job.

  "Finish this!"

  A charged Water Pulse soared from Mudkip's mouth, crashing through the air. Then, it hit Toxicroak's spine. The Poison type's eyes widened. The pulse exploded into a frenzy of water, crashing against Toxicroak. Its body went limp, knees buckling. Then, it fell. This time, to never get back up.

  The starters didn't dare approach Toxicroak. Mudkip stood furthest away, crying out at the Poison type. Torchic approached slowly. But, Treecko took the lead, checking the Pokemon. Pushing it, so its eyes lay open to the world. Swirls sat in its eyes. They had won.

  "How...how?" the man snarled, teeth gritting against one another. These insects, kids, mere pests...besting Toxicroak. A rag tag group of starters.

  "Nine of us were all fighting here," Lucas stepped onto the battlefield. Harry moved to hold him back. But, a glance at Toxicroak, and he rescinded. Torchic's talons scratched against the shattered earth. It leapt into its trainers arms. Energy nearly all out. So, it chose to spend what remained on cradling into its trainers arms. They'd won. Lucas' victory felt bitter, yet complete regardless. His eyes glanced up to meet the admin's. "Nine of us fighting. You act like only one is fighting the battle."

  "You know nothing," Gladius snarled back.

  "We did beat you though, so we know at least a little," Harry finally found his snark returning. The guts to speak back to the man who had threatened the lives of him and his Pokemon. It hadn't been without blood. But, they'd emerged victorious regardless.

  "And, you won't hurt us nor these Pokemon anymore," Ellie held her hand close to her chest, Mudkip barking in agreement. Gladius huffed. Returning Toxicroak back to its Pokeball, he returned with another Pokeball.

  "You haven't won. You're fools to think you-"

  "STOP!"

  Exasperated shouts echoed from beyond the back room. Lilith came running out, taking cautious glances back to check the gym leader's progress. A net filled with Pokeballs held tight in her arm, filled to the brim with all the Pokeballs she could find. The balls rattled, attempting to open. But, the mechanics of the net kept the capsules shut. Toxapex dawdled by the admin's side, as did the Machamp Gladius had once sent to help with the task. The two Pokemon spotted an incoming attack, each throwing themselves in harm's way for the admin.

  Toxapex's body sagged with attrition. It'd been long exhausted before this mission. But, the countless Protects it needed to put up only further added to its exhaustion. Still, it leapt into the air, placing a barrier up against the incoming attack. Machamp stood behind Toxapex, its arms pushing against the barrier, holding up its strength.

  Next thing they knew, a bright beam of light blitzed through the corridor. Smashing against the barrier, and shattering it in an instant. Toxapex flopped down, fainted. But, Machamp held stronger. Its arms pressed against the bat, struggling intensely. But, even its muscles tired eventually, and Crobat came out on top, slicing through the Machamp, dropping it to its knees.

  "Arceus..." Lilith muttered under her breath, cowering as she stared the bat deep in its eyes. Crobat stared back, cold and unrelenting.

  "Crobat, use..." Seijo stumbled back into the room, body lagging behind. Crobat took a momentary glance back at its trainer. His injuries had gotten too severe. Even Crobat had cuts and bruises all along its body by now. But, it couldn't give up. All the Pokemon of the gym depended upon it.

  "Get on the drill!" Gladius roared at Lilith. The female admin didn't hesitate to follow his advice, running from the bat. Crobat moved to follow. But, a Pokeball interrupted its path. Touching against the ground, a metallic tang echoing through the crumbling gym. The Pokemon he'd once thought of using to crush the three starters. It opened for another purpose. The true purpose of the mission.

  A great shadow emerged. Coiled around itself at first, before expanding, revealing the full length of its body. By far the biggest Pokemon that any of the children had ever seen. Steam erupted from its nostrils, jagged ends adorning its blue scaley body, with a yellow underbelly dragging underneath the serpent. Strands of barbel hung from the sides of its mouth, jaws digging from the inside of its mouth, sharp and jagged. Dorsal fins dotted the length of its body, tensing as the Pokemon was called into action. It huffed, letting out another trail of steam. Then, a monstrous roar echoed through the gym.

  Crobat stopped in its tracks. The goliath stared down at Crobat like nothing. Not an inch of fear behind those unflinching, crimson eyes. The three children had winded around the drill, attempting to help with the ensuing battle. But, nothing could put a dent in the scales of such an atrociously strong Pokemon. The roar told them enough. Gladius had been holding back the whole time. Out of ego or strategy, neither knew. A Pokemon they'd thought to only see in kaiju movies stood right before them, huffing and at the behest of evil itself.

  A giant Gyarados.

  "Aqua Tail!"

  "Dodge it!"

  A swirl of raging water rounded the giant tail. Gyarados locked eyes onto Crobat, before throwing its tail down. Crobat's wings flapped, speeding through the air, ducking behind a pillar. The tail crushed against the wood, forcing the ceiling even lower than it already was. Crobat ducked around any stray planks of wood, carefully observing the crumbling ceiling. They didn't have long.

  "Get her!" Seijo coughed. A desperate last resort to prevent the theft, as Crobat went racing forward. Lilith held close to the drill, watching the chaos with heavy breaths. But, just when Crobat seemed inches away from knocking the net out of her hands, a chilling set of fangs bit upon the bat's wings. An Ice Fang, slowly freezing the Pokemon's wing over. Crobat scrambled, wings smacking against Gyarados' face. But, the Pokemon took the hits with a mere huff, before launching the bat into the crumbling pillar.

  "Give me the Pokemon!" Gladius barked at his acquaintance. Lilith obeyed without question. Handing the purple net of darkened electricity, Gladius snatched it up quickly. Then, dropped it through a hatch in the drill. Lilith waited at the side of the drill, eyes dragging towards the battle. Crobat seemed to be struggling to get up. She wouldn't be in any immediate danger. But, she had to wonder if he'd come back for her.

  Sure enough, he did. A hand reached from the side of the drill, helping Lilith onto the machine. They could leave now. But, an Ember narrowly avoiding their figures dragged Gladius' attention to other things. The kids, still fighting. Lucas, more specifically, being the one to call the shots. Determined not to let them get away with something like this. Ever again. The man snarled, just as Lilith slipped away into the drill.

  "Gyarados, kill these pests!"

  The serpentine dragon reared its giant head, steam erupting from its nostrils.

  "Water Pulse!"

  "Leafage!"

  "Ember!"

  Each attack soared, beating against the Pokemon's scales. But, each had the same effect. Merely bouncing off the Pokemon's scales, like nothing had even harmed it. The dragon snickered. Then, its eyes widened.

  A piercing white light shot over Gyarados' head. It crashed against the scales with reckless abandon, doing damage not only to the target, but itself at the same time. From the bright light, Crobat emerged, huffing yet still flying high. Gyarados reeled, letting out a groan of exhaustion. Steam erupted from its nostrils in sporadic bursts. Its eyes locked onto Crobat, even more intense than before.

  "Cross Poison!" Seijo huddled forward, moving closer to the drill. Even when gravity felt close to bringing down his body at any moment, the gym leader fought on. Giving commands, staying by his Pokemon's side. Even when the rubble dropped from overhead, nearly crushing the man as it landed in hovels of shattered wood.

  "Dragon Pulse!"

  Gyarados's mouth opened wide. Its jaws glowed a deep violet, before the form of a dragon snaked from its mouth. Glowing bright purple, with hues of blue, red and yellow mixed in the tides. The form of the dragon snapped, biting through the air, before crashing against Crobat's body. Wings dipped in poison crashed against the pulse. Each struggling against one another.

  Only one would emerge victorious. Crobat began to cut through the form of the dragon. Despite its snapping, its wings remained rigid enough to slice through cleanly. But, with each swing, Crobat's energy waned, little by little. Whatever steady progress it made would be useless if it couldn't cut through now. But, Gyarados refused to budge an inch. Its trainer snarled, and Crobat felt the intensity of the blow amplify. Throwing every piece of energy the serpentine had into this attack. Crobat couldn't keep up.

  Crobat's body became consumed by the jaws of the dragon, driven back before smashing against the back wall. Crobat drooped to the ground. Its wings faltered, flapping desperately, attempting to reach the sky. But, it was over. Too beaten, worn to battle now. All Gyarados saw, however, was a victim who hadn't laid down yet. Hadn't fainted. Nor was it dead. So, the battle raged on.

  "Hyper Beam."

  A flashing ball of orange and white brewed in Gyarados' open mouth. Then, a snarl echoed through the battlefield. The hue of the ball changed. Orange and white, to purple and black. Dark energy surged through the attack, accelerating its power. Crobat watched with wide eyes. It picked its wings from the earth. But, shards of wood dug into its skin, dragging it back down. Venomous blood poured from the open wounds. Even when met with the darkness at the end of the tunnel, it couldn't move.

  "GET OUT THE WAY-"

  The snarl of something otherworldly accompanied the attack, deafening to all those around. The blackened beam shot through the air with pinpoint accuracy. Crobat could do nothing but take it. The beam settled on the bat for only a moment, before Gyarados changed its trajectory entirely. The darkened energy ran up the wall. Then, obliterated it entirely.

  Whatever foundations remained of the building or ceilings began to crumble. Debris descending upon them like raging rain in a thunderstorm. Until a pile of timber came crashing down on Crobat, burying it under the rubble. Seijo reached for his Pokeball, trying desperately to return his Pokemon back to the Pokeball. But, under the deep rubble, the device found no such sign of the Poison type.

  "I believed you to have the power of a gym leader. But, this is really pathetic," Gladius looked upon Seijo with disgust. The gym leader hadn't the strength to respond. Gladius then turned, as did his Pokemon. They each faced down the children. Gyarados huffed again. Whatever energy had been burnt for the Hyper Beam, it still had enough to bury the three and their weak Pokemon partners. Still, they stood in defiance.

  "You wish to give up yet?" the man barked.

  "Never," Lucas answered. The other two were in agreement. The man smirked. Then, his Pokeball drifted up. Gyarados faded into a blur of red light, ending their battle prematurely. The three stared in amazement, as the man huffed.

  "If it were up to me..." the man didn't finish his sentence, instead trailing onto another. "You'd be wise not to interfere with our business again. Team Storm won't be merciful the next time."

  The name hung on the edge of their minds. But, before any further questions could be asked, or attacks could be exchanged, the man had disappeared into the drill. The latch closed, secured tight with a metallic click. The legs scraped harshly against the wooden floor, leaving sharp cuts in the ground as they scuttled back into the hole. Then, descended, leaving behind only ruins.

  The children stood in silence. Harry moved to apprehend the drill, before his eyes stared down at the places he would have to go. They were gone. No point chasing after them, wherever they lead. His eyes then drifted up. Marking the rubble left in its wake. The bat buried under debris. The gym leader desperately clawing his way to its rescue. Even when he, himself, was in dire need of aid.

  "I'll go get the police, you guys help him!" Harry announced to the two others. Treecko trodded along by his side, still huffing, but ultimately standing by its trainer. They disappeared from the room, and the other two ran forward. Ellie to Seijo's aid, while Lucas ran to Crobat's.

  "T-they're gone..." the gym leader muttered through huffed breaths. Ellie attempted to help him to his feet, only for the gym leader to completely reject any help. Slapping away her hand, he pointed to the pile of rubble. "Help...Crobat..."

  Ellie hesitated. He needed attention. But, without the willingness to receive it. Not until Crobat had been fished from the rubble. So, reluctantly, the young girl followed his command, Mudkip trailing by her side. Lucas and Torchic sat, sifting through the mounds of wood. Picking the body from underneath the rubble.

  Mudkip nudged its head against the wood, Torchic threw out flimsy kicks, while Lucas and Ellie worked it through with their bare hands. Splinters sunk into their skin. But, that didn't matter. All that matter was finding the Pokemon laying underneath. Lucas glanced back for a moment. Seijo refused to sit still. He still crawled along the floor, refusing to settle for a moment. Not without the knowledge Crobat was breathing.

  "Don't move!" Lucas cried out, stopping the gym leader for a moment. A fading smile came across his face. "We've...we've got this!"

  Seijo couldn't quite see the faded smile through hazy vision. If he had, the gym leader'd have pressed on. But, Lucas' words seemed enough for his body to settle. Eyes settling upon the ceiling, watching as another shard of wood began to crumble downwards. He raised his hand over his face, chuckling at the blurred image that appeared before him. Everything felt so heavy. His mind, especially. Not even the consequences of what just happened could keep him awake. Rest would be ok. It'd be safe.

  "I've found a wing!"

  Ellie's fingernails scraped against the wood as she clawed her way through the remains of the rubble. A purple, sharp edge stuck out from beneath, laid flat with the bulk of the Flying types body still obscured. Mudkip aided her, uncovering the remainder of the wing, with Torchic helping right at its side. Lucas dove to help after, finger tracing the wing up to the bulk of the body. Heaving aside planks of wood, until Crobat lay out in the world.

  Ellie took a small pace back. Uncovered, injured. But, her hand jittered when she went to touch Crobat. Lucas took one look in her eyes. Then, he took on the honours. Brushing past the venomous blood that dripped from its wounds, and feeling at its chest for something resembling a pulse. He found it.

  "I-It's breathing."

  "Thank Arceus..." Ellie let out a sigh of relief, turning towards the gym leader. But, before she could utter a word, she took in the scene. Lax arms, falling from his chest down to the floor. Without the will or effort to remain fixed on its position. Her breathing quickened, just when she thought it might slow down. "I-"

  "W-what's wrong?" Lucas took in Ellie's silence instantly, scurrying over to sit by her side. Observing the gym leader. Then, rushing over, attempting to wake Seijo. Gently rocking his arm. But, the man settled. Still breathing. But, unsteadily. "W-What do we do?"

  "I-I" Ellie found herself gasping for air. Now of all times. When she needed her lungs the most, they began to collapse on her. She dived into her bag without responding. Lucas couldn't blame her. Not at a time like this. Torchic came running to his side, attempting some comfort, feathery coat hugging against his leg closely. But, even the adverse effects of the Revive were starting to show. The bags around its eyes grew more apparent by the second.

  "T-Thank you, Torchic." the boy ruffled its feathers, but couldn't stare for too long. Rather, he just watched as the world around him collapsed. The sounds of rough wooden scratching rang through the hall. Harsh clanks, rubble falling, solid foundations collapsing inwards. A vague scent of burning to accompany the smell of rotting poison, mixed with murky iron. People, Pokemon. All fell to ruin around him. Then, when he attempted to make a difference, it seemed like nothing ever changed.

  "Over here!"

  A familiar shout echoed through the room. A rare light through the darkness, signs of further help. Harry appeared at the sliding doors, Treecko running by his side. Following after him came a Nurse Joy and Chansey, carting in a stretcher. Dodging and weaving around the rubble, Nurse Joy arrived at the scene. Ellie coughed and spluttered, letting Lucas take the lead.

  "When did he pass out?" Nurse Joy asked, her Pokemon gently lifting the gym leader's body onto the stretcher.

  "O-only a couple seconds ago, I think. We'd just...been busy trying to help Crobat." Lucas explained, as a stray Pokeball dropped from Seijo's pocket. One marked with the bat's name. Harry quickly swept it up, returning the Pokemon without much more thought. An obvious move that hadn't appeared to neither of the children. Not in this state.

  "Alright, that's it." Nurse Joy lifted the stretcher up, Seijo slotted in comfortably, Chansey helping keep it steady at the back. "Follow me, and keep a tight hold of your Pokemon."

  Her orders came out calm, an unflinching voice, even as the ground crumbled around her, and debris threatened to swallow them all whole. Nurse Joy remained fiercely determined, and so did the children by her side.

  "Cover us, you three," Ellie coughed out, voice coarse. But, the three got the message. Torchic marched ahead, taking the front of the pack, kicking away all the stray planks of wood that settled on the ground, even as attrition began eating away at its energy. Treecko soon rushed in to provide assistance, however, swinging hooks and knocking the shards of wood away.

  Mudkip remained at the tail end of the party, eyes darting for any falling debris. It only took a moment before it found one. A plank of wood, slanted from the ceiling, hanging on by a thread. It wobbled from side to side, right over where the group ran. The Mud Fish growled, watching the plank swing before breaking off from its mothers host. Mudkip leapt into the air, letting a Water Pulse fly. The balloon exploded, launching the plank into the wall, far from the group.

  Ellie'd have stopped to thank her Pokemon for its contributions. But, they hadn't the time. Not while the building continued to crumble to ruin around them. The door soon appeared before them, Torchic letting out high cries to indicate they were close. The front doors of the gym smashed open, with an ambulance waiting outside. The area had already been cornered off with tape, Arcanine and Stoutland dotting the perimeter, preventing anyone else from entering.

  "Is there anyone else in there?" one of the police officers asked the Nurse Joy, as soon as they evacuated the building.

  "No, we were the only ones," Lucas answered. The team waiting at the door breathed a sigh of relief. No need to rush into the broken building.

  "Is he stable?" another nurse came along, lifting the weight of the stretcher from Chansey's arms.

  "I believe so. I haven't had the chance to check." Nurse Joy's eyes glanced back to the three children. Stood, in the middle of a crime scene, eyes wide, expecting someone to tell them what to do. They had no direction beyond survive. So, once out of the fire, they stood waiting for something. Yet, nothing happened. Nurse Joy sighed. "Kids, get in the ambulance, we need to get you checked at a Pokemon Centre."

  They obeyed without question. Rushing into the back of the cramped ambulance, their Pokemon trailing straight behind them. Lucas got one last look at the gym as the ambulance doors shut. Crumbling, decaying, leaving behind an entire family of Pokemon. To be taken away to Arceus knows where. Stolen.

  Again.

  "Just hold still for a moment."

  Another small plaster to treat the many cuts and grazes Lucas had accumulated. Whether from Zorua's claws, diving through sharp planks of wood, or cuts past that had just went untreated. The nurse had been thorough with all of them. Although, none had as many as Lucas. Ellie had a few grazes from her digging through the wood, while Harry came off without much of anything at all. Once more, his Pokemon had taken the damage for him. A fact that could be seen in the boy's expression, tensing thinking about the hurt his Pokemon had been through.

  "I'm terribly sorry this happened to you." the nurse had already apologized once. But, she did it again as she cleaned the last of the small wounds, readjusting his jacket to cover up any injuries.

  "It's not your fault," Lucas answered, on autopilot by this point. He had repeated the same thing last time she said it too. An adequate response, without the need for additional conversation. All he wanted was this over with.

  "Are we free to leave?" Ellie asked before Lucas could. Nurse Joy glanced between the three of them, then slowly nodded.

  "Yes. I'd advise you to get some rest first. You need it after..." the nurse stopped, holding back her emotions for a moment. Couldn't startle the children with her anger at the situation. Not while they were in the room. So, she just looked up, and smiled. "Please stay safe."

  "R-Right..." Lucas responded. The smile never changed from Nurse Joy to Nurse Joy. Yet, something pained Lucas now. The forged expression, artificial and deceitful, even for the purposes of the greater good. Lucas didn't stand to look at it any longer. He got to his feet, and quickly trailed out the room, leaving a murmur of gratitude as he left. Harry and Ellie followed soon after.

  "I'm getting my Pokemon. Or, checking on them if they haven't fully healed," Harry announced to the group first. "You guys going to?"

  "Of course," Lucas answered, with Ellie giving a nod to add. They were all of the same mind. So, all rushed past the hospital rooms without a second of hesitation for anyone left in there. Seijo likely lay in one of the rooms, doctors tending to his injuries of which the children knew nothing but the severity of them. The ambulance ride had told them as such. But, the thoughts of their Pokemon hung first and foremost.

  Emerging from the basement of the Pokemon Centre, they scanned the room. The lobby had their eyes turned straight towards the three. Everyone had remembered the faces of those carted in with the broken gym leader. And thus, they stared at the three. The children attempted to avoid them. But, their gazes came from anywhere, no matter where they looked.

  Even the Nurse Joy behind the counter, who had gracefully dropped everything he was doing to heal their Pokemon first, found himself lost in thought, marking the expressions filled with woe, guilt and sorrow. But, just as he did before, he dropped everything to help them. He quickly disappeared into a backroom, insisting they sit tight. Then, he emerged with a full tray of Pokemon.

  "They're fully restored." he told them, omitting half the statement. Planting the tray onto the surface of the lobby desk, each trainer ravenously snatched their Pokemon, then released them into the world.

  Poochyena emerged from its Pokeball first. Landing on the ground, barking like it hadn't left the battlefield. Huddling close to Harry, prepared to deal with any threat that came its way. But, it was only ever met with kind and sympathetic stares. Poochyena tilted its head curiously, then turned. Harry placed one knee onto the ground, his arms open and unharmed. The pooch's tongue lopped from its mouth, blindly tackling into its trainers arms. Harry chuckled, falling against the floor, feeling its roughened tongue against his pale skin.

  "Welcome back," he uttered with a smile. Poochyena barked in response. Something like 'I'm glad you're safe'. Or, at least, that's what Harry theorised. His thumb then grazed over Treecko's Pokeball. But, where he expected to find a button, he found an opened Pokeball. Yet, no sign of the starter appeared. Letting Poochyena gently onto the ground, his eyes tracked the room. He looked back at the nurse behind the desk. He simply shrugged, with a slight smirk tugging on his lips. Harry quickly turned the other direction, to where an old lady sat, waiting on one of the stools. With a smile, she pointed a wrinkly finger up. Harry's eyes drifted towards the ceiling, where a familiar green gecko swung from the lights. Then, dived down into its trainers' arms.

  "Welcome back to you too, you little showoff." Harry caught the starter with ease, letting it cling to his arm. The gecko huffed proudly, hands on its hips, still taking great pride in its athletics. A small residue of poison remained planted on its chest, a decaying mark that couldn't quite have been removed with the medicine they had available. But, Treecko wore it with pride. What good was a battler without a cool scar? (even if the scar looked more akin to a birthmark)

  Next came Ellie's Pokemon. Mudkip leapt from its Pokeball, quite literally. The ball didn't even touch ground before it emerged, soaring through the air, then landing on the floor. Its tail fin wagged, observing its surroundings for only a moment. Then, when it saw Ellie's boots, it came running along the floor, nuzzling into her leg, letting out a great cry at its trainer's safety. Then, Ellie hoisted the Pokemon into her arms, letting it up onto the counter. Right next to the Psychic type.

  Ralts took a moment to adjust to the blindingly white lights. The pungent emotions, too. Particularly from the trainers all around. They were safe, without much danger surrounding them. But, that didn't prevent them from feeling like they were still in the midst of the battle. Even Ralts felt the same emotion. Especially as it felt at the horn adorning its green helmet. Bent ever so slightly out of place, with light scarring showing around the horn.

  "Does anything hurt?" Ellie asked, keen to notice the slight shift in the horn. Mudkip even expressed its own concerns, a gentle paw cradling Ralts' own hand. The Feeling Pokemon looked around, then nodded. It smiled. With that smile, it felt the knot loosen slightly in Ellie's stomach. Good enough to put Ralts' worries to rest. Especially as the three settled into a comfortable embrace.

  Finally, Lucas' Pokemon. Torchic first. Although, the energy it could give at a time like this left something to be desired. Its injuries had been fully restored. Not a feather on its orange coat seemed out of place. And, even when its energy had been completely drained, the tiny chick gave its best to make Lucas feel safe. Leaping into his arms, letting Lucas squeeze it tight. Then, wrapping its supple legs around Lucas, with the vague attempt to return the gesture.

  "You're all okay, buddy, right?" Lucas looked down at Torchic. Torchic still reeled from the effects of the Revive. Its second wind really did come at a cost. But, Torchic still felt compelled to nod. No pain inflicted its body. Just an intense need, desire, just to rest its eyes and sleep in peace.

  Then, finally, came Zorua. Landing on the desk much the same as Torchic did. Whimpering as it emerged, its body tensed, bracing for impact. Yet, the impact had been long over. Now, it found itself under the harsh lighting of somewhere else entirely. With the enemy gone, yet its breaths still heavy. Healthy as it was, yet with its mind trapped in the crumbling building. Lucas smiling, yet only with the solace the injuries hadn't been too bad. Not with any true, resounding joy.

  "It has some scarring beneath the fur. Its hardly noticeable. But, I thought you'd like to know," Nurse Joy added. Lucas nodded, slowly and carefully raising a hand to brush against the Dark type's fur. Sure enough, where the toad's blow had struck, a small scar had etched into its skin. Almost obscured, nearly unidentifiable. Yet, Zorua could still feel the pain. Not only of the fight. But, of them. The people who had taken everything.

  Zorua dropped to the surface of the desk, letting its limbs flop loosely. Tears formed out of the corners of its eyes. Wet, sobbing eyes met Lucas, begging for him to bring good news about the criminals. Say they hadn't gotten away with it again. Say they'd been apprehended, held for their crimes. Say it wasn't all for nought. But, Lucas could do none of these things.

  "H-hey...don't cry, it's ok."

  The boy uttered it, then winced at the sound of it. His hands went brushing over Zorua's fur. But, the fox had already loosened up all the tension in its bones. Whatever comfort a trainer's touch could bring only got lost under the raging ocean of grief. Guilt, fear. Zorua huddled closer to his chest, sobbing into his jacket. Claws dug into his clothing tight, loosening his jacket slightly. Only then, did it see the small injuries Lucas held underneath. Then, the tears beginning to drop from Lucas's face.

  "I-we tried to fight them, b-but..." he didn't have to smile. But, the boy forced himself to. For whatever purpose. "W-we're a long way from where we want to be...aren't we?"

  Zorua dug its head into his chest again. The tears only continued. Either side. Torchic felt it an obligation to help alleviate the grief. But, even it found itself struck with guilt. Exactly what its trainer was feeling. The boy looked close to breaking down. Expression haking like a boat caught on the rocks, threatening to shatter into pure sorrow and guilt.

  "We'll-We'll get stronger. We'll fight back, and we won't lose again, and I won't let those people steal anything from you again. You'll be safe, and I'll be safe, and everything will be fine, and we-I-"

  Lucas found himself caught up on his final words. The tears had strained his throat enough for the boy to struggle to say much else Then, to stop entirely, as a warm embrace came from either side. Harry and Ellie's arms. With even their Pokemon coming to join in with the hug. The eyes once more rested upon them, although not a person made a noise to disturb the moment. A solemn moment. For kids dealing with something too big, too young.

  Good evening. Earlier today, an attack was inflicted upon the Petalburg Gym while a Gym Challenge was underway. Police are currently investigating the situation, but reports indicate that it was a group that arrived by means of a futuristic drill. Gym Leader Seijo has been seen carted away to the local Pokemon Centre, as were three trainers, presumably all taking the gym challenge. We have our Petalburg reporter with more inf-

  A knock rattled against the door. Ellie set the news to silent as quick as she could reach the remote. Then, she carefully jumped from the bed, her Pokémon accompanying her to the door. Her hand reached for the doorknob. Then, the girl gestured towards the entrance, eyes locked on Ralts. An energy radiated from the Psychic type's palms. Then it nodded. Safe.

  Ellie breathed a sigh of relief, gently letting the door open. Lucas stood on the other side. Arms full, Torchic and Zorua cuddling into one another. Each knocked out, exhausted from their bout earlier in the day. Snoring gently. It was getting around that time, anyways. But, it seemed neither trainer wanted to rest.

  "Sorry to intrude, I just...wanted to talk to you," Lucas muttered. Ellie hummed, then stood out of the doorway. A sign of passage. Lucas nodded, keeping his chest and arms as still as possible, slow methodical steps thudding against the ground. Anything not to wake them from their well deserved rest. Slowly but surely, Lucas' arms descended until his arms felt at the duvet, and his grip of the two Pokémon let go. But, the two Pokemon never let go of each other.

  "Thank Arceus," Lucas breathed a massive sigh of relief. His hands went fishing around in his backpack, retrieving the Zorua plushie and placing it in the mix. Then, collapsing into a nearby chair. Ellie moved to sit on the bed. But, seeing the two sleeping so soundly, she couldn't quite bring herself to do it. Instead, she let her back slide against the side of the bed, sitting on the floor by Ralts and Mudkip. But, at the sight of Ellie on the ground, Lucas quickly shot out the chair. "Sorry, you should have a seat here."

  "It's fine, I really don't mind you can have it," Ellie insisted. But, Lucas responded with a fierce shake of his head, extending a hand to help Ellie up.

  "Not while you're on the floor. This is your room after all."

  "I can already tell you're not gonna let this go." Ellie took Lucas' hand. But, instead of being helped to her feet, she yanked Lucas' arm, dragging him down to the floor. "So, we'll both be uncomfy, on the floor."

  "I...that works," Lucas sheepishly admitted, fixing the terrible posture he had fallen at, and taking a place right next to Ellie. The two conscious Pokemon crowded around, Mudkip sitting between the two, while Ralts took its place on Ellie's lap. Lucas' hand absently brushed against Mudkip's fin, smiling, then taking a glance at the muted television. A reporter stood outside the gym, yellow tape dotting the area, protected by police.

  "You wanted to know more, I'm assuming?" Lucas asked, Ellie glancing to him. Then, she looked to Ralts, fingers feeling against its horn, nodding.

  "I hoped they'd have a few more answers. But, I suppose, we're the ones with the most answers in the world right now."

  "Doesn't feel great to bear the answers though, does it?"

  "No, no it doesn't," Ellie responded with a frown. The conversation settled down, without quite the words to put together. Lucas mentioned wanting to talk, but stared at the wall opposite her direction. Ellie could only assume it came with lots of troubled thoughts about the gym. She made an attempt to ease into the conversation, her hand gently falling onto his shoulder. But, Lucas' body flinched, before his eyes darted to meet Ellie's. Then, his stance softened. Ellie's eyes glanced up and down, as Lucas tried his best to smile.

  "W-What's up?" he stuttered out.

  "How...how are you doing?"

  "Oh, fine!" Lucas lied. An unconvincing lie. Ellie wasn't convinced a single bit. But, Lucas was quick to switch the subject, before Ellie could track him on his lie. "Besides, I came in here, because I think you'll have more answers than me."

  "Hm? About what?" Ellie asked, wanting desperately to reroute the subject back to Lucas. But, if he insisted on changing the subject, then she'd let him be. At least it'd be easier to get somewhere if she held the keys to whatever Lucas sought.

  "During the battle..." Lucas started, his memories falling to the Petalburg Gym. The battle with that crazed admin. Gladius, or whatever his name was. One key quote stuck out amongst the rest. In the midst of the death threats, deadly Pokemon, crumbling buildings, it stood out like a sore thumb.

  What's wrong? I thought I trained you better than that!

  "Did that admin, Gladius...know Mudkip?"

  Lucas soon got his answer. But, not verbally. Rather, Mudkip's body trembled under the mention of the admin's name. Its head dropped lower, settling down onto the floor. Ellie took a deep breath, then scooped Mudkip into her arms. Settling the Water type down in her lap, she brushed her hand gently against its cheek. Mudkip eased into the motion, the spikes brushing against her pale skin. Affection helped settle the stress, although nothing fully did away with it yet.

  "If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to," Lucas insisted, not wanting to pry too much. But, Ellie shook her head.

  "No, it's ok. I have no reason to hide Mudkip's origins from you." Ellie took in another deep breath. "Gladius knew Mudkip. Trained it."

  "Then, how?"

  Ellie's hand continued to stroke over Mudkip's cheek. The other drummed against the floor, fingers tapping away. Despite her insistence on not hiding anything, a mental barrier still felt strong enough to hold her back from truly admitting anything. Maybe, on a good day, that mental barrier would've held strong. But, with the fatigue of the day, she couldn't imagine a better time to do it. Not with the danger they'd been through.

  Ralts shuffled up beside her. Green eyes made contact with Ralts' rosey eyes. The Emotion Pokemon settled its palms onto Ellie's hand. Insisting it was okay, and the right thing to do. Ellie still couldn't be so sure. But, another opinion re-enforcing her actions didn't hurt. Especially one that could read emotions. Ellie turned back to Lucas.

  "Mudkip...Mudkip isn't exactly mine."