AN: Hey Guys, it's me again. I'm back with another chapter. And I'm not gonna make any more until I get some REVIEWS. And, PLEASE, no FLAMES on my Grammar ,thanks. I know a little bit about what I'm doing, alright? Thanks for your support, and ENJOY :)

Third Person P.O.V

Both Will and Ember looked around. Dewford town was a quaint town.

"Just to give you an idea, in Dewford there are only a few places worth visiting. You can go to Granite Cave, where you can catch Abra, Zubat,Aron,Geodude and Makuhita, or you can go to the Contest Hall and register for the Contest in Slateport, which is tomorrow."

"I think I'll go to the Pokemon Centre to heal up my team first!" said Ember.

"I'll meet you here in about an hour," replied Will.

Will's P.O.V

I decided to go to Granite Cave. On the way, I battled two fishermen who only had Magikarp. What is the use of a pathetic Pokemon when you don't evolve it into something so much better?

I entered the cave. I wanted to catch Nosepass, so I used my Nincada to swiftly catch it in about 2 minutes. Not bad.

Then, I sensed someone else there. He was in the lowest chamber, which I now had access to. I went down. Then, I saw him. It was Steven. THE Steven. Champion Steven.

"Hello Will. Don't be surprised that I know who you are; your reputation preceeds you. I suppose you are here to catch Nosepass, the Pokemon that resides here?" he said

"That was my original intention, yes. But since you're here, my plan has changed. Do you mind if we have a battle?" I asked him.

"Of course not." was his reply

"Does 3 on 3 sound good?" I questioned.

"Yes, of course," was his response.

I picked through my pokemon, choosing the three that would help me win this battle. I decided to open with Fletchinder, as he had helped me thrash Ash and was a solid pokemon. With a flash, Fletchinder flew out from my Aura Crystal and looked ready to begin.

Steven looked him over, but instead of going for a type advantage as I had expected him to, he opened with Skarmory.

I chuckled. Perhaps this champion wasn't as good as people make him out to be. I decided to use the same combo I had used against Ash.

"Fletchinder, Flame Charge!"

"Skarmory, Stealth Rock!"

I watched Fletchinder slam into Skarmory, dealing some solid damage with the power of the move and the type advantage. However, the metal bird seemed hardly fazed at all and scattered some pointy-looking rocks around my team. I didn't feel impressed, and decided to continue the battle. My pokemon weren't weak to Stealth Rock, and the hazard damage was minimal. I waited for Steven to order.

"Skarmory, lay down some spikes. As many as you can manage.".

"Fletchinder, use Heat Wave! Don't let up!". I ordered. I wanted to take down Skarmory quickly, before he can add up those hazards.

Fletchinder's wave of flame washes over Skarmory. The bird seemed to be hurt badly, but manages to hang on. After some spikes are scattered around my team's ground, the burn finished him off.

"Impressive. Not many trainers can take down my first Pokemon," Steven said

"Good Job, Fletchinder." I patted the bird on the head. He had performed well.

And then Steven sent out his next pokemon. "Go, Metagross.".

I was slightly surprised. I was not very confident, but not enough to lose control. I began calculating how to take down that armored titan, Steven's most powerful pokemon.

"Metagross, show him your strength.". Steven smiled. I did not like how he didn't even order the metagross to do anything. He had obviously been through many battles with the steel type. Not knowing what he was planning, I decided to go for evasion.

"Fletchinder, use Flame Charge. If he tries to attack, go into agility and double team.".

It was the same combo I had used against Ash's Pikachu. I watched Fletchinder blast into Metagross full speed. The armored titan simply took it without flinching at all, and swung forward his arm, which was covered with a cosmic like energy. Fletchinder tried to dodge, but the beast was fast for it's size and the blow connected. Dazed, Fletchinder flew around a bit before losing balance and landing on the ground in a faint.

I winced;my facade broke for a didn't see.

"Go, Shelgon.". My trusty Shelgon sprang out from the crystal. It eyed the Metagross with suspicion. I saw it wince as the pointed stones and spikes dug into him.

"Shelgon, use Flamethrower. Keep at it.".

I saw Shelgon breathe out a stream of fire. It washed over Metagross, and the steel type didn't even blink. He simply walked forward and swung his arm again, slamming it into Shelgon and cutting the stream of fire short as Shelgon toppled. But he wasn't down, not yet. Suddenly Shelgon began to glow.

The outer shell fell away. A Salamence roared as he emerged from the cocoon in which he had grown. Finally. Shelgon has evolved.

"Salamence. Use Fireblast, and follow up with Earthquake!". I was confident. With this powerful dragon at my command, the battle is mine.

"Metagross. You know what to do.". Steven again refused to give an order.

My Salamence roared. A molten stream of fire flew out from it's mouth, slamming into the Metagross for what seemed like extreme damage. The metal was charred by the blast. But Salamence was not done. He stomped down, and the cave shook as the very earth headed his command. Metagross again took the hit without flinching, at all. Then, he began to glow. A purple sphere of energy formed around it, and something similar shone out from Steven's bracelet. The sphere burst, and a monster stared me in the eye. It was massive. The claws Metagross had had been sharpened into blade-like talons, and a spike was protruding from Metagross's chin. The giant's claw charged up what seemed like ice type energy, and slammed into my Salamence. Salamence roared with pain, and collapsed.

I was stunned. My dragon had been taken down in one hit.

But the fight was not yet over. I still had my last pokemon.

"Go, Breloom.".

My Breloom jumped out from my crystal. He eyed the metagross.

"Metagross, finish this.". Steven ordered. I found it hard to believe he was so calm when his ace pokemon has taken a severe pummeling, but now I was starting to see why he was the champion.

"Breloom, use Spore. When he falls asleep, use leech seed. Follow it up with some mach punches.".

I watched Breloom scatter green spores from his hand. They drifted towards Metagross, who eyed them curiously. Then, the giant sprang into action. Rushing forward at speeds that was hard to imagine for something so monstrous, he burst through the spore cloud. I was surprised, but hid it well. The spores would take effect, and all will be fine. But something was wrong. Metagross's eyes were already closed. He was asleep already.

I watched, as the giant's sleeping body still flew forward, and slammed into Breloom at full force. I saw it almost in slow motion. He toppled, and fell.

My Breloom fainted.

Steven left the chamber.

I had lost.

This was a dream. It had to be. I can't have lost. This is impossible. No… This cannot be. The whole point was to prove to my father that I'm better. My dream… gone.

3rd Person P.O.V

Tears ran down Will's face. It was over. Nothing he could do about it.

He sat down on the floor and thought. Something he was good at. He had an epiphany. For two years, he had been training, but he hadn't made a specific team to counter the Champion. He was going to win. But, with a smile he remembered that he hadn't used any of his strong Pokemon. No one knew his true power. Not even the Champion. It was time. Time to claim his legacy. He made a decision. He would accompany Ember as far as Slateport, and then start training on his own. He would meet up again with her at Petalburg. He went out of the cave, but before that, he put his emotionless facade on. No one could know the turmoil within him. He saw Ember waiting outside the Pokemon Center.

"Hi Will!" she exclaimed.

"Ember," he replied politely.

"Let's stay the night at the Pokemon Centre, alright?" said Will.

They went inside and booked two rooms.

Vern's P.O.V.

Braviary swooped down and landed just as the trainer I saw earlier entered the Pokemon Centre. I didn't follow, simply walking into the cave. I could see signs of battle there, as well as an imprint that was undoubtedly made by something large and heavy. There was nothing to see. Just some charred marks on the floor and some damage done. I walked out.

The trainer is interesting. I do not know him, but somehow I think he already knows me. That is yet to be seen, but I am looking forward to meeting this trainer a lot more than I first expected.

"It is dark. Absol, guide me". Absol sprang from a pokeball, and looked up at me with what I would call a slight smile. She lead the way, and I followed. Braviary would get there by himself. He preferred it that way.

Absol lead me to my home. It was what normal people call a "Secret Base". I call it home. It's quite comfortable in there, and I have everything I need, even a bed. I quickly let all my pokemon out of their pokeballs. They liked it in there, but preferred it out here. Soon, all my pokemon: A Swablu, a Bisharp, a Serperior, and a Zoroark. Braviary came squeezing through the door, which was designed to fit a human, not a bird that has a wingspan of two meters or so.

I sat down and ate dinner. Noodles again. A routine is good, it helps bring some element of reliability to your life. I fed my pokemon some berries, and went to bed, with a full stomach. For a kid living alone, I don't do badly.

It was late night when I awoke. My Absol was tapping me on my shoulder.

"Absol? What?" I asked, still groggy from sleep.

Absol ran towards the door and back again. "A walk?" I ask. She nods. I comply, waking Braviary, Zoroark, Serperior, Bisharp, and Swablu. They were sleeping sound, but seemed excited to come with me.

We squeezed out of the secret base and into the darkness.

"Absol, guide us.". I commanded. Absol obliged, and we followed her through the darkness. She lead me to the cave I had visited this evening. I was curious. There were sounds of training inside.

I ran in front of my pokemon, who had no trouble keeping up with me. I arrived at the entrance, and looked in. I saw the trainer I had followed here. He was training with a Garchomp, a Metagross, a Salamence, Breloom,Fletchinder,Lucario,Gallade and what seemed like… the legendary Eon duo.

What. The...

I breathed in, and out. Then, I stepped in and sat down on a rock, watching him train his pokemon.

"I know you're there," said Will. "I sensed you outside the cave."

I laughed. "You have aura powers?" I asked.

"Aura Powers along with Psychic ones. They alert me to any eavesdroppers. That includes one such person who is standing right in front of me."

I chuckle. "Well, they aren't very accurate. For one, I'm sitting." I say. I refrain from mentioning the Eon duo, despite curiosity trying to get it's way.

"Well, at least you are smart enough to question my Pokemon. Don't try to deny it. You are as curious about my Eon Duo as I am about who you are."

I smile again. "I'm not going to. Why should I deny the truth? After all, curiosity brought me here and is keeping me here."

"Did it ever occur to you that curiosity killed the cat?" Will asked.

"I'm not a cat." I reply. "and curiosity is a virtue."

"That would depend on the context," was his reply. "Now GET OUT!" showcasing a rare display of emotion. Will did not want anyone witnessing him in this weakened state. But it was too late. The damage had been done.

I smile, and decided to leave him on his own and allow him to calm down. I get up and walk out the cave, and sit down on the sand just outside. I could wait.

Five minutes later I feel myself moving against my will. I was pulled to the cave with some sort of blue energy. Telekinesis. I smiled. He obviously wanted me back in, and I stopped resisting and obliged. I was only partly correct. It wasn't him that wanted me. I had a pressing appointment with the Eon Duo.

Will was being shouted at by Latias. Since I wasn't psychic, I couldn't hear what was going on.

Latios stood in front of me. I petted him, since he seemed comfortable enough in my presence.

Vern. You have come a long way from the 8 year old boy I used to see in the skies. I remember you.

I watched Latios closely. It felt strangely normal having someone talk to me in my head. I decided to reply out loud, as I was not sure they could hear me if I just thought.

"Wait… you remember me? What?" I say. I feel strangely honored, but at the same time suspicious.

You are right to be suspicious Vern, son of Winona. As am I. To be honest, and I will be honest with you, I am not a compassionate Pokemon, despite the way the myths portray me as one. I couldn't care less whether you talk to my master or travel with him, but Latias thinks that you could help him. However, I give you this warning once, and only once. If you even THINK of harming my master, you will have TWO legends to deal with. And I also tell you this. I am more than capable of crushing you. But, you should feel honored. Latias has branded you friend of the Legends, and I will go along with her scheme. Do not disappoint us.

I feel surprised and a little shocked. "Whoa, you know a lot about me." I say. "I'm not going to harm him, do not worry.". I feel somewhat unnerved at the fact that the pokemon has just stated he could crush me. I know this is probably true, but the fact that he knows it and is not afraid to flaunt it in my face is unsettling.

"Did Latios give you the 'I am all powerful' speech yet?" asked a bemused Will who was watching all the while.

"Don't worry. He's actually a softie on the inside. He's just so serious sometimes. Latias keeps telling me he needs to mellow out a little."

Hey! I take offense to that! was Latios's response.

"Come here ya big brute," was Will's comment.

Latios floated up to him and nuzzled him a little.

"But seriously, do not cross them. Latios wasn't kidding when he said he could crush you."

I smile. "You're really close to them, huh?" I ask. "If you don't mind me asking, where did you… befriend them?". I didn't use the word "catch", because some pokemon find that word offensive.

"I am sorry, but telling you that could mean that 'certain beings' might smite me, and I prefer being alive, thank you very much."

At exactly that second, a loud flash could be heard from the skies.

"Jeez Rayquaza, Latios isn't the only one who needs to mellow out a bit. Just SHUT UP for once! You're just jealous that Arceus didn't let you join me. Whoops! TMI!TMI!"

A black and white ray of what looked like a super powerful move, nearly hit Will and he had to barrel roll out of the way.

"Sorry! Sorry! Have mercy on me, Arceus! Please don't kill me! I'm just a lowly human, who should grovel at your feet"

Exactly one second after he said this, a huge sound that sounded suspiciously like laughter echoed across the skies.

"Oh Wow! Real funny Arceus!"

"Okay…" I tried to hold back laughter at the scene that transpired. I had taken a liking to this trainer called Will. "Seeing that you have angered Lord Arceus, perhaps we should mellow this conversation a bit and switch to some less… touchy subjects.".

"Nah… Me and Arceus are like bros. We're like… real tight. Deal with it bro.".

I was taken aback. "You get comfortable with people really fast, huh." I say. "I'm afraid I do not feel like I know you just yet."

His eyes became cold once again. "I have known Arceus for 8 years of my life. I would advise you to not comment on topics you barely any knowledge of. Some people interpret that as something… Oh how should I put this in a way that won't offend you… much. I believe the appropriate response to your statement would be to MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS."

Then, the smiling mask was put in place again, and it was like there were two different people there altogether, along with me.

I was unsettled. I turned around, and beckoned for my pokemon to come in. They did, with Absol leading the way and Braviary coming in last. I decided that I needed to get to know this trainer. And what better way to do that than a battle? I turn back to him

"Don't ask me, I already know. You want a battle. Well, who am I to refuse. How about a 5 on 5?" He asked.

"You're on." I smile. The battle began.

3rd Person P.O.V

"Fletchinder , may the Aura guide you!" Will shouted, as he called on Fletchinder to appear.

Fletchinder appeared with a flash.

"Swablu, may the… um… the... never mind, just go." Vern said. He had originally wanted to make it sound cool, but decided it wasn't worth the trouble.

A Swablu appeared in a bright flash of light as the flying duck sprang from it's pokeball.

"Flame Charge." Will ordered.

"Swablu! Use Cotton Guard and follow up with Dragon Pulse!" Vern shouted. This technique was a staple for his Swablu, who knew it well.

Fletchinder blazes into Swablu, who staggers and takes the hit. Suddenly, she seems to grow, as cotton expands around her and encases him in a soft wall that deters physical attacks. The Swablu then releases Dragon Pulse, hitting Fletchinder full on.

"Aerial Ace, Fletchinder."

"Mirror Move."

"Steel Wing" Will ordered, with full confidence.

Swablu is hit by Aerial Ace, but before Fletchinder could react, a mirror forms and the same attack suddenly flies back out at it and grazes him, causing the fire bird to wince. Not yet beaten, Fletchinder covers one of his wings with steel energy, and flies forward and slashes Swablu with it. Swablu takes it with it's heightened defences, but looks somewhat bruised.

"Aerial Ace, but rely on your Gale Wings for priority"

"Swablu, you can take the Aerial Ace. Use cotton gua-"

He was cut off by Will

"Aerial Ace again! Use Gale Wings for another priority."

"Fair enough, Roost."

Both Pokemon were panting now, and even with the added recovery roost provided, Swablu was beginning to tire. Fletchinder had hit it many times with Aerial Ace, and Roost just wasn't enough to heal her fully just yet.

Both Pokemon started glowing. Fletchinder evolved first. His body grew and grew, and wings that were once small began to expand.

" Good… This has taken almost too long to happen. Finally…" was Will's response to the events taking was a fire in Will's eyes. " You have claimed your birthright. Take flight, Talonflame!"

Swablu too was glowing. Her body elongated, and a neck was growing. Soon, the stubby wings that had once been a burden more than a help were becoming majestic instead of simply "cute". An Altaria evolved from the glow.

"Altaria…" Vern smiled. "Mother would like this wouldn't she? Are you ready?"

It was time.

"Talonflame, Brave Bird, with Gale Wings to help you. DON'T GIVE UP! Till the end."

"Altaria, you know what to do. Just… do as you've been taught. This is gonna be epic."

"Now!" they both shouted in unison, as the two birds encircled each other.

Talonflame was encased in a light blue aura, and started glowing and with a screech, he flew forward, at lightning speed. He was like a god. Moltres himself would envy him. Altaria saw him coming. She did not flinch at all. Releasing Dragon Pulse, she circled it around herself, and released cotton guard. A swirling tornado of cotton spores and dragon energy circled Altaria. Talonflame blazed forward, slamming through the protective wall and smashing into Altaria. There was a screech of pain, and a blinding white light was all that could be seen for a while. When it died down, both pokemon were on the ground, fainted.

"You have potential, no doubt about it. Let's continue this battle. I won't rest until we finish this. Well done Talonflame. You have fulfilled your duty. You have served me with honor. Return and rest." Will said to his Talonflame, which was tucked safely inside his pokeball.

Vern withdrew Altaria, patting the pokeball. "Well done, buddy. You would do mother proud.". He looks back up at Will, and smiles. "My mother taught me that maneuver. Ready?"

"Very well, let's do our best. We both send out our Pokemon at the count of…1,2,3!" Will shouted.

"Go, Serperior! Get ready for battle!" Vern's grass snake sprang out from the pokeball, eyes gazing at Will with confidence.

"Lucario, Battle Stance." Will's Lucario sprang out from the aura crystal, and stood facing Serperior.

"Use Extremespeed."

"Leaf Storm!"

Lucario was covered in a white aura of power, and he darted across the cave, slamming into Serperior, but he was hit by a close range storm of leaves. Lucario took the brunt of the attack, which was already insanely strong close-range attack. Serperior was still damaged somewhat, though.

"Use Dragon Pulse!" Will ordered Lucario.

"Leaf Tornado!" Vern yelled, watching Serperior unleash his signature attack.

Lucario readied his hands, forming the iconic position of drawing his hands back and balancing himself with his feet. A ball of dragon energy charged up in his palm, which he prepared to shoot at the Serperior. Serperior responded by whipping up the leaves already lying around on the ground after Leaf Storm into a fearsome tornado, obscuring the Lucario's vision. Lucario had released the pulse already, and had guided it to it's target by his ability to detect aura, giving him a perfect pinpoint on Serperior's position. Serperior took the brunt of the attack, getting knocked back, and watched as the tornado of leaves pelted the Lucario from left to right.

"Lucario, use Ice Punch,"

"Glare and Frenzy Plant!" Vern smiled as he ordered. This was a powerful combo, and stopped physical attackers like Will's Lucario in their tracks and pelted them until they went down.

Lucario charged his fist up with ice energy, and rushed forward to take down Serperior once and for all. Unperturbed, Serperior rose up and glared threateningly at Lucario, freezing it in it's tracks. Lucario tried to move forward, but was immobilized by the paralysis, and took the attack, and collapsed under the onslaught of vines, leaves, grass, and energy that swirled around him. Collapsing on the ground, he fainted.

"Lucario! Come back now! That performance was absolutely pathetic. It's obvious you need more training. Return for now…."

"My, you're a nice person... I sure hope you don't treat all your pokemon like that… blech." Vern wasn't impressed with the way this trainer was treating his pokemon, but simply took it as a weird personality quirk.

" I would advise you to not question my methods. I'm simply… motivating Lucario to become stronger. He knows that if I really thought he was pathetic I would have released him by now. At least he realises that he needs to do better."

"Mhm..." Vern said, not entirely convinced, but allowing it to pass.

"We shall. Salamence, the stage is yours for the taking. Show them the true power of a dragon."

"Use Flamethrower. Continuously."

"Serperior, substitute and take the flamethrower. Hit back with dragon pulse."

A wave of flame washed over Serperior. Amid the blast, the Serperior fainted. However, when the flames cleared up, Serperior was alive and whole, and released a stream of dragon energy, blasting Salamence for extra damage. Salamence winced but did not falter: the battle would be over soon.

"Serperior, Dragon Pulse again."

"Flamethrower. Use that speed you gained through evolution."

Waves of flames washed over Serperior. It looked like it hurt, and the dragon pulse disappeared amidst the flames. When the flames cleared up, Salamence seemed fine: the dragon pulse had gone wide and only scratched him. Serperior was another story.

A cold smile appeared on Will's face.

"You see… Your loss is inevitable. I thought you could actually challenge me. Perhaps I was wrong." Will said, with contempt.

"You know, knocking out one of my pokemon after I knocked out one of yours doesn't constitute a win." Vern said, smiling slightly beside himself at the other trainer's ego. "I'm beginning to like your way of talking less and less."

A Bisharp stood, with it's armor gleaming, even in the stygian darkness of the cave at midnight.

And so the battle continued. The rest was uninteresting and strangely savage, but the night was ending, and both trainer's pokemon had fallen. Vern was left with his Braviary, and Will with Gallade and Metagross.

"Braviary, good luck. You can do this, I've trained you well."

"This battle has been an interesting one, but it's the end of the road here. Gallade, battle stance!"

"Brave Bird!"

"Stop that overgrown bird in midair with Psychic."

Braviary was tossed around with Psychic energy like a beachball, before it could attack.

"Evasive maneuver and Brave Bird, Now!"

"Be watchful, Gallade. We do not know what he is planning"

Braviary rammed into one of the walls of the cave, ridding itself of the Psychic. It then used Protect, and flew towards Gallade. Before Will could say anything, Gallade was covered with blue energy, and there was sounds of blows exchanged. When it subsided, Gallade had fainted on the ground.

"You have met your match Gallade. How sickening. You couldn't stand a chance against Braviary. Although, you were adequate when performing your move. Rest now."

"I commend you for getting this far, but you have to realize that I have not been using my strongest team at all, not to mention the fact that I have not used the Eon Duo. But, you have proved yourself worthy enough. It is time. Metagross, my faithful starter, battle stance!"

Braviary was a tough Pokemon. Braviary was a brave Pokemon. The titan did not terrify him, but there was enough steel and cold metal to unnerve him slightly. However, Braviary shook off the unease and was ready for battle. Will sensed his emotions. His original plan hadn't worked, but it would, eventually.

"Use Iron Head sequence B." Will ordered.

"Fair enough. A close-quarters battle it is." Vern ordered, knowing Braviary was proficient at close quarters combat.

Metagross charged, demonstrating remarkable speed for the armored titan. It slammed into Braviary head-first, but Braviary took the hit without flinching and hit back with a flurry of blows that dented metal. Metagross did not let up. Over and over they collided, and soon they both showed strains of tiring.

Vern watched as both pokemon weakened. "Braviary, finish this. Brave bird, Crush Claw!"

Will watched as well. He wasn't surprised at all, it had been planned. Time for the knockout punch. "Thunderpunch and Meteor Mash."

Braviary charged up himself yet again, and smashed straight into the center of Metagross's cross with a terrific flash. Metagross reeled from the impact, but calmed himself and struck back. Hard. The thunderpunch collided not with Braviary himself but with a taloned claw, which grabbed the hand and crushed it, damaging the metal slightly. Metagross roared, then raised his other hand and slammed it into Braviary's side. The recoil from Brave Bird and the damage the punch did was too much even for Braviary to handle, and he toppled and fell.

"I have won." Will smiled. "That was satisfactory."

"Satisfactory because you won." Vern smiles. "Well, that was pretty fun."

Both trainers decided to call it a night. They both exited the cave. Poor cave. The floor was charred from the battle with the Champion, and the battle with some of the greatest trainers of the new age.

The Next Morning at Breakfast in the Pokemon Centre

Ember and Will woke up in the morning, with Ember not knowing about Will's little night time excursion in Granite Cave.

"Will, are you going to challenge Brawly today?"

"I hope to do so," replied Will.

"I'm going fishing today! I want to get a Magikarp, and evolve it into Gyarados," she said, adding in the last part hastily; knowing how biased Will's views were on the area of evolution.

"A worthy aim, although it may take some time. Before you leave, I'd like you to meet my friend Vern. We met yesterday at Granite Cave."

"Hello Vern!" said Ember brightly

Vern inclined his head and nodded his greeting.

"Vern is a very accomplished trainer, and he actually made me think I had met my match!" Will told her. "He's going to travel with us until Slateport, and then we'll see what happens from there."

"I think I'll come with you." Vern said, nodding his head. "There's a pokemon I want in the area. It's name is Carvanha, evolves into Sharpedo."

"Sure you can come!" Ember says. "I'm sure we'll have a nice time." She turns to Will, waving goodbye, and runs across the beach to find a spot.

Will nods, sighing inwardly, before turning away, and with a quick nod of goodbye in Vern's direction. He headed for the gym. He also realised that he had an errand to run for Director Stone. He would do that once he reached Slateport

Vern's P.O.V.

I trotted down the beach, following Ember. She was introduced to me by Will, and seemed like a nice person. I looked behind me and saw Braviary flying around the beach, having fun by diving down and scaring the multitude of fish that swam there.

I skidded to a stop where Ember had sat down already, and had made herself comfortable. She had a rod, and it wasn't a pretty one. I resolved to get her one later. I then took out my one rod, which I had won in a battle with a seasoned fisherman. It was a beauty, and was very well made. I cast the line, and prepared myself for a long wait. Carvanha's are hard to come by, and when they do appear they are hard to catch.

I saw Ember twitching impatiently. Fishing takes patience, and patience was hard to come by. I suppress a chuckle and return to watching my rod's line intently, waiting for a bite.

"How long does it take for one of those to bite?" Ember asked, almost to herself. She was obviously impatient, and I decided to give her a quick lesson on fishing while we each waited on our respective fish.

"Fishing takes patience." I say. "The rods are built so that when the fish bites, the rod will shake, and you will know. So keep your hand on your rod at all times."

She nods, and quickly reaches for her rod, which had been left on the sand.

"When they do bite, there's usually a button." I tell her, pointing towards the big red button on my rod. "Press it, and the rod will reel in the fish. Then, you catch it with a pokeball the same way you would catch a normal pokemon.".

Ember nods, and suddenly jumps. I watched as she reeled in a Magikarp. I sighed, somewhat enviously. Magikarps are common, and they were easy to catch. My goal, Carvanha, was more like the opposite.

I saw Ember catch the Magikarp with a pokeball. She waves goodbye, and heads towards the gym to watch Will's battle. I decide to stay and wait for the Carvanha to bite. Gym battles were not that much fun to watch. Usually the challenger is utterly crushed, or the opposite happens. In Will's case, I suspected the latter.

Will's P.O.V.

The gym so far has been boring. The trainers didn't have powerful pokemon, and the lighting system was easily overcome. I'm getting disappointed with Hoenn's gyms, but I have yet to get to the fun ones, so I'll reserve judgment for now.

I stand before Brawly, and listen to him give his "challenger comes" speech.

"I'm Brawly! Dewford's Gym Leader! I've been churned in the rough waves of these parts... And I've grown tough using the cave at the outskirts of this town as my training ground, as well as using the equipment in this Gym. So you want to challenge me? Let me see what you're made of!"

I sigh inwardly. These gym leaders are worse than Ketchum.

"I'm willing to accept your challenge." I say.

I choose Garchomp to lead this battle.

He leads with Machop. Pathetic. A first evolution.

Garchomp comes out with it's usual blue flash.

"Whoa, that's one strong looking Pokemon bro," was the Gym Leader's comment.

"Enough talk. Let's battle," was my reply.

Without further ado, we began.

" Machop! Use Karate Chop."

"Intercept and use Brick Break."

The Karate Chop hit my Garchomp, and did not seem to faze him in the least. The Gym Leader was shocked. I simply smirked, knowing that it would unnerve him. Brick Break made contact. Machop was on the ground, fainted. Or so I thought. It began to glow. I cursed inwardly. Just my luck. Never mind. Machoke is still weak. I can take it down.

"Yeah bro! Show them your power Machoke!"

"Aqua Tail. End this now."

"Lift his tail, Machoke!"

" A worthless attempt. Your Machoke has just evolved. Besides, did you really believe that I was using Aqua Tail?"

"Aerial Diversion Command Alpha."

Garchomp's tail glowed blue, and it looked like it would hit Machoke, but Machoke had braced itself. At the last second. Garchomp flew up, and used it's claws for an Aerial Ace attack. This time, Machoke was really unable to battle.

"Damn, Bro! You got the moves! But this battle isn't over yet!"

"Go! Makuhita!"

"Finish this with Outrage."

No more words were exchanged. None were needed. Garchomp glowed a dark, dark blue; nearly black, and then red. He was surrounded by a pulse of red and blue dragon energy. He roared. The attack collided. I had won. Brawly looked on the scene in shock, and the fact that he lost appeared not to be registering in his head. I take the badge, and accept the TM he gives me. I exit the Gym without another word. I have other errands to run.