Good news everyone! This is chapter 3 of my first story. In this one Charlie meets Flints little brother, this chapter has more to do with the manga than the game. Read and review, your opinion matters most as I always say!

-4, Stark Mountain's Guardian-

Ash replaced the rain that would normally fall and caused the whole area to be coated in a fine layer of the grey snow. Stark Mountain was similar to Mount Coronet only smaller in size and being an active volcano!

"According to Officer Looker's intel this should be where Galactic's last research station is located. When we take this mountain, we go home, all of us." Charlie said cracking his knuckles and standing outside the entrance to the lava-bearing landmark, waiting for his superior's confirmation. Finally after a good 20 minutes something did happen, but it wasn't confirmation or anything he expected. Instead, somebody sprinted up the steps leading to the entrance, noticing him almost instantly. A male about his age with pale complexion and red bunched up hair stood there hand in Cargo Shorts wearing a flame colored button up shirt and sports sneakers. Charlie smiled

"Long haul huh?" He asked comedically as the male grinned

"Hell yeah, got a longer haul in the mountain though." He said wiping the dirt from his face

"Hey, you going in there? If you are then you should go with me." He said as Charlie shrugged

"I wish man, gotta wait for confirmation from HQ." Charlie answered causing the Red head to tilt his head. Charlie took out his USPM ID and held it up "PFC Charlie Speyer, Strike Force 257." He said. "Buck, Treasure hunter." The guy said extending his hand as Charlie shook it firmly

"Sorry Buck, I wish I could go with ya but my orders are to wa-" suddenly Charlie's radio crackled

"Patriot 16 this is Black Bull, mission status has been updated, over." General Duke's voice rang in as Charlie took the radio

"This is Patriot 16 reporting, clear for orders, over." He responded

"Mission status is stated as follows: attack is green-lighted you are clear to engage. I authenticate 5-9, you are Oscar Mike. Over." Duke finished

"I copy all, operation is a go, over." Charlie said as Buck took a step

"What does that mean?" He asked as Charlie grinned and put his radio away, taking out his Pokéball

"Buck, we're goin' in."

20 minutes later

"Charlie take down that damn Gallade!" Buck shouted

"Ragnarok you DR that son of a bitch and take him out now!" Charlie ordered making his Garchomp leap and brutally tackle the opponent's Gallade. The opposing bladed Psychic cried out and tried to use Psycho cut but was inturrupted by Ragnarok's foot stomping it's face into the ground with a single crushing blow, effectively disabling it. The Galactic Grunt owning the Gallade grimaced and returned his defeated Pokémon

"Useless piece of... Go Dustox!" He shouted and threw another Pokéball releasing a Dustox. His comrade smirked

"Already down? Fine, I'll have to finish off that damned Claydol myself. Bronzong, use Dark Pulse!"

"Ragnarok do NOT let him move a muscle! DC!" Charlie roared and tossed Buck a Hyper Potion which he instantly applied as Ragnarok dashed at the metallic opponent with the intent of saving his ally

"Charlie, lets end this! Chiron doesn't leave here without consequence! Claydol use Shadow Ball on that Bronzong!" Buck shouted proudly as his Claydol used it's intensely high Sp. Attack to unleash a large form of darkness at the weakened Bronzong, resulting in a large explosion which shook the Obsidian layered room! When the smoke cleared Charlie fist bumped Buck at the sight of the grunt returning his decimated Pokémon and fleeing with his ally. Buck's attack had such a powerful radius that both the Bronzong and the Dustox were annihilated in one shot! Hell, it was even a critical hit! Charlie chuckled with Buck as the two walked with their Pokémon out, ready for anything Galactic might throw at them. It had been like this for 3 hours, they commenced battle chatter, encountered and decimated a pair or group of Galactic operatives, and continued on. As they trekked on, an object fell from Buck's pocket causing him to retrieve it and Charlie to observe it

"A treasure of yours Indiana Jones?" he asked

"I wish," Buck sighed and pocketed it

"but it's the reason I'm here. It's called a Magma Stone and it used to be in a shrine located deep in Stark Mountain. I came here with another trainer seeking to get it but, the place started shaking and cracking when I took it." He said looking off into space blankly

"I thought the place would erupt and booked it, running like high hell out of there. I didn't even see him get out so that's what Im worried about, if the volcano ruptured too much than he's..." Buck said mournfully and stopped to lean against the wall, holding his head "If only I hadn't been so greedy. Dammit it should have been me!" He said punching the wall. Charlie pushed him against the wall and pinned him with 1 hand, pointing at him with the other

"Shut up Buck! Shut, the hell, UP! It's not your fault Buck, it's not! From what I can understand there was nothing you could have done!" Charlie growled and lessened his grip, slightly backing up

"I know what it's like to lose a comrade and I can sympathize with you, but mourning wont do anything!" He said angrily but suddenly took his hand off Buck and turned away, running a hand through his Dirty Blonde hair.

"I can assure you though, judging by the state of the volcano he's either evacuated or safe. Trust me Buck," he finished and waited for a moment. he then looked back at his recomposed friend

"What did he look like anyway?" Charlie asked

"All I remember is that he wore a Blue Coat, White scarf and a red Pokéball beret." Buck explained as Charlie changed stance and sighed

"Thank, god." He said relieved and leaned against the wall, eventually sliding down and sitting against it. Buck was about to explode with rage and confusion from the comment before Charlie put a finger up.

"Buck, his name is Diamond, but I call him Dia for short. I saw him at the Survival Area tag teaming with a guy named Riley. He's fine Buck." Charlie explained as Buck slumped next to him exhausted

"Thank, Arceus." Buck sighed loudly and slid down next to his friend as Charlie smiled.

Buck looked down but then back up, "Ya know for a second there I thought you'd arrest me." He chuckled as Charlie glanced at him

Arrest? You? I don't think so. Besides you wouldn't last a day in prison, you'd beat everyone up and make off with the warden's daughter." Charlie joked and slowly and tired

"Buck, let's get that damn Magma Stone back to the shrine." Charlie said relieved and stood up, grabbing his partner's hand and standing by his side

"Charlie," Buck started and gave him an anticipated look

"Let's do this. Time to kick some ass." He said clasping their right hands up as a symbol of comradery. The two of them started their walk again when Charlie stopped and eyed the 2 figures approaching them. Buck got out his Pokéball normally, but Charlie was more cautious

"Buck, these two aren't normal grunts, they're commanders," Charlie explained as Buck looked at him

"What?" He asked

"Mars, Jupiter, it's been too long."

Charlie said to the smug-looking Galactic girls

"Private Speyer, I thought you forgot about us. How generous of you to remember." Jupiter said beaming at the Militant Trainer as Mars eyed Buck

"And I are you've bought a friend," she started and crossed her arms, leaning back

"And he's not half bad either." Mars added, letting out a girlish giggle and making Buck feel flustered. Charlie shot him a supportive look

"Sorry but my orders still stand, I have to track down and eliminate any Galactic personnel through any means." Charlie said and crossed his arms "You may want to make up your mind quickly because Command wants this done by tonight and ordered that I complete the mission by any means necessary. In other words,"

Charlie said cracking his knuckles and pulling his Pokéball

"Lethal force is authorized." He said as Jupiter just laughed

"Well I see your blind loyalty to your nation is still strong as ever, but I hate to be the bearer of bad news. Me and Mars are no longer part of Galactic. Charon isn't as exciting as Cyrus."She explained as Charlie became furious at the mention of the name

"Charon, is here?" He growled as Mars held her arm to the door in an 'after you' stance

"His last line of defense is beyond this point. Though I'll miss our battles, maybe our paths will cross again some day." Mars said and walked past the two

"Jupiter, Mars, thanks for making this easier. Out of all the evil Ive fought, you two made it fun." Charlie said and ran on ahead with Buck behind

"Charlie wait up man!" He shouted and caught up.

1, hour, later

Charlie threw the grunt to the ground and stomped on his face, knocking him out before he could reach for a Pokéball. He then looked to the door with Buck at his side

"This is it Buck, Charon doesn't leave here alive." Charlie growled causing Buck to grab his shoulder

"Charlie wait, I have to know. What's your vendetta against Charon?" Buck asked as Charlie turned to him mournfully

"You honestly wanna know? Fine." Charlie sighed

"He almost killed Diamond. Charon had control over Giratina at one point and was fed up with us kids interfering with his operations so, he decided to play dirty. He targeted a fiend of ours named Pearl, and used Shadow Force. Diamond took the hit though, and was put into critical condition. When I reported it to HQ I requested use of lethal force, and they authorized. From that point on, I made it my goal to end his life. He doesn't, deserve, to live, Buck. He must, be stopped." Charlie explained as Buck slugged his arm

"Charlie, I want you to know that if push comes to shove; I won't get in between you and your revenge with Charon." Buck said as Charlie smiled

"Good man." Charlie said and kicked the door open, smashing a grunt into the wall with a crushing shoulder ram, they didn't have time for Pokémon battles. Charlie ran into the next room and was greeted by a sinister face alongside a Drapion; it was Charon. Charlie squeezed his fists and charged rage fully at the old scientist who merely smirked

"CHA-ROOON!" Charlie roared and rushed stubbornly

"Drapion, Pin Missile." He ordered as his Pokémon glared and launched a single sliver at the patriot, but Charlie leapt to the side and kept charging. He dodged several more attacks when the Drapion was all of a sudden hit with a blast of powerful energy. Buck stood with his Claydol at his side who was recharging from Hyper Beam. Charlie tackled Charon who tried to pull something from his pocket, it wasn't a Pokéball; it was a gun.

"You almost killed my FRIEND! Endangered the lives of everyone in Sinnoh! All for your OWN GAIN! I'm gonna kill you!" Charlie roared louder than any Exploud encountered

"Private Speyer, do you ever grow tired of failing your mission?" Charon taunted as Charlie punched him in the face brutally with a loud crack "I'll make sure you're the next one to go!" Charlie shouted smashing his head into the ground as Charon held up a hand and a loud roar echoed from the ceiling. Buck looked up and was amazed at what landed. Charon gave him a smirk

"Look familiar Buck? You helped me free him, so say hello to your maker; Heatran!" He cackled as Charlie looked up, and saw the volcanic Pokémon approaching Buck slowly

"You removing the Magma Stone has awakened Heatran who is now under my control! As a token of my thanks, I will have your admired volcano guardian be the one to end your life. Then and only then will you come to realize how Pokémon are just tools for people to use!" Charon mocked and looked at the fiery legendary "Heatran, use Stone Edge, full force." He ordered as Heatran reared up. Charlie flashed back to Diamond, how hurt he was, how Charlie could have stopped it. With out knowing it Charlie was off of Charon and using his full strength to run at his friend. Buck just stared at the oncoming bladed rock in his direction

"BUCK!" Charlie shouted and tackled his friend, closing his eyes and feeling an immediate surge of pain through his left shoulder. Charlie and Buck hit the floor hard as the stone broke off. Charon smirked at his bleeding assassin

"Hm, looks as if you never learn. Now Buck will see his friend die in front of him. No matter, I must work on the volcano's eruption." he laughed and walked further through the cave. Buck ran to his dying friend's side as Charlie pulled out two objects

"Charlie..." Buck said about to touch him as Charlie slapped him away

"Leave me! Don't let him get away!" Charlie gurgled and spat some blood up. Buck nodded as Charlie handed him one of the objects, an M1911 pistol

"Buck," he growled switching the safety off and placing it in his hand "Lethal force, is authorized." He whispered as Buck stood up and nodded again, running down following Charon. Charlie used the other item, a bandage at the ready as he put one hand around the rock spike which was the diameter of a bottle neck. He closed his eyes and exhaled, forcefully ripping out the shard as blood poured around it. He almost blacked out in the process, eyes fluttering through the hazes of absolute agony

"Come on, Speyer. You didn't, take a hit to die on Buck, now." He grumbled and sat up slowly, applying the bandage to his abdomen but not before applying disinfectant and a stultifying patch underneath. He lay for a moment, waiting for anything, buck or Charon and heard something, eight gunshots in the direction of the two. He was silent for what seemed like forever and sent a silent prayer to both Arceus, and Jesus praying that Buck was alive. After the prayer was sent his vision became blurred as he lost vision and memory; the last thing he saw was a red humanoid figure charge towards him.

Unknown time lapse

Beeping was he first noise heard, a heartbeat beeping like one found in a hospital. He hoped he was in hospitable territory, not hostile. He slowly opened his eyes to a sight that almost made him tear up. His friends were all there,; Cheryl was stroking her Blissey onthe head, Riley had has hat on his lap, Mira was coloring something in, Diamond whispering something to Platinum while Pearl just had his head against the wall and arm resting, an unknown female trainer in a Black Victorian dress with short Black hair stood looking out the window blankly. Buck was sitting next to him twiddling his thumbs and looking nervous. Charlie shifted his eyes left and right before speaking

"Anyone get the name of that train that hit me?" He said causing everybody to look at him with shocked and relieved faces

"Charlie! Your alive!" Pearl exclaimed happily as Charlie rubbed his neck and grinned

"'Course, it's gonna take a lot more than a legendary Pokémon to take me down this American!"

He chuckled as Cheryl moved towards him and set down a jar of Honey

"I bought this from Eternia City as a get well gift, I hope you like it." She said

"You kiddin'? Love this stuff. Now I'll have somethin' to sweeten my tea." He said.

"Charlie, you gave us quite a shock when we heard you were put in critical condition. Everyone came as soon as they could, because you've done us a lot and we don't want you dying on us." Riley said putting his hat back on

"Like I said, I ain't dead yet!" Charlie responded comedically

"So you took a hit from Heatran!?" Diamond asked excitedly

"Dia look at the bright side, at least we can start a club about who got hit by a legendary Pokémon attack." Charlie laughed and looked to Buck who was the happiest

"Man, you scared the HELL outta me when you started bleedin' all over the floor. But you pulled through Chuck, you really did." He said relieved that his friend was okay

"Hey, I may have been stabbed by a rock, but I'm not the badass who took down Charon. I'm real proud of you Buck, you did me and the US a great favor wiping that scum from the face of the planet." Charlie said and tried to get up but a little figure put her hands over him and prevented Charlie from moving

"No Mr. Magician you're not healthy enough! Mira heard the Nurse say you can't do a lot for 2 days!" Mira said popping her head up and putting her drawing on him

"Alright you win kiddo, looks like I get to catch up on the Walking Dead." He said leaning back down and sighing

"You know guys, I may be a great trainer, but I'm nothing without friends like you." He said smiling and looking around the room. As he said this the girl in Black left the room in a hurry, but he was too busy enjoying life to notice.