Thanks to my reviewers for their helpful advice! Chapter 10 will be long and action packed!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or the plot of the games. I only take credit for the characters I have created, and the plot twists of my own devising.

Enjoy!

It did not take long for the HRC to reply. 'A few days is nothing compared to the average time' Bolt had explained. The letter had been sealed with the Official HRC stamp, and the address on the front of the envelope looked to be hand written. We opened it with great gluttony, eager to set eyes on what hid beneath the papery shell. A neatly folded letter was all that resided inside. I pulled it out viciously, my fingers scrambling to peel it open. It read, in beautiful handwriting:

Dear Bolt and Axel,
This letter is our way of saying 'Welcome Aboard!'
You have been accepted into the widest growing movement of teamwork in this entire land. The Pokémon Rescue Team is becoming increasingly accepted everywhere, new branches being set up every day.
Bolt has also been recognis-

Bolt jammed his thumb over the rest of the sentence. I stopped reading and glanced up at Bolt. He met my gaze with an awkward smile and abruptly returned his stare to the letter. He wasn't telling me something. The letter continued past Bolt's thumb:

To complete your registration, you will be required to design a team name; a name you will be known by for the rest of your career, so it will be permanent.
Your name must be submitted to your local post office, ready for immediate dispatch. The staff at the post office will inform you of what to do next.
Finally, from all of us here at the High Rescue Council, we wish you luck and prosperity throughout your rescue career.

'Well, we need a team name' Bolt said, quickly stuffing the paper back into the envelope so I couldn't re-read.

'Yes…' I murmured cautiously.

'How about we throw names around until we find one that sticks?'

I nodded.

'I'll go first' explained Bolt, 'Terravolt'

'Secretkeeper.'

'DynamicDuo!'

'Hiddenstory.'

'X!'

'Hush.'

'Oh come on!' my companion yelled, 'You've got to try!'

'Fine. Applestack… ooh I'm hungry…' I rubbed my belly

After we had snacked on a few apples (my request) we returned to our brainstorm.

'We need something captivating. Something that really says 'Unique'.

I was in a better mood after eating. I decided to try and think, for my sake at least.

'How about Voltskull?' I asked half-heartedly.

Bolt's eyes grew wide and his pupils dilated. He snapped his fingers and pointed at me, his mouth wide open.

'That's it!' he cried, 'Voltskull!'

Grabbing my arm, he fled out of the door, down the path, across the pavement and towards the Pelipper Post Office, yelling praise at me.

We burst through the door, my companions arms flailing wildly. Philippa was perched on her stool, shuffling through some papers with her enormous bill. The Pikachu ran to her desk and slammed his paws down onto the wooden surface. The clerk jumped, unaware of our presence beforehand.

'A name, we have one!' He panted, 'Voltskull! Voltskull!'

Overwhelmed by this sudden ferocity, the Pelipper clumsily scrambled for a pen with her beak.

'FASTER!' Bolt roared

She squealed and scribbled on a clipboard. I grabbed the raging rodent's wrist, trying to calm him. But there was no success in this attempt.

'Axel.' He said sternly, shaking me off. I knew not to try again.

Philippa seemed to have collected herself now, forging a smile and handing the clipboard to another Pelipper behind the desk. With an uncertain glance at the vibrating Pokémon next to me, she began to inform us what to do next.

'Thank you for registering with us. Your next destination will be the Makuhita Dojo, at the far south of town. When you get there, present the dojo master with this.'

She handed me a wooden circle. It had 'HRC' engraved in the centre, a glimmering powder sprinkled over it.

'Moon dust' Philippa winked at me, 'Collected by Cleffas from Joyous Tower'

Bolt had stopped shaking and was staring intently at the object, a look of recognition in his eye.

'I suggest you leave tomorrow' Philippa suggested, 'It's getting late now'

She was right. Darkness had fallen so quickly, we had not noticed how late it was. We bid her farewell and I apologised for Bolt's behaviour.

By the time we reached home, we were half asleep. I still clutched the disk close to my chest, but dropped it on the table first chance I got. I found solace in my straw bed, my eyelids drooping and struggling to stay open. I fell soundly asleep.

My nightmare returned. I was in the same room with the same rush of feelings flowing through me, only this time more detailed. It felt the same, up to the point that I began to look around. I could see slightly further into the expanse of the room, new cracks in the walls appearing and I could just make out the beams on the ceiling. My attention was focused back to the door. Now I could see each knot, split and dent in the wood. The creatures on the door seemed re-defined. The cats now had whiskers jutting from the side of their heads. Long tails, curled at the end, were visible and their eyes were as sharp as Chayna's tail. The dragon-like fish also became more vivid, each scale on its streamline body was expertly carved. The small pigs had tiny noses and gleeful eyes which accentuated their playful appearance. The rubies, sapphires and pearls were all more deep in colour, so much so, that my eyes got lost in their beauty. Under each carved creature was embellished a name. Under the cat was 'Persian, a name suited to its sly and mischievous nature'.

The fish was labelled 'Seadra, a name fit for a tide twisting titan'. Finally, under the pig was 'Spoink, a name that jumps for joy'. The large brass knocker was scratched and gnarled, looking like it was used frequently. Like last time, it began to turn. The room was yet again bathed in a white light… But I remained conscious in this imaginary world. A small, spindly hand reached round the door followed by another, holding a lantern. What emerged was far beyond bizarre: a hunched figure with gangly arms and legs. It had an oval head with two spiky ears and rows upon rows of jagged teeth. It flashed me a broad, wicked grin displaying countless canines and molars. What struck me though, was the creature's eyes. They weren't really eyes at all, but solid crystals. I wondered if it could see at all. A ruby similar to the Persian carving's was planted firmly in it's chest.

It grunted at me, and I saw myself shuffle slowly towards it. My face was reflected in it's crystal eyes, but it was distorted. I was pushed by the fidgeting gremlin and continued to shuffle down the small hallway that led from the room. The hallway just seemed to be a long underground tunnel. Lanterns, like the one my guide held, dotted the walls. Though there were few, the passage was well lit and illuminated every grain of dirt.

Finally, we reached another set of oak doors, exact replicas of the last. Another inaudible noise from my attendant told me to halt. It dragged itself in front of me and pushed this set of doors open with an unsteady hand. The path I had just tread sent light flying into this new room. it was as dark as the one I had woke up in. the creature gave me a wicked grin, again showcasing it's many teeth and threw me with surprising strength, into the new room. it was then that I blacked out.

I woke at daybreak this time, for once before my roommate. I was sweating like crazy: my helmet felt ready to slide off. I found myself holding my stumps again, so I let them go. Stupid, stupid! Why can't you leave them alone? I staggered to my feet, and stretched my aching muscles. Wandering over to the table, I found the wooden circle. Yesterday flooded back to me, and I rushed to wake Bolt. I forgot all about my nightmare.

'Aaah! A rescue pad!' The dojo master turned the wood over in his thick, gloved hands. He brought the finely polished object up to his slit eyes and inspected it closely. The circle cheeks next to his mouth broke form as he displayed a broad smile. He turned it over and brushed the back of it with his left mitt. The Dojo Master was a Makuhita, and so looked like a sandbag. He had padded gloves on both of his arms and a rounded middle which made him look rather fat. He was a pale yellow and seemed like a jolly, defenceless sack of laughs, topped off with a crude knot on the top of his head. But looks can be deceptive. He was in fact one of the highest ranked member of the Worldwide Fighting Association, able to floor just about any Pokémon that stood in his way.

'Looks like you're the last Rookies to show up. Ok just head into the dojo, and meet your fellow trainees. And good to see you again Bolt…' He boomed once he was sure our disk was legitimate.

As we entered the Dojo, a rain of voices hailed down onto us. All went quiet, however, when their eyes fell on Bolt. There must have been roughly 20 individuals there. They either nodded, grinned shyly, or stared in awe. Bolt turned his back to them and pretended not to have seen.

'So this looks fun' he said, sarcastically rolling his eyes. One of the staring rookies approached us. She was a small pink blob with tiny arms and legs. A large grin was stapled across her face and a set of jagged leaves protruded from her head. She jumped around gracefully, floating down gently and slowly each time.

'Ummm… Mr Bolt?' She sounded young, 'Can I…err… have your autograph?'

With a shifty glance at me, my well known friend bent down and scribbled on a piece of paper she held out.

'Kids eh?' was all he could say.

Sick of having something hidden from me, I turned to the collection of other recruits. The nearest to me was a small green female on four legs. Around her neck was a necklace of vine ends, their dark green colour contrasting beautifully with her light green body. Her large eyes were a glorious shade of hazel. Atop her head was a delicate leaf so thin, it looked like the wind could whisk it away. She turned and faced me with a smile. I was captivated by her beauty. As she approached, I felt myself blush.

'Are you ok, sugar?' she asked, angels hugging her words 'You look a little flushed'

'I…I…I…' was all I could muster.

She smiled again, obviously aware of my sudden shyness.

'I'm Kanari' Her name summed her up beautifully: Unique

As I attempted to exchange greetings, Bolt came to my rescue.

'This is Axel' Bolt smiled warmly, seeing me blush through my helmet.

'Well it is lovely to meet you Axel, and of course I know you Bolt' She winked at me and Bolt in turn, then walked off to join her partner, a small, red fox with a smooth curl of hair on her forehead and six gorgeous tails. It was Bolt's turn to go weak at the knees. The two girls caught us gawking, and giggled.

'Wow…' we whispered together.

The first Rescue challenge was a treasure hunt. Each pair was given a map, leading to points around the dojo. At the end of each point was a general knowledge question. The first team back to the Dojo Master would gain a lead in the next challenge. A challenge based on speed and intelligence didn't seem very fair on the team of Slowpoke and Slakoth: a pair whose abilities were intensely restricted as part of nature.

We got off to a good start- Bolt's advanced knowledge of the world (coupled with the fact he had apparently done it before) and well trained speed made us a force to be reckoned with. All I had to do was keep up, as he rushed from station to station.

'Well done Team Voltskull!' the Dojo Master roared, 'First place goes to them!'

We got cheers and claps as our names were called out. The other teams new it was just for fun. The purpose of this training was to simulate missions, testing our tolerance and fitness.

'In second is Team Mindthrust!' a Machop, the pre-evolved form of Machoke flexed its rippling muscles and a , a barrier creating psychic, saluted proudly.

'Finally, in third, is Team Sweethearts!' Kanari and her partner, a Vulpix named Kit, giggled and winked at the whooping and whistling crowd.

'Well done to all! Now if you'll all follow me into the arena at the back of the Dojo, we will begin your next challenge. Team Voltskull, you may draw a name out of the bag first'

Sparks flew as Bolt collided with his opponent, a small orange crab like creature with two mushrooms on it's back. The Paras leapt forward with a dagger-like Fury Cutter which met Bolt's Iron Tail, while I was duelling with a Farfetch'd in stick to bone combat. I sent my opponent flying with a powerful upward thrust, giving me time to glance round to see how Kanari was doing. She was leaping around the arena, flicking the leaf atop her head, and sending razor sharp foliage shooting at her opponent. The Pidgey she was battling stoof no chance and collapsed. Kit too, was dominating in her conflict: ribbon after ribbon of hot embers were circling her opponent, a Rattata, causing it to turn in every direction. My opponent weakly stood up and waddled back to the battle. I held my bone in front of me, with two hands. The attack came before the Farfetch'd reached me. A spiral of air picked me up, originating from the duck's flapping wings. I started to spin in the gust, slowly becoming dizzy. Wait I thought I could use this!

I let myself spin, faster and faster, picking up speed and rotation. I tried feeling for a break in the wind and the right opportunity. Time seemed to slow as a weaker swirl of wind passed in front of me. I burst through the gale and head-butted my opponent with spinning force from the gust. It fell to the ground, out cold. I looked over to Bolt to see a dagger of electricity snake it's way towards the Paras. It screeched as electricity ran through it. It too was knocked out. Kanari and Kit met us on our battlefield, their opponents lying dazed in a heap.

'Not bad I guess' Kanari winked at me. I blushed under my helmet but nodded.

'Well done all!' came the proud voice of the Dojo Master, 'Now it is time for one final test! If you would all follow me.' He led us into a final room, the largest so far. There were a number of different doors, each with a different picture on.

'This test is about initiative. I will pair you up randomly based on type! For example: if you are a water type, you will be paired with a water type! Clear?' A chorus from the enthusiastic rookies signalled they understood. 'You will then be placed in a dungeon where you are at a disadvantage! For example: a pair of flying types might be put in the electric dungeon. Clear?' There was another cheer from the crowd.

'Good! I will now pair you!'

I was placed with a Sandslash who looked pleased to be in such a pairing. He was quite a bit taller than me and his claws were pointed. Lines of quills jutted out of his back, each were long and sharp. He was a yellowy-brown colour and his eyes were a keen black. He greeted me warmly, full of respect for my skills. We touched fists and began getting to know each other. His name was Clay, an ex-miner. He was in a team called Team Splinter and his partner was a Girafarig named Gloria. He pointed her out, partnered with a Zigzagoon, who was running around frantically making her laugh hysterically.

He knew who my partner was. The popular Pikachu who was lecturing a young Electrike about electricity use. I looked for Kanari. She was standing beside the young pink Pokémon that had approached Bolt earlier. She didn't look very happy, as the child was jumping around trying to touch her leaf. Kit laughed as she sat on the shoulders of a giant. His whole body seemed to be ablaze with a red flame and he glowed a bright orange as he laughed. He had a sort of beak and his forehead stuck out. He was a Magmar.

We were put in a water dungeon, so at a disadvantage, but nonetheless we kept trekking forward. The objective was to retrieve a blue stone from the centre of the maze and return it to the Dojo Master. The floor was wet and squishy, all manner of plants growing on the walls. It was stiflingly hot too: sweat rolled down my chin with every step. Thankfully we met few other Pokémon, but every so often when one came along, it would immediately blast us with a water pulse. I don't mind wetting my face, but being entirely drenched is another story. Clay worked out that he could slice the ring in half, then throw me forward towards the startled enemy as I brought my bone down on its head. This was the tactic we used to overcome any bubbly opponent. It was only when we reached the centre of the dungeon that we had to rethink.

We could easily identify the stone. It was a sapphire, sitting comfortably on a stone pedestal. Three Pokémon guarded it; two were round and blue, each possessing a delicate tail. Small feet were attached near said tail and a pink mouth regularly blew foam. It's most striking feature was a black spiral which twisted clockwise. The other Pokémon was…a Seadra! Just like the carvings in my nightmare! The details were perfect: a curled tail, long snout, spiny crests, smooth scales and beady eyes. I went fuzzy for a moment, but pulled myself together when Clay grabbed my arm to stop me from falling over.

'You alright?' he asked, concerned.

'Yeah…fine' I lied, faking a smile.

'Well it's now or never then' he said firmly, striding forward. I skipped a little to catch up, then fell back into his familiar pace. As with all the water Pokémon we had encountered, they immediately sent a ripple of water at us in unison. Since there were three enemies this time, throwing me in would be suicide. I had to assist Clay with splitting the powerful wave this time. He went with instincts and countered with a toxic poison sting. It hit one of the blue Pokémon and unbalanced it on it's unstable legs. It winced and a part of its stomach faded to purple. It had been poisoned. The other jumped at me and began swiping at me with its tail. The familiar red mist clouded my sight and I felt my power grow with each slap I took. When the Pokémon had grown tired of its pathetic attack, it tried running back to it's comrades, but not before it took a full throttle headbutt from me. It flew through the air and struck the pillar, which wobbled dangerously and threatened to toss the sapphire. We'll have to be careful.

I turned in time to see Clay hit the soggy ground. A close range water pulse from the Seadra had almost wiped him out. I ran to his aid, batting away the dragon-fish with my club. He shakily clambered to his feet. The poisoned Pokémon had fainted and the other was trying to wake it up, but to no avail. The Seadra looked furious. It sent water pulse after water pulse in our direction, but since it was all alone, we could resort back to our old tactic. As I was flung, I searched myself for any remnants of rage. Only a small amount of power had remained and I focused all of it into one swing of my club. Unfortunately, the Seadra glided out of my way and I sent the last of the twin Pokémon sprawling. I growled in annoyance and watched the Seadra unleash a new move on Clay. A beam in the shape of a dragons head snaked its way out of the Seadra's snout. The beam engulfed my partner and he fell to the floor. There was no way he could have survived that. It was my turn next. I couldn't suffer the same fate, or we would fail the test. The Seadra had the range advantage whilst I had to physically attack. My only chance was my bone. I sent it hurtling at the dragon-fish and interrupted its attack. Somehow, my bone looped back to me as if it was meant to. I took it in my stride and caught it, running forward at the same time to make the most of this opportunity. I had reached the Seadra before it had recovered, and knocked it clean out in one swipe. I felt proud. I hadn't needed Bolt's help.

Carrying a Pokémon that is twice your height, while also holding tightly onto a precious stone is no easy task. I burst through the exit, gasping for breath and dropped the Sandslash down gently. The Dojo Master and Bolt were there to greet me. I handed over the jewel and collapsed onto Bolt's arm.
'Well done!' he cried, 'You got the sapphire AND carried your fallen teammate! I'm so proud of you!'
'Indeed' Seconded the Dojo Master, 'You have demonstrated great determination and will power'
Gloria was crouched by Clay when I finally carried my own weight and Kanari and Kit were standing beside me, ready to catch me if I fell. I blushed at the sight of the grass type, but pretended not to have.

'Congratulations to all! You have all passed with flying colours!'
There was some whooping and cheering as our tests had been announced completed.
'Now for the friendly competition standings!' Everyone was instantly quiet, eager to hear how their teams stood.
'In fifth place is Team Splinter, that's Gloria and Clay!'
A round of applause echoed around the room as the two fifth place competitors took bows.
'Fourth is Team Scorpion, that's Garro and Skyla!'
Kit's partner from before, the Magmar, took a bow, along with a tiny blue bird that had wings made of cotton.
'Team Sweethearts is third! Well done Kanari and Kit!'
The two girls next to us curtseyed and blew kisses into the crowd.
'In second is Team Slackers, well done to Winks and Poker! You certainly were the dark horse in this competition!'
Applause erupted as the Slowpoke and Slakoth duo took their praise. That certainly was unexpected.
'Finally, in first place is… Team Voltskull! Let's give a big hand to Bolt and Axel!' I smiled at Bolt, who returned the gesture. We got the biggest applause of all.

A dark, sorrowful voice ran out through the hall. 'How touching…'

The room fell silent and cold. All eyes turned to the doorway. A stout figure stood there, adorned in a long black cape, the sun's rays followed the figure into the room. Pointed ears stuck up in the air, and a pair of deep red eyes pierced the atmosphere in the room, as if searching. A thick tongue lolled out of its mouth and tasted the air.

Red, controlling eyes! Long tongue! This is the villain behind all of the abnormal behaviour! The look on Bolt's face told me he had worked it out too. It fixed it's empty eyes on me, winked, then sunk into the floor.

'See you soon…' It whispered.

Sorry for not posting this week, I've had major tests which I had to revise for. I am also planning to release a new story in early 2012 so i have been brainstorming. I hope to get back into posting at least once a week. Thanks for checking out my story and please review!