Lucas straggled along the road. Ralts and Wingull drooped miserably beside him. Beside him, the other laughed as he twirled in circles, tossing Aaron into the air. "This is the best! We really did well with training today! Your Pokémon are really tired. Have you guys never actually trained before?"

Not like this, where pain was threatened around every turn. With Red he made sure not to hurt too much, no matter how outclassed Lucas was. Here the wild Pokémon weren't so willing, and Lucas was rapidly realizing just how hard it was to be a trainer. Keeping an eye on health, stamina, the placement of the other Pokémon, the placement of your Pokémon- it was a never-ending battle of wits.

"N-Not really?"

"Well, both your Ralts and your Wingull learned a few new moves~ When you battle the Gym Leader tomorrow, you should pass it no sweat! Aaron, Tailow and I are all gonna have to train some more!"

Aaron chirruped happily, sweat still pouring off of him. "Huh, I wonder if you're sick Aaron." The kid frowned. "I hope it's a pokevirus and nothing else… I mean, Sis's Pokémon from Sinnoh had the Pokévirus, and you were exposed to them…"

Aaron chirruped which quickly segued into a cough. The steel-type Pokémon shivered. Lucas took a half-step back. "Don't worry Lucas, the pokevirus is a good sickness to catch! It'll raise your Pokémon's base stats."

"I guess…" Lucas mumbled, still not approaching the other. "Anyways, Stephen, are you staying at the Pokémon Center tonight?"

"Yep! Got a room reserved before it filled up!"

Lucas froze. There was something he had never considered. "F-Filled up?"

"Yeah, a lot of sailors come and go to this town, and since the Pokémon Center is free, they're more likely to stay there then rent out a hotel room." Stephen paused- "Have you not reserved a room?"

"N-No." Lucas looked away.

Stephen laughed as he patted Lucas consolingly on the arm. "If you don't mind being a little cramped, then you can come and stay with me! It's supposed to be a one-person bedroom, but I'm sure we can fit you in somewhere."

"Thanks Stephen." Lucas smiled slightly, and Ralts tugged at him, pointing towards the docks. "Oh, wait, let me go retrieve my friend's Pokémon. I borrowed it to get here because I couldn't find a boat."

Stephen tagged along curiously, as Lucas stepped onto the wooden planks. "Lapras! Lapras!"

The dark water was still and quiet. "Lapras?"

"Was it a good idea to let it roam freely? I mean, Pokémon are pretty smart, but these waters would be unfamiliar, and there's a lot of boats-"

The water rippled, and parted as the blue and white Pokémon serenely swam forward. Long flippers silently cut through the ocean water. "Lapras! There you are! Let's get you into the ball and back into the PC."

Lapras allowed himself to be recalled into the ball. Stephen gaped at the spot where the Pokémon once was. "WHAT KINDA FRIEND DO YOU HAVE?! That Lapras was wickedly awesome and cool! You might not have a type advantage, but you could probably pound most of the gym leaders flat with just the Lapras!"

His arms flailed wildly in time to his words, even as Lucas began walking towards the Pokémon Center. "Ahhh, Lucas! C'mon tell me~"

"W-Well… I-I'm not sure if I should…"

"Okay then."

Stephen completely dropped it at the quiet muttering. "Anyways, we have to wait an hour in-between each challenger of the gym, so that way the Pokémon can get enough rest. So when we get to the center and settled in, let's do rock-paper-scissors to decide who goes first."

Lucas's head reeled momentarily from the abrupt about-face. He nodded weakly in response to Stephens words.

The two walked side-by-side into the Pokémon Center. Oh did Lucas have a tale to tell about the game of destiny when he had last had a battle of rock-paper-scissors proportion, that he wished he could tell Stephen. The rock-paper-scissors match settled it in Lucas's favor. He would go first.

Stephen scowled. "Man, that was surprising! First a Pikachu accidentally tackled me, and then that Biker yelled at us to keep it down. Jeeze, I wonder who would've won otherwise."

Lucas didn't say anything.

"Anyways, are you going to put Lapras back, or are you going to use him to get to Slateport?"

That's right, the third gym was in Mauville, just up north of Slateport. They had passed through that to head towards Petalburg. "I-I'm not sure yet. Are there any tickets on your boat that I could get?"

He probably had enough money to get a ticket.

Stephen stared off into the distance for a few moment, mouth turning into a slow frown. "I don't know. I'll go ask the Captain. He's around here somewhere. Here, the key to our room. Go on ahead of me and get settled in. I'll meet up with you there."

Lucas nodded and made his way to the small room.

The room was indeed tiny. There was a single bed, pressed up against the far corner. A small dresser was placed beneath the window. A single chair, just in case, was left behind the door. The cool, clean room was going to be a tight fit…

Let's make a blanket fort!

Ralts scurried towards a small closet, set into the wall. Lucas opened it, to clean blankets and sheets. Obviously, their small group weren't the only ones who thought to cram more then one person into the room. "We'll do that after Stephen comes back-"

"Human child Lucas."

The mental voice did not belong to Ralts. Lucas whirled towards the window.

A tall Pokémon stood there, off white body masked by darkness. A long, purple tail lashed back and forth, as glowing purple eyes regarded him thoughtfully. "Who-Who are- No." Lucas frowned.

Ness had talked about former smashers. Those who had decided to leave. There were other Pokémon before Pikachu (Or Pichu as he used to be before evolving) and one of them was a really, really powerful psychic that went by the name of…

"Are you… Mewtwo? That Ness talked about?"

The Pokémon cloaked in darkness nodded. "Yes, I am."

The psychic voice seemed to resonate in his very bones. "Child, I was asked to convey a message too you. Normally I would refuse, but I have many fond memories of my time in Smash Manor. Besides, I was quite interested when I heard you were a psychic as well."

"Oh. A message? For me?" From Smash Manor?

"Yes, a Pokémon called Lucario came to me this morning, with a message from Master Hand."

Master Hand? Uh-oh, how had the sentient hand realized he was in Red's world? Had Toon Link- "Your disappearance caused quite the commotion apparently."

Mewtwo was silent for a moment longer, until Lucas questioned, "What's the message?"

Probably 'You are going to be kicked out of Smash Mansion and sent home now.' He probably should've rethought this-

"Master Hand requests that you come back at once."

"B-But what if I don't want to come back?" It wasn't like anyone was going to miss him…

"Then that is your choice. I personally will not be forcing you. But apparently there have been many requests about your welfare."

What.

Since when was anyone really concerned about him?

"I realize it may be hard to understand, but when you enter in Smash Mansion, you are no longer alone." Mewtwo hovered for a few moments, the purple psychic energy softly glowing around him. "While you are leaning towards not returning, I would suggest returning as he requested."

"W-Why? What's going to happen?"

"Because you are not a native of this dimension, your powers will begin to dim, and disappear. By the end of five months in this dimension, your powers may vanish completely."

Mewtwo began to lift into the sky. "I will take my leave here. I have passed on the message requested."

"Mewtwo- what would you do?"

Mewtwo was silent for a few moments, staring down at the child. "I do not know. I would not return to a place I hated on my own. But, if those of Smash Manor asked me too… then I would return."

Mewtwo took off in a streak of purple light, blocking out the stars for a brief second. Lucas remained at the window for a long, long minute, staring out at the night sky. Ralts and Wingull, huddled in the furthest corner, away from the commanding, powerful presence, finally began to work their way closer to Lucas.

Okay? Are you okay?

Ralts curled his fingers around Lucas's arm. Scary Pokémon, very scary, but we're all okay.

Mewtwo was scary, wasn't he? Lucas could feel the power behind the Pokémon, crackling and bubbling like a cauldron of soup. "He's very powerful, isn't he."

Powerful as you? Ralts had the mental image of Mewtwo and Lucas battling it out. Lucas seemed to be winning by a landslide in the image.

"No, I'm probably a little bit less." Lucas being beaten back, just like he was with Lucario, popped into Lucas's mind, very carefully shared. Ralts puffed out his chest.

I'll protect you, and help you fight! So will Wingull!

The images of the two, flanking either side just like Kumatora and Duster would appeared in his mind. We are strong!

The mental cheer made Lucas laugh. "Thank you Ralts. Thank you."

The door slammed open as Stephen waltzed into the room. "Guess what! Captain said that he's willing to let you in Lucas! Of course, we have until the end of the week until he leaves, but that's fine, right? Or do you have to go real fast?"

Lucas shook his head. He had no reason to go fast, no reason to hurry along. He liked this world. "Nope, not really. I'll go put back Lapras, just in case my friend needs him."

Lucas walked towards the doorway, bypassing Stephen. "I'm glad you decided to stick around Lucas." The boy's voice was warm and soft. "I'd miss you if you left."

The twelve-year-old shot a confused look over his shoulder, surprised by the sudden turn of events. Stephen's back was too him, but his back was straight. "But still y'know, even if you were to decide to leave without me, I'd just want you to know about how fun this has been."

Huh? Had Stephen overheard- "Alright you guys! Let's get this place all spruced up!"

Stephen threw himself into the blanket nest making with aplomb. "We're gonna make the comfiest nest to sleep in tonight!"

Lucas smiled as he went up to the front to drop off Red's Lapras. The Nurse Joy recognized him, talked with him a bit, and said he was doing a very good job so far. It wasn't condescending, and Lucas did think he was doing a good job. They talked a bit about what he should do later on, and how the situation was affecting him. She kept calling it Therapy, whatever that meant.

Stephen was curled up in next of blankets by the time Lucas arrived back into the room. The twelve-year-old smiled down at the sleeping boy, before looking back out the window. It was dark, and warm, Hoenn's perpetually tropical weather refusing to let it cool off.

Lucas fell asleep to the singing tunes of bug Pokémon, and the steady breathing of his roommate.

He was awoken with a splash. "C'mon Lucas! If we don't go now, we're gonna be stuck behind a gigantic line! I forgot today was the day a whole bunch of fresh new trainers get in to challenge the gym leader!"

"Huh, what?"

"C'mon sleepyhead-" His heart clenched at the words, but not as hard as it used too- "Time to get up!"

Lucas rolled out of bed with a low moan. He didn't say anything as Stephen rushed around, tossing potions and a few revives into his backpack. Instead he brushed his teeth, combed his hair, and pulled on clean clothes. "Alright, let's go now!"

Stephen dragged Lucas out of the room, hair still uncombed. "Stephen, your hair looks like a birds nest."

"I know, that's okay though! Too the Gym!"

By the time they got there, there were already two people lined up. Stephen scowled at them- they scowled back. "Uhh-" Lucas murmured, instinctively shrinking back from the heated glares.

Stephen crossly shuffled into line. "We're gonna be here for four hours."

"I-It isn't too bad." Lucas said softly, "I mean, it's just waiting."

A tall man was walking towards them, a bright grin on his face, "Well, well, well. Would you look at who all is here? And it isn't even Christmas yet. Alright kiddos, I'll open up the gym. You in front, wait five minutes and then you can come on in. Try not to get lost."

The kid nodded.

Gym Leader Brawly walked into the building, leaving four impatiently fidgeting kids outside. A fifth straggled in from the direction of the Docs. "Told ya a lot more would be coming. We gotta beat him in the next few days, okay?"

"Okay."

The first went in.

Twenty minutes later he came out, face pale and shaking. He didn't say a word as he went in the direction of the Pokémon Center. Lucas gulped. At the start of the next hour, a smooth voice stated, "Next Contestant please enter."

The girl stepped forward confidentially.

She came out in forty-five minutes, badge clutched triumphantly in her hand. There was a light cheer from the gathered waiters.

Lucas waited for another fifteen minutes, before cautiously plunging into the gym at the voice's announcement. The dark clung around him like murky spiderwebs, making it hard too see.

Lucas had only taken three steps in, when he hit a wall. He glanced left and then right- he went right. He got a few more steps down this way, when a Trainer emerged from the darkness, wrapped in black clothing. "Welcome, new challenger. I'm battle girl Laura, and I'm going to see if you're ready to take on Gym Leader Brawly."

Lucas gulped, and reached down to Ralt's hand. Ralts stepped forward, horns flaring. Time to fight! Time to win!

Lucas smiled slightly at the words, and there was a bright flash of light, shortly illuminating the space. There was a dead end straight ahead, and a dead end to his right, where the trainer had approached from. There was no avoiding this trainer. The girl pointed, "Okay Meditite! Use Confusion!"

Ralts flinched slightly at the blow, but Lucas urged Ralts on with a quiet, "Ralts, Double Team!"

Two Ralts appeared at once, a third flickering unevenly. "Now then, go ahead and use Disable!"

Laura frowned fiercely. "Meditite, use Bide!"

Meditite instantly folded into Lotus Position, biding his time and stockpiling energy. Lucas hurriedly recalled Ralts, "Ralts, come back. Okay Wingull, let's take down this Meditite before he can attack!"

Wingull cried out harshly, flying forward. "Now, use Wing Attack!"

Wings sliced through the air, and slammed into the Meditite. Meditite didn't react, still stockpiling the energy for a giant blow. "Again Wingull!"

Wingull shot forward, and this time, Medititie collapsed and didn't move. Laura smiled. "Good job on defeating me. Here, a flashlight. It's pretty weak, but it'll give you a bit more movement. Remember, not all battles in the Gym are needed, but if you want to practice your moves, then now would be the time."

The flashlight was handed over, and Laura retreated to her corner. Lucas flicked the light on, and shone it off to his left. There was a pathway leading up. He cautiously followed the path, attempting to see further into the darkness. He paused as he came to a fork in the road. "Hmm, which way do you think Ralts, Wingull?"

He really needed to think of nicknames for them… Ralts pointed off to the right, while Wingull pointed his beak off to the left. "Uhhh-" It wasn't like he could play rock-paper-scissors with two Pokémon. Besides, knowing what he did of the Pokémon world, it was probably more like fire-water-grass.

This wasn't helping. Lucas closed his eyes, and pointed off in the distance. "Eeny-minnie-minie-moe, catch a tiger by the toe. If he hollers let him go. My mother said to pick the very best one, and you are not it-"

The hand pointed off to the left. "Sorry Wingull, looks like we're going off to the right."

Wingull clicked softly, wings drooping. Ralts did a little fist-pump into the air, and ran a few steps ahead of Lucas. "Ah, wait Wingull! Don't run off too far ahead of me-"

Ralts paused as Lucas ran to catch up. Two beams of light flashed into his face, as two grinning faces peered at him. "Sorry kiddo, you picked the wrong pathway! This way is a dead end, but before you go back, let's have a double battle! Lilith and Brenden shall be your opponents now!"

The two moved as one, tossing out pokéballs and letting the light fill the air. Lucas realized with disappointment tthat they were right- there were no other pathways behind them. "Meditite let's go!"

"Okay Machop! We're gonna fight our best and when the time comes, we'll get back on the ship and sail away!"

Machop and Meditite faced Lucas, waiting patiently for their opponents. "Wingull! Ralts!" Lucas's mind was going a mile a minute. Red had mentioned double-battles, but he had also said it was rare. He hadn't expected- "Wingull, focus on Meditite. Ralts, stay on Machop!"

The other girl's Meditite had used Confusion, which meant that Psychic wouldn't work too well on Meditite. Flying attacks would, and Machop was supposed to be pure fighting (he hoped) so psychic moves should be just fine. "Meditite, use Confusion!"

Wingull fell back, accidentally slamming into a wall before throwing off the attack on the mind. He took to the skies bravely, waiting for Lucas's command. "Wingull, wing attack! Ralts-"

Machop slammed a stiffened hand against Ralt's side, sending the lighter, smaller Pokémon flying. "Good Karate Chop Machop! Keep it up!"

Ralts picked himself back up, horns glowing. "Confusion Ralts! Then use double team! C'mon Wingull- Wing attack Medititie again!"

Wingull brought his wings down on Meditite, the Pokémon too late to dodge. Lilith frowned, "Darn it, looks like I've lost. You can do it Brenden!"

It was so much easier to focus on one Pokémon only. Lucas sighed in relief as he turned his complete attention to Ralts- only to find the Pokémon flying through the air. Machop breathed heavily, and twisted, foot falling down on Ralts. Ralts barely moved his head out of the way in time, and the foot fell instead on pale legs.

Ralts cried out in pain, and Lucas instantly reached for his bag. A potion was in his hand, and Ralts sighed in relief as the soothing spray was put on the aching legs. "Alright Ralts, let's use double-team."

Three flickering figures came into existence. "Now Ralts, use Confusion!"

The yellow beam of psychic energy shot out- "Machop! Karate Chop!"

Ralts cried out as he was hit one last time. Machop, taking full brunt of the attack, fainted clean away.

Brenden and Lilith sighed. "Looks like we lost."

"Yeah, we need to work on our double-battles some more."

"Well, kiddo, good job on beating us. Here, have a little stronger of a flashlight. Maybe you can avoid more unnecessary battles like us this way." Lilith winked as she handed the flashlight over. "Don't forget to heal your Pokémon in-between battles!"

"Th-Thank you miss." Lucas flicked on the new flashlight- it illuminated a slightly wider path. Ralts leaned on his tiredly, rubbing at a red bruise. Lucas pulled out the purple bottle labeled 'Potion' and carefully sprayed it on the Pokémon. Ralts happily chirruped as the bruise disappeared.

"Okay, let's go find the gym leader, okay?"

Ralts nodded, and Lucas pulled out a second bottle for Wingull. Wingull's feathers poofed in contentment as the soothing spray was applied. The two Pokémon chattered at each other for a few moments, following Lucas in contentment. Lucas backtracked to the for, and went up this time.

The small flashlight illuminated a short path… "Three choices this time?"

Lucas stared up at the pathway. The far right had been the wrong choice last time, which just left the middle and the left path. All the path's extended beyond the pitiful beam of his flashlight. Lucas glanced at the three of them, before closing his eyes. Leave it up to destiny, even if destiny was cruel.

Lucas went left. The beam of light jittered slightly. Ralts and Wingull were confident, still chattering with each other. When he had walked a few feet, Lucas's shoulder's relaxed. He had picked the right pathway- "Go! Machop! Let us show what Black Belt Takao can do!"

Uh-oh, wrong path again. "Wingull! Use Wing Attack!"

Wingull hesitated, spinning in slow circles. Lucas frowned, before realizing that Wingull couldn't see Machop. He flicked out the flashlight, looking for the crouching form. Two crouching forms, trainer and Pokémon were illuminated by the beam of light. The trainer smirked as Lucas attempted too give the command- "Machop!"

Machop needed no other commands. The Pokémon leapt into the sky, using the smooth walls as a springboard. Wingull attempted to backpedal, but Machop brought his heel squarely on Wingull's head. The flying Pokémon crashed onto the ground, eyes spinning. Machop jumped back, and the command came again- "Machop! Karate Chop!"

"Wingull, Wing Attack now!"

The feathery wings struck against the open palm, clashing for a few, precious seconds. "Wingull! Supersonic!"

Machop staggered back at the unexpected double attack, eyes swirling. "Wing attack again!"

Wingull swooped into the air, and straight back down, wings slamming onto Machop's back. The Pokémon fell, and didn't come up. "Good job Machop, we'll do better next time. Here is your flashlight."

The brighter beam was shone into the darkness, catching the few dead ends scattered around Takao. Only one path led into the darkness. "Let's go, Ralts, Wingull."

Wingull's wings struggled slightly to lift the Pokémon into the air. "Ah, Wingull, you're hurt! Let me heal-"

Lucas glanced down into the empty potion pocket. "Huh? I didn't have any more?"

He could've sworn he put more inside… Had he really used them all in the gym fights?

"Part of being a good trainer is too know when to heal, and when to shoulder the pain. Not every little bruise needs to be healed- but neither should grievous injuries be ignored." Takao fell silent, falling into the lotus position, Machop's pokéball nestled snuggly in the palm of his hands.

Lucas glanced at Wingull. "We need to find Brawley first. Can you hold on until then?" Maybe once he got a little further from the martial artist master, Lucas could try healing Wingull himself. It may or may not work. But he could at least try-

The pathway straight up from Takao was a dead end. Lucas slumped against it, muttering, "I don't think destiny means for me to be here."

Ralts gently took him by the hand, I like you though. I'm so glad you're here. Wingull- new name yet? – is too!

Names. That's right, he hadn't given them names….

"Thanks. Wingull come here for a moment? I want to try something on you."

Healing energy flowed from fingertips to Pokémon. It was a lot like healing Boney- different muscles then human muscles knit back together, and loose feathers to reattach or regrow into positions. Wingull shook himself out, as Lucas winced at the slight headache. He hadn't used PSI in awhile, so it was probably just a headache from that. He should start practicing with Ralts from now on.

Lucas turned around, and backtracked until they got to the intersection. One pathway of three struck out. Middle one this time.

Lucas had only gotten about five steps, when there was a wild shout off to his left, and a man came rushing out. There was probably a name mixed in with the wild greeting, and probably a greeting mixed in with the yelling, but it was mostly forgotten as a Meditite came hurtling out of the darkness, aiming straight for Ralts. "R-Ralts, duck! Go, Wingull-"

"Too late! One Pokémon is already out in battle! You can no longer switch the Pokémon order! If you want my Meditite to stop attacking, you must recall him to his pokéball!"

That was fine and dandy. Ralts had a pokéball, but Wingull did not. Lucas had tried to get Wingull into a pokéball, but for some reason he was refused. Nurse Joy had been a bit puzzled as well, but luckily there were machines to heal Pokémon that didn't require the Pokémon to be in their balls. Hoenn was the tourist region, and pokéballs could be lost. Of course, you had to go through lots and lots of hoops to get a Pokémon into a new ball, but it could be done…

"Ralts, return!"

A red beam caught up Ralts, making him vanish before another attack could land. "Wingull, wing attack!"

Wingull shot forward, spinning in midair like a top. Wings slammed into Meditite, sending the psychic-fighting type sliding backwards. Meditite ran forward, moving gast enough to kick off the ground, and run across the wall. Wingull had no chance to react as a punch was thrown at his unprotected back. "Ahh! W-Wingull!"

Wingull's wings fluttered, as Meditite landed. The Pokémon whirled, foot lashing out and catching Wingull along the side. "Looks like my earlier attack was super-effective. Better start calling out orders if you want your Pokémon to win!"

"Wingull! Supersonic!"

The beam of yellow light shot out at Meditite, pretty much useless. Meditite didn't even blink as he shot towards Wingull again, sending the Pokémon flying backwards with a well placed kick. Uh-oh. "Wingull! Wing attack!"

The Pokémon rolled, but was unable to get proper footing for a real strike. It did give Wingull the precious space he needed too get up onto his feet. The bird screeched defiantly at Medititie, wings spreading out wide. "One more wing attack Wingull!"

Wingull gathered himself to his feet, wings striking out one more time. Meditite flew backwards, but scraped to a half at the last moment. Dark eyes regarded Wingull, wings shaking. "Looks like your Wingull can't use that move anymore or will risk breaking his wings. What will you do now?"

"Wingull- supersonic!"

The attack had practically no effect. "Wingull, growl!"

"Meditite, faint him!"

"Now use water gun!" The water blasted Meditite back a few precious feet, enough for- "One more time!"

Meditite fell and didn't get up. The trainer frowned, "Darn, looks like I've lost. Anyways, here's your reward- a new flashlight. If you have any PP Up's, they'll let Wingull use the attack again."

"Oh, thank you."

Lucas frowned down at the ground, before looking at Wingull. He didn't have anything to bring back the pp. "If I leave now, will I be able to reenter? Or will I have to fight everyone again?"

"No, all fights, once fought, end there. Win or loose. The only one you may re-challenge is the Gym Leader."

"Ah."

Lucas paused, looking at Wingull, who looked back steadily at him. "Ralts, come on out. What do you guys think? Should we continue on, or go back-"

Ralts immediately pointed onwards. Wingull hesitated, before his head bobbed in agreement. "We don't have too Wingull, we can try again tomorrow."

Wingull flew forward a few feet. "Okay, I get it. We'll find Bawley, and fight him."

There was no going back.

Lucas headed upwards, and stopped at the next intersection. Right, or left. Both were shrouded in darkness but- He had gone right, then left. So he was going to go- "Right this time, right Ralts, Wingull?"

The two nodded in determination. Lucas turned right, and followed the darkened hallway slowly. The walls abruptly opened up, and Lucas squinted as a bright light light flooded the arena. "Welcome kid. I'm Brawly, of Dewford Gym. Are you ready to fight?"

Brawly smirked, eyes on his Pokémon, "Or will you leave and try again tomorrow?"

"We're going to give this a try here and now! Wingull! Ralts!"

"Now, now, remember- this is a one-on-one battle. Let us begin- Go! Machop!"

Lucas dragged himself slowly out of the gym, eyes downcast. Wingull croaked softly as his wings fluttered. "Sorry Wingull, looks like I couldn't win."

Ralts had long since retreated to the pokéball, unable to do much more then that. "Look like you guys had a rough time of it! Well, there's always tomorrow. After all, it isn't like this is life or death." Stephen grinned at the two, and looked down at the Aaron next to him. "Looks like it's our turn again. We'll meet up later at the Pokémon Center, got it?"

Lucas nodded, oddly reassured by Stephen's words. He was right- this wasn't life or death. He could try again.

Red jumped back, barely missing the Dragonite's claws as they swiped down at him. Lance lips pursed as he considered the situation before him. Wes was moving side to side, his Espeon and Umbreon working in unision. Dragonite roared, and Charizard roared back. Blood trickled from long claw marks down Charizard's flank. "Espeon, Umbreon!"

The two Pokémon charged forward, forcing the Dragonite back. Red gestured to Charizard. The fire Pokémon snorted, unwilling to leave the Dragonite to Wes. Red signed, "Now Charizard!"

Beside him, the girl shrieked as a blast shot overhead from another Pokémon. "There! That one is a shadow Pokémon too Wes! But those guys aren't Red. Can you really defeat them all?"

Red eyed them for a moment- It was a motley assortment of Pokémon, and their trainers were rather smug in their superior numbers. But- Red smirked back, pushing his hat back just a little. He could take them all on.

Snorlax and Pikachu moved to his side as Charizard thundered into the air. Giant wings stirred the air. Red grabbed Rui by the hand, yanking her back as a sludge bomb dropped perilously close. Rui gasped, before finding her own footing. "Umm, where do you want me to go so I'll be out of your way?"

Red pointed by his side- he was shorter then her. Younger as well. She seemed to be reaching around twenty or so- he was twelve. No, wait- Wasn't today his birthday?

Red lightly wrote a command on Snorlax's leg- without words, he had to pick up other ways of communication, and with his Pokémon usually not facing him, he'd developed a quick writing system to use. Four different strokes for the four different moves they could make.

Snorlax charged, Pikachu right behind. Charizard came swooping down from above, fire rounding up Pokémon like Miltanks or Tauros to a cattle/buffalo run. Snorlax, speed belying his giant weight, jumped into the air. Charizard tackled him from the side, moving him directly over the Pokémon.

It was an instant one-hit K.O. for most of those Pokémon. Rui cheered as flashes of light automatically recalled fainted Pokémon. Pikachu charged forward, electricity crackling and charging as he jumped off of Snorlax's belly into the air.

The Pokémon had barely a chance to react as the Thunderbolt came down from the sky. It could only target one Pokémon, but that was fine. Just the residual charge that crackled through the air terrified more then one Pokémon and trainer. A wave of fear swept across the grunts, taking a few steps back.

"Ahhh! Red, look out!"

Red didn't have any chance to react before claws had caught him, pinning him against the floor. Ribs creaked as a Dragonite's full weight was applied. Lance's wide, desperate eyes were the only thing Red saw before a all too-hated face filled his view instead.

"Now, now, are you sure you should be ignoring me? I nearly took out your eyes last time. Maybe this time it'll actually happen. Dragonite!"

Dragonite's claws rushed down towards his face- that wouldn't just take out his eyes, it would crush his face flat. Red watched as time seemed to slow down, the claws taking an interminably long time to reach his face-

Red light flashed, and Dragonite abruptly disappeared as Charizard rushed through empty air where the Pokémon should be. Pikachu dropped down next to his head, charging for a second before rushing towards the man with murder in his dark eyes.

Red rolled, struggling to get to his feet Rui dropped next to him, her arm encircling his waist and helping support him up to his feet. "Red, you okay?"

He nodded shortly. While his ribs were bruised, he didn't think they were broken. Besides, he had to keep fighting. The Grunts seemed to have taken heart from their bosses attack, and the fact that Wes's snag ball kept failing. Dragonite popped out again, next to That Guy.

Wes muttered a dry curse, and Lance landed next to Rui and Red. "It looks like this isn't going well."

"Try calling out to him Lance. I'm sure Dragonite will remember your voice and start opening his heart if you do!" Rui pleaded. "Ah, Red, wait, don't-"

Red gestured to Pikachu, who willingly hopped up to his shoulder to await the next command. There was no waiting- this was a fight or die situation, one that he hadn't been in since Tabuu and the Silph Co.

Well, he wasn't going to die before Green.

a/n: Ooooh, Lucas and a gym battle (which he unfortunately failed) and Red, Wes, and Lance all battling. I hope that you all have at least a passing knowledge of Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gales of Darkness as I'll be referencing them quite a bit! There's going to be some rather interesting battles~ And perhaps a spiky-haired boy joining up soon. Thank you for your reviews!