Chapter Ten: The Gym and the Hermit

As the group sat in the Center, waiting for news of Leaf's awakening, Pyrah stood up, stretching.

"I'm gonna take a walk," She said.

"Don't go too far," Moon said. "I don't know exactly what might happen, but I want you nearby."

"Got it," Pyrah said. "I wanna take on the Gym after all."

"You should be able to," Moon chuckled. "Get ready for it."

Pyrah grinned, heading out of the Center and into the middle of town. Sitting by a building, she saw a woman sitting cross legged and leaning against the side of the building.

When Pyrah walked by, she was shocked to hear her speak.

"You seek to become stronger, do you not?" She asked the Fire type.

Pyrah turned to her to get a good look at her, surprised she was being talked to.

"You… you mean me?" Pyrah asked.

"I do," The woman chuckled. "Now, tell me, Pyrah, do you seek the power your ancestors once wielded?"

"How… how do you know my name?" Pyrah asked, tensing up a little at the mention of her name.

"I know a lot of things," The woman chuckled. "I know that you are under the training of one Moon Aquarius Oak, biological daughter of the "Beast of the Sea". I know that you have a lot of hidden potential. I know that you're frustrated deep down because you cannot reach your ancestors' level due to some limitations placed before the current era. And, I also know that you have within you the fire of the great Lizardon the Great Conqueror."

"How did you—" Pyrah was interrupted.

"I know many things," The woman chuckled. Pyrah looked the woman up and down to see what she was wearing.

The woman wore red boots that went halfway up her shins. She had on grey leggings and a grey uniform. On her back was a large shell with spikes on it. It was red on the outside with a yellow center and black spikes on them. It seemed really heavy, perhaps far more than Pyrah herself was capable of lifting. On her head, she wore a hat that was the same shape and same design without spikes. She had a tail that looked like it was three red diamonds conjoined together. She had a face that looked old, though, for her species, that could be thousands of years even. Her hair was fiery red and was short. Her eyes were an amber color and seemed to look into Pyrah's soul.

"Who are you?" Pyrah asked, curious.

"I am the Turtonator Sennin," The woman said. "Or, the Turtonator Hermit if you prefer. I was watching you from afar and noticed your skills. I can teach you to harness the ways of the Flame and the Dragon."

"My ancestors were Dragons?" Pyrah asked, gasping.

"Your ancestors were the members of legend: the Charizard," The Hermit said. "You too possess their power deep within. You must unleash it to realize your true strength."

"How do I do that?" Pyrah asked.

"Train with me instead of fighting in the Gym," The Hermit said. "And, I will begin to teach you the ways of your ancestors."

"I… alright," Pyrah nodded. "I'll tell my trainer. She maybe won't mind."

"Good," The Hermit nodded. "Tell her Turo is my name. She will understand what it means."

"Got it," Pyrah nodded. "I'll tell her right now."

"Good," The Hermit said, continuing to sit.

Pyrah rushed back to the Center, finding Moon and tapping her shoulder.

"What's up?" Moon asked.

"I, uh, can't fight in the Gym match," Pyrah said.

"Why not?" Moon asked.

"I'm being trained by someone named Turo," Pyrah said. "She said you'd know what that means."

"Isn't that the name of…" Lillie began.

"It is," Moon nodded. "So, she's training you to do what?"

"Learn the powers of my ancestors, she said." Pyrah said.

"I see," Moon said. "Well, if you want to, go ahead. How long are you gonna be gone?"

"Not long," Pyrah said. "Just during the Gym battle."

"Alright," Moon nodded. "Be safe."

"I will," Pyrah grinned, heading out and back to where the Hermit was sitting. She was still in the same place and position, looking up at Pyrah.

"I see you were successful," She said. "Now, we are going to begin our training. Follow me, child."

Pyrah followed the Hermit to an abandoned looking building on the outskirts of the town. The Hermit opened the door and descended a set of stairs immediately inside. Pyrah, confused, followed her to a strange room covered with runes.

"This room causes distortions in time," The Hermit explained. "In here, we will train and time will not flow as fast. During the duration of the Gym battle, we will train and you will become stronger than you could ever imagine."

"I'm ready," Pyrah nodded. "Teach me whatever you wish to teach me."

"Alright then," The Hermit smirked. "We shall begin with your Fire aspect. That should eb the easiest for you."

"What do I need to learn there?" Pyrah asked.

"I expect you to learn one of the most powerful moves the Fire type has to offer." The Hermit said. "The Daimonji Fire Blast."

"The legendary move?" Pyrah asked. "You think I can learn that?"

"I do," The Hermit nodded. "I expect you to master it with your skills before the match you will soon face."

"I see," Pyrah said. "What else will I be learning as well?"

"The essence of the Dragons," The Hermit said. "You will master that in time as well. Your strength allows it and you may have use of them yet."

"I will try," Pyrah nodded. "Let me prove it."

"You certainly will," The Hermit nodded. "Now, let us commence the training."

"Right," Pyrah nodded.

Back at the Center, Moon and Lillie stood up when they saw a nurse walk over to them.

"She's doing alright," The nurse said. "But, she'll have to rest. There's… something odd happening to her soul, according to one of our nurses with Psychic proficiency."

"Possession?" Moon asked.

"Yes," The nurse nodded. "Something else has taken residence. It's far too tightly bound to her to even think of removing. We have no clue as to how to go about it. So, we will just let it be. It seems to be a true possession, despite the possessor's suppression. Keep an eye on her and if anything happens, check her into a Center, alright?"

"Right," Moon nodded. "Can we see her?"

"You can," The Nurse said, taking them into the room with Leaf, Flora, Frieda, and Nocturna all gathered. Leaf was unconscious and sleeping on the bed, hooked up to several machines that were taking her measurements and making sure that she was functioning property.

"Hey," Moon said. "You guys good in here?"

"Yeah," Flora said. "She's fine. What are we gonna do about the Gym battle?"

"Well," Moon said. "You could just fight without her there, or wait. Either way, she probably won't be at full strength to watch too well."

"Alright," Flora said. "We may try that. Where's Pyrah?"

"Off training," Moon said. "We're gonna find a quick replacement for her in this fight, since I've got Shadow with me."

"Yeah, that could work," Flora said. "Who's gonna replace her?"

Suddenly, Moon's Moédex rang. She answered it, looking at the face onscreen.

"Hey, Erica," Moon said. "What's up?"

"Moooon, heeeey," Erica said, really slow and drawn out, her eyes a little red. "How're you, giiirl?"

"Pretty good," Moon chuckled. "Seems like you're starting without me."

"Yeeeep," Erica said, chuckling slightly. "I'm deeeefinitely doing iiiiitt."

"Save me some," Moon said.

"Always doooo," Erica said, chuckling as she laid back a little. "But, on to why I called. I sent you a friend to help. She's on her way to Vermilion now, so if you meet her there, she's gonna team up with you."

"Okay," Moon nodded. "I'll take her onto my team."

"Cooool," Erica said, grinning a little as she lied back on her pillows. "I'm out, peace babe."

"Babe?" Lillie raised an eyebrow.

"She loves to say it," Moon chuckled. "I don't know why, but she does. It's like her favorite word or something."

"That's kinda funny," Lillie giggled. "I can see that."

"Well, she's fun," Moon said. "So, we gotta see where her friend she's sending me is."

"Moon?" A nurse came to the door. "There's a visitor here for you."

"Uh, alright," Moon said. "I'll go see. You stay with Leaf, Lils."

"Alright," Lillie nodded.

Moon exited the room and headed to the lobby to see a very familiar face.

This Moémon was just as tall as Moon and had a smaller, lither build. She wore dark pink boots that went up past her knees and almost all the way up her legs. They were flat at the bottom and made no noise. She wore a blue outfit that covered everything below her eyes including her hands. It was form fitting and seemed to disguise her features some even. Over it, she wore a skirt that resembled a flower in looks. It was dark pink and had several large spots that were a lighter pink. She wore a top that had the same design. It was more like a band over her breasts, however. On top of her head, she wore a hat that resembled a large flower with the same design as her top and skirt. It was very distracting and made the eyes go toward it instead of the face. Her hair was tied in a single thin braid, which went down just below her breasts. Her hair also went over her ears and down to her chin. Her eyes were a dull green color, though they held much hidden emotion.

"Violet!" Moon grinned, the two hugging each other.

"You did come back," The ninja looking Moémon smirked behind her face mask.

"Well, duh," Moon grinned wider. "I had to see you guys again, didn't I?"

"Of course," The Moémon, Violet, nodded once. "I have heard that your travelling companion met with another member of my clan."

"Yeah," Moon nodded. "Her name was Plumeria or something."

"Interesting," Violet said. "Well, I suppose she was bound to turn up. I have been searching for her to bring her in. But, I will sidetrack that to join you."

"You on for the whole ride?" Moon asked.

"I am," Violet nodded. "We will become Champions together."

"Alright," Moon grinned. "Let's take on the Gym."

"Right," Violet nodded. "Where is the rest of your team?"

"Here!" Skyla jumped up and down, waving her hand around a lot.

"I see," Violet said. "This one is an active one, isn't she? But, she's also a Flying type. Not the easiest for a Gym like this,"

"I'm capable!" Skyla grinned. "I gots some skills!"

"We shall see," Violet said.

"I'm with you," Shadow said.

"A Gengar, eh?" Violet mused. "A surprising entry. So, what brings you here?"

"Left Lavender Town," Shadow said. "Now, I'm here. I'll help Moon here since Hikari's going to tent to Lillie some with Nocturna."

"Hikari?" Violet said, sounding out the name. "That's Hoennese for "Light", isn't it? How interesting."

"It is," Shadow said. "But, I suppose you are as well."

"Our fourth member and my starter, Pyrah, isn't joining us in this Gym battle," Moon said. "She's training her powers up and will be back after."

"Alright then," Violet nodded. "We will meet her and train together later."

"Right," Moon nodded. "Let's go for it, you guys."

"Yeah!" Skyla jumped up and down, cheering.

"Hush, dolt!" Katie punched her in the back of the head.

"Oooowwwwwwwie," Skyla whined, holding her head. "That huuuuuurt!"

"That's the idea," Katie said. "Now, behave."

"Should I be worried?" Violet asked.

"Nah," Moon said. "They're fine. Katie's just a tsundere."

"Nuh-uh!" Katie said, crossing her arms and blushing. "B-Baka!"

"Yeah, sure," Moon rolled her eyes, grinning. "So, what's up with Leaf?"

"She's doing alright," Katie said. "Just came in from there. She's doing alright. So, the thing to do is you guys go to the Gym and we'll follow behind soon."

"Got it," Moon nodded as her current team headed out the door to the Gym.

Meanwhile, Pyrah and the Hermit were sparring.

"You're pretty good, even with that shell," Pyrah said. "How is that?"

"I may be older than you by a long shot," The Hermit said with a chuckle as she effortlessly blocked each attack Pyrah used. "But, I've learned and perfected all of my moves."

"Cool!" Pyrah grinned. "Well, I'm gonna still defeat you!"

"I see," The Hermit chuckled, her hand glowing with a nearly rainbow colored energy that seemed to come from deep in her core. She slashed at Pyrah, the Fire type barely dodging.

"What the hell was that?!" She exclaimed, stopping her motion and gaping slightly.

"This would be the Dragon Claw," The Hermit said. "It is a technique not unfamiliar to your ancestors. They were well versed in the Draconic abilities that came with the strength of the mighty Dragon type, a very rare type nowadays."

"I've seen some Dragon types around though," Pyrah said. "They don't seem too extinct."

"Those aren't the true Dragons," The Hermit said. "While those are Dragon types, they are diluted from the true Dragon types of old. That is actually, the very reason that your species hasn't evolved past the first evolution into Charmeleon."

"So, you're saying I can evolve further?" Pyrah asked.

"Well, you have far more potential than anyone I've seen in my years," The Hermit said. "Definitely someone who has the capability to. But, you must have the correct emotional state to unleash the power you need to succeed here."

"What is that state?" Pyrah asked, curious.

"You will have to find out by reaching it," The Hermit said. "You must understand that I do not mean that to be harsh or rude. It is simply because I don't know what that state is for you."

"Oh," Pyrah said. "Well, how did you obtain your state?"

"I didn't," The Hermit chuckled. "I don't evolve. However, I did teach several members of your race to less successful results. Unfortunately, they weren't as capable as I can sense you are."

"Well, if I'm so capable," Pyrah said. "Why do I need so much training?"

"Because your true power is far beyond your current power," The Hermit said. "You will need to understand the full extent of that. While you will be in control of it, you will have far more than you will ever understand."

"Enough to rival Moon?" Pyrah asked.

"Enough to potentially challenge a god," The Hermit said. "You're definitely on par with Moon, I can tell. Your power could rival hers, most definitely. She has challenged gods and come out victorious."

"Yeah, her team is pretty cool, she says," Pyrah nodded.

"No, I am referring to her," The Hermit said, throwing a punch which Pyrah blocked. "She has fought them."

"What is she then?" Pyrah gaped. "She's gotta not be human."

"She is the daughter of the "Beast of the Sea"," The Hermit said.

"You said that," Pyrah said. "But, I don't know what it means."

"Do you not know who the "Beast of the Sea" is in the legends and myths?" The Hermit asked.

"I… I think so," Pyrah said. "Wasn't it… Lugia?"

"Correct," The Hermit smirked at her pupil. "So, tell me what that would mean for Moon."

"That she's… oh my god," Pyrah gasped. "She can't be!"

"She is," The Hermit smirked. "And, you will have power to rival hers at your peak."

"But, she's never shown any power like that," Pyrah said. "How does she have it? Is she just a hybrid and it doesn't come for hybrids?"

"She is no hybrid," The Hermit said. "Her mother was an Azumarill. Her power is simply sealed because she cannot control it. Severe emotion will unleash it and it is monstrous. If it does, you are the only one that could bring her back from the brink besides that blonde girl."

"Lillie?" Pyrah asked. "Why her?"

"Obviously, it's because Moon values her more than anyone else," The Hermit said. "It's clear, isn't it?"

"I knew that," Pyrah said. "It's as plain as the flame on my tail. But, that doesn't mean that Lillie's Moon's anchor to sanity."

"Lillie is the reason that Moon even attempts to hold back as much as she does," The Hermit said. "Partially out of fear of hurting someone and partially out of fear of someone finding out her secret."

"Why does that matter?" Pyrah asked.

"Do you not know what they do to humans that fall in love with Moémon?" The Hermit asked. "Even today, there is no true justice in it."

"What…What do they do?" Pyrah asked.

"They essentially cast them out as a member of society," The Hermit sighed. "It is why your Grass type friend won't even begin to admit any sort of feelings for her trainer."

"What about Nocturna?" Pyrah asked. "She flirts pretty openly with her."

"She was raised in Mount Moon," The Hermit said. "They're not very in touch with the outside world, so she has no idea of how society is."

"I see," Pyrah said. "Well, should I tell her to stop?"

"No," The Hermit said. "You should simply let her act out and find out for herself why she should not. Leaf will find no harm in that."

"I… see," Pyrah said. "Well, what about this Daimonji Fire Blast?"

"Allow me to demonstrate this technique," The Hermit said. She turned to the side, facing the wall and cupped her hands together in front of her. She put her cupped hands by her side, concentrating her energy. Her body began to bulk up heavily as she did so, almost becoming twice its size.

"Daaaaaaiiii," She said in a clear voice, a small ball of Fire forming in her hands.

"Moooooon," The ball got a little bigger, almost the size of a tennis ball and still growing rapidly.

"Jiiiiiiiii," The ball of Fire was now the size of a basketball, seeming to stop on this size, but turning a more orange color.

"Fiiiiiiire," The Fire was pulsing and erratic, pure energy that seemed to heat up the room.

"Blaaaaaaaast!" The Hermit thrust her hands forward, firing the powerful attack, which shot forward like a beam, morphing into a kanji just before striking the wall behind it, nearly destroying it.

"Woah!" Pyrah exclaimed. "That's so cool!"

"I see you're impressed," The Hermit chuckled, returning to her normal size.

"No kidding!" Pyrah exclaimed. "Lemme try!"

"Well, it's a move that took me fifty years to perfect," The Hermit said. "I'm not sure if you have exactly what it takes to use it."

"Lemme try!" Pyrah grinned, facing the wall and cupping her hands and concentrating her power.

"Daiiiimoooonjiiiiii," Pyrah yelled, a small ball of flame appearing in her hands.

"FIRE BLAST!" Pyrah fired a tiny stream of flame, about the size of a croquet ball in diameter. It turned into a smaller kanji, hitting the wall and making a small hole in it. The Hermit just stood there, in complete shock as she saw what Pyrah had just done.

"Well," She chuckled. "You seem to have much more potential than I thought. That is good. But, we must train you more. Let us begin the true phase of your training. For this, I have requested the help of two people you know from Cinnabar."

"My sisters?" Pyrah asked.

"They are," The Hermit smirked as two Charmeleon Moémon who looked just like Pyrah emerged from a door, walking up to her.

"We're here to train you, baby sis," They grinned. "Your toughest battle's just ahead and you need to be ready. It's most likely at Cinnabar. You need to be ready because what you're going to face is too powerful for you right now."

"Then, let's train," Pyrah grinned, getting ready to fight. "My blood's itchin' to fight."

Meanwhile, with Moon and the others, they'd just arrived at the Gym to see a small line.

"Joy," Moon sighed. "We have to wait in line."

"These guys are taking forever," Skyla whined, pouting.

Unbeknownst to the group, a bald man was walking towards the Center, a small Moémon with him.

The Moémon was dressed in caramel colored boots that went just past her knees. They split into halves, two toes on one side and three on the other. They had what seemed like built in knee pads that were quite handy looking. She wore yellow tights that went under the boots. She wore what looked like a one piece swimsuit for a top. It was a caramel color on the bottom half just below and above her midriff. The shoulders of the top that were just above her breasts was a darker brown color, which stood out a bit. Her arms were yellow just on the bicep area, which stood out. She wore thick gloves that went all the way to her elbows and had individual finger sections for her fingers. She had a tail that seemed furry and went almost down to her feet. It was yellow and had a brown ring in the middle. She had yellow hair that was cut in a long bowl cut. Two animalistic ears poked up from her hair, twitching a couple of times. Her eyes were red and she was to the bald man's chest.

The two entered the Center, walking up to the gathered groups of Lillie and Leaf with their teams, the bald man snapping his fingers as the twelve looked up at him.

"You eight are coming with me," He said.

"Uh, what?" Flora asked. Leaf blinked her eyes open, looking around and noticing him.

"Who… Who is this?" She asked.

"Some weirdo," Flora said. "Get lost, grampa."

"You are now prisoners of Team Rocket," The man chuckled. At the mention of Team Rocket, the whole group tensed, the Moémon getting into fighting positions.

"Abra," The man said, snapping his fingers again. "You know what to do."

"You got it, boss," She smirked, opening her eyes wide as Psychic power began to shoot out, affecting the present groups. They all felt dizzy and tired, almost as if they had no energy.

"Why… are you doing this?" Lillie fought the drowsiness to demand.

"Because, you are bait for your friend," The bald man chuckled. "I have plans for her and you'll make the perfect bait."

"What… do you want… out of Moon?" Flora tried and failed to summon her vines.

"It's not often we can exploit the powers of a demigoddess," The man smirked as the group fully succumbed to sleep. The Abra Moémon smirked, snapping her own fingers and causing the group, including the man and herself to Teleport away.

Meanwhile with Moon and her team, the line had begun moving.

"Looks like all these people are giving up," Shadow said. "Weird, huh?"

"Yeah," Moon said as they entered the challenge area, only to find that there were about twenty trash cans lined up in groups of five.

"Oh yeah, this is Surge's Gym," Moon sighed. "Let's get digging then."

"What?" Shadow asked. "What do you mean?"

"The switches to fight him are in two of these trash cans." Moon explained. "And, we have to hit both immediately after each other. If we don't, we can't get in."

"That's stupid," Shadow said.

"I'm well aware," Moon sighed. "Well, let's just go and try to find it."

"I found a button!" Skyla's muffled, echoed voice could be heard from nearby. The other three turned to see her with the top half of her body in a trash can as her legs stuck up, kicking around as she dug inside of it.

"Uh, innovative," Moon said.

"She is resourceful," Violet mused.

"And hyper," Moon said. "Let's go see if we can find the switch that works in conjunction with it."

"Right," The other two said, each going to a trash can.

Moon began digging around for a button, not finding one. Violet also had no luck. Shadow used her Ghost powers to dig, finding the button and pushing it quickly.

The electric wall behind them opened, revealing a man in a getup similar to a military man.

"Guile?!" Skyla exclaimed. "We get to fight Guile?! That's so cool! I wonder if he knows where Blanka is!"

"That's Surge," Moon chuckled. "He fought in some war none of us remember."

"It seems you've made it here," He chuckled. "Let's get ready. Send out your first Moémon to fight."

"I'll go," Shadow shrugged, stepping up.

Surge tossed out his Moéball, which exploded open to reveal the Moémon he was using.

The Moémon was tall, Moon's height even. She wore orange sneakers with white laces on them. They seemed combat oriented, able to take damage. She wore long socks that went up over her knees by about four inches. The socks were orange and hugged her skin tighter than normal socks, providing a little better movement. She wore a skirt that went down a little over her legs, almost a sixth. It was orange and had a black border around the bottom, which stood out some. It was almost like a cheerleader's skirt in a sense. She wore what looked like a cheerleader's top as well, but a little different. It was white on the lower half, which started at the lower half of her breasts and went down to her midriff. Her stomach was left fully exposed, a milky white as was the rest of her skin. The upper half of her top was an orange color. She wore brown gloves that went a little past her wrists. They were thin, but seemed to give her the protection her hands needed. From behind her, under her skirt, emerged a long tail that could have wrapped around her body twice. It was thin and black until it got to the tip. The tip was yellow and shaped like a lightning bolt. It even crackled a bit, showing off her electricity a little. Her hair was a pretty orange, going down past her shoulders. It crackled a bit as well. From her hair emerge two mouse like ears. The boned portion that was attached to her was black, similar to her tail. The cartilage portion was yellow, crackling slightly with electricity. In her ears were two yellow orbs for earrings. Her eyes were a nice reddish brown and also seemed to crackle with electricity. The Electric Moémon looked at Moon's group, smirking.

"You're my challenge, huh?" She said. "Better get some body bags, then."

"Be nice, Rai," Surge said. "Your first opponent is the Ghost."

"Bring it on," The Moémon, Rai, said.

Shadow fired a Shadow Ball at her, dodging the punch the Raichu Moémon threw.

"You really think you can stop me?" Shadow asked. "I'm your superior. Ghost beats Normal!"

"How about Electric!?" Rai thrust out her hands, a powerful bolt of Electricity shooting out to shock Shadow heavily.

Shadow screamed in pain as the bolts rushed through her body. She dropped to a knee, electricity surrounding her as she became Paralyzed.

"First try," Rai smirked, rushing forward, kicking Shadow in the jaw to knock her out.

"How did she do that?!" Skyla exclaimed. "Shadow's super strong!"

"She's strong too," Moon said. "A Raichu is a powerful Moémon."

"How strong?" Skyla asked.

"One of the most powerful Electric types," Moon said. "Back in Alola they were even capable of using Psychic powers."

"Really?" Skyla became excited.

"Yep," Moon nodded. "They were pretty powerful."

"Awesome!" Skyla exclaimed. "I wanna fight next!"

"Uh, I don't think—" Moon began as Skyla rushed out onto the arena, grinning as she bounded up and down on the balls of her feet.

"I'm next!" She exclaimed.

"Uh, you're sending a Flying type?" Rai asked, confused. She shrugged, cracking her knuckles. "Works for me."

She threw a punch at Skyla, which the Pidgey Moémon dodged.

"You're fast," Rai smirked. "Looks like I'll have to hit you hard."

"Try me," Skyla grinned, using Gust and attempting to blow Rai away. Rai braced herself, enduring the Gust from Skyla as she moved forward to drive her electrically charged fist into Skyla's nose.

"You've got a long way to go before that works on me." She said, watching Skyla fly backwards from the force of her blow.

Skyla stood up, clutching her bleeding nose.

"That hurt!" She exclaimed. "You're strong! But, I'm not done!"

"You're tough, I'll give you that," Rai smirked. "Never thought a Pidgey would give me the best action all day."

"Well, a Gengar is also sort of a glass cannon," Moon muttered, tending to Shadow's Paralysis.

"Let's go!" Skyla said, moving forward rapidly with Quick Attack and kicking Rai in the face. Rai actually had to take a step back to keep balance, but she charged up her Electric powers to fire a Thunderbolt at Skyla.

Skyla used Quick Attack again to dodge, moving in for another kick.

This went on for about five Thunderbolts before Rai gave a yell of irritation, swinging her leg around in a Mega Kick and catching Skyla in the gut. Skyla slammed into the wall, falling onto her knees.

"Give up," Rai marched closer to her, Electricity building up in her hands. "You've lost."

"No," Skyla was still clutching her bloody nose with one hand as her other held her up and supported her as she trembled. "I won't. I will show you my strength. I'll prove it to you, to Katie, to mom and dad, to everyone who didn't believe I could."

"Fitting," Rai put her hands together sideways at the wrists. "You've proved even a Pidgey can get a hit on me. Leave it at that."

"NO!" Skyla shouted in anger as Rai let loose with her Thunderbolt, striking her. Skyla screamed in pain as it hit her just like with Shadow. However, as Skyla clenched her eyes shut, there was a small flash as she opened them with new determination, standing up as her body began to glow. Rai increased the power in her attack, trying to knock her out, but Skyla's power continued to rise as she glowed. In fact, it seemed as if the Electricity wasn't hurting her at all.

"What are you?!" Rai exclaimed, pulsing out as much power as she could muster, but to no avail. The white glow exploded off of her in a flash, revealing Skyla in a striking new forme.

Skyla was wearing pink shoes still, but they seemed different somehow. She now wore socks that went above them and up to her knees. They looked like they were feathery and were a light tan color. She wore a brown skirt that went almost to her knees, flowing like a breeze was moving it. She wore a tan sweater that went all the way to her hands, covering them almost. It had buttons all the way up the front, but weren't very noticeable. It had a low V neck that revealed the shirt underneath. The shirt was white and was thin, almost like a t-shirt. Around her neck she wore a ribbon that tied off in a bow in front of her chest. The ribbon was red on the outside with a yellow stripe in the middle of it. She also had a collar on the sweater that was dark brown on the outsides and black on the inside. Her wings had grown over twice their size, resembling bird's wings even further. The feathers were a tan that was a couple shades darker now. The bone was brown, darker than previously. They spread out, their span now longer than Skyla's arm span. Her hair was now a pinkish shade, a bit wilder than normal, her cap now gone. In her hair were two ribbons on each side, one pink and one yellow. Her eyes were the same color, looking older if anything. This was Skyla's new forme: Pidgeotto.

"Still a bird," Rai said, smirking. "I can still take you."

Skyla moved forward almost instantaneously with Quick Attack, kicking Rai in the face as she let loose with a flurry of added attacks to her initial blow. Rai was bombarded with Skyla's fists, wings, and feet as the Pidgeotto Moémon began to gain what seemed like the upper hand.

"Wow," Violet mused. "She's doing so much better than before."

"Seems her evolution is really powerful," Moon said. "She seems beyond the power of a typical Pidgeotto, though. I wonder why that is."

"Maybe she's a special breed," Violet said. "Some have different advantages from birth."

"That would make sense" Moon nodded. "Perhaps that's what it is."

"You're doing great Skyla," Violet chuckled.

Skyla had a growl on her lips as she pushed forward with her powerful blows, managing to shatter Rai's guard and overpower her with sheer speed due to Quick Attack.

"Rai, tough it out!" Surge shouted with confidence. "Give her a Thunderbolt!"

Rai tensed her body, thrusting her arms out as she unleashed a powerful Electric field that threw Skyla backwards, almost hitting Moon and Violet.

"Woah!" Surge exclaimed. "A Discharge! Impressive!"

"You have gotten on my last nerve!" Rai shouted at Skyla, who just stood there, smirking. "I could understand the Gengar, but not a Pidgeotto!"

"What's wrong?" Skyla taunted. "You worried it'll ruin your reputation?"

"Enough!" Rai fired three Thunderbolt attacks at Skyla, who dodged, moving in close for the kill, driving her fist into Rai's gut and picking her up by her tail.

She flew into the air at her top speed, hitting the roof of the Gym and shooting straight out. Thunderbolts rained down from the sky as the two began to fight with intense power. Moon looked up to see the streak of her speed shoot back down to the ground, slamming Rai into the ground and cratering it.

A huge explosion of dust emerged from the impact, causing the others to cover their eyes. Even Surge was surprised.

When the smoke cleared, Skyla was standing with her arms up in the air and a huge grin on her face. Rai was unconscious on the ground, looking pretty injured.

"That was awesome, Skyla!" Moon exclaimed, jumping the railings that they were behind and running over to her and hugging her.

"Thanks!" Skyla grinned. "I'm evolved now! That's so awesome!"

"It sure is," Moon nodded. "Now, go claim the badge."

"Alright!" Skyla grinned as she skipped over to Surge, who crossed his arms and nodded, Skyla craning her neck to see the giant man's face. Surge handed her the badge, which resembled a Raichu's tail. Skyla grinned, accepting it from him.

"Thanks!" She exclaimed.

"You earned it," He chuckled. "And, you also earned this TM. It contains Shock Wave. It's an Electric type move that never misses."

"That's so cool!" Skyla exclaimed, jumping up and down with excitement.

She ran over to Moon, handing her the items.

"Now, let's go tell Katie!" She exclaimed.

"Alright," Moon laughed. "Let's go."

The group walked out of the Gym, heading back towards the Center with Moon carrying Shadow. Upon using a Revive on her and a Potion, she was recovered mostly, stretching from the beating she'd received.

Once they reached the door of the Center, Moon paused.

"You sense something?" Violet asked.

"Something's off," Moon said, opening the door cautiously. She looked around, unable to see her friends, even upon going to where Leaf's room was. "Where's Lils and the rest?"

"Should we get Pyrah?" Skyla asked.

"Not yet," Moon said. "We'll have to see what's going on first."

"I can tell you, demigoddess." A blonde Moémon snickered, standing nearby.

"Who are you?" Moon asked. "And, how do you know what's going on?"

"I'm the one that caused it," The Moémon said, snickering more.

"What?" Moon asked. "What happened?"

"I kidnapped your friends." The Moémon smirked.

"Where are they?" Moon's demeanor changed almost instantly as she lifted up the blonde Moémon by her throat. Tell me!"

"If I die," The Moémon choked out. "They all die as well."

"Take us to them," Moon demanded.

"Gather your team and prepare to prove yourself," The Moémon grinned.

Moon growled, releasing her and heading out.

"Where are you going?" Violet asked.

"To get Pyrah," Moon said.

"I see," Violet nodded. "Hurry."

Moon ran to where she could sense Pyrah. The Charmeleon Moémon exited from the building, walking with the other three.

"Come now," Moon said, urgency in her voice. "The others have been kidnapped."

"Blaine," The Hermit said. "He is responsible."

"Really?" Moon asked. "How could he?"

"He is also responsible for your own greatest battle here, demigoddess," The Hermit said, bowing her head towards Moon.

"I'm fighting no true battles here," Moon said. "I'm here to go on a journey."

"You'll fight a strong opponent," The Hermit said. "Be ready. I will train Pyrah more at a later time."

"I… I see," Moon nodded. "Well, Pyrah, we must go now."

"We'll come with you," Pyrah's sisters, Mandy and Flare, said. "We need to get back to Cinnabar anyway."

"Right," Moon said. "Let's go back to the Center."

They rushed back to the Center, where the blonde Moémon smirked at seeing them.

"You are prepared?" She asked.

"I am," Moon growled.

"Good," The Moémon snickered. "You are a test for my master's strength."

"Whatever," Moon said, growling more. "Take us to our friends."

"Alright then," The Moémon grinned. She teleported the seven Moémon to a location in Cinnabar.

Upon entering, they saw the Gym, which had a trail that led up to the volcano.

"Let's go," Moon said as her team entered the Gym.

What's going to happen to the group? Will Moon and her team be able to save them? Find out soon.