The minute he stepped through the door he was assaulted with a vicious spray of icy water. He could barely see what was in front of him, but stumbled forward until he hit rock. His premonition from Shadyhollow flashed suddenly in his mind and he carefully clambered up the rocks until he was at the top, where he had been with the Trainer in his vision.

"Can you say...deja vu?" he asked no one in particular. He looked at the waterfall, leaning his head back to try and see the very top. The mist overtook his vision, and he bent down, blinking and wiping the spray out of his eyes. "Alright, so...this oughta be fun," he said. He covered his eyes with his hand and peered into the cascading water, trying to find the hole to walk through that he had seen. 'Slow and careful' kept echoing in his head.

"Slow and careful," he repeated to himself. "Slow and careful… slow… and careful…" He lowered his hand and took a deep breath, closing his eyes and calming himself. "Slow… and… careful…" Inhaling deeply, he opened his eyes, releasing his breath as he spotted the opening, directly in front of him. He prepared himself to leap forward, but stopped and caught himself before he began to spring forward. He detached the Balls on his strap and secured them inside a small pocket, holding his backpack in one hand.

Using his backpack as a weight, he swung it once, twice- grabbed his sword in his other hand- three times, and finally shot forward, using the added momentum to carry himself through the water, landing on the other side, soaked to the skin and dripping wet, but securely on solid rock. Whooping slightly in celebration, he crouched down to crawl through a small, damp tunnel. He got a bit stuck a few times, his muscular frame proving to be slightly more difficult than he had hoped, but with a few twists and moves that would have landed certain people a medal in dance competition, he managed to free himself and make it to the end of the tunnel.

He emerged soaking wet, his boots making awkward squelching sounds as he dragged the weight of his waterlogged frame through the exit door, bending over to catch his breath with his hands on his knees.

He looked to his right as he heard the sound of a door opening. From the green door emerged the female trainer he had talked to in the hot spring room. She was covered in some kind of sticky orange pollen, and a multitude of burs and thorns were caught in her clothing and hair. They took one look at each other and shrugged. Before either one could speak, the red door opened and the male trainer who had started their earlier conversation emerged. He was breathing heavily, and practically sweating bullets. His clothes were singed in places and he was covered in black soot and ash.

"I'm not sure exactly what you went through, but if it helps," Jethro said as he pulled his still-soaked shirt off and walked over, ignoring the blushing face of the female Trainer as he raised his shirt and twisted it, wringing out the water over the male Trainer and dousing out the small flame on top of his head. After making sure most of the water had been wrung out, he snapped his shirt and put it back on. "No, I'm not doing the same thing for you," he said, grinning slightly at the girl as he walked over and picked up his backpack, taking his Pokémon out of the pocket and putting them back on the strap. He caught the bottom Ultra Ball as it fell off, looking at it and trying a few more times. Upon inspecting it, he picked out a small pebble and placed the Ball in its rightful place.

He turned toward the decorative archway in front of them. It had Pokétotem poles holding it up. Each side had a dragon Pokémon he had never seen before. One was white and salmon pink, with green eyes. Its sleek white body ended in a head somewhat like a Dragonite but longer and narrower. It had a pink crest on its head with a large pale pink gem in the middle. Its wide arms had three claws on the ends, the one on the outside larger and the other two inner ones smaller. It had pink fins running from its shoulders to its elbows. Its elegant and thin legs ended in larger white paws with two pink claws almost like hooves. Its counterpart was black and dark gray, and very jagged. It had small white ring eyes with black sclera. Its head was smooth on top, with horns and a jagged crystal jaw bearing a severe underbite. Its body was covered in jagged black crystal, which ran the length of its back before forming the entirety of its tail. Its paws had 3 claws each, and the front legs had large, jagged crystal spires jetting from the elbows. A diamond shaped red gem was set into its chest. Adorning the top of the arch, which had a large flat space with the words "Mara Pokémon League" carved into it, was a dragon of varied shades of red. It looked like a perfect middle between the two at the bottom, with equal parts jagged and smooth. It had a large red gem set in its forehead, which its horns wrapped around. Another was set in its chest. Jagged spikes went down its back and tail in intervals, and fiery spires jutted from its elbows and forearms.

"Right!" Jethro said, clapping his hands together and taking a deep breath through his teeth. It was time to see what this League actually looked like, not that he couldn't see a small part of it through the arch, the rest being shielded by a stone wall. "Who wants to bite the bullet first?" He turned to the young lady and bowed, gesturing his arm to the door. "Ladies first?"


This Pokémon League wasn't set up like any of the others he had ever seen. Normally, they were set up in a circle or maybe a straight line, sometimes one big room with adjoining ones…but this…this was weird. On the front of the building were two massive bubble shapes, each one had a circular panel with multiple iridescent colors above it instead of a symbol. It appeared to be the only way in, so the most logical guess was that each room held one member of the Mara Region Elite Four, presumably with either the other 2 being behind these rooms or on the other side of the building.

With the colored circles, it was a blind guess what was behind each door. There was no telling what Types the Elites on the other sides of the doors were using. "Not sure if that's a clever test or just a mean move…" Jethro muttered.

He shrugged. "Gotta pick one eventually…eenie, meenie, miney, mo…" He stopped at the door to the left, walking slowly toward it. The doors slid open when he approached. The room beyond was dim, making it hard to see what was inside. He passed slowly through the doors, which slammed behind him immediately, making him jump.

The room lit up brightly, and he had to cover his eyes momentarily. It was covered in gleaming and patternless steel plate tiles with tall steel columns rising up every ten or so feet. There was a figure standing rigidly in the middle of the room.

When he got closer, he could see it was a woman. She had long silvery hair that went down her back, all the way to the floor. It was tied in a small ponytail at the very bottom. Her bangs rimmed her face like a helmet, and her eyes were a bright violet color. She was wearing a skin tight dress of dark gray, semi shiny material. It went almost to her knees, coming back up slightly on the sides to make a ruched sort of design.

Over the top of the dress was a metal breastplate with a large red gem set in it. The metal gauntlets of a suit of armor ran up her arms to the elbow, and she sported a pair of wedge heeled armored boots that went just past her knees. They had red gems set into the sides too.

"Uh…hi there. I'm-"

She cut him off, holding up her hand for silence. "I am Allori of Mara's Elite Four. You will battle and defeat me if you wish to pass, challenger. No exceptions." Her voice was cold and empty, as was her gaze. It sent a shiver down his spine. She was almost like a robot.

"My name is Jethro Striker," he said slowly and politely. "It's nice to meet you. The Grand Champion sent for me…I'm supposed to meet them here…so if you could just point me in the right direction-"

"No. Exceptions."

He let out an exasperated sigh, dropping his face in his hand. It looked like he had no choice but to fight her. He nodded and she released a Pokémon he had never seen before. He quickly scanned it with his Pokédex.

#106 Armoureon
The Shining Knight Pokémon
Type: Steel
It is the Steel Type evolution of Eevee. They have an extreme sense of justice and can't stand suffering or evil. They are extremely loyal and will follow their trainer's commands without fail.

"Steel-Type, huh… well, that's intriguing," he said to himself, picking the Poké Ball on the top of his strap and tossing it up, releasing his Blaziken. "If it's all the same to you, m'lady," he said, bowing respectfully, "I'll allow you to make the first move."

The Armoureon burst forward, charging the still Blaziken. Burner merely smirked as the Pokémon drew closer, preparing to unleash its attack.


Upon defeating Allori, the door behind her opened. Jethro walked through it to find himself on a large, high cross-shaped walkway. The ground below him was decorated with a beautiful and ornate courtyard garden. The building appeared to go in a ring with the largest room at the back. Jethro assumed that was where the Champion was, given the door in the courtyard. He couldn't see any way down from where he was, and when he considered jumping down with a Pokémon a strange barrier stopped him. The walkway was just big enough for two Trainers to walk past each other.

Apparently, he had to face the League Challenge whether he actually wanted to or not. He sighed in irritation, bending backwards and then turning to face the door he just came through. "Allori, you inconvenient little stickler," he muttered under his breath. He chose a random door next, easily able to tell which he had come from by the small light that had lit next to it. The next room he entered was filled with dirt…honestly, it looked a lot like a farm, and berry trees lined the walls. Golden sunlight streamed in through windows in the ceiling.

There was a man in boots, overalls and an orange plaid shirt leaning on a shovel in the center of the room. He had short brown hair, brown eyes, and a chunky build. Work gloves covered his hands.

"Howdy."

Jethro nodded to the man, who had dipped his head upon speaking. "Hey there. My name is Jethro Striker; the Grand Champion summoned me here…any way I can get to them without doing the entire League challenge?"

The man shifted his weight. "Depends…you battle anyone yet?"

Jethro nodded. "Yes, that…rather interesting woman…Allori, I believe. She was very…adamant about it. 'No exceptions' were her exact words."

The man sucked a breath in through his teeth. "'Fraid you have to finish if you wanna reach the Champion then. Sorry buddy, you've already been logged by the system."

Jethro tilted his head and the man chuckled. "There's a check system that scans the Pokédex of anyone who enters the building. Once you begin a battle and you've got the correct qualifications, you're logged as a challenger."

Jethro hung his head. "Fabulous."

The man laughed heartily and walked over to him, clapping him on the back heavily. "Unfortunately for you, ya picked Allori first. She doesn't let anyone get away without a battle. Bit of a problem, that. Anyway, the name's Terrance! Good to meet ya!" He extended his hand to Jethro, and the two shook hands. "Best of luck to ya! I won't hold back!"

"Same to you, good sir," Jethro said with a grin. The approachable and warm nature of this Elite Four member was refreshing, and it raised his spirits.


Terrance's Ground Type Pokémon were no joke! They were powerful and sturdy, and certainly worthy of a member of the Elite Four, but Jethro managed to defeat him after a very effort-given battle. "Two down, two to go," he said, shaking Terrance's hand as he left. "Thank you for the battle," he said, smiling. "I appreciate your understanding, as well as your warm approach. That Allori…" He sucked air through his teeth. "Whoo, boy…" The two men chuckled, and Jethro departed, heading for the next room.

The next room he entered was filled with exercise equipment. It reminded him a lot of Brawly's Gym back in Hoenn. As a matter of fact, so did the Trainer in front of him. He had scruffy indigo hair, and was rippling with muscle underneath his t-shirt and cargo shorts. He wasn't wearing shoes. He had no need to, the floor was covered in padded tumbling mats. He turned around, his piercing blue-green eyes fixed on the challenger and his arms crossed. Jethro could swear he recognized the man from somewhere…

"Hello!" His voice boomed joyfully from his tall frame. "My name is Brawnson, of the Mara Elite Four. Welcome!"

The name hit Jethro like a truck. He knew he recognized the man from somewhere. He was from Hoenn! "You're Brawly's mentor! You used to be the Dewford Gym Leader!" he blurted immediately.

One of Brawnson's eyebrows raised. "That I was. And you are?"

Jethro strode forward and shook the man's hand. "Jethro Striker," he said, looking at the man in admiration. "Made it through our home League as well as Kanto and Johto." He released the man's hand and put his knuckles on his hips, shaking his head with a wide smile. "I tell you, you sure taught Brawly well; he was quite the challenge when I first came to that Gym! He's very accomplished as a Gym Leader!"

"Glad to hear it, and nice to meet you! Ready for a battle?"

"With you, sir," Jethro said, a sly grin spreading across his face, "it would be an honor."


Jethro took a minute to compose himself as he stood before the final door. These Mara Elites were tough…but thankfully, there was only one room left.

"Let's do this."

Jethro marched confidently in, looking around the room in surprise. It was very…purple. Vats of bubbling lime green goo surrounded the room.

"Hi, handsome." A sultry voice responded. Jethro jumped, peering around the room. He finally noticed a woman in a long purple gown sitting in a velvet coated chair at the back of the room. She had blended in well with the decor. She waved at him, lifting herself gracefully from her chair. Her hips sashayed back and forth with every step, until she was standing before him.

She had bright violet hair with hot pink streaks, piled in a styled bun at the top of her head. Her long bangs framed her eerie green eyes, surrounded by heavy black makeup. She smiled, her lips coated in dark purple lipstick. "My name is Elvira." Gold bangles clanked at her wrists, and a large gold necklace hung slightly loose around her neck.

"Hello madam," Jethro said politely, nodding. "Forgive me if you already know, but my name is Jethro Striker."

Elvira smiled at him, her eyes narrowing. "I have heard of you, actually. I hear you're a real hometown hero and all that." she shifted her weight, her hips moving smoothly, and batted her eyelashes at him.

Jethro raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, shifting his weight to one leg. "Well," he said, nodding to one side, "it would seem you have heard of me. And who told you about me, may I ask? Not that they're wrong, I'm merely curious."

She laughed lightly. "I have my sources."

"Not ominous in any manner at all," Jethro muttered, smirking.

Elvira laughed, a smooth and velvety sound, pulling one hand up to her face. "Isn't it?' She pulled a strange purple Pokéball off the belt at the waist of her dress. "Shall we?"

Unlatching an Ultra Ball from his backpack strap, Jethro bowed shortly. "After you, m'lady."

For such a beautiful woman, Elvira had very ugly Pokémon. She released a putrid pile of purple goo that was reminiscent of a Muk...except a little different. It was a pile of purple goo, yes, but this particular goo seemed to have a skeleton and some sturdiness to it. Bones poked out all along its back in spires and its bare jaw bone and teeth were exposed. Jethro could even see parts of its ribs, and it had three large claws poking out of each poison soaked foot. As soon as it was released from its ball, a massive puddle of purple liquid formed on the floor around it.

"Well," he said, blinking in surprise. "It… definitely fits the Poison-Type criteria." He pulled out his Pokédex, shook off the excess moisture that still clung to it, and activated it, pointing it at the goop creature.

#95 Toxidous

The Biohazard Pokémon

Type: Poison

They have become so toxic that some of their bones have begun to show. Few Pokemon can get anywhere close to them in battle because of this. People often believe that if the muck covering a Toxidous were washed away, only bones would remain.

Jethro stowed the Dex and returned the Ultra Ball to its holster. The one he had selected would probably not be suited well if this Pokémon's poison was that acidic. He picked another Ultra Ball and tossed it up. It opened up and revealed one of Jethro's newest partners; Hitotagon. The Pokémon shook its head, the vibration running all the way to its tail.

"Can I count on you, my friend?" he asked.

"Of course, Jethro," Hitotagon said, nodding and looking at the Toxidous with determination.


Hitotagon managed to take out half of Elvira's party, and Metagross cleaned the floor with most of the rest. Jethro returned his friend and bowed elegantly. "It was an honor, Elvira," he said, standing up again. "But I feel I'm overdue with a meeting with the Grand Champion."

Elvira smiled knowingly, waving to the Champion and wishing him well as he left. As soon as he set foot outside the room, the raised hallway split into four parts and the end of each one dropped to the ground, creating a ramp, which Jethro went sliding rapidly down with a gasp. When he hit the bottom, the walkway raised and locked back into its X shape.

"Alright," he said, popping his back and taking a few moments to heal his partners, "time to meet the Grand Champion." He walked forward, brushing a little dust off the badge on his chest. Might as well be presentable, he thought to himself. He walked through the door, looking around the room.