"A Ludicolo," Alex scratched her hair in frustration. "He had a freakin' Ludicolo!"

"You won though," Robert pointed out. "No idea why you're complaining."

"Hmph," Alex knitted her hands together behind her head as we left the gym and back into Coumarine City. "I was really looking forward to wiping his whole team with my Fire types."

I chuckled. "Probably a good thing you didn't. You might've burned the whole gym down."

"So," Robert looked down the main road. "Pokemon Center first, then we head out for the Power Plant?"

I nodded. "Of course. Have you gotten any messages?"

Robert pulled out his Holo Caster. "Yeah, during your battle. Ash and everyone else is keeping an eye on the Power Plant on Route 13. They're saying there's multiple entrances and none look like they've been forced open. Nothing suspicious either, so they're just waiting on us."

"Let's hurry then," Alex said. "We'll need to ask Nurse Joy for the speed recovery service."

"Doesn't that cost money?" I asked

"Yeah," Robert nodded. "Because it's a new and there's not a lot made, while it's still being fully developed, to use it you have to pay."

"How much?" I asked, worried for my wallet.

"Actually," Alex held up the card Sycamore had given each of us. "With this, I don't think we'll need to."

"Explain to me why we haven't done this before?" I asked.

"Probably because not every PMC has one," Robert said. "But this one here does, I saw it. So, we'll do that and we'll be on our way. But I'm gonna buy potions and revives just in case. Just gonna stock myself full of them."

"Probably a good idea," I said. "Anyway, let's hurry."

...

"Route 13 is just up ahead," Robert pointed to where the grass gave way to the badlands.

"Let's hurry it up then," I said, picking up the pace. "We should meet Ash as soon as..."

I slowed to a stop. Stepping out from behind a huge rock was Clara, a pokeball clutched in her hand. The ground crunched slightly beneath her black combat boots as she stood in our way, her gaze set on me.

"Zeno," she said, blue eyes cold. "It's been a while."

"Clara?" I was unsure of why she was here. "We're kinda in a hurry, so please move."

"No," she glared at me. "Because we're going to battle, right here, right now."

"Okay, seriously," Alex sounded impatient. "We're really busy right now, so-"

"NO!" Clara's eyes looked wild, rage burning within them. "You WILL battle me, Zeno."

I stepped forwards. "Clara, I thought you wanted to stay away from us."

"I did," she said, gripping a fist. "Then I kept seeing your face and knew how much I needed to pay you back for all you put me through! I'm going to completely wipe your team away!"

I saw that there was no reasoning with her. I unclipped a pokeball and let it drop into my hand.

"Zeno," I heard Alex behind me.

"It's fine," I said, focused on Clara. "You two, go on ahead. I'll stay here and battle her. You guys need to get to the Power Plant. I'll try to finish this as fast as possible."

"But," Alex stopped as Robert said something to her.

Reluctantly, Alex passed by me, but Robert stopped by my side.

He handed me a small bag. "Revives. She's gonna keep you going until you're all spent."

I nodded. "Thanks."

He grimaced and hurried after Alex.

"How many Pokemon?" I asked.

"Does it matter?" she chuckled, grinning madly. "No matter what, I'll demolish your Pokemon. So come at me with everything you have!"

"Fine," I let out Arcanine. "Don't hold back, buddy."

"Barbaracle!" Clara shouted, throwing her pokeball into the air, releasing the dual Water and Rock type. "Razor Shell!"

His claws extended, glowing blue. He charged forwards, but I shouted, "Arcanine! Extreme Speed!"

Arcanine knocked Barbaracle into the sky with his head as he ran past and proceeded to knock him back and forth.

"Surf!" Clara roared.

Water began swirling around Barbaracle, cascading all around him. Arcanine was swept away, breaking off his attack.

"Stone Edge!"

Pointed stones began swirling around him as he thrust out his arm, the stones shooting at Arcanine.

"Extreme Speed!" I shouted.

Arcanine rocketed forwards, ducking beneath the jagged stones, the sudden change in wind blasting the stones away. He slammed his side into Barbaracle, knocking the Pokemon back several meters.

Clara was growing impatient. "Razor Shell!"

The Rock type formed the blade once more and charged. I knew I couldn't let this go on for a long time. And these were still our first Pokemon.

"Extreme Speed!" I yelled once more.

Barbaracle was tossed into the air, more stones beginning to swirl around him.

"Let's use a move we haven't used in a while," I said. "Dragon Pulse!"

Legendary energy began swirling around Arcanine's head, forming into a sphere in front of his open maw. Then he roared and the beam of energy shot forwards, blasting through the Stone Edge and slamming into Barbaracle. He fell to the ground, weak and barely standing.

"Remember what I said," I held Clara's gaze. "Type advantage doesn't mean everything."

Her face twisted with rage as Arcanine finished Barbaracle with a Flamethrower.

"Augh!" She gripped the sides of her head. She lifted her head to glare at me. "Damn you, Zeno. This battle isn't over. I will win yet."

"Clara," I felt a pang of sympathy for her. She'd been forced to go through something, because she was with me. "This... we shouldn't be doing this. You're not in a right state of mind."

She lowered her head and her body began to shake. For a moment, I thought she was crying. But then her chuckled became louder, until she was laughing. Then she stopped, her gaze focused and eyes blazing. "I am in a right state of mind. Probably more so than ever before. I have a goal. I have to beat you! I will beat you! I will beat your team and I will show you I am stronger! I have to pay you back for what you put me through!"

I gripped my fist. "Fine. I tried. But, even if I do lose, I will not make it easy. This time, I will go all out."

She grinned as she returned her Pokemon and sent out her Heliolisk. "You'd better. Parabolic Charge!"

Heliolisk's frills opened wide, electricity blasting in all directions. Arcanine crouched low to the ground in pain as he took damage.

"Now use Surf!" Clara shouted.

Heliolisk surged into the air atop a column of water, then is all cascaded into Arcanine, sending him rolling on the ground.

"What!?" my eyes were wide.

"That's right!" Clara shouted with glee. "Parabolic Charge!"

With that Electric move, Arcanine collapsed. I returned him and sent out Lucario.

"I already said," I clicked the ring into place on my left wrist. "I'm not holding back."

I pressed two fingers against the orb and blue and white ribbons of light connected Lucario and I. "Let our trust never wane and never our fighting spirit overcome any obstacle! Let's show them our strength! Lucario, Mega Evolve!"

I held up my wrist high as Lucario began to change. With a burst of light, he had mega evolved. Aura swirled around him as he stood tall, staring down Heliolisk.

Clara's eyes had widened, but she regained her composure. "We can and will beat you, no matter what! Discharge!"

"Aura!" I roared.

Lucario swung his fist, a wind of aura blasting away the electricity.

"Power-UP Punch!" I shouted.

Lucario shot forwards, cracking the earth beneath his feet, pulling back a glowing fist. He slammed it into Heliolisk's stomach, sending the Electric type flying backwards.

"Parabolic Charge!"

"Again!" I commanded.

Lucario leaped through the electricity, slamming his fist into Heliolisk, fainting him as he punched him into the earth.

Clara didn't say anything as she returned her Electric type. She then sent out a Pokemon that she didn't have before, which the sight of surprised me.

"Chandelure," she said, thrusting out her hand. "Mystical Fire!"

Chandelure spun around, the blue and red flames scattering, several hitting Lucario. He winced, but held his ground.

"Bone Rush!" I shouted. "Let's go!"

Lucario formed two bones in his hands and ran forwards.

"Inferno!"

A raging column of fire blasted upwards and outwards, eager to engulf Lucario.

"Blast it away with your Aura!" I commanded.

Lucario swung the bones forward and out of his hands, carrying his aura with them, creating a path straight to Chandelure. He charged forwards, forming another long bone.

"Pain Split!"

Just as Lucario had slammed Chandelure with the bone, the Ghost type's body glowed, the same ominous glow appearing around Lucario. He yelped in pain, tumbling forwards.

"Fire Spin!" Clara shouted, grinning.

Chandelure spun around Lucario, the flames swirling around the Steel type, even when Chandelure spun away.

"Aura!" I yelled.

Lucario tried, but for whatever reason, he couldn't. Somewhere inside, I felt our connection waver. I had a feeling he wouldn't be able to hold his mega form for much longer.

"Heh!" Clara laughed. "Surely you didn't think you could master Mega Evolution so easily!? Inferno!"

"Bone Rush!" I shouted desperately.

Lucario swung his bones, trying to fend off the onslaught of fire, but was pushed back as the fire engulfed him. He collapsed to the ground, slightly charred. Then, he leaped to his feet, his pupils smaller, the aura around him growing. I gripped my chest over my heart. Our connection just spiked, which I didn't think was a good thing. He blasted forwards, forming a huge bone and smashing Chandelure to the earth, a dust cloud billowing upwards. Both Pokemon were obscured. Only when the dust settled could we see that both Pokemon had fainted, Lucario's form turning back, our connection lost.

"So much for having a strong bond," Clara smirked, returning Chandelure. "Now with him out of the way, it's time for you to lose."

"Seems like our bond wasn't strong enough," I spoke to Lucario's pokeball when I returned him. "But that only means we need to work harder."

I clipped the ball back to my belt and sent out Mawile. "You're still down more Pokemon than me, Clara. I wouldn't get cocky."

"It won't stay like that for long," Clara sent out a Bisharp. "Trust me. Brick Break!"

"Sucker Punch!" I shouted. "Yeah, your cockiness better not stay long."

Both Pokemon collided, their moves causing them to bounce off one another.

"Play Rough!" I roared.

Mawile crouched and sprung forwards, tackling Bisharp to the dirt, a dust cloud forming.

"Perfect!" Clara grinned. "Guillotine!"

Long glowing blades emerged from the dust cloud and sliced in a crossing motion. Bisharp jumped back as the dust settled to reveal Mawile had fainted.

I returned Mawile with a grimace. I had to get rid of Bisharp and fast.

"Corvisquire," I yelled. "Come on out!"

Corvisquire croaked and narrowed his eyes at Bisharp as he hovered.

"He looks weak," Clara sneered. "Night Slash!"

Bisharp ran forwards and jumped, a force of dark wind swirling around his right arm. He slashed and the dark winds collided with Corvisquire.

"Now!" I shouted. "Revenge!"

A red aura enveloped the Flying type and he swung his body around, smashing himself against Bisharp. The Dual Steel and Dark type was flung backwards, skidding along the ground.

"Drill Peck!"

Corvisquire began spinning really fast, becoming a blur as his beak glowed. He rocketed forwards, driving his beak into Bisharp's chest, creating a bigger groove in the dirt.

"Guillotine!" Clara commanded once more.

"Air Slash!" I shouted. "Not this time, Clara!"

Corvisquire flapped his wings, the force of the air being slashed pushing him up into the sky and out of reach of Bisharp's elongated blades.

"Metal Claw!" Clara thrust out her hand.

"Meet her with Revenge!" I commanded.

Both Pokemon collided, Bisharp taking more damage than Corvisquire.

"Keep it up!" I encouraged.

"Get him with Guillotine!" Clara looked pissed, having expected Corvisquire to be weak.

"Swagger!" I grinned.

An aura glowed around Corvisquire, which caused Bisharp to roar in anger, a red glow around him. He leaped and swung his blades, but completely missed the Flying type.

"One more time," I narrowed my eyes. "Revenge!"

Corvisquire dived and tucked in his wings.

"Metal Burst!"

Bisharp crouched to the ground, eyes closed. Corvisquire slammed into him, then an explosion of metal. The burst flung both Pokemon away from each other, both collapsing on the ground.

"We're both on our last Pokemon," I said, returning Corvisquire.

"Thanks for stating the obvious," Clara said drily, holding up the pokeball I knew to contain Scizor. "Now it's time for me to finish you where you stand."

"Let's go!" we both yelled at the same time, sending out our final Pokemon. Frogadier crouched in a battle position as Scizor narrowed his eyes and raised a metal claw.

"Bullet Punch!"

"Cut!"

Both Pokemon sprang for each other. Scizor struck faster, his fists a hail of bullets. Frogadier managed to stop the attack with the blade in his hand and flung himself over the Steel Bug type.

"Power-Up Punch!" I shouted.

Frogadier twisted himself mid-air, fist glowing. He struck a blow on Scizor's back, rolling on the ground.

"Night Slash!" Clara yelled.

Winds of dark energy swirled around Scizor's claws as he turned his head slightly to look at Frogadier. Then he spun around so fast, I didn't have time to give a command. Frogadier was sent flying backwards, crashing against a rock, small red pebbles falling to the ground.

"Swords Dance," Clara said, triumph blazing in her eyes as Scizor's body glowed with the stat boost.

"Smokescreen!" I shouted.

The area immediately flooded with black smoke, which Scizor flew out of, landing on the ground.

"Now!" I threw out my hand. "Power-Up Punch!"

Clara nor Scizor had noticed Frogadier had escaped the smoke quicker than Scizor had, waiting to strike from behind. He lunged forwards, fist glowing.

"Double Hit!"

Scizor threw back his leg, slamming it into Frogadier's middle and used the momentum to swing himself around to deliver a blow to the head. Frogadier crumpled to the ground, fainted.

"Heh," I couldn't see Clara's eyes, but she was smiling.

She walked up to me, eyes cold. "You're weaker than I, as it should be."

She didn't say anything for a moment, then, "We will meet again. Not because I want to, because I need to be there to pick up after you. I've heard about that attack in Shalour City and the murder on the train. All those times, you were there. As I said before, you're bad luck. Those around you are going to get hurt. Misfortune will always be there waiting for you just around the corner. Then there will be me, picking up the mess you leave behind. Someone has to."

She snapped her fingers and her Scizor scooped her up in his arms. "You have some healing to do. I'll be going on ahead. You said you had business at the Power Plant? Well, looks like I have to make sure things don't go totally south because of you."

Her Scizor turned and ran through the badlands, kicking up red dust as they went.

I gripped a fist as I knelt next to Frogadier. "You're not wrong. Misfortune does seem to follow me wherever I go."

"But," I lifted my gaze to stare at their retreating form. "That will never stop me. If there's people, innocent young girls in need of saving, I will do what I can."

I smiled. "So thanks, thanks for helping. You may be doing this purely out of spite, but I know there's good in you. Or else you wouldn't be doing this. And maybe, maybe I can help you see the light, like I did."

Next two chapters promise to be some good ones. Sorry for the long wait for this update. Been busy with finals and setting up my new D&D campaign. But now I should hopefully be back for weekly updates. Next week will be for TMR 2, so that'll be something to look forward to if you enjoy my other series. Till next time. Toodles