The Final Task

Within in the castle, cracks and holes decorated the ancient walls. Sunlight poured through the breaks as water would through holes in a ship. The light illuminated the hallways that haven't been used over countless amount of years. Nothing stirred as if time stopped itself stopped to preserve the serene image.

The empty halls lay dormant but a clatter could be heard in the distant. The pattering of two pair of feet pounding on the concrete floor resonated throughout the corridor. Two hasty figures ran through the beams of light disrupting the peaceful stillness of the area.

Lucario took a sharp turn around the corner without losing speed. With a serious face, Gabite mimicked the abrupt turn just as nimbly as the Aura Pokemon did. The two sped through the castle using the rows of hallways as their runway. Lucario was ahead by a margin for he was guiding Gabite through the maze.

Lucario knew it was time to wrap training up. He realized that Gabite was now able to keep up with his dexterity and could surpass his sprinting pace if Gabite wished to. A gaping hole in the ceiling where the second floor caved in over the course of eroding time caught Lucario's eye. Light on his toes, Lucario leap into the opening.

Despite this being an unusual change events from the regular running around, Gabite wasn't deterred nor was he confounded for a split second and followed the leader onto the second floor. He dashed after the steel type determined to not let him escape his refined yellow eyes. Skipping over a few more holes in the path, Gabite caught up to Lucario.

Lucario felt the lively aura close in on him. He wanted to test Gabite a bit more before stopping. Using one foot to change his course by pushing it against thick cobblestone floor, he launched himself to his left and right through a window wide enough for him. He placed his other foot on the sill of the window and bend low before launching himself into the air. The high jump was enough for the canine-like Pokemon to reach the roof of a watch tower in front of him.

Gabite finally displayed emotions of astonishment. His claws dug into the stone as he tried to make the abrupt turn. Hopping onto the window sill, Gabite saw the ten meter drop if he failed to make the jump. Without a second thought, Gabite bent down low with his tail high in the air. The land shark jumped across the wide space. Nearly missing the edge of the roof, Gabite threw his arms in front of him to pierce the stone with his front claws.

Lucario's figure disappeared onto the other side of the roof encouraging Gabite to recollect himself and chase after him. He swayed his tail back and forth for a better sense of balance as he climbed the steep tower cover. He let his feet slide down after he reached the top. Before reaching the edge, he leaped over the second gap to reach the open walkway he witness Lucario jumped onto beforehand. Safely landing on top of the wall, he didn't waste time to continue the chase.

Lucario vanished before Gabite's eyes by dropping into a break in the floor large enough for a human to fall into. Gabite hopped in to return to the ground floor. Returning to familiar ground, Gabite increased his speed. His jaws were a few centimeters away from Lucario's blue furry tail but Gabite showed no intentions of clamping down on the steel-type's tail. Gabite held his breath when Lucario left the corridor through an opening in the wall. Both Pokemon emerged into the main courtyard where everybody else resided. They slowed down to meet up with group finished from their morning workout.

Pikachu and Pidgeot stretched out their muscles in front of Red who was finishing the remains of his breakfast. Charizard lay down on the grass with a plant stem in his mouth looking quite calm for a change. Eevee ran around the lazy dragon trying to catch dandelion seeds caught in the morning breeze.

-"That was some morning jog today," Nidoking was the first to welcome back the duo.-"Was it really necessary to take him through a tour of the castle's rooftops?"-

Lucario replied with a stoic stare. -"It was my last day to condition Gabite so I decided to put him through a more difficult test than the normal routine, yet he still managed to keep up,"- Lucario said in an indifferent tone. He made himself look like an even colder person by leaving with no further words.

-"Can I have my breakfast now,"- Gabite dropped his tough persona and acted as if he hasn't eaten in ages. His reward for keeping up with Lucario was breakfast which has left the poor glutton hungry during the first few days of training with Lucario.

-"Yeah, I saved you a bowl,"- Nidoking said leading the dramatic dragon to its meal.

Red cleaned up his food once he was done. He turned towards Brom who ate his measly meal of berries from a cloth bag weathered by the years of traveling. Red still questioned the Aura Guardian's choice of attire. A dark green cloak over set of dark-colored traveling clothes ragged as his food pouch.

With the help of his staff, Brom rose to his feet. His loyal friend came to his side but the old man rejected his assistance. He raised a hand high to call attention.

"What's up Brom," Red replied.

"I have an important announcement to make," he raised his voice to deliver an authoritative message.

Red rallied up his Pokemon team, receiving some resistance from Gabite, and stood before the legendary Aura Guardian.

Brom eyed the group before starting. "In these past two weeks, I have taught you all I was able to in such a short span of time," Brom began pacing before the wide arrange of Pokemon as Lucario stood still to keep the group in check. "Red, I have taught you the basics of the three types of aura techniques. It is now up to you to hone those skills and perfect them to match your style."

Brom paused in his leisure stride to face the group. "The rest of you have developed at an extraordinary pace. You all have been excellent pupils who have grown into a powerful team that can stop this upcoming chaos." With a single long stride, he stopped before a small electric mouse.

"Don't stop training just because I said you have grown up. Every day you need to outdo yourself. Become stronger than the day before," his encouraging speech reached the hearts of Red's Pokemon besides the dejected Charizard. "Which is why I believe you are ready for the final test?"

Red tensed up sensing the importance of Brom's next words. Red's Pokemon held their breaths in anticipation.

"I will send you guys on a journey to the treacherous mountain to west," Brom addressed the entire group pointing to the direction with his staff. "I need you to climb to the top of Mount Silver and retrieve the treasure of the mountain. That is all you need to accomplish."

Red was left shocked remembering that his father was killed during his trip to Mt. Silver. He swallowed an aching lump in his throat before asking, "And why Mt Silver. What is up there that is so precious?"

Brom placed both hands on the crystal orb of his staff. "Mount Silver is crawling with high leveled Pokemon and with its rugged terrain, I'm sure you will need to use your Aura Powers to keep yourself from getting gravely injured. As for the object for you to retrieve; it is something you will need to figure out yourself. Don't feel overwhelm yet because this object will attract your attention, I can assure you."

I might get seriously injured Red realized. He knew Mount Silver was a perilous journey having heard from the news the many catastrophes people faced who tried to conquer the mountain. Many have died on those icy, rugged slopes.

"If I complete this task, does that mean…I'm done with my training?" Red shortly asked.

Brom silently nodded. "Will you and your Pokemon perform this last task?" he tried to include Red's Pokemon to assure them that they had a say in this.

Red pulled of a serious face despite the mix of emotions inside of him. "I will do my best." He said confidently even though he realized he was going to visit his father's grave. A place he thought he will never visit in his life.

"Excellent answer," Brom said swiveling around on his heels. "But before you go, I will like to hand you on last thing. Well, this is for your Eevee more specifically."

Eevee perked up hearing she was been referred too. She caught her trainer giving her a concerned look.

"What are you going to give Eevee?" Red asked, approaching the aura guardian.

"You are well aware that Eevee has the ability to evolve into a plethora of different forms," he turned to face his pupil, warm blue eyes lowering to meet Eevee's.

"Yeah, its variability has made it able to adapt in whatever environment they live in," Red reiterated the information he learned from the Pokedex.

Brom approvingly nodded. "One of the many ways it evolves is through Evolution Stones," the old man reached into his cloak to pull out a black wooden box. Markings of ancient runes decorated the aged wood. "I dug around the king's room to find the king's treasure still intact. This is the evolutionary stone the royal king personally kept." Undoing the latch on the container, Brom opened it up to reveal a single scarlet stone.

"Is this the…fire stone?" Red bluntly guessed.

"Indeed it is, and it will evolve your Eevee into a Flareon," Brom enlightened, gently handing over the box careful not to break the feeble object. Red accepted it looking over to his youngest member who approached him from curiosity.

Red dropped down to one knee and showed her the possibility of evolving. "I know this is all of a sudden but I'm going to give you the option of evolving into a fire type," Red asked in a friendly voice. He didn't want to evolve her without her consent because it would be morally wrong. Altering their appearance just for the power was something both the Pokemon and trainer needed to agree on.

Eevee sniffed the stone but it gave no noticeable odor, but she did feel the energy this simply rock had. Every cell in her body tingled in its presence. –"A fire type?"- she said confounded. She turned to Charizard to give her a better idea of the change. –"The heat, will I be able to handle it?"- she remembered witnessing the intense flames that Charizard spat from his jaws. Fire was the element that only brought destruction.

-I won't like to destroy everything I come in contact with,"- Eevee came to conclusion. She backed away shaking her head.

Red smiled showing he sympathized with her decision. Closing the ancient box, Red remembered that he had more of these stones that Gabite has given him. "Wait, I have more options," Red said taking out the Thunder Stone and Water Stone.

Eevee returned, intrigued by the new options. She sniffed each one in Red's open hands. –Electricity like Pikachu…I feel like I will have too much energy in my body. I'm not so sure…but water. I can use it to cool down my friends when they are overheating. It's not too destructive and it can be easily controlled!- Eevee made up her mind. She knew she was going to evolve soon, and she was mentally ready for this moment. She was overjoyed to see Red gave her the option to choose this life changing moment.

-"I choose to be a water type!"- she merrily blurted out her decision to everyone and tapped the blue evolutionary stone with the tip of her snout. The insides of the Water Stone churned and flowed towards Eevee's little black nose. The color left the stone to leave behind a crystal clear rock rendering it completely useless unless a jeweler offered to purchase it for valuable accessories.

Eevee's body grew in stature as a fish-like tail replaced her furry one. A white ruff popped up around her neck as her ears became more aquatic looking by the fin-like structure. The white light disappeared to surprise the group with a light-blue body. Her alien black eyes blinked in surprise after her transformation.

-"How do I look?"- the newly evolved Pokemon spoke up in a mature female voice in a clear tone.

Red recorded the new information into his Pokedex.

"Vaporeon: the Bubble Jet Pokemon. It has evolved to be suitable for an aquatic life with the ability to freely control water. The composition of its cells is similar to molecules of water, and as such, can melt in water."

"Bubble Jet? I don't see anything that alludes to such a classification," Red remarked observing his new Vaporeon.

Vaporeon padded around moving around as a newly hatched Pidgey. Her thicker, heavier tail was raised over her head trying to maintain her balance. Her slimy skin further alluded to her aquatic lifestyle.

-"You look marvelous,"- Pidgeot exclaimed. –"You could possibly best me for the most beautiful looking Pokemon on this team."-

-"Since when did you declare yourself as the most handsome of the group?"- Pikachu questioned his claim.

-"I will take that as a compliment," Vaporeon said stopping to sit down. She brought her tail forward to closely examine it.

"I guess we are off," Red put up the remaining stones and placed his bag on his back. "We set off to Mount Silver now guys!"

"Be careful," Brom expressed his concern.

"Don't sweat it," Red smiled back. "I'll bring back that object, I promise!"


The trip took up a good portion of the morning even though Red was flying on his Charizard. Mount Silver appeared kilometers away but its massive size deluded Red's sense of distance judgment. A mark on the Earth, Mount Silver was larger than Red anticipated and ended up taking longer to reach it.

"Try to find a secure place to land, Charizard," Red requested as he admired the spike that pierced the heavens. They glided along the edge of the mountain before Charizard decided to go higher to find a suitable place to enter it. The air became thinner the closer they got to the snowy peak.

-"Found it!"- Charizard exclaimed excited that he found the familiar opening. Red held on tight feeling his Pokemon switch directions. He headed for an opening large enough to build a two story house in and it had a platform protruding outward to house the front yard.

A perfect oval for the entrance, Red noticed that darkened stone that made up the walls of the entrance. The stone was a stark contrast to the dull gray material that made up the monstrous mountain. Red hopped off his ride to travel on foot for the rest of the journey.

"Wait!" Red halted Charizard who was already entering the mountain. From his belt, Red chose two Pokeballs and released the Pokemon within.

Vaporeon and Gabite both made their appearance. Vaporeon couldn't help but watch awe as she tried to make out the top of the mountain. Drooled trickled from Gabite's mouth, thinking how it would feel to gnaw on the mountain top.

"In this kind of terrain, rock and ground type Pokemon are pretty common," Red explained. "So, I will need you Vaporeon, for you have learned two super effective moves against these types. As for Gabite, I might need you to excavate and create paths for me since this place doesn't have any concrete paths for traveling."

-"I will try my best,"- Vaporeon determinedly responded.

-"I will dig as many holes as you need!"- Gabite saluted his trainer appearing like a soldier being sent to war.

"Alright, Charizard! This must be familiar ground to you, so can you lead me to the top?" Red folded his arms.

Charizard snorted and turned back to the entrance. –"It's not a simple walk through the park, so try not to fall down a ravine or get trapped under falling debris,"- Charizard replied in a smug tone. He took the lead ready to get this quest started.

Vaporeon walked alongside Charizard, admiring the black streaks across the wall looking like a child poured black paint onto a canvas. –"Do you have a clue as to what caused these markings?"- Vaporeon directed her question to Charizard but Gabite jumped in to answer.

-"I think a Sneasel rubbed her body against the rocks to get rid of an itch,"- he proposed his theory.

-"That's not it you idiot,"- Charizard grumbled annoyed by Gabite's outrageous remarks. –"Charizards built this cave to easily get in and get out of the mountain. It was made by melting away the rock from intense heat."-

-"How are you so sure that happened?"- Vaporeon challenged Charizard's knowledge yet managed to sound like an innocent question.

-"Hm? Because I was here when they made it,"- Charizard revealed.

-"You were born here?"- Gabite gasped –"In this giant rock!"-

-"It's called Mt. Silver,"- Charizard directed a glare at Gabite. –"Yes, this was where I hatched. In this very room."- They arrived into a large cavern that stretched out to the size of a football stadium. Numerous cliffs dotted the side to provide roosts for flying Pokemon to rest on.

-"But there are no Charizards,"- Vaporeon commented on the biggest issue with the picture. –"Aren't there supposed to be Charizards resting in this place?"-

Charizard focused his gaze on a single cliff. –"There should be, but they have all left,"- he solemnly replied. He didn't say anymore and continued to lead Red through another Charizard-made hallway easily recognized by the burn marks on the wall.

"I can see that this was where you were born, Charizard," Red managed to conclude even though he couldn't understand Charizard. "But there is no one left to welcome you back home."

-"You don't seem that sad for someone to witness their home empty,"- Vaporeon pressed on sensing something more to this strange situation.

Charizard scowled at Vaporeon turning head away from her. He did say one last thing to end the subject. –"I knew this place was empty which is why I brought Red here. There is not a single wild Charizard left in this mountain, so be grateful for that and lets continue."- He increased the flame of his tail before moving on.

Red could tell many Pokemon lived in the mountain. He could tell by sensing the aura they emitted each lively as the next one as well as being capable opponents for Red's own Pokemon. He focused on a single life form mainly due to it being very close and approaching them at a slow pace.

-"My instincts were right! And I thought my nose was tricking me!"- a loud roar rang throughout the tunnel. The group halted to witness a large brown bear walk into their line of vision. Standing as tall as Charizard the fearsome bear raised its broad arms letting out a needless roar.

"What Pokemon is that?" Red asked taking out his Pokedex.

"Ursaring: the Hibernation Pokemon. This Pokemon tend to live mountainous forests, sleeping in treetops and gathering food throughout the day. With its ability to distinguish any aroma, it unfailingly finds all food buried deep underground."

-"Hoho, finally I get to see another Charizard,"- Ursaring complacently said. –"It has been years since I last seen one. Let's cut the chit chat and get straight to the reason I'm here"-

-"I assume you came here to pick up a fight,"- Charizard said in an uninterested tone. –"That's all you Ursarings do, getting into fights for no real reason."-

Ursaring's excited face dropped to a dead serious one. –"That's not right. A Charizard should have that fighting spirit that no Pokemon could rival,"- his settled voice faltered at the end. The red clad trainer came into his eyesight. –"Oh, I see. You're just a tamed Charizard. Not a free and wild one."-

-"And what is that suppose to mean!"- Charizard raised his voice feeling insulted.

Ursaring brought his claws up as if he was about to box. –"I don't care anymore. I've been dying to get in a good fight so you will suffice."-

-"Am I not good-"-

"Charizard, here he comes!" Red alerted his Pokemon.

Ursaring lowered is head to break into a full body charge. He was surprisingly quick for a Pokemon with his stature and reached his fiery target in a matter of seconds. Charizard simply looked upon with a jaded facial expression. The Hibernation Pokemon snarled under the uncouth look. He pounced at Charizard once he was a meter away.

Charizard spun to his right on his feet so fast he was a blur to everyone. The flame waned from the move but brightened when Charizard stopped. Charizard next moved in such a polished way that it looked as it was practiced. He seized Ursaring, who missed his mark, by the waist and used the momentum against him. Charizard flipped over his powerless prey and with all his might, slammed Ursaring into the ground.

-"Tch, that was easier than I thought,"- Charizard noted.

Red was astounded by such a technique. "Where did you learn that move?" he asked.

Charizard rolled his shoulders feeling he may have pulled a muscle. –"It was the same move that my kin will use when this oversized furballs came over to stir up trouble. Heh, he hasn't changed at all over the years,"- Charizard leaned over to see Ursaring's dazed look with his pink floppy tongue falling out of his stout snout. –"Learn from your mistakes and don't make your attacks so linear."-

Red cautiously walked around the unconscious bear to keep up with his Charizard. His mountain Pokemon guided Red to another tunnel but this one looked naturally made over the thousands of years. Up ahead, Red could tell there were plenty of Pokemon waiting for action.

"Oh boy, this is going to take awhile," he muttered to himself.


The treacherous trek led Red use his Aura Powers to block falling rocks that Golems caused from their rolling masses above to blocking attacks from preying Golbats and even detecting traps that more cunning Pokemon lay in wait for.

Red walked into the millionth tunnel through the wall that his Gabite recently collapsed. This single passageway was, however, steeper than the other ones. He could see light from the other end signaling he was close to the top.

"We are almost there," Red regained all of his energy he slowly lost over the course of the expedition. He raced his Gabite with Vaporeon and Charizard close on his heels. Red expected the cool air to hit his face but a raging heat warmed up his exterior.

He found himself in a large cavern with the rugged walls illuminated by the flames of a certain legendary avian. Moltres stretched its wings, increasing the temperature by several degrees in the room. Hovering in mid air, the large bird was thrown back by two powerful Flamethrowers.

Charizard's eyes widen in shock but he quickly became enraged. -"You asshole! I'll tear you apart once and for all!"- Charizard roared, the image of Ember glinted in his blue eyes. He charged towards the trainer extending his razor sharp claws perfect for cutting a person into ribbons.

"Charizard, stop!" Red yelled but n vain. He wouldn't forgive him if he killed another human being and made the hard decision of returning Charizard back into his Pokeball.

Ember along with his partner Drake took notice of the Pallet Town trainer thanks to the angered dragon. Ember only glanced, returned to his ongoing battle with two of his Pokemon, Flareon and a Houndoom, and said a few words that were lost over the roar of the fire attacks being launched. Drake nodded having caught the order and began to stroll over towards Red.

Stretching his arms, Drake stopped a few meters from Red with a smug smirk. "Looks like I'll be allowed to let loose," he cockily said. "Your brother won't be stepping into this battle so don't think you're safe. I'm here to fight you in an all out battle so don't disappoint me, kid."

Red wasn't expecting a trainer battle in the mountain but he managed to keep his cool and took the challenge. "If I beat you, then I can fight Ember?" he blandly asked.

"Hey, hey. Don't even think about Ember when I'm still here," Drake held out his hands just asking to be kicked in the face. "I see you have two Pokemon already out…so I'll use two Pokemon as well!" Drake grabbed a Pokeball with both of his hands and slammed them into the ground.

"Rise Gyarados and Altaria!"

A fearsome water serpent emerged onto the field with a mighty roar while a less intimidating swan-like pokemon with a cloud plucked from the sky was her body. Gyarados was slightly raised above the ground as Altaria flapped her wings stay aligned with her comrade's head.

Red raised his Pokedex at the new Pokemon.

"Altaria: the Humming Pokemon. Altaria dances and wheels through the sky among billowing, cotton-like clouds. By singing melodies in its crystal-clear voice, this Pokémon makes its listeners experience dreamy wonderment."

"Let's not waste more time and get this battle," Drake impatiently stopped Red. "My Pokemon are raring to go but I'll still nice and let you have the first move."

"Fine," Red rudely murmured, pocketing his device. "But I'm saving Gabite for later…and using Pikachu to handle your Gyarados!" Red did as he said, returning Gabite to sent out Pikachu.

-"Yo! It's that Ember!"- Pikachu exclaimed, only able to see the back of Ember.

"I'll let you have the type advantage for now," Drake uncertainly said but put on an excited expression. Having both Pokemon ready to fight, Drake took initiative and made the first offensive move.

"You already made your move so it's time to get started! Gyarados, Hydro Pump the minuscule Pikachu!" he ordered, throwing out his hand in an overdramatic way.

"Vaporeon, jump in to take the hit instead," Red swiftly retaliated.

Gyarados fired a large stream of water pressurized into a deadly weapon directly aimed at Pikachu. Vaporeon darted in front of the Hydro Pump looking as if she didn't care about getting gravely hurt. The water struck her body and it gave rise to a blue glow around Vaporeon's body. Her skin harmlessly absorbed the water.

"Now, Thunder Bolt the wide open Gyarados!"

Pikachu ran around the side for a better aim. He launched the Thunder Bolt at the immobile Gyarados.

"Block with Moonblast, Altaria," Drake ordered. A pink light escaped Altari's beak soon before a fuchsia orb fired from her mouth. The orb exploded to fire dozens of light waves with the same pink hue as the orb. The Moonblast clashed with the Thunder Bolt to neutralize the move.

"Cover the area with your Haze move, Altaria," Drake said sounding as if he had a plan.

Altaria began to flap her wings but no sound came was emitted by her puffy, white wings. A misty white haze overtook the ground, limiting everybody's vision. Red shouted at his Pokemon to stay alert and try to clear away the mist.

"Dragon Dance up my Pokemon!" Drake yelled his command.

-"I can't see anything!"- Pikachu cried. –Can I shock my way out of this? Worth a try!- He dropped onto fours while yelling, -"Stay away from, Vaporeon!"- Heeding his warning, Vaporeon darted away from the voice.

-"And I will simply try to absorb the haze,"- Vaporeon sad to herself seeing the mist was simply water. Her body absorbed every drop that touched her slippery sides. The mist pulled towards her direction like water flowing to the drain in the sink.

"Vaporeon, use Wish." Red ordered suddenly into the mist.

-"But to whom do I pass it on?"- Vaporeon murmured out loud her thoughts.

Pikachu blew away the vapor with his Shockwave attack. He controlled the electricity to swirl around himself to create his electric vortex. With his efforts combined with Vaporeon, they both were able to clear the area. Both Gyarados and Altaria emerged from the fog with a purple glow surrounding their bodies.

"Thunder Bolt the Gyarados while Vaporeon handles Altaria with Ice Beam," Red gave his orders in a calm manner.

"I want both of you to dodge the attacks with by taking to the skies. Bounce and Fly." Drake said putting his hands into his pocket showing off his unconcerned state.

Gyarados scrunched up his tail and pushed against the rocky ground to throw himself into the air and successfully dodging the four times super effective move. Altaria ascended to the sky while looking like a cloud regrouping with its fluffy companions if her feet didn't betray her disguise. The Ice Beam narrowly missed but she was now out of reach of Vaporeon's ice beam.

"Now come back down with your Bounce Attack Gyarados and use Sky Attack Altaria!" Drake ordered without looking up to his Pokemon and kept a smug face as he watched Red squirm uncomfortably under his gaze.

Gyarados let gravity take over and came down at full force. He directed his body to aim at Pikachu who would have more difficulty to dodge his bulk.

"He's aiming for you Pikachu, Thunder Bolt while you have the chance," Red sad wanting to get some damage on the potential threat.

-"Aye, sir!"- he cried. The Thunder Bolt was impossible to dodge and struck for major damage.

"Now jump to the side with Quick Attack!"

Pikachu dashed out of the falling fish's intended path that crashed into the ground to create a powerful shockwave that tear up the battlefield.

"Don't let up," Drake said sounding a just a bit concerned. "Keep on clubbing him with Aqua Tails!"

"Vaporeon!" Red notified his sponge of a Pokemon.

-"Got it!"- she said running towards her partner.

"Watch out!" Red shouted his warning.

Vaporeon also noticed the red light that flew directly at her. Shrouded in red flames similar to Brave Bird, Altaria managed to tackle her foe with her increased speed. Vaporeon was thrown in the opposite direction of Pikachu.

-"Oh god, help me,"- Pikachu whimpered as a tail the size of a small car with a stream of water swirling around it was swung at him. He tried to dodge but he couldn't escape. He was thrown into the ground, feeling agony throughout his body.

Vaporeon easily recovered from the earlier assault, but not free from any injury. She held her ground and continued her run towards Pikachu. Altaria returned to the sky to recover from her powerful blow.

-"I'm honestly shocked that she managed to take a hit,"- Altaria said in an astounded tone. She circled around believing Vaporeon won't be able to handle another one.

"Pikachu, you got to get back up," Red urged. "I need you to take on Altaria with your Shockwave barrier. You got to do it!"

Drake carefully watched Pikachu get back up. "How can he withstand my Altaria's attack if he is struggling to breathe?" Drake asked sounding genuinely confused. "Show them your power, Altaria. Take out Pikachu just with a Wing Attack! Gyarados, Slam the water type.

"Vaporeon, aim a Shadow Ball to the giant eel's face!" Red gave his command with energy.

Vaporeon fired the shadow matter that exploded right into Gyarados who let out an angered roar. She saw Pikachu dashed right past her setting off his Shockwave. Pikachu collided with the incoming dragon type creating sparks of light. Both dropped to the ground but Pikachu landed perfectly on his feet as his foe crashed into the ground inelegantly. A white light that covered Pikachu disappeared.

"Thunder Bolt Gyarados and Vaporeon, Ice Beam the paralyzed Altaria!" Red shouted his commands with haste. Both switched places before firing their respective quad super effective moves. Altaria and Gyarados let out a final cry before fainting.

Drake's hands fell out of his pocket looking flabbergasted. "How did your damn Pikachu managed to survive such a hit in his state?"

"Simple really," Red said sounding pleased. "I had Vaporeon use Wish, which she will most likely use on her partner Pikachu to maintain him healthy. It does have a delayed affect, so I did it before using a reckless strategy that will bring your Altaria from the sky, now paralyzed by prolonging the contact with his Static ability."

Drake stood in shock for a moment before deciding to recall his Pokemon. "Damn you. I'm not letting you get the best of me in this battle! Come out Gabite and Dragonair!"

Drake's Gabite, a Pokemon Red remembered well from before, and a snake-like creature with a blue and white color scheme through out

"Pikachu and Vaporeon, you guys did well but I'm going to let you guys rest," Red abruptly said getting surprised looks by both of his Pokemon. He returned them before they could object. I need to save all of my Pokemon's energy so I can face Ember, Red rationalized for his actions.

"Gabite and Nidoking, this battle is ours!" Red sent out both ground types onto the battlefield.

"Oh, you managed to evolve your Gible, quite impressive," Drake acting surprised annoyed Red. "But I wonder if it can hold up against a Dragon Tamer's Gabite?"

-"A the scary man!"- Gabite exclaimed.

"Don't be afraid, Gabite," Red assured him. "We are not the same before so let's show him the power you contain!"

-"You're right! Now I'll be the mean guy!"- He shouted. With no orders given to him yet he decided to make the first move. He sprinted to his kin with a Dragon Claw ready.

"Don't be such a hurry to die. Gabite, Dual Chop!" Drake raised his hand with his order. "Dragonair, target the Nidoking with a Dragon Breathe!"

Drake's Gabite raised his claws filled with dragonic power and charged. He looked claws with the younger Gabite and began to exchange blows. Dragonair exhaled a purple fire ball from her small mouth.

"Block it with Ice beam!"

Nidoking countered the dragon move with the blue beam. He followed it up with another Ice beam aiming for Dragonair's head.

"Light Screen, Dragonair!"

Dragonair brought her extensive tail to protect her head. A pastel yellow, transparent box looking as fragile as glass appeared around Dragonair as well as her partner Gabite. The Ice Beam, traveled through the screen but emerged on the other side half its original size. Slightly cringing from the ice, Dragonair dropped her tail not too badly damaged.

Red's Gabite questioned the Light Screen that momentarily appeared around his foe but the distraction caused him to lose the upper hand. The more aggressive Gabite cut down his foe with a Dual Chop and pushed him back with an uppercut.

"Dragon Rage!" Red noticed Gabite's fight wasn't going to well and jumped in to help.

-"I'm not best Gabite around her!"- he roared out his Dragon Rage that knocked back his twin.

"Now Nidoking, attack Dragonair with physical attacks since light Screen only affects special moves," Red released some useful information before returning to Gabite's battle.

-"Right, I see,"- Nidoking heeded the advice. –"I've been wondering how Pokemon who aren't immune to poison will react to this technique."- He trampled over the rocks as he made his way to Dragonair with a Poison Jab close to his body.

"Dragonair, go for an Aqua Tail," Drake glanced onto her side but returned to the brawling Gabites.

-"Don't take me so lightly,"- Dragonair said her voice clear as spring water. She lifted her Aqua Tail to bring it down onto the susceptible Pokemon. Her strength wouldn't be considered weak by most Pokemon but it couldn't compare to Nidoking's brute force. Nidoking dismissed the super effective hit to bring his Poison Jab directly into the blue serpent's chest.

-"Gah!"- she shoved Nidoking aside with her tail. Her eyes dimmed as poison ran through her blood. –"I can't lose just yet!"- she fired off another Dragon Breathe.

"Gabite, show them the true power of a Dragon! Draco Meteor!" Drake bellowed, eager to prove his Pokemon was the best completely ignoring his endangered Dragonair.

Drake's Gabite reared his head back, mouth wide open. A bright orange light flowed out of his as if he contained the very sun in his stomach. His head jounced back forward to shoot a blinding sphere of energy into the air. It exploded like a fireworks, even emitting a shower of fire. The remains of the explosion shot down towards the opposing foe like bullets. A shower of dragon power pounded Gabite into the floor.

Gabite was on the brink of fainting after being hit by the powerful attack. His body fought against him as he struggled to get back up. –"That…will…not be enough…to defeat,"- he spat despite quivering in place. His opponent was too fatigues from the power demanding attack to rejoin.

Red stepped behind his Pokemon, sharing the same determination as him. "Gabite, Burning Claw!"

Leaving his weariness behind, Gabite scurried over towards the tired Gabite with a Dragon Claw ready to strike.

"Damn! He still isn't down," Drake cursed. "Dual Chop, him!"

Activating his Dual Chop, Gabite waited for his opponent to reach him to conserve energy. He was blinded by a wave of fire that he didn't expect. Being the capricious Gabite of the battle, Red's Gabite jumped through the flames he created to slash across the foe in the chest with his Burning Claw combo.

Gabite flinched and jumped back but the damage has been dealt. His feet gave away and collapsed onto his back. Not single peep left his mouth signaling the end of the battle.

"This can't be happening!" Drake bellowed outraged. He turned towards his neglected Pokemon to see her final moment. Nidoking managed to notch another hit on her with his Poison Jab that knocked her out. "How-this isn't right. The last time I faced you, you were pathetically weak…but to be brought down so quickly is incomprehensibly."

Red had both of his Pokemon regroup to face the defeated Drake. "It happened whether you believe in it or not. Now, move aside and let me handle Ember," Red ordered frigidly as if he didn't matter anymore. Red looked past the Kuraisora member to witness his brother throw a Pokeball at the flaming bird.

"No! If you want to get pass me, than kill!" Drake recomposed himself yet sounded passionate. "I will not accept defeat. Not here! If you want to even have a chance to defeat Ember, than get to his level and kill me!"

Red was taken back. "I can't! That's just morally wrong!" he argued.

Drake stifled a laugh. "Then you have no hope of winning," he said under a mysterious smirk. "Rise my dragon Pokemon. We are not done here! We can't go back with such a miserable defeat!"

To Red's utter surprise, the fallen Pokemon slowly raised themselves from the ground. Battered up and weary, they stood in front of Red once more.

-"We will not fail now,"- Gabite vowed to his trainer.

-"We will prevail,"- Dragonair said with confidence.

A bright glow overtook both Pokemon stunning Drake. The evolution light shimmered in the dim cavern that soon died down to reveal larger Pokemon in their place. Gabite retained the color scheme and similar body structure besides the shark-like tail and yellow star on the tip of his nose. Dragonair, on the other hand, was a complete transformation. A large yellow dragon body stood in her place on two sturdy legs and pair of tiny wings disproportionate to her body.

"Garchomp and a Dragonite," Drake muttered incredulously. "Destroy those two Draco Meteor!"

Garchomp let out a shrill cry before firing his. Dragonite let out a more pleasant roar then launched her Draco Meteor. Both spheres exploded simultaneously and rained down onto the confounded duo. The intensity of the attack knocked Red backwards, leaving his Pokemon to take the attack head on. The ground shook as the dragon's power overtook the battlefield. Leaving the ground in a tattered state, Nidoking and Gabite laid in the crater with no signs of getting back up.

The newly evolved Pokemon dropped in front of Drake, exhausted to the point of fainting from the attack. Drake smiled like a Cheshire cat from behind his powerful Pokemon.

"Feel true power, brother of Ember," Drake said triumphantly.

Red didn't fall into despair and recalled his Pokemon back. He thanked them before reaching for two new Pokeballs. His brother's bold voice stopped him.

"We are done here, Drake," Ember flashed his partner the burnt Pokeball. "We need to return as soon as possible." He acted as if Red didn't exist there.

"I'm not done yet until I beat this brat senselessly," Drake furrowed his eyebrows.

"Tch. Can't you obviously tell that your Pokemon won't be able to take another hit," Ember pointed out the weariness in Drake's Pokemon.

"Well, I'm sure you can finish him off for me," Drake shot a look to Red.

"No, I used up all my Pokemon to handle Moltres," Ember blankly responded.

"What! You only used two Pokemon!" Drake shouted infuriated.

"I left the others with Kuraisora. They needed their power to complete the preparations," Ember calmly elucidated Drake. "And since these two are your last ones able to fight, we have no choice but to withdraw." Drake grinded his teeth together as he clenched a fist.

"Which means I won," Red blinked in surprise. "I want you guys to give up now and turn yourself to the authorities! You have no Pokemon to fight and I have four more in a good condition. So I suggest you guys follow my orders." Red's spirits shot back up. I got them! I can take these guys to the police and have their organization's vile plans revealed so we can stop them! Red realized.

Ember shook his head softly smiling. "Don't be so naive, Red. I still have these." Ember held up Moltres's capsule as well as the Fire Crystal sparkled in his palm. "You do remember what happens when you combined these two," Ember haughtily said before placing them back into his pocket. "If I barely held against a Moltres, then I doubt you can handle a Moltres powered by the Fire Crystal."

Red's hopes sunk lower than any sink that has sunk before. He remember being helpless against Articuno but he was sure he couldn't survive the scorching flames Moltres controlled. Red wasn't going to take the chance that Ember wouldn't try to kill him since he has tried before.

"Let us pass and not cause another death in Mt. Silver," Ember said with no resentment.

Red moved out of the way with bitterness. Drake returned his Pokemon and followed Ember's lead. Both members wordlessly brushed past the young trainer. He broke once their footsteps couldn't be heard.

"Damn! I wasn't strong enough again," he bellowed. Why didn't I even attempt to challenge Ember? I could have been able to deal Moltres now that I had a Vaporeon…but Ember. His voice alone changed my thoughts! I felt weak when I'm close to him!

Red let out an unintelligent cry. His eyes were glossed by the tears that began to fall out. He cursed himself for being so weak. He didn't care what happened next and broke into a sprint away from his brother, away from all his worries. He took a tunnel that lead straight up. He followed it aimlessly until he saw light at the end of the tunnel.

He gasped at the sight. He sat at the top of the mountain swirled in cotton shaped clouds. He gasped for air feeling the air get thin. Light headed he ambled towards the edge of the mighty mountain. The clouds clouded his view as the falling snow irritated his eyes. Or he should have felt frustrated for this was the reward for conquering the infamous Mt. Silver. It was rumored to see all the edges of the continent but he couldn't even see the forest down below. Red still managed to find a sense of calmness.

The air was still, not a single sound could be heard besides the gentle wind that blew across his face. The stillness helped him find peace in his heart like no other person could do. He felt like this was the place he belonged. He let out his aura energies flow out of his body and then something caught his attention.

"Oh!"