"Honedge, use Shadow Sneak on Raichu!" Bran gave the command.

"Honedge!" Honedge extended its shadow towards Raichu.

Meeks smirked. "Blast through with Wild Charge, Raichu!"

"Chu!" Raichu used his tail to propel himself towards Honedge, powering through Shadow Sneak like nothing happened.

"Honedge, get out of there!" Bran yelled.

Raichu slammed into Honedge before it could evade the powerful attack. While Raichu took slight recoil damage, the devastating blow knocked Honedge out of commission.

"Honedge is unable to battle!" the female referee declared.

"So the score is even," Bran muttered to himself, recalling Honedge. "You got us this far. Good work."

It was down to the wire in Bran's gym battle against Sam Meeks within Team Power's arena. The battlefield was made of dirt, outlined by white boundary marks and the face of Groudon in the center. Two banners of the legendary pokemon hung from the ceiling, hanging behind both sides of the field. Members of Team Power took to the bleachers to witness this close battle, as did regular spectators who had the free time to do so.

"Any ruse you put up is just another wall waiting to be broken down," Meeks said. "Now, who will your final pokemon be?"

Bran primed his last pokeball. He started with Herdier, who was able to defeat Gabite, but lost to Lairon. He solved Lairon using Honedge, but failed to land a single hit on Raichu.

"You can do this, Kadabra!" he summoned his last pokemon.

"Kadabra!" Kadabra stood poised and disciplined against his opponent.

"All right, let's go!" Kristine cheered from the sideline. She had a front row seat to the battle. She observed the battle, and so far, she seemed impressed not by Bran's ability to go toe-to-toe with a gym leader, but also Meek's true-power fighting style. There weren't flashy moves, tricks, or compelling strategies involved; just raw power and perseverance. It became ever so clear why Meeks awarded her and Jason the Power Badge after defeating the Donnovan twins. The challenge of power and perseverance would have been redundant.

"Use Psybeam!" Bran commanded.

"Kadabra!" Kadabra launched a powerful colorful beam at Raichu.

"Dodge and use Thunder Wave!" Meeks responded.

Raichu dodged out of the way and emitted an electric wave towards Kadabra.

"Disable! Now!" Bran quickly issued.

"Kadabra!" Kadabra lifted his spoon towards Raichu. He successfully stopped Thunder Wave and therefore prevented Raichu from using it again in the meantime. However, that all seemed meaningless when Kadabra fell on one knee, electric currents rippling throughout his body.

"Oh no!" Bran became concerned.

"He couldn't stop Thunder Wave in time," Kristine looked on.

"Wild Charge while he's paralyzed!" Meeks ordered.

"Raichu!" Raichu once again used his tail as a spring to charge at Kadabra, covered in electric volts.

"Reflect! Hold!" Bran yelled.

"Kadabra!" Kadabra unleashed a rainbow barrier in front of himself. Raichu slammed into it head on, taking damage as the kinetic impact slightly shook Kadabra.

"Get him out from close range!" Bran followed up. "Psybeam!"

"Bra!" Kadabra launched a close range Psybeam at Raichu.

"Duck, and use Brick Break!" Meeks wanted to break that Reflect.

"Raichu!" Raichu ducked his head from the powerful Psybeam attack as it fizzled towards the other side of the field. He charged at Kadabra once more, this time with a glowing fist.

"Shadow Ball!" Bran was determined to keep Raichu away.

"Kadabra!" Kadabra launched a shadowy sphere, striking Raichu at point blank range.

"Chu!" Raichu flew back from the impact.

"Use your tail and use Slam on Kadabra!" Meeks yelled.

"Raichu!" Raichu wrapped his tail around Kadabra, lifting him up.

"Throw him down!" Meeks raised his fist in the air.

Raichu slammed Kadabra with such force, sending a small dust cloud into the air.

"Kadabra…" Kadabra was weary, but he still stood strong.

"Hang in there, Kadabra!" Bran encouraged his pokemon. "You have to hold! You have to survive!"

Meeks admired Bran's determination, a brave stand against an aggressive foe. It reminded him of the days of the war, where the dreadful experiences helped form his offensive battle style.

"Brick Break! Go!" Meeks began another assault.

Raichu charged at Kadabra once again.

"Shadow Ball!" Bran responded.

"Kadabra!" Kadabra unleashed the shadowy sphere in hopes to break Raichu's offensive.

Shadow Ball hit Raichu head on. As the smoke cleared, Raichu still charged as if the direct hit didn't bother him one bit.

"Chu!" Raichu struck Kadabra, thus breaking Reflect.

"Defenses are down! Now spring back and end this with Wild Charge!" Meeks commanded.

Raichu jumped back, preparing to lunge forward with a potential knockout blow from the high voltage attack that is Wild Charge.

"Psybeam! Now!" Bran yelled.

Kadabra quickly launched Psybeam just as Raichu closed in on him. The result was a massive explosion that rocked the field. Kristine had to hold on to her visor with one hand as she shielded her eyes with the other.

The smoke cleared a moment later. Kadabra was on both knees, perhaps prepared to make a last desperate stand. Fortunately for him and Bran, Raichu was knocked out.

"Raichu is unable to battle!" the referee declared. "Kadabra wins! Therefore, the winner of this match is Bran Riken!"

"We've won this!" Bran threw his fist in the air.

"Way to go, Bran!" Kristine cheered. She realized this was the first time she witnessed Bran, who was often quite collective, expressing powerful emotions. She could tell he really wanted to win this one. And while the strategy of speed faltered against Raichu, Bran showed resolve reminiscent of Jason, she thought. She began to believe these gym battles brought out one's true character.

The spectators began to cheer for Bran. Meeks walked over to him after recalling Raichu. Bran recalled Kadabra right after.

"You see, I test one's ability to handle the pressure," Meeks said. "You did that when I took your advantage of speed away. May I present you the Power Badge."

Meeks handed Bran the Power Badge. The audience cheered once more.

"Three down, only nine to go!" Bran cheered.

"The closest gym from here is in Raley City to the south," Meeks continued. "Team Valor hosts the gym there. Scarlet is a real trip, but she will test your passion for battling."

"Thank you, sir," Bran smiled.

"You're going to be a strong trainer with that calm head of yours, no doubt," Meeks complimented. "Go get 'em."

Meeks turned around to head back towards the other side of the field and its exit. Bran walked off the battlefield as Kristine walked up to him.

"Hey, congrats!" she said.

"I appreciate it," Bran replied. "Thanks for coming to watch me. It means a lot."

"Yeah, no problem!" Kristine smiled.


Meeks walked into the atrium upon exiting the battlefield.

"Sir!" a teenaged member of Team Power ran up to him. "Want me to take care of your pokemon?"

"Yeah, make sure they're ready for the next battle, lad," Meeks handed him the three pokeballs.

"Will do!" the teen seemed eager to assist Meeks.

"Reminds me of me when I was his age," Meeks muttered, chuckling.

"Mr. Meeks?" Meeks heard a voice behind him. He turned around to see a man with brown, spiky hair and glasses and wearing an ocean camo shirt and baggy pants. "Name's Joe, from the IOCI. May I have a few moments of your time?"

"IOCI, eh?" Meeks became curious as to why this man was here. "How can I help you?"

"Yesterday, a young trainer found a beached dratini that suffered from some kind of substance," Joe explained.

"I've heard. It was on the paper this morning," Meeks mentioned. "And I know her too. Kristine Kyar. Sharp lass. Good kid."

"Right. Figured the media outlets would write a heartwarming story. Do they still print papers?"

"As long as I still get them, it's safe to say yes. But chatter aside, what's your point?"

"My point is about the substance itself, which is exactly why I came to you," Joe said as he pulled out a scanner from his pocket. "The substance is unlike anything I have ever seen, and I don't believe it's natural."

"Hmm," Meeks studied the screen on the scanner.

"Our researchers can't determine what it is," Joe continued. "Perhaps –"

"I have an old colleague and mentee who shares the same name as you that could help," Meeks interrupted. "But just by looking at it, I don't believe that's necessary. What were the symptoms?"

"Violent wailing, from what I've heard. Aggressive attacks on all vital organs, even on muscle tissue. This thing was going to kill dratini. And if it's artificial, we need to find out who is trying to kill pokemon."

"Oh dear…" Meeks sighed.

"What's wrong?" Joe asked.

"I don't believe the intent was to kill pokemon," Meeks explained. "During the War, the oppressors injected their combat pokemon with a substance known as Crimson Wrath. It made them fearless of conflict, and worse, it enhanced their moves to be so powerful, they were lethal.

"Before we even launched a liberation campaign in Kalos, we tried to mimic Crimson Wrath. Test subjects were usually the weaker, non-evolved pokemon. That was the first stage of testing. When we successfully mastered it, we used it on fully evolved pokemon."

"Hardly surprising such a thing was deployed during the War, but us of all people?" Joe seemed disgusted.

"It wasn't humanity's finest hour," Meeks regretfully admitted. "The logic was that this method was how Kalos was invaded and taken by surprise, and we needed to fight fire with fire. The ironic and tragic thing about the War was that we fought to stop the monsters, but we became monsters ourselves in the process."

"That's why you fought to disarm the regions after the War," Joe said.

"Right," Meeks nodded. "Crimson Wrath supplies were abundant in Inventum, Kalos, and even Unova after the War. Once the disarm deal was signed, we all agreed to eradicate all supplies and the blueprints as if it never existed. Guess I was a fool to believe no one would try to develop it again."

"Someone or some people must be trying to develop it," Joe insisted. "We need to go out into the ocean and find the source of this."

"Easier said than done," Meeks crossed his arms.

"What do you mean?" Joe seemed surprised of Meeks' reaction.

"You of all people know that the ocean is one big place," Meeks replied. "Let's say you find these people. What then?"

"Can't you send your boys and girls and put these people behind bars?"

Meeks scoffed. "Most of them are literally boys and girls. Did you see the kid taking off with my pokemon? Team Power is shifting to conservation and community service efforts. The people who know how to handle situations like you're describing are old men like myself who like retelling war stories from time to time. And believe me, I'm the only old man of the bunch who can breathe and walk independently, let alone remember what I ate for breakfast."

"Well, can't you do anything yourself?"

Meeks stepped over to pat Joe on the shoulder. "You know that mentee of mine that shares your name I mentioned a minute ago? He reminds me of you when he was your age, wanting something done right now despite lack of knowledge or resources. I'm old. Ol' Raichu is old, but he still loves his battles. I wouldn't be of much help. But the police might be able to investigate –"

"But that's going to take time!" Joe snapped.

"Then you won't like my next response. If these people are operating in international waters, which I guarantee you they are if they're smart, then contact international police."

"Interpol? You're right. I don't like that response. It'll take weeks for them to even see my request!"

"These are your best options, son. Provide them with hard evidence, and you will get your case expedited. I promise you."

"There's no time. You and I both know for each passing day, they will get closer to perfecting what you're describing."

"You're right," Meeks sighed again. "If I could help, I would, without a doubt. But we are in no condition to fight."

"I understand," Joe briefly looked down. "I'll notify the police," he said before he departed. "Thank you for the information, sir. Good day to you."

"Anytime," Meeks gave a nod.

As Joe stormed off, Meeks stood there momentarily.

"Yeah, you're going to tell the police," he muttered, predicting Joe's plans. "Then you're going to investigate yourself when their answers won't satisfy you enough."


Adam Kindler was a pokemon breeder who was well respected in Richland Port. Having been a breeder for over fifteen years, he took over his father's business recently and has continued the practice of breeding compatible pokemon for people throughout Richland Port and beyond. With short red hair and a freckled face, his likeness had been somewhat of a household icon among the locals.

If they existed, he bred them. That was his reputation. His farm was home to many of his own pokemon. There were sunflora, azumarill, pikachu, stoutland, and many others, including a snoozing snorlax in the middle of the field. He had met many requests and inquiries, but his next task may prove challenging: breeding swellow for those who want taillow.

It wasn't a complicated request on paper. Adam had his male swellow, but all he needed was a female swellow. He contemplated how he was going to approach this task when his prayers seemed answered as a female swellow suddenly flew overhead.

"Swellow!" Adam's swellow, who stood right by him, looked up.

"That's a female swellow, all right!" Adam smiled. "But there's no doubt she belongs to a trainer. Let's go see who she belongs to, huh Swellow?"

"Swellow!" Adam's swellow agreed.


Jason strolled along within a pokemon park abundant with trees, plants, and even battlefields for trainers to participate in skirmishes. To top it all off, there was a lake in the center in the shape of a pokeball, with a bridge going across to successfully divide both halves. His pokemon had dispersed, and he was looking around to see what they were up to. He had encouraged them to keep training for the battles to come.

Magikarp was at the lake for sure, so Jason needed to find out where the four other pokemon were. As he walked along, he noticed Kirlia and Riolu skirmishing together. Curious as to how they were practicing, Jason approached them.

Kirlia used Confusion to lift up Riolu. Acting quickly, Riolu used his new move, Shadow Claw, to project a ghostly projection of a claw in order to strike Kirlia. Kirlia used Protect to shield herself from the attack, closing her eyes and looking away from what she interpreted to be a terrifying attack. Riolu was released from Confusion as he maintained a fighting stance.

"Whoa," even Jason became uneasy by Riolu's Shadow Claw. He didn't want to discourage Riolu, however.

"Okay," he smiled. "Let's go find Jolteon and Swellow, okay?"

Both Kirlia and Riolu agreed.

Jason continued through a wooded area alongside Kirlia and Riolu. Moments later, he heard the sounds of electricity being emitted nearby.

"Jolteon!" Jolteon appeared to be harnessing electric energy, preparing to use Wild Charge.

"Hey Jolteon!" Jason greeted.

This broke Jolteon's focus, as he turned to greet Jason.

"Now where's Swellow?" Jason wondered.

"Swellow!" Swellow flew overhead, preparing to land before Jason.

"There you are!" Jason waved. Swellow made the landing seconds later.

"Looks like you all were getting some training in," Jason addressed. "Good work. We'll have to get ready for the next gym in Raley City. They say Scarlet is one tough gym leader. You know what that means? We'll have to be tougher!"

All pokemon shouted their names in approval.

"Now let's go round up Magikarp. Then we can –"

"Excuse me! You there!" Jason heard a man's voice. He turned his head to see a man, possibly in his late 20s to early 30s, with red hair and freckles on his face. He had a swellow next to him.

"Name's Adam," the man introduced himself. "Sorry to interrupt you. Is that your swellow?"

"Yes she is," Jason proudly admitted. "Except I prefer our terms to be in partnership. It's not like I own her."

"Right. Of course," the man gave a nod. "I'm a pokemon breeder here in Richland Port. My farm's less than a mile away from here. I saw Swellow fly and thought I'd see where she went."

"May I ask why?" Jason seemed inquisitive.

"See, I have a demanding market for taillow. My swellow right here is a male, and I would just need a female swellow."

Adam took a closer look at Jason's swellow. "Yes, yes. She's perfect. Perfectly healthy and visually appealing. Young man, I can pay you handsomely to –"

"She's not for sale," Jason interrupted. "So uh, have a nice day," he began to depart, with all but Swellow following him.

"I see, maybe I am sending the wrong message to you," Adam continued.

"No I get it," Jason turned around. "You're in a business to make money. You need a female swellow so you can keep your customers happy. Sorry, but I'm a trainer, and my only business is battling."

"Dear boy, it's much more than making money," Adam smiled. "Breeding pokemon is a way of life. Trust me, I love it just as much as you love being a trainer. I make money because I need a roof over my head and food to eat. I love pokemon, and I love making people happy. Sorry if I got off the wrong way by using possessive terms; my customers keep pokemon as pets."

Jason heard Adam's message loud and clear. He also noticed that his swellow did not follow alongside him. Instead, she appeared to be interested by the proposition, in addition to being attracted by the slightly larger male swellow.

"Swellow?" Jason tried to get her attention.

"Swellow," Swellow turned to face Jason.

"Would you like to come with me to my farm and see what this is all about?" Adam asked.

"Sure," Jason accepted. "Let me get my magikarp first."

After Jason returned to the lake to retrieve Magikarp, he followed Adam to his farm just outside the park. There, all of Jason's pokemon made themselves feel at home while he placed Magikarp in a nearby pond with other water pokemon.

"This is Kindler Farm," Adam said. "This has been a family run farm for generations. I just took over for my father a few years ago. He hasn't been doing too well, lately."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Jason expressed his sympathy.

"I appreciate it," Adam smiled.

Both swellow got closer together. They lightly chirped towards one another.

"Well," Adam chuckled. "They seem to be getting a long quite well so quickly.

"Can pokemon bond together that quickly?" Jason asked.

"Sure," Adam nodded. "Think about it. If they took forever to make important decisions, no trainer would have a full team of six pokemon. Pokemon seem to have that one thing in common and it's having that instinct to make those important decisions. They really know what's best for them."

"Yeah…" Jason looked on. He suddenly became nervous of Swellow's growing attraction to the male swellow. Then he was in silent denial. Swellow wants to be part of my team all the way until the end. It's okay.

He looked around. Dozens of pokemon seemed to be enjoying themselves, from playing around to just relaxing. Not to mention the sleeping snorlax in the center.

"You've made this quite the paradise," Jason complimented.

"Thanks," Adam grinned. "That's the true reward for being a breeder."

Jason then noticed both swellow were being friendlier towards one another.

"Well, aren't they getting flirty?" Adam laughed.

"Is that what it is?" Jason remained dense. Alerted by Adam's comment, he began to approach the two.

"Okay," he stated. "That's –"

"Let it play out," Adam suggested. "You don't seem to be quite comfortable."

"Swellow is a part of a team," Jason explained. "You can't just take her from that."

"Hey," Adam placed his hand on Jason's shoulder. Jason had the urge to swat it away, but he resisted.

"These decisions are not up to me or you," Adam replied. "It's up to both swellow. They have free choice just as much as we do."

"Yeah," Jason sighed. "I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry about."

Jason looked to see how happy Swellow was becoming. Does she really want to move on and start a family? She really likes Adam's swellow.

"I'll give you and your swellow some time to think it through," Adam continued. "Does that sound good to you?"

"Yeah," Jason replied. "We should figure out what's best. I mean, Swellow should figure out what's best for her, too."

"Take your time," Adam smiled. "I'll be in touch, okay?"

"Okay," Jason nodded. A short while later, he left with all of his pokemon.


So this guy wants Swellow to breed with his swellow?" Kristine asked later that night.

The twins were winding down for the day in their room at the pokemon center. Jason had previously explained to her what happened with Adam at his farm.

"Yeah," Jason replied. "I don't know what to think about it."

Kristine took a seat before the computer terminal, accessing the extranet in order to research Adam. "And what did you think of the place?"

"It was great, really. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves."

"And what did Swellow think?"

Jason paused for a moment.

Kristine then turned around to face him. "What did she think?"

"I –" Jason was hesitant to reply. "I think she likes Adam's swellow."

"Then let's see how this plays out tomorrow."

"She's supposed to travel with us across Inventum," Jason said. "We're nowhere near finished yet."

"Sometimes, things come up. Swellow is an adult female pokemon in her prime. She's been at your side for months, and traveled with you across the Mountains. Maybe she needs to figure out what she wants to do, as well."

"So I guess we go back tomorrow and spend the day there?"

Kristine nodded. "I'm going with you."

"I can handle this."

"I know. But I'm still going with you."

Jason sighed, and proceeded to sit down on his bed.

"Look," Kristine got up. "It might be hard, but you value your relationship with pokemon as partnership, not ownership, right? That means your pokemon have free choice. You'll be doing a favor to Swellow for bringing her back and having her choose her own future."

"I suppose," Jason looked up at Kristine. "But what if she decides to stay? What if she doesn't want to continue on with us?"

"It would be hard to handle. I can only imagine. But you must face this possibility."

It occurred to Jason why Kristine was coming with him to the farm. It seemed as if she had a feeling something was going to happen, and whatever what that might be, Jason was going to need her.


The next day, Jason and Kristine went to Adam's farm.

"Here it is," Jason said.

The two walked underneath a wooden arch leading into the farm.

"It's a nice place all right," Kristine observed all the pokemon surrounding her. "And there's a sleeping snorlax."

"Yeah, he hasn't moved," Jason chuckled.

Moments later, Adam emerged from his house and approached the twins, with his swellow next to him.

"Welcome back Jason," he greeted. He noticed Kristine. "Hi there. Name's Adam."

"Kristine Kyar," Kristine introduced herself. "I'm Jason's sister."

"I see. Well, I gave Jason and his swellow some time to think following yesterday's visit. I know this was very prompt."

"Yes, but we are beginning to understand how pokemon think," Kristine replied.

"Go ahead and release all your pokemon," Adam suggested.

Jason and Kristine did just that, summoning all of their pokemon so they could enjoy themselves at the farm. Riolu took Magikarp to the nearby pond upon Jason's request.

Swellow quickly noticed Adam's swellow and approached him.

"Awe, that's cute," Kristine noticed both swellow's affection towards one another.

"Come walk with me," Adam suggested to the twins. "Then we can see how both swellow are doing."

Jason looked at Swellow. He could clearly see her bonding with Adam's swellow. I wonder when she started thinking of moving on?

Jason and Kristine followed Adam around his house towards a garden in the back yard, also filled with different pokemon, many of them grass and bug types.

"Wow," Kristine seemed amazed at the different types of flowers and trees planted throughout, making it a vibrant, colorful landscape of many colors from cooler, lighter ones to warmer, darker ones.

"So tell me about yourselves," Adam spoke. "I've seen you two on television winning the Power Duo."

"Yep, that was us," Kristine smiled.

"And Jason, how did you and your swellow meet?"

"It was just a couple days after we started our journey, all the way back near Mountain Spring in the mountain regions," Jason replied. "I caught her as taillow."

"Ah, that's part of the collection of towns near Cheron Forest, isn't it?" Adam mentioned. "It's a tragedy what's been happening to it. I'm very sorry."

"Last we've heard, Team Mystic is gaining ground," Kristine said. "They've responded faster than anyone would have ever expected."

"Ah yes, Aria. I've met her. You know, it was her father who purchased her eevee from my father."

"No way! What a small world we live in, huh?" Kristine chuckled.

"It would appear that way," Adam smiled. He then looked at Jason. "Was taillow your first catch?"

"Yeah," Jason nodded. "My very first catch."

"I see."

"We've traveled for months to reach where we are today," Kristine added. "All of our pokemon have been through a lot. We've gained valuable experience, too."

"And Jason," Adam said. "How would you describe Swellow?"

Jason paused for a moment, trying to come up with a response. "Strong. Determined. Fierce. A good companion."

Both Adam and Kristine knew about both swellow's attraction towards one another. In the pokemon world, they were on track to be in love with each other imminently. This was going to be very difficult for Jason to accept. Because Swellow is a female, she would have to stay behind if she so chooses to do that.

After the group walked across the garden, Adam led them towards the back porch of his house. Adam and Kristine noticed Jason was lost in his own deep thoughts.

"Why don't you take a seat for a while and relax?" Adam asked.

"Yeah," Jason sat down on a wooden rocking chair.

"Come inside with me, Kristine," Adam led her in.

"Sure," Kristine said.

"So, tell me about your brother," Jason overheard Adam say to Kristine before he closed the sliding glass door leading into the house.

Jason remained in deep thought, wondering what Swellow was going to do and what he was going to do after this. He always thought his team was cemented, committed to going on the way, and he only needed one more pokemon to fully complete the team. The very thought of Swellow leaving would change everything.

Jason leaned forward, putting his hands over his face. "What am I going to do?" he muttered.


A while later, Kristine came out. "Hey," she put her hand over his shoulder. "I helped Adam make an early dinner. Let's eat."

Jason complied, and followed Kristine inside the house.

"Your sister's quite the cook," Adam mentioned. "She knows her regions, and lifestyles quite well, actually."

"Yeah, she pretty much does all the cooking," Jason replied.

The three sat at a dining table in the kitchen, which had black and white checkered tiling and white walls. Jason engulfed his sandwiches and stew in a matter of minutes.

"Remarkable," Adam muttered.

"That's my brother," Kristine smiled.

"Sorry, I get hungry when I think too much," Jason said.

After everyone finished eating, it soon became time. The inevitable occurred; Jason and Swellow were at a crossroads and they needed to figure out where to go from there.

Jason walked out through the front door as the sun began to set. He saw both swellow cuddling with one another. Taking a deep breath, he approached them.

Swellow, noticing Jason, approached him as well.

Jason kneeled down match Swellow's height. The two looked at each other, both with watery eyes, and no words were said at first.

"Is this what you want, Swellow?" Jason finally mustered the courage to ask.

Swellow turned around to face her new companion. She then turned back to face Jason, and gave a clear nod.

"Okay," Jason held back his tears. "Then I want you to do promise me this," his voice was shaky. "Promise me you will be the best mother you will ever be. Be the best swellow there could possibly be."

Swellow looked at Jason momentarily. "Swellow," she chirped.

Jason reached in to hug her. Swellow put her head over Jason's shoulder as a sign of comfort. Jason then pulled out her pokeball.

"I've never done this before," he muttered. His hands shaking, he managed to press and hold the button on the center of the ball. While simply pressing it released a red beam that would recall the pokemon, holding it for a prolonged period of time would emit a blue beam, thus unbinding the pokemon from the pokeball.

Jason remembered the times he had with Swellow during this process, from the capture to the attempted rescue when he, Ralts, and Eevee were trapped against a group of gastly. How she played a big role alongside Fletchinder against Justin and Fiona, and how she was determined to not give up following the devastating defeat to Alex. He remembered when she evolved from Taillow, and knew how lucky he was to have such a committed pokemon. She also played a role in saving his life in the Nappalchan Mountains, risking her own safety to spread the message that he was in danger. She was quite the pokemon all right, one that couldn't be replaced so easily.

A blue beam outlined Swellow. It was as if all the energy was sucked out of both of them at that moment. It was done. It was the end of a chapter for both Jason and Swellow, as they soon would go in separate directions.

Jolteon and Kirlia approached Swellow to bid their farewells. Riolu grabbed Magikarp and the two did the same. Even Espeon, Fletchinder, Pikachu, Machop, and Snorunt approached Swellow.

After everyone said their goodbyes, Jason got up.

"I will visit you before I leave the city," Jason assured Swellow.

"Swellow!" Swellow gave a nod.

Moments later, Jason and Kristine recalled all of their pokemon.

"I promise you Swellow will be in the best of care," Adam said. "Best of luck on your journey forward, you two! Feel free to stop by anytime. I always appreciate good company."

Jason and Kristine waved goodbye as they crossed underneath the archway and left the farm.

Then came another reminder as to why Kristine was here in the first place.

"Swellow," Jason spoke as he trembled.

"It's going to be okay, Jason," Kristine spoke calmly.

"I'm going to miss her so much," Jason burst into tears, having bottling up how he really felt until now.

"Hey hey," Kristine leaned in to hug Jason. "It's going to be okay."

"She's a good pokemon! And there was still so much left to explore!"

"I know," Kristine held onto him. "I'm going to miss having Swellow with us too. She's going to miss us as well. She's going to miss you, and all of your pokemon."

"You just can't replace Swellow that easily!"

"I know. She's irreplaceable. Let her fighting spirit inspire all of our pokemon for the battles to come. Besides, you know where she will be."

"We're going to make Swellow proud of us," Jason continued sobbing. "I promise, this journey will not count for nothing. And the next two pokemon who come along will know who Swellow is. We will never forget that Swellow helped us get to where we are right now."

"Come on," Kristine calmly suggested. "Let's get some good rest."

"Right," Jason agreed.

The two walked back to the pokemon center, where Jason managed to fall asleep quickly on his bed. Tomorrow would be a new day, and Kristine knew she was going to have to find a way to cheer Jason up.