While still on their way to Lavender Town, Nils, Ren and Firenze were having a lunch break and were talking about Firenze's Egg which was the only one that didn't hatch yet.

"Are you sure your Egg will hatch into a Fire Type," Nils asked Firenze.

"I'm sure it will," answered Firenze who took a bite of her lunch.

Once the trio finished their lunch, Firenze's Egg started to glow.

"Hey look," said Ren, "Your Egg is Hatching Firenze."

Nils, Ren and Firenze then watched the Egg hatch and when the hatching was over, the Egg turned out to be a Darumaka.

"See," said Firenze, "I told you it's a Fire Type," and Firenze went closer to Darumaka. "Hey there Darumaka, I'm Firenze." and Darumaka hugged Firenze.

"Hi Darumaka," said Ren, "My name's Ren and this is Nils," but once the boys got close, Darumaka got scared and hid behind Firenze.

"I guess Darumaka is just a little scared," said Firenze, "Hey Darumaka, I also want you to meet my other Pokemon," and Firenze sent out Pyroar, Rapidash, Magcargo and Houndoom all of whom were very friendly to Darumaka but Darumaka was scared of all of them.

Just then, an explosion was heard from nearby which scarred Darumaka again and hid behind Firenze. The gang decided to see what the explosion was about and went to where it came from after Firenze returned all of her Pokemon besides Darumaka, who she wanted to explore a bit first. When they arrived at the location of the explosion, the gang noticed Utara battling a wild Numel by using a Drowzee.

"Use Headbutt," said Utara and Drowzee used the selected move which hit Numel. "Go Pokeball," and Utara threw a Pokeball which caught the Numel.

"Hey Utara," said Nils as the trio walked over after Utara caught Numel.

"If it isn't the trio of trainers that I met when I battled Boyd," said Utara, "Come to think of it, I never got your names."

The gang then introduced themselves to Utara who then noticed Darumaka hiding behind Firenze.

"Is your Darumaka scared of something," asked Utara.

"Darumaka seems to be scared of a lot of things." answered Firenze.

"In that case," said Utara, "Why don't you and Darumaka have a battle with me and Drowzee in the attempt to make Darumaka braver."

"That just might work," said Firenze and she and Utara prepared for battle.

"Drowzee use Psyshock," said Utara and Drowzee started to use the move of choice.

"Dodge Darumaka," said Firenze but Darumaka was too scared to do anything and got hit by the Psyshock.

"Now use Confusion," said Utara and Drowzee used the move it was told to use which hit Darumaka who was still too scared to do anything.

"Darumaka," said Firenze calmly, "I know you're scared, but you can't get anywhere by being scared all the time." "Fear is not something you should run from or hide from, but it is something you should face," and after hearing Firenze's speech, Darumaka became ready to fight Drowzee. "Good job Darumaka, now use Fire Punch," and Darumaka did as instructed and gave damage to Drowzee.

"Use Headbutt," said Utara and Drowzee charged at Darumaka while using the move of choice.

"Use Rollout," said Firenze and Darumaka used the chosen move which not only stopped Drowzee's Headbutt but also gave Drowzee a lot of damage. "Use Incinerate," and Darumaka used the attack of choice which gave Drowzee even more damage.

"Use Psyshock," said Utara but this time when Drowzee used Psyshock, Darumaka dodged.

"Finish with Fire Punch," said Firenze and Darumaka hit Drowzee with Fire Punch which knocked Drowzee out.

"Well at least I got to see a very strong bond happen," said Utara as he returned Drowzee. "Anyway, I should go train my Numel because I've searched hard for a Ground Type to use at the Vermilion Gym and now that I have one, I should start training it," and with that, Utara left to train his Numel.

"That was awesome," said Firenze, "I'm so proud of you Darumaka," and Darumaka smiled with pride.

"Well now that all of our Eggs have hatched, let's go to Lavender Town," said Nils and the trio resumed their journey to their next destination.