Here we are, the final chapter of the Prologue arc.

I still can't believe how fast these chapters are coming out, 5 in five weeks, but guess that just means I'm having fun with it.

Chapter 5: Skarmory vs Teddiursa

"Gha! Why won't you stay still? Stupid Krabby just ruined my count. Now is it fifty five or fifty six?"

"I told you not to look away," Gary snarked to his sister as he relentlessly tapped his clicker for every Magikarp he saw and oh boy were there a lot of new ones now that spring was in full bloom.

Joey laughed at the sibling's bickering as he continued his count of the Goldeen passing beneath the waterfall of a secluded grotto on Professor Oak's ranch from which many of the smaller rivers stemmed from. It was a haven for water types, specifically those looking for a safe place to raise their young. When they arrived, Joey had spotted dozen of Pokemon eggs amidst their recently hatched offspring as the babies began to explore for the very first time.

This was just the newest in a long running list of research outings Professor Oak had invited him on over the last seven months ever since the Pokemon Hunter incident. Feeding the wild Pokemon, helping jot down notes during an overnight stake out, and even babysitting Arcanine's new pups were just some of the many tasks Joey had been lucky enough to partake in under the watchful eye of the Pokemon Professor. In truth, it was a lot like his usual work at the farm, but with people who shared in his love for learning about Pokemon rather than just trying to meet a deadline like the farm hands.

It would have been eight months had his mother not been true to her word and grounded him for almost all of August, only letting him out of containment for his tenth birthday party and to watch that year's Pokemon League with his friends.

Daisy had a good laugh when she heard what happened.

What was even funnier was how, once Joey told the rest of his friends about this exciting offer, Gary suddenly became very interested in helping his grandfather around the Corral as well. Maybe it was jealousy at the attention his family was giving Joey or just his desire not to be shown up, but Gary was far more invested in working with his grandfather, something he'd always been vehemently against. For some reason the youngest Oak always saw it as a sign of weakness since he planned on becoming a great trainer all on his own.

Joey didn't miss the amused looks Professor Oak shot his grandson, like the one he wore right now as his grandchildren argued, and wondered if he'd predicted this outcome when he made Joey the offer.

"Come on guys," he finally spoke up, playing Nia's role while Daisy was doing a better Gary impression than the original, who sounded a lot more like Ash when up against his sister. "We'll never get this done if you two keep arguing."

"That's not it," Daisy continued to argue. "We'll never finish because all of these Krabby look the freaking same!"

"No they don't," chided Joey as he moved over to join her. He briefly scanned the wall of red shells, each one doing a funny sidewalk prance even while under water. Joey then gestured to a trio of Krabby. "Take those three."

"What about them?" Daisy asked, still not seeing a point. Joey sighed.

"The one on the rock is twice the size of the other two. It's pincer is the size of my hand," he noted, the Krabby in question raising said appendage down and splashed the water at its smaller companions. "That one has a chip on its armor and the last is clearly a deeper red than any others present. I wonder if it has something to do with both parents not being of the same line?"

"Quite possible," Oak called, having been eavesdropping from his own rock over a playful bunch of Poliwag. "One of my old students, Professor Elm, has been studying Pokemon reproduction, but given how much each Pokemon can vary from one another yet still interbreed makes it quite the challenge. We still don't even know where the eggs come from."

"Ew," both Gary and Joey said at the same time.

Daisy huffed and crossed her arms with an adorable pout.

"Whatever. My specialty around here is reading through old notes and ancient books, not fieldwork. How can you two possibly notice this stuff?

"Every Pokemon is a little different from one another," Oak lectured, his voice soft spoken and yet demanded their attention. He casually stroked the wet skin of a Poliwag that had hopped out of the water to cozy up next to him, staring down fondly as it preened under the physical contact. "Even those of the same species. Each one unique as a snowflake or grain of sand. It's the job of a Pokemon Trainer to bring out that uniqueness and show their full potential."

Gary chose this moment to leap to his feet and nearly took a dive in the pond for his troubles. He was quick to right himself, behaving as if it was all part of the act.

"Don't worry about me Gramps. My Pokemon will be the best they can be with me leading them on. We'll conquer the league and anyone who gets in our way."

Joey had the distinct feeling he was anyone, but only replied with a polite smile.

"That's… not exactly what I meant Gary," Professor Oak laughed, trying not to sound too remanding. "But at least you're excited about the prospect of raising Pokemon of your own."

"How could I not be? The Gym season has already been open for months now and we're finally able to be a part of it. Just one more week and I'll be taking my first steps on the road as a Pokemon Trainer!"

Joey snorted, now certain Gary was channeling Ash through some spirit caller shenanigans, but couldn't fault his enthusiasm. Truth be told, it was hard for him to keep a straight face himself.

He couldn't believe that a little over a year ago he'd first met Teddiursa and made a promise for them to become the strongest team. Now they were one week away from starting their journey together and making that promise a reality.

After ten years of waiting, it was finally time for him to begin his Pokemon journey. The Pokemon League had officially announced the start to this year's gym season and trainers far and wide were gunning for those coveted badges. Of course, the gyms were active year round, but most called the period between the previous year's league in August and the opening ceremonies to the new one in mid-January the off season, when the number of challengers greatly drops.

Even for a small town like Pallet, kids of all ages and even some adults headed out in to challenge the Kanto gyms and claim their spot in the league tournament. The only ones not on their way were those who had just turned ten years old and were still waiting to get their starter Pokemon from Professor Oak on April 1st, as was the Pallet Town tradition.

It was a small number looking to get their first Pokemon this year with only four trainers among them meeting the qualifications to be sponsored by Professor Oak, those being himself, Gary, Nia, and Ash. Kids like Brayden who already obtained their first Pokemon and passed the official license exams had already left since unlike Joey and Nia, they hadn't qualified for a regional starter.

A few had turned back up after discovering the harsh realities of traveling and raising Pokemon or after being utterly humiliated by the nearest gym. To add insult to injury, they had to take a few make up classes for what they missed, though not nearly as many as Wendy did when she returned to regular life.

Speaking of Wendy, she had come home right after the league tournament last year and jumped right back into her old life, including school and her responsibilities to the farm, both of which she said were way easier than being a trainer. Her team was also living with them, avoiding the unfortunate fate of being sold off or released like many other failed trainers due to lack of space, funds, and ability to care for them. These had been something of an issue as while the farm could easily accommodate the few Pokemon she had caught, some of them required more specialized care than the average Mareep.

Wendy had been able to talk her father and grandfather into letting them stay by using her earnings as a fledgling influencer over the course of her travels to cover the upfront costs. She'd also started doing some social media for the ranch itself, showing off all the Pokemon running around and amazing products their Mareep wool was used for. On top of that, her team was able to adapt quickly to the new environment and work alongside the other family Pokemon around the farm, further earning their keep despite their battling days being far behind them.

In Joey's case, since he'd been lucky enough to earn a sponsorship from Professor Oak, he had access to the entirety of Oak's Pokemon Corral and the Paloo Ranch, though the latter would depend on what Pokemon he caught along his journey. He didn't stress about it too much though.

Right now he had bigger things to worry about.

"And I can't wait to show just how cool Squirtle can be," Joey heard Gary say and realized the brown haired boy had been talking this entire time.

"We know Gary," he spoke up, startling all three Oaks. "We've all been listening to you go on and on about your precious Squirtle for years now. Honestly if I had scored first place on the exam, I might have taken it just to see the look on your face."

Daisy broke out into spontaneous laughter at the thought, while Gary smugly pointed out how that didn't happen because the number one spot was rightfully his, but he was gracious enough to allow Joey a close second. The fond smile Gary wore as he offhandedly praised Joey said a lot more his actual words.

"So Joey," Oak broke in before another argument could break out. "How are you feeling about tomorrow? I've heard from your mother you'll be facing off against Old Russ and his Skarmory."

That sobered up everyone fast as Joey felt all eyes on him. He fidgeted with the clicker idly before answering.

"As ready as I can be," he offered with a shrug. "I've done the research, Teddiursa's put in the work, and we've got a game plan worked out. We've been training harder than ever these last few months, so no matter what happens we can't blame anyone but ourselves."

"It's so stupid," Gary cut in. "Your journey is supposed to be a rite of passage everyone gets to experience, not something to earn. And you'll have to wait a whole year to try again if you lose? Ridiculous."

"Gary, don't be rude. Every family has their own beliefs and you need to respect them, even if you disagree."

Gary continued to voice his disagreement, just making sure it was too soft for anyone to fully make out. Joey's nerves receded as an uncontrolled snort burst from his nose.

"It's nice to see you're so concerned for your friend Gary," Daisy fake cried, pretending to wipe away a nonexistent tear. "You really are such a sweetheart."

"As if," Gary denied, looking sick at the thought. "I just can't be the greatest trainer around if one of my rivals doesn't even make it to the starting line. I need Joey to be at his best, so when I beat him into the ground it actually means something."

"Love you too Gary," joked Joey, much to Gary's annoyance. "Teddiursa and I have been working on a few strategies with Primo the last few weeks. He even helped us learn some new moves for the battle. Nothing ground breaking, but they'll do well in a pinch."

"Well you'd better win or else Ashy boy is totally going to take your Kanto starter."

Professor Oak gave a warm smile and stopped petting the Poliwag. "You boys certainly have your work cut out for you no matter what happens. Just remember that when it comes to Pokemon battles, it's not always about winning."

"What are you talking about Gramps?" Gary questioned like he'd been told the sun was just a big light bulb. "Of course it is. What else is there?"

Professor Oak chuckled.

"What I mean is there are bad ways to win and good ways to lose. What's interesting is that it's not always clear which is which. It's the path you choose as a trainer that determines what victory truly means."

While Joey didn't totally get it, Professor Oak's words did fill him with a warm sensation that calmed whatever doubt still lingered. Joey clasped a hand over Teddiursa's pokeball and knew tomorrow they'd give it everything they had and nothing less.

Tomorrow, they'd choose victory.

XXX

The sun had barely risen over the horizon, yet everyone on the farm was wide awake and not for the usual reasons. The entire Amara family was outside with Joey's uncle, mother, and cousin all comfortably seated on the back porch while he stood in the grass amidst the light breeze shuffling it around. Uncle Ray's Arcanine was situated next to his trainer, laying down on both front paws alongside Wendy's Raichu and her other Pokemon. His grandfather was a good twenty five yards away, but his big smile was impossible to miss.

"Are you sure you're ready for this Joey?" He called, voice carrying on the wind. "There's no shame in backing down now and waiting another year or two."

"Yes there is," Joey called back, smiling just as bright. "And we don't plan to go easy on you just because you're getting up there in years."

"You tell him Joey," Wendy called from her spot on the bench. "He used those same lines on me, but I didn't back down. You'd better put up a real fight. I won't let you live it down if you lose in one shot."

"Like you did your first try?" Joey shot back and just knew Wendy was glaring at the back of his head.

"Do your best honey," his mother shouted, clearly not sure how to cheer on a Pokemon battle properly as she used several phrases from different sports, much to Wendy's amusement.

"Just be careful not to rough up Teddiursa too much Dad," Uncle Ray called. Joey's eyes narrowed at the implication while his grandfather scoffed.

"That'll depend on if Joey's really been training as hard as he says he's been. I suppose we'll find out soon enough." Grandpa Russ turned to face his opponent. "You remember what's at stake, don't you Joey? If you really have what it takes to be a Pokemon trainer, then you'll prove it by defeating me in a one on one battle. Only then will you get our permission to go on your journey. Is that understood?"

Joey nodded and released Teddiursa onto the field. The small bear was on guard the moment he landed, eyes narrowed and vibrating with energy. Grandpa Russ chuckled before calling forth his Skarmory.

For some reason, despite having lived with it for years, the metal bird looked a lot bigger today. His long, metallic neck swerved back and forth, surveying the battlefield before identifying his miniature foe. A piercing shriek erupted from Skarmory as he spread both razor sharp wings wide, easily overpowering Teddiursa's growls, and showed off the polished sheen of his hardy steel body.

"Wow, they didn't even flinch," Joey heard his uncle muse from the sideline and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. They'd spent months preparing for this fight, including spying on his grandfather's lone Pokemon on more than one occasion. There was no way they'd be psyched out by a little shriek.

"You can have the first move," Grandpa Russ called across the field. "Consider it the only mercy you're going to get."

There was a brief lull where everything grew quiet. Joey didn't hear the sound of his family cheering him on, the Mareep in the distant field, or even the breeze brushing his skin. All that could reach him was his own breathing as it pounded in his ear.

This is it, Joey said to himself, casting one more look at Teddiursa, who must have sensed it because he turned back at that exact moment to offer a smiling growl of his own.

All Joey could think to do was nod and then attack.

"Go Teddiursa!"

Showing no fear, Teddiursa charged across the field towards the giant murder bird. Skarmory didn't show much concern at the approach, snapping at the air with tiny, metallic fangs.

"Starting off strong, are we?" laughed Grandpa Russ. "Show them what real strength looks like with Peck."

Skarmory made use of his long neck, shooting forward with incredible speed and reach. Most would be caught by surprise going up against something like this for the first time, but Joey had drilled many of the dangers Skarmory presented into his Pokemon over the past few weeks. As such, Teddiursa was able to keep moving forward, dancing around each Peck before getting within striking range with his fist cocked back.

"Rock Smash!"

Bright orange light engulfed Teddiursa's closed paw as he drove it into Skarmory's chest plate. The so called armor bird staggered back with a pained squawk, flapping erratically at the unexpected pain. Joey smirked at the shocked cries from the peanut gallery and dumbfounded look on his grandfather's face, which grew briefly panicked when Joey called for another Rock Smash.

Skarmory was happy to listen when his trainer called a retreat and took to the skies with a few swings of his weaponized wings, pushing Teddiursa back with the gusts they kicked up. It reminded Joey that, although Skarmory was made of metal, its wings were actually hollow, allowing for great defense and speed. He wasn't about to let them get away though and told Teddiursa to use Swift.

A volley of stars chased after Skarmory as they both rose into the sky, homing in on the flying and steel type. The large bird tried to evade them, drifting out of the way, but there were too many to effectively dodge. Joey guessed all those days lazily gliding over the farm hadn't done much for those aerial combat skills. Still, each star bounced off his metal feathers without leaving so much as a mark.

"Air Slash!"

Joey flinched when his grandfather suddenly went on the offensive and Skarmory stopped trying to dodge Teddiursa's attack. Both wings glowed white before they came together and a sickle of compressed air sliced through Swift. It made it about halfway through the onslaught of stars before exploding into a thin smoke, blown away by its own air trail. This repeated several times with Teddiursa continuing to pelt Skarmory with Swift before an Air Slash interrupted their efforts.

"Bulk Up."

Teddiursa ceased firing Swift after another Air Slash cancelled it out and his whole body tensed. A crimson light surrounded him as fighting type energy flowed through every muscle instead of just his arm, which looked to bulge beneath all his fluff. Joey was proud to see the move working so well after all the time Primo had spent helping them master it. The real challenge had been getting Teddiursa to sit still long enough to work on controlling said energy to such an extent, but the results were well worth it as Teddiursa roared with greater passion than before.

"Do you think a little power up like that will be enough to take us on? We've been battling young upstarts like you since before you were born," Grandpa Russ boasted.

"Then why don't you and your overgrown Pidegy come down here and find out," Joey teased back with a smirk as Teddiursa gestured towards Skarmory, daring it to attack. The taunt worked as his grandfather ordered his Pokemon to use Steel Wing, just as Joey planned. Skarmory dove at incredible speeds before leveling out just above the ground, wings extended with a metallic coat even greater than usual.

Teddiursa knew what to do next and braced for the incoming attack, paws at the ready for when Skarmory got close. It all happened in a blur as the silver beast swooped over the field where Teddiursa had been standing before rocketing back up into the sky. Everyone looked to see where Teddiursa would land after being struck by such a powerful attack, but only Joey looked in the right direction. "Use Rock Smash!"

"How are you gonna… huh?" His grandfather recoiled, along with the rest of his family as Skarmory buckled in pain midair. There, attached to Skarmory's left wing by claws and grit alone, was a brown ball of fur mercilessly clocking the poor steel type with an unexpected attack.

"No way!" Wendy yelled, laughing harder than he thought possible. Grandpa Russ didn't share in his granddaughter's amusement at the sight of Teddiursa clinging to his prized Pokemon and ordered another Peck attack, but Joey was faster.

Baby Doll Eyes caught Skarmory in its hypnotic embrace, slowing the Peck attack enough not only for Teddiursa to dodge it, but to clamber up Skarmory's now steady wing and onto his back.

"Rock Smash on repeat!"

As his grandfather urged Skarmory to ditch the unwelcomed passenger, Teddiursa held tight and proceeded to hammer Skarmory's with one Rock Smash after another. Everything was going according to Joey's plan, having gotten Teddiursa in the perfect position to deal maximum damage.

Skarmory were terrifying to fight with up close given their sturdy bodies and fast reflexes for a steel type, however, that was only a problem if it could reach them. While on Skarmory's back, those wings and talons were practically useless and even its long neck couldn't arch all the way around to reach them. His theory proved correct as all Skarmory could do was fly in crazed circles to toss Teddiursa while subjugated to the constant pummeling, but that wasn't all Joey had in mind.

His eyes narrowed at the blue wave of light that flickered over Skarmory after a few Rock Smashes had landed. This is what he'd been waiting for. While some attacks like Lick had the potential to inflict a status condition on an opponent, Rock Smash had the chance to temporarily decrease a Pokemon's defensive ability. It didn't genuinely make Skarmory's metal body weaker, but it did weaken the natural energies within said body that contributed to what made Pokemon so tough to begin with. It was similar, yet the exact opposite of how Bulk Up increased Teddiursa's overall strength and physical durability.

This meant attacks a Pokemon would normally be able to shrug off could deal them damage during battle, which is just what Joey was hoping for. After another few direct hits, Joey caught sight of the blue aura a second time.

It appeared he was the only one to notice as everyone else was too distracted by the spectacle of Skarmory's failed attempts to remove Teddiursa, who hung in thanks to his strong claws gripping in between chinks of steel feathers. Both Pokemon were clearly growing tired, however, and after a few close calls, Joey decided it was time to reveal their trump card curtesy of Primo's Machamp.

"Finish things up with Fire Punch!"

Teddiursa fought back against Skarmory's wild flails and reared his fist back as it was consumed by a brilliant red and orange flame.

"Teddiursa!" The immolated paw slammed into Skarmory with a triumphant battle cry, flames trailing behind like a comet's tail. Upon impact, his grandfather's Pokemon was enveloped in a searing heat. Even from his spot far below, Joey could see the scorched marks along Skarmory's back where the elemental punch had connected with several feathers singed by the intense fire.

He was honestly surprised it was still flying after both defense drops. Was Grandpa Russ's Skarmory really that tough?

"Screech and then Steel Wing. Get him off of you!"

Joey's musing was cut short by his grandfather's sudden string of commands, not expecting the old man to act so quickly. He told Teddiursa to brace, but it appeared the super effective move had ignited more than Skarmory's body as the metal bird gained a second wind. A point blank Screech forced Teddiursa to lose his grip before Skarmory was able to send him flying with another powerful blow from his steel coated wing. Without a word, an Air Slash slammed into Teddiursa, returning him to the Earth that much faster.

Joey had to resist the urge to run up and check if his Pokemon was ok after those back to back attacks, his heart pounding in his chest as he let out a sigh of relief when Teddiursa stumbled back up. His fur was all out of place and had grass sticking to it with a few small bruises along his arms.

Joey was really glad they had used Bulk Up now. Skarmory landed near his trainer, preening and poking at the burns ruining his feathers, pulling a few damaged ones out of place as they clattered to the ground.

"Is Teddiursa ok?" his mother winced, covering her face and refusing to look until the battle was over.

"I don't remember Grandpa being this brutal. He's almost as bad as Surge!"

"Dad, that's too much," Uncle Ray shouted, taking a few steps off the patio. "It's his first time. Go a little easier on him."

"Have you been paying any attention? I can't go easy on him." Grandpa Russ spat on the ground, no longer holding the condescending tone from before the match started. "This may be Joey's first time battling me, but it ain't his first battle. If I'm going really test his ability as a trainer, then I need bust out all the stops."

He then sent Joey a look, but not one he recognized. It was a strange mix of pride and annoyance with a hint of recognition? "You've done a good job raising that one Joey, but if you want to win, then you'll need to show me something more."

Joey growled. "Bulk Up again."

Crimson light surrounded Teddiursa, empowering him further through the buildup of more fighting type energy. His grandfather laughed.

"Oh no. We're not falling for that one twice. Use Flash Cannon!"

Joey's mind went blank as Skarmory charged up a silvery ball of light in his mouth. He'd never seen it use that move before. Was it new or had he just never used it against Wendy? It didn't matter as Joey knew Teddiursa was too woozy to dodge properly, so instead Joey told his partner to go for broke and use Rock Smash on the ground.

Skarmory tilted back in preparation to fire just as Teddiursa readied the fighting type move, swinging with all his might when the silver beam shot out in a thin cone. The fighting type energy radiating around Teddiursa's fist cracked the field like an egg, sending out a seismic wave that freed several chunks of earth into the air, creating a barrier of stones between himself and the incoming steel type attack.

Much to Joey's horror, whether because Teddiursa or the move itself were too weak, the soil was too soft, or the fact he was copying something they'd seen Primo's Machamp do without practicing it themselves, the rocks were too small to offer much defense as Flash Cannon ripped them to shreds before Teddiursa was completely overwhelmed as well.

A high pitched cry could be heard within the silver light as it consumed his partner before shooting off into the distance and fading away. When Teddiursa came back into view, he was face down in the grass, silver sparks crackling around his trembling body as he tried to get back up.

"Teddiursa…" Joey said through clenched teeth and ragged breaths.

"Well that should just about do it," he heard his grandfather call from the opposite end of the field. He didn't look like a man on the cusp of victory and wore a sad smile. "You did great Joey, really great. I haven't had a battle like this in ages. It was a far better than most of Wendy's attempts to beat us, that's for certain."

"Hey," said cousin barked from the sideline in time with her Raichu.

"But let's call it now before your Pokemon gets seriously hurt. Maybe you'll have better luck next year. Heck, maybe I'll have to start training again just to keep up."

As his grandfather laughed at his own joke, Joey tuned him out to focus on the battle he still hadn't yet conceded. Skarmory wasn't looking to be much better shape than Teddiursa, panting heavily after using a powerful move. With all the damage they'd dealt on top of weakening his defenses, Joey wouldn't be shocked if one more well placed attack finished the job. But… looking at Teddiursa… he didn't think his partner could land another attack, much less move without falling over. The small bear continued to struggle, raising his head just enough to show he was still conscious, if just barely.

Maybe surrendering was the best option. If they couldn't win anyway, then what was the point of putting Teddiursa through any more pointless anguish.

"I…" Joey started, the words caught in his throat by a burning lump as his vision started to swirl. "I give u…"

"Teddiursa!"

Joey stopped cold as his gaze dropped back to Teddiursa. The small bear had managed to pull himself up to his full, diminutive height and was glaring back his trainer. He stomped the ground like a child throwing a tantrum with both paws clenched tightly, shaking his head before pointing a claw at Skarmory. The large bird cocked his head as Teddiursa's tirade continued, now directed at their opponent, raising both wings slowly in a clear intimidation display.

Teddiursa growled back like it hadn't even noticed.

A breathless laugh escaped Joey as Teddiursa's words got through. Even though they were speaking different languages, he knew exactly what his Pokemon wanted and truth be told Joey wanted the same thing.

"I hear you Teddiursa. Loud and clear." He then looked back towards his grandfather, who had been watching the exchange with a quirked brow and uncomfortable frown. "We appreciate the offer, but Teddiursa and I are going to see this through to the end."

"But Joey," his grandfather pleaded on deaf ears as another old man's advice played instead.

"There's a wrong way to win and a right way to lose," stated Joey, much to everyone's confusion. "This battle isn't over yet, not so long as we can still fight and neither of us are ready to call it quits. Even if do lose, we'll do it giving our all because we promised to become a team strong enough to overcome any obstacle. So let's do just that and see the world Teddiursa, together."

"Teddiursa!" His partner roared in agreement before he charged forward. Empowered by sheer force of will and clearly fighting gravity's pull with every uneven step, the small bear ran at Skarmory without a second thought.

"Use Fire Punch," Joey shouted with all the force his ten year old voice could muster.

Joey's grandfather snapped back to reality and ordered Skarmory to fly away. The Armor Pokemon raised both wings in a heartbeat, finally showing some concern as the tiny fireball barreled down upon him. As Skarmory attempted to get airborne, his left wing faltered, the same wing that had suffered a much larger burn from their previous Fire Punch.

The brief hesitation due to the lingering pain left him wide open as Teddiursa planted his flame coated fist squarely into Skarmory's chest once more, knocking the Pokemon through the air as the metal bird was burned all over. The instant Skarmory hit the ground, the flames around it ceased, snuffing out into smoke trails over the unconscious form of his grandfather's Pokemon.

There was a moment of silence where all anyone could hear was the light breeze and Teddiursa's heavy breathing. Then Teddiursa roared again before he was swallowed by a brilliant light.

Joey was blinded, but forced himself to stare into the light where his starter Pokemon stood. He knew what this meant and refused to miss a second of it as Teddiursa's small form began to shift and grow, warping into a near unrecognizable figure. When the light began to die down, shattering away like a cracked egg, Teddiursa was gone.

In his place stood another Pokemon at what Joey estimated to be nearly ten feet tall. His broad body was covered in brown fur except for a few places where lighter tan colors were more prominent. Said fur was thicker and more rugged than it had been as a Teddiursa, cover every inch of his much longer limbs that now sported well-defined muscles beneath the new coat. A ring of yellow fur sat proudly across his stomach, looking very similar to a full moon. Two sets of five claws protruded from each paw, longer and sharper to pair nicely with the fangs Joey could see as his newly evolved Ursaring opened its gaping maw.

"Ursaring!" He roared to the sky, no longer a cute growl.

As his deep voice shook the air. Joey couldn't help, but smile.

"Oh my God," his mother faintly gasped from the house, finally seeing the monster she'd been promised a year prior. Uncle Ray was struck silent as his daughter spoke too fast for anyone to understand. Joey didn't pay them any mind as he raced across the field.

"We did it!" He screamed at the top of his lungs. Joey continued screaming even after he collided with his Ursaring, voice muffled by the thick fur pressed against his face. His partner made full use of his larger than life size to wrap Joey up in the truest of bear hugs, giving a thumbs up as he lifted the ten year old off his feet with an affectionate growl.

"You sure did."

Joey managed to free himself from Ursaring's powerful grip and turned to see his grandfather approaching with a tender look upon his face. "Sorry if I got a little intense back there, but you really dug the old battler out of me. I forgot how much fun it could be!"

"Sorry for roughing up Skarmory so much," Joey offered with a slight bow. He heard Ursaring grumble from behind him.

"Ah, he's a big boy and gave as good as he got. Might be a little put out from the loss, but he'll get over it."

That's when Joey heard a commotion to his right and remembered they had an audience. Wendy was unsurprisingly the first to reach him, along with her gaggle of Pokemon bringing up the rear. They all ran around the humans to better inspect Ursaring, who now dwarfed all of them instead of the other way around. Ursaring, of course, loved the attention and began showing off his new form with great satisfaction.

"Joey," Wendy cried as she reached them. "That was incredible. You were like grr and Ursaring was all rah and then Skarmory went khaa!"

Joey only understood most of the first sentence as she continued to ramble on, everything afterwards not spoken in any language he recognized.

"I think what Wendy is trying to say is she's proud of you," Uncle Ray translated while Wendy nodded at lightning speeds. "We all are. I almost can't believe you actually won! It took me three years to beat your grandfather, but you managed to do it on your very first try."

"Well believe it," Joey couldn't help giving a cheeky grin, one that made his uncle chuckle. "And it's all thanks to Ursaring."

"Ursa!" A thunderous growl echoed his sentiments. Joey's mother laughed, not showing the same initial fear she'd had upon seeing his evolution.

"You know, he may look different, but Teddi… I mean Ursaring is still the same lovable goof. How about I make some special honey tarts for desert to celebrate?"

Ursaring let out an excited bark at the mention of his favorite food, making Joey wonder just how his partner was going to even fit inside their house, or most buildings, going forward. His mother didn't share in those concerns as she came closer before suddenly speaking in a false regal accent like from one of her favorite dramas.

She placed both hands on Joey's shoulders. "In honor with the Amara family traditions, as you have bested the eldest family member in one on one combat, Joseph Amara, you have earned the right to partake on his very own Pokemon Journey. Oh I'm so proud of you."

That last sentence was said in her normal voice as she rivaled Ursaring for biggest hug of all time. Everyone else offered their congratulations once again, Pokemon included, to both Joey and Ursaring.

"So is there like a form you have to sign or…" Joey trailed before the adults laughed and his mother promised to take care of all that tomorrow. Right now she had to get started on a victory dinner, something everyone could be excited about. "I'll be right there mom," Joey said as the rest of the family quickly moved inside. "Give me and Ursaring a few minutes."

"Ok, but don't take too long," she called back as the screen door slammed shut.

Joey backtracked towards his lone Pokemon, who had broken away from the others at the alluring promise of food. It was strange for Joey to have to look up to catch Ursaring's eyes, but he supposed he'd get used to it. The Hibernator Pokemon sent him a toothy grin, still cute in its own way.

"We did it," repeated Joey in a softer tone of voice, almost a whisper that if said allowed would ruin it. Ursaring nodded and Joey noticed just how much sharper all of his starter's features had become. His eyes were narrowed and more focused, yet full of emotion. "One week. Just one more week and our real journey is going to begin. What do you say Ursaring? Are you ready?"

The large bear offered a low grumble and gave Joey another thumbs up with his claw, shooting off a confident grin. Joey laughed as he looked up at his partner's confident display. "Yeah, me too."

Both trainer and Pokemon shared one last embrace before heading back towards the farm house to enjoy a well-earned feast, knowing their real challenge was just around the corner.

XXX

Joey's Team:

Ursaring (Ability: Guts)- Slash, Swift, Baby Doll Eyes, Lick, Rock Smash, Payback, Bulk Up, Fire Punch

And that's a wrap! The Prologue Arc has come to a dramatic close with Joey and his newly evolved Ursaring earning their freedom to travel. What does that entail? You'll just have to wait and find out!

Hope everyone enjoyed the battle and found it as entertaining to read as I did writing it.

Also for anyone curious about Joey's age, his birthday is in mid-August, right before the League which starts the last week. He got Teddiursa in April when he was still nine as is the tradition for most Pallet town kids to get their first Pokemon.

Speaking of, that April 1st reference is actually canon to the Pokemon World as revealed in one of their companion books to the series written by the original show runner.

I'll be leaving the starter poll open for about another week to give last minute people a chance to vote, though unless we get a huge influx, Bulbasaur looks to be the winner. To anyone who shows up late and is just now reading this… sorry.

Going to take a short break, so probably no chapter next week as I plan out how the next arc will start out, but can't wait to jump into the Journey with y'all!

Edit 3/14: Changed up the battle's end just a bit.