Koa's next goal is crossing Mt. Coronet. But Tyrunt is as ornery as ever. Will he find a way to bond with her?

Hazard (Male Joltik)

Echo (Male Golbat)

Tyrunt (Female)

Damp air trickled from the mouth of the cavern before him. A faint breeze ruffled his hair, but otherwise, all seemed still. After a day and half's walk, he'd finally reached the east entrance to Mt. Coronet. Standing in front of the mountain he'd idolized for so long was a strange feeling. He felt equal parts excited, and nervous. Echo, who had taken his usual place on Koa's back, trembled with excitement. He supposed the Golbat was excited to be going into such a large cave system.

"Ready buddy?" he asked. Echo shrieked loudly in reply, making Koa flinch. "Easy there, Echo. I still need to hear, you know," he said jokingly. He took one last look around. The area was fairly empty, with only a few hikers resting or preparing for the hike. He knew this might be the last time he saw the outside for a long time, and he wanted to enjoy it.

Echo gave another, quieter shriek. "Okay okay, I'm going," Koa said, patting him. With that, he stepped into the cave.

He walked slowly, trying to take in everything. Mt. Coronet, he reflected, looked very different from Ore Caverns or Wayward Cave. The floors, some of which had been smoothed over slightly to make traveling easier, were a gray color, as were the walls. Boulders and rocks dotted the landscape, and pools of water gathered between stalagmites. Multiple paths, tunnels, and walkways spread around, and he even saw a few bridges spanning chasms or crossing two cliffs.

Unlike Wayward and Ore, Mt Coronet was more traveled. As such, it contained structures such as the bridges and featured faintly worn paths that a trainer could follow to get out the other side. The real appeal for him, however, lay in all the unmarked paths. The pioneers who'd come long before him made sure to leave as much natural beauty untouched. As such, there were countless treasures and paths that no one had ever seen. Until now, Koa thought.

Echo flew off his shoulder and began to do loops and dives in the cave, weaving between stalactites and shreeing happily. Koa grinned. It made him happy to see his starter pokemon so happy. Just thinking the word felt odd. A Zubat was his starter pokemon? A month ago he would have scoffed at the idea.

Not too far into the cave, he saw a sight that made his heart skip a beat. Off to his left, a staircase wound up to a higher ledge, which led to tunnels that disappeared into the darkness. Barely able to stop himself, he climbed up the staircase. It led to a bridge that crossed a chasm, and on the other side, lay his heart's greatest desire - the tunnel that led to the highest levels of Mt. Coronet. In a daze, he started across the bridge. On the other side, next to the gaping maw of the tunnel entrance, a single guard stood. A behemoth of a Machamp flanked him, watching everything with calm eyes.

The guard eyed Koa calmly, only acknowledging him with a curious quirk of his eyebrow. Koa stopped in front of the guard. Realistically, he knew he would never get in. Not yet, anyway. The upper levels were utterly off-limits to trainers unless they had earned 8 badges. And even then, it wasn't as if anyone wanted to venture that way these days.

"Is this the only tunnel leading higher into Mt. Coronet?" he asked, finally.

The guard regarded him silently for several moments. Eventually, he spoke. "This is the main route up."

Well, that confirmed Koa's suspicions. There were other ways.

An odd silence grew. The guard seemed utterly unfazed by Koa's presence. He didn't seem condescending or annoyed either though. In fact, the guard seemed friendly.

"You understand the rules, I think, so I won't tell you them." He said. Koa thought he detected a smile in the man's tone.

Koa nodded numbly. The prospect of climbing the mountain almost seemed to call to him physically. His heart yearned for it. Tales of the curses peak did little to faze him.

The guard nodded and continued. "I see the fire in your eyes. You'll get your eight badges and return soon." Beneath the grim tone, Koa swore he detected confidence as well.

Koa felt a flicker of surprise. He hadn't expected such a statement of confidence from a guard. "I will," he said. And he meant it, absolutely. Beating the gyms had to become his top priority. Building his Perfect Team would just have to slot into gyms somehow

The guard smiled. "Maybe we can have a battle, then. It's been a very long time since I've had a six on six. Not many trainers come this way. I know Machamp would enjoy a challenge." Machamp grunted and nodded.

Koa grinned. He held out his hand, and the guard shook it. "Deal." He said. And inside the guard's eyes, he saw an eager fire. With a new excitement burning through his veins, Koa returned the way he had come. Fantina was next, he vowed. Then Veilstone, or Pastoria. And from there, he wouldn't stop until he'd earned every single badge. Then he would return and battle - Rats! He smacked himself in the face in annoyance. He'd completely forgotten to ask for the guard's name!

xXx

For the next couple of days, he traveled in relative peace. He ran into several pokemon, mostly Zubat or Geodude, who made good training for Hazard and Echo. A few times, he sent out Tyrunt. As usual, she ignored his commands, although she did manage to win some fights on her own. That night, he decided to make camp early. The pace they kept until now proved oddly tiring, and he suspected not seeing sunlight had something to do with that. It threw off his internal clock.

Once he started a fire and set out bowls of food for his pokemon, he released them all. Hazard and Echo both greeted him happily, but Tyrunt merely grunted and started eating. Koa ignored it. By this point, her attitude didn't faze Koa in the least.

Just as he was finishing his own meal, he saw Tyrunt look up suddenly and growl. Echo stiffened as well, gazing into the darkness beyond the firelight. Koa squinted in the direction they were looking and spotted a pair of eyes in the gloom. He shined his flashlight in the direction and saw a Machop.

It growled angrily and then puffed out its chest and flexed its arms. Tyrunt growled, then charged after it.

"Tyrunt wait—!" Machop met Tyrunt head-on, slamming her head into the ground with a well placed Karate Chop.

Koa considered trying to give her commands, then decided against it. Perhaps this time, it would be better to let things play out.

She went down hard, and it took a few seconds for her to stand up again. When she did, she looked furious. Machop smirked at her and flexed again. She roared, then charged forward with a Tackle attack.

Machop jumped back, then struck her again with Karate Chop, sending her skidding to the side. She roared in pain and staggered towards Machop, eyes blazing. Koa rolled his eyes as she charged it again with Tackle. Machop leaped towards her with Karate Chop once again. The two attacks met head-on. A second later, Tyrunt was thrown back and crashed into a stalagmite. She crumpled to the ground and lay unmoving. Machop gave a prideful cry, then disappeared down a tunnel.

Koa took out a potion with a sigh. He restored her quickly, then returned her to her Pokeball for the night. He couldn't help but wonder if she would ever learn. Did she dislike him that much? Maybe he should look for a new trainer for her after he got to Hearthome City...

xXx

The next two days, the Machop returned each 'night' and challenged Tyrunt. Both times, Tyrunt lost, rather humiliatingly. On the third day, he let her out to walk beside him and get some exercise. She plodded along behind him, her eyes downcast and looking for all the world like a sulking child. Koa almost felt sorry for her. Almost.

When he stopped for lunch, he portioned out some food for everyone. Tyrunt, however, neglected to touch hers.

"You gotta eat, Tyrunt. Keep up your strength." She growled and turned her, curling up on the ground. Hesitantly, Koa inched closer. "I know you don't want to listen to me. But will you at least let me help you learn some new moves? If you knew some stronger moves, I bet you could beat that Machop."

Tyrunt's head shot up and she looked at him. After a long, long moment, she nodded. Koa resisted the urge to let out a whoop. Progress! "Okay Tyrunt. Right now you know Bite, Tackle, Stomp, and Tail Whip."

Tyrunt nodded and stood up. Koa continued. "You're a really strong attacker. So we gotta give you some strong attack moves." He pulled out his Pokedex and switched to the page on Tyrunt. She was still young, but two potential moves stood out. Ancient Power, and Dragon Tail. Neither were super strong, but they would give her a serious edge. Each of them matched her current typing, meaning she could get a boost and master them easier.

"We'll start with Dragon Tail. According to the Pokedex, you'll have to focus a bunch of dragon type energy into your tail. You can forget about Tail Whip and learn this instead."

Tyrunt's eyes gleamed and she nodded.

Koa singled out a boulder a short distance away. "Try it on that boulder."

Tyrunt nodded. Narrowing her eyes, she charged at the boulder. At the last moment, she spun and smashed her tail into it. Unfortunately, the attack lacked any kind of energy.

She roared in pain and staggered back, glaring at the boulder.

"It's ok, Tyrunt. Try it again," he said soothingly. She roared and attempted the move again, with a similar effect. She opened her jaws, ready to snap the boulder in half with her Bite.

"Try focusing your energy before you attack," Koa called encouragingly. She shut her jaws and took a couple paces back, then closed her eyes in concentration. A cone of green energy enshrouded her tail. Opening her eyes, she charged the boulder again and smashed it with her tail. This time, the boulder cracked. A wide smile spread across Koa's face. It was far from perfect—it took her a long time to charge the attack and she had to close her eyes before she did—but it was a strong start.

For the next couple hours, he drilled her until she got the move down. Eventually, she was able to charge the attack in just a couple seconds, without closing her eyes. After that, he spent the rest of the evening helping her practice Ancient Power. By the time dinner came, he felt exhausted but satisfied. She had gotten both attacks down fairly well, and could use them almost as well as Stomp and Bite.

It wasn't long after she finished eating that the Machop arrived. This time, Tyrunt faced it down, her head held high. She growled a challenge, to which Machop replied with a cry of his own. Koa grinned and sat back to watch the show.

Machop sprinted forwards, its hand glowing with energy. Karate Chop. Tyrunt grinned and charged as well, this time with Dragon Tail. She swung her tail, the Machop swung its hand. The two attacks clashed, then Tyrunt prevailed. Machop was thrown back several feet into a wall.

With a roar, Tyrunt summoned a large boulder that swirled with silver energy, in a near-perfect execution of Ancient Power. She hurled the boulder at the downed Machop, smashing it to the ground. After a moment, it got to its feet, clearly dazed. Tyrunt ran to meet it before it could recover. She jumped into the air, bringing her foot down at Machop. It tried to raise its hand to block the attack, but too late. Tyrunt crashed into it, knocking it flat on its back. Weakly, it tried to stand, then slumped to the ground. She stepped back and let out a triumphant roar loud enough to shake the cavern they were in.

Koa leaped to his feet. "Yeah! You did it, Tyrunt!" Tyrunt roared again, hopping from one foot to the other in a strange sort of victory dance. He ran over to her and dropped to his knees, hugging her.

Tyrunt croaked in shock, then squirmed free, glaring at him. Koa wasn't even mad. She'd actually let him train her, she'd won, and he'd gotten to touch her, for the first time since he saved her life from the Rapidash. That night, he went to bed feeling the happiest he had since Tyrunt joined the team.

xXx

Over the next few days, he was able to utilize Tyrunt more in battle. She ignored his commands, but she'd gotten much stronger since learning Dragon Tail. She was able to win against most of the wild pokemon in the lower levels, to his delight. Hazard and Echo got plenty of battles as well. He met one trainer, a hiker, crossing back to East Sinnoh. Other than that, it was all wild pokemon. He took his time, exploring side paths and caverns, confident Echo could lead him out if necessary.

He had followed a series of winding paths and caverns, but so far it had led nowhere. Just when he reached a seemingly empty cavern and was contemplating sending out Echo and turning around, something caught his attention. A tunnel he nearly missed, thanks to it being half-hidden behind a pile of rocks. It sloped gently downwards, ending in what appeared to be a small cave. He shined his flashlight down the tunnel.

Something at the bottom glimmered red. Koa peered closer, and he could just barely make out a fragment of something red and star-shaped. His eyes widened. A Star Piece! They were incredibly valuable fragments of a rare mineral. Many Pokemarts would buy them for a high price. Koa examined the tunnel. The rocks within seemed loose, but if he moved carefully enough, he was sure he could make it.

Clipping his flashlight to his side, he checked his pokeballs, then began his descent. Inch by inch, he backed down the steep tunnel. He made it halfway down when a rock he was clinging to with his right hand suddenly crumbled under him. A cry of shock escaped him as he slid down the tunnel. He grabbed frantically at the sides, trying to slow his descent. More stones slid after him, pelting his face and bouncing off his jacket. In a panic, he stopped bracing himself, and let himself slide into an awkward freefall. A moment later, he tumbled into the cave, followed by a shower of rocks.

An ominous rumble sent chills down his spine. He scrambled to his feet and backed away from the tunnel. A huge shower of rock and rubble tumbled out of it. After several moments, the mini-rockslide subsided. Koa stared grimly at the tunnel he'd come through. The entrance had been completely blocked with rock and dirt. He doubted he'd be able to return that way. Well, first, he was going to get what he came for.

He stooped down and brushed away the debris until he uncovered the Star Piece. He gazed at it a moment before tucking it into his backpack. Standing up, he took a closer look around the cave he'd ended up in. "Come on out, Echo, Hazard." He released his Golbat and Joltik. "Take a look around, see if you can find a way out." While his two pokemon explored, he took a closer look at the tunnel cave-in. Perhaps there was a way to clear a path...

The next several minutes, he tried his best to carefully move the rocks. Unfortunately, every time he moved a few, a few more would fall into their place. With a sigh, he turned around.

"Find anything guys?" he called. Echo fluttered up to him and landed, shaking his head sadly. "Hazard?" he called into the darkness. For a moment, he was met with silence. Then he heard the faint scuttling of claws, and Joltik appeared, looking a tad damp. He chittered eagerly, then ran a few feet away and stopped, looking back pointedly. "You found something?" he asked excitedly. He hurried after Joltik, who led him to one end of the cavern. The Joltik stopped in front of a large pool of dark water. He gave an eager cry, pointing towards it with one of his tiny legs.

Koa shuddered. "You want me to... swim? Down there?" He asked, a slight tremor in his voice. The thought terrified him. If there was one rule of Blake's he'd learned, it was to never go diving in cave pools. They were dark, difficult to navigate, and you never knew when you would find air. It was one of the most dangerous things an explorer could do. He stared at the dark water, then back at his pokemon. Echo had landed a few feet away and was eyeing him worriedly. "What do you think, Echo?"

Echo shreed and fluttered over to the water. Clearly he agreed with Hazard.

Fear trickled down his spine. He quickly shook his head. "It's too dangerous, Hazard. I don't know where it leads. You don't even know where it goes." Hazard chittered angrily and stamped his foot. Koa looked away, reluctant to meet his hurt gaze. There had to be another way. Hazard was mistaken. Maybe Echo had missed something- As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he knew that couldn't be the case. Echo's echolocation wouldn't have missed anything. If there was another way out, he would have found it.

Echo landed in front of him, giving a low shree of distress. Hazard scurried onto Echo's head, staring him down. Koa backed away. "I can't... I don't..." he stammered. Hazard's blue eyes sparkled with anger. Koa swallowed. "Are you sure, Hazard?" he asked after several seconds.

Hazard jumped up and down and nodded eagerly.

"Okay," Koa said quietly. With a trembling hand, he returned his pokemon. He took a moment to make sure everything he carried was secure, then stepped up to the pool. Taking a deep breath, he jumped.

The dark waters closed over his head, and a chill seeped to his bones. Fortunately, his flashlight was waterproof. Ahead, he could make out the dark maw of an underwater tunnel. Kicking towards it, he moved with swift, practiced strokes. He'd have to thank Blake for all his swimming lessons at Canalave Beach. He kept his flashlight trained ahead as he entered the tunnel. It continued a short distance, though he noted with alarm it was getting narrower.

Koa figured he could hold his breath maybe a minute, tops. By his estimate, he'd been swimming for maybe thirty seconds. A tiny flicker of panic grew in him, and he swam faster. The tunnel narrowed more. He dragged himself faster, pulling himself along on the rough walls. His chest grew tight. His lungs burned. He blew out a burst of bubbles and kicked off the floor. Darkness edged his vision then- Sweet air flooded his lungs as his head broke the surface. He gasped, sucking in lungfuls as he treaded water.

Looking around, he realized he'd emerged in another cavern half-submerged in water. The tunnel he'd come through was a mere few feet below him. He must have swam the last couple feet to the surface without realizing he'd left the tunnel. His limbs burned with exhaustion as he dragged himself to shore and flopped onto the rocky ground, still gasping. He'd made it. He couldn't believe he actually made it. And it was all thanks to Joltik.

After he'd caught his breath, he released all his pokemon. Hazard and Echo immediately piled on him, crying out happily. "Thanks, guys," he said. "Especially you, Hazard. You guys really saved my life." Echo shrieked, and Hazard discharged a flurry of sparks. Koa glanced over, noting that even Tyrunt looked mildly concerned, though once she saw he was alive, she stalked off on her own.

That night, Koa made camp by the shore. He was too tired to really look for another spot, and the ground was level enough anyway. Long after everyone had eaten and fallen asleep, he lay awake, his thoughts still racing. He'd come so close to not making it... yet he had. Somehow, his Joltik had known there was an exit to the tunnel, and that he would be able to make it. The thought filled him with awe. In that moment, he vowed never to doubt his pokemon again.

xXx

Koa trekked onwards, each step feeling harder and harder. If it hadn't been for his Poketch, he would have no idea what time it was, or how many days had passed. Apparently, he'd been in Mt. Coronet for nearly two weeks. He was sure he'd gotten at least a few shades paler in that time. But the long hike had been well worth it. His pokemon had grown much tougher. Joltik could hold twice as much as electricity without recharging, making it pretty much unnecessary to worry about. Echo had grown more agile, and his attacks stronger.

Only Tyrunt worried him. Despite all his efforts, she never listened to him in battle. Once or twice, his command would coincidentally line up with her decisions, but it was just that. Coincidence.

At least he was closer to Hearthome. He figured he could get out in the next few days. If he didn't get distracted. Which was hard not to do. He'd racked up plenty of treasures - several more Green Shards, a Nugget, and even a dusty old TM for Rock Slide. It was an older model, one of the kinds the broke after one use, but it was still operational. He was considering saving it for Tyrunt, once she got her act together.

He wandered back to the 'main' route, considering taking out Echo and just asking him how to get out. As much as he was enjoying his exploration, he did want to get on to Hearthome. He had gym badges to earn, after all. Koa rounded a corner, then paused. Something was different. He turned off his flashlight and looked around. Everything looked normal, rocks, stalagmites, and more rocks, and- Wait. He could see. Instead of pitch blackness, a faint gray light pervaded the cave. He could just make out the surrounding landscape, without using his flashlight. There had to be an entrance close by! After a moment, he spotted ahead, around another bend. He sprinted toward it, his heart beating faster. Just before he burst out of the cave, he remembered to shut his eyes.

Blinding light assaulted his eyelids, and the sunlight felt like it physically struck him. He staggered forwards a couple steps anyway, keeping his eyes closed. A second later, the initial shock and pain faded as his body readjusted. His jacket protected him from the worst of the sun's rays, and he gratefully soaked in the warmth. He took a deep breath, reveling in the sweet taste of the fresh air. A chilly breeze washed over him, and he thought he'd never felt anything so magnificent.

Then he opened his eyes. It took several seconds for his eyes to readjust, but when they did, he gasped softly. He'd exited some ways up the slope of Mt Coronet, overlooking Route 208, which led to Hearthome. A river wound and splashed down the mountain, forming a beautiful waterfall down below. It curled through a deep canyon spanned by several wooden bridges. Beyond that lay grassy plains and forests, cut through by a long, winding dirt road that led up to the shining city of Hearthome.

Unable to tear his eyes off the view, he reached for his belt and released all his pokemon. Echo came out with his usual shriek, but stopped short, equally enamored by the view. Hazard simply stood quietly, his gaze distant. Even Tyrunt seemed awestruck.

"Whew..." he said, after a long moment. He'd finally made it. He felt equally relieved and a bit sad. While he was in no hurry to venture back in, his urge to climb to the Spear Pillar hadn't lessened at all. After some deliberation, he decided to make camp where he stood. There was a flat spot a little ways away that would be perfect.

That evening, after dinner, Koa decided to try his luck with Tyrunt again. "Do you want to train, Tyrunt?" He reached out his hand. Tyrunt glared at him and gave a low growl. Koa growled back. "Hey! I saved your life, you know! I'm not your enemy!"

Tyrunt roared at him. Then, to his shock, she turned and sprinted up the slope, disappearing behind some bushes.

"Tyrunt!" Koa yelled, then smashed his fist into the ground. He muttered a curse before standing up. Great. Now he had to hunt her down. He really hoped she hadn't gone far. Most pokemon, even ornery ones, were reluctant to travel too far from their trainers, a fact which he was counting on.

He trekked up the slope, which was dotted with thick brush and a few trees. An angry roar from ahead keyed him into Tyrunt's likely location. Accelerating his pace, he pushed past a small copse of trees and bushes just in time to see a trainer toss a pokeball at Tyrunt. The red light surrounded her form for a split second, before shattering. The pokeball fell uselessly to the ground.

"Hey!" Koa screamed as he sprang forwards, standing in front of his Tyrunt. "That's my Tyrunt!" He knew he was being a little over the top, but he was already angry enough without some wannabe trainer trying to catch his - Wait. He knew this trainer, sort of. It was hard not to remember since the boy wore a fairly distinctive cloak.

The boy stared back at him in surprise. And equally shocked looking Shelgon stood beside him. "My apologies," the boy said. "I did not realize this Tyrunt was yours."

Koa relaxed slightly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to freak out. I remember you, actually. We met at Eterna City."

"Ah yes, the Giratina boy," he said, after a moment. "So you found a Tyrunt?"

Koa shook his head. "I revived her, actually."

"She? Well, she is quite the specimen." The boy knelt down and extended his hand. Tyrunt glared, then without warning, charged at him, jaws open. Without hesitation, the Shelgon launched himself forwards and knocked her out of the way. The boy frowned.

Koa grimaced and quickly returned her. "I'm sorry about her. I can't get her to listen to a word I say."

The boy stood up, dusting off his hands. "Do not apologize for her. She is young and stubborn. But she has potential."

"If she ever listens," Koa muttered under his breath. "What's your name, anyway? I never got it last time we met."

"Cade," he replied. "I am a fledgling Dragon Tamer. My ultimate dream is to build a team of dragons from around the world. That is why I hoped to catch your Tyrunt. I must admit, I was quite surprised to see a Kalosian fossil pokemon all the way in Sinnoh. Knowing she is yours certainly clears up that mystery."

"Yeah well, it's a mystery to me why she doesn't listen to a word I say."

At this comment, Cade frowned. "She does not listen to any of your commands?"

Koa shook his head.

"Perhaps I can be of some assistance. I am a bit of an expert on Dragon-types."

Koa's eyes lit up. "That would be amazing. I really don't know what to do about her. I feel like I've tried everything. It doesn't feel like she wants to leave, but if she doesn't want to listen maybe that'll be better for her."

"Battle me, let me see," Cade replied. The two trainers walked back down the slope until they found a large enough expanse of flat land for their battle.

Reluctantly, Koa nodded and released her. She emerged with a grunt, glaring at the other boy.

With a dramatic flourish, Cade tossed out a pokeball. A small Gible emerged in a burst of light. Koa's eyes widened. A real Gible!

"That's so cool..." Koa murmured, taking it in. Despite its slightly smaller than average size, it appeared bright-eyed and sturdy. It was fairly young as well.

"This is one of my newer team members. I searched for hours until I found one I connected with. Now, you may have the first attack."

"Tyrunt—" He never got to finish his command. Tyrunt launched herself forwards, jaws primed for a Bite attack.

Neither Cade or Gible moved. Tyrunt drew within striking distance and lunged forwards.

"Now Gible, dodge." Gible expertly leaped to the side, then retaliated with Dragon Breath. The purple flames washed over Tyrunt point blank, knocking her to the ground. She roared and spun, recovering faster than Koa expected. She swung her tail, alight with green draconic energy. The Dragon Tail attack smashed into Gible full force, sending it flying. It landed hard, skidded a couple of feet before it caught itself.

"Now Gible, Dig," Cade called. Gible disappeared underground in a flurry of sand and grit. A moment later, it re-emerged under Tyrunt, knocking into the sky. She flailed wildly as she hurtled through the air.

"Bite!"

Koa groaned. Another loss. As Gible opened its jaws, Tyrunt spun mid-air and smashed the Bite attack with Dragon Tail. The two attacks clashed, generating a wave of energy and throwing both pokemon to the ground. Dust filled the air. As it cleared, both Gible and Tyrunt stood a few feet apart, sides heaving. They were covered in dirt and minute scratches and were obviously almost exhausted. Then, without warning, Tyrunt staggered and collapsed.

Cade nodded thoughtfully as if neither surprised nor excited. He returned Gible, the thoughtful frown still on his face.

"So? What do I do?" Koa asked anxiously. For several moments, Cade didn't reply.

"Let us rest first, and make camp."

Koa frowned. He'd really hoped for a quick fix, but he guessed that wouldn't be the case. Fortunately, with the two of them working, it took only a couple of minutes to set up camp. Koa released all his pokemon, treating Tyrunt's injuries before setting out food for each of them. Cade merely watched and helped occasionally, saying nothing. Koa found his silence both frustrating and relieving. He wasn't really interested in petty small talk.

Once they had a comfortable fire going, Cade released his other pokemon. Altogether, he had a Shelgon, a Dratini, and a Gible, which he'd caught recently. Koa gave up trying to befriend Tyrunt for the night and instead decided to check out Cade's pokemon. His Shelgon reminded him of his Joltik - fierce and only affectionate towards its trainer. Dratini and Gible, however, seemed very playful. They both got along exceedingly well with Echo. Pretty soon the three of them engaged in a makeshift game of tag, swooping and darting about. Hazard joined them briefly, but then retired early to sit in silence with Shelgon.

After both trainer and pokemon had finished their meals, Cade spoke. "So as you already know, Dragon-type are both very rare, and difficult to train. They tend to be some of the naturally strongest pokemon as well."

Koa nodded quietly.

"Like all pokemon, Dragon-types respond to a trainer's heart."

"So there's something wrong with my heart?" Koa burst out. Cade gave him a level gaze, and he sighed, sitting back. Cade continued.

"Both your Joltik and Golbat respond excellently to you, and you have the beginnings of a strong bond. When most wild pokemon are caught or even fossils revived, a weak link is created between trainer and pokemon." Cade paused to stroke his Shelgon. "But you and Tyrunt lack any kind of link."

Koa's eyes widened. He'd always just assumed they had a poor relationship, not a non-existent one.

"Right now, your Tyrunt does not connect with you. There is a rift. She will not heed a word you say unless you find a way to cross that bridge."

Koa edged forward, staring into Cade's face. "Please, tell me how to cross it then. Should I fight her?"

"No," he replied sharply, looking up. His gaze bored into Koa's own, and he flinched at the intensity there. "Although you may have to one day, battling her now will not help."

"Do you know why she is like this?"

Cade remained silent for a moment, his gaze resting on Tyrunt. She lay a few feet away, sleeping peacefully. "I suspect she is intentionally avoiding bonding with you."

"Why?"

"It's hard to say. If she were my pokemon, I could probably sense why."

"Huh?" Koa asked, tilting his head.

"Any time a trainer specializes in one type, he starts to grow a special connection to that type. It's almost as if he can begin to understand his own pokemon in a new way."

Koa nodded thoughtfully. That made sense. It explained how specialist trainers remained so strong, despite only having one type. Frustration began to grow in him. Roark hadn't known what to do, and even an expert hadn't. Was there any hope? "Is there anything I can do?"

"Let me sleep on it, and I may have a suggestion come morning."

With a sigh, Koa nodded. He guessed he didn't have much choice. They talked for a few more hours, discussing their journeys and battles. Cade told him how he'd spent two weeks at Wayward Cave, just to find Gible. He also told him how he fought his Bagon six times and lost each time, before finally defeating it in battle and catching it.

Since then, they had remained close friends. He also explained how he was journeying to each region to catch a Dragon-Type. He'd started in Hoenn with Bagon, then traveled to Kanto for Dratini. Now he was here to continue training Gible. As the night approached midnight, they both turned in. Koa felt particularly exhausted and relieved to be sleeping outdoors again. In just a few minutes, he slipped into a pleasant, dreamless sleep.

xXx

The following morning, he awoke to the smell of delicious food. Judging by the light from outside his tent, he suspected he'd slept in. With a yawn, he sat up and stretched, then poked his head outside the tent. Cade knelt by the fire, sauteing something in a pan. Whatever it was, smelled amazing. Koa's mouth began to water, and hurriedly got dressed, hoping that there would at least be some leftovers. When he emerged from the tent, Cade was already eating, as were his pokemon.

"Good morning, Koa. I prepared breakfast for my pokemon and I. There's some left for you if you like."

Koa grinned and released his pokemon. He controlled himself just long enough to dish some of the meal into their bowls - which looked like some kind of berry and egg scramble - then set upon his own meal like a Munchlax.

Several minutes later, he sat back feeling more full and satisfied than he had since he left Oreburgh. He'd have to start packing more fresh berries next time he trekked through the wilderness. "So, did you come up with anything?" he asked.

Cade nodded. "I believe so. I will be departing today, to continue training my Gible, but I will tell you my advice before I go."

Koa helped him pack his supplies and break camp. Once he was ready to go, Koa stared at him expectantly. Inwardly, he resisted the urge to tap his foot on the ground. Cade had been kind enough to help him, and he didn't want to seem rude.

"So here is what you should do..."

Koa listened to his instructions, his puzzlement growing. They weren't unclear, they just didn't make much sense. Still, he trusted that Cade knew his stuff. When he had gone, Koa broke camp then returned his pokemon, save for Tyrunt, who stood several feet away, staring at him with a bored expression on her face.

"Come," he said, trekking higher up the hill. To his surprise, Tyrunt actually followed, though she remained several steps behind. After a few minutes, he reached the place he was looking for. A small outcropping of flat stone, just big enough for the two of them. With a deep sigh, he sat down. Crossing his legs, he did his best to make himself comfortable. The sun overhead heated the rock below him, keeping him pleasantly warm.

"Alright Tyrunt, listen up."

Tyrunt, who until now had amused herself by scratching lines into the stone, looked up.

"Here's the deal. I'm sitting here, on this rock, until you come to me. No matter how. Long. It. Takes." Even as he said it, the idea sounded kind of ridiculous. Still, Cade's instructions had been clear. He was to sit here, meditate, and not attempt to approach Tyrunt under any circumstances. She had to come to him.

For a long time, Koa sat still, letting his thoughts drift. He thought about his journey and his goals. He thought about climbing Mt. Coronet, defeating gyms, and meeting legendaries. He imagined what it would feel like to fight one, then throw a pokeball at it. The day turned to night. He began to doze off. At some point, he awoke again.

He thought about his pokemon, and how he'd encountered each of them. Zubat at the honey tree, and Joltik, who joined him after saving Galvantula. Tyrunt, whom he'd revived, and saved. Why, even after saving her, did she disobey him?... Pulling himself out of his thoughts to look around, he realized it was early morning again. His whole body ached and a chill had settled over his body. Groaning, he stretched his arms and legs. If only Tyrunt were less stubborn... Or more appreciative. He sighed again. It didn't really matter, he supposed. He hadn't saved Tyrunt, or any of his pokemon for that matter, so they would listen to him. He had simply wanted to help.

The day wore on, and Koa lay down, tiredness overwhelming him. Before he knew what happened, he was asleep. His last thought was of hoping Tyrunt understood that she didn't owe him, he saved her because he wanted to. With a start, he awoke sometime later. Blearily, he opened his eyes.

How long had it been? He glanced at his Poketch and his jaw dropped. It'd been well over a day. He glanced over at Tyrunt. She lay curled on the stone a few feet away, eyes wide open. They locked gazes for a moment, and Koa found himself wondering what it would be like to be Tyrunt.

Awakening to an explosion, the flood of sound and sight... The panic from the robbery and encountering the wild Ponyta and Rapidash. Feeling angry and scared, fighting them... Then saved by a stranger. A trainer, calling himself Koa and trying to train her and calling her a friend. He considered all his attempts at befriending her - the food, the fights, the bargaining, the battles.

Koa took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking. "You know, my cousin Blake had a way of always trying to make me do something, just before I was about to do it. I'd be planning on cleaning my room and then BAM! He'd ask me to clean it. I know he meant well, but it was really annoying." Tyrunt lifted her head slightly, staring at him intensely. "I hated it so much, sometimes I would avoid doing whatever he told me to."

Taking a deep breath, Koa removed his fingerless glove from his right hand. Deliberately, he looked away, then closed his eyes and held out his arm, palm open and outstretched. He let his breathing slow, and he focused his thoughts on Tyrunt. He'd spent so long chasing Tyrunt and trying to make her listen and understand... but maybe he never needed to. Maybe she just needed a chance to come to him.

For several moments, nothing happened. Suddenly he felt a warm breath flow across his hand. He kept his eyes shut, not daring to risk looking at her now, when - a sudden pressure surrounded his hand and entire upper arm. He whipped around just as her jaws closed across his hand. A flash of pain shot up his arm. Without thinking, Koa seized one of her spindly arms with his left hand, yanked her closer, and bit her arm.

A sound the likes of which he'd never heard came from Tyrunt, and she opened her jaws. Koa let her go and she stumbled backward and fell to the ground. Her eyes were wide and her mouth hung open in a comical expression of shock. Koa glared back at her. "That'll teach you to bite me," he growled. Slowly, she closed her mouth. Then, a strange sort of smile started to spread across it. A gleam entered her eyes and she made a rumble of approval.

Koa stared at her, perplexed. Then, to his utter shock, she trotted over to him, wriggled her head under his arm, and curled up in his lap.

Now it was Koa's turn to be surprised. He patted her awkwardly, his arm still slightly sore, though he realized she hadn't even come close to puncturing the skin. A wry grin spread across Koa's face. He had no idea if Cade had intended for things to turn out like this, but he supposed it didn't matter. Somehow, it had worked.

It made sense, he reflected - Tyrunt were naturally aggressive pokemon, so he supposed in some strange way, his actions had garnered her respect. His reaction must have shocked her thoroughly though - obviously, she had no intention of injuring him with her bite. He'd seen the kind of strength she was capable of.

Laughter bubbled up inside him, and he started to crack up. "Guess you didn't count on me biting you back, huh?"

Tyrunt snorted at that.

"Well, I'm glad you've finally come around."

Tyrunt gave a pleased rumble and snuggled deeper into his lap.

Shaking his head, he continued to stroke her. "You're a real rascal, you know that?" She thumped her tail gently against his leg in response. Koa shrugged. There was more than one way to befriend a pokemon, he supposed.

Hazard (Male Joltik)

Echo (Male Golbat)

Tyrunt (Female)

Well, there you go. In an unexpected twist, he has managed to befriend and earn the respect of Tyrunt. Now it's time to face what lies ahead.