A Scorcher in the Volcano!

(AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the debut of Chi-Yu, the second member of the Treasures of Ruin.)

Narrator: Last time, our heroes met Knothead, Splinter, and Winnie Woodpecker, three more members of Woody's family. Now that they figured out how to find Chi-Yu, it's time to catch it.

[The team stands at the base of a towering cliff within Reversal Mountain. They are all clad in rugged rock climbing gear, except for Faith, who stands out in her vibrant one-piece swim dress.]

Benson: [adjusting his harness] Faith, are you sure that's the best outfit for climbing?

Faith: [grinning] Absolutely! It's flexible, lightweight, and gives me complete freedom of movement. Plus, you never know when we might stumble upon a refreshing pool up there!

[The team chuckles as they prepare to start their ascent.]

Scene 2: Mordecai's Curiosity

[Mordecai and Faith take a brief rest on a plateau halfway up the mountain.]

Mordecai: Hey, Faith. I've been meaning to ask... why the swim dress? We're on a mountain, not a beach.

Faith: [smiling brightly] Well, Mordecai, life's too short to always stick to the expected. Besides, this dress is more than just swimwear—it's a reminder to embrace spontaneity and joy in every adventure, no matter where it takes us.

Mordecai: [nodding thoughtfully] I guess you're right. In a place like this, it's important to find moments of joy wherever we can.

[They share a smile before continuing their ascent, fueled by the camaraderie and determination that bind them together on their quest for Chi-Yu.]

Benson: Let's go find Chi-Yu!

(Song: "The Challenge of Life")

"Rise if you're prepared for the challenge
(Rise to the challenge)
Rise if you're a champion at heart
(Rise to the challenge)

Take my hand, we'll train as one
And triumph together
(Rise to the challenge)
Nothing's gonna stand in our way

Stronger and stronger we'll
Rise to the challenge of
Life
Pokémon!
"

(End of "The Challenge of Life")

(The scene changes to show Woody's Pikachu, Oinkologne (Male), Pawmot (Male), Koraidon, Appletun, Armarouge, Clodsire, and Skeledirge, with Woody alongside Faith and Meowscarada, Salamence, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Lapras, Snivy, Pidove, and Vulpix (Alolan Form). Geoff and Houndoom, alongside Finizen, Veluza, Capsakid, Bramblin, Miraidon, Flamigo, Litleo, Foongus, Tandermaus, Fuecoco, Oricorio (Pa'u Style), Nymble, Grafaiai, Smeargle, Bellossom, Skunktank, Cetoddle, Swirlix, Slurpuff, Musharna, Banscream, Iron Bundle, Calyrex, Spectrier, Jynx, Gourgeist (Average Size), Polteageist, Misdreavus (Aevian Form), Zapdos (Galarian Form), Horsea, Seel, Jellicent, Snorunt, Snowlow, Glimmet, Munchlax: {Delta Form}, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, Okidogi, Ogerpon, Noibat, Brute Bonnet, Great Tusk, Flutter Mane, and Snowrong also appear alongside Woody and Faith, with Bullwinkle and his Quaxwell, Oinkologne (Male), Greavard, and Rabsca appearing alongside the trio. Lexie is standing next to Blaziken, Finizen, and Octillery; Brain appears with Delphox, Metagross, and Kadabra; and as for Hazel, her Kingler and Blastoise appeared with Yakko, Cobalion, Raichu, and Dewott while Wakko appears with Munchlax, Terrakion, and Woobat. Then, Dot, her Jigglypuff, and her Tinkatink appear. Drew appears with his Yungoos, Thwackey, and Croconaw, and Hazel appears with her Kingler, Blastoise, and Lugia.)

Faith: [reading the title] "A Scorcher in the Volcano!"

(The scene changes to show Faith pulling out her Rotom Phone, looking up Chi-Yu.)

Faith: Let's see what Chi-Yu does.

[Faith's Rotom Phone chimes]

Faith's Rotom Phone: "Chi-Yu, the Ruinous Pokémon. A Dark and Fire type. Chi-Yu's flames burn at over 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to melt sand and rock into seas of lava that it can swim through. It was created from the wars caused by people and Pokémon."

Benson: Then Chi-Yu is where we'll be finding.

Faith: Lead the way, Benson!

[Faith, clad in her one-piece swim dress, traverses a rocky path in Reversal Mountain with a determined expression. Suddenly, a deep, rumbling growl reverberates through the air, causing Faith to pause and scan her surroundings.]

Faith: Huh? What's that sound?

[As she rounds a bend, her gaze falls upon a massive Camerupt, its nostrils flaring with anger as it blocks her path. The Eruption Pokémon's fiery eyes lock onto Faith, emitting an intimidating glare.]

Faith: Oh, goodness! That's one angry camel!

Benson: That's no camel, that's a Camerupt!

Woody: Camerupt? [pulls out his Rotom Phone]

[Woody's Rotom Phone chimes]

Woody's Rotom Phone: "Camerupt, the Eruption Pokémon. A Fire and Ground type. Camerupt lives in volcanos, where the magma located in its body moves throughout its body and erupts when it gets angry. For some reason, its body is a living volcano."

[As Faith faces off against the rampaging Camerupt, a newcomer arrives on the scene—Woody, a seasoned trainer with a fierce determination in his eyes. Without hesitation, he reaches for his Poké Ball and releases his trusty partner, Skeledirge, into the fray.]

Woody: Skeledirge, it's time to lend a hand! Let's show that Camerupt what we're made of!

[Skeledirge emerges from its Poké Ball, its skeletal form shrouded in an eerie aura as it prepares to confront the raging Camerupt.]

Skeledirge: Skele, skele!

[With a bone-chilling cry, Skeledirge leaps into action, its ghostly powers pulsating as it prepares to unleash its own barrage of attacks.]

Woody: Skeledirge, Shadow Ball—now!

[Skeledirge channels its spectral energy, forming a swirling orb of darkness between its skeletal hands. With precise aim, it hurls the Shadow Ball towards the oncoming Camerupt, striking with ghostly force.]

Camerupt: [roaring in pain] Rrraarrgh!

[As the Camerupt reels from the impact, Skeledirge presses its advantage, launching a relentless assault of ghostly attacks to keep the fiery Pokémon at bay.]

Woody: Keep it up, Skeledirge! We won't let that Camerupt harm anyone else!

(Skeledirge used Shadow Ball on the wild Camerupt, scaring it off and letting go of Faith.)

Benson: Good work scaring off that Camerupt, Skeledirge. Let's keep moving. We need to stay vigilant as we navigate through Reversal Mountain.

[Skeledirge emits a faint, eerie sound of acknowledgment as Benson leads the group forward, their determination undeterred by the recent encounter.]

Scene: Climbing Amidst the Volcanic Peaks

[Moose and Mordecai, undeterred by the dangers of Reversal Mountain, continue their ascent toward the summit. As they climb higher, the air grows thick with the scent of sulfur, and the distant glow of molten lava illuminates the craggy landscape.]

Moose: Hey, Mordecai, check it out! Lava-filled craters! Think you can jump across without getting burned?

Mordecai: [grinning] Challenge accepted, Moose! Let's see who can make it across without singeing our feathers!

[With a playful spirit, Moose and Mordecai begin leaping from one crater to the next, their athleticism and agility on full display as they navigate the treacherous terrain.]

Moose: Ha! Beat that, Mordecai!

Mordecai: Not so fast, Moose! Watch this!

[The two friends continue their game, their laughter echoing through the volcanic peaks as they revel in the thrill of their impromptu challenge.]

Scene: Benson's Interruption

[As Moose and Mordecai leap across the lava-filled craters, their game is suddenly interrupted by the stern voice of Benson, who approaches with a no-nonsense expression.]

Benson: Moose, Mordecai, what do you think you're doing? This is no time for games!

Moose: Aw, come on, Benson! We're just having a bit of fun!

Mordecai: Yeah, it's not like anyone's getting hurt.

Benson: Fun or not, this is reckless behavior. We're in the heart of Reversal Mountain, where danger lurks at every turn. We need to stay focused and keep our wits about us if we're going to reach the summit safely.

[Moose and Mordecai exchange sheepish glances, realizing the seriousness of Benson's words.]

Moose: Sorry, Benson. You're right. We'll be more careful.

Mordecai: Yeah, we got carried away. Thanks for keeping us in check.

[Benson nods, his expression softening slightly as he acknowledges their apology.]

Benson: Just remember, we're a team, and we need to look out for each other. Now let's keep moving. The summit awaits.

Arven: Benson's right. We don't want anyone getting hurt.

Faith: [panting] Guys, wait up... I need a moment...

[Benson, Moose, Mordecai, and the rest of the group pause their climb, turning to see Faith lagging behind.]

Benson: Faith, are you alright?

Faith: [forcing a weak smile] Yeah, just... feeling a bit tired. These rocks are starting to take a toll on my poor feet.

[Benson approaches Faith with a concerned expression, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.]

Benson: It's important to listen to your body, Faith. We can take a short break here to rest and recharge. There's no rush.

[Faith nods gratefully, sinking down onto a nearby boulder as she massages her aching feet.]

Faith: Thanks, Benson. I hate to slow everyone down.

Moose: Don't worry about it, Faith! We're all in this together, remember?

Mordecai: Yeah, take all the time you need. We'll be right here when you're ready to continue.

[As Faith takes a moment to rest and massage her tired feet, an unexpected odor wafts through the air, catching her off guard. She wrinkles her nose in confusion, trying to identify the source of the peculiar smell.]

Faith: [sniffing the air] What's that smell?

[Her companions exchange puzzled glances, equally perplexed by the sudden olfactory intrusion.]

Moose: [sniffing the air] Smells like... burnt rubber?

Mordecai: [frowning] But where could it be coming from?

[Faith glances down at her feet, a realization dawning upon her as she lifts one foot to inspect her sandal.]

Faith: Oh no... It's my sandals!

[She brings the sandal closer to her nose, confirming her suspicion as the scent of burnt rubber grows stronger.]

Faith: Ugh, it must have happened when I was climbing over those hot rocks earlier.

[Benson approaches, his brow furrowed in concern as he assesses the situation.]

Benson: That's not good. We don't want your sandals falling apart halfway up the mountain.

Faith: [nodding] You're right. I'll have to be careful with them from now on.

{The friends resume heading up towards the summit of Reversal Mountain.}

[As Faith and her companions navigate the hazardous terrain of Reversal Mountain, her Eevee companion frolics nearby, its playful curiosity leading it dangerously close to the edge of a lava-filled crevice. Suddenly, the ground gives way beneath the Eevee's paws, and it tumbles perilously close to the searing heat below.]

Faith: [gasping] Eevee!

[In a heartbeat, Sharon, Faith's mother, springs into action, her maternal instincts kicking into high gear as she rushes forward to save the falling Pokémon. With lightning-fast reflexes, she reaches out and snatches the Eevee from the brink of disaster just in the nick of time.]

Sharon: Gotcha, little one!

[The Eevee wriggles in Sharon's grasp, startled but unharmed, its eyes wide with fright as it gazes up at its rescuer with gratitude.]

Faith: [rushing over] Mom, you saved Eevee!

Sharon: [smiling reassuringly] It's alright, sweetie. I couldn't let anything happen to our furry friend.

[As Faith embraces her mother in a grateful hug, her companions gather around, relieved to see the danger averted.]

Benson: Nice catch, Sharon. That was a close one.

Sharon: Just doing what any mother would do to protect her child, furry or otherwise.

[Moose and Mordecai find themselves taking a brief rest atop a rocky outcrop, the rugged beauty of Reversal Mountain sprawling out before them. As they catch their breath, Moose's gaze drifts across the fiery landscape, a wistful expression crossing his face.]

Mordecai: Phew, that climb was intense. But the view up here is something else, huh?

Moose: Yeah, it sure is. You know, Mordecai, this place kinda reminds me of something.

Mordecai: Oh? What do you mean?

Moose: Well, back in Alola, there's this place called Wela Volcano Park on Akala Island. Me and my cousin Bullwinkle used to go there every summer.

Mordecai: Wela Volcano Park, huh? What was it like?

Moose: Oh, it was amazing! The air was always warm, and the ground was covered in these glowing embers. It felt like being right next to a real volcano, with all the heat and energy.

Mordecai: That sounds pretty cool. I've always wanted to visit Alola. Did you and Bullwinkle have a lot of fun there?

Moose: Oh yeah, we had a blast! We'd hike up to the summit, roast marshmallows over the lava pits, and even do a bit of Pokémon battling. It was the highlight of our summers, for sure.

Mordecai: Sounds like an adventure. I can see why this place would remind you of it.

Moose: Yeah, it's got that same fiery energy, you know? Makes me miss those carefree days back in Alola.

[As they reminisce about Moose's adventures in Alola, a sense of nostalgia washes over them, binding them together in the shared memories of summers spent beneath the tropical sun.]

Mordecai: Well, maybe one day we'll get to visit Alola together. Until then, we've got our own adventures to tackle right here.

Faith: You know, guys, being here in these hot springs reminds me of swimming pools back home.

Moose: Yeah? How so?

Faith: Well, think about it. The warm water, the refreshing feeling of being submerged, it's all so similar to swimming in a pool. Except here, there's no chlorine or harsh chemicals.

Mordecai: Huh, I never thought about it like that. But you're right. It's like nature's own version of a swimming pool.

Faith: Exactly! And there's something so soothing about it, like all the stress just melts away.

Moose: Yeah, it's like a natural spa treatment.

Faith: And the best part is, we get to enjoy it amidst the breathtaking scenery of Reversal Mountain. It's like a little slice of paradise in the middle of our adventure.

Mordecai: Maybe you're right.

Faith: You know, guys, being here in these hot springs reminds me of my childhood back in Circhester Town.

Moose: Circhester Town? Where's that?

Faith: It's a small town nestled in the mountains, known for its snowy winters and natural hot springs. My mom, Sharon, used to take me there all the time when I was a kid.

Mordecai: Hot springs in the mountains? That sounds amazing.

Faith: It was. There was this one hot spring resort we used to visit. It had pools of different temperatures, steam rooms, and even ice baths. But my favorite part was always the outdoor hot springs, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Moose: Wow, that sounds like a winter wonderland.

Faith: It was magical, especially during the colder months. There's something about soaking in hot water while the snow falls around you that's incredibly peaceful. It's like being in your own little world.

Mordecai: Your mom sounds pretty cool, taking you to places like that.

Faith: Yeah, she always knew how to make ordinary moments feel special. Those trips to the hot springs are some of my favorite memories with her.

Mordecai: I wonder where Benson and the others are now.

[At the summit of Reversal Mountain, tensions rise as Arven, driven by ambition, prepares to confront Chi-Yu, the elusive Treasure of Ruin. With a determined glint in his eye, he sends out his Weavile, ready for battle.]

Arven: Weavile, it's time to seize our destiny! Take down Chi-Yu and claim the treasure for ourselves!

[As Weavile assumes a battle-ready stance, Chi-Yu, a formidable opponent, emerges from the shadows, prepared to defend the ancient treasure at any cost. Meanwhile, Benson, ever vigilant, stands ready alongside his Bisharp, anticipating the impending clash.]

Benson: Bisharp, prepare for battle. We can't let anyone lay a hand on Chi-Yu.

[Bisharp nods in understanding, its blades gleaming in the harsh light of the summit. With a swift movement, it positions itself protectively in front of Chi-Yu, ready to ward off any threats.]

Arven: Weavile, go! Use Ice Beam on Chi-Yu!

[Weavile lunges forward, unleashing a powerful Ice Beam aimed directly at Chi-Yu. Meanwhile, Chi-Yu retaliates with a swift and precise strike, aiming for Benson and his Bisharp.]

Chi-Yu: [speaking through telepathy] Flame Wheel!

(Chi-Yu swims through lava as it attacks Weavile, with the Sharp Claw Pokémon using Fury Swipes to defend from Chi-Yu.)

("Who's that Pokémon?" segment)

Faith and Mordecai: Who's that Pokémon?

(A silhouette shows a picture of a fish-like Pokémon.)

(Moments later, the silhouette disappears, revealing it to be Chi-Yu.)

Faith and Mordecai: It's… Chi-Yu!

Chi-Yu: Chi-Yu!

(End of "Who's that Pokémon?" segment)

[As the battle on the summit of Reversal Mountain reaches its climax, Arven's Weavile, driven by his ambition, launches a final assault on Chi-Yu. With a powerful strike, Chi-Yu is defeated, its ancient power unable to withstand the onslaught.]

Arven: Yes! We did it! Chi-Yu is finally ours!

[But as Arven celebrates his victory, a sense of unease settles over the battlefield. The air crackles with tension as Mordecai's cousin, Geoff, steps forward, his expression grave yet determined.]

Geoff: Arven, stop. This isn't right.

Arven: What do you mean? We defeated Chi-Yu fair and square. It belongs to us now.

Geoff: No, Arven. Chi-Yu belongs to no one. It's not meant to be controlled or conquered. It's a symbol of balance and harmony, and we must respect that.

[As the gravity of Geoff's words sinks in, a hush falls over the battlefield. Arven's triumph turns to uncertainty, his gaze flickering between Chi-Yu and the assembled group.]

Arven: But what do we do now? Chi-Yu is defeated. We can't just leave it here.

Geoff: No, we can't. But we also can't take it for ourselves. That's why I've made a decision.

[Turning to Lexie, who stands nearby with a look of anticipation, Geoff gestures towards Chi-Yu with a solemn nod.]

Geoff: Lexie, I trust you to do what's right. Capture Chi-Yu, not as a trophy or a prize, but as a guardian. Protect it, cherish it, and let its power be a force for good in this world.

[Lexie nods, her eyes filled with determination as she approaches Chi-Yu, her Poké Ball at the ready. With a flick of her wrist, she sends out her Pokémon, the capture process beginning in earnest.]

Lexie: I won't let you down, Geoff. I'll make sure Chi-Yu is safe and respected, always.

Geoff: Good thinking, Lex.

Moose: The third Treasure of Ruin is Ting-Lu. But why does he look so familiar?

Lexie: Ting-Lu has a rsemblance to a moose, which is the same kind of animal as you are, Moose.

Moose: Ooooohhh, I get it! No wonder those brown antlers seemed familiar.

Narrator: With the second Treasure of Ruin safely with Lexie, it's time to move onto White Forest and capture Ting-Lu. Stay tuned to find out what happened, as the journey continues.

(To Be Continued…)

THE END!

Another fan-made episode finally complete!

(April 30th, 2024): There's now only 5 more episodes left until the series finale of Woody's Pokémon Journeys so I'll have to get a heads-start on "A Walk in the Forest" where Lexie, Benson, Arven, Mordecai, and Faith find Ting-Lu in the White Forest.

See you soon!