Note- Welcome to the first chapter of 2017! I wanted to take some time in this intro to thank all of you for continuing on Chris' journey through the unsurpassable Johto region! I also hope you will join me in wishing Heart and Soul a happy 5th birthday! It's incredible to think I've been publishing here for over five years now. You all have been a wonderful audience and have provided me with feedback time and time again. So what better way to thank you, bring in the new year, and celebrate the story's 5th anniversary of publication then to post the biggest chapter to date! We pick back up with Chris, Luke, and David's adventures both in and out of the Safari Zone! Hope everyone enjoys!


Chapter 34

The new morning brought another chance to tackle the Safari Zone. Chris and Luke collected their belongings and hoped that the camping spot would remain vacant when they returned. As they emerged from the pine trees, the duo commenced in small talk. The young man from Cherrygrove made sure to mention only things related to the Safari Zone. Luke's actions the previous night had confirmed Chris' suspicion that all was not well with the Tohjo Fall native's psyche. As they passed through the shopping sector, Chris' vision found the dark blue Sneasel beanie once more. He walked over to stand beside it.

This action prompted Luke to comment, "If you're gonna' keep looking it over you might as well buy it."

Chris bit his lower lip. "I'm usually pretty tight with money." Chris slowly brought out his wallet. "But I think you're right." He glanced over to the long sleeve shirt beside it. "This gray Houndoom shirt is sick too. Might as well snag both while I'm here."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "Tight with money…"

The duo proceeded to the Safari Zone's entrance, where they were happy to spot David already waiting for them.

"I thought I was the one with the busy schedule," David playfully tapped the clock screen on his Pokégear.

"Blame this guy," Chris lightly jabbed Luke's shoulder. "I don't know what took longer: the packing or his personal grooming."

Luke snorted. "It's not easy looking this good."

The trio passed through the entrance, drawing an audible gasp from Chris. The location where the woods had rested just a day prior was now home to a grassy savannah. The bubbling hot springs that Luke had previously mentioned now resided directly in front of the group.

"The landscape really does move around," Chris dropped to a knee.

David shrugged. "I wasn't lying."

After studying the starting areas for a moment, the current Safari Zone worker believed he had an idea of the overall layout of the park. He then asked, "Where are you fellas wanting to go?"

"Somewhere powerful Pokémon are active right now," Luke's eyes looked straight ahead. "And then this evening I want another crack at those Pokémon in the Wasteland."

"Sounds fine to me," Chris nodded to David. "Just lead us true, oh captain my captain."

The volunteer led his companions deep into the park. It took almost an hour for the trio to reach their destination. They passed through several different terrains on their way to a cropping of rocks that rested at the foot of the reserve's singular mountain. The round, uneven landscape surrounded a large pond that pressed up against one of the mountain's bluffs.

"In the early afternoon, I've noticed some pretty strong looking guys and gals show up here." David plopped down by the pond and brought out a fishing rod from his backpack. "They like to come down from the mountain to drink and bathe." The trainer swung the carbon pole forward, casting a line into the water. "You guys interrupting their schedule should piss them off enough to notice you."

"Are you going to sit this one out again?" Luke asked incredulously.

"Nah," the trainer from Violet City pointed to his fishing pole, "I'm doing plenty of searching here. While you guys are doing your thing I'll try to reel in a monster. Besides," David's eyes drifted up to the top of the mountain beside them, "I'm saving up for one big capture."

The ground began to shake as figures emerged from the mountain's low-level tree line. A group of Gabite, a family of the Manectric line, and a Metang approached the water.

"This'll be a good start," Luke brought out a Safari Ball and launched it at the unsuspecting
Metang.

Without looking, the metallic creature brought up an arm and caught the device in his clawed hand. With a quick motion, the ball was destroyed. The exasperation on Luke's face could not be overstated.

"You wanted strong Pokémon," David shrugged. "You got em'."

Chris noticed the Manectric family had reached the pond. The Manectric parents sat down by the water's edge while the Electrike splashed around. The young man from Cherrygrove stepped towards the family, alerting the parents of his approach. One of the Discharge Pokémon barked at their unevolved children. The smallest of the Electrike pounced out of the water and landed in front of Chris.

"It's time," Chris said to himself, taking a deep breath. He stared down the wild creature, who barked cheerfully back at him. The trainer reared back and launched a Safari Ball at the playful, young Pokémon. As the device approached, the Lightning Pokémon suddenly dipped its head down and brought its spiky tail up. As if playing a game, the Electrike bounced the ball into the air with a swipe of its jagged tail. Chris watched on in shock as the Electric-type juggled the ball with his nose.

"Even the young Pokémon don't consider me a threat," Chris threw his hands into the air. The trainer slowly brought himself to the ground. He looked on as the Electrike bounced the ball around for a few more seconds before rolling it back to him in a kind gesture. Chris smiled. "I think I understand."

Luke stepped over to his side a couple minutes later. "I'm just not feeling the locale right now." The young man from Tohjo Falls motioned to David. "Any other spots you can think of?"

"We should have time to hit up one more spot before the Wasteland," David replied, putting away his fishing rod. "We'll have to hurry, though."

The group trekked over to the other side of the park, finally stopping at a quaint meadow. The land was flat, with flowers blooming around the patchy grass. Several small ponds were scattered about the terrain.

Luke stepped forward and surveyed the scene. "This is where I caught Riolu."

"There are some other strong Pokémon lurking in the grass," David nodded. "The inhabitants here are particularly crafty when it comes to escaping."

"Fantastic," Chris' head lowered.

It didn't take long for Chris to realize he had no shot of catching any of the shifty creatures. By the time he had targeted a Pokémon for capture it had already ducked out of sight.

Luke reached a similar conclusion. "Last time I was here, Riolu took me on face-to-face. It seems he was an exception to the rule."

"You can't expect to walk in here and in a couple days be a master at catching Pokémon," David explained. "It's usually best for beginners to go after weaker Pokémon at first to improve their aim, timing, and learn the patterns of behavior around here. Sometimes newcomers find good fortune like you with Riolu. Most leave empty handed on their first few trips here. Most of these Pokémon have lived in this park long enough to know how to handle trainers." He scratched his neck. "I've been here for almost two months and have done nothing but studying and work with these Pokémon in their habitats. I'm just now beginning to find nests and catch on to behaviors. This may be a home for loads of Pokémon, but it is their home."

The group shuffled over to the Wasteland as the sun continued to sink lower. They arrived at the rocky, barren plateau to find many Pokémon already at play. Luke marched forward as Chris stayed behind with David. Despite the injuries he had suffered just two months' prior, Luke's mobile tenacity drew Chris' admiration. The trainer brought out a Safari Ball and aimed it at a nearby Roggenrola. As Luke went to throw, a large mass bumped into his side, bouncing the young man to the ground as though he were a small child.

"It's been a while!" David laughed, clapping his hands together. "Great to see Sheila again!"

Luke looked up and met the eyes of the being that had knocked him down. A large, bipedal creature with a thick, muscular tail smirked at the grounded trainer. The trainer from Tohjo stood quickly back up and brought out a Safari Ball.

"You may want to be careful with this one!" the Safari Zone volunteer grinned. "This Kangaskhan doesn't play nice."

"Then I'm going to catch her out of principle," Luke shot back.

As human and Pokémon squared up to face one another, Chris noticed that the Parent Pokémon's pouch was empty. The universally female species were known for usually carrying joey's in their pouch, but many Kangaskhan were not mothers at all. The trainer was curious about the Pokémon's age.

David seemed to read Chris' thoughts. "She's pretty young. Still, I don't know if I can ever see this girl settling down to become a mother. Doesn't seem the type."

Chris watched a sly grin form on the Normal-type's face as she slid to the left of Luke's first Safari Ball toss. "She's not lacking in spunk, that's for sure."

Luke raced after Kangaskhan, launching capture devices at every opportunity. Despite her size, the wild Pokémon was shifty, dodging every ball Luke threw at her. The trainer from Tohjo Falls stopped his advance suddenly and reached down to his knee. Chris noticed Luke grimace.

"He's battling some injuries right now," Chris tried to explain to David as the two came to their companion's side.

Kangaskhan took notice as well. The Normal-type stopped to eye the trainer closely, but caution soon gave way to gloating. It was upon seeing Kangaskhan flex at the trainers that Luke made his move. Despite his inaccuracy on the day, Luke's next throw was true. The ball sliced through the air, smacking the Normal-type in the chest. Kangaskhan looked down in shock as she was absorbed into the green capture device.

"Never take your eye off the ball," Luke quipped between heavy breaths.

"You fooled me with your injury act," Chris shook his head in approval. "Sold it like a champ."

"I wish I could say I was faking it," Luke dropped to his other knee. "I'm still not back at one hundred percent."

The trio watched the ball shake once, twice, and a third time. Luke collapsed to the ground as the device shattered apart in a flash of light. Kangaskhan emerged, though not in her former bragging attitude. The Parent species of Pokémon seemed more curious than angry at Luke's attempted capture. In fact, all the Pokémon in the area had stopped what they were doing the moment Kangaskhan had been sucked into the ball. They had not moved, instead, they waited to see how their companion would respond.

The Normal-type thought for a moment. "'Khan," she snorted, pointing to Luke. She then pointed to herself before finally pointing to the ground in front on them. She nodded to the sky before turning and walking away.

Luke closed his eyes. "So this gets settled tomorrow." He then breathed, "One way or another."

The trio stayed silent as they began the trip back to the entrance. The orange glow of the setting sun was beginning to darken in color. They stepped down off the wasteland's plateau and soon found themselves in the woods they had been in the day prior. The thick, tall trees overhead extinguished what little orange light remained, casting the group into almost complete darkness. The three men brought out flashlights in place of their banned Pokémon. Even with the three beams of light shining around him, Chris couldn't help but feel slightly unnerved by their surroundings. He wasn't sure why, but he felt like the trio were being watched.

Luke's leg continued to bother him as they walked back. The obstacles on the ground hindered his progress, slowing the group down as a result. David voiced his concern about making it back in time for his routine volunteer meeting. Chris and Luke encouraged him to go on, but the Safari Zone worker was reluctant to leave them. Stars began to appear in the sky above them, providing hope to the trainers that they were near the end of the woodland.

"Anybody else feel like we're being watched?" David tried to hide the nervousness in his voice.

"I've been paying more attention to where I'm walking," Luke gingerly stepped over a log, "but if you're worried, maybe I should be too. Now that you mention it," Luke listened for a moment, "I don't hear any noises in the trees or on the ground."

"Kind of weird for a Pokémon resort," Chris' eyes narrowed.

"My first week here," David spoke as their pace quickened, "the guides told me not to wander around the park at night alone. Especially in the woods."

"That's not ominous," Chris gulped.

The trio was relieved when the remaining trees parted and left them in what appeared to be an opening.

"Now we can-"

"OOOOOAAAAH!" a ghoulish howl blared from directly behind the boys.

The three boys instinctively fell forward and reached for their Safari Balls. All three launched a capture device blindly into the darkness. There was a thud sound followed by a glowing red light that blinded the trainers' unready eyes.

The three boys brought their flashlights up and the light beams locked onto three vapory entities. Cackling laughter erupted from the figures upon being spotted. Chris was the first to bring out a Pokédex and flash it across the maniacal stalkers.

"Haunter, the Gas Pokémon, Misdreavous the Screech Pokemon, and Pumpkaboo, the Pumpkin Pokémon."

"Ghost-types," David growled. "I should have remembered they like to prowl this area."

The three ghouls continue to chuckle until Haunter waved urgently to his comrades. He pointed to an empty space on his left, prompting the other two ghosts to panic. In a flash, they were gone.

"What the hell was that all about?" Luke moaned, lifting himself back to his feet.

"I have no idea," Chris exhaled slowly.

"Based on their reactions," David seemed to stare at the spot Haunter had pointed to, "it seems they may have lost something."

Chris' foot bumped into two objects on the ground. "Or someone." He scooped up the objects and searched the ground with his flashlight for a brief moment. "Did you two also throw Safari Balls?" Both trainers answered yes. "Here are two empty devices. One of ours is missing."

David's breathing intensified. "Which means-"

"One of us just captured a Pokémon," Luke finished.

"But wait," David's head lowered, "I only have four Pokémon. If I had captured something my Safari Ball would still be here."

"So it's one of ours," Luke's brow furrowed as he looked at Chris.

"The Pokédex will answer things," Chris moved his way to the index section of the device and browsed through the captured section. Chris wasn't sure how to feel when he looked at the device's screen. "Nothing on my end."

"I caught something," Luke said after a moment. He looked at the image on his screen closely. "A Duskull."

"Congrats man!" David spoke quickly, giving the trainer a frantic pat on the back. "On that note, I may have to leave you guys to head on back." He pointed to a light just south of their location. "There's the transition station. I'll catch up with you guys tomorrow morning. We'll make it ten o'clock!"

He didn't wait to get confirmation before sprinting off.

The short journey back to the transition station was uneventful. As Luke went to check on his new capture at the Pokémon Center, Chris continued to admire the local festive scene. A celebration of the coming fall months was in full effect. Even more shops and traffic had invaded the local community since that morning. Fire pits were scattered along the makeshift alleyways. Locals danced around the flames, casting swirling shadows into the trees that lined the hub. Jumpluff floated around these dancers as the lights from nearby Ledian flashed in the sky. The ambiance created by the sights and sounds was like nothing Chris had ever experienced in the region.

"You ready?" Luke's voice came from nearby.

"Yeah."

The two made their way back to their former camping area and were relieved to find it still vacant. It didn't take long for the fire pit to be rekindled and their sleeping bags unpacked. Despite his exhaustion from the day's hectic travel, Chris brought out his team to give them an update. Nidoking looked expectantly at his trainer, who tried to put on his most cheerful face.

"I was able to snag…" Chris' words caused even Quilava to lean forward, "a couple of sweet deals!"

The Pokémon gave their trainer a confused look until he brought out the beanie and long sleeved shirt. "What do you think?"

Quilava and Nidoking tackled Chris in frustration as Scyther and Crobat watched on in amusement. Flaaffy attempted to pull her two teammates off their trainer, but the rambunctious duo would have none of it. It wasn't until Gyarados realized that his trainer was being assaulted, prompting the water serpent to thrash his way into the picture, that Quilava and Nidoking backed off.

Chris didn't know whether he was pissed or amused by his teammates' overreactions. The trainer smiled wearily at the two. "If nothing else, I can say you guys are all in on our mission." He took a second to catch his breath. "I have to be honest with you guys, though. I don't know if I'm going to attempt to catch any more Pokémon here. Today just confirmed this isn't my strong suit. Regardless, like I said yesterday, I'm happy with our team."

The sound of a loud crack rang out in the enclosure, snapping Chris' attention to Luke's side of camp. Luke's Drowzee lay flat on his back. The ghostly figure of Drowzee's newest teammate drifted above the fallen Pokémon.

"You can't use super effective attacks as an excuse," Luke chided his teammate. "Back to your feet and let's try it again. You have to stand your ground."

Chris slowly stood up and watched as Duskull launched another Shadow Sneak attack into the chest of the motionless Hypnosis Pokémon. Drowzee shuffled his feet to try and maintain his balance, but the strike was too great. With another thud, the Psychic-type collapsed.

Luke's weak attempt to hold back a frown did not last. He stepped between the two Pokémon. He nodded to Drowzee. "Go practice with Riolu." His eyes stayed on his newest capture. "I swapped you with one of my very first captures because I wanted to give you a chance. Prove to me that was a wise decision."

Luke waved to Electabuzz, who had been standing motionless on the sidelines. Chris thought he saw just the slightest twinge of hesitation from the Electric Pokémon before he stepped forward.

"Thunder Punch."

Duskull did his best to brace for the incoming attack. Electabuzz's electrically charged fist smashed into Duskull's masked visage. The blow sent the hovering creature into the dirt, where he lay momentarily unconscious. After a few seconds, the Requiem Pokémon came to and immediately drifted back into his previous hovering position.

"We'll need to work on your defense," Luke replied after seeing the exchange. Behind him, Riolu took a super effective Confusion, only dropping to a knee. The Emanation Pokémon looked to his trainer, but Luke did not turn around.

As Chris looked on, he glanced to his side and found his Pokémon had also been watching the affairs of Luke's team. Scyther and Crobat seemed to be studying the techniques used. Flaaffy had a look of concern for the unprotected shots each of the Pokémon were taking. Nidoking bounced back and forth on his clawed feet excitingly. The Poison/Ground-type would have leaped into the middle of the training session and challenged all of the Pokémon if Chris had let him. Gyarados' expression was tough to read. The normally ferocious looking creature remained stoic and calm.

"Quil."

The Volcano Pokémon stood closest to Chris' side. The trainer from Cherrygrove followed his starter's gaze. Chris' eyes came to rest upon Charizard. The Flame Pokémon stood beneath the nearby towering pines. Even away from the fire, beneath the shadow of the pines, Chris could see the winged lizard's eyes. There was no way for the trainer to fully understand what the creature was thinking, but the Johto native could sense something stirring in the beast.

Chris turned his attention back to the training session and noticed Duskull willing itself back into the air. The trainer could see that it had taken all of his strength just to lift off the ground. The creature was resilient, but he had reached his limit.

"This is it," Luke shook his head. "What are you made of?" He called out another Thunder Punch from Electabuzz.

Chris went to step forward, but Charizard moved first. The Flame Pokémon placed a clawed hand on his trainer's shoulder and growled softly. The move caught the attention of Luke's other Pokémon, halting the session.

Luke's expression softened. "You know we can't go easy on 'em, friend." He suddenly smiled. "Or do you want to show 'em how it's done?"

Charizard's eyes scanned Luke's for several seconds. The Fire/Flying-type smiled appreciatively at the offer but shook his head. He growled softly again.

The trainer from Tohjo Falls was silent for a moment. "It might be a good idea to get some sleep." He threw a glance at his scattered belongings. "I'm gonna' get some things organized before bed. Talk with the troops for a bit while I do. They need all the leadership they can get."

As their trainer walked over to their camping area, Luke's Pokémon turned to Charizard. Chris did not have the best vantage point, but he could sense the expectant looks on each of the fire lizard's teammates. Charizard's head dropped, eyes scanning the ground, looking for something, anything, to say.

The Flame Pokémon began to speak but stopped in mid-sentence. He went silent again for a moment. His wings were motionless, but his tail swayed almost in a nervous fashion. The draconic creature barred his fangs in frustration. After a few more seconds, it seemed he had gathered his thoughts somewhat. He opened his mouth to speak, but his teammates were suddenly gone in a flash of red light. Charizard turned to look at Luke as the young trainer put away his teammates' capture devices.

"I hope they got your message," Luke patted one of the lizard's wings before walking back to his sleeping bag.

Charizard's mouth remained slightly ajar, the creature unsure of what to do or say. Remembering there was a second party in the area, he suddenly cast a look towards Chris. Looking at one another, Chris finally managed to make out a clear emotion in the fire lizard's expression.

"He's lost," Chris muttered to himself.

The Flame Pokémon turned to look at Chris' starter, but the Volcano Pokémon turned and walked back to his trainer's sleeping bag. Charizard stared on in confusion as Quilava continued to walk away.

Chris felt as though he needed to say or do something. He wasn't quite sure what might help, but the winged lizard needed some sort of support at the moment. As Chris made a move towards the Fire/Flying-type, Charizard suddenly spun away from everyone. He took a few steps towards the tree line before ultimately switching directions and settling down near his trainer.

The next morning brought gray skies overhead. The current forecast didn't appear to have rain in it, but Chris kept a watchful eye on the clouds above. As he gathered his belongings together, the trainer from Cherrygrove thought he could sense the slightest hint of fall in the cool breeze. Chris thought it best he go ahead and be mentally preparing for the transition. Summer would be gone in just a few short weeks.

Chris' Pokémon still seemed somewhat perplexed by the events that had transpired the previous night. They had seen what Chris had sensed the night prior. Unfortunately, Chris could do little to console them. The trainer himself didn't quite know what to expect next.

"You ready?" Luke asked, snapping Chris from his thoughts.

Chris returned his team to their Poké Balls. "Yeah."

The duo managed to make it to the Safari Zone entrance by the previously scheduled ten o'clock. It was David's turn to be a few minutes late. When he arrived, Chris and Luke made sure to give him as much grief as possible. His explanations about wrapping up his final volunteer duties fell on deaf ears.

"Damn it," David finally broke, "do you want me to help you two or not?!"

"Depends," Luke answered. "So far we haven't caught a single Pokémon under your guidance."

"I said it yesterday," David shook his head and chuckled, "you two are taking on Pokémon that are too experienced. You have to work your way up to them."

"You don't have to worry about me failing anymore," Chris put on his most convincing smile. "I'm gonna' sit this last day out."

Luke gave him a surprised look. "Are you serious? You've got better aim than I do when it comes to throwing Safari Balls."

"I'm just not feelin' it," Chris shrugged. "I don't think this is how I'm gonna' get my next teammate."

Luke nodded. "Suit yourself. That Kangaskhan is mine."

"If you boys don't care," David chimed in, "there's a stop I'd like to make while we're waiting for ol' Sheila to come around."

"Finally going to attempt a real capture?" Luke teased.

David's gaze moved to the Safari Zone that rested behind them. "Something like that."

As the trio made their way into the reserve, Chris noticed that the landscapes had indeed moved again. To the gang's left rested a swamp. Sand dunes could be made out to their right. And the zone's singular mountain now stood directly in front of the entrance. To the gang's left rested a swamp.

David glanced at his Pokégear. "We've got a little under nine hours until your showdown with Kangaskhan. We better get our butts up this mountain."

The trio reached a clearing at the base before beginning their climb. The Safari Zone volunteer moved with a speed that neither trainer knew he had. Led by the motivated David, the trainers wasted little time making it through the thick forest that wrapped around the base of the mountain. When they emerged halfway up the mountain, onto a barren, exposed plateau, a chill ran across the young men's skin. Chris' red and black athletic jacket did little against the strong winds.

"Wish you would have warned us about this," Luke hissed between chattering teeth. "A light jacket and jeans aren't enough when you're climbing a mountain."

"If it makes you feel any better," David motioned to the heavy coat he had busted out of his work backpack, "this jacket smells pretty bad."

"No," Luke threw his hands up in the air, "that doesn't make me feel any less cold."

"No worries," David spoke as they began to walk again, "this path takes us to the other side of the mountain. We should be protected from most of this wind there. Besides, it's not really that big of a mountain."

As they trudged on, the incline only grew steeper. Chris glanced to his right and noticed Luke was not beside him. The Johto native looked back down the trail and noticed that his comrade had fallen behind. Luke noticed Chris' concerned expression and dismissed it with a shake of his head.

The climb towards the peak only brought more cold and unstable footing. The rocky path David led them on left little for the trainer to grab on to. One slip and the trainers might find themselves sliding back down to the base.

Chris did not want to take that trip. He stayed as low to the ground as possible, grabbing what exposed roots he could find. He muttered curses under his breath with each shift of the gravel beneath his feet. For several tense minutes, Chris' eyes never left the ground he walked on.

It wasn't until David led them to the other side of the mountain that Chris felt comfortable looking up. The ground transitioned to solid stone and plateaued beneath the towering spire of the peak overhead. Luke found a seat on the closest exposed boulder he could find. Luke may have been physically exhausted, but the stress of the climb had left Chris all but mentally drained. He wasn't sure this trip had been the smartest idea.

"It was a trip," David grinned, dropping the backpack from his shoulders, "but would you just look at the view."

Chris felt his knees go weak as he stared out to at the horizon below him. The trio had worked their way to a northeastern vantage point, giving the trainers a view of the peninsula's connection to the rest of Johto. To the east, the Whirl Islands were minuscule, their whirlpools like that of a shower drain. The trainer thought he could just make out one of Olivine's high rises on the distant horizon. He looked further south, but the gray skies prevented him from seeing too far.

"On a clear day you can see some of Goldenrod City," David explained. "Even more when the island is on the eastern side of the Safari Zone."

"This gives you a great view of a lot of the terrains," Luke nodded at the zone-like ecosystems spread out beneath them.

"For sure," David agreed. "The wasteland will be slightly to our northwest today."

"We've got about five hours to work with," Chris followed up. He squatted, back against the rock wall behind him, and pulled out a bottle of water. "What's the plan, David?"

"I'm gonna' catch the next member of my team."

David stripped off his jacket and jeans, revealing the same t-shirt and shorts he had worn the day the met Chris and Luke.

"No need to suffer with us," Luke said dryly.

"Where I'm going," David's expression hardened, "I'm gonna' need to be as cool as possible."

Chris slowly stood back up. "What are you talking about?"

"My destination," he nodded towards the wall beside them.

Chris stared hard at the dark gray mass of stone. He scanned the wall until his eyes found an opening just large enough for a person to fit into. He walked towards it, soon realizing the hole was connected to a tunnel of sorts.

Luke's eyes narrowed. "You're planning on going in there?"

"This is a tunnel made by Pokémon," David ran his hands along the cavern's exterior. He pointed to dozens of claws marks scattered around the opening. "I've seen the Sandslash working their way through this tunnel recently."

"It's awfully small," Chris shuttered at the thought of such a tight space. The trainer wouldn't call himself claustrophobic, but his mother's severe fear of tight spaces had managed to slide its way into Chris' paranoia. Blindly maneuvering through an unknown small, dark space was not high on his list of exploration. "Couldn't you just try and catch the Pokémon you're looking for out here?"

"I have to do this," David spoke with a conviction that neither trainer had heard from him before. "These last two months have all been building up to moment."

Luke tried to stand as he spoke. "What are you-" with a curse, the trainer dropped back to his rocky seat. "I don't think I'm going to be going anywhere for a bit. My knees are shot."

A solemn look came over David. His fists tightened around the Safari Ball in his hand. A gust of wind managed to make its way around the curved wall of the mountain, blasting the trio with its frigid bite. David didn't flinch. His eyes darted back to their path back down the mountain for a split second. He took a deep breath.

"Here," David handed Luke his coat. "If I'm not back after an hour, assume the worst and get some help." He managed a grin. "Sorry for the smell."

"I can't let you go in there alone," Chris said after a moment. "I may not be looking to catch Pokémon anymore, but that'll just let me focus on keeping you from getting yourself killed."

David grinned appreciatively. "Thanks, man. Some company wouldn't hurt."

"You do know your way around, right?" Chris' pension for avoiding surprises was back on display.

"Of course," David waved away his concern. "I've been up here loads of times."

"Then why haven't you-" Luke's question was cut off by David throwing himself into the tunnel's entrance.

"Darnit!" Chris roared as he grabbed his flashlight and leapt in after him.

The trainer from Cherrygrove stumbled his way into the tunnel, but put on the breaks when he soon came across David.

The trainer from Violet City had a smile on his face upon seeing Chris catch up. "Didn't want to give you a chance to think about backing out. Saw a look of doubt in your eyes."

"I think I could say the same for you."

Even in the dimly lit tunnel, Chris could see David swallow hard.

As they advanced deeper into the mountain, both trainers kept their flashlights pointed towards the ground in front of them. Chris remembered Luke flashing his light at the dozens of frenzied Zubat in Union Cave and did not wish to duplicate that experience. This did leave the rest of their surroundings tough to make out. Chris could see that the walls were still very narrow, but the tunnel's ceiling remained a mystery. What few Sandshrew and Sandslash they encountered quickly ducked back into the holes that lined the walls.

It wasn't long before the damp cool of the tunnel was replaced by a dry heat. As they continued, the heat seemed to build. After several more minutes of walking, Chris' jeans and undershirt were soaked in sweat. The duo rounded a corner and a small light appeared in the distance.

"How deep into the mountain does this tunnel go?" Chris finally asked.

"Don't know," David said after a moment. "Last time I was in here I turned back as soon as I felt the heat. That's the farthest I'd been."

"WHAT."

"Sorry," David turned to look back at his companion. In the dim light of their flashlights, Chris could make out an apologetic smile. It did little to sway the sudden trepidation in Chris' stomach.

Their footsteps began to ring alarmingly loud in Chris' ears as they approached the light. The tunnel also seemed to narrow as they continued to move forward. Chris noticed David's stride had shrunk, and each step seemed to be coming slower than the one before it.

"What exactly are you expecting to find in here?" the trainer from Cherrygrove finally asked. His curiosity and anxiety about their surroundings trumping his respect for David's vague motives.

"I'm hoping to start on the path towards closure," David answered after a moment.

The trainer from Cherrygrove pried further. "But why here? What does this mountain or its tunnel have to do with you?"

"Nothing I guess," David answered honestly. "I'm not even sure if I'll be able to find the Pokémon I'm looking for. But I know that its species lives here. And I know that this is my best chance to catch it in all of Johto."

"Which Pokémon?"

The light which had previously been too bright to see through suddenly took on a fluorescent reddish glow. An explosion of heat overtook the already warm corridor, taking Chris' breath away. The cavern opened up suddenly and the young men found themselves standing in a circular chamber. Chris noticed the rock walls that enclosed the large space glowed a vibrant orange. The path in front of them was narrow, with no walls or buffers on either side. From their current vantage point, Chris could not see how far down the drop-offs were on each side. The slim stone bridge led to a large chunk of rock that resided in the center of the chamber. It seemed to be propped up by a stone column that extended down into the mountain and out of Chris' line of sight.

"No turning back now," David stepped forward onto the earthen bridge.

Chris also went to take a step forward, but immediately fell backward upon glancing down. Chris managed to peek his head back over the nearest edge. "Oh my Arceus."

Several thousand feet below the trainers, a massive pool of magma simmered. Large exploding bubbles burst sporadically, tossing waves of glowing molten earth into the air. With each miniature explosion, a new wave of intense heat washed over Chris. The trainer had to force his eyes away from the dancing pool of magma and back to his fellow trainer.

David had also noticed the magma beneath him, but the trainer continued his march towards the rocky platform that rested in the center of the chamber. Upon reaching the earthen plateau he quickly scanned the walls around him. David then threw glances at the ground around him.

"I've come to find you," the trainer from Violet City proclaimed. He looked back over his shoulder but didn't acknowledge Chris. "And I've come to catch you."

The only response he received came from the rumble of the magma below. There was no sign of movement from the walls or the ground. David stood firm for several seconds, but a disheartened look was beginning to take over. David grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt that Chris had not noticed.

"Come on out!"

A Nidorina burst out from the device. Chris could see an excited expression on the Poison Pin Pokémon's face. "'Rina!"

David nodded stiffly. "Yep. We're here."

Upon Nidorina's appearance, the orange tinge of the cavern became a darker red. The magma seemed to ebb and flow wildly, throwing glowing liquid even closer to the duo. The ground tremored beneath Chris' feet. The molten pool erupted upward with a ferocious roar. Chris felt his chest ache. There was no escaping an eruption.

Nidorina looked to her trainer, who managed a smile. "Let's see what happens."

Several hundred feet from the trainers, the fiery wave suddenly plateaued. A fireball leapt from the pool's flat, churning surface. The glowing sphere shot up past the suspended rock before arching back down and landing in front of David. It was tough to tell, but Chris thought he saw a smirk slip between David's creased lips.

The flames from the charred rock pulsed to life and took on a physical form. Two arms, two legs, a tail, and a head took shape. The fire flickered, and in an instant, a creature stood before David.

"Magmar, the Spitfire Pokémon. Its body is like a furnace, making Magmar a living inferno. It has been discovered only near volcanoes."

Chris took a moment to process the Pokédex entry. He looked back at the fiery reptilian. "Seeing one of these in person really puts that 'dex entry in perspective."

David continued to stare down the magma dweller. The Spitfire Pokémon tilted his head to the side in a curious gesture.

"I know the rules of the Safari Zone," David finally spoke, "so you don't have to worry about battling Nidorina. I just needed her to bring you out. Your fight is with me."

Magmar considered David's words before shrugging. "Mag," his yellow beak formed a sly grin, "mar."

David grabbed a Safari Ball from his belt and sprinted forward. The Fire-type's brow furrowed as the trainer approached. The creature stomped a foot into the rock, launching a low traveling wave of fire at the trainer. As David hurdled the attack, Magmar snapped his head forward, firing a red and yellow ball of energy at his adversary. The sphere hit the ground in front of David and exploded into a plume of scarlet inferno. The young man's momentum almost carried him into the flames, but he managed to spin around them at the last second. The sudden shift in direction did knock the trainer off balance.

David's close proximity to Magmar did not help Chris' nerves when his companion stumbled towards the Spitfire Pokémon. Magmar wasted little time in launching a flame covered fist at the wavering trainer. David chose to drop to the floor rather than take a Fire Punch to the gut. The trainer rolled out of the way as two more Fire Punches rained down from the Spitfire Pokémon. David grabbed a rock with his free hand and launched it at Magmar's incoming fist. The Fire-type smashed the object with ease, but the distraction served David's ultimate purpose. Immediately after he had thrown the rock, David had fired a Safari Ball. The capture device shot past Magmar's outstretched arm and smacked the creature right in the chest. The creature was sucked into the Safari Ball by a beam of red light. Chris stared on in trepidation as the ball shook. The device rocked once, twice, three times, and then finally went still.

Chris carefully jogged out to stand beside the trainer as he picked up the Safari Ball with his newest capture.

As he grabbed the device, David dropped to a knee. "I finally got you." David patted his excited Nidorina on the head before returning her to her Poké Ball.

Chris noticed a relieved smile on the trainer's face as both men made their way back into the tunnel. Chris was all too happy to leave the fiery chamber behind them. The underbelly of the mountain had been incredible, but her heartburn had been a little too intense for Chris' liking. As they made their way back, Chris couldn't help but ask for some clarity.

"Why Magmar?" the trainer couldn't find a more eloquent way to phrase the question.

Despite their dimly lit surroundings, David's eyes didn't leave his Safari Ball. "I needed to catch him as a reminder." Chris waited for David to elaborate. "And I needed this to confront what fear I might still hold for the volcano that destroyed my first home. Nature's power should be understood, harnessed, and above all else, respected. This is the lesson Cinnabar Island's children learned."

Chris was silent. He thought he was finally beginning to see David's motives. Their return to the surface brought with it a look of intrigue from Luke.

"You just stepped out of that dark tunnel and I can already tell something major happened," Luke's gaze bounced between both trainers. "I'm sitting all the way over here and I can smell the soot. David, you look like you're covered in a pound of the stuff."

"He got what he came for," Chris said after seeing David's eyes still locked on to the capture device.

"Hmph," Luke stood back up. He looked David over but seemed to think better of pursuing the subject. "Then I guess it's time I got what I came for."

"Are you okay to hike?" Chris asked.

"I've sat for long enough," Luke slung his golden satchel over a shoulder. "Besides, walking downhill will feel a lot better than hiking uphill."

"Then let's get going," David followed up. He had put Magmar's Safari Ball away and had thrown back on his heavier clothing. He looked to be back in Safari guide mode. "We've got around four and a half hours to get to Sheila. Best not waste any more time."

The trip down the mountain proved to be somewhat less scary and far quicker. If Luke's left leg was still bothering him, the young man didn't show it. Once they had reached the base of the mountain, David took them on a path that wrapped towards the northwest. He led them past the outskirts of a dry desert environment and then beside a green meadow. Clearing a small hill, the trainers found themselves back in the familiar wasteland.

The sun had begun to set behind the trees in the distance, marking the scheduled time of the showdown. The usual suspects did appear on the outskirts of the wasteland, but they did not approach. It was somewhat unnerving to have dozens of Pokémon staring at the trainers from a distance. After a few minutes of awkward silence, Luke finally stepped forward.

"Let's end this shit already."

A large figure appeared in the distance, but the sun blinded the trainers from getting a good look. The figure began to approach, moving at a deliberately slow pace. With each step, the being seemed to move even slower.

"Enough of this," Luke growled as he took off at a sprint.

It was tough to watch as Luke hobbled his forward, his legs clearly at their limit from the day's climb. The being also picked up its pace. After a moment, Chris could see that the approaching figure was indeed Kangaskhan. A playful smile seemed etched in her face.

Luke fired a Safari Ball at his opponent, but the toss was off target. As the ball bounced off the rocks in front of her, Kangaskhan crushed the device underfoot. She may have been in a playful mood, but the trainer was going to have to play it smart to catch her. Luke waited until she was much closer for his second attempt. The toss was on target, but she nonchalantly ducked beneath the ball. Luke stopped his forward progress and surveyed his surroundings.

"Don't forget to read her movements!" David shouted playfully.

Luke suddenly lobbed a Safari Ball at his adversary's right shoulder. Kangaskhan easily dodged the device by spinning to her left. Luke threw another ball at the same spot on her body, resulting in the same outcome. Slowly, the trainer marched forward, firing one Safari Ball after another at the Parent Pokémon's right side. The rapid attempts gave Kangashkan little time to do anything but dodge. After watching the same scenario repeat several times, Chris finally understood what his companion was doing.

"Khan?" The Normal-type issued a confused cry upon bumping into something solid. She turned to see a pillar of rocks, much larger than the ones the Fighting-types had beaten on, behind her.

"Got you." Luke launched a Safari Ball at the pinned creature.

"Khan!"

In a burst of impressive agility and athleticism, the Normal-type leapt up and onto the rocky tower, narrowly avoiding the capture device. She chuckled at the exasperated look on Luke's face. As she went to motion towards the trainer the rocks beneath her shook. This was all Luke needed to see. With all of his strength, the trainer from Tohjo Falls threw his body into the tall assortment of rocks. The blow was enough to destabilize the rock pile.

"Khan!" with a roar, the Normal-type toppled over the side of the crumbling pillar.

Her momentum carried her towards a prepared Luke below. He hoisted up the Safari Ball in his hand as she came toppling down onto him. In a flash of red light, she was dematerialized into the capture device. Luke collapsed to the ground, both hands firmly wrapped around the Safari Ball. The device shook in his hands several times before it finally, mercifully stopped. The ball warped out of Luke's hand a mere second later.

"Congrats again, man." David approached his fellow trainer and patted him on the back. "I really didn't think you had it in ya."

"Two new Pokémon in a twenty-four hour period," Chris nodded, "that's pretty good for this place."

"Hope you were taking notes," Luke flashed a grin upon throwing Chris' line back at him.

"And we may even beat the sun out of here," David squinted back towards the falling sun. "I'd prefer we don't have any more encounters like last night."

Both of the other trainers were quick to agree. Despite Luke's shot legs, the trio made decent time. They passed through the gate as the sky began to darken and reentered the festive atmosphere of the Safari Zone Gate. Luke pointed towards the nearby Pokémon Center, leaving Chris and David to mingle among the crowd.

"Any more volunteer meetings?" Chris asked.

David shook his head. "Last night was our last rendezvous."

"That's kind of a sad thought."

"Yeah," David rolled his shoulders, "but it is a bit freeing in one way. The rest of my journey can kinda' kick into full gear now. I'm gonna' miss all of the awesome people and Pokémon that lived here though."

"What's your next step?" Chris' curiosity got the better of him.

"I need to get six badges," David grinned.

Chris chuckled. "That's a start."

The two boys continued to chat as they weaved in and out of the local boutiques. David explained that the shop vendors paid the Safari Zone for the ground they used to sell their merchandise. The money was funneled back into maintaining the park and compensating the employees. Volunteers weren't paid in cash, but the property fees of the vendors did help pay for their living arrangments.

"So where are you gonna stay now?" Chris asked.

"Hadn't really given it a lot of thought," David grimaced. "It's gonna' take some time to adjust to life on the road again."

"You're welcome to stay at our camp," Luke suggested as he returned to the duo's side. "Provided it's still free."

"You know what," the Violet City trainer nodded, "I might take you up on that."

Luke trudged over to a stump that, as he had found over the past few nights, made a nice seat. His body was sore from the demands of the day and he needed rest. His good leg throbbed while the pain in his bad leg hurt just to think about. The trainer heaved in deep breath after deep breath before he sat himself on the ground to stretch out.

As he reached to the tips of his toes Luke saw Chris fetch his sleeping bag from his pack. David was circling around the little site that they had claimed, inspecting it in his own ways. As Luke began to stretch his other leg, David had finally settled on a space to unpack his own belongings.

Luke continued his stretching regimen while his thoughts focused on the tasks ahead. He had to beat Morty, so Duskull and Poochyena would need to be in top shape. He figured if he focused just on those two he could get them both to evolve by the time he got back to Ecruteak. But he'd also need to face Whitney. Riolu would be the most effective option, but Luke didn't know if the Pokémon had that kind of tenacity in him.

The sound of Poké Balls releasing their inhabitants must have passed by Luke. By the time he looked up from his stretches, Chris' entire team had materialized into the campsite. Quilava had run up to his trainer, his head cocked to the side and his eyes wide open. Luke could only guess that it wanted to know about any new captures on Chris' part. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw Chris shake his head and the Volcano Pokémon breathe a heavy sigh. Luke thought the Pokémon needed to toughen up.

"You mind if my guys join yours?" David asked from his side of the clearing. Chris grinned in his broad fashion and expressed joy at the idea. Five beams of light flashed from David's direction and five Pokémon stood before their trainer. "Boys, this is Chris over here," he said motioning toward the Cherrygrove native, "and his team. I've been hanging out with him and Luke," David pointed to Luke, "the past few days. Say, Luke, why don't you get your guys out too?"

David's grin beamed at Luke and he knew that their new friend would not let up.

"Yeah, sure," Luke mumbled as he rummaged through his pack. One by one he fetched his Poké Balls and one by one he released their occupants. The Pokémon looked around at all the other creatures in the campsite. "Don't get too chummy," Luke muttered as he returned to his stretches. Charizard took note and grunted at Luke.

"I'm fine," he said. He nodded to the side where Kangaskhan stood, "That one just roughed me up a bit." Kangaskhan laughed as Charizard looked over his new teammate, her whole body shaking with each chuckle. Pidgeotto flocked to his exhausted trainer and began to dust Luke with his wings, whisking dirt from any scratches. Luke waved his arm at the bird to shoo him away while the rest of the team went to meet Kangaskhan.

"Anyways," David had continued on to his team, "These are our new pals! Get to know 'em!"

All in all, there were seventeen Pokémon occupying their campsite. Luke had Charizard, Electabuzz, Pidgeotto, Poochyena, Duskull, and Kangaskhan on hand. He'd stored Riolu, Quagsire, and Drowzee in the Pokémon Storage System. And of course, the egg Drayden had given him was still nestled in his pack. Luke thought for sure that it would have hatched by now, but as it stood it just occupied space in his bag.

Chris' team had made their way over to David's Pokémon. As Luke looked over the intermingling crowd, he took note of the behavior of the other trainer's Pokémon. Quilava remained distant at first, sizing up each Pokémon of David's team. Luke had become well acquainted with the little Fire-type's propensity for judging others and himself by measure of their power.

Crobat had taken refuge on a low hanging branch just above where Chris' Scyther and David's Scyther were eyeing one another. Just from a glance Luke could tell Chris' would have the advantage, his build being much more robust than David's leaner Pokémon. He watched Quilava trot past the mantises and over to David's Nidorina, who appeared to be looking in the direction of Gyarados and Nidoking.

David's new capture, Magmar, was keeping his distance. It was clear that this was his first time meeting his new teammates. David's Eevee was running in circles around Chris' Flaaffy, who seemed to take joy in playing with the young Pokémon. A Kadabra kept to himself on the opposite side of the tree that Crobat hung from.

It was a little too cramped for Luke's tastes.

After finishing stretching, he rose and walked over to the center of their campsite. Chris and David were sitting around chatting and a crisp breeze carried their words. The signs of fall were growing with each day and Luke knew he'd soon need to find warmer clothes. He preferred to travel light, so he'd neglected to pack warmer clothes. He had planned on having his mother ship some to a nearby Pokémon Center or some place for him to pick up when the time came. He was sure she would still do it, but their conflict kept Luke at as much of a distance from his parents as he could manage.

"Whatchya thinkin' 'bout moptop?" David spoke, snapping Luke to the moment. He'd zoned out, but he guessed his hair was getting a bit shaggy.

"Eh, things," Luke replied.

"Well, I was just asking Chris how many teammates he had. What's it like for you?"

Luke blinked as he thought it over. "I've got nine." He paused, then added, "And an egg."

"Dang!" David said. "You're practically at double digits. How've you been managing it?"

"Well, I mean, I just caught Duskull and Kangaskhan within the past day or so. And then I'd actually caught a Drowzee and Riolu when I came to the Safari Zone, gosh, about a month ago now."

"Sounds like you're a natural," David said. "I was tellin' you guys it takes time and practice but what do I know? You've got four Safari Zone captures!"

David's compliments went in one ear and out the other. Luke appreciated them, but he paid them no mind.

"I don't know how I'm gonna do it," Chris said. "I know my team is eventually going to grow, but I like my group now. I'm worried that I won't be able to give them all the attention they deserve."

"Well, I don't think I've been neglecting anyone," Luke snapped.

"Didn't mean to say you had been," Chris said. "Sorry it came off that way."

Luke sighed. "Didn't say you did. Sorry for the tone, just been thinking a lot."

"Oh yeah?" David inquired, "Not getting homesick, are ya?"

Luke's jaw tightened and he looked down.

"Say, David," Chris chimed in, "how'd you get a Kadabra? Aren't Abra pretty hard to catch?"

"Well, you see," David's voice lifted at the chance to tell a story. But Luke's mind began to wander yet again and the words coming from the Violet City trainer faded away. His mind went back to his parents, to his family. He wondered how sick his mom was for not having heard from her son in so long. He wondered if his brothers were getting smothered with unwanted attention because of it. Or maybe their father was doing what he could to raise less disappointing sons.

His parents were reluctant to let him go on his journey. At first, they'd tried to convince him to stay home for another year. To "prepare more" in their words. They just wanted him to reconsider being a trainer altogether. But Luke knew that being a trainer was something he had to attempt. He'd argued that if he waited any longer he'd be behind all his peers and too many opportunities for success would pass by.

Of course his accident then rendered that argument null.

Luke looked around, trying to change his focus. Charizard was next to Kangaskhan, the two chatting away about who knows what. Electabuzz had made his way over to Chris' Nidoking and the two were sizing each other up. He looked for his other new capture, Duskull, but Luke did not see him. But he did see Poochyena and David's Eevee circling each other and sniffing around.

As the Bite Pokémon and the Evolution Pokémon played, Luke finally saw Duskull. Eevee and Poochyena had come face to face when the Requiem Pokémon materialized behind Poochyena. It brought one of its cloth-like arms up in front of its skull-shaped face and shushed Eevee. Duskull then tapped on Poochyena's back before dematerializing again.

Poochyena whirled around, blinking at the sight of no one behind him. Then, once again, Duskull materialized right behind Poochyena. As the gray pup turned around to meet Eevee again, he was instead greeted by Duskull's haunting face.

Poochyena yelped and leapt toward Duskull, who flew upwards. As Duskull flew through camp, it's eerie chuckle sending chills up Luke's spine, he saw Poochyena crash head on into Eevee. The two began to tumble and Luke noticed David's voice stop as the commotion caught his attention.

"What the?" David exclaimed as he trotted over to the two Pokémon. Luke rose and headed off right behind David while Chris was not far behind. Electabuzz, Nidoking, and a few other of the Pokémon had gathered around. Electabuzz was barking instruction to Poochyena, like a trainer in the corner of the ring. Charizard had made his way over and was standing just outside the circle. David, Luke, and Chris shoved their way through the crowd of rowdy Pokémon to see all the commotion.

"You gotta get Poochyena off of Eevee! She's still new to the whole thing!" David said.

"Oh c'mon," Luke replied, "they're just playing. It's no big deal." The two were getting a bit rough but it wasn't anything Luke hadn't seen from playful young Pokémon before. It reminded him of watching his neighbor's Snubbull pups play when he was younger.

"No big deal!?" David said, his voice raising. But before Luke could retort he saw Kangaskhan shove her way into the circle. She picked both Poochyena and Eevee up, separated them, and glared at Poochyena. She pointed at Duskull and snorted before turning and trotting off.

"See, problem solved," Luke said as he turned to walk back to his seat.

"Yeah, okay," David said. He didn't waste much time in adding, "You probably need to get better control of your Pokémon, ya know?" Luke's jaw tightened and he turned back around. He saw Chris burying his face in his hand and sighing while David looked straight toward him.

"What?" Luke said through clenched teeth.

"You probably could control your Pokémon a bit better," David said. "Between Poochyena attacking Eevee and Kangaskhan having to break it up for you, it's just a thought."

"Alright guys," Chris jumped in, "I think there's just been a misunderstanding. Let's just all sit down and relax; it's been a long day. We can even call our Pokémon back if-"

"Maybe you should raise your Pokémon to be stronger if you're so worried about them getting hurt." Luke shot back.

"My Pokémon are just as strong as yours," David said. Luke continued to stare at him, his leg aching, his mind racing. Thoughts of his team's strength, his parents' expectations, and his own expectations all raced through his mind. "Probably better trained too," David added.

"Okay, so you wanna battle or what? I'm sure your Pokémon could use the training and experience, so we might as well. It sounds like that's what you want." Luke said.

"Yeah, I'd love to," David said. "Yours could use a good whooping, I'm sure."

"Dang it," Chris muttered under his breath. He spoke up, "I'm not gonna get you guys to calm down, am I?"

Luke and David ignored their friend and took their places across the clearing. The Pokémon had all begun to scatter, Luke's to his side, David's to his, and Chris's to their trainer's place on the sidelines.

"So you wanna do five on five?" Luke asked, "Or are you worried that Eevee'll get hurt?"

"Yeah, I am actually. But I don't wanna embarrass you more than I have to so let's do three on three."

Luke chuckled, "Whatever floats your boat. I'll take any three of my Pokémon over your best three any day."

The two trainers each motioned to one of their teammates. Scyther stood in front of David, his scythed claws held out to his sides and his wings twitching. Pidgeotto rested on the ground in front of Luke, his gaze on its opponent. Luke knew Scyther were speedy Pokémon, but he also knew Pidgeotto held the advantage. He smirked and he could tell David saw it because he saw the trainer grit his teeth.

"Quick Attack!"

"Slash!"

Pidgeotto's wings kicked up dirt as the Bird Pokémon rocketed toward Scyther. The opponents met head-on. Luke watched as Scyther twisted just enough as his claw swept out wide. This caused Pidgeotto's beak to graze right to the side of the Mantis Pokémon. The attack missed and Scyther's claw met Pidgeotto's side, causing the bird to tumble out of control.

The Bird Pokémon hit the ground but rose and shook himself off. But Scyther had already planted his feet and changed direction right back to Pidgeotto. David had called for another Slash attack.

"Aerial Ace!" Luke called, but the trainer's command was just a moment too late. Scyther's claw clipped Pidgeotto once again and sent the bird upwards. "Stabilize yourself!" Luke called out and the bird beat his wings as he attempted to steady his flight.

Scyther was just as fast as Pidgeotto. The battle had only lasted for a minute now and Luke already felt outpaced. He had to come up with something quick.

"Agility!" David shouted. As Scyther flew up to Pidgeotto, a pale glow covered him and the illusion of more Scyther followed behind. If he wanted to keep up with his foe, Pidgeotto would need to use Agility as well.

"You too, Pidgeotto!" but again, the command was just a second late. Something was off and he knew it. Pidgeotto's responses and Luke's commands were out of sync. And while Luke's worry pervaded his thoughts, another Slash attack bore down on Pidgeotto.

The bird crashed to the ground and Luke waited to see if he'd rise again. He did not. As Luke recalled the Pokémon to his Poké Ball, he turned and summoned the creature standing behind him. Pidgeotto's matchup against Scyther was prime and Luke couldn't grasp why the bird had failed.

Pidgeotto had been in his party since early on in his journey. Perhaps the Bird Pokémon was slow to adapt to Luke's growing strength as a trainer? Luke thought that seemed likely. The bird must be stuck in his ways and used to battling in Luke's old style.

Luke motioned Duskull to the battlefield and the Ghost type floated to his place in front of the trainer. Duskull would be immune to Scyther's Slash and resistant to any Bug-type moves that the mantis may have. Plus, if David switched out he should be safe. Duskull would resist any poison attacks of Nidorina's and do super effective damage to Kadabra. Magmar was the only wild card of the bunch, but Luke liked the odds.

To top it all off, Duskull's newness to the party meant that he wouldn't be weighed down by old strategies like Pidgeotto had been. Luke had a blank canvas to mold this Pokémon into a dominating force to rely on by the time he reached Morty again.

"I'm keeping Scyther in," David informed.

"Your funeral," Luke said. David clenched his fist tight and Luke knew he was in his opponent's head. Duskull would lead him to victory.

"Agility!" David called. Scyther's wings beat and he rushed to Duskull, once again accompanied by a faint glow and slight afterimages.

"Go with a Confuse Ray!" Luke ordered.

Duskull's eye began to glow a bright red, shining from underneath his skull-like face. From his eye sockets, a pale purple light emerged and traveled to surround Scyther. Yet the mantis was quick and he planted his foot and changed direction, dodging the attack. He then continued toward Duskull.

"Another!" Luke said through gritted teeth. Once again, a faint purple beam shot from Duskull's eye and targeted Scyther. And again, the mantis' speed was too much and he dodged the attack. Luke clenched his fists as he saw Scyther growing closer. He had to interrupt David's rhythm.

"Wing Attack!" David called. As Scyther's speed increased, the glow that surrounded him shrank and focused around the mantis' wings. As soon as Scyther was upon Duskull, his beating wings were glowing bright and white. Scyther raced right past the Ghost-type before Luke could react, clipping him with one of his wings.

The attack spun Duskull to the side and Scyther was quick to whirl back to face his opponent once again. Wing Attack wasn't super effective against Duskull and he seemed to take the attack fine, so a plan began to form in Luke's mind. Duskull would need to wear Scyther down first.

"Another!" David shouted and Scyther once again raced toward Duskull. Luke knew he needed to catch Scyther off guard, so he'd have to lull David into a false sense of confidence. Luke had to allow his opponent to continue to believe that Duskull could not touch Scyther.

Luke waited just one second too late before he gave his command.

"Night Shade!" Luke ordered, but he knew immediately he had delayed too long. He watched one of Scyther's glowing wings clip Duskull once again, sending the Ghost-type backward.

"He can't hit you!" David cried out. "Go around once more!"

This time, instead of landing to reorient itself, Scyther continued his flight and made a long arc to loop back around at Duskull. It was coming from the side this time and Luke smirked. Taking two Wing Attacks left Duskull looking a little worse for wear, but Luke had changed the battle's flow to his advantage.

Scyther was now moments from landing a Wing Attack that would likely finish Duskull, but Luke was eager to see David's smug grin wiped from his face. He gave the order.

"Shadow Sneak!" Luke commanded. In seconds, a dark energy traveled from Duskull's body to his shadow, which then stretched out along the ground. The shadow solidified below Scyther and rocketed into him. It hurled Scyther upwards and the mantis arced back to the ground, where he crashed with a resounding thud.

David's eyes widened as he looked straight at his Pokémon. Scyther rose, twisted his head, and shook the dust off his body.

"How you feelin'?" David asked his partner. Scyther hissed and nodded, then brought his scythes forward. "Good to hear!" David added.

Luke knew that David would expect Shadow Sneak this time. Luke would have to use Duskull to set Scyther up for failure against his next Pokémon. Duskull turned to Luke for a command.

"Stay focused and hold your ground," Luke said. He heard a grunt and noticed that Charizard had moved to his side. "Duskull's gonna set you up for a good clean up job," Luke informed.

The orange dragon hissed and pointed first at Duskull, then at the Pokéball in Luke's hand.

"There's no way I'm recalling him," Luke said. "After all those Agilities, Scyther's going to be too fast for you. I've got to give you an edge."

"Wing Attack once more! We'll be on the lookout for Shadow Sneak this time!" David said. Scyther kicked himself upwards and flew towards Duskull. Charizard looked at his new teammate who was struggling to hold his place in the air. Luke heard a low rumble from Charizard once more, but his gaze stayed focused on the incoming mantis.

"Will-O-Wisp!" Luke called as Scyther closed in. Duskull brought his hands together where a bluish fireball appeared between them. Scyther was too close to dodge the blue flame now. It fired forward, erupting into smaller fireballs which scorched the mantis before dissipating.

Luke heard Charizard roar as Scyther's glowing wing sent Duskull flying back and crashing into the ground. Luke knew the Ghost-type was down for the count, but he waited just a bit longer than necessary to see if Duskull would rise once again. After all, the longer he could weaken Scyther before Charizard came to finish him off, the better. He sighed and recalled the Ghost-type into his Poké Ball.

"Your turn," Luke motioned to Charizard. "Go finish this off. Even if he switches, you should be able to handle any of his team." Luke waited, but Charizard didn't move. He turned to face the dragon. "What are you waiting for?"

Charizard snorted, stomped his foot, and shook his head.

"What do you mean? You're not going to battle?" Luke asked, confusion tinging his voice. Here he was, putting David in his place and his own starter wouldn't fight for him. He didn't look over, but he could only imagine Chris might be enjoying watching his rival flounder.

Charizard pointed with one of his claws at Duskull's Poké Ball again.

"Are you mad I planned for Duskull to take the hit? It was so you'd have the advantage!"

Scyther still stood ready to battle, but David had moved up to where his Pokémon stood.

"Hey," he chimed in, "it's fine with me if we don't finish this battle. It was probably a ba-"

"Oh shut it," Luke snapped. He was still staring at Charizard. "I'm your trainer," he said to the dragon, "you have to do as I say. That's how this works. Now get in there and finish off Scyther like I had planned."

Charizard shook his head once again and then began to walk away.

"Whatever. I'll do it without you." Luke spit. "Electabuzz, get in here." Luke waited a few seconds, but Electabuzz never came. He turned and looked back to see Electabuzz standing like a statue. "Oh, so you think since Charizard isn't going to listen, you don't have to either?"

Luke could feel his head getting hot. He knew Chris and David were watching with shit-eating grins on their faces. Finally, they were getting to see their rival collapse. They were getting to see his own Pokémon turn against him and they were going to know that Luke wasn't better than them. They knew he was weak, just like his father had said.

"Fine. Kangaskhan then." But his newest capture didn't budge either. Luke's fists clenched and his face was warm and red. "Fine, I guess I wasted my time capturing you," he said.

He looked at Poochyena. The Pokémon his father had caught for him. The Pokémon that continued his family's tradition. Poochyena was as loyal as they came, he wouldn't let him down.

"Come on, buddy." Luke called, "I know you've been itching to prove yourself since that embarrassment with Morty." Was Chris listening? Luke hadn't told him about the ordeal with Morty. He'd have to deal with questions about that now. It'd give Chris another of Luke's failures to delight in.

Luke waited, but Poochyena never came. The Pokémon sat down on the ground and looked away from his trainer.

"That's it!" Luke roared. Charizard still had his back turned to the trainer as he continued to walk away, and Luke marched right up to the dragon. "You ungrateful shit!" Charizard turned and Luke continued marching right to him until he was inches away from Charizard's face.

"You are embarrassing me in front of everyone! You've turned my Pokémon against me! And for what? Because I'm trying to win a battle?" he jabbed his finger into Charizard's chest. "You know, you owe everything to me! I've shown you the world, I've trained you to be strong! You'd be nothing without me, you'd be-"

Charizard interrupted the tirade with a growl. He grabbed the bottom of Luke's shirt, pulling it up to reveal Luke's abdomen. The scars from the Ursaring's claws were still clear. Charizard pointed to them while Luke yanked his shirt down to hide them once again. His and Charizard's eyes locked for a moment, but Luke looked away.

Charizard pointed toward Luke's scars again, then to his own head. The two didn't speak the same language, but Luke knew what the Pokémon was getting at.

"Yeah, I know you were there too," Luke muttered.

Charizard stomped and pointed at Luke, then to each of Luke's other Pokémon. He then spit on the ground. He walked to Luke's pack and returned, holding the case Luke stored the badges he had earned. Charizard opened it.

The dragon first pointed at the Zephyr badge, then at Luke and shook his head. He then pointed at Electabuzz and nodded. Then he pointed at the Hive Badge, then at Pidgeotto's Poké Ball. Then the Storm Badge and motioned back toward the Safari Zone, where Luke had caught Drowzee. Last he indicated the Mineral Badge before pointing to himself. Luke knew Charizard was telling him that he earned those badges with the help of his Pokémon, not on his own.

"You couldn't have won those if I didn't tell you what to do." Luke retorted. "I'm your trainer, I don't have to let a Pokémon lecture me." His hand reached for Charizard's Poké Ball and Luke saw Charizard's brows furrow. A booming roar echoed from Charizard and his mighty wings beat once with defiance. The gust whipped Luke's hair back and the sight of Charizard's long fangs pierced Luke. His mind raced to the Ursaring's roar and fangs and he felt Charizard's clawed hands hit his chest.

Luke's back hit the ground.

Luke had curled into a ball, his arms over his face and his eyes shut tight. Roars, fires, fangs, claws. It all flooded his mind and he was back in those woods. Back where it was cold and where warm blood gushed over his body. Back where smoke and flame choked him and death surrounded him.

Then he came out of it.

It had just been a few seconds, but when he saw the look on Charizard's face Luke knew it had felt like an eternity for the Pokémon. Charizard's eyes screamed remorse and Luke's whispered fear to the Fire/Flying-type. Charizard looked away. Before Luke could stand, the dragon had begun to walk towards the edge of the enclosure.

And then the walk turned into a run.

And the run turned into flight.

As Charizard's wings stretched out, Luke lurched up and fumbled with the Poké Ball. But by the time he grabbed it, Charizard was high up and heading toward the horizon.

Luke watched as the orange shape shrunk. It remained in contrast to the darkening sky until it was gone. Luke's head sunk as low as the sun setting behind him and he regretted everything that he had ever done. He never looked up as he walked toward his team, and then past them. He never looked back to tell Chris and David where he was going. He just walked forward until he felt he had walked far enough.

And then he cried.


We've sensed something had been stirring in Luke since his misfortune in northern Johto. Through the young man's travels, we've seen him battle physical fatigue and the mental drain of a worried family. After the roller coaster of catching Pokémon and high-intensity battles, it appears Luke's issues have boiled to the surface. The young trainer has reached a crossroads. And what lies next for Chris and David? The two trainers are left with a particularly volatile, awkward situation on their hands. You'll have to tune back in come early February to find out! Yes, that's right, just two weeks! Get hype! Hope to see you in the next installment of Heart and Soul! Please Review and Subscribe!