Note- Welcome to Heart and Soul in 2023! As of this past month, we've made it to the 11 year mark of this story, which genuinely blows my mind! I'm so grateful to have been able to post so many chapters on a mostly consistent (for online stories at least ha) basis. I'm sorry this one took a bit longer, but I think you'll understand why once you see the size of this big fella. Scarlet and Violet have been keeping me entertained too, though I still haven't finished the story. Getting a shiny Gyarados and Mareep from a couple of friends have definitely been some of the all time highlights of my trainer career though ;)

On to our story! We return to the Silver Conference where we find the surviving trainers preparing for the Finals! 32 trainers, 5 rounds, and only 1 victor! How will our trainers respond to the rising pressure? What will the matchups be? Who else may end up getting eliminated?

I've kept you waiting long enough! Let's get some answers today on Heart and Soul!

Hope you enjoy! Please Review and Subscribe!


Chapter 64

"As trainers, we're really not much different from those with other pursuits," Karen said, pausing to down the rest of her wine glass. "Ours may come with more fame and adulation, but ultimately it is meaningless without a passion for maturing and caring for those around you."

Luke watched from near the front, impressed and a little intimidated by the coolness of the Champion's tone and body language. She could have been giving this speech to a lifelong friend in her favorite recliner. She didn't bat an eye at the numerous camera flashes nor show annoyance at their near constant clicks. The concerned faces of the tournament staff clearly didn't affect her. Whatever upbeat, boisterous speech they had anticipated had clearly not been delivered.

"So by all means, aspire for greatness," she added, a subtle hint of finality in her voice, "but know that the substance of your journey is in the personal growth of you and your team. Without it, we're wasting our lives inside those painted lines. Thank you."

The officials scrambled to their feet as scattered applause issued from the audience. Luke was surprised anybody could think to clap after the hard truth and challenges of Karen's speech. She had somehow managed to bring the emphasis toward everything but tournaments like this, while also inspiring trainers to pour every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears onto the battlefield. As one official jumped up to the microphone—his ear splitting tone and enthusiasm standing in horrific contrast to what they had just heard—another man escorted Karen back to her almost empty row of seats. The Champion dropped into a chair beside the only occupant remaining: a man with spiky brown hair and a smirk to match Karen's own.

Blue.

It was strange to see the iconically aloof trainer dressed in a brown suit. Even for a big occasion, Luke would have expected the trainer to cut loose a bit more. Then again, it had been ages since he'd even seen the master trainer in person. And even longer since he'd talked to him. Who was he to say what was normal for this man he didn't really know?

A deeper, more familiar voice came through the speakers, drawing Luke's attention back to center stage.

"So with the weighty words of our champion in your hearts," the president's voice drowned out what chatter had started up. Every trainer here knew what it meant when this man stepped forward to speak.

The screen behind President Zhao flickered and a thirty-two entry tournament bracket appeared.

Oh fuck.

He tried desperately to cling onto the calming and motivating words Karen had spoken only seconds prior, but his mind had quickly begun to fill with new thoughts. Please not Chris or David. Actually, I'd rather not have to go against anybody I know. And for the love of Arceus, just don't let my battle be early in the morning.

The entry slots remained blank as the president continued speaking. "Before we reveal the matchups and I lose your attention for the rest of the night, I wanted to make some quick announcements." He motioned toward the back, where a row of tables and well dressed individuals stood. "We have gifts for our finalist trainers, kindly provided by many of the region's most prominent businesses. There are also some booths with representatives who would love to connect with you about a myriad of wonderful sponsorship opportunities."

That last piece managed to momentarily pull Luke's attention away from the battles to come. He definitely could use some more funds. Morty's generous donation had helped him get this far, but he'd reached the last few dollars. They still had the money from the Ecruteak business Morty had managed to swindle into donating, but that would only be enough to see his Pokémon through this tournament. And that was to say nothing of his own well being. At this rate, he'd be forced to live at home to ensure he had food to eat. I won't let that happen, came a cold voice in his head.

"So with all those exciting opportunities awaiting you off the battlefield," President Zhao said, waving his arm to draw everyone's eyes to the screen behind him, "why don't we see what fun challenges lay before you on it!"

As names began to blink into existence on the bracket, a collective hiss echoed out as every trainer seemed to suck all the air from the room. Luke's eyes went wide as he caught sight of his name. His heart skipped a beat as he went to identify his opponent.

He released a long exhale. He didn't recognize them. And even better, the time given had him battling in the late afternoon.

The slow trickle of whispers that had begun to echo through the large room soon grew into a cacophony of chatter. The president managed to shout one last reminder about the stations in the back, then dismissed them for the evening.

Luke stayed silent as he looked over the rest of his bracket. Shit, Mitch was only one battle down. Thankfully that was the only name around him he recognized. Waz would also be on his side of the bracket, though they had no chance of meeting in these first few rounds. His heart sank seeing David and Chris's names only one battle apart. The guarantee of one of his friends going home early considerably dampened his relief about his own position. Seth's name appeared in the middle of that right side of the bracket, with Prinny's showing up at the bottom.

Fuck. Chris, David, and himself would all be battling in the eight matches scheduled for tomorrow. Then again, maybe it was good to just get it over with. Another day of waiting would only add to the mounting anxiety he had already begun feeling.

Luke might have stared at that bracket all night had Chris's voice not pulled him away. "I'm glad we won't have to worry about meeting up until the Championship round."

"For once I can fully get behind that optimistic spirit," Luke replied, the tension in his shoulders lessening.

Chris grinned. "Optimistic spirit is probably the nicest way you've ever described it. Happy to no longer be the 'hopeful' or 'wishful' guy."

"I think those words would do a disservice to us and our teams. We've all come a long way." Luke paused as the vision of a scorched landscape resurfaced. Dirt and air coated with a mixture of grey and white. The snow had been indistinguishable from the ash. He'd stumbled through that frozen wasteland, hoping beyond any hope he'd ever teased his friend for. Amidst the charred ruins and waning optimism, he'd found his separated starter. The winged lizard's scales, much like the scorched debris he had wrought, had been covered with grey and white patches. His thin, drooping wings and starved frame had made Luke question whether he was even looking at the right species. But that intense stare through his sharply shaped eyes had not changed. They had revealed exactly who he was looking at.

"Well that's obvious," another voice interrupted Luke's thoughts. "I mean, just look at where you're standing."

He heard Chris take in a sharp breath. "Oh shoot."

There was Blue waltzing toward them. Several shouts pierced the crowd noise as nearby people recognized him. He dignified some with head nods, but his focus and smirk seemed to be on the two stunned friends.

"It's Luke, right?"

Shit. He remembered?

"Yes, sir," Luke got out.

"Oh, quit with that 'sir' shit. I'm in my twenties, not my forties." He eyed Luke up and down, then gave his shoulder a shake. "Glad to see you're looking good. I was honestly surprised to see you here. After Morty told me what happened, I thought for sure you'd change your mind on becoming a trainer."

Luke's eyes flashed over to Chris. The Cherrygrove native didn't seem to know who to keep his wide eyed stare on. Hell, Luke better get his back to Blue before the legendary trainer started to think he was being ignored.

"Morty was a lifesaver," Luke replied, letting out a long breath. "He really helped me get back on the right track." In more ways than one, he silently added.

"He's an okay dude," Blue said with a wink.

Chris seemed to finally remember how to speak. "Thank you for coming out and supporting us," he said.

Blue shrugged. "Now that I'm no longer the Champion, I have a lot more free time. Though," he threw an amused glance in the direction of the departing Karen, "apparently the Champion comes to these things too." He turned back to Chris and brought a hand to his chin. "You look familiar. Did you battle in the Hoenn League Championships a couple years ago?"

"I don't think so," Chris said, before giving a quick shake of his head. "I mean, no, I definitely didn't. Maybe you saw me on the battle network?"

"Maybe. I do like to throw that on to help me go to sleep." He turned and touched the sleeve of Luke's navy coat. "This is a nice jacket. Did you go digging around in Morty's closet?"

"Thanks. I'm trying to be a great battler with style too." Luke grinned and motioned toward Blue's green undershirt. "I really like that shirt with the suit jacket."

"I'm glad you do," Blue answered with a snort. "I didn't think I'd have to get dressed up for stuff anymore. But it is what it is." He waved toward someone in the distance. "I'm peacing out of here. Smell ya later."

Luke watched the master trainer weave through the pockets of people in the room, never stopping. Turning back, he found Chris's jaw still half open. Luke adjusted the straps of his satchel and nodded toward the back of the room. "Guess we better head back to those booths."

"Oh, so you're just gonna play it off like it's nothing, huh?"

The Tohjo Falls native fought but failed to keep a straight face. "It's not my fault legends aren't drawn to you."


The following day brought several notable changes to the trainer village. The April chill that had dominated the first week and a half of the month gave way to a warm, breezeless morning. The sun seemed to rise a bit earlier, its warm embrace still firm despite the plethora of clouds dotting the sky.

There looked to be plenty of change on the ground as well. Rays of sunlight glowed brightly off the glass windows of the dozen jeeps that had arrived sometime before dawn. The vehicles circled the championship stadium, with a constant stream of people moving between them. Cameras, microphones, and other equipment were set up both outside and inside. The foot traffic also seemed to have intensified despite two-thirds of the trainers having been eliminated from the tournament. Apparently three spectators had taken the place of each of those trainers.

Or at least, that's what it felt like as Waz cut across the large line that had formed in front of the spectator's entrance. He kept his powerful legs churning, using his low center of gravity to press through what little open space he could find. His arms kept a tight hold on the pack pressed against his chest. Any pickpockets might have had a chance at his wallet, but they would have to beat him unconscious to get to the Poké Balls inside that bag.

A couple of flashes burst from somewhere on his right, accompanied by the unmistakable clicks of cameras. He dropped his head and pressed on toward the sign welcoming competitors. He flashed his ID and made for the tunnel, but two men in suits stepped over to wave him to a stop.

"We're doing interviews and getting quick photo ops with trainers as they arrive for their battles," one of them explained. He waved Waz toward a podium that faced the growing crowd.

A tight knot began to form in Waz's stomach as he was ushered in front of the media backdrop. He could feel the eyes of the reporters gathered on the other side of the podium. As one of the officials stepped to the microphone, Waz found himself studying the dozen identical Silver Conference logos.

"Hello and good morning!" The vibrant voice of the official just managed to rise above the crackle of the speaker's feedback. He motioned toward some of the crew standing over by the equipment before speaking again. "Before we get into meeting our trainers and all the other pre-battle excitement, I just wanted to thank the fans and media both for showing out early and bringing the energy that makes this event so special. These amazing stadiums and the spectacle of these battles wouldn't be nearly as exciting without you."

Waz shifted from one foot to the other, his gaze dropping to the ground. His mind was already in the stadium, prepping for the upcoming battle. He just needed to get the rest of his fucking body there.

"I'd like to introduce you to one of the competitors in the first battle of the Finals! Please welcome Waz!"

Waz felt a firm hand on his back. He fought the urge to lean back against it, and allowed himself to be guided to the podium. The flashes of cameras seemed so much brighter in the shadow cast by the stadium. Waz blinked away from the first, but forced his eyes to stay open for the ones that followed. A woman stepped forward from the crowd, her hand coming up to touch the mic around her collar.

"How are you feeling now that you've made it to the finals?" she asked as a tablet appeared in her right hand.

"Feeling… good." Waz licked his lips. Even he knew they needed more than that. "Our team fought really well. They, uh, knew we could make it here."

"That's really sweet," the reporter replied. She quickly jotted something down. "Do you consider that bond between you and your Pokémon to be the most important factor?"

For the briefest of moments, A sudden wave of pride rose up to cover Waz's anxiety. "It's the only reason I'm here and still doing this. This is my family."

The reporter smiled and said a quick thank you. As she stepped back into the crowd, a well dressed man stepped forward to take her place. "Speaking of family," he began, a warm smile coming to his face, "your brother has also made it to the finals. How special is that for you?"

That prideful wave began to boil as a searing heat rushed from Waz's face to the rest of his body. "Special?" he repeated, before closing his eyes. He could feel the faint throbbing of an onsetting headache. He forced his eyes back open, but found the man in front of him now appeared blurry. He blinked a couple more times, but the image didn't improve. He turned to cough and then opened his suddenly dry mouth. "I… I'm looking forward to battling him."

Even through his blurry gaze, he could see the reporter's face light up. "Oh, really? With your placement in the bracket, the only way that could happen is if you met in the finals. Shows you have a lot of confidence in your Pokémon." He paused to give Waz a chance to respond, but the young man was having a hard time stringing any thoughts together. "Your brother did manage to make it into the semifinals in last year's Kanto League Championships. Sounds like you're looking to follow in those footsteps here."

"Follow in…" Waz couldn't bring himself to repeat the statement. He could feel his face twitching, but he was powerless to stop it. "We're walking our own path." He must not have been the only one to notice his contorting expression, as the official who had introduced him stepped up to the podium.

"Thank you for the questions!" he quickly said, waving to the crowd. He placed an arm around the trainer's shoulders, which did nothing to improve the tension in Waz's body. "We've gotta let Waz get in for his battle. Thank you for your time!"

Waz could barely see straight as he walked through the stadium entrance. That rage fueled fog obscured everything, only fading once the locker room door had closed behind him. His pounding heart finally slowed once he realized he was alone. Quick breaths eventually turned to his usual deep intakes. He needed to talk with his team. Standing in their presence and looking into their eyes would be the final piece in his re-centering. Waz closed his eyes. Well, there was one other thing.

A metallic clang echoed around the large, empty room as Waz's foot sank into the bottom half of a locker. He pulled his leg back and the door squealed as the dented metal settled into place.

Now I'm ready.


Am I ready?

The silence of the locker room vanished the moment the door opened. The unintelligible voice over the PA system echoed down the hall, only growing louder as one reached the tunnel. At that point, the sound of the crowd had joined in. Each step toward the battlefield entrance only brought more noise. As Chris stepped out of the shadow of the stadium and into the surprisingly warm light that adorned the battlefield, he felt grateful for the chaotic sounds. They kept him from hearing the sound of his pounding heart.

He had told himself last night—and reminded himself during his thirty minute shower that morning—to walk with a confidence that said he was comfortable here. Spine straight, shoulders back, and chin up. Whether he won or lost, he wanted to leave an impression that said he belonged here. That he'd be back.

But his body swiveled, eyes looking all around just as they had on opening night. The roaring voices sounded just as excited as they had that night, which felt strange now that he had become half of their entertainment. He glanced at the wall on his left and noticed the stage that had been there was long gone, as were the legendary trainers that had spoken and battled here. Actually, all of the trainers standing here that night were now gone, save for him and his opponent. The young woman who would fill that second role hailed from New Bark Town.

The judge already stood at the center of the battlefield and waved for the two trainers to join him. As they drew closer, Chris noticed his right foot had begun to point out as he walked. He straightened it, as well as his back. As the two trainers came face-to-face, Chris noticed just how tall the woman stood. He drew his shoulders back even further, just managing to edge her out height wise. She raised an eyebrow at him and he immediately felt ridiculous. Thankfully the judge stepped in to take their focus elsewhere.

"This battle will involve Chris from Cherrygrove City and Imani from New Bark Town. Please present your ID if you are these two trainers." The judge scanned both their Pokédexes and IDs, then typed something into his tablet. "We have confirmation," he mumbled into the thin mic attached to his ear. A moment later, he thumbed a switch on top of a small box strapped around his waist. His expression morphed into a comically large grin as his booming voice echoed through his now live microphone. "Welcome trainers to Championship stadium! And welcome everyone to another battle in the Round of 32!"

The decibel level somehow rose higher. It brought Chris's gaze back to a section near the middle of the stadium. Years ago he had sat there as an enthralled spectator. Now, he had the power to dictate what was about to happen.

"This will be a full 6-on-6 battle with switches allowed at any time. You will send out your Pokémon on my first signal. The battle will not begin until I give a second. Are there any questions?" The two trainers shook their heads. "Then please shake hands and you'll head to your boxes."

Chris snapped his head around and found his opponent's hand already outstretched. He quickly took it into his own. Neither trainer smiled, but Chris thought he could make out a smirk at the corner of her lips. He had known nothing about the New Bark Town native before last night, with not much changing even after scanning her profile and history in the trainer database. Based on what he could gleam, she was a second year trainer who had hit a bit of a sophomore slump, before coming on strong to close out the season.

Imani withdrew her hand and tossed back her braided hair. "Best of luck," she said.

"You too." Chris tried to twist his lips into something resembling a smile, but his face felt frozen. And with that, the judge motioned for the two trainers to head their opposite ways.

As much as he had tried to prepare for it, nothing could have prevented the goosebumps that broke out the moment Chris stepped into the green trainer box. This is where Gold stood. Where Kamon stood. Where he'd watched his brother stand. Now it was his turn.

"Are both trainers ready to present their first battler?"

Chris nearly jumped when he realized he still hadn't brought out his first competitor's device. He shot his hand into one of the pockets of his tan jacket and brought out a Poké ball. As he raised it to show the judge, the metallic sphere shimmered in the late morning sun. He'd decided to go with a team made up of the first six Pokémon to join him. Having a third of his team composed of Poison-types might not have been the most tactical move, but the risk was well worth honoring the Pokémon that had done the most to get him here.

"You'll toss when I say 'go'," the judge explained as he drew up his flags. "Three… two… one… go!"

Each Poké Ball made it about halfway to the battlefield's center before bursting open. The flashing light from the devices momentarily revealed the shimmering layer of energy that encircled the battlefield and protected the spectators. The white glow spiraled into a sea serpent on Chris's side. Opposite him swayed the flying scorpion, Gliscor. Chris let out a sigh, happy to have some experience with the species. Unlike the one he'd faced in the Winter Classic though, he didn't see any signs of an orb hanging from this creature's neck.

Even with the trainers standing on opposite sides, Chris could still make out the frown on Imani's face. Had she seen some of his other battles and made a prediction? Had she expected him to start with one of his several Poison-types? He smirked. Either way, he was happy to see her surprised. Hopefully Sarah would follow suit.

Movement on the side of the battlefield drew Chris's eye. Both the judge's flags swiped down. "Begin!"

"Stealth Rock!"

"Ice Fang!"

The ground shook as Gyarados propelled himself into the air, fangs bared and already beginning to freeze. The rest of his body slithered behind his skull like the air beneath it was tangible. The tip of Gliscor's tail smacked the ground, knocking up several chunks of stone. He dropped to his feet a moment later, with his pincers reaching out to smack the debris. The fragments flew toward each corner of the battlefield, but none of them reached high enough to touch Gyarados. The Atrocious Pokémon swung down as he reached his opponent and sank his extended, frozen fangs into the Fang Scorpion's back.

A red beam of light surrounded the creature just as he let out a high pitched screech. Imani wasted no time in bringing out another device and tossing it toward the spot Gliscor was disappearing from. A flash of white light revealed a galloping zebra heading straight for Chris's teammate.

Chris could see the electricity radiating off Zebstrika as she approached Gyarados. However, Imani had not called an attack. And the enemy trainer seemed to be watching him as opposed to her Pokémon. Chris felt something rising into his chest. He opened his mouth and saw Imani do the same.

"Earthquake!"

"Pursuit!"

Zebstrika's hooves became a blur as she went to ambush what she must have thought was a retreating foe. Instead, she reared back in pain as the earth rolled up to meet her.

"Stay strong!" Imani shouted.

"Follow it up with Waterfall!" Chris directed.

Gyarados swam forward before the earth had even settled. The spiraling water around his body found nothing but air however. Zebstrika had dashed to the side, her body covered in flames and already over a dozen feet away.

Flame Charge. As if she wasn't already hard enough to hit. As much as Chris wished he could utilize Gyarados's fourth move to match their opponent's strategy, they'd only just begun to learn it. Maybe it'll be ready by the time we make it to the championship.

Chris opted for another Waterfall instead. Maybe they could force a challenge with Zebstrika still stuck in the weaker typed Flame Charge. Imani opted instead for a move called Ion Deluge.

"Swing to the right and avoid them, Gyarados!" Chris warned.

The Atrocious Pokémon just managed to twist his head to the right of their opponent and the rest of his frame followed suit. As he passed, sparks poured out of Zebstrika, drawing a confused frown from Chris. Was Ion Deluge not an attack? After watching for a moment longer and seeing no sign of an imminent strike, the Cherrygrove native called for his teammate to carry out his aforementioned attack.

As Gyarados drew close, Zebstrika spun around to meet him. But the technique Imani called for wasn't the Electric-type move Chris had feared was unavoidable.

"Thrash!"

Zebstrika reared onto her back hooves, feet and neck swinging out wildly to meet Gyarados's watery tackle.

"What?!"

Gyarados recoiled back like he had just come in contact with a 100,000 volt live wire. And that's what seemed to be pouring out of Zebstrika's appendages and neck as she swung them. Electricity lanced out in multiple directions, with several of the bolts finding Gyarados's long frame.

Chris had his teammate's Poké Ball in hand before the attack had finished and managed to withdraw him before their opponent could follow up.

As Chris looked from the electrified zebra to her smug looking trainer and then to the Poké Ball in his hand, he felt that strange sensation in his chest swelling higher.

His hand momentarily hovered over each pocket of his jacket as he asked himself why she hadn't hit them with Pursuit for double the damage. Another look at the rampaging zebra gave him his answer. Despite the electricity pouring from Zebstrika's hooves, the creature was still most definitely using the move Thrash. That could be advantageous. He tucked Gyarados's Poké Ball into its designated pocket and quickly reached into the pocket over his right breast.

"To battle!"

Nidoking burst from his capture device at a dead sprint. Chris had no time to warn him about Stealth Rock; the stones struck his side and legs, causing him to stagger. Zebstrika was on him a moment later, her legs kicking out to catch him squarely in the chest. Nidoking's torso bent back, his legs shuffling around as he turned sideways from the force of the kick, but none of the electricity followed. A large grin spread to Chris's face. Nidoking wore one too a moment later as he brushed the plated skin where Zebstrika's kick had landed.

"Earthquake!"

The ground rolled up once more to overwhelm the Thunderbolt Pokémon. Chris caught sight of a gleaming sphere swaying around Nidoking's neck as the world shook. The Life Orb he wore had only been purchased a couple days prior, but its effects had been obvious from the moment Nidoking tried his first attack with it. That Megahorn attack had pierced straight through its target—a massive oak tree—carrying his overeager companion's upper body with it. His horn hadn't blasted quite as big of a hole on the far side of the trunk though, leaving only enough room for Nidoking's head to poke through. It had taken longer than Chris would have liked to admit to free his teammate. The entire team—not including Ampharos, at Nidoking's request—had needed nearly an hour to wriggle him free.

The churning earth seized Zebstrika and launched her back across the battlefield's center, depositing her in a heap close to the right sideline. For a half beat Chris thought she might remain there, but somehow Imani's Pokémon rose back to her feet. The Cherrygrove native risked a glance toward the opposite box, but couldn't tell if the opposing trainer would be switching out teammates. Chris couldn't see why she'd leave her disadvantaged teammate in, which meant another Earthquake would probably be just what she'd predict.

"Charge in!" Chris commanded.

Nidoking charged up the self created indention in the earth and leaped off it. He hit the ground only a dozen feet from Zebstrika, who looked to be having a hard time placing much weight on her back left leg. Imani couldn't leave her in.

"Megahorn!"

Nidoking's horn lit up green as he closed the distance. He took another step, then bent low, his head dropping to bring his horn level with its target. Imani's voice issued out at that moment.

"Flame Charge outta the way!"

Orange flames engulfed the Electric-type's body as she shifted to the right. Her back leg wobbled but still managed to hold as she pressed off it. The uneven gallop steered her just clear of Nidoking's stabbing horn.

"Pursuit!" Imani directed.

Zebstrika's own head dipped as she leaned her weight onto her front hooves and drove the spikes on the crown of her head into Nidoking's exposed side. The blow knocked the Drill Pokémon sideways, his legs churning to maintain balance.

"Now, retreat!"

Her speed clearly increased from Flame Charge, Zebstrika had already made it well out of reach of Nidoking's horn by the time the latter had recovered. But her retreat had her moving in a straight line.

"Ice Beam!"

The concentrated beam of ice found the back of Imani's creature before the surprised trainer could warn her. The skin below the struck area immediately began to freeze, including Zebstrika's already injured leg. That sent the Electric-type sprawling onto the ground, her legs flailing wildly.

Chris's fists were shaking like he'd been in a blizzard all morning. They had to end it here. "Finish this with Megahorn!"

As Nidoking charged forward, Chris eyed the opposing trainer. Even with her increased speed, there would be no avoiding this attack for Zebstrika. Did Imani return her teammate? Would she still be able to fight even after resting in her Poké Ball?

"Meet them with Flame Charge!"

Fire once again wrapped around the grounded creature. Her front legs bent and then stabilized, but her hind appendages didn't look like they'd be holding any weight. How could Imani expect her teammate to counter or even impede Nidoking's advance like this?

But as Nidoking lunged, his horn swinging forward, Chris noticed the ice had completely melted from Zebstrika's back legs. Orange flames surged to wrap around Nidoking's head as Imani's teammate somehow managed to kick up off all four legs. Horn met skull, with the collision producing a sickening thwack. The flames swirled up to encompass Nidoking's horn, drawing a painful roar from him. The only sound Zebstrika produced came from her body falling limply to the ground.

"Zebstrika is unable to battle!"

Chris's eyes moved from his teammate to their defeated opponent. Then to the raucous noise that seemed to pour on them from every angle. Clapping, cheers, chants. All of it loud, with no pause or lull. The cloud-filled sky seemed to hold in every sound, amplifying the noise into a continuous roar. Had this been going on the entire time?

The high pitched sound of Imani's Poké Ball's retrieval mechanism just managed to register above the cacophony around them. As Chris brought his attention back to the battlefield in anticipation, he found Nidoking staring back at him. His shoulders drooped and he still looked to be wincing from the dissipating flames that had just swarmed his horn. And yet, despite the heavy breaths pouring from his open maw, his first capture still had that goofy grin on his face. He felt the urge to yell for the Poison/Ground-type to stay focused. They were on the biggest stage of their lives where no lead was safe. And this was what they had spent this entire year working for. But the longer he looked at that smile and with every second those cheers continued, he found his lips forming a grin of their own.

A flash of light across the battlefield revealed the large Jellyfish Pokémon, Tentacruel. More so than any other sanctioned battles he'd been in, this judge clearly hated wasted time the most. He'd restarted the battle before the white light had fully faded from the tips of Tentacruel's tentacles. Chris felt his mind lock back in, the crowd noise vanishing as he focused all his energy toward keeping the momentum they had built.

"Earthquake!" he shouted.

"Brine!" Imani directed.

The wave of rumbling earth that pulsed out from Nidoking became quickly obscured by a surging ring of water heading the opposite direction. Both attacks found their mark simultaneously. Tentacruel recoiled back, pulling away several of his appendages that had been sandwiched beneath the rising earth. He still fared better than Nidoking, who found himself swept off his feet by the boosted water strike. The torrent deposited him in front of Chris, who had already brought out his teammate's capture device. Before he could thumb the opening mechanism, he caught sight of his teammate's soaked fur shaking with life. Nidoking slowly rose back to his feet, much to the surprise of everyone on the battlefield, including the judge, who had stepped closer in anticipation of a knockout.

"Nidoking, you've been amazing. Let's save the rest of your fighting spirit to finish them off in the end." Nidoking's frown didn't prevent him from nodding in agreement. Chris gave him a smile, then quickly returned him to his capture device. As he tucked it away, he launched a different one into the air.

Ampharos appeared from the device with her arms out in front like a boxer. Chris wanted to commend her on being the first intimidating creature in the history of her species, but the sight of rocks swarming her zapped any positive thoughts. Stealth Rock's shrapnel pounded against her shoulders and hips, but Ampharos held firm. Even a year into his journey, Chris still had to remind himself that Electric-types weren't actually weak to Rock moves. Matt would have—

Tentacruel had closed the distance between the two Pokémon. Chris called for a Thunderbolt, but Imani's Wring Out command must have come much sooner. The Jellyfish Pokémon's tentacles wrapped around Ampharos and lifted her off the ground before she could prepare her attack. The vines tightened, squeezing a cry of pain out of Chris's teammate.

"Stay strong, Ampharos!" Chris called out. "Focus and give them a Thunderbolt!"

Imani was quick to respond. "Throw her, Tentacruel!"

The Jellyfish Pokémon swung his body around, his many tendrils pulling Ampharos in that same direction. The appendages snapped forward, launching Ampharos through the air. An electric arc trailed her body as she flew, which quickly solidified into a current that found Tentacruel's outstretched tentacles. The Water/Poison-type reeled back in pain just as Ampharos hit the ground hard.

"Roll into a squat!" Chris directed. He didn't wait more than a second before calling for Power Gem.

Ampharos swung up onto a knee, her arms slamming down into the dirt. Dozens of glowing rocks filled the air and began to orbit her. She lifted an arm up, extending it toward her opponent, and all the debris followed suit.

"Counter with Giga Drain!"

Four beams of green light poured from Tentacruel's outstretched tentacles. The energy streams crisscrossed, swallowing and dissolving the incoming wave of debris. Chris watched in horror as Tentacruel's attack surged forward to attempt the same with Ampharos.

"Jump over it!"

Ampharos pounced from her low position just as Giga Drain's energy reached her. The green beams converged but found only air.

"Pursue her!" Imani shouted.

On command, the twisting energy tendrils shot up after Ampharos, who had just cleared the charging Tentacruel.

"Cotton Spore!"

Puffs of yellow cotton rained down on the Water/Poison-type as he turned back to face his opponent. Ampharos once again landed hard, but this time she managed to stay on her feet. She pivoted to face Tentacruel just as Chris called for a Thunderbolt.

"Switch to Sludge Wave!"

Tentacruel shook its tentacles, dispelling the slow moving energy tendrils that had just now made it back to its caster. The Jellyfish Pokémon's head dropped, his many appendages pressing against the ground. As Ampharos lurched forward to launch her attack, Tentacruels long barbs suddenly swung out in all directions. They soon disappeared behind a rising wall of purple liquid.

"Yes!" Chris roared as Ampharos's electric bolt zagged above the wave of sludge. He allowed himself a fist pump as Tentacruel once again recoiled from the super effective strike. That excitement faded fast as he realized that the blow hadn't stopped their opponent's incoming attack. "Brace yourself!"

Ampharos gritted her teeth and leaned forward as the putrid wave smashed into her. Despite bracing herself, the wall of sludge still drove her back, her feet shifting wildly to regain a solid foundation. Chris took a hasty step back as the wave of waste reached him. That proved to be unnecessary as the goo stopped the instant it reached the lines of his trainer box. A translucent wall flashed in front of him, not unlike the one between the stands and the battlefield.

Good to know this technology doesn't distinguish between smelly and dangerous attacks.

Ampharos dug her feet in and just managed to bring herself to a stop right in front of Chris's trainer box. It was a testament to her stamina that she could battle through the powerful shots Tentacruel had dished out. His feeling of pride was hindered significantly by the oozing patch on her shoulder. The longer she battled while poisoned, the quicker Tentacruel would gain the advantage. Chris glanced over her shoulder and caught sight of their worn out foe. Imani looked to be doing the same calculations as him.

Two simultaneous beams of red energy brought both Pokémon back to their capture devices. Chris fought to keep his surprise from showing, instead, turning his head to look down at the Poké Ball he'd just retrieved from his jacket. With all the uncertainties and weight this battle carried, the young man from Cherrygrove was grateful to have this constant—the one friend who had stuck by him since his journey truly began. The capture device was surprisingly warm against his palm. It gave him a strange comfort. They'd be ready no matter what enemy showed up next.

Chris held back on his toss this time, opting to pitch the Poké Ball just a few feet in front of him. It was good he did too, because Imani damn near chucked hers to midfield. As both Pokémon materialized, a gap appeared in the crisscrossing clouds above. A ray of sunshine lit up the entire stadium, casting a golden glow over the crowd, the judge, the trainers… and Typhlosion and Meganium.

This was Johto.

Chris had his teammate racing forward before Stealth Rock's shrapnel had even reached him. The super effective projectiles had to have hurt, but they didn't slow his starter's advance in the slightest. Ahead of him, the faint yellow wall of Reflect flashed into existence around Meganium. That was the right choice for damage prevention based on all of Typhlosion's battles at this tournament. Flame Wheel wouldn't hit nearly as hard now and Thunder Punch was already resisted by the Grass-type. With Meganium's defenses and set up ability, Imani had to have thought she could play around the type disadvantage.

A wide smile slid onto Chris's face as Typhlosion's last pounce brought him just a few feet away from Meganium. The Volcano Pokémon landed low, his front legs bending more to angle his head down, just like they had practiced.

"Eruption!"


Magcargo zigged toward Nidoqueen at an absurdly quick speed. The Drill Pokémon staggered back, her right paw still clutching at the burn on her hip.

David called for another Earth Power, but the eruption of earth that followed lingered well behind the now circling Magcargo. A dull, throbbing pain had started up in David's lower jaw as the dread of an incoming attack built.

Leave it to me to have to play catch up with a freaking Magcargo.

"Don't take your eyes off him!" David warned.

Magcargo had managed to slide behind his opponent, and at his trainer's command, surged forward with an accompanying rock slide. Nidqueen spun around, but dropped to a knee as a plume of fire burst from her hip.

"Shit," David hissed. They'd been able to make it this far with some widespread moves like Earth Power and Sludge Wave. But as the torrent of rocks surged toward them, David knew they'd have to counter with a focused strike.

"Superpower!"

Nidoqueen lurched to her feet and brought both paws up to pound her chest. She shook her head and let out a roar as the first couple rocks bounced off the ground beside her. Two punches demolished the next set of boulders. A kick took out another. Three rocks were sent back with a huge swing of Nidoqueen's tail. Then Magcargo was there, with several smaller rocks still swirling around him.

"Lower your shoulder and let them have it!" David shouted.

Nidoqueen spun around as her tail whipped through. She planted her feet again as she lowered her head. The rocks had just reached her when she threw her shoulder forward to meet them. A powerful red aura leapt up to surround Nidoqueen as she smashed the projectiles into rubble. Magcargo's surprised face followed suit.

The Lava Pokémon's trainer stayed silent as his teammate hit the ground and remained still.

David felt his shoulders relax as the judge stepped forward to declare the Fire/Rock-type unable to continue. They had managed to make it a two-on-two affair now.

Not that it's really two-on-two, David reminded himself. One of their opponent's remaining teammates did have some damage on him, but nothing like what Nidoqueen was battling through. That became even more evident when that same damaged Pokémon—the Floatzel Chris had warned him about—emerged from his Poké Ball with happy feet.

David glanced up at the nearest screen displaying the battle's status. One of the six Poké Ball icons on Nathan's side of the screen remained blank. Even after they took down the Sea Weasel, there was still one more foe they hadn't even seen yet.

Dragonair is still in good shape too, he reminded himself.

"Begin!"

"Sludge Wave!" David directed. Controlling the battlefield and chipping away with poison damage would be the only way to even the odds.

"Agility!"

The poisonous wave found Floatzel just as he finished his boosting maneuver. David bit down on his lip as he scanned for any sign of poisoning on the sea weasel's fur. Upon realizing there wasn't any, he only got out half a sigh before their opponent was rushing toward them.

"Use Earth Power and aim in front of them!" David called.

The ground exploded upwards but somehow Floatzel had gotten in front of it. David blinked several times in disbelief, but the explanation came just a moment later when their foe slammed into Nidoqueen, his body surrounded by a spinning vortex of water.

"Aqua Jet on top of Agility is just overkill," David muttered. He fought off the urge to punch his leg in frustration and chose instead to admire Nidoqueen's ability to withstand the super effective shot. She had somehow managed to keep herself from being driven back, giving them an opportunity to counter. "Bite and don't let go!" he shouted.

Nidoqueen's jaws snapped down but found nothing but air. Foatzel appeared beside Nidoqueen and drew back an ice-covered fist.

"On your left!"

The Drill Pokémon just managed to twist around as Floatzel's jab sprung forward. The punch sank into Nidoqueen's gut, leaving her gasping for air as she dropped onto her hindquarters. Her mouth twisted into a gritted scowl as she leaned forward, one paw extended toward her idle opponent. Then she toppled onto her side and went limp.

"Nidoqueen is unable to battle!" the judge announced, raising one of her flags.

David went for Nidoqueen's Poké Ball but a numbness had spread to his fingers, making it difficult to grip. He brought over his other shaking hand and managed to lift the capture device and thumb its return mechanism. David watched his first teammate dematerialize back into the metallic sphere. He found it hard to take his eyes off the device. "You were amazing," he said quietly. No, that word didn't do her justice. Nidoqueen had been their unquestionable MVP during this tournament and, hell, their entire journey. She'd played a role in seven out of their eight Gym victories and had won every battle she'd taken part in during the first two rounds of the Silver Conference. And now here she was taking down two opponents and damaging a third. "You are a partner worthy of a champion trainer. I wish I could be that for you."

David also wished the numbness in his fingers hadn't spread to his stomach. A sinking, queasiness had settled there and it had David tasting the remains of the eggs he'd eaten that morning. He didn't know which might be triggering the nausea more: the fact that they were down to their last teammate or who that teammate was.

Dragonair emerged from his Poké Ball and swung his tail around to rattle the blue orbs at its tip. Whatever confidence he lacked for his trainer he'd poured back into himself. And with very little damage on him, David couldn't blame him too much. The Cinnabar native would have been feeling alright too if not for the numbers disadvantage. And the fact they still hadn't successfully executed the one Dragon-type move they'd recently begun to learn. Oh, and there was that whole complete lack of respect factor.

Something sharp poked the back of David's head. He let out a hiss and shut his eyes, but when he brought a hand back to rub at the spot, he didn't find a source or wound. David might have blamed stress if not for the eerie similarity the sensation bore to his Alakazam's telepathic conversations. Well, how it feels when he's really angry or annoyed, he corrected himself. But Alakazam had been knocked out halfway through the battle. How…

"Begin!"

Floatzel had nearly reached them before David could fire off a command. Dragonair's Aqua Tail just managed to meet his foe before their Aqua Jet could land. Floatzel pressed forward, forcing Dragonair into an awkward backwards slide.

"Spin away from them!" David directed. His teammate followed suit, dropping his tail and swiveling to the left, narrowly avoiding the living water missile. They had to slow the Sea Weasel down. "Thunder Wave!"

A rare quiver entered Nathan's voice as he shouted for Floatzel to stay low and retreat. The Water-type did just that, avoiding the electrical ring that surged high and to the right. Still, David forced himself to latch on to that one potential positive. Back in Olivine, Chris had tried to encourage him to always find those silver linings in battle to motivate his team and himself. 'Nothing causes you to freeze more than negativity.' As David called for Dragonair to give chase, he found himself actually smiling. With quotes like that, maybe the Cherrygrove native should have become a motivational speaker.

Dragonair slithered after Floatzel, who had come to a stop at his owner's direction. They surely were waiting to catch David and his partner with a counter attack. Another Thunder Wave fired at a distance would give them enough—

The Dragon-type suddenly swiveled into the air. David watched wide eyed as his teammate twisted midair, bringing his tail down in an attempted Slam attack. No, no, no.

"Stay back, Dragonair!"

Floatzel sidestepped the downward swipe. Then ducked beneath another.

Fuck.

"They're too fast for us!" David shouted. "Get back!"

Dragonair missed with another tail swipe before finally, mercifully backing away. David allowed himself a half sigh before trying to piece together exactly how they should proceed. With the speed differential, they'd need to be counter punchers, which would require quick twitch decision making and movements. Definitely not one of my strengths, David silently admitted. He felt another prick against the back of his head. His eyes flicked down to his belt where Alakazam's Poké Ball rested. Was his teammate really trying to tell him something?

"Crunch!"

Floatzel closed the distance between the two Pokémon in an instant. He opened his mouth and enlarged, darkened fangs emerged.

"Now let's Slam 'em!"

Dragonair spun his tail around just as Floatzel's teeth snapped down onto his neck. Dragonair let out a muffled cry, but still managed to smack the back of the sea weasel's head with his tail. Floatzel seemed to bite down harder, refusing to be dislodged as Dragonair struck him again. It wasn't until Dragonair brought his tail all the way back to deliver a big hit that Nathan called for Floatzel to let go. As he let gravity drop him, his trainer called out a command that made David's heart sink.

"Ice Punch!"

The right handed hook caught Dragonair square in the center of his body. Ice shards exploded from the connection, then began to expand upward. Dragonair threw himself backward, his body contorting wildly as icy tendrils slithered up his body.

"Use Slam to break the ice!" David shouted.

Dragonair whipped his tail around, but the maneuver soon turned to slow motion. The jewels on his tail crept to a halt as a thick layer of ice engulfed them. David let his hands fall to his sides as he stared at his teammate-turned-ice sculpture.

David tried to shout some encouragement, but the call to break free sounded more like a passive request when it passed through his lips. His teammate didn't budge an inch.

"Circle them with Aqua Jet!"

The water-encased Floatzel slid beneath Dragonair's outstretched tail, then leaped over the middle bend in his frozen body. The liquid splashed against the dragon's still figure and instantly froze.

Because he's not fuckin' frozen enough, David silently screamed. Chris had mentioned reading that Nathan was also an aspiring Coordinator, but David hadn't given thought to those skills being used in battle. And now he found one of his teammates being carefully transformed into a damn ice sculpture.

The Cinnabar native took a deep breath and wiped at the sweat sliding down his jaw. Arceus, this battle had been as much a workout for him as his team. As frustrated as he was, he couldn't allow himself to get too angry. Not only did he need a clear head to pull out the miracle win, but his body ran much hotter when he was mad. Shit, why couldn't he give some of this heat to Dragonair? He'd have to carry the fire in his voice for now.

"We're not done yet!" David managed, then added with a bit more gusto, "You have the power to break free!" It was true they still had a chance with Dragonair's Shed Skin ability. Those odds were quickly souring as all the added water applied with Aqua Jet crystallized into a second solid sheet of ice. The sea weasel had stopped to stand in front of his frozen foe. It looked like Nathan was preparing for a direct attack on the defenseless dragon. For only the second time in his admittedly short battling career, he seriously considered forfeiting the match. He could not have found a worse stage to be weighing the option, but he couldn't allow his teammate to become a punching bag.

David tugged at his shirt collar. Why was it so damn hot?

He went to wipe his face again, but found something in his hand. He frowned down at the Poké Ball. How had Magmar's device gotten there? They had started this battle off with the Spitfire Pokémon. He had gotten them out to an early lead, but Floatzel had ultimately taken out his weakened teammate. That very same Floatzel now looked to be prepping for another super effective Ice Punch.

"They think they can just take you out with a type advantage!" David actually smiled at the thought of his haughty dragon. If his ears weren't frozen shut, maybe that would bring out some fiery anger. "Show them that Magmar isn't the only one who can turn up the heat!"

As Floatzel took a step toward, a large crack echoed out from David's frozen teammate. The Cinnabar islander squinted toward the living ice block and noticed a large crevice had split open just above his back. Nathan's frantic command to hurry Floatzel's attack seemed to prove David wasn't the only one who noticed. Another long fissure burst open above Dragonair's left side, peppering the ground below with shattered ice. As their opponent sped in, his fist already drawn back, a multicolored glow burst to life around Dragonair's skull. The rainbow swirled down the creature's long frame, propelling steam into the air as it went. When it reached the jewels on his tail, another thunderous crack rippled out. The Poké Ball in David's hand felt like it was about to melt. Sweat dripped from his nose, his chin, and... Arceus, was that what was pooling in his socks? It didn't matter though. He got the message loud and clear.

"I want you to channel Magmar and melt that fucking ice!"

Floatzel's punch had nearly reached its mark when the multicolored light erupted out of the frozen prison. Shards of ice exploded out in every direction. Floatzel swung his arm back around to shield his face from the hurling projectiles. David went to do the same but the protective barrier in front of him intercepted the debris. The trainer brought his attention back to his teammate and found streams of water pouring off his frame. He was free. And now they had just the thing to supercharge their next attack courtesy of Floatzel.

"Aqua Tail!"

The pooling water beneath Dragonair's belly swirled to life as he swung his body around. It combined with the streams still running down his figure to form a raging whirlpool. The spiraling torrent flowed down Dragonair's slender frame and came to orbit his tail right as that very appendage lashed out.

"Move to the right!" Nathan warned.

David blinked back the stinging sweat in his eyes as the last of the ice shards passed by Floatzel, allowing the creature to lower his arm. At that point, Dragonair's attack had nearly reached him. David's jaw dropped open as the Sea Weasel Pokémon's feet became a blur. The Water-type swiveled to the right just as Dragonair's tail stabbed the space he had previously occupied.

Nathan immediately went to counterattack. "Now, use—"

The rest of the trainer's command was interrupted by his teammate's howl.

The raging whirlpool around Dragonair's tail had not stopped expanding. The watery vortex reached out to encompass Floatzel's shoulder and, within a second, had sucked the rest of him in. The spinning momentum mixed with Dragonair's forward thrust sent Floatzel tumbling backward.

David watched the Water-type flip end over end but couldn't muster the hope that they'd scored the finishing blow. His eyes flashed over to Dragonair and he found his teammate looking back at him. There was an expression on his dragon's face that he had never seen before. David turned to stare. Was that excitement? Joy?

The trainer glanced back at Floatzel who had finally rolled to a stop. It wouldn't take the agile creature long to recover. Their next move had to happen now.

David brought his attention back to Dragonair. "You ready to finish this?" he asked. The pause that followed lasted far too long. It killed whatever chance they had to catch their opponent off balance, but David let it stretch. He didn't let his stare drift, even as Nathan shouted something to Floatzel. Finally, the newest member of his team gave a slow nod.

A straight on attack. Their most powerful… and their least trustworthy. It was a strategy he didn't like to use with any teammate aside from maybe Jolteon. Even Jolteon has better mastery of all her moves, David silently conceded.

Floatzel had already begun his counter attack. He darted toward Dragonair, his fist already covered in a thick layer of ice. David and his teammate both watched him approach. The former knew that their target had to be close for this next attack. Very close. Hell, in the past Dragonair had missed from only a dozen feet away. And their target then had been a damn rock.

Trust was forged in fire. It was a quote born from people who had lived in the shadow of a lava spewing mountain. The line between bravery and acceptance was difficult to comprehend when every day carried with it that threat of obliteration. There was no uncertainty surrounding the alliance between the island's inhabitants, both people and Pokémon. They cooperated during the quiet times on Cinnabar and they banded together to survive the rough stretches. It was only during those final weeks that David had begun to understand.

"Dragon Rush!"

David brought Magmar's Poké Ball up to his chest. This had to land. Victory be damned. He wanted this for Dragonair. For his team. For their journey moving forward.

A swirling blue aura had overtaken David's teammate as he charged. During their training, Dragonair had still been able to see and react quickly at this point. It would be in the final phase— right before the collision—that things would get very dicey. Dragonair would be waiting for David's command to enter that stage.

"Pull up!" Nathan shouted.

As he reached the battlefield's center, the flotation sac around Floatzel's neck expanded instantaneously, bringing him to a sudden stop.

David's whole body shifted forward like he'd just been pushed. "Now!"

The pulsing energy around Dragonair morphed rapidly into a draconic shape. Floatzel snapped up onto his hind legs in response. He pivoted with his left foot and pulled back his right fist. It swung back through like a rocket-strapped pendulum. It all looked so well timed.

The blue aura around Dragonair's head opened up like a mouth. Floatzel's punch glided straight into it, and in an instant, the rest of his arm had been swallowed up.

The collision of attacks and bodies created a loud clap. The two creatures disappeared for a moment as ice and energy spilled out in every direction from the battlefield's center. A roar poured out from the crowd, startling David to the point that he nearly tripped over his own feet. His brain had somehow muted these thousands of spectators until just this moment. He regathered his footing and brought his full attention back to the two battling creatures.

"Oh."

Dragonair's body drooped like a plant that hadn't seen rain for days. His tail lay flat on the ground, the jewels at its end pressed sideways into the dirt. David couldn't see his teammate's face, but based on the bruises he could see and the way his head was sagging, he had to imagine the dragon had reached his limit. And there on the ground beneath him lay Floatzel, his blank stare turned skyward.

"Floatzel is unable to battle!"

The air around David buzzed as cheers poured down from the crowd. The compounded voices created a wind that the young man swore could have knocked him down. He probably should have been soaking this in the entire time. This would most likely be the only time he ever battled on a stage this big. But this wasn't his end goal. The skills he would need and his desired dreams didn't require this pomp. But he was grateful to have made it here. Happy to have proven capable of forming bonds with the Pokémon on his team. That was the one overlap that his trainer journey and future conservationist mission had. And so he chose to block out that crowd noise once more and watch with a smile as Dragonair's head turned back his way.

That dragon had to have thought they'd never make it here. His trainer couldn't say he would have blamed him. But as Dragonair stared back at him, David noticed the creature's mouth twisting upward to form…

"Well, shit."

David couldn't hold back laughter. He wiped at one of his eyes, but his vision stayed blurry. A flash of white light appeared from somewhere behind his teammate. The judge's booming voice rang faintly in his ears, but he couldn't be bothered to pay attention to anyone but Dragonair.


A very somber ending to an action packed, high stakes chapter. Though David's participation in the Silver Conference comes to a close, his story is far from over. And what about Waz and Chris? How will our other trainers fare in their upcoming battles? What fallout will come from these results? And might there be some other stories playing out off the battlefield?

Thank you so much for your patience and continuing to read and hopefully enjoy Heart and Soul! It means the world to me that you get some enjoyment from this work. If you feel compelled, please review and subscribe. I love hearing from you guys and it does so much to motivate me to continue! Thank you so much and I'll be seeing you soon for the next installment!