June 27th, 2010

"Ahhh..." I said, taking in a deep breath. It felt good to take in Pindle Town's air. It...wasn't much different from the forest, but it felt good to take in a deep breath and not feel like I'm about to pass out from another attack.

But I was worried. For more than one reason. First off, my pokemon were pretty tired. I had to go to the pokemon center to get help. The second reason was...I passed out many times in the forest. Was I really ok? What if it happened while I was here? What if it happened...if I was walking down the next path? I got lucky a couple of times in the forest. No one says I'll be just as lucky as I was before.

I walked into the pokemon center, and handed Nurse Joy my pokemon to heal to full health. But as she did that, I pulled out my cell phone, and searched through my contacts. There I clicked on my mother's name, and pressed call.

"Hello Mom? I need your help."

---

August 2nd, 2010

I began breathing normally as I woke up on this sunny August morning. My blue eyes were attempting to stay closed due to the bright light shining ontop of them, but I forced them open. I needed to wake up.

Today was the day. It had been a month since I called my mother, since I asked her to come to Pindle Town and help me get better. After having several asthma attacks, I needed to make sure I was still healthy enough to continue my journey.

I stayed here in Pindle Town with my godmother. She was my mother's best friend, and also her daughter was one of my mother's assignments. She came to my godmother's home every couple of days to take care of her daughter's condition. I didn't know much about it, because it was confidential, but what I learned was...

At the time of her birth, there were some complications. Her lungs had not expanded completely, making it hard for her to breathe, and due to the excessive drinking my godmother had done during the pregnancy, she was brain damaged. The most she could do was sit in a chair and drool, as well as live attached to a machine.

Myself, I had been hanging around Pindle Town, living with my godmother and taking all sorts of medication. Some for my ashtma, others for my allergies...I even visited the hospital in Zephyr City to make sure that the Pulmonologist I had seen as a little boy thought I was ok. I took tests, including blood tests which I feared the most due to my phobia of needles, and after a full month of resting, bringing myself back up to speed, exercising carefully due to my asthma, and using a special nebulizer machine to help bring the medication to my lungs, I was ready to go.

I stood up in the bed, forcing myself to stay awake. After pushing myself up and out, I quickly hopped in the shower, and got dressed in a green shirt that had a Fender Stratocaster Guitar on it. I also wore a pair of black shorts, with plenty of cargo pockets.

I picked up my bag, and then walked down the stairs of the house. The house was around 20 years old, and in good shape. The stairs creaked a little though, so as I walked down...

ZOOM!

Seraphim flew up fast, immediately embracing me. I chuckled and said, "Good morning, partner!" She smiled, and then looked at me with her usual look. "What were we going to do today?"

After a month of doing nothing but getting better and bringing up my stamina, it was kind of boring. Time to get ready for the gym battle here in Pindle Town! Maybe explore a little more with these guys at my side.

I walked into the kitchen, where I saw a lazy slakoth laying on the floor. I also saw Pikachu standing and eating, not looking very happy. Suddenly flying by my face was Murkrow, who seemed hungry and not really happy as Seraphim was to see me.

I sighed, and then saw my mother was here already, with my godmother's daughter.

"Morning Mom." I said to her. She looked up and smiled and said, "Hi Will! How'd you sleep?"

"Pretty well actually." I said to her. I looked to my godmother's daughter, named Theresa, and said, "Morning Theresa!" I grabbed her hand and smiled. She wasn't looking straight up at me, but I could see her smile. A little drool came down her face, which my mother quickly wiped up.

---

August 14th, 2002

"Ok Will, I want you to meet someone!" My godmother said to me. We walked through the door, and were trying to get to the kitchen without me running and slipping on the newly mopped floor.

"Who Auntie Norma?" I asked her.

"My daughter, Theresa! She's a sweetheart!" She said to me. I smiled and said, "Ok!"

We walked on the tile floor, and entered the kitchen. Sitting in a chair, connected to a strange looking machine was a little girl. She was 5 years younger than I was. And she...was weird looking! I couldn't understand. Her head was hanging low and she was drooling.

I stopped moving, a little afraid. Auntie Norma though continued to walk forward, up to her daughter. She smiled and said, "This is Theresa, Will!"

I blinked a couple of times, and stepped back. "Who..."

"Come say hi!" My mother then said, walking into the room. "Don't be shy!"

"NO!" I said, yelling. I sprinted out of the room, and then headed into the living room. I jumped onto the leather couch, and grabbed a pillow, covering my face. I was scared. What was wrong with her?

"Norma, I'm so sorry..." I heard in the other room. I continued shivering. I heard footsteps walking forward towards me. I suddenly felt the pillow move upwards and off my face. Standing there now was Auntie Norma.

"Hey there Will." She said to me. I looked away, embarrassed and scared.

"No need to be afraid. I understand. But there's nothing to worry about. She's just...a little different." Auntie Norma said.

"She's...weird...What happened?" I asked.

"She...well, its hard to explain. But she had some trouble when she was being born. It's all my fault, actually...all my fault she's that way." Auntie Norma said. A tear fell from her eye, which I gasped upon seeing. I didn't want to see her cry.

"I'm sorry Auntie Norma..." I said.

"No need to be sorry, Will." She said, and smiled. I felt bad, so I decided to stand up, and grab her hand.

"Let's go meet Theresa!" I shouted.

I dragged her into the room, and stood in front of the big chair that held her up, gulping. I didn't know what to do or say. But Auntie Norma seemed really happy now, so I just looked to her.

"Here, hold her hand." She said. I looked at Theresa, not sure if I wanted to do it. I reached out my hand a little bit, and hesitated, but then saw that as it got closer, her finger touched my hand. I gasped, and Auntie Norma laughed a little.

"You see? See how kind she is? She's a really beautiful girl, Will. She's also my little girl...no matter what anyone thinks, or what has happened to her, I will always make her feel like she's beautiful. Because she is, on the inside. And out. That's my goal, my dream." She said to me.

A tear fell out of my eye, as I grabbed her hand and shook it. I smiled and said, "N-nice to meet you, Theresa!"

---

After shaking hands with Theresa, I looked at my Mom, and saw that she knew what was coming next. It was time for me to go, time for me to move on.

"You have everything packed, Will?" Auntie Norma suddenly said, walking into the room. I turned and looked at her, then nodding. She smiled at me and said, "Good. Now give me a big hug."

Auntie Norma, being the big woman that she was, embraced me and squeezed me so tight that I felt like I was suffocating. I chuckled though, used to it after a month of living with her.

I then said, "Thanks for letting me stay, Auntie Norma." I said to her. She smiled back and said, "Anytime kiddo."

My mom then said, "You have any problems, you call me, alright?" I looked to her and said, "Yeah, no worries Mom. I'll call. But I'm all better now, alright?"

"I know you are. Now give me a hug." She said. I gave her a warm embrace, and I could feel she didn't want to let go. But she did, and I said, "Thanks for everything mom."

With that, I walked to the door, and opened it up. The sun shined in my face, but I was ready to walk right out into the town, and do what I came here to do. To train, to explore, and to get my first badge!

I was ready too. My mother had given me a care package. Within it was Four quick balls, nine great balls, two super potions, a TM for the move Water Pulse, and a strange glowing coin, a wishing coin!

I decided to look around the town first, explore a little bit.

Pindle Town was a definite change from the monotony of Pine Needle Grove. Sure, the horizon still loomed an evergreen fate, but in opposition was a meadow tinged gold. It was the next destination you would be traveling to after beating the gym leader of Pindle Town, and a familiar route at that. After so many appointments in Zephyr City, Golden Ridge Meadow would surely be easy to navigate through, right?

The first house you stepped up to was nicely adorned with the usual pine sidings and a variety of plants. Fruit trees were scattered across the yard, and every now and then you could have sworn you spotted a Cherubi among the branches. Out in the garden was an elderly woman who was watering a patch of geraniums with a trusty Wooper and Sunkern by her side.

I exhaled quickly and then said, "Alright, let's do this." I was going to actually speak to people. I knew that the gym leaders had a couple of pokemon, but never actually knew what types they had while in town. I was too young.

I walked over to the house and the old woman, and said, "Excuse me?" trying to get her attention.

"Hi, my name's Will...and uh...I'm here in town because I want to challenge the gym leader. I was wondering if you'd give me any information about them?" I asked.

Like the elder she was, the woman turned around and beamed you a soft smile. The Wooper at her feet stumbled over to you and looked up with curious eyes at the Seraphim levitating near you. She hobbled over, a watering can in her right hand and Sunkern hopping beside her.

"Why, it's nice to meet such a polite young man. Not many trainers care to stop by this old place, but I try to treat them well when they do." Her facial features wrinkled as she spoke, and with her approach came the pleasant smell of earth and peonies. Just the way she talked and walked made her feel so grandmotherly. "You mean the gym leaders. Robert and Rida, they're brother and sister and a nice pair of kids at that. Always willing to help..."

She looked over her flower garden and noticed a few Pokemon fawning over her hibiscus. A long and skinny finger pointed in that direction, where a familiar Bug/Flying-type was hovering from flower to flower in order to collect the nectar. "Their bond is just as strong as their Bug-type Pokemon. You have to be in sync with your Pokemon, otherwise you'll lose the rhythm of the battle and lose."

Sunkern hopped up her shoulder with a peach berry balanced on its cotyledon. The woman nodded to her Pokemon, and it tossed it over to you. "As a token of gratitude, please accept that Pecha Berry. Insects tend to have a nasty habit of poisoning their opponents."

The woman seemed very nice and helpful, which caused me to smile. "Thank you very much, ma'am." I caught the Pecha Berry, and then put it away in my bag.

"Two gym leaders, and they use bug type pokemon. Good to know, now I'll be more prepared. Thanks again!" I said, and then left the woman's home.

This was going well. I was able to talk to someone without getting all anxious...Maybe I was getting better at this. I decided to go to the next house in town. See if they had an idea of what the actual pokemon were.

The woman bid your farewell with wave and then resumed her gardening. Ah, what joys gardening brings to the hearts of those worthy of accepting its pleasure. Maybe after this was all over and done with, a gardening career would suit your tastes. The older sure seemed fit with the ideas, and she even had her Pokemon to help her!

Onto the actual quest, you were between two houses facing north and south, respectively. Seraphim didn't seem so eager to choose one or the other, and decided it was best left for you to do so. Either way, she was probably going to speed off in the opposite direction you chose knowing the little creature.

I decided to go north after a couple of seconds, and made sure I pulled Seraphim over in the direction we were going. I didn't want her to get away, again...

Seraphim struggled against your grip for a moment, but then felt satisfied when she flew off towards the house nearest you. She wrapped her tail around the knob and let herself in. A couple clangs and thuds could be heard, and as you rushed in past the pots and pans lying somber on the floor, you noticed your Pokemon trying to decipher a note that had been left on the table. It was a bunch of messy scribbles, though you were able to make it out for the most part:

"Robert -

I went to PNG to find Kayla, she ran off again. If I'm not back by six come looking for me. Hope to be home soon!
- Rida"

Who were these Robert and Rida characters? More importantly, why did this Kayla girl run off? There had to be more behind this, and who knows, maybe there was a dark secret lurking in the shadows of such a small and peaceful town like Pindle.

My own curiosity was building from seeing this. A little girl running off into the forest on her own, and now this person was going to go look for her since she had been gone for so long?

Butting into people's business was not my thing. But I decided to go for it anyway.

"Hey Seraphim!" I said, turning to the angelic pokemon who was looking around the house, not understanding that this wasn't a place she could explore without permission. "Let's go, into the forest!"

With that, we decided to head into the forest to find this Kayla girl, and possibly this guy Robert...

Seraphim's expression dropped; she'd just made it to the dirty dishes stacked neatly near the sink! With a little bit of a groan, she followed you out of the house and sulked behind as the two of you ventured back into Pine Needle Grove to unravel the mystery that waited in the branches of the evergreen forest.

August 5th, 2010 - 5:47 PM

My trek through the forest hadn't taken long at all. I spent a little time around town walking for a couple of days, and then discovered a note from one guy to another girl, about another little girl who got lost in the forest.

Now in my arms was the little girl, Kayla. She was attacked by a mankey, which Seraphim beat pretty easily. I smiled at the little angel pokemon and said, "Thanks for your hard work."

After that, I headed back to the house where I saw the note. Maybe Robert would be back there by now?

"I've been out in the forest all day. My Dustox and Beedrill didn't have any luck finding her," a voice sputtered, taking a deep breath. From inside the home there was shuffling, and then another voice, "Well, we can't just give up. That's our sister out there in the forest!" Footsteps tromped across the floor until the door swung open. In its frame were two young adults, a male and a female. Next to the male was a Dustox and next to the female was a Beautifly.

With one look the woman ran over to you, "Kayla!" The man followed in two and retrieved the young girl from you. After a few mumbles of relief, the two glared down at you. Of course, it was the man who spoke first. "Who are you and why did you have our sister?" He waited a moment. "Answer me!"

I took a step back. Part of me was afraid of the Beedrill after being chased by them in the forest. Part of me was now afraid because it looked like I was the bad guy holding Kayla, who they rushed to take from me. And part of me was afraid because well, I have trouble talking to other people, and they were people...

Seraphim floated down and looked at the two trainers, curious to who they were and what was going on. I shook my head no and said, "No no no you have it all wrong! I-I-I..." I took a deep breath.

Seraphim landed on my head like she would before, and poked me a little. A glow seemed to surround her and myself suddenly, and I could see in my mind a star shooting down from the sky. What was going on? I almost wanted to...

"OH, Wish!" I said outloud, and then covered my mouth. I felt a little more relaxed after the wish move that Seraphim had used and then looked at the two people who took Kayla.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry. I came by the house before and wanted to see if anyone was home but all I found was this note. Since it was getting late and you hadn't returned with Kayla I figured I would go look in the forest to see if things were alright." I said. I then looked down and said, "It was none of my business, and I'm sorry...But I wanted to help...I felt bad that a little girl was out in the forest on her own."

I then looked up with confidence. I had to stand up for myself. "But I went out into the forest anyway to look for her. My name is Will, and I lived in Port Current, Pindle Town and the most recent is Camber Town. I'm the one who saved Kayla from a wild mankey! And I patched her up a little bit too, she was bleeding!" I said, breathing heavily. That was a little out of character. How I had the confidence to say all of that I dunno, but I could only guess that the wish helped me out. I had to thank Seraphim again later.

The man glared down at you with daggers as you stuttered out a pitiful response, but then relaxed as he felt a soothing presence. Like the man, the woman also seemed to loosen up. As Seraphim's Wish faded, you could feel everything begin to unravel. Now with a look of compassion, the two beamed smiles at you.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you. Things without Kayla have been... stressful, to say the least. I'm Robert, by the way," he gave you a friendly salute, carefully balancing Kayla in his arms. "We've been worried sick about her safety, but I can see that we have you to thank, even though you broke into our house. It's all worth it in the end," the woman gave you a wink. "I'm Rida, and we're Pindle Town's Gym Leaders."

Pointing towards the house, Rida offered you a hand. "I don't suppose we can interest you in some down-home hospitality. We'd understand if you're a busy trainer," she glanced at Kayla's sleeping frame.

Oh yeah...looks like I did break into their house. I thought to myself, and scratched the back of my head, embarrassed. I then heard the words "Gym Leaders" and gasped.

"Y-y-you guys are the gym leaders I heard about?" I asked them. "Robert and Rida, users of bug type pokemon?"

I didn't want to turn down their hospitality, but I also didn't want to miss a chance like this. I smirked, suddenly filled with confidence I didn't even know I had. "Thanks for the offer, but after realizing it, I feel bad about breaking into your house...I don't know if I could accept your thanks without my own apologies for doing so. I wasn't thinking." I bowed in embarrassment. Mom would be mad, most definitely.

"Please forgive me for that. That's all I really need." I didn't feel nervous at all. But I was kind of lying. There was one more thing I wanted.

"Actually...there is one thing I'd like from you two." I then pointed at the two, smirking. "Tomorrow, I'd like to challenge you both to a pokemon battle!"

"Yep, we're Pindle Town's finest!" Robert stood there triumphantly. Rida ignored him, giving him a playful blow to the shoulder. He turned to glare at her, but his sister only stuck out her tongue. "Yeah, and you're only second to me." It would certainly be difficult breaking the bond between brother and sister.

Rida's head dropped as you turned down her offer. Robert went ahead and walked inside to lay Kayla down, returning with two items in his hands. He thrust them in your direction, obviously not allowing "no" to be an option this time. "No matter the circumstance, you deserve more than a good battle. Please, take these," he handed you a disc and the small sum of $300. The label on the technical machine read TM 32 - Double Team, a Normal-type evasive move.

"Well, we've got preparations to make. I'll be expecting one heck of a battle tomorrow!" With that Robert went back inside. Rida waited until he left before leaving you with one final thank you, and then she disappeared, too. Seraphim flew down to inspect the disc, curiosity getting the best of her.

"You can count on a great battle, we'll give it our all!" I said to them. We. Yeah, we were a team. We could beat them, no matter how strong their bond was!

I held the disc in my hands, and then pulled out the other disc I had with me. The Water Pulse TM. Seraphim and I inspected them, and then I smiled.

I first placed the new Double Team TM on Seraphim's forehead. It shined, and then cracked. Seraphim blinked, and then split into three clones. It did learn Double Team!

I then placed the next one on its head, and the disc cracked once more. Seraphim blinked and then shot forward a ball of water. The ball exploded and sent pulses of water in all directions. She learned Water Pulse too!

"Ok!" I said, after teaching the two moves. "We're going to start battling the wild pokemon around here. Train a little bit, and then do some team training, and then get a good night's sleep, and then challenge the leader's the next morning!"

So we went to find some wild pokemon.

After a little bit of roaming Pindle Town's gravel roads, Seraphim spotted something in the distance. It was flying through the air like a bullet, but just slow enough that even your human eyes could track it. From what you could tell, it was brown and cream, but that was it! Seraphim desired a closer look and simply began to shoot balls of water at the creature. Perhaps that wasn't the best idea...?

"I don't think that's the best idea Seraphim..." I said to her. I thought for a second and then said, "Seraphim, instead, use Shock Wave on it!" The move never missed, which meant we'd hit it for sure.

Of course, to a simple human like you, what choice did you have other than attack? What was the streaking figure doing to you? Perhaps he was escaping something! Seraphim may simply be in the line of fire and you, her trainer, simply sends her to her doom like some kind of tool of war. What kind of heartless, cruel being would commit such crimes of delusion and insensitivity?

Anyways, back to the actual lackluster battle, Seraphim charged the electrical particles in her body by rubbing her wings together for static. The thin bolt hit the bird head-on, and it fell to the ground with a loud thud. It was, in fact, a male and level ten Pidgey that was now as overcooked as Thanksgiving turkey.

"...oh." I said, then feeling bad about the instant knockout. I decided to just walk away slowly and then say, "Let's look for some more pokemon. Good work seraphim."

Seraphim trudged along beside you, now walking due to the strain on her wings. Even then they were rather heavy for such a small creature to hold up, but they were her defining feature. It seemed like other winged Pokemon admired them, too. A Starly level eight and male was flying around the little Pokemon with an odd vibe about him. If you didn't know any better, the bird was blushing and flying in some sort of pattern.

"Oh, I wonder what that Starly is doing?" I said, oblivious to the bird's emotions. Seraphim curiously looked up at the bird from the ground, and began flapping her wings to approach it.

A flash of light suddenly occurred, and from the light appeared my Pikachu, who stood by Seraphim and crossed his arms. He glared at the Starly, and said, "Pika pika." With a serious tone.

He then smirked, and jumped in the air, sending out a bolt of electricity, thundershock! He challenged the Starly to do battle!

Starly continued to woo Seraphim with no luck. Pikachu, noticing what he was doing, jumped from the ground and began to spark violently. An electric shock shortly followed and left the starling Pokemon unconscious. He smirked at his work and then returned to your side, arms crossed in distaste.

"Great work Pikachu..." I said, even though I didn't call him out or order him to attack. Looks like I had some work to do with my pokemon.

Nonetheless, Pikachu was one of the pokemon I wanted to train before the gym battle began. We continued to look for more pokemon.

Walking down the street, you noticed there were a couple of strings hanging from an oak tree near you. They weren't the usual cotton, however, and you could recognize the sticky silk anywhere. It had to have been from a Bug-type Pokemon. Seraphim flew up into the tree to explore, and Pikachu couldn't help but smirk; he knew what she was getting into.

"Seraphim, stop!" I yelled, knowing that it was definitely string from a string shot attack. I looked at the tree, and then said, "Try using Water Pulse on the tree to get rid of the string, Seraphim!"

As requested Seraphim shot a pulsating ball of water at the tree. Leaves, trunk, branches - everything on the plant was soaked, including what it contained. You could hear angry caws echo from within, and not just one or two. Fifteen different Pidgey flew out from the tree, feathers soaked and a steam-like vapor evaporating from their heads. Seraphim giggled to herself at the wet Pokemon, while Pikachu took a step forwards in defiance. Who was training these Pokemon again?

"Alright then..." I said, a little nervous about this. Pidgey. 15 of them. I gulped. Uh...gramps had a Pidgeot that helped me out before, and it was a pretty calm pokemon...I wonder if they'll be the same, even though they're all wet!

But I saw the anger in their eyes. Nope. They were going to attack. I sighed, and then said, "Seraphim, stay back. Slakoth, come on out to fight with us! Pikachu, use thundershock, and Slakoth, use Aerial Ace!"

The group of Pidgey waned until only two remained - what could easily be assumed as the leaders from their scars and fierce appearances. Both Pidgey flew in synchronization with one another, allowing no time for mistakes. They were male and level twelve, and just as determined as your Pokemon were, if not more for their sole purpose to defend the flock from harm.

The pair of pidgeons started to flap their wings at an alarming rate and the winds around you picked up. A single Gust was fine, but what really happened when that power was doubled: a vortex, that's what. The swirling air pulled Pikachu and Slakoth towards it, both (lazily) working against it. Slakoth was first pulled in and then the rodent, but Pikachu had other plans. He rolled into a ball and began to spark, a bolt of electricity striking down one of the birds.

His partner looked at him with wide eyes, and before he could even react, Slakoth somehow used the momentum of the twister to shoot like an aerial rocket at the other Pidgey. As the two fell, the wind subdued and the previous flock of Pidgey was nowhere to be found. Seems they weren't so confident without someone to lead them.

"Huh...looks like the rest of them don't want to battle." I said. I looked to Pikachu and Slakoth and said, "Great job you two, now let's take a break."

---

Freeform: Exciting Training for the Gym Battle! Come on, Murkrow!

August 5th, 6:48 PM

The automatic doors of the Pokémon center opened up, letting me out of red roofed building. Outside, the day was ending. The sun was going down and the temperature was cooling dramatically. But it wasn’t done for us yet. I smiled, filled with excitement that caused me to jump in the air. I was going to have my first gym battle, here in Pindle Town tomorrow. Time to prove myself, no way I can be nervous here!

"Right, so let's train a little more before we call it a day, to prepare for tomorrow!" I yelled out, pointing my finger in the air. Seraphim floated next to me, and seemed to be eager to find out what I was up to. It seemed some of this energy I had that came from nowhere was jumping to the little angelic Pokémon too.

"Come on out, Murkrow, Pikachu and Slakoth!" I said, pulling the pokeballs from my belt and tossing them forward. They opened up, and a white light revealed the three.

Slakoth lay on the ground, yawning loudly. He waved hello, and yawned once more, proceeding to rest quietly right where he was. I sighed a little, but didn't let his sleepy state bring me down any bit.

Next up was Murkrow, who floated there and "cawed" out his name. He flapped his wings and floated in place for a second before he noticed me standing there. He gave me a look that said, "...Oh. Yeah." Looks like he realized that I was still here. Well, where else would I be...

Pikachu then appeared, and said his name. "Pika Pika." Twice like usual, and with the same uninterested tone. He crossed his arms and looked away, but I could see that one ear of his was lifted as if to try and hear what I had to say. Maybe. I smirked.

"Hey you guys!" I said, loudly, which threw them off a little bit. Usually I was just quiet and soft spoken. But now I had gotten their attention. I wondered, what was I doing really? I felt a little out of character, but also felt like I had to use up this energy to train for the gym battle. I was just so excited!

"Guess what? The Mankey we fought in the forest to save the little girl, well it lead me to meeting the gym leaders of this town!" I said. No response.

"Well uh...that means that we get to have a battle with them! I asked them, and we agreed that tomorrow should be a good day to do so!" I then said. I saw Pikachu turn around and open one eye. His ear was moving a little bit, and his face gave me a look of interest. "Battle?" was what it looked like to me.

Pikachu then looked at me expectantly. I nodded to him. “Yeah, they’re apparently really strong, because they got to be gym leaders! So they’ll be a real challenge!” I said. Pikachu grinned. He thrusted his fists forward, and then nodded to me. It looked like he wanted to battle! Good, at least I had one of my pokemon, if not Seraphim too, on my side.

Murkrow meanwhile just cackled, probably doubting that we'd win. I didn't let him bother me though. Instead I said, "Heh. Yeah, we'll totally win! I mean, if we lose, we'll be losing to some bug type Pokémon...you want to lose to them?" That caused Murkrow's gaze to sharpen, and become completely fixated on me. He now wanted to battle too. Three of four.

Slakoth though was just acting normally. I sighed again and then said, "Slakoth, if you want to battle, just say so." The Pokémon simply raised its arm and then let it flop to the ground. Goodness, why was it so lazy...

"Well then, if you're all ready..." I said, watching Seraphim up above flying around in circles happily from the sounds of our excitement, "I say we should do a couple of laps around the town, to work on our speed! Let's go!"

I watched as Pikachu and Murkrow lifted up their arms and wings (respectively), while Slakoth lay there, still sleeping. Seraphim then flew down to me, and grabbed a pokeball on my belt. I stepped back and said, "Wait Seraphim, what are you doing?"

She shook it a little, and then handed it to me, giving me a face about this pokeball. I sighed. This Pokémon...well...it was a short story, but one I kind of wanted to avoid...

---

July 10th, 2008 - 3:46 PM, Zephyr City

During the month that I was recovering from my constant asthma attacks, my mother brought me to our pulmonologist in Zephyr City. Upon moving to Camber Town, we found one that worked in our new hometown, so we didn't have to go all the way to Zephyr every time for an appointment. But because that doctor was a good friend of my father's, we had to avoid seeing him. Instead, we decided to talk to the doctor that saw me as a baby. My mother was finally able to get me an appointment with him, and so on a day that she worked for Norma she took me to this very doctor to get a checkup on my asthma. And in this very city, well, that's where I met this Pokémon. This dragon Pokémon known as Gible...

"Will, you didn't need to squirm so much when they took some of your blood." My mother said, sighing. I grumbled as we walked out of the hospital that was closest to Golden Ridge Meadow. We came here to get me checked up on my asthma, not on my whole body. I hated needles, especially when used to draw my blood...

"Yeah well you didn't tell me they were going to give me a couple of shots and take my blood too. You know I don't like that stuff." I said to her, rubbing my arm. Seraphim floated near me, poking my arm around the spot where the blood was taken. I flinched a couple of times due to the pain. It was a challenge to get Seraphim to stay out of the room during the blood test, due to her curiosity involving all of the medical equipment around...

"But Will, you're sixteen years old now. You're an adult, and a Pokémon trainer! You can't be afraid of a little needle. I know it can be painful sometimes, but that's all because you get so nervous. You need to relax..." My mother said.

"Bah...whatever Mom." I said to her. I looked up ahead at the parking lot, and spotted her silver car. It was a small car that seated a total of five including the driver. She had it for about seven years, and used it to drive around all the time. I enjoyed riding in that car, and would probably get a car like it when I needed one in the future. Well, maybe I wouldn't need one, once I got a Pokémon that could fly me everywhere!

The two of us approached the car, and I placed my hand on the door, pulling the handle. It was locked. I watched as my mom fiddled through her bag looking for the car keys. It was that moment, which a voice traveled through my head.

You make sure you take care of your mother, Will.

Upon hearing that, I blinked a couple of times and looked around. But after that, I forgot that the voice even occurred. Something more important just flashed through my head...tomorrow was my mother's birthday!

...And I didn't have a present or a card or anything...instead I was giving her grief. I pondered, what could I do? It was then I remembered...there was a mall in this city!

I let go of the handle and then said, "Hey Mom, can we go to the mall before we head back to Pindle Town?"

She pulled the car keys out of her purse and said, "Finally found them..." and then turned to me. "I'm sorry Will, we can't. I told Norma I took the day off to help you, and she understood, but I told your father I was working today. We need to be back, and get you situated before I have to return home, otherwise he'll get suspicious..."

I nodded to her, understanding. My dad really knew my mom, or so she told me. He was suspicious of what she did on the day I left, how she disappeared for awhile, and came back with two Pokémon, one of them being with me when I disappeared. But he believed her story of how she found them and how I escaped before she could catch me.

But I needed to get her a present. The day was ending in a couple of hours and this was my only chance. I decided that I'd try something that well, made sense to me.

"Ok then Mom. But I really want to go to that mall. So how about I stay in the city and you go back?" I said.

She gave me a look and said, "Alone by yourself? How would you get back? It's crazy, no way."

"I'll be doing that myself anyway, Mom. I'm a trainer, remember? I can take the train to get back to Pindle Town when I'm all done. I can handle it myself." I said.

She pouted and said, "You make a solid point...and I can't keep you around forever...so go ahead."

I smiled, knowing that she'd give in. I mean, she let me go on the journey, why would she not let me go to the mall? Besides I was sixteen years old, I was an adult...even if I couldn't handle needles.

My mother stepped in the car, and closed the door, then starting it up by turning the key in the ignition. She then looked at me with a bit of worry and said, "Call me when you get on that train, and when you're almost home. Alright?"

"Will do Mom. See you later!" I said. And with that, she drove off, waving in the distance. I chuckled, and then booked it over to the mall.

---

July 10th, 2008 - 4:32 PM, Zephyr City Mall

I panted, a little worn out from running all around the city looking for this mall. I knew when I next got here, I'd be grabbing a map. Not like I could accurately use a map though...oh well, I'll figure something out when the time comes.

"For now, its time to look for a present." I said. The two of us entered the mall, which was a big building. It had various amounts of stores on the floors. I didn’t remember ever coming to this mall before, but I did imagine I had in the past with my family.

The tile floors of the mall seemed to be clean, except for some of the food that people would drop as they walked along with their kids. I could see a fountain in the center, spilling water out of a Seaking statue, into the pool of water. There were coins in the fountain, some strange looking, others just normal coins.

There was an elevator that led up to the couple of floors in the mall. I could see many people walking all around the mall, looking for things, or just hanging out. Maybe I’d just relax with my Pokémon here for a little while after getting the present too. Seraphim floated next to me, instantly wishing to fly around the entire Mall and see every single store around. But I was more interested in this present I was looking for.

I stopped by the Vitamin Shop and the Refreshment Shack without looking in them. If my mother needed to buy vitamins or wanted a cool drink she'd do it herself...plus those gifts wouldn't be a good birthday present.

I stopped next by the Rock Shop, glancing at the many beautiful evolution stones this man Stoney had to offer. Fire Stone, Thunderstone, Water Stone, and Ice Stone...things that a trainer could use to evolve Pokémon. Not something my mother could use if she needed it.

Next I stopped by the boutique, which contained many scarves that helped Pokémon when it came to some things called contests. But it was the summer; my mom didn't need a scarf. The shop as well had hold items that increased the power of Pokémon’s moves. I thought they would help me out once again, but knew I needed to save my money for the present and for when I would later come here. I didn't bring too much with me anyway.

I finally stopped by Magical Musique, a store that sold items that made sounds, whether it is through flutes or bells. I wasn't a good musician when it came to flutes and other wind instruments, but there was item that caught my eye.

It was a Soothe Bell. A small silver bell with holes on the bottom, and a little ball inside that moved around on the inside, creating a sound, a sort of soothing sound that relaxed your body when shaking it. It had a red bow on it that came along with the bell. As I rung the bell, I took in a deep breath and felt as if nothing was wrong in the world...

"It's soothing, isn't it?" A voice said. I suddenly gasped and jumped in place. The voice startled me, and when I turned around, I saw a girl standing there. She was sixteen years old, just like me, and had long black hair. She was around 5'4''.Her face was a little darker than mine, a sort of natural color (not tanned but not pure white). She was wearing a light green shirt, and a darker green skirt that was not incredibly short, but it definitely was short. She wore a pair of shoes and green socks too. She giggled and glanced at me with her green eyes. She had a lot of green on her...

"Uh...uh...yeah." I said. I began to blush a little. It was easy to see that she was pretty. I wasn't sure if I was nervous because of that, or because she was another person...I didn't know what to say.

"I have a Soothe Bell too, and really like the sound of it. It’s such a pretty sound. My Pokémon enjoy it too." She said, smiling.

"Y-yeah it’s a nice sound..." I said.

"Are you planning on buying one too?" She asked. I nodded my head. I was sure that this was what my mom would enjoy having. She seemed stressed all the time so relaxing from this would be great for her...

"So why not buy it? Don't just listen to it here, you should go to an open area and enjoy the smell of nature and the sound of the bell!" She said, then pushing towards the register. I was turning bright red and saying, "W-wait wait..." But she didn't seem to listen.

After a couple of transactions, I managed to pay the man at the register for the soothe bell. I thanked the man and left the shop, holding the bell and letting it ring. The girl who followed me out of the shop stood next to me, and held her own bell. We let the bells ring out, which caused me to relax a bit as I looked at her.

"See, wasn't that worth it?" She asked me. I smiled and nodded. The bell was helping me relax all right. But I remembered it was for my mother. I couldn't let myself get carried away with keeping it.

"You're welcome then!" She said, and I was a little confused...I was going to buy it anyway.

"They're really enjoyable to have..." She began to say, but was interrupted by a flash of light. A pokeball on her belt suddenly flashed open, and out from the pokeball came a small blue/green Pokémon. It blinked a couple of times and yelled its name, saying, "Gible!"

It then heard my bell ring, and jumped up at me happily, biting down on my hand. I gulped, and then yelled, "AHHHHH!" from the pain of the dragon type Pokémon’s teeth digging into me. I began shaking it round and round, and the girl gasped as it happened.

"NO GIBLE, LET GO!" She said, as the three of us bumbled around the mall. A spark of energy suddenly zapped the Gible on my hand, causing him to stop. He didn't seem to feel whatever hit him. I looked up and saw Seraphim float down towards me (luckily nothing around her, meaning she didn't steal anything), to save me. The Gible looked up at her, and then jumped off my hand. He began to chew something in his mouth, and swallowed. I looked at the bite marks on my hand and then said, "AHH! The soothe bell, its gone!"

"NO, GIBLE!" The girl yelled. It was obvious to us that Gible, or whatever it was, ate my soothe bell. I could see the guilt in the girl's eyes. She sighed and then said to me, "I'm really sorry...I haven't tamed this guy yet. I don't even really want to..."

I blinked at her, kind of wanting to say, What about my soothe bell? or That really freaking hurt! but kind of didn't want to due to my anxiety and well...I wouldn't want to hurt the pretty girl's feelings.

"...My name is Cindy, by the way." She said. "I'm a grass type trainer, but well...this guy's a long story."

I kind of figured she was going to tell me anyway, so I nodded to her, ready to listen. I then mentioned, "M-my name's Will."

"Well Will, I grew up in Zenith City, on a mountain. My father was a dragon type trainer, and tamed dragon type Pokémon. Me, I was into grass types as I grew up, like my aunt, my father's sister and rival. He was a little mad that it turned out that way, but there was nothing he could do. I just loved them too much." She giggled.

"I have a Cherubi and a Turtwig...Cherubi I met thanks to my aunt, and Turtwig I received from Professor Magnolia. As for Gible, well..the only way I could go on a journey, was if I tried taming a dragon type Pokémon. He happened to have a naughty Gible that he was going to train, that he gave to me before I left."

"So...I've been trying to tame him, but all he seems to want to do is eat and go off on his own. He battles from time to time, but not the way I want him to...I'm a coordinator, and he's a battling type, so it’s difficult to train him."

"And that's the story with this guy. I don't know what I'm going to do with him." She said. She then looked down at the happy looking Gible, and then held her nose when the dragon burped. He chuckled, and then she looked at me. She then smiled.

"You're a Pokémon trainer, aren't you? That Pokémon you've got their Will, I've never seen it before but it’s definitely yours right?" She said.

I nodded, causing her to giggle. "It's an adorable Pokémon! Fitting for a guy like you." I didn't realize the compliment, but thought that she was weird thinking she knew me after like five minutes of talking to me.

"How about you take this Gible off me, huh?" She smiled. "No wait, I have a better idea. Let's you and I battle, and if you win, I'll give you..." She said, holding her soothe bell, "My soothe bell in replace of yours. And if I win, I get to keep my bell and you can take Gible and forget this all happened!"

"Bah, what?" I said, finally speaking up for myself. But she then interrupted me. "No way I'm letting you say no. Let's battle!"

She grabbed my hand, and dragged me outside of the mall. We then entered the streets of Zephyr City, and then she said, "Alright, battle start! Cherubi, come on out!"

A flash of light came from the pokeball she threw, and a little red grass type Pokémon with a stem that had a couple of leaves on it appeared, jumping up and down. The Pokémon, Cherubi, was level 17 and female, and wanted to battle.

"Fine then! Seraphim, let's go!" I said, motioning for the angel to fly forward. Cindy looked at the angel and said, "Use Leech Seed, Cherubi!"

"Gah, dodge it! Use Wing Attack!" I yelled. I looked at the two Pokémon, expecting an easy victory on our side. Cindy on the other hand, looked ready to take us down just as easily. Gible though, was eyeing Seraphim and I carefully, interested in our battling style...

Seraphim flew forward, wings spread wide and glowing. She aimed right for Cherubi, who stood on one leg and jumped in the air, avoiding our attack! I gasped, and then watched as a seed landed on Seraphim's back, wrapping around her body draining her energy!

"No, Seraphim! Try again!" I yelled. Cindy giggled.

"Use Tackle, go!" She yelled.

Seraphim floated in the air, suffering from the pain of her energy being drained. She was gathering energy for another wing attack, only to be hit hard by Cherubi's big head for some good damage!

"Keep fighting it, Seraphim!" I yelled, causing the angel to open her eyes wide. Her wings fully glowed, and she flew forward, smashing hard into Cherubi, knocking it hard into the ground for an instant knockout!

"CHERUBI!" Cindy yelled, looking at her fainted grass type. She pulled out Cherubi's pokeball and said, "Return my dear, I'm sorry..."

Seraphim floated there, seed still stuck on its body. But the vines weren't sucking her energy anymore, for some reason. I smiled. "Haha, great job Seraphim!"

"We're not done yet! Go Turtwig!" She yelled, and from the pokeball came a level 20 male Turtwig. It was a small turtle like Pokémon, green like her clothes. It had a little twig on its head, like in its name. The Pokémon smiled happily upon seeing that it was in a battle, and prepared to go forward to fight.

"Go ahead Seraphim, use Wing Attack!" I yelled.

"Turtwig, use tackle!" She yelled.

Seraphim flew forward at high speeds, using Wing Attack. Her wings were spread wide, and glowing brightly. Turtwig smiled and ran forward at the flying type, jumping over her! Seraphim blinked, and then suddenly felt her energy being zapped from the leech seed again!

"No!" I yelled, as I watched Turtwig sprint forward and tackle hard into Seraphim's body for some good damage. Seraphim winced, and Cindy laughed happily.

"Now use Seed Bomb!" Cindy yelled, and watched as Turtwig's twig sprouted a seed that shot forward at Seraphim. Upon impact it exploded, causing Seraphim to land on the ground, injured. More energy was zapped from her too!

"SERAPHIM!" I yelled, and watched as Cindy just laughed. I grumbled, but then saw Seraphim float in the air again. Her body glowed blue, and suddenly was surrounded by an electric energy. The energy shot forward, zapping Turtwig unexpectedly for critical damage!

I watched as the vines on Seraphim's body disappeared, destroyed by the Shock Wave attack that Seraphim used! She looked at Turtwig, who was still surprised by the attack. Her wings glowed, and she flew forward. I smiled.

"NOW! Use Wing Attack!" I yelled.

"Turtwig, Seed Bomb!" Cindy said, shocked by the attack as well. (No pun intended...seriously.) A little seed was shot forward, which Seraphim knew to dodge this time. She spun out of the way, watching it explode behind her. Seraphim's wings glowed brighter, and smashed hard into Turtwig, knocking him out!

"YEAH! We won!" I said. Cindy recalled her Turtwig as I hugged Seraphim, thanking her for a great battle. Cindy ran up to me and then said, "Yup, you're strong alright! Here ya go!" She said, handing me the bell.

"Maybe I'll see ya around sometime!" She said, winking at me, and then running away. She laughed and then was out of sight. I smiled and then looked at my hands. Seeing the soothe bell in one and...a pokeball in the other?

"Huh?" I said to myself. Suddenly, the ball opened up, and standing there was the Gible. He looked around, and then looked at me, jumping up and down. He then jumped up and bit down hard on my head, crying out with happiness. I yelped out loudly and began running around in circles, with this heavy dragon's teeth sinking into my skull.

“OUCH OUCH OUCH! HOW’D I GET STUCK WITH YOU!”

---

And with that, I had obtained Gible. I sure enough managed to get the soothe bell for my mother, as well as a massive headache every time I thought of Gible for a little while. So I kept him in his pokeball all this time. He'd pop out now and then, but I contained him for a bit...

Seraphim continued to look at me as I thought about Gible in the pokeball. I decided that if Cindy couldn't tame him then I'd have to try. Yeah, I could handle him!

"Alright then Gible, come on out!" I said, and a flash of light occurred. Standing in place was the Gible, who yelled out its name like normal. After doing so, it began to dig in the ground, and start eating rocks that flew outwards. I sighed.

"Guys, looks like Gible will join us too." I said. As he stood there and ate rocks, I watched my Pokémon look away and not really care about what the dragon was doing. In fact, Murkrow laughed as the untamed Gible dug into the ground.

He cackled, until Gible's digging caused rocks to fly up at him and hit him hard on the head. Laughter turned to anger quickly, and Murkrow's wings began to glow. It was going to hit Gible.

It flew down fast preparing to strike without warning, but Gible heard him coming. He grabbed a rock, and stuffed it in its mouth for a little snack. Then Gible jumped in the air to dodge the attack!

Murkrow grumbled and then swung around again, using its speed to catch up to the dragon type and hit Gible hard in the air! This caused him to fall into the ground, and take some hard damage. Gible stood up, wanting to battle too. I mean, it wasn't doing anything bad, just eating rocks...

Murkrow cackled, but regretted that soon enough. Suddenly, Gible came at him like a rocket, smashing hard into Murkrow's body with a tackle attack. Murkrow's beak extended, glowing a white color like its wings did before. It angrily pecked on Gible's head, causing the dragon type Pokémon to run away with a headache.

Murkrow's wings glowed again, but instantly lost power when Gible next attacked. Gible jumped in the air, and its claws were glowing a strange metallic color. It slashed down on Murkrow, causing the bird to smash into the ground, taking heavy damage! Metal Claw was a success, and a red glow surrounded Gible's body, raising its attack power.

Murkrow lifted itself up, angrily looking around for the Gible, facing the wrong direction. Its body was weakened and its vision (accuracy) had been lowered due to the dirt getting in its eyes from the crash.

It suddenly heard Gible yell its name loudly as it seemed to descend from the air. It bit down hard into Murkrow's head, causing the bird to shriek from the pain, and fly around as fast as it could to escape the Gible's grasp.

Meanwhile, over by us, I was watching the battle with interest and a little bit of horror, as Slakoth continued to sleep, Pikachu joining him by laying on Slakoth's comfy left side, and Seraphim floating next to me, watching with my same gaze.

Murkrow's fast flying caused it to speed up towards my direction. Its constant cawing suddenly seemed to awaken Pikachu from his slumber and boredom. He grumbled, and stood up, standing right next to me.

"PIKA!" He yelled, letting out an electric shock from his red cheeks, which zapped the bird and did nothing to the dragon. Murkrow fell to the ground, and Gible blinked, then jumping off of Murkrow's head. It walked over to me, and then said, "Gi-ble." As if he was saying, "job well done."

Pikachu crossed his arms again and looked away. Slakoth opened its eyes, and seemed to question what was going on. Seraphim meanwhile, flew over to Murkrow, and poked the bird, wondering if it was fainted like the other Pokémon she had seen in the forest.

"Murkrow!" I said, then running over to the bird. I picked him up, and looked at him, then saying, "Are you alright?"

I shook him a little bit, and he seemed to come to. He glanced at me, and then glared. I smiled and said, "Hey, you battled hard. That Gible, he may not be very high leveled, but he sure has some jumping power, eh? And quite the grip with his teeth..."

It was then that Murkrow's beak extended, and began poking my hands. I yelped in pain, and Murkrow extended its wings, flapping them hard and angrily. It then began pecking me on the head.

"MURKROW STOP!" I said. It was painful. Not as painful as Gible's bite, but still very painful...And once again, the same scene of Murkrow flying around with Gible biting its head occurred, except I was the one being attacked and Murkrow was the attacker.

We sprinted around for a little bit, till I held out my hands and said, "STOP IT MURKROW, NOW!"

The bird stopped, and then angrily began yelling at me in its Pokémon voice, simply saying its name over and over. But its tone was irritating. I grumbled and said, "QUIT ATTACKING ME, ALRIGHT?"

The angry Murkrow continued to get angrier, and raise its voice. I didn't want to raise my voice, but I kept yelling at him. The two of us continued yelling...and yelling...until finally Murkrow stopped.

He flapped his wings, blowing some wind in my face, and then headed towards the forest. He was leaving. It seemed he had enough of all of this. Taken from his home, with an incompetent trainer...he'd rather live in the woods.

My eyes hurt from the dirt that got in them from the wind. I wiped them clean and then said, "MURKROW, COME BACK!"

But the bird was long gone. I looked to the forest, standing there silently. I watched as Pikachu walked up next to me, Seraphim floated down near me, and Slakoth jumped on my back, handing onto my shoulders. Gible stood there, a little disappointed in what happened.

"Guys...I think we lost Murkrow..." I said, sadly.

---

"I'm not going to let him get away." I said to myself. We had entered the forest. "Murkrow is a part of this team, and I'm not going to lose him."

I marched through the trees and the grass, wondering what I'd do when I found him. I mean, what if he didn't want to come back? What if I couldn't convince him to come back? What if he just attacked me again?

"No. I can't be anxious." I said to myself.

"HEAR ME MURKROW, WE'RE COMING TO FIND YOU!" I yelled. I then covered my mouth. What was up with me today...yelling, getting in a fight with Murkrow...maybe this excitement about the gym battle was a little too much for me to handle.

"M-maybe we should speed up a bit..." I said to myself. Seraphim floated forward along with me, Slakoth still sleeping on my back, Gible grabbing scattered rocks and eating them along the way, and Pikachu still walking forward, though not too happily. He seemed a little cranky from being woken up.

Something up ahead interested Seraphim, causing her to fly forward a little faster than all of us. I tried to look up ahead to see where she was going, but instead just said, "Wait up!" And picked up the pace.

But I instantly stopped when I caught up to Seraphim. We both were looking up. And above us...were a couple of spiders. Not just any spiders. No. They were Ariados. The evolved form of Spinarak.

While recovering for the month, I researched a lot of the Pokémon seen in these parts. I thought I'd go training, so I figured that I should look up what I'd see in the forest. Spinarak was an option, and I did look at its evolved form, but I never thought I'd actually find it in a forest like this...

I was speechless at first. I didn't know what to do; I didn't have a phobia of spiders, but those big creatures were eyeing all of us. We all stood still, until Gible yelled out its name to the spiders. Their eyes all glowed, and they all sprinted forward!

"RUN!" I yelled, and so we did. I sprinted away from the seven, no, eight Ariados, all around level 25-30. The large spiders were glaring at us as we sprinted away, to try and find safety. Slakoth continued to bounce up and down on my back, Seraphim flying away from the spiders and following me to see where we were going, Pikachu running next to me but gradually passing me due to it being on four legs, and Gible running as fast as it could, grabbing rocks along the way.

They chased us down, traveling from tree to tree and also by foot. How we were outrunning them was beyond me but I wasn't one to question this good fortune. I wasn't going to let myself or my pokemon get eaten by some spiders.

It was difficult to stay ahead from time to time. They would shoot string in our direction in the hopes that we would step in it and become stuck, and sometimes big spider webs would block our paths so we would have to change direction. Their poisonous needles were what scared me the most, and not just because of the poison. But because of the needles. =(

It was a good five or six minutes before we lost them. I lay against a tree, and looked as Slakoth, Seraphim and Gible all lay on the ground before me, wondering what was going to happen next. We had to still find Murkrow...

"W-wait..." I said, realizing something. We were missing a second companion now.

"Where's Pikachu?!"

---

Laying up against a tree was a yellow electric rodent, who was breathing heavily. He had been running for much longer than his comrades, due to the split in path they all took. Pikachu was a little too far away from his friends when everything went down. He now was lost, and knew he had to go find them.

But why though? Pikachu was back in his home, the forest, and yet he still wanted to go find Will and the rest of his teammates. It was probably because of his love for battling.

The little rodent didn't put much interest in anything but fighting. It wanted to get strong and defeat opponents much more powerful and bigger than him. He was bold, but a bit rash, jumping into battle like he did. And when he lost to a Pokémon that was just about his size, and was also weak to him, he knew that he had to get even stronger than he was. So far, Will had helped become twice as strong as he was before. He also gained the ability to summon the rain, and rise using the electromagnetic energy it could gather or take from the earth.

Although Pikachu wasn't happy with how Will acted, weak and anxious all the time, it was happy in the fact that it kept getting stronger. And slowly, it was getting attached to its situation as one of Will's Pokémon. It knew that it had to get back, to become even stronger than it was already.

But how? Pikachu had a good nose, but if it encountered all those Ariados...well...he'd take them all down, that's what! But to be serious, Pikachu knew that he couldn't handle eight of them. Maybe like...five.

Pikachu stood up in place, and began walking. He was sniffing around, trying to obtain the scent of Will, or Seraphim, or Gible, or Slakoth, or even the Ariados. He was sure they'd all find one another again.

To Pikachu's surprise, before smelling the Pokémon, he actually spotted a black bird in the sky. It had a combination of its usual scent, plus the smell of the dragon companion, Gible.

Pikachu knew who it was. He looked up, to see the bird descending from above, heading towards Pikachu. The bird was Murkrow, the Pokémon that ran away from Will and who Will was so desperately looking for.

Pikachu crossed his arms as Murkrow approached him. The two knew one another were...well, who they were, Will's Pokémon. Murkrow floated a little above Pikachu and cackled.

<So, you ran away too?> Murkrow said.

Pikachu shook his head. <Unlike you, I enjoy being around the trainer.>

<You're stupid. You're all stupid. He's a freaking human, and an incompetent one. I mean, I couldn't beat that stupid dragon he got. And do you know how weak he is as a person? He passed out so many times in this forest, and had to spend so much time healing!> Murkrow said angrily.

<Losing to Gible was your own fault. Will didn't command you. You should have easily beat him, but you were too Rash to actually think about what you were doing.> Pikachu said back. Murkrow looked at him angrily.

<Shut up, you rodent.>

<That human has made us stronger, has he not? He's tougher than you think, especially taking your pecks and Gible's bite to the head. Do not count him out. And do not blame him for your own incompetence.> Pikachu said.

<I SAID SHUT IT!> Murkrow said, wings glowing and spread wide. Pikachu glared at Murkrow, who flew forward fast.

<You're weak, Murkrow. Weak in the mind.> Pikachu said. His body began gathering electricity. Murkrow flew forward to attack, but Pikachu released the electric attack, zapping the already hurt Murkrow and doing intense damage!

Murkrow landed on the ground, breathing heavily and unable to move too much. Pikachu sprinted forward, and crashed hard into Murkrow's body with its Quick Attack. Murkrow crashed against a tree, now unable to fight back. Its body shook, and it tried to talk, but Pikachu just began walking away.

<You're not worth the human's time. Don't bother scurrying back to us, like I know eventually you'll do.> Pikachu said, and began walking away.

<D-damn you, P-Pikachu...> Murkrow said, before passing out. Wind began blowing around the fainted bird, and shadows began surrounding him, scurrying around. Silk began spinning around the trees, and surrounding Murkrow as he "slept"...

---

"PIKACHU! MURKROW!" I yelled. I once again was up and about, now looking for two of my Pokémon. I was worried. I didn't know where they were and how I'd find them in this forest. I sighed...

"Guys, we need to find them..." I said. "I wish I was louder. Maybe they could hear me if I speak up...But I just am not that loud..."

Seraphim floated down to me, looking around like we had been doing for a while. I blinked for a second, and then had an idea. It was pretty awesome, if I could say so myself.

"Seraphim, try this! Use Shock Wave towards the air. Maybe Pikachu will see it!" I said.

Seraphim nodded, and her body was surrounded with a blue glow. The glow turned into electrical energy, and shot upwards towards the air. The air was filled with electricity, and suddenly was added onto by a yellow bolt of electricity. It wasn't very strong in terms of the attack, but in terms of power, it was more advanced than that of an electric type that lived in this area.

"It worked!" I said, and suddenly saw from the bushes, a Pikachu appeared. It stood there, and nodded to me, a little happy to be back. It was nice to see a smile on Pikachu's face. I got down to Pikachu's level and hugged him, saying, "You're back! I'm so sorry...I can't believe I lost you too..."

Pikachu looked away as if to say, "Don't worry about it." But what I didn't know was that he meant not to worry about losing Murkrow, and not about losing him. He didn't seem to care he got lost, he felt as if he knew he'd get back.

"Well, we still need to find Murkrow." I said, and kept moving. Seraphim kept following me, Slakoth staying on my back, Gible still following along too, but Pikachu didn't seem too interested.

"We've got to do something to try and find him. Something had to work. I got Pikachu back, so now I'm definitely going to get Murkrow back. No doubt about it, we're going to find him." I said. But how?

It was then that I could hear something. We continued walking for a while, but a voice was calling out to me. It was a little scared, but it was that of a familiar Pokémon of mine.

"KROW, KROW!" I could hear. I gasped. Murkrow? Was he calling out to me? I didn't want to lose a chance like this. I had to jump to action and find him!

"HANG ON!" I yelled, jumping forward, and pulling out my knife. Slakoth fell off my back, and onto Seraphim, keeping her down. Pikachu just stood there along with Gible, who kept eating rocks. I was alone, but didn't know it.

I sprinted through the trees, following the sound of the voice. The "krow"ing kept getting louder as I approached, but less powerful. Something was constricting him now...What was going on?

I jumped through these last bit of trees, and landed on the ground, holding my knife forward. But it was there that I saw a spider web, and a bird on it. Seven Ariados lay around the trees, staring at him. And then from behind, one appeared by me. I turned around, but was smashed into by the Ariados, and knocked unconscious.

---

I awoke a little while later, to the sounds of a muffled Murkrow. I opened my eyes and saw that my whole body was covered, but not my mouth. It looks like the Ariados covered its mouth due to its constant pecking, and possibly its annoying voice.

"Yup, its you Murkrow..." I said, and the bird looked away angrily. But it couldn't really move very much...It was tied up.

"Stop it. You're coming back with us, and you're going to deal with it." I said. The Pokémon was chuckling; we were trapped and probably about to be devoured by these Ariados. No going back from here.

"Bah, I'm going to stay positive! Nothing to worry about, right...Eh..." I said, which caused Murkrow to laugh again.

"Yeah, you're history just like I'm going to be too." I said. He grumbled. I did too.

The two of us didn't look at one another for awhile. We sat there, wondering what would become of us two. Would we really be eaten here? Did I really fail in my journey as a trainer? And would my last thoughts and feelings be of anger towards a pokemon I chose myself to join me on my journey? Murkrow was my companion...should I really leave, if I am going to leave this world, with a bitter taste? And the same with him too...

"I'm sorry Murkrow." I said. He didn't look at me. He had no choice but to look forward and pretend I wasn't there. But I was still going to talk to him.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you. Or didn't stop the battle. I wanted to see what Gible could do, and you too of course. You're a tough customer, but also too rash. You can't just run forward and think that everything's going to work out right away. You need to think about what you're doing first!" I said. He grumbled again.

"But Murkrow, that's what I'm here for. I'm here to work with you, so that you can easily think up how to battle." I said. No response from him this time.

"You're here with me because I knew you were strong when I battled you. And I wanted to make you stronger. You had personality and potential, and I thought you'd be interesting to travel with. I don't want you to run away..." I said.

"I don't want you to hate me either, so...I'm going to say what I have to say, and if we make it out of here alive...No, when we make it out of here alive, you'll have the choice."

"But I want you to be on our team. That's what I'm going to say. Because, you're part of our team, part of our journey squad, along with Seraphim, Gible, Slakoth and Pikachu. We're all buddies...and Murkrow, they are your teammates. And Murkrow..you and I...Well..."

"We're partners. Everything we do, we do as a team, as a group, as a duo, as a unit. I'll fight for you if you fight for me. I'll go down with you even if you won't go down with me. I'll stick by you if you stick by me. That's what partners do. We do things for one another, with one another, to be with one another. Murkrow, you're my partner, just as much as everyone is, even if Seraphim is my first Pokémon and Slakoth is my first caught Pokémon, and Pikachu is my first electric type and Gible being my first dragon type." I said.

"You, hey, are my first dark type, and you've got the most personality to you. And you're strong. You have the potential to become incredibly strong. And I'll do my best to bring that power out and fight along side of you."

"So what do you say, partner?" I said.

Murkrow was looking straightforward the whole time. But I could see something. Something different. Some sort of...determination in his eyes. Some sort of desire. Did I get to him? I wasn't sure.

"No matter what you say, I'm not going to go down here. So I'm going to fight...My way out!" I said, struggling with the string, trying to break free. Murkrow still lay there, as if he was thinking about something.

I looked ahead, to suddenly see the Ariados had returned. They were moving forward fast, attempting to jump on the web and attack us. I gasped and said, "AHHH Murkrow, they're coming!"

I suddenly saw Murkrow's beak glow, and snap through the string around his mouth. He then called out his name, yelling, "KROW KROW KROW!"

I could hear him and now see him struggling along with me. He wasn't nodding or anything, but it seemed he wanted to escape just as bad as me now. He had hope, possibly.

As we struggled, and the Ariados got closer, I began to think, was this it...?

It was then though, something began yelling. It was a soft-spoken voice, but it was coming forward louder as it moved through the air. Smashing through the string, right in between us, was a furry Pokémon surrounded by a white veil.

"SLAKOTH?" I yelled, and suddenly saw a pair of wings slash at the string around Murkrow and me. It passed right by us, and both Slakoth, and the now seen Seraphim, flew forward, smashing hard into the Ariados.

I fell to the ground, and then caught Murkrow in my arms. He struggled a little, but then lay there, a little too weak to move. It was hurt and wanted to just rest for a bit. I smiled and nodded saying, "No worries, our teammates are here, partner. They'll help you out."

Murkrow looked and saw Pikachu standing there, with his arms crossed. He grumbled, and watched as Pikachu ran forward, jumping in the air and letting out an electric shock, zapping some of the Ariados.

He also saw Gible jump forward and slash his metal claw onto one of their heads, hitting hard into the ground like Gible had done to him before in the battle.

He then looked up to me and I said, "See, they're all strong. They'll help you out. Just relax."

But he began moving around, and escaped my grasp. He flapped his wings and looked straight at me. Pikachu, Seraphim, Gible and Slakoth all moved back towards me, looking at the weakened Ariados', who were now raring to go.

"KROW!" He said, nodding to me. I looked at him and understood, then nodding back to him. "Go get em, Wing Attack!"

Murkrow nodded, and flew high into the air. His wings began glowing a bright white color. "KROW!" He yelled, gathering more energy. He had the desire to become stronger. To surpass his current limits. I didn't know how I knew, but I could see it in him. The white light on his wings began glowing brighter.

He began to descend, heading towards the Ariados. The white light surrounding his wings was glowing brighter, and now traveling further along his body. I watched as he blinked, and suddenly seem to know what he was doing.

The white light surrounded his entire body, but mostly his beak. His beak extended; like a Peck attack. Only the power seemed a lot more intense than when he used peck. I would know, he pecked me on the head earlier today. The energy had been fully gathered and transferred to his beak, and at that moment, his body was completely straight. He then began spinning at high speeds, and with a boost of his own power, headed directly for the Ariados. Like a drill, he crashed right through the bug types, knocking them away!

"What the heck was that..." I said, then remembering a move Murkrow could learn. I smiled and said, "That's Drill Peck!"

"Murkrow, you did great! Now come on, let's get out of here before they wake up!" I said, and Murkrow cackled. His attack was a success. I smirked, along with him. We had done it!

...Or so we thought. The Ariados stood back up, weakened terribly, but now wanting to get us. Upon seeing this I said...

"Uh...guys...RETREAT!" And watched as Slakoth flew away using its Aerial Ace, Pikachu using Quick attack to zoom on away, Seraphim following the crowd with Gible riding on its back, and Murkrow just floating there, wing pointing at the bugs. He didn't want to move.

<YEAH, THAT'S RIGHT. BRING IT YOU NASTY BUGS!> Murkrow said. But I wasn't interested in what Murkrow wanted to do.

"COME ON MURKROW LET'S GET OUT OF THERE! STOP TAUNTING THEM!" I yelled, and when he wouldn't come along, I jumped at him and grabbed him by the wing.

We sprinted on out, Murkrow bouncing up and down as I sprinted out of the forest, with the Ariados following us. That same annoyed face appeared on Murkrow, the one I was always used to, but for some reason, I knew something had changed between us here in the forest.

I felt he understood that we were teammates, and partners. All as we escaped from our doom by the Ariados.

---

"Cool." I said looking at Murkrow and confirming on the computer in the Pokémon center that the move Murkrow used was indeed Drill Peck. I smiled. He had learned a new move and powered up!

"You're awesome, Murkrow. You did great! So...now I'm giving you the choice." I said, nodding to him. "Stay with us? Or go back to the forest?"

Murkrow floated there for a second, looking at his teammates. Seraphim floated there curiously, Slakoth lazily, Gible with his wide eyes, and then Pikachu. Pikachu crossed his arms, but then smiled.

<That was unexpected. You're stronger than I thought, Murkrow.> Pikachu said to Murkrow. He nodded with approval.

Murkrow grinned and then looked at me. He then nodded.

"ALRIGHT!" I yelled. Murkrow cackled again, and then flew up to me, extending his beak. He began pecking me on the head, causing me to once again yelp in pain.

"AHHH MURKROW, STOP!!!"

I guess some things will never change...

---

August 6th, 2008

"Today's the day." I said, looking at Seraphim. "Murkrow has powered up, our training is complete, and now we're heading on over to the gym. Let's do our best!"

Seraphim floated around in circles, happy from my own happiness, and then we headed into the gym. To beat the first gym leaders!

(End of Freeform)

(The freeform was written well. It had a few grammatical errors, but only those that could be caught by proofreading. As for development, there was certainly a fair amount of it. Now for writing, I want to point out a certain sentence: "This caused him to fall into the ground, and take some hard damage." You state directly what happens, which is telling. Good. You didn't state what it actually looked like, which is showing. Bad. Showing and telling are essential to writing. If you feel you can't use one or the other, then use both! Instead of telling what happens, why not describe the situation? "Murkrow crashed into the ground below, body writhing in pain as black plumage connected with the pavement, both cold and relentless." That's only a short example. If you wanted to, you could actually turn that short sentence of telling into an entire paragraph of showing. What I'm babbling on about is that it's best to stay constant with one or the other throughout large portions of the story. Some climatic experiences might require lengthy descriptions, while other might require one phrase. The transition from one to the other is what draws readers in. They will sense a change in the writing and automatically assume something of importance is about to happen, like the scene is changing. Anyways, I'll award you six and a half levels for this freeform. Keep writing and always look for ways to improve!)

You and your Pokemon trekked through Pindle's streets until at the foothold of the gym. There were no more interruptions, and no more excuses. Today was the first of eight gym challenges testing your skills as a trainer. Heads held high, you entered the building.

Freeform: Benjamin: A Battle of Determination

August 6th, 2010 - 3:33 PM

"I really can't believe we did it..." I said to myself. So many different feelings were within me. I felt happy that we won, amazed that I pulled it off, anxious about how both Pikachu and Murkrow would feel since I let them down, and confused as to how it all happened.

I held the Coon Badge in my hand, the proof of my victory. The badge's design looked like there were two wings that a bug would have on its back, only with green colors instead of purple or black. In the center was a purple circle of sorts, and underneath it was a green crystal. This was one of the eight items I had to collect in order to challenge the pokemon league someday. I wondered, what would the other seven be like? What pokemon would I have at that time?

I smiled as I looked ahead at the next route before me. That would lead me to Zephyr City the fastest on foot. Golden Ridge Meadow. I needed to get to Zephyr City, which I had been to before many times for doctors appointments in the past but this time i'd be going there to begin my next challenge. Thinking about it, what I would see and experience...It just got me riled up!

"But first, we need a team meeting of sorts." I said, holding the four pokeballs in my hand. Seraphim floated next to me, waiting to see its friends appear from their pokeballs.

The four balls were thrown in the air, and white flashes shined down from above, sending out the pokemon. Appearing first was Slakoth, as always, who lay there lazily and waved hello. He didn't seem to mind being out of his pokeball, and was happy to see me after his win in the gym against the minion.

Next was Pikachu, who stood there, arms crossed. He sighed and gave me a look. I could tell he didn't really enjoy the gym battle too much. Pikachu was the one who took out Dustox before it could deal too much damage to us, and also attack Beautifly but didn't knock it out. I could see disappointment in Pikachu, both in my skills as a trainer, but more in himself. He didn't seem to think he was too powerful.

Next up was Murkrow, who floated in the air angrily. He had lost to Beedrill and Butterfree, ganged up on like we did to Beedrill and then Butterfree later. He glared at me, and although he became stronger from beating Beautifly, he didn't seem too confident in me either. I became a little nervous; sweat began dripping down my face as I tried to think of excuses and explanations for the bird.

Finally was Gible, who appeared and jumped up and down in excitement. Here was a dragon who only seemed interested in eating rocks and causing problems, but now he seemed to be really happy about something. It was his Dragon Rage that finished Butterfree off in the end.

He bowed before everyone, hoping for an applause of sorts. "Gi-Gible!" He stated, chuckling a little bit, and stood in place awaiting for something. But all he got was Murkrow's angry stare of doom. Murkrow didn't like Gible one bit, especially after losing to him in battle. Murkrow began extending his beak and watching his beak glow white, as his anger grew. He flew down to the dragon type's height and his face was filled with nothing but anger now. Oh boy...It was going to be tough to stop them this time. Murkrow was flapping his wings as hard as he could to release some of this anger, but then began pecking at the dragon type pokemon, causing Gible to stop bowing and instead run away in pain. Murkrow was stronger than last time, and of course so was Gible, but Gible didn't enjoy pain.

I watched as a dirt cloud surrounded the two and only saw moments of them popping out and pecking/biting one another, blasting fire/haze at one another, and just in general not getting along.

I sighed and looked down, to see that Pikachu was looking up at me, and I scratched my head in embarrassment. "You were hurt pretty badly...I wanted to call you back so you didn't go down." Pikachu looked away as I said that. "I didn't want you to go down...and I should have called Murkrow back too. He went down too."

Pikachu continued to look away. I sighed. Slakoth meanwhile launched himself onto my back, and hung on tight. I turned my head to look at him and watched as he pet me a little on the back of my head. As if to say, "Don't worry."

"Thanks Slakoth." I said, smiling. He smiled back, and then proceeded to take a snooze.

I then turned to Seraphim, who was now staring at Murkrow and Gible fighting. I said, "Hey Seraphim, get their attention with Shock Wave, please?"

Seraphim's body glowed blue, which turned into a blue electricity. The blue electricity left Seraphim's body, and zapped the dirt cloud, hitting both Murkrow and Gible.

Murkrow floated out of the cloud with a scowl on his face, and flew over to me. Gible on the other hand slowly walked over and nodded his head. His beak was extended again and he was staring right at me, which caused me to take a couple of steps back. I could see his anger not only in his face, but also causing some of his feathers to fall out of his back. The black feathers landed on the ground, and Seraphim quickly gathered them.

She first examined them, like always, and then saw that they belonged on Murkrow, so she placed them...on his head.

He glared at her next, but then I said, "Hey hey hey. Let's keep calm...And take a look at this."

I watched as they all didn't look, but decided to pull out the badge anyway. From my pocket, I pulled out the Coon Badge, and thrusted it forward at them. The badge shined off the sun, attracting Murkrow's eye.

He floated over to it, and examined it. I nodded to him. "Murkrow, this is what we won. I'm...I'm...really sorry." I said to him, looking away. I felt really bad. "I let you down. I should have called you back too. I know you wanted to battle and beat the bugs, which is why I let you stay, and I felt you could take a hit too...especially after taking those electric attacks."

I then turned to Pikachu. "But Pikachu doesn't do well against attacks as powerful as Energy Ball. I called him back because I doubted his power. And I'm sorry...but since Murkrow went down it confirmed that you might have gone down too."

"I hope you'll both accept my apology...Because I thought more about losing you than what you wanted." I said.

Murkrow looked away, feeling a little bad about being angry. I thought he had every right to be angry, but smiled when I saw a little guilt. Pikachu then looked up to me, and sighed.

He thrusted his fists forward a couple of times, and nodded to me. A signal that he wanted to keep working at his strength and battle again next time. I smiled and said, "Yeah, no worries there. You'll battle again. We'll work hard."

Pikachu smiled, and then jumped in the air, grabbing the badge from my hand. I gasped, wanting to hold onto it, but then stepped back and told myself, Its alright...we're a team, its all of ours.

Pikachu examined the badge that due to his, Gible's, Murkrow and Seraphim's efforts, we won. He held it, and then watched as Murkrow wanted to take a look. He tossed it up in the air at him, which Murkrow caught in his beak.

Murkrow held it, and watched as it shined a little light, and cawed happily. He tossed it up, and let it land in his hat, where it sat for a little bit. He flapped his wings happily, and looked at me. The two of us were interrupted for a second by Gible.

Gible jumped in the air a couple of times, wanting to see the badge. But I stepped in front of him and said, "OH NO. You're not taking that badge. The last time I got something like this you ate it. We're not having a repeat of that."

Gible looked down in disappointment. I then chuckled. I watched as Murkrow joined in, chuckling with me. Pikachu then looked up, and began laughing as well. As if on cue, Slakoth joined in. Seraphim floated down near us, wondering what as going on, examining how we were acting. Gible pouted, but began to chuckle a little as well.

After having a little laugh, I smiled. I felt better. "Hey guys, we're a team. What's say we move our team along the meadow, to our next destination?"

The team nodded and cheered, and I smiled. "Alright then, we're off..." I began to say. But I looked ahead. In our way, standing in front of the path to the meadow, was a trainer. And I had seen him before.

He was around 5'8'', just like me, and looked to be 18 years old. His hair was light brown, and was growing a little long. As if he hadn't got a haircut in awhile. He was pretty tan, a lot more tan than he was when I first saw him. He wore a white shirt, without the black jacket he had on last time. Probably because it was hot out. He wore a pair of grey cargo shorts, that seemed to have some items in them. His shoes seemed a little worn after traveling for awhile. I could also tell that his tanned legs had a couple of cuts and bruises on him. He didn't seem to care much about them. His hazel eyes were fixated not on me, but on Seraphim. He examined the little pokemon, who was examining my other pokemon, wondering what was going on. This guy...well...I didn't know his name. He didn't tell me. But I vowed.

I vowed that I'd beat him next time!

"Y-You!" I said, pointing at him, and simply standing there. He continued to look at Seraphim, as if I didn't exist. After a little bit, Seraphim floated over to me, and began to mimic my action, by pointing forward.

He blinked and then looked at me, not saying a word. I still stood there, sweat dripping down my face and still thinking about what I could say. I was of course, nervous.

"I remember you...from the forest! The guy with the Squirtle! Y-yeah...um..." I said, not sure how to say this. He blinked a couple of times, waiting.

"You're a lot tanner than you were a month ago..." I said to him.

He still stood there, not really interested in what I had to say. Now he was looking at the Gible standing next to me. Gible looked away, a little creeped out by the guy's staring. I understood...he was a little creepy and strange.

Murkrow didn't seem to care much about this guy. He continued to float there, happy as a lark, with the badge in his hat. Slakoth continued to sleep, but...Pikachu.

No, Pikachu wanted to redeem himself for not doing so well in the gym. Or at least, he thought he didn't do well. He wanted to battle. Pikachu took a couple of steps forward, and took a battle stance. He was gathering energy in his cheeks.

The trainer stood there, not saying a word. But then I said, "Let's battle, right now!"

He fixated his gaze onto me as I said that, and stared me down. I gulped, stepping back, but then staring right back at him. After a stare down, he nodded. He held a pokeball in his hand and said, "You're more determined than I am, are you?"

I was a little confused. "This first one here is one you beat twice without it being under my command. Attacking it without its trainer being around...Foul Play. But he was weak. Now, he's changed."

He tossed the pokeball forward, and appearing in front of Pikachu was a deer like pokemon. The white light revealed that this pokemon looked a lot like the Stantler we fought back in the forest, but only something had happened.

"Um...did you dress it up? What happened?" I asked.

He grumbled. "It evolved into Reindeer."

"Reindeer...never heard of it." I said. What kind of pokemon was Reindeer?

Pikachu nodded, and was ready to battle. But I looked up at Murkrow, who suddenly was filled with determination. He grabbed the badge on his hat, and tossed it to me.

"Wah!" I said, catching the badge so it didn't fall. I placed it in my pocket and watched as Murkrow flew forward confidently.

Pikachu looked up and saw that Murkrow was ready to battle, more ready than he was. The respect Pikachu now held for Murkrow helped the dark type out here; Pikachu really wanted to fight but let Murkrow have the turn.

Pikachu walked back to us, and stood in place, arms crossed. He wanted to see what Murkrow could do. I nodded to Murkrow, who didn't look back. He stared at Reindeer, ready to battle.

The Reindeer, who was level 14 and male, simply went, "Deerrrr..." and wasn't too interested. Murkrow grumbled and really wanted to battle.

"Reindeer, Hypnosis." The trainer calmly said.

"Murkrow, keep back, use Drill Peck!" I said.

Reindeer's eyes began glowing a purple color, which would send hypnotic waves to Murkrow's mind that would cause him to fall asleep. Murkrow though, didn't care. Its beak extended and glowed pure white, and its body began spinning rapidly. It flew forward, crashing hard into Reindeer's body and knocking it back!

After returning to normal, Murkrow grinned. But its eyes suddenly met Reindeer's, causing Reindeer's hypnotic waves to reach Murkrow! Murkrow's eyes drooped a bit, and I heard a little, "Krowwww...." come from his mouth before suddenly fell out of the air, and onto the ground, asleep. Little Z's floated up from his beak, disappearing in increments of three. Yup, he was out cold.

"No, Murkrow! Wake up!" I said.

"Now then, use Stomp." The trainer said.

Reindeer walked forward towards the sleeping bird. It lifted up its hoof and smashed it down on Murkrow's head, for massive damage! Feathers flew out from the bird's head, and I could see him cringe in his sleep from the pain.

"MURKROW!" I yelled, trying to wake him up. My breathing got heavy again. I was getting nervous...Would he faint again like in the gym? I couldn't let that happen!

"Try Psycho Shift!"

"Powder Snow."

Reindeer gave a look of "this is pathetic" towards Murkrow, who was still asleep. He shook his body and a cool breeze followed by a bit of snow surrounded Murkrow and began chilling Murkrow's body. I could see Murkrow shiver a bit, and turn over. Was it over for him? That was an ice type move!

"Wing Attack!" I said.

"Powder Snow again."

"Come on Murkrow, go!" I yelled.

Murkrow's eyes opened, revealing the red eyes that glared down on its opponent in battle. He flapped his wings, flying up and avoiding the breeze of snow heading towards him. His wings glowed as he grinned, flying forward towards his opponent. His eyes glowed as they fixated on Reindeer, as if they were scanning the pokemon's body. Murkrow opened his eyes wide suddenly, and smashed his wings onto Reindeer, hitting Reindeer right on the head! Reindeer yelled in pain, for this attack was a critical hit!

"Super Luck must have activated instead of Insomnia...Reindeer, Thunder Wave." The trainer said.

"You're awake now! Let's use Drill Peck again!" I yelled.

Murkrow spun round and round, beak extended and glowing white. He flew fast towards Reindeer, crashing hard into Reindeer's side. His eyes stayed perfectly normal this turn. Reindeer turned its body and released a small electric shock that didn't do damage to Murkrow, but paralyzed its body! Murkrow attempted moving his wings, but didn't feel like he could. He looked to me angrily, and then with a look of, "help!" because he wasn't sure of what to do.

"Double Kick." The trainer said.

"Bah, come on...use Drill Peck!" I said again.

Reindeer jumped forward, and smashed its hoofs right onto Murkrow's face, twice and hard enough to knock him back. He stood up slowly, fighting off the damage and low energy he had, and then blinked. His body was surrounded with electricity. He was too paralyzed to attack back!

"And now, Stomp."

"You can do it, Peck him!" I said, with my fist clenched. Sweat continued to fall down my face. I was just too nervous, simply calling out attacks...what would I do?

Reindeer watched as Murkrow struggling to stay up, the electricity still swirling around his body and preventing his movements. He grumbled as he looked up at the Reindeer. It was looking down on him, with a face that called him pathetic. A vision of Pikachu's words from the forest continued to echo in his mind...

You're weak, Murkrow.

And the overconfident, easily angered bird did not enjoy any of this one bit. He watched as Reindeer's hoof came down upon him slowly, and dodged it by extending his wings and jumping off the ground! He forced his wings to flap, and extended his beak. Instead of spinning though, he simply pecked hard on Reindeer's leg, for some good damage!

Reindeer stepped back, and watched as Murkrow flew up a little higher and crashed down hard onto its head, pecking down hard on the same spot. Reindeer flung Murkrow back, but the bird stood right back up, not ready to hit the hay yet.

"You've got this, go Murkrow!"

"Powder Snow."

Murkrow forced himself to fly, pushing through the paralysis and spinning rapidly through the sky, for another Drill Peck. He went faster and faster, passing through the snow and taking damage, until...

CRASH!

His beak had been covered in ice as he traveled through the air. The ice impacted onto Reindeer's head, who was holding it back as best as he could. Murkrow was trapped in the ice and stuck in place, unable to move. He attempted to push himself out of the ice, but only hurt his beak as he moved. Reindeer stood there, awaiting orders.

"Double Kick."

Reindeer flung Murkrow off, and turned around, kicking the dark type hard twice, flinging him back towards us. Reindeer then kicked up sand in our direction, as if to bury our fallen friend.

Murkrow had fainted again...and once again it was my fault. I dropped to my knees, unable to comprehend how I could fail the same pokemon twice in a row. I looked away. I didn't want to see what would happen next. I couldn't accept it.

I could feel tears coming...only a little more and they would be pushed out. My face began to get a little scrunched up, mostly with sadness. It was then that I felt a sensation in my leg, a bite.

I yelped loudly, and looked down, to see Pikachu biting into me. I turned to him, one tear falling out. I wiped it away and then saw how the rodent shook his head at me. He pointed to the battle, as if to say, <Its not over yet. Don't give up right away, otherwise you'll let Murkrow down!>

I realized this right away, and shook my head. I then nodded and said, "I-I won't fail you Murkrow..." I pulled out his pokeball, recalling him. I pointed forward and said, "Slakoth, you get in there!"

Slakoth opened his eyes, and jumped off of my back, jumping onto the field. I pointed forward and said, "Now, use Aerial Ace!"

"He's kidding right? Use Stomp."

Slakoth pushed himself into the air, and starting flying forward. Reindeer jumped and aimed his hoof right at Slakoth, but Slakoth flew around it! He flew down from the sky as Reindeer was heading towards the ground. Reindeer looked up with a look of "gasp!" on his face, as Slakoth came down, crashing into Reindeer's body and knocking it into the ground!

A big dirt cloud came up, and was quickly blown away. When the cloud disappeared, we both saw Reindeer on the ground, and Slakoth on top of him! Slakoth seemed pretty happy, while Reindeer was unable to battle.

A red light suddenly appeared, recalling Reindeer quickly. Slakoth waved goodbye to its opponent, and looked to me too. I smiled and said, "Great work! YEAH Slakoth!" He did it!

Another ball opened up, revealing a level 14 male Nincada. The pokemon raised its claws, preparing to scratch whatever came at it. Slakoth turned around, and I said, "Your ability won't allow you to attack, so come back."

I pulled out his pokeball, and recalled him as I did Murkrow, only he was still fully healed. I looked to Gible and said, "Step in there and battle!"

Gible jumped forward, landing on his two back legs and one hand. His eyes were locked onto Nincada, and opponent who was just one level stronger than him. But he felt he could win this one.

"Use Harden." The trainer said.

"Use Metal Claw!" I yelled out.

Gible's claws began glowing a metallic color, giving him new strength. Nincada's body glowed a similar metallic color, and a small shine appeared over its body. Gible jumped high in the air, and smashed its claw right down onto Nincada's body, for some damage! But Nincada shook it off, the harden raised its defenses. Gible shook his claw a little bit, feeling a little pain from hitting someone so hard

"Now then, Sand-Attack." The trainer said.

"Do it again!" I said.

I watched as sand sprayed up in Gible's eyes, lowering his accuracy a notch. He winced from the sand hitting him in such a delicate spot, but was determined to hit his opponent just as hard as last time. He jumped in the air, and smashed his metallic claw down, but failed to hit his target!

"Now Sand-Attack, then Fury Swipes." The trainer said.

"Keep it up, you can do it Gible!" I said.

More sand sprayed up in Gible's eyes, lowering his accuracy further. He jumped forward and attempted to slash his metallic claw at Nincada, but his vision was failing him. He couldn't hit his opponent! Nincada jumped forward and began slashing at Gible, hitting him four times with Fury Swipes!

"I have an idea...use Sandstorm!" I said with a smirk.

"Fury Swipes."

Gible scooped up some sand, and threw it up in the air, summoning powerful winds and more sand, creating a sandstorm that surrounded the battlefield! Gible smirked, and within the sandstorm, he disappeared.

Nincada, being a ground type, was alright with the sandstorm itself. He jumped forward to use Fury Swipes, but missed his target! He couldn't find Gible in the sandstorm. Nincada's frustration could be seen right away; now he was the one who couldn't see his opponent.

"I've done my fair share of research too. Gible's Sand Veil will help us out for sure." I smirked.

"Leech Life." The trainer said, with no emotion.

"Dragon Rage!"

From the sandstorm, a bunch of bubbles appeared to absorb Gible's energy. But they were all destroyed by a blue and red flame, that impacted hard onto Nincada for 40 damage! Nincada winced and was hurt pretty badly. Unsure of what to do, it obeyed its trainer's next command with fear.

"Harden." The trainer said, thinking he could just hold out.

Nincada looked around, hardening its body and raising its defense up a notch. It could see shadows of its opponent in the distance, but it didn't know where it was coming from. First one shadow towards the northeast, then towards the southwest...Was Gible really moving fast? Or was this just an illusion?

The trainer looked up above suddenly, and saw Gible going straight down. He yelled to Nincada, saying, "Use Fury Swipes up above."

Nincada nodded, and jumped in the air above, prepared to strike. It watched though, that instead of Gible, the blue and red flames came straight down, and hit hard into Nincada! The flames knocked it to the ground, and the sandstorm subsided, revealing Gible could see again and Nincada was finished.

"Great work Gible!" I yelled, as the trainer recalled his Nincada quickly. He pulled out a pokeball from his belt, which I was sure was to be Squirtle. Gible stood tall, and I said, "Watch out Gible, its his water type!"

"Wrong." The trainer then said, still no emotion.

I blinked, and watched as the pokeball he threw opened up quickly. The light flashed, and out came a Nidorino, level 16 and male. It stood there, stomping its feet, and roaring out its name. The pink on its body shined in the sun, and its horn aimed right for Gible.

"Keep going Gible, use Dragon Rage!" I yelled.

"Dodge it and use Double Kick."

Nidorino launched itself in the air, dodging Gible's spray of red and blue flames, causing the dragon to gasp. He looked up and could barely see Nidorino coming down with the sand still in his eyes, and watched as two feet smashed down on its face, for good damage!

"Bah, Metal Claw!" I said.

"Peck at it."

Gible jumped forward, and gathered metallic energy, that changed its claw to a metallic color. It smashed its claw on Nidorino, who smashed its horn into Gible using a peck attack! The two attacks did damage to one another, but a purple ooze entered Gible's body. The ooze...was poison!

"Not this again!" I said to Gible. Murkrow and Pikachu had become poisoned in the gym...and enough was enough with that!

"Now then, Take Down."

"Tackle it back!" I yelled.

Nidorino sprinted forward, with a strange white glow surrounding the outline of its body. It sprinted at Gible, who was preparing to crash its head in for a tackle attack. The two collided, but Gible was knocked back considerably due to the power of Nidorino's attack.

Nidorino took some damage too, but mostly from the recoil of Take Down. Gible lay on the ground, barely able to stand up. But his body glowed purple, and he took more damage from the poison. With that last bit of damage, Gible passed out, unable to continue.

"No!" I said, now losing Gible too. I looked straight at him this time, not able to look away due to the disrespect I'd be showing the pokemon. I knew that Pikachu would be disappointed, and I couldn't keep doing that to him, or to these pokemon that matter.

I pulled out a pokeball and tossed it forward after recalling Gible. The ball opened up and revealed Slakoth, who was ready to fight for once. He aimed his claws forward...but then put them down. He was tired. Maybe he didn't want to battle.

"Eh." I said, looking a little disappointed, then chuckling. "Hey Slakoth, let's get it going. Use Aerial Ace!"

"Peck."

Slakoth threw itself in the air, and flew straight towards Nidorino, with full intent of smashing itself into its body. Slakoth charged forward, and did just that, but its upper body was hit by the peck attack, and the horn dripped out more poison ooze. Poison Point struck again!

"Now Take Down."

"Crap..." I said, pulling out a pokeball. I recalled Slakoth in the blink of an eye. He was poisoned now too, and couldn't fight back. No one hit KO this time.

"You did well Slakoth, I'm sorry, I should have thought more about using you in battle better." I said, and put the ball on my belt. I took in a deep breath, and wiped the sweat off my face. Determination returned to my look, and I nodded. Pikachu nodded too, stepping forward.

The electric type stood there, ready to battle against Nidorino. Nidorino chuckled, but Pikachu wasn't laughing. It smashed its fists against one another, and went down on all fours. It was ready to battle.

"Use Double Kick."

"Give it a taste of your Thundershock!" I said.

Nidorino jumped in the air, ready to land on Pikachu with two of its feet. Pikachu smiled though, and gathered electricity in the red pouches on its cheeks. It quickly then released the energy, zapping Nidorino in mid air, for good damage!

Nidorino kept going though, and smashed its feet onto Pikachu, doing some good damage right back. Pikachu was smashed onto the ground, and couldn't move out of Nidorino's grasp. It clenched its teeth and tried squirming to escape. But Nidorino simply laughed as it pressed down harder on Pikachu, causing the pokemon to yelp.

"Come on, Thundershock! Escape!"

"Peck at it."

Nidorino's horn extended and gathered energy, and began pecking at the electric type close range for some good damage. Pikachu zapped Nidorino once more, causing him to step off for a moment, but he smashed down right again! The smash caused Pikachu to yell out in pain, but his body began to let out more electricity. The electricity surged through its body, and then through Nidorino, paralyzing the poison type! Nidorino yelled out, and was too unable to move. The two were stuck like that on the ground!

"Tch...Wait, I know! Magnet Rise! Then Thundershock!"

"Get out of there Nidorino, and use Take Down."

Pikachu was already gathering electricity in its body, but now pressed its hands against the ground. Blue waves were moving outwards from its hands and the ground, and they all shot upwards at Pikachu. His body began to glow blue, and he lifted himself off the ground, tipping Nidorino over with the electromagnetic energy! It could now Levitate!

"Right when Static happened to work too...Take Down." The trainer said.

"Thundershock!" I said.

Pikachu seemed to be very pleased with himself as he floated around in the air, storing energy. Nidorino's frustration could easily be seen, which made Pikachu happy. Pikachu then zapped Nidorino with its electric energy that it absorbed from its cheeks, causing the pokemon to wince. But its outline still glowed white, and it jumped forward at Pikachu! Pikachu, although pretty weak from the onslaught of attacks, was easily able to move out of the way, now harnessing the electromagnetism. Pikachu smirked. Nidorino landed on its four legs, but electricity surrounded its body. It was unable to move!

"Now then, use Quick attack on its side!" I yelled.

Pikachu zoomed down from the air, heading right for Nidorino. Nidorino, unable to move, just stood there, knowing what was coming. He smashed hard into NIdorino's body, tipping it over and sending it flying. Nidorino slid towards its trainer, now unable to battle!

Pikachu landed on the ground and returned to normal, unable to float now. It sat on the ground, feeling pretty weak like before. I smiled and said, "You did great Pikachu, come on back." I pulled out Pikachu's pokeball and recalled it back, the pokemon waving one hand and the red light bringing him to a place to where he could rest for a bit.

Now all that was left was Seraphim on my side. The little pokemon floated forward. Our opponent stood there, seeing Seraphim, who was ready to battle. He tossed a pokeball forward and said, "Squirtle, let's beat them again."

A level 16 male Squirtle appeared, who stood in place, and grinned. It looked ready to begin the fight. I cringed, remember that last time, we lost due to its ice beam attack. I failed Seraphim for the second time in the forest, and didn't want to fail her for a third time now. I was nervous...the sweat running down my face and the heavy breathing was bothering me. I knew though that I had to try my best, even if I was anxious.

"Water Gun." The trainer said.

"Now then, use Shock Wave!" I said.

Squirtle sprayed forward a jet of water, which Seraphim took head on, but not for long. Blue electricity was being gathered from her body and stored, then released in the form of a wave! Through the water it went, and zapped Squritle, for good damage.

"Great! Try that again!" I said.

"Protect."

A green shield surrounded Squirtle's body, which blocked the shock wave from hitting it. It bounced off and did absolutely nothing. I cringed. How would we get through that?

"Try a Wing Attack!" I said.

"Ice Beam." Oh no...

Seraphim flew forward, wings glowing that familiar white color that helped out Murkrow, Nidorino, and other pokemon we had seen. She flew fast, only to be hit on the side with a cold, chilly beam broken up into three separate beams. The beams hit her, and froze one of her wings, for great damage!

"No! Come on, Water Pulse!" I yelled.

"Do the same, Water Pulse."

Seraphim formed a ball of water by her mouth, and shot it at the ground. Squirtle formed a ball of water with its hands, and shot it at the ground as well. The two balls of water sped towards one another and crashed, sending waves in all directions!

The waves crashed over Seraphim and Squritle, doing damage to both. When the water was cleared, a purple glow surrounded Seraphim's eyes; She was confused!

"Now use Ice Beam." The trainer said with a little emphasis.

"Ahhhh oh no! This can't be happening now! Seraphim, Swift!" I yelled.

But Seraphim actually managed to use a different move, Shock Wave. The blue electricity shot off of its body, destroying the ice on its wing and crashing into the ice beam attack. It broke through due to Squritle's scare, and headed right for the water type!

It crashed on the ground, but luckily for Squirtle, a green shield appeared and surrounded Squirtle, bringing about its protection for the turn.

I watched as suddenly, the berry Seraphim was holding was swallowed. A green energy surrounded its body, and the purple around its eyes disappeared! Seraphim blinked and returned to normal. The confusion was gone!

"Great! Now let's use Aerial Ace!"

"Ice Beam, now." The trainer said, getting a little impatient. First signs of emotions from him.

Seraphim's body was surrounded with a white veil, that it would use for energy during the crash of bodies in aerial ace. It flew around, avoiding the three colliding beams of ice energy heading right for it. Squirtle tried moving the beam towards Seraphim, but it finally disappeared, and reappeared behind the water type, crashing hard and sending it flying!

"Use Tackle." The trainer said.

Seraphim watched as Squirtle suddenly used Water Gun, spraying at the ground and launching itself towards the flying type. It turned around, and aimed its head right at Seraphim, crashing hard into the angelic pokemon.

Squirtle landed on the ground, and when the trainer said, "Ice Beam!" He sent another chilly beam towards its opponent. I then said, "Try Water Pulse!"

Seraphim gathered water and formed a ball with it right by its mouth. Squirtle gathered the cool air of the area (even though it was hot out), and formed a ball of energy in front of it, which it breathed on. The air sprayed forward towards Seraphim. Seraphim took that as a sign to throw the ball of water.

The ball hit down hard on the ice, and expanded outwards into waves in the air. The waves were surrounded by ice, and formed a sort of mid-air ice wall. The wall extended from the ground and cut off both pokemon from one another.

"Tackle through it." The trainer said.

I was surprised by the ice, but then saw Squirtle coming right for us. I cringed, but watched as Seraphim began to go forward. Squirtle jumped at the ice, smashing its head right through, and was heading right for Seraphim!

But Seraphim instantly disappeared. Squirtle turned around, to see if Seraphim would do the same move as before. But instead, Seraphim just reappeared below Squirtle, and flew up above him! Using Aerial Ace, it smashed down hard on its shell, sending it through the ice and into the ground.

Squritle was done. It became too hurt to move, unable to battle.

Seraphim floated back to me, and I stood there watching the ice crumble. Seraphim floated there, awaiting for what was next. Upon seeing that the trainer stood there in disbelief, and that he had nothing left, I smiled.

"Yeah! We did it! YEAH!" I said, grabbing Seraphim and holding onto her tight. "You were excellent! You did great! Oh man I'm so proud! Great work!"

We had beaten the trainer that made a fool of us last time. I smiled and turned to him, saying, "Yeah, I told you I'd beat you! We were too determined to lose! So much more than you were, so much more than you'll ever be!"

I looked to the trainer, who pulled out a pokeball and recalled Squirtle. But then I watched as his eyes turned from nothingness, to anger. His eyes sharpened and gazed over at me. He took in a deep breath, and clenched his fists.

"More determination than me huh...You don't even know. You have no idea. You're just on a journey. You're not like me, who has something to prove. No, my determination, my willpower...my everything surpasses you."

---

May 30th, 2010

The waves of the ocean crashed down on what remained of the island. The sun shined down on the hardened lava that covered most of the island. All that remained on this island were a couple of stairs, this small beach, and a pokemon center. Currently two people stood on it, looking at the destruction of this fair island.

The Wingull cawed as they circled around it and landed on the island, looking for something to do or something to eat. The waves continued crashing, until something began breaking through them.

A small ship, that could carry a small crew for a couple of days, was heading towards the island. On it, was a man in his early 40s. He was heading towards the island. And on it too, was a boy, 18 years old, with light brown hair. It was kind of short. He was wearing a white shirt and a pair of blue jeans. He had a black jacket too, but it was on the ground right next to him. He lay up against a wall of the ship, knees up, arms crossed, and his gaze at the nothingness of the ocean.

"We're coming closer to Cinnabar." The man said, dressed in his fishing gear. "We'll stop to get something to eat at the pokemon center here, and then head over."

The 18 year old boy just sat there though. No response. No nothing.

"Oh don't be so down. We'll get to Sharma soon enough. Don't you worry."

"Don't your worry, Ben."

The boat continued to move across the ocean, till it pulled into port on the island. Even though there was nothing left of its town, people still passed by and could rest up here before heading to other regions.

The man sailing the boat, who could be called a fisherman, got off the boat with the boy he called Ben. Ben slowly walked down the port, looking at nothing but the air before him, with eyes filled with nothingness. He cared for nothing, he seemed to want nothing and he seemed to be interested in nothing.

The two entered the remains of the city, and walked towards the red roofed building. The doors automatically opened, and standing in their way, were to people.

One was an old man wearing a lab coat, a white shirt, and a pair of lightly tanned pants. He had grey hair, which was pointed upwards and a little messy, but it looked like this old man, with his kind and interested face, didn't really care.

Another one was another old man, who's hair was much lighter than the one next to him. He had a black hat on his head, and wore a red shirt with a light (as in clothing light, not heavy) white vest, and a pair of brown cargo pants. He also held a brown cane, and had a pair of sunglasses on.

The fisherman stopped with Ben by his side, and said, "Oh, pardon me."

The old man in the lab coat smiled and said, "No problem at all sir. Are you coming in from another region?"

"No actually, we're leaving for another one." The fisherman said. "We're headed to Sharma."

"Ah, that's quite a big region? And I'm guessing you're going to fish, and this one is here to be a trainer?" The old man in the lab coat said.

"Well yes, but he...he doesn't have a pokemon yet." The fisherman said.

"All well sir, you've bumped into the right person! My name is Professor Oak, and I'm here just exploring Cinnabar Island with my friend Blaine here. I just happen to have some starter pokemon with me..." Oak said, turning to Ben.

"So, what is your name?" Oak said to Ben. Ben continued to look straight ahead, not too interested.

The fisherman smiled at Ben, and said, "He's not much of a talker. I'm known as Uncle Tom, but you can just call me Tom. Nice to meet you Oak. And this guy here..."

"I'm Ben." Ben suddenly said, looking up at Oak. Both Oak and Ben met eyes, and after examining one another, Oak nodded and smiled.

"Well now, I have three pokemon here that you can choose from Ben. Who would you like to take-" Oak started to say, but Ben already reached and grabbed a pokeball.

"Squirtle, Bulbasaur or Charmander. The three that Kanto has to offer. And I choose Squirtle." Ben said.

"Hahahaha! Quick to choose, ready to go. I like that. You want to just get to it, eh Ben?" Blaine said.

"I'll be inside, Uncle. Thank you for the pokemon." Ben said to Tom and then Oak. He walked inside the pokemon center, leaving Oak, Tom and Blaine behind.

Tom sighed as Ben walked to where the food would be in the center. He looked to Oak and said, "I appreciate you giving him a pokemon. Sorry he was so rude. He's just been through a lot."

"Oh its no problem..." Oak began to say.

"Hahaha, that boy has some serious fire in his heart. He's going to become quite the trainer someday, I know it!" Blaine said.

"Yeah, he may not seem it, but those eyes...they're not filled with sadness or nothingness. No, they're filled with concentration. And determination." Tom said.

Oak nodded and said, "Please, give him these pokeballs and this pokedex. Maybe he'll help my pokemon project. It'll be interesting to see what he captures."

"Thanks so much, Professor. I hope to see you around sometime." Tom said, waving goodbye to the two, and walking inside.

"An Uncle and Nephew traveling together...wonder what their story is, eh Oak?" Blaine said.

Oak continued to look forward at the two walking inside. He stood there, and said, "Blaine, did you see what I saw?"

"The fire in the kid's heart? Yeah, he's a determined one. He's definitely going to be a tough trainer, I hope he comes back to Kanto to battle with me. Tis a shame that he didn't choose a fire type, I would have really liked to see him work with a Charizard." Blaine said.

Oak shook his head. "No, when I met eyes with him...I saw the same determination, but matched up with it was a coldness. A coldness that he had, pushed towards both humans and pokemon. I can just see that he is a genius, but I can also see he doesn't understand the bond between humans and pokemon. I only hope from this journey and this companion, he learns the truth."

"Because if he doesn't, that coldness and darkness in his heart will overturn his determination and make him lose hope. And I can see he has little hope left remaining."

---

Tom turned to Ben, after taking a bite of his ham sandwich with cheese. He sighed and said, "You didn't need to be so rude to Professor Oak. He gave you a pokemon after all. He also gave you this pokedex and some pokeballs. I hope you show him gratitude next time we see him."

Ben remained silent as he ate his sandwich. Tom looked back at his own sandwich and began eating again. But Ben, he put down his baloney sandwhich and stopped eating.

"Uncle, I have no time on people like him. I have a goal to meet." Ben said, then looking at him. Tom continued to eat his sandwich.

"You've heard me before. I will surpass all trainers and rise to the top. I will obtain the praise and congratulations that I work hard to obtain. I'll accomplish my goals through my own way. Because I have the knowledge to do so. And I have the determination to win it all." Ben said.

"I don't care if I have to go through every trainer in that region or go through every pokemon in order to win. I'll do it. And I'll show my father, that sarcastic, overconfident jerk who can boss around who." Ben said.

Tom continued to eat his sandwich, not exactly giving off a reaction. Ben turned back to his sandwich, and continued eating. The two were heading for Sharma, to complete Ben's dream and goal.

Of being the world's top trainer.

---

August 6th, 4:38 PM

The trainer stood there, fist clenched, and he began raising his voice. "YOU DON'T KNOW..." he began breathing heavily, but then stop. He unclenched his fist, and then placed the pokeball on his belt.

He looked at me, and then nodded his head. "A trainer like you just beat me. My pokemon must be weak. Or it was a fluke. Nonetheless, you rely too much on that Seraphim of yours."

I stepped back, a little offended, and not sure what to say. "S-shut up, my pokemon are just as important as Seraphim!"

"You can say what you want, but this the truth." The trainer said, picking up his bag and putting it back on his back. He turned away, and began walking towards the meadow.

"Uh, wait! Who are you anyway?" I asked.

Ben stopped walking and turned his head towards me. He stood there for a second and he said...

"My name is Benjamin, or Ben. I'm from the Kanto region, and I'm going to be the world's top trainer. And you...you've beaten me. You've got determination that is close to my own. Without that Seraphim you're nothing, but you're still a threat. So from this day forward..."

"We are rivals." He pointed his finger at me.

I stood there as he pointed his finger at me, and then watched as he lowered his arm, and then turned around, heading for the meadow. I watched my new rival head on down, while I stood there, baffled.

But I had a rival. A trainer who was just as tough as me, who was just starting too. And who had a coldness that even I recognized. I looked at him with a fierceness in my eyes, and knew that we'd be meeting again, I could tell. I'd win next time too.

I wouldn't let him make a fool of me, ever again.

---

August 8th, 2010

I walked out of the pokemon center, with my team now at full HP and my body all rested up. I had Seraphim by my side again, and now I had a new goal. To train hard and make sure I was strong enough to beat Ben again next time.

Before I left, I suddenly heard a voice call my name.

"Will! Before you leave!" Nurse Joy called out. I turned around, to see a package at her desk.

"Your mother came in this morning asking for you. She left me a package to give you. Something that she wanted to give you before you left Pindle Town. I told her you got your first badge. She seemed very excited. Here you go!" Nurse Joy said.

The package was small, but in it I saw simply a note, and a case. I opened up the note, and it read,

Dear Will,
I figured you had won your first gym battle already, and wanted to see you before you left town, but I had to go to work in Port Current. So I stopped by here to leave you this, and to wish you good luck! I'd call you but I don't want to disturb you in battle or anything. But it'd be nice if you called me for once and let me know what you were doing! Seriously honey, you should because I miss you...but anyway, in here is also a case, a Badge Case for you badges that you win. I hope you like it! Its just the plain metallic color with the shape of Sharma on it. Keep your badges in there, it has eight slots. I made sure. Alright then, good luck, I'm rooting for you!
Love Mom

I smiled, and thought, Thanks Mom. Its good that I can still count on someone in my family.

I opened up the badge case, to see that the inside had the shape of Sharma on the top part, and on the bottom part was a cushion that surrounded the badges when they were placed in. There were 8 slots, stretching across the case. And the first one was designed to fit the Coon Badge's crystal like middle and wings that stretched out from each side.

"That's the first badge's spot then." I said and reached into my pocket. I pulled out the Coon Badge and placed it in the case, nicely in the first slot. I smiled, happy to see it fit perfectly. I placed the case in my backpack, and then my backpack on my back. I nodded and said, "Alright, to the meadow!"

With that, we left. A new badge, a new rival, and now a new route to explore. Let's get going!

(End of Freeform)

Nicely written, I didn't notice any grammatical stuff this time. From a storytelling point of view, I thought it was nice to get a good idea of what the other Pokemon were thinking. I was disappointed that we didn't get a clue into the mind of Seraphim, though. I also think you let Ben show some actual emotion a little too soon in the journey. Battlewise, you started off strong, but I feel like you lost the motivation to write it a little past midway, and it didn't end on a strong note. Slakoth's and Seraphim's participation were the most unimaginative, but I enjoyed reading Murkrow's part in battle. Right now, Murkrow is the most lifelike character you have, I'm interested to see how you'll develop him further. Put the same effort into your other Pokemon.

I'll give you ten levels total, but I'm taking control of distribution. Each Pokemon you have must receive one level for the battle. That gives you five left to distribute as you please. That's all for now, I'm off to draw fanart of Ben and Will skipping through a flower field holding hands.