The day's bright shine lit up the rough and tattered battlefield. Zorua's claws scuffed against the earth, sweat prickling from its fur. Its eyes narrowed, focused on the threat ahead. A familiar fiery chick, spewing out the reddest, hottest Embers that it could possibly muster.

  The fox's body tensed, claws smashing the rubble beneath to pieces. Then, it darted. Moving forward, while keeping from the flickering hot flames. Zorua moved with great pace, forcing Torchic to take a leap back. Soaring into the air, while continuing to spew out flames at the earth beneath. But, once more, Zorua brushed by them. Sediments of fiery coal flicked against its fur. But, never quite scorched its body.

  Torchic neared to the ground. Still without landing a solid hit on the fox. Close to falling into Zorua's grasp, Torchic went on the offensive. Talons shining bright, sharp and pointed out to crush Zorua beneath its heel. Zorua's claws, too, glowed a bright light, coming to clash with Torchic's attack. The two Pokemon struggled, one against another, clashing. Then, it ended with a victory on neither side.

  Both parties came to a standstill, Zorua pushed back, sliding against the ground, while Torchic flew back into the air. The feather atop its head fluttered in the wind, the Fire type flipping in the air, then coming to a clean landing. The two Pokemon locked eyes, panting, yet still with energy to spare. The battle felt far from over. But, Lucas was more than satisfied with the progress on both sides.

  "You guys are awesome!" Lucas exclaimed, Torchic's eyes flickering from the battle to its trainer. An easy task, when Lucas soon came running onto the battlefield, standing between the two with his eyes glimmering. Torchic trilled, a warm fuzziness filling the chick up from head to toe. But, when his eyes glanced to Zorua, their eyes didn't meet. Zorua's eyes settled still on Torchic's frame.

  "Zorua, you doin' ok?" Lucas chuckled, crouching down to meet its eyes. But, Zorua still looked through him, its expression not changing a bit. The fox growled. Torchic tilted its head. Then, in an instant, Zorua ran. Leaping across the battlefield. Claws grating against the battlefield. Then, pouncing at Torchic. Torchic jumped back in alarm, just as Lucas' hands shot out to grab at Zorua.

  "Hey, hey, the battle's over! I-It was only meant to be training!" Lucas attempted to dampen Zorua's spirit. But, the fox kept trashing in his grip. Even worse, Torchic seemed to get caught up in the rekindling of battle. Huffing, antagonising Zorua. Lucas' arms tired, attempting to keep the Dark type back. "Come on, we can't be fighting like this, we have a gym battle in an hour!"

  Luckily, an aid would soon come. A lone Ralts, raising Torchic to the sky with its telekinesis. Confusion wracked at its mind, until it dropped down to the ground, all thoughts of battle disappearing from its mind. Zorua's thrashing weakened, watching Torchic flop down to the ground. Then, under careful strokes of its fur, its entire mood mellowed. Claws digging into its body, curling up. Eyes flickered up to meet Lucas', apologetic. Lucas simply laughed. He began plucking the rubble matted in its coat, earned through the hard tested confines of combat. All while smoothing out its fur.

  "There we go...easy does it..." he spoke calmly and gently. "You can get really lost in the fight sometimes, you know that?"

  Zorua shamefully nodded. Seemed something not to be dwelled upon. So, Lucas didn't. Instead, he wandered to Torchic, gently shaking his partner from its dazed dreams.

  "Wake up, buddy," he muttered, Torchic slowly coming to its senses, clinging to its trainer. Lucas chuckled, taking one hand from cradling Zorua to brush Torchic's top feather. Then, Lucas' eyes turned to the lone Ralts, who still stood rooted to the side of the battlefield. Lucas chuckled.

  "You can come closer, I'm not gonna bite. I gotta thank you, anyways!"

  Ralts nodded, blipping into nothingness, then teleporting in front of Lucas. He bowed his head, smiling.

  "Thank you. Guess you sensed their emotions, huh?" Lucas asked. Ralts responding with a nod of its head. "Well, since you're awake, that must mean Ellie's awake too, right?"

  Ralts nodded once more. Then, the horn sticking from the top of its head flickered, body cringing. Pre-emptively, it turned to face the back door of the Pokemon Centre. Just in time for Ellie to come bursting out the doors, Mudkip crying out in alarm.

  "Ralts? Ralts, where are-"

  "Just over here! Don't worry!" Lucas exclaimed, waving the two over. Ellie's eyes glanced to her green helmeted Pokemon, letting out a deep sigh of relief. Half her mind told her that Ralts had gotten bored and just decided to teleport into Petalburg against her wishes. But, it'd just found solace in the company of her friend.

  "Don't just teleport off like that." Ellie walked to the Pokemon, crouching down, giving the Psychic type a hug before setting it back onto the ground. "You really scared me for a second."

  "Ralts didn't mean anything by it. In fact, it helped me split up these two!" Lucas came quick to Ralts' defence. Ellie's eyes traced the two. Zorua, cuddling into Lucas' chest, one arm clenched around it. Meanwhile, Torchic soaked up all the attention it could, cooing as Lucas' pale hand rubbed against its feathers.

  "They don't look like they needed splitting up." Ellie's eyebrow cocked in suspicion.

  "Just shows what a good job Ralts did, hm?" Lucas answered with a smile. Ralts puffed out its chest, hands on its hip, taking great amount of pride in Lucas' kind words. Ellie chuckled, rolling her eyes.

  "Alright, I'll allow it this one time," her hands combed the top of Ralts' lime green helmet. Her fingers gently played with the red horn that stuck out of the top of Ralts' head, the Pokémon giving a small whine and a cry whenever Ellie brushed against it. Ellie's eyes then glanced to meet Lucas's, asking, "When's your gym challenge, again?"

  "It's only in an hour. So, me, Zorua and Torchic have all been getting our training in! Even if it's still pretty early."

  "Yeah, I'm barely awake and you guys are going all out in training."

  "Nothing better for it, right? Adrenaline, getting to watch the fireworks? It's great!"

  "Because you're not the Pokémon doing it," Ellie answered with a smirk. Lucas smiled back, then looked down to his partners, asking with his most sickly sweet voice,

  "You guys are enjoying this, aren't you?"

  Torchic enthusiastically nodded, hopping around on the floor, its feet making burn marks as it bounced. Zorua lifted one ear up, giving a slow, if slightly reluctant, nod. Lucas chuckled, turning to Ellie. "Zorua's shy. But, it really loves a battle once it's into it."

  "I think Ralts knows that well enough," Ellie spoke, glancing down at Ralts. Ralts noticeably avoided Zorua's glare, worried it would catch the demonic fighting spirit it had first found glinting in the Dark types eyes. But, Zorua was amicable. For now.

  Mudkip ran onto the battlefield, excitedly hopping up and down, then letting a Water Pulse sail into the air. Ellie sighed, stretching her arms and looking down at Lucas,

  "Well, why don't we test that wake up theory, in the little time we have? See if Torchic can keep up with Mudkip?"

  "You'll never catch me saying no to an offer like that!" Lucas responded passionately, Torchic chirping as it ran onto the battlefield to meet Mudkip. Gently, he lifted Zorua onto the side of the battlefield, letting the Illusion Pokemon take a rest next to Ralts, while Ellie and Lucas did battle with their respective starters. Curling into itself, the Dark type quickly set itself off to a good rest. Leaving Ralts alone with its thoughts, eagerly watching the battle.

  Commands, attacks, all went flying through the air. Torchic and Mudkip doing mock battle. Somewhere between playful and serious. Lucas' eyes glimmered, practicing giving quicker commands, hope heavy on his tone. Even in spite of the looming gym battle. Ellie'd been so nervous both times. Even if she tried to portray herself with confidence the second time, Ralts could feel it brew beneath the surface. But, when its hand jittered towards Lucas, its horn detected something different.

  Confidence? But his heart still beat just as fast as Ellie's. Maybe faster, even before he had stepped into the Petalburg Gym. His hands jittered, his legs bouncing. Every nervous sign in the book. Yet, his expression showed none of it. A kind, warm smile, etched into his face.

  "Ember!" he cried at the top of his lungs, his arm flowing cleanly through the air. Torchic puffed up its chest, jumping into the air and letting loose the flames burning deep in its stomach. With every attack, success or failure irrelevant, he smiled. It wasn't quite confidence. He didn't know what was going to happen.

  It was excitement. Pure, raw, unfiltered.

  Ralts only hoped it would translate to the gym battle.

  "I'm here to challenge you!"

  "Excellent,"Seijo responded simply, a smirk coming across his face as Lucas burst through the double wooden doors. 10 minutes early to the battle. But, as was customary, Seijo's schedule had many empty slots. Meaning no issue at all with starting a little early.

  There would be no need for pleasantries either. They took their positions. Ellie sat on a bench, Mudkip and Ralts sat at either side, observing the battle peacefully. Seijo at the furthest end of the room, while Lucas had taken Ellie's chosen position. Seijo's hand scrubbed gently over the surface of the Pokeball, brushing against the smooth metal. Excitement gripped him. A great joy, that exploded as he ripped his glasses away.

  "I am Seijo, the Petalburg Gym Leader! And, I accept your challenge!"

  The Pokeball crashed through the barrier, trajectory building until it smashed against the ground. Out fluttered Taillow, squawking loudly as it ran circles through the air. Lucas smiled, taking a deep breath, stowing himself. His hand reached out towards his shoulder, rustling Torchic's fur. The chick looked at the floor, then back at Lucas. Claws gripped tightly onto his skin. Nerves had finally started to set in

  "There's nothing to fear, little guy." Lucas smiled purely, picking Torchic up from his shoulder. Then, he lowered it until Torchic could touch the floor. Seijo brought down the barrier for a mere moment, letting Torchic leap through, onto the battlefield. Another deep breath. Then, a fierce look back at Lucas. The boy clenched his fist, yelling, "Torchic, I choose you!"

  "Bringing out your starter early, hm?" Seijo coyly smiled, glancing to Ellie for a second. Then, his glance returned to Lucas, teasing, "Let's hope you have more than one Pokemon."

  Lucas stifled a laugh, taking a deep breath, avoiding Ellie's glare. If he ever made eye contact, Arceus knows the death glare he'd be forced to endure. Instead, he kept his attention on the battle ahead. Torchic bounced, a little unevenly, but still with a great bounce to its step. Taillow watched Torchic from above, slowing down its flying to stalk its prey (and conserve some energy for the tough battle ahead.) Seijo and Lucas looked each other in the eyes, and nodded. The battle had begun. Even without official declaration.

  "Scratch!" he cried, Torchic running across the battlefield, crouching down then leaping into the air to come to clash with Taillow. Seijo smiled. A simple plan. But, he didn't even take a second to think about it. Just pure inhibition running in Lucas' mind. Seijo felt he got a great grip on Lucas' battling style just from mannerisms. This only served to confirm it as such.

  "Peck!" Seijo responded. Taillow flew ever so slightly higher, twisting its body so its head faced Torchic. Then, it soared down, its beak coming to clash with Torchic's Scratch. The two attacks collided, Torchic giving everything to come out on top. But, the momentum fell on Taillow's side.

  With its domination of the air, Taillow struck Torchic back. The Scratch absorbed much of the Peck, however. So, when Torchic fell against the earth, it did so with a dignified landing. Coming off slightly worse. But, nothing they couldn't make up. Torchic growled, limbering up its legs, then looking back up to the sky. Taillow circled back into the air, flying out of reach of Torchic's talons. Only one thing to do.

  "Ember!" Lucas cried, Torchic puffing up its chest.

  "Quick Attack!" Seijo beckoned in response, eager to put a stop to any ranged attacks before they could ever be a threat. Taillow darted through the air, blitzing from side to side, avoiding what it assumed to be an incoming attack. But, as it got closer to Torchic, it found the Pokémon still puffing up its chest. It looked like it could've released an attack at any time. But, it just stood there, as Taillow continued to approach.

  Lucas smirked, watching Taillow intently. The bird swerved to avoid Torchic's direct line of fire, cautious of the Ember brewing in its stomach. It flew to the side, then pressed forwards with a cry. Torchic turned.

  "Bite!"

  Seijo stood, his eyes wide, as the illusion of Torchic's appearance suddenly disappeared. Out appeared a small Zorua, teeth ravenous and ready to strike. Taillow attempted to slow its trajectory. But, momentum now worked against it. Unable to slow down to avoid Zorua's pounce. The Dark type leapt onto the bird, fangs biting straight into Taillow's wings. Taillow let out a shriek, falling to the ground, its wings desperately flapping around, trying to free itself from Zorua's crushing jaws.

  "Peck!" its trainer finally cried. Taillow reared its head, striking Zorua in the chest. Not a particularly powerful strike. But, it did the job. Getting Zorua's grip loose enough to free its wings. Taillow's wings fluttered, pain still lingering, but no longer burning like they had when caught in Zorua's grasp.

  Zorua went for another Bite. But, Taillow reacted quicker, beak driving into the Dark type's head, forcing its retreat. The two came to a standstill. It allowed a moment of peace to talk.

  "Using the Ember to bait me to attack you, only to drop the Illusion then. Smart," Seijo commented. He meant every word too. Even if he had seen the fox before, his mind hadn't quite caught up to the possibility of using Illusions. Especially using those strategies with such inexperience. He hadn't expected it.

  "Well, I can't take all the credit. Zorua's Illusion work is amazing, and it's been practicing it a lot too! Despite some protests about it being a waste of time." Lucas took a sneaky glance towards Ellie, a proud and arrogant smirk on his face.

  "Focus on the battle," she groaned, rolling her eyes. She didn't like catching strays from both sides, but Ellie supposed she at least deserved it for her comment on Zorua's illusion work.

  "Well, she's right about one thing," Seijo spoke, commanding Lucas' attention. His fingers clicked together. "You should focus on the battle."

  In a flash, Taillow picked itself up from the floor, then disappeared into a blur of speed. Zorua stood up, reflexively putting its paws up to block the attack. Taillow struck with its head, clashing against Zorua's limbs. Each struggled, but Zorua's back legs ultimately faltered, sending the Dark type flying across the battlefield. Skidding against the ground.

  "Zorua, are you ok?" Lucas cried, wincing slightly as Zorua screeched to a halt. The Dark type shook its head, hazy vision leaving as it slowly clawed its way back to all four paws. Its eyes locked onto Taillow, snarling. Zorua wouldn't be stricken down so easily. Scrapping until the very end.

  "Fury Swipes!"

  "Quick Attack!"

  Zorua's command may have come first. But, Taillow moved quicker, propelling itself forward. Its beak surged towards Zorua. A quick slash from Zorua's claws parried the attack. Then, just when Taillow thought it could get away, Zorua came down with another swipe. Taillow's feathers spilled, Zorua's claws shaving off a clump. Taillow once more attempted to retreat, only to get a slashing cut to its wing.

  "Keep going!" Lucas cried words of encouragement. None were needed. But, it felt like contribution regardless.

  "Use your bad wing to block!" Seijo cried out. Taillow huffed, bringing out its left wing, where Zorua's jaws had already long left a mark. It stung even more to take the damage to a fresh wound. But, better to be one hurtful wound, than two fresh wounds on either wing. Its left wing as its shield. Then, its right wing as its sword.

  "Wing Attack!" the gym leader continued. Taillow's talons dug into the floor, the rare moment Taillow opted to stay grounded. Zorua's swipes continued to thunder against its bad wing, sending shockwaves of pain through its whole body. But, Taillow didn't mind. Even when Zorua blew past its shield, beginning to attack Taillow's core, the bird dug in deep and held on. For, it had been gathering all its strength in its other wing. Ready to strike.

  By the time Zorua could see the method behind Seijo's plan, its paw had already dug in for another Fury Swipe. With its balance toppled, it became an easy target. A high cry echoed from the bird's throat, filling the entire battlefield as its wing came barrelling forward. A solid connection, a wing right to the fox's jaw. Zorua's limbs soared from the ground. Eyes widening, ears ringing. Then, falling against the cold wooden ground, softly whimpering.

  It was a critical hit!

  "Zorua! Come on, buddy..." Lucas spoke softly, body cringing as he watched Zorua's body struggle under its own weight. Eyes zoned out. Then, flickering. A different colour in its iris. A new shape in its form. Flutters of illusions long past. Distorting and warped ever so slightly. The chick flickered once, with even its feathery coat looking ragged. The mud fish came next, resembling its form back in Ellie's first battle. Peck marks all over, before it had been thrown into the jaws of Vigoroth without warning.

  Zorua panted. Its forms shifting weren't of its own choice. Merely a consequence of rushed memories. Rushed thoughts, spiralling out of control. Vision growing hazy. Staring at its enemy, growling through heavy breaths. It stood once more. Even through the flicker of illusions, that'd always been the action. One illusion flickering, falling, only to rise once more. Until, its original form settled. Small, timid. But, the fire in its eyes couldn't be mistaken. Nor taken lightly.

  Ralts smirked. It tapped Ellie on the shoulder, then pointed a single finger at Zorua. If it could speak, it'd have added 'Watch this'. But, even without the words, Ellie got the gesture.

  "Quick Attack!"

  Taillow panted. But, ultimately raised itself into the air. One wing drooped, but the other still carried Taillow through. With a deep breath, the tiny swallow shot across the battlefield, its beak outstretched to crash into Zorua.

  "Pivot!" Lucas bellowed in response. Zorua responded quickly. Even when faced with Taillow's immense speed, Zorua just managed to slip out the way. Taillow's body sailed past. But, Zorua wouldn't let it fall out of reach. Not this time. Until feathers fell like rain during a thunderstorm, Zorua wouldn't be satisfied.

  "Cling to its wing with your claws!" Lucas cried. Zorua didn't need the command. Its body had already moved to capture the bird. Taillow put its full weight forward. Every ounce of speed into this. But, with the full throttle approach, came strain on its bad wing. Strain that would ultimately slow its flying. Taillow looked back in horror. Zorua'd approached much quicker than it thought. The next thing it knew, sharp claws hooked onto both of its wings.

  "Fury Swipes!" came another command from Lucas. Those sharp claws pressed the bird to the ground. Zorua's body pinned it atop the wooden floor. Then, its claws unhooked. Only to come back, ripping away at the bird's wings. Scratching and clawing at its feathers.

  Taillow writhed, struggled. Wiggling its body betwixt its spasms of agony. A vague attempt to stop Zorua's assault, or merely a consequence of the pain, neither human could tell. But, Taillow knew its strength to be waning. Fast.

  Each blow struck with great precision. Focused on its wings specifically. After all, even with damage to the core, Taillow would still reasonably flutter into the air. But, with its wings clipped, feathers tattered across the floor, it'd be forced to battle with Zorua on the ground. Nothing sounded worse.

  Taillow glanced back, growling. But, Zorua ignored it. Answering with its own snarl, vicious blows continuing to sink deep into its body. Need for survival etched into every attack. Never waning, never giving a moment for rest.

  "Wing Attack!" Seijo cried. Struggling wouldn't help now. Taillow had done enough of it. They needed to go on the offensive. Even if Taillow could hardly move. Its wings glowed, attempting to dig out of Zorua's attack. The weakened wing batted against its claws, then the other overpowered the swipe. The wing swung against Zorua's torso. It knocked Zorua back, but didn't put it down. Taillow huffed. How much more could this fox take?

  "Bite!" Lucas shouted. Zorua let out a low growl, claws scratching against the ground as it burst into a sprint.

  "Peck!" Seijo have a quick reply. Taillow huffed, talons trodding along the battlefield. Driving its beak forward, as Zorua leapt to meet its attack. Next thing Taillow knew, vicious jaws had clasped around its beak. Taillow scrambled, but Zorua's grip held tight. The fox snarled, a cry echoing throughout the gym as it raised Taillow into the air. Then, without mercy, the bird came slamming back into the floor. Its body bounced, then came to a sudden stop, collapsing.

  Zorua snarled. Taunting Taillow, demanding it get back up. But, when it became clear the bird could no longer fight, its four limbs finally faltered. Panting, taking in greedy gulps of oxygen through its snout and mouth. Slobber dripped from the edge of its panting mouth, without the thought to keep the saliva in. Its mind dwelled too much in the battle to think about much else.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  "Great job, Zorua!" Lucas cried, ecstatic with the fox's victory. Hadn't gone too far like with Poochyena, either! The words rung through the battlefield, Zorua continuing to pant, taking in all the oxygen it could get. Then, taking a glance back to its trainer. Lucas beamed. That made all the exhaustion worth it. So much so, that Zorua felt a little tug on its lips.

  "Taillow, return," Seijo muttered, his hand stretching up to reveal Taillow's worn Pokeball. The bird only gave a small stir, before its body combusted into a bright red light, siphoned off back into the small capsule. Seijo looked down at the Pokeball, smiling and saying, "You fought well. Take a nice rest."

  Seijo's eyes returned back up to the battlefield. Watching where Zorua lay, catching its breath back. Gym leader and challenger made eye contact.

  "Your Zorua fights with a whole lot of spirit! Brutal, if I may put it."

  "That's just how Zorua fights. If it's caught in the heat of battle, and its opponent is giving its all to win, then so is Zorua!" Lucas responded with a smirk, glancing down at Zorua. Zorua hadn't the extra energy to nod along. It'd only show it in action.

  Seijo smiled, slipping away Taillow's Pokeball and returning with another. His eyes closed, taking a deep breath. Then, they burst with an orange flame of intensity, his hands gripping intently onto the Pokeball.

  "Well, let's see how it handles this!" he shouted at the top of his lungs, lobbing the Pokeball across the battlefield. The Pokeball cracked open before it reached the ground, bouncing back to Seijo as it spilled its guts to the world.

  Vigoroth.

  The Pokemon landed with a mighty thud, shaking Lucas to the core. Zorua's fur bristled as it gazed up to the Normal type. Vigoroth took a moment to adjust to its surroundings. It glanced to Zorua. Then, snickered, mouth arcing into a wide smile. Too wide for it to be real. Bordering on the realm of uncanny, especially as its eyes drifted up to catch the trainer. Lucas made eye contact. His heart shuddered. Ellie's nerves had been justified.

  Long limbs and claws, grating against the floor like nails on a chalkboard. The energy that suggested keenness to battle. But, almost being too keen to get into the swing of things. A low snicker. Not quite human, but too low to be a natural Pokemon cry. Taunting the two, especially as Zorua's body seemed one moment away from collapsing. Lucas' hands felt over his pockets for a shrunken down Pokeball.

  Zorua had other plans.

  Raising itself to all fours, the Tricky Fox barked, cried, growled at Vigoroth. Lucas' hand stopped just as it felt the metallic ting of Zorua's Pokeball. Observing the Dark type. Even with its unkempt fur, marks of injury and scratches, it still antagonised the wild monkey. Staring down even the scariest of foes. Lucas smiled. His limbs loosened up, taking two steady breaths as he hopped up and down.

  "Alright, Zorua, let's hit them with everything we got!" Lucas thrust his arm forward, getting himself into the headspace to battle once again. Seijo let out a tsk, snapping his fingers. Lucas knew what'd be coming. Eyes widening, body acting on impulse. Vigoroth's body only shifted slightly before Lucas made his move.

  "Dodge it!" he cried at the top of his lungs. Vigoroth blitzed forward for a Retaliate. A move that certainly would've taken down Zorua, had Lucas not reacted in time. Zorua had just managed to slip by, a haphazard dodge sending it hurdling away from its enemy, still crashing to the ground. But, Zorua soon returned to its feet. Even growling, antagonising the Pokemon for its failed attack. But, Vigoroth answered as it did always did. A piercing stare, with a wide smile.

  "Fury Swipes!" Lucas cried out. Zorua pounced across the ground, jumping at Vigoroth with renewed vigor. Vigoroth put up its arms, guarding against the hacking claws, even as it began to mark its arctic white fur. But, Seijo wouldn't stand for it much longer than was necessary.

  "Counter with your own Fury Swipes!" Seijo retaliated. Vigoroth's long arms stretched wide before beginning to come to clash with Zorua's four limbs. Even with Zorua having the advantage in available limbs, Vigoroth's long claws made up for it. Even more so, some would argue.

  With the battle of blows raging on, Zorua's fatigue came back to bite it. Even with its momentary break, Zorua couldn't sustain its energy for long. Meanwhile, Vigoroth only grew faster. Powerful, quick blows striking through Zorua's swipes. Until, Vigoroth raised its arm, looking to deal a decisive blow. Zorua huffed, attempting to reach its paws into the air. But, its body shuddered, and faltered.

  Zorua's head came crashing to the ground, chin knocking against the Earth. In an instant, its body went lax, eyes blank and swirly. Vigoroth snickered. Lucas took a deep sigh.

  "Zorua, return!" Lucas finally fished the worn Pokeball from his pocket, returning the Dark type back to its ball. Back to one on one. Lucas glanced up to Vigoroth. Even with the minor ground made from Zorua's Fury swipes, it still felt a daunting task to undertake. One hell of a mountain to climb, with only his fire chick by Lucas' side.

  Zorua's body didn't stir one bit as it slunk back into the Pokeball. Whatever words Lucas spoke would be wasted on a Pokemon who wasn't listening. Yet, he still praised Zorua regardless, uttering into the ball. "You did amazing. I promise you, it won't be for nothing."

  "I'd be cautious about making promises like that," Seijo antagonized, Vigoroth's claws ripping against the wooden floor. "You've still got a long way to go."

  "A promise I'll always keep, no matter what. Now's no different!" Lucas' eyes glimmered with an infectious optimism, reaching into his pocket. Out popped Torchic's Pokeball. Having to condemn his chick to the confines of its Pokeball for the purposes of stealth stung. But, Torchic wouldn't mind. Not once thrown into the battlefield.

  "Let's do this, Torchic!" Lucas held the Pokeball back, then lurched forward, lobbing the ball through the barrier. Exploding open mid air, out popped Torchic. An excitable chirp rang around the room, flames combusting from its coat of orange feathers. Then, it did a flip, landing on the ground as smooth as a Swanna. Its legs bounced with a strong spring to its step, warming up its limbs after spending so long cooped up in that Pokeball.

  Torchic turned, making eye contact with its trainer. Each shared a smile, then nodded. Lucas' eyes drifted back up, making eye contact with Seijo. "Ready when you are!"

  "If you say so." Seijo responded with an amused smirk, arms folded close to his chest. A light snap of his fingers signalled an incoming attack.

  "There! Ember, full power!"

  Seijo's body tightened, eyes widening in alarm. Most challengers would sooner die than think about challenging Vigoroth's attacks head on. Not that he would blame them, either. Vigoroth's Retaliate was something to be feared. Always an option in the back of a challenger's mind. The battle often depended on how they'd deal with it.

  Yet, here Torchic was, puffing its chest up with fiery energy coursing through its veins. Vigoroth took a step back, its claws glistening in the light of the room. Then, it disappeared, bursting forwards with the woosh of the wind behind it.

  "Now!" Lucas cried, Torchic letting loose the Ember. It should've struck at nothing. Yet, somewhere along the way, it had found contact with Vigoroth. A great patch of fur grew smoky and dark where the coal had stricken Vigoroth. The monkey stumbled, Lucas' fist pumping. His heart settled slightly. Seijo hummed.

  "A bold move."

  "Even if I can't see Vigoroth, it's still there. And, to attack so quickly, you must have to take the quickest route. Going straight forward," Lucas explained with a smile. Seijo nodded, his eyes closing then opening again.

  "Remarkable. Did you come up with that on your own?"

  "I had a little help," Lucas responded, beaming with pride as he glanced towards Ellie. Ellie sheepishly smiled, averting her eyes and humming like she had no stake in the strategy, nor had spent too much time helping Lucas prep for the fight. Seijo glanced between the two, chuckling. Then, his eyes focused on the battle ahead once more.

  "Well, that's not all we can do. So let's keep up the pace! Vigoroth, use Slash!"

  Vigoroth huffed, then let out a thundering roar. Even without the crutch of Retaliate, the Pokemon proved itself as unbelievably agile. Dashing forward, running on all fours. Lucas thought he had a good idea of its speed. But, once more, he only truly understood its speed when head to head with the wild monkey. A quick realisation came. Even with a plan for Retaliate, if it came to a battle of tit for tat blows, Torchic wouldn't prevail in either speed or power. So, a game of keepaway they had to play.

  "Hop away, and use Ember!" Lucas cried, Torchic nodding and instantly shooting into action. Compressing its legs for a moment, it bounced into the air, high enough to create a great chunk of distance between it and the monkey. Then, hellfire began to rain from above. Sneezing out flaming coals, driving through the air, the swelling of the flames growing larger with the oxygen engulfed within them.

  They fell with less impact than Lucas hoped would be felt. Vigoroth merely snickered again, the flames dancing on the surface of its retinas.

  "Slice through them!"

  Vigoroth's claws raised to the sky. Swift swipes went cutting through the moment after. Red hot flames did nothing to even scar its claws, beyond a slight red tinge overcoming the sharpened talons. Slicing through cleanly and easily, every time. Vigoroth looked back up to Torchic. Then, it pounced, continuing to burst forward, just as Torchic's trajectory pointed towards the ground.

  Lucas' hands fidgeted through his pockets, taking a deep breath. They needed something big to get back into the match. The boy pointed up to Torchic, crying out, "Charge up, then when you land..." Lucas' hand trailed to point to the approaching Vigoroth, ignoring the tremor in his body as he watched the Normal type approach. "Blast Vigoroth with everything you got!"

  Torchic's torso puffed up, flames brewing deep inside its heart. Fire burst through its body, growing hotter, stronger with each passing second. Yet, the chick held back its power, eyes darting towards Vigoroth. Torchic's talons tapped against the ground. Taking a moment to stall and get its balance. Then, letting the Ember fly. Whizzing across the battlefield like a bullet.

  SNAP!

  Seijo's reaction had been almost instantaneous. Vigoroth's body went rigid at the timing of the snap. Even to the point of neglecting to block the airborne Ember. Its arms instead trailed behind its torso. The blow struck its body, an audible thud echoing through the battlefield. Vigoroth huffed. Then, eyes set upon Torchic. The last sound would be a higher laugh. One of mixed pain, and furious excitement.

  Vigoroth disappeared. Lucas' eyes widened. But, before he could even begin to open his mouth, Vigoroth had already reappeared. Arms by its side, claws aimed outwards. Torchic's body faltered. The pep in its step slowing instantaneously. Feathers clutched to Vigoroth's nails, from where its claws had left their devastating blow. Vigoroth had sliced cleanly through Torchic, dropping it to its knees. Then, a following hook sent the chick flying. Slamming hard against the barrier of the battlefield.

  It was a critical hit!

  "TORCHIC!"

  Its back hit against the wall, letting out a soft murmur of pain as the chick slid to the floor. Dropping against the harshly cold wood. Torchic coughed, rising from the floor with heavy breaths. Lucas' own breathing quickened to match. Eyes shaking, Torchic raised its head to observe Vigoroth. Its claws grated against the floor, approaching Torchic with a cold smile. Then, its arms outstretched, claws raising, falling, then rising again. Taunting Torchic to get back up.

  Torchic growled, coughing up the residues of its last Ember, spitting as coals on the floor. It rose to its feet, talons scratching against the floor. Hurt, but not out. Yet, caught in a tough spot regardless. Torchic's eyes drifted behind, gently kicking against what appeared to be air. But, finding a barrier repelling it from moving any further back. Trapped against the ropes.

  "Tough spot," Seijo responded. A fact he'd use to whatever advantage he could. "Fury Swipes!"

  Vigoroth's claws grated against one another, sharpening their ends with a sickening smile. Then, it dove towards Torchic, arms lunged out forward.

  "Use Flame Charge!"

  Torchic stowed its breath, letting the flames fester deep inside its body. Closing its eyes, concentrating on maintaining that heat. Then, a symphony of flames danced along its feathery coat. Seijo covered his eyes, light from the sudden explosion of fire dazzling them for a moment. Vigoroth didn't flinch for a moment, though, continuing its pursuit forward. Claws reached out to bat away the flames, and tear into the chick held beneath.

  But, Torchic wouldn't run this time. It burst at Vigoroth, meeting its cutting blows head on. Flame Charge clashed against Vigoroth's claws, flames burning the edges of the monkey's fur as it slashed against Torchic's attack. Locked in a fierce battle of blows, Vigoroth's repeated slashes barely kept the chick at bay.

  "Pivot!" cried Lucas. Vigoroth swung for Torchic again, its claws outstretched ready to strike. But, it only struck against air, as Torchic slumped to the ground. The Normal type, with its weight pushed forward, stumbled. Footwork unsteady, balance tipped. Lucas clenched his fist, and Torchic didn't need a command to know what to do.

  Shifting on its feet, Torchic kicked from the Earth, its body of flames driving straight into Vigoroth's side. Vigoroth let out a cry. A real one, pain inflicted in its tone. It stumbled once more, falling against the barrier it once launched Torchic into. Seijo hummed, smiling and tapping his finger against his folded arms.

  Torchic bounced back, taking a small amount of space against the monkey. Its flames died down, but it remained steady in its agility, hopping at a quickening pace. A successful strike, with a boost to its speed on top. Still, Vigoroth's speed proved something greater entirely. A fact Torchic would soon be well acquainted with.

  "Slash, let's go!"

  Vigoroth huffed, then snickered. Its eyes stared into Torchic. Same intensity as ever. It made it seem like the cry it had made earlier was mocking. A feint, to give the illusion of pain. But, when it moved, it seemed like it hadn't taken the faintest Scratch! Fast, agile, deadly. Thoughts rushed to Lucas. Wondering if it had all been for naught.

  Panic set in.

  "Use Flame Charge and run away!"

  Torchic turned to its trainer, its face a little bewildered. But, with a quick glance back at its opponent, Torchic suddenly found itself agreeable to Lucas' plan. Whatever he had in store. Torchic, with its spirits high and its flames hot, sprinted across the battlefield, leading Vigoroth on a wild goose chase. Vigoroth slashed, and slashed. But, Torchic would just outspeed it, ducking or sidestepping out the way.

  Lucas' eyes darted to track the two speeding Pokemon. Taking a moment, he closed his eyes, steadying himself. Mostly, the running away would just buy him a little more time to think. Torchic had been getting faster the more it ran under the cover of its burning flames. But, Torchic still had a timer. A limit to its stamina, where Vigoroth seemed to have none. Vigoroth even seemed to make some headway, sprinting at full throttle to catch the Torchic.

  A slash came at Torchic, slicing off a few stray feathers. The chick yelped. Lucas' heart stopped, until Torchic slipped out mostly unscathed. Seijo's eyes drifted up to Lucas. Waiting for a bright idea. Some adaptation, grit to show. But, the boy seemed to have nothing. For the first time in the battle, he had nothing.

  Seijo pouted.

  "Close in on Torchic from the side!"

  Vigoroth's forelimbs drifted to its sides, hanging loosely rather than slashing wildly. Then, it moved to the left of the fire chick. Inching closer to its sides, while keeping up the pace. Torchic's eyes took quick glances, checking Vigoroth's progress. Then, darting forward to see the corner it was running into. Limited options presented themselves, Lucas forced to choose from the impossible.

  It couldn't make a u-turn. To slow its trajectory now would be to get hacked to pieces by Vigoroth's claws. It couldn't turn out of the corner. Even the slight halt in momentum to turn would leave Torchic susceptible to getting pounced on. An attack could work. But, Torchic would need leverage beneath its feet to do some real damage. Something to push off of. And, if Lucas hesitated...

  Visions of Torchic, victim to those hacking claws, spread through his mind.

  That couldn't be it.

  Lucas wouldn't allow it.

  They needed leverage.

  Anything to push against.

  ...

  That's it.

  A wooden pillar stood in the corner. One of four that ran along the exterior of the battlefield, holding up the gym. Sturdy. Sturdy enough to be used as a platform. At least, that's what Lucas' hope preached.

  "Torchic, use the pillars and bounce off of it!"

  The boy blurted it out in only one breath. He wondered if Torchic had understood the command. Its head hadn't shifted, nor turned to confirm. But, it hadn't the time nor energy to do it. Couldn't allow for any distractions now. It needed to focus. Its spindly legs crouched down for a mere moment, before bursting into the air. Its body twisted, spun, until its talons felt the wooden surface of the pillars. Clenching tight.

  With all the might it could muster in those small legs, Torchic pushed off. A cannonball of flames ripped through the air, orange in compexion. Vigoroth halted for a moment, putting out its arms to block. But, Vigoroth found itself overwhelmed, the momentum striking the Normal type to the ground. But, Torchic didn't stop to make good on the opportunity. Rather, it kept running. Across the length of the battlefield, approaching another pillar.

  "Chase after it!" came the gym leader's cry. Vigoroth, with a howl, pounced after Torchic. Letting itself fall to all fours, claws once more digging against the floor, it ran at full throttle after Torchic. But, in sharp contrast to before, a small tug seemed to arc Lucas' smile up. Torchic had grown faster with every Flame Charge, its speed only building with time. Reaching the wooden pillar without a hitch, legs crouched against the hardened surface.

  "Slash through it!" Seijo shouted just as Torchic seemed ready to bounce off.

  "Pivot!" came Lucas' cry, at the very last second. Torchic smirked, looking down at Vigoroth as it swung in anticipation of Torchic's burst forward. Only for the chick to swing off to the side. Not harming the Normal type, but creating significant space while Vigoroth fell off balance from its swing. Still, the monkey gave chase once more. But, by the time Vigoroth tried to catch up, Torchic had reached the next pillar. The speed race seemed to be slipping from Vigoroth's grasp. Outpaced, outmanoeuvred. Like trying to catch a speeding bullet.

  Lucas smiled. Torchic smiled too, a cocky smirk hiding underneath the red hot flames. A little taste of revenge. Revenge that would now be served red hot, with the final part of the plan.

  "Torchic, bounce from pillar to pillar!"

  Torchic took the time to nod, setting even more salt in the Ember burn. Then, it rocketed to the pillar in the opposite corner. Then, again to the one on the left. Then again to the opposite corner from there. The pattern repeated, and repeated. Vigoroth found its head spinning in circles. Vague attempts to keep track of Torchic turned to ash. No longer was Torchic trapped with Vigoroth. Now, Vigoroth had been caught in the middle of a room. With a rapidly ricocheting, fiery orange bullet.

  Vigoroth's side suddenly stung with searing pain, Torchic's Flame Charge breezing past and striking the monkey. Vigoroth winced. And, for the first time since Vigoroth had been released, it'd be forced to play defence.

  "Dodge out the way!" Seijo commanded, Vigoroth using its still speedy movements to weave its way around the attacks. Even with the sheer speed of its offence, Torchic only had a limited number of places to strike from. After all, the line of its trajectory had to find another pillar at the end of its attack. Crashing into the barrier, Lucas imagined, would break all momentum too.

  So, the game of defence went shockingly well. Vigoroth identifying the spots it would be hardest to strike at. Then, waiting, biding its time. That didn't ever mean Torchic stopped. It constantly shifted its momentum, attempting to lock Vigoroth down. But, a pattern still seemed to emerge. One the gym leader wouldn't be against observing. A thoughtful hand came across Seijo's chin, watching the flames shoot across the battlefield.

  Diagonal to the opposite side, left from there, diagonal opposite again. Small break to let the chick take a breath. Then, diagonal opposite, take a right, diagonal. Break. Diagonal, right, diagonal. Break. Diagonal, left, diagonal.

  Seijo smirked.

  "Go into the centre of the battlefield and put your claws up!"

  Vigoroth huffed. It seemed certain doom. To stand in the way of such an attack. But, Seijo had to have a plan. And, a wide smile came across Vigoroth's face, imagining striking down that orange pest. Returning to all fours, it pounced across the battlefield. Narrowly avoiding two strikes, it positioned itself at the centre. Then, put up its claws. Watching carefully for Torchic's attack. Seijo did the same.

  Diagonal, left, diagonal.

  Each diagonal struck against Vigoroth's guard. Its arms struggled to stay steady, blackened fur charred against its arms. Then, Torchic would breeze past to hit the next pillar.

  Diagonal, right, diagonal.

  Two more blocked attacks. And, with each, the monkey's strength wavered.

  Diagonal, right diagonal.

  But, blocking wasn't the only way.

  Diagonal, left.

  "NOW!"

  Vigoroth's empty black eyes shot into Torchic's direction. Fiery eyes met the expression. Only to waver, water at the contact their eyes made. Limbs outstretched. Claws punctured through the air.

  The wind had never been punched out of Torchic's lungs so fast. So suddenly, its brain struggled to keep pace. Nausea came first. Washing over the Pokemon first, then trainer. The deep pain of the blow, echoing within Torchic's chest. Lucas felt it. Head going light. He couldn't imagine what Torchic must've felt in that moment. Especially knowing the worst of it had yet to come.

  Next thing came the contact against something not visible. The barrier. The sound thudded through the room. Torchic's back, slamming against the invisible wall. Ellie's eyes widened. Her arms tightened around Mudkip, chills running down her body. The chick's body began to slump. Lucas felt its strength wavering. His own, too. But...

  Something flickered.

  "TORCHIC!"

  A red aura burst around the chick. Eyes fluttering open, blazes of fire burning deep behind the lens. Legs found matter in nothing. Pressing against the barrier. Each feather lining the chicks body combusted. A thousand roaring flames. Dancing, flickering, a harmony burning between each fire. Oxygen breathed its last licks across the flames. Just as the tinge of orange fire shifted to red. Deep crimson, lighting up the room.

  Torchic smirked.

  Vigoroth turned to face Torchic. It could've anticipated the blow. But, nothing would stop it coming now.

  Torchic's body kicked from the wall. Its body twisted, foot aimed forward, talons ready to strike. It swung wide. Then, with a sweeping arc, its leg slammed into Vigoroth's head. Torchic continued past the Normal type, flipping before its talons touched the ground. Flames disappeared, letting out a huff. Its legs stumbled slightly, heavy with complete exhaustion. Yet, with a face of superiority. Just waiting for the penny to drop.

  Vigoroth fell to its knees. Then, its body gave way after. A rumble echoed through the ground as it fell.

  Lucas took a deep breath. His eyes washing over the scene, confirming what he believed to be true. Then, the boy's body followed the same motion. Crashing to his knees, his body flopped backwards. A long groan echoed through the battlefield. One of complete relief, mixed with exhaustion. Even if the pain wasn't real, the nauseas feeling washing over Lucas when Torchic got kicked in the torso hadn't quite faded. But, to ease it all was the euphoria of victory. Intoxicating enough to numb even the toughest of pains. And leave Torchic beaming at the end of it all, like it hadn't a single scratch.

  The feeling of victory came with it some surreality too. Looking up at the ceiling, wondering, gasping at the thought he won. Ultimately, it had taken Torchic's gentle pecks against the cheek to bring Lucas back to reality. The reality that confirmed everything. Their victory. Their pride. Their joy.

  "We did it!" Lucas brought the chick tightly into his arms, cuddling it tight. Even with the red hot flames, they'd somehow settled enough to make hugging Torchic just the right temperature. Half of Lucas wondered how Torchic could have the energy to keep going after such a hard won battle. But, Lucas' other half was beyond thankful that they could indulge in this moment. The hug between them had been well earnt.

  Seijo sighed. Even the nerves had gotten to him. After how long doing this, he expected them to settle. But, they never do. You just deal with them. And, in these certain situations, you can never really put them to rest. Vigoroth began to awake, rubbing its head. The charred mark where blazing talons left their mark. Glancing around, the monkey found Seijo looking over him. A smile on his face, regardless of the fall it had taken.

  "You fought excellently," the gym leader spoke without alarm. Calmly, soothing to Vigoroth's pulsing headache. The Normal type nodded in agreement, eyes settling on Torchic and its trainer. It snickered. Good for them. Then, it'd been returned to its capsule, a red light fading into the ball. Then, a few steps taken before Seijo reached Lucas. Laid down, cuddling his partner. A small exhale left the gym leader's nose.

  "You lived up to the hype. You're something special, alright," Seijo began, before taking a glance over to Ellie. Poor girl looked halfway between the happiest moment of her life and cardiac arrest. Something told him she'd been more nervous for the battle than Lucas. His eyes locked back onto the boy. "I already knew that from the starters you were given. But, even amongst those selected by Professor Birch, you rank among the best," Seijo sighed. "Is what I would say if you would get off the floor and receive the gym badge."

  Lucas blushed, looking around at the floor. Seijo exhaled out his nose again. Not the pinnacle of grace, even with the battle chops.

  "Right, sorry!" Lucas apologized, shooting back up to his feet, fixing his backpack, cradling Torchic close to his chest. Seijo reached into his pocket, holding up the badge, then letting it drop into Lucas' cupped hands.

  "A badge well earned-"

  "You don't say..." Ellie found her opportunity to jump into the conversation, waddling over and awkwardly latching her arms around Lucas. A long groan left her mouth. "My word...win a little easier next time, my heart can't handle another battle like that..."

  "Oh, don't worry! I'll plan to have plenty more close calls!"

  "Nooo..." Ellie whined, hugging Lucas tighter, the boy gently giggling in response. Then, her eyes drifted wide open, suddenly unwrapping and taking a place next to Lucas. Hands clasped behind her back, slightly reddened texture to her face. "Sorry, did I interrupt anything?"

  "Well, I was just gonna say, can't wait to see what you two do at the Ever Grande Conference."

  "You think we'll make it?" Ellie asked.

  "Of course. Do you make a habit of downtrodding yourself?" Seijo asked, maybe a little too cuttingly to be a true relief. "Your skills should show you that. It'll get you far. Not just having strong Pokemon, but the knowledge necessary to use them."

  "Well, thank you. We'll be seeing you at the Ever Grande Conference, I promise!" Lucas gave a cheesy smile, followed by a salute. Ellie caught the gesture out of the corner of her eye, followed quickly by a roll of said eyes. Seijo stifled a laugh, smiling.

  "Yes, I suppose you-"

  A sustained rumbling undercut Seijo's words. Ringing through the whole gym, shaking it to the core. Torchic's body jittered in Lucas' arms, the boy clenching tighter as to not lose his grip on his Pokemon. Ralts wobbled, teleporting to Ellie's head, gently gripping her hair to stay steady. Mudkip fell to the ground too, stumbling before being brought into Ellie's arms.

  "C-Construction nearby?" Ellie asked. Trying to come up with some reason why it'd be so strong. Something going on in the backroom, perhaps.

  "N-Nothing that I know of." Seijo dissuaded the theory, tremor lingering on his voice. One which only got stronger. The two took a step back. Seijo moved a step forward, lurking closer to the centre of the gym. Feeling the vibrations in the floor through his feet. His hands slipped into his pockets. Feeling for his partner's Pokeball, ready to pounce in case trouble came. The shaking did seem strongest as its centre. Louder. Stronger. Quicker. Faster.

  ...

  "LOOK OU-"

  An earth shattering boom thundered through the gym. Dust covered the opening, debris flung up to hit against the ceiling. The cloud lingered, spreading even to those outside the blast radius. Ellie coughed sporadically, dropping to her knees. Even Lucas became overcome with a coughing fit. But, from the cover of his arm, his eyes attempted to take a peek over at what had emerged.

  His heart stopped. Goosebumps ran along his skin. His foot stumbled back, knocking against a shard of wood. The looming threat stood high. Towering over the two. One unfamiliar sight to Ellie. One very familiar sight to Lucas. His foot took another recourse back. This time, the wood didn't move. Instead, Lucas came crashing to the ground. Heart rate thundering.

  No euphoria of victory could overcome this.

  A drill. Bearing the insignia of an S, right on its side.