“It’s been two weeks since the Mamoswine have gone missing without a trace from the Pokemon Research Laboratory located in Unova’s Viprehpan City, and the scientists working at the lab, as well as the police, are still urging the public to call in with any leads regarding the missing Pokemon,” a newsman spoke from the television screen in the Pokemon Center. The volume was very low on the TV and was kind of hard to hear. “As previously reported, a collection of Mamoswine that have been in the care of Prof. P-”

“Well, if this is where we are now, then I still can't be sure what town we came from.” June squinted at the Town Map plastered on the wall, grabbing my attention from the television. “There are four other places that lead into here from the west, alone. There's Velaero City, Prime Town, Floaddle Island, and Dildize City.”

“Well, the point is, we know that this is where we are right now, so we don't really have to worry about where we came from, I guess,” I stated.

“I don't wanna end up back where we came from.” June turned to me, crossing her arms.

I nodded at her. “Well, if Spart Town is right here, then we must be headed in this direction.” I pointed to the right of where we were located on the map.

“Okay, so where's our next destination?”

“I was kind of thinking that maybe we could go to Verdew Town,” Courtney suggested shyly, smiling as she looked at the floor. “There's a Grass type Gym there and I've kind of been dying to go there. I love Grass type Pokemon!”

“Grass type Pokemon? Alright. Well, let's get over there, then,” I nodded to her.

Courtney smiled brightly and bounced on her feet. Her arms opened wide. “Hug?”

I glanced at June.

Her face was struggling to not show her anger, but I could see it in her eyes as she squinted down.

What is her problem? I thought as I walked over to Courtney and allowed her to pull me into an eager hug, my own arms wrapped around her as well, albeit with less enthusiasm. She just wants a hug. Why's June got to be so weird? My eyes closed as I took in a sweet aroma from Courtney’s hair, and a second scent drew my nose closer to her neck. I held onto Courtney even tighter as my body became weak from the sensuous smell of the perfume she was wearing, my tongue running across my lips one time. My eyes closed and I became lost in the tantalizing fragrance.

Courtney released me, bringing me back down to Earth, and she turned to June. “June?” She opened her arms and giggled.

June turned to me wearily.

I raised my eyebrows expectantly and nudged towards Courtney with my head.

Sighing, June approached Courtney and hesitantly opened her arms.

Courtney's smile faded and she lowered her arms, her chin dropping to her chest. “You don't have to, June. I understand if you still aren't comfortable around me, yet.”

June grunted and crossed her arms, turning her back on Courtney.

I opened my mouth to scold June.

The door in the back of the Pokemon Center opened, and Nurse Joy and two Audino walked out, smiling warmly at us, Nurse Joy holding a tray with six Poke Balls, one Audino holding a tray with five Poke Balls, and the last Audino holding a tray with six Poke Balls. “Excuse me, Gary? Your Pokemon are all doing better,” Nurse Joy called out as she and her Pokemon walked behind the wooden counter. “Your Unfezant should take it easy for about week, but he’s recovering just fine and is in good shape. June, your Electivire is also healing up quite nicely, but should also take it easy for a little while. The rest of the Pokemon you three brought in have been taken care of, as well.”

We all ran over to the counter.

“Thanks!” I said, taking my Poke Balls from Nurse Joy.

“Thank you!” Courtney gushed, taking her Poke Balls from an Audino.

“Thank you so much!” June took the final five Poke Balls from the remaining Audino.

“Nurse Joy, I meant to ask, is there a phone I could use?” I brought up. “The one here in the lobby isn’t working.”

“I'm sorry, but all of our phones are down right now,” Nurse Joy told me with a sorrowful smile. “I called the repair guys out here almost two hours ago, but when you're not a Pokemon Center in a big name town or city, it can be a bit difficult to get any help when you want it.”

“Ah, that's okay.” I waved my hand at her with a slight smile. “We'll just use the phone at the next town, I guess.”

“Sorry about that,” Nurse Joy said.

“No problem. Thanks, again. We'll be seeing you.”

Courtney and June waved goodbye to Nurse Joy, and we all exited the Pokemon Center that sat by the side of the dirt road.

“June?” Courtney said as we all stopped outside of the front door of the Pokemon Center and I pulled out my Town Map.

“What…?” June asked cautiously.

“Please tell me that you're competing in the Pokemon League with Gary and I.”

“I'm not competing in any Leagues, okay?” June spoke quickly.

Courtney didn't say anything.

I turned to both girls as a strange feeling filled my chest, telling me that it was best that I try and keep the three of us moving rather than just standing still, so I walked to our right, leading the way down the dirt path.

“Were you competing in the Kanto League, June?” Courtney asked. “You know. Back then?”

“No,” June replied shortly.

“And you're not competing in Unova, either?”

June's jaw tightened as she struggled to keep her mouth shut and not say something mean to Courtney. “No,” she finally told her.

“Then, may I ask why you're traveling with Gary?”

June swallowed and turned to Courtney angrily. She didn't say anything, but just continued to look at her.

Courtney turned to June and raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“I am working with my Pokemon to build a better relationship with them,” June growled through gritted teeth, speaking slowly.

“And what does that have to do with Gary?” Courtney inquired.

Silence.

“It's beneficial for me to follow him since he has a very strong bond and work ethic with his Pokemon,” June finally said, her voice sounding even more irritated.

“That doesn't make any sense. You're following some kid around the world in order to work on your own relationship issues with your Pokemon just because this said kid has a good relationship with his own Pokemon?”

“Courtney, you don't understand,” June answered impatiently. “Just drop it. It's none of your business.”

“Oh, maybe it's none of my business, but I think I understand a lot better than you're giving me credit for, June,” Courtney said slyly, smiling at June sinisterly.

“What does that mean?” June demanded. Her face was becoming red.

“You know what I mean,” Courtney winked at June.

What was I thinking inviting Courtney to this group? I thought to myself. It's bad enough dealing with June! This is going to be Hell!

“Courtney, I'm not talking to you right now, and I don't intend on doing it anytime soon, either,” June snapped. “So, please, if you absolutely have to talk to me, make sure it's important!”

“I think Gary is important,” Courtney responded.

Time seemed to freeze as I stumbled at Courtney's words.

Our group paused for a few seconds before we continued walking as if we had never stopped.

“Gary's my friend, and I am concerned about his other friends and what they do,” Courtney continued. “I want to make sure he's safe.”

“Yeah, you did a fine job of that when you led him off-track back in Kanto and nearly got me killed,” June said sarcastically.

“That was the past and I’m sorry about that,” Courtney sighed. “But you know I didn't mean to get you sick like that. I had no way of knowing you'd be so careless.”

“Careless?!” June screamed. “It was not my fault! It was an accident!”

“Exactly,” Courtney winked, smiling smugly.

June's eyes widened as she realized that she'd just been tricked. She growled at Courtney and glared at the path ahead of us.

I sighed, shaking my head in exasperation. These two are driving me mad, I thought. “Look,” I pointed ahead. “A forest. According to the Town Map, we'll be in Verdew Town in about a day or so.”

“Great!” Courtney cried out happily, swinging her arms by her sides.

“So, by the way,” I started, folding up my Town Map and looking at Courtney. “Exactly how many Badges do you have?”

“Eight,” Courtney said, smiling as she gazed down.

I gasped. “Eight? You have all eight Badges?”

Courtney nodded, not turning to me. “The Pokemon League is only a few months away, you know. Spring arrived not long ago, and once summer gets started, you had better have obtained all of your Badges and be training with your Pokemon. Or else, you’re gonna have a bad time at the League, hee hee. How many do you have?”

“I only need two more Badges,” I said confidently.

Courtney turned to me, maintaining her smile. “Not bad.”

“Why do you want to go to Verdew Town if you already have eight Badges?” I asked her.

“Ha! What better way to be prepared for the League than to continue traveling and collecting Gym Badges?”

I couldn't help but look into her blue eyes and smile back, admiring how a few strands of her now blonde hair sat against her pink cheek.

Courtney's glasses sat on her nose, giving her a sort of intelligent, geeky, extremely cute appearance she didn't have back when I met her in Kanto. While she was always pretty, something about her pink glasses added to it by a lot.

A loud hacking noise made me look away from Courtney and I saw June bent over, holding her stomach, coughing hard.

“Hey, are you okay?” I asked her as I stopped walking.

She stood up, a fury inside of her eyes, and she cleared her throat. “Yeah, I'm just fine,” she told me moodily. “Guess I’m coming down with something.” She walked ahead of the two of us, but suddenly froze in her steps just a couple of seconds later.

I also looked ahead.

Courtney’s eyes were also on the person exiting the forest, walking towards us.

The person stopped and squinted at us, brushing aside long, black hair that was in their face. A loud scream came out as the individual ran forward and leaped onto June, their arms wrapping around her neck as she was tackled to the ground, crying out in shock. “JUNIIII!!” Ruko shouted. “Super mega bear glomps!! It's been so long!! How've ya been?!”

June coughed as Ruko’s hug strangled her by her neck. “I'm okay, Ruko,” she choked out. “Nice to see you, as usual.”

Ruko's cheek forced itself against June's and snuggled eagerly. She looked up at me and climbed off of June, leaving her on the floor to cough repeatedly. “And good old Gar-bear!! Man, how've you been?!” She wrapped me up in a surprisingly tight hug and squeezed the air out of me.

“Hi!” I gasped, my eyes wide as I struggled for air.

“And who's this?” Ruko released me and turned to Courtney.

I inhaled air into my lungs repeatedly, trying to recover my breath that had been stolen from me.

“Hello,” Courtney greeted Ruko kindly. “I'm Courtney.”

“I'm Ruko! Man, the friends in this group just keep on changing!” Ruko laughed. “It's nice to meet you!”

Both girls shook hands.

Ruko turned to me. “What happened to the other girl that was here?”

“She… decided to go down a different path, so we split and went our own ways,” I told her, my heart beating hard as it split down the middle, and I could feel tears behind my eyes trying to make their way out, but I held them back, blinking fast.

“Awww. I guess that's best sometimes, though,” Ruko said. “We can't all travel down the same path, right? We need to make our own way and stuff. Say, you remember my Jellicent I had when I battled the last girl you were with?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“I traded that for a freaking Cursed Body Ability Jellicent! That was a big help against the last Gym I came from about a week ago. And I traded my Ferrothorn for a freaking Zweilous! Scooore!!” Ruko laughed loud.

I closed my eyes as my eyebrows furrowed. The inside of my body immediately flared up. My fists clenched tightly. “Ruko…” I started.

“Say, let's have us a Pokemon battle! Six-on-six! I've got a little bit of time on me.” She looked at the large watch on her wrist before looking back up at me. “How about it, Gary?”

“Fine!” My eyes shot open. “Let's battle, Ruko! My six Pokemon I've capture all on my own and raised ever since, against your six Pokemon which you apparently haven't captured on your own and have no bond with whatsoever.”

“Huh?” Ruko stared at me in surprise, her smile vanishing slowly.

“A Pokemon battle isn't just about powerful Pokemon, Ruko,” I said to her firmly, the words tumbling out of my mouth uncontrollably. “The bond and relationship the Trainer has with their Pokemon is just as important, if not more so! You have no kind of connection with your Pokemon, but I love my Pokemon and I've raised them all myself!”

“I love my Pokemon, Gary! I know how to use them!” Ruko said, confusion on her face. “I've raised my Pokemon. I may not be their Original Trainer, but I still have used them all before. Pokemon Trainers trade Pokemon all the time and form great friendships with them!”

“Yeah, because they don't trade them off at the sound of what might be a better Pokemon, Ruko!” Anger was pumping into my heart, flowing into my voice and making it rise as I tried hard to hold it back. “It isn't right! Trading is fine, but what you're doing is just…” I took a deep breath, trying to find the right word.

“Just what?” Ruko asked, squinting at me.

I swallowed as I stared back at her. For some reason, I was stuck. I knew what I was feeling was right, but I couldn't explain it properly. Ruko was wrong to exchange her Pokemon so loosely, and I had to show her why. “Ruko, I'll battle you and I'll show you that a Pokemon's strength is not determined by the Abilities or types or whatever you're out here basing wins on! It's a lot more than just that, Ruko! I'm going to defeat you! Six-on-six!”

“Alright!” Ruko smiled again. “Let's battle! You seem to know a whole lot about Pokemon, Gary, but I'll do my best against you. I'm totally gonna lose, ha ha ha!”

Damn right, I was barely able to say quietly in my head as Ruko and I backed up several feet away from each other.

June walked off to the side to judge the battle.

Courtney walked away and stopped a few feet behind me.

“Ruko, I hope you're ready for this,” I told her seriously as I grabbed a Poke Ball. “I'm not gonna lose this one! I'm gonna show you that a true Pokemon Trainer actually trains their Pokemon and cares for them. They don't just throw them aside for something better. That's not right!”

“Wait!” Ruko stared at me with disapproval. “I care for my Pokemon! I don't just throw them away! Just because I trade a lot doesn't mean I don't care about my Pokemon!”

“You only want strong Pokemon!” I accused her. “You don't care about being friends with them. You don't care about their feelings at all!”

“You know, in my life, I go through a lot of judgment from people.” Ruko now held a glare on her face. “You don't know anything about me. How can you say that?”

She's right, I realized, swallowing nervously. But I know she doesn't care about her Pokemon like I do! She gave away her Starter! Her Tepig! She can't beat me! “Are you ready?” I shouted determinedly.

“You bet!” Ruko grinned at me.

“This will be a six-on-six Pokemon battle,” June said strictly. “No time limit! The first Trainer to have their Pokemon defeated, loses! Let the battle begin!”

“Excadrill, go!” I shouted.

“Beartic, let's battle!” Ruko shouted at the same time.

“ExcaDRIIIIIIIILL!!!!!” Excadrill yelled powerfully.

“BEEEEEEEEAAAAAARRRRRRR!!!!!” Beartic roared right back.

Beartic. The Freezing Pokemon. This is Cubchoo's evolved form. This Pokemon hunts in cold, northern seas.

“An Excadrill! Nice!” Ruko said loudly.

“An Ice type,” I muttered. “Alright, then.”

“Gary, I insist you go first,” Ruko nodded.

I couldn't help but smile back, but I quickly shook my head and glared at Beartic. This battle is important, I reminded myself. I have to win! This is for my beliefs. My morals! I am right! I have to beat Ruko! “Excadrill, let's start with Rock Slide, now!”

“Aqua Jet, go!” Ruko insisted.

“BEEEEAAAARRRTIC!” Beartic's body was surrounded by water and it flew towards Excadrill, slamming into him before he could launch his attack.

“Cadrill…” Excadrill groaned from the ground as he struggled to push himself up with his claws.

“Now use Icicle Crash!” Ruko demanded.

“Beartic!!” Beartic inhaled deeply and exhaled light blue sparkles from its mouth.

The blue sparkles twinkled underneath the sun above and clumps of ice began to form. The ice grew longer and thicker, turning into sharp icicles before raining down on Excadrill.

“DRIIIIIIILLLL!!!” Excadrill wailed helplessly as he was knocked over. “Excadrill…” Excadrill moaned weakly from his back.

“Excadrill is unable to battle…?” June said slowly, her eyes wide. “Beartic wins!”

I gaped at my defeated Pokemon. Excadrill…? I said silently, unable to get my lips to open to form words. Impossible…

“Alright! Good job, Beartic,” Ruko smiled at the Pokemon before turning to me. “One down, Gary.”

Hmph! I thought with disappointment. “Excadrill, good try. Return!” I grabbed my next Poke Ball. “Cottonee, I choose you!” I threw his Poke Ball.

“Cooooottoonneeee!” Cottonee called out.

“Oh, that's so cute! A Cottonee!” Ruko gushed. “Wow, such cool Pokemon!”

“Alright, Poison Powder, right away!”

“Blizzard attack!” Ruko chose.

Cottonee moved even quicker than Beartic, a dark gray smoke flowing from his leaves with a purple powder that sparkled around it.

Beartic coughed against the smoke and its face was flushed purple.

“Beartic got Poisoned!” Courtney cheered from behind me.

“Now use Energy Ball!” I commanded my Pokemon.

“Blizzard, Beartic!” Ruko told the cold Pokemon.

Beartic's jaws opened and it sent out a flurry of cold air, ice, and snow as Cottonee's leaves glowed and sparkled light green, a light green orb of energy charging in front of his face.

Blizzard hit my Pokemon, and the Energy Ball attacked disappeared, Cottonee screaming out as he was flung backwards and tumbled on the ground. He came to a stop at my feet.

“Please, no, Cottonee!” I begged.

“Cottonee is unable to battle,” June said sadly, looking at me. “Beartic wins.”

“Yes! Great work, Beartic!” Ruko congratulated her Pokemon.

Beartic was breathing a little hard, the Poison declining its health.

At least the thing is Poisoned, I noted as I held out Cottonee's Poke Ball. “Okay, Cottonee, you did well. Let's give another Pokemon a chance, now.” But, who? I asked myself as I glared at Ruko's eager face. “Seismitoad, I'm counting on you!” I threw his Poke Ball.

“Seeeiiiiiismitoad!” Seismitoad gurgled.

“Oooh! Seismitoad! This is gonna be good!” Ruko said to me.

“Seismitoad, use Hydro Pump right now!” I screamed at him.

“Beartic, attack with your Aqua Jet again!” Ruko ordered.

Beartic flew into Seismitoad, causing him to stumble back against the attack.

Seismitoad shook his head and blasted a powerful stream of water at Beartic, knocking it down onto its back.

“Seismitoad’s doing it! Go get ‘em, Gary! Go, Seismitoad!” Courtney rooted.

Finally! I said silently. “Now use your Earthquake attack!”

“Beartic, get up and use your Blizzard!”

“Seismitooooooad!!” Seismitoad leaped into the air and slammed down heavily, rocking the ground.

Ruko, June, and Courtney all cried out and stumbled about.

I bent my knees slightly and managed to maintain my balance.

The ground split in a path leading to Beartic, the bear raging loudly as it was thrown back by the powerful force and rolled along the ground.

“Beartic, get back up!” Ruko told Beartic.

“Bear…” Beartic growled, and it pushed itself back onto its feet. One claw rose and landed on the back of its head as it rubbed it, its eyes closed. “Bear!” Beartic bent over as the Poison settled in even further.

We're wearing it out, I nodded happily. This is almost over. “Once more with Hydro Pump!” I told Seismitoad quickly.

“Swagger!” Ruko responded.

Beartic stood up straight and crossed its arms, glaring at Seismitoad. Its body became outlined in red.

Seismitoad froze and his eyes glowed red as Confusion set in. “Seis? Seis?” he croaked as he looked around in Confusion. Suddenly, he looked down at the ground and started pummeling himself in the stomach!

Courtney gasped at this.

“Seismitoad, cut it out! Shake off the Confusion!” I shouted to him.

Seismitoad continued to attack himself mercilessly, punch after punch taking away his energy.

“Now use Brine!” Ruko pointed.

Beartic opened its mouth and sprayed Seismitoad in the face with a thick blast of water.

Seismitoad gurgled painfully as he was forced backwards and hit the ground on his back. “Toooooad…”

“Seismitoad is out…” June whispered in awe, a mournful look in her eyes as she stared at my Seismitoad. “Beartic wins again.”

“Yyyyes! WOOOOOO!!! Another one!” Ruko leaped in the air a few times. “I can't believe we're winning! Your Pokemon are getting tougher and tougher, though, Gary! I bet I'm about to meet my match right about now.”

Is she patronizing me right now? I wondered angrily as I returned Seismitoad to his Poke Ball, Beartic groaning from the Poison. She can't be that dumb. She must really thing I suck. I'll show her! This is for the Pokemon! This is for the real Pokemon Trainers! “Elgyem, let's show them what we've got!”

“Elgyem!” Elgyem stared at his opponent

“Hey! Elgyem! Okay!” Ruko pulled out her pink Pokedex from her pocket.

Elgyem. The Cerebral Pokemon. Elgyem was unheard of before suddenly making their appearance in the Desert Resort in Unova over half a century ago. When threatened, they use their Psychic powers to squeeze their opponent's brain.

“So cool! Wow! I want one!” Ruko put her Pokedex away.

“Well, this one is mine!” I snapped at her. “You can only battle him!”

Ruko squinted at me and opened her mouth as if to say something.

“Elgyem, let's immobilize that thing for a change so it can't attack!” I interrupted her before she could utter a word. “Psychic attack!”

“Hone Claws!” Ruko instructed strongly.

Beartic's claws glowed white and it slashed them together, boosting its Attack and Accuracy.

“Elgy!” Elgyem's eyes glowed blue, surrounding Beartic in the same blue color, and the bear roared painfully as Elgyem's Psychic powers were applied onto it.

“Finish off that thing!” I encouraged Elgyem.

Beartic closed its eyes, roaring even louder, its claws open, reaching to the sky.

“Yes! You’ve got it now, Gary!” Courtney applauded excitedly.

“Hold on, Beartic! Just a little bit longer!” Ruko told Beartic.

“Bear…” Beartic groaned, gritting its teeth.

“Almost there, Elgyem!” I pushed him.

“Elgy… El!” Elgyem's eyes returned to normal and Beartic stumbled backwards, groaning before dropping to the ground on its backside.

“Beartic’s out!” Courtney shouted with delight.

June turned to Courtney angrily.

“I don’t think so!” Ruko beamed happily. “Let's do that special move you've got! Assurance!”

“Assurance!” I gasped. “NO!”

Beartic got to its feet, bringing a loud, frightful gasp out of Courtney, and it raised an open palm coated in a black aura. It pulled back its palm as it ran towards Elgyem.

“El?!” Elgyem uttered in fright.

“Bear!” Beartic's palm slammed into Elgyem's face, tossing him back easily.

I caught Elgyem as he flew towards my chest. I was thrown off of my feet, landing on my back with a pained grunt.

“Elgyem…” Elgyem moaned, motionless in my arms.

“Gary!” Courtney made her way over to me quickly. She knelt down next to me. “Are you alright?”

I shook my head sharply and sat up, looking down at my Pokemon.

“Elgyem's been defeated, too,” June said in a low voice, lowering her head sadly.

“Beartic, you're amazing!” Ruko squealed with delight. “I can't believe you're still standing! Don't give up, yet! It's only gonna get worse, now!”

Beartic was heaving heavily, exhausted from the battles, but it glared at me as it watched me return Elgyem to his Poke Ball and get back to my feet.

I glared right back at it. How tough is that thing? I wondered. It's still standing! It can't have much left in it. Alright, it's time to take this thing out for good. “Darmanitan, I know you can do this! Let's go!”

“DAAAAAAAAAAAARMANITAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNN!!!” Darmanitan roared at Beartic.

“BEEEEEEAAAAARRR!!!” Beartic roared back without fear.

“Flare Blitz, right away!” I urged.

“Aqua Jet first!” Ruko called quickly.

Beartic moved first with the fast move and knocked Darmanitan to the ground with the Super Effective hit.

“Daaaaaaarrrr…” Darmanitan groaned as his stomach flashed white from the hit.

“No! Not a Critical Hit! Not now!” I was shaking with anger and despair, my emotions creating tears in my eyes.

“Brine!” Ruko said without hesitation.

Beartic blasted Darmanitan, Darmanitan screaming helplessly as he tumbled.

“Darmanitan, get up! COME ON!” I screamed shrilly, my voice full of panic.

Darmanitan remained on his back, motionless.

“Darmanitan's out,” June’s voice quivered, her eyes turning away from my direction.

How could this be…? My eyes were glued to Darmanitan. Even Darmanitan is out? What do I have left? Excadrill, Darmanitan, Cottonee, Elgyem, Seismitoad…

Beartic growled painfully, its eyes closed tight, as the Poison inside of it caused it to bend over.

I returned Darmanitan to his Poke Ball. “Okay, thanks, buddy,” I muttered, staring at the Poke Ball before reaching for my final one. Nurse Joy told me not to use this one so soon, I reminded myself as I glared at the Poke Ball containing my final Pokemon. She said he needed time to rest. But, she also said he was doing okay. I can’t lose to Ruko like this. I can’t quit! I don’t have any other options! My fist tightened around the Poke Ball in anger as I debated with myself internally over the decision I wanted to make. I looked up at Ruko furiously.

She was looking at the Poke Ball in my hand with a thrilled smile, her eyes attentive and flowing with anticipation at what my final Pokemon would be.

For some reason, I became even more angry and I squeezed the Poke Ball with all the strength I had in me. She has to go down! I yelled in my head, pressing my teeth tightly against each other. I know I can count on my Pokemon! I LOVE my Pokemon! “Unfezant, I'm counting on you, now! Let's go!” I threw his Poke Ball.

“Unfeeeeezant!” Unfezant stretched out his wings and stared down at Beartic from above. His tail was wrapped in white bandages.

“Alright, a Flying type! Stay sharp, Beartic! Use Blizzard to take out that Pokemon!” Ruko spoke strongly.

“Unfezant, use Detect, now!”

Beartic attacked, opening its jaws wide and blowing freezing air, ice, and snow in a flurry at Unfezant.

Unfezant's eyes glowed light blue and he spiraled underneath the chilling attack, flying close to the dangerous move as he soared towards Beartic.

“Now use your Quick Attack!” I told Unfezant.

Unfezant cawed loudly and in a flash, vanished, reappearing in the next second right in front of Beartic and tackling it in the stomach.

Beartic groaned and stumbled back several steps.

“Beartic, Aqua Jet!”

“Unfezant, match it with Quick Attack again!”

Beartic, coated in water, flew through the air at Unfezant as my Pokemon soared into Beartic, both creatures colliding into each other, forcing each other back.

“Again!” I screamed.

“Aqua Jet again! Take it down!”

Both Pokemon repeated their actions several more times.

Unfezant was now weakly flapping his wings, breathing hard, glaring at Beartic.

Beartic winced, but never took its eyes off of Unfezant.

“Unfezant, use Roost!!”

“Blizzard, right now!”

“BEEEEEAAAARRR!!!” Beartic blasted the Ice attack at Unfezant before Unfezant could start his Roost, which would have taken away his Flying typing temporarily and made Blizzard not be Super Effective.

“Uuuuuunnnfez!!” Unfezant dropped to the ground in a heap.

“No!” I said loudly through gritted teeth, my hands balled at my sides, staring down at Unfezant as tears started to drip from them slowly. Not like this. Not to Ruko! This can't be! My shoulders slumped. “Unfezant, no! Please!”

“Wow! That was amazing!” Ruko walked towards her Beartic. “I won! A total sweep!”

I licked my lips and continued staring down at my Unfezant in dismay.

“Wait!” June gasped, her eyes on Unfezant. “Just hold on a second!”

“Huh?” Ruko looked at Unfezant.

“Bear?” Beartic gasped, staring down at my bird Pokemon.

“Fez…” Unfezant groaned, and his head started to slowly lift from the ground. He turned weakly and stared at me. “Unfezant…”

Courtney gasped loud.

“Unfezant! Are you okay?” I couldn't believe my eyes.

Unfezant's wings bent as he pushed himself up with them and turned to Beartic. “Fezaaaaaaant!!” Unfezant squawked at his opponent. His body glowed white brightly as he used Roost attack to recover his energy. “Unfeeeeeeez!” Unfezant’s wings outstretched as the glow faded.

Beartic growled at him.

Ruko clapped excitedly, smiling eagerly. “No way! I can't believe this! It's still got some fight in it!” She hopped back several feet from Beartic and a challenging smile came over her face. “Alright, then let's use Blizzard one more time. And really make it count!”

“You can't fly right now, so just use your Detect until you can!” I told Unfezant.

Unfezant's eyes glowed again and he flapped his wings as he sidestepped the powerful attack Beartic sent at him.

“Icicle Crash, now!”

“Detect!”

Beartic paused for a moment and groaned, the Poison still sapping its health.

How much more health does that thing have? I wondered. It's still fighting through the Poison?

Beartic released a powerful wind from its mouth, the light blue sparkles inside of it forming large, sharp icicles, and Unfezant's eyes glowed again as he ducked and jumped around the attacks.

“Hm…” Ruko said thoughtfully. “Aqua Jet!”

“Unfez!” Unfezant's wings spread wide and he flapped them, taking into the air.

“Alright, your flight is back! Use your Detect once more!”

Beartic flew at Unfezant.

Unfezant's eyes failed to glow, and he was taken down by Beartic.

“Oh, no!” Detect doesn't always work if it's used consecutively, I reminded myself.

“Beartic, Swagger, now!”

“Unfezant, Razor Wind, go!”

Beartic roared strongly, crossing its arms, glaring at Unfezant.

Unfezant got up from the ground and into the air. His wings glowed white and he flapped them, creating a powerful wind, and white, crescent-shaped energy flew out and hit Beartic.

Beartic took a few steps back and roared, and then its body glowed red.

Unfezant’s eyes glowed red as Confusion set in.

“Unfezant, screw that! You're my last hope! Use your Air Slash!”

“Rest attack while it’s Confused!” Ruko beamed brightly.

“No!”

Unfezant's wings glowed light blue and he flapped them, multiple light blue saw disc energy blades colliding with Beartic as it had started to kneel down to sit on the ground.

“Beartic, Rest! Let's recover for a bit!” Ruko urged her Pokemon.

“Tic…” Beartic fell forward and dropped to its face.

June gasped and a smile came over her face. “Beartic is out! Beartic is out!” she ruled with a bit too much surprise and excitement. “Unfezant won! Unfezant wins!! Oh, my gosh! I can’t believe it!! Oops.” She covered her mouth with both of her hands and stared at me with wide, fearful eyes as I threw her a sharp, furious glare, silently telling her it was time to shut up.

“Wow…” Courtney’s voice trembled in a whisper.

I looked behind me to see her visibly shaking as she shook her head and watched my still Confused Unfezant fly around in sloppy circles in the sky as he cawed out in varying levels.

She looked down to me in disbelief, smiling with her mouth wide open, shaking her head.

I could tell that she couldn’t believe I had pulled out a win, and honestly, at this point, neither could I. I breathed out a sigh of relief and kept my eyes on Unfezant as I began to wonder how much longer we could last against Ruko. Was Beartic her most powerful Pokemon? Could we defeat the rest of her team? If we keep on using Roost, maybe we can pull out a miracle and beat all of Ruko's Pokemon, I told myself with next to no belief in those words.

“Beartic, good stuff! Nice job! Return!” She laughed and stared at its Great Ball. “I guess that Poison finally wore you down.”

“Took long enough,” I muttered under my breath.

“And now, I'm going to use you, Krookadile!”

“Krooooookadile!” the Pokemon said as it was released from its Great Ball, snapping its huge jaws eagerly.

“Alright, we have an advantage with you being part Flying,” I told Unfezant. “Let's start with Feather Dance! Lower its Attack!”

Ruko's mouth opened but she didn’t say anything. “Oh…” she muttered, staring with wide eyes at Unfezant.

Unfezant cawed strongly, his eyes still red, displaying his Confusion, and his body became outlined in gold. He waved his wings around and bounced his body in the air in a bizarre dance-like motion. His entire body then glowed with the gold color. A golden powder fell from Unfezant's body and all around Krookadile.

“Krook…” Krookadile sighed. Its body hunched over and it suddenly looked a lot more exhausted.

“Alright! Now, Air Slash!”

My Confused Pokemon used Air Slash, Krookadile calling out as the sharp attacks slashed at its body. Krookadile shook its head and looked up at Unfezant.

“Foul Play!” Ruko pointed up at Unfezant.

“Foul Play…?” I repeated.

Krookadile leaped into the air, high above Unfezant! Its jaws opened as it came down upon Unfezant and it pulled back its claws. It then forced its claws forward, slamming them into Unfezant, forcing him to the ground hard as they both crashed down together.

Dirt was forced into the air, hiding both Pokemon briefly.

“Uuunnn!” Unfezant burst out painfully.

“There we go! Even with a lowered Attack, Foul Play's strength is based on the opponent's Attack stat to deliver damage!” Ruko winked.

My eyes widened. Beartic’s Swagger boosted Unfezant’s Attack, and then Foul Play used that against him… That's good, I admitted silently. I didn't like that I had admitted that, but it was true. Then again, I thought, she didn't raise those Pokemon. She didn't do a thing for them. She's using strategies from other Trainers, not her own. These aren't her Pokemon. She can't beat me! I won't have it! “Unfezant!”

My Pokemon was still on the ground, not moving.

“That was excellent, but I think we've won!” Ruko stated, smiling.

“Unfezant…” Unfezant groaned and shakily forced himself back up.

“Huh?” I squinted at my Pokemon. “Unfezant?” I turned to June quickly.

Her face held surprise, an impressed look in her eyes.

“Krooook?” Krookadile said softly, surprise in its voice as it watched Unfezant get back up.

Ruko was silent, watching Unfezant with a stunned look.

“Ha! Not quite, Ruko! This battle is far from done!” I told her happily.

“Uh, oh,” Ruko said, her eyes glued to my Pokemon.

“Unfezant, let's show them what you've really got! Let's use Roost for starters and get back your energy!”

Unfezant shook his head and opened his eyes, the red in them now gone, showing that he was no longer Confused, and he used Roost, his body glowing white as his energy was restored.

Once the glow had faded, I shouted, “This is gonna boost its Attack, but it'll still Confuse that Krookadile, too! Let's try out Swagger!”

Unfezant's body was outlined in red as he stared up at Krookadile.

Krookadile cried out and its eyes glowed red.

“Krookadile, shake off the Confusion and fight back with Crunch!”

Krookadile stomped the ground in a rage, roaring angrily with its head facing the skies, and it slashed at its own face with its sharp claws!

“Oh, no! Krookadile!” Ruko called out to her Pokemon desperately.

“Let's add to that with Facade!” I ordered.

Unfezant's body was covered in an orange aura as he ran on his talons. With a strong leap, he tackled Krookadile.

Krookadile swung angrily at Unfezant, missing in its Confusion, clawing through the air and cutting at its own body every few slashes.

“Krookadile, fight back and use your Earthquake! You can do it!”

“KROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOK!!!” Krookadile howled, and it raised a foot and slammed it to the ground powerfully.

The ground shook roughly, Courtney and June struggling to maintain their balance.

Unfezant was tossed back through the air and he slammed into the ground. He didn't move.

Krookadile's eyes turned back to normal and it heaved strongly, looking down at Unfezant.

“Now that was pretty freaking intense!!” Ruko leaped into the air repeatedly. “Nice fight!”

“My Unfezant…” I moaned weakly.

“Looks like that Roost backfired on you,” Ruko explained. “It took away Unfezant’s Flying type, which left you vulnerable to Ground moves.”

“I know how it works, thank you,” I said angrily. I sighed, lowering my angry eyes to Unfezant.

Unfezant twitched his body, and then didn't move.

I squinted at him. “Unfezant?”

Unfezant's head turned slowly and he looked up at me with a face of exhaustion and defeat.

“Unfezant, it's alright. You did great, man.” I forced a shaky smile and nodded at him, although what I really wanted to do was cry.

“Un! Unfezant!” Unfezant got up, stumbling weakly on his talons before dropping again.

“Unfezant, wait! That's enough! You can come back!” I held out his Poke Ball.

“Unfezant!” Unfezant took a strong leap into the air and his wings spread wide as he flew away from the red beam of the Poke Ball.

Ruko gaped in shock at Unfezant as he hovered above an equally stunned Krookadile, both Trainer and Pokemon cocking their heads sideways in confusion at the same time.

I turned to June, who was looking up at Unfezant in disbelief.

“I can't believe it…” Courtney whispered from behind me.

Unfezant cried out at Krookadile.

“I guess we're not done yet…?” Ruko questioned.

“This is amazing! Ha!” I smiled proudly at Ruko. “This is what you get when a Trainer and Pokemon have a bond and work together and aren't just traded away, Ruko! This match is ours!”

Ruko looked down to me, surprise on her face at my words I'd just spoken.

“We're gonna beat all of your Pokemon, Ruko! Unfezant, use Air Slash!”

Unfezant took a deep breath, clearly worn out, and he attacked with Air Slash.

Krookadile grunted repeatedly and stumbled back in pain as white sparks flew from its body where the attack was hitting it.

“Oh! Critical Hits!” Ruko said with worry. “This isn't looking so good, anymore.”

Krookadile leaned over, trying to catch its breath.

We need Roost to recover, but we'll be too vulnerable to Ground moves, I thought. That Krookadile is almost beaten. We'll recover when her third Pokemon comes out. We must win! “Unfezant, attack with Quick Attack, right now!”

“Smack Down!” Ruko told her Pokemon.

“Krook!” Krookadile's head snapped back as Unfezant slammed into its chin, causing it to flash white, signifying another Critical Hit! As Unfezant flew past it, Krookadile swiftly turned its head to my Pokemon and opened its jaws, a golden orb surrounded by an orange energy forming inside of it.

The orb flew out at Unfezant and hit him in the back.

Unfezant dropped to the ground, growling as he struggled to get back up.

“That's good,” Ruko nodded. “That’s an astoundingly good Pokemon you’ve raised, Gary. Earthquake!”

“Fly into the air!”

Unfezant flapped his wings feebly, but he didn’t ascend.

Krookadile shook the ground again.

Courtney was dropped to her knees.

June managed to keep her balance for a short time before landing on her back.

I stumbled around before collapsing to my knees.

Ruko stumbled around but didn’t fall.

Unfezant was tossed back by the Earthquake and he slid along the ground on his stomach.

“Unfezant! How?” I ran towards my Pokemon and knelt down next to him. My hand ran across his soft, feathered back gently. “What happened out there? Earthquake hit?”

Unfezant wasn't moving.

I lifted his head up gently.

He didn't react to my touch, his eyes closed. He didn't even seem to be breathing.

“That move, Smack Down, ensures a Flying type, or anything hovering above the ground, is grounded, making them vulnerable to Ground moves,” June explained, sitting up, staring at me sadly. “I’m sorry, Gary. Unfezant is definitely defeated this time. Ruko wins the battle.”

Krookadile's body glowed a deep blue before returning to normal.

“Alright! We won, Krookadile! That's what's up!” Ruko patted the Pokemon’s shoulder. “No need for Moxie at this point, ha ha ha!”

“Krooo-hooo-hooooooookadile!” Krookadile nodded cheerfully.

“Alright! Come on back. Good job.” Ruko returned her Krookadile and turned to me, smiling brightly. “Hey! That was awesome, man!” She walked over to me and extended her hand. “That Unfezant is the best! I can't believe it kept on going like that!”

I lowered my head, ignoring her hand. Not wanting to be a bad sport, I forced myself to raise my hand and shook hers, but I refused to look at her, keeping my eyes on Unfezant, and I nodded.

“Good thing the Pokemon Center is so close by, huh?” She lifted her hand and looked at the large watch on her wrist. “Oh, man! I've gotta get going or I'll be late meeting up with my girlfriend! I'll catch you all later, okay? Nice to meet you, Courtney! Byyye!” She turned around and ran back into the wooded area she had left when running into us.

I sighed. “Come on back, Unfezant.” I returned my Pokemon.

“Gary, are you alright?” Courtney asked softly, kneeling down next to me.

“She's got some really strong Pokemon,” June said, looking after Ruko.

“Well, duh, June!” Courtney snapped at her.

June glared at Courtney.

“Gary doesn't need to hear that right now,” Courtney said gently, turning to me with a smile. “You did just fine against her, Ga-”

“Don't give me that!” I told her sharply, standing up, looking away from her. “I did terrible and I know this. Don't tell me I did good. I'm not an idiot.”

June let out a satisfied grunt, smirking at Courtney.

Courtney stood up and gave June a quick, dirty look before turning back to me. “I'm sorry,” she whispered. She looked down sadly. “Would a hug make you feel better?” she asked hesitantly.

I sighed. “Sure,” was all I could say. I didn't really want to hug her, but I also didn't want to hurt Courtney. Plus, I was too upset over my horrible battle to build up the energy to start snapping and being mean, though I felt like that was the only way I wanted to be right now.

Courtney looked at me with a bright, glowing smile and pulled me into a tight hug.

I hugged her back weakly, the mixture of the feeling of her arms around me, the scent of her perfume, and the aroma of whatever shampoo she was using, bringing a certain, extremely minimal, calm to me.

“I'll wait for you two back at the Pokemon Center!” June said loudly, angrily, and she stomped away.

Courtney didn't let go of me, but she turned to June. “What is her problem?” Courtney asked, shaking her head. She turned to me, her pleading eyes touching me deep down into my heart. “I'm trying really hard, Gary. You know that, right?”

I nodded and turned to watch June.

June looked back quickly and turned away, a loud growl heard from her as she got closer to the building.

“I know, Courtney,” I sighed.

Courtney pulled me into an even tighter hug, her head on my shoulder, sighing. “I still think you did great out there, Sugar Lumps.” She giggled and rubbed her head against my shoulder.

I didn't reply, staring at June as she stormed into the Pokemon Center.

As I held Courtney, something inside of me told me that I was in the middle of a war that only one of these two girls was going to walk away from.

And it was going to get really bad.

Sooner rather than later.