“With us now is the legendary Pokemon Professor, Prof. Oak,” the newscaster named Marsha said firmly, staring sternly into the camera and then looking at the professor. “Prof. Oak, how are you feeling?” She lowered her microphone to him.

“Well, I've certainly been better,” Prof. Oak groaned, sitting in a chair outside, rubbing his back, a pained look on his face as he leaned forward on a silver cane. “I should be okay, though.”

“Can you tell us what happened here?” Marsha asked.

“Not at all,” Prof. Oak shook his head wearily. “One minute I was doing my research on a rare Pokemon a Trainer had sent me, and the next minute, there was this loud set of explosions from outside and the Pokemon were all in a panic, screaming and whatnot. Before I could even get to the door to see what was happening, my entire mansion was collapsing on top of me!”

“Reports are coming in that this attack was from the terrorist organization known at Team Solace,” Marsha informed Prof. Oak.

“Team Solace!” Prof. Oak gasped in shock, looking up at Marsha, his eyes bulging.

“Yes, sir,” Marsha nodded at him. “The radio and television stations across the planet were all interrupted and a message proclaiming that Team Solace has returned and was behind this attack was proclaimed by an unknown individual.”

Prof. Oak stared hard at Marsha. “I see…” he said in a low croak of a voice. He groaned and removed his hand from his back so he could rub his chin as he gazed down solemnly at the ground. “Well, it isn't outside the realm of possibility, that's for sure. A group like that could easily have resurfaced.”

The professor's words made my heart drop.

“Team Solace has finally come to an end.” Those words spoken so long ago by the Professor were nothing but icicle jabs into my heart, freezing my entire body.

“The mindset of a group like that didn't solely belong to the leader, and this group may very well be a copycat group, if not perhaps a regrouping of the old members,” Prof. Oak said seriously, keeping his eyes down.

“That’s a rather terrifying thought, Professor,” Marsha said nervously, running her hand through her curly, black hair. “With the return of this deadly group, do you have any advice for the people out there, including but not limited to, Pokemon Trainers?”

“Hmmmm.” Prof. Oak closed his eyes. “As I matter of fact, I do.” He opened his eyes glared directly into the camera. “Lillipup. Knowing its limitations, being both brave and wise.”

A poem… I thought to myself, reflecting on it.

“Don't do anything reckless,” Prof. Oak continued. “Know when to flee. Know when to fight. Above all, stay safe.”

A strong silence took over the room, nobody speaking as Prof. Oak's words sunk in.

Wow, Prof. Oak, I admitted to myself. That was actually pretty good.

Marsha lifted the microphone to her face. “Those were powerful words from Prof. Oak just now, encouraging us all to be strong in these trying times. May his wise words fill us all with hope for the future. Back to you, Feli-”

“Wait!” Prof. Oak stood up, groaning painfully, and he pulled the microphone to his face, Marsha still holding onto it, a surprised look now on her face. “I want to give a, um, how do the kids say…? A 'shout-out,' to Gary!”

My eyes widened at the mention of my name. Me? I questioned silently.

“Gary, don't you worry about your Pokemon, okay? They're all okay, luckily,” Prof. Oak said happily, smiling and waving at the camera, his cane dropping. “I've had them all transferred to Prof. Juniper, and for the time being, any Pokemon you capture will all be transferred to her. You can choose to either call her to trade Pokemon, or you can use your Pokedex. Please, do try and contact her, though. I’m sure she’d love to speak with you again.”

“Um, excuse me, please, Prof. Oak,” Marsha grunted angrily, pulling her microphone back to her face, Prof. Oak holding onto it with a scowl. “Are you speaking to your grandson, Prof. Gary Oak?”

Prof. Oak pulled the microphone back in front of him, Marsha glaring at him as she hung onto it. “Huh? Oh, no!” Prof. Oak laughed. “This message is for a young Trainer I know named Gary-”

“Today, we have Timothy Bruise here to talk about his new life and engagement to Kathy Stholmes,” TV host Croakrah Spindley smiled from the set of her world famous TV show.

“Huh? What the f-?” I whipped my head around.

“Yaaaaaawn,” Nurse Joy said, waving her hand in front of her face, holding a remote in her other hand. “The old man's fine. Enough already. The news is too depressing these days. I just can't deal with it sometimes. You can find another TV to watch the news on. In my Pokemon Center, we'll watch what I want.”

“Turn it back!” June growled ferociously, stomping towards Nurse Joy.

“Or else what?” Nurse Joy stepped from around her counter towards June.

“Audino!” Audino cried angrily, joining her partner.

The duo crossed their arms in front of their chests and glared at June.

June stopped but continued returning their furious stares. She growled at them.

“While I'm still caring for your little boyfriend's Unfezant, I don't think any of you three are in any position to be telling me what to do!” Nurse Joy snapped.

“Just forget it!” I grabbed June's arm and pulled her back. “The Professor's fine. Let's just get out of here. Come on!”

June stumbled, trying not to be budged by my yanking, keeping her eyes on Nurse Joy and Audino.

Courtney then helped me pull June back as well.

“Fine!” June suddenly shouted, yanking her arm out of Courtney's grasp, and then out of mine.

Courtney gasped in reaction.

“I can walk on my own,” June grumbled, and stomped away from us, leaving the building.

With a sigh, I turned to Courtney.

She stared at me sadly.

“Let's just go,” I said, and walked towards the front door, Courtney following me. I turned back to the TV and I could see Timothy Bruise jumping on the tiny black couch he had just been sitting on with Croakrah Spindley, the crowd going wild with excitement, Croakrah laughing, holding an amused look on her face as she clapped with the audience.

I opened the door and allowed Courtney to walk out first before turning back to Nurse Joy. “And she is NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!!!” I angrily slammed the door shut.

*

“You sure you don't need some sleep, June?” I asked her.

The afternoon sun beamed high in the sky. It was a beautiful day, the grass crunching beneath our feet as we headed towards the Pokemon Gym.

We had been up all night the night before, waiting on news about Prof. Oak, and June had been the one who had woken Courtney and I up at around three in the morning when it had been revealed that Prof. Oak had been found.

By two in the afternoon, he had given the interview we had just seen where I received my shout-out at the end.

“I'm okay,” June smiled. “I'm just glad that Prof. Oak is okay! I'm so grateful!”

I nodded. “Me, too. I’m so relieved that my Pokemon are fine. Talk about luck! We can all rest a lot easier tonight. And I'm totally getting my Badge this time!”

“Good luck, Sugar Lumps,” Courtney said as we walked down the path lined by flowers, fruits, and vegetables that led to the Gym, several bumblebees floating above many of the flowers. She stopped and turned to me. “Good luck hug?” She spread her arms wide and then turned to June. “Group hug?”

June and I turned to each other and then looked back at Courtney.

Ugh, I thought. What is it with her and hugging all the time? “Alright…” I said hesitantly.

“You don't have to,” Courtney said sadly, lowering her arms and head. “I can tell you don't want to.”

“No, I do,” I said quickly, my heart beating fast as I started to feel bad.

Courtney shook her head. “No, you're just saying that. Let's just get that Badge, okay?” She smiled at me, though it was clearly forced.

I opened my arms. “Courtney, I'd love a good luck group hug before my match.” I smiled at her.

“Yeah? Okay! Yay!” She wrapped me in a tight hug.

My arms squeezed around her, and I became helpless to the scent of whatever perfume she was wearing today, different from before, my nose pulling me towards the location of the smell, on her neck.

Several loud knocks made me look up and I saw June with her arms crossed, her back to Courtney and I, glaring at the door.

“Huh?” Courtney let go of me and turned to June. “Hey! It was supposed to be a group hug!” she complained.

June completely ignored Courtney.

The door opened and Gramma stood smiling at us. A strong smell of flowers and dirt greeted my nose, either a perfume or the smell of Gramma’s hard work caring for her gardens. She was wearing a yellow tank top matching the yellow bow tied at the ponytail in her hair and her yellow shorts. The tank top held several of her Flower Badges on it. Her feet were in brown sandals with blue and white flower designs all over them. “Hello, kids! Nice to meet you! Are you here to challenge my Pokemon Gym?”

“That's right! I'm back for a rematch, Gramma!” I stepped up to her quickly. “Will you accept?”

“A rematch? We've battled before?” Gramma giggled.

My shoulders slumped in disappointment. I can't believe I lost to such an airhead, I thought to myself. “Yes! You beat me!” I frowned.

“Oh, well, come on in! I don't really remember us battling.” Gramma cheerfully looked around her garden. She inhaled deeply and let out a happy sigh. “What a beautiful day!” She held open the door to her Gym and waved us inside.

“You battled Courtney first and your Whimsicott lost to her Sceptile!” I tried reminding Gramma.

“Nope. Not ringing any bells,” Gramma said cheerfully as she walked past us and towards the battlefield.

June sighed. “I'm probably gonna be the judge again,” she muttered, and walked towards the battlefield as well.

“You beat my Unfezant with your Leavanny!” I cried out, taking my place at the battlefield.

“My brain is a little funky sometimes, sweetheart,” Gramma smiled at me warmly from her side of the battlefield. “I'm sorry, I just don't-” Her smile suddenly faded and her eyes widened. “Wait a minute! You!” She glared at me now.

Uh, oh, I thought, my eyes widening.

“You're that horrible Trainer who pushed his Pokemon to battle even when he was defeated! I remember you! How dare you come back here to my Gym!” she leered at me coldly.

“That's not what happened!” I protested, worried that she wasn't going to let me battle her. “Unfezant was just trying too hard and was battling on his own!”

“And you let him!” Gramma accused.

“Not true!” I yelled, getting upset. “I tried to stop him! He just wouldn't listen! He's in recovery right now, but me and him have to have a long talk when he gets out. His actions after he was defeated weren't my fault! I just… I guess I should have done more…” I lowered my head shamefully. “As his Trainer, I should have known he'd get like that. I should be more in tune with my Pokemon. I guess it really is my fault. I'm sorry.”

“Well, I can see that you understand your fault in this situation,” Gramma said kindly. “That's very mature of you. It will help you to become a better Pokemon Trainer. Your Pokemon deserve that.”

I nodded at her. “They do.”

Gramma nodded back at me with a smile. “Well, how about you and I have a two-on-two battle this time?”

“Really?”

“Mhm. I do prefer one-on-one matches, but they can be a bit unfair in their own way,” Gramma acknowledged. “Let's make things a little more interesting this time. What do you say?”

“Absolutely! Let's go!” I nodded eagerly.

“Okay, then.” Gramma grabbed a Poke Ball.

“This will be a two-on-two Pokemon battle between Verdew Town Pokemon Gym Leader, Gramma,” June spoke, “and the Kanto region's Gary, from Pallet Town. There is no time limit.” She stopped suddenly and turned to Gramma. “Ummm, is anyone allowed to switch Pokemon, ma’am?”

“However you want it, sweetheart,” Gramma smiled at June. “I don’t mind.”

“Hm, okay. Then we’ll do it how the Gyms usually have the rules set,” June smiled as she turned to me. “Only Gary may substitute Pokemon. At stake is the Flower Badge! Begin!”

“I really need to remember to visit my girlfriend and see if she's doing okay. She hasn't judged a match of mine in so long. I miss her,” Gramma muttered. “Alright, I'm going with Leavanny!” Gramma threw her Poke Ball.

“Leavaaaaaanny!” Leavanny called out in its odd tone of voice.

“And I'm going to bring out Drifloon! Let's go!” I threw her Dusk Ball.

“Floon…” Drifloon called out in a low voice.

“Welcome back to the team, Drifloon! Let's win the Flower Badge!” I said happily, looking up at her.

“Floon…” Drifloon didn't look back at me, and her head lowered, her face turning red.

“You alright, Drifloon?” I asked her.

“Huh?” I barely heard June's whispered voice, and I turned to her, seeing she wore a face of confusion as she looked up at Drifloon.

“Well, this is interesting! A Drifloon!” Gramma said. “Please, do go first, Gary!”

“Right! Okay, use your Gust attack!”

“Floon,” Drifloon said, but didn't move.

I waited with a smile.

Leavanny watched Drifloon.

June stared at Drifloon.

Courtney gazed at Drifloon.

Gramma didn't take her eyes off of Drifloon.

My smile started to fade as Drifloon remained still. “Drifloon? Didn't you hear me? I said to use your Gust attack!”

“Floon,” Drifloon said in a low voice.

I turned to June.

Her mouth hung open as she stared at Drifloon. She lowered her eyes to me and slowly shook her head.

“What's wrong with her?” I cried out to June, and then looked back up to Drifloon.

“I guess Unfezant isn't the only one who isn't listening to you,” Courtney commented.

“Drifloon, use Gust!” I shouted at her.

“Floooooooooooonnnn!” Drifloon shouted back. She spun in a circle, lowering her body down towards the floor. “Floooooonnn…”

“She won't attack!” June gasped.

“Gee, ya don't say,” Courtney muttered. “I wouldn't have been able to figure that one out without your amazing powers.”

“What was that?” June demanded angrily, turning to Courtney.

“Drifloon, why won't you listen to me?” I called out to her.

“Well, if your Pokemon won't fight, I guess I'll have the first move,” Gramma stated. “Let's take this chance to use Swords Dance, now!”

“Leavaaaaaaan!” Leavanny's arms glowed purple and it swung them through the air sharply and quickly.

“Drifloon, use Shadow Ball, then!” I told her.

Drifloon lowered her body even lower to the floor instead of attacking.

“Another Swords Dance!” Gramma said quickly.

“Constrict! Stockpile! Hex! Minimize!” I shouted out desperately. “Do something, Drifloon! Come on!!”

Drifloon shook her head and refused to fight. She actually appeared really sad!

“Drifloon, what's going on? You were one of my best battlers back in Kanto! What's happened?” I questioned feebly.

Drifloon turned her face to me, and I saw the mournful look in her eyes.

“Drifloon!” I cried, my heart beating at the sad look on her face. “Drifloon, are you okay to battle? I thought you would be! What's happening with you? Don't you want to fight?”

Drifloon turned away from me.

I can't use her, I realized. She won't battle for some reason. Something must be wrong!

“Alright, now let’s attack strong with this one!” Gramma said, pointing at Drifloon. “Use Electroweb!”

“Leavaaaan!” Leavanny spit out a sparking, electric string that expanded into a huge spider web. The web landed on Drifloon and wrapped around her body, and she wailed out in pain.

“Drifloon, no!” I shouted. “Get out of there!”

Drifloon struggled, crying out helplessly.

“As a Gym Leader, one thing I know is that variety is key,” Gramma smiled proudly. “Shadow Claw!”

A physical move! I thought fearfully. With that thing's Attack boosted from Swords Dance, it might be too much for my Drifloon to handle!

Leavanny leaped at Drifloon, one of its arms in the air, surrounded by a dark aura, and it smacked Drifloon hard.

“Floooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnn!!!!” Drifloon tumbled on the ground before sliding to a stop. The web around her body vanished, and she sprawled out flat on the floor.

“Drifloon!” I called out weakly. “What happened to you since the last time we battled?” I sniffled sadly, emotions rising up inside of me, reflecting on when I had used her at the Pokemon League.

She had taken out three Pokemon all on her own, getting me through to the sixth round. She put up an astounding fight against a few of Robin's Pokemon as well, even taking a Thunder attack from his Pikachu.

My Drifloon was always shy, but never afraid to battle. This wasn't the same Drifloon I raised. She had changed. Was it because of what she had suffered from Team Solace when they had attacked at the Kanto League years ago?

Drifloon's head lifted shakily and she looked up at me.

It hurt me to see her in such bad shape, unable to fight, and that depressed look on her face was the final straw. “Okay, that's enough, Drifloon. I don't know why you won't fight, but we'll work on this together, alright? You don't have to fight anymore.” I smiled and winked at her as I grabbed her Dusk Ball. “I still have one more Pokemon that I'm sure can pull us through to a victory.” I held out her Poke Ball. “Re-”

“Flooooon!” Drifloon's appendages reached out and wrapped around my wrist. “Floon! Floon! Floon!” She floated up into the air, keeping her eyes on me.

“Drifloon?” I gasped. “Hey! What's up? What are you doing?”

Drifloon shook her head at me and then released my wrist and turned around to Leavanny. “Floon!”

“Is this gonna be another case of your Pokemon fighting beyond their limitations?” Gramma demanded, frowning at me. “I refuse to allow this to happen again!”

“She's still able to battle!” June declared. “It's okay!” She had a focused look on her face as she watched Drifloon.

“Well, if you say so,” Gramma said to June with a shrug. “That is one tough Drifloon if it's still able to battle after taking that Shadow Claw, but it won't stand up to another one! Go finish it off, Leavanny!”

“Leeeeeeeeee!!” Leavanny charged at Drifloon with Shadow Claw, ready to finish the match.

“Thunder Wave!” I ordered.

Drifloon's appendages sparked with light blue electricity, and they pointed at Leavanny as it leaped at her. “Floooon!” Drifloon zapped Leavanny, Paralyzing it instantly.

“Leavaaan!” Leavanny dropped to the ground and twitched painfully, its body sparking with electricity. “Leav! Leavanny!” Leavanny struggled to move, its eyes closed tight.

“Gust attack!”

Drifloon's body glowed light blue and its body was surrounded by a tornado.

The tornado flew away from Drifloon and surrounded Leavanny, the Bug type crying out as it was tossed around inside of the attack.

Leavanny was flung from the Gust as it dissipated and bounced on its back on the ground.

“Hex attack!” I ordered.

“Leavanny, move out of the way of that move!” Gramma screamed.

Leavanny climbed to its feet, looking up at Drifloon with determination.

Drifloon's eyes glowed with a mix of purple and red.

Leavanny hovered in the air, outlined in the same mix of scary colors, and it wailed in pain as the damage set in.

With Leavanny Paralyzed, this attack will do even more damage than normal, I thought happily. Drifloon is finally coming through!

“Vaaaanny…” Leavanny moaned as it was finally released. Its body shook noticeably as it struggled back to its feet.

We can Stockpile and then Swallow, if we get the chance, I considered. Nah, we need to just hit for all its worth. We might not get another turn. “Another Hex attack!”

“Leavanny, use Me First!” Gramma instructed.

Leavanny bent over and its body sparked with electricity. It was Paralyzed!

Drifloon attacked Leavanny with another Hex, Leavanny struggling to break free.

“Oh, no!” Gramma said, distress in her voice.

Leavanny was released and dropped to the ground. “Vanny… Vanny… Vanny!” Leavanny breathed hard, pushing itself up with its leafy hands. “Leav!” It fell back down and remained motionless.

Alright, I thought victoriously. One down, one to go. Whimsicott must be next.

“Leavanny! Are you alright? Are you able to keep going?” Gramma said gently to her fallen Pokemon.

And she complained about me pushing my Pokemon too hard? That Bug is done, lady, I thought impatiently.

Leavanny's eyes tightened, and then they opened!

“Whoa!” No matter how wide my eyes spread open, I couldn't believe what I was seeing, my heart beating sharply.

June stared solemnly at Leavanny.

Courtney cried out. “Wow! Grass types! YAY! This is amazing!”

“Grass types are the best types! You can't get this type of courage from any other types, nor make it look as moving and alluring!” Gramma cooed.

“I know, right? Grass type Pokemon have a way of bringing out emotions in what they do!” Courtney gushed. “They don't just do an act; they are the act! They bring life to it! They bring out the true definition of it, and redefine it at the same time, like nothing else on this planet could dare do!”

“Precisely! Grass types are like the embodiment of what it truly means-” Gramma went on.

“Excuse me, can you two do this another time?” I yelled.

“Oh, sorry,” Gramma laughed. “I got a little caught up.”

“So rude, geez,” Courtney said moodily, crossing her arms and glaring at me.

Leavanny got back up, its legs shaking as if unable to hold itself up.

“Leavanny, we're only one move away! It's about time we attacked!” Gramma said strongly. “Return, now!”

I opened my mouth to order a move, but my mouth widened further instead and my eyes squinted at Gramma. Return…? Seriously?!?!?! I screamed in frustration in my head.

Leavanny ran powerfully and took a strong leap into the air, flying at my Pokemon.

Drifloon hovered silently.

Leavanny flew right through Drifloon and slid on the ground. “Leavaaaan?” Leavanny said in confusion, looking at me.

“Return is a Normal move!!!” I screamed furiously at Gramma. “That doesn't work on GHOOOSTS!!!”

Gramma raised her hands to her cheeks with a smile. “Gosh, I totally forgot that!” She closed her eyes and laughed loudly as if a great joke had just been told.

“Don't be so mean, Gary,” Courtney scolded me. “Sometimes, people forget some of the rules and type advantages and disadvantages and moves and such. It can get confusing.” The tone of her voice was weak and low, as if she was trying to defend Gramma, but was having trouble doing so.

“Drifloon, use Shadow Ball!” I shouted impatiently.

Drifloon formed a sparking, purple ball in front of her face as she turned around to Leavanny. She quickly smacked the ball with one of her appendages as Leavanny turned its head around.

“Leavaaaanny!” Leavanny was hit in the face and slid along the floor on its back, coming to a stop. “Vaaaannn…” Leavanny moaned weakly.

“Leavanny is no longer able to fight! Drifloon wins!” June announced.

“Yes! YES! Alright, Drifloon! One more to go! Let's go all the way!” I jumped for joy.

“Floooon…” Drifloon looked down, her face red, her appendages swaying loosely. “Flooooooooonn…” Drifloon lowered herself to the floor.

“Drifloon?” I called out to her.

“Poor Leavanny,” Courtney shook her head. “Well, just one more to go, Gary!” She smiled at me.

“Leavanny, you did really well,” Gramma said, sadness on her face as she returned her Pokemon.

“Alright, for my final Pokemon, I'm going to bring out, Leavanny! Ha ha!” She threw an Ultra Ball this time.

“Leavanny?” I repeated.

“Leavanny?” June repeated.

“Leavanny?” Courtney repeated.

“Leavaaanny!” Leavanny cried as it appeared from its Ultra Ball.

“You have two Leavanny?” Courtney questioned, cocking her head.

“Ha ha, yeah!” Gramma laughed. “I caught this one by accident a while back. I forgot I already owned one and I just had to have one! Then, not long after I caught this Leavanny, I remembered I already had my own Leavanny, so, I have two! Funny, huh?” She burst out laughing.

I covered my face with one hand. I have to get out of this Gym, immediately, I told myself. “Drifloon, let's start off strong! Gust, now!”

“Floooooooooon!” Drifloon floated back up into the air and attacked Leavanny with Gust.

“Leavanny, use your Payback!”

Leavanny was sucked inside of the tornado created by Drifloon. It cried out helplessly before finally flying out, landing on its feet, twirling around dizzily. Leavanny collapsed and closed its eyes tightly, groaning. In the next instant, Leavanny's eyes opened and it flew out at Drifloon, delivering a flurry of punches from its leafy hands that were coated in a dark aura.

Drifloon screamed out painfully and she flew back and bounced on the ground weakly.

“Drifloon, get up and fight back! Use your Thunder Wave!” I pleaded with her.

Drifloon groaned and shivered on the ground, fighting to get back up.

“Take the time to pull off a quick Swords Dance, Leavanny!” Gramma instructed Leavanny.

Leavanny boosted its Attack Stat with Swords Dance and then cried out strongly at Drifloon.

Drifloon shook her head and glared at Leavanny.

“Drifloon, Minimize!”

“Swords Dance again!”

In a puff of smoke that surrounded Drifloon, she was gone instantly.

I squinted and was just barely able to spot her tiny form in the air.

Leavanny boosted its Attack with another Swords Dance.

“Now use Gust attack!” I said strongly.

Drifloon's little body flashed with a light blue glow and a huge tornado flew out at Leavanny.

“Payback!” Gramma said quickly.

Leavanny was caught up in the tornado and thrown out as it faded away. Landing on its stomach, it groaned and shook its head, getting back up, and ran towards Drifloon to attack with Payback. The Bug and Grass type swung blow after blow, but it didn't seem to hit my Pokemon and it let out an angry cry as it ended its attack and looked around.

“Alright! Another Minimize, Drifloon!” I said happily. We're about to end this! I thought eagerly. Leavanny can't even see Drifloon!

Another puff of smoke appeared on a tiny spot of the field as Drifloon cried out and shrunk herself even smaller.

“Leavanny, use Mind Reader!” Gramma said with a serious tone, her face hardening.

“Mind Reader!” I exclaimed. “No!”

Leavanny stood up straight and didn't move, glaring at one spot on the battlefield.

“Drifloon, Thunder Wave, right now!” I cried out in a panic.

“Payback!” Gramma demanded.

Drifloon was barely visible, but I could just make out her appendages flash with blue electricity and zap Leavanny.

Leavanny didn't budge and kept its eyes on Drifloon as it was hit by her attack. It then zoomed forward and swung viciously at Drifloon multiple times.

Drifloon let out a loud, terrifying shriek that filled my body with shivers as she spun downward and collapsed to the ground.

“Drifloon!” I shouted desperately. “Oh, no! Drifloon, no! We almost had this one!”

“Drifloon is unable to battle any further,” June announced. “Leavanny is the winner!”

“That was a really great job, Leavanny!” Gramma congratulated her Pokemon. “We won't be taken over by a slight type disadvantage, now will we?”

“That's right!” Courtney cheered. “Fight for what a Grass type is worth!”

I glared at Courtney as I grabbed Drifloon's Dusk Ball.

Courtney turned to me with wide eyes, her mouth open in shock. “Um, I mean, like, just don't think Grass types are gonna go down easily just because of a type disadvantage,” Courtney said, staring at me as her eyes widened even further. “Especially when they're in the care of such a loving, strategic Trainer as Gramma.”

Strategic is a bit of a stretch, I thought. But she does have a nice set of moves on her Pokemon. “Drifloon, that was really awesome battling, buddy! Come on back for a good rest!” I returned her and grabbed my next Poke Ball. “And now, it's time for my next Pokemon! Let's go, Darmanitan!”

“DaaaaaaaaaaarMANITAAAAAAN!” Darmanitan roared at Leavanny.

Courtney gasped.

June smiled.

Gramma squinted at my Pokemon.

Leavanny grimaced at my Pokemon.

“Darmanitan, Flare Blitz, right now!”

“Leavanny, use Protect!”

Her Leavanny doesn't know Protect, I thought, smirking. Or… One of them didn't… My smirk faded as I watched Darmantian’s body become coated in flames and soar at Leavanny.

A turquoise shield appeared in front of Leavanny.

Darmanitan's powerful Flare Blitz hit the shield and bounced back, tossing the Pokemon back several feet in surprise.

“Ha!” Gramma laughed, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “I knew one of my Leavanny were able to do Protect!” She laughed excitedly. “Now, return!” Gramma held out an Ultra Ball and returned Leavanny.

I gasped in shock.

June gasped in shock.

Courtney gasped in shock.

“I choose Whimsicott! Go!” Gramma threw a Poke Ball.

Gramma threw the Poke Ball to the field and the Pokemon came out.

“Whimsicott!” Whimsicott cried out happily, smiling at Darmanitan.

“Whimsicott?” I cried out, staring at Whimsicott.

“Whimsicott!” Courtney tilted her head in confusion as she looked down at Whimsicott and then up at Gramma.

“What…?” June questioned, squinting at Gramma.

“What?” Gramma asked angrily, staring at us all. “Don’t count us out so easily! Whimsicott can win this battle! We’ll prove it! Let’s begin with Stun Spore, Whimsicott!”

“Whimsicott!” Whimsicott’s body shook hard and sprayed a golden powder at Darmanitan.

“Manitaaaaann!” Darmanitan growled as he was covered by the Paralyzing powder.

“Hey!” I shouted angrily. “You can’t do that!”

“Yes, I can!” Gramma gave me a confused look. “That move is authorized by the Pokemon League and is perfectly legal!”

“Gramma, stop! You can’t send out a third Pokemon! This is a two-on-two battle!” June called out. “And I made it perfectly clear that you are not allowed to retreat your Pokemon! I declare that Gary is the winner of this match, as well as the winner of the Flower Badge!” June waved her open hand towards me.

My heart dropped in dismay. “What…?”

“Oh, gosh, no!” Gramma gasped, raising a hand to her mouth. “Whimsicott, stop! Return, please!” Gramma returned her Whimsicott quickly. “What have I done…?” Gramma looked down at Whimsicott’s Poke Ball sadly.

“Darmanitan, get back, now!” I shouted quickly and returned my Pokemon. I looked at Gramma and gave her an exhausted sigh.

“You see why I hate battles that are more than just one-on-one matches, now?” Gramma giggled. “I get so confused when more Pokemon are involved. Ha ha ha!”

June sighed and closed her eyes, shaking her head pitifully.

“Gary, you did it! That was a great battle!” Courtney ran up to me and pulled me into a tight hug.

I wasn’t able to turn around to the hurried footsteps behind me before I felt a second strong hug wrap around my waist.

“Gary! You did wonderfully! Congratulations!” June gushed.

“You had a great battle, Gary! Really exciting!” Courtney squealed, hugging me even tighter.

“You battled very wisely! Good work!” June squealed, squeezing me even harder.

“You were on your way to a victory, even if Leavanny hadn’t been switched out accidentally!” Courtney insisted, her arms pulling me towards her in a hard grip.

“I’m constantly impressed by how much you grow as an amazing Pokemon Trainer, Gary!” June’s grip was starting to strangle me.

“You’re on the road to becoming a Pokemon Master!” Courtney’s grip was actually strangling me!

“Get… Off…” I choked out desperately, struggling to break free.

“Awwww! Hugs!” Gramma wrapped me up.

“Cannot… Breathe!!” I begged.

“Oh!” Courtney, June, and Gramma all exclaimed at once and released me, backing away.

I choked and coughed hard, smacking my own chest hard as I stumbled back.

Courtney’s face was red, looking down, smiling.

June was staring off the side, avoiding my glare, her face also red.

Gramma was smiling at me, holding out a Flower Badge towards me. “Congratulations on your Flower Badge, Gary! You earned it! I totally screwed up, there. Ha ha!”

I sighed and hesitantly took the Badge from Gramma’s hand. “Great…” I stared down at the Badge weakly and sighed again. “Thank you, Gramma,” I said, giving her a weary look.

Gramma beamed happily. “Congratulations.”

*

“Don’t be so down, Gary.” June placed her hand on my shoulder. “You got your next Badge! How many more do you need, now?”

“He only needs one more,” Courtney replied snootily, smirking proudly at June. “Right, Gary?” She turned to me.

“Yeah, this is my seventh Badge,” I nodded, staring down at it in disappointment.

“Whatever,” June grumbled, turning away from me, her hand falling off my shoulder.

“Would a hug make you feel any better, Sugar Lumps?” Courtney asked me, opening her arms.

I sighed as I looked up at her. Again? I thought. “Sure,” I said, not wanting her to think my sigh implied that I didn’t want to hug her, even though that’s exactly what it meant, along with other things I was feeling about her.

“Yay!” Courtney pulled me into a hug, and I hugged her back, deeply inhaling the captivating scents from her body. “You earned that Badge, Gary. You only have one more to go, now! Isn’t this thrilling?”

“Yeah,” I agreed, releasing Courtney.

She took several seconds longer to release me. “So, where are we headed to next? For your eight Badge! And my tenth!”

“I haven’t really checked out the Town Map for that information, yet.” I looked up at the TV screen in the Pokemon Center.

Croakrah was now interviewing Multi-Platinum superstar rapper, Cray-Z, in his project upbringing of Resthorde-Styevesant in Brookelane, New Tork City. They both were sitting on the stoop of a raggedy old building, talking normally despite the presumable danger two powerful superstars might be in in such a dangerous neighborhood.

I assumed that they must be surrounded by security and police out of the views of the camera, despite the occasional shots of the cameras scourging the neighborhood, displaying only muscular, scowling men in baggy jeans revealing their boxers, wife beaters, and du-rags, the occasional scantily clad female with a horrendous hairdo and a greasy, makeup soaked face standing around chewing on possibly gum.

The video was suddenly interrupted as the screen glitched with a fuzzy, gray display and static, going back to the Croakrah and Cray-Z interview, and then cutting out quickly to the gray screen again.

I gasped loudly and got to my feet. “Hey!”

“Gary?” Courtney uttered fearfully.

The video went gray again, and then displayed the interview once more before graying out again. The TV now showed a familiar display.

A dark blue background sat behind a black silhouette, a metallic cane gleaming out amongst the figure. “You were all warned,” the voice spoke out in its cloaked voice, just above a growl, distorted strongly. “Team Solace was never one for threats that never were meant to become reality. To ensure that, our last promise that was unfulfilled years ago, will be guaranteed to come to fruition, in short time. Be certain of that, if of nothing else. No region is safe. Every person opposing us will be slaughtered. All Pokemon shall be annihilated.”

The screen went gray again.

After a moment, the Croakrah and Cray-Z interview returned on screen.

My eyes were frozen on the screen, my heart in my throat. I felt a sudden desire for my heart to suffocate me if it were truly there. I wanted it to grow and continue beating, stopping my flow of breathing altogether and ending my life. I didn’t understand what was going on, and I no longer wanted to. The feeling of wanting to stop Team Solace, a feeling that was boiling within me, was too much to think about.

Team Solace had ruined so much for me, and for so many other people in the world. They had pushed their thoughts of Pokemon being evil into the world, and some people even agreed with them. They had killed countless numbers of people and Pokemon to prove a twisted point.

They killed one of my best friends.

Aly.

Team Solace had to be stopped, but there was nothing in the world I could do to stop them, despite how badly I wanted to be the one to do it.

Aly…

I closed my eyes tightly as hot tears burned behind them, pushing their way out from between my eyelids. A loud, attention grabbing tune made me open my eyes and look up at the TV.

The news was now on, BREAKING NEWS traveling across the screen in bold, black letters, a young man no older than possibly twenty glaring out. “Hello. We interrupt your televised program for this breaking news update,” the young guy spoke sternly. “My name is Funds English. Striker’s Island, New Tork City’s main jail complex, has just come under attack by unknown attackers. It seems some form at explosives were set against the jail, and multitudes of prisoners have escaped. While a few of the prisoners have been reported as having died in the waters, many are reporting that white and black helicopters and submarines appeared and saved some of them.”

I squinted in shock and slowly approached the screen.

“As of right now, it’s unclear exact-” The man paused and squinted off to the side. “I’m sorry. Give me one moment, please. It would appear that there is more news that has just come in! The United States Penitentiary, Marreein, has just been attacked by unknown vigilantes, and an unknown number of prisoners are escaping despite efforts to keep them all inside! Unlike Striker’s Island, the prisoners here are far more dangerous and it is now suspected that the attacks on the jail and prison are deliberate!”

“Oh, my gosh!” Courtney cried, taking me by surprise as she grabbed my arm, wrapping her arms around it fearfully.

I jumped in surprise, not knowing she was going to do that, but my eyes never moved from the TV.

“Officials are insisting that everyone remain calm,” Funds said sternly, though his voice was shaking. “They insist that everything will be under control, and that there is no-I’m sorry. Hold on! Breaking news! Falsesom State Prison has just been reported as being under immediate attack by some kind of attack aircraft! Prisoners are breaking free as we speak as officials are trying to stop them and maintain order!” Funds paused and swallowed, staring fearfully towards the screen. He didn’t speak a word.

From the corner of my eye, I spotted something next to me, and I turned to see June, her hand over her heart, staring at the TV above us in terror.

A list of prisons were slowly crossing the bottom of the TV screen in yellow print.

“ABX Flourish Facility has just been listed as under attack…” Funds stated, his voice quivering. “Black and white aircrafts are being reported around the prisons listed below, though it is not clear what they signify, exactly. Officials are now certain that these attacks are not coincidental and are warning everyone to stay tuned to their local news and to stay indoors for the time being. This includes any Pokemon Trainers. All people, including Pokemon Trainers, are urged to stay indoors for the time being! I repeat! All individuals, including Pokemon Trainers, are urged to stay indoors at this very moment, until further notice! This is an emergency situation!”