Part 21: Right on Cu!

                We trudged heavily through the damp forest as we made our way to Vermillion City. Rain drops crept through the canopy of vegetation above us and pattered on the colourful leaves which lined the path. A skin piercing breeze whistled through the Route and blew through our hair.

                It had been a week since we left HopHopHop Town and the memories of the dead Marowak still lingered in my mind. I hadn’t felt the same after that incident. I still trained my Pokémon, but I lacked ambition. I was afraid to push them too hard, push them beyond their limits and further. I was unsure of myself. My mind was a tempest of muddled thoughts.

                My contemplation came to a quick close when I noticed two Pokémon battling up ahead, both of which I had ever seen before. As we approached the scene, it became clear that both Pokémon were in combat under the instructions of their trainer, an older boy in his mid teens with slick black hair and glasses. He gave clear and confident orders as he watched over his Pokémon.

                Bewildered by these strange, yet fearsome Pokémon I checked my Dex:

                Breloom, the mushroom Pokémon and the evolved form of Shroomish. Breloom baffles its foe with its strong spores before throwing punches, bettering those of a pro boxer.

                Blaziken, the blaze Pokémon and the evolved form of Combusken. This Pokémon is capable of leaping great distances and its flaming punches can scorch even the most resistant foes.

                I put my Dex away and continued to stare in awe as both Pokémon continued their close range combat attacks. Their fists and feet worked in unison and at a blinding pace. It was a dazzling array of green and red blurs as both Pokémon knew precisely when to attack and defend against each other. Their lean built trainer soon noticed our presence and smiled.

                ‘Ok, guys. Nice work out. Take a break’ he said with a smile and returned his Pokémon to their pokeballs.

                ‘Wow, those Pokémon are amazing!’ Salvadore exclaimed in awe ‘The feathers on that Blaziken highlights its strength and I’ve never seen a Breloom’s flora so well nourished’ the breeder remarked.

                ‘Why thank you’ the trainer nodded and stretched out a welcoming hand ‘the name’s Damian and I’m glad to meet people who appreciate the hard work my Pokémon and I put in to our training.

                ‘Nice to meet you, Damian. My name’s Salvadore’

                ‘Hey, I’m Aly and this is Togepi’ Aly greeted him with a cheerful nod. Togepi waved her little arms and let out a little yawn.

                ‘My name’s Robin and this here is Kiro’

                ‘Oh wow! A shiny Eevee!’ Damian gasped and knelt down to pet the doting Kiro. He stroked his silver mane and his fur seemed to shine even brighter. Eevee adored the attention and licked his hand. ‘It’s an honour to see such a Pokémon that is so rare and has also been so well raised’

                ‘Thank you!’ I smiled cheerfully for the first time in over a week ‘You’re Pokémon look really strong. Did you catch them in Kanto?’

                Damian chuckled as he stood up straight. ‘Haha, no. I come from Jubilife City in the Hoenn region. Blaziken is the Pokémon I first started out with. We’ve been through everything together and we even made it to the final of the Silver Conference last year’

                ‘Wow! That’s the Johto League, right? You must be an awesome trainer!’ I gawped, truly impressed.

                ‘Well, we try!’ said Damian, almost blushing with embarrassment.

                A sudden urge soared through my body- ambition. My veins brimmed with excitement. A trainer with great skill and from a different region was standing before me and I couldn’t let this opportunity slip.

                ‘Hey Damian, want to battle?’ I asked eagerly.

                At first the Hoenn trainer seemed a bit surprised at my question, but then smiled and nodded. ‘A battle, huh? Sure! I could definitely do with a bit of battle practice before my last gym battle anyway. How about we make it a three on three?’ he suggested.

                ‘Great’ I beamed in agreement.

                His last badge already, I thought to myself in amazement? I was now even more excited and curious to see what Pokémon he would use. Possibly some that I had never seen before, like his Breloom and Blaziken?

                We distanced ourselves from each other to make room for the battle as the light rain continued to pour down. Salvadore took up his position at the side of the path, acting as the referee of this match. Aly viewed the match from beneath the shelter of a nearby bush, Togepi resting peacefully in her arms. Kiro stood at my side, poised and ready to battle if he was needed.

                ‘This will be a three on three Pokémon battle between Robin from Viridian City and Damian of Jubilife City’ declared Salvadore ‘Both trainers may switch their Pokémon at any stage during the match. Let the battle... begin!’

                ‘Good luck, Robin’ Damian shouted earnestly before unhinging a pokeball from his belt ‘Tauros, I chose you!’

                The wild bull Pokémon grunted and stomped its hind legs against the soft earth beneath its hooves as it was summoned for battle.

                Damian immediately noticed the disappointed look on my face at the sight of Tauros. ‘Is there something wrong, Robin?’

                I shook my head and smiled ‘No, not at all. It’s just that I was hoping to see new Pokémon, maybe from Hoenn?’

                ‘Oh, I see! Well, if you can take down my Tauros I promise you I’ll use one of my Hoenn Pokémon next. Deal?’

                I nodded excitedly ‘You’re on! Ok, Growly, I chose you!’

                My faithful Growlithe was summoned to the damp path, up on all fours and ready for battle. ‘Growly, let’s start this off with a flamethrower!’ I ordered.

                Damian casually glanced upwards before turning his attention back to the battle. To my surprise he didn’t utter a single word. He just stood there indifferently, waiting for Growly to hit his Tauros.

                The Growlithe inhaled deeply before exhaling a burst of flames. I gasped as the flamethrower seemed to grow smaller as the attack continued. By the time the flames had reached the Tauros, they were little more than a stream of embers.

                ‘But how!?’ I asked amazed. Growly turned to face me, pouting with disappointment.

                Damian smiled once more ‘Take another look around you, Robin. It’s raining! The rain has not only quenched your Growlithe’s flamethrower; it has also weakened your Growlithe. He’s drenched!’

                I stared disheartened at Growly whose fur was now soaked from the rain. He shook his body and stared back at me, waiting for an order. The rain had really thrown my plan. I knew that Growly’s fire attacks wouldn’t be that strong now and Tauros was easily twice his size, making physical attacks ineffective too. I had to switch Pokémon.

I reluctantly raised he pokeball ‘Growly, return!’

‘Not so fast!’ Damian retorted with a grin ‘Tauros, use pursuit!’

To my surprise Tauros began charging at Growly, even though he had been recalled. Just before the red light could hit my Pokémon Tauros rammed full force into the helpless Growlithe and sent him soaring backwards.

I gasped in shock as Growly lay in a heap on the ground, unconscious.

‘Growly is unable to battle. Tauros wins this round!’ Salvadore announced.

I sighed in disbelief as I finally withdrew Growly to his pokeball. I then glared over at Damian and his Tauros; Tauros was grunting and snorting as one of its hind legs continued to trample the earth beneath it, rousing itself for the next battle. Damian propped his specs up his nose and smiled at me calmly.

I thought hard, trying to figure out what could take on this wild bull Pokémon. Growly’s attacks had been completely hindered by the rain, but maybe I could use it to my advantage?

With the faintest glimmer of hope I threw a pokeball ‘Peeks, I chose you!’

The peak-eared Pikachu was summoned to the damp path. Sparks crackled across his cheeks, ready for battle.

‘Interesting choice’ said Damian, amused ‘Nevertheless, Tauros, use take down attack!’

Tauros bellowed to the heavens before stampeding towards the waiting Pikachu. Its head was tilted downwards, revealing its sturdy horns.

‘Ok Peaks, stop that Tauros with a thunderbolt attack!’ I commanded.

The peak eared Pikachu hunched over and cried out as it let loose a powerful electric attack. The strength of thunderbolt caused Tauros to slow itsattack as it roared in pain.

‘Not bad, Robin. Using the rain as a powerful conductor to battle Tauros was a great move, but it’s not gonna be that easy! Tauros, finish your take down attack!’

I stared in shock as the Tauros someone managed to finally shrug off Peek’s thunderbolt and recommenced its take down attack. I gritted my teeth as my mind raced furiously through my current options. I had an idea, but this could be risky. I had to take the chance.

‘Peeks lean back on your tail!’ I ordered as a stutter of nerves trembled through my voice. The Pikachu looked back at me puzzled, but immediately nodded and did as I ordered.

I waited anxiously until the Tauros was only a few paces away from the fragile Pikachu. ‘Jump and use iron tail!’ I commanded promptly.

As Tauros deadly horns surged towards Peeks, he used his springy tail to propel himself into the air. I could hear Damian gasp in amazement as the Pikachu flipped in mid air. His tail hardened and seemed the sheen a bright metallic colour. Tauros just about managed to look up to meet a reigning iron tail. Peeks iron tail struck Tauros with tremendous force on the bridge of its snout and sent it crashing face first into the soft earth. Tauros collapsed to its side- fainted.

‘Tauros is unable to battle, Peeks wins the round!’ shout Salvadore, somewhat amused.

‘Thank you, Tauros’ said Damian as he returned his Pokémon and withdrew another pokeball from his belt. ‘Nicely done, Robin. You really caught us off guard there, but you asked for a Hoenn Pokémon so a Hoenn Pokémon you’re going to get! Go, Absol!’

I gazed in awe at the Pokémon which was summoned before me. Even Togepi woke up sensing its mystic presence. Absol’s red eyes stared solemnly at me, before turning to Peeks. Its dark face vividly contrasted its snow white fur which seemed to glisten in the rain. After a few moments I managed to avert my eyes from its alluring complexion and checked my Dex:

Absol, the disaster Pokémon. Using the dark aura within its horn it is able to sense natural disasters and can apparently live for over a century.

I stared at the Absol once again, brimming with excitement at the prospect of facing a new Pokémon from Hoenn. I took a deep breath a cleared my throat ‘Ok, Peeks, let’s start this off with another thunderbolt!’

The Pikachu nodded as sparks ignited his red electric sacks once again.

‘Absol, don’t underestimate this Pikachu. Use double team!’

Just as Peeks unleashed a stream of electricity, Absol began to seemingly multiply. Dozens of Absol circled the confused Peeks as his thunderbolt went right through an illusion of Absol.

‘No way!’ I cried out in disbelief. ‘I studied the Absol duplicates, trying to find the actual Absol, but it was impossible to tell. They all looked identical to each other. There was only one thing I could do now. ‘Peeks use thunderbolt on all of them!’

The Pikachu seemed helpless and confused as each copy of Absol glared at him. At the sound of my orders he shook his head and sent waves of electricity at the dozens of Absol. They all seemed to disappear as the thunderbolt went right through all of them, all except one. The real Absol flinched and cried out in pain as Peek’s thunderbolt struck its dark horn.

‘Nice job Peeks. Now finish this with iron tail!’ I yelled confidently.

Peeks leaped into the air as his tail seemed to harden with a metallic shine. He flipped mid air as his tail bore down on the stunned Absol. Suddenly, the metal glow on the Pikachu’s tail faded, returning to its natural yellow colour.

‘Hm, seems that your Pikachu has run out of energy. Absol use night slash!’ Damian commanded coolly.

I continued to stare in disbelief as a dark aura coated Absol’s paw and swiped the Pikachu away effortlessly. Peeks bundled backwards next to me more sprawling on his back, fainted.

‘Peeks is unable to battle. Absol wins this round’ announced Salvadore.

 ‘Thanks buddy, you did great’ I complimented my Pikachu for his effort as I returned him to his pokeball. I then unhinged my final pokeball and tossed it into the air ‘Go get ‘em, Hope!’

My Butterfree flapped her wings solemnly as she was summoned for the battle. I instantly noticed her drooped antennas and saddened eyes. ‘Hope, what’s wrong? Are you ok to battle?’

-Free...-

She turned to me and slowly nodded her head before turning around to face the opposing Absol. However, her resigned look never changed.

‘Your Butterfree seems sad. Are you sure you still want to battle?’ asked Damian earnestly.

‘Hope and I are ready for anything. Let’s show him what we’ve got with a stun spore attack!’ I ordered.

Hope flapped her wings softly, with little conviction. A wave of spores floated towards the disaster Pokémon who stood poised on all fours, waiting for instructions from its trainer.

‘Combat those spores with razor wind!’ said Damian.

The mystic horn on Absol’s head began to glow white and it swayed its head vigorously. This series of movements unleashed blade-like slashes which pierced through the oncoming spores and continued onwards to hack at Hope. The Butterfree bundled backwards through the air, but managed to stay fluttering in the air. Absol stared at the Butterfree calmly, unscathed.

I glanced at the Absol and then back to Hope. She had taken a powerful hit and was doing well to be still in the air. But what could we do now? Absol had skilfully defended itself from the stun spore attack and manage to deliver a powerful blow to my Butterfree at the same time. Also, it still seemed to have plenty of energy left for battle.

My thoughts were soon interrupted by Salvadore’s stern voice ‘Hope is not fit to battle further in this match. I declare Absol and Damian the winners of this battle!’

‘What!? Hope still has plenty of energy left to battle! What gives!?’ I yelled at the breeder furiously, occasionally glancing back to my distressed Butterfree.

Salvadore glared back at me ‘Hope may still be physically able to battle, but there’s something wrong. Something is obviously bothering her and as her trainer, you should know when to call it quits. It’s your duty as a Pokémon trainer to put your Pokémon ahead of everything else!’

I stared in amazement at the Pokémon breeder, somewhat taken back by what he said. Eventually his words sunk in and I sighed resignedly at my carelessness.

‘I’m sorry, Hope. That was pretty stupid of me. So, can you tell me what’s wrong?’ I asked in concern as I stretched out a welcoming arm.

The Butterfree fluttered over to me and landed on my arm, but still hung her head in sadness. I studied her eyes. They looked gloomy, almost lonely. I just couldn’t understand what was wrong.

‘It’s mating season for Butterfree’ Damian remarked ‘It’s usually around this time of year when Pokémon such as Butterfree look for a partner. That may explain why your Butterfree is feeling lonesome?’

I stared at Damian and then back at Hope. ‘Is that what’s wrong?’

She looked up at me and nodded slowly. Tears began to form at the edge of her round, solemn eyes. I continued to stare motionless at her before managing to force myself to smile.

‘Don’t worry, Hope! We’ll find you someone’ I reassured her ‘But until then you’ve still got us!’ I winked at her.

Hope suddenly sprung off my arm and danced gleefully in the air. She then fluttered around my head before landing on my shoulder and nuzzling my cheek. I stroked her chin softly as she nibbled on my finger.

‘I’m glad to see Hope is feeling a lot better. Thanks for the great battle, but I guess I better get going!’ said Damian, almost apologetically.

‘I should be thanking you. I learned so much today thanks to our battle. I hope we meet each other in the Indigo League!’

‘See ya there!’ he said beamingly and we shook hands firmly before parting our separate ways.

* * *

We continued along the path, the colourful trees either side of us emanating a beautiful glow as we journeyed towards Vermillion City. The rain had eased as light clouds now rested gently above us. There was still a cool breeze, however it blew a lot softer than before.

‘I wonder how much further it is to Vermillion?’ asked Aly wearily.

She seemed tired, as were the rest of us. Kiro had even retired to my shoulder where he propped himself up against my bag pack. Salvadore was reading the trainer guide as we strolled.

‘According to this, the closest place to here is Crimson City. Vermillion City is just a day’s walk from-’

-Cu...- bone...-

We all came to a simultaneous halt at the sound of a Pokémon cry. Stumbling towards us was a small Cubone. It looked injured and exhausted. A thick piece of broken rope dangled from its ankle. I checked my Dex:

Cubone, the lonely Pokémon. Whenever it is lonely or sad the skull it bares shakes and emits mournful sounds.

‘Oh, the poor thing’ Aly sulked sympathetically.

As soon as the Cubone noticed our presence it began to edge backwards, still crying out loud. Salvadore slowly stepped towards it, calmly raising his arms to show that he meant no harm. He gradually lowered himself onto one knee and opened up his rucksack, taking a small bottle, a flask and some sachets out of it. He then began to mix the ingredients and poured them into the baby bottle.

‘Here, try some’ he said softly as he swished the bottle in front of the Cubone. ‘I bet you’ll like it!’ he said and gave a warm smile.

Cubone reduced its heartbreaking cry to a low sob and took a careful step towards the breeder. It then took another... and another... and another until it finally reached out for the warm bottle of milk. Salvadore cradled Cubone in his arms as it gulped down the milk. As it drank, Salvadore loosened the rope around its ankle and tossed it aside.

‘Don’t drink it too fast now, you hear?’ he said with a loving smile as he continued to father the Cubone.

‘Wow Salvadore, that was amazing!’ I admitted with an impressed smile.

‘And look at Cubone’s colour! It looks like its getting better already!’ Aly gasped.

Togepi waved her arms cheerfully, now wide awake and Kiro gaped curiously around my head. It was a warming sight to see the breeder do what he does best.

The peaceful mood was abruptly interrupted by the roars of an engine. It seemed to grow louder and louder every second. The indigenous Pokémon scuttled and scurried further into the trees, afraid of the thundering noise. We all stood still, anxious as the engine revved.

Suddenly, a motorbike came skidding through the forest driven by a muscular man with dark green hair and a deep frown. He came to a screeching stop just a short distance in front of us and hopped off his vehicle. He stared grudgingly at Aly, then at me, and finally at Salvadore without muttering a single word.  His eyes furrowed and an evil smile crept across his face as he noticed the young Cubone nestled safely in Salvadore’s arms.

‘I believe you have something that belongs to me’ the man snarled as he pointed his hand towards the Cubone.

Cubone gave a weak whimper and clenched itself to Salvadore’s chest in fear. The breeder looked down at the baby Pokémon hugging him tightly and glared back at the stranger. ‘We found this Cubone in bad shape, like it had been held captive. Explain yourself!’ Salvadore ordered.

‘Listen, kid. I don’t need to explain myself to anyone and especially not you. Just hand over the Pokémon and pretend this never happened’ his deep voice had a menacing threat about it.

‘I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. I’m training to be a Pokémon breeder and it’s my duty to protect this Pokémon. You want him, then come and get him!’ Salvadore challenged the now infuriated man.

‘Have it your way! That Cubone’s gonna fetch me a lot of cash when I deliver it to the boss. A little battle will only make this capture even sweeter. Seviper, go!’ the poacher yelled as he threw his pokeball into the air.

-SEVIPER!!!-

A purple Pokémon with colourful patterns and razor sharp fangs was summoned to battle. It had an intimidating hiss and violently waved it’s blade like stinger at the end of its tail.

Salvadore calmly placed the young Cubone protectively behind his legs and reassured him that he would be alright. He then stood up straight to face the hunter and threw a pokeball ‘Exeggcute, go!’

-Ex-Exeggcute!-

The little eggs hopped up and down, eager to battle.

‘Ok Seviper, time to thwart these eggs, just like that pesky Cubone’s mother!’ the man grunted.

We all looked at each other, instantly understanding his disgusting threats.

‘It was you!’ Aly screamed.

‘You murdered that Marowak!’ I spat, clenching my fist in fury.

‘Oh, that thing. It kept getting in the way. I would have captured her too, but a young Cubone would fetch double the amount of that old sack. I did what was necessary’ he grunted heartlessly.

My blood boiled at his words. This guy had to be taught a lesson. I looked down at my shiny Eevee. ‘Kiro, time to put this guy in his place!’

Kiro sprung off my shoulder and nodded back at me, ready to assist Exeggcute when Salvadore raised his hand. ‘I appreciate the help, Robin, but this battle is between me and him. Now go Exeggcute, use confusion!’

Kiro edged back to my side, allowing Exeggcute to battle it out alone. The Exeggcute’s eyes began to glow a light blue, as the deadly Seviper approached. Suddenly, Seviper was levitated into the air, coated in a blue psychic energy. It squinted in pain from the super effective attack and began to hack itself with its own bladed tail in confusion. After battling itself in mid air for a while, the confusion attack stopped and Seviper dropped to the damp ground. It was still able to battle, but it had also been greatly injured.

‘Good job, Exeggcute. Now wrap this up with uproar!’ Salvadore yelled confidently.

At his command, the Exeggcute hopped vigorously on the spot and screamed deafeningly, emitting blue sound waves.

‘Seviper, use dig to get out of there!’ the hunter ordered promptly.

Seviper was quick to react to its master’s command and buried its way underground. Exeggcute stopped their attack and looked around confused. Seviper had completely disappeared from site. All went quiet, except for the poacher who made a loud, wicked smirk.

 Without warning, Seviper burst from the soft ground right before a startled Exeggcute.

‘Fry them, Seviper! Flamethrower!’

Exeggcute didn’t stand a chance as Seviper exhaled a blast of fire. We all gasped as the little egg Pokémon were consumed by flames. It didn’t take too long for us to realise that Exeggcute were unable to battle. Salvadore gritted his teeth as he returned his fainted Pokémon back to his pokeball.

‘Nice work Seviper. Now fetch me that pathetic Cubone so we can get out of here!’ the man smiled maliciously as his Seviper snaked towards Salvadore.

The breeder knelt down and spread his arms wide, acting as a barrier between Seviper and Cubone. He was willing to give up everything to save this baby Cubone, just as his mother had. The Cubone looked up lovingly at Salvadore as he knelt there, waiting to be set upon any minute by Seviper. I clenched my fists in anger once again and was ready to give Kiro orders to assist.

-Cubone!!!-

Suddenly, the lonely ground Pokémon ran up Salvadore’s back and leaped in front of the breeder, screaming and ready for battle.

‘Cubone, what are you doing? Get back!’ Salvadore pleaded as the Seviper slithered closer.

Cubone shook its head angrily as it looked back at Salvadore.

-Bone!-Bone!-Cubone!!!-

‘Wait, you really want to battle?’ asked Salvadore, unsure if Cubone was strong enough to take on such a slick opponent.

The orphan Cubone nodded reassuringly.

Salvadore stared deep into Cubone’s tearful eyes before smiling assertively ‘Well if that’s the case then I guess you’ll be needing this’. The breeder dug deep into his bag before pulling out Marowak’s bone. He then carefully handed to the Cubone, passing down the weapon which his mother once wielded. The lonely Pokémon raised the bone into the air and let out an honorary battle cry before turning to face Seviper, who was now in striking distance.

‘Hm, seems the baby pipsqueak wants to battle. Seviper use poison fang’ the man chuckled as he grunted his orders.

Seviper stretch open its jaw and its two elongated fangs seemed to shine a vicious purple colour. With a determined hiss the Seviper lunged forward, towards the waiting Cubone.

Aly and I gasped in horror as Seviper surged towards its prey.

‘Cubone, use bonemerang!’ said Salvadore coolly.

 Cubone cried out as he flung his bone with all his might. It whistled as it spun through the air and thwarted Seviper in the face. The snake Pokémon stumbled backwards on impact. It just about managed to raise its head before the bonemerang spun back around and smacked it on the other cheek. Seviper hissed and winced in pain. The hunter cursed at his Pokémon as Seviper rolled its head in circles, dazed.

Cubone caught his new bone and swung it skilfully around his arm, waiting for his next command.

‘Finish this with bone club!’ Salvadore yelled encouragingly.

Cubone leaped into the air, much higher than I though possible for a Pokémon of his stature. His two claws were gripped firmly at the base of the bone as he bore the brunt of it down on the crown of Seviper’s head. The dazed Seviper went plummeting face first into the mulch beneath.

‘Way to go, Cubone!’ Aly and I cheered on Cubone as the hunter returned his Pokémon, muttering curses under his breath. Salvadore knelt down on won knee as Cubone jumped gleefully into his embracing arms.

‘That’s it! I’ve given you all enough chances, but now that time has passed’ the hunter thundered as he took another pokeball from his belt and threw it with all his might ‘Show no mercy Tyranitar! Use thrash!’

-TAAAAAHHHHRRRR!!!-

All of us stared in horror as a colossal spiked Pokémon was summoned from the pokeball. Amidst my shock I managed to check my Dex:

Tyranitar, the armour Pokémon and the evolved form of Pupitar. Tyranitar’s impenetrable armour allows it to change landscapes by knocking down mountains with ease.

I gulped, fear taking over my body. I had never seen such a terrifying Pokémon. Even ghosts Pokémon seemed childish in comparison to the beast. The Tyranitar bellowed another frightening roar to the heavens before stampeding towards Salvadore and Cubone. The lonely Pokémon cried out in fear and nuzzled its skull against Salvadore’s chest. Aly squeezed Togepi closely. I held my hand over my face. I could hardly watch. One of my best friends was about to be trampled upon by a monstrous Pokémon.

Just as Tyranitar made a final lunge towards Salvadore and Cubone a red blur flew over the breeder’s head and crashed into the armour Pokémon. Tyranitar skid across the slippery surface and groaned loudly. It took a couple of moments for the Tyranitar look up to face his new opponent.

It was Blaziken!

‘Stop right there, Rico!’ yelled Damian as he sprinted to our side ‘Your hunting days are over!’

Rico gritted his teeth furiously ‘We’ll just see about that. Tyranitar use hyper beam!’

‘Close combat, now!’ Damian ordered.

Tyranitar didn’t even have time to create a hyper beam as it was instantly overcome with a blitz of close range attacks. Blaziken threw fast and powerful punches and kicks before finishing off with a whopping round house kick to the face. The Tyranitar was knocked off his feet and sent soaring backwards. Rico just manage to dive out of the way in time, narrowly avoiding being crushed by his own Pokémon.

‘Some things never change’ Damian taunted the hunter as his faithful Blaziken returned by his side.

Scrambling to his feet Rico quickly returned his fainted Tyranitar back to its pokeball and scuttled onto his motorcycle. He revved the engine and turned to face Damian. ‘Mark my words, Damian. I will be back and next time things will be different. Team Rocket shall be feared once more!’ And with those words Rico sped off through the forest and out of sight.

‘He got away’ Aly grumbled and gritted her teeth.

‘That’s not what matters. The main thing is that you are all safe’ Damian reassured us with a smile.

‘Thanks Damian, and Blaziken of course. You guys arrived just in time!’ said Salvadore gratefully, still cradling Cubone in his arms. ‘Just one question though. Why did you come back? How did you know we were in danger?’

Damian tried to shrug it off like it was nothing ‘Don’t mention it. You can thank my buddy Absol for that. You see, Absol are renowned for being able to sense natural disasters, but from all the adventures we’ve been through together, Absol has learned to pick up on all sorts of danger. He’s a handy Pokémon to have around’

Dark Pokémon were truly amazing, I thought to myself. I had never recounted seeing one before today and now we have ended up battling two of them. The Pokémon world sure is a strange place. It was then I remembered something which caught my attention earlier when Damian returned to save us. I looked up to the experienced trainer.

‘Hey Damian, how do you know Rico’ I asked curiously.

‘Oh, him? Rico and I go a long way back to when I first started my journey in Hoenn. He escaped from prison and was trying to capture Pokémon illegally when my friend and I intervened. It’s strange to see him here in Kanto though, and apparently working for Team Rocket?’

‘Don’t worry about Team Rocket. We’ve beaten Cassidy and Ben(?) every time we’ve met them. It’s almost like target practice’ I joked.

‘I just find it strange though. Rico has always detested Team Rocket, and now he’s claiming that they’re making some sort of return, even though core of the organisation dismembered years ago. And those rumours... It just doesn’t...’ Damian trailed off, lost in deep thought. After a few moments he recognised we were all staring at him with puzzled looks. ‘But don’t you guys sweat it. Anyways, I really have to get going. Take care of yourselves’

We all said goodbye to Damian and knocked knuckles with him, thanking him once again for helping us out. Just as him and Blaziken turned to leave, he cocked he head over his shoulder, smiling at Salvadore ‘By the way, congrats to you and Cubone. I know you’ll both make a great team! See you around’ and he flicked his hand in a gesture, signalling his leave.

‘What...?’ Salvadore watched as Damian and his Blaziken continued their own journey through the colourful forest and then turned back to Cubone who was still perched snugly in his arms. The lonely Pokémon looked up at him with loving eyes but did not utter a sound. The both just gazed at each other for a while before Salvadore finally managed to stutter the important question ‘So Cubone... d-do... do you want to travel with us?’

Silence.

-Bone?-

‘Listen, I know I’m not your mother, and I know I never will be. She was so loving and caring, and even gave up her own life to protect you. I can see you got your bravery and fighting spirit from her by the way you fought that Seviper. I don’t know if I will ever match up to that braveness, or show that much love. But I promise you that I will give you everything I can. So, what do you say? Want to join the team? You and me, taking on the world, just like your mother would have wanted!’

 Tears began to well up in both Cubone and Salvadore’s eyes as they continued to gaze at each other. Even I found it hard to hold back the waterworks. They shared such an emotional bond. It was a harmonious, picture perfect moment.

Sniiiiffff!!!

I curiously turned my head around to see Sir Duke, sitting on his recliner chair, blowing his nose as tears trickled down his face. Now and then he would grab a fist of popcorn from the giant sized box at his side and stuff his mouth. To be honest, this did not surprise me.

What did surprise me was Aly lounging on a recliner beside him, as she sniffed into a tissue and took frequent slurps of her soda pop through a straw. ‘Say yes, Cubone... please... say yes...’ she whimpered and blew loudly into her tissue.

I smiled resignedly and shook my head, turning my attention back to Salvadore and Cubone, who were still fixed on each other’s eyes.

‘Well...?’ Salvadore asked once more.

-Cubone-Bone-Bone!!!-

Cubone nodded excitedly and waved his bone through the air.

‘Alright!’ Salvadore shouted for joy and threw a pokeball high into the air. Cubone fixed his eyes on the pokeball and aimed carefully before flinging his bone at the pokeball. The bone made a direct hit with the button on the pokeball and it burst open. Cubone just caught his bone as the red light sucked him inside his pokeball. Salvadore cupped his hand, welcoming the pokeball into his possession as it landed with a beep!

-Haunt!-Haunt!-Haunt!-

‘Bravo! Bravo!’

-Togi-Priiiii!!!-

Aly, Sir Duke and Togepi all cheered and whistled in a standing ovation. Kiro danced around my feet gleefully as I applauded the breeder and his new partner.

Salvadore held his new capture up close to his face ‘Welcome to the team, Cubone. Welcome the family!’