FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Mark woke with a start that morning, rising up in bed with a sharp gasp and quickly getting his bearings as to where he was; the room he was in was unfamiliar, and for a moment he began to wonder how it was he got there, or who had brought him, but when it all started coming back to him, he calmed down.

He was in one of the rooms at the League. Lance had invited him and Randy to stay overnight in the living quarters of the league terminal as his guests, in exchange for helping him subdue the renegade Scyther that had been stealing food from the League –a Scyther whose trainer had, unfortunately, departed from this world, leaving the poor Pokémon all alone with his future uncertain. Upon returning to the League, Lance had contacted the authorities in Viridian, leaving Scyther in Mark's care until they could contact the Ranger's family, to whom the Scyther would rightfully belong to once they were found.

Mark's dreams had been plagued with images no doubt created by that entire gruesome experience the day before... Mark was empathic towards his Pokémon; always, he could tell when they were upset, yet somehow it seemed like he was reliving Scyther's misery. In his dream, he had seen Vitesse, standing over a gravestone –a stone with his name on it. He had died –at least in this dream, and he'd left his beloved Pokémon all alone without him. Yet, just as Scyther had for its master, Vitesse had refused to leave his side even with him gone, and she stayed there indefinitely, slowly withering away into...

He barely heard one of his Poké Balls wobbling around on the table next to him, and jumped when it popped open. He looked to his right to see Vitesse standing over him, a concerned look on her face. She had sensed Mark's distressed situation and come out of her ball on her own to check on him, worried for his well-being.

Mark gave her a weak smile, reaching behind her head and caressing the back of her neck. “I'm okay girl," he assured her. “Just a bad dream is all..."

She cooed softly, tilting her head at him and blinking her eyes with curiosity, clearly wanting to hear more even if she couldn't say it, but Mark shook his head. “It's nothing important," he returned “Dreams aren't real, and can't hurt us. Nothing to worry about."

She remained unconvinced, he could tell, but she capitulated and didn't press the subject further, stepping back to let Mark get up as he saw no reason to stay in bed any longer. He stretched his arms, standing up and looking at Vitesse again, once more feeling the need to reach out and rub her neck with his hand. “I hope I always do right by you, girl," he said. “You always have for me... but if there comes a time where I can't, just promise me you'll also do what's right for yourself and the others, okay?"

Once more that curious look; she didn't understand what her trainer was talking about, but he didn't really know how else to say it. He sighed and shook his head. “Ah, nevermind," he said, opting instead to just hug her. She clucked happily and returned his embrace, cooing when she felt his hand rubbing the feathers on her back, until they gently pulled apart.

With that, Mark turned his gaze to the dresser across from his bed, eyeing the Great Ball sitting atop it. He left Vitesse's side and wandered over to the ball, picking it up and looking at it. “Now I need to do what's right for Scyther," he said, staring at it a moment longer before setting it down and looking at Vitesse again. “Can you watch the other Pokémon while I go get washed up?" He asked.

She nodded in confirmation, watching as Mark disappeared into the washroom and then sitting down on the bed to wait for him.

As Mark stood in the shower, feeling hot water running over his body, he began to think about what he would do that day. He still had yet to challenge Lance to a battle –the very thing he had come to the Kanto Pokémon League to do. The other day's events had just been such a distraction that it had skipped his mind completely, and now he could go back to thinking about how he would do it, but his mind only kept trailing back to Scyther and its well-being. He didn't understand why he cared so much; it's not like he was actually keeping Scyther.

Once Mark felt he was done, he shut off the shower, stepped out and dried himself off with a towel before he put back on the sweat pants he'd been wearing, stepping back out into the bedroom to find Vitesse right where he'd left her. She looked up as he came out, but looked away again when she saw him heading for his day clothes which were hanging in the closet.

“So, Vitesse," Mark began once he was dressed. “Shall we find somewhere open and have a sparring match?"

She clucked in agreement, nodding her head to him.

With that, Mark gathered up his Pokémon –including Scyther, before he and Vitesse left the room. They followed the corridor to the front lobby area, where they proceeded outside to the front yard to have their spar, and to let Mark's Pokémon out for a bit of exercise themselves. Fang, Coal, Palm Tree, Siren and Tanker all emerged joyously from their Poké Balls feeling the cool morning air on their bodies, and while Mark and Vitesse got into position for their spar, they all stood at the side to watch them.

Unknown to Mark, Lance was also an early riser, and he had come outside to stretch his legs when he saw the activity going on below, arriving in time to see the training battle between Mark and his own Pokémon begin. They were doing a few warm-ups first, trading minor jabs and steadily escalating into a more intense spar, with both of them executing a remarkable display of technique between the two of them.

Mark successfully blocked two of Vitesse's punches before he struck back with a jab to her stomach; she huffed out a breath of air to absorb the punch, and then struck back with a hook to Mark's cheek that he narrowly ducked under to strike back with an uppercut that she easily avoided, and struck back with a roundhouse kick –not full strength of course, else she could've sent Mark soaring off of the plateau with but a single kick.

Mark ducked under the roundhouse kick. “Bad move, girl!" Mark barked, lunging forth and elbowing Vitesse in the flank with his left arm, bringing a pained squawk from her as she stepped back, rubbing her side where she had been hit. “Never try to roundhouse an enemy who's right up close; if they're inside the reach of your leg and manage to duck under it as I did, you won't recover fast enough to block their next attack."

She nodded in understanding, elevating her fists again to resume the match, this time taking the offensive with a series of swift punches and hooks, even an imitation of her Dual Chop attack for effect. Mark took a few strikes, trying to keep his guard up, but naturally a human, even one as trained as he was, couldn't match the speed of a Blaziken; Vitesse could outmaneuver him at every angle –he blocked high, she'd strike low; he blocked low, she would come back high, and eventually she faked him out with the look that she was doing a punch, only to drop down suddenly and take his legs out from under him with a kick, sending him falling onto his back.

“Oof!" He grunted.

Blinking the stars from his eyes, he looked up at Vitesse standing over him, and smiled when she reached down to offer her talon to him. He grasped it, and she hoisted him back up to her feet, clucking sequentially to him as if saying something.

He knew just what as well. “Right; a low kick is safer than a high one, because if it takes their legs out from under them, they can't counter-attack anyway," he said, and nodded in approval to her. “Good match, girl."

They heard hands clapping, and looked up to see Lance descending the stairs from the main terminal building, dressed in garb similar to what he'd been wearing the day before, including a cape that looked identical to the one Scyther had sliced in two. “A most impressive display of skill, from both of you!" He praised them, ceasing his applause as he reached the bottom step. “I've heard some Fighting-type Gym Leaders train with their Pokémon in sparring matches; it appears you follow their example, Mark."

“Actually, I was sparring with Vitesse long before I ever knew about that," Mark corrected, glancing at his Blaziken. “Mind you, most of the time she wins anyway."

“Scale of one to ten?" Lance asked.

“Probably a seven, in her favour."

Lance chuckled. “Still, for a human to spar on equal footing with a Pokémon is impressive in and of itself; you must be quite skilled. Where did you learn martial arts?"

“Took some classes in the city when I was about ten; practiced Karate and Judo for about four years," Mark replied. “I lived in the countryside on a farm so I was already pretty fit; seemed like a good idea at the time."

Lance nodded, as if satisfied, before moving on to a new subject. “So, how is your guest today?" He asked.

“Scyther?" Mark asked, earning another nod from Lance. “Well to be honest I haven't checked on him yet. I was waiting to hear the verdict from the Police until I decided what to do next."

“Ah yes, that," began Lance, his expression souring somewhat.

Mark's smile smoothed into a frown, seeing the look on Lance's face. “I take it you spoke to them?" He asked.

“I did, a short while ago," Lance explained. “Our ranger friend died two months ago; the coroner reported the cause to be fever. Apparently he had an infection in his right arm that developed and eventually took his life."

“He had an infection that serious and he didn't try calling for help?" Mark asked. “Why not?"

“Police found his radio had shorted out," Lance replied. “They could still hear transmissions from the other towers but could not send, and since the Rangers all have their own areas to watch over, none of them could go to check on him." His face turned to a scowl. “Apparently most of them thought he had quit and just left without telling anybody as it seemed they had a lot of incidents like that over the last year. Presumptuous fools."

Mark groaned. “So because of their negligence and his radio breaking... a man died and his Pokémon was left alone and forced to steal to survive," he said. “I sincerely hope those Rangers are punished for this."

“I will petition their superiors for just that, personally," Lance replied.

“Good," Mark returned, and let out a sigh. “Poor Scyther... a little bad luck and he lost everything."

“Indeed."

“What about the Ranger's family; any word?"

Lance frowned deeper at that. “Yes... but not the good kind," he replied. “Apparently the Ranger had only one family member –a daughter who lives in Lumiose City in the Kalos Region. They managed to contact her, but when she was asked about Scyther, she said she didn't want it."

“So he has no one at all?" Mark asked.

“Well, that's not entirely true," Lance replied, his expression lightening somewhat as he looked at Mark. “He could have you."

“What am I going to do with him?" Mark asked. “I believe I mentioned yesterday I hate bugs."

“From a trainer's standpoint, Scyther could be a powerful ally for you," Lance began. “You saw how he fought yesterday –able to stand up even to your Blaziken despite her training; his speed and skill could be invaluable to your team."

“I've already got two speedsters," Mark pointed out, gesturing first to Vitesse, and then to Coal. “Why would I need a third?"

“Yours are both Fire-types, for one," Lance pointed out. “What would your answer be if you were to battle a Water-type or a Ground-type that could match them in speed?"

Mark opened his mouth to reply, something along the lines of pointing out he had beaten several Water-types before with Vitesse... but a Ground-type was something else –none of the Hoenn Gyms were ground-type gyms nor did any of the Elite Four use Ground-types themselves –she had effectively never battled a Ground-type at all, but as a Fire-type she had a type disadvantage and against a speedy Pokemon like Dugtrio or a powerhouse like Swampert, she'd have some difficulty. Coal would fare no better. Until he evolved, he too was vulnerable to Ground-types, and unlike Vitesse Coal had not battled Water-types before nor had any moves that were effective against them.

“If you want to challenge all of the greatest trainers in the world, you will need the best team you can build for each one," Lance stated. “And your current one may not always be up to the task. Having a Bug-type gives you a countermeasure against Dark or Psychic-types."

At that, Mark was suddenly reminded of Blue's Alakazam. Having Scyther against that Pokémon would most definitely have been helpful; it would've been fast enough to close in to attack and actually possessed moves that would be quite effective against Alakazam. His combo with Coal and Fang had worked then, but it would not likely work a second time or against a more intuitive trainer who might expect such a trick.

Scyther would be a good addition to the team... but would he want to be part of it? Mark had only hours before he would be forced to send Scyther into storage, and he needed that time with Scyther to try and help it. He narrowed his eyes, and looked at Lance. “I'm going to let him out; you might want to step back, just in case."

Lance nodded, tossing his cape slightly as he took a few steps back from Mark, but discreetly placed a hand on a Poké Ball hidden on his belt, just in case things took a turn for the worse.

Mark looked back at his other Pokémon, especially Vitesse who looked especially disconcerted with what her trainer was about to do. “Trust me, girl, please," he said. “And keep the others back. We don't want to aggravate this guy –he's been through a lot."

She let out a low, suspicious hum, but she agreed with her trainer, stepping back and motioning for the other Pokémon to keep back as well. Mark could see none of them were happy, but he needed to do this –to reach out to Scyther. He had to... there was no one else to do so now.

“Alright, Scyther," Mark said, holding out the Poké Ball and bracing himself. “Come on out!"

He opened the ball, and a bolt of white energy emerged, striking the ground in front of him and quickly taking shape, materializing into the form of Scyther. He appeared in a slouched position, eyes half-lidded and tired, as if he had not slept through the night. However, upon breathing in fresh air, he suddenly sprang into alertness, head swinging side-to-side to take in his surroundings before his eyes fell upon Mark. He snarled angrily, raising his scythe-blade arms.

“Easy, easy," Mark urged him, putting up his hands as a show of peace to the Scyther. 'His dedication to his old trainer is so strong, he's even resisting the Poké Ball's resocialization. I've never seen a Pokémon act like this after they're caught.'

_ _ Scyther continued to growl, keeping his blades raised and ready to swipe at Mark if he moved any closer –of which he knew better than to try. Scyther wasn't in a cooperative mood, possibly even believing he'd been stolen from his trainer. Behind him, Mark could feel his other Pokémon beginning to get twitchy; he could feel Vitesse and Fang both watching intensely, ready to jump in if they though their trainer was in danger.

“Scyther," Mark began, making eye contact with the mantis-like Pokémon. Even though he knew he was putting himself at risk from this position, Scyther's reptilian-ish head somehow made it easier to Mark to keep his calm in Scyther's presence. “I know that you're upset right now; in pain, even," he carried on, speaking as softly as he could manage and fighting back the concern for his own life as he and Scyther stared each other down.

“But I'm here to help you," Mark stated. “To help you find a new start for yourself. I've come to realize how much you loved your old trainer, how much you still love them. That's why you still want to be there to protect them –to watch over them as they rest."

Scyther seemed to become less tense as Mark spoke, his arms lowering ever so slightly. Mark daringly moved forward, and realized his mistake too late as that tension returned immediately and Scyther swiped one of its arm blades at him; Mark felt burning hot pain explode across his arm, instinctively crying out and falling back onto his haunches, grabbing his arm where Scyther had slashed him. The cut wasn't deep, meant only as a warning, but it was enough to draw blood. Mark grit his teeth, inhaling sharply between them as he fought back the pain.

Vitesse shrieked angrily, and he heard his Blaziken take several steps forward after seeing Mark be stricken by Scyther. Mark called for her to stop, and went to grab Scyther's ball, intent on using it to contain the angry mantis Pokémon again, but just as he took aim to use the recall function, something stopped him, telling him that he couldn't give up yet... He may not have liked Bug-types, but if he stopped trying to get through to Scyther now, what would that make him? Worse, if this decision made him want to give up Scyther, did he really want to put him through the troubles of becoming used to another trainer?

He looked at Lance, seeing the Champion's fierce eyes eying him expectantly, waiting to see what he would do but saying nothing. He did not need to say anything; Mark could read it in the expression on his face. If Mark did what he was thinking, what would that make him look like, here in front of Kanto's Champion?

He looked ahead again, and saw Scyther and Vitesse continuing to glare at each other. On Scyther's face he could see him faltering in his stance, shaky and off-balance. He was exhausted. Mark could only guess Scyther had spent a restless night in the Poké Ball he now held in his grasp, desperate to get back to his trainer and left unfed over the course of the night –something Mark had not even considered, out of fear that this very thing would happen if he let Scyther out.

But it was too late to turn back... he had to see this through. However much he hated Bug-types, Scyther was in his care and his responsibility now.

Vitesse and Scyther both shrieked at each other and she started to run forward, with Fang on on her heels; they were going to double-team Scyther, and would likely beat him to a pulp in his exhausted state if he didn't do something.

“VItesse, stop!" Mark exploded, causing the Blaziken and Mightyena to freeze in their tracks at her trainer's tone, looking over her shoulder at him to find him back on his feet, holding his injured arm and glaring angrily at her. “I know you're just trying to protect me, but you're not helping!"

She squawked at him defiantly, looking back at Scyther, who had backed away out of reach and was hissing at her. “I know he hurt me, but he's just trying to protect himself, too!" Mark returned, and then spoke in a calmer tone. “Please, let me handle this."

Vitesse wanted to press the issue further; he could see it in her eyes, but she compliantly backed off as her trainer commanded, never taking her eyes off of Scyther. Fang growled, but he too stepped back, standing with her and waiting. Out of the corner of his eye, Mark could see Lance had a Poké Ball in his hand as well, and was prepared to intervene if Scyther continued to act violently.

Mark stepped forward again, ignoring the pain in his arm as he once more proceeded to confront Scyther. Things were at their most dangerous now; Scyther was full of adrenaline from being provoked by Vitesse, and that was all that was keeping him from collapsing from his fatigue. Mark had to calm him down, somehow.

“Scyther," Mark began, this time keeping a fair distance from him, ignoring his bleeding arm from when Scyther had cut him before. “Please, believe me; I'm only trying to help you."

Scyther shrieked at Mark as if in some retort, but he hadn't come to understand the mantis Pokémon enough to know what it was trying to say, so he made a guess on what he felt he might say in the same situation. “I know you don't think you want my help; that you're doing just fine on your own," Mark began. “But your trainer –if I know Pokémon trainers as much as I hope I do, wouldn't want this for you; he wouldn't want you angry and alone.

“You loved him, I get that," Mark carried on. “As much as I love my Pokémon, and as much as I hope they do me. I hope to always do what's right for them," he said as he looked back at his Pokémon, particularly at Vitesse, who now seemed to realize what Mark had been saying to her back at the room, especially with his next words. “And I'd expect –no... I'd hope, that they would do the same for themselves were I not around."

Mark turned back to Scyther, noting that he was no longer growling. He seemed deep in thought, trying to make sense of everything Mark was telling him and continuing to listen. “I didn't know your trainer; I won't pretend I know anything about him or how he shared such a strong bond with you. But I know that when he realized what was happening to him, he would have given anything to make sure that you were taken care of. That is why he let you out, when he realized he couldn't call for help; so that you could find help –not for himself, but for you. Because you meant more to him than his own health."

Mark dared to move a little closer, and this time Scyther did not lash out, even when Mark was only arm's reach away. “I know I can't replace your former trainer," he said. “If you would be willing to give me a chance, I would be willing to try, in honour of his memory." He continued meeting Scyther's gaze. “But all that anger and sadness you have bottled up in you, you need to let it go... this isn't what he would want for you. And neither do I; even if you aren't originally my Pokémon, I'm here to help you through what you've suffered."

A rumble elicited from Scyther's half-open mouth, his face scrunching up slightly, and now Mark knew that his words had gotten through. Scyther's arms fell slack to the ground, his head lowering. And that is when Mark saw the tears falling from Scyther's eyes, rolling down to the bridge of his reptilian-like snout to drip down to the ground below. Mark still didn't want to try and approach him yet, able to see the inner turmoil he was suffering. It wasn't until Mark saw Scyther's foot inching forward slowly that he knew that the Pokémon was willing to open up to him...

Mark scooted just a little closer to Scyther as he heard him sobbing –or at least what he felt was a Scyther's equivilant to it, inhaling sharply with a slight, almost chime-like sound heard from its throat. When Mark slowly placed his hands onto Scyther's shoulders, the mantis-like Pokémon leaned into him, and cried hard into his chest, the flats of his blade arms at his sides as he let out all of his pain into this complete stranger who sought to comfort him.

Mark, at first with some reluctance, held Scyther, not knowing what to expect when his hands rested on his back below the wings of the bug-type. He had thought the texture of its skin might have been slimy and digusting –something repulsive as he often felt about Bug-type Pokémon, but surprisingly, Scyther's skin was smooth and almost glassy in texture with a soft carapace rather than a hairy or rugged exterior, and that reptilian-style face, able to show expression where other Bug-types couldn't, forced all of Mark's revulsion from him and he embraced Scyther gently.

“You're not alone, Scyther," Mark said softly to him. “And I promise to take care of you."

Off to the side, Lance watched with a mixed expression of gratitude and amazement at how Mark had been able to win Scyther's trust so quickly; moments ago it had tried to cut his arm off, and yet now there it was, seeking his comfort like a child to its parent. He returned the Poké Ball clenched in his hand back to the holster beneath his cape, and allowed a small smile to stretch across his face, all while Mark continued to comfort his new companion.

Scyther's fatigue caught up to him finally as he let out all of his emotions in Mark's embrace, and after what felt like a long time, Mark was suddenly supporting the Pokémon with his body. Scyther had drifted off to sleep in his grasp. Mark did not even realize it until he heard Scyther's soft breathing, and suddenly became aware of a painful cramp in the knee he was currently using to hold himself up.

Slowly and subtly, Mark raised Scyther's ball, gently tapping his shoulder with the sphere and recalling him back inside where he could sleep peacefully. Mark stared at the ball thoughtfully, wondering what he should do next; he had to store Scyther soon –or at least store one of his other Pokémon in the meantime. He was loathe to do so, but he didn't feel right to put Scyther away so soon; he had only just earned its trust, and needed to spend more time with him –get him used to everyone else, and let them get used to him too.

With a grunt, Mark stood up, shaking the cramp from his leg and turning back to his team, wondering who he could do without for a while until he heard Lance speak his name. He turned to the Dragon Master, and saw the proud look on his face. “That was a great thing you did," he stated. “Pushing aside your aversion to Bug-types, in order to help one that was in pain."

“Just don't ask me to do it for a Beedrill," Mark returned. “Never a Beedrill."

“Agreed," Lance returned, laughing light-heartedly. “So... what will you do now? Are you going to store him?"

“I shouldn't, at least not yet," Mark returned. “He still needs some time to get used to me and the others. But he's fallen asleep, and now I've only got a few hours before I have to store him or I'll get slapped with a fine."

“You could put away one of your other Pokémon until then, can you not?" Lance asked.

Mark was amused by how Lance was actually inquiring with him the very things he had just been thinking about less than a minute ago, as if the Dragon Master had been reading his mind. “And in that lies the hard part," Mark stated. “Who can I do without?"

“What about your Charmeleon?" Lance asked. “You already have a Fire-type with you."

“Coal would never forgive me if I stored him," Mark returned. “I was one of the first things he saw when he hatched from his egg and he hasn't left my side since. And Vitesse or Fang are out of the question; I feel like I couldn't be without them for even a moment."

Lance chuckled again, rubbing his eyes for a few seconds. “A classic case of spending too much time with the same Pokémon; there are some you just can't be parted from." He commented.

“Pretty much, yeah."

“Well, you should have plenty of time yet; the limit is twenty-four hours and it was fairly late when you caught him yesterday so there should be no concerns," Lance assured him.

“Yeah, true. As long as he doesn't sleep too late I might be able to get a bit more time with him."

“Which brings me to my next request," Lance began, bringing Mark's attention back to him.

“Request?"

“When you came here to the Indigo Plateau, you were here to challenge me, as you told me yesterday," Lance began. “Well, let me be the one to challenge you instead."

“Really?" Mark asked, surprised.

“I'd say after everything you've done to help Scyther, and for assisting the League in solving its 'robbery' problem, I owe it to you to give you the battle you came here for," Lance stated, reaching up and clapping Mark on the shoulder. “And after seeing how your Blaziken fights, I'm quite eager to see how you lead your Pokémon in battle. So, what do you say?"

Mark smiled broadly, meeting Lance's gaze and nodding to him. “I gladly accept your challenge, Lance," he returned.

“Then, when you are ready, come see me inside in the Champion's arena at the far end of the building. I will let the others know you are coming and will use that time to prepare for our battle."

Mark nodded again. “I'll be there soon."

“Take as long as you need," Lance returned, before turning and heading back towards the League building, his long black cape flowing behind him in the light wind as he proceeded. “I'll be waiting. And, don't forget to see our on-site doctor about your arm; you might need stitches."

Mark watched after Lance as he returned to the League building, feeling a burning heat welling up within himself as he anticipated the imminent battle between himself and Lance the Dragon Master –the Champion of Kanto for half a decade at least, nearly undefeated in battle throughout his career. The kind of opponent Mark had begun his journey for –the one he longed to face, to test his skills against and find his place in the ever-expanding world of Pokémon and Trainers.

“I will be ready for you," Mark said in a low tone as Lance disappeared back inside.

A little later, Mark felt Scyther stirring in his Poké Ball again, and let him out for more fresh air, as their chance to get acquainted had been cut somewhat short by Scyther falling asleep. Mark used that opportunity to begin introducing Scyther to the rest of the team; he and Vitesse still regarded each other with suspicion but the others seemed to accept him –especially Coal, who actually raced Scyther around the Plateau. Of course Scyther was naturally faster, being able to fly across the ground like a miniature missile thanks to his speed and wings.

Later on, Mark was joined by Randy, finally rousing himself from his sleep and heading outside for a breath of fresh air when he spotted Mark watching his Pokémon play and exercise in the yard. He seemed surprised to find Scyther out there, spending time with the others and getting acquainted with them. He called a hello to Mark to announce his approach. “Morning!"

“Morning, Randy," Mark called back.

“I see you and Scyther seem to be getting along?" Randy asked.

“Well mostly," Mark replied, turning fully to Randy. “it was a bit of a..."

“Holy shit!" Randy suddenly exploded, pointing at Mark's arm. “You're freakin' bleeding, man!"

Mark looked at his arm, remembering the laceration left by Scyther when he had lashed out at the trainer. He'd since bandaged the wound with some first aid supplies in his knapsack but hadn't been to see the League's on-site medic yet, having wanted to use every moment he could to see to Scyther and get as much time with him as possible.

“Oh, right; I was getting to that," Mark stated.

“Did Scyther do that to you?" Randy asked.

“He was just protecting himself, Randy," Mark returned. “He didn't know my intentions, but my only concern is getting him settled in with my team."

“With your team?" Randy repeated in question. “I thought he was going to the Ranger's family?"

Mark frowned. “Apparently, they don't want him."

“Are you freakin' kidding me?" Randy asked in a gawking manner.

“His only family apparently is a daughter in Kalos, and she didn't want Scyther," Mark replied. “I don't know why, but either way he became my responsibility." Mark turned to look at Scyther, watching him being chased by Coal around the yard some more. “And Lance talked me into keeping him."

“I thought you didn't like Bug-types?" Randy reminded.

“Yeah I know; little contradictory, isn't it?" Mark asked. “I'm still scared to death of Beedrill but Scyther... well, maybe not so bad. After all it only looks bug-like from the neck-down. I just don't feel as averse to him as I do other bugs –especially the ones that sting."

“Could be a sign you're getting over your fears," suggested Randy.

“I'm not going to hold my breath about that one," Mark returned. “I hear buzzing and I'm still running for the nearest faraway place."

Randy snickered at that. “If you say so." He then looked in Scyther's direction. “So what can he do; have you tested him yet?"

“Not yet, no; still don't know what attacks he knows," Mark replied. “And I think I should give him a little more healing time before I start testing him."

“Yeah, good point."

“He's going to need a name too," Mark stated.

“You got something in mind?"

“Not yet, but I'll come up with something once I get a better read on his fighting skills. While I'm at it, I'll also need to make sure he likes it too."

“Good on you," Randy returned, and after a brief pause, posed the next question. “So, did you ask Lance for a battle yet?"

“Actually, he asked me if you can believe it."

Randy looked at him with an intrigued expression. “Serious?" He asked.

“It's not what it sounds like," Mark returned. “He knew it was what I had come here for, and after everything that happened yesterday I guess he felt he'd grant me the battle as a favour. We're due to battle this afternoon, as soon as I've had enough time with Scyther and store him for a while."

“Freakin' sweet," returned Randy. “I better go make sure my camera's charged," he added before spinning on his heel and sprinting back towards the League building.

“You do that."

Later that same day, it was time for Mark to get ready for his battle with Lance. He let Scyther know it was time; at first he was reluctant to be put into storage but after Mark explained to him why it was necessary –basically by telling him the same things he had told Randy, Scyther understood the reason and went into storage without further complaint. Before returning him to his Poké Ball Mark promised to spend more time with Scyther as soon as possible.

With that done, he was on his way to the champion's battle arena –nearly forgetting to stop by the on-site doctor's office to get his arm checked and properly dressed- accompanied by Randy and their guide –none other than Koga himself, who led them through the various rooms that each member of the Elite Four would normally be awaiting challengers. But today was a special case, and instead of Mark battling his way through the Elite Four, he was bypassing them and heading straight for Lance for an unofficial match.

The fourth chamber was a strange one; as soon as they exited the third arena they entered a corridor that branched off to the left, passing a few doors on the way around a bend and then in a U-turn leading back around to the fourth and last chamber of the Elite Four. Once through the doors there, Koga took his leave of them, and with that Mark was finally in the Champion's hall, and there waiting for him was his opponent.

Lance stood at the far end of the huge, octagonal chamber that would serve as their battle arena, once more carrying that look that made Mark feeling like he was staring at a dragon in human form –those sharp, predatory eyes staring across the room at him, like a hawk watching a rabbit and waiting for its opportunity to strike. But Mark was not about to be that rabbit. Steeling himself, he stepped forward onto the tilework of the arena, while Randy stayed back to begin setting up his camera, deploying the tripod for it and waiting to hit the record button when the battle began.

“You've arrived," Lance stated. “I've been looking forward to this, Mark."

“So have I, Lance," Mark returned. “I hope you're ready."

“I'm am quite ready," Lance replied. “Today, my friend, I will show you the true might of Dragon Pokémon." He grabbed the edges of his cape, throwing out his arms to flip it open like a pair of wings. As his arms were unveiled, Mark saw that the dragon master was already holding a Poké Ball in right hand, and had made his first choice. “Let the battle commence!"

Mark widened his stance, reaching into his vest and selecting his first Pokémon as well as Lance tossed the ball in his hand forward, releasing the Pokémon within. From the confines of the ball emerged a Dragonite –just as Mark had predicted when he had read up on Lance. He was leading with one of his signature Pokémon to gauge the strength of his adversary. The round-nosed, orange-bodied dragon let out a long, howling cry towards the ceiling, spreading its oddly small wings out as it announced its readiness for battle.

“Vitesse, you're on!" Mark called, throwing the ball in his hand forward. The Blaziken emerged with a shrill cry of her own, somersaulting through the air before landing on both feet on the floor, flames already erupting from around her wrists, burning brightly as she faced Dragonite.

“This will be my first battle with another Champion in years!" Lance declared excitedly. “Even if you no longer hold the title, I expect this to be one I will remember for a long time!"

“You won't be disappointed, Lance," Mark promised.

“Chaaaa!" Vitesse agreed with her trainer, shifting to a combat-ready stance.

“Such passion; your Blaziken will make a fine opponent," Lance stated. “Let's begin! Dragonite, attack with Aqua Tail!"

Dragonite spread its wings out wide, letting out a low, guttural growl and soaring at Vitesse as blue energy enveloped its tail. It soared at her directly, swinging itself around to attack with its tail, but she jumped back to avoid it –surprisingly easily, Mark noted.

Mark was already getting a sense of what this Dragonite was like, but before he could begin forming his hypothesis, he needed to go on the offensive and further gauge his adversary. “Vitesse, jump and Thunderpunch!"

Dragonite attacked again with Aqua Tail, but Vitesse sprang over it, and then delivered a punishing left hook to its fast from above with an electrically charged fist. Dragonite yelped, reeling from the punch, and before he could fully shake it off, she landed back on her feet and followed it up with another one in the form of an uppercut to his chin, and still was able to dodge a retaliatory Aqua Tail by back-flipping away.

“She's fast!" Lance exclaimed.

“You haven't seen anything yet!" Mark returned. “Vitesse, Bulk-Up!"

The Blaziken huffed, crossing her arms over her chest and channeling her energy into her limbs, spreading them out again as her body swelled with strength. But Lance had such a move of his own.

“Two can play at that game," the Dragon Master stated. “Dragonite; Dragon Dance!"

Dragonite hummed loudly as it spread its wings again, spinning himself as he rose up into the air before flying in a gentle figure-eight pattern and landing once more, a red glow emanating from his flesh, which then shifted to a bluish one and finally faded altogether. When it abated, his body had seemingly become a little sleeker, but his limbs were still thick with muscle.

The gears in Mark's brain were turning, analyzing the scenario. 'This Dragonite has good endurance –it took those Thunderpunches and recovered pretty quickly. Anything that can take a hit like that is something that's been developing its tolerance to a direct hit. And now, he's upping its speed and power with Dragon Dance, plus it knows Aqua Tail –I wager that's for dealing with Rock-types since Dragonite's vulnerable to them and this one seems limited to Physical attacks. Now by increasing its attack and speed, it'd have a better shot at taking down said Rock-types, or in this case, a speedy Fire-type.'

It was still too early to give a conclusive hypothesis about his opponent, and the battle was still on. Now Dragonite was faster –as shown when it raced across the battlefield to rush at Vitesse, forcing her to somersault away to avoid yet another Aqua Tail, but Dragonite persisted, and finally Lance changed his attack choice. “Tailwind, and then Aerial Ace!"

Dragonite flew at Vitesse, before banking up suddenly and throwing a gust of wind in Vitesse's face, strong enough to make her flinch and giving Dragonite the opportunity to somersault backwards and plunge at her from an angle, slamming into her with all of its body weight and sending her hurtling through the air. She couldn't adjust her fall on account of the Tailwind, and landed on her back with a jarring thud against the stone floor.

“Aqua Tail!" Lance called.

Dragonite soared at Vitesse again, folding in his wings and front-flipping with his tail emitting the blue glow again. Vitesse recovered in just the nick of time and rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the slamming tail that split the stonework where she had been seconds before, springing back to her feet and hearing her trainer's next command.

“Thunderpunch again!"

She lunged, and delivered a nasty left-hook to Dragonite's jaw, shocking it with the electric-charged fist, but much to Mark's dismay, Dragonite punched back, driving his fist into Vitesse's chest, forcing a wheeze of air from her lungs and nearly doubling her over from the sheer force of the hit.

'Thunderpunch isn't Paralyzing it, and now she's wide open!' “Vitesse, get out of there!" Mark called.

“Dragon Rush!"

Dragonite's body seemed to explode with a blue energy that engulfed it whole, and it soared at Vitesse again just as she was standing up, Dragonite's head slamming right into her gut and carrying her along with him as he flew into the air, with her clawing at his back for a grip despite her pain.

Suddenly Mark had an idea. “Vitesse, use Thunderpunch on his wings!" He called at the top of his lungs.

Once more charging her fists with electricity, she raised her arms and brought them down onto the joints of Dragonite's wings, and with the delivery of the jolt, Dragonite's wings seized; they were suddenly dropping out of the air. Dragonite released his hold on Vitesse, flailing with a howl of fright as the ground came up fast, while she lunged to the side to get out from underneath him so that she would not get crushed under his weight when he reached the ground. He landed on his front, but she managed to catch herself on her hands and feet to break her fall.

Dragonite skidded to a halt along the floor, finally stopping at the edge of the battlefield and letting out a long groan. He spent the next moment trying to get back up, pushing himself up on his arms, but he staggered again and fell back onto his stomach and groaned again in defeat.

“Dragonite, return," Lance said, a disappointed tone in his voice as he recalled his Pokémon back to its ball where it could rest for a while until he took it to the Pokémon Center for proper recuperation. “Well done old friend," he muttered to the ball before drawing his arm back into his cape to return the ball to its proper placement and retrieve the next one.

“Vitesse, come back," Mark called to his Blaziken, urging her to return to his side. She did so, staggering over to him with one hand on her gut where Dragonite had rammed into her. Mark turned from her as she neared, reaching down into his knapsack to fish out a couple of Sitrus Berries, which he offered to her. “Here; munch on these and get your strength back. One of the others will take it from here for now."

She nodded to her trainer, holding out her talon for the berries and taking them, walking around behind Mark and sitting down on the floor as she ate the berries, letting Mark turn his attention back to his opponent.

“I'm impressed," Lance called. “Your Pokémon has quite the fortitude to take all those hits from my Dragonite and yet still manage to fight on."

“I'm often told she's as stubborn as I am," Mark commented with a light-hearted laugh. “But your Dragonite surprised me with that Tailwind; the perfect move for countering speedy Pokémon. Did you somehow know I was going to start with my fastest?"

“Well, yes and no," Lance admitted. “You see, I'm aware most trainers think that my focus on Dragon Pokémon means I focus solely on their strength, and pure reliance on strength is often overcome by speed."

“Amen to that!" Randy chimed in.

“So," Lance went on. “I trained one of my Dragonite to be defensive, as history has shown a solid defense is the answer to superior speed, and therefore my Dragonite could hold out long enough to turn the tide."

“Just as I thought," Mark stated. “You have more than one Dragonite; it stands to reason you'd train each one differently."

“That is correct," Lance replied. “And after seeing your Blaziken stand up to Scyther yesterday I knew she would be a swift adversary, so I chose my defensive Dragonite for the battle. I did not actually expect you to start with her though."

“Normally I don't," Mark admitted, looking back at Vitesse. “She's the heart of my team, and my ace in the hole. When I found out you'd start with Dragonite though, I knew she was the only one who'd stand a chance against him."

Lance's smile lessened. “Found out?" He echoed. “You have been studying me?"

“I find that entering a battle with a bit of knowledge is a good way to tip the scales," Mark returned. “I did some check on your history, and took it from there."

“I see," Lance returned. “Very well; I shall test you to see how much you learned." Once more, the dramatic emergence of his arm from beneath his cape, holding another Poké Ball in his hand. “And this shall do nicely, I feel; I will use one of my own Hoenn Pokémon."

Mark's expression turned to one of questioning; he watched as Lance threw the ball forward, calling out his chosen Pokémon. What emerged from the ball was a slightly insectoid-looking creature with a sleek-figured body of lime green, with some darker highlights at the antenna-like horns atop its head and forming in rings around its tail as well as its thighs. Its eyes were covered by a pair of red lenses, and it had sleek, green wings with a red outline, as well as three matching points on the end of its tail. It at first appeared in the air, but landed on its feet after appearing from its Poké Ball, staring at Mark though the protective red lenses over its eyes.

“A Flygon," Mark stated. He saw Flygon many times from where he lived; his house was right near the very desert that they made their home; a few times he'd thought about catching one himself but saw no reason for it back then. Still, he'd battled enough of them he knew what to expect; Flygon were swift and had good striking power, and possessed the Levitate ability which made them immune to Ground-type attacks, just as their own natural Ground-typing made them immune to Electric-type attacks and resistant to Poison-type as well.

'Greatest weakness for this type-combination is Ice, so I can use Fang or Siren,' thought Mark. 'But Fang can't fly and might not be able to keep up with Flygon, while Siren has little Defense –a solid hit might knock her out. So, whoever I use, I need to make sure I don't make any mistakes.' He narrowed his eyes. 'I better keep Fang aside for now, and use him if Lance has any ground-bound dragons.'

Having made his choice, he selected Siren's Poké Ball. “Okay girl, let's go!" He called as he threw the ball out onto the field, and the Milotic emerged, bursting forth from the ball and materializing on the field in a coiled up position. She raised her head and elicited a long, shrill cry as she tossed her head back.

Lance's eyes widened at the sight of Siren, awestricken by the beauty of the serpentine Pokémon. “A Milotic," he said. “I have not seen one of those since the Pokémon World Championships in the possession of Cynthia."

“Who's Cynthia?" Mark asked.

“The now former Champion of the Sinnoh Region," Lance replied. “One of her Pokémon was Milotic, and ever since I first saw it, I have admired its divine elegance. I've wanted to catch one for myself, but I never got the chance to ask her where to find one -I know it's in Hoenn but not where."

Mark smiled. “After the battle, I'll tell you," he promised. “But for now, let's get back to it!"

“Very well!" Lance agreed, grabbing the edges of his cape and throwing it out like a pair of wings. “Take flight, my dragon!"

'Got a flare for drama, this guy,' Mark thought, arching an eyebrow at the display, but regaining his focus as Flygon screeched and took to the air, hovering above its starting area and waiting for its first attack command. “Siren, get ready; use Aqua Ring!"

At Mark's command, a veil of water began to coat Siren's body, flowing over her smooth scales and encompassing her form before seemingly melding to her skin and giving her a shiny exterior. After that, Mark gave her next command. “Water Pulse!"

Opening her mouth wide a sphere of water formed in front of her face, and she shot said sphere at Flygon; it banked away from her attack, correcting its flight pattern and rushing at her as Lance issued his own command, having waited for just this moment where Siren had left herself open for a counterstrike. “Dragon Claw!"

Flygon drew back its arms, green energy forming at the ends of them in the shape of three-fingered claws as it flew towards Siren. It was fast; it closed the distance between them within seconds, and swiped its deadly claws at the Milotic. She ducked under the first claw swipe, but the second one caught her only the back as Flygon flew past; she squealed in pain but quickly shook it off, before turning and firing a second Water Pulse.

Unlike the first Water Pulse, this one hit home, striking Flygon square in the back as it started to circle around again, knocking it off balance and causing it to crash into the ground; the combined impact of Water Pulse and the crash dazed the Pokémon, and it was unable to react to the next attack Mark ordered.

“Blizzard!" Mark called.

Siren inhaled sharply, a cool mist seeping from the edges of her mouth as she conjured the attack, and with a powerful exhale, she unleashed a cone of ice and snow that barraged Flygon. The combined weakness to Ice-type that both Dragon and Ground-type Pokémon shared forced Flygon to endure serious damage from it, and by the time it was all over, there were fragments of Ice on his wings, and he was unable to fly. It struggled to stay on its feet, but was shaky and barely holding up; both trainers could easily see that it could not continue this battle in such a state.

Lance was dismayed by the swift defeat of his Dragon; Mark had chosen his first Pokémon well even though Siren was vulnerable to physical attacks. Her choice of attacks made up for that, though; Lance recalled Flygon to its Poké Ball, not wanting to push him when he was in such a state. “Impressive," he complimented Mark.

“Thanks," Mark returned. “And good job, Siren; that was perfect."

The Milotic cooed back at her trainer in return, as if to thank him for his compliment.

“Very well then; it seems I will need to step up a little more," Lance stated as he reached for his next Poké Ball. “What I have here is a relatively new Pokémon I caught when visiting the Kalos Region, and I have spent months training and evolving it."

'Uh oh... my book didn't show any Pokémon from Kalos in Lance's possession,' Mark thought. 'What's he bringing out?'

_ _ “Come forth, Goodra!" Lance called, tossing the ball forward to reveal his next Pokémon.

The figure that formed from the confines of the ball was a tall, pudgy, bipedal Pokémon with pale colouring, eliciting a rather wet, bubbly sound at the same time as it growled, as if gargling on water while letting out its cry. The creature's ventral portion, from the neck down to between the legs and to the end of the tail was lavender in colour, with green spots along the sides of the face and tail. It had two pale green eyes that sported a rather friendly look about them, and growing from the back of its head were two long... horns? Mark wasn't sure what to call them –they almost looked like tails growing from the back of its head, given that they moved when the Pokémon itself did too.

“So that's a Goodra," Mark commented. “First time I've ever seen one. I have to say it looks rather... gentle, at first glance."

“Goodra are very gentle," Lance clarified. “Just like Dragonite they are docile and friendly creatures, preferring a peaceful lifestyle." His expression hardened. “But, just like Dragonite, they are still very capable combatants."

“He's right, Mark!" Randy called. “Goodra are classed as Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon; that goopy lizard's very powerful!"

Mark looked back at Randy briefly, and then to Siren; she turned her head slightly to meet her trainer's gaze, eyeing him expectantly before they nodded to each other in a 'we got this' sort of way, and then both turned to look at Goodra again.

“Let's go!" Mark bellowed.

“Very well!" Lance returned. “Goodra, use Muddy Water!"

Goodra gargled loudly as it threw up its stubby arms, a pillar of water erupting around it in the process. The water was discoloured and mixed with copious amounts of dirt, giving it a brown colour. It rushed at Siren like a mini-tsunami, too fast for Siren to dodge. She braced herself for it, rather than try to stop it, and felt it wash over her, covering her in filthy water and making her shake her head in disgust –she never was one for getting dirty, Mark mused. She always preferred swimming in clean, cool water.

It was when he saw her shaking her head around and wiping her eyes with her fan-like tail that Mark realized why Lance had used a water-type attack against her; it barely caused her any real harm, but the mud had gotten into her eyes, half-blinding her. He was trying to prevent Mark from using Blizzard again; the attack itself was already hard to hit with, but without her sight, Siren wouldn't be able to land it again.

But Mark only grinned. “Nice try, Lance," Mark called. “But your plan's about to backfire!" Mark pointed towards Goodra. “Siren, Disarming Voice!"

Siren held her eyes open half-lidded, and then threw back her head as she unleashed a high-pitched, yet oddly musical cry into the room, soundwaves erupting all around her and kicking up dust as she aimed her melodic voice at Goodra, barraging it with the attack. Goodra flailed its arms as it was hit, nearly falling off of its feet and stumbling backward.

'Perfect hit,' Mark thought, confidently. 'When Muddy Water blinded Siren it triggered her Competitive Ability, raising her attack power; now even a weak move like Disarming Voice hits hard.'

His confidence ebbed when he saw Goodra stand as tall as it had before, as if it had barely even been hurt. “The hell?!" Mark demanded.

“You will need something much stronger than that to defeat Goodra!" Lance declared, grinning broadly before issuing his next command. “Power Whip!"

Goodra growled and rotated its upper body all about, tossing the two slimy horns growing from the back of its head before it threw its head forward, and at that second the two horns extended, growing out all the way towards Siren and swinging at her; she narrowly dodged the first, which struck the ground with such a snap of force that Mark actually blinked even though he was nowhere near it, but because she was still blinded by the mud in her eyes she couldn't see the second horn lashing at her, and it landed right in the middle of her back, making her rear back and shriek with pain from the strike.

“Siren! Use Recover!" Mark called.

“Oh no you don't!" Lance stated. “Goodra, Slam!"

Just as Siren tried to curl up to heal herself, the long, gooey horns of Goodra, which were still stretched out over her, wrapped around her body and lifted her up into the air before she could start healing. She thrashed, trying to slip out of Goodra's grasp, but despite its slimy body it had a firm grip, throwing her around in circles before Goodra threw its head forward again and brought her down with bone-jarring force.

When the dust cloud blanketing her point of impact cleared, she was laying prone, her elongated body stretched across the stonework and her eyes shut. Goodra had knocked her out cold.

“Damn it..." Mark cursed under his breath, reaching for Siren's Poké Ball and recalling her. “Good try, girl," he said as she was recalled back into the ball to be switched out.

“Your Milotic is impressive," Lance stated. “But my Goodra will not fall so easily."

'We'll see about that,' Mark thought, before he looked back at Vitesse. “What do you think, girl; can you go a second round?"

Vitesse nodded her head in confirmation to her trainer. The Sitrus Berries had done their job to re-energize her, and the two matches in her absence allowed her to get her second wind –she was ready to fight again. Mark stepped aside to let her stride out onto the field. 'Goodra's got good special defense and some ranged game with that Power Whip and Muddy Water. Plus, those appendages on its head can be used like long grasping arms for a Slam attack. All in all it seems focused on keeping its enemies at a distance, which could mean it doesn't have a strong Defense and seems pretty slow. If Vitesse can close in and land a good solid hit that might do the trick.'

“So your Blaziken again, is it?" Lance asked, narrowing his eyes. He was too far away to be sure, but Mark was certain he could see a small smirk creeping across Lance's face. “Very well; I will remain with Goodra for now."

Mark didn't like that look on Lance's face, or that tone; he was being subtle about it but Mark knew he was up to something. Unfortunately, he couldn't be sure what; he would just have to carry on, and home he would be ready for whatever Lance had planned, and the battle was now to begin.

'Better power up, just in case,' thought Mark. “Vitesse, Bulk-up!"

The Blaziken carried out the command, using her energy focused into her limbs to strengthen herself, but Lance, apparently of the same mind, gave Goodra a similar command. “Acid Armour," he said. In response, Goodra let out another long, gargling growl as its body seemed to liquefy to a thinner consistency than it already was, as if it were melting, yet it remained on its feet and stood fast as Mark ordered Vitesse on the attack.

“Low Sweep!"

Vitesse charged, striding across the battlefield towards Goodra while it was still using Acid Armour to attack before it could do anything else. Goodra either did not have time to react or did not try, for it remained in place even as Vitesse neared. It did stumble though, when Vitesse's leg swept across its knees, and then Mark ordered the next attack. “Dual Chop!"

Using the momentum of her kick, Vitesse spun, extending her arms as they glowed a lavender colour, followed by her delivering two knife-hand to Goodra's slimy body –one to the face, the other to the neck. Both times, she was splattered with slime from Goodra's body, and though the unusual Pokémon seemed hurt by this onslaught, it stood its ground still.

Mark realized too late what was happening; Lance had let Goodra take that. He'd used Acid Armour first to soften its body and reduce the impact of Vitesse's attack, and then issued no other commands to it. None he heard at least. What if Lance had trained Goodra to use some other command in chain with Acid Armour...

The realization struck him like a hammer hitting a bell.

'Shit!' He cursed in his mind. “Vitesse, get away!"

“Too late!" bellowed Lance. “Now Goodra!"

The slimy dragon's eyes, previously shut while taking hits from Vitesse, shot open, and then it swung its head at her. She had been moving back, but she was too slow, and Goodra's attack hit home, slamming her with both of its horns with the force of a wrecking ball, sending her flying through the air until she hit the wall above Mark's head, showering him with broken chunks of stone –not to mention her when she fell back to the ground and landed on him. He managed to correct himself in time to catch her, but the awkward angle sent both of them to the floor, nearly knocking the wind out of Mark's lungs in the process.

Randy, having watched the course of Vitesse's rather short battle with Goodra, was left wondering what happened until he saw Mark sit up and check on Vitesse, only to find she had been knocked out cold, in one attack. Goodra had only stricken her once, but had taken two attacks himself –and at that he knew what Mark had been panicking about after Vitesse's successful execution of Dual Chop.

“Bide," Randy whispered. “Goodra was using Bide..."

He was correct; Mark had deduced this himself when he realized Goodra was not even trying to dodge or defend against Vitesse's attacks. Lance had trained Goodra to chain Bide with Acid Armour –and possibly other defensive moves- in order to bait speedy opponents into a trap, coming too close to get out of the way in time when Goodra struck back.

Mark looked at Lance, feeling both impressed and frustrated by how he had walked right into that crushing defeat that he had set up. 'They don't call this guy 'Dragon Master' for nothing.' He reminded himself as he got out from under Vitesse, kneeling at her side and checking her. Unfortunately, as with Siren, she too had been knocked unconscious by Goodra's attack, and could no longer continue the battle. With a defeated sigh, Mark picked out Vitesse's Poké Ball and recalled her to let her rest.

“I have to commend you on that one," Mark stated. “I never saw that coming until it was too late, and even then I didn't have time to react."

“I'm impressed you deduced it before it happened," Lance stated. “But, you did not do so quick enough; you were far too intent on pressuring me to stop me from counter-attacking."

“Which happened anyway," Mark returned, dejectedly.

“Precisely," Lance returned, in a disappointed manner that left Mark feeling small in his gaze. “I would've thought a former champion would know better than to let battle instinct overwhelm his senses."

And once again, Mark felt a sting to his pride. That was twice now in just two days that he found himself being humbled by these trainers from Kanto. He had been a Champion once, and Lance was correct; he should know these things with his experience. He'd been a trainer for close to four years now –one of those years he spent as the Hoenn Champion! What was wrong with him?

“I guess... I'm not myself lately," Mark returned. “But that's no excuse for my crap performance is it?"

“No, it isn't," Lance stated, producing Goodra's Poké Ball from beneath his cape. “Goodra, catch your breath; I will need you again soon."

Goodra elicited a rumbling response to its trainer as Lance recalled it to its ball, pocketing it after. “If you want to have a hope of defeating me, Mark, you must keep your head level at all times. Make no mistake; I may have few challengers as the Champion, but I have never stopped training, and through your performance here today I'm starting to think that after you left the Hoenn League, you grew complacent and stopped training. Am I wrong?"

Unfortunately, he wasn't. Mark remembered Blue's words after their battle; 'keep training, even if you're not on a journey; Pokémon get out of shape even faster than humans do but they can bounce back just as quickly too', and now Lance was telling him the same thing.

Mark could not tell a lie –not when the truth had become so clear to him, and so he could only answer him honestly. “No... you're not. I haven't been training as much as I should have been." He hung his head shamefully.

“Then, Mark, I must be honest with you," Lance stated. “Your journey to battle the greatest trainers in the world will fail utterly the way you are now. The other Champions are as strong as I am –some may be even stronger still. Whether or not you win this battle, you must resume training for the road ahead; if you can't, then you may as well go home." He held up the Poké Ball of his next chosen battler. “Because with Pokémon and their Trainers, there is no success for slackers."

'God damn if everything he's saying doesn't make sense,' thought Mark. He had neglected his training –his and that of his Pokémon, for far too long with his only excuse being because he didn't know when he would be travelling or battling again, and in that time his Pokémon had become weaker... he had become weaker. The terrible performance against his current opponent was because of him and his negligence.

Mark's fists tightened, feeling a heat rising in his chest. He would make this right... he would fix the weak link in his team's chain, but most of all, he would not give up in this battle. Lance still had three Pokémon left –four including Goodra, and Mark had four; the battle was far from over. He reached into his vest, selecting his next Pokémon and revealing a Poké Ball as he drew his hand back out.

“You wish to continue then?" Lance asked.

“I'm not down yet. The real battle starts now Lance," Mark stated, his brow furrowing with determination.

At that, Lance grinned, seeing the fires in Mark's eyes as they both stood there, staring each other down. “And there's what I've been waiting to see." He drew back his arm, casting forth his held Poké Ball and releasing the Pokémon inside.

Out of the confines emerged another Dragon-type, tall and sleek-bodied with its entire back covered in layers of armour-like scales, yellow in colour, and black undertones around its ventral from the neck down to the lower belly. Its short, stubby arms ended in small reptilian claws, red in colour, three on each arm, and matching clawed feet. But most startling of all were the axe-like tusks growing from its face. When it threw back its head to roar, it looked like it was swinging a battle axe about in its mouth.

“I choose Haxorus," Lance stated. “Who will you bring forth next?"

Mark narrowed his eyes, looking at the ball in his hand before drawing back his arm, slowly and surely. “I choose..." He said. “Coal!" And threw the ball forward, releasing the Charmeleon within.

Coal emerged from the ball with a gleeful growl, landing on all fours on the floor and eliciting a rumble of excitement as he saw the Haxorus standing across the arena from him. His eyes narrowed, smoke billowing from his nostrils as he stood up, looking briefly back at Mark before looking forward at Haxorus again.

“Your Charmeleon?" Lance asked. “Don't you think your Charmeleon may not be up to this task? It is a middle-stage Pokémon –an adolescent, if you will. As for my Haxorus, he is fully-grown and trained."

Mark only grinned. “Growth and training does not equal a better battler," he stated.

“Have it your way, then," Lance stated. “Haxorus, Dual Chop!"

The edges of Haxorus' axe-blade tusks gleamed with a light, purple energy as it charged at Coal, roaring with ferocity as it charged forth. Mark told Coal to stand his ground; he did, sweeping his tail across the floor eagerly as Haxorus charged, raising its head up to swing.

“Jump!" Mark called, and Coal jumped over the first swing, and again over the second one. Haxorus then tried to stomp on him, but before he could even bring down his foot, Coal dashed to the side out its path. “Dragon Pulse!"

Coal opened his mouth, and from it fired a powerful, pulsing wave of Dragon-type energy, blasting Haxorus at near point-blank range and stumbling him, followed by a second blast, and a third finally knocked Haxorus off of his feet, sending him stumbling to the ground, but he caught himself on his foreclaws, and with some effort stood back up.

“Dual Chop again!" Lance ordered.

Once more onto the attack, Haxorus attempted to strike at Coal with his axe tusks, but as before, the Charmeleon dashed away before he could be struck, leaving a very frustrated Haxorus chasing after him, but Coal's small size and speed worked to his advantage, dashing between Haxorus' legs to get behind him. The dragon looked down between his legs at the Charmeleon behind him, who blew a taunting raspberry at Haxorus.

“An agile little adversary," Lance stated.

“It's like I said, Lance," Mark returned. “The real battle starts now. Coal, Smokescreen!"

“Rock Slide!" Lance commanded Haxorus.

From seemingly out of thin air, dozens of rocks materialized around Haxorus, and with a stomp of his foot, tumbled towards Coal in an attempt to bury him under the stones, but at the same time, Coal belched a cloud of black smoke, and dodged the first boulder just in time before disappearing into the smoke. All went silent except for the tumbling of the rocks until they rolled to a stop, with the smoke still hiding Coal from sight.

Haxorus narrowed its eyes as it stared into the smoke, trying to spot the Charmeleon. In seconds, he felt something fall onto his back, and looked behind him to see Coal on his back! He roared angrily, thrashing about and trying to fling Coal off of his back, but Coal dug his claws into the armour-like plates lining his back, hanging on tight and continuing to taunt the Haxorus to annoy him further.

Finally, when Haxorus began to run out of breath, Coal leapt away from him, and fired a point-blank Dragon Pulse directly into his face. Haxorus howled in agony, reeling away from the blast and then falling onto his side. Much to the shock of Lance, he went still and let out a long groan as he slipped out of consciousness.

“I don't believe it!" Lance protested.

“Nice one, Coal!" Mark called, and received a growl of acknowledgement from the Charmeleon. “How do you like my little superstar, Lance?"

With a mild scoff, Lance produced Haxorus' Poké Ball and recalled him, setting the ball aside as he had the previous ones and addressing Mark. “You surprised me, Mark," he said. “I didn't think a Charmeleon could ever defeat a fully evolved Dragon Pokémon, and yet your Charmeleon just defeated Haxorus without suffering a scratch." He could.

“When faced with a physically stronger opponent, the best way to beat them is to outmaneuver them," Mark stated. “You can't beat what you can't catch."

“Hey! That's my line!" Randy barked.

Mark glanced over his shoulder at Randy briefly, and directed his attention forward again as Lance spoke. “Now this is the battle I've been waiting for!" He called. He swung out his arm, revealing another Poké Ball in his hand. “Now I can battle you for real!"

The calm, coherent Lance that Mark had been seeing thus far had now vanished, and was replaced by a warrior burning with anticipation for the battle. A warrior with the eyes of a dragon, and will to match. It was then, Mark knew, that the might of Dragon-type Pokémon in its purest form was about to fall upon him, with Lance gripping the hammer that would flatten the former Hoenn Champion with its might.

He shifted his stance and met Lance's gaze, an unseen tension striking the air between them as they faced off, ready to battle as equals to see who would emerge triumphant...