Pokemon Adventures: Soul Ch08 Rise to the Next Level!

Chapter 8: Rise to the Next Level!

It's been hours since Cynthia and I got back to the cabin. The second we returned, she called everyone outside so we could start our training. We trained our pokemon separately, so each individual trainer could hone their respective pokemon's skills. I trained specifically with Emperor, Huntress and Gliscor (whom I named Nightwing). I taught Emperor both Roar and Toxic, Nightwing roost and taunt, and I taught Huntress Swagger. It took us a while to get those moves down pat, but we eventually learned how to use them effectively in battle. We worked hard on our minds, bodies and souls so we could fight in full sync. Nightwing and I practiced especially hard so we could get used to each other in combat, and as partners.

As the days drew on and a few days quickly flew by, every trainer had finished with their individual workouts. To further our strengths, we started training together in team battles and team orientated drills. These exercises were meant to establish friendships among each other, and to learn the value of working in a team. I didn't care so much about forging a friendship with those losers Heart and Core, but learning how to cooperate in teams with other people was a very important lesson to learn, especially if I wanted to become a successful champion.

On the last day of training, Core and I partnered up to battle against Spirit and Heart. We were training in the midst of Eterna forest, and as we ran to our goal, we whizzed past many trees and meadows. The game was a simple "capture the flag" race, but the game grew interesting, fast.

"Emperor! Use ice beam on the ground!" I called, as Emperor and I sprinted forward at full speed.

I wanted Emperor to use the ice on the ground to slide across, giving us acceleration in speed. Heart quickly responded to my command.

"Oh, no you don't! Infernape, Mach-Thunder Punch!" Heart responded instantaneously.

Immediately, Infernape boomed forward with a burst of speed, locking onto Emperor like a seek missile. The sheer speed of the attack left Emperor with little to no room to dodge! Through his training, Heart was successful in teaching Infernape how to combine the elemental punches with his Infernape's Mach Punch attack. The fruits of his labor were clearly evident.

Core dashed in from behind me, with his Floatzel by his side, coming to my aid.

"Floatzel! Use Aqua Jet to catch up to Infernape, and parry his thunder punch with a Mud Slap combination!" he demanded.

Floatzel burst forward in a ball of water, effortlessly catching up to Infernape. Floatzel then used its Aqua Jet attack to skid into the ground, causing tons of mud to splatter around Emperor. The combined force between Aqua Jet's speed and Mud Slap's ground typing fizzled out the Infernape's attack as the two collided, causing a huge explosion, BOOM! The impact from both attacks virtually canceling each other out sent both pokemon flying in opposite directions.

Spirit saw an opportunity to strike, as she rushed in quickly after Heart, Core and myself.

"YAHOOO! Hehe! They fell for the feint! Flora! Jump off Infernape's back, and use leech seed on Floatzel!" Spirit shouted out.

Flora then popped out of nowhere, jumping off of Infernape's back. It shot out a few small seeds from its bulb. As the seed traveled through the air, it expanded and vines shot all around Floatzel, tying it up and effectively dropping it out of the race.

"Infernape, Grab budew and launch it at Emperor! GO!" exclaimed Heart, as Core ran to his Floatzel's side.

Infernape grabbed Flora with one hand, and with all his might, threw her at Emperor. Budew soared threw the air like a football.

"It won't be that easy! Emperor! Roar NOW!" I demanded.

"I'm on it!" Emperor responded, and a blue aura surrounded his body, as he let out a giant ROAR! The sound waves of Emperor's roar halted Flora's progress midair, and sent it flying back to Spirit.

Just a little further! I thought, as Infernape and Heart quickly caught up to me.

"Infernape! Close Combat!" Heart called out.

Infernape charged forward once more and swung his first punch as if he were throwing a haymaker.

I grinned, "Get too close, and you drop your guard!" I said.

Emperor quickly spun around, facing Infernape right before it could nail him with a punch.

"Scald Him!" I said calmly.

Infernape was too slow to respond to the sudden turn around attack, and Emperor doused Infernape down into the ground, digging him into the earth with a full powered Scald attack. Emperor and I continued to dash forward, gaining momentum from putting Infernape down.

As we left Heart behind, we could see the flag holstered up on a stick, just passed the tall trees in the midst of an open field. The sun shined upon it like a beacon, making my vision of victory clear within my mind.

"Heh heh! Later losers!" Emperor snickered, as he and I continued to head for the goal.

"Crap! Infernape! cmon" Heart yelled trying to help Infernape too his feet in the slippery mud on the ground (created by Emperor's Scald and Floatzel Aqua Jet/Mud Slap combination attack).

I faced forward, and smirked at how easily I took Heart down. But somehow, Spirit found her way in front of us!

"What? When!" I said angrily, as she flew by Emperor and I gracefully.

Spirit was swinging through the trees, with the help of Flora and its Vine Whip attack! She winked and blew me a kiss, as Flora accelerated, swinging from tree to tree.

"Emperor! It's up to us to take her down! Shoot at 'em with your Ice Beam!" I called out to Emperor as we continued to sprint forward.

"We can still make it!" Emperor growled, firing blasts of ice at Flora.

It was to no avail, as Flora and Spirit effortlessly weaved in and out of each ice blast, like a feather being drafted by the wind.

"Emperor, aim for the farthest branch to the right!" I called out as we tried to catch up to the girls.

"I see it!" Emperor said back, shooting out another ice blast.

The tree branch became covered in ice, making it become very brittle.

"Flora! Wait!" Spirit exclaimed in shock when she noticed what we did, but it was too late.

Flora threw out another vine, and latched onto the brittle branch, which snapped do to the weight!

Spirit and Flora crashed into the ground, rolling to a halt as they landed. This bought just enough time for Emperor and I to pull ahead and gain a significant lead.

"Stay down!" I said as Emperor and I passed them, with a grin on my face.

"Ho ho, not on your life, fly boi!" Spirit declared with a determined smile, as she and Flora quickly got back up and resumed swinging from branch to branch, as though they hadn't lost momentum to begin with.

Spirit and I were neck and neck, as Emperor fired off beams of ice and Flora continued to use the vines to try and out pace us, stretching out our hands to grab the approaching flag in the center of the nearing meadow.

"Flora get in front of Emperor and use Leech Seed!" Spirit commanded as a last ditch effort.

Flora and Spirit swooped in from above us and was about to tie us up!

"Hell NO! Emperor, use Ice Beam!" I said quickly.

Emperor began to glow once more, and he let out another huge Ice Beam! But Spirit smiled confidently and winked at us, as though she anticipated our attack!

"Later boys ;3" she said playfully, "Flora, use Protect!" she said.

Flora made an energy shield that absorbed the impact from Emperor's Ice Beam attack. The force from the blast propelled them forward! Flora and Spirit soared threw the air like bullets. They reached the center of the meadow before Emperor and I could, and they grabbed the flag together.

Emperor and I caught up to Spirit and Flora in just a few short moments. We came to a running stop, as Spirit stuck her tongue out at us, winking, as she twirled the white flag around in the air.

"Damn it…" I said, as Emperor shrugged and let out a sigh.

Heart and Core finally caught up to us, and approaching us in the center of the meadow. They were walking calmly, like they knew that the race would be over by the time they caught up anyway.

"So?! Who won?!" asked Core hastily.

I shook my head, and Spirit jumped up and down laughing holding Flora in the air.

"That's my little seedling! You're beautiful and strong! Aren't you dearest?" she said in a praising voice.

Flora smiled and made little cute squealing noises as it was being weaved around in the air. Suddenly, it began to glow!

"Wow! She's evolving!" Marveled Heart at the spectacle.

Flora evolved into an elegant Roselia, and its bulbs blossomed into a purple and black pair of flowers.

"Wait, Flora, your flowers are different! They are beautiful!" Spirit said, in a teary voice.

Flora hummed in lieu of her praise, happy that she could help out as much as she did. "You've been a Budew for such a long time, I am happy to see that our hrd work finally paid off!" Spirit said happily, putting Flora down.

"Way to go Spirit!" began Heart, "How about a little celebration kiss for you progress today?"

Heart leaned over to give spirit a big, wet kiss. Spirit grimaced, and put her hand up in defense, causing Heart to kiss her hand instead.

"Aww! Don't be shy, Spirit! Ya know you want me!" Heart whined.

Spirit shook her head, "Not In this life!" she replied boldly, and everyone began to laugh.

"OH YEAH! That reminds me!" Heart turned to face me, "Mission accomplished! Suck it Soul!" Heart said putting his arm around my shoulders laughing.

I glared at him, "I think you're getting too familiar with me. Don't think you're better than what you are just cuz she got the flag for you…" I said coldly.

Heart ignored me and went to give Core a noogie, still laughing loudly.

"Heh heh! Next time choose the winning team!" he said putting Core in a full nelson.

Core began crying, "STOP IT HEART! OWW! Ok! Next time I'll make sure I put Spirit on my team!" he exclaimed.

Heart let him go, puffing his chest out proudly, "Exact- hey wait a second!"

Heart just realized he got played, so he began chasing Core around in circles, and everyone was laughing as they ran about. Heck, even I cracked a smile as I watched them play around, having fun.

"Hmph, Emperor let's go…" I said quietly, and we both started walking back to camp.

"Hey! Soul wait!" said Spirit, as she ran to catch up with me, followed by Heart and Core.

We walked through the forest for what seemed like forever, laughing and talking about how much stronger each of us had become since we started our training with Cynthia. Inevitably, we finally made it back to camp. Cynthia was outside waiting for us to return.

She waved at us as she stood up from her chair on the cabin's deck, "Welcome back! You guys had fun? Did you push each other to work hard!?" she called out to us.

Core, Spirit and Heart ran out to greet Cynthia with smiles of joy. They started gibbering away about the whole race and all the fun they had. I walked by the small group and waited in front of the cabin door with Emperor by my side. Cynthia turned away from the group to face me.

"Soul, how about you? Anything you want to elaborate about the race?" she asked with a smile.

I stood up straight, and looked at Core, and then I faced Cynthia.

"Core, Floatzel and Emperor believed in me, and I let them down. He sacrificed himself in an effort to give me the lead we needed to win. If this were a real battle, we would have lost due to my rookie mistake, or worse, our lives…This mission was a failure, and I failed my team"

Heart, Spirit and Core looked at me with serious, but concerned, faces.

"Soul, this exercise wasn't meant to directly teach a lesson! It was to learn how to communicate with each other, and to have fun!" Cynthia said as she walked over to me and grabbed my shoulder,

"Listen you guys worked hard out there, come into the cabin and relax for a little while, I even put some food on the table!" Cynthia finished.

Spirit and Core rushed inside without hesitation, giggling uncontrollably as they raced to eat the food.

"Soul, I want to work out with you a while longer…" Emperor said to me in a serious tone.

I nodded, "Emperor and I are gonna work out some more," I said to Cynthia.

She smiled, "Okay, but don't overdo it…" she responded, and she walked inside.

Heart walked up to me, "You know…Soul, you are a great leader, and you work hard…Let me train with you, so we both can get stronger as a team."

He extended his fist out to me.

I placed my hand on his fist, "No…Emperor, Huntress and Nightwing have to work out together by themselves. Besides, you and the others were able to train with Cynthia for an entire day longer than I did. We need this little extra training, so don't mind me…Go eat" I said giving him a fist bump.

Heart hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to protest, but he smiled and gave me a nod, as he turned to walk inside.

~3 hours later~

Emperor, Huntress and Nightwing were breathing very heavily. I was pretty banged up myself, from taking too many of their combined attacks. Emporer and I stood up, ready to go another round, but Nightwing and Huntress were at their limit.

"Huntress," I called out to her.

"Yes Soul!?" she responded wearily.

"Take Nightwing and both your pokeballs to the cabin. Emperor and I are gonna go at it again" I said coolly.

Huntress nodded, and scooped up Nightwwing, and sped off. Emperor was still breathing heavily. I put the training gloves back on again, and charged at Emperor.

"You can't be tired yet! Get ready to fight at the least opportune moments!" I cried out, as I swung a quick 1, 2 combo at him.

He ducked and swayed out of the way of both my punches. I threw an uppercut straight through the center of his body, punching Emperor in the gut.

My punch connected, but Emperor was able to muscle through it. Emperor then swung around behind me.

"GOOD! NOW ATTACK!" I screamed, as I quickly turned and swung a right jab.

But just as I wanted, he blasted me with his Scald before I could get my punch in. I hurtled backward into the ground, and hit my back hard against the cold muddy floor.

"Gah!" I coughed, as the air in my chest seemed to escape me.

"CMON! GET UP!" Emperor shouted.

I staggered to my feet, and grinned at Emperor wiping the sweat of my forehead.

I charged forward yet again, "HAAAH!" I bellowed.

Emperor shot another Scald at me, but I ducked under it, and used the mud on the ground to slide in under his Feet. He cut the attack short, but was too late to avoid my assault. I swung my arm from under him, pulling his leg as I slid, effectively tripping him. He turned as he fell on his back with a loud THUD! I quickly stood up and attempted to charge at him yet again as he lay on the ground.

As I jumped at him, he let out a giant ROAR, sending me flying backwards!

"Good! GOOD!" I called to him, as I flipped midair and landed on my feet. He was learning to use Roar effectively! And now that I'm tired, he was using my attacks as set up bait, making me think I got him when I really don't.

"It's NOT OVER!" I cried, and I dashed forward, using the mud to slide as if I were wearing roller skates.

Emperor's braced himself for another round. As I closed in on him, and was about to give a blow of my own, my leg gave out, and I slid into him instead, causing both of us to fall over.

We just sat their huffing and puffing, trying to catch our breath. We started coughing and sputtering in exhaustion, and those coughs slowly turned into laughs.

"You've done it! The move Roar buys you time to recover your footing, and toxic allows you to weaken your opponent as you buy that time to recover, giving you a major advantage! Also as you tank those hits with your bulk, your ability torrent powers up your Scald as you get weaker," I sat up and stared at Emperor with a smile on my face, "The longer you are in the battle, the stronger you become!" I said.

"This style of battle is infact genious…But it is stall. It doesn't induce fear…" Emperor responded solemnly.

"You're right, of course…but this style of battle is only temporary. Once we beat eternal, and get the move Grass Knot from her…we will turn you into an Emperor, truly to be revered.

As I said that, he began to glow, and his body became illuminated in a bright blinding light.

"Emperor…" I said as I watched him in awe.

Emperor grew and size and a trident like crown formed on his head. He had evolved into his final evolution, Empoleon!

"This is it…this is the power of our bond that helped me evolve. Our training, and our hard work…it was worth it…" Emperor stammered, as he passed out from exhaustion.

Suddenly, an Aerodactyl swooped in from overhead, and landed by us. Psyche hopped off its back.

"Good work, Ridley…" He said, as he placed it back in its pokeball and walked over to Emperor and myself.

I glared up at him as he walked over to us.

"You both look really pathetic right now" Psyche said barely able to hold in his laughter.

I helped Emperor stand up, and threw his giant wing over my shoulder. "Oh yea…Tough talk from a chump like yourself…" I said barley able to stand.

My vision began to get blurry.

"Heh, you both seem to be working hard…" that was the last thing I heard Psyche say, since I followed suit, and collapsed on the ground, with Emperor falling on top of me.

Psyche sighed, as he took Emperor's pokeball from my waist, and put Emperor back into his ball.

…

I picked Soul up, and carried him back to the cabin which wasn't too far off. I walked up the front steps and onto the deck, knocking on the cabin door. I could hear some footsteps from inside, and eventually Cynthia opened it up.

"Hello Psyche!" she said happily.

I quickly saluted to show Cynthia my respects.

Cynthia shook her head with a smile, "Haha! At ease soldier!" she said waving for me to come in.

I lugged Soul's arm over my shoulder and walked in. As I walked into the cabin, I saw Spirit and a couple of guys sitting at a nearby table in the dining room. As I looked around to find a place to put Soul down, I saw a fire burning in the living room's fire place, as well as an un-occupied couch close to it.

"Who the heck is he?" the eldest boy demanded.

"Yeah! How come he's here?" the youngest chipped in.

Spirit smiled and waved, "Hello Psyche! How have you been? And how is my sweet Torterra?" she asked.

"EEEEEHH?!" the boys said in unison.

"SPIRIT! Why do you know all these guys!? WHAT THE HELL!? Are you hiding something?" the eldest boy asked nudging Spirit's arm.

She moved Heart's elbow away, "Well, you see, I met Psyche on one of the many mountain sides of Mt. Coronet. He was being attacked by a couple of Ursaring for some odd reason. I Swooped in and fought them off for him with my Torterra, and since he didn't have any of his own pokemon with him, I loaned him my Torterra!" she said with a smile.

I pulled Torterra's pokeball off my waist, and tossed it to Spirit. Spirit caught the ball, and stared down at it with a smile.

"I was in a serious jam at the time," I said as I began to explain my story,

"My pokemon had been seriously injured in a confrontation with some thugs earlier that day, so I visited a nearby poke center to heal them up. As I was waiting for them to recover, I spotted some Syndicate rejects walking out of the center. I quietly followed them and found a hidden base in one the many caverns of Mt. Coronet. I intended to gather intelligence and report my findings to PEACE headquarters, then return later with a team. But I somehow blew my cover and was forced to take them down on the spot. Unfortunately, Greiger got away and he sent a pair of enraged Ursaring after me…"

I walked over to the empty couch near the fire place, and laid Soul down on it.

"Psyche, my instincts tell me that you should hold on to it for now…" Spirit said, and she tossed the pokeball back to me.

I caught it and looked back at Spirit, "You sure?" I questioned her.

Spirit shook her head yes, "I have a strange feeling, that you will need him again. When the time comes, you will see" Spirit said with a smile.

I sighed and shrugged, "You've been right about these things before, so I'll just take your word for it…" I said, as I placed Torterra's ball back on my waist.

"Oh, by the way, this is Heart," Spirit said waving her hand in the eldest boy's direction, "And that is his younger brother, Core." She finished with a pleasant smile.

I ignored her introductions; there were more important matters at hand.

"I came here to update you as a PEACE operative, so please listen," I said sternly, as I faced Cynthia.

"Yo! How about you at least say "what's up"! Is that how you treat people you just meet? And what the hell is PEACE?" growled Heart angrily, but Cynthia held her hand out to silence him.

"Ok, go on ahead" she responded in a serious tone.

I looked over at Spirit and the two boys.

"Don't you think it'd be better to not discuss something so serious with civilians present?" I asked Cynthia.

Cynthia shook her head, "They are fine. You may proceed" she said reassuringly.

I gave her a nod, "Right Then…Syndicate has been lying low as of late, probably still moving weapons under the radar. We interrogated the prisoner Soul and I apprehended, but it appeared to be futile. It seems that he somehow developed amnesia. He cannot recall any events from where he's been, even up to the events from a month ago." I said.

"Any theories?" asked Cynthia, as she pulled a chair out from behind the table and sat down, crossing her legs.

"We believe that these people may be innocent. The same technology found in the Vile Balls, as we call them, is being used to manipulate people and their natures. You see, studies lead us to believe that the power of these Vile balls can amplify one's anger, and heighten the evil in one's heart, completely brain washing them." I responded.

Cynthia crossed her arms, placing her index finger and thumb under her chin in deep thought, "And the whereabouts of Syndicate's main base of operations?" she asked.

"Still unknown, with little to no progress on that topic" I replied.

"Very well, then. Thank you for the update Psyche, well done" she said, still deep in thought as she closed her eyes.

Heart abruptly stood up out his chair in anger, knocking the chair onto the ground.

"I waited, now answer my question!" he said sternly, "What is PEACE?"

I closed my eyes and let out a sigh, "PEACE stands for Pokemon Elite Action Center of Enforcement. We are an organization of Agents who are dedicated to stopping criminal empires like Team Rocket, and Team Galactic. We tried to recruit Soul, but he's too much of a lone wolf," I said pointing at the fallen trainer on the couch.

Cynthia chuckled, "He's strong, and he doesn't give up either. He'd be a great leader if he didn't shun people away and try to carry everything on his shoulders alone" she said.

We grew silent, and only the crackles of the fire could be heard throughout the cabin.

Cynthia stood up, and walked over to the fireplace.

"Well then. I'm glad to have been able to update you, but I have some things to take care of," I said, thinking about the last 2 badges I still had to train myself for, and the abundance of PEACE recon operations I have to do.

I turned and started walking to the door, but as I was about to leave Heart called out to me.

"I want to join PEACE! How do I sign up?" he said.

I turned and stared in Hearts eyes.

"I'm strong! And I work hard, too! It's not fair that Soul gets all the credit, especially since I'm stronger than he is now!" Heart said angrily.

I paused for a second, thinking about what this kid said.

Is this kid serious? I thought to myself.

I started to chuckle at first, trying to hold in my laughter, but I eventually gave and busted out laughing at Heart.

"HAHAHAHA! You? Stronger than Soul!? Heh heh! That's cute; I never thought this kid could be this funny!" I cried, whipping tears from my eyes.

Heart growled angrily, "WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO LAUGH! I AM STRONG! AND I CAN BACK THAT UP, TOO! HOW ABOUT WE STEP OUTSIDE?" he bellowed.

Spirit moved to grab Heart to sit him back down, but Cynthia looked at her and shook her head no to stop her.

My laughter quickly disappeared, and I briskly walked up to Heart not breaking eye contact.

"You know how I know you're full of shit? When I look in your eyes, I see a boy that grew up with both parents at home, a boy who always had plenty of money. A boy that didn't have to struggle on his own, or feed himself on those cold stormy nights. Your eyes don't have that anger, that feeling of regret. That hunger. You are just an average teenager, who grew up with everything given to him," I said in a harsh tone.

I pointed at Soul, "You know what he had? He had two dead parents by the age of seven, a step-father who knew nothing about children, who also never had time to take care of a child because of his constant job requirements. He was also a misfit in a community of wealthy and spoiled kids. Soul grew up virtually alone blaming himself for the death of both his parents, and struggles with the thought that he has something to prove! He has the heart and soul of a real trainer, willing to take it to the next level no matter what, even if it costs him his own life!" I said sharply.

Heart was stricken by my words, and he stood there dumbfounded. Core sunk deeper into his chair with a sullen look upon his face. Spirit stared at Soul from the table, while a single tear fell from her eye.

Heart shook off his fixation, and quickly put on his coat. As he zipped it up, He picked up his pokeballs that were on the healing-pulse machine, and placed it on his waist.

"When you are ready, step outside and let's handle this like men" He said sternly, as he walked out of the cabin in silence.

Hmph, this should be interesting, I thought as I walked out behind him.

It was night out now, as the clear sky was dark and filled with many stars. The crescent moon glowed brightly like the shine of the sun, illuminating the meadow in a glorious light.

Heart and I stood on opposite sides of the field, as Cynthia walked up to the center.

"The Moon shines on me, as though it already recognizes your defeat, Heart" I said in a serious tone, "You are way out of your league."

Heart looked at me with an expressionless face, but I could tell from afar that he was clenching his jaws shut to hold in his anger. He clenched his left hand into a tight fist and the right steadily held on a pokeball on his waist.

"The fight isn't decided until the very last moment. But it's in that last moment the better trainer will always triumph" Cynthia said aloud, as she looked side to side at the both of us.

I quickly examined the open field to see what strategies I can utilize. The mud had dried up from Emperor and Soul's training, leaving a battle scared field for us to fight on.

"This battle is a one v. one; obviously the first pokemon to fall will be the loser, any objections?" Cynthia asked.

We both shook our heads no.

"Good. The challenger will decide who chooses pokemon first, Heart?" Cynthia said turning to Heart.

Almost immediately, Heart threw out his pokeball, and with a puff of smoke, Infernape appeared onto the field. Infernape stretched out its armas, and beat its chest, as embers of flame puffed out with every beat. "Roaah! Oogh ogh!" it cried out, ready to battle.

I laughed, "Your infernape looks pretty strong…but don't you think preemptively throwing out your pokemon before you get the chance to evaluate your opponent is risky?" I asked Heart, as I grabbed a pokeball from my waist.

"Great Trainers don't need that edge in order to win. Pure strength and unyielding aggression is more than enough to overwhelm anybody!" Heart growled back in response.

"Hmph, so we shall see…" I said, as I tossed my pokeball out onto the field. The pokeball burst open, and with a puff of smoke, my Kingler, Iskandar, appeared.

"Oi, Iskandar, This isn't a real match, so take it easy" I told my Kingler.

"Kokee ke ke!" cried Iskandar in response, snapping its claws.

"BEGIN!" Cynthia shouted.

Heart sprang into action, "Infernape! Mach punch! Get in close!" he cried out.

Infernape ran toward Kingler in a burst of speed, preparing to punch Iskandar with its clenched fist.

"Parry it with Crab hammer…" I said in a relaxed tone.

Kingler lifted its giant claw into the air, effortlessly blocking the mach punch, barely getting a scratch.

"Use Close Combat!" Heart said as Infernape pulled its fist back.

"Iskandar, protect…" I responded.

Iskandar formed a protective energy shield, blocking Infernape's barrage of fists.

"Don't let up just yet!" Heart cried.

The shield Iskandar created began to crack under the pressure, as Infernape rained flurries of fists on Kingler pushing it back.

"NOW! Use thunderpunch!" Heart said with a grin.

The last punch from the close combat shattered the shield, leaving Iskandar no time to make a new one. Infernape gathered electricity into its fist, and swung forward aiming straight at Iskandar!

"Iskandar, use agility and move around him…" I said.

With warp speed, Iskandar moved behind Infernape, causing Infernape to swing at an after image, losing its balance.

"This bores me…Yoke him up with vice grip…" I yawned. Iskandar grabbed Infernape in its giant claw, squeezing him tightly inflicting a great amount of damage on Infernape.

"Infernape! Try to shake out of it!" cried Heart, but his cries were futile. Infernape squirmed and groaned as Iskandar squeezed harder and harder. Infernape eventually stopped struggling, and it laid motionless in Iskandar's Giant Claw.

"End it, Crab Hammer! Bury him into the ground!" I said coolly.

Iskandarr lifted Infernape up into the air, and swung down with tremendous force. Water from the crab hammer splashed everywhere, and kicked up a lot of mud from the impact on the ground. Infernape lay unconscious in its own small crater in the ground, created from Iskandar's attack.

"Infernape is down, winner is Psyche!" said Cynthia.

I returned Iskandar to its pokeball, "Hehe, Body Bagged" I said triumphantly, as Heart ran out to his beaten Infernape.

I slowly walked up to Heart, and crouched down real low to get right in his face and glare into his eyes. I grinned as I examined his face, which was full of resentment and defeat.

"I told you. You are nothing but a weakling. You lack pain, and you lack that hunger for victory…And you know what's even funnier? I'm not even a full time member of PEACE, I'm just a volunteer" I said coldly, "In order to volunteer, you have to pass an exam. A 1v1 battle with a real agent, and you couldn't even beat me…Your pathetic."

I stood up, and dusted off my shoulder, as I walked over to Cynthia.

"You went a little too hard…" she whispered.

I looked over my shoulder once more to look back at Heart, who sat on his knees, holding Infernape in his arms.

"No, he has to learn…He's a guy, not a girl he can handle a little push. If he's too weak minded to get up from this, then it'd be better if he just went back home...Don't give up on him Cynthia, and thanks for being the ref."

"Ridley, it's time to go!" I said aloud, as I summoned out Ridley from his pokeball. I jumped up into the air as Ridley swooped in from under me, and we took lift off into the night sky.

…

I finally mustered the strength to get up, placing infernape back into his pokeball. I walked over to the group, with my head down, clenching my fists and gritting my teeth.

Damn, that kid was tough as hell! He would go up against my infernape with a water type! the coward! I thought to myself.

But wait...maybe that's the lesson? Slowly, I started to let go and laugh.

"Haha! That Psyche kid is really tough, and he taught me something today…He taught me that I need to train even harder to overcome my weaknesses and that I have to learn more about myself and my pokemon too! He's just like Soul really…they both were the first people I ever lost a battle to, and that will be the last time too! It's time that I take my game to the next level!" I said, as I looked up into the sky to watch Psyche fly away with his Aerodactyl, Ridley.

I walked over to Cynthia and Spirit, who were standing on the side of the field.

"Welp, Cynthia, Core and I will be taking off now, thanks for everything" I said with a smile.

"Yes, we will, and take care of Heart, you hear?" said Cynthia.

I turned to Core, "Let's go Core, we have to train some more on our own to learn what true strength is!" I said to him.

Core nodded, "Okay, big bro!" he said happily, as he turned and bowed to Spirit, and Cynthia.

"Thanks for everything ladies! Stay beautiful!" he said.

"Yes, we will, and take care of Heart, you hear?" said Cynthia, as they said their final fare wells.

With that, Core and I began our journey once more, headed out of the forest.