CHAPTER TWO: FIRST TRY

THERE IS THE GREATEST PRACTICAL BENEFIT IN MAKING A FEW FAILURES EARLY IN LIFE.
THOMAS HENRY HUXLEY



The red ball landed on the ground and snapped open with an audible crack. From within red light flowed out onto the ground and took the shape of Charmander before becoming solid. The miniature orange dragon growled lashing its flame-tipped tail about sending embers into the air to dissolve into smoke. Adam laughed again, this time at Masika and Cephissus' surprised looks.

"Ha! All right Charmander let's show them who's the best!" swinging his arm around Adam pointed at Cephissus. "Use your tackle attack!"

"Char!" the little dragon jumped and lowered its head then quicker then Masika thought possible it rushed toward Cephissus preparing to knock the Eevee flying.

"Cephissus dodge it!" Masika yelled, hoping that the little pokémon could move fast enough to avoid the hit.

"Vee!" Cephissus jumped to the left, with Charmander missing him by a hair.

Whirling around Charmander swung his tail into Cephissus rolling the Eevee over and burning its side. Yelping Cephissus jumped to his paws and dashed toward Charmander jumping away as the dragon blew small embers at him. Narrowing his eyes the Eevee stared at his opponent with such anger that his eyes glowed blue. Charmander, frightened by the leer, cried out and ducked down lashing his tail.

Cephissus' leer was stopped as flying embers fell around and on him burning him. Crying the Eevee tried to run but fell when an ember caught him on the back of the head. Taking this opportunity Charmander rushed him, unaffected by the falling fire, and slammed into him. Cephissus was flung into the air to land a few feet away in a broken position where he lay whimpering.

"We forfeit!" Adam jumped in surprise and looked at Masika, he had been about to give Charmander permission to finish the weak Eevee off. Now he watched as Masika rushed over to the fallen pokémon's side and lifted it gently from the ground, cuddling it to her chest.

His face broke into a grin and he rushed forward grasping Charmander in a hug. "Way to go buddy! We won!"

"Charmander char!"

Masika tried to ignore the sounds of joy behind her as she stroked Cephissus singed fur. The Eevee looked at her with wide mournful eyes as if to say 'I'm sorry'. Hugging him closer she tried to make him feel better.

"We'll beat them next time alright? Don't worry about it" the words seemed to help though he still didn't appear happy. Masika sighed, what else could she do?

Turning she looked at the elated Adam and his Charmander who stood by his feet clutching his pant leg. She nodded to him crisply.

"Good job" her voice was biting and she was pleased to see him wince. Grabbing her backpack from where she had left she slid it onto her shoulder, being careful not to disturb Cephissus.

Without even looking over her shoulder she walked slowly into the surrounding woodland and disappeared leaving a startled Adam to stand alone under the midday sun.