Chapter #8: “You have done well. Let's try the exercise again; but this time the emphasis will be on the trainer's physical prowess.” Lucario remarked as the mirage began to disintegrate. “The second round of the snag trial shall now commence. Same rules apply.” the computerized voice spoke up. “After all, a trainer in this organization must be willing and able to perform whatever functions he or she were to ask of their pokémon.” Lucario said as he assumed a Pokéjitsu fighting stance. With a nod, Jaden stepped into the familiar Tai Kemp Aki fighting stance. Tense seconds passed before the pair charged one another. *************** As she continued to watched the battle unfolding below, Aerithtwo couldn't help but be impressed by the human's abilities although she had no idea what they were fighting about. Glancing to the right, she noticed the other humans were mumbling to themselves even more excitedly then before. And then the prickling had started. At first, Aerithtwo didn’t know what the tingling, buzzing sensation was. Then she started picking up snatches of thought. Alarmed, Aerithtwo spun, expecting an attacker, but found nothing within the room had changed. “Hello?” The prickling stopped abruptly. Aerith swished her tail, waiting for a reply, but none came. Whatever was out there had cut off whatever connection they had shared. Confused, Aerith turned back toward the window and was startled to see Alice staring at her worriedly. “You ok, kiddo?” Although shaken, Aerith nodded and the woman seemed to relax. A moment later, her face brightened. “It seems we'll get to see more of each other; hopefully without the need for a first aid kit.” “Really?” As she spoke Alice shot a glance toward the man with the shades. Out of curiosity Aerithtwo followed her gaze. “That guy over there is named Alan Wesker and I just found out that he runs this place. If he asks, I'll definitely sign up.” Aerith nodded, pleased by the news when the man, Alan, turned and looked her over critically. “”I take it you've settled in?“” he asked. Aerith nodded again. “Good.” With that the man turned to watch the battle below. Unable to stand being confused any longer she had to ask. “What's going on?” “Aerithtwo, I want you to meet you're new partner.” Alan replied, a slight smile forming, as he gazed out the window. Aerith blinked at the statement, wondering what the man meant. *************** Jaden dodged a high kick, blocked a low kick, and parried a punch from Lucario before counterattacking with a left hook and a foot sweep of his own. Lucario meanwhile, side-stepped the twin blows and blocked a kick before grabbing Jaden's outstretched arm and twisting it. He followed up by hurling the boy over his shoulder and onto the ground. Jaden quickly got to his feet and backpedaled to gain a moment's respite and plan his next move. The pokémon smirked as the pair began to circle each other once more. Jaden suddenly lunged forward and hurled a pokéball before following up with a series of punches and kicks. Lucario side-stepped the pokéball and retaliated with a series of punches and kicks of his own. The pair continued swapping blows at a frantic pace for what seemed like several long minutes before stepping away from each other and into fighting stances. “You have learned much young one.” Lucario crowed. “Yeah, well I'm just full of surprises.“” Jaden retorted casually. “Then by all means, show me.” With a nod Jaden lunged at him once more. Like before, Lucario seemed to anticipate his moves and blocked the assault before countering with a flurry of punches and kicks of his own. Once more the pair continued swapping blows at a frantic pace before stepping away from each other and into fighting stances. As they did so, Jaden spotted a discarded pokéball lying nearby and allowed a small smirk to cross his face as an idea came to him. He suddenly lunged forward with a drop kick and parried a punch with reflexes faster than he'd ever anticipated were possible. Lucario however, was just as fast and caught him with a kick to the chest before grabbing Jaden's outstretched arm and twisting it. Once again the pokémon followed up by hurling the boy over his shoulder and onto the ground. As he scrambled to his feet, Jaden snatched up the pokéball and pocketed it. He then had to somersault sideways to avoid being blasted with an 'Aura Sphere' attack. As he rolled to his feet, Jaden hurled the pokéball. Lucario blocked it and retaliated with a drop kick of his own. Sensing an opportunity, Jaden triggered the release of another pokéball and threw it while simultaneously side-stepping the kick. Just as before, this pokéball managed to connect and sucked Lucario inside. After a few tense moments the pokéball stopped wiggling around and became completely still. “The second round of the snag trial is now complete.” the computerized voice spoke up. Jaden sighed in relief. A moment later, the pokéball reopened and Lucario appeared once again relatively unscathed. The pokémon nodded at him once again and Jaden turned toward the scoreboard. He noted this time it took him roughly three minutes to complete the challenge.