While waiting for his pokemon to finish with their recharging, Dustin recalled his battle with Pyre to Nurse Joy. "Well I guess that means that I should expect to see Pyre sometime later today." remarked nurse joy as she handed Dustin his pokeball, "here you go, fully charged." "Thanks joy" Dustin replied walking out the door of the pokecenter, this time making sure he had his pokemon on his belt. Once outside he looked around for both Mary and Pat. “Now where they did get to?” After standing around for few minutes Dustin thought he heard something coming from behind the center. Walking behind the center Dustin found the people he was looking for. Watching the two of them go at each other for a few moments Dustin sat down on rock and just watched and waited for them to finish. “Still picking skills after seeing someone use that skill once I see Mary.” Remarked Pat as he parried Mary’s staff. “What can I say I’ve had a good instructor” was Mary’s answer as she once more did a whirlwind strike. Blocking half of the blows from her attack, Pat decided to evade and jumped over and spun. Tapping Mary with his staff. “Boo” was all he said. “Very funny Pat” she said, ‘look’s like we’ll have to continue this later though.” She said pointing behind Pat. Turning and seeing Dustin just sitting there with a dazed look on his face. {Hmm probably shocked from watching our practice session. You sure you’ve never handled a staff before?} Asked Pat through the link that both Mary and he shared. {Nope, I can honestly say that I’ve haven’t used one before.} Came her silent reply. Walking over to Dustin and giving him a slight shake to wake him from his daze. “You ready to go?” Mary asked as she collapsed her staff and put into her backpack. Nodding ever so slightly, they could both tell he was still dazed from their dancing staffs. Turing to face Pat, “Oh Pat could you toss some water over here please.” She asked. “Coming right up” he said laughing as he pulled a black pokeball off his belt. “Tiamat hydro pump” He called as tossed the ball landed in front of Dustin. Breaking open in midair and releasing the energy inside the ball, which quickly took shape of, one the most feared water type pokemon. Pat's gyarados reared its head and then snapped forward releasing a torrent of water on the unsuspecting Dustin. Needless to say he woke up from daze after the first few gallons of water hit him. "Reveille, reveille Dustin" called Pat, as he recalled his gyarados. After picking Dustin up from the mud puddle his was laying in. they walked over to the market to pick up food supplies for the next leg of their journey, our group left slate city once more following the map that nurse joy add first given them. "Well we’re going to have to make up for the lost time, honestly Dustin you should know better then to go caving without someone else with you." Remarked Pat as he reached for one of the pokeballs hanging on belt. "And just how do you plan on making up for the time we lost hmm Pat?" inquired Dustin. Glancing back at Mary, he held up a light blue pokeball, positioned so that only she could she it. Seeing her smile and the slight nod she made, Pat tossed the pokeball into air. “Well Dustin you asked how we’re going to make up the time we lost while you were in the hospital.” Answered Mary. Dustin looked at the pokeball Pat had just tossed, and realized what pokemon was contained within the sphere. The pokeball reaching the arc of it’s flight split open and released the energy within. At the same time the ball opened a blast of arctic air escaped and cover everything on ground around the ball with a thin layer of frost. “No not her, please Pat can’t we ride something besides her?” asked Dustin, teeth chattering from the sudden drop in temperate. “Well if you think that your Pidgeot can keep up, then by all means use your own pokemon.” Answered Pat as he climbed up onto his bird, and reached down to give Mary a hand. {So how is my snow angel doing?} Asked Pat through the link. {She’s doing fine, and wants to get going.} Came Mary’s silent reply as she brushed off the frost that was on her sweatshirt. “How are you doing today winter?” she asked out loud. {Doing fine dear…. and like you waiting to get going, would be nice to stretch the wings for a bit.} “We’ll fly for about three hours and see about finding a spot to stop and have lunch at, sound good?” asked Pat. “Works for me Pat.” Replied Mary as she settled into Pat's arms. {Comfy?} Feeling her nod and then her turning around to see if Dustin was ready, Mary noticed that he was just now gotten onto his own bird pokemon. “You ready over there yet Dustin?” called Mary. “Come on Sparky get inside the backpack.” Ordered Dustin as he tried to put Sparky into her little built in room. “Come on it’s for your own good” he whined. “Well I guess that answer’s my question, looks like we might have to wait a few seconds well Dustin tries to get Sparky into her room.” Whispered Mary turning back around to face Pat. Mumbling under his breath, Pat glanced down at winter and told her to relax, as he slid off with Mary still in his arms. “No sense in making winter stand there with our weight on her back if we’re not going anywhere.” He explained when she looked at him with a quizzical look. Nodding her head in agreement, Mary kept glancing over at Dustin every few seconds to see if he was ready yet. After five minutes passed and they we’re still waiting on Dustin and Sparky, Mary was starting to get fed up herself. Leaning back into Pat's arms even farther, she heard him mumbling under his breath, upon listening closer, Mary was surprised to hear him chanting. (What’s got you so work up that your using that mantra Pat?) she asked through their link. (Just getting tired of sitting here wasting time, while he tries to get his Pichu to listen, I was hoping to be at least a day’s journey from here by the time we stopped for lunch. But I don’t think we’re going to go anywhere today.) Came Pat's reply as he glared at Sparky and Dustin. Sitting there in Pat's arms Mary thought of a few ways that could help speed things up, glancing up at Pat and giving him a smile. She faced Dustin and used the first attack that came into mind. “Charm” she whispered, keeping her gaze on Dustin. A few seconds later Dustin had a dazed and dreamy eyed look on his face. (Well Pat if you would recall his Pidgeot, we can speed this up just a tad.) “Pidgeot return” shouted Pat. Reverting back into energy and diving into its pokeball without any questions shocked Pat. “Hmm that’s a first, normally they don’t listen the first time.” While Pat was collecting Sparky and Dustin’s Pidgeot, Mary had Dustin assume his hybrid form. Throwing one of Pat's specially made pokeballs at Dustin, she watched as he got sucked into the ball. Picking the ball up and tossing between her hands as she made her way back towards winter. “Sparky return” called Pat as he held the Pichu’s pokeball up to activate the recall mode. After tossing both Sparky’s and pidgeot’s pokeball into Dustin’s backpack and then putting the backpack into an item ball. Walking back over to where both Mary and winter were sitting waiting. “Ok that takes care of everything, winter you ready to go?” {Been ready, although I do have to admit it was funny watching that boy play with his Pichu.} Shouldering his backpack, after clipping Mary’s onto his. (Rock climbing clips do wonders) he gave winter a slight nod. Standing up and stretching her wings out. Winter then stood by as Pat climbed up and helped Mary up as well. “Ok winter let’s get going.” He said as Mary settled back for the flight. Giving her wing a single shimmering flap winter lifted and was soon soaring along side the path. “So when do you want to stop and have lunch? Asked Mary. “Once we find a lake, we’ll stop and get a bite to eat there.” He replied. After flying for a few hours, Mary thought she saw the glint of sunlight reflecting off of water. Leaning back so that she could be heard, “have winter circle around I think I might have just found our lunch site. After a quick talk with winter, they started gliding down to the surface. Reaching the surface of the spring, winter banked sharply to avoid a tree that was hidden by mist. Unfortunately for both Mary and Pat, when winter banked they got dumped into the spring. Wading to the shore, Mary took a quick look around, seeing winter roosting under a nearby oak tree she wondered where Pat was. Shivering she was reminded that she was still in soaking wet clothing, gathering some wood nearby she started a small fire with an ember attack. Sitting as close to the fire as possible without having her sweatshirt catch on fire. She remembered the first she found out about her abilities. Cupping her hand once more she watched as a small ball of flame roared to life and danced in her palm. After watching the flames both those in the fire she had built and those dancing her hand, she turned to look behind her, where much to her relief was Pat with both of their backpacks. Tossing some wood onto the fire, Mary scooted over so Pat could warm himself. “Here’s your backpack, I checked to make sure everything inside is dry.” He said as he handed over her bag. “Thank you, it was good thing I took your advice and got the element proof bag.” Accepting her bag. Reaching inside to make sure nothing had fallen out. “Hmm, good it’s still here” she remarked as she pulled out her arms along with an egg the size of a large paperback book. “Ah still hasn’t hatched I see, and you have had that egg for a long time. Heck I still remember the day we found it.” Place: SS. Dragonair. Time: Two years ago. “Well Mary here we are cinnabar island, home of gym leader Blaine and his two volcano badges.” Remarked Pat as they started cleaning up their cabin. “Think we’ll have time to explore the volcano?” asked Mary as they started packing their bags and cleaned up the cabin they had shared. “We should, depends on how soon you want to challenge Blaine for his badge.” Answered Pat, as he placed his bag on the foot of the bed. Looking over a small notebook, worn from use he spoke up. “Well from what this book says there are some good hot-springs inside the volcano, the ones that the hotels use are ok but these are better if you believe the rumors.” Closing her backpack Mary looked up at Pat before answering “hmm I’ve heard of those springs as well, their supposed to have a healing effect as well, but like you said these springs are deep inside the volcano.” She finished as she placed her bag next to Pat's and flopped onto the bed. “Wake me up when reach port please?” she asked, using her best puppy eyed look. “Better idea” as he started tickling Mary. Giggling as she tried to squirm away. “Oh no you don’t” Pat said as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small feather, and started tickling Mary’s side and worked towards the small of her back. “No! not the feather, not fair.” Rolling away from the feather, she stopped face down when the feather didn’t chase her. The next thing she felt wasn’t the feather like she thought, but was instead Pat giving her a back rub. “That wasn’t very fair Pat.” Sighed Mary as the stress just bleed out. “True but you needed it” Pat replied as he concentrated on a large knot he just found. Once he had worked it out, Mary gave a small sigh as she struggled to stay awake. “Content are we?” asked Pat. “Very.” Sighed Mary. Finishing with the massage, Pat looked out of porthole and saw that they we’re about to enter port. Glancing down at his companion who was currently napping with a smile on her face. Grinning to himself, Pat leaned down and gave her a storybook wakeup. (I take it we’ve entered port) asked Mary. (Would I have woken you up this way for any other reason.) Answered Pat. (Yes, you would have.) As Mary showed him a few mental pictures of other reasons. (Mary has anyone ever tell you have an active imagination?) Asked Pat. (Just you.) She replied as she broke the kiss. “So are you awake now?” asked Pat in a teasing tone. Nodding as she slid off the bed and into her boyfriends’ arms. “Good, so what do you want do first? Battle Blaine? Or go explore the volcano?” inquired Pat as he picked up both bags. “Hmm, how about we get our room at the pokecenter then we go to the volcano, it’s not like we’re in any hurry. Heck from what Prof. Oak said the two of us are so far ahead of the others that we could spend a month here and they wouldn’t have caught up with us. Oh thank you” she said as she accepted her bag from Pat. “Ok then to the center, speaking of which, I think we’ve have appointment with nurse joy this afternoon.” He said checking his wallet for the card given to them by the viridian city nurse joy. “Yep I was right, we have check in with the joys. I figure give them hour to run their tests. And then we’ll be heading towards the volcano. Sound good?” looking Pat straight in the eye with a scared look on her face “As long as they keep those blasted needles away from me I can handle it…. They come near me with a needle and their going to need some skin grafts ready.” Replied Mary as she settled into a more comfortable position in Pat's arms. Picking Mary up and making sure there was nothing left in the room, Pat headed towards the aft brow, Mary a little shocked from being picked up all of sudden, enjoyed her ride. Wasn’t too often that she would allow someone to do something like Pat was doing. In fact she wouldn’t let anyone other then Pat carry her. Walking down the gangplank, and setting Mary back down Pat shifted his bag around so it sat evenly on his shoulders. When he was ready Mary took a hold of his hand a led the way to center. “So how is it you know where all of the centers are at?” asked Pat. “Well I told you being friends with the joys has some benefits. Such as the rooms we get. Those normally run at 75$ a night. And here the joys let us stay for next to nothing.” Answered Mary. Walking down a few blocks from the docks they saw the pokecenter on the horizon. “Come on we’re almost there.” Said Mary as she tugged on Pat's arm. “For someone who doesn’t like having to put up with the appointments you seem eager to get there.” Remarked Pat as he let Mary pull him towards the center. “Well the sooner we get there the sooner we can go explore the volcano.” Explained Mary. “Good reason.” With that said they entered the pokecenter. Taking a quick glance around both Mary and Pat noticed that the center was empty, no other trainers in sight anywhere. “Well might as well get this over with.” “Guess so” Mary said walking up to counter and rung the little bell. “I’ll be right there” Came a voice from one of the back rooms. Walking out of the supply room, nurse joy looked over at the only two people in her center. “Can I help you?” She asked. “Yes” answered Pat as he walked over and handed joy the card they were given. “I just got off the phone with my sister in Viridian City. She did mention that I should expect you two. If you two would please follow me to the back room we can get this test underway.” She said miontoing for the two of them to follow her. “I’ll need the two of you to…” “Shift” supplied Mary. Nodding “Yes shift into your pokemon forms.” Finished joy. “Well you might want to stand back then joy. The temperature change that happens when we shift is something very few have been able to handle at close range.” explained Pat as Mary nodded her head backing up Pat's explanation. “That’s ok I’ll manage” said joy as she turned and brought out a small covered tray. Sighing Mary started her change. The room quickly heated up until joy thought she was going to pass out from the heat. With a flash of flames, Mary form shifted into a ninetails. “Nine ninetails.” “She said sorry about the heat” translated pat Kneeling down and running his hand down her pelt, Pat turned to face joy, “Well you handled Mary’s transformation, But you might want to step outside, mine isn’t as gentle as hers.” Remarked Pat as he started his change. And just like he said his transformation was not as gentle, right from start a biting wind mixed with ice and snow in the room started blowing. “Ah” cried joy, holding the front of her uniform down to keep the wind from blowing it up. A few more seconds passed before there was flash of pale blue light. When the light and ice died down there was a pale blue version of a ninetails setting next to a ninetails. “Well since there is nothing else to delay us. If the two you would hop up onto the table. I can get started.” Directed Joy as she shivered from the lingering chill. Pointing to the table behind the two fox pokemon. Hopping up onto the table and turning around to face joy once more, was nothing new to them. What surprised joy was the fact that they jumped at the same time and didn’t knock anything over. (I think she’s shocked that we didn’t send anything tumbling down.) Stated Pat. (Wouldn’t surprise me. Just wish she would get these crazy tests done with.) Replied Mary as she intertwined her tails with Pat’s. “Ok now this will just sting a little so please try not to tense up when I insert the needle.” Said joy as she readied a needle and a tube. Once she was ready she turned around and asked them which one wanted to go first. Pat glancing over Mary and seeing her back up just a little, gave an “Ice” to nurse joy. “Well good, at least you didn’t make me resort to flipping a coin.” Walking over to Pat, joy inserted the needle into his right foreleg. “Now don’t tense.” she said. Once the tube was full she pulled the needle out, removed the tube of blood, which had frosted the tube it was it in, and had changed color as well. (Well at least they’ll be able to tell which is which.) Joked Pat. (Very funny Pat. Very funny.) Came Mary’s reply. “Alright young lady your turn.” Joy said as she approached from Mary’s blind side. Although she couldn’t see nurse joy she did hear her approach and intertwined her tails even more with Pat's. Inserting the needle into Mary’s right foreleg took some doing but in the end nurse joy was able to draw a blood sample. Once she removed the needle and had placed the vial of blood next to other vial. Mary released some embers at nurse joy, and would have done more to joy had Pat not calmed her down. Which was, done by nuzzling her until she forgot about Nurse joy. Picking a small flashlight Joy turned back around to face the foxes once more. “Ok after this one, there is one more test then you are to free to do what you want. So bear with me ok?” Pleaded joy. “Now I want you two to follow the flashlight around the room.” Turning on the light joy started pointing the light into different areas of the room. After joy had done that part, she walked to each one them and shined the light into their eyes, which she regretted doing to Pat, Who released an ice bolt when she turned the light on directly into his eyes. Mary didn’t do anything when the light was turned on in her face. “Well good news is that your vision is very sharp and clear for the both you.” Looking down at her feet, nurse joy continued “however since I’m frozen to this spot I’m going to let the two you of go. But could you thaw me out first before you go?” She asked. Mary looking over at Pat, who gave a small nod. Both of the foxes jumped down from the table faced nurse joy and let loose with a flamethrower. Once she was freed of her icy prison nurse stumbled out of the room. (I suppose I should give her the burn and ice heals shouldn’t I) asked Pat. Shifting back into their human form, Pat walked out to the main room with his backpack. Reaching the main room he walked to nurse joy and placed the two heals on the counter. “Sorry about what happened, but I thought the rest of your clan warned you about drawing blood from Mary…she has been known to flame anyone who does” “Well they did warn me about drawing blood from her, didn’t say anything about you though.” She replied as she took and used the burn and ice heals on herself. “That’s because none of them have shined a light into my eyes. Anyway Mary was wondering you could hold a room for us.” Asked Pat. “Well let me see what is open,” she said turning to her computer. “Well there is a room open. However there is only one bed so one of you will end up on the floor.” As turned she away from the computer. “Well a room is a room better then camping out in the woods. So we’ll take it.” Remarked Pat. “Here you go then” as she handed Pat two card keys. Taking the cards just as Mary walked out from the exam room. “Here you go Mary, you’ll need to drink this.” Said nurse joy as she handed Mary a can of apple juice. Walking over to Pat and taking his hand. “You ready to go?” he asked. Nodding her head in reply, they walked out of the center and headed towards the volcano. Glancing back into the exam room Joy noticed that they had left a backpack behind. “Hmm wonder which one left it behind. Well I guess I can put into their room.” After walking for a bit, they came upon a small cave near the base of the volcano. “I think we can enter from here Pat, that heat feels wonderful.” Mary said as she pulled Pat towards the opening. “Easy there girl, we’ll be there soon enough. Besides the volcano isn’t going anywhere.” Replied Pat as he slowed Mary down. Walking down the lava tube, they soon came upon a ledge above a pool of magma. Sitting down near the edge of the ledge Mary just basked in the infernal heat. Hearing the sound of scraping gravel next to her, she turned to see Pat sitting down next to her. Scooting over next to Pat, Mary just continued to enjoy the heat. “You know we’re not going to get much exploring done if we just sit here all day.” Teased Pat. Sighing Mary agreed with him, shifting into their pokemon forms once more, they started working their way down into the volcano. Once they made their way down into the pool they started hopping from one rock to the next. (Pity there aren’t more places like this around.) Stated Mary through their link as she landed on one of rocks. (True, would be nice) replied Pat as he waded in the lava. Mary still rock hopping bounded on a ledge that was hidden from sight. (Hey Pat I found something) called Mary. Shifting back into her human form, Mary scooted back so Pat would have room when he landed on the ledge. Once Pat had made his way over to where Mary was waiting, and shifted back into his human form. “What did you find?” he asked. Turning around to face him Mary showed him. “This” as she held out a large egg. “Hmm haven’t see this type of egg before, and we’ve seen just about every type of egg for fire pokemon.” Said Pat as he took a closer look at the egg. Taking her backpack off Mary placed the egg inside once Pat was done studying the egg, and moving some of the clothing around to provide a cushion for her new egg. “Guess that means we should head back to the center, then shouldn’t we Pat?” asked Mary as she shouldered her bag once more. “We should, that way nurse joy can take a look at this egg,” glancing at his watch, “that and it’s getting close to curfew, so yes we should be heading back.” Answered Pat. Shifting once more into their pokemon forms both Mary and Pat made their way back up to the ledge where they first came into the volcano. Entering the lava tube they shifted back into human form, and hurried towards the pokecenter just as the sun started to set. Stopping along the way to watch the sunset, something that all fire type pokemon did everyday. They continued on their way to the center holding hands. “Nurse Joy, can we have you take a look at this,” asked Mary when they walked in. “Well since none of the trainers that are staying here, have returned from Blaine’s gym I’ve have a few moments I can spare.” Answered Nurse Joy. Placing her backpack up on the counter and removing the egg to show joy. “Hmm never this one before. You’ll just have to keep it with you until hatches is about all I can say.” “That’s what I thought you might say.” Zipping her backpack up and walked with Pat down towards their room. “Only one bed pat?” asked Mary. Nodding in reply as he set his bag down. “Well easy way to handle that.” Answered pat. “True” stated Mary setting her bag down as well. Once more that day, the temperate in the center fluctuated for a short time. {Night pat} Mary said as she curled up {night Mary} replied pat as he closed the blinds. [Hmm need to have a talk with Sabrinna about the chances of developing psychic abilities. It’s strange but ever since cloaker linked us together, both of us seem to have develop a few psychic abilities] He thought to himself as he curled up beside Mary. Time: present “It’s been two years since we found that egg.” Pat said as he got some water ready for boiling. “I think it might hatch soon, it was rocking when I pulled it out of my backpack.” She said as she placed her egg in the middle of the fire. “So what’s for lunch?” asked Mary as she sat down next to fire. “Ramen sound good?” “Hmm sure, we have any shrimp flavor?” “Right here” replied pat holding up two packages of noodles. “And we have some dr. pepper to go with it.” He finished. Dropping the noodles into the water, they sat back and waited for their lunch to finish cooking. Once it was done cooking and they had severed themselves, Mary kept glancing over at her egg. “I remember reading this in that book you gave back at the center. Fire pokemon eggs hatch quicker when placed inside a fire. But it seems that it doesn’t apply to this egg” Sitting back down next to pat, they just sat there waiting for their clothes to dry. Blue mountain league. “Ladies and gentlemen, here we are at the final round of the tournament, where today we will have the deciding battle between the league champ, and four challengers. The one thing that will make this day really something to remember is that trainers are allowed to choose a teammate. And as we have seen throughout the tournament two of the trainers here today have shown that they can work very well together. Lets hear it for the trainers from goldenrod city, Mary and Pat.” The announcer called over loudspeakers.” “And now let’s get this battle underway. The red team consisting of trainers Karen from Jade city. And her team mate Sean from Cerulean City.” {Isn’t that your cousin over there Mary?} The green team consisting of trainers Mary and Pat both from Goldenrod City. Trainers ready your pokemon. Begin. “Go tyranatar, Squirte come out” {Well to answer your question Pat. Yes that my cousin over there. I’m surprised that he made it into the league though. You take the lizard, I feel like making turtle soup.} “Go Blaze.” “Shiva have fun.” “Wake up, Mary, wake up” “wake up” “Mary wake up,” said pat has he gently shook her awake. Slowly opening her eyes up, she saw that pat was indeed gently shaking her to wake her. “Come on I know your awake” he said, “Besides you might to wake up before your egg hatches. Like it is getting ready to do” Hearing that Mary sat up from where she was laying, noting to herself that once again she had fallen asleep in pat’s arms. Moving over to the fire which surprised her that it hadn’t burned out yet but didn’t give it a second thought. Plopping down in front of the fire she watched as her egg started quivering then stopped and once more started shaking. This went on for a short while but after about ten minutes a small crack appeared on the surface of the egg, few more minutes went by and the crack started getting larger, shortly there after chips of the egg were falling at a regular interval. This time there was a gap in the egg surface, and Mary thought she saw a glint of red inside the egg. Giving one last shudder, the egg split in half and fell apart surrounding the newborn pokemon, slivering out of the flames came a pokemon that looked like a dratini but was red and orange not the normal gray and white. The only white thing on this pokemon was the horn in the middle of its forehead, just like dratini’s Heading straight for Mary, leaving a small trail of flame behind it, reaching her it curled up in her lap, and promptly fell asleep. “Well Mary looks like you got yourself a new breed, we’ll have to stop at the next town and get an update from Prof. Oak. But for the moment have you thought of a name for it?” asked pat. Mary who was at that moment gathering her new pokemon into her arms answered with only a moment’s thought. “Crimson” “Hmm?” “I’ll call it Crimson” she said running her hand alongside it. “Crimson you say, well the name does fit.” Said pat. After cleaning the site up and feeding winter, both pat and Mary decided to stay at the Hot Springs for the night. “Should we let Dustin out for the night?” Mary asked. “Hmm we could but it wouldn’t be worth it. We’ll just have to put him right back into the ball when we get ready to leave in the morning.” Replied pat as he stacked some wood in the fire pit and placed a pot of water over the wood. “Now where did it go this time?” asked Pat, checking his vest pockets. “Lighter?” asked Mary. Smiling to herself and started walking over to woodpile, reaching the woodpile she turned her hand palm up and focused on her innate ability to control flame. Then watched as a small ball of flame danced in her palm. Placing her palm into the pile of wood and watched as the wood ignited at once. “Thank you, looks like I’ll have to pick up a new lighter when we reach the next town.” Pat said as he moved the pot of water into the center of the fire. “So how do hot dogs sound for tonight?” “Sounds good to me I guess.” Answered Mary as she released her arcanine. “Lay down Blaze. Your coat could use some grooming anyway.” Mary said in quiet voice. Dropping the hot dogs into the water, pat turned and released his pokemon for the night. Stopping by the water’s edge he dropped the last two pokeballs there. The battle cry that followed one of the balls opening up, shattered the silence in the forest signaling that pat’s water dragon was loose. Hearing a giggle behind him, pat turned and found Silvera wrapped around Mary, and was currently tickling her. {Hey Silvera she’s very ticklish on her stomach} “Hey not fair pat telling silvera that” Mary gasped between laughs. “All right Silvera that’s enough, unwrap yourself from her.” Said Pat turning to feed the rest of his pokemon. Checking on their on dinner while pat was feeding his gyarados, Mary shuddered as she watched a large pile of fish disappear. “It’s ready pat.” She called serving herself and took some extras for blaze. Giving Blaze the extra hotdogs Mary released her pokemon as well so they could be fed. Eevee once again full of energy bounced over to Mary. “Eevee where do you get all of this extra energy from?” she asked as she scooped it up and plopped it down next to her. Glancing over at the water and watching the steam rise off of it, Mary remember just how relaxing a pokemon journey could be. Looking around she noticed that four of Pat’s pokemon weren’t there. “Hmm wonder where they went?” she thought to herself. As if to answer her unasked question as the quietness of the forest was once more shattered, this time by the sound of a battle happing close by. “Well at least now I know where they went.” She said as she recalled her pokemon save for blaze and eevee. {Pat what are you doing?} She asked. His reply was not what she wanted to hear however. {Battling TR, and it looks like it’s our favorite members too} {You want any help?} {Sure bring Blaze with you, we’re about sixty yards to your right from where you’re sitting right now.} Whistling for Blaze, Mary quickly stowed their bags in a nearby bush and then hopped onto blaze. Racing over to where the battle was taking place she choose her pokemon on the way over. “Blaze flame-thrower on the Charmelon” cried Mary as she jumped off her arcanine. “Tiamat hydro pump on the graveler. Shouted Pat. “Damn you, well then lets see you handle this then.” Shouted Brett as he threw out a second pokeball. “Blaze tackle that charmelon and introduce it to mother earth if you would.” Called Mary as she worked her way over towards Pat. {So would you explain why we’re over here battling and not having dinner right now?} “Tiamat charge hyper-beam and release when ready” {Because they were planing on capturing us, guess Giovonini wants the two of us in his labs. Not that I have plans on visiting that place anytime soon. And I’m pretty sure I can say the same for you} Answered Pat. “Amperhous thunder attack on that gyarados” called Brett, as he dodged a flame-thrower. “Charmelon slash that overgrown puppy” called a second voice. {Ah now I see why you said our favorite pair of rocket members. We haven’t ran into Laurel for a long time, I guess she been busy training her pkmn.} Remarked Mary as she directed Blaze in evading the razor sharp claws of Laurel’s charmelon. Amphorous charging its electrical power released a thunderbolt into the air and waited for it to come back down. “Tiamat release hyper-beam now” shouted pat. Snapping her head forward Tiamat released a orange beam of energy, hitting the amphorous hard enough that it tumbled back and landed next to Brett. Unfortunately for Tiamat, amperhors’ thunder attack came down at the same time the hyper-beam ended. The bolt of thunder came down directly on Tiamat, stunning her and putting her a world of hurt. “Brett you should have paid more attention in class. If you had you would have remembered one thing you never want to do when facing a gyarados.” Called Mary. “Enlighten me then.” “Gladly, Tiamat Rage attack” called pat. Looking at the amphuors with pure malice in her eyes, Tiamat lunged and crunched the sheep pokemon before it could even blink scoring a critical hit. “Thunderbolt attack.” Called Brett. This time Tiamat went down. “Tiamat return” shouted pat seething with anger as his eyes started glowing a very dark blue. Grabbing the first ball he put his hand on and throwing it. “Go Terra” called pat. While pat was switching his pokemon out Mary was having some of her own problems. “Blaze Ring of Fire” ordered Mary. “Charmelon flame-gout” called Laurel. Blaze bracing himself spat out five balls of fire, which upon making contact with ground erupted into pillars of flame that surrounded the charmelon. “Good job blaze” cried Mary watching the charmelon as it collapsed. “Go Blastiose, hydro pump that runt.” Called Laurel. “Blaze evade and drag her out into the open.” Called Mary as she jumped back from a fountain of water. Blaze once more digging underground, just narrowly avoiding the jets of water, seconds later blaze stepped out from behind a large weeping willow, dragging with him second rocket member dressed in the normal black uniform. “Good job blaze, drop” called Mary once more jumping out of the way of a water jet. “Ah you crazy” was all Laurel got out before Blaze’s maw filled her vision. “You know there are two things that I really hate, trainers that are cruel to their pokemon, and Team Rocket. And wouldn’t you know it you just happen to fill both of those slots.” Stated Mary as the blastiose fell over from exhaustion. {About time that thing went down} {You ok?} Asked Pat with a hint of worry in his mental tone. {Just a little tired from dodging all of the hydro pumps from that blastiose, but other then that just fine} was her response. {I’ll be over there as soon as terra takes care of this blasted sheep. Speaking of which you feel like having lamb chops some time soon?} {Pat!} She cried in mock horror {Didn’t think so, just wanted to make sure you were fine though.} {I’m fine, really, no need to worry} “Terra flare attack” called Pat as he secured all of his pkballs to his belt. Terra bracing herself opened her mouth and released a small ball of light at the amphouors. Seeing the size of the attack Brett started laughing. “You call that an attack, you actually expect that thing to do any damage.” He gasped out as he tried to regain his composure. “No I don’t expect the ball any real damage” turning to face his ninetails “Terra dentate it” by this time the ball had reached the amphouros. Hearing Pat’s command Terra’s aura glowed for a few seconds, causing the ball to glow a dark shade of red before exploding in a ball of blue flames. “I expect the explosion to do the damage” finished Pat as he watched Brett’s pokemon fall onto its back. “Terra confuse ray on him if you would be so kind,” said pat pointing at Brett. Eyes flashing different colors, Terra released a ball of sparkles that slammed into Brett’s head. Holding up a pokeball “Nice job terra. Return,” said Pat. Dragging Brett over to where Mary was sitting with Blaze. “See told you I was fine” she said as Pat approached. “Good then now we can send them both on their way.” Remarked Pat as he unhooked a black pokeball. “Cloaker playtime.” He said as he dropped the ball containing his ghostly companion. “Hmm hold on a moment Pat, we did defeat them in a battle, cloaker can you hand their wallets please?” asked Mary. Cloaker pulled the rocket’s wallets out of their pockets and handed them over to Mary, where she proceed to take out what she thought was a fair amount for all of the trouble they caused. “Their all yours Pat. But can you make sure that they don’t bug us for a while.” She requested as she handed the wallets back over to cloaker. “Cloaker teleport them into a max security prison.” Pat said as he dropped Brett next to Laurel, “and make sure they are near the guards we don’t need them bugging us for while.” Laughing the gengar picked up the two rocket members and vanished with them. Walking back towards their campsite, they stopped once so Pat could recall his gengar. Upon reaching their campsite Pat released Tiamat in the Hot Springs and poured a hyper potion down his gyarados’s throat. “Tiamat I’m leaving you out for the night, you should be fine the morning. But keep the noise down to a minimum ok?” asked Pat. Placing a small pile of berries in front of the water dragon he told her to eat some every hour. While Pat was taking of his gyarados Mary was inside their tent changing into her sleepwear. After she had finished changing she crawled into her sleeping back and pulled out one of the few books she brought with her. She had only been reading for a few moments when Pat came in the tent. Pulling out his laptop, he logged onto the net and checked his mail. Much to his surprise there was one. “Looks like we’ll have someone else traveling with us Mary.” “Oh?” she asked. Turning the laptop to face her so she could read the message. “Melissa? She’s joining us. Your mom is letting her go on her journey now? It’s about time. She does have team right?” finished Mary. “Yes she does have a team of her own. She’s been training them on the sly but she ready for the leagues.” Pat said as he logged off and shut his computer down. “But from what her e-mail said she’ll meet us in Granite City. So we know she has at least one flyer.” Continued Pat. “Didn’t you give her a dratini for her birthday last year?” asked Mary. Nodding his head, Pat tired to remember what else his sister had on her team. “And a magikarp which if I remember correctly she said it evolved a while ago but other then those three. I’m not sure what else she has.” He commented after a moments thought. “We’ll find out when we reach town.” Shutting down his laptop and putting it back into his backpack. “We best to get to sleep, Pat we have a long day ahead of still.” Mary said yawning and handing him the map she had been looking at before Pat entered the tent. “Judging from the map, it looks like we’re still at least a day travel from the next town. So how do we want to travel tomorrow? Land? Or air?” Asked Mary. “Land sounds good to me, might come across some trainers.” Answered Pat as he climbed into his sleeping bag. “Night Mary” “Night Pat” came the soft reply. Night passed without too much happening, other then Tiamat eating her berries. Morning comes and with it a hungry gyarados. {Tiamat find your own breakfast today. There should still be some fish in the springs. Opening his eyes, Pat wasn’t the least bit surprised to find Mary right next to him. {Oh well might as well wake her up.} Grinning to himself, he gave Mary a kiss to wake her up. “Morning sleepy head” he said teasingly. Mumbling to herself about not getting enough sleep due to a loud gyarados, Mary quickly got her things packed and had changed into her normal outfit before Pat came back from checking his dragon. “Well I see that your that ready. So we might as well hit the trail.” Pat commented picking up his bag and breaking down the tent. Stuffing the tent into a second item ball that he carried Pat signaled to Mary that everything was taken care of. “Blaze I choose you” called Mary dropping her arcanine’s pokeball. Hopping onto her arcanine Mary circled around and picked Pat up and once he was set, they started down the trail. {Have you noticed how time seems to slow down when ever ride we Blaze?} Mary asked. {Once or twice when I glance down at my watch yes. I think it might have something to do with all of the carbs you gave when he was younger. That and the fact he using extreme-speed on his own.} Replied Pat. The rest of trip was uneventful save for one small battle that Mary decided to fight in. after the battle the other trainer was wondering what had hit his pokemon.