The trainers and police had only been waiting for a few mere minutes before a bunch of dark figures came towards them from the other end of the dirt trail. Landon, who had been looking through his Poke’dex, looked up, and re-pocketed it. Zeru and May stopped arm wrestling and got to their feet along with Syorin, Tsubimi, and Yoshimari. The figures became clearer as they came closer. Landon noticed that they were all wearing the same uniform of the guy on the wanted poster. “Here they come; everyone get your Poke’mon ready.” The lead Jenny said. Landon pulled Pikachu’s Poke’ball from his belt. As he was sure to get them confused, he was sure to mark each poke’ball with a sticker corresponding to the residing Poke’mon’s type. The group of uniformed figures came to a halt in front of them, grinning. “This area is restricted to you, Team Magma. Turn around and leave or we’ll place you under arrest.” The lead officer Jenny said. The man who was on the wanted poster stepped up through the other grunts and looked from the Jenny’s to the trainers. “Only eighteen of you? I was expecting more, but this town is too soft to send any real reinforcements.” He said. “Who are you guys and why are you destroying this town?” Landon asked, clenching his fists. “Aren’t you a gutsy kid?” One of the grunts, a girl, said. “Now, now; the kid has questions. It’s only right that we give him answers.” A voice from behind sounded. The grunts parted their ranks to reveal a man with short red hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a red jacket, black shirt, and black pants that separated him from the rest of the team. “Hullo, I am Maxie, the leader of Team Magma. Our dream is to expand the land and mountains so that Poke’mon can benefit. Destroying this town is just a formality; if we clear this town away, other Poke’mon will migrate here.” “Pretty confident to just come out with your plan like that, aren’t you?” Landon stated to the man. “Maxie, huh? Well then, Mr. Magma leader, you’re under arrest for assault on medical health and vandalism.” Each officer Jenny held up a pair of handcuffs. “Sorry, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

 At the end of their leader’s statement, the Magma grunts tossed their poke’balls into the air and watched them burst open in a furry of light. The dog Poke’mon they had sent out had black fur all around except for their orange muzzles and underbodies. Their tails were arrow-tipped, their backs had three u-shaped bones, and there were two horns on top of their heads. “What kind of Poke’mon are they?” May pulled out and flipped open her Poke’dex. Click-ick! “Houndoom, the Dark Poke’mon. Houndoom communicates with its species using a series of barks and howls. A burn from this Poke’mon can be very severe.” It stated. “Just stay out of my way—bad enough I have to baby-sit you.” Syorin stepped in front of everyone, pulling a poke’ball from his belt. “What’re you talking about, kid? We all signed up for this!” Yoshimari spat. “As a Poke’mon League Official, I’m all this problem needs.” Syorin answered. “He’s…a P.L.O?” Zeru clenched his teeth. “Go, Poke’ball!” Syorin threw the poke’ball to the ground and it flashed with a bright light. “Bulba-Bulbasaur!  The quadruped Poke’mon was greenish-blue in color with dark blue spots all over its body. Its eyes were red and it had a big green flower bulb on its back. This time, it was Landon who pulled out his Poke’dex. Click-ic! “Bulbasaur, the Seed Poke’mon. The bulb on Bulbasuar’s back is packed with nutrients it needs to survive. As this Poke’mon develops and matures, the bulb starts to go into bloom.” “You’re going to fight my team and I with a grass-type? You must be extremely confident.” Maxie reached at his belt and withdrew his own Poke’ball. “This will be a great time to test out my new Poke’mon.” He opened it and it erupted with light. The Poke’mon that came out was as orange as fire with a yellow belly. The little lizard had a brightly burning flame lit at the tip of its tail. “Char-mander,” It moped. “Enough talking; you’re just like Team Aqua, and I’ll gladly crush you. Pikachu, go!” Landon threw the poke’ball and Pikachu burst out. “Pika!” It exclaimed. “Go, Dratini!” “I choose Torchic!” Zeru and May sent out their Poke’mon.

       “Go!” “Hound-houndoom!” The Magma grunts shouted and all the Houndoom charged. “Now!” The Jenny’s pointed and their Growlithe leapt to defend. “Just look at them all.” Tsubimi said as the Poke’mon engaged in battle. “They’re falling into our trap; they won’t know what hit ‘em.” Yoshimari folded his arms. “Pikachu, use your Agility!” Landon ordered and Pikachu started darting around like a bullet, narrowly missing the Houndooms’ fire attacks. “Bulbasaur, use your Vine Whip to take these weaklings down.” Syorin said as if it were no big deal. “Bulba-saur!” The two long green vines snapped from underneath Bulbasaur’s bulb and stretched at the enemy Poke’mon; it tripped up a trio of Houndoom like a row of dominos. “Give em’ your Thundershock, Dratini!” “You too, Pikachu!” Pikachu and Dratini moved side by side of each other. “Dratinee!” “Pi-ka-chuu!” Amazing sparks of electricity surged from their bodies and shocked the Houndoom. Any of the Magma grunts the Officer Jenny’s defeated, they immediately put them in handcuffs and were shipping them to the Zakuden Police department. BY now, all the people living at the edge of Zakuden Town were in hysteria and pandemonium from the battle. “Houndoom!” One of the Houndoom carelessly spurted flames from its mouth, not caring about the people around it. “Yaaaaahhh!” A man shrieked and literally tripped as he tried to get away.

       “Okay, Toya; it’s time to wrap this battle up. Pikachu, return,” Landon recalled Pikachu to its Poke’ball and Toya leapt onto the ground. “Yeah, whatever,” “And what’s that supposed to mean?” Landon asked him, outraged at his comment. “Just leave everything to me, okay?” Syorin replied. “Arrgh!” Landon clenched his teeth. He could feel his anger rising to power. Anger in combination with determination came to a boil, transforming into a glowing energy. “We’ll-show-him!” The Crystal Bell erupted with threads of blue light and Landon’s hair went blue along with Toya’s body. He could feel his and his Poke’mon’s spirit merging—becoming one. “What’s this?” Syorin’s pupils shook slightly as he gave Landon a skeptical look. “Not him—he can’t be a—” He voiced lowly.

 

       “Charmander, Slash attack!” Maxie commanded. “Char,” Charmander, a little less than enthused, jogged towards Dratini and swiped at it weakly; Dratini merely swatted it away with its tail. “Charmander, what are you doing? You had better shape up or you’re going back to the S.C.!” Maxie threatened. “You’re sick!” Zeru growled, disgusted with Maxie’s Poke’mon handling. “I feel sorry for your Poke’mon—it has such a disgusting trainer.” But instead of getting mad, Maxie just gave a chuckle. “Kid, I have more strength than you’ll ever have. I’m just trying to toughen this weakling—” “Dragon Rage!” Zeru shouted and Dratini not only tried to torch Charmander, but its trainer as well with a swirl of blue flames. “Ack!” Maxie jumped. “Toya, EX Burst Attack!” Landon declaired. “Mud—mudkip!” Toya’s body burst with sharp threads of light blue light, taking out the rest of Team Magma’s Houndoom. “Oh-no, we’re out of Poke’mon!” “Blast! Those kids are too strong!” The grunts growled. “Now?” Tsubimi looked to her brother. “Now’s good—they’re all weakened from the battle.” Yoshimari reached into his pocket and pulled out a black remote. “Wait for it…wait…now!” He clicked the ‘on’ position. “Hey, did you feel that?” May asked Officer Jenny. “Feel what?” She turned to her. SWEEECH!! Suddenly, a net rose up from the ground, ensnaring Team Magma’s Poke’mon, Zeru, Landon, Syorin, and their Poke’mon. Yoshimari pressed another button and there was a chopping sound from above. A helicopter floated down to ground level and a claw dropped from the bottom, attaching to the net. The vehicle was onyx in color with the Darkhorn symbol (a brown outline of a triceratops) on the door. “Gee, I don’t have to guess twice on who this is.” Landon said aridly, the EX power wearing off as everyone in the net struggled to get out. “Thank you so much, losers and officers.” Team Darkhorn ripped off their disguises and stood back to back. “Sorry we can’t be staying—” “But we can’t waste time delaying.” (Background turns into a vast night jungle scene) “A stealth like dark, we’re shadows of the night.” “Blanketing over those who do things right.” –Yoshimari and Tsubimi performed a series of back flips—“Where treasure glitters, we’re there to claim.” “To higher riches, we’ll surely aim.” (Background turns to the picture of a triceratops in its Jurassic environment) Yoshimari and Tsubimi came to a stop, back to back, with their arms folded. “Tsubimi!” “Yoshimari!” “We’re Team Darkhorn, the pirate thieves.” “Don’t mess with us; you’re out of your league!” Team Darkhorn recited.

       With that, they leapt onto their helicopter and let it drift into the air. “Oh-no, Landon, Zeru!” May cried. “Team Magma, leave the Poke’mon and retreat for now!” Maxie ordered. Without hesitation, Team Magma turned-tail and ran off. “Hey! You’re all under arrest!” One of the Jenny’s started after them, but another stopped her. “Forget about them; we have to rescue those trainers.”

 

       While Team Darkhorn guided the helicopter over the trees, their capture struggled below. They kicked and punched; the Poke’mon bit and scratched. Landon sat with his arms folded. “Everyone stop!” Zeru finally shouted. All at once, a dead silence fell over them. “Let’s approach this calmly and—hey, get out of there, you!” Zeru snatched his backpack away from the nosy Charmander, who had gotten a hold of his nightcap. It was a rather large hat, navy in color, with little yellow moons and stars sewn all over. “I can get us out of here.” Syorin said calmly, “Bulbasaur, use your Razor Leaf to cut this net.” “Bulbasaur!” Two razor-sharp leaves whip from Bulbasaur’s bulb and rose at the net; there was a clock as they nearly bounced off. “I have an idea.” “And how is yours going to be any better?” Syorin asked Landon arrogantly. “I’ll need the Houndoom and your Bulbasaur to help.” Landon pulled a poke’ball from his belt. “Go, Vulpix!” He let it open in his hand and Vulpix popped out. “Vulpix! Vulpix!” She smiled. “Okay, Vulpix and Houndoom, use your Flamethrower on the top of the net.” At Landon’s voice, all the fire-type Poke’mon launched a stream of flames upwards and the net caught a blaze. “Now, Toya, use Water Gun to stop the flames from spreading!” “Mudkip!” Toya made a gurgling sound as it spat water up to kill the flames. The net top was now black and ashy, but still holding up. “Now, use Razor Leaf, Bulbasaur.” Landon finished. “Bulba?” Bulbasaur looked to Syorin, who nodded reluctantly. “Saur!” Two sharp leaves whipped out and shot at the weakened spot. SRRRNAAPPP! The net snapped and its catch plummeted down for the trees. “Some plan!!!” Syorin and Zeru shouted. The helicopter shook slightly due to sudden loss of weight and jerked a little. “What the—? What’s going on down there?” Tsubimi glanced down and gasped. “Hey, Yoshi, our prisoners are escaping!” “Seriously?” Yoshimari took a peek. “Oh, crud!” Landon and his group made a rather rough landing in the trees, resting on the branches. “Bulba,” “Hound,” Syorin, Bulbasaur, and Houndoom sighed in sarcasm. “Well, I said that I’d get us out of the net, not make a soft landing.” Landon told them.

       Helping his own Poke’mon first, he leapt out of the tree and down onto the ground. Zeru grabbed Dratini and Charmander and leapt out as well. Syorin and Bulbasaur were next, followed by the group of Houndoom. “Team Darkhorn is still following us.” Zeru pointed to the black helicopter hovering over the trees. Landon frowned at them—didn’t they ever give up. “Nope—we sure don’t.” Tsubimi exclaimed. “Vulpix, it’s time to tell Team Darkhorn goodbye.” Landon said, holding Vulpix in his arms. “Vull!” SPWAA! Vulpix let out a blast of fire from her mouth. The flames reached the helicopter and struck the propeller. “Ack!” Tsubimi and Yoshimari gave a shocked look; their control system started sparking with electricity. The propeller burst into flames, causing the vehicle to tremble. “No-no-no!” They pressed their hands together and muttered a prayer as the helicopter went up in a small explosion. “We had too much to hope to win.” Tsubimi pouted. “Yup—we didn’t even stand a chance.” Yoshimari said to her. They disappeared into the air in a speck of light. “Good job, Vulpix, return to your poke’ball.” Landon recalled Vulpix. “C’mon, Bulbasaur,” Syorin shifted his bag, turned, and walked away with his eyes closed arrogantly. Bulbasaur followed its trainer with the same kind of attitude. “Hey, wait; I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot.” Landon called after him, but Syorin didn’t stop. “Next time we meet, Origin Waker, we will be bitter rivals. Perhaps, even enemies.” He stated in an arrogant and calm manner. “Origin wa—Hey! Just how did you know that?!” Landon asked, taken aback. Instead of replying, however, Syorin just kept walking until he disappeared into the distance. “Hey, Lan, what’s he talking about? What’s an Origin Waker?” Zeru asked him. “Uh…oh, it’s nothing—nothing! He was just that’s all!” Landon waved his arms frantically to try and distract him, “But enough about that, there’s some business we have to take care of.”

       He looked towards the Houndoom. They all stood on the soft grass, looking at him. Normally, they would’ve attacked him, but was that any way to repay someone who helped them out. Landon walked up to the one in the front and reached for it. Houndoom didn’t flinch or move as he rubbed its muzzle. “I can’t really say your trainers were that eager to get you all back.” “Uuuhrr…” All of the Houndoom stared at the ground with crushed expressions. “Perhaps you all would do better in the wild anyway. You could live together as a group or something.” Landon told them. The Houndoom looked from him to each other and back with questioned expressions. “Let me explain: You are all free now and you don’t have to be under the control of humans” Landon reinforced. It took a little bit, but the Houndoom got the point. With one last look at their new friend, they dashed off into the trees. He smiled to them; he knew they were going to be fine. “Landon, Zeru!” May’s voice stood out as it rang between the trees. Landon, Zeru, Toya, and Charmander turned to see May and Officer Jenny rushing up to them. “Are you guys okay?” Jenny asked. “Yeah, we’re fine. Too bad I can’t say the same for Team Darkhorn.” Zeru answered. “And don’t worry about that Syorin kid. He left earlier.” Landon added a little reproachfully. “What about this little one?” Officer Jenny picked up Charmander, who was still clutching Zeru’s nightcap. “Hmm…” she scratched her cheek, “Perhaps Nurse Joy could take care of it.” “Yeah,” Zeru scratched his head.

 

       At the Poke’mon center, Officer Jenny explained the situation with Nurse Joy with the help of May, Landon, and Zeru. “Of course, I’ll be glad to take this Charmander in. It could help me around the center.” Nurse Joy took Charmander over the counter. “Well, I’ll leave this to you. I have to file a report on the arrested Team Magma Members. Thanks to all of you.” After a quick salute, Officer Jenny left out of the Poke’mon center. “We had better get going, too. We may be close, but Rustborro City is still a good ways away.” Landon said. “We’ll see ya’ later.” The three started away, waving. “Charmander, char,” Charmander leapt off the counter and stopped at Zeru’s feet. With and innocent look, it held up his sleeping cap to him. “Nah, you keep it. You seem to really like it, so consider it a gift or something.” Zeru put the cap on its head and smiled to it. “Char…” Charmander blinked. Landon, May, and Zeru waved goodbye and left the Poke’mon center. “Hmmm…” Charmander watched.

 

       The afternoon crept up on them so fast that it was unbelievable. The orange, yellow, and red sky made the fields look colorful and full of life. Landon walked in the lead of his two friends down the dirt road in the field. “We’re almost to Rustborro City, guys. All we have to do is cross Ojho Bridge and we’ll be there.” He said happily, “And from there, my first gym badge.” “Pretty confident?” May smiled. “Hey, guys…” Zeru started, walking backwards. “What’s up, Zeru?” Landon asked. “I think that Poke’mon is following us.” He said. “Following us?” Landon and May turned around as well. “Char-char-char-char-char!” Charmander ran towards them from down the trail with its arms outstretched. It was still wearing Zeru’s sleeping cap on its head. “Hey, Charmander, do you want to come with us?” Landon walked out and knelt down with his arms outstretched. “Charmander!” Charmander smiled. It reached Landon’s arms—and zoomed right past him. “Huh? What gives?” He blinked. Charmander blew right past him and May and jumped into Zeru’s arms. “Do you want to tag along with me?” Zeru asked it. “Char-char,” It smiled. “Then that’s settled; Charmander is my new Poke’pal!” Zeru smiled as well. “Wait a minute; why do you get Charmander?” Landon questioned jealously. “Bleh!” Zeru stuck his tongue out at him, “Too bad!” He broke out into a sprint down the trail. “That’s not fair, Zeru!” Landon shouted and chased after him. “Hey, wait for me, you two!” May smiled and ran right behind them. (And so, our heroes continue on their way to Rustborro City with their hopes high. They’re not sure what adventures lay before them, but are willing to take them all head-on. Join us next time on “Poke’mon X”).


 

Fast Fact answer: The goal of Team Darkhorn is to rule the world using EX Poke’mon. Stay tuned for more Fast facts.

 

                             “Shine the Sky” (Ending Theme)

 

Shine the sky!

Crystal power hit the high—

Flying current to my victory

Try and Try!

Never give the fight away

I’ll take every challenge that I can get in my hands

Des—tiny!

Prophecy I can’t ignore

Know what surprises that it has in store

Shine the sky!



THIS IS THE END OF EPISODE 10 PERIOD. SEE YA' IN EPISODE 11!