Landon fought to restrain his new Chikorita in his arms while she struggled and smacked him wildly with the leaf on her head. His cheeks were red now, but his grip didn’t hasten. He and his friends had left the Devon company building and were back into the streets of Rustborro City. The rain had come to a halt and the black clouds slowly drifted through the sky. May and Zeru walked a small distance behind Landon and Chikorita; all of the fighting and shouting was causing people to stare at them. “C’mon, Chikorita; I’m not hurting you!” “Chikori!” “Chikorita, stop!” “Chika-chika!” “Stop; you’re not making us look any better.” “Chi-ka!” Chikorita pouted and came to a resentful rest in Landon’s arms. Toya’s eyes never left her as she disapproved of the grass Poke’mon’s behavior. “Huh,” Landon let out a sigh. “What am I going to do with you? I hope I didn’t hurt you.” He was actually starting to doubt his abilities as a trainer. Maybe Chikorita simply thought he was unworthy to be her trainer. Landon glanced down at Chikorita. She was just sitting there as if she had been docile the whole entire time. However, she still had that look of spite in her eyes as if she had been insulted. “What!? How could she be so violent one minute and quiet the next?” He blinked. This was really one tough Poke’mon to figure out. But as a trainer, it was his job to overcome any hardship that came his way. And as a friend, it was his job to make a new friend feel welcome. “I’m sorry if I hurt you.” He said meekly, but Chikorita didn’t say a word. Landon looked up and started searching for something to talk about. When his eyes fell on a store called “The Poke’mon Clip”, He gave a grin. “I think I have an idea. Hey, May, Zeru, I’ll be in this store for a couple of seconds. I’ll be right back.” He said to May and Zeru, who nodded, and went inside. The store was an accessory shop for Poke’mon; there were ribbons and wigs, burettes and scarves, and just about anything else you could pin on a Poke’mon. “Tambourine, come on out.” Landon pulled out the Premier Ball and released Furret. “Furrett-fur!” Tambourine scratched her ear with her foot for a quick second. “Okay, let’s go find something that suits you three.” Landon said and his Poke’mon (except Chikorita) smiled. Landon walked over to a table with tons of different color ribbons. A ribbon could help his girl Poke’mon become more motivated and also bring out their natural beauty. “Here,” Landon picked up a red ribbon and tied it in a small bow around one of Tambourine’s ears. “I think this one suits you perfectly. Think so?” “Furret, fur!” Tambourine smiled and her ears twitched. Then, Landon picked out a pink, shoe-lace ribbon and tied it about Toya’s neck. “Mudkip! Mud-mudkip!” Toya beamed and her tailfin wagged wildly. “I think it looks great too.” Landon smiled back, “And now, for you, Chikorita. Why don’t you pick out one for yourself?” “Chika?” Chikorita looked up at him with a “really?” expression. “Go on,” Landon carried her around the table to let her see the different ribbons. Chikorita, who was still acting docile, allowed her eyes to dart around the table wildly. It didn’t take long before they fell on a yellow ribbon that had a sun-shaped pin in the middle. It reminded her of sun-bathing. “Chika,” Chikorita’s head leaf pointed to it. “Let’s see how it looks on you.” Landon sat Chikorita beside Toya on the table and worked the ribbon around the base of her head leaf. “You look great—all of you.” He complimented to his Poke’mon. Even Chikorita couldn’t keep a slight smile from escaping.

 

       “That didn’t take long.” May said when Landon and his Poke’mon came out of the accessory store. She and Zeru went to go get a corn dog while they waited. Zeru finished the rest of his and crumpled up the foil paper. “And your Poke’mon look great in those new ribbons, too.” “Gee thanks; I like them too.” Landon told May. “If you’re done shopping, can we move on now? We’ve been here too long.” Zeru said, a little anxious to get back on the road. Landon nodded and the three walked down the sidewalk. Toya took the top of Landon’s head while Chikorita took a shoulder; he held Tambourine in his arms. Meanwhile, a couple of shadows blended in with the crowd, following Landon and his friends. “Ho, look, let’s go shopping, big bro!” Tsubimi pulled on her brother’s arm as they walked rather casually. “Oooh! Let’s go to the Poke’mon Boutique, or how about the Poke’clip? Maybe we can get something to eat, or a milkshake even—” Tsubi, we’re not here to shop at stores. We have to find the loser trio and think of a plan to get their EX Poke’mon. It’s either that or get thrashed by Miru again.” Yoshimari said sternly, “Besides, I want to end this chase so we can get back to what we do best: treasure hunting.”” But Yoshi, I’m really hungry! Can’t I at least have a cheeseburger?” Tsubimi nagged. She started pulling and pushing Yoshimari so as to annoy him into consideration. Yoshimari gave her an airy expression and put his hands in his pockets. “Fine, fine, we’ll go get a cheeseburger and then we’ll—” Yoshimari and Tsubimi stopped abruptly at a tugging on their cloaks. They glanced back to see a brown-haired woman in a blue skirt and blouse, pulling on them. “Erm…excuse me, but—” “—what’re you doing?” The two gave her an annoyed stare. “Your cloaks—they’re simply amazing. I could use this for my next line of designer wear!” The lady stated, admiring their outfit with much fascination. Yoshimari and Tsubimi clenched their fists and their temples beat anime style. That woman had some nerve to just grab them out of the blue like that. But to try and sell their outfit designs? That was crossing the line. “…GET OFF!” “This is a special Team Darkhorn uniform.” “You can’t use this; it’s a patented outfit!” But the lady just smiled to them, “Oh, nonsense. Come with me, please.” She grasped them by the arms and pulled them backwards through the crowd. “Hey!” “Geez, we’re beat and the losers didn’t do anything yet!” Team Darkhorn wailed.

 

       Landon, May, Zeru, and the Poke’mon frowned as they tried to find a quicker way out of Rustborro City. They had stopped in Rustborro Plaza and were putting their new Poke’gears to the test. “I’m sorry to say, Lan, but the next gym is in Dewford Town.” May examined the map on her Poke’gear screen. Landon sat in between her and Zeru on a bench on the sidewalk, stroking Tambourine’s head. “Furret, Furret,” The Furret smiled. “So what’s the problem?” Landon asked. “Landon, it’s an island!” May exclaimed. “Don’t’ worry about it; I heard that there’s a ferry port in Twinkle Town.” Zeru got to his feet, “If we go now, we could reach it by nightfall.” “Cool, I’m in.” Landon said, standing up as well. “So, I’ve finally found you, Landon Himura.” The three glanced off to the side and frowned. Standing with his hands in his jacket pockets, Syorin Hibiki glared at them. His previous statement was the most they had ever heard come from him. “Syorin! I thought I’d be seeing you again.” Landon said, he and his Poke’pals glaring back. Even though they didn’t say anything, there was a clear tension between them. The constant tug or trainer rivalry caused them to fight with their eyes. “So, Syorin, what do you want?” Landon growled. Syorin closed his eyes arrogantly, but talked calmly. “I want to take your title away from you.” He said. “My what?” “Your title,” He repeated. Landon let Tambourine to the ground and clenched his fists. “The only title I have is—you’re going after that?” Landon gave a look of disbelief and Syorin nodded. “But why?” “Because, you don’t deserve it. When I was younger, my family made me work and train for this.” Syorin held up the Clear Bell, “I wasn’t awarded the gift of play, but rather the fruits of hard work. You’ll see that being what you are isn’t a game—some story book where the hero comes out on top regardless the situation.” “Be it fluke or fate; the point is that I am very qualified to hold this bell. I know my responsibilities.” Landon told him sternly. Syorin ran his hand through his hair arrogantly. “I will be the one to judge that. Landon Himura, I challenge you to a two on two battle right here and now.” He pulled two poke’balls from his belt. “Fine, I’d accept, but…” “But what?” Syorin raised an eyebrow. “But I’ve never done a two on two before.” CRASH!! May, Zeru, and Syorin fell to the ground, sweating anime style. “Why do you get all hyped up for battle if you don’t even know how?!” May spat. “It’s simple, really,” Zeru explained, “A two on two battle is a battle between four Poke’mon, two on each side. This tests how quick-witted a trainer is and shows how the Poke’mon handle teamwork.” “Fine, then I’ll choose Tambourine and Chikorita.” Tambourine leapt out of Landon’s arms and Chikorita jumped off his shoulder. “Bulbasaur, Squirtle, I choose you!” Syorin tossed the two poke’balls in the street and they erupted with a bright light, revealing a Bulbasaur and a Squirtle.

       “Chi?” Chikorita glanced over to Syorin’s Bulbasaur. Suddenly, her heart started thudding against her chest and her knees wobbled a bit. Bulbasuar took that first glance too and felt its body do the same. The two grass Poke’mon slowly approached each other, smiling. “Chikorita, I didn’t say attack yet.” “Bulbasaur, you stay put!” But their trainers’ might as well have talked to a brick wall for all the Poke’mon cared. Chikorita and Bulbasuar nudged heads before brushing against each other. “Hey! You’re supposed to fight it, not love it!” Landon put up a fit and started stamping the ground with his feet. “I’m your trainer, Chikorita; you’re supposed to at least take what I say into consideration. Will it kill you to even pretend to listen?” “It’s no use.” Syorin said simply. “They won’t fight each other or, by the looks of it, battle at all. Looks like this is a one on one battle.” By now, many people who had been walking were now focused on Landon’s and Syorin’s Poke’mon. An entire crowd had formed around them, ready to observe the battle. “Will you look at this crowd?” May gazed at all the people. “I just hope Lan doesn’t let all this attention distract him.” Zeru folded his arms. With Toya still on his head, Landon clenched his fists and went serious. He wasn’t about to be upstaged by someone who didn’t think he was even worry of saying the name of Origin Waker. He would defeat Syorin with everything he was. “Tambourine, strike with Fury Swipes!” “Furett!” Tambourine charged first. Syorin simply closed his eys and hummed lightly. His Clear Bell started to glow white and float a little bit. “Withdraw, now,” He whispered. Squirtle quickly drew in its arms, legs, and head into its shell and plopped to the ground. Tambourine withdrew her pearly white claws and repeatedly started to slash and scratch at the rock-hard shell. “Fur—rett! Fur—rett! Fur—rett! Fur—rett!” She growled angrily. “Draw back; while it’s in its shell, we can’t hurt it.” Landon ordered and Tambourine jumped back. “Water Gun,” Syorin’s voice barely rose above the ringing of his bell. Squirtle’s body emerged and it sprayed a jet of water towards its opponent. “Furr!” Tambourine sweated a little as she lifted her foot to avoid getting hit; the water gun ricocheted off the street and into the air. “Hu!” Landon moved to the side, the water grazing his hair. “Tambourine, now that it’s out, use your Quick Attack!” Tambourine got on all fours and raced again to Squirtle. There was a loud clack as the tiny-turtle Poke’mon soared into the air.

       “What?” Landon growled, but Syorin grinned. True, Tambourine had stricken Squirtle, but the turtle had withdrawn in its shell once more. “Fine, if that’s how you wanna’ play, Syorin. Tambourine, use Swift Attack!” Landon shouted. Tambourine waited until Squirtle was right above her before firing an array of sharp orange stars from her paws. “Furr-reeeet!” Squirtle-Squirtle!” The stars shot into its shell and forced it to emerge again, pelting it in the face as it continued to fall. Landon grinned; now, Tambourine had Squirtle right where he wanted it. “Strike with your Tail Whip!” “Furrett!” SMACK!! Tambourine raised her tail and swatted Squirtle harshly to the ground. Even at this feat, however, Syorin remained calm and watched his Poke’mon easily get back to its feet. “You know that Water Gun I used on you, Himura? Well that was actually three times weaker than my Squirtle’s normal Water Gun.” “You arrogant jerk!” Landon’s eyes vibrated a little at the sudden realization. “No way that could’ve been a weaker version of Squirtle’s real Water Gun—it was strong enough already!” “You look surprised.” Syorin snapped him back to reality. “I had to see if your Poke’mon were even past the kiddy league. Squirtle, you can feel free to show that Furret your full power. “Squirtle-squirt!” Squirtle took in a deep breath and blew out a sonic jet-stream of water. It rushed towards his Poke’mon so fast, that Landon had hardly any time to think. “Duck!” He blurted out and both he and Tambourine dropped to the ground. The stunning water rushed just above their backs and crashed to the ground in such force, that a piece of street broke free. “Duh!” “Ah!” “Whoa!” Landon and Tambourine, May, Zeru, and the crowd gasped at the damage. “I think…” May started, “…I think this is too much for Landon.” “I agree, he should quit now.” Zeru said. Not even Chikorita could stand it and stared at the ground. She felt lousy; she should’ve been helping her new trainer instead of watching. “That was great.” Landon smiled as he got back to his feet. He truly was afraid a bit, but he kept his trust in Tambourine and himself. “Petty tricks like that don’t intimidate us, that they don’t.” “That’s good to hear.” Syorin closed his eyes and the Clear Bell glimmered brightly. “Squirtle!” Squirtle made a gurgling sound while it launched another Water Gun assault. “Evade, Tamborine!” “Furr!” Tambourine rolled to the left to dodge a first strike, jumped to miss a second, and darted around the streets to evade the others. Each time Squirtle shot, its accuracy became more precise. “How is he doing it? He’s not even talking to his Poke’mon!” Landon thought to himself, “Unless….I could test a hunch.” “Tambourine, use your Agility and go in for a Seismic Toss!” A rush of wind followed behind Tambourine as she blew across the street, closing the distance between herself and her opponent. She skidded to a halt behind Squirtle and grasped it under the arms. “Just stay calm.” Syorin whispered. “Great, now take it up and end this match!” “Furrett,” Tambourine nodded to her trainer and kicked off the street.

 

       Tambourine soared into the sky with Squirtle in her firm grip. The turtle Poke’mon did exactly what its trainer instructed to do and remained calm. “It’s almost time.” Syorin said as he watched. When Tambourine could go no higher, she flipped upside-down and plummeted towards the ground with Squirtle out in front. “Reversal!” “Re—what?” Landon blinked at Syorin. Suddenly, Squirtle gripped Tambourine’s paws and held her body out in front instead. “Oh-no!” May gasped. “Landon, call this battle off.” Zeru shouted. Landon turned around and gave him an angry, skeptical look. “Say what?” “It’s clear that Tamborine isn’t strong enough to handle this. Call it back to its poke’ball quickly!” “But I—” BAANGG! A swirl of dust kicked up and blinded everyone temporarily. “Whoa!” Went the crowd. “Arrggh!” Landon used his arms to shield his eyes. When the gust of dust blew off into the air, Landon let out a gasp. Squirtle was standing tall and strong while Tambourine shook and panted, struggling to get to her feet. Maybe Zeru was right; maybe Tambourine wasn’t as strong as Landon expected. He had never lost a battle before. Surely some failure was to be expected, right? But it wasn’t losing that angered Landon, it was losing to Syorin that did. Letting his fists go limp and his bangs cover his eyes, Lanodn slowly walked up to his Poke’mon. “Fur?” Tambourine looked up at him. “Tambourine, it’s over. I can’t stand to watch you get hurt anymore.” Landon pulled her Premier Ball from his pocket, “Please return—dah!” In a furry, Tambourine swatted her Premier Ball to the ground with her tail. Landon, who was too taken aback, failed to notice that the Crystal Bell was glowing a little. “Now you listen to me, Koryushima Himura: I’m not going to stop fighting ‘till I take Syorin down.” Tambourine waved her arms as she explained, “He insulted me and, most importantly, insulted you. I’ll teach him a lesson, so don’t take me out yet.” Landon seemed to think on it for a second, then smiled. “Fine, but remember that you won’t be fighting alone.” Landon held her paws gently, “I’ll fight with you.” With a thumbs-up, he jumped back with a boost of determination and power. “You hear that, Syorin? We’re gonna’ mop the floor with you, that we will.” Landon’s Crystal Bell exploded with a dozen threads of blue light. He could feel his breathing merge with Tambourine’s; his heartbeat matched hers and became one. He smiled at the successful fusion they had just made.

       “Furret, Furr-ett!” Tambourine lifted her fist and a large bead of light gathered around it. The wind from her power kicked up all around them. “What’s going on?” Zeru asked. “I’m not sure, but I think Tambourine just learned a new attack.” May pulled out her Poke’dex and flipped it open. A picture of Furret appeared on the screen followed by a beep. “Dynamic Punch, an explosive punch that may confuse the foe.” It spoke. “Wow, I never expected Tambourine to learn that in the middle of a fight.” Zeru said. Landon raised his hand and clenched his fist just like his Poke’mon. It glimmered with a bead of yellow energy as well. “Dynamic—” Landon’s voice started to echo. “What the—” “Squirtle?” Syorin and Squirtle took an amazed step back, sweating a little bit. “Where did all that power come from?” Syorin thought to himself. “—Punch!” Landon thrust his fist forward and Tambourine’s glowing fist sped as well. “Squirtle!” Squirtle became in place; just like Tambourine was now, it must have been fused with its trainer. And now that the shock froze Syorin, it froze his Poke’mon as well. KABOOOM! As soon as Tambourine’s fist connected with Squirtle’s body, the turtle was hurled through the air in a rush-explosion. The crowd watched it whiz overhead and crash into a nearby building. “Oh….. Squirtle.” Syorin gazed at his Poke’mon through the parted crowd. His calm expression turned serious and he darted forward down the street. “Bulbasaur!” Bulbasaur leapt onto Syorin’s shoulder as he dashed down the part the crowd had made. Squirtle was on its stomach in the street. “Squirtle, are you okay?” Syorin’s calm disposition melted into an act of concern. He took Squirtle into his arms. “Squirtle….” “You put up a great fight. Take a rest now.” He recalled his Poke’mon to it poke’ball. “Bulbasaur….” Bulbasaur tried to give him comfort, looking at him sincerely. “It’s okay, Bulbasaur.” He told it calmly. The fact that he just lost didn’t even bother him. It was as if he knew something no one else did. Slowly, Landon and Tambourine walked though the crowd up to Syorin. Landon felt triumphant and yet he felt as if something about that battle wasn’t right. “Hey, Syorin, I’m sorry about your Squirtle.” He said. Syorin stared at him with those calm yet cold eyes. “….Whatever,” “But I was just—” “Round one,” Syorin interrupted. “Huh? What do you mean?” Landon blinked. “You passed round one. Don’t expect to beat me again.” Syorin told him.

 

       “Well, well, it seems that little Syorin’s a sore loser.” Two voices echoed from somewhere high up. Syorin frowned, “Come out and show yourself, now.” High atop a couple of lampposts, Yoshimari and Tsubimi sat, waving at them. (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.” “Where treasure glitters, we’re there to claim.” “To higher riches, we’ll surely aim.” “Tsubimi!” “Yoshimari!” “We’re Team Darkhorn, the pirate thieves.” “Don’t mess with us; you’re out of your league!”

Landon sweated anime style, “Do you always have to enter like that? What happen to the good ol’ days where the bad guys wanted to be hidden?” “Duh, we have to recite it. It says so in the Team Rocket book of Motto Creating.” Tsubimi said, “Now, hand over your EX Poke’mon please.” “You’re still after our Poke’mon?” Landon growled. “We won’t quit until your EX Poke’mon are in our possession.” Yoshimari grabbed a poke’ball from his cloak pocket and Tsubimi did the same. “Go, Loudred!” “You too, Tailow!” They threw them to the ground and they burst open with a flash of light. “Taiiilowwww!” “Loudred!” Tailow fluttered down and perched itself onto Loudred’s shoulder. “Get ready, Tambourine—” Landon started, but took a glance at Tambourine; she was panting heavily and could barely support her weight. She was way too tired to continue fighting. “On second thought, maybe you should return.” Landon held up Tambourine’s Premier Ball and recalled her to it. To be completely honest, he himself was a little exhausted as well. Tambourine’s loss of energy was, in turn, his loss of energy. And somehow, Syorin knew that. “I’ll take care of them.” He set Bulbasuar on the ground, “If they think they can take my Bulbasaur, they’re sadly mistaken.” “I’ll help you—” “I don’t need your help!” Syorin snapped at Landon. “You don’t know them like I do!” Landon shouted. “You look weak; leave this to the real trainers.” “I am a real trainer!” Zeru, May, and the crowd sweated anime style as the two went back and forth. Now, Syorin’s call demeanor was turning into agitation. “Are they gonna’ do this the entire time?” Zeru put his hands on the back of his head and sighed. “They fight worse than us.” May added. Zeru, however, had to disagree with her; he made it his personal business to make May as agitated as he could. Team Darkhorn frowned airily as they watched the two trainers argue. “Awww, man; if we wanted to see this, we could’ve just stayed home.” Tsubimi yawned. “I think it’s time to move on.” Yoshimari said and held out his hands. “Go, launcher sleeve nets!” Suddenly, a tangle of thin strings burst from his sleeves and sped over the crowd. “Why don’t you—” Landon’s eyes flashed into a serious state and he glanced to the side. The net was aiming right for Toya on his head. SWRRRCH! Like lightning, Landon withdrew his sword and hacked the net into millions of pieces. “Mudkip…” “Ohaaa…” Toya and the crowd gasped. “Fighting with you isn’t worth my time, Syorin. I’ll take care of this myself.” Landon pulled Vulpix’s Poke’ball from his belt, regardless of Syorin’s yapping. “Chika!” “Huh?” From out of nowhere, Chikorita leapt in front of him. Her back was arched and she let out a low, dangerous growl at Team Darkhorn. “Chikorita…do you want to fight?” Landon asked her. “Chika-Chika!” Chikorita nodded. “Should’ve known it was going to come to this.” Tsubimi clenched her fists. “Tailow, attack now,” “Taiilowww!” Tailow sped towards Chikorita and Bulbasuar. “I’ll take Tailow.” “Then I’ll take Loudred.” Feeling that this was the only thing they could agree on, Landon and Syorin nodded to each other. “Vine Whip attack!” They shouted together. “Chika!” “Bulba!” A pair of vines sprouted from Chikorita’s bud necklace and Bulbasaur bulb; Chikorita’s pair grasped Tailow by the wings and Bulbasuar’s bound Loudred’s legs. “Now slam them down!” The two trainers exclaimed. Chikorita and Bulbasaur lifted their quarry up, then brought them crashing down onto the ground. “Tail!” “Loudred!” Again and again, they thrashed Team Darkhorn’s Poke’mon all around the street. “Oh-no; our Poke’mon can’t move!” Yoshimari shrieked. “And now—” “—send ‘em flyin’!” At the command of their trainers, Chikorita and Bulbasaur hurled Loudred and Tailow tight towards their trainers. “Ah!” Team Darkhorn stood up straight on the lamppost, shaking a bit. BANG!! Their Poke’mon crashed into them and sent them flying far into the sky. “We’ll be back for you, Himura!” They shouted, disappearing in a twinkle of light. “Good job!” “That was awesome!” Landon and Syorin cheered for their Poke’mon. The entire crowd went up in a sea of applause before they dispersed. “Hey, nice job, you two.” May said as she and Zeru walk up to them. “You showed Team Darkhorn.” Zeru added. “You know, we make a good team. You can’t be all that bad afterall.” Landon held out his hand to shake with Syorin. However, Syorin simply picked up his Poke’mon. “Retract your praise.” “What!?” “Just because we teamed up doesn’t mean we’re gonna’ be the best of chums.” He said. Without another word, he turned and walked away down the street. “Chika-Chika!” Chikorita waved goodbye to Bulbasaur. “Fine, be that way! Bleh!” Landon stuck out his tongue at Syorin’s back. After all that, he still didn’t think Landon had what it took to be an Origin Waker. But Landon would show him; actions like that only compelled him to do better. “The nerve of that guy.” “Mud-mudkip!” May and Toya puffed their cheeks in anger.

       “Chikori!” CRASH!! Chikorita rammed her body into Landon’s stomach and sent him crashing to the ground. Once again, she bit his arm with a smile. He shook a little as he felt Chikorita jump on his stomach. Toya, who had fallen off, had now sought refuge in May’s arms, frowning. “Oha…what’d you do that for—?” But when Landon looked up, Chikorita’s lip quivered in an abrupt sadness. She looked as if she was ready to cry. What was with this Poke’mon? She was so hard to figure out! Landon scratched his head; he knew there was something she wanted, but he couldn’t quite figure it out. But there had to be some reason she kept beating him up. “….Oh, I get it now.” Landon grinned and set Chikorita on the ground. “…GOTCHA’!!”  Un-expectantly, Landon gave Chikorita a good a good shove that sent her sprawling a bit. “Ah! Landon, what’re you doing?” May shrieked, taken aback by her friend’s actions. However, when Chikorita got back up, she smiled to her new trainer. “Chika!” She dashed up to Landon and leapt into his arms, both of them giggling. “…O—kay, am I the only one who doesn’t get it?” May asked, scratching her head. “I didn’t expect you to.” Zeru nodded and folded his arms. “And what’s that supposed to mean?” “The reason why Chikorita kept attacking Landon was because she was testing him—it’s how she shows affection. If he couldn’t understand what she was trying to say, he wouldn’t be able to understand her ever.” Zeru grinned, “Landon had better get used to getting beat up—as long as he has that Chikorita, he’ll be getting hit and bit every time she’s called. (Poke’mon teach us lessons all the time, just like friends. And with each lesson he learns, Lan grows stronger. Will our heroes reach their destiny? Or will they fail miserably? Find out on “Poke’mon X”!)

 

 
                           Next Time on Poke’mon X

       “Hi, Zeru Sagarah here, bringing you the news on the next episode. May’s got this weird new camera and won’t stop filming every battle we have (I may just toss it into the river; it’s getting so annoying). We’ll meet up with an old man who claims he a famous sea captain and yet, why is he so afraid of the water. As usual, Team Darkhorn will show up and wreck the scene, but what’s with this green-haired kid? Find out on the next episode of Poke’mon X. See ya’ there!”

 

Fast Fact answer: Landon The true Japanese name for the Fang Sword is “Shikon Subeta”. 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!

A knew adventure I will face

Another chance at victory with Poke’mon!



This is the end of  Chapter 12. See ya' in Chapter 13