“That’s it—it’s time to take the bull by the bull by the horns!” Zeru told Charmander outside the center again. He was simply outraged at all of Charmeleon’s interruptions. “This plan calls for something more head-on. And this time, I’ll be right beside you. You’re going to show Ruby how strong you are.” He told Charmander. He pointed through the glass doors at Nurse Joy and Ruby, who were having difficulties trying to take too many boxes into the back room. “We’ll show by helping them out.” Zeru let Charmander jump on his shoulder and pushed through the Poke’mon Center doors. Landon followed next with the other Poke’mon behind him. May was the last to go through. Zeru didn’t waste time in walking up to the counter and confronted Nurse Joy. “Nurse Joy,” “Yeah—just a sec. Okay, Ruby,” Nurse Joy nodded to her Charmander and they both dropped a large wooden crate. “Can I help you with anything?” She asked. “Actually, we wanna’ help you. ‘Think you can use a hand?” Zeru worked his plan. Landon floated just a little ways away with a serious expression. He was just waiting for Charmeleon to make its move. Nurse Joy smiled to Zeru; she easily figured out what his intentions were. “Sure; you can help me with the medicine boxes and Charmander could help Ruby if it wants.” “Char!” Charmander nodded and jumped onto the ground. Ruby smiled sweetly at it, making it shiver a little. “Ruby, let Charmander help you take those food crates to storage please.” “Char,” Ruby nodded to her trainer and picked up a large wooden crate that was slightly smaller than the ones she had earlier. Charmander tried it’s best to impress her by picking up the one Ruby tried to carry earlier. It was a little heavy, but the true problem was because it had to hold it at a corner to see. This made it wobbly. Ruby started in front, taking the right corridor behind the counter. Charmander followed as quickly as it could without dropping the crate. It was extra cautious not to bump it into anything. Landon silently flapped overhead, surveying every aspect of the hall. For a while, everything seemed to go smoothly and the plan looked like it would work. The lights above shimmered off a bookshelf that was filled with glass décor. Vases, flutes; a lot like the stuff the group saw at the glassmaker’s shop. And Then, Landon saw it; Charmeleon came dashing down the hall at mad speed, causing some of the potted trees along the wall to sway. Without warning, it snuck up on Charmander and kicked its foot. “Char-ar-ar!” Charmander staggered backwards. The constant shifting of the crate’s weight caused it to lose its balance and fall backwards—right into the shelf! The glass products trembled heavily from their resting places. In an instant, they all leapt from the shelf at once. Charmander could only gaze up in horror at the damage about to be dealt. “Keep going!” Landon stated as he raced through the air at top speed. He held out his arms first to catch the falling vases; his feet caught a flute and a Geodude Poke’mon sculpture. He balanced a tea kettle on his head and caught the last china with his tail. Landon started to sweat as he found it difficult to fly with the items weighing his little body down. Charmeleon, who had hid behind one of the potted trees, snapped its fingers in disapproval. But now that Landon was too busy replacing the fragile china, it was open to attack its cautious-moving rival. “Meleon!” It spat a small burst of fire from its mouth. The flame traveled through the air swiftly. Once it made contact with Charmander, it sparked hotly and forced it to slip to the side. “Char-char-char-char!” BANG!! “Char?” Ruby turned around. The crate Charmander had been carrying was full of fruits. Now that it had been busted open, the little fire lizard was covered in various fruit juices. It sat on the ground with a look of both annoyance and embarrassment: annoyed that it kept messing up, and embarrassed because it was always in front of Ruby. “Shoot!” Landon hissed. Ruby sat her crate down and ran over to Charmander, who was shaking the wetness from its hat. “Char,” “Huh?” She held out her claw to it to help it up. Charmander couldn’t help but blush and accept her offer.

       “What was that?!” Zeru and Nurse Joy came running down the corridor. They came to a halt when they saw the mess of fruit all over the floor. “Oh-my,” Nurse Joy gave a look of concern. Zeru frowned, for he saw Charmeleon behind the tree, laughing. “Alright—I’ve had enough of you!” He marched up and gave Charmeleon a sharp rap on the head. “Meleon!” Charmeleon glared at him. “Oh-shut it! I challenge you to a Poke’mon battle. My Charmander’s gonna’ kick your flaming red butt!” Zeru growled back. Everyone looked at him with a skeptical look. “Agreed,” A voice sounded. Their eyes averted to the entrance of the corridor. Chase walked down with his hands in his pockets and an arrogant look. “Little man, I accept your one-on-one challenge.” He said again. Zeru frowned and clenched his fists.

 

       The two boys faced off in the town square. Their Poke’mon stared at each other competitively. May, Landon, Toya, Phealine, Phanpy, and Ruby sat on the side bench to watch. Nurse Joy would’ve been there too, but she her work hours wouldn’t permit her. Now this was something Charmander felt confident at. It was about to battle its best to make up for its past mistakes. “Your puny Charmander ain’t winning this one.” Chase told Zeru. “You’re talking to a future Dragon Master, Chase—we always come out on top!” Zeru shouted back. “Let’s get this started then.” Landon floated in between the two fighters, “Battle set….Go!” He zoomed up immediately.

       “It’s time to teach you not to mess with my Poke’mon. Charmander, Dizzy Punch!” Zeru exclaimed first. “Char-char!” Charmander rushed towards Charmeleon with its fist drawn back. “This is going to be easy. Charmeleon, evasion tactic if you please.” Chase stated calmly. Charmeleon nodded; it thumped the tip of its tail to the ground and pulled its body up. Very deftly, it balanced itself on its tail. <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“What kind of defense is that?” Zeru thought to himself, frowning. Landon observed the battle from the air. He scratched his cheek, pondering the same question as Zeru. “Char!” Charmander repeatedly swung its star-circling fist at its opponent; Charmeleon skillfully moved any part of its body that was aimed for. Charmander started to sweat and punch more feverishly.

          “I see…” Landon thought to himself, “Charmeleon balances itself on its tail to leave its arms and feet free for surprise attacks. This Chase guy is clever, that he is.” Charmander frowned and jumped back to create distance. “We’ll get him this time. Charmander, use Dizzy Punch again!” Zeru pointed forward. Once again, Charmander dashed with its fist outstretched. “Counter with Fire Punch,” Charmander’s fist collided with Charmeleon’s countering attack, sending them both back in a mini gale force. “Zeru, we can’t let you win.” Chase said, “Charmeleon and I have to show Ms. Joy we can take out any opponent.” “But bugging my Charmander by embarrassing it is where I cross the line!” Zeru shouted angrily. “Oh-pu-lease!” “Shut it—talk time was over a long time ago.” “Fine, we’ll resume. Charmeleon, Headbutt!” “Meleonnn!!” Charmeleon torpedoed its body through the air with its head lowered. It was moving so fast that Charmander had no chance of escaping. BANNN! “Ack!” Charmander sprawled onto the ground. Charmander, are you okay?” Zeru asked his Poke’mon. It responded by flashing a “V” victory symbol. “Good—scorch it!” “Char!” Charmander pushed off the ground and propelled itself into the air. It opened its mouth and spat out a burst of hot fire. “Dragon Claw,” Chase ran his hand through his hair. It was as if he didn’t see the battle as anything serious at all. That was the kind of attitude that riled Zeru up even more. Charmeleon waited for the flames to get close. All the while, its right claw was glowing and sparking with crimson fire. As soon as the Flamethrower was at hair’s width from its face, it swung its claw hard; it sent a wave of crimson that split the flames in half. “….n-no way…I’ve never seen anything like that.” For a future Dragon Master, Zeru didn’t feel so confident. He had never seen anything that was so frightening and spectacular at the same time. He and Charmander both sported the same blank looks. Even as the Poke’mon landed, it could feel its hope dwindling. “Wow…” may was also impressed, for she would have to go against that attack sooner or later. “You see, Zeru, how strong we are? You don’t stand a chance.” Chase stated arrogantly.

       What was Zeru going to do? It was like being backed into a wall. “Now, for a signature move of mine. Charmeleon, Fancy Juggling!” Charmeleon looked to the sky. It spat a puff of cackling flames, which it caught with the tip of its nail. It did this for a number of times until it was balancing nine flaming spheres. “Char-meleon!” Without warning, Charmeleon hurled them at Charmander like a pitcher. The pre-evolved Poke’mon glanced towards Ruby. (Thought trans:) “I bet if I dodged these, I would really impress Ruby.” It thought. She was on the edge of her seat with a worried expression. “Charmander, Rage and dodge!” Zeru exclaimed. In an instant, Charmander’s tail flame increased in size and started to rage. It could feel the attack’s power swelling up from the previous attacks it took. In a burst of speed and strength, Charmander raced across the white-bricked ground. It swerved to the right or left to evade the thrown floating sphere as it drew ever closer to its opponent. “Char?!” Charmeleon took a shocked step back. Both it and its trainer sported a surprised expression. Charmeleon frowned and started tossing flame spheres like crazy. But the more it threw, the closer Charmander got and the exploding flames around it didn’t seem to bother it at all. Once it got close to Charmeleon, it jumped high above its head. “Time to end this.” Zeru grinned.

 

       Suddenly, a duo of nets shot right by Landon through the air. They whistled as they cut the wind down to earth, attracting everyone’s attention. “Watch out!” The nets wrapped around Ruby and Toya and pulled them into the air. At the end of the nets was a black helicopter marked with a tan triceratops. Standing outside the door were Landon’s favorite two troublemakers. “Heh, they just never stop.” He scratched his hair. “Aha-ha-ha-haaa!” The two members of Team Darkhorn laughed sinisterly. (Background turns into a tropical waterfall) “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.” The two jumped from the helicopter, allowing the wind to blow against their cloaks. “Yoshimari!” “And Tsubimi too!” They landed onto the ground with their arms folded. “We’re Team Darkhorn, the Pirate thieves.” “Don’t mess with us; you’re out of your league!” “Oh-great!” May growled. “Charmander!” “Charmeleon!” Charmander and Charmeleon were ready to fight to break Ruby free. The nets dangled just above the ground, shaking from the captured Poke’mon. “I’ve heard of the infamous Team Darkhorn. You’re a bunch of bandits that never get caught.” Chase stated. Tsubimi grinned, “I see you’ve heard about us…hey!” She counted the kids with a finger gesture, “Something’s wrong—the biggest loser isn’t here.” “Yeah; normally, we can’t get rid of him. But we have his Mudkip, so he can’t be too far.” Yoshimari said to his sister. “Ruby!” Nurse Joy came bursting from the direction of the Poke’mon center. “A Nurse Joy?” Yoshimari blinked. “Not too joyful now that we have her Charmander.” Tsubimi grinned. “Hey, you two can let my Mudkip go now!” Landon shouted as he bulleted from the sky. Yoshimari and Tsubimi gave each other clueless looks as they glanced up. “Sis…what the heck is that?” “I have no idea…did he just say his Mudkip?” Landon landed on the ground with his arms folded. “No matter what form I’m in, you should know who I am.” He told them. “…No—are you really Himura?” Team Darkhorn blinked and he nodded. “…heh…heh-heh…HA-HAAA! HAHAAAA!” The two went up into a fit of laughter. Landon felt his cheeks turn red. “Well-(heh)- you won’t be causing us much trouble like that.” And as they laughed, they walked back towards the nets. With their grips securely on the ropes, they lifted into the air. “Later, shorty!” Tsubimi giggled. “They’re getting away!” Nurse Joy exclaimed. “Not if I can help it. Charmeleon, burn the nets with flamethrower!” Chase pointed forward. “You too, Charmander!” Zeru stated. “Charrrr!” “Charrr!” Charmander and Charmeleon spat out a duo fierce burst of fire. The flames passed over the ropes connecting the nets but didn’t so much as singe them. “Ha! You can’t burn these ropes.” Tsubimi stuck out her tongue at them. “These ropes are fire proof, shock proof, and water proof.” Yoshimari informed as they were lifted closer to their helicopter. “But can it resist my attack?” Landon darted through the air like a bullet towards the net; he sunk his razor sharp teeth (which came with chibi package) between the ropes and chewed the net away. “Dah!” Everyone gasped at his…“primal” method of attack. The captured Poke’mon landed dropped to the ground safely, flashing thumbs-ups to him. “Grrr! This ain’t over yet. Go, Loudred!” “Go, Tailow!” Team Darkhorn tossed two poke’balls through the air. They burst open to reveal Loudred and Tailow. “Taaaiilooww!” “Loudred-Loud!” The two Poke’mon cried. “Charmeleon, let’s show them what happens when they mess with Ruby. Finish-Slash attack!” Chase stated. Charmeleon rushed forward with its claw posed for attack; it raked its nails against Tailow’s body harshly. “Charmander, Flare Tail!” “Charmander!” Charmander repeatedly belted Loudred with its burning tail. “Ruby!” Nurse Joy ran up to her Poke’mon and pulled her into her arms. Toya scampered to her own trainer and slopped his face with tons of Poke’kisses. “Toya—bleh! Stop! This battle isn’t over yet.” Landon reached into his pockets and pulled out a poke’ball marked with a sand symbol sticker. “Trapinch, send Team Darkhorn flying with Sandstorm!” He let it become bigger and dropped it to the ground. It burst open in a flash of light, revealing Trapinch. “Trapinch-Trapinch!” The Poke’mon’s body suddenly became enshrouded in a sandy typhoon. “This doesn’t—” “—look good.” Team Darkhorn gulped. They looked to each other with the same horrified look. “Yoshi, we get cut out of these episodes earlier and earlier. I say we steal the pencil from the writer and make him pay.” Tsubimi stated, but Yoshimari was stuck on watching the spinning tornado headed their way. “Tsubimi, maybe we should discuss this later.” “Later’s good,” Tsubimi gulped. The typhoon spiraled against both the humans and their helicopter, tossing them into the distance. “This is stupiiiid!” “Louuu!” “Taaailoww!” They and their Poke’mon vanished in a speck of light.

 

       “And I’m sorry for trying to hurt your Charmander.” Back in the Poke’mon Center, Chase gave and apologetic bow to everyone. Landon sat atop Zeru’s head like a curled up animal, getting the rest he needed so badly. Toya just stayed with Phanpy and Phealine. “The next time we fight, it’ll be out of honor.” Chase promised Zeru. “Yeah, honor,” Zeru held out his hand. Chase grinned and shook it. “Char-Char,” Ruby shook Charmander’s claw, who smiled back. Somehow, it seemed a lot calmer than before and didn’t blush at Ruby’s presence. It was as if it knew something no one else did. Ruby then walked closer and both of them started to blush wildly. It was quick, but still very powerful; Ruby pressed a kiss to Charmander’s cheek, causing it to sway from dizzy shock. “Hmm…” Nurse Joy smiled, “You know, Zeru, Charmander didn’t have to do all those things just to tell Ruby it liked her. She knew and was impressed by its real self.” “Uhng…I…told you…” Landon stated in his sleep. “But how’s such a distant relationship gonna’ work?” May blinked. “Oh don’t worry—we’ll find a way. Right, Ruby?” “Charman!” Ruby jumped and hugged Charmander. “But we’ll see you at the contest tomorrow, won’t we?” Joy asked. Suddenly, May gave a slight jump. “My gosh! We have to go register before it opens! His whole ordeal made me forget all about that!” She exclaimed. “I think if you hurry, you’ll be able to make it.” Nurse Joy told her. May nodded, grabbed Phealine, and darted out the center doors. “Hey, wait for me!” Zeru grabbed Toya and Phanpy and followed with Landon still on his head. “Char,” “Char,” Charmander and Ruby gave each other one last hug before Charmander ran off after its trainer.
(…..all I’ve got to say is that May had better hurry—the contest is just around the corner.)


                    Morning Moon; Midnight Sun

 

Shine…bright stars that light the night

Shine—partners who win the fight

Flow…words that are sung from me

Reach out for our close victory…

 

Fly—out to the highest sun

Stand—tall till the day is done

Blow—wind of my destiny

I’ll reach my goal on angel wings

 

Crystal-Amber-and-

Clear-and Shadow-and-

Emerald bells

Light my way

Rainbow lights that bring the light and day

Distant stars, don’t let my soft heart down

Let me turn our losses around

Just try to stand up—

Gotta’ make our own chance—

and be number on-ne—

 

Come out, my Morning Moon

(Oh, my moon)

Come on out and shine your dreamful blue

Come out my Midnight Sun

(Number one)

Show us that our shining’s just begun

I’ll be the brightest star—

A star that will fly far—

to your heart…


                    Poke'mon All-Stars
                           Forbidden Memories
Part 2 of episode 35