More caves? or so i thought......

Had I been stronger, it wouldn't have come to this….

It is a peaceful afternoon in Geosenge Town. Trainers and Pokémon roamed freely, enjoying the serenity. The air was crisp, and a soft breeze carried the sounds of laughter and cheerful chatter from the town square. Alain and I spent the past two days scouting the town, mostly out of habit. We didn't expect to find much here, but there is no harm in being thorough.

As expected, there was nothing too out of the ordinary. The people were friendly, and the town itself had a quiet charm, with battles only happening in designated arenas. The peaceful environment felt almost foreign to us after everything we'd been through over the past few weeks. It was the first time after a long while that neither of us felt the weight of an impending danger looming over our heads.

We took our time, wandering through the streets, letting the tension from our recent discoveries slowly cool off. Alain was quieter than usual, likely still processing everything that had happened in the forest, but I could tell he was enjoying this brief respite. He deserved it, after all. We both did.

"I could get used to this," Alain remarked as we passed a bakery, the smell of freshly baked pastries lingering in the air. His expression was softer, more at ease.

I chuckled lightly. "Don't get too comfortable. Knowing our luck, something's bound to happen."

He smiled, though the tension in his shoulders hadn't completely dropped out of sight. The same could be said about me. We knew that no matter how still things seemed on the surface, there was always an undercurrent of unease.

Eventually, we made our way back to the Pokémon Center, feeling a little more refreshed. Nurse Joy greeted us with a warm smile as we handed her our Poké Balls. She took them for routine healing, her cheery demeanor adding to the soothing ambiance.

"I'm still not used to this," Alain muttered, stretching his arms as we walked away from the counter.

"Used to what?"

"Being somewhere quiet, where we're not constantly looking over our shoulders."

I nodded in agreement. "It's a good change of pace, but we both know it's not going to last long. We can't avoid the approaching dangers ahead."

As we headed towards our rooms, Nurse Joy called out to us. "Gojo, Alain, you've received a message from Professor Sycamore. He asked that you contact him as soon as you're back."

Alain and I exchanged glances. Of course, peace couldn't last long.

"Guess that's our cue," I said with a half-smile, and we made our way to the video call booth.

The phone rang as usual, that typical beep echoing in the booth as we waited for him to pick up. But while we stood there, my mind was restless. I couldn't shake the nagging thoughts about what we'd seen—those statues, the strange energy emanating from them, and the connections they seemed to have with Yveltal.

Then, of course, there was Team Flare. They were acting differently here, more aggressive, more reckless. I have crossed paths with them twice already, and that was two times too many. In the original timeline, they laid low until the final assault, revealing themselves only at the last possible moment. Here, they seemed almost...desperate. What had changed?

Before I could delve too deep into my thoughts, the call connected. Professor Sycamore's face appeared on the screen, his usual bright presence was nowhere to be seen. He stared at us with his drowsy eyes for a moment, saying nothing. His expression was hard to read, a mix of exhaustion and frustration.

Finally, he let out a heavy sigh, running a hand down his face. "Honestly, why do you both always find yourselves in trouble?" he muttered, his voice carrying a touch of exasperation. "This is beyond just 'stumbling into things'... it's like you're magnets for disaster."

Alain and I shared a quick, nervous look. I could already feel a lecture looming. The professor's tired eyes seemed to narrow at us, as though he was deciding whether or not to chew out us right now.

"Never mind," Professor Sycamore eventually said, waving his hand dismissively. He turned away from the screen, rummaging through something in the background, leaving us to stand there awkwardly.

I let out a small sigh of relief, thankful that he wasn't going to dig into us about our latest 'misadventure.' When he returned to the screen, he was holding a stack of papers, his expression still tense. He rubbed at his temples, visibly frustrated.

"What you've sent me... it's unlike anything we've ever come across," he began, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "And that's what's making this so much more complicated. We have no clear understanding of how these statues were formed, but, just as you suspected, they aren't sculptures. They seem... too lifelike for that."

I nodded. Alain stayed silent but alert.

"The only connection we can draw," Sycamore continued, flipping through the papers, "is to Yveltal. But that's not a theory I want to explore too deeply, given the potential consequences."

He stopped talking for a moment, letting his words sink in.

Professor Sycamore flipped through a few more pages of his notes before finally looking back at us, his expression growing more somber. His eyes met ours through the screen, and for a brief moment, the weight of the situation became tangible.

"Politically, this is a disaster," he said, almost to himself as he shuffled through the remaining documents. His words hung in the air like a heavy fog, and I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in confusion.

"How is this a political disaster?" I asked, unable to stop myself from voicing the question.

Sycamore sighed deeply, his tone becoming more measured and serious. "There's a lot more at play than just the Pokémon battles or legendary lore. As you know, the champions of each region aren't just figureheads—they hold significant influence and power. They're inaugurated by the regional leagues, which makes the Pokémon League itself a key player in how each region governs its affairs. But unlike battles, where strength and skill determine the outcome, political matters are settled through a different kind of power—a much more subtle one involving intelligence, alliances, and influence."

He paused, giving us time to understand the gravity of the situation. "This is a part of our world that I didn't want you both to get involved in. That's exactly why I've been cautious about exposing you to it. This discovery could set off a chain of events that none of us are prepared for."

Alain and I exchanged a glance, both of us remaining silent as Sycamore continued.

"The League has a president," he explained, his voice lowering slightly. "The president is elected by representatives from across the region. And those representatives? Well, they often have competing ideals and agendas. Why is that important? Because what you've uncovered—the connection to Yveltal and the mythological history of Kalos—could shift the entire political landscape. There are people who believe in the old stories, and there are those who dismiss them as mere legends. But if there's any tangible evidence linking these events to Yveltal... it could stir up panic, distrust, and a scramble for power. This region isn't ready for that."

Sycamore paused again, rubbing the bridge of his nose as if the load of the entire situation was pressing down on him. His exhaustion was apparent, and for a moment, the playful, light-hearted professor we'd grown used to was completely gone, replaced by a man burdened with the knowledge of just how fragile this situation truly was.

"I wouldn't want to be involved in these political games, and I certainly don't want either of you getting caught up in them," he said firmly, looking directly at us. "That's why I'm warning you now—stay within your boundaries. Don't cross any lines. What you've discovered is dangerous in the wrong hands."

He shifted in his chair, his tone softening as he added, "I've already decided to delete the files you sent from the cloud. I'll keep a copy on a hard drive here, under strict protection. I suggest you both do the same. For your own safety."

There was a moment of silence, the weight of his words settling heavily on us. Sycamore's expression remained serious, the worry clear in his eyes.

"That's all I wanted to say," he concluded, leaning back in his chair with a tired smile. "I've got more work to get back to, but we'll talk again soon. Just... be careful out there."

And with that, the screen went black.

The call had been brief, but it felt like it carried the load of a thousand unsaid things. Lore, knowledge, and caution all packed into one conversation. It wasn't just about Pokémon battles or new discoveries anymore. This was something far bigger. Something that had the potential to tip the scales of power in ways we couldn't yet fully comprehend.

Without exchanging another word, Alain and I silently got to work. We immediately followed his advice, systematically deleting the files we had on the cloud and transferring the crucial data to a secure device—one that would be out of reach from prying eyes, whether they belonged to Team Flare or the regional authorities.

The soft hum of the Pokémon Center's systems was the only sound that filled the room as we worked. After finishing up, I leaned back in the chair, letting out a deep breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. The tension in the air was thick, a stark contrast to the tranquility of Geosenge Town just a few hours ago.

"Done," Alain muttered, closing his laptop and rubbing his temples. His face was unreadable, but I could see the same exhaustion in his eyes that I felt in my own bones. The weight of secrecy,—it had a way of draining you faster than any battle could.

"Same here," I replied, pushing my chair back and stretching out my stiff limbs. "Let's get some rest."

The walk to our room was quiet, the soft glow of the Center's lights casting long shadows in the hallway. Everything felt muted, as if the world outside our thoughts had faded into emptiness.

Once inside the room, Alain collapsed onto his bed without a word, while I sat at the edge of mine, staring at the dark ceiling. Despite the quiet, my mind buzzed with thoughts. Team Flare, the statues, Yveltal… The professor's words echoed in my head. Even with my meta knowledge, the weight of this situation still lingered on my shoulders. And I wasn't sure how I was going to deal with them in the coming future.

But for now, we needed rest. Tomorrow will come with its own challenges, but tonight? Tonight we had to recharge, and hope that by morning, the world outside hasn't already shifted in ways we couldn't control.

I closed my eyes, letting the weariness take over, pulling me into a much-needed, but uneasy sleep.

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I find myself taking cover behind a massive boulder for what feels like the hundredth time this week. Each time, the cause is the same: Team Flare. And honestly, I'm getting fed up with having to hide the same way every single time. But as frustrating as it is, it's efficient. As long as they don't have a Psychic-type or someone with aura-sensing abilities, we remain undetected.

We're on Route 11, a narrow path carved into the mountainside. Along the way, clear crystals jutted out of the ground, reflecting the light of the early evening sun in sharp, dazzling patterns. The boulder I'm hiding behind is no exception—it's just a much larger crystal, standing out among the rest in its sheer size. Alain crouches next to me, his eyes scanning the area as he listens intently for any sign of movement. This time, we're not dealing with just a few grunts or a small team. No, this time it's different.

A Team Flare executive is leading the group, and the number of grunts is far more than we've encountered before. Even at a distance, the crimson and black uniforms are easy to spot, their gaudy color choices almost comical against the serene, natural backdrop. But right now, I can't afford to underestimate them. There are too many for us to handle, at least not head-on. Not yet.

I glance over at Alain, who gives me a curt nod. Our plan is simple: follow them, gather as much intel as we can, and only strike if we see an opportunity. If things get too risky, we'll retreat. It's not exactly glamorous, but we're not in any position to be taking unnecessary risks, especially with the executive there.

The crunch of footsteps against gravel grows louder as the Team Flare members march past our hiding spot. My breath hitches slightly, and I press my body closer to the boulder, feeling the cool surface of the crystal against my back. Alain does the same, both of us listening intently to the muffled conversation between the grunts and their leader.

"Are we on schedule?" The executive's voice is sharp and authoritative, cutting through the low chatter like a blade. I peer around the edge of the boulder, catching a glimpse of him. He's tall, with slicked-back hair and dark sunglasses that glint in the fading light. Definitely not someone I recognize from the games or anime—a new face, which makes this situation even more unpredictable.

One of the grunts responds, "Yes, everything's moving as planned. The shipments are being delivered to the designated spots, and the next phase is ready."

"Good," the executive replies, sounding pleased. "We'll enter the Reflection Cave soon. Once inside, we'll set up the equipment. The crystals there will amplify the energy we need. We can't afford any mistakes—Leader will not tolerate failure."

And i knew of this person who referred to him as the leader. My face with a grim look.

I exchange a glance with Alain, who tightens his grip on his Poké Ball. This is big. Reflection Cave. They're planning something there, something that involves harnessing the cave's unique properties. My mind races, piecing together what little we know about Team Flare's objectives. Crystals, energy amplification… whatever it is, it's not good.

The conversation between the grunts continues, though it's mostly idle chatter now—complaints about the heat, the weight of their equipment, and how long they've been on duty. It's typical grunt talk, nothing worth noting, but the tension in the air is palpable. Even they seem on edge, perhaps aware that something big is about to go down.

We wait until the group moves ahead a little further before cautiously following them. Sticking close to the edge of the path, we use the cover of the large crystals to stay out of sight. Every step we take is calculated, every movement careful. The last thing we need is for one of those grunts to look back and spot us. My heart pounds in my chest, not out of fear, but from the adrenaline coursing through my veins. This is dangerous, but we have no choice. We need to know what they're planning.

As we near the entrance of Reflection Cave, the atmosphere grows heavier. The crystal formations become more frequent and larger, their translucent surfaces catching the last rays of sunlight. It's eerie how the light seems to bounce off the walls, casting strange shadows across the path. The cave itself looms ahead, its mouth wide and dark, as if waiting to swallow us whole.

The executive halts his group just outside the entrance, turning to face them. "Listen up," he commands, his voice low but commanding enough that even we can hear from our position behind a nearby cluster of crystals. "Once we're inside, stick to the plan. No one wanders off, and no one touches the crystals unless instructed. We'll be working quickly, so be prepared. The faster we finish, the better."

A few grunts nod while others murmur their understanding, though there's an undercurrent of unease among them. Reflection Cave isn't exactly the friendliest place. It's notorious for its confusing layout and the disorienting effect the reflective surfaces have on people.

The executive doesn't seem to care, though. He motions for the team to move out, and they file into the cave in neat lines, their footsteps echoing faintly as they disappear into the darkness.

I let out a quiet breath, my pulse finally slowing down. Alain leans back against the crystal we've been using as cover, glancing over at me. "This doesn't feel right," he says in a low voice.

I nod in agreement. "They're planning something big in there. We can't let them get away with it."

"But we're not equipped to take on that many," Alain counters, frowning. "Especially with the executive there."

I think for a moment, weighing our options. I already knew that. Even if we followed them in, we'd be at a serious disadvantage. The cave's narrow pathways and reflective walls would work against us. And with the executive leading them, it's not like we could sneak in and sabotage their operation without being noticed.

"Then we watch," I decide, the only thing we could do in our situation. "We gather intel. See what they're doing and figure out how we can counter it later. If we try to engage now, we'll just be walking into a trap."

Alain looks hesitant but nods. "Fine. But we need to be careful."

I flash a grin, trying to lighten the mood. "When am I not careful?"

He raises an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Do you really want me to answer that?"

"Fair point," I concede, pushing myself up from my crouched position. "Let's move before they get too far ahead."

Together, we make our way toward the entrance of Reflection Cave, careful to stay out of sight. As we approach the dark opening, I can't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Whatever Team Flare is planning, it's dangerous. And with each step we take, the stakes seem to get higher.

The silence of the cave looms ahead, waiting for us to make our move.

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The inside of the cave was eerily quiet. Shadows stretched long against the walls, and the atmosphere was heavy, almost suffocating. But the crystals, embedded deep within the cave walls, glowed faintly, casting soft, shimmering light all around. It wasn't much—certainly not enough to illuminate the whole path—but it was enough to see where we were going without tripping over our own feet.

Using a flashlight or our Pokémon would be risky. The last thing we wanted was to draw attention, especially with Team Flare and their executive just ahead. So we crept forward in the dark, the only sound being the quiet tap of our footsteps against the stone floor and the occasional drip of water from the cave ceiling. Every now and then, I glanced back at Alain, who stayed close, his eyes darting around as if expecting something—or someone—to jump out at any moment.

The deeper we went, the more the cave seemed to close in on us. The walls narrowed, but the crystals became denser, their faint glow reflecting off the surfaces and creating a kaleidoscope of colors. It was almost disorienting. For a brief moment, I found myself getting lost in the beauty of it all—how the reflections danced around us, how the natural light seemed to pulse and change with each step.

But we weren't here to admire the scenery.

After what felt like an eternity of carefully navigating the twists and turns of the cave, we finally caught sight of Team Flare. They were gathered in a large chamber, surrounded by even more crystals, which were larger and clearer than anything we'd seen so far. It was breathtaking—if this were any other situation, I might've stopped to take it all in. But right now, that was the least of my concerns.

Alain and I ducked behind a rock formation, peeking out just enough to get a good look at what was going on. In the middle of the chamber, the grunts were setting up some sort of device. It started small, but as they worked, it expanded, unfolding into what looked like a cannon. The whole thing had a sleek, mechanical design, its surface reflecting the cave's light in strange, almost hypnotic patterns. The grunts worked with precision, clearly trained for this, and in minutes, the cannon was fully operational.

"What is that…?" Alain whispered, his voice barely audible. He was leaning in beside me, trying to get a better view.

"I don't know," I muttered back. "But it can't be good."

The cannon hummed to life, a low, rumbling sound that echoed off the cave walls, making it seem louder than it actually was. To the normal eye, it just looked like a machine powering up, emitting a steady, jet engine-like noise. But something else caught my attention. From the surrounding crystals, I could see energy—waves of it, shifting and pulsing—being drawn toward the cannon. It wasn't visible to Alain or anyone else, but for some reason, I could see it, like a multicolored current being funneled into the machine. My stomach twisted in unease. This was worse than I thought. But why was I the only one that is able to trace it? A question for later.

"They're drawing energy from the cave," I whispered to Alain, my voice tense. "We can't let them fire that thing."

He glanced at me, his expression serious but conflicted. "How do we stop them? There are too many of them, and we'll be spotted if we just rush in."

I thought for a moment, my eyes darting between the grunts and the executive overseeing the operation. "We need to get close, take out the machine, and get out before they realize what's happening. We can't fight them all, but if we sabotage the cannon, it'll throw them off."

Alain nodded, though I could see the hesitation in his eyes. We both knew the risks. If we were caught, it wouldn't just be a fight against a few grunts. We'd be facing an entire squad, with a high-ranking executive at the helm. But we didn't have a choice. Because from the looks of it, the cannon-like machine was gathering an unknown energy. That shouldn't be in their hands.

We moved quickly but quietly, keeping to the shadows as we circled around the chamber, using the crystals and rock formations for cover. Every now and then, one of the grunts would glance around, but they seemed too focused on their work to notice us. My heart pounded in my chest, each step feeling heavier than the last. The closer we got to the cannon, the louder its hum became, the energy swirling around it in a chaotic dance of color and light.

As we approached the machine, I noticed the executive giving orders. "Everything is in place. Begin the final preparations," he said, his voice commanding but calm. He didn't seem the least bit concerned, as if he was completely confident in their plan. But what was noticeable was the light and reflection from the crystals and mirrors getting dim. They were absorbing energy alright.

I exchanged a glance with Alain. This was it. We had to act fast.

I signaled for Alain to follow my lead as we crept closer to the cannon. My mind raced, trying to figure out the best way to disable it without drawing immediate attention. I spotted an exposed panel on the side of the machine—likely a control interface for the power source.

"Cover me," I whispered.

Alain nodded, positioning himself in case things went south. I darted toward the panel, keeping low to the ground. The grunts were too focused on their tasks to notice me, but I knew we didn't have much time. I reached the panel and quickly yanked open the cover, exposing the wiring inside.

"Come on, come on…" I muttered under my breath as I searched for the right connections. My fingers worked quickly, disconnecting a few critical wires, hoping to shut down the machine without causing too much noise. The hum of the cannon stuttered for a moment, and I held my breath, waiting to see if anyone had noticed.

One of the grunts frowned, looking over at the cannon. "Hey, is everything alright with the machine?"

My heart stopped for a second, but before anyone could investigate further, Alain stepped out from his hiding spot, tossing a Poké Ball into the air. "Charmeleon, let's GO."

In an instant, Charmeleon appeared, letting out a deafening roar that echoed through the cave. The grunts turned in surprise, all eyes now on the fire-breathing Pokémon.

"NOW." I shouted, as I grabbed hold of the remaining wires and ripped them out.

The cannon sputtered and died, its hum cutting off abruptly. Sparks flew from the control panel as the machine powered down, and the energy that had been swirling around it dissipated into the air.

"Stop them!" the executive barked, his calm demeanor replaced with fury. But it was too late. The cannon was dead, and we were already on the move.

The moment we made our escape, a sense of relief washed over me, but it didn't last long. The cave's atmosphere had shifted; danger was discernible in the air. A low growl reverberated through the chamber, and from the darkness emerged a huge figure—a Tyrantrum. Its massive jaws snapped menacingly, the bared teeth glinting like daggers under the shimmering light of the crystals. Beside it, an Ampharos crackled with electricity, its tail glowing ominously as it prepared to unleash a thunderous attack.

"Well well well, who do we have here?" a low voice resounded in the cave. "Bunch of boys in a lab coat trying to be a hero? Shouldn't you be locked in a research lan trying to learn abcd?" a figure appeared behind the two Pokemon. His face adorned with a cocky sinister smirk that promised pain. Things were getting more and more complicated.

"Alain, we need to move!" I shouted over the roar of the approaching Pokémon, ignoring the man's remarks. But my voice was almost drowned out by their intimidating presence.

Without hesitation, I released my Pokémon, the ground trembling beneath us as they hit the battlefield.

"Gible! Larvitar! Dig now!" I commanded sharply. In a flash, the two Pokémon dove into the earth, vanishing from sight.

"Aegislash, King's Shield!" I yelled, watching as the loyal Pokémon assumed its defensive stance, a shimmering aura enveloping its shield. It was our first line of defense, and it needed to hold.

Alain wasted no time either, releasing his Chespin and Meditite. The tension between us was thick, a perceptible force in the air as we braced for the coming onslaught.

Tyrantrum roared, its massive body lunging forward like a force of nature, slamming its bulk into Aegislash's shield. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the cave, rattling the walls and shaking loose small rocks from the ceiling. Aegislash held firm, but cracks appeared in the shield—Tyrantrum's raw power was overwhelming. All the while the executive just watched on Before he finally decided to speak again.

"Ampharos, now!" The executive's voice echoed through the cave, a sinister grin spreading across his face. In an instant, Ampharos launched a bolt of electricity, the crackling energy cutting through the air like a blade.

"Gible, absorb the electricity." my voice commanded.

Gible leaped forward, taking the whole brunt of the attack. The electricity got sucked and concentrated on the point Gible stood, dissipating harmlessly after a few moments due to her immune typing for electricity. But the reprieve was brief.

"Charmeleon, Dragon Rage! Meditite, Psybeam, Chespin Leaf Tornado—now!" Alain's voice was filled with urgency as his Pokémon sprang into action.

Charmeleon unleashed a sphere of draconic energy from its mouth, the glowing orb hurtling towards Tyrantrum. Meditite's Psybeam followed immediately, a rainbow-colored beam streaking toward Ampharos. And with them, sharp leaves encircled the Ampharos, more like a supporting move. The attacks collided with the enemy Pokémon, a resounding explosion filling the cave with smoke and debris.

But when the dust settled, both Tyrantrum and Ampharos stood there, hardly scratched. They grinned at us with menacing confidence.

"HAHAHAHA! YOU THOUGHT THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH? PATHETIC!" The executive's voice dripped with mockery. "Now, I'll show you why you should never meddle in our business!"

"Tyrantrum, STONE EDGE! Ampharos, THUNDER!" His command was sharp, almost gleeful.

Before I could even react, jagged stones erupted from the ground, aimed straight for us, followed by a booming surge of electricity.

"Aegislash, King's Shield again!" I shouted, but the attack came too fast. The combined assault crashed into Aegislash, forcing it to its knees, the shield barely holding as sparks and debris flew everywhere.

"Gible, Larvitar, now!" I ordered. "Dig and Rock Slide!"

The ground rumbled as Gible tunneled through the earth, while Larvitar summoned rocks from the cave walls. They hurled towards Tyrantrum, but the executive was ready.

"Ampharos, deflect it!" he barked.

With a crackling surge of power, Ampharos redirected the falling rocks, sending them scattering harmlessly into the shadows. My heart pounded in my chest. This was bad. Tyrantrum was relentless, its eyes fixed on us with predatory intensity.

"GIBLE, surface and hit them hard!" I yelled, desperate to turn the tide. Gible erupted from the ground beneath Tyrantrum, striking with a surprise attack that sent the behemoth staggering back.

But it wasn't enough.

"Tyrantrum, Dragon Pulse!" The executive's voice cut through the pressure like a blade.

A torrent of swirling energy erupted from Tyrantrum's mouth, barreling straight toward Alain's Chespin and Meditite. The attack was devastating, sending both Pokémon flying into the cave wall with bone-crunching force.

"NO! Chespin! Meditite!" Alain's voice cracked, filled with desperation.

"Stay focused!" I urged him, but I could feel the weight of the battle pressing down on us.

Then, it happened—a dark presence slithered into the fray. The executive released another Pokémon—a Sneasel. Its sleek form moved with deadly grace, eyes gleaming red with malice. The air around it felt cold, unnerving.

"Sneasel, Slash them alive," the executive whispered, his voice dripping with cruel intent.

The dark-type Pokémon shot forward with blinding speed, it's claws glowing with dark energy. And its body emanating freezing air.

"Aegislash, Sacred Sword!" I ordered, hoping to hold it off.

Aegislash clashed with Sneasel, the sound of steel meeting shadows echoing through the cave. They exchanged blows, each strike more vicious than the last. But I could see Alain struggling—his Charmeleon was faltering, barely holding on.

"GOJO! We can't keep this up!" Alain's voice was strained, filled with fear and frustration.

"I know! Just keep fighting!" I shot back, my own desperation mounting as I ordered my Pokémon to press the attack.

But Sneasel was too fast, too ruthless. It darted past Aegislash's defenses, slashing it across the body. Aegislash staggered, and in that moment, Tyrantrum charged again—this time aiming for Larvitar.

"Larvitar, dodge it!" I yelled, but it was too late. Tyrantrum's massive jaws clamped down on Larvitar, and my heart sank. He let out a cry of pain. I was helplessly watching it and my heart was bearing it.

"LET IT GO!" I shouted, my voice shaking with fury. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, driving me to protect our Pokémon at all costs. My mind raced, but I had one last move up my sleeve. Something that would literally be a slap in the face for that fossil-shit. "Larvitar, PAYBACK!" I roared, my throat raw with desperation. And I watched in satisfaction as the attack unfolded.

Larvitar, wrapped in a dark aura, let out a cry with a surge of vengeful power, his body shimmering with pure, dark energy. The moment the attack detonated inside Tyrantrum's open maw, the massive dinosaur let out a deep, guttural grunt of pain. Larvitar had been released and landed in front of me. Staggering from the effects of it's crunch. I couldn't give that beast a moment to recover.

"Gible, Dig—again!" I commanded, praying the maneuver would break Tyrantrum's focus.

Without hesitation, Gible burrowed underground with fierce determination, vanishing into the earth. But despite our efforts, the pressure was mounting. The tide of the battle was slipping through my fingers, and I could see it all too clearly. I watched helplessly as Alain's Charmeleon fell—Ampharos' Dragon Pulse bombarded it mercilessly, and a crackling Thunder erupted like a storm, roaring through the cave, obliterating everything in its wake. When the dust and smoke settled, Larvitar had also collapsed.

"HAHAHA, its only a matter of time before the others will also fall, boy. Lets end this, SNEASEL, finish off Aegislash!" The executive's voice cut through the chaos like a dagger, and my heart dropped as I saw Sneasel dart toward my partner. The Dark-type unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, slicing through the air with terrifying speed.

"Aegislash, hold on!" I shouted, but I could see the spirit fading from my companion. The once-proud sword Pokémon was crumbling under the relentless assault, and with a final strike, Aegislash fell to the ground, defeated. My chest tightened in despair. I had to act fast. Gible was still underground, but this battle… it felt as good as lost.

"Gible, surface and attack!" I ordered, my voice barely holding its steadiness.

Gible erupted from the ground, slamming into Sneasel and sending it sprawling across the battlefield. Aegislash caught its breath, if only for a moment. But just as I opened my mouth to issue another command, the air was pierced by a voice I had come to despise.

"TYRANTRUM!" the executive sneered, that same sickening grin twisting his face. "Dragon Breath on the kid with black hair!" His laughter echoed through the cave, bouncing off the walls like a twisted melody.

No, I couldn't let that happen. I have to do something. "Aegislash, King—"

I didn't get to finish.

The attack hit Alain directly. Point blank. The blast threw him like a ragdoll across the cave, slamming him into the crystal walls. And then… silence. Complete, suffocating silence. My brain refused to process it, the laughter of that bastard filling the empty space as my ears rang. I looked around, towards the direction where he was blasted off from the blast. And all I saw was the endless darkness of the cave. Which had swallowed his body. I couldn't check if he was there. If he was alive.

Rage.

The one emotion that crept its way into my empty heart and brain at that moment.

RAGE.

That was all I felt. My vision blurred, my heart pounding in my chest, and my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles ached. Rage. Burning, boiling, uncontrollable rage.

I wasn't thinking anymore. I didn't care about strategy or fear. All I wanted was to make that bastard pay.

"AEGISLASH, Sacred Sword! GIBLE, Dragon Breath!" I barked, my voice breaking under the weight of my fury.

Aegislash shot toward Ampharos with unwavering precision, while Gible unleashed a stream of draconic energy at Tyrantrum. But I had overlooked one crucial detail—Sneasel. Its Night Slash tore through the air, slicing into Aegislash just as it landed its Sacred Sword on Ampharos. My partner fell, defeated at last. My mind went numb, but my hand moved instinctively, recalling Aegislash into its Pokéball.

It was down to me and Gible.

"Metal Claw on Sneasel!" I ordered, my voice raw with intensity. Gible took off like a bullet, his resolve now burning like mine. Sneasel dodged, but Gible stayed on its tail, pursuing it relentlessly.

The executive's grin widened. "You can do nothing now, boy. Surrender, and I might show mercy," he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.

I didn't respond. I simply raised a single finger, and that was enough to set him off. He screamed at me in rage, but I didn't care. His words were drowned out by the sound of battle—Gible evading attacks from three Pokémon, retaliating where he could. But something caught my eye. There, around Tyrantrum, a red and white hue, glowing faintly. Ampharos glimmered with a yellow aura, and even Gible was surrounded by a strange purple and sandy glow. Their attacks, too, seemed infused with these colors, but I had no time to dwell on it.

"TYRANTRUM, END THIS. DRAGON PULSE!" the executive barked, cutting through my thoughts.

My heart clenched as I watched the rainbow-colored draconic energy spiral towards my little dragon. I stood frozen, powerless, as it barreled toward Gible.

This was it. The end.

But then… something changed. Gible, against all odds, withstood the attack. He roared in defiance, pushing the Dragon Pulse back with every ounce of strength he had left.

And then it happened—a blinding white light engulfed him, forcing me to shield my eyes.

I stood, awestruck, as my Gible evolved before me. When a pokemon evolves mid-battle. It ends up clutching the win for its trainers. At least that's what happens most of the time.

Gabite emerged from the light, roaring with newfound power. She wasted no time. Without waiting for my command, she dashed toward Sneasel, claws glowing with energy. Dragon Claw tore through the air, and with one swift strike, Sneasel was knocked out cold.

A crazed grin spread across my face, mirroring the rage that had settled in my heart. Rage which was reignited with the evolution of my pokemon.

It was time to end this.

"Gabite, let's finish this! Bulldoze, then follow up with Dragon Claw on Tyrantrum!" I yelled.

Gabite charged forward, slamming the ground with tremendous force, sending shockwaves through the cave and slowing Tyrantrum and Ampharos. She closed in on Tyrantrum and slashed it with Dragon Claw, landing the hit perfectly. Ampharos staggered from the shock of the ground-type move, and I didn't give it a chance to recover.

"Metal Claw!" Gabite struck Ampharos dead-on, sending it crashing into the wall of the cave.

Tyrantrum, now fully recovered, let out a deafening roar. Without waiting for its trainer's order, it launched attack after attack—Dragon Pulse, Stone Edge, and Head Smash—all in rapid succession. Gabite tried to dodge, but the relentless barrage was too much.

She fell, unable to withstand the onslaught.

I silently recalled her and thanked her for the fight she had put up for me.

"You should have surrendered when you had the chance, boy." That was the last thing I heard from that bastard, and it was also the last thing I bothered listening to. His voice became background noise as he continued to yell threats. I could barely focus on the words anymore, but the sight in front of me grabbed my attention—two Pokémon, their most destructive attacks aimed directly at me.

I stared at them, unblinking, impassive. Was this it? The end? Was the apparent second chance only worth this much?

But before I could blasted by those attacks I took my time to remember the face of the bastard that did this to me, to us. When I survive this attack, I would surely be back to give him this treatment.

A blinding flash followed by an intense heat seared my body as their combined attacks struck. I was blasted off my feet, the force sending me hurtling through the air. I felt my skin burning, the pain ripping through my chest and face as I collided with the crystal wall behind me. The impact knocked the air from my lungs, and for a moment, everything blurred—sounds, sights, and even the searing pain faded into nothing.

I braced myself for the second, inevitable blow that would finish me off. But it never came. Silence. No more burning, no more roaring or crashing.

When I forced my eyes open, expecting to still be in that accursed cave, I was met with something entirely different. A vast, endless expanse of white stretched out before me, an empty, serene void. I blinked, confused, trying to process where I was.

There, far in the distance, I could see a small opening—like a window—framed against the whiteness. Through it, I glimpsed the cave I had just been in moments earlier, the familiar crystal formations faintly visible. But here, in this strange white plane, it felt distant, almost unreal. As if that battle, the pain, the fear, had all been part of a different reality altogether.