EVERYONE: The Dragon Master

[Lifestream]

Chapter One - The Shining Bagon​

I had grown up with dragons my entire life. Dratini, Trapinch, Flygon, Charizard, Salamence, every dragon you can think up. Except legendary dragon type Pokemon of course, they were far too noble and powerful for my family's little santuary near Vermillion City. Everyday I tended to the dragon Pokemon. It was all I knew how to do. But every dragon was eventually put in the hands of a trainer who ran off to journey with it and raise it to be proud and strong.

I sighed. I always sighed, as I was stuck developing bonds with dragon Pokemon that I knew eventually I would never see them again. I watched a Dragonite mother care for her energetic young Dratini from across a feild of green.

I went to sleep that night with the dragon Pokemon, on a soft green haybail with a freindly Charmander curled up in the bend in my knee.

The next morning, I fed the dragons special PokeBlocks and helped the Trapinch learn Sand Tomb. When they were tired, I left them to rest and went for a walk on my own.


Down the road I noticed an oddly colored rock next to a dogwood tree. Curiously, I went to examine it. I noticed it was a Bagon, not simply a rock. Its eyes were tightly shut, its muscles tight and strained. Its breath was shallow and slow. I noticed it was a pale green while most of its kind were stunning blue. I quickly scooped the small Pokemon up into my arms and hurried it back to the Dragon Sanctuary.

"Barry, it isn't well." I murmured to my older brother. I noticed the Bagon's teeth were clenched now. He immediately snatched the Bagon and took it to the Medical Wing. I knew Bagon was going to be okay, so I continued on my walk to Twist Mountain. I thought about the young Bagon I'd found. Bagon were exedingly rare in the Kanto, we'd gotten one Salamence from an Ace Trainer, but we'd never found anything related to Salamence ever since. What was a Bagon doing out here? I also wondered about his unusual pale green color.

When the gate to the next Route came into view, and headed back to the Sanctuary. I immediately went to the Medical Wing and peeked through the window. Bagon was up on its feet now. It yawned loudly. I opened to door and went in. The Bagon narrowed its eyes and bared its fangs viciously. I guess he wasn't used to human contact. I took a step closer. Bagon roared at me, and small stars circled around it once before disappearing. I stepped back, startled. It couldn't have been an attack, or at least not one I knew of. I shook off the surprise and reached into a my pocket, pulling out a bright red PokeBlock. Bagon lifted his head curiously when I held it out.

"You want it?" I murmured, advancing at Bagon. Bagon cautiously took the PokeBlock in his teeth and ate it. He suddenly looked happy, coming closer for another. I laughed, emptying the PokeBlocks out of my pockets and putting them on the table for Bagon.

As he snacked on them cheerfully, I founded his medical results and read them through. He had nothing, surprisingly. The 'Nothing Wrong' box was checked.

That night, when I layed down onto the comforably soft haybail, I noticed in surprise that Bagon had followed me there. He jumped up onto the haybail beside me and slept as soundly as I did.

 

[Lifestream]

Chapter Two - The Quarrel for Bagon​

The sun burning my face woke me up. I sat up drowsily, rubbing the blur out of my eyes and yawning. I looked around. The dragon Pokemon were already awake, patiently waiting for their breakfast.

I looked down beside me. Bagon was gone. He'd probably awoken earlier and went to explore the Santuary. I went to the kitchen and began making breakfast for the Pokemon and myself. I put some Sitrus Berries and Oran Berries into bowls and began placing them in front of each dragon.

I found Bagon playing with a Swablu, Vibrava, and Dratini.

"Hey guys! Food's here!" Swablu, Vibrava, and Dratini let out cries of delight and rushed over to stuff there small mouths with berries. Bagon sat where he was, looking confused. I approached him and held out a Sitrus Berry.

"Here Bagon, eat it." Bagon opened his mouth to reject, but his stomach growled instead. "I bet you're hungry. Here," I said, holding out the berry. Bagon shrugged and ate the Sitrus Berry. He cried out happily. I laughed, placing the bowl of Oran and Sitrus Berries in front of him. He dug into the food.

"Bagon!" a voice called. Bagon looked up, and I turned around. It was my brother Barry walking across the feild to Bagon and me, in his arms a plate of still hot PokeBlocks and a small bowl of iced water. He stopped above me and frowned. "What are you doing with my Bagon?" he asked angrily. I stood.

"Your Bagon? Bagon isn't your or mine, he's wild!" I snapped. Barry narrowed his eyes.

"Oh yeah? Well he's in our Sanctuary, not in the wild, so he's mine!" he growled. "Okay then, I'll make a deal with you." I said. Barry leaned forward, listening. "We'll battle with one Pokemon each. If I win, Bagon will be released into the wild. If you win, Bagon is yours." I explained. Barry grinned.

"Agreed. But don't expect me to go easy on you." he agreed.

"Alright then, you're in for it." I sighed. "Dragonite!" I shouted. The one Dragonite in our Sanctuary came to me curiously. "Are you up for a battle?" I asked. Dragonite roared enthusiastically, breathing a Dragon Breath into the sky. "That's the spirit!" I cheered.

Barry glared and called on a faithful Flygon. Bagon watched curiously as Dragonite and Flygon stood across from each other, their fangs bared and eyes narrowed.

“Alright Flygon, use Dragon Claw!” Barry shouted, starting the battle. The she-dragon roared and lunged at Hydreigon with her huge, gleaming claws ready for attack.

“Flygon's speed is great, but she’s outmatched when it comes to defense.” I murmured to myself. “Okay,” I said, deciding on my first move. “Dragonite, dodge it and use Flamethrower!” Dragonite waited for Flygon to strike before smoothly avoiding her Dragon Claw attack. He twisted around quickly and opened his jaws wide, letting a powerful Flamethrower release. Flygon was enveloped in the flames. When the Flamethrower cleared, Flygon seemed untouched except for a small scratch on her shoulder.

“Ha!” Barry laughed. “You should know fire doesn’t do much to a dragon type like Flygon, Kagura.” I sighed, shaking my head to the ground.

“Barry, oh Barry.” I muttered. “I know almost everything about Flygon, her weaknesses and advantages, as well as Dragonite's.” I explained. “I’ve been with them all my life. That gives me the upper hand.” I looked up sharply. “You should look into your Pokemon before sending it into battle blindly. Dragonite, use another Flamethrower!” I commanded.

A blast of fire erupted from Dragonite's gaping mouth. Flygon slashed through it with a Dragon Claw and nailed Dragonite with a solid Dragon Rush. Dragonite fell to the ground.

“Come on Dragonite, you can do it!” I cried. “I believe in you!”

I guess those words meant something to Dragonite or he wanted to win against Flygon too badly to endure. He slowly got back up, his teeth gritted and muscles strained. He shook himself and roared, releasing a Draco Meteor without command.

A rain of meteors fell from the sky. Flygon used her Dragon Breath knock away incoming Meteors for a while, but eventually fell under the power of the bursting meteors that rained. When the dust and the smoke and the final meteor had cleared, Flygon was laying on the ground, her eyes closed and body limp.

“Great job, Dragonite!” I whooped. Dragonite let out cry of triumph, sending a Dragon Rage in the sky. Bagon looked terrified when I glanced at him, his eyes wide with horror.

Barry’s face was red and his fists were clenched.

“You worthless dragon! You’re more useless than an injured Slowpoke!” he shouted furiously at Flygon. Flygon had recovered, brushing dust off of her scales. She bared her huge fangs at Barry, her claws gleaming and eyes narrowed. When I turned around, Barry was gone.

I approached the upset Flygon.

“I think you fought wonderfully.” I said, giving her a PokeBlock. “Draco Meteor is just a powerful dragon type attack, that’s all.” I looked at the horizon, seeing the tip of the gait to the next Route. “If I ever go to on a journey, I’ll bring you with me so you can learn Draco Meteor, too!” I promised her. Flygon nodded, pleased, and went away to tend to her Trapinch children.

I turned to Dragonite. “Great job out there, Dragonite. You were excellent.” I praised him, holding out a PokeBlock. He took it happily and went off to explore the fields once more.

I looked at Bagon warmly. “Well, I won the match.” I stated to him. “I’m free to do whatever I want with you! And I set you free.” I said. I kneeled down and rubbed his head. “You can go back to your family now. Go on, go.” I encouraged. Bagon bowed his head, his eyes bright with sadness. “What’s wrong Bagon?” I asked, my stomach flipping. “Don’t you want to go back?” The light green Bagon nodded quickly, and when he looked up at me I saw a deep sorrow in his eyes and a tear fell down his cheek. I leaned forward.

“Bagon, I’ll listen to you.” I assured, my voice soft and gentle. “Tell me what happened to you.”

 

[Lifestream]

For those of you who read the chapters before this, I edited those chapters a bit so that the story took place in Kanto, no Unova, the Sanctuary is near Vermillion City now, and the Unova dragon Pokemon aren't in the Sanctuary. This means that the battle is Chapter Two isn't between a Hydreigon and Haxorus anymore, but a Dragonite and Flygon.

Chapter Three - Bagon's Past​

Past

It wasn't all too long ago, on a beautiful, warm day. My mother Salamence, my brother, and I were enjoying the wonderful weather in the feilds. Brother Sota and I frolicked in the tall grasses while Mother sat in tall grass. She couldn't see us, and we wandered off without her knowing.

"Hey Toka, come look at this!" Sota gasped in excitement and fear. I looked over the log in front of me and gasped as well.

A Nidoking and Pigeot were fighting each other feircely. Pigeot cawed and hit Nidoking with a hard Steel Wing. Nidoking sprang back, but lunged forward to bash Pigeot into the ground. The she-Pigeot struggled to get up, but before she could take flight again the Nidoking used Hyper Beam on her. She screamed in pain, and my stomach twisted. Pigeot was so helpless, yet Nidoking continued to attack her.

I heard a shout of horror, and a figue that walked on two feet like me but much taller with longer legs and arms jumped in to save Pigeot. Nidoking slapped the creature away with his huge paw and used another Hyper Beam on the badly hurt Pigeot.

The odd figure threw a circular thing and suddenly a Rapidash appeared. The figure cried out and Rapidash opened its mouth to send out a wicked Fire Blast. Nidoking was thrown back, out cold after the blast of flames.

But while he was only slightly hurt, Pigeot was battered in all places. Her feathers were torn and her winds were bruised and slashed badly. Nidoking disappeared in a red flash of light.

I heard deeper voices speak before the sound of footsteps faded away. The figure ran up to Pigeot, scooping her up and carrying her away, sobbing.

My blood was frozen, and a look of horror was spread across Sota's face. We ran as fast as we could back to the meadow, where Mother Salamence waited. She flew up to us and wrapped her long tail around us.

"Where were you?!" she snapped angrily. Sota shook his head.

"Mother Salamence, a Pokemon was under attack in the woods!" he cried, tears of fear welling up in his eyes. "A bad Pokemon kept attacking her, even when she couldn't move!" he bawled.

Mother Salamence's face went cold with fear. She put us between his huge red wings and flew far away. I couldn't see past Mother Salamence's big wings, and I didn't want to leave the shelter of her back to look down, but I knew that we were leaving home for good.

Sota and I curled up together, still trembling when we pictured the sound of Pigeot screeching in fear and pain when Nidoking kept attacking her...no matter how hard we tried, the flashback wouldn't keep playing, over and over and over again.

I heard the crashing of waves and I knew we were by the sea. Mother Salamence didn't stop. She flew over the water, for a very long time, not stopping until we reached a small island.

"We will rest hear for tonight." she said softly as she landed. Sota was asleep. "Try to be quiet, Toka." Mother Salamence whispered to me. I nodded, my vision fuzzed with sleep.

Mother Salamence let me off her back and quietly slid the soundly sleeping Sota down her large red wing. I curled up around Sota, Mother Salamence’s wing covering us protectively. It didn’t take me long to fall into a deep sleep.

Sota and I woke up late into the morning, noon actually. “Good morning, Toka.” Sota greeted me as I sat up and yawned. The usual excitement and glee had let his voice and was now a quiet, sad murmur.

Mother Salamence smiled gently at me and had us climb onto her wide back. She lifted into the air lightly and began flying over the sea once more. I looked down and saw the sparkling blue water, white caps appearing here and there.

Remoraid jumped out of the water, calling to me joyfully before they disappeared back into the water. I sighed.

“I wish I were as happy as the Remoraid right now.” I whispered to myself so nobody heard. “I wish I were home.” Tears began to well up in my eyes, but I blinked them back.

“We have reached the next region, dears.” Mother Salamence announced to us in a gentle voice. Sota and I curiously looked over Mother Salamence’s head and saw a long stretch of land full of trees and rich green grass. Mother landed on the shore and began walking into the forest.

“Excuse me!” she called to a group of Mankey. The Mankey turned to look at us, then began to cry in fear when they saw the big dragon Pokemon. “No, don’t worry!” she coaxed. “I only want information.” The Mankey quieted down, but their cream colored fur was still spiked up with fear. Mother Salamence nodded her thanks and asked, “Where are we? What region are we in now?” The Mankey huddled together and muttered to each other for a moment before turning.

The smallest Mankey in the group stepped forward cautiously.

“You are in the Kanto Region.” she said. “The closest city to here is Vermillion City.”

Mother Salamence dipped her head politely.

“Thank you. May we meet each other again one day.” The Mankey climbed away through the trees while we went to opposite direction. We walked for a little while before seeing pointed structures in the distance.

Mother Salamence took to the air to get a better look. Small figures moved around below. Some went into the raised structures. A long wooden path above the ocean lead to a metal box shaped structure with floating objects attached to the outside. Mother Salamence landed back in the forest.

“My conscience tells me not to go there again.” she said darkly, turning away to go the opposite direction. I saw a shady figure. Mother Salamence and Sota saw in too. As the tall figure came closer, my blood began to chill and my heart began to pound.

“Mother Salamence!” I cried. “One of those things was with the Pigeot we saw in the woods back home!” Mother Salamence froze and I felt her skin go cold.

“Hide, quickly!” she murmured, sliding us down her crimson wing to the ground. “And don’t come out no matter what happens!” Sota and I, terrified, hid in a thick brush and watched.

Mother Salamence raised her wings and bared her gleaming white fangs. The tall figure halted, pulling a red and white ball out and throwing it. The ball split and a Paloswine came out in a flash of red light.

The figure called something and the Paloswine used a stunning Blizzard attack. Mother Salamence flew straight up, narrowly avoiding the freezing blast. She dove down toward Paloswine. Paloswine used another Blizzard. Mother Salamence wasn’t fast enough to move and was struck directly by the icy attack.

She snarled viciously at the Paloswine. She acted as if the attack hadn’t affected her, but I saw in horror that she was wincing and she sagged.

Mother Salamence opened her mouth wide and released a Hyper Beam, which nailed the Paloswine harshly. The Paloswine flew back, fainted. But unlike the Nidoking, Mother Salamence didn’t continue to attack. She sat there, her fangs bared and muscles braced.

The Paloswine disappeared in a red light and out came a Hypno. At the figure’s command, Hypno used its Confuse Ray. Mother Salamence was hit, and wandered around, staggering, in her confusion.

The Hypno used Psychic and threw her into a thick oak tree. Sota and I watched in terror as Mother Salamence was thrown around helplessly until she couldn’t take it anymore.

She laid on the ground, her body going limp and her breathing heavy. The figure threw a red and white ball at her and she disappeared in the red flash.

“Mother Salamence!” Sota cried, jumping out from inside the brush. The ball stopped its shaking, and Mother Salamence didn’t appear again. Hypno narrowed its eyes at Sota. Sota slid to a stop and watched him, his eyes wide with fear.

Hypno hit him with a powerful Psybeam. My body went numb, so numb I couldn’t move. Sota was thrown back, landing with a thumb in the grass, unmoving. Hypno returned to the red light and the figure walked away. Mother Salamence didn’t return.

When I was sure the figure was gone, I rushed over to Sota. He was out cold on the ground. I tried to shake him awake, but he only flinched and went limp again.

I cried for help, unable to stop the tears that streamed down my face. I heard someone coming. I cried even louder, in hopes that this someone would hear me. I saw the shape of a second tall character. I gasped and hid behind a tree. The figure let out a surprised gasp as well, apperiantly not noticing me.

I watched in misery as the figure scooped Sota up and carried him away. I never saw Sota again.

And that’s where you found me, in the same place I helplessly watched my only brother disappear.

Present

The Bagon stopped talking, his head bowed and the tears forming in his eyes.

“So that’s your story.” I said quietly. I realized I’d understood his words so clearly. I was confused with myself. I suppose I wanted to hear what he had to say that badly.

“Well, you don’t have to live like that anymore.” I promised Toka. “You can come with me. I’m going to travel around the Kanto as I’ve always dreamed of!” Toka looked up, the moister in his eyes beginning to clear. He nodded, and I felt the relief on him from where I sat, and I knew me and Toka were going to be the greatest of friends.

 

[some colour no doubt]

Right, I'll get grammar out of the way first:
Chapter 1

But every dragon was entually put in the hands of a trainer

I noticed it was a Bagon, not merrily a rock.

I guess you meant to say merely?

When the gait to the next Route came into view

That night, when I layed down onto the comforably soft haybail

the correct term is laid.
I also think its spelled haybale but i'm not 100% on that.


Chapter 2

Barry glared and called on a faithful Flygon. Bagon watched curiously as Dragonite and Flygon stood across from each other, their fangs bared and eyes narrowed.

“Alright Flygon, use Dragon Claw!” Barry shouted, starting the battle. The she-dragon roared and lunged at Hydreigon with her huge, gleaming claws ready for attack.

“You should look into your Pokemon before sending it into battle blindly. Hydreigon, use another Flamethrower!” I commanded.

Erm, where did Hydreigon come from? i take it you were in two minds as to which pokémon to use and subconsciously put both down. I've done it many a time.

Dragonite waited for Flygonto strike before smoothly avoiding her Dragon Claw attack

Flygon slashed through it with a Dragon Claw and nailed Dragonite with a solid Dragon Rush. Dragonitefell to the ground.

Spacing.


Chapter 3

I heard a shout of horror, and a figue that walked on two feet like me

“You are in the Kanto Region.” she said. “The closest city to hear in Vermillion City.”

I think you meant to put here is






Right, now that's out of the way, I can get onto the story itself.

The premise is certainly interesting, having someone from a dragon sanctuary go on a journey with one of the pokémon there, though i could see problems arising when the Bagon realizes just what the strange creatures were that took his mother and brother!

One thing I didn't get, if the Bagon was shiny, then why didn't the trainer catch it?

Still, i can already see a bond that you can develop between Kagura and Toka, which should be developed to its greatest extent throughout the story.

Downside, there wasn't much description involved, which was evident in a few areas, but mostly the battle. a bit more detail in what was happening could really help your readers better visualize what was happening.

There were also a few areas where you mentioned Sinnoh as well, so you may want to re-read it to correct those to Kanto.

Keep writing and I'll be reading!

 

[Lifestream]

Right, I'll get grammar out of the way first:
Chapter 1



I guess you meant to say merely?




the correct term is laid.
I also think its spelled haybale but i'm not 100% on that.


Chapter 2

Erm, where did Hydreigon come from? i take it you were in two minds as to which pokémon to use and subconsciously put both down. I've done it many a time.



Spacing.


Chapter 3




I think you meant to put here is






Right, now that's out of the way, I can get onto the story itself.

The premise is certainly interesting, having someone from a dragon sanctuary go on a journey with one of the pokémon there, though i could see problems arising when the Bagon realizes just what the strange creatures were that took his mother and brother!

One thing I didn't get, if the Bagon was shiny, then why didn't the trainer catch it?

Still, i can already see a bond that you can develop between Kagura and Toka, which should be developed to its greatest extent throughout the story.

Downside, there wasn't much description involved, which was evident in a few areas, but mostly the battle. a bit more detail in what was happening could really help your readers better visualize what was happening.

There were also a few areas where you mentioned Sinnoh as well, so you may want to re-read it to correct those to Kanto.

Keep writing and I'll be reading!

Now that you mention them, I do notice the mistakes I made that I'll have to correct.

When you asked why the trainer didn't catch Toka, I have to ask which trainer? In both scenes that involved trainers, I made sure to mention that Toka was hidden. I'll re-read it anyway though just to make sure. I'm still working on the description, which is my main disadvantage when in comes to writing. I'm hoping that writing this will make my description better than it is now.

Thanks for pointing these out, I appreciate it!

 

[Lifestream]

Chapter Four - A New Beginning​

I packed as many berries as I could in a small container, as well as PokeBlocks. I put them in a leather sack along with a pocket knife to cut down vines and such if I needed to, a hollow jug full of water, a Kanto Map, Flygon and Dragonite's pokeballs, and three plastic bowls for meals.

Toka watched me closely as I prepared.

"The hardest part will be getting past Barry." I told him. "He will want me to stay and do all the hard work for him."

I went out to the meadow with Toka at my heels. "Dragonite!" I called. "Flygon!" The two dragons came over to meet me. "I'm leaving the Sanctuary." I said. The dragons gasped. I nodded. "And you two can come with me if you want. I'll be back for all of you sooner or later." I continued.

Dragonite and Flygon exchange glances. "Flygon, I don't want to leave you with my brother." I explained. "That's why I'm offering to bring you with me." Flygon and Dragonite stood in silence for a long time.

At last Flygon nodded. Dragon sighed and nodded as well. "Alright, guys." I held out the pokeballs and the two went into them. Toka let out a cry of fear, backing away rapidly.

"Toka, it's okay!" I murmured. "It just keeps them safe and sheltered!" Toka didn't look entirely convinced, his face cold with fear and his eyes wide. I remembered that he'd told me his mother and brother were both captured in them not too long ago.

“Look Toka, they aren’t trapped.” I said, releasing Dragonite from his ball. Dragonite looked at me in confusion. “Sorry Dragonite, just be a good example.” I told him with a grin. Dragonite shrugged.

I put Dragonite back into the ball, and then released him, then sheltered him in the pokeball again. “See, it’s okay.” Toka slowly came closer, his eyes still filled with caution.

“Tell you what,” I said, bending down to look him in the eyes. “I won’t ever put you in a pokeball, not on my life.” I vowed. “Not unless you want to go in, that is.” I grinned. Toka’s eyes softened and he stood straighter.

“Okay,” he nodded. “I believe you.”

I almost leaped back in astonishment. Now that I wasn’t really thinking about anything else, I really felt the surprising effects of hearing a Pokemon talk. I hadn’t had enough room in my mind to think about that when I listened to Toka’s story.

“But how?” I murmured to myself, gazing up at the sky. “I can’t understand Dragonite or Flygon!”

Toka tilted his head, confused. “What’s wrong?” he questioned, puzzled. “Did I say something?” I widened my eyes at him again.

“So I’m not crazy!” I breathed. “You can talk!” Toka tilted his head more. “Um, every Pokemon talks. Can’t all of you understand me?” I shook my head, and there was an awkward silence for a moment.

I shook away my shock. “Nevermind. I better keep you away from people for a while.” I decided. Toka nodded quickly, showing his strong agreement. I smiled a little, pulling out my Kanto map.

“Right now, we’re here.” I stated, placing my finger on the X I’d drawn on it with Sharpie a while back. “I’d like to go to Lavender Town and pay my respects at the Lavender Tower.” I turned to Toka. “What do you think?”

He looked closely at the map. “Is the blue stuff water?” he asked, poking at the blue coloring near the X. “Yup. We’ll have to take a bridge over the sea to get to Lavender Town.” I confirmed. “What’s a bridge?” Toka continued, scooting closer to me to see the map better. I laughed. “I’ll have to show you when we get there.”

We set out by the time the sun was at its highest point. Toka was very curious about everything. He asked so many questions, some that I couldn’t even answer.

“What are you?” he asked.

“A human being.”

“What’s Lavender Tower?”

“A graveyard for departed Pokemon.”

“What’s the point of that map thing you were looking at?”

“Maps show you how to get places.”

“What’s this Vermillion City I hear about?”

“It’s one of the many towns and cities in the Kanto, which are homes for humans such as myself.”

I noticed an uneasy sparkle in Toka’s eyes before he asked his next and final question. “Why do you make Pokemon fight?” he asked quietly.

I stopped in my tracks. I squatted down closer to Toka. “I wouldn’t call it fighting.” I said slowly. “It’s a sport called battling, and lots of people do it. It strengthens the bond between Pokemon and people.” I explained. “But some people battle to hurt or steal other people’s Pokemon for no good reason.” I dared to say, careful not to mention the Pigeot from Toka’s past.

Toka said nothing, but I could tell he understood what I meant. I shrugged the conversation away when he didn’t say anything else.

“Toka, look around.” I said. Toka looked up at me curiously, then glanced around in each direction. “No, no, no.” I muttered, shaking my head. “Look at the Pokemon around you.” Toka took his time as he studied his surroundings and Pokemon around him. The rich green grass swayed softly with the gentle breeze, the sky was blue and cloudless. Drowzee played with each other and Spearow frolicked in the grass, searching for worms and berries to eat.

“It’s such a great day. The day is nice, the Pokemon are happy.” I murmured gently to Toka. “Instead of thinking about the negative things in this world, try thinking about the positive things.” Toka nodded, sighing.

“You’re right. The sun is shining and all is well.” he agreed. We continued our walk through the beautiful field. I fondly watched the Pokemon wander around, their eyes shining happily. They seemed aware of my presence, but didn’t feel the need to run. I felt a small rush of glee go through me.

“Flygon and Dragonite should enjoy the day, too!” I exclaimed, quickly pulling their pokeballs out of my bag and tossing them into the air.

Dragonite and Flygon emerged from the balls, stretching their wings and opening their mouths in a wide yawn. Toka dipped his head shyly. “Oh yeah! Dragonite, Flygon,” I addressed the two dragons. “You haven’t met Toka yet. He’ll be traveling with us too.” I introduced, and Toka came forward to say hello. Dragonite and Flygon waved and smiled, making small noises that likely said ‘hello’ or ‘nice to meet you’. “Hello.” he said simply.

I knew there was a noticeable gleam of sympathy in my eyes. Toka stilled seemed to be tense around the two older dragons.

Flygon and Dragonite exchanged unreadable glances that made a touch of suspicion blossom in me.

Before me or Toka could think, they lunged forward and scooped the young Bagon into the air. Toka let out a yelp of surprise as he rose higher and higher in to air. When I finally registered what had happened, Toka was whooping in happiness in glee.

Flygon released a Dragon Breath that made Toka jump. They disappeared high up in the sky. I could only tell where they were when I saw a glowing Dragon Breath or Flame Thrower shoot down.

Toka rode on the wide back of Dragonite, the wind brushing softly against his face. He tried to force away the lump in his throat when he remembered Mother Salamence, the way she’d always carry him and Sota into the sky between her wings.

The sinking red sun casted a scarlet light across the sky, turning the clouds and dragons a light scarlet shade. Toka shook away his memories and let his heart flutter with awe as he watched the beautiful sunset.

“You know was my Aunt Jin told me once?” Dragonite spoke, rolling his eyes back to look at Toka. Toka leaned forward curiously. “When you watch to sun disappeared into the ocean, it’s like watching the first sundown ever to happen in the world.” he continued.

Toka gazed at the sun, feeling it’s warmth on his skin. Flygon and Dragonite began to fly downward.

We slept at the gate that led to the next route that night. Dragonite and Flygon were curled up together and Toka was balled up in the bend in my knee. He breathing was deep and he snored softly. I glanced at Dragonite and Flygon. Their chests rose and fell rhythmically.

Quietly, I stole away from the three soundly sleeping dragons and went outside to watch the night sky. The stars seemed like shattered ice floating on the surface of a shadowy pond.

Once again, I found Draco’s silhouette glittering against the deep night sky. The moon that blossomed in the sky, the only thing that lightened shadowy paths, was almost full, only a small portion of it was still dark.

Sleep began to tug at my eyes and I went back into the gate for a nights worth the rest. I felt Toka’s side rising and falling against me, heard Flygon murmur in her sleep and roll over. Dragonite’s eyes fluttered open when Flygon’s warmth left him. I saw his eyes flash in the moonlight that filtered in through the window as Dragonite went to curl up beside Flygon again, satisfied with her heat against his side once again.

I took a final glance at Toka, his bright green color glowing in the dark, before giving in to the blackness of sleep.

 

[Lifestream]

Chapter Five: The Road To Lavender Town​

Toka had me up early the next morning. I sat up groggily and yawned, my eyes still blurred from sleep and my elbows stiff when I reached up to stretch. Flygon stretched each leg in turn, her eyes still closed, and curled up into a tighter ball next to Dragonite, who slept on, and went back to sleep.

"What is it, Toka?" I muttered, trying unsuccessfully to rub away the fuzzy vision.

"Let's go! I want to see the ocean up close!" he exclaimed excitedly. A shiver ran down my spine. I still wasn't used to the feeling of the young Bagon talking aloud in a way I understood.

"Oh Toka," I yawned, gathering my things. "I know its all pretty exciting, but next time sleep a little longer." Toka smiled softly to show his apoligy. I sighed, shaking my head and returned Flygon and Dragonite into their pokeballs so they could get a bit more sleep. I noticed Toka flinch, but said nothing. There wasn't much I could do about Toka's fear of the red flash.

I walked downstairs and left the Route Gate. The sky was still very dark, a couple of stars glittering against the sky. A thin sheet of mist hung around the wooded trail.

Toka jumped along excitedly, calling to some passing Ledyba. He nosed and sniffed beautiful golden flowers, his eyes sparkling as the sweet aroma floated around him.

The flowers suddenly leaped up off the ground along with some green sproutes and let out cries of annoyance. Toka yelped in astonishment, his eyes flashing. Without thinking, he released a Dragon Rage from his mouth. The Sunflora and Sunkern screeched and scattered, a few of them blasted back by the attack.

Two Sunkern were hurled into a nearby bush, then blown out again by an angry Nidoran. The pale blue Nidoran snarled at Toka, who happened to be closest to her. Toka froze, his eyes wide with fear from the Nidoran's rage.

I still gaped from the sight of the young dragon's Dragon Rage. Nidoran snarled threateningly at Toka again, pawing the ground. Her eyes blazed with anger as she bared her thorn sharp fangs.

"T-Toka," I stammered, the effects of astonishment still lingering in me. "Use y-your Dragon R-rage."

Toka glanced at me and then at Nidoran, who let out another fearsome warning. "Don't think, Toka, just do it!" I shouted to him.

Toka gulped before attacking. His mouth stretched open wide and a flash of dragon energy blasted from it. Nidoran's eyes widened in alarm as Toka's attack flashed at her. She turned to run but was still hit by Dragon Rage. She was hurled several yards away, managing to struggle to her feet.

She glared at Toka, wincing. Toka's lips drew back into the beginning of a snarl, his eyes narrowed. Nidoran shivered in fear and limped away rapidly. Toka's muscles relaxed and a gleam of guilt appeared in his eyes. I put my hand on his small shoulder.

"Don't worry, Toka." I murmured to him. "Battling is something alot of Pokemon do. That Nidoran would've attacked if you'd waited much longer." Toka didn't look up. I sighed quietly so he wouldn't hear. "Pokemon battling is something almost every Pokemon does. Competition like battling is proof that we are really living. You're missing out on something that's probobaly really fun!" I continued brightly.

Toka finally gazed up at me, his eyes softening. He let out a long sigh. "I'll give it a try, this battling thing I mean." he decided, scuffling around in the dirt nervously. "And if I don't like it, I don't have to do it right?" I nodded. "That's right!"

We continued our walk through the wooded path. The stars began to blink and out and the darkness started to fade. Bellsprout unfolded their big green leaves and Caterpie came out of their burrows to forage for the best grass to eat.

"Time for breakfast!" I announced, stopping. Toka opened his mouth to protest, but his stomache rumbled and he closed it again. I pulled out the containers of PokeBlocks and Sitrus Berries and Oran Berries, taking the plastic lids off and making bowls for the three dragons.

Dragonite and Flygon popped out of their pokeballs, stomachs growling. I pretended not to hear the sigh of releif Toka let out when he saw they two older dragons emerge from the pokeballs.

"Eat as much as you like." I said, sitting down in the thick, bushy grass. The mist and dew melted away as the sun began to warm the place. Toka wolfed down his berries and PokeBlocks quickly, impatiently waiting for everyone else to finish eating. Dragonite's wing twitched with amusement and Flygon shook her head.

Toka was about to burst when we had cleared our plates. I packed up asked Dragonite and Flygon if they could fly us to Lavender Town. Toka sat on Dragonite's large back while I rode Flygon. I leaned over to Toka.

"Look down," I said. Toka curiously glanced over Dragonite's neck. The deep blue ocean sparkled below, a wooden path leading over it to the land across the water. "That's a bridge." I told him, pointing at the small wooden trail. I saw the red hats of fishermen who had come out early to catch the water Pokemon before anyone else.

The two flying dragons began to drift downward as the roof of the road ended and Lavender Town came into veiw. The townsfolks watched as Flygon and Dragonite landed lightly in the grass. I slid down Flygon's wide, flat wing and helped Toka of of Dragonite's back. Flygon and Dragonite returned to their pokeballs for a nice rest.

Toka I were tired as well from all the morning's walking, and settled in the Pokemon Fan Club for a while.

"Ah, welcome!" an old man with bright eyes greeted me and Toka as we walked in. He leaned forward, examining me with squinted eyes. Toka watched him awkwardly. "I haven't seen you around these parts. What's your name?" the old man questioned. "Um, I'm Kagura, and this is my freind Toka." I replyed, glancing down at Toka.

"Hello, Kagura! I am Mr. Fuji and welcome to--" Mr. Fuji gasped, gazing down at Toka with awe. "Y-your Bagon!" he murmured with wonder. Toka dipped his head nervously. "It is the rarest of its kind!"

I too stared down at Toka in amazement now. "Is that true, Toka?!" I said in no more than a whisper.

"I don't know." Toka shrugged. He came closer to me. "But this old guy is starting to creep me out!" he whispered.

"Do you know what he is saying?" Mr. Fuji asked without looked up, his eyes still staring unblinkingly at Toka.

"You mean you can't understand him?" I said awkwardly. At last Mr. Fuji ripped his fascinated eyes away from Toka. "What do you mean?" he murmured, his eyes puzzled. So only I could understand Toka! I barely suppressed trembling with excitement. Me and Toka had some sort of special bond! I'd thought Toka could just speak human language somehow.

"Erm, anyway," Mr. Fuji continued after my silence, snapping me away from my thoughts, "Bagon's unusual color is exceedingly rare in all regions."
"It's Toka."
"Each species of Pokemon has its normal color, and its second color." he kept going, ignoring me. "Bagon's origonal color is blue, but a rare Bagon's color is green, such as this here Bagon's." he explained.

"Actually it's Toka." I repeated quickly. Mr. Fuji opened his mouth to speak again, but the door opened an a little girl and boy crashing into the Fan Club.

I scooped Toka up and leaped out of the way before the little boy tackled me. "Mr. Fuji!" the girl exclaimed. "That Pokemon's at it again!"

Mr. Fuji hurriedly rushed outside and followed the kids away. The Fan Club was suddenly silent. Nobody spoke.

I approached a boy about my age. A Clefairy sat in his lap, its eyes clouded with worry.

"What was that all about?" I asked, taking a seat in an empty chair. The boy looked up at me, his eyes wide.

"Don't you know? About the Pokemon spirit that's terrorizing the town?" he gasped.

I shook me head quickly. "I haven't been here long." I said.

The boy stared at the ground. "Mr. Fuji says that an old Pokemon died in this town due to a fight with Team Rocket." he said gravely. "Supposedly it's son lives in this town and it doesn't want anyone to harm it as well. It won't cross into the next world until everyone has fled from here. Nobody knows who its son is either. We only know about the whole thing because the Pokemon spirit told us."

The silence in the Fan Club was even more intimidating now. Nobody spoke or moved.

Suddenly the air in a corner rippled. The people and Pokemon stood and began darting out of the building, their eyes wide with fear, still silent except for the sound of feet thudding on the floor.. Toka bared his fangs, narrowing his eyes, but I saw fear gleam in them.

The air churned and glowed a soft silver, and shifted into the form of a luminous ghost Marowak!

 

[Lifestream]

Chapter Six: The Terror In Lavender Town​

I stood in shock, gaping at the Marowak. "T-Toka, use y-your Dragon R-r-rage." I stammered, my blood icy cold. Toka didn't move, his eyes glued to the illuminated Pokemon. He seemed to have not heard me.

I trembled as I reached for Flygon's pokeball. I threw it, my arm rubber, and Flygon popped out. Puzzlement clouded her vision when she noticed the glow around Marowak.

"Flygon, D-dragon Claw, n-n-now!"

Flygon nodded, her claws beginning to gleam a brilliant red. She lunged at Marowak, her claws outstretched and her body a blur. Marowak didn't attempt to jump out of the way. Flygon's Dragon Claw went straight through the she-Marowak.

Flygon whipped around, startled, sending another Dragon Claw that fell through Marowak again.

Marowak smirked, her eyes gleaming, and she hurled her bone club at Flygon. Flygon was hit hard in the chest. The dragon was thrown backward into the wall. She winced as she rose to her feet again.

"But how?" I murmured to myself. "The bone club can't be solid while Marowak is it, can it?"

Marowak caught the bone club.

"Ha! Foolish child!" Marowak laughed. "I am a ghost. I can do anything I want, including making my weapons usable!"

She threw it again. This time it flew around the room, breaking the walls and shattering picture frames and vases. The bone club landing in Marowak's open palm again.

I stared at Marowak, fear forming in me. Marowak grinned, knowing she was successfully making me cringe in terror, and hurled the bone club. I noticed it went straight at Toka. Toka's eyes widened in horror.

I was about to jump in front of the flying bone club, but Dragonite emerged from his pokeball before I could. Dragonite flew into the bone club's path and tried to catch it. But the club went straight through his open hands and nailed his face.

Dragonite roared in pain, clutching his forehead with his paws.

"Toka, move!" I shouted as the bone club was thrown again. I leaped across the table, scooping Toka up into my arms as I went over it. I landed on my back on the floor with Toka on top of me. His eyes glittered in terror.

The cracked door of the fanclub flew open and Mr. Fuji appeared, gasping for breath.

"Marowak, you must stop this nonsense!" he wheezed. "We aren't going to harm your kin!"

Marowak gritted her teeth furiously.

"I refuse to be fooled by your words!" she screeched. "I will never leave until my son is truly safe! I can never find peace unless every one of you lowly Growlith are gone!"

I stood, Toka shivering in my arms. "Marowak, you can't keep on terrorizing the village!" I exclaimed. "You have to stop!"

Marowak scoffed. "And who's gonna make me? You?"

I gulped nervously. "Yes." I said.

Marowak stared at me, a slight grin on her face. "You have courage to challenge me that way." she growled. "I will be waiting on the top of the Lavender Tower when the moon is at its highest. I wish to fight him." she said, nodding at Toka. Toka flinched in terror.

I bent down to Toka's height. "Toka," I murmured. "Will you fight Marowak?"

Toka gazed at me. "I don't think beating Marowak is going to bring her to peace." he squeaked. "You have to beat her with words!"

"We tried that, remember?" I reminded him.

"You didn't try hard enough!" he insisted. "You have to find Marowak's son!"

I flinched, startled. "But how? Heaven knows how many Cubone live in this town! I can't say that there are so many for certain, but if there weren't, wouldn't the towns people easily figure out who Marowak's son is?"

Toka nodded slowly. "The only way is to find out which one really is."

"You're going to have to fight Marowak if you have to though."

Toka took a deep breath and nodded. "I'll do it."

I stood and faced the Marowak. "I accept."

 

[Lifestream]

Chapter Seven: Fight The Ghost Marowak - Part One​

Mr. Fuji offered me his cottage until my battle with Marowak. I had nowhere else to go since the other town folks wanted nothing to do with someone who’d drawn her attention.

Mr. Fuji led me across the town, where the Lavender Town citizens watched me pass without a word.

Mr. Fuji’s cottage was small, isolated in the town’s corner. In the kitchen was a little dinner table with two wood chairs and a small old woman bent over a vase of beautiful white roses, tending to them with delicate fingers.

She looked up at our arrival. Her eyes were dull and her shoulders sagged, as though she hadn’t slept in days.

“Ah, and who’s this?” she rasped.
“This is Kagura.” Mr. Fuji introduced to his wife, nodding at me quickly. “She and Bagon plan to stop Marowak.”

“It’s Toka!” I growled through gritted teeth.
Mrs. Fuji smiled gently. “Many trainers have attempted to stop Marowak, but they’ve all failed and their Pokemon were severely injured.” she said softly.

Toka flinched in fear. I patted his arm comfortingly. “Not many people train dragon type Pokemon, and I’m sure no one has used dragons to fight Marowak. I’m sure Toka will smoke her, right buddy?” I said, gazing down at the bright green dragon. Toka nodded uncertainly.

“What if we lose?” Toka murmured. “What if I can’t beat Marowak?”

“You will beat her!” I insisted. “You are a strong Pokemon!”

“Your lies are great, but hardly necessary.” Toka argued.

“Come on, Toka!” I groaned.

Mrs. Fuji’s eyes lit up with amusement. “So you really can talk to Pokemon?”

I shrugged. “Sort of... I can only speak to Toka.”

“That doesn’t change the fact that Marowak will use her greatest strength against you.” Mr. Fuji pointed out.
Mrs. Fuji nodded her agreement. “Yeah, I suggest you stay out of trouble.”

“But Toka will win!”

“And Mankey will fly!” Mrs. Fuji snorted. I bit my lip in irritation. The conversation was just going in circles!

“I’ll just have to do some extra training!” I declared. “We’ll beat Marowak as long as I’m around!”

So Toka and I headed out the bridges and battle the fishermen out there, who were gladly willing to help our training if it meant getting rid of the ghost Marowak who terrorized their village.

“Goldeen, use Horn Attack!” the fisherman called to his Pokemon. Goldeen rushed forward in the waves, creating a wake behind him.

“Toka, dodge it!” I shouted.

Toka braced himself, his eyes narrowed as he focused on Goldeen’s movements. Goldeen leaped out of the water, his horn directed at Toka, who stood on the bridge. Toka sidestepped to avoid Goldeen’s attack.

“Quick, use Dragon Rage!” I commanded.

A blue orb of energy formed in Toka’s gaping mouth. The orb exploded and a jet of energy sent Goldeen crashing into the water on the other side of the bridge. Goldeen weakly floated to the surface, wincing in pain.

“Alright Toka, finish this with Headbutt.”

Toka nodded quickly. He lunged off the bridge head first, the rock hard helmet on his head connecting with Goldeen’s face.

They disappeared beneath the surface. Then Toka surfaced, gasping for breath, but a triumphant gleam in his eyes. Goldeen floated to the top of the water on his back, his eyes blank and fins rustling against the movement of the waves.

“Great job, Goldeen. Come on back.” the fisherman praised to fainted Pokemon, returning him to his pokeball for a rest.

I glanced up at the sky. The moon was climbing higher, the shadows spreading.

“You’d best get to the tower.” the fisherman commented. “It’s a long climb, so it’ll eat up your time.”

I nodded. “Thanks for the training,” I said gratefully. “We might stand a chance against Marowak.”

The fisherman shrugged. “No problem.”

I said a farewell and headed back to Lavender Town. Mr. Fuji waited on the outskirts for me. He nodded to me, and without a word, turned and beckoned me to follow him. I trailed him across town. He stopped in front of a huge tower.

“This is Lavender Tower.” he rasped. “I wish you luck.” He smiled faintly at me and stepped away to let me pass. I nodded curtly, entering the dark tower.

The tower was very intimidating. I looked up and never saw the roof, the long spiraling staircase the led up the tower was made of marble that was old and cracked, making it look like it would shatter when my toe touched it.

Toka gulped, and I gave him a sympathetic glance. I wasn’t looking forward to the climb either.

But I shrugged away my worries, afraid Marowak was watching me shiver in fear, and began to climb the staircase.

The wall around Lavender Tower had square tombstones on them, each stating a date, phrase, and name of the departed Pokemon. I read each one I passed.

“Steelix, 1938-2001, ‘Will be missed forever’.” I read softly. I continued to read the tombstones as I progressed up the tower.

Ekans, 1998-2003, ‘R.I.P.’, Raticate, 1987-1999, ‘Found Peace on October Fourth’, I read silently.

At last, when sweat had gathered on my face and my legs ached, the stairs finally came to an end. Two giant ivory doors appeared, ivy growing around huge silver door knockers that had Arcanine heads carved into them. Two men in long violent robes guarded the entrance.

I took the final step, bending over and panting, setting Toka down on the ground. The men barred my way with their staffs.

“You may not pass.” one of them growled. “Turn back at once.”

I shook my head. “I wish to challenge the ghost Marowak. Let me through.” I insisted.

The second man shook his head. “You will undoubtedly loose to Marowak, and that will only give her a bigger ego that will encourage her to terrorize our town more. Leave now.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Marowak challenge me, and knowing Marowak, if I don’t get of there when she wants me to, she’ll be furious.” I hissed. “Now will you just let me go?”

The first man sighed, while the other’s eyes blazed with rage. But neither spoke, and began pushing the huge ivory doors open. The doors let out a loud groan. Wind buffeted my hair as the doors creaked open.

The stars gleamed like shattered ice against the black surface of the sky and the crescent moon was directly above, casting light around the tower’s peak.

The silhouette of a Pokemon stood in the shadows. It stepped into the moonlight, her eyes gleaming challengingly
.
“Let us begin.” Marowak growled.

“No unfair games,” I replied icily.
Marowak nodded. “I will fight as a normal Pokemon.” she promised, raising her bone club.

The moment Toka had positioned himself for the battle, Marowak hurled her bone club at Toka.

“Toka, duck!” I shouted. Toka flattened himself to the ground, the bone club narrowly missing him. “Now Dragon Rage!”

The orb of energy welled up in Toka’s mouth, swelling up quickly. Toka released the Dragon Rage when the bone club came back like a boomerang and nailed Toka in the back. Toka was thrown off balance, and the Dragon Rage was fired off into the night sky.

I hissed under my breath in frustration. Marowak was smart, using the bone club to mess up the attack. “Alright, try Headbutt!” I decided.

Toka scrambled to his feet and lunged head first at Marowak. Marowak block to attack with her bone club, then tossed Toka aside. Toka continued to attack in various ways, but Marowak kept using her bone club to avoid any damage.

“This isn’t working,” I muttered to myself. “Toka won’t be able to do a thing!”

Toka suddenly began to glow red. He began to whirl on a toe, the red glow growing stronger. I immediately recognized Toka’s behavior.

“That’s Dragon Dance.” I murmured. Suddenly my mind lit up. “That’s it!”

Marowak hurled her bone club at Toka.

“Toka, keep using Dragon Dance! Avoid that bone club!” I shouted excitedly. Toka blinked in acknowledgement, dancing around the bone club and leaping and twirling through the air in the radiating red light.

The bone club flew through the air as it went back to Marowak, but Toka leaped over it and continued to dance, his feet getting lighter and his movements getting quicker until he was almost a blur. Marowak continued to hurl the bone club at Toka, but the green Bagon avoided it almost too easily now.

“Alright Toka, use Dragon Rage!” I shouted. Toka opened his mouth and prepared a Dragon rage, though he still danced and leaped and twirled. He fired off the Dragon Rage mid-leap at Marowak.

Marowak raised her bone club to block it. The Dragon Rage rocketed closer to the ghost Pokemon, and I began to tremble with excitement and nervousness. Will my plan work? I wondered.

The Dragon Rage hit Marowak’s bone club. Marowak narrowed her eyes as she tried to hold her ground. But the attack ripped the bone club out of her hands. Marowak watched in astonishment as the bone club was thrown across the tower’s top, landing at the other end out of her reach.

 

[Lifestream]

Chapter Eight: Fight The Ghost Marowak - Part Two​

Marowak stood, her eyes wide as she stared at the hand that had held to bone club. Toka looked just as shocked.

“I-I did it!” he stuttered.

“But how?” Marowak gasped. “How did it get so strong?”

“That’s easy, Marowak.” I said triumphantly. “Dragon Dance raises a Pokemon’s speed and attack stats. Obviously you’ve never fought a Dragon type Pokemon.”

Marowak’s surprise began to give way to anger. She leaped from her spot, charging toward her bone club, but Toka bolted forward and hit her with a Headbutt the knocked her of her feet.

Marowak was thrown around by Toka, unable to reach her bone club due to Toka’s impressive speed and power.

Marowak stood, panted, her body battered and bruised from all the damage she’d taken. She looked as though she was about to fall over, which gave Toka a pang of sympathy for the spirit Pokemon.

Then she jumped up abruptly, high up into the air. Toka darted forward to stop her from reaching the bone club, but Marowak never came. Instead, she crashed back to the ground, her elbow slamming on the ground.

The tower began to tremble gently. Toka stared around in confusion. Marowak’s pants and painful groans turned into a smirk and triumphant laughter.

“Ha, you fools!” she exclaimed. “You though I was helpless without my club? Rubbish!”

She leaped up again, cracking the ground where she stood with a closed fist this time.
The tiny shaking exploded into an eruption of tremors, knocking Toka of his feet. I fell to the ground, the violent rumbles shaking my bones and causing me to see triple.

“Th-that’s Ea-earthqu-quake!” I said, my teeth chattering although I fought to keep my mouth still againt the earthquake. “G-g-get off th-the grou-ground!”

But the earthquake had already taken Toka to the ground. When he tried to stand or leap into the air so get off the ground, the harsh tremors knocked him over again.
Marowak was the only one who was unaffected. While Toka was down, she quickly ran to pick up her bone club, and the tremors subsided.

Toka got to his feet, dizzily struggling to keep his balance on the now still ground. When his dizziness cleared and he stood upright fine, he disappeared as he bolted to attack Marowak. The speed was almost too great. Marowak couldn’t keep up with him, only finding him when he stopped.

Toka slid to a stop behind her, blasting a Dragon Rage at her. Marowak narrowly avoided him, careful not the let him hit her bone club.

Toka opened his mouth wide. I was expecting a second Dragon Rage, but that never happened. Instead, Toka spat out a light flame that scorched the end of Marowak’s nose. But it didn’t faze her, and she hurled her bone club, which Toka used Dragon Dance to smoothly avoid.

“Whew, Toka’s on a role!” I grinned. “Two moves in less than an hour! But Ember won’t work on a ground type, so use Dragon Rage!”

Toka nodded in acknowledgement, preparing a Dragon Rage while using Dragon Dance. He spun and whirled around, avoiding Marowak’s Boomerang attacks without an effort.
“Dragon Rage!” I shouted.

Marowak grinned, as though a spoiled child had just gotten what he wanted after a bout of arguing. As Toka prepared released his Dragon Rage, Marowak cracked her bone club on the ground and the tower erupted into a violent Earthquake. Toka was knocked off his feet, sprawling on the ground and sending the Dragon Rage toward the thin crescent moon.

Toka used Dragon Dance in attempt to get off the roughly shaking ground, but his vision was tripled and he heard the rattling of bones beneath his skin, and crumbled to the ground again.

Marowak laughed wickedly. “You see?” she cackled. “You can never beat me! Not with that sorry excuse of a Pokemon!”

Toka bared his fangs, his eyes blazing, thought he was tossed about by the violent Earthquake. I was shaken to the ground as well.

“Your efforts are futile.” Marowak went on. “You put up the best fight so far, but no one can doubt that I can’t be beaten!”

The Earthquake slowed to a stop. Toka dizzily stood, staggering until he regained balance. He used his Dragon Dance to head straight toward Marowak. Marowak was surprised by the sudden approach, as Toka had kept great distance from her.

Toka disappeared before Marowak’s eyes due to his impressive speed. A glowing orb of blue caught her eye, and she flinched. Suddenly Toka’s nose was only a few inches away from her own, a Dragon Rage welling up in his gaping mouth. Marowak screeched in terror as the Dragon Rage released, hurling her across the tower’s peak. She was lying on the ground, unmoving, her back to Toka.

“You did it Toka.” I murmured in surprise. Triumph surged through me. “We actually won!”

Toka’s eyes were widened, as though he couldn’t register the fact that he’d beaten Marowak. “I really did beat her.” he whispered.

Suddenly, there was a cry of horror. I turned around to see a tiny Pokemon running through the cracked door and up the five steps to the rooftop. It bolted to Marowak’s side, its eyes brimming with tears.

Toka’s astonishment began to rise. The Pokemon was a tiny copy of Marowak, the skull on his head almost the exact same as Marowak’s, the bone club was the same only smaller…it was Cubone! And not just any Cubone, it was the son of Marowak!

“Mother!” he cried. Marowak slowly rose to her feet, dazed and dizzy. “Are you okay?”

Marowak’s eyes went round with shock. “Cubone?” she murmured, “Cub-bone?”

My jaw dropped. That was the Cubone that was Marowak’s son? No way!
“Marowak, is that?” I stammered.

Marowak nodded, her shock beginning to ebb. The astonishment was fading into love. She threw her arms around Cubone, tears forming in her eyes and her breath coming out in ragged sobs.

“Cubone!” she cried. “I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry I left you here alone!”

Cubone began to weep as well. “You have to stop terrorizing the people!” he insisted through his sobs.

“But they’ll hurt you! I want you to be safe forever!” Marowak protested.

“I am safe! The humans are friendly. They’ve taken great care of me since you…erm…left.” Cubone shook his head. “You’re only hurting my friends!”

There was a long silence, Marowak staring at Cubone through pleading eyes and Toka and I watching from a distance.

The Marowak embraced Cubone again. “Forgive me,” she murmured. “I didn’t know…”
Cubone shut his eyes tight to keep the tears in his eyes.

Marowak and Cubone stood together for a long time. Milky-pale dawn began to lighten the dark sky. Marowak finally tore herself away from her kin, confronting me with her club down.

“Forgive everything I have done!” she begged. “You were right, and I was wrong! All I ask is for the forgiveness of you! And you, young dragon!” she added, casting Toka a desperate look. Toka nodded coming to stand by me.

“Don’t worry, Marowak.” I said softly. “No one is always right.”

Marowak shook her head roughly. “But I have done terrible things.” she groaned. “How will anyone ever forgive my madness?”

“Don’t worry about it. Humans aren’t that bad.” I assured her. “Now you’d best apologize to Lavender Town.”

Marowak used her ghostly powers to teleport me and Toka to the bottom of the tower so we could avoid the dreadful walk down the long spiraling staircase.

Mr. Fuji was waiting patiently where I’d left him. “Marowak,” Mr. Fuji said in surprise. Marowak fell to her knees in front of him.

“I’m very sorry.” she murmured. “I beg for your forgiveness, and everyone else’s.”

Mr. Fuji bent down and put a hand on Marowak’s shoulder. “It’s okay.” he replied softly. “You aren’t the only one who has made a huge mistake.”

Marowak opened her mouth to protest, but looking into the elderly man’s gentle eyes she closed her mouth again. She turned back to Cubone.

“I have to go.” she said, tears filling her eyes once more. Cubone tried to swallow the lump in his throat as he nodded. Toka felt a pang of sadness for the two Pokemon. Marowak murmured a final goodbye, slowly disappearing as the first lights of morning gleamed down on her.

Mr. Fuji scooped Cubone into his arms. “You can stay with me from now on.” he said. “We’ll take good care of you.” Cubone nodded.

“You’d best get moving.” Mr. Fuji remarked. I nodded in reply.

“But first I have to do something,” I said quietly, turning back to the Lavender Tower.

 

[Lifestream]

Chapter Nine: Departure​

I slid into the tower once more, Mr. Fuji staring in confusion. Mr. Fuji turned away, heading back toward his cottage on the other side of Lavender Town.

I glanced up at the spiraling staircase that didn’t cease until it hit the roof top, but I didn’t follow it. Instead, I stared into the darkness of the first floor.

The cracked light purple tiles were cracked and dark violet paint was peeling off the walls. I couldn’t see through the darkness that shrouded the room.

I went outside again and picked up a thick stick. “Toka, use your Ember.” I said.

Toka nodded, opening his mouth and lighting the stick with a gentle Ember. The stick lit up a small portion of the darkness. I walked through the room, the flame lighting my way, until I reached the back.

The floor there seemed almost brand new, as if no one had walked back there. The tiles were shiny without a mark on them and the walls looked freshly painted. In front of me laid three large tombstones.

Magmar
1981 – 2005
Fought Until His End

Graveler
1976 – 2005
The First Battle He Lost Was His last

Marowak
1989 – 2005
Stay Strong​

My breath caught in my throat. Each one was buried on the same year. Marowak was deceased because of Team Rocket. Even though I knew nothing about Team Rocket, I didn’t need any knowledge about them to know what flashed through my mind. These must be Team Rocket’s prizes!

Toka seemed to have noticed the same thing, his eyes wide as he hid behind my leg. I ran my hand down Marowak’s tombstone. I saw the glowing silhouette of Marowak in the darkness. Her outline nodded at me in respect before disappearing again.

I sent a silent message of farewell before turning away to leave.

Thank you, a voice whispered in her ear. Thank you… I felt a stab of sympathy like a thorn in my heart for Marowak.

I glanced at the towers cracked doors and the ivy that grew over the walls one last time before heading away to Mr. Fuji’s cottage.

I tapped on the small wooden door. Mrs. Fuji opened it and greeted me inside with a grin. Her eyes were no longer dull with dread, but twinkling like stars.

“I heard, I heard!” she exclaimed gleefully. “Marowak isn’t going to harm Lavender Town anymore! We even found Cubone, at long last!”

I grinned as well. “I’m sure Cubone will be in good hands.” I agreed.

Mrs. Fuji snorted. “Oh yes, as soon as my husband got home, he started fretting about Cubone and ran around faster than I’ve ever seen him to prepare Cubone’s bed and to make him at home.”

I laughed, looking past her. Mr. Fuji was frantically digging through cabinets and draws, pulling out blankets and soft rags and food and water.

I reached into my small leader bag. I felt the edges of the Pokeblock box warm under my fingers. I pulled out the case, stepping around Mrs. Fuji.

Mr. Fuji didn’t notice me when I walked up. “Hey, Mr. Fuji.” I addressed.

Mr. Fuji jumped, turning around to see me. His face broke out into a grin. “Kagura! I didn’t notice you came in!” he greeted.

I held out the Pokeblock case. “Take these,” I offered. “Most Pokemon love them. They promote good health, too. I’m sure Cubone will like them.”

Mr. Fuji took the case, wrapping it up in a dish rag and placing it into a woven willow basket. “Thank you, Kagura. For everything.” Mr. Fuji said, the sincerity of his words easily noticeable. “You put Marowak’s spirit to rest. We can safely wander the streets of Lavender Town again. Cubone is in a good home now, and my wife can sleep peacefully again.”

He embraced me in a hug. “Thank you.” he murmured again.

I pulled away, slightly embarrassed. “I’d better get moving.” I said, changing the subject.

Mr. Fuji nodded. “Yes, you should start traveling again.”

“But please, do visit us sometimes.” Mrs. Fuji said. “You will always be welcome here.”

“I’ll come back sometime.” I assured the elderly couple.

Mrs. Fuji opened the door to let me out. I stepped down the two steps that led up to the door as began walking down the road that led away from town.

“Goodbye!” the couple called, waving. Toka and I waved back. The two were disappearing as I went further down the dirt road. At last, when they were barely in sight, Mr. Fuji put his arm around Mrs. Fuji’s shoulders and they both retreated into the cottage.

“Where are we going now?” Toka questioned when the Fuji cottage was out of sight.

“Saffron City.” I replied. “I want to take the quickest route to Pewter City. Now that you have proven you can beat Marowak, I’m sure you can beat the gym in Pewter City.”

Toka tilted his head in confusion. “What’s a gym?” he asked.

“A gym is a place where trainers battle a strong trainer to train their Pokemon and prove their skills. That person is called a gym leader, and uses a specific type of Pokemon to battle trainers.” I explained. “There are eight gym leaders, each using a different type. Each leader is stronger than the next, so we’d best start from the beginning in Pewter City. If you beat a gym leader, you get a badge to prove you won. Once you’ve collected all eight badges, you are qualified to go to the Indigo League, where you hone your skills and try to beat four very powerful trainers known as the Elite Four without resting to heal. If you manage to beat them, you fight the strongest trainer in the Kanto, and hope to win.”

Toka shook his head quickly. “That’s a lot to remember.” he said. “Who is the stronger trainer in Kanto?”

I shrugged. “I’m not sure, and I don’t know who the Elite Four members are either.” I waved the subject away. “But that isn’t important. We just have to make it to Saffron City right now.” Toka nodded his agreement.

 

[Lifestream]

Chapter 10: Singing​

Toka and I continued our journey, departing Lavender Town and heading down Route Eight to get to Saffron City. The road consisted of many flowers, blooming in every corner. Meowth and Persian frolicked in the colorful landscape, the kits yowling playfully and adults purring with delight.

Toka walked along happily, enjoying the warm breeze brushing against his face and the silky flower pelts soft against his skin. He sighted tall golden flowers, beauties of the rest, and small saplings beneath them, but stayed away from them due to his first encounter with the Sunflower and Sunkern.

I set my leather bag on the ground and pulled out my berry case. But when I pulled off the lid, I sank with disappointment. The Sitrus berries were shriveled and squishy, totally not edible.

“Aw,” Toka sighed, his stomach churning harder with hunger. I felt the hunger engulfing me as well.

“Maybe we have more rice.” I said hopefully, but I didn’t feel so confident on the inside. I was pretty sure we’d already eaten it in the last two days we’d been on Route Eight.
And sure enough, the container was empty, and two hard grains in the corners.

“I’m starved!” Toka complained. I nodded in agreement. It the corner of my eye, I saw a flash of bright blue. I whipped around, my heart fluttering. Oran berries!

“Food!” I cried, leaping to my feet.

“Get it!” Toka shouted, and I darted across the blossoming meadow, the weakness of my hunger left behind. I jumped onto the trunk of the tree and heaved myself to the lowest branch. The berries seemed to sparkle as though they were carved from blue diamonds.

I began to pluck the mouthwatering fruits out of the glossy green leaves, filling my arms and pockets. I jumped of the tree, walking triumphantly back to where Toka waited.

Suddenly, the ground gave way. I let out a surprised yelp, dropping the berries as I tried to catch my fall. I struggled in the sand that buried me up to my ribs, but I couldn’t move.

Toka was staring in surprise at me. “What are you doing just standing there Toka?!” I screeched. “Come dig me out!”

Toka sighed and began to approach, but stopped suddenly, listening carefully. Frustration flared inside me. “Toka! This isn’t the time to--” I stopped midsentence, hearing a soft whistling.

“What’s that?” Toka murmured. The low whistling became louder until it became a blissful song.

I suddenly pang of sleepiness, striking me like a Take Down. My head began to lull and black began to blur my mind. I saw that Toka had collapsed. I heard nothing except the beautiful song, loud and clear in my mind. A wave of darkness engulfed me, then nothing.

* * *

I woke up in the sand trap, my thoughts fuzzy with tiredness. Toka was still unconscious, curling up on the ground, his chest rising and falling evenly. He was in a deep, peaceful sleep.

The sand seemed to have loosened, deep claw marks in ground around me. I heaved myself out of the sand trap and wiped my eyes. A large group of Meowth and a single Persian stood around me and Toka.

Toka’s eyes opened, and he slowly sat up. He opened his mouth in a wide yawn, stretching his arms up. “Wha?” he mumbled sleepily. The Persian spoke.
“What’s it saying, Toka?” I asked.

“He says that everyone keeps falling into sand pits like you did and going unconscious after that song.” Toka replied.

“It suddenly started happening.” Persian continued. “Traps are set everywhere! Sometimes it’s a sand trap, sometimes it’s a pitfall trap, sometimes even quicksand traps!”

“And then we fall asleep!” a large, older she-Meowth yowled in fury. “We wake up to find our possessions gone!”

“It’s a thief!” a young Meowth called out. A chorus of agreements followed.
“They steal possessions?” Toka murmured. The Persian nodded. “But what would me and Kagura have?”

I looked around confusedly. Then it hit me. “Oh no!” I groaned. “Our food! Someone took our food! They say someone is stealing stuff?”

Toka nodded, his heart plummeting. The Oran berry tree was empty now. Apparently the berries had been taken from the tree. “Gah! Kagura, why did you have to eat all our rice? If we still have that, we wouldn’t be hungry!” Toka shouted.

I sighed. “Arguing won’t help, Toka.” I reminded him. Toka sighed as well and dipped his head apologetically.

“So you want to stop the one who’s behind this?” I said. A Persian scoffed and made a noise. “What’s that mean?” I whispered into Toka’s ear.

Toka looked at me, his eyes glowing with humor. “It means ‘no, we want to fall into traps and lose everything we have to a thief. What do you think, stupid?!’” Toka and the Meowth kits laughed.

I casted a glare at the amused Persian. He chuckled quietly, and I had to stifle a laugh myself.

Suddenly, a bush rustled. A large blue Pokemon with large ears entered the clearing.

“Greetings, Loudred.” Persian meowed, nodding at the Pokemon.
“Who’s that? What’s Persian saying?” I asked.

“Supposedly it’s Loudred.” Toka replied, shrugging.

Loudred! A though began to worm its way into my head. “Persian!” I exclaimed. The group of Meowth and the one Persian looked at me curiously. “I know how to find the cultprit!”