The echo of dripping water accompanied Tharion's footsteps as he guided the group deeper into Mt. Moon. The rocky walls shimmered faintly with crystalline veins, while faint gusts carried the sounds of fluttering wings—Zubat colonies shifting restlessly above. The air was damp, cool, and alive with the energy of untamed Pokémon.
"Stay sharp," Tharion murmured, releasing a calm breath. His Pokémon circled around him, each engaging in training suited to their strengths. He wanted their growth to come not only through battles but through discipline, sharpening both body and spirit.
Charmeleon stood proudly in the center of a cleared patch, its tail flame casting a bright glow across the cavern. Tharion had instructed it to focus on controlling its fire output—precision, not just raw power.
"Again. Smaller flame, hold it steady."
Charmeleon narrowed its eyes, fire forming at its maw. Instead of unleashing a wild burst, it concentrated on forming a compact flame sphere, steady and balanced. Sweat formed at the corner of its scaled brow, but the control was better than before.
Tharion nodded. "Good. Your power is nothing if you can't shape it. Against water opponents, control might be your only way to break through."
Charmeleon roared, proud but determined, its flame growing hotter as it accepted the challenge.
Pupitar, in contrast, was smashing itself against boulders, practicing raw force and stamina. Every impact cracked stone, its armor scraping as it battered through obstacles like a living drill. Dust filled the air, but Pupitar didn't stop.
Tharion observed carefully. "Endurance and relentless pressure—that's your weapon. But I want you to sense timing too. Don't just hit harder. Learn when to strike."
Pupitar rumbled in reply, slamming a rock until it splintered, then paused before its next strike—an acknowledgment of his trainer's words.
Nearby, Ferrothorn was anchoring itself into the cavern floor, spinning its spiked vines against incoming wild Geodude that had been drawn to the disturbance. Each strike was deliberate, its iron body ringing with the echo of combat.
"Don't just defend," Tharion called. "Punish every approach. You're a wall, but one that makes enemies regret standing before it."
Ferrothorn's vines lashed outward, knocking two Geodude unconscious before they could even touch its body. Tharion smirked faintly. Ferrothorn was becoming more than a fortress—it was turning into a weaponized shield.
Riolu, however, sat cross-legged on a flat stone with Tharion beside him. The two shared silence, their eyes closed, bodies still. Aura pulsed faintly between them like invisible threads, resonating in rhythm with their breathing.
Inhale. Focus. Exhale. Expand.
Tharion's thoughts aligned with Riolu's, guiding him deeper. Unlike physical training, this was about sharpening instinct, clarity, and emotional control.
Riolu's small body trembled slightly, struggling to hold focus. Then its aura flared brighter, reaching out farther than before, brushing against the distant presences of wild Pokémon in the cave. Tharion felt its growth clearly—like a candle turning into a lantern.
"Good," Tharion said softly. "You're beginning to sense the world as I do."
Riolu opened its eyes, glowing faintly blue. It grinned with determination, clenching its small fists.
A short distance away, Nina's team trained as well, under her steady encouragement.
Roggenrola practiced stability, enduring repeated strikes from falling rocks while reinforcing its hardened body. Its single eye glowed brighter with every impact, learning to steady itself instead of being knocked aside.
Butterfree fluttered gracefully, practicing aerial evasion against Zubat swarms, weaving through them with increasingly sharp movements before countering with bursts of Stun Spore.
Luxio stood apart, electricity sparking over its fur as it repeatedly launched controlled Thunderbolts into stalagmites. The crack of thunder echoed through the cavern, showcasing its growing precision.
Nina clapped softly after every success, her warm encouragement pushing them to work harder.
While everyone was engaged in training, Nina felt a strange sensation—like soft eyes watching her. She turned, frowning slightly.
From the shadows of the tunnel mouth, a small silhouette stepped forward. Its body glimmered faintly, almost blending with the dim glow of the cave crystals.
"...Huh?" Nina whispered, lowering her hand.
The Pokémon tilted its head curiously, its gaze fixed on her Butterfree first, then shifting to her directly. It wasn't hostile—merely curious, drawn by her bond with her team.
Tharion, still meditating with Riolu, opened one eye. He immediately noticed the creature. A first-stage… and yet it hides itself so well. Interesting.
Nina slowly crouched, offering her hand gently. "It's okay. I won't hurt you."
The Pokémon chirped softly, taking one tentative step closer. Its presence was mysterious, almost otherworldly—like it was testing whether Nina was worthy of its trust.
The cavern fell into a hush, the sound of training fading for a moment as the newcomer's eyes glowed faintly in the dim. The bond of trainer and Pokémon was about to deepen in ways none of them had expected.
The air in Mt. Moon grew still.Nina's soft whisper echoed faintly against the cavern walls as the small, shimmering form drifted closer—its purple mist curling gently around her.
Two gleaming eyes appeared from the haze, followed by a mischievous smile."Gaaas…"
Tharion's eyes widened a fraction. "A Gastly."
The ghost-type floated around Nina curiously, its vaporous body pulsing with faint flickers of violet light. Butterfree instinctively moved forward protectively, but Nina raised a hand."It's okay, Butterfree… I can feel it's not here to fight."
Gastly let out a low, melodic chuckle, as if amused by her calmness. It drifted close enough that its mist brushed against her fingers. Rather than fear, Nina only felt a soft, cool warmth—like morning dew over skin.
Tharion observed quietly. It's rare to see a Gastly here. They're drawn to strong emotion and willpower… He smiled faintly. Seems you found a kindred soul, Nina.
Nina took out a Poké Ball. "If you'd like, come with me. I promise you'll never have to hide in the dark again."
Gastly paused for a moment, as though thinking—then nodded, gently tapping the Poké Ball with its gaseous form.Click.
Nina exhaled in disbelief, her eyes wide. "I… I caught it."
Tharion stood, giving a slight nod. "You didn't just catch it—you earned its trust."
Hours later, both trainers stood at the exit of Mt. Moon. The morning sun spilled across the world outside, bathing them in golden light. Their Pokémon stood proudly beside them, stronger, sharper, and more disciplined than when they'd entered.
Tharion turned for one last glance back at the shadowed tunnels. "Mount Moon… you've been a good teacher."
Riolu, now far more attuned to his aura, gave a respectful bow toward the cave. Pupitar rumbled proudly, and Charmeleon's flame flared like a beacon against the dawn.
They stepped out together, unaware that this was the last time they'd see the mountain as novice travelers.
The wind howled across the open plains of Kanto as Tharion stood at the crest of a cliff, coat fluttering in the breeze. Down below stretched the vibrant expanse of Viridian City—his final destination before facing the Pokémon League.
Three months had passed since the Mt. Moon expedition. In that time, Tharion and Nina had carved their names into the region's stories.
Seven Gyms.Seven badges shining in perfect alignment within his case.Each earned through ingenuity, adaptability, and sheer perseverance.
From Cerulean's Water-type defenses to Cinnabar's infernal battlefield, Tharion had never relied solely on type advantage. Instead, he trained his Pokémon to transcend their weaknesses—forcing them to evolve through both power and understanding.
Charmeleon had long since evolved into a towering Charizard, wings powerful enough to part storm clouds. Its mastery over flame was now artful—able to compress fire into concentrated plasma bursts capable of slicing through stone.
Pupitar had emerged from its shell as a mighty Tyranitar, radiating authority and unstoppable force. Its sheer presence distorted the air around it, and Tharion's strategy with it leaned toward battlefield control—earthquakes and defensive counter-barrages.
Ferrothorn had perfected its dual-style combat: rooted iron defense and aggressive punishment. It could drain an opponent's stamina over long fights, becoming an unshakable cornerstone of Tharion's formation.
Riolu, too, had grown—evolving into Lucario, finally mastering its aura to a level that even Tharion struggled to match. It now trained beside him as a partner rather than a student, their auras harmonizing in mutual respect.
But Tharion's journey hadn't stopped there.
During an encounter along the coastal ridges near Fuchsia, he had found a Gyarados unlike any other—its scales a deep, black sheen reflecting no light, eyes glowing a spectral crimson. It wasn't just enraged; it was broken by years of isolation.
Tharion had stood against it alone, aura flaring like fire through water. After a fierce battle, he extended his hand rather than a command. "You don't need to destroy everything to be free."
The Gyarados had paused… then lowered its massive head.From that day onward, the Black Gyarados became one of his most loyal companions—a symbol of control through compassion.
The second addition was more recent—a dragon-type, elusive and proud. Deep within the Charred Ravine between Fuchsia and Saffron, Tharion encountered a Noibat, struggling to defend its small cave against predators. He had saved it and trained it under strict discipline, teaching it to fight strategically instead of recklessly.
In time, Noibat had evolved into Noivern, and its aerial speed rivaled Charizard's. Together, the two dragons ruled the skies during Tharion's travels.
Nina's growth was just as profound.
Her once-timid Roggenrola had become a sturdy Boldore, now training under Tharion's guidance to one day evolve using the Geo Core Stone—the rare evolution item Brock had entrusted to Tharion months ago. It shone with earthy energy, perfectly attuned to Boldore's essence.
Her Luxio had become a regal Luxray, fur gleaming like obsidian. It was her loyal steed, carrying her across long routes when her legs tired from travel. Its piercing golden eyes could now detect emotion itself, helping Nina sense danger before it appeared.
Butterfree had grown graceful and precise, using compound techniques of psychic and bug-type abilities for aerial control.
And the once-mischievous Gastly had evolved into a powerful Haunter, keeping its playful nature but wielding terrifying strength. Its mastery over illusion and shadow made it a nightmare to opponents during double battles with Tharion's team.
As they approached Viridian City, the sun began to dip below the horizon, washing the world in orange light. The wind carried the scent of the forest and the distant echo of Pokémon calls.
Tharion stopped at a ridge overlooking the city. Charizard landed beside him, folding its wings, while Lucario stood quietly at his side, aura flickering softly.
"This is it," Tharion said under his breath. "The last badge before the League."
Nina smiled from her spot atop Luxray. "It feels strange, doesn't it? Three months ago we were in a cave, and now…"
"Now we're almost at the summit," Tharion replied. He turned, his gaze softening at the sight of his team resting peacefully together—the warriors that had fought, evolved, and grown with him through everything.
The faint rustle of wind passed between them.
Charizard looked toward the horizon.Lucario closed its eyes, meditating silently.Ferrothorn's vines curled protectively around the younger members.Gyarados remained in its Poké Ball, conserving its strength for what was to come.Noivern's silhouette danced in the crimson sky above them.
Tharion clenched his fist gently. "Our journey's far from over… but this time, we walk forward as one."
The last rays of sunlight shimmered against his badge case. Eight spots—one still waiting.
Ahead lay Viridian Gym… and whatever destiny waited beyond it.