Flames of Fighting Spirit | Pokémon

CHAPTER THE FIRST

A Fearow stood next to a man, preparing to carry his Trainer away from the cave they were in.

'We're nearly done here.' The man said, slumping a sack on his back. 'Boss'll be pleased.'

'Nice.' A second man said, releasing one of his Pokemon. 'Let's go. Mandibuzz.'

The two men climbed onto their Pokémon, their blood red hoods and masks with fire designs shining in the sunlight. A stone fell from the first man's sack into the forests below, gleaming brightly. From the designs, it was clear what the stone was: a Key Stone.

===

Akira Raizaru stood next to his Infernape atop a rock, his spiky black hair blown backwards by the wind.

'It's a nice day, eh, Infernape?' Akira asked his partner, his white and orange Japanese-style monkey mask contrasting with the black of his jacket, pants, and fingerless gloves.

'Ape, Infernape.' Akira's partner nodded in agreement, turning his head to look at Akira.

Akira turned to look at Infernape, grinning. 'Want a race?'

Infernape determinedly looked at Akira. 'APE!'

'Go.' Akira said, as he darted off, his partner ahead of him by a bit.

Akira took out one of the two katanas he had strapped onto his back, running towards Infernape. The Flame Pokémon took out the katana Akira had given him, fighting against his trainer as they ran. The sound of blades slashing through the air filled the air, both Trainer and Pokémon attacking and blocking skillfully with their weapons.

'Argh!' Akira exclaimed, as he dodged Infernape's blade strike barely. Infernape had grazed his arm.

'Infer.' Infernape cheered at the hit, but Akira slashed at him and hit his arm. 'Ape...'

The duo continued racing, until they neared a dark cave.

'Infernape, let's stop for a moment.' Akira said. 'I don't think we should go in there. It looks... Off.'

'Inferinfernape...' Infernape replied, sad that they couldn't finish the race. 'Ape ape.'

'Alright, thanks Infernape. Return.' Akira said, holding a Pokéball out.

Infernape was sucked into the ball, and Akira happily looked at the ball, before calling out another Pokémon.

'Zarude, I need your help.' Akira said. 'Use Jungle Healing on me.'

'Rude.' Zarude said, before roaring.

Plants sprouted from the ground, wrapping around Akira. A light green aura shrouded Akira, as the part of his arm that Infernape had grazed healed up.

'Thanks Zarude, return.' Akira said, the Rogue Monkey Pokémon entering their Pokéball. 'Alright, time to check this place out.'

Akira walked into the cave, unaware of what was inside. Unbeknownst to him, he would find out very soon.

===

The only light illuminating the cave was glowing multi-coloured crystals. Akira walked towards the end of the cave.

'Light. I'm nearly at the end.' Akira thought.

The black-haired teen released his Gengar, Dark from his Pokéball.

'Dark, can you scout the area in front?' Akira asked his Pokemon.

'Gengar gen.' Gengar said, as he phased into the ground.