Thread: Glory's Long Road (See 1st Post For Updates)

01/29/03: New chapter up. Not much of an update as such, since I have classes soon... maybe something bigger tonight...

01/21/03: Waiting for student loans really bites... I'm currently hovering above being broke (4 dollars and change in my account), and I still have yet to get my text-books... yep, the life of a student...

Anywho, new chapter, enjoy.
And can anyone spare a bit of change?

01/18/03: Another chapter posted. Things are going good in terms of writing, since I finished #31 a night ago, and will soon be working on the next one. By the time I finish posting all the old chapters, I should have about a half dozen, or more new chapters done, if every thing goes according to plan.

01/16/03: Posted up a Japanese to English pokemon name listing. It'll be useful for all those that don't know what all the names are in Japanese. btw, I'm currently working on chapter #31. So far, it's coming along well, just that I can't quite seem to concentrate fully on writing... =D

01/14/03: The next chapter of the epic trainer is up, with Erik going for his first badge. The next few parts are somewhat on the short side, so, I'll post them up a bit more frequently.

01/08/03: Here I am again, with another chapter of GLR. And I've added a table contents for GLR, to make for easier catching up/finding certain back chapters.

01/01/03: Happy New Years to all. I'd just like to introduce myself. Some of you may already know me from TPM, as PlatinumHawke. While mostly active in the Other Anime forum, I have had a long running fanfic, entitled "Glory's Long Road" (aka GLR). Started back in July month of 2000 (atleast I think that's roughly where I started ^^;;), GLR started out as a humble trainer fic... oioi, let's not all run away at once here.

Now, as I was saying, GLR is a trainer fic, but I started this fic with the sole intention of staying away from the majority of mistakes that the average trainer-fic had. I brought in deeper characters, a differently different setting, and a plot-line inspired by Shin Seiki Evangelion.

Well, that's all for my introduction. Check back here for more updates in this "Blogger" post, as I like to call it. With all this said and done, here's the fic.

[====][====][====][====][====]

Table of Contents
---Prologue
Chapter 00 "Prologue"

---Blue League Arc
Chapter 01 "From Humble Beginnings"
Chapter 02 "First Trial"
Chapter 03 "Icy Greetings"
Chapter 04 "Downfall"
Chapter 05 "The Pit"
Chapter 06 "Iron Will"
Chapter 07 "Fire And Ice"
Chapter 08 "Hope"
Chapter 09 "Blue League: Round #1"
Chapter 10 "Hell Zone"
Chapter 11 "Survival"
Chapter 12 "Last Stand"
Chapter 13 "Unlikely Allies"



JAPANESE => ENGLISH
An`non = Unown..........Araidosu = Ariados........Arbo = Ekans
Arbokku = Arbok.........Arigeizu = Croconaw.......Azumaou = Seaking

Bakufun = Typhlosion....Bangeirasu = Tyranitar....Barriyadou = Mr.Mime
Baruki = Tyrogue........Batafurrii = Butterfree...Beiriifu = Bayleef
Beroringa = Lickitung...Betobetaa = Grimer........Betobeton = Muk
Biidoru = Weedle........Biriridama = Voltorb......Bubii = Magby
Burakkii = Umbreon......Buru = Snubbull...........Buubaa = Magmar
Buutsutaa = Flareon

Chiikoriita = Chikorita....Chonchii = Chinchou

Dagutoriro = Dugtrio....Denryuu = Ampharos........Deribaado = Delibird
Derubiru = Houndour.....Diguda = Diglett..........Dogaasu = Koffing
Dokukurage = Tentacool..Donfan = Donphan..........Doudariou = Dodrio
Douduo = Doduo

Eaamundo = Skarmory.....Ebiwaraa = Hitmonchan.....Eifui = Espeon
Eipamu = Aipom..........Erebuu = Electabuzz.......Erekiddo = Elekid

Faiyaa = Moltres........Fudin = Alakazam..........Fuoretosu = Forretress
Furiizaa = Articuno.....Fushigibana = Venusaur....Fushigidane = Bulbasaur
Fushigisou = Ivysaur

Gaaddi = Growlithe......Garagara = Marowak........Garura = Kangaskhan
Gayarodosu = Gyarados...Gengaa = Gengar...........Ghosu = Gastly
Ghosuto = Haunter.......Gomazou = Phanpy..........Gorikii = Machoke
Gorounya = Golem........Gorubatto = Golbat........Goruddakku = Golduck
Gouron = Graveler.......Guraigaa = Gligar.........Guranburu = Granbull
Gyaroppou = Rapidash

Haganeiru = Steelix.....Hakuryuu = Dragonair......Hanekko = Hoppip
Hapinasu = Blissey......Hariisen = Qwilfish.......Hassamu = Scizor
Herakurosu = Heracross..Herugaa = Houndoom........Hiimeguma = Teddiursa
Himanattsu = Sunkern....Hinoarashi = Cyndaquil....Hitodemon = Staryu
Hitokage = Charmander...Houhou = Hoothoot.........Houou = Ho-oh

Inomuu = Piloswine......Isitsubute = Geodude......Itomaruu = Spinarak
Ivui = Eevee............Iwaaku = Onix

Jugon = Dewgong

Kabigon = Snorlax.......Kabutou = Kabuto..........Kabutopusu = Kabutops
Kairikii = Machamp......Kairosu = Pinsir..........Kairyuu = Dragonite
Kameiru = Wartortle.....Kamekkaisu = Blastoise....Kamonegi = Farfetch'd
Kapoeraa = Hitmontop....Karakara = Cubone.........Keishii = Abra
Kentaurosu = Tauros.....Kereihana = Bellossom.....Kimawarii = Sunflora
Kingudora = Kingdra.....Kinguraa = Kingler........Kirinriki = Girafarig
Kodakku = Psyduck.......Koiking = Magikarp........Koiru = Magnemite
Kokoon = Kakuna.........Konpan = Venonat..........Koratta = Rattata
Kunugidama = Pineco.....Kurabii = Krabby..........Kurobattou = Crobat
Kusaihana = Gloom.......Kyuukon = Ninetales

Madazubomi = Bellsprout...Magukarugo = Magcargo...Magumaggu = Slugma
Magumarashi = Quilava.....Mantain = Mantine.......Mankii = Mankey
Mariru = Marill...........Mariruri = Azumarill....Marumain = Electrode
Matadogasu = Weezing......Magani = Meganium.......Menokurage = Tentacruel
Meripuu = Mareep..........Metamon = Ditto.........Miniryuu = Dratini
Mirutanku = Miltank.......Mokoko = Flaaffy........Monjara = Tangela
Morufon = Venomoth........Muuchuru = Smoochum.....Muuma = Misdreavus
Myuu = Mew................Myuutyuu = Mewtwo

Nasshii = Exeggutor.....Nazunokusa = Oddish.......Neitei = Natu
Neiteio = Xatu..........Nidoran Osu = Nidoran M...Nidoran Mesu = Nidoran F
Nidoriina = Nidorina....Nidoriino = Nidorino......Nidokingu = Nidoking
Nidokuin = Nidoqueen....Nokotchii = Dunsparce.....Nuou = Quagsire
Nyaasu = Meowth.........Nyorobon = Poliwrath......Nyoromo = Poliwag
Nyorotono = Politoed....Nyorozo = Poliwhirl.......Nyuura = Sneasel

Odoshishi = Stantler....Okorizaru = Primeape......Okuutan = Octillery
Omunaito = Omanyte......Omustaa = Omastar.........Onidoriru = Fearow
Onisuzume = Spearow.....Ootachi = Furret..........Otachi = Sentret
Oudairu = Feraligatr

Parasekuto = Parasect...Parazu = Paras............Parushen = Cloyster
Pauwau = Seel...........Pii = Cleffa..............Pijon = Pidgeotto
Pijott = Pidgeott.......Pikushii = Clefable.......Pippi = Clefairy
Popokko = Skiploom......Poppo = Pidgey............Putera = Aerodactyl
Pukurin = Wigglytuff....Pupurin = Igglybuff.......Purin = Jigglypuff
Perushian = Persian.....Piichu = Pichu............Pikachuu = Pikachu
Poniita = Ponyta

Raakkii = Chansey.......Raichuu = Raichu..........Rafureshiaa = Vileplume
Rantaan = Lanturn.......Rapurasu = Lapras.........Ratta = Raticate
Reakoiruu = Magneton....Redian = Ledian...........Rediba = Ledyba
Ringuma = Ursaring......Rizarddou = Charmeleon....Rizardon = Charizard
Rokon = Vulpix..........Ruujura = Jynx

Saidon = Rhydon.........Saihoun = Rhyhorn.........Sandaa = Zapdos
Sandaasu = Jolteon......Sanddo = Sandshrew........Sandopan = Sandslash
Saniigo = Corsola.......Satarumii = Starmie.......Sawamuraa = Hitmonlee
Serebii = Celebi........Sherudaa = Shellder.......Shiidora = Seadra
Shaawaazu = Vaporeon....Suikun = Suicune..........Supiaa = Beedrill
Suriipaa = Hypno........Sutippu = Drowzee.........Sutoraiku = Scyther

Tamatama = Exeggcute....Tattsuu = Horsea..........Teppouo = Remoraid
Togechikku = Togetic....Toransuru = Metapod.......Tosakinto = Goldeen
Tsubotsubo = Shuckle

Uindii = Arcanine.......Upaa = Wooper.............Urimuu = Swinub
Usokki = Sudowoodo......Utsubottou = Victreebell..Utsudon = Weepinbell

Waninoko = Totodile.....Wanrikii = Machop.........Watakko = Jumpluff

Yadokingu = Slowking....Yadon = Slowpoke..........Yadoran = Slowbro
Yamikarasu = Murkrow....Yanyanma = Yanma..........Yogirasu = Larvitar
Yorunozuku = Noctowl....Yungreaa = Kadabra

Zaanagiiratsuu = Pupitar...Zenigame = Squirtle....Zubatto = Zubat

Glory's Long Road: Episode #00 "Prologue"


CBS, Newfoundland


"Oh, and this looks like the end for Uindii, caught up in the coils of Gayarados." The massive blue serpent blasted an amber beam at the helpless black striped dog, wrapped up. The struggling of the Uindii continued as the stream of energy washed over it.

A young woman leant over a chesterfield, watching the image on the television screen. On the floor in front of the screen, was young boy of about five, watching the battle unfold. So concentrated was he on the match, he hardly noticed her approach until she spoke. "Still watching those old tapes son?" The boy's blue hair rustled as he turned around to his mother. She smiled warmly at his childhood innocense.

"Yah mom." He replied enthusiastically.

"Hon, why don't you go outside with other boys. It's such a fine today, too good to spend inside." The blue haired boy slowly arose from up off the floor and clicked off the VCR. As he left, he turned around to his mother. "Mom, someday I'll be on tv, just like those big boys." And with that, he ran to the door, and to the world outside. His mother walked over to the kitchen window, just over the sink, and watching her son play out in the backyard. Long blue strands lightly move in the gentle breeze from the window. From behind her, strong arms wrapped themselves around her slender waist. "He's quite a boy, isn't he?"

"He is. It still hurts me though every time he talks about becoming a trainer." Her voice was filled with sorrow, caused by the unobtainable dreams of her son. "That's something he has to learn about life dear."

"Erik, that's all he wants to be." She pleaded to her husband, trying to sway his decision. He finally gives in to her requests. "Well, I'll see what I can do for him Gillian."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

One month later


Erik's mother stood over a bowl, mixing up the batter for a cake, when Erik dashed by, on his way out the door. "Erik, could you come here for a minute." He stopped putting on his shoes, and glanced into the kitchen "Yes mom?" She knelt down to her son, apron bunching up as she does so. Behind her back, she held something out of sight. "Remember your birthday son?"

Hanging his head, Erik replied. "Yes..." Without fail, each year for his birthday and Christmas gift, all he wanted was a single pokemon, of any sort or description. It just had to be a pokemon he could call his own. But every year, he was let down. This year however...

Gillian brought out her arm from behind her back, revealing a ten centimeter orb, wrapped in a silver foil. "Here."

"Is... that...?" Overjoyed, Erik struggled to get his words out.

"Yes, it is. The town chipped in and bought it from the States. We planned to have it in time from your birthday, but things happened in the mail."

He took the ball from Gillian's hand, and hugs his mother. "I don't mind mom."

"Why don't you open it and see who you got." Erik toor off the wrapping and released the contents of the pokeball, as if expecting world to end the very next second. The red energy materialized into a small sandy coloured armadillo. It stared at Erik through black eyes and spoke it's name once. "Sanddo?"

"It's so neat, thanks mom."

"Don't thank me son, thank everyone."

"Ok, I do that. Come on Sanddo!" Now followed by Sanddo, he couldn't move fast enough to pull his shoes on, and go out to thank the town. Gillian finally got back up, just in time to see Erik and Sanddo dash past the kitchen window. "He's truly happy know." She thought to herself.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Two Years Later


Erik fell back into the rain moistened blades of grass, exhausted from the training for the day. Sanddo too joined him by his side, as the two watch the grey wisps of fog roll in from the ocean. The pair had been together for two years, but both felt as if they had spent a lifetime with each other.

For the past two years, everyday after-school, Erik had a single routine: Rush home from school, and train with Sanddo until either sun-down or when they became to tired to continue. Before, the two couldn't make it to half past six. But, it was already nearing nine o'clock by Erik's watch. All the time, trainer and pokemon were growing, both physically and mentally.

In another three years time, Erik would be old enough to obtain his trainer license. At that time, he and Sanddo would travel away to compete in a pokemon league. His mother had no problems with allowing Erik to leave home, and his father had picked up a good construction contract over in Europe, so money was also no problem.

Afar in the distance, a bolt of thunder struck to the ground, generating a wave of sound that was heard a while afterwards. The dark grey thunderclouds open up, dropping a great drenching downpour of rainwater. Heavy beads of cold rain felt refreshing, hitting sweaty skin. The aches of a hard day of training vanished under the beating action the rain. As quickly as it came, the rain slacked off to a light drizzle, stopping entirely. Erik shoke his soaked hair, getting some of the water out of it, inspiring Sanddo to do the same.

Downpours such as this barely fazed the ground type pokemon, which were normally weak to the element of water. Having lived in a damp and cold marine climate however, gave Sanddo a moderate resistance to the normal weak points of ground: Ice and Water. A resistance to such attacks could prove useful in combat.

Erik stood back up, planning on getting a change of clothes, and returning to training in the last moments of daylight. He ventured back to the house, but stopped halfway, as Sanddo wasn't behind him. Where Erik had left him, the small armadillo pokemon stood, motionless, awaiting something. An evolution perhaps? Erik had read up on events like this before, but had never actually seen a pokemon go to its next stage. The body of the Sanddo began to glow with a white energy, and rapidly changed shape. Jagged quills grew from its back, and knife-like claws took the place of small hands. Light receedes, revealing the new stage, Sandopan.

Erik's face lit up at his pokemon's evolution. Words could not express how happy he felt now. Getting out the wet clothes could wait, he wanted to get back to training, this time, with Sandopan.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Three years later


"What do you mean I can't go?" Erik burst out, half a cry at the fact he can't leave to go on his pokemon journey.

His mother does her best to calm him "Erik, I'm sorry."

"It's just no fair..."

"There just isn't enough money to send you. Its not easy to support you and your sister on my own. It would be different," Gillian stops for a moment. "...if your father was still alive..."

Let down, he barely mumbled. "I understand mom..."

"You do..." Mother hugs her son, at the fact that he accepted the truth. "Erik, you're such a mature young man. Don't you worry, I'm sure that you'll live out your dream."

"Promise?"

"Uhh..." She stuttered a bit before smiling in her usual manner. "Promise."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Five years later
St. John's, NF


The air of the room smelt heavily of antiseptics, the usual scent of a hospital. The odours always Erik hated, even more so now. He was now fifteen, dark blue hair grown out a bit from the crew cut of his childhood. In a small wooden chair he sat, next to a single white hospital bed, where his mother laid, death looming over. Her eyes appeared sunken back, with the skin ghostly pale and pulled taught. Only her sapphire hair remained as the last remnants of her once radiant beauty. "Erik, I'm..." Her voice dry and weak barely permitted her to speak with her son. Erik knew what she was saying though.

"I know... don't speak more than you have to."

But this was something she had to speak, something that had to be done while she could. "I want you to hear this before I die." Erik's mother breathed in deeply. Even the act of talking became labourious, yet she still continued on. "Erik, you've always been so strong willed, just like your father was. Ever since you were young, you had a dream, and every problem you had to face just made your determination that much greater. Son, I'm very proud of you. Take your inheritance, and go out on you journey that you were denied the last five years."

To his mother, on her deathbed, made a solemn and eternal promise. "Don't worry mom. I'll become the best trainer the world has ever known. I won't disappoint you."

A usual smirk grew across her face. For the last time. "Erik, how could you ever... disappoint me..." Slowly her eyes draw shut, accompanied by the horrible silence. Erik lowered his forehead to the back of his mother's hand, as the tears began to flow and stream down his face...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

One Week Later


Standing in the doorway to a medium sized split level, Erik awaited the arrival of his ride across the island. His sister approached from behind. Stands of dark purple hair wet with fresh tears from green eyes. "Are you leaving soon Erik?" She spoke, not wanting her older brother to leave. Once slowly he nodded. As if to keep him from leaving, Andrea wrapped her arms around him, crying into his shoulder. "Don't go away Erik."

It was always painful to see her like this. Brother and sister were very close to each other, sharing almost none of the stereotypical 'sibling rivalry'. "Don't worry Andrea, I'm not going away forever. You'll see me someday, maybe even on tv." Erik told her, trying to reassure Andrea. Words finally ceased the flow of tears, as Andrea burst out. "Really?"

"Really. Now you be a good girl and listen to Aunt Teresa and Uncle Max while I'm gone, alright?"

Once more did her arms squeeze around him, this time in a show of affection. "Alright." A blue VW van rolled into the driveway, though the old diesel engine was heard blocks way. His aunt emerged from upstairs, with a last farewell. "Erik, before you leave, I have something to give you." Andrea finally relinquished her hold on him. "What is it?" He asked.

"It's something your father got when he was your age." She passed him a small ring box, in which Erik opened it up, revealing a sapphire ring. He took the ring out, and holding by two fingers, gazing at it. This was the closest thing Erik had to his father. Even though he never rarely around, his inspiration was. Feeling of his father come back as he slipped the ring onto a finger. "He meant to give it to you himself."

"Things happen the way they should Aunt."

"They do." She stepped over to Erik. "You should be going."

Erik lightly hugged his aunt. "I should. See you later then." He grabbed his packsack, and walked out to the van, but not before waving his last goodbyes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

One Day Later
Port-Aux-Basques Harbour


The shoreline of the island Erik called home slowly faded from view, obscured by a veil of fog. Sandopan peered nervously through the iron railings, somewhat unnerved by the expanse of water. "Well, this seems like a good-bye for a while to our home." Erik says to his pokemon. Sandopan understood the full meaning of the words just spoken, and replied with his name, though touched with feelings of sadness.

Erik knelt down to his pokemon. Pooled water on the metal deck wet spots on Erik's pants. "But I know with you but my side, we'll come back victorious."

Simple words of encouragement restore life to Sandopan. Rising a claw into the air, he shouted with usual vigor. "Sanddo!"

"That's the spirit." Erik turned to have one last look at his home through the wisps of fog. 'I will keep my promise, no matter what.'


End Episode #00

You know, its hard to believe that a Sandshrew would evolve without even having one single battle. Other then that,its fine......

MK, it's called training.

Anyway, cool! Another TPM fic over here! Sad begining *sniffs*. So he starts out his journey with a Sandslash...hmm...

Anyway, nice fic. I didn't get to reading it at TPM, but I will now. *is much easier to read one chapter at a time with out new chapters pouring in*

*sits back and wait for the newer chapters of the Kanto saga*

We-want-Natsubrock!

Great to read this again. Even if I've read this 1...2...3...4...7..4...8...5...39...100...87...22...*continues "counting"* a huge lot of times.

As for Sandlash, why not? He's add the pokemon for two years already, battling or not. There's more to evolving than battle experience in fanfics (and the animé).

Meta: Like B said in his reply, Sandshrew was over 2 years old when he did evolve

pmf: Nobody uses a Sandslash much in fics. He's just so highly under-rated. And you'll find out why I gave Erik a Sandslash down the road. [/not so subtle foreshadowing]

B: You'll be liking the next few chapters with Natsume.

Glory's Long Road: Episode #01 "From Humble Beginnings..."


The air of the ferry's old dining hall smelt, or reeked, of cigarette smoke and sea salt. Nearly all of the seats and tables of the hall were taken up. The only exception: Once across from Erik. Resting chin in palm, he contemplated a few of minor issues that still remained. Beside Erik is Sandopan, tucked up into a spiny ball of quills, rocking in time with the list of the boat.

"Mind if I sit here?" A voice drew Erik from his thoughts. He glanced up to see a young man, around seventeen. The youth was rather ill-dressed, noticeable by the faded denim jacket, and faded everything else. Shags of unkempt black hair protrude from under a trucker's cap. At least he was somebody to have a conversation with.

"No, don't mind." The teen sat down in the only empty chair, laying a red plastic tray on the tabletop. "Thanks. It's hard as hell to find a place to sit down and eat during lunch." Erik passed on a warning as the teen went to eat his sandwich. "Food's not the greatest though."

"What do you mean?" With one bite, his face, for an instant, became devoid of colour. Forcing himself to, he swallowed the vile food. "Never mind. I see what you mean." He tossed the sandwich back onto the tray, and slid it away. His eyes take note of the still napping Sandopan. "Is that your pokemon in the chair beside you?"

"Yes he is."
"Where'd you get him? Sanddo and Sandopan aren't native to these parts."

"My hometown bought him from the States for my birthday." The untidy teen's eyebrows jumped up slightly. "You mean, you weren't just given one like most beginning trainers?"

"Nope. The nearest place that gave out pokemon was St. John's, almost an hours drive from where I lived."
"I see."
"Did you get one?"

"Sure did. Had to wait a long time to get him though." He removed a pokeball from inside his jacket, and released the contents onto the now vacant chair beside him. From the energy, a Arigeizu took form. He rubbed it's sizable jaw, taking pride in it's destructive potential. "Looks tough." Erik complimented. "He is. Arigeizu here has won me a good few fights. I think he'll soon be evolving as well."

"His adult from, Oudairu, should be an even better fighter, given his high attack and defense ratings."
"Never knew that."
"You didn't?"

He shook his head, admitting to a slight case of ignorance. "I just heard people say he was really good. Guess I know why now." He stopped for a moment. "Never got your name."

"It's Erik Iverson."
"Nice to meet you Erik. I'm Guy Mares." The two trainers shook the other's hand, a sure sign of respect. "Where you going to anyway?"

"I'm about to start collecting badges."
"Down to Halifax I take it."
"One of the gyms is down there, right?"
"Yes. But it's a water gym. That'll be a problem for your Sandopan."
"I'll manage to work something out."
"Hope you do."
"Don't worry. I've waited too long just to lose."

Just as Erik finished up what he has to say, the captain of the ferry cut in over the PA system. "Your attention please. We are about to arrive at North Sydney harbour. Owners of vehicles are asked to return to them, and await for disembarking."
"Say Erik, do you need a ride down to Halifax?"
"Wouldn't mind one."
"Alright then, let's go."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Several Hours Later
Halifax Waterfront


A dull, not to mention loud, blue Mustang slowed to a stop. Guy stepped out to allow Erik and Sandopan to get out from the back seat. "There you are." Guy pointed to a large group of people over beside a building on the waterfront. "The gym here usually sponsors a small tournament for the trainers. Mostly there's just beginners, but there are a few older trainers. And the payout is alright too."

"Thanks man."

"No problem." Guy tipped the peak his hat as he got back into the car. "See you at the Blue League, if you make it in time."

Erik reassured him on possibility of them meeting again. "I'll be there." He walkd over to the ever growing crowd as Guy's Mustang pelt away in a screech of tyres and cloud of smoke. A small table is their destination. The woman greeted them with a smile, pen in hand to sign them up for the tournament. "Here for the tournament son?"

"Yes ma'am."
"Name and pokemon please."
"Erik Iverson, and I have a Sandopan."
"Just one?" She replied, just a bit shocked.

"Yep."

"I just thought it a little odd that someone your age would have only have one pokemon." She wrote down the information, and handed Erik a slip of paper with a number onto it. "We'll announce when your fight is next."

"Thanks." He said as he took the number. To pass the time before the match, Erik and Sandopan walked over to the edge of the docks, to get a good view of the schooners used for ocean tours. "This is where it all begins."

"Pan."

"From humble beginnings, the road to glory starts." Sandopan gazed up at him. Erik looks down and smiled, rubbing his pokemon's forehead. "Don't worry though, we'll make it to the end of that road together." Sandopan nods.

A loudspeaker crackled, attached to one of the nearby light poles. "Next up: #46 vs. #39." Erik takes glance at his number, #46.

"That's us Sandopan."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A crowd of spectators formed a square opening around chalk lines marked on the asphalt. Erik and Sandopan stood at one end, while a young boy stood at the opposite end. Throwing out a pokeball, the boy shouted. "Go Katerupii." The small green caterpillar materialized near the center of the ring. "Take it away Sandopan." Sandopan marched out to the center of the ring, claws held high. The two pokemon stared each other down until the word 'Go.'

"Katerupii, String Shot." The worm released a thin white thread of silk. Sandopan held up its right claw, allowing the silk to wrap around it. With a quick lift and a drop of the entwined claw, Sandopan snapped the Katerupii around like a whip, slamming it into the hard ground.

Hauling back his right claw, Sandopan reeled in the dazed worm, before striking it away with the back of the left claw. The force of the blow snaps the fine filament, allowing Katerupii to limply hit the ground, and slid to a stop in front of Mikey. The boy recalled his pokemon and quickly left. Sandopan strode back to Erik, all smiles over his first victory.

"Don't be too confident now. It was only a Katerupii."

"Pan."

"You're right there. May it be the first of many."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Late Afternoon


"And this has been an exciting tournament. We are now ready for the last match of the day, between Erik and local champion, Joe." The announcer stated, getting the crowd ready for the final match. The two combatants stoodd at the opposite ends of the ring.

"I've been seeing what you're doing. Takes a *real* trainer to do that, beating up on kids."

"It's within the rules. Besides, It'll only toughen them up a bit."

"Whatever." He threw out a pokeball. "Teach 'em a lesson Sutoraiku." The red energy formed a tall mantis like pokemon, scraping it's blades together with a dull metallic shriek.

'Sutoraiku, quick but lacking defense.' Erik reminded himself of prior knowledge as Sandopan marched out to meet the mantis.

"Sutoraiku, won't even take a hit from your slow Sandopan." A grin crept across Joe's face. "Fury Swipes." The insect pokemon quickly zipped forward, slashing its scythes in a berserk fashion. The sharp clicks of clashing cuticle resound each time Sandopan blocked Sutoraiku's attack. Halting its attack, Sutoraiku flapped its wings once, quickly moving back. "Slash Attack." Sandopan made a powerful lunge, swiping its left claw. Again, Sutoraiku fell back. "Not bad. But try to keep up with this. Sutoraiku, Double Team." Possessing cat-like quickness, Sutoraiku began jumping around at an extreme speed, creating multiple images of itself. Sandopan held his ground, watching the flickering images.

"Cut Attack!" Sandopan's ears twitch once, detecting a faint rush of wind, and spun around, left claw held out. This claw pierced into Sutoraiku's side, tearing a red line through flesh. Impaled partially onto the nail, Sutoraiku hung in mid-air, mouth open, and blades held high. Sandopan ripped the claw out, dragging with it a few drops of red blood. He quickly jumped up, and with a hard spin kick, slamming Sutoraiku into the pavement. The mantis made no effort to return to combat. Joe recalled his Sutoraiku.

"Good job Sandopan." Erik said, as he walked out to his pokemon.

Joe remained confused as to how he lost the match in such a short length of time. "How did he manage to do that?" Erik explained to Joe just what happened. "Sandopan heard your Sutoraiku just before it struck."

"I see. Have to work on that sound problem then. Thanks for the tip..." Pokeball and pointer in hand, Joe disappeared into the crowd.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Twilight


Erik and Sandopan sat on the edge of a pier, legs dangling off the salt encrusted lumber. Quietly, Erik thumbed through a bundle of bills. "Not bad for a days work." Sandopan agrees in his own little way. Pocketing the cash, Erik stood back up, wiping the accumulated dirt off the back of his pants. "I'd say we should get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a hard day." With the stars beginning to shine bright above, Sandopan and Erik strode down the pier.


End Episode #01

Hm. Never was too fond of that "Time of the day/location" introduction to each separate part, but it isn't bad. We're certainly not quite in the interesting stuff yet (ie, interesting near-mythical creatures, Natsubrock, legends, Natsubrock, Karin, Natsubrock, Kanna, Natsubrock, etc)...:)

B: The "Time/Location" bits are what you can call, the last remnants of the (n00b) days when GLR was a script fic... Teh horrors...

Anyway, new chapter.

----------

Glory's Long Road: Episode #02 "First Trial"


With a new day just begun, Erik and Sandopan stood together outside a rather large building. A row of marble pillars lead to a door, a few metres away. The sun's rays caught the minerals in the rock columns at a low angle, giving them a glistening appearance. The hedgehog glanced upward, wondering why they had not proceeded in yet. "Sand?" Erik looked down, seeing Sandopan pointing a claw at the door to the gym. "Just needs a second to get ready." Erik took a single deep breath, an attempt to sedate his nerves. "Let's go." And with that, the two proceeded down the row of marble pillars to the door. Lightly pushing it open, Erik and Sandopan stepped into the gym, greeted only by the smell of chlorine in the air. The gym area is empty, except for two girls standing by the pool.

One was a fairly tall blonde, hair to her shoulders, dressed in regular blue jeans and a green top. The other was somewhat shorter, with her long purple hair in a ponytail. She wore a black swimsuit, which had an amethyst sarong wrapped around her waist. The blonde took notice of Erik's entrance.

"Hmm, somebody's here early."

"Indeed." The purple haired girl mentioned back. "You here for a battle?"

"Yes I am." Erik answered, stopping at the edge of the pool. The blonde stepped beside the other woman, to whisper in her ear. "Angela, you notice what he has?" She did her best to keep her voice down. "It's kinda hard not to Lise."

"Don't you think it would be a tad harsh to simply blow this guy away?" Angela twirled several strands of long purple hair around her finger. "You're right, especially when he's so cute with his blue hair and all." Her sister blankly stared at her for that last remark. "What?!"

"Nothing." Erik interrupted into the conversation of the two sisters, "Umm, ladies?"

"Sorry about that." Angela apologized. She looked out over the pool. "Carlie, come here for a minute!" A few moments passed before a young girl, around 12, broke the surface of the water, and climbed out of the pool. Her orange hair clung to her wet skin. "Yah sis?" Lise pointed to Erik. "This guy here wants to have a battle, and we'd thought we would leave it up to you."

"Really!" Her elder sister nodded in agreement. "Alright. How does a one on one sound to you?"

"Perfectly fine." Sandopan began to sharpen his claws against one another, anticipating the rush of battle. "Ok." Carlie clapped her hands twice. "Satarumii, come out." From the pool behind her, a purple Satarumii burst from under the surface of the water. Slowly, it floated down beside its trainer. As the two step aside for the battle, Lise shouted out to her little sister. "Get ready for this." Carlie nodded, signaling Lise to start up a stopwatch. "Go!"

Taking the opening attack, Erik issued first orders. "Slash." Sandopan lunged inward, left claw drawn back. "Dive back into the water." At the last possible moment, Satarumii dropped back into the pool. Skidding on the wet concrete, the hedgehog barely came to a halt. Uneasily, he teetered on the edge, nearly falling into the water. This isn't good. Erik cursed to himself.

"Knock him in with a Swift." Satarumii shot out of the water once more, and firing a volley of stars from its central core. Sandopan regained its balance in time to step back from the edge, and block a few stars from the poorly aimed Swift. He stopped for a moment, looking at the distant Satarumii. Touching claw tips together, he forged off a small orb of yellow-green energy. From this, he fired a burst of stars. The tightly packed Swift slams into Satarumii, each hit knocking it back slightly.

Carlie decided on a change of strategy. "Come in and finish this with a Water Jet." Satarumii flew toward Sandopan, who steped back further away from the pool. The purple starfish stopped a quarter metre from its target, and beginning to spin around. Turning back on, Sandopan shut his quills, laying them flat to his back, as spinning seastar unleashed a quick barrage of water shots.

"That's it." From the sidelines, Lise encouraged Carlie on. Satarumii slowly stopped its rotation. With a slight amount of spray, Sandopan returned his quills back to their normal positions. He turned back to face Satarumii.

"It survived the attack?" Angela got out, stunned as the assault continued. Sandopan jumped up, slashing a thin cross into the red crystal. On the descent down, the hedgehog carved two more deep parallel grooves, dragging the floating star down. Staemii attempted to move away, but is met with a shattering roundhouse. The force of the impact crushed its core, and tossed the star out into the pool, landing with a splash. Angela quickly recalled the fainted Satarumii for her sister. Lise showed Angela the stopwatch, not quite believing the time given. "Only a minute five to win. He's good."

"Definitely." Angela removed a small blue hexagon-shaped badge off her sarong and tossed it over to Erik, who caught it with one hand. "There's the Turquoise badge for your victory. But I would like a match, if you don't mind."

"You good to go Sandopan?" Having recovered from the first battle, he quickly agreed.

"Well then, Nyorozo go." Angela held out a pokeball, and released out the tadpole. "Open up with Double Slap." The tadpole darted forward, making wide swipes with open hands at Sandopan. Each time, the slaps were blocked by a forearm, but at the cost of ground lost.

"Sandopan..." She cut him off. "Nyorozo, grab a hold of its arms." Using its speed, Nyorozo grasped Sandopan by the arms. Erik's pokemon attempted to struggle free, but to no avail. "Bubble Beam." The blue tadpole tilted back its head, taking in a deep breath. Sensing an opportunity, Sandopan jumped into the air. Just as Nyorozo brang his head back forward, it was met by a hard drop kick to the face. The impact broke the grip, sending the hedgehog to the ground on its back.

"Finish it." Rolling off his back, Sandopan charged toward the dazed Nyorozo. Throwing his weight into the attack, Sandopan slammed the back of his left claw into the side of Nyorozo's head. This proved to be the knock out blow. Angela recalled her pokemon even before he begins to fall. "Incredible. That Sandopan just took out two water types, and shows few signs of slowing down." She glanced to her sister, looking to get her to do battle. "Hey sis, you going to have a shot."

The eldest only shook her head in refusal. "Not now." Purple eyebrows rose up as Angela turned back to Erik. "Woah, you got Lise frightened. Now that's something else." Taking all this modestly, Erik downplayed the pair of wins "It's nothing, seriously." He looked to Sandopan. "We'd best be going. See you around." With that, Erik and Sandopan walk to the exit.

Once Erik was out of earshot the youngest piped up. "Lise, how come you didn't fight that guy?"

"No reason."

"Are you sure that's the truth?" The only reply Angela got from Lise was a simple grin as she spun a pokeball on a finger.


End Episode #02

Might want to do some editing of those parts to remove those last bits of scriptyness ; there's also something with the language early in this one that's a bit awkward.

Oh, and ONE note : Bring up your japadex, Hawke. People will want to have an idea what any strange pokemon and attack you mention is, and they will also want to know what's the english name of those usual poke you mention.

Now that the tedious stuff is done with, great story ;)

Oh yea... I kinda forgot about posting up the old list of names. For the folks that have no idea about the Japanese names, a full list will be posted in the blogger post. I'll probably bring back the old GLR-dex as well for all of my new pokemon.

Glory's Long Road: Episode #03 "Icy Greetings"


A long train wound its way through a freshly defrosted boreal forest. The lead locomotive blasted its loud air horn. The sudden noise scattered various pokemon of the forest, sending a flock of hued Poppos into the air before resettling in the evergreen trees. Sandopan peered out a window of the train car, head eagerly twitching back and forth, attempting to see every needle on the trees, as if they would soon vanish. Lulled by the rhythmic clacking and gentle bobbing, Erik slept up right on the leather covered seat. Turning to Erik, Sandopan nudged at his trainer from across the table in between the two bench seats. He tried once more, nudging slightly harder and crying his name in an excited manner. This time, Sandopan was successful in his attempt to rouse Erik from his sleep. Groggily, Erik looked toward Sandopan. The pokemon spoke its name twice more as it pointed out the window. A smile appeared across Erik's face. 'Sandopan, you're always curious about new things.' Erik thought to himself as he glanced out the window as well.

'But this is also the first time I've seen this. Why am I not as interested in the scenery?' An image of his young sister came to mind, leaving Erik with an understanding of why. He, despite his age, was homesick. Nearly a week and a half into his journey, Erik found himself several hundred kilometres from a home he has never left before. He shakes it off. He knew that this day would arrive. Erik would have had to leave in order to pursue his dream, and promise, to become a true master at the art of training and raising pokemon. "Pan." Instead of its usual encouraging, voice Sandopan spoke in a tone hinting toward amazement. Erik looked toward his pokemon's pointing. In the distance, about 50 or so kilometres away, an ore refinery towered over the trees, releasing billowing clouds from smoke stacks. "That's what they call the Wabush Ore Refinery." Sandopan nodded, acknowledging the fact that those words hold significance, despite not actually understanding that significance.

Erik, however, knew the significance of that refinery. The iron ore refinery was located in the city of Wabush, were his next challenge lay. From his pocket, Erik took out a small index card Guy had written up for him during the trip from Sydney to Halifax. Semi-neatly written on the card were the locations of every gym, all eight of them in the Canadian division of the Blue League. One, the Turquoise badge, was checked off. Erik's sights were set on checking off another badge, the Oxide badge.

His eyes looked up from the card, to Sandopan. This was his first and only pokemon. Although he served Erik well, there was a need for more. In a decade, Sandopan had trained himself very hard for this. But Erik knew it was just too much to ask for, to have a lone pokemon bear the entirety of battles. The higher up tournaments would eventually wear him down, despite Sandopan's endurance and fighting skills. From his belt, Erik unclipped a shrunken down pokeball, one of which this aunt Teresa gave him before leaving. He rolled the tiny white and red orb in his palm. Possible pokemon he could capture with a single capture ball flood his mind as another horn blast disrupts the placid forest.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The train disembarked from the station back to Halifax from where it came. Erik and Sandopan watched from a hill as it slowly pulled away. Shivering, Erik zipped his coat up. Springtime did not necessarily mean warm temperatures in the Labrador interior. Sandopan looked up, as if to ask, "You're cold for what reason?" Erik got up from the rock. "Shall we go?" An eager nod was his reply. The two started to walk into the forest, but not before hearing a fluttering of wings behind them. They turn around to see a Poppo, feeding on a patch of partridge berries by the rock. The bird's striking white and pale blue plumage signify it as the Arctic sub-species.

Not needing any encouragement, Sandopan darted after its quarry. The Poppo takes flight in time to avoid a claw swipe. Quickly, it gained altitude. Tucking wings in, the Poppo darted down, dive bombing into Sandopan, who was expecting a more docile foe. "Give it a Sand Attack." Complying with the orders, Sandopan breathed out a cloud of dust. With a flapping of wings, Poppo dispersed the dust, only to reveal a Sandopan in mid-air, claw drawn back. Sandopan swung its left claw around, connecting with Poppo across the chest. The small bird was knocked back, but quickly regained control of its flight. Sandopan made several more jumping swipes, but wisely, the Poppo kept altitude between itself and the slashing pokemon.

"Swift it down." Touching claws together, Sandopan deployed a volley of stars. A graceful barrel roll moved Poppo out of the Swift's path. Going from that roll, the bird pokemon banked, zipped over Sandopan's head, and stopped in mid-air as it performed a hairpin turn. Before Sandopan can turn around to face the Poppo, the bird had already begun to flap its wings at a high velocity, forming a swirling mass of artificial snow and ice.

To caught up in generating a localized flurry, the Poppo failed to notice a rapidly descending stick, until it struck. Immediately, the snow cyclone subsided, showing Sandopan lightly dusted with ice, holding a long stick in its claws. Realizing it was in over its head, the Poppo made a break for the woods. Sandopan rushed ahead of the injured Poppo and jumped into a tree. Using the tree like a springboard, Sandopan kicked off of it, gaining further height. Bringing the stick down like a sword, Sandopan connected once again.

Erik took a pokeball of his belt, enlarged the ball and threw it at Poppo. Both Sandopan and the pokeball land on the ground at the same time. A single dong resounded from the ball, indicating a successful capture. Sandopan picked up the ball, and carried it over to Erik. "Thanks." Erik reached down, took the ball, and attached it to his belt. "Good job." Sandopan looked back with his usual exuberant glint in his eye.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A small camp fire illuminated a freshly set up camp site. Erik sat by the fire, simply holding a pokeball, watching its reflection from the fire light. Sandopan sat nearby, pruning its quills. In the distance, the nighttime howling of Lupus pierce through the cold night air. Erik released the newly captured Poppo onto his shoulder. The small bird stretched out a wing before chirping loudly. Erik held up a small blueberry to Poppo. Now calmed down, Poppo gently took the berry from Erik's fingers. Another Lupus howl split the night, scaring each of the three to some degree. Sandopan turned to the woods, claws held to the side in a usual intimidation pose.

"Easy there Sandopan. Those wolves won't come around here." Sandopan made a hurried pointing motion to the edge of the forest. Erik turned around to see ice wolves enter in from the shadows, led by an equally large female. "Oh dammit." The female shook her head once to the right and once to the left, ordering the two to spread out. Sandopan jumped in front of Erik, claws drawn across his face and quills fully flared. The female bared fangs and lunges. A quick sidestep avoided the attack, as Sandopan batted the wolf across the muzzle with the back of a claw. Again the Lupus lunged at Sandopan, this time with her front paws raised. The strike knocked Sandopan over, but a tuck and roll saved Erik's pokemon from being caught under the female Lupus. Uncurling from this ball, Sandopan rose back to his feet and rushed back to attack.

Meanwhile, the two males slowly made their way toward Erik, eyes half open and white canines exposed. Poppo took off from Erik's shoulder, hovering behind him. Quickly, she generated a dust could around Erik. He felt a tug at his hair from Poppo. Erik stepped out of the dust cloud, leaving the charging hounds free to blindly run into each other.

As the two wolves got back up, Poppo landed a half metre from the campfire. She held out her right wing in front of her, flicking the primary feathers several times, inviting the wolves to attack first. One readily acceptted the invite, and charges toward Poppo. With a hard opening and shutting of her wings, the snow Poppo laid down a thin sheet of ice in front of her. Using a burst of agility, Poppo got out of the Lupus' path. The ice hound attempted to sharply turn, however slipped on the slick ice, directly into the fire. Several painful yelps resound from the wolf before it rolled out of the fire, and retreated back into the woods.

The other male Lupus stared down at Poppo before firing an Ice Beam. The bird took to the air, and pulled back her wings. Small ice crystals form on the four outer most feathers. Quickly, she brought her wings forward, releasing eight thin ice needles. The fast moving daggers grazed by the male's face, save for one, which embedded itself in the right eye. The Lupus recoils in pain from the disabling wound. Poppo repeated the attack, landing each needle in the wolf's side. It too disappeared back into the woods.

With the tides now turned, the female slunk back as Sandopan and Poppo edge closer. The Lupus drew her lips back into a snarl, front teeth showing a coat of frost. Shifting weight to the hind legs and driving forward, the frost wolf lunged in a desperate strike. In a hasty defense, Sandopan covered its face using his right arm. Cold canine teeth knife through flesh. Though grimacing, Sandopan stabbed at Lupus' muzzle. Still the grip remained.

Poppo dropped down into the foray, right onto the snout of the wolf, beginning to bat at the eyes. Distracted by the bird, Lupus released its bite to snap at Poppo. Only sheer speed prevented the snow bird from being eaten. Turning, Lupus took another snap at the fluttering bird.

Turning a bind eye proved to be a costly error. Sandopan rushed toward Lupus, shoulder down low. Striking side on, Sandopan knocked the wolf off her feet. Laboured, the female attempted to stand up. Before she can do so, Erik took a pokeball off his belt, and pitched it at the struggling wolf. It hit and entrapped her. The small orb landed on the ground, rocked a few times. Then, stopped.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Erik picked up the pokeball. However, his attention was drawn to Sandopan. On his right arm were a pair of bleeding puncture wounds, one on top and one on the bottom. Erik searched through his nearby pack, pulling out a small first aid kit. "You did a good job there." Erik said to his two pokemon as he tended to Sandopan's injuries. After wrapping a layer of gauze around Sandopan's arm, Erik looked down to the city below the hill. 'Tomorrow, I'll have another badge, and be one step closer to the Blue League.'


End Episode #03

Glory's Long Road: Episode #04 "Downfall"


The sun hung low in the tundra sky, having just arisen from under the horizon. Dry, bitterly cold air remained still as Erik made his way to the Wabush City gym, the Oxide Gym. Sandopan trailed behind, barely keeping up with Erik. Just on the outskirts of the city, a large building stood, covered with a rippled metal siding. Rays of light bounced off the steel, creating a glaring reflection. A great set of iron doors opened with a groan as Erik pushed them apart. Inside the building was a large open pit, almost 10 metres across. Crushed and shattered rock fill the pit, glinting with the iron ore in the stone. "Who goes there?" From the far end immersed in shadows, heavy voice bellowed out.

"A trainer, wishing for a gym battle." A lone man appeared from the darkness. Drab overalls and a scratched yellow hardhat were all the man wore. "So I see." He took a pokeball off his overalls belt. "I, Niko, accept your challenge. Two-on-Two, no time limit." With a throw, Niko sent out a small Koiru. Sandopan, readily got prepared to do battle. However, Erik outstretched his hand, keeping Sandopan back. From his belt, Erik removed a pokeball, and released Lupus into the depths of the pit. The ice wolf circled the floating magnet, not sure what to make of it. "Thundershock." Having received first orders, Koiru discharged a thin bolt of electric energy. Although temporarily, Lupus winced in pain from the sudden shock. Responding to the attack, Lupus answered back with an Ice Beam. Dodging as best it can, Koiru evaded most of the beam, allowing its right side magnet to be encased in ice. Weighed down by the ice, the Koiru dropped down to the ground, landing awkwardly on its side.

"Crunch attack." Tilting her head to the side, Lupus powerfully clamped down on the hapless Koiru. A few shakes of the head, and it was thrown aside into the rocks with a resounding thud. Niko quickly recalled the downed Koiru. "Impressive." He sent out his second pokemon. A red insectoid appears in front of Lupus. Before she can react, the red pokemon slammed the broad side of its pincer-hand into Lupus, rendering her unconscious.

Erik recalled the injured wolf, and gave the word Sandopan was waiting for. "Go." With that, Sandopan charged forward, leaping down into the pit. It landed in front of the armoured insect, taking a scraping slash against the metal. "Hassamu, Agility." A quick flap of wiry wings drew Hassamu back a bit, before disappearing in a burst of speed. Puffs of dust and hard clacks arose as the bug blazed around the confines of the pit. Sandopan stayed put, tracking the Hassamu's movements by the sounds.

"Metal Claw." Reappearing in front of the hedgehog, Hassamu struck forward, pincer held open. Only centimetres separated Sandopan and the clamping claw as he hopped back. Hassamu moved forward, slashing with its right claw, only to be blocked by Sandopan. Using its other claw, Hassamu slashed again. Sandopan attempted to block with his right claw, but the injury sustained from the previous day hindered his ability. The block remained for a moment, before dropping. Hassamu's left claw, having been released, shot to the side. Seizing a strike, the steel pokemon snapped its left claw back, hitting Sandopan in the face. Helplessly, Sandopan partly spun around from the blow, and received a last hit in the back of the head. Limply, the hedgehog fell onto the rocky ground, as did a little piece of Erik.


End Episode #04

Heh, the chapter where Eric get beaten. Hmmm...just a quick note, but you should throw one or two more defeats his way in the later leagues. Wouldn't want to make it seems like he's going all *GADSP* NEWBIE TRAINER on those leagues ;).

Anyway, still waiting for Natsubrock.

*whacks B for mentioning n00b NTs in GLR*
Don't worry, I'll keep this from falling into the "trainer w/ god-mode on" fic.

Anyhow, new chapter.

------

Glory's Long Road: Episode #05 "The Pit"


Sitting on the edge of an abandoned open pit mine, a cold twilight wind flowed. Memories of the loss continued to burn within Erik's mind. Like a tape playing in a loop, Hassamu's final blow on Sandopan mentally repeated itself. Throwing a rock, Erik cursed aloud, although nobody could possibly hear the expended rage. Sandopan looked up from tending the wound. Never before had Erik become as volatile as he was now. He went to stand, but decided against it. Silence would do more to calm Erik's fury than words would.

Battles would have to be lost. Erik had over come hurdles before. Defeats would be no different. Over a shoulder, a glittering rock was thrown, landing in a metallic clank. The fact remained that nobody liked to lose, even though half would. Erik sighed. Losing was inevitable. Even the greatest lost. What set the greats apart from the rest was how they lost. Each and every downfall suffered merely added to their drive for victory. Rolling a stone veined with cobalt in his palm, Erik realized that he must adopt that way of thinking in order to ascend. Finally freeing his mind, Erik again tossed a stone over his back. The same metallic clank resounded.

Clank? He had heard the same noise before, yet was too involved with his train of thoughts to think anymore of it. Turning around, Erik looked to see what exactly he has been hitting. Down in the lowest point of the shallow pit, restrf a pokemon. In spite of all Erik's knowledge about the more than three hundred known pokemon species, this one escaped him.

Nearly five metres in its full length, stretching from snout to tip of tail. Short limbs armed with thick talons held the underside only a few centimetres from off the ground. Heavy metal plates shone in the last rays of the dying sun, except for a twisted ridge running the full course of its back.

Surely a pokemon this rare had to be good, especially in a rematch with Niko. Throwing caution to the wind, Erik engaged the unknown. "Sandopan, go for it!" The pokemon awoke with a start as Sandopan dropped down into the pit. The silver alligator anticipated this arrival, swinging around its massive tail. Hitting like a semi, the collision threw Sandopan into the embankment.

Before dust and rock could settle, the unknown ripped a beam of white energy at Sandopan. He evaded the attack itself, but not the wave that came after it. The silver aimed another beam ahead of Sandopan. Kicking off a boulder kept the hedgehog from suffering the energy beam. Several more times, the silver attempted to strike with the beam. And several more times Sandopan evaded the attack by jumping around the pit. The silver halted its attack, leaving Sandopan to rest his lungs.

"You're a fast little bastard, aren't you?" Unexpectedly, the silver spoke in a deep voice. Normally, pokemon could only speak a sole thing, their name. This was proving to be a truly unusual monster. "See if you can dodge this." The silver taunted, before forging a ball of energy in its mouth, and launching it like a mortar shell.

Gracefully, it arced in the air, and exploded only a short distance from Sandopan. Many orblets scattered around the small area, detonating as they hit rock. The mine filled with the continuous blasting of the energy rain.

The dust was cleared off by the gentile wind. Sandopan still stood, arms crossed over his face. Bloody, yet still able for combat. The silver leered at him. "Managed to survive that? Most impressive, but here be the end." Great talons tore into the rock, bracing for the upcoming attack. The silver opened its mouth, allowing streams of energy to condense within. Bigger and bigger, the ball of power grew, eventually filling the alligator's open jaws. With a tremendous recoil, the silver activated the attack. Knifing through the air, blue-white energy flowed toward Sandopan.

Leaping back and kicking off saved Sandopan from the devastating explosion. High into the air, the hedgehog radiated a light. The radiance reminded Erik of Sandshrew's evolution into his present form, but however slightly different. The light was forced off into a shell, and Sandopan torpedoes into the silver.

Like the impact of a meteorite, the slamming of Sandopan into the silver sent tremors through the earth and debris into the air. The cloud receded, leaving the strewn bodies of the two fighters on the ground. Erik pitched a capture ball at the downed silver. It entrapped the alligator inside, but violently quaked after closing. The ball nearly broke open, stopped only by Sandopan holding it together. Continuing still, the ball shuddered. Gradually, the motions degraded into a light shaking, ending with the extinguishing of the red light.

Victory at the Oxide gym would surely go to Erik with this new capture.


End Episode #05