Chapter 4 – Cleavers

"Why are we taking Route 111? Shouldn’t we head through Asven and use its southern exit to reach Route 107? I see Route 110 connects to it," Elduran said, peering at his map.

"That's a terrible idea. Believe it or not, the Ashen Sky Volcano is actually considered less hazardous than the Valt Swamp. By traversing Ashen Sky, we limit our time in the swamp to maybe two days after leaving the volcano. Plus, we'll reach Dirthrow at least two to three days earlier," Aisha explained.

"You figured all this out through the forums too?" Elduran remarked.

"No, I just checked Tenera.gov. All the regional information is there. Valt Swamp is listed among the most dangerous locations. Do you want me to show you how to access the internet? Or perhaps how to type a website into that phone of yours?" Aisha teased Elduran.

"Is it customary for you to address your elders in such a manner?" Elduran inquired.

"Only the ones who are grouchy," Aisha responded.

"Duly noted," Elduran remarked.

As Elduran and Aisha journey through the Asven Easter farms, the landscape offers a serene tapestry of rolling fields dotted with patches of wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. The sun shines warmly, casting soft, golden light across their path. Throughout the fields, friendly Pokémon roam quietly, contently munching on the abundant grasses or fluttering about, paying little attention to the passing travelers. A pair of Wooloo lazily graze nearby, while a playful Skitty scampers up a tree, its tail twirling like a ribbon.

They transition from the orderly expanse of the farms into a stark, open terrain blanketed in deep black soil. This change is a signal of their approach towards the Ashen Sky Volcano. The vegetation dwindles rapidly, leaving behind a barren landscape that seems to stretch endlessly.

The air carries a slightly acrid scent, mingled with the heat that rises from the dark earth beneath their feet. Without the shade of trees, the sun's rays feel more intense, casting long shadows that add to the starkness of their surroundings.

The black soil stretches out in every direction, creating an otherworldly tapestry beneath their feet. The ground is uneven, with subtle ridges and undulations that hint at the powerful geological activity beneath.

The air is thick with the scent of minerals, and the horizon seems to shimmer with a heat haze, lending a dreamlike quality to the scene. Without the cover of trees, the sun scorches the open ground, its intense light casting shadows that shift and dance as if alive.

Interspersed across the terrain, Geodude blend seamlessly into the rocky outcrops, their tough, stone-like bodies providing perfect camouflage. Slugma slither lazily across the hot ground, their lava bodies seeming to fuse with the soil as they move. Sandshrew burrow and emerge, their tracks weaving intricate patterns through the volcanic dust.

Numel, slow and steady, wander in small groups, absorbing the surrounding heat with contented sighs. Occasionally, a Torkoal can be seen basking in the sun, using the rich volcanic soil to fuel the fire within its shell.

This tapestry of hardy Pokémon, living harmoniously in such harsh conditions, adds life and intrigue to the alien landscape shaped by fire and stone.

A solitary cabin standing at the threshold of this forbidding landscape. Constructed from rugged, dark logs, the cabin mirrors the resilience of its surroundings. Its sloping roof, heavy with protective thatch, offers shade from the relentless sun, casting cool shadows over the rustic porch that stretches across the front.

The cabin's windows, framed with simple shutters, are slightly ajar, allowing the faint scent of fresh herbs to mingle with the earthy aroma of the volcanic soil. A sturdy wooden door, adorned with a carved symbol of a Geodude, stands slightly open, beckoning weary travelers to rest.

Inside, the cabin is modest yet inviting, though eerily quiet. A generous hearth dominates one corner, its stone facade warm to the touch, hinting that the space had been recently occupied and cared for. Rough-hewn tables and chairs stand empty, seemingly waiting for stories to be shared. Shelves along the walls hold basic supplies—canteens of fresh water, simple rations, and dusty lanterns—left for travelers in need.

The vacant cabin, absent of any human life, hums with a serene stillness, providing solitude and a brief respite from the elements in anticipation of the long journey ahead. It sat at the crossroads of Route 111 from which they arrived, Route 117 leading toward Zest Desert, and Route 112 directing them straight to the Volcano, that path they were taking.

"I wish I could find cabins like these during my missions back in the army," mused Elduran.

"I must admit, seeing it in photos and experiencing it firsthand are worlds apart. The rangers have maintained it magnificently, far beyond what I imagined," Aisha remarked.

"Honestly, how does this place remain so pristine? Are you saying the rangers come out here and tidy it up too?" Elduran queried.

"It's clear you skipped over the first year trainer manual too," Aisha chided, "This was mentioned right at the start alongside Asven. This was once a proper Ranger Cabin; there were four, in fact, in Tenera, acting like small wilderness Pokémon centers. But this one was too close to Asven city itself, so people rarely needed its healing facilities or stayed overnight. So, they converted it into a refuge cabin. You can donate as much as you wish at the payment station over there. Donations are encouraged, especially if you use the logs, take provisions, and it's suggested to clean a bit before departing," Aisha explained.

"Impressive," Elduran remarked, as he grabbed a few logs and began to work on a fire.

"I didn't think something like this would impress you," Aisha replied.

"These things impress me more than politicians running a city. Being out in the wild, in danger—these are the havens. Not everyone is as skilled a trainer as you; some people really need these structures," he said, pulling out his coffee and two pots from his bag.

"Since you like it so much, do you want to stay the rest of the day and spend the night here, or continue? We have at least six more hours of daylight," Aisha suggested.

"Nah, let's just have some coffee and lunch, then be on our way," Elduran said, releasing Vivillon.

"Viiiii," Vivillon chirped.

"Yes, I should have released you earlier, but you'd only complain about flying too much, you lazy butterfly!" Elduran teased, pouring two scoops of coffee into a pot filled with water.

Aisha released all four of her Pokémon. Hatenna went straight to Vivillon, as those two were inseparable at this point. Clefairy sat next to Elduran, observing him stir the coffee, making him slightly tense.

Aisha took her pot and coffee from her bag, moving toward Elduran to boil water.

"You won't need that. This second pot is for you. The water's already boiling. But could you ask your Clefairy to scoot back a bit?" he said, handing her the pot.

"Geez, thanks. Luna, give him some space. He's afraid of you after you beat him in battle," Aisha said with a smile, pouring hot water into her mug.

"That battle never ended. Luna, tell your trainer that if it wasn't for Viv and me, you might not have made it out breathing from that encounter," Elduran told the Clefairy.

"Cleeeeh," Clefairy replied.

"Oh, don't agree with him, traitor," Aisha laughed, pouring coffee into a filter pouch, tying it, and submerging it in the hot water.

"Luna, I'm beginning to like you. Back me up more, and your trainer might come down from her high horse," Elduran chuckled, pouring the unfiltered coffee into his mug, grounds and all.

"You know that coffee is unhealthy. You should switch to filtered," Aisha said while feeding her Pokémon.

"It's not as unhealthy as people think. Most grounds settle at the bottom. Plus, it tastes better," Elduran said, feeding Vivillon.

"You also need to feed Heracross. Have you named him yet?" she asked, removing the pouch and sipping her black coffee.

"Thought it was obvious. His name is Blue," he said, releasing Heracross through the window outside. "Blue, see the farm's edge? Go eat, and come back when you're done, but stay outside. I don't trust you inside yet."

"Heeera," Heracross buzzed, flying off toward the farm.

"Really, Blue? So original," Aisha quipped.

"Says the one who named her Clefairy 'Luna.'" Elduran laughed.

"Yeah, laugh it up. You know you'll need to bond with him eventually," Aisha pointed out.

"I can't understand what he's saying half the time!" Elduran exclaimed.

"That's why you need to bond with him," Aisha replied. "Do you have food for him? There won't be farms on the volcano."

"I gathered some corn from the fields. Signs everywhere say to collect freely but not excessively. Still don’t fully get it," Elduran said, sipping his coffee.

"It's simple and not unlimited. It says to collect without excess. With no roads through the wilds, and the farms able to feed four regions as big as Tenera, they allow travelers to take what they need. Even with rangers unable to catch every thief that owns large Pokémon that grabs lots amount of produce, about 20% of Tenera's crops go to waste," Aisha explained.

"Interesting. Why no roads though?" Elduran asked.

"They have advanced, affordable monorails—why spend five hours traveling by road when the monorail takes one? But the Pokémon League here has more influence than in other regions. They keep areas outside towns as natural Pokémon habitats. Roads lead to buildings, towns form, and before you know it, your region is like Unova," Aisha replied.

"So, why are you working for the Kanto Government?" Elduran inquired.

"I was waiting for that question," Aisha replied with a hint of anticipation. "The answer is pretty simple, though. Kanto, specifically Gemma, offered me a chance to get a degree. Kalos didn't."

"But Kalos is renowned for its education, only trailing behind Unova and Paldea. What do you mean by that?" Elduran asked, puzzled.

"That's precisely the issue with those three regions. The quality of education comes at a steep price. Unless you're a prodigy, scholarships are out of reach. I excelled in everything but Math and Physics, and for some reason, those subjects are crucial for criminal justice at least in Kalos, it makes no sense. My father drives a truck, and my mother... she passed away when I was five. She was a CEO of a toy company, making toys that resembled Pokémon. Her income was the backbone of our family," she explained.

"What happened to her?" Elduran asked gently.

"Volcanion happened," Aisha said, her voice filled with sorrow. "She was in Anistar City for business when the attack occurred. The Pokémon League acted swiftly, and casualties were low, but she was one of them."

"Which explains your animosity towards the Watchers. We have that in common," Elduran said with discomfort.

"I won't pretend our situations are the same. I lost a mother. You lost everything. But, yes, a lost mother is something we both share," Aisha said with empathy.

"How did Gemma find you?" Elduran asked.

"While in Kalos for business, she stopped by my house. She mentioned that the Kanto Government would fully cover my tuition if I consented to join the agency post-graduation. She was astounded to learn I was at the top of my class in nearly every subject yet couldn't secure a scholarship. It bewildered her that representatives from other regions hadn't approached me first," Aisha confessed.

"That was kind of her," Elduran acknowledged.

"I'm not naive. She saw an opportunity. It wasn't a perfect solution. To work for the agency, I had to give up my Kalos citizenship," Aisha said.

"That’s unfortunate but understandable," Elduran remarked.

"Anyway, the past is behind us. Now, we need to turn you into a real trainer. Right now, you're more of a trainee. You direct your Pokémon to train, and you do the same for yourself. You might need to trim some muscle mass and focus on giving your Pokémon clear instructions, or find a balance between the two," she advised.

"I don't even know where to start," Elduran admitted.

"First things first," Aisha said, rising from her chair. She walked over to her bag, picked up an empty Pokéball, pressed her finger against the top until a blue ring of light illuminated, did something with her phone, and tossed the Pokéball to Elduran. He caught it. "That's yours. I promised to reimburse you for the Pokéball when you caught Heracross."

"But I ended up keeping him, so I don't think you owe me this," Elduran replied.

"Nonsense. Now, let's head outside. Viv! Join us," Aisha commanded.

Aisha led the way outside with Elduran and Vivillon trailing behind. Hatenna followed, not wanting to be separated from Vivillon.

"I noticed you're trying to teach Vivillon to use Struggle Bug, but you seem to be expecting her to learn it on her own," Aisha observed.

"That's how they learn in the wild," Elduran defended himself.

"In the wild, it could take years to learn new moves. Do you have years to wait?" Aisha questioned.

Elduran remained silent.

"Every Pokémon is different. Some benefit from watching a video of another Pokémon using the move. Others respond well to positive reinforcement. For some, you may have to battle them and insist that the only move they can use is the one you're teaching, forcing them to learn it just to avoid defeat—a method I don't recommend, but it works for some. The key is recognizing that each Pokémon is unique, but doing push-ups while they do their own thing will never work," Aisha explained sensibly.

"Alright, here goes nothing. Viv, use Struggle Bug!" Elduran commanded.

Vivillon attempted Struggle Bug, but only a few bits of what seemed like bug skin drifted off her in all directions as she flailed, lacking both speed and intensity. Elduran captured the effort on his phone. He then found an online video featuring a Masquerain using the move and called Vivillon over to show her both videos—the Masquerain’s and her own. Neither Vivillon nor Elduran seemed to notice the discrepancy.

"Maybe a video isn’t enough for her, but are you telling me you can’t see a glaring difference between the two?" Aisha inquired.

"Not really; the outcome’s different, that’s about it," Elduran replied.

"You're hopeless! Look again. Viv’s flailing. What's Masquerain doing?" Aisha prompted.

"It’s flailing," Elduran answered.

"Let’s put it this way: if Viv were caught in an Arbok’s bind, could she use Struggle Bug?" Aisha asked.

"Well, no, although it’s supposed to be effective against restricting moves. Wait, let’s review Masquerain’s video. Ah, I see. It’s not flailing; it’s vibrating," Elduran realized.

"Exactly. It vibrates rapidly—might look like flailing, but it’s not," Aisha clarified.

"Blue! Get over here and be useful!" Elduran summoned.

Heracross flew over, eager and ready.

"Training time. You’re going to practice two things today—enduring hits and hugging Viv to prevent her movement. You’ll help her learn Struggle Bug. Being a Bug-type, the move shouldn't harm you much. Got it?" Elduran asked.

"Heeeera," Heracross affirmed.

"Hope that means yes," Elduran said.

"Viiiiiii," Vivillon responded.

"Don’t worry, Viv; I’ll be here with my bow, in case he tries anything foolish," Elduran reassured.

"Heeera," Heracross said, sounding a bit downcast.

"Viv, I expected better from you. Blue’s part of the family now. Give him a chance. But, are you really asking him to just stand there while she learns a move? Are you insane?" Aisha questioned.

"Yes, I am. Viv, Struggle Bug requires you to vibrate, not flail. Just by Blue holding you, you might grasp the concept," Elduran encouraged.

Elduran readied his bow but did not aim as he motioned for them to start. Heracross enveloped Vivillon in a tight hug, immobilizing her. Vivillon attempted Struggle Bug, initially to no effect. After Elduran's steady encouragement, she eventually improved significantly. Despite taking damage, Heracross smiled through it all. Aisha retreated inside the cabin, disapproving of their methods. After half an hour, Elduran considered Vivillon’s Struggle Bug ready for battle—though still requiring refinement with practice. Both Heracross and Vivillon were exhausted.

"Great job, you two. Viv, go inside with Aisha and Candy for some rest. I need a word with Blue," Elduran instructed.

Vivillon hesitated, reluctant to leave Heracross alone with Elduran, but was persuaded to enter the cabin. Elduran returned his bow and quiver in place yet held Heracross’s Pokéball.

"I’m unsure if you’re acting or sincere, hoping we’ll relax our guard. But if genuine, I appreciate your help with Vivillon. She improved a lot. There were other ways to restrain her, but building trust is crucial. You're on the right path to changing my view," Elduran praised.

"Heeeeeera," Heracross responded, excitedly.

"Now, I need to know if you understand my commands. You know Arm Thrust, Tackle, Aerial Ace, and Horn Attack; you used them against us. You seem to get most of what I say, but let’s confirm. Show me Arm Thrust," Elduran requested.

Heracross punched ahead.

"That's just a punch. Arm Thrust should make your hands glow, as you are punching with alternating fists," Elduran explained, demonstrating with air punches.

Heracross executed a flawless Arm Thrust, thrilled by his success.

"Good, remember this is Arm Thrust. Next, Aerial Ace!" Elduran signaled with a flying motion and pointed upward.

Heracross performed Aerial Ace with a smile.

"Well done. Now, Horn Attack," Elduran instructed, pointing at Heracross’s horn.

Heracross delivered a clean Horn Attack.

"Fantastic. You also know Tackle, which is simply ramming opponents," Elduran noted.

Heracross tried tackling Elduran, who deftly dodged.

"What the hell are you doing? I didn't say tackle me. Are you clueless, or was that deliberate?" Elduran chided.

Heracross looked dejected, slumping to the ground.

"You know what, I should've specified: Train without striking a target. That was my mistake, so cheer up," Elduran reassured, energizing Heracross.

"Now, do you know any other moves?" Elduran asked, not expecting much.

Heracross seemed to understand and used Pin Missile, launching three needles into the air. He turned to Elduran, his eyes glowing, causing Elduran to stumble.

"Alright, skirting the not-attacking rule, but crucial to demonstrate. So, you know Leer and Pin Missile. Impressive moveset, Blue," Elduran admitted.

"Heeeeera," Heracross agreed.

"Nice work today," Elduran commended, returning Heracross to the Pokéball.

From the window, Aisha and a smiling Vivillon watched the bonding unfold. Elduran entered the cabin.

"We should prepare; we’ve still got daylight," he suggested, gathering pots and coffee. "Does Dirthrow have a Gym?" Elduran queried.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"Check your map. Towns with a green star have gyms. Yes, Dirthrow has one. It's Gym Leader, Stephanie Crock, specializes in Dark Pokémon. I’ll challenge her—Fairy types are highly effective against Dark," Aisha stated, packing her things.

"If she uses Dark types, I’ll have an advantage too; type-wise at least," Elduran noted, packing snacks.

"True, your team has a strong type advantage. Being a Bug specialist works in your favor here," Aisha acknowledged.

"I’m not a Bug specialist; it’s mere coincidence. But I’ll avoid ghost Pokémon—can’t stand them. And dragons; way too arrogant," Elduran grumbled as he began sweeping.

"What are you doing?" Aisha asked, surprised at his cleaning.

"What do you think? Cleaning for the next guests. Didn’t you read that online?" Elduran replied.

"If even a third of visitors clean, it stays maintained. We’ve a world to save—surely exempt from cleaning," Aisha rationalized.

"Spoiled brat," Elduran teased, finishing up.

He proceeded to the pay station, flashing his phone and donating 100 cetis.

"Paying too? You’re insane; you just cleaned!" Aisha protested.

"Move along, your highness. After you," Elduran quipped.

Leaving the cabin behind, Elduran and his companions venture deeper into the black soil terrain, making their way toward the outskirts of the volcano cave. The air feels thick with anticipation, yet tranquil, as if nature itself holds its breath in reverence of the towering volcano ahead.

Along their path, peaceful Pokémon maintain their quiet existence amidst the rugged landscape. A group of Numel amble leisurely, absorbing the sun's warmth, their gentle hums mingling with the whisper of a soft breeze. Nearby, a cluster of Baltoy spin gracefully across the ground, their motions adding an almost meditative rhythm to the journey.

As the volcano's entrance looms closer, its presence a silent guardian, the peaceful coexistence of these wild Pokémon offers a gentle reminder of the harmony that persists even in the most challenging terrains.

Emerging from the shadowy mouth of the volcano, three travelers stride confidently into the light. Each exudes an aura of peak physical condition, their movements fluid and purposeful. The first man, his head smoothly shaven, looks every bit like a seasoned adventurer. A second man strides beside him, his long brown hair and dense, flowing beard lending him a rugged demeanor. Completing the trio is a woman with short hair, her features chiseled and weathered by the elements, speaking to her strength and resilience.

As they pass Elduran and Aisha, the trio nods with silent acknowledgment, their eyes scanning the duo with discerning, appraising looks. It's hard not to notice the sheer number of Pokéballs adorning their belts—far exceeding the usual six. The spheres remain expanded, indicating they are occupied, hints of their recent, prolific captures evident without the convenience of transferring them to the Pokémon Storage Facility.

Elduran casts a glance at Aisha and notices the unease in her expression. Sweat beads on her brow, her discomfort palpable as the trio crosses their path, leaving behind a trail of unspoken stories captured under the volcano's gaze.

The path forward gradually narrows, the open terrain of black soil giving way to jagged rock. As Elduran and Aisha approach, the entrance to the volcano reveals itself—a wide, cavernous maw that seems to slice cleanly through the volcanic structure. The exterior is marked by ancient lava flows, frozen in time, their swirling patterns reminiscent of an artist's brushwork across the rugged stone.

The route transitions seamlessly into a cave, the walls etched with the story of the mountain's fiery past. Shadows play along the jagged surfaces, deepening the sense of mystery with each step they take. The air is cooler here, a welcome reprieve from the sun's unrelenting glare outside, with the faint scent of sulfur serving as a gentle reminder of the volcano's dormant power.

Inside, the cave slopes gently downward, guiding travelers through a labyrinth of tunnels that echo softly with their footsteps. The ambiance shifts to a quiet murmur, nature’s whisper among the stalagmites and stalactites, adding an almost ethereal quality to their journey into the heart of the volcano.

Elduran halted abruptly, grasping Aisha's arm to compel her gaze upon him.

"What troubles you, Aisha? I believe we've distanced ourselves enough from them. You're tense, as though wading through knee-deep waters. Speak up!" Elduran demanded.

"I... I... suspect those were Cleavers... the group notorious for hunting Pokémon for their meat. Clearly, you're not familiar with them either," Aisha replied.

"And why the concern? We're allowed to hunt Pokémon when survival demands it. What unsettles you so?" Elduran inquired, rummaging through his bag.

"Because it's illegal to sell Pokémon for meat. It's only sanctioned when all other options are exhausted," Aisha replied, her voice trembling.

"Why do you believe they are Cleavers?" he asked, extracting a flashlight and clipping it to his shirt, as it was growing too dark to see.

"Why else would they carry so many Pokéballs? Who ventures into a volcano to capture multiple Pokémon, and what's the likelihood that all three would share the same intention? They traveled light, implying they were capturing anything they could. Pokéseeker Hunters, on the other hand, carry heavy loads; they target specific Pokémon based on their contracts and often remain for days to find their quarry, aiming for rare catches," Aisha explained.

"Damn! Keep your Pokémon in their balls for now, and follow me swiftly," Elduran instructed, recalling Vivillon and releasing Heracross from its Pokéball. "Aisha, hand your backpack to him. Blue, you carry her backpack! That will quicken our pace," Elduran commanded.

Once Aisha surrendered her backpack to Heracross, Elduran already had his bow unclipped and an arrow at the ready.

The cave expanded into a vast chamber, now hundreds of feet in width and height. Numerous smaller tunnels branched off in myriad directions, marked with arrows indicating route 112 though was the path going through the center. Yet, Elduran chose one of the smaller caves, trekking about fifty feet before discovering a sizable boulder and maneuvering Aisha behind it, followed by himself.

"What the hell, Elduran? Why are we running?" Aisha demanded.

"They're hunting us," Elduran replied, as casually as if he were mentioning he was hungry.

"What do you mean? They're not. We never gave them any reason to know we were onto them," Aisha retorted.

"Keep it down. I don't need to hear or see them to sense they're on our trail." Elduran released Vivillon, instructing it to gently gust the ground behind them, erasing any trace of their footsteps. "The way you looked at them, your tension—it practically broadcasted their profession to them. The only reason we're not dead yet is because they're discussing how to finish us off, and doing it at the volcano with fewer witnesses seems to be their plan. What are you doing?" he asked when he noticed Aisha fiddling with her phone.

"I sent a Ranger SOS. It's a survival app," Aisha replied.

"That's pretty clever. Good thinking," Elduran acknowledged.

"If your plan involves traversing these side caves, we're essentially walking into our doom. The Pokémon by the main routes are far less aggressive than those off the path," Aisha informed.

"Those three will likely confront us with eighteen Pokémon, if my estimate is correct, and they seem quite formidable on their own. I can handle one, possibly two, but all three? Absolutely not, especially if they're armed with knives. This means, at best, you, your four Pokémon, and my two will have to contend with eighteen Pokémon—a battle we simply cannot win. I’d much rather face a wild Pokémon. Does that app of yours let you describe our situation? It could aid the rangers, making them aware this is a rescue from criminals, not just a wild Pokémon incident. We can’t have a solo ranger showing up, they'll need numbers and as much information as possible. Understanding the fight is crucial," Elduran advised.

"Damn it, you are right, let me provide them with some more details," Aisha pleaded, tears welling up. "How do you stay so calm in all of this? I feared you might just charge at them, dying like an idiot and leaving me behind. It's as if you've become someone else," Aisha confessed, tears streaming.

"Nah, it's still me, just weighing my options," Elduran replied, placing a reassuring hand on Aisha's shoulder. "I'll do my best, and I think our odds of getting out of here are pretty good. We'll outsmart them until the rangers arrive. Let's move deeper; there's no rush now, just slow and cautious. Bring out your Clefairy; she can see in low light, can't she?" Elduran suggested.

"Only slightly better than we can—she can't see in complete darkness," Aisha responded, releasing her Clefairy. "Luna, please scout ahead for any threats," Aisha instructed.

"Cleh," Clefairy acknowledged quietly, taking her role seriously as she led the way.

Elduran, Aisha, Clefairy, and Heracross move cautiously through the cave's winding passages, where the subdued light and echoing sounds create an eerie, yet somewhat reassuring atmosphere. As they tread quietly, they encounter various non-aggressive Pokémon, their presence barely acknowledged as the group remains focused on their path.

When a Rhydon unexpectedly appears, Elduran remains composed. He swiftly releases Vivillon from her Pokéball, she gracefully disperses a gentle Sleep Powder, allowing the Rhydon to slumber peacefully as the group continues undisturbed.

With each intersection, Elduran guides them southeastward, his sense of direction sharpened by the need to find an exit. Although the journey seems endless, Elduran's steadfast confidence keeps them moving onward. They press on, even with the fatigue of late-night travel weighing heavily on their bodies, losing track of time in the dim, labyrinthine expanse of the volcano's cave.

Though the trio of pursuers remains unseen, Elduran is convinced they're being searched for, a lingering tension that spurs the group to remain vigilant as they make their way, ever cautiously, through the subterranean maze.

The cave echoes with a deep roar followed by the pounding of heavy footsteps, signaling a heavy Pokémon nearby. Elduran, ever vigilant, also catches the distinct sound of human footsteps trailing behind them. Peering around a rocky corner, he spots a looming Turtonator ahead, unsure if danger stalks them from behind in the form of Cleavers or perhaps arriving Rangers.

Thinking quickly, Elduran orders Vivillon to release a gentle cloud of Sleep Powder once again, coaxing the Turtonator into slumber. With the path ahead momentarily clear, he urges the group onward, but decides to linger with Vivillon just beyond the corner, maintaining a cautious eye on the Turtonator.

Suddenly, a figure emerges—the bald man from the Cleavers—approaching with a Breloom and Hitmonchan flanking him. They try to navigate the sleeping Turtonator with care. Just as Elduran anticipated, they are vulnerable in their caution.

Seizing the opportunity, Elduran commands Vivillon with a whisper to unleash a Psybeam upon the Turtonator, jolting it awake. Not pausing to witness the ensuing chaos, Elduran and Vivillon swiftly retreat, racing to rejoin Aisha, Clefairy, and Heracross, propelled by the urgency of their escape.

Upon catching up to the group nestled behind a sizable rock, they found the cavern expanding grandly in every direction. Clearly, they had returned to the path, though further along, as evidenced by the lingering remnants that had withstood the devastation. The scene burst into vivid turmoil before them as they witnessed a ranger, donned in the unmistakable dark green uniform, showcased with a prominent Pokéball emblem gracing the back of his jacket and the front of his hat, bravely engaging in a fierce struggle against the formidable might of the remaining two Cleavers and their contingent of a dozen Pokémon.

The ranger's team—consisting of Alakazam, Blastoise, Scizor, Torkoal, Umbreon, and Flygon—defends and counterattacks with expert precision. Alakazam stands as a shield for its trainer, while the others fiercely clash with the Cleavers' diverse battalion: Weavile, Houndoom, Starmie, Ivysaur, Persian, Igglytuff, Golduck, Haunter, Raichu, Charmeleon, Absol, and Dragonair. Amidst this chaos, smaller Pokémon scurry away in a frantic attempt to flee, including a startled Cyndaquil that bumps into Elduran. In an instinctive gesture of kindness, he steadies the creature and urges it to retreat, all while being too engrossed in forming a plan in his mind to realize what he had done.

Taking stock of the scene, Elduran forms a plan. He instructs Aisha, Vivillon, and Heracross to prepare for a coordinated assault, signaling when the time is right. With stealthy precision, Elduran threads through the chaos and positions himself behind a Cleaver woman with cropped hair. A deft blow from his knife's hilt robs her of consciousness; noting the six Pokéballs on her right side and several more on her left, he concludes that her active Pokémon belong to the right side. He swiftly recalls all six of her Pokémon—Dragonair, Absol, Weavile, Haunter, Raichu, and Houndoom—confirming her as the more formidable opponent after hearing her command Haunter. Elduran is uncomfortable around Pokémon but when it comes to ghost Pokémon it stops being uncomfortable, it tuns into paranoia.

On cue, Elduran signals his allies, prompting a concerted attack against the remaining Pokémon. By now, the ranger's team has dwindled to Blastoise, Flygon, and Alakazam, but the tide turns as the Cleaver’s remaining lineup—Starmie, Ivysaur, Golduck, Charmeleon, and Persian—is surrounded by the reinvigorated alliance. Aisha's Clefairy, Hatenna, Togetic, Marill, alongside Elduran's Heracross and Vivillon, join the fray to subdue the foes. The Cleaver and their Pokémon are encircled. In a decisive gesture, Elduran draws his bow, arrow poised at the last Cleaver, demanding the surrender and recall of his Pokémon. The Cleaver concedes, recalling his Pokémon, as the ranger steps forward, asking Elduran to lower his bow, before proceeding to handcuff the Cleaver.

The ranger then secures the unconscious Cleaver lying on the ground. A Cyndaquil, at Elduran’s feet, affectionately nuzzles against him, and he gently nudges it away. The ranger gathers every pokéball from the two Cleavers and proceeds toward Elduran. The ranger, in his early forties with a prominent black mustache, introduces himself.

"Hello, my name is Josh. Are you the two who sent the SOS?" he asks hastily.

"Yes," Elduran replies, sitting on the large rock behind him. Glancing at his phone, he notes it is two in the morning, realizing they have been escaping the Cleavers for over eight hours.

"You mentioned in the message that there were three of them?" Josh inquires.

"I set a trap for the third one. An angry wild Turtonator stirred right beside him. I don't know what happened after," Elduran explains.

"How did you identify them as Cleavers?" Josh asks further.

Elduran gestures at Aisha, who was already sprawled on the ground, panting. He admired her effort. Josh approached her, and Aisha recounted to him the same way she told Elduran how she deduced their enemies were Cleavers.

"Quite impressive, you two. Very capable, managing to withstand three Cleavers with full teams, at least two of them thus far," Josh remarks.

"It was mostly him," she says, pointing to Elduran.

Josh consults his phone, and a smile touches his lips.

"The other rangers with me located the last Cleaver. It seems the Turtonator did the job. He lies there, apparently dead, along with three of his Pokémon," Josh informs them.

"Then I owe that Turtonator a drink. It truly deserves it," Elduran remarked with a grin. "But let me make sure I've got this right—they're actually called Cleavers? That's not just a nickname people have given them? They call themselves that?" Elduran inquired.

"They genuinely do," Josh confirmed.

"Damn, I'd love to meet the dumbass who thought up that name," Elduran joked.

"Yeah, go ahead and laugh, but when you meet him, he'll be cleaving you to pieces. You're both targets now," the Cleaver warned.

Josh swiftly punched him in the face.

"Well, that felt satisfying," Josh noted.

"He's not entirely wrong, though. Soon enough, they'll have our descriptions and names. Short of taking them out right now, we're marked," Elduran admitted.

"You know we can't do that. I'll take that as a joke, but you're giving them too much credit. Any phone calls they make, we'll trace. Any contacts from prison, we'll track. No Cleaver would be stupid enough to align themselves with these two," Josh countered.

"Their families, though—criminals or not—will visit them. It doesn't necessarily mean those visitors are Cleavers too, but you never know. I'm sure they'll find a way. This means you might be getting SOS calls from us in the future, Josh," Elduran added.

"Hopefully not. But should the situation arise, we will address it. You're currently standing on Route 112 amidst all the destruction, if you couldn't already tell. It's quite safe here. Would you like us to escort you back to Asven, or do you plan to remain here?" Josh inquires.

"We're headed to Dirthrow, so we'll set up camp here," Elduran replies.

"Could I have your trainer cards for the report, please?" Josh requests.

Josh takes their cards, scans them with his phone, and returns them.

"Were you in the military, or are you a Pokéseeker Hunter?" Josh questions.

"Ex-military, yes. The bow gave it away, huh?" Elduran responds.

"The bow? No, lots of people carry bows, and half don't know how to use them. Not even your strike with the knife hilt to that bastard's head gave it away. It was your instincts and the absence of fear," Josh clarifies.

“Military or not, we would be dead, thanks for coming to our aid," Elduran says as they shake hands.

"Also, thank you, both of you. I would be dead without your help too," Josh adds, signaling Blastoise and Alakazam to grab the prisoners. Blastoise lifts one, and Alakazam carries the other with psychic power. "Let's find the others. Farewell!" Josh calls as they depart.

Elduran rose and swiftly set up camp, for there was no need for tents within the confines of a Volcano Cave. After quenching his thirst with water, he prepared kibble for Vivillon and extended a corn cob in invitation to Heracross.

"Blue, if you truly intended to kill me, you'd have had ample opportunities today," he remarked, handing over the corn. "Thank you for standing by us," Elduran continued.

"Heeera," Heracross replied cheerily, clapping its fists together before indulging in its meal.

The Cyndaquil from earlier approached Elduran's foot once more, prompting him to gently nudge it away again.

"You really don't get it, do you? Must I really chase you away?" Elduran questioned it.

Cyndaquil appeared hurt, tears brimming in its eyes as it buried its head in the ground.

Meanwhile, Aisha had finished feeding her Pokémon and made her way to Elduran. She seated herself beside him on the rock, embracing him from the side, resting her forehead against his arm, and began to weep.

"We... would be dead... without you... today..." she murmured, her tears streaming down her face onto Elduran's arm. "For all my talk... about being a better... trainer... than you... in real emergency... you're the one... who ensured... our survival... I'm sorry... for being a burden," Aisha confessed through her sobs.

Elduran was taken aback by her emotional response, only to realize that despite her bravado and intelligence, she was just a child. He gently patted her head with his free arm, lifted her up, and laid her down. He lay beside her, instructing Vivillon and Heracross to take turns keeping watch while they slept. Aisha's Pokémon were all asleep, unused to such protocols. Elduran knew she would require training in survival skills as well; she was no longer merely a trainer but was taking on a major criminal organization—a venture where expecting fair Pokémon battles would be folly. As he lay on his back, Aisha turned and embraced his arm, drifting into sleep with remnants of tears still on her cheeks. The Cyndaquil curled up next to Elduran's thigh on the other side, falling asleep too. Apparently, the Cyndaquil posed no threat in Vivillon's estimation, as Elduran checked to see who was on first watch. He let it be; he could barely keep his eyes open any longer. With a tear-streaked girl on one side and a snug Cyndaquil on the other, he succumbed to sleep.