Birds chirped overhead, and the smell of pine and damp earth filled the air. Luke's team followed closely: the male Houndoom trotting confidently, tail swaying proudly; the female Houndoom with the scar above her eye moving alertly, eyes scanning every shadow; and Kramurx flapping above, wings catching the sunlight as it occasionally swooped down to land nearby.
Over the next ten days, Luke and his team established a strict routine. Each morning, they practiced speed, coordination, and elemental attacks. The male Houndoom and female Houndoom sparred together, carefully avoiding each other while testing their strengths. Luke guided them, calling out commands and observing their reactions. He noticed the female Houndoom had a knack for predicting the male Houndoom's moves, and the two began to move in perfect sync, their bond growing stronger each day.
Kramurx, the clever and agile bird Pokémon, learned new flight patterns and aerial maneuvers. Luke encouraged it to explore the canopy and dive down at high speeds, practicing feints and Quick Attacks. The bird's personality shone in these exercises—bold, daring, and sometimes mischievous—but it always returned to Luke when called, proving its loyalty.
During these days, Luke also reflected quietly, watching his Pokémon interact. He noted their small quirks: the male Houndoom growled softly when excited, the female Houndoom's scar seemed to glint in the sun as if warning intruders away, and Kramurx sometimes mimicked sounds from the forest, clearly enjoying its surroundings. These moments reminded him that their strength wasn't just in battle—it was in trust, understanding, and friendship.
Nights were spent resting near a small stream, the moon reflecting off the water. Luke and his Pokémon would sit quietly, the soft sounds of the forest surrounding them. Occasionally, wild Pokémon would approach, curious but respectful. These encounters allowed him to practice strategy and observation, teaching his Pokémon to react quickly and coordinate in unexpected situations.
By the tenth day, the forest felt like a second home. Luke's team was stronger, faster, and more in tune with each other. The bond between trainer and Pokémon had deepened, and Luke knew it was time to move on.
He gathered his team. "Alright, everyone… this time it's going to be different," he began.
The female Houndoom tilted her head, ears twitching. Kramurx cawed curiously, landing on a low branch. The male Houndoom growled softly, waiting.
Luke crouched slightly. "We're not staying at the foot of the mountain like before. This time, we're going into more dangerous areas, where wild Pokémon are stronger, faster, and more unpredictable. Every step will test your skills, your courage, and your teamwork."
The female Houndoom growled softly, as if asking, Are we ready for this?
"Yes, you are. And there's more. We're going to look for a new member for our team. Someone strong, clever, and loyal… just like you three. But to find them, we'll need to be careful. Danger is everywhere, and we'll need to rely on each other like never before."
Kramurx flapped its wings excitedly, cawing in agreement. The male Houndoom barked once, tail swishing energetically. The female Houndoom gave a low, determined growl, the scar above her eye catching the sunlight as if acknowledging the mission.
Luke stood up, determination shining in his eyes. "Alright then. Let's move forward. Today, we test not just our strength, but our courage and teamwork. Mt. Moon awaits—let's see what's out there."
With renewed determination, Luke and his Pokémon pressed higher into Mt. Moon, leaving the forest behind but carrying its lessons with them. Each step brought them closer to challenges, potential teammates, and wild Pokémon encounters—and Luke knew this journey would push them all to their limits.