After the cheers of the Gym arena faded, Luke took a deep breath. The Gym badge weighed lightly in his hand, but the victory felt heavier in his mind. He had faced a strong opponent, proven his skills, and now it was time to return to the forest, to the quiet where he could focus on training and strengthening the bond with his Pokémon. The path back to the forest wound through the dense, sun-dappled trees. 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.
By the time they reached a small clearing at the edge of the forest, Luke knelt down and looked at each of them. He took a deep breath and smiled. "We've been through so much together already, but there's something important I need to do before we go further. I want you all to have names, so we're truly a team." The female Houndoom tilted her head, ears twitching, flames flickering along her sleek body as if sensing his words. "You," Luke said softly, stroking the scar above her eye, "you'll be Scar. That mark isn't just a scar—it's a sign of your courage and strength. You've endured and survived, and I want everyone to know how brave you are." Scar let out a low, approving growl, flames flickering in acknowledgment.
The male Houndoom nudged Luke's hand gently, letting out a soft bark. Luke grinned. "And you… you'll be Demon. Bold, fierce, and unstoppable. You've always been there to protect and challenge, and I know you'll keep us safe." Demon barked energetically, tail swishing in excitement, as if accepting the new name proudly.
Kramurx fluttered down and landed on a nearby branch, cawing sharply. Luke chuckled. "And you… clever, quick, always watching from above… you'll be Shadow. You keep an eye on all of us, and we can count on you to guide the way." Shadow gave a playful caw and flapped her wings in agreement, circling above once before settling again.
Luke stood, looking at them with pride. "Alright, Scar, Demon, Shadow… it's time. This isn't just any climb. We're going into dangerous areas now, beyond the forest, where wild Pokémon are stronger, faster, and unpredictable. Every step will test your skills, your courage, and your teamwork. And there's more—somewhere up there, we might find a new member for our team. Strong, loyal, clever… just like the three of you." Scar gave a low, determined growl, flames flickering brighter. Demon barked and pawed the ground, tail wagging furiously. Shadow let out a sharp, confident caw, flapping high above, scouting the path ahead.
Luke adjusted his pack and breathed in the crisp mountain air. "Alright then. Let's move forward. Mt. Moon awaits—and together, nothing can stop us." With renewed determination, Luke and his newly named team pressed higher into Mt. Moon, leaving the forest behind but carrying its lessons and bonds with them.
The first day was spent carefully navigating the foothills. Loose stones and uneven terrain slowed them, but it was a perfect chance for Luke to observe his Pokémon and practice coordination. Scar and Demon sparred gently to warm up their muscles, carefully avoiding collisions, while Shadow darted ahead, her keen eyes scanning for movement among the rocks. Kleinstein peered out from the shadows, and Gravelr jostled clumsily near the trail. Luke instructed, "Scar, Demon, remember to use teamwork. Shadow, keep your distance but distract them when needed." Their first skirmish was quick but intense. Demon launched a controlled Flamethrower, Scar flanked the rocks, and Shadow swooped to confuse the Pokémon from above. By sunset, the team had reached a sheltered cave to rest, and Luke allowed them to explore and stretch their wings.
Days two and three led them deeper into the foothills, where the terrain became steeper and more jagged. They encountered a lone Golem blocking a narrow pass. Luke ordered, "Shadow, circle above. Scar and Demon, move fast but stay safe. Hit the openings, and don't rush." Scar's flames ignited small cracks in the rocky surface, Demon's precision attacks forced Golem to stagger, and Shadow swooped sharply, drawing its gaze. Every movement was carefully calculated, and after a tense battle, Golem retreated deeper into the cave system. Luke patted his team. "Excellent work. Every step is progress." That night, they camped inside a cavern illuminated by luminescent crystals, the quiet only broken by the drip of water. Shadow perched above, ever watchful, while Scar and Demon settled near Luke.