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Description
Jake finally had a moment to think now that he was flying with one of his pokemon, Ryo, over the barren desert surrounding the volcano in the distance. His thoughts wandered to the events before this moment; from the attack by the multiple organizations, to the failed second attack by the stragglers, and finally to the announcement of their next challenge.

---Flashback---

The competitor's lounge was still crowded with the remaining competitors that had made it through the waves of unexpected challenges. Though a few had decided that they had had enough and backed out of the tournament.  Jake on the other hand was now looking forward to anything new that was about to be unveiled (just as long as no more annoying interruptions occurred.)

The big screen that adorned the lounge's southern wall crackled to life, and was now displaying the list of remaining competitors that were now gathered around the plasma tv.

"Good morning competitors!" the overly enthusiastic broadcaster declared over the speakers, "We, as the tournament officials and hosts would first off like take a brief moment to thank everyone who had helped to defend this hollowed arena from not one, but two crisis's that nearly decimated this entire tournament."

Jake felt a twinge of pride when he heard this, as he was one of those people that took part in the daring retaliations.

"Alright trainers!" For everyone who has braved these experiences, our very own gracious, and somewhat mysterious, tournament host has a very special announcement for our next round."

A small air of whispers shuffled through the lounge. All of them in anticipation of what was in store.

The tourney broadcaster continued after a moment of suspense with a notecard in hand, " Unfortunately our host could not be here in person, but he has left the instructions for all the participants. Now, with the stadium under repairs from the malicious attacks, this next event will be held at a more…intact location. This next challenge will test everyone down to their soul."

'Their soul?' Jake wondered.

"Far to the east on the Orange Islands lies the ravaged plains that surround a mysterious volcano. The volcano itself has terrain unlike any other in the world, where from the base to almost half way up to summit is covered in blankets of snow and is like a freezing tundra. THe rest of the way is condemned to blistering heat waves that surpass any normal scales set today. The challenge here is for the competitors to reach the summit of the volcano and retrieve the legendary Entei's paw print that is said to grant the finder a wish of their choosing. But this trial will not be as easy as to simply find the paw print. From the desert plains to the fiery volcano top, this artifact is said to be guarded by the three legendaries Raikou, Suicune, and Entei. If one wishes to acquire the paw print, they must prove themselves worthy of the legendaries power."

The lounge began to buzz with excitement of having a wish granted by the legendaries. Even Jake found the prospect to be enchanting in its own way.

"Ok, everyone! Good luck and may good fortune find you," The broadcaster waved as the tv switched back to the listings of competitors.

---End Flashback---

"Jake!" Ryo exclaimed over the wind, a little annoyed that it took her three tries to get Jake's attention.

"Huh, oh, sorry Ryo," Jake regained his composure, "what were you saying?"

"I was wondering if you were thinking about the wish you would make when we get Entei's paw print."

"Hmm, I really don't know. There's just so much to choose from."

"I know what I would wish for," Ryo whispered to herself, falling into her little dream world of just her and Jake.

"Now look who's spacing out Ryo," Jake chuckled as he noticed his pokemon's far off gaze.

Ryo shook her head to usher away the distracting thoughts, though a thin blush remained to reveal her lingering fantasy.

"Hey look there Ryo," Jake squinted his eyes as he pointed out into the distance.

Ryo's keen sense of sight made it easy to spot the massive volcano that stood proudly in the distance.

The terrain around it was just as it was described. The land leading to the base of the structure seemed to meld into a wintery haze that defied the volcano's true nature. Further up the slope, the scenery changed again into jagged inclines that raced to the gapping mouth of the volcano where lava was just barely spilling off minute edges. The sight of the strange phenomenon held both Jake and Ryo in awe until they felt the presence of something foreboding approaching them. The light from the sun was saddening shunted out of existence by a veil of black clouds that appeared as if from nowhere. Jake and Ryo were instantly on guard, preparing for whatever would happen. In an instant the black clouds rained down lightning bolts every which way, sending deadly flashes of electricity hurtling toward the flying duo.

'This isn't good,' Jake thought to himself before leaning over Ryo's shoulder, "Ryo, we need to land before we get struck out of the sky!"

Ryo nodded her agreement and dived headlong toward the ground as another flash narrowly missed them from behind. Upon landing, Jake immediately returned Ryo to her pokeball to keep her from harm in her type dis advantage.

A furious roar of lightning crashed in front of the battle ready Jake; no, the lightning was caused by the roar and from the last bolt a great four legged entity appeared.

Human, what is the meaning in your trespassing upon my territory? Raikou roared, each word seeming to draw a stray bolt from the clouds above. Jake stood proudly as he proclaimed, "I'm here to find Entei's paw print."

Jake couldn't tell if Raikou was surprised, suspicious, or something else entirely when he said this, either way Raikou stood still to think for a moment.

"Very well human, if you wish to claim Entei's paw print. Then you must prove to me that you are worthy of that claim."

Raikou roared to the sky, signaling his readiness to fight. Jake felt his heart begin to beat faster as he unclipped two pokeballs from his belt.

"Tetra, Toran, let's go!"

The two pokemon emerged in a flash of dimmer, yet familiar light and stood ready in front of their trainer.

"*yawn* Ah come on, I was enjoying my midmorning nap in there," Toran groaned.

"Sorry Toran, but we have a fight to win."

The groggy grass/ground type shook his head at their opponent, "Woah man, a legendary like Raikou?! I'm not gonna be able to get any rest for a while, am I?"

"Come now Toran, we must help our master Jake," Tetra lightly tapped her companion's shoulder for comfort.

Toran shrugged in agreement and readied himself for battle. At that moment, Raikou roared again, sending a barrage of Thunderbolt attacks from the sky toward his foes. Tetra narrowly avoided the ones that crashed near her feet while Toran merely  absorbed the blows without even flinching.

"Tetra, stick close to Toran," Jake commanded, knowing he could use his Torterra as a shield against Raikou's electric attacks.

Raikou jumped from side to side as fast as the lightning he produced to try and score a hit on the meek little  Ampharos. Tetra used Toran as cover as they both unleashed their ranged attacks to catch the legendary. Raikou was unbelievably quick on his feet and dodged every attack that was thrown at him with ease before throwing his own attacks back at his opponents. The flurry of attacks was dazzling as Jake continued to issue his commands to hold the battle at a deadlock. Unfortunately a stray bolt from Raikou found its mark, and was able to strike Tetra when she out of cover. The sheer power from the one attack was powerful enough to knock Tetra 20 feet away from Toran, further exposing her which Raikou instantly took the chance of a direct assault. Raikou's claws crackled and sparked with stored energy was he sprinted for the downed Ampharos. Tetra was only just getting up from the blow when Raikou was closing in; she froze, petrified by the inevitable strike.

"Toran, Frenzy Plant, now!" Jake shouted.

Toran knew what he was going for and stomped the ground with all his force. Thick intertwined vines riddled with thorns sprung up from the ground around Tetra and completely encased the Ampharos in a matter of seconds. Raikou kept going with his attack, unintimidated by the barrier, but only managed to rake his claws against the thick vines. Deep gashes were left in the grass barrier but otherwise, it was intact and more vines sprung up from the ground in an attempt to catch the illusive legendary.

The vines around Tetra retracted back into the ground revealing her to be unharmed, "Thanks Toran.

'We've got to find a way to slow this guy down…this might be a little risky, but' Jake thought seriously before giving his next command, " Tetra, move in and get ready to jump! Toran, one more Frenzy Plant!"

The two moved into position, Toran set off another round of Frenzy Plant that now surrounded Raikou like a forest at surprising speed. Raikou leapt for the single opening that was left in the dense forestation. He slashed and cut down the roots that tried to block his escape and made it through the shrinking exit with only one major hit. His escape was short lived as Tetra sprang out in front of the legendary causing him the pause in surprise.

It was all the time Jake needed, "Now Tetra, Thunder Wave!"

Tetra's forehead gem glowed and intensified to a harsh white as a jolt of electricity jumped from her to the unsuspecting Raikou. In a now reverse role, the jolt was enough to knock Raikou back a few steps, shaking his head away from the disorientation. He regained his footing in no time, but before he could make a move the sensation of the paralysis too effect and immobilized him. "Yes, goo job Tetra," Jake cheered, "Ok Toran, Earthquake!"

Toran, although worn out from the use of Frenzy Plant, stomped the ground with all his remaining strength. The earth around him stuttered and cracked as a fissure formed and crept toward the immobilized Raikou. Spider like veins in the dirt were forming at Raikou's feet until the ground gave way. Raikou struggled to keep his balance against the crumbling earth and the paralysis as he began to fall through the gaping maw in the ground. Jake felt the satisfaction of victory closing in and a step closer to Entei's paw print.

Raikou closed his eyes, entering a zen state of mind; his surroundings grinded to a near halt, he could practically hear every beat of his heart as his concentration sharpened. All his energy was now focused to a fine point and he was ready. The point of energy he was storing released with the flick of his will; a veil of electricity exploded off of him like a shell and his surroundings returned to their original speed. He could move again and wasted no time in leaping up from the cavernous fissure.

Tetra, Toran, and Jake all gasped in surprise at the now mobile legendary. Raikou planted his feet firmly to the ground as the collapsing earth behind him shuttered and let out a plume of dust. A new fierce gleam shone in the legendary's eyes, and let a roar that was as loud as a wavering Thunderclap. The sky exploded with life and rained more lightning down than before around Toran. Toran wasn't scared of the ineffective attack and sat with a lazy smirk on his face. Though it was too late when he realized that not a single bolt was even striking him, but the ground around him and kicking up chucks of earth with volatile force.

Jake saw the danger as well, but could do nothing as the final bolt struck and destroyed the ground around his Torterra. Toran sunk deep into the rubble, unable to move due to fatigue and damage. A split second later, Raikou was on the move and in front of Tetra in the blink of an eye tackling her to the ground and knocking the wind out of her.

Jake looked onto his downed pokemon and clenched his teeth in the bitter defeat. Though as he was reaching for his pokemon's respective pokeballs to return them, he noticed that Raikou was no longer in a battle stance but sat peacefully on the other side of the battered field, a faint smile on his otherwise serious face.

Raikou spoke in his strong yet soft tone, "I have witnessed enough human. I have seen yours and your pokemon's admiration and purity. Be warned however, you will still need to prove to my brothers the same qualities you have shown me to claim Entei's paw print. I wish you and your friends the best of luck."

Without another word, Raikou disappeared behind a flash of lightning and the dark clouds above began to clear away. Jake couldn't believe that the legendary Raikou had deemed him worthy in his first test, but it was a good sign all the same.

"Oh no, Tetra, Toran," Jake remembered his injured pokemon and rushed to their aid.

"Thank you Tetra, you were great out there," Jake said as he pulled out her pokeball.

Tetra leaned up into a sitting position to speak before being returned, "You're welcome Jake, I'm glad we made it in the end."

"Phew, now I can finally get some rest," Toran said, already half asleep.

Jake rolled his eyes with a smile as he returned the exhausted Torterra as well.

'One down, two more to go,' Jake thought as he looked onto the awaiting volcano and the other trails ahead.

Description
Jake finally had a moment to think now that he was flying with one of his pokemon, Ryo, over the barren desert surrounding the volcano in the distance. His thoughts wandered to the events before this moment; from the attack by the multiple organizations, to the failed second attack by the stragglers, and finally to the announcement of their next challenge.

---Flashback---

The competitor's lounge was still crowded with the remaining competitors that had made it through the waves of unexpected challenges. Though a few had decided that they had had enough and backed out of the tournament.  Jake on the other hand was now looking forward to anything new that was about to be unveiled (just as long as no more annoying interruptions occurred.)

The big screen that adorned the lounge's southern wall crackled to life, and was now displaying the list of remaining competitors that were now gathered around the plasma tv.

"Good morning competitors!" the overly enthusiastic broadcaster declared over the speakers, "We, as the tournament officials and hosts would first off like take a brief moment to thank everyone who had helped to defend this hollowed arena from not one, but two crisis's that nearly decimated this entire tournament."

Jake felt a twinge of pride when he heard this, as he was one of those people that took part in the daring retaliations.

"Alright trainers!" For everyone who has braved these experiences, our very own gracious, and somewhat mysterious, tournament host has a very special announcement for our next round."

A small air of whispers shuffled through the lounge. All of them in anticipation of what was in store.

The tourney broadcaster continued after a moment of suspense with a notecard in hand, " Unfortunately our host could not be here in person, but he has left the instructions for all the participants. Now, with the stadium under repairs from the malicious attacks, this next event will be held at a more…intact location. This next challenge will test everyone down to their soul."

'Their soul?' Jake wondered.

"Far to the east on the Orange Islands lies the ravaged plains that surround a mysterious volcano. The volcano itself has terrain unlike any other in the world, where from the base to almost half way up to summit is covered in blankets of snow and is like a freezing tundra. THe rest of the way is condemned to blistering heat waves that surpass any normal scales set today. The challenge here is for the competitors to reach the summit of the volcano and retrieve the legendary Entei's paw print that is said to grant the finder a wish of their choosing. But this trial will not be as easy as to simply find the paw print. From the desert plains to the fiery volcano top, this artifact is said to be guarded by the three legendaries Raikou, Suicune, and Entei. If one wishes to acquire the paw print, they must prove themselves worthy of the legendaries power."

The lounge began to buzz with excitement of having a wish granted by the legendaries. Even Jake found the prospect to be enchanting in its own way.

"Ok, everyone! Good luck and may good fortune find you," The broadcaster waved as the tv switched back to the listings of competitors.

---End Flashback---

"Jake!" Ryo exclaimed over the wind, a little annoyed that it took her three tries to get Jake's attention.

"Huh, oh, sorry Ryo," Jake regained his composure, "what were you saying?"

"I was wondering if you were thinking about the wish you would make when we get Entei's paw print."

"Hmm, I really don't know. There's just so much to choose from."

"I know what I would wish for," Ryo whispered to herself, falling into her little dream world of just her and Jake.

"Now look who's spacing out Ryo," Jake chuckled as he noticed his pokemon's far off gaze.

Ryo shook her head to usher away the distracting thoughts, though a thin blush remained to reveal her lingering fantasy.

"Hey look there Ryo," Jake squinted his eyes as he pointed out into the distance.

Ryo's keen sense of sight made it easy to spot the massive volcano that stood proudly in the distance.

The terrain around it was just as it was described. The land leading to the base of the structure seemed to meld into a wintery haze that defied the volcano's true nature. Further up the slope, the scenery changed again into jagged inclines that raced to the gapping mouth of the volcano where lava was just barely spilling off minute edges. The sight of the strange phenomenon held both Jake and Ryo in awe until they felt the presence of something foreboding approaching them. The light from the sun was saddening shunted out of existence by a veil of black clouds that appeared as if from nowhere. Jake and Ryo were instantly on guard, preparing for whatever would happen. In an instant the black clouds rained down lightning bolts every which way, sending deadly flashes of electricity hurtling toward the flying duo.

'This isn't good,' Jake thought to himself before leaning over Ryo's shoulder, "Ryo, we need to land before we get struck out of the sky!"

Ryo nodded her agreement and dived headlong toward the ground as another flash narrowly missed them from behind. Upon landing, Jake immediately returned Ryo to her pokeball to keep her from harm in her type dis advantage.

A furious roar of lightning crashed in front of the battle ready Jake; no, the lightning was caused by the roar and from the last bolt a great four legged entity appeared.

Human, what is the meaning in your trespassing upon my territory? Raikou roared, each word seeming to draw a stray bolt from the clouds above. Jake stood proudly as he proclaimed, "I'm here to find Entei's paw print."

Jake couldn't tell if Raikou was surprised, suspicious, or something else entirely when he said this, either way Raikou stood still to think for a moment.

"Very well human, if you wish to claim Entei's paw print. Then you must prove to me that you are worthy of that claim."

Raikou roared to the sky, signaling his readiness to fight. Jake felt his heart begin to beat faster as he unclipped two pokeballs from his belt.

"Tetra, Toran, let's go!"

The two pokemon emerged in a flash of dimmer, yet familiar light and stood ready in front of their trainer.

"*yawn* Ah come on, I was enjoying my midmorning nap in there," Toran groaned.

"Sorry Toran, but we have a fight to win."

The groggy grass/ground type shook his head at their opponent, "Woah man, a legendary like Raikou?! I'm not gonna be able to get any rest for a while, am I?"

"Come now Toran, we must help our master Jake," Tetra lightly tapped her companion's shoulder for comfort.

Toran shrugged in agreement and readied himself for battle. At that moment, Raikou roared again, sending a barrage of Thunderbolt attacks from the sky toward his foes. Tetra narrowly avoided the ones that crashed near her feet while Toran merely  absorbed the blows without even flinching.

"Tetra, stick close to Toran," Jake commanded, knowing he could use his Torterra as a shield against Raikou's electric attacks.

Raikou jumped from side to side as fast as the lightning he produced to try and score a hit on the meek little  Ampharos. Tetra used Toran as cover as they both unleashed their ranged attacks to catch the legendary. Raikou was unbelievably quick on his feet and dodged every attack that was thrown at him with ease before throwing his own attacks back at his opponents. The flurry of attacks was dazzling as Jake continued to issue his commands to hold the battle at a deadlock. Unfortunately a stray bolt from Raikou found its mark, and was able to strike Tetra when she out of cover. The sheer power from the one attack was powerful enough to knock Tetra 20 feet away from Toran, further exposing her which Raikou instantly took the chance of a direct assault. Raikou's claws crackled and sparked with stored energy was he sprinted for the downed Ampharos. Tetra was only just getting up from the blow when Raikou was closing in; she froze, petrified by the inevitable strike.

"Toran, Frenzy Plant, now!" Jake shouted.

Toran knew what he was going for and stomped the ground with all his force. Thick intertwined vines riddled with thorns sprung up from the ground around Tetra and completely encased the Ampharos in a matter of seconds. Raikou kept going with his attack, unintimidated by the barrier, but only managed to rake his claws against the thick vines. Deep gashes were left in the grass barrier but otherwise, it was intact and more vines sprung up from the ground in an attempt to catch the illusive legendary.

The vines around Tetra retracted back into the ground revealing her to be unharmed, "Thanks Toran.

'We've got to find a way to slow this guy down…this might be a little risky, but' Jake thought seriously before giving his next command, " Tetra, move in and get ready to jump! Toran, one more Frenzy Plant!"

The two moved into position, Toran set off another round of Frenzy Plant that now surrounded Raikou like a forest at surprising speed. Raikou leapt for the single opening that was left in the dense forestation. He slashed and cut down the roots that tried to block his escape and made it through the shrinking exit with only one major hit. His escape was short lived as Tetra sprang out in front of the legendary causing him the pause in surprise.

It was all the time Jake needed, "Now Tetra, Thunder Wave!"

Tetra's forehead gem glowed and intensified to a harsh white as a jolt of electricity jumped from her to the unsuspecting Raikou. In a now reverse role, the jolt was enough to knock Raikou back a few steps, shaking his head away from the disorientation. He regained his footing in no time, but before he could make a move the sensation of the paralysis too effect and immobilized him. "Yes, goo job Tetra," Jake cheered, "Ok Toran, Earthquake!"

Toran, although worn out from the use of Frenzy Plant, stomped the ground with all his remaining strength. The earth around him stuttered and cracked as a fissure formed and crept toward the immobilized Raikou. Spider like veins in the dirt were forming at Raikou's feet until the ground gave way. Raikou struggled to keep his balance against the crumbling earth and the paralysis as he began to fall through the gaping maw in the ground. Jake felt the satisfaction of victory closing in and a step closer to Entei's paw print.

Raikou closed his eyes, entering a zen state of mind; his surroundings grinded to a near halt, he could practically hear every beat of his heart as his concentration sharpened. All his energy was now focused to a fine point and he was ready. The point of energy he was storing released with the flick of his will; a veil of electricity exploded off of him like a shell and his surroundings returned to their original speed. He could move again and wasted no time in leaping up from the cavernous fissure.

Tetra, Toran, and Jake all gasped in surprise at the now mobile legendary. Raikou planted his feet firmly to the ground as the collapsing earth behind him shuttered and let out a plume of dust. A new fierce gleam shone in the legendary's eyes, and let a roar that was as loud as a wavering Thunderclap. The sky exploded with life and rained more lightning down than before around Toran. Toran wasn't scared of the ineffective attack and sat with a lazy smirk on his face. Though it was too late when he realized that not a single bolt was even striking him, but the ground around him and kicking up chucks of earth with volatile force.

Jake saw the danger as well, but could do nothing as the final bolt struck and destroyed the ground around his Torterra. Toran sunk deep into the rubble, unable to move due to fatigue and damage. A split second later, Raikou was on the move and in front of Tetra in the blink of an eye tackling her to the ground and knocking the wind out of her.

Jake looked onto his downed pokemon and clenched his teeth in the bitter defeat. Though as he was reaching for his pokemon's respective pokeballs to return them, he noticed that Raikou was no longer in a battle stance but sat peacefully on the other side of the battered field, a faint smile on his otherwise serious face.

Raikou spoke in his strong yet soft tone, "I have witnessed enough human. I have seen yours and your pokemon's admiration and purity. Be warned however, you will still need to prove to my brothers the same qualities you have shown me to claim Entei's paw print. I wish you and your friends the best of luck."

Without another word, Raikou disappeared behind a flash of lightning and the dark clouds above began to clear away. Jake couldn't believe that the legendary Raikou had deemed him worthy in his first test, but it was a good sign all the same.

"Oh no, Tetra, Toran," Jake remembered his injured pokemon and rushed to their aid.

"Thank you Tetra, you were great out there," Jake said as he pulled out her pokeball.

Tetra leaned up into a sitting position to speak before being returned, "You're welcome Jake, I'm glad we made it in the end."

"Phew, now I can finally get some rest," Toran said, already half asleep.

Jake rolled his eyes with a smile as he returned the exhausted Torterra as well.

'One down, two more to go,' Jake thought as he looked onto the awaiting volcano and the other trails ahead.