Stuck in an underground tunnel after being attacked by a Dounburrow, the group has to find a way out before they can resume their journey to Cloudsdale.
- Can't Kill You, Still Need You: When Lightning and the main group go their separate ways, the former justifies his earlier help to a sick Doc as necessary to keep a gym leader alive so that the Equestria League tournament isn't canceled. However, it's implied that this at least partially a lie and that his role was motivated by some altruism.
- Hidden Depths: This chapter reveals that Lightning isn't a totally heartless jerk. When stuck in the same cave system, he does carry a sick Doc on his back (albeit reluctantly) and, according to his Chimplug, cares for his Pokémon.
- The Maze: According to Twilight, the tunnel system everyone is in could go for miles with hundreds of twists and turns. The task of navigating the place gets even worse when the Douburrow from last chapter is still persistent threat to them.
- Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: Flash and Lightning's Pokémon are forced to work together as they navigate the tunnels, but they frequently get into arguments over their respective trainers' philosophies on Pokémon battles.
