Chapter 20: The Courage to Befriend!
Last time on "Pokémon Kalos Journey", Ash was challenged to a Pokémon battle by a young woman named Penelope, who happened to own a Sylveon, defeating Ash and his Froakie with little effort.
Once the battle was over, Penelope brought the five over to her kindergarten class, where the group discovers that she wanted them to give the children some fun, along with a boy named Sama.
As the children were playing with Ash, Clemont, Serena, and Yuki's Pokémon, both Ash and Yuki have noticed another shy boy, whose name was Randall, and was currently scared of Pokémon.
Even with Ash persuading him that Froakie wouldn't attack, and when Sama asked him to feed Bonnie's Dedenne, nothing seemed to work as Randall's fear overcame his like of Pokémon.
His fear caused the Hawlucha Boy to be angry a little as he berated the little boy for being such a coward on Pokémon, causing Randall to shiver in fear a little, until something was about to happen.
What is about to happen, and how will this event get Randall out of his fear habit?
"Yuki! Stop! You're scaring him!" Serena cried out. The Hawlucha Boy ignored her and scoffed, glaring at the little boy. Randall trembled, sounding like he was going to cry, until a truck came by.
Everyone looked to see the vehicle backing up, into the schoolyard! The side of the truck opened up, revealing two people in the truck as the woman smiled, seeing the children.
"Well! Hello there, boys and girls!" The woman giggled. The little man was in a Cubchoo costume, holding some balls, with the woman holding some as well.
"We put together a super duper show for all of you cutie kiddies! Get ready for a great time!" The little man called out. The two then began to juggle some balls together happily.
The kids were immediately amazed with the tricks as the kindergarteners ran to the truck. Even Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie followed along. "Let's go, Randall!" Serena called out.
"Okay..." Randall agreed as he nervously followed along. Only Yuki, Sama, Penelope, and the school principal stayed behind. "What is this? Did you ask those folks to come over here?" The principal asked.
"No... I didn't!" Penelope answered. "But... wouldn't that mean that they came here randomly for some reason, Miss Penelope?" Sama asked, cocking his head. "I'm thinking..." Penelope reminded.
"Hm... Something about this seems a little off..." Yuki admitted. "Lucha..." Hawlucha agreed, thinking about the strange thing as well, with his human partner. But, the Fighting duo shook it off.
As the thought passed away, both Yuki and Sama walked over to see of what was going on. "What is this?" Sama asked. Even Chimchar came out of his hood, curious about what was going on.
"Chim?" Chimchar asked, cocking his head. "One of our favorite past times is to travel around, and entertain all you children!" The woman giggled, explaining the reason for their appearance.
The Kanto trainer seemed to be psyched up about this. "Alright! Can I try it, too?" Ash asked. "Pika Pika!" Pikachu called out, wanting to try out as well. With that question, a man with a Beartic suit came out of the truck.
"Of course! You're welcome to! The more, the merrier, I say!" The man agreed, presenting the jugglers. "Cool!" One kid called out. "Awesome! Let's try it!" Ash agreed as he turned to Randall.
"Come on, Randall. Let's try it out! I know that it's going to be fun!" Ash promised. Randall grew hesitant as the Kanto trainer gestured him to the truck stage as the children followed along.
"You're all our special guests! So, people and Pokémon! Right this way in the stage!" The man called out as most of the children and Pokémon got onto the stage.
Even Bunnelby and Chespin had forced Froakie and Hawlucha to get onto stage, much to their embarrassment. As everyone got onto the stage, the woman and the little man took out some balls.
"Alright then! Everyone gets one of these balls!" The woman called out. With that said, both she and the Cubchoo suit guy handed the kids and the trainers balls.
"With these things, even beginners can play! Which means, everyone!" The little man called out. The kids cheered for the entertainment beginning. As the balls were being handed out, Yuki glanced to see Randall.
He seemed to be distancing from everyone else, as well as Froakie, who was still uninterested with the event going on. The Hawlucha Boy sighed, seeing that the fun isn't going to work for them.
He walked over to Randall, without everyone else noticing. The little boy noticed Yuki as he gasped, turning his head away. "Randall... Let's talk for a bit." Yuki explained, sitting down.
"Um... Okay..." Randall agreed, looking down, still shivering a little. "I'm sorry that I called you a coward. But, with you acting this way, there is no chance that you can become a Trainer if you grow up!" Yuki explained.
"Lucha Hawlucha." Hawlucha agreed, standing besides his trainer. Randall gasped as he tried to scooch away. "Ah!" Randall gasped, startled and scared at Hawlucha coming at him.
"You just made my point..." Yuki sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Lucha..." Hawlucha sighed, a little embarrassed that he actually scared off a kid. "Hawlucha isn't going to attack you... He only attacks enemies." Yuki explained.
"Enemies? Like what?" Randall asked. "Well... For example... We have these bad guys called Team Rocket. Those people always try to steal other people's Pokémon." Yuki started off.
"Team Rocket? But... why do they do that?" Randall asked, blinking in worry. "They say that they want to take over the Kalos region by using the Pokémon as tools to achieve that goal." Yuki explained.
He then looked at the other kids, with Ash, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and Sama. "So, when that happens, my friends and my Pokémon help each other out in order to stop their plans, and to make the Pokémon happy." Yuki explained.
"Hawlucha Lucha Haw." Hawlucha agreed, nodding with a grin. "Oh..." That was the only thing Randall could say at the moment, half-amazed, and half-scared.
The Hawlucha Boy then turned back to the frightened kindergartner. "Tell me... Would you really think that Hoppip wanted to attack you when you tried to befriend it?" Yuki asked.
Randall looked down on the floor, frowning. "I... really don't know..." Randall admitted, frowning sadly. Suddenly, as both Yuki and Randall looked up to see the balls flying in the air, smoke poured out of them!
"Huh!?" "What in the..." Randall and Yuki gasped as the smoke blinded everyone on the stage. "Oh no! What happened!?" Randall gasped. "That's what we'd all like to know!" Yuki coughed.
"Oh no... What's going on here?" Bonnie panicked, looking around. "I don't see those entertainers anywhere!" Clemont pointed out, squinting his eyes to try and see through the smoke.
"Me, neither!" Serena complained. "Let's all try to get off the stage! Everybody, watch your step!" Ash called out. Everyone nodded as they all began to get off the stage truck.
The children all ran to Penelope and the school principal. "Is everybody off the stage?" Ash asked. Suddenly, three glowing nets appeared, trapping Pikachu, Sylveon, and Hawlucha in a glass cage!
Both Ash and Yuki were knocked off of their feet as the two fell to the ground. "Pika Pi!" "Lucha!" Pikachu and Hawlucha called to their trainers. "Ash!" "Yuki!" Serena and Clemont called out.
Penelope, Sama, Bonnie, Clemont, and Serena ran over to see what happened. "Are you two okay?" Serena asked. "Yeah... It's nothing bad..." Yuki grunted as he got up, glaring at the truck stage.
"Hold on! Where did Sylveon go!?" Penelope asked, concerned. The truck stage doors closed as the three 'entertainers' appeared on top of the vehicle as they revealed themselves!
"Prepare for trouble! What's going on is us!"
"And make it double, being us is a plus!"
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all people within our nation!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reaches to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"And James!"
"Team Rocket, blasts off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now, or prepare for a totally grown up fight!"
"Wobbuffet!"
"No... Not you losers again!" Yuki snapped, glaring at the evil trio. "Team Rocket!?" Penelope gasped, shocked and annoyed. The Kanto trainer got up, annoyed as he explained the situation.
"Argh... They're bad guys, who love to steal other people's Pokémon! Give back Pikachu and Sylveon!" Ash demanded. As usual, they refused. "Just as soon as you stop being a twerp!" Jessie sneered.
"Which is never! After all, stealing other people's Pokémon is a one way street! In we go!" James chuckled as the evil trio went inside the truck, prepared to move for an escape.
The truck began to move as both Ash and Yuki ran after the truck! "Come back!" "Hold it right there!" Ash and Yuki yelled as the two ran after the truck. "Pikachu! Sylveon! Hawlucha!" Yuki grunted.
The two boys leapt, as they grabbed onto the back of truck's bars. Fletchling flew after the truck and the two boys as the others gasped in shock. "Oh no, Ash! Yuki!" Serena and Bonnie called out.
"Randall! Randall! Where is he!?" The school principal called out. Penelope widened her eyes as she looked around, before she turned to the retreating truck. "Where's Randall!?" Penelope shrieked out loud.
Sama breathed hard and out as he was shocked of what happened. "Chim..." Chimchar whimpered, gripping Sama's leg in an iron grip, frightened for what had happened just now.
As the truck moved, a mud shot out of nowhere, hitting Fletchling! "Ah! Fletchling!" "No way!" Ash and Yuki gasped, seeing the Tiny Robin Pokémon go down in one mud shot.
In the truck stage...
Randall was in a dark space, nervous of where they were going. "We're moving? But, where to?" Randall asked, shivering in fear. He crawled around, looking to see if there was any way out.
Suddenly, he bumped into something... or someone. It was Froakie! Both Randall and Froakie screamed in surprise until they heard familiar voices. Small explosions and electricity sounded behind them.
It was Pikachu and Hawlucha! The two were trying to use Thunderbolt and Focus Blast to escape their glass prison. "Pikachu! Sylveon! Hawlucha!" Randall gasped in shock, along with the Bubble Frog Pokémon.
Outside of the truck...
Ash and Yuki were still struggling with the back of the truck's door handle. "Argh... Hang in there!" Ash grunted. "We're coming, you three!" Yuki grunted as he tried to help Ash with the door.
Back at the school...
Everyone was searching around, looking for Randall. "Heeey! Randall!" One kid called out. "Randall! Where are you!?" Penelope called. "If you can hear us, yell out loud!" "Chim!" Sama and Chimchar called out.
But, even with their loud calls, there was no answer. "I don't see him anywhere!" One girl called out, feeling worried. "Where could he have gone?" The school principal asked, concerned.
"Could it be..." Serena started, as the Lumiose Gym Leader knew what the Vaniville girl meant. "Yeah... Maybe he didn't get off the stage in time." Clemont agreed. Sama frowned at that.
"You mean, it could be kidnapping!?" Sama panicked. Bonnie tugged on her older brother's sleeve with worry. "That means that Randall is still in the truck!" Bonnie pointed out.
Penelope frowned, getting serious for her school children. "I have to rescue them! Will you watch all the children while I'm gone?" Penelope asked the principal.
"Of course..." The principal agreed as the three trainers and Bonnie stepped up. "I'm coming with you, Penelope!" Serena declared. "We want to go with you, too!" Clemont agreed.
"If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to come, too." Sama volunteered. "Chimchar!" "Pan!" Chimchar and Pancham called out in their determination together. "Thank you all..." Penelope thanked, smiling in relief.
Back at the truck...
Bubble was shot at the glass cages, but it had no effect. Hawlucha frowned, crossing his arms, before he tried to use Karate Chop to break the glass. But, it proved to be more futile as well.
"Pika?" "Sylveon?" Pikachu and Sylveon asked, asking if Froakie needed help. Froakie scoffed, turning away as he unleashed another Water Pulse, aiming it at the Fairy Type's cage.
As it passed, there was no dent or cut on the glass. Water Pulse proved to be useless as well. Randall watched as the Bubble Frog Pokémon kept trying to free his friends with a surprised expression.
Suddenly, the back of the truck door opened, showing both Ash and Yuki! "Hey, Randall! Froakie! What are the two of you doing here?" Ash asked, surprised. "I think the answer is obvious." Yuki muttered.
"It's Ash and Yuki!" Randall exclaimed. The four Pokémon smiled of seeing the two trainers as the boys walked in. "It's alright. We're here together, so there's no need to worry." Yuki assured.
He walked up to Hawlucha's glass cage as the Wrestling Pokémon grinned at him, sighing. "Hawlucha Haw." Hawlucha smirked, giving a thumbs up at his human partner.
"Thanks for waiting, partner. Now... let's see if we can get you and the others out of here..." Yuki grunted, trying to look for a weak spot. Ash walked up to Pikachu and Sylveon's cage with a smile as well.
"Pikachu and Sylveon! Let's get you two and Hawlucha out of here right away!" Ash exclaimed, grinning at the two. The Hawlucha Boy stopped the smile as he frowned, thinking.
"Easier said than done. Hawlucha and Froakie together couldn't break the cages with their attacks, whether it was special or physical." Yuki muttered. "Well, I've got a good idea in mind!" Ash assured.
He and Froakie both stepped back as the Hawlucha Boy got the idea. He nodded as he stepped back as well. "Okay then... Let's just hope that it works..." Yuki replied, getting ready for Ash's plan.
"Okay... Ready! HA!" Ash exclaimed. He, Yuki, and Froakie all bashed Sylveon's cage hard, trying to break her free. "One more time! GO!" Yuki yelled as the three bashed the glass again.
Like before, the cages remained stable as no cracks or dents were made. "Man! Those cases are tough!" Ash exclaimed. "Hey, Randall. Could you give us a hand here?" Yuki asked the little boy.
Randall blinked in shock before looking back at the three captive Pokémon. "All three of the captured Pokémon here are all counting on you!" Yuki reminded, gesturing to Pikachu, Hawlucha, and Sylveon.
The little boy watched as Froakie grew persistent, bashing into Sylveon's cage as he pulled his hat over his eyes. "I'm scared... I can't help anyone..." Randall replied, still frightened.
The Hawlucha Boy frowned as he walked over, kneeling down to Randall's level. "Remember when I asked you if Hoppip really wanted to attack you?" Yuki asked, smiling at the kindergartner.
"I do... But, I don't know what to do!" Randall explained. Ash turned this time, grinning. "Of course you can help! If we all work together, I know that the four of us can do it!" Ash assured.
"Oh... Poor Sylveon..." Randall whispered, enough for the Hawlucha Boy to hear. Yuki smiled as he offered a hand to the little boy. "Come on... You want Sylveon and the others to be happy, right?" Yuki asked.
Randall blinked in surprise, before looking at the three Pokémon. "Sylveon is Miss Penelope's Pokémon, and her friend... And, she's my friend, too! Along with Pikachu and Hawlucha!" Randall exclaimed.
"Yeah! That's right!" Ash chuckled, smiling at the little boy's determination. "I want to help, too!" Randall agreed, taking Yuki's hand as the Hawlucha Boy helped him up as the two boys gave him thumbs up.
"Now, that's what we call, brave and full of courage!" Yuki chuckled, patting Randall on the head. Randall giggled as he faced the cages with the two boys and the Water Type.
"Let's... GO!" Yuki yelled as they all ran at the cage. Ash, Yuki, Randall, and Froakie all bashed into Sylveon's glass cage once more. But, this time, cracks began to appear on the glass.
"It's working... One more!" Yuki called. "Right! GO!" Ash agreed as they all bashed the glass again. Finally, the cage shattered, and Sylveon was free! The Fairy Type cried out happily for her freedom.
"ALRIGHT!" Ash, Yuki, and Randall cried out. As the little boy fell to the floor, his hat fell off as Froakie leaped over to him, patting him on the shoulder. Sylveon smiled, rubbing Randall's head with her ribbon-like feelers.
"Sylveon is saying; 'Thank you'!" Ash explained. Sylveon nodded happily as she kept rubbing Randall's head. This time, instead of getting scared, the kindergartner smiled happily.
"Sylveon, thanks!" Randall thanked. Sylveon giggled with a nod as she walked over to Froakie, nudging him affectionately. Froakie freaked out, turning bright red in embarrassment.
"Kie!? Kie kie Froak!" Froakie yelped in shock as Sylveon giggled at his reaction. The three boys smiled at the Water Type's reaction as well. "Pika Pika!" "Lucha Haw!" Pikachu and Hawlucha called out.
Everyone turned, getting ready to save the two Pokémon as well. "Alright! Let's get both Pikachu and Hawlucha out as well!" Randall called out. "That's what we'd like to hear!" Yuki chuckled.
With that agreed, everyone bashed into Pikachu and Hawlucha's glass cage. Ash and Randall bashed onto Pikachu. Yuki, Froakie, and Sylveon bashed into Hawlucha's glass cage.
At the same time, both glasses shattered, freeing both Pikachu and Hawlucha. "Pikachu!" "Hawlucha!" The two cried out happily as Pikachu leapt into the Kanto trainer's arms.
"Pikachu! Are you okay, buddy?" Ash asked, grinning at his Electric Type partner. "Pika Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed, nuzzling Ash on the cheek happily. "How are you feeling, Hawlucha?" Yuki asked.
"Hawlucha Haw!" Hawlucha smirked, grinning. As the double reunion was made, Randall smiled at the two boys with their Pokémon partners. "Wow... That's great, Pikachu! Hawlucha!" Randall giggled.
Froakie and Sylveon smiled along, both nodding at the little boy. Yuki sighed in relief; Randall has finally gotten rid of his fear now! Just then, everyone felt the truck lurch somehow.
"What's going on?" Randall asked, startled as Sylveon got close to the little boy. "I think Team Rocket's making a stop here..." Yuki answered, narrowing his eyes as Ash nodded.
Pikachu, Froakie, and Hawlucha nodded along as they all got ready for the battle coming up. After for a few seconds, the truck stage was opening up, as everyone saw Team Rocket all sneering.
"...Wow! Look out, six figure raids!" Jessie laughed. "These aren't our glory days!" James laughed along. But, the laughing stopped as the evil trio noticed the two boys glaring at them!
Their three captive ones were also free from their prisons as well! "What!? There's... twerps in our truck!?" Jessie shrieked. Team Rocket panicked as they backed away a little.
"Uh... You won't sell..." James gulped. Both the Hawlucha Boy and the Kanto trainer leapt off the truck, ready to face the evil trio. "We'll be taking Pikachu, Hawlucha, and Sylveon back whether you like it or not!" Yuki declared.
"Not on our watch!" James snapped. Both he and Jessie took out their Pokéballs, ready for a battle. "Pumpkaboo! I need you!" "Okay, Inkay! You too!" Jessie and James shouted, summoning their Pokémon.
"Use Shadow Ball!" "Psybeam, Inkay!" The duo shouted. Both attacks were launched at the boys as Sylveon glared at the enemies, wrapping the feelers around Randall, staying close to him.
"Froakie! You use Water Pulse! Pikachu, you use Thunderbolt!" Ash called out. "Hawlucha, Focus Blast, let's go!" Yuki shouted. The three leapt in the air, launching their own attacks.
The five moves collided, creating a small explosion. "Now, Pikachu! Electro Ball!" "Hawlucha, another Focus Blast, full power!" The two boys shouted.
The partners nodded as they both jumped into the air, as they launched their attacks at the evil trio. Team Rocket panicked and screamed as they were blasted out of the abandoned warehouse.
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Team Rocket screamed as they disappeared into the blue sky. As they were gone, Fletchling chirped to Ash, flying towards him.
"Hey, Fletchling!" Ash exclaimed, allowing the Flying Type to land on his arms. Immediately, a car drove up, as it stopped. Serena and Clemont came out, with Sama, Bonnie, and Penelope behind.
"Ash! Yuki! Everybody! You're all okay!" Serena exclaimed. "Yeah! Of course we are!" Ash exclaimed. He gave the Hawlucha Boy a high five as Yuki smiled, taking it.
Later...
It was sunset as Randall explained the whole story to everyone in the school. "And guess what!? I helped save Pikachu, Hawlucha, and Sylveon!" Randall explained as the school principal smiled.
"You did, Randall?" The principal chuckled. "No kidding? So cool!" The first kid exclaimed, amazed. Randall giggled as he turned to Hawlucha and Froakie, looking up at the two boys.
"Hey, Ash... Yuki? Do you two think that Hawlucha and Froakie and I are gonna be good friends now?" Randall asked. "Why do you ask when the answer is obvious, Randall?" Yuki chuckled.
"The obvious answer is yes! Froakie, Hawlucha, Yuki, and I are gonna be your friends forever!" Ash promised. Froakie and Hawlucha both presented their fists together as Randall grinned.
The three fist bumped each other, as a sign of their friendship. "Wow! Randall! You're not afraid!" "Way to go, Randall!" The girls in the class complimented. "Thanks! Ha ha!" Randall giggled, grinning.
As the group and Sama were getting ready to leave, as Randall promised one thing to the Hawlucha Boy and the Kanto trainer as well.
"When I grow up, I want to become a Pokémon Trainer! And you know what? I want to have a journey with friends like Froakie and Hawlucha!" Randall exclaimed, grinning at his incoming future.
"Awesome! And the next time we see you, we'll all have a battle! One at a time! Okay?" Ash agreed. "Froak kie kie!" "Lucha Haw!" Froakie and Hawlucha smirked, both ready to fight.
"Hawlucha says that he'll be waiting for a great battle, and will expecting you as a challenge someday!" Yuki explained. "Okay! It's a deal! Ash! Yuki!" Randall agreed, shaking both of Yuki and Ash's hands.
Once that was done, Clemont looked at the time, reminding everyone. "Okay... I think it's time for us to go!" Clemont pointed out. "We all owe you so much! Thank you for all your help!" The principal thanked.
"Have a safe journey!" Penelope called out. "Sylveon!" The Fairy Type waved, saying her goodbye as well. "Thanks! Take care, everyone!" Ash called out. "Pika Pika!" Pikachu called in farewell.
"Best wishes until the end!" Yuki called as Serena, Sama, and Bonnie said their farewells as well. When the goodbyes were done, the group and Sama were walking in the route, until they came to a fork in the road.
"Well... I guess this is where I part with you guys." Sama guessed. "Where are you gonna go?" Ash asked, curious. "I'm heading over to Shalour City! To earn my second Badge there!" Sama explained.
"Shalour City, huh? We're going to Cyllage City for our second Gym Badge!" Ash agreed. "Well, in that case, best luck to all of us, right?" Sama asked, offering a hand.
Yuki first took it, then Ash took it. "Just like we promised with Randall, when we meet again, let's have a battle someday." Yuki offered. "Of course! I'll expecting one from the both of you someday!" Sama agreed.
"Chimchar!" "Pan Pancham!" Sama's two Pokémon agreed. "Okay then. Best wishes, Sama." Yuki replied as the group began to say their farewell to the Sinnoh starting trainer as well.
"Bye, Sama!" "Let's see each other again someday!" Bonnie and Serena called out, as Sama waved back, before walking to his path in the route, heading for Shalour City, as the group heads to Cyllage City!
And so, with Randall getting his courage back for Pokémon, and promising both Sama and Randall for a battle, Ash, Yuki, and the others continue their way towards Cyllage City for their next Gym battle!
What will happen on their way again? Stay tuned for some more actions!
To be continued...
Yuki's Team:
Hawlucha: (M): (Flying Press, Aerial Ace, Karate Chop, Focus Blast)
Heracross: (M): (Swords Dance, Protect, Brick Break, Megahorn)
Litleo: (F): (Ember, Headbutt, Take Down, Tackle)
Bulbasaur: (F): (Razor Leaf, Tackle, Vine Whip, Leech Seed)
Next chapters:
Chapter 21: A Mansion to Moan Over!
Chapter 22: Espurr to Play Nice On!
Chapter 23: A Diet Needed for Chespin!
Chapter 24: A Fire Witch VS Fighter!
Chapter 25: A Bag Switch!? Pichu is Here!
Next chapter preview:
Ash: Oh man... What a rainy night... I'm getting soaked here!
Yuki: Hm? What's with this mansion? It looks as if it had been abandoned for years...
Serena: What if it is a monster that is going to eat us while we're in this mansion!?
Clemont: Y-You can't possibly make that rule out without a scientific explanation, of course!
Bonnie: Hey! Wait up! Are you some kind of a... Pokémon?
Yuki: Hey, Bonnie! Hold on! You can't go off like that alone, you know!... Huh? Who's this?