Hey all! Here is chapter 37! I am so excited for you all to read this. Two new characters join the roster. I wonder who they are going to be! I know I love these two quite dearly.

This chapter was beta read by my regular beta reader Killer_Squids. You can find their work on AO3 here ( /users/Killer_Squids). They can also be found on tumblr under the name land-banana. They have done a wonderful job with betaing for me so if you have time please give there page a look.

Any Artwork you may see associated with this fic (on AO3, or Tumblr) has all be created by my good friend SlothyClaws. That is their instagram also have a website ( .com). They do commissions and their commissions are open to anyone that is interested. Go and give their page a look if you are interested.

As for a song to go along with this chapter I feel like Rout 225 Day Theme goes great with one of the characters introduced in this chapter. It's a fast past strong song that sets the mood for the chapter as a whole. If you have time while reading this look it up and give it a listen.

I choose you, chapter 37!

A Rock From the Heavens

"Quiz style first rounds have always been the trickiest of all the first rounds you can face," Shimada hummed from the other side of the Pokemon Center's computer. "You never really know what they are going to ask, and there is only so much you can prepare."

"I know, but that last question," Yamaguchi groaned, his hands on his face. "I should have known it no problem!"

"Hey, don't kick yourself too much over it," Shimada kindly said. "Stage fright is bound to happen for new contestants, so you should just forget about it. It's great that you were even able to receive one point. Some people didn't even get that far."

Yamaguchi shifted in his seat for a moment as he considered Shimada's words. "Yeah, I guess you're right," he eventually agreed in a mumble.

"You're going to win some and you're going to lose some. It's part of the showcase gig," Shimada shrugged. "The best thing to do now is to try to figure out where you went wrong and practice, practice, practice!"

"I'll try not to dwell on it," Yamaguchi said with a soft smile. Obsessing over the loss would only hinder him and his team.

"That's what I like to hear," Shimada smiled brightly. "Get back out there and try for another showcase whenever you can. All Pokemon Centers have a list of upcoming showcases you can reference at any time so make sure to keep up to date with that."

"Right, I'll be sure to check up on it more often," Yamaguchi nodded. He really needed to get into the habit of checking in on the showcase schedule.

"So, where are you and Tsukishima off to next?" Shimada asked, relaxing a bit in his seat.

"It looks like we will be going to Shalour City so that Tsukki can try for his next gym badge," Yamaguchi replied, mirroring Shimada's posture and relaxing as well.

"I see," Shimada hummed in thought as he shifted once more. Yamaguchi could hear him typing on his computer. "Just as I thought!" he cheered as he looked right into the camera. "There should be a showcase in about a week or so. It's going to be held in Geosenge Town. It's on the way to Shalour City, so you can hit that showcase on your way to the gym."

"Oh, is that so?" Yamaguchi nervously replied. He sat up a bit. Was he ready for another showcase so soon?

"There is no point in waiting, Yamaguchi," Shimada almost scolded. "There are only a handful of showcases in a year, so you need to try as many as you can before the Master Class Showcase Tournament begins."

"Yeah, I know," Yamaguchi mumbled. He was well aware that, unlike gyms, showcases were on a fixed schedule and there were only so many chances a trainer had at obtaining a key.

"Listen, Yamaguchi, I will send over some study materials for you to look over if that makes you feel better," Shimada said, speaking a bit softer now. "I also have a book on helping with stage fright. Give it a read when you have a chance."

"Thanks, that would be great," Yamaguchi replied with a small smile. He really had no clue what to do about his stage fright, and he was reminded of how lucky he was to have Shimada as a mentor.

"I'll send the materials on over tonight, and you should have them by tomorrow morning," Shimada carried on with a kind smile.

"Thank you so much," Yamaguchi said with a small bow of his head. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Shimada."

"Don't thank me, Yamaguchi. You're a great trainer with a lot of talent for the stage," Shimada pridefully said. "You just need a bit more practice and you'll be a natural in no time."

"Thanks," Yamaguchi replied with a small meek blush.

"Now, you go get some rest tonight. It's just as important to rest after a loss as it is after a win," Shimada demanded like a doting mother.

"Yes, sir," Yamaguchi dutifully replied.

"Goodnight, Yamaguchi," Shimada softly hummed.

"Goodnight, Shimada," Yamaguchi gently replied.

With that, the two hung up.

Yamaguchi took a deep breath before getting up from where he sat. Talking with Shimada about his loss wasn't as scary as he thought it would be. With his thoughts together, Tadashi made his way out of the Pokemon center and back to the campsite he and Tsukki had pitched the night before. With the popup showcase being held earlier that day there were no more rooms left at the Pokemon Center hostel so the two opted for a good old fashioned campsite.

Once back at the campsite Yamaguchi was brightly greeted by both Eevee and Riolu. Eevee had come to terms a bit more with Riolu as part of the team now. She still pouted whenever Riolu got more attention from Yamaguchi, but she hadn't attacked or growled at Riolu since the incident with the cobbler.

Yamaguchi picked Eevee and Riolu up into a warm hug. Salazzle snaked her way around him in warm greeting as he did so.

"It's good to see you all, too," Yamaguchi greeted as he made his way over to where Tsukki at by the blazing campfire.

"How'd it go?" Tsukishima asked as Yamaguchi took a seat next to him.

"Better than I thought, I guess," Yamaguchi shrugged as he shifted Riolu and Eevee into his lap. Salazzle wedged her way between Yamaguchi and Tsukki, cozying up to both of them.

"Get any good advice?" Tsukishima followed up, placing the book he had been reading in his lap.

"He is going to send me a bit of reading," Yamaguchi replied. His shoulders slumped as he allowed himself to relax a bit.

"Well, that's good," Tsukishima calmly hummed.

"There's also going to be another showcase in Geosenge Town in about a week," Yamaguchi sighed, feeling his stomach do a bit of a flip at the idea of joining another showcase so soon after his loss.

"That's on the way to Shalour City," Tsukishima replied. He was much better with geography than Yamaguchi was. "Are you going to join it?" he asked, glancing over at his best friend.

"I suppose, if you don't mind the detour," Yamaguchi shrugged. He wished he could be more pumped about it.

Tsukishima simply replied with an "I don't mind".

A moment of silence hung between the two. The spring nights weren't as frigid anymore, so staying up and enjoying the silent darkness was something the two did a lot more often. Yamaguchi couldn't help but feel grateful for nights like this. No matter what happened and no matter how mopy Yamaguchi got, Tsukki was always there for him.

"Thanks, Tsukki," Yamaguchi hummed after a long moment. He really didn't deserve such a wonderful best friend.

The next morning came on quickly. After breakfast, the two trainers packed up their camp and made their way back from where they had come. While the walk to Geosenge Town was only a few days away, Yamaguchi had learned that sometimes one encounters bump along the trail.

This particular spring day was bright and warm. It carried a comfortable salty sea breeze that helped Yamaguchi freshen his mind after his loss yesterday. As they walked along the rocky coast Yamaguchi made sure to keep a healthy distance between himself and the cliff he had almost fallen from before. Apparently, it was nesting season for the Pelliper and, as he learned first hand, they can become quite aggressive if they feel their nest is threatened.

Around late noon the two trainers decided to pitch camp for the day. Their campsite was a ways from the trail, but they could still see out over the ocean well enough. Yamaguchi quickly whipped together several rice balls before settling down to eat and read the book from Shimada on common showcase trivia.

If Yamaguchi was being honest, the book was one of the most boring books Shimada had given him to study from. It was full of random Pokemon facts that only made Yamaguchi feel sleepy. Though he gave it his best, Yamaguchi couldn't help but fall into a snooze while reading the book.

"Look out!" A shout sounded from somewhere beyond the tree line.

Yamaguchi shot up from his snooze. His book and Eevee flew in opposite directions as Yamaguchi caught sight of a large rock heading right for Eevee. With speed he didn't know he had, Yamaguchi scooped Eevee into his arms and rolled away, narrowly missed being struck by the rock. He sat curled around Eevee for a long moment, unsure if it was safe.

"What the fuck?" Tsukishima spat as he stood up. He had been reading from his tablet and was just as shocked as Yamaguchi was.

"Hey! Are you okay?" The same voice from before sounded from behind a bush.

Yamaguchi cracked an eye open and sat up as the owner of the voice emerged from the bush. It was an older trainer with spiky gray hair and round yellow eyes. He had a large smile on his face despite having almost commited murder via rock. Beside the trainer was a very strong looking Hawlucha.

Before either Yamaguchi or Tsukishima could answer, a second trainer emerged from the very same bush. He had darker hair and an almost serene aura about him. He sent a very disapproving look to his friend.

"Bokuto, I told you we were far too close to the trail for this sort of training," the dark-haired trainer scolded.

"Calm down, Akaashi. It doesn't look like anyone here is hurt!" Bokuto shrugged with a cheeky smile.

"Really?" Akaashi grumbled, unconvinced. His eyes shot to the large rock that was only inches away from where Yamaguchi's head had just been. He then looked to Yamaguchi who still sat stunned on the spot. His brow furrowed in concern as he took in the sight of the two campers.

Before Yamaguchi could speak a word Tsukishima stepped forward. "Were you the ones who chucked this rock at us? You almost took out Yamaguchi's head," He snapped, his eyes leering at Bokuto.

"Hey, he looks fine," Bokuto shrugged as he walked further into their camp. "No one was hurt, right kid?" He asked, looking to Yamaguchi.

Tsukishima released a small grumbled as he scowled at the carefree Bokuto.

"I-I'm fine," Yamaguchi sputtered as he stood up. He was a bit unsure if he should react with more anger or not.

"Well, we are both very sorry for this… situation," Akaashi apologized once more. "My name is Akaashi, and this here is Bokuto," He introduced, also walking further into the campsite.

"I'm Yamaguchi," Yamaguchi politely replied. He looked to Tsukki only to find his friend still scowling. "This here is Tsukishima," he said, deciding to introduce his friend since Tsukki didn't look like he was going to do it himself.

"It's nice to meet you both, Yamaguchi, Tsukishima!" Bokuto hooted as he took both their hands and shook them far too vigorously.

"Bokuto! That's too rough," Akaashi warned as he shook his head in disappointment.

"Don't touch me!" Tsukishima growled at the same time, ripping his hand from Bokuto's clutches.

"N-Nice to m-meet you, too," Yamaguchi replied as his arm was almost yanked from it's socket.

"So what are two young trainers such as yourself doing out on the road like this?" Bokuto asked. As he spoke be proudly puffed his chest out. Yamaguchi had never met anyone who carried quite this much confidence. Was this guy a Showcase contestant?

"Young trainers?" Tsukishima snapped. "We can't be much younger than you are!" Tsukishima's snappy comebacks didn't seem to bother either Bokuto or Akaashi. The latter of which currently looked as if he was just as put off by Bokuto as Tsukki was.

"We are heading up towards Geosenge Town and Shalour City," Yamaguchi replied as he scooped a very needy Eevee into his arms.

"But that's really none of your business," Tsukishima quickly added.

"Ah! Shalour City? Are you going for a gym battle?" Bokuto hooted in excitement. "Korrina is one tough cookie! She's got a mega stone you know."

Yamaguchi couldn't help but gasp. Mega stones were rare, and they apparently supercharged a Pokemon for a duration of time. Were gym leaders even allowed to use them against normal trainers such as Tsukki?

"What does it matter to you why we are going there?" Tsukishima replied stubbornly.

"You'll have to excuse Bokuto. He really can't pick up on social cues," Akaashi apologized.

"Hey! I got an idea," Bokuto barked, talking over Akaashi. "I can help you train for your next gym battle!"

Both Tsukki and Yamaguchi looked to the older trainer in shock. This guy was a complete stranger, but was offering to help just like that? All the while Akaashi placed his hand firmly onto the center of his forehead.

"And why would you do that?" Tsukishima asked in suspicion.

"Think of it as an apology for almost killing your friend here," Bokuto replied as he gave Yamaguchi back a very hard pat.

Yamaguchi stumbled from the sudden impact. Tsukishima's eyes narrowed.

"Thanks, but I don't need help training," Tsukishima growled.

"Aw, come on! I have a lot of knowledge, you know," Bokuto pushed, getting dangerously close to Tsukishima.

"No!" Tsukishima replied sharply, taking a step back.

"How about you?" Bokuto asked, switching his attention to Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi jumped back a bit at the sudden closeness. "Sorry, I won't be battling at the gym. I am a showcase contestant," he nervously replied as he leaned away from Bokuto.

Just then Bokuto was pulled back by Akaashi. "Calm down, Bokuto," he scolded. "They aren't interested in your training help."

"Aw, come on. I have to repay them for almost killing them somehow," Bokuto whined.

"When people say no, Bokuto, we respect that," Akaashi replied in a calm but stern tone.

"Yeah, I know," Bokuto deflated.

Yamaguchi felt a tinge of guilt settle in his stomach at the older trainers disappointment. Tsukishima took notice of the guilt and sent Yamaguchi a 'please no' scowl that went unnoticed by Yamaguchi.

"Well, if you really want to help us with something," Yamaguchi started slowly. This caught Bokuto's attention. "We are running low on berries…"

"Yamaguchi," Tsukishima hissed.

"Sorry, Tsukki," Yamaguchi quietly replied.

"You need berries? I'm your man!" Bokuto perked up. "I know where all the berry trees are in this whole forest!"

"I'm sure you do," Tsukishima sarcastically mumbled quietly to himself.

"Bokuto, calm down," Akaashi scolded once more, this time it came out as more of a sigh.

The next thing Yamaguchi knew he was being led into the forest by Bokuto. "I know just the best place for berry picking right this way," He enthusiastically explained.

Yamaguchi stumbled after the older trainer as he did his best not to drop Eevee. He felt confused and dizzy as Bokuto dragged him further from camp. Everything was happening so fast. This Bokuto worked on a level Yamaguchi couldn't keep up with.

"Hey!" Yamaguchi could hear Tsukishima bark from somewhere behind them.

"Bokuto, don't go dragging people around like that!" Akaashi scolded as he followed after them.

Everything passed in a blur and the next thing Yamaguchi knew they had stopped in a small clearing full of berry trees.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!" Bokuto cheered as he held his hands up for dramatic effect. "Told you I knew where the berries grew around here."

Though his head was still spinning a bit, Yamaguchi looked around to see a large variety of berry trees and all were fruiting. "Wow, there are so many," he gasped.

"I know," Bokutoi proudly replied. "That's why I'm the best berry hunter in all of Kalos."

"It's not that impressive," Tsukishima scowled from beside Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi gave a startled jump. He hadn't noticed Tsukishima appearance.

"No need to be jealous, Glasses," Bokuto laughed. He didn't seem phased by Tsukki's attitude.

"Bokuto, you really need to not kidnap strangers," Akaashi sighed as he came up on the other side of Yamaguchi.

"It wasn't a kidnapping, right Yamaguchi?" Bokuto replied as he gave Yamaguchi shoulder a sturdy pat.

"Y-Yeah," Yamaguchi replied as he tried to ignore the throbbing in his shoulder.

Bokuto gave an approving grin before turning towards the berry trees. "Now let's get to picking!" as Bokuto spoke his Hawlucha gave an equally as enthusiastic cheer.

Yamaguchi and Akaashi joined Bokuto in the picking festivities while Tsukishima opted to scowl from the sidelines. It was only after Yamaguchi asked him to help him carry berries that Tsukishima came around, sort of.

Bokuto was a funny guy with a lot to say. All the while picking berries Bokuto would talk on and on about this and that. Yamaguchi didn't very much mind it, but Tsukki was obviously annoyed. Several times Akaashi had to remind Bokuto not to get too excited. Yamagchi couldn't tell if Bokuto simply couldn't picking up on Tsukki's annoyed body language or if he just didn't care. The man was far too erratic for Yamaguchi to get a read on.

Unfortunately for Tsukishima, when the picking was done, Bokuto and Akaashi followed them back to their campsite. They had picked themselves far too many berries for Tsukishima and Yamaguchi to carry on their own so they helped the two carry their spoils back to the campsite. Yamaguchi had then invited them to stay for dinner for their troubles. It just felt like the polite thing to do.

"Wow, kid!" Bokuto sang as he took a bit of Yamaguchi's fresh stew. "This is some of the best food I've ever eaten! You need to learn how to cook like this, Akaashi!"

Yamaguchi felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him as Akaashi scowled at Bokuto. Bokuto didn't seem too much like the type to think before he speaks.

"It really is quite good, Yamaguchi," Akaashi genuinely agreed once he was done scowling at Bokuto.

"Thanks," Yamaguchi blushed. "I've had a lot of cooking practice since starting this journey."

"So did you two start your journey recently?" Akaashi asked.

"Yeah, about two months ago," Yamaguchi replied.

"Have you always been doing showcases then?" Akaashi followed up.

"No, I only just started after arriving here. We don't have showcases in Alola," Yamaguchi explained. He felt a bit shy to talk about how new he was to showcases.

"Wow! Alola is such a great place," Bokuto cut in. "I don't know why anyone would ever leave a tropical paradise for anywhere else."

Yamaguchi could tell Tsukki was going to make a nasty comeback but held his tongue.

"So, are you two here for the league?" Yamaguchi asked, wanting to change the subject. "How many badges do you have?"

"Nah, Akaashi and I aren't collecting badges," Bokuto said with a shake of his head. "We were just out here for a bit of training between work and stuff."

"Work?" Yamaguchi asked, a bit surprised by Bokuto's answer. It wasn't every day you met working people just on the trail like this. "What do you do for work? Are you a gym leader?"

"Well, you see-" Bokuto began proudly before a ringing sounded from his pocket. He paused for a moment before releasing a long sigh. "Aw man!"

"I told you we were away for too long," Akaashi sighed as he sent Bokuto a look.

"Sorry guys but we gotta go," Bokuto shrugged as he stood up.

"So soon?" Yamaguchi couldn't help but ask. They had only just finished dinner. They hadn't even touched the berry cobbler he had made.

"Too bad," Tsukishima quietly chimed in. He didn't sound terribly disapointed.

"Yeah, business calls," Bokuto sighed.

"This late?" Tsukishima asked with a sceptical look.

"Hey, I'm a busy guy," Bokuto shrugged. "The meal was amazing by the way," he added, addressing Yamauchi. "And sorry for almost killing you."

"It's not a problem," Yamaguchi replied, winning himself a scowl from Tsukki. "Do you want to take some cobbler for the road?"

"Heck yes!" Bokuto cheered.

"You're really spoiling us," Akaashi added. "And here we are trying to apologize for almost maiming you."

"No, there is too much here for us to eat on our own anyways," Yamaguchi brushed off. He couldn't help but feed people. It came with being a baker's son.

It wasn't long before Yamaguchi had packed them up some cobbler and he and Tsukki were sending their two new friends on their way.

"Hey, the next time we meet I will pay you both back properly," Bokuto insisted.

"You really don't have to do that," Tsukishima mumbled.

"I will," Bokuto shot back, more serious.

"Thank you both for your hospitality," Akaashi thanked, more to Yamaguchi than to Tsukashima.

"Not a problem at all," Yamaguchi insisted. "You two travel safely. It's a bit late."

"I ain't afraid of the dark," Bokuto replied proudly. "I'm sure we'll see you two around again very soon."

With that Bokuto and Akaashi made their way out of the campsite and down the dark path. Trainers normally didn't travel so late at night. Yamaguchi couldn't help but wonder if the two would be okay.

"What a strange duo," Yamaguchi found himself saying once Akaashi and Bokuto had disappeared into the night.

"Tell me about it," Tsukishima scoffed, obviously happy to see the two off.

It was then that Yamaguchi realized they never found out what it was that Bokuto and Akaashi did.

Author Notes:

Well now, we finally got to meet our good friends Bokuto and Akaashi. It was about time they showed up. I wonder what it is Bokuto and Akaashi do in the wonderful world of Pokemon? Will Yamaguchi and Tsukishima ever cross paths with them again? That and more will be answered if you stay tuned.

Well now, that was quite a fun chapter to write and I have been excited to debut these two into this fic for a while now. I love Bokuto and Akaashi so much. I hope you guys enjoyed their addition to the story thus far. As always I will be updating the fic every week so keep your eyes peeled for the next chapter. The next few chapters are honestly ones I have been wanting to post for a while. They introduce more of a long running plot so I hope you guys are ready. It's also going to be a three part mini arc thing so yeah.

As always, thank you all so much for the wonderful feedback. The bookmarks, follows and kudos are always a nice thing to see in the middle of the week when life and work takes it toll on me. I also love to hear your feedback and reactions to chapters and the story as a whole so do leave a comment or Review down below.

That is all for now, my dear readers. I shall see you next chapter.