Author's Note: Phew...! This is the longest chapter I ever made and possibly won't be the last long chapter I make.
Anyway, time for a little insight on your favorite Rockruff pair! Enjoy readers!
About the day after Ash and Sarah completed their lesser Trial, the two were in front of Professor Kukui's house, training with their pokemon. "Blitz, use Thunderpunch!"
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Ash called and the two pokemon collided their attacks and pushed each other back. The Puppy Pair barked happily seeing the training while Silvally and Mudsdale watched silently.
"Blitz, let's rocket with Tackle!" ordered Sarah. Blitz complied and charged at Pikachu, he felt empowered after he, Sarah, and their family completed the lesser trial against Totem Gumshoos and was determined to become stronger to climb to the top and surpass himself. The moments when Sarah and her family were threatened by Viren and Team Skull's hands and the lesser trial win Mudsdale and Sivally inspired him to train harder and he wasn't going to stop now for Sarah's sake nor was he was going to be outdone by his brothers.
Ash and Pikachu watched as Blitz charged at them, "Thunderbolt!"
Sarah narrowed her eyes as she watched Pikachu use Thunderbolt. "Now, Blitz! Dodge!" Blitz dodged before he used Thundershock without her command and take Ash and Pikachu by surprise as it hits the latter.
"I guess you didn't need me to say anything that time," she chuckled.
Mudsdale and Sivally continued to watch the match, feeling impressed. "He's not bad," Sivally muttered. Mudsdale neighed in agreement.
"Blitz, use Tackle!" Sarah called and Blitz charged, "Pika Pika Pika Pika Pika..."
"Pikachu, use Electro Ball!" Pikachu leaped into the air and launched Electro Ball at Blitz, "Hit it back with your tail!"
"Pika!" Blitz called and he spotted and smacked the Electro Ball with his tail. "Pika!"
"What?!" Ash exclaimed. Pikachu dodged the attack and landed on the ground.
Pikachu gasped as one of his best attacks was bounced back at him, he must've underestimated Blitz!
"That was good, Ash, but not good enough!" Sarah mocked as Blitz landed on the ground and charged at Pikachu again. "You'll have to do better than that if you want to beat us! Now, Blitz!"
Blitz smirked as he took advantage of Pikachu and Ash's shock and used a Thunderpunch attack, stunning Pikachu. "Pikachu, no!" Ash cried in shock as Pikachu rolled back on the ground in pain before he slowly got up.
"Well, I see you're all fired up," replied Professor Kukui, stopping the training match and getting everyone's attention. The Alola professor heard them training earlier for their Grand Trial and decided to check on them. He was quite impressed, "Looks like you two can't wait to start your very first Grand Trial. And, after you helped the villagers deal with those Alolan Rattata and Radicate, you must be proud of yourselves."
"You bet!" Ash exclaimed.
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed. The Puppy Pair barked happily.
"And I see Blitz has gotten a bit stronger." Kukui smiled at the little Pikachu.
"Pikachu..!" Blitz smiled.
"Thanks, Professor," Sarah smiled. "I guess he was inspired by Mudsdale and Sivally winning the lesser trial against Totem Gumshoos if he's getting in gear."
"And, that fighting spirit is what I like to see in you and your Pokemon," Professor Kukui continued. "Sivally and Mudsdale have gotten on well as a team during the match from what Hala told me."
"They did, although Sivally wants to fight now. He's been looking forward to this for days," Sarah said, looking at Sivally. The Synthetic Pokemon narrowed his eyes at her and his family. "Hey, I was looking for a challenge after that fight, so sue me!" Sarah, Blitz, and the Puppy Pair sighed. Mudsdale, however, shook his head and softly neighed in amusement. "Still has the attitude, huh?" Ash guessed, earning an nod from Sarah.
"So how about your Puppy Pair?" Professor Kukui questioned. "Have they trained much?"
"Hmm... now that I think about, they haven't trained that much." Sarah realized.
"Well how about we change that?" Ash asked as he brought out another pokeball, "Litten, I choose you!" and out came a red and black cat pokemon, "Litten!"
"Blitz, take a break." Sarah called and Blitz returned to her side. "Rockruff, you two are up." The Puppy Pair barked happily and ran out onto the field to face both Litten and Pikachu. "Ready, guys?" The Puppy Pair barked in agreement and braced themselves.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash cried, making the first move. Pikachu charged his electricity and launched the Thunderbolt attack at the Puppy Pair. "Dodge!" Sarah began. The Puppy Pair split as the Thunderbolt missed and hits their previous spot, drawing up a cloud of sand blocking everyone's view and shielding the Puppy Pair. "Hey, I can't see!" Ash screamed. Pikachu looked around, surprised that he lost the Puppy Pair after his Thunderbolt missed. That was, until... "Rock!" Pikachu was attacked from behind by one of the Puppy Pair using Bite on his tail. "PIKA!" Pikachu screamed as he comically flailed.
"Ah! Pikachu!" Ash gasped. Then Litten dashed over and readied a Scratch attack, "Rockruff...!" Sarah gasped but the other Rockruff used Tackle and bashed Litten away. "Mwar!" Litten exclaimed. Rockruff then threw Pikachu into the air and then leaped into the air as well. "Use Thunderbolt!" Ash called and Pikachu launched Thunderbolt at Rockruff, "Counter with Rock Throw!"
"Roooo...!" Rockruffs' collar glowed white and it launched rocks at the Thunderbolt, countering it and creating smoke in the air. "Pika?" Suddenly,
"Roo...!" "Use Bite!" Rockruff burst from the smoke and delivered a Bite attack. "PIKA!"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu then fell onto the ground and Rockruff landed on all fours, "Rockruff.. Rock...!"
"Interesting.. it used Rock Throw to create a cloud so it could get in close to Pikachu..." Professor Kukui said, amused.
"Rock, Rock, Rockruff!" the Puppy Pair cheered as they bumped tails. They glared back at Litten and Pikachu with shared smirks, daring their friends to come at them again. Blitz was surprised that they were being more cunning and ruthless despite battling with honor. Sivally and Mudsdale were also surprised by how the Puppy Pair were faring against Pikachu and Litten. "When did those two rascals get so tough?" Sivally pondered. Mudsdale shook his head, also not understanding what happened to their young brothers. "Don't give up, guys! We'll beat them," Ash encouraged. "Litten, use Ember! Pikachu, try to trap them with Electroweb!" Pikachu leapt forward and used Electroweb to ensnare the Puppy Pair while Litten prepared Ember. The Puppy Pair, however, continued to smirk before they turned to each other. "Rock, Rockruff!" the first Rockruff told his brother. The second brother agreed and he got onto his brother's back, a plan brewing in their paws.
The second brother unleashed a Bite attack and it sliced through the Electroweb! "What?!" Ash exclaimed.
"Awesome!" Sarah exclaimed and Blitz cheered them on, "Pika Pikachu!" The first brother leaped into the air with his brother on his back and they both avoided the Ember attack and they both unleashed Rock Throw on Litten and Pikachu. The Twin Rock Throw attack was unleashed at such close a range and with such ferocity that Pikachu and Litten couldn't take the full force of the blows. When the dust finally settled, everyone saw that Pikachu and Litten were beaten with swirls in their eyes and the Puppy Pair still standing. The Rockruff brothers were panting hard as using their Rock Throw attacks together drained them of much of their stamina but they felt very pleased with themselves. "Pikachu, Litten!" Ash cried in shock. Sarah, Blitz, Sivally, and Mudsdale were shocked, the two Rockruffs had outwitted and overpowered Pikachu and Litten with ease. "Where did that power come from?" Sivally asked. He was stunned by what he had seen. Mudsdale remained silent, also in shock from the outcome of the battle.
Professor Kukui was amazed and smiled with a nod, "Well, I guess that means the Puppy Pair win with one." The Puppy Pair gave off proud howls as they bumped their tails again but Sarah smiled and came up to the pair to congratulate them. "Hehe, awesome you too." Sarah praised. "You two sure are strong." The Puppy Pair barked happily, wagging their tails. "Hehe, your Rockruff are quite good when they work together." Professor Kukui said as he came over.
"Thanks Professor." Sarah praised.
"Great battle, Sarah." Ash added.
"Thanks, Ash," Sarah smiled , while everyone was happy for the Puppy Pair, the Rockruff brothers frowned as if something was on their minds. They looked out at the ocean as if they were wondering what to do. The second brother quietly whimpered in longing while the first brother nuzzled in comfort before growling that everything will be fine with them being with their new family until then. Sivally, however, watched them with narrowed eyes having heard what they said. "What are you two on about...?" He wondered quietly.
"Rockruff... Rockruff..." the second brother told the Synthetic Pokemon.
"Thinking about your past...?" Silvally questioned, earning a nod from the two.
"I always wondered... where did you two come from...?" Silvally asked. "I've seen you three around the forest before encountering Sarah..."
The Puppy Pair went quiet, unsure of how to respond next to the Synthetic Pokemon. It was as if their past was a tragic one and they've been living their lives alone ever since what happened in their past happened. It occurred to Sivally that nobody, not even Sarah and Blitz, had bothered to ask the brothers about their past and what happened to them during that time before meeting with Sarah.
Finally, the first brother took over and explained about their old home which was at Akala island and about their previous life when they were truly happy. But, then, he explained about a life-changing event for the Puppy Pair that resulted in their parents, two Lycanroc, being stripped away from them by Team Skull. Sivally was shocked beyond belief for the Puppy Pair. "...Your parents were stolen from you by Team Skull?!" he gasped silently. The Puppy Pair nodded, "Why didn't you try to tell anyone?" Silvally asked.
The first brother barked softly, "You didn't think anyone would help you?! That's crazy, Sarah and Ash would help you at the drop of a hat." Silvally said. "No matter how annoying they are."
The brothers just turned away and kept on watching the ocean, thinking about their parents. Sivally didn't need them to speak further, he now knew that it was a sensitive topic for them but he was still adamant on having Sarah and her friends help them save their family.
As if he knew what the Synthetic Pokemon wanted to say, the first brother barked softly that it's their mission alone to save their parents and nobody else's. The second brother felt the same way since he and his older brother didn't want anybody to worry about them and felt that it was their burden alone to rescue their mother and father. Sivally groaned and decided to walk away back to Sarah and the others but deep down, he was worried for the Puppy Pair, even if he wouldn't show it.
The two brothers looked at each other and nodded. The two of them silently snuck away from the group but it didn't go unnoticed by Mudsdale and Ash, "Hey where are the Rockruffs going?" Ash wondered.
"Don't know..." Sarah said before she silently stated to follow the two of them along with Ash and the others. Silvally said, "I try to tell them but do they listen? Noooo..." he grunted before he and Mudsdale followed behind the others, quietly trailing the two Rockruff.
Stand Tall
(Scene opens showing a Litten, Rowlet, Poppilo and Pichu)
I stand tall cause I know I'm a winner
(Scene changes to Sarah, who straightens her long hair with a determined look along with her friends by her side.)
Knock me down, I'll just get up again
(The scene changed to Team Rocket and Jesse donning on a Nurse Joy outfit)
You've met your match
Yeah I'm no beginner
(Scene changes to Rockruff evolving into Lycanroc and unleashing Rock Throw)
Pokemon
Pokemon
Gotta catch 'em all
(Type: Null runs away from a large black pokemon and hides behind Sarah who rubbed his head in comfort as she and her friends glared at the threat)
I stand tall cause I know I'm a winner
Pokemon
Pokemon
Gotta catch 'em all
(Sarah looks to the screen, walks over and then swipes the screen to show the title)
Alola Journey VOL 1
Soon, the pair came to the area where team Skull hung around. The pair heard something and saw two Lycanroc; Midnight and Dusk form inside of a cage trying to burst it open. "Rockruff...!" The pair barked at them and the Lycanroc smiled at the two. "Lycanroc..." The Puppy Pair went over to the cage, "Rooo...!" they whimpered.
"Lycanroc..." the Dusk Form Lycanroc cooed back, nuzzling their pair on the nose. Suddenly, Tupp, Rapp and Zipp appeared. "Hey get away from our Lycanroc!" Tupp exclaimed.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Puppies Grimm still crying out for their mommy and daddy!" Rapp mocked with a cackle. "Still trying to get stronger so you can win back your parents after we beat them fair and square?" The Puppy Pair snarled. They knew that when they and their parents first clashed with Team Skull's Three Skull Stooges only cheated to win and take their family away from them for their own deeds.
"Yeah, yeah, so you guys wanted to settle the score with us and we only cheated to win, big deal!" Zipp retorted with a huff. "You can't accept the fact that we're in it to win and deal with Pokemon our way, no matter who gets in our way!"
"Your parents belong to us now so why don't you go back to your trainer and play fetch? We're having fun with them before we transport them to Big Sis Plumeria," Tupp laughed with Rapp and Zipp joining him. This made the Puppy Pair furious and they charged at them with vengeful howls and a Double Bite attack, startling the Three Skull Stooges who dodged them.
"If it's a fight you want you'll get one! Go Salandit!" Tupp exclaimed.
"Garboder!" Rapp added.
"Zubat!" Zipp called. The three pokemon came out, "Use Toxic!" And they fired Toxic at the Rockruff pair, horrifying their parents but, "Thunderbolt!" "Thundershock!" Two electrical beams countered the Toxic and Mudsdale came in and hit them with High Horsepower! "Wha!" Team Skull exclaimed in shock.
"Back off, Team Skull!" Ash screamed in anger. "PIKA!" Pikachu snarled in agreement.
"Hands off those Lycanroc and run back to your mommies!" Sarah taunted as Blitz, Mudsdale, and Sivally prepared to attack. But, the Rockruff Brothers got in front of them and braced themselves for a fight. The first brother barked at their family and friends, angrily demanding that they stay out of this fight and that saving their parents is his and his little brother's responsibility. He barked at the second brother to follow him and fight and the little brother barked in agreement before they howled with a vengeance again and tried to fight off Garboder, Zubat, and Salandit themselves. "Damn! Those two have gone mad!" Sivally cursed, watching the Puppy Pair angrily fight Team Skull's Pokemon. The pair's parents could only look on worriedly from their cage. They were scared for their sons as they watched them fight to free them from the Three Skull Stooges' clutches. "What are they doing?!" Sarah asked in shock.
"They want us to stay out of this," Sivally answered. Sarah turned to him in horror, "What?!"
"They told me that they felt responsible for what happened to their parents when they first fought against those Team Skull idiots and that saving them is their burden to bear, not ours," he continued.
The three pokemon then blasted the puppies with Toxic! "Roooo!" They cried.
"ROCKRUFF!" Sarah cried in horror.
"NO!" Ash screamed in panic.
"Lycanroc!" The two Lycanroc gasped.
Pikachu and Litten were horrified as the Puppy Pair was blasted in full force with a Triple Toxic Attack while Rapp, Tupp, and Zipp laughed and mocked the Rockruff Brothers, who were badly poisoned. Their parents howled in horror and agony to see their sons badly hurt and near death but Sivally, Blitz, and Mudsdale were not just shocked, they were furious by their enemies' assault on the Puppy Pair.
Before Garboder, Zubat, and Salandit could torture the Puppy Pair more, Sarah's remaining Pokemon charged into battle and lashed out with a fully-powered Thunderpunch, Dragon Claw, and Bulldoze, knocking the three Poison Pokemon out.
"NO!" Zipp screamed, throwing a tantrum. "We lost again!"
"You haven't won yet, you brats!" Rapp snarled.
"We'll get you for this!" Tupp snapped. And, they quickly took the cage and disappeared using a smoke bomb.
"Oh no! The Lycanroc!" Sarah exclaimed.
"Rats." Ash grumbled.
The Puppy Pair whimpered in pain from the posion. Sarah picked them up, "Hang on you too." she cooed.
"Come on, let's get the to the Pokemon Center." Kukui stated and the group rushed the two of the Pokemon Center.
At the Center, Nurse Joy administered Antidote to the two rock type pokemon and they were now resting alone. "They'll be just fine, Sarah." Nurse Joy reassured and Sarah smiled.
"Thanks Nurse Joy.." Sarah said.
"Why were they Rockruff so angry with us?" Ash wondered.
"Pika?" Pikachu was confused too.
"It seemed to have something to do with those Lycanroc." Kukui said. Silvally then came up to Sarah, "Silvally, do you know anything? I did see you near the pair earlier."
Silvally sighed, "Those two Lycanroc that Team Skull have in the cage... are their parents..."
"Their parents?!" Sarah gasped in awe.
"What Sarah?" Ash asked.
"Silvally said that the Lycanroc Team Skull had, were the Puppy Pairs' parents!" Sarah exclaimed, making Ash, Kukui and the other pokemon gasped in shock.
In a dark, damp, desolate, and rainy part on the Island of Ula'Ula in the Alola Region, there lay a rundown town north of the island that is the headquarters of the Alola Region's army of Pokemon bullies, Team Skull, Po Town. It was an old deserted town and nobody dared to live there because they did not want to live in a place that is now home to ruthless thieves and bandits. The Three Skull Stooges, their fellow grunts, their Admin Plumeria, and their leader living in the Shady House at the far end of the town were the only acceptions.
"So, these are the Puppy Pair's parents you've captured, huh?" Plumeria said. She was the "big sister" of Team Skull to the Three Skull Stooges and the grunts from her strict, no-nonsense work demeanor and her kindness towards Team Skull's members. Plumeria looked over the Midnight and Dusk Lycanrocs with interest; she herself had heard about them and the Puppy Pair but she never believed the stories until Rapp, Tupp, and Zipp captured and brought them to her.
"Yes ma'am and they're tiny pups wanted them back." Zipp explained. "They didn't stand a chance until that girl with that mixed up Pokémon showed up."
"She and her other Pokémon clobbered us." Tupp said. "And she might come here to get their parents back."
"Well then... let her come to us... and then we'll show her what happens when someone messes with Team Skull." Plumeria states and the grunts smiled evilly while the two Lycanroc were worried for the girl.
Back at the Center, Silvally explained some more, "They said it's their problem to solve on their and they don't want you guys to get involved."
"If it's their problem then it's our problem." Sarah stated.
"I told them you and Ash would help anyway but they remained undeterred." Silvally grunted. "Stubborn for their tiny sizes."
"You said they told you they were responsible for what happened to them, Sivally?" Sarah inquired. Sivally nodded before she continued, "what did they tell you?"
"From what I know, they once lived in Ula'Ula Island with their mother and father before coming to Melemele Island. A Midnight Lycanroc and a Dusk Form Lycanroc; their father was a goofball but he's very loving and protective of them, their mother, a kind-hearted woman who loved them more than any other two pups but a fierce protector and a foil to their father with her strict motherly demeanor. The strange thing about her, they told me, was that she had green eyes when she became a Dusk Lycanroc in her day before she met their father. They didn't question it, though."
"They must be really nice if they were happy with them."
"They were, wouldn't surprise me if they got their stubborn streak from either of them," Sivally sighed. "For years, they've been happy and that's how it is. That was until... Team Skull came and ruined their lives forever."
"Poor Rockruff..." Sarah sighed, looking at her recovering Pokémon. "I've gotta get them back for them."
"But you don't know here this Island is." Silvally pointed out.
"I'll find it somehow and when I do I'm going there and getting their parents back." Sarah declared and Blitz cheered. "Pika!"
"Sometimes, I think you're as stubborn and impossible as those little rascals," Sivally sighed as he followed her and Blitz back to Mudsdale and their home. But, he eventually agreed; he knew it was pointless to argue with Sarah, for once she sets her mind on something to help her family and friends, there's no stopping her.
Parting ways with Ash and Professor Kukui, Sarah, Sivally, Mudsdale, and Blitz returned home to find Nikki, James, and their Pokemon waiting for them. Professor Kukui had the foresight to phone them on the Puppy Pair's condition and explain that they will be at the Pokemon Center indefinitely until they are fully healed.
They couldn't help but feel sorry for them as well but wanted to know more from their daughter and Sivally, they had a feeling he would know what's happened to them as only Sarah could understand him. "Rough day for the Puppy Pair, honey?" James asked worriedly.
"Yeah, and that's not the worst," she replied. They went to the kitchen to explain everything over dinner.
"Team Skull stole their parents?!" James and Nikki along with their pokemon exclaimed in shock.
Sarah nodded. "Oh my goodness..." Nikki added.
"I have to get them back for them." Sarah stated.
"But honey, possibly going into a Team Skull infested area... That's really dangerous." James pointed out worried.
"I know... But I can't let their parents be with Team Skull any longer... I have to get them back... For my friends..." Sarah confirmed.
James and Nikki were worried and so were Dragonite and Lucario but they reluctantly agreed.
Meanwhile, Plumeria and the Three Skull Stooges were discussing the trio's battle against the Puppy Pair, Sarah, and the rest of her Pokemon. While she was disappointed by their loss, she was intrigued to know that the Puppy Pair had refused their help and personally wanted to avenge their captured parents and ended up poisoned and near death in doing so.
"I see, so those little rock canine twerps are still sore at us over kidnapping their parents for their mother's rarity and the notion that we could sell them off or otherwise," Plumeria thought once Rapp, Tuff, and Zipp told her everything.
"That's right, Big Sis," Rapp said. "So, now that we know she'll be coming after us herself, what'll we do until then?"
Plumeria thought for a moment and then she came to a decision, "I want to see how strong she is. Plus, there's also that mystery Pokemon she has on her. There must be something she knows about it."
"Rapp, Tupp, Zipp, get your friends into position for her arrival. I have a feeling she will be here sooner than we might think. If she is coming for us, no doubt those puppy pests will fight off the poison you've inflicted on them and come crawling over to us," she finally ordered.
"Do what you can to stall her, I want to be the one to test her strength out in the end. If all else fails, I will alert the boss and have him step in and take matters into his own hands."
"Yes, Big Sis!" replied the Three Skull Stooges and they set off to prepare for Sarah's one-trainer assault on them.
"We'll wait until that girl comes here for the Lycanrocs... Then we'll show her what for." Plumeria stated to all the grunts.
"Yes Big Sis!" They said in unison.
Later that night, Sarah's house...
Everyone was fast sleep in their beds... Except for Sarah. She had packed everything in her backpack and she quietly opened the window and climbed out. She leaped off of the roof and looked around before she headed down to the shore.. "Now... How can I get to Ula'Ula Island?" She asked herself.
"Ahem..."
Sarah squeaked and turned around seeing Silvally and her other pokemon, "You're not going anywhere without us, Sarah." Silvally grunted. Sarah smiled at her pokemon before they all heard, "Kokooo..." They all looked up and saw, "Tapu Koko...!" Sarah gasped.
The Island Guardian floated down to them, "Tapu Koko... My Rockruffs' parents are captured by Team Skull and I want to rescue them. I have to get to Ula'Ula Island,. Do you know how we can get there?" She asked.
Tapu Koko thought for a moment before it told them to wait while it went for help. What seemed like minutes felt like hours for Sarah and her Pokemon by the time the Melemele Tapu Guardian returned with a Lapras and a Wailord coming to pick them up and take them to Ula'Ula Island. The Lapras with them, however, was a Ride Pokemon with a seat set up and ready for Sarah and Blitz.
"Wha-What are those things?!" Sivally asked in shocked. Since he had no experience with other types of Water Pokemon or any other Pokemon besides the ones belonging to Sarah and her family and friends, seeing wild Pokemon like a Lapras and a Wailord up close was a new thing for him. Mudsdale and Blitz giggled at the shocked Synthetic Pokemon but he heard their giggles and just groaned, his family was never going to let him live this sort of thing down.
Tapu Koko pointed to Lapras and Wailord and, through Sivally, told the group that they can reach the Puppy Pair's parents and Team Skull at Ula'Ula island faster.
"Okay you guys, come on." Sarah said as she and Blitz got on Lapras and the other pokemon got onto Wailord. Tapu Koko then flew off with the water type pokemon following him.
Unknown by either of them, in the trees was a bipedal yellow pokemon with blue lightning bolt shaped stripes. It seemed interested in the situation... And Sarah...
Soon, after a few hours, the two pokemon along with Tapu Koko, made it to Ula' Ula' Island. Sarah and Blitz got off of Lapras while the others got off of Wailord, "Thanks Lapras. Thanks Wailord." Sarah thanked the two water type pokemon. The two cried back to her.
"Kokoo..." Tapu Koko called before floating away towards the islands' interior. "Looks like hels leading us into those losers main quarters, great." Silvally grunted.
Sarah turned to her pokemon, "Come on you guys..." The pokemon nodded and the followed Sarah and Tapu Koko... unaware that Tupp, Rapp and Zipp had spotted them and went off to warn Plumeria...
The trip across Ula'Ula Island to Po Town was long and arduous for Sarah and her Pokemon but their persistence to save the Puppy Pair's parents kept them going regardless.
It took them a majority of the next day to reach Po Town. By the time they reached Route 17, an eerie feeling started to dwell in on them as they saw the first signs of Team Skull's ownage and handling of the town and the grounds surrounding it as Tapu Koko lead them to the main site.
It was desolate and while there are several Pokemon living in the small grasslands around the area leading to Po Town, it looked lifeless and lonely.
Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp, having spotted Sarah and her Pokemon being lead by Tapu Koko to their headquarters and home, arrived back to tell Plumeria the news.
"Big Sis Plumeria," Zipp called. "That trainer and her Pokemon are here! They've come to retrieve the two Lycanroc as we've predicted, and they're being led by Tapu Koko!"
Plumeria was intrigued. "Is she? Interesting..."
"What'll we do?" Rapp asked. Plumeria turned to the trio, looking as firm as ever, "Prepare everyone and get them to their posts! If she's chosen by Tapu Koko, then she may be our biggest threat, yet! Do not engage her unless she threatens you and if she escalates things between you and her!"
"Right, Big Sis!" the Stooges said. As they left, Plumeria turned to the Lycanroc in their cage.
"It looks like your heroine and her Pokemon are brought here by the Melemele Island Guardian itself. She may have been brought here to save you but it's also lead her straight to Team Skull. Now, she shall deal with us and the true might of Team Skull and you will have front row seats to her end and her Pokemon's demise..." she smirked darkly.
The Lycanroc held brave faces against Plumeria as she turned away and left to prepare herself and her Pokemon for Sarah and her Pokemon's assault on Po Town. They were amazed and relieved to know that the trainer looking after their sons is coming for them but they were worried.
The two Lycanroc were worried for the girl and her pokemon. "You know what to do." Plumeria stated and the three grunts nodded.
Outside of the Po Town gates, Sarah gasped, "Woah... No wonder no one wants to live here..." She could see graffiti on the walls and saw how old and damaged the houses looked. Blitz sniffed the ground, "Pika Pika."
"He found the Lycanrocs scent." Silvally grunted.
"Alright leave the way, Blitz..." Sarah then turned to Tapu Koko. "Tapu Koko. I think you should stay out here. I don't wanna risk Team Skull trying to capture you too." Tapu Koko nodded and stayed out side while Sarah and her pokemon walked inside the gates.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket was watching them from their Magikarp sub, "Is that twerpette nuts!" Meowth exclaimed. "Going into Team Skull HQ!"
"Hey, nobody messes with that twerpette but us!" Jessie exclaimed. "So how about we show these losers what Team Rocket really is!"
James and Meowth agreed, "Yeah!"
"Wobbuffet!"
Just as Sarah and her Pokemon walked inside the gates, there was a ragged and low but powerful male voice that stopped them.
"You there, kid," it called. Sarah and her Pokemon jumped before they turned to the owner of the voice. It was an old man wearing a black uniform comprised of black pants and a black coat with a carmine shirt underneath and black open-foot sandals. The jacket he was wearing had the symbol of the Island Kahuna on its sleeves and his dark maroon eyes looked like they carried years of wisdom about humans and Pokemon under them.
"Seems to me like you're trying to enter Po Town, if Tapu Koko's an indicator," the man said. Sarah gasped, had the man seen her and her Pokemon enter Ula'Ula Island with Tapu Koko? Tapu Koko, however, watched with interest from its hiding spot. "You sure you've thought this through? You better be ready if you're thinking of coming in here. Ready to live as Team Skull or ready to take on Team Skull. You think you're ready for that, you and your Pokemon?"
Silvally growled at him, "Oooh, let me at him!"
Sarah calmed him down, "Where are the Lycanroc?"
"Shady House, the main base of Team Skull," the man answered. "It's the mansion at the edge of town, home to those who kidnapped the Lycanroc you're after. Why are you interested in them?"
"Those Lycanroc are parents to my Rockruff who were poisoned by Team Skull. I've come here with my Pokemon, lead by Tapu Koko, to here to retrieve them," Sarah answered. "My Sivally told me they've lived in Melemele Island ever since they've lost them to Team Skull and were orphaned. I had to do something for them!"
"Is that your way of saying you're ready to take them on?" the man questioned. Sarah nodded firmly. The man looked into her eyes and knew that she was telling the truth.
"I guess everyone has their own reasons as you do," he contemplated. "I've got my own reasons, too, for doing what I do. I'll let them have you in. If you don't make it, I'll make sure your remains get home safely."
Sarah gulped, she didn't like the sound of that. But, she remembered why they came here and entered the gates to Po Town. Sarah may not know this right now but the man who let Team Skull have her and her Pokemon enter into Po Town was the Island Kahuna of Ula'Ula Island, Nanu.
"As Sarah and her Pokemon were lead by Tapu Koko to Po Town and granted passage by the Island Kahuna, Nanu, they were one step closer to freeing the Puppy Pair's parents from Team Skull's clutches. But, are they ready to take them back or will they fall under the true might of Team Skull, Plumeria and their Leader. Good luck, Sarah, you and your Pokemon will need it..."
Sarah and her pokemon reluctantly followed Nanu to Sandy House. "I don't like him..." Silvally grunted.
"Well... he doesn't seem like the other Team Skull grunts." Sarah said. "Maybe he's... nice..."
As Nanu lead them to the Shady House, Sarah, Mudsdale, Blitz, and Sivally couldn't help but cringe and feel uneasy at the sight of Po Town as Team Skull grunts eyed them.
Po Town was a dump; it was run down and the houses were marked with Team Skull graffiti. Much of the town was dilapidated to the point of when any of the worn-down buildings could collapse at a moment's notice and the walls surrounding the town barricaded the entire area, making the town feel like a prison.
What's more, the grunts looked at them with suspicious eyes. They didn't appreciate anybody who's a stranger to them coming into their home turf and uninvited. But, since Nanu was with them, they didn't try to attack. Sarah couldn't help but notice this, she felt as though she and her Pokemon felt safe around him as they made their way to the edge of town.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Sarah thought.
"I don't sense anything," Sivally retorted.
"Pika..." Blitz cooed in worry. Mudsdale neighed softly, "Mudsdale..." Soon, Nanu lead them to the Shady House, it larger compared to the other houses in Po Town. "Alright kid, this is as far as I go." Nanu said.
"Thanks Nanu." Sarah stated.
"Try not to get yourself killed." Nanu stated, earning a sweat drop from Sarah. "Wow... So motivator." Silvally grumbled.
And with that, Sarah, Sivally, Mudsdale, and Blitz entered the Shady House, hoping to save the Puppy Pair's parents without any trouble. But, it wouldn't be long before their disappearance from Melemele Island would be realized.
Back at Melemele...
Ash couldn't sleep. He and Professor Kukui couldn't help but worry for the Puppy Pair since Sarah told them about the Rockruff Brothers' past according to Sivally. Needless to say, they were shocked after hearing all of this but with the Puppy Pair still hospitalized and their parents still in Team Skull's clutches, there was nothing they can do to help. Unable to sleep on the problem, he decided to visit Sarah and speak with her and figure out a plan to help the Puppy Pair's parents.
Unfortunately, as he walked over, he would later find out that Sarah and her Pokemon had left for Ula'Ula Island under Tapu Koko's guidance. He arrived at her family's house and knocked on the door. James and his Dragonite heard him knocking and went to open the door. "Ash, have you seen Sarah?" James asked with worry in his voice.
"No, how come?" Ash questioned.
"She's not here and neither are her pokemon." James replied.
"And we've searched everywhere." Nikki added.
"You mean she's not in her room?" Ash asked, now starting to feel frantic. "Pika?" Pikachu asked, being filled with dread.
"Come on in," James ushered, bringing Ash and Pikachu into the house. He quickly served them some hot chocolate while he and Nikki had coffee and told him about their daughter's disappearing act and a feeling of dread they felt in their stomachs related to it. "She's gone after Team Skull?!" he screamed in horror. Pikachu was dumbfounded and horrified as well.
"I'm sure she's gone to Ula'Ula Island and into Po Town to save those Lycanroc," James fretted. "I didn't know for sure but I thought we heard Tapu Koko's cries before we noticed she and her Pokemon were gone."
"Do you think Tapu Koko knew about all this?" Nikki replied.
"I don't know..."
Ash and Pikachu didn't know what to say, they could only pray for Sarah and her Pokemon's safe return.
At the Shady House, Sarah and her Pokemon scoured the mansion for any sign of the Puppy Pair's parents but all they found were grunts to battle and they were forced to play question games of Team Skull's own making to progress further in their search. Silvally had a large tick mark on his head, "Next grunt that asked me a question will be lamb chop!" he exclaimed, annoyed. "Easy big guy..." Sarah soothed, "We have to find the Lycanroc so we have to go along with this until we do..." Silvally grumbled to himself.
Back at Sarah's house...
Ash, Nikki and James were all worried about Sarah and they knew they had to get to her, but they had no way to get to Ula' Ula Island and Po Town. Suddenly, the trio heard a familiar cry, "Kokooo..." Ash gasped and the three along with Pikachu, Lucario and Dragonite rushed outside and saw, "Tapu Koko..!"
"Pika...!" Pikachu gasped, Nikki, James, Lucario and Dragonite gasped as well, since this was their first time ever seeing the Island Guardian. The Tapu Guardian watched them, knowing that they wished for any sign of Sarah's safety. "Tapu Koko, you took Sarah to Ula'Ula Island for the Puppy Pair's parents, did you?" Nikki asked. Tapu Koko nodded, confirming that it did but under her own accord. "Please, Tapu Koko, take us to Ula'Ula Island! Our daughter is in danger and she needs our help!" James begged. But, Tapu Koko shook its head in disapproval as it gave them a firm look.
"What?! Why not?" Ash demanded. "Pika, Pika, Pikachu!" Pikachu screamed in anger. Tapu Koko explained, through Ash's Pikachu, Nikki's Lucario, and James' Dragonite, that if they were to follow Sarah and her Pokemon to Po Town, Team Skull will use them as leverage to make her do their bidding, diminishing her chances of rescuing the Puppy Pair's parents even if they fight back. It also mentioned that it was something Sarah had to do alone for the Puppy Pair's sake and she has her other Pokemon to watch over her as well. It was a hard choice for Ash, James, Nikki, and their Pokemon but they knew that Tapu Koko was right.
"Are you saying we can't help her this time?" Nikki cried.
"I don't like it..." James groaned in dismay. "Are you sure she knows what she's doing, Tapu Koko?"
The Tapu Guardian nodded in confirmation. If it had entrusted her with Sivally and the Z-Ring and Dragonium Z it had given her, and if it had been watching her throughout her journey, then it knows that Sarah will succeed and she knows what she's doing. More importantly, it told the group to have more faith in her and her other Pokemon.
"Oh, man..." Ash groaned, but then conceded after a while. "...Well, alright Tapu Koko. But, just make sure she comes back to us, safely!" "Pika, Pika, Pi, Pika!" Pikachu agreed.
Tapu Koko nodded before it returned to Ula'Ula Island to wait for Sarah's return. The only thing everyone could do now was wait and hope that Sarah will come back safely.
Nikki and James looked at each other worried about their daughter. "Pika..." Pikachu cooed in worry.
As for Ash.. he smiled, "She'll be fine..."
"Pika pi?" Pikachu questioned and Nikki and James looked at Ash confused, "Sarah will be fine. She has Silvally and the others with her. She's not defenseless."
Nikki and James looked at each other... the pair had to agree. I mean they did see their daughter unleash a Z-Move with Silvally to protect her friends. "Yeah..." Nikki stated. "She will..."
Back on Ula' Ula Island...
Sarah and her pokemon reached the final room in the Shady House...
"This better be worth it," grumbled Sivally. "If one more grunt comes at us with more of this stupid trick questions or battle drops, I swear I'm gonna pounce at them and shove my claws up where the sun doesn't shine."
"Take it easy, Sivally," soothed Sarah firmly. "I'm sure we've looked everywhere. This is definitely the last room, I'm sure of it!"
"Pika, Pikachu, Pi, Pika," Blitz warned. He had a feeling that whoever's in the last room holding the Puppy Pair's parents isn't going to give them up.
"I know, Blitz, but we have no choice. This is the only way! The Puppy Pair is counting on us," she reassured. "Muds," Mudsdale agreed as he shook his head. He knew there was no turning back once they enter the door in front of them.
With nobody wanting to turn back, they entered the room and there, standing near the cage holding the Dusk and Midnight Lycanroc, was Plumeria joined by Tupp.
"Ah... so.. you finally made it..." Plumeria started. "Impressed... but not surprised..."
"Hand over the Lycanroc." Sarah grunted.
"Pika!" Blitz added.
"On the contrary, pretty girl," Plumeria said cooly. "I think an introduction is in order before we get into the main event."
She turned to a person on the master bed, "This man, is our leader. He was once a trainer like you but a series of unfortunate events devolved him into the punk you see now. Meet Guzma." Standing on the master bed with a smug look on his face, was a man with wild white hair, a black punk outfit made up of a black sweat jacket over a white t-shirt, black jeans, and white sneakers, black and gold bracelets on his wrists, a gold necklace bearing the Team Skull insignia around his neck, and funky glasses on his head. The man was, indeed, the leader of Team Skull, Guzma.
"Well, well, the hated boss that beats you down and beats you up... Yeah, baby, Big Bad Guzma is in the house!" he declared. "I'm impressed, too, kid. I really don't get you but you make for a nice change of pace. It's not every day a kid like you comes for a beating."
"I came for the Lycanroc!" Sarah demanded. Guzma laughed, realizing what Sarah and her Pokemon really came for. "Oh, you mean the well known canine couple of their Rock Puppy spouse we stole from? Tch, how nice, Lycanroc. Your heroine and her Pokemon, always thinking of others first, heroes, indeed..."
The Dusk Lycanroc whimpered in worry for her sons and for Sarah and her Pokemon. The Midnight Lycanroc was also worried for their sons and their saviors but he snarled at his and his mate's enemies for their actions. Sarah and her Pokemon shared his anger but Sivally was tempted to rip their foes to shreds as the taunting continued.
Tupp took the opportunity to speak up, "And, you came all this way just for these two riches? Why don't you mind your own business and leave the rare Pokemon to us?!"
"It's alright," Plumeria butted in. "We know she's a strong-willed girl, the look in her eyes tells the story. Even her Pokemon feel the same way, especially the masked one."
"Is that so? You're one messed up kid!" Guzma mocked and he cackled.
"You want to know what we do when we find out a machine is broken? The first thing my buddies and I do is give it a good hard smack! Plumeria, take it away!"
Plumeria nodded and faced Sarah. "How about we take it in the main foyer, kid? Much easier there, lots of room, space needed for battles like this, no rules, no boundaries, I want to see how you fare. Most importantly, let your masked Pokemon show me and Team Skull it's true strength," she offered.
Sarah knew this was it, this was the moment they've had been waiting for. Sivally was itching for a battle and Mudsdale and Blitz were more than ready to take down Team Skull, avenge the Puppy Pair and rescue their parents. "Alright, let's do it," she said.
They moved to the main foyer on the main floor where their battle was to take place. All the grunts Sarah and her Pokemon have beaten watched as Plumeria and Sarah and their Pokemon began to battle.
"Two Pokemon for each of us, Best 2-3,?" challenged Plumeria.
"That's fine," Sarah agreed.
"Just remember, kid, you're playing with the big boys and big girls now. If you win, against me and our leader, the Lycanroc are free to go. If you lose, then you and your Pokemon will stay until you drop dead."
"Whatever it takes, anything to save the Puppy Pair's parents. Blitz, you first!"
Plumeria watched as Sarah allowed Blitz to go first in the first round. "Then, I'll choose...!" she began and summoned her first Pokemon. Her first Pokemon is a Golbat and it looked stronger and faster compared to Zipp's Zubat.
"Be careful, Blitz, her Golbat could be a formidable opponent," Sarah warned Blitz. Blitz nodded and braced himself, "Pika!"
"Golbat, Wing Attack!" Plumeria commanded. Golbat went first as it unleashed a flurry of Wing Attacks at Blitz. It was a good thing Sarah decided to go with speed first as her Mouse Pokemon dodged the Wing Attacks to the best of his abilities. She glared at the Golbat, trying to figure out how to counter it. Plumeria, on the other hand, eyed Sivally with interest.
"Blitz, dodge and Use Thunderpunch!" Blitz dodged Golbat before delivering a Thunderpunch, knocking in back. "Now Thundershock!"
Blitz leaped into the air and unleashed Thundershock on the Golbat.
"Golbat!" Plumeria gasped before growling. "Now Blitz, use Tackle!" Sarah called and Blitz charged forth,'"Pika Pika!"
"Golbat, use Air Slash!" Plumeria called and Golbat unleashed Air Slash, stoking Blitz, "Pika!"
"Blitz!" Sarah gasped. Blitz skidded back a little but he recovered, "Now Thundershock once more!" Sarah called and Blitz unleashed one more Thundershock.
"Hmph, Golbat, Air Cutter!" Golbat tried to use Air Cutter to cut the Thundershock but the last Thundershock attack had scored a direct hit on it as it was also a Flying Type.
The two attacks met and clashed but Blitz's Thundershock more than enough to knock out Golbat out of the match. "Golbat!" Plumeria gasped in quiet shock.
The Team Skull grunts were stunned by Plumeria's first loss but Zipp, Tupp, and Rapp took it the worst. "Big Sis!" Rapp cried.
"Impossible!" Zipp shouted. Tupp gasped in horror, "She lost the first round..."
Plumeria, while she was shocked, took it like a grown woman as she returned Golbat. Needless to say, she was impressed. "I'm impressed, Spunky. Your Pikachu's speed and electric attacks are unlike anything I've ever seen from a Pokemon. You've obviously trained him well to beat me within 2-5 minutes," she cooly complemented.
"Pika!" Blitz exclaimed at Plumeria.
Plumeria took another pokeball, "But that won't stop me...!"
"Hmm... Blitz, take a break buddy."
"Pikachu." Blitz returned to her side and turned to Silvally, "You're up big guy."
"Finally..!" Silvally grunted as it leaped onto the field.
Plumeria smirked, this was her chance to see what Sivally was really capable off.
"Now, we'll see just what your mystery friend can really do," she snarked before she retains her glaring frown as she pulled up her next Pokemon. "Salandit, come forth!"
A Salandit appeared in front of Sivally as the Synthetic Pokemon prepared to fight. But, he noticed something strange about the Salandit before him. It smirked cockily at him before it glowed a bright blue as it started to evolve.
"I've been saving this one for your masked avenger, kid. My real partner has never let be down before and when I told her about your experiment, she was ready to go at him."
Plumeria smirked as she took in Sarah, Blitz, Mudsdale, and Sivally's shock at her Sanladit's unexpected evolution. Finally, gone was Salandit, enter it's evolved for, Salazzle.
"What the-?!" Sarah screeched in shock. Sivally couldn't hold back his shock either, "What the hell is this?"
"Meet my Salazzle, the first sign of your destruction," Plumeria mocked.
Sarah wishes that Rotom Dex was here but something told her it was still the same typing as Salandit; Poison and Fire.
"Use Flamethrower!" Plumeria called and Salazzle breathed fire at Silvally, "Counter with Hyper Beam!" Sarah called and Silvally unleashed Hyper Beam, "Eat this! Losers!" The two attacks collided and made a small explosion.
"Use Flame Burst!" Plumeria called and Salazzle releases Flame Burst. "Dodge and use Dragon Claw!" Silvally leaped into the air and it's claws glowed in green energy and it slashed Salazzle. "Take that!"
"Now!" Plumeria called. Just as Sivally landed the Dragon Claw attack, Plumeria's Salazzle gave a devious smirk and attacked with Poison Fang. "GYAH" Sivally screamed in pain before he used Dragon Claw to force Salazzle off of him.
"Sivally!" Sarah cried in horror. Sivally shook himself of the damage inflicted on him and glared back at the Toxic Lizard Pokemon, "I'm fine but that snake's crafty as hell!"
"I'm sure your mommy taught you this one, kid: always expect the unexpected," mocked Plumeria with a smirk. Sivally growled but Sarah just glared with haterd at the Team Skull Admin.
"I've heard stories about a strange Pokemon was entrusted to a trainer of your caliber by Tapu Koko. Now, it's time to see if those tales are true," she declared. "Salazzle, Smog, then charge with Scratch and take them by surprise!"
Salazzle unleashed a Smog attack that covered everything but everyone managed to not cough under it. Sarah, however, was ready this time.
"Silvally, aim at the ground and use Hyper Beam!" She called and Silvally launched Hyper abeam at the ground and launched himself into the air! "What?!" Plumeria gasped as well as the grunts.
"Now, Air Slash!" And Silvally unleashed Air Slash into the Smog attack, striking Salazzle!
"Damn! Salazzle, try again!" Plumeria demanded and Salazzle complied, hiding in the smog for a sneak attack. Sarah had another plan at hand, though, as Sivally landed in the smog again with his mask protecting him.
"Sivally, use Swords Dance and close your eyes!"
"What?!" screamed Sivally in shock.
"Trust me, always expect the unexpected! Just my mom taught me! Feel, don't think, use your instincts!"
Sivally thought about it and decided to give her advice a try after a moment. "I'll try, Sarah," he said before he closed his eyes and blocked everything out of his mind after using Swords Dance.
He listened patiently for Salazzle to strike at the perfect moment. Then...
"...Gotcha!" Sivally shouted as he unleashed a Crush Claw at Salazzle coming from his left and knocking it out after it was thrown into a wall from the direction it came from. "Salazzle!" Plumeria gasped in shock, seeing her pokemon fainted. Tupp, Rapp and Zipp were even more shock, "Woah... now that's power..." Tupp gasped. The other grunts had to agree. "Hmph, serves them right." Silvally grunted as Plumeria returned Salazzle.
"Psyche out!" Sarah shouted as she smirked. Then, she glared at Plumeria, knowing that she and her Pokemon have won and are getting closer to winning the Lycanroc couple's freedom.
"You're toast, Plumeria! I won the best two out of three and you lost," she said before she turned to Guzma. "You see that, Guzma? This is how far I'm willing to go to save everyone I care about, the Puppy Pair's parents are no different!
Guzma was also stunned but he smirked cockily as he stepped up to battle while a silent but very impressed Plumeria went back and watched with the other grunts.
"Hey, hey! That was a groovy battle you played there, you little runt. Hope your underpants are still fresh after that," he snarked. "You may have beaten Plumeria out of the ball park but how will you and your menagerie will do against the one, the only, GUZMA?" He then sent out his first Pokemon, a Water/Bug Pokemon called a Golisopod, just as Sarah brought forth Blitz again to start the next battle.
"Let's start with Thundershock, buddy, go." Blitz nodded and unleashed the long range attack at Golisopod. The water and bug type Pokémon stood there and took the attack, looking unaffected by it.
"Hmm..." Sarah growled.
"Pika..." Blitz narrowed her eyes. Sarah figures that the Pokémon might have Poison Point as an ability, meaning if Blitz used Tackle and made contact, he would be poisoned. "Had enough?" Guzma laughed. Sarah growled at him, "You wish!"
"Anything you say, runt! Golisopod, attack! Golisopod complied and first used a Razor Shell attack which Blitz managed to dodge.
Sarah tried hard to think of an idea to deal some damage to Golisopod. The type difference gave her an advantage but it's not enough for her to win. She realized she needs to think tactically. "Blitz, listen, try and find it's weak points!" she called. " If there are any, use Thundershock again! See if you can outsmart it!" Blitz agreed and he did whatever he could to not only find his foe's weak points but try to outsmart the Bug Pokemon in any way. He kept on doing this until he found a weak point at a specific point on its back, 1 inch from the body and two inches from the chest. The Mouse Pokemon landed a direct hit, putting the Bug Pokemon near breaking point, until...Golisopod retreated back to it's Pokeball and out came a Pinsir in its place! "Whoopsie!" Guzma laughed, shocking Sarah and her Pokemon. Sarah and her pokemon growled. "Let's keep going Blitz..."
"Pika!" Blitz added.
"Don't get cocky, kid. Plumeria told you before, you're playing with the big boys now..." Guzma smirked. "Pinsir, X-Scissor!"
"Look out, Blitz!" Sarah gasped as it charged at her Mouse Pokemon. The Pinsir was faster than Plumeria's Salazzle and Blitz and it managed to keep up with Blitz and land a direct hit on him.
Blitz was worn out from squaring off with Guzma's Golisopod before it kicked up its Emergency Exit ability and he was reaching his limits so by the time he tried to dodge Pinsir, it was too late. Pinsir's X-Scissor attack was executed at such a close range because of Pinsir's higher speed that Blitz gave up as he passed out.
"Blitz!" Sarah cried as she caught him. Mudsdale was shocked after seeing his older brother get beaten so bad. Sivally, on the other hand, glared at Pinsir as it snapped its own pincers and dared either of them to come at it next with it's right Claw. "Bad timing for your little mousey, girly!" cackled Guzma. The other grunts laughed at her being beaten by their leader.
"You're gonna be sorry that you did that!" Sivally snarled as he prepared to fight. Mudsdale calmly stopped Sivally as he went forward to fight while Sarah put Blitz on the Synthetic Pokemon's back.
"You...!" Mudsdale turned and nodded his head at Sivally, telling him to stand back. Sarah didn't need to say anything as he turned towards her. The look in his eyes told her that it's time to get personal so she didn't object.
As the Draft Horse Pokemon took over, Guzma and the rest of Team Skull, barring Plumeria, laughed at him. "You think your horsey can beat my speed bug, you're crazy! Pinsir, attack!" And, Pinsir charged at Mudsdale with a Brick Break attack. But, Mudsdale held firm even as Pinsir landed a hit until it decided to learn a new attack to give him and his family an edge over Team Skull to save the Puppy Pair's parents. The Draft Horse Pokemon charged at Pinsir and hit him back as if he was made of steel! Sarah was shocked as Pinsir was knocked out!
The Pincer Pokemon was out cold when Mudsdale charged at it in full force due to him being heavier than the lightweight Bug Type which can only mean one thing for Sarah, he had learned a Steel Type attack! "Mudsdale...!" she gasped in wonder. Mudsdale gave a proud neigh as he won against Guzma's first Pokemon. The Team Skull leader could only gape in shock as the rest of Team Skull didn't know what to say. "I think that move was Iron Head!" Tupp exclaimed in shock.
"Iron Head, you think?" Rapp stated.
"Woah..." Sarah gasped.
"Hmph, not bad." Silvally smiled.
Now, Guzma was worried as he returned his Bug Type. His Pinsir lost to a Ground Type that now knows a Steel Type attack and Sarah's Mudsdale was more powerful than it looked. But then, he started to snarl at Ground Type's mother figure. "She played us..." he growled.
He was forced to send out Golisopod but he regained his smirk, knowing the type advantage was on his side now. "You'll pay for whomping me and my Pinsir, Pretty. But, my partner has some unfinished business with you."
"Bring it!" Sarah shot back as Mudsdale neighed in agreement and stomped his front left hoof. "Go, Golisopod! Razor Shell!" Guzma ordered. Despite being near breaking point, Guzma's Golisopod can still fight as it went with a Razor Shell attack while Mudsdale countered with his new Iron Head attack. The two Pokemon were in a deadlock, trying to force each other to submission. Golisopod, however, was resistant to Steel and Ground Type attacks and despite his best efforts, Mudsdale was taken off guard and was now being pummeled.
Sarah was horrified as she saw her Draft Horse Pokemon getting beaten up, "Mudsdale, no!" Sivally was shocked after seeing Mudsdale risking his own life to win the battle and save the Puppy Pair's parents. It was clear that his evolution from the mischievous Mudbray he once was made a change in him and he became more noble and honored and a loving brother to his family.
"God damnit, you fool! Get out of there! Save yourself, NOW!" he screamed. Mudsdale neighed in protest, he was determined to see things through and save the Lycanroc couple and continued to take the beating from Golisopod. Guzma smirked with pride as he thought he would win for sure. Team Skull agreed as they cheered for Golisopod. Finally, Sivally couldn't take it any more and stepped in. "Damn it, just get in, already!" Sivally thought bitterly as he charged forward. "Sivally, wait!" Sarah called in shock, but it was too late. Sivally was already racing towards Golisopod to save Mudsdale.
"Switch out!" Sivally ordered to the Draft Horse Pokemon. Mudsdale turned to the Synthetic Pokemon and nodded, making himself a springboard for his brother to leap on and land an attack on Golisopod. "DRAGON CLAW!" Sivally readied a Dragon Claw and took Golisopod by surprise as he landed a direct hit before he followed up with a Crush Claw. "Eat Crush Claw, you buggy brat!" Golisopod couldn't take the pain from the two-hit combo Sivally pulled off and was knocked out as well. "Wha?!" Guzma exclaimed in shock as well as the other grunts. "Impossible!"
"Mudsdale, here buddy...!" Sarah called and Mudsdale staggered back to Sarah who rubbed him, "Easy boy.. you were great." she praised.
"Mudsdale..." Mudsdale neighed softly.
"Alright, Sivally!" cheered Sarah as she picked up a surprised Blitz. Blitz had woken up after Sivally knocked him off his back and stepped into the battle to replace Mudsdale and he was ecstatic from seeing him beat Golisopod. "Pi, Pika, Pika, Pi!"
Mudsdale turned towards Sivally and neighed his thanks, "Mud..."
"Don't mention it," Sivally called back with a nod. Guzma was furious, he had lost twice in a row and his opponent was on her way to beat him for the Lycanroc couple. At the same time, he was amazed by Sivally's true strength when he entered the fray. "What the hell happened? That weird Pokemon whomped my Golisopod just when I was about to end that meddling horse and it didn't even break a sweat," he thought in angered awe. "Its strength is amazing, I've never seen any other Pokemon that can give Team Skull a beating. What kind of Pokemon is it?"
The Lycanroc couple cooed at them, "Lycan..."
"Shut it, you two.." Guzma growled.
Finally, Guzma had had enough. He took out his last Pokeball and prepared to commence the final round.
"You may have weaseled your way out of that one with your freak Pokemon, Spunky. But, your days are numbered and the Lycanroc are staying with us! Go, Masquerin!"
Guzma's Eyeball Pokemon fluttered into view as it sent a glare towards Silvally, daring the Synthetic Pokemon to attack it. "You're next," he growled as he got into a battle stance.
Masquerian and Silvally eyed each other as they circled the foyer. They were ready to strike a moment's notice no matter who launches the first attack.
Finally, Guzma decided to make the first call again. "Masquerian, let's boogie down with Bug Buzz!" Masquerian answered the call and unleashed powerful soundwaves from its wings, annoying Silvally as he tried to block out the horrible noise.
"Silvally! Hang in there, use Air Slash!" Sarah screamed over the Bug Buzz.
"Right..." Silvally concentrated and sent Air Slash at the Water and Bug type pokemon striking it. Masquerian screeched in pain. "Use Hydro Pump full power!" Guzma exclaimed and Masquerian fired Hydro Pump, "Dodge and use Hyper Beam!" Sarah called.
"What?!" Guzma exclaimed. Silvally leaped into the air and dodged the Hydro Pump, "Take this, buggy!" and he launched Hyper Beam at Masquerian. The pokemon crashed onto the ground. "Masquerian, get us this instant!" Guzma exclaimed. Masquerian staggered to its feet.
Silvally landed on the ground and looked at Sarah, "Final move?" he asked.
"Final move..." Sarah agreed and she crossed her arms and her Dragonium Z glowed, "Let's go! Silvally!" She then looked to Guzma as she showed him her Z-Ring and Dragonium-Z. "Guzma, now we'll show you our true strength. For the Puppy Pair, for their parents you've stolen from them, we'll unleash it all like a storm on you!" Sarah activated her Z-Ring and the Dragonium-Z as she performed the same moves Tapu Koko taught her once again and transferred her energy, love, happiness, determination, and heart to Silvally, "Dragon tail to Dragon scales, hear the mighty roar of my powerful friend... Silvally!" Silvally roared as he was filled with Sarah's energy once more, "Bring it!"
"Now, Silvally, unleash your fury on Team Skull! ...Devastating Drake!" Silvally roared and unleashed a blue and purple energy sphere that transformed into an energy dragon. The dragon slammed into Masquerian and let out an agonizing yell from the power of the Z-Attack. "MASQUERIAN!" Guzma screamed in horror as he shielded himself from the blast. When the dust from the blast cleared, Masquerian was covered in soot... fainted! Which meant, Sarah and Silvally won the match! "We won, Silvally! We won!" Sarah cheered.
"Pika Pikachu..!" Blitz cheered happily. The two Lycanroc were impressed with Sarah and her pokemon and they smiled, "Lycanroc..." Their human savior and her Pokemon had done it. Now, they were free to go and return to their sons. Silvally gave off a proud roar, feeling battered and weary but unbeaten from the fight. Mudsdale looked at his brother with a proud smile and nodded in congratulations. Team Skull screamed in panic and denial! Their leader, Guzma, had lost to a kid and her masked Pokemon with a Z-Move. As usual, Rapp, Tupp, and Zipp took the loss the hardest. "I don't believe it!" Zipp cried. "NO!" Rapp shouted in fear. "IMPOSSIBLE!" Tupp whined. Plumeria gaped in surprise, this was the true strength of Silvally and Sarah and as much as she tried not to show it, she was awestruck by them. Guzma, feeling beaten and broken, landed on his hands and knees in anguish. "Urgh, how could this happen? I never lose, never!" he moped. Blitz then scampered over to the cage that held the Lycanroc, "Pika Pika...?'
"Lycanroc..." they both said. Blitz, using his tail like a lock pick, unlocked the cage and the Lycanrocs were free now. "Lycan..."
"Pika, Pi, Chu!" Blitz replied in kind. With nothing else to say or do now that the Puppy Pair's parents are free, Sarah and her Pokemon made their way out of the mansion with the Lycanroc in tow as Team Skull's grunts skittered out of their way.
Later, they found Nanu waiting for them. Even if he didn't show it, he was impressed that Sarah and her Pokemon survived and when he saw who was with them.
"So, were you successful in your mission?" he asked. Sarah was worn out from her and her Pokemon's battling with Team Skull so she just nodded. Her Pokemon nodded in agreement while the Lycanroc nuzzled her in thanks. Nanu nodded back, "Poor things must've been scared half to death after being separated from their kids in such a manner and if they're glad to see younglings like you."
He looked firmly at Sarah and then to her Z-Ring with the Dragonium-Z and after a while, he came to a conclusion.
"What a lot of hassle... A Trial-Goer, huh? It figures."
22 minutes ago
PikachuSkitty SnowNadder
Sarah and her pokemon sweat-dropped at Nanu's comment. "Better get the Lycanoc back to their babies, now." Nanu stated.
Sarah and her pokemon nodded at Nanu and they made their way back to the Po Town gates where they found Tapu Koko. "Kokooo.."
"We did it, Tapu Koko, they're free," she cheered softly, showing the Tapu Guardian the Lycanroc couple, who looked in awe of it. They bowed in thanks to Tapu Koko for bringing Sarah and her Pokemon to rescue them.
Tapu Koko nodded back, impressed and satisfied that Sarah has completed her mission. With everything with Team Skull done and dusted, for now, it led the group back to the shore where Lapras and Wailord were waiting to return them to Melemele Island and reunite with the Puppy Pair.
Mid-morning had arrived by the time Sarah, her Pokemon, and the Puppy Pair's parents returned to Melemele Island with Tapu Koko and things couldn't have been better for all of them as Lapras and Wailord arrived at the beach Sarah and her team left from last night. "Thank you, Lapras, Wailord!" Sarah called to the two Water Pokemon leaving. Then, "Sarah!" "Pika Pika!" "Sarah, honey!" "Sweetheart!" Sarah and her pokemon turned and saw Ash, Pikachu, Professor Kukui, Nikki and James coming over to her with their pokemon. "Are you alright, sweetheart?" Nikki asked. "You scared us half to death!"
"Don't disappear like that again!" James scolded. Dragonite nodded in agreement. Sarah winced at her parents' face, "Sorry, Mom. Sorry Dad.." she apologized, but James and Nikki had to smile when they saw the Lycanroc, knowing why their daughter did what she did and hugged her. "But, we know why you did it," James said.
"And we're very proud of you," Nikki added before she frowned at her. "Next time, though, you're grounded for a week."
Sarah groaned, "Aw, Mom..." Professor Kukui then came up to her, he was surprised to find out from Ash and her parents about the Puppy Pair's parents and how she and her Pokemon went out of their way to save them from Team Skull. "Did I hear them right, Sarah?" he asked. "Your parents and Ash told me you and your Pokemon wandered off to Ula'Ula Island to rescue the Puppy Pair's parents. And, from Team Skull, of all people! I was surprised to find out you didn't come to class this morning for that reason."
"I did," she replied, sheepishly. "But, I had a little help getting into Po Town to do it. There was this creepy old man who knows Team Skull, he knows that I'm a Trial-Goer after he saw Tapu Koko and my Z-Ring."
"Hmm... his name wouldn't happen to be Nanu, right?" Kukui asked her.
"Yeah... it was... how do you know?" Sarah asked.
"Cause he's the Island Kahuna of Ula' Ula Island." Kukui smiled.
"HUH?!" Sarah exclaimed. After she got over her shock of realizing she got help from the Ula'Ula Island Kahuna and everyone laughing at her for not realizing it sooner. "You got their parents back, awesome!" Ash exclaimed, seeing the two forms of Lycanroc.
"Lycanroc.." The Midnight form softly growled.
"Come on you two, let's go see your babies." Sarah said. The Lycanroc parents nodded and they quickly made their way to the Melemele Pokemon Center where the Puppy Pair were staying at to reunite them with their parents. Nurse Joy saw Sarah coming in with her Pokemon and the Lycanroc couple and was surprised to see her back early. "Oh, hi Sarah! What are you doing back so soon?"
"How are the Puppy Pair doing?" she asked. Nurse joy smiled, "We've cleared them of their poison and they're resting right now. The good news is they have very strong wills to live so they should be ready to go tomorrow. I suppose another day of bed rest would do them good." Everyone sighed in relief. The Dusk Lycanroc cried happily as tears dripped from her eyes and she nuzzled her relieved mate, their sons were alright. "Can my Pokemon and I see them now?" Sarah asked.
"Of course, but don't make too much of a racket for their sake," Nurse Joy nodded kindly. Sarah nodded and she saw the Puppy Pair awake, resting in their bed, "Puppy Pair~" she called. The two Rockruffs looked at her, "Look who I have~" The two Lycanroc came into the room and the Puppy Pair gasped before they barked happily. "Rockruff...!" The Pair leaped off of the bed and hugged their parents while the two Lycanroc hugged them back, "Lycanroc..."
Sarah and her other Pokemon looked on happily as the little family in front of them cried with joy from finally being reunited, at last. It truly couldn't have been better for all of them but the best was yet to come.
The day was finally over after Sarah returned to resume her normal life with her friends. She told them everything that went on in Po Town and her and her Pokemon saving the Puppy Pair's parents, how Tapu Koko brought her to Ula'Ula Island by her own accord, how Nanu came and helped her to the Shady House, how she managed to beat Plumeria and Guzma for the Lycanroc couple's freedom. Everyone, barring Ash who knew, was astonished by her tale and were more shocked when they arrived at the Melemele Pokemon Center and saw the family reunited.
Dusk had settled in and the Puppy Pair was watching the sunset, thinking about everything that happened. Sarah told them everything as well and while they were miffed about it, they were grateful to their adopted family for saving their parents.
Nikki and James watched as Sarah went beside the reunited family, "Looks like she has your reckless gene, honey..." Nikki teased.
"Sh-She didn't get it from me!" James exclaimed with a small tick mark on his head. Nikki chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Either way, she's been getting more brave and adventurous."
"She has, hasn't she?" James sighed with a smile.
Sarah was quiet as she and the Puppy Pair and their parents watched the sunset as it gives way to the moon.
"I know you two were mad at us for helping you," she began, drawing the Puppy Pair's attention to her. Their parents watched on, listening to the conversation. "But, you took a big risk trying to rescue them by yourselves. I hope you'll understand that what we've done is for you. We're your family, your friends, and we want to help you if you need us for anything, even your parents." The Puppy Pair understood as they looked to their mom and dad, who nodded in agreement as they nuzzled their sons. "We love you just as much as your parents do," Sarah continued. "If anything happens to you and you end up dead, we'd never forgive ourselves. Your parents won't be so forgiving if we did let you die." Their parents nodded again, confirming her words to the Puppy Pair again. The Puppy Pair slumped, realizing that she was right and nuzzled her in apology. "Hehehe... apology accepted little fellas.. now come on, let's go on to bed.." Sarah said and the Puppy Pair barked happily and the four pokemon and Sarah went back into the house.
And so after a daring rescue, Sarah is successful in rescuing the Puppy Pair's parents and now the Puppy Pair's family is back together and this time, hopefully, it will be forever. As the journey continues...
Sarah's Team:
1. Pikachu
Moves - Thundershock, Tackle, Thunderpunch
2. Rockruff (2x)
Moves - Rock Throw, Bite, Tackle
3. Silvally
Moves - Crush Claw, Air Slash, Hyper Beam, Swords Dance, Dragon Claw
4. Mudsdale
Moves - High Horsepower, Double Kick, Mud Slap, Bulldoze, Iron Head
