Chapter 40: Aura VS Thief! An Unexpected Bond!
Last time, on "Pokémon Sinnoh Journey", the group were continuing their way towards Snowpoint City for Ash, Hareta, and Hikaru's seventh Gym Battle when they hear from the Sinnoh Now newspaper about a phantom thief named Pokémon 7.
While thinking about the news, the group finds a bakery called Sun Sun Bakery that is owned by a girl and her father. The girl introduces herself as Nazuna as she introduces the group to her friend, Hiori, who seems to be a timid and weak Trainer.
And it was proven right when Hiori easily loses in a battle against Hikaru, making Hikaru suspicious.
But as the group spends time at the bakery, Hikaru discovers that Hiori isn't weak as the group thought he would be as he pursues Hiori to discover that Hiori himself is none other than the phantom thief that appears at night... Pokémon 7!
And to his surprise, it wasn't just him that discovered the shocking news as both Ash and Pikachu eavesdropped and heard the whole truth, too. Now Hiori was in a bit of a crisis since two people were now aware of his true identity.
"Ash!?"
"Pikachu!?"
Both Hikaru and Infernape widened their eyes to see their Kanto friend and his Electric Type partner, as both of them were gaping to see on what they had heard just now from Hikaru and Hiori himself.
"You're... You're actually Hiori...!?"
"Pikachu...!?" Ash questioned with the Mouse Pokémon speaking out in surprise. The young phantom thief and his Aura Pokémon partner sweat dropped at being caught red-handed once again by another person and his partner.
"U-Uh... Um... N-No! No! I'm Pokémon 7! The phantom thief that steals from the criminals so that I can return them to the poor!" Hiori tried to lie, only for him to stutter as he spoke, reverting back to his timid self as a timid boy.
The Kanto Trainer wasn't fooled as he frowned at the young phantom thief.
"Uh, no... you're that same guy that we met at the bakery... the time when you lost to Hikaru in a battle with just one attack...?" Ash reminded, causing Hiori to sweat drop before he turned to Lucario.
The Aura Pokémon sighed, giving a sign that it was time to confess the truth.
"W-Well... Oh man... A-Alright..." Hiori sighed, scratching the back of his head.
Later...
"So... that's why you lost to Hikaru on purpose? Because you wanted to hide your identity as the phantom thief that steals from thieves and gives back to the owners?" Ash asked, as he started to understand the reason as to why Hiori was so timid back at the bakery.
The boys were at a park that was around the town Hiori lived in, as the young boy began to explain of why he was what he was back when the group first met him back at the Sun Sun Bakery.
"If people had seen how strong Lucario was, then there would be suspicions that I was the same person as Pokémon 7, and it would end up attracting unwanted attention from the press and from... criminals." Hiori explained with a frown.
"Criminals... You mean like Team Galactic?" Hikaru asked, causing the phantom thief to flinch before he nodded reluctantly.
"Yeah..."
"What did they do to you that made you wary from them?" Ash asked, causing Hiori to look at Lucario, who noticed the gaze, before the Aura Pokémon nodded, as if he wanted his master to explain the whole truth.
"...I have a twin sister named Lily, you see..." Hiori started, catching Ash and Hikaru by surprise.
"Twin sister?" Ash repeated, with the phantom thief nodding.
"Mm hm... But five years ago, she was kidnapped by a group of people when we were playing a game of hide and seek together. Lucario was just a Riolu back then, so he didn't have much of a choice but to run away as my sister got taken away..."
The explanation went on as Hikaru frowned, realizing that five years ago would meant that his father might've been into this kidnapping operation.
"As time passed by, it seemed hopeless as the kidnappers were good at hiding their tracks. But thanks to the police reports, I was able to learn that there was a group organization called Team Galactic... a group of criminals plotting something that involved the entire world..." Hiori continued, as he continued to frown.
"You know... they said something about a new world... back at Veilstone City when they tried to steal the meteorite..." Ash said, recalling of what one of the commander, Saturn had said after the day he had a draw against Maylene.
"That wasn't the only time... there was also a time back at the Celestic Town Historical Museum, where they tried to steal the Lustrous Orb and was successful in doing so..." Hikaru explained, remembering the horrible day back at that time.
It was also the same day when Hikaru discovered that his father was involved with the criminal organization and tried to kill him back then.
But thanks to Po and Alex from the other world, and with the history that Hikaru learned from Master Shifu, it was clear that there was something else that had involved his father, which he was still trying to figure out.
"Yeah..."
"I've heard news about that. You guys were involved in it?" Hiori asked, earning nods from the two.
"Those guys are just... wrong! They just get on my nerves sometimes, and to make it worse, they ended up endangering the people once back at Iron Island!" Ash spoke angrily.
The Kanto Trainer remembered the time when the criminal group planted bombs to blow up the entire island. But thanks to Hikaru, Riley, and Lucario, the crisis was averted, but the battle at that island never left his mind.
"Oh..." Hiori couldn't help but feel concerned for his two friends, as Hikaru sighed.
"Team Galactic... They're a mysterious group, but at the same time, they can't be anything good... especially with the things they've done so far in the past." Hikaru spoke, before looking back at the phantom thief.
"Mm... so I guess that group made an impact on all of us, then..." Hiori commented, earning a nod from the young Aura Guardian.
"One day, that group will be brought down... even if it has to me being the one to do it." Hikaru declared boldly, causing Ash to smile at his Sinnoh friend.
"What do you mean? You're not going to be fighting against them alone, Hikaru... I want to be able to take them down, too! I'm sure the others feel the same about it after what they've experienced with us." Ash pointed out, causing Hikaru to smile.
"Yeah... Thanks..." Hikaru said with a smile.
"And that goes for big bro Al and Po... and the others in the alternative world... I just hope that things go well on their end while this end does well, too..." thought Hikaru before he cleared his throat and turned back to Hiori.
"Anyways, with that out of the way... Hiori... there's something I'd like to ask of you." Hikaru said, causing a questioned look to appear on the phantom thief's face.
"What is it...?" asked Hiori, before Hikaru declared his request.
"Will you battle with me? A full 6 on 6 battle?" Hikaru asked, catching the phantom thief and his partner Pokémon by surprise.
"W-Wait, are you serious...?" Hiori asked, causing Hikaru to nod.
"Deadly serious. Our first battle left a bad taste in my mouth, so I want to see what you and your team can really do when you act serious as a phantom thief." Hikaru explained, causing the Kanto Trainer to grin at the idea.
"I wanna be able to see the battle, too!"
"Pika! Pika!" Pikachu shared his human partner's enthusiasm as he wanted to see how the battle would go, too.
With the enthusiasm Ash and Pikachu were showing, and with the determined looks both Hikaru and Infernape had on their faces, Hiori glanced at Lucario, who started to feel the same way for a battle.
Realizing this even without having to ask, the phantom thief takes a deep breath before he smiled, facing Hikaru with a confident look on his face.
"In that case... I accept your request, Hikaru. I'll battle you... and we're gonna give it all that we've got!" Hiori declared, with Lucario making a grunt in agreement.
The young Aura Guardian and his Flame Pokémon could only smile in response as they stared at their opponents with determined looks.
"Then it's settled!" Hikaru exclaimed as sparks flew in the air between the two sides as the Kanto Trainer watched with a smile, knowing that the battle was going to be intense, due to how strong the two of them were.
Later...
To prevent unwanted attention from the people that were living in the city, the boys all moved to a clearing in a forest where it seemed safe for them to battle.
The moon was shining down on them, as if it was creating a small spotlight for the battle to begin. As for the two battlers, they were both ready as they got out their Pokéballs to be ready and to be thrown.
"You wanted a Full Battle, right? Then I guess this is going to be a long one as I don't plan on losing!" Hiori stated, causing Hikaru to smile back.
"Neither am I..." Hikaru assured as the two got ready before...
"Come out, Gallade!"
"I'm counting on you, Gardevoir!"
The two Psychic Types appeared as they faced each other, causing Ash to be awed by the two facing each other, with the Mouse Pokémon feeling the same way.
"Whoa... it's a Gallade!" Ash spoke, before scanning it with his Pokédex.
"Gallade, the Blade Pokémon, and the evolved form of Kirlia. Gallade extends its elbows as if they were swords and fights savagely in order to protect someone." Ash's Pokédex explained, as the Kanto Trainer looked back.
"So it's like a knight protecting the prince or princess... by using its own arms as the blades to cut through..." Ash breathed out, with his Electric Type watching in awe. But for Hikaru, this was nothing new for him.
"He uses a Gallade too... just like Luke did back when we battled at Hearthome City when Ash was having his Gym Battle against Fantina. If I know right, then Gallade specializes in close range attacks... Those blades are not to be messed with." Hikaru thought as he spoke with Gardevoir.
"Be careful as always, Gardevoir. There's no telling of what'll happen if you get too close to Gallade's blade arms." Hikaru reminded, earning a nod from the Embrace Pokémon.
"Don't worry... I know what I can do after battling a Gallade for the first time." Gardevoir assured, amusing Hiori's Gallade before the battle began with Hiori making the first move.
Hiori: Gallade + Lucario + 4 VS Hikaru: Gardevoir + Infernape + 4
"We'll start things off! Gallade, Leaf Blade!" Hiori called as the Blade Pokémon charged to make its first strike that could lead it to victory. But Hikaru wasn't having any of that as he commanded a defensive move.
"Double Team!" Hikaru called as clones were formed, causing the Leaf Blade to miss! The many numbers of Gardevoir bewildered Gallade, as he couldn't figure out which of the Gardevoir he was seeing was the real deal.
"Calm down, Gallade! Use Leaf Blade on all of them!" Hiori called out as Gallade did so.
The slicing went on and on as the clones continued to vanish one by one with the arm blades slicing through. But no matter how many attacks it landed, the real one wasn't coming out as more clones appeared the moment they were sliced apart.
"They just keep appearing...! It's as if it's a never ending cycle of the fakes disappearing and appearing..." Hiori commented, before Hikaru called for a counterattack.
"Use Thunderbolt!"
The Electric Type attack shocked Gallade from behind as the real Gardevoir struck the Blade Pokémon with her Thunderbolt! Gallade yelled in pain before he fell on one knee, having dealt with some serious damage.
"Now Double Team!"
The clones once again appeared, surrounding and bewildering Gallade as Hiori narrowed his eyes.
"A sneak attack... and once that's done, the fakes appear again. It's like defending first before attacking..." Hiori commented as Lucario grunted in agreement, while he continued to watch the battle before...
"Return, Gallade!" Hiori called as the Blade Pokémon was called back to its Pokéball, surprising Hikaru before the young phantom thief brought out another Pokéball to replace Gallade for the first battle.
"Okay, Drifblim! It's your turn!" Hiori called out as a Drifblim appeared, replacing Gallade for the match.
"Drifblim..." spoke Hikaru as he recognized the Ghost-Flying Type.
"It's just like Fantina's Drifblim back at the Hearthome Gym." Ash commented, as he recalled on how difficult it was for him to defeat Drifblim, with Fantina as the Trainer. Now Ash was curious to know how good a Drifblim is when it's in the hands of another Trainer.
"Gardevoir, keep using the Double Team!" Hikaru called out as the clones remained strong, until Hiori called out a command to wipe away the clones.
"That won't work this time! Drifblim, use Gust!"
At the order, the Gust attack blew, causing Gardevoir to lose focus of her power, causing all the fakes to vanish and leave her vulnerable to Drifblim's next attack.
"Oh no...!" Hikaru gasped as Hiori called for another attack.
"Now, Drifblim! Use Charge Beam!" Hiori yelled as the Blimp Pokémon did so, launching the Electric Type attack to hit Gardevoir, as the attack caused her to skid back, yet recover from the hit as it was only one hit she has taken so far.
"Whoa..." Ash breathed out in awe, with Pikachu doing the same.
"Stockpile!" At the third order, Drifblim began to stock up, raising its Defense and Special Defense in the process, as Hikaru tried to intervene by calling out an attack to stop the defense from rising!
"Stop them, Gardevoir! Use Psychic!" Hikaru called as Psychic began to bind Drifblim's movements, as the Blimp Pokémon struggled to break free, until Hiori had another move in mind to break the concentration of the Psychic Type.
"Use Gust again!" Hiori called out as a big wind of Gust blew Gardevoir back, breaking her concentration, which ended up freeing Drifblim from the Embrace Pokémon's Psychic bind attack!
"Now, use Charge Beam!" Hiori called out as the Electric Type attack was launched, before Hikaru countered with his own Electric attack.
"Counter with Thunderbolt!"
The two Electric Type moves clashed with one another, before it resulted in a draw! As the smoke covered the field, Hikaru took this chance to make the next attack while the enemy was blinded by the smoke.
"Now, Gardevoir! Use Thunderbolt again!" Hikaru called out as the Embrace Pokémon did so, shooting the bolt towards the smoke. The attack went through and hit Drifblim hard, causing it to wince in pain from the super effective attack!
"Drifblim, Swallow the Stockpile!" Hiori called out, allowing the Blimp Pokémon to do so! While the Defense and Special Defense it gained were back to normal, it restored its health by swallowing onto what it's been holding in its body.
That way, the damage it had taken from Thunderbolt looked as if it hadn't done a thing!
"It quickly recovered... Gardevoir, use Thunderbolt again!" Hikaru called out as Gardevoir did so.
"Dodge and use Gust!" Hiori called as Drifblim dodged the super effective attack this time, before blowing Gardevoir back with a harsh blow of a Gust attack!
Because of the move, Gardevoir began to lose focus and was unable to concentrate to try and prepare for another attack, causing Hikaru to narrow his eyes before he called the Embrace Pokémon back to her Pokéball.
"Come back, Gardevoir!" Hikaru called as Gardevoir was safely back into her Pokéball, protecting her from any other damage she might've taken while she was stunned by the Flying Type attack.
After calling back his Psychic Type friend, the young Aura Guardian took out another Pokéball to send out someone that would have a better chance against a Ghost and Flying Type like Drifblim.
"I'm counting on you, Buizel!" Hikaru called out as the timid Buizel appeared with the water headband around his head!
"Bu bui!" Buizel cried out, interesting the phantom thief before he smiled.
"Buizel, huh... not a bad choice! Drifblim, use Charge Beam!" Drifblim wasted no time doing so, launching the Electric Type attack as Buizel flipped back to dodge, before Hikaru called a countermove to strike Drifblim back.
"Use Water Gun while spinning!" Hikaru shouted out, allowing Ash to recognize the technique Hikaru was going to use.
"They're going for the Counter-Shield technique!" Ash commented as Buizel spun on his back while shooting out Water Gun! The technique was effective as Drifblim continued to get hit and hit back to back from the waters of Water Gun!
"What the...!? Drifblim, stay strong! Blow them away with Gust!" Hiori ordered, but it was no good.
As the Blimp Pokémon tried to evade the incoming waters, it was difficult to do so as the waters kept coming and coming, as if it was never going to end! Hiori could do nothing but watch as the Ghost-Flying Type was hit back and forth!
"Not good... At this rate, Drifblim will be knocked down before it could call forth another attack!" Hiori thought before he tried to call his Blimp Pokémon back.
"Drifblim, return!" Hiori called as the red beam tried to call Drifblim back. But the water attacks from the Water Gun blocked the beam from getting close, making a switch-out impossible!
"It's not working!" Hiori exclaimed before Hikaru called for the last attack to wrap the first match up.
"Now, Buizel! Hit it hard with Ice Beam!" Hikaru exclaimed as the Ice Type attack hit Drifblim hard, before the move knocked the Blimp Pokémon down, before... the dust cleared to show the unconscious Ghost-Flying Type!
Hiori: 5 Pokémon
"Drifblim!?" Hiori gasped as he ran over to check on his defeated Blimp Pokémon, before he smiled sadly.
"You did your best... Now get some rest." Hiori complimented sadly before he called his transport Pokémon back, before placing it back onto his suit, making the Pokéballs look as if they were buttons on his suit.
"You're good, Hikaru. I didn't think anyone would take Drifblim down that easily. That combo of yours really surprised us." Hiori admitted, causing the young Aura Guardian to smile at the praise.
"Thanks. That technique of ours helped us with many battles... like this one just now." Hikaru explained, before the Sea Weasel Pokémon smiled, feeling proud for making the first win in the battle.
"Bu bui!"
"Heh... I see... Well then, let's see how you deal with this one! Let's go, Tangrowth!" Hiori called out as the giant Grass Type Pokémon appeared, facing Buizel with its peculiar eyes and with its peculiar body that seemed to be made with vines!
"Whoa, what's that!?" Ash exclaimed as he scanned the Grass Type with his Pokédex.
"Tangrowth, the Vine Pokémon. Tangrowth captures its prey by extending its arms, which are made of vines." Ash's Pokédex buzzed, explaining the details of the Vine Pokémon, causing the Kanto Trainer to frown, making him realize a little of what Tangrowth can do if Buizel were to try and make some distance.
Hikaru knew what it can do as well, as he got ready, with the same going for the young Sea Weasel Pokémon.
"Let's go, Tangrowth! Use Constrict!" Hiori called as Tangrowth stretched its vine arms to grab the Water Type, until Hikaru called a counterattack to prevent the vines from getting any closer!
"No you don't! Buizel, Ice Beam!" Hikaru yelled as Buizel shot the Ice Type attack onto the long arms of vine! The vines were frozen, much to the Vine Pokémon's surprise, while Hiori bit his lips.
"Use Flash!" Hiori called out, causing Tangrowth to use its eyes to create a blinding light that blinded their opponents!
"What the...!?"
"Bui!?" Both covered their eyes, but that was the point when Hikaru used his Aura to detect of where Tangrowth was, before noticing it...
"It's right in front of you, Buizel! Use Ice Beam!"
The order surprised Hiori as he knew that with the Flash attack, even Hikaru couldn't have seen where Tangrowth was, due to how bright the Flash attack can be. The only way on how Hikaru was able to know where Tangrowth was, would be...
"Aura..." Hiori breathed out, catching Lucario's attention as the Aura Pokémon narrowed his eyes, feeling the power of aura rise up a little.
"Now! Razor Wind!" Hikaru yelled as Buizel shot the sharp wind attacks, causing the moves to knock Tangrowth back as the attack was not only sharp, but it was able to deal some big damage!
The Vine Pokémon skidded back, recovering from the attacks it had taken just now, as Hiori clicked his tongue before he continued on with the battle to try and counter back.
"Sharp, but we can still win this battle! Tangrowth, use Constrict again!" Hiori called out as Tangrowth shot its arms again.
"That move again? Counter with Ice Beam!" Hikaru yelled as Buizel shot the Ice Type attack. But this time, the phantom thief wasn't about to make the same mistake twice.
"Jump to dodge!" Hiori called as Tangrowth did so! The Ice Beam missed as it passed underneath the Vine Pokémon! That caught both Hikaru and Buizel by surprise before the vines grabbed the Sea Weasel Pokémon and slammed him down!
WHAM!
"BUI!"
"Buizel!?" The young Aura Guardian watched as the dust cleared to see Buizel being held tightly by the Vine Pokémon's grip! The Water Type struggled to break free, but the vines were strong, as they had come from the evolved Grass Type's body.
"Now, Tangrowth! Solarbeam!" Hiori exclaimed, catching the Kanto Trainer by surprise.
"A Solarbeam now? But it's the middle of the night!"
"Pika?" Even Pikachu was surprised to hear as Hikaru tried to take this chance to counterattack.
"It's gonna take a long time for Solarbeam to charge... Buizel, try an Ice Beam attack! Stop Tangrowth!" Hikaru called as Buizel struggled, before he managed to do so! The Ice Beam hit Tangrowth on the face, causing the charge to be interrupted as Tangrowth yelped in surprise!
"Tangrowth!?" Hiori gasped as the young Aura Guardian continued with the attacks.
"Use Ice Aqua Jet!" Hikaru called out as Buizel did so, as he first used Aqua Jet by surrounding himself with water. Then, with the use of Ice Beam, he froze himself, creating an Ice Aqua Jet combo, catching both Hiori and Lucario by surprise.
"What the...!?"
"Rah...!?"
"Yeah! It's the Ice Aqua Jet combo!" Ash exclaimed, as Pikachu cheered Buizel on! And it proved to be worth it as the big hit from the hard and powerful attack knocked Tangrowth away! The move caused the Vine Pokémon to crash onto the ground before it fainted!
Hiori: 4 Pokémon
"Tangrowth!?" Hiori exclaimed in disbelief as Buizel skidded back to where his human partner was.
"That's another win for us!" Hikaru declared, with Infernape and Buizel crying out their agreement.
For the phantom thief, he clenched his fists, realizing that he had lost two Pokémon in a row so far, putting his team in a bit of a disadvantage.
"Okay... Guess the real battle begins now. Let's go, Lickilicky!" Hiori called as the giant Normal Type appeared, facing Buizel!
"Lickilicky... A Normal Type. And a big one on top of that..." Hikaru commented as Buizel frowned, realizing that this might be where things might get difficult as Hikaru began to realize it, too.
"Come back, Buizel." Hikaru called, calling the Sea Weasel Pokémon back before he took out another Pokéball to send out his third Pokémon!
"I'm counting on you, Togekiss!" Hikaru called out as the Jubilee Pokémon appeared, making her graceful entrance before facing the giant Normal Type. Upon seeing Togekiss, the phantom thief got ready for any incoming attacks.
"This time, we'll start! Togekiss, use Ancient Power!"
At the order, boulders were thrown towards Lickilicky as Hiori countered with a move of his own, as he called it out to the counter the incoming attack!
"Quick, Lickilicky! Use Gyro Ball!" Hiori shouted out as the Steel Type attack destroyed the boulders, negating it and preventing any damage! Togekiss could only gasp in surprise as the next move was what caught Hikaru off guard.
"Now, Lickilicky! Use Dig!"
And the Licking Pokémon wasted no time digging underground by spinning, leaving the young Aura Guardian confused, as well as it did with the Kanto Trainer.
"But why use Dig? It won't have any effect on a Flying Type Pokémon like Togekiss..." Ash commented as Hiori remained calm before he called out the next attack.
"Do it now, Lickilicky! Power Whip!"
At that moment, the long tongue from Lickilicky shot out from underground and whipped Togekiss away, causing her to squeal in pain from the sudden attack that wasn't effective, but painful at the same time!
"What the...!?" Hikaru widened his eyes to see the tongue retreating back to the hole, causing the young Aura Guardian to close his eyes before he opened them, showing his green and yellow pupils as he detected of where Lickilicky was hiding in.
"Togekiss! Use Air Slash!" Hikaru called as Togekiss did so, launching the Flying Type attack to where the Licking Pokémon was, forcing it out of the hole! Upon seeing this however, the phantom thief called for the next move.
"Now, Lickilicky! Use Rollout!" Hiori called out as the giant Normal Type began to roll to hit Togekiss, who dodged out of the way in time! But as it rolled back down on the ground, it turned around, gaining more speed and power as the next strike hit Togekiss from behind!
"TOGE!"
"It got us!?" Hikaru gasped before he tried to counter the third strike of the Rollout attack.
"Togekiss, use Aura Sphere!" Hikaru called as Togekiss charged an Aura Sphere to the incoming Rock Type move!
The Fighting Type attack was shot, as it exploded onto the rolling Normal Type. But even as the attack made a big hit, the Rollout was still going on before it hit Togekiss hard, causing her to crash to the ground!
"Togekiss!?" Hikaru exclaimed as he watched the dust clear to show Togekiss managing to get back up!
"That wasn't enough to knock it down... We'll keep using Rollout! Go, Lickilicky!" Hiori called as the rolling went on, heading straight for the Jubilee Pokémon with the increased speed and power!
The young Aura Guardian narrowed his eyes, realizing that his moves were limited, as the Rollout attack was able to defeat Aura Sphere while the rolling went on.
"If Aura Sphere couldn't do anything like what happened earlier, then there's no chance that Ancient Power or Air Slash could do a thing... I've got to to do something about that move before it does more damage...!" Hikaru thought before an idea came to his mind.
"Togekiss! Air Slash on the ground!" Hikaru called out, surprising both Ash and Hiori as the Air Slash attack hit the ground, causing some hole to appear! At that moment, Hiori widened his eyes in realization on what his opponent was trying to do!
"Stop, Lickilicky! It's a trap!" Hiori called out, but it was too late. As the Rollout allowed it to gain not just power, but more speed, it became difficult to stop.
And in a matter of seconds, the hole that Togekiss made caused Lickilicky to roll into it before it got stuck! The Licking Pokémon yelped in surprise as he couldn't get out!
With the hole being a perfect fit, it was starting to become difficult for the Licking Pokémon to get out as he was stuck tight in it! Hiori widened his eyes at this before Hikaru continued on with the attacks!
"Now! Consecutive Aura Sphere attacks!" Hikaru shouted out as Togekiss did so!
"Knock them away with Power Whip!" Hiori countered as Lickilicky did so, using the Grass Type attack to knock the incoming Aura Sphere attacks! And it worked, as the attacks exploded on the ground as they landed on the ground!
But the young Aura Guardian wasn't fazed as he called for another attack to do the trick.
"Use Air Slash then! Send it flying!" Hikaru called out as Togekiss launched the sharp Flying Type attack! With the attack being sharp, Power Whip didn't do much as it wasn't simple to knock the Flying Type attack away!
The impact from the Air Slash attack knocked Lickilicky out of the hole and sent it flying into the air, much to its shock and dismay.
"Lickilicky!?" Hiori widened his eyes before the young Aura Guardian began to make the finishing touch.
"Now Aura Sphere! Hit it hard!" Hikaru called, as the Jubilee Pokémon charged another Aura Sphere attack, before launching it into the Normal Type that was stuck in midair!
BOOM!
The attack landed with a big hit, resulting in an explosion that blasted Lickilicky towards the ground! And as it hit the ground, the dust cleared to show the unconscious Licking Pokémon, who groaned in defeat.
Hiori: 3 Pokémon
The third defeat in a row caught Hiori by surprise as he widened his eyes to see his giant Normal Type taking the fall like how it happened with Drifblim and Tangrowth!
"Oh no..." Hiori spoke before he slowly took out a Pokéball to call his Licking Pokémon back. As Hiori did so, the young Aura Guardian narrowed his eyes, realizing that the battle so far was going to his side.
"So far, I'm in the advantage, but yet... why do I get the feeling that things might turn around quickly?" Hikaru thought before he glanced at Lucario, who didn't seem fazed by the number of losses in a row so far.
"It must be due to the fact that Lucario has yet to battle... Maybe that's what giving me the chills a little..." Hikaru continued thinking before he turned to see Hiori taking a deep breath before turning to his Aura Pokémon.
"Lucario, I'm counting on you to turn things around for us." Hiori requested, earning a grunt and nod from the Aura Pokémon before he stepped forward, facing Togekiss this time with a stern and determined look on his face.
"So Lucario is going to battle this time..." Ash commented, as Pikachu watched carefully to see how powerful the phantom thief's partner actually was.
Both sides remained silent and quiet, not moving a muscle. It was as if, they were waiting to see which of the two sides would make the first move. Then... the battle continued on with one person making the command.
"Quick Attack!"
The Aura Pokémon dashed with high speed before knocking the wind out of Togekiss as she gasped in pain before being knocked flying! That shocked the young Aura Guardian as the move was supposed to be fast, but simple.
"That was... powerful." Hikaru thought before he began to make a countermove.
"Air Slash, Togekiss!" Hikaru called as Togekiss launched the Flying Type attack to knock Lucario down. But the Aura Pokémon looked as if he had seen this coming as he easily dodged every Air Slash attacks that was thrown at him!
Seeing this, the young Aura Guardian narrowed his eyes, calling out for more attacks to use.
"Use Aura Sphere, consecutively!" Hikaru called out as Togekiss did so, launching the Fighting Type attacks that was thought to be Lucario's signature move.
But the Aura Pokémon seemed to know how to handle an Aura Sphere as he easily dodged or deflected it back, taking no damage in the process! Hiori could only smile before he called out the same attack that his partner deflected just now.
"It's our turn to use our move, Lucario. Use your Aura Sphere!" Hiori yelled as Lucario did so, launching the attack as it exploded onto Togekiss!
The Jubilee Pokémon yelled in pain as she was sent flying from the impact!
"Togekiss, stay strong! Air Slash with Aura Sphere!" Hikaru tried to encourage his Pokémon as the Jubilee Pokémon managed to launch the two attacks. But Lucario had other plans as Hiori said the word to allow Lucario to dodge them both!
"Detect!"
And with the move, the Aura Pokémon dodged the attacks before he prepared to wrap things up with the next move. And Hiori knew it before he had called it out for his partner Pokémon to use.
"Wrap it up, Lucario! Aura Sphere!" Hiori shouted out, allowing the Aura Pokémon to launch its signature attack, before the move exploded onto Togekiss!
The evolved Jubilee Pokémon screeched in pain before she crashed onto the ground and skidded, before the dust cleared to show that she has been knocked out, fainting from the impact of the Fighting Type attack.
Hikaru: 5 Pokémon
"Ah..."
Hikaru could only gape and widen his eyes at the power he had just witnessed. Ash and Pikachu couldn't believe it either, as Lucario didn't have to use too much energy in order to defeat Togekiss.
Not only that, the Aura Pokémon didn't take any damage from the battle as he had kept dodging and deflecting the attacks that had been sent towards him!
"This changes everything... now that the ace has appeared on Hiori's side..." Hikaru breathed out before he turned to Infernape, who nodded, as he wanted to get in on the action.
"Okay... I'm counting on you, Infernape!" Hikaru spoke as his eyes glowed with green and yellow pupils.
"Heh... You can count on me, bro." Infernape assured before he faced Lucario, who remained calm, yet he looked rather determined as he was facing the young Aura Guardian's partner in battle, which would mean that things will get tougher than usual.
And Hiori began to feel in a similar way, as the two were giving off powerful auras together, which could mean that the battle was going to get more heated up as it went on and on.
"Use Quick Attack!"
"Use Flame Wheel!"
The two boys made their commands as the two Fighting Types charged at each other before they clashed with one another. And it wasn't just once as the two continued to clash with one another, both attempting to knock each other back!
As they collided once again, they both skidded back, where their Trainers made their next command to try and take the advantage over the other.
"Use Flamethrower, Infernape!" Hikaru shouted out.
"Dodge by using Detect, Lucario!" Hiori called out loud.
The Flame Pokémon shot the Fire Type attack while the Aura Pokémon evaded it with Detect, as they continued to face each other before Hiori ordered the next move!
"Aura Sphere!" The Aura Pokémon charged up before shooting his signature attack as Infernape dodged, flipping and evading every attack sent at him. But the young Aura Guardian knew that the dodging can't go on forever.
"Infernape won't be able to last long if we just dodge... There's got to be a way to counter his attacks while getting through his speed..." Hikaru thought before he noticed how quick Lucario was moving whether was attacking or dodging.
And the Flame Pokémon looked like he was going to get clobbered if he were to get hit even once! So with that in mind, an idea came to the young Aura Guardian's mind before he began his little strategy.
"There's only one way to find out if this'll work or not. Infernape, use Flame Wheel!" Hikaru called as Infernape surrounded himself in flames before he charged towards Lucario while dodging the continuous launch of the Aura Sphere attacks!
"Detect, Lucario!"
And the Aura Pokémon dodged in time, but was unable to counter from the attacking that came back and struck from behind! The super effective attack knocked Lucario down, causing him to growl in pain and groan from the hit he had taken.
"Lucario...!?" Hiori widened his eyes as the attacks went on from Hikaru's side.
"Now that's what I'm talking about! Use Flamethrower!" Hikaru exclaimed as Infernape shot the attack, blasting Lucario back as he skidded back to where Hiori was standing, while wincing in pain from the burns he had taken from the Flamethrower and Flame Wheel attacks.
"You're burned...!" Hiori exclaimed as the burn status was taking effect.
"Now Lucario will be worn out if the battle drags on like this...!" Ash commented, knowing on what the burn status problem can do to a Pokémon that stays in the battle.
But the phantom thief wasn't planning on letting things drag on as he turned to his partner Pokémon.
"We've got to wrap this up quick, or you'll take even more damage! Lucario, use Bone Rush!" Hiori called out as Lucario formed a large, glowing bone. Then, with his speed and strength, Lucario hits Infernape several times with the super effective attack!
The Flame Pokémon yelled in both surprise and in pain as he was getting hit back to back by the Ground Type attack, causing Hikaru to try and intervene with a move to counter back against their opponents!
"Send him flying, Infernape! Use Mach Punch!" Hikaru called as Infernape skidded back before punching Lucario on the cheek with the Fighting Type move!
The focus of the Bone Rush was interrupted as the Aura Pokémon skidded back from the big punch he had taken on the face before he got on one knee, wincing from the pain and from the burn status that was sapping away his energy!
"Lucario...!" Hiori gasped, seeing the damage that his partner had taken before he watched the Aura Pokémon get up again, ignoring the pain that was in his body.
The young Aura Guardian can feel the determination from the Aura Pokémon. It was as if Lucario was willing to win no matter how pain he has to endure... almost like...
"It's just like with big bro Al and big bro Po... Those two would fight and train hard no matter how difficult it may be... just like how I was back in during my battles..." Hikaru thought as he felt that Lucario was showing the same determination as his brother figures from the other world.
Hiori showed the same determined look as well before the young Aura Guardian smiled, approving Hiori as a good rival to have when it comes to Pokémon battles. He glanced at his Flame Pokémon, who seemed to feel the same way as he did.
With that in mind, Hikaru called forth another command to make the next attack. As he did so, Hiori was ready to do the same as both called out their partners to attack again.
"Aura Sphere!"
"Flamethrower!"
The two moves clashed with one another again, before they resulted in an explosion, knocking both Fighting Types back before the battle continued on with the next set of attacks.
"Bone Rush!"
"Close Combat!"
The bone clashed with the hard fists from the Flame Pokémon as the two continued to clash against each other, both not missing a second to try and strike at one another. Yet, they looked equal even with the status that Lucario was in.
As it went on, both Ash and Pikachu watched in awe to see that the battle was getting more and more intense for every strike the two tried to land at each other.
"That's amazing..." Ash commented with Pikachu speaking out his awe, too.
"The more we continue, the more excitement builds up... It's as if... my body and mind... they're willing to accept and acknowledge Hiori as a worthy adversary even with the numbers that match up against him... This is... fun. It's really fun! It's like all the other battles that I have that are fun!"
Hikaru smiled, as Infernape continued to use his fists while Lucario used his bone to counter back. The clashing was getting intense, as if neither side wanted to give in no matter how much pain they dished out on one another.
"Flame Wheel!"
"Quick Attack!"
The flames from the Flame Wheel clashed with Lucario, who used his arm and body to guard against the attack and resisted the flames that burned his arm in the process before they both skidded back.
"Now's our chance! Flamethrower with Mach Punch!" Hikaru shouted out, causing Hiori to widen his eyes as Infernape shot Flamethrower before he raised his fist! As he did so, the power from the Flamethrower made the Mach Punch glow with fire!
"Is that... Fire Punch!? No... it's a Mach Punch that was boosted from the Flamethrower's flames!" Hiori exclaimed in surprise as Lucario got ready to brace himself from the impact.
"That's right. I call it Blazing Punch!" Hikaru declared boldly, surprising both Ash and Pikachu.
"Blazing Punch?"
"Pika?"
They watched in question before seeing Infernape descend down with the combo attack as Lucario dodged! But the impact of the combo attack hit the ground, causing a fiery shockwave to knock Lucario off balance!
"RAH!"
"What the!?" Hiori could only watch in surprise to see his partner get knocked back even when the move didn't really hit him!
Lucario skidded back, holding his ground as he gritted his teeth from the pain he felt from the heat before he made a stance to keep fighting despite his weakened state.
"It didn't wrap it up. I guess we still have some work to do since that combo move just... came out of nowhere." Hikaru thought as he got ready to call out another move. But before he could...
Smoke began to suddenly pour around the area, catching all three boys' attention, with the same going for their Pokémon partners.
"This smoke...! Is it Haze!?" Ash exclaimed, as he recalled of how Team Rocket would make an ambush attack during events like in a battle or when he and the others were in the middle of accomplishing something.
"No... this is Smokescreen!" Hiori corrected, as he found the attack to be a little different from the Haze attack that Ash and Hikaru knew of.
As the area began to fill in with smoke, the young Aura Guardian felt something approaching, before a figure attempted to punch at Infernape, who took the hit as he stumbled back in surprise!
"OW!" Infernape yelped as he skidded back, catching Hikaru's attention.
"Infernape!?" Hikaru called out before the same pained cries came from both Pikachu and Lucario!
"PIKA!"
"RAH!"
"Pikachu!?"
"Lucario!?" Ash and Hiori called out to their partners in surprise before they managed to catch them from falling on the ground.
"Where is this coming from? Earlier before Infernape got hit, I thought I felt something... something big." Hikaru thought as his pupils glowed before he began to focus on where the attacks were coming from.
As he closed his eyes, he began to feel himself with the Aura. And even with the Smokescreen, the young Aura Guardian could feel a big presence coming to where Infernape was! Opening his eyes, he called his Flame Pokémon to intercept the attack.
"Infernape! To your left! Mach Punch!" Hikaru yelled as Infernape did so, ducking an incoming attack before he unleashed the Fighting Type attack onto the mysterious attacker!
The smoke cleared away as the attack made the hit, revealing the mysterious attacker as...
"What's that!?" Ash questioned in surprise to see a giant Fire Type that Infernape had hit.
"That's a Magmortar...!" Hiori commented as Hikaru scanned it with his blue Pokédex.
"Magmortar, the Blast Pokémon, and the evolved form of Magmar. It launches fireballs that can reach temperatures over 3600 degrees from the ends of its arms and lives in volcanic craters." Hikaru's Pokédex buzzed.
"So it was a Magmortar that attacked us? And with the Smokescreen too? But why?" Ash questioned, causing Hikaru to bite his lips.
"I wish I knew. Whatever the reason it may be, this Magmortar was trying to start a fight. So if it's a fight that it wants, then it's a fight it'll get! Infernape! Close Combat!" Hikaru called as Infernape lunged forward and began to beat Magmortar hard with the powerful Fighting Type attack!
"Now, Lucario! Aura Sphere!" Hiori shouted out as Lucario charged before aiming carefully as he didn't want to risk hitting the Flame Pokémon.
Noticing this, the young Aura Guardian called Infernape back to let his ally make the hit.
"Back away, Infernape!" Hikaru warned, allowing the Flame Pokémon to evade the attack that was shot before the Aura Sphere knocked Magmortar back, as the Blast Pokémon yelled in pain from the big hit he had taken from the Fighting Type attack.
The impact from the big attack knocked the Fire Type down, before the dust cleared to show that the Blast Pokémon was defeated, groaning as it lied there.
"It's done..." Hikaru breathed out as Infernape gave a smile of relief.
"We did it...!" Ash exclaimed with Pikachu giving out a cheerful cry, while Hiori and Lucario showed relieved looks on their faces.
Later...
"Guess we couldn't finish the battle because of the interruption..." Hikaru spoke, as Hiori gave a scratch on the back of his head.
"It was pretty intense, though... I'm sure I would've lost due to how the battle went there..." Hiori spoke sheepishly, as the young Aura Guardian smiled back at the young phantom thief.
"Care to battle again someday if we meet again?" Hikaru asked, earning a surprised look from Hiori, before turning to see Infernape and Lucario acknowledging each other's powers and accepting each other as rivals.
Upon seeing it, and seeing Hikaru's offered hand, the young phantom thief could only smile timidly, before it turned confident.
"Yeah... Promise." Hiori assured before the two shook hands together with Ash and Pikachu watching.
What the boys and their partners didn't know was that someone was watching them from the shadows, as the figure had seen them defeat Magmortar with the best of their abilities.
"Very interesting... They were able to solve the puzzle I had given them by using Magmortar as an opponent to them... They're quite an interesting bunch..." The mysterious figure chuckled, before seeing the phantom thief interact with the boys.
"Pokémon 7, huh..." He spoke before he turned back to take his leave.
The next day...
"No way! You had a battle against Pokémon 7!?" Dawn exclaimed in disbelief, with Piplup sharing the same sound of disbelief.
"I did... but it was interrupted because of a wild Magmortar attacking us all of a sudden..." Hikaru sighed, still a bit miffed about the interruption last night that caused the Full Battle to be cancelled.
"That must've been too bad... I would've liked to see how the battle have went." Brock commented, with Hareta pouting.
"Yeah...! Why didn't you two wake us up if Hikaru was going to have a battle with that masked phantom thief!?" Hareta whined, causing the Kanto Trainer to sweat drop and chuckle nervously, while Hikaru just smiled sheepishly.
"Well... things... it just happened... Sorry, you guys." Hikaru spoke apologetically as the five Trainers continued to leave the town to head to their next destination.
Meanwhile...
While the five Trainers were continuing their way towards Snowpoint City, Hiori watched them from a distance with Lucario by his side, seeing his new friends take their leave.
Lucario turned to his Trainer, who smiled at them leaving before he glanced back at his Aura Pokémon partner.
"I guess we've got some rivals, huh...?" Hiori asked, causing Lucario to give a small smile and nod back in agreement. But before the two could think more of what had happened last night, a familiar girl called out to them in an annoyed tone.
"Hiori!? What are you doing!? Get back inside and get ready to work!" Nazuna snapped, causing Hiori to flinch.
"R-Right!"
The bakery boy headed back inside the Sun Sun Bakery to begin his work for today... Right now, he was the timid bakery boy... but at night, he's the brave phantom thief that steals nobly for the weak that have their precious items stolen from them.
To be continued...
Hikaru's Team:
Infernape: (M): (Flamethrower, Mach Punch, Flame Wheel, Close Combat)
Buizel: (M): (Ice Beam, Aqua Jet, Razor Wind, Water Gun)
Togekiss: (F): (Ancient Power, Aura Sphere, Safeguard, Air Slash)
Leafeon: (F): (Magical Leaf, Shadow Ball, Synthesis, Leaf Blade)
Gardevoir: (F): (Psychic, Double Team, Thunderbolt, Teleport)
Riolu: (M): (Endure, Quick Attack, Foresight, ?)
With Prof. Rowan:
Luxray: (F): (Wild Charge, Discharge, Iron Tail, Hidden Power)
Dragonair: (M): (Dragon Tail, Aqua Tail, Thunder Wave, Safeguard)
Next chapters:
Chapter 41: It's Class Time! Teacher Candice!
Chapter 42: Exhibition Match! Hareta's Chance!
Chapter 43: Hikaru VS Candice! The Seventh!
Chapter 44: Learn the Power! Aura Resurrection!
Chapter 45: The Old Faces to Reunite With!
Next chapter preview:
Candice: Snowpoint City hardly gets any challengers because of the cold weather that affects them so much...
Brock: I think I can understand... As a former Gym Leader, I would feel a bit awkward if challengers hardly ever come to our Gym...
Zoey: Miss Senior here was the one who helped me go through with my dream to become a Coordinator while she became a Gym Leader.
Hareta: Hey... hey! Will you have a battle with me now, Candice?
Candice: Just a minute, little guy... First, I'd like some of you to take part of the Pokémon Battle class that I'm about to present today!
Dawn: Pokémon Battle class? This is just like going to school again, except that this is when even when we're all experienced...
Events that occurred:
- Hikaru challenges Pokémon 7 to a battle, which ends with no results due to interruption