Chapter 8: Reunions with Rivals
Unaware of what was currently going on with the Shredder and his goons, Ash, Pikachu, Nancy, Misty, Brock, Tracey, May, Max, Dawn, Hilda, Cilan, April, her Squirtles & Ninetales, Merissa and Casey Jones were wandering around the field where the party was at. Misty wore her keystone on her ponytail. Brock decided to have his key stone attached to a pendant.
Just then, they saw some familiar faces. First there was a boy around Ash's age with auburn hair and blue eyes. He wore a green tuxedo for the party. He was accompanied by a male Pikachu that had a small tuft of fur on its head. Next, there was a girl with purple hair with pigtails and brown eyes. She wore a yellow dress with a black stripe across the waist. Her dress' neckline was also outlined with black. She also wore lightning bolt-shaped earrings. There was a boy with black hair and blue eyes and he wore a white tuxedo with a red tie. Next to him was a girl with both blue hair and eyes. She wore a pink & white dress. There was a boy around May's age and was slightly tall for his age. He had dark brown hair and pale blue eyes. He wore a black tuxedo with a green & red tie.
There was also a young, slightly small for his age, skinny and frail boy with messy green hair that sticks up, pale skin, and bluish grey eyes. He wore a white tuxedo with a green tie. There was a woman with long salmon pink and blue eyes. She wore a red dress with a scoop neckline. There was a girl around Dawn's age with vermillion-colored hair and dark red eyes. She wore a white & pale blue coordinator outfit with gold accents. There was also a medium height, slim girl with short yellow-blonde hair and bright green eyes. She wore an orange dress with green accents.
"Ash, who are those guys over there?" asked April. "It's Ritchie of Frodomar City and his Pikachu, Sparky," said Ash. "There's Casey, Jimmy and Marina of New Bark Town," said Misty. "Brendan of Littleroot Town and Wally of Petalburg City are here too," said May. Brock blushed at the sight of the salmon-haired woman. "It's Solidad of Pewter City!" cried Brock. "There's Zoey, my friendly rival from Snowpoint City," said Dawn. "And there's Bianca from Nuvema Town," said Hilda. Ash and the others approached the nine Trainers. "Ritchie, Casey, Jimmy, Marina, Brendan, Wally, Solidad, Zoey, Bianca!" called Ash. The nine Trainers turned around and saw Ash. "Hello Ash!" said Ritchie. The two shook hands. "It's good to see you again. I haven't seen you ever since we teamed up to stop Dr. Namba from trying to gain control of that Lugia and her child at the Whirl Islands," said Ash. "Yes. Your mom told you about how you won Unova. I'm so jealous," said Ritchie. "How are things going with you?" asked Ash. "Zippo has evolved into a Charizard, while Cruise is now a Tyranitar. Earlier, Professor Sycamore gave me a Tyranitarite. With it, I can use Mega Tyranitar," said Ritchie. "That's cool!" said Ash. "Pika Pika!" said Pikachu, greeting Sparky. "Pikachu," said Sparky.
"Hello Pikachu," said Casey, picking up Ash's Pikachu. She then began to hug Pikachu. "You look so cute in formal clothes," said Casey. "Pikachu," said Pikachu, blushing. "Say, aren't you that girl who's part of a family who are fans of the Electabuzz Baseball team?" asked Casey Jones. "That I am. Who might you be?" asked Casey. "I'm Casey Jones," said Casey Jones. "Are you a baseball fan too?" asked Casey. "I'm more of a hockey person. My favorite team is the New Tork Rangers. But I do like baseball too. Along with golf, cricket and croquet," said Casey. "Really?" asked Casey, raising an eyebrow.
"Have you caught any new Pokémon ever since we last met, Casey?" asked Ash. "Yes. Four. Would you like see them?" asked Casey. "Sure," said Ash. She took out four Poké Balls and opened the first one. It was an Ampharos. Ampharos was a tall, yellow, wool-less sheep Pokémon who has black stripes on its ears, neck and tail. Ampharos also had a red orb on its forehead and at the end of its tail that has the ability to glow. Ampharos also has a white belly underneath it that ends at the bottom.. "Wow! Is that an Ampharos?!" asked Hilda. "Yes. I caught her two weeks ago. In addition, I got a Mega Stone for it," said Casey. She pointed to a necklace that had the Mega Stone. "Wow! You actually found one?" asked Dawn. "Yes. An Ampharosite. I'm still trying to master its Mega Evolution form," said Casey. "Professor Sycamore did say that a Pokémon must be in sync with its Trainer in order for the mega evolution to be successful with it going berserk," said Ash.
"So what are your three other new Pokémon?" asked Max. "You're about to see," said Casey. She opened the last three Poké Balls and the three last new Pokémon were called upon. They were actually the same species. They were all avian Pokémon that had light yellow bodies with white feathers covering the pelvic area along with pink legs, feet, and beaks. Clumped, yellow feathers in the shape of Pom Poms appear on the tips of their wings and feet. Yellow feathers also protruded from their head, but in a more organized manner.. They let out some chirps.
Misty got all sparkly eyed. "Aaaawww. Cuties!" cried Misty. "What Pokémon are they?" asked Brock. "I don't believe it! They're Oricorio!" said Merissa. "You know about them?" asked Ash. "Yes. They're from the Alola Region," said Merissa. She turned to Casey. "How'd you get them?" asked Merissa. "I was traveling in Kalos when I came across them in a flowery field. I actually learned that Oricorio is a Pokémon that have four different forms depending on the nectar they drink. Each form also has a different form of dancing, which is also their battling style too. The forms you see here is their Pom-Pom Style forms," said Casey. "They look like Pokémon cheerleaders," said May. "Yes. They do. Pom-Pom Style Oricorio's dancing charges its feathers with static electricity. While charged, its feathers can be used to attack and unleash electric shocks. A friendly Pokémon, it will also use its dancing to cheer up people who are feeling glum. I have used my Oricorio as my little cheerleading squad when I'm battling," said Casey. "That's cute," said Hilda.
"Hello, Ash, Misty and Brock. It's been a while," said Jimmy. "Jimmy, Marina, I remember when we all participated in the Johto Silver Conference," said Ash. "Yes. We were your two final opponents in the tournament after you beat Harrison," said Marina. "Yes. My battle with Jimmy was one I never forgot," said Ash. "Neither have I," said Jimmy. "Ash, it's good to see you again after all this time," said Brendan. "We'll never forget how you saved our reputations as Trainers," said Wally. "We're forever in your debt," said Brendan. "I had to do what I had to do," said Ash.
Brock then attempted to flirt with Solidad. "Solidad. "Solidad. It's been a while since May beat you in the Kanto Grand Festival. I bet you think about me a lot," said Brock. Suddenly, Misty and Max grabbed Brock by both his ears. He yelped in pain. "She's thinking about you alright," said Misty. "Thinking about getting away from you," said Max. "Not the ears! Not the ears!" cried Brock. May approached Solidad. "What have you been up to lately?" asked May. "Well. I got a Pidgeotite for my Pidgeot," said Solidad. "Have you used Mega Pidgeot in battle or contests?" asked Ash. "Yes. I have. The audience are dazzled by its grace and power," said Solidad.
"Zoey. It's been a while," said Dawn. "It sure has. I heard you got a Lopunnite from Professor Sycamore," said Zoey. "Yes. I haven't tested it out yet," said Dawn. "Bianca, it's been a while since the Unova League," said Ash. "Yes. I'll never forget when you battled me. Even thought I lost against you, I still had fun," said Bianca. "You did a better job at handling a loss, unlike Cameron," said Hilda. "Cameron?" asked Casey Jones. "He was Bianca's opponent before Ash. He was clumsy and at times, dare I say it . . . an idiot. It was his idiocy that cost him the match because of one mistake. I remember it well," said Hilda. "We all do," said Ash grimly. Ash, Pikachu, Nancy, Hilda, Cilan and Bianca began to remember.
Months Ago . . .
Bianca was using her last Pokémon, which was Emboar to fight Cameron's Hydreigon. Bianca's casual clothes consisted of a white shirt under a tangerine orange tank top, a tight fitting shin-length white skirt which gave her bottom half a wider shape, and a white bracelet on her left arm. She also wore a green beret with a white stripe running along the rim, orange tights and yellow pumps with white bows. Bianca also had a green fringed shoulder bag, which she wore on her right hip over her left shoulder. Cameron was a boy, with brown hair and blue eyes. Cameron wore a yellow shirt with orange stripes on his shoulders, a pair of blue shorts, a pair of white socks and orange-black shoes with white soles. Cameron also wore an orange headwear and a white scarf. Hydreigon was a three-headed, draconic Pokémon with six thin, black wings that each ended in two points on its back. It had a fuchsia-colored collar on its neck which surrounded its head. The main head was dark blue and had black eyes with fuchsia pupils. Its two hands were also black and each one harbors a head; these were similarly blue with black eyes with small fuchsia collars on the inside. Its abdomen had two fuchsia stripes and its feet appeared atrophied, having no claws or defined soles and two or three small toes. Its tail also sported a fuchsia stripe and ends with a black tuft.
Ash, Pikachu, Nancy, Hilda and Cilan weren't the only ones watching the battle. Iris was too and she was sitting next to Hilda. Both girls weren't happy about this. Hydreigon was starting to weaken. "Emboar, use Hammer Arm, one last time!" said Bianca. Emboar charged and whacked Hydreigon with the attack. This was enough to defeat Hydreigon. It had swirls in its eyes to prove it. "Hydreigon is unable to battle! Emboar wins!" said the referee. "Now, what will be Cameron's final Pokémon?!" asked the announcer. Cameron returned Hydreigon to its Poké Ball and took out one last Poké Ball. "Go!" said Cameron. He threw the ball, but when it hit the ground, nothing came out. "Huh?!" asked Cameron. Everybody gasped. Cameron began to search through his Poké Balls. But each time he threw one, they were empty too. "OH NO! I FORGET TO PACK A SIXTH POKÉMON!" cried Cameron, clutching his head.
Everybody in the stadium were silent for almost thirty seconds. Suddenly, somebody who was trying to hold in his laughter couldn't any longer. He began to laugh hysterically. It was long before more people started laughing too. In fact, everybody in the stadium were laughing at Cameron. That is, everybody except Ash & co., Iris and Bianca. "You see Iris, that is what a kid looks like! Cameron's the kid, not Ash or me!" said Hilda. Iris just bit her shirt sleeve due to nobody ever siding with her. As the people laughed at her, Cameron walked out of the stadium, hanging his head down in disgrace. "I guess that means the winner of this match is Bianca!" said the announcer. And he resumed laughing.
Present Time . . .
"Whatever happened to Cameron?" asked Brock. "We don't know. He left without saying goodbye," said Ash. "I guess he was too ashamed to show himself in public," said Hilda.
"Hmph. Cameron was nothing but a disgrace to Trainers everywhere," said a familiar voice. It was Paul. He was wearing a dark blue tuxedo with a purple tie. With him was an older boy with black eyes and purple hair. "It's Paul," said Ash. "And his older brother, Reggie," said Dawn. "So Delia invited you too?" asked Brock. "Reggie and I only came because my brother insisted we come," said Paul. "Hello, Ash. Congrats and happy birthday," said Reggie. "Thanks," said Ash. "Misty, I see you're here," said Paul. "Paul. I haven't seen you since April and her Squirtles helped my sisters save the Gym from being closed down for good," said Misty. "They wouldn't have become more serious if if weren't for me," said Paul.
Just then, everybody heard some footsteps of something approaching. It was one of Ash's Pokémon. It was a large, white Pokémon resembling a white lion. It had a blunt muzzle with a blue-gray nose and pale blue eyes. The top half of its face was a deep blue area that showed a constantly changing starscape. Four yellow spikes framed Pokémon's head like a crown and two more pairs of spikes adorn either side of its lower jaw, and each spike separates large tufts of the Pokémon's mane. Solid ridges, red nearest Pokémon's head and yellow farther away, poke out of each tuft along the middle, except on the tufts on its cheeks and chin, with the topmost part wrapping around the tip of the tuft. Overall, its mane created the impression of a stylized sun. Around each leg was a dark orange band, and there was a black spot on each foot. It had three black toes on each foot with long yellow claws. At the tip of its tail was a large black spot with a thin yellow rim. It was a male only Pokémon.
Everybody were amazed at the sight of the Pokémon. "What is that Pokémon?" asked Lt. Surge. "This is my Solgaleo. I actually got him before I even got Pikachu," said Ash. "You did, huh?" asked Blaine. "Oh Solgaleo. I managed to cook your favorite food," said Delia, wheeling in a large table with a large plate that had a cover on it. Delia removed the cover to reveal some hot, marinated ham. Solgaleo licked his lips and began to feast on the cooked meat. "I see he has a taste for ham," said Aya. "That's one big appetite," said Koga. "I bet it rivals that of your Snorlax, Ash," said Janine.
"Ash wouldn't have discovered what Solgaleo was if it weren't for me," said a voice. Everybody turned around and saw who the voice belonged to. It was a man with grayish blue hair and light green eyes. He wore a dark red tuxedo and black tie. "Tobias, you're here too," said Ash. "My mom had to invite me since I was the one who helped you discover your Pokémon's true power," said Tobias. "What do you mean?" asked Blaine. "You see, Solgaleo is one of the very few Legendary Pokémon that has pre-evolutions," said Tobias.
"Is this true, Ash?" asked April. "Yes. When I first got Solgaleo, it was original a Pokémon called Cosmog," said Ash. He showed a picture of a Cosmog via his Pokédex. Cosmog was a small Pokémon with a gaseous body similar to a nebula. It has two wisp-like extensions that serve as arms and an ellipse running down its body. Its front and back are black in color. It has yellow eyes and two blue cheeks. "Cosmog, the Nebula Pokémon. In ages past, it was called the child of the stars. It's said to be a Pokémon from another world, but no specific details are known," said the Pokédex.
"It looks so cute," said Hilda. "It then evolves into this," said Ash. He then showed another Pokémon. It was a Pokémon in the shape of a translucent, dark blue orb with a starscape pattern set in a gold-colored structure, which was made up of four ellipses intersecting each other in an asterisk shape and another intersecting the former four along the middle. At the center of the main body was a much smaller black core with a blue and a pink marking on the front and an orange semicircle on both sides, giving it the appearance of a sleeping face. The shape also looked like an eye. It was actually smaller than Cosmog. "Cosmoem, the Protostar Pokémon. The evolved form of Cosmog. In the distant past, it was called the cocoon of the stars," said the Pokédex.
"Wow. Cosmoem's smaller than Cosmog. I thought when Pokémon evolve, they grow bigger, not smaller," said Max. "I know. But it seems this is a rare exception. By the time I entered the Sinnoh League, Cosmog was a Cosmoem," said Ash. "Yes. When I saw Ash had the Pokémon, that was when we first crossed paths," said Tobias.
One & a Half Years Ago . . .
Ash, his friends and their Pokémon were having lunch at a restaurant at Lily of the Valley Island. Cosmoem was out of its Pokéball too to have a bite to eat. "I can't wait to compete in the Sinnoh League. I've already won four Leagues and if I win this one, it'll be a fifth," said Ash. "Paul, Barry and Conway are entering too. They're going to be tough to beat," said Brock. "I know. That's why I'm going to use my best Pokémon," said Ash. "In tournament rules, how many Legendary Pokémon are allowed to use if they have any?" asked Dawn. "Two and that's it," said Ash. "That means you're going to have to choose carefully," said Nancy. "Pika," said Pikachu.
Tobias was passing by when he saw Cosmoem. "Hey, are you Ash Ketchum?" asked Tobias. "Yes. I am. Who might you be?" asked Ash. "My name is Tobias. Like you, I have some Legendary Pokémon," said Tobias. "You do?" asked Ash. "Yes. How long have you had that Pokémon over there?" asked Tobias, pointing to Cosmoem. "I have it since I was five. But it had a previous form. But so far, all the Professors I've met have never been able to identify it," said Ash. "Well, I know what it really is. That Pokémon is from the Alola Region," said Tobias. "Really?" asked Dawn. "Yes. It's called Cosmoem. It evolves from the Pokémon, Cosmog. And the truth is, they're actually the previous forms of one of two optional Legendary Pokémon," said Tobias. Ash and co.'s eyes widened. "You've got to be kidding?! A Legendary Pokémon that has previous evolved forms?!" asked Ash. "Yes. In fact, I have this book I got during my travels in Alola," said Tobias.
He got out an old book about the Legendary Pokémon of Alola. He scrolled through a couple of pages until he came to some pages that had paintings of Cosmog and Cosmoem. "There's Cosmog and Cosmoem," said Ash. "Yes. And these two here are the two Legendary Pokémon it can either evolve into," said Tobias. Ash saw a painting of Solgaleo along with another Pokémon. It was a large Pokémon resembling a skeletal, legless bat. It had a short snout, dark pink eyes with white centres, and a deep blue area on its upper head that showed a constantly changing starscape. A rigid, raised hood wrapped around its head in a crescent shape and draped around its neck as well. The outside of the hood was yellow, while the inner part that curves around the Pokémon's head was a pattern of deep blue and white streaks. Its torso resembled a ribcage with a slightly curved spike on each shoulder and three spikes extending from the bottom toward its tail. Its massive wings resembled a bat's wings with the skeleton exposed, except that the Pokémon's wings had a total of seven "finger bones": four running through each wing, one running along the edge to the outermost tip, and two pointing upwards that may act as claws that were more functional. The four "bones" through Lunala's wings were only visible in segments. The skin of the Pokémon's wings was an iridescent deep blue, and a light blue light source appears to glow from behind its ribcage. A large, pale yellow crescent connected the outermost tip of each wing to the next two inner tips, and the remaining two innermost tips were adorned by yellow, four-pointed stars. The bottom of the Pokémon's tail was also lined by a yellow crescent, with a ridge running up the middle of the tail towards the ribcage. This one was an only female species.
"That white lion here is Solgaleo. It is known as the "beast that devours the sun". The people of Alola have long honored Solgaleo as an emissary of the sun. Its body is capable of holding a vast amount of energy and glows when active. Only a male Cosmoem can evolve into Solgaleo. The bat here is its counterpart, Lunala. Lunala is also known as the "beast that calls the moon". It has long been honored as an emissary of the moon. This Pokémon constantly absorbs light to convert into energy. When it spreads its wings to absorb light and glitters, it resembles a beautiful night sky. A female Cosmoem can evolve into Lunala," said Tobias. "You're telling me that I had a Legendary Pokémon underneath my nose this whole time?" asked Ash. "Yes. I have long hoped to meet one of these two. If you want your Cosmoem to become one of these two, you better start training it hard. 'Cause I want to challenge it when it evolves," said Tobias.
As the Sinnoh League progressed, Ash had Cosmoem fight in every battle in order to give him as much experience as it could. When Ash fought Tobias, Cosmoem was on the verge of evolving. Tobias had a Darkrai, but Ash managed to take it down with Latias, using Miracle Eye. It was an attack that allowed Psychic-types to harm Dark-types. Tobias also had a Salamence, Crabominable, Garchomp, Rampardos and Latios. Cosmoem evolved into Solgaleo to defeat Rampardos. Tobias summoned Latios to fight Solgaleo. It was an intense fight. Both Legendary Pokémon fought their hardest. But in the end, Latios fell before Solgaleo's mighty power. That in turn, crowned Ash as the Sinnoh League Champion. Ash and Tobias promised to have a rematch someday.
Present Time . . .
"I saw that battle on TV. I never seen such an intense Pokémon League battle," said Misty. "Yes," said Max. At that moment, somebody approached April O'Neil. It was Vernon and Irma. "April, April," said Vernon. "Vernon, Irma, what are you two doing here?" asked April. "We just got word from Charles that we're needed in Saffron City," said Irma. "Why?" asked April. "There have been sightings of what appear to be U.F.C.s," said Vernon. "U.F.C.s?" asked April. "Unidentified flying cars," said Irma. "That does sound news worthy," said April. April turned to Ash. "Sorry I have to leave Ash, but I've got news to cover in Saffron," said April. "That's okay," said Ash. "I'll try to get back in time for cake," said April. April, Vernon, Irma and the Squirtles then began to leave. "If Shredder has something to do with this, what strange plan is he hatching this time?" asked Leonardo. "I don't know, but we'd better find out," said Donatello. "Let's do it to it!" said Michelangelo.
Tobias turned to Ash. "Ash, remember how we promised we would have another battle?" asked Tobias. "Yes. Why?" asked Ash. "I think it's time we have that rematch now," said Tobias. "Really?" asked Ash. "Yes. Especially cause I got a new Pokémon to combat your Solgaleo. Let's make it a one on one battle," said Tobias. "As you wish," said Ash.
Everybody gathered at a more open field where the battle was going to take place. Dawn changed into a pink, white, blue and black cheerleading outfit and carried a pair of pink pom poms. Piplup and Lopunny also had pom poms too. Casey's three Oricorio were also going to be cheerleading as well. Ash's Solgaleo stepped forward. "So, what is your Pokémon that you're going to use?" asked Ash. "You'll see," said Tobias. He took out a Poké Ball, pressed the center button and the Pokémon was released. Everybody's eyes widened! Standing before them was Solgaleo's counterpart; Lunala. "No way! You got a Lunala?!" asked Ash. "Yes. I searched for one ever since my defeat at the Sinnoh League," said Tobias.
One of the guests that were watching was a boy around Ash's age and had brown hair and black eyes. "I'm gonna get great pictures of these two!" said the boy as he took out his camera. "And you are?" asked Hilda. "Todd Snap, a Pokémon photographer. I met Ash during his Kanto and Johto journeys. One of my greatest accomplishments was taking a photo of Articuno," said boy. "I see," said Hilda.
(Insert "Solgaleo / Lunala Battle" from Pokémon)
"Lunala, start the battle with Shadow Ball!" said Tobias. Lunala fired the said attack from its mouth at Solgaleo. "Solgaleo, dodge it!" said Ash. Solgaleo jumped out of the way of the attack just in time. "Now Solgaleo, use Crunch attack!" cried Ash. Solgaleo jumped at Lunala and bit one of her wings. Lunala let out a screech of pain. "Lunala, shake it off!" cried Tobias. Lunala shook her wing to try to make Solgaleo let go out her. Solgaleo let go of Lunala and crashed to the ground. Luckily, Solgaleo got back up on his feet. Snap was taking pictures as the battle progressed.
"Solgaleo, use Crunch!" said Ash. Solgaleo charged at Lunala, ready to bite her. "Lunala, use Phantom Force to dodge it!" said Tobias. Lunala created a shadowy portal that she dove inside. Solgaleo's eyes widened when he saw Lunala do that. Lunala then emerged from another portal and whacked Solgaleo with her large wings. Solgaleo crashed to the ground. The large lion Pokémon struggled to get back up. "Go, go! Solgaleo! You're the best! Show them that you're above the rest!" chanted Dawn as she and the Pokémon cheerleaders did their cheerleading moves. That gave Solgaleo the strength to get back up.
"Solgaleo, use Sunsteel Strike!" said Ash. A blue symbol began to glow on part of Solgaleo's face and he let out a roar. Solgaleo jumped into the air and was bathed in solar energy. He then descended down toward Lunala. Solgaleo hit Lunala, resulting in an explosion. Lunala wasn't down just yet. "Lunala, show 'em your signature attack . . . Moongeist Beam!" cried Tobias. Lunala took to the sky and a pink symbol appeared on the Pokémon's head. She then began to charge up its attack in a glow of blue lunar energy. Lunala then fired a powerful blue beam that hit Solgaleo. Solgaleo wasn't defeated yet. "Solgaleo's just getting warmed up!" said Ash. "So is Lunala," said Tobias.
(End Music)
Just like certain fanfictions where Ash befriends a Legendary Pokémon at a young age, he does in this story too. Solgaleo that is. As you just read, Cameron doesn't even get a chance to fight Ash, so that ensured that Ash won the Unova League. Next chapter, our heroes will meet the Neutrinos . . .