Author's Note:
Here it is, the league prelude and reintroduction of a few familiar faces. Remember when Brock caught Bonsly and I hinted that Paul would do worse than taking Sudowoodo away from her son? Well, that is in this chapter. This is a Brock focused chapter, and he gets his final evolution in the Johto region. Hope you enjoy what I have planned, a much happier ending for a character than what Furret got last time. I also decided on changing the chapter title halfway through writing it but don't worry, the context is the same. Its again a smaller chapter but that should change as next starts the league arc. Don't forget to vote in the poll, it'll change when we get to chapter 91 and with that, let's begin.
Chapter 89: A Family that Battles Together
Brock took a deep breath as he watched Bonsly wobble around in front of him. The small rock type was walking all by himself, maybe not ahead of the group but it was a nice change. He has slowly been getting more and more independent. He hardly cried, walked by himself and even expressed interest in the gym.
While it was a pleasant and welcome change, it was also upsetting. Brock always intended to release him back into the care of his mother, whether Paul had a change of heart or just gave up on the female rock type but the more time passed between that fateful encounter, the more he realised that a reunion like that would probably never happen. He never really got to meet Bonsly's mother, Paul never leaving her out to see Bonsly through fear of her going soft but he truly hoped that she could've reunited with him... he couldn't imagine the pain of being separated from his family, either the one in Pallet or his travelling one.
With that on mind, he looked around between his friends. Misty was off to the side, Marill in her arms. They appeared to be conversing on battling and plans for her to study battle styles at the league. Even after evolving, Misty seemed to baby the water fairy type... maybe it was a result of how Togepi reacted to her when he first hatched. Ahead of the group was Ash, with Serena wrapped around his arm. She has been awfully quiet since the event with Hunter J, but he knows how strong she really is. Of course, loosing Furret would hurt but he doubts she become recluse like Ash did after the lake and Gyarados. She has always been more mature than her age would attest too.
As they continued down the path, a large crowd could be seen in the distance against a big white wall. Looking at his friends they seemingly had a silent discussion, not that it took a genius to work out. Each nodding in turn, they made their way over to the crowd. He picked up Bonsly in the process.
"Hey erm, excuse me," he called out to one the men in the crowd, closest to them, who turned around, "are you guys waiting for something special?"
"Oh yeah, you mean you guys haven't heard about this?" the guy asked, "the torch."
"Erm, what torch?" Misty asked.
"We're talking about the Johto league silver conference torch," he answered, "they are due to take a sample of it from this here Ho-Oh shrine ready to Silver town so it's ready for the opening ceremony."
"Ho-Oh shrine?" Serena repeated.
"So, we can see the torch here?" Ash asked.
"Right," the guy smiled, "while Kanto's league flame is said to have been collected from Moltres, this one is rumoured to have been collected from no other than Ho-Oh and has been carefully nurtured since the time when it lived in harmony with torch starts its journey to the conference from this spot."
"That means we can see it up close," Brock nodded.
"What do you say that we stay and watch the torch guys?" Ash asked.
"Of course," Serena replied.
"You bet," Misty added, while Brock just nodded in agreement.
The group stood around, and slowly made their way closer to the front of the crowd but still on the outskirts. As each minute passed, the crowd seemed to get more and more restless. Brock was starting to think it might've been a waste of time before a metal clunk drew everyone's attention. The large gate opened and revealed a man in his early twenties dressed in a traditional navy-blue robe that heavily resembled that of the Kimono girls from Eckruteak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we apologise for the delay," he spoke among the murmuring crowd, "but due to some unforeseen circumstances it will be just a bit longer before the torch is ready to set off."
"Pikapi," the electric mouse had his ears stand up on end.
"What's up buddy?" Ash asked but rather than receiving answer, he jumped off his shoulder and darted towards the gate.
"Hey, wait a minute," the man tried to stop him but to no-avail.
"Pikachu!" Ash called out, darting after him. Seeing both Serena and Misty following, Brock decided not to be left out. They all ended up behind the gate.
"You all can't be back here," the guard explained, as a distance rumble could be heard from the nearby stairs.
"What is that sound?" Brock asked.
The guard sighed before turning towards the them, "that is the reason why the torch has been delayed. You see, this wild Sneasel showed up with some fighting types and has claimed the territory around the flames shrine for itself. That noise is the third trainer we've found trying to beat it so we could get the flame out. Maybe having you trainers here isn't so bad, after all if the guy fails then maybe you'll all be willing to help us out."
"I see, so we've got a little problem here aye?" a new voice appeared from the slightly open gate. Turning towards the source, Brock saw a teenager around Misty's age with a Houndoom by his feet. He was wearing a purple and pink shirt and pale-brown cargo shorts, "huh, well what do you know. Its Ash."
"Harrison?" Ash asked, "long time no see. Haven't seen ya since the Orange league."
Brock realised that he must've been one of the competing trainers. While he had chance to watch Ash's championship battle, that was the only one as he was pretty busy back then.
"Well it doesn't matter to me which of you face Sneasel, just as long as we can get the flame out safely," the guard explained, leading them up the stone steps as he continued to speak, "I'll lead you up there right now but there already is a trainer attempting to capture it."
"Sneasel, excellent," Harrison smiled, "I heard there were wild Sneasel in the area and wanted to capture one for myself. I think their hunting prowess would fit my own battle style pretty well."
As they made their way up the stairs, Brock started to hear different Pokémon cries and a strangely familiar voice call out commands. As they reached the top of the stone-stairway, he was shocked by what he saw. Two knocked out Machoke were scattered beneath a Fearow. A Sneasel was in the heat of a battle against a Sudowoodo of all Pokémon, knocking it around like some sort of punching bag... and stood off to the side was none other than-
"Paul!" Ash gasped, as the purple-haired trainer turned towards them. His eyes narrowing in disgust.
"Urg, of course you'd show up to make everything worst," he rolled his eyes, turning back to the field. Sudowoodo landed flat on her back and her eyes lazily wondered over to them.
A claw came down on top of her but was stopped by another pair of claws. A second Sneasel appeared with a smaller head-feather.
"Get out of here," Paul told his rock type, "you've already messed up enough battles. I plan on winning the silver conference and I won't let you sabotage it so gets!"
The female imitation Pokémon rolled onto her stomach and began crawly away. Seeing her crawling towards him, Brock kneeled down and let Bonsly onto the floor. His small rock type ran over to his mother as he slides his backpack off and opened it. Grabbing his first aid kit, he skipped over to her.
He barely saw the two Sneasel's dancing around in a battle between their claws. Focusing more on the Sudowoodo in front of him, he wrapped a towel around her in an attempt to heat her up due to the low body temp. Even for a rock type, her skin felt ice cold to the touch. As she sat up, he took out a disinfectant spray and shook it.
"Okay Sudowoodo, this is going to sting," he warned, "but it will protect those cuts from becoming infected. Give it a few days and they'll be completely healed, I bet."
Spraying the mother with the disinfectant, she winced at first but slowly relaxed. After sure he covered all her cuts, he put the can down and she relaxed. He gave her another quick look over but other than her cuts and cold temp, she seemed fine.
Bonsly, who had been waiting patiently by her side, took this opportunity to jump into her arms. Seeing her hug her son and the happy expressions on each of their faces made himself smile. He was starting to have doubts this reunion would ever take place but seeing it made him all the happier.
"Sneasel!" Harrison and Ash yelled at once.
Turning back towards the battle, he saw the female sharp claw Pokémon on the ground and in tears as the wild one loomed over her. She was struggling to push herself up as Paul scoffed from behind. Dropping a Pokéball on the floor, he slammed his foot down onto it, smashing it to pieces.
"And I thought your performance in the Blackthorn gym was pathetic," he growled, "get out of my sight."
Sneasel looked on the verge of tears as Harrison moved towards her. He had his Houndoom growl the wild Sneasel off while he recovered the, now wild, and injured female ice dark type. Returning to the others, Paul rolled his eyes, a Pokéball already in hand.
"I'm tired of messing around," he declared, "Magmar, stand by for battle!"
In a flash of light, the spitfire Pokémon slammed down and unleashed a massive spew of flames in all directions. Sneasel attempted to dodge but ended up backed into a corner as Magmar closed in. It was hard to make out what happened next among the flames.
Moments later, Magmar walked out with Sneasel held in one-hand. He was clearly unconscious and covered in burn marks. The fire type tossed it in front of Paul, who took out a Pokéball and tapped it on the head. The ball didn't even shake from his hand, dinging immediately.
He wasted no time in bringing out his Pokedex and scanning his newly caught Sneasel.
"Now that's done," Paul smirked, standing back up putting both devices away. He pulled out two Pokéballs and quickly recalled both his Fearow and Magmar.
"What about Sneasel and Sudowoodo!" Ash shouted, "they battled hard for you and you're just releasing them?!"
"They didn't battle hard, they were just disappointments like usual," Paul spat back, "Sudowoodo has been for a while, she couldn't even do anything in the ice type gym! And now I've caught a stronger Sneasel, why should I hold myself back by using that runt?"
"If you took the time to help her grown then-" Ash retorted.
"I would be wasting more of my time when I should be preparing for the league," Paul cut him off, "I don't care what you think, a Pokémon is either strong or it isn't. I won't go throwing away a league by hindering my team with those not strong enough to keep up."
Brock felt his eyebrow twitch in anger, his fists tightening as he felt the need to punch something or someone. Taking a few deep breaths as he watched the mother and son stare at the cold trainer, he stood up and stepped forward. Paul was about to leave but Brock blocked his path.
"What?" he asked.
"You captured Sudowoodo, forced her down in an outnumbered match up just because you heard she was strong," Brock explained, "you parted her from her child, the one I've been taking care off in the months since and who you refused to let see his own mother in our previous run ins."
"So?" Paul asked.
"Is that all you have to say?" Brock asked, his voice raising with every word, "no apology. Nothing. You're just going to let her go after all this time without even a sorry?!"
"Why should I apologise? I'm the one who lost the chance to train an actually competent Pokémon," Paul retorted, his eyes examining up and down Brock before a sly smile spread across his lips, "but you want an apology, fine."
"Not for me, for them," Brock pointed to the two rock types.
"If you want me to apologise to them, then I will," Paul turned to the side, "if you beat me in a battle, that is."
"I'll battle you!" Ash declared, stepping forward.
"No!" Paul denied, staring Brock directly in the eyes, "it has to be you. Former gym leader of Pewter. Rock type specialist. If you want me to apologise then face me, right here, in a battle. A best of three. Tomorrow morning, so you have time to prepare."
"Why does it have to be Brock?" Misty asked.
"I have my reasons," Paul shrugged, "so what do you say, Brock?"
Taking a deep breath, his eyes scanned over to the mother and son rock types. Knowing how hard it was on Bonsly and being able to make a good guess about the effect it had on his mother, it was a no-brainer. "I accept."
Smirking, the purple haired trainer walked away.
"Who was that guy?" Harrison asked.
"Paul," Ash hissed.
"Well no point in hanging around here," Harrison sighed, "follow me, there's a Pokémon nearby. Its where I've been staying. We can get Sudowoodo and Sneasel checked over and I can help you prepare for your battle."
"You want to help me?" Brock asked.
"Of course," he smirked, "I may have only just met the guy, but I don't like this Paul after how he treated these two. I'm hoping I'll get a chance to knock him down a peg or two in the league but if not, then least I can do is help you do it first."
With Harrison leading the charge, they followed him to the Pokémon centre. Brock helping Sudowoodo to walk as Bonsly stayed nearby.
Brock stood outside of the medical room, stood still as he stared into the room. Bonsly was asleep in his arms as he watched Nurse Joy work on his mother.
As soon as they arrived at the centre, they took both Sneasel and Sudowoodo for a check-up. Due to her worst condition, Nurse Joy attended to the rock type with a team of Chansey, while some of the medical Pokémon escorted Sneasel and Harrison to a separate room. His friends have stopped by every so often, but he has been stood here ready to check on her. Even after getting closer than ever to reuniting her and Bonsly, she still feels miles away.
After who-knows-how-long, the female nurse walked out the room and sighed.
"Nurse Joy, could I see Sudowoodo?" he asked.
"Oh sorry, I never got your name," she apologised, "are you her trainer?"
"No," he shook his head, "her trainer released her after she lost a battle with a wild Sneasel. I am, however, the breeder whose been taking care of this little guy. Bonsly is her son."
"Right, I did see that in Chansey's notes," she shook her head, "you can see her, but she needs rest. Don't spend too long in there."
"Of course," he nodded in understanding, watching as the nurse walked away.
Sighing, he relaxed his posture and stepped towards the door. He pulled down the handle and walked inside. The motherly rock type turned to look at him, or rather her son and relaxed back into the bed upon seeing them. A warm smile laid on her face. He walked across the room and sat next to her bed, resting the sleeping son on her bed as her arm reached out and wrapped around him. A small smile formed on Brock's own face.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, seeing her turn her attention to him. He shook his head, "stupid question. Sorry, I just... I never thought this day would come."
"Woodo?" she asked.
"The day that Paul caught you, I don't know if you remember but we were there. My friends and I," he sighed, "I've been taking care of Bonsly since then, he has grown up a lot but... but he really needed to see you again. Every little boy needs a mother in his life."
"Sudowoodo," she smiled, placing the three green-sphere fingers on his hand, "Sudo, Sudowoodo."
"You don't need to thank me, I-" he paused, "I was going to say I just did what anyone would've done but evidently not. I just did what any decent human being would've done."
"Woodo, Sudowoodo," she smiled.
"But I did want to ask, why did you lose so many battles?" he asked, "sorry if it's too personal but from all accounts you are or were a very strong opponent and only got caught by Paul when he went in with a full team."
"Sudo-Sudowoodo," she replied.
"You through all those matches?" he asked, to which she nodded, "why? You could've gotten seriously hurt or-"
"Woodo," she cut him off. Which he got the idea of her saying, 'no amount of physical pain matched the pain of losing her son'. He may not understand a Pokémon's native tongue like Ash or read their thoughts like Serena but he has always had a special connection with his team and considering how long he spent with Bonsly, it must've transferred easily over to her, "Sudowoodo?"
"Why am I battling Paul tomorrow?" he repeated, to which she nodded, "well... because I want him to apologise to both of you. And maybe, I guess I want to get him to see some of the pain he put you both through."
"Sudowoodo," she replied.
"Well I'll let you get some rest," he stood up with a sincere smile on his face, "I've got that battle to plan for but if you need me, I'll be out on the battlefield."
With that he walked out of the room, leaving his small rock type with his mother. As he walked, he felt tears forming in his eyes but wiped them away. He was sad as he has truly grown to care for Bonsly over their time together but the best place for him is with his mother.
As he reached the outside, he found Ash training with his current team of Pokémon. He did a near full rotation after the issue with Hunter J to give those involved a chance to settled down. Along with Pikachu, he currently had Primeape and Tauros as his two Pokémon who didn't get a gym battle in Johto. With Heracross, Phanpy and Houndoom rounding off his team.
His dark fire type was battling Tauros, clearly trying to handle a more physically powerful Pokémon after how he already defeated Drake's Rapidash in their battle before Blackthorn. Heracross and Primeape were locked in a close combat, working more on technique over power. While Pikachu was shocking Phanpy hard, whilst he was swerving to avoid. The little guy working on his control of rollout while it looked like Pikachu was trying to increase his power.
"Hey Ash," he called out. The raven-haired boy looked up from his push ups and smiled, jumping to his feet, he walked over and greeted him.
"What's up, Brock?" he asked, "how's Sudowoodo and Bonsly doing?"
"Their good, and she just needs some rest now," he smiled, "but I was hoping you could help me."
"Prepare for your battle tomorrow?" he asked.
"How'd you guess?" he smiled, "so... I'm not even sure where to start, to be honest. Even when gym leader my team was based on how many badges the challenger had and-"
"Paul isn't just some run-of-the-mill challenger," Ash sighed, "well we know he has some heavy hitters of his, like Magmar and Fearow. Both are weak to rock so why not bring Golem to counter them? He should be a good counter, even if he has Electabuzz or Raichu."
"Good call, Ash," Brock smiled, "but we shouldn't just go off what we saw today. I mean, he could be just as easily switching his team around right now. Didn't he have a grass starter or something from Sinnoh that would cause issues for Golem?"
"Yeah, I think it was his Torterra," Ash frowned, "maybe bring Ninetales as a precaution or-"
A flash of light burst of Brock's belt and in between the two trainers appeared Magcargo. He looked up at them both with his eyes narrowed by a scowl and his usual simple smile forced down in a frown.
"Mag Magcargo," he spoke.
"You-" Ash started.
"-want to battle Paul?" Brock asked, being able to understand his own Pokémon pretty well, "but... why Magcargo?"
"Cargo. Magcargo," he replied.
"Because you're a parent just like Sudowoodo and while you don't know the pain of forcibly being separated from your child, you know what you would've done had someone tried that with you?" Brock repeated.
The fire rock type nodded.
"I mean, it makes as much sense as bringing Ninetales," Ash shrugged, "but that does leave you open to a water type, should Paul bring one."
"I can't recall him actually having a water type, ya know," Brock mused, "well, apart from that Cloyster he released at the Indigo league."
"Knowing Paul, he'd probably throw that Sneasel he just caught into the battle, just to see how it stacks up," Ash sighed.
"You wouldn't think he would risk a match like that, would you?" Brock asked.
"Who knows," Ash turned to the sky, "with that guy, anything is possible."
"So, Golem and Magcargo... who else should-" before he could finish that sentence, however, a familiar cry drew Brock's attention. Looking towards the building he saw an open window and his Bonsly stood on the ledge, jumping up and down with his mother stood right behind. The two trainers walked over and looked at the two rock types, "what's the matter Bonsly? And why are you out of bed Sudowoodo?"
"Bon Bonsly!" he cried, leaping down from the windowsill. Before anyone could react, he ran across the field straight for Phanpy after he curved around another thunderbolt.
Jumping, the pure rock type glew white before curling up into a sort of ball shape. He rolled across the ground and slammed directly into Phanpy.
The ground type was knocked away and uncurled, skidding across the ground as Bonsly continued momentum. He uncurled himself and charged across the field as a power barrier formed around him. His body began to glow white and quickly increased in size. No longer was he a small round ball able to fit into Brock's hand but a long-slender body with yellow spots marking the same brown skin. He had short legs with toeless feet and thing forelegs with three green spheres, similar to the ones that were on top of his head before. Speaking of, he now had a forked branch sticking out of the top of his head, which appeared to be the same size as his mother's... surprising since that would normally indicate age and there is a big age gap between them.
He soared over the top of Phanpy, apparently intentionally missing as he skidded to a halt. Turning around in one swift motion, he landed on one knee and smiled towards him. He held one of his forelegs against his forehead in a salute, "Sudowoodo!"
"Bons- I erm mean, Sudowoodo, you evolved," Brock stuttered, as his newly evolved rock type walked over to him.
"Sudo Sudowoodo," he nodded, "Woodo."
"And you want to battle Paul tomorrow?" Brock repeated, to which the newly evolved Pokémon nodded. Feeling tears well up in his eyes, Brock quickly whipped them away, "alright then... guess I've got my team for tomorrow. I'll just need to call my dad and get him to send Golem back over. But why did he evolve just now?"
"Sudowoodo, Woodo Sudowoodo," the mother's voice called out, he turned towards her as Ash stepped forward. While he got the more emotional stuff earlier from her, it's not as simply as understanding his own Pokémon and guess he does need a little help still.
"She said that Bonsly can only evolve once they learn mimic," Ash explained, "and that is why it's the last thing parents teach their kids before they leave the nest. She said that he has matured enough to evolve for a while, so she gave him a quick tutorial on the move."
Brock saw the longing look in the mother's eyes as tears began to form, even if she quickly blinked them away. It didn't take him long to figure out, now that he's evolved, he can't very well return to the wild with her... while not the ideal situation, a brainwave did pop into his head, "okay guys, I'm gonna call my family. Get Golem and ya know."
"Okay Brock," Ash smiled, "while you do that, I can get my team to help start training these two?"
"If you wouldn't mind," Brock smiled.
He watched Ash set up a close combat battle between Heracross and Sudowoodo, with Primeape at the side giving tips on what to do. While he put Houndoom to work with Magcargo on increasing his firepower. With a smile on his face, he cast one last look at the mother rock type and nodded to himself. Setting off into the Pokémon centre, he went to call his family.
Ash walked down the corridor of the Pokémon centre, after letting Heracross battle with Sudowoodo to test out his new abilities now he's evolved, he left the single horn Pokémon for a check-up. Since he's unsure if Dragonite will be ready for the Silver conference, he wants to make sure everyone else is ready to go, they are only about three miles away stadium and it starts in just over a week.
Arriving at the room he was heading for, he peeped through the window on the door to see Harrison kneeling next to a bed with Paul's previous Sneasel lying down on it. The sharp claw Pokémon had an IV drip but otherwise appeared to be fine. Taking a deep breath, he closed his hand before knocking on the door with its back. He saw Harrison turn towards him and smile through the window. Using that as a cue, he reached down to the handle and pushed the door open, stepping inside.
"Ash," the Hoenn native greeted.
"Hey Harrison," Ash smiled, "how is she doing?"
"Nurse Joy said that she'll be fine," he explained, "we just need to keep her in overnight as a precaution."
"That's good," Ash let out a small smile.
"Who was that Paul guy?" Harrison asked, "it seemed like you have some history with him."
"He's a trainer from Sinnoh but I first met him in the Indigo league last year," he explained, "he was actually more of a rival to my brother but... we didn't get on. He is ruthless with his training style, releasing any Pokémon who doesn't match his standards... like Sudowoodo and Sneasel."
"How could someone so young have such a cold and calculating view?" Harrison asked, "I know he's around your age and I'm barely a year older but... we are all pretty young. I wouldn't even know where to learn that sort of view to be completely honest."
"I don't know but maybe it's why he competed in both Johto and Kanto before his home region," Ash shrugged, "I bet he's even released more than he has right now. I can't stand him."
"Well... hopefully Brock will be able to show him a thing tomorrow," Harrison sighed, "he was a gym leader, after all."
"I'm sure Brock will give it his all," Ash nodded, "he's be raising Bonsly since Paul captured his mother. And we've been practising hard... but what about Sneasel?"
"What do you mean?" Harrison asked.
"Well... the closest place that they are native too would be the mountain ranges around Mahogany but it's not exactly close," Ash reasoned, "and with the league just around the corner we couldn't exactly make the travel now."
"Actually, we've already talked about that," Harrison explained, offering a look towards the ice dark type who nodded, so he turned back, "okay so like I said earlier. I was hoping to find a Sneasel. I think their hunting style matches my sneaky style really well. So, I asked her, and she said agreed to join my team. We don't need to take her anywhere... besides, pretty sure she wants to see Paul get handed down a step or two."
Turning to look at the sharp claw Pokémon, Ash felt a smile overtake his face. A familiar fire he saw behind her eyes ignited his inner battle spirit, it was one he was all-too familiar with, whether from himself when about to battle a massive challenge or big rival or even some of his Pokémon like Togetic.
"So how are you feeling about the Silver conference?" Harrison asked, "I remember our encounter at the Orange league, or lack of it."
"I remember your promise of an actual battle back then," Ash smiled, "and I'm looking forward to it."
"But first," he paused and turned towards his newly caught Sneasel, "we want to show Paul just he lost when he gave up Sneasel."
"Sorry Harrison but you'll need to get in line," Ash shook his head, "I've got a lot more to get across to him and we'll do it in the league."
"We'll just need to see about that," Harrison smirked, "guess the tournament layout will decide who faces who and when. So, I know you've done both the Indigo and Orange league... how do you feel about this one? Personally, I feel like it gets harder each time."
"I sort of get that but one of my Pokémon is ill at the moment, so I don't know if she'd be able to compete," Ash explained.
He didn't exactly want to go bragging about their recent run in with Hunter J or reveal that it's his Dragonite who is down. After all, she could be a nice deterrent for his opponents even if they don't know she can't be used, just as an 'what if' opponent for them.
"Well I won't be the only one gunning for you in the league," Harrison smiled, "I'm sure."
"What do you mean?" Ash asked.
"You made it to the top four in your first league and then won the subsequent Orange League," Harrison explained, "not to mention that your dating the winner of Johto's grand festival. You're the favourite to win this competition for sure, and everyone will be wanting to challenge the favourite."
"Huh, I never really thought about it like that," Ash mused, "I mean, when I watched the leagues before I became a trainer, I never really followed a particular trainer and just enjoyed watching the battles. Seeing all the different Pokémon."
"Of course, there are fans like that, but the die-hard battle-lovers always have their trainer to follow," Harrison continued, "whether it's because they are representing their home region or a new competitor being the underdog. Some trainers even get sponsorships to earn a little more during the leagues. I'm even doing that, this year. Devon Corp from the Hoenn region have made a name for themselves supporting home trainers in far off leagues."
Ash mused a little more as it did seem to make sense. He briefly wondered if he should take on some sponsorship deals, after all the trainers do get some prize money for competing but only those who make it through to the top eight. The higher placement they get, however, the more they earn... then again, he wouldn't want to get endorsed by a product or company that turned out to be dysfunctional or bad. Maybe it's best to not worry about that, after all they hardly spend money on the road, only on supplies and he has a nice sum saved up from both the Indigo league and Orange league.
"Ash Ketchum, your Heracross has completed his check up and is ready for collection from the front desk," Nurse Joy's voice echoed through the PA system.
He was brought out of his thoughts with that announcement and looked up at the speaker in the room. Sighing, he shook his head free of those thoughts and turned back to the Hoenn native.
"Guess that's my cue to leave," Ash replied, "but I'll be back later. You still want to travel to the stadium with us, don't ya?"
"Of course," Harrison smiled.
Brock gripped a Pokéball tightly in his hand, taking a deep breath of the cool mountain air. His gaze fixed forward as he walked towards the open field where he saw Paul capture his Sneasel the day prior. As he took each step, his mind began to go over battle plans. His friends bringing up the rear.
He soon came to the top of the staircase; he saw the purple haired trainer with his newly caught Sneasel by his side. His arms were crossed, and gaze fixed forward. Approaching forward, Brock straightened his back as he loomed over the Sinnoh-native... not that his expression showed it. Brock steadied his gaze on the cold trainer who unfolded his arms and turned his back.
"You took your time," he scoffed.
"This is when we agreed to meet," Brock replied, as Paul walked over to the far side of the opening, "nine in the morning, sharp."
"Whatever," he rolled his eyes as he took up a battle stance, "we'll have a best of three battle, and I'll start with Sneasel."
Watching the ice dark type step forward, it slashed its claws together in an aggressive manner while shouting its name. Taking a deep breath, Brock walked to the far side of the shrine, glancing at his friends and his Sudowoodo's mother, who made up a small crowd behind him. Turning back, he looked at Paul.
"Should we have a referee or-"
"No need, we're both experienced trainers," he dismissed, "and it's not like this is a league or gym."
"Fine," Brock shook his head, holding the device up to his eyes he took another deep breath, he tossed it, "you're up, Sudowoodo!"
In a flash of light, the pure rock type appeared in front of Brock. He stood tall and held his arms in a boxers fighting stance. He turned his head slightly and sent the breeder a confident smirk. Returning the gesture, his own gaze turned to Paul as Sudowoodo fully faced Sneasel. Paul's gaze wondered behind him.
"So, your Bonsly must've evolved... but in case you forgot, this Sneasel already beat its parent in a one on one match," he explained, "he doesn't stand a chance."
"I don't know about that, I mean, Sudowoodo wasn't even trying in that match," Brock smirked, "did you really think she'd fight for a trainer who parted her from her only child? Or did you just think that she lost all that battling capability after you caught her?"
"Hmph," he scoffed, frowning even harder, "whatever, she is no longer my problem. Let's get this battle started."
Sneasel must've taken that as the start of the battle as it charged forward with impeccable speed. Sudowoodo barely had time to cross his arms in a defensive manner. The ice dark type began slashing away against the imitation Pokémon.
Every so often, Brock's rock type would try to whack his opponent but to no avail. Sneasel was constantly moving, dancing around as it slashed Sudowoodo.
"We can't keep going defensively!" Brock called out, "when you see an opening, charge!"
"Sudo!" his newly evolved rock type yelled back.
Mere moments later, he began running. He caught a glimpse of Sneasel - who was stuck against his arms, being held out. Charging, a power barrier formed.
Heading straight across the ground, Sudowoodo slammed into a tree, crushing Sneasel between them. Sneasel thudded down on the ground as Sudowoodo turned around. In one swift movement, he picked the ice dark type up and sent it flying back across the field.
"Get up," Paul growled.
Sneasel performed a push up, sneering in anger. Sudowoodo began charging in a double edge once more. Paul's Pokémon screeched out.
It dug one claw into the ground and charged forward as Brock's imitation Pokémon curled over, covering his ears. Ending its screech, Sneasel slammed a metal claw into him with an upper cut - knocking him backwards.
Sudowoodo landed on his back as Sneasel jumped. Straddling over him, it began swiping down with both its claws coated in metal.
"Mimic!" Brock shouted.
Sudowoodo raised his hands and they were coated in metal. Sneasel's claws rebound off, throwing it off balance.
Taking the opportunity, the pure rock type pushed his opponent back. The ice dark type landed on all four as it slides to a stop. Brock's Pokémon stood up.
Charging forward, the imitation Pokémon began building up momentum for another Double Edge. It quickly covered the ground as Sneasel stood up and took a deep breath. It released a powerful icy wind as Sudowoodo took the attack head on. Losing a lot of momentum in the process.
"Ice Shard!" Paul commanded.
Ending its Icy Wind, Brock's pure rock type had come to an almost complete stop. A ball of ice formed at Sneasel's mouth before launching forwards and knocking the frozen Sudowoodo backwards. The sharp claw Pokémon charged forward and delivered a quick one-two slash.
The pure rock type was thrown to the side, as some of the ice cracked around his body. He landed in a crouching position, facing Sneasel.
"Rock Throw and create some distance!" Brock shouted.
Sudowoodo pushed up with his front two arms. Lifting one up, he slammed the arm down and on the ground as a series of rocks flew out of the dirt.
Sneasel attempted to run but couldn't move quick enough and was soon pelted by the small sharp rocks. Using this opening, Sudowoodo charged.
Unaffected by the rocks, a power barrier formed around him. He slammed into the ice dark type and pushed along as the rocks began to fall back onto the ground. Picking up more momentum, he slammed him back into a tree.
Sneasel slumped down against the trunk with swirls in his eyes as the imitation walked towards Brock.
"Awesome Sudowoodo," Brock cheered. The rock type walked over towards his moth turning towards the purple haired trainer, "so what do you make of that, Paul?!"
"It was Sneasel's first battle and at a type advantage. Sure, he may have lost but he put up more of a fight than that runt I got rid of yesterday," he explained, recalling the sharp claw Pokémon, "of course, I somewhat expected the outcome. It doesn't bother me."
"Remember our deal yesterday, if you lose then you need to apologise to Sudowoodo! Both of them" Brock explained, taking a Pokéball off his belt, "your turn, Magcargo!"
In a flash of light, his fire rock type materialised on the field. While he was initially surprised when he volunteered for battling today, Brock concluded it came from his parental position and wanting to defend a fellow parent. The lava slug barely slivered forward, not looking the most intimidating, to be honest.
"I never forget the stakes in a battle," he flicked out another Pokéball, "Raichu, stand by for battle!"
The orange electric type landed on the field with a thud. Eyes narrowed in a hardened glare and cheeks sparking. Brock saw his eyes flicker to the group behind, no-doubt towards his brother, as a sinister smirk formed on his face. Pikachu made a series of calls but those just seemed to anger the fully evolved electric type, who slammed his fist into the ground. Brock gulped as he knew this would be a difficult match up for his Magcargo.
"Let's get this going already," Paul grunted, "Discharge!"
The orange electric type smirked and rubbed its stubby arms together. A field of electricity spread from him as the source.
Magcargo glew a bright red colour as smoke erupted around him. Balls of lava shot up and collided with the discharge, breaking through to make it miss.
Raichu growled in anger and ran forward, his fist glowing white as he dived.
"Flamethrower!" Brock yelled.
Magcargo took a deep breath and launched a powerful stream of flames straight at Raichu. The electric mouse was blown back as his Focus Punch failed. It soared back and landed on his back, covered in burn marks. While his fire rock type slowly slides forward.
Cracks began form around him, extending out as steam shot out. They struck Raichu, as he struggled back to his feet, with lava bursting up.
As the lava cleared, Raichu was stood back up, a confident smirk on his face as a box faded around him. Of course, Paul would teach Light Screen.
"Make this a power match!" Paul commanded, "Thunderbolt!"
The pure electric type was consumed by a ball of electricity as it shot towards Brock's lava Pokémon. Much larger than the previous discharge.
Magcargo took a deep breath and unleashed another larger Flamethrower to intercept it. The two attacks pushed against each other before evening out.
"Guess they must be evenly matched," Brock mused.
"Not even close," Paul growled, "step it up to Thunder!"
Raichu let out a loud cry as the lightning bolt seemingly doubled in size. It shot across the field and straight through the flames. Unable to move out of the way, Magcargo took the blast head on. An explosion occurred and sent him flying backwards, landing right in front of Brock with swirls in his eyes.
"Cargo," he puffed out in a small cloud of smoke.
Brock took a deep breath as he approached the fire rock type. Being sure not to touch his hot skin, he squatted down next to him while taking out the Pokéball to recall him. Looking at the device, he sighed and stood back up.
"Thank you for that, Magcargo, you did the best you could," Brock sighed, putting the device away.
"Pathetic," Paul scoff, recalling his own Pokémon.
"It's still anyone's match, in case you missed the score," Brock called out, quickly swapping Pokéballs. Looking at the purple haired trainer, he was surprised to see the smile on his lips, it appeared as if he was laughing.
"If you think I'm battling you to win then your even more pathetic than Ketchum over there," Paul explained, "I know your family specialises in rock types and that type happens to be good against my three latest captures. This battle is nothing more than a final test to see if I should risk using them in this conference. I really don't care about winning or not and that little deal we had if I lost, it doesn't bother me."
"Say what!" Brock cried out. Of course, Paul would have an ulterior motive to wanting to battle and not asking for a condition should he win.
"You heard; this is nothing more than a test. I plan on winning the conference and since dropping those dead weights yesterday, my chances look all the better," he smirked, taking a Pokéball out, "Honchkrow, stand by for battle!"
In a flash of light, a dark-blue avian Pokémon with plumage resembling a person dressed in formal attire, one that most-resembled a mob boss. It had a large feather crest resembling a fedora hat that has spikes extending from the back. It had circular red eyes with white sclerae and dark blue eyelids. Its yellow beak was slightly curved, and its head was supported by a board, short neck. It had a white and prominent crest of feathers on its chest, that broadly a resemblance to a beard or cravet. Its wings had red feathers on the inside, visible when it flapped them with an intimidating squawk. Its black feet had four toes. The tail's base is a white, cylindrical stalk, on which there was a growth of red feathers on the end.
Brock narrowed his eyes as he saw the previous tormentor of Serena's Murkrow. He didn't need to glance behind to know she would be covering the female birds Pokéball to prevent her seeing him. While not his own Pokémon, he has seen the pain it caused her... making him even more determined to win.
"And I'll go with Golem!" Brock shouted, tossing his final Pokéball, "go!"
In a flash of light, the rock ground type landed with a heavy thud and shaking the ground. Brock smirked as he looked at his best battler, this might be a little overpowered for Honchkrow but that doesn't matter now. Golem is his best battler through the experience of being his first caught and actually enjoying the thrill of combat. Out of all his Pokémon, he has even help Forrest the most with training as a gym leader even if he is a part of the team for those with six badges or more. He narrowed his eyes, he will get that apology for both Sudowoodo's, regardless of Paul's motives.
The dark flying type flapped his wings and took off into the sky, "guess it's time to get this last round started! Dark Pulse and gain altitude!"
Paul's dark flying type went flying with a battle cry. Shooting two vines of purple and black that intertwined together, which struck Golem's arm as he blocked.
When the attack faded, Honchkrow was high above the field. Circling around like a predator watching its prey as Golem stood his ground.
His first caught Pokémon held his hands together, forming a rock between them. Throwing it up, he quickly made another and launched it too. Continuing this, it launched a consecutive five rocks into the sky. Each coming close to knocking the bird down but ultimately missing.
"Another one of my Pokémon has much better control over their rock moves," Paul explained, "we spent hours mastering his dodging ability. Your Golem doesn't stand a chance to knock him down."
"Sandstorm!" Brock growled.
Golem slammed his arms together as a powerful wind picked up around him. Sand was soon added, making it difficult to see.
Squinting through the sandstorm, he made out Honchkrow at a lower altitude while closer to the ground. He launched another Dark Pulse, but it was off.
Hearing a squawk of pain, he squinted an eye open once more to see Honchkrow in a complete nosedive. Thudding on the floor, the sandstorm started to ease up. Thankfully, he taught Golem control for the gym battles to make the sandstorm as an achievable objective to overcome.
With the storm easing up, he was able to see his Golem speed forward in a ball. Honchkrow was not moving.
"Get up!" Paul spat.
Leaping before impact, Golem spread out all arms as shimmer shone off his body. The metal covered megaton Pokémon body slammed the bird.
His rock ground type stood up next to Honchkrow after the impact, "I said get up."
Surprisingly, Honchkrow pushed himself up with his wings, although clearly struggling... then again, who wouldn't after being crushed under Golem?
His megaton Pokémon stepped forward and reached down to grab the bird... but he disappeared quickly than anyone could've guessed.
Seconds later, Honchkrow soared past the rock ground type whilst slamming his dark-shaded wing into his face with a Sucker Punch. His movements were limp as his wings were covered in metal. Golem grunted as Honchkrow unleashed a barrage of Steel Wings.
As the big boss Pokémon slipped between the megaton Pokémon's legs and back up across his chest. Golem punched him and knock Honchkrow away.
Stomping his foot down, a large rock shot out of the ground. Grabbing it, he tossed it onto the bird, who was in no position to dodge.
Rearing his fist back, he punched the rock in half to reveal the dark flying type on his back with a crippled, unconscious body.
Brock smiled as the last of the sandstorm settled down. His megaton Pokémon smirked at the purple-haired trainer before walking over to his side. Normally, he wouldn't be pleased with Golem's over the top methods but for Paul he'd make an exception, especially since he saw the effect Honchkrow left on Murkrow.
"Guess that's that," he crossed his arms, as the Sinnoh native recalled his fallen bird.
"Guess it is," Paul shrugged, tossing the device into his pocket. Both Sudowoodo's appeared at Brock's side and Golem smiled at them, hitting the youngest on the back in a good-natured way, although he did stumble from his strength.
"So, Paul, I think you have something to say," Brock implicated.
His eyes rolled as he stepped forward towards the mother and son. Brock took a step back as to not get in the way, and Golem did exactly the same. Paul looked both dead in the eyes, them being a similar eye level. First on Brock's newly evolved Sudowoodo before landing on his mother.
"I'm sorry I ever wasted my time with you," Paul apologised, "I'm sorry that, despite my help, you were too ungrateful to accept and wasted my time. Along with sabotaging the training of your teammates. I won't be making the mistake again, next Pokémon that causes your kind of trouble will be straight gone."
"What kind of apology was that!" Brock raised his voice, stepping forward to loom over the purple-haired boy.
"The only one I've got to make," Paul grunted, turning his back, "it's the only thing I am sorry about. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a conference to win."
Without another word, the Sinnoh native walked away with his hands in his pockets. It didn't take him long to disappear among the treelines. He wasn't walking particularly fast or anything, but he also wasn't waiting around either.
Brock's clenched fist shook in anger. Dropping to his knees, the two Sudowoodo turned to face him. The youngest looking on the verge of tears, encouraging him to reach out and wrap his arms around in a brotherly hug. His young rock type wept into his jacket as he returned the gesture.
"Sudo," he wept.
"I-I'm sorry, Sudowoodo," he whispered, opening his eyes to look at the mother who stood behind with a stoic expression, "I would say I didn't know he would've said that but given everything that we've seen Paul do... guess I should've seen it coming."
"Sudo, Sudowoodo," the mother shook her head, wiping a few tears. The brotherly hug ended but the young rock type still stood by Brock's side with one arm around each other as he turned to his mother, "Sudowoodo Sudo. Sudowoodo."
The female rock bowed towards Brock.
"Y-you don't need to thank me. I took in Bonsly all that time back because he was scared and alone," Brock shook his head, "I would say I just did what any person would've but... evidently not. So, I'll just say I did what any decent person would've done."
"Woodo. Sudowoodo, Sudo," she replied, casting a longing look at her son before turning her back. Slowly she began to walk away, in the opposite direct of Paul but towards the treeline regardless.
"What's going on?" Harrison asked, to no-one imparticular.
"She's leaving to go back to the wild," Ash explained, "didn't Brock tell us once that baby Pokémon are meant to leave home when they evolve?... and since Bonsly has evolved-"
"Poor Sudowoodo," Misty added.
Brock watched with his mouth hung open. He always intended to release Bonsly back into the wild with his mother, but never did he imagine the young one would evolve under his care. As the female rock imitation Pokémon slumped away, his mind raced with possibilities. Before coming to a solid conclusion, he raised to his feet, as if they had a mind of their own and sprinted towards her.
"Sudowoodo wait!" he called out. Which she did, stopping in place, she turned to face him. Despite holding a stoic expression, he could see tears welling in her pain-filled eyes. She stood still, apparently waiting for what he stopped her for. Taking a deep breath, he kneeled down so they were closer to eye level, his mind finally resting on some sort of idea, "I know that Sudowoodo would be leaving your home in the wild now he's evolved and you probably don't want anything to do with another human after Paul... but, I thought... okay, my family runs a gym back in Kanto. My dad specialises in rock types and my brother is training to replace him. Maybe, if you'd like, I could catch you and you become one of their Pokémon. Even if you don't want to battle, you could live there and get to see Sudowoodo when he's there... just a way for you to catch up with him."
"Sudo," she nodded, "Sudowoodo."
"Like I said before, you don't need to thank me," he smiled, stepping back up to his feet, "now why don't you join us to the Pokémon centre. Once their Nurse Joy could help with making sure your assigned to either my brother or father... and we can call them to let them know the plan and introduce you as well."
The female rock type nodded. Turning around they started to walk towards the nearest Pokémon centre, with the two Sudowoodo's hanging back to talk amongst themselves. Brock caught sight of his friends following and bringing up the rear.
Sighing to himself, he found a smile forming on his face. Over the months, Bonsly grew from a little baby to a fully evolved brother for the breeder. While, in an ideal world, he wouldn't have had to take in the little guy at such a young age, this was probably the best outcome they could've asked for after the chance encounter all that time ago. While he would like to teach Paul a lesson he wouldn't soon forget, hopefully Ash will get the chance in the Silver Conference.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...
