AN: Hey everyone, I have the next chapter here. Thank you for all the support on the last chapter, I am glad a lot of people liked Yang and Neo's interactions. We now see some of the results of their training as Mustard gives them their next tasks. Hope you enjoy this chapter, leave a review with your comments and questions, and have a nice day.
See the most recent Save State Chapter for Cover Art details.
Chapter 24 – Be like Water
A couple of days later.
In the dojo, Neo sparred with Yang, who had on matted gloves to absorb the mute girl's punch, "Okay, you're starting to get it." Yang said as Neo continued to punch, "Don't lean in too much, just enough to make sure you reach your target."
"…" Neo nodded while continuing her strikes. She then reeled back for a stronger hit, but Yang moved out the way, causing Neo to stubble, "…!"
"Now, when you see that opening, don't telegraph going in to do a knockout blow." Yang responded, "Have it flow into your combo so you can make sure the foe doesn't have a chance to counter." She said before hitting her matted gloves to get her, "One more time."
"…" Neo nodded before putting up her fists again, going in for a few more jabs and punches. Slowly, the speed of her hits increased with Yang slightly struggling to hold back. Suddenly, the mute girl unleashed a left cross, the force of the hit landing with Yang's right glove, seeding it off her hand, "…!" Neo gasped at her own strength, then looked to Yang.
"So, you can pack a punch when you need to." Yang said with a wink, "Don't need to rely on an umbrella to deal damage all the time."
"…" Neo giggled then hit her fist together, causing Yang to chuckle as well.
"My, look at you two." A voice called out to them. Neo and Yang turned to see it was Mustard, a smile on his face and hands behind his back, "You're fighting skills have improved a lot in such a short time."
"We're quick learners, that's our thing." Yang said with Neo nodding, "So, you ready for round two," she said while cracking her knuckles, causing Neo to do the same, "I think we can pass your little test now."
"No need, you already passed," Mustard responded.
"Eh?" Yang responded.
"…?" Neo added in confusion.
"The condition was that you two improve your fighting styles first." Mustard said with a smile, "And you have done so by listening to the other's advice." He said before scratching the back of his head, "Besides, I'm too old to keep fighting like that all the time." The old man said with a chuckle, "So, let's move onto the next phase of your dojo training."
"Okay, you got it," Yang responded.
"…" Neo nodded.
"Good, for your next mission." Mustard responded, "Head to the Challenge Beach just past the marsh. In front of a tower, you will find another student who will give you instructions for your next task."
Neo and Yang both bowed before walking to the dojo's exit. The two made their way down the marsh, each glancing over the wild Pokemon in the area, "Leaf said we may want to catch another Pokemon." Yang commented, before noticing the large tower as they approached the beach, "But let's get this next task done first."
"…" Neo nodded before the two approached the tower.
In front, a dojo student stood with his arms crossed, "Welcome to the Tower of Water." The student said, then focusing on the blond brawler, "Master Mustard said that this task is for you alone, to scale this tower with only one Pokemon at your side."
"Heh, trying to see if he can put out my flame, is he?" Yang said before taking out a Pokeball, "Well, Hitmonlee and I are gonna prove him wrong." She then looked to Neo, "Wait, what are you going to be doing?"
"Well, Master Mustard said she would be heading to our other tower in the mountains for her trail." The dojo student said before sighing, "However, one of his Slowpoke's got loose and has run away. So, he wants you to find it somewhere in the wild area." He then handed the mute girl a photo of a pink Pokemon with yellow shading on its head.
"…" Neo looked on with half-open eyes.
"Hey, I'm only the messenger." The dojo student responded.
"Relax, it's fine." Yang said to Neo, "I mean, you heard that thing's name, it shouldn't take too long to catch." The blond brawler then winked that the mute girl, "Good luck."
"…" Neo smirked before she walked away in her search of the Slowpoke.
Yang looked back at the tower, watching the doors open before she entered. Inside, the blond brawler saw another dojo student at the opposite end of a Pokemon battle arena, "To reach the top, you must beat four challengers. I am the first," she said before tossing out a Pokeball, "Golduck, come forth!" she said as a blue bipedal duck with a white beak and a red gem in its forehead appear, its claws ready for battle.
"Right then," Yang said as she gripped her Pokeball, "Hitmonlee, your time to shine!" she said while tossing the ball, causing the kicking Pokemon to emerge, "Let's get started with a Blaze Kick!" the blond brawler said as her Pokemon ran in with the left foot on fire, then spin kicking Golduck in the side of the head.
However, this damage was minimal to the blue duck Pokemon, "Golduck, use Water Pulse." The dojo student said before a ball of condensed water formed in Golduck's mouth, then fired off towards Hitmonlee. The attack connected, sending the kicking Pokemon back.
Yang readied to call out her next move, but noticed Hitmonlee was wobbling, "What's wrong, are you confused?"
"Yes, he is." The dojo student said before pointing, "Golduck, use Fury Swipes." She said with the blue duck Pokemon rushing in with a barrage of slashed on the kicking pokemon's body.
"Hitmonlee, you have to keep your guard up!" Yang called out, causing the kicking Pokemon to snap out of confusion. However, even with his arms up, the fury swipes were still taking their toll, "Darn it, what do I do?" She thought before her mind suddenly remember.
Back on the S.S. Anne, Yang recalled Leaf handing her a piece of paper, "Those are the new moves we were able to train Hitmonlee to use." The shrewd trainer said, "He forgot tackle, but all of these are more useful than that attack."
"Neat," Yang said as she read through the list, "Double Kick sounds obvious, but Endure makes you tank a hit better?"
"Yes, it makes sure the Pokemon can withstand the blow." Leaf said with a chuckle, "When fighting Bewear, he kind of needed to know that move." She said before smirking, "Plus side, its combos well with his fourth move now."
"Sweet." Yang said as her memory ended, putting her back into the battle, "Hitmonlee, use Endure." She said with the kicking Pokemon bracing for the slashes. After the fifth strike, Yang saw an opening. "Quick, push it back with Double Kick." She called out with Hitmonlee reposing its stance, then swiftly kicking Golduck in the beak. With the blue duck Pokemon stance staggered, a second kick sent it back further in pain, "That training is really paying off." The blond brawler commented.
"We'll see," the dojo student commented, "Use Water Pulse." She said with Golduck unleashing the condensed water again.
"Hit it with Blaze Kick!" Yang called out with Hitmonlee's flaming foot colliding with the water, creating an instant mist in the arena. While Golduck and the dojo student were confused, Yang remained focused, "Now, uses Reversal." She said before Hitmonlee was behind Golduck. The blue duck Pokemon gasped before it was lifted over the kicking Pokemon's body, then slammed headfirst into the arena floor. As the mist cleared, the dojo student gasped as her Pokemon had fainted, "That's one down." Yang said as Hitmonlee went back to her side, "Time to keep moving up." She said with the kicking Pokemon nodding, leading to the two to ascend the tower's stairs.
Meanwhile.
Neo walked through the woods, looking for the Slowpoke. She glanced down at the image, but saw no Pokemon with a matching design, "…" she sighed before hearing something.
"Slooow," a Pokemon cried as Neo looked over, discovering what she was looking for.
"…!" Neo gasped before smirking at the Slowpoke, approaching it from behind. However, she accidentally stepped on a branch.
"Slow?" Slowpoke said before looking back to Neo, "Slooow!" suddenly, the Pokemon rushed off at high speed, leaving a dust trail behind.
"…" Neo did not say a word, despite her mouth hanging open. She then sighed before following the trail.
However, behind the mute girl, the bushes rustled, "Crawdaunt," the crawfish Pokemon said as he emerged, a scowl in its eyes as it watched the mute girl, "Craw." He said before being his pursuit.
Meanwhile.
"Now, finish it off with a Double Kick!" Yang called out as Hitmonlee performed the move, knocking a large crab with a massive claw onto its back. Bubbles formed in its mouth as its eyes swirl. The dojo student had a look of shock as Yang winked, "Better luck next time." The blond brawler said before she and Hitmonlee walked up the next flight of stairs.
Upon reaching the next floor, they saw another student waiting, "You are halfway through your challenge," he said before taking out a Pokeball, "But I will send you back down to the bottom floor. Go, Poliwrath!" emerging from the ball was a blue bipedal toad with a swirling stomach and scowling eyes. Its body bobbed in a boxing stance.
"Don't count on it," Yang said as Hitmonlee walked up, taking the battle.
"Then, let the battle begin," the dojo student said, "Poliwrath, Double Slap!" he said with the blue toad run towards the kicking Pokemon.
"Hitmonlee, show him a Double Kick," Yang responded as her Pokemon rushed in. The kicking Pokemon's left leg collided with Poliwrath's right hand, stopping his opponent from slapping.
"Got you," the student said as Poliwrath grabbed the leg instead of going for another slap, "Toss him with Circle Throw." He said with the blue toad grabbing the leg with both arms, then spinning him around his body before letting go.
"Hitmonlee, bounce off the wall and use Blaze Kick!" Yang said with her Pokemon regain focus mid-throw. Hitmonlee aligned his spinning-like legs with the, jumping off it before realigning for a flaming kick. The attack landed in the center of Poliwrath's chest, but the damage was minimal to the blue toad Pokemon. Hitmonlee bounced off Poliwrath before landing in front of Yang, "Damnit, this thing's tough."
"More than you know," the dojo student responded, "Use Mind Reader." he said with Poliwrath flexing, causing his eyes to focus in on Hitmonlee, "Now, Dynamic Punch!" Suddenly, the blue toad Pokemon rushed in with his right arm reeled back, his fist glowing with a white aura. Hitmonlee moved out of the way of the punch, but Poliwrath seemingly anticipated the movement. Yang gasped as Hitmonlee was punched in the stomach and sent flying back with an explosion.
"How did that move-" Yang spoke in shock.
"Mind Reader makes certain that the next move will hit." The dojo student said as Hitmonlee was wobbling, "And Dynamic Punch confuses your Pokemon if it hits." He said before pointing, "Now, Double Slap!" Poliwrath then ran in, beginning an assault of front-handed and backhanded strikes on Hitmonlee's body.
"Hitmonlee, use Endure," Yang called out, but the kicking Pokemon was still wobbling in confusion.
"Now for the knockout," the dojo student said, "Use Dynamic Punch!" he said while making a punching motion, which Poliwrath tried to imitate.
"Come on," Yang said as sweat ran down her forehead. However, she then saw Hitmonlee regain his focus, "Yes, you snapped out it." She said as Poliwrath was about to launch his attack, "Now, move out of the way!" the blond brawler said before Hitmonlee avoided the Dynamic Punch with a simple sidestep.
"Oh no!" the dojo student said as Poliwrath stumbled from the miss.
"With a telegraphed punch like that, it is easy to evade." Yang commented before hitting her fist together, "Now, let's hit him with a Double Kick combo!" She said with Hitmonlee unleashing a barrage of kicking into the blue toad Pokemon's body.
"Grr," the dojo student gritted his teeth, "Poliwrath, toss Hitmonlee away with Circle Throw and then lock on to it with Mind Reader." He said with the blue toad Pokemon catching one of the kicks, then spinning his body for a throw.
"Not gonna happen," Yang responded, "Use Reversal!" she said with Hitmonlee's eyes focusing. Just as Poliwrath let go of the leg, the kicking Pokemon leaned to grab Poliwrath's arm. With the momentum of the Circle Throw, Hitmonlee flipped over his opponent's body and launched Poliwrath into the ceiling. The blue toad Pokemon bounced off it before slammed to the floor with a loud thud.
"No way!" The dojo student gasped as his Pokemon had swirling eyes to match the stomach.
"Yes, we did it!" Yang cheered as she ran over to hug her Pokemon, who had a look of joy in his eyes as well, "I'm so proud of how strong you've gotten." Suddenly, the blond brawler realized something, "The way you did that last move, it like what Neo did." She said while remembering the sparring match with Mustard, "Heh, I guess you're learning a thing or two from her as well." The blond brawler said before looking out one of the windows on this floor, "I wonder how her task is going?"
Meanwhile.
"Slooow." Slowpoke yawned while walking through the woods. However, it turned to see someone approaching. Just as the fast pink Pokemon was about to sprint off, the person looked familiar. It was Mustard, who walked up with a smile on his face, "Slow?" Slowpoke responded with a head tilt.
"Zehehe." Mustard snickered before raising his hands.
"Slow!" Slowpoke said before realizing this was not the real Mustard. The fast pink Pokemon then bolted off at high speed. As it ran through the woods, a Bonemerang headed toward him. Slowpoke jumped to avoid the weapon, but was then encased in a blue aura, keeping it in the air, "Slooow!" Slowpoke said as it focused, breaking out of the aura with its own confusion attack to counter. The fast pink Pokemon continued until making it to a sandy beach, stopping to catch its breath. However, Neo stalked Slowpoke from behind a rock, her arms raised as her eyes focused on her prey. "Slooow," it yawned as Neo saw her opportunity, pouncing to finally capture the target.
Suddenly, Slowpoke sprinted off at high speed again, causing Neo to miss as she landed face-first into the sand, "…" Neo lifted her head with half-open eyes spitting out the sand before standing up.
Neo then turned to see Cubone and Hatenna approach. The mute girl saw Mustard as well, but soon saw him transform into Zorua. All three of her Pokemon had a look of sorrow at the failed plan, but Neo smiled. She recalled them to their pokeballs before patting herself down.
As Neo walked away, trying to find the trail, she saw something in the corner of her eye. It was a circular formation of rocks emitting a red aura, "…?" Neo walked over to it, slightly hesitating as she looked down the hole in the center.
"…Goo..." a soft echo was heard from inside the hole.
"…" Neo looked deeper down the hole, almost seeing something. She knelt and reached inside with her left hand, but then pulled back. In examining her hand, it was covered in a lavender goop, "…" The mute girl had on grimace on her face as she tried to clean off the goop in the sand and water. She then stood up and started to walk away.
"Goo…" the voice cried from the hole again, "Goo…my…"
Neo stopped herself, "…" she sighed before returning to the hole. With both hands, she reached in to grab what she felt before. In her mind, she visualized the same pose Yang had when she uprooted the trees. Upon gaining a strong grip, Neo pulled up, "…!" she gritted her teeth, slightly sensing something getting unstuck. Suddenly, she stood having pulled out what was inside.
In her goop-covered hands was almost a ball of soft tissue the size of her head. It was half purple and half pink with light green spots, "Goomy!" the Pokemon said with a look of joy on its face.
"…" Neo smiled with a slight giggle, then putting the Pokemon down. She waved goodbye, before realizing the goop still on her hands. Suddenly, the mute girl had an idea.
A short while later.
"Slooow." Slowpoke yawned as it walked through the woods.
However, the fast pink Pokemon look up to see, Neo standing in the path, "…" The mute girl smirked as she readied to grab her target.
"Slow!" Slowpoke quickly turned around and make a break for it dashing directly opposite of Neo's position.
"…" Neo smirked as she followed, not walking for too long until catching up to her target.
"Slow…" Slowpoke said as it was stuck in a puddle of goop, unable to move its legs out. From a nearby bush, it watched as the soft tissue Pokemon walked out.
"Goomy!" it spoke in joy as Neo walked over a smile on her face as well.
"…" Neo looked down as she thought of how to move the fast pink Pokemon. However, she soon noticed a looming shadow behind her, "…!"
Neo quickly dodged as something slamming into the ground where she once stood. In turning around, she discovered it was the large crawfish Pokemon, "Crawdaunt." It said before pulling its claw out of the ground, then menacingly snipped its pincers.
"…" Neo gritted her teeth, quickly realizing the dangerous situation. While she knew she could outrun this Pokemon, Slowpoke was still trapped in the goop. She knew she had to fight this Pokemon now, and readied to grab a Pokeball.
"Craw," Crawdaunt spoke as it approached, then felt a beam of water hit the side of its head, "Daunt?" it turned to see the gooey Pokemon at the origin of the attack, water still dripping from its mouth.
"Goo," it defiantly spoke, despite its body shaking.
"…Craw!" Crawdaunt responded by smacking the gooey Pokemon with its right claw.
"Goo!" the gooey Pokemon cried as it was flung across the area and slammed into a tree with a splat.
"…!" Neo gasped in panic as she threw out one of her pokeballs. Emerging from it was Hatenna, who quickly moved over to the injured Pokemon to use Life Dew. Neo readied another one of her Pokemon to send out to deal with Crawdaunt, but the crawfish Pokemon jetted into her with an aqua aura. The mute girl fell to the ground with her pokeballs, rolling into a bush.
"Craw." Crawdaunt spoke as Neo got up, "Crawdaunt," the crawfish Pokemon said while snipping its pincers.
"…" Neo gritted her teeth as she knew there was only one option left. She clenched her fist and assumed a fighting stance.
"Craw!" Crawdaunt spoke before unleashing a beam of bubbles at Neo. The mute girl dodged then as she moved it for a right jab. However, while the punch did land, it did nothing against the shell armor of the crawfish Pokemon, "Craw!" Crawdaunt said before swinging its claws like hammers. Neo dodged again, this time putting more weight behind her next punch.
However, Crawdaunt glared as it moved one of its claws to catch Neo's hand in its pincer, "…!" Neo was about scream before gritting her teeth, going for a punch with her opposite hand. Yet, Crawdaunt caught that one in his other pincer then tightened its squeeze, "…!" Neo agonized as she fell to her knees, the pain making her think her hands were about to be chopped off. She began racking her brain for any that could get her out of this situation, while her eyes closed from the pain.
Suddenly, she remembers one of the times Yang was teaching her, "Sometimes, you have to think your way of a bad situation." The blond brawler said before smirking, "But other times, you have to just use your head." she said with Neo having a deadpan expressing, "…What?" Yang said while the mute girl had no response.
"…!" Neo opened her eyes before realizing a way out.
"Craw," Crawdaunt slightly chuckled at its prey's torment, seeing Neo try to pull herself back. However, the mute girl then thrust herself forward, slamming her head into the star emblem atop of Crawdaunt's head, "Craw!" the crawfish Pokemon cried as its pincers loosened, allowing Neo to pull her hands. "Daunt," Crawdaunt said as it glared at Neo.
"…" Neo smirk as she reposed her stance, but then lowered it.
"Craw?" Crawdaunt said with a tilt of the head in confusion, then turned to see Hatenna with a pout on her face, "Craw," Crawdaunt said with a chuckle before unleashing a beam of bubble that exploded on the impact it with the calm Pokemon. However, as the smoke cleared, a green barrier had protected Hatenna from any damage, "Daunt?" the crawfish Pokemon said in confusion until Hatenna unleashed a dazzling gleam attack, "Crawdaunt!" it said before getting overwhelmed by the light, slamming into a nearby rock, "Craw…Daunt…" Crawdaunt said as it tried to push itself up, then looked over to see Neo walking by with Pokeball in hand, "Craw." Crawdaunt scowled before its body was covered in water again, then jetted off into the distance.
"…" Neo watched before assuming it was safe. She then sighed before walking over to Hatenna, who used her confusion to hold up the other pokeballs of the team, "…" Neo smiled as she took them back, then recalled the calm Pokemon back to its ball.
Neo then looked over to Slowpoke, who simply yawned at the whole situation it had witnessed, "Slooow."
"…" Neo rolled her eyes before walking over to check on one more Pokemon. She made her way to the tree, discovering the gooey Pokemon. However, while its body was healed, it slithered away in sorrow.
"Goo…" it spoke with tears in its eyes, "Goomy…" the gooey Pokemon continued to move away. However, it stopped as Neo moved in front of it, "Goo?" it said while looking up at a smiling Neo, who then knelt to pet the gooey Pokemon on the head. The mute girl then offered the Pokeball still in her hand, "Goomy?" it asked with Neo nodding, "Goomy!"
Meanwhile.
Hitmonlee kicked a round, blue bunny-like Pokemon in the stomach, causing it to roll to the dojo student's side, "Yes, another one down!" Yang cheered as Hitmonlee matched in excitement.
"I can't believe Azumarill lost," the dojo student said as she recalled her fainted Pokemon, "The next floor is the last, you will have reached the top of the tower." She said before bowing.
Yang and Hitmonlee responded in kind before making their way up the stairs. Upon taking the last step, they saw a wall with a large scroll rolled upon it. The image was of sliver waves and golden text. However, standing before the scroll was a familiar old man, "Well, you seemed to make it up here just fine." Mustard said as he turned to Yang and Hitmonlee, a smile on his face.
"Wait, how do did you get here before us?" Yang asked in confusion, but the old man simply laughed, causing her to sigh, "Whatever," She said before smirking, "So, I guess you're our final opponent?"
"You could say that." Mustard responded, then assumed a fighting stance, "Now, I will teach you the essence of water."
"Okay," Yang said before hitting her fists together, "Then, I'll teach you the essence of fire!" she said as Hitmonlee walked onto the arena, assuming a fighting stance.
"Heh," Mustard said with a smile as he scratched the back of his head. However, his eyes soon narrowed as he grabbed the hat with one hand and his tracksuit jacket with the other. In tossing both off and leaping into the air, he landed with a razor wind radiating off his new stance. The dojo master revealed his white and red hair atop his head and orange top with a sword and shield emblem on it. Yang gasped as Mustard's gaze was focused on her, his long eyebrows raised with the power he emitted, "Come forth," Master Mustard said as he held a black and yellow Pokeball in his, spinning before tossing it into battle, "Urshifu!"
Emerging from the Pokeball was a slender grey bear Pokemon with yellow claws, its fur resembling that of a gi. The stance of this Pokemon always moving, as if it was bobbing in the waves of an open sea.
"Consider yourself lucky, I normally save the use of this Pokemon for my worthy students." Master Mustard said before reposing his fighting stance, "But I see we will need to go all out to defeat you."
"Too bad it won't be enough." Yang responded, "Hitmonlee, use Double Kick!" she said with the kicking Pokemon rushing in to perform his combo of attacks.
"Urshifu, use Surging Strikes!" Master Mustard responded, causing his Pokemon to dash in at high speed. As Hitmonlee reeled back for the first kick, the water master Pokemon reeled back its right arm, causing the fist to be encased in an aqua aura. The attacks collided at the same time, but Hitmonlee stumbled back. Still, the kicking Pokemon unleashed his second attack, as did Urshifu. The same results occurred, but the water master Pokemon had a response for a third strike. The aqua aura fist collided with Hitmonlee's stomach, launching his back as he skidded on the souls of his feet.
"That attack hits three times?" Yang commented.
"And each one is a critical hit," Master Mustard responded, "Hone your senses and let this battle sharpen you and your Pokemon!" he said before responding his stance again, "Urshifu, use Close Combat!" with that the water master Pokemon dashed in at high speed, ready to unleash a barrage of punches towards the kicking Pokemon.
"Hitmonlee, Endure," Yang called out with her Pokemon holding a blocking stance, withstanding the barrage of hits coming his way. However, she quickly saw Hitmonlee getting weaker with each blow, "Damnit." Yang muttered as Master Mustard scowled.
"What's the matter, do you admit defeat already?" Master Mustard asked.
"Never!" Yang shouted back.
"Then," Master Mustard said as he reposed his stance, "Show me how much you have grown!"
"Hitmonlee, use Reversal." Yang responded with the kicking Pokemon refocusing. He caught Urshifu's right arm, then tried to use the moment of the strike to toss the water master Pokemon.
"That will not work on us." Master Mustard responded, "Urshifu, use Counter!" Suddenly, Urshifu's eyes focused in as he grabbed Hitmonlee with his left hand. The kicking Pokemon was then tossed into the ceiling instead of his target, "Now for our strongest move," Master Mustard spoke with a grin, "Focus Punch!" With that command, Urshifu reeling back his right hand, which pulsated with a powerful red aura.
"Oh no," Yang said as Hitmonlee struggled to get up.
"You cannot Endure again," Master Mustard commented, "Nor can you protect yourself from this strike!"
"What do I do?" Yang thought as she clenched her fist, "I could rush in and break his focus, but…" she said before seeing Master Mustard smirking, "He's expecting me to do that." The blond brawler then looked over to see Hitmonlee assume a fighting stance but sweat dripping down his head as well, "Hitmonlee…stand still." Yang said as the kicking Pokemon had a look of confusion, "Trust me," she said before taking a breath, "And stay calm." Yang said while closing her eyes, causing Hitmonlee to have a look of shock. However, he soon followed her orders and did the same. The two remained silent, only hearing Urshifu continue to gather energy in his fist. Suddenly, they heard a slight pulse as the water master Pokemon dash forward, his punched aimed at his target, "Now," Yang said she opened her eyes, "Dodge it!" With those words, Hitmonlee opened his eyes and ducked the punch. Master Mustard and Urshifu both gasped at the quick maneuver, then realized Hitmonlee was posed for his attack, "Go, use Blaze Kick!" Yang called out with a punch as Hitmonlee unleashed the flaming kick into Urshifu's face.
The water master Pokemon stubbled back as Master Mustard started to smirk, "So, you can remain calm and dodge." He said before assuming a new stance while Urshifu reposed in kind, "But can you keep it up?"
"Let's see," Yang said before hitting her fist together, "Double Kick." She said with Hitmonlee rushing in.
"Urshifu, Surging Strikes." Master Mustard responded as the water master Pokemon rushed in was the aqua aura on his palms again. Like before the first two strikes, parried one another. However, as Urshifu went for the third strike, Hitmonlee jumped to dodge it.
"Now, let him have it!" Yang called out with Hitmonlee diving downward with a kick to the water master pokemon's head, sending Urshifu back and skidding onto the floor, "Uh, that was a little stronger than I thought." Yang responded in shock.
"That was Hi Jump Kick, a very powerful move." Master Mustard responded.
"Look at that, you got another new thing that makes you awesome," Yang said to her Pokemon with a smile, causing Hitmonlee to look back at her in joy. The two then looked back to the battlefield, seeing Urshifu getting up again. "Let's finish this."
"I agree," Master Mustard responded, "Urshifu, Focus Punch!" he said with the water master Pokemon reeling back for the concentrated strike.
"Hitmonlee, Hi Jump Kick," Yang said as she hit her fist together, "Give it all you got!" Hitmonlee nodded before jumping, pivoting his body to land feet first on the ceiling. With his spring-like legs, the kicking Pokemon dove downward at a high speed, reeling back his left leg for the powerful kick. At the same moment, Urshifu's body pulsated before roaring while unleashing the focus punch. The foot and fist collided, resulting in a pulse wave that rang through the entire floor, even slightly shaking the whole tower. Urshifu skidded back on the souls of his feet before Hitmonlee jumped away and landed a few feet on the opposite end of the battlefield.
A silence fell over as the Pokemon and trainers remained concentrated on their opponents. Suddenly, Urshifu fell to one knee, recoiling in pain from the attack. A smile formed on Yang's face as she turned to Hitmonlee. However, she soon gasped as the kicking Pokemon fell backwards, his eyes swirling as he was unable to battle.
"Hitmonlee!" Yang said as she ran to her Pokemon, helping him up as he slowly regained consciousness. While the kicking Pokemon had a look of sorrow in his eyes, Yang smiled, "Don't be sad, you did great out there." She said while hugging Hitmonlee, "I'm so proud of you." She said with Hitmonlee having slight tears in his eyes while hugging her back.
"Both of you did well." Master Mustard said as he walked up with Urshifu, "And I would say you pass my train."
"W-what?" Yang responded, "But, we lost."
"Did I say you had to win?" Mustard responded before sighing, "It was during my time as champion that I realized how hollow victories in battle can be." He said before smiling, "The goal I wish for my students is to not win all the time, but to improve when they don't." Master Mustard said before crossing his arms, "Wouldn't you say you have gotten better since our first fight." He said with her nodding, "And now, you'll be better for your next fight. With the chance of you winning being much high and more satisfying."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Yang said with a smile before realizing something, "Wait did you say former champion?"
"Oh, don't worry about that." Mustard dodged the question, then walked over to put on his track coat and hat, "More importantly, I have a gift for you." He said while reaching into the tracksuit pocket, "You see, I would normally give my students a Kubfu to bond with before entering this tower. So that it may evolve into an Urshifu like the one she saw." He said before looking over to Hitmonlee, "However, you seem to already have completed that task with another fighting type." The old man said with a smile before taking out a Pokeball, "So, I went out to catch a Pokemon that would help you on your journey in the worldwide league."
"Really, thank you!" Yang said as she accepted the Pokeball, "I wonder what type of Pokemon it is."
"One that shares the same fire you have." Mustard said before chuckling.
As Yang and Mustard descended and exited the Tower of Water, they saw Neo approaching "…" The mute girl gestured as she showed Slowpoke on her back.
"Oh, so you completed your task as well?" the old man said as Neo put Slowpoke down in front of him, "Thank you for catching my Slowpoke, this one has always been full of energy." Mustard said before recalling the fast pink Pokemon to its ball, then turned back to Neo, "I do hope you took the time to look around the island to catch some new Pokemon."
"…" Neo nodded as she took out a Pokeball, then tossed it into the air.
Emerging was the gooey Pokemon, who landed on Neo's right shoulder in joy, "Goomy!"
"Awe," Yang gushed as she petted the new Pokemon, "It's adorable." She said before pulling back her hand, seeing the goop on her fingers, "And …sticky." The blond brawler said before wiping the goo off before taking out a Pokeball, "Now, let's see my new teammate." She said before tossing the ball into the air, "Come on out!"
As the Pokeball opened, emerging was a large caterpillar-like insect with white fur and red horns over its body, "Lar," it spoke while looking up to Yang with its sky-blue eyes, "Vesta."
"Larvesta, is that your name?" Yang said as she knelt to the Pokemon, smiling at it, "It's good to meet you, I'm Yang, you're a new trainer."
"Lar?" Larvesta spoke in confusion, but upon gazing at its new trainer's radiance, a look of joy filled her eyes, "Larvesta!" she spoke while a slight bounce before Yang picked her up.
"Well, aren't you excited?" Yang said as she held Larvesta in her arms, "And warm too."
"The people of ancient times believed that Larvesta fell from the sun." Mustard command with his hands behind his back, "I thought this one would be a good fit for you."
"Thanks, I'll take good care of her." Yang responded, then looked over to Neo, "Looks like we both got a new member to the team." She said with Neo nodding with a smile.
"The two of you are become formidable trainers." Mustard spoke to them both, "So, we will have one final test before I feel you are ready to leave this island." He said with both girls turning towards him, "In a couple of days, we will have two gym leaders here that you can challenge for a Galar region badge."
"R-really!?" Yang asked in shock.
"…!" Neo added in surprise.
"Yes, Leaf and Honey have been organizing the meeting while you two have been training." Mustard said before starting to walk away, "You will need to talk with them more about the details, but I should warn you." Mustard said before turn partway around towards the two girls, "The gym leaders are former students of mine. I know they are quite powerful." He said before continuing his leave.
"Is that so," Yang said before looking over to Neo, "I guess we have more training to do." She said with Neo have a smirk form on her face.
AN: There you go, both passed as they learn from one another's own styles and moved onto the next test. Yang and Hitmonlee made their way up the Tower of Water, each showing who much they have grown from training. The kicking Pokemon shows off his powerful move set, including learning the devastating Hi Jump Kick. While they did not win in the end, Mustard shows his compassion for his students in wanting them to improve. Meanwhile, Neo plays tag with a Slowpoke, before encountering a little Goomy to add to her party. But she is not the only one to gain a new member, as Yang was rewarded with a Larvesta to train in her own essence of fire. The two girls now must prepare for some unexpected gym leaders, hopping to each gain their second badge for the league entry. That is all for now, thanks for reading, and hope to see you in the next chapter.