Chapter 86: Blast Off

"Yanmega, use Silver Wind"

"Night Slash, Absol!"

Despite Absols's best efforts, Yanmega was able to deflect all of his attacks back at him with Silver Wind, forcing him to deal with the full blunt of both attacks, knocking him out much to his owner's displeasure.

"Aw man, I thought we had it!"

"Well, you didn't. So beat it, twerp!"

Reluctantly, the loser handed her his two petals and left, sulking all the way.

"Get a good hull, Sina?"

"Sina" turned to see her partner walking up to her.

"Not really. Just a measily two petals. For all that bluster, I thought he would at least have 3."

"You did better than me, at least. I only got one."

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here, Zipp."

"Looks to me like some fresh meat, Rapp."

Sin and Dexio turned to see the two remaining Team Skull members approaching, trying and failing to be intimidating as they did so.

"Um, who are you?"

"Oh, you don't know us? That's fine, because you're about too!"

"That's right, because you're looking at the future champs of Alola!"

"Um...you do know there can only be one, right?"

Zipp and Rapp sheepishly rubbed the backs of their heads. They actually had forgotten about that detail.

"Yeah, well, the thing about that is...Go, Garbodor!"

"Crobat, I choose you!"

Sina and Dexio sighed. This wouldn't take long.

"Mareanie, go! No, not me, attack them!"

"Wobbuffet, front and center!"

Once all of the participants were on the field, the true battle could begin.

"Crobat, use Air Cutter on both of them!"

"Garbodor, use Sludge Wave!"

"Mareanie, use Muddy Water!"

Mareanie moved quickly, rising above both attacks by creating a tidal wave of polluted water, crashing down and causing great pain to her opponents. Wobbuffet was not so lucky, taking both attacks head on without even flinching. This made Zipp and Rapp suspicious.

"Hey, what're you playing at? Ain't you gonna give your Pokémon a command or somethin'?"

"She's planning something, I just know it!"

"Worry about your own Pokémon, you two!"

"Hey, your funeral. Crobat, go in for Leech Life!"

"Sludge Bomb, Garbodor!"

Once more, Wobbuffet tanked them both, but the wear and tear was starting to show. James however, just stood there and watched.

"Don't get too smug, buddy! Once we take care of your partner, your next!"

"Yeah, just you wait! Garbodor use..."

"Wobbuffet, use Mirror Coat!"

"Mareanie, use Blizzard!"

Before Rapp or Zipp could react, their Pokémon were knocked out by a blinding light and a flurry of snow.

"What? But, how-"

"Did you really think I would let my Pokémon get pummeled without a plan? While I let you take free shots, my Wobbuffet was building up power to strike back. In other words, you defeated yourselves."

This enraged the Team Skull members. They hated it when people made fools out of them (not like that was very hard to do).

"Oh, you asked for it!"

"Yeah, we don't care what the rules say! We'll pummel you with all our Pokémon!"

But Mareanie would have none of it, leaping up and striking them with her "hair", causing them to stare in shock at her. One glare from her was enough to send the message.

"Zipp, I think we should get out of here!"

"I'm with you, Rapp!"

"Looks like Team Skull is Blasting Off Again!"

And so the two took off, leaving their four combined petals behind, which Sina and Dexio happily picked up.

"How original. Those two need to get their own catchphrase."

"I know. We stole that one first!"

The two took off their top disguises, revealing themselves to be Jessie and James respectively.

"Still though, we're one step closer to the Stadium. Just two more each!"

"Yes, and then Team Rocket will be reborn!"

"Keep it down, ya two! Do you have to yell that at the top of you're lungs?"

Jessie and James ducked down, hoping no one saw or heard them. Fortunately, they were alone. Breathing a sigh of relief, the two went back to scheming.

"Just you wait, twerp. That Pikachu will be ours!"