Dewford Gym, Zach vs Brawly

The sun was shining brightly down upon the beachy shores of Dewford Island, Wingull and Pelipper soared through the air above while Carvanha and Sharpedo were swimming off in the distance and away from the shoreline. Zach had traveled to Dewford with May and Dawn with the intent of winning his second gym badge but he wasn't letting the trip be all about himself, rather than rushing right off to the gym like most trainers likely would he decided to just hang out at the beach with his girls and enjoy their company, which greatly pleased them.

Lucario was protectively watching over Sobble for his trainer as the baby Water type crawled around the edge of the shore while enjoying the feel of the water coming up and touching his skin. "Sobble..."

Goomy was hanging out around Sobble as well, similarly enjoying the feel as his body absorbed the water. Noibat was perched upside down beneath their beach umbrella while Combusken and Raboot kept their distance from the water and just soaked in the sun. The three humans laid beneath a beach umbrella; Zach was just wearing his swimming trunks and May and Dawn had chosen to wear rather skimpy bikinis to show off to him, though it wasn't necessarily anything he hadn't already seen he still enjoyed the view. He had his arms wrapped around both of them while they laid on both sides of him, each having an arm draped around him while leaning their heads against his shoulder.

Korrina watched with a jealous expression as she watched from a distance, she'd tagged along as she wanted to see just how strong her best friend had actually gotten but upon hearing that Zach intended on hanging out with the girls she told him that she'd just go off training and give them privacy. She had tried alright but it was hard to get the image of them out of her head, it was clear that her feelings were not the puppy love that she had for him when they were younger, it had developed into genuine feelings and while May and Dawn had given her their consent she wondered if Zach had room in his heart for a third girlfriend.

"Hey there girly, ya wanna go surfing with me later?"

"Huh?!" Korrina leaped up startled before noticing the one known as Brawly, despite Gurrkin's prior agreement with Gloria for the two kids to marry when they were old enough, the man had tried setting her up with other Fighting specialists. She'd never met them but saw their pictures and was quick to shoot them all down, even after Korrina revealed that he was alive Gurrkin kept pushing, even harder now actually!

"Sorry, no! I-I already have a boyfriend!" Korrina lied as her eyes flickered towards Zach.

"That weakling?" Brawly looked him over with a laugh. "I don't see how somebody like you could fall for somebody like that, besides it already looks like he has a girlfriend to me!" He noted as he looked towards May and Dawn.

Korrina twitched her eye as she didn't enjoy hearing her best friend and love of her life insulted like that. "For the record, we're actually engaged and he's totally going to kick your ass when he comes to your gym later!" Korrina boasted.

"Oh really? Care to wager then if you're that confident?!" Brawly smirked.

"Of course I'll wager whatever, I have faith that he'll kick your butt!" Korrina growled out, getting a bit carried away.

"Alright then princess, if I win then you've got to ditch that fool and be my girlfriend!" Brawly smirked.

"Deal!"

"Car!" Korrina's Lucario cried out causing Korrina to realize what she'd just done.

"Oh shit!"

"See you later!" Brawly smirked, giving Korrina a wave before walking off as the blonde lowered her head and prayed to Arceus that this wouldn't be the day that Zach's luck ran out, she only had eyes for him!

"Wing Attack!"

"Noi!" Noibat's wings glowed brightly as he flew towards a Meditite and struck it with his wings! Meditite was sent flying before landing in a collapsed heap in front of the gym trainer as Dawn leaped up and down while cheering for her boyfriend in her cheerleader outfit.

"Go Zach, go!"

"Way to go, Noibat!" Zach praised the bat Pokemon as it landed on his shoulder, giving him a soft pat before handing him an Oran berry. "Now rest up, I'll need you for the gym battle!"

Noibat nodded with a happy cry as he returned to his ball, the gym trainer collapsed to her knees and began crying. "Brawly will never notice me if I keep losing like this!"

"I've never met Brawley but I'm sure if you told him how you feel he'll likely notice, I mean that's how I ended up with these two!" Zach pointed at May and Dawn, giving both of them a loving smile which they returned as they nodded their heads.

"Right, it's no good keeping your emotions locked away!" Dawn nodded, she'd intended on telling Zach how she felt sooner. It just didn't feel right doing that over the phone and not in person!

"Y-Yeah, I almost lost my love before I could tell him how I felt." May spoke up, shivering as she remembered Tabitha nearly killing him after Zach pushed her out of the way. "If you don't hurry then something might happen to him or he'll find somebody and you'll lose your chance!"

Korrina watched the three as she bit her lip nervously, wondering if she should go ahead and confess now just in case Zach lost. She then shook her head. 'No I can't think like that, he will win! I've always had faith in him, I can't start doubting him now!'

The gym trainer sniffled before rubbing her eyes and wiping her tears away. "T-Thank you... g-go on ahead, I need to calm down before I can speak to him."

The four walked on ahead before arriving in a large dojo-like room of the gym where Brawly could be seen standing at the opposite end, standing in a battle ready position at the edge of the battlefield.

"Well well if it isn't the weakling and his Lucario, I've been looking forward to this!" Brawly smirked upon them entering the room.

"Excuse me?!" Zach questioned, wondering what this dude's problem was as he'd never even met him! May and Dawn both shot Brawley murderous looks as they clung to Zach's arms.

"Hey don't you dare call our boyfriend weak!" May shouted, her face full of rage.

"Yeah, he's our champion!" Dawn spoke fondly as her eyes rested upon her boyfriend.

"He can have you two, it's his fiancée that I'm interested in." Brawley spoke catching all three off guard while Korrina nervously sweated.

"Fiancée?!" May and Dawn shot a look at each other, knowing that Zach possibly couldn't have one. He never dated anyone before he hooked up with them and the situation was the same on their end, all three had saved themselves until they found the love of their life!

"I-I have no idea who you're talking about." Zach narrowed his eyes, he planned on proposing to both girls as soon as he earned the title of champion which most certainly hadn't happened yet else he wouldn't be there!

Korrina gave Zach a confused look. 'He doesn't remember about that? We were going to marry and unite the Kalos and Galar branches to settle long years of conflict!' It wasn't her choice as she didn't understand it at the time nor did he really, it was sprung by their parents. As Korrina grew older however she always fancied the idea and even though their respective clans were entirely wiped out apart from them she still wished to lead a new clan with him, a more peaceful one rather than slaying their enemies they'd turn them in or try and reform them. She knew he was just like her, not a killing instinct inside of him.

May and Dawn looked at Korrina and wondered if perhaps she had come up with some crazy tale again. She did have a habit of bragging about her 'bestie' and getting both her and him dragged into unnecessary battles with him mostly being there to protect her rather than his own honor. They'd definitely need to work on controlling her if Zach started dating her else she might get even worse at it!

Korrina sweated as the two stared at them, her cheeks blushing bright red. "He asked me out and I refused, sorta telling him about my fiancée is going to totally kick his ass. He put up a wager and I... I ended up betting myself!"

"You what?!" Zach looked at her with an alarmed expression, his ears only picking out the part where she revealed that she bet herself. "Don't worry Korrina, I won't let it come to that! You deserve to date whoever you want, it shouldn't be forced on you like he's trying to!"

Korrina smiled at him while Brawly let out a growl. "Just try it weakling, you won't succeed! The Dewford Gym rules state that each of us will use three Pokemon and the battle will be decided once one of us runs out or forfeits the match. You are also allowed to substitute while I'm forbidden to." Brawly rolled his eyes as he listed off the rules. "Anyways let's get started, Meditite!" Brawly called out as he threw forth a ball, releasing another Meditite.

"Let's go Noibat!" Zach called out as he had a feeling that it'd end up like last time, he wasn't going to take a risk and send out Combusken or Lucario now with Korrina on the line!

"Reflect!" Meditite brought up a protective barrier to shield itself while Noibat and Zach glanced at one another, just like last time alright! Noibat had the Infiltrator ability so attacks like that were meaningless when up against him!

"Double Team then Supersonic!" Noibat split himself up into multiple different copies before blasting an ear shattering screech from his ears as Meditite held onto his head before forming a dizzy looking expression as he started swaying back and forth.

"Confusion!" Brawly shouted out for Meditite to punch itself causing him to let out a frustrated growl.

"Wing Attack!"

"Noi!" Noibat's wings shined as he swooped through the air before striking them up against Meditite's body! The Fighting/Psychic type was sent flying before landing in a collapsed heap in front of Brawley as the Fighting specialist let out a surprised gasp.

"Ha, I told you he could do it!" Korrina smirked as Dawn leaped up and down, cheering loudly for him.

"He still has two Pokemon to get through!" Brawly reminded her with a growl as he returned Meditite. "Machoke, let's get them!"

"Machoke!" Machoke flexed his arms as he burst out. "Leer!" Machoke gave Noibat a leer.

"Supersonic!" The loud screeching sound emitted from Noibat's ears once more as Machoke covered his own ears, uttering out a cry as he wanted the noise shut off before his body began to sway back and forth.

"Gah, Leer then use Strength!" Brawley shouted impatiently as Machoke gave another leer before a red aura surrounded his body, Machoke grabbed on Noibat before swinging him and giving him a good throw across the gym! Noibat cried out as he flew the air before crashing into the wall, a pained groan emitted from his mouth as he slowly slid down before collapsing in a defeated heap.

"Noibat return," Zach calmly returned Noibat while looking at Combusken's ball and wondering if he was making the right choice.

"Ra!" Raboot pulled at his pant leg while pointing at the battlefield before pointing back at herself. "Ra Raboot!"

"Y-You want to fight?!" Zach was pleasantly surprised as Raboot hadn't offered to battle in awhile though he guessed that Raboot was most likely just doing this for Korrina but perhaps winning will help restore her confidence! "Alright Raboot let's start off with Flame Charge!"

"Ra!" Raboot's body became cloaked in flame as she raced towards Machoke before slamming her body up against him! Machoke let out a grunt while Raboot rushed away, her Speed stat increasing after the usage.

"Vital Throw!" Machoke grabbed Raboot by the ear's causing her eyes to widen before he swung her about and threw her across the gym! Raboot landed on her side and was still breathing but she was shaking as getting grabbed by the ears reminded her of her abusive trainer.

"Raboot..."

Zach rushed on out to his faithful Fire type's aid and dropped to his knees as he softly stroked her head fur. "It's okay Raboot, you don't have to fight anymore. Lucario will take over from here." Zach comforted her. "I'm sorry that you got scratched in the eyes, you shouldn't blame yourself as I'm just as guilty. I made a promise that I wouldn't let anything else hurt you and I failed... if you want to retire from battling then I understand, I'll still keep you around as you're like a sister to Lucario and me. We love you and we miss the old days, we'd do anything to get them back..."

"Ra..." Raboot looked up at her trainer as tears formed in their eyes, the rabbit reached out and placed her paw atop his hand while gently shaking her head. It was clear both of them blamed themselves for what had happened and Raboot was relieved to hear that her trainer still loved her as he poured his heart out to her, she got a serious look as she gave him a light push before standing back on her two feet as she punched the air in front of her.

"Ra!"

Zach smirked lightly before standing up and giving her a light pat. "Well then let's finish up the battle! Use Flame Charge once more!" Raboot let out a cry as her body became cloaked in flame, the rabbit charged at Machoke before slamming her body up against him as the Fighting type let out a pained grunt.

"Vital Throw!"

"Not this time, Electro Ball!" Raboot formed the electrical ball of energy between her hands before dropping it in front of her and giving it a swift kick! Machoke was nailed directly in the face before having an electrical shock surge through his body, the Fighting type came to a collapse as swirls formed in his eyes. Dawn began excitedly cheering Zach on while he leaped up and cheered for Raboot.

"Way to go Raboot, you did it! You won!"

"Ra!" Raboot smirked at her trainer, showing a hint of her old personality as she gave him a thumbs up.

"The battle hasn't been decided yet, I'm still going to win this!" Brawly smirked as he threw his final Pokeball. "Hariyama, let's end this!"

A loud thud echoed across the gym as the large Fighting type burst out. An annoyed look crossed Brawly's face as Zach couldn't help but smirk at the sight of it.

"What's so funny, I'm about to beat you!"

"I've dealt with a Hariyama before, it's how I got my Z-power ring!" Zach explained. "You see they may be powerful... but they're nowhere fast enough to catch a rabbit, especially a super charged one!" Zach smirked as the Flame Charge attacks had significantly increased Raboot's speed, her Speed stat which normally was twice that of a Hariyama now dwarfed it!

"And that makes this attack even more powerful!" Zach grinned as he stretched out his arm. "Raboot use Electro Ball!"

"Brine!" Brawly quickly shouted.

As Raboot began firing up another electrical sphere of energy between her paws, Hariyama started blasting a powerful stream of water from his mouth. The two attacks were launched at each other simultaneously and both Pokemon were tagged by the opposing attacks at the same instant! Raboot and Hariyama both dropped to the floor as their trainers quickly rushed out to check on their beloved partners. Hariyama let out a groan as his eyes were reduced to swirls but Raboot slowly stood up as she sensed her trainer getting closer, immediately rushing to hug his leg as Zach formed a warm smile before getting down on his knees to hug her in return.

"It's great to have you back Raboot, I missed you!"

"Ra!"

"Carrr!" Lucario rushed forward and hugged his two closest friends as the three smiled and were happy to have the trio reunited at last! Beating two Pokemon had fully erased any self doubt that would remain in Raboot after her trainer's passionate speech, Raboot was now a fully functional member of his team again!

"You... you won. You only lost one Pokemon and that beat two of my Pokemon?!" Brawly explained, his brain still processing what had occurred before a slight look of respect crossed his face. "Not bad, I can see why Korrina likes you-"

"Wait what?" Zach blinked in confusion.

"With how strong your connection to your Pokemon is and how you plan out strategies, you'll probably actually give Steven a run for his money! No wonder you're a babe magnet!" Brawly laughed before producing the Knuckle badge from his pocket. "Here ya go, the Knuckle Badge! With that you should now be able to challenge the Mauville Gym! I wish you luck and hope to have a rematch with you someday!"

"Likewise, thank you." Zach bowed lightly as the two smiled at one another before extending their hands to shake.

After that was done Zach walked off to meet up with the girls while the gym trainer rushed out to Brawly to confess, he heard excited shouts behind him which signified that Brawly and the girl got together.

"Well done Zach!" May kissed his cheek while Dawn kissed him on the other.

Korrina rubbed her arm nervously while giving him a sheepish smile. "Y-You know about me liking you now, huh?"

"Yep." Zach rubbed his arm nervously while forming a light smile, signaling to May and Dawn that he felt the same way. May and Dawn looked to each other with a smirk, they had succeeded at getting him a third girl. Now he'd never be without a partner on group projects and the three could take turns being partnered with him!

"We'll be waiting in our room," May spoke as she and Dawn turned around to go, giving the two some privacy so they could let their emotions out without them listening in.

"Don't keep us waiting long." Dawn gave Zach a playful smirk as they walked off.

Korrina opened her mouth before closing it as she tried to think of what to say.

"You wanna just go on a walk and hang out?" Zach asked realizing that it'd probably be best for both of them.

"Yes please!" Korrina breathed out with a light smile.

The two were now walking through Granite Cave as their walk had taken them quite far, neither one knowing how to properly word their emotions.

"I-I definitely feel the same way! I-I can remember you, I-I just don't remember anything else from back then. I-I don't want to either, I'm afraid of what I might see." Korrina held his hand before gazing into his eyes.

"I-If it helps... you didn't see them die." Korrina revealed causing Zach to raise his eyebrow in confusion.

"Your dad died two years before your mom and she died to ensure we escaped. Y-You should mostly see good memories." Korrina gave him a reassuring smile as Zinnia tailed them from afar before hearing Korrina's words echo to her.

"Screw privacy, she's about to out what they are!" She hissed out. She thought they entered for some weird kink that the blonde might have but now she realized that she was just trying to ensure nobody overheard what she said.

Zach let out a comforting sigh, he accepted the fact they were dead so that didn't really affect him. He was just glad he didn't have to fear about seeing it occur again! His eyes then shot wide open.

"Hold on a sec, protect us from what?"

Korrina opened her mouth before the floor suddenly gave out beneath them, Zinnia rushed down and cursed loudly before rushing further down the passageway. That was also a fear of Zinnia's, them discovering her and Victor's living quarters.

"Oof!" Korrina landed atop of Zach while Lucario leaped down while holding onto Raboot so she wouldn't get hurt. The two trainers then stood up and found themselves in a dark room somewhere deep within the cavern.

"Raboot, give us a light?"

Raboot fired off her Fire Pledge, lighting some torches that happened to be within the room and revealing some art that had been painted on these walls for hundreds if not thousands of years! A large red dinosaur with what appeared to be lava flowing through his body stood next to a pair of erupting volcanos, villagers could be seen fleeing in terror as lava destroyed their homes and the environment around them! Further along was a massive blue and white whale Pokemon with light blue outlines going throughout it's body, the Pokemon was depicted atop a massive wave that threatened to engulf the entire region! Finally there was a large green serpent-like Dragon Pokemon depicted meeting with somebody masked in shadow.

"Goomy!"

"Noi!"

Zach and Korrina leaped up in shock, both shouting out as Noibat and Goomy suddenly let themselves out of their pokeballs. The two Pokemon had their attention focused on the large green dragon while Zach flickered his eyes between them and the painting.

"W-What's going on?!"

"I can explain," Zinnia revealed herself causing Korrina to gasp out.

"I knew you looked familiar, you've been tailing us ever since I met back up with Zach!"

"Longer than that, since he first arrived in Hoenn. His placement here was no mere accident!" Zinnia spoke before sighing out, knowing that Victor was likely going to kill her for this. "It's time I told you two everything, everything!" Korrina's eyes widened as she realized that much like she and Zach were the sole survivors of the Kalos and Galar branches, Zinnia was the last of the Hoenn line!

A bit plot heavy, soon the heroes will start clashing with villains more often as a certain pyromaniac is slated to return and start an environmental crisis in the Alola region! Nebby will be meeting Ash and Lillie soon