RHatch89: Thanks!
Guest: Hey, I'm not sure if you're going to see this but I wanted to say a few things. Glad you like the story and thanks a lot for the reviews.
Now about a few points you mentioned:
-I forgot Hodge was even from Hoenn, thanks a lot for reminding me. I think I'm going to use him at some point. I might have Nicholai in the league after all-it's pretty far ahead so it's a little early to say for sure. I don't know about using Sawyer though...hm...
-Ash will have more than six pokemon for the league. I'm making it so that they get a number of pokemon throughout the story but not too much either. I'm not going to say which pokemon is in Wally's egg, but for the record, it's not an Absol.
-I didn't think of having Moore do a gym battle, that would've been an interesting idea...
-Corphish is definitey going to evolve, I just haven't decided when. Yeah, those people from Petalburg were ridiculous and way over the top so I didn't want to do that here.
-About the gym battle...I was never going to have Wally battle pokemon from the Slakoth line. Thing is, you've got two out of three of my choices right.
Wally smiled as his pokemon rejoined him, having finished another training session ''You all did great, now make sure to rest up.'' The pokemon smiled back and nodded. He proceeded to thank Mawile, who had taken to helping them train over the last few days. ''Think you've got a better handle on your abilities now, Manectric?''
The lightning pokemon barked positively as he nodded. Evolution brought changes in many forms to pokemon and it was something they had to get used to-Manectric was quite a bit bigger now but he was much more comfortable battling in his new form after all the training.
Wally blinked as a Wingull landed on his shoulder, bringing his attention to a number of other pokemon nearby he recognized as some of Mawile's charges. ''Hey, you were watching?'' The pokemon gave a happy chirp as Wally stroked his feathers. ''Right-Mawile, you need any help with something?''
The pokemon began to think, a part of him was all set to wave the offer away but he knew Wally wouldn't like that. Seeing how well he and his pokemon got along with everyone here, maybe...
Tropius beamed as a few of the young pokemon slid down her wings, all crying out in joy. Feebas swam along with a number of water pokemon in the nearby stream and eventually they engaged in a race. Manectric was cajoled into playing tag by some of the more playful young pokemon and Kirlia was talking animatedly to a young Ralts who was clearly in awe of him.
Wally looked on with a growing smile, his eyes landing on Mawile as he continued to play with a trio of Poochyena nearby. They learned quickly that the young pokemon under Mawile's care adored him, the deceiver pokemon had been through so much before. It was great to see him so happy now.
He was joined by Kirlia and the little Ralts as one of the Poochyena settled on his lap. ''So you're like a role model now?'' Kirlia laughed a bit, rubbing the back of his head in embarrasment. Ralts waved shyly from behind him.
The gym battle was to take place in over a couple of hours and he didn't want to overwork his team. He was more than happy like this, just spending time with them.
Norman grinned as Wally received well-wishes from their audience before coming to face him. ''I've been looking forward to facing the two of you for sometime and it's certainly been worth the wait.''
"Well, you can be sure you've got another good battle ahead.'' Ash returned.
Kenji smiled at the exchange before calling for the battle to begin. Norman promptly sent out a Spinda while Wally called on Tropius. The latter decided to kick things off with a Gust attack but Norman stopped this by having Spinda use Sucker Punch before following up with a Fire Punch. Tropius regained her balance after being hit with the super effective move, striking back with Razor Leaf on command. Spinda was almost knocked straight down as a result, barely managing to land before it smashed into the ground.
"All right then, use Teeter Dance!''
Wally quickly told Tropius to get away, but it was too late. Spinda launched into the strange, fast dance and the fruit pokemon was soon left confused. She flew erratically for a few moments before hitting a wall and launching a Razor Leaf that completely missed the mark. The boy tried calling out to her but it was no good, Vincent grimaced as she dodged Spinda's Psybeam only to stumble and fall in her daze ''What're they going to do?''
Wally tried to think, Tropius barely acknowledged him, she'd managed a few attacks at his call but not once had she managed to aim right. It was when Spinda charged in to strike that he had an idea ''Tropius, Leaf Tornado!''
Rushing gusts and leaves arose around the two, blowing the startled Spinda back. The attack hit Tropius as well but it caused little damage, coming with the bonus of snapping her out of her confusion. Relieved, Wally capitalized on the chance to have her retaliate with Magical Leaf that blasted Spinda in face.
"All right!'' Ash exclaimed.
Norman seemed impressed ''Good thinking-Spinda, Faint Attack!''
"Body Slam!'' Tropius tanked the attack, slamming her surprised opponent to the ground. ''Now use Leaf Tornado!''
Spinda was blown up in the air and Norman ordered a Fire Punch as it tried to regain its balance but it was defeated by Tropius' Razor Leaf.
Mawile let out a cheer as Norman returned his pokemon. Diana smiled to herself, watching Wally thank Tropius, who happily nuzzled him. It warmed her heart to see how well he was getting along with his team. He loved pokemon and he was happy being with them, wanting to be the best he can for the team who relied on him. He'd grown so much since leaving for Verdanturf and it was a sight for sore eyes.
Not bad at all, Wally.'' Norman grabbed a pokeball. ''Let's see how you handle this, Kecleon!''
A curious May held her pokedex towards the new pokemon "Kecleon, the Color Change pokemon. Kecleon alters its body coloration to belnd in with its surroundings, allowing it to sneak up on its prey unnoticed. Then it lashes out with its long stretchy tonge to instantly ensnare the unsuspecting target.''
"Sounds...tricky.'' She mused.
"Oh, it is.'' Brock affirmed.
Wally returned Tropius ''You did great, get some rest.'' He proceeded to send out Kirlia and the match continued, with Norman quickly having Kecleon using Screech. Wally had Kirlia levitate himself away with Psychic, moving when Kecleon tried to adjust the attack. Once it stopped, Kirlia landed and Kecleon charged with Slash, only for it to be blasted by Psybeam. This caused a small explosion and a smokescreen and when it vanished, Kecleon was gone.
As they wondered what was going on, Kecleon suddenly reappeared, striking the surprised Kirlia from behind. Vincent stared ''What just...?!''
"That was Shadow Sneak...'' Brock realized, noting that Norman must have used the explosion and smokescreen to have his pokemon prepare the attack.
Kecleon followed up the offense with Slash on command, sending Kirlia flying. Norman called for Ancient Power but Wally proceeded to rally Kirlia and the pokemon was able to reflect the Ancient Power with Psychic. Kecleon's Color Change ability activated and Wally took advantage of that by ordering a Magical Leaf. Kecleon's attempts to dodge failed and the super effective move pushed it back.
"Now use Life Dew!''
Kirlia waved a hand and a wave of water splashed around him, glowing as his health was beginning to be replenished. Norman's eyes narrowed ''Ancient Power!''
"Dodge it!''
Kirlia was able to avoid most of the rocks with grace but Kecleon began to change tack, adjusting its direction. Wally didn't miss a beat though, having Kirlia destroy the nearest rocks with Psybeam. Kecleon surprised them both by jumping on one of the rocks as Norman commanded it to use Shadow Claw and Kirlia almost fell from the sudden assault. He managed to push past the pain however, when Wally proceeded to call out to him and blasted the opponent with a Psychic. Kirlia fell on a knee a moment later and Wally realized that it was taking a lot out of him to even try staying up right, prompting the boy to return him.
A frustrated Ash snapped his fingers as Wally thanked his partner. Kirlia may not have fainted but he definitely couldn't fight now. He knew Kecleon were troublesome opponents from his match with Harrison back in Johto but still.''That was so close...!''
Brock nodded, having picked up on the same thing. Kirlia may have lost but he put up quite a fight, Kecleon wasn't going to last long either.
Caroline hummed in thought ''Kecleon is one of Norman's more experienced pokemon. That Kirlia is one tough customer.''
Wally sent out Tropius again and the match carried on. Kecleon's attempt to use Shadow Sneak was foiled by the fruit pokemon's Magical Leaf. He didn't miss how it recovered faster, making him conclude that Ancient Power's boost may have taken effect. Tropius was still a bit tired from the battle earlier and he knew he had to be careful.
All right, use Gust!''
Norman grimaced as his pokemon struggled to move after the attack hit, knowing Wally was taking advantage of Color Change. As it was a grass type now, Kecleon had taken a good amount of damage. Even Ancient power's effect wasn't going to help much with it in this state.
Wally's next call surprised them all ''Okay, Tropius. Just like what we worked on-use Magical Leaf and then Razor Leaf.''
Nodding, the grass and flying type used both moves, whipping out a Gust to make the moves surround her. The mix of green and shimmering colorful leaves looked quite nice but no one could figure out what the point was-until they realized that Wally wasn't finished.
"Now use Synthesis.''
Green light shone from between the leaves before they began to fall away. Mawile's jaw dropped, he had been in enough battles to know that this sort of thing needed a lot of practice and skill and Tropius pulled it off with so well...
May glanced at him ''Pretty neat, right?'' She grinned as he nodded happily.
Norman smiled for a moment. Clever boy, he could've defeated Kecleon but then he'd have to contend with a fresh pokemon. This was a good call. Tropius was somewhat worn from facing Spinda and Kecleon was too weary to really be able to stop the combination now. But that didn't mean they couldn't try.
"Use Screech!''
"Duck and use Body Slam!''
Tropius craned her neck to avoid the sound waves, though she cringed a little, she shook herself and retaliated. Kecleon collapsed moments later, down and out.
"Good work, get some rest.'' Norman returned his pokemon. ''Well done so far, Wally. Now let's see how you handle this.''
His last pokemon was an Exploud which let out a roar the second it was released, it looked to be a formidable opponent. Wally considered switching, his eyes traveling to his pokeballs but a cry from Tropius stopped him. The fruit pokemon shook her head and nodded at the field, assuring that she was ready for more.
"...All right, go for it.'' Both knew that Synthesis hadn't worked nearly as much as they wanted, which meant that Tropius was still tired. Thinking it over, Wally decided that it may be better this way after all.
Exploud grunted as she re-entered the field and Wally had her use Sweet Scent, thinking they could start by probing their opponent.
Norman's eyes narrowed ''Exploud, Hyper Voice!'' The big sound wave quickly served to disperse the aroma. He proceeded to prove that Wally's caution was a good thing as he proceeded to order. And it was only Tropius' distance from it allowed her to dodge by flying up higher. It kept up the offense on Norman's command, using Ice Punch back to back. Tropius kept trying to evade and Wally made a move when he saw a chance.
"Leaf Tornado!''
The sudden move startled Exploud, who defended by holding up its arms as the spinning leaves and winds pushed it back. When Tropius was able to follow up with a Magical Leaf, Exploud recovered fast and retaliated with Boomburst. As she was knocked back, it leapt at her with a double Ice Punch, Tropius managed to avoid the first move but the second was a direct hit.
"Tropius...'' Wally trailed off as she pulled herself up, cringing a little but remaining determined as Exploud stepped up. Norman proceeded to order a Crunch attack but Tropius was able to lower neck enough to dodge when Wally called out to her. ''...all right, Leaf Tornado into Magical Leaf!''
Norman looked surprised as Tropius swiftly launched the two attacks, forming the combination from the Rustboro gym battle. Exploud yelped as the attack hit, Vincent looked on in awe ''They can mix attacks together?''
"Oh, yeah-Wally's getting good at it too. He's worked out a good number of combinations with his team.'' Max informed, leaving him pleased.
"And this is why I keep telling him he's got to enter a contest...'' May trailed off, shaking her head with fond exasperation.
As Tropius avoided another attack, Norman had Exploud use Howl before starting back on the offence again with a Hyper Voice. It hit the ground, raising a sandscreen that left Wally and Tropius unable to see much but Norman seized on this. ''Keep going with Ice Punch, full power!''
Tropius tried to back up but Exploud used the move with both hands, jumping to block her path before striking. Moments later, Tropius collapsed and Wally returned her, giving a small smile as he put the pokeball ''Thanks, you were amazing out there.''
"Exploud's really strong...'' May blinked twice. ''...I mean, I know Dad's pokemon are good but that was...whoa...''
Ash crossed his arms ''I hear you-Exploud must have a lot of battling experience.''
Max tilted his head a little as Wally went on to call out Manectric ''This'd be Manectric's first battle, huh?''
"Actually, that's not quite true. Wally's been going to the forest every morning to train his team.'' Diana informed, leaving him surprised.
Ash began to grin ''Sounds like something he'd do.''
Brock had run into their green haired friend earlier this morning but he hadn't known it was a regular thing.
Ash called it right though, it wasn't really that surprising, Wally had always been diligent and hardworking. ''It's a really good thing-pokemon have to adjust to changes after evolution. Manectric's likely much comfortable in his own skin now.''
"Ready?'' Wally's lips twitched as Manectric smirked back. ''All right, use Charge!''
"Boomburst!'' Norman countered.
Thanks to his evolution, Manectric was already done by the time the sound wave came near, allowing him to dodge with ease. Undeterred, Norman ordered a Hyper Voice next. This one was more effective, being faster but Manectric pushed through the pain just as his opponent charged in with a Crunch attack-only to coutner with Shock Wave. Exploud was sent reeling as a result but Norman called out, trying to rally his pokemon. Consequently, he two pokemon clashed a few times, each side receiving damage but neither were deterred for even a moment.
As Manectric dodged Exploud's Supersonic with a good use of Quick Attack, Norman ordered his pokemon to propel itself in the air with a Hyper Voice, allowing it to fly over Manectric before unleashing a Boomburst and the latter retaliated with Shock Wave on command. An explosion resulted in midair, almost knocking Exploud down.
"Quick Attack into Bite!'' Wally called.
Manectric charged at Exploud, swiftly biting its arm before Norman called out ''Retaliate!''
Exploud reared back it arm for a swift punch and both pokemon fell down a second later. Pulling themselves quickly, the two were ready to keep going. Manectric used Leer, making a startled Exploud falter as it was about to unleash a Boomburst. The pokemon was snapped out of it with a call from Norman, quickly blasting Manectric then.
The lightning pokemon attempts striking back with Thunder Wave but Norman had Exploud defend itself with Hyper Voice, stopping both attacks in the midst of the field. Exploud used that to run up closer to its opponent and Norman made the most of that ''Use Fire Punch, back to back!''
The normal type's fists ignited before it began attacking fast, leaving Manectric slowly backing away as he tried to dodge. Wally bit his lip, Exploud was relentless and he couldn't see an opening to stop this. But he did have an idea that could help but they hadn't had a chance to really figure it out...
Wally mentally shook himself, he couldn't hesitate and leave Manectric like that. ''...Stop it with Thunder Fang!''
Norman's eyes widened, quickly notcing the understanding in Manectric's expression as he braced himself. Manectric didn't attack right away, instead keeping the Thunder Fang active. He made his move as Exploud came closer, striking its arm. Just then, the fire and lightning seemed to almost merge, blasting Exploud back. ''What the-?!''
Kenji's jaw dropped while the rest sans Mawile looked on in wonder. Max almost shot up in his seat ''Did they just take advantage of the fire punch and combine those moves?!''
Ash appeared just as stunned while Diana couldn't help but note how Wally and Manectric appeared prepared ''They had this planned?''
Indeed they had, this combination was far more troublesome than any other and they had yet to fully work it out. The training did help them learn to make use of the possibility so it was a start.
"Now use Quick Attack and follow up with Shock Wave!'' Wally called.
Norman countered readily ''Hyper Voice!''
The Quick Attack almost allowed Manectric to avoid the strike altogether, only somewhat caught off guard when Exploud tried to adjust its aim. Growling, Manectric focused and unleashed the Shock Wave then, knocking his opponent down. The pokemon struggled to get up, Manectric's eyes narrowing as he watched but Exploud let out one grunt before collapsing.
"Exploud is unable to battle, Manectric wins. This match goes to Wally Garcia!'' Kenji declared.
Ash, Pikachu and Mawile cheered while Vincent and Diana shared delighted smiles, hurrying over to their son. The boy in question was thanking Manectric, who smirked and licked his cheek in return, both looking back as the onlookers approached.
"Kiddo, we know you'd be a great trainer. Amazing!'' Vincent hugged him.
"Great job!'' May congratulated.
Brock nodded "Way to go.''
"You all were incredible!'' Diana beamed.
"That was so cool-especially those combinations...'' Max enthused. ''...that last one with Manectric! You really planned all this?''
Wally laughed sheepishly, somewhat embarrassed with all the praise ''Kind of-we hadn't really figured that one out yet. We got lucky...''
"Well, even if that was the case it takes skill to use luck too.'' Norman joined them with a broad smile. ''And I think you and your team more than deserve this victory-that was an excellent match.''
"Hate to say I told you so but...told you so.'' Ash put in teasingly.
The man chuckled, taking out an item ''True. Now, I'm happy to present you with my gym's Balance badge.''
Wally's face lit up as he shared a look with a grinning Manectric before thanking Norman. He'd been so nervous half the match that he barely registered it was over. Receiving this now was proof of all the work he and his pokemon put in and it felt great.
With the Garcias inviting everyone to dinner, they agreed to head over to their place with Mawile leaving for the forest...
Watching Mawile's interactions with everyone had May bringing up something she'd wondered about for a while ''I thought you'd like to catch Mawile, Wally.''
Neither noticed the deceiver pokemon faltering at this as Wally replied ''I considered that...more than once, actually. Still, I don't think it'd work.''
Max looked surprised ''Why? It sound like a great idea.''
The other boy shook his head ''...I thought of asking Mawile to join me months ago but I don't think either of us were ready for that. And now Mawile's come such a long way...I can't take away what he has now. I won't take him from those who'd need him more.'' He half-smiled as he glanced at Mawile. ''Hey, don't look so down. There's nothing wrong with that.''
"I guess you've been thinking about this too, huh?'' Brock received a nod, prompting him to go on. ''...And you were worried your choice would affect your friendship badly.''
Mawile grunted lowly in assent, not meeting anyone's gaze. He still didn't like to battle as it reminded him too much of the past but he would if he had to. He'd finally found a home here and Wally was the one person he'd consider leaving this for but still...he couldn't bring himself to do it, still...Mawile felt selfish after all the boy did for him.
"...Let's get one thing clear-that'd never happen.'' Wally knelt to his level. ''I just did what I thought was right by helping you and I was really happy to see what you've done so far. Seeing with all the other pokemon-having so many friends was amazing. Even if we have our own paths that doesn't mean we won't be friends anymore- actually so far as I'm concerned, you're like family. And that's not going to change, okay?''
This proved to be exactly what Mawile needed, leaving the delighted pokemon to hug his old friend. The rest couldn't help but smile at the touching scene, glad to see that everything was well with the two of them.
After dinner, Norman proceeded to tell an interested Ash and Max about his beginnings as a trainer. He was getting into a seemingly exciting story when an amue Caroline decided to interject ''Don't let him fool you, Norman's had quite the share of a screw ups as a trainer. Looking at him now and back then-why it's almost like night and day. As I'm sure Slaking can attest...''
She directed a look at the pokemon resting at a nearby corner of the garden. Slaking remained stoic but its slight smirk gave the game away. Norman threw them an exasperated look ''Double teamed by own wife and starter pokemon, unbelievable...''
"Oh, get used to it, dear. You're not likely win against either of us.'' Caroline chirped, Slaking nodding in assent. This made Norman groan as the boys snickered.
Diana petted Swablu, the cotton bird pokemon being just glad to learn that she was as kind as her son. Both glancing at Brock as he made a few notes. The breeder having asked to trade some cooking recipes once he found out how skilled Diana was. ''Wally tells me he's learned a lot from you.''
He helped us out plenty-he's really trying to make the most of our travels.'' Brock returned with a smile.
Skitty ran past the two, stopping near May, who picked her up with an amused look. The little pokemon gave a happy purr ''Oh, you...'' Shaking her head, she stopped to pat Torchic with her free hand before sitting down as the fire type beamed up at her.
"You've come a long way yourself, May. I'm glad to see you all get along so well.'' Norman remarked.
The girl grinned ''I'm learning a lot from our friends...'' Her gaze traveled between the group settled near the garden before resting on Ash with a fond smile. ''...wonder where Wally is...''
Wally looked up as he heard movement, seeing Tropius poke her head in from the window. ''Hey...'' Tropius smiled back, pausing to take in the sight of his room before looking back at him.
The fruit pokemon gave a grunt once she saw the book near him, now curious. Wally caught on ''...ah, it's just an old book. I spent a lot of time reading before I met Kirlia and left for Verdanturf. Being here now just has me thinking back...''
It was strange how things worked out-had it only been a few months since he left? Somehow, it felt much longer-he wasn't sure he would've believed any of this would've happened to him months ago. But here he was, he'd become a trainer like he wanted all this time and he found an amazing team of pokemon and great friends who welcomed him to their group. Wally didn't think he could express how much this all meant to him.
Pikachu came in sliding on an amused Tropius' neck before jumping and landing perfectly. The mouse pokemon gave his friends a bashful grin, Wally held back a smile and stroked his fur, leaving him pleased.
It wasn't long before they were joined by Ash, Kirlia and Brock, the former perking up ''There you are...''
I remember the last time we stayed over at your place. I don't think I've seen your room anywhere near this tidy, Ash. And that's really saying something coming from me.'' Brock teased. They'd known each for over three years now after all.
*Ha-ha.'' The boy in question deadpanned. ''I wouldn't go there-I've got stories by the bucketful too. Like the time you two just had to go through that ridiculous list of competitions and then you up and went...''
"Stop, stop!'' Now alarmed, Brock covered the boy's mouth with both hands. ''How do you even know about that?''
"Uh, probably because you and Mimey can't seem to bother being subtle.'' The latter drawled, not bothering to hide his smirk.
Wally wondered what that was about. He wasn't sure he should ask judging by this reaction. It couldn't be that bad, right?
Neither of the older boys missed the globe model on the desk with numerous notes pinned to it. As well as the books on one side of the desk and nearby notebooks. Ash could only see a few of the notes from here but it was a bunch of notes about the Hoenn region and its pokemon, reminding him of how studious their younger friend was. ''So what're you up to anyway, Wally?''
"Oh, just thinking back...'' The boy trailed off. ''...it's like, looking at everything here now makes me think of how much happened-of how much things changed. Is that what you guys meant when you said a journey can change people?''
"Yup. But come on, no need to be like that now...'' Ash proceeded to ruffle his hair. ''We're hardly getting started so there's a whole lot more good times coming our way-I'm sure, so you can count on that.''
Wally liked the sound of that ''Right.''
Well, let's stop here.
And that wraps up the Petalburg arc, they'll be on the road again stating the next chapter.
Even if he trusts Wally completely, Mawile's gotten used to expecting the worst out of everyone for almost all his life so he was really worried Wally wouldn't want to be friends anymore. It's just a habit he's learning to break. Besides, he couldn't simply just leave his charges behind and they know it. I plan for more appearances for him though-so far, I set up his biggest role to be in the Delta Episode, which will happen before the Hoenn League. I've got a bunch of plans for this story in mind, it's the Kanto part that I'm still trying to figure out.
Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!