The dragon launched himself forward, head tucked down. Paul scoffed, calling for Thunder Punch. The duck like Pokemon sidestepped, Thunder Punching the dragon in the side of the head. The dragon tumbled, crashing into the ground. He grunted, spinning to his feet. Krom called for Aerial Ace, and the dragon cloaked itself in silver energy. The dragon jumped, coming down. Paul called for Psychic, and the Pokemon grunted. Haxorus was cloaked in pink energy, and was then slammed to the ground. The dragon grunted, standing slowly. Granitwarf flexed his muscles, glaring across the field.
Paul called for Flamethrower. The flame shot from the cannon like hands of the Pokemon. Krom told Haxorus to dodge, the dragon leaping to the side. Krom called for Dual Chop, and the dragon launched himself forward. Paul told Magmortar to grab the dragon. He placed his hands out, and Haxorus ran straight for him. Krom looked at the Pokemon, wondering why it would grab Haxorus. He saw that the hands retracted into the cannons.
Krom cursed. "Haxorus, jump!" He called. The dragon propelled itself in the air, heading straight for the Magmortar. Paul scoffed. "Clear Smog." He said. White smoke flew through the Pokemon's hands, coating Haxorus. The dragon flew from the smoke, grunting as he hit the ground.
Magmortar smiled, and Haxorus stood, grunting. Krom tried to remember any move Haxorus could use, but his mind failed him. "Aerial Ace!" He called, hoping to damage the duck. The Pokemon cloaked itself in silver energy, charging the Pokemon. Paul scowled, calling for Clear Smog again, hoping to divert the dragon. The smoke flew from the hands of the Magmortar, coating the field.
Haxorus and Magmortar both disappeared. Paul grunted, calling for Flamethrower. Krom growled, and he called for Aqua Tail. The duck Pokemon's flame removed the misty smog, and Haxorus erupted from behind, spinning in air. His tail was cloaked in water, and struck the Magmortar in the back, causing it to stumble forward. Krom called for Dual Chop, and the dragon landed.
Haxorus slashed the duck with his left axe blade, spinning to use his right. The Magmortar fell forward, grunting. Krom called for Iron Tail. The dragon spun around, slamming his tail into the back of the Pokemon, defeating it.
Paul returned the Pokemon, sending out an Ursaring. The Pokemon roared, and Haxorus roared back. Paul commanded Ursaring to use Focus Blast, and Krom called for Hyper Beam. The dragon roared, shooting the beam from it's mouth. Ursaring sidestepped, launching the ball of blue energy. Haxorus grunted, falling to the ground defeated. Krom returned the dragon, growling. Simba hissed, throwing a Pokeball to Krom. "Don't fuck it up." He said. Krom blinked, and flung the ball. A Charizard roared loudly, and Krom gaped. Not only was the Pokemon huge, the lizard was wingless.
Krom smirked, ready. He commanded the Charizard to win, and he didn't care how. The Pokemon roared, charging forward. Silver energy was behind the Charizard. Paul didn't anticipate the Quick Attack from the dragon. He slammed into Ursaring, who stumbled back. Paul growled, calling for a Close Combat. The bear swung it's fist. The dragon leaned to the side, his eyes gleaming.
The bear uppercutted, the dragon leaning back. Charizard tripped the Ursaring, slamming his fists into his chest. The bear roared in pain, spinning to his feet. He swung his fist, Charizard blocking with his forearm. Charizard punched the bear, causing him to slide back. The Charizard used Quick Attack, slamming into the bear. The bear stumbled back, knocked to the ground by a Brick Break. The bear came up with a Thunder Punch, striking the dragon in the chin, causing him to stumble back.
The bear used Trash, attacking without care. He punched the dragon in the chest, causing him to stumble back. Charizard grabbed the bear's other fist, flinging him across the battlefield. The bear twirled, landing on his feet. The bear growled, and the Charizard smirked. The bear charged, and the dragon spun. The dragon used Dragon Tail, flinging the Pokemon back. The special effect of the move activated, and Ursaring was absorbed back into his Pokeball, an Aggron coming out roaring. Charizard streamed across the field, striking the Pokemon with Focus Punch.
The Aggron flew back, crying out. Charizard jumped forward, using Dragon Tail. The metallic beast flew back defeated. Ursaring was dragged from his Pokeball. However, before the energy of the Pokeball faded from his form, Charizard Hyper Beamed him in the chest, causing him to fly back defeated. The Charizard jumped, landing with his head tucked down, and arms raised, elbows bent. Paul growled, sending out a Weavile. He called for Ice Shard, the ball of ice forming.
The Pokemon launched the ball, Charizard using Fire Punch to avoid damage. Paul called for Ice Punch, and the Pokemon launched forward. Krom called for Quick attack. The dragon launched himself forward, stopping in front of the Weavile. The Pokemon flinched momentarily, giving the dragon time to defeat it with Brick Break. Paul growled, returning the Weavile and sending out a Nidoking. The Pokemon growled, eyes narrowed.
Paul called for Thunderbolt, the Pokemon shooting electricity from it's horn. The Charizard moved to the side, surging forward. Paul scoffed, calling for Poison Jab. The pokemon swung it's fist, which was coated in purple energy. The Charizard leaned to the side, grabbing the Pokemon around the waist. Charizard jumped into the sky, clenching the Pokemon. He spun in air, falling to the ground. Paul called for Thunderbolt, the Pokemon shrouded in electricity.
They hit the ground, sending dust and rock across the field. When the dust cleared, both Pokemon were defeated. Paul and Krom returned their Pokemon. Paul growled, sending out an Electivire. The Pokemon smiled, yelling loudly.
Across the village, The Oozaru felt the presence of the Pokemon, and flew across the village, his feet almost never touching the ground.
Krom debated which Pokemon to use. The, Infernape exploded onto the field, Fire Punching the Pokemon. The two Pokemon locked eyes, and felt their old rivalry spark. The pokemon charged it's fists with electricity, Infernape charging his with fire. They swung their fist, which collided and sent a massive shockwave across the village.
Electivire swung his fist, Infernape leaning to the left. Infernape swung his fist, colliding with the bear like Pokemon's chest, sending it flying back. The Pokemon jumped forward, coming down. Infernape jumped back, his rage building. He slammed his fist into the Pokemon, who screamed in pain, hitting the ground.
Infernape appeared to lose control, angered by the appearance of Paul and his Pokemon. The ape rammed his fist into the face of the Electivire, causing it to fly back. He roared loudly, unleashing a furious flurry of Mach Punches. The Pokemon was slammed into a deepening crater, crying out in pain. Infernape jumped back, wrapping himself in an orb of flame. He levitated into the sky, arm raised above his head. The ball of fire pulsated around his fingertip, and Paul looked up in shock.
Krom was shocked at the anger the normally spiritual and shamanistic ape had. Simba was slightly nervous, and Vraccas was annoyed. Granitwarf screamed up to the ape, who snapped out of his rage like trance. He floated back to the ground, head hung low. Paul called for Thunder, and the Pokemon jumped from the crater. The ape growled, folding his arms.
Infernape lunged forward, licking the bear. He used Blaze Kick, unleashing a flurry of kicks, the struck the Pokemon in the jaw, defeating it. The electric Pokemon crashed into his trainer, and both fell unconscious. Granitwarf grabbed the Pokemon, flinging him west, along with his trainer, dusting off his hands afterward.
The two landed in the waters between Castelia and Nacrene, floating absently. Suddenly, a swarm of Basculin rose to the surface, tearing into their flesh. He piranha shredded them, Paul's Pokeballs crushed under their jaws.
Simba chuckled, impressed by the dwarf's throw. He looked to the younger trainer, smiling. "Not bad. Looks like Infernape didn't like Electivire." He said, laughing. Krom looked to the ape, who walked off into the village. "I've never seen him like that. What happened?" He asked. Simba tilted his head. "If I had to guess, I'd say your Infernape is The Oozaru." He said, pupils widening to accommodate the setting sun. Krom tilted his head. "Oozaru?" He asked.
Simba nodded. "The Oozaru was an immensely powerful Infernape who vanished. We thought he'd have passed by now, but he's still here, and even stronger than before. The Oozaru used to be Paul's Pokemon, but was abandoned for his inability to use Blaze upon command, or be willing to be beat into a situation where he'd have to use it." He said. Krom growled. "Bastard. What happened after Paul abandoned him?" He asked. Simba turned. "Ash Ketchum adopted him making him his own Pokemon. From then on, Infernape was Ash's Pokemon, and now he's yours." He said. Krom couldn't believe it. He actually owned one of Ash Ketchum's Pokemon.
The Pokemon League congregated, minus Cheren. Alder smiled at everyone, greeting them politely. "So Alder, did you learn anything from your journey to Pinwheel Village?" Misty asked. Alder smiled. "Even if I did, why would I tell you? So you can shrug it off? There is no point in bestowing knowledge you don't want upon you." He said. Misty growled. "You can't with hold information from us!" She yelled. Alder tilted his head. "Why not? I'm above you. The leaves do not obey the roots." He said. She growled.
"Although, I was happy to see Paul again." He said, mentioning Ash's fickle rival. Drayden raised a brow. "He was there? What fate befell him?" He asked. Alder sighed. "He insulted Krom's new Pokemon, and then was challenged. And like a confident hare, the turtle surpassed him in his arrogance." He said. Drayden raised a brow. "Paul was defeated?" He asked. Alder nodded. "I was impressed. Simba-sama trained a wingless Charizard very well. It was able to defeat four of Paul's Pokemon alone." He said. The Sinnoh Leaders, Maylene in particular, began to grow worried. "I see. His Ursaring, Nidoking, Aggron, and Weavile fell, I presume?" Drayden asked. Alder smiled. "Yes. His Magmortar was also defeated after a valiant battle." He said.
Volkner Blitzengrund, leader of Sunnyshore City, sighed. "And who defeated the Magmortar?" He asked, unconcerned. Alder laughed. "Why, it was Cheren's Haxorus." He said. The Unova leaders, minus Homika, froze. "How?" Cilan asked, confused. Alder sighed. "I was hoping to make a comment, not monologue about everything." He said. He smiled. "Cheren gave his Haxorus one final beating before leaving him for dead. Unfortunately, he was in Nacrene, which is nearby the village. Chief Bishop's Pawniard found him and brought him back, where Glenda healed him." He said.
Misty scowled. "But how does a Haxorus fight tuskless?" She asked. Alder smiled. "How does a blind child play? Because they want to." He said. Marlon laughed. "A tuskless Haxorus beat a two hundred year old Magmortar, trained by Paul of all people?" He laughed, finding it funny. The old woman slammed her staff down, the snake Pokemon hissing. "Do you find our meetings funny? Because if you do, then leave. The Haxorus was not tuskless. Have you forgotten who Krom's strongest Pokemon is?" she asked, eyes narrowed. Marlon still laughed. Alder pulled a Pecha Berry from his poncho.
"Silence." He said. He showed the berry to the leaders. "You're all lucky you're alive. Ash Ketchum blessed all of you with extended lives. I was raised by a Halfling in a secluded village, while you remained leaders for more years than I've lived. Simba-sama taught me one thing I'd never forget," He said, holding their attention. "He taught me that even the most harmless things can change the world. With this Berry, I could save lives by healing poison. The dwarf forged Haxorus a device that allows him to interchange axes of various shapes and sizes, and sharpness." He said.
"If that doesn't get it in your thick skulls, maybe this will." He said, pulling a piece of yellow skin from his poncho." This is Paul's Electivire after a school of Basculin attacked their near lifeless bodies. Granitwarf threw them across the region after The Oozaru beat them half to death." He said.
They all paled. Krom Hitoawa was in possession of Ash's Infernape. They were all in stark shock that one of the strongest Pokemon in history was under their noses this whole time. The old woman laughed. "I thought I recognized Oozaru-sensei. He was so broken up when Grandpa died." she said. Misty turned to her. "Grandpa?" She asked, perplexed. The old woman chuckled. "Of course. Do you think Hareta hi is my birth name? Gods no. I was born Kurai Bashode Wa Ketchum. Ash was my grandfather." she said. They all were in shock, except Iris, who was her grandmother.
Misty scoffed. "Regardless, he's still no match for anyone from Kanto. And besides, how do you use Pokemon like that? An angry Golurk? Water beats it. A tuskless Haxorus. Water Pokemon can use Ice moves more often than not. The Bastiodon is weak to water, same as the dwarf. The Boldore is, as is her Golett and Druddigon. Leavanny and Deino are weak to ice, along with Emolga. Torterra is ridiculously weak to ice, and the dark Pokemon have nearly no defenses. And that ape is weak to water and psychic. My Starmie would smash his entire team without breaking a sweat." She said, folding her arms.
Homika stopped strumming her bass. "Prove it." She said. Misty turned to her. "I want your fucking pathetic ass to prove it. I want you to head to Pinwheel Village and defeat Krom Hitoawa. And if you fail, you are to give him a Gym badge." She said. Misty scoffed. "I'm above you, remember? Go back to playing your shitty music, and let the real gym leaders talk business." She said. Homika growled, and Alder placed his hand on the table.
"You're the only one here besides me and Kurai who hasn't been injected. Because of your family's tradition of having the youngest female child the leader, which also granted you longevity I'm jealous of. But, regardless of your family's immense lifespans or your ability to talk a good game, Homika is right." He said. Misty raised a brow. "I, Alder Akumu, foster son of Simba Lionheart, sensei of Krom Hitoawa, command you to challenge Krom to a battle, and give him a badge if you lose." he said. Misty paled. "Oh by the way, Homika's music is better than most." He said.
The old woman laughed. "I want to make this interesting though. Misty Kasumi of Cerulean City, you are to travel with Homika Blackwater to Pinwheel Village. If you fail to arrive or refuse, you shall meet the same fate as Cheren." she said. Misty grunted. "I have to travel with her?" she asked. Homika laughed. "I know, it's always horrible to travel with someone who's better looking than you. Oh wait, you've always done that." she quipped, angering misty. Misty opened her mouth to respond, but Alder placed his hand on the table.
"Enough. You are to depart first thing in the morning." He said. Misty grunted. Homika laughed. "Fine by me. At least I get to met Krom." She said. Meanwhile, in Pinwheel Village, Krom Hitoawa sneezed.