Chapter 8: Hoen, the New Frontier! Part 1

A few days passed, and work was quiet for those at the Cerise Laboratory. Chloe went to school, and Ash, Goh, and Lillie helped around the lab, but no major incidents had occurred. At the moment, Goh and Lillie were eating Breakfast while Ash had gone to fetch the mail.

"Man, I wish something would happen! Its boring just sitting around waiting for an assignment."

"Don't say that. Now there's going to be some kind of crazy incident. I'm just glad to have some peace and quiet. Isn't that right, Snowy?"

"Vul!"

Just then, Ash came in, a huge grin on his face.

"Anyone fancy a trip to Hoen?"

Goh and Lillie were puzzled, until Ash pulled out a flyer. It was advertising a new attraction called the Battle Resort opening up today with a small tournament.

"I know the guy who owns it, and Its been forever since I've had a good battle. What do you guys say?"

Goh shrugged, not really caring either way.

"Yeah, why not. Not like we've got anything better to do today. What about you, Lillie?"

"Sure! I've never battled before, maybe it'll be exciting!"

"Great! Remember, you need 2 Pokemon for the tournament."

An hour later, the trio had arrived at the Battle Resort, though Goh quickly left to go on a catching spree before the competition, leaving Ash and Lillie alone. As expected, there were a lot of people waiting to sign up.

"He owns The Battle Frontier in Kanto, too. A couple years ago I challenged the Frontier Brains and beat all of them, and let me tell you it was a blast! Look, there he is. Hey, Scott!"

Sure enough, the sunglasses wearing businessman made his wave over to them, shaking Ash's hand.

"Ash, long time no see! Congrats on the championship."

"Thanks! How's Anabel?"

"Still getting used to the peace and quiet, but she's getting there."

"That's good. So, this is your new venture, huh?"

"Yep! With any luck, I'll have more facilities open in the future, though I'm still scouting for them. You know, my offer still stands..."

"Thanks, but I've got my hands full as is."

"I understand. And who are you?"

"I'm Lillie, I met Ash in Alola. And, well, we're..."

"Say no more. I guess you two will be entering the tournament?"

"You know it! And I'm going to win!"

"That's the spirit! Just wait until you see the secret prize."

"Huh? What is it?"

"Well, if I tell you it won't be a surprise. Anyway, I've got to go finish getting ready. See you guys later!"

Ash and Lillie waved goodbye. Just then, they felt a large shadow fall over them.

"Excuse me!"

Turning around, they saw a Hariyama glaring down at him, a teen their age atop his shoulder. He had sharp teeth, and his hair was pointed in a forward spike. From a distance, one might mistake him for a Garchomp. Ash and Lillie felt a little intimidated.

"Could you please move? You're blocking my way."

The teen waved his empty water bottle in annoyance. Looking behind him, Ash found that there was indeed a recycling can.

"Whoops, sorry."

"Nah, don't worry about it. Hariyama, mind letting me down?"

"Ama!"

The Fighting type knelt down, allowing the boy to lean over and throw his bottle away...

Only to lean too far and fall right off, wedging his head in the recycling bin, much to Ash and Lillie's shock.

"Are you alright?"

After a moment of struggle, the teen freed himself, a huge red mark on his face.

"Never better! I'm Hodge."

"I'm Ash, and that's Lillie."

The three sat down, and began chatting.

"So, you competed in last year's Hoen League?"

"Yep! Would've won it, too, but some kid with glasses and a Gardevoir knocked me out in the Top 8. But then I heard about this Battle Facility, and I just had to check it out! And with my Hariyama by my side, I'm gonna win it no sweat!"

"Hariyama!"

"Who's your other Pokemon, though?"

"Heh, like I'd tell you that! Sorry kid, you're just going to have to-"

"GET BACK HERE!"

Just then, a Mightyena leapt out of the bushes behind them, scared out of its wits. Goh followed not long after, Pokeball at the ready.

"You're mine. Pokeball, Go-"

"STOP! That's my Pokemon!"

"Huh?"

Hodge bent down and stroked his Pokemonn's fur, calming him down.

"What's the big idea, trying to steal someone else's Pokemon?"

"Gee, I'm sorry. I just got a little excited. I just started out as a Pokemon trainer, and-"

"Wait, you're a rookie?"

"Yeah, so?"

Hodge laughed, almost keeling over.

"Ha, that's rich! I bet you haven't even had a Pokemon battle, and you're going to compete in the tournament? I bet you won't even make it past the first round."

"Yeah, well Pokemon battling is overrated! I'm more of a researcher."'

Hodge scoffed, then checked the time.

"I've got to get going, registration will close soon. See ya later."

Hodge walked away, leaving Goh to seethe in fury.

"Grr, that guy makes my blood boil!"

"Calm down, Goh. Getting all worked up won't do you any good."

"Wait, didn't he say registration would close soon? We'd better get going!"

"Oh, right!"