Author's Note:
Here it is, the start of the Slateport arc. It won't be nearly as long as Dewford so don't worry. We get to see our first sight of Team magma; they are a bigger departure from the game counter parts to what Team Aqua is but that's because I didn't want them to be the same team with a different name. As Matt was the first team aqua member we met, this is his Magma counterpart but like I said, they aren't a carbon copy. We also get to meet May's first rival in Hoenn and... I've got some plans for him down the road. I can guess a lot of you won't like those plans but it's definitely a different type of rivalry to any I've showcased so far. Last chapter, quite a few people seemed upset that Ash didn't try to catch Swampert, but I thought I made the reason why in the chapter pretty obvious. Swampert was a champion's Pokémon and still had an active Pokéball. Even if he wanted to try and get it, all that would've happened was it would fail. Not much else to say, just remember to vote in the poll as it changes when we reach chapter twenty-one and with that, let's begin.
Chapter nineteen: Team Magma & Oceanic Museum
May smiled as her feet landed on the warm golden beach of Slateport. While not nearly as big as the beach on Dewford, it seemed just as inviting with sunchairs galore. People and Pokémon of different ages and species respectively filled her area with the sights of the city just off in the background.
"Aye, we made it!" Mr Briney smiled, "and just in time too. The sun shall be setting soon. Slateport is meant to have the most beautiful sunset in the world!"
"Thank you, Mr Briney," Serena bowed, "for everything. I don't know how we would've made it this far without your help."
"Don't mention it, little lady," he smiled, "sailing these southern seas is what I do. It was my pleasure."
With all of them following to show their thanks, they set off across the beach. It didn't take them too long to reached the edge and walk through a small marketplace with all different stands and shops. A port filled with large cargo ships were to the right but most of the stalls were closing up, so it was difficult to make out any of them imparticular. A warm orange colour painted the sky as the sun began to set over the water's horizon.
"Wow, Mr Briney was right," May gasped. With the others turning to take in the sight
"Yeah, this sunset is beautiful," Brock added, a small smile on his face. She glanced down to the side, wondering what her bother could've thought about it but only to find his head stuck in his Pokenav rather than watching the scenery. He can be so immature sometimes.
Still... views like these are why she loves travelling.
"You know Ash, it won't be long before it's our third-year anniversary," Serena commented, trapping his hand between her two and wrapping herself around his arm, "it's hard to believe in a few weeks it'll be three years since we got together. It doesn't feel like any time has passed at all."
"I know the feeling," he smiled, as she swung on his arm, as if trying to drag him away but in a playful way, "I know you said we'll celebrate it at Lilycove-"
"And I meant it. I've looked over the best date locations for Hoenn and Lilycove covers six out of the top ten rated spots," she insisted, "I knew we wouldn't be visiting it straight away and even assumed it'll be after the day but not this far away."
"So why not just celebrate the day on the actual day?" May found herself asking.
"Well... we do," Ash shrugged, "but being on the road. We could never guess where we'd end up on the actual day, so we make a deal to pick a random city and celebrate it there. It was because on our first anniversary we were abroad a short cruise ship without much to do to celebrate."
"When I saw the Hoenn Map, I realised that the gyms at Petalburg, Rustboro and Dewford were really close together so I thought we'd cover them quickly in our travels, then be working west towards Mauville and Larvaridge gyms by the time our anniversary rolled around," Serena explained, "then heading back to Lilycove shortly afterwards. Picking up some showcases along the way."
"Then I joined in and delayed your plans," May continued, "and you didn't challenge our dad either."
"But that's probably for the best," Max added, "he is the toughest gym leader in the entire Hoenn region... actually, the world. You'll need all the help you can get, Ash."
"We'll see, Max, we'll see," Ash chuckled, shaking his head before focusing on his girlfriend, "but I guess that means we'll just get to celebrate twice."
"It also means you have time to put Brawly's workout to the test," Serena purred, looping her arms around his neck as she walked backwards, "and we'll be able to celebrate properly."
As the couple became affectionate with one another, she glanced to the side to see Brock already bringing out a couple of his Pokémon, namely Aron and Mudkip to distract her brother. Letting her own thoughts wonder, May began to consider her own love life... or lack of one. She knew Brendan was available should she become desperate, but they have a good friendship, she couldn't let a romantic relationship ruin that, even if he's pretty cute. Obviously, her only choice to not put an established friendship in potential deputy would be-
Hitting something, she found herself curled over as her eyes opened to blurry vision. The bright red roof of a Pokémon centre didn't help, especially when contrasted against the night sky. Shaking her head, she tried to push herself back up.
"Oh, erm sorry," she apologised.
She looked up to see who she just bumped into. He was a boy a little bit older than herself but still younger than Ash and Serena. Medium length green hair, with a styled strand flicked to the side of his forehead. He was dressed in in a long sleeved smart black shirt with a sleeveless, purple blazer over the top. Sparkling silver cufflinks at the wrists with smart dark blue trousers and black smart shoes. With hazel emerald eyes looking down at her with brows narrowed. He obviously didn't seem too pleased with their meeting.
"You should watch where you're going," he scoffed.
"That's hardly fair," Serena's voice interjected, "you were the one who bumped into May."
"And what-" he paused as he turned around. Looking up and down at older girl, his entire posture changed as he straightened himself out and dust of her clothes, flicking his lips up into a charming smirk as his eyes levelled out, "are you doing here beautiful?"
"Excuse me?" she asked, as he took her hand in his. She quickly pulled it back but from his movement, it was clear he went to kiss her hand.
"No need to be scared, I know exactly who you are," he reassured, "you see, I watched last year's Johto grand festival. We're cut from the same cloth, as it were. I just wasn't prepared to meet you here or now, I thought you was looking into the showcase circuit instead of contests."
"I'm not competing in contests right now," she replied, "but that still doesn't answer who you are."
"Drew Shū. And yes, that is Shū as in Shū-freight-international," he replied, "biggest export shipping service in the world. Everything from Pokéballs to motor vehicles, but right now I'm competing in the Hoenn contest circuit. After being educated by the best in the world, I felt it was time to show my flare."
"Right," Serena sighed, "well... good luck in the contest but as for the other stuff. Not interested."
"No need to be hasty bab-" he was cut off by Ash stepping forward. Putting himself between this Drew and Serena. She also noticed Brock scurrying to get himself and Max inside, clearly not wanting her little brother to watch this interaction.
"She said no," Ash repeated in a low threatening tone. Sounding so different to his usual voice, sent a shiver down her spine. From this angle, she also couldn't help but notice the build difference between them. Namely, Ash seemed to have a significant amount of muscle lacking on the green-haired boy.
"Thanks babe but I don't need you to scare of this guy," Serena reassured, poking her head over her boyfriend shoulder. She used one hand on Ash's cheek to turn his head and press her lips against his. It seemed she purposely made the kiss last long enough until Drew just turned around and stormed away without a word. Her eyes fluttered open and seemed to look around. She pulled out of the show of affection seeing as he had gone.
While Ash stumbled backwards, clearly having been caught off guard. His face was bright red with rugged breaths. Losing his intimidating stance completely, he rested his arms against his knees whilst trying to regain his breath.
"And that May, is how you deal with a problem," she smirked, "I leant a long time ago boys don't take hints or clues. You need to be direct."
"B-but what if Ash wasn't here?" she stuttered, not having expected this particular lesson, "what then?"
"Hitmontop is pretty direct too," she shrugged, "but really, any of my Pokémon would've worked. Or ya know-"
Pausing her speech, she held a handout as it glew with psychic type energy. Her eyes also clouded over before she stopped the little demonstration.
"I still can't believe you can do stuff like that," May shook her head, "and you had a cute guy hit on you as well. It's like your, I dunno-"
"You thought Drew was cute?" she asked, a devilish smirk forming on her lips, "well if that's the case then you just need to win the contest. After all, he only seemed interested in me because I competed back in Johto's contest circuit."
"Heh, I guess," she chuckled, "but you need to tell me more about your time competing. I mean, I know you also did that chateau thing in Kanto, and I guess that's why you can carry seven Pokémon unlike the rest of us."
"Huh?" the honey-blonde girl quirked an eyebrow up.
"Max mentioned that the only reason trainers can carry more than six Pokémon at a time is because they've proven themselves in their competition circuit of choice," May shrugged, "so I just thought it made sense. But you still have to tell me more about your actual contests."
"I will do but not before you've had a chance to experience them yourself," she reassured, "after all, I wouldn't want to influence your own experiences."
"Thanks Serena," she smiled, "you've really helped me get ready for this contest. You're the best."
"Well to make sure you're ready for both rounds, Ash and I spoke it over," she smiled, "he's gonna be your training partner for tomorrow. I have no-doubt you'll get through the appeals round so we need to make sure your prepared for the battle round too."
"Me and Poochyena, right?" she smirked.
"If Poochyena is the one your gonna go with," Serena replied, "but have you thought it through? As a steel type, Mawile would cover the most types defensively and give you a much easier time. Or Torchic I feel would have more experience, I mean he did help catching three out of your Pokémon, when you don't count himself."
"Maybe but he's a fire type... and you've seen Hoenn, it's filled with water," she sighed, "last thing I'd want is take him in and get walled by Corphish or Mudkip or another water type. It's just a gut feeling, I feel like Poochyena will do it."
"I know I've made battle decisions on my gut before," Ash commented, seemingly recovered, "so I say go for it! But we should probably get to bed sooner rather than later. It's already dark out, after all."
Nodding in agreement with the couple, they finished the trek inside of the Pokémon centre and booked the two rooms. Brock left a message at the desk for them, explaining he and Max were already settled in their room. Bidding the couple goodbye, May made her way through the centre as a small smile spread across her lips. A certain cute boy re-emerging in her memory... who could blame a girl for finding someone good looking even if she hardly knows them?
Serena smiled as she looked at the two groups they had split into. After a breakfast in the Pokémon centre cafeteria, they decided to head off on their own little journeys. They were currently watching as both Ash and May disappeared, walking towards one of the small beaches which is meant to be isolated, perfect for training. With a happy sigh, she turned back to her own companions.
"So Max, Brock, are you ready for the oceanic museum?" she asked.
"Yeah!" Max cheered, throwing his fist in the air.
She briefly locked eyes with the Pokémon breeder who shared her pleased smile. While it was clear whose idea this was, neither of them minded. It was just as much Max's journey as theirs and it's not like they avoided places like this in Johto or Kanto. With the doctor-in-training leading the way, she followed beside with Max at her side.
Brock had let out his Lotad for the young boy to play with, as he carried Mudkip himself. Aron was by his feet, leading the way with Brock. It was a pleasant sight, as she felt the feeler embrace her own hand. Giving Sylveon a small smile, she knew how nice it was to just interact with friends like this.
"So, Brock, did you check out that surprise I told you about?" she asked him through her ESP, careful not to give away the surprise to Max.
"I did," he replied, "and if we leave straight after the contest. I mean that evening, then we should have plenty of time to reach it."
Happy with the response, she thought they could do it but wanted Brock to double check. He was the expert at working out those sorts of timings, after all, and after reading about it in the Slateport & surrounding areas guidebook, she knew it would be perfect for the young boy.
"So Max, I've got a surprise for you," Brock spoke up, causing her to raise an eyebrow. This was meant to be a surprise for him, "after the conversation at the Devon corporation about our starters and the special place they hold with trainers. I made a couple switches before breakfast. Namely sending Dugtrio and Crobat back to family in Pewter."
"Cool!" he cheered, as she sighed in relief, relaxing her posture. She should've known Brock wouldn't spoil such a thing, "so who do you have now?"
"I've brought over my own starter, Steelix. He's a little big to fit into the museum, though, so I'll introduce you two later," he smiled, "and as for the second one, why not check him out yourself."
He held his Pokéball out and in a flash of light, his second Pokémon called over appeared. Delibird landed on the ground in front of them with a wide smile spread over his beak, "Deli! Deli!"
"Wow, a Delibird!" he cried, "I don't think there are any others in the Hoenn region!"
"I wouldn't be surprised," Serena smiled, "this climate is probably the furthest thing from Delibird's natural habitat. We met him high in the Johto mountains and it was pretty cold thinking about it."
The ice flying type took off from his position and soared up to Brock's shoulder. Reaching into his sack-like tail pulling out a square box wrapped in colourful paper. Handing it to his trainer, he soared over and landed on her shoulder, quickly passing her a present as well before taking off and soaring down to land on Max's shoulder. He wobbled at the impact and the present Pokémon had to hop off onto the floor in front of him, quickly reaching to grab a third present.
Smiling at the pleased look on the Pokémon's face, she decided not to waste time and open her present. Sylveon took the lid with one of her feelers, as she looked in to see a colourful drawing of scribbles of different colours and shapes, clearly done by one of the youngest siblings Brock has. As she looked up to ask him who it might've belonged to, a bang caught her attention. It seemed Brock had a similar idea about opening his present, only to reveal some sort of explosive... similar to when they first met the ice flying type. A mask of soot covered the breeders face as he deadpanned looked back at them.
Turning towards Max, he seemed more interested in his own gift rather than what just happened to Brock. Hanging a hand by her side, she extended all her fingers, ready to use her powers to knock the present away should it explode as well. The young boy reached inside and, "awesome! It's a Pokéball!"
"You know Max, everyone needs to start somewhere," Brock smiled, "how about you keep that Pokéball safe and when you're a trainer, you'll be able to use it to build your team."
"Really?!" Max cheered, a hopeful glimmer in his eyes. He pushed up his glasses up to wipe his eyes, "thank you."
"Don't mention it," he smiled.
She couldn't help but smile at the sight as well. It really did mean a lot to the young boy. While she really wasn't as excited or waiting to become a trainer, she can certainly relate to it now. He really does remind her of Ash at that age, even if he's slightly more studious than he was... or even is now.
"Hey Brock, are you sure letting him keep that Pokéball is, okay?" Serena asked, through her ESP, "surely it belonged to someone else already."
"Yeah, if I had to guess it would be either Forrest or my dad... I doubt he would've had access to either of us for long enough to take one of ours," he replied in a nonchalant way, "and if either of them gets upset over it then I'll replace it for them myself. I doubt one Pokéball isn't gonna hurt anyone."
She smiled as she realised, he was right. She'd discuss the picture with him later, if his little brother or sister who drew it wanted it back, she wouldn't argue in the slightest, but it was nice to have something from them. After having Brock be like an older brother for the last few years, she feels like his actual family back in Pewter is just an extension to her own. Shaking her thoughts away, she realised that they had made it to their location.
A two-floored building overlooking the ocean stood in front of them, with some light shrubbery decorating the glass sliding doors. Many windows around the edges decorated the separate levels but a turquoise colour contrasted off the blue sky reflecting off the glass. As the doors opened it revealed a few people inside, but it was hardly crowded. She glanced to the side and saw a wide grin on the young boy's face, causing her own smile to widen.
"Well Max, are we just gonna stand around here or should we go inside?" Brock asked.
He didn't wait another second and charged off inside the building. Covering her mouth, she let out a small giggle at his excitement, she followed in and went up to the counter where a receptionist was waiting. Paying for two trainer and one child's ticket, she followed the two inside. After winning the grand festival, she received a nice lump-sum in prize winnings, so it wasn't a massive deal paying for the other two.
"Look at all the water Pokémon!" she heard Max exclaim.
Turning towards where he was located, she saw a whole section of the lower floor. Walking over to the area she noticed it had been split into different sections, housing different water type Pokémon. The first she recognised as Lanturn and Chinchou. Thinking back to Misty's little troll made her thankful they didn't need to deal with those shenanigans now even if she does miss Misty.
The second tank held another aquatic fish Pokémon, but she hadn't seen it before. They were covered with rough, brown scales that seemed to resemble a rock coating. Their tan head had protruding cheekbones, which were smaller on some of them than others. A triangular spike protruding from the back of their heads. Tan patches covering their bodies and a red spot on either side. They each possessed two pairs of pectoral fins, and watching them move through the water, it was clear they were how they swam. Additionally, they had dorsal and pelvic fins near their tail. While the tail fin had a wavy outline. Intrigued by the interesting Pokémon, she pulled out her Pokedex:
Relicanth, The Longevity Pokémon. Relicanth is a rare species that was discovered in deep-sea explorations. This Pokémon's body withstands the enormous water pressure of the ocean depths. Its body is covered in tough scales that are like craggy rocks. They are believed to have lived since prehistoric times, unchanged due to living in the same constant environment, away from human interference
"Wow, Relicanth are really old," she mused as she moved over the next tank.
The next tank over held some Feebas and looking at the information table posted in front of the tank, she saw the image of the long, serpent-like Milotic which Feebas evolved into. She had already seen Milotic before when researching it with her own Feebas but seeing the full image made her excited for the day that they reach it. Although when she read that the actual evolution requirements, we're unknown but believed to do with beauty, she inwardly sighed. If its special requirements aren't well known, then they might need to wait for a little while.
One tank over and the final one held a collection of small pink Pokémon with relatively flat bodies in the shapes of hearts. Their bodies were a primarily light pink colour, with pale lips and circular markings on their cheeks. Smiling at the sight of them, she used her Pokedex once more:
Luvdisc, The Rendezvous Pokémon. Swimming in large groups, due to the heart shaped body Luvdisc is known as a symbol of love and romance. At beaches, they are known to swarm around couples who truly love each other
Putting the device away, she couldn't help but wonder if Ash was here, would the Luvdisc show them any special attention to them. Feeling the Butterfree's in her stomach at the thought, she turned around to look across the floor. One exhibit imparticular caught her attention. Setting off cross the floor, she stopped in front of a glass case which held a model boat. Specifically, the st anne, which brought back some memories of her own visit to the luxury liner.
She wasn't on there for long, only one afternoon whilst they visited Vermillion city, but it held special memories for her. It was just after Ash released Butterfree and he wasn't exactly himself, but they met up with Gary. After he gave the raven-haired boy a talking to, they ended up slow dancing together.
While she couldn't be certain, it felt like a turning point in their relationship. Afterwards, Ash seemed more receptive to her hints.
"You know, the St Anne... the original ship, at least, was built at Slateport's very own shipyard," a voice appeared behind her. She turned to see a man stood beside her in a turtle colour turquoise shirt with a grey blazer over top. Short, combed brown hair and matching grey suit trousers, "sorry for intruding, my names Stern. I'm the curator of this museum and I like to interact with my visitors. It makes keeping this place open more worthwhile."
"Keeping it open?" she repeated.
"Yes... it's hardly a tourist attraction and my other work takes up more and more of my time," he replied, "I'm also a marine biologist and the entire second floor of this museum is dedicated to my work in that field. Sorry to disturb you, again."
"Oh no, it's fine," she shook her head, "actually, I'm here with a couple friends and one of them, I'm sure, would love to meet you. He's really big on this sort of thing."
"Well in that case, I'd be happy to meet them," he smiled, "brightening the minds of the next generation is part of the responsibility for my generation. And everyone that follow's it."
Smiling back, she scanned the room once more. Easily spotting both Max and Brock stood by a second exhibit, she made her way over with the curator behind.
May smiled as she felt the warm golden sun on her skin and the sand under her feet. Fresh ocean air filled her nostrils as she took in the sight. Rather than the main beach of Slateport, which they arrived on yesterday, this one was much smaller and the other side of the docks, meaning no-one was using it. A perfect place to train for contest, with Ash stood beside her.
"Come on out everyone!" she smiled, tossing each Pokéball into the air.
"And you guys too," Ash added, releasing his own team.
A crowd of: Torchic, Beautifly, Poochyena, Mawile, Clampearl, Pikachu, Donphan, Duskull, Taillow, Treecko and Corphish appeared in front of them. She smiled at the sight and chanced a glance to Ash, who stepped up beside her.
"Alright guys, we're both helping May prepare for the contest but getting our own training done as well," he smiled, "Duskull, I want you to be my battle partner with May, alright."
"Duskull," he nodded, floating over to his head.
"As for the rest of you," he mused, "Pikachu and Donphan, continue with what you were doing before. Treecko, remember that move I told you about?"
"Tree," he nodded, with the usual serious look in his eye. Twig swirling in his lips.
"Well now that Taillow's shown you have to harness flying type energy, I want you to give it a go," he explained, "it'll be useful against something like a bug or fighting type."
His pure grass type nodded and walked off. Taking up a meditative stance on the beach a little bit away.
"Taillow and Corphish, I'm pairing you both up as well," he nodded to the two remaining Pokémon, "I want you to work on your accuracy, Corphish. Bubble beam is great, but it doesn't always hit. Taillow, keep your distance and try not to get hit."
The female bird rolled her eyes but gave a small nod. Flapping her wings, she took off and Corphish went crawling after her, quickly launching his attack.
"So, May," Ash spoke, "if you set your team onto training then we can get started."
"Right," she nodded, scanning her team of five, "alright Poochyena, you'll be with me and Ash for battle practise. Beautifly, work on your new routine that we talked about with Serena after your evolution. Clampearl, I want you to work on that performance idea we had as well."
Both Pokémon nodded and her bug flying type gave her newest team member some help moving into a clearing.
"So Torchic and Mawile," she grabbed the attention of her last two Pokémon, "I want you two to work on battling technique as well. There will be other contests we have to compete in after Slateport, after all."
The two nodded, although one was clearly more enthusiastic than the other and took off across the sandy beach.
"Good start May," Ash praised, stepping forward, "you're really getting good at started these training sessions. But I do have one suggestion."
"Huh?" she asked.
"Don't try to categorise your team into performers or battlers," he replied, "yes, they could each have a preference but most of them would be good in both positions and training for both would grow their experiences. Obviously, it comes down to the individual Pokémon, but I could see Torchic or Poochyena working just as well in appeals as the battle round. Vice versa for Beautifly and Clampearl in battles."
"Right," she nodded, "I'll bare it in mind but for now I don't want to switch stuff up to much because of how close the Slateport contest is."
"Of course," he nodded, taking up a spot on the beach. Creating a makeshift field between them, she watched his pure ghost type float out in front of him. A smile formed on her lips as she glanced to her side and Poochyena ran out to match, "to start with, let's see what sort of combinations you have. Duskull, were gonna be on the defensive and reacting, alright."
"Kull!" he cried out with a thumbs up. Ash's red cheeks made her giggle. It was obvious the ghost made some sort of inappropriate joke.
"Alright Poochyena, let's start with Odor sleuth!" she cheered.
Her dark canine Pokémon nodded and closed his eyes, sniffing around the ground. Opening his eyes, they locked on Duskull with a glare.
"Good start, May," Ash praised, "it might not be appealing but strategically it takes away Duskull's biggest advantage. So, what else do you have?"
"Let's use your tackle and bite combination!" she chorused.
Poochyena let out a loud cry and dart off across the sand, with impressive speed. Leaping forward he went to knock the pure ghost down.
Duskull, however, floated up and out of the way. He hovered overhead as her dark type landed on the ground, pulling a mocking face at him.
"Good combination May but remember that your opponent won't just wait around for you to attack," Ash called out.
"So, what should I have done?" she asked.
"Don't give away your endgame, or in this case bite, straight away," he explained, "have Poochyena get in close then reveal bite. If your opponent both know what you're planning, then both the trainer and Pokémon can come up with ways to counter whilst you're getting in close."
"Alright Poochyena, then let's try something else," she declared, "use dig!"
Her pure dark type nodded. Leaping up into the air, he dived down buried underground, out of sight, leaving just a single hole behind.
She chanced a glance to Ash who seemed in deep thought before a smirk rested on his face, "go to the hole and send in a will-o-wisp."
Duskull nodded and floated down to the hole. A series of blue fire balls orbited around him in a spooky fashion.
"Now bite!" she cried as he goes low enough to the floor.
Poochyena leaped out of the ground behind the ghost type. With his mouth wide open, dark type energy spewed out. Clamping it down on their opponent, he attempted to float away as the fireballs faded. Taking her dark type canine with him.
"Disable," he instructed.
The requiem Pokémon looked down at her bite Pokémon and his big red eye glew. Poochyena froze in place as his dark type energy fade and he let go.
Falling down, he landed on his side with flames bursting around him. She gasped at the sight and turned to Ash.
"You need to bear in mind what your opponent's style is," he explained, "most are easy to determine, even if you haven't met that particular Pokémon before. I know Poochyena is a close-range fighter and your first combination showed that. But Duskull has more of a hinderance style using moves like disable, will-o-wisp or the like to break down his opponents. We let you get close and into a comfort zone so we could pull of our one strategy."
"So, what do we do now?" she asked, crossing her arms with a pout.
"Now you go on the defensive," he smirked, "we're still having a battle, after all. Duskull use shadow sneak."
Ash's pure ghost type dived into the ground, leaving a massive black shadow on the floor with red eyes. It shot off cross the ground.
"Run Poochyena!" she commanded.
Her dark canine took off across the sandy field, whimpering from the burn inflicted. She frowned at the sight because his best attack couldn't be used.
The shadow shot up in a zigzaggy pattern. Trailing behind, Duskull shot out and tackled him across the ground, leaving her bite Pokémon to roll across the ground as he flew away. Flames still burning around his body. What would Ash do in this situation?
Her mind flashed back to his battle with Roxanne. Specifically, when Taillow suppressed her own burn with Armaldo's water pulse.
"Head into the water!" she called out.
"Confuse ray," he shrugged.
Poochyena took off across the sandy beach with the flames sizzling out around him. Their opponent floating behind, launching out a golden ball towards him.
"Sand attack behind you and don't stop!" she instructed.
He briefly stopped his charge and kicked up a heap of sand. It intercepted the confuse ray, causing it to implode as he continued forward.
"Congrates May, that was a great counter," Ash praised. Poochyena dived into the water, after a few seconds, he leaped back out shaking his fur, "just be careful May. That might limit the damage a burn will cause but it won't neutralise it's other affect."
"What other affect?" she asked.
"Certain status moves have secondary affects," he explained, "along with limiting movement, paralysis make the Pokémon much slower. While a burn, along with causing little bits of damage, also affects the Pokémon's attacking power. Taillow gets through it thanks to her guts ability but-"
"Poochyena doesn't have guts," she finished his sentence, with a heavy sigh, she pulled out her Pokedex, "what was his ability again? Quick feet, I think."
Quick Feet: If this Pokémon is inflicted with a primary status condition, then their speed is doubled.
Her face widened at the realisation, "charge in for a tackle!"
Like a bullet, he took off across the ground, faster than she's ever seen him. Catching both their opponents of guard, he leaped and tackled Duskull.
The ghost type landed on the ground as he straddled on top.
"Good job May," Ash praised, "but stuff like that you won't be able to look up during the battle. The judges are fine with quick refreshers from a Pokedex before the battle starts or if something major changes, like an evolution but pulling it out for different moves or to fact check before each move would hinder your points."
"Right," she nodded, "I'll bare that in mind."
Before she could say anything however, her attention was drawn by a cough. It was clearly someone clearing their throat and allowing their presence to be known. Chancing a glance up at Ash, his face had dropped. Turning around, she was surprised to see Drew again with some sort of Pokémon hovering behind.
"Oh, it's you two again," he scoffed, as the Pokémon flying behind him caught her attention.
It appeared to be another bug type, with a similar body shape to her Beautifly but with some clear differences. Firstly, it was a light blue colour with two pairs of rhombus-shaped wings on each side of its body. It's head was shaped like an elongated teardrop with a pink face and round, black eyes. On either side of it's head was a large antenna that resembled an angry looking eye. The antennae were white with pink along the lower rim, which reminded May of eyelashes or something similar. While a large, dark pink dot in the middle sort of looked like a pupil or iris. She pulled out her Pokedex to scan it:
Masquerain, The eyeball Pokémon. The final evolved form of Surskit. Masquerain's antennas have eyelike patterns that usually give it an angry look. If the "eyes" are droopy and appear sad, it is said to be a sign that a heavy rainfall is on its way
"What do you want?" Ash scoffed.
"I came here to do some last-minute practise with Masquerain," he smirked, "where's Serena? I would've thought you'd have enough sense to get her help if you're planning on competing in the Slateport contest. I was looking forward to seeing her again anyway."
"Didn't you get the message last night?" Ash clenched his fist, narrowing his eyes, "she's not interested."
"Heh, strictly professional acquaintance, of course," he flicked his single strand of green hair covering his forehead, "but why she'd pick a brooding caveman like you is beyond me. You're hardly going to pass through the appeals round, especially when having competition from yours truly."
"I'll have you know that I'm not the one competing, May is," Ash replied, "I'm just here to help her with preparing for the battle round. Serena already helped train her so now we're ensuring she can put those lessons into motion."
"You might be doing more harm than good for young May," Drew shrugged, "she can hardly learn to battle like it's a contest against someone like you."
"I don't know what your problem is but if you need me to prove it then I'll happily battle you," Ash declared.
"A battle, heh, I thought you'd never ask," he smirked, "a one-on-one sound good to you?"
"Perfect," Ash smirked, looking across his team with his female bird flying over and perching on his shoulder, "you up for a battle?"
"Taillow!" she cried, flapping her wings and taking off, landing on the sandy ground in front of Ash.
"Atta girl," he smiled, as Drew walked away. Getting a good few feet away, he turned back with a Pokéball in hand. While May made her way to a spectating area between the two trainers. She sat on the ground as she turned towards the green haired coordinator.
"Girl huh?" he scoffed, taking out a Pokéball. With a flick of his wrist, it shot into the air, "Then you're up Roselia!"
In a flash of light, a small, light green bipedal Pokémon appeared on the sand. It had three thorns on top of it's head, and it had black eyes with long eyelashes. Looking at it's back she saw a small stretch of yellow, colouration around it's neck, looking like a collar. There were leaves extending from it's shoulders, resembling pads. It appeared to have a leaf skirt with a yellow stripe running down the front side. Each hand was covered by a bouquet of roses, the right one being red and the left one being blue. Intrigued by the Pokémon, she used her Pokedex once more:
Roselia, The Thorn Pokémon. The evolved form of Budew. Roselia shoots sharp thorns as projectiles at any opponent that tries to steal the flowers on its arms. The aroma of this Pokémon brings serenity to living things
Putting the device away, she realised the rest of her team had come over. Clampearl rested nicely on her lap, as Beautifly landed on her head. Poochyena laid next to her, flat on his back with tongue hanging out. Smiling at him, she knew exactly what he wanted and rubbed his belly, receiving a howl of approval from the dark type. Mawile sat next to her, also seeming intrigued by the battle about to commence as Torchic stood next to her with hearts in his eyes.
While she wanted to comment on the steel fairy type insistence on using attract on anyone within reach, she had another thought occupy her mind, which she decided to voice, "why would you deliberately go with a grass type when you knew you was facing Taillow, Drew?"
"Heh, if I worried about always having a good type match up then I'd never make it as a coordinator," he smirked, "but don't worry. Roselia has just the way to handle this Taillow. It shouldn't take longer than a few minutes."
"I wouldn't take Taillow to lightly Drew," Ash smirked, as his eyes flicked down to the normal flying type.
Taillow didn't seemed to like that and flapped her wings, hopping of the ground. Like a bullet she shot parallel to the ground with great speed.
Roselia didn't seem worried, with a small smirk and twirled to the side. Dancing out of the way of her quick attack.
Shooting behind, blowing sand up in her tailwind, she spread her wings, making a large turn. Flying straight back, her wings extended out and glew.
His grass poison type turned towards the oncoming attack, holding both bouquets out. As she closed in, he launched out a large cloud of purple dust.
Undeterred, she shot straight through, seeming to embrace the poison powder. Smashing into the thorn Pokémon, Roselia went flying as Taillow gained some height, shaking the powder off with a purple mark above her beak. Letting out a vigorous cry a red outline formed around her.
"You shouldn't have done that, Drew," Ash commented, "I might not like her relying on it, but she isn't afraid to use the power boost from guts."
The coordinator clenched his fist as his eyes looked towards his grass poison type. Roselia was pushing herself up from the sand, not looking pleased.
A high squawk drew her attention back to the sky. Taillow had circled around and was entering a dive with wings spread for another wing attack.
"Synthesis and magical leaf!" he called out.
Entering a sort of spinning dance on the sand, the thorn Pokémon began to glow with a mystic heal. Several sharp glowing leaves flew out of the body, in rhythm with the dance. Shooting upwards, they seemed to lock on to Taillow with how they homed in on her.
"No way she can dodge them," he smirked, "when she's down, you know what to do Roselia."
She used her wings to knock away the first few. Extending her beak, she threw herself down, talons first. Not bothered by the slashes from magical leaf.
"Even if she could dodge them, she wouldn't," Ash sighed, "Taillow isn't one to back down from a challenge."
The female flock leader smashed onto Roselia and straddled them against the sand. Thrusting her beak down, she began to unleash a flurry of peaks.
"Grr, since she's right there we can still finish this," Drew growled, "attract!"
May's eyes widened as she cast a glance to Mawile. It was her favourite move, after all.
A series of hearts flew up and circled Taillow. Smashing directly into her, she paused momentarily. Looking over her wings and body with a confused look, she turned back to ask, seeming to ask him something.
"Yeah... it's meant to make you infatuated with the user," he explained, in a perplexed tone, "wait. Does that mean you're alright?"
She gave a small nod before being launched upwards. A series of small purple poison stings flew up with her as she spread her wings, gaining flight.
Soaring around, Taillow narrowed her eyes down. Roselia was pushing herself back up, as her bouquets gathered white balls of energy. With a big cry, she pointed them upwards, and a powerful beam of pure white energy shot out.
Ash's normal flying type narrowly avoided the impact and circled around. Flying straight down the beam, her wings glew once more.
Smashing into the source, the beam stopped. Roselia went flying, landing flat on his stomach in front of Drew. Instead of his usual smug look on his face, a look of horror cover with wide eyes and mouth slightly opened. He ran out and skidded on the sand, scooping Roselia up.
"Roselia..." he whispered, barely audible, "are you alright?"
"Elia," a small response came back.
With a tear escaping down his cheek, he stood up and ran off back across the beach towards the Pokémon. She put a handout, ready to call to him but her voice died in her throat. While he did seem a little mean to Ash beforehand, she had to admit his Roselia had great style with every move. Even a simple dodge seemed to be a part of a dance. Shaking her head, she stood up and approached the raven-haired boy.
"Man, that was weird," she mused, "why didn't attract affect Taillow?"
"I dunno," he shrugged, "it's a move which works with pheromones. It's meant to attract the opponent but because it works on pheromones it can't change the targets orientation. It's why Mawile only uses it on Torchic or Poochyena... at least out of your team. Taillow, do you know why it didn't work?"
"Low, Taillow," she replied, perching on his shoulder.
"What was that?" May asked.
"She's said she never faced the move before so she couldn't be sure why it didn't work," he shrugged, "guess that's just another mystery we'll need to solve."
"Taillow!" she squawked.
"Dus Duskull," the pure ghost added, popping into sight between them. A cheeky grin spread under his skull-mask-face.
"Ash what did they say that time?" she found herself asking.
"Taillow said that he was a typical dude," he sighed, "big talk but lack lustre when it came to the actual performance."
"And Duskull?" she asked.
"He said," Ash sighed and dropped his head, "giggidy."
"Hehehe, well should we get back to training?" she asked, "the contest is only the day after tomorrow, after all."
"Sounds like a plan," he smiled, "just let me heal up Taillow's poison first. But I want to try and teach Poochyena a new move. Since we know Drew will be competing, seeing as he has both a Masquerain and Roselia, this move should help you a lot against either of them."
"Alright," she nodded, "I'll check to see how Beautifly's getting on with the revamped performance whilst we wait."
Leaving the raven-haired boy to heal up his Taillow, she turned towards the rest of the Pokémon. Donphan was sparring with Pikachu, as Treecko began sparring with Clampearl, although it seemed he was trying to work out a way to penetrate her shell. While Mawile was surrounded by both Torchic and Corphish, both having hearts in their eyes. Poochyena ran up to her, energetic as ever with Beautifly following suit.
It didn't take long for her fully evolved bug flying type to show what she had.
Serena smiled as she looked around the second floor of the museum. No-one else was present, only herself, Brock, Max and Stern. With a few published papers hanging on the wall, she examined a few as Stern took Max over to a particular case. Intrigued, she followed suit.
"This is my latest discovery, an igneous rock. It's just a fancy name given to any rock that has been created through the cooling of magma," Stern explained, "I found it whilst exploring the sea floors surrounding Sootopolis about six months back."
"But that would mean there was heat at the bottom of water," Max gasped.
"Precisely," he explained, "at first I thought it might've been an underground volcano formed and sprouted beneath the water. It's not unheard of but after studying the surrounding sea floor, that is next to impossible. No evidence of such a phenomenon was there."
"So that would mean-"
A loud bang drew their attention and after a brief look at each other, they shot off downstairs.
She couldn't help but notice the captain putting his rock into a brief case along with several papers before following them. As they reached the ground floor, she saw a large man with a big stomach stood in the doorway, wearing a red hoodie with a weird 'M' symbol on the chest. An arrogant smirk spread on his face as several other people dressed in similar hoodies but not nearly as big ran in behind him.
With a series of red lights, a small army of Pokémon appeared in front of her. With a quick scan of her Pokedex, she noticed only two types of Pokémon, namely Mightyena and Numel but there were numerous of both.
"Max, stay behind me," she instructed, moving in front of the young boy. Her hand moving down to her belt.
"My names Tabitha from Team Magma!" the large man exclaimed, rolling a Pokéball between his fingers, "now all we want is a little rock that one Captain Stern found at the bottom ocean. Once we have it, we'll leave you all in peace."
"Serena, I can try to hold off the grunts Pokémon, but Steelix can't battle. He'd destroy everything in her with his size alone," Brock warned her through their mental messages, "and were kind of really outnumbered here."
"I'll never give over such a priceless artifact to a group of thugs!" Captain Stern declared, tossing a Pokéball forward, "go Walrein!"
"Captain Stern, I presume," Tabitha stepped forward, "wrong answer. Go Magmortar!"
In a flash of light, a large, vaguely humanoid, red-and-yellow-striped Pokémon with an egg-shaped body. It had pink lips on it's dark face. With yellow, tubular arms, a black band on both and three small claws on the black part of each hand. Its legs were surprisingly small in proportion to its body with pink thighs, red feet and black shackles around the ankles. It had one large yellow flame on its head, as well as large red flames on its shoulder's and tail. Additionally, it had four pink spikes on its back. She pointed her Pokedex at the new opponent and scanned it:
Magmortar, The Blast Pokémon. The final evolved form of Magby. Living in the crater of a volcano has caused this Pokémon's body to resemble its environment, it has an organ similar to a magma chamber. Its internal flame is believed to burn over three-thousand-six-hundred-degrees.
Not putting the device straight away, she pressed some buttons on the keys and flicked through her options. Most of her team back at the lab weren't in their Pokéballs and ready to be transferred but one that was caused a smile to form on her lips. Selecting Murkrow's image, she switched them, and she felt the device off her belt teleport away as a second Pokéball formed on top of the Pokedex.
She grabbed it and in one swift movement, she launched it into the air. Her Kabutops landed next to Stern's Walrein. She put the Pokedex away and quickly grabbed two other Pokéballs. Holding them out, she released both Sylveon and Hitmontop.
"I've got a plan!" she exclaimed, "leave Magmortar to me and Kabutops! He's the boss so if we take them down then they might retreat! Brock and Stern, you handle the others best you can. Sylveon and Hitmontop! I want you both to help them too!"
Unfortunately, she knew a lot of her Hoenn team wasn't prepared for this match up. Both Dustox and Cacnea are weak to fire and Feebas isn't able to do anything without a water source to swim in. Meditite might be helpful, but she has no battle experience and with her relationship with Hitmontop, she wouldn't want him distracted in the slightest. Especially, since he'll be battling by himself and without her guidance.
Flashes of lights followed, and Brock's Lotad and Aron appear beside her own team. She guessed Slakoth was likely asleep and no help and Mudkip has even less experience than Meditite.
"If you want it rough, then we're more than happy to comply!" Tabitha smirked, "get 'em!"
With a series of cries, the Mightyena and Numel charged forward. Luckily, the other's didn't need to be told otherwise.
Hitmontop lead the charge leaping up and punching one of the dark canine's in the face. Land beside them, he went straight into a pack of them.
Aron was also quick off the mark, smashing into the same one just punched. Leaping up, he headbutted it in the face and followed up with a metal claw.
A stream of flames, curtsy of one of the Numel's dared to hit him... but another Mightyena landed in the way, having been thrown from Sylveon's feelers. She launched out a powerful fairy wind to knock over a series of Numel before wrapping her feelers around the one which tried to hit Aron.
While Walrein let out a powerful icy wind. It stopped several of the Mightyena's directly in front of him.
She focused her attention on her fossil Pokémon who charged forward, with a pillar of water surrounding him. Smashing directly into the fire type.
He followed through by extending his glowing claws. In a swift movement, he slashed away with his scythes.
"You've been practising," she praised though her powers.
Knocking the fire type, he stumbled slightly. Her rock water type paused and glanced back with a glint in his eye.
"Beedrill's been helping me," he replied, "after the Wallace cup, I was angry... he taught me to channel that anger."
With a smirk growing over his lips, Kabutops turned back to his opponent. Swiping a foot under his, he tripped the lava Pokémon up, followed through with a brick break onto the back of his head as he kneeled beneath him.
"Lava plume!" Tabitha laughed.
Magmortar pushed himself up and launched his cannon arm down. A blast of fire shot out and exploded around them, knocking Kabutops back.
As the smoke cleared, Kabutops was no-where to be seen. A single hole was left in the ground. He shot up out of the ground, behind the pure fire type with a series of sharp rocks orbiting around him. He sent them flying down onto Magmortar's back, causing him to cry out in pain.
Covering his body in water, he shot down and sent Magmortar flying across the floor. Landing on his back, the pure fire type disappeared in a red light.
"Enough already," Tabitha groaned, "Weezing, Swellow. Snatch and grab."
Two flashes of lights appeared and the two knew Pokémon appeared. Weezing floated out into the field and released a field of thick black smoke.
"Sylveon! Blow it away!" she cried out.
A powerful wind blew through the building with sparkling fairy type energy. Weezing went flying backwards as Swellow appeared next to her. The talons attacked Stern's arm, forcing him to drop his brief case before snatching it and flying away.
She looked around for someone close enough to stop him, but no-one was. Taking a deep breath, she felt her fingers tingle with ESP as Swellow landed on the large man's arm, dropping the case into his hand.
Sending out a wave of her powers a bright light drew her attention. Turning fully towards it, she saw Weezing preparing to explode.
Acting as quick as she could, she threw up a wall of ESP to protect them as the blast took place. A shockwave knocked them down, but she was able to stop the flames from hitting them. As they pushed themselves up, the smoke cleared to reveal all the Team magma members gone.
Their Pokémon were scattered around, looking pretty beat up from the explosion, with the smaller ones completely knocked out.
Slowly they stood up as she watched her team of three struggle as well. Making her way over, she gave them a quick check over before recalling them, the first thing she'll need to do is get Nurse Joy to give them the once over. As she glanced around, she saw Brock doing the same with his team. With Stern recalling his Walrein, they regrouped, she felt Max embrace her in a tight hug... complete fear filling his teary eyes.
"It's okay, Max," she soothed, "we're all okay."
"But they got away with the rock, and all my research notes," Captain Stern sighed, "thousands of dollars... gone for nothing."
"Deli Deli!" Brock's ice flying type cried out. Everyone turned around to see him holding up a boxed present, similar to those given out earlier. Stern seemed startled but slowly accepted gift and opened it. Gasping as he looked inside.
"T-the stone?" he questioned, "you got it back from them?"
"Delibird," he nodded, with a chirpy tone filled with joy.
"How did you get that back without any of us noticing?" Serena asked through her powers.
"A magician never reveals their secrets," Delibird replied, a bright cheerful smile on his beak.
"Well, I don't know how to thank you all," Stern replied, "I don't know what I would've done had you not been here. But even if they got my research papers, I luckily have them saved on a hard drive. I just don't like the thought of what they could do with them, though."
"What's the worst they could do?" Max asked, not loosening his grip.
"I fear that they are after the legendary Pokémon Groundon. He created the land masses all over this world before lying to rest, supposedly in the Hoenn region," he explained, "the champion, Steven Stone, came to me with his suspicions on the same thing after my discovery of this rock. To create such a rock requires an intense heat."
"And you found it under the sea," Brock interjected, "where no such heat source should exist."
"I believe this was a footprint of the time when Groundon created the land masses and with the right technology..." he paused, sighing, "they could follow those footprints to his current resting place. Even without the rock to study themselves, my notes could provide them ample information."
"Well hopefully the police will be able to stop them before it comes to that," Brock sighed, "but what will you do if they come back for the rock?"
"For starters, the museum will need to remain closed for a few days whilst we fix the damage caused and, in that time," he mused, "I'll move my actual research to a more secure location. No longer hanging up a big banner, announcing the discoveries until my papers are published."
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...