Author's Note:
Here it is, the Winstrate family. Pretty obvious but this will be a battle chapter, and everyone gets a turn. Too start with, I'm changing things around slightly, nothing major just their son won't be a new rival for Ash or anything like that. We will get word of a possible new rival for him, but they won't physically appear in this chapter. Oh yeah, and we had that whole thing with Taillow last chapter, that's being continued but more from the perspective of another player in this side arc. On that note, I wish to put a trigger warning. The first scene contains homophobia, none of the views are my own on the subject but are needed for specific character arcs already in motion, you have been warned. Oh, and we get an evolution too, hope you like who. Don't forget to vote in the new poll, this one is about Team magma and which of the three bigwigs you like best in this series. Who knows, maybe we have some chapters focusing on them coming up during this polls run. With that, let's begin...
Chapter Thirty-One: The Winstrate Family
He clenched his fist as he stared acrossed the mountainous training ground. His eyes narrowed and each breath flared his nostrils.
In front of him was that small bird Ash caught in Hoenn. She was currently facing Primeape in battle and due to her speed and small size, he was unable to land a proper hit as she swiftly landed one attack after another. Surrounding them were several of the regulars on the training fields.
She's been at the lab for a few days now and each one gets worst. Battling anyone and everyone she can get her wings on, even if she lost against some of the bigger opponent's like Gary's Nidoqueen, everyone seems to thrive of her battle spirit. How come they all just welcome her in with open arms? They never took him in or cheered him on during his practise battles on these grounds... what makes her so special?
Walking away from the battle, he spotted the nearby forest area. Locating a single tree, he approached it. Throwing his fists and feet forward, he entered a familiar pattern as he whacked away on the trunk. Leaves fluttered down around him as unleashed his anger.
"Ahem," a voice drew his attention.
Turning around with narrowed eyes. A golden feathered bird, a good bit taller than himself stood over him with a cold, leering stare.
"Your Noctowl," he grunted, "what do you want?"
"I am," he confirmed, "and I'd like to know why I was disturbed from my slumber."
He turned to the side and crossed his arms. Glancing to the side, he saw the shiny Pokémon tilt his head to the side with a pinched beak.
"From what I understand, you are a simple mon," he mused.
"Watch it," he growled.
"I don't mean it as an insult. Simply an observation," he clarified, "nothing is wrong with being one of strength over thought."
"And?" he asked.
"I feel we could support each other-" he was cut off.
"I ain't a homo, sparkles," he growled, smashing his fist down into in the ground. With dead eyes locked on the normal flying type, he was surprised to see him stood still, staring at him with an unreadable expression. Feeling the anger burn through his veins, he launched forward.
A flash of blue momentarily blinded him. Freezing in place, he realised he was unable to move. As the crest on the owls head glew bright blue.
"Neither am I," he replied, "I merely believed we could help one another. With your strength and my mind, we could stop our common enemies. With our combined talents, we could have control of this ranch within a week... taking it from the tyranny of those who flaunt their strengths."
Despite being unable to continue his assault, he relaxed from within his hold. Taking in the owls stance, he tried to find some clue to what he meant.
"Have I peeked your interest?" he asked.
"I'm listening," he grunted. With a thud, he landed back on the ground, on his behind.
"Good," Noctowl hopped forward, "I've been watching... I like to know what's going on around this ranch?"
"And?" he grunted, standing back up.
"You felt pushed out by that new bird. She's the one taking on challenges from any and everyone," he explained, "just as you did when you first arrived at this place... but unlike yourself, everyone seems to engage with her antics."
Humphing with hard exhale, he turned to the side. His arms crossing across his chest.
"Personally, I have my own reasons for not liking her," the owl continued, "I believe I can trust you with this. I respect power and I believe it can come in many different forms. Physical, for ones such as yourself. Intellectual, for one's such as myself. Wealth, for those fortunate enough to have sufficient amounts available. Those are just to name a few."
"Why are you telling me?" he asked, rolling his eyes in boredom.
"What is the purpose of power?" he asked, "the answer will change depending on who's being asked. For myself, power is a means to an end."
"What end?" he asked.
"To reach the top," he replied, "to be the very best, like no-one ever was. Unfortunately, just having some form of power isn't enough. You need to know how to use it, to make the most of what you've got."
"Is this going somewhere?" he sighed.
"Chaos," Noctowl replied.
"Chaos?" he repeated, a slight spark of interest flickered in his eyes. Glancing back at the owl, he noticed his eyeline far off, as if trying to avoid making direct contact with him. Although the corner of his beak rested with a sense of slyness in the flick upwards.
"Most see chaos as a pit, where everyone involved is stuck. A place where arguments break out," he continued, "but in actuality, chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fall and are unable to try again. But for those with the knowledge, chaos is the way in which they ascend higher than before."
"So why are you telling me this?" he asked, "we hardly know each other."
"Because I believe we can assist one another," he smiled, turning his back on the fighting type to stare over the training grounds. Some sort of crowd had gathered with a series of cheers, "we both wish to receive what we know is rightfully ours."
"And what do I want?" he asked.
"Your girlfriend is currently with your trainer and some fairy boy. While you're stuck here," he explained, "what you want is to teach them the proper way for beings, whether people or Pokémon, to interact. And get the respect you deserve. Not quite sure in which order they fall for you."
"Huh," he scoffed, turning back again, crossing his arms.
"And what I want, is Pidgeot," he replied, "I don't mean to sound crude but as a male and female bird Pokémon, both normal flying types and apart of the same team... well, I just thought it was only a matter of time."
Hitmontop spread his arms up and gave a purposefully fake yawn. He couldn't care less about this owl's love life. With his feet turning to walk away, his mind kept trying to think of a good place to go in this ranch to find something to punch.
"Never did I imagine Taillow would-"
He stopped in his tracks. Turning on a heel, he stared right into normal flying type. Being far from stupid, he could add two and two together, given the subject he was on before and the sudden cliff hanger... but he needed to hear it for himself.
"No, no," Noctowl shook his head, "I shouldn't."
"She what?" he asked, turning back to face the shiny Pokémon.
"She's already made a move on my beloved... as more of an intellectual, I feel like..." he paused, a defeated sigh exiting his beak, "like my fight is already lost. How could a simple mon, who prefers to outthink his problem rather than deal with physical strength, hope to outdo this new, young, model?"
"She's gay?" Hitmontop growled, facing him fully.
"Y-you didn't know?" he asked, resting one wing on his head and shaking, "oh dear. I was under the impression everyone knew. She's hardly been quiet about it, but I can confirm for you. She... is interested in other females."
Clenching his fist tight, he felt lava flood his veins, a burning anger creating a red mist within his vision. He tried to speak but the tension in his clenched jaw refused to allow him. Slowly he stepped closer to the normal flying type.
"Please, calm down. I am merely the informant," he explained, stepping backwards, "had I known this information would cause such a response... I can only apologise, Hitmontop."
"She is the one who needs to be sorry," he spat, baring his teeth, "it's disgusting."
"Don't need to tell me," Noctowl replied, his tone balancing out into neutral, "but what can we do? We're just two mon and by far the under-growlithe's. I already believe she already has the backing of Venusaur, Dragonite and Aerodactyl... with that sort of power supporting-"
"I don't care," he growled, turning on a heel. He stormed off back towards the training grounds.
Maybe originally, he had his doubts about the owl, but he couldn't consider that anymore. His mind focused on the tiny blue bird that wants to corrupt his home. The flash of his brothers in his head caused his to pause, rapidly blinking, he shook his head. Coming to a stop on the rocky ground.
In front of him was a large group of Pokémon. Mainly, big, tough ones like: Nidoking, Primeape, Machamp, Golem, Onix and even an Arcanine but his attention was focused on the tiny bird perched on one of Tauros' horns.
Puffing his chest out and straightening his back, he marched forward. Coming to a stop beside the large Pokémon, he spread his feet apart, clenching his entire body and taking a deep breath, "hey!"
The others stopped their conversation and turned towards him. His narrowed eyes focused on the disgusting bird. Who leered down on him, like some sort of high-and-mighty or someone that's well above him. The thought this disgusting creature would look down on him-
"What do you want?" she asked, "looking at me like that?"
"What do I want?" he asked, "I want the truth."
"Oh," she replied, in an exaggerated tone. Gliding down onto the ground, he loomed over her, the others creating a circle around them, "yes, it's true. I could definitely beat your ass in battle. That good enough?"
"Not what I meant," he growled, "your g-g-g-"
"If you're trying to say, I'm gay," she emphasised the last word. Her eyes seemed to scan his entire body, "then yes. And seeing what the male gender has to offer with you... can't say I'm disappointed with my orientation."
"You made the wrong choice," he spat.
"You think it's a choice?" she asked, spreading her wings and clenching the talons against the dirt, "get lost... before I make you."
"I don't take orders from someone like you!" he yelled, launching at her.
Max stared in amazement at the sight in front of him. Houndoom was stood with Pikachu by his side. Both having strong stances, whilst facing Duskull, Grovyle, Corphish and Kirlia. After having a practise battle between Aron and Lombre, he decided to come and check out this training session.
"Alright guys, this is all about teamwork," Ash explained, "and you've got a better advantage than at first look."
"Dusk Duskull?" the ghost type asked.
"Because Pikachu and Houndoom don't exactly get along," he explained, "so if you play it right, you could overpower them. I won't be helping, either this is just the chance for us to see how well you work together. I've heard at least one gym in Hoenn specialises in double battles, so we need to be prepared."
"Pikapi?" his starter called out.
"No idea," he shrugged, causing all six Pokémon to fall in disbelief, "come on guys. It's best we're prepared. Besides teamwork can help all of you improve."
Moving back into position, he started the battle. Houndoom stood still, his narrowed eyes glancing across the array of Pokémon in front of him.
Pikachu, however, charged forward. His tail glew white with a tint of orange-brown within it.
Grovyle charged forward, his arm leaves glowing bright green. Turning into an energy blade. Striking forward, the electric type spun overhead and brought the brick break down onto the energy blade. Using it as a launching pad, Ash's starter leaped high into the air.
Spinning around, a ball of electricity surrounded him. A powerful strike shot down behind the pure grass type.
A series of flames engulfed Grovyle, blocking his view of the thunderbolt. However, he could see it shooting out to the side. He guessed Kirlia deflected it with a psychic move. It crashed into the ground harmlessly.
Corphish leaped up and pointed his claw directly at Grovyle. Unleashing a high-powered bubble beam, it struck the burning grass type, sending him flying.
Grovyle rolled across the ground with the flame dying around him. Pushing himself up with a heavy pant, he glared at the water type, "Grovyle Grov!"
"Cor Corphish," he shrugged, landing back on the ground.
"Hey! Break it up you too!" Ash shouted running in between them. A loud roar silenced everyone as Houndoom stepped forward, fangs flaring. Both of the arguing Pokémon silently stood back up and faced the two of them. Ash sighed and relaxed, petting his fire dark type on his head, "thanks buddy." He turned back towards his other two Pokémon, "and you two really need to calm down. Grovyle, I'm sure Corphish was just trying to help you out, putting the flames out for you. But Corphish, you need to learn to control your power. If you're putting the flames out around a teammate, you don't go full power."
"Grov," he muttered.
"Cor-phish Cor!" he added, snapping his pincers.
"I think for the time being, I'm going to have you train separately. When alone you two seem to get way more done," he explained, glancing out across the rest of the field, "but for now it looks like we're setting off. Next time, Corphish, you'll partner with Houndoom. He'll help you with control and power."
The pure water type pulled a face at the news as the older boy started recalling his other Pokémon. The Dark Pokémon stepped forward looming down on his new training partner. Over the last couple of days, he's grown to see the canine as arguably Ash's most obedient Pokémon... at least out of who he's met so far and whilst reassuring, it hasn't taken away from his intimidation factor.
Soon all but Pikachu were returned, and they walked back over to the others. Brock stood with Electrike in his arms, and Serena had her Murkrow resting on her shoulder. May had her Mawile out with her, stood by her side and Minun on her shoulder, similar to how Pikachu travels.
"What's going on?" Ash asked.
"We're running low on water," Brock explained, "so it's better we make it to the Winstrate farm we're meant to pass through. I'm hoping they'll allow us to stock up... unfortunately, we weren't prepared for this extreme heat these last few days."
"Can't we just use our Pokémon?" May asked, "I mean, Corphish and Mudkip can literally shoot water with bubble beam and water gun."
"We could," Serena mumbled, "but it's not exactly hygienic. I mean, they form that water inside their bodies."
"And it'll take a lot of work to purify it by boiling it into steam then collecting the water vapor," Brock added, "it'll just be easier to visit the farm and hope for the best. If worst comes to the worst, we can fall back on that idea."
Setting off down the red-desert path. He couldn't help but slug behind as the heat affected him. His head entered a daze, as he tried to let cope with the extreme heat. He wasn't exactly built for extreme or tough environments. His eyes shifted to Ash, who had taken his hoodie off, leaving his in a sort of tight black shirt. While not massive, his shoulders were certainly broad, and his arms had decent muscle on them... maybe that was why Serena...
He couldn't continue his thought as his eyes began playing tricks on him. A large, orange truck was the last thing he saw just ahead as his vision turned to pure darkness. The hard ground colliding with his body as a faint sound echoed in his ear, "Camerupt."
"Here Max, drink this," Brock's voice followed. A cool refreshing liquid hit his lips and he wasted no-time in swallowing the beverage. He looked around to find himself in a white sun chair with a parasol overhead, blocking the sun. The breeder was crouched beside him with a glass of water in hand, "you feeling better?"
"Y-yeah," he replied, pushing himself up in the seat, "w-where are we?"
"You're at the Winstrate Manor!" a female voice announced. His eyes glanced around to see fields of berry bushes and veg fields for as far as the eye could see. Some Pokémon were working hard with different people, he even noticed Ash, Serena and May helping out. As he finished the look around, his eyes landed on an elderly women, whose grey hair was up in a bun on the back. Beside her laid a Pokémon he remembered facing back at the carnival.
The Pokémon was a quadrupedal. With two grey humps on the back, which resembled volcanoes. From what he remembered about them; the size implied she was female. She had a stout body with reddish orange, shaggy fur and three blue ring-shaped markings on her side. Her head had bangs on top, with droopy ears, and a tan fur-less muzzle. With a loud yawn, she stood up, walking around the side to look at him with dopey-halve closed eyes.
"It's thanks to Camerupt here that we found you," the women explained, "we were just on our walk back from grocery shopping in Mauville when we heard some chatter. Going to investigate, we saw your lot heading our way and just in time too."
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"You passed out, Max, from the heat," Brock smiled, "Camerupt helped us carry you here and Vicky helped us get you water."
"Wow, thank you," he replied, turning back to the women.
"Don't think anything off it, we're always more than happy to have trainers pass through here," she beamed, "and my dear Camelrupt. She couldn't just let a child suffer. She's always been a dear like that."
"Wait... you went grocery shopping in Mauville?" he asked, "but that's like, ten miles? How did you make it there and back in this heat?"
"We've lived in this area for as far back as my great-great-grand-daddy, who set up the Winstrate farm," she smiled, "we make that journey most days."
He couldn't quite believe what he was hearing. Even stopping to rest in one of the smaller villages for the night made these two days since leaving the city the worst experience in his journey so far. How anyone could live in this desert-environment, he could never know.
"Well now young Max, since you're looking better how about we go and find those friends of yours," she continued, "I'm sure they'll be happy to know you're alright and you can meet the rest of the family."
Nodding in agreement, they went around the farmlands to meet up with their friends. Afterwards, they met Victoria, whose Vicky's daughter. Victoria's husband, Victor. Along with their children Vito and Vivi. They were also a diverse collection of Pokémon who he recognized, Roserade, Linoone and an Azumarill... along with Vicky's Camerupt.
"Of course, there's still one more Winstrate but she's not here at the moment," Vicky mused, "before long she'll be winning the Hoenn league and conquering the elite four... Oh Katie, wherever she is, she knows we're support her."
"But Katie isn't a Winstrate, remember grandma," Vivi tugged on her sleeve.
"What do you mean?" May asked.
"You see," Victor cleared his throat, "Katie is my daughter from a previous marriage. And has been a travelling trainer for the last couple of years!"
"She even made it to the final in the Indigo League a couple years back," Vicky exclaimed.
"Sounds like she competed at the same time as you, Ash," Serena smiled, "I remember Calem faced a girl for his final battle, but I can't recall her name. Guess it would be Katie."
"Oh, you were in the same league as our pride and joy!" Vicky announced, leering closer to the raven-haired boy, "can't say I remember you."
"Aww man," he slumped as Pikachu gave a comforting pat on the back.
"Well since you seem like a tough bunch of trainers, I think we could find some use for ya," Vicky smiled with a devilish.
"You mean, you want us to work on your farm?" May asked.
"Of course, we'd be happy to help," Serena quickly amended for his sister, "after all, you've shown us some real hospitality."
"Don't worry young lasses, we don't want ya to labour away on our patches," Vicky smiled, "you see, we all love to battle! And since there's five of you and five of us, well, we can all get a go!"
"But... Max and Vivi aren't old enough to own Pokémon," May muttered.
"Max has battled with us all," Ash shrugged, "I don't see it as a big issue."
"But this is different," May reasoned.
"Not really," Victor smiled, "I don't know about Max, but Vivi's been battling since she could walk and talk. It'll be good for the kids to have a proper match."
"Come on," Victoria smiled, "we'll show you to our battlefield. ."
As they followed the family around the single large building surrounded by the field patches, Max couldn't help but grin like an idiot. It's been great facing Brock and the others but now he'll get the chance to have a proper battle against another person... one who he hasn't been travelling with. He always got the feeling the older travelling companions were taking it easier on him so this will be great!
"Alright!" he cheered, "I could use Rhyhorn or Pikachu... or even Sylveon! This'll be great! I can't wait!"
"Hang on a minute Max," Brock called out, "I know your excited, but I don't think any of those three will be a good partner for you."
"How come?" he asked.
"Because they are already experienced and have their own established styles," he explained, "chances are, they'd go ahead and do their own thing. And given your lack of experience, the doubt you could manage them could cause them to just ignore you during the battle. That's not the sort of experience you'll want in one of your first battles."
"He's right, Max," Ash added, "Pikachu barely listens to me out of battle. You'll be better with a younger Pokémon, around your level."
"So, who do I get to use?" Max asked, kicking a small rock with his foot.
Brock smiled, reaching towards his belt, he unclipped a Pokéball and held it out. He took it in his two hands, trying to figure out who rested inside but he couldn't tell. Looking towards the doctor-in-training for an answer, he saw him smile, "I've been meaning to get this one a little more experience. How about you help them out with it."
Shrugging, the thought that he'll get a proper battle caused the stupid wide grin to fill his face. As he looked ahead, he saw the white lines marking out an official battlefield on the floor. Vivi ran ahead to one of the trainer boxes with Azumarill by her side.
Feeling the energy buzz throughout his body, he took off to the other side. Clutching the device in his hand, he already limited it down to Slakoth, Lombre, Mudkip or Aron since it had to be one of Brock's Pokémon and he already declined Rhyhorn... although that might be good seeing the Azumarill walk forward with a smirk on her face. He also doubted he'd send Electrike out into a battle since he's still recovering.
Reaching the box, he took a deep breath and watched the travelling trainers he's with line up one side of the battlefield, while the Winstrate family lined up the other half. With Vicky stepping up to the line and holding her arms each up towards both himself and Vivi, respectively.
"Alright focus, were here to have five one on one battles between this group of trainers and the Winstrate's!" Vicky announced, "none of the battles will have a time limit and we'll be going in order of experience! Starting with the two youngsters!"
"Hey Max," Vivi called out across the field, "I think your cute!"
"Erm," he felt his cheeks burst into flames as the water fairy type entered a battle stance on their half of the field.
"Hey guys, am I crazy or does my little brother have a girlfriend?" May asked in a hushed whispered voice, way too excited. Unable to deal with the embarrassment, he hung his head and shook it, trying to wipe away the distraction and focus.
"Go Pokémon!" he shouted, holding the device out. A red light shot out of the device and Brock's pure normal type materialised on the ground, lying down.
His lips pinched together as he looked between his chosen Pokémon and their opponent... how was he meant to win this? Slakoth doesn't do anything, sure, his dad's strongest Pokémon might be the evolved form but that hardly helps here. Glancing to the side, he caught May's scanning his opponent:
Azumarill, The Aqua Rabbit Pokémon. The final evolved form of Azuril. Azumarill can make balloons out of air. It makes these air balloons if it spots a drowning Pokémon. The air balloons enable the Pokémon in trouble to breathe
"Azumarill verses Slakoth!" Vicky declared, "begin!"
Vivi verses Max:
He clenched his fist as Azumarill charged forward. A pink outline surrounded her body as she closed in. As he took a breath, ready to shout out his response, the water fairy type delivered a flurry of punched onto the relaxed normal type.
"Slakoth!" he shouted, but he stopped when he realised, he hardly knew what Slakoth had... scratch, yawn? He couldn't think of any other moves.
Grabbing his back leg, Azumarill tossed him overhead and smashed him into the ground. Pulling back, he was sent sailing over the field.
Engulfing her body in water, she shot off like a torpedo. She smashed into him as he scraped across the ground. He laid facing him, as she shot upwards.
"Slakooooth," he groaned... at least he's awake.
Seeing her looping around, she began falling back down. His eyes widened and a smirk covered his face, "quick! Use scratch to intercept!"
"Slack," the normal type replied.
She crashed down onto his back and flipped away. With a deep breath, she shot out a powerful jet of water into him.
Pushing himself up, the water hit his chest, spraying off in all directions. He walked forward against the blast as his claws glew white and extended. Scrapping his toe claws against the dirt ground, he hung on and swiped forward. Slashing her face in quick succession, the water gun was cancelled.
A red outline surrounded the aqua rabbit Pokémon as she punched back. Slakoth stumbled back as she jumped forward, unleashing a brutal assault.
Knocking him back, he stumbled side to side, going with each punch. Entering a swaying motion, he somehow avoided each oncoming attack.
"Use Yawn!" he shouted.
Slakoth continued to sway around their opponent. Avoiding each strength as the frustrated-water fairy type lost the targeted approach with each miss.
Watching closely, he waited for the normal type to send out the sleepy bubble... but it never happened.
Throwing her weight behind one final punch, he swayed out of her way. Stumbling forward she almost fell over. With a dopey smile on his face, he stood over the fallen water fairy type, "Slakoth."
"Azu!" she cried, engulfing her body in water. Shooting forward, she made a loop around Vivi and rocketed back into his borrowed normal type.
Dragging him across the ground, it was difficult to make out through the splashing water. A bright light engulfed the collision as Slakoth grew in place, with the feet, each having two sharp black claws scrap against the floor as he came to a stop.
Raising one of his large arms, his claws flew white and extended. Swiping down, he knocked Azumarill away, who rolled across the floor.
"Get up!" Vivi shouted.
Weakly, the aqua rabbit Pokémon pushed herself up, covered in dirt with narrowed angry eyes.
He took a deep breath, ready to call out another move when a white blur spun past his vision. The newly evolved normal type had his claws extended out in all directions, with a mighty heave, he sent her flying. Landing straight down behind Vivi, he couldn't make out her state, but the grandmother moved closer.
"Azumarill is-" Vicky sighed, hanging her head as an arm raised in his direction, "unable to battle. Point to the visitors."
Brock couldn't help but smile at the sight as the pure normal type charged forward to the young boy. A look of pure joy spread across his face as he watched the newly evolved Pokémon run up and sweep Max off his feet in a tight hug. Swinging him around, he settled down, lifting the dazed boy onto his shoulder.
"Hey Serena, mind if I borrow your Pokédex?" he asked, quietly.
"Of course, Brock," she smiled, holding the device out. With a whispered thanks, he took the device and approached the two celebrating boys. As he watched them dance around, Max still riding on his shoulder, he took in his newly evolved Pokémon's full appearance.
He was a large bipedal Pokémon covered primarily in white fur with a teardrop-shaped tuft of red fur on his forehead. His head had two stubby ears, two small, triangular fangs in his mouth on each side, one on the lower jaw, one on the higher. While his lower jaw was covered by brown fur. With his large eyes encircled by brown rings. He had two stripes on the back which were also brown. His arms and legs were long, each ending with two sharp black claws. The underside of his hands had circular red pads, and he remembered his rear had a red patch. The fur on his chest, tail, and sides of his maw were shaggy. Using Serena's device, he scanned his newly evolved Pokémon:
Vigoroth, The Wild Monkey Pokémon. The evolved form of Slakoth. Vigoroth is simply incapable of remaining still. Even when it tries to sleep, the blood in its veins grows agitated, compelling this Pokémon to run wild throughout the jungle before it can settle down
"Well now," he smiled, closing the device, "I think congratulations are in order."
"Vigoroth," he grunted, charging forward. Had he not held a tight hold on the young boy, he might've fall down.
"I'm really proud of both of you," he smiled, "and now Max, it looks like you'll have an even tough opponent to try and beat."
"Did you know?" he asked, "that he'd evolve?"
"I had my suspicion it was close," he smiled, "Slakoth aren't like most species. They sleep up to twenty hours a day. Storing energy ready for when they evolve. When they start becoming more active, it's a sign their evolution is close. And recently he's being sleeping for only fourteen hours, give or take."
"Roth!" he cried out.
"But I couldn't be more specific," he replied, "I just knew this would be as good a time as any to start the process."
"Well, if you're done," the older boy spoke, "I believe we still have some battles to be getting on with. I'm Vito, by the way."
"Nice to meet you," he smiled, "your grandmother mentioned you training as a breeder?"
"I am," he nodded, "specialising in nutrition and Pokémon dietries."
"Nice," he replied, seeing his normal type walk back to the others, carrying the young boy over his head, "I use to be a breeder as well but when I took on speciality, it's medical. So now I'm learning to become a Pokémon doctor."
"It'll be nice to evaluate our differing breeding styles against each other," he smiled, "here's to a good battle."
Giving a small nod, he watched the young adult walk across to the battlefield. Unclipping a Pokéball from his belt, he already knew who he'd use. Out of his current line-up, one of his Pokémon enjoys battling far more than the others... and he'll happily let him enjoy his time with this.
"As the victors in the last round, the visitors shall reveal their Pokémon first," Vicky declared.
"Your turn, Aron!" he shouted, tossing his Pokéball up.
It burst open and the steel rock type landed right in front of him. Despite his small size, he stood straight and locked his gaze forward. His opponent held a regular Pokéball in hand with a half-smile and narrowed eyes. Holding his arm out, it burst open, "go Swellow!"
In a flash of light, a bird Pokémon appeared right in front of him, flapping in the air just above him. A crest of feathers swept back from the top of its head. A blue stripe separates the red markings on its head and chest, and it had a white underside. It had small, narrow eyes, a pointed, yellow beak, and red feet with black talons. Each foot had three forward-facing toes and one pointed backward. Two long, pointed feathers with red tips formed its tail. It's wings tapered to a sharp point. Sneering down on his rock steel type. Grabbing Serena's device, he scanned the new opponent:
Swellow, The Swallow final evolved form of Taillow. Swellow flies high above our heads, making graceful arcs in the sky. This Pokémon dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. The helpless prey is tightly grasped by Swellow's clawed feet, preventing escape
"Swellow here was one of the first Pokémon I caught, many years ago," he explained.
"I was wonder why you'd willingly put yourself at a disadvantage," Brock acknowledged, "but given your history, I feel that'll counter any advantage we might have. I will say, Aron hasn't been on my team very long. We're just here for a fun battle."
"Same here," he smiled, "Swellow was always more of a battler than myself. So, this is too a good battle."
"Here-here."
"Swellow verses Aron," Vicky declared, "let the battle begin!"
Vito verses Brock:
He watched the normal flying type take off, circling around the air over the battlefield with eyes locked on his small Pokémon. With a hard swallow, he narrowed his own gaze. From what he's seen of this species, they are incredibly tough and shouldn't be underestimated.
While he meant that this battle was meant for fun. He would still try his hardest to win, otherwise it wouldn't be fair to either his Pokémon or opponent.
With a loud squawk, the swallow Pokémon made a steep dive. Wings glowing white as the distance drastically closed.
"Iron defence!" he shouted.
A shining glimmer covered the metal body of his little friend. Tensing up, he took the wing attack head on. Scrapping across the ground, pushed back.
He left small ridges in the dirt where his feet were. Shaking his body from the blow, he stepped forward back into his original position.
Whilst Swellow ascended quickly. Circling back around, he couldn't help but pinch his lips together. Guess they are just assessing the waters.
Coming to a stop a little away and high above them. Swellow smacked the wings together, sending a wave of flying type energy down. It struck his metal monster head on. Digging deep, he kept holding on tight and shook the move off once more.
"Well, it seems our defence is enough for them," he smiled, "so let's assess theirs. Use Rockslide!"
Letting out a loud roar, a series of small lights formed in the sky. Rocks of all different shapes and sizes fell down over the field.
Watching closely, he saw the normal flying type skilfully fly around the rock-rain. Like some sort of fighter-plane without missing a beat. He smirked as an idea entered his mind.
"Now use the rocks to climb!" he instructed.
Taking off from his position, he ran towards the closed rock. His stubby little legs glew white and two claw shapes extended out. With a leap, he landed on the side of the bolder. Throwing himself upwards, he ran up the rock as it fell.
Leaping up to the next rock, he continued to climb high into the sky. As the rocks crumbled down onto the field.
He locked eyes on their opponent. Watching the bird swerve in and out of the rocks, his eyes widened when he saw the opening, "to the right!"
Throwing himself in that direction, he landed directly on the birds back. Disappearing within the falling rocks, the two Pokémon presumably went crashing.
After half a minute, the last of the rocks settled on the half-crumbled mess of a field. Stepping closer, he scanned the rocky mess for either of the Pokémon.
A slight shake on Vito's side of the field revealed Aron freeing himself as Swellow fought for freedom. With his body glowing a bright silver colour, he unleashed an assault of iron head, metal claw and iron tail. Not giving their opponent a chance to escape.
"Alright Swellow, time we end this," Vito instructed, "you know what to do."
Flapping the wings, a slight breeze formed. Enough to stun his rock steel type in place as he held his ground. Swooping forward, he ended up caught in the talons of their opponent. Ascending high at a breakneck pace. His mind rushed to try and find some way out of this situation.
Performing a loop, they used the momentum to send his iron armor Pokémon hurdling towards the ground. His small Pokémon turning around helplessly.
With a loud squawk, a high-pitched sonic wave followed. Colliding into the former leader as he smashed into the ground.
A cloud of dust covered the impact but as it settled, a creator in the fallen rocks revealed Aron at the centre. Swirls replaced his eyes as he laid motionless.
"Aron is unable to continue," Vicky declared, "making the winners of this round Vito and Swellow!"
Max's eyes widened at the sight of Aron in the creator. His older-brother figure walked out across the cobbled field and kneeled next to him. Scooping him up in his arms, he stood back up, cradling the iron armor Pokémon. Making his way back over to them.
As he got off the rocky mess, a blue light engulfed the wreckage. Lifting it off the ground, revealing the battlefield back to normal underneath. The boulders crumbled up within the psychic force before flying away. Revealing the golden, humanoid Pokémon next to Vito. Holding two spoons, one in each hand, it was clearly the one doing the clean-up. With Brock stopping just next to him.
"Will Aron be alright?" he asked.
"Roth! Vigoroth!" the normal type stamped his feet around, grunting in anger and slamming a fist against his chest. Wobbling off balance, he almost fell back but the newly evolved normal type held him, showing off his impressive reflexes.
"Hehe, it's alright Vigoroth," Brock smiled, "we'll get 'em next time."
"But why didn't he use that Alakazam?!" Max asked, pointing over to the pure psychic type, "it's one of the coolest Pokémon in the world!"
"You like Alakazam huh?" Ash asked, "maybe I should call mine over so you could meet him."
"Oh yes, I forgot you had an Alakazam!" he smiled, "where did you catch him? It would be good to know for when I'm a trainer. Psychic is one of the strongest types!"
"Well actually, it was Serena who caught him as an Abra," the chocolate-eyed boy explained, gesturing to his girlfriend who stood next to him, "we ended up trading my Haunter and her Kadabra back in Johto."
Glancing at his first crush, he couldn't help but hear her cute giggle, filling his stomach with Beautiflies. Shaking his head, he did his best to push those feelings away and refocus on the subject at hand.
"Sorry to say Max but Abra just kinda appeared," she replied, "he was teleporting around, trying to avoid another trainer."
"Oh yeah," Ash smiled, "wasn't it Leaf who was chasing him?"
Before he could ask who Leaf was, a flash caught his attention. Turning towards the field, he saw the father stood on one side of the field with a long, slender Linoone in front of him. Teeth flaring with a low growl towards his sister, who was scanning the normal type. Close by, Serena was using her own Pokédex, after receiving it back from Brock, scanning the fully evolved normal type:
Linoone, The Rushing Pokémon. The final evolved form of Zigzagoon (Hoenn variant). Linoone always runs full speed and only in straight lines. If facing an obstacle, it makes a right-angle turn to evade it. This Pokémon is very challenged by gently curving roads.
"Man, Linoone are pretty fast," Ash smiled, as he put the device away, "Brendan's was tough enough to face... Hey Max, your dad has one too, right?"
"Yeah," he smiled, remembered playing with the pure normal type on a daily basis, "Linoone's the best! We'd always go out for walks, as long as he wasn't needed in a gym battle. We'd play fetch on Petalburg beach!"
"Maybe I'll end up facing him when we return to Petalburg for my gym battle," he clenched his fist with a hardened gaze, "or he could use the Swellow he used before."
"Well, whoever he ends up using, he'll win," he puffed his chest out, holding his head high as the newly evolved normal type allowed him to loom over the raven-haired boy, "my dad is the greatest gym leader in the entire world. It's only a matter of time until he's defeating Steven and becomes champion."
"While it's great that you've got confidence in him, Max," Brock spoke up, "don't count your eggs until they've hatched."
"What do you mean, Brock?" he asked.
"A gym leader is far more than a powerful trainer," he explained, "and they rarely get to show their full strength. A gym leader's first priority is to evaluate their challengers. It's not only common but it's expected they'd lose to trainers of all different strengths despite their overall experience."
"Hmm," he mumbled, pinching his lips together, crossing his arms in defiance, "well my dad still won't make it easy for him."
"None of us would expect him too," Ash smiled, "hey look, May's using Combusken!"
Turning his attention back to the main field, he saw his sister out with her starter in front. One foot in front of the other as he made a 'come at me' sign with his extended arm. While it made sense, being a fighting type against a normal type, surely, she would be better using a Pokémon without the attitude.
"Linoone verses Combusken," Vicky declared, "let the battle begin!"
Victor verses May:
He blinked and both Pokémon had already set off from their starting positions. Heading straight at each other with incredible speed, his sister's starter extended his arms, claws glowing and extending. While their opponent hopped from one side to another in a zigzagged pattern.
Stopping in his tracks, Combusken narrowed his eyes. Turning to track the rushing Pokémon, he ended up spinning in his spot.
Sweeping across, he delivered a swift slash to the fire fighting types torso. Landing behind and continued to dance around. Going in for a second attack.
The young fowl Pokémon stepped to the side, causing the normal type to sail passed. He attempted to swipe down with his own slash but wasn't quick enough. Letting out an anger filled cry, he breathed out a strong flame which struck the ground and erupted into a tornado.
Running along the outside of the flame, Linoone made more and distance. Soon disappearing from sight of the young boy, despite height from Vigoroth.
"Alright Combusken, now we just need to wait for them to try another attack!" his sister shouted, "and with the flame shield, we're sure too-"
Extending both arms to the side, the fire fighting type charged into the flames. Slashing through the fire wall, tails of orange streaks enhanced his blades.
As the opening in the wall revealed the path forward, a giant blue orb appeared. Smashing straight into the young fowl Pokémon, he was knocked backwards as the wave washed over the rest of the flames. He landed flat on his back, his flames claws returning to normal.
"I said wait!" she shouted, stamping her foot down.
"Busken!" her starter yelled back, pushing him up into a sitting position.
Neither of them could continue their argument as Linoone smashed into his chest. Landing on top of the young fowl Pokémon, he stamped down.
A cloud of dust surrounded the two Pokémon. With them disappearing from sight, only the sounds of the assault gave any indication to the events.
In a spew of small fire balls, the pure normal type went flying backwards out of the dust. With May's starter charging after, his taloned feet glew white with a tint of orange. Reaching their opponent as he fell back down, he delivered a swift double kick, sending him scraping across the ground.
Rolling in the dirt ended up back on all four legs. Turning towards the fire fighting type, he let out a low-threatening growl.
Whilst Combusken stood, slumped over slightly. Supporting himself by leaning on his legs whilst panting heavily.
"Your Combusken certainly has a lot of spunk," Victor praised, "but unless trainer and Pokémon work as one, you'll find yourselves falling short."
"What do you know!" she cried out, "now Combusken use-"
"Aqua Jet!" Victor cut her off.
His eyes widened in surprise, there was no-way Linoone could learn that move! Just what was going on?!
A ball of water formed at his mouth. With a swift flick of his head, he sent the water pulse soaring across the field. Standing back up, he extended his own claws, clearly intending to slash his way through the attack. However, the normal type went running, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
Smashing through his own water pulse, it appeared to surround his body. Smashing straight into May's starter, he was sent flying backwards.
Landing on his stomach, he attempted to push himself up. The rushing Pokémon shot past, delivering a gut-punch of a headbutt. Stopping between his sister and her starter, he watched as the fire fighting type collapsed down onto the floor.
"Combusken is unable to battle," Vicky declared, "which means two points to one for the Winstrate's!"
Max sighed and closed his eyes. With his head taking a downward turn, he shook it slowly in a disappointing manner. Reaching out, he ran his hand over the white, soft fur of the newly evolved normal type. Letting out his breath, he re-opened his eyes.
"I knew she would've been better off using someone else," he sighed, "probably Mawile, being a steel type but Minun too, since water played a part."
"That's hardly fair, Max," Brock noted, "normal types have a large move pool. There wasn't any way for May to know he'd have water pulse. I think she did alright, considering the circumstances."
"But-" his voice died in his throat as the older-brother figure pointed back out over the field. Turning towards the source, he saw May kneeled next to her fallen starter as Victor and his Linoone stood next to them. The large shadow covering them from the sun.
"Thanks for the fun battle," he smiled, "I'm guessing with those flaming claws you're a coordinator?"
"Yeah," she grumbled, recalling the young fowl Pokémon back into his device before standing up, "what does it matter?"
"Oh, it's just my previous wife. Before she died, she too was a coordinator," he replied, "Linoone was actually her partner. It was her who taught him the aqua jet technique. I wanted to thank you, it was nice to let him put the old skills back to the test."
"We still lost," she grumbled, turning to walk away.
"You actually remind me a lot of Katie," he continued, "when she was younger, just starting out. She too had some teething issues with her Pokémon. I wanted her to take Linoone along, if only for my own piece of mind but she refused. But she kept at it, learnt along with her team and if you could see her now... sorry, I got a little carried away but what I was trying to say. Don't take this battle seriously. Everyone falls at some point; it's just how you recover."
"I'll..." she paused, "bare that in mind."
Trudging towards them, her head was down casted towards the Pokéball in her hand. She didn't say a word as she walked past him, nor did she even look up, just taking her spot back in line with the rest of their travelling group.
A bright light drew his attention back to the field as Vito's Alakazam once again cleared the field. A smile formed on his face as he saw the mother step up to the trainer's box next. He already knew which of his group were going against her and he couldn't wait... definitely, only for the battle... no other reason.
"Hey Brock, can you look over Combusken please?" he heard May ask, in a quivered whisper.
"Of course," he smiled. Glancing to the side, he saw the doctor-in-training accept the device and take a seat on the ground. Unzipping his backpack, he pulled out the first aid box and released the fire fighting type into his lap.
A pair of long-smooth legs walked passed, drawing his attention. Blinking, he watched Serena take her spot on the trainer's box with a Pokéball already in hand. Vicky raised her arms up and took a deep breath, "next round is between my own flesh and blood Victoria and the challenger Serena! As victors in the last round, we'll be revealing our Pokémon first!"
"I hate to say it but maybe this one won't be as fun as I originally hoped," Victoria sighed, holding a Pokéball in hand, "I mean. We saw you on tele back in the Rustboro showcase. We know you're a performer and not really a battler. Sorry we'll have to do this to ya."
"I wouldn't be so quick to judge," Serena replied, a smirk flickering across her lips, "I maybe a performer now but I've still had plenty of battles too."
"We'll see," Victoria rolled her eyes, holding the device out, "but you're up, Roserade!"
In a flash of light, her grass poison type appeared in front of her. She was a bipedal Pokémon with hair made of white rose petals, and a leafy, green cape with a yellow, collar-like bangle around her neck. The cape pattern reached towards the back of her head, in spiky, sepal-like extensions on the hair. She had a dark-green mask over her red, yellow-lidded eyes. The lower portion of her face was light green, and each hand seemed to be a massive bouquet, with red flowers on the right arm and blue on the left. Her limbs and underside were light green, with her feet ending in yellow tips.
Max remembered seeing one back at the flower shop where they met Poochyena and Lotad, back when their journey was first starting. It was hard to believe they've already done so much since then. He glanced to the side and caught Ash's Pokédex description:
Roserade, The Bouquet Pokémon. The final evolved form of Budew. After captivating opponents with its sweet scent, it lashes them with its thorny whips. With the movements of a dancer, it strikes with whips that are densely lined with poison thorns
"I wonder who Serena's gonna pick," he wondered aloud, "Dustox would be the best choice for type, but Sylveon has the experience. Murkrow would be a good option too but she's hardly a battler... as long as she doesn't pick Feebas or-"
"I choose you, Meditite!" Serena shouted, cutting him off.
Her fighting psychic type appeared right in front of her. With one foot in front of another, she held her arms in a strong stance despite her small size, although when she turned to face her trainer with a slight frown, chewing her inner cheek and slightly narrowed eyes.
"No need to worry, Meditite, this will just be a chance to build your confidence," she smiled, "you'll do great."
A flash of light shot of her belt and by her feet materialised her Ralts. He stood tall and took a few steps forward. Calling out a few words, he couldn't be sure what exactly, but it seemed to have the ideal effect. With a serious nod, the psychic fighting type turned back towards their opponent.
He stumbled, almost falling off Vigoroth's shoulder, but the normal type helped steady him. Looking onto the opposite shoulder, he saw the fairy psychic type, who teleported into position. Sighing, he turned back to the field, pinching his lips together.
"I don't get it," he mused, "surely she'd have a better shot with Murkrow, Sylveon or Dustox. Why pick Meditite?"
"Because these are just fun battles, nothings really on the line," Ash shrugged, "so it's the perfect chance to help build up Meditite. From what Serena's said, she's been pretty reluctant during practise and training. So hopefully this battle will help her open up more, build confidence."
"Battling and dancing are hardly the same thing," he grumbled.
"Just because their different, they also share similarities," he replied, "they take hard work, effort and practise. Moves need to be perfect for the situation. It's easier to count what they have in common than what they don't."
Inwardly sighing, he refocused his attention onto the field ahead. Even if the others don't really care if they win or lose, it would be nice for his first official battle to end in victory. Sure, he beat Vivi but that was more because of a timely evolution more than anything else.
"Roserade verses Meditite," Vicky declared, "let the battle begin!"
Victoria verses Serena:
He raised his eyebrow in confusion at the two Pokémon. Meditite sat down on the field, a pale blue outline of psychic energy surrounded her, and she lightly levitated off the air. A mystic light seemed to envelope her body as she floated in place. Completely relaxed.
While Roserade had a series of brown roots extend up from the ground. Wrapping around her legs. With an echoey cry, a green mist surrounded the field.
Holding her two flower hand up above her head, a series of small brown seeds flew out. Scattering widely across Serena's half of the field.
"Incoming," Serena instructed.
Meditite's eyes burst open. The psychic field surrounding her blew out into a sort of forcefield, deflecting the incoming leech seeds.
As she stepped back onto the ground, retaking her opening stance. His eyes were drawn over to Roserade, who still held her flower hands up. White balls of solar energy flew into the top as both glew bright white. Turning them forward, a powerful beam of grass type energy shot out.
Holding her own hands out, the fighting psychic types eyes glew bright blue and a wave of ESP shot out. It struck the solar beam but hardly effected it.
Blasting past her, she was knocked to the side. Serena even had to dive out of the way from the attack.
"It's more than just fire types who fight well under the sun," Victoria smirked, "like I said. This isn't some performance. Let's wrap it up Roserade."
A smirk flickered across Serena's lips as Meditite pushed herself up. Holding an arm out, a wave of ESP shot out. Engulfing the ingrain roots by her feet, they shot further out of the ground. Wrapping around the grass poison type's arms, they were forced back down.
Charging off on her feet, she clenched both fists together. Reaching her opponent, she delivered a swift one-two punch straight to her face.
Breaking herself free from the roots, one of the flower hands blocked the incoming foot. As the meditate Pokémon stumbled backwards, she aimed both of her flower hands directly at their opponent. A thick purple liquid shot out and sent Meditite flying backwards.
Landing on her behind, she tried to shake the residue of the venoshock off. Sulking in the puddle of toxic liquid from the failed assault.
"Ralts! Ralts!" the psychic fairy type shouted from Vigoroth's shoulder. Meditite turned towards him with a hopeful gleam in her eyes.
"Confusion to deflect!" Serena added.
Without missing a beat, she held her hands up. A wave of ESP shot out and caught a thicker blob of toxic sludge. Coming to a complete stop, it launched back in the same direction, straight towards the original user.
Spinning around, a series of razor-sharp leaves shot out with a multi-coloured edge. Slicing through the sludge bomb they shot towards Meditite.
"Detect!" Serena shouted.
Closing her eyes in the sitting position, she levitated out of the puddle. Floating around the field, the magical leaves shot off into the distance, far away.
"We can't keep detecting forever, Meditite," Serena informed as she stood back onto the solid ground, "Ralts is right. Let's put your dance lessons to the test."
"Enough playing already," Victoria scoffed, "finish this Roserade!"
Lifting her flower hands up, she began charging another solar beam. Meditite charged forward as she re-aimed and fired her beam. Twirling to the side, she skimmed past the powerful beam and continued forward. Leaping forward, she jumped over her head.
Landing behind the grass poison type. She swept her foot around, tripping the bouquet Pokémon over.
Roserade rolled over onto her knees, pushing herself up. Opening her mouth, she shot out a quick barrage of purple stingers.
Spinning around back onto her feet, she let out a wave of ESP. It caught the oncoming attack and it spun around her as she twirled on the spot.
Sending the attack right back into their opponent's chest. Ending her twirl to the side of the grass poison type, she delivered three swift punches to her side and one to her head. She crippled over onto her hands and knees, panting heavily as she struggled to keep herself up.
"Now finish it!" Serena hollered.
Clenching both fists together, an icy mist surrounded them. Jumping up, she landed directly on their opponent's back. Delivering two ice punches straight to the back of her head, the bouquet Pokémon collapsed forward as she rolled off, posing on one knee in front of the fallen opponent.
"Roserade is unable to continue," Vicky sighed, "meaning both sides have two points. Next match will decide the winning team!"
His eyes widened and voice stuck in his throat as the honey-blonde girl ran forward and swept her fighting psychic type up in her arms. Spinning around as she stood up, both had a look of pure joy on their faces. Stopping the little twirl, Ralts appeared on her shoulder.
"Ralts!" The first stage Pokémon cheered, "Ralt Ralts!"
"Hehehe, he's right ya know," Serena giggled, lightly covering her lips, "you did great and should be really proud of yourself."
"Nice job out there," Victoria smiled as she approached, having already recalled her grass poison type, "and sorry about how I acted before. I can get a little overzealous when it comes to battling."
"It's fine," she smiled, giving a not-so-subtle side glance towards Ash, "I know someone else like that."
Smiling at the sight of the pretty-older female as she carried her two duel psychic types of the field brought a smile to his face... and caused his heart to thump against his chest. Shaking his head, he pushed those feelings away and out of his head.
"So Max," Ash's voice drew his attention away as Alakazam moved in to reset the field, "what did I tell ya. Serena knows what she's doing."
"Well, I never doubted that," he crossed his arms, pointing his head upwards, "I mean, she's been a trainer for as long as you have but she hardly makes silly mistakes or takes risks like you do."
"Hey-"
"Cut it out, boys," Serena's voice split between them. She walked over and pecked the older boy on the lips before stepping to his side, "go get 'em."
Turning towards the field, he already saw Vicky in the trainer's box with her Camerupt stood in front of her. She stood tall with black smoke escaping through her back. A hardened stare contorted the once docile look.
"Shouldn't you wait until I've picked my Pokémon?" Ash asked as he stopped in the opposing trainer's box.
"Camerupt here is my last Pokémon capable of battling," Vicky explained, "all the others are either too old, already passed or settled down somewhere else. But it doesn't matter who ya'll pick."
"And why is that?" he asked, Unclipping a Pokéball of his belt. He also pulled out his Pokédex and scanned the orange beast:
Camerupt, The Eruption Pokémon. The final evolved form of Numel. The humps on Camerupt's back are formed by a transformation of its bones. They sometimes blast out molten magma. This Pokémon apparently erupts often when it is enraged
"Because Camerupt and I can handle any opponent," she declared, "heh, back in the day we even beat one of the elite four in a one on one."
"That's good," he noted, "because the tougher the opponent, the harder we fight. I choose, Corphish!"
In a flash of light, his pure water type landed on the field directly in front of the fire ground type. Snapping his red claws, the rogue Pokémon made a clear attempt to taunt their opponent but to no avail. Camerupt stood tall, the only change in her facial expression being her eyes which narrow further.
"If ya'll think type advantage alone will win, you've got another thing coming sunny," Vicky chuckled.
"Wouldn't expect anything less," he smirked, "but the next gym we're going too specialises in fire types. For all I know, we could face a Camerupt there as well. So, this will be a good learning lesson for both myself and Corphish."
"I like you, kid, planning ahead and smart thinking," she smirked, "it reminds me of Katie. And if ya'll are working towards the emerald league then I look forward to seeing you two go head-to-head. Hope ya'll won't disappoint me now."
"We'll try our best to live up to your expectations," he nodded back.
He saw Serena step up to the referee box and hold both of her arms up, gesturing to each of the trainers. Corphish let out a low growl as he seemed to tense up, whilst Camerupt scrapped one of her front hooves against the ground. Blowing black smoke out of her snout.
"Camerupt verses Corphish," she declared, "let the battle begin!"
Vicky verses Ash:
A wide smile took over his face as the water type pointed both his claws towards their opponent. With a mighty cry, he launched out two separate beams of bubbles. Within seconds, they covered half the field. Being engulfed by a large flame stream, the fire overpowered and continued onwards.
"What?!" he cried out, "water should be strong against fire!"
Corphish leaped out of the way of the flames. Landing to the side, he charged forward.
"That just goes to show how strong Camerupt is compared to Corphish," Brock noted, "not to mention this weather would help strength fire moves and weaken water. I guess they decided to go in a sort of difficult order when facing us."
Closing in, the ground started shaking heavily. Wobbling back and forth, Ash's water type stumbled over his own feet.
"But Azumarill wasn't affected in our battle!" he cried.
Disappearing in a stream of flames, Corphish cried out in pain. The intense heat from the flamethrower could be felt from even over in the side-lines.
"That just goes to show how strong Azumarill really was," Brock smiled, "and having four tough trainers, with a fifth boss... it reminds me of how the elite four are set up. But it just goes to show-"
A fireball shot out of the flames, directly upwards. Two jets of water powering the flight. As the flames faded, it revealed a burnt Corphish, high up.
"Show what, Brock?" May asked.
Corphish spun around and his claws spewed with water, glowing bright white. Falling down, he appeared to be targeted directly on their opponent.
"That anyone who comes here looking for trouble should be worried for themselves," he smirked.
Black smoke fumed out of the humps on Camerupt's back. A wave of laver shot up with massive burning rocks in the mix. One smacked the pure water type in the face and knocked him onto his back. Weaking shaking back onto his legs, he shook himself and angrily snapped his claws.
Opening her mouth, white orbs of solar energy flew into her mouth. The eruption rained down overhead and on Ash's side of the field.
Pointing his claws upwards, he launched out two jets of water. Destroying the lava which threatened to land on top of him.
"Protect!" Ash shouted.
Crossing his claws over his head, a green-tinted shield formed around him. A massive white beam of solar energy struck the forcefield.
"There trying to win with pure power, Corphish, so we need to win by being smarter," he explained. The pure water type emerged from the blinding beam, similar to when he landed, staring his trainer down... until he gave a small nod, "good. Now get running and use bubble beam."
Without missing a beat, he took off around the outer field. A stream of flames blew past where he stood, following him around the field.
Holding the claw closest to Camerupt out, he launched out a single jet of bubbles. It struck the flames but failed to cancel them out.
"Fire at her face, not the flames!" Ash shouted.
Redirecting the bubble beam, it struck the snout. While the flamethrower shrunk slightly, it hardly stopped it completely.
Using the slight opening, Corphish made a beeline straight for their opponent, who hadn't moved since the battle began. Adding in his second claws attack, they finally cancelled out the flames in the eruption Pokémon's mouth.
"Now send yourself straight over her!" he added.
Pointing his claws downward, the bubbles turned to blasts of water. Sending him flying overhead whilst swirling in the air.
"Water gun in the hump!" he shouted.
As he spun overhead, Corphish pointed both claws down. It seemed perfectly timed as two blasts of water landed directly in the humps. White steam fumes out of the eruption Pokémon as the pure water type landed behind her. Panting heavily and covered in burn marks.
"Wha-what did they do?" May asked.
"Fire types form the flames inside their bodies," Brock smiled, "Ash knew that and had Corphish attack specifically to put a stop to the internal flame. It'll be a while before Camerupt is launching out flamethrowers and eruptions again."
"Well done, sonny," Vicky laughed, "but if you think that's enough to defeat Camerupt, your sorely mistaken."
Corphish turned around with an angry cry. Throwing himself at the immobile fire ground type, water spewed out of his claws as his crab hammers took form.
Running underneath, he whacked the two back legs. Several hard hits could be heard as he ran under their opponent. Reappearing at her head, he smashed one claw into her snout. Snapping down on the skin, he forced himself upwards and brought the second water-engulfed claw down.
"Rupt!" the eruption Pokémon cried, her face turning bright red.
Setting off from her starting position, the ground shook with every step. In a matter of moments, she was charging down across the field.
Smashing through the smouldering rocks leftover from the previous eruption. While the water type dangled from her snout.
"You see, Camerupt doesn't need fire power to win battles," Vicky explained.
"Crab hammer the left side of her head!" Ash shouted, "then water gun the ground!"
The large Pokémon turned to the right and Corphish disappeared from sight. Stumbling forward, the fire ground type crashed into the largest rock from her previous eruption. He moved closer and saw swirls taking over Camerupt's eyes.
Corphish went flying forward and landed on his side. Weakly pushing himself up from the dirt, "coooooor." He promptly fell over.
"Both Pokémon are-" Serena was cut off.
"Not so fast, girly," Vicky interrupted, "Camerupt fell first. So, you visitors are the victor's. Well, done and thank you for the battles. It's been a while since we've had this much fun."
"We should be thanking you," Ash stated, as he walked over to his fallen water type, "you're real tough. And we learnt a lot. Right guys?"
Everyone in their group agreed as they moved in closer. Stumbling slightly as Vigoroth's shoulder bounced around, he noticed Alakazam working on clearing up the eruption mess. Soon both his travelling companions and the family made a single massive group.
"Well, you're more than welcome to stay the night," Vicky laughed, "we've got plenty of room. And it'll be fun to see what your other Pokémon have to offer."
"Thanks," Ash smiled, "it'll be good to know what sort of training you all do!"
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...