Author's Note:
Here it is, the chapter I've been asked about the most. Probably because it contains a canon capture and I'm guessing some people expected him to appear a lot sooner. I will say, I felt really bad for this Pokémon in the anime. Personality wise, he was one of my favourites, but he wasn't given many battle moments to prove it. I will be remedying this for the little guy. If you're wondering, he won't be a massive character arc Pokémon but still one I look forward to writing... mainly because I'm basing him off one of my favourite movie characters from one of my favourite movies. I'd like to see if anyone can guess either in review or PM. Here's a hint, the movie in question came out in 2008. As the end of the last chapter hinted, we'll be seeing an old friend, because I felt like it. I also wanted to point out what the next stage for experienced Pokémon to work towards, it's been hinted at with Pikachu, but I felt more depth would help and we also get to see a rival. Like I said at the start, Brendan was more of an early Hoenn rival for Ash, and I feel like this has passed by that point in our series. With today's rival being the late Hoenn rival for him. If you wanna know about the two Hoenn rivals from cannon (Morrison & Tyson), they'll appear but in relatively small roles. More of like rivals of rivals (think Vincent in Johto). There is also a none-catched Pokémon who gets some spotlight... he might show up later, but we'll just need to wait & see. If you want a hint, think about character's who end up having this species in canon. Also, we get an at the lab scene, and another battle. I wrote this battle for one specific purpose, to highlight an animal in our world can swim which I never expected. It was pretty cool, all things considered. Not much else to say, just remember to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin...
Chapter Forty-Three: All Torkoal, No Play
"Alright Max, I think you're really gonna like this one," he smiled. Holding his device in hand, he placed the friend ball on top. With a flash of light, the green device disappeared. Moments later a regular Pokéball flashed into its place. Grabbing the device, he smiled and held it out, "come and say hi, Primeape!"
In a flash of light, his pure fighting type materialised in front of them. Slamming his fists into the ground and on his chest, he let out a series of grunts.
"And why did you think this was a good idea?" May asked, giving a weary look at the wild pig monkey Pokémon, "he just seems... wild."
"Well Max wanted to meet some more of the old guys who are back at the lab, and with us passing by the valley of steel," he shrugged, "it just seemed like the perfect opportunity. I'm sure Primeape would like to fight some of the tough steel types. Right buddy?"
"Right," he smirked, standing up. With a glint in his eye, he delivered a sucker right into his gut. Coughing with a light chuckle in his front, he kneeled over slightly, resting on the pure fighting type he panted slight.
"Ash!" May shrieked as he felt Serena kneel down for him to lean on.
"It's okay, May," he chuckled, looking up to her surprised face, "its Primeape's way of saying hello."
"You've softened up since the silver conference," his fighting type grunted, "I thought you'd have an iron stomach by this point."
"Hehehe, not quite mate," he gasped, standing back up, "but I have been training some. One of the gym leaders was a personal trainer and even gave me a new training programme but it didn't really focus on raw strength."
"I can see that," he mumbled, "but I would like to see what you've got... show off a new thing or two I got working as well."
"Can I ask what?" he asked.
"You just did," he smirked, "but I spent a bit of time with Lapras. Learnt about her move freeze-dry and tried to come up with something similar."
"That's her ice type move, super effective against water types," he mused, "so... did you try to learn it? I don't think Primeape's work like that."
"No," he shook his head, "I decided to come up with a fighting move but one effective against an opponent normally resistant. I call it Warrior's eye! You know, after seeing yellow's explode-y tail, a lot of us back at the ranch decided to come up with our own moves or combinations."
"So, what's this warrior's eye move do?" he asked, feeling a tingle of excitement stream through his veins.
"It's a fighting move but I specifically target pressure points," he smiled, "while I could explain, I'd rather demonstrate. So, I have one question?"
"Which is?" he asked.
"Do we have a dragon type around here?" he asked.
He glanced over the fighting type, already figuring out what sort of move he came up with. With a mental shrug, he turned towards his girlfriend, he stood with her arms crossed. It seems she didn't share his excitement at seeing the new move.
"You are not punching Bagon," she declared.
"Spoilsport," Primeape grumbled.
Chuckling, he stood himself up. Glancing around at everyone, before they could respond, a loud cry echoed from within the canyon. His eyes locked with the fighting types for a brief moment. A sly grin formed on the pig monkey Pokémon's face and the set off.
Running across the desolate ground, he gave a small leap over one of the rocks. It didn't take long for his fighting type to take the lead, but it didn't really matter. Coming around the corner of the earth wall, he found two familiar Pokémon locked in some sort of battle. A Skarmory and a Torkoal.
The pure fire type was stood on the ground. A purple mark covering the nose. Shooting out streams of flames into the sky.
While the steel flying type zoomed around. Skilfully flying between the flames, closing the gap between them.
Torkoal stopped his series of flamethrowers, panting heavily. His opponent smashed down on top of him, knocking the coal Pokémon across the ground.
"Leave him alone!" he called out.
A battle is one thing, but he knew when the line was crossed. Skarmory's talons clutched down into his shell. The duo taking off, with swirls replacing his eyes as they climbed. He glanced to the side, as his pure fighting type took off.
Leaping off the ground, he jumped to the wall. An outline of fighting type energy empowering him. Throwing himself off, he spun in a summersault.
Landing on the armor bird Pokémon's back. He began pummelling into the back. Torkoal fell down, denting into the ground from the short fall. Slowly exiting his shell, he fell back down onto the ground. His fighting type fell down next to him as the hostile bird flew away.
Running forward, he skidded to a stop in front of the two Pokémon. Sliding his backpack off, he pulled out a few potions, antidots and a revive. Breaking the smelling salt open, he held it under the fire types nose. It took a few moments but slowly his eyes returned to normal.
"Alright, just hold on Torkoal and we'll get you fixed up," he smiled, taking out an antidot. Spraying it over the pure fire type, he glanced towards his pure fighting type. He was sat down, panting with tired eyes, "you alright Primeape, you seem pretty winded for one attack."
"That was my other move, a work in progress," he replied, "I wanted a fighting type giga impact... but it's turning into more of an overheat. I use up so much energy that my subsequent strength is sapped."
"Heh, so what do you call this one?" he asked, switching to a super potion for the coal Pokémon, "supreme smash?"
"I don't name it until I've mastered the move," he replied, "but that is catchy... so I might keep it."
"And yet again, you feel the need to run off from us!"
He sighed and turned to the side to see his friends coming up behind. Glancing back, he turned and rubbed the fire types head. Happy he was in a good condition; he gave a small smile. Turning back, he stood back up and turned to face them.
"Torkoal here was in trouble," he gestured to the fire type on the ground behind him, "surely you can't be mad about that."
"You didn't know that," she crossed her arms, "it sounded nothing more than a regular battle, and given the reputation this valley has."
"But it wasn't just some battle," he sighed. Covering his eyes with a hand, he ran his fingers through to pinch the bridge of his nose. Shaking his head, he glanced down to his foot to see the coal Pokémon back on his feet, stood beside him, "how you feeling buddy?"
"I'm good," he mumbled, "thank you."
"You're welcome," he smiled.
"Wait..." the pure fire type extended his head closer, seeming to squint with pinched lips, "how did you understand me?"
"Long story," he shrugged, kneeling down to scratch him on top of his head, "but I'm just glad you're alright."
The ground trembled, almost like an earthquake although they were on the outskirts of the seismic tremors given how little they shook. A loud echoed cry followed. As he used one of his arms to steady himself, he noticed the wild Pokémon looking around.
"You have my thanks, but I'm afraid I must be going," he nodded, "you see, a thousand journey mile starts with but a single step."
"Huh?" he asked.
Instead of receiving an answer, a loud cry echoed once more. It was louder than before but still clearly the same source. In a slow-ish run across the rocky terrain, the pure fire type disappeared within the valley once more. Blinking in surprise, he turned towards the others.
"Well, I didn't expect that," Primeape mumbled, "think he's late for a date or something?"
"I... don't know," he muttered, standing back up. His eyes still locked on where he ran off too, "and what about that weird saying he had."
"Beats me," Primeape shrugged, rolling one of his arms back, "but I'm starting to feel a second wind. Fancy finding one of those tough steel types you mentioned?"
After a quick conversation with the others, they nodded in agreement. Soon they set off deeper into the valley of steel. Although this time, he stuck closer to the others, despite Primeape leading the charge. Every time he thinks May is over the mount chimney thing, she just seems to bring it up again.
About an hour later and he smiled as his fighting type spun in the air. Smashing down onto a rock, he rolled off and posed in front of his opponent. With heavy breaths and a light trail of sweat covering his face, he turned back to look at the Magneton he just took down. Being his third opponent in a row.
Smiling, he stood up and walked over to the raven-haired boy. Embracing the pig monkey in a hug, he glanced back as Brock got to work healing up the electric steel type. They weren't kidding when they said the Pokémon that lived in here were tough. Smiling as the magnet Pokémon, they floated away. It was a little jarring, despite being tough and ready for battle... all the Pokémon so far, except Skarmory, have been respectful in combat.
"Aren't you guys gonna get some battles in?" he asked, "no reason Primeape and I should have all the fun."
"Hm, maybe," Serena mused, "if we can find the right opponent. I bet a good battle would be just right for Meditite."
"My current line up isn't exactly built to handle steal types," May added, "in case you didn't notice. Combusken is cooling off at the gym and I don't even have Mightyena with his dig attack."
"If you always wait for a perfect match up, you'll never have another battle," Brock handled, "I'm kinda in the same place as Serena. If we find the right opponent, I'm sure Aron would love to pick up a battle or two."
"Would I be able to borrow Mudkip or Trapinch for a battle?" Max asked, "I think those two would be good here."
"If they want too, sure," the breeder smiled, "but I'm not sure Trapinch will. He's more of a cooker than a fighter."
"But a ground type would be perfect in this place," he mumbled, shaking his head, he looked up with a smile, "never mind. As long as I get a battle, its fine."
Walking along the canyon path, the sounds of a battle echoed around. Glancing around, a thin voice travelled, giving commands in some sort of battle. As he looked between his friends, he saw recognition on them. He felt like it was familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. Following the fighting types lead, they soon came to a clearing and found a familiar green-haired boy with a Scizor in front of him... battling Torkoal.
"Sawyer?" he asked, approaching the battle from the side.
"Huh?" the boy turned towards him, a wide smile over taking his face, "oh hey. It's you guys. How ya been?"
Torkoal used the opportunity to deliver a flamethrower straight into Scizor's chest. Sending the steel bug type flying backwards into a rock.
"Oops, sorry Scizor," he muttered, pulling out a Pokéball to recall him. Clipping the device back to his belt, he fully faced them, "guess we've still got some work to catch up on."
"I'm guessing Scizor is a relatively new catch," Brock asked.
"Yeah," he mumbled, "I came here to do some training and found it after some battle. I caught it and healed him up, but we've just not meshed well yet, so we've been taking on opponents to come up with some sort of style. So, what're you guys doing here?"
"We're passing through on our way to Verdanturf," Serena smiled, "and given the valley's reputation, we thought it would be a good training place."
"So how many badges do you have, Sawyer," Ash interjected.
"I've only got two," he sighed, pulling out his badge case. Glancing inside, the raven-haired boy saw both the badges from Rustboro and Larvaridge, "you see, after we parted ways in Rustboro, I've spent the time building up a competent team to take on the other gyms. I only got the Larvaridge badge a few days back."
"I bet you was the challenger Flannery took on in the afternoon then," Ash smiled, "so what sort of team do you have?"
"I've got the same three as before, but they've evolved into Grovyle, Vigoroth and Crawdaunt now," he smiled, "and I've caught a Bagon, Numel and now Scizor. With a filled-out team, I felt we were ready to return to the gym challenge, so we'll probably go Mauville next."
"Well good luck, Wattson's no joke," Ash smiled, "I think with his strategy, he's been the toughest Hoenn gym leader I've faced so far. Although all of them are good in their own right."
"We'll bare that in mind," he smiled, "so what about you? How many badges have you got?"
"I've got four," he smiled, pulling out his own badge case, "we're heading back to Petalburg but stopping by a couple places for Serena and May to compete in showcases and contests."
"Awesome!" the green-haired boy smiled, "your right on the way to the Hoenn league! It's thanks to your battle with Treecko against Roxanne than Grovyle and myself were able to build up our team so far."
"Interesting..." a voice muttered. Turning downward, he looked at the fire type, he was glancing between the two of them. He settled on looking into Ash's eyes with his own.
"And it's nice to meet you again too, Torkoal," he smiled.
"It is," the fire type nodded. Turning to the sky, he hummed, "and it appears the time for my second bout has arrived."
Looking in his direction, he saw the Skarmory from before flying towards them. Tightening his fist, he saw the coal Pokémon part his feet, tightening up his own stance. Everyone else seemed to realise and move back, creating a makeshift battlefield.
"Torkoal... allow me to battle with you," he whispered, "last time Skarmory almost-"
"I know what happened last time," he nodded, "tell me... what is the best mirror?"
"Best mirror?" he blinked, "erm, I don't know... is this really the time."
"The best mirror is a friend's eyes," he replied, "and I've seen one of your reflections in this young humans... so yes, I believe I would like to battle with you."
"I might not know your specific moves, but I've got a rough idea from Torkoal's I've faced and from other Pokémon of a similar species," he explained, "so let's just try and work it out."
Smiling, he turned back to the sky and saw the armoured bird entering a dive. Picking up speed with the beak glowing with flying type energy.
"Iron Defence!" he shouted.
The pure fire type withdrew into his shell. A shimmering light shone over the shell. The beak crashed into hardened shell, causing Skarmory to stop in their tracks. Flapping his wings, he stumbled back into the air from the sudden stop.
"Flamethrower," he followed up.
Exiting his shell, the coal Pokémon launched out a stream of flames. It struck the steel flying type in the chest. With glowing wings, they flapped harder.
A wind blew down, breaking up the flamethrower. Turning around, the armoured bird ascended, circling around like a predator.
"We can't leave you open for an attack," he explained, "smokescreen."
Withdrawing into his shell, Torkoal released a thick black smoke out of each hole. Soon the entire makeshift battlefield disappeared.
Skarmory stopped high over the cloud. With glowing wings, they swiftly flapped them, blowing the smoke with a powerful gust.
"Rapid spin and ride the winds," he followed through.
As the smoke blew back, dispersing into thin air, the original field was revealed... empty.
Letting out a loud squawk, the steel flying type swooped down. Landing down with the talons clutching the ground, scanning the area.
"Smog then ember!" he shouted.
From behind one of the rocks sticking out of the ground, a purple cloud exhale. Torkoal was spinning across the ground, straight under the metal bird as they tried to take back off. Stopping on the other side of the smog, he exited his shell, sending out a single fire ball.
It struck the poisonous cloud, igniting it. A massive explosion engulfed the makeshift field. With the coal Pokémon walking over towards him.
The fire-show ended with Skarmory flat on the ground. A mystic light covered the body and they slowly stood themselves back up.
"Are you still wanting to battle?" he asked.
"No," the armoured bird shook his head, "I think the boss would be interested in seeing your progress. Never thought I'd see you with a human though."
"Don't miss opportunities as time only plays itself once," Torkoal replied, "how is the old mon doing, anyway?"
"Heh, look who's talking," the steel flying type chuckled, "he's good... and he's missed you, ya know."
"Well, I can see his training has paved you a path forward," he noted, "when I left, you were but a mere hatchling, fresh out an egg. I assume he's taught you everything he knows. You almost had me back in our first encounter."
"Yeah..." Skarmory nodded, rolling his wings and neck, "and I know you taught him everything he knows-"
"But not quite everything I know," the fire type chuckled.
"Wait, wait, wait," Primeape stepped forward, "so are you some sort of totally, awesome secret master, Torkoal? From the way your talking-"
"Totally."
"Then why did you almost lose too Skarmory when we first met?" Ash found himself asking, glancing towards the armoured bird, "no offence."
"None taken," Skarmory shrugged.
"I didn't," Torkoal replied, "water droplets piece stone, rope saws cut trees."
"Can you stop talking in cookie-quotes?" Primeape asked.
"It means, patience and persistence can break through anything... regardless of difficulty," Torkoal replied, "have you ever tried to carry a Torkoal shell? They aren't easily done, especially for a mature owner. My plan was simply let Skarmory tire himself out by carrying me off then finishing our bout."
"But you was almost down for the count when we got you," Ash insisted.
"I wasn't expecting the abrupt landing," Torkoal replied, turning back to their previous opponent, "now, I trust you've sufficiently had chance to roost and heal, Skarmory?"
"I have," he nodded.
"Good, I'd quite like to meet my old student," he smiled, turning back to Ash, "and I'm sure he'd like to meet you and your friends."
With a nod, the armoured bird took off once more. He wasn't too high and soon they ended up following behind. Running through the chain of events, he glanced between Torkoal, Primeape and Skarmory... this entire situation seemed flipped on it's head. If he couldn't understand them, he'd doubt he would understand this fully. As his mind began to wonder about this student Torkoal spoke off, he noticed Sawyer walk up, jotting stuff in his notebook.
"Hey Ash," he whispered, "can I ask you something."
"Sure," he replied.
"I'm kinda at a loss on what's going on here," he admitted, "I mean, Skarmory and Torkoal went from each other's throats to old friends in the blink of an eye."
"Honestly... I'm not sure I understand it any better," he shrugged, "but right now, they're taking us to a Pokémon who was once Torkoal's student."
"Sounds like the bases of some sort of kung fu movie if you ask me," Primeape chimed in.
"What did Primeape say?" Sawyer asked.
Soon they made it to a large wide-open area, surrounded by high cliffs on each side. Ash smiled as he glanced around at all the steel types he could see. A group of Mawile were crowded together, watching as two of them wrestled together. A squad of Scizor were with some large rock pillars, punching away with their large claws. Magneton, Metang and Skarmory covered the skies in several airborne battles... whilst Torkoal walked towards the centre.
Stood right in the middle of this training ground was a huge, bipedal Pokémon. Primarily covered with silver armor plates over the grey body. The armor on the head had two pairs of holes with horns protruding out. The forehead plating extended past the upper jaw in a small point. Sky blue eyes shone from beneath the helmet, and two nostril-like holes sat on top of the upper jaw. On the rim of the mouth were several, razor-sharp pointed fang like protrusions and the nape of the neck and back had grey-silver armor sections. With wide, blunt spikes on the shoulders, accompanied by grey-silver bands on the arm and legs. The hands and feet each had three claws. A thick, long, black tail swung behind.
Swallowing hard at the intimidating Pokémon, he noticed a sort of smile over the metal face as he walked to meet Torkoal. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his Pokédex and scanned the new encounter:
Aggron, The Iron Armor Pokémon. The final evolved form of Aron. Aggron is protective of its environment. If its mountain is ravaged by a landslide or a fire, this Pokémon will haul topsoil to the area, plant trees, and beautifully restore its own territory. They are known to have disputes with Tyranitar
"So that's what Aron will evolve into one day," Brock muttered. Glancing at the breeder as he put the device away, he licked his lips as he turned back.
Noticing the steel rock type turn to look at him directly, he felt a shiver down his spine. He knew hardened battle expressions well and Aggron certainly had one. Even if not in a threatening pose, just the build of the Pokémon was enough to install a sense of fear. Seeing the fire type also turn towards him, he swallowed that instinct to run and approached, with Primeape right beside him.
"So, you're the human who's impressed my master?" he asked, "I can't say I'm impressed. Your hardly built like a warrior."
"I've impressed you?" he blinked, glancing down to Torkoal.
"Everything has beauty," Torkoal nodded, "but not everyone can see it."
"Heh, you said the same thing to when he first started training," he laughed, "but if he can truly see potential in you, I'd like to experience it as well."
"Sounds like you want a battle," Primeape smirked, stepping forward.
"Now that's the fire I was looking for," he laughed, standing up, "but I want to make myself clear. I'm not looking for a trainer right now."
"And here I thought you'd insist on trying to best myself again," Torkoal chuckled, "could that be growth I'm seeing in you, young one?"
"What was it you said last time you brought in a stray?" he asked, "the spectator see's more of the game than the players."
The steel rock type laughed as he stomped across the ground. Light tremors followed each footstep. Glancing to the side, he saw his fighting type stepping forward into a battle position as the pure fire type moved to his side.
"I don't get it?" he whispered, "that quote I mean."
"Hehehe, it's quite simple really," the fire type chuckled softly, "I've been saved by your battling. And battled alongside you... now I wish to fully experience your combat abilities. See where abouts you are in your journey and whether or not I could assist you."
Shaking his head, he turned his attention forward. This is one of the weirdest encounter's he's had with a wild Pokémon, but he can't focus on that now. His pure fighting type stamped his feet around, letting out a series of grunts as he punched either himself or the ground. While Aggron smirked, crouching low and pointing his horns towards him. His foot scraping against the ground.
Torkoal shot a flamethrower straight into the air. He jumped to the side, avoiding the intense heat.
A rumble tremored through the ground. Causing him to fall onto his behind as he glanced ahead.
The two Pokémon Collided in a collision with the iron armor Pokémon standing up. A flurry of punches smashed into his stomach.
Raising a claw, they extended and glew. Swiping down with heavy weight, light marks being left in the air.
His wild pig monkey Pokémon jumped to the side. Throwing his fists to the ground, he pushed himself up. Climbing up the arm which just tried to hit him. He locked his arms around his neck, swinging behind as he tried to pull the beast back.
Grabbing his fighting types arms, he pulled him overhead. Throwing him into the ground, the steel rock type shimmered with a bright shine. Falling forward.
Primeape rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the heavy slam. Rolling into a crouching position next to their opponent.
"Earthquake!" he shouted.
Glowing with a light-brown outline, he leaped up. Spinning overhead, he smashed down onto the beasts back. Smashing him deeper into the ground. A loud cry echoed from Aggron. The outline turned to an orangey-brown colour as he began stamping down on their opponent.
His arms pushed up, lifting his body out of the dirt. Revealing the creator in the earth as his fighting type continued the assault.
"Primeape fall back!" he shouted.
The wild pig monkey Pokémon stood up, panting slightly. Jumping off towards the back, the giant black tail swung. Knocking him sideways.
Spinning to face him head-on, their opponent charged forward on all four limbs. Tremors echoed across the ground with each impact. A power-barrier formed around him as the fighting type disappeared behind the beast. He ran forward to try and get a better look at the impact.
"I suppose you did well for a youngster," Torkoal nodded, "no shame in losing a good battle."
As he reached the side of impact, he saw his fighting type between the horns. Punching his fists downs on the head as he was dragged along.
"Primeape!" he shouted, "rodeo!"
A smirk formed on the wild pig monkey's face. Swinging around on the head piece, he ended up on the steel rock types back.
Grabbing ahold of the horns, he attempted to turn it either way. Taking a hard left, the power barrier dispersed from around them. Standing back up, the steel rock type shook his back. Causing the fighting type to dangle from the horns over his back.
Quickly letting go, he landed on the floor. Kicking up, he delivered a low kick straight into the back. Jumping off, he summersaulted away and landed behind.
Aggron stumbled forward, marks and dents covered the armor plating. Spinning around, the two Pokémon face off like at the beginning of the match.
"Primeape, we're gonna need to go all or nothing," he shouted, "Supreme Smash!"
Tensing his body up with arms crossed against his chest, the fighting type energy out formed. Vibrating, he could've sworn he saw steam emitting off the pure fighting types body. In the blink of an eye, he charged forward.
Winding his fist back, their opponent barely had a second to registrar the movement. A single punch smashed in his head
Knocking the iron armor Pokémon backwards a few feet. He fell down as Primeape collapsed onto the floor. Running towards him, he skidded next to his fighting type who had swirls in his eyes. Looking up, he saw the fully evolved opponent slowly standing himself up.
"That... was impressive," Aggron admitted, "had it been any of my brothers in the valley you faced, that move would've finished them off."
Ignoring the compliment, he pulled out a revive and held it under Primeape's nose. The smelling salt soon kicked in, causing him to wake up in. He couldn't help the smile forming on his face at the wild pig monkey.
"How you feeling?" he asked.
"My fist... really hurts," he replied, raising it up. Opening and closing it in a slow manner.
"We'll get Brock to check you over," he smiled, "but that supreme smash attack... it looked more... complete, I guess."
"Yeah," he replied, "it also felt more powerful... couldn't tell you why though."
"Maybe you need to get energised first, like how Pikachu builds up electricity for the big thunders by running," he shrugged, "either way, it was super impressive."
"Indeed," Torkoal nodded, "and it was certainly a sight to behold. I was certain you had fallen against the double edge."
"We were still no match for you, Aggron," he replied, glancing up to the steel rock type, "and yet... our fighting moves should've been super effective."
"A good defence leads to a stronger offence," Torkoal chimed in.
"That would be from my master's teachings," he nodded, "one of the first lessons he taught, defence. I always use iron defence to maximise my defensive ability from the start. Had I not, I think your Primeape might've actually got the better of me."
"Maybe it would've taught you some humidity," Torkoal replied, "I feel like that has been lost in my teachings to make you stronger."
"Master," Aggron bowed, closing his eyes with a wincing expression.
"One thing I don't get," he interjected, "Torkoal... you trained Aggron but why? I mean, it's not like your... related. I thought parents of Pokémon normally handled early training."
"I found young Aggron as a mere egg on my travels. Matching him, I tried to send him out on his own but alas he was not ready," Torkoal sighed, "I saw potential within him though, and took it upon myself to teach him combat. He soon evolved and became the young one before us now."
"I was never able to best master in battle," Aggron continued, "so he suggested I teach others. What was it you said, master?"
"Knowledge, which is not replenished, diminishes every day," Torkoal replied, "I learnt so much more from my time training him I set out to find others I could help. Whilst my son built up a home here. Steel types from all around visited. Some tried to best him, other's wished to learn from him."
"Thus, this valley became known as the go to place for steel types looking to toughen up," Aggron finished, "I didn't set out to specifically train steel types but those are just the Pokémon who came here. I wasn't about to turn them away."
"Now I believe we should get young Primeape some rest," Torkoal suggested, "and I for one would be interested in seeing how your friends match up with some opponents."
Nodding, he stood up. Helping the pig monkey Pokémon back to his friends where Brock already has some medical things laid out. After a quick conversation to catch everyone up, Max took the opportunity to battle, being paired with Brock's Aron. Seeing the fire in his pre-evolved stage, Aggron picked a Magnamite to be his opponent and they quickly moved towards the makeshift battlefield they previously used.
Torkoal took up a place off to the side of the centre. Glancing between the two sides he smiled and nodded. Firing a powerful flamethrower into the sky.
"Run and get in close!" Max shouted.
Taking off across the ground, he quickly entered a leaping charge. Bolts of electricity struck the ground as he moved side to side.
With one giant jump, he tackled the electric steel type. Knocking him back, he landed straight on the ground.
Shaking it off, the magnet Pokémon spun. A weak wave off electricity expanded out.
"Mud slap defence!" Max shouted.
Turning around, he kicked his back legs into the dirt. Flinging a heap of dirt into the expanding thunder wave. Knocking on opening into the attack. He took off back across the field, easily avoiding the attack.
A loud, ear-bursting screech echoed out. Magnamite was spinning on an axis. Electricity sparked all around as it came charging down.
Aron stopped in his tracks, cringing from the loud noise. While the sparkling electric ball flew in from behind.
"Iron defence into rock smash!"
Shaking in his stance, a bright shimmer shone over his body. Their opponent smashed into the back, and both went flying. Spinning in the air, his small arm glew white. Smashing it down on top of the electric steel type, the two Pokémon smashed into the ground.
Letting out a loud roar, bright lights formed in the sky. Several large rocks began raining down over the field as their opponent floated back into the air.
"Don't let them get too high!" he shouted, "they've got far more long ranged attacks."
With a small nod, the rock steel type leaped onto the nearest rock. His claws glew and grew as he ran across the rocks. From one to the next, closing in as the electric steel type swerved around the oncoming projectiles.
"Huh," Aggron scoffed, crossing his arms, "that one is going to have issues soon."
"What'cha mean?" Ash asked.
"He's far too quick," he replied, "when Aron evolve, they gain bulk. Those swift movements are going to be next to impossible for him."
The two Pokémon collided and Magnamite were knocked into the next rock. The two Pokémon smashed into it as they crashed into the ground.
"My Venusaur had a similar issue when he first evolved," he muttered.
"There might be a way for him to have a smoother transition though," he nodded, stepping up behind Max, "listen up kid! I want you to use Iron Defence, then rock smash your new shell!"
Aron paused, glancing back towards them. The electric steel type floating up behind him.
"Look out!" Max shouted.
A bolt of electricity shot out. Engulfing the iron armor Pokémon. His eyes closed and he tensed up, grimacing.
"Do it!" Aggron boomed.
Through the electric shock, a shimmering engulfed his body. His claw glew brighter than the rest of his body. Whacking his own body, cracks formed within the shimmering coat. In the blink of an eye, he shot out and under their opponent, breaking out of the electric prison.
"Wh-what?" Max asked, frozen in place. He pulled out his Pokédex, unable to answer himself:
Autotomize: The user sheds some weight to temporarily increase the movement speed.
Aron stopped behind the magnet Pokémon with a skid. Kicking his feet into the ground, a leap of dirt flung straight into the electric steel type, knocking it down to the ground. Spinning on a heel, he leaped up with a bright light engulfing his body.
"Guess that energy boost and new move was just what the kid needed," Aggron chuckled, stepping back once more.
Growing in size, Brock's rock steel type smashed down on their opponent. The evolution stopped, revealed the new form as he walked off the defeated magnet Pokémon. A Scizor moved in behind, to scoop up the fallen opponent, presumably to help recovery. He took the chance to take in Brock's newly evolved partner.
He had stocky armor with four short legs, although he was easily triple the size of before. His underbody was dark grey metal plating, with a lighter coat, close to Aron's original plating on top. His eyes were more of a sky-blue colour, again visible through holes in the head armor. While the back armor was split into segments, each with a high ridge and round dark holes on the sides. The sides of his lower jaw had several flat protrusions, and two teeth were visible when he opened his mouth. With two-pronged metal bands on his legs. The upper band was grey while the lower was silver. He pointed his Pokédex to scan:
Lairon, The Iron Armor Pokémon. Evolved form of Aron. During territorial disputes, Lairon fight by slamming into each other. Close inspection of their steel armor reveals scratches and dents. These marks are a sign of respect by the battle-hardened Pokémon
"Aron..." Brock muttered, approaching the rock steel type.
"I hope he'll be alright," he stood up, glancing at the fully evolved Pokémon, "I mean... I know how hard my Venusaur-"
"He'll be fine," he nodded, "I showed him how to use autotomize to help the transition period. It'll make the entire journey to his final evolution much easier."
"Sounds like you're speaking from experience," he replied.
"That is because he is," Torkoal interjected, "a being who cannot tolerate small misfortunes, will never accomplish great things. Now I believe there was one more of your little gang that wished to test their strength... the young madam and her Meditite."
Serena smiled, running forward with her fighting psychic type beside her feet. He couldn't help but smile at her energy. Despite the reputation of this valley, it is very well run. He could mistake it for a gym with their rules and focus on bettering those here. It's really quite amazing and not something he's seen.
"I believe one of our Scizor shall provide a worthy opponent for you," Torkoal nodded, taking up his place in the referee place.
He smiled as everyone else took up their positions. Brock and Max were off to the side, interacting with the newly evolved Lairon as Aggron stood beside him, and Primeape walked up next to him... this has been one hell of a day, to say the least.
He followed the fully evolved rock steel type as he led them out of the valley. Sawyer already left in another direction, being escorted by the Skarmory from before, heading in the direction of Mauville. The sun hung low in the sky as he glanced at the fighting type, who was conversing with Torkoal. Although he wasn't really paying attention to them, he glanced to the other side where Max walked.
"So," he got the young boy's attention, "what did you make of Primeape?"
"He was pretty cool," he smiled, "but still no match for my dad or Slaking."
"Good job I'm not using him then," he smiled.
"Who are you gonna use?" the young boy asked.
"You'll find out... in the battle," he smirked, "I'm not about to spoil my plans yet."
The young boy rolled his eyes and moved closer to Brock, who had Lairon walking beside him. He spotted May and Serena also in some conversation but before he could contribute, he spotted the two defensive Pokémon stopping just atop of a small hill.
"This is where I turn back," Aggron announced, "the edge of the valley is here. None of my students shall interact with you past this point."
"It's been great, Aggron," he smiled, "you sure I can't convince you to let me catch ya?"
"Like my master, I might at some point consider a human for tutorship, but I'd need one different from him," he replied, "at one point after my final evolution, my training to slow. It was due to learning all I could from my first teacher. I fear sharing a human would put me back in that state."
"Wait," he blinked glancing down to the fire type, "the way he's speaking. Torkoal, do you-"
"Indeed, it was my intention to ask about joining you on this adventure," he nodded, "however, I wished to do it with more tac than my student here."
"Well, no need to ask," he smiled, kneeling down. Grabbing an empty Pokéball and holding it out, "if you want a spot, you've got it."
With a calm smile and relaxed eyes, he leaned his head forward and tapped the device. A red light engulfed him, and he disappeared inside. It didn't even wiggle before dinging. Opening up, he materialised once more. Standing up, he pulled out his Pokédex, scanning the new team member:
Torkoal, The Coal Pokémon. Torkoal digs through mountains in search of coal. If it finds some, it fills hollow spaces on its shell with the coal and burns it. If it is attacked, this Pokémon spouts thick black smoke to beat a retreat
Type: Fire
Ability: Drought
Hidden Ability: Shell Armor (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)
Gender: Male
Nature: Calm (Note: This is unlikely to change because this Pokémon can't evolve)
Move(s): Smog, Ember, Withdraw, Rapid Spin, Smokescreen, Clear Smog, Flame Wheel, Protect, Lava Plume, Body Slam, Iron Defence, Flamethrower, Curse, Heat Wave, Solar beam, Will-o-Wisp, Weather Ball, Bulldoze, Gyro Ball, Body Press
Ash's Pokédex switched screens to a list of his current on hand team, although all the images were silhouettes except for Primeape and Torkoal, "please select which Pokémon you wish to send back."
He sighed and looked across towards his pure fighting type. It was never an easy decision, but he already knew who to send back. After all, he always tried to prioritise giving the newer team members a chance to travel with him. Noticing his look, the wild pig monkey walked over to him.
"It's been fun... this valley was a real challenge," he smiled, "but I knew sooner or later this was coming."
"If I could have you all with me, I would," he nodded.
"We all know that kid," he shook it off, holding his fist out, "till the next time."
Smiling, he fist bumped the fighting type, "so bud. Think you could do me a favour back at the lab?"
"Sure," he smiled, "What'cha need"
"Granbull," he replied, "I asked Pikachu to get her in shape whilst at the lab. But if she could manipulate fighting type energy, it would be really useful."
"I'll have her in fighting condition in no time," he smirked, "any move imparticular?"
"Catch a man a fish and he'll eat for a day," Torkoal replied, "teach a man to fish and he'll be fed for life."
"I don't speak old," Primeape replied, "sorry."
"I think he means you don't need to teach a specific move. More just how to use the energy," Ash explained, "then she could learn to adapt that energy in any way she see's fit. Maybe it would even teach you a thing or two."
"I doubt it," he replied, "but like I said. I'll have her punching with the best of us."
Chuckling at the bluntness of his pure fighting type, he pulled out his Pokéball. Recalling the fully evolved Pokémon, he glanced at his Pokédex, where his image lit up. Selecting the button, the other device teleported from his hand. He glanced down to Torkoal, putting the device back into his pocket. The fire type turned back towards the head of the valley of steel.
"So, this is where we part once more," he nodded.
"Master," the iron armor Pokémon bowed, "may I ask you something?"
"Certainly," he smiled.
"You once suggested I take on the role of a mentor myself," he explained, "in doing so, I've learnt so many new things. I never considered having a human myself, until today with you taking this boy. Why have you changed your stance on them?"
"I've met many humans throughout my travels, many tried to capture me," he replied, "a thousand soldiers are easily obtainable. But a good general, that is rare. Tell me, can you truly not sense the boy's aura?"
"I cannot," he hung his head, "my apologises master."
"No need for sorrow, it just means you still have growing to do," he replied, "do not fear growing slowly. Only fear standing still. I believe at some point you too shall find a human suited for you... and when that day comes, do not allow it to pass you up."
"I will not master," he replied, with one more bow, "farewell."
With a bowed head off his own, Torkoal moved to the side as the fully evolved iron armoured Pokémon set off back into the valley. Everyone moved in close as the orange tint of the sky reminded them of the swiftly approaching nightfall.
"We'll need to camp out again tonight but we're less than a day's travel away from Verdanturf," Brock explained, "and we'll have a few days before your showcase, Serena."
"That's good," she nodded, "I'm planning on doing the water routine and I know Kingdra, Dewgong and Feebas have been working hard back at the lab, but I still need to make sure I know my part and we're all in sync."
"Well for now we'll just need to set up camp," Brock smiled.
They quickly moved into their different roles, within their roles. Max took up watching the Pokémon, as Brock set up a campfire and cooking equipment. Ash and May got to work setting up the tents as Serena wondered off in search of the firewood. It barely took over ten minutes for them to get all three tents pitched, given their previous camping experience and he approached his team.
Duskull, Taillow, Grovyle, Corphish, Kirlia and Torkoal were training, or more specifically, it seemed Torkoal was training the others. Grovyle appeared to be learning to absorb sunlight, for what he could only assume would be solar beam. Corphish was shimmering with light, clearly harden but if he had to guess, he'd say he was trying to upgrade too iron defence. Taillow was flying around, occasionally entering steep dives as flames burned around her. Kirlia was moving several fireballs around her with telekinesis. As Duskull was in direct combat with the defensive battler, matching Night shade with flamethrower.
Watching them all hard at work, an eye formed in his head. A perfect plan on how to counter their upcoming opponent in the Petalburg gym.
Seviper hissed as she stared at a rock with a small brown Pokémon sharping their claws at the rocks. Throughout her time at this place, she learnt he's the tough nut. If she wants to prove her strength and build up her reputation, the best way is to put down the hardest player.
Halting his action, his eyes glinted as it slide to the side. Locking sight with her prey, she knew he had spotted her.
Pouncing forward, she opened her mouth. Her fangs filled with poison as he swept to the side. She landed where he once stood.
Striking her tail to the side, he leaped up. Spinning in a ball, a series of pin missiles landed in her face.
Slivering forward, she ended up underneath. He landed down next to her body, and she wrapped herself around. Restricting his movements, she opened her mouth and dived down. Sinking her fangs into his rock-hard skin, they were unable to penetrate. His spikes pointed into her skin as she constricted.
Knowing her grip would soon give, she planted her fangs into the ground. With all her strength, she sent her prey flying.
Glancing in his direction, she saw him curl up. Spinning around, he landed on the ground and entered a roll straight towards her.
Flooding her tail with toxins, she smashed it down into the earth. Seconds later, her prey rolled up and into the air. With a deep breath, she let out a thick black smoke from her mouth, engulfing herself in cover. Her eyes accustomed to the environment, she watched him crash into her field.
Jabbing him with the jagged tail upon impact, he crashed. She used the pause to snap her fangs into him, with a flick of the head, sent him flying.
Slivering after him, she knew exactly how to end this. She is quite adapt at swimming and based on his typing, it'll be his downfall.
As she approached, she saw the ground type panting heavily. Eyes narrowed and sneering with his razor-sharp teeth flaring. She inwardly smirked, the prey tastes so much better when they fight back. Nothing beats working up an appetite... while not her initial intention, a midday snack would work lovely now.
Seeing him charge at her with glowing claws which extended, she smirked. Sending her tail in first, it smashed into a claw and flew upwards.
Dragging it back down with toxins flowing freely. He crossed body sets of claws up to catch the impact. Swiping her head sideways, she snapped him up.
With a flick of the head, she tossed him closer to the lakeside. He stuck one claw in the ground, scrapping as he came to a stop right on the water's edge. His pupils shrunk and back spikes raised up. Realising he was turning serious, she slivered towards him as quickly as she could.
He jumped up and smashed back into the ground. A massive crack formed in the earth, travelling both towards her and back across the lake.
Wincing from the seismic tremors, she leaped to the side, avoiding the fissure. As she landed, something smashed into her.
Rolling around in the ground, she soon found the ground type straddling her. Raising her tail, his claws shimmered in metal and stabbed the base. Blood spewing out as she took a deep breath. Releasing a thick haze straight into his face once more.
Seeing him cough and stumble backwards, she leaped up. Snapping her fangs around him, she tossed him into the lake... although no splash happened.
Glancing in that direction, she found the lake drained from the previous fissure. Slivering towards the edge, she found the wet ground and a single hole.
She barely had chance to swallow as he broke up through the ground. His claws uppercut her chin, knocking her backwards.
He landed on her tail which he previously punctured with an audible crunch. Crying out in pain, she saw him stalker closer with pure rage written on his face.
His claws stabbed the ground right next to her, the entire world vibrating. It became an outer-body experience as she realised what her prey must've felt whenever she caught them. Everything spinning as she focused in on his eyes.
"Leave! Me! Alone!"
Everything went black...
An annoying beep echoed in her ears. Glancing around, a cool silver colour was all she saw but it was too blurred to make out specifics. Blinking to regain her sight, she found herself in that same room which she originally arrived in. A couple Pokémon which she vaguely recognized stood in front of her.
"Your awake," the large plant smiled, "you're lucky that your plan to drown Sandslash didn't follow through."
"Urg," she winced, trying to sit up but with the pain she relaxed back onto the bed, "wha-what do you mean."
"Look, we know what your strategy was. Drag the battle into the water for the advantage," the female bird added, "but you might've miscalculated."
"You see," Venusaur followed up, "while Sandslash is weak to water. He is more angered by it. Had you dragged him in the lake, then we likely wouldn't be here speaking right now. We only just arrived when you passed out, and he would've had more than enough time to finish you."
Letting out a low hiss, she glanced down to her tail. A white bandage wrapped around the base of the dagger with a red spot of blood.
"Your also lucky he only punctured the skin," the grass poison type continued, "had he hit an archery or used more strength, chances are you wouldn't be a whole either. For saying your meant to be an experienced hunter, this was a very stupid hunt you went on."
"I think you've made your point," Pidgeot interjected.
"Right, sorry, I almost forgot myself," Venusaur sighed, "just... whenever I think we're getting somewhere with him... anyway I should take my leave, I need to put together a team to fix up that lake before her highness goes on a hunt of her own."
"Any ideas on who'll fix up that fissure?" Pidgeot asked, "I highly doubt Sandslash's in the mood for hard labour right now."
"I was gonna give that ground type Drake caught in Unova, see what they're capable off," he replied, glancing back to herself, "rest up for now, Seviper, your gonna need all the strength and then some... we'll talk more about this when your able to leave the medical bay."
"Maybe you could use this opportunity to think things through," Pidgeot suggested, "I get wanting to prove yourself but attacking when unprovoked is hardly a good way to make that statement. And before you even think about, no retaliations for being beat. You got the jump on him once, but he won't make that mistake again... just ask Meganium if you don't believe me."
The large bird hopped up onto the windsil of the opened window, soaring out into the bright day. While the large plant walked out of the room through the door. With a heavy sigh, she laid back down on the bed... she's never been caught off guard like that when on the hunt-
A scratching sound echoed from the far side of the room. Turning her head in that direction, she saw a smaller bird with golden and red feather's walk out, the talons scrapping across the metal floor.
"Came to tell me how foolish I've been too?" she asked.
"Hardly," he replied, "my name is Noctowl... and I believe we could help each other."
"I don't need help," she hissed.
"Not my diagnosis," he replied, "I believe your pushing everyone away because you fear-"
"I don't fear anything," she snapped. Wincing at the outburst, she slowly relaxed back onto the bed. If she weren't in this state, this owl would be filled with different toxins to the point he wouldn't know which way was up.
"My dear, everyone fears something," he replied, hopping up onto a desk so he was slightly higher. His eyes glew blue and narrowed. Leaning forward, she felt a drowsy spell overcome her as the bird disappeared in a blur. Blinking a couple times, her vision morphed, "so tell me... what do you fear?"
Rapidly blinking to counter the mind-games, she looked up and found another Seviper sat on the desk. Cold dead-grey eyes stared down with a slashed through, dried blood coloured the black skin. A long black tongue stuck out as she leaned in closer.
Her breath stuck in her throat, unable to believe who was sat in front of her. Blinking, water filled her eyes. She tried to speak but her voice stuck in her throat. With a weak cough, she tried again but only a meek whisper made it's way out, "mummy."
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