Author's Note:
Here it is, the chapter where we see the last captures for two members of our group (in Hoenn at least). As the title suggests, you can probably tell it's one of the canon Pokémon and the other one... should make sense. While similar to the canon encounter, I also took some creative liberties with it. I also decided to do my version of a common Pokémon anime episode archetype, the wild Pokemon steals something from our heros. Hope you like what I've done with their personalities, with certain inspirations being the alter ego of Melon Lord from ATLA (one of the best shows... ever). Not gonna lie, I was very tempted to make this canon Pokémon just pure puns but we ain't no Batman & Robin movie... and the Pokémon certainly isn't Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now I would like to take a moment to address a guest reviewer who claims I've made Serena a Mary Sue, but I don't think I have. Yes, she made a mistake by not heeding Red's warning but given the circumstances, she acted emotionally. Ash has also acted emotionally in the past, when he burst out after his defeat of Silver which set the man on his suicidal path or when he deliberately threw himself in front of Sandslash before the bonding moment (he still has those two scars remember). As for Ash not being mad about her actions, he's been pretty clear that he believes in forgiveness. Again, remember how he tried to argue with Silver about how Rocket could be dealt with without going extreme. If he could forgive the likes of Team Rocket, why wouldn't he forgive his girlfriend for an emotionally fueled mistake? He even felt like they should talk and forgive May during the Foretree contest rather than the route Serena decided. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with this, let's begin...
Chapter Sixty-Eight: Snorunt of the Pack
Ash smiled as he stretched his back. Slightly sore from the spike he was leaned up against. While Lapras wasn't the comfiest ride, he wouldn't have anyone else to travel across the ocean with. Moving slightly to sit right behind her head, he gently petted.
"How you holding up?" he asked.
"Good," she replied, "it's a little hot but I'll be fine."
"I'll check with Brock," he informed, "see if there's a closer island we could stop off on."
"You don't need to," she replied, "we can make it to Mossdeep by lunch if we push through."
"Maybe but it's not worth it if you get ill," he replied, "and we could use the opportunity to do a little training there. Has Crawdaunt learnt ice beam yet?"
"More or less," she replied, "you know, he'd get it much quicker if he didn't spend half of the training sessions flirting with me."
"I know what he can be like, but I'll talk with him." He sympathetically stroked the side of her neck. "How about I pair you up with Grovyle? He could use someone with your sort of fire rate and accuracy to keep him on his toes."
"Sure," she hummed.
Smiling towards the transport Pokémon, he turned back around to check out the others. Brock was still on Lapras, with his Electrike in his arms and Chimecho floating around. His Sableye seemed to be performing some jokes which Electrike enjoyed at least.
Out on the water, he noticed Serena and Milotic off to the side. From their relaxed demeaners, he guessed they were in some sort of mental conversation.
Max was out in the water with Brock's Ludicolo. Sat in his head-piece with Geico by his side, both Ozone and Shade floated overhead. While May and Huntail swam around in some sort of water ballet. Refocusing back on the doctor in training, he moved slightly across the shell. Discussing the possibility with the eldest member of their group, they agreed on a suitable island and informed the others.
It didn't take them long to reach the island in question and climb off. Each splitting off to do their own thing, he released the rest of his. Duskull, Grovyle, Crawdaunt, Torkoal and Metang lined up on the water's edge with Lapras right behind.
"Alright guys, we're this close to the Mossdeep gym and our battle will be within the next few days," he informed, "we already know it'll be a double battle and against psychic types. Duskull and Metang, out of all the Pokémon prepped for it, you've spent the least time together, so I want you to pair up. Show each other some moves, learn each other's style and I'll be over in a bit so we can brainstorm combinations."
Giving him a nod, the duo floated over to an empty space. Both Pokémon are quiet young relative to their species which should give them ease in getting along. While he can't be certain of who'll pair with who, it's best to have all four capable of working together in case backed into a corner.
"Then Crawdaunt, Lapras has been working hard on teaching you ice beam, right?" To which the dark water type nodded. "Good. Then we can put it to the test. I want you to face it off against Torkoal's flamethrower. Torkoal, you know the drill, right?"
"By drill you mean the way in which I react and draw out his true potential?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"Then yes, I know this drill," he smiled.
"But wah bout mi quality time wid di honey, Lapras?" Crawdaunt grumbled.
"You've had your lessons and you got the basics down," he replied, "so the next step is applying it under pressure. Got it?"
"Yea." He sighed as he wondered over to a clear part of the beach, Torkoal following behind silently with a smile on his face.
Grovyle walked up as his eyes lingered on the transport Pokémon, "I'm guessing she finally had enough of... his moves, as Crawdaunt would put it?"
"Enough, you've got your own training so don't worry about Crawdaunt," he told the wood gecko Pokémon, "now Lapras is going to blast ice beams at you and your job is to avoid them without using any moves. I want to test your agility and quick thinking... oh and don't hide in the trees. Last thing we want is too disturb the home of some wild Pokémon."
Receiving the head nod, he moved away to allow his final two Pokémon to take charge. Smiling at the sight of his team getting to work, he glanced around the others. Brock and Chimecho appeared to be crushing up some herbs, possibly working on some natural medicines as his Sableye performed his comedy routine for Electrike, Vibrava, and Solrock. The three Pokémon seemed to enjoy it although the first two more than the last.
His Ludicolo was dancing on the beach, singing some upbeat tune with Max and his three Pokémon right beside him. The grass water type was leading with the others slightly behind, performing some sort of conga line over the beach. The thought of Vigoroth joining them did bring a smile to his face.
May had set out her own teams training... but opted for herself to re-join Huntail back in the water. Both too far out for him to see what they were doing.
His eyes lingered over to Serena, who seemed to be focusing her attention on Hitmontop. While her other Pokémon were working on different things, she certainly seemed to be spending extra time with the pure fighting type. Letting out a low sigh, his mind briefly thought about Sandslash.
There was once a time that they couldn't see eye to eye and his friends even suggested releasing him. While not supportive of the fighting types belief, he knows that it's possible for anyone to change. He loves that she isn't just giving up, even if not exactly the same as his situation. His mind wondered back to just recently on the boat and the events before Hunter J... shaking his head, he took his top and started performing push ups.
Quickly speeding up his work out, more thoughts and feelings from the event flowed through his head. A sickening pool filled the bottom of his stomach.
"You know, Ash, it won't do you much good rushing through." Stopping in his actions, he glanced up to see Brock over him. Forcing a smile over his lips, he stood up to meet the doctor-in-training. "Wanna talk about what's bothering you?"
"Not really," he replied before letting out a long sigh. "But you're not gonna let that fly, right?"
"What sort of big brother wouldn't poke his nose in?" he asked with a slight chuckle. "Especially where your relationship is concerned?"
"You're not gonna let it go, are you?" he asked to which the doctor-in-training shook his head. Turning around, he ran his hand up his face. "Its... I guess it's from the boat thing. You know-"
"I know we lost but-"
"No, not that... I mean before the J stuff." He felt his cheeks heat up. "When Manaphy did the heart swap."
"Ah." He nodded, scratching his chin. "I guess I should've had this talk with you before. The ole Pidgey's and the Beedrill's-"
"No!" His eyes widened as he turned back to the older trainer who just smirked. Taking a deep breath, he placed a hand on his heart to help it settle down, taking a couple of seconds. "It's not that sort of thing... it's just... it's weird. While I don't have specific memories, I can remember feelings."
"So, what's up?" he asked.
"I... I remember feeling self-conscious, annoyed, and-and just downright creeped," he explained, "being when walking around and catching guys-"
"I think I get it," he replied, "your upset that Serena... not just her even but most every female goes through that sort of thing."
"I don't want to be complicit in her feelings of unease," he muttered, "always needing to be on guard-"
A cold blast shot past them, and his eyes seemed to shrink as his arms wrapped around himself. Turning around he caught sight of his bag rustling around but the icy blast made out the cause difficult to see. As he ran forward, a yellow-ish blur shot out into the forest. Kneeling by his bag, he gave a scurry through to see what happened. As his eyes darted around as his heart thumped harder. He turned to see Brock looming over and his team moving in closer.
"Everything still there?" Brock asked.
"My badge case is gone!"
Grabbing his shirt, he slipped it back on before jumping back to his feet. Seeing his team nearby, he quickly recalled them all and turned on his heel. Hearing his friends call out didn't deter him. Jumping over tree-roots and shrubs, he took off in the direction.
Following small round footprints left in the sand beneath. Despite hearing his friends call out, he couldn't risk any more time for the thief to escape.
Serena panted as she rested her arms against her legs. Catching her breath, she felt a rattle on her belt. A red light shot off and her pure dark type materialised next to her. As her composure returned, she couldn't help but notice his distant stare off into the island.
Closing her eyes, she connected her mind with his. Taking the extra work to penetrate his typings defence, "what's wrong Absol?"
"That boy of yours..." He uttered. "If he's not careful then-"
"Then what?" she asked.
"Great pain shall be inflicted," he replied.
"On whom?" she asked.
"On a mother," he uttered, "I can see a Froslass. Rage filled and destroying all in her path. Turning this tropical island into a winter palace."
"Froslass," she muttered before shaking her head, "look Absol. I know you don't like him, but Ash can handle himself and wouldn't hurt someone for no reason. Especially a Pokémon he's never met before."
"I never claimed it was intentional," he replied.
"Well, if we continue searching, what're the chances we can avoid it?" She crossed her arms. "And I mean us, not Ash?"
"Slim to none," he admitted. "For whatever reason, should we continue the search then it would only seal this future."
"That's enough for me to know that we should just set up camp. Ash can take care of himself, and you just admitted that if we try to stop it then it would make it happen." She smiled, setting off through the island forest. "Come on, we should get back to Brock, May and Max. And I've got something to ask."
"Funnily enough, I too have a conversation I wish to have with you," Absol replied, "it's concerning my future on this squad following the upcoming event."
"You mean with aqua and magma?" she asked.
"Yes." He nodded. "And while I fully intend to keep my promise to help save the prince of the sea. Your friend, May, won't be happy."
"What'cha mean?" she asked.
"There's a reason legends tend to keep separate from humans. It comes with a grave risk to their selves," he replied, "of course, some still visit selected humans in secret. But these tend to have the strength to defend themselves. A privilege the prince of the sea doesn't have. Once we save him from the prison he's been put in, he'll have to get to safety. Away from humanity and explore the oceans of the world."
"How do you know all this?" she asked.
"Manaphy's role as a legend is based around keeping the water types of the ocean in order," he explained, "just like how the Johtoian beasts kept peace over their own land. Just the fact that he's currently endangered threats disrupting the aquatic beings. I wouldn't be surprised if schools of Sharpedo have been attacking boats or Wailord's crushing beach goers. The longer it goes on, the more risk of a war between land and sea grows."
"Do we need to discuss this now?" she asked.
"There's nothing to discuss. He will return to the water's once we've rescued him," he replied, "but more onto my point. I joined you because I knew I couldn't make it aboard the ship or our future encounter without being by your side. And looking into your future, I can see my most use in my mission would be by your side. So, what I'm asking is permission to stay."
"Of course," she replied, a small smile flicking over her lips, "but it does mean I'll need to add you into general rotation. Just like everyone."
"I suspected." He nodded. "Just... can we wait until the upcoming battle is over? I see a higher chance of success if you have access to my visions."
"Right," she nodded.
As they walked back, she couldn't help but inwardly frown. She'd be lying if she claimed she wasn't curious about the Pokémon, but she pushed it to the side since she knew Ash could handle himself and if she started doubting him because of Absol's visions, what does that say about her trust in him?
Making it back to the others and explaining the situation, to the others they agreed and set up camp. Since they didn't know when Ash would return, it was completely possibly they'd end up camping out on this island. Brock and Vibrava wasted no time in setting up the cooking utensils with a campfire. His Sableye and Chimecho helped entertain Electrike whilst changing his bandages.
Much to her surprise, May asked to assist him in cooking duties as Max took Ludicolo to help with his own training. Using the newly evolved carefree Pokémon as Geico's teacher for the move mega drain. While he conducted a practice battle between both Ozone and Shade through the air.
The coordinator set her team up on their own training sets, having Combusken practice battle against Brock's Solrock. While May's Spoink teamed up her Kirlia, switching the moves shadow ball and shock wave, respectively. Her Mawile and Lileep helped Bulbasaur with an appeals performance. Her Huntail swam in a nearby lake, battling against her own Milotic.
She set Hitmontop up in a teaching position, helping Cacnea learn drain punch. While she'd like to get to the bottom of his issues right now, she's still unsure of the best way to approach the topic. Since he doesn't seem to have an issue with Cacnea, she can leave them be. Leaving her with the final three members.
"Zangoose, Bagon and Absol," she greeted, setting up the mind-link, "I know I mentioned the performance idea before, but I really wanted to get to work on it. My thoughts were a high-paced, quick movement battle-dance-"
"I like it!" Bagon cheered.
"Is she always this excited about battling?" Absol asked.
"More or less," Zangoose shrugged.
Smiling at the little interaction, she sat down and started explaining the routine she wanted to bring to life. Taking out her Pokegear, she even played a few songs which she felt could fit the idea for the performance. As the third got to the midpoint, an icy wind blew past them.
"We're not alone," Absol declared as she instinctively turned the music off.
Glancing around, she noticed a spooky aura blocking them off from the others. A loud echoed cry sounded, and a new Pokémon appeared in front.
A humanoid Pokémon with a hollow torso which resembled a kimono like the one's Sakura and her fellow sisters wore. With a red obi around her waist. Her body lacked feet and was floating in the air. Her arms were connected to the sides of the head and flared at the wrists, which dappled in light blue colouration, and her hands consisted of three small fingers. While her head was shaped similar to a sideways water droplet and was topped with two ice crystals that resembled horns. Several holes were over the head, resembling a mask. Through two of these holes, crystal blue eyes with yellow sclerae could be seen, and she also had a mouth below this 'mask'.
"That is the Froslass I told you about," Absol informed.
Frowning at the know-it-all attitude from the pure dark type, she reached for her device. A ball of ice shot towards her and she raised a hand, using a pulse of psychic energy to push it to the side. Gulping at the close call, she figured that wasn't an option right now.
"Dibs!" Her pure dragon type lept forward.
"Erm, Bagon," she muttered, "you know this is an ice type, right?"
"Eh, it'll just make it more fun," she shrugged.
A cold wind blew past them, and she crossed her arms over her face. Gritting her teeth as the icy wind tried to blow them over, she squinted through the white blur to see her feisty little Pokémon in a similar stance. Even if she wanted to switch, now wasn't the time to do so.
"Ember to cut yourself a path and get beneath!" She mentally instructed.
An orange blur added into the mess of a sight, and she forced her eyes shut. Releasing a psychic shield to cover herself from the blast.
Clearing her head of snow, she looked ahead through her self-made shield. Bagon landed on her stomach under the opponent and out of the icy wind.
She shook her entire body, throwing the icy frost off as she stood up. Walking behind the opponent, she used a rock through the ground to send herself flying up. Her mouth hung open with dark type energy seething out. Landing on the Pokémon's back, she crunched around the torso of her body.
Both Pokémon landed down on the now snow-covered ground. Her dragon straddled on top and launched out a close-range barrage of embers.
"Is this the situation you foresaw?" she asked, to which he nodded. Sighing, she tried to focus on the commencing battle.
With an eerie cry, the opponent disappeared into the ground, avoiding the embers. Reappearing right behind her a ball of ice in her hands.
"So, your ghost type as well?" she muttered. Glancing to the side, she notice the disaster Pokémon walking up. "Get ready Absol. If Bagon falls, then I want you to move in."
She threw it down and knocked the Bagon back. Twirling through the air, she scrapped across the ground.
"Sol."
Gritting her teeth, her rock head Pokémon pushed herself up. Taking off across the slippery floor, a helmet of psychic energy covered her hard head.
Another ice shard crashed into the ground. She used it as a launching pad to fly straight towards the ice ghost type.
The opponent visibly flinched, and her pure dragon type crashed straight into her. Landing directly on top of her, she had dark type energy foam from her jaw.
Snapping down in a frenzied manner, a loud eerie cry echoed. Multiple of the Pokémon materialised around her and the one underneath evaporated into nothing. With a loud-echoey cry, a massive stream of icy wind blew and covered the makeshift field.
Using her shield once more, it lasted for about twenty-seconds. Slowly lowering the ESP as white blur faded back into normal vision.
She found her pure dragon type half buried in the snow-hill. While the presumed wild Pokémon floated over, letting out a loud cry with narrowed eyes.
"Now Absol!"
She took out her Pokéball as the dark type charged forward. A red light shot out and engulfed her fallen rock head Pokémon. While she certainly had the same eccentric battle drive of Ash, she couldn't help but think she sometimes just rushes in headfirst. At least her battle was able to get some insight.
His horn glew black with a purple outline. Swinging his head as he ran, slices of dark type energy skimmed through the air.
Their opponent floated backwards, twirling around the night slashes. A ball of ice formed in her hands, but the disaster Pokémon disappeared.
Reappearing in front of the opponent, he swung his horn down into her body. Knock her into the snow, he landed right behind and took an offensive stance.
Dropping into the floor, she tightened her fist. Glancing around the makeshift field, she couldn't even be certain what this Pokémon was after.
Her pure dark type closed his eyes with a light blue outline surrounding his body. She barely had chance to move as he lept back.
A golden ball swirling out of the floor illuminated the sky. She couldn't help but notice the dark cloud forming overhead and the hail which started falling.
Serena's head shot back to the floor as she noticed the other Pokémon having re-emerged. The disaster Pokémon was leaping and dodging backwards as she floated closer, fading in and out of sight within the ever-thickening hail.
As long as they can keep her distracted here, then whatever Absol saw Ash do won't happen. He might not even see her, hence why staying here was better!
Ash sighed as he ran through the jungle. Glancing around, he noticed several Pokémon, mostly Wingull and Pelipper perched in trees but even a couple Corphish wondering around the beach. Knowing how impish his own Crawdaunt could be, he figured it couldn't hurt seeing if they knew anything.
Walking over to the two Pokémon, they each frowned. Pointing their claws towards him, he quickly held both his hands up, "hold on you two. I'm not here to cause trouble or battle or anything. Just wanna talk."
"Is this human delusional or something?" one of the Corphish asked the other. While jarring to see the species without the thick accent, he dismissed it.
"I'm not delusional or crazy. I promise you." He smiled seeing both their eyes shoot open. Lowing his hands, he couched low, so they were closer to an eye level. "Long story short, I can understand Pokémon. But more to my point, someone or thing has taken-"
"Snorunt," they replied together before sighing.
"I... didn't even finish telling you what was-"
"Don't need too," the original Corphish shook their head, turning to the side they pointed to a large mountain. "Head in-land and you'll find a cave. I think humans call is shoal cave or something silly like that. Anyway, it's pretty chilly and a Froslass lives there with her son."
"This is your thief, Snorunt," the other Corphish continued, "while they don't really come around or chat or anything. Snorunt has really made a name for himself, taking everything, he can get his hands upon. I bet my left claw that he's got your... whatever was taken."
"Oh well, thanks," he uttered, seeing the two nod and walk away as he stood back up.
Continuing his journey inward, he heard some chatter and found some more Pokémon scattered around. Without paying them much mind. He came to a crouched stop behind a tree as he spotted a small Pokémon in front of the cave mouth. His badge case open and in front of him. The Pokémon had a black ovoid body. Circular, light blue eyes, wide teeth, and a spherical hands and feet that lack digits. With what appeared to be a yellow cloak that gives a triangular outline. Rimmed with an orange stripe and had three orange diamond markings on the back.
Stepping forward, he took a deep breath and went to call out, but couldn't as the ice type already turned to look at him. Flicking the badge case shut, he shoved it under the orange coat cover. With a cry, a cool icy wind with snowflakes in blew past them.
Diving to the side, he only just caught sight of the ice type as he ran into the cave. Stumbling back to his feet, he clutched a Pokéball off his belt and entered the cave. He barely got a few feet in before the coldness chilled his bones. Due to the lacking light, he barely saw the breath in front of his face. Holding out the device in his hand, a red light shot down and he presumed his fire type appeared. Confirmed when the red spots on his shell provided more light.
The walls and floor were all covered in ice. Giving the fire type a quick explanation of the situation, they continued inward with him giving off a little heat, while not enough to damage the frozen insides of this cavern, it did mean he wouldn't completely freeze either.
They continued down the single path in the cavern until coming to a large room. Bright sparkling walls shimmered with limited sunlight shining through a hole in the ceiling. On a pile of snow in the centre, he found the pure ice type who seemed to be admiring his badge case once more. Frowning at the sight, he noticed several other paths that could let the thief escape through. Taking another Pokéball, he knew he had to act fast to get the badges back.
"Go Grovyle!" he shouted, holding his device out. The wood gecko materialised and calmly placed his twig in his mouth. "Snorunt has my badge case. I need you to get it, and all the badges back."
Giving a small nod with a little side eye, he turned his attention back. Crouching low, he noticed a small ice sphere flying across the cave room.
Charging forward, his arm-leaves glew with grass type energy. Spinning in his leaps, they took the form of scythes. Slicing through the ice shard.
He continued on without hesitation and Snorunt barely had chance to turn. Slapping his head leaf down, it knocked the ice type into the wall.
Closing the gap between them, his wood gecko Pokémon pinned him against it. Slamming him with force, the badge case fell out of his body. Dropping the mischievous Pokémon, his middle-staged starter Pokémon picked it up and started walking towards him.
Glancing behind him, he noticed the pure ice type pushing himself up. His bulging eyes were highlighted by his inflating nostrils which took deep breaths.
"Look out!" he cried.
Grovyle paused before leaping to the side. Diving himself, he noticed Torkoal walking alongside as a blast of icy cold winds blew past. Striking the ceiling, a rumble echoed, and he turned just in time to see piles of ice fall down through the way they entered.
"Great," he mumbled, pushing himself up. "Hey Torkoal. Could you... blast us out? Like melt this lot?"
"I could." He nodded. "But it would be next to impossible to control which parts my heat would effect in here."
"What'cha mean?" he asked.
"This cave and mountain came to exist with the inner ice as a pillar," he explained, "if I melt that pillar in the wrong place which the excess heat would do. Let me say that it could bring down the outer mountain on top of us."
"Okay... we're not doing that then," he muttered, planting his face with his hand.
"I might have an alternative." Turning around, he found Grovyle stood with Snorunt in one hand. His opposite leaf blade was active, as if daring the ice type to try and escape. The wood gecko Pokémon handed over his badge case with his free hand. "I believe this is yours."
"Thanks," he smiled. Flicking it open, he saw all six badges nicely resting in their spots. Closing it, he glanced back to his Pokémon. "So, what's this way out?"
"This one." Lifting up Snorunt for emphasis. "Tried to take off when we picked ourselves up. He knows another way outta here."
"Do you?" he asked the ice type. Who promptly puffed his cheeks and tried to turn away.
"I feel our friend will be more helpful should you let him go," Torkoal suggested, walking forward, "when at odds. Chances he'll help are slim."
"He attacked us, and trapped us," Grovyle replied, "then tried to run. I'm being precautious. Now show us the way out."
"Why should I?!" His voice cracked as the leaf blade sliced down right in front of his face.
"There is no exercise better for the heart then raising another up," Torkoal replied, "let him go. I'll take full responsibility for him."
"How can you trust him?" Grovyle asked.
"I'm not asking you to trust him." Torkoal shook his head. "Just to trust me."
Glancing between his two Pokémon, he bite down on his inner cheek. He's completely on Grovyle's side with reasoning, especially since Snorunt is their only way of getting out... but it's clear Snorunt isn't playing ball and he could survive the coldness of this cave far longer than himself or Grovyle.
"I trust you, Torkoal." He sighed, turning to the grass type. "Let him go, Grovyle."
While his wood gecko frowned, his eyes rolled back, and he extended the arm holding the pure ice type. Dropping him, the mischievous Pokémon landed in a puff of snow right in front of Torkoal. He wobbled back onto his feet but almost instantly fell over.
"I figured as much." The fire type nodded. "So Snorunt. Our friends have some medical supplies. Should you help us reunite then we'd be happy to return the favour with potions and whatever else you require. Correct Ash?"
"I erm, yeah," he replied, "of course."
"How could you have known that was the case?" Grovyle asked.
"Because I've never known you to pull your punches." Torkoal let out a small smile. "And he just trapped us in his element where he holds the advantage. Not to mention his happiness to attack previously so why try and run now?"
His wood gecko mumbled something. Turning around with a frown.
"You really need to learn to look with your eyes, Grovyle, and not just your ignorance." The coal Pokémon smiled, turning to the ice type, "now I must ask for an answer to my previous question, Snorunt?"
"I guess," he muttered. Wobbling over to the pure fire type, he climbed up onto his back. "You can start by heading down here, there's a bit of a slop."
Watching the fire type set off, he set off at a slow pace right behind him. Glancing to the side, he noticed Grovyle walking alongside but with his attention off to the side. Frowning, he could practically hear the thoughts in his head. Even when they first met, Treecko had a habit of rushing in, and it seems he still has that to overcome.
"People see me and think I'm weak," he muttered, "they wanna take care of me but I can take care of myself, by myself."
"That sounds very lonely," Torkoal replied, turning back to face him. "Young Ash. Could you do me a favour?"
"What's up Torkoal?" he asked.
"Take out the team in teamwork," he replied, "and tell me what remains."
"Work?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow up.
"Exactly." He nodded, turning back to Snowrunt. "Now who wants that? A problem shared is a problem halved."
"Maybe we could also help with it," Ash interjected, "why do people think your weak?"
"I don't need your help," he cried with a slight voice crack.
"There's no shame in asking for help, Snorunt," Ash replied, "everyone needs it at some point. Do you think people are born at their best potential or Pokémon hatch fully evolved and on a champion's team? No. We grow and learn, and we can only do that with friends to pull each other up and teachers to pass on what they know."
"Well put." Torkoal smiled. "Couldn't have said it better myself."
"So, what do ya say, Snorunt?" Ash asked.
"You wouldn't understand," he grumbled, "not even my mother does. She's always treated me like I was helpless."
"Try us." Ash offered a small smile.
"I've got..." His words mumbled together, and voice trailed off. His eyes kept down, scanning the floor below them.
"My apologises but I fear I can't be much help if I can't hear you," Torkoal replied.
"Elemental dysfunction, okay." He blushed bright red. A light flashed off his belt and Duskull materialised in front of them.
"Giggidy!" He declared. Pausing, he floated down into Snorunt's face. "Hang on. I thought that happened in older... gentlemon."
"I think your mixing it up with something else Duskull." His eyes widened at the implication. The combined laughter from both his ghost type and the ice type who got them in this situation didn't help. "Urg. Can you just use Will-o-Wisp please? We could use the extra light."
"So how should we help with this elemental dysfunction?" Grovyle asked, "I've never heard of it."
"I have," Torkoal replied, "it's when a Pokémon struggles producing and manipulating their own element in even basic ways. It's common for newly hatched Pokémon but most grow out of it within a couple weeks of training. And even those who don't,
"So, what's this help your gonna give me?" Snorunt asked with a commanding tone. "How are you going to help with it?"... "How?!"... "HOW?!"
"I don't have an answer for you right now, young one," Torkoal replied, "life is like this dark tunnel. Sometimes you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel but if you just keep moving-"
As if on cue, a light illuminated the distance, and his grass type took off. Reaching the top, he turned back and gave a thumps up. It took a couple more minutes to catch up, but they soon ended up walking out of the mountain and back under the warm Hoenn sun.
"-then you'll end up in a better place."
"Now were out of the cave, I think I might have an idea," he muttered. Running off along the side of mountain, it didn't take him long to reach the water edge where he took out another Pokéball. Releasing his water ice type, explaining to her the situation they finished just in time for Torkoal and Snorunt to join them on the small beach area. "Alright Snorunt, I want to introduce you to Lapras. She had trouble with her own attacks when we first met but I bet she'd be a great help in helping with your ice type moves."
Leaving her and Torkoal to help with the ice type, he joined Grovyle off to the side. Frowning slightly at his expression, his head was tilted downward, and he swirled his foot around in the sand. His knuckles squeezed and slightly trembling.
"You alright?" he asked. The grass type took a deep breath and turned around. "That well, huh?"
"I don't like it," he growled.
"Like what?" he asked. "Snorunt? Or-"
"The way he speaks... about his own mother," he replied, "she must have his best intentions and-"
"You got thinking of your own mother?" he asked, "she raised you in Petalburg forest, right?"
"Yeah." A tear trickled down his cheek. "I'd do anything to see her... just one more time... and here he is-"
"Come on, then." He smiled, taking out a Pokéball.
"Come on for what?" he asked, bewildered.
"Metang could use another training session before we reach Mossdeep and they are gonna be busy for a while," he replied, "I know your upset but not everyone is the same. Not even all mothers. I think a good battle will help clear your mind and we can process it better once we've stepped away."
Seeing the wood gecko take up more of a battle pose, he walked slightly away. Turning back, he tossed the Pokéball into the air, "let's go, Metang!"
She kneeled beside her disaster Pokémon as he came to a sliding stop on his side. The floor mostly ice and snow now as Froslass hovered overhead. Seeing her prepare another powerful ice-filled wind, she summoned her ESP down to her fingertips, ready to throw up a protective shield.
A Green blue shot past and tackled the ice ghost type. With glowing green arms, her grass type landed in front of her with the opponent down on the ground.
"Cacnea?!" She blinked in surprise.
Turning around, he gave her a cheese-grin with a happy cry. Seeing their wild Pokémon raise back up behind him, she went to say something.
Words failed her as he instantly spun on the spot. Several brown seeds erupted out of his top and scattered all around them.
One landed directly on her head and vines shot out, engulfing the ice ghost type. Red energy zapped off her body as a mystic healing light covered Cacnea.
With a powerful cry, their opponent spread both arms and a massive white wind blew out. Spinning in spot, a green tint surrounded the grass type. It seemed like spikes protruded out of the energy as it shield around him. Cacnea's body glew bright white and changed until the glowing stopped.
Massive, green-tinted beams shot out of his knew body and zoomed through the white background. An explosion sounded and the blizzard came to an end.
With snow surround him, she took in her newly evolved Pokémon. She recognized it instantly, remembering the Verdanturf contest where May faced one belonging to Harley. He turned slowly around before the same happy smile she was used to spread over his face.
Leaping towards her with open arms, she tried to put up a psychic barrier to protect herself. It was useless as he passed through it like tissue-paper.
"Aaaah!" She cried out as his spikes poked into her body. He quickly withdrew and looked down at his stubby legs. His eyes every few seconds darted up as she shook her body to get rid of the weird feeling. Memories of her once Kabuto jabbing himself into her stomach fresh in her mind. With a heavy sigh, she stepped forward to the grass dark type. "It's alright, Cacturne. You just need to be careful. My psychic barrier is useless now your part dark type."
"Turne..." he grumbled.
Offering him a small smile, she carefully wrapped her arms around in a way to avoid his large spikes. Seeing him smile and relax, she ended them embrace and reached into her pocket. Pulling out her Pokédex, she scanned her newly evolved Pokémon:
Cacturne, The Scare-murkrow Pokémon. The final evolved form of Cacnea. During the daytime, Cacturne remains unmoving so that it does not lose any moisture to the harsh desert sun. This Pokémon becomes active at night when the temperature drops
Type: Grass / Dark
Ability: Sand Veil
Hidden Ability: Water Absorb (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked)
Gender: Male
Nature: Gentle (Note: This could change when/if this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): Spikey Shield, Destiny Bond, Poison Sting, Leer, Absorb, Growth, Leech Seed, Sand Attack, Poison Jab, Assurance, Ingrain, Pin Missile, Spikes, Needle Arm, Sucker Punch, Cotton Spore, Energy Ball, Sandstorm
Putting the device away, a slight grunt drew her attention. Absol stood behind Cacturne, over the downed ghost ice type. Running over to the side, she took the first aid supplies and started applying them to the wild Pokémon. She checked on the others with them mostly being alright. May, Max, and Brock all returned to their own things as she tended to the injured Pokémon. Both Absol and Cacturne stood beside her.
When she noticed the Pokémon move, she closed her eyes and sent out a weak psychic pulse. Reaching the Pokémon's mind, she let out a small smile as their minds connected, "hello. I'm names Serena."
"One of your Pokémon is psychic?" a female voice asked, "or knows some psychic move at least?"
"No... well yes, many of my Pokémon know a psychic move," she stuttered, "but no. I'm psychic myself so-"
"Since when do humans have types?" she asked.
"While not common, a few humans have psychic capabilities," she explained, "how many humans have you met?"
"Two... Three..." she slightly pushed herself up, but her arms wobbled so Serena reached down to lift her into a cradle. "Not for a few years at least."
"So can I ask why you attacked us?" Serena continued.
"I was... looking-" Froslass tried to float out of her arms but couldn't due to her injuries.
"Slow down, your seriously hurt. Just rest and let the potions work their magic," she fussed, trying to comfort the injured Pokémon. Despite groaning from her patient, the ice ghost type settled back down. "Good... so who was you looking for?"
"My son... Snorunt." A tear trickled down her cheek. "He ran off. Then I heard humans were visiting a-and-"
"You was scared we'd catch him or try too," she summed up, "but honestly. We just stopped by here for some training. We weren't even going to try and explore this place, just give our Pokémon a break from swimming. Ash only shot off because someone took his badge case-"
"That... sounds like my son," she sighed, closing her eyes. "I don't know why but he's quite the troublemaker. Always pulling pranks on whoever gets close."
"Well, you might be in luck," she smiled. "Ash is super nice and loves Pokémon. He wouldn't attack a Pokémon without reason."
"Like if the Pokémon attacked him?" Absol asked, "would that be reason enough for him to battle?"
It seemed to set Froslass off as she tried to float away. While clearly injured, she made it a couple feet away before collapsing down onto the ground. Running forward, she picked the ice ghost type back up. Shooting her disaster Pokémon, a glare, she retook her seat.
"Don't worry, Froslass." She reassured. "It's like I said, Ash is great with Pokémon. Nothing to worry about. And you're in no-condition to go exploring or-"
"She's right," Absol added, "from what I can tell, your best chance for a peaceful resolution is to wait here. Soon both boys will come wondering back."
"So why mention the thing before?!" She asked in a slightly louder tone.
"Because it's true," he shrugged, lying down next to her. "And in those few moments, the vision changed. If she left now, there's a chance she'd end up losing her son forever. The best option right now for a peaceful resolution is to wait it out."
"What outcome is it?" she asked.
"The future is not set in stone," he replied, "I can only rely on the possible outcome I currently see. Nothing more."
Sighing at the cryptic answer, she focused back on the ice ghost type. Restarting their conversation, she made sure to cut out the pure dark type in case he decided to stress her out more by demeaning Ash. She gets he doesn't like him but is now really the time to take shots at him?
A few hours past and Ash smiled as he looked around the group of Pokémon. Lapras was out in the water with Snorunt on her head, she'd demonstrate an ice beam and he'd attempt to mimic the move but to no-avail. Grovyle was currently facing off against Duskull and Torkoal. He had been switching the duo around between Crawdaunt and Metang since they'll be partaking in the double gym battle together when they reach Mossdeep.
"Alright, I think it's time for a rest everyone," he called out. He noticed the two ice types sailing closer to shore as he moved to greet them. The rest of his team relaxed. "So, how's it going, Lapras?"
"Great." She smiled. "He already has form to produce the move, but he needs more power. A few weeks training and he'll get it down for sure."
"You're staying here for a few weeks?" Snorunt asked.
"Afraid we can't." He frowned, reaching to stroke the small Pokémon's head. "We've got things to do, and we don't have the sorts of resources we'd need to hang out around here for that long. But if you remember what Lapras taught you and keep practising then-"
"I get it," he mumbled with a pronounced sigh. His eyes wobbled with tears threatening to fall as he turned to the side.
He couldn't help but feel sorry for the little guy, he really seemed to get on with Lapras and appeared to be having great fun learning ice beam. Biting down on his inner cheek, he couldn't think of any way around this dilemma. They just don't have the resources to wait out that long and if he just caught him then what would his mother do? From everything he's said, Froslass sounds massively overprotective and... he briefly wondered where she's been since they encountered the small ice type. She didn't sound like the type to just let him wonder free from Snorunt's descriptions.
"I believe it's time we started our own journey back to the others," Torkoal announced as he walked up beside him. "I fear what they might think happened to us given the time we've spent training."
"Right," he nodded. One by one, he took out his team and started recalling his team until just Grovyle and Torkoal remained out.
"Would you mind if I stayed out?" the grass type asked, "you know. Fresh air and stuff."
"Of course." He smiled. "What about you, Torkoal?"
"I feel like I might slow you down with my speed," he chuckled, "but I appreciate the option regardless."
Recalling the pure fire type, the set off into the jungle once more. His wood gecko Pokémon charged ahead, climbing into the trees to jump between them with speed and agility. While not exactly like Petalburg woods, he couldn't help but feel like he was back in the forest where he grew up. As followed behind at a slower pace, he couldn't help but notice Snorunt still following behind them. Stopping in his tracks, he crouched down to the ice types level.
"Something wrong, Snorunt?" he asked.
"I erm, just wanted to see you off," he muttered, "it's not often I find someone who helps... like ever."
"Oh, right. Well... your welcome." He smiled. Picking the ice type up, he placed him on his shoulder and stood back up to continue the journey back.
"So... what was that thing you mentioned?" he asked, "what the others were battling for. The gym?"
"It's a special sort of challenge we're taking on, it's called a Pokémon league," he explained, "you see, we travel around and fight eight gym leaders who each have their own type speciality. If we beat them then they give us a gym badge, which is what you took earlier."
"Oh erm, right," he uttered, swirling his foot around his shoulder, "sorry about that."
"It's fine, we got 'em back and that all that matters." He smiled. "I learnt a long time ago that holding stuff only hurts yourself in the long run."
"What do you mean?" he asked in a whispering voice.
"My brother... we had a... let's call it misunderstanding and he was angry with me," he explained, "it wasn't until near the end of my first league challenge that he finally let it go and we're much better now... but it wasn't good for either of us, so I don't want to end up in a similar situation like that."
"You must've travelled a lot," he muttered.
"I have... competed in the Kanto league and Johto league. Got six out of the eight badges for the Hoenn league and even competed in a smaller league in the orange archipelago which we ended up winning. Not everyone counts it since it's a little niche, but I liked competing."
"Doesn't your mum get upset about your adventures?" he asked.
"I'm sure she does, and she also tells me off if she find out something dangerous happened." He laughed with an awkward memory from one such occasion replaying in his mind. "But she knows that travelling and competing is what I love, and I've learnt so much. Met so many friends, both people and Pokémon."
"That must be nice," his voice trailed off.
"Can I ask you something, Snorunt?" he asked.
"You just did." The ice type smiled. "But sure."
"Why do you steal stuff?" he asked, "you didn't need my badges and talking to the wild Pokémon, they were saying you've got a rep for it."
"Well... I've heard humans travel around and catch Pokémon," he muttered, "I guess... I just thought if I provoked one enough then-"
"You want to get caught?" he asked, "but what about your mum?"
"She'd never understand... she's always treated me like my illness is life threatening." He sighed. "I couldn't so much as practise a headbutt into the snow hills without her worrying. I've had to learn several ways to sneak out when she's not looking. It's like a prison. If she knew what Lapras showed me earlier-"
"But she's still your mum," he replied, "I'm sure she loves you and just wants what's best for you."
"You don't know her like I do," he replied, "but I guess that means you're not gonna catch me?" he asked.
Before he could respond, a powerful blizzard blew past them. His vision was nothing but white as his arms crossed in front of his face.
It only lasted a couple of seconds as the cold numbness overtook. His vision returned to find a semi-transparent psychic wall with his girlfriend holding her hands up and some sort of floating Pokémon beside her. He slowly reached for a Pokéball and released Torkoal, he let out a warm radiating heat.
"Ash... this is my mum..." he whispered, "now do you see what I was talking about?"
"Snorunt!" The female Pokémon floated towards them, snatching the ice type of his shoulder. She seemed to be fussing all over him as he struggled against her arms. Coating himself in normal type energy, he slipped right through her ghostly body.
Landing on the floor, he barely had chance to react as Snorunt came running back. Leaping onto Torkoal's back, the startled fire type released a puff of smoke and sent the ice type into the air. Latching onto his belt, he knocked an empty Pokéball off and onto the now snow-covered ground.
Leaping down to the device, he touched the centre button. A red light engulfed his body, and he was sucked inside. Instantly dinging to show a successful capture. Blinking in surprise, he looked between the device, Torkoal, his girlfriend and Snorunt's mother. "Huh?" He pulled out his Pokédex which vibrated:
Snorunt, The Snow Hat Pokémon. Snorunt live in regions with heavy snowfall. In seasons without snow, such as spring and summer, this Pokémon steals away to live quietly among stalactites and stalagmites deep in caverns
Type: Ice
Ability: Ice Body
Hidden Ability: Moody (Note: This hidden ability is currently locked)
Gender: Male
Nature: Impish (Note: This could change when/if this Pokémon evolves)
Move(s): Powder Snow, Astonish, Leer, Double Team, Ice Shard, Protect, Icy Wind, Bite, Ice Fang, Headbutt
Additional: This Pokémon is suffering from Pokérus
Ash's Pokédex switched screens to a list of his current on hand team, although all the images were silhouettes except for Torkoal, "please select which Pokémon you wish to send back."
Glancing over the options, he knew he couldn't sent Lapras given the need to leave the island and he was preparing four of his other Pokémon for the next gym which left Grovyle and the newly caught Snorunt. While he wanted to chat with the grass type over their previous conversation, he knew it had to wait for now and he tapped the image. Feeling the device teleport of his belt, he reached down to grab the new Pokéball, letting Snorunt back out.
"What do you think you're doing!" Froslass floated right between them. "Do you know how dangerous what you just did is?! What if-"
"Hold on, Froslass, maybe we could just... talk." Ash tried to intervene.
"You stay out of this!" Her voice raised as she turned to face him. Burning red eyes and a dark ghostly aura amplifying her rage.
Gulping at the intense mother, he couldn't help but take a step back as his hands raised up. Frowning when he heard Absol whisper something about liking her, he shook his head. Swallowing hard, he hardened his face before stepping forward again.
"No Froslass, we need to talk this out," he replied, "Snorunt clearly has some stuff to say!"
"My son is weak! He is weak and unable and helpless and-and fragile!" She declared. "He cannot battle for you!"
"I wouldn't want him too-" he muttered.
"Yes! I can!" Snorunt ran and jumping in front of Ash, who couldn't help but smile at his courage.
"Quiet Snorunt your-"
"Instead of telling him to be quiet, why not try listening to him?" Ash asked.
"Most species have two ears and only one mouth, which is a good ratio to indicate we should listen twice as much before we speak," Torkoal added, "I don't believe Froslass are any different."
"What would you know?" She crossed her arms in defiance.
"I know that he just caught himself in a Pokéball to make a point to you," he replied, "and he was trying to get me to catch him earlier. Thinking we'd sail off from the island before ever encountering you. If that alone doesn't say something, then I don't know what does."
"Snorunt could never-"
"I hate to point out the obvious, but you just witnessed him perform the action," Torkoal replied, "so maybe hearing why could help us all."
"Fine," she huffed with emphasis.
"I'm not weak. Ash and Lapras showed me, I can use moves and fight. I just need to hone my abilities," he spoke up but with a slight voice crack, "ever since I could remember, you've kept me sealed away. I couldn't even leave the cave by the time other Snorunt would've evolved! It's like a prison!"
"It was for your own safety," she retorted.
"I believe you," Torkoal replied, "I completely and totally believe, everything you've done is with that mind set. Every decision you've made, you made it because you believed it was in your son's best interest. But that doesn't change the reality which he has found himself in."
"What would you understand?" she asked with a hiss.
"May I say something?" He turned to see Serena's Zangoose standing next to them. The ghost ice type floated up to be at his eye level. "Now I don't mean to comment on who is right or wrong. But I can say, as a parent, nothing is more painful than having a child hate you. I would face down Arceus themselve if I thought it would mend the tournament between my daughter and I. And so, whether it was right or wrong doesn't matter Froslass. There comes a time that every parent must let go and allow their children to make their own decisions. Make their own mistakes."
"But-"
"And I know it's difficult. That time was forced upon me too soon, so I know how tough of a change it is," he continued over her interruption, "which is why, if we did our job right then they are ready to face those mistakes head on. And when they make them... we just need to be ready with open arms."
He waited with bated breath as the mother turned and floated away. His brow pulled down and his teeth sunk into his inner cheek as he tried to see what was running through her mind. While he wanted to try and add to the plea but bite his tongue instead.
"I'm a terrible, mother," she growled, turning back to show tears streaming down her cheeks. "Happy."
"I don't think you're a terrible mother," Torkoal stepped forward. "The truly terrible ones never admit it. You was just misguided in some ways."
"Some?" Snorunt asked.
"Yes, and in others she was completely right," he replied, "an ice-filled cave is the perfect environment to raise a young ice type. Especially when the alternative is a tropical beach jungle. She has kept you save and kicking all this time. For that she deserves your gratitude."
"Whose side are you on?" Froslass asked.
"I just speak truth, I don't form to his side or yours," he replied, "the world is rarely just black and white like that."
"So, what do we do now?" Ash asked, "I mean, Snorunt clearly wants to-"
"He can stay with you, boy," Froslass hissed, her arm shot back to point to the honey-blonde girl with two dark types beside her. His brow flurried as he studied the humanoid Pokémon before widening in realisation, "but I'm joining her team."
"Huh?" Most of them chorused together.
"She claims to be your mate-"
"Girlfriend." Serena whispered with a bright blush.
"So, it would be a way for me to keep an eye on my son and allow the freedom he... wants." She continued. "It's either that or I just follow your group regardless. It's not up for negotiation."
"I'm fine with it." Serena opted.
She stepped forward and held out a Pokéball. The ice ghost type wasted no time in tapping the device with her arm and a red light engulfed her body, sucking her inside. It instantly dinged as he moved closer towards her. She pulled out her Pokédex to check out her newest Pokémon:
Froslass, The Snow Land Pokémon. A final evolved form of Snorunt. It freezes hikers who have come to climb snowy mountains and carries them back to its home. It only goes after men it thinks are handsome
Type: Ice / Ghost
Ability: Snow Cloak
Hidden Ability: Curse Body (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked)
Gender: Female
Nature: Rash (Note: This is unlikely to change due to the Pokémon being fully evolved)
Move(s): Hail, Hex, Destiny Bond, Protect, Bite, Ice Fang, Headbutt, Crunch, Powder Snow, Astonish, Leer, Double Team, Ice Shard, Draining kiss, Icy Wind, Confuse Ray, Ice Beam, Blizzard
Serena's Pokédex switched screens to a list of his current on hand team, although the only shilluette seemed to be Froslass herself, "please select which Pokémon you wish to send back."
Glancing behind her, he noticed her rows of other Pokémon. She closed her eyes and presumably went through a mental conversation with the team. It took nearly a minute, but she opened them and pulled out a Pokéball. Recalling her psychic fairy type, Kirlia's image turned into a shilluette, and she tapped it.
After regrouping with the others, they decided to set off for the next island with most of the day left. Brock and Max rode on the back of Lapras, while Serena and May sat on top of Milotic again. While he could've joined the boys on his transport Pokémon, he opted to float on top of Metang instead. Once out in the open water, they took a little distance to the side so he could call the lab. It took a little bit until the Professor appeared on the screen of his Pokegear.
"Ah, Ash my boy." He smiled. "What do I owe this call? I saw you just caught a Snorunt, not to long ago."
"Actually, Professor, he's why I'm calling," he explained, "you see. The Pokédex mentioned him having Pokérus and he's been having trouble controlling his ice element so I was wondering what connection there is or how I could help him."
"Sorry my boy but there shouldn't be any connection between the two," he apologised, "while originally sited as an illness. New research shows Pokémon who have Pokérus actually grow quicker than those who don't. The precise cause is yet to be found but I can ask around my colleagues for you."
"Thanks Professor, I'd appreciate it." He weakly smiled.
"Although given the facts, it is intriguing your Snorunt seems to work against the curve in this matter," he mused. "I wouldn't mind observing his growth."
"Well, you'll need to be careful. Serena caught a Froslass whose his mother and-" He trailed off. "-hey Professor. Remember when Venusaur was an Ivysaur?"
"I do, and I believe I know what you're thinking." He smiled. "If he were raised to believe the Pokérus has limited his power then the mind could very well limit his ability for such areas. Of course, I can't be more definitive without studying him further."
"Alright." He nodded understanding that he can only hypothesis until properly testing his theory. Bidding the elderly Pokémon professor goodbye, the call cut out and he let out a long sigh. Switching his Pokédex for the newest active Pokéball on his belt, he stared down at the device with a sad smile.
"So Snorunt... he has problems activating his power?" Metang asked.
"Yeah bud." He reached down to pat the top of his pseudo-legendries head. "Heh, I guess your kinda polar opposites in that way."
"It must be nice," he muttered.
"I don't think Snorunt sees it that way," he mumbled. "But you know what they say, the grass is always greener on the other side."
"Sorry." His voice seemed on the verge of cracking. "I-I didn't mean to suggest-"
"It's fine, Metang," he replied, "but you're getting much better at controlling your power. You didn't lose control once when we battled Grovyle."
"Yeah, but I'm hardly going to struggle against a grass type in a friendly training match," he muttered.
"It's still progress," he encouraged.
With a smile on his face, the conversation turned to the next gym battle. He could tell the steel psychic type was more invested than Fortree, but it wouldn't be difficult to see why. They don't have Steven's challenge looming over them, and he'll get to partake in a double battle. Between Torkoal being his main sparring partner and both Duskull and Crawdaunt being some of his friendlier members, he's sure they'll work together just fine.
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...