Toa Solaric: I don't own Pokémon. Welcome back to another chapter of my Sun and Moon: Michael's Journey.
Sun and Moon: Michael's Journey
Ch16: Scratchmark Hill
It was a normal morning as Lillie is walking happily with Shiron before she suddenly feel really dizzy.
"Vul?" The baby ice type asked with concerned.
"I am fine…" Lillie said, holding her forehead despite the dizziness. It wasn't long until she realized that the whole room become dark and Shiron was nowhere around. She cannot help look scared as she don't know where she was or how to get out.
It wasn't until she hear a strange sound as a creature that resembled of jellyfish appearing toward her. Lillie wasn't sure why, but her heart is pounding faster and sweats coming down her forehead. She wants to run, but she cannot move as her legs feeling really numb.
The jellyfish creature soon latched its tentacles onto her before pulling the young girl into it's clutches.
Lillie turns around and seeing a four legged creature with a large tomahawk. The red eyes looking at her are those of cold and lack of remorse.
Before she know it, the four legged creature jump upward with claws aiming at her and the jellyfish.
"AAAAAHHH!" Lillie screamed as she sat up, she was breathing heavily with cold sweat running down her forehead. She looked around and saw that she was in her room. "Just a dream… It just a dream." She breathed out before trying to calm herself.
"Vul?" Lillie looks down to see her baby ice type beside her.
"I am fine… Shiron," She said gently, still trying to calm down.
Suddenly the door opened and Michael come into her room.
"Lillie? My Pokemons hear you were screaming. Did you have a nightmare?" Michael asked.
"How do you know that I have a nightmare?" Lillie asked suspicious, raised an eyebrow at the redhead.
"Three reasons: First, Espeon didn't detect anyone with ill thoughts. Second, there is no evidences of struggle in your room. And third, you're sweating and breathing heavily to give induction of nightmare." Michael said, raising three fingers.
Lillie sighed. Michael is truly an observant.
"Yeah… I do." Lillie admit.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Michael asked. He usually talk with Espeon and others about his nightmare, it seem that talking about it will lessen the stress.
Lillie just looks down at her hand. Even since she finds out that she was attacked in the past, Lillie is put on the edge but she kept it down low since she don't want to alarmed anyone. Not to mention she doesn't want to scared Shiron too much.
"Is it about what I told you?" Lillie nodded as Michael approached to her side of the bed and sat down next to her.
Lillie soon slowly explains of her dream to him. Michael didn't interrupt her until she was finished.
"I see…" Michael muttered. "By telling you about it does do something with your repressed memory." By bringing up bit about her blocked memory, it might cause small crack.
"Michael… I am scared about what will happened if I remember… and what if they came back again." Lillie said.
"Then I will stop them from even harming you." Michael said.
Lillie know that Michael truly means it. Even after seeing her slowly getting used to be around Shiron, Michael seem determined help her more and she felt the possibility of that he help out more than just repaid a debt.
"If only I know what those pokemons were… then I could be more help," Lillie said wistfully.
"I wonder…" Michael ponder. "Lillie… after you lost your memories… had you ever gone to see a doctor?" he asked. Lillie shakes her head, but feel confused about where this is going.
"No. But why do you bring this up?" Lillie asked.
"It something about those pokemons," Michael said, "but the one who held you captive… what if there is a trace on you?" he asked.
It just that he think back to when he saw the jellyfish like creature held a younger Lillie hostage in its 'head'. Won't there be a chance that it might inject something into Lillie? After all, jellyfish like pokemon such as Tenacruel tend to inject their victims with toxin. Won't that mystery pokemon do the same by shared the same characteristic?
This made Lillie look surprised and almost want to facepalmed. She almost feel completely dumb that she didn't consider of doing that. "… Why didn't I think of that?" She asked. "But is it possibility that it still in me after this long?" she asked.
"I don't know, but I hope it alright with you if we go to see one after school." Michael said, looking at her.
This also mean to let someone or an adult know which a risky part for them. But they might need a professional's help in identified the unknown pokemon and no one in Lillie's mansion has forensic skill.
It better that it not someone from Aether Foundation or it will trip the culprit that I am onto them… Michael added.
"I am willing to do it… but only if you come with me, Michael." Lillie said somewhat nervous. "I am not much a fan of the needle." She admit.
Michael nodded.
"Okay. Also you should watch the clock…" Michael pointed to the clock and Lillie saw that she been in bed for passed 10 minutes. This made the young girl's eyes wide in shock.
"AAAHHH! Michael, why didn't you told me that it past 10 minutes!?" She questioned to the redhead.
"It not my duty to wake you up." Michael explained.
Lillie pout before she hurry herself out of the bed and went to the bathroom with Shiron followed her from behind.
Michael soon decide to leave her alone to do her business.
Lillie brushes her teeth, took off her nightwear, and entered the bathtub with Shiron. As she was washing herself and Shiron, she couldn't help but think about the cause of her phobia and repressed memory. It take her years for trying to figure out what is wrong with her, but Michael finds it with help of his Espeon.
She wonder what happens if her family did helped than leaving her on her own. She doubt the possibility since her mother is always focus on her work and her brother left the mansion on his journey.
Meanwhile Michael is talking with Espeon as they are eating breakfast with other members of his team.
(Are you worried about her?) Espeon asked to Michael… wanting to hear his opinion.
I guess that I might… Michael thought. Lillie deserve better than being emotional scarred by something happen in the past. Not to mention that he won't forgive Gladion for leaving Lillie when he should focus on helping her with her phobia instead. This isn't what an older sibling supposed to do. 'He shouldn't gone on one but doing it when your sister is traumatic and no one help her is wrong…' He thought angry. There are also times he think that he shouldn't being the one who helping her, but her family should have done this. After all, he neglect his sister for sake of clear the crimes ridden streets of Orre on his own and make sure that his father can rest easily. But in the end… he cannot fulfill either of them due to being dead in the old world.
(I know, Michael. But unlike Gladion, we choose to stay here. And we will do something about it.) Espeon said. (After we done with him, then we go after the true culprit in Aether Foundation.)
Michael soon hear footsteps and seeing Lillie come downstairs with Shiron in her arms before they starts eating breakfast as well.
"Michael, are you ready to go?" Lillie asked, holding the ice type baby in her arms.
Michael nodded after returning his pokemons except for Magnus who climb into his backpack before picking up the backpack.
(Pokemon School)
Michael and his classmates seem to being discuss something while their pokemons are playing together.
"That is what been going on after me and Professor went back home… and Rockruff shows up with bruises." Mizuki said to everyone in the class.
"If Rockruff get hurt that much on his own, won't it be safe to put him back in his pokeball?" Lillie asked.
Mizuki shakes her head. "No, Rockruff isn't Professor's pokemon."
This made everyone except Michael who already aware due to Espeon tells him before. But he decide not to bring it up as he still find the concept of wild pokemon can live with people without bound to a pokeball is uncommon in Orre.
"How did you know that?" Kiawe asked.
"He told me that he follows him after feeding some foods." Mizuki explains.
"So Rockruff is mooching off him?" Mao asked.
"I was so sure Rockruff belonged to him." Suiren said, placing one finger on her cheek.
"Same," Kiawe said, crossing his arms, "I mean, he acts so close to him."
"Michael, what do you think of this?" Mizuki asked to the redhead.
"I am not used to see wild pokemon get along with people that easily." Michael admit. This made them remind that Michael is from a region where weathers are quite harsh and pokemons need to remain in their pokeballs.
"Rockruff are known for getting easily attached to people." RotomDex said before upload picture of Rockruff onto the screen. "Rockruff, the Puppy Pokémon. A Rock type. Rockruff have lived with humans since ancient times. They train themselves by running around." RotomDex explained.
"So he got injury from training!" Suiren said.
"Not with the conditions that you told me…" Michael said, getting others' attention. "It sound like Rockruff is battled someone and lost."
"That actually make sense… but why would Rockruff pushed himself?" Mizuki asked, confused and concern for Rockruff's health.
"Then he must be close to evolved…" Mamane pointed out.
"Evolved?" Mizuki looks surprised.
"Rockruff evolves into Lycanroc, which has two different forms based on when it evolves. It evolves into Midday Form Lycanroc during the day and Midnight Form Lycanroc during the night." RotomDex explained with pictures of the evolved forms, "Furthermore, when it gets close to evolving, Rockruff's temperament becomes more aggressive, and it tends to act more independent. It's common for it to disappear and then return after it has evolved."
The first form, the Midday resembled a grown wolf with light brown coat and blue eyes. There is a fluffy mane around its neck. A single, bigger stone projects out of the front of the mane over its head. Each of this form's paws has three black claws, and it has a stubby tail covered in long fur.
The second form, the Midnight is a slouched, bipedal wolf, was white and a blood like red colour and had its mane flowing over its head like an emo haircut.
"I never know they can evolved depend on the time of the day…" Mizuki said slight surprised.
Michael is reminded of how Espeon and Umbreon evolution work when hearing that as well. Though he is a bit curious on which form Rockruff will eventually evolved into.
But his thought is soon interrupted by Mao's appearance in front of him and she is smiling. This made the redhead frown.
"Hey Michael! I have this recipe that I am going to make and I wonder if you—"
"I am busy after school." Answered Michael, making Mao feeling dejected. Not to mention that he need to confirm something with Lillie and there is no way he will let anyone involved.
The first thing happens when Mizuki come back into the house is greeted by a very excited Rockruff who leaps into her arms.
"Hey Rockruff…" Mizuki awkwardly greet as the rock puppy nuzzling against her neck. After living here and training with Michael, she able to handle nuzzling from Rockruff.
Professor Kukui is watching the event from the couch.
"I know I'm just repeating myself here, but that nuzzling is an expression of love." Professor Kukui said. "The more it hurts, the deeper the love, so it's crucial that the trainer is able to Bide it."
"I can see why…" Mizuki said before letting Rockruff down gentle, "So this is why you were home early."
"Yeah. I cannot help worried about Rockruff," Professor Kukui said before taking a remote and pressed the button. "Take a look at this."
They soon watch the television flicks and revealed three camera angles. And one of them show Rockruff going to his bed.
"I see, you set up cameras around the room." Mizuki said.
"I would like to have this video afterward." RotomDex said.
"But look at this," Professor Kukui pointed to the one of the footage. It shows that Rockruff stop playing with the pink balls and looking out the window.
But what caught Rockruff's attention anyway? Mizuki thought curious.
"This is what happens 30 minutes later after I came home." Professor Kukui pointed to the next footage.
The one shows Rockruff come back through the small door with injuries like before.
"It just like before…" Mizuki said before looking down at the rock puppy pokemon who doesn't seem to be bother by the clip and look happily.
Though Mizuki isn't sure that she and Professor Kukui can saved the mystery of why Rockruff is like this and where he wonder off. But she got an idea on who she can ask for help, though she is confused about where Michael went off with Lillie.
Michael and Lillie gone to the Pokemon Center together. They reached the receptionist counter where Nurse Joy is currently working.
Michael cleared his throat and Nurse Joy looked up, startled at the interruption.
"Oh-I'm sorry, how may I help you?" she asked kindly.
"It's fine." Michael assured. "I want to ask if you know any doctors who is good with forensic skills on tracing Pokemon DNA. I believe Lillie might exposed to something related to unknown Pokemon, we cannot identify."
Nurse Joy have a thoughtful expression. "Well, it just happened that I am also a licensed forensic Pokemon doctor. But I am confused why she need it?" she asked, looking a bit skeptical at them.
"I-It's kind of private." Lillie interjected. "Do you have somewhere we can explains it without being overheard?" She asked.
Nurse Joy nodded. "Then would you two come with me to the forensic room?"
Michael and Lillie soon accompany Nurse Joy through the hallway before they enter room next to the one at the end of the corridor. The room have a blue color painted wall with pictures of pokemons. There is a couch with two gray chairs.
"Why don't you sat on the couch and tell me what this is about?" Nurse Joy requested politely. Michael take a seat on the couch. Lillie sat next to him while holding onto Shiron in her arms.
"It about my phobia… I was attacked when I was little by pokemons." Lillie explained.
"I heard rumors about you being afraid of Pokemon, but I never know that you were attacked." Nurse Joy said, slight surprised. "Why didn't you get any help?"
"It because I don't remember the incident…" Lillie said. "Michael says that my memory were repressed by the incident and caused me to become afraid of any pokemons."
"How is that possible?" Nurse Joy asked, surprised. "But you seem to be okay with your Vulpix." She pointed out.
"It because Shiron is the only pokemon I can touched without going into my phobia." Lillie said. "Michael, if you pleased…"
Michael got out Magnus from his backpack and place the baby dragon pokemon close to her leg. Magnus blink before he licked Lillie's leg and this caused Lillie to turned white and frozen solid.
"I see…" Nurse Joy said, writing down on a piece of paper. "But Michael, how do you know about her repressed memory?" she asked, want to know how he find out about this.
Michael picked up Magnus and the dragon baby looking curious at the pink nurse.
"I find out after Lillie give permission to my Espeon in psychic dive since I am helping her overcome her strange phobia. Unfortunately we cannot identity the pokemons that attacked her." Michael explained, make Nurse Joy blinks in surprised. "But the strangest thing is that everyone in her household or school weren't aware of this attack and hadn't the clue on helping her."
"Is this true?" Nurse Joy asked to Lillie who nodded.
"It is," Lillie said. "No one, not even my mother come to help me since she is too busy with work. And my brother… he left on his journey. My friends and teacher at school try to help, but nothing seem to be working until Michael come along and help me with my phobia."
"What do you do to help her with her phobia?" Nurse Joy inquired to Michael.
"Getting used to touch other pokemons and watching some battles up close." Michael answered. "We didn't tell anyone about this because we don't have a way to prove that these pokemon exist, but I think that Lillie might have trace of the attacks on her."
"What exactly you hope to uncover?" Nurse Joy asked, still taking notes on the paper. "Can you give me some characteristic of this pokemon?" she asked.
"It resembled that of jellyfish pokemon like Tentacruel. I think there might be unknown toxins within Lillie due to jellyfish like pokemons do inject toxins in their victims. But I could also be wrong… but I want to make sure what we seen is real." Michael explains. It important to get stuffs to back up the information.
Lillie has discomfort look upon when think about the possibility that she might be endanger to an unknown toxic. But she is confident that with Michael, James, and Shiron by her side… there might be a way to help her overcome it.
"Do you think that you can help us?" Lillie asked.
Nurse Joy nodded and scribed down on the paper to make notes before she looked up at them. "This is very unusual. But I will do what I can to help uncovered this mystery phobia." She answered.
This made Lillie looks relief that they have some extra help with her unknown phobia.
It wasn't long for Nurse Joy get a needle with some of Lillie's blood for studied and Lillie rubbing her right arm where the bandage is place.
"It will take me a few days to find out the result." Nurse Joy informed to them, "As with your phobia. What you doing so far might be best solution for Lillie, Michael. Even if I find a clue about this pokemon, the important thing is that you being there and help her calm down when her memory returns. It might be the best thing to do than any cures that I suggested."
"I will do what I can." Michael said.
"Thank you for your help, Nurse Joy." Lillie said slight grateful to the pink nurse. "If you find anything, make sure to contact my butler James."
"It's my pleasure, you two." Nurse Joy said, smiling kindly. "Now you go on ahead now."
The two soon excused themselves from the office. Lillie bowed before following Michael from behind as they went back to the lobby.
"Hey Michael…" Lillie said, getting the redhead's attention, "If we find out what the pokemon is, what we are going to do next?" she asked to him.
"Finding out who hiding the truth… from everyone," Michael said. "The only one who seem to know might be someone in Aether."
"I see…" Lillie said somewhat conflicted. It hard to believe that her phobia might started in Aether Foundation and that the only way to find out the truth… is going back there. To the company that she work in. Lillie cannot believe that all of this happens because she was too focus on her work.
Michael decide to tell Lillie something since this regard to Lillie looks at her mother. This might cause conflict if they try to work out on who responsible for her phobia. "I heard from James that you don't have good relationship with your mother…" the redhead said, "Is it still going on?" he asked.
"It still is," Lillie answered.
"But if that is the case, I will go solo in the investigation." Michael said. This made Lillie look surprised at him.
"Michael…? But I-I thought that we working together…" Lillie asked disbelief, "Why…?"
"I am not try to insult you in anyway. I just don't think it necessary that you have that type of grudge in the search and it will get in the way of the search." Michael said calm as this made Lillie blinks in surprised at his respond. 'Not that I have any proofs that her mother might be same with being lied to…' He thought.
"Vul?" Shiron asked, looking up at her mama.
It wasn't long until Lillie finds her voice.
"I have more in stake when finding out what happens since it my life…" Lillie said before raising angry in her voice. "I know that you think it might be wrong that I felt this way about her. But I cannot help feel it sometime and that they weren't there to help me with my phobia. Do you know what is it like that your family weren't there for you?" she asked with frustration.
Michael looked at her.
"I know what is like… after all, I cannot see my family again." Michael remind before Lillie realized what she just say and feeling bad about what she say.
"Michael… I am sorry, I didn't mean what I say." Lillie said with remorse.
"It's fine. I will continued on with finding out what happen and eventually you will get better with Pokemons." Michael said.
"Michael…" Lillie replied, wonder if she hit a nerve. The two soon start walking out of the building.
"If there isn't anything else to be done, let's head back to the mansion." Michael said and Lillie accept his company.
"Of course," Lillie said.
(Night time)
Professor Kukui, RotomDex, and Mizuki standing outside of the house as Mizuki explains the situation to Michael.
"So you're curious about where Rockruff went, huh." Michael said after hearing Mizuki's explanation. "So why do you need my help?" he asked.
"Though Rowlet might help in the dark, it will be good to have extra hands if Rockruff gone too far into the forest with many wild pokemon." Mizuki explained slight nervous. Not to mention this will be her first time being outside this long since she usually stay at home at the hour. It also cause her to become nervous about who she could encounter at the night. It better that they have more help in hand.
"Is that alright with you?" Professor Kukui asked.
"I really don't have anything else plan. I am in." Michael shrugged before he got out two pokeballs and summoned Espeon and Velvet.
"Esp? /Sylve?" The two Eeveelutions look confused to why they're called out.
"We're going to follow where Rockruff is heading off. Be on your guard." He explained to the two Eeveelutions. They nodded in understanding.
It wasn't long until Professor Kukui get out his device to see what Rockruff doing inside the house while they're out. Rockruff is currently biting hard into a plush toy that resembled the doll for Substitute move.
"Professor, what is going on with Rockruff?" Mizuki asked.
"I don't know… never seen him like this," Professor Kukui added grimace.
Rockruff tries to do something as the point like collar of his glowing briefly, then he soon return back to normal and heading outside of the house.
"It looks like it try to use a move… but he couldn't." Michael noted to the glowing.
"Last time, I didn't seen him doing it before he left." Professor Kukui said. "This need for investigation." He said to his students who nodded.
The human and the pokemons start to following Rockruff who just left the house to the hill of mountain. But it wasn't until they stop by a fallen branch while watching Rockruff running up the hill.
"Wait. I think I know trail, then he is going there." Professor Kukui said before he moved on ahead.
Michael noticed that both Eeveelutions hear something and looking around carefully.
"What is wrong with them?" Mizuki asked.
"If I have to guess wild pokemons nearby." Michael suggested to others. Mizuki and Professor Kukui nodded.
It wasn't long until they get up to the cliff and they heard loud howling not far from where they are. They looks across a large bottom cliff to see numbers of Pokemons gathering around. Among them is Rockruff.
"Whoa… Lycanroc," Mizuki comment in surprised.
"Not just that, it's both the Midday Form and Midnight Form." RotomDex said, "This is an interesting place."
"I knew it!" Professor Kukui said. "This is Scratchmark Hill!"
"What is so special about this place?" Michael asked curious.
Both Midday Form and Midnight Form soon glared at each other as Midday Form walked around the Midnight Form.
Midday Form fired rocks at point blank range at it's Midnight counterpart before charging in an incredible speed.
"Rock Throw and Accelerock!?" Professor Kukui exclaimed with surprised.
It wasn't long until both Lycanroc let out a grin before howling into the air and promoted other Pokemons get into the battle.
"It's really is them!" The Intertwining Pokemon said excited as she watching the battle between the Lycanroc.
But her excitement soon interrupted by a cough from Espeon and she turned around to see Espeon having a question look upon his face.
"I take it that you know this place?" Espeon asked curious.
"Yeah, I heard about this place back when I was kit. It established by Lycanroc duo. It a training ground for wild pokemons only." The Intertwining Pokemon answered. "In the past, big brother always sneak out at night to and come watch them training especially the Lycanroc."
That explains her early behavior when they saw the place and she got excited from watching the two Lycanroc.
"I see. So that is why you meant humans aren't allow to be here." Espeon said, sound intrigued about the training ground for pokemon. "So it will also applied to trainer's pokemon?"
"Unfortunately, you won't be welcome normal due to being a trainer pokemon especially Lycanroc will just sniffing you." Velvet explained before watching the fight between Lycanroc.
"You know that those two shared similarity with evolved during either day or night. Sound familiar, right?" The sun pokemon said, glancing at the fairy Eeveelution.
"That is true… But I am fine now. Beside my new goal is become best Fairy Type Michael can ever see." The sylveon said. It take her some time before she full accept her new form and it thanks to everyone else including Michael.
"That is good to know." Espeon said, feel the confident radiant from her.
Michael, Professor Kukui, and Mizuki watching the sparring between the pokemons, but their attention focus on Rockruff is challenging against Magmar.
"Michael, what do you think of Magmar?" Professor Kukui asked.
"Magmar is certain strong despite Rockruff being its type disadvantage…" Michael added. Though Magmar is strong, he also learn that Magmar has another evolution which required a Magmarizer.
"Ruff!" Rockruff barked as he tried once again and his rock like collar glow again.
"He is trying to do a move…" Professor Kukui comment. Mizuki looks surprised at this as well.
Sadly, Rockruff didn't have enough time to release the attack before Magmar torched him with flamethrower once again.
"Michael, what are you—" Mizuki looks confused at the redhead with question look.
"I understand your concern, but there is no need to worry." Michael said. "Espeon told me that this place happens to be training ground for wild pokemons. So Rockruff won't end up being hurt too bad." He explains careful to Mizuki.
If Michael say is true, then Mizuki trust him and looked worried about Rockruff who been through like this since she find out about him training here before.
Magmar soon let out a laughed after seeing Rockruff collapsed onto the floor. But it wasn't long until Magmar's moment interrupted by a turquoise ball from behind and made the spitfire pokemon falls backward.
"Mar…" Magmar growl, getting back up and glaring at the one who is responsible for the underhand attack.
It was none other than a large shell pokemon on four legs. There is also a noticeable scarred on top of the head and murderous gaze.
"Shel! Shel! Shelgon!" The Endurance Pokemon laughed at the spitfire pokemon and made Magmar charged unleashed a powerful flamethrower at it.
Shelgon takes the hit from the flamethrower and eventually shake it off before the Endurance pokemon curling up into a ball and rolls with incredible speed before he released a blue, dragon-shaped energy covering his body. He then slammed hard into Magmar's stomach.
"MA-MAGMAR!" Magmar was sending flying backward due to the attack from Shelgon.
"That is Dragon Rush!" Mizuki comment surprised.
"It surely is the most unusual version of Dragon Rush." Professor Kukui said.
Dragon Rush… this is the first time I seen one in person, Michael thought, looking a bit impressed at the Shelgon.
Normally, Shellgon are really slow due to how heavy their pupal like armor before evolved into Salamance. But this one seem to know how to use the heavy shell armor as an advantage and similar to how the move Roll Out despite Shelgon cannot learn Roll Out.
Shelgon glance at Rockruff who looks at it with disbelief since he never beats Magmar.
"Shel… Shelgon," Shelgon sneered as this seem to make Rockruff look depressed and the hardhead dragon soon marched outward.
"What did that Shelgon say?" Mizuki asked to RotomDex.
"It something that I don't think you need to hear. But Shelgon is surely ruthless." RotomDex said.
"But at least we get to know why Rockruff is doing here," Professor Kukui said.
What do you two think of that Shelgon? Michael thought, glancing at the two Eeveelutions.
(Much of a bully. But I suspect that he might become a vicious and bloodthirsty Salamance someday.) Espeon said.
'I think that dragon need to be taught a lesson. If you like… I can deal with it.' Velvet mentally offered with a smirk. As a Fairy type, she is the slayer of dragons.
Michael agreed with both Eeveelutions about the dragon type. He also remember that beside the Venusaurite, he also in possession of the Salamancite and few others from his raid on Neo Flare's ship and want to used it as well. Besides having more pokemon who can mega evolved will be useful.
But it will be easy to get to place faster and on a dragon's back… Michael thought before glancing at Mizuki.
She seem to have a worry expression, but instead of the sheltered girl he first remember when he take her under his guidance.
He can search for Shelgon later. He got a gut feeling that Mizuki wants to help Rockruff. She don't want to abandon Rockruff after seeing how he struggle against Magmar.
Rockruff might have potential of becoming powerful rock type, but Michael's attention is more focused on Shelgon. Though he can sympathy of being humiliation by someone who is stronger than you when they can defeat someone who you aimed to beat. If Rockruff bond with Mizuki, then she will get better as a trainer and help Rockruff with his potential. He will make sure that she don't do anything too reckless in the training.
(Next day)
On the sand, Michael is seen with Magnus the baby Jangmo-o and they stared across against Mizuki who is siding with her pokemon… Porygon2. Watching them is none other than Rockruff and RotomDex while Rowlet is sleeping.
"Magnus, used Dragon Breath." Michael shouted.
Magnus moves backward and fired off a small thick green blast at the virtual pokemon.
"Porygon2, dodge!" Mizuki shouted in response.
Porygon2 moved out of the way from the small blast from Magnus.
"Now used Lock and Zap!" Mizuki shout.
Porygon2's eyes fired a glowing mark on Magnus then starting charging up electricity for the attack.
"Don't let it charged up. Used Dragon Breath again." Michael said as the baby dragon type fired another blast again.
"Dodge the attack and fired." Mizuki said.
Porygon2 move out of the way before Zap Cannon form easily in its grip than before. The virtual pokemon then fired at the young dragon type who cannot get out of the way due to the effect of Lock On.
"Pory…!"
"Protect, now!" Michael shouted.
Magnus focused on his power and conjured a small green shield before the electro orb made contact with the shield and result an explosion in the process. Magnus is seen skidding across the sand with some bruises.
It might take some time before he can hold his Protect like Espeon and others… Michael thought, stares the condition of the baby dragon type. At least this give Magnus some experience with his Protect against another pokemon like Porygon2.
"Do you want to continue with practice?" Michael asked to the baby dragon type.
"Janmo!" Magnus said with a nodded to his father.
Mizuki then looks at Rockruff who seem surprised by the way her Porygon2 ready Zap Cannon.
"See, Rockruff! All you need to do is getting it at the right time." Mizuki said, "Do you want to give it a try while attempt Rock Throw? It can help you get better before you can face off against Magmar." she explains kindly to Rockruff.
"Not to mention I want to give Magnus some experience, think of him as your sparring partner." Michael explains. Though Magnus is technical still a baby pokemon, but Michael believe it unlikely that Rockruff mastered Rock Throw soon and give Magnus good practiced.
Rockruff give a bark happily after Mizuki returns Porygon2 back to its pokeball and trying to get his new move while the spikes around his neck glowing.
"Magnus, Headbutt." Michael said.
"Janm!" The small dragon charged forward and hits Rockruff on the head as this interruption the attack. Rockruff gritting his teeths in frustration after being interrupted from used that move.
"Rockruff, you need to remember to dodge when someone attacking." Mizuki explains to Rockruff. She then looks at Michael.
"Rock!" Rockruff barked with affirmation.
"Michael, will you start again?" Mizuki requested politely.
"Dragon Breath." Michael said as Magnus released the green blast once again.
"Dodge now, Rockruff!" Mizuki shouted.
This time, Rockruff followed Mizuki's command and dodge the Dragon Breath by jumping into the left.
"Magnus, continued with Dragon Breath and move to where Rockruff is going." Michael command as the baby dragon fired the attack to Rockruff's direction.
"Jump into the air, then fired Rock Throw!" Mizuki shouted.
Rockruff soon jumps into the air and focus his energy into the pointy stones around his neck. But Michael won't waste any time before giving Magnus a command.
"Magnus, used Dragon Tail!"
"Janmo!" The scaly pokemon's tail glow green as he jumps into the air and swing it at Rockruff's face. Rockruff panic when seeing the attack and move slight to the side, though Magnus's tail caused a scratch upon his face.
Rockruff soon growl and charged at the scaly dragon without any warning as the baby dragon was sending flying backward. Both Michael and Mizuki look surprised. This made Magnus tumbling forward and rolling across the sand before his head stuck in the sand.
"Rockruff, stop!" shouted Mizuki immediately as the rock puppy stop and realized what he did.
The small scaly pokemon soon got his head out of sand and shakes his head to get any dust out of his face. "Magnus, are you alright?" Michael asked to the scaly pokemon. Magnus looks up and started crying immediately.
"It looks like he is hungry now." RotomDex said from the sound of the cry.
Michael soon return to his backpack and got out a bottle with formula for dragon type. He suspect that Magnus will work out of hungry from the sparring. He soon picked up the scaly dragon and feed the formula, this action seem to calm down the baby dragon type when the bottle is presence.
"Is he alright?" Mizuki asked.
"He is fine."
After making sure he has enough to eat and fell asleep, Michael placed Magnus next to Rowlet who is still sleeping. Michael soon got out another pokeball before summoned Ivysaur who is ready for battle.
"Now let see if you can handle against your type disadvantage while firing Rock Throws…" Michael said as Ivysaur has a feral grin upon his face.
The sparring with Ivysaur is much different than one with the baby dragon type. There is difference between strength the Pokemon. Ivysaur might not be either fire or dragon type like Magmar or Shelgon, but having an opponent with greater advantage against your enemy can help pushed your limits.
Rockruff does his best to dodge the incoming Seed Bombs dropping onto him while listening to Mizuki's orders about where to dodge after the seeds were dropped.
"Rockruff, used Rock Throws!" Mizuki shout.
Rockruff soon let out a growl before must up energy again into the pointy stones around his neck.
"Now used Razor Leafs!" Michael shouted.
Ivysaur compliment to the order and fired razor leafs at Rockruff who is still focus on.
Mizuki saw this and ordered, "Rockruff, dodging the leaves and used Tackle on Ivysaur."
Rockruff stops the energy and soon focused on dodging the Razor leafs before charged at Ivysaur with a headbutt.
This sends Ivysaur skidding a bit back and Ivysaur shakes his head before regaining his composite.
"Vine Whips!"
Ivysaur soon released two vines before bashing Rockruff who sending skidding across the sand and land on the sand. Rockruff soon collapsed to the ground and falls into unconsciousness.
"Rockruff!" called Mizuki as she ran to the rock puppy pokemon.
"Rockruff did well with dodging both Seed Bombs and Razor Leafs." Michael said, watching Mizuki used a potion on Rockruff. 'Rockruff still cannot do it…'
"Hey Michael… Do you think Rockruff want to be like those Lycanroc?" Mizuki asked curious.
"I supposed that could be his motivated. Most pre-evolved pokemons look up to their evolved forms. Evolution is the sight of where they grow up." Michael answered. "Although I am surprised that you want to help Rockruff despite that he is a wild pokemon."
"I guess that I cannot ignore him since we been living together in the same house and felt welcoming by his presence. I want to help him make his dream come true." Mizuki said, petting Rockruff's head.
The next day in training, Espeon come up with the idea to help the small rock puppy pokemon with his training: Jump Rope. But he also suggest that Rockruff trying to focus his power so he can fired Rock throw.
Michael also assigned Ivysaur and Charjabug sparring with Mizuki's Rowlet and Porygon2 to make sure they aren't slacking off.
Michael and Mizuki soon moves a long rope around as Rockruff is practicing jumping as the rope come close to his paws.
"Rockruff, keep pressing hard!" shouted Mizuki.
"Rock…!" Rockruff continued jumping the rope and trying hard to focus on the energy. But he struggle of pulling of the energy while jumping over the rope.
Will he do it this time? Michael thought.
The rock puppy continued growl in frustration as he trying hard to release the energy from before and he didn't notice that the rope coming to his paw, this caused Rockruff to stumble and tumbling across the sand.
"Rockruff! Are you alright?" asked Mizuki.
"You should focus on keep your eyes on the rope." Michael stated calmly.
They tried the same jump rope exercise once again and Mizuki once asks Kiawe for help training Rockruff with Turotnator by firing flamethrower to remind the rock puppy of Magmar. Rockruff continued to press on with the training until that day.
"Rockruff, you can do it…!" Mizuki shouted as she watching Rockruff's pointy collars glowing.
It wasn't long until Rockruff soon channeling the glow to his tail before Rockruff send stones flying at Turtonator who stood his ground against flying stones.
"Not bad…" Kiawe said, smirking that Rockruff finally used Rock Throw.
"Rock! Ruff!" Rockruff said happily before he come back to Mizuki and nuzzling against her face despite how painful it was.
Michael and Espeon are watching the interaction.
(Now that it out of that way… how do you plan on tracking that Shelgon now?) Espeon asked to Michael who stood there quietly.
If my theory is correct… Salamancite will help us. To pokemon of the respective stone, they will think it will be another of their kind, Michael mentally added. Though he doubt that Shelgon would be at the same place so he will have Espeon gather information.
He and Espeon soon went into Professor Kukui's house to get some water due to the trainings been on for hours. Michael went into the kitchen to get out a glass and small bowl.
"Hey Michael! How is the training going?" Professor Kukui asked, coming nearby.
"Rockruff used Rock Throws." Michael answered as he pour some water for himself and Espeon. This made Professor Kukui smiled.
"I am surprised that you thought of using the jump rope for training." Professor Kukui said.
"It mostly Espeon's idea." Michael answered.
Espeon drinking the water calmly from the bowl.
"So Michael, how is living at Lillie's place?" Professor Kukui asked, watching him drinking water.
"It's fine." Michael answered before placing the cup on the table.
"I see." The professor said. "I just want to make sure that you're fitting in alright. After all, it must be difficult when you're far from home."
"I learned to adapt." Michael answer curtly. He has an idea about what Professor Kukui is doing and he won't let himself to give too much away.
"Michael. Do you think I can ask you something?" Professor Kukui asked.
"That depend if it in my ability to answered." Michael respond, stares at the professor.
"Why did you originally take on pokemon battle?" asked the professor.
"To be strong." Michael answered.
"That is kind of vague respond." Professor Kukui said, raised an eyebrow. "If it about strength alone, then there is no drive behind that. If that is how you see, then your pokemons would leave you." He answered.
"And what if the person had no choice… but to live that way when there are no other options for them?" Michael asked, narrow expression at the professor.
"I guess that… I will feel really bad for them." Respond Professor Kukui. "That they have no one to depend on and that they will feel like released Frustration on the world. I know someone like that before."
This seem to intrigue Michael before Mizuki come in with Rockruff and RotomDex.
"Professor! Professor! Rockruff learned how to used Rock Throw without a problem!" Mizuki said eagerly as Rockruff give a happy yelp.
"Good job, you two! How about I made you guys some snacks?" Professor Kukui offered.
(For an adult, he is quite honest.) Espeon said to Michael.
Michael didn't respond as he watching Professor Kukui offering snacks to Mizuki and Rockruff.
(Night)
Professor Kukui, Mizuki and RotomDex soon hurry to the hillside after Rockruff left the house. They soon saw Rockruff along with other pokemons on Scratchmark. Both Lycanroc Midday and Midnight forms let out howled in declaration.
"We're pretty far…" RotomDex noted.
"This might be for the best. But we can still see," Mizuki said. Though she is a bit nervous inside due to Michael wasn't here with them as he says that he something to take care of.
But she remained herself that she need to be here to make sure Rockruff is alright.
Rockruff soon approached Magmar and barked a declaration of challenging. Magmar let out a smug look upon his face when looking down at the small rock puppy pokemon.
"MAGMAR!" Magmar started off with firing a powerful flamethrower at Rockruff.
Rockruff dodge the flame and dodge the flame again as he getting close to Magmar.
The wild pokemon watch and cheerful for Rockruff. Midday and Midnight watching the sparring without any reactions.
Once Rockruff get close, he soon launched a tackle at Magmar and sending the spitfire pokemon backward.
"You got the first hit, Rockruff." Mizuki said smiling.
But Magmar got back up and pulled a fire punch on Rockruff who looked surprise and sending to the rocky wall. Rockruff get himself back up and his stone pointy collar glow again.
Magmar saw this and breathed flame again, but Rockruff leaps into the air and his tail glow once again.
"That is the stance for Rock Throw!" RotomDex recognized.
"You can do it, Rockruff." Said Professor Kukui.
Before Rockruff can released the attack, he been hit by flamethrower again and sending flying across the air.
"Come on, Rockruff…" Mizuki said quietly.
But Rockruff managed to maneuver himself in the air and land on the pillar. The rock puppy soon charged once again with determined expression.
Magmar soon focus his energy into a fire punch as he get closed to Rockruff who tried to do a Rock Throw again. Everyone watch with anticipated to watch as the two get close with another.
But Rockruff manages to leap over Magmar and looks back at him before unleashed rock throw at the spitfire pokemon. The attacks hit Magmar hard before fall straight to the floor and Rockruff slammed his head hard into Magmar's stomach, causing the fire type to gasp in pain.
Rockruff soon leap off and waited for any actions from Magmar. Magmar did get up and glare at Rockruff for brief moment before collapsed straight to the ground with swirling in its eyes.
After seeing who win, Mizuki cannot help but feeling a great sense of relief and smile.
"He did it." Mizuki said.
Even the wild pokemons who are in presence cheering for Rockruff.
Rockruff soon let out a howling in the air. Both Lycanroc released a howling into the air.
Michael is seeing walking in the forest with Espeon who accompanied him and he holds onto the Salamancite in his hand. He done his part in helping Mizuki and Rockruff as he will let them handle things from here, he has his own business to take care of. Though he don't know if this is the exactly location except Espeon hearing the thoughts about where the scarring Shelgon would be from the local wild pokemons.
Espeon's ears start twitching and Michael stop moving as he glanced around with careful expression.
(Michael, we have company…) The sun pokemon said.
Michael turns around and seeing the scarred Shelgon coming toward them. The same Shelgon he encounter before. It like Ivysaur proved on the ship that mega stone does draw the attention of the respective pokemon or the pre-evolved form.
"Shel…" growled Shelgon dangerously. The Endurance pokemon thought that he felt the presence of a Salamance… but he end up finding a redhead boy with a stone emitting the presence of Salamance and an Espeon instead.
"You really did show up, Shelgon." Michael said as he glance at the yellow eyes within the pulpal like armor. "I admit that you're quite agility for an average Shelgon when you going up against that Magmar. You certainly is ruthless too. I thought that you can joined us and become stronger than before, then we can mastered Mega evolution." he explains to the Endurance pokemon.
Soon Shelgon did something unexpected for them and that is laughing in mocking voice. "Shel! Shelgon!"
(Interesting... he says that you have a death wish. Mega Salamance are known for turning on their trainers and result of their death. He doubt you can even handle against the power of Mega Evolution.) Espeon translated to Michael.
Michael won't deny about what Shelgon says since he did research on Mega Salamance. But he is also irked that this Shelgon doesn't think he can do it. He and Espeon deal with homicide shadow pokemons before. Tamed the power of Mega Evolution will be on their next list.
"I will mastered Mega evolution and won't let death stop me again…" Michael said with serious that seem to make Shelgon stop laughing and studied him. "Don't underestimated me."
"Shelgon…!" Shelgon scoffed.
(He won't bow to anyone… but accept your challenge as amusement.) Espeon translated to him. Michael got someone who can challenging Shelgon.
Michael soon got out his pokeball and tossed it into the air.
Standing in front of him is his Intertwining pokemon. Instead of her cheerful expression, Velvet is more serious when going up against a dragon type.
"Sylveon…!" Velvet growl.
Shelgon started off with firing off a Flamethrower at the fairy type Eeveelution.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" shouted Michael.
Velvet soon going into a lighting fast speed with Pixilate to make Quick Attack a fairy type move now. Shelgon was sending a few feet back after being hit by the attack, though his armor is tough he still felt the impact of Fairy type.
"Now used Moonblast!" Michael shouted as Velvet skidding few feet back.
Velvet gathered energy from the moon and formed an orb of pink energy in her mouth before firing the attack at Shelgon.
Shelgon saw the attack came at him and conjured up a familiar green barrier to shield himself from the powerful fairy move.
After his barrier vanished, Shelgon soon fired another Flamethrower at the sylveon.
"Dodge and Shadow Ball!" shouted Michael.
Velvet jumps into the air to avoid the fire attack and conjured up the ghostly attack before firing at Shelgon.
"Shelgon!" Shelgon soon slammed his front legs to the ground and Velvet noticed that large rocks are coming toward her from all sides. The rocks come together and clamp tightly on the sylveon into a giant tomb.
Shelgon waiting for the Intertwining pokemon, but he raised an eyebrow to noticed how quiet and that the redhead boy didn't react much.
It wasn't long until the ground beneath Shelgon erupted and Velvet emerged as she tackling the Endurance Pokemon into the air.
"Shelgon!?" Shelgon's expression is bewildered that he been thrown this high into the air.
"Hit hard with Moonblast!" shouted Michael as this is the end of the fight.
"SYLV! SYLV!" Velvet soon released a full power Moonblast at Shelgon who is still in the air.
The attack struck hard and Shelgon collapsed straight to the ground with swirling expression. Michael take out a pokeball and tossed it at Shelgon.
The pokeball soon take in Shelgon and wigging three times before a ding sound occur to show a successful capture.
Velvet soon picked up the pokeball with her feelers and return to Michael's side. Michael took the pokeball and the intertwining pokemon nuzzling against his pants leg.
Michael looks at the pokeball in his hand. He already has six members on his team, Shelgon will be the new and seventh member of the team. Though they will work on Shelgon's brutal personality before he can even work with them.
He and his two Eeveelutions soon walk through the forest as they made their way to the beach. There, Michael saw Mizuki catch Rockruff with a pokeball before letting him out and hugged the rock puppy.
"At least, I am not the only one with a catch." Michael muttered.
Meanwhile in the Pokemon Center, Nurse Joy is busy with the forensic studied on blood sample that she got from Lillie. It looks like what Michael and Lillie told her seem to be true. The pink hair nurse is incredible baffled that something like this is even possible.
It hard to believe it… Nurse Joy thought to herself. As someone who can take care of pokemons and knowledge all of the pokemons in Alola.
What she has before her presence is something she herself cannot identify in the blood sample belongs to the young girl. She ran the blood test with any in their database several times, but she finds no match. Whoever the DNA belong to doesn't even belong… to any pokemon in the Alola region. What in the world is going on?
AN: That is the end of this chapter. I thought this will be good chapter with the episode involved Rockruff, but some divert twists. Not to mention that both Michael and Mizuki got themselves new pokemons.
I thought it will be an interesting twist to the mystery behind Lillie's phobia and partial amnesia by having some forensic investigating being involved. When I was watching the episode about Lillie being held captive by Nihlego before her forgetting… won't there be chance of Nihlego's DNA or poison left with Lillie?
Also what do you guys think about Nurse Joy's unexpected discovery that Michael and Lillie be able to keep their investigating a secret from everyone?
Anyway, be sure to review or message me for any questions, comments, or concern. And don't be afraid to look at my other stories.