The Crystal Onix
Ash and his friends were riding on Lapras' back as the Pokemon ferried them across the Orange Archipelago. A few hours had passed since the group left Mikan Island behind them and right as the island's mountainside fully left their view, dark clouds began forming over the horizon while a strong warm breeze flowed through the air.
"Storm clouds..." Brock grunted out.
"Actually that's a tropical storm," Tracey corrected his friend. "We should take cover on Sunburst Island, it's not far from here. It's actually that island right there." Tracey thumbed towards an island that sat to the right of them. Lapras gave the island a quick glance before looking towards Ash for confirmation.
"Laaaa?"
Ash glanced towards the island before flickering his gaze back towards the tropical storm. As much as he wanted to face off against another Gym Leader, it just simply wasn't worth the risk. There wasn't any pressure on completing his quest as there was a good eight weeks before the Silver League started up, no need to rush it. They earned a bit of relaxation time after the Indigo League anyways. "Alright Lapras, go ahead and make way for Sunburst Island!"
"Laaaa!" Lapras swerved and began swimming towards the nearby island. Much like the previous island, this one had a small mountain at it's center though the city was much smaller than Mikan Island's. They arrived at the island's port just in time as rain began heavily pouring down upon them as they climbed off Lapras.
"Thanks for the lift, Lapras. Enjoy a nice long rest!" Ash called out through the heavy rain.
"Laaaaa!" Lapras sung out as he disappeared back into the Pokeball.
Ash, Brock, Chloe and Tracey made a mad dash for the Pokemon Center while Team Rocket cried as their Magikarp submarine was tossed about by the powerful waves. The streets were clear of traffic while various vendors locked up their stalls before rushing someplace safe. The group soon burst through the Pokemon Center's doors, their clothes drenched from the downpour though fortunately they weren't alone as quite a few locals and tourists could also be seen taking shelter with drenched clothing of their own.
"So how long does a tropical storm tend to last around here?" Chloe asked.
"It varies, could be anywhere from twenty two minutes to a few hours." Tracey shrugged.
"Well then I guess we might as well take our lunch break now!" Brock grinned. "Nothing will warm you up better than a hot meal!"
"Sounds great to me!"
"Pi Pikachu!"
"Tox tox!" Toxel eagerly licked his lips at the idea. His cries appeared to have drawn a bit of attention as well as Ash soon found himself surrounded by a group of photographers.
"You my gosh, it's a Toxel! I'd never have expected to find one of you out here!" A feminine voice squealed out.
"And that Pikachu looks incredibly strong and healthy too, it actually looks similar to-Hey wait a minute!" The male pushed his drenched hair aside before flashing a warm smile upon noticing Ash and the others. "Oh hey Ash, how's it going?!"
"Todd!"
"Pika pika!"
"No way, we actually found them?" Chloe remembered that Todd and his girlfriend were heading to the Orange Islands in search of a strange looking Onix, she just didn't expect them to cross paths with each other as there were quite a number of islands throughout the archipelago.
"Hey guys!" Rita cheerfully waved at them before tilting her head upon noticing Tracey. "Oh, you got another companion?"
"I joined a few days ago," Tracey sweated lightly before extending his hand to her. "The name's Tracey, Tracey Sketchit!"
"Well my name's Rita and that cutie beside me is Todd Snap, my boyfriend!"
"No way, he's Todd Snap? As in the Todd Snap?! I'm a huge fan, your pictures actually serve as inspiration for my sketches!" Tracey eagerly exclaimed while holding his sketchbook out to Todd. "It'd mean the world to me if you took a look!"
Todd sweated at the sight as he wasn't used to being bombarded by fans. "Eh sure why not, we've got plenty of time to kill." Todd reached for the notebook before performing a startled leap. "Oh right, we're actually traveling with somebody as well. I don't know where she got off to though..." Todd trailed off while glancing around the room.
"She?"
"Oh brother..." Chloe muttered as Brock began shooting eager looks around the room in search of Todd and Rita's companion though she happened to find them first, or rather Ash as a microphone pressed against his face.
"Ash Ketchum? Alexa of the Kalos Star News! How does it feel winning the first Pokemon League you competed in? Do you feel that it was earned or do you feel as if you just got lucky? How powerful was Yellow? Is it true that there's something going on between you and Grand Coordinator Chloe Cerise?!" A rather lively and attractive woman eagerly questioned. She appeared to be the same age as Brock, her light brown hair was cut in a short hairstyle while her dark green eyes sparkled from excitement as she questioned Ash.
She appeared to be a fellow photographer as a camera was fitted to her belt, she wore a long sleeved maroon and black jacket and tan colored jeans while brown hiking boots covered her feet. Hearts filled Brock's eyes as he clasped his hands together. "Oh wow!"
Chloe's cheeks puffed and turned bright red as she stepped in between Alexa and Ash who was too stunned by Alexa's rapid questions, leaving him unable to give a proper response. "Excuse me but I don't see how us dating is any of your business! Ash is here to relax, not-Hey!" Chloe was interrupted as Brock pushed her aside.
"Hello there Alexa, my name's Brock! I must say that accent of yours is quite alluring!"
"Uh... merci?" Alexa couldn't help but blush while nervously sweating as Brock extended his hand towards her.
"I've always had a weak spot for the ladies with Kalos accents and I must say that you're quite the catch when it comes to looks! And you're a photographer? I don't mean to brag but my Vulpix is quite the lovely fox, perhaps you'd be interested in taking pictures of her? Then we could follow up with di-AGH!" Brock collapsed against the floor as Croagunk jabbed against his back.
"Croa croa croa!" Croagunk laughed and grabbed hold of his trainer's leg before proceeding to drag him away.
"He's still single? I thought he'd have gotten a girlfriend by now." Todd commented.
"Well Aria did seem interested in him." Chloe remarked with a light shrug. "She probably just didn't want to try out a long distance relationship."
"Aria? As in the Aria?!" Rita flickered her gaze towards Brock. "That guy's lucky, most men would kill to get her to look at them!"
"Yep, that Aria. We're actually good friends." Chloe lightly sweated.
"So how goes the search for that 'crystal' Onix, you found it yet?" Ash eagerly questioned, his eyes sparkled as he wondered what the Onix looked like.
"Not yet, no." Todd was quick to shake his head before forming a light smile. "But we're real close to finding it, we believe that it's located somewhere on this very island!"
"And I intend on keeping the scoop!" Alexa exclaimed. "I traveled all this way as I couldn't resist the opportunity to document the discovery of a brand new species."
"You mean Crystal Onix is here?!" Ash's eyes widened while excitement flickered across his face. "You mind if we tag along? I'd love to see it!"
"Pika pika!"
"Sure why not, the more the merrier!" Todd exclaimed.
Team Rocket stood nearby, large black hooded ponchos masked their appearance as the four flashed eager smirks towards each other.
"Did you hear that? The twerps are going to find a rare Onix!" Meowth eagerly exclaimed.
"And it sounds like it's entire body is made from crystal! If I had a Pokemon like that, I could take the Contest stage by storm!" Jessie shouted.
"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet chimed in.
"Shouldn't we bring it to the boss? I mean we did head to Alola without his permission and have nothing to show for it, if he finds out we'll be screwed!" James anxiously spoke up.
"Calm down James, from what I heard there's an island full of rare pink colored Pokemon around here. We'll simply nab one of those and give them to him, that ought to make him happy." Jessie dismissed with a wave of her hand.
Ash, Brock, Chloe, Tracey, Todd, Rita and Alexa were hiking up the island's mountainous trail after the storm died down while Team Rocket shadowed them from a safe distance, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"Alright so according to all the data we've gathered, there's supposedly a cave entrance somewhere around here that'll lead us directly into the mountain." Rita explained to the others as they walked along the trail. "The cave system is long and full of tunnels that loop around."
"Some have gotten lost in there and never returned." Todd added on.
"EEEEE!" James anxiously exclaimed causing Jessie and Meowth to quickly cover his mouth with their hands.
"Shhh!"
"We should just wait for them to come back out, I don't want to die in a cave!"
"Wobbu wobb!" Wobbuffet cried in agreement with James.
"Can it you two, we're going in there rather you like it or not. I need that crystal Onix!" Jessie boldly exclaimed while forcefully grabbing James and Wobbuffet's arm before they could bolt off.
"Hmp, I say if we're sticking out our necks for this rare Onix then we may as well get paid for it." Meowth stated with a sour look as he crossed his arms.
"The money will come after I win a Grand Festival, just you wait!"
"Well hopefully that doesn't happen to us." Alexa sweated.
"So how do you know crystal Onix is in there? Surely if somebody's seen it they'd have snapped a picture of it." Chloe questioned.
"Well the last sighting was back when cameras weren't quite as advanced, all the person could see when they got out was a bright blur. They tried to go back later but got lost and couldn't find the cavern that contained the Onix." Rita explained.
"Maybe we ought to leave a trail or something, just in case. That way we can find our way back out." Brock advised.
"Smart move." Alexa smirked while glancing towards her jacket. "Course it will be rather dark in there but my friend should be able to help us out, right Helioptile?"
"Helioptile?" Ash and Chloe gave each other a quick look as neither of them heard the name before.
"Helio?" A small yellow lizard Pokemon peeked it's head out from Alexa's jacket and shot an anxious glance towards Ash, Brock, Chloe and Tracey. "Helio!" Helioptile yelped while retreating back into the safety of her jacket.
"Whoa calm down Helioptile, they're friends of mine. They mean you no harm!" Alexa comforted Helioptile while Ash pulled out his Rotom Phone in order to scan the strange timid Pokemon.
"Helioptile the Generator Pokemon, the sun powers this Pokemon's electricity generation. Interruption of that process stresses Helioptile to the point of weakness."
"Oh, he knows Flash!" Ash exclaimed.
"Mhm," Alexa nodded while offering him a light smirk. "Now you see how he can help us out before flashlights and well Rotom Phones, trainers used to rely on Electric types or Fire types to light up dark caverns. Course some tunnels now have torches marking a safe path for rookie trainers."
"Huh, maybe I should catch an Electric type so I can sketch some Geodude!" Tracey exclaimed.
"Well Helioptile sure is cute, I wonder where I can find one of my own." Chloe questioned.
"Bzzzt. Their only known locations are in Kalos and Galar."
"Aw..." Chloe glanced towards the ground with a defeated sigh.
Ash was quick to place a hand on her shoulder while offering her a supportive smile. "Don't worry Chloe, I'm sure we'll find one when we go to Kalos!"
"Oooh, you plan on taking her to the city of love?!" Brock questioned.
"...what?" Ash gave Brock a dense stare causing Brock to face fault.
"I believe he means Lumiose City, the city of love. Couples tend to go there to celebrate their anniversaries or to get hitched." Alexa remarked.
"Common knowledge really." Rita giggled out. "Todd took me there for our one year anniversary!" She gushed while latching affectionately onto Todd's arm.
"And it was worth every penny!" Todd chuckled while his cheeks burned a dark red color.
"Rhy!" The group's attention was soon diverted by the arrival of a territorial Rhyhorn, the rhinoceros scratched his hoof against the ground while glaring towards the ground.
"A Rhyhorn, I'll handle this." Ash began reaching for a Pokeball. "Kabutops I-"
"Hold up, I can settle this without dragging us into needless violence." Alexa reached for a ball of her own before tossing it forward. "Gogoat, I need your assistance!"
"Maaaa!" A large brown leafy coat bleated out while bursting from the Pokeball. Ash, Brock, Chloe and Tracey all gasped and quickly stepped back as they didn't expect Gogoat to be around their height.
"Whoa, who's that Pokemon?! It's amazing!"
"Pika..." Pikachu trailed off with an amazed tone.
"I've got to sketch this!" Tracey seemed just as excited as Ash, he quickly pulled out his sketchbook and began sketching away while Ash retrieved his Rotom Phone.
"Gogoat the Mount Pokemon, they inhabit mountainous regions. The leader of the herd is decided by a battle of clashing horns!"
"Wow, I wonder if any live around here or Johto! I'd love to catch one!"
"Bzzzt. Fat chance, no wild Gogoat's have been documented outside of the Kalos region."
"Aw!" Ash hung his head while Gogoat charged headfirst towards Rhyhorn before bashing his horns against Rhyhorn's skull! Rhyhorn's eyes widened as a terrified yelp emitted from his throat, the rhino was quick to turn around and run off upon Gogoat establishing his dominance.
"Good work, Gogoat!" Alexa praised Gogoat while giving him an affectionate pat.
"Baaa!" Gogoat beamed at the praise before returning to his Pokeball.
The group continued trekking up the mountainside until they came across the entrance to a dark cavern. Alexa grinned as she flickered her eyes towards Helioptile who was now sitting atop her shoulder. "Alright Helioptile, do your thing!"
"Heliop!" Electricity crackled off Helioptile's body before casting off in a bright yellow light that spread throughout the area, lighting up the cavern within while Helioptile's body continued to glow. "Helioptile!"
"Great work, Helioptile." Alexa praised.
"Perfect, that should get us through the cave no problem!" Rita exclaimed.
"Now we just have to focus on finding Onix." Todd smirked. "Of course there could be other Onix down there but far as we know, the only Onix people reported seeing down there is the crystal one."
Brock began opening a sack of bread that he retrieved from his bag. "I'll leave a trail behind so we can get out, we'll just have to hope this isn't home to some Rattata and Raticate."
"We could also have Sandslash mark the walls with his claws," Chloe noted while glancing towards Ash. He'd switched Kingler and Kabutops out for Sandslash and Tauros shortly before leaving Mikan Island.
"Sounds like a plan, alright Sandslash I choose you!" Ash shouted while hurling the ball that contained the Alolan Pokemon.
"Slash!" Sandslash clashed his claws together as he cried out.
"Sandslash, are you able to mark these cavern walls with your claws?"
"Slash...?" Sandslash glanced towards the nearby cavern wall before slashing at it, leaving razor sharp markings as his steel covered claws raked into it with ease! "Slash!" He gave an eager nod in response to Ash's question.
"Alright Sandslash, we'd like you to mark our path by raking your claws against the walls!"
"Slash!"
Sandslash eagerly obliged, slashing at the nearby wall before proceeding to drag his claws against it as he marked a path for the group. The group traveled in silence apart from the moments where they had to choose between split paths as they kept an ear out for the familiar roar of Onix. Apart from the occasional flutter of Zubat and the sound of Geodude rolling about, it was relatively quiet and peaceful. Todd and Rita snapped a few pictures of some sleeping Zubat for their magazine while Alexa recorded the entire trip with her camera, at first glance Ash thought it was merely another photographer camera but it appeared he was mistaken.
"ROAR!" The familiar roar echoed throughout the cave causing Ash, Brock, Chloe, Todd and Rita to perk up.
"Onix!"
"Pi Pika!"
"Eevoi!"
"...Tox?" Toxel tilted his head as he didn't know what a Onix was just yet.
The group rushed towards the noise before coming to what appeared to be a dead end, there was a large pool of water at the end of the cavern while large blue crystals lined the floors, walls and ceiling.
"Whoa, look at all those crystals!" Chloe gasped.
Rita cast a quick glance around. "Where the heck did Onix go to? I don't see holes anywhere and there's no exit!"
"Apart from the water." Brock pointed out. "We don't know how deep it goes, though Onix usually can't swim."
"Maybe this one's a different type?" Ash shrugged.
"ROAR!" An Onix roar sounded off behind them causing everyone to jump up and quickly turn around before coming face to face with a large mechanized Onix that had a massive red R splattered across it's neck.
"Hahahaha!"
"Team Rocket!" Ash, Brock and Chloe shouted.
"Pika pika!" Pikachu growled.
"Eevoi!"
"Tox?" Toxel tilted his head in a cute manner as he wondered if those funny sounding people were friends of theirs.
"These guys are still harassing you all?" Todd groaned.
"Team Rocket...?" Tracey questioned.
"They're a criminal organization that operates in the Kanto/Johto regions, full of thieves. These three try to steal our Pikachu and Eevee on a regular basis!" Chloe explained.
"Ah, Kalos doesn't have any organized crime. Lysandre put all his resources into ensuring that nobody would be below the poverty line and desperate enough to become a criminal, it's worked out pretty well." Alexa informed. "And he'll personally hunt down anyone that tries setting up a mob or gang in the region."
"Hey stop ignoring us!" Jessie shouted out.
"Yeah we paid good money for this Onix mech, you best be looking at it!" James shouted.
"What are you losers doing here?!" Todd shouted. "There's nothing here for you to steal!"
"We followed you cause we were hoping you'd find that crystal Onix we keep hearing about." Meowth spoke. "But evidently the rumors are false, nothing's here but a bunch of crystals."
"We can sell the crystals though," James pointed out. "It'd also make a great present for the boss."
"True," Jessie smirked while glaring down at the twerps. "Alright twerps, you may have beat us last time but our numbers have grown since then and we've only gotten stronger. James, how about we show them what we caught in Alola?"
"Right, Jessie." James flashed his partner a smirk while he reached for a Pokeball. "Grapploct, let's beat these twerps down!"
"Grapploct!" Grapploct burst out and flew towards the twerps before swiftly flying back towards his trainer, his muscular tentacles wrapped around James' body as he pulled him in for an affectionate hug. "Grapp!"
"Eeee! Grapploct, you're crushing me!" James gasped out for air.
"Whoa, that one's new!" Ash exclaimed.
"What is that?" Chloe questioned.
"I have no idea but I wanna sketch it!" Tracey exclaimed.
"Salazzle, let's charm the twerps with our beauty!" Jessie shouted.
"Salaz!"
"She found a Salazzle?" Brock questioned.
"Well it does suit her..." Chloe noted with a light bit of sweat.
"For once that's something we can agree on, Salazzle use Attract!"
"Sala!" Salazzle performed a seductive pose causing hearts to appear in Pikachu's, Helioptile's and Marill's eyes.
"Marill..." Marill gushed while wrapping his long tail around his body, his head nuzzled against his tail as he pretended it was Salazzle.
"Heliop!" Helioptile shyly gushed from atop his trainer's shoulder.
"Pika..." Pikachu began to drool.
Toxel was too young to understand what 'love' was so he was immune to Salazzle's temptress ways. The baby Pokemon gazed towards his friends and gave them odd looks. "Tox?" He questioned, wondering why they were acting goofy. It wasn't playtime!
"Grapploct use Octolock on Pikachu!"
"Grapp!" Grapploct released James before springing towards his opponent, tentacles outstretched as he prepared to crush him in a tight hug!
"Eevee save Pikachu with Sizzly Slide!"
"Switch targets!" James quickly shouted out, showing that they had learned a bit.
"Grapp!" Grapploct turned towards Eevee as the Normal type charged towards him, Grapploct lashed out and pulled her into a tight hug. "Grapploct!"
"E-Eeevoi!" Eevee cried out as Grapploct crushed her, not seeming to mind the Fire attack one bit!
"Whoa, that Pokemon sure is strong!" Ash gritted his teeth.
"Croagunk use Poison Jab!" Brock threw his arm out before pausing as Croagunk didn't respond. He then turned to see his partner silently staring at Salazzle, hearts present within his eyes.
"Croa..."
"Okay so Croagunk's out, Kangaskhan let's-"
"Bone!" It appeared that Brock hadn't organized his Pokeballs properly, no doubt the fault of a beautiful lady distracting him. Brock quickly made an attempt to return Cubone before pausing as he recalled Cubone was fairly young, experienced but young. "Cubone use Bonemerang!"
"Bone bone, Cubone!" Cubone pulled back his arm and gave his club a good throw causing it to hurl across the field and whack Salazzle upside the head before safely returning to him. "Cubone bone bone!" Cubone twirled while cheering out.
"Sludge Wave!" Jessie ordered.
"Sala!" Salazzle hissed out and spun around as a large wave of purple sludge flew towards Cubone before splashing down on top of him. Cubone shivered and grunted out from the pain but remained standing.
"Bone..." Cubone gazed towards the ground as his breath grew heavier.
Brock clenched his fist while reaching for Cubone's ball. "Cubone return, Kanga-"
"CUBONE!" Cubone screeched out while throwing back his head as a bright blue light consumed his body. Although he began growing taller, his skin began changing to a darker color while bright green flames formed atop his bone club which strangely grew along with him.
"Wait a minute, that's-" Chloe started.
"Alolan Marowak?!" Ash exclaimed with a confused expression.
"...huh?" Alexa tilted her head while Todd and Rita gave each other a look. They knew what Alolan Marowak so they'd have heard if anyone reported sightings of one around here.
"What just happened?!" Jessie shouted out.
"Yeah, why did that older twerp's Cubone turn into the Alolan variant? That shouldn't be possible!" James shouted.
Meowth scratched the side of his cheek in a thoughtful fashion. "Maybe it has something to do with his cave? The atmosphere here does feel rather strange now that I think about it."
"Well that rather convenient evolution isn't going to save the day this time, Salazzle finish him with Fire Lash!"
"Sala!" Flames ignited around Salazzle's tail as she lashed out at her opponent.
"Counter with Shadow Bone!" Brock was quick to shout out. He recalled that Giselle's Marowak knew the move so he figured or rather hoped that his would.
"Marowak!" Thankfully that appeared to be the case as a bright purple flame grew over the green flames while Marowak rapidly twirled his club about. "Marowak wak wak wak!" Marowak chanted, he leaped over Salazzle's tail before striking the top of her skull with his fiery club causing ghastly purple flames to ignite around Salazzle's body!
"S-Sala!" Salazzle cried out as the ghastly flames seared across her body, her cries only stopping as she collapsed against the cavern floor. Swirls formed within her eyes as she laid in defeat. "Sala..." She moaned out.
"Alright Marowak!" Brock praised.
"Marowak wak wak." Marowak leaned against his club while flashing an appreciative smirk towards his trainer.
"P-Pikachu..." Pikachu shook his head as he began recovering from Salazzle's trance, he then shot a quick look around before anxiously crying out as Grapploct crushed Eevee.
"Pika pika pika PIKA!" Pikachu chanted out as he shot across the face, golden electricity surrounded his body until he made contact with Grapploct. Grapploct grunted out and released Eevee upon Pikachu striking his backside allowing for Eevee to go free. Eevee flashed her crush an appreciative look before flickering her attention back towards Grapploct.
"Eee...VOI!" Eevee stretched out as she cried out. Sparkly pink wind began forming around her body before taking on the form of a twister, Eevee than gave her tail a light twitch causing the tornado to zip towards Grapploct! Grapploct grunted out as the fairly energy repeatedly smacked against his body, the Fighting type tried holding his ground but quickly found it hard to resist as the move was just too strong.
"Loct..." Grapploct fell against the cavern floor, swirls formed within his eyes.
"Uh oh!" Jessie, James and Meowth exclaimed with frightened expressions as Pikachu glared up at them with electricity crackling from his cheeks in a threatening manner.
"Wobbu!" Wobbuffet anxiously cried out.
"Pika..."
"Pikachu use Thunderbolt!"
"Pika...CHUUUU!" A powerful thunderbolt flew towards the Rocket trio and their Pokemon causing them to scream out and hug each other from fright.
"BEWEAR!" A savior arrived at the last possible moment, a loud crash echoed through the roof as Bewear came crashing down. The red panda held out her arms and tanked the electrical blast while protecting her family. "BEWEAR!" The panda gave Ash and Pikachu a light glare but made no attempt to retaliate, she merely turned towards Team Rocket before scooping them and their Pokemon up into her arms!
"Bewear?!" Team Rocket simultaneously exclaimed while wondering how she managed to track them down.
"Whoa, what the heck?!" Brock exclaimed.
"Does this happen every time?" Tracey questioned with a mystified expression.
"No, this is the first time we've seen... whatever that is!" Chloe explained while Todd and Rita eagerly snapped pictures.
"Fascinating it appears to think that they're her cubs..." Alexa mused while filming with her camera.
"Bewear!" Bewear bent her knees before blasting off into the sky like Superman causing the twerps to silently stare after her with bewildered expressions.
"Hey we didn't blast off this time..." Jessie realized as Bewear flew through the air.
"It's a nice change of pace." James stated.
"Yeah, I kind of like it." Meowth added on.
"Wobbuffet!"
"Well that was unusual..." Chloe sweated. "Least it didn't attack us."
"ROAR!"
Ash glanced towards the Onix mech upon hearing the roar. "Well I guess the mech's still working..."
"ROAR!"
"Or not..." Ash narrowed his eyes as the mech's mouth didn't appear to move.
"Ash, look!" Tracey shouted out while pointing towards the pool which began bubbling. Everyone's attention fixated upon the pool before a collective gasp of amazement echoed throughout the cavern as a crystal covered Onix calmly rose from the water and stared directly at the group.
"Roar..."
"I-It's real!" Tracey exclaimed with a shocked expression.
"Whoa..." Brock breathed.
"I wonder what type it is!" Chloe gushed.
"I wonder if it can battle!" Ash mused.
Todd and Rita raised their cameras and prepped them up before sharing a quick look as they paused in place. The two seemed to be of one mind as they gave a silent nod to each other before packing up their cameras.
"We're not taking it's picture." Todd stated.
"Yeah, if Team Rocket followed us down here simply because they thought it was here then more bad guys will most likely show if they know it's here. A Pokemon this rare and beautiful would go for a lot on the black market. We need to let it be, it deserves to remain free and in the wild." Rita explained.
"I agree," Alexa snapped her camera shut after tapping the 'delete' button on the day's footage. "It could very well be the only one of it's kind, we don't want some Pokemon Hunter coming along and killing it or it winding up as some rich asshole's trophy."
Onix formed a light smile as he gazed upon the three. "ROAR!" He uttered out an appreciative roar before burrowing back into the pool, disappearing back to wherever he'd been before.
"Well I guess that's that." Ash was disappointed that he couldn't see the Onix in action but he was sure there were plenty of other strong Pokemon waiting for him out there.
"What will you three do now?" Chloe asked.
"Well we've got enough photographs of the Valencian Butterfree, Paras, Parasect, Vileplume and Victreebel to fill an entire issue of Snap Monthly. I think that'll do for now." Todd smiled.
"For now we'll simply enjoy the rest of our vacation!" Rita gushed while resting her head against Todd's shoulder.
"And I'll be heading back to Kalos, I-"
"Oh lovely Alexa," Brock dropped to one knee while stretching his hand towards Alexa. "Why don't you travel around the Orange Islands with us? I'm sure that there's a scoop waiting around here somewhere!" Brock offered.
Alexa stared ahead with a thoughtful expression as she seemed to be considering it but before Brock could receive an answer, Marowak whacked the back of his head with his fiery club!
"Wak!"
"Agh!"
"Croa..?" Croagunk was momentarily stunned by the sight before offering his teammate a light smirk. "Croa croa croa!" Croagunk laughed while hoisting up Brock's leg before dragging him off.
"Heh... another time perhaps." Alexa giggled out.
"Eevoi!" Eevee pressed up against Pikachu's body while gazing affectionately into his eyes.
"P-Pika...?" Pikachu blushed while giving her a questionable expression.
"Eevoi!" Eevee purred out while nuzzling against his neck, stating that she was thankful for him saving her life.
"P-Pika..." Pikachu sweated and gave a light wave of his paw as if to say that it wasn't a big deal.
"Eevoi..?" Eevee tilted her head as she appeared to ask Pikachu a question.
Pikachu's cheeks burned bright red as he shot an anxious glance towards Toxel to ensure that the baby hadn't heard. Fortunately for them Toxel was too busy laughing at Brock to notice, Pikachu smirked before turning back towards Eevee to give her a quick nod.
Eevee let out an ecstatic shriek as she nuzzled against Pikachu once more before affectionately licking his cheek.
"Bye Ash!"
"Good luck with your Orange League journey!" Todd and Rita waved at the group as they departed on Lapras' back, continuing the journey towards Navel Island and Ash's next Orange League battle.
"See ya Todd, Rita and good luck with your magazine!" Ash called out while he and his friends waved back.
They continued waving at each other until they disappeared from each other's sights. Pikachu and Eevee's heads rested up against each other, their tails twined together as they uttered a sigh of content.
"Alright, next stop Navel-"
"Ring ring ring! Phone call, phone call! Ring ring ring!"
"Hm? I wonder whose calling?" Ash pondered while reaching into his jacket to retrieve his Rotom Phone.
"Whoever it is, they're lucky we aren't far off from Sunburst yet. You should still have-Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! It's Professor Oak!" Tracey couldn't help but squeal out in a fanboyish fashion as Professor Oak's face appeared on Ash's Rotom Phone.
"Why hello there!" Professor Oak chuckled out. Being a former champion, he was quite used to crazed fans so Tracey's behavior didn't weird him out in the slightest. "I wasn't aware that Ash picked up another companion."
"It's great to meet you Professor, I'm Tracey and-"
"Pardon the interruption but this isn't urgent, is it?" Ash couldn't help but worry that something might have happened to Delia, Gary or Leaf while he was away.
"Oh no my boy, nothing urgent at all. Well at least not in that sense, but I do have an urgent request. You see a good friend of mine is within the vicinity and he appears to have discovered some ancient ruins that he believes contains an ancient and long forgotten Pokemon. He desperately wants to check them out but I'm afraid that he isn't much of a trainer, he merely conducts field work and never engaged in Pokemon care like most Professors do. Would you be willing to drop by and help him venture through-"
"Say no more, you had me at long lost Pokemon!" Ash eagerly accepted Oak's request. He was intrigued and wanted to see this Pokemon for himself!
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu cried out.
"So who is this friend of yours?" Chloe questioned.
"Why, Professor Willow of course!"
I told you something special would happen for the 50th chapter :)
I honestly felt that Alolan Marowak would add more to Brock's team than the standard Marowak, which is why the evolution took as long as it did.