Alpha Trouble, Rei Appears!
Two weeks had passed since Zach joined up with the Galaxy Expedition Team, he continued working under Professor Laventon alongside Akari during that time. The two made a pretty good team as Akari took notes and studied the wildlife while he battled against them to help her get a further understanding of them. He even caught a few Pokemon although none of the captures stuck as he was simply fulfilling requests for the townsfolk as the general population was still too terrified to leave the village themselves!
He hadn't made any progress regarding his memories since reuniting with Cyndaquil although he still couldn't shake the feeling that he knew Akari, ever since he met her his heart would rapidly speed up whenever he made eye contact with her while a warm sensation flowed through his body. But that would be crazy, Akari didn't have memory problems nor did she recognize him when they met!
"Alright Cyndaquil, let's hit that Zubat with Smokescreen!"
"Cyndaquil!" A thick black smog emitted from Cyndaquil's mouth, covering the area around her and Zubat. Akari smiled at Zach's quick thinking before letting out a surprised gasp as Zubat simply swooped through the fog before proceeding to bite her!
"I-Incredible, it's as if Zubat doesn't need it's eyes to see!" Akari gasped.
"Yeah but it was foolish enough to get close," Zach smirked. "Alright Cyndaquil, light yourself up with Flame Wheel!"
"QUIL!" A bright flame burst around Cyndaquil's body while she began spinning in place causing the bat Pokemon to let out a pained shriek as he was caught in the fiery inferno!
"And now's our chance," Zach reached into his satchel and withdrew an empty Pokeball before pulling back his arm as he proceeded to hurl the ball across the field! Zubat let out a gasp as the ball sucked him in, the ball soon hit the ground and bounced up before landing as it crackled to announce the capture complete! "That ought to make the night guardsmen happy."
"Alright Zach!" Akari leaped up as she cheered for her friend and research partner.
"Pip Piplup!" Piplup cheered alongside her.
Zach dazed off for a moment as Piplup cheering alongside her trainer seemed quite familiar to him, Akari may have caught her two weeks ago but it wasn't until recently that she started allowing Piplup to remain outside with her so this was the first time Piplup performed such an action. 'What is going on..?'
"Quil!" Cyndaquil's cry disrupted his thoughts, snapping him back to reality as he thought something might have attacked her! He let out a gasp of relief upon seeing she was okay before letting out a startled gasp as a yellow light engulfed her body while her body began changing shape and form! Her body grew longer while her eyes opened to reveal a pair of cute red eyes, the flame along her back disappeared while two sets of flame appeared atop her head and on her lower back.
"T-That's evolution!" Akari excitedly squealed out. "I never imagined I'd get to see it in person!"
"Evolution..?" The word triggered a response though despite the familiar name, the yellow glow was quite unfamiliar to him! "So what are you now?"
"Quilava!" Quilava cried out in response while looking up at her trainer with a warm affectionate look.
"Quilava?" Akari tilted her head before quickly writing the name down in her notes. "I must say I wasn't expecting Cyndaquil to wind up cuter than she was before!"
"It's definitely a surprise but a welcome one, I bet she's even stronger and faster than she was before! Right Quilava?" Zach dropped to a knee in order to pet his newly evolved Fire type. Quilava gazed up at her trainer and let out an affectionate coo as she nuzzled against him before suddenly pulling away with an alert expression as a distant shout could be heard.
"Quila..?"
"Quilava, what's up? You hear something?" The words just instinctively came out as if he was supposed to understand his Pokemon partner, he wasn't sure why though as Quilava certainly couldn't speak his language!
"Help me!" A distant shout could be heard, the shout sounded fairly weak and tired suggesting that the source of the cry had been running for quite some time!
"Rei?!" Akari suddenly turned towards the shout and let out an alarmed gasp as she saw a male figure that wore the same uniform as Zach, though Rei actually wore the hat, come limping out of a nearby bush. His leg looked like he'd taken some damage and parts of his robe had a bit of blood soaked into them while scars could be seen along his hands and face indicating that something fierce attacked him! Certainly wasn't a Shinx though as the markings weren't feline shaped and much bigger!
Zach watched Akari race towards Rei and couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy flowing through him as Akari threw her arm around the blue haired Survey Corps member, helping him to his feet. "I've got you Rei, what happened?"
"T-Thank you cousin," Rei gritted his teeth and grunted out as he shot a fearful glance towards the area behind him. "W-We need to get out of here, I upset this Pokemon and it's been relentlessly chasing me for days! I-I couldn't even sleep last night as whenever I do, it catches up and attacks me! That thing just doesn't give up! Several times I dove into the river and let the current take me as I hoped to lose him, but the beast somehow picked up my trail and attacked me again!"
"Cousin?" Zach blinked while the jealousy instantly disappeared. He glanced at the area where Rei had came from and could see a flock of Starly fleeing from a tree not far from where they currently were, indicating that the beast was closing in on them and with Rei's injury he sure couldn't escape in time!
"Hold up, how did a beast attack you? You told me that you were going to Diamond Clan to spend time with Arezu!" Akari narrowed her eyes. She didn't disprove of Rei's relationship with the girl but she didn't appreciate being lied to!
"I-I was, I swear! But then I overheard her talking about how there was this herb in the Coronet Highlands that the clan desperately needed for medicine so I took it upon myself to go and get it for them!"
"The Coronet-Rei that was dangerous, not even Zach could last more than five minutes up there! The Pokemon up there are the strongest we've seen and stick close to each other, making it nearly impossible to take one on without the rest ganging up on you!" Akari scolded her cousin.
"Zach?" Rei raised his eyebrow in a questioning manner before he took note of the newcomer's presence. "Ah, I see! About time you found a man, cousin!" Rei was quick to assume they were together, a boy and a girl traveling through the Fieldlands alone together? It made perfect sense to him!
Akari's cheeks instantly shot red as she shot a quick look towards Zach whose gaze was fixated on the distance as more Starly retreated from a tree, it was a bit further than before suggesting that Rei was zigzagging about in a desperate bid to lose whatever was after him! "I-Now's not the time, we've got to get you out of here! Why are you trying to impress Arezu anyways? Everyone in Jubilife Village, Diamond Clan and Pearl Clan know that you're together!"
Rei grunted out as Akari began guiding him towards the trail that led back to the village. "I-I know but that Adaman, he's quite the attractive fellow and I'm afraid that she might leave me for him!"
"W-Why would she..?" Akari face palmed with her free hand. "Rei, I don't like spreading gossip but you should know that Adaman's likely in a relationship with Melli. You needn't worry about him 'stealing' Arezu from you!"
"Melli? But he's-"
"Yeah, that's why they're not open about it!" Akari rolled her eyes. "Besides Arezu adores you, she'd never leave you!"
"GAR!" A loud roar sounded from the nearby bushes causing Rei to tense up and freeze in place as he shot a fearful look towards the shrubbery.
"I-It found me! A-Akari, take your boyfriend and run! I'll never make it, don't die on my account!" Rei begged his cousin while holding his sprained knee.
"Rei..." Akari frowned at how her cousin was quick to give up, despite his flaws he was still family. The only family she had left to be precise but regardless she sure wasn't going to just up and abandon her family like that!
"Well I'm not running, Akari take Rei and go!" Zach shouted while Quilava took a battling stance alongside her trainer.
"What?! Zach, I'm not leaving you here to face whatever that thing is on your own! Look at what it did to Rei!" Akari's expression turned fearful as she shifted her gaze towards Rei's leg. "You could end up worse!"
"If you stay here then Rei likely will end up worse!" Zach motioned towards Rei's leg. "If it comes to me having to run then I can manage that but Rei sure can't! Get him back to the village so the Medical Corps can look after him, I'll try and hold off the Pokemon long enough for you to get away!" Though he questioned what would happen if the Pokemon followed him back to town, only the guardsmen had Pokemon capable of battling far as he knew. Hopefully his team would be enough to handle the creature!
"GAR!" The bushes soon burst apart as a rather large Gabite tore through them, it's eyes shined a hazy red color as it towered over them!
"G-Gabite!" Akari shrieked out!
"Oh wow, I always wanted one of these!" Zach blurted out.
"Huh?" Akari gave him a questioning look while Zach himself seemed surprised at what he shouted out.
"W-Where did that come from?" Zach questioned himself before quickly shaking his head as it was time to get serious!
"N-Not just a Gabite, a-an Alpha!" Rei trembled with fright.
"Geez, it's a miracle it didn't kill you!" Akari gasped out. "Very few trainers escape Alpha Pokemon with their lives... be careful, Zach." She shot Zach a fearful look before quickly leading Rei away as fast as she could without causing him further pain.
Zach began nervously sweating as Gabite leered down at him, it was quite the intimidating sight and every instinct inside of his body screamed at him to run but he refused to listen! He knew Rei was as good as dead if he tried running, Gabite already got a taste for him so he'd likely choose to pursue Rei and Akari along with him! He wasn't going to put them in danger.
"Right, Quilava use Flame Wheel! Rowlet use Leafage, Shinx use Ice Fang!" Lives were on the line and the Pokemon was out for blood, of course he'd send all of them out rather than fight him one at a time! Rowlet snapped himself awake and let out an alarmed hoot as he caught sight of the large beast, though despite Rowlet's fear he'd been around Zach long enough to pick up on his courageous spirit so he quickly flew from his shoulder and spun around as several razor sharp leaves flew from his body and spiraled around him before pelting his opponent!
"Quil!" Quilava curled up into a ball as her body became engulfed in a fiery inferno, the Fire type began to spin in place before blasting off across the field where she struck Gabite's stomach! Gabite let out a light growl as it barely had effect on him before letting out a pained growl as Shinx sank his icy fangs into the Dragon type's neck! Gabite reached up and tossed Shinx away from him before stomping his foot against the ground to create a large shockwave as he utilized Bulldoze against his opponents! Rowlet was safely up in the air while Shinx hadn't made contact with the ground just yet, leaving poor Quilava to take the damage! Quilava let out a pained groan before dropping to the floor as swirls formed within her eyes!
"Quilava return!" Zach swiftly returned the Fire type and as he placed the ball back, he realized that he'd forgotten a Pokemon. He may have just caught it and had no intention of keeping it but Zubat did know a nifty move that could help even the odds! "Zubat use Supersonic, Rowlet catch Shinx before he hits the ground!"
Rowlet swooped forward and sank his talons into Shinx's back, halting Shinx's fall before gently placing the lion cub onto the ground while Zubat burst from it's Pokeball. The bat eagerly flapped it's wings before a loud ear shattering shriek emitted from his ears causing Gabite to flinch as tiny Torchic spiraled around his head. Gabite's body swayed back and forth as he briefly lost track of his surroundings, creating an opening for his opponents!
"Alright let's try the same thing as before!" Zach ordered Rowlet and Shinx while turning his gaze towards Zubat. "Zubat join in with Poison Fang!"
"Hoot!" Rowlet spun around as razor sharp leaves spiraled around his body before making their way towards his opponent, pelting Gabite's body causing the Dragon Pokemon to grunt out and while he was distracted by the pain, Shinx and Zubat were quick to sink their fangs into his neck! A purple tint formed along Gabite's cheeks as Zubat successfully poisoned him but the bat didn't get to celebrate his feat as the Dragon was quick to pay him back with a steady stream of green-purple fire! Zubat dropped to the forest floor shortly after contact with the flame and Zach was quick to return him before any further injuries could be dealt to him.
Gabite opened his mouth and appeared as if he were about to bite Shinx only to wind up biting his own arm as a result of his confusion! Gabite let out a pained yelp while part of his remaining energy was drained by the poison!
"Alright one more time, hit him with another Leafage/Ice Fang combo!" Zach shouted.
"Shinx!" Shinx leaped forward and sank his icy fangs into Gabite's neck once more causing the Dragon type to utter out a pained screech before the attack was quickly followed by Rowlet firing a barrage of razor sharp leaves! Gabite groaned out as his body swayed back and forth, for a moment it looked as if he'd unleash another attack but he halted in place as the poison drained his remaining energy. The red hue left Gabite's eyes as he collapsed against the ground with a hard thud, swirls formed within his eyes as he groaned out.
Zach let out a gasp of relief before cheering out for his Pokemon. "Alright, we did it!" He was thankful that they wouldn't have to worry about Gabite following them back to the village. "Now time to catch it!" He reached into his satchel and withdrew one of the Heavy Balls that Akari had crafted for him before giving it a good throw, sending it flying towards the alpha Pokemon! His attention was dragged away from the ball though as Rowlet and Shinx began letting out cries of their own before a yellow light engulfed their bodies, it appeared that beating the alpha helped get the two enough experience to trigger their evolutions!
Rowlet began his transformation into Dartrix while a black furred mane formed around Shinx as he began growing in height, even surpassing the evolving Rowlet in height! Luxio's eyes looked vastly more intimidating than they used to, having lost Shinx's cute factor as his gaze locked firmly onto the bouncing Heavy Ball. "Lux, Luxio!"
"Hooot!" Dartrix stretched out his wings and cooed out as he turned his attention towards his trainer.
"Y-You both evolved?!" Zach's eyes widened from the sight. Evolution wasn't something new to him as he felt some familiarity to it but this sure wasn't familiar in the slightest! "That's great, I'm so prou-!" Zach had completely forgotten about Gabite in his excitement so he took a startled leap into the air as the Heavy Ball crackled to signal the capture!
"Lux!" Luxio smirked as he knew they'd gained a powerful ally that day, he may have mellowed out after his capture but he still had a dominant side to him which took pleasure in knowing that Gabite was part of their team!
"W-Well I guess he's ours now, l-let's head back and see if Akari and Rei made it!" Luxio and Dartrix gave their trainer a nod as he collected the Heavy Ball before following him back to the village, unaware that they were being watched.
"That brat actually beat an alpha Pokemon?!" A familiar looking individual spat beneath his hood, though his hair was a dark purple color rather than the white color he was currently known for, his pale white eyes were also a vibrant pink color. "He might be an interference to your plan master, I say we kill him!"
"Meta!" Metagross chimed out in agreement.
"No!" A figure spoke, his features concealed by the shadows of the bushes. "I believe we can get some use out of him."
"But-" Shade spoke only for the other individual to harshly speak out.
"Don't question my judgement, Shade! I saved your life and I can easily put an end to it! You're indebted to me and must serve my every command without question is that clear?!"
"Yes master..." Shade narrowed his eyes as he reluctantly agreed.
"You are not allowed to touch that boy!"
Shade went silent as he turned his gaze towards the distant Jubilife Village, a sadistic smirk began forming across his cheeks. 'I may not be able to hurt the boy but he didn't say I couldn't go after the ones he cares about! If he meddles in our affairs, I'll do just that!'
"No way, you actually caught the alpha Gabite?!" Akari's jaw dropped as Zach informed her of what happened, admiration shined within her eyes. The two were currently seated in the medical wing of Galaxy Hall where Rei could be seen sprawled out on a bed, his leg was bandaged up and he was confined to the village until he got better! It'd take a few weeks for his leg to heal but otherwise he was in perfect shape as Gabite's marks didn't deal any serious damage!
"Yeah, I did! Bit surprised I actually took it down but it is a relief knowing that we won't have to worry about it rampaging throughout the village." Zach chuckled as he showed off the Heavy Ball, Akari's eyes widened and filled with excitement as he showed it off.
"Hold up," The medical wing connected to Cyllene's office so she heard every word they said. There was a light look of surprise to her but she retained her calm yet intimidating gaze. "You mean to tell me that Zach, the newcomer to our village, actually beat an alpha?" She asked with disbelief before shaking her head. "I'm sure this is just talk to impress Akari."
"I believe him." Rei was quick to speak. "I-I know it's odd but I feel safe now, I don't feel this intimidating aura anymore..."
"Quiet Rei." Cyllene harshly spoke causing him to lower his gaze.
"You're free to think what you want about me but I'm not a liar, I'd never lie to my friends!" Zach glared at Cyllene, she may outrank him but he didn't like being called a liar and wasn't afraid to stick up for himself.
"Very well, then let's go outside and see." Cyllene motioned with her arm, as she guided Zach and Akari towards the exit. Galaxy Hall may be fairly large but it was no place for an alpha Pokemon! As soon as they were outside, Cyllene let out a gasp and had a clear look of surprise as the large Gabite towered over them upon. Several villagers dropped what they were doing and ran off screaming for the hills while others curiously approached as they wondered what was going on. "W-What...?" Cyllene's jaw dropped while Professor Laventon approached with an impressed look.
"You went and caught an alpha?! Well if anyone could do it, it'd be you!" Laventon smiled at Zach while not seeming the least bit surprised.
"Wow..." Akari breathed out.
"GARRR!" Gabite roared out causing one of the curious villagers to quickly dart off while the others froze into place. Zach merely smiled up at the Dragon before holding out a Sitrus berry in offering to him, Gabite leaned forward and gave it a sniff before releasing an appreciative cry before opening his mouth as he leaned closer to the trainer.
"It's going to eat him!" A woman shrieked while another villager fainted from the simple thought!
"Zubat!" Zubat looked a bit anxious as he flew alongside the night guardsmen, Zach having handed him over to them before checking in with Akari and Rei.
Gabite slurped the berry up with his tongue and flashed his trainer a warm smile as he swallowed the berry up, the dragon then leaned forward and nuzzled against Zach's cheek causing him to let out a light grunt due to Gabite's rough skin but he didn't push his new Pokemon away, choosing to embrace him instead!
"Welcome to the team Gabite, we're happy to have you!"
"Gabite!" Gabite let out a pleasured cry.
A bit shorter than recent chapters, I originally planned on dealing with Wyrdeer and Kleavor here along with Mai(Marnie's ancestor) and sending a Hisuian form to the present via disruption but I realized that it'd be insanely long so I decided to cut it with Gabite being shown off! I'm not a fan of pumping a lot of evolutions into one chapter but I really didn't want to evolve somebody offscreen or repeat myself by having them beat a random wild Pokemon and evolve.
My choices for an alpha came down to Hisuian Arcanine or Garchomp as they seemed more fun to play with and Gabite won the coin toss! That's not to say Arcanine isn't going to be caught by somebody, it's my favorite of the Hisuian forms so of course it will! I'm not sure if Ash will get an alpha here but I can assure you he is going to be getting one fairly soon in Electric Blossom! My mind's just too focused on Hisui to write out the Victory Road/Indigo League stuff at the moment :)
And I think Rei/Arezu make a cute pair so I decided to make it canon to the story.
Anyways I hope you all enjoyed it, feel free to let me know what you'd like to see during the arc!