A Newly Formed Bond, Frenzied Avalugg!
"Man it's freezing!" Zach crossed his arms against his chest and shivered as Irida led him into the Alabaster Icelands. "From the way you are dressed, I'd assume that you were from the Cobalt Coastlands!" He'd never been there himself but he heard the area was rather warm!
Irida glanced down at her exposed shoulders, arms and legs before uttering a giggle of amusement. "Well I'm quite used to the weather here as I've lived here my entire life, you should see my mentor Gaeric he runs around without a shirt!"
"Without a shirt?!" Zach exclaimed while wondering how this Gaeric didn't die from frostbite.
"I'm guessing the weather is much warmer wherever it is you come from, Ingo was the same way and Palina's grown unaccustomed to the cold weather as she's spends most her time in the Coastlands" Irida explained to Zach while looking him over, his Survey Corps robes were notably torn in places with a large piece of fabric torn from the left arm which Irida could only assume happened when he tried saving Akari. His outfit probably wasn't doing him any favors but she planned on getting him fitted with Pearl Clan robes once they got to her village.
"Ingo? Palina?" Zach couldn't help but question as he'd never met either of them, he wouldn't recognize Ingo's name either as he never had the pleasure of meeting him in the present day! He was in Nimbasa but whenever he heard people mentioning the facility, they referred to Ingo and Emmet as 'The Subway Twins' so this was his first time hearing Ingo's actual name!
"Oh right, I forgot you haven't met them yet." Irida sweated lightly. "Well I'm sure that you'll come across them eventually, Ingo was actually in a similar position to yourself once though he didn't fall from the sky he did have amnesia. We found him in the Coronet Highlands and took him in, eventually making him a Warden after he proved himself. Though the two of you are different in ways, Ingo's never actually smiled and prefers remaining distant as he rarely leaves Sneasler's side. He's older than the two of us as well by roughly ten years or so. We're not quite sure where he came from but nobody in Diamond Clan or Galaxy Team recognized him so we simply accepted him as one of our own."
"Ah," Zach couldn't help but frown as he hoped that Ingo might have been the key to restoring his memories. Irida placed her hand upon his shoulder and offered him a sympathetic expression. Zach shot her a brief glance before spotting Bergmite and a strange Pokemon that resembled Avalugg but visibly different than the one he was familiar with from the Galar region. "Bergmite... what's the Pokemon next to them?"
"Avalugg." Irida responded with a light smile as her gaze flickered towards the large Ice Pokemon.
"Those are Avalugg?!" Irida couldn't help but give him a questionable look. He seemed to recognize most Pokemon he came across but whenever it came to one of the 'blessed' species he didn't appear to recognize them. She tilted her head lightly as she wondered why that was. "They're pure Ice type right?"
"Nope, Ice and Rock!" Irida corrected leading to Zach forming a visibly confused expression as they arrived at Pearl Village.
"Is that him?" Some villagers asked in a hushed tone as the two passed them.
"Hey that's the guy that beat Kleavor!"
"Mommy mommy look, Irida found a boyfriend!" A child chanted while pointing towards the two.
Irida shot the villagers, silencing them as she led Zach to his new place.
"Well this is it," She gestured towards a cabin before gesturing to the one directly next to it. "I live right next door, I figured that it'd be better to have you closer to me than strangers seeing how you could use a friend right now." She offered him a friendly smile as he stared at his new home. Luxray's tail flickered as he sensed something roaming around inside of the cabin.
"Lux...?"
"Thank you Irida," Zach offered his friend an appreciative look before reaching for the door.
"Hold on a moment, I need to find you some robes!" Irida held up her hand before turning to race into her cabin, quickly rummaging about before holding up two different pair of Pearl Clan robes. She then proceeded to rush back out and held both pairs up against him before smiling once more as she held a set of robes out to him. "Here, these should fit you nicely! Though before you go in there, I need to confess something... you're not alone in there. You see shortly before... well you know-" Zach frowned and gazed towards the ground at her words.
"I found a wild Zorua whose family was massacred, leaving him mourning as the sole survivor... I can tell the two of you are in the same predicament. You both are visibly distraught over the loss of your loved ones and barely taking care of yourselves from the looks of things." Irida frowned while looking Zach over as she felt he was a bit skinnier than the last time she saw him. He was still taking care of his Pokemon though as evident by Luxray who appeared to be perfectly healthy and happy though visibly concerned for his trainer. "I thought that the two of you might be able to help each other heal and recover together, no rush of course!" There was a rush seeing how the noble Avalugg was most likely frenzied but she didn't feel like putting that pressure onto him.
"I see..." Zach felt a great deal of sympathy for Zorua, initially he wanted to just sulk and be alone but knowing that a Pokemon needed him lit a small fire within him. "I'll certainly try."
Irida offered her friend a smile as she placed her hand upon his shoulder. "I'll bring you some food in a bit, good luck!" She turned to fetch some warm food for him while he opened the door to the cabin. The Hisuian Zorua immediately tensed up at the sight of Zach but canine Pokemon always seemed to have a sense for detecting sad emotions causing the wolf pup to walk forward and look up at the newcomer, his tail lightly twitched as he barked out a light greeting.
"Zor."
"Hello Zorua, it's an honor to meet you." Zach offered the pup a warm smile before dropping to one knee to pet it. Zorua couldn't help but smile as he was scratched behind the ear, leaning his head up against Zach's hand while his tail started wagging. As soon as Zach felt Zorua was comfortable enough with him, he opened the door back up to let Luxray into the cabin. The lion stared down at Zorua causing the wolf pup to utter out a light yelp as he backed away.
"No need to worry about him, Luxray doesn't bite... well unless you try to attack me that is." Zach smirked lightly. Luxray smirked in response while plopping down onto the ground to make himself appear smaller.
"Lux!"
Zorua appeared to be a bit anxious as he made his approach, giving Luxray a good sniff before smiling upon coming to the realization that Luxray meant him no harm! "Zor!"
Zach smiled at Zorua's progress and slowly release the remainder of his team one by one as he gave Zorua time to adjust to each one, starting with Goomy as he was the smallest before progressing to Decidueye as he was the calmest of the group before transitioning to Typhlosion and then finally ending it with Gabite's reveal! The alpha had quite the terrifying presence to him at first but upon seeing the other Pokemon getting along with him, Zorua came to realize that Gabite had a soft side to him. Zorua leaped up onto Gabite's shoulder before nuzzling against him, flinching at first due to his rough skin.
"And now here's Piplup!" The female Piplup burst out and gazed towards Zorua. The penguin had kept her distance from Zach as she blamed him along with herself for not being able to save Akari, Rei offered to take Piplup in but Zach and Piplup chose to stick together as that's what Akari would have wanted. The penguin gave Zach a look before turning her back to him, a smile did cross her beak for the first time in days when Zorua raced up to nuzzle against her though!
Irida smiled as she watched Zach and Zorua race around the snowbanks while playing a game of fetch as Zach kept throwing an assortment of berries which Zorua quickly raced after. Much like Irida had hoped the two had grown rather close over the past few weeks as Zorua hardly left Zach's side anymore and both of them appeared to be in greater spirits, healthier too as they were eating properly again! Irida felt a mixture of relief and pride, relief that Zach would be ready to take on Avalugg while also feeling proud that he managed to pull himself back together! He still missed Akari but he wasn't letting the depression take control of him anymore!
The other villagers had quickly grown adjusted to him, sure it was scary having a massive Dragon Pokemon residing within the village at first but upon getting to know Zach they realized he meant them no harm. In fact they felt safer upon learning that Gabite had taken on both Kleavor and Ursaluna and came out on top, their leader being friends with his trainer reassured them that Gabite would never act out and try to eat them.
Irida tried making Zach feel as close to home as she could manage, even eating her meals alongside him much like Akari, Laventon and Rei had done which seemed to help a great deal in his recovery as it showed he still had a friend that wasn't a Pokemon! Things weren't all sunshine and rainbows though as Zorua felt himself getting super attached to his trainer and his fellow Pokemon, much like how Zach viewed his Pokemon as family Zorua was starting to feel the same way towards Zach and the others, Luxray in particular and that scared him as he didn't want to go through the same loss again! What if whatever killed his old family came for his new one?!
The pup sat wide awake that night as his thoughts kept dwelling into darkness while wondering if perhaps he was cursed? Zorua shot a quick look towards his sleeping trainer who laid next to him in the bed while Luxray laid atop Zach's feet as the lion tried keeping his trainer warm. Zorua then shot a quick look towards Goomy, Piplup, Gabite, Typhlosion and Decidueye who were all similarly fast asleep. Zorua gave Zach a sorrowed look and leaned forward to give his cheek one last lick before standing up to take his leave, phasing directly through the door as he left!
The following morning Zach let out a yawn as he stretched out. "Morning Luxray!"
"Luxray!" The lion smiled up at his trainer before leaping off the bed, not taking notice of Zorua's absence.
"Gooomy!"
"Gabite!"
"Typhlo!"
"Hooot!" The Pokemon all cried out as Zach began pouring their food into their bowls. He watched all the Pokemon rush forward to eat and it was only upon noticing the unattended seventh bowl that he realized somebody was missing.
"Zorua!" Zach shot a quick look towards the bed before dropping down to check beneath the bed. He then hastily rushed across the cabin, checking everywhere he could think of but he just couldn't find the pup! Despite knowing him for a few weeks he never came to realize it was a Ghost type as it always walked in alongside him! A knock could soon be heard upon the door and he quickly jolted forward as he figured it was Irida seeing how it was around the time they met for breakfast. "Irida, I'm sorry but I can't find Zorua anywhere! I've checked everywhere inside the cabin but I just can't find him!"
Irida gave him a visible look of concern as she reached to place her hand upon his shoulder before glancing towards a set of small paw prints. Thankfully it hadn't snowed in awhile so his pawprints were still visible! "You know Zorua's a Ghost type right? He may not be able to open the door but he can go through it!"
Zach began to sweat. "I-I didn't know that..."
"Hey it's okay! As you usually say, no need to worry! The two of you didn't leave the village yesterday so those tracks are definitely from last night." Irida pointed out while following their direction. "It appears like he's gone deep into the Icelands."
"What?! I've got to go after him, he might be in trouble!" Zach exclaimed. Luxray flicked his tail with a determined expression as Zach quickly returned all the others to their Pokeballs before the trainer attempted to bolt out of the village only for Irida to grab hold of his arm.
"Hold up you are new to these parts, there's not exactly landmarks or trails around here. The only way you'll get somewhere is if you know where your going. You'll likely find Zorua but nothing says a snowstorm won't happen and wipe away your tracks! You'll never find your way back and will most likely freeze out there. I'm coming with you to act as your guide!"
"Glace, Glaceon!" Glaceon chimed in as she stepped out of a nearby snowbank.
Zach offered Irida a smile before hastily gesturing towards the trail. "I appreciate that but let's head out before a snowstorm does start else we'll never find him!"
"Right," Irida smiled back before the two friends rushed out of the village, Luxray and Glaceon on their trail as they rushed across the vast snowbank of the Icelands for several hours and as the sun reached it's midpoint they'd come to the end of Zorua's trail which would lead directly into a large and vast stone temple!
"Snowpoint Temple..." Irida clenched her fist as she looked at the building with a nerved expression.
"Snowpoint..." The name rang a bell as he and his friends passed through Snowpoint City shortly before encountering Articuno and the Alolan Ninetales! "What's up, is this sacred ground or something."
"It's Diamond Clan territory," Irida shot a quick look around to see if she could spot the warden but to no avail as she wasn't in view. "We're technically not supposed to enter without permission but seeing how Zorua's likely in danger, I think we can afford to break some rules. I mean with how strong you are we could probably be in and out before she gets back!"
"Heh," Zach couldn't help but smirk lightly from her compliment before turning to Luxray. "Well before we trespass let's make sure that he's actually inside first, Luxray?"
"Lux..." Luxray's eyes flashed as he began altering his vision, allowing him to see through the walls and the heated signatures within the temple. The lion looked around before fixating his gaze upon a smaller heat signature which was shaped like Zorua. "Lux!"
"Alright, now we can go in!" Zach grabbed hold of Irida's arm as he rushed inside, Luxray leading the way as they moved throughout the temple before coming to what appeared to be a dead end, only a statue of a Regirock was present within the room. "Huh? Luxray you sure this is the right way to go?"
"Lux, Luxray!" Luxray stared at what was clearly a door to him thanks to his altered vision however Zach and Irida were staring at a wall!
"Well that's peculiar..." Zach frowned.
"Maybe Luxray's just a bit unfocused, he didn't finish his breakfast after all." Irida suggested.
"Lux, Luxray!" Luxray shook his head as he insisted that wasn't the problem!
"I think you're right, hold on Luxray I got some spare berries in the satchel." Zach leaned up against the Regirock statue as he began rummaging through his satchel, his other arm grasped the statue's arm for support before unintentionally twisting it causing the wall right behind him to roll on up to reveal Zorua's location. The wolf pup slept sounding in the center of a rather large room with a large statue of a Pokemon that resembled Regirock on the opposite end.
"There he is!" Irida exclaimed with a bright smile.
"Lux!"
"Zorua!" Zach was quick to shout as he began racing into the room. Zorua's ear twitched as he heard his trainer calling out to him. The wolf pup smiled for a brief moment before quickly turning around as he attempted to escape.
"Zor!" He rushed across the room towards the statue, not noticing it begin to come to life!
The statue began crying out in some bizarre musical tone as it raised up it's fist before bringing it crashing down towards Zorua! "Zor?!" Zorua froze in place as the fist came falling towards him, too stunned from shock to move or phase through it!
"Oh no-" Irida clutched her chest with her hands as she feared Zorua was about to meet it's end only to let out a panicked scream as she saw Zach rushing towards Zorua! 'Does he have a death wish?! I know he misses Akari but that much?!'
"Zorua!" Zach dove forward and scooped Zorua up into his arms before rolling out of the way just as Regigigas' fist came crashing into the ground!
"Glace!" Glaceon's eyes widened.
"Wow, he really is brave..." Irida trailed off before shaking her head. "Zach let's get out of here, I have no idea what this Pokemon is capable of!" She shouted out.
"But the other Pokemon in the cave-!" Zach exclaimed as he recalled seeing Graveler, Kirlia, Glalie and various other Pokemon on their way inside. "This thing will kill them!"
"You can't expect to save everyone Zach, it's just not possible!" Irida frowned while reaching out for his arm. "We need you Zach, please don't throw your life away like this!"
"That may be but these Pokemon need me too, it's my fault that this thing woke up so it's my duty to fix it!" Zach exclaimed while gripping at a Pokeball. "Nobody else is going to die on my watch!"
"Zor..." Zorua gazed up at his trainer with visible admiration and respect.
Irida continued gripping his arm before eventually letting go as she realized that he'd already made up his mind. 'He's so brave and noble, just like the heroes of legends... no wonder Akari fell for him.'
"Luxray I have no idea what this Pokemon is so let's just hit him with Wild Charge!"
"Lux!" Luxray crouched as blue electricity sparked from his cheeks before surrounding the entirety of his body as he rushed forward before throwing himself against Regigigas right as an orange-yellow beam erupted from it's hands. Luxray knocked the large golem off balance causing the beam to hit the ceiling above which resulted in falling rubble, the rubble crashed towards the ground below and landed atop poor Luxray's head knocking the lion out cold!
Regigigas cried out as he slowly raised his fist, preparing to crush Luxray!
"Luxray return!" Zach quickly returned Luxray to his Pokeball before reaching for a set of Pokeballs. "Alright enough playing around, I'm not going to let you hurt Zorua, Irida or any of the Pokemon here! Gabite and Decidueye, let's give it our all!"
"GAB!" Gabite roared out as he burst from his Pokeball followed by Decidueye.
"Decidueye use Triple Arrows, Gabite use Scorching Sands!" Zach shouted, dubbing the attack that Gabite utilized against Shade. The attack was something Zach and Gabite had practiced and worked on perfecting before successfully creating a new move!
"Hoot!" Decidueye retrieved three arrows from his plumes and placed them side by side as he took aim before firing them off at Regigigas, nailing the golem directly in the chest though it wasn't exactly hard to miss given how large the current target was! Gabite raised his arms up and shouted as sand began forming around him before lighting ablaze as it spiraled around his body, Gabite focused his attention upon Regigigas before throwing out his arms causing the fiery sandstorm to spiral across the field where it proceeded to pelt Regigigas' eyes! The golem let out a pained shout as it reached to cover his eyes, Regigigas then let out an enraged shout as his legs crouched almost as if here were about to pounce!
"Oh no," Zach grabbed Irida's arm and quickly moved further back as Regigigas went flying through the air before landing directly on top of Gabite and Decidueye! Zach and Irida flinched as he hit the ground and upon rising back up, the defeated forms of Gabite and Decidueye came into view.
"Gab..."
"Hoot..."
"Gabite, Decidueye return!" Zach hastily returned the two to their Pokeballs before reaching for the final two Pokeball's. He may have Piplup but she wasn't exactly a battler. "Typhlosion, Goomy let's give it your all!"
"PHLO!" Typhlosion roared as she burst from her Pokeball.
"Goomy!"
"Typhlosion use Infernal Parade! Goomy use Bid-er wait Water Pulse!" Zach slipped up but Goomy never questioned his orders, immediately glowing bright red upon his trainer's request!
"Phlo!" Typhlosion roared as several purple-red flames erupted from her fiery mane and flew towards Regigigas before making contact with his body, leaving behind a light burn as part of his skin was scorched black!
Regigigas let out a pained cry before taking aim at Typhlosion as a beam of orange-yellow energy flew from his hand! Zach's eyes widened as he realized the attack would go straight through Typhlosion on account of her typing. He quickly turned and tackled Irida to the ground as the attack flew through Typhlosion's body before flying straight through the area the two humans stood mere seconds ago until meeting a wall!
Irida stared up at Zach as he laid on top of her, the two couldn't help but blush from the close contact before Zach quickly shot back to his feet to issue out another order. "Typhlosion use Blast Burn!"
"Phlo!" Typhlosion's fiery mane erupted as a massive fiery geyser erupted from her mouth causing Regigigas to cry in pain once more! However as the fire cleared away, Regigigas was still standing causing Zach to utter out a light groan.
"Oh come on!"
Regigigas sprang to his feet as he flew forward once more, crushing Typhlosion and Goomy with another Heavy Slam! Zach clenched his fists as all appeared to be lost, they only had Glaceon, Piplup and Zorua left and none of them were close to the other's in strength! A bright red light shined beneath of Regigigas shortly before a red beam erupted, sending Regigigas flying straight through the roof of the temple and towards the heavens above as Goomy utilized Bide! However what goes up must come down and that remained true for Regigigas as the rock golem came crashing straight through the roof before landing sprawled out against the wall where he once stood before his earlier awakening, it's eyes blinked rapidly indicating that Goomy had successfully taken him down!
"Alright Goomy, that was awesome!" Zach praised.
"Goomy!" Goomy smiled up at his trainer as a bright blue glow enveloped his body, a large shell formed around the majority of his body while his body adjusted from it's former blob shaped into that of a snail!
"Sliggoo!" The newly evolved Pokemon cried out leaving Zach visibly stunned for a moment before a smile crossed his lips.
"Y-You evolved, that's great!" He exclaimed before giving the Dragon a quick hug.
"What do we do about that?" Irida questioned while pointing towards the downed Regigigas. "You're not going to capture it are you...? D-Don't get me wrong, I trust you! That thing just makes me uncomfortable..." Irida couldn't help but shiver.
Zach turned his gaze towards an empty Pokeball as he thought the situation over inside his head. The six Pokemon limit wouldn't be created for quite some time so theoretically he could walk around with a small army though his thoughts were focused on the situation regarding the noble Pokemon. Beating them would be a lot easier and quicker if he had something that powerful on his side...
His grip on the empty ball tightened for a moment before loosening his grip as he decided to let it be. "No, we'll just seal it back in and hope it stays in here."
"A wise decision, you capturing it may or may not cause some unseen catastrophe!"
"Huh?" Zach shot a quick look around as another voice spoke out. "Whose there?"
Irida shot a quick look around as well as she realized that they'd been found out.
"Down here," The two glanced down and saw a young girl in Diamond Clan robes staring up at them, her teal green hair tied into two set of braids while her eyes appeared to have some sort of a cosmetic feel to them. "I knew that you two would be here today and that you'd awaken the temple's guardian. Don't worry about it, it won't awaken again for a very long time."
Zach couldn't help but feel uncomfortable as the girl appeared to have some sort of a Psychic ability to her.
"Oh right, you must be Sabi!" Irida exclaimed before shooting Zach a quick look as he was visibly nerved. "She's just a seer Zach, no need to be afraid of her."
"That's right, my powers don't extend to the same level as the man that killed your girlfriend... or your pack." Sabi spoke as her gaze focused upon Zorua.
"Zor?!"
"You mean the guy that killed... Akari and Zorua's pack are the same person?!" Zach exclaimed.
"Mhm!" Sabi offered him a light smile. That wasn't all she saw of the far off future but she knew better than to say anything else least it affect the universal flow. "You don't have to worry about him either, he'll never come back here."
"Praise almighty Sinnoh..." Zach breathed. Though he did a good job at hiding it, he secretly feared up to this point that Shade would return and kill Irida, Rei, Arezu, Professor Laventon or maybe even all four of them!
"Zor..." Zorua let out a sigh of relief, his tail began to wag as he looked up at Zach with an apologetic expression.
"I'm guessing that you ran off cause you were scared we'd die like your old pack, huh?" Zach questioned causing Zorua to slowly nod his head. Zach smirked before giving Zorua a scratch behind the ear. "Don't worry Zorua, you have your forever home with us!"
"Zora!" The pup excitedly barked before giving his trainer's chin an affectionate lick!
The battle with Regigigas helped show Irida that Zach had finished recovering and was ready to get back in the swing of things so the following day she took him by the arm and guided him deeper into the Icelands to where Gaeric resided causing Zach to further question how the man didn't freeze to death as they arrived at an igloo.
"Gaeric? I've brought Zach with me this time to show you how serious I am, if Avalugg is frenzied we can't just ignore it. I've respected our traditions up to this point but if you continue refusing to let us enter it's realm then I'll be forced to ignore you!" Gaeric's muscular form and tall physique gave him quite the intimidating presence and although he could most certainly knock both her and Zach out in a physical fight, Zach's presence gave her a source of courage as when it came to Pokemon he was the strongest individual she knew!
A loud and bulky laugh could be heard as an older man that could easily be mistaken for Wulfric in his prime came stepping out of the igloo, the shirtless man didn't appear to be the least bit cold as his eyes looked Zach over. "That's the boy you keep yammering about? He don't look so tough, take your boyfriend and get out of here!"
"Boyfriend?!" Zach clenched his fists as he felt disrespected by Gaeric's remark. He couldn't deny there was always an attraction for Irida, seeing how she looked just like May, but those feelings were there long before him and Akari were a thing. Irida's cheeks were bright as a tomato berry as she covered her face with her hands.
"I have-My girlfriend died four weeks ago!" Zach growled out while Luxray growled alongside him, Zorua growled atop his shoulder as the pup glared at Gaeric. "There's no way I'd be dating anyone, especially as I just got over her!"
"Death happens kid, I had three different wives in the course of one year and they all died. You'll get used to it, she's just a girl." Gaeric coldly dismissed as he turned to retreat to his igloo. "Now move on and leave me alone."
Splat!
Irida heard the noise and slowly moved her hand away from her eyes only to let out a startled shout as she realized Zach had thrown a snowball at the back of Gaeric's head!
"Nobody talks about Akari like that, I loved her!" Zach growled out.
Gaeric smeared the snow off the back of his head as he turned to face Zach with an enraged expression. "Kid you'll regret doing that!" He pulled back his fist as he charged at Zach. Irida peered around her fingers and let out a startled shout once more as she expected Gaeric to destroy Zach seeing how he was both taller, being over six foot, along with being overly muscular!
Zach looked a bit petrified as Gaeric charged at him, Luxray's cheeks sparked as he prepared to shock the man.
Thud!
Irida silently peered around her fingers and let out a startled gasp as she saw Gaeric laying on the ground with a stunned look, tiny Torchic circling around his head while Zach stared at his hands with a shocked expression. "What did you do?" Irida gasped.
"I-I don't know... I-It was like I just acted out on instinct!" Mustard having taught him karate at the dojo sure came in handy, he never utilized it before as Mustard told him it was a self defense technique.
Irida gazed down at the stunned Gaeric before looking up with an awed expression. "W-Well you sure showed him that you're worthy!" She declared with a light smirk before grabbing hold of his arm. "Come on, I'll take you to Avalugg!"
Luxray carefully nudged Gaeric back into his igloo so he wouldn't freeze to death before quickly making his way after his trainer. The three soon came across the entrance to a vast valley full of ice and snow, with the top of a rather large slab of ice visible on the ground below!
"So where's Avalugg?" Zach had to ask as he couldn't see it anywhere, he saw other Avalugg in the distance but they were all the same size as the rest of them!
"Right there," Irida gave his chin a light nudge as she directed his attention towards the massive ice slab beneath of them!
"Holy-You mean that massive ice slab is-?!"
"Yep," Irida nodded while giving him a look. "Now you know why I was afraid, if he wanted he could make a big enough avalanche to wipe out our homes!"
"Geez..." Zach peered down over the ledge. "He has to be at least fifty feet tall!"
Irida smirked from amusement before giving Avalugg a quick glance over. "Well he appears to be fine, maybe we should-"
The crack of lightning could be heard as golden light flashed down from the sky, striking Avalugg's body before enveloping him in the same golden energy that once surrounded Kleavor and Lilligant!
"Well that's convenient," Zach commented while feeling thankful he wouldn't have to speak to Gaeric again. Irida shot a concerned look towards the distance before frantically gesturing towards him.
"That it is, now let's get you down there before he starts an avalanche!"
"Alright it doesn't see us yet, Irida wait here. I'll sneak up from behind and throw some balms at it!" Irida already prepared some balms for Avalugg just in case as it was crucial the situation was dealt with as fast as possible! Irida shot a look towards the hundred foot Avalugg before looking back at him with a fearful expression as she could practically envision him getting crushed beneath Avalugg's foot!
"Please be careful out there..."
Zach smiled at her before prying Zorua off his shoulder. "Watch him for me will you? He's not ready for this sort of thing yet."
Zorua let out a whine as he watched his trainer creep out of the snowbank and silently make his approach to Avalugg, Irida began scratching the pup behind his ear in an attempt to calm him but the pup continued gazing out in worry.
Zach pulled back his arm before firing a balm at Avalugg's hind leg, the Pokemon was slow to turn around so Zach was able to unleash about twenty different balms at Avalugg before it turned around, the golden glow vanished from his body as he leered down at Zach before raising his foot and quickly lowering it with surprising speed!
"Oh no-Zach!" Irida felt her heart race while Zorua let out a desperate sounding yelp as he tried to break free of Irida's grasp to help his trainer!
"GAB!" Much like always Gabite sensed the danger and burst out, the Dragon quickly pushed Zach out of the way before getting crushed behind Avalugg's foot!
"Gabite!" Zach called out for his Dragon type before quickly backing away to get some distance on Avalugg as he began firing off a beam of ice! "I hope he managed to dig out in time... Typhlosion use-"
He went silent as the foot that crushed Gabite shot a bright red color while pain filled Avalugg's gaze. The large Ice slab cried out in pain as the fire kept coming out! Avalugg managed to wait it out but soon felt his leg getting hoisted up as a massive Garchomp came into view!
"GARRRRR!" The alpha roared out as he held up Avalugg's leg while simultaneously firing off another powerful stream of fire!
"Garchomp, you're okay! And you evolved!" A bright look of excitement lit up across Zach's face before he quickly shook his head. "Focus... Typhlosion and Decidueye help him out with Blast Burn and Triple Arrow! Luxray join in and use Iron Tail on his fourth leg!"
Typhlosion and Decidueye burst from their Pokeballs with a soft cry. Typhlosion raced towards the hind leg on the same side that Garchomp was assaulting before unleashing a powerful geyser of fire upon it while Decidueye fired off an array of arrows at Avaluggs' other frontal leg and Luxray slashed his shining silver tail against Avalugg's final leg! The frenzied look soon left Avalugg's eye as he began teetering back and forth before timbering towards the ground below!
"Yikes!" Garchomp swiftly flew towards his trainer to scoop him up while Zach returned Luxray, Decidueye and Typhlosion to their Pokeballs. Garchomp picked Zach up and carried him back towards Irida as a loud thud could be heard followed by the sound of lightning as the golden glow returned to the space-time rift!
"Alright Zach, you did it! You beat-" Irida felt her heart droop as she heard a loud familiar rushing sound. She shot a quick look up at the various mountain peaks and saw that every single one had snow racing down it, including the one nearest to their village! "Oh no..."
"The village!" Zach's eyes widened as Garchomp placed him down upon the ground. "Garchomp, you think you can get us there in time?" He asked. The land shark stretched out his wings and gave his trainer a quick nod as he lowered his back.
"Garrr!" Zach smiled at his faithful Dragon and gave his head a light pat as he climbed on board. Irida started to climb on after him only to flinch as her exposed legs touched his rough skin.
"Ow..."
Zach looked back at her before pulling a small blanket from his satchel. "Here, sit under that!" He had it stashed in there as he wanted to ride Gabite as soon as he was able to fly! But with Garchomp's rough skin, he needed something soft so he could get a good grip.
Irida offered him an appreciative look as she draped it down on Garchomp's back before climbing back onto him as quick as she could. Garchomp then uttered out a loud roar as he took off into the sky.
"The plate..." A figure rushed out and grabbed the now vulnerable plate from Avalugg before making their getaway.
Irida watched the snow rush down from the mountains around them, making her fear for the safety of her village. The alpha Garchomp blasted through the air as fast he could, moving much quicker than a normal Garchomp as the village soon came into view. Irida's eyes widened with fear as she saw snow rushing towards the village from all different angles! "Nonono..." She nervously bit her fingers.
Zach gazed determinedly towards the rushing snow before patting Garchomp's neck. "Alright Garchomp, I'm going to need you to summon all your energy for this one. We're going to circle around the village several times and I want you to use Flamethrower as you do so. Aim at the ground surrounding the village, keep a safe distance from the actual village itself mind you, and avoid the rushing snow! We're gonna create a ring of fire!" The fire shouldn't spread due to the snow and cold weather but it should get big enough to stop the avalanches from destroying the village.
"GARRRR!" Garchomp let out an enthusiastic roar as he swooped towards the ground below, circling the village while firing off a large stream of fire! Sweat ran down Garchomp's face but he wasn't going to let his trainer down, the alpha continued raining down fire upon the village outskirts before the village was circled by a ring of fire that stretched up into the sky! The villagers let out a cry of panic as they didn't recognize the newly evolved Garchomp while the snow began rumbling closer towards them.
"We're all gonna die!" A villager panicked.
"Here it comes!" Zach shouted.
"Ah!" Irida closed her eyes as she couldn't bare to watch should Zach's plan go wrong. The fire began shrinking as the snow rushed towards it, however the immense heat burned a majority of snow before it could even get close! Thankfully the last bit of fire went away right as the snow fully stopped.
"Hooray!"
"We're alive!"
"Yay!"
The cheering villagers soon scattered in a panic as Garchomp landed on the ground.
"We're all gonna-"
"Wait that's Zach and Irida! They saved us!"
The villagers cheered for their leader and the newcomer as they climbed off of Garchomp. Zach gave the crowd a light wave of acknowledgement before petting the side of Garchomp's head while offering him a berry. "You were amazing out there, good work!"
"Garrrr!" Garchomp let out an affectionate coo before curling up for a much needed rest.
Zach smiled at his alpha Pokemon once more before turning to head back to his cabin as he was tuckered out from the events that occurred throughout the day. However before he could make his escape, Irida grabbed hold of him arm and pulled him around to face her. Irida offered him an appreciative look while keeping her hand on his arm. "Thank you..." She breathed out.
"You-" Zach was unable to get the words out as she pressed her lips up against his, her grip tightened on his arms as she pushed into it, giving him a long one sided kiss before pulling away to flash him a warm smile. She respected his decision regarding Akari but he literally just saved her entire village, how could she not kiss him? "I-"
"Shh, I understand." Irida placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'm just letting you know that if and when you're ready to move on that I'm here for you!" Irida beamed. "No pressure, I'm not sure anyone will ever compare to you so you won't see me chasing anyone else!" She laughed.
A light smile crossed Zach's cheeks as he was grateful that Irida respected his decision so he was more than willing to forgive her in exchange. "Thank you Irida," The two friends smiled at each other before going their separate ways for the night.
When I began writing out the battle there was a brief moment where I genuinely considered having Regigigas get caught until I realized Regigigas is one of the very few non-box art legendary Pokemon who actually appear where they're supposed to in the anime. Therefore I couldn't have it get captured else the events would be screwed up as I already said Brandon owns that one hahah!
Avalugg's defeated, Electrode and Arcanine are left! Three Hisui chapters remain and then we're off to Alola! Brock's wedding, Marnie's battle with Nanu and more await!