A Clash Between Dark Type Masters!
"Laaaa!" A massive horde of Lapras swam across the ocean, blocking the boat's progress as the Lapras traversed across the ocean.
"Would you take a look at all those Lapras, incredible!" Professor Kukui exclaimed.
"Bzzzt, I've got to take a picture of this!" Rotom Dex quickly snapped a picture of the Lapras horde as they passed by.
"There's so many of them, I always thought that they were going extinct." Marnie commented.
"I thought so too but apparently there is now an overabundance of them." Ash stated while recalling Zach's Rotom Phone stating such during his Championship match against Siebold.
"That's right, all the protective regulations along with certain habits of theirs caused the Lapras to populate at an alarming rate!"
"Certain habits? What do you mean by that?" Ash questioned.
Marnie sweated lightly while Kukui diverted his gaze away from him.
"I think Rotom Dex means to say is, they made lots of baby Lapras." Marnie sweated.
"That's a tame manner of coming across it, yeah."
Ash's cheeks burned at the thought before his thoughts drifted towards his own Lapras. "I wonder if my Lapras has any kids..."
"Who knows, it's a pretty big ocean out there. I'm sure that your Lapras is out there somewhere thriving in one of these hordes."
"LAAAAA!" An excited cry could be heard followed by the sound of rushing water as a Lapras blasted towards the boat.
"Or it could be right there..." Marnie sweated.
"Pika pi!" Pikachu excitedly cried out upon catching sight of his old friend.
"Lapras, is that you?!"
"Laaaa!" Lapras cried out as he approached the boat, his head lowered upon reaching the boat as to properly look his former trainer in the eye. "Laaaa!"
"It is you!" Ash let out a light laugh as Lapras nuzzled against him. "How have you been, Lapras? It's been nearly seven years since we last saw each other, is this horde all yours?"
"Laaaa!" Lapras broke out into a series of melodic tunes which they couldn't possibly understand without a translator but luckily for them, Rotom Dex tagged along for the trip as he was heading to Hokulani Observatory on behalf of the Aether Foundation and needed a lift.
"Lapras says that he met a beautiful purple Lapras not long after he last parted ways with you, the two of them er... got together and had quite a large number of little Lapras together, about a dozen or so."
"Really? I don't see a purple Lapras." Ash stated while taking a quick look around before going pale as he realized what that could mean. Oh though poaching regulations did exist, that didn't mean that people listened. There would always be poachers no matter how severe the punishment was. "Oh my gosh, Lapras I'm so sorry!" He said as Lapras lowered his head with a saddened look.
"She passed around a year ago, protecting their young from Pokemon Hunter B. The loss devastated Lapras and he winded up passing off leadership to his eldest child."
"Poor Lapras." Marnie frowned while tears fell from her eye. She knew that Zach suffered an incident similar to that when he was stuck in Hisui, she hoped that she'd never have to bear witness to one of her loved ones dying from unnatural causes.
"Lapras..."
"Pika..."
"La..." Lapras nuzzled against Ash and Pikachu while lightly sniffling before eventually pulling away as he tilted his head in a questionable fashion. "Laaa?"
"Lapras would like to know what you've been up to, 'are you a Pokemon Master yet? Is that cute girl your mate?' His words not mine!"
Ash and Marnie blushed brightly from Lapras' rather bold question. "N-No we're not mates, we're not even married yet!" Marnie flushed. "We are dating though!"
Ash nodded while trying to calm himself down. "A-And I may not be a Pokemon Master yet but I'm getting there, I'm the Alola League Champion and I'm currently competing in the Pokemon World Championship. If I win this, I'll be the strongest trainer in all the world!"
"La..." Lapras smiled at his trainer, stars filled his eyes as he longed to fight alongside his trainer once more. Though he soon snapped out of those thoughts as his gaze drifted back towards his family. Several Lapras floated towards Ash's upon seeing his confusion and placed theirs head up against his while offering out comforting melodic cries.
"I wonder what they're saying to him." Marnie tilted her head.
Ash simply watched in silence before feeling his heartrate accelerate as the other Lapras soon left his behind and disappeared into the horde as it swam away. Ash's Lapras remained, his gaze set firmly upon his trainers as he uttered out another melodic cry. "Laaa!"
"O-Oh my, it appears that Lapras... wants to join up with you again! His family gave him their blessings and are more than willing to watch over the horde for him."
Ash's eyes lit up as he locked eyes with Lapras once more. "Is that true, Lapras? You want to rejoin my team and conquer the World Championship with me?"
"Laaaa!" Lapras smiled at his trainer while giving off a nod of confirmation.
Ash grinned before reaching into his bag to produce Lapras' former Pokeball. "There you go Lapras, welcome back to the team!"
"Laaaa!" Lapras let out an excited cry as he gave the ball a gentle nudge with his head, the bright red light engulfed his body as he was sucked back into his old Pokeball. Ash couldn't help but feel nostalgic as he held Lapras' Pokeball in his hand.
"It's good to have you back, Lapras. I can't wait to fight alongside you once more!" The Pokeball shook lightly signaling that the feeling was very much mutual!
After parting ways with Rotom Dex and Professor Kukui, Ash, Marnie and Lillie continued on their way to the outskirts of Po Town and the sight of Nanu's home. Marnie was on alert as they walked down the trail, remaining on the lookout for Alolan Meowth as she hoped to obtain one before their time in Alola came to an end. Though luck wasn't on her side as they saw wild Trumbeak, Gumshoos, Grubbin, Ledian, Ariados and even a Skarmory but there wasn't any sign or trace of an Alolan Meowth.
Acerola and Mimikins were on their way back from a trial site when they caught sight of Ash and the girls.
"Hisss!" Mimikins hissed out, alerting her trainer to their presence.
"Hm?" Acerola's eyes then lit up as she turned around. "It's Ash and Lillie! But what are they doing here?" She questioned before quickly giving off a wave as they approached. "Ash, Lillie! It's been awhile!" They did see each other at Brock's wedding but Ash didn't have enough time to mingle with all the guests.
"Acerola, hey!"
"Pika pi!" Ash and Pikachu performed an excitable wave as they approached.
"Hello Acerola!" Lillie spoke up with a polite smile.
Acerola shifted her eyes between the three before a playful smile formed across her lips. "So Ash, Lillie what brings you here? Not planning on eloping are you?"
Lillie's face shot a bright red color as she hid behind her hands. Ash was nervously sweating while Marnie narrowed her eyes as she didn't appear to be amused by Acerola's joke.
"Actually I'm Ash's girlfriend," Marnie pushed her way forward before extending her hand in greeting while keeping her eyes narrowed to make sure the point got across. "The name's Marnie, pleasure to meet ya."
Acerola nearly went pale. "S-So sorry! I honestly didn't know," Acerola performed a quick apologetic bow. "The name's Acerola by the way."
"Acerola...? You're Nanu's niece!" Marnie exclaimed, her upset tone quickly vanished as an excited expression formed.
"His adopted niece, yes." Acerola giggled lightly before tilting her head. "Though how is it that you know of Nanu?"
"Simple, it's my dream to travel the world and beat the other Dark type specialists so that I can become a Dark type Master! I've already beaten my brother so your uncle's next on my list!" Marnie exclaimed with a light smirk.
"Morpek!" Morpeko leaped from her trainers jacket and posed atop Marnie's shoulder.
Acerola suddenly went pale as she shifted her eyes to the side. "Oh, I see... well that might be a problem, you see Nanu is retired. He doesn't exactly do battles anymore, he prefers to just laze about and play with his toy."
"What?!" Marnie's eyes widened. "But I have ta beat him, nobody will take my title seriously if I don't!"
"Well you're certainly free to try if you wish but please don't get your hopes up, he hasn't battled anyone since he left the island in Guzma's care." Acerola warned her. "He's keen on taking his retirement seriously."
"It never hurts to try, if there's even the slightest chance that he'll battle me then I've got to take it!"
"That's the spirit, I'll help out however I can!"
"Pika pika!" Marnie gave her boyfriend an appreciative look before planting a quick kiss on his check.
'So they really are dating, that's interesting.' Acerola thought to herself with a light smile.
"Oh my gosh, just look at all those Alolan Meowth!" Marnie squealed out, hearts filled her eyes as she gazed upon a horde of Alolan Meowth that could be seen lazing about Nanu's yard and atop his home. Some could even been seen through the windows. "There has to be at least a hundred here!"
"A hundred and one actually," Acerola corrected her with a light smirk. "Nanu always adored Meowth, finding them a kindred spirit." She giggled out.
"No wonder I couldn't find any, he likely has the entire population here."
The Meowth lazily waved at Acerola upon taking notice of her but a few approached and affectionately nuzzled against her leg before quickly running off to hide. One of the Meowth kept his gaze locked on the group as they passed by but he remained lazily sprawled out on his side. "Meowth..."
"That's a lot more Meowth than last time." Ash commented.
"Being lazy doesn't mean they don't have the same habits as other Pokemon." Acerola giggled out. "They occasionally multiply." She then opened the door to their home before shouting out. "Uncle Nanu, I'm back and I've brought guests!"
"Hm?" Nanu lazily looked up from the couch as he laid on his back while playing with his favorite toy. "Oh why if it isn't our champion, hello there Ash. What brings you back to these parts? If this is about having a rematch I must decline, you already cleared my trial and I've retired. Battling it out again would be pointless, you already proved yourself my superior."
"Actually I'm not here for me," Ash sweated before glancing towards Marnie. "We're actually here for my girlfriend."
"Oh? You and Lillie finally tying the knot?" Nanu questioned.
Ash began sweating once more while Marnie's fists clenched. Lillie hid behind her hands once more while Marnie shouted out. "It's me, I'm Ash's girlfriend! Why does everyone think it's Lillie?!"
"Huh?" Nanu tilted his head in disbelief as if he didn't believe the girl in front of him was dating Ash. He looked towards Ash before looking back towards Marnie with a frown upon his face. "Sorry but I don't believe that, I can tell that you're a Dark type master in training and I've already told Ash that Dark types don't suit him which is why I chose to give him Lycanium Z in place of Darkinium Z. A guy like him should be dating a girl like Lillie, not a girl like you."
Marnie's face shot a violent shade of red. "What kind of logic is that? Greninja, Incineroar and Krookodile are some of Ash's strongest Pokemon and they're Dark types! Besides I may not be as lively and peppy as most girls but my personality is completely different to yours and the other Dark specialists. I'm not lazy or gloomy nor am I a punk or a goth. I'm just me and I love Ash!"
"It doesn't matter what type specialty she has, I love Marnie!" Ash exclaimed. He could bring up Greninja's special form but right now it was best to remain humble as to not risk upsetting Nanu.
"And if you've got a problem with that then I'll battle against you to prove you wrong!" Ash and Marnie shouted simultaneously.
"Heh," Nanu smirked lightly at the sight before slowly raising to his feet. "Eh, why not. Challenge accepted, if you two wish to prove that you're a perfect fit then you're to battle against me in a double battle."
"Want me to help, uncle Nanu?" Acerola piped up.
"No Acerola, you can act as judge. I'm fully capable of handling these two on my own." Nanu reached for a set of Ultra Balls that sat upon a nearby table before placing them back on his belt. "Just give me a few minutes to prepare, been awhile since I last battled." Nanu spoke before taking his leave as he walked out the back entrance of the home.
"Well that went easier than I thought it would." Lillie spoke up.
Ash couldn't help but lightly sweat. "I hope that's not going to be a problem, Marnie. I know you probably wanted to fight Nanu by yourself."
Marnie simply shrugged in response before flashing him a warm smile. "I'm just glad he's battling me at all, honestly thought the best I'd get would be a one on one or a two on two. I saw him grab six different Ultra Balls so it looks like we'll be participating in a six on six, meaning there's three for each of us!"
"I wonder what else Nanu has, he only used three when I battled against him."
"Well I assume you'll soon find out, it looks like Nanu is waiting for you out there." Lillie pointed out the window where Nanu could be seen waiting at the opposite end of a battlefield with a bored expression.
"Well then let's not keep him waiting, let's get out there and challenge him to a battle!" Marnie exclaimed while giving the air a quick punch!
Nanu formed a sly smirk as Ash and Marnie took their positions on the opposite side of the field, his hands formed a lazy grip on his Pokeballs as he kept his eyes on his opponents. "As you probably figured out, this will be a six on six double battle. Each of you will use three Pokemon against my six, the rules are quite simple. No switching Pokemon and the battle will come to an end as soon as either side is unable to continue. You two ready?"
"No switching? Why not?" Ash questioned.
Nanu performed a simple shrug. "It's easier to keep track of things." He then performed a lazy throw as he tossed the Ultra Balls forward. "Sableye, Honchkrow let's do this."
"Sableye!" Sableye cried out as he burst from the Ultra Ball.
"Honchkrow!"
Marnie hesitated for a moment before nodding towards Morpeko. "You're up, Morpeko!"
"Morpek!" Morpeko cried as she leaped onto the battlefield.
"Croconaw I choose you!" Ash shouted while throwing forward the Lure Ball.
"Croco!" Croconaw roared as he burst out beside Morpeko before quickly leaping up to perform his usual dance. "Crococo!"
"Alright Morpeko, let's hit Honchkrow with Thunderbolt!"
"Morpek!" Morpeko's cheeks crackled with electricity shortly before an electrical bolt fired from her body.
"Croconaw blast Sableye with Hydro Pump!"
"Croco... naw!" A massive water geyser blasted from Croconaw's mouth, knocking Sableye back upon impact.
"Counter with Psychic." Nanu dryly ordered out.
"Honch!" Honchkrow's eyes flashed a light blue color while a similar glow surrounded the electrical bolt, freezing it in place before the bolt was sent flying back towards the opposite team however Honchkrow adjusted it's trajectory so that it would strike Croconaw!
"Croco!" Croconaw uttered out a pained grunt as electricity surged through his veins.
Marnie couldn't help but flinch at the sight. "Sorry Croconaw!"
"C-Croconaw!" Croconaw turned back towards Ash and Marnie and flashed them a thumbs up while gritting his teeth.
"Dark Pulse."
Both Honchkrow and Sableye charged up and fired off large pulses of black-purple static energy that flew towards their opponents before exploding upon impact, knocking Croconaw and Morpeko back.
"Alright Croconaw, use Crunch!"
"Croco!" Croconaw opened his jaw as he rushed forward before swiftly lunging forward to bite down on Sableye's head!
"S-Sableye!" Sableye frantically cried out.
"Foul Play." Nanu ordered out.
"Sable!" Sableye reached up and pried Croconaw off with surprise strength before slamming him against the ground while performing a swift kick to his stomach!
"C-Croco..." Croconaw's eyes widened before swirls formed within them as his tongue lolled out of his mouth. "Croconaw..." He groaned out in defeat.
"Croconaw is unable to continue battling!" Acerola threw her arm up as she made the call.
"Poor Croconaw," Lillie frowned.
"Croconaw return!" Ash swiftly returned Croconaw to his ball. He could be using stronger Pokemon but a good amount of them were at a greater skill level than Marnie, he wanted to keep it an even field so that she could prove herself against Nanu. "Corphish I choose you!"
"Corphish!" Corphish cried out as he burst beside Morpeko. Morpeko gave Corphish a look before flashing Ash a swift glance as if to ask 'Seriously?'.
"Alright Morpeko use Aura Wheel!" Marnie called out.
"Morpek!" Morpeko began racing in place as a blue energy wheel formed around her. "Morpek morpek morpek!" She screeched out while rocketing across the field in a blue blur before shooting up to strike Honchkrow!
"H-Honchkrow!" Honchkrow cried out as electricity surged through his veins.
"Use Crabhammer on Honchkrow!" Ash swiftly ordered out.
"Corphish!" Corphish's pincers glowed a bright white color as he raced across the field before delivering a powerful blow to Honchkrow, knocking the air right out of him before he fell to the ground in defeat as swirls formed within his eyes.
"Honch... krow..."
Nanu performed a simple shrug and recalled Honchkrow before Acerola could make the call.
"That was incredible!" Lillie's eyes lit up. "Is your Corphish's ability, Adaptability? Cause that blow looked a lot more powerful than it should have been!"
Ash lightly sweated while rubbing the back of his neck. "You know, I never thought to ask."
"Phish..." Corphish sweated.
"Absol, let's do this." Nanu spoke while tossing forward another Ultra Ball.
"Sol, Absol!" Absol cried as she burst onto the field.
"Sableye use Power Gem on Morpeko, Absol use Night Slash on Corphish!"
"Counter with Aura Wheel!" Marnie called out.
"Morpek!"
"Protect!"
"Corphish!" A protective blue barrier formed around Corphish's body as Absol raced towards him, the Dark type furiously slashed at the barrier with his head scythe but the barrier just wouldn't budge!
Morpeko let out a light grunt as a red energy beam struck her body but she continued running in place before rocketing across the field where she'd strike against Sableye's chest, knocking the Dark/Ghost off his feet before he uttered out a pained cry as electricity surged through his ghostly veins. The Pokemon soon fell limp as it's eyes blinked similar to that of Staryu's, indicating that he'd been taken out!
"Return," Nanu performed a light shrug as he placed the ball back upon his belt before lazily reaching out for another Ultra Ball. "Let's do this, Krookodile."
"Krooko!"
Marnie flinched at the sight but there wasn't much she could do as Nanu forbid switching. "Alright Morpeko, if you do a good job you'll get all the treats you could ask for after this!" She bribed Morpeko.
"Morpek!" Morpeko licked her lips with a hungry expression as her fur turned a dark shade of purple while her eyes flashed a violent shade of red. "Morpek!" She screeched out.
"Heh," Nanu lightly smirked at the sight. "Earthquake!"
"Sol." As if on cue Absol leaped onto her partner's back, protecting her from the incoming attack.
"Krooko!" Krookodile cried as he slammed his foot against the ground causing the battlefield to violently shake, Morpeko and Corphish tried keeping their balance but Morpeko lost the fight with gravity as she fell onto her side.
"Morpek..."
"Finish her with Night Slash." Nanu ordered out.
"Counter with Crabhammer!"
"Phish!" Corphish swiftly leaped before Morpeko, shielding her as he lifted a glowing pincer towards the incoming Absol. Corphish and Absol gritted their teeth while gazing into their opponents eyes as they pushed back against the other's attack in an attempt to overpower the other, the pair appeared to be evenly matched as it continued for quite some time before Absol eventually slipped up allowing for Corphish to smack her across the head!
"Sol..." Absol grunted out as she was pushed back towards her trainer.
"Morpeko use Bullet Seed!" Marnie called out.
"Eh?" Nanu formed an impressed smirk as Morpeko began rapidly firing out seed pellets like a machine gun, pelting Krookodile while covering the ground beneath his feet with seeds.
"Morpek!" Morpeko pointed towards Krookodile with a threatening tone. 'I'll be wanting those back after this, those are mine!'
"Krooko..." Krookodile lightly sweated with an uncomfortable expression.
"Absol use Thunder!" Nanu ordered out.
"Protect!" Ash swiftly countered.
"Phish!" Corphish brought up the protective blue barrier once more, shielding himself from the incoming electric attack as it crashed against the barrier.
"Stomping Tantrum." Nanu called out.
"Krooko!" Krookodile violently slammed his foot against the ground causing a massive chunk of the field to splinter upwards, Krookodile then performed a swift hold of the chunk of ground before hurling it towards his opponent! The chunk of ground flew through the air before striking Morpeko atop the head, directly knocking her out upon impact as she fell onto her back.
"Mor... pek..." She groaned out as swirls formed within her eyes.
"Morpeko!" Marnie raced forward to scoop her beloved partner into her arms while Pikachu shot forward to check on his love interest.
"Pika pi?!" He cried out in an anxious tone.
"Morpeko is unable to continue battling!" Acerola called out.
"Morpeko..." Morpeko gazed towards her trainer with a weak apologetic expression.
"Don't worry about it Morpeko, you were great out there." Marnie smiled while carrying her partner back to the sideline before carefully placing her beside her feet. "Now rest up, you earned yourself a break."
"Morpeko..." Morpeko leaned herself against Pikachu as she rested beside Marnie causing the electric rat's cheeks to turn a bright shade of red.
"Chaaaa!"
Marnie glanced between Krookodile and Absol before reaching for a Dusk Ball. "Alright Qwilfish, let's see what you've got. Use Barb Barrage!"
"So Zach, seeing how you were stuck in the same timeframe that Qwilfish is from you know far more about this species than I do. What sort of moves can this Qwilfish use, does it know any attacks that are unheard of in today's time?" Marnie questioned Zach.
Zach sweated lightly. "I didn't exactly meet many Qwilfish as most my time was spent within a forest, an icy tundra or a settlement. But I did happen to learn that these Qwilfish are capable of utilizing an attack that no other Pokemon is capable of, at least as of this moment. It's Barb Barrage."
As if on cue, Marnie's Qwilfish fired a barrage of toxic barbs from his mouth.
"Piplup!" Piplup cried out as the barrages struck against his head. The penguin then turned towards Qwilfish before angrily shaking his fist at him. "Pip Piplup!"
"Heh, sorry Piplup. I guess Qwilfish was just too enthusiastic!" Marnie sweated.
"Qwil!" Qwilfish fired off a barrage of toxic barbs towards Krookodile and Absol, striking both of them while a purple tint formed across Krookodile's face.
"Krooko..." Krookodile uttered out a sickly groan.
"Absol use Thunder on Corphish, Krookodile use Stomping Tantrum on Qwilfish!"
"Absol!" Electricity crackled through Absol's fur before shooting off towards Corphish in the shape of an electrical bolt, giving the Water type quite a shock as electricity surged through his veins.
"Corphish!"
"Krooko!" Krookodile slammed his foot against the groan as he uttered out another roar, a large section of the field splintered up which he quickly tore from the ground before proceeding to chuck it at Qwilfish. The ground chunk flew across the field before striking against Qwilfish, a light grunt escaped Qwilfish's lips while Krookodile flinched as the poison sapped away some of his health.
"Qwilfish use Water Pulse!" Marnie called out.
"Corphish follow up by using Crabhammer on Absol!"
"Qwil!" A powerful water stream erupted from Qwilfish's mouth, soaring towards Krookodile before splashing over him as it made contact. An uncomfortable look formed across Krookodile's face as he was pushed back but despite appearing to be weakened he remained able to continue. Corphish rushed towards Absol before slamming his pincer up against the Dark type's face, knocking the air out of Absol before she collapsed against the ground in an unconscious heap as swirls formed within her eyes.
"Sol... Absol..."
"Absol is-"
"Krooko!" Krookodile uttered out a pained grunt before collapsing onto his side as the poison did it's job, draining the remainder of Krookodile's strength as he fell unconscious.
"Absol and Krookodile are both unable to continue!" Acerola made the call.
"Alright Corphish, way to go!"
"Pika pi!"
"Corphish!"
"You were amazing out there, Qwilfish. Good job!"
"Qwil." Qwilfish cried out shortly before a bright blue light enveloped his body while a similar light formed around Corphish's as the two began changing form.
"No way, I didn't know Qwilfish could evolve!" Lillie gasped out.
"I did," Marnie smirked lightly. "The Hisuian form of Qwilfish can evolve into a species known as Overqwil after they use Barb Barrage twenty times, I wouldn't have anyway of knowing how many he used before we met but I can only assume today's was his twentieth attack!"
"He sure is growing big though, he has to be at least eight times the size of a Qwilfish now!" Lillie gasped as Qwilfish began towering over them at an approximate height of eight feet, each of his spikes grew along with him and stuck outwards. "And those spikes, they're quite sharp! Some of them have to be over a foot long!"
Corphish molted as he began to grow taller though his height didn't change much in comparison to Qwilfish. His red skin turned a darker shade of red while two small lobster limbs formed on his chest followed by the formation of a yellow star atop his head. "Crawdaunt!" The newly evolved Water type cried out.
"Crawdaunt the Rogue Pokemon, Crawdaunt has an extremely violent nature that compels it to challenge other living things to battle. Other life-forms refuse to live in ponds inhabited by this Pokemon, making them desolate places!" Ash's Rotom Phone chimed up as Crawdaunt's data was registered.
"I sure hope that isn't going to be a problem," Lillie frowned. "If I remember correctly all of the Water types at Oak's lab shared a pond."
"It'll be fine, Crawdaunt is friends with all of them!" Ash waved it off as he offered his newly evolved Pokemon a smile. "Right Crawdaunt?"
"Crawdaunt, craw!" Crawdaunt cheerfully cried out, seeming to retain his personality traits.
"You're just lucky that most Pallet Town trainers never made it to the Indigo League, just imagine if one of them brought home a Wailord." Marnie laughed.
Nanu quietly returned his Pokemon to their Ultra Balls before giving Ash and Marnie a look as he threw another Ultra Ball forward before swiftly whistling out causing a black and red blur to whiz past before Tapu Bulu took his position in front of Nanu while his Alolan Persian burst out to assist the Tapu.
"Meow..." Persian leered towards Overqwil while Tapu Bulu kept his gaze locked onto Crawdaunt.
"Tapu Bulu and I got to talking while you all were still inside, I figured it'd be a good way of keeping you distracted while your girlfriend handles my strongest Pokemon on her lonesome." Nanu lightly smirked.
Excitement filled Ash's eyes as they rested upon Tapu Bulu. "No way, you want to battle me?!"
"Bulu." Tapu Bulu gave a simple nod in response.
"Well alright then, Crawdaunt let's use Hyper Beam!"
"Crawdaunt!" The orange-yellow energy beam erupted out from Crawdaunt's pincers and shot across the field before exploding against the Tapu. Tapu Bulu shook himself off while appearing relatively unharmed by the attack causing Ash and Crawdaunt to share a momentary grunt as Tapu Bulu raced towards Crawdaunt with incredible speed. The bell at the lower region of his body glowed a bright green color as it slammed into Crawdaunt, knocking the Water type across the field before he came skidding to a halt before Ash's feet as swirls formed within his eyes. "Crawdaunt..."
"Crawdaunt is unable to continue battling!"
"Best to play it safe, Overqwil likely has Poison Point." Nanu grunted. "Power Gem."
"Meow!" Persian hissed while a light red energy beam flew from the blue gemstone atop her head, the energy blast shot across the field and knocked Overqwil back upon impact and though the Hisuian Pokemon showed signs of fatigue it remained able to continue.
"Barb Barrage!" Marnie called out.
"Overqwil!" Overqwil fired off a barrage of toxic barbs which arched across the field before piercing Persian's fur upon impact. The Alolan feline uttered out a pained hiss as a purple tint formed across her cheek.
"Keep your distance, Thunderbolt!"
"Meow!" Persian hissed out as electricity crackled through her fur before shooting off in an electrical bolt!
"QWIL!" Overqwil cried out as the electricity struck and began surging through his body before keeling over onto his side as he laid in defeat.
"Overqwil is unable to continue battling!" Acerola made the call.
"Overqwil return, you did a good job and performed better than expected of ya." Marnie swiftly returned Overqwil before reaching for another Dusk Ball. "And now it's time ta finish this, Grimmsnarl let's go!"
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl stretched out his arms and roared upon release.
"We'll show Nanu that he's wrong about me and Dark types, Incineroar I choose you!"
"Incine!" Incineroar roared out as he burst out alongside Grimmsnarl. The two gave each other a nod of respect before turning their gaze back towards their opponents.
"Use Flare Blitz!"
"Incineroar!" Incineroar roared out as flames engulfed his body, the feline then rushed towards his opponent before hurling his fiery body at the Tapu. The difference in power between Incineroar and Crawdaunt was quite noticeable as Tapu Bulu was sent flying back, knocking over a nearby tree as he was sent crashing through it. Tapu Bulu then uttered out a cry as his body began surrounded by rainbow color energy which rapidly expanded outwards before striking Incineroar, knocking the feline off his feet!
"Incine..." Incineroar grunted out as he got back onto his feet.
"Now let's hit them with a Flamethrower!" Ash shouted with a throw of his arm.
"Incine...roar!" Incineroar roared out while thrusting forward as a massive stream of fire erupted from his belt buckle, the fire soared across the field before blasting Tapu Bulu back causing the Tapu to utter out a light grunt as his body became lightly scorched.
"Bulu..."
Nanu raised an eyebrow before forming a light smirk. "You sure have gotten stronger since you left, I guess it's time to unleash the guardian." Nanu lifted his Z-Power Ring, revealing that Tapu Bulu had gifted him with Tapunium Z. He swiftly activated the crystal before the Tapu and former Kahuna began moving in synch with one another, a bright yellow light formed beneath Tapu Bulu before shooting upwards as a giant headless being made out of golden yellow energy formed beneath Tapu Bulu while he retreated into his shell before resting atop it's head. "Guardian of Alola!"
"Arceus almighty!" Marnie couldn't help but gasp at the sight. "He's massive!"
"Roar!" Incineroar pounded his chest before throwing out his arms, not looking the least bit frightened as he welcomed the challenge.
"BULU!" The titan cried out before slamming it's fist atop Incineroar's head, quite literally knocking Incineroar into the ground as his lower region was smacked down into the battlefield!
"Roar..." Incineroar grunted out as he struggled to break free before cracking the ground around him apart with his muscular physique, the feline wrestler then let out a hiss as he leered up at the titan.
"Alright Incineroar, it's our turn now." Ash quickly changed Z-Crystals as he placed Incinium Z back into the Z-Power Ring's socket. He then proceeded to activate the crystal while moving in synch with Incineroar. "Malicious Moonsault!"
"ROAR!" Incineroar's body became surrounded in fire once more as he leaped high into the air before thrusting out his chest as he flew towards the massive guardian, striking him chest first before a massive explosive occurred as the guardian lost it's balance. Tapu Bulu's arms and legs flailed about before he fell backwards towards the ground below, crushing and knocking over several more trees before the energy dispersed to reveal Tapu Bulu's defeated form.
"Bulu..."
"Heh, you actually managed to do it." Nanu smirked lightly. "You proved me wrong."
"Alright Incineroar, way to go! We did it!"
"Pika pi!" Pikachu cheered out alongside his trainer.
"Roar!" Incineroar roared out while gazing towards his trainer with a prideful expression before pulling him in for a tight hug!
"Spirit Break!" Marnie shouted out.
"Snarl!" Pink light erupted from Grimmsnarl's chest as he shot forward before delivering a powerful blow to Persian's face, crushing her spirits as she was pinned to the ground.
"Meow..."
"Night Slash!"
"Hisss!" Alolan Persian shot back to her feet and sprang across the field before shooting up to slash Grimmsnarl across the face!
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl uttered out a pained growl before flashing Persian a harsh glare.
"Play Rough!"
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl sprang forward and pinned Persian to the ground with a cloud of dust and dirt soon surrounding the pair as Grimmsnarl repeatedly struck his opponent.
"Thunderbolt."
"Meooow!" Electricity crackled through the dust before Grimmsnarl's outline was briefly shown as Persian electrocuted him!
"Hammer Arm!"
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl's face glowed a bright blue color as he brought it crashing down on top of Persian, Persian grunted out as she was pinned down against the ground before slowly raising herself back up with a look of determination.
"Meow!"
"Dark Pulse."
"Counter with Sucker Punch!" Before Persian could act, Grimmsnarl swiftly maneuvered across the field before delivering a blow to the back of Persian's head!
"Meow..." Persian groaned, the feline went cross eyed before collapsing towards the ground. Her breathing grew steady as swirls formed within her eyes, signaling that she'd been taken out.
"Persian is unable to battle." Acerola called out shortly after Tapu Bulu hit the ground. "Which means that Ash and Marnie are the winners!"
"Way to go you two!"
"Nine!" Snowy cheered alongside her trainer as she clapped.
"Alright, way to Marnie!" Ash cheered upon Persian being deemed unfit to battle. "You beat Nanu!"
Marnie smiled as she gazed towards the downed feline. Initially she had a bit of doubt that she hid away, wondering if the win would truly mean she was better if she had Ash helping her but after Tapu Bulu distracted Ash from Nanu's strongest Pokemon allowing for her to take it on by herself well there wasn't a doubt in her mind that she earned her victory that day. She quickly turned and planted a kiss directly onto Ash's lips causing him to tense up for a brief moment as he was taken by surprise before soon returning the kiss.
Lillie looked away from the pair while Acerola watched on with a satisfactory smile. Nanu returned Persian before tending to Tapu Bulu's injuries, spraying the Tapu with a Full Restore before turning towards the young couple as his light smirk returned. Nanu quietly walked back into the house before returning a few moments later with a hand behind his back as he coughed out, bringing Marnie back to reality as she pulled away from Ash.
"Huh? O-Oh sorry, we'll go now if you're bothered by-"
"No, it has nothing to do with that." Nanu simply shook his head before retrieving his hand from behind his back, showcasing a black Z-Power Ring that had a red outline and stripes going horizontally and vertically across it along with a black Z-Crystal that was embedded into the ring's socket. "If you want to be a true master of Dark types then you'll be needing this, you beat me fair and square and though I may no longer be a Kahuna I'm still allowed to give these out to those deemed worthy of it."
Marnie gazed at the Z-Power Ring while her eyes lit up from amazement. She hadn't pictured herself getting one as she was more focused on obtaining a Mega Ring to Mega Evolve her Houndoom, along with Absol and Sharpedo if she ever managed to find one in the wild. She gave Nanu an appreciative look and a bow of respect before taking the Z-Power Ring from his hand. "Thank you so much, I really appreciate this!"
Nanu waved it off with a light smirk. "Don't mention it," He then turned towards Ash while retrieving a black Z-Crystal from his pocket. "I've got something for you as well Ash, something that I should have-"
"Bulu." Tapu Bulu quickly intervened, snatching the Darkinium Z from Nanu's grasp before proceeding to slap a Tapunium Z into the palm of Ash's hand. "Bulu." Tapu Bulu simply spoke.
"Eh?" Nanu gave Tapu Bulu a questionable look before shaking his head as a light smile formed. "Well it appears that Tapu Bulu deems you worthy of wielding Tapunium Z, I trust that you'll take good care of that crystal?"
Ash was momentarily stunned as he held the crystal within his hands as if he couldn't believe that this was actually happening. He then looked up after catching his breath before giving Tapu Bulu a bow of respect. "Thank you, Tapu Bulu. I'll take good care of it, I promise!"
"Pika pika!"
"Bulu." Tapu Bulu bowed towards Ash and Pikachu before disappearing as a black and red blur shot across the field.
"I wonder when I'll be able to use this," Marnie couldn't help but speak up, seemingly jinxing things as a loud crash could be heard from within Nanu's home shortly before a Xurkitree burst through the walls.
"Bzzzzz!" The Electric Ultra Beast cried out as it looked frantically around for Nebby. "Bzzz!"
"Meowth!" One of the Alolan Meowth bravely assaulted the Ultra Beast as she unsheathed her claws before unleashing Fury Swipes upon the Ultra Beast. Though Meowth was but a mere inconvenience as Xurkitree gave Meowth a quick shock, electrocuting the feline into an unconscious state before proceeding to snare her with it's tentacles as it threatened to choke her!
"No!" Marnie shouted out. "Grimmsnarl use Spirit Break to rip Meowth free!"
"Alright Pikachu once she's clear we'll-Oh..." Ash frowned upon realizing his Z-Power Ring was still recharging.
Nanu similarly looked towards his while Acerola sweat. "I forgot mine at home."
"I-I can do it." Lillie spoke up. "But perhaps we should give this opportunity to Marnie if nobody else can do so."
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl ripped Xurkitree's tentacles apart as he made an attempt to free Meowth, the demon uttered out a pain grunt as Xurkitree electrocuted him but he refused to give up until he pried Meowth free! Meowth opened her eyes and shot Grimmsnarl a weak and appreciative look before falling back into an unconscious state as she was safely placed beside Marnie's feet.
"Alright Grimmsnarl, now's our chance!" Marnie activated the Z-Power Ring before moving in perfect synch with Grimmsnarl, having already mastered the technique. Though she hadn't pictured herself getting said crystal, that didn't mean that she didn't fantasize about it! "Black Hole Eclipse!"
"Snarl!"
"Bzzz!" Xurkitree let out an alarmed cry as a miniature black hole formed in front of him, the Ultra Beast seemed to regain self control as he attempted to flee before he was sucked into the black hole which soon exploded around him causing his unconscious form to be flung out of it!
"Alright!" Marnie cheered at the sight before giving a Beast Ball a quick throw. "And now it's time for you to be sent back where you belong!" The Beast Ball soared across the field before opening as it approached it's target, engulfing Xurkitree in a beam of red light before the ball hit the ground. The ball shook thrice before chiming out to indicate the capture a success!
Lillie went to collect the Beast Ball while Marnie checked over the unconscious Meowth, Nanu and Acerola quickly raced over to check on the feline before watching as Marnie got to work on Meowth. She pried open Meowth's mouth before sliding a Max Revive into it, Meowth gulped as she swallowed the medicine and her eyes soon weakly opened to take in the sight of Marnie. "Meowth?" The feline tilted her head before uttering out an affectionate purr as she rubbed up against Marnie's chest.
"Heh, that Meowth sure has taken a liking to you." Nanu smirked before motioning towards her belt. "Why don't you keep her? That one's still wild." Although he owned a hundred Meowth, he seemed to share Brock's unusual trait of telling the various Nurse Joys apart as the Meowth all looked the same to the rest of them.
"Really?! You're seriously about that?" Marnie asked with an excitable expression before looking down towards Meowth. "What do you say, Meowth? Would you like ta join me and Grimmsnarl as we work towards becoming Dark type Masters?"
"Meowth!" Meowth beamed up towards Marnie before giving off a nod of confirmation as she nuzzled against her once more. "Meowth!"
Marnie smirked while reaching for an empty Dusk Ball. "Well then welcome to the team, Meowth. We're happy ta have you!"
"Meowth!" Meowth cried out as she gave the ball a playful whack with her paw, allowing for herself to be absorbed in a beam of red light before the ball quickly chimed out upon a singular shake.
"Alright, we've just caught ourselves a Meowth!"
"Snarl."
"Morpek!" Grimmsnarl and Morpeko posed alongside their trainer as they celebrated the arrival of a newcomer into their ranks.
Lillie smiled at the sight before turning her attention towards Ash. "Next is your battle with Gary right?"
"Right, we'll be going to Poni Island for that. His fiancée runs a Battle Facility over there so that's usually where he's stationed when not on research expeditions." Ash explained before gazing towards the distance with a questioning look. 'And maybe I'll find out where I know this Leaf girl from, I swear I know her but I can't remember for the life of me!'
I'll just say this now but no, that doesn't mean Ash is catching a Tapu. So please don't get angry at a potential capture or get your hopes up cause it's not happening.
Originally this was a one on one but the power decided to just flat out die when I got to Grimmsnarl and somehow only the part with Lapras was saved. I didn't feel like typing out the entire battle again and I didn't want to leave the fic stuck in limbo until I felt like doing the battle again, so I restructured it rather than simply typing the same thing again. Next time, a rather ghostly trial followed by Guzma's Grand Trial all in one chapter. I'll be manually saving more frequently now.
Anyways I hope you all enjoyed it! :)