A Meeting of Two Journeys
Alec's POV
The group entered the next town on their path to Snowbelle and Fleurrh City. There, they encountered Sawyer once again. "Hey, Ash! It's been a while!" he greeted when he saw the group.
"Sawyer! Good to see you," Ash greeted as the two shook hands.
"It's good to see you all too. And it's good to see you moving around Alec," Sawyer replied.
"Thanks, Sawyer," Alec replied.
Liz and Cassidy then introduced themselves to Sawyer. "So Ash, can we have a battle? I want to show you how strong I've become," Sawyer asked.
"You're on," Ash said confidently.
The group then went to a nearby battlefield and the two got set up for a three on three battle. "Battle begin!" Alec declared.
"Hawlucha, I choose you!" Ash called out.
"Shelgon, let's go!" Sawyer shouted.
The two Pokémon appeared and were ready for battle. "Hawlucha, Karate Chop!" Hawlucha ran up and hit Shelgon multiple times, but he wasn't budging in the slightest.
"Dragon Breath!" Sawyer called out. A stream of light blue fire flew from Shelgon's mouth.
"Hawlucha, dodge, and use Flying Press!" Hawlucha jumped into the air and did his signature pose before slamming into Shelgon.
"Sheldon!" Sawyer called out, but Shelgon didn't make any attempt to stand back up.
"Shelgon is unable to battle!" Alec declared.
"That's one," Ash said confidently.
[We've got this,] Hawlucha added.
"Shelgon, return," Sawyer said as he recalled his Pokémon. "There's no doubt your strong Ash, but I'll win the next one," he added.
"Then come at us Sawyer," Ash told him.
"Honedge, let's go!" Sawyer called out. Honedge appeared in the air looking ready to battle.
"Hawlucha, return," Ash said, recalling Hawlucha. "I see you caught a new Pokémon, but we're going to win. Pikachu, go for it!" Pikachu ran onto the field cheeks sparking.
"Here we go. Fury Cutter!" Sawyer called out. Honedge unsheathed his blade and charged towards Pikachu.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!" Pikachu jumped into the air and clashed with Honedge a few times. "Thunderbolt!" Pikachu let loose his electricity taking down Honedge.
"Honedge is unable to battle!" Alec declared.
"Take a good rest Honedge," Sawyer told him as he returned his Pokémon to its ball and Pikachu went back to Ash. "It's frustrating, but experience is experience," he commented to himself as he pulled out his third choice. "Third time's the charm. Go get 'em Sceptile!"
[Let's go!] Sceptile shouted.
"So Grovyle evolved, huh? Well, check this out!" Ash called out as he threw out Greninja.
"So Frogadier evolved too!" Sawyer commented happily and Sceptile smiled.
[Good. I was hoping you had evolved too so this wasn't so one-sided,] Sceptile told Greninja.
[I'm still going to win though,] Greninja stated.
[Keep telling yourself that. Let's get them, Sawyer.]
"Bullet Seed!" Sawyer called out. Sceptile opened his mouth and sent a bunch of seeds at Greninja at lightning speed.
"Water Shuriken!" Ash shouted. Greninja clapped his legs and made two water stars before combining them into one and throwing it at Bullet Seed, causing mist to appear between the two Pokémon. "Cut!" Greninja burst through the steam with a white blade drawn.
"Dodge it!" Sawyer called out. Sceptile jumped back in time as Greninja slashed through empty air. "Can't let my guard down, even though I have the type advantage," he told himself.
"Aerial Ace!" Greninja ran forward, his fist glowing white.
"Sceptile, Leaf Blade!" Sceptile's two arm blades fused together to form a single green blade on each arm and he and Greninja clashed in the center of the field. The two then split and smiled at each other. "Dragon Pulse go!" Sceptile shouted the purple/red/blue dragon beam out of his mouth.
"Dodge it!" Greninja backflipped away from where Dragon Pulse would have initially hit, but it curved and bit down on Greninja's arm causing an explosion. Greninja slid back from the smoke and fell to one leg. "Can you keep going?"
[Give me a moment,] Greninja answered.
"Keep up the pressure! Leaf Storm!" Sawyer shouted. Sceptile turned so his tail was facing Greninja and a swirl of leaves erupted from it, surrounding Greninja and forcing him into the air. "Greninja may have evolved but his tactics remain the same. He uses speed to get in close and do a lot of damage at close range, but if I have Sceptile battle at a distance, I can maintain the advantage," he commented.
"Sawyer sure knows what he's doing," Liz commented.
"Yeah, he's preventing Greninja from using his main strength over Sceptile," Cassidy added.
"Not surprising. Sawyer looks up to Ash so he's no doubt thought of countless ideas to deal with each one he knows of. He's certainly grown since we first met him," Alec stated.
"Alright Sceptile, wrap this up!" Sawyer called out. Sceptile made the storm slam into the ground and Greninja no doubt felt it.
"You can still stand Greninja. There's no doubt we can win this thing! So let's do this!" Ash shouted. A waterspout then surrounded Greninja as he stood and the partially completed Ash-Greninja form appeared.
[What in the Distortion World is that?!] Sceptile question in shock.
"Good, so battling Sawyer seriously did allow him to get the transformation started," Liz noted with a small smile.
"What's going on? Sceptile, I think we need to wrap this up, and quickly!" Sawyer told him.
[Yeah, whatever this is it's powerful,] Sceptile noted.
"Greninja, let's do this. Use Aerial Ace!" Ash called out. Greninja took off at lightning speed and before Sceptile or Sawyer could react, Greninja hit Sceptile multiple times with his hands and feet before sending Sceptile out of bounds and into the wall.
"Sceptile!" Sawyer called out. When the dust cleared, it was clear that Sceptile wasn't getting up from that.
"Sceptile is unable to battle! The victory goes to Ash!" Alec declared.
Greninja then returned to normal and he and Ash fell to the ground, worn out. "I still won anyway," Ash stated, sounding tired.
Sawyer sighed. "No matter what I try I just can't seem to keep up with you," Sawyer told Ash while he looked over Sceptile.
"I'd say you're getting better. Train up the rest of your team and you may be able to win against him," Alec told Sawyer.
"Yeah, but we still have a ways to go," Sawyer said as he returned Sceptile. "Still, the experience is worth it."
"Hey, Ash, you okay?" Serena asked, coming up to his side.
"Yeah, but I'm wiped out," Ash answered.
"That doesn't surprise me. Your mind and body aren't used to what you're trying to do so it saps your energy," Liz told him.
"So Ash, how did you do that?" Sawyer asked, pulling out his notebook.
"I think I can explain it best," Liz said. "It's similar to Mega Evolution, but it doesn't require a keystone or mega stone. It also seems to create a psychic-like link between trainer and Pokémon. It's like trainer and Pokémon become one," she explained.
[Wait, what's that…] Ethan started before he walked onto the field and started sniffing.
"What's up Ethan?" Alec asked.
[I'm picking up a scent. It's… familiar, but I can't quite place it,] he answered.
"Something wrong Alec?" Cassidy asked, coming up next to him with Eve.
"Ethan's picked up something so we're going to check it out," he answered.
"Mind if I tag along?"
"Sure, I'll tell the others what we're doing," Alec answered. "Hey Liz!" he called out and she turned to look. "Ethan's picked up something so we're going to check it out. We'll meet you at the Pokémon Center."
"Sure thing. Be careful," she replied.
"When am I not?" Alec asked jokingly.
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Liz asked with an unamused look.
"Probably not."
[Definitely not,] Ethan added as the four went off.
Ethan took the lead, sniffing around the area before following it around. It was around sunset when the four finally managed to track down the scent. [They're up ahead. Just around the corner,] Ethan told them.
As the four rounded the corner, Alec saw who it was. He had black hair that was a bit wild, a black jacket and boots, and grey pants with fingerless brown gloves and a black ring that contained a keystone. There was also a blue scarf that looked a lot like the flames Mega Charizard X and Fusion had in their mouths. Alec also recognized him. "Alan? Well, I didn't think I'd run into you here," he greeted.
Alan turned around confirming it was him. "Alec? It's good to see you again," he greeted. Turning around showed he had a blue shirt with a white undershirt and blue eyes.
"You too. How's it been going for you?"
"I've… been better," Alan answered sadly.
"Alright, what happened? You're not normally one to let things get to you," Alec asked, concerned for his old friend.
Alan was silent for a bit before answering. "I… met someone recently. A new trainer named Marin and… she has a Chespin, Chespie, and he's in some kind of coma. And seeing her saddened by that… I want to help her, so I've been training hard so I can see her smile again."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Not unless you can know what kind of energy has affected Chespie. But Lysandre believes if I can get enough Mega Evolution energy, then it might be able to reverse what happened."
Alec felt Flame twitch in his ball, but he didn't emerge. He then remembered what happened with Squishy. Alec and Cassidy talked with Squishy not long after it came back to the group and the two got an explanation from it. (Alec wasn't quite sure if Squishy was male or female, as he heard a mix of two voices) It told Alec about how some man with red, lion-like hair had taken him and did some sort of experiment on them.
If it was who Alec thought it was, and he hoped he was wrong, then Lysandre had some connection to Team Flare. Maybe even its leader. That poses all kinds of problems. Not just for himself, but for Kalos since Lysandre controlled about half of the region in some form or another.
"Alan, I know you probably don't want to hear this, but Olympia has warned me of some threat approaching the region, and I get the feeling Lysandre's not going to be on the world's side when it happens," Alec told him.
Alan looked at him shocked. "Lysandre may be my only hope at helping Chespie! That has to mean something!" he shouted angrily.
"Look, Alan, I don't want to believe it but in the name of our friendship I urge you to start looking into what he has planned," Alec told him, trying not to raise his voice.
"And become a spy for the Champion? I know you may not have the best relations with his daughter-"
"That's putting it mildly," Alec commented.
"But that doesn't mean Lysandre's bad too. He says he can help Chespie and that's enough for me!"
"I'm not saying he's bad, Alan. Arceus knows I hope I'm wrong but something is going on with him. If this threat emerges and Lysandre isn't on the side of Kalos then you and Marin could both be in danger," Alec told him.
"Alright! Both of you! Calm down!" Cassidy shouted, stepping between the two. "This arguing won't get either of you anywhere," she added.
"Well, I'd better get going. See you later, I guess," Alan said begrudgingly as he walked away.
"Damn it. That's not how I wanted that to go," Alec grumbled.
"So, who was he?" Cassidy asked.
"His name is Alan, Professor Sycamore's former assistant. From what I heard he left on a journey to figure out Mega Evolution. Now he's somehow working for Lysandre. Probably got him with some kind of deal and now he's a loyal dog. That's his real problem. Once he trusts someone, he'll follow them to the end unless he's betrayed in some way," Alec explained.
The two were silent as they started to head back to the Pokémon Center. "So, what are you going to tell the others?" Cassidy asked.
"That we didn't find anyone. Though the only one who knows who Alan is is Liz, so saying who we met would only mean something to her." Alec sighed.
"Hey, it'll be alright. You tried to warn him and he didn't listen, but that's not on you."
"I know Cassidy. I just wish I could have convinced him."
The four then entered the Pokémon Center to find the others sitting with Sawyer. "Hey Alec. Did you find what Ethan was smelling?" Serena asked while brushing Slyveon's fur.
"No. Trail ran cold heading out of town. Whoever it was is long gone by now," he answered.
"Sorry it didn't go so well," Liz said.
"It's fine. Anyway, I'm gonna get some sleep," Alec replied before heading upstairs with Ethan.
When Alec awoke the next day, he was still feeling a bit down about not being able to convince Alan. He was about to get out of bed when he noticed something was on him. At first, he thought it was Ethan, as he did sometimes sleep beside Alec, but this time it was Cassidy with her arm draped across his chest.
He couldn't help smile at how peaceful she looked before moving a strand of hair out of her face. That action was apparently enough to wake her as she started to stir and open her eyes. "Mmm. Morning Alec," she muttered.
"Morning Cassidy," he replied, the two looked at each other for a moment when Cassidy suddenly realized where she was.
"Um… when did this happen?" she asked with a small blush.
Alec chuckled. "I don't know. You tell me. You're the one who climbed in."
"Well, are you complaining?"
"Not really," Alec replied before the two shared a quick but passionate kiss. "Anyway, as much as I'd like to stay like this, we'd better get up before Serena runs in and forces us out the door," he added.
"Yeah. That sounds like something she'd do," she admitted.
As if their words summoned her, the door opened and Serena stepped in as the two got out of bed. "Alec, I swear- Oh, you're up," she said as she came in.
[Whomst have summoned the sister,] Ethan joked. Serena just looked at him confused while Alec resisted a laugh.
"Anyway, Ash is having a battle with Greninja, come on," she told the two before leaving.
When Alec got outside and at the field, he saw Ash's opponent was none other than Alan. "Oh you've gotta be kidding me," he complained quietly.
"So, what's going on?" Cassidy asked Liz while Alec tried to hide from Alan's sight.
"Apparently Alan saw Greninja in his battle with Sawyer so he wanted to battle him himself," she answered.
"Greninja, I choose you!" Ash called out, throwing out Greninja.
"Charizard, you're up!" Alan said. His Charizard appeared with a metal collar around his neck with a Charizardite X in it.
"I'll go first. Water Shuriken!" Ash shouted. Greninja pulled out two stars and threw them at Charizard.
"Use Dragon Claw!" Charizard formed green claws and slashed through the two Water Shurikens which exploded behind him.
"Greninja use Cut!"
"Dodge it!" Greninja formed the white blade and attempted to hit Charizard, who kept dodging the slashes. "Use Flamethrower!" Charizard fired at an opening in Greninja's movement which covered him in flames. When Greninja emerged from the flames, he was barely singed. "Mega Evolve!"
Mega Charizard X then appeared on the field. "It's almost like Flame. So Alec was right in saying his Mega was a fusion," Ash noted. He then smirked. "Now I'm really fired up. Now we're going to win this. Right Greninja?"
[Let's go,] Greninja replied.
"Charizard, let's go," Alan told him.
[I'm in,] Charizard replied.
"Use Dragon Claw!"
"Use Cut!" Ash called out. Green claws and a white blade clashed in the center of the field before both were pushed back. "Double Team!"
"Flamethrower!" Greninja jumped into the air and multiple copies appeared which were quickly taken out by Charizard's Flamethrower.
Greninja then emerged from the smoke. "Aerial Ace!"
"Thunder Punch!" Charizard's hand sparked electricity and slammed Greninja in the stomach before he could react. Ash was surprised by the sudden attack. "Now hurry up and show me how you compare to Liz. Thunder Punch once more!"
"Water Shuriken!" Before Greninja could form the stars, Charizard was on him and hit Greninja again. "Greninja! Are you okay?! I think it's time we show them what we can do!" Greninja then managed to stand up as a waterspout formed and the partially completed Ash-Greninja appeared. "Use Aerial Ace!"
Greninja took off towards Charizard. "Into the air!" Charizard took off but Greninja uppercut him in the head. "Thunder Punch!"
"Use Cut!" Greninja and Charizard clashed again, but there was a split second where Greninja's defense fell.
"Blast Burn!" Charizard slammed his other fist into the ground causing a point-blank explosion to hit both Pokémon.
When the smoke cleared, Greninja was laying on the ground unable to continue. "Greninja is unable to battle! Charizard's the winner!" Clemont declared as Ash fell to the ground.
"Excellent work Charizard," Alan congratulated him.
"Greninja, you okay?" Ash asked him as Greninja started to get back up.
[I've better. Though that was a good battle,] he replied.
"Yeah," Ash replied before turning to Alan. "Let's battle again soon. We'll work harder than ever," he added, holding out his hand.
"I look forward to it," Alan replied, taking Ash's hand.
"That was a good battle. Both of you," Liz congratulated.
"Thanks, Liz," Alan replied.
"What did you think Alec?" she suddenly asked, bringing the attention to him.
"It was a good battle," he replied before he and Alan shared a look. Liz seemed to notice something was going on between them as Alec turned to leave. "And Alan. Don't come crying to me when what you're trying to do blows up in your face."
"It won't," Alan said sternly.
"I hope so…" Alec responded before walking away.
I'm back! I know it's been a week after the new year started but happy 2021! Hopefully this year goes better than the last one but that's not setting the bar high. Still, I hoped you enjoyed.