"So this is where they reside." A cloaked figure said as his boat approached Vermillion City. "Ash Ketchum prepare yourself." He said as his boat crossed over the reflection of the moon.
The next day around lunch
"My favorite part of the day." Ash said opening his lunch.
"I just wish we could eat outside." Serena said. It had been gloomy out all day.
"They have no idea what's causing it either. It was supposed to be sunny today." Ash said. "Even stranger, it looks like it's only the area around Vermillion that's like this."
"You think it could be a legendary?" Serena asked.
"Not one that I know of, but even if it was, why here?" Ash asked rhetorically.
Back at the lab
'Knock knock knock'
"Hold on, I'm coming." Professor Cerise said, approaching the front door. "Hello, welcome to the Cerise Lab, how can I help you today?"
"I am here on behalf of the Unova Pokemon league, I'm here to challenge one Ash Ketchum to a battle." The man said calmly. His pale skin and lanky appearance gave off an odd look.
"I believe Ash won't be back from school for a bit." Professor Cerise said. "If you'd like to wait here, you're more than welcome too."
"Thank you." The man said, not moving.
"Oh, sorry." Professor Cerise said stepping out of the doorway. "Please come inside, it looks like it might storm any minute."
"You are too kind." The man said bowing slightly before entering.
"Professor." Ren whispered, motioning him over.
"Ren what's wrong?" Professor Cerise asked.
"What's wrong? You just let a vampire in!" Ren harshly whispered.
"Ren you are a scientist act like one." Professor Cerise scolded.
"Think about it, dark clothes, pale skin, and he didn't enter the lab until you let him." Ren said in a panic.
"He's being polite and is our guest. Now I'm going to give him a small tour while we wait for Ash, and please don't do anything that will upset him." Professor Cerise said.
"So I didn't catch your name, but I'm guessing you're a part of the World Coronation series." Professor Cerise said.
"Ah yes, of course how rude of me. You may call me Grimsley." Grimsley said shaking his hand. "And yes I'm here on behalf of the World Coronation series, and our new champion. They wish for the four of us to test Ash before they arrive."
"So we'll be seeing three more representatives in the near future." Professor Cerise inquired.
"Yes, I was asked to come first and bring the notice with me." Grimsley said.
"So you're from Unova, must have been a long trip. You probably worked up an appetite, may I interest you in a Garlic Knot?" Ren inquired holding out a plate of them.
"Ehh." Grimsley said staggering back, before regaining his composure. "No thank you, I had lunch before I arrived, but don't let me stop you from enjoying those." Grimsley said.
"I knew he was a vampire." Ren said stepping back. "They hate garlic!"
"Or the stench is that overpowering." Chrysa said plugging her nose.
A few hours later
"I don't even know why we're arguing this. In a battle Kyogre is going to beat Groudon." Ash said.
"But if they're on land, Groudon has the advantage." Chloe pointed out.
"Ash, welcome back." Chrysa said.
"Chrysa, what's up? You don't usually greet us." Ash commented.
"You have a challenger waiting for you in the indoor arena." Chrysa said.
"Don't do it Ash! He's a vampire!" Ren whispered.
"Ignore him." Chrysa said. "He asked for a three on three match."
"Okay, I think I'll stick with who I've got." Ash said.
"No Pikachu?" Chloe pointed out.
"Pikachu's been battling a lot lately, I'm giving everyone a fair chance." Ash said, heading towards the arena.
In the arena
"So you must be my opponent, Grimsley right?" Ash said double checking his phone.
"Quite correct. You must be Ash." Grimsley said. "Are you ready for battle."
"Ready as I want to be." Ash said.
'The Super rank match between Ash and Grimsley will now begin.' The Rotojudge declared.
"Scrafty come out!"
"I choose you Scraggy!"
Scraggy came face to face with his evolved form, but was ready for battle.
"Scrafty use High Jump Kick!"
"Scraggy use Leer!"
While Scrafty did hit his target technically, it wasn't Scraggy that got hit, but rather his pants. A pain traveled up Scrafty, while Scraggy was unable to move from being pinned.
"Scraggy use Headbutt!"
"Scrafty use Head Smash!"
The two Pokémon collided, before Scrafty pushed a bit harder, sending Scraggy flying backwards.
"Scraggy use Focus Blast!"
"Scrafty use Poison Jab!"
Scraggy was amidst a panic as it fired a wild Focus Blast missing entirely as he was shot into the air by a Poison Jab. When he fell to the ground, he was defeated.
"Scraggy return." Ash called. "You did great. Come on out Frosmoth!"
"Scrafty use High Jump Kick!"
"Frosmoth use Ice Beam!"
Scrafty launched into the air, but was shot off course by the icy attack.
"Scrafty use Head Smash!"
"Frosmoth use Bug Buzz!"
A piercing sound filled the arena as Scrafty dropped to his knees in defeat.
"Scrafty return." Grimsley said. "I can see why we're being sent ahead."
"Sent ahead? Why are the elite four fighting me now?" Ash asked.
"Me and my fellow elite four of Unova have been sent ahead by our newest champion to test your skills." Grimsley said.
"Alder isn't your champion anymore? Does that mean he's not in the top eight?" Ash asked.
"Yes and no in that order. Alder stepped down as champion, but his ranking remains the same." Grimsley said. "For now though, your battle is with me. Absol, its your turn!"
"Frosmoth use Bug Buzz!"
"Absol use Night Slash!"
Absol sent a blade of darkness right at Frosmoth as the bug pokemon sent out a strange sound echoing through the arena.
"Frosmoth use Ice Beam!"
"Absol use Stone Edge!"
Stones shot up from the ground as Frosmoth began to dodge rather than attack, flying from side to side straight towards Absol.
"Absol use Psycho Cut!"
Frosmoth dodged around a stone, flying straight into the attack, being blasted backwards into a stone.
"Frosmoth return!" Ash recalled. "Let's see how you do competitively." Ash said holding a Pokeball. "Urshifu I choose you!"
"He took Urshifu… to school.' Chloe deadpanned.
"Ushifu use Focus Punch!"
"Absol use Psycho Cut!"
Urshifu slid his feet across the floor, deftly dodging the attack as he neared Absol, never having lifted a foot. Urshifu struck Absol, sending it flying backwards into the wall.
"Interesting, such power." Grimsley said calmly. "Absol return. Bisharp lets finish this!"
"Urshifu use Focus Punch!"
"Bisharp use Sucker Punch!"
The two Pokemon circled each other, neither moving closer to the other.
"Urshifu use Surging Strikes!"
"Bisharp use X Scissor!"
The two pokemon stopped circling each other, Urshifu launching forward first, his fists flying outwards rapidly. Bisharp kept blocking each attack, still taking splash back damage.
"Urshifu use Thunder Punch!"
"Bisharp use Guillotine!"
Urshifu launched his fist between the blades, hitting Bisharp hard, the Pokemon sliding back before falling to the ground.
"The other three will come soon." Grimsley said, returning his Bisharp.
"Can you pass on a message for me?" Ash asked.
"What is that message?' Grimsley asked.
"Tell Marshall, Hawlucha is ready for a rematch.