Chapter 15: Mysterious New Rival

Ash and Ilima continued on through Route 5, Lillie having decided to head back to Heahea City to show Professor Kukui Snowy.

"I hope she made it back alright. She's never been in a Pokémon battle before."

"I'm sure she'll be fine, Ash. After all, she has Snowy to protect her, and Nebby's always looking for an excuse to get out of her bag."

"Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of."

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"What was that?"

"Come on!"

"Pika!"

Hau watched as his Dartrix collapsed, costing him the fight. Still, he couldn't help but laugh as his opponent recalled his Pokémon.

"Heh, that was a good battle. Congrats."

His opponent sniffed, refusing Hau's outstretched hand.

"Plese, I can tell you weren't trying your hardest. How can one consider themselves a true Pokémon trainer I they don't give it their all in every battle?"

"Hey man, chill. All that matters is that we have fun, right?"

"Hau, are you alright!"

The two turned to see Ash and Ilima running towards them.

"We heard a scream, is everyone okay?"

Hau nodded, laughing heartedly.

"Oh yeah, Im having a blast. This guy and I were just having a battle, and I got over excited."

Hau's opponent scoffed.

"Please, that wasn't a battle, it was barely a warm up. His Dartrix didn't couldn't even scratch my Pokémon."

This got Ash's temper rising.

"Hey, just because he lost doesn't mean you get to talk like that!"

"Ash, really, its no-"

"You and me, right here right now!"

The mysterious teenager just snorted.

"Very well, but don't cry when you lose."

A few minutes later, the two of them stood on the path several feet apart.

"One on one, no time limit. Deal?"

Ash's opponent nodded.

"Agreed. Go, Type Null!"

The strangest Pokémon either Ash or his friends had either seen. It was a chimera of mishmash body parts, an armored helmet concealing its face. It snorted and pawed at the Earth ready for battle.

"Woah, I've never seen a Pokémon like that before. Rotom, got anything?"

Rotom searched for a minute before coming up empty handed.

"Zzzzt, sorry Ash, but I cant find anything. It must be a species that's never been discovered before."

"Hey, stop talking to your freaky Pokedex and send out your Pokémon. If you're not going to take this seriously, do us both a favor and leave."

Ash grunted, but complied.

"Show him what you've got, Pikachu!"

"Pika Pikachu!"

The electric rodent leapt off of Ash's shoulder, cheeks sparking to life with electricity.

"Hmph, your Pikachu doesn't stand a chance. Null, use Take Down."

"Quick Attack, Pikachu!"

Type Null snorted and charged right at Pikachu, ramming the rodent before it could even reach the halfway mark. Pikachu recovered quickly, landing on its feet.

"Iron Tail Pikachu!"

"Null, use Iron Head."

Pikachu jumped towards his opponent with his tail glowing, but Type Null was quicker, encasing its helmet in hard steel to the point where the attack didn't do anything.

"X-Scissor, now."

While Pikachu was distracted, Type Null rammed him with his glowing horn, sending him flying back. Pikachu struggled to his feet, but stood firm.

"Use a Thunderbolt, Pikachu!"

With a loud "CHUUUUUUUUUUUUU!" Pikachu released a steady stream of electricity at his opponent, striking it head on. But Type Null barely reacted, shaking off the electricity as if it was nothing.

"Pathetic. Null, put him out of his misery with a Dragon Claw."

"Dodge it, Pikachu!"

But Pikachu was too worn out, and Type Null sent it flying with a single swipe. When he landed, Pikachu was unable to battle, netting Ash the loss.

"Pika."

"Its alright buddy, you did good."

"Hmph. Null, return."

The blonde teenager returned his Pokémon to its Pokeball before walking over to his opponent.

"Not many Pokémon can take that many hits from Null. Your Pikachu must be something."

"Thanks. That was a good match."

To Ash's surprise, the teenager ignored his outstretched hand, walking past him.

"There's a Pokémon center just before Brooklet Hill. I suggest you take your Pikachu there."

He stopped before Hau on his way.

"As for you, there's nothing wrong with battling for fun. But you? You're just using it as an excuse to not give it your all. Come fight me when you're ready to fight seriously."

Ash and Hau watched the teenager slouch away.

"Wait, what's your name?"

The teenager stopped, turning his head slightly to his fallen foes.

"You may call me Gladion."