A/N: Sorry this took so long to get out. I had hoped to get this out before New Years, but since it was mostly a filler chapter I figured it could wait. Then a combination of writer's block, going full time at work, and just generally not having time hit me and here we are now. Long story short, expect update to be less frequent, but I hope to get a chapter out a week. But regardless, I hope you guys enjoy!
Chapter 37: The Poisonous Fangs of Team Skull
After answering any questions from the police, Ash, Ilima, and Lillie headed for The Aether House while Kukui decided to head back to Melemele Island and keep Burnett from worrying. On their way to the Aether House, they decided to rest in Tapu Village, a tiny town south of Mount Lanikila.
"There you go, Ash. Your Pokemon are all set to go."
"Thanks Nurse Joy!"
"Your quite welcome."
Ash walked over to a bench, where Ilima and Lillie were reading a up on the building.
"It says here that The Aether House is run by The Aether Foundation as a safe haeven for children with no other place to go, giving them a home they may otherwise not have. Most of its residents are orphaned or abandoned children, with no one else to care for them."
Lillie's face fell into a sad frown.
"Oh my, those poor children."
"Indeed, but its nice to know that The Aether Foundation is there to provide shelter for them. Sometimes we get so caught up in providing for Pokemon that we forget there are humans that need our help as well."
Lillie nodded in agreement, although secretly she wasn't so sure she agreed with Ilima's statement.
"Well what are we waiting for? Lets go!"
After a brief walk through Route 15, they reached The Aether House to find who else but Team Skull outside harassing its occupants.
"Yo yo yo, give us all your Pokemon."
"No way, you big meanie!"
"Yeah, my Yungoos isn't going anywhere with you!"
"Will you Team Skull goons ever learn?"
The Skull grunts eyes' went wide when they saw Ash coming down the path.
"Yo, big sis! That's him, the kid who beat Guzma!"
"Alright, out of my way, make room."
The leader of the group pushed her way through. She looked Ash up and down, sizing him up.
"Huh, you don't look so tough, but I guess looks can be deceiving. You know Guzma's been beating himself up real bad after your battle. All he does is sit in his room, beat his fists, and yell "Guzma! What is wrong with you!" Over and over."
"Man."
"Meh, don't take it to heart. He does this every time he looses."
This made Ash sweatdrop, but he quickly switched back to serious mode.
"Well, leave these kids alone! You want to pick on someone, pick on me!"
"If you insist. Go, Salazzle!"
From the Pokeball emerged a taller, slender version of Salandit which gave a roar at Ash before returning to a battle stance.
"Go, Lycanroc!"
To Team Skull's amazement, Ash's Dusk form Lycanroc emerged, barking madly at them before snarling at his opponent.
"Yo dawg, I ain't never seen a Lycanroc like that before."
"Naw man, me neither. Must be ultra rare."
"Lets nab it!"
"Will you goons keep it down back there! Salazzle, use Venoshock!"
"Dodge it and use Accelerock, Lycanroc!"
Lycanroc dashed past the shots of poison before ramming right into her gut. Salazzle was hurt, but stood her ground.
"Use Heat Wave, Salazzle!"
"Rock Throw, Lycanroc, full power!"
Lycanroc managed to ignore the extreme heat as he dug stones right into Salazzle's body, causing her to yowl in pain before a small explosion erupted, forcing them both back. When the dust settled, Lycanroc had landed on his feet, but Salazzle was out cold. This caused Team Skull to get angry.
"Hey, no one beats Big Sis and gets away with it!"
"Yeah, who does he think he is?"
"Lets get him!"
"NO!"
The grunts were taken aback by Plumeria's outburst.
"Come on, lets get going. We don't need a bunch of babies' Pokemon anyhow."
Begrudgingly, the grunts followed her back to their base. Ash and his friends then turned to the children.
"You kids alright?"
"Yeah, thanks to you guys!"
"Don't forget Lycanroc! He was awesome."
Lycanroc just gave a content growl as the children stroked his fur, eating up the attention.
"Oh dear, was mean old Team Skull here again?"
Everyone turned to see a girl, no older than Ash, walking towards them. The children's faces lit up on seeing her.
"Acerola, you're back! Yeah, they came around, but these three stopped them in their tracks!"
"Oh?"
Acerola turned to Ash and his friends.
"Well, it was really just Ash, but we would've stepped in if needed. Right, Lillie?"
"Oh, um, of course."
Acerola smiled.
"Well anyone who is an enemy of Team Skull is a friend of mine. Thanks for looking out for these little tykes."
"Its nothing, really. Actually, I was just on my way to take on the second trial on the island. Do you know the Trial Captain?"
Acerola gave a light laugh.
"Well I should hope I know them. They are me, after all!"
Everyone's jaw dropped.
"You?"
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"
Ash put his hands up defensively.
"No, no, no. We didn't mean it like that, we're just surprised, is all."
Acerola smiled.
"Aw, I'm just messing with you. Most people don't expect me to be a Trial Captain because I'm so young, but trust me I'm more than capable. Anyway, if you want I can take you to my trial tonight."
"Why tonight?"
"You'll see. But in the meantime you're welcome to stay here and rest. I'm sure the kids would love to play with Lycanroc some more."
"Oh that's right! I still need to return him to his Pokeball."
Ash pulled out Lycanroc's Pokeball, ready to return him...
Only to find Lycanroc sticking his tongue out as the children gave him a belly rub, tail thumping the ground in happily.
"Or...maybe not."
