Author's Note:
Dinosaurs roamed the earth the last time a chapter was published. I apologize...again. Seems like I do that a lot. I'll be honest, though. I've really come to dread writing Lumiose University whenever it comes to writing it. It seems like it takes hours just to get a paragraph done. It's a variety of things, but as it's gone on, it's just been harder and harder to write. I'm not one to give up, though, just as our favourite protagonist wouldn't. That's why...I'm making a final push to get this damn story done. There are approximately 32 chapters left (might add one, might remove one, so not sure exactly). I'm writing, writing and writing some more. I want to finish this damn story, and I think I can do it, but the longer it drags, the worse the results will be. I'm aiming to finish 2 to 3 each week (a few – 6 – are done already) and then at some point I'll publish a bunch. I won't be publishing over the next month and a bit, but after that, LU should be getting a bunch of updates if everything's gone as planned. I'm gonna do this...
Anyway, I love you all for reading, and I'm gonna do my best to make this enjoyable for everyone. We might as well get to the actual story. Last couple of chapters involved Ash setting off for Alola after a battle with Kukui, and before this we had Serena's chapter where she battled Astrid and heard a rumour about a Mega Stone. Ugh...I barely remember this stuff. Anyway, this chapter is all Ash arriving in Alola so...an appropriate title I guess. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 3: Alola!
The first thing that Ash noticed about Alola were the beaches. His face was pressed up against the window of the plane, eagerly watching as the new region appeared below him. As the plane descended, he could see more and more, and he could barely contain his excitement. He could hear Professor Oak and his cousin discussing some possibilities about the differing Pokemon as they too looked out, but Ash was simply interested in spotting the first of the many different Pokemon that would likely be here.
"We are now descending towards Hau'oli City," the voice of the pilot spoke out through the plane. "Please fasten your seat belts and put your seats in the upright position. We thank you for flying Pidgeot Airlines and hope you enjoy your stay in the lovely Alola region, where we appear to have clear and sunny skies for everyone to have a great day at the beach!"
Ash was so excited listening to the announcement that his mother and Pikachu had to shake him a few times to get him to clip on his seat belt. Then, as the plane approached the island, Ash leaned close to the window again, seeing the rows of houses along the beach, and the people surfing the waves, along with the many shops and cafes along the streets. It was similar to some of the coastal places in the Hoenn region and around the Orange Islands, but Ash could sense something special about Alola. Feeling Greninja's pokeball shake from his belt, he was sure the Ninja Pokemon could sense it too.
When the plane landed, taking forever in Ash's mind to come to a stop and allow for disembarkation, the passengers all got up quickly, collecting their bags and other personal belongings. Ash was shaking with excitement as he and the others moved towards the exit. As they exited, he embraced the feeling of the hot Alolan sun and the cool breeze from the ocean, hearing a couple of Wingull calling out from the air.
"This place is awesome!" Ash said, as Professor Kukui and Samson Oak led the way through the airport.
"All you've seen is the airport, Ash!" Professor Oak said, laughing as Ash stared wide-eyed at a poster for some kind of battle event called "Battle Royal" with a masked man and an Incineroar flexing their muscles on it in the centre of a ring.
"And it's an awesome airport!" Ash yelled back as he ran forward to have a look around, seeing a few people walking around with Pokemon that were completely new to him. He saw what he knew to be a Litten with an older woman, and some kind of small pink and black bear-like Pokemon in someone's arms, and the further he went, the more excited he got as he saw even more. "Isn't this great, Pikachu and Riolu?" he said, looking up to the Pokemon on his shoulders.
"Pika!"
"Ruru!"
Ash barely paid any attention to Kukui and Samson as they led they way through the airport, except for when they called for him to follow along. He was fascinated by all of the different Pokemon and some of the different posters around. He couldn't wait to get into some battles, as he was sure there were some new and powerful Pokemon around that he could get stronger against.
When they finally made it out of the airport, the sun hitting them immediately and reminding them that they were no longer in Kanto, Ash breathed in the fresh ocean air. He was about to take off again when Kukui held an arm out to keep him from going. Ash was confused for a moment, before Kukui pointed ahead to where Ash could see Hala up ahead, waving for them. There was some kind of brown dog-like Pokemon next to him, with blue eyes and what appeared to be stones in his white neck fur. As soon as it saw Kukui it took off towards their group.
"Ruff! Rockruff ruff!" it barked out, jumping up into Kukui's arms as it reached them, licking his face happily.
"Haha, hey there Rockruff!" Kukui laughed out, petting the Pokemon before gently placing him on the ground, its tail wagging rapidly. "Ash, Professor Oak and Delia, I'd like you to meet my pal Rockruff!" Kukui then said, the Pokemon looking up to them, eyes settling on Ash before jumping up at him excitedly.
Ash laughed, kneeling down and petting the enthusiastic Pokemon, before pulling out his PokeDex as it went over to greet Oak and Delia. A moment later, the PokeDex gave him the details. "Rockruff, the Puppy Pokemon. As they develop, their disposition grows more violent and aggressive. Many trainers find them too much to handle and abandon them."
"Huh?" Ash didn't like the sound of that, looking to Kukui for confirmation.
"Unfortunately it does sometimes happen," the Alolan researcher admitted, looking sadly towards Hala as he approached them. "A lot of beginner trainers actually get them, but once they get stronger, Rockruff are tougher to handle and those trainers can't quite handle it. This little guy has stayed pretty friendly, though, and just seems to stick around the school."
"They sound like they can get pretty strong then," Ash said, eyes lighting up as he looked at Rockruff, who tilted his head in confusion.
"Oh they can get very strong," Hala's voice broke in, catching up to Rockruff and shaking Kukui's hand before smiling to Ash as Professor Oak and Delia quickly introduced themselves. "You see, Rockruff become more aggressive as they grow stronger, because they begin to develop much fiercer battling instincts that come with their evolution into Lycanroc. It's one of the strongest Pokemon in the whole region. Only strong trainers can handle raising one."
Ash was shaking with excitement upon hearing that. He knew Hala wasn't trying to scare him away from looking for any more Rockruff, and when Hala laughed at his excited look, Ash knew he'd reacted exactly the way the Alolan teacher had expected. "I'd love to try and train one. Do you know where I can find a Rockruff?"
"How about we show you around a bit first?" Kukui suggested, chuckling as Ash started glancing around hopefully. "You'll have plenty of time to see some of our Pokemon."
"And to train with and against them if you wish," Hala added, smirking. "I know someone at the school who's eager to see what you've got, Ash."
Ash smirked back before looking up at Pikachu and Riolu, already feeling the itch to battle. "I'm ready for whoever wants to battle. Are they strong?"
"Well, I certainly hope so. He's registering to join the school, and I've tried to help him along his journey this far in his career. He's certainly got potential!" Ash wasn't sure what to make of that, but decided to wait until he met this trainer to find out more. It seemed Hala knew him well, and that was sure to mean he had something interesting to offer.
"Just beat Ilima's Trial, didn't he?" Kukui asked, Ash turning to him in confusion. "Must've got himself a Z-Ring then?"
Hala smiled at the question, seeing Ash growing more interested. "We'll discuss that soon enough. But we should be on our way. They'll be expecting us soon."
Ash felt as though he was going to explode with excitement, but he took a deep breath and looked to Professor Oak and his mother as they picked up their bags to set off. "This place is awesome, isn't it?" he asked them, the group beginning to follow Hala as he headed down the street, pointing towards some of the more popular places and the Pokemon Centre. "I can't wait to see more..." He trailed off, eyes widening as he saw something up ahead, Hala having just noticed it as well, pausing by a trail that led into a big forest.
"Looks like a Grubbin has decided to greet-"
"Awesome! I've gotta try and catch it!" Ash yelled, abandoning the self control he'd been trying to execute moments earlier.
"Grub!"
Ash's sudden burst forward startled the Pokemon. It was quite small, with a white body and six small, stubby legs. It had two pincers coming from its brown face, a reddish orange and yellow covering over top of it. It started to flee immediately, and before Ash knew what was happening, he was leaving his companions behind. He could hear Pikachu shouting out to him, while Riolu cheered, and then noticed Rockruff running alongside them. Ash started to feel bad, before noticing they were gaining on the Grubbin, and quickly forgot what he was thinking and picked up his pace.
"Grub!" the bug type quickly yelled out, reaching a fallen tree and burrowing underneath it. Ash quickly started to head over to it, before Rockruff grabbed onto his leg with his teeth.
"Ouch! Hey what was that for, Rockruff?" Ash asked, wincing as Rockruff let go, the Puppy Pokemon shaking his head and then whimpering as he gestured towards the tree Grubbin had disappeared under. Ash followed his gaze and immediately realized what had nearly happened. Two very threatening pincers were sticking out, ready to grab onto what would've been his face had he continued what he was doing. "Oh...," he said quietly, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. "Thanks, Rockruff."
"Ruff!" the rock type barked happily, wagging his tail.
Ash laughed nervously, feeling relieved now that he had realized he'd nearly been pinched by Grubbin's nasty pincers. He paused as he looked around, noticing Grubbin disappearing before a shadow passed over the spot the bug type had been a moment before. Ash tried to figure out what it had come from and looked up, but he squinted quickly as the sun filtering in through the trees got in his eyes.
"Pika?"
Apparently he wasn't the only one to notice something, however, and Ash blinked in surprise as Pikachu hopped off his shoulder and scurried forward, pausing as he stood on a rock a few feet away, looking into the trees in the direction the shadow had headed. His cheeks were sparking a little, and Ash got the sense that he didn't even notice. "You okay, Pikachu?" he asked, glancing around and pursing his lips as he realized he'd lost his companions.
Before Pikachu could answer, Rockruff jumped over the fallen tree in front of them that Grubbin had disappeared under, his body tensing up as he sniffed the air. "Rrruff!" he barked out, sniffing again before locking eyes with Pikachu. The two of them nodded, before suddenly taking off. All Ash could do was exchange a quick confused glance with Riolu before setting off after them.
It would've been nearly impossible to keep up with Pikachu and Rockruff if they had gone full speed as they trailed after whatever it was that they were following, but they continuously stopped, with Pikachu apparently sensing some kind of electrical energy, while Rockruff sniffed the air. They're tracking something, Ash realized, wondering what on earth it could be. Unfortunately, it didn't appear as though he was going to find out, watching as the two Pokemon came to a stop in a clearing up ahead, looking lost about where to go next.
Ash was about to say something as he reached them, before suddenly hearing something up above, seeing another shadow darting away through the trees. "Kokokoko," something seemed to call out, almost sounding like it was laughing. A little spark shot out from the trees a moment later, and Ash noticed Pikachu perking up at that, tilting his head curiously.
"Must've been some kind of electric Pokemon," Ash realized, smiling as he stared up at where the Pokemon seemed to have disappeared. He was anxious to find out what it was, and discover even more Pokemon if he could. He was about to call out to Pikachu so they could set off after it, when he heard the bushes rustling behind him and saw that Kukui, Hala, both Professors Oak and Delia were there, the Kanto natives breathing a little heavier than the Alolans.
"Ash, what do you think you're doing?!" Delia scolded, shaking her head in exasperation as she looked him over. He realized he was covered in leaves and had dirt all over his clothes from his little excursion. "It was very rude to run off like that."
"Uhh..." He smiled sheepishly, looking at Hala and Kukui. "Yeah, sorry about that. I just got excited by that new Pokemon, and then I saw some kind of electric type flying away through here." The two of them didn't look bothered, but raised their eyebrows at the mention of the electric type.
"No worries, cousin," Kukui said, chuckling as he pointed ahead, past the clearing. "You found your way to the right place anyways."
Ash turned around in surprise at that, squinting as he looked through the trees, noticing a field and what looked like a group of buildings in the distance. The group walked forward together, and as they emerged, Ash could see that it wasn't quite like Lumiose City and their school, with these buildings appearing less city-like and more old-fashioned in some places. In others it almost seemed like a beach resort. Quite a few students were out and about, lots of unfamiliar Pokemon with them. Ash could even see a few of them battling on some practice fields out front of the school. He grinned as he realized the large field they were in front of must've been for bigger battles.
"So, what do you think, Ash?" Hala asked, turning to look at him, clearly eager to see what the young trainer thought of Melemele University. "Not as flashy as Lumiose, I suppose, but I think it has its own charm, don't you?"
"I think it's awesome!" Ash answered, pumping his fist in excitement, exchanging an excited look with Pikachu after both of them stared at the students practicing their battle skills. "You guys already started classes?" he asked, realizing it was pretty crowded. He'd thought Melemele University would've still been on break like Lumiose.
"Not quite yet," Hala answered, waving quickly as a man with pink hair and what looked like a student with green hair that somewhat resembled Hala began approaching them. "Our students do often come back from break early, however, as they enjoy the extra battle practice and often have access to observe a Trial or two."
"Trial? What's tha-"
Ash was interrupted as the pink-haired man and the student reached them. He did a quick double take looking at the younger trainer, wondering if it was his old rival Sawyer for a moment. However, this guy was way too jumpy to be Sawyer, a huge smile on his face as he greeted everyone and looked up at Hala.
"Tutu, guess what?!" the trainer yelled happily. "I'm all registered! I get to start up as soon as the semester starts. Ilima got everything all sorted out and I should be able to get caught up by next year!"
"That's great, Hau," Hala said with a laugh, looking to the man, who must've been Ilima. "Thank you for your help, Ilima. I would've got Hau all sorted out, but I needed to meet with our guests here."
"Not to worry," Ilima said, bowing slightly, before adjusting the collar of his shirt and then checking a folder he was carrying. He seemed very...professional. "Everything seems sorted out, and given Hau's performance in my trial, I'd say he's more than ready to start out." He then looked to Ash and the others, nodding to Kukui and Samson before greeting them. "It's very nice to meet you all. I'm a huge fan of your work, Professor Oak. I'm sure I only graduated here years ago because of my fascination with your studies."
Ash smiled, noticing Professor Oak looking a little surprised by the praise, even though he often was praised for his work. "Well, I do my best. I'm glad it was of use to you, Mr...Ilima is it?"
"Yes, and you are...?" Ilima looked towards Delia, holding out a hand.
"Delia," she answered, smiling and shaking his hand. "A pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure's mine," Ilima said, smiling before looking to Ash. "And the runner up of the Kalos League, Ash Ketchum. I'm well aware of who you are," he chuckled, shaking Ash's hand as well.
"Runner up in Kalos? Tutu, you never mentioned that!" the green-haired trainer, who Ash remembered had been referred to as Hau, suddenly shouted out. He quickly reached out to shake Ash's hand. "I knew you were supposed to be really strong, but you nearly won a Pokemon League?!" he said excitedly, looking at Ash in awe.
"Haha...yeah," Ash answered, looking uneasily to the others, who were all suppressing their amusement. "Sounds like you're pretty strong, too, though, from what Hala says," he added, straightening up as he remembered what Hala and Ilima had mentioned about something called Trials. "What's a Trial?" he decided to ask.
"Oh that's something we do here in Alola for trainers to grow closer to their Pokemon," Kukui answered, giving a knowing look to Hala and Ilima. "I guess you could say it's our version of gym battles, although it is very different. We have different Trials throughout our four islands and a Trial Captain runs each of them. They test different aspects of a trainer's ability and if they pass all the Trials on one island, they can battle the Island Kahuna in a Grand Trial. Hala here, is a Kahuna and Ilima is a Captain."
"I did Ilima's Trial recently," Hau said proudly, looking quite pleased. "I had to-"
"Hey hey hey," Ilima interrupted, raising an eyebrow at Hau. "No spoiling my Trial, now."
"Right...sorry," Hau laughed, looking embarrassed. "Anyway, Ash, since you're supposed to be so strong, how about you and I have a battle? We can see how your Pokemon match up against the power of Alola!" He held up a fist, and Ash recognized what must've been a Z-Ring on his wrist.
"It might do you both some good to see what the other's got," Hala said, looking excited. "We could see how some of your battling techniques could be worked with to examine Greninja a little more, Ash. Although, if you don't mind, I'd like to see you use some of your other Pokemon."
"Sure thing!" Ash answered happily, looking up at both Pikachu and Riolu. "You guys ready?"
"Pika!"
"Ruru!"
Before Ash knew it, he was standing across from Hau, the two of them facing off across the big battlefield in front of the school, Hala between them as referee. Many of the students that had been around doing their own thing appeared quite interested, and a fairly large crowd was gathering. Ash could see Ilima and Samson greeting a group that included a shirtless dark-skinned guy with red shorts and spiky black and red hair that almost looked like fire, along with a shorter student that was a little chubby with orange hair and a shirt with a video game device on it. Their eyes went to Ash, and he suddenly felt a new rush of excitement. There was nothing like battling in a new place.
"Ready to battle, Ash?" Hau suddenly called out, a pokeball already in his hand.
"Ready when you are!" Ash answered, hand going to his belt.
Hala got the message, smiling at both trainers with excitement before raising a flag. "This will be a three on three battle between Hau of Melemele University, and Ash of Lumiose University. The winner will be declared when the other trainer loses all three of their Pokemon. Are you both ready?" Both Ash and Hau nodded, raising their arms and preparing to send out their Pokemon. "Then let the battle begin!"
"Komala, come on out!"
"Dartrix, I choose you!"
As both Pokemon emerged, Ash could hear some surprised murmurs from the Melemele students that he already had an Alolan Pokemon, but he was more curious about Hau's, quickly pulling out his PokeDex and scanning the strange, sleepy-looking koala bear Pokemon. "Komala, the Drowsing Pokemon. Since its ability is Comatose, Komala is always sleeping. The log it clings to is a gift from its early days. It is said that Komala's behaviour is from a dream it is having." Ash raised an eyebrow at the description, wondering just what he was up against. He had an idea that he was going to need to be careful of the log Komala was clutching, and knew that Dartrix's Ominous Wind would be ineffective. He wanted a challenge, though, and perhaps this was setting up to be a good one.
"Komala, use Stockpile!" Hau called out, the Drowsing Pokemon curling up tighter against his log, yawning loudly and taking a deep breath as he glowed briefly with his increased defensive strength.
Ash wasn't going to sit back and let Hau strengthen his defence too much, though. "Dartrix, get in there with Leaf Blade!" he shouted, his flying and grass type hooting in delight before shooting forward, his wing glowing green. Hau could only gasp in surprise at the speed of the attack, watching as Komala, despite its increased defensive strength, was sent spiraling into the air.
"Komala!" Hau shouted out, his sleeping Pokemon wincing, possibly feeling the pain even in its dreams. "Use Wood Hammer!" he called out quickly, watching as Komala started falling back towards the ground. Its log began to glow green, just as Dartrix's wing did, but Ash wasn't worried.
"Dartrix, strike back with a full power Peck attack!" Ash quickly ordered, pumping his fist as Dartrix flapped his wings.
"Daroooo!" the Blade Quill Pokemon cried out, picking up speed quickly, heading straight up to meet Komala's attack head on. The order had surprised the gathered crowd, loud gasps coming from many of them, but Ash knew his Pokemon, and he could handle it. "Kooo!"
Komala's log never hit, Dartrix, spinning swiftly to avoid the Wood Hammer attack. Meanwhile, his glowing beak glowed with all the power he could muster, and he struck hard into the opposing Pokemon's centre. Komala cried out, eyes briefly opening from the strength of the attack. When it fell to the ground, it was in an even deeper sleep.
"Komala is unable to battle!" Hala announced, the gathered students applauding the decisive victory. "Dartrix is the winner!"
"No way!" Hau called out in shock, chuckling as he recalled Komala to its pokeball and Ash did the same with Dartrix. "I didn't know you were this good, Ash. Komala's never been beaten like that before."
Ash smiled, feeling a little uneasy from the impressed looks he was getting. "It was Dartrix who did all the work. It's easy to work with him."
"Well let's see if you're as good with your other Pokemon," Hau said challengingly, throwing out his next pokeball. "Raichu, let's go!"
Ash was a little disappointed when he heard Hau calling out the name of his next Pokemon, hoping for an Alolan Pokemon, but he quickly realized there was no need for that. This was clearly no ordinary Raichu. It appeared to be floating in midair, its tail almost like a surfboard. Its features were much rounder than its Kanto counterpart, and colouring much lighter. Most notable to Ash, though, were its eyes, looking almost like blue crystals, seeing more than what was there.
"That is an Alolan Raichu," Hala explained from the sidelines. "Here, when a Pikachu is exposed to a Thunder Stone, they will gain psychic type powers, and this is the result."
Ash and Pikachu exchanged an excited glance at that, knowing that this was a pretty special opponent, and that there was really only one Pokemon Ash could use against it. "You're up, buddy," he said, holding his arm out as Pikachu ran along it, leaping into the air and landing softly a few feet in front of him.
Both trainers ordered their first attack at the same moment. "Thunderbolt!"
"Pika!"
"Raiii!"
Electricity exploded upwards at the centre of the battlefield as both Pokemon unleashed their attacks. Ash could see a few people stumble, including Hau and Hala, along with Hau's Raichu staggering back. Pikachu remained steady, however, and Ash immediately ordered their next attack. "Go, Pikachu! Quick Attack!"
Pikachu was off like a bullet, reaching Raichu before his evolved counterpart could fully right himself. "Pika!" Pikachu cried out, driving his body hard into Raichu's chest, causing the larger Pokemon's eyes to widen in pain and surprise. Ash didn't stop their, quickly calling for an Iron Tail, knowing they needed to stay on the offensive, just like Dartrix had against Komala. "Chupi!"
"Rai!" Raichu hit the ground with a loud thud, but fortunately for Hau, it had a little more stamina than Komala, managing to get up quickly, despite the exhaustion it was starting to feel.
"Raichu, fight back with Psychic!" Hau ordered, catching Ash by surprise with the command.
Right...electric and psychic type, he remembered, gritting his teeth as Raichu flung its tail forward and struck Pikachu with a blue wave of psychic energy, sending his partner Pokemon flying, before he fell hard to the ground. Pikachu was tough, though, quickly righting himself, his cheeks sparking as he tensed his body, ready to attack as soon as his next order came. Ash smiled, quickly coming up with a plan.
"Pikachu, use Electro-Ball!" he shouted, smirking as he saw Hau narrowing his eyes.
Pikachu glanced back, twitching his ears as Ash nodded, the two of them ready to act as one. He charged forward, Raichu ready to counter when Hau needed him to. "Pika pika pika pika pika pika," Pikachu chanted out, running and then leaping into the air, his tail glowing as a sphere of electricity formed at its tip. "CHUPI!"
As the electrical sphere was sent flying towards Raichu, Hau was ready with his order. "Block it with Psychic!"
"Rai!" Raichu answered, floating up as a blue aura surrounded him. Just as the Electro-Ball was about to hit, a blue wave of energy rushed forth to meet it. The attacks strained against one another, blue and yellow sparks shooting outwards as Raichu tried to force Pikachu's attack back. It was just the opening Ash needed.
"Now, Quick Attack to get around him, and use another Electro-Ball!" Ash commanded, sweeping his hand out in front of him, knowing he had Hau and Raichu just where he wanted them. The crowd started murmuring in excitement as Pikachu took off, and Ash could see Kukui and Hala exchanging a glance, admiring the connection between Ash and Pikachu as they complimented one another flawlessly.
"CHUPI!" Pikachu yelled out as he skidded to a halt behind Raichu and hopped up into the air behind him, his Electro-Ball immediately shooting down.
Ash pumped his fist as the attack struck a startled Raichu, the blast breaking his control in fighting against the original Electro-Ball. The electric and psychic type cried out as it stumbled forward, another explosion rocking the field as he was sent flying backwards. Pikachu's eyes met Ash's, and he smiled as Hala made the call, the crowd murmuring once more.
"Raichu is unable to battle! Pikachu is the winner!" As Hau called back his Raichu, looking stunned by the second defeat, Pikachu returned to Ash's side, a spring in his step from his impressive win.
"Great job, Pikachu!" Ash told him, pulling out Hawlucha's pokeball. "I knew you could do it!"
"You and your Pikachu are an awesome team!" Hau called out to Ash, looking over to Hala as he did so. "Tutu, weren't they amazing?!"
Hala nodded, turning to some of the students in the crowd, apparently taking this as a teaching opportunity. "Ash and Pikachu fight as one, never wavering in their trust and support in one another. For those of you who wish to take the Trials, that is the kind of bond you will need to have with your Pokemon"
Ash was a little uneasy at the awed stares he was getting, but he was grateful for acknowledgment of the bond he had with Pikachu. He was curious about these Trials, though, wondering why Hala had mentioned such a close bond would be necessary. Then his eyes were drawn back to Hau, who was smiling to himself, fiddling with his Z-Ring. That's it...
"All right then, let's see how you can match up with one of my favourite Pokemon, Ash!" Hau challenged, smirking as he brought up his third pokeball. "Crabrawler, let's go!"
As a purple crab-like Pokemon emerged, its angry eyes looking for a fight as it held up its blue pincers like fists, Ash heard Hala call out excitedly. "Ah, you got yourself a Crabrawler!"
Hau looked pleased as he responded. "Yeah, he's pretty new so this will be pretty tough for him, but I want him to know what a strong trainer like Ash can battle like, so we're going to give it our best shot!"
Ash was surprised to hear that this Crabrawler was a new addition to Hau's team, but it made him reconsider his next choice. He glanced at Pikachu, who nodded, smiling as though he knew what Ash was thinking. Ash clicked Hawlucha's pokeball open, calling out his fighting type next to him.
"Lucha?" Hawlucha asked, looking surprised that he was out on the field, facing off for battle.
"Hawlucha," Ash said, kneeling down in front of the Wrestling Pokemon, "how do you feel about letting Riolu take this one?"
Ash knew that Hawlucha, when given the chance, would almost never give up the chance to fight. However, there were a couple of exceptions. Helping out Noivern would be one, and now Riolu would be the other. He looked pleased by the idea, looking carefully at Riolu as Ash placed him down from his shoulder. Riolu, however, looked nervous.
"Ruru..." Riolu murmured, looking over at the eager to fight Crawbrawler.
"Lucha!" Hawlucha encouraged, holding up a fist and pretending to hit something with it. "Lucha lucha!"
"Hawlucha's right, Riolu," Ash said, grinning confidently. "You can do this! Think how happy Serena will be when we tell her you won this big battle!"
It took a moment, but after a deep breath, and an encouraging nod from both Pikachu and Hawlucha, Riolu stepped forward, little fists clenched at his sides. "Ruru," he squeaked out, nodding to Ash as he continued to make his way forward, ready for his first real battle to start.
"We'll both use a new Pokemon, Hau!" Ash called out to his opponent. "Riolu wants to be just as strong as my Hawlucha, so he needs a good training partner. Is Crabrawler a good match?"
"You bet he is!" Hau answered excitedly, making a fist and jumping up. "Riolu's gonna need to be careful, though. Crabrawler might be new, but he's really strong."
So is Riolu, Ash thought, smiling as both Pokemon readied themselves, the third battle about to begin. When Hala made the call to start, Ash decided to get Riolu's nerves out of the way and call the first attack immediately. "Quick Attack!"
"Cra-" Crabrawler's eyes bulged as its call was interrupted, Riolu having darted forward as fast as he could, slamming his whole body into the opposing Pokemon's chest. The speed of the attack shocked Hau and the crowd, but Ash was surprised as well, thinking to himself that one day Riolu could possibly be as fast as Pikachu with speed like that.
Hau was not going to let the battle turn in Ash's favour that quickly, however, immediately ordering Crabrawler's counter. "Quick, Crabrawler use Bubble!"
"Brawww!" Crabrawler cried out, unleashing a stream of bubbles that pummeled Riolu's chest, knocking him back. He kept his balance, however, and Ash immediately ordered another Quick Attack. Just as Crabrawler's Bubble attack was ending, Riolu was barreling into him once more, sending him sprawling backwards.
"Hit him with Rock Smash!" Hau shouted, a hint of panic in his voice, knowing Riolu's speed had him at a disadvantage. Ash knew that Crabrawler likely had the advantage with brute strength, and that keeping the battle in close would be dangerous due to that, but Riolu's speed was making it their own strength, and Ash knew he could handle it.
"Use Endure!"
"Ru!" The Emanation Pokemon quickly brought up his arms, holding them up firmly as Crabrawler got up and brought a fist flying out towards the smaller fighting type. Ash could see his young Pokemon wince, but he held strong, Crabrawler's fist only moving him a few inches.
"Now, use a Focus Blast in close!"
As Riolu formed the blast, letting go of Crabrawler's fist and ducking under it, Ash could see that he was pleased. As much as the small fighting type had struggled with this move, in this position it couldn't miss.. He formed the yellow sphere and before Hau could call for the stunned Crabrawler to get out of the way, it was hitting the Boxing Pokmeon just under its chin.
"Keep it up with another Quick Attack!" Ash ordered, watching as Crabrawler stumbled back, Hau clenching his fist in worry. The crowd was murmuring excitedly surprised by the power the two young Pokemon were showing.
"Ruuu!" The Emanation Pokemon burst forward, aiming his shoulder down as he rushed towards his opposing fighting type.
"Crabrawler, use Reversal!"
Ash's eyes widened in surprise, watching as Riolu successfully struck Crabrawler once again in the chest, but was immediately put in danger. Crabrawler grunted from the pain of the landed attack, but he acted on Hau's order quickly, grabbing Riolu with both pincers and flipping him over right away, slamming him hard into the ground. "Brawww!" the Boxing Pokemon cried out triumphantly, hopping back as Hau cheered him on.
"Now, hit him with another Bubble!"
Ash winced as Riolu struggled to get to his feet, only to be struck by another stream of bubbles. He cried out in pain as he stumbled back, the bubbles exploding in little sprays of water as he fell back. Hawlucha was quickly yelling out what Ash assumed was advice, the Wrestling Pokemon now clearly anxious as Riolu appeared to be losing the upper hand.
Ash, however, had gotten an idea.
"Riolu, are you okay to keep going?" he called out, the Emanation Pokemon shaking his head to get the water out of his eyes, before looking back to Ash and nodding. "All right, then let's do this! Use Focus Blast!"
Riolu looked a little surprised at the command, now that there was distance between him and Crabrawler, but after a quick look towards a nodding Hawlucha, he smiled, understanding. "Ruru!" he cried out, bending low and immediately starting to form the yellow sphere.
"Get ready, Crabrawler!" Hau called out, clearly worrying about the Focus Blast after its previous successful hit.
"Ruuu!" Riolu cried out, sending the attack flying out, Crabrawler and Hau each looking shocked by the force of it.
Unfortunately, it landed nowhere near Crabrawler, hitting the ground well off to the side, sending dust and smoke billowing into the air upon impact. The crowd found it amusing, many chuckling at the missed attack, while Hau quickly tried to take advantage.
"Bubble, now! Let's win thi-" He stared at where Riolu had been a moment before. "What...?"
"Now! Quick Attack!"
Just as he'd done in his acted out battle with Hawlucha for their performance with Serena, Riolu used his failed Focus Blast as the perfect distraction. With Crabrawler staring at the missed attack, Riolu was on him in an instant, once more slamming his body hard into the enemy fighting type. Ash knew what was next, too, already prepared with his next order as Hau called his excitedly.
"Rock Smash!"
"Endure!"
Once again, Crabrawler's fist was blocked, Riolu catching it above his head. Hau was quick to follow up, however, and Ash knew this would be where the battle would reach its conclusion. "Now use Reversal!'
"Craaab!"
As the Boxing Pokemon made its move, its pincers moving down to grab ahold of Riolu, Ash shouted out his next order, hearing Hawlucha cheering Riolu on loudly next to him. "Counter!"
Crabrawler didn't stand a chance. Just as it was taking hold of Riolu, the Emanation Pokemon glowed in a fierce blue light, whirling around quickly and sending a kick straight to the centre of the Boxing Pokemon's chest. Hau could only blink in surprise as Crabrawler went whipping past him, landing hard on the ground behind him. Ash was sure he was down and out.
"Br-br-brawww!" The crowd was just as surprised as Ash, but what made him react the most, was Hau raising his Z-Ring. No way...
"Now, this is our last chance, Crabrawler, let's use our Z-Move!" the Alolan shouted, raising his fists in the air, a bright, yellow aura surrounding him and Crabrawler. Crabrawler straightened up, quickly scurrying over to stand straight in front of Hau, raising his own fists, looking rejuvenated by whatever the aura was that was surrounding them. Hau suddenly started punching the air, just as Hala had done against Team Rocket at Professor Sycamore's tournament, and Ash remembered how powerful the attack that would follow would be. He quickly tried to think of a plan and set his mind to one, hoping it would be enough. "ALL OUT PUMMELLING!"
"BRAWWW!"
As Crabrawler relentlessly punched the air, his body engulfed in a bright, yellow light, glowing fists were suddenly flying forward. Ash could see Riolu tensed in fear, but he had faith in his fighting type, and knew he could get out of this. "Riolu, you can fight through this! Use that speed and get in there with Quick Attack!"
The order was a surprise to all those who didn't know Ash, but he could see Professor Oak in the crowd, laughing as Riolu started to dart forward. This was how he liked it. A head on battle against a strong opponent with a strong attack. They wouldn't back down.
"Ru! Ru! Ru!" Riolu panted as he ran, a white aura around his body as he darted in and out of the rushing fists that threatened to crush him. Ash had made the correct bet on his speed, though. Crabrawler's brute strength, even when boosted with a Z-Move, wasn't enough to match it. "RUUU!"
With one final charge, flipping over one last Z-Move powered fist, Riolu emerged in front of a stunned Crabrawler, the Boxing Pokemon panting from the effort of executing his attack. Ash knew he didn't stand a chance. Riolu drove his body into the opposing fighting type, sending him flying back. This time, he didn't get up.
"Crabrawler is unable to battle!" he shouted out, waving his hand to Ash and Riolu, the young fighter looking stunned by his victory. "Riolu is the winner, and the match goes to Ash!"
As the crowd cheered, Ash, Pikachu and Hawlucha rushed out to Riolu. Pikachu reached him first, giving the surprised fighting type a fist bump before Hawlucha embraced him, truly looking like a proud brother. Ash was pretty sure he even saw tears in the Wrestling Pokemon's eyes. And when Ash knelt down in front of Riolu, he didn't even need to say anything. Like Pikachu, he gave his young fighter a fist bump. Then, after a moment, Riolu cheered, jumping into his arms, the excitement finally all over his face. "Rururu!"
They had a few moments of celebration before Ash realized they were no longer alone. He stood up, laughing as Riolu hopped down to join Hawlucha in doing a victory pose, and then looked at those who had joined him. It was Professor Kukui, Hala, Hau and the two students Ash had seen near the front of the crowd earlier.
"That was a pretty awesome battle, Ash!" Hau said happily, not appearing the least bit disappointed by his loss. "You beat me pretty good, but I learned a lot from you. I bet we'll have an even better battle next time!"
"Yeah, for sure, Hau!" Ash told him, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment from the praise. "You've got some great Pokemon, Hau."
"It looked like it was quite the training opportunity for you both," Hala pointed out, raising an eyebrow in Ash's direction. "Even without using Greninja, I take it you've got a bit more of an understanding of what you can learn here."
Ash laughed, knowing Hala was right. He almost wondered if Hala had set this match up with Hau beforehand. He didn't mind if that was the case, though. He wanted to see just what he could get out of all of this, and he knew that if there were more answers to gain about Greninja, Z-Moves and anything else to do with his training, he had to take advantage of it.
"Think we can call Professor Sycamore and tell him I'm gonna be a bit late?"
Author's Note:
Turned out to be a battle heavy chapter at the end...but Riolu getting a chance was needed. Originally Hawlucha was gonna get that fight, but I figured this actually suited the plans better. Heading back over to Kalos in the next chapter, though. Prepare for another gap, but this one won't be as long, and then things might even be reasonably consistent until the conclusion of the story.
Hope you enjoyed, and see you next time.
P.S. If you want a chapter of the Bonnie story, I can probably get one of those done between now and the next LU update. All you have to do is ask.