Who I Am - Lightning99
Chapter 10:
Rockruff's Battle
Ash retired to the warmth of his borrowed room late into dusk on Tuesday concluding another day of adventuring, of making essential progress into his Island Challenge. Over the last three days, Ash had discovered a few more Alolan Pokémon for a start: a Normal-Type with sharp triangular teeth and beady eyes, known as Yungoos, whose brown coat was separated by a stripe of yellow fur, and a tiny, white and yellow, pretty fly Pokémon named Cutiefly, a Bug-Fairy Type.
No matter how beautiful, tempting, unsightly, or cool the wild Pokémon imposed themselves as when battling, each different nature attracting in its own way, Ash decided not to catch any of them. He wanted Rockruff to be his very first Alolan Pokémon.
He explored the route a little more thoroughly that afternoon and surmised it was created for the beginners, to dote them through their emergence into the Pokémon world. It was a simplistic path paved along the steep edges of the cliffs, climbing higher and higher from the sea below, beside the forest. The way the path shepherded him towards the trial location was his first hint that it was for beginners. It led directly to the cave wherein the first trial was to be conducted, a discovery that greatly excited Ash. Two tall wooden pillars embedded into grey cobbled plinths, marked with similar tribal-like, exotic symbols to those Ash had seen all over Alola, towered on each side of a gaping cave entrance. Triangular shapes matching those of the trial amulet branched from the pillar's sides. Standing opposite the Poké-Center, it was unmissable even to young beginners. The fact that a Poké-Center was directly opposite was his second hint.
Ash's seasoned mind quickly discerned that Melemele was a tutorial island seeing as everything was so obvious, and that was why it felt so easy to him.
Back in his room, Ash was anticipating the trail more than ever. Fiery energy permeated his very muscle fibres, enforcing a restless excitement that prevented sleep; Ash was no longer kept awake because of any dismal thoughts or doubts about his worth. He had reclaimed himself as of late, lying awake at night imagining battling scenarios and generating tactics to practice the next day that even professionals wouldn't consider, as was his uniquely reckless style.
Pikachu, on the other hand, collapsed into a snoreless slumber when they returned. Ash wasn't sure how exactly he become so exhausted since Rockruff had battled all day in his place again, but it wasn't an issue. He knew it wouldn't be long before Pikachu became bored of sitting around, watching, waiting. He had to let Pikachu battle, and he planned to do just that during the trial.
Ash finally started to fade into sleep about twenty minutes later, his eyelids dropping a black curtain as fatigue overcame his electric thoughts of teaching Staraptor or Heracross a new move until the floorboards creaked and the hinges of the chestnut door cried like a Klinklang.
Ash sat up slightly frustrated, knowing falling asleep again would be difficult. He was curious what awoke him though, so he peered out of the now ajar door. Rockruff slowly crept along the landing to the stairs, his head whipping like a scanner around him.
Where's he going? Ash wondered, throwing his day clothes back on hurriedly and following the small dog.
Rockruff started running around the corner outside the Poké-Center door, so Ash sped up, passing Nurse Joy and three others, who were dressed oddly in pink and black outfits, some sort of uniform with bear hats, on the way out.
Rockruff scampered quickly, rushing into the forestry in the direction of Kukui's house. He turned ninety-degrees of the grass patch behind the shack, towards the mountain overlooking the bay like a heavenly plateau, brushing beyond a wall of bushes into forest. Ash clambered through the vines and ferns after the quick little Pokémon, spotting him exit into a clearing. A small pond opened out in front of a grotto behind the trees, a little scenic area.
Rockruff clearly didn't want to be seen, so Ash crept to the outer trees and bushes silently, keeping his eyes fixed on Rockruff's slowing steps until other movement made him look elsewhere. A small huddle of Pokémon – Metapod, Grubbin, Pikipek, Pidgey, a few unidentified ones – tentatively sidled around the sides of the grotto, peaking inside whenever they dared a close enough step. Each time they only looked for a second before leaping backwards.
Ash moved a little closer for a more revealing look through the bushes. Inside sat a Clauncher, a Kalos Water-Type Pokémon, a foreigner, Ash assumed, to Alola. The other Pokémon looked scared of the Clauncher, not nearing it enough to be noticed, or simply from the fright of seeing a stranger.
Ash then watched unfold a scene entirely divergent to the timid peaking. Rockruff leapt a corner of the pond and dashed into the arched grotto, barking loudly, which awoke the Clauncher.
What's he doing? Ash wondered, laying into a comfortable position, watching. Is he…?
The Clauncher immediately thrust a powerful Crabhammer towards Rockruff, its usually deadpanned squinting. Rockruff seemed to expect it and jumped backwards. Suddenly, they threw themselves together into a brawl, and the surrounding, wimpier Pokémon ran around to cheer, for Rockruff Ash assumed. The only solution Ash could surmise was that Clauncher, not a native species, had taken over the area having arriving ashore from the sea, and had stolen the other Pokémon's home.
Is Rockruff trying to protect their home? Ash wondered, watching as Rockruff hit Clauncher with a Tackle, but was caught with Vice Grip immediately. Clauncher threw Rockruff up, slammed its claw into him with Crabhammer, knocking him out of the grotto and into the pond. But Rockruff leapt back out, darting towards Clauncher in rage, his fur a shaggy, sopping mess. The Tackle hit, and Clauncher went for Vice Grip again.
Rockruff leaned left, Clauncher dived in, then Rockruff jumped right, just as Staraptor had done to Infernape. Ash grinned, impressed with the small Pokémon. Another two Tackles hit, but, a moment later, a final Crabhammer hit Rockruff, ending the fight. The surrounding Pokémon scattered, and Clauncher slinked back into the cave, clicking its menacing, hammer-claw in what could only be a jeering taunt.
Ash watched Rockruff momentarily, gutted for him. He thought to go and pick him up, take him back to the Poké-Center, but then Rockruff painfully wobbled onto its paws and limped its way back through the forest.
Ash let him be. If this was where Rockruff came every night, that meant he did this every day. Recalling what Kukui had said about meeting Rockruff in the forest, injured, Ash wondered for how long he had been at it, trying to defeat the Clauncher. It must have been a while.
Ash walked back to the Poké-Center before Rockruff. He thought of the situation the whole walk. The fact that Rockruff was sneaking out meant he didn't want Ash to know about it, and yet, Ash was compelled to offer any assistance he could now that he saw his struggles. Ash didn't know what he felt more strongly: guilt for spying or relief he knew what was going on. Either way, his compassionate nature forced him to want to help.
Pikachu was alert, perched on the bed and staring at the door when Ash returned. He lay on the bed, explained to Pikachu what went on, and waited for Rockruff to crawl through the door and fall asleep.
Ash couldn't sleep. He moved from his bed to the armchair in the corner, where he and Pikachu conferred. The obvious disadvantage for Rockruff was the type match up. Rockruff had improved significantly in battling, but Clauncher had a big advantage given the fact that it knew Crabhammer, which signified it was fairly experienced. That meant Rockruff would need something to combat Water-Types. But what move could he learn, as a Rock-Type?
Fed-up of lazing there, Ash exited the room with Pikachu for some light training, hoping that would churn the cogs in his head. Infernape followed them out after stirring, accompanied later by Heracross, who had been resting his eyes rather than sleeping; Heracross seemed the most restless of his older Pokémon.
It wasn't until Ash had Infernape and Pikachu spar on their own, after Heracross vs Pikachu, that inspiration sparked within him.
Inferape unleashed a barrage of multiple Mach Punches, tricking Pikachu into thinking it was Close Combat, so he was hit when Infernape made a dextrous movement Close Combat's rapidity didn't allow. Pikachu jumped into the air after being hit, then sent a Thunderbolt diagonally towards Infernape, who unleashed Mach Punch to counter the attack. Infernape was knocked backwards against Pikachu's power. When Infernape clambered to his feet, holding his fists up to continue fighting, the fist that he used to counter Pikachu's attack was still glowing with the Mach Punch's light but had the electricity from Thunderbolt sparking around it.
That's it! Ash thought, jumping excitedly.
"Infernape, Pikachu, we're gonna work again in the morning so I want you guys to get some good rest! See ya all in the morning!" Ash said, and dashed inside without another word, leaving the others very confused out on the battlefield.
"Pika?"
Infernape shrugged, and the three returned to the room.
Rather than treading the dirt of the route or visiting the Malasada shop to wolf breakfast, Ash ran down beside Kukui's house early the next morning, at about six, when the sun began to poke above the sea. The golden sand gleamed in the daybreak. Ash was eager to start training.
Ash crouched beside Rockruff on the sand after a light jog, who responded with a curious blink.
"Alright, don't get mad… I followed you out last night. I saw you battling that Clauncher," Ash admitted. Rockruff's eyes widened at first, then he lowered his head in what Ash could only assume was embarrassment or shame. "Hey, no! Don't be like that! I thought it was awesome what you did out there. You were awesome! It looked like you were trying to take back their home.
"Thing is, that Clauncher has a big type advantage over you. But don't worry! We've overcome type advantages so many times before, and I've got a great way for you to do that! Just watch this carefully, ok?" Ash said, rustling Rockruff's head. Rockruff looked back up, and Ash smiled, retreating to where Infernape and Pikachu were squaring off.
"Alright, Pikachu I want you to use Thunderbolt, and Infernape, try to block it with Mach Punch!" Ash instructed. He immediately saw the realisation in Pikachu; he knew exactly what Ash was planning. Pikachu unleashing Thunderbolt, and Infernape punched out with Mach Punch. They cut off their moves simultaneously and, sure enough, Infernape's fist was sparking weakly with lightning once more. It disappeared in a moment.
Ash returned to Rockruff, who's head was jarred to the side. "It's simple! We use Bite to teach you Thunder Fang just as I'm gonna teach Infernape Thunder Punch with Mach Punch!" Ash explained gleefully, practically jumping on the spot. He heard a deep sigh from behind him in response.
"Pikachu, pika!" Pikachu called, smiling in amusement.
"Uhh – yeah, of course we're going to teach you Bite! I know I haven't yet, Pikachu," Ash said, folding his arms stubbornly. Pikachu shrugged, sighing.
"What do you say Rockruff?" Ash asked, grinning. "You wanna learn Bite first, then go for Thunder Fang?"
By the yelp of determined joy Ash received from Rockruff, he knew he accepted. So, Ash dedicated the entirety of that day to learning Bite – Thunder Fang would later. He didn't want to rush things.
"I've had some of my Pokémon know Bite before," Ash explained, facing Rockruff and Infernape, who faced off. "From what I've experienced, it's only an enhanced, powered-up bite with a Dark-Typing. Your jaw glows a bright white and then you just bite down! Just imagine power generating in your jaw, envisage it, feel yourself being able to break through rock with only your teeth. Imagine that power, and gather it inside yourself, then let it go. Infernape's a Fighting-Type, so it won't affect him much. Give it your all!"
Rockruff barked determinedly. He dug his paws deep into the sand, hunched his body forwards, tensed his muscles. His jaw, a menacing set of baby canines, hung ajar, a growling rumbling from his core. Unleashing the rumble in a bellow, Rockruff darted forwards, opened its mouth wide, and bit towards Infernape, who easily caught the powerless attempt.
"It's hard to get it the first time!" Ash encouraged, and Rockruff tried again, yielding the same results.
"Let's try it again!" Ash shouted, just as determined. Rockruff tried another three attempts that ended just the same. Infernape caught every attempt, each of which did not produce anything resembling the move at all. But Ash wasn't discouraged.
"This time, Rockruff, start with your jaw locked, tightened, gathering as much energy as you can. Feel the power welling up! When you open your jaw wide, transfer it to your canines! It sounds hard, but you can do this!"
Rockruff barked, bounded away, and followed the instructions. He crouched, locking his jaw. He waited for about ten seconds then dashed forwards, wrenching his teeth apart. For a second, as Rockruff bit Infernape's arm, his jaw flickered white. Ash grinned despite the attack being just as ineffective.
"Awesome!" Ash yelled, running over. "I saw it! A little bit of the power was there! We've got this! Take it from the top!" Rockruff, spurred by his comment, barked and jumped away, restarting the movement.
Kukui wandered out from the shack up-beach at about lunchtime. There was a grin on his face as he approached.
"Hah! I should've known it was you, Ash! Alola!"
"Keep it going, guys! I'll be back in a sec!" Ash shouted to his Pokémon, and ran over to Kukui, sitting beside him as he slid onto a bench. "Alola?" Ash said back, his voice questioning rather than meaningful. He'd heard people saying it around the island, but never understood its meaning.
"Yeah! See, here in Alola, that's how we greet people, cousin!" Kukui explained, sitting down on a bench just to Ash's side.
"I get it!"
"Are these all your Pokémon, Ash?" Kukui asked, looking at each one individually.
"They are! Infernape, the one battling Rockruff, is from Sinnoh, the one with the leafy tail is Sceptile, from Hoenn, the blue, bug-looking one is Heracross, from Johto, Staraptor is the bird Pokémon, also from Sinnoh. And, as you know, Pikachu's from Kanto," Ash explained, much to Kukui's delight.
"Woah, you got any others?" Kukui asked, still looking at them all as if he'd never seen them before. Ash wouldn't have been surprised if he hadn't.
"Ah," Ash paused, looking down. "I used to have loads, yeah. Some from each of the regions I said, then there were some from Unova, and I've got some from Kalos back home, with a friend."
"Man, you've been everywhere, haven't ya?! That's awesome! Who even are you, Ash?" Kukui asked in a lighthearted voice, making Ash laugh. "You and Lillie will get along great when you tell her about all that! She'll be bombarding you with questions, yeah!"
Ash smiled, "Yeah, I know she will. Just, uh, can you not make a big deal of it, please? I… don't really like to think about my other Pokémon much," Ash muttered somewhat vaguely; he didn't consider them his Pokémon anymore.
"Of course, yeah, no need to worry! People have stuff they don't wanna talk about! Anyways, I'd best head off to go meet a friend. Good luck with the trainin'! It looks like some true, good-ol move training to me!" Kukui said, standing up.
"Yep! We're giving it a real go! And a friend, huh?" Ask asked quizzically.
"Hah, ya got me! If ya need anything, Lillie's at the house. She wants to spend a day reading, so she'll be there as long as you need her! See ya soon!" Kukui said, walking back up the beach. Ash called after him, then returned to training.
By the end of the morning, Rockruff could retain the glow whitening his jaw throughout his charge, then it'd fade and weaken the blow just before he bit down. A light lunch replenished their energy, and they went right back to training. Staraptor, Heracross, Sceptile, and Pikachu started training independently against one another, a sight Ash was pleased to see. If it were him, he'd have been bored just watching; they were just as determined as he was. By mid-afternoon, Rockruff had nearly completed the move. After all, Bite was a simple move in the wider world. Thunder Fang, however, was going to be a lot harder to master.
"Alright, the sun's setting, let's give it a final push, get one perfect move, then we'll work on powering it up tomorrow!" Ash called, and Rockruff yelped his agreement.
Rockruff crouched low again, tensing his knees to ninety degrees. Lowered his head. He bit down hard, baring his tightened fangs, and growled deeply. Ash could see the white light of the Bite forming already. Rockruff dug in his feet, scraping small tread-marks into the soft sand, then pounced, dashing along the beach. He jumped, opened his jaw wide, which glinted. He unleashed the Bite on Infernape, who winced and skidded back along the sand. Rockruff landed, waited for the glow to fade, and started yipping and jumping. The move was successful.
Ash dashed over, yelling proudly, and then, suddenly, Rockruff fell over from tiredness. Smiling gently, Ash returned his Pokémon and carried Rockruf back to the Poké-Center on the other shoulder to Pikachu.
Ash wasn't at all disheartened three days later when Rockruff hadn't made any progress towards learning Thunder Fang.
Naturally, at first, he considered the possibility that his idea wasn't going to work as he pictured it in his mind. It was a simple thought; because physical Pokémon moves are enacted through the use of some type-altered energy, Ash had the idea that, if a move already had a type and a similar move existed, he'd be able to change the compound make-up of the move with a different type. In a sense, he'd change the basic formation of the move by electrifying it with Thunderbolt, therefore allowing that Dark-Type energy generated for Bite to become an Electric-Type. It seemed farfetched, and it was something he'd never attempted before, but his instincts told him it'd work. He only needed to imagine Greninja's flaming Water Shuriken, a thought that reaffirmed his confidence.
He discarded the negativity when Infernape started preserving the lightning for longer periods, and then on the second day, little sparks burst from Mach Punch when he used it. It was looking up.
After the first day, Ash found the simple use of Thunderbolt to be a bit boring, so he incorporated it into a battle scenario where Rockruff and Infernape had to fight Pikachu only using Bite and Mach Punch, and Pikachu could only use Thunderbolt. Pikachu held his ground against both of them as well as training them amidst it. It was spectacular to watch.
On the fourth day, Ash finally achieved significant results. Pikachu fired a quick Thunderbolt, and Infernape countered with Mach Punch. A blinding glint emitted where the two moves connected, and the Mach Punch completely absorbed the lightning, so Infernape stood there brandishing a Thunder Punch. A moment later, the move disengaged. Ash ran at Infernape, begging him to try it out. On his first try, he brought up a Mach Punch, then, on his second, a sparking, yellow, fully-formed Thunder Punch cracked around his fist.
Ash's grin stretched wider than the sea's horizon afterwards. He now knew it was possible, and, seeing it completed, Rockruff was spurred with a re-found determination, as if not to be outdone by Infernape. They got back to work immediately, a repetitive, tiresome process that'd become second nature at this point; Ash didn't even need to give Pikachu the command. Infernape, exhausted from his efforts but running on fumes of adrenaline, tested his new move against Heracross, whose eagerness to battle was palpable.
Ash returned to the Poké-Center that night exhausted but pleased; things were slowly getting there. He'd not expected results to be immediate, of course. Despite his tiredness, he didn't go to sleep. Taking Pikachu and Sceptile that day, Ash ventured out onto the route later in the night to battle some trainers who weren't like those he'd seen through the days. It appeared the stronger trainers on Melemele ventured at night. Ash guessed it was because they had day jobs. Nevertheless, it provided him with sufficient money, training, and a reputation as the undefeated trainer with a Pikachu. Nearly a week after meeting Kiawe, Mallow, Lana, and Sophocles, whom he met up with before or after his training each day, Ash felt at home in Alola.
Sunday morning – and the fifth day of training – came again. Before he could leave the Poké-Center, his older Pokémon, awake much before himself, asked if they could train separately for the day, somewhere in the forests where they could privately battle. Ash agreed as if it were a silly question; he trusted them to be on their own more than he trusted himself to be. They eagerly ran out of the Poké-Center and into the forest as Ash wandered down the side of Kukui's house, passing all the same city streets that were slightly busier given the weekend had come. He waved good morning to a kind old lady behind a market stall he'd passed every day, shopped at some days for berries and fruit.
They progressed quite well that morning. Rockruff had acquired that initial hope of success Infernape had; sparks flying whenever he used Bite. He was trying extra hard that day. Lunch came along quickly after that success, and they were greeted with their second guest to the sessions as Lillie walked down the beach, a book clutched in her arms.
Tossing his cap atop his bag and ruffling his hair, Ash sad down beside Lillie on the bench and sighed. "Morning!" he breathed, his breaths deeper from training.
"Good afternoon, Ash."
"Oh," Ash said, causing Lillie to laugh. "Anyway, I haven't seen you in two days. What's been going on?"
"Not much, really. I've been spending a lot of time reading and helping out the Professor with his errands. He was supposed to attend and observe a few lessons at the Pokémon School, but he couldn't make them, so I stepped in to observe and take notes on his behalf."
"How'd that go?" Ash asked, adjusting his leg to rest on top of his other knee.
"I-I was very nervous at first, but the young students were very nice to be around, so it was fun! I even got to give them tips on how to draw a Pikachu," Lillie explained avidly.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked across the beach, only to be struck directly with an electric-charged Bite from Rockruff. It wasn't quite there yet. Lillie gasped, panicked, then sighed when Pikachu jumped right back up.
"H-Have you been training out here long?" Lillie asked.
"Yeah, a few hours we've been at it today. It's been good. I'm teaching Rockruff how to use Thunder Fang," Ash explained fervidly.
Lillie looked surprised. "Umm, Ash, from what I know, Rockruff can only learn Thunder Fang through breeding."
"Huh, really?"
Lillie nodded. "F-From what I've researched, yes."
"I get it, yeah… Is that a fact, though?" Ash countered, folding his arms thoughtfully.
"What do you mean?"
"There's so much more to Pokémon than you can read in books. I don't mean for that to sound insulting to you or anything, it's just that you can't experience everything without living amongst Pokémon." Ash looked out to Rockruff and Pikachu practising. "We've done so many things we shouldn't have been able to over the years if we're taking research as a definite truth. Take Pikachu for example. Do you know about the move Volt Tackle?"
Lillie nodded slowly, listening carefully to Ash.
"My Pikachu learned it on-the-fly, during a battle. According to professional research, Pikachu is only supposed to be able to learn Volt Tackle having been hatched as a Pichu from breeding, same as you're saying about Thunder Fang. But we haven't needed to. What I'm trying to say is a lot more is possible than Professors' findings tell. Take another of my Pokémon; he learned Cut when it's not in his researched moveset. See what I mean?"
Lillie nodded again.
"So, from what I know, some types of physical moves share the same basic idea. Take Mach Punch, Thunder Punch, and Fire Punch as examples. They're all a single-handed punching move with a type-alteration, but the same basic principles and power are needed. So, if we know one, and that Pokémon can learn the others, why can't we use a Special-Type move to alter it? It's a weird thought, and hard to understand, but it works!"
"Wow… That's amazing thinking… There's more to learn by experiencing it?" Lillie whispered, glancing over at Pikachu and Rockruff just as Pikachu unleashed a Thunderbolt at Rockruff's Bite. "Is there still that much more to learn?"
The moves collided. When the Thunderbolt stopped, Rockruff stood there with an electrified jaw. He pounced at Pikachu and delivered the blow. The Thunder Fang faded, then Rockruff brought it back again. Lillie jumped to her feet and started clapping, clearly enlightened by the new revelation.
"Lillie," Ash said suddenly as she sat back down, "how about we decide on something?"
Lillie blinked, "What do you mean?"
"You've spent a lot of time reading and learning that way, and I've spent a lot of time experiencing different situations and ideas out in the world. How about we help each other to learn? I'll help you experience more, and you help me with some theory stuff; I'm not exactly the most focused person ever, so there's a lot you could teach me! It'll benefit both of us, don't you think?" Ash asked, grinning.
Lillie gently smiled, looking a little disheartened. "That sounds amazing, Ash. But I-I don't know if I can. I have this… phobia. I can't touch or be near any Pokémon without having a type of panic attack. I don't know why, but I can't do it…" she said. Ash looked stunned for a moment. The look in Lillie's eye told Ash it was a real burden to her. If there was one thing in the world he could never do, it was avoid Pokémon. He couldn't imagine being afraid of them. They were his entire life. In that way, he empathised with Lillie's situation.
"I had no idea…" Ash replied calmly. "In that case, I'll help you overcome it. Whatever it takes, I'll help you through it to get you used to all Pokémon. You can count on me! I promise!"
"Ash…" Lillie said. Ash saw her eyes starting to water but soon forgot about it when her smile came. "You'll really try to help?"
"Of course! I'd do anything for a friend!" Ash answered jovially.
"Let's do it!" Lillie cheerfully replied.
Ash, accompanied by Pikachu, slinked back around the side of the brush that night as Rockruff confidently leapt into Clauncher's grotto. This was it; the final bout.
The battle engaged as soon as Clauncher awoke once again to the sound of Rockruff's violent barking. This time, he unleashed a powerful Vice Grip with his pincer, slicing through the air like a sword. Rockruff slapped his paws into the earth, throwing a Sand Attack into Clauncher's eyes, causing the Vice Grip to wildly miss. A well-placed Tackle, while Clauncher was immobilised, sent the Water-Type hurdling into the back wall of the grotto. The Pokémon around the sides crept around to watch again.
"Go on Rockruff…" Ash muttered, and Pikachu whispered his agreement.
Clauncher recovered quickly and steeled itself to the spot. An orange glow encircled its feet, and holograms of swords clashing surrounded Clauncher's body. Ash grimaced. Swords Dance.
Rockruff opened its white jaw for a Bite, but Clauncher countered with a fast jab of Crabhammer that scraped Rockruff left-hind-leg, spinning him off balance through the air. Rockruff yelped; Clauncher advanced, brandishing another Crabhammer. He thrust it towards Rockruff's body and connected. Another rapid repetition headed for Rockruff's face; Rockruff opened his jaw wide, and electricity engulfed his fangs. The Crabhammer connected just as Rockruff bit down, sending an electric current sparking across Clauncher's body. Clauncher cried out with a stuttering, electrocuted voice, and a moment later, Rockruff relaxed his jaw and jumped away, starting to bark loudly at his opponent. Pikachu grinned at Ash's side, explaining how Rockruff was taunting Clauncher for his previous cockiness.
Clauncher soon shook off the blow and scuttled in again, only this time it unleashed a close-range Water Gun with the speed of a missile, clattering into an unexpectant Rockruff, who skidded out of the grotto to the lake's edge. Clauncher charged again with Crabhammer.
Rockruff was prepared. He stabbed his paws into the ground and jumped above Clauncher, who stumbled from his forceful thrust of Crabhammer. Rockruff capitalised on his wobble and flattened Clauncher's back from above with Tackle, rotating in a corkscrew downwards, bouncing off after the impact.
Clauncher slowly stood, but Rockruff was faster. He fastened a grip on Clauncher's pincer with Bite and then ignited Thunder Fang. The Super-Effective move started smoking Clauncher's body. Rockruff released again and jumped backwards, poising for another attack. But one didn't come; Clauncher attempted another Water Gun, but it failed. Clauncher collapsed. Rockruff won.
Ash didn't care that the other Pokémon wanted to celebrate with Rockruff. He ran through the bushes and grabbed Rockruff first, lifting him high in the air, as Hau had done to Rowlet. Rockruff yipped and barked, and Ash shouted and cheered; nobody saw Clauncher slip into the lake and out the other end, heading back towards the sea. When Ash started jumping, his bag lurched on his back, and something fell out. Rockruff struggled out of his grip and jumped to the ground. When Ash looked at what he was doing, he finally heard, he finally understood Rockruff's bark before he disappeared in white light.
Thank you.
Rockruff tapped the Pokéball's button and disappeared inside.
It barely shook.
It snapped shut.
Ash caught his first Alolan Pokémon.