The second half of "The Journey Continues" is now going underway. All the remaining ten chapters have been outlined and ready for typing. Though I decided to work on two to three chapters at a time without burning myself out. The last time we saw Ash, he met a trainer named Cross, Eevee's original trainer. They had a battle and Cross was declared the winner. Let's see how Ash is holding up since the battle, shall we?

Just a heads up, this chapter is a little short. Without further ado, here is chapter 12.

12

Even though Ash knew Lucario was in good hands, he was still lingering on his recent battle against Cross. Something obviously went wrong considering Lucario's movements were limited compared to Cross' Lycanroc's speed. He was trying to figure out what exactly went wrong.

Lost in thought, Ash felt a hand over his shoulder. It was none other than Serena. "Don't worry, Ash. Lucario will be just fine," Serena assured.

Ash and Serena joined Verity in the lounge area. They were still discussing Cross and his battle against Ash. "I've never seen a Pokémon like that before," Verity said.

"Neither have I," Serena second that. "And Ash, you said that it's called a Midnight Form Lycanroc?"

"Yeah," male trainer confirmed. "Lycanroc is a popular Pokémon in the Alola region. It also has three evolve forms depending on the time it evolves: Midday Form, Midnight Form, and Dust Form."

Ash showed the two female trainers a picture of Lycanroc in its three forms. While each form resembled one another, the difference came from their fur. For instance, the Midday Form Lycanroc have brown fur with white markings and blue eyes. The Midnight Form Lycanroc had dark red fur, red eyes, and a thick mane running from the top of its head like a mohawk. As for the Dusk Form, it was different compared to the other two with its orange hair and green eyes. "So, Cross' Lycanroc is a Midnight Form," Verity verified. "His Poke page also says that he has a Druddigon and an Incineroar. I have never seen that Pokémon before."

"I haven't seen an Incineroar either," Serena added. "Hey, look down there."

"What?"

"The section under 'RELEASED.' That's Eevee."

Speaking of Eevee, the Evolution Pokémon was in the corner with his head down. Despite Pikachu's comfort, it was like Eevee didn't want to be bothered. Ash couldn't blame Eevee. It must be hard for a Pokémon to feel unwanted by someone they still care for. Ash caught several Pokémon who were abandoned because they were deemed weak by their original trainers.

But every single time, Ash was able to prove them wrong. Every single time. And he was going to do the same with Eevee. The next thing Ash and Cross ran into each other, Eevee was going to be stronger. "Hey, Ash. Read this," Serena called out.

"What is it, Serena?"

"It also says Cross is from Heahea City in the Alola region. He was the runner up for the Alolan Pokémon League but lost to another trainer named Gladion."

Ash nearly jumped out of his seat as he was looking at the photo on Verity's Poke Phone. Gladion was standing in front of the four Island Kahunas holding onto a trophy in his right arm. His Umbreon was the only Pokémon out of its Poke ball. "Gladion is the current Alolan Champion?"

"I guess. I don't know this Gladion guy," Verity fired. "Do you know him?"

Ash confirmed by mentioning his numerous battles against Gladion during his time in Alola. "But Gladion is really strong. It took me up to the Pokémon League to finally beat him," he explained.

"No way! You were an Alolan Champion, Ash?" Verity asked. Ash just chuckled while scratching his cheek. "Which means I get the pleasure of beating a Champion at the Indigo Plateau Conference."

"Pleasure? More like the pleasure of being beat by a Champion."

"Care to have a battle? I've been wanting a rematch."

After Verity stood above Ash, he stood up and met her halfway. "You got it. Let's have a battle."

"You're on."

They were alerted by the sound of the Pokémon Center bell ringing. When they noticed Nurse Joy and her Chansey coming from the back, Ash rushed over to the front desk. "Thank you for your patience. I'm happy to announce your Lucario is fully healed," Nurse Joy announced.

"Thanks a lot, Nurse Joy." Ash threw Lucario's Poke ball in the air to release the Aura Pokémon. He stood tall in front of his trainer, fully confident and back to his healthy self. Eevee rushed over to Lucario and jumped in his arms.

"How sweet. Eevee was really about you too," Serena said.

Ash guessed Eevee felt guilty for Lucario. Considering the fact Lucario challenged Cross' Lycanroc for not only hurting Ash, but abandoning Eevee as well. With that being said, it gave Ash an idea. "Eevee, we're going to have a battle and I want you to be my partner."

"So, you're gonna use Eevee?" Verity asked. "Then I'm gonna use Munchlax. It'll be great for both of them since we just caught them not too long ago."

"That's a great idea. What do you say, Eevee? Want to battle with me?" Ever since Ash caught Eevee, he was always eager to battle. But after running into his former trainer, Ash could spot the unsureness hidden in Eevee's brown pupils. It wasn't some encouragement from Lucario and Pikachu that Eevee nodded his head. "Great and we're gonna win too."


"The Pokémon battle between Ash and Verity will now go underway," the Rotom App explained. This will be a one-on-one battle and the match will end when the Pokémon from either side is unable to continue. Trainers are now permitted to call out their Pokémon."

"Kay, Eevee. I choose you!" Ash announced. Once Eevee heard its name, he rushed out into the field.

After which, Verity took out a Poke ball from her back pocket. "Now, here's my partner. Munclax, let's go!"

Just like Verity announced, Munclax was her partner. It balled its hands into two fists while glaring at Eevee. In exchange, the Evolution Pokémon planted his feet onto the ground, staring back at his opponent. All that was left was to follow Ash's commands and win. "The battle has been randomly selected and Ash gets the first move," the Rotom App announced.

"Kay, Eevee. Use Quick Attack!" Ash commanded.

Eevee's entire body became surrounded in a light blue aura. He charged forward, growing closer and closer to Munchlax.

"Use Tackle!" Verity commanded. Just like that, Munchlax charged in and both attacks made contact. Eevee was rejected since Munchlax had the size advantage, but he was able to land back on his feet.

"Use Swift!" Ash ordered.

Eevee leaped into the air and swished his tail, releasing multiple yellow stars with golden sparks. "I was hoping you would do that," Verity voiced. "Now, Munchlax, use Focus Punch."

After balling his right hand, Munchlax's fist glowed light blue and punched one of the stars into sparkling yellow sparkles. Munchlax continued the procedure and obliterated the stars until they were nothing more than sparkling yellow stars in the daytime. After the stars were gone, Munchlax used its Focus Punch and punched Eevee.

"Oh no! Eevee!"

"So, what do you think, Ash?" Verity asked. "My Munchlax is more than just an eating machine. But it can give any opponent a run from their money."

Once Eevee picked himself off the ground, he turned over to his trainer. He was waiting for his next command. Instead, Ash gave one of his signature smiles while straightening his hat. "Your Munchlax is strong, alright. That's for sure, but the stronger the opponent, the more exciting the battle," Ash replied. "But regardless, we are gonna give it everything we've got."

Eevee suddenly felt a sudden fire inside of him. He couldn't remember the last time he had fun when he was still with Cross. He and Ash were a lot alike as strong, skillful trainers who thrived off standing above the rest. But it was something about Ash that was more different. Ash had more compassion, and his battle style was as if he was battling alongside Eevee. Not to mention the support from Pikachu and Lucario, who were cheering from the side.

"Let's do it, Eevee," Ash said with his arm sticking out. Eevee jumped and hi-fived Ash's fist using his tail. "Use Swift again!"

Eevee leaped back in the air and swished his tail again, releasing another series of yellow stars at Munchlax. "Big deal," Verity scuffed. "We'll just use Focus Punch again."

Munchlax's fist glowed light blue and positioned itself to pierce the stars again. However, Eevee leaped on top of one star. Then a second one and he continued the process before reaching the final star. "That's right, Eevee! DO IT!"

When Eevee opened his mouth, he created a black and purple ball of energy before firing it at the Big Eater Pokémon. But Munchlax used its Focus Punch and obliterated the attack. Only to fall backwards by Eevee's sudden Quick Attack. "Ash's Eevee has just learned Shadow Ball," the Rotom App detailed.

"That's awesome, Eevee. You know how to use Eevee!" Ash voiced his excitement. "Let's keep it going and use Shadow Ball again!"

The Normal Pokémon opened his mouth again and released a second purple ball of energy. "We're not falling for the same thing twice. Double Team!" Verity demanded.

Munchlax created several copies of itself just before one of the copies was hit with the Shadow Ball. "Use Quick Attack!" Ash ordered.

"Munchlax, you use Tackle!" Verity instructed.

Both Pokémon collided once again, neutralizing each other's attacks. "Use Shadow Ball again."

"Counter using your Focus Punch!"

Eevee shot another black and purple orb of energy at Munchlax. In return, Munchlax deflected the Shadow Ball right back at Eevee. While the Evolution Pokémon was picking himself up, his opponent popped out with its fist glowing light blue again. "Oh no! Eevee, dodge it!"

Unfortunately, Eevee was hit with a direct Focus Punch. He was launched out of the battlefield until his back was planted on the exterior of the Pokémon Center. That was before Eevee landed back on the ground.

"Eevee is unable to battle. Therefore, the winner goes to Verity of Twinleaf Town," the Rotom App announced.

Those first five words weighed heavily in Eevee's mind. All of the excitement he had was ripped out of him like a rug being swept from under his feet by Verity and Munchlax.

"Eevee!" Ash hollered, rushing over to the injured Pokémon's side. His body was starting to shake. Not just because of the injuries Eevee received, but the tone in Ash's voice. The last time he lost a battle, he was chased by Cross's Incineroar. Eevee avoided eye contact while laying patiently on the ground, waiting for Ash's response. "Are you alright, Eevee?"

Eevee lifted his head, tilting it one side as Ash smiled at him. He didn't seem upset about losing the battle. Neither did Pikachu and Lucario. "You were awesome, Eevee. You even learned how to use Shadow Ball."

"Ash is right. That was an amazing battle," Serena added. "You and Munchlax were strong too, Verity," Serena joined in. "That Focus Punch was something."

Speaking of Munchlax, he was tugging on Verity's leggings. Its mouth was whimpering as its eyes were running water. "What's wrong with Munchlax?" Ash asked.

"Oh. Munchlax gets hungry right after a battle," Verity chuckled. "Well, I better get going. But I'll continue to grow stronger, Ash. I'll see you at the conference."

"I won't lose the next time," Ash replied as his rival and her Pokémon left. "Let's continue to grow stronger, Eevee. We won't lose to them again."

He nodded his head into becoming stronger, but Eevee still felt down. They still lost a battle against a rival who was going to compete in the upcoming Indigo Plateau Conference. Even if Eevee did learn a new move, he was starting to think that perhaps Cross was right about him. Maybe he was a weakling after all.

Poor Eevee. Cross's words and harsh treatment left an emotional scar, even after learning Shadow Ball. This will play a role in Eevee's strength and development in the future.

Anyway, that wraps up another chapter. This was a short one, but I wanted to focus on Eevee's first Pokémon battle since joining Ash's team. Twelve chapters down, ten more to go before the first installment of this saga concludes. Next up is Saffron City and Ash's third gym battle. Leave a review and I'll be back with more chapters.

Stay safe stay tuned.