AN: Hey everyone, I have the next chapter here. Thank you for the return on this series, the last chapter had one of the highest view counts for a series of mine in a while. This chapter sees a lot happening as the group makes it to Spikemuth for Ruby's next gym challenge. With that, I am changing the cover to the Roman and Murkrow artwork for a bit. This one being my favorites for the expression he has regarding his starter. Hope you enjoy this chapter, leave a review with your comments and questions, and have a nice day.
See the most recent Save State Chapter for Cover Art details.
Chapter 19 – Locked and Loaded
After a short journey across a couple of bridges and walking through a manmade tunnel, the group exited out atop a small hill overlooking a port. "I thought this was going to be a town, not a dockyard." Roman commented, then sighed, "Whatever, this is still Spikemuth."
"Yep, home to the one and only Dark-type gym," Sonia commented.
"And your next badge," Rosa said to Ruby, who responded with a nod. The four then walked down the hill, approaching a closed shutter entrance. Ruby knocked on it with her left hand but got no answer. Rosa then knocked a bit hard but got nothing.
"What? Are they closed?" Roman asked, then heard something catch his attention, "Why do I hear singing on the other side."
"Hm, I think I remember an alternate entrance," Sonia said before leading the group down a path to their right.
As they walked through the grass, Ruby's gaze was focused on the town. However, she heard a slight cry from below, "Clobb." The hooded trainer looked to see a short white and orange octopus Pokemon on land. While most of its tentacles were tiny, the two arm-like ones at its side appeared with boxing gloves. "Clobbopus." The Pokemon spoke while waving its arms.
"Awe!" Ruby gushed, stopping with the others doing so as well, "It looks adorable."
"What is that Pokemon?" Rosa asked.
"A Clobbopus, the tantrum Pokemon." Sonia answered, "It is very curious, but its means of investigating things is to punch it with its tentacles."
"So, it likes to punch a lot." Ruby said with a giggle, then looked back to the Pokemon, "Boy, do I have a sister you would get along with." She said before seeing Clobbopus's eyes light up with joy, "Maybe, I can-"
"Forget it, Red." Roman said as he pushed Ruby away, "You already caught what you need for this gym."
"But," Ruby said yet was still pushed away.
"Clobb?" Clobbopus spoke as it watched the group leave, but then started to follow them with a hop.
Upon exiting the grass, they reached a back alley and walked through it. At the other end, what they saw was more of an alleyway than a town. One long road was seen and littered with scratchy buildings and neon lights.
Rosa walked over to a sign, reading it with her hand on her chin, "Welcome to the town of Spikemuth." She spoke aloud, "This rocking town has a punk vibe and streets crammed with shops lined up cheek your jowl." The energetic trainer said before looking back to the town, "Yet, I feel like I'm gonna get mugged."
"Ah, I know this type of area well," Roman said as he breathed in the lightly polluted air, a smile on his face, "Almost feels like I'm back at work." He said with Ruby looking at him with half-open eyes.
Suddenly, the group heard an individual's yell, "Hey!" they turned to see a slightly overweight man in a magenta mohawk, tattered vest and pants, and paint over his eyes. Next to him was a girl in a matching athletic, but her face was near fully painted, "What do you think you're doing here? Beat it unless you want to mess with Team Yell!"
"Team Yell?" Ruby commented, then whispered to Roman, "Are these guys like the White Fang."
"No, these two are about as intimidating as grunts as the lackies I could hire at The Club," Roman answered.
"Well," Ruby responded, "They look cool." She said with Roman looking at her in confusion, "What, I may not look it, but I this kind of stuff!" she said before pouting.
Roman sighed before pinching his nose, "Just don't go through this phase while I'm around."
Rosa looked over at the grunts and smirked, "Oh, I get it." She spoke, "You must be this region's infamous team of bad guys."
"Team of bad guys?" Ruby said before another question came to her, "Wait, there's one per region?"
"I think so, it's what I heard," Rosa responded with a smirk, "Most getting beaten by trainers around our age, even if they threaten the world."
"Of course they are," Roman said with a dejected sigh, then saw Sonia walk of the grunts.
"We're here for a gym battle." Sonia said before pointing back to Ruby, "She wants to challenge the new leader."
"Oh, you want to go up against her?" the female grunt said, "You're out of luck, lassie."
"Yeah, to challenge our idol," the male grunt added on, taking out a makeshift megaphone, "You must pass our gauntlet and reach the other end of town!"
"And our team runs this city, so you have to fight your way there!" the female grunt continued, then help out a cloth banner of a girl, "Only then can you fight her!"
"Um, okay." Ruby said, "When can I start?"
"When you're ready!" the grunts yelled, "There is a shop in the Pokemon Center if you need some supplies beforehand!"
"T-thanks." Ruby responded, "I think I'm good though." She said before smirking at Roman, "I've had a lot of practice defeating grunts before."
"Just don't take too long," Roman responded before seeing something in the corner of his eye. Near the alleyway that the group entered in from, Clobbopus was hopping over, "You've got to be kidding me." He said before walking over to meet Pokemon halfway, "Will you go away, nobody likes you. Go! Scram!"
"Clobb?" Clobbopus said before waving its right octopus tentacle.
"What, you got something to say?" Roman said before kneeing, "Because I'm pretty sure I can take a two-foot nothing squid-"
Suddenly, Clobbopus's eyes focus as it reeled its right tentacle back, then jumping into the air to match Roman's level. The tantrum Pokemon then punched the orange-haired criminal in the face, sending Roman back and slamming into the town sign, "Clobb." Clobbopus said as it landed back on the ground.
Ruby and Rosa ran over, lifting the sign off Roman's upper torso, "Are you okay?" Rosa asked, "That looked like it hurt a lot?"
"It did," Roman said with a groan, holding the back of his head. However, he felt that something was missing, "Wait, where's my hat?" the orange-haired criminal said before the trio found the hat near the tantrum Pokemon.
"Clobb?" Clobbopus said as it also discovered that hat, then picked it up. Upon placing it on its head, a look of joy was seen on Clobbopus's face.
"Hey!" Roman called out, "That's my hat."
"Clobb!" the tantrum Pokemon spoke in joy as it hopped away.
"HEY!" Roman shouted as he got up, running after the Pokemon, "Give that back!"
Sonia then walked over to Ruby and Rosa, "What's going on?" the Galar Professor asked.
"Roman just got hat-napped...again." Rosa commented, then looked back to Ruby, "Looks like he is not going to watching your fights."
"It's fine," Ruby responded, then sigh, "But, could you follow him and make sure he's alright?" She said with Rosa nodding, "Thank you." She said with the energetic trainer running off to follow the orange-haired criminal.
"Okay, let's start your challenge then," Sonia said to the hooded trainer, who smiled as they walked back to the grunts.
"You want to move on, then try to beat us!" The male grunt yelled, "This is a double battle."
"Double battle?" Ruby asked.
"Two on two battles, but we are sending out one each." The female grunt said as she took out a Pokeball. "Go, Stunky!" she said as purple and white-furred stunk Pokemon appeared.
"Go, Scraggy!" the male grunt said as he tossed out his ball, causing a small orange creature with a bulbous head to appear. It tried to pull up its pants-like skin, but they fell back down to his waist.
"Okay, two against two, then," Ruby said while taking a deep breath, then picked half her team to toss out. "Eevee, Staravia, let's go together!" she said while tossing two pokeballs at the same time.
"Eevee!" the foxlike Pokemon said as it emerged from the first ball.
"Star!" the starling Pokemon said as it emerged from the second one.
"Stunky use Venoshock!" the female grunt ordered, causing the stunk Pokemon to stand on its front legs. Stunky then fired a toxic sludge from its tail towards Eevee.
"Scraggy, Scary Face!" the male grunt commanded.
"Scragg!" Scraggy spoke while scowling at Staravia.
"Eevee, dodge it with Dig." Ruby counted, "Staravia, Quick Attack!" with the double command, the foxlike Pokemon burrowed into the ground to avoid the Venoshock. While the starling Pokemon dashed in to crash into Scraggy head-on.
"Scraggy, fight back with Headbutt!" the male grunt yelled.
"Scragg!" Scraggy said as its skull smashed against Staravia's.
"Stunky, target that big bird with Venoshock now." The female grunt called out, causing her Pokemon to pivot. However, Stunky's footing faltered as the ground gave way. Eevee then emerged from its dig, crashing into Stunky as it was sent flying back, before landing fainted at her side, "No way!"
"Nice one, Eevee." Ruby called out, "Staravia, finish off yours with Wing Attack!" she said with the starling Pokemon's eyes focused as its wings glowed white. He pulled back from the quick attack, causing Scraggy to lose its balance before taking a wing to the chin. The male grunt gasped as his Pokemon landed at his feet.
"Scraggy…" Scraggy spoke as it laid fainted on the ground.
"Yes, we did it!" Ruby cheered as Eevee matched in excitement, while Staravia raised its head in confidence.
"Good job," Sonia commented, "But the fights are only going to get harder from here on out."
"You're right," Ruby said with a nod, then walked with her Pokemon down the alleyway deeper within the challenge. Sonia had a smile on her face as she followed.
Meanwhile.
Roman ran until he reached a shoreline, "Damnit, where did that thing run off to." He said while searching the area. Suddenly, he gasped upon spotting the hatted Clobbopus. The tantrum Pokemon was jumping from rock to rock on the waters, getting further away, "Are you serious?" he said before starting to take off his coat "Fine, I'll swim after you."
"I wouldn't do that." Rosa called out, gaining Roman's attention, "You see this light snow, I bet that water is freezing." She spoke with her hand on her chin, "You will catch a cold before you catch up to that Pokemon."
"I'm not letting it get away with my hat," Roman counted.
"In that case," Rosa responded, "Why not surf?"
"…Do I look like the surfer type to you?" Roman said with half-open eyes.
"Not that kind of surf, this kind." Rosa said as she took out a Pokeball, "Go, Jellicent!" the Pokeball opened with Roman seeing a blue jellyfish Pokemon that was larger than himself appear, one with eyes and a crown on its head. It floated in the air before settling in the water, which Rosa then jumped on, "Come on, can't let it get away." She offered with a smile.
"…Tsk," Roman scoffed before jumping on Jellicent, almost falling off before catching his balance. The large jellyfish Pokemon then began to move along the water, carrying the duo at a brisk pass. Roman waited with his arms crossed, slowly starting to grit his teeth, "Can this thing go faster?"
"You want to fall?" Rosa countered, "Relax, we will get your dumb hat back." She said with Roman looking away and back towards where Clobbopus went, "Why do you even like that thing so much?"
"You would not understand." Roman responded, "A hat is important to a man."
"Uh, hello?" Rosa said as she adjusted her visor, "This still counts as a hat." She said with Roman remaining quiet, "Come on, there has to be a reason?"
"Not one I am willing to tell you." Roman said before catching a glimpse of Clobbopus, "There you are!" he called out.
"Clobb?" Clobbopus said as it stopped and turned around, seeing Roman jump from Jellicent to a flat rock.
"Time for you to give that hat back." Roman said as he took out a Pokeball and threw it, "Murkrow, use Thief." He said with the blackbird Pokemon emerging.
"Mur!" Murkrow said before dashing in, with its beck ready to snatch back to the hat. However, Clobbopus focused its gaze, its eyes glowing with a blue aura. Suddenly, the tantrum Pokemon dodged out of Murkrow's attack, "Mur?" the blackbird Pokemon said with confusion, causing a look of confusion on Roman's face as well.
"Oh, it knows Detect." Rosa said with her hand on her chin, then saw Clobbopus coil its arm tentacles towards its opponent, "Now, it looks to be using Taunt."
"Grrr, use Haze," Roman called out, hope that the fog would make for a good distraction. However, Murkrow was not able to expel anything from its mouth, "What?"
"I just told you it used to taunt, which means you can't use non-attacking moves," Rosa commented.
"You didn't say that's what it meant!" Roman shouted as he turned back to Rosa. However, he then saw her point to the sky. The orange-haired criminal then looked back to see Clobbopus had leaped into the air towards Murkrow, its right arm tentacle raised to before crashing it down on the blackbird pokemon's head. Murkrow then plunged into a large rock, creating a crater on impact with its eyes swirling, "Already!?"
"Look like the little guy got a critical hit," Rosa said before Clobbopus landed back on a rock, seeing it then hope with joy. However, she and Roman watched the tantrum Pokemon glow in a white light, "And now it seems to be evolving."
"Are you kidding me!?" Roman shouted as Clobbopus got bigger. When the light faded, the pokemon's body color changed. It was now a deep blue body with a lighter shade head, the suction cups and mask indent were yellow. The tentacles all grew to the same slim size: four on the upper torso, three acting as legs, and one acting as a belt.
"Oh, that looks mean." Rosa said while taking out her Pokedex, "Grapploct, the Jujitsu Pokemon. A body made up of nothing but muscle makes the grappling moves this Pokémon performs with its tentacles tremendously powerful." The Pokedex informed.
"Grapploct." The evolved Pokemon said before adjusting the hat on its head. Then looked over to the fainted Murkrow, it then extended its tentacles to grab the blackbird Pokemon. However, Murkrow was recalled back into its Pokeball before getting within reach. Grapploct then glared over to Roman, seeing him holding Murkrow's Pokeball, "Grap," the blue octopus Pokemon said before fleeing deeper into the water.
"Hey, get back here with my hat!?" Roman called out.
"Uh, no offense." Rosa commented, "But, I don't think you're winning your hat back."
"Hey, I still have one more Pokemon to use before that thing gets too far," Roman responded.
"You want to send your tiny Zubat against that Grapploct?" Rosa responded, "The Pokedex said that thing was pure muscle."
"I don't care, I'll fight that thing with my bare hands if I have to!" Roman shouted back, "I'm getting my hat back."
"You know, you can just ask me to use one of my super strong Pokemon to fight." Rosa said before petting her surfing Pokemon, "I'm sure Jellicent could take it down."
"No," Roman responded, "I'll beat that thing myself." He said before jumping back on Jellicent, causing Rosa to sigh before they continued their pursuit.
Meanwhile.
In the middle of another battle with Team Yell grunts, Ruby smiled as she ordered her Pokemon, "Eevee, Staravia, time for a double Quick Attack!"She said with both Pokemon dashing in at high speed. Eevee crashed into a small red fox with black ears on the tail's end. While Staravia rammed into a long black and white raccoon Pokemon with its tongue sticking out. The grunts Pokemon laid fainted at their trainers' side, while Ruby jumped with joy, "Yeah, we did it!"
"You're doing good." Sonia said, "But don't get overconfident."
"I know," Ruby said before looking back to her Pokemon, "I'm just proud of both of you."
"Star," Staravia said with a smirk as he raised his head high.
"Eev," Eevee had a slight giggle, but then had a slightly heavy breath.
"You two should take a rest." Ruby said before taking out two pokeballs, recalling both her partners to them, "Now, time to get going!" the red hooded trainer said before rushing down the alleyway as fast as she could.
Sonia had a slight smile, but then gasped upon seeing another Pokemon, "Ruby, there's a wa-"
However, it was too late as a loud thud was heard. Ruby's body came to a sudden stop, her face mushed against something flat. She pulled herself back, shaking her head before opening her eyes to see what she ran into, "Eh?" Ruby said as she discovered nothing in her path. She then reached out her left hand, feeling a wall in front of her. In the corner of her eye, Ruby saw a new Pokemon. This one had a humanoid shape with a pale makeup face and blue hair that jutted out at the sides. Its hands were moving as if a wall was in front of it, "Uh?"
"That's a Mr. Mime." Sonia said as she walked over, "They like to put up barriers."
"Oh," Ruby responded, "How do I get past him?"
"You beat us?" Ruby heard two more Team Yell male Grunts walking up, "We are much stronger than what you have faced before." One of the grunts then took out a Pokeball, "Theivul, come on out." He said as a larger red fox Pokemon was seen, this one with a lot of black fur on its eyes, resembling a mask.
"Skuntank, let's rock them!" the other male grunt said as he threw out his Pokemon. Emerging was a larger version of the stunk Pokemon Ruby saw before, now with its tail ridding up its back and onto its head.
"They are using more evolved Pokemon." Sonia commented before looking back to Ruby, "Be careful."
"Thanks." Ruby said before focusing on her opponents, then taking out two pokeballs, "Growlithe, Budew, you two are up now!" she said with both Pokemon coming out.
"Bud," the bud Pokemon said as she came out.
"Growl!" Growlithe howled as he emerged onto the battlefield.
"Skuntank, use Flamethrower." One grunt ordered, causing the large stuck Pokemon to expel a beam of flames from the end of its tail.
"Budew, Water Sport." Ruby countered with the bud Pokemon expelling water from the top of its head. The two attacks collided with a cloud of steam filling the alley, "Growlithe, rush in with Play Rough!" she said with the canine Pokemon dashing into the steam at high speed.
"Got you," the other grunt spoke, "Theivul, Sucker Punch!" Suddenly, Growlithe gasped while seeing glare from the thieving fox Pokemon, who then knocked the canine Pokemon back out of the steam with a smack of the tail. "How do you like that?" the Grunt responded while the steam settled. However, he then saw a red aura around Growlithe.
"You just powered him up," Ruby responded, "Growlithe, use Flame Wheel!"
"Growl!" the canine Pokemon barked before coiling into a blazing ball before rolling towards its attacker.
"Use Night Slash!" the grunt responded as Theivul rushed into with its front claws glowing with a black aura. The two attacks collided with the power struggle. However, the flames got bigger as the dark type move increased Growlithe's power even more. The Flame Wheel overcame the Night Slash, sending Theivul back as it landed unconscious at its trainer's feet, "No way!"
"Grr, Skuntank, attack Growlithe with Venoshock!" the other grunt called out with the large stunk Pokemon unleashed a toxic sludge from its tail.
"Growlithe, Agility!" Ruby called out with the canine Pokemon having a sudden burst of speed, dashing out of the way of the attack, "Go in with one more Flame Wheel to finish it off." She said with the canine Pokemon rolling in flames like before, crashing into Skuntank's face with a massive explosion. The grunt gasped as the large stunk Pokemon fainted at his side, causing Ruby to smile at another win. However, she saw Growlithe was slightly flung back in the blast as well, "What?"
"Aftermath, he took a bit of damage from that last move making physical contact," Sonia commented.
Ruby then knelt near her canine Pokemon, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize that." She said to Growlithe, "You can take a rest while Staravia comes back in for a bit."
"Growl!" Growlithe spoke with a look of focus in its eyes, "Growlithe!"
"You want to keep going?" she asked with the canine Pokemon nodding, "Okay, just don't push yourself too hard." She said with Growlithe panting in joy, then walking ahead. The hooded trainer then looked down at Budew, "Look out for him in our next battle."
"Bud," Budew said with a nod as well, causing Ruby to look ahead and see Mr. Mime walk away. As she approached where the barrier was, nothing now blocked her path as she walked forward.
While approaching the end of the alley, the music was becoming clearer. However, Ruby heard a set of yelling from above, "You ain't going any further!" a set of female Team Yell grunts shouted as they jumped from the first-floor window onto ground level, "We stand in your path now." The first grunt said as she took out a Pokeball, "Go Scrafty! She said as a larger and more orange version of the Scraggy Ruby fought before was seen, this evolution having a red mohawk fin on its head.
"Go, Pangoro!" The other grunt said as a giant buff panda Pokemon was seen with a twig in its mouth.
"Two dark-fighting types," Sonia commented.
"Yeah, get ready to feel the pain!" One of the grunts yelled.
"You aren't getting near our girl." The other grunt added on, "Pangoro, Hammer Arm!" she said with the giant panda Pokemon rushing in with its right arm raised high and aimed for Growlithe.
"Dodge it." Ruby said with Growlithe jumping back to avoid the hit, causing Pangoro's arm to smash into the pavement, "Hit it with a Flame Wheel." She called out with the canine Pokemon rolling into a blazing ball, riding up the stuck arm before slamming into Pangoro's face. "Nice!" Ruby said while seeing Pangoro get flung back. However, the giant panda Pokemon used its other arm to dig into the pavement, this time to slow itself down.
Suddenly, Ruby gasped upon taking its eyes off her other opponent, "Scrafty, use Head Smash!" the other grunt order, causing the hoodlum Pokemon to dash in with a powerful blue aura encompassing its body. Scrafty slammed its head into Growlithe, knocking the canine Pokemon out of its Flame Wheel and into the ground. Scrafty landed back on its feet, the blue aura fading away with sparks from the recoil.
"Grow…lithe." The canine Pokemon said as it tried to push self-up.
"Hang in there!" Ruby called out before turning to her other Pokemon, "Budew, protect Growlithe. Use Mega Drain on Scrafty."
"Bud," Budew said with a nod before standing between the two Pokemon, "Budew!" the bud Pokemon said before a green beam of energy expelled from its head, encompassing Scrafty and stealing its energy.
"Did you forget about me?" the first grunt called out, "Pangoro, use Slash." She said with the large panda Pokemon rushing it, its left arm reeled back before swiping Budew. With the attack colliding, the energy-sapping from Mega Drain stopped.
"Budew!" the bud Pokemon skidded back from the attack but reposed while still having Growlithe behind her.
"Quick, use Solar Beam!" Ruby called out with slight panic in her voice.
"Bud," Budew said as she started charging. However, Ruby saw barely any light gathering for the attack.
"Ha, you think you will get enough sunlight here?" One of the grunts called out, "Pangoro, Hammer Arm." She said with the giant panda Pokemon rushing it with its right arm swinging.
"D-dodge it!" Ruby called out with Budew jumping to evade the hit. However, the Scrafty had also jumped into the air and saw an opening, "Look out!"
"Too late," the other grunt said, "Hi-Jump Kick!" she said with Scrafty kicking Budew in midair, punting the bud Pokemon into a neon sign before she fell onto the pavement.
"Oh no, Budew!" Ruby cried out as Growlithe also looked at the Pokemon partner on the ground.
"Growl." The canine Pokemon said before turning back to a smirking Scrafty in rage, "Growlithe!" he said before dashing towards the hoodlum Pokemon at high speed. Scrafty could not even react before Growlithe was behind him, then felt a sudden rush of pain from a delayed impact.
"What was that move?" Ruby asked aloud.
"Oh, so his fourth move is Retaliate." Sonia answered, "If an ally fainted, that move does a lot more damage." She said before having a look of confusion, seeing Scrafty still on one knee from the attack, "So, it should have been a lot stronger than that just now."
"Then, that means!" Ruby said before looking back, seeing Budew slowly push herself up. A look of joy filled the hooded trainer's face, as did the canine Pokemon upon discovering his ally was still up.
"Stubborn plant," one of the grunts said, "Pangoro, rush it down with Slash." She said with the giant panda Pokemon changing in with its claws raised back.
"Growlithe, protect Budew," Ruby called out with the canine Pokemon nodding. However, Scrafty blocked his path, causing Ruby to panic as she looked back to the defenseless Budew. However, she soon gasped as the bud Pokemon was encompassed in a white light.
Despite the light, Pangoro unleashed its slash onto its target. However, upon swiping its arm, Budew was gone. After a quick scan of the area, the giant panda Pokemon discovered something now standing on its right paw, the one used for the slash. It was a small plant girl barely taller than Budew was. She had a leafy attire and thorny head: the left arm was a blue violet flower, the right was a red rose, "Roselia." The evolved Pokemon spoke with half-open eyes and a slight smile.
"Look at that," Sonia commented, "You're Budew evolved into a Roselia."
"Wow!" Ruby gushed at the rose Pokemon, "You're so pretty now!"
"Rose," Roselia said before she leaped off Pangoro's arm, raising both flowers above her head. The blue and red petals with a purple aura before Roselia, pirouette, "Roselia!" she said before unleashing a storm of petals that bombarded the giant panda Pokemon, exploding on contact.
"That looks like Magical Leaf," Sonia said before Roselia landed and Pangoro toppled over with swirling eyes.
"Awesome!" Ruby cheered as Roselia bowed to its trainer. However, the hooded trainer focused on the rest of the battle, "Okay Growlithe, time do your stuff as well."
"Growl," Growlithe said as he glared down Scrafty.
"We ain't done yet," the grunt called out, "Scrafty, Hi-Jump Kick!" She yelled with the hoodlum Pokemon leaping into the air, then rushing down with a powerful kick.
"Move out of the way with Agility," Ruby said with Growlithe dodging at the last second, causing Scrafty to keep going and crashing its knee into the pavement. While the hoodlum Pokemon was stuck, it looked up in dread at the canine Pokemon snaring, "Now, Play Rough!" Ruby called out before Growlithe piled on Scrafty, creating a cloud of smoke while beating down the hoodlum Pokemon.
Once the smoke settled, Growlithe sat atop a fainted Scrafty, "Grooowl." The canine Pokemon howled at their victory.
"Nice, we did it!" Ruby cheered as she picked up both her Pokemon, spinning with them in her arms. Growlithe panted in joy, while Roselia had a soft smile on her face. Sonia watched on with a smile before they continued down the alleyway.
Meanwhile.
On a nearby shore, Grapploct made its way to land before moving over to a nearby ice pillar, "Grap," it spoke while looking at its reflection in the ice, "Grapploct." The blue octopus Pokemon spoke while flexing its tentacles. However, its head raised as it heard something else come ashore. In turning around, Grapploct saw Roman and Rosa approaching, "Loct." The blue octopus Pokemon said before adjusting the hat then moved in closer for the next round.
"This time, you've got nowhere to hide," Roman said as he griped a Pokeball.
"Grapploct!" the blue octopus Pokemon said as its readying in a fighting stance.
"Go, Zubat!" Roman said as he tossed out his Pokeball, causing the eyeless blue bat Pokemon to appear, who slightly screeched on entry.
"I told you her moves," Rosa informed Roman, "But you are still going to be at a heavy disadvantage if you don't want to use one of them."
"I'll manage," Roman responded before pointing, "Zubat, use Supersonic!" he said with the blue bat Pokemon screeching in waves of yellow energy. They collided with Grapploct, causing its eyes to swirl and body to sway. "Nice, now swoop in with a Bite and get my hat back," Roman called out with Zubat diving towards its opponent.
However, Grapploct eyes glowed blue as it jumped the attempted bite, causing Roman to gasp, "Looks like it broke through to still use Detect." Rosa commented, then looked back to Roman, "Man, this just isn't your day."
"…Grapploct," Grapploct said before shaking its head, snapping out of confusion. It then turned back to Zubat with a glare, "Loct!" the blue octopus Pokemon said before unleashing a barrage of chopping motions with its four tentacle arms.
"Dodge it," Roman called out with Zubat doing to, its tiny bat body evading each swing of a tentacle, "Use Astonish!" Roman called out with Zubat rushing into Grapploct's face, screeching right in front of its eyes.
"Grap!" the blue octopus Pokemon flinched as its eyes closed.
"Now's our chance," Roman comment, "Swoop around and take my hat back from behind." He called out with Zubat doing so, evading all four tentacle arms before it was about to bite the rim of the hat, causing Roman to smile.
However, just before Zubat could bite down, the fifth tentacle that was around Grapploct's waist uncoil. It locked around Zubat's body while Grapploct turned its head back with a glare.
"Grapploct." The blue octopus Pokemon spoke before its other four tentacles latched onto the blue bat pokemon's wings and thin legs, causing Zubat to cry in agony.
"What's this thing doing now?" Roman commented.
"Oh no," Rosa said with him looking back at her Pokedex, "It's using Octolock to bind Zubat."
"Crap," Roman said before taking out his Pokeball, "I'll return Zubat, then send her back out and-" he said, but the Pokeball's red beam failed to connect with the blue bat Pokemon.
"That move prevents fleeing," Rosa responded, then seeing Grapploct move towards the water, "It's going to take Zubat now as well."
"Not going to happen," Roman said before clenching his fist, "Zubat, try to bite down on the tentacles." He called out, but the blue bat pokemon's fangs could not reach. "Damnit!" Roman shouted as Grapploct was about to reach the water. Rosa gritted her teeth as she took out a Pokeball, but then gasped as Roman ran in, "You octopus bastard!" he said with his right arm reeled in a fist, "I'm not letting you take my Pokemon either!" he shouted before he was about to unleash a punch.
Grapploct released the waist tentacle of its technical binding Zubat. The blue octopus then dodged Roman's punch before smacking him across the face with the tentacle, sending the orange-haired criminal flying back before skidding on the shore and into a the ice pillar. Rosa gasped in panic as Roman did not seem to be moving right away. "Loct." Grapploct commented as it looked at its defeated foe.
However, Zubat also saw Roman's body. Her mouth agape in shock before realizing. In that last move, Grapploct had removed one of its tentacles from binding. With the extra movement, Zubat flared its fangs before biting down into the blue octopus pokemon's waist tentacle.
"Grap!" Grapploct flinched before turning its attention back to Zubat, "Grapploct!" the blue octopus Pokemon tried to pry Zubat off, but the fangs were sinking in deeper, "Grapploct!" He shouted before then trying to blue Zubat apart, but the blue bat Pokemon remained resilient. Suddenly, a white light shined over Zubat's body, "Loct?" Zubat's body grew much larger, its wings spreading more than Grapploct could hold back anymore. The blue octopus Pokemon released its grip while jumping back, seeing its new opponent fully form.
Rosa had run over to help up Roman, but they gasped at the sight. The light faded to reveal a much more massive blue bat Pokemon, one with visible eyes and a large gaping mouth. "I don't believe it," Rosa said to Roman, "Your Zubat evolved into Golbat!"
Roman then stood up, seeing Golbat flap over to him with eyes of worry, "Heh, you got bigger now." He spoke with a slight chuckle, causing Golbat's eyes to light up. The two then looked over to Grapploct, who Taunted with one of its tentacles before adjusting the hat with the others, "Alright, time to finish this." Roman said with Golbat nodding, causing him to point, "Go, use Astonish." He said with the blue bat spoke swooping in at high speed, ready to crash into Grapploct.
"Grap," Grapploct said as its eyes glowed blue with Detect, causing it to jump to avoid the hit. However, as it was about to swing its tentacle down, Golbat's fangs were already at the ready.
"That trick is getting old," Roman taunted, "Use Bite." He said with Golbat sinking its top fangs into Grapploct's tentacle arm.
"Loct!" Grapploct said before seeing a purple aura around the fangs, one that now spread around its body.
"Oh, looks like Golbat learned a new move." Rosa said with her hand on her chin, "It knows Poison Fang now."
"Well, look at you showing off more." Roman said with a smirk before point, "Okay Golbat, toss this thing into a nearby rock!" he said with the blue bat Pokemon doing so, launching Grapploct into a massive stone.
"Grap!" Grapploct said before focusing, using its tentacles to bounce off the rock and lunge back at high speed, "Grapploct!" the blue octopus said as all its tentacles were expended for another Octolock now.
Roman gritted his teeth for a second as an idea came to his head, then pointed, "It's wide open now, use Air Cutter!" Roman ordered with Rosa slightly gasping. Golbat then vigorously flapped its wings at high speed, unleashing razor winds that collided all over Grapploct's body and tentacles. The blue octopus pokemon's eyes widened before the final wind slashed into its head, knocking it back while also sending the hat fly off. Roman wanted Grapploct to hit the ground with a loud thud, seeing it struggle to get back. At that moment, the orange-haired criminal reached into his pocket, take out the ball he was gifted before, "Time for you," Roman said while throwing the ball, "To know who the boss is!" he said before Grapploct was ensnared inside the ball. A silence fell over the area as the ball shock thrice, then a click was heard. "Done," Roman said with a grin.
"Nice, you caught a Pokemon." Rosa said with a smirk, "And I didn't even need to trick you with a rock this time." She said before having her hand on her chin, "Still, where did you get that kind of Pokeball."
"Doesn't matter." Roman said before seeing Golbat fly over to him, "And you didn't do half bad." He said with a smile, causing Golbat to have a look of glee in its eyes. However, the look of joy faded as the blue bat Pokemon carried something in its tiny legs. Roman looked to see it was his hat, which was now covered in multiple cuts from the last attack, "It's fine," Roman said with a sigh, taking the item back from his Pokemon, "It's just a hat."
"You know, I could fix that up for you." Rosa responded, "I got a Pokemon that can make it look good as new."
"You'd do that for me?" Roman asked while recalling Golbat.
"Call it a reward for catching that Pokemon," Rosa said with a wink, causing Roman to hand her the hat. The two then walked over to the ball with Grapploct, Rosa scanning it with her Pokedex, "What made you want to capture this one?"
"Oh," Roman said as he picked up the ball, snarling as he started to clench it in his hand, "I want to know what happens when you break one of these with something still inside." He said with Rosa having a grim look on her face, "Kidding." Roman said with her sighing, "As I said, I want this guy to know who the boss is." He said before tossing the ball up, "Come on out." The orange-haired criminal called with the ball opening and white energy filling out. However, the energy formed around his body as Grapploct bound his torso, "GGGGGAAAAAHHHH!" Roman screamed, "What is it doing!?"
"Grap," Grapploct spoke, but its eyes were full of hearts as the Octolock tightened.
"Awe, this is because you used a Friend Ball to catch Grapploct." Rosa said with her hand on her chin, "Now, she loves you."
"This thing's a girl!?" Roman said before the Octolock tightened, "GGGGGGAAAAAHHHH!" he screamed as Grapploct nuzzled its new trainer.
Meanwhile.
Ruby took a few more steps before reaching an opening in the alleyway, "D-did we finally reach the end?" she said as they entered a battle arena.
However, while one end was empty, the other was filled with multiple Team Yell Grunts cheering. In front of them on a neon backlit stage was a man with long black and white hair in a spiked style. His aggressive voice singing into the mic. Sonia smiled as she crossed her arms, "That's the former Gym Leader, Piers." The Galar professor commented, "He's as talented at singing as he is at battling. If he were still the gym leader, I don't think I would have recommended you challenge this …. Ruby?" she said before seeing the hooded trainer cheering in the crowd.
"Yeah!" Ruby yelled while bobbing her head to the lyrics, "I love this song!" she said before the song slowly started to end, "Oh…" she said in slight disappointment before all the grunts turned to her, "Uh oh."
"You think you can interrupt our main man's concert!?" a male grunt yelled, taking out a Pokeball.
"We won't ever forgive you for that!" a female grunt said as she took out her Pokeball.
"Yeah, Team Yell is going to scream you out this city!" another grunt said as she took out a Pokeball.
"You ain't ever making it past this battle!" another grunt said as he took out a Pokeball.
Soon all other grunts had a ready to send out Pokemon in hand, causing Ruby to grit her teeth. Her team was outnumbered and already tired from other battles. Suddenly, a new female voice was heard, "That's enough." The Team Yell grunts gasped as Ruby had a look of confusion. The grunts then parted as a young girl walked up. She wore a black leather jacket and spiked boots over a pink sundress. Her black-haired was tied in the back into two pigtails by a ribbon. Her bangs nearly covered her right eye, but a spiked pattern was shaved into the other side of her forehead, "This Challenger has already proven herself by beating a lot of you." She said before looking directly at Ruby, "I'm Marnie, the Spikemuth Gym Leader."
"Uh, hi?" Ruby responded with a slight wave, "I…. like your hair."
"You do not get to say such weak compliments to her." One grunt yelled, "Marnie's hair is amazing!"
"Yeah, it's stylish and cool!" another grunt added on.
"So true, it's the best!" another grunt shouted.
Marnie then sighed, "Just ignore them." The Spikemuth Gym Leader spoke, "You're in the Pokemon World League, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am." Ruby responded, "I already have one badge and four Pokemon on my team."
"I see, then you can use all of them." Marnie responded, "It will be one on one until all four members of a team have fainted." She said with a smile forming, "Once you have healed your team, we can get right to the match."
"But Marnie," a grunt called out.
"We battled her so those Pokemon would be too weak before she challenged you." Another grunt added on.
"I'm not going to have a challenger fight me when they are not prepared." Marnie spoke to Team Yell, "If you want to help me win, you better be cheering loud."
"YES MARNIE!" All the Team Yell grunts shouted at the same time, some with tears of joy in their eyes.
"Uh, thank you." Ruby said as she regained Marnie's attention, "I hope to give you a good challenge."
"As do I," Marnie responded before grinning, "Just don't take it personally when I kick your butt." She said with Ruby having a matching smirk on her face as well.
AN: There you go, enter the best female rival in the series. Ruby shows she has improved a lot as she mows down grunt after grunt, but still shows a bit of her inexperience with these kinds of fights at times. Budew finally evolves into the elegant Roselia, learning Magical Leaf over Mega Drain. We also see Growlithe's fourth move, which has one of my favorite attack animations in current gens, Retaliate. However, the Roman section for me was my favorite to write this chapter. He gets his hat stolen my a small fighting Pokemon that then evolves into much more terrifying creature. (Sounds a bit familiar). However, Roman manages not only to beat it, but catch the Pokemon, who now loves him so much she causes him physical harm each time they are sent out, (Also sounds familiar). Regardless, I do like Zubat's evolution here, turning into the big blue Golbat. Roman's hat might have taken a hit, but Rosa is on the job to fix it. Next chapter, we have Ruby challenge Marnie for her second badge. Can she win? You will have to wait and see. Final note, Ruby loving punk rock is cannon for me. However, Marnie will always pull off that haircut better than Ruby ever will. That is all for now, thanks for reading, and hope to see you in the next chapter.