Author's Note:
Here it is, the start of the final arc before Hoenn's Pokémon league. Just like with the Celebi arc in Johto, this is mostly my own creation and also will give some massive points towards the over-arching plot of this series. We also get some old mon, as shown in the last chapter but that's mostly just for fun. Well one of them will have a pretty significant role but its more about their own arc then the delta episode stuff. As for this first part, its mostly set up. Not much is delta episode-y about this chapter outside of the ending and really this arc could double as a light-adaptation of the Destiny Deoxys movie, but then again, it's mostly because of who'll we'll end up seeing. We also get to see an important character from the league. Brock is also gone for this arc, I didn't really have a way to include him in this arc so he's busy with Electrike at the prosthetic facility from last chapter. He will be back for the league, so don't worry. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin
Chapter eighty-six: Delta Episode P I
Ash smiled as he stared ahead to his two Pokémon. He currently had Feraligatr performing a practise battle against Alakazam, the psychic type wasn't attack but moving to help him adapt to his new evolution. His moves were fluid and flowed nicely with his previous dance-expertise showing.
During the battle against Serena and Sirfetch'd, it became clear they were evenly matched. While they held more raw strength, both had fluid motions and styles, but the problem came with size. Feraligatr took far more hits, and it eventually tired him out. Of course, a fun battle like didn't matter who won or didn't but it did help identify a massive for his water type. He frowned, knowing he's desperate to incorporate his dance moves to the new body but can't yet.
Closing his eyes, he let those thoughts wash over him and turned to the side. Primeape was off to side with May's Combusken. They seemed to be working on some new fighting move. Smiling at the mentor side showing on his wild pig Pokémon, he continued to glance around.
Off in the distance, Sandslash set up a rocky-ground to have a practise battle against Houndoom. His two serious Pokémon are easily two of his toughest and it was showing. The large rocks set up for protection spewed with flames as he heard the savage slashes clanging of the earth structures. A smile crept onto his face as he felt the excitement of his high-action matches of the past rush through his veins. Both have never looked better in their combat skills.
"Man, Houndoom and Sandslash sure look strong," Max muttered, stepping to his side. "They were tough in the silver conference but seeing it first hand-"
"Both of them are some of my toughest fighters, Max," he replied, "neither hold themselves back regardless of opponent. And these are the results."
He saw the shaky smile on the boy's face as his cheeks ducked in slightly to show him biting on his inner cheek. Both his brows pulled together, creating a sea of wrinkles on his forehead, disrupting his glasses, revealing his squinting eyes.
"You don't need to be scared you know," he replied, "they fierce but neither are going to attack you or anything. I'll tell you; I couldn't ask for better partners to stand beside me. In fact, all my Pokémon are like-"
"I-it's not that." His voice was shaky, filled with uncertainty. "A-Ash?"
"Yeah-" He left room for the young boy to speak.
"I-if I make it too a league... I'll end up facing that sort of strength?" he asked.
"You've got a while to go before that." He smirked, ruffling the boy's hair. "You've got to earn eight badges... and build up a more full team. Sorry to say even with your four current team members, I don't think you'll make it to the league with just them. You'll need at least six Pokémon for full battles."
"Y-yeah but I've watched your Hoenn gym battles a-and-"
"There's a big difference between watching and competing, Max." He cut him off, kneeling down to eye level. "The gym challenge is designed to test you. To ensure you're ready for a league challenge so you shouldn't worry about that yet. You should focus on what's here now and not the challenges down the road."
The boy closed his eyes and swallowed visibly. Offering him a smile, he stood back up and glanced around, he noticed the ground type spike ball rolling out with flames surrounding his body. Uncurling, his claw scrapped into the ground. Despite the intense heat, he managed to dig a hole and disappear.
Chuckling at the intensity of his two fierce fighters, he turned around and walked away from the clash. The sight of his fairy flying type brought a gentler smile to his face as he watched him float around in the sky with ancient power rocks surrounding him. Ozone was in her sun form and shooting off embers which he blocked. The duo danced around each other as the weather Pokémon worked on her aerial-combat skills.
Down on the floor, he noticed Geice off by himself. He kept performing a front-flip, slamming his tail into the ground. A slightly large rock wobbled in front.
He smiled at the attempt to learn rock tomb. His happiness Pokémon gave him the basics on rock type energy and was now constantly demonstrating in his practise battle and while not quite getting it, he couldn't deny Max's starter was doing well for a first time, but one thought did occur to himself.
"Why didn't I ever think of teaching Grovyle a rock move?" he muttered. "It would've given him a counter to flying, bug, fire, ice..."
"I'd say because rock is a more defensive typing." Max chimed in. "Being more about speed and power... I actually got the idea by rerunning battles Grovyle has had and thinking about what could've helped. Imagine if could've rock tombed Juan's Mantine or-"
"Okay, I get it." He smiled. "Every time you choose to focus on one thing in training, there will always be dozens of other things which don't work."
"How do you make the decision then?" he asked.
"First you don't procrastinate. It's better to be working on something rather than nothing," he replied, "then you speak with the Pokémon. If there's something they wish to improve or learn. Do it. You can also think back when you've got more Pokémon to see what worked well."
"Is that why you got Taillow to learn steel wing straight away?" he asked.
"Right." He nodded. "It was a massive help for Pidgeot and Pikachu with iron tail. It just made sense to start there since she really wanted to face Roxanne."
His eye caught sight of Shade who seemed to surrounded by a sphere of psychic energy. Just like he had done with Duskull, the ghost was expanding upon the type he already could use beside his own. Of course, his son-like Pokémon had helped with demonstrating extrasensory.
Togetic really is one of the more versatile fighters. Without even getting into the potential of metronome.
"Hey!" Max cried out. "Ozone wasn't ready for it! That wasn't fair!"
He turned just in time to see static jump off his happiness Pokémon and the rocks smash into the fire type. Causing Castform to crash into the ground.
"The deal was Togetic would switch onto the offensive, Max," he replied, "and your opponent won't always choreograph their moves. You need to be on guard."
Pulling out a small yellow bottle, he kneeled down and sprayed the current-fire type. He had to admit, launching a close ranged thunder wave was a fairly sneaky move on Togetic's part. He couldn't help but think it's something Pikachu would pull out when helping training some less experienced members.
The weather Pokémon shot up with a series of embers close together. A pink-tinted wind shot down and burst through the embers, dispersing them.
"Hey Castform, come here for a minute!" He called out as both Pokémon came to a stop. Floating down, she hovered about eye level. "You seem to have a lot of stored fire power from the sun. I think you should be ready to upgrade your embers into a flamethrower."
"Really?" she asked.
"Yeah." He nodded. "From what I gathered from Charizard, Torkoal and other first types. You use the same process but hold onto it for a moment. Let the energy swell then let it out in one big burst. Give it a try."
She nodded and turned around. Trembling on the spot, her eyes closed with a red-outline. Steam radiated out of her head.
A massive jet of flames shot with a bellowing roaring. An intense heat blurred his vision until it ended. Everything was silent for a moments following it.
"Awesome!" Max burst up, throwing his fist into the air.
"That was a good start." He nodded with a smile. "But I have to wonder how much was Ozone and how much was the sun."
"Either way it'll be way more useful then ember-"
"Slow down Max, remember what I said about choreographing moves. That build up made it clear what was coming and would give any opponent chance to dodge or counter," he replied, "and just because its powerful, doesn't mean you should forget ember."
"Why?" he asked.
"You'll never know when you'd want to use the weaker move," he replied, "being rapid fire and widespread could help trap an opponent whose faster. Or maybe you'd her to one day help with training newer Pokémon you meet. Remember how Pikachu would control his electricity during training."
"Right!" He nodded, with a wide grin spread over his face. "Man, today will be the best day ever!"
"So other than this, what else is happening to make you say that?" he asked.
"My dad finds out today whether or not he got the job! It's between him and Winona!" He beamed. "A league rep should be visiting his gym any time."
"Well, I hope it is him." He smiled. "But Winona is tough. Both of them would do well in the position so no harm if he doesn't get it."
"He's a sure-case-" His nose raised up with pride in his dad.
"Well, we still have Ralts to find out about before we worry about that." He cut the boy off, hoping to change the topic. Turning around he noticed the small psychic fairy moving around with sparkles flowing around them. "Have you thought of a nickname yet?"
"No... well we've got a few ideas, but none seem to work." He shrugged.
Ralts had seen Togetic perform fairy wind and quickly tried to pick the move. While having good control of the energy, manipulating like a flying type was another matter entirely. Right now, it could act as a sort of shield... but not by much.
As he stepped forward to approach, a loud bark drew his attention. Turning he saw both Sandslash and Houndoom emerging from their battle and running straight towards him. Kneeling down he couldn't help but frown at the look in his alpha Pokémon's eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I sensed a massive power presence nearby," he replied, "not sure who or what but-"
"We should make sure they aren't causing trouble." He looked to the ground type. "You feel it too?"
"Nah, I'm not like the old tracker here," he replied, "but I can reconsign fear when I see it and that look. Old hound was scared shitless so I'm not willing to take chances."
"Neither am I." He stood and recalled most of his team, leaving the two fierce fighters out. Shouting out to the mental connection with Serena, she helped form the full link and gave her a run-down of the turn of events. As they took off, he couldn't help but notice Max following beside with Ozone floating above.
"Don't think you're going without me!" He panted slightly.
While he wanted to tell the boy to stay back, these situations were normally on a strict time limit, and they didn't have the time to argue. It would also be pretty hypocritical of him to berate him about safety. His mind thought down to Alakazam, if it gets too bad then he can teleport him away to safety.
His eyes glanced to the two Pokémon in front of him. Houndoom was leading the run, but Sandslash was rolling right beside. The ground type could potentially overtake with enough built-up momentum but being the one to sense it, it made sense for the dark Pokémon to lead. If it turns out for the worst though, then he'll be sure to let the ground type cut loose. Out of all his Pokémon, he's the one he really wouldn't suggest taking on in a close-quarters fight.
Both of these two have a lot in common but with one key difference. Houndoom tries to redeem his past actions which he regrets... Sandslash embraces them.
His breathing became rapid as they burst into the gym, his two Pokémon still leading the path. They skidded into the first battle room where he found his friend's father with another man and an Absol. All three occupants stared at him as he studied the situation... he can remember seeing the guys face before.
The other guy seemed to be mid to late twenties with a mostly bald head, a small flick of magenta-hair in the shape of an ember. His eyes were large, framed by thick eyebrows of the same colour. He wore a black blazer with a striped golden undershirt which flicked out with a large colour, revealing the top part of his chest. Magenta suit-trousers only reached his lower leg, leaving his feet on display in black trainers.
"Ash?" the normal specialist asked, drawing his attention. His lips were turned down and his brows were narrowed with rows of wrinkles decorating his forehead. Stepping back at the look of pure horror on his face made him realise what this looked like. "Are May and Max-"
"Erm, their fine." He uttered, the young boy bursting in behind him. "Houndoom sensed something... off. That's why we just... burst... in."
"Well as long as you wasn't eavesdropping or anything I guess we'll just let it slide." The man stepped forward, with a clear sarcastic undertone, the disaster Pokémon stalking around his back as he held out his hand. "Names Sidney. One of Hoenn's elite four. Dark type specialist."
Glancing down to the open gesture, he slowly placed his hand in. The man tightened his grip and gave a pretty firm handshake. As it came to an end, he couldn't help himself but stare at the guy. Did he really think he'd burst in like that without any reason? What's his deal anyway? He isn't normally one to judge but this guy and his abrasive undertone are just rubbing him the wrong way.
"So, dad-" Max's voice drew him out of the thoughts. "Did you get the job?"
"Sorry kid but that's need to know," Sidney interjected. "And you don't need to know. You can find out the same time as everyone else... after the league."
"He's Norman's son." He stepped up. "Surely he can-"
"I don't care if he's the PLA president's son." He cut him off. "Need to know means need to know. End of discussion."
Both his lips and brows dropped down into a scowl at the weird-dressed man. Glancing to the side, he noticed Max's normal-happy demour falter slightly. He can understand wanting to keep it secret but no reason to be so rude to him. A low growl drew him back, curtsy of his dark fire type.
He was staring straight at the Absol, whose claws clutched the floor slightly. The man squatted down right in front of him, putting his face dangerously close to the pack leader. His hand went up to his collar, but Houndoom snapped his jaw in response, causing Sidney to smirk.
"Feisty." He stood up with a sickening grin. "You know, if I were to guess I'd say he was once a leader. The marks on his horns being a sure-fire way to tell but his behaviour... it's more like a lone ranger or at least the enforcer of a pack rather than leader."
"Enforcer?" he asked.
"Usually the most aggressive member of a group. Certainly, strong and while they can be leaders." He paused. "Especially if the group is dictated by strength, they lack the skills to fully-fill that role."
"Kinda like Swellow or Meganium-" he thought to himself.
Both of the stubborn female Pokémon were his most battle-hungry members from his Hoenn and Johto teams, respectively. Even if Swellow was a former leader, she never really took on much leadership in Hoenn. Gardevoir is more like the head of his team, although Torkoal also could be.
"-given his behaviour though..." He shook his head. "He'll need to be careful with that gem around his neck."
"Huh?" he blinked.
"If you lack control then overwhelming power shall control you," he replied, "I'm guessing that risk is what's upsetting Absol here."
"Houndoom doesn't have issues with control!" He declared. "He's only on edge because-"
"-of the danger he sensed, yeah, yeah." He dismissed with a wave of his head. "You already said that. I'm just surprised since you know, only one Pokémon has that ability to my knowledge. And I'd rather take my partner's word for it than either of yours."
He scowled at the arrogance of the man. Anger rushed through his veins. His eyes locked on the dark type specialist as his fist tightened. This seemed to get the man's reaction as a smirk spread over his face. Crossing his arms over his chest as he stared down to them.
"So, what do you say kid?!" He asked. "You and lassie up for this challenge?"
Sandslash let out a snorted chuckle at the nickname. Seeing his fire type's browl flick didn't disturb the ground types amusement.
"What do you say Houndoom?" he asked. "You ready to test mega evolution?"
Locking eyes on the fellow dark canine, he nodded. Stepping forward, he cranked his neck either side and took up a strong stance. He could've sworn he saw a smirk over the disaster Pokémon face. Moving onto the trainers box of the gym field, he noticed their nose twitch as his eyes darted up to his for a second.
"Man... do Absol's just hate me?" he muttered, glancing down to the ground type beside him.
"Don't even think about it," he replied, "I wanna see how this plays out. I'm watching."
Shrugging, he couldn't really blame the ground type. As the elite four member stood behind his pure dark type, he narrowed his browl slightly. How could someone like Steven allow a man like Sidney into his elite four. He's nothing like what he'd expect an elite four member to be.
"Yo Norman!" Sidney called out. "You kay to do the honours?"
"Of course." He took a spot in the refs position. "This will be a one-on-one battle between Ash and Sidney using Houndoom and Absol for the purpose of testing mega evolution. No time limit or substitutions. Let the battle begin!"
Both canines stood on the field in a low crouch. Each of their eyes locked on the other, as if daring the other to move first.
With a quick bark, he shot out a swift barrage of embers to the side. Charing off in the opposite direction, his fangs crackled with electricity.
Jumping away from the flames, Absol spun as he ended up flying towards Houndoom. Landing to his side, his horn glew with bug type energy.
His horn spun with the head swing and delivered a strong mega horn to his under-jaw. Forcing Houndoom's mouth closed, the electricity sizzled.
Shaking his head as he spun out, Houndoom growled and retook his offensive stance. His claws glew black with a purple outline as he charged forward.
Walking backwards, Sidney's disaster Pokémon seemed to enter some sort of rhythm. Regardless of how his dark fire type attacked, he effortlessly avoided the shadow claws. His eyes widened and a smirk formed on his
"Use flamethrower around the back!" He shouted. "Trap them into a close fight."
With a flick of his head, he shot of a stream of orange flames. Hitting the ground behind, he created a wall of fire as Absol jumped over.
"Alright!" He cheered. "Now they've got nowhere to go!"
"Neither do you." Sidney smirked. "Switch it up, Absol!"
Landing on the side of his fire dark type, he swung his head. The horn sent a slash of air across the field and into his side.
Entering a run, his claws extended up with a white glow. Bringing the first one down over his face, Houndoom stumbled onto the floor.
Bringing his tail overhead, it shimmered with a metal colour. The iron tail crashed onto his back and caused his dark Pokémon to collapse onto his stomach.
"Smoke screen then use the fire wall!" He shouted.
With a growl, a thick black smoke exhaled from his mouth. Causing both Pokémon to disappear from sight as he covered his mouth.
A shimmer of white fur appeared close to the floor, revealing Absol spinning on his floor. It sort of reminded him of how his Croconaw used aqua tail for dancing before he evolved. With a powerful wind spinning around him, it blew both the smoke and fire away.
Houndoom was revealed running through his fire wall. A red outline surrounded his body as his fangs seethed with flames.
"Interesting use of flash fire." Sidney smirked. "I can't think of many times I've seen one use their own attacks to activate an ability."
Leaping onto the fellow dark type, both Pokémon went scrawling on the floor. His fire fangs sunk down onto the disaster Pokémon's chest.
His head-piece glew and with a slice knocked him back. Rolling back onto all fours, the two canine stalked around in a circular motion.
A powerful flame stream shot out of his dark fire type. Roaring over the field, they seemed to envelope the white-furred Pokémon completely.
Sliced through with a strong slash of air, it cut back and hit his Pokémon's face. Both dark types ended facing off, like the start of the battle.
"I think I've got a taste for your Houndoom normally." Sidney shrugged. "Might as well put that key stone to use. Let the true battle begin!"
Closing his eyes, he gripped the marbel in his hand. The bright lights created shadows through the eyelids as he felt the stone heat up.
Memories of meeting him as a small Houndour leading a pack of thieves filled his head. Rushing to save one of group by getting him to Nurse Joy and their adventure through Johto. With him taking on a leading role within his group at the time. Their true test as a team coming in the battle against Morty. His heart raced as the memories of his dark type from his evolution to protect Togepi entered his head. The intense battle against the bugs of the forest. The battle against Jasmine in the Olivine gym and then others on the way to the silver conference. He's always been the dependable and disciplined leader he could rely on. Regardless of challenge they faced, he'd handle it with strength and determination. A strong leader and defender.
His eyes burst open and the cocoon surrounding his fire dark type cracked. Bursting open, he took in his Pokémon's new form. The ridges on his back thickened, and it gained additional bone-like rings around the base of his tail which now had the tip split down the middle. Small spikes poked out of the rings on his tail, resembling vertebrae. The ridges at the base of his neck were longer and curved forwards towards his shoulders. Instead of the band with a skull-pendant, there was now a large, toothed, structure around his neck. The bone-like formation had two large spikes on either side and three pointed teeth on the bottom. His horns now pointed straight up with a small, outward curve in the middle. The two bands on his hind legs vanished, and those on his forelegs were broken in the front. His claws were a dark red colour, seeming to generate heat... in fact the entire room seemed to be heating up.
A low threatening growl seethed out of his mouth as his snout twitched. Stumbling back, his eyes struggled to stay open as steam radiated off his body. He shook his head back and forth as his tail lashed side to side. "Houndoom?" he tentatively stepped forward.
With a pained-howl a strong stream of flames burst out of his mouth. Stumbling back, he fell on his behind as he watched the dark type Pokémon.
Houndoom's head swished side-to-side as it seemed to react to the flamethrower. A wall of fire burned off the floor with intense heat.
"Okay, we need to stop this now!" Sidney demanded.
His Absol shot through the flames, cutting on opening with a razor-wind from his horn. Landing on his side, his horn glew with bug type energy.
Slashing it into Houndoom's side, he was knocked over. Cancelling the stream of flames, he rolled onto his stomach and squeezed his eyes shut.
The dark fire types body burned with an intense heat burning through the room. His eyes burst open, but the pupils were dilated.
"Cancel the mega evolution!" Sidney shouted. "Now!"
Unable to respond, he blinked and stared out to his partner. Everything else seemed to disappear even the sounds of the other people.
A brown blur shot passed and a wave of dust knocked him over. Sitting up with a cough, he noticed Sandslash stood in front of them. Massive walls of earth burst through the ground and trapped his dark Pokémon inside. His heart stopped as a tornado of flames erupted up out of the containment with it bursting straight up through the ceiling. Absol stood beside his ground type in an offensive position, with cracks forming in the earth-wall.
Stabbing both his claws into the ground, Sandslash let out a pain-filled cry of his own. More pillars of earth burst up, covering ones about to collapse.
Scrambling over the floor, the entire situation hit him like a tonne of bricks. Grabbing his key stone, he squeezed it and shut his eyes.
It seemed to take forever but the flames died down, with a thud sounding from within the prison. The sun shone through the new hole in the roof. His ground type allowed the walls to collapse into heaps of earth on the floor, revealed the dark fire type.
Houndoom lay unconscious of the floor with scorched fur still smoking. His panting was heavy with his stomach raising and lowering in uneven manners.
Feeling tears sting his eyes, he scrambled over the floor. Ignoring the pain from hitting the chunks of earth which broke apart the floor. He reached out to hold his dark Pokémon but quickly retracted his hand from the intense heat. As if touching an over when it's on full in the middle of cooking dinner.
Holding his burning hand, he stared down to his alpha Pokémon. Eyes watered at the sight of him laying helplessly on the destroyed floor.
"Sorry kid but you've both got a long way to go before you're ready to use that mega stone." Sidney walked over, staring down to him.
Looking up with his tears sting his eyes, he swallowed hard. It's not like he's been super motivated to master the form like Gardevoir or even like he lost much by losing... but seeing his partner in the way... its unsettling. It's not even like they had much of a battle to begin with.
Shaking his head, he pulled out his device and recalled the dark fire type. Standing back up, he almost stumbled over but caught himself. Turning on a heel, he shot out of the room and towards the exit. Swallowing hard as he made it outside, he glanced to see the ground type rolling beside him. It didn't take them long to reach the centre where he handed the device over to the Chansey on the front desk.
Letting his breath go, he slouched over to the seating area with his pure ground type by his feet. Slumping down into the seat, he covered his face and the replayed the battle in his head... flashes of Drake broke up the memory as his eyes stung even harder.
A low growl caused him to look towards his mole Pokémon. "Talk."
"I-I'm fine-" His shaky voice betrayed him.
"And I'm Muk." He rolled his eyes. Raising his claw, he snapped them together. "Talk before I start cutting to get it out of you."
"I-" He sighed, covering his face with his hand. "It's stupid. While we were battling a-and even before... it wasn't like I was facing Sidney."
"Your right, which is stupid," he replied, "I saw with my own eyes. It's debateable if that's battling but it was definitely against Sidney. Whatever it was."
"I know..." He leaned back. "But the way he talked... was acting... I guess it just reminded me of Drake."
"He was trying to get in your head..." Sandslash replied, "correct me if I'm wrong but your brother is pretty good at that. Didn't he even use that tactic against the professor's brat back in the silver conference?"
"You mean Gary?" he asked, flickering a smile at his ground type.
"Yeah, the brat." He nodded. "It's what I said."
"You know... I haven't spoken to Drake in well over a year." He turned back to the ceiling. "I can't even bring myself to look up his trial. It's-"
"You try to picture the person accused of this unimaginable horror..." He paused. "But you can only see the young lad you grew up with?"
He turned to see the ground type with welled up eyes. His claw extended out stabbing the floor but lacking the force to break through.
"I want to hate him, you know." He sighed. "I'm filled with this rage and the one person who caused it... I can't even manage that. I think back to AJ and despite knowing what he did... I just feel sick. Like I can't mix the monster he became with the kid I grew up with."
"Why are you telling me this?" he muttered.
"Because if a person like that can get any sort of response other than hatred and rage..." He paused. "I think your brother deserves the benefit of doubt. I know from experience that you see the best in everyone... I think that's exactly what your brother needs right now."
He stop himself from smiling at the pure ground type. Part of him wanted to thank him with a hug but that'll likely result in a new scar. As his mind thought about the struggles which they'll now need to face. A small smile formed over his lips.
"Something amusing?" his ground type growled.
"I was just thinking... you, Metang and now Houndoom-" He shook his head. "Given time, I bet we could make a full team of Pokémon with similar stuff."
The corner of his ground types mouth flicked up for a brief second but quickly fell. A low scowl was his only response.
Max couldn't help but smile as he watched the elite four member's Absol dance around his father's Slaking. The two partaking in an exhibition match.
He felt bad about Ash and Houndoom, even if he never defeated Drake with Gardevoir, they still put on a good enough show with the new form. It was certainly scary when the dark fire type lost control and seeing Sandslash so quick to action really put him into a new bracket. Ash always claimed he was one of his stronger battlers, but he never truly believed he could match the likes of Dragonite, Aerodactyl or even Snorlax until now.
A bright flash drew his attention as bright balls of energy shot seemingly out of the sky. Hitting his dad's normal type and exploding.
Charging in with a glowing black horn with a purple outline. Absol delivered a powerful slash across his chest, knocking Slaking onto his back.
"Not bad." Sidney clapped as his canine walked back around his trainer. "I can see why Slaking is your main partner."
"What was that?" he asked, running up to the two battlers.
"Future sight," he shrugged. "In a pure power battle, Slaking would win every time, so we needed a little misdirection. Future sight gave us the opportunity to launch out counter-strike. You need to know what your opponent's strengths are so you can adapt accordingly. Tell me Max, what do you think the dark type's strengths are?"
"I-I don't know-" He rubbed his chin. "I guess it depends on the Pokémon."
"Your right it does but most types also have an underlying connection with each other." He gestured over to his dad. "Take the normal type, you can get fast like Linoone, offensive like Swellow or defensive like Snorlax. One thing that they have in common is versatility. Normal types, more so than any other type, can change for their opponent."
"Your right!" He beamed. "So, I guess that means dark types would be... misdirection? Like how Absol countered Slaking?"
"Close but no," Sidney replied, "misdirection is just a characteristic of it. Dark types in general excel in unconventional battle tactics."
"Unconventional?" He mused. "So... cheating?"
"It can take many forms, like misdirection." He smiled. "They're also most likely to use hindrance like taunt to throw opponents off. You could even see Ash's Houndoom use it."
"Like smoke screen to control the field?!" He interjected.
"Exactly." He nodded. "Now Max, I need you to do me a favour."
"Me?" he asked.
"Uh huh." He nodded. "I need you to show me to the other key stone holder. I volunteered to come and tell your dad because we knew they were both here."
"You mean Serena?" he asked
"Yeah." He smiled. "My colleague, Phoebe, went to Winona to tell her. They're old friends but I really wanted to get in some good challenges. I figured two out of the three key-stone holders could give me a run for my money... I didn't really consider what ended up happening with Houndoom though."
"You wasn't surprised," his dad replied.
"I trusted Absol could handle it, even if we had to use mega evolution." He shrugged. "And he's not the first one I've seen struggle with the transformation."
"Your still going to test Serena though?" he asked.
"Why should she be denied the opportunity because someone else fell?" he asked. "Everyone should stand on their own rights. Own defeats. And before you say it, like I said I'm sure we can handle if she falls in the same hole. Right Absol?"
"Sol."
"And how do you know?" he asked.
"Who do you think it was who I saw struggle before?" he asked, stroking the pure dark types head.
Despite clearly having issues with the discussion, his father did let them go. Walking back to his house, he couldn't help but watch Absol beside the dark type specialist. He's seen them partake in two battles and each time he remained calm and collected. It's a little hard to imagine him losing control.
As the house came into view, he saw Serena in the middle of her own battle. She was using that... Sifetch'd? against his sister and Combusken.
"Man does that take me back!" Sidney exclaimed, causing the two girls and Pokémon to turn back to them.
"Hey Max?" Serena smiled, walking over with her newly evolved Pokémon walking beside. "Whose your friend?"
"This is Sidney, one of the Hoenn elite four." He smiled. "And this is his Absol."
"Sorry for the intrusion, I was just reminded of home," he replied, kneeling down to look at the pure fighting type, "you see, I'm originally from Galar. So seeing one of our Pokémon not normally seen on this side of the globe is a little nostalgic."
"Sirfetch'd is from Galar?" she asked.
"Surely you already know." He quirked an eyebrow up. "Where else could you have caught him?"
"It's... kind of a long story-" She chuckled nervously, scratching her cheek. "And we'd rather not get into it right now."
"Fair enough." He shrugged, standing back up. "Let's get down to business then."
"Business?" she asked, instinctively grabbing one of her Pokéballs off her belt.
"Sorry, I came here, in part, to test the remaining Pokémon you and Ash have who are capable of mega evolving," he replied, "nothing to worry about."
She slowly attached it back, relaxing slight. "How did-"
"I know you were here?" he asked. "Steven wasn't about to let you go with key stones and not have a way to track you. He gives caution a whole new level."
"Right well..." She took off a different Pokéball. Walking back to create a makeshift battlefield. "I guess we can battle then."
"Absol, stand on the side-lines. If we get a repeat, then you can step in." He turned to face her and pulled out another Pokéball. "And since I'm feeling nostalgic for the homeland, you're up Obstagoon!"
In a flash of light, a bipedal Pokémon with black-and-white fur materialised in front of him. His head sat forward on his body of a long, thick neck; with a pointed snout, with a long tongue hanging out of his mouth. A thicker coat of grey fur around his forearms and lower legs, as well as around the back seemed to resemble a sort of chest-vest. Feeling a little nervous by the Pokémon, he stepped back as he pulled out his Pokédex:
Obstagoon, The blocking Pokémon. The final evolved form of Galarian Zigzagoon. It evolved after experiencing numerous tough fights. Being brought up in less-threatening environments has discontinued this evolution in several observed regions.
"If you're telling the truth about never being to Galar then this must be a new sight for you!" He exclaimed as Ampharos showed up in front of Serena. "I'm sure he'll be enough to properly test you two. He's also been itching to get some action, right!"
Letting out a loud cry with a booming voice. He swallowed hard as he gave a hard stare with crossing his arms.
"Yo kid!" Sidney called out to him. "You gonna do the honours?"
"M-me?" he stuttered slightly, unable to take his eyes off the Galarian Pokémon.
"Of course, it's just a formality thing-" He shrugged. "I'm sure we're both experienced enough to call it before any real damage is done."
Seeing him nod, he closed his eyes, remembering each ref he saw during his travels. Feeling a cool wind blow behind him, he opened them again. "This is a one-on-one battle between Serena and Sidney to test mega evolution! No time limit! Begin!"
"Ash Ketchum!"
He stood up and found Nurse Joy stood at the front desk with a Pokéball in front of her. Swallowing hard, he forced himself across the room. His ground type silently followed. Feeling like all eyes were staring at him, he tried to focus on anything else. Too soon he found himself in front of the head of the centre.
"H-how is Houndoom?" he stuttered.
"He'll be just fine." She offered a smiled. "He had extreme energy exhaustion. I'd recommend at least two days rest and a check-up before putting him back into a battle. Would I be right in assuming he just learnt the move inferno?"
"How come?" he asked, flicking an eyebrow up.
"It's one of the most powerful fire type moves and I've seen this happen before." She shrugged. "They don't realise just how draining the move can be and it hits them all at once. Of course, other moves of different elements do the same. Thunder, Hydro Pump, Solar Beam... but Inferno seemed most likely here."
Offering her a smile and quick thank you, he took the device and bid her goodbye. Walking outside the centre, he set off down the path. Walking for a couple minutes without a destination in mind, he stopped on a small bench. Slouching into the seat, he let out a low sigh and covered his face.
A slight flash drew his attention, causing him to see the fire dark type outside of his ball. Their eyes met before he turned around.
"I'm sorry-" He never recalled hearing the dark Pokémon's voice sounding so... low. Barely above a whisper as his head hung low.
"You've got nothing to be sorry for," he replied, sliding off his seat to kneel beside his Pokémon.
"Alright, I'm only gonna say this then I'll you two do your... whatever." Sandslash walked in front of them, his canine moved his head to the side, but a claw came up and snatched his collar. Pulling it back, he forced the dark fire type to look him in the eyes. "Look at me!"
"Sandslash-"
"Our trainer is wrong. You do have something to be sorry for. He always says that but it's rarely true," he replied, "regret means you've got actions you wish to change. Without regret, we never change, and we never grow. So, take that regret and use it for its intended purpose."
He let the words hang and walk over to Ash. Taking his Pokéball of his belt, he recalled himself. Closing his eyes, he picked the device up.
Sandslash isn't known for mixing his words and he certainly didn't here. He always felt like telling someone not to be sorry was the kind and polite thing to do, they can still work towards something, but he had to admit that if no-one was ever sorry then the world wouldn't work.
"Houndoom." His voice cracked slightly as the dark fire type turned to face him. "What happened? From your perspective?"
"There was a bright light, and I closed my eyes... an intense heat burned within." He shook his head. "Stronger than any I've felt before. I could hear the voices but-" He paused. "It was like you were off in the distance. I could see what was happening but couldn't... I had not control over those actions."
"You know... it sounds like the times I've lost control to my aura-" He replied, "like a prison where your forced to watch what's happening."
"It also... brought back some memories-" He sighed, turned his head back to the ground. "I thought I was past all that stuff."
"The past can still hurt," he reached out and stroked the back of his head. "But the way I see it, we can either run from it or learn from it."
"That sounds like something you'd get out of a fortune cookie-" He snickered.
"Haven't you met Torkoal?" he asked. "He's got tons of those little nuggets of wisdom. I think you'd like him."
"I don't believe I've had the pleasure yet." He offered a small smile. "Would it be alright if I... went back into my Pokéball? I've clearly got some stuff to sort out and-" He paused. "I think the solitude would be nice."
"Of course." He reached and unclipped the device, holding it out to his canine. "But remember I'm hear when you're ready to talk."
Giving a small nod, he leaned forward and gently tapped the device. A red light engulfed his body, and he was sucked back inside. Shrinking the device in his hand, he clipped it back to his belt and stood up. Taking a deep breath of the fresh coastal air, he turned and started walking back through the streets.
As he barely made it to the first corner before the sight of his girlfriend walking back the other way caught his attention. Walking to meet up with her, he quickly embraced her in a hug as her hand soothing rubbed against his back.
"You okay?" her angelic voice whispered in his ear.
"I think so-" he muttered, taking in her scent which had a calming effect on him. "You didn't need to come out to find me, ya know."
"I didn't-" she replied, pulling back from the hug. "Max told me what happened but I figured you'd come back when ready."
"So why are you-" He got cut off by her lips brushing past his.
"Houndoom wasn't the only one Sidney tested," she replied as she pulled back, resting her arms on his shoulders. "How is he?"
"Physically... fine-" He sighed. "But it showed him a side of himself that he really didn't like."
"Well, he's in good hands." She offered a smile. "Give it time and I'm sure he'll turn out just fine."
"I just don't get it though." He admitted. "Gardevoir had no trouble controlling mega evolution. I'm pretty he's stronger but-"
"Remember she also has been preparing to use it since a young age because of who her mother is-" She swayed side to side lightly. "I bet she was more prepared than even Aerodactyl. Beedrill also had similar trouble in his battle against Phoebe, remember."
"He didn't completely lose control." He countered.
"Because he remembered when he first evolved. He had trouble control himself before-" she replied, "he told me after that he was able to apply the same lessons. I bet he'd be willing to help Houndoom with it too."
"He doesn't exactly like me-" He smirked.
"He's just overprotective and doesn't like the stuff we get up to," she whispered with a mischievous smirk. "But if I asked then I'm sure he'll say yes."
Smirking in response, he hands found their way onto her waist. Holding her close, their noses brushed together as he saw a devious flicker within her sapphire blue eyes. Feeling himself lean in, a bright flash blinded his eyes. Squeezing them shut, everything went black for a brief second.
"Hello?" a child-like voice echoed in his head with a yellow-blur appearing in his head. "Can you hear me? It'll soon be time for us to meet again."
Feeling a force push him back, he nearly stumbled as he hit a small brick wall, using it to sit down. Opening his eyes, everything was blurry, so he rapidly blinked to see Serena stood with a hand holding her head. Jumping up, he quickly offered support for her to lean on him.
"That was-" He shook his head, unable to think of the right words. "Did you see it too?"
"Jirachi?" she asked.
"I-" He paused, mulling over the thought. "I guess. I really couldn't be sure. Max did say he contacted him on Drake's ship, so I guess that it makes sense."
"Why do I get the bad feeling that sometime soon we're gonna get dragged back into something dangerous?" she muttered.
"It's what we do?" he replied with a cheeky smirk, hoping the joke would help lighten the mood. "But we should get prepared. You was taking Ampharos to the centre right?"
"Yeah-" She nodded. "I just wanted her to get checked up after the test."
"How did it go, anyway?" he asked.
"She passed." She shrugged. "But that hardly matters now."
"Right-" He turned to the centre. "Once we get there... we should let the others know what's happening."
Agreeing with his sentiment, they started walking down the path he just walked up. As he walked, he thought about their current line ups. While he loves all his team, he couldn't deny having some of his heaviest hitters already to go felt more reassuring for whatever threat was on the horizon.
Max was sat on the sofa with the television turned on. The news reporter Gabby was stood in front of the space-centre on Mossdeep city with the microphone as different people and vehicles moved around the opened restricted area.
"-an exact timeline has been difficult to narrow down, but the lead scientists involved in the project have confirmed that sometime within the next seventy-two hours will see our original space-exploration Pokémon return to reveal what we've learnt about the next frontier!"
The screen went black and he turned to see his dad standing behind him with the remote in his hand. "Come on champ, it's time for bed."
"But I'm not even-" He stretched his arms up as a loud yawn cut himself off. Blushing slightly from the timing of what he was about to stay. "Okay."
Standing up, he slumped upstairs. A quick glance outside show the sun had already set and a starry night coloured the sky. "And brush your teeth."
Continuing up to the upstairs bathroom, he mindlessly set about his night-time routine. Letting his mind wonder, he found himself transfixed on the news report he just watched. Of course, anything to do with space travel intrigues him but his mind kept returning to a certain comet they observed during their adventure. He couldn't be sure why but the idea of the first Deoxys-Droid returning made him think about the wish maker.
As he finished in the restroom, he slumped out down to his room. Walking across the landing to his room, he entered and smiled at the sight of his team with the two floating Pokémon chasing each other around in a game of tag. While oldest and newest members were playing go-Goldeen on his desk. Slumping down onto his bed, he felt the events of the day hit him and the outside world turned into dream land.
He found himself staring out into the window with same calm sky after the day of disaster. The soft salt-sea air filled his senses. A mystic flash shimmered in front of him until the sight of a yellow and metal legendary appeared partly in front of him.
"Max." He looked up with the form of the wish maker taking shape. "Max!"
"J-Jirachi?" He muttered, reaching out but the image quickly faded. Darkness once again took over his surroundings.
Blinking. He stirred slightly.
Rubbing his eyes as a yawn escaped, he stretched out. Looking around he smiled at the sight of his team. Ozone was in her fire-form whilst asleep in the windsil. Shade and Ralts were on his Snorlax-sleeping bag. Gieco was lying down on the edge of his bed. Taking in the peaceful sight, he looked to his side.
He nearly fell out of bed at the sight of the psychic steel type snoozing next to him. His hand reached back, scrambling for his glasses off his bedside table. Hastily putting them on created a ruckus which woke up the five sleeping Pokémon, including the mythical wish maker.
"Good morning!" His chirpy voice echoed in his head. Stretching the stubby arms up with a loud yawn.
"Erm, Max." Geico walked up, using Ralts mental connection to communicate "Who's this?"
"Whoever they are, they're at least part psychic type," Ralts added.
"Hiya, I'm Jirachi!" He beamed.
"Jirachi as in the legendary Pokémon, Jirachi?" Shade asked. "The wish maker?"
"And you know this how?" Ozone asked.
"Mama Shade told me stories about the legends at bedtime," he replied with a simple shrug.
"Well, Jirachi, I guess I should introduce the others," he shrugged. "These are Geico, Ozone, Shade and Ralts. They're all a part of my team!"
"Cool! Cool, cool, cool." He shot up out of bed. "Now I have to contact the chosen's quick-"
"You mean Ash and Serena?" he asked.
"Yeah." He nodded. "It was just easier to find you first. But once I've done that, we can get down to the fun stuff-"
A low grumble rumbled across the room. The legendary blushed a bright red colour and he held his stomach, earning a chuckle from the boys in the room.
"Sounds like you'd like breakfast first!" Max teased.
"Well one of the two your after are already up and outside-" Ozone gestured to the window. Leaning to peak outside, he noticed Ash walking out and letting his team of Pokémon out. "You could tell him and then we get something to eat."
"Sounds good!" He jumped out of bed.
Running to the door, he slipped his slippers on and burst through the door. Jirachi floated slightly ahead as Gieco ran alongside. His starter slid down the handrail of the stairs while both Ozone and Shade raced through the air. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he bolted through the hall and kitchen towards the back door. A flash of Ralts teleporting onto the dining table caught his attention as his mum was busy on the stove-
"Good morning dea-" She stopped as her eyes locked on Jirachi. "Did you get a new Pokémon, honey?"
"Erm, kinda. It's a long story-" he uttered, not really wanting to waste time. "I'll tell you about it in a few minutes."
Continuing along his pace, he came outside to see Ash sitting next to Houndoom. The two of them seemed to be in some sort of conversation but stopped as they came into the vicinity. He also noticed Ash's other Pokémon stopping their early morning workouts. Staring at them was a little unsettling.
"Jirachi?" the raven-haired boy asked. "Max, what's going on?"
"I woke up to find him-" He held his hands up. "He says he's got something to tell you."
"Yeah, well. I need to show you and Serena-" he floated over, tapping his forehead. "You both need to go here."
"An isolated part of Petalburg beach?" he asked. "Why?"
"I'm just the messenger here." He held his hands up. "Rayquaza sent me and has arranged transport. But you two need to go alone."
Houndoom growling something in a low threatening tone. A hard stare caused the wish maker to float behind him.
"W-well I'm sure other Pokémon are fine-" he stuttered. "I think it was just human's he was referring too."
"When do we need to get there?" Ash asked, standing up.
Jirachi shrugged. "I dunno. Soon, I guess."
"Right." He ran his hand down his face. Turning around, he recalled the team of six. He turned back and started walking to the house. "I'm gonna get Serena and head out. Max, can you let the others know something came up and we'll be back later?"
"Sure."
Walking back into the house, he heard the footsteps of Ash running upstairs. Seeing his Pokémon already with bowls of Pokémon food, accompanied by the family Linoone brought a smile to his face. Taking a seat at the table, he noticed the smell of fresh pancakes from his mother's general direction.
"What's going on dear?" she asked.
"I'm not entirely sure-" His mind running through all the dangerous times they've had during the adventure so far.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...