Author's Note:
Here it is, the final part of the delta episode. This also isn't much of a delta-episode-y chapter. It's going to be my chance to close of the points of this trilogy and get us prepped to enter the league. We'll see the return of Sidney once more and we'll even get Brock back, so look forward to seeing what happened with him and Electrike. We'll also get a little more insight into what's going to happen with the league. Specifically, Feraligatr. Normally, I'd want to showcase the new evo but I planned the league long before his evolution. As mentioned in the Gengar chapter, I brought his evolution forward because of something in Scarlet & Violet which we'll see play out in the battle frontier arc. As such, I didn't really plan Croconaw into the league battles so we'll see the in-story reason why at some point. We also get to dive into a certain Pokémon's past, which should be fun. Oh, and Max does something fun. Still taking nickname requests for Ralts. We also get to see an at the labs segment focused around everyone's favourite fire-spewing turtle. Oh, also happy Mother's Day! I know in the America's, they celebrate it at a different date but in the UK it's this Sunday, so I hope ya'll enjoy the festivities if your celebrating and if not, just have a nice day. Not much else to say, just don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin!
Chapter Eighty-Eight: Delta Episode P III
He smiled as he stood on top of the small grass hill next to the rock mister slash normally occupied. Of course, being off with their trainer at the moment, he was not the wiser to his spot being used. The fire type glanced over the ranch, watching the other team members currently undergoing their own training.
Young Metang was taking a thunderbolt straight from Pikachu, while her majesty stood to the side. Working on his control issues with electrical charges.
Grovyle was working with the large grass mon he met upon first arriving. Seeming to channel solar energy into his own attacks.
A few of the water types such as his fellow turtle mon, young Lapras and Crawdaunt were off in the lake. He couldn't be certain of their training though.
High in the sky, he noticed Swellow sparring with Charizard. Despite the smaller size, she seemed to have speed over his raw power.
Not too further away the larger female bird seemed to be in her own aerial battle. Taking on the resurrected fossil of the team.
Young Duskull seemed to be in a shadow sneak race. Competing against the large sludgy-poison type.
While Gardevoir surrounded herself in a psychic shield. The large Snorlax, who he's barely met, beating down with his raw strength.
Seviper was wrapped around the wild bull of the team. Stampeding over the open field, trying to throw her off as she inflicted him with venom.
His eyes were drawn down to the most chaotic of the battles, where the large female grass type took on numerous opponents. That shiny owl, the large horned bug and Ms Granbull all attempted to overpower her but she held her own, easily winning the one-on-three battle.
A loud thud drew his attention. He caught the side of the rolling expert crashing straight into Glalie, trapping him down on the ground which caused the sound.
Before the young mon could even attempt to break free, a sphere of ice shot out of seemingly no-where. Froslass phased up and grabbed her child in the two arms, floating away with him in her arms, like some sort of baby being cradled. Withdrawing into his shell, he spun down the hill, stopping beside Donphan.
"Are you alright, child?" he asked.
"Y-yeah, I think so-" he wobbled back onto his feet, shaking his body. "But what's up with Froslass? Glalie asked me to be his sparring partner."
"I shall deal with his mother," he replied, "if you still wish to train, might I suggest taking on... Meganium, I believe she's called. It seems your friends are a little out numbered against her currently."
"I erm... maybe not-" he stuttered backing up. "I-I've got this... excuse, to work on."
Curling back up, he sped off in the opposite direction of the fully evolved grass type. Letting out a chuckle at the fear the young mon showed, he turned and rapid spun across the field. It didn't take him long to find her coddling the pure ice type under a bright oran-berry tree.
"Excuse me, Ms Froslass?" He greeted, exiting his shell.
"I don't have time for this-" She hissed. "Can't you see I'm busy helping my baby."
"He seems a little big to be a... baby, was it?" he asked. "If you don't mind my saying."
"I do mind actual-" She stopped as the recently evolved ice type took off in the direction of the lab. She wasted no time in taking off in his direction
"I must say, I am intrigued by you. I always wondered what kind of mother would care so little for her child that she'd shield them from everything." She stopped in her tracks, turning to face him properly. "Never allowing them to truly experience this thrill which we call life."
"What?!" She turned to face him, an icy cold glare leering down on him.
"Sooner or later the world will strike your son." He calmly stepped forward. "The true show of a successful parent is how well the child handles the hardship."
"What would you know about being a parent?!" she asked.
"Every child I've mentored I see as my own... I may not be the biological father but that won't stop this old fool," he sighed. "All of them, from the little Aron I met all those years ago and all the way up Ashton and the new wave of children which make up his and Ms Serena's teams."
"Well you can count my son out of that!" She turned and started floating in the same direction Glalie took off.
"I'm afraid I can't do that-" She stopped in her tracks. "-when I see a situation pointed south, I can't ignore it.
"Are you calling me a bad mother?!" She yelled. "I'm trying to protect him! Make sure he doesn't get hurt?! Can't you understand that?!"
"That I don't doubt." He shook his head. "The issue is one often meets their destiny on the road taken to avoid it."
"What would you know-"
"Your son will never achieve his destiny nor you yours." He cut her off. "Until you let go of this illusion of control."
"Illusion?" She folded her arms.
"Yes Froslass, look at this oran berry tree." He gestured to the natural beauty currently providing shade. "I cannot make it blossom when it suits me. And I can't make it bear fruit before its time."
"But there are things we can control-" She spun and let out and icy wind into the branches, knocking down several blue berries. "I can control when the fruit will fall-" One landed directed on her head, causing him to chuckle lightly. "And I can control where to plant the seed." For emphasis she grabbed one of the loose fruits. Plowing her arm into the grassy ground, creating a small hole, she tossed the berry inside. "That is no illusion, Torkoal!"
"Ah yes." He walked over. "But no matter what you do, that berry will grow to be an oran tree. You may want a sitrus or a pecha. But you will get an oran."
"But an oran berry can't win in these league battles?!" She cried, running her hands over her face.
"Maybe it can, if you're willing to guide it... to nurture it..." He swirled his foot around the buried seed, covering it with dirt. "To believe in him."
"But how?!" She cried. Years of bottled-up emotions breaking free out of her face. "I-I need your help. Please."
"You just need to believe... believe that your son is strong enough to face whatever challenges await," he replied, "if he never tries then he'll never succeed and your greatest fear will be realised. Promise me, Froslass. Promise me you'll believe. Let me take him, train him... turn him into the young mon he wishes to be, and you want to see stand tall alongside those who you both now considers your friends."
Unable to voice a response, she stared at him with tears running down her cheeks. Red raw eyes stared straight into him. He noticed her glancing off to the side, where Metang continued his practise battle with Pikachu. Turning back, she gave a small nod, completely lying down on the ground.
Closing his eyes, he turned and walked away in the direction of the pure ice type. It didn't take him long to find the young soul around the back of the lab, resting on the ground with his face buried in the wall of the building. Letting out a small cough, he waited for the young one to turn around.
"What's wrong?" he asked. "What do you want?"
"Why must something be wrong for me to come and visit a friend?" he asked.
"Why would you consider me a friend?" he asked. "You heard. I'm not cut out for battling."
"Maybe not now but you will be," he replied, "everyone starts somewhere my boy."
"You can't believe that!" He started to float up. "How could anyone believe that?! Ever since we met Ash, my mum has been trying to separate us?!"
"Yes, but that doesn't matter right now-" He offered a smile. "I ask you to learn to trust in your teacher, as I once came to trust in mine."
"You're not my teacher!" He cried. "And even if we had a hundred years to prepare, how are you gonna turn me into a league winner?!"
"We can figure that out along the way... everyone learns different-" He stepped closer. "I know it's hard. Having that voice inside drag you down, question your abilities. We all have it. Sometimes it's our own voice, sometimes its someone we love or it can be a complete stranger."
"Y-you-"
"I too have dealt with the impostor syndrome and before we get started, you should know two things-" He turned to look at the sky and close his eyes. "No matter how good you become or what you achieve. That voice will continue to fight. It's a never-ending war and the toughest opponent you'll ever face."
"What's the second thing?" he asked.
"That each time you achieve something, anything, is a victory over that voice. And each one, for the smallest moment of hope is worth the struggle," he replied, "now I shall ask again. Do you wish to learn to battle?"
"Y-yeah-"
"Then I am your teacher."
"O-okay-" He nearly cried, bottom lip trembling. It took a moment before he straightened himself up. "That still doesn't answer how you'll turn me into some sort of amazing battler."
"Come here, my boy." He walked over to a small pond covered in leaves with the wind creating slight ripples. "Your head is like this pond my boy, when agitated it becomes difficult to see-" He blew a soft ember, settling to reveal their reflection "-but when you allow it to settle, the answer becomes clear."
He smiled as the young ice type took in his own image. His eyes widened before shimmering with a slight wetness.
Ash waved as the eon twins shot off onto the horizon, he couldn't help but smile as he stared out over the beautiful view in front of them. Feeling a smaller hand engulf his, he turned to see his girlfriend. Her golden locks were like the midday sun and shimmering blue eyes matched the crystal-clear ocean.
"What?" she asked, quirking up her eyebrow.
"Your beautiful." He whispered, wrapping his free-arm around her waist, pulling her closer. A rosey-pink tint coloured her cheeks as he leaned in, letting her finish the silent invitation. Savouring every second of the small kiss, it ended way to soon in his opinion.
"Slow down big boy," she whispered, "if I didn't know any better you'd be trying to sneak out of what we discussed in meteor falls."
"If I thought for one second the key to stopping those creatures was kissing you-" He went to lean in but an invisible force stopped him.
"I meant Sidney... and apologising." She clarified. "Now Typhlosion needs a check-up so-"
"Yeah, I get it." He rolled his eyes, letting her go. "I just can't help it. It's a side effect of having an amazing girlfriend."
"Your just full of compliments-" She pulled him along, swinging on his arm, leading the way back to the city. "I'll tell you what. Since we are not exactly able to divulge into that side of our relationship whilst were staying here, keep up the training. Do well in the Hoenn league and..."
"And?" he asked, noticing the smile spread over her lips as her top row of teeth sunk in, trying to hide it.
"I'll come up with some sort of reward-" his heart stopped at her husky-whispered voice for the single word "-for your efforts."
Closing his eyes, his own lips became overtook with a stupidly wide grin. Thoughts of just what sort of thing she'd come up with began playing in his head.
"Enough of those-" Serena's voice drew him back to the real world. "With those thoughts you'll be locking yourself in another bathroom instead of apologising to Sidney mister. Since we've still got a bit of a walk, tell me how the group are getting on with the league training?"
"Good." He nodded. "Primeape's really improved with a bunch of new tricks. Both moves he showed off in the valley of steel are ready to go."
"Great!" She beamed. "And Feraligatr? How's he finding the new evolution?"
"Well-" He frowned. "It could be better. He's trying to still do the dance-style but adjusting to his new form-"
"I'm sure he'll get it," she replied, "remember Tierno? His Blastoise was a great dancer back in the orange league."
"Yeah, I'm sure he will too." He let out a low sigh. "I'm just... I don't think he'll be in the Hoenn league though."
"You sure?" she asked.
"Not with his battle-style practically none-existent. I doubt we'll get it sorted in the remaining weeks-" He shrugged. "And I knew I couldn't use all the guys anyway. I might as well start narrowing it down now."
"Who else are you thinking of cutting?" she asked.
"No idea-" He sighed once more. "I just- I know I want the Hoenn guys to get chance. So, they'll all get a battle or two but-
"You might be thinking of it backwards," she replied, "I understand your reasoning for Feraligatr but for the others. Don't think of who'll you'll exclude. Just wait and see who your opponents are. Don't think of it as excluding Pokémon but including certain members. I'm sure the others will understand."
"Thanks babe-"
It wasn't much longer until they entered the city of Petalburg. Sharing one last kiss, they bid each other goodbye and headed off in different directions. As he walked up to the gym, his mind replayed the initial interaction with the dark type specialist. Inwardly cringing at his judgemental thoughts.
Finding himself in front of the building, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Feeling his heart thump against his chest, he reopened them and stepped forward. Pushing the door open, he stepped back inside the familiar location. The cool aircon hitting his warm skin.
Hearing some muffled voices off down the main corridor, he set off to investigate. The shadows of two men in one of the battle rooms caught his attention.
"Norman! Sidney!" He called out. "It's Ash! You guys still here?!"
Stepping into the room, he felt the conversation die with the previous statements lingering in the air. It's not like he could hear what they were talking about, probably the elite four position and whether or not he got it. Honestly, he doesn't really care. It would be great for the whole family if he did but it doesn't really affect him either way. He found both men staring at him as if silently questioning his appearance back here.
"Spill it, kid." Sidney crossed his arms. "What'cha want?"
"I erm-" He swallowed hard, feeling a lump in his throat. "I just wanted to... apologise."
"For Houndoom?" He quirked an eyebrow up. "No need. Some can handle it some can't. No-one got hurt so no biggie now we're-"
"No, not that!" His voice cracked as his outburst was louder than he would've liked. "I... I want to apologise because-because I kinda misjudged you."
The dark type specialist's brows flicked down into a scowl. He couldn't help but feel locked into his burning red pupils as he felt the rest of the world disappear and him. His sweaty hand tried to clutch something, anything but just had air slip though his fingers.
"How so?" he asked.
"I-err-I-" He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "When I first saw you. And during the subsequent battle I... I thought you was just some troublemaker. Up to no good. I even began to question why Steven would put you in his elite four."
"You don't know Steven very well, do you?" he asked but didn't wait for the response. "I appreciate your honesty and truth be told I was once a troublemaker. A street thug who'd spend his days causing chaos. It's why I came to specialise in the dark type."
"How?" he asked.
"Dark typing is the embodiment of the worst the world has to offer. That doesn't mean the Pokémon themselves are bad though." He squatted down to his eye level. "Take your Houndoom, his dark impulse would be pure unadulterated power. If not kept in check, power corrupts. Absol sees the worst possible scenarios. When you stare long into the abyss, the abyss stares back into you. By specialising in the typing I can not only keep my impulses in check but help those struggling."
"I'm sorry-" he uttered, feeling tears well up in his eyes.
"That's good." He smiled. "Everyone has impulses like this. It showed tremendous strength for you to not only admit it to me but apologise. I respect that. And as for Steven, he might seem like a stickler for the rules but he's more cautious than anything. It's one reason we work so well together, I was even the one to suggest to him about giving out those key stones to gym leaders instead of trainers like the board wanted. Now your Houndoom-"
"You're not gonna take him are you?" he asked, feeling a quick intake of breath.
"Oh, no. I wouldn't dream of it." He held his hands up. "The fact your Gardevoir and Aerodactyl didn't have these issues is in no small part to you. I will tell you that I came here specifically because I heard you had a dark type mega. Even made the others promise not to test you pair before I got chance."
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Any member of the league could've come to deliver the job news to ole Norman here!" He smirked. "Phoebe picked to visit Winona to tell her because they're old friends. Her gym apprentice, Kahili, only got the placement thanks to Phoebe. I would've left it to Steven, but we knew you were here."
"You wanted to test Houndoom?" he asked.
"Dark types rarely show their true intentions, I was concerned others might've overlooked hidden pains if he put on a good show-" He shrugged. "Clearly, he wasn't the actor I thought he was but given my specialty, it made the most sense.
Rolling his lips into his mouth, he bite down on them as his jaw clenched. His eyes glanced around as his head turned downward, unable to look the elite four member for a moment longer. Feeling his heart stretch, he tried to swallow but felt a lump form in his throat.
"No need for that. You apologised and I forgive you-" He patted his shoulder, offering a smirk. "Just remember that feeling. And feel it whenever you're about to make pre-judgements about someone else. And as I was saying, if Houndoom's gonna master mega evolution then he'll need to increase his intolerance."
"So he needs to get more power?" he asked. "I guess I could get Torkoal to power him up with flash fire-"
"Before he can master the new power-" Sidney sighed. "He'll need to heal from his old wounds."
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Mega evolution works when the two parts work in unison. Your mind sets need to be in the same place," he replied, "part of the reason he lost control was down to his own mental state. If he wants to truly get in the right head-space, then he'll need to come to terms whatever is bothering him."
Pulling out the fire dark types Pokéball, he stared down at it with a frown. He knew some of his past, but he's always kept it very vague. Sort of like Sandslash but with his stoic expression most of the time, he never really considered it as an issue. Always being straight to the point and a stable support for other Pokémon like Togetic or Typhlosion. Closing his eyes, the thought of him just ignoring what was under the mask brought a fresh wave of guilt.
"I will say, once he over comes the obstacles in his path he'll be one powerful opponent." Sidney continued. "Whether with mega evolution or not."
"How can you tell?" he asked.
"Strength of character," he replied, "now I'm sorry but I must ask you to leave. Myself and Norman have some more bits to discuss."
"When will we get to test again?" he asked.
"I dunno, I'm not a fortune teller with a crystal ball." He smirked. "Just work on what needs working on and the opportunity shall show itself again."
Nodding in understanding, he turned and walked his way out of the building. Stepping back out into the sunny street, he lightly ran his fingers over the device in his hand. Letting out a long sigh, he turned back to the western exit towards the beach. Taking off in that direction, his mind began to run.
If his experience with difficult situations have taught him anything, getting it out in the open is the best place to start. Of course, he wouldn't force his friend to speak if he isn't ready but after ignoring his struggles for this long he should let him know it's an option. Swallowing hard, he shook his head, trying to forget about his own failure to address this. Focusing on such things won't help him, being there will.
As he doubled his pace, his mind thought back over his other team members. Who else has he ignored over the course of this adventure? Sandslash was pretty obvious with his issues, but could Aerodactyl or Dragonite have bits going on? Meganium seems better with her jealousy, but could that be a mask? Heracross had trouble eating in front of others and Swellow clearly let out some hidden frustrations during her evolution against the former flock members.
One thing is for certain. Wherever they end up travelling next, he'll need to ensure they all get the time they deserve. Not only in terms of having their voice heard and potentially working on what's going on with them but also training. If he's going to be a Pokémon master, then they'll all need to be in top form.
Ash took a deep breath as he stood on the cliff overlooking Petalburg beach and the ocean heading to Dewford. Feeling the sea-salt air hit his senses felt refreshing. Having been in the tropical region for over a year at this point has really awoken an appreciation for the setting.
Letting the breath out, he turned to the side and held his device out. A red light shot out and his fire dark Pokémon materialised in front of him. Standing to attention, his eyes seemed to glance around despite his head not moving before locking onto him.
"Hey." He offered a comforting smile.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing." He sat down to be eye level with the canine. "We finished in Meteor falls. Typhlosion getting checked up but should be fine."
"Is this training then?" he asked, glancing around. "Where are the others?"
"In their Pokéball's," he replied, "I thought we could chat, just the two of us."
"Concerning the mega evolution?" he asked. "Or rather our less then successful attempt?"
"If you want to-" He shrugged. "Or... you know... we could talk about what happened in the past... you once told me that you'll tell me."
His eyes closed and he turned to the side. Letting out a low breath, he took a couple steps forward. "You wouldn't understand."
"You want to be forgiven-"
"How-"
"We all do, really." He shrugged. "Now I don't know much about who or what you want forgiveness from but maybe getting it out in the open will help."
"In a pack... at least a Houndour pack, were meant to mate for life." He lay down, staring out over the sea. "My dad was the alpha and my mum... she really hammered home the proper way to build a family. What I wouldn't give to hear her lecture one more time."
"Anyway, I use to be a bit of a hot-head. Rarely listened and even when I did, it didn't mean I'd follow suit. I guess to kinda get back at all the lessons, I had a habit of pick and mix. Practically every female in our pack I'd- it lead to an unexpected surprise."
"She got pregnant?" he asked.
"Yeah." He sighed. "As custom, it was duty for the son of the alpha to leave, with his mate to build his own pack. Normally a few would follow, but none of the others around our age wanted to. It was just us and-and I wasn't exactly ready to become a dad."
"I erm- I tried. To keep them health, provide food, shelter but I wasn't exactly ready, like I said. One day some poachers captured us. My girl... she got injured during the fight. She hadn't laid the egg yet and, in the chaos, she perished... neither of them made it."
"I'm so sorry, Houndoom-"
"The worst part... a part of me, felt relief... like I couldn't now mess up either of their lives worst." Tears dropped off his face. "It was just for a moment but-"
"You've wanted forgiveness for that moment?" He sighed, walking over to stroke his fur. "You know... when alone with our thoughts. We can all think some horrible things. It doesn't make us defined by those thoughts. It just makes us like everyone else."
"You know... Typhlosion wants an egg," he uttered. "Ever since Sylveon- how could I ever justify?... Can I be honest with you?"
"Of course."
"Back in Johto... when me and Cyndaquil-" He let out a low sigh. "I only agreed to our relationship originally because I thought-"
"It'll make up for the past one?" he asked receiving a nod as confirmation. "And now?"
"I do love her-" He choked a little bit. "But how could we have an egg? After how carefree I was-"
"The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things." He turned to stare up at the sky. "The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't always spoil the good things or make them unimportant. You've got something good with Typhlosion. Don't let the past mistakes mess it up this... it'll only hurt you two in the end and again, you'll end up blaming yourself for it."
"You know, the poacher sold me to a rich man along with some other Houndour he captured." He gave a weak smile. "We were set up as some guards for his mansion. They were the pack I ran with back when we first met. I thought if I could break them out and help them grow-"
"It'll make up for the mistakes of the past?" he guessed.
"Then we met you-" He closed his eyes. "I knew long before that I wasn't making amends. But I couldn't leave them be. I started training my second in command to handle them so I could exile myself... then when I saw you, I saw everything I wasn't."
"A human?" he asked, quirking his eyebrow up.
"A good person." He clarified. "I kinda thought-if... I made so many mistakes that if I got someone moral then-"
"Houndoom..." His teeth sunk into his lower lip. "I know it hurts but you can't rely on anyone else for what's right or wrong... no matter how in sync we might be, everyone is different. I'm not always right and the thought I might lead you down the wrong path."
"I just..." He lay back down. "How do I get a moral compass? How do I know what's right?"
"I dunno." He shrugged. "If it helps. I don't try to think of what's right or wrong. I just look at the situation and... in my gut I know to act."
"I wish I could be like that," he uttered.
"I'm not saying I'm always right. I bet more often than not I'm wrong." He sighed. "Did I ever tell you about the day I ran away?"
"No."
"It was before I became a trainer. About a year before I got Pikachu and this whole thing started." Leaning back, he watched the sky. "My dad came to visit and... let's say we had some issues. Probably still do. We talk on the phone but- well he had a habit of favouring me and that caused Drake to lash out at me. I came to learn he did it because of my aura but it understanding didn't make it right. He started his usual stuff and Drake was fuming. I think it was the first time I truly felt another's emotions through my aura."
"What did you do?" he asked.
"I ran." He shrugged. "I ran as far as I could. Just to the forest around Pallet but it felt like forever. Guess I thought- if I wasn't around our dad would finally look to Drake... and we could get on with being brothers."
"Surely your dad could just track your aura to-"
"I thought that too... but he explained it shortly after the Indigo league," he replied, "aura feeds off emotions. In that moment, it acted as a shield to prevent him tracking me. I just wanted to get away from him and it made it possible. Then it started raining so I hid in a tree. There was a Weedle, Caterpie, Ratatta and some other Pokémon. It felt nice, just being able to chat with them without the tournament of my dad and brother-"
"Thank you, Ash."
"What're friends for?" he asked.
"So, what should we do about the mega evolution?" he asked.
"Don't worry about it for now." He offered a smile. "Between the league and everything going on... we can figure out your mega evolution after. For now, let's just focus on what your good at. No point in adding another obstacle before we clear some off our plate.
"I take it that's Serena's advice?" he asked with a slight chuckle.
"Hey!" He turned to face the fire dark type. "I can be insightful and make smart decisions."
"You can-" He nodded. "But doesn't mean you do."
"Anyway-" He pouted in defiance of his own Pokémon "-Sidney said we'd get to rechallenge at some point. Maybe not him but it wasn't a one and done sort of thing. I will say that we should listen to what Sandslash said before. When we left the centre after the Sidney battle."
"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." Houndoom repeated. "I know that what happened in the battle-"
"N-no-" He took a deep breath "-I mean. Yes, that's what he said but no. I didn't mean it about the battle. I mean about your past."
"What're you saying?" he asked.
"You're looking for forgiveness for your past actions but the only one around who could give you that is yourself," he replied, "from the Houndoom I've known, the one whose raised Togetic like his own. Protected his friends when things turned bad. I think your regret has turned you into someone your parents, your old partner and even whoever was in that unhatched egg would be proud off. I don't think you need to keep punishing yourself for the past."
"How do I stop it?" he asked.
"I wish I knew." He sighed. "But if you're willing to try, I'm happy to find out with ya."
His eyes locked onto the dark fire type who stood up walked over to the edge of the cliff. His tail barely moved, dropped down alongside his legs. His front paw tapped a small rock and knocked off the edge. He couldn't help but feel like time stopped as they waited. He couldn't be sure how long it had been since they even left the Petalburg gym.
"...alright."
He smiled as his alpha Pokémon turned back to face him. "Thank you, Houndoom. Now come on." He jumped up to his feet.
"Where are we going?" he asked. "To continue the training?"
"I might stop by May and Max's to get the others ready. No point in wasting day light or anything." He smiled. "But then we can head off to the centre if Serena and Typhlosion aren't already there. I know when I'm feeling down, she makes everything feel better for me. And I bet seeing her new evolved form will help you too."
"I'd like that." Houndoom smiled softly.
The two of them set off back into the city at a more leisurely pace. Closing his eyes, he replayed their conversation in his head. Part of him was shocked by the confession but really it just made sense with everything he already knew. His soft spot for Togetic, the way Pikachu's lax nature would annoy him and his strict sense of responsibility. It's hard to imagine Houndoom as anyone else but in another way, he could completely see him as the rebellious rule breaker.
Max smiled as his team worked out on the gym field where Ash earnt his fifth Hoenn badge. It was the day before they were due to set off for Ever Grande city and watch Ash compete in the Hoenn league. During the competition, every gym would be closed, reopening upon the next season beginning.
It was always the best time of year, when he'd get to spend the days with his dad and his Pokémon. Watching the latest competitors, his dad would even tell him about when some of them challenged him for the badge. It was amazing how he'd be able to predict exactly how it would fall from those experiences but after seeing how Ash battled across the region, he can kinda understand where that sixth sense came from.
Ozone was in her fire form, working on her accuracy as Shade zoomed around the ceiling. Trying to aim and shoot whilst on the move.
Geice and Ralts were on the floor field, partaking in a practise battle. His newest team member kept one step ahead by using teleport.
His eyes were drawn back to the window, walking across the street was none other than Walley. Flashing back to their last meeting in Lilycove, his cheeks heated up slightly. Thumps from his heart ached as it pounded against his chest. All to quickly the moment past as he disappeared from view.
"Yo kiddo, you in here?" His dad's voice called snapped him back to reality.
"Yeah," he muttered, unable to tear his eyes away. "In here."
The door creaked open and in walked his dad who stood beside him, crossing his arms. "Your team really seems to be upping their game. I'd almost think you was going to compete in the Hoenn league."
"Well... we can never be too ready right?" he asked.
"Once we've seen Ash compete, we'll be able to truly start our own journey-" He smiled. "I mean. I guess I could've left as soon as I turned ten but-"
"You wanted to see the journey through before heading out to the next one?" he asked.
"You could say that-" He chuckled. "But I've also seen so much. I've just never seen a league... at least live. Following a trainer and-"
"I get it-" He nodded. "So, what do you say to a sneak peek about that journey that awaits?"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I never got to battle your sister now she's a trainer," he replied, "and it's too late now for any challenger. So what do you say, let your old man have one last challenge for this league season? It'll be a one-on-one battle with my first badge team."
"Are you challenging me to a battle?" he asked, his voice cracking slightly as he nodded. "Let's do this!"
Running over to the other side of the field, his team of four surrounded him. Part of him felt Shade would be the best option given the typing of his dad's speciality, but Geico is also his starter. As much as he'd love to use Ralts, they're still new and... his eyes fell upon his opponent, which he scanned:
Kecleon, The Colour Swap Pokémon. Kecleon is capable of changing its body colours at will to blend in with its surroundings. This also effects the defensive typing. There is one exception—this Pokémon can't change the zigzag pattern on its belly. Be careful of the long-extended tongue
A smile pushed his glasses up as he put the device away, a plan already forming in his head. "Ozone... I choose you!"
His weather Pokémon floated high above the field in her fire form. Letting out a cry, she shot a barrage of embers to their opponent. Combining together as they roared across the field, morphing together into a stream of flamethrowers. Washing over the colour swap Pokémon.
Disappearing in a shadow on the floor, the opponent sped away. He couldn't track their opponent through the fire-type attack.
"Look out!" He shouted as a long tongue shot up from their side. Striking Ozone in the back like a whip.
Turning to the source, he couldn't make out Kecleon as footsteps pattered on the floor. He turned back to his fire type as she hovered from a crash landing.
Shimmering back into sight, Kecleon swiped down with his claws. One after another, he grounded his first caught Pokémon.
"Ember!" he shouted.
Spitting out a quick barrage of fire balls, they struck the colour swap Pokémon. Turning on a heel, he ran off once more, camouflaging out of sight.
His weather Pokémon slowly floated back up as another tongue came for a repeat- "Spin!"
Twirling through the air, the tongue wrapped around her body. Pulling Kecleon up helplessly through the air.
Using the momentum, she tossed him down onto the floor. As he lay on his stomach, she washed a strong flamethrower over his body.
Standing up within the flames, he shot up a multicoloured beam. Knocking his weather Pokémon down to the ground.
"Remember what the dex said about his type switching abilities, Max!" Norman instructed. "You won't win by relying on the same tactics!"
His eyes widened as he remembered the original reason for picking Ozone. "Turn up the heat!"
Staring his dad down as fire expanded out from his current-fire type, he crossed his arms with a calculating stare. Wiping his head from the sweat dripping down, he smiled as his Pokémon raced around close to the floor, keeping distance from the colour swap opponent, who effortlessly passed through flames.
"Now get high and use weather ball!" He hollered. "We're going for a train run!"
Shooting up into the ceiling of the room, she swerved to the side as the tongue extended. Avoiding the counter, her body morphed into the rain form.
"What?!" His dad gasped. A sphere of energy formed in front of her face. Turning into water, it shot down onto the current fire type.
"Weather ball and Ozone change by the molecule structure in the atmosphere," he explained, "rain clouds form when the water vapours in the atmosphere densen and release the physical chemical reaction back to earth. The fire raised those same vapours which collected in the ceiling. Now energy ball!"
Zooming back down, she shot past the window, the sunlight helping morph her back to the fire form. A green sphere formed in front of her face.
Evening out as the drenched Kecleon wobbled on his feet, she shot her projectile. Striking him in the chest and blowing him back over the field.
With another mighty cry, she shot out another roaring flamethrower. Consuming the now grass type as he crashed into the ground, Kecleon couldn't be seen.
Shooting back up into the air, her body morphed back into the rain form. She floated, staring down where her flames faded, revealing the colour swap opponent flat on his stomach. Burn marks covered his body as swirls replaced his eyes.
"Well... what do you know?" his dad smiled, pulling out a Pokéball to recall Kecleon. "Guess he's unable to battle, the winners are Max and Ozone!"
"W-we- We won?!" He gasped, the words not quite seeming real. A weight hit his chest as Geico and Ralts jumped up onto him. Falling onto his behind, he giggled joyously as Shade swirled around over his head. Ozone joined in, tackling into his chest, back in her base form. "Well done! All of your deserve this!"
"Congratulations son." He smiled, holding his hand out as he stood back up. "It's my genuine honour to present you with the Balance badge."
"Thanks dad." He smiled, reaching out to take the object. Standing and staring at the small item, everything else seemed to disappear as his cheeks hurt from the wide grin. As everything faded back in, his lips fell slightly.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"It's just... this is pretty pointless, right?" he asked. "The league registrars tomorrow. No way I can use it."
"A badge maybe a one and done but that doesn't mean this one has no use." His dad smiled, squatting down to his level. "A gym badge has the registered date when handed out. Some trainers can't collect all eight badges in a single season, so it'll be good for the next league from the date handed and the season after that. Of course, only for the Hoenn league. You couldn't take it to Kanto or elsewhere and expect it to work. It also can't be used to compete more than once. As long as you can collect the other seven in time, there's no reason you can't use it to compete next year."
"Heh, thanks dad." He offered a more sincere smile. "But we're... we haven't exactly spoken about what comes next. After the league, I mean."
"By we you mean yourself, May, Ash and Serena?" he asked, to which he nodded. "That's alright. If you don't want to jump straight back into Hoenn after this adventure, I'd understand. This badge also has some pretty special meaning beyond the usual anyway."
"Huh?"
"Well someone had to be the last person I give the balance badge out to, right?" he smiled. "And while part of me wished I got to test your sister once she became a trainer. I couldn't be prouder what she achieved as a coordinator and it couldn't make me happier to make you my last challenger."
"Last..." He uttered, staring blanking as his dad's lips spread out in a wide grin. "Does that mean-"
"Right son." He pulled him into a hug. "I'm the trainer replacing Glacia at the end of the Hoenn league."
"But I thought Sidney-"
"Forget about him, Steven gave the greenlight to let my family know before the official announcement." He smiled. "Now we need to get going."
"Why-" His voice died in his throat as a loud crash and squawk echoed from outside.
"Guess he couldn't wait to get started." His dad stood up. "We were meant to see ourselves out so the new leader could make the place his own."
"Isn't Kenny the next leader?" he asked. His dad gestured towards the exit and so he recalled the rest of his team, following his dad through to the entrance.
"Nope," he shook his head. "Kenny is a good kid and will still be the apprentice but he hasn't passed the gym assessments."
"So, whose-" His voice died as he saw a tall-lanky man walk through the front doors with a Magnezone behind him.
He appeared to be in his mid-twenties with sandy-blonde wavey hair and thick-framed steel glasses covering his cadet-grey eyes. He wore a pale blue polo-shirt with the open buttons decorated by a loose tie with steel emblem over the knot. A dark blue coat hung open over him. He wore dark-grey skinny jeans with steel-capped toes. Almost tripping over as he ran forward, engulfing his dad's hand with both of his.
"He-hello sir, I mean. It's a true honour to meet you-" He frantically stuttered. "Congratulations... on the promotion, I mean."
"Thank you." He offered a smile as he ended the vigorous handshake. "We were just leaving. The gym is yours to do as you wish. Have you ever been in a position like this before?"
"Not exactly," he shrugged. "Back home I ran something called a trial but... well it's not exactly the same thing."
"How did you end up getting the position then?" he asked. "If you don't mind my asking."
"You know the PLA have been interested in incorporating the Alola region-" His dad nodded. "Mister Stone, along with some of the other champions took on the trial challenge-"
"Trial challenge?" he asked.
"It's a rite of passage young men and women take upon being paired with a Pokémon partner. The journey from childhood into adulthood." He turned back to his dad. "So... when mister Stone came to my trial, we ended up talking. Due to our combined specialties in the steel typing, guess you could say we hit it off even if we go about styles differently. I was also interesting in the Mossdeep space programme, and he offered to introduce me to them."
"You're interested in space?" he asked.
"Y-yeah, actually. It's been one of my hobbies since I was a kid-" He shrugged. "Another science-organisation, the Ather foundation must have come into a sponsor or something because then ended up buying the observatory my trial was based at. It was a tough decision, but I took mister Stone up on his offer to see the Hoenn region and-yeah. He needed help filling a gym leader role so I took the job and will help with the space centre on the side."
"You sure you can handle doing both at once?" he asked.
"Of course-" He dismissed with a hand wave. "It's just like back home. I was both a trial captain and performed my work in astrometry. Only difference now is that I get paid for both."
Bidding the new leader goodbye, he followed his dad outside and down the street towards the family home. Biting on his inner cheek, he turned back to see the building disappear in the distance. Tightening his fist, his fingers ran over the badge still in his palm.
"Penny for your thoughts?" his dad asked, drawing his attention back.
"It's just... weird-wrong even." He glanced down to the floor. "The Petalburg gym has always been yours. I know your joining the elite four but-"
"Oh Max, it wasn't always mine." His hand landed on his shoulder. "Everything ends, and it's always sad but at the same time, everything begins again too and that's always happy. As one door closes, several more open and we can only anticipate what waits beyond each of them."
He turned and offered his dad a smile. Closing his eyes, his mind rushed through his journey with Ash and the others. This door was about to close too and while he felt the same sort of sadness, his dad's words echoed in his head. The thoughts of the adventures which await enhanced his grin.
Ash smiled as he stared at the two fliers, he brought over for the flight to Ever Grande city. Pidgeot and Dragonite stood on the street of Petalburg outside of the Maple's house. He turned and looked towards the front entrance where May and Max stood chatting with their parents.
A weight landed on his shoulder and his grin widened. Lifting his arm, he wrapped it around her shoulder, pecking Serena's forehead. "You ready?"
"Of course," he replied, "it's funny... I know the league got delayed by everything going on... but it still feels like no-time has passed since the silver conference."
"I know what you mean," she replied, "but a lot has changed... and that's how I know you'll win this time."
"At least I'll have you supporting me," he chuckled as she closed the small gap between them.
"Always," she whispered. Their arms wrapped around each other as they connected their lips in slow, loving shows of affection. Closing his eyes, he savoured the sweet tint of rawst berries from her gloss as the world seemed to fade away.
A low growl caused him to sigh, muttering under his breath as he turned to the source. Dragonite stood with a disapproving scowl and pointed back. Looking in the direction, he found May stood with her Altaria out and already climbing onto her back.
"Guess you guys are ready to go?" he asked with a chuckle.
"Oh sure, but don't let that stop you-" Pidgeot smirked. "You might just miss the entry registration. No biggie."
"Har, har," he sarcastically laughed, moving to climb onto Dragonite as Serena walked over to join Max on Pidgeot's back. "Let's just-"
"Hey guys, don't forget about me!" Turning to the sound of the familiar voice, he noticed Brock jogging up with a smile on his face. He stepped down off the pseudo's back and stepped to embrace his older brother-figure in a hug with a pat on the back. "I told you I'd be back in time to watch you compete."
"But what about Electrike?" Serena asked, walking over to join them.
"He evolved and underwent the surgery earlier this week-" He smiled. "He's staying with Jaco for the time being in the rehabilitation centre."
"If Manectric needs you Brock then-"
"No Ash." He shook his head and held his hand up, cutting him off. "I... was just making things worst. Guess you could say I was Froslass-ing him since the operation and-" He sighed. "Jaco agreed it would be in his best interest to have some one-on-one time to get use to his new leg."
"If your sure-" Serena muttered.
"I'm going to check in whilst there and Jaco insisted the few weeks the league runs will be enough time to get him moving-" He smiled. "-and how could I miss my little bro winning his first league?"
"We've got a long way to go before then, Brock," he chuckled. "But we're gonna do our best, right guys?"
Pidgeot and Dragonite both let out cheers to show their support. He handled decided yet on whose in or out except for a few choice Pokémon but he knew both of the duel flying types were tough and big contenders for his tougher opponents... like Katie.
"We're wasting day light!" Brock called out, walking over to Max and Pidgeot. "If we don't get going soon then you won't get chance to do your best!"
"Right!"
Helping Serena up onto his pseudo-legendary dragon, he climbed on behind. Holding on tight, he tried not to focus on was she slid into his lap... or the green shorts which made up her current outfit. Luckily, his royal Pokémon shot up into the sky. The rushing wind would've blown his hat off, if not tucked safely into his backpack. As they hovered high above the ground, they noticed the others taking off in a steadier pace.
Brock joined Max on the back of Pidgeot, who was leading the way, with May on her Altaria slightly behind. His two female fliers came to a compromise which allowed his second caught Pokémon lead the flight, while they kept height to keep watch in case of-
His head went blank as he felt Serena wiggle between him and Dragonite. Swallowing hard, he tried to focus on literally anything else.
"Erm-" He nearly choked.
"Sorry... maybe we should... switch places?" she whispered, with a slight squeak in her voice.
"I'm not landing again just so you can conoodle during the flight." He could feel the queen roll her eyes through her tone of voice.
"I-it's alright, you don't need too-" Serena voice died as a light wave of ESP engulfed his body. With the extra support, she managed to climb around onto his back as he took up the main riders spot on his dragon's back. Her arms tightly wrapped around his chest and her body rested against his back.
"'kay Dragonite, we're ready to get going!"
Moments later they rushed through the sky with the ground quickly passing beneath them. Looking down to see their friends, a smile overtook his face.
Feeling his heart thump harder, he thought back over his Hoenn journey... every Pokémon he caught, every battle they partook in and every person they met.
"This is it." He thought to himself. "This is the league where we'll win it all. I can feel it!"
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