Alola again! Before another pair of "RWBY: Omni Force" chapters in the next few weeks, I think it's time for one more chapter of "The Challenge of a Lifetime"! Last time we left off, we got to the aftermath of the twins' encounter with Guzma, followed by some shenanigans occurring at the power plant Calvin and Paige visited.
And to end it off, the group's found Gladion on Route 13! Just what's going to come from this unexpected meeting?
Let's go ahead and find out!
POKÉMON SUN & MOON
THE CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME
"It's been a while, huh?" Gladion guessed, putting his hands onto his hips as he and the group of trial-goers stood off just mere yards apart from each other. Most of them were shocked by his sudden presence. Trent just growled, balling his hands into fists.
"What are you doing here?" Erika inquired, blinking in surprise.
"Team Skull wanted someone to look out for a pair of kids they know have been trouble to them lately," Gladion explained in reply, "especially last night," he mentioned, glancing over at Calvin in particular.
"Well tell your boss that he better watch himself," Paige insisted as a warning, "Otherwise Cal and Erika aren't the only ones you're gonna need to worry about…" she pointed out with narrowed eyes.
"Hmph," the Team Skull enforcer huffed, putting his hands down, "More onto the issue at hand…" he continued as those in the group blinked in surprise, "what do you know about a Pokémon called Cosmog?" he inquired. Calvin, Erika and Hau widened their eyes. How did Gladion know about the Nebula Pokémon?!
"Cosmog?" Trent repeated, raising an eyebrow in confusion, "Why the heck would any of us know what that is?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I'm not asking you," Gladion affirmed, looking over at the trio of relatives in particular.
"…Why do you need to know?" Erika wondered after a moment to ponder her response.
"Because Team Skull's after it," the blonde-haired teen replied.
"What?!" Hau exclaimed in surprise, followed by sweating a little, "N-Not that we'd tell you!" he stuttered out.
"H-Hau!" Calvin stammered, realizing that his cousin may have accidentally unveiled the secret they were supposed to keep between themselves and Lillie.
"Hm," Gladion huffed, "So you do know something…" he concluded after a moment. Paige and Trent watched on with confused expressions. They had no idea what the Team Skull enforcer was even talking about. "Look…" he continued, "Cosmog isn't even that strong of a Pokémon," he told the group, "But it has the potential to summon ones so terrifyingly strong, only a few could possibly stop them," he explained further. Hearing that made Calvin blink in surprise. He recalled what happened when he saved Nebby from the Spearow on the bridge to the Ruins of Conflict. Its power saved him… but also could've doomed him in the process if it weren't for Tapu Koko.
"What is even supposed to mean?" Erika inquired in concern.
"Cosmog's power could spell a disaster for the Alola Region," Gladion responded, "And we'd have little to no way to stop it…" he mentioned while glancing down.
"A disaster?" Hau repeated in confusion, "Like… a real disaster?" he questioned on, "Then… what are we supposed to do about it?" he asked of the Team Skull enforcer.
"Protect it," he answered simply in demand, "If any of you do know where Cosmog is or if you do find anything out, just keep it safe!" he insisted of the trio of relatives. They all shared confused looks with each other.
"Hold on a sec…" Erika uttered out, "You want us to keep it safe…" she noted, "but you're the one working for Team Skull, right?" she inquired, "Why don't you want us to give it to you?" she wondered as she tilted her head to the side.
"Tsk," Gladion scoffed, "I now I might be working for them right now, so you might not trust me or even care…" he continued to tell the group, "but I'm going to tell you this just once," he stated firmly, "You have to protect Cosmog… no matter what!" he shouted. Needless to say, the Ketchum twins were left stunned by the pleas of the teenage boy before them.
'Something really isn't adding up here…' Erika noted inwardly, putting her right hand onto her chin. She then noticed the Team Skull enforcer starting to walk off past them back towards Route 12. A troubled expression was upon his face.
"I still don't understand how Guzma and the others found out about Cosmog in the first place…" he muttered out quietly. Calvin and Erika overheard, widening their eyes in surprise.
"What do you mean no matter what?" Hau inquired, trying to get the blonde-haired teen's attention, "Are you just gonna leave us hanging like that?!" he wondered loudly.
"Deh sidge!" Decidueye squawked out. Unfortunately, the answer for them was Gladion walking off without another word.
"Gladion…" Erika uttered in concern. If he knew about Cosmog… then he probably knew about Lillie. Hopefully, Team Skull wouldn't find either of them.
"HEY!" Trent's voice suddenly, echoing throughout the area as everyone reeled in surprise. The Team Skull enforcer stopped, glancing back to see the angered look upon the dark green-haired teen's face. "I told you…" he began, taking out a Poké Ball and enlarging it with the press of its center button, "the next time we saw each other, we'd finally settle who's the stronger one," he declared firmly.
"Hmph," Gladion scoffed, taking out his own Ultra Ball and enlarging it with the press of its center button, "This has nothing to do with you, you know," he pointed out.
"I don't care about whatever nonsense you're spouting…" Trent growled back in response, much to Erika's surprise as she gave off a worried look, "This is just between you… and me," he stated, clutching his Poké Ball tightly.
"…Fine," the Team Skull enforcer responded. The other trial-goers looked on worriedly. They were about to witness a battle of seemingly epic proportions.
OPENING
Insert "Koko" by Beverly
Opens with the rising sun over the ocean horizon as a boat is sailing towards Ula'ula Island. Upon its bow are Calvin and Erika Ketchum, standing alongside their Pokémon as the wind rushes through their hair. They're about to embark on the next stage of their island challenge, smiling with excitement.
As the music picks up, the Pokémon logo appears in bright green letters, followed by "The Challenge of a Lifetime" appearing in bright yellow underneath it. The brightness of the logo envelops the screen before we transition to the Ketchum twins disembarking from the boat onto the island.
We cut to Calvin fishing in Maile Garden as Steenee and Incineroar are bickering in the background. Once Calvin sees his lure go underwater, he pulls the line hard to reel in a Poliwag. Watching from afar, Paige smiles while holding onto his egg, which shakes a little in her arms.
The scene then changes to Erika trudging tiredly up Mount Hokulani. She's about to fall backwards, but Primarina and Lycanroc are there to help push her up. She smiles gratefully, continuing the trek up the mountain.
We then see several new faces around the island, including Samson Oak, Acerola, Molayne, Sophocles, Grimsley, and Nanu. We also get a shot of Guzma, sitting upon his chair in the Shady House of Po Town. He grins deviously at the screen.
As the music picks back up, we see Calvin swing his left arm out as his Incineroar and Marowak charge in with a Flamethrower/Flame Wheel combination to take down a Skarmory. Meanwhile, we cut over to Erika as she orders for Fomantis to use Leaf Blade on an Alolan Geodude. Drifblim then floats in and sprays out a Gust to blow away a flock of Fearow. Afterwards, he floats over Fomantis to her chagrin as she seethes in frustration.
We get shots of Hau with his Alolan Raichu and Decidueye, Trent with his Mightyena and Greninja, Paige alongside her Combusken and Medicham, and Pyrrha alongside her Quilava and Ariados. Each of them are in their own battles, with Hau's Decidueye using Spirit Shackle on a Haunter, Trent's Mightyena blasting back a Kadabra with Snarl, Paige's Combusken using Flame Charge to ram into a Shieldon, and Pyrrha's Ariados landing a Cross Poison on a Sylveon.
The song continues from back on Melemele at the Ketchum vacation home. There, Leslie gets herself dressed and throws on her visor, heading out of her room alongside her Lopunny and shiny Gabite. As she heads outside onto the front porch, she smirks upon seeing Asta Sutarria there alongside Shiki Granbell and Tanjiro Kamado, as all three of them are looking to train Pokémon with her guidance for them.
Asta commands an Aegislash as he takes on his sword form and slashes at Leslie's Magmortar, who jumps back before firing off a Flamethrower. Meanwhile, Tanjiro's Croconaw attempts to land an Ice Fang onto Gabite, who uses Dig to get away before popping up from the ground and chomping down on his foe's tail, causing him to scream in agony. Watching from afar are Shiki and his Bronzor, who both giggle.
We cut back to Ula'ula Island as we see Erika commanding her Lycanroc to use Rock Slide against the Totem Vikavolt inside the Hokulani Observatory. The Stag Beetle Pokémon dodges the attack and lets electricity surge around his body before zipping down at his foe, who prepares to use Counter. Afterwards, we get a scene of Calvin and Incineroar facing down the Totem Mimikyu inside the abandoned Thrifty Megamart. As the Heel Pokémon lands a Darkest Lariat, a smaller Mimikyu watches from afar in awe.
There are several shots of a Cleffa poking out from a sleeping bag, a Togedemaru near a power plant, and an Alolan Sandshrew wandering about the cold area at the base of Mount Lanakila. We see Professor Kukui staring at the peak from Hokulani, hoping to host a Pokémon League there someday. However, we also see him glaring down Guzma in the Maile Garden as his Golisopod appears behind him. We get shots of Plumeria with her Salazzle and Gladion with Null and his Zoroark.
To end the opening, we see an anxious Lillie looking out over the horizon, concerned for the future. However, Calvin and Erika come to her, both giving her reassuring smiles. She grins, thankful for their presence as they all trek onward through the island…
END OPENING
Trent v. Gladion
"Thanks for taking care of this brat or whatever," Yami muttered with gratitude as he held a nervously chuckling Asta in his right arm inside the Ketchum vacation home, "He didn't make too much of a ruckus for you, right?" he inquired to Leslie.
"Uh… not really…" she assured while rubbing the back of her head. After a whole few days, the training for each of the Omni Force Future members in terms of Pokémon had finally ended. At least, it ended as those in charge of the three members had arrived to bring them home.
"You have another appointment scheduled at Omni Force Tower, right?" Giyu inquired to Tanjiro, getting his attention.
"Yeah, tomorrow," he answered with a nod.
"And our esteemed Magimech King is set to travel off on a recruiting mission to some newer universes we've yet to visit," Witch pointed out, standing beside Shiki.
"It'll be fun to see if we can make some new friends!" he exclaimed excitedly as his eyes sparkled.
"Well, I wish you could all stay for dinner…" Mirajane chimed in as she sauntered over with her hands clapped together.
"Oh, no!" Asta responded with a dismissive wave of his right hand as he chuckled, "We couldn't possibly trouble you for more than you've already—! GHK!" he yelped, feeling choked as Yami squeezed him tightly.
"What kind of idiot are you to refuse free food, huh?!" he wondered with an enraged expression upon his face.
"C-Captain Yami…!" the Black Bulls' vice-captain gasped out, feeling rather choked.
"I think we'll have to pass on that offer, unfortunately," Giyu noted with a smile.
"But we're really glad that you helped take care of us," Tanjiro mentioned as he bowed politely.
"Yeah, thanks!" Shiki added gratefully, putting his hands together behind his head. Leslie smiled at the trio she helped train. Moments later, all three of them departed with their respective partners.
"Huh…" Mirajane sighed out, stirring a pot of vegetable stew she had been making, "At least now, we'll have leftovers to snack on for a few days!" she remarked with a giggle, knowing that she had been making a lot of food lately.
"Actually, I'm gonna turn in a little early…" her eldest daughter decided, walking over to her room to her mother's surprise.
"Already?" she inquired back.
"Yeah…" Leslie replied, turning to face her while rubbing the back of her head sheepishly, "I kinda snacked a bit a little while ago…" she admitted sheepishly. The response from Mirajane was a pout as she puffed out her cheeks.
"Well, whatever's left will be in the fridge if you're still hungry…" she promised.
"Thanks, Mom," her eldest daughter said in gratitude, heading into her room. Ash watched as she closed the door gently, locking it. A sigh left his lips.
"Mira…" he began quietly as he sat up from the couch, getting her attention, "do you think we did the right thing with Leslie back then?" he asked of her. A sad frown came across her lips as she stopped stirring.
"I don't know, Ash…" she admitted in response, "We wanted Leslie to do something different after Unova…" she recalled, "And she wanted a break, too," she mentioned, letting go of the ladle as she turned to her husband, "But at the same time…" she continued, folding her arms underneath her chest as she glanced off to the side, "should we have just… left her there?" she wondered aloud. The Pokémon Master took a deep breath, looking back at the door to their eldest daughter's room.
"Peekahh…" Pikachu squeaked worriedly. Inside, Leslie dressed into her button-up pajamas, with the two top buttons remaining open due to her chest. She groaned in frustration, lying down upon her bed. Today wasn't exactly a day she liked to look back on. It wasn't a day in which she lost an important battle or was scolded by her parents. It was a day where she felt truly alone.
FLASHBACK
Normally, Leslie would just swing her locker door open while just a foot in front of it, easily able to gather her things for the day. But today, the door stopped the moment it squished against something: her budding chest. She looked down in surprise.
'Jeez…' she uttered inwardly, 'I know I'm only starting to go through puberty late, but come on…' she grumbled out through her thoughts. Nevertheless, having breasts at all was better than being flat as a board. It's what she wished for after all.
"Hi Leslie!" a squeaky voice greeted, causing her to turn her head to the right to see a girl there with pale green skin and bright white hair with streaks of light green. She wore a simple blue t-shirt with a white skirt and green high heels.
"Oh, hey Minty," the Pokémon trainer greeted back, "You wanna walk to class with me?" she guessed, grabbing a few notebooks from her locker before shutting it and locking it.
"Mm-hmm!" the pale green-skinned girl replied eagerly with a nod. The two of them walked down the CHS halls together. Leslie was still getting used to the variety of skin colors from the students around her. Not that she minded. She was always intrigued by how this world worked in comparison to others. It made her wonder why her skin didn't change to some random color whenever she was in this world.
"So any news of a test coming up?" she asked curiously.
"Nope," Minty replied, "But…" she continued, giving off a sheepish grin, "I kinda need a subject for an art assignment I've got…" she told the Pokémon trainer.
"And you wanna have that subject be one of my Pokémon, right?" she guessed in response. The pale green-skinned girl nodded nervously.
"I… wanna draw a picture of your snake one…" she admitted, fidgeting with her fingers as she blushed. Leslie chuckled.
"It's fine, Minty," she assured, "I'll let you borrow Serpence after lunch," she promised as they turned a corner, "Is that okay?" she inquired, receiving an eager nod in response.
"Your magical creatures are becoming such a nuisance at this school…" another voice grumbled ahead of them, causing the two to stop. Leslie gave off an annoyed look to see that it was Grace in front of her. "Honestly, can't you just leave them in that other world of yours?" she inquired. A retort was building up inside of Leslie… but she dropped it upon noticing the brace around the student council president's arm. She took a deep breath… and exhaled a sigh.
"Grace, can you just let us get to our class, please?" she asked of her, "I'm not in the mood to deal with this right now…" she muttered, walking forward. With a huff, the spectacled, pale red-skinned girl moved aside. But not before…
"My mother's planning on informing the principal about new rules in regards to your little friends," she pointed out, causing the Pokémon trainer to stop for a moment, "Perhaps it'll be best if you leave them behind before they're forcibly taken from you," she advised, walking off with a confident chuckle.
"Wh-What?" Minty stuttered in question, seeing the student council president walk away, "Was she… being serious?" she wondered worriedly.
"Huh…" Leslie sighed again, "I bet she's just bluffing…" she noted, walking off, "Come on," she beckoned, "Let's not be late," she insisted.
"O-Okay!" Minty stammered, following after her.
END FLASHBACK
"Huh…" the Unova Champion Master sighed deeply. A lot of things had happened recently. She found out her two best friends were getting married, she had been training alongside other Omni Force Future members… and her Gabite evolved into a Garchomp. Yet this day filled her with emptiness.
She rolled over onto her right side to look at the framed picture in the windowsill. There she was, having her arms draped over the shoulders of Raya Tennyson and Rachael Hagane. They were standing in front of CHS the very day they started classes. And yet… she never got to see them finish the semester together… or any other afterwards. She sniffled as tears dripped out from her eyes.
X
"You wanna make this a three-on-three match?" Gladion inquired to Trent after hearing his proposal, standing about a few dozen yards away from him after the battle had been proposed.
"Figured we could at least make this interesting," the dark green-haired teen responded, narrowing his eyes onto his foe.
"Hmph," he huffed out. Meanwhile, the other trial-goers were seated upon the porch of the motel, watching on curiously.
"I've never seen Trent look so… angry…" Erika noted worriedly.
"Gladion was the guy who beat him back on Akala…" Paige pointed out to her and the others, "It's only natural that he'd want payback…" she mentioned, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Still…" the Ketchum girl uttered, quite surprised by her rival's demeanor in this situation. He reeled his arm back, still holding the Poké Ball he enlarged in his hand.
"Mightyena, go!" he yelled, throwing the spherical container forward. It popped open, and its light spilled onto the ground, coming into form and dissipating to reveal the Bite Pokémon.
"Rawr!" he barked, gnashing his teeth together.
"Mightyena, huh?" Calvin noted as he blinked. Rotom pulled up an image of the Bite Pokémon upon its screen.
"Mightyena, the Bite Pokémon, and the evolved form of Poochyena," it began, "He will always obey the commands of a skilled trainer. Mightyena's behavior arises from his living in packs in ancient times. He chases down prey in a pack of around ten. They defeat foes with perfectly coordinated teamwork," it explained thoroughly.
"That's not a Pokémon you normally see around Alola…" Gladion pointed out curiously, "Where are you from?" he inquired, narrowing his eyes.
"Kalos," Trent answered, "I learned everything I need to know when it comes to Pokémon from there," he mentioned, balling his hands into fists again, "And it's how I'll beat you now!" he vowed additionally. The Team Skull enforcer didn't respond, merely reeling his right arm back.
"Sneasel," he beckoned, tossing the Ultra Ball forward. It popped open, with its light spilling onto the ground and dissipating to reveal the Sharp Claw Pokémon.
"Sneee!" he hissed out with a smirk, crossing his arms over his chest in a smug manner.
"So he's got a Sneasel now…" Erika realized. Her Pokédex also brought up an image of the Sharp Claw Pokémon onto its screen.
"Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokémon," it began, "He has a cunning yet savage disposition. Sneasel waits for parents to leave their nests, and then he sneaks in to steal their eggs. He blends into the dark of night to ambush his prey. Sneasel will attack Sandshrew, but their hard skin can cause one's claws to snap off," it explained thoroughly.
"Hmmm…" the Ketchum girl hummed curiously, wondering how the battle would go. Both Pokémon didn't have a distinct advantage against each other. Along with that, their trainers were unpredictable.
"Mightyena, Snarl!" Trent commanded immediately.
"RRRAAAAHHHH!" the Bite Pokémon roared, unleashing multiple purple-and-black rings of energy from his mouth. They crashed into Sneasel, making him slide back a few feet as a bluish aura flowed down his body.
"Sneee…" he hissed, giving off a wicked grin.
"Use Hone Claws!" his trainer called out.
"Zell!" the Sharp Claw Pokémon responded, making both of his claws glow a bright red and extend before he leapt up and spun around, making a reddish aura shoot up his body.
"Hone Claws…" Paige noted curiously.
"That increasezzz Sneasel'zzz attack power and accuracy…" Rotom pointed out to the group.
"Now Ice Shard!" Gladion ordered. Several pieces of ice appeared before the Sharp Claw Pokémon, hovering over his claws in a ring-like formation. They briefly glowed a bright blue.
"Sneeezzelll!" he screeched, flinging them towards Mightyena.
"Howl!" Trent yelled.
"RAAAAAAHHHH!" the Bite Pokémon howled into the air, letting a reddish aura flow up his own body as he was struck by the icy shards.
"He didn't tell him to dodge?!" Erika exclaimed in surprise, blinking rapidly.
"Is he really that confident in Mightyena?" Hau wondered aloud.
"I don't know…" his male cousin replied with a shake of his head.
"Now Fire Fang!" Trent ordered, pumping his right fist out. Flames billowed from Mightyena's mouth before he charged forward, heading for Sneasel as his teeth glowed a bright red.
"Dodge it!" Gladion called out. The Sharp Claw Pokémon hopped back quickly, avoiding getting bitten by his foe's enflamed mouth. He could feel the heat coming from the Bite Pokémon, who was desperately trying to grasp him. At one point, his teeth barely nicked his target, causing him to wince.
"Almost!" Hau yelped upon noticing.
"Metal Claw!" the Team Skull enforcer commanded. Hopping up to evade another attempted chomp, Sneasel made his claws glow a silvery white. The glow expanded and grew over his arms, forming the same claw shape of energy. Mightyena was too late to do anything as his opponent slashed him upside the head, making him slide back.
"Rrrrr…" he growled out.
"Take it easy, Mightyena…" his trainer advised, "Use Shadow Ball!" he ordered, closing his left hand into a fist. Opening his mouth, the Bite Pokémon formed a purple-and-black ball of energy with static crackling around it. He fired it forward, having it head straight towards Sneasel. It struck him in a fierce explosion, sending him tumbling back along the ground before he came to a stop upon his feet.
"Sneee…" he hissed through clenched teeth.
"Hone Claws!" his trainer yelled again. Leaping up as his claws glowed a bright red and extended, Sneasel had a reddish aura shoot up his body once more before landing down.
"Fire Fang!" Trent commanded. With his teeth glowing a bright red again, the Bite Pokémon had flames billow up within his mouth before charging forward with a fierceness in his eyes.
"I think he's gonna get him!" Hau noted excitedly as he clenched his fists.
"X-Scissor!" Gladion ordered. The Sharp Claw Pokémon made his claws glow a bright yellowish-green. He then dashed forward, slashing in an x formation past Mightyena as they both came to an abrupt stop afterwards. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then the Bite Pokémon suddenly keeled over, falling onto his left side.
"Mightyena!" Trent exclaimed in shock. His teammate had swirls in his eyes, indicating that he had been bested.
"Hm," the Team Skull enforcer scoffed, putting his right hand onto his hip, "Out of the lot of you, I think only Calvin's the one even worth my time for a battle," he admitted, glancing over at the Ketchum boy as he blinked in surprise, "You can get as petty as you want about getting even or whatever…" he grumbled on, "The fact is, if you don't really have a reason to get stronger, you'll never surpass him or me," he pointed out to the dark green-haired teen. He gnashed his teeth together in frustration, returning the Bite Pokémon to his Poké Ball in a beam of red light. Erika noticed that he didn't say anything to his partner before putting the container back onto his belt and pulling out another one.
"I do have a reason to get stronger…" he proclaimed, enlarging the Poké Ball in his hand by pressing its center button, "It's so I can crush jerks like you and take down anyone else in my way!" he declared fiercely.
"Trent…" Hau uttered in shock.
"Greninja, go!" the dark green-haired trial-goer shouted, tossing his Poké Ball forward. It opened up, with its light converging and forming upon the ground. Seconds later, it dissipated to reveal the Ninja Pokémon.
"Neen!" he croaked, glaring ahead at his foe.
"It's Greninja's turn already?" Paige inquired, "I thought he'd wanna save him for last in a three-on-three…" she pointed out, folding her arms over her chest.
"Maybe he doesn't think he should take the risk…" Erika suggested as an answer.
"Either way, he'zzz still in trouble, zzt…" Rotom buzzed out, getting their attentions, "With Sneasel'zzz Hone Clawzzz and X-Scissor, it'll be hard for Greninja to get an upper hand…" it noted to them. Its user balled her hands into fists.
'Come on, Trent…' she pleaded inwardly.
"Water Shuriken!" he commanded, enticing his teammate to smack the markings upon his legs to pull off a pair of watery throwing stars. He then tossed them forward as they spun towards Sneasel.
"Block them with Metal Claw!" Gladion instructed. Sneasel had his claws glow a silvery white before the energy wafting from them expanded over his arms. He slashed through the throwing stars with ease, grinning wickedly all the while.
"Tsk!" Trent scoffed in frustration, "Use Night Slash!" he ordered fiercely. Bringing his webbed hands together, Greninja formed a blade of purple light between them, breaking it into two pieces for him to hold. He lunged forward and sliced at the Sharp Claw Pokémon, blowing him back.
"Sneeee…" he groaned out, wincing from the attack.
"Ice Shard!" his trainer commanded.
"Keep going with Night Slash!" Trent instructed demandingly. As Sneasel had icy shards with a blue light orbit around his arms, Greninja kept charging towards him with his energy blade at the ready. The Sharp Claw Pokémon fired the bits of ice, but his opponent slashed through them before striking fiercely with his blade to send him flying back. He tumbled back along the ground, coming to a stop upon his stomach.
"Sneee…" he winced, trying to push himself back up, "Zelll…" he groaned, falling down with swirls in his eyes.
"He won!" Erika exclaimed excitedly as she shot onto her feet with clenched fists.
"Nice!" Hau complimented. After a moment, Gladion returned Sneasel to his Ultra Ball in a beam of red light.
"How about that, huh?" Trent inquired in a rather smug tone, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Hmph," the Team Skull enforcer scoffed, putting the Ultra Ball away before taking out a Premier Ball, enlarging it with the press of its button, "Null, go," he said, having the container open as its light spilled onto the ground in front of him, coming into form and dissipating to reveal the chimera-like creature.
"Rrrrrr…" it growled out underneath its wooden helmet.
"Null, huh?" Erika noted. Though she and her brother had both faced the chimera-like creature once before, it was still intimidating to see in person. Trent let out a huff, balling his hands into fists.
"Things aren't gonna go the way they did the last time…" he vowed firmly, narrowing his eyes.
"Is that so?" Gladion wondered aloud, "Then let's see just how strong you really are…" he challenged. Both Null and Greninja glared each other down, ready to continue the battle.
X
As Ash and Mirajane ate their dinner, a bowl was left at the end of the kitchen table, filled with the vegetable stew the Take-Over wizard had made. Though Leslie had said she was going to bed, her mother still left a bowl out just in case she got hungry. Pikachu contently ate his Pokémon food nearby, though he did glance over at the Unova Champion Master's room.
She hadn't gone to sleep yet. Her mind was still locked into the memories of her earliest high school years. After her friends had left the school for various reasons, she was the only one left from another universe. Thankfully, there were a lot of people that were willing to open up to her and make her feel at home. At least… except for a few.
FLASHBACK
"Wh-What?" Leslie stuttered out, thinking she had misheard Luna, who sighed sadly from her desk.
"Dean Crimson is… adamant about our school policy when it comes to multiversal things like your Pokémon," she explained to the trainer, "She's asked that we make sure no distractions are brought into the classroom," she added.
"But… I haven't been distracted by my Pokémon!" the Ketchum girl pointed out somewhat frantically.
"And my sister and I both know that…" the vice principal assured, holding her hands up in a placating manner, "However, Crimson wants things to be… as normal as possible at CHS after what happened recently…" she told Leslie, who gave off a frustrated look as she clutched her black leggings tightly. Her lips quivered. Her body shook.
"Why…?" she uttered out with tears building in her eyes, "Why do they have to try and take everything from me…?" she whimpered in question, letting her tears drip down onto the floor one after another. Luna said nothing, merely getting up from her seat and going over to embrace the Ketchum girl to comfort her.
"We haven't agreed to anything yet, Leslie," she mentioned assuredly, "Celestia's going to work out a deal with Crimson, and your Pokémon won't be taken from you," she promised, "She's done enough to hurt you and your friends…" she added in admittance.
"Mmm…" the Pokémon trainer mumbled out with a nod. She wanted so much to believe that would truly be the case. But if her friends had already been forced out of CHS, she would maybe soon follow…
"The dean's planning on taking your Pokémon away?!" Minty exclaimed in shock after hearing the news from her classmate.
"That's what Vice Principal Luna told me…" she replied somberly.
"That's horrible!" the pale green-skinned girl exclaimed frightfully, "Why would the dean wanna take your Pokémon away?!" she wondered aloud, "They haven't done anything wrong!" she pointed out. Leslie didn't answer. She felt that if she did, she'd be ousted yet again for being from another world.
"Come on…" she beckoned, "Just one more class and then we can go home," she noted, walking off.
"O-Okay!" Minty stuttered in response, following her down the CHS halls to their classroom. Though as they were about to go in, Leslie took notice of a red-skinned woman in a maroon pantsuit trotting down the halls with a black folder in her right arm. She had maroon, wavy hair in a ponytail. Recognizing her as the dean, the Ketchum girl quickly ducked into the classroom. She was afraid. Even with Luna's promise, she knew how relentless Crimson had been in ousting her friends. Pretty soon, she could be next…
END FLASHBACK
"Ugh…" the Unova Champion Master groaned as she sat up. She hated going through memories of that day alone… but she had to. If anything, it was as much of a trial for her to reminisce as it was for her twin siblings to partake in the island challenge. She got onto her feet, going over to her dresser and pulling out a pair of sandals. She put them on before opening up her window and sneaking outside. She carefully sauntered around her house, making sure she wasn't seen as she ventured towards the Hau'oli City Beachfront.
She needed closure to these memories. And she needed someone to share them with. As she trekked along the road, she pulled out her MPG from her pocket and activated it.
X
"Neen jah…" Greninja growled out as he and Null stalked each other, taking careful steps.
"None of us have ever really beat Null before, right?" Paige guessed, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah…" Erika responded grimly, remembering how it was Kukui… or the Masked Royal, who wound up defeating the chimera-like creature during their battle, "Rotodex, do you have any info on Null now?" she wondered curiously.
"Nope, zzt," the Pokédex buzzed in response, "I have no data to go off of, even after zzzeeing it twice, zzt…" it pointed out.
"So all Trent has to go off on is experience…" the Ketchum girl realized, narrowing her eyes. In the meantime, both Null and Greninja came to a stop, prepared to receive orders from the respective trainers.
"Aerial Ace!" Gladion commanded, pumping his right fist out.
"Acrobatics!" Trent ordered. The chimera-like creature charged forward, taking a great leap at a tremendous speed, with white streaks shrouding around its form. Meanwhile, Greninja made his body shine a bright blue as he zipped out. The two collided fiercely, blowing each other back as they winced.
"Swords Dance!" the Team Skull enforcer instructed quickly, swinging his left hand out.
"RRRRRR!" Null growled, making light-blue swords of energy appear around it. They circled about its body for a moment before pointing towards it, causing a reddish aura to flow up its form.
"Swords Dance…" Erika uttered out, remembering how Guzma's Golisopod had the same move.
"Cute trick," Trent commented with a chuckle, "But that's not gonna help you win!" he declared fiercely, "Greninja, Extrasensory!" he commanded. The Ninja Pokémon made his eyes glow a bright gold before he released a multicolored, circular beam of light with white crescents from the tip of his nose. In encased his opponent, who blinked in surprise as it was telekinetically lifted into the air. "Now toss him down!" the dark green-haired teen ordered fiercely.
"Neeenn… JAAAHHHH!" Greninja exclaimed, slamming the chimera-like creature against the ground hard in a flurry of dirt and dust, while the multicolored light dissipated.
"Whoa…" Erika uttered out.
"Greninja's really strong, huh?" Hau noted as he blinked.
"Deh sidge…" Decidueye chirped in agreement, nodding his head.
"Sivahh…" Null groaned as it got onto its feet once the dust settled.
"We're not finished with you yet!" Trent yelled, "Use Water Shuriken!" he commanded, pumping his right fist forward. The Ninja Pokémon grasped a few watery throwing stars in his hands from the markings at his legs, flinging them out at his target.
"Bash through them with Iron Head!" Gladion called out. His partner stood strong, taking the first two shuriken before enveloping itself within a whitish light to make it appear black and white. It then charged forward, bashing through the other throwing stars sent its way until it collided head on with Greninja, who was just about to fling another one.
"Greninja!" Trent screamed, seeing the Ninja Pokémon fly back and tumble across the ground until he stopped upon his stomach.
"Greh…!" he croaked in pain, grimacing all the while.
"Ergh…" his trainer growled out of frustration.
"Now X-Scissor!" Gladion commanded. With its front legs glowing a bright yellowish-green, Null lunged out and slashed at its target in an x formation.
"JAAAAHHHH!" the Ninja Pokémon screeched out of agony.
"It knows X-Scissor, too?!" Paige exclaimed, evidently shocked.
"It's got a variety of moves, that's for sure…" Calvin noted as he blinked rapidly. Greninja managed to get himself back onto his feet, glaring down his foe.
"If you're going to talk big like you did, you might as well show some skill to back it up," Gladion advised to Trent, getting his attention as he perked up.
"The hell's that supposed to mean?" he inquired.
"Water Shuriken, Night Slash, Acrobatics, Extrasensory," the Team Skull enforcer listed off, putting up a finger on his right hand for each move, "All good moves, but you're lacking something that'll make them more useful," he pointed out.
"Huh?!" Trent exclaimed angrily, much to the surprise of the others.
"Hmph," Gladion scoffed, "With an attitude like yours though, I doubt you'll even want to listen to me…" he concluded, putting his right hand onto his hip, "At some point, you'll just have to accept the fact that right now…" he continued, "I'm stronger than you," he stated, causing the dark green-haired teen to clench his teeth together out of rage.
"Trent…" Erika uttered with worry in her voice.
"I've never seen him get so worked up…" Hau admitted, somewhat frightened.
Me neither…" Calvin added. The way his rival was fighting reminded him of how he acted during his battle against Guzma. Needless to say, this was a vastly different match now.
"X-Scissor!" Gladion ordered.
"Use Night Slash!" Trent commanded. While Null made its front legs glow a yellowish-green again before charging forward, Greninja formed a pair of glowing purple blades that he took into his webbed hands. He lunged out and clashed them against his foe's claws, causing sparks to fly about. Both trainers looked on with expressions of anticipation. Everyone else just watched, awaiting whatever result would come of the deadlock.
The chimera-like creature managed to nick its opponent at his hip, making him wince. However, he retaliated by slashing downwards, blowing Null back as it slid across the ground. It still stood firm, glaring down its foe.
"Iron Head!" its trainer commanded, sticking his left hand out. A whitish aura shrouded it once more, making it appear black and white. It dashed forward.
"Block it!" Trent instructed. Greninja crossed his two energy blades into an x in front of himself, taking the attack as a flurry of sparks resulted. An explosion at the point of contact then blew the two fighters back, making them slide back along the ground.
"Jahh…" the Ninja Pokémon groaned, keeling over onto his left knee.
"Stay strong, Greninja!" his trainer insisted, "We can win this!" he proclaimed. His partner's eyes shot open as he slowly stood back up. A bluish aura suddenly started to build up around his body.
"Hey… I know that light!" Erika recalled, blinking in surprise.
"It'zzz Greninja'zzz Torrent!" Rotom exclaimed, "When he'zzz low on health, hizzz Water-type movezzz get powered up!" it explained.
"All right then…" Trent began, letting off a wicked grin, "Greninja, Water Shuriken!" he commanded fiercely, pumping his right fist out. The Ninja Pokémon smacked his hands against the markings at his legs, pulling off a pair of larger watery throwing stars. He put them together into one, flinging it forward. It struck Null fiercely in an explosion of white smoke.
"Yes!" Erika exclaimed excitedly.
"Was that enough though?" Hau wondered out of concern. The smoke was slow to subside. But when it did, both Trent and Greninja widened their eyes in disbelief. Null was still standing firm in spite of the marks along his body.
"Just relying on a last resort ability isn't going to be enough for you to win, you know," Gladion pointed out, getting the dark green-haired boy's attention, "You need strategy in order to win," he said, extending his right hand out, "Use X-Scissor," he commanded simply.
"Sivahhh!" the chimera-like creature bellowed in response, making its front legs glow a bright yellowish-green as it charged forward.
"Quick, Night Slash!" Trent called out desperately. Greninja attempted to form a purple energy blade from his hands, but just as he pulled it out, Null raised its front legs up and slashed by him in an x formation. It came to a stop behind him as the energy blade shattered into pieces.
"Neeenn… jaaaahhh…" the Ninja Pokémon groaned out before falling forward onto his stomach, having swirls in his eyes. Everyone was astonished. He… had lost?
"No way…" Trent uttered out as he trembled a little, "Hey, come on…!" he yelled, balling his hands into fists in frustration, "Get up, Greninja!" he shouted.
"Trent…" Erika uttered, shocked by how desperate and angry he was sounding. She had never seen him like this. Neither had anyone else.
"Hmph," Gladion scoffed, stuffing his hands into his hoodie's pouch, "You still have one Pokémon left to use in this battle, you know," he pointed out, "Or do you wanna forfeit?" he guessed. That last word triggered something in the dark green-haired boy's mind. It was a memory of him when he first started his journey.
'I'm sure that you can be a hero just like they were!' a voice echoed in his head. It was a promise. It was a dream. It was something… he never wanted to let go of. He returned Greninja to his Poké Ball in a beam of red light.
"I'm not giving up, you jerk…" he vowed, putting the container back onto his belt before grabbing another one, enlarging it with the press of its button, "If I can't beat someone like you, then I've got right trying to be as good as them!" he shouted, throwing the Poké Ball forward. It popped open, and its light came into form in midair, dissipating to reveal Vikavolt.
"Veekah!" he buzzed out. Gladion narrowed his eyes. He wasn't intimidated by Null's new opponent. In fact, he was prepared to face it. But the other trial-goers weren't prepared for what they were about to witness from their rival…
X
The salty sea breeze washed over Leslie as she sat upon the sand and gazed up at the beautiful night sky over Melemele. She loved coming to Alola on vacations, especially now since it was beyond extended. It gave her a chance to relax a little more than she normally would get the chance to. Yet here she was, not in her bed… and not even remotely tired. Her memories were plaguing her.
Normally, she'd talk to her parents about such things. But they had already heard her story several times before. It was time someone new learned about her past. Someone… she could trust.
"You called me all the way out here in your pajamas?" Dylan's voice inquired, getting her attention as she turned to see him come down the steps onto the sandy beach. She smiled.
"I know, I'm weird…" she admitted sheepishly.
"Heh," her old rival chuckled, "Yeah, you are," he agreed, walking over and seating himself down beside her, "So…" he began, staring out at the moonlit horizon with her, "what's on your mind?" he asked curiously. The Ketchum girl tucked her legs in.
"When I went to CHS and… things happened," she started to reply, "I had no idea what else was going to be in store for me," she admitted, "Aside from the basic school stuff I learned, I felt like I was… out of place," she mentioned to Dylan.
"But you stayed for a full four years, right?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow. Leslie nodded.
"After the first semester, a lot of people were really sympathetic to me… especially since I was the only one from another universe," she explained before her face fell slightly, "But… I still felt alone…" she confessed, causing her old rival to blink in surprise.
"Why?" he asked curiously. The Ketchum girl tensed up… and took a deep breath. She needed to share this with somebody new. Maybe then… she'd have a sense of closure.
FLASHBACK
"Now then, your projects are due in exactly two weeks," Miss Harshwhinny told the class, "You'll have plenty of time to work on them before the end of the year," she mentioned assuredly. Leslie was in the middle of documenting all the information she needed in her notebook. Though the social studies class was somewhat of a pain, it was still valuable knowledge to have. Besides, learning about other cultures of other worlds was really interesting to her.
"Too bad it isn't a group project…" Minty whispered, getting her attention, "We would've aced it together!" she pointed out with a wink. Her classmate chuckled.
"I think we're gonna do just fine," she assured in response. As she finished stuffing her notebooks into her handbag, she couldn't help but overhear what sounded like shouting. And then…
"UNACCEPTABLE!" a familiar voice bellowed angrily. Miss Harshwhinny and the students all perked up in surprise. Leslie grimaced upon recognizing the voice as Crimson's. She could only hope that it was something else she was upset about.
"Crimson, please!" Celestia's voice pleaded, "Miss Ketchum isn't violating any of our school policies and rarely ever lets out her Pokémon!" she pointed out desperately.
"That doesn't mean they're not prone to danger!" the dean shouted back. All of a sudden, the door to the classroom burst open. Standing there was none other than the red-skinned woman. And she was even redder with anger. Her eyes set their sights onto Leslie before she marched over to her.
"C-Can I help you?" she stuttered in question. She had a sinking feeling that she knew what Crimson wanted.
"Your magical creatures," she responded rather bluntly, "Hand them over now," she demanded firmly. Some of the class gasped in surprise, murmuring amongst themselves. Near the back of the room, Grace smirked.
"What in the world is going on here?!" Miss Harshwhinny questioned crossly, putting her hands at her hips.
"Don't worry, this will be over shortly…" Crimson assured in response, "Now please," she requested to Leslie. She gave off a firm expression of defiance.
"No," she responded simply. Now everyone gasped in surprise.
"E-Excuse me?" the dean stuttered out, sounding offended. The Ketchum girl got up from her seat just as Celestia and Luna jogged into the classroom.
"I said no, Dean Crimson," she reiterated, "You're not going to bully me into giving up more than I've already had to…" she affirmed, balling her hands into fists.
"Young lady, you're in no position to make any sort of demands from us…" the red-skinned woman retorted, narrowing her eyes.
"Well, what about my other friends?!" Leslie shouted back in question, "You didn't even give them a chance to stay at this school!" she pointed out angrily while trembling, "I still get sick from thinking about what Grace said to Rachael at the Fall Formal…" she mentioned, glancing off to the side, "As far as I'm concerned, she's lucky that she got away with just a broken arm…" she remarked without a look of regret in her eyes. The dean widened her eyes before letting out a growl through clenched teeth.
"You little…!" she hissed, "Hand over your Pokémon now, or I'll have you join your friends in expulsion!" she threatened. The Ketchum girl stood firm, willing to take on such a punishment. She at least would end her time at CHS with one last hurrah by standing up to Crimson.
"You'll have to expel me, too!" Minty suddenly exclaimed, shooting up onto her feet. Everyone looked over in surprise, seeing the tears welling in her eyes. "Leslie's been bullied by you enough!" she pointed out, "She doesn't deserve to get punished when she's one of the people who saved this world!" she mentioned emphatically.
"That's right!" another student agreed as he stood up from his seat as well, "If it weren't for her and her other friends, we might've all been killed!" he noted.
"Yeah!" one more concurred. Pretty soon, the rest of the classroom, save for Grace, all stood up and voiced their arguments against the dean. Needless to say, she was shocked to see them all uniting against her. She clenched her teeth angrily.
"Celestia, control your students this instant!" she commanded of the school's principal.
"My students have every right to speak out, Crimson," she responded defiantly, crossing her arms over her chest, "And I agree with them," she added.
"Grrr…" the dean growled, turning back to Leslie. She took notice of the Poké Balls lying in her open bag. Without warning, she grabbed it.
"Hey!" the Ketchum girl yelled, grabbing the bag to try and pry it free of Crimson's grasp, "I told you… I'm not giving you my Pokémon!" she declared firmly.
"That's not up to you, you miserable little—!" A blue-and-white light shooting out from the bag interrupted the red-skinned woman's remark as it formed upon the floor, dissipating to reveal Serpence. He opened his eyes and glared at her.
"Serrr…" he hissed, using his tail to grasp the bag and pull it out of the hands of Crimson and Leslie.
"Hand that over now!" the former of the two demanded.
"Peeer!" the Regal Pokémon exclaimed angrily in response, sharing an angered glare with her.
"Crimson…" Celestia chimed in, getting the dean's attention, "I think you've done enough," she noted, "Now please leave," she advised. The red-skinned woman was about to retort… but then she noticed that a few of the students had their phones out, having recorded the scene that unfolded. With a defeated huff, she stomped out from the classroom.
"Mother…" Grace uttered out.
"Do you wanna make them feel worse than they already do about everything?" one student suddenly asked her, causing her to blink in surprise.
"Wh-What?" she stuttered in question, "No… I—"
"So what if they didn't get into school based on merit?" another inquired rhetorically, "I remember that Rachael and Raya were top students trying their best before what happened," she pointed out.
"B-But…" Grace tried to say, but her words weren't coming out.
"Are you just afraid they'll steal the attention away from you?" one more student guessed, causing her to widen her eyes. She then sunk down into her seat, lowering her head with shame. Meanwhile, Serpence gave his trainer her bag as she cradled it close to her chest.
"Leslie, are you okay?" Luna asked as she trotted over alongside her sister.
"I'm so sorry about all that," Celestia apologized, "We told Crimson about our plan and she—" The whimpering from the Ketchum girl interjected them as they blinked in surprise.
"Why…?" she sobbed out in question.
"L-Leslie?" Minty stuttered worriedly.
"Serrrr…" Serpence hissed softly, holding his trainer close as she cried.
"Why couldn't you protect them, too…?" she wondered as tears streaked down from her shut eyes. Celestia and Luna both widened their eyes in realization, giving off regretful and saddened looks. Even with their efforts to try and protect Leslie from being ousted, it appeared to already be too late.
END FLASHBACK
"So… that's what happened?" Dylan inquired to Leslie, whose eyes welled up with tears as she exhaled a sad sigh.
"I finished the semester, thankfully…" she pointed out, "And I'd get through all three years after that…" she recalled additionally, letting off a small smile, "I didn't feel alone because my friends were gone…" she told her old rival, "I felt alone… because I was the only one who was defended…" she confessed.
"Huh?" Dylan uttered in confusion as he blinked.
"Raya, Rachael… Christina, Mackenzie…" the Ketchum girl listed off, "They were the ones who deserved to be protected more than I was…" she whimpered out, crying into her knees. Sympathetically, her old rival wrapped his right arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close for comfort.
"None of your friends deserved what happened to them," he told her, "That includes you," he added firmly as she perked up a little, "People like that are always going to try and establish their rules over others," he noted to her, "But you're one of the strongest people I know," he mentioned, "Nothing like that's ever going to bring you down," he pointed out with a chuckle. Wiping her eyes and sniffling, Leslie turned to him.
"Thanks… Dylan…" she said softly in gratitude, giving him a warm smile. She then leaned in and kissed him sweetly on the lips, much to his surprise as his eyes widened. However, he gave way and let his eyes slowly shut, melting into the lip lock as the white-haired girl blushed. She wasn't alone after all this time. She had friends, family, and people she loved like her old rival. The two of them then broke apart.
"So… what does this make us?" he inquired after a moment.
"Boyfriend and girlfriend?" Leslie guessed in response, thinking that it sounded like the most obvious thing in the world, "I mean… if you want it to be like that…" she sheepishly added, blushing a little. Dylan cracked a grin.
"Of course I do," he replied. The two of them closed their eyes, about to lean in for another kiss and…
"Well, what a surprise!" a familiar voice exclaimed, causing the new couple to widen their eyes in shock.
"Oh no…" Leslie muttered out in realization, cringing as she turned to see both her mother and father there alongside Pikachu, Incineroar, and Primarina. All of them were smiling.
"Uh… hi, Mister and Missus K…" Dylan greeted nervously while rubbing the back of his head. Mirajane giggled.
"I hope you good care of our daughter, Dylan!" she called out, much to Leslie's embarrassment as she buried her reddening face into her hands. Meanwhile, Ash grinned happily. It was good to see his eldest daughter moving on from the past. And hopefully, she'd strive to be a better person from it.
X
"Vikavolt, Bug Buzz!" Trent commanded, pumping his right fist forward.
"Veeee… KAAAAHHHHH!" the Stag Beetle Pokémon buzzed loudly, unleashing red energy waves from his mouth that crashed into Null, sending it sliding back.
"Rrrrr…" it growled, shaking its head in order to regain its composure.
"X-Scissor!" Gladion ordered while holding his shaking left hand by his wrist. The chimera-like creature made its front legs glow a bright yellowish-green as it charged forward.
"Dodge with Dig!" Trent instructed quickly. Vikavolt flew upwards before diving down and burrowing into the ground, evading the attempted slash by his foe as it passed by before coming to a stop. The other trial-goers watched on curiously, wondering how the match would end. But even more than that, Erika wondered just how angry her rival was. She had never seen him get so mad at anyone before…
The Stag Beetle Pokémon then burst up from the ground, striking Null fiercely to make it stumble back. It breathed heavily underneath its wooden helmet, glaring at its opponent as he remained airborne thanks to his wings.
"Iron Head!" Gladion commanded.
"Use Thunderbolt!" Trent ordered. The chimera-like creature had a whitish light surge around its entire body, making it appear black and white. As it charged forward, yellow electricity was building upon Vikavolt's own body. He unleashed a powerful bolt of lightning, striking the incoming Null. It tried to withstand the blow, pushing back against it as hard as it could. But unfortunately, it wound up caught in an explosion seconds later.
"Null!" the Team Skull enforcer exclaimed. When the resulting smoke subsided, it revealed that the chimera-like creature had fallen onto its right side, having swirls in its eyes.
"It's down!" Hau exclaimed in surprise.
"Way to go, Trent!" Erika cheered as she pumped her right fist up. The dark green-haired boy grinned in a smug manner. Gladion didn't seem to pay any mind to it though, returning Null to the Premier Ball in a beam of red light.
"Null hasn't been beaten all that often," he admitted, sounding somewhat impressed, "Still, you're out of your depth against me," he remarked, causing his opponent to scoff, "I watched the Aether Tournament, you know," he mentioned to Trent's surprise, "Your battle against Erika was painful to watch," he pointed out, grabbing a Dusk Ball off of his belt and enlarging it by pressing its center button, "Even with a clear type advantage, you still lost," he recalled.
"Grrr…" the dark green-haired boy growled through clenched teeth.
"Trent…" Calvin uttered worriedly.
"If you wanna prove me wrong…" the Team Skull enforcer began as he lightly tossed the Dusk Ball forward, letting it pop open. Its light spilled onto the ground, coming into form before dissipating to reveal a Zoroark. "…then try beating me when we're at a disadvantage," his trainer challenged.
"We were already planning on it, jerk…" Trent muttered in response.
"He's got a Zoroark, huh?" Paige noted as she blinked in surprise. Meanwhile, Rotom pulled up an image of the Illusion Fox Pokémon upon its screen.
"Zoroark, the Illusion Fox Pokémon," it began, "He doesn't just transform itself—Zoroark also has the power to make hundreds of people see his illusions. If he thinks humans are going to discover his den, Zoroark shows them visions that make them wander around in the woods," it explained thoroughly.
"Why'd he save Zoroark for last though?" Hau wondered, arching an eyebrow, "Bug-types are super effective against Dark-types…" he pointed out while scratching at his cheek.
"I get the feeling we're about to find out…" Erika admitted as she narrowed her eyes.
"We'll settle this without a sweat!" Trent declared fiercely, "Vikavolt, Bug Buzz!" he commanded.
"Veeee… KAAAAAAHHHH!" the Stag Beetle Pokémon screeched, unleashing waves of red energy from his mouth towards his foe.
"Dodge and use Nasty Plot!" Gladion instructed quickly.
"Rah!" Zoroark responded, leaping up to evade the sound waves. A wicked grin crossed his face as his eyes glowed a dark red. Once he landed back down, a reddish aura flowed up his body.
"What move was that?" Calvin questioned.
"That wazzz Nasty Plot, zzt," Rotom buzzed in response, "It'zzz a move that increasezzz Zoroark'zzz special attack," it told him.
"That's not gonna be good for Trent…" Paige realized with a grimace.
"Acrobatics!" the dark green-haired boy commanded, pumping his right fist forward. Vikavolt glowed in a bright blue light as he zipped out rapidly towards his foe.
"Snarl!" Gladion ordered.
"HRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWRRR!" the Illusion Fox Pokémon bellowed, unleashing a powerful blast of purple and black rings from his mouth. They crashed into his opponent, blowing him back as the glow around him vanished, followed by a bluish light flowing down his form.
"Veee…" he buzzed out angrily.
"Stay calm!" his trainer advised, "Use Dig!" he insisted. The Stag Beetle Pokémon dove down and burrowed into the ground in a flurry of dust. Cautiously, Zoroark glanced about for a sign as to where he could pop out from. He then noticed the earth just behind his feet crack, widening his eyes. Vikavolt burst out and struck him fiercely with his mandibles. "Yes!" Trent exclaimed with delight.
"Shadow Claw!" Gladion commanded suddenly. Regaining his focus while still being struck, the Illusion Fox Pokémon had a dark aura with a purple outline in the shape of a claw shroud his right arm. He swung it down to strike his opponent aside, sending him flying back. He managed to find his balance just before he could hit the ground, still airborne as his wings buzzed rapidly.
"Veeekah…" he hissed.
"Rowr," Zoroark barked back, cracking a grin. Their respective trainers gave off determined looks, with neither willing to let the battle slip out of their favor.
"Thunderbolt!" Trent commanded, sticking his right hand out. Vikavolt made yellow electricity encase his entire body, sparking around him before he unleashed a bolt onto his target. He winced as he took the attack, clenching his teeth together. But it seemed as if he was enduring it, taking a step forward.
"No way…!" Erika gasped out, shocked like the others. Even Trent seemed surprised.
"Flamethrower!" Gladion ordered. Puffing his chest out, Zoroark sprayed a stream of flames from his mouth, striking the Stag Beetle Pokémon in a powerful explosion.
"Vikavolt!" the dark green-haired boy exclaimed frightfully, seeing him fly out from the smoke. Small embers flickered off from his body before a plume of fire engulfed him, making him wince in pain.
"He just got burned!" Calvin realized, widening his eyes.
"Gladion's really smart…" Erika noted, looking over at the Team Skull enforcer, "Nasty Plot, Snarl, Shadow Claw, and Flamethrower…" she listed off, sounding amazed, "He's got a Pokémon that can easily counter for weaknesses…" she mentioned.
"Still can't believe he's with Team Skull though…" Paige grumbled out.
"Vee… kah…" Vikavolt buzzed weakly as he floated down to be in front of his trainer, who was trembling with frustration.
"Is that it?" Gladion wondered, getting his attention, "I was hoping that you'd at least try to make this a little more interesting…" he muttered out. Another growl left Trent's lips.
"How's this for interesting?!" he shouted, showing off his Z-Ring before smacking an Electrium Z into the indentation.
"He's going for a Z-Move?!" Erika exclaimed in surprise, blinking rapidly.
"He doesn't really have much of a choice…" Calvin pointed out, "After taking that Snarl and Flamethrower after Nasty Plot along with a burn, I don't think Vikavolt is gonna take another one…" he told his twin sister.
"Come on, Trent!" Hau cheered as he stood up.
"Deh sidge!" Decidueye squawked, spreading his wings. The dark green-haired teen crossed his arms over his face, causing his Z-Crystal to flash brightly as Vikavolt hovered in a ready position. He quickly swung his arms around, all while glaring back at Gladion. No other thoughts were in his head. He just wanted to beat him here and now. A yellowish aura was building around his body before he made the lightning bolt-like pose. The aura shot out in streaks towards the Stag Beetle Pokémon, merging with his body upon contact before the Z-Move symbol flashed in front of him.
"Nobody's going to beat me from now on!" Trent declared proudly, "Not you! Not Calvin! Not Erika! Or anyone else!" he listed off angrily, "Let's show him just what we're made of, Vikavolt!" he bellowed.
"Vee… kah!" the Stag Beetle Pokémon buzzed out, letting electricity spark all around him. A large ball of yellow energy was then gathered in between his mandibles, preparing to be launched.
"GIGAVOLT…" his trainer started to shout, "HAVOC!" he roared.
"VOLLLLLL!" Vikavolt buzzed loudly as he fired the ball of electricity forward fiercely. It razed through the air, heading straight for Zoroark. However, Gladion huffed in disappointment.
"Dodge and use Flamethrower," he instructed simply. The Illusion Fox Pokémon rushed forward, ducking underneath the ball of electricity as it wound up striking a nearby rock formation in a fierce blast. Everyone widened their eyes as they saw him slide to a stop just in front of Vikavolt. The second he opened his mouth, a huge spray of flames was unleashed, completely engulfing the Stag Beetle Pokémon.
"VIKAVOLT!" Trent screamed. Once the flames subsided, his teammate fell onto the ground in a smoking heap.
"Kahhh…" he groaned with swirls in his eyes. The other trial-goers were stunned. Gladion just huffed again.
"That's it, I guess," he concluded, returning his Zoroark to the Dusk Ball in a beam of red light, "You came pretty close, but if that's everything you've got…" he continued, "then you won't be a match for me ever," he said. Trent dropped onto his knees, trembling in frustration.
"Trent…" Erika uttered out, quickly hopping onto her feet and jogging over. Meanwhile, the Team Skull enforcer was about to depart.
"Make sure you protect Cosmog," he insisted to the Ketchum girl, "If it gets in the wrong hands, Alola's doomed," he pointed out grimly before leaving.
"Hey!" Hau yelled, "What do you mean 'doomed'?!" he inquired loudly, only to get no response as Gladion left without another word.
"The heck is that guy's problem?" Paige wondered aloud.
"No idea…" Calvin responded with a shake of his head. In the meantime, Erika knelt down next to Trent as a worried look was upon her face.
"Trent… are you—?"
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" the dark green-haired teen suddenly shouted, causing the Ketchum girl to reel back in surprise. She could see the tears streaking down his face as he clenched his teeth tightly. "Why…?" he uttered out, "Why does a jerk like him… have to be so strong?!" he asked angrily to no one in particular.
"Take it easy, Trent…" Calvin advised as he trotted over with his hands held out in a placating manner, "Gladion was just that strong…" he pointed out.
"Or I'm just too weak…" his rival muttered as a retort, "I've been holding myself and my team back ever since I started getting chummy with you guys…" he concluded, standing back up and returning his defeated Vikavolt to his Poké Ball in a beam of red light.
"Wh-What?" Erika stuttered in shock.
"Hey, how can you say that?!" Paige yelled as she stomped over, "We're your friends, not—!"
"SHUT UP!" Trent suddenly bellowed, making her stop talking instantly, "We're done…" he said, walking off without another word.
"T-Trent…" Erika stammered as her eyes shook. Never did she imagine to see such a visceral reaction from her rival, who always seemed so collected, even when he lost. But now… he was enraged… and alone.
ENDING
Insert "Fushigina Fushigina Ikimono" by Tortoise Matsumoto
Opens in a hospital, with the newborn Calvin and Erika lying in separate cribs as they snooze soundly. Watching from outside the window to the nursery is Leslie, who's excited about having both a little brother and sister. Her father comes up behind her and puts his right hand onto her shoulder, giving her a warm smile.
We cut to the Ketchum family returning home. Leslie spends a lot of time with the infant twins, helping her parents feed, bathe, and put them to sleep. As the years go by, we see that she struggles to keep up with trying to take care of the rambunctious twins. At one point, Erika actually refuses her baby bottle and tries getting her milk from her sister's breast, much to her shock and embarrassment.
We cut to when the family started vacationing in Alola, with Leslie having drifted somewhat apart from her twin siblings. It saddens her that most of the good memories she had with them are now fleeting. We see her put on her new dress as she goes to the Iki Town festival, where she witnesses Calvin and Erika attempt to battle for the first time. Though they both lose, she's happy that they tried.
From Ash and Mirajane's point of view, they've had a wonderful life with their three children. Ash and Pikachu had helped teach Calvin how to walk, while Mirajane showed Erika how to garden as they water plants together. There's another scene of the twins getting to see their sister in a tournament as her Krookodile goes up against Benga's Garchomp, countering a Dragon Claw with his own.
We cut to the present day, where Leslie contently watches the highlights of the Aether Tournament. As she sees the final match between her twin siblings, she doesn't even realize that she's crying happily for getting the chance to witness it at all. Her parents take notice of her emotional state and venture over to give her a comforting hug.
As the ending slowly winds down, we cut to the twins camping together on Ula'ula. They both glance up at the stars and smile. They're grateful to be on a journey that they never thought they would enjoy in the first place.
END ENDING
And that ends that! Obviously, things took a strange turn here with this battle and the look into Leslie's past… but I hope you enjoyed it regardless! The meat of this arc is still fresh as we get into the second Ula'ula trial! Here's a summary for next time!
SUMMARY
After arriving in Tapu Village the very next morning, the Ketchum twins meet up with Acerola and Lillie to take on the former's trial! Calvin goes first, discovering that his trial takes place in an abandoned Thrifty Megamart! What kind of challenge will he and his Pokémon go up against?!
In the meantime, Erika decides to train at the base of Mount Lanakila! But while there, what new Pokémon does she wind up discovering?!
END SUMMARY
Right now, it's back to "RWBY: Omni Force" for a couple of chapters! Until next time, happy reading and writing everyone!