Chapter 15: Vim and Vigor
His eyes began to feel tired throughout the walk and the boy ultimately sighed, "My arms are getting tired from carrying the egg around for so long, I think it's time I put it back in my backpack," Ash told his friends, making the group stop so the boy could place his egg from the Day Care back in his backpack.
"Ash you are so lazy, only a kid would get tired of carrying an egg around, unless you are one?" Iris raised an eyebrow and smirked, teasing the boy.
Ash glared at her and murmured, "It's heavier than it looks."
Cilan, May, Pikachu, and Axew laughed at the pair's antics, none of them bothering to end the small argument. Ash placed his egg in his backpack and zipped it shut, but the boy's attention suddenly shifted to the sound of leaves rustling. The auburn-eyed teen looked around, wondering where the noise came from.
"Where's that coming from?" Cilan tried to figure out the location of the rustling.
May tried to observe through the tall trees and thick bushes surrounding them, trying to locate the source of the sound. The brunette tried to focus her hearing and gaze in the direction of the sound, her eyes widened slightly and pointed in the direction she was staring, "That's what is making the noise."
The friends turned to the direction May gazed and spotted a small Pokémon picking berries off a bush. It was light green and its head was shaped like a bulb, resembling an onion to an extent. Its face was white and crescent-shaped with a green "bib" around its neck. The tiny creature picked off one berry at a time and ate each one, making the leaves rustle every time she picked off a berry.
May placed her hands on her cheeks and her eyes glistened with fascination, "What a cute Pokémon, I wonder what it's called."
"That's Petilil, a Grass-type and its pretty common around here," Iris informed May regarding the name of the short Pokémon.
"Petilil, let's see what the Pokédex has to say," May reached for her device to learn more.
"Petilil, the Bulb Pokémon. Petilil prefer living in rich, fertile soil where all types of plants grow in abundance," May's Pokédex stated with a robotic voice.
"It clearly likes those berries," Ash kept watching Petilil eat the berries off the bush.
May smiled and reached for a Pokéball, "I'm going to catch it; Petilil will make a great addition to the team."
"I don't see why not," Cilan answered to May's statement.
"Go for it May," Ash encouraged his beloved, knowing May could use another teammate.
May grinned confidently and released her Pokémon, "Tepig, let's catch Petilil!"
Tepig emerged from its Pokéball and cheered happily, ready to do whatever his trainer needed. May pointed at the Petilil, who was still eating and ordered, "Tepig, use Flamethrower!"
"Teeeepig!" the pig cried out and released a powerful stream of fire.
"Petilil is a Grass-type so Flamethrower should be super effective," Iris pointed out, certain about May catching Petilil in no time.
"Pi…" Pikachu spoke to Ash while watching May.
"After losing in Tempus Town, I'm sure Petilil will help May come back on top in her next contest, Pikachu," the spoke in a low voice to his yellow pal.
Petilil turned around and quickly noticed the impending Flamethrower and barely dodged it. May frowned, "Petilil dodged it, doesn't matter, Tepig, use Tackle!"
While Petilil dodged Flamethrower, it wasn't fast enough to dodge Tepig and the Grass-type crashed into the bushes. May grinned confidently, but Petilil jumped out of the bushes, frowning angrily. The Bulb Pokémon unleashed a colorful barrage of sharp leaves at Tepig, but May stood there without a sign of worry.
"Burn Magical Leaf to a crisp with Flamethrower, Tepig," May instructed and Tepig released another stream of fire.
Flamethrower turned the leaves into ashes and left Petilil desperate, the Grass-type had no choice, but to flee the battle. However, May wasn't going to let the Pokémon escape that easy.
"Tepig, get in front Petilil and bash her down with Take Down!" May cried out.
Tepig nodded and as Petilil tried to run away, the fire pig easily caught up with its superior speed and smirked at the Bulb Pokémon. "May's got Petilil now!" Ash made a fist, seeing the situation in favor of May and Tepig.
Petilil showed fear in its eyes and released a white sparkling powder from the top of its head. Before Tepig could bash Petilil, it became paralyzed by the powder Petilil released.
Ash and the others eyes widened in surprise. "Petilil just used Stun Spore," Cilan pointed out.
Petilil glared at Tepig, taking advantage of the pig's immobilization, the Bulb Pokémon used Magical Leaf on the pig, leaving marks on the Fire-type's body. May frowned and made a command, "Tepig, break through your paralyzed state, I know you can do it. When you do, let Petilil have it with another Flamethrower!"
"Teeepiiiig!" Tepig cried out, trying to break from its paralyzed state.
Petilil kept using Magical Leaf on the pig, damaging the Fire-type bit by bit. When Tepig felt like it could break free, it tried to motion forward, but Stun Spore somehow trapped Tepig back in its paralyzed state.
The Bulb Pokémon grinned and became surrounded by white sparkles, making the Grass-type glow white. Energy seemed to run through the small Pokémon and when it finished, Petilil looked as good as new.
"Now it used Synthesis!" Iris pointed out.
"May, you have to help Tepig fight back!" Ash suggested, knowing Tepig was slowly losing energy with every Magical Leaf.
May nodded at him and turned to Tepig, "Tepig, you have to fight back with all your power, awaken the fire inside you and put that Petilil in its place, I'm counting on you!"
Tepig groaned as Petilil kept hitting the pig with Magical Leaf. The starter shut its eyes from the pain and let May's words ring through his head, awaken the fire, awaken the fire, awaken the fire, at that moment Tepig opened its eyes and its body enveloped in a red aura.
The pig's eyes became stern and the aura became thicker, showing off its red color. "It's Blaze!" Ash recognized the famous Fire-type Ability.
May raised an eyebrow, surprised by Tepig's capability to unleash the ability at such a young stage. The pig smirked at Petilil, frightening the Grass-type and Tepig released a strong Flamethrower.
Petilil cried out in pain as the Flamethrower burned the Grass-type and its surroundings. Tepig cried out angrily as it released the stream of fire, when Petilil finally dropped, the starter smirked happily, overcoming the effects of Stun Spore and putting his cocky enemy in its place.
The pig stopped glowing and ran over to May, the brunette was slightly confused by the pig, it was like some cable inside the starter had snapped and allowed it to unleash an attack more than powerful enough to take down Petilil. It was like an explosion, quick, but devastating.
"Wow…I didn't expect that," Iris stood amazed just like the others, Tepig acted like nothing had happened.
May kneeled down and petted Tepig with a smile, still thinking about Tepig's power, "Tepig, you really showed that Petilil a thing or two, you've earned yourself a good rest," May smiled and returned her happy pig.
The brunette turned the unconscious Petilil and enthusiastically threw her Pokéball, "Go Pokéball!"
The girl's Pokeball easily trapped Petilil inside; Tepig's Flamethrower had obviously left Petilil without any energy to escape from the Pokéball. May walked over to the Pokéball and raised it in the air, "I caught a Petilil!"
"Nice job May!" Ash congratulated May along with the rest of their friends.
"All in a day's work," May giggled, holding her Pokeball proudly.
"Hello is someone there?" a male voice called out, alerting the group.
The teens heard the sound of rustling turned around, much to their surprise; they saw a boy around Ash's age emerge from the bush. He wore a sky blue jacket with a dark blue-collar similar to Ash's jacket and he even wore the same colored pants and shoes as Ash. His eyes were a darker brown though and his hair was raven-like as well, except combed stylishly. The boy even wore a red and white hat, similar in design to Ash's. A shoulder bag hung from the boy's right shoulder, the strap gray and the bag itself, blue.
The brunette boy smiled at them and asked, "Sorry to interrupt, but I was just doing some stuff nearby and I heard some battling going on, I figure you were the ones battling?"
May approached the boy and answered, "Yeah, actually I was catching a wild Pokémon roaming around."
The brown-eyed teen slightly blushed and became embarrassed when he saw May, she's cute, the mysterious boy thought. May stepped back a bit, a little alarmed by the blush on his face, but giggled a little.
Ash crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow out of jealousy and got between the pair with Pikachu on his shoulder. The raven-haired teen changed the subject and spoke, "Anyway, we're sorry about the commotion we caused."
The boy in the sky blue jacket smiled and crossed his arms, "It's alright. I wasn't getting much done anyway."
Ash put his guard down and smiled, "By the way, I'm Ash and this is May," the raven-haired teen introduced themselves, holding onto May's hand that moment, which made May smile and gave Ash a teasing look, sensing that the boy felt threatened by this stranger.
The brunette boy grinned at them, acknowledging their names and the fact that they were a couple, Guess they're a couple, oh well; the boy shook the thought off his mind. "I'm Iris and this is Axew," Iris got beside the couple and introduced herself and the happy Dragon-type.
"And I'm Cilan," Cilan got beside Iris and introduced himself.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu introduced himself from Ash's shoulder.
"I see, nice to meet you all, I'm Hilbert by the way, I'm from Nuvema Town," Hilbert introduced himself to the gang.
"Nice to meet you Hilbert," the group answered simultaneously.
Hilbert nodded and focused his attention on Ash, May, and Pikachu, "You guys are from outside of Unova right? The Pikachu is a pretty strong clue."
"That's right; me and Pikachu are from Pallet Town in Kanto," Ash informed the brunette.
"And I'm from Petalburg City in Hoenn," May stated her origins.
Hilbert placed his hands in his pockets and nodded, "Kanto and Hoenn, those are some pretty distant places. What brings both of you here?"
Before Ash could answer, May butt in to answer first, making Hilbert chuckle because of the girl's adorable nature. "I'm here to compete in the Grand Festival," May mentioned with a kind tone.
"Really, I have a friend competing in contests too, who knows where they are off right now though," Hilbert mentioned his friend who happened to be a coordinator. "What about you Ash?" Hilbert asked curiously.
Ash made a fist and grinned confidently, "I'm here to compete in the Unova League."
Hilbert raised an eyebrow when he heard Ash say he was here to compete in the Unova League. "Well, those are some tough tournaments to get into, you must have a lot of faith in your skill to aim that high," the brown-eyed teen said.
Ash and May nodded in agreement. "So, mind telling us what you were doing before you heard May battling?" Cilan inquired.
The Nuvema boy grinned and turned to Cilan, "Before we get to that matter, you must not remember do you Cilan? I battled you almost three months ago with my Oshawott, do you remember?"
"Pardon?" Cilan became surprised by the response. The green-haired male tried to recall the most recent challengers before Ash and Trip showed up, the emerald-eyed teen grinned sheepishly and answered, "Sorry, I never had a very good memory regarding challengers."
Hilbert sighed and chuckled, "Oh well. Anyway, I was scouting around, trying to find a Pokémon because for starters, do you have any idea where you are right now?"
Ash and May looked at him with baffled expressions; they then observed their surroundings and May answered, "A forest?"
Hilbert sighed, "Close, but more specifically…"
"It's at the tip of my tongue," Cilan placed his fingers on his chin, trying to determine their location.
Iris looked around and palm faced herself, "Of course, how did I not realize it, we're in Pinwheel Forest!"
"Actually yeah, this is Pinwheel Forest," May read the map on her and Ash's Xtransciever.
"That's right," Hilbert nodded.
"But what does the location have to do with anything?" Ash remained confused.
The brunette turned his back against the group and began to speak, "After I defeated the gym leader of Castelia City, I heard there was a Legendary Pokémon roaming this area; my curiosity brought me here in search of that Legendary Pokémon."
Before anyone could ask him about the Legendary Pokémon, Ash became alarmed when he heard Hilbert say he had just defeated the Castelia Gym Leader. The auburn-eyed teen got in the boy's face and spoke, "You battle gyms too? That's awesome; I already have two badges from the Nacrene and Striaton gyms!"
Ash's antics resembled that of child, almost trampling Hilbert as if he were a celebrity. "Two badges? Not bad Ash, I received two of my badges from those areas too, the other being from Castelia City," Hilbert became interested in Ash's abilities as a trainer, impressed by Ash's feats.
Ash made a fist and smiled confidently, "Why don't we have a battle to see who's stronger?"
Hilbert raised an eyebrow and figured it'd make good practice, "Alright, I don't see why not."
Iris sighed and spoke, "I was going to ask about the Legendary Pokémon before Ash's big mouth got in the way."
"Looks like that's going to have to wait till after the battle," Cilan chuckled.
"Why don't we just enjoy the battle for now, besides Hilbert sounds pretty strong," May stated, curious to see how strong this newfound rival might be.
Hilbert and Ash stepped away from the trees and bushes and stood on the plain dirt path, wide and long enough for a battlefield. May, Iris, and Cilan leaned against the trees to watch.
"Pick any Pokémon of your choosing Ash," Hilbert stated and reached for his Pokeball.
Ash nodded and turned to Pikachu, "Hey pal, mind sitting this one out, I'd like to get Snivy in a real battle since she hasn't been in one in a while."
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded up and down.
The black-haired boy thanked his friend and reached for Snivy's Pokéball. Ash held it up high and yelled, "Snivy, let's go!"
"Snivy huh, alright then, Dewott let's battle!" Hilbert released his water starter.
Both starter Pokémon appeared on the field, both displaying arrogant attitudes. Snivy stood proudly in front Dewott while the otter crossed his arms and chuckled at his opponent.
"Hilbert is at a type disadvantage, Ash certainly has a higher chance of winning," Iris smiled confidently.
"That may be true, but we still have to see how strong Hilbert really is, if he really did beat me, then I'm sure he has strategy to defeat any Grass-type with Dewott," Cilan pointed out something very critical.
May smiled at just gazed at Ash and Snivy, "Ash is a strategist too. He'll have some kind of plan in case Hilbert pulls anything clever."
"Never seen that Pokémon, what does the Pokédex have to say about this one," Ash wondered and reached for his Pokédex.
The machine began to dictate info on the Pokémon once Ash activated it, "Dewott, the Discipline Pokémon, and the evolved form of Oshawott. Through rigid training, Dewott uses the double scalchop technique to accomplish its fluid swordsmanship."
"Let's not waste any time Ash, I'm just as excited to see your skills as you are about seeing mine," Hilbert grinned confidently.
The boy put away his Pokédex and turned to Hilbert. Ash nodded and returned the gesture, "I'll show you what we're made of, Snivy, use Leaf Blade!"
"Dewott, dodge Leaf Blade and use Razor Shell!" Hilbert countered.
"Sniiiivy!" Snivy charged in and tried to hit Dewott with Leaf Blade, but the otter easily dodged it.
"Whoa, it's fast," Ash was taken back by Dewott's bullet-like movements.
"Dewooott," the otter smirked and closed in on Snivy with its blue blade.
Ash wasted no time in countering and ordered, "Snivy, use your vines to dodge!"
Snivy took evasive action and launched itself into the air with its vines in the nick of time while Dewott missed its target. "That was a good countermeasure Ash, perhaps this battle will take longer than I thought," Hilbert smirked.
"You have no idea," Ash smirked back.
"They've barely started and I can already tell their powers on equal," Iris watched with amazement.
"This is going to take longer than we thought," Cilan stated.
Ash extended his arm forward and made a command, "Snivy, use Attract!"
Snivy nodded and quickly winked at Dewott while still in the air. Hearts began aiming towards Dewott, but Hilbert remained calm and countered, "Use Protect to shield yourself."
Dewott formed a barrier around itself and the energy hearts dispersed when they came into contact with Dewott's Protect. Snivy landed on the ground and glared at Dewott, who just smirked back.
Ash grinned and prepared to attack again, "Snivy, leap over Dewott with a boost from your vines and follow it up with Leaf Blade!"
Snivy launched itself over Dewott with its vines and prepared to slash the Water-type, but Hilbert retained his cool disposition. "Dewott, blast yourself upward with Water Pulse to dodge and mimic Snivy by using Razor Shell!"
Dewott's face looked down and the otter shot up like a rocket when it used Water Pulse to push itself up. Snivy couldn't reach Dewott in time and missed, but the otter aimed at Snivy with its Razor Shell like a missile.
"Your counters are something else Hilbert, but are they good enough to stop Vine Whip? Snivy, use your vines to grab onto Dewott and slam it into the ground," Ash instructed.
"My counters are good enough to block that Ash, Dewott, counter with Ice Beam!" Hilbert punched his fist into the air.
When Snivy's vines shot at Dewott, the starter unleashed Ice Beam and froze the Grass-type's vines, leaving them immobile. Dewott then got close enough and sent Snivy crashing against the dirt when it slammed it with Razor Shell.
The crash created a small cloud of smoke around Snivy, leaving the snake-like Pokémon hiding in it. "Snivy, use Vine Whip and then use our backup attack if Vine Whip fails!" Ash yelled out.
"Backup attack?" Hilbert raised an eyebrow, but shook it off. "Dewott, dodge it and then use Water Pulse!"
Snivy's vines emerged from the dust and tried to whip Dewott, but the swift otter nimbly dodged the strikes and released a sphere of water at Snivy. However, suddenly a storm of sharp energy leaves burst of the dust and destroyed the Water Pulse.
"Leaf Storm!" Hilbert shouted with surprise when he saw the attack and before either he or Dewott could react, the barrage of energy leaves blasted Dewott against the dirt.
"Yes!" May cheered happily when she saw Dewott get struck down by Leaf Storm. Cilan and Iris also considered the move a clever comeback.
"Didn't see that one coming did ya?" Ash smirked at his opponent.
Hilbert smirked and spoke, "Nope, but I have some surprises too. Dewott, charge in with Razor Shell!"
Dewott smirked and created its blue blade with one of its shells; the otter then began chagrining at Snivy, who was now visible after the dust vanished. Ash extended his arm to the right and prepared to counter, "Snivy, close in with Leaf Blade!"
Snivy also began charging at Dewott with its glowing green tail, but that was exactly what Hilbert wanted Ash to do. "Dewott, move to the side and use Water Pulse!"
"Wha?!" Ash gasped when he heard the command. The next second, Dewott sidestepped and shot a Water Pulse at Snivy, blasting the serpent against the ground.
Snivy's body was trapped throughout the blast and a loud splash could be heard when the snake crashed into the dirt.
"It was a Water-type move right, it couldn't have done too much damage," Iris stated with concern.
"I don't think that was what Hilbert was going for," May clenched her fist when she saw Snivy.
Cilan nodded with May, "He was going for a status change."
Iris turned to Snivy and saw the lizard's eyes, they were star-shaped and when it got up, it wandered the battlefield aimlessly. "Snivy!" Ash cried out with angst.
"The Vine Whip and Leaf Storm combination was a try to beat us Ash, but now you're finished, Snivy is confused and we have the perfect way to end this," Hilbert smirked at his opponent.
"That's what you think, Snivy, snap out of it and try to use Attract!" Ash exclaimed and although Snivy did manage to use Attract, it released the move in the opposite direction of Dewott.
The hearts vanished when they hit a tree trunk. Ash ordered Snivy to use Leaf Blade, Vine Whip, and Leaf Storm repeatedly, but the lizard just kept crashing into trees or tripping.
Hilbert crossed his arms and smiled, "It's been fun Ash, I could tell you were really giving it your all, unfortunately, it wasn't enough, Dewott, let's us Focus Energy."
Ash grinded his teeth and begged Snivy to snap out of it, after years of using trainers use Focus Energy, Ash knew it meant bad news, "Snivy, snap out of it, you have to, quick!"
Dewott flexed its muscles and began glowing blue, the Water-type starter grinned cunningly and glared at the confused Snivy. Hilbert smiled and then made his command, "End this with an Ice Pulse!"
"Ice Pulse?" Ash raised an eyebrow, confused by the command.
"My friend, the coordinator taught me this combination, I hope you like it," Hilbert grinned arrogantly. Dewott formed another Water Pulse and launched it at Water Pulse, but then the otter used Ice Beam to freeze the attack while it aimed toward Snivy.
"No way!" May exclaimed with shock.
"This isn't good for Snivy," Iris's eyes widened when she saw the large ice ball.
Cilan saw the attack and suddenly remembered the combination, "Of course, now I remember Hilbert. He's the trainer who defeated me using a coordinator combination, that's how I lost the battle and how he gained the Trio Badge."
"Snivy, counter it!" Ash made one last attempt to help Snivy snap out of its confusion.
When the serpent heard Ash's words, it finally came back to its senses and saw the impending combination attack. It quickly made its tail glow green and charged at the ice ball, surprising Hilbert.
Ash smiled when it saw Snivy attempt to overpower the Ice Pulse, but unfortunately, the attack proved much too powerful and sent Snivy flying against a tree, knocking the Grass-type out.
"That's that," Hilbert grinned and gave Dewott a smile of approval. Dewott smiled back and Hilbert returned his partner to its Pokéball.
Ash returned Snivy to its ball and smiled warmly at it, "Snivy, you did a great job out there, I know you gave it your all, so you've earned yourself a good rest." The boy turned to Pikachu who looked sad over the defeat, but once he saw Ash's smile, the mouse leaped into his arms and then got on his shoulder.
May also had the same reaction as Pikachu, but when he saw Ash's grin, the sapphire-eyed girl knew Ash didn't take the defeat very heavy and was just happy he got to battle such a skilled opponent. His optimism made her smile and thought, one defeat just makes us stronger…
Ash put away Snivy's Pokéball and saw Hilbert walk up to him. "You're a very experienced trainer Ash, I'm glad I got battle someone as skillful as you."
The auburn-eyed teen grinned and replied, "For a beginner Hilbert, you were really impressive too. You're probably one of the strongest trainers I've seen in Unova so far."
"Thanks Ash, it means a lot," Hilbert thanked Ash for the compliment.
"That was a fantastic battle you two, at first I wasn't certain who was going to win, but Hilbert, that last attack jogged my memory and I remember you now!" Cilan complimented the two and informed Hilbert of his recollection.
Hilbert grinned at Cilan, "That's good; it's the move I used to beat you back in Striaton City. It really comes in handy when I try to be unpredictable or if I'm battling a Pokémon with a type advantage over Dewott."
"Where'd you learn such a technique?" Iris asked with curiosity.
The brunette closed his eyes and spoke, "In Nuvema Town, my childhood friend taught it to me before we set out on our respective journeys."
"They must be really good," Ash stated his opinion.
May then spoke, "By the way Hilbert, before the whole battle, you were talking about a Legendary Pokémon, I am curious about that and wondered if you could tell us something about it.
"I'd be happy too," Hilbert responded kindly, no longer blushing when the brunette spoke to him. "You see, there are rumors about a Legendary Pokémon roaming Pinwheel Forest, its name is Virizion, a Grass and Fighting-type Pokémon. Virizion is part of a quartet of Legendary Pokémon called the 'Swords of Justice', and Cobalion, Terrakion, and Keldeo compose the rest of the quartet. I haven't gone after the other three because I'm unaware of their locations, Virizion is the only one with a known location right now and I intend to find it."
"The 'Swords of Justice', why are they called that?" Ash became as curious as May while Cilan and Iris were already familiar with parts of the legend.
Hilbert put his hands in his pockets and smiled, "I'll tell you the story as we walk, do you want to help me find Virizion while I tell it?"
"Yes please!" Iris answered excitedly.
"The tale of the Musketeer Trio and Keldeo makes for a perfect story," Cilan commented.
"We want to find Virizion too!" May responded as well, interested in meeting the Legendary Pokémon.
"Me too!" Ash cheered like a child too, making the others laugh.
Hilbert nodded and began speaking, "A long time ago, there was a war between two human factions. The war took a heavy toll on the Pokémon living at the time of the war and their homes were set ablaze, forests were burned to crisp from the war, but these Pokémon, Virizion, Cobalion, and Terrakion managed to save the resident Pokémon from their horrific fates. Terrakion, the physically strongest of the three made a path to escape, Virizion, with its speed managed to shield them from any dangers, and Cobalion led the Pokémon to safety during the crisis. During the escapade, the trio found a lone Pokémon, Keldeo and legend says they took Keldeo in as one of their own. From then on, the Swords of Justice have remained in isolation, resenting humans till this day and waiting for another crisis where the Pokémon would need them again," Hilbert told them the story, by the time he finished they had walked for an hour trying to find the Pokémon and it was already nightfall.
"They sound like pretty heroic Pokémon," Ash stated.
"That's why I want to meet them, but it's not very easy," Hilbert replied and looked at the moon. "It's nighttime, we have a higher chance of spotting Virizion during this hour because like all other Pokémon, it knows when humans are likely to be around and that's during the day.
"How will we be able to find it?" Cilan asked Hilbert as he and the others followed him.
"Right now, we're going into the most interior part of Pinwheel Forest, Virizion is said to lurk there, but we have to be really quiet. Virizion is able to detect the presence of people if they aren't discreet. Virizion is also the nimblest member of the group, so we have to be careful with our movements, we don't want to alert it," Hilbert instructed and the entire group nodded sternly, not wanting to miss the opportunity of meeting one of Unova's Legendary Pokémon.
During the walk Ash and May began to whisper to each other. "So Ash, you seemed pretty jealous when Hilbert showed up and blushed when he saw me," May giggled with a low tone.
Pikachu sighed when he heard May, he wasn't in the mood to hear about their relationship right now, more concerned about finding Virizion at the moment, and went from Ash's shoulder to Iris's where he spoke with Axew.
Ash gave her a sheepish smile, "I just wasn't sure what to expect, I mean, we just met him and I didn't know what kind of person he was. For all we know, he could've been a flirt like Drew or even a hopeless romantic like Brock."
May bit her lip trying not to laugh, she tried to imagine Brock acting like that toward her, but it was impossible. "Awww Ashy, I think it's cute when you get jealous though," May teased him and squeezed his hand with affection.
Ash turned red and spoke, "It's just…you're incredibly attractive May and I know guys are always eyeing you when we walk through a town or city, you should see the guys who watch you perform, they're practically drooling. Besides, sometimes I feel like you could do better than me."
The brunette raised an eyebrow and then frowned at him, "Don't say that Ash. There's no one out there better for me than you, you're cute, funny, strong, heroic, smart, and loving. You are the complete package and there's nothing more I would ask out of you, you're perfect the way you are." May then placed her head on his shoulder as they walked and pecked his cheek for a moment.
She really is something else; Ash thought and kissed her head. "I would have believed you if you didn't mention smart in my description, May," Ash chuckled.
May giggled and responded, "I don't know about academics Ash, but when it comes to battling, you're one of the best, besides they say academics and strategy in battling are the same, so you must be considered a genius if you ever went to school."
"Thanks May," Ash answered warmly, feeling the heat of May's body next to his.
"So guys stare and drool over me," May teased Ash again.
"From top to bottom, sometimes I feel like someone should put all those creeps in a cage so they can learn to respect other people's girlfriends," Ash stated his opinion about the people who eye his lover.
May giggled again, "Well, it can't be helped, there's nothing we can do."
"I knew I shouldn't have dated someone so beautiful," Ash teased May and chuckled.
"Awww," the girl giggled, but then elbowed the boy, making him cringe a bit.
"I love you too May," the boy chuckled while rubbing the area where May elbowed him with his free arm.
"Love you Ash," May smiled and pecked his cheek once more.
All of a sudden, the couple stopped when they that Cilan, Iris, and Hilbert had stopped. "What happened?" Iris asked the brunette boy.
"There's a large wall of trees only a Pokémon smaller than Pikachu could get through, we'll need to cut them down in order to continue, I have a feeling Virizion is just past this wall," Hilbert stated with a low voice.
"But how are we going to cut the wall of trees down?" Cilan asked the boy.
Hilbert smiled and answered, "Easy, go Fraxure!" The Nuvema boy summoned his Dragon-type Pokémon, which made Iris and Axew's eyes shine with admiration.
"It's so powerful looking," Iris clasped her hands together.
"Axew ax," Axew also gazed with admiration.
"That's a strong Fraxure, I wish I could use the Pokédex, but now isn't the time," Ash mumbled to himself whole gazing at Hilbert's other Pokémon.
"Fraxure use Cut on the trees so we can pass," The brown-eyed teen instructed quietly.
Fraxure's claws began to glow and the Dragon-type cut down enough trees for the entire group to pass. The trunks dropped on the ground, but the noise wasn't enough to alert any of the nearby Pokémon.
"Fraxure," Fraxure said, as if saying his task was completed.
"Thanks Fraxure, return," Hilbert whispered and returned Fraxure.
When they got through the destroyed wall of trees, May and Ash felt their Xtransceiver vibrate. "Huh?" the two wondered simultaneously and looked at their devices.
Ash read the words on his Xtransciever, "Out of Area." He became suspicious of what part of the forest they were in now.
"Ash, did you get an 'Out of Area' message on your Xtransceiver?" May asked the boy.
"Yeah I did, guess we must be really deep into the forest now," Ash stated and May nodded in agreement.
After several minutes of walking, a Poison Sting and Energy Ball shot out of the trees. Ash quickly protect May by wrapping himself around her while Cilan also blocked the attacks from Iris and Axew, the two girls and dragon smiling at their protectors kindly while Pikachu blasted off several of the attacks with Thunderbolt.
Hilbert grinded his teeth, "The forest Pokémon don't want us to advance any further, we must be getting close."
"How are we going to advance now though, the wild Pokémon will just keep attacking us," May informed Hilbert, still being protected by Ash from any incoming blasts.
"Simple, we light things up," Hilbert stated. "Pikachu, draw out the Pokémon with Thunderbolt," Hilbert instructed and the mouse nodded.
"Piiikaachu!" the mouse released its most common attack onto the trees and bushes. The Poison Sting and Energy Ball attacks stopped at that point.
All of a sudden, a dozen Petilil and Whirlipede came out of the bushes with furious gazes. "Perfect, now it's my turn," Hilbert smiled and threw his Pokeball.
From it emerged Druddigon, who roared angrily at the forest Pokémon. "A Druddigon," Iris's eyes again glistened with admiration.
"That's one tough looking Pokémon," May stated, taking a peek of the blue dragon.
"Druddigon, we can't waste any time, scare these Pokémon away with Flamethrower," Hilbert ordered, not wanting to waste anymore time finding Virizion, he also assumed the musketeer Pokémon must have detected them by now.
"Druddigooon!" the Dragon-type released a stream of fire that scared off the Pokémon; some were even hit by the attack and knocked out.
Ash and Cilan took their normal stances when they saw that the danger had vanished. "Thank you," Iris and May said at the same time to the two boys.
Hilbert suddenly heard rustling in trees and bushes and spoke, "They've brought reinforcements. This time we have to run quick!" The gang nodded at him and they began running behind him.
The rustling of leaves became louder with every step the running teens took. "Ash, I'm scared, I don't want to do this anymore," May said with a frightened tone, no longer interested in finding Virizion.
"Don't be afraid May, I'm here to protect you if anything happens," Ash responded, giving her an assuring smile.
May smiled at him sweetly and continued running. Pikachu and Druddigon moved next to Hilbert, prepared to fight in case of anything.
All of a sudden a green sword-like projectile shot at the group, but Druddigon countered the attack just in time with Dragon Claw. "Stop!" Hilbert ordered the rest of the group and they stopped under a fine pasture of grass, with the moon shining over it.
"What's going on Hilbert," Ash questioned, getting a bad feeling about their situation.
"They didn't bring reinforcements, those Pokémon fled, but something much more powerful is going to challenge us now," Hilbert grinded his teeth in fear.
Suddenly, another much more powerful green projectile shot out, this time Pikachu and Druddigon had to use Thunderbolt and Flamethrower to counter it. When the smoke from the clash vanished, a majestic, green deer-like Pokémon stood before them. It had horns with dull points at the ends and it had a pink-tipped leaf on each side of its neck. On its back there were pointed ends of fur ending in a medium-long tail. Its legs resembled pointed knee-high boots and had pointed hooves as well as pink highlights on the joints of its knees.
"Virizion…" Hilbert's eyes widened with astonishment.
"That's Virizion…" Ash became amazed by the Legendary Pokémon's appearance.
"It's beautiful…" May admired the appearance of the Pokémon.
"I don't know what to say," Iris was left awestruck.
"It's beyond words," Cilan watched with amazement.
"Pika…" Pikachu didn't know how to present itself before the elegant Pokémon.
"Druddigon," the dragon was the only one who glared at the Legendary Pokémon.
Humans, what brings you to my domain, Virizion spoke telepathically, giving them a stern look.
"Virizion, we just had to meet you," Hilbert continued to admire the Pokémon while the others became further amazed by its ability to speak telepathically.
Virizion glared at the teens and spoke, you are not welcomed here! The Grassland Pokémon then unleashed an Energy Ball, but Pikachu sent it back with difficulty, using Iron Tail. Virizion easily destroyed the attack with the sword that formed on its head.
"Virizion, why are you trying to attack us?" Ash spat at the Pokémon, noticing the hostile nature in Virizion's attitude.
I sense bad intentions in this area, the presence of humans; you're malicious activities end here! Virizion used Magical Leaf on the group, but Druddigon turned it into ashes with Flamethrower.
"But we're not trying to do anything to hurt the Pokémon," Iris informed the Legendary Pokémon.
Silence! Virizion exclaimed with her feminine voice.
"Hilbert, we have no choice, but to battle it, maybe if we can beat, it'll stop attacking us," Ash got beside Hilbert.
"I don't like it, but I don't see any other choice," Hilbert responded.
"I'll fight too," May got beside Ash with a Pokeball in her hand.
"Alright," Ash smiled.
May grinned and called out her Pokémon, "Blaziken, you're up!"
"Blaziken!" Blaziken cried out when it got on the field, it quickly smirked at Virizion when he saw her, recognizing the immense power Virizion had and knowing he'd get a good battle out of it.
"Iris, Cilan, make sure no one else interrupts," Ash instructed his two friends, who nodded.
Blaziken, Pikachu, and Druddigon stood together in front of Virizion, ready to battle the Pokémon of legend. Virizion smirked, Try if you must, you will not win.
"Blaziken, use Blaze Kick!" May ordered.
"Druddigon, use Flamethrower!" Hilbert commanded.
"Pikachu, get in the Flamethrower with Volt Tackle for a boost!" Ash instructed.
Virizion didn't move an inch when the triple attack came her way. All of a sudden, a bright red energy shield appeared in front of her and enveloped the Pokémon, protecting her from all attacks.
The 5 teens and their Pokémon became amazed by the amount of power Virizion demonstrated that minute, having enough power to stop some their Pokémon's most powerful attacks. My turn, Virizion said and multiplied using Double Team. There were a dozen Virizion that encircled the entire pasture, surrounding the whole gang.
Virizion then released a barrage of Scared Sword at its opponents. "Pikachu, use Counter Shield with maximum power!" Ash ordered.
"Blaziken, you do the same," May instructed.
"Counter Shield?" Hilbert became confused by the command and ordered Druddigon to use Dragon Claw to fight back.
Druddigon only managed to counter few before it became bashed by more Scared Sword. However, Pikachu and Blaziken stood on opposite ends of the dragon and used Thunderbolt and Fire Spin respectively to block off the Sacred Sword.
Ash and May's Pokémon used as much power possible to fight off the barrage of Sacred Sword, but Virizion eventually used more power and overpowered the pair, sending the trio of Pokémon crashing against different trees.
Not bad, but you'll need more than that, Virizion stated and prepared to attack Blaziken, but suddenly, a double Shadow Ball shot out of the shadows.
Virizion barely managed to dodge it and inspected the area, trying to spot her attackers. "What's going on now," Ash grinded his teeth, not ready for more guests.
"Darn kids, always getting the way of our plans, wherever we go, you almost always seem to be there," a woman came out with an Espeon, she wore a black coat and had blonde hair, it was Annie of the Majestic 12 and the woman partly responsible for the disaster in Altomare all those years ago.
"You children tend to linger like a bad odor," another woman came out of hiding with a Drapion, she also wore a black coat and had short, silver hair, it was Pokémon Hunter J with her, now member of the Majestic 12.
"You're telling us that we linger like a bad odor?" Iris spat at the woman.
"You should look at yourselves before calling other people that!" May yelled at the females.
"Who are these women," Hilbert frowned, sensing the bad nature in their eyes.
"They are part of an evil organization known as the 'Majestic 12', they are just another group of crooks who go around stealing stuff and harming others," Ash told Hilbert about the people before them.
So you're the evil I was sensing this whole time, I was warned about your kind, what do you wish from the forest and I, Virizion spoke to the female pair.
"Annie, proceed with the plan," Hunter J commanded.
"Espeon, use Psychic to trap that entire group of meddlesome trainers," Annie glared at Ash and his friends. Espeon's eyes began to glow blue as did the teens and Pokémon.
"I can't move," Cilan tried to move his arms.
"I can't either," May tried to turn her head, but was unable to.
"She's got us trapped in Espeon's Psychic," Iris stated, feeling like she was tied against a wall.
"We are here to battle and capture you, Virizion," Hunter J chuckled and glared evilly at the Legendary Pokémon.
You'll try, but fail, Virizion glared at her opponent.
"Cross Poison!" J ordered. Drapion screeched when its claws began to glow purple, the Poison-type then crossed the claws and formed an "X" that launched at Virizion.
Virizion used Double Team and easily avoided the Cross Poison; the attack only destroyed a copy. Virizion unleashed a barrage of Scared Sword like before, but J remained cool, "Drapion, use Pin Missile to destroy the projectiles and eliminate the Virizion copies!"
Drapion screeched again and released multiple projectiles that canceled out Sacred Sword and destroy the many copies of Virizion. The real one nimbly dodged Drapion's Pin Missile and used Hyper Beam.
"Counter with a Hyper Beam," J extended her arm forward and the two powerful attacks canceled each other out.
You're stronger than I thought, I put a lot of power into that Hyper Beam, Virizion commented, panting for air.
"We are the Majestic 12, no weaklings are accepted. Now feel the wrath of my power, Drapion, use Ice Fang!" J exclaimed with pride.
Drapion began to charge at Virizion with cold fans, but Virizion charged forward as well and a blade emerged from its head. The two attacks collided and Virizion sent Drapion flying, the attack was also a critical hit.
J grinded her teeth in frustration and made another command, "Drapion, Pin Missile again!" Drapion got up and released the projectiles at Virizion, but Legendary Pokémon easily countered it with Quick Guard.
Virizion smirked at Hunter J, who glared at Drapion. Virizion turned its attention to Drapion's location, but the Poison/Dark-type was nowhere to be found. Suddenly, Drapion emerged behind the Grassland Pokémon and lifted her with its claws and bit the Grass-type with Ice Fang.
Cold…weakness…aaaahhhh! Virizion cried in pain as its horns turned into ice. Hunter J chuckled and made another command, "Now, launch her and use Cross Poison again!"
Drapion nodded and sent Virizion flying, the Poison-type then launched a purple "X" at the Legendary Pokémon, which sent her crashing against a tree trunk and breaking it.
"That's two super-effective moves in a row, Virizion can't handle Drapion for much longer," Hilbert grinded his teeth, watching Virizion get up only to be brought back down by Drapion.
Ash felt anger boiling in his blood as he watched J and Drapion ruthlessly toss Virizion everywhere, Ash has met many villains in his journey, but J was a whole different evil, she was the type of person Ash had almost no pity for and was determined to stop her madness.
Drapion bit Virizion again and tossed her into multiple trees, her screams of pain being heard through the Kanto boy's mind. His anger reached a peak and Ash snapped, "Pikachu, use Thunder on Espeon to break free, full power now!"
Pikachu heard Ash and felt Ash's anger pass on to him, the mouse became furious with every hit Virizion took and placed that anger into the Thunder the Electric-type prepared to release.
"Silly boy, Espeon's Psychic will not allow you to break free so easy," Annie giggled, smiling coldly at the teens.
"Pikachu let her and Espeon have it!" May cried out and Pikachu released a powerful Thunder without warning.
The ray of lightning of illuminated the night and shot at the clouds. The attack stopped J and Virizion's battle while Annie watched in fear as Pikachu's attack launched at Espeon, making the Psychic-type cry in pain, the same pain Virizion was feeling.
Annie's Espeon dropped to the ground and the gang broke free. Annie backed away from the teens while Ash stared at J menacingly, "You're going to pay for the harm you've caused tonight."
"Pikachu, use Volt Tackle!" Ash ordered
"Blaziken, use Overheat!" May instructed.
"Druddigon, use Focus Blast!" Hilbert commanded.
"Full power!" the trio exclaimed.
The three Pokémon used their most powerful attacks to stop Drapion and J. Pikachu became enveloped in electricity and charged at full power, Blaziken released its most powerful Overheat, and Druddigon unleashed the largest Focus Blast Ash, May, Iris, and Cilan had ever seen.
"Axew, let's help out with Dragon Rage!" Iris demanded.
"Pansage, let's help too by using Solarbeam!" Cilan called out his green monkey.
Axew and Pansage quickly got on the battlefield and charged up their attacks to the fullest, luckily, Axew executed Dragon Rage correctly and Pansage charged up Solarbeam just in time. The 5 super attacks launched at Drapion and J while Virizion watched in admiration.
"Counter with Hyper Beam!" J commanded and Drapion released the most powerful attack it knew.
The five attacks clashed with Hyper Beam, but not even the combination of 5 was enough to overpower Hyper Beam, it merely led to a power struggle. "No way, how is it able to fight off so much power?" Ash cried out, grinding his teeth in frustration.
"This is the power of the Majestic 12!" Hunter J shouted and Drapion put more power into Hyper Beam, slightly overpowering the combination of 5.
Virizion got up and groaned in pain, the Legendary Pokémon took Ash's side, surprising the teens and J. Maybe this will help, Virizion said and released a Hyper Beam to help the teens. This time, the addition of Hyper Beam quickly pushed Drapion's Hyper Beam back and caused an explosion in the zone, the light surpassing the height of the trees.
When the dust cleared, Drapion looked badly beaten and the surrounding area was destroyed by the power struggle. Hunter J and Annie saw that both their Pokémon had been knocked out and glared at the enemy.
"This isn't over children; we'll become even more powerful than life itself!" Hunter J spat at them and launched a large Aura Sphere with Annie.
None of the Pokémon had enough power to counter, except for Virizion who got between the Double Aura Sphere and the teens; she then used Scared Sword to cancel out the Aura Sphere.
The Grassland Pokémon saw J and Annie returning their Pokémon, and then opening a portal and charged at her with her blade, No you won't get away, justice must be executed!
Hunter J smirked at Virizion and escaped with Annie through the portal. Leaving the teens and the Pokémon behind, "That was the toughest battle of my life," Hilbert said and wiped the dirt off himself.
"They'll be back, they always do," Ash stated, wiping the dirt off his face.
"The question is, how long this will go on before they're stopped," May wiped off the dirt from her clothes.
"They're almost invincible," Iris wiped dirt off Axew.
"More members just keeping appearing all over the region," Cilan stated with anxiety in his voice.
A great evil looms over the Unova region, if this isn't stopped the region and even the world will be a tragic fate. These people have to be stopped, but you children must stay away from this sort of evil in the best way possible, the ones strong enough to handle these sinners are the legends of Unova, Virizion spoke to the group.
"Virizion, what are you saying, we can't just let them get away with their crimes," Ash frowned at the Grassland Pokémon.
I hadn't expected such a threat today, it is a dark evil that has been expelled for millennia, but now it's back. They won't accomplish whatever they wish to do because the guardians of this region will make sure there is no aggressive expansion, it is the duty of the Swords of Justice to protect Unova and the world if necessary at all costs, please children, stay out of conflicts that are out of your control, today you have shown great skill and if you are never needed, you will be summoned by us, till that day, continue with your journeys, this a battle between justice and evil, so please stay out of it, Virizion begged the children to stay out of trouble's way.
"But…" May was about to speak, but got interrupted by the musketeer.
No buts, this is farewell for now, may we meet again in the future, Virizion looked at the teens and Pokémon, and then she smiled and ran off into the darkness. The Grass-type vanished within seconds thanks to its abnormal speed.
The teens were left wondering if they should obey Virizion's orders or continue to play heroes. In the end, Hilbert spoke, "Virizion is right, this is something we have zero control of, it is best if we let this conflict be resolved by superior powers."
Ash was uncertain about how to respond, but then gulped and looked at Hilbert, "If that's the case, then I hope they put all those criminals behind bars soon, let them be taken care of by the Elite Four, Gym Leaders, or even Legendary Pokémon if that needs to happen."
Hilbert nodded and the others nodded in agreement with Ash. "I may not have been able to fully prove myself to Virizion, or even catch it, but I'm glad I met it and I look forward to meeting you guys again soon, Ash, Iris, May, Cilan, Pikachu, and Axew."
"You're leaving now, its night and you must be hungry," May said, trying to convince Hilbert to stay.
"Nah, I've always liked traveling at night and I'm not very hungry right. There are gyms to battle, training to get done, and Pokémon to capture," Hilbert replied, getting on Druddigon's back and prepared to take flight.
Ash smiled confidently and spoke, "Well, if that's the case then I looked forward to battling again too, and next time I'll win!"
"We'll see about that," Hilbert smirked at Ash and began to hover above the ground.
When Druddigon was above the forest level, Hilbert spoke to his new friends once more, "See you guys soon ok, goodbye!" Hilbert waved goodbye and so did Ash and the others. Hilbert and Druddigon then flew off, waving goodbye until they disappeared in the darkness of the night.
"Hilbert is one fascinating character, he'll be one difficult opponent to defeat in the Unova League, Ash," Cilan pointed out.
Ash nodded, "I know, but I'll be ready for him, and for Trip, and anyone else who I'll battle against from here till the day I beat the Unova League."
"Well, we'll focus on that later, right now it's nighttime and I think we're all pretty hungry," Iris stated, her stomach grumbling and suddenly, so did everyone's, making them all laugh.
May smiled at Ash and her friends, "Then let's get to work, we'll get logs, build the tents and setup our campsite, care to help me Ash," the brunette winked at him.
Ash winked back at her, "You bet. I'm pretty cold and hungry."
"Then let's get going!" May cheered and began giggling.
Ash and May rushed around the zone for wood, while the Pokémon set up the tents and Cilan and Iris got to do some cooking, the friends forgetting about their latest troubles and enjoying the friendship, peace, and love they had for the rest of the night.
Hope you enjoyed it! What'd you guys think of Hilbert and Virizion, or the battle against Annie and Hunter J? What future is in store for the gang, Unova, or even the world, Virizion seemed pretty serious when she mentioned an evil looming over all of them. C'mon guys, keep the reviews coming, I love feedback because it tells me everything I'm doing right or wrong, I guess my inspiration comes from what you guys say, remember to keep the reviews coming. Chapter 16 should be up tomorrow or Tuesday, depending how busy I'm, well till then guys, see ya!