Episode 11: Unexpected Battle! Debuting Team RedHot!
One Ashton-funded island-hop later, and the main trio along with Guzma and Plumeria were on the island of Kauai, going to the town of Waimea to meet up with the Team Skull faction on the garden island. Grunts C and D, though looking similar to Grunts A and B, were easily distinguished from their cousins by the headphones and sunglasses they wore. The two were currently squatting next to the James Cook statue, nodding their heads to an unheard beat.
"Yo, C and D," Guzma said, grabbing the headphones off of the Grunts. "What's the situation here? Who do I gotta destroy for messing with our turf?"
"Oh, hey boss," said C, standing up and leading against the statue. "Word on the street is that a new crew rolled into town and started trouble over in the canyon."
Kris nodded, pulling out her Poké Gear for research. "Waimea Canyon State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It's a big tourist destination, as well as where the final Island Trial is held for Trainers."
"We were thinking that these new guys might be going after the Totem Pokémon here," Grunt D stated. "Want to go check it out? We've got a sweet mixtape to listen to on the way over."
Guzma nodded. "Lead the way but leave the battling to us. Treat the newcomers like honorary Team Skull members."
The Grunts saluted, then led the group on a trek to Waimea Canyon. Occasionally they had to battle Pokémon that jumped them, but it was clear that our group of heroes were easily above their level. As they neared the canyon, Aurora paused, the Lucario closing her eyes and holding out her hands as aura came off of them.
"What's with her?" Plumeria asked.
"It's Aura, the lifeforce of the universe," Dylan explained. "Aurora must have picked something up. What's going on?"
I sense unease and terror, Aurora said. The Pokémon here are being disturbed by an aura similar to those we meet on the ship. I have no doubt it's them.
"Then let's get going," Dylan nodded, going on ahead into the canyon.
The group continued inward, noticing that the Pokémon in the area were either more aggressive or in hiding from the disturbance of the evil team. When the sounds of battle got closer, the team brought out Joker, Vulcan, Alpha, Pinsir, and Salazzle to be ready for a fight. Upon reaching a shine in the middle of the canyon, the first thing they noticed was a knocked-out Dragon type Pokémon, unfamiliar to most of the group besides the Hawaiian residents.
"Crud," Plumeria swore under her breath. "These guys aren't joking around. They took out a freaking Totem Pokémon."
"Halley, use Life Dew to help it out," Ashton ordered, sending out her Clefairy to help.
"That's a Kommo-o," Kris noticed. "According to the Dex, these Pokémon are seen as the original warriors of Hawaii. They're shed scales could be used to make armor, and their fighting style was taught to the natives as well."
"Yeah, but what's a Totem Pokémon?" Ashton asked.
"A Totem is a really big Pokémon that guard Z-Crystal shrines," Guzma explained. "This guy is supposed to be the last challenge for Trainers, so either those guys are really tough or they got lucky."
Aurora leaned down next to the Totem Kommo-o as Halley finished healing it, the Lucario holding it down as the dragon jumped up in alarm. Be calm, friend. We are here to help you, she said. Tell me, who hurt you?
"Kom-mo-o!" the Kommo-o said, doing a few moves before flinching in pain.
He says that three humans came and beat him, Aurora translated. Instead of just taking a Z-Crystal, however, they stole the Pokémon that he was protecting. They have his son.
"Then we'll just have to get him back," Plumeria said, pounding a fist into her hand. "Point us to where they went."
The Kommo-o pointed to a nearby cave, which the team immediately went into. There they came out into a small room with another Totem Shine, though a certain evil trio were also there, holding two Pokémon captive with them.
"I can't believe how easy that was!" Miror B. said, striking a pose. "That Mightyena of your sure is something, Tabby!"
"it's Tabitha," Tabitha said through gritted teeth. "And of course my Pokémon were spectacular. There's a reason I keep a Fairy type move on him."
"Let's focus on the Z-Crystal, you two," Aliana said. "If we can study its power with these Totem Pokémon, we'll be able to mass produce them for our grunts to use."
"Jangmo-o!" the little dragon Pokémon cried out.
"Vulpix!" the ice fox cried.
"Oh shut up!" Tabitha shouted. "Geez, you're annoying. Let's get this over with before any meddling kids decide to show up and try to stop us!"
"Vulcan, Flame Wheel/ Alpha, Ice Fang!" Ashton and Kris commanded, sending their Pokémon out to attack.
Aliana sent out Pyroar to block the attacks, while Tabitha set up another one of his shield devices to protect himself. Guzma and Plumeria sent out their Pokémon to attack as well, but Miror B. sent out Ludicolo to block them as well. With both sides at a standstill, the heroes backed off for a moment to better prepare themselves.
"Well-well-well! Look at who showed up again!" Miror B. said, posing. "I didn't expect to see you youngins so soon, and with a new crew as well."
"The statistical likelihood of this event happening was extremely low," Aliana noted.
"Either way, there's no way you'll be able to stop our plan this time," Tabitha said. "These Totem Pokémon are ours to keep!"
"Say that to their guardian outside," Dylan said. "We'll get them back, just you wait."
Still, it doesn't look like we have the advantage here, Aurora shook her head. If only there was a way to get around them and save the Pokémon first…
Guzma closed his eyes and smirked. "So, disco freak, what's your deal?" the Team Skull boss said. "Did Celebi drop you off in the wrong time period?"
"If you want fit in around here, try Elvis instead," Plumeria taunted.
Miror B. looked shocked at their statements. "Ex-cuse me! I have all the style that I need besides Disco. In fact, I caught a new 'Mon on the way here! Behold the newest member of the RedHot crew!"
The disco man tossed out a Poké Ball, a bird emerging from it. It was primarily black with red accents, white loops framing its face. The Pokémon took up a dancing stance, holding its wings up high in a pose.
"That's an Oricorio," Dylan noted. "It's known for learning different dance styles."
"And it's shiny to boot," Tabitha grumbled. "How did this idiot get a shiny before me?"
"Can we back up for a minute?" Kris asked. "What is RedHot?"
"That's the name of our team, of course!" Miror B. explained. "We can't be team Neo MagmaFlareMiror, so shortening it down only made sense."
"For the record, neither of us agreed to that name," Aliana sighed.
Guzma shrugged. "Whatever. If you're really so into different styles, disco dude, then how's about we have a battle, here and now? Grunts, hit me with a beat."
"Alright, boss!" C and D said. The two tossed out Poké Balls, summoning a Spinda and an Oily Grimer. Once that was done, the two grunts pulled out portable sound equipment, getting a beat started while their Pokémon helped them DJ. "Team Skull is in the house! Let's spin it, Spinda!"
"Spin-spin!" the Spotted Panda Pokémon cried, doing a turn as it waddled forward with Grimer.
When Team RedHot looked confused, Plumeria rolled her eyes. "We're having a rap battle, losers. Get with the beat or get stomped."
Guzma smirked as he held his hands out in a taunting manner. "Aw yeah, get ready to be crushed by destruction in human form! It's ya boy Guzma, challenging the dork of disco to a Pokémon Rap Battle!"
"Are we really doing this?" Ashton whispered.
"We can use this to get our Pokémon to go save the ones that are trapped?" Dylan replied. "Joker, I'll leave it to you."
"Help him out as well, Sera," Kris ordered.
Miror B., not one to back down from a challenge, had his Ludicolo and Oricorio face off against Spinda and Grimer, ready to throw down.
Guzma (and Team Skull):
(Yo, yo, we're Team Skull)
(Take 'em down, show you what we got!)
(Yo, yo, we're Team Skull)
(Guess what? Dokuro besto!)
Yeah I'm the leader of this rowdy bunch
But whenever I battle, you'll be spilling your lunch
The power of Bug types is really underrated
But my First Impression will always make a statement
With Plumeria next to me, and Grunts A to Z
I'll take all of Hawaii down to its knees!
(Yo!)
Spinda and Grimer posed with Guzma, making Oricorio and Ludicolo flinch. Miror B. remained composed, however, smirking as he did his own verse.
Miror B.:
You think you can diss a veteran Trainer?
With rhymes like that I'll prove you the lamer
The power of soul flows through these fine feet
And my personal 'Mon just can't be beat
My afro and suit are always fly
'Cause as long as I'm around disco never dies!
Tabitha shook his head, unaware of Joker and Sera sneaking up on the net with the Jangmo-o and the Artic Vulpix. The Eevee turned into a Flareon to burn away the ropes while the Pidove started pecking at the ropes as well.
"Yo Plumeria, give this man a verse," Guzma offered.
The Team Skull admin rolled her eyes, but stepped forward and crossed her arms.
Plumeria:
As Team Skull's big sis, I'm ready to attack
Protecting these numbskulls and picking up the slack
My Salazzle is dazzling with poisonous flames
Tearing down your armor with Corrosion and pain
When Guzma ain't around I'm always in charge
Letting this band of misfits stand tall and live large
They've almost freed them, Aurora noted. One more verse and we should be good.
Miror B. flinched again, his Pokémon stumbling in their dance as well. He adjusted his glasses and started moving faster.
Miror B.:
Time for us to put you in your place
'Cause Team RedHot is picking up the pace
Tabitha is the brains, Aliana has the brawn
And with me as the leader we'll never go wrong
But now's the time that we end this talkback
Oricorio and Ludicolo- time to attack!
A Hydro Pump and Revelation Dance were suddenly sent out at Spinda and Grimer, knocking the grunt's Pokémon out and interrupting the music. Just as Team RedHot were about to attack again, Joker and Sera freed the captive Pokémon running over to the heroes' side.
"What!?" Tabitha said in shock.
"These brats were distracting us," Aliana sighed. "Either way, we have a Z-Crystal now. I'm calling in to the boss."
"Boss?" Dylan said confused.
"Yeah, we're under new management!" Miror B. posed. "All we gotta do us bring 'em some extra-powerful artifacts and Pokémon and we'll be ruling the world in no time."
"What did we say about revealing our evil plans?" Tabitha said. He pulled out a phone-like device and punched in a few numbers. "Luckily the Teleport Signaler is fully charged. Goodbye, brats!"
With the push of a button, a Beheeyem suddenly appeared, Teleporting the evil team out of the cave and off to parts unknown. The heroes and Team Skull looked around confused, but then focused on the Pokémon they had saved.
"Too bad we didn't get to beat them up again," Ashton sighed.
"If we ever see them around here again, we'll beat 'em down for you," Guzma assured.
"For now, let's get these little guys back to their protector," Kris said, holding the Jangmo-o while Dylan held the Vulpix.
Heading out of the cave, the group went back to the Totem Kommo-o, which was now fully recovered from its own encounter with Team RedHot. The Jangmo-o and Artic Vulpix happy ran over to their guardian, who brought the two unevolved Pokémon close into a hug. The Kommo-o them looked to the humans and made happy noises.
He says thank you for rescuing its child, Aurora translated.
"No problem," Dylan nodded. "We'll inform the local authorities to keep an eye out for those guys as well."
"Still, it's concerning that they have a higher power that they're working for," Kris said. "And they have a Z-Crystal now. That'll be hard to deal with too."
"Getting one-shot by a really powerful attack would suck," Ashton agreed.
The Kommo-o looked at the trio and walked up to Kris, handing her a crystal of her own. It was a light amber color with a Kommo-o scale etched into the middle. The blue-haired girl looked at it in awe before scanning it with her Poké Gear.
"This is a special Z-Crystal, Kommonium Z," the device noted. "It resonates with the Kommo-o line to change their signature move Clanging Scales into Clangorous Soulblaze."
"With that thing, we can even the odds a bit in our next encounter," Ashton smirked.
"But I don't have a Kommo-o to use it with," Kris stated. When she felt a tugging at her leg, she looked down to see the Jangmo-o she had saved smiling up at her. "Huh?"
"Ko-mmo-o!" the Totem Pokémon said, doing some more hand signs.
He says that he wants you take his son with you on our journey, Aurora translated. As a Trainer you can help this Jangmo-o reach its full potential and become the next Totem Pokémon of the Dragon Trial.
"Really?" Kris said in surprise. When the Kommo-o nodded, she smiled and picked up the Jangmo-o. "All right then. I'll make sure that he grows up strong, and then bring him back here when our journey is done."
"Vulpix! Vulpix!" the Artic Vulpix cheered, jumping up and around Dylan.
"I think she wants to go on and adventure with her friend as well," he said, looking at the Totem Pokémon. "I'll make sure she becomes a strong Pokémon for the Island Trials as well."
Pulling out Friend Balls, Kris and Dylan both caught their respective Totem Pokémon-in-training, adding new members and friends to their teams. Kommo-o gave the humans a respective nod, then jumped away to its training spot within the canyon.
"Yesh, all this nice stuff is going to make me sick," Guzma said. "Come on, Team Skull, let's get back to what we do best."
"On it, boss!" Grunts C and D said, doing their team salute before walking off with him. Plumeria looked at Ashton, gave a smirk, then went off with her team as well.
"So, now what?" Ashton asked.
"Now, we do a bit of training around here, and then we're off to our next Gym," Dylan said, releasing Artic Vulpix from her ball. "Welcome to the team, Vulpix!"
"And to you as well, Jangmo-o!" Kris greeted her new Pokémon.
Actually, these two do have names, Aurora said. The Kommo-o said that they are Poli'ahu and Maui, respectively.
"Very native," Dylan noted. "Poli'ahu, the snow goddess, and Maui the demigod. Powerful names for potentially powerful Pokémon."
Author's Note
If Team Skull is involved, I just had to do a rap battle somewhere. The Spinda is a reference to the two grunts in the Po Town Pokémon Center that do a rap the first time you enter.
Poli'ahu is the Hawaiian snow goddess and a rival to the volcano goddess Pele. Maui is a trickster demigod, now more famously known thanks to the Disney movie "Moana."
Who's ready for a new location next time? We're heading down under next chapter as the journey continues!