Episode 26: Meet Dylan's Brother! Let's Save the Piplup Migration!
After saying goodbye to Brandon, the trio headed down towards the southern tip of Africa, doing some training across the savannah until they reached their destination of Cape Town, one of the capital cities of South Africa. Delphi was excited to get to relax on the beach, while Ashton and Kris were excited to do some training with their Pokémon. As for Dylan, he was excited for a different reason.
"Your brother is here?" Kris said in surprise.
Dylan nodded in excitement. "Yeah, he's visiting with his girlfriend because they came to see the yearly Piplup migration that happens every year around this time. All the little penguin Pokémon get to go out to sea for the first time, travelling thousands of miles between here and Antarctica where they'll evolve into Prinplup and Empoleon before returning to Cape Town to lay their eggs."
"It's a beautiful cycle that shows off the wonders of nature," Aurora nodded. "And if you look down there, I can see our brother now."
Down by the beach was a boy around sixteen years old with brown hair that went to his shoulders, wearing glasses with a black and red hoodie, brown shorts, and brown and grey hiking shoes. Next to him was a girl with wavy brown hair, wearing a white t-shirt, purple shorts, and a pink wristband.
"Bro!" Dylan called, running down to meet his brother with a high five.
"Hey!" his brother returned. "Glad you could make it. How's your world adventure going?"
"You know, doing gym challenges, fighting trainers, the occasional misadventure," Dylan said. "And keeping Ashton out of trouble, of course." Ashton and Kris soon caught up. "Kris, this is my brother, Dakota, and his girlfriend, Maddie. You two, this is Kris, a friend Ashton and I made on our journey."
"Nice to meet you," Kris greeted, shaking their hands.
"So, are we going to get this training going or not?" Ashton said. She eagerly tossed out her Pokémon. "I remember how strong your Salamence is, Dakota, and my Hydreigon is ready to take you on!"
Dakota smirked, calling out his Pokémon as well: A Marshtomp, Decidueye, Arcanine, Stoutland, Salamence, and Snom that fell on his head. "I've gotten stronger since we last fought too, Ashton. In fact, while you guys were away, I became District Champion of our area of Texas!"
"Woah, seriously!?" Dylan exclaimed. "And you didn't call me or anything."
"We did, but your phone was out of service for some reason," Maddie explained.
"Ah, that must have been when we time traveled thanks to that giant Malamar," Aurora noted. "It's a long story."
"Anyway, you guys can train here, while Dylan and I do some research on the migration down the beach," Kris said. "Maui and Poli'ahu have been wanting some time to hang out together, and this beach is the perfect place for that."
"I'll leave you darlings to it," Delphi said with a giggle. "I'm going to go catch some rays away from the water. Aurora, why don't you come with me so we can test the limits of your Mega Evolution?"
The Lucario nodded, going with Delphi as the rest of the party split off. Ashton and Dakota immediately got into their battle, with Orochi, Vulcan, and Phantasm versus Salamence, Arcanine, and Decidueye. Each paired off with their respective type, before engaging in some friendly training. "So then, what was it like to become District Champion?" Ashton asked.
"It was tough, and I've been training ever since I came a Pokémon Trainer to get here, but it was worth it," Dakota said.
"I see you've still got Snom with out," Ashton noted. "Not going to evolve the little guy?"
Dakota shook his head. "No, he has an evolite, though, so he's still tough, and the highest-level Pokémon on my team. Imagine the former Champion's surprise when a Snom was the thing to take him down!"
"Hey, reminds me of another kid I know with the highest-percent Ratatta," Ashton mused. "Now then, use Eruption, Crunch, and Shadow Ball."
"Team, let's use Flamethrower, Spirit Shackle, and Muddy Water!" Dakota commanded.
As those two battled, Aurora and Delphi, alongside Inari, all sat up on some rocks to do some training. Well, Delphi's definition of "training" involved Aurora meditating while the Delphox used her psychic powers to help block out the rest of the world.
"Now then, Mega Evolution is a very powerful technique," Delphi said. "And it takes the strong bond between Trainer and Pokémon to achieve. However, I was able to pick up this little gem back in the temple." The Delphox pulled out her own Keystone, which resonated with the one that Aroura wore. "Now then, just focus on the power that our stones resonate, and we can have some fun."
"Why do I not believe that our definitions of fun are the same?" Inari questioned.
"Because Delphi is a raging flirt, obviously," Aurora said, her aura tingling as it made a connection to the Keystone. "Huh, your aura is warm, yet I feel it in my core rather than on the surface."
"I'm mixing in some psychic powers to reach your aura on a more intimate level," Delphi giggled. "Now then, let's see if we can achieve this Mega Evolution…"
Down at the beach, Dylan and Kris watched as Maui and Poli'ahu played in the waves, the two splashing happily amongst the curious Piplup. "It's amazing to see so many Piplup in one place," Kris said, taking notes and photos. "Most Pokémon that are given to trainers as starters tend to be rare, and this is one of the few places where they naturally exist in the wild in their first stage of evolution."
"That's also why they're placed under protective laws, right?" Dylan asked.
Kris gave a nod. "Correct. Many poachers try to capture these first stage starters in order to sell them on the black market. The ones that professors give out are specifically raised by said professors as part of a conservation program."
"Looks like Poli'ahu and Maui are having fun," Dylan chuckled, watching the Vulpix and Jangmo-o. Looking back, Dylan could see Ashton and Dakota fighting, their Pokémon clashing in spectacular fashion. "And Ashton is getting in some good training as well."
"Shouldn't you do some training too? You're going to be competing in the World Tournament as well," Kris pointed out.
"I want my Pokémon to be strong, sure, but I'm more focused on our bonds as a team," Dylan explained. He looked above to see Joker and Vex flying overhead, occasionally diving at the water to attack some jumping Magikarp. Delphi, Inari, and Aurora were doing spiritual training up on the rocks. And Poli'ahu continued to play fight with Maui. "My Pokémon know their strengths and weaknesses, it's just my job to guide them in battle. Let their skills shine as they train on their own, with just some suggestions on my part. Back home, when Dakota's Salamence was still just a Bagon, Aurora took him out into the woods for a week to train. It was hard for both me and my brother, but eventually the two came back, having bonded and leveled up their fighting skills. Being a Pokémon Trainer is a two-way street between both parties, and my form of training reflects that."
Kris hummed, nodding as she continued to take notes. She looked at her own Pokémon as they wandered the beach: Alpha was surfing the waves on the coast, with Sera on her back. Shedu was on the rocks, looking out into the bay, while Chi wandered around with the Piplups to keep the little penguins out of trouble. "I think I get what you're saying. If you only focus on battle, then we're neglecting the other aspects of Pokémon, what they like and what they want to do."
Dylan smiled at his friend's understanding, then hummed to call Poli'ahu over. "Hey girl, I've got something for you," he said. The Vulpix sat in front of him, with the human setting the Ice Stone he had obtained in front of her. "This is an Ice Stone. If you let its power flow into you, you can evolve into a Ninetails. We're going to need to be as strong as we can be when we enter the World Tournament, but I want to make sure that you're ready to evolve first."
Poli'ahu looked at the stone, then turned to Maui. The Jangmo-o gave a happy cry, with the Vulpix returning it as she touched the Ice Stone. A cool breeze blew past, with a burst of energy Poli'ahu evolved into the graceful Artic Ninetails. "Ninetails!" she called, hopping around Maui before giving a happy lick to Dylan's face.
"That's ice cold!" he laughed. "But now you'll be even better in battle, Poli'ahu!"
"Guys, we've got trouble!" Dakota called. Dylan and Kris turned to see Dakota, Ashton, and Maddie approaching them. "The Piplup are all missing!"
The gang looked around to see that all of the Piplup had vanished from the beach. "What!? We were just watching them!" Kris exclaimed in shock.
"I think it might have something to do with that boat out there," Ashton said, pointing out to the water. Indeed, there was a distinctly Volcanion-themed boat, with what looked to be giant hoses on the sides sucking at the water. "That better not be who I think it is…"
"Attention all beach-goers, your usual Piplup enjoyment has been interrupted by none other than Team RedHot!" the voice of Miror B called out over a PA system on the boat.
"It is them, unfortunately," Kris sighed.
"I've never heard of this evil team before," Dakota said in confusion.
"They keep following us around and are made up of former members of Magma, Flare, and Cipher," Dylan explained. "It's kinda annoying, actually."
"Oh, I hate Team Cipher! They caused so much trouble back when we were kids with their Shadow Pokémon program!" Maddie said. She pulled out her own Poké Ball and summoned a Lapras. "And if they've stolen all the Piplup, then we need to save them ASAP!"
"I couldn't agree more," Dakota nodded. "Salamence, let's fly!" He called down his dragon Pokémon and followed Maddie out to sea.
The trio were quick to join as well, with Kris riding on Alpha, Ashton on Orochi, and Dylan calling on his Ride Carracosta. The team soon made it to the boat, where Tabitha, Aliana, and Miror B were all watching as their machine sucked up all the Piplup.
"Just imagine all the money we can make by selling these disgusting Water types on the black market," Tabitha said. "We can make up for all the losses we had in the Malamar incident, and then some! All because some stupid kids want a stupid penguin Pokémon."
"Indeed, our profit margin will increase so that we can proceed to our main plan," Aliana nodded.
"I want to keep at least one for my dance team," Miror B said. He reached into the containment unit and pulled out a teal-colored one. "And this one is a Shiny, so I have to keep it!"
"Hey, you jerks, long time no see!" Ashton called as the quintet of Trainers landed on the boat.
"Oh no, not you three again, and with backup as well," Tabitha groaned.
"You guys are going to give us back the Piplup! They don't belong to anybody as a protected species!" Kris said.
"Well then, try and make us," Aliana said. She pulled out two Poké Balls, summoning out her Druddigon and Gourgeist. Tabitha called out his Camerupt and Golbat, while Miror B sent out the Piplup alongside a Dragonite.
"Ashton, you take Aliana, while Kris, you can Maddie can take Miror B. Leave Tabitha to me and my bro," Dylan said.
"Let's show them the power of our sibling teamwork!" Dakota nodded, pointing his Salamence into battle while Dylan used Poli'ahu.
Kris called on Maui, with Maddie using her Lapras, while Ashton had Orochi and Phantasm to fight with. The teams got to battling, with Phantasm and Gourgeist getting into a Ghost duel while Orochi and Druddigon traded Bites and Dragon Claws. The training Ashton had been doing previously had gotten her fired up, which was clear as her eyes darted across the battlefield to see where the best place to strike next was.
"Dragonite, give a Dragon Dance to that tiny dragon guy!" Miror B commanded as Maui used Dragon Tail to fight. The Jangmo-o cried out as it was struck with a sudden punch from the bigger dragon as Dragonite powered up, with Lapras firing an Ice Beam to make Jumpluff back off. Maui got back up to fight, looking over to see Poli'ahu used Aurora Veil to keep herself and Salamence safe. Fired up with determination, the Jangmo-o continued to fight on.
"Salamence, use Outrage!" Dakota called, his Pokémon attacking the Camerupt.
"Poli'ahu, let's make use of your Snow Warning for a powered-up Freeze-Dry!" Dylan called, his Ninetails successfully freezing the Golbat, taking it out of the fight.
"Darn it, that Aurora Veil is keeping them safe from my attacks!" Tabitha cursed.
"They're not the only ones you'll have to deal with now!" Ashton called, smirking as Orochi and Phantasm delivered one-shot victories against their opponents.
"She's gotten stronger, boss," Aliana dismayed.
"Come on, you stupid Piplup, do something!" Miror B commanded his Pokémon. The Piplup shook its head, refusing to fight, which made Miror B especially mad, calling out his Ludicolo. "Okay then, if you won't listen, how about I show you how it's done? Ludicolo, Giga Drain!"
The attack landed on Lapras, draining its health and making Maddie gasp. Kris gritted her teeth. "Not good, we need more power here," she said. Suddenly she noted that Maui now looked very determined as the as the Piplup cowered in fear at Miror B. "Maui…?"
The Jangmo-o gave a cry, jumping at Dragonite and Ludicolo with another Dragon Tail. As Dragonite raised a fist to bat its opponent away, it's had was met by another as Maui suddenly evolved! No longer a small Pokémon, the newly-evolved Hakamo-o delivered a powerful Poison Jab to the Dragonite, before turning around and doing the same to Ludicolo, poisoning it.
"Aw jeez, so much for that strategy!" Miror B said. "You kids always gotta pull out the surprises on me!"
"Maui, you're a Hakamo-o now!" Kris cheered.
"Ha-Ka-Mo-O!" Maui called, giving a raised fist as a taunt before going at Dragonite with another Dragon Tail.
"Back him up with Ice Beam, Lapras!" Maddie commanded.
Tabitha watched as his teammates were being pushed back, his own battle not going so well too as Camerupt had to deal with two Pokémon on it's own. "I didn't want to have to use this, but I have no choice!" he shouted. Tabitha pulled out a device, aiming it at Camerupt as it shot dark lighting. "Forced-Evolution: Mega Camerupt!" In a burst of dark energy, Camerupt had changed, its back now one singular volcano with a more aggressive look to it.
"Did he just Mega Evolve his Pokémon?" Dakota questioned. "It looked off though, like something is wrong with it."
"This device brings out the full potential of any Pokémon, though it's still untested," Tabitha explained. "With this, I can essentially power up any Pokémon as if it was a Shadow Pokémon, without any of the drawbacks!"
"That's just broken dude," Ashton said.
Dark Mega Camerupt suddenly started using Lava Plume and Earth Power everywhere, shaking the boat as both human and Pokémon ducked for cover. The Piplup all cried out in fear, which made Maddie and Kris run over to try and get them out of the container. Phantasm pulled Ashton into his shadow to protect her, leaving Dylan and Dakota to stand their ground against this foe.
"Poli'ahu, I need Aurora for this one," Dylan said, returning the Ninetails and calling out his Lucario.
"That Pokémon, it's aura has been corrupted," Aurora immediately noted.
"Yeah, and it's going to get worse if we don't knock it out now," Dakota said. "What's the plan, bro?"
"I've seen the keystone around your neck," Dylan noted.
"It was a gift for becoming District Champion, but what does that- Oh, I get it!" he realized. "Hey Tabitha, you're not the only one that can Mega Evolve. Let's show you how it's really done, with the power of bonds!"
As Dark Mega Camerupt continued to try and attack, Aurora jumped on top of Salamence as Dakota pulled out his Keystone and Dylan did the same. "Lucario! Salamence! Mega Evolve!" In a burst of energy Aurora achieved her Mega Ancient Lucario from, with Salamence folding in its limbs and gaining razor sharp wings as he too Mega Evolved.
"Our powers together should be enough to defeat this foe," Aurora noted, Salamence giving a roar of approval.
"Well, do it fast, or else Camerupt is going to bring down the whole boat on us!" Kris called.
The two brothers gave a nod. "Time for a combo move?" Dylan suggested.
"I've been waiting to do this since we were kids," Dakota said.
They raised up a hand and pointed forward. "Dual Attack: Water Pulse Dragon Breath!"
Aurora raised her hands and fired off a Water Pulse, with Salamence breathing into the beam to give it additional Dragon energy. The powerful attack cut through and hit Camerupt, launching the Shadow Pokémon into the air. Salamence followed, using its sharp wings for some devastating Air Slashes, with Aurora jumping off his back to use a close-range Bone Rush, sending Camerupt back into the boat with a mighty slam. The force of the attack both knocked Camerupt out and managed to bust open the container with the Piplups inside.
"No, my Shadow Pokémon!" Tabitha cried out.
"Boss, the boat is sinking. I suggest we leave and cut our losses," Aliana said.
"But what about the Piplup!?" Miror B cried out.
"It's not worth it now," Tabitha sighed, calling in an Abra to Teleport away. "We'll meet again, heroes, and defeat you surely next time!"
"Sure you will," Ashton said, rolling her eyes. "That was a sick combo you guys pulled off there. And Mega Salamence? One of the coolest things I've seen! Wish Hydreigon had one of those."
"Maybe we can talk about this once we're off the sinking ship," Aurora noted.
The heroes all agreed to that, hopping on their Pokémon and heading back to the beach with the Piplup following behind. Once there, congratulations were given all around for saving the Piplup, and Poli'ahu was very impressed by Maui's new evolution. Maddie gave Dakota a kiss on the cheek for his battle as well.
"We got all that done in time too," Kris said. "The migration is about to start."
Looking out to the sea, the gang could see a massive Empoleon leading the way of a group of other Piplup evolutions. The Piplup all cheered, hopping in the water as the migration began. The Shiny Piplup, however, looked back the humans, waddling over and waving its flippers at Maui.
"Huh, I guess this little guy was impressed by your bravery as well, Maui," Kris said, the Hakamo-o blushing at bit at the praise.
"I think he wants to come with us," Dylan said.
"Indeed, he is grateful to both Maui, Kris, and Maddie for saving him. He didn't like being bossed around by the "meanie pants," which must be Miror B," Aurora translated.
"Well, as much as I'd love to take you, Piplup, I think Maddie should take you," Kris said. "You guys came here to see the migration, so you should take him home with you."
"Thanks Kris," Maddie said, picking up Piplup as it snuggled into her chest. "Totally worth the visit now!"
"You think that giant Empoleon is an Alpha Pokémon like Hydreigon?" Ashton asked. She looked out at the migration and gave a hum of thought. "Maybe things of the past aren't as lost as we thought."
"So then, where are you guys off to next?" Dakota asked. "It was nice to see you again, bro, but I know you have to earn more Gym Badges."
"Rio de Janeiro is next," Dylan said. "There's a particular Gym Leader hosting a challenge there that I want to meet."
"Then next time we meet, it'll be cheering you on in the World Championship," Dakota said. The two brothers shared a high-five, their Keystones twinkling in sync as a sign of their unbreakable familial bond.
"Aw, I wanted a Piplup of my own," Delphi said, sighing a bit. "Then again, it might accidentally drown me in my sleep, and that's not good."
That got the gang to laugh, enjoying the rest of the migration together under the setting sun of South Africa.
Author's Note
So in real life African Penguins don't migrate to Antarctica, but this is Pokémon and I can make up my own rules here!
Dakota and Maddie are based on my actual brother and his girlfriend, whose favorite Pokémon are Salamence and Piplup (well, my brother's actual favorite is Rowlett, but I wanted an awesome Mega Evolution team up move between the brothers!)