Chapter 57: Showdown on the Isle of Armor

"A Galarian variant of Slowpoke?"

Professor Cerise nodded, turning back towards the projector. The image shown was of an ordinary Slowpoke, but with a yellow forehead.

"According to Professor Magnolia, they're a pure Psychic type. They're incredibly rare, with their only known habitat being a relatively large private island off the main coast of Galar. I believed she called it the Isle of Armor."

Upon hearing the Island's name, Ash's head perked up. Goh

"That's so cool!" Goh exclaimed. Can we go check it out?"

The Professor shook his head

"Unfortunately, the island's owner is rather restrictive about who can access the island. To even get there, you have to leave from Wedgehurst Station, and only with a special ticket. I'm working on obtaining some for you, but I'm afraid it might be a while."

Just then, Ash remembered something important.

"Wait a minute! The last time we were in Galar, Bea gave us something called an Armor Pass. I bet that's the ticket we need."

"'Well, that settles that, I guess."

"Sweet! I can't wait to check out all the other rare Pokemon there."

As Goh ran to pack some supplies, Ash turned to Lillie.

"The pass says I can take a plus one. Are you up for it?"

"Was there ever any doubt? Besides, I think Cubone here could do with a change of scenerry."

"Bone!"

"What about you, Chloe? I'm sure Goh would be happy to invite you along."

Chloe thought about it for a minute. She did have school work to do, but she might be able to learn more about Eevee's evolutions if she went. In the end, she decided to let Eevee decide.

"What do you think, Eevee? Should we go?"

Eevee nodded excitedly.

"Evoi!"

"Well, I guess that's a yes from me, then!"

"Perfect!"

A few hours later, the quartet got off the boat and stepped onto the Island. It was a surprisingly varied landscape, with forests, deserts, and some lagoons.

"Man, for a private island, there's a lot to see here."

Ash stretched, scanning the area for any Slowpoke. But before they could go any further, Ash got a notification on his phone. Pulling it out, he found it was a World Coronation Series battle request.

"Huh? A battle, here?"'

"My oh my, what have we here?"

Coming out of the forest was a blonde man in an odd outfit. His Pokeballs floated around his top hat, indicating he was a psychic.

"It's been awhile since we've had new visitors. But of course, the Master Dojo doesn't allow just anyone to undergo training. So allow me to show you the door!"

"Master Dojo? I think you're mistaken, we're not…"

"Silence! I'll teach you not to disrespect me!"

Ash glared, and twisted his cap around.

"Alright, fine! If you want a battle, then you've got it!"

A moment later, a Drone Rotom flew down from the sky, hovering over the battlefield to begin his monologue.

"Attention, attention! A World Coronation Series battle is about to begin! This battle is between Ash Ketchum, ranked 390, and Avery Savory, ranked 291, is about to begin! Each trainer is allowed one Pokemon each, and the battle will continue until either one is unable to battle! Trainers, are you ready? Battle…Start!"

"Go, Abra!"

"Riolu, I choose you!"

When Avery saw what Ash's choice was, he scoffed indignantly.

"You're kidding, right? A Fighting Type vs a Psychic Type? I hope you're ready to lose!"

"Don't judge a book by its cover! Riolu, use Force Palm!"

The Baby Pokemon ran forward, ready to strike down his foe, who just floated idly without a care. Avery yawned out of boredom before issuing a command.

"Teleport!"

Seconds before Riolu's fist could connect, Abra vanished from sight, making Riolu stop in his tracks to scan the area, trying to find his opponent.

"Now, use Confusion!"

Riolu turned around just in time to be hit by psychic energy, the Abra disappearing just as fast as it had appeared. Riolu picked himself up, only to be knocked down again by the same attack. This went on for several minutes, with Ash getting more frustrated and Avery becoming more smug by the second.

"How pathetic. I don't know how you obtained an Armor Pass, but I'll be sure to revoke it when you're done!"

"We're not out of the game yet! Riolu, slow down and focus your aura!"

Riolu nodded, and began to concentrate. Ash began to do the same, much to Avery's confusion.

"What're you doing? Stop that right now!"

Chloe, who hadn't been there when Riolu was hatched, was equally as confused.

"What're they doing?"

"Just watch."

Suddenly, Ash opened his eyes, everything becoming much clearer.

"Riolu, Vacuum Wave behind you, now!"

Riolu turned sharply, just in time for Abra to appear out of nowhere directly behind him. But before Abra could fire off another attack, he got a point blank Vacuum Wave to the face, knocking him out instantly, much to Avery's shock.

"Wh-bu-how?!"

"Abra is unable to battle! Riolu wins, and the battle goes to Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town!"

"Yes! Great job, Riolu!"

"Ri!"

"As a result of today's battle, there has been a change in the World Coronation Series rankings! Stay tuned for further information!"

Even as the drone flew off, Avery could do nothing but stare blankly at the space in front of him. A moment later, the results were in.

"Sweet! I've officially risen to rank 300!"

As Ash's friends congratulated him for his success, Avery seethed in fury.

"How dare he embarrass me like that! Me, the prized student of the Master Dojo! If they enroll, I'll lose my respect!"

"Hey, Avery, right?"

Avery turned around, surprised to see Ash holding out his hand for a handshake.

"That was a good battle! You almost had me there?"

But instead of shaking his hand, Avery brushed past him and headed back the way he came.

"Yes, well, I try my best. I'm sorry I can't stay, but I need to get back to the dojo. I'd invite you to join, but I'm afraid we've reached our limit. Goodbye."

The quartet watched him leave, a little perturbed.

"Well, that just happened."

"Come on, let's go check this Dojo out!" Ash cried excitedly as he started heading towards the forest.

"Huh? But didn't he just say that they didn't have any more room for new students?"

Goh scoffed, not believing that for a second.

"That guy is hiding something, I can just feel it."

"Besides, its not like we're going to stay," Chloe agreed. " We just want to observe the variation of Slowpoke. I'm sure they won't mind if we stay just for that."

And so, the group of friends headed off after Ash.