"N was in Orre aiding the pokemoon there and the rebuilding society, he had become close friends with Tobias," I informed my boss
"Really?" Ash raised an eyebrow, as he patted his Fletchinder. "For some reason, I am not surprised." He hummed in amusement. "Those two suit each other," I had to agree on that. "I heard you broke into a Lysandre Lab and found something interesting."
"Yes, we followed Alain's information and found a starnge lab," I got back to business. "As it conducted illegal experimentations it has no connection to the main Lysandre Lab, at least no connection that we can prove. However, we found something strange there. It was called Giant Rock by them."
"Giant Rock?" Ash murmured absentmindedly, caressing his Z-Ring. "You know, I had a dream the night you guys broke into the lab." I started paying closer attention to what he was saying. Ash's dreams, as The Chosen One, were special. "I met with Tapu Koko and my Electrium Z-Crystal changed when the guardian tapped his claw on it."
"It changed?" I repeated confused. "In what way?"
"It was still electric yellow, but this time it took the form of Pikachu's tail," Ash specified.
"Pikachu's tail? There are specific crystals for pokemon species, right? Could that be it?" I asked him.
"I already checked and the one that is for the Pikachu line, is not the same as the one I saw in my dream," Ash informed me. "You will know in due time what I did. You will see it in due time. You will feel in due time." Ash uttered, almost as if he was being controlled. "That's what Tapu Koko told me, after the Tapus challenged me and gave me my "rewards". I believe I need to be before this Giant Rock to feel what I need to do."
"We can arrange that," I assured my boss. I did not understand. Most of the things around Ash I did not understand. But I trust him like no other and will follow him till the end. "When would it be all right for you with time?"
"After this I have a shooting that will last two weeks, but afterwards I am free," Ash answered. "Now though, you and I are going to observe Max's third gym battle in Kalos!"
I smiled as I followed Ash outside the Business Room in the Pokemon Center and towards the Shalour City Gym. You really have to love Galarian Slowking, no fan noticed us. I was excited for the battle, it's been a while since I've watched a normal gym battle. Spending so much time with Ash and Ash's pokemon has perturbed my sense of normalcy. I waved at Gary and Riley, the only ones who recognized me, the other three smiled politely but had no idea of who I was. I liked that too! Back home, in the Orange Archipelago, I can no longer take my little sister, Melody, out without being bombarded by fans or reporters!
Who knew bieng famous could be so hard?! I complained internally, but snapped out of it when the battle began.
As Max walked into the arena, I could see he was shaking with anticipation. After all, Korrina was a tough Gym Leader, but he was clearly determined to prove himself. He walked up to the edge of the arena and called out to Korrina, who was already waiting for him.
"Are you ready for this battle, Korrina?" Max asked confidently.
Korrina smiled and nodded, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I'm always ready for a good battle, Max. Let's see what you've got."
With that, Korrina sent out her first Pokemon, Mienfoo. The Fighting-type pokemon looked ready for action, bouncing up and down on his toes. Max responded by sending out Scrafty, his trusted Dark and Fighting-type. Scrafty strutted onto the battlefield, cracking his knuckles and flashing a toothy grin.
"Alright, Scrafty, let's show Mienfoo what we're made of!" Max shouted.
Scrafty responded with a low growl, ready to take on the challenge.
Korrina wasted no time in commanding her first move. "Mienfoo, use Swift!"
Mienfoo began to glow with a bright light as stars appeared around him. The stars shot towards Scrafty with lightning speed.
"Scrafty, dodge and use Payback!" Max shouted.
Scrafty quickly sidestepped the attack and countered with a powerful swipe of his tail. Mienfoo let out a grunt as he was hit by the attack, clearly not expecting the Dark-type move.
Korrina's eyes narrowed as she shouted out her next command. "Mienfoo, use High Jump Kick!"
Mienfoo leaped into the air, his legs glowing with energy as he prepared to strike down on Scrafty with a powerful kick.
"Scrafty, use Protect!" Max shouted.
Scrafty quickly surrounded itself with a protective barrier, causing Mienfoo's attack to bounce off harmlessly.
Korrina looked surprised but didn't lose her cool. "Mienfoo, use Drain Punch!"
Mienfoo's fist glowed as he punched towards Scrafty, his attack landing squarely on the Dark-type pokemon. Scrafty let out a grunt of pain as Mienfoo regained some of its health.
"Oh, no!" Bonnie moaned. "Max and Scrafty were doing so well!"
"Don't worry Bonnie! Max and Scrafty will come back on top!" Serena assured her.
Max gritted his teeth but kept his focus. "Scrafty, use Crunch!"
Scrafty's jaws glowed as he charged towards Mienfoo, biting down hard on the Fighting-type pokemon. Mienfoo let out a cry of pain as its defenses were lowered.
However, Korrina wasn't one to back down, however. "Mienfoo, use Acrobatics!"
Mienfoo leaped into the air, spinning around as he launched itself towards Scrafty. Scrafty tried to dodge, but the attack still landed, causing him to stumble backwards.
"Scrafty, use Low Kick!" Max shouted. Scrafty kicked out at Mienfoo's legs, as he was landing back on the ground, causing the Fighting-type pokemon to lose his balance and fall to the ground. "Finish it off with Head Smash!" Max yelled. Scrafty charged forward, his head glowing with energy as it slammed into Mienfoo with incredible force. Mienfoo let out a cry of pain as he was knocked out, leaving Korrina with only two pokemon left. We cheered from the bleachers. Korrina gritted her teeth as she recalled Mienfoo and sent out her next pokemon, Machoke. The Fighting-type pokemon flexed his muscles, ready for battle. I could see that this one could match Josh's in terms of power, colour me impressed. "Scrafty, you did great. Let's keep up the good work! Scrafty, use Sand Attack to blind Machoke!"
Scrafty obeyed, kicking up a cloud of sand with his powerful legs. The Machoke stumbled, but managed to shake off the sand quickly.
"Good try, Max, but my Machoke is too strong for that," Korrina taunted.
The Machoke retaliated with a Low Sweep attack, knocking Scrafty off balance. Max winced as Scrafty stumbled, struggling to regain his footing.
"Scrafty, get back up! Use Headbutt!" Max shouted. Scrafty charged forward, his head lowered and horns glinting in the sunlight. But Machoke was quick, dodging to the side and striking Scrafty with a Brick Break attack. The impact was powerful, sending Scrafty flying backwards. Max gritted his teeth, watching as his pokemon crashed to the ground. "Scrafty, get up! You can do this!" Max shouted.
"It's too late," Riley grimaced, as Machoke moved in for the final blow, unleashing a devastating Focus Punch attack that left Scrafty unconscious.
Max hung his head in defeat. "Good effort, Max, but it looks like my Machoke was too much for you," Korrina replied.
"How did that happen?!" Bonnie protested. "Korrina did not even command any attack!"
"When pokemon are trained to a certain level they do not need to relay on their trainers for everything," Clemont informed his sister with a frown. "But don't worry, Max still has two pokemon left!"
"So does Korrina!" Bonnie whined, as her Dedene squealed.
"It's not the end!" Max exclaimed, regaining his confidence and will to keep on fighting. "Pidgeotto, you are next!" Pidgeotto emerged from its Pokeball, flapping its wings and taking to the air. Pidgeotto's Flying-type moves would be super effective against Machoke's Fighting-type, that's quite smart of him.
"Is that a pink Pidgeotto?!" Korrina exclaimed, jaw dropped.
"Pidgeotto, use Gust!" Max took advantage of the distraction. Pidgeotto flapped his wings furiously, creating a powerful gust of wind that blasted Machoke back across the arena. Machoke stumbled, trying to regain his balance, but Pidgeotto wasn't done yet. "Now, follow up with Aerial Ace!" Max commanded.
Pidgeotto flew straight at Machoke, his wings glowing with a blue aura. He slammed into Machoke with incredible force, sending him tumbling to the ground.
Korrina was visibly surprised. "Wow, that was a powerful hit! But don't underestimate my Machoke. It's tough as nails." Machoke climbed back to his feet, glaring at Pidgeotto with fierce determination. "Okay, Machoke, let's show them what you're made of. Use Low Sweep!" Korrina ordered.
Machoke charged forward, sweeping his leg across the ground and striking Pidgeotto's feet. Pidgeotto stumbled, but quickly regained his balance.
"Pidgeotto, don't let it get the best of you! Use Wing Attack!" Max yelled. Pidgeotto got back into the air and flapped his wings hard, generating a powerful gust of wind that buffeted Machoke and knocked him back. "Nice one, Pidgeotto! Keep it up!" Max encouraged.
Korrina frowned and called out: "Machoke, use Brick Break!"
Machoke jumped in the air and charged at Pidgeotto, his fists glowing with a dangerous aura. He slammed his fist into Pidgeotto's chest, dealing a heavy blow and sending him crashing to the ground.
I could see Max gritting his teeth, "Pidgeotto, are you okay?" he called out. Pidgeotto struggled to get back on his feet, but I could see that he was still determined to keep fighting. "Pidgeotto, use Air Slash!" Max shouted. Pidgeotto flapped his wings, sending a sharp blast of wind hurtling toward Machoke. Machoke tried to dodge, but the attack was too quick and too precise. The Air Slash slammed into him, knocking him back and leaving him vulnerable to Pidgeotto's next move. "Pidgeotto, now's your chance! Use Twister!" Max cried out.
Pidgeotto flapped its wings hard, generating a powerful tornado that enveloped Machoke and lifted it into the air. That was it, Machoke was done for and Korrina was down to one pokemon.
"Woo! Max!" Bonnie jumped on her feet cheering, as we clapped and chuckled at how adorable she was.
Korrina looked over at Max, a fierce determination in her eyes. "I hope you're ready," she said, her voice calm and steady. "Because Lucario and I are a powerful team. We won't go easy on you."
Max nodded, his own determination matching hers. "I'm ready. Let's do this." The battle began, with Lucario and Pidgeotto facing off on the battlefield. Lucario immediately launched into an attack, using his powerful Aura Sphere to send a ball of energy hurtling towards Pidgeotto. But Pidgeotto was quick to dodge, flying up into the air and avoiding the attack. "Good job, Pidgeotto!" Max called out, his voice ringing out across the battlefield. "Now, use Wing Attack!"
Pidgeotto swooped down towards Lucario, his wings glowing with a fierce energy. But Lucario was quick to react, leaping out of the way just in time.
Korrina smiled, impressed by Max's quick thinking. "Not bad," she said. "But let's see how you handle this."
Lucario began to glow, his body pulsing with a powerful energy. I recognized the sign of Mega Evolution, and I knew that this would be a tough fight.
"Now things are getting more interesting," Gary hummed, leaning foward.
"Okay, Pidgeotto," Max called out. "We can do this. Use Air Slash!"
Pidgeotto flapped his wings, sending a powerful gust of wind towards Mega Lucario. But Mega Lucario was too fast, dodging out of the way with ease.
"Looks like you're going to have to try harder than that," Korrina said, a smug smile on her face. "Now, Mega Lucario, use Power-Up Punch!"
Mega Lucario darted forward, his fist glowing with a powerful energy. He landed a solid hit on Pidgeotto, sending the bird pokemon flying backwards. Max winced as he watched his pokemon crash to the ground, struggling to get back up.
"Pidgeotto, hang in there!" Max shouted. "Use Gust!"
Pidgeotto managed to get back on his feet, flapping his wings with all his might. A powerful gust of wind shot out from his beak, slamming into Lucario and sending him reeling backwards.
But Korrina wasn't going to let Max have the upper hand for long. "Mega Lucario, use Steel Beem!" she commanded.
Mega Lucario leaped into the air, his bones glowing with a fierce energy. He landed a solid hit on Pidgeotto, sending the bird pokemon crashing to the ground once again.
Max gritted his teeth, feeling a surge of frustration. "Come on, Pidgeotto, get up!" he shouted. Pidgeotto answered his trainer's call and struggled to stand, his wings trembling with exhaustion. But he refused to give up, determined to keep fighting until the very end. "Okay, Pidgeotto," Max said, his voice steady and determined. "Let's finish this. Use Aerial Ace!"
Pidgeotto launched himself into the air, his wings glowing with a powerful energy. He swooped down towards Lucario, his beak aimed straight for the Fighting-type's chest. But it was too late. Lucario had already launched a powerful Aura Sphere, sending a ball of energy hurtling towards Pidgeotto. The bird pokemon didn't stand a chance, and he crashed to the ground in a cloud of dust. Max sighed and I could tell he was feeling defeated. Not that he should have, his pokemon had put up a good fight, but Mega Evolution was too much for them.
The battle between Korrina and Max was about to end. Both trainers stood on opposite sides of the battlefield, ready for the last battle. Max released his Gallade and my eyes widened when I saw the Mega Bracelet, that until then he had hidden under his sleeve. Max immediately Mega Evolved his Gallade.
"Impressive! A Mega Evolved Gallade!" Korrina cheered. "But don't think you can beat my Mega Lucario so easily! Mega Lucario, use Sword Dance to boost your attack power!"
"Mega Gallade, use Calm Mind to increase your special defense and special attack!" Max countered.
As Lucario began to glow, it struck a fighting pose and focused its energy, while Gallade closed his eyes and concentrated his mind. The two Pokemon were ready to attack.
A pause.
Then...
"Mega Lucario, use Aura Sphere!"
"Mega Gallade, dodge and use Psybeam!"
Mega Lucario fired a glowing sphere of aura at Mega Gallade, who dodged the attack and shot a beam of psychic energy back at Mega Lucario, dealing some damage.
"Mega Lucario, use Bone Rush!"
"Mega Gallade, use Reflect!"
Mega Lucario rushed towards Mega Gallade and swung his arm, striking Mega Gallade multiple times, but Mega Gallade managed to protect himself by creating a barrier of light with Reflect.
"Mega Lucario, use Metal Sound!"
"Mega Gallade, use Dazzling Gleam!"
Mega Lucario let out a deafening sound, making Mega Gallade's ears ring and lowering his special defense, but Mega Gallade countered with a bright burst of fairy energy, hitting Mega Lucario and dealing some damage.
"So fast!" Serena gasped. "I can barely keep up!"
"So this is a Mega Evolution Battle," Clemont murmured impressed.
I snorted but kept my opinion to myself. You do not know what a Mega Evolution Battle is until you see Mega Charizard X and Mega Sceptile duke it out. Now, that's a battle!
"Mega Lucario, use Power-Up Punch!" Korrina commanded, things starting to slow down, if only slightly.
"Mega Gallade, use Shadow Sneak!" Max countered.
Mega Lucario charged towards Mega Gallade, but Mega Gallade vanished and reappeared behind Mega Lucario, striking him with a shadowy punch.
"Mega Lucario, use Aura Sphere again!"
"Mega Gallade, use Drain Kiss!"
Mega Lucario unleashed another Aura Sphere, but Mega Gallade quickly closed the distance and landed a kiss on Mega Lucario, draining some of his health and recovering some of his own.
"No! Mega Lucario, use Sword Dance!" Korrina was starting to get desperate, but I knew things were coming to an end.
"Mega Gallade, let's finish this! Use Zen Headbutt!"
Mega Lucario raised its attack power again, but Mega Gallade charged forward and headbutted Mega Lucario with his horn, knocking him out.
"Did that... woo! You go Max! Mega Gallade!" Bonnied was jumping and shouting, as we all cheered.
"Oh no, Lucario!" Korrina moaned recalling her pokemon with a sad smile. "You fought well partner." She then headed to the celebrating duo and took something from her pocket. "Congratulations, Max. You've earned the Rumble Badge."
"Thank you, Korrina. That was a great battle." Max beamed and from the corner of my eye I could see Ash smiling proudly at his mentee. "Gallade, we did it!"
"Ga-gallade!" Mega Gallade fist bumped his trainer with a proud expression, he looked worse to wear but he was satisfied.
Both trainers shook hands, showing mutual respect for each other's skill and strength. I truly missed this... I can't wait for when the Orange Archipelago's Pokemon League is open for business! It will be awesome!
